County recognizes Speedway service

Molly Helmuth, one of the nation’s top female drivers, said returning for the one of the biggest NASCAR short track races is a mixed bag.

For the past few years competing in the Evergreen Speedway’s Summer Showdown, on the Seattle woman’s home track, meant she was up against some of the industry’s fastest. Having gotten used to East Coast racing, where every event is “a big one,” the impact has changed. Now nerves come from the need to support her own team and make sure everything runs smoothly.

“It is really bittersweet coming back here,” she said. “To be honest, this race always kind of scared me.”

Helmuth received the Evergreen Speedway “Most Popular Driver” award for the third year in a row in 2017. She set the track record for the Speedway’s Mini Stocks in 2011, and has a number of top finishes under her belt.

Five of her competitors joined her for a pre-race forum during a Speedway media luncheon last Thursday. A few agreed anyone could take the title this year.

The winner takes a $25,000 prize. The track is one of the biggest and richest short tracks in the country, according to Evergreen Speedway director of media Jeremy Anders.

Cars reach speeds of up to 120 mph on the front stretch of the route, Anders said. The Speedway hauled in 700 hundred extra tires, which will be worn out over the course of the weekend, and 37 barrels of fuel — that’s $12 per gallon, high-octane fuel, he said.

Anders touched on perhaps one of the most important parts of pulling off an event like this, aside from the drivers — “without the drivers there is no reason to be here.” It also takes partnerships, like the one they have with the City of Monroe — a vision and commitment to improving the facilities, he said.

Owners Doug and Traci Hobbs started work to revive what some saw as a facility in disrepair seven years ago. Doug Hobbs said they are now seeing what was just a concept on the drawing board that first year come to fruition.

“To accomplish a complete restoration project of the entire track has taken a lot of time, money and effort to do a top-notch job,” said Doug Hobbs in a 2017 news release announcing the resurfacing project for the historic 3/8-mile racetrack.

Snohomish County Councilmember Terry Ryan represented 5th District Councilmember Sam Low, who couldn’t make it to the luncheon celebration, but wanted to send his best wishes to everyone.

Ryan said the county council recently adopted a resolution to acknowledge how the Speedway has positively impacted the region. Since 1954, the facility has drawn professionals and enthusiasts alike to experience a spectrum of entertainment, including racing and one of the nation’s premier short tracks, he said.

Tyler Tanner said the 5/8-track is almost unique. The Auburn man and local racer said he has found few other routes like it in the nation.

Ryan said the Speedway has proven to be a place where people can reach out for and accomplish their deepest aspirations.

Helmuth started her career at the Speedway on go-carts at age 11. She watched her uncle race there, and claimed her first track record.

The facility is also a key economic driver for the county, Ryan said.

Anders said there were no vacancies within 25 miles of the Speedway this weekend. Tom Teigan of Snohomish County’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department said thousands of people come through for events like the Showdown.

“In order to support that, we’ve got to keep supporting them,” Teigan said of the Hobbs.

As the lunch wrapped up, a few more predictions came out. 2017 Showdown winner Preston Peltier of Brighton, Colorado, thought a new track record could potentially be set this weekend with the predicted weather conditions.