Antioch Speedway, Ocean Speedway, Merced Speedway and Petaluma Speedway Season Previews, More

 

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60th Anniversary Season Set To Begin At Antioch Speedway 

Antioch, CA...Chad and Tina Chadwick of PROmotions took over Antioch Speedway prior to the 2020 season. Chad came into the season with much enthusiasm for implementing big changes, but he couldn't have foreseen the challenges he would face. With much optimism among the community, Chadwick was assisted by several racers and crew members in cleaning up the facility and helping make repairs in February. All looked good at that point.

In March, the speedway was rocked by the news that racing season would not start due to the covid-19 pandemic. Chadwick worked on finding a way to make racing happen. Though he was able to accomplish that goal, there was never a point throughout the season in which fans would be allowed to attend. That was the bad news. The good news was that Antioch Speedway was the most active dirt track anywhere on the West Coast and ran 24 consecutive weekends of racing at one point. There were many accomplishments to be proud of. 

On the heels of a season that had both good news and bad news, Chad has mapped out an exciting schedule for what will be the speedway's 60th Anniversary season. The gates opened to weekly racing back in 1961. 60 years later, the show continues on the quarter-mile clay oval at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds. Racing season is set to begin on March 13th with a lineup consisting of Wingless Spec Sprints, Delta Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks and Super Stocks. It will conclude on November 27th with IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks.

The speedway will continue to feature the popular IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Delta Dwarf Cars, Wingless Spec Sprints, Winged 360 Sprints, Super Stocks and Mini Stocks, along with visits from the Bay Area Hardtops, Bay Cities Racing Association and other excitement. Furthermore, the IMCA Stock Cars have been added as a new championship points earning division for the season. Chadwick has seen the growth of the IMCA sanctioned class at other venues and decided it was time to add them to the Antioch roster.

These days, it can be challenging to maintain a strong car count with the rising costs that people are facing. One of the ways Chadwick is meeting these challenges is by rotating his divisions. In general, the divisions are being booked in such a way that they aren't running two consecutive weekends whenever possible. By doing that, it is hoped that the car count numbers will stay strong in all divisions. Antioch was aided last season by the fact that they were able to run when other tracks weren't, but Chadwick knows that at some point everybody will be racing.

Throughout the season, there are several special events planned. The first race of the season for the IMCA Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars along with the Delta Dwarf Cars will be on March 20th. The three IMCA sanctioned classes will be featured at all three Big Kahuna George Steitz Freedom Series events, which are being booked for May 28th and 29th, July 10th and September 3rd and 4th. On June 26th, the speedway will run the annual Hetrick Memorial race, featuring The IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and the second of five appearances for the Bay Area Hardtops. As was the case last year, the Hardtops will be competing against the Valley Sportsman division from Merced.

The speedway will again have its signature IMCA Modified, Sport Modified and Stock Car event on September 30th, October 1st and October 2nd. It's the Third Annual Bill Bowers Memorial West Coast Nationals. Though the point racing will be done at the end of September, there are some more Modified and Sport Modified events planned for October and November. Furthermore, Antioch will be hosting an IMCA California Speedweek race on May 5th as the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds take center stage along with the Hobby Stocks. 

The March 13th opener will feature the Wingless Spec Sprints, Delta Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks and Super Stocks for their first point event. The Spec Sprints and the Winged 360 Sprint Car divisions will be featured eight times during the course of the year with the 360 Sprints making their first appearance on March 27th. Chadwick endeavored to book the 360 class on dates in which Petaluma wasn't running a point race for them. The Delta Dwarf Cars will again get to host a Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event on July 15th-17th that will see some of the best Dwarf Car drivers converge on Antioch Speedway. On October 22nd and 23rd, there will also be the Second Annual Dwarf Car Mania event.

The Super Stocks have a big show on April 10th as the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series invades with some of the best drivers on the West Coast. The Super Stocks will all be running on October 9th as part of the Larry Damitz/Donna Soares Memorial Hall of Fame night. Joining them will be the IMCA Stock Cars, Bay Area Hardtops and Wingless 600 Micro Sprints. This occasion will also be the annual Chet Thomson Memorial race for the Hardtops. On October 30th, the Hobby Stocks race for $1,500 to win, joined by the Super Stocks and IMCA Stock Cars.

August 21st, the Bay Cities Racing Association Mighty Midgets come to Antioch, joined by the Wingless 600 Micros, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks. On September 25th, it's an open wheel affair as the BCRA Midgets return along with the Midget Lites, Wingless 600 Micros and the Wingless Spec Sprints. September 10th and 11th will be a very special occasion as the Monster Trucks come to town to provide their brand of thrilling excitement. 

This is just a sampling of the excitement that is to come this year if all goes according to plan. Due to the fact that we are still dealing with the covid-19 pandemic, the schedule is subject to change, and announcements on whether spectators will be allowed and other information will be forthcoming. One thing that is known is when Antioch Speedway has a race you can go to www.antochspeedway.tv to check out the action on internet pay-per-view.

Improvements to the facility were ongoing last season and will continue this year as Chadwick continues to implement his plan to make the speedway better than it's been in years. Already, there have been rave reviews from the local racers and competitors who have come from throughout California and the western states for visits. One new improvement for this year will be electronic scoring. Drivers will now be able to keep track of how fast they go in any given race, and this will also be a way for fans to keep track of the scoring as they watch the action on the track.

 

2021 Antioch Speedway Schedule

2-27  Open Practice

3-6   Open Practice

3-13  Wingless Sprints

          Dwarf Cars

          Hobby Stocks

          Super Stocks

3-20   IMCA Modifieds

          IMCA Sport Modifieds

          IMCA Stock Cars

          Dwarf Cars

3-27   Winged 360 Sprint Cars

           Hobby Stocks

           Mini Stocks

           Super Stocks

4-3      IMCA Modifieds

           IMCA Sport Modifieds

           IMCA Stock Cars

           Dwarf Cars

4-10    IMCA Modifieds

           IMCA Sport Modifieds

           TRI_State Stock Cars / Super Stocks

           Dwarf Cars

4-14     Open Practice

4-17     Winged 360 Sprint Cars

             600 Micros Sprints Non-Wing

             Hobby Stocks

             Mini Stocks

4-24     Wingless Sprint Cars

             Super Stocks

             Hobby Stocks

             Dwarf Cars

5-1        Wingless Sprint Cars

              Hobby Stocks

              Super Stocks

              Mini Stocks

5-5   Speed Week

        IMCA Modifieds

        IMCA Sport Modifieds

        Hobby Stocks

5-8  *Mothers Day 

          Mini Vans

          Wingless Sprint Cars

           IMCA Stock Cars 

            Dwarf Cars

5-12  Open Practice

5-15  IMCA Modifieds

         IMCA Sport Modifieds

         IMCA Stock Cars

         Mini Stocks

5-22  Winged 360 Sprint Cars

          Super Stocks

          Hobby Stocks

          Dwarf Cars

          Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen 

5-28  *2 Day Show

5-29  “The Big Kahuna” George Steitz Freedom Series #1

            IMCA Modifieds

            IMCA Sport Modifieds

            IMCA Stock Cars

6-5  Wingless Sprint Cars

        Hobby Stocks

        Mini Stocks

        Dwarf Cars

6-12 TBA

6-16 Open Practice

6-19 Winged 360 Sprint Cars

         IMCA Stock Cars

         Hobby Stocks

         Dwarf Cars

6-26 *Hetrick Memorial

           IMCA Modifieds 

           IMCA Sport Modifieds

           Hobby Stocks

           Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

7-3 Dark

7-10 IMCA Modifeds

        IMCA Sport Modifieds

        IMCA Stock Cars

        Hobby Stocks

7-14 Open Practice

7-15 *3 Day Show

7-16

7-17 Dwarf Car Nationals

7-24 Wingless Sprint Cars

         Mini Stocks

         Hobby Stocks

         Dwarf Cars

7-31 Winged 360 Sprint Cars

         Hobby Stocks

         Dwarf Cars

         Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

8-7 IMCA Modifieds

      IMCA Sport Modifieds

      IMCA Stock Cars

      Mini Stocks

8-14 Winged 360 Sprint Cars

         Super Stocks

         Hobby Stocks

         Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

8-18 Open Practice

8-21 BCRA Midgets

        600 Micro Sprint Non-Winged

         Hobby Stocks

         Mini Stocks

8-28 IMCA Modifieds

        IMCA Sport Modifieds

        IMCA Stock Cars

        Dwarf Cars

9-3  *2 Day Show

9-4  “The Big Kahuna” George Steitz Freedom Series #2

          IMCA Modifieds

          IMCA Sport Modifieds

          IMCA Stock Cars

9-10  *2 Day Show

9-11  Monster Trucks

9-15 Open Practice

9-18 Winged 360 Sprint Cars

         Hobby Stocks

         Dwarf Cars

         Mini Stocks

9-25 BCRA Midgets

         Lightening Sprints

         600 Micro Sprints Non-Winged

         Wingless Sprint Cars

        West Coast Nationals – Bill Bowers Memorial

9-30 Practice, BBQ, and Corn Hole tournament

10-1 IMCA Modifieds

        IMCA Sport Modifieds

        IMCA Stock Cars

10-2 IMCA Modifieds

        IMCA Sport Modifieds

        IMCA Stock Cars

10-9 Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame

         Donna Soares / Larry Damitz Memorial

         Hobby Stocks

         Super Stocks

         600 micro Sprint Non Wing

         Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

10-13 Open Practice

10-16 IMCA Modifieds

          IMCA Sport Modifieds

          IMCA Stock Cars

10-22 *2 Day Show

10-23 Dwarf Car Mania

10-30 IMCA Stock Cars

          Super Stocks

          Hobby Stocks - $1500 to Win for Hobby Stocks.

11-26 Wingless Sprint Cars

           Winged 360 Sprint Cars

            Hobby Stocks

            Mini Stocks

11-27   IMCA Modifieds

            IMCA Sport Modifieds

            IMCA Stock Cars

            Hobby Stocks

*Schedule Subject To Change

A Brief Look Back At Antioch Speedway 2020

As we look back on last season, Chadwick was already making big moves that got everybody talking. One of his biggest and most popular moves was the decision to put the Modifieds and Sport Modifieds under IMCA sanctioning. With virtually every other track in the area running these classes under the oldest sanctioning body in the United States, this meant that Antioch competitors could take part in the State, Regional and National point battles in addition to local points. The decision to bring sanctioning to the speedway, coupled by the fact that Antioch at times was the only place you could run these cars, meant bigger car counts for these classes.

It was also decided to bring the Four Banger division back as an entry point for new drivers. This division has been renamed Mini Stocks for the coming season. As adjustments sometimes needed to be made on the fly in regards to scheduling, Antioch forged a relationship with the growing Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series, and that division competed head-to-head with the local Super Stocks several times throughout the season. Meanwhile, the Hobby Stocks enjoyed one of their best supported seasons in years.

The Delta Dwarf Cars formed a group and joined the larger Western States Dwarf Car Association. In doing so, they were able to secure a two-day Regional event last season that saw top drivers from throughout the state converging on Antioch. The move led to some of the biggest car counts for Dwarf Cars Antioch has ever seen. Meanwhile, the Wingless Spec Sprints went to rules similar to those of Petaluma in an effort to get more cars in the field, and the track even hosted a Hunt Wingless Series race. All in all, there was much to be excited about. 

As the racing community waited on pins and needles for an announcement on when racing would take place, Chadwick delivered the good news. On Memorial Day weekend, they would host the Freedom Series event as planned. As a precursor to what was to come, they held a practice day the previous Saturday, resulting in a track record 100 competitors on hand for practicing. For the Freedom Series event, they attracted roughly 150 competitors across the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Hobby Stocks, which was also a track record. Once racing started on that May weekend, they ran 24 consecutive weekends of championship racing before taking a break and coming back for a couple of shows in November. Under challenging circumstances, the 2020 racing season would still have to be considered a success.

 

Foulger Brings Bowers Motorsports Another Championship

When it was announced that Antioch Speedway would be bringing in IMCA sanctioning, several area Modified racers who had not competed for local points in recent seasons returned. One of them was Troy Foulger. Piloting the Bowers Motorsports entry, Troy won the Merced championship the year prior. He and Bowers had teamed up for four-consecutive Antioch Speedway championships before that, and they set their sights on #5. Consistency was the key as Foulger scored 12 Top 5 finishes and three victories to win the championship by 31 markers ahead of Jim Pettit II. In addition to the Antioch title, Foulger also picked up the State title.

Pettit, who had been inducted into the Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame a year earlier, enjoyed one of his best seasons in recent years. With one win out of 10 Top 5 finishes, Pettit held off Kellen Chadwick by just 13 points to finish second in the standings and also ranked second in the State. Chadwick led the field with four victories among his eight Top 5 finishes to easily secure third in the standings ahead of previous champion Buddy Kniss and past State title winner Shane DeVolder. Kniss had two Top 5 finishes among his best efforts, while DeVolder had a win.

Completing the Top 10 in the standings were Watsonville star JC Elrod, past Antioch champion Nick DeCarlo, division newcomer Kimo Oreta, Jeff Browne and past champion Bobby Motts Jr. DeCarlo notched two victories among his eight Top 10 finishes. Among the other winners during the season were Oregon star Collen Winebarger, Bakersfield star Jerry Flippo and Nebraska visitor Jacob Hobschiedt. 

Driving for Sean Wilson, Jacob scored the $5,000 victory in the Bill Bowers Memorial race in October and also won the preliminary feature a night earlier. Winebarger was noteworthy in winning the Freedom Series feature in May, while other Freedom Series wins went to Pettit in July and DeCarlo in September. Antioch hosted an IMCA Speedweek visit during the week on August 12th, won by DeCarlo. Chadwick won the Hetrick Memorial race.

Trevor Clymens Claims His Third IMCA Sport Modified Title

While many people regard Fred Ryland to be the all time greatest in the 10-year history of the IMCA Sport Modifieds at Antioch Speedway, third-generation racer Trevor Clymens has certainly put his name in the conversation. In fact, Ryland and Clymens are battling fiercely for the all-time win lead in this class. Ryland was in contention for the championship early in the season, but he bowed out. Also vacating contention was past champion KC Keller, who may have won the championship had he not missed that race. This left past Super Stock champion Mark Garner to fight Clymens for the title.

Garner never missed a race and fought hard. Though he only had one Top 5 finish and nine Top 10s, Garner led the standings going into the final race. It was Clymens passing Garner by four points to ultimately claim the championship. Clymens led the pack with nine Top 5 finishes and 13 Top 10s as well as one victory. Keller was only 14 points out of the lead on the strength of two wins out of eight Top 5 finishes. Only 17 points behind Keller was one time winner Kenny Shrader, who also had seven Top 5 efforts. Coming off of his runner-up season a year earlier, the steady Kevin Brown completed the Top 5 in the standings. 

Trevor's brother Tommy Clymens Jr had a solid effort in sixth in the standings, 10 markers ahead of Ryland. Ryland topped the field with four victories among his nine Top 5 finishes. Previous champion Tommy Fraser had one victory and finished eighth in the standings, followed by impressive rookie Andrew Pearce and past State champion Guy Ahlwardt, who had three wins to his credit. Todd Gomez, Bakersfield star Michael Johnson and past State champion Brian Cooper were also winners. Cooper was notable in winning the first Freedom Series race in May. The July Freedom Series triumph went to Keller, while Fraser claimed the glory in the September event. 

