Terry Guest Special to the Record It was 30 years ago when the first race was held at Saratoga Speedway, and the 2011 season will continue a legacy of revved-up automotive entertainment. Last year featured the progression of many young drivers and growing popularity in all classes. The upcoming season will see many new faces and many previous champions trying to retain their titles. The first pre-season practice for all classes will be held this Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. and is open to the public with no admission charge, giving race fans a chance to see the cars that will make up the 2011 season. All of last year's classes are returning except for the Figure 8 cars (due to lack of interest). These classes are: Hornets, Bombers, Crash to Pass, Roadrunners, Dwarfs, IMCA Modifieds, Island Mini Stocks, Old Time Modified Stock Cars (O.T.R.A), Wilroc Sprint Cars, and Wilroc Lite cars. After a year's absence the motorcycles are returning, and fans will enjoy the newly formed ASA BC Late Models (previously Katana Sportsman). To create more interest in the challenging oval track motorcycle class, there will be a racing clinic this Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Cost is $50 per person with more information at www.srrc.ca. The Hornet class has minor rule changes. First, the class will not be split. However, we will award an 'A' division and 'B' division championship. The 'A' division will function based on our normal points model, the 'B' championship will be based on B main event finishes, as well as heats and qualifying. Second, drivers may choose the colour of their car, but cannot have any solid, dark colours (black, brown, dark blue etc.). There will be 23 different race nights at the Black Creek oval this season. Every night is special, but several special nights are scheduled. May 7 will be opening night with the always amazing firework extravaganza accompanied by the Crash to Pass cars, Hornets and Roadrunners. May 21- 22 will be the first Monster Truck show, with Crash to Pass, Hornets, Bombers, Roadrunners and the return of the Tough Trucks. June 25 will be the first showing of the fastest class on the Island 鈥� the Wilroc Sprint cars 鈥� along with the Wilroc Lites and IMCA Modifieds. July 2 will feature the first-ever Eve of Destruction which will include a Limo jump, jet dragster funny car, fireworks, IMCA Modifieds, Dwarf cars and Bomber cars. July 9 is the first Boat Race of the year and the only Car Tossing competition of the year: they will be accompanied by the Crash to Pass cars, Roadrunners and Hornets. On July 16 is the longest race of the year, the 150-lap ASA BC late model tour event. This special night will also include the Bombers and Island Mini Stocks. July 30-31 is the last Monster Truck show along with the Crash to Pass cars, Bombers, Hornets, Roadrunners and Tough Trucks. Aug. 6 is the last show of the Wilroc Sprint cars. They will be accompanied by the Wilroc Lites, Dwarf cars and IMCA Modifieds. Aug. 20 marks the third annual Bikini Contest and last Boat Race. Also on the night will be the Crash to Pass cars, Roadrunners and Hornets. Sept. 3-4 is the popular Canadian-American Demolition Derby. Alongside these 鈥渕aniacs鈥� will be the Hornets, Crash to Pass and Roadrunners. Sept. 17 marks the last race night of the 2011 season, with spectacular firework, Crash to Pass cars, Roadrunners and Hornets. For more information on race nights, visit www.saratogaspeedway.bc.ca.