Thursday, August 2, 2018

Antioch Speedway, Orland Raceway, Petaluma Speedway, Ocean Speedway, More

First of all...

The DCRR Racing Media Books


Just A Kid From The Grandstands:  My Time In Auto Racing
Stories of my time in auto racing from the beginning to 2003
Available on Lulu in Paperback And Hard Cover

And


Don's California Racing Recollections:  Best Of The Blog And Beyond
Racing History, Stories, Statistics And Pictures
Available via print on demand at Lulu in Hard Cover or Paperback

If You Like Reading Our Articles
Support Us Via The Go Fund Me The Tip Jar HERE


Also...

DCRR Racing Media And PR Consulting  HERE

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion Can Be Heard HERE


The DCRR Racing Radio Show
Alternative Link HERE


Chadwick Unstoppable At Antioch Speedway

Antioch, CA...July 28...Kellen Chadwick scored another 20 lap All Star Series A Modified Main Event win Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the fourth win of the season for Chadwick. Shawn DeForest set the early pace ahead of point leader Nick DeCarlo. DeCarlo made a move around DeForest for the lead as they worked lap 5, only to see DeForest restored to the lead as there's no racing to the yellow flag. DeForest led two more laps before DeCarlo made an inside pass in Turn 2 of the seventh lap for the lead. Chadwick followed into second and made an inside move in Turn 4 of the 10th lap to take the lead from DeCarlo. Chadwick begin to stretch his advantage to nearly a straightaway by the checkered flag. Anthony Slaney made a charge from sixth on lap 11 to second on lap 14 and would finish there, followed by Carl Berendsen II, DeCarlo and DeForest.

Billy Aton was the winner of the 20 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event. This was the second win of the season for the 2016 champion. Aton and Nick Larson won their respective heat races to grab front row starts for the Main Event. Aton raced into the lead, and the battle was for second. Jacob Tuttle was enjoying a good race with championship contender Matt DeMartini. In the end, Aton grabbed the checkered flag ahead of Tuttle, DeMartini, Larson and Jeff Strole

Shannon Newton scored his second 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event win of the season. He also won his heat race earlier in the evening. With incoming point leader Bob Newberry falling out before the finish, Newton gained several points in his bid to overtake Newberry in the championship chase. Hoping to shake off his early-season bad luck, Rick Panfili charged into the lead at the start. Panfili led the first seven laps before being overtaken by Newton. A three-wide racing moment in Turn 3 of the 16th lap resulted in a Brandon Burd spin, which collected Newberry. Newberry retired from the race at that moment. Newton led the restart and the remaining laps for the victory. Panfili matched his career-best effort in second, followed by Roy Fisher, Burd and Scott Martin.

Chris Sorensen picked up the win in the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was the sixth win of the season for the current point leader. Front row starter Breanna Troen set the early pace while Sorensen worked his way up from eighth starting. Sorensen was second by the halfway point of the race and set his sights on Troen. With six laps to go, Sorensen made his winning move. Michael Cooper also made a late pass around Troen as Sorensen won ahead of Cooper, Troen, Anthony Wellborn and Tom Cline.

Tony Carmignani won his first 20 lap Dwarf Car Main Event of the season. Heat race winners David Michael Rosa and his father David Rosa had the front row for the feature, and the younger Rosa led for three laps before heading for the pits. Carmignani gained the lead at that point. Carmignani spun in Turn 3, but the yellow flag had already flown for the for a Giovanni Bortoli spin. Carmignani was restored to his spot in the lead and paced the remaining 15 laps for the win, followed by Travis Hensley, Mike Corsaro, Mario Marques and David Rosa.

Racing continues next Saturday night with All Star Series Winged 360 Sprint Cars, A Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results
Antioch Speedway All Star Series
Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Billy Aton, Nick Larson. Main Event (20 Laps)-Billy Aton, Jacob Tuttle, Matt DeMartini, Nick Larson, Jeff Strole, David Dias, Joey Acona, Tim Burcher, Art McCarthy.

A Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Carl Berendsen II, Buddy Kniss. Lone Wolf Tournament-Nick DeCarlo. Main Event (20 Laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Anthony Slaney, Carl Berendsen II, Nick DeCarlo, Shawn DeForest, Bobby Montalvo, Mikey Slaney, Buddy Kniss, Chuck Golden, Kenny Shrader.

Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Brandon Burd, Shannon Newton. Main Event (20 Laps)-Shannon Newton, Rick Panfili, Roy Fisher, Brandon Burd, Scott Martin, Mackenzie Newton, Bob Newberry.

Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Chris Sorensen, Cameron Swank. Main Event (20 Laps)-Chris Sorensen, Michael Cooper, Breanna Troen, Anthony Wellborn, Tom Cline, Ed Letterman, Lori Brown, Mike Matheson, Jake Fletcher, Frank Furtado.

Dwarf Cars
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-David Rosa, David Michael Rosa. Main Event (20 Laps)-Tony Carmignani, Travis Hensley, Mike Corsaro,  Mario Marques, David Rosa, Chris Becker, Jessie Pfeiffer, Giovanni Bortoli, David Michael Rosa, Chuck Conover.