Ahlwardt was very impressive in the rapidly run Bill Bowers Memorial race in October. He secured the $2500 payday after overtaking Ryland. The August IMCA Speedweek win went to Garrett Jernagan, who would ultimately claimed  the Series championship in that class. Ryland picked up the Hetrick Memorial win for the class

Thompson Emerges As Unlikely Jay's Mobile Welding Hobby Stock Champion

The pandemic situation made it a strange season for the Jay's Mobile Welding Hobby Stock division. While the IMCA sanctioned classes knew that they would be competing for a championship through the sanctioning body as long as they ran a minimum of four races at the track, nobody knew whether there would be a point race or not for the other classes. Points were not posted through the first half of the season. Likely championship contender Travis Dutra, who was at times very dominant, missed some races. Breanna Troen declared her intent to run for points before the pandemic hit. With no points listed by the time the Hobby Stock division was added to the IMCA Speedweek race in August, Breanna was absent that night. Her absence ultimately cost her the championship.

James Thomson was more focused on trying to score a victory then competing for points, but his consistency proved to be the key. Though the win eluded him, most of James's eight Top 5 finishes were second place efforts. In the end, that put him 36 tallies ahead of Troen, who also scored eight Top 5 finishes. The steady Jake Bentancourt made a late season pass on Dutra to claim third in the standings by just two markers. While Jake had three Top 5 finishes as his best, Dutra had three wins among his eight Top 5 finishes. Larry McKinzie looked good in finishing fifth with seven Top 5 finishes.

Gavin Griffitts was only six points behind McKinzie in the end. He had two Top 5 finishes, but he also led the division with 12 Top 10 efforts. Gene Haney finished seventh in the standings, followed by two-time winner Jason Robles, Josh Leach and newcomer Aiden Ponciano. Ponciano held off fellow rookie Michaela Taylor by just 28 points to claim 10th in the standings.  

Other wins went to Rob Gallaher, Domossie Scoggins, Joe Gallaher, Nick Johnson, Mitch Enos, Brad Myers and Les Friend. Myers, Johnson and Rob Gallaher were two-time winners, while Friend picked up three wins. Austin Van Hoff recorded the $1,000 victory in August after apparent winner Dan Gonderman was disqualified. The May Freedom Series win went to multi-time Watsonville champion Rob Gallaher. In July, it was Bakersfield star Nick Johnson getting the Freedom Series win, and the September event went to Scoggins.

Day Is The Champion As Antioch Dwarf Cars Join WSDCA

Antioch Speedway has been crowning Dwarf Car champions since the 1998 season. During the off-season, the local competitors lobbied Chadwick to join the Western States Dwarf Car Association with intent of securing a big Nationals event. The promoter agreed, and the decision to form the Delta Dwarf Cars and join the bigger association resulted in some of the biggest car counts seen for the division at Antioch. The season saw several newcomers as a few new frontrunners emerged. 

Rising young star Devan Kammermann had his sights on the championship as did Travis Day. Two-time champion Mike Corsaro was in contention until missing a late season race. Both Day and Kammermann notched five Top 10 finishes. Day had a pair of Top 5s, while Kammermann had three. Day would prevail by just 14 points over Kammermann to secure the championship. Sean Catucci had a breakout season with one win out of four Top 5s to put him in third by 16 markers ahead of Corsaro. With a pair of victories out of his five Top 5 efforts, two-time Antioch champion Danny Wagner ended up fifth.

Incoming champion Scott Dahlgren and newcomer Chance Russell each had three Top 5 finishes to secure sixth and seventh, respectively. Sport Modified  racer Dennis Gilcrease ended up eighth, followed by NorCal champion Michael "Spanky" Grenert and Antioch Street Stock legend David Rosa. Grenert was on the feature winner's list on one occasion. Past Antioch champion Kevin Miraglio, Dwarf Car mega star Shawn Jones and Darren Brown were other winners. Jones and Miraglio each had two victories

Chadwick created a big Dwarf Car event in October, billed as Dwarf Car Mania. The win on that occasion went to Brown. The Regional event scheduled in July was turned into a two-day event with some of the best drivers in the state coming to town. The Pro division win went to Jones, the veteran victory went to Kevin Bender and the Sportsman triumph was earned by Joey Lingron.

Walko Wins Super Stock Championship

Going into the 20th year of racing for the class, the Limited Late Models were renamed Super Stocks by Chadwick. There was a bit of uncertainty in the air regarding the division's future, but it got the shot in the arm it needed with multiple visits from the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series. Car count would grow into the 20s for the Tri State races, which is the best it's ever been for the class in Antioch. Unknown was whether or not the division would get to compete for points as listings weren't put on the track's website for several weeks. This may have led to some apathy from the drivers as all of the front runners missed races. Furthermore, past champion Jim Freethy put Fred Ryland in his car on multiple occasions.

Almost 40 years ago, Mike Walko began his career in the Stock Car division at Antioch. In recent years, he's been enjoying the action at Marysville, but he still enjoys racing locally. Mike would lead the division with five Top 5 finishes and seven top 10 efforts, including one win. When the points were added up, he beat Freethy by 68 points. Freethy had five Top 5 efforts, putting him just eight points ahead of the steady John Evans, who had three Top 5 finishes. Chris Long finished in the Top 5 four times, securing him fourth ahead of three-time Top 5 finisher Ryan Cherezian. Cherezian picked up his first career feature win along the way. Chad Hammer ended up sixth in the standings, followed by Jay Bryant, reigning Tri State Series champion Mike Learn, reigning Petaluma champion Mitch Machado and Matt Kile. Bryant, Learn and Machado each had feature wins, and Machado did it twice.

Bakersfield area racer Ryan Smith, Sprint Car veteran Richard Brace Jr and Fred Ryland were other feature winners, and Brace and Ryland each had two wins. Anytime the Tri State Series held a race at Antioch, they were competing for at least $1,000 to win. The June and July visits were both won by Machado, while Brace got the win in August. Following a bit of contact between Ryland and Susanville Promoter Jeff Olschowka, Brace emerged with the lead and $2,000 victory in the Al Miller Memorial race at the end of October. Walko's win came at the Larry Damitz/Donna Soares Memorial.

DJ Johnson Returns For Second Wingless Spec Sprint Championship

It had been a few years since past champion DJ Johnson competed regularly at Antioch Speedway. The track's decision to open up the rules a bit more opened the door for Johnson to make his comeback. There wasn't much doubt who the champion was going to be, despite the fact that it took a while for the point standings to get listed. With four wins out of his nine Top 5 finishes, Johnson would prevail over 14-year-old phenom Dylan Bloomfield.

Despite being a rookie in the class, Micro Sprint graduate Bloomfield learned quickly and stayed in contention on the strength of his nine Top 5 finishes and two wins. Ageless veteran Roy Fisher had three Top 5 finishes to hold off Tony Bernard by just four tallies for third in the standings. Past Petaluma champion Ryon Siverling also had three Top 5 efforts to end up fifth in the standings. Two-time champion Bob Newberry had a pair of Top 5 finishes to secure sixth in the standings, followed by Jeff Scotto, Jarrett Soares, two-time champion Dan Gonderman and Alan Miranda. Soares didn't race all the time, but he impressed with four Top 5 finishes.

Other wins were earned by past Petaluma champion Shayna Ensign, Jimmy Christian, three-time Hunt Series champion Terry Schank Jr and past Hunt Series champion Shawn Jones. Jones picked up a pair of wins. Antioch hosted its first ever Hunt Series race, won by Bradley Terrell. Terrell was the champion of that series.

Paladino Wins Four Banger Championship As The Division Returns To Antioch

One of the first announcements Promoter Chadwick made when taking over Antioch Speedway was the return of the Four Banger division. He felt the track needed the class as an entry point for newcomers. Jess Paladino took advantage of the opportunity to become the track's first champion in this class since Brent Curran in 2014. Paladino was the only driver to make every race and had a pair of victories along the way. Division runnerup Trevor Jolley also had a win to maintain a 16 point cushion over three-time Merced champion Chris Corder. Corder missed some races, but he had three victories to his credit as he surpassed announcer Wiley Wade to rank third.

The track offered a purse when the field reached five cars and they were able to do that on multiple occasions. Notable wins in bigger fields were earned by fifth ranked Dakota Keldsen and sixth ranked Tom Brown, who is one of the top drivers at Petaluma. One of the things that bolstered the field was the support on one occasion by the Central Valley Mini Stocks. CVMS star Ryan Doglione had a pair of Top 5 finishes to hold down seventh in the standings, followed by Jennifer Rodgers, Dan Myrick and Kelly Campanile.

360 Sprints Still Alive At Antioch, IMCA Stock Cars Debut

The management change meant the future was uncertain for the track's Winged 360 Sprint Car effort. However, the crazy scheduling that was brought about due to the covid-19 shut down throughout the state saw multiple dates added for the class throughout the season. Wins were earned by Colby Johnson, Chase Majdic and Kaleb Montgomery in the division's three appearances. Car count was solid enough that the division has been booked several times for the 2021 season.

The Bay Cities Racing Association Mighty Midgets were given an opportunity on September 26th as part of the Chet Thomson Memorial Hardtop event, and they made the most of it with a stellar 18 car field. Austin Liggett, who got his first Winged Sprint Car win at Antioch a few years earlier, held off Bakersfield star Brody Fuson to win on this occasion. 

In October as part of the Bill Bowers Memorial race, Chadwick had a stroke of genius when he added a pair of IMCA Stock Car events for $1,000 to win each. On both occasions, IMCA Modified star Troy Foulger drove the Dave Lincoln car to victory. On the first night, one of Hanford's first IMCA Stock Car stars, Loren DeArmond, finished second. The next occasion saw second go to Nick Johnson ahead of DeArmand. There were 16 cars for the occasion, and Chadwick reaffirmed the division's inclusion as part of the track's roster for 2021.

Hannagan Unstoppable In Bay Area Hardtops At Antioch

There was some question as to whether the Hardtops would make the cut. Not only did Chadwick keep the division around and maintain the Chet Thomson Memorial race in September, he also welcomed the Valley Sportsman division to come compete with the Hardtops. For the first time ever, the division never dropped below 10 cars for any Antioch race. Piloting the "Junkyard Dog" Hardtop for car owner Doug Braudrick, the dominant Joel Hannagan won all three of the races he started.

The Chet Thomson Memorial race had.12 drivers come to compete with Hannagan winning ahead of Kimo Oreta, Ron Ruiz, the Sportsman of Gary Hildebrand and Matt Taylor. The division was hastily scheduled at the last minute in late October and still delivered 10 cars. The Junkyard Dog wasn't ready for that show, but Ken Retzloff picked up the win ahead of the Sportsman duo of Watsonville Hall of Famer Jerry Cecil and Rick Elliott. Hannagan was back in dominant fashion at the end of November as he won ahead of Jason Armstrong Retzloff, Elliott and Cecil.

Under very difficult circumstances, the show went on at Antioch Speedway in 2020. Fans were able to tune in at www.antiochspeedway.tv and didn't have to miss a thing. To keep up to date on scheduling and other information this season, go to the www.antiochspeedway.com website.

 

2020 Antioch Speedway Final Point Standings
IMCA Modified
Troy Foulger    416     -
Jim Pettit II    385
Kellen Chadwick    374
Buddy Kniss    308
Shane DeVolder    234
JC Elrod    228
Nick DeCarlo    205
Kimo Oreta    205
Jeff Browne    192
Bobby Motts    183

IMCA Sport Modified
Trevor Clymens    359
Mark Garner    355
KC Keller    345
Kenny Shrader    328
Kevin Brown     305
Tommy Clymen    290
Fred Ryland    280
Tom Fraser    279
Andrew Pearce    251
Guy Ahlwardt    232


Delta Dwarf Car
Travis Day     266
Devan Kammermann 252
Sean Catucci    236
Mike Corsaro    220
Danny Wagner    214
Scott Dahlgren    210
Chance Russell    194
Dennis Gilcrease 152
Mike Grenert    146
David Rosa    132

Hobby Stock
James Thomson    508
Breanna Troen    472
Jake Bentancourt 408
Travis Dutra     406
Larry McKinzie Jr 366
Gavin Griffiths    360
Gene Haney    337
Jason Robles     314
Josh Leach    294
Aiden Ponciano    284

Super Stock
Mike Walko    362
Jim Freethy    294
John Evans    286
Chris Long    270
Ryan Cherezian    247
Chad Hammer    224
Jay Bryant    222
Mike Learn    220
Mitch Machado    188
Matt Kile    166

Wingless Spec Sprint
D.J. Johnson    448     -
Dylan Bloomfield 414
Roy Fisher    308
Tony Bernard    304
Ryon Siverling    276
Bob Newberry    253
Jeff Scotto    252
Jarrett Soares    224
Dan Gonderman    186
Alan Miranda    182

Valley Four Bangers
Jess Paladino    334
Trevor Jolley    236
Chris Corder    220
Wylie Wade    116
Dakota Keldsen    54
Tom Brown    54
Ryan Doglione    54
Jennifer Rodgers 50
Dan Myrick    48
Kelly Campanile    46

Ocean Speedway Prepares To Kick Off 2021 Season 

This Friday Night 

Watsonville, CA...There's plenty of optimism in the air as Ocean Speedway prepares for their 62th season of racing on the quarter-mile clay oval this Friday night. The pandemic that hit last March rocked the racing world hard as tracks struggled to find a way to open for the 2020 season. The Watsonville track was lucky to open for several events last season that were broadcast on Floracing.com, and indications are that some races may be broadcast through them once again this year. However, it's hoped that fan attendance will be allowed very soon. 

The roster of divisions at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds track includes the Taco Bravo Winged 360 Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, South Bay Dwarf Cars, Four Bangers, Police N Pursuit cars and the Western Midgets. This Friday night is scheduled to feature the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and Police N Pursuit cars. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars kick things off on March 19th, joined by the South Bay Dwarf Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Four Bangers. 

On the 26th, the first of eight Western Midget visits will occur. Promoter John Prentice got together with series booster Mike McCluney to launch the new Midget class three years ago. It was hoped that these Ecotec Midgets would grow the class, which has been struggling in California in recent years. Despite only having a limited schedule last season, the Western Midgets produced fields of 10 or more cars at most of their events at the three tracks in which they competed. As an added bonus, the WMR group has a $5,000 championship point fund this year.

On June 11th, the NARC/King of the West Series Sprint Cars makes their first appearance. The annual Pombo/Sargent Classic will also showcase the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Western Midgets. The big Winged 410 Sprint Car Series returns for the Howard Kaeding Classic on July 17th, joined by the IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Police N Pursuit cars. On the 16th, the Winged 360 Sprint Cars will be competing along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Western Midget racers. The big show for the 360 Sprint Cars happens on August 21st. It's the 61st Annual Johnny Key Classic, and the Sprint Car Challenge Tour will go head to head with the local Taco Bravo Sprint Cars. Also on the card will be the Hobby Stocks and Western Midgets.

The track will have its first Hall of Fame night in a little over 15 years. It's on August 6th. The Taco Bravo Sprint Cars will be there along with the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Four Bangers. Since the early 1980s, the track made it a point to have a big Street Stock show, which later became a Hobby Stock event. As the Mike Cecil Memorial race is being retired, an August 13th event will pay tribute to Terry Traub, a popular local Hobby Stock competitor who passed away recently. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars will be there along with the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Four Bangers.

