CHICO, CA (3-5-10) - It's labeled as the "Mini-Gold Cup" but the high octane open wheel racing action that is bound for Silver Dollar Speedway in less that a week is sure to be anything but miniature. The fire breathing 410 sprint cars are geared up for action on the high banks of Chico's quarter-mile for two big days of racing worth more than $55,000.As this annual fall classic opens the 2010 schedule for Silver Dollar Speedway and Handy Racing Promotions Incorporated, it is expected to draw some of the most talented open wheel drivers from throughout California and the Pacific Northwest, all gunning for a piece of the $55,000 purse that is up for grabs.

California alone will be well represented in the upcoming Feather Falls Casino Mini Gold Cup. Recently crowned champion representing nearly every dirt track in Northern California will highlight the roster, all looking to pick up where they left off in 2009 when they were crowned for their appropriate accolades.

Topping the list of area champions that are set to be in competition will be Elk Grove's Bobby McMahan. Last season, McMahan returned to full time sprint car racing after a long hiatus and drove to the 2009 Silver Dollar Speedway track championship. For McMahan and his teammates, returning to the seen of his recent crown will be done with very heavy hearts. During the off season his car owner, Steve Harris, founder of the well known "Racing for the Troops" sprint car team that fields McMahan, Kyle Harris and Sean Becker, lost his battle with cancer. This will mark McMahan's first time back in the race car as the team continues in the spirit of their fallen leader.

"It will be hard to start the season off without Steve here with us, he was a very special man and we miss him a ton," said McMahan. "At the same time continuing on is what he wanted us to do, he planned for it and we're going to do what we can to honor him with a strong run in Chico."

In 2010 McMahan has no plans to defend his recent title as both he and Harris will race as "California Outlaws" as they like to call it. The team will focus on victories rather then championship points and a victory in this high dollar opener would surely be a fine tribute to their late car owner.

As McMahan takes to clay as Silver Dollar Speedway's newest king, he will be joined by his teammate Becker who is also a 2009 champion. Becker won his second title in the Civil War Sprint Car Series last year. The native of Oroville will be aboard the #51 Brian Sperry-RFT sprint car on the track he considers home. In addition to his recent California title, Becker is also a 2005 Silver Dollar Speedway and Golden State Challenge Series Champion and has won some of the biggest races of his career at Chico including the annual Pacific Sprint Cup and the Fall Nationals.

Another area champion that is sure to be on hand will be Colfax resident Colby Wiesz. Wiesz is a former multi-champion of Marysville Raceway Park and has claimed the last two season titles at Placerville Speedway in weekly 360 action with car owner John Taylor. Although he has not confirmed entry, Wiesz is expected to be behind the wheel of his family owned #21 that he raced during the 2009 Friday night series in Chico.

Penngrove resident Alissa Geving will wear the fourth championship crown in the the Annual Mini Gold Cup. 18-year-old Geving is a two time Petaluma Speedway track champion who frequents Silver Dollar Speedway on Friday nights and for various special events.

Another member of regional royalty will be veteran driver Korey Lovell, the 2009 Marysville Raceway Park sprint car champion. Kovell, of nearby Yuba City, will be no stranger to the banks of Silver Dollar as he has turned many laps here in Friday night competition and is a former division rookie of the year.

Shane Golobic of Fremont is a tentative entry. In 2009, Golobic earned the annual Calistoga Speedway track championship with the highest number of top finishes there in various events. The recently crowned California champions will be joined by dozens of talented drivers on both nights of competition in Chico.

The two day event will culminate with a 40-lap feature event on Saturday night worth $8,000 to the winning. The annual Mini Gold Cup is Chico's second highest paying event just behind the annual Gold Cup that takes place in September.

On both Friday and Saturday the pit gate will open at 2pm. Front grandstand gates will open at 5pm. All seating is general admission for this event. There is no reserved seating. Qualifying will start at 6:30pm with racing to follow on each night. Camping will be available at the fairgrounds. For complete start times and further information please visit the track's official website at www.silverdollarspeedway.com or contact the office of Handy Racing Promotions, Inc. at (916) 969-7484.