2024 fall classic returns

****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE****

Speedway Promotions, LLC Announces 37th Running of the Fall Classic Presented by Desert Food Mart at Tri-City Raceway RMEC powered by Toyota

October 5th & 6th, 2024

West Richland, WA – Speedway Promotions, LLC  is excited to announce the 37th Running of the Fall Classic, presented by Desert Food Mart, making its return to the Nation’s Fastest 1/2-Mile Trioval at Tri-City Raceway @ RMEC powered by Toyota. This prestigious event will take place on October 5th and 6th, 2024, bringing together top drivers and fans for a weekend of thrilling short-track racing.

Key Dates:

• Private Practice: Thursday, October 3rd, 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Open Practice: Friday, October 4th, 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Drone Photo by: Chris Poynor

Saturday, October 5th – Night Racing

For an added touch of excitement, Saturday will feature racing under the lights!

• Gates Open: 3:00 PM
• Racing Begins: 5:00 PM
• Divisions Scheduled:
• Northwest Vintage Modifieds
• B Modifieds/Freedom Modified Invitational
• Tristate Challenge Series Prolate Models

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Sunday, October 6th – Day Racing

• Gates Open: 10:00 AM
• Racing Begins: 1:00 PM
• Divisions Featuring:
• Northwest/Desert Food Mart Ministocks
• Tristate Challenge Series Hobby Stocks
• Northwest Super Late Model Series 

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History of the Fall Classic:

The Fall Classic, one of the most iconic and prestigious short-track racing events in the Pacific Northwest, originated at Yakima Speedway. Since its inception in 1988, this event has drawn top drivers from across the region, becoming a premier competition in Northwest racing. For more than 30 years, Yakima Speedway served as the home of the Fall Classic, where legendary drivers like Pete Harding, Ron Eaton, and Garrett Evans etched their names into the history of the event.

Despite the event’s long-standing success, Yakima Speedway faced significant challenges in the years leading up to its closure, including financial difficulties and land use issues. After over 50 years of operation, Yakima Speedway closed its doors in 2020. 
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In 2021, Speedway Promotions, LLC revived the event at Tri-City Raceway in West Richland, WA, breathing new life into the Fall Classic. While the venue has changed, the same high-energy racing and deep-rooted tradition remain, continuing to attract top talent and passionate fans.

yakima speedway - fall classic

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Evan Goetz: The Youngest Fall Classic Champion

The 2023 Fall Classic saw a historic moment as Evan Goetz became the youngest champion in the event’s history at just 15 years old. Goetz’s impressive victory demonstrated his exceptional talent and ability to compete with veteran drivers, marking a major milestone in his burgeoning racing career. His win not only highlights the rise of young talent in short-track racing but also cements his name in the Fall Classic’s storied legacy.

Goetz’s record-breaking achievement showcases the bright future of regional racing and reinforces the event’s reputation as a proving ground for the next generation of champions.

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Past Champions Include:

• 1988 Pete Harding
• 1989 Ron Eaton
• 1990 Chris Hart
• 1991 Martin Rosler
• 1992 Ron Eaton
• 1993 Rick Schultz
• 1994 Garrett Evans
• 1995 Kelly Tanner
• 1996 Ron Eaton
• 1997 Pete Harding
• 1998 Pete Harding
• 1999 Pete Harding
• 2000 Garrett Evans
• 2001 John Bender
• 2002 Garrett Evans
• 2003 Ken Kaltschmidt
• 2004 John Zaretzke
• 2005 Jeff Berkshire
• 2006 BJ Tidrick
• 2007 Erick Hardgraves
• 2008 Mike Longton
• 2009 Joey Tanner
• 2010 Shane Harding
• 2011 Naima Lang
• 2012 Naima Lang
• 2013 Cameron Hayley
• 2014 Cameron Hayley
• 2015 Tayler Riddle
• 2016 Jason Jefferson
• 2017 Owen Riddle
• 2018 Jason Fraser
• 2019 Randy Marshall JR
• 2020 Naima Lang
• 2021 Jason Fraser
• 2022 Doni Wanat
• 2023 Evan Goetz

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The Fall Classic remains a must-attend event for racing enthusiasts, promising a weekend of unforgettable competition. Be a part of the action as we celebrate the legacy of this legendary race and continue to write new chapters in its history.

Ticket sales will go up Sunday, September 8th 12pm PST

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit racewashington.com

RACE INFORMATION / MEDIA CONTACT: LACI TOLAR
[email protected]