Limited Late Model Championship Battle Continues 
At Antioch Speedway Saturday Night

Antioch, CA...When racing resumes at Antioch Speedway this Saturday night, the fans will get another look at the closest All Star Series championship battle currently happening at the speedway. Limited Late Models will be back in action. Also on the card will be the Winged 360 Sprint Cars and A Modifieds, both of which have close battles at the top of the point list as well. Dwarf Cars and Hobby Stocks round out an exciting program.

Kimo Oreta learned a long time ago that it's not easy holding your spot at the top of the point list. However, he has won three Hobby Stock championships and is the reigning Limited Late Model champ behind the wheel of the Sundrop Racing #15 car. Oreta has picked up a three feature wins so far this year, but his lead is only two points ahead of Mark Garner and eight in front of Mike Walko. Oreta has also scored a pair of seconds and  earned his second third place finish at the most recent race, giving him a slight advantage in the standings.

Since winning his second Main Event of the season four races ago, Mark Garner has experienced a myriad of problems that have derailed his attempt at winning #3. Last time out, Garner was turning in a rather dominant performance and could see second place ahead of him eight laps into the race. It wasn't long after that when he broke a rear axle. Remarkably, he managed to get to lap 17 before being overtaken by Walko and he retired moments later. Walko has been the most consistent driver of the bunch with a pair of wins and a season-worst finish of fourth in nine starts. While Garner and Oreta figured to be the two battling it out for the championship, Walko has served a reminder to everybody. He's been racing for quite some time, and he is not to be taken lightly.

Ryan Cherezian is hanging in there, though he needs a little bit of luck to move him further to the front. He has finished as high as second this year, and he's 34 points behind Walko for third. The next battle in line is between the steady John Evans and Chad Hammer for the fifth position. Evans leads by one point while two-time champion Mike Gustafson is 31 points out of fifth. Saturday night should be a good show for the division that is now in its 19th season at the speedway.

Art McCarthy has somehow managed to lead the Winged 360 Sprint Car standings after six events. He's done this despite a last place finish at the most recent race and no feature wins so far. Art is clinging to a 10 point advantage over two-time winner Matt DeMartini following the third place finish DeMartini had last time out. The steady Tim Burcher is 18 points behind DeMartini and only 24 ahead of 2016 champion Billy Aton. Aton drove a flawless race last time out to score his second win of the season.

Meanwhile, last season's top rookie, Jacob Tuttle, matched his career-best effort with another second-place finish last time out. This keeps Tuttle just five points behind David Dias in the race for fifth in the standings. Tuttle shows a lot of potential, and he's definitely capable of gaining the 29 points needed to overtake Burcher for third in the standings. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars are an entertaining show, and you never know who will come to town from week-to-week to make a run at the money.

Nick DeCarlo might be hearing the call of the money race this week, which would leave him with a decision to make. The four time feature winner has already won championships at Petaluma Speedway and Ocean Speedway, but Antioch Speedway has been elusive so far. However, he finds himself leading reigning champion Bobby Motts Jr by 22 points. The prize money being offered at Watsonville on Saturday night might tempt DeCarlo, and it will certainly have him wondering if he could afford to skip the race and not hurt his championship effort too much.

The problem comes from the fact that Motts has gotten some good finishes this season. Despite the fact that he has yet to get a feature win this year, Motts has been a consistent Top 5 finisher with three season-high second place finishes. If DeCarlo were absent this week, Motts would surly to take the point lead.

Kellen Chadwick is another driver who might have an easier choice to make considering the fact that he's not in championship contention. Kellen dominated another Main Event for his fourth victory of the season last week, and he only trails Sean O'Gara by 20 points in the race for third in the standings. However, Chadwick is running strong enough to go to many different places and compete for the bigger prize money. The question is, what will he do?

There are some good racers just chomping at the bit to get their first feature wins of the season. O'Gara is one for such driver. He has finished as high as third so far this year. Rookie Buddy Kniss has been looking faster behind the wheel as he's gotten more comfortable, and the fifth-ranked competitor is certainly a threat. Other drivers to watch out for include Bobby Montalvo, Shawn DeForest, David Zeiter and Raymond Lindeman. Anthony Slaney impressed last time out as he scored a season-high second place finish.

At this stage of the season, the point race doesn't have a lot of drama in the Hobby Stock division. With six feature wins to his credit, 2010 champion Chris Sorensen leads Michael Cooper by nearly 100 points. Cooper has notched four wins so far this year, while reigning champion and third-ranked competitor Cameron Swank is also a four-time winner. Unless these drivers decide to take a break, their positions in the Top 3 are not in doubt.

The bigger question is who might be next in line to get their first career win. It's tough with the Top 3 drivers out there, but Billy Garner and rookie John Wacht have both managed to get their first wins. Last time out, rookie Breanna Troen did an exceptional job of leading most of the Main Event before settling for third behind Sorensen and Cooper. Anthony Wellborn, Haley Gomez, Anthony Vigna and Joey Ridgeway are others who seem poised for victory.

