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DSR Graphics to join Family Chevrolet with bonus funds for Tribute to Al Hinds
by Bill Sullivan

PLACERVILLE, CA (5-1-08) - This Saturday night DSR Graphics and Signs of Cameron Park will continue a five year tradition of continued support for the annual “Family Chevrolet Tribute to Al Hinds” at Placerville Speedway. DSR Graphics and Signs will award a $100 bonus to the fast qualifier of the night in honor of the late Al Hinds.

DSR Graphics and Signs of Cameron Park is owned and operated by Dan Ramey. Ramey is a longtime supporter of local racing in many ways. Many of the cars on the track at Placerville Speedway don graphic designs by Ramey. Ramey’s true passion is auto racing although his local sign business offers a wide range of products and services.

“Al Hinds as a great asset to the racing community,” said Ramey. “It is a true honor to continue support for this very special race that pays tribute to the man who worked so hard to promote the place so many of us call home each Saturday night.”

Much like Family Chevrolet, Ramey stepped up to the plate in the very first Tribute to Al Hinds five years ago. That first event, Ramey was present in the pit area and he recalled the very special feeling that took place seeing record car counts, a capacity crowd and something “special” in the air that night.

“You could just feel something special that night,” said Ramey. “It was a cool crisp evening and there was just something special in the air. I think its safe to say that Al Hinds’ spirit was surely with us there that night.”

That first night Robert Ballou of Rocklin picked up Ramey’s $100 bonus and Roger Crockett of Medford Oregon won the $3000 victory which included the $1000 bonues from Family Chevrolet. Crockett returned to win the second annual event until he was dethroned by his arch rival Andy Forsberg of Auburn in 2006 when he notched the prestigious victory into his racing resume. Forsberg made a valiant attempt at a second straight victory last year but finished second to Elk Grove’s Kyle Hirst. This Saturday, the driver known as ‘Mr. Excitement” will return in hopes of becoming only the second two time Tribute to Al Hinds Champion.

“I have won some special races in my career,” said Forsberg, who is a 2000 Placerville Speedway champion and a four time Civil War champion. “But this race is right up there on my list of special wins. This race is important because is recognizes someone who did so much for our sport. I encourage everyone to come out and show their support and I can guarantee they will see a great night of racing.”

While the action on the track will not begin until time trials at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Saturday’s Tribute to Al Hinds will begin earlier in the day when the title sponsor of the event, Family Chevrolet, will host a pre-race sprint car show and BBQ. The event will feature over a dozen sprint cars on display and drivers on hand as well as free hamburgers and hot dogs sponsored by Strauss Foods and Family Chevrolet. The event will take place from 10 am. Until 1 p.m. and limited number of complimentary tickets will be given away by the dealership to those attending the event.

Some of the drivers that will be on hand Saturday morning will include Civil War Series point leader David Robinson Jr.an defending champion Andy Forsberg along with Colby Wiesz, Scott Russell, James Sweeney, Christian Stover, Andy Gregg, Justin Johnson, Camron Mendes, Scott Kinney, Alissa Geving, Chad Comption, Kyle Larson, Billy Strange Jr., Dave Shanks and many more. It’s a great event for the whole family to meet the drivers, get autographs and enjoy a free lunch with their race track heroes.

Saturday’s pre-race event will begin at 10 a..m. and will wrap up at 1 p.m. Family Chevrolet is located at 4050 Motherlode Drive in Shingle Springs just off Highway 50 and the Ponderosa Road Exit. Saturday night Family Chevrolet will award a $1000 bonus to the winner of the feature event. DSR Graphics and Signs will present the fast qualifier with a $100 bonus as well. For additional information on this event visit http://www.johnpadjenmotorsports.com.

This article is the seventh in a series of stories by John Padjen Motorsports’ Director of Communications Bill Sullivan that takes and in depth look at the upcoming Tribute to Al Hinds at Placerville Speedway. For additional articles on this upcoming special event be sure and visit http://www.johnpadjenmotorsports.com.