PLACERVILLE, Calif. Placerville Speedway is prepared to open its 60th season of action on Saturday by honoring a man that had a key role in making it all possible, with the 22nd annual Tribute to Al Hinds tackling the red clay.

Divisions set to christen the Berco Redwood/ Hoosier Tires championship season will include the Thompsons Family of Dealerships Winged Sprint Cars, the Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks, Ltd. Late Models and the BCRA Lightning Sprints.

The Tribute to Al Hinds began in 2004 following the passing of early track promoter and mentor, Al Hinds, a longtime Placerville resident and true race fan that touched the lives of many.

Hinds was the second promoter of Placerville Speedway. He took operation of the track with business partner Richard Hirst from its founder, Bruno Romani, in 1968, three years after it first opened when the facility was built around an existing community football field.

The operator of a local machine shop by trade, Hinds loved the community where he lived. In his final years of life, he enjoyed sitting with some of his best friends every night in the grandstands at Placerville Speedway and loved watching young talent make a name for themselves in the sport.

The inaugural Tribute to Al Hinds was captured by Roger Crockett, while last season saw Shane Golobic snag his initial triumph in the event.

Track champions last season with the Thompsons Dealerships Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Red Hawk Resort + Casino Pure Stocks and Ltd. Late Models included Andy Forsberg, Nick Baldwin and Anthony Slaney, respectively.