$25,000 On The Line in Wenatchee

WENATCHEE, WA:  “It’s not everyday one of these races comes along.”  That sentiment was heard multiple times through the pit area during Friday practice among drivers as one of the biggest races of the year arrives at the Plumb Perfect Wenatchee 200 set for Saturday, May 30th.  This is the fourth running of the prestigious 200 lapper at Wenatchee Valley Super Oval, but the first edition to be sanctioned by the SPEARS Cars Tour West Super Late Model Series. 

(Photo by David Nelson during Wenatchee 200 Practice)

This race has brought one of the most stacked fields in track history to the Wenatchee Valley.  All three former winners are in the field, those being Kole Raz, Evan Goetz, and Owen Riddle.  The hot hand at Wenatchee has been Alan Cress, and he will be looking for his 3^rd win in a row at WVSO, having won the Neal Newberry 125 and TreeTop 150 Leonard Evans Memorial.  Haeden Plybon has enjoyed a lot of success at Wenatchee, but has never won the 200, but the current track record holder (more on that in a minute) was brimming with confidence as he climbed out of his car on Friday afternoon.  Kasey Kleyn finished 2^nd last year, and with a new team this weekend in Anthony Campi Racing, has shown speed right out of the gate.  Kleyn just announced a NASCAR Truck Series Deal with Rackley and this race will be a great chance for the 18 year old to flex his muscles for the local crowd one last time before beginning that next step of his career.  Glenn Knutson, the reigning track modified champion, makes his first start in the event after serving as crew chief the first three editions.  

There's also a strong field of out-of-towners ready to come and try and snipe the $25K.  Series Points Leader Jace Hanson out of Colorado makes his first trip to Wenatchee, having won his only appearance in the Apple State last year at the Summer Showdown at Evergreen Speedway.  Taylor Mayhew leads the series in wins with 2, also making his first trip up to WVSO,.  You can add Dylan Zampa to that list as well.  Theres also a father-son duo you might of heard of here this weekend, them being Kevin and Keelan Harvick.  Kevin, the 2014 NASCAR Cup Champion, 2007 Daytona 500 Champion, 2003 Brickyard 400 Champion, and just announced to the 2027 class of the NASCAR Hall of Fame, is making his first trip to Wenatchee.  His son, Keelan, was here last month for the TreeTop 150: Leonard Evans Memorial, leading laps before an accident ended his day.  They also bring Vito Cancilla, who finished 2^nd to Cress that night.  

Back to that track record.  Haeden Plybon holds the record at a 12.514, set at this race in 2023.  That record is in big trouble tonight, as five cars, including Plybon, hit lap times in the 12.4 bracket in practice, the fastest being 2023 Champion Kole Raz at a 12.406. We are officially on track record watch at the ¼ mile.  In fact, in more ways then one, as a record setting crowd is expected tonight.  Its sure to be a night to remember at WVSO.