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Antioch Speedway Racing Discussion
Slaney Wins Late Model Race At Antioch Speedway, Crowell, Ryland, Freethy Other Winners
Antioch, CA...May 28...Anthony Slaney won the 20 lap Xtreme Scaffolding Limited Limited Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. He's the third different winner in as many races on the tour this year, and the race would go without a yellow flag.
Past Marysville and Placerville champion Matt Micheli took the early lead ahead of Slaney and Dan Brown Jr. Brown went low in Turn 4 on Lap 5 to take second from Slaney, and Dan Jinkerson briefly took third from Slaney on Lap 10. Within a few laps, the Top 5 competitors ran nose to tail, and Slaney made a big move on the outside in Turn 4 on Lap 13 to regain second. A low pass in Turn 3 of the 14th lap gained Slaney the lead. Jinkerson made an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 16 to take second, but he spun in Turn 4 a lap later without a yellow flag. Slaney went on to victory ahead of Brown, Micheli, Kiely Ricardo and Brian Pearce.
Aaron Crowell won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the 2004 champion. Crowell jumped into the early lead after the race had been restarted. Trevor Clymens was an early second. Clymens surrendered second to Kellen Chadwick in traffic on Lap 10 with Troy Foulger following closely into third. A blanket three-car battle developed for the lead with Crowell leading Chadwick and Foulger. As Foulger fell back a little bit in the waning laps, Chadwick took one more shot at Crowell, but Crowell prevailed at the checkered flag. Foulger settled for third, followed by Anthony Slaney and Clymens.Potato
Fred Ryland won his third 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The race was destined to go without a yellow flag, and Nick Zapatero bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Kevin Brown. Brown surrendered second to Chuck Golden on Lap 4 as Golden went low in Turn 4. Ryland made his first appearance in the Top 5 on Lap 7 and quickly moved into third behind Kenny Shrader after Golden hit the Turn 2 wall on Lap 9. Ryland slipped past Shrader for second on Lap 15. Zapatero was nursing some front end damage as he tried to protect his lead, but Ryland closed in on him with two laps to go. Zapatero went high exiting the final turn, and Ryland ducked low to make his winning pass and score the victory. Zapatero was a career best second, ahead of Shrader, Jacob Mallet Jr and Tommy Fraser.
Jim Freethy won the 15 lap Super Stock Main Event. This was the second win of the season for the reigning division champion. The division's all time win leader and two-time champion Mike Gustafson returned to action and set the early pace ahead of Freethy and Joey Ridgeway Jr. A low move in Turn 2 of the fourth lap put Freethy into the lead with Ridgeway going low in Turn 3 to get second. The yellow flag waved on Lap 9 for Ridgeway in Turn 4, and Jimmy Robbins pitted with a flat tire. Freethy continued to lead the restart with Robbins going high in Turn 2 to take second from Gustafson. Freethy led the rest of the way to win ahead of Robbins, Gustafson, Ridgeway and Michael Burch.
Racing resumes next Saturday night with IMCA Modifieds back in action along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Delta Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results
Antioch Speedway
Xtreme Limited Late Models
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Dan Jinkerson Anthony Slaney. Main Event (20 laps)-Anthony Slaney, Dan Brown Jr, Matt Micheli, Kiely Ricardo, Brian Pearce, Fred Ryland, Ray Trimble, Rod Oliver, Dan Jinkerson, Jay Norton.
IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick. Main Event (20 laps)-Aaron Crowell, Kellen Chadwick, Troy Foulger, Anthony Slaney, Trevor Clymens, Bobby Motts Jr, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles, Gary Hylton, Eric Berendsen.
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Fred Ryland, Kenny Shrader. Main Event (20 laps)-Fred Ryland, Nick Zapatero, Kenny Shrader, Jacob Mallet Jr, Tommy Fraser, Andrew Pearce, Chuck Golden, Kevin Brown, Tyler Browne, Johnathan Hagio.
Super Stocks
Heat Winner (8 laps)-Jim Freethy. Main Event (15 laps)-Jim Freethy, Jimmy Robbins, Mike Gustafson, Joey Ridgeway Jr, Michael Burch, Wayne Trimble DNS.
Kammermann Gets First Win At Antioch Speedway, Ryland, Robles, Newton Other Winners
Antioch, CA...May 21... Devan "The Hammer" Kammermann picked up his first career 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event win Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. With incoming leader Danny Wagner being eliminated in an early crash, Kammermann was able to pull to within four points of the lead in the championship battle.
The Main Event got off to a rough and tumble start with a pair of yellow flags before things got going. Travis Day led the way on the opening lap ahead of David Rosa and David Michael Rosa. An inside move in in Turn 3 gained the younger Rosa second from his father with Kammerman following into third. Day already had about a half-straightaway lead, and Kammermann went low in Turn 2 on Lap 6 to take second from Rosa. The battle for the lead soon began as an inside pass on the backstretch put Chance Russell into third on Lap 10. Day had his hands full with Kammerman when a yellow flag waved for Joe Tardiff and David Michael Rosa on Lap 12. Kammermann went low in Turn 2 on the restart lap and Day pushed high. Kammermann emerged with the lead over Russell and David Rosa. Russell surrendered second to David Michael Rosa on Lap 19, but Kammermann wasn't giving up the lead as he brought it home to the satisfying win. David Michael Rosa ended up second. Russell faded late as Day ended up third ahead of Toby Brown and Kylee Johnson.
Fred Ryland was awarded his second 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event win of the season after apparent winner Andrew Pearce was disqualified in post race tech. Ryland had to start back in the fifth row as heat race winner Dan Gonderman led IMCA Sport Modified point leader Pearce and Dave Hill early on. Pearce made an inside pass on Gonderman for the lead on Lap 4. Joe Gallaher went low in Turn 2 for third on Lap 9. The yellow flag waved for debris, and Pearce continued to lead Gonderman and Gallaher on the restart. Ryland soon found his way into fourth and had a big 14th lap that saw him go low in Turn 4 to take second from Gonderman. However, a yellow flag flew for Jason Jennings moments later. Pearce led Ryland and Gonderman on the restart, but Gonderman lost third to Travis Dutra on Lap 16. After Pearce and fourth place finisher Gallaher were disqualified, Ryland got the win ahead of Dutra, Gonderman, Jason Robles and Jennings.
Kenneth Robles won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Incoming point leader Misty Welborn was the early leader ahead of Brad Coelho. Following a yellow flag on Lap 2 for multiple tangles in Turn 4, Welborn led Robles on the restart. Coelho brought out a yellow flag to end his race moments later. Welborn continued to lead Robles on the restart with the battle heating up. Robles and Welborn were going side by side when a yellow flag waved for Jess Paladino on Lap 8. Robles took the lead from Welborn on the restart, and Welborn would end up pitting during a Lap 10 caution. On the next restart, reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr moved into second behind Robles as young Aiden Ponciano held third. Robles went on to the victory with McKinzie a much needed second as he recharges his championship hopes. Poinciano was a career best third, followed by Mitchell Dana and Jason Ryan Jr.
Shannon Newton won the 15 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. It was a short field due to a scheduling conflict. As James East took the early lead, Zack Neeley, Bob Newberry and Newton battled fiercely for second. Newberry went low in Turn 3 to grab the spot, and Neeley brought out of a yellow flag moments later. East continued to lead Newberry on the restart, but Newton began to make his presence known. Newton went high in Turn 1 to grab second and made an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 10 to take the lead from East. Newberry headed for the pits as Newton stretched his advantage over East in victory. Neeley settled for third.
Racing continues this Saturday night with the IMCA Modifieds back in action along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, the Xtreme Limited Late Model Series and the Super Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results May 21
Antioch Speedway
Delta Dwarf Cars
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Danny Wagner, Chance Russell. Main Event-(20 laps)-Devan Kammerman, David Michael Rosa, Travis Day, Toby Brown, Kylie Johnson, Chance Russell, Joe Tardiff, David Rosa, Ellie Russo, Danny Wagner.
Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Brad Coelho, Misty Welborn. Main Event (20 laps)-Kenneth Robles, Larry McKinzie Jr, Aiden Ponciano, Mitchell Dana, Jason Ryan Jr, Misty Welborn, Grayson Baca, Colten Haney, Jess Paladino, Michaela Taylor.
IMCA Stock Cars
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Andrew Pearce, Dan Gonderman. Main Event (20 laps)-Fred Ryland, Travis Dutra, Dan Gonderman, Jason Robles, Jason Jennings, Dave Hill, Kellen Chadwick, Scott Foster, Andrew Pearce DQ, Joe Gallaher DQ.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winner (8 laps)-Shannon Newton. Main Event (20 laps)-Shannon Newton, James East, Zack Neeley, Bob Newberry, Rick Panfili DNS.
Chivers Scores $5,000 Destruction Derby Win At Contra Costa County Fair
Antioch, CA...May 14...Ryan Chivers collected the $5,000 payday for his win in the Destruction Derby on Saturday night at the Contra Costa County Fair. The special Derby arena was made on the front straightaway of Antioch Speedway, and Fairgoers looked on as Chivers delivered the most punishment in collecting the win.
The competitors came to Antioch on a somber note as Derby driver Mike Doyle Jr passed away early in the morning. The flag was raised at half mast in his honor. Doyle was the son of long time Derby driver Mike Doyle Sr, who was one of the top competitors of the 1990s. As the Derby community was in mourning, some of the drivers who had intended to compete did not show. The ones who did, however, gave their best effort.
They ran a couple of heat races, which were designed more to warm the cars up than anything else. Once a driver delivered a specified number of hits, they were declared the winner. Chivers won the first heat, but unfortunately there were two scratches for the evening at the end of that contest. Tyson Moreland won the other heat and figured to be the most competition for Chivers.
Chivers ended the event for David Bong, who ended up with the Mad Dog award prize money. Meanwhile, Chivers and Josh Tagliabashi managed to put an end to the effort for Moreland, who picked up a $1,500 payday for third. Chivers dealt the final blow to Tagliabashi, who still left the event with $2,500 for second. This left Chivers collecting the $5,000 prize as the winner of this year's Contra County Fair Destruction Derby.
Antioch Speedway was well represented at the County Fair with a booth all four days. The IMCA Modified at Kellen Chadwick, IMCA Stock Car of Rich Quadrelli, Wingless Spec Sprint of Rick Panfili and the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock of James Graessle were all there. Full color fliers were handed out to Fairgoers throughout the event, and family passes were raffled off each night.
A look at the Coco Farms Calendar finds the Wingless Spec Sprints in action this Saturday night, joined by the Delta Dwarf Cars, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and IMCA Stock Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
JOEY ANCONA EARNS FIRST CAREER OCEAN SPRINTS VICTORY
Steven Blakesley | Blakesley Sports Media
WATSONVILLE, CALIF. (May 21, 2022) – Following a pair of runner-up finishes in 2021 and a string of fast-times and dash wins, 17-year-old Joey Ancona of Concord finally tasted victory in the Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo with his first win Friday night in Watsonville. Six different divisions were in action at Ocean Speedway, located at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.
Ancona drove around the outside of dash winner Jake Haulot of Cotati to lead the second lap of the 30-lap feature. Dirt.Travel fast-time winner Justin Sanders advanced from his fourth starting position to challenge Ancona in lapped traffic. The winner of nearly 50 Ocean Sprints features pulled alongside Ancona in turns three and four on lap 10, but his move was blocked by a slower car on the inside. Ancona maintained an advantage over Sanders until a caution fell on lap 23. Justin Sanders’ younger brother Rickey and Haulot crashed for third in turn four.
