Rookie wins memorial race

EPHRATA - Racers from the American Speed Association (ASA) and the Northwest Sprint car Racing Association (NSRA) took to the high banks of Ephrata Raceway Park Saturday night to compete in the Rebel Jackson Memorial race.

The 50-lap event drew 27 participants from throughout the Northwest, including several Columbia Basin entrants.

Boise, Idaho resident and 15-year-old sensation Sierra Jackson won the Memorial event.

Ephrata Raceway Park co-owner Bob Witte says at 15 years old, Jackson has caught the eye of a major NASCAR participant.

"She started racing ten years ago in quarter midgets, and Davey Hamilton of NASCAR (and IndyCar) is supporting her career," Witte said. "She's worked for it."

Witte said the Ephrata Raceway Park is a difficult track to master.

"It's a tough track to get a hold of," Witte said of the 40 year-old facility.

After winning the race, Jackson won over the Ephrata fans.

Jackson exited her race car in victory lane to the roar of the crowd, Witte said.

"The crowd was just nuts, screaming and yelling." Witte said. "It's as much cheering as I've every seen."

Track announcer Kelly Hart called the race historic.

Hart noted Jackson not only won her first career race, but was the first woman to win on the circuit.

"It's nice to see someone other than a big, burly guy win a race," Hart said. "It's always nice to root for the underdog, and women in racing seems to take that role as there aren't that many of them."

Local racers generally do well in the Rebel Jackson Memorial event, but didn't fare as well this year, Witte said.

"The NSRA boys really put it down on them," he said.

Bart Hector of Ephrata swept the highly competitive street stock division, Witte said.

"He's always good," he said. "He's got Ephrata figured out."

Attendance was at full capacity for the Saturday night event and Witte said he was pleased with the night's action.

"It's as good a night as I've ever seen at Ephrata Raceway Park," Witte said.