The championship season for the Taco Bravo Sprint Cars wraps up on August 27th. Also on the card will be the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and South Bay Dwarf Cars. The 2021 season closes on September 24th and 25th with the 11th Annual Pat and Jim Pettit Memorial Dirt Track Shootout, featuring The IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Hobby Stocks. It's a season that will keep the track running just about every weekend from the opener on March 12th until the final point show on August 27th. The Pettit race sees some of the best drivers in the state come to town to do battle and will certainly be a date to circle on your calendar. Schedule updates can be found at www.racepmg.com or through the Ocean Speedway Facebook page.

A Brief Look Back On Ocean Speedway 2020

The pandemic situation made it a challenge to get the gates open for any type of racing at the speedway last year. When it finally happened on June 19th, no fans were allowed. That was the way it would be for the rest of the season and through speed bumps that saw the last two events in August canceled. Prentice endeavored to run some makeup races later in the season, but what could have been an interesting showdown for the Taco Bravo Sprint Car championship going into November 6th didn't happen as that race was ultimately dropped from the schedule. 

Bud Kaeding is accustomed to winning at least a time or two each season, but he was shut out at Watsonville. He did share the lead with Mitchell Faccinto with five Top 5 finishes each, and he led the field with eight Top 10 efforts. Because the track has a throwaway rule, Faccinto ended up in the lead by 11 points going into what would have been the final race on November 6th. Faccinto by no means backed into the title as he scored his second win of the season at what proved to be the last race. Two-time winner DJ Netto ended up third in the standings ahead of one-time winner Blake Carrick and the steady Kurt Nelson. Other wins were earned by Sean Becker, Shane Golobic and Justin Sanders, who scored two victories. One of the wins for Faccinto occurred at the Johnny Key Classic ahead of Golobic and Kaeding, which proved to be the last race of the season.

There could have been a bit of controversy in the IMCA Modified championship race. After not making the cut on the second night of the Pettit Memorial Shootout, Jim Pettit II was given a promoter's option transfer. Cody Burke had earned his way in through a B Main, and Pettit finished right behind him in the Main Event to maintain his apparent point advantage. It was ultimately decided not to count the Petit start. With one win out of five Top 5 finishes, Cody Burke beat Pettit by 12 points for the championship. Pettit had two wins to his credit as he finished second in the State behind Antioch champion Troy Foulger. Foulger had one win at Watsonville to finish third in the standings, followed by Robert Marsh and JC Elrod. Like Burke, Foulger had five Top 5 efforts. Bobby Hogge IV had three wins, one of which happened at the second night of the Pettit Memorial Shootout. Dylan Thornton won the first night of the shootout. Pettit collected one of his wins at the Cecil Memorial race.

After skipping an IMCA Sport Modified race, two-time Four Banger champion Adriane Frost might have figured to be out of the championship hunt. However, Frost was the model of consistency in her other appearances as the only driver with nine Top 10 finishes. She led the field with eight Top 5 efforts and also had a win. After a good enough performance during the Pettit Memorial Shootout, she beat season long leader Gavin Espino by just four markers to claim the title. The steady Kelly Campanile had six Top 10 finishes and three Top 5s to finish third in a tie with Steven Allee, who had five Top 10s and two Top 5s. Max Baggett settled for fifth with six Top 10 efforts and one Top 5. Andrew Peckham had three wins, Fred Ryland had a pair of victories and Jim DiGiovanni, Randy Miller, Tanner Thomas and Darren Thomas also collected wins during the season as car count numbers were strong in this division. Peckham got two of his wins at the Pettit Memorial Shootout. Ryland collected one of his wins at the Cecil Memorial race.

After watching his son Rob pick up three championships in Hobby Stock competition, 2020 was Joe Gallaher's time to shine. He left little doubt who the champion would be as he led the division with nine Top 10 efforts, five Top 5s and three wins. He beat the consistent Steve Remde by 62 points. Like third ranked Jerry Skelton, Remde had eight Top 10 efforts and three Top 5s. Rob Gallaher had his share of bad luck, but his five Top 5 finishes and one win secured him fourth in the standings ahead of Terry Campion. Campion won the 40 lap race as his lone victory out of two Top 5 finishes. Nick Johnson scored a pair of victories, and fellow Bakersfield racers Dylan Wilson and Johnny Wood also had wins. Wilson got his win on preliminary night of the Pettit Memorial Shootout with the win a night later going to Nick Johnson. The final Mike Cecil Memorial race win went to Wood.

It's been a few years, but somebody finally broke the stranglehold on the Four Banger championship that has been held by the Beardsley family. Ryan McClelland left little doubt who the champion was with eight Top 10 finishes, six Top 5s and an impressive five wins. Through consistency with her seven Top 5 efforts, Kate Beardsley finished 34 points behind McClelland in second. Just six points behind her with four Top 5 efforts was Tony Gullo. Also with four Top 5 finishes, but with a win as well, was Nicole Beardsley, who was just seven points out of second. Bill Beardsley ended up fifth in the final rundown. John Grilli and Greg Baronian won the other Main Events.

In Police N Pursuit competition, Nate Graham had three wins out of four Top 5 finishes to enable him to beat John Hohmann by 33 markers. Hohmann had four Top 5 finishes as well as he beat three time Top 5 finisher Jackie Yeung by one point. Steven Fernandes and AJ Waltrip completed the Top 5. Tony Parker was the other Main Event winner.

The Western Midgets were able to make three appearances. Not surprisingly, David Prickett had three Top 5 finishes, but he only won two of the Main Events as Tyler Slay was able to win the other race. Prickett beat Slay by just two points. Slay also had three Top 5 finishes. Norman Harley Rose ranked third with one Top 5 finish as Tyler Dolacki was three points behind him with two top five efforts. Randi Pankratz finished fifth in points with one Top 5 finish.

Point standings for the South Bay Dwarf Cars were not available, but they made several appearances, including the first race in June, won by Petaluma rookie Joey Lingron ahead of Mike Affonso. Shawn Jones seemed to be winning everywhere he went, including the second Watsonville race, which he claimed ahead of fellow NorCal visitor Michael "Spanky" Grenert and Gene "Punky" Pires. Jones returned for the third race and outran Ventura visitors Tommy Velasquez III and Nick Velasquez for the win. Jones also won the fourth race in a NorCal podium sweep ahead of Ryan Winter and Grenert.

One of the big highlights for the 2020 season was the track's ability to host the annual Howard Kaedng Classic as scheduled. Because of the high cost demands of the NARC/King of the West Winged 410 Sprint Car Series, many of that group's events had to be canceled as tracks couldn't have fans. Several big sponsors came on board to make this race happen, and multi-time series champion Kyle Hirst scored the win ahead of Justin Sanders and Spencer Bayston.

It wasn't the best of situations for the track to open, but they made the most of it. There were a few occasions where the pits swelled to over 100 competitors, and the racing action was always close and exciting on the Tom Sagmiller prepared oval. To keep informed on the latest happenings at the speedway, go to www.racepmg.com or check out the Ocean Speedway Facebook page.

 

 

 

Optimism High As Merced Speedway 

Gears Up For The 2021 Season

Merced, CA...On the surface, you might think there is a bit of pessimism in the air at Merced Speedway. Last season was the first year since 1949 that the track didn't have a championship season, thanks to the covid-19 shutdown. In early January, heavy rains hit the facility so hard that the entire race track and some of the pits were flooded. This necessitated the need for General Manager Doug Lockwood to cancel a couple of events and rework the schedule to make the season opener March 27th, featuring the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and the Sportsman division. 

Recently, it was announced that the scheduled World of Outlaws Sprint Car event would be canceled as the tour would not be able to visit California due to the covid-19 guidelines. When Lockwood scheduled this visit, the potential of a cancellation was certainly there, and it wasn't a huge surprise when it happened. However, scheduling the date was important as it keeps Merced Speedway in the thoughts of the country's biggest Sprint Car tour when they schedule the 2022 season.

Regardless, there are reasons to believe that there will be more racing on the fast quarter-mile clay oval this year, even if there might be a bumpy start. Every promoter in the state who has put out a schedule has done so with the knowledge that it might be rough going for the first couple of months of the season before things open up. One of the biggest questions people are asking is will fans be allowed, and if so, to what capacity? One of the advantages the big grandstands offers the Merced Speedway racing community is that they can achieve adequate distancing and probably still get an average attendance. We'll just have to see what unfolds in the weeks ahead.

Sprint Car fans can still rejoice in the knowledge that there will be plenty of open wheel activity scheduled throughout the season. This includes the Sprint Car Challenge Tour, which visits on July 31st along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds and California Sharp Mini Late Models. Only a month later on August 26th, the track will host the NARC/King of the West Winged 410 Sprint Car Series, joined by the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks and Mini Late Models. The track hosted a successful USAC National Midget race last November, and it will happen again on November 23rd and 24th, supported by the Sprint Car Challenge Tour on the 24th. 

On July 9th and August 7th, the track will host the 1-2 punch of the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Cars and USAC Western States Midgets. The BCRA Midgets will support the shows. On August 7th, they are joined by the BCRA Midget Lites and the Hobby Stocks. The July 9th show will also include the IMCA Modifieds and Mini Late Models. The Hunt Wingless Sprint Series will come to town on May 15th and July 24th. The IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Mini Late Models and Mini Stocks will support the first Hunt Series visit. The Sportsman division will replace the Mini Late Models on the next visit.

The Sprint Car division making the most visits will be the IMCA Western RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars. They visit on April 24th, May 22nd and August 21st. They will be supported by the BCRA Midgets and Midget Lites at their first two visits, among other classes. Another treat for the fans will be the October 8th and 9th Monster Truck show. Lockwood announced the addition of the IMCA Stock Car class with its own championship series last year, but there were no championship points as not enough races were held. Once again, the IMCA sanctioned class is booked for enough dates to have a track championship, meaning Merced will have three IMCA champions this year if all goes to schedule.

As mentioned above, the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds will be back for several exciting events this year. The popular Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Late Models and Sportsman divisions will also make several appearances this year. While the track is pleased to offer several exciting open wheel events, there will also be multiple big money events throughout the season for the stock car portion of the lineup.

Lockwood didn't sit idly by last year, despite the fact that he was unable to open for too many races. His constant communication with multiple players in motorsports promotions resulted in the track hosting the successful USAC National Midget show in November. He also put together a successful California IMCA Modified/Sport Modified Speedweek Series on two months notice. That series was moved up to late April and early May this season and will include eight different tracks in nine days. On May 3rd, Merced gets a Speedweek event with the IMCA Stock Cars joining the other two classes in support. 

After the Al Miller Memorial event concluded at Antioch Speedway last year, it was announced that the fourth annual show will happen at Merced Speedway. Unlike the prior three events, which have taken place at three different venues, this one will not feature the Pro Stocks. The two-day show will see the IMCA Sport Modifieds collecting a hefty $5,000 winner's prize for their feature race. Also competing for extra money will be the IMCA Modifieds along with the IMCA Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks. After an April 15th practice day, they will have two nights of exciting action on the 16th and 17th.

Merced will have a triple crown series of two-day memorial events with the aforementioned divisions. Following the April event that honors the father of Late Model and IMCA Modified legend Robert Miller, the track will honor late Promoter Ed Parker with a two-day event on June 18th and 19th. The annual John Fore Jr/Bob Smith Memorial on October 22nd and 23rd will also feature the same four divisions. Another thing Lockwood managed to negotiate for this particular series and announced late last year was that it will keep its own point standings. The champion in the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars will all get an automatic Main Event starting position in the Duel in the Desert in Las Vegas in November.

Last year, the pandemic situation necessitated the need for Merced to go into November in order to get a couple more races in, and they ended the season on the last weekend of November with a Stock Car oriented program. This will happen again on November 26th, and it will no doubt have special meaning to the community. This race has been named after future Merced Speedway Hall of Fame racer George Steitz. IMCA Modifieds will race for $2,000 to win, IMCA Sport Modifieds get $1,000 for the victory, and the Hobby Stock and IMCA Stock Car winners each pocket $750 for their feature triumphs.

Even a regular night at Merced Speedway will be one you won't want to miss as there's usually four exciting divisions to enjoy. Unknown is how much the pandemic situation might affect the early portion of the season, but speculation is that Merced and most of the tracks in the state will be in full swing by the time summer comes along. However, all of this is contingent upon what county health officials have to say on the matter. When Merced Speedway gets going, you won't want to miss it. To keep updated on all of the important information, go to www.mersedspeedway.net or check out the Merced Speedway Facebook page.

Merced Speedway 2021 Schedule

 

Sat Mar 27 IMCA MODS,IMCA SPORTMODS,HOBBY STOCKS,SPORTSMAN

Fri Apr 2 WORLD OF OUTLAWS,HOBBY STOCKS,MLM

Sat Apr 10 DARK

Thur Apr 15  AL MILLER MEMORIAL PRACTICE 5-8 PM

Fri Apr 16  AL MILLER MEMORIAL IMCA MODS,IMCA SPORTMODS,IMCA STOCKS,HOBBY STOCKS

Sat Apr 17  AL MILLER MEMORIAL IMCA MODS,IMCA SPORTMODS $5,000 to win, IMCA STOCKS,HOBBY STOCKS

Sat Apr 24 WESTERN RACESAVERS,BCRA MIDGETS,BCRA/CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINTS,HOBBY STOCKS,MINI STOCKS

Sat May 1  DARK

Mon May 3 CALIFORNIA IMCA SPEEDWEEK: IMCA MODS, IMCA SPORTMODS AND IMCA STOCKS

Sat May 8 DARK

Sat May 15 HUNT WINGLESS SERIES,IMCA STOCKS, HOBBY STOCKS,MLM,MINI STOCKS

Sat May 22 WESTERN RACESAVERS,BCRA MIDGETS,BCRA  LIGHTNING SPRINTS,IMCA MODS

Sat May 29 DARK

Sat Jun 5 DARK

Wed Jun 9 FAIR RACE IMCA MODS,IMCA SPORTMODS

Thu Jun 10 FAIR DERBY

Sat Jun 12 DARK FAIR

Fri Jun 18  ED PARKER MEMORIAL:IMCA MODS,IMCA SPORTMODS,IMCA STOCKS,HOBBY STOCKS

Sat Jun 19  ED PARKER MEMORIAL:IMCA MODS,IMCA SPORTMODS, IMCA STOCKS, HOBBY STOCKS

Sat Jun 26 DARK

Sat Jul 3 IMCA SPORTMODS,IMCA STOCKS,MLM, MINI STOCKS SPORTSMAN

Fri Jul 9 USAC WEST COAST 360S, USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGETS, IMCA MODS,MLM

Sat Jul 17 DARK

Sat Jul 24 HUNT WINGLESS SERIES,IMCA STOCKS,HOBBY STOCKS,SPORTSMAN,MINI STOCKS

Sat Jul 31 SCCT 360 SERIES, IMCA SPORTMODS,MLM

Sat Aug 7 USAC WEST COAST 360S,USAC/BCRA MIDGETS, BCRA/CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINTS, HOBBY STOCKS

Sat Aug 14 DARK

Sat Aug 21 IMCA MODS,IMCA SPORTMODS,IMCA STOCKS,WESTERN RACESAVERS

Thur Aug 26 KING OF THE WEST 410 SPRINT CARS,IMCA SPORTMODS,MLM,MINI STOCKS

Sat Sep 4 DARK

Sat Sep 11 DARK

Sat Sep 18 CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT: IMCA MODS,IMCA SPORTMODS,HOBBY STOCKS,MLM,MINI STOCKS

Sat Sep 25 DARK

Sat Oct 2 DARK

Fri Oct 8 MONSTER TRUCKS

Sat Oct 9 MONSTER TRUCKS

Sat Oct 16 DARK

Fri Oct 22  JOHN FORE JR./BOB SMITH NATIONALS: MODS,SPORTMODS,STOCK CARS,HOBBY STOCKS

Sat Oct 23  JOHN FORE JR./BOB SMITH NATIONALS: MODS,SPORTMODS,STOCK CARS,HOBBY STOCKS

Sat Oct 30 TBA

Sat Nov 6 TBA

Sat Nov 13 TBA

Sat Nov 20 TBA

Fri Nov 26 TBA

Sat Nov 27 TBA

With Future Still In Doubt, Petaluma Speedway 

Prepares For 2021 Season

Petaluma, CA...The racing community in Petaluma is just a bit concerned about the future of Petaluma Speedway and the fairgrounds itself. Since the 1960s, the race track has hosted races from the springtime through the early fall. Many fond memories have been made at the oval track. During the past decade or so, the area around the fairgrounds has been built up, and the property has been a target. Developers see the potential to make money on the property. 

