Evergreen Speedway fuels community support

To Evergreen Speedway operators Doug and Traci Hobbs, it's about a lot more than just squealing tires, dynamic racing events and breathtaking collisions on the Figure 8 track ' it's about making a difference in the community.

Giving back

Giving back through 50/50 raffles has been a longstanding tradition at Evergreen Speedway, and when the two took over racetrack operations in 2011, it was a tradition they knew they wanted to continue. Raffles are held at every racing event throughout the season, each supporting a different local nonprofit or charitable organization. As raffle tickets are sold throughout the night, the pot of money continues to grow, until the winner is selected.

At the end of the night, 50 percent of the funds go to the nonprofit organization, while the rest go to the winner of the raffle.-á

Every year in January, nonprofits are invited to contact the speedway with interest in participating in a 50/50 raffle. Some of the organizations that have benefitted from the raffles include the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Monroe Lions Club, Monroe Gospel Women's Mission and Mark Galloway Memorial Foundation.

"We've helped a lot of different organizations since we've been here,GÇ¥ Traci said. "It's a lot of fun.GÇ¥

During the racing event on Saturday, July 23, the 50/50 raffle recipient was the Monroe Kiwanis Club. The raffle generated $2,025, which was split between the club and the raffle winner, minus a small processing fee. Longtime Monroe Kiwanis member Adrian Taylor was touched when the winner of the raffle unexpectedly donated his entire share ' a total of $852 ' straight back to the Monroe Kiwanis Club.-á

"This is true charity in its best form,GÇ¥ Taylor said. "The Kiwanis Club in turn will use that for scholarships and helping groups in Monroe that need funds.GÇ¥

Taylor said he was unable to learn the man's name, but he wanted to express his gratitude nonetheless.

"A big thanks to the unknown person,GÇ¥ Taylor said.

Chartered in 1928, the Monroe Kiwanis seeks to facilitate community growth by investing in programs that support youth. Taylor said he is thankful to Evergreen Speedway for allowing the Monroe Kiwanis Club to be involved in the raffle.-á

"We are grateful for the race track, and specifically Traci Hobbs for allowing the Kiwanis Club to participate,GÇ¥ Taylor said. "It was a great event for us and hopefully for the fans.GÇ¥

NASCAR K & N Pro Series West

Currently, Doug and Traci are gearing up for two significant events at the track.

The NASCAR K & N Pro Series West, a regional stock car racing event that brings in drivers from all over the country, is Saturday, Aug. 13. Evergreen Speedway is one of only 14 tracks to host the series, which showcases NASCAR's up-and-coming drivers. Race fans are welcome to visit the track for free on Friday, Aug. 12, where they can watch the drivers practice. After practice there will be a "fanfest,GÇ¥ to give guests the opportunity to meet the drivers and see the cars up close.

"These are the future stars of NASCAR,GÇ¥ Traci said. "These are the young kids that are moving up the ranks in the touring series.GÇ¥

In addition to the NASCAR event, Saturday Aug. 13 will feature the Mark Galloway 150, an annual race honoring Mark Galloway, a 20-year-old Monroe man who died in a car accident in 2008. Galloway was loved at Evergreen Speedway, where he worked as crew chief and technical inspector for the Super Stock class. Founded in their son's memory by the Galloway family, the Mark Galloway Memorial Foundation was the recipient of the 50/50 raffle on July 4.

The foundation provides an automotive scholarship to the General Motors Automotive Service Educational Program at Shoreline Community College.

Both the NASCAR K & N Pro Series West and the Galloway 150 will take place on the large, 5/8-mile track.

"This year there's only three races on the five-eighths mile track, so they are both pretty special races,GÇ¥ Traci said. "People like to see the cars on the big track because they go faster.GÇ¥

Evergreen State Fair GÇô Labor Day Weekend

Evergreen Speedway is well known for its annual Labor Day racing extravaganza, which takes place during the final weekend of the Evergreen State Fair. The festivities kick off Saturday, Sept. 3, with Figure Eight Mania at the Fair event, including Super Stock Figure 8, Outlaw Figure 8, Stinger 8, Pro 4 Trucks, Vintage Modifieds and Dwarf Cars.-á -á

The Demo Derby Fireworks Show, which is presented by Dodge of Monroe, is Sunday, Sept. 4. This year's racing events include Large Car Demo, Dwarf Cars, Hornets, V8 Extremes, Bus Races and Boat Races ' a crowd favorite. The event will also include a stunt performed by Mike "Mr. DizzyGÇ¥ Buse and a fireworks display.

For more information about Evergreen Speedway, visit www.evergreenspeedway.com or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/evergreenspeedway.-á