The Dwarf Car championship seems to be in the familiar hands of reigning champion Mike Corsaro so far. Corsaro started things off strong as he won four of the first five Main Events for the class this year. His advantage is now 82 points over two-time winner David Michael Rosa. Corsaro has been shut out of the winner's column for the last six races, but he has three second place finishes to show for it

Mario Marques is hanging in there in the battle to overtake Rosa for second. As a one-time winner, Mario is only 12 points back, and he's 58 points ahead of the older Rosa, Street Stock legend David Rosa. It's a competitive group of Dwarf Car drivers, and seven different drivers have claimed victories after 11 events. Tony Carmignani was the most recent winner. Other drivers to watch for this week include Chris Becker, Troy Stevenson, ageless veteran Charlie Correia and 2010 champion Jerry Doty.

Saturday night's racing program should be a good one from start to finish. There's also further good news that due to popular demand, the B Modifieds will return to the schedule, starting with the August 11th event. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.


Jinkerson, Shelby, Crain Win Orland Raceway Main Events

Orland, CA...July 28...Dan Jinkerson scored the victory in the Pure Stock Main Event Saturday night at Orland Raceway. This was the reigning Placerville Speedway champion's first visit to the speedway this year. Jinkerson won his heat race earlier in the evening and then held off point leader Paul Stevens for the feature win. Reigning track champion Jeremy Langenderfer rebounded from motor issues a night earlier in Chico to get a third place finish, followed by Thomas Pavlik and Shannon Collins. The other heat race win went to Steve Martin.

The popular Sport Modifieds made their final appearance at the speedway, and reigning Chico and Marysville champion Philip Shelby brought home the victory. Shelby was in close pursuit of Jimmy Ford for the first 10 laps before making his move In Turn 2 to claim the lead. Shelby went on to win with Ford closely following in second as Mike Merritt, Tyler Rogers and Jeremy Phillips completed the Top 5. Rogers and Chris Sieweke won heat races.

Barbara Crain continued her Cinderella Season with another Mini Stock feature triumph. She served notice to the competition that she intends to win this championship with her fourth Main Event victory of the season. Reigning champion Tom Davis found himself in a familiar position, chasing Crain across the finish line in second. Sean Perry, Dustin Hills and Jason Libbee rounded out the Top 5 at the checkered flag. Davis and Crain were the heat race winners.

Keith Ross continued his bid for a repeat Mini Truck championship by winning the Main Event. Ross was chased across the line by previous winner Dan Webster, Justin Vance, William R and William Fogle. Vance and Ross were the heat race winners.

2016 champion Jess Garland won the 250 Micro Sprint Main Event. Mike Gonzalez provided the closest competition in second and Ronnie Heyer, Pax Gonzalez and point leader James Barnes rounded out the Top 5. Barnes was the heat race winner.

During the evening, the track took up a collection for the victims of the Carr Fire. Various supplies were donated throughout the night. Racing resumes next Saturday night with the Annual Thomas Schmitke Race For A Cure event. The Pure Stocks will be back in action along with the Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, Wingless Gas Sprints and 250 Micro Sprints. For further information, go to the Orland Raceway Facebook page.


Schmitke Memorial Race At Orland Raceway Saturday Night

Orland, CA...It's time for one of the more special events of the season at Orland Raceway. It's the annual Thomas Schmitke Memorial Race For A Cure event. Schmitke was the father of a two-year-old daughter when he lost his battle with Cancer in 2010. His family began doing fundraising events as a way to raise money for his daughter and has since used this effort to raise money for various charities that fight cancer. This is yet another commitment promoter Rich Hood has made to use the race track as a positive within the community.

Divisions scheduled to compete this Saturday night will include the Wingless Gas Sprints, Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks and 250 Micro Sprints.

The Wingless Gas Sprint championship battle has become a three-car race between multi-time champion Josh Jacobo, Tanner Thomson and RJ Baker. Jacobo has been leading, but there's only about 20 points separating the three drivers. Jacobo won the first two races of the season, but he's been shut out of the win column over the last four events. Thomson has yet to win, but he has finished as high as second on multiple occasions. Josh Tucker sits fourth in the standings with a pair of wins, and past champion Tony Richards has only recently joined the battle with a pair of feature wins in the most recent races. The Wingless Sprint Car division has had a presence on the Orland schedule since 2001.

Thomas Pavlik is out to get his first win on the race track. It turns out the Pure Stock competitor got a win two races ago after the Top 2 drivers were disqualified after the race. He's been running strong lately and finished fourth at the checkered flag last Saturday night. The two drivers having a hotly-contested championship battle so far are 2015 champion Paul Stevens and reigning champion Jeremy Langenderfer. Stephens grabbed yet another second place finish last week while Langenderfer settled for third. Jeremy leads the division with four wins, but his two bad nights have him playing catch up with Stevens. Stevens has finished in the Top 3 in almost every race.

