PLACERVILLE, Calif. -- The 2009 Red Hawk Casino-Hoosier Tires championship racing season resumes at the ASA sanctioned Placerville Speedway this Saturday with a very special night of racing. It the annual July Fourth Race for Freedom presented by the Placerville Recruiting office of the US Army.

Not only will this special night of racing bring plenty of sparks and excitement to the track with three division of championship racing, it concludes with a giant fireworks display presented by Handy Racing Promotions, the El Dorado County Fairboard and the US Army.

Action will begin one hour earlier than usual on Saturday with the gates to Placerville Speedway opening at 4 p.m. and qualifying beginning at 6 p.m. the early start time will allow for the pyrotechnics display to take place following the final checkered flag of the night.

Prior to the racing activity there will be many features on Saturday for youngsters and adults alike courtesy of the US Army Placerville Recruiting office. A giant rock climbing wall will be one of the many features along with a US Army reality video game. Additionally the staff of the local recruiting office will be on hand, distributing American flags to attendees and a limited number of US Army t-shirts. Just prior to the National Anthem, a special ceremony will feature an appearance by the color guard as well. Information regarding the US Army will also be available to anyone that is interested.

“We’re glad to have the US Army Placerville Recruiting Office participating in our July Fourth event again this year,” said Bill Sullivan of Handy Racing Promotions. “It’s a great opportunity for them to advertise their programs to the public and bring some patriotic flare to this annual Independence Day event.”

While the Independence Day holiday will bring fireworks to the sky it will bring plenty to the track as well with three divisions of racing. Winged Sprint Cars, Pro Stock Late Models and Pure Stocks will form the race card with a full program.

In the winged sprint cars, Colby Wiesz of Colfax maintains the point lead over Placerville’s Scott Russell. Scott Kinney of Citrus Heights if third ahead of Andy Forsberg of Auburn. Placerville’s C.J. Humphreys rounds out the top five in the division.

Placerville’s Pure Stock division holds one of the most contested battles with the two most successful drivers tied for the point lead. Former track champion and multi-time July Fourth winner Tom Tilford of Citrus Heights is currently tied with Chico lady racer Heather Bartlett. Rick Grunert of Woodland is third in the standings over Danielle Clauson of Placerville and Eddie Gardner of Sacramento.

In the Pro Stock division, Jerry Bartlett of Yuba City is now ten points ahead of defending champions Dan Brown Jr. of Nevada City. John Krehbiel of Placerville is third followed by Jay Norton of Shingle Springs and Forryst Carnett of Placerville.

The front gates to Placerville Speedway will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday followed by qualifying at 5:30. Admission to the speedway will be $15 for adults, $10 for juniors. On this special night all children under 12 are admitted for free. In addition to the racing events, the El Dorado County Fairground will present the annual “Family Blast” featuring live music and a number of activities throughout the late afternoon into the evening. Admission to the blast is separate and further information can be found at www.eldoradocountyfair.org.