DON'S CALIFORNIA RACING RECOLLECTIONS

Monday, July 20, 2015

Wilson, Nelson Merced Winners, DeForest, Garner Get Antioch Wins

First of all...

Just A Kid From The Grandstands: My Time In Auto Racing

Available on Lulu in Paperback And Hard Cover

On Sale At Reduced Price

DCRR Racing Radio Show
Weekend Preview Edition

DCRR Racing Radio Show: Episode 48 by GenWhat

Kyle Wilson Grabs Third Win, Luck On Miguel’s Side

At Merced Speedway

Holding off a late threat from his brother Alex, Kyle Wilson scored the victory in the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Sunday night at Merced Speedway. It was K. Wilson’s third win of the season at Merced Speedway, and the 2014 IMCA State champion is currently second in that race this season. Taking advantage of the late race motor issues that slowed down leader Chris Corder, point leader Darren Miguel won his tenth 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event of the season.

The IMCA Modifieds ran two heat races with Kyle Wilson beating brother Alex Wilson to win their race. Jeff Streeter won the second heat ahead of Paul Stone. Dereck Colvin raced into the early Main Event lead ahead of K. Wilson. A low move in Turn 3 of the fifth lap gained K. Wilson the lead. Point leader Alex Wilson settled into second a lap later as Troy Foulger followed into third. A Turn 4 pass gained J. Streeter third from Foulger as Kyle Wilson held a straightaway advantage on his brother Alex by then. A yellow flag flew on lap 13 for Josh Combs in Turn 1. K. Wilson continued to lead A. Wilson on the restart as 2014 champion Paul Stone briefly gained third. Foulger made a Turn 3 pass on Stone to gain third on lap 16 before a yellow flag flew for a Streeter spin in Turn 1. K. Wilson stayed with the outside on the restart, but A. Wilson made a low pass in Turn 4 to lead the lap. K. Wilson came roaring back on the outside to regain the lead a lap later. Foulger made a Turn 2 pass on A. Wilson for second on the last lap as Colvin got by for third. K. Wilson went on to collect the victory ahead of Foulger, Colvin, A. Wilson, Ricky Thatcher, J. Steeter, Combs, Stone, Steve Streeter and Bill Egleston.

Darren Miguel won the lone Mini Stock heat race ahead of Chris Corder. Matt Shlessinger had the pole for the Main Event and set the pace for two laps as sixth starter Corder settled into third. An inside move on the back stretch of the third lap gained Corder second, and he made a similar move a lap later to take the lead. Miguel made an inside pass on the back stretch of the fourth lap to take third and passed Shlessinger in the same spot a lap later for second. A lap 11 yellow flag.flew when newcomer Jeff Amos got into Shlessinger, who hit the front wall. Both Kelly Campanile and Brian Widdowson suffered damage in the incident and were eliminated. Amos was black flagged from the event. Corder led the restart from the inside with Miguel pressuring him hard as Natalie Waldrop settled into third. Corder was driving the Alex Odishoo car that has had motor issues all season long, and the motor began misfiring on lap 17 as Miguel raced by on the back stretch. Miguel brought it home to another victory as Corder nursed his car home to a second place finish. Waldrop was a career best third ahead of Shlessinger, Widdowson, Campanile and Amos.

Racing returns to Merced Speedway next Sunday with IMCA Modfieds and Sport Mods headlining a five division show that will also include the Northern All Stars Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and Limited Late Models. For further information, check the official Oval Motorsports Website.

Nelson Outruns Ryland For Win,

15 Year Old Parker Wins Hobby Stocks At Merced

Battling IMCA National Championship contender Fred Ryland down the stretch, Bruce Nelson scored the victory in the 20 lap IMCA Sport Mod Main Event Sunday night at Merced Speedway. It was the second win for Nelson in the last three races, and he finished second in last week’s race. After an incident that saw the leader spin and the new leader penalized to the rear for his part in the spin, 15 year old Cody Parker won his first career 20 lap Northern All Stars Hobby Stock Main Event. Danny Wagner bested a short field of Dwarf Cars for the 15 lap feature win.

The IMCA Sport Mods ran three heat races, and Bruce Nelson won the first six lapper ahead of Josh Hensley. Mark Odgers captured the second heat in front of Rick Diaz and John Fore Jr. won the third heat ahead of IMCA National title hopeful Fred Ryland. The Main Event was restarted when front row starter Dwayne Short got sideways entering the back stretch out of Turn 2, causing a three car crash. Short and Neill Barcellos tangled in Turn 1 on the restart attempt. Fore led the race when it finally started ahead of Nelson, but spins by Mark Odgers, Kelly Wilkinson and Ryland in Turn 2 forced a lap two caution flag. Diaz retired from the race, and Nelson took the lead from Fore on the restart. Gary Tucker settled into third. George Medeiros spun off the back stretch and into the infield. He rejoined the race two laps down and was lapped one more time by Nelson. As Fore was coming up on Medeiros, the lapped car spun in front of Fore, triggering a hard crash in Turn 4 that eliminated Danny Roe and Nastasia Dodd. Officials again called time limit on the race with a checkered flag to fly at the next yellow flag. However, that was the last slowdown of the race. Nelson led the single file restart as Fred Ryland made an outside pass on Gary Tucker for second. Ryland tried working the outside on Nelson for a pass, but Nelson made his car wide on the front stretch. Ryland tried the inside on the final lap, but Nelson would not be denied the victory. Nelson won ahead of Ryland, Tucker, Wilkinson, Odgers, Fore, Hensley, Dwayne Short, George Medeiros and Roe.

The Hobby Stocks had two heat races with Kevin Joaquin winning the first heat ahead of Cody Parker. Raul Rodriguez Sr. won the second head ahead of Tommy Bostic. Joaquin and Rodriguez had the front row for the Main Event and began a great battle up front at the drop of the green flag. Rodriguez led two laps before an inside move on the front stretch gained Joaquin the lead. Parker was running a solid third. A low move in Turn 4 of the 11th lap gained Rodriguez the lead, but Joaquin ran a close second. When Rodriguez got sideways in Turn 3, Joaquin lifted but still spun him for a lap 14 yellow flag. Joaquin was put to the back for his part in the incident, handing Parker the lead. Parker chose the inside for the restart and continued to lead hard charger Kristie Shearer and Austin Van Hoff. Joaquin made a late pass on Van Hoff for third. Parker stayed smooth over the remaining laps for a satisfying victory. Shearer settled for second ahead of Joaquin, Van Hoff, Shannon Nelson, Rodriguez, Jeff Lacy, Phil Vaughn, Jennifer Corder and Bostic.