Another driver in a battle for position is 2016 champion Steve Martin. Martin has his hands full fighting off Amanda McAbel, who finished sixth in the most recent race as he finished further back in the lineup. McAbel had a post checkered flag tangle with fifth place point competitor John Camper last week. Some of the racing got a little bit too close for comfort last week, but the drivers will be an out to show what they can really do this Saturday night.

After pretty much dominating the Mini Stock division last year enroute to a second division championship, Tom Davis finds him in the position of playing catch-up. That's because Barbara Crain has been on a roll. The wife of long time Orland Raceway competitor Olin Crain won her fourth Main Event of the season last week, and all Davis could do was chase her across the line in second. With his third place finish, Sean Perry is keeping this three-car championship battle relatively close as the season enters its final two-month stretch. Jason Libbee did well in finishing fifth last week as he has his sights set on a win. Other drivers to watch for include past champion John Kirkpatrick, Scott Camper and Paul Stevens.

The Mini Truck division seems to be falling more into the hands of reigning champion Keith Ross. Ross drove a great race last week and ended up with another feature win ahead of past champion Dan Webster. Because Webster has missed a race, he's further back in the standings as the steady William Fogle, Justin Vance and Kevin Kvalick battle for second. The trucks have seen an increase in count this year, which has led to some great racing all season long.

Likewise, James Barnes and Pax Gonzales have a good race going for the 250 Micro championship. Both drivers missed the Top 3 last week as past champion Jess Garland scored the victory ahead of Mike Gonzalez. Ronnie Heyer also had a good night in third as he tries to work his way up to a Top 3 position in the standings.

The Thomas Schmitke Memorial Race is a good opportunity to raise money for a worthy cause. The racing has been exciting on 1/5 mile dirt oval all season long, and this five division program promises more of the same for the fans. For further information, go to the Orland Raceway Facebook Page.


Forsberg, Terrell Win At Petaluma Speedway

Petaluma, CA...July 28...Andy Forsberg claimed the victory in the 30 lap PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. Forsberg collected $3,000 for his win as this was the second PitStopUSA.com Challenge race. Bradley Terrell had his sights set on a double win after picking up the victory in the Wingless Spec Sprint race. Terrell charged into the lead at the start of the Main Event, followed by Forsberg. Klint Simpson settled into third on lap eight and began a fierce battle with Forsberg for second.  Simpson motored around Forsberg for second on lap 19, and the duo soon caught Terrell in traffic. Forsberg raced underneath Simpson for second down the backstretch of the 22nd lap. Working lap 24, Simpson made a move around Terrell for the lead down the backstretch. Moments later, Simpson and Terrell tangled in Turn 3, ending the night for Terrell. Forsberg led the restart and paced the remaining seven laps for the big victory. Kalib Henry finished second, followed by Geoff Ensign, David Lindt II, Scott Parker, Brett Barney, Chase Majdic, Simpson, Brett Rollag and Jake Haulot.

It was Butler Auto Glass Night at the races, and Forsberg set the quick time with a lap of 12.597. Henry was second quick at 12.632. Majdic held off Parker to win the first eight lap heat race, and Terrell picked up the second heat race win ahead of Simpson.

Bradley Terrell scored the victory in the 25 lap PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. Shayna Sylvia was the early leader, but Casey McClain took over on the fourth lap. Terrell settled into third on a lap seven restart and took second from Sylvia on lap nine. The lead duo ran and closely, and the yellow flag flew on lap 16. McLain led the restart, but Terrell went charging by for the lead on lap 18. Terrell led the rest of the way to grab the win. McLain settled for second, followed by Sylvia, Ryon Siverling, Keith Calvino, Eden McCormick, Matthew Haulot, Bob Davis, Dan Younce and Chet Wilson. Terrell set the fast time of 14.325 and Sylvia was second quick with a lap of 14.495. Eight lap heat race wins were scored by Terrell and Sylvia.

Michael Paul Jr won the 25 lap McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modified Main Event. Paul led from the third lap with Mitch Machado running second through the first 13 laps. A lap 14 restart allowed reigning champion Oreste Gonella to move into second and take up pursuit of Paul. However, Paul begin to pull away, only to have his pace slowed one more time by a lap 22 caution flag. That would not stop Paul as he resumed command on the restart and brought it home to victory, followed by Gonella, point leader Jeffrey Faulkner, Tim Yeager Jr, Ray Trimble, Tony Bernard, Justin Yeager, Machado and Anthony Restad. Machado and Paul picked up the wins in their eight lap heat races.

Miranda Chappa won the General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Car Main Event. The race was scheduled to go 25 laps, but time restraints became a factor after the seventh caution flag as the race was ended at 22 laps. Chappa led the race through every slow down, and the early ending may have been a blessing as she finished the race on a flat right rear tire. Reigning champion Dave Mosier had worked his way up to second by lap 10, but his bid for the win ended a lap later as Matt Hagermann took up pursuit of the flying Chappa. When the yellow and checkered flags waved on lap 22, Chappa was still leading Hagermann, and John Peters. Adam Teves finished fourth followed, by Scooter Gomes, Carroll Mendenhall, Brandon Gentry, Adam Johnson, Mark Hanson and Danny Marsh. The eight lap heat races were won Marcus Hardina, Scooter Gomes and Zack Albers.