The fairgrounds has been a gathering place for the community, not just racing fans. After December of 2022, it may all come to an end. The city is currently having discussions regarding what to do with the property after that. This has made the struggle that Promoter Rick Faeth has been involved with even more frustrating. When his predecessor, Jim Soares, took over, he too was dealing with the threats of removing the track. Both Jim and Rick simply booked their schedules, held their races and made many more happy memories as the debate has continued.

The frustration went up a notch in March of 2020 as the country and the world was rocked by the covid-19 pandemic. Following the successful running of the ASCS Sprint Car race in early March, everything was shut down. Rick never gave up on finding a way forward, and eventually he was able to open for several races. However, he was unable to have fans in the grandstands, which has greatly affected the bottom line. Thanks to some great sponsorship from long time sponsors, they managed to make something happen. We enter the 2021 season unsure of how things will move forward.

Regardless, Faeth has every intention of having a racing season and has booked a schedule. It's believed that at some point this year some fans will be allowed in the grandstands, and it should get better from there. However, there is no time table. This has made booking the schedule tricky. Much like promoters from throughout the country, Rick put the race dates out as tentative. Given the fluid situation going on with the pandemic, dates may be added, subtracted or moved depending on what is needed.

The intent is to stay the course with what has worked well for the 3/8 mile adobe oval in recent seasons. The track will feature Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Wingless Spec Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks, Redwood Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks and 600 Micro Sprints in their rotation of local divisions. Once again, the plan is to bring in several of the state's top touring groups, such as the NARC/King of the West Winged 410 Sprint Cars, Sprint Car Challenge Tour Winged 360 Sprint Cars, USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Cars and Midgets and the BCRA Midgets. 

Another tour, the Hunt Wingless Sprint Car Series, is booked for March 27th along with the IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and 600 Micros. The Hunt Series will be back to support the 10th Annual Johnny Soares Classic along with the IMCA Modified Top Dog race and the 600 Micro Sprints on August 21st.

Optimism is in the air that they will be able to have the big events as scheduled for the NARC/King of the West Sprint Car Tour. Petaluma Speedway has been one of their favorite tracks to visit. The combined two Sprint Car organizations have been around since 1960, but they saw most of their races throughout the state canceled last season. They will have a Salute to Baylands night on May 22nd, and this race has specific importance to Petaluma Speedway. When Baylands closed following the 1988 season, then Petaluma Promoter Johnny Soares invited several of its divisions to come race there while a new track was sought out. To this day, Petaluma still features the 360 Sprint Cars and Mini Stocks, which were both Baylands divisions. The Mini Stock lineage actually goes back to Fremont Speedway in the 1970s.

Not surprisingly, the Mini Stocks get to be a part of the special occasion along with the IMCA Modifieds, Redwood Dwarf Cars and the high horsepower Winged 410 Sprint Cars. The NARC/KWS Sprint Cars return on July 10th along with the Super Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints and Redwood Dwarf Cars. The third and final appearance of the big Sprint Car tour comes on August 29th. Dwarf Cars and Super Stocks will be there along with the return of the vintage Bay Area Hardtops. That's the first of two appearances for the Hardtops, who also close out the season on October 16th.

The October 16th finale is significant as this will also be the third and final appearance of the season for the Sprint Car Challenge Tour Winged 360 Sprint Cars. The Wingless Spec Sprints will also get in on the action. The first SCCT Sprint Car show takes place on April 24th along with the Dwarf Cars and Mini Stocks. On June 19th, they return along with the Dwarf Cars and Mini Stocks. Dwarf Cars will also be featured prominently throughout the year as the Redwood Dwarf Cars host the Western States Dwarf Car Nationals race on June 11th and 12th.

It is hoped that the annual County Fair will happen in June as scheduled. On the 27th, the Redwood Dwarf Cars and South Bay Dwarf Cars will have a shootout race during the fair. Joining them on that Sunday show will be the IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Wingless Spec Sprints. Adobe Cup II takes place on October 2nd. The Dwarf Cars host a twin 20 lap feature event that night, joined by the Wingless Spec Sprints and 600 Micro Sprints.

In addition to the aforementioned Wingless Spec Sprint shows, the track will have the USAC West Coast 360 Wingless Sprint Cars and USAC/BCRA Midgets on three occasions, joined by the Western Midget Racing group and the 600 Micros. Those dates will take place on May 15th, July 31st and Sunday October 10th. The Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series will run head to head with the Super Stocks on Sunday, April 11th. There will be a Redwood/South Bay Dwarf Car Shootout race that night along with the Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Mini Stocks.

In addition to the aforementioned Top Dog Race for the IMCA Modifieds the track will once again host an IMCA California Speedweek show on May 6th. The Thursday show will see the Super Stocks join the fray along with the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds. This is the only scheduled appearance for the IMCA Sport Modifieds, which will likely offer as big a field as the IMCA Modifieds as drivers from throughout the West Coast compete in the series that will see eight races hosted at eight different tracks in a nine day span.

The track's signature Winged 360 Sprint Car event is the 10th Annual Adobe Cup race. In recent years, this race has paid $5,000 to win and attracted some of the best drivers in the state. It was affected last season by the fact that they couldn't have fan attendance, but it's hoped that by the scheduled September 25th night things will improve where the track will have full grandstands again. Supporting the Sprint Car race is the signature big money Super Stock Bob McCoy Memorial Race.

It's an attractive schedule that gives the fans several marquee events and gives  the local divisions enough of a break to help improve car count on the various nights in which they are scheduled. Because of the current pandemic situation, there's the possibility that the schedule will be adjusted. However, as more positive news begins to break, there is cautious optimism that this year will improve at least a little bit over last year. As the worst case scenario means that only two seasons may be left at the track, everybody is wanting to get back out there as soon and as often as possible.

 

A Brief Look Back At Petaluma Speedway 2020

As a few other tracks opened their gates to no fan attendance last year, Petaluma finally got their shot in June. They did it in style with the Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event kicking things off. Well over 100 Dwarf Car competitors flooded the pits as they had been chomping at the bit to get a race in anywhere. Local young gun Joey Lingron won the Sportsman division portion of the show. The Veteran division win went to Scott Dahlgren, and Shawn Jones was the Pro division winner. All three categories had enough of a car count to warrant the need for B Mains.

While the track sporadically kept points on their page, we've received no confirmation that any champions were crowned. It was noted that 2019 NorCal Dwarf Car champion Michael "Spanky" Grenert was the leader up until missing a race to compete with his regular group in Placerville. This opened the door for Chad Matthias to claim the lead that he would take to the end of the season. Jones picked up a pair of victories during the season with other wins going to Grenert, Garrett Brady, Ryan Winter and Darren Brown. Danny Wagner won the Dwarf Car portion of the big ASCS show in March. Winter won the Adobe Cup II event and Shawn Whitney was the winner of the Todd Damron Memorial race in October. Generally speaking, the Dwarf Cars didn't get a turnout lower than 30 cars at most of their races.

The IMCA Modifieds saw Anthony Slaney win three races in a row to start the season. This put him into the lead early on. His win streak in regular events was snapped by Danny Wagner, and the Speedweek event that came during that span went to Troy Foulger over Paul Stone. With the extra money on the line for the Top Dog race, Slaney picked up the biggest win of his career, followed by Trevor Brady. Oreste Gonella won the IMCA Modified portion of Adobe Cup II. Slaney was recognized by IMCA as the champion through the sanctioning body.

The Johnny Soares Classic for the Hunt Wingless Sprints went to Bradley Terrell. Shawn Jones picked up a pair of Spec Sprint victories with other wins going to Shayna Ensign and DJ Johnson. Terrell returned to win the Adobe Cup II race over Jones. The point listings found the consistent Daniel Whitley at the top of the standings. 

Whitley also competed in the final visit of the USAC West Coast 360 show, which featured a rough and tumble battle between Geoff Ensign and series regular Ryan Timmons. After a bit of contact, Timmons got the lead and victory with Whitley moving by Ensign for second. Ensign did win the previous race with Austin Liggett winning the first USAC 360 show. The USAC Midgets ran head to head with the BCRA on three occasions, won by Alex Schutte, Maria Cofer and Frankie Guerini. Dakota Albright won the lone BCRA Midget Lites show. After David Prickett won the first two Western Midget races ahead of Tyler Slay, Darren Brent outran Randi Pankratz to win the final appearance.

Sprint Car competitor Koen Shaw also has a passion for the 600 Micro class, and in his appearances he picked up four victories. George Nielsen was a winner on two occasions, and Jim Beck also had a win. They were keeping points. However, information on who led the standings in the 600 Micro class was incomplete.

Andy Forsberg was listed as the top point earner for the Winged 360 Sprint Car class, which only had three regular events. In addition to Forsberg winning the ASCS race, Chase Majdic, Shane Golobic and Sean Becker won the regular events. Forsberg returned to outrun DJ Freitas for the Adobe Cup victory.

Seeing how successful the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series was, Faeth managed to book the group on two occasions. Richard Brace Jr won both appearances, the second of which was the Bob McCoy Memorial. In local competition, Steve Studebaker had three wins, and Matt While was the winner of two of the Super Stock shows. The points were incomplete, though it is likely that While was the leader in the end. Tom Brown won all four Mini Stock races and topped the point listings. He had a good battle for the win in the final race before mechanical issues knocked Roberta Broze out of the lead.

While it might not have been a perfect scenario, at least some races took place in 2020. No fans were ever allowed to come spectate, but the track managed to broadcast most of those events on www.floracing.com. As we get closer to the coming season, the best place to keep updated is www.petaluma-speedway.com or check out the Petaluma Speedway Facebook page.

2021 Petaluma Speedway Schedule 

 *Schedule subject to change due to weather or COVID restrictions*

 

March 13 – Test & Tune

March 20 – Test & Tune

March 27 – Hunt Wingless Sprint Tour, Modifieds, Super Stocks, 600’s

April 11 (Sun) – Wing 360’s, Tri State Pro Stocks, Dwarfs w/South Bay, Mini Stocks

April 17 – Wingless Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, 600’s

April 24 –Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks

May 6 (Thur)  – IMCA Speedweek, A-Mods, Sport Mods, Super Stocks

May 15 – USAC West Coast 360, USAC Midgets, Western Midgets, 600’s

May 22 - KWS – NARC Sprint Cars, Modifieds, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks  “Salute to Baylands Night”

May 29 – Wingless Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, 600’s

June 11 (Fri) – WSDCA Dwarf Nationals

June 12 – WSDCA Dwarf National, Wingless Sprints

June 19 - Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks

June 27 (Sun) – Fair Date: Wingless Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Dwarfs w/South Bay

July 3 – Wing 360’s, Modifieds, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks

July 10 – KWS – NARC Sprint Car Series, Wingless Sprints, Super Stocks, Dwarfs, 600’s

July 18 (Sun) – Wing 360’s, Modifieds, Super Stocks, 600’s

July 24 – Wing 360, Super Stocks, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks

July 31 - USAC West Coast 360, USAC Midgets, Western Midgets, 600’s

Aug 14 – Wingless Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks 

Aug 21 – 10th Soares Classic: Hunt Wingless Sprint Tour, Top Dog Modified, 600’s

Aug 29 (Sun) - KWS – NARC Sprint Car Series, Super Stocks, Dwarfs, Hardtops

Sept 6 (Mon) – USAC-CRA Sprint Cars Series, Modifieds, Dwarfs

Sept 12 (Sun)– W360, Wingless Sprints, Modifieds, Mini Stocks

Sept 25 – 10th Annual Adobe Cup – Wing 360’s, Bob McCoy Super Stock Open

Oct 2 –Adobe Cup II – Wingless Sprints, Dwarf Twin-20’s, 600’s

Oct 10 (Sun) USAC West Coast 360’s, USAC & BCRA Midgets, Western Midgets, 600’s

Oct 16 - Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Wingless Sprints, Hardtops

 

Golobic Wraps Up I-5 Challenge With $3,000 Victory 

At The Kern Raceway Dirt Track

Bakersfield, CA...March 6...Shane Golobic won the 30 lap King of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at the Kern County Raceway Dirt Track. This was the second night of the I-5 Challenge Series, and the win paid Golobic $3,000 dollars aboard Matt Wood's Elk Grove Ford/NOS Energy Drink sponsored Sprinter. Rico Abreu made a couple of late moves to finish a $1,500 second as Jason Solwold settled for a $1,250 third.

Golobic secured the pole position by winning the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Tim Kaeding and Mitchell Faccinto. Golobic led Kaeding and Faccinto through a pair of yellow flags on the first lap and the fifth lap. Solwold moved around Faccinto for third, which became second as Kaeding had issues on Lap 13. Abreu moved in to battle Faccinto for the third position for several laps before getting by on Lap 23. A yellow flag waved on Lap 28. As Golobic continued to lead the restart, Abreu slipped past Solwold for second. Golobic sped home to victory ahead of Abreu, Solwold, Kaleb Montgomery, Faccinto, DJ Netto, Dominic Scelzi, Ryan Robinson, Mitchel Moles and Joey Ancona.

The 36 competitors qualified in their heat race groups with Ian Madson setting the fast time standard in the first group at 12.738. Devon Borden was second quick in the second group at 12.745. The eight lap heat race wins were earned by Faccinto, Montgomery, Golobic and JJ Hickle. Justyn Cox grabbed the lead from JJ Ringo on the third lap and went on to win the 15 lap B Main. Borden finished second ahead of Ringo, Craig Stidham and Kyle Offill.

David Wolford completed a perfect weekend with his second 20 lap West Coast Sport Compact Main Event victory. The win paid $750 thanks to an additional $250 sponsorship from House of JuJu of Clovis and Morro Bay. $40 prizes also went to the two heat race winners and the fast qualifier courtesy of ASP Tuning Dynamics, Handle It Grips, TJ Performance and S-15 Tee's.

Shawn DePriest led three laps before Wolford raced by. Joe Robinson was running third when the yellow flag waved on Lap 4. Wolford continued to lead DePriest in Robinson on the restart. By the 10th lap, Wolford had built an impressive straightaway advantage over DePriest as Gene Glover took third from Robinson. A yellow flag on Lap 16 erased the big Wolford lead. Clinton Massey charged into second behind Wolford on the restart. However, nobody was stopping Wolford from collecting the win. Massey settled for second ahead of Robinson, Scott Glenn, Greg Baronian, DePriest, Steve Porter, Glover, Matthew Herod and Eddie Humphrey. Wolford set the fast time of 18.588, beating the 18.774 of Massey. Glover and Massey won their respective eight lap heat races.

