News & Notes: Schedule Change, Remembering Orval
POST FALLS, IDAHO – April 16, 2008 – This weekend’s Vintage Racing show has been rescheduled to the following weekend April 26.
With not so favorable weather for outdoor events in the Inland Northwest, members of West Coast Vintage Racers, Golden Wheels and officials with Stateline Speedway have decided to move the scheduled Vintage Racing event to April 26 in hope of better weather.
The rescheduled event will feature late 1930, 40’s and 50’s Kurtis and Offy Midgets, un-caged Sprint cars and other open wheel entries that have made their way into short track racing history books. Entries from four western states are expected to participate.
The show is noted for its driver’s age, some who still compete in their late 70’s and early 80’s.
Remembering Orval the Daredevil Clown
Joe Doellefeld, Stateline Stadium Speedway, took time to reflect on his memories of “Orval the Daredevil Clown.” Orval, whose real name was Orval Kisselburg, passed away at his home in Sandy, Utah in late March.
Doellefeld credits Orval’s showmanship and dedication to the promotion of events as a huge asset to short tracks successes in the 80’s during Orval’s tours of the Northwest.
“He was a straight forward guy who would always do anything to help promoters out,” Doellefeld said. “Drive a tow truck, sell souvenirs, or blow himself up, he was always there.”
Before bus races, trailer races and extreme sports there was Orval. Kisselburg was revered in the short track industry as the go to guy to fill the stands with antics too daunting for any normal person.
With a truck, loaded with dynamite, that served as a make shift ramp. Orval barnstormed the country, jumping cars and performing added tricks that would leave crowds gasping.
But it was Orval’s famous; sometimes frightening “Russian Death Chair” finale he was known for most.
“He would sit on a chair loaded with dynamite and kaboom,” Doellefeld recalls. “People were ducking, announcers running, debris was flying, and he would be blown twenty feet in the air.”
Doellefeld said Orval would decline formal treatment, asking for only duct tape and 2-by-4’s to mend himself, and continue on with his show at the crowds delight.
“He was extraordinary.”
The Orval the Clown Award is presented annually during the Western Auto Racing Promoters Association meeting. The award is presented to race organizers who exemplify showmanship and dedication to short track promotion on the west coast.
Stateline Speedway is deeply saddened by his loss and extends its thoughts and sympathy to Orval’s family and friends.
Upcoming Events
The wild, wacky, unpredictable action of Wednesday Night Fever starts Wednesday at 6pm with the cars and superstars of the Road Runners, Fever 4’s, plus the wild and crazy Bump to Pass division. Adults are just $5.75; kids under the age of nine accompanied by adults are free.
Saturday the INSCA Winged Sprints and Northwest Modifieds kick off their season at 6pm. The Vintage racing show is rescheduled for April 26.
Past champions, rookies and determined drivers including champion Tony Berry, Kevin Burck, Justin Popple, and Rick Nelson in sprints are expected to appear. Coeur d’ Alene’s Blaine Sneva is expected to enter the Modified portion of the show along with Zig Grunert, Gary Hill, Chris Ochs, and Randy Lerch.
Adult admission is $12.75; kids under the age of six are free. Events start at 6pm with qualifying.
Practice will be held Thursday from 4pm to 7pm.
For more information about Stateline Stadium/Speedway including upcoming events, promotions and participant updates log onto http://www.raceidaho.com or contact the event hotline at 208-773-5019.
Last edited on Thursday Apr 17th, 2008 01:03 AM by SSands
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