JACKSONVILLE, NC – Mike Ridenour is one of eight drivers who will be racing to keep their season alive in the Furniture 4 Less Labor Day Classic on Saturday night.
Ridenour, 43, from Jacksonville, North Carolina, raced his way into the Legends division playoffs as the seventh-ranked driver by virtue of a top-five finish and eight top-10s. Now, with the points reset, Ridenour will have to drive the race of his life.
“I am going to do my best to advance and fight for the win,” Ridenour said. “At the end of the day, I am stoked to be a part of the New River All-American Speedway racing family.”
Ridenour will have to finish in the top four among the playoff drivers to advance to the Championship Final on Sunday, September 17. The seven drivers he will race against are Carson Haislip (1), Aiden McConnaughey (2), Brenton Irving (3), Phoenyx Kimball (4), Raven Kimball (5), Shane Irving (7), and Carsyn Gillikin (8).
“I am super excited to be in this position,” Ridenour remarked. “With the help of my wife and fellow racers, I am learning every race and trying to be consistent but also improve.”
Ridenour became interested in racing at a young age after watching his uncle, Jeff Ridenour, race Street Stocks in New Mexico.
“I used to help in the pits and get my hands dirty,” Ridenour stated. “Since then, I have always wanted to give it a try. It wasn’t until fellow racer and friend Derek Burleson introduced me to Legend Car racing that I knew it could become a reality.”
Ridenour began racing at New River in April 2022 and has steadily progressed ever since against some tough competition. However, for Ridenour, it’s about having fun.
“This year has been a struggle to improve and be competitive,” Ridenour explained. “Every time I get in the car, I have a blast. It isn’t about winning, it’s about enjoying things while I still can. Anthony and Tonya Goodyear have made New River an amazing racing venue while keeping it fun and safe for everyone.”
The Legends playoff semifinal is one of the headline acts in Saturday’s Furniture 4 Less Labor Day Classic. The Grand National Super Series will also be in action, along with Late Model, Bomber, and Champ Kart racing in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, as well as Bandolero racing.
Tickets for the Labor Day Classic are available online and through the MyRacePass mobile app or at the gate on Saturday for $10, while kids five (5) and under are admitted free.
New River All-American Speedway is Jacksonville’s Action Attraction featuring racing and other events. For more information about New River All-American Speedway, check out the speedway’s website, like/follow “New River Speedway” on Facebook, follow @newriverswy on Twitter, or follow the track on Instagram.
