Schmidt and Hagar score strong finishes in
2009 Madera opener

Steven Blakesley / Golden State Racing

Roseville, Calif. – The 2009 season is underway for Golden State Racing teammates Eric Schmidt and Katie Hagar, with both of them finishing in the top-ten at Madera Speedway on Saturday night.

Schmidt, who was the 2006 Stockcar Racing League champion and 2007 All American Speedway champion, came home in the second position in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series opener at the one-third mile.

Hagar ran in the top-five throughout the event before spinning in wet weather with just two laps to go in the 50 lap race. She was scored in 9th position on the tail-end of the lead lap.

It was a successful outing for the two racers Hagar recently relocated from Maine to Sacramento for the 2009 campaign. Schmidt ran less than half a dozen races in his 2008 season while serving a mentor role for GSR’s young drivers. He showed no signs rust Saturday while leading 35 laps.

The second 50 lap feature on Saturday was canceled due to rain showers, forcing the duo to wait until this Saturday night’s action for their first main event win.

Hagar will be looking to extend Golden State Racing’s impressive history with the Drive for Diversity program and Schmidt will be looking for valuable points in the track, state, and national championship races.

Golden State Racing would like to welcome its newest sponsor, Holiday Inn Express of Madera.

Golden State Racing is also sponsored by: AT&T, Yellowpages.com, Petron Plus Formula 7, Jilbrit Internet Dealership Systems, Long Engine Systems, Higgins Hardwood, Harris Industrial Gases, Gone Racin’, and Blakesley Sports Media.