Racing resumes on August 11th with a four division program that will feature PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Cars, McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds, Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks and General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.


Sanders, Robertson Score Sprint Car Wins At Ocean Speedway

Watsonville, CA...July 27...Justin Sanders put on an impressive display of driving in scoring the victory in the 30 lap Taco Bravo Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Ocean Speedway. It was the fourth win of the season for the 2015 champion, and it keeps him in title contention as he is third in the standings. It was Koen Shaw grabbing the Main Event pole position as he outran Sanders to win the six lap Trophy Dash. However, Sanders motored ahead at the start of the Main Event ahead of Shaw and Brad Furr. The order remained the same through three caution periods, but Furr moved by Shaw for the second position on lap 16. Sanders was doing a masterful job of negotiating slower traffic, leaving the battle for second. On lap 25, Ryan Bernal slipped past both Furr and Shaw to take second. However, Sanders held a straightaway advantage ahead of Bernal by the time the checkered flag waved. Furr settled for third ahead of Shaw, Tanner Carrick, Cole Macedo, Matthew Moles, Blake Carrick, Kurt Nelson and Jerry Bonnema.

There were 21 Winged 360 Sprint Cars on hand, and Furr set the fastest time of 11.852, barely beating the 11.897 of Tanner Carrick. Kyle Offill, Shaw and Jason Chisum were the winners of the eight lap heat races, and Shaw won the six lap Trophy Dash. By the end of the night, Furr held a two point advantage over Shaw and a 79 point lead over Sanders in a close championship battle.

Blake Robertson won the 30 lap IMCA Western RaceSaver Sprint Car Main Event as the group made their first of two scheduled appearances at the speedway. Robertson set the pace at the start ahead of Brooklyn Holland and point leader Grant Duinkerken. Duinkerken made the move around Holland for second on lap 11 with Kyle Rasmussen following quickly into third. Following a lap 17 caution flag, Robertson had Duinkerken in close pursuit in the waning laps. Duinkerken gave him a good challenge as they ran to the checkered flag, but Robertson prevailed in the end. Rasmussen settled for third, followed by Holland, Robert Solomon, Albert Pombo, Rick Bray, Mouro Simone, Michael Pombo and Doug Gandy. Robertson set the fast time of 12.311, and eight lap heat races were won by Michael Pombo and Rasmussen.

Austin Manzella scored the victory in the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Manzella is the current IMCA State point leader, and this was his third win at the speedway this season. Manzella led from the start with Anthony Giuliani in pursuit. The lead two positions remained the same all the way to the checkered flag as the event had just two yellow flag slowdowns. However, Giuliani was disqualified in post race tech. Austin Williams made the pass around Justin McPherson on the 18th lap for what would be a second place finish. Point leader Jim DiGiovanni finished fourth followed by Adrian Frost, Jack Aguilar, John Farrell, Jarrod Mounce and Charlie Hunter. Giuliani and McPherson each scored wins in the eight lap heat races.

Norm Ayers collected the victory in the 20 lap American Stock Main Event. It was his first win of the season as he becomes the seventh different winner so far. Ayers raced into the lead at the start, followed by Tony Oliveira. Oliveira's run in second came to an end on the fifth lap with Merced Speedway visitor Nick Lawrence taking up pursuit of Ayers on the restart. The lead three cars of Ayers, Lawrence and JC Elrod ran closely at the front of the pack in the waning laps. Elrod made a lap 19 pass around Lawrence for second, but Lawrence regained the position at the checkered flag. Ayers was the happy winner. Joe Gallaher finished fourth, followed by point leader in Matt Kile, Rob Gallaher, Chris McCabe, Tom Cline, DJ Keldsen and Oliveira. Johnson and Rob Gallaher were the eight lap heat race winners.

Rob Buchanan picked up the victory in the 15 lap Police N Pursuit Main Event. It was the first win of the season for Buchanan, who represents the Task Force Racers Team. Buchanan set the early pace ahead of Roy Iler. Jesse Mueller raced into the lead on lap five, but his run up front ended on lap 11 as Buchanan regained the point. Buchanan had his hands full with the California Highway Patrol Team car of Chris Murphy running a close second, but he prevailed at the checkered flag. Jared Johnson finished third, followed by John Hohmann and Kyle Dorris. Six lap race wins were recorded by Mueller and Murphy.

Stock Car racing takes center stage at Ocean Speedway next Saturday night with the 21st running of the Mike Cecil Memorial. IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and American Stocks will all be on the card, and each division will be racing for $1,000 to win. The American Stocks will run an 80 lap Main Event. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.