This weekend will see another Friday-Saturday night event, headlined by the USAC/CRA Wingless Sprint Cars and the IMCA Western RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars. For further information, go to www.kernraceway.com or check out The Dirt Track at KCRP Facebook page.

Scelzi Wins Opening Night Of I-5 Challenge At Kern Raceway 

Bakersfield, CA...March 5...Dominic Scelzi won the 30 lap King of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at the Kern County Raceway Dirt Track. This was the opening night of the I-5 Series, and Scelzi collected $2,000 for his win. As the track was able to find a way to have spectators, this race paid a nice purse. Shane Golobic collected $1,500 for second, while Tim Kaeding was the winner of $1,250 for third. Just to start the Main Event earned a driver $400.

By virtue of his victory over Kaleb Montgomery in the six lap Trophy Dash, Scelzi had the pole position for the feature race. He charged into the lead at the start ahead of Golobic and Kaeding, but a yellow flag slowed the pace after one lap. Scelzi continued to lead Golobic and Kaeding on the restart and through a Lap 4 yellow flag. When the caution flag flew on Lap 12, Scelzi was leading Golobic and Kaeding. Scelzi continued to run strong on the restart, but Golobic turned up the heat in his bid to grab the lead on Lap 20. Scelzi remained cool under pressure, and the final yellow flag waved on Lap 26. Scelzi again charged ahead on the final restart and led the remaining tours for the victory. Golobic settled for second, followed by Kaeding, DJ Netto, Rico Abreu, JJ Hickle, Ryan Robinson, Montgomery, Jake Andreotti and Jace Vander Weerd.

There were 34 Sprint Cars for the hastily scheduled event. This race was booked after the ASCS canceled the California swing of their tour. The drivers qualified in their heat race groups. Representing the first heat race, Abreu had the fastest time of 12.417, beating the 12.421 of Montgomery, who was in the third group. The eight lap heat race wins went to Golobic, Jason Solwold, Scelzi and Netto. From his pole position start, Devon Borden led all the way to win the 12 lap B Main. Colby Johnson held second until being overtaken by Austin McCarl on Lap 11. Johnson settled for third ahead of Zane Blanchard and Tim Estenson.

David Wolford won the 20 lap West Coast Sport Compact Main Event. The group, formerly known as the Central Valley Mini Stocks, has rebranded themselves for their fifth season. The win paid Wolford $750 thanks to an additional $250 sponsorship through House of JuJu of Clovis and Morro Bay. $40 prizes also went to the two heat race winners and the fast qualifier courtesy of ASP Tuning Dynamics, Handle It Grips, TJ Performance and S-15 Tee's.

Past champion Dan Myrick set the early pace ahead of Matt Herod and Wolford. Wolford moved around Herod for second on Lap 5 before a yellow flag slowed the pace. Myrick continued to lead Wolford and Clinton Massey on the restart, but misfortune struck Myrick on Lap 7 as Wolford gained the lead ahead of Massey. With no yellow flag interruptions the rest of the way, Wolford stretched his advantage to a straightaway ahead of Massey in victory. Jeff Durant finished third, followed by Gene Glover, Herod, Greg Baronian, Scott Glenn, Shawn DePriest, Eddie Humphrey and Edward Marvin. 

There were 16 competitors for the show, and they were given an opportunity to qualify on the clock. Randy Brown Jr set the fast time of 19.110, beating the 19.241 of Wolford. Eight lap heat race wins went to Massey and Durant.

For scheduling information and other news, go to www.kernraceway.com or check out The Dirt Track at KCRP Facebook page.

Sanders Wraps Up Silver Cup With Another Victory 

At Silver Dollar Speedway

Chico, CA...March 6...Justin Sanders won the 30 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Silver Dollar Speedway. This was the second night of the annual Silver Cup, and it was also a double win weekend for Sanders aboard the Dale Miller owned Sprinter.

Joel Myers Jr had the pole for the Main Event and sprinted into the early lead ahead of Sanders and Robbie Price. Billy Wallace took third from Price briefly on the second lap, but Tanner Carrick got by for the position a lap later. The race ran for 18 laps before a yellow flag waved for Willie Croft in Turn 4. Myers continued to lead Sanders on the restart, but Chelsea Blevins brought out a yellow flag a lap later. On this restart, Sanders charged by Myers to grab the lead. Carrick and Price shuffled Myers back to fourth on Lap 23. Sanders appeared to be headed for the victory as he received the white flag. However, a crash involving Brad Bumgarner, Nick Larsen and Michael Ing brought out a red flag. This set up a two lap showdown to the finish, but Sanders was unfazed. He led the restart and the final lap for the well-earned victory. Price managed to move into second ahead of Myers on the restart, but Blake Carrick took the third position from Myers on the final lap. Following Sanders at the checkered flag were Price, Blake Carrick, Myers, Tanner Carrick, Andy Forsberg, Chase Goetz, Andy Gregg, Caden Sarale and Sean Becker.

Croft was the quickest of 36 Sprint Car competitors with a lap of 11.866 on the quarter-mile clay oval. Blake Carrick was second quick at 11.895. Blake Carrick and brother Tanner Carrick won their respective eight lap heat races with the other wins going to Price and Wallace. Chris Masters started on the front row and led all 10 laps to win the C Main ahead of the Steven Snawder and Isaiah Vasquez. Steel Powell took the lead from Chelsea Blevins on the second lap and went on to victory in the 12 lap B Main, followed by Blevins, Larsen, Sarale and Bumgarner.

2019 champion Michael "Spanky" Grenert won the 20 lap NorCal Dwarf Car Main Event. The race got off to a bit of a bumpy start. Ventura visitor Nick Velasquez had a front row start and led a lap before being overtaken by Mike Reeder. A tangle between Tommy Velasquez III and Grenert in Turn 4 brought out a Lap 2 yellow flag. Hoping to rebound from a disappointing finish a night earlier, Shawn Jones charged past Reeder to take the lead on the restart. Nick Velasquez moved into second on Lap 4, and a Lap 5 caution flag flew for Shawn Whitney in Turn 2. Jones continued to lead Nick Velasquez and Ben Wiesz on the restart, and the pace was interrupted for a Lap 8 yellow flag for Tommy Velasquez III. Jones continued to lead the restart as Grenert and Wiesz were running second and third. However, Jones was shuffled out of the Top 3 on lap 11 by Grenert, Wiesz and Ryan Winter. The final yellow flag waved on Lap 16 for Fred Dickey in Turn 4. Grenert led the restart as Winter charged past Wiesz for second. As Grenert went on to victory, Wiesz made a last lap move around Winter to reclaim second. Sean Catucci finished fourth, followed by Kevin Bender, Nick Velasquez, John Williams, Jeremy Blackshere, Mike Reeder and Tim Fitzpatrick. 

The 29 competitors ran four eight lap qualifying heat races with the wins going to Jones, Winter, Whitney and Reeder. Bender had a front row start for the 12 lap B Main and led all the way to win ahead of Williams, Brian Quilty, Glenn Sciarani and Dickey. 

Racing returns with a double header on Friday April 30th and Saturday May 1st. The Friday program will be the Spring Nationals Bill Brownell Memorial, featuring the Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Street Stocks and NorCal Dwarf Cars. The Sprint Car Challenge Tour headlines the David Tarter Memorial a night later with the NorCal Dwarf Cars running in support. For further information, go to www.silverdollarspeedway.com.

Sanders Wins Opening Night Of Silver Cup 

At Silver Dollar Speedway

Chico, CA...March 5...Justin Sanders won the 25 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway.  His win came aboard the Dale Miller owned Sprinter. Due to the fact that fans are still not allowed in attendance, the drivers competed for half the normal purse. This was the annual Silver Cup event, and it was broadcast on internet pay-per-view at dirtovaltv.com.

Relative newcomers Max Mittry and Joel Myers Jr shared the front row of the Main Event, and Mittry charged into the early lead ahead of Myers and Sanders. The yellow flag flew on the third lap for John Clark in Turn 4. Mittry continued to lead Myers and Sanders on the restart, but Sanders moved past Myers for second on Lap 8. Sanders quickly moved up to challenge Mittry before making what proved to be his winning pass on Lap 16. The final yellow flag flew on Lap 19 for Blake Carrick in Turn 4. Sanders led Mittry and Andy Forsberg on the restart. Sanders pulled away to nearly a straightaway advantage by the time the checkered flag flew. Mittry earned a career best second place finish ahead of Forsberg, Myers, Tanner Carrick, Willie Croft, Robbie Price, Caden Sarale, Sean Becker and Michael Ing. 

Even with the reduced purse, the event attracted 37 Sprint Cars. Blake Carrick set the fast time of 12.398 on the quarter-mile clay oval, beating the 12.486 of brother Tanner Carrick. They ran four eight lap heat races with wins going to Blake Carrick, Tanner Carrick, Sarale and Sanders. The 10 lap C Main took two transfers into the B Main. Tyler Driever took the lead from Steven Ingraham on the second lap and pulled away to a straightaway advantage over Ingraham in victory. Josh Wiesz finished third. Becker had the pole for the 12 lap B Main and led every lap in victory ahead of Billy Aton, Chase Goetz, Landon Brooks and Isaiah Vasquez. 

Ryan Winter scored the victory in the 20 lap NorCal Dwarf Car Main Event. Mike Reeder led two laps before being overtaken by Shawn Whitney as Winter settled into third. Tim Fitzpatrick brought out a yellow flag on Lap 4. Winter and Shawn Jones moved into second and third behind Whitney on the restart, but a yellow flag waved a lap later for a three-car tangle in Turn 1 involving Travis Day, Jeremy Blackshere and Dylan Shrum. Whitney continued to lead the restart with Jones slipping past Winter for second on Lap 8. A lap later, Jones raced by past Whitney for the lead. A Lap 10 yellow flag waved for John Williams in Turn 2. Jones led just one more lap before Day and Blackshere got together in Turn 2 for a yellow flag. Jones continued to lead Winter as Tommy Velasquez III settled into third. The red flag waved on Lap 14 for Whitney in Turn 3, and the race ended for Jones. At that point, Winter had the lead, and he led the rest of the way to win ahead of Tommy Velasquez III, Reeder, Nick Velasquez, Ben Wiesz, Wade Ehrlich, Gage Meyers, Kevin Bender, Shrum and Glenn Sciarani. 

There were 25 Dwarf Cars for this race, and eight lap heat race victories were earned by Jones, Winter, Anthony Pope and Nick Velasquez. Bender lad all the way to win the 12 lap B Main. Fitzpatrick made a lap 10 pass on Fred Dickey and would finish second as Dickey settled for third ahead of Robert Kozinski and Carl Droivold.

For scheduling information and other news from the speedway, go to www.silverdollarspeedway.com.

 

Blake Carrick Wins Sherm And Loree Toller Memorial Race 

At Marysville Raceway

Marysville, CA...February 27...Blake Carrick kicked off the 2021 season at Marysville Raceway with an impressive victory in the 25 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Marysville Raceway. This was the annual Sherm and Loree Toller Memorial race, and the win for Carrick came aboard the David Carrick owned Sprinter.

Blake Carrick drew the pole for the feature race and jumped into the early lead ahead of front row starter Brent Bjork and Nicholas Ringo. Recent Hanford winner Shane Golobic was running in fourth until bringing out a yellow flag on Lap 8. Blake Carrick continued to lead Bjork and Ringo for just one more lap before a red flag flew for Nick Larsen on the front straightaway. That was the final slowdown of the race. Blake Carrick continued to lead Bjork and Ringo on the restart with Tanner Carrick settling into fourth. Tanner Carrick slipped past Ringo for third on Lap 22 and put the moves on Bjork on the final lap to gain second. However, Blake Carrick won by about a straightaway ahead of Tanner Carrick. Bjork settled for third, followed by Ringo, Keith Day Jr, Jodie Robinson, Kaleb Montgomery, Justyn Cox, Ryan Robinson and Kyle Offill. 

A solid turnout of 24 competitors took their turns on the clock with Ryan Robinson setting the fast time of 12.953. He was the only driver in the 12-second bracket as Tanner Carrick was second quick at 13.071. Offill, Bjork, Ringo and Blake Carrick were the eight lap heat race winners. The eight drivers who didn't qualify through the heat races ran a 12 lap B Main. Steven Ingraham had the pole for that race and led 11 laps. Petaluma racer John Clark ran second for three laps before being overtaken by Jodie Robinson. Robinson stalked Ingraham until making her winning pass on the final lap. DJ Freitas finished third, followed by Clark and Mike Monahan.

Boy Moniz won the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. Kaimi Moniz-Costa had the pole and charged into the early lead ahead of Moniz and Tony Bernard. The only yellow flag of the race flew on Lap 5 for James East in Turn 3. Costa continued to lead with Moniz providing plenty of pressure. On the eighth lap, Moniz charged past Costa to take the lead. From there, Moniz built a half-lap lead over Costa in victory. Bernard settled for third, followed by Tim Sherman Jr, Brent Steck, Scott Clough, East, Ryan Owens and Steve Maionchi. Past Hunt Series champion Shawn Jones and Trevor Schmid both scratched after hot laps. Bernard and Moniz won their respective eight lap heat races 

Cameron Haney Jr scored a thrilling victory in the 20 lap Crate Sprint Main Event aboard the Jennifer Haney owned entry. Chad Thompson had the pole for the feature race and charged into the early lead ahead of Dusty Barton and reigning champion Brett Youngman. A yellow flag flew on Lap 3 for Barton. Thompson continued to lead Youngman and Jason Ballantine on the restart. Youngman brought out a yellow flag on Lap 5, and Thompson led Kevin Dozier and Jason Ballantine on the ensuing restart. Barton brought out his second yellow flag on Lap 9 to end his race. A yellow flag flew for the last time a lap later for a Turn 3 tangle involving Jason Ballantine and Doug Froehlich. Thompson continued to lead Dozier on the restart as Haney settled into third. Dozier was keeping it close at the front of the pack with Haney joining the battle. Haney slipped past Dozier for second on Lap 17 and continued giving Thompson all the pressure he could handle. On the final lap, Haney went racing past Thompson to steal the lead and victory. Thompson settled for second, followed by Dozier. Youngman rebounded in fourth, followed by David Sims, Spencer Slocum, Jason Ballantine, Wyatt Van Lare, Mike Ballantine and Froehlich. There were 11 cars on hand, and the eight lap heat race wins were earned by Haney and Mike Ballantine.

The championship season is scheduled to begin on March 13th with a program featuring the Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and the Crate Sprints. For scheduling and other information, go to www.marysvilleraceway.com.

McDaniel Charges To Victory, Pearce First Time Winner 

At The Stockton Dirt Track

Stockton, CA...February 27...Ryan McDaniel won the 25 lap Dirt Modified Main Event Saturday night at the Stockton Dirt Track. The win was worth $1,500 to McDaniel, who should gain the point lead from Troy Foulger as a result.

Foulger charged into the early lead ahead of Raymond Lindemann and Anthony Slaney. McDaniel was in fifth on Lap 2 and slipped past Slaney for third a lap later. McDaniel grabbed the second position from Lindemann on the fourth lap. However, Foulger held a more than three second lead by then. Slaney grabbed third on Lap 6. McDaniel was only gaining on Foulger a little bit, but a yellow flag bunched the field after 10 laps. Foulger led one more lap before his race came to an end for a Lap 11 yellow flag. McDaniel led Bobby Hogge IV and Oregon's Jeffrey Hudson on the restart. There were four yellow flags during the final 10 circuits, and Hudson brought out a yellow flag on Lap 17. On this restart and the final two, McDaniel repelled Hogge's challenges and would score the victory. Kellen Chadwick finished third, followed by Carl Berendsen II, Buddy Kniss, Hudson, Paul Guglielmani, Clark Guglielmani, Danny Malfati and Jeffrey Faulkner. The eight lap heat race victories were earned by Chadwick, Kniss and McDaniel.

