Three-generation sweep at Evergreen Speedway

Having a father, son and grandson compete in a single race is a special family experience.

Having them sweep the top three places is off-the-charts great.

It’s what happened to the Hubbard family at the Oct. 26 Pumpkin Smash Enduro at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe. Rick Hubbard won the race, which lasted a little over three hours, with son Mark Hubbard finishing second and grandson Cullen Hubbard placing third. They were the only three drivers on the lead lap at the end.

“It was really amazing,” said 68-year-old Rick Hubbard of Kenmore.

Amazing, yes. And rare, if not unprecedented. As best anyone can tell, no family has ever accomplished such a feat before. Suzanne Wise, curator of the Stock Car Racing Collection at Appalachian State University, said it’s likely the Hubbards are the first.

“All of our resources dealing with family racing are the obvious (Petty, Allison, etc.), and nobody has done what your family did,” she wrote in an e-mail Rick Hubbard shared with The Herald.

The Oct. 26 race involved 45 foreign stock cars on a speedway road course that included sections of the 5/8-mile, 3/8-mile and figure-eight tracks. The total distance was about 180 miles.

Drivers drew for starting positions, with 21-year-old Cullen Hubbard, a student at Central Washington University, starting third. His dad, 44-year-old Mark Hubbard of Bothell, started 22nd, and Rick Hubbard started 33rd.

They all kept working their way up through the field, and by the end it seemed certain of being a Hubbard family sweep. The only question was the order of finish.

Mark Hubbard looked like he had the best chance to win, but a blown tire with 15 laps to go set him back. Still, he was closing fast at the end, “and if it would’ve gone one more lap, Mark would’ve got me,” Rick Hubbard said. “And I think Cullen would’ve got me too, we were that close.”

At dinner that night, Mark Hubbard told his dad with a smile, “You know, I’m not sure what I would’ve done if I’d got to your rear bumper.”

The Hubbards are a longtime racing family — Rick Hubbard, in fact, started racing in 1962 at the now-defunct Sea-Tac Speedway south of Seattle — and collectively they have numerous wins.

“But this was beyond anything,” Rick Hubbard said. “I’ve been racing 51 years, and it’s beyond anything I’ve ever experienced.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.