Two time Antioch champion Danny Wagner led from from flag to flag to win the Dwarf Car Main Event. Wagner had earlier won the heat race. Wagner’s win was never in doubt as he built up a half lap advantage by the checkered flag. Mike Drake had Chris Kenner. right behind him at the checkered flag as Toby Brown rounded out the finishing order.

Racing returns to Merced Speedway next Sunday with IMCA Modifieds and Sport Mods headlining a five division show that will also include the Northern All Stars Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and Limited Late Models. For further information, check the official Oval Motorsports Website.

DeForest, Sorensen Share Winner‘s Circle

At Antioch Speedway

Leading all the way from his front row starting spot, Shawn DeForest, won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The win was the first of the season for DeForest aboard the Jim Reid owned Modified. Winning a thrilling three car battle with Jim Robbins and point leader Kimo Oreta, Chris Sorsensen won his second 20 lap Northern All Stars Hobby Stock Main Event of the season.

There were two eight lap heat races for the IMCA Modifieds, and DeForest won his heat race ahead of Bobby Motts Jr. Kyle Wilson won his heat race ahead of Michael Paul Jr. Paul and DeForest shared the front row for the Main Event, and DeForest raced into the early lead ahead of Paul and Carl Berendsen II. An inside move on the front stretch gained K. Wilson third from Berendsen, and Berendsen beat him to the line a lap later. This battle continued until Berendsen washed out in the turn and fell back several spots on lap nine. DeForest built a good lead by then and started lapping slower cars with five laps to go. DeForest won by a straightaway in the non stop event. When Paul made contact with a slower car in the final turn trying to lap him, K. Wilson moved by to grab the second place finish. Paul settled for third ahead of Bobby Motts Jr., point leader Scott Busby, Brian Cass, Berendsen, Josh Combs, IMCA State point leader Alex Wilson and Chris Elby.

The Hobby Stocks also ran two heat races, and Oreta won the first heat ahead of last week’s feature winner, Chase Templeton. Cameron Swank won his second straight heat race with incoming point runner up Danny Jones blowing a motor in his second place finish. Sorensen had the pole for the Main Event and raced into the lead ahead of Robbins and rookie point leader Jordan Swank. An inside move on the front stretch of the fourth lap gained Oreta third. Robert Niven crashed in Turn 2 while trying to pass Frank Furtado, bringing out a lap seven caution flag. After a botched restart for a bumper on the track, Sorensen continued to lead Robbins and Oreta on the restart. Michael Cooper settled into fourth as the final 13 laps ran without a caution flag. During the final five laps, Robbins continued trying to make moves around Sorensen on the inside. Sorensen had the preferred outside line and remained the leader. Oreta rejoined the lead battle after nearly spinning in his attempt to try to get underneath Robbins. At the checkered flag, it was Sorensen scoring a well earned victory over Robbins and Oreta. Cooper ran a strong fourth ahead of Templeton, Russell Shearer and J. Swank. Niven was scored eighth ahead of Furtado and Cameron Swank.

Racing resumes at Antioch Speedway next Saturday night with DIRTcar Late Models headlining the show along with the IMCA Sport Mods, Northern All Stats Wingless Spec Sprints, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. For further information, check the official Oval Motorsports Website.

Garner Wins, Dedicates It To His Ailing Father

At Antioch Speedway

Holding off the late threat of point leader Larry Damitz, Mark Garner won his second 20 lap Northern All Stars Limited late Model Main Event of the season Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. Afterwards, Garner dedicated the win to his ailing father, 1969 State Stock Car Champion Jerry “The Maverick” Garner, who was in attendance. Taking the lead from Rick Panfili, Jimmy Perry III won his third 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event of the season.

The Limited Late Models ran two six lap heat races, and Mike Hynes won the first heat race ahead of Garner. Damitz won the second heat race ahead of Jim Freethy. Hynes and Garner shared the front row of the Main Event while previous winner Damitz started in the fourth row. John Evans was a feature scratch. Garner led the opening lap before Jeff Kendrick hit the back wall and then crashed in the Turn 1 exit gate. Garner led Freethy and Mike Gustafson on the restart, but he made a mistake in Turn 2 that allowed Freethy to gain the lead on lap six. Freethy’s lead was short lived as he got a flat tire on lap nine with Garner slipping by in Turn 2. Damitz was now third, and he moved into second ahead of Gustafson a lap later. Garner had a pretty good lead by then, but Damitz continued to chip away at it. Damitz gave Garner some pressure during the final few laps, but Garner brought it home to a satisfying victory. Damitz settled for second ahead of Gustafson. Ricky Thatcher beat Hynes to the line for a fourth place finish. Freethy, John Keith and Kendrick rounded out the finishing order.

Alan Miranda won the Wingless Spec Sprint heat race ahead of Perry. Celebrating his 65th birthday, Keith Shipherd shared the front row of the Main Event with title contender Rick Panfili. The two drivers were on the original Spec Sprint roster when the class made its Antioch debut in 1999. Shipherd beat Panfili through Turns 1 and 2 and set sail to a commanding lead. Panfili ran second ahead of Miranda. Perry briefly locked nerfs with previous feature winner James East in Turns 1 and 2, but they broke free and continued at the back without a yellow. Problems with a slower car saw Shipherd’s brilliant run up front come to an abrupt end as he hit the Turn 2 wall for a caution flag after 13 laps. Suddenly, Panfili had the lead. Perry had just made a high move in Turn 4 of the 13th lap to gain third from Miranda. Perry was now second on the restart as he began to put serious pressure on Panfili. A low move as they exited Turn 2 of the 16th lap gained Perry the lead. Perry pulled away to a big lead from there as Panfili had the dueling Miranda and rookie Marcus Smith right behind him. Smith gained third on lap 18. Perry cruised to victory with Panfili still a career beset second ahead of Smith, Miranda, East, point leader Kyle Bakkie, Chase Wood Jr. and Shipherd.

Racing resumes at Antioch Speedway next Saturday night with DIRTcar Late Models headlining the show along with the IMCA Sport Mods, Northern All Stats Wingless Spec Sprints, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. For further information, check the official Oval Motorsports Website.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Wilson Wins For Third Time At Merced Speedway

First of all...

Just A Kid From The Grandstands: My Time In Auto Racing

Available on Lulu in Paperback And Hard Cover

On Sale At Reduced Price

Don's California Racing Recollections: Best Of The Blog And Beyond

Available via print on demand at Lulu in Hard Cover or Paperback

Also, what could be a series of informative books...

Short Track History Project at Gofundme

Additional info on the Short Track History Project HERE

DCRR Racing Media And PR Consulting HERE

Wilson Wins For Third Time At Merced Speedway

Kyle Wilson held off a late challenge from his point leader brother Alex Wilson to win his third IMCA Modified Main Event at Merced Speedway Sunday night. K. Wilson grabbed the lead from Derek Colvin on lap five and seemed to have things well in hand from there. A pair of yellow flags during the last ten laps set the stage for a challenge.

Alex Wilson took the lead from brother Kyle on a lap 17 restart with the inside groove, but Kyle Wilson came back strong on the outside a lap later to reclaim the lead for good. An aggressive Troy Foulger made a last lap pass on Alex Wilson for second in Turn 2, causing Alex to drop to fourth behind Colvin at the checkered fkag.

Bruce Nelson won his second 20 lap IMCA Sport Mod Main Event. Nelson gained the lead on a lap three restart and led the rest of the way from there. IMCA National title contender Fred Ryland tried the inside and the outside, but he was unable to make a winning pass on Nelson. Nelson collected a well earned victory ahead of Ryland and Gary Tucker.

Cody Parker won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. He benefited from an incident that saw Raul Rodriguez Sr. spin in Turn 3 with point leader Kevin Joaquin put to the back on an official call. Joaquin and Rodriguez exchanged the lead a few times during the first 14 laps. Rodriguez was leading when he spun in Turn 3. Joaquin attempted to lift, but it was too late. Parker suddenly had the lead and would hold off three time winner Kristie Shearer, who was a close second. Joaquin came back to finish third.

Darren Miguel won his tenth 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event, but it looked doubtful for much of the race. Chris Corder grabbed the lead from Matt Shlessinger on lap three and led the race through one yellow flag. When Corder’s motor began to misfire on lap 17, Miguel raced by for the lead and victory. Corder settled for a disappointed second ahead of Natalie Waldrop.

Two time Antioch champion Danny Wagner led from from flag to flag to win the 15 lap Dwarf Car Main Event. Wagner had earlier won the heat race and won the Main Event ahead of Mike Drake and Chris Kenner.

Racing resumes at Merced Speedway next Sunday night with a five division show that will feature IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Limited Late Models and Mini Stocks.

Sunday July 19, 2015
Race Results

IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Kyle Wilson, Jeff Streeter. Main Event (20 Laps)-K. Wilson, Troy Foulger, Derek Colvin, Alex Wilson, Ricky Thatcher.

IMCA Sport Mods
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Bruce Nelson, Mark Odgers, John Fore Jr. Main Event (20 Laps)- Nelson, Fred Ryland, Gary Tucker. Kelly Wilkinson, Odgers.

Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Kevin Joaquin, Raul Rodriguez Sr. Main Event (20 Laps)-Cody Parker, Kristie Shearer, Joaquin, Austin Van Hoff, Shannon Nelson.

Mini Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Darren Miguel. Main Event (20 Laps)-Miguel, Chris Corder, Natalie Waldrop, Matt Shlessinger, Brian Widdowson.

Dwarf Cars
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Danny Wagner. Main Event (15 Laps)-Wagner, Mike Drake, Chris Kenner, Toby Brown.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

DeForest Wins Fast Paced Feature At Antioch Speedway

First of all...

Just A Kid From The Grandstands: My Time In Auto Racing

Available on Lulu in Paperback And Hard Cover

On Sale At Reduced Price

Don's California Racing Recollections: Best Of The Blog And Beyond

Available via print on demand at Lulu in Hard Cover or Paperback

Also, what could be a series of informative books...

Short Track History Project at Gofundme

Additional info on the Short Track History Project HERE

DCRR Racing Media And PR Consulting HERE

DeForest Wins Fast Paced Feature At Antioch Speedway

Shawn DeForest won a non stop 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event at Antioch Speedway Saturday night. DeForest jumped behind the wheel of the Jim Reid owned #72 car and led every lap for his first win of the season. While DeForest was lapping slower traffic, the battle was for second. Michael Paul Jr. held the spot until making contact with a slower car in the final turn. Kyle Wilson slid underneath both cars and beat Paul to the line for second.

Mark Garner won his second 20 lap Limited Late Model Main Event of the season. The win nearly got away as Garner led the first five laps before a mistake in Turn 2 allowed Jim Freethy to get by. Freethy held the point until he cut a left rear tire and surrendered the lead back to Garner on lap nine. Garner led the rest of the way with point leader Larry Damitz a close second. Mike Gustafson finished third. Garner dedicated the win to his ailing father, 1969 State champion Jerry “The Maverick” Garner, who was watching from the grandstands.

Jimmy Perry III got momentarily hooked up with James East early in the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event and fell back, but he worked his way back into contention and won the race. Perry made his winning pass on the inside of Rick Panfili as they exited Turn 2 of the 16th lap. Keith Shipherd actually held the lead for the first 13 laps of the race. However, Shipherd crashed trying to avoid a spun car, handing the lead to Panfili. Panfili settled for a career best second behind Perry. Marcus Smith finished third after a late pass on heat winner Alan Miranda.

Chris Sorensen won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. The 2010 track champion started on the front row and drove a flawless race for his second win of the season. It didn’t come easy as he had 2013 Super Hobby Stock champion Jim Robbins shadowing his every move down the stretch. Robbins took a few peaks to the inside of Sorensen, but Sorensen was not to be denied the victory. Point leader Kimo Oreta was a close third.

Racing resumes next Saturday night at Antioch Speedway with a five division show that will include DIRTcar Late Models, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Wingless Spec Sprints, Dwarf Cars and Hobby Stocks.

Race Results
Saturday Night, July 18, 2015

IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Shawn DeForest, Kyle Wilson. Main Event (20 Laps)-DeForest, K. Wilson, Michael Paul Jr., Bobby Motts Jr., Scott Busby.

Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Alan Miranda. Main Event (20 Laps)-Jimmy Perry III, Rick Panfili, Marcus Smith, Miranda, James East.

Limited Late Models
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Mike Hynes, Larry Damitz. Main Event (20 Laps)-Mark Garner, Damitz, Mike Gustafson, Ricky Thatcher, Hynes.

Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Kimo Oreta, Cameron Swank. Main Event (20 Laps)-Chris Sorensen, Jim Robbins, Oreta, Michael Cooper, Chase Templeton.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Plumlee Wins At Porterville, Hardtops Coming To Antioch And Placerville

First of all...

Just A Kid From The Grandstands: My Time In Auto Racing

Available on Lulu in Paperback And Hard Cover

On Sale At Reduced Price

The DCRR Racing Radio Show

Weekend Preview Edition

DCRR Racing Radio Show: Episode 47 by GenWhat

Plumlee Remains Hot, Okie Bowl Hardtops

Invade Rocky Hill Speedway

A five division show entertained the fans Saturday night at Rocky Hill Speedway in Porterville. In addition to the regular Mini Stock and Hobby Stock divisions, the track welcomed the Okie Bowl Hardtops and Central Valley Tanks, which run IMCA Stock Car rules. When the checkered flag flew, it was the red hot Jared Plumlee winning the Mini Stock feature. Carl Noland continues to be the man to beat as he won another Hobby Stock feature. Roy Atchison won the Super 4 Mini Stock Main Event The always exciting Okie Bowl Hardtops visited with James Bradburn winning their Main Event. The Central Valley Tanks ran two Main Events with Troy Patee and Allen Mendes scoring the victories.

The Mini Stocks have pretty much been the go to division at Rocky Hill Speedway this season, and they continue to have a very competitive field. However, Jared Plumlee is the point leader. Plumlee isn't making it easy on the competition as he won for the seventh time in nine races. Clinton Massey scored a season best second place finish. Fresh off of a long tow to the Alameda County Fair to compete in a Rodeo Arena Figure 8, the consistent Andy Boydstun grabbed his fourth third place finish of the season. Clifton Massey finished fourth ahead of Jason Cook, Justin Moore, Jake Daniels and Kathleen Craddock.

Six different drivers have grabbed the Main Event honors in the nine races held for Super 4 Mini Stocks so far this season. Only three drivers have won twice, and it was Roy Atchison becoming the third two time winner of the season Saturday night. William Hughes was going for his second win, but he settled for a runner up finish with two time winner Darren Estermann settling for third. Division veteran Dudley Reed returned to action and finished fourth ahead of Kit Murphy, Larry Ramirez, defending champion and two time winner Adell Shelton and Russell Silva.

The Noland family remains a fixture in Porterville's Hobby Stock division, and the family has long supported this track through the years. On Saturday night, point leader Karl Noland won for the fourth time this season. Alvin Ince once raced regularly at this track, and he made an impressive return along with teammate Travis Avilla. It was Ince finishing second ahead of Avilla. American Stock racer Cale Hosfeldt was fourth ahead of Bob Ellis and Jason Ridenour. Two time winner Raymond Noland Jr. suffered motor problems very early on and retired.

Two of the Top 3 IMCA Stock Car State competitors were in Porterville for the Central Valley Tanks Main Events, and the division now has four winners in four races. The first feature saw the #2 State competitor, Troy Patee, winning ahead of the #3 driver, Ron Hurt. Mini Stock graduate Allen Mendes finished third ahead of IMCA Stock Car booster Pat Biggs and Cory McDonald. Unfortunately for McDonald, he had mechanical issues and retired from the next race. In that feature, it was Mendes stepping it up for the victory. Patee settled for second ahead of Hurt and Biggs.

The Okie Bowl Hardtops are a throwback to the old days of racing, and generally 10-14 cars are in action when they race. They run mainly at Bakersfield, Santa Maria and Rocky Hill, and this was their first visit of the year to Porterville. Ten cars competed, but half the field made it to the finish line. At the checkered flag, it was recent Bakersfield winner James Brandburn grabbing the victory. Chester Chapman enjoyed his best finish of the year in second as Josh Yodun matched his best effort of the year in third. Josh Dugan and Hunter Christ rounded out the Top 5 as the rest of the pack watched the finish from the sidelines. Rich Sousa was scored sixth ahead of IMCA Stock Car racer Dave Bauer, Justin Yodin, Steve Sorensen and Ethan Snow.

The Okie Bowl Hardtops will return to Rocky Hill Speedway on September 19 and October 24. On July 25, the track is having the Fallen Drivers Memorial Race, featuring Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Super 4 Mini Stocks and American Stocks. For more information, check out the official Rocky Hill Speedway Website.

Change Is Coming To Hardtops,

Can Sportsman Class Be Saved?

The Nor Cal Vintage Hardtops pulled into Calistoga a few weeks ago, and the 14 competitors were met with a rude awakening. They were not going to be allowed on the historic half-mile dirt oval. Needless to say, there weren't very many happy people in the Hardtop camp, and fingers were being pointed in all different directions.

The bottom line is the vintage racing movement is still alive in California. The Okie Bowl Hardtops just fielded ten cars in their first appearance in Porterville, won by James Bradburn. The Vintage Super Modifieds are fielding huge car counts when they come to Madera and then we have two other efforts in free fall. The Valley Sportsman class at Merced seems the most in need, while the Nor Cal Hardtops just need somebody to give them direction.

The Hardtops may have found the answer in respected promoter Mike McCann. Mike is a long time booster of this division and featured the class when he promoted Sunset Speedway in Banks, Oregon and Orland Speedbowl. He owns more than one car and wants to see the Nor Cal effort restored to what it could be. The reality is that there are over 20 cars now, but one thing or another has led to drivers parking.

The division was brought back to the Bay Area by long time Stock Car competitor Conrad Cavallero. He established the Nor Cal movement after McCann and Chuck Prather brought the first cars back to California nearly 15 years ago with Sacramento and Orland visits. Sometimes controversial to some, Cavallero nonetheless opened many doors for this class. He and twin brother Carmen Cavallero were among the first drivers, along with Tommy Thomson, Dan Williams, Mike McClure and John Philbert.

Antioch Speedway became a home track for the class. They got dates wherever they could, and Cavallero made many appearances to help build this class up by having a car on display and representing the division. Dates on the asphalt were also held at tracks in Lakeport, Ukiah, Stockton and Roseville. The Hardtops have been a part of the popular Vintage Classic at Roseville's All American Speedway.

As Cavallero was replaced by Philbert, things seemed to be taking off even bigger. More cars were showing up, but mistakes were made along the way. The gap between the haves and have nots grew and some were complaining about being run over. Then, there was the snubbing of Antioch Speedway on two occasions as dates already scheduled were booked over. The Calistoga situation only heightened the awareness that change was needed.

McCann has been observing what has been happening with an interest in stabilizing this class before it gets too far out of hand. Reliable race dates are needed, and the drivers must be rallied for support. Several racers have already been spoken with about what the future may hold for this division. Good race dates are needed now, and driver support is needed to make it fly.

Two key tracks in the effort to put things back on track are Antioch Speedway and Placerville Speedway. The Hardtops return to the fast quarter-mile clay oval in Placerville this Saturday night. Placerville happens to be the home track of two Hardtop racers, Dennis Armstrong and Jason Armstrong. Last August, the division got their second race there, won by J. Armstrong. In April of 2014, J. Armstrong won that battle against the always fast Tommy Thomson. George Conner was third.. The Armstrong's and Thomson are anticipated this Saturday night along with several others, including Philbert and McCann.

The call has been made to get the cars to Antioch for August 22. This date is being seen as an audition of sorts for the future of this division at that track. Antioch was pretty much the home dirt track for Hardtops when Cavallero started the Nor Cal group, but the last two races have seen less than six cars compete each time. More cars are needed, and the call has been made to the drivers to come out and race. A successful night will reportedly see about a race a month offered to the division on the three-eighth mile clay oval in 2016.

Tommy Thomson is always up for a little Hardtop fun in his green #39 car. This is the same car in which he won the last Hardtop race at Vallejo Speedway. Dave Mackey is a big booster of this class and is expected to field a car that will be driven by Antioch's all time Spec Sprint feature winner, Jim Perry Jr. The always fast Dan Williams, who has Dwarf Car and Mini Stock experience, is anticipated. The cars of Williams, Mackey and Thomson have won races at Antioch in the past. Both Armstrong's should be there. Drivers like Philbert, McClure, John Turner and Russ Craft should be there as well.

While the troops are being rallied in the Hardtop ranks, the same is true for the Valley Sportsman division at Merced Speedway. This is the 17th year for the old school, open wheel Stock Car/Super Modified hybrid class at Merced, and it's fallen on hard times. Part of that comes with motor rule changes that have allowed bigger motors in the cars. Drivers have parked in frustration, and only six different cars have competed so far this season. Only twice has there been five cars, and it's believed that 8-10 cars at least should be the norm.

Marcus Lung and Kenny Birdsong have been this year's two biggest supporters, while Jeff Bristow, Mike Palmberg, Eric Sealy and Mark Odgers have also raced this year. Track management is calling for at least 5-6 cars to compete in order to keep this division alive. When it was dropped back in 1979, that number was ten. Given the cars available out there, six cars shouldn't even be an issue. Unlike the Hardtops, this division doesn't have anybody coordinating things and rallying the drivers. Perhaps it's time somebody stepped up and took on that role?

Legends Of Merced Speedway happens on August 23rd, a night after the big Hardtop race at Antioch. Since bringing this class back, Mike Friesen, Kevin Freitas, Keith Van Houten. Dennis Barcellos, Neill Barcellos, Mark Odgers, Rich Altamirano, Mike Hausmann, Shane Hausmann and Mike Hanault are drivers who have written their names in the record books as Sportsman champions. Marcus Lung is poised to win it all this year if the division can field enough cars to get racing going again.

The good news is that both divisions are being given a shot at keeping things going. The better news is that the Hardtops have a person working on establishing something that can continue for years to come. It's up to the drivers to determine what happens next. Will they show up at Merced? How will the Hardtops do in their next races at Placerville and the big Antioch show? All we can do is hope for the best. Stay tuned...

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Antioch and Merced Speedway Weekend Previews Articles, Pit Stops

First of all...

Just A Kid From The Grandstands: My Time In Auto Racing

Available on Lulu in Paperback And Hard Cover

On Sale At Reduced Price

The DCRR Racing Radio Show

Weekend Preview Edition

DCRR Racing Radio Show: Episode 47 by GenWhat

IMCA Modifieds Headline Four Division Show
At Antioch Speedway

Racing returns to Antioch Speedway this Saturday night with a four division show. Taking turns on the fast three-eighth mile clay oval will be the IMCA Modifieds, Wingless Spec Sprints, Limited Late Models and Hobby Stocks.

Nobody really expected Scott Busby of Martinez to return for a run at the IMCA Modified championship this season. Busby hasn't made a serious run at the track championship since he won his fourth title in 1997, but he knew his schedule was open enough to allow him to run most of the races. After winning his fourth Main Event of the season three weeks ago, Busby now leads San Pablo's Bobby Motts Jr. by 30 points.

Motts saw his title hopes take a blow three weeks ago when he failed to make the Friday night feature. The Motts team was dealt a more serious blow over a month ago after long time racing partner Mike Ferry was seriously injured in a motor cycle accident just a few blocks from his home. It was only a year ago when Motts took a year off to be there for his friend, who was battling an illness that threatened his life.

Motts and Busby can expect some competition from the likes of 2014 champion Carl Berendsen II of Antioch, IMCA State point leader Alex Wilson and his 2014 State champion brother Kyle Wilson, both of Salinas. Manteca's Dustin Himes, Nick Viscusi III of Vacaville and past champion Aaron Crowell of Antioch are among others anticipated for this race. He hasn't been confirmed, but Troy Foulger of Martinez has impressed with a $2500 IMCA Modified victory and a Late Model win in recent weeks.

It's been about a month since we saw the Wingless Spec Sprints in action, and that was an eventful night in which several leaders had their problems. When the checkered flag flew, it was hard luck racer James East grabbing his first victory. Even three time winner and point leader Kyle Bakkie had his struggles that night. However, the rising young star from Citrus Heights holds a 36 point lead over division veteran Rick Panfili of Antioch.

Panfili is still searching for his first career win, and he may need it to hold off the rapidly approaching rookie Marcus Smith of Tracy. After grabbing his second runner up finish in the previous race, Smith trails Panfili by 20 points in the battle for third. Roy Fisher of Antioch and Concord's Jimmy Perry III both have multiple wins this year and are anticipated this week. Others to watch for include NFL Alumni Jeremy Newberry of Antioch, Chase Wood Jr. of Gilroy, Pleasant Hill's Keith Shipherd and hard charger Alan Miranda of Vacaville. Miranda and Newberry both have second place finishes as they look for their first wins.

The win column in Limited Late Models lately seems to belong to point leader Larry Damitz of Vallejo. The six time winner is pulling away in his quest for a fourth championship in the last five seasons. Damitz leads two time feature winner Mike Gustafson by 42 points, leaving the two time division champ to battle Suisun's Mike Hynes and Antioch's Mark Garner for second. Gustafson leads Hynes by two points and Merced point leader Garner by eight.

Hynes looked better than he has in weeks as he ran a strong third last time behind Antioch's Jim Freethy, who matched his season best effort in second. However, Freethy debuted a new car four races ago and is hoping this could be his week to win. Other drivers to watch for this week include the steady John Evans of Alamo, Peggy Sue Jarred of Antioch and Paul Hanley of Petaluma.

Kimo Oreta has been in control of the Hobby Stock point race. The two time defending champion from Vacaville now has five feature wins to hold a commanding lead in the standings. The second place point battle finds Danny Jones of Castro Valley leading Concord's Jordan Swank by 22 points. Jones has five second place finishes and was in the hunt for a win last week when he suffered a motor problem to end his night. With all the mechanical issues he's been through lately, Jones may be tempted to just take a night off to regroup.

Swank may be hoping for that to happen, but the rookie also has his hands full trying to hold off Bay Point's Michael Cooper for third. Cooper is 17 points behind him after a fifth place finish last week. Only 27 points behind Swank now is the steady Frank Furtado of Antioch. It was Chase Templeton of Antioch who impressed by winning his season debut last week. Can he back it up his week? Other drivers we'll be watching for this week include Chris Sorensen of El Sobrante, Antioch's Natalie Perry, Concord's Cameron Swank and Robert Niven of Concord.

Saturday's race should be a good one. Antioch Speedway is located within the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St. in Antioch, Calif. Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, and $10 for children 6-12. Children under six years old are admitted free. A family four pack of tickets is $40. Secured parking is offered by the Fairgrounds for $5. Racing begins at 6:30 p.m.

Antioch Speedway Top 5 At A Glance

IMCA Modifieds

Scott Busby        362
Bobby Motts Jr.       332
Carl Berendsen        281
Alex Wilson        219
Kyle Wilson        216

Econo Sprints

Kyle Bakkie        440
Rick Panfili        404
Marcus Smith        384
Alan Miranda        364
Roy Fisher        290

Limited Late Models

Larry Damitz        420
Mike Gustafson        378
Mike Hynes        372
Mark Garner        370
Jim Freethy        320

Hobby Stocks

Kimo Oreta        734
Dan Jones        527
Jordan Swank        505
Michael Cooper        488
Frank Furtado        478

IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks Take Center Stage
At Merced Speedway

Coming off of the excitement of last week's Ted Stofle Classic, won by Michael Shearer of Los Banos, five divisions will be in competition this Sunday night at Merced Speedway. The IMCA Modified battle heats up this week as IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and Dwarf Cars will also be in action on the quarter-mile dirt oval.

Despite being winless so far this season, IMCA Modified point leader Alex Wilson of Salinas and 2012 champion Bill Egleston of Atwater battle for the championship. The IMCA State leader Wilson leads Egleston by just six points. This was a three car battle, but Antioch's John MacDougall is out for the season following a crash in a recent visit to Petaluma Speedway. Two time champion and long time racer Bob Williamson of Merced is poised to take over third in the standings this week, and he will join Wilson and Egleston in the battle for that first win of the season.

The hottest driver at this point is Merced's Ryan Porter. Porter won last week for his third win of the season. He held off two time winner Kyle Wilson, who has two wins this season. Other drivers we're anticipating include one time winner Karl Rose of Merced, Ricky Thatcher of Mariposa and Modesto's Harley Turner.

The IMCA Sport Mods have had some very competitive races in recent weeks with Rick Diaz of Los Banos and Bruce Nelson of Winton winning the last two races. Diaz won last week after a battle with Nelson, and these two drivers are usually in the thick of the battle when they come to town. Neither is going for points this year, and rookie Josh Hensley of Ballico is a runaway point leader with one win to his credit.

The closer battle is the one for second between Merced's Dwayne Short and Mariposa's Mark Odgers. Odgers trails by just 19 points and has had some good finishes in recent weeks. Other drivers to watch for this week include the father and son team of Gary and Nick Tucker of Turlock, IMCA National point leader Fred Ryland of Brentwood and young Chase Thomas of Atwater. With eight winners in this competitive division, you never know who will win from week to week.

The Hobby Stocks are the most competitive with 10 different winners in 14 races. Michael Shearer of Los Banos added his name to that list with a big victory last week in the 89 lap Ted Stofle Classic. He joins wife Kristie on the win list, and Kristie already has three wins. Point leader Kevin Joaquin is also a three time winner, but the Sonora area driver missed last week's show to be in a wedding. His point lead over Modesto rookie Jennifer Corder was so big that he still leads by over 100 points.

Shearer and Winton's Shannon Nelson are having the closest battle for points up front as Shearer leads the one time winner by just one point in the race for third. The Shearer team had five cars in action last week. It's possible that Michael will be back to try for a second win in the fast #72 car. The always exciting George Silva of Merced is currently fifth in points and is anticipated for this race. Other drivers to watch for include the steady rookie Bobby Williams of Merced, Chowchilla's Austin Van Hoff and Dexter Long of Merced.

Ballico's Darren Miguel doubled his Mini Stocks point lead over 2014 champion Chris Corder of Modesto to 26 points after his impressive eighth win last Sunday. Corder is struggling lately and didn't finish last week. He's still looking for his first win of the season. Two Bay Area visitors, Kelly Campanile and Natalie Waldrop, finished second and fourth, respectively last week. Campanile was right behind Miguel in that race for her second runner up finish of the season.

Mike Drake of Merced and San Jose's Shawn Jones are both Dwarf Car feature winners this season at Merced. The Dwarf Cars are slated for their third visit of the season, and among the possible competitors this week are Chuck Weir of Merced and Thomas Leiby of Copperopolis. Leiby scored his first win of the season last week at Watsonville, and it's possible a few visitors from that track could come to town for this show.

Merced Speedway is located inside the Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in Merced, Calif. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $8 for children 6-12. A family four-pack of tickets admits two children and two adults for $32. Racing begins at 6 p.m. The grandstand opens at 4:30 p.m.

Merced Speedway Top 5 At A Glance

IMCA Modified

Alex Wilson     356
Bill Egleston     350
John MacDougall 321
Bob Williamson     295
Ricky Thatcher     256

IMCA Sport Mod

Josh Hensley     505
Dwayne Short     341
Mark Odgers     322
Bruce Nelson     283
Fred Ryland     280

Hobby Stock

Kevin Joaquin     584
Jennifer Corder 478
Kristie Shearer 411
Shannon Nelson     410
George Silva     334

Mini Stocks

Darren Miguel     580
Chris Corder     554
Dennis Copus     318
Kevin Lockerby     283
Joy Alger     216
Natalie Waldrop 216

Pit Stops

We reach into the grab bag for a few brief notes from what was a very busy weekend, and we start with the Mini Stocks at Merced Speedway where Matt Shlessinger and Brian Widdowson were both in the pits. Both drivers had cars at the Alameda County Fair Figure 8 races July 3-5, and it was these two putting on the show. Matt won the first two nights, and the first race featured a spirited contact duel between the friends. Both commented that they would be up for a similar type of "Rodeo Arena" Figure 8 at Merced. On this night, Shlessinger was driving the #67 car that was the team's third car in Alameda, but he had a DNF in last.

Third generation racer Natalie Waldrop was back in her #0 Mini Stock with dad, Rob Waldrop, as crew chief. Natalie recently graduated and has a job, so racing has taken a back seat lately. She made up for lost time with a lead lap fourth place finish that moved her into a tie with Joy Alger for fifth in points at Merced. Rob indicated that he put his daughter in the car to see if she had an interest in racing. She does. She could be switching over to a Sport Mod or a Dwarf Car next year.

We give a shout out to Shearer Racing for fielding five of the 13 Hobby Stocks that competed in the Ted Stofle Classic. Michael Shearer was in a fast car that was competitive at Bakersfield Speedway before. Wife Kristie was in her usual #73j car. Bruce "Bubba" Nelson's wife Shannon was in the #67 car as usual, past IMCA Modified star Tommy Bostic was in the #1 car and Marshall Weaver was in the team's #37 car. Bruce Nelson was in his usual #4 Modified, but the two time Hobby Stock champion has definitely had a hand in helping K. Shearer get her car dialed in.

Kristie did just fine on Sunday with a lead lap second place finish maintaining her one point lead in the battle for third. S. Nelson's fourth place finish and heat win kept the one point interval intact. Bostic and Weaver both led some laps and looked like potential winners, but both fell out with mechanical issues. Michael Shearer was the winner of the prestigious race, making this his biggest win. B. Nelson was a strong second in the Sport Mod feature. All in all, the team made their presence known in the big show and kept the Hobby Stock count from falling off its usual numbers.

We hadn't seen the past champion Weaver in a while, but he showed he can still find his way to the front. Jay Connolly is another racer who has had his moments through the years. He was making his season debut, but he had problems early in the night to end it in disappointment. Steve Torres started his career at Antioch Speedway in 1985, but the low budget and crewless racer has moved to the Modesto area. He admits that family obligations keep his racing time to a minimum, but he was happy to run some laps and finish seventh on Sunday.

The Merced IMCA Modified battle took a blow when John MacDougall announced his car was so damaged from a visit to Petaluma that he was ending his effort for the season. He came into Sunday in a tie with State point leader Alex Wilson. Wilson had a third place finish a night earlier at Santa Maria as his last five starts have been at five different race tracks. Wilson got a flat tire, but he came back after a pit stop to finish sixth, right behind point rival Bill Egleston. Alex leads Bill by six points now.

The Sport Mods have had their struggles in car count at times this season at Merced, but Sunday's race saw an impressive 20 cars show up. Dwayne Short was a surprise, despite the fact that he is second in points. He had remarked a couple weeks earlier that work would keep him from racing as the track switches to Sundays. Mark Odgers cut Short's advantage in the race for second down to 19 points as he finished ninth in the feature after pitting with a flat tire. The Tuckers did pretty well as Gary was sixth in the main, and his son Nick won his heat race.

Like long time Sportsman and Street Stock racer Gary Tucker, three time Street Stock champion Darren Thomas is getting his son started in Sport Mods. Darren finished eighth at Merced and sixth a night earlier at Antioch. Darren also revealed that he'll put his son Chase Thomas in the car to race at Watsonville this Friday and Merced on Sunday. Watsonvillle point leader Anthony Giuliani raced at both Merced and Antioch and had two Top 5 finishes. He was joined by fellow Watsonville racer Matt Hagio at Merced. Both were heat race winners and Hagio was third in the feature. Danny Roe also took a shot at running two races and was tenth at Antioch and fifth at Merced.

Shawn Arriaga and Art McCarthy have been having a good battle for the Winged 360 Sprint Car title at Antioch Speedway, but the two crashed early in the recent Main Event. Arriaga revealed before the latest race that his father, Super Modified racer Fernando Arriaga, will be out there racing with him by the next race. This is something the two are very much looking forward to as Shawn is very proud of his family's racing history. Mother Sherri Hill won her fist Sprint Car feature at Antioch in the mid 1990's, and grandfather Gil Richardson was a star of Hardtops at Vallejo Speedway in the 1960's.

Dan Gonderman is probably kicking himself about the Sprint Car win that got away. He lost his heat race to a last turn pass by Chris Magoon. He was leading the Main Event until getting sideways in Turn 4 just past the halfway mark of the race. That gave the lead to Jake Haulot, who brought it home to victory. Gonderman settled for second. The Main Event was still going to pay $1250 to win despite a less than desired car count.

One team absent last week was Ricky Brophy and his father Rick "Doc" Brophy. Ricky has been waiting on a motor from his engine builder, but it wasn't ready yet. Rather than field one car, the team decided to take the night off. The previous race's Top 2 finishers were in Spec Sprints on Saturday. The previous winner, Austin Liggett, was finishing third in the Hunt Series race at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, while Eric Humphries was wining the NCMA feature at Madera. The Hunt Series had an impressive 23 car field, and all accounts are that this show was a success.

The Saturday race at Watsonville was the Howard Kaeding Classic, honoring Kaeding racing family patriarch Howard Kaeding. There were an impressive 29 King Of The West Sprint Cars, and Kyle Hirst won ahead of Tyler Walker. Dwarf Car drivers from South Bay, Nor Cal, Southern Oregon, Antioch and Petaluma made up a roughly 50 car field of Dwarf Cars, and this enabled Watsonville to have over 100 open wheel race cars on Saturday night among three divisions.

Now, in recent years, these big Dwarf Car events break the cars down into three classifications, Sportsman for the younger drivers, Veteran for the older drivers and Pro for the division in general. Thomas Leiby has finished as high as second at Antioch this year, but the hard luck racer picked up a win in the Sportsman group. In the Veteran class, Antioch regular Kevin Miraglio proved that what we've been saying about him being due to win to was a correct assessment. Miraglio held off one of the Olschowka clan, Buddy Olschowka, to get his first win of the year.

We're also happy to report that the #2j Dwarf Car of Jack Haverty was back together, and Jack won a Veteran heat race on Friday Unfortunately, he DNF'ed in last on Saturday, but we hope the damage wasn't too bad. The Sargent family has long had a reputation for wining, and third generation racer Matt Sargent bested the 17 car Pro Dwarf Car field to win on Saturday ahead of Petaluma point leader Dave Mosier and Cameron Diatte. This effectively shut Nor Cal out of the winner's column after they swept Friday's event with Joey Dale (Sportsman) Scott Dahlgren (Veteran) and Shawn Jones (Pro) getting the wins.

In further Dwarf car news, Chester Kniss revealed that his son Chester Jr. just turned 14 years old and should be making his Dwarf Car debut on July 25 at Antioch. The younger Chester has some prior racing experience in the 250 Mini Sprints at Dixon. The older Chester has been steadily dialing in his Delta Transmission Late Model, and his strong fourth place finish last week enabled him to grab a five point advantage over Rob Norris in the battle for fifth in points.

The Late Models seem to be taking hold at Antioch, and Chester is enjoying this division. As it seems to be gaining momentum, perhaps other Modified drivers will join he, Troy Foulger and Rob Norris in giving it a go. Foulger certainly is adapting well as his second win of the season last week would indicate, He beat point leader Jeff Decker to get the win, but the lead five cars ran closely for a while. Kniss had a late duel with Richard Papenhuasen for third before settling for fourth. Papenhausen was happy to be back after missing the Summer Nationals with a back injury, and he still seemed to be walking gingerly.

Mark Garner was dialing in the Tim Hammett car and led ten laps of the Sport Mod feature at Antioch Saturday night. Garner revealed that he and the crew made some big changes with the rear end of the car and it's coming along. Mark commented that it was difficult for him to drive this car at first, and this is coming from a winner of Modified and Limited Late Model features. When he does turn the wheel back over to Hammett, we should see an improvement in his efforts.

Garner had to skip Sunday's race at Merced, but this is not an indication that he is bailing on a championship. With his father's illness, he wanted to be closer to home. Only two cars showed up at Merced, and those drives, Scott Van Gelder and Buddy Thatcher, crashed while fighting for the lead in a heat race. Van Gelder was credited with the win, but he was shaken up in the crash. The division had no Main Event.

Getting back to the Sport Mods, Garner wasn't the only surprise up front, although some wouldn't really call either driver a surprise. Trevor Clymens was a star in Pure Stocks in the past, and he was giving it a good run in his beautiful blue #2c car. Trevor led the race until being passed on lap 19 by Fred Ryland. He still finished a solid second and could be somebody to watch in the race for victories. Ryland was just doing what he needed to do. He needs wins desperately to maintain his National point lead, and he's actually pessimistic that he will be able to hold this lead.

In the Hobby Stocks, Antioch Speedway has seen seven different Hobby Stock winners this season, and the seventh winner occurred last week in his season debut. Chase Templeton had a front row start and managed to hold off the likes of Kimo Oreta and Chris Sorensen in getting the win. His biggest threat may have been himself as he nearly spun exiting Turn 4 to take a white flag. Templeton got the win ahead of Sorensen and Oreta. Robert Niven had another good effort in fourth, and shout outs go to Michael Cooper and Frank Furtado for lead lap finishes in the Top 6.

Danny Jones, Natalie Perry and Cameron Swank have work to do if they are coming back this week. Perry impressed with a strong second in her heat race, but a car got sideways in front of her in the feature, leaving her with front end damage to fix. Jones was in the thick of the battle to win, but his race ended with possibly a blown motor. Swank had a car get sideways in front of him in his heat race. He hit the car and suffered right front damage, yet somehow he still won that heat race.

We wanted to hear this last bit mentioned on the PA at Merced Speedway as it concerns a member of the racing family. Eva Sass passed away on June 30. She was the beloved wife of "the voice of Merced Speedway" Johnny Sass. Eva was a scorekeeper herself, and she supported Johnny's drive to do all that he did through the years for that race track. She leaves behind Johnny, as well as several children, grand children, great grand children and one great great grand child.

For all of the official news about Antioch Speedway and Merced Speedway, be sure to check out the official Oval Motorsports Website.

Stevens, Richards, Ross Win Features At Orland

Six divisions of racing took to the one-fifth mile dirt oval at Sacramento Valley Speedway in Orland Saturday night. When the checkered flag flew, we had three repeat winners in Paul Stevens (Hobby Stocks), Tony Richards (Wingless Sprints) and Keith Ross (Mini Trucks). Other winners included Tom Davis (Mini Stocks), Jeromie Crismon (600 Mini Sprints) and Jackie Whitson Jr. (250 Mini Sprints).

The Hobby Stocks had a good turnout, and Paul Stevens and title hopeful Shanon Collins set the stage with wins in their heat races. The duo ran at the front of the pack in the Main Event, but it was Stevens notching his second straight victory. Collins has a pair of thirds this season, and he improved on that with a season best second place finish. Former Mini Truck racer Brad Ray grabbed a podium finish in third as point leader Steve Martin and Earl Adams rounded out the Top 5. Jeremy Langenderfer settled for sixth ahead of Sean Halterman, Jason Cooper and former champion Rich Hood. Collins moved into a tie with Martin for the point lead with Hood 85 points back in third.

Past Wingless Sprint champion Tony Richards has been practically unbeatable since his season debut at the second race. Richards and Ryan Owens each won heat races, but the night went down hill from there for Owens. Richards drove to his third straight feature victory. Point leader Bill Hopper was going for his fourth straight second pace finish, but he lost that battle to Jeremy Wilson, who was making his season debut. Hopper settled for third ahead of Jeffrey Crossman, Mark Michelet and Wilson. Hopper continues to lead the standings, though Richards has cut the lead down to 55 points.

A pair of champions, Keith Ross and Ross Vige, were Mini Truck heat race winners, and both made their presence known at the front of the Main Event, along with title hopeful Tyler Pebley. However, it was Ross showing why he's the point leader with his second straight win. Pebley out ran Vige for the second place finish as William Fogle and Mike Chase completed the Top 5. Past champion Dan Webster was sixth ahead of John Chase and Willie Tanson.

The Mini Stock field was a little light on cars, but defending champion Tom Davis made the most of it. After winning the heat race, Davis proved to be unstoppable in the Main Event. Kenny Britt made his second start of the second and finished second ahead of John Kirkpatrick, Willie Tanson and disappointed point leader Nick Vidovich. Vidovich saw his lead over Davis shrink to just ten points as 2013 champion Kirkpatrick is only 30 points back in third.

Jeromie Crismon backed up his double win at the last 600 Mini Sprint event by doing it again. After winning his heat race, he held off fellow heat race winner Todd Zachary for the feature victory. Skyler Richter was third ahead of Marty Plumb, Bryan Stankey, Roger Tidmore and Kyra Michelet.

The track has added a 250 Mini Sprint division, and Jackie Whitson Jr. and Jesse Garland shared the heat wins. Whitson continued his winning ways with a feature win ahead of double division racer Jeromie Crismon. Previous feature winner Jesse Garland settled for third ahead of Jackie Whitson Sr., Andrew Love and Rob Baker.

Racing continues at Sacramento Valley Speedway on July 25 with Hobby Stocks, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 600 Mini Sprints and 250 Mini Sprints. For further information, check out the Sacramento Valley Speedway Website.