Second year racer Andrew Pearce won the 25 lap B Modified Main Event. Pearce had a sure victory taken from him at the previous Stockton race due to contact, and this win was worth $500. Merced racer Chris Falkenberg led after two complete restarts with Jeremy Hoff and Pearce in pursuit. Hoff was pressuring Falkenberg for the lead, and both he and Pearce got by for the Top 2 positions on the sixth lap. A yellow flag on the eighth lap bunched the field and proved to be the final slowdown of the race. Hoff continued to lead Pearce on the restart, but the battle intensified in the next few laps. Pearce finally put the moves on Hoff to grab the lead on the 15th lap. From there, Pearce pulled away to a commanding lead by the time the checkered flag waved. Hoff settled for second, followed by Falkenberg, Philip Shelby, Fred Ryland, Gavin Espino, Mark Garner, Ryan Peery, Mark Squadrito and Mike Ficklin. Les Friend and Ryland won their respective eight lap heat races

Ryan "Ice Chip" Winter won the 20 lap NorCal Dwarf Car Main Event. Michael Curry led just a lap before the yellow flag slowed the pace. Winter took the lead from Curry on the restart and Michael "Spanky" Grenert settled into third. The final yellow flag waved on Lap 4. As Winter continued to lead the restart, Grenert took second from Curry. Micro Sprint graduate Brandon Shaw slipped past Curry for third on Lap 6. Shawn Whitney gained fourth on Lap 14. Traffic enabled Grenert to close in on Winter with three laps to go. However, Winter kept his cool and brought it home to a satisfying victory. Grenert settled for second, followed by Shaw, Whitney, Ben Wiesz, Curry, Buddy Olschowka, Dan Geil, Fred Dickey and Dylan Schrum. The eight lap heat race wins went to Whitney, Ben Wiesz and Winter.

Nick Baldwin won the 20 lap Bombers Main Event. The rapidly run race saw just one yellow flag slow the pace on Lap 3. Late Model racer Dominic Lopez paced the opening lap before being overtaken by Les Friend on the second lap. A lap later, Baldwin moved into second before a yellow flag waved for DJ Keldsen. Friend continued to lead Baldwin on the restart as the lead duo pulled away from Lopez. Ashley Lewis settled into fourth, and the leaders lapped fifth place Anthony Vigna on Lap 15. During the final five laps, Baldwin closed in on Friend and overtook him for the lead on Lap 18. Baldwin led the rest of the way to win as Friend settled for second ahead of Lewis, Vigna, Dakota Keldsen, Lopez, Brandon Carpenter, DJ Keldsen and Steve Torres. DJ Keldsen and Baldwin were the eight lap heat race winners.

Racing resumes with a big event on March 20th. It's the Salute To Leroy Van Conant NARC/King of the West Winged 410 Sprint Car race. The NorCal Dwarf Cas will run in support. The following Saturday, the Dirt Modifieds are back for their fourth event along with the B Modifieds, Bombers and the return of the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series. Information, go to www.stocktondirtrack.com.

Golobic Opens Keller Auto Speedway Season With $3,000 Win  

Hanford, CA.. February 20...Shane Golobic won the 30 lap King Of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Keller Auto Speedway. This was the season opener at the 3/8 mile clay oval, and the win paid Golobic $3,000 aboard Matt Wood's Elk Grove Ford/NOS Energy Drink sponsored Sprinter.

Golobic shared the front row with surprise Trophy Dash winner Joel Myers Jr for the start. When Myers got a bit sideways exiting Turn 2, Golobic slowed, allowing Carson Macedo to race into the lead over Myers. An inside pass in Turn 2 of the second lap briefly put Tanner Carrick into second, but he surrendered the spot to a Turn 4 pass by Golobic before the lap was completed. Macedo was leading Golobic and Carrick on Lap 3 before a Turn 2 tangle between Jared Faria and Colby Thornhill forced a yellow flag. Golobic took the lead on the restart. Through two yellow flags in the next three laps, Golobic continued to lead Macedo. Myers regained third on the Lap 7 restart, but a yellow flag waved moments later for Thornhill in Turn 2. On the restart lap, Macedo gathered the momentum and made a Turn 4 pass on Golobic to reclaim the lead. Macedo was working slower traffic by Lap 15, and an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 17 put Mitchell Faccinto into third. When Macedo jumped the cushion in Turn 2 on Lap 26, Golobic raced by on the inside to grab the lead. Brooklyn Holland stalled in Turn 1 for the final yellow flag after 26 laps. Despite some serious pressure from the Macedo on the restart, Golobic maintained his poise and brought it home to his first career Hanford victory. Macedo settled for second, followed by Tim Kaeding, Dominic Scelzi, Mitchell Faccinto, Colby Copeland, Justyn Cox, Blake Carrick, Tucker Worth and Tanner Carrick. 

There were an impressive 41 Winged 360 Sprint Cars for the show, and the heat race wins were earned by Tanner Carrick, Tim Kaeding, Golobic and Mitchell Faccinto. The first of two 12 lap B Mains was won by Mitchel Moles ahead of Grant Duinkerken and Nick Ringo. Jared Faria won the second B Main ahead of Chelsea Blevins and Jake Andreotti.

Brooklyn Holland won the 20 lap Van De Pol RaceSaver 305 Sprint Car Main Event. Holland started in the second row as Richard Weddle charged into the early lead ahead of Ryan Rocha. Rocha spun in Turn 2 after one lap with Brandon Emmett hitting him and flipping off of the track. Weddle continued to lead Austin Warmerdam and Ryan DeLisle on the restart. DeLisle slipped past Warmerdam for second on Lap 4. Rookie Tyler Gray spun in Turn 4 for a Lap 5 yellow flag. On the restart lap, DeLisle went low in Turn 2 to take the lead from Weddle. Weddle got sideways in Turn 1 on Lap 7, and a Holland pass on Warmerdam ended up gaining her second at that moment. Grant Champlin made a low pass in Turn 1 on Lap 11 to take third from Warmerdam. DeLisle got sideways in Turn 2 on Lap 13, enabling both Holland and Champlin to get by. Weddell spun in Turn 2 for a lap 13 yellow flag. Holland continued to lead Champlin and DeLisle on the restart and through two yellow flags in the final five laps. Holland would not be denied as she scored the victory ahead of Champlin, DeLisle, Kyle Rasmussen, Warmerdam, Blaine Fagundes, Sean Quinn, Rocha, Brad Holbauch and Gray. The heat race wins went to Fagundes and DeLisle.

Larry Thompson won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. The race was slowed by just two yellow flags. From his pole position start, Nick Johnson set the early pace ahead of Thompson and Wayne Dotson. Unfortunately for Johnson, he slowed off the pace and pitted off the backstretch on Lap 6 and Thompson assumed the lead ahead of Dotson and Chad Johnson. A low move in Turn 1 of the seventh lap gained Chad Johnson second from Dotson. Dotson pitted on Lap 8 to move Cody Johnson into third. Thompson and Chad Johnson had an intense side-by-side battle on Lap 12 with Thompson maintaining the lead. Cody Johnson stalled from third in Turn 4 for a Lap 15 yellow flag. Thompson continued to lead Chad Johnson and Steve Streeter on the restart. A Garrett Corn spin in Turn 2 forced a final yellow flag on Lap 17. Chad Johnson gave Thompson some serious pressure on the restart. Unfortunately, Johnson drove over the Turn 1 berm on the final lap, allowing Streeter to move underneath him in Turn 2 to gain second. Thompson brought it home to victory ahead of Streeter, Chad Johnson, Brock Hamilton, Troy Patee, Corn, Cody Johnson, Miranda Dotson, Wayne Dotson and Nick Johnson. Thompson and Nick Johnson were the heat race winners

Matthew Herod won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. The race was destined to go all the way without a yellow flag. From his outside second row starting position, Herod roared pass David Wolford Jr and into the lead as Jeff Durant settled into third. From that point on, Herod had to deal with the serious pressure from Wolford in his bid to gain the lead. On the 12th lap, the lead duo went three-wide lapping a slower car on the backstretch, and they also had a challenging moment on Lap 16 in Turn 2 as they lapped two slower competitors. Despite heavy pressure on the inside from Wolford in the final two laps, Herod kept his cool and scored a well-earned victory. Durant was a race-long third, followed by Steve Porter, Clinton Massey, Shawn DePriest, Eddie Humphrey III, Cory Holbauch, Helder Santos and Trevor Jolley. Wolford and Massey were the heat race winners.

The track has scheduled a King of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Car show on March 13th along with the Mini Stocks and the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series. For further information, go to www.racekingsspeedway.com.

Excitement And Controversy At The Stockton Dirt Track 

Stockton, CA...January 16...Bobby Hogge IV won the 25 lap Dirt Modified Main Event Saturday night at the Stockton Dirt Track. Hogge collected his $1,000 victory with a thrilling last lap pass on reigning Petaluma Speedway champion Anthony Slaney. Slaney had a front row start for the future race and set the early place ahead of Matthew Hagio and reigning IMCA State champion Troy Foulger. Foulger slipped past Hagio for second on lap two with reigning Susanville champion Ryan McDaniel gaining third on Lap 3. A yellow flag waved on Lap 5 with Slaney, Foulger and McDaniel continuing to run in the Top 3 on the restart. The lead three competitors were running closely when a yellow flag was unfurled on Lap 17. Hogge slipped past McDaniel on the restart as Slaney continued to lead Foulger. A lap later, Hogge put the moves on Foulger to take second, and McDaniel was running third when the yellow flag waved on Lap 21. Slaney continued to hold off the persistent Hogge on the restart, and the final yellow flag waved on Lap 23. Hogge continued to pressure Slaney hard on the restart and moved around the outside of him as they exited Turn 2 on the last lap. Hogge led Slaney into the third and fourth turns. Making a last ditch effort to regain the lead, Slaney got into Hogge in Turn 4 and spun to avoid taking him out. Hogge sped to the thrilling victory ahead of McDaniel, Foulger, Hagio, Slaney, Clark Guglielmoni, Danny Malfati, Raymond Lindemann, Justin Saltel and Steve Streeter. Foulger and Hogge won their respective eight lap heat races 

Les Friend scored a controversial $600 victory in the B Modified 25 lap Main Event. Friend had a front row start for the race and charged into the early lead ahead of second year competitor Andrew Pearce and January 1st winner Philip Shelby. Mark Garner settled into third on a Lap 6 restart. A yellow flag waved a lap later, but there wasn't another yellow flag until Lap 19. At that point, Friend was still leading Pearce and Garner. Bobby Hogge III was running fourth. On the restart lap, Pearce got a good run on the outside of Friend as they ran through Turns 1 and 2. Pearce moved ahead down the back straightaway and led them through Turn 3. However, contact from Friend sent Pearce spinning in the fourth turn for the final yellow flag. Friend led Hogge and Garner back to the yellow flag. Friend led the restart and easily pulled away from Hogge for the victory. Pearce drove hard during the final laps and gained third from Garner on Lap 23. At the checkered flag, it was Friend getting the win ahead of Hogge, Pearce, Garner, Keith Foux, Scott Foster, Joe Salvi, Kelly Campanile, Jeremy Hoff and Shelby. The eight lap heat race wins went to Hoff and Friend. 

Placerville Speedway regular Ryan Peter won the 15 lap Bomber Main Event. Peter charged into the lead at the start ahead of DJ Keldsen and Les Friend. Friend moved by Keldsen for second on Lap 5 as the yellow flag waved. Peter led Friend and Keldsen on the restart. The yellow flag waved on Lap 10 for DJ Keldsen. Peter continued to lead Friend on the restart as Dominic Lopez got by Roy Luft for third. However, Dakota Keldsen gained third on Lap 12. Peter would lead Friend the rest of the way for the victory. Luft, Lopez and Dakota Keldsen were all a lap down in a fierce battle for third. It was Dakota Keldsen finishing there ahead of Luft, Lopez, DJ Keldsen, Keith Ross and George Silva. Peter won the eight lap heat race.

West Coast Sport Compact competitor Randy Brown Jr won the 20 lap Basically Four Cylinder Main Event. Brown led at the start ahead of Petaluma champion Tom Brown. Jeff Durant got by Tom Brown for second on Lap 3. Randy Brown and Durant pulled away from the pack. Three-time Merced Speedway champion Chris Corder had settled into third and began reeling in the leaders. Randy Brown Jr sped to the checkered flag for the victory. Mechanical issues struck Durant late as Corder got by for second. Durant settled for third ahead of Tom Brown, Ray Bunn, Josh Cross, Harlan Kuntz, Antioch champion Jess Paladino, Dylan Powell and Stockton 99 Speedway champion Joe Flowers. The eight lap heat race win went to Randy Brown Jr.

For scheduling information, go to www.stocktondirttrack.com.

 

 

Bakersfield Speedway Unofficial Race Results March 6, 2021
IMCA Modifieds
Cody Laney
Dylan Thornton
Austin Kiefer
Danny Lauer
Ethan Dotson
Gavyn Manning
Ryan Daves
Jack Aguiar
Michael Scruggs
Paul Culp
Rob Sanders
Bryan Clark
Jerry Flippo
Stephen Streeter
Brad Pounds
Logan Drake
Robby Sawyer
Alyssa Smith
Jim Pettit II
Kyle Heckman
Mike Stanford
Jacob Dewsbury
Chris Crompe DNS
Heath Morton DNS

IMCA Sport Modifieds
A Main
Jason Nation
Nick Spainhoward
Chase Thomas
John Piker
Tyler Bannister
Tyler Blankenship
Nathan Rolfe
Chuck Weir
Mike Wells
Jon McKinley
Billy Simkins
Joel Dean
Jason Bannister
Brock Crawford
Chris Falkenberg
David Pearson
Michael Black
Scott Foster
Garrett Jernagan
Austin Manzella
Justin Gonzalez
Austin Pugh

B Main 1
John Piker
Austin Manzella
Tyler Blankenship
Scott Foster
Austin Pugh
Brandon Jennings
Dylan Potter
Jared Schweitzer
Daniel West
D. J. Jeffery

B Main 2
Jason Bannister
Chris Falkenberg
Mike Wells
David Pearson
Jon McKinley
Markus Frazier
Adam Jeffrey
Jim Reed

IMCA Stock Cars
Ethan Dotson
Steven Johnson
Chad Johnson
Wayne Dotson
Justin Schweitzer
Jeff Streeter
Troy Patee
Nicholas Johnson
Garrett Corn
Renn Bane
Michael Shearer
Mark Morton
Kyle Heckman
Miranda Scott
Larry Thompson Jr
Doug Lockwood DNS

Mini Stocks
Brandon Wolford
Clint Duncan
Cory Hohlbauch
James Williams
Jose Rosales
Carson Conway
Ben Lickey
Jeff McCulty


Silver Dollar Speedway Unofficial Race Results March 6, 2021
Winged 360 Sprints
A Main
Justin Sanders
Robbie Price
Blake Carrick
Joel Myers Jr
Tanner Carrick
Andy Forsberg
Chase Goetz
Andy Gregg
Caden Sarale
Sean Becker
Billy Wallace
Max Mittry
Steel Powell
Tyler Driever
Stephen Ingraham
Michael Ing
Chelsea Blevins
Brad Bumgarner
Nick Larsen
Ben Worth
Willie Croft
Jake Haulot

B Main
Steel Powell
Chelsea Blevins
Nick Larsen
Caden Sarale
Brad Bumgarner
Stephen Ingraham
Kenny Wanderstadt
Chris Masters
Koa Crane
Steven Snawder
Ashlyn Rodriguez
John Clark
Korey Lovell
Tyler Thompson

C Main
Chris Masters
Steven Snawder
Isaiah Vasquez
Devan Whitlock
Josh Wiesz
Kevin Lovell
Mike Sayer

NorCal Dwarf Cars
A Main
Mike Grenert
Ben Wiesz
Ryan Winter
Sean Catucci
Kevin Bender
Nick Velasquez
John Williams
Jeremy Blackshere
Mike Reeder  
Tim Fitzpatrick
Brian Quilty
Tommy Velasquez III
Gage Meyers
Wade Ehrlich
Glenn Sciarani
Fred Dickey
Dylan Shrum
Austin Quilty
Isaak Geil
Shawn Jones
Shawn Whitney
Dan Geil

B Main
Kevin Bender
John Williams
Brian Quilty
Glenn Sciarani
Fred Dickey
Isaak Geil
Robert Kozinski
Travis Day
Jace Badeker
Jamison Sole
Hailey Wiesz
Derek Droivold
Zac Armstong


Silver Dollar Speedway Unofficial Race Results March 5, 2021
Silver Cup Night 1
Winged 360 Sprints
A Main
Justin Sanders
Max Mittry
Andy Forsberg
Joel Myers Jr
Tanner Carrick
Willie Croft
Robbie Price
Caden Sarale
Sean Becker
Michael Ing  
Landon Brooks
Billy Aton
Brad Bumgarner
Blake Carrick
Steel Powell
Jimmy Trulli
Chase Goetz
Isaiah Vasquez
D.J. Freitas
Garen Linder
Tyler Thompson
John Clark

B Main
Sean Becker
Billy Aton
Chase Goetz
Landon Brooks
Isaiah Vasquez
Jimmy Trulli
Ashlyn Rodriguez
Bret Barney
Jake Haulot
Tyler Driever
R.C. Smith
Steven Snawder
Stephen Ingraham
Nick Larsen

C Main
Tyler Driever
Stephen Ingraham
Josh Wiesz
Cody Smith
Koa Crane
Devan Whitlock
Eddy Lewis

NorCal Dwarf Cars
A Main
Ryan Winter
Tommy Velasquez III
Mike Reeder
Nick Velasquez
Ben Wiesz
Wade Ehrlich
Gage Meyers
Kevin Bender
Dylan Shrum
Glenn Sciarani
Fred Dickey
Robert Kozinski
Tim Fitzpatrick
Sean Catucci
Jace Badeker
Shawn Jones
Shawn Whitney
Jeremy Blackshere
Travis Day
Anthony Pope
John Williams

B Main
Kevin Bender
Tim Fitzpatrick
Fred Dickey
Robert Kozinski
Carl Droivold
Jace Badeker
Lenorad Osorio
Hailey Wiesz
Jamison Sole


Kern Raceway Unofficial Race Results March 6, 2021
King of Thunder 360 Winged Sprints Cars
Main Event
Shane Golobic
Rico Abreu
Jason Solwold
Kaleb Montgomery
Mitchell Faccinto
DJ Netto
Dominic Scelzi
Ryan Robinson
Mitchell Moles
Joey Ancona
Tim Kaeding
Corey Day
Keith Day
Austin McCarl
Zane Blanchard
Justin Cox
Jake Andreotti
JJ Hickle
Kyle Offill
Jodie Robinson
Craig Stidham
JJ Ringo
Devon Borden
Brock Lemley

B Main
Justin Cox
Devon Borden
JJ Ringo
Craig Stidham
Kyle Offill
Tim Estenson
Tucker Worth
Jace Vanderweerd
Brooklyn Holland
Grant Duinkerken
Colby Johnson
Chance Crum
Grant Champlin
Connor Danell
Cody Thornhill
Chase Johnson DNS

West Coast Sport Compact
David Wolford
Clinton Massey
Joe Robinson
Scott Glenn
Greg Baronian
Shawn DePriest
Steve Porter
Gene Glover
Matthew Herod
Eddie Humphrey
Dan Myrick
Helder Santos
Billy Beckham
Jeff Durant
Edward Marvin DNS


Kern Raceway Unofficial Race Results March 5, 2021
King of Thunder 360 Winged Sprints Cars
Main Event
Dominic Scelzi
Shane Golobic
Tim Kaeding
DJ Netto
Rico Abreu
JJ Hickle
Ryan Robinson
Kaleb Montgomery
Jake Andreotti
Jace Vanderweerd
Cody Thornhill
Kyle Offill
Tucker Worth
Ian Madson
Mitchell Moles
Keith Day
Jason Solwold
Jodie Robinson
Grant Duinkerken
Devon Borden
Austin McCarl
Corey Day

B Main
Devon Borden
Austin McCarl
Colby Johnson
Zane Blanchard
Tim Estenson
Joey Ancona
Chase Johnson
Chance Crum
Brock Lemley
Steven Kent
Grant Champlin
Connor Danell
JJ Ringo
Mitchell Faccinto DNS

West Coast Sport Compact
David Wolford
Clinton Massey
Jeff Durant
Gene Glover
Matt Herod
Greg Baronian
Scott Glenn
Shawn DePriest
Eddie Humphrey
Edward Marvin
Billy Beckham
Helder Santos
Jose Rosales
Dan Myrick
Randy Brown Jr
Cory Hohlbauch DNS
Ryan Dogilone DNS


Marysville Raceway Unofficial Race Results February 27, 2020
Sherm And Loree Toller Memorial
Winged 360 Sprints
Blake Carrick
Tanner Carrick
Brent Bjork
Nick Ringo
Keith Day Jr
Jodie Robinson
Kaleb Montgomery
Justyn Cox
Ryan Robinson
Kyle Offill
Sean Becker
Caden Sarale
Billy Wallace
Jimmy Trulli
Stephen Ingraham
John Clark
Mike Monahan
Nick Larsen
Shane Golobic
Andy Forsberg

B Main
Jodie Robinson
Stephen Ingraham
D.J. Freitas
John Clark
Mike Monahan
Koa Crane
Korey Lovell
Pat Harvey Jr

Wingless Spec Sprints
Boy Moniz
Kaimi Moniz-Costa
Tony Bernard
Tim Sherman Jr
Brent Steck
Scott Clough
James East
Ryan Owens
Steve Maionchi

Crate Sprints
Cameron Haney Jr
Chad Thompson
Kevin Dozier
Brett Youngman
David Sims
Spencer Slocum
Jason Ballantine
Wyatt Vanlare
Mike Ballantine
Doug Froehlich
Dusty Barton


Keller Auto Speedway Unofficial Race Results February 20, 2021
King Of Thunder Winged 360 Sprints
A Main
Shane Golobic
Carson Macedo
Tim Kaeding
Dominic Scelzi
Mitchell Faccinto
Colby Copeland
Justyn Cox
Blake Carrick
Tucker Worth
Tanner Carrick
Joel Myers
Bud Kaeding
Mitchel Moles
Michael Faccinto
Corey Day
Joey Ancon
Grant Duinkerke
Keith Day
Craig Stidham
Brooklyn Hollan
Chelsea Blevins
Colby Thornhill
Willie Croft
Jared Faria

B Main 1
Mitchel Moles
Grant Duinkerken
Nick Ringo
Kaleb Montgomery
Jace VanderWeerd
Ben Wort
James Ringo
Ashlyn Rodriguez
Michael Pombo
Travis Coelho
D.J. Netto DNS

B Main 2
Jared Faria
Chelsea Blevins
Jake Andreotti
Zane Blanchard
Kurt Nelson
Tim Estenson
Vaughn Schott
Adam Kaeding
Davey Pombo Jr
Koen Shaw

IMCA Western Racesaver
Brooklyn Holland
Grant Champlin
Ryan Delisle
Kyle Rasmussen
Austin Warmerdam
Blaine Fagundes
Sean Quinn
Ryan Rocha
Brad Hohlbauch
Tyler Gray
Richard Weddle
Brandon Stidham
Connor Danell
Brandon Emmett
Chris Stevens
Caden Stoll

Mini Stocks
David Wolford Jr
Jeff Duran
Steve Porter
Clinton Massey
Shawn DePriest
Eddie Humphrey II
Cory Hohlbau
Helder Santos
Trevor Jolley

IMCA Stock Cars
Larry Thompson
Jeffrey Streeter
Chad Johnson
Brock Hamilton
Troy Patee
Garrett Corn
Cody Johnson
Miranda Dotson
Wayne Dotson
Nicholas Johnson


Stockton Dirt Track Unofficial Race Results February  27, 2021
A Modifieds
Ryan McDaniel
Bobby Hogge IV
Kellen Chadwick
Carl Berendsen II
Buddy Kniss
Jeffrey Hudson
Paul Guglielmoni
Clark Guglielmoni
Danny Malfatti
Jeff Faulkner
Matthew Hagio
Raymond Keldsen
Jake Dewsbury
Justin Yaeger
Jimmy Ford
Steven Streeter
Troy Foulger
Anthony Slaney
Raymond Lindeman
Mitch Machado
TJ Etchison
Chris Lewis

B Modifieds
Andrew Pearce
Jeremy Hoff
Chris Falkenberg
Phillip Shelby
Fred Ryland
Gavin Espino
Mark Garner
Ryan Peery
Mark Squadrito
Mike Ficklin
Dwayne Short
Scott Foster
Joe Salvi
Damian Merritt
Les Friend
Mike Merritt

NorCal Dwarf Cars
Ryan Winter
Mike Grenert
Brandon Shaw
Shawn Whitney
Ben Wiesz
Michael Curry
Buddy Olschowka
Dan Geil
Fred Dickey
Dylan Shrum
Isaak Geil
Koby Kerns
Gage Meyers
Travis Day
Leonard Osorio
John Williams
Jace Badeker
Jeff Fitch
Josh Wiesz

Bombers
Nick Baldwin
Les Friend
Ashley Lewis
Anthony Vigna
Dakota Keldsen
Dominic Lopez
Brandon Carpenter
DJ Keldsen
Steve Torres
Xavier Baez


Stockton Dirt Track Unofficial Race Results January 16, 2021
A Modifieds
Bobby Hogge IV
Ryan McDaniel
Troy Foulger
Matthew Hagio
Anthony Slaney
Clark Guglielmoni
Danny Malfatti
Raymond Linderman
Justin Saltel
Steven Streeter
Matthew Kiser
Jeffrey Hudson
Paul Guglielmoni
Terry Kiser
Jeff Olschowka
Josh Combs

B Modifieds
Les Friend
Bobby Hogge III
Andrew Pearce
Mark Garner
Keith Foux
Scott Foster
Joe Salvi
Kelly Champanile
Jeremy Hoff
Phillip Shelby
Mark Squadrito

Bombers
Ryan Peter
Les Friend
Dakota Keldsen
Roy Luft
Dominic Lopez
DJ Keldsen
Keith Ross
George Silva

Basically 4 Cylinder
Randy Brown Jr
Chris Corder
Jeff Durant
Tom Brown
Ray Bunn
Josh Cross
Harlan Kuntz
Jess Paladino
Dylan Powell
Joe Flowers  

The Editor's Viewpoint

I had no set plans to make my next blog post or write any articles. I had written a review article for the second race at Stockton this year and started on an Antioch article, but I initially stopped there. I'm not saying I have no plans to post anything on this blog, but I don't have a time frame or any set schedule. If you're reading this post, I suppose you can think Michael Burch. Being the amazing supporter he has been of the DCRR through the years, he tipped the blog recently. Other than the post in January, we haven't been doing anything racing related for the past few months, but Michael still wanted to offer some support and encouragement. It does make a difference.

I know there are plenty of questions out there on my status, but I have chosen to stay silent and avoid commenting on anything due to the situation unfolding at Southern Oregon Speedway. It's not really a situation. Mike McCann is walking away and retiring after a lengthy and storied career as a promoter and racer. Some people down in Medford are acting like the sky is falling, but it is not. It's not the end of the track. No, it's not suddenly run down or abandoned. A good couple of weeks of work on that track prior to opening the season would get it going as it always does. Also, there will be a new promoter. To my knowledge, the Jackson County Parks people want to keep it going, and somebody will step up.

I have mixed emotions, but I'm not going to comment on too much here. I've been writing a lot about the subject for the book, which is also going very slowly. Those of you who have been reading this column know that I have been saying that I don't have a gig at any race track. This is the truth. I couldn't comment on the situation at Medford for reasons I'm not going to get into now. I knew that after it was decided that the track wouldn't open in 2020, my days were done there. I also knew that no opportunities were going to open up anywhere else. Given that, I don't see a way where I could keep doing this blog weekly without some sort of support coming my way. It's just too much work. I certainly can't do it the way I've been doing it, because it's not good for me or my personal well-being.

I'm probably going to have a special column that I will run on the Jefferson blog regarding race tracks in Oregon, but I'm still bouncing those ideas in my mind. There's the possibility of a rebranding of that blog after something that happened recently. I know there are certain people up here who want to get a race track or open a race track, and it can be done. It's all in what they want to do. As for me, I suppose there's always going to be a part of me looking around and seeing what's going on in the sport and thinking that if they did it this way or that way things might be better. I'm okay with nobody feeling I am worth bringing on board to their track. I'm okay with Antioch Speedway closing the door on me. Though I will always wonder what more we could have accomplished at Southern Oregon Speedway, I'm okay walking away with only a regret or two. I know I did my best.

The brief status report I have for this blog is we have no plans on how we will go forward in 2021. Will I try to cover something weekly or just post anything at all on any sort of regular basis? I don't know. I'm not feeling it at the moment. I'm so not feeling it that I did almost no work on my book during in the winter. The content is written, but there's an incredible amount of editing that needs to be done before I can ever put it out. I do know that books and going in more of a racing historical direction is a more attractive way forward for me if I am to continue doing anything involving the sport.

I don't want to cover things the way I did last year. If I have to say phrases like "contact tracing", "social distancing" or any of that stuff, I'm going to hurl. I look at the world marching towards 1984. When I came across that book years ago, I thought it was crazy. No way the world would that ever become like that. We are too smart for that. Look around you. Do you really think the world is too smart to fall into the trap of 1984? I don't think so. I know there are people who get it, but if more people don't wake up, we will have lost many of the freedoms that we held dear.

I believe several tracks will be able to open with some sort of fan attendance very soon or by June or July. I'm not interested in covering the struggle to get to that point, because we're still in a tug of war between good news and bad news. I read the article Ron Rodda put together over at Hoseheads, and it's interesting. Let's be honest here. How many fans on average are attending many of these race tracks? If you guess 500 to 800 people, I'd say you're in the ballpark. Some may do better on occasion and others worse, but I think that's the ballpark. We're not in the days of 1,500 to 2,000 people watching the races anymore, and I don't know if that will ever be something we see on a regular basis at any track on the West Coast.

Ron wrote of yellow tier and orange tier and red tier and purple tier and what it means. He was also interviewing Dennis Gage of Marysville and Chico. Given the attendance capacity that some tracks have, if you give them 25%, they can do business. Antioch Speedway, for example, could get about what they average on any given race night at 25% capacity, and that means they can do business. If they've been able to do business that way for the last few years, they can certainly do it now. It does put a kink in things if you can get more fans and they're not allowed. At 25% capacity, most tracks can open and do what they've been doing in recent years unless the promoter doesn't want to try or it's a big money event.

In short, although it can always go back into the negative and will if we let it, we could start to see people spectating at most race tracks by June or July as we fight to get our lives back again in this country. When they made the announcement late last year that the World of Outlaws would be coming in March and April, I was the wet blanket on the deal. I knew there was no way the big tour with an increased purse was coming to the West Coast, and I was right. It got canceled. I will also add that other big events could get canceled as we start working towards the good news. Be prepared for that. Again, what are the people willing to put up with?

Promoters have already been hit, and some are going out of business and others are close to giving up. Tracks that opened last year in some cases did so while losing money. The biggest encouragement for them was they had sponsorship money to work with, plus they were doing it for the good of the sport to keep the racers engaged. I get that. Businesses have taken a big hit, and some of that sponsorship money is now going away. Some of the bigger corporate sponsorship is not being handed out either. Furthermore, promoters are feeling the pinch on things like race track insurance, so this is not a good time to be a promoter. If your track is opening under less than ideal circumstances, you better appreciate and support it. The sport can't take much more of what's been happening before we see devastating results. Something's got to give.

There's obviously lots of stuff I can comment on here, but I am trying to not go on and on. It makes this column a pain in the ass to edit and publish when I go on with it. I see that Antioch Speedway is finally going with the MyLaps electronic scoring system, which means the possibility of watching your scoring in real time. It also helps make the job easier for a scorekeeper. It's a win-win situation. There's a big investment that management makes in buying the equipment, so I understand why the previous promoter was reluctant. However, I think Chad Chadwick is making the right decision, and it's another positive that he's bringing to the speedway.

I noticed Promoter Kevin Barba putting feelers out there to see if he could start a Street Stock/Hobby Stock division. I've been saying this since the association ran the track. They need to add this division or other classes that can get them cars. It's a bonus that it's a division unique to them and not something they are sharing with Medford. Book this class right, where racers might be able to visit from Hayfork or Orland, and it can go well. I've been hearing some rumors concerning the promoter there, and I hope they're not true. It's challenging to promote a race track these days. I do know that. I don't worry about Yreka not running should Kevin walk out the gate. I firmly believe the old association will be there if nobody else steps forward.

Calistoga has such an uncertain future and a dismal outlook for 2021 that Dennis Gage offered Chico as the home track for the Louie Vermeil Memorial. It's a good move to keep the race continuity going, although Chico isn't Calistoga. In some respect, it might be better, but there's an allure to watching Sprint Cars on a half-mile oval. Where do you bring this race if Calistoga ultimately closes? It's my hope that somebody comes in and saves that place. Running at Chico is not a slam dunk as Dennis could pull the plug on many races this year if he's unable to get a significant fan attendance. Time will tell.

Looks like the race dates announced at Antioch Speedway for the Bay Area Hardtops will include the Valley Sportsman division from Merced. I have mixed emotions because I believe the two classes are unique in themselves. Other than having a shootout race here or there, I don't like the idea of doing it on a regular basis. I like both classes and probably lean towards the Sportsmans as that's my division as a kid. I do wish Merced Speedway would have given them more than four dates this year, so I guess I should be grateful that Chadwick has opened the door to them at Antioch.

Ocean Speedway has announced a Hall of Fame night, and I like that idea. I would like to get more information on what this is. I understand that Cory Edwards is still trying to prop up the San Jose Speedway Hall of Fame and did have a San Jose Speedway Hall of Fame night at Watsonville a few years ago. I like the idea of a San Jose Speedway Hall of Fame, but a Watsonville Speedway Hall of Fame is what needs to be brought back. They have had several inductions in the past, and it's my hope that the Hall of Fame they speak of pertains to the Watsonville track's history. I await clarification on this. I am happy that I have been a voice in the crowd getting very loud about tracks having Hall of Fame nights, and now Watsonville has marked one of these nights on their schedule. Racing history matters. 

For over 20 years, Watsonville has also hosted the Mike Cecil Memorial race. The Cecil family has decided that due to other obligations they no longer want to be involved with that race. I don't know if they told Promoter John Prentice that the track could no longer use Mike's name for a race or simply that they didn't want to be involved. If it's the latter I wish John would have kept that race alive. Unfortunately, he's reluctant to run big Stock Car events at Watsonville unless somebody else does most of the ground work for him. That's the way it looks to me, but I'm open to somebody to enlighten me differently on the matter.

The good news is that the tradition of having a special night that features the Hobby Stocks will continue. We lost Terry Traub within the last couple of years, and the August event will now be the Terry Traub Tribute race. The Cecil race itself started as a big 100 lap Street Stock race that ran at Watsonville for a decade before Mike passed away. As Street Stocks faded away, it became a Hobby Stock race and the laps started to get reduced. I'm sure this race for Terry will feature Hobby Stocks as the Main Event class, but I await details on how many laps and that sort of thing.

A little bit of information came across my desk regarding NASCAR. I've been pointing out how NASCAR has a four-tier State championship point fund deal going for their weekly race tracks where even the fourth division has a $500 championship with the Top 5 drivers getting money. This was an enticement for Coos Bay Speedway to go NASCAR a few years ago. There might be more enticement around the corner. NASCAR has brought back the Regional point system. Yes, the Regional points, such as we remember from the 1980s and 1990s when NASCAR, not IMCA, ruled the dirt tracks across the country

From what I understand, they are paying a $35,000 point fund with $15,000 going to the champion. There will be four regions. I've been saying for a while now that NASCAR needed to return to its roots a little bit more and establish a more meaningful connection with the short tracks of this country. I am happy to see that they are doing this, because NASCAR will probably do it better than anybody else. Certainly, when you hang that NASCAR banner above a race track there's a whole new vibe that comes in as people start buying into the idea that they are part of something bigger. We'll see what happens with NASCAR on the short tracks moving forward.

While I could go on and on, I don't want to put myself in a serious editing mode. I did notice a few weeks ago that Marysville Raceway had a Destruction Derby, and it really bummed me out. It wasn't the fact that they had 41 competitors and Donny Case of Hayfork came to town and claimed the victory. Sounds like they had a competitive field, but they weren't able to open the grandstands to any fans. I can imagine Dennis Gage looking around in disappointment. Under normal circumstances, a 41 car Destruction Derby field would surely pack the grandstands. You don't see those as often as you used to. 

Rather than end this on a downer note, I'll end it with a potentially positive thought. It appears as if Bakersfield Speedway is doing the same sort of thing that has been done at Stockton and Hanford. That is to say they are selling tickets to people to enter the pit area and work their way to the grandstands. It's basically the hot pass that Stockton was doing, but this is a clever way to get around some of those stupid guidelines. Basically, you're not calling the people who are sitting up in the grandstands spectating fans. They are participants. It's all in the wording. The good news for promoters is you inflate the admission price a little bit more than usual for the fans and there are many willing to pay. It will be interesting to see where the ticket prices end up if this continues to be a trend and we eventually do get back to somewhat normal circumstances.

I'm not going to spend the year predicting or forecasting where this guideline crap is going to take us. It's frustrating. I think we'll be getting fans in the grandstands sometime soon, and we will be calling them fans. While I wonder how this is going to play out as the various counties decide the way forward, I'm sure there could be tracks who might just do the whole "funnel them through the pits and up into the grandstands" thing as a means to get that much needed revenue from spectators. Eventually, maybe this madness will finally end. Time will tell.

I'd like to have ended the column here, but I want to put a couple more observations into this. The first is Yreka and their schedule announcement. They did not include the IMCA Modifieds as one of their regular classes this year, and they claimed it's because they weren't getting any cars last year. Well, the claim of no cars last year is BS. They can complain about having to pay too much of a purse with no fans, and I get that. But don't try to tell me that they weren't getting more IMCA Modifieds last year than they had in the previous three or four seasons, because that's untrue.

The other thing is it seemed to be implied by the promoter in the recent schedule announcement that the Fair Board told them they couldn't have IMCA Modifieds. I don't believe the Fair Board can tell a promoter how to run their track. Things are agreed upon in the contract, but then it's up to the promoter to put whatever they do on the schedule in an attempt to get participants and spectators. In short, it seems to me that the promoter has been caught in a lie. I say claim it. If you don't want IMCA Modifieds on your schedule, then don't put them there, but take responsibility for that decision and don't pass the buck.

Now, Kevin Barba has been in the game as a racer for a long time, so he should understand that if you want to step up to the promoter's table, you better be ready to spend the money. He inherited a program that admittedly was in decline, but you will not build a program in Yreka that fans want to see simply on IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks. That won't attract the crowd. If you don't believe the IMCA Modifieds can do it, then put something else out there. Oh, by the way, I noticed the Limited Sprints on the schedule. They have a purse equal to or bigger than the IMCA Modifieds, and here's a news flash. They aren't coming if you don't pay them.

At Petaluma, they are debating the future of the fairgrounds beyond December of 2022. This is nothing new. We know they could close the place down, and we're bracing for impact. Personally, I think it would be a mistake and would hurt the community to lose the fairgrounds. Then again, this virus BS we are going through now will bankrupt the fairgrounds in several towns if it doesn't end soon. In the case of Petaluma, the greedy businessman of the world just want to put in more stores or housing to collect more money. 

Here's what I do know. Whether it's Rick Faeth or somebody else who wants to step up, somebody with an interest in promoting should be scouting a radius of about 30 or so miles around Petaluma for another location for a race track. I'm not saying it would be easy. It certainly wouldn't. Aside from dealing with the politicians, you've got to have money. However, if Petaluma goes down, the whole area won't have dirt track racing anymore. You may not succeed in finding a location, but you never will if you don't try.

David Vodden fought his ass off to come up with a new location for the racers of Baylands Raceway. When it closed, he had the foresight to broker a deal with John Pershing Soares to give most of the regular divisions a place to go at Petaluma, but David was still searching. No, he wasn't just talking. He was working his ass off on this. No, he didn't succeed, although the property in Vacaville still sits there and would still be perfect for a race track. The point is, he tried. I keep hearing rumors that David will one day be able to put that dirt track in up at the Willows racing complex. Who knows if he will, but if David really has a mind to do something like that, I would never count him out.

 

Because I am running a few days later than I intended for this particular post, I'm adding just a little bit more. This is my final, final update here, because I really dread having to edit a long Viewpoint column. I feel it important to address promoters and their payout during the pandemic situation, because I don't want to see race tracks going through a bunch of BS. As it is, a few promoters are being labeled as the bad guys. Why? They either weren't opening their tracks enough during the past year, or they cut their payoff because they weren't able to have fans in attendance.

The problem is it seems like tracks were trying to pay bigger purses a little bit more often last year than they had been in recent seasons. I kind of understand the thinking in that if they can pack the pits, they won't necessarily lose on the deal. However, you don't want people sitting around doing the math in their heads. The promoter will never win in that scenario. I still contend that the tracks that were paying the normal purse and had more bigger races last year, such as Antioch was doing, did not win financially. I'm not privy to Chadwick's book work, and I don't want to know. However, what he was doing was attempting to build good faith for the future as a guy who hopes to be in this business for years to come. I get it.

One of the villains in this scenario has been Dennis Gage. Dennis has two tracks to deal with, and two different counties presenting unique challenges. In fact, he was only able to open Chico once last year because of his struggle to gain any ground with the health officials. At Marysville, the one thing that helped him out was his floracing.com deal. Things are changing with Flo, which I'll get into here in a moment. Dennis still ran some races for half purse last year, and there was just a little bit of bitching going on.

What frustrates me is the entitled attitude I've seen from some racers out there. Guys, you're not entitled to have a race track in your area. You're lucky to have a race track in your area. It's not all about you. There are many moving parts that make it happen. You're an important part, not the only part. The expectation that promoters should just take it in the shorts during this difficult time is utterly ridiculous and unreasonable. I praise the ones who have gone above and beyond, but that shouldn't be expected of any promoter. I think it was unfair of people to lash out at Dennis, as they did once again heading into Chico. He had to cut the purse again because Chico isn't allowing fans just yet.

I don't like getting overly optimistic. It seems like we could be getting a break in the positive, and we should. You just never know. Some tracks will have to open without fans, and some may get a percentage. Some tracks have gotten clever with wording and have almost labeled the fans as participants. This has also enabled them to charge a higher price, which some are willing to pay, to get into the races. Kern Raceway, for instance, had a $30 ticket price for the adults. Even though this was a special 360 Sprint Car show, that's a bit higher than the show really should be. But hey, I'm not knocking a promoter for doing what they've got to do. 

You're damned if you do, and you're damned if you don't. Dennis wanted to get his gates open, and he couldn't have fans. He cut the purse in order to make a race happen. I salute the 37 Sprint Car drivers who came out and supported their race track. This is the kind of attitude that will move Silver Dollar Speedway ahead in the future. It rained a little bit overnight heading into Saturday, and Dennis could have easily backed off and cut his risk. He did not. The Saturday show went ahead as scheduled. I salute him. Consider yourself lucky if you've got a race track. If they open and you want to see things continue, get out there and support it. It's not an easy time, and tracks are going out of business across the country or on the verge of it. Keep that in mind.

I know some fans will probably get a little bit frustrated with Flo Racing. Flo swooped in to be the savior for fans last year. If tracks had a camera crew and a decent internet service, Flo broadcast the race. This meant that even if fans couldn't be in the stands, they could watch the show at home. Sensing a good deal, some fans invested $150 for the year subscription, but they may not be seeing some of the races they thought they would this year. Granted, we could be seeing more grandstands opening, and it might be a moot point. I still say the tracks who built their own infrastructure to broadcast are going to come out ahead in the long run, but that's another story.

What I found interesting was we had three race tracks opening last week in California, and even though they were all broadcast on the internet, none of them was done through Flo Racing. It's a business decision. I don't necessarily think Flo figured they would be doing weekly coverage for so many tracks. They had a few things in mind that they would cover on a regular basis, special big shows at various tracks and they would also cover the USAC Sprint Car National Tour. They made a bundle last year, in my estimation. This didn't just come from subscriptions, but they run a hell of a lot of commercials. They weren't short on money. As far as who gets broadcast this year and who doesn't, I guess we'll have to wait and see. Let's keep our fingers crossed that people can start going back to the track again very soon.

Finally, we have a couple of bids going on for race tracks. The show will go on at both places. I'm going to recuse myself from commenting on the situation down in Medford with Southern Oregon Speedway. I have some thoughts and observations that I'm going to keep to myself, but I don't worry about the future of that place. Racing will continue. It was never in danger of closing. It was simply a matter of the business running the track hitting financial hard times due to the fact that they were unable to open in optimum circumstances in 2020. At the time they made the decision to pull out this year, it didn't look like it was going to get much better. At any rate, the show will go on. The question will be who is running things, and we'll know that within a month or so if things go according to form.

We were waiting on news about the RFP at Lakeport, and it finally happened. Based on the information that I know, the deal isn't conducive to bringing somebody new to town to run that place. The idea of throwing dirt on the track or making bold moves to rebuild a floundering program seems very unlikely. In fact, looking at the RFP, it seemed to favor the NCRA to come back in there and run things. About the only other challenge I could see them having would be from Furia Motorsports, who in my estimation is very capable of running two tracks should they get the opportunity. In any case, don't worry about Lakeport Speedway. The show will go on. Being a pavement track and all, I don't think it will take much from the awarding of the contract to making racing happen there again.

 

There are surely many topics that I could offer my opinions on, but I'm going to leave it at that and end this column. Until next time...