Mark Galloway 150 Preview - The Track

It doesn’t take long for drivers and spectators alike to realize the 5/8 oval at Evergreen is a special track. The history, the skill it takes to tame it, and the speed leave some of the best drivers still seeking victory on it.

(Photo by Kyler Hope, 2023)

“(The 5/8 oval is) unlike anything in the Pacific Northwest. We don’t have many big tracks which makes this one even more special.” wrote driver of the No. 55 Pro and Super Late Model Haeden Plybon.

Paved originally in 1963, the track has only every seen patch work done on its big sweeping corners. The front stretch was repaved in 2017 when the 3/ 8 oval was redone, meaning the track is old, beat in and rough to manage a race car over 150 laps.

“(The 5/8 oval is) the bumpiest and one of the most abrasive surfaces you will race on. Little to no room for error.” Wrote driver of the No. 12 Pro Late Model Chad Fitzpatrick.

The size of the oval gives Evergreen Speedway its nickname, The Super Speedway of the West. Since the destruction of Auto Club Speedway in October of 2023, the 5/ 8 oval was left standing as the largest oval on the west coast. 

The track has seen some of the biggest names race in some of the biggest events on the west coast. From the NASCAR Winston West, to the Northwest Tour. ARCA Menards West to the CARS Tour West and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. 

Legendary drivers such as Ron Eaton, Bill Elliot and Chad Little plus stars of now and tomorrow like Ty Dillon and Jesse Love have all taken on the track to varying results. Even Kevin Harvick has made starts in Trucks and CARS Tour West action but has yet to find victory lane.

The track also gives drivers a chance to stretch the legs on their v8 powered cars. Hitting top speeds of near 125 mph the speed also creates its own challenge. 

“It’s a giant, mostly flat circle track. With big sweeping turns and long straights. It generates a lot of speed that most racers aren’t used to. ” Wrote Plybon.

The speed and size of the track can lead to disaster if you make a mistake or find yourself making contact with another car. It can be more than just your day over. 

“Most crashes will result in frames bending and lots of body damage.  In some cases cars will have to get replaced.” Said Fitzpatrick who lost a car to the outside wall of the track back in 2024.

Drivers also have to fight the mental game ahead of a big event like the Mark Galloway Shootout. 

“It’s like you’re racing yourself more mentally when you’re out there, trying to find that fine line is always a challenge.” Wrote Pro Late Model driver No. 00 Naima Lang. Lang has captured two victories on the track in his career.

This week is the 15th running of the Mark Galloway Shootout. Follow along as we preview different aspects of this crown jewel race. For now the Super Speedway of the west lays dormant for only a few days longer, ready to test this years crop of challenges.

EVENT INFO

Friday

Practice for both CARS Tour PLM and Legends from 3pm to 6:30pm.

20 Legend race at 6:35pm

Saturday

Gates open at 2pm

Main Events start at 5pm

Opening Ceremonies at 7pm

(Stay tuned closely to Evergreen Speedways social media for the latest raceday updates)

Scheduled to race

CARS Tour PLM (5/8)

Vintage Mods

Mini Stocks

Legends