Owen Riddle Seeks to Add Second Summer Showdown Win

Owen Riddle is a former winner of the “Summer Showdown 200” at Evergreen Speedway (WA). He turned the trick in 2021, beating a 31-car field and taking home $25,000. The Naches, WA racer will return to the 5/8-mile oval on July 18 & 19 seeking a $30,000 win in Round #4 of the Northwest Super Late Model Series presented by Knottical Marine. The 13^thannual “Summer Showdown” comes on the heels of Riddle’s $25,000 win in the “Wenatchee 200” the ¼-mile Wenatchee Valley Super-Oval in June, an event that brings Riddle confidence heading to Monroe.

“The confidence definitely translates from one track to the other”, Riddle explained, regarding difference between the two facilities. “Knowing the feel you want in the car, and how to reach that, typically doesn't change a lot based on track size. We'll approach this race the same way we did Wenatchee.”

Despite Riddle’s win in 2021, the “Summer Showdown” has given the three-time “Montana 200” winner fits. In seven attempts, he has only one other top 10 finish, when he was seventh in his first attempt in 2014. The race presents multiple challenges, but Riddle hopes the team’s preparation will give him a strong chance at victory.

“To be honest we have a horrible track record at the “Showdown”, Riddle admitted. “It's a long race and a very long weekend, where a lot of things can go wrong along the way. Working hard in the shop, preparing the car as best as possible I feel will give us a great opportunity to be in contention at the end, and hopefully compete for the win.

Riddle will be racing in a P1 Chassis Super Late Model, prepared in the shops of Preston Peltier Racing. Peltier is the only driver to have scored multiple “Summer Showdown” wins, having visited Victory Lane four times. Riddle hopes to become only the second driver to double up with “Showdown” victories, but he knows the task will not be easy, with a large talented field with which to compete.

“Being fortunate enough to become the second multi-time winner of the event would be nothing short of amazing, however, I know there's still a lot of hard work and effort left to be put in, if that's going to be a possibility. Winning isn't easy in any racing, let alone a marquee event like the “Summer Showdown”, Riddle explained.

Despite the challenges ahead for Riddle and the Preston Peltier Racing team, the #10 Super Late Model will be one of the favorites, given Riddles racing resume. He is a four-time winner in the Northwest Super Late Model Series (NWSLMS), and a three-time winner of the “Apple Cup” at Yakima Speedway (WA). He has wins in the “Chilly Willy 150” at Tucson Speedway (AZ) as well as a win in the “Mark Galloway 150” at Evergreen, while winning half of his four starts in the Inland Northwest Super Stock Association. His lone two starts in the SRL Southwest Tour Series resulted in top five efforts, including a runner-up finish in the “All-Star Showdown” at Irwindale Speedway (CA), in a 33-car field.

Riddle will now look to expand his resume and join Peltier as a multi-time winner of the “Summer Showdown” He is excited for the opportunity and thankful for those who have made the effort possible, as he stated.

“I couldn't do any of this without the help of those who make this possible; Don Riddle Excavating, JSI, Peltier Racing, Alpine Parts, Fresh Method Design, Peters Racing Engines, Finishline Signs, and Preston Peltier.”

The “Summer Showdown 200” will be Round #4 of the Northwest Super Late Model Series presented by Knottical Marine season and will mark the midway point of the championship schedule. $30,000 will be paid to the winner with $2,000 paid to start. $800 will be awarded to any teams who fail to transfer through the Last Chance Qualifying race, to make up the 38-car starting field. The Pro Late Models will race for $5,000 on Friday night.

ABOUT THE NORTHWEST SUPER LATE MODEL SERIES

The Northwest Super Late Model Series is the premier regional touring Super Late Model series in the Northwest. The series has many valued partners including Knottical Marine, RaceCals, Hoosier Racing Tire, McGunegill Engine Performance, AR Bodies, Penske Racing Shocks, Five Star Bodies, AFCO Racing / Longacre Racing Products, Franks Radio Service, Jefferson Racing, Champion Auto Group, Atomic Screen Printing, Zero Handicap, The Lester Brothers, Joes Racing Products, and The Ti Company. For more information on the series visit www.nwslms.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

-Story, Photo credit: Kevin Peters, NWSLMS Media