ON DECK: Naming seating sections at Cocopah Speedway

Now that the new, massive concrete main grandstand at Cocopah Speedway is almost complete – Les Evans and his Evans Custom Concrete crew were back at the track this week, pouring the final section and putting the finishing touches on the project – I have an idea.

Major racing venues across the country name seating sections after famous NASCAR drivers, and I'm thinking Cocopah Speedway might want to do the same.

But instead of NASCAR drivers, the track should honor people who have helped shape racing at Cocopah Speedway and in the Yuma area over the years.

I'm suggesting that one section be named after Frank Golden, who built the track in 1968. Also, there should be a section named after “Deacon Dick” Rautenberg, Yuma's Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame driver whose name is synonymous with winning at the Somerton track, and Jerry Thomas, who brought the local oval back to life in 1989.

That's a pretty impressive three, worthy of such an honor.