2003 Season Schedule of Events Driver Roster Main Event Lineups Results Gold Cup Daily News Sep. 03 - Wednesday Sep. 04 - Thursday Sep. 05 - Friday Sep. 06 - Saturday Photo Gallery Sep. 03 - Wednesday Sep. 04 - Thursday Sep. 05 - Friday Sep. 06 - Saturday [goldCup/updates/seasons_menu.html] [goldCup/updates/facts_menu.html] Silver Dollar Speedway Placerville Speedway California Sprint Car Civil War Series Golden State Challenge - King of California Series HELP MENU Site Map Contact Us Search the Site Sponsor Index

Golf, dancing and of course bikinis top Gold Cup activities

CHICO, CA - If your a regular to the Gold Cup Race of Champions then you already know this is more than a sprint car race, it is simply an experience. The Silver Dollar Fairground transforms into a city on wheels over the next four days and let us warn you, this is no quiet bedroom town by far.

The 2003 Gold Cup Race of Champions features a number of non-racing activities to pass the time between the big nights of racing on tap in the next few days. Whether your in the mood to swing a golf club or swing a partner in a dance contest there is something for everyone here over the next four days.

While tonight is somewhat of a subdued post-race atmosphere, you may want to use it to rest up because the fun starts as early as Thursday morning if your up for hitting the greens with some of the best sprint car drivers in the world.

Beginning at 8 a.m. at the nearby Bidwell Course the 17th Annual Gold Cup Hall of Fame Golf Classic swings into action. Golfers of all levels are welcome to this event which requires a $75 entry fee that includes green fees, carts, range balls and a BBQ lunch following the tournament.

At approximately 2 p.m. take a stroll towards the north end of the fairground as the first group of competitors for the 50th annual Gold Cup Race of Champions make their way into the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds to prepare for tonight’s event . Limited bleacher is available near the entry way for those who want a glimpse of the first class haulers that take these teams from state to state throughout the year.

Following the evening of racing which includes qualifying, heat races and preliminary feature events the fun continues and and if you didn;t get the opportunity to be a swinger in the morning then now is your chance and the first ever Gold Cup "Sock Hop" takes place in the pavilion after the races.

Sponsored locally by IVY Fencing, this new event features a costume contest for the 50’s era and a dance contest as well, each offering $100 to the winners. It all starts after the races and you don;t want to miss out. Beverages will be available at the event and admission is free.

Following the second night of preliminary action on Friday its the big after race event everyone talks about the next morning, the annual chili feed and Miss Gold Cup Bikini Contest. Sponsored by Joe Hunt Magnetos admission to this event is just $5 and features all you can eat chili, garlic bread and salad. Emcee for the bikini contest will be the notorious Troy Hennig of Silver Dollar Speedway, known to area fans and the watering hole regulars as "Roy Bennig" as well, Troy the official voice of the annual Gold Cup Bikini Contest, a title we all only dream of one day holding.

If you run out of scheduled activities here, simply take a walk around the fairgrounds throughout the day or evening, chances are you’ll find a gathering or contest of some nature that you will either be welcomed into or can simply join in without anyone even noticing.

With all those activities chances are you will find yourself getting a bit famished or thirsty and we have taken measures to make sure your pallet remains satisfied during your visit here. Each morning, Big John’s Breakfast Bonanza is open for business from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Eggs of various servings are available along with sausage, bacon, hash browns and much more. Its a great value right here on the fairgrounds just inside the main entry gate.

The track souvenir center is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. if you are in the market for a commemorative t-shirt, hat or program. The Pepsi refreshment center opens at 11 a.m. and the Coors Beer Garden starts flowing at noon.

Your at the greatest race in California now...play safe and have fun !

Gold Cup Daily News
Published daily during the annual Gold Cup Race of Champions in Chico, CA
Published by John Padjen Motorsports
Design and Production - Bill Sullivan
Assistants/Contributors - Troy Hennig, Dennis Gage, Richard Day, WoO
Photographs supplied by Aron Jones, JohnPadjenMotorsports.com

All of the material published in this newsletter is protected under copyright law and may not be reprinted without written permission from the office of John Padjen Motorsports.