Ancona restarted with Justin Sanders and over 20-time winner Bud Kaeding in his trail. He was undeterred as he pulled away on the green flag. Two-time 2022 winner Tanner Carrick of Lincoln slowed on the restart with a flat right rear tire.
The lead for Ancona stretched to a few car lengths over the final two laps with Ancona topping Sanders, Kaeding, eighth-starting JJ Ringo, and 11th starting Chase Johnson of Penngrove. 16-year-old Max Mittry of Redding won the B-Main then finished tenth in the feature.
2020 IMCA Sport Mod champion Adrianne Frost won a popular victory in Friday’s Sport Mod feature. Oakley’s Jacob Mallet, Jr. leapt ahead from the pole position. His lead was short lived, however, when he spun in turn two requiring a caution on lap four. Fourth-starting Jonathan Hagio of Prunedale inherited the top spot. The caution flew again on lap nine when Markus Frazier from Santa Maria stopped on the backstretch.
Frost used the restart to show her nose inside of Hagio. Frost moved to the inside in turn two on lap 13 to drive into the lead on lap 14, with a caution flying a lap later for Cody Bryan spinning out. Oakley’s Andrew Pearce drove from his ninth starting position up into second on the restart, then challenged Frost. Pearce went to the outside of Frost but came up short. Forst topped Pearce, Hagio, Mallet, and Tracy’s KC Keller for the win.
San Jose’s Shawn Jones drove from 13th to the winner’s circle in the 20-lap South Bay Dwarf Car feature. Sean Catucci of Brentwood led the first three laps before seven-time 2022 winner Danny Wagner of Baypoint grabbed the point on lap four. Eric Weisler of Campbell spun for a caution on lap five. Jones advanced through the field quickly and emerged in third on the restart. Terre Rothweiler charged to third from the shotgun position on the field as well.
Jones took over the lead on lap 14 for the exciting victory, topping Wagner, Catucci, Marty Weisler, and San Jose’s Mark Biscardi.
The 15-lap Four Banger event opened with a duel between Scotts Valley’s Sean McClelland and Felton’s Nicole Beardsley. Beardsley knifed underneath McClelland to take the lead on lap nine, but the move was nullified when 14-year-old Amaya Flowers of Watsonville and Ryan Bowers of Brookdale collided in turn four to bring out the caution flag.
Beardsley made the maneuver on the restart to grab the lead on lap ten. Jason Lazzerini of Moss Landing entered the picture in the closing laps. Lazzerini moved inside Beardsley exiting turn four on the final lap. The leaders collided, sending Lazzerini sideways across the finish line for the win. Beardsley finished second ahead of McClelland, Kate Beardsley, and Travis VanGilder of Felton.
Chad Ragsdale of Merced topped Jerry Skelton of Watsonville in the Hobby Stock feature. Racing in memory of his wife Renee, Skelton led the first four laps side-by-side with Ragsdale. Ragsdale cleared Skelton for the top spot on lap five.
Joe Gallaher slowed on the front stretch with a flat right rear tire to bring out the yellow flag on lap nine. Ragsdale held off Skelton in a narrow battle to the finish. Wally Kennedy of Freedom, Brady Muller of Santa Cruz, and Gallaher rounded out the top-five.
Kevin Elliott of Scotts Valley PD dominated the 12-lap feature for the Police-in-Pursuit, leading wire-to-wire for the win. Hunter Gaither from Santa Cruz Corrections finished second while John Hohmann of Scotts Valley PD finished third.
Ocean Speedway will be dark on May 27 with racing returning on June 3. Action will include the Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, and South Bay Dwarf Cars.
Ocean Sprints Presented by Taco Bravo Feature – May 20, 2022 (30 Laps)
1. 88A-Joey Ancona[2]; 2. 2X-Justin Sanders[4]; 3. 69-Bud Kaeding[5]; 4. 2K-JJ Ringo[8]; 5. 28-Chase Johnson[11]; 6. 37-Steven Kent[7]; 7. 21X-Gauge Garcia[16]; 8. 2L-Logan Forler[12]; 9. 72W-Kurt Nelson[15]; 10. 2XM-Max Mittry[13]; 11. 3M-Adam Kaeding[14]; 12. 25Z-Jason Chisum[19]; 13. 61-Travis Labat[18]; 14. 5-Mark Chaves Jr[20]; 15. 46J-Geoffrey Grimm[22]; 16. 83T-Tanner Carrick[10]; 17. 7H-Jake Haulot[1]; 18. 17-Rickey Sanders[3]; 19. 38B-Blake Carrick[6]; 20. 41-Corey Day[9]; 21. 72S-Bradley Dillard[17]; 22. 6D-Josh Chisum[2].
Robinson, Whitley Win Jimmy SIlls Classic At The Stockton Dirt Track
Stockton, CA...May 28...Ryan Robinson won the 30 lap Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Presented by Abreu Vineyards Main Event Saturday night at the Stockton Dirt Track. This was the annual Jimmy SIlls Classic, and Robinson is the reigning series champion.
Ryan's sister Jodie Robinson and highly decorated Civil War Sprint Car champion Andy Forsberg shared the front row for the Main Event. Forsberg bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Michael Faccinto and Shane Golobic. Faccinto took the lead from Forsberg on Lap 6, but he was passed by Golobic a lap later. Forsberg was still motoring along in third when Golobic saw his race come to an end on Lap 13. Faccinto led at that point ahead of Forsberg and Ryan Robinson. Ryan Robinson slipped past Forsberg for second on Lap 21 and put the moves on Faccinto for the lead a lap later. Forsberg and 5th row starter DJ Netto shuffled Faccinto out of the Top 3 on Lap 25. Ryan Robinson went on to victory from there ahead of Forsberg, Netto, Michael Faccinto, Tanner Carrick, Jodie Robinson, Gage Garcia, Tony Gomes, Jake Haulot and Isaiah Vasquez
There were 26 Winged 360 Sprint Cars for the show, and they qualified in their respective heat race groups. From the third group, Golobic set the fast time of 13.969, beating the 14.106 of Forsberg from the fourth group. The eight lap heat race wins were earned by Netto, Vasquez, Faccinto and Ryan Robinson. Forsberg earned the pole for the features with his six lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Jodie Robinson. To keep up to date with the series, go to www.sprintcarchallengetour.com.
Daniel Whitley picked up the win in the 25 lap Hunt Wingless Sprint Car Main Event. Whitley was piloting the Ted Finkenbinder owned entry. Shawn Arriaga had the pole and bolted into the early lead ahead of series champion Shawn Jones and Josh Young. Whitley took third from Young on Lap 6 and led Young around Jones for second and third a lap later. On the ninth lap, Whitley put the moves on Arriaga to get the lead. At that point, Whitley began to stretch his advantage to almost a straightaway in victory over Arriaga. Young was a solid third, and Jake Morgan ended up fourth, followed by Jones, Jacob Tuttle, Jarrett Soares, Heath Holdsclaw, Ethon Lanfri and Jacob Williams.
There were 28 Hunt Wingless Sprint Cars, and Ariaga set the fast time of 16.407, beating the 16.492 of Whitley and the 16.532 of Young. They ran four eight lap heat races with the wins going to Shane Hopkins, Jones, Nick Robfogel and Morgan.
The Monster Trucks are in town on Friday and Saturday with a West Coast Summer Nationals Tractor Pull event happening on June 18th. The next oval track race will be the tribute to Roy Lee Van Conett on July 2nd, featuring The Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Presented by Abreu Vineyards, the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series and the California Hardtops. For further information, go to www.stocktondirtrack.com.
Drake, Whitney, Ramsey, Morgan Win At Deming Speedway
Evanson, Washington...May 27...Dakota Drake won the 25 lap Shots 2 Go Espresso 1200 Mini Sprint Main Event Friday night at Deming Speedway. This was mytrafficman.net/Yeager's Sporting Goods night at the races. Drake charged into the lead at the start ahead of Jared Gunderson and championship contender Brock Lemley. Lemley took second on Lap 2. Incoming point leader Derek Holmwood fell out after two laps, giving him just a seven point lead over Lemley by the end of the night. Gunderson had to contend with Brock Lemley the entire distance, but he prevailed at the checkered flag. Gunderson was a solid third, followed by Terry Lewis, Tyson Cross, Alex Lewis, Tyson Lemley, Seth Hespe, Forest Metcalfe and Jayden Thomas.
Brock Lemley set the fast time of 10.756 on the 1/6 mile clay oval, beating the 10.807 of Gunderson. The eight lap heat race wins went to Cross and Drake.
Jayden Whitney won the 25 lap Speed Mart 600 Micro Sprint Main Event to maintain third in the standings. Whitney started on the pole and took the immediate lead ahead of Levi Kuntz and Tristin Thomas. Both Thomas and Blaine Granberg got around Kuntz for second and third on Lap 7. They ran that way until Thomas had problems on the last lap with Granberg taking over the runner-up spot. Whitney won with Granberg a close second. Kuntz was penalized from a third place finish, giving Tyler Conley that finish, followed by point leader Jesse Schlotfeldt, Tyler McCloud, Rachel Westmoreland, Macie Logsdon, Parker Hadlock, Jared Alseth and Levi Klatt.
Whitney was the quickest of 15 qualifiers at 10.850, beating the 10.930 of Thomas and the 10.966 of Conley. Granberg and Kuntz won the eight lap heat races.
Corbin Ramsey won the 25 lap mytrafficman.net Restricted 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. The finish kept him second in the standing, but he gained little ground on Levi Hillier. Ramsey jumped into the lead at the start ahead of Hillier and Ryan Bright. Mallory Fisher was an early fourth, and she finally overtook Bright for third on Lap 19. Ramsey managed to hold off Hillier for the win with Fisher third, followed by Bright, Grace Matier, Rylee Kentch, Avery Askvig, Hunter Cook, Carson Guffie and Jeff Woolsey. Hillier was the quickest qualifier of 16 at 11.429, beating the 11.584 of Fisher. The eight lap heat race wins went to Hillier and Bright.
McKenna Morgan won the 20 lap Clean Crawls Junior Sprint Main Event. The point leader took the lead from the start and went all the way in victory. Jayce Medcalf was an early second ahead of Cooper Anderson and championship contender Chase Whitney. Anderson overtook Medcalf for second on Lap 18 with Whitney moving into third a lap later. Morgan won comfortably ahead of Anderson with Whitney third, followed by Medcalf, James Hayashi, Sawyer Baxter, Kinley Askvig, Bishop Brothers, Madi Hoppe and Kole Campbell. Anderson was the quickest of 15 at 13.231, beating the 13.256 of Whitney. Medcalf and Whitney won the eight lap heat races.
Next up will be the Silver Reef Casino/AMSOIL night on Friday with the Shots 2 Go Espresso 1200 Mini Sprints, Speed Mart 600 Micro Sprints, mytrafficman.net Restricted 600 Micro Sprints, Clean Crawls Jr Sprints and Northwest Focus Midgets. For further information,Racing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. go to www.demingsspeedway.com.
Carrick Wins Mel And Marilyn Hall Memorial At Marysville Raceway
Marysville, CA...May 29...Tanner Carrick won the 35 lap Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Presented byRacing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. Racing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. Racing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. Abreu Vineyards, Main Event Sunday night at Marysville Raceway. This was the annual Mel and Marilyn Hall Memorial race for the longtime Marysville and Grass Valley promoters.
Carrick started on the pole and led brother Blake Carrick and Tony Gomes on the opening lap. Shane Golobic moved into third on Lap 3 and overtook Blake Carrick for second on Lap 9. Gomes moved into third on Lap 9 but surrendered the spot briefly to Blake Carrick a lap later. Gomes was back in third on Lap 11, but Sean Becker took over third on the 15th lap. Two laps later, Becker got past Golobic for second, and a Lap 18 yellow flag waved for Jodie Robinson in Turn 4. The race ran a lap before a frontstretch tangle involving Steel Powell and Shane Hopkins brought out another yellow flag. The first restart attempt saw Dawson Hammes spin in Turn 4 for a yellow flag. Tanner Carrick continued to lead Becker and Gomes on the restart. Becker began challenging Tanner Carrick and took the lead on Lap 26, only to surrender it back to Carrick a lap later. Gomes put the moves on Becker for second on lap 28, and a Lap 32 yellow flag for Landon Brooks was the final slowdown. As Tanner Carrick continued to lead the way, Becker regained second and would finish there. Gomes settled for third, followed by Golobic, Justyn Cox, DJ Netto, Brad Bumgarner, Dylan Bloomfield, reigning series champion Ryan Robinson and Bradley Terrell.
There were 30 360 Sprint Cars on hand for the occasion, and they qualified in their respective heat race groups. From the second group, Golobic set the fast time on the quarter-mile clay oval at 12.601, beating the 12 883 of Jake Haulot, also from the second group. The 10 lap heat race wins went to Cox, Blake Carrick, Gomes and Jodie Robinson. Tanner Carrick outran Blake Carrick to win the six lap Trophy Dash. Ryan Robinson won the 15 lap B Main. He took the lead from the start and led DJ Freitas and Brent Bjork for the entire 15 laps. Golobic ended the weekend with a 69 point lead over Forsberg and a 110 point advantage over Ryan Robinson. Next up will be a race at Silver Dollar Speedway on Saturday night. For further information, go to www.sprintcarchallengetour.com.
Past champion Philip Shelby won the 20 lap Pepsi IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Hobby Stock star Kyle Chaney jumped into the early lead ahead of Devin Koranda and Antioch racer Chuck Golden. Koranda gained the lead on Lap 4 ahead of Golden with the departure of Cheney. Shelby slipped past Golden for second on Lap 5 and overtook Koranda for the lead two laps later. Golden held third until surrendering the spot to Shannon Barton on Lap 16. Barton had problems a lap later as point leader Jimmy Ford gained the third position. Shelby won by about a straightaway ahead of Koranda with Ford a solid third, followed by Shaun Merritt, Scott Savell, Hunter Merritt, Barton, Golden, KC Carpenter and Robert Warf. The eight lap heat race wins went to Shelby and Hunter Merritt.
Next up will be the Hunt Wingless Sprint Car Series on June 18th. Joining them will be the Winged Create Sprints and Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.marysvilleraceway.com.
Heckman, Jernagan, Childress, Johnson Win Memorial Day Weekend Special At Bakersfield Speedway
Bakersfield, CA...May 29...Kyle Heckman won the 30 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Sunday night at Bakersfield Speedway. Ventura champion Trevor Fitzgibbon led two laps before Heckman took over with reigning champion Jerry Flippo in second. Fitzgibbon held third until being passed by Paris Auto Speedway competitor Tom Smith on Lap 13. Unfortunately, Smith saw his race end moments later. Heckman continued to lead Flippo and Austin Kiefer on the restart. Flippo was the only driver able to keep it somewhat close to Heckman as Kiefer was a solid third, followed by Jake Pike, Troy Morris III, Robby Sawyer, Dalton Houghton, Buddy Shepherd, Donald Houghton and Alyssa Smith. Sawyer and Tom Smith picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Garrett Jernagan won the 30 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Billy Simkins led a pair of laps before David Pearson took over. Pearson surrendered the lead to Tyler Bannister on Lap 5 with Jernagan moving into second. Jason Bannister briefly took second on Lap 9, but he lost the spot back to Jernagan and headed for the pits. Jernagan began to challenge Tyler Bannister in the later stages as Levi Kiefer ran third. On Lap 25, Jernagan put the moves on Tyler Bannister for the lead, and Nick Spainhoward gained third two laps later. Jernagan went on to win ahead of Tyler Bannister. Kiefer made a last lap pass to steal third from Spainhoward as Brock Crawford was fifth, followed by Tyler Blankenship, Cale Kanke, Pearson, Jon McKinley and Markus Frazier. Spainhoward, Jernagan and Tyler Bannister won the eight lap heat races.
Reigning track champion Ricky Childress Jr won the 30 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. He started in the second row and led from the outset. Colby Quinton was an early second ahead of Steven Johnson, but Johnson overtook Quinton for the position on Lap 8. Dylan Wilson briefly took second from Johnson on Lap 18, only to surrender the position back a lap later. Wilson stayed with Johnson until making the pass for good on Lap 26. Childress won ahead of Wilson, Johnson, Don Mead, Tate Loftis, Jimmy Irwin, Eric Cimental, Marcus Wankum, Nick Coffman and Brooke Cimental. Childress, Quinton and Eric Cimental picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Nick Johnson won the 30 lap American Stock Main Event. Miranda Scott led a lap before Troy Thomas got by. Scott briefly regained the lead on Lap 7, but Johnson took over a lap later. Thomas ran third until surrendering the position to Colby Ward on Lap 13. Nick Johnson went on to win ahead of Scott. Ward crossed the line in third, only to be disqualified in post race tech as Troy Thomas ended up third, followed by Carson Conway, Mason Conway, Alexis Blankenship, Tyler Weeks, Tori Sivisind, Craig Houk and James Williams. Trenton Millard, Scott and Ward picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Racing continues this Saturday night with the IMCA Stock Cars in action along with the IMCA Mod Lites, Mini Stocks and Bakersfield Hardtops. For further information, go to www.bakersfieldspeedway.com.
Pike, Bannister, Wilson, Millard Win Memorial Day Weekend Special At Bakersfield Speedway
Bakersfield, CA...May 28...Jake Pike won the 30 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway. It was the opening night of the two-night Memorial Day Weekend special.
Pavement specialist Buddy Shepherd had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Robby Sawyer and Pike. Pike put the moves on Sawyer for second on Lap 9 and raced around Shepherd for the lead on Lap 20. Sawyer overtook Shepherd for second on Lap 21, and Shepherd fell out of third with Troy Morris III taking over on Lap 24. Pike went on to win ahead of Sawyer. Morris ended up third, followed by reigning champion Jerry Flippo, Austin Kiefer, Dalton Houghton, Shepherd, Donald Houghton, Rob Sanders and Alyssa Smith. Pike and Flippo won the eight lap heat races.
Tyler Bannister won the 30 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Bannister had the pole and charged into lead at the start ahead of father Jason Bannister. However, Tyler Blankenship moved into second on Lap 2. The tenacious Jason Bannister stayed with Blankenship until making the pass for second on Lap 16. However, Tyler Bannister would win by a straightaway over Jason Bannister. Blankenship settled for third, followed by Nick Spainhoward, Dylan Potter, Cale Kanke, Jason Pugh, Matt Wankum, Andrew Johnston and Jim Reed. Levi Kiefer, Marcus Frazier and Blankenship picked up the eight lap heat race wins.
Dylan Wilson won the 30 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. The race had an early scramble for the lead with Dakota Brown leading a lap. Tate Loftis paced the field for a lap and Wilson motored by to lead the third lap. Loftis regained first on Lap 4 ahead of Wilson and Jimmy irwin, but Wilson made the winning pass on Lap 8. Eric Cimental gained third on Lap 10 and overtook Loftis for second on Lap 13. Colby Quinton began challenging for second and got around Cimental on Lap 19. Unfortunately, Quinton's race took a turn for the worse on Lap 23 as Ricky Childers Jr moved into second ahead Eric Cimental. Loftis got around Cimental for third on Lap 28. Wilson won with Childress a close second, followed by Loftis, Steven Johnson, Karl Noland, Marcus Wankum, Quinton, Eric Cimental, Brooke Cimental and Nick Coffman. Wilson, Wankum and Eric Cimental picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Trenton Millard won the 30 lap American Stock Main Event. Miranda Scott took the lead from Tyler Weeks on Lap 2 with Colby Ward getting past Weeks for second on Lap 5. By the seventh lap, seventh row starter Millard was up to third, and he made a big move around Scott for the lead on Lap 11. Ward was able to maintain second ahead of Tyler Weeks, but Ward saw his race end abruptly on Lap 27. At that point, Millard led by a commanding margin ahead of Scott and would score the victory. Mason Conway ended up third, followed by Alexis Blankenship, Robert Mead, Tori Sivisind, Ryan Barnes, Jose Rosales, Carson Conway and Ward. Scott, Nick Johnson and Sunnie Simkins picked up the eight lap heat race wins.
Keep up to date with the happenings at the track by going to www.bakersfieldspeedway.com.
Moles Wins Grandma Pam Wingless Nationals At Dixon Speedway
Dixon, CA...May 29...Mitchel Moles won the 40 lap Wingless 600 Micro Sprint Main Event Sunday night at Dixon Speedway. This was the Grandma Pam Wingless Natioinals and a big win for the Raisin City competitor as he bagged the lucrative payday.
Moles set himself up in a good position by winning the six lap Dash for Cash ahead of Wingless Sprint Car racer Tristan Guardino. Moles led from the outset with Guardino an early second ahead of Austin Torgerson. Mattix Salmon moved around Torgerson for third on Lap 8 and gained second a lap later. However, sixth row starter Caden Sarale gained second on Lap 13. Salmon saw his run end in third abruptly on Lap 17 with Austin Torgerson now third. Moles drove a brilliant race and led the entire distance to win ahead of Sarale, Austin Torgerson, Timothy Vaught, Cody Gray, Taylor Mayhew, Sage Bordenave, Cole Schroeder, Guardino and Jeffrey Pahule.
The 55 car field qualified in their respective heat race groups on the 1/5 mile dirt oval. It was Isak Johnson setting the fast time in the first group at 11.817, beating the 11.849 of Brandon Carey and the 11.901 of Brian Gilbert, all from the first group. They transfered the Top 4 finishers into the show from their respective heat races. The wins went to Gilbert, Austin Torgerson, Dominic Gorden, Guardino and Salman. Moles beat Guardino and Gilbert to win the six lap Dash for Cash. They transferred four out of the B Main. Brandon Riveira took the lead from Kevin Carter on Lap 3 and led the rest of the way. Austin Taborski ran second most of the distance, but both Jeffrey Pahule and Caden Stoll got around on Lap 11 for second and third. Taborski tried to hold on to the final transfer but was overtaken by Sage Bordenave on Lap 14. The first C Main was won by polesitter Brandon Shaw ahead of Bordenave, and the second 12 lapper was won by polesitter Dominic Carter over Katey Syra.
Ashton Torgerson won the 30 lap non-wing Stock 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. With a pole position start, Ashton Torgerson proceeded to lead every lap in victory. Teagen Moles was an early second ahead of Austin Torgerson, but Moles and Austin Torgerson tangled for a Lap 4 yellow flag. Cash Lovenburg had second briefly, but his race ended on Lap 7. At that point, Ashton Torgerson led Caden Stoll and Caden Sarale. Torgerson held off Stoll for the win with Sarale settling for third, just ahead of Mattix Salmon, Jett Barnes, Cameron Paul, Taylor Mayhew, Randy Sims, Justin Stretch and Victoria Woolf.
Austin Torgerson was the quick qualifier at 11.715, beating the 11.752 of Moles. 10 lap heat race wins went to Lovenburg, Wood and Sarale, and Lovenburg won the six lap Dash for Cash ahead of Ashton Torgerson.
Adriana DeMartini won the 20 lap non-wing 600 Restricted Micro Sprint Main Event. Brody Rubio had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Nathan Ward and Blayden Graham. DeMartini started back in the fourth row and had fourth by Lap 8. On Lap 16, DeMartini took third from Graham. On the 19th lap, Rubio and Ward tangled for a yellow flag. DeMartini had the lead on the restart ahead of 7th row starter Kaley Mahaffey and Graham, but Graham was overtaken on Lap 29 by Matthew Linde. DeMartini held off Mahaffey for the win with Linde third, followed by Graham, Ward, TK O'Brien, Aniyah Scott, Kyle Fernandez, Josiah Vega and Kaiden Gowen.
Rubio was the quickest of 15 qualifiers at 12.673, beating the 12.704 of Graham. Ward and Linde won the 10 lap heat races, and Rubio outran Ward to win the six lap Dash for Cash.
Vito Cancilla won the 20 lap Wingless Junior Sprint Main Event. Blayden Graham had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Cancilla and Braxon Vasconcellos. Cancilla and Vasconcellos tangled on Lap 3. Jackson Tardiff briefly had third, but his race ended on the fifth lap. Graham led at that point ahead of Haven Sherman and Vasconcellos. Cancilla took third from Vasconcellos on Lap 9, and Vasconcellos saw his race end two laps later. Sherman took the lead from Graham on Lap 14 with Cancilla following into second. Cancilla put the moves on Sherman for the lead on Lap 16 with Graham moving into second on Lap 17. Cancilla won ahead of Graham, Sherman, Colin Reynolds, Charlie Haines, Samantha Dozier, Nathan Fernandez, Vasconcellos, Tardiff and Briggs Davis.
Graham was the quickest of 10 qualifiers at 13.079, beating the 13.170 of Davis. Tardif and Vasconcellos won the eight lap heat races with Graham outrunning Cancilla to win the six lap Dash for Cash.
Racing resumes this Saturday night with the usual lineup of Micro Sprint racing all in action. For further information, go to www.dixonspeedway.net.
Torgerson Wins Opening Night Of Grandma Pam Nationals At Dixon Speedway
Dixon, CA...May 28...Ashton Torgerson opened the annual Grandma Pam Wingless Nationals with a win in the 30 lap Wingless 600 Micro Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Dixon Speedway. Stockton star Caden Sarale set the early pace ahead of Mitchel Moles and Austin Wood. Moles took the lead from Sarale on Lap 5, and Torgerson gained third on Lap 7. Ashton Torgerson took second from Sarale on Lap 13, and he gained the lead when Moles had problems on Lap 19. Torgerson was leading Sarale and Austin Wood at that point, but Wood surrendered third to Jett Barnes on Lap 25. As Ashton Torgerson went on to victory, Barnes made a last lap pass on Sarale to finish second. Wood ended up fourth, followed by Danny Carroll, Jason Bright, Daniel Shaffer, Brian Gilbert, Cash Lovenburg and Jeffrey Pahule.
The 55 competitors qualified in their respective heat race groups on the 1/5 mile dirt oval. Sarale set the fast time in the first group at 11.171 with Wood second quick at 11.391, also from the first group. They transferred the Top 4 finishers from each of the 10 lap heat races with wins going to Wood, Barnes, Moles, Bright and Gilbert. Moles won the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Sarale. Polesitter Cody Gray won the 15 lap B Main. Gray led every lap in victory. Cody Jessop saw his run in second place end on Lap 9 with Dominic Gorden grabbing the spot at that point and finishing there. Pahule made a Lap 13 move into third, and Colin Mackey grabbed the final transfer spot in fourth. Shaffer won the first 12 laps C Main from the front row ahead of Colton Key. The second C Main win went to Gorden ahead of 10th starter Cole Schroeder.
Ashton Torgerson won the 30 lap non-wing Stock 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Torgerson started on the pole and led all the way for the win. Caden Sarale was an early second ahead of Caden Stoll, but Austin Torgerson gained third Lap 6. On the ninth lap, Austin Torgerson got around Sarale for second, but his race came to a disappointing and on Lap 23 along with Stoll. Sarale had second at that point and chased Ashton Torgerson across the finish line. Third went to Jett Barnes ahead of Austin Wood, Cash Lovenburg, Taylor Mayhew, Cameron Paul, Teagen Moles, Randy Sims and Dominic Carter.
Austin Torgerson set the fast time of 23 competitors at 11.724, beating the 11.735 of Barnes and the 11.763 of Kelvin Lewis. 10 lap heat race wins went to Tegen Moles, Izaak Sharp and Ashton Torgerson. Ashton Torgerson won the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Caden Stoll.
Nathan Ward won the 20 lap non-wing Restricted 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Kaley Mahaffey had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Ward and Blayden Graham. Graham got past Ward for second on Lap 2. Ward briefly regained the runner-up spot on Lap 5, only to surrender it to Graham a lap later. However, the tenacious Ward was back in second on Lap 9. When Mahaffey saw an early end to her race on Lap 15, Ward had the lead ahead of Graham and Adriana DeMartini. They finished in that order with Brody Rubio fourth, followed by TK O'Brien, Kyle Fernandez, Matthew Linde, AJ Nielson, Nicholas Leonard Jr and Kaiden Gowen.
Ward was the quickest of 16 qualifiers at 12.413, beating the 12.664 of Mahaffey and the 12.688 of DeMartini. DeMartini and Rubio won the 10 lap heat races with Mahaffey winning the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Ward.
Jackson Tardiff won the 20 lap non-wing Junior Sprint Main Event. Blayden Graham had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Tardiff and Vito Cancilla. An eventful fifth lap found Braxon Vasconcellos moving from fourth into the lead ahead of Cancilla and Tardiff. Graham got around Tardiff for third on Lap 9 and took second from Cancilla on Lap 13. Unfortunately, Vasconcellos and Graham tangled on Lap 14. Cancilla had the lead ahead of Tardiff and Briggs Davis at that point, but Tardiff put the moves on Cancilla for the lead on Lap 17. Tardiff held off Cancilla the rest of the way for the win, and Graham made a late move on Lap 19 to finish third. Vasconcellos settled for fourth, followed by Davis, Haven Sherman, Kyle Klagenberg, Samantha Dozier, Charlie Haines and Colin Reynolds.
Graham was the quickest of 11 qualifiers at 13.048, beating the 13.050 of Tardiff. Graham and Vasconcellos won 10 lap heat races with Graham winning the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Tardiff.
Keep up the date with the happenings at the track by going to www.dixonspeedway.net.
Crockett Wins Opening Night Of Billy Geyer Memorial At Siskiyou Golden Speedway
Yreka, CA...May 28...Justin Crockett won the 30 lap Main Event Saturday night for the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series at Siskiyou Golden Speedway. This was the opening night of the Billy Geyer Memorial race, and the Arroyo Grande resident is the reigning series champion.
Chris Smith had the pole for the race and jumped into the early lead ahead of Jeffrey Hudson and Crockett. Crockett was challenging Hudson before finally moving around for second on Lap 13. Chris Smith saw a stellar run at the front of the pack end on Lap 18 with Crockett now in the lead. Ryan Smith was running in third but took second from Hudson on the restart. At that point, Frank Nyback was running in fourth. Crockett drove a great race and picked up the win ahead of Ryan Smith. Hudson was a solid third, followed by Nyback, Richard Brace Jr, Brent Lawrence, James Flowers, Matt Harlow, Scott Flowers and Denny Burtenouse Jr.
There was a solid turnout of 23 Pro Stocks, and Crockett set the fast time of 14.603, beating the 15.065 of Ryan Smith and the 15.129 of Jeffrey Hudson. They ran three eight lap heat races with the wins going to Crockett, past Chico champion Phil Marino and Hudson. Chris Smith won the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Hudson.
Past champion Ethan Killingsworth won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Garrett Hamilton started on the outside front row and took the early lead ahead of Steven Sanders. Hamilton saw his race come to an end on Lap 3 with point leader Ryan Peery taking the point ahead of Steven Sanders and Matt Sanders. Killingsworth moved into third on Lap 6 and gained second on the eighth lap. Peery saw his race come to an end at that point. Killingsworth was now leading Matt Sanders and Steven Sanders, and they ran that way to the checkered flag. Isaac Sanders ended up fourth, followed by Cory Biggs, Brian Burt, Vernon Allen, Gabriel Armstrong, Peery and Mike Jones. Killingsworth and Peery picked up eight lap heat races with Matt Sanders claiming four lap Trophy Dash honors.
Michael Knuckles won the 15 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Knuckles is the reigning champion, and he started on the front row. He led most of the way with Connor Franklin outdueling polesitter Quintyn Ericks to finish second. Logan McKnight settled for fourth, followed by three-time champion Marilyn Yawnick, Kayden Smith and Bethany Rolen. Ericks and Knuckles won eight lap heat races with Franklin claiming four lap Trophy Dash honors.
Kade Bernstein won the 15 lap Jefferson State Jalopy Main Event. It capped an evening of eight lap heat race and four lap Trophy Dash sweep for Bernstein. He started on the pole and picked up the win ahead of reigning champion JJ Smith, Marilyn Yawnick and Karl Bernstein.
Kennie Jones won the 15 lap Main Event and eight lap heat race for the Sport Compacts. Blake Peery scratched after the heat race.
The John Arnberg Memorial race takes place on June 10th, featuring The IMCA Modifieds IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks and Sport Compacts. For further information, go to www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Crockett Wraps Up Impressive Weekend With Billy Geyer Memorial Win At Siskiyou Speedway
Yreka CA...May 29...Justin Crockett won the 40 lap Tri State Pro Stock Challenge race Sunday night at Siskiyou Golden Speedway. This was the annual Billy Geyer Memorial race, and it capped a double win weekend for the reigning series champion.
Ryan Smith had the pole and bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Justin Crockett and Richard Brace Jr. Jeffrey Hudson started back in the eighth row and had worked his way into fifth by the 11th lap. Crockett was pressuring Ryan Smith before making the move on Lap 24. Brace Potatoheld the third position until surrendering it to Hudson on Lap 22. Hudson started challenging Smith and made the move around him for second on Lap 26. Smith stayed in contention before regaining the runner-up spot on Lap 33. James Flowers had settled into fourth by Lap 22. Crockett ran a smooth race and brought it home to the satisfying win ahead of Ryan Smith, Hudson, James Flowers, Brace, Scott Flowers, Colby Hammond, Matt Harlow, Darek Alford and Brent Lawrence.
Crockett was the quickest of 21 qualifiers with a lap of 14.399, beating the 15.040 of Chris Smith and the 15.093 of Mark Garner. Eight lap heat race wins went to Crockett, Chris Smith and Garner.
Point leader Ryan Perry won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Peery had the lead from the outset ahead of Ethan Killingsworth and Steven Sanders. They ran that way until Matt Sanders got around his brother for third on lap 19. Peery won ahead of Killingsworth, Matt Sanders, Steven Sanders, Jace Wright, Isaac Sanders, Cory Biggs, Wyatt Westfall, Brian Burt and Nick Berryhill. Eight lap heat race wins went to Peery, Isaac Sanders and Killingsworth.
Quintyn Ericks won the 15 lap Mini Stock Main Event. This was his first ever win. Ericks would charge into the lead early on. Point leader Connor Franklin and reigning champion Michael Knuckles battled for second, and Ericks won ahead of Franklin, Knuckles, Logan McKnight, Marilyn Yawnick, Kayden Smith and Brittany Rolen. Ericks and Knuckles won the eight lap heat races.
Reigning series champion JJ Smith won the 15 lap Jefferson State Jalopy Main Event. He took the lead from polesitter Kade Bernstein, who had won the eight lap heat race earlier. Kade Bernstein settled for second ahead of Marilyn Yawnick and Karl Bernstein.
The John Arnberg Memorial race happens on June 10th, featuring IMCA Modifieds IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks and Sport Compacts. For further information, go to www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Ancona Wins First Sprint Car Race At Ocean Speedway, Frost, Ragsdale, Jones, Lazzerini, Elliott Other Winners
Watsonville, CA...May 20...Joey Ancona won his first Ocean Sprint Car, Presented by Taco Bravo Main Event Friday night at Ocean Speedway. Jake Haulot held off Ancona to win the six lap Trophy Dash and led the opening lap of the Main Event before Ancona raced by. Justin Sanders settled into third on Lap 2 and began his pursuit of Ancona. Haulot had a good run going in third until his race came to an unfortunate end on Lap 22. Bud Kaeding moved into the third position at that point. Despite serious from Sanders, Ancona went on to score the impressive win. Kaeding settled for third, followed by JJ Ringo, Chase Johnson, Stephen Kent, Gauge Garcia, Logan Forler, Kurt Nelson and Max Mittry.
Justin Sanders was the quickest of 25 Sprint Cars on the Tom Sagmiller prepared quarter-mile clay oval at 11.687, beating the 11.799 of Rickey Sanders. Eight lap heat race wins went to Ancona, Kaeding and Haulot. Mittry won the 12 lap B Main. Mittry started on the outside front row and led from the outset. Kaleb Montgomery ran second until his race ended on Lap 9. That put Mark Chaves Jr into the position, where he would finish ahead of Josh Chisum and Geoffrey Grimm.
2020 champion Adriane Frost won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Jacob Mallet Jr jumped into the lead at the start ahead of Billy Robertson and Jonathan Hagio. The lead duo tangled on Lap 4 with Hagio taking the lead ahead of Frost and Andrew Pearce. Frost took the lead from Hagio on Lap 14 with Pearce moving into second a lap later. Frost held off the challenges of Pearce for the win with Hagio settling for third, followed by Mallet, KC Keller, Richard Ragsdale, Chuck Golden, Max Baggett, Robertson and Cody Bryan. Hagio and Mallet picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Chad Ragsdale won the 15 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. Jerry Skelton led the first four laps before Ragsdale raced by for the lead. Wally Kennedy was running third early on, but he was passed by point leader Joe Gallaher on Lap 6. Kennedy regained the spot on the ninth lap. Ragsdale beat Skelton by about half a straightaway with Kennedy third ahead if Brady Muller, Gallaher and Norm Ayers. Dan Fassler was a Main Event scratch. Skelton won the eight lap heat race.
Past Watsonville champions Shawn Jones won the 20 lap South Bay Dwarf Car Main Event. He had to start deep in the pack before moving into the lead. Sean Catucci took the lead at the start with Antioch point leader Dan Wagner settling into second. Wagner slipped past Catucci for the lead on Lap 4 as Marty Weisler ran third. Jones raced by Weisler for third on Lap 6 and took second from Catucci on the 10th lap. Jones started challenging Wagner and put the moves on him on Lap 13 to take command. Once in front, Jones led the rest of the way for the win with Wagner settling for second, followed by Catucci, Marty Weisler, Mark Biscardi, Eric Weisler, Trafton Chandler, Terre Rothweiler, Travis Day and Eddy Claessen. Biscardi and Catucci were the eight lap heat winners.
Jason Lazzerini won the 15 lap Four Banger Main Event. Ryan McClelland jumped into the early lead ahead of Lazzerini and Nicole Beardsley. Beardsley slipped past Lazzerini for second on the sixth lap and took the lead from McClelland on Lap 10. Lazzerini made a move around McClelland for second on Lap 12 and started pressuring Beardsley before making the pass for the win on the final lap. McClelland ended up third, followed by Kate Beardsley, Travis Van Gilder, Charlie Hernandez, TJ Santos, Amaya Flowers, Ryan Bowers and Bill Beardsley. Nicole Beardsley and Flowers won six lap heat races.
Scotts Valley law enforcement officer Kevin Elliott won the 15 lap Police N Pursuit Main Event. Elliott took the lead from the start ahead of Santa Cruz law enforcement officer Hunter Gather and Scotts Valley Police Department representative John Hohmann. The lead trio would run that way all the way to the checkered flag with Jackie Yeung in fourth, followed by Roy Iler and AJ Waltrip. Terre Rothweiler and Pat Sullivan were Main Event scratches, and Iler won the six lap heat race.
Racing resumes on June 3rd with the Ocean Sprint Cars, Presented by Taco Bravo, back in action along with the IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and South Bay Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.oceanspeedway.com.
Netto, Rasmussen, Doglione Win At Thunderbowl Raceway.
Tulare, CA...May 21... Past King of Thunder Sprint Car champion DJ Netto won the 30 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event. Netto made his rally in the final 10 laps to collect the win. Grant Duinkerken took the early lead ahead of Caeden Steele, but Steele got by Duinkerken to lead the third lap. Gauge Garcia settled into an early third, and they ran that way for the first 19 laps before Garcia took second from Duinkerken. However, Craig Stidham took second from Garcia on Lap 21. Netto moved into third on Lap 23 and put the moves on Stidham for second on Lap 25. On Lap 29, Netto made his winning move around Steele to claim the win. Steele settled for second ahead of Stidham, Duinkerken, Colby Thornhill, Garcia, Ryan Rocha, Kaleb Montgomery, Zane Blanchard and Dawson Faria. Netto was the quickest of 17 qualifiers at 14.721, beating the 14.801 of Thornhill. Garcia and Stidham picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Kyle Rasmussen won the 20 lap IMCA Western RaceSaver 305 Sprint Car Main Event. Brandon Stidham led until Rasmussen got by on the sixth lap. Once Rasmussen got the lead, he stretched his advantage over Stidham to nearly half a lap in victory. Phil Heynen was a solid third, followed by George Tristao Jr, Brandon Emmett, Davey Pombo Jr and Tyler Gray.. Rasmussen set the first time at 15.410, beating the 15.498 of Emmett. Rasmussen won the six lap heat race.
Ryan Doglione won the 20 lap West Coast Sport Compact Main Event. He started back in the fifth row with David Wolford Jr and worked his way forward. Shawn DePriest took the early lead ahead of Jason Cook Jr. Doglione battled his way to second by the fifth lap and put the moves on DePriest for the lead on Lap 6. Wolford had advanced to third by then and took second on Lap 9. Past champion Dan Myrick settled into third on the 12th lap. Doglione set a good pace and beat Wolford by about a straightaway in victory. Myrick was a solid third, followed by reigning champion Greg Baronian, Jeff Durant, DePriest, Jason Cook Sr, Joseph Goatcher, Nick Thompson and Edward Marvin. There were 20 cars for the show, and six lap heat race wins went tRacing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. Racing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. o Doglione, Wolford and Durant.
Racing resumes on Saturday, July 9th with the King of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars and IMCA Stock Cars. For further information, go to www.thunderbowlraceway.com.
For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Trenchard, Killingsworth, Franklin Score Siskiyou Golden Speedway Victories
Yreka, CA...May 20...Nick Trenchard won the 30 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Friday night and Siskiyou Golden Speedway. This was his second-straight win at the track as he leads the Nicky Biehn Memorial Series. The win was also worth $1,000.
Susanville point leader Riley Simmons set the early pace ahead of reigning Medford champion Zach Fettinger, Trenchard and highly decorated Medford champion Mark Wauge. Trenchard finally made the move around Fettinger for second on Lap 21 with Wauge gaining third two laps later. Trenchard started pressuring Simmons and made what proved to be his winning pass on Lap 26. Trenchard led the rest of the way to pick up the win, followed by Simmons, Wauge, Jeffrey Hudson, Fettinger, Jimmy Lipke, Albert Gill, Steve Borror, Kyle Casson and Grey Fernando. Fettinger and Fernando picked up eight lap heat races with Wauge claiming four lap Trophy Dash honors.
Ethan Killingsworth won the 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the past champion as he sits 10 points behind Ryan Peery in the championship chase. Trevor Tiffee led a lap ahead of Garrett Hamilton and Killingsworth, but Hamilton took the lead on Lap 2. Killingsworth settled into second on the fourth lap as Tiffee maintained third. Cottage Grove point leader Matt Sanders movedRacing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. into third on Lap 13. Killingsworth was pressuring Hamilton for the lead before making the move on Lap 17. Sanders took second from Hamilton on Lap 22 with Ryan Peery following closely into third. Killingsworth went on to win the race ahead of Sanders, Peery, Hamilton, Cory Biggs, Tiffee, Trevor Points, Jace Wright, Gary Foster and Vernon Allen. Peery and Sanders picked up the eight lap heat race wins.
Racing resumes this Saturday nigRacing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. Racing resumes this Saturday night with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing. ht with the NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series in action along with the IMCA how about Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds, Super Stocks and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks also competing.
Connor Franklin won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. This was his first win as he holds a six point lead over three-time champion Marilyn Yawnick in the standings. Franklin led a pair of laps before Yawnick went racing by. Logan McKnight ran third. Yawnick led, but Franklin kept it close until finding the opening to make his winning move on Lap 17. Franklin went on to win ahead of Yawnick, McKnight and Kayden Smith. Franklin also won the eight lap heat race.
Only two drivers showed up to compete in the Sport Compact race. Blake Peery won both the eight lap heat race and 15 lap Main Event ahead of Kennie Jones.
For further information, go to www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Wheeler, Luckman, Robustelli, Hedges Win At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...May 21..Reigning champion Jake Wheeler won the 25 lap Limited Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Wheeler had the pole and proceeded to lead all the way for the win. RJ McGahuey ran an early second ahead of Camden Robustelli. Robustelli got past McGahuey for second on Lap 7 and held that spot until both McGahuey and Colin Baker got by on Lap 15. However, nobody was going to pass Wheeler as he brought it home to a satisfying win ahead of McGahuey, Baker, Robustelli, Brandon Governer, David Hibbard, Bailey Hibbard, Cottage Grove point leader David Marble, Charlie Thompson and Johnny Burke.
Baker set the fast time of 13.090 on the 3/10th mile clay oval, beating the 13.128 of Robustelli and the 13.145 of Wheeler. McGahuey and Wheeler picked up eight lap heat race wins, and Robustelli scored the win in the four lap Trophy Dash.
Preston Luckman picked up the win in the 20 lap Super Late Model Main Event. Luckman is a past Cottage Grove and Coos Bay Speedway Late Model champion. Luckman benefited from a pole position start to take the lead at the outset. Rich McCoy settled into an immediate second. They would finish that way with Miles Duebert a strong third, followed by Greg Arnold, Eric Massey, John David Duffie, Cliff Massey, reigning champion Bob Dees, Brian Bowman and Braden Fugate.
Luckman was the quickest of 10 qualifiers with a 16.099, beating the 16.343 of McCoy. Luckman and McCoy won the eight lap heat races, and Luckman completed the clean sweep with a four lap Trophy Dash triumph.
Camden Robustelli won the 25 lap Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Main Event. Kalvin Morton took the early lead ahead of Colby Bergquist and Steve Walker. Series point leader Brock Peters moved into third on Lap 4 and took second from Bergquist a lap later. On the 13th lap, Peters put the moves on Morton to take the lead. Robustelli moved into second on Lap 14 and started stalking Peters. On Lap 19, Robustelli found his opening and made the move into the lead. Peters stayed with him, but Robustelli prevailed at the checkered flag. Walker ended up third, followed by Trevor Davis, multi time champion Josh King, Fred Hay, Morton, Randy Houston, Cadyn Smith and Jacob Huff.
The 21 Dwarf Cars ran three 10 lap heat races with King, Peters and Robustelli getting the wins. The A Dash win went to Robustelli with Brett James picking up the B Dash victory.
Ashtin Hedges won 15 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Hedges shared the front row with reigning champion David Steele and chased the veteran for one lap before taking over. Hedges set a good pace and built a straightaway advantage over Steele by the end of the rapidly run race. Quentyn Ericks would end up third. Ericks had the third spot until being passed by Tim Hedges on Lap 9. Dylan Irving moved into fourth at that point. However, Ericks was able to regain third on the final lap and finished there ahead of Tim Hedges, Irving, Garrett Fredrickson, Marilyn Yawnick, Don Rich and Scott Yerges.
Steele won an eight lap heat race and the four lap Trophy Dash with Ashtin Hedges the other heat race winner. Steele set the fast time of 19.642, beating the 21.634 of Ashtin Hedges.
For further information, go to www.southernoregonmotorsports.com.
Scelzi Wins NARC Sprint Car Appearance At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...May 26...Dominic Scelzi won the 30 lap NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Main Event Thursday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. It had been a few years since the series visited the Medford area track, and this was part of the fastest four days in racing series for the group. It was also the fourth-straight win for Scelzi, who currently holds the point lead.
Scelzi had a front row start, but Mitchell Faccinto took the early lead ahead of Scelzi and Justin Sanders. They ran that way until Faccinto had problems on Lap 19 for a yellow flag. Scelzi inherited the lead at that point, but Sanders would keep it close all the way to the finish. In the end, Scelzi prevailed ahead of Sanders. Willie Croft made a Lap 29 pass on Bud Kaeding for third as Kaeding settled for fourth, followed by Colby Copeland, Tanner Holmes, Joel Myers Jr, Logan Forler, Max Mittry and recent Cottage Grove winner Garen Linder.
There were 18 Sprint Cars for the occasion, and Scelzi turned the 3/10th mile clay oval at 11.490 for the fast time, beating the 11.710 of Faccinto. Croft, Forler and Holmes won the 10 lap heat races. To keep up to date with the group, go to www.narc410.com.
Chris Salyer won the special Rapp Racing Supply Super 4 Main Event. The group produced one of their strongest turnouts at 10 cars, and Salyer took the lead at the outset ahead of Ross Payant. Payant retired after two laps. Don King moved into second on the third lap, and Ricky-Lynn Knight retired two laps later. Dustin Knight settled into third on Lap 6, and he took second from King on Lap 12. Unfortunately, Dustin Knight's race ended soon after, and Skipper Klimcheck found himself in second at that point with reigning champion Charlie Eaton in third. Salyer won with Klimcheck close behind in second. Eaton was a solid third, followed by John Barger, Anthony Bartell, King, Jesse Merriman, Dustin Knight, Ricky-Lynn Knight and Payant. Payant and King won six lap heat races.
For further information, go to www.southernoregonmotorsports.com.
Crockett, Wiley, Schweitzer, Brown Win At Bakersfield Speedway
Bakersfield, CA...May 21...Justin Crockett won the 20 lap Western Pro Stock Main Event Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway. Crockett was the champion the last time they had a championship race for the class in 2019.
Late Model veteran Jerry Stewart had the pole and raced into the early lead ahead of Paul Miller. Crockett gained second on Lap 2, but he had problems for a yellow flag on Lap 5. Ryan Smith moved into second behind Stewart on the restart and made the move into the lead on Lap 7. Miller was running in third until surrendering the position to Crockett on Lap 10. Crockett slipped past Stewart for second on Lap 13 and pressured Ryan Smith until making his winning maneuver on the final lap. Crockett collected the win ahead of Ryan Smith, Stewart, Chris Smith, Miller, Frank Nyback, Cody Smith and Dustin Harrington. They ran the eight cars in one eight lap heat race with Ryan Smith getting the win.
Brandon Wiley scored the victory in the 20 lap Southern California Dwarf Car Main Event. Michael Tobiason had the pole and led a lap until being passed by Wiley. Jeff Brink was an early third before surrendering the position to Chris Trimino on the fourth lap. Nick Velasquez settled into fourth on Lap 5. The race ran rapidly, and Wiley had his hands full down the stretch, holding off Tobiason to pick up the win. Trimino ended up third, followed by Nick Velasquez, Brink, Dan Varner, Joey Bohard, Daniel Peters, Zach Floyd and Ian Velasquez. Eight lap heat race wins went to Tobiason, Brink and Wiley.
Dakota Schweitzer won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Dakota Schweitzer bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Matt McEwen and Nick Johnson. Johnson moved into second on Lap 3, only to surrender the position to Steven Johnson on the 12th lap. Nick Johnson got into a back and forth struggle with Justin Schweitzer for third with Schweitzer briefly getting the position on Lap 16 before Johnson regained it. Dakota Schweitzer held off the persistent Steven Johnson for the win with Nick Johnson third, followed by Justin Schweitzer, McEwen and Raymond Noland. Nick Johnson won the eight lap heat race.
JD Brown won the 25 lap IMCA Mod Lites Main Event. Brown bolted into lead from the outset ahead of Parker Cherry and Riley Clem. Clem swept past Cherry for second on Lap 4, and Cherry surrendered third to Tim Varney on the 11th lap. Brown held about a half-straightaway advantage over Clem in victory. Varney settled for third, followed by Cherry and Xander Keeland. Clem picked up the eight lap heat race win.
Rich Souza won the 20 lap Kern County Hardtop Main Event. The group rebounded with eight cars to make it one of the biggest car counts they've had in the last three years. Souza started in the second row and picked up the win ahead of third row starter Tyler Weeks. Polesitter James Bradburn managed a third place finish, followed by Dave Bauer, Tom Summerfield, Adam Medovitch, Skip Spiller and Travis Mason. Bradburn and Souza picked up the eight lap heat race wins.
Joe Rogers Jr won the 10 lap Mini Stock Main Event. There was a short field of competitors, with both Skyler Corella and Brandon Wolford scratching before the Main Event. Rogers picked up the win ahead of Cassidy Hall, and Rogers also won the eight lap heat race.
For further information, go to www.bakersfieldspeedway.com.
Bloomfield, Dennett, Cheney Win At Marysville Raceway
Marysville, CA...May 21... Dylan Bloomfield won the 25 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Marysville Raceway. The teen racer gained the lead halfway through the race and led from there for his first career win in this class.
Incoming point leader Bobby Butler had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Dawson Hammes and Bloomfield. There was an early yellow on Lap 1. Bloomfield took second from Hammes on Lap 3 and a yellow flag waved when Butler and Jack Phillips tangled in Turn 3 on Lap 11. Butler's race was over at that point. This put Bloomfield into the lead ahead of Hammes and Carson Hall, but a Lap 14 yellow flag waved for a Turn 2 tangle involving Hall and reigning champion Billy Wallace. Bloomfield continued to set the pace on the restart ahead of Hammes and Michael Wasina, but Wasina slipped past Hammes for second on Lap 16. Hammes saw his race come to an unfortunate end on Lap 22 with a final yellow flag waving for him. That did nothing to slow Bloomfield as he led the restart and the remaining laps to win ahead of Wasina, Brad Bumgarner, Korey Lovell, Nick Larsen, Mike Monahan, Dennis Scherer, Jeremy Wilson, Kevin Lovell and William Fielding.
Hall was the quickest of 21 qualifiers on the quarter-mile clay oval at 13.046, beating the 13.088 of Bloomfield and the 13.107 of Butler. They ran three eight lap heat races with the wins going to Wasina, Hammes and Fielding.
Greg Dennett won the 20 lap BCRA Lightning Sprint Main Event. Joseph Ferolito had the pole and raced into the early lead ahead of Dennett and Matt Land. The first of only two yellow flags waved on Lap 11 for Danielle Clausen in Turn 1. The next yellow flag signaled the end of the race for Ferolito as he stalled on the back straightaway on Lap 13. This put Dennett into the lead, and he went on to build a half-straightaway advantage over Land in victory. Harlee Aguilera was third, followed by Tyler Gerdes, Ferolito, Rick Holbrook, Dakota Albright and Clausen. Brandon Leedy was the quickest of nine qualifiers at 14.271, beating the 14.410 of Land. The eight lap heat race wins went to Aguilera and Land
Kyle Chaney won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. The race was a duel between point leader Howard Law and his closest championship rival Cheney. Cheney took the lead at the start ahead of Law and Maurice Merrill. A Lap 6 yellow flag waved for Cody Braun in Turn 3. Cheney continued to lead Law and Merrill on the restart, but Law put the moves on Cheney to grab first on Lap 13. The tenacious Chaney stayed in the hunt until making his winning pass on Law on the final lap. Cheney brought it home to a satisfying win ahead of Law and Merrill. Zach Lindgren ended up fourth, followed by Joe Gillock, Sebastian Davis, Bobby Letsinger, Jacob Bright, Skyler Merrifield and Niles Strever. Law, Cheney and Preston Hughes won eight heat races.
For further information, go to www.marysvilleraceway.com.
Linder, James, Bloom, Velasquez, Dickenson Win Armed Forces Nght Races At Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove, Oregon...May 21...Garen Linder won the 25 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Cottage Grove Speedway. This was Armed Forces/Shriners night at the races and the first race of the season for the Winged 360 Sprint Car class.
Steven Snawder had the pole and jumped into the lead at the start ahead of the past Limited Sprint champion Kinzer Cox. Third changed hands multiple times with Kelly Miller running there for a lap, surrendering the spot to Jake Waddell a lap later and then regaining third on Lap 3. Past 360 Sprint champion Tyler Thompson briefly took third from Miller on Lap 11, only to surrender the spot back to Miller lap later. Jesse Schlotfeldt found himself in third on Lap 15, and Snawder and Cox tangled on Lap 18 for a yellow flag. This put Schlotfeldt into the lead ahead of Linder and Tanner Holmes. On the 21st lap, both Linder and Holmes slipped past Schlotfeldt and would go on to the 1-2 finish. Schlotfeldt settled for third, followed by Kyle Alberding, Miller, Tyler Driever, Shane Forte, Carly Holmes, Austin Sause and Thompson.
There were 21 Winged 360 Sprint Cars for the occasion, and Jake Waddell set the fast time on the quarter-mile clay oval at 12.252, beating the 12.315 of Linder and the 12.324 of Cox. They ran three eight lap heat races with the wins going to Brian Boswell, Schlotfeldt and Driever.
Bricen James won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. The past Western Regional champion started in the second row as Steven Sturdevant led a lap. Point leader Jake Mayden got by to lead the second lap before he encountered problems. At that point, James had the lead ahead of Ian Whistler and Todd Shandy. Shandy surrendered third to Eric Ashley on the 10th lap, but Eston Whistler put the moves on Ashley for third on Lap 14. Mayden moved back into fourth one lap later. James built a straightaway advantage over Ian Whistler in victory with Eston Whistler a solid third, followed by Mayden, Ashley, Shandy, Aaron Sheelar, John Player, Roy Kirk Jr and Austin McTaggart.
James was the quickest 13 qualifiers at 15.305, beating the 15.431 of Mayden. Eight lap heat race wins went to Eston Whistler and James, and Eston Whistler held off James to win the four lap Trophy Dash.
Dalton Bloom on the 20 lap Royalty Core IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. He started on the pole and proceeded to lead every lap in victory. Dustin Comer ran second until being passed by Ray Bloom on Lap 4. Comer lost third to Daniel Ray on Lap 6. On the 17th lap, point leader Matt Sanders got past Ray for the third position. Dalton Bloom held about a half-straightaway advantage over Ray Bloom in victory with Matt Sanders third, followed by Ray, Ryan Peery, Aaron Bloom, Dustin Comer, Kevin Williamson, Steven Sanders and Ron Wilson.
Ryan Peery was the quickest of 21 drivers in qualifying at 15.297, beating the 15.356 of Matt Sanders. Peery, Williamson and Wilson picked up the eight lap heat race wins with Wilson also claiming six lap Trophy Dash honors.
Tommy Velazquez III won the 20 lap Northwest Dwarf Car Main Event. The Southern California Dwarf Car racer skipped his local race to compete in Cottage Grove. Chris Kress jumped into the lead to start ahead of Velasquez. Tanner Curr gained third on the second lap, but he surrendered the position to Jake Tupper on Lap 10. In the later stages, Velasquez began to challenge Kress, and he made his winning pass on the last lap. Kress settled for second, ahead of Tupper, Curr, John Chrisman, Kyle Thompson, Teagan Fisher, Erin Morgenstern, Dave Brune and Gary Wegner.
Curr was the quickest of 17 qualifiers at 15.474, beating the 15.496 of Kress. They held three eight lap heat races with the wins going to Brendan McMaster, Curr and Velasquez. Curr beat Velasquez to win the six lap Trophy Dash and prevent the clean sweep.
Rich Dickenson won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Compact Main Event. Burnie Bryant led two laps before the race ended for both Bryant and Brent Wells. Jake Vicari had the lead at that point ahead of Shawn Hand and Ryan Dickenson. The battle for third between Hand and Ryan Dickenson saw the race end for Dickenson on Lap 16. Vicari led at that point ahead of Rich Dickenson and Robert Bryant, but Vicari's race came to an unfortunate end on Lap 17. Rich Dickinson led from that point on for the win. Point leader Chris Pierce finished a half-straightaway back in second, followed by Robert Bryant, Barry Cannon, Ryan Dickenson, Stacy Bloom, Scarlet Drake, Kevin Hilgendorf, Zach Kintzley and Eli Miller.
Vicari was the quickest of 21 drivers in qualifying at 17.135, beating the 17.256 of Kerry Cooper and the 17.263 of Pierce. The three eight lap heat race wins went to Cooper, Vicari and Rich Dickenson. Burnie Bryant won the four lap Trophy Dash.
For further information, go to www.cottagegrovespeedway.com.
Scelzi Wins NARC Race At Petaluma Speedway, Gonnella, While, Brown Other Winners
Petaluma, CA...May 21...Dominic Scelzi picked up the win in the 30 lap NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. He maintains a 27 point lead over Mitchell Faccinto following this race with Shane Golobic 11 points behind in third and two ahead of Willie Croft. This was also the third-straight win on the tour for Scelzi.
Scelzi set himself up in a good position by winning the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Willie Croft. As it turned out, he jumped into the lead at the start ahead of Croft and Chase Johnson. Though Croft tried to keep it close, Scelzi prevailed at the checkered flag. Johnson held on to his podium finish with Justin Sanders fourth, followed by Faccinto, Golobic, Bud Kaeding, Joel Myers Jr, Landon Brooks and Ryan Robinson.
Tim Kaeding was the quickest of 17 qualifiers at 12.433, beating the 12.439 of Sanders and the 12.503 of Brooks. The eight lap heat race wins went to Johnson, Bud Kaeding and Faccinto. The group was set to go on their Pacific Northwest swing. To keep up with that and other information, go to www.narc410.com.
Oreste Gonnella won the 20 lap Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modified Main Event. The past champion battled with reigning champion Michelle Paul for several laps before making the pass for the lead. Michelle Paul set the early pace. Gonnella settled into second on Lap 2, followed by Raymond Lindemann. Lindemann briefly took second from Gonnella on Lap 6, but Gonnella regained the position a lap later. Gonnella began challenging Michelle Paul before making what proved to be his winning pass on Lap 15. Incoming point leader Jim Pettit II was running along in fourth for much of the race and overtook Lindemann for third on Lap 15. Gonnella went on to victory ahead of Michelle Paul, Pettit, Lindemann, Tim Yaeger, Brady, Tim Balding, Freddie Plourde III, Mitch Machado and Michael Paul Jr. Eight lap heat race wins went to Pettit and Lindemann.
Matt While won the 15 lap Super Stock Main Event. The multi-time champion also won the eight lap heat race and led the feature from the start ahead of Darren Fridolfs and Duane Croft. Croft had problems on Lap 3 with Dave Spindell briefly gaining the position. Dan Smith went by Spindell for third on Lap 5, and Fridolfs' race came to an end on Lap 6. While led at that point with Spindell back in second ahead of Smith. They ran that way until Smith had problems on Lap 16 with Paul Hanley gaining third. While won ahead of Spindell, Hanley, Smith, Croft, Jay Learn and Fridolfs.
Two-time reigning champion Tom Brown won the 20 lap Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stock Main Event. Roberta Broze had the pole and raced into the early lead ahead of Daisy Eslzer and Cody Bolles. Bolles moved into second on Lap 2, but he was passed by Sophie Shelley on Lap 5. Shelley surrendered second to Brown on Lap 6, and Brown put the moves on Broze for the lead on Lap 7. Point leader Randy Miramontez took second from Broze on Lap 13, but the best he could do was chase Brown across the finish line for second. Shan Titman gained third on Lap 19 when Broze encountered problems, and Haley Learn finished fourth, followed by Broze, Eszler, Shelley, Bolles and Benito Gomez. Brown also won the eight lap heat race.
The track goes dark for a couple of weeks before returning for the WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals, hosted by the Redwood Dwarf Car Association on June 10th and 11th. On the 11th, the Butler Auto Glass IMCA Modifieds will run in support. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Harless, Holmwood, Peterson, Hillier, Morgan Win At Deming Speedway
Evanson, Washington...May 21...Point leader Levi Harless won the 25 lap Northwest Focus Midgets Main Event Friday night at Deming Speedway. This was Philips 66/Little Caesars night at the races, and the Focus Midgets delivered 12 cars for their portion of the show.
Harless bolted from the second row into the lead at the start. Matt Loving ran second for a lap before surrendering the spot to Tanner Holm. Aiden Ostrom moved into third briefly, but he was passed by fifth row starter Shane Smith on Lap 4. Harless had plenty of pressure from Holm, but he kept his cool and brought it home to victory. Smith settled for third, followed by Nick Evans, Ostrom, Travis Jacobson, Jesse Munn, Jeff Westergard, Jake Munn and Chuck Pierce.
Evans was the quickest of 12 qualifiers on the 1/6 mile clay oval at 11.746, beating the 11.844 of Harless and the 11.874 of Jake Munn. The eight lap heat race wins went to Evans and Ostrom.
Point leader Derek Holmwood won the 25 lap Shots 2 Go Espresso 1200 Mini Sprint Main Event. Holmwood had the pole and led from the outset. Tyson Cross was second for a lap before getting passed by Jacob Buckenmeyer, who would finish in that spot. Cross held on for third, followed by championship contender Brock Lemley, Dakota Drake, Jared Gundersen, Terry Lewis, Tyson Lemley, Clennon Holloway and Seth Hespe.
Brock Lemley bested the 16 car field in qualifying at 10.687 with Gunderson second quick at 10.827 and Cross third fast at 10.887. Drake and Buckenmeyer got the eight lap heat race wins.
Jared Peterson won the 25 laps Speed Mart Super 600 Main Event. Looking to make a big gain on Levi Kuntz in the championship race, Jesse Schlotfeldt took the early lead from the pole ahead of Tyler Conley and Peterson. Peterson got by Conley for second on Lap 4 and put the moves on Schlotfeldt for the lead on the seventh circuit. Tristin Thomas moved into third on Lap 6, but he was overtaken by Ryley Mayer on Lap 16. Mayer got by Schlotfeldt for second on Lap 19, but Schlotfeldt was back in position a lap later. The tenacious Mayer again got by Schlotfeldt on Lap 22. Peterson won by over half a straightaway ahead of Mayer. Schlotfeldt salvaged a good night in third, followed by Jayden Whitney, Thomas, Parker Hadlock, Colin Mackey, Tyler Conley, Levi Klatt and Haley Constance.
20 Super 600s took their turns in qualifying, and Whitney set the fast time at 10.710, beating the 10.715 of Thomas and the 10.768 of Mackey. The eight lap heat race wins went to Conley, Schlotfeldt and Spencer Constance.
Point leader Levi Hillier won the 20 lap mytrafficman.net Restricted 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Hillier had the pole and took the immediate lead when the green flag waved, followed by Rylee Kentch and Mallory Fisher. Fisher and David Greene both got past Kentch on Laps 9 and 10. Peyton Drake took third from Greene on Lap 20, and Fisher saw her race come to an unfortunate end on Lap 23. Hillier led Drake and Greene on the restart, and they finished in that order, followed by Carson Guffie, Kentch, Ryan Bright, Caleb Gately, Clayton Jalakas, Dean Lehmann and Avery Touchette.
There were 23 Restricted 600 Micro Sprints, and they qualified in two different groups. Hillier and Fisher were the fastest two drivers overall from the first group. Hillier had an 11.493, while Fisher had an 11.581. The four eight lap heat race wins went to Hunter Cook, Greene, Riley Kentch and Corbin Ramsey. Gately won the 10 lap B Main with a flag the flag run out front. Jalen Serrano was second until being passed by Lehmann on Lap 4. Serrano ended up third.
Point leader McKenna Morgan won the 20 lap Clean Crawls Junior Sprint Main Event. Bishop Brothers had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Colton Knapp and Morgan. Knapp had problems on Lap 8 as Morgan gained second ahead of her championship rival Chase Whitney. Whitney got past Morgan for second on Lap 12, but Morgan made a big move on Lap 15 to take the lead with Whitney following into second ahead of Sawyer Baxter. The lead trio finished in that order with Brothers settling for fourth, followed by Knapp, James Hayashi, Madi Hoppe, Jayce Medcalf, Aidan Stone and Kole Campbell.
There were 16 Junior Sprints in action, and Whitney and Morgan tied for the fast time at 13.396. The eight lap heat race wins went to Cooper Anderson and Knapp.
For further information, go to www.demingspeedway.com.
Whitley, Petrie, Motts, Weisler Win At Petaluma Speedway
Petaluma, CA...May 14...Daniel Whitley won the 25 lap Red Hawk Glass Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. He made his move in the final five circuits to claim the victory. The win for Whitley came aboard the Ted Finkenbinder owned entry.
David Lindt II set the early pace ahead of Bradley Terrell and Trevor Schmid. Terrell overtook Lindt for the lead on Lap 9 as Whitley took fourth from teammate Jacob Tuttle. Schmid's race came to an end on Lap 13. Terrell led Lindt and Whitley at that point, but Whitley got past Lindt for second on Lap 16. Point leader Nick Robfogel gained third a lap later, and Whitley put the moves on Terrell for the lead on Lap 22. Terrell came roaring back on Lap 24, but he encountered problems moments later. Whitley led the all-important final lap for the win, followed by Robfogel. Lindt settled for third, followed by Tuttle, Jimmy Christian, Shawn Arriaga, Terrell, George Nielson, Zack Albers and Ethon Lanfri.
Whitley was the quickest of 17 qualifiers on the 3/8 mile adobe oval with a lap of 14.663, beating the 14.771 of Terrell and the 14.927 at Albers. The eight lap heat race wins were earned by Schmid, Terrell and Nielson.
Brody Petrie won the 20 lap WMR Midget, Presented by Masters Design and Construction, Main Event. He took advantage of the misfortune of reigning series champion Blake Bower to take the lead and won from there. Bower had the pole and set the early pace ahead of Sage Bordenave and Petrie. Bryant Bell gained third on Lap 2, but he surrendered the position back to Petrie on the sixtth circuit. Petrie slipped past Bordenave for second on the 11th lap, and Bower's race came to an abrupt end a lap later. Petrie had the lead at that point ahead of past champion David Prickett, and a close battle ensued with Bordenave also in the hunt. Petrie kept his cool and prevailed at the checkered flag ahead of Pickett, Bordenave, Kyle Hawse, Todd Hawse, Logan Mitchell, Nate Wait, Sparky Howard, Bower and Bell.
Eight lap heat race wins went to Bower and Bordenave. Next on the schedule for the group will be a visit to Ocean Speedway on June 10th and Antioch Speedway the following evening. Keep up to date with the group by going to www.westernmidgetracing.com.
Bobby Motts Jr won the 20 lap Jay's Mobile Welding Service Hobby Stock Main Event. The past Antioch Speedway IMCA Modified and Street Stock champion led every lap in victory. Les Friend ran second for a lap before Jake Mercieca got by. However, Clarence Holbrook III got around for second on Lap 3. Mercieca was running in third, but he surrendered the position to Friend on the fifth lap. Mercieca held fourth until falling back two positions on the 18th lap behind Jason Robles and Chris Long. Motts won with Holbrook not too far behind, followed by Friend, Robles, Long, Mercieca, PJ Pedroncelli, Mitchell Dana, James Graessle and reigning Antioch champion Larry McKinzie Jr. Friend and Long won the eight lap heat races.
Marty Weisler won the 18 lap Redwood Dwarf Car Main Event. This was his second-straight triumph, and he led from the outset. When the green flag waved, Weisler led Antioch regular Chance Russell and Zack Albers. Jimmy Damron had fourth until 2020 Antioch champion Travis Day went by. Unfortunately, Russell and Albers were eliminated in a Lap 12 mishap. Weisler led Carroll Mendenhall at that point. Day was third, but his race ended on the 14th lap with B Main winner Sean Catucci also out. Weisler led Mendenhall and reigning champion Chad Matthias at that point, and they finished in that order with Mike Dahle fourth followed by Mark Biscardi, Jimmy Damron, Sam Borland, Danny Marsh, Kylee Johnson and Kasey Horat.
There were 29 Redwood Dwarf Cars in action with the eight lap heat race triumphs being recorded by Damron, Albers, Russell and Weisler. Sean Catucci won the 12 lap B Main. South Bay competitor Eddy Claessen paced a lap before Catucci went motoring by. Fifth row starter Shiloh Borland moved into third on the fourth lap and overtook Claessen for second on Lap 10. Catucci won ahead of Shiloh Borland with multitime Antioch champion Ricardo Rivera ending up third ahead of Kylee Johnson and Claessen.
For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Schank, While, Debem, Miramontez Win At Petaluma Speedway
Petaluma, CA...May 7...Nathan Schank won the 25 lap Red Hawk Glass Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. He trailed reigning track champion Nick Robfogel for a lap before gaining the lead. Zack Albers had third until Bradley Terrell went motoring by on Lap 5, and Terrell overtook David Lindt II for second on the eigth circuit. Lindt surrendered third to Schank on the Lap 15, and Schank put the moves on Terrell for second on Lap 21. On the 23rd lap, Schank found his opening and moved past Robfogel for the lead and eventual victory. Terrell also made a late move into second as Robfogel settled for third, followed by Lindt, Marcus Hardina, Mark Hanson, Heath Holdsclaw, Daniel Whitley, Sparky Howard and Kaimi Moniz-Costa.
There were 18 competitors, and Terrell turned the 3/8 mile adobe oval at 15.018 for fast time, beating the 15.233 of Hardina and the 15.464 of Robfogel. Eight lap heat race wins went to Terrell, Lindt and Robfogel.
Matt While won the 25 lap Super Stock Main Event. The multi-time champion While moved into third on the opening lap behind Antioch racer Joey Ridgeway Jr and Brent Lawrence. Lawrence slipped past Ridgeway for the lead on the third lap with While getting second a lap later. On the fifth lap, While put the moves on Lawrence for the lead. Lawrence kept it reasonably close, but While prevailed at the checkered flag. Ridgeway was a lead lap third, followed by Paul Hanley, Jay Learn, Sid Hess and past champion Mike Learn. While also claimed eight lap heat race honors.
Point leader and reigning champion Caleb Debem won the 600 Micro Sprint Main Event, giving him four wins on the season. Jeromie Charon led just one lap before Debem took over ahead of title contender Anthony Soper. George Nielson gained third on Lap 3 and would challenge Soper for second. As Debem built a half-lap advantage in victory, Nielson overtook Soper on the last lap for the runner-up finish. Kyle Grissom ended up fourth, followed by Carroll Mendenhall, Sam Borland, Jack Clark, Victor Guerra and Charon. Shiloh Borland was a Main Event scratch. The six lap heat race wins went to Nielson and Debem.
Randy Miramontez won the 20 lap Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stock Main Event. Reigning Super Stock champion Miramontez jumped into the lead at the start ahead of reigning Mini Stock champion Tom Brown. Mike Lodin was an early third before surrendering the position to recent winner Austin Lodin. Brown got past Miramontez for the lead on Lap 10. Sophie Shelley got by Mike Lodin for fourth on Lap 15, and the battle heated up for the lead. On the final lap, Miramontez got around Brown to claim the victory. Austin Lodin ended up third, followed by Shelley, Mike Lodin, Patrick Kelley, Roberta Broze, Shannon Merrill and Haley Learn. Eight lap heat race wins went to Brown and Austin Lodin, and Antioch regular Dana Gardner and Shan Titman were feature scratches.
Keep up to date with scheduling and other information at www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Torgerson, DeMartini, Davis Pick Up Dixon Speedway Victories
Dixon, CA...May 14...Austin Torgerson won the 25 lap Wingless 600 Micro Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Dixon Speedway. After picking up the win in the eight lap Trophy Dash, he had the pole position for the Main Event and proceeded to lead all the way in victory. Jett Barnes was an early second ahead of Jeffrey Pahule, but Pahule got around Barnes for the spot on the fourth circuit. Barnes held third until being overtaken by Austin Wood on the 16th lap. Wood took second from Pahule on Lap 19, and Pahule saw his race end on Lap 21. At that point, Austin Torgerson was leading Wood and Barnes. Barnes was passed by Robbie Lewis on Lap 24, and Austin Torgerson held off Wood for the victory. Lewis ended up third, followed by Barnes, Timothy Vaught, Cody Gray, Danny Carroll, Izaak Sharp, Drew Laeber and Lucas Johnson.
Barnes was the quickest of 29 qualifiers on the 1/5 mile dirt oval at 12.131, beating the 12.326 of Laeber and the 12.335 of Austin Torgerson. The three 10 lap heat race wins went to Johnson, Carroll and Lewis. Torgerson held off Johnson to win the eight lap Trophy Dash. Kevin Carter won the 12 lap B Main. He started on the pole and proceeded to lead every lap in victory. Tommy Carroll was an early second ahead of Austin Taborski, but Taborski put the moves on Carroll to gain second on the fifth lap. Carter won ahead of Taborski, Carroll and Hayden Saich.
Austin Torgerson won the 25 lap Super 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. He jumped into the lead at the start ahead of Jeffrey Pahule and Ashton Torgerson. Devon Courtnier got past Ashton Torgerson for third on Lap 2 and overtook Pahule for second on Lap 5. Pahule held third until he encountered problems on the 15th lap, surrendering the position to Ashton Torgerson. However, fourth row starter Izaak Sharp gained second on Lap 18. Ashton Torgerson took third from Courtnier on Lap 20 and put the moves on Sharp for second on Lap 24. Austin Torgerson brought it home to victory ahead of brother Ashton Torgerson. Jett Barnes also made a late move to finish third as Sharp settled for fourth ahead of Austin Wood, Courtnier, Austin Taborski, Rylee Whitehouse, Jeff Rosas and Cierra Wullenwaber.
Austin Torgerson was the quickest of 13 qualifiers with a 10.506, beating the 10.664 of Barnes and the 10.774 of Wood. The 10 lap heat race wins went to Wood and Courtnier. Six lap Trophy Dash honors went to Pahule over Barnes.
Adriana DeMartini picked up her first 20 lap Restricted 600 Micro Sprint Main Event win. She started on the pole and bolted into the immediate lead ahead of point leader Lucas Mauldin and Andrew Smith. They would run the entire distance in that order with Peyton Whitehouse a race long fourth, followed by TK O'Brien, Brody Rubio, Matthew Linde, Hayden Stepps, AJ Nielson and Nicholas Leonard Jr.
DeMartini was the quickest of 18 qualifiers at 11.304, beating the 11.433 of Mauldin and the 11.542 of Whitehouse. The 10 lap heat race wins were earned by DeMartini and Mauldin, and DeMartini completed her clean sweep with a six lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Mauldin.
Point leader Briggs Davis won the 20 lap Jr Sprint Main Event. With a pole position start he raced into the early lead ahead of Jackson Tardiff and Maