20-year-old Ryley Seibert is third in the standings of the ARCA West OK Tire Sportsman Series

Prince George, BC –  With some much-valued, local expertise on his side, Williams Lake stock car driver, Ryley Seibert, is hoping that will be the charm needed to win tonight’s main event at PGARA Speedway.

The 20-year-old will be taking to the track in his 2009 Chevy Impala for the third race of the ARCA West OK Tire Sportsman Series.  Seibert currently sits in third place in the standings, two points back of Ian Graham, and 16 behind leader, Mark Berriau of Penticton.

After setting a track record during qualifying at the May 26th race in his hometown, the talented up-and-comer had to fight his way through traffic and was forced to settle for third.  "That’s the downside of qualifying high – you have to start at the back – and I’ve had a bit of fun dealing with traffic," he says.

"But I have lots of experience, skill and local knowledge around me this weekend.  So, hopefully, we can find a ‘good line’, get around the guys, and get a win under our belts."

After deciding to take the season off, local fan favourite, Sheldon Mayert, worked on Seibert’s car at the first race in Vernon and will be in the pits today, and Mayert’s crew chief, Keenan Magnant is now filling that top post for Seibert.

Tonight’s race marks the halfway point of the six-race ARCA series.  From here, the Williams Lake driver will make his debut in the Nascar Canadian Tire Series in Vernon on July 14th, followed by races in Edmonton, Saskatoon, and two in Quebec.  "That’s three road races and two ovals, so I’m looking to expand my experience and really give those guys a run for their money, if I can figure it out."

And figuring it out is just what the 20-year-old seems to be doing, he had been enrolled in engineering, but told his parents he had to ‘get the itch out’ or he wasn’t going to be able to focus properly.  "I don’t want to regret anything later in life, so I’m taking the chance right now," he says.  "I’m trying to make my way up to the pros, but if it doesn’t work out, I have a fall-back plan – I really enjoyed engineering."

Seibert’s plan for tonight is to take to the track with the other drivers – qualifying for the minis, streets, and ARCA races begins at 6pm, as PGARA celebrates 60 years of racing at the track.  Race admission has been cut in-half for the entire season, tickets are just $6.  And following tonight’s races there will be a bbq, live music, and bonfire in the pits.  PGARA’s ‘fall-back plan’ in the event of heavy rain, is to re-schedule for Sunday.