Ocean Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 27, 2018
Taco Bravo Sprint Cars
Justin Sanders
Ryan Bernal
Brad Furr
Koen Shaw
Tanner Carrick
Cole Macedo
Mathew Moles
Blake Carrick
Kurt Nelson
Jerry Bonnema
Jeremy Chisum
Anthony Simone
Bryan Grier
Tanner Boul
Vaughn Schott
Bud Kaeding
Jason Chisum
Richard Fajardo
Kyle Offill
Chris Nelson

IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars
Blake Robertson
Grant Duinkerken
Kyle Rasmussen
Brooklyn Holland
Robert Solomon
Albert Pombo
Rick Bray
Mauro Simone
Michael Pombo
Doug Gandy
Ben Catron
Brendan Warmerdam
Jacob Pacheco

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Austin Manzella
Austin Williams
Justin McPherson
Jim DiGiovanni
Adriane Frost
Jack Aguiar
John Ferro
Jarrod Mounce
Charlie Hunter DNS
Anthony Giuliani  DQ

American Stocks
Norm Ayers
Nick Lawrence
JC Elrod
Joe Gallaher
Matt Kile
Rob Gallaher
Chris McCabe
Tom Cline
DJ Keldsen
Tony Oliveira
Sam Kennedy
Dakota Keldsen

Police N Pursuit
Rob Buchanan
Chris Murphy
Jared Johnson
John Hohmann
Kyle Dorris
Scott Morasci
Steven Fernandes
Jesse Mueller
James Cooper
Tony Weir
Josh McKim
Mike Mount
Roy Iler
Derrick Boler DNS


Petaluma Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 28, 2018
PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Results are not official
1     #x1 Andy Forsberg        
2     #93 Kalib Henry
3     #3f Geoff Ensign
4     #52 David Lindt II
5     #12p Scott Parker
6     #88 Bret Barney
7     #9n Chase Majdic
8     #101 Klint Simpson
9     #27 Brett Rollag
10     #7h Jake Haulot
11     #6 Will Fatu
12     #43 Bradley Terrell        
13     #38 Colby Johnson
14     #3t Nicholas Ringo        

PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprints
Results are not official
1     #11 Bradley Terrell        
2     #38x Casey McClain
3     #9 Shayna Sylvia
4     #77s Ryon Siverling
5     #73x Keith Calvino
6     #32b Eden McCormick
7     #11h Matthew Haulot
8     #3r Bob Davis
9     #17 Dan Younce
10     #5150 Chet Wilson
11     #57n Dennis Furia Jr.
12     #28 Doc Brophy            
13     #92z Scott Chapeta         
14     #84 Brent Steck        
15     #98 Geoff Ensign

McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds
Results are not official
1     #50 Michael Paul Jr.
2     #23 Oreste Gonnella
3     #34j Jeff Faulkner
4     #17y Tim Yaeger
5     #37 Ray Trimble
6     #42b Tony Bernard
7     #2y Justin Yaeger        
8     #22m Mitch Machado        
9     #23x Anthony Restad

General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars
Results are not official
1     #81 Miranda Chappa
2     #59r Matt Hagemann
3     #71r John Peters
4     #42r Adam Teves
5     #66r Scooter Gomes
6     #11r Carroll Mendenhall
7     #31r Brandon Gentry
8     #15r Adam Johnson
9     #79r Mark Hanson
10     #27r Danny Marsh
11     #34r Sam Borland
12     #2j Jenna Perkins
13     #08r Adam Freitas
14     #43r Michael Williams
15     #16z Jordan Souza
16     #2r Kylee Johnson
17     #21r Marcus Hardina    
18     #22r Zack Albers
19     #23r Dave Mosier        
20     #13r Trevor Mendenhall
21     #03r Mike Affonso        
22     #9r Chad Matthias    


Madera Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 28, 2018
Late Model Race #6 on MAVTV $5000.00 to win
Main Event
Results are not official
1     #22 s Buddy Shepherd        
2     #11 H Austin Herzog
3     #42 Matt Erickson
4     #98 L Adam Lemke
5     #88 T Dillion Tucker
6     #73 Garland Tyler
7     #21 E Nick Grossi
8     #84 Cole Moore
9     #51 V Racin Vernon
10     #09 Kayla Eshleman
11     #41 Howard Holden
12     #18 W Jack Wood
13     #38 Ryan Hart
14     #45 Jason Aguirre        
15     #51 Carlos Vieira
16     #92 Logan Zampa            
17     #89 Shelden Cooper        
18     #99 Christian Roche        
19     #28 g Henk Gaalswyk Jr
20     #88 B Kolby Berry        
21     #52 Ryan Phillpott        
22     #21 H Eric Nascimento    

B-Main
Results are not official
1     #14 Travis Milburn
2     #77 Rick Thompson
3     #25 H Quintin Harris
4     #96 Loren Kutz
5     #27 Kevin Thompson
6     #41 Howard Holden        
7     #88 T Dillion Tucker
8     #89 Shelden Cooper
9     #38 Ryan Hart
10     #18 W Jack Wood
11     #21 H Eric Nascimento

Jr. Late Models
Results are not official
1     #7 Tyler Reif        
2     #43 Tanner Reif
3     #92 Dylan Zampa
4     #09 Kayla Eshleman
5     #48 Calvin Hegje
6     #88I Joey Iest
7     #15 Hailey Liles
8     #5 Olivia Manke
9     #84 Jody Moen
10     #69 Kyler Berry    
11     #05 Kabe McClenny            
12     #16 Lilly Mead        
13     #30 Zachary Ginn        
14     #18 Austin Edwards            
15     #38 Jesse Love IV       

Mini Cups/Bandoleros
Results are not official
1     #04 Riley Massey        
2     #07 Kale McClenny
3     #62 Aaron Thomas
4     #45 Aiden Phillips
5     #04 N Ethan Nascimento
6     #1 Jayce McArthey    
7     #57 Hank Hall
8     #88 Zachary Ginn
9     #7 Kenna Mitchell
10     #47 Joseph Holiday
11     #52 Jacen Soiseth    

MST
Results are not official
1     #10 Shaun Reynolds        
2     #40 s Bert Stephens
3     #24 Dave Lander
4     #21 Patrick Geiger
5     #11 Dennis Brannon
6     #33 Ryan Reynolds


The Editor's Viewpoint

It's been nice to be able to slow down my pace for a few days. As we're having a one-week break due to the Country Music Festival in the area, I haven't been trying to work my schedule around anybody else's. More importantly, I've been able to get some rest for a change. It's not uncommon for me to go into two race weekends and only have maybe six hours of total sleep between the two nights. I'm enjoying the pace this week.

Southern Oregon Speedway is coming up on the final eight racing weekends of the year. Because of the crappy weather we have up here, we don't get as long of a racing season as the tracks in California. Actually, the weather is so nice up here in late September and early October that we could get away with running two or three more races. The problem you encounter in that scenario is the fact that it's hunting season. People tend to take their hunting very seriously up here.

In any case, we have six two race weekends scheduled for the last eight racing weekends. The one monkey wrench that can be thrown into all of this is either the terrible smoke we're getting up here due to fires or the fact that it might get too hot. Therefore, Mike could make the decision to cancel a race or two. We won't know until the time comes. I'm hoping not. Like I said, racing season isn't long enough here as it is.

My intent was to release fliers for the two big races that we have coming up, the Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge at the end of August and the R Charles Snyder Salute at the beginning of September. I held off on the latter because somebody is trying to make a pitch to adjust something on the schedule. I was authorized to release the flier, but I'm waiting to see what Mike has to say on the subject. I also wanted to double-check on something with the Sprint Cars. This means those two fliers will go out probably mid-week as I write this. They may be released before this blog post is put up.

It goes without saying that the R Charles Snyder Salute and the Hall of Fame Night are two very important races to me. Before coming up here, I had done some research on who Snyder was, and I came to the realization that he deserved a special race. I was lobbying for that from the moment I got here. He was the voice of Southern Oregon Racing for many years and a popular local DJ. Hall of Fame night is just a natural thing to do. I'm for having a Hall of Fame at any racing venue that's been around for a long time. Though Southern Oregon Speedway has only been around for 23 seasons, it follows on the heels of Medford Raceway, which goes back to the 1950s. It was long overdue that this happened, and we'll be having our second Hall of Fame class this year. I couldn't tell you who will get inducted. We have people discussing that very topic as I speak. Mike and I will offer our observations afterwards, but here's the thing. It will be up to the people who have been around the scene for a while to carry on the tradition of this particular event. I'm not sure how much longer I will be here, but it would be nice to know that the racing community believed in the Hall of Fame enough to keep it going.

I'm coming back to California this year for a visit. It's a visit right now, but who knows what could come of it? I have no idea. Will I be doing this racing stuff next year? If I am, where will I be? Or am I moving on? My own future is very much in doubt, but while I'm involved in the sport, I want to help make a positive difference. It's all I've ever wanted to do. So, I have ideas very much in mind when I go back down there. I'll be making my first visit to Orland Raceway when I visit my family on September 29th. Then, two weeks in the Antioch area as I watch the final two races of the season there.

Orland Raceway is an interesting track. This little one-fifth mile dirt oval has been on my radar for about 30 years since my friends in the NCMA got some races there. Then, the management back in 2001 made that track the second place to run Wingless Spec Sprints after we started them at Antioch Speedway. So, they've earned a special place in my heart. I have tried to study the history of Orland racing, and I know it goes back even further than the track they run on now.

They sit in the shadows of Silver Dollar Speedway, but Silver Dollar Speedway has even seen its better days. Orland is actually experiencing a little bit of an upturn. Now, I'm not going to tell you that they are setting the racing world on fire, but more people are attending the races there this year from what I can see when I get peaks at grandstand shots. This is a track whose nucleus of divisions consists of Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks and the longest-running Mini Truck division on the West Coast. They don't try to be some huge racing facility, but they have their moments.

September 29th will afford me the opportunity to go meet some people, including Promoter Rich Hood. I've been an admirer of his work for a few reasons. First of all, racing seemed dead in Orland in 2016. When the previous promoter abruptly left a couple of months before the season was scheduled to start, it left everything it doubt. Not only did Rich and his people step in and get the contract, they made the place operational within two months, and this was with a County Fair in the middle of all that. They were not allowed to touch the track during the Fair. Yeah, he saved the program.

Gradually, they've been gaining some momentum and have been able to try a few things to give the fans a little bit more to look at. It seems to be working. The track has had a revolving door of promoters since the Turner's left, and Hood is approaching the longest run since the Turner's. I think the place is in good hands. I also think there are a few areas that would help the track if there was some improvement.

I speak of the way it's presented to the fans. They have newspapers in the area that are willing to give them ink. From what I can see, there are at least three or four that have used material that I have sent them. Obviously, if they bring somebody on board in Orland and have them handling publicity and social media, it will only benefit them. I also know that printed media doesn't mean what it once did, but it still does matter. A person running publicity for the track would need to keep their eyes open for every opportunity they can come up with to get the track more exposure. Printed media matters.

Though I think they've done some good things with social media, I think they can ramp up their presentation more. Also, the track needs a whole new web page. Fans go to social media by default, but after that, there's the web page. I wouldn't object to being an adviser in helping them put this together as I'm holding on to some things that might be of use on a future web page. Also, and this is very important, they need to put race results out there in a timely manner and point standings as well. If you want the fans to be engaged in what you're doing, you have to let them know what you're doing.

So, I do look forward to my trip down to California and my stop at Orland. Plus, I get to visit my cousin, whom I grew up with, and make the trip with him back to the Antioch area. I'll be taking notes and bringing my camera for a few shots here and there. Speaking of photography, Christina Meeds does the photography at Orland Raceway and even at Silver Dollar Speedway. She really does an exceptional job with her work. These photos help preserve the memories years later, when you're looking back and remembering a moment you witnessed. What I'm saying is buy her photos and support Christina in her work.

The same holds true for my friend Paul Gould at Antioch Speedway. Paul has assisted the media effort that I've made for the past three years with his photos. They help open doors and get us into printed media and on various web sites as well. Antioch Speedway needs all the exposure it can get, and I'm certainly doing when I can from a distance. However, the track needs more then what I'm able to do from afar. Whether it's me in 2019 or somebody else, This is very important.

I think the job of Publicity Director is more of a challenge in 2018. You can't just use the printed media and call it good. People are wrongly ignoring the printed media and calling it obsolete. The newspapers and magazines are probably catering to an older market, but have you looked at the demographics of racing? That's our market. You send stuff to any media outlet, and you constantly look to see if there's anywhere else you can send it. This is just part of the strategy.

Antioch Speedway Is handled by two people who are on opposite ends. My friend Mike Kord has been doing the webpage and souvenir program now for several years from Southern California, and I'm up here doing the printed and internet media. What the track needs now is somebody located there and engaged in the process of putting the word out about what is happening. I've been saying this all along, but this is the effort that will help put butts back in the seats. It won't happen overnight, but the quicker you get started, the quicker you can see results.

I'm only too willing to help the track as much as I have been, and it's doubtful that I would stop my writing efforts even if they hired somebody else. I'd just retreat back to the blog, and people interested in that could to go there to read my stuff. But you're never going to get rid of me from Antioch Speedway as long as I'm paying attention to auto racing. It's in my blood and it's in my heart. This is why when I realized I could make two races at the end of the season, I knew I had to make plans. It could have been three, and if I was told I was needed down there, my plans could still change to include the third weekend.

I Look to have conversations with my friends, and that includes John. I'm interested in seeing where things are. I of course would understand if he sold the place and walked away at the end of the year. He has nothing left to prove as he's accomplished about everything he set out to do in racing. But, if he were to continue on for another five year stint, I think he could benefit from the help that I would bring. Not just that, but I have a mind to possibly do something with printed racing media again. He does own the title to Racing Wheels Magazine, so that could be a possibility. Or, this blog could go back to print again in some form too. It's in the thought process right now, and I'm not saying something is definitely going to happen.

I am definitely going down for a visit. I do have an idea in mind that I've been floating around privately to a few people. It's something that's been on my mind for 20 some odd years. You probably understand where it is I'm going with this, although I will be just a bit cryptic for a while longer. In any event, there were a couple of things that needed to be handled for this to be a possibility, and it looks like they may have been handled. So, I may have some surprises in store upon my return.

Exactly what I'm up to, I will reveal In the days ahead. The main thing is I think people should support their race track, whether that happens to be Antioch or somewhere else. If you're a racer with a car or a fan who enjoys racing, then get to the track. That's how you help the cause. You might want to see change happen, but change will never happen if everybody abandons ship and the place closes. Change only happens when people who care enough and have the ways and means to do so step in and bring about that change.

Anyway, I'm going to keep this brief. Still working on my media effort here on a Sunday and have several news outlets waiting for their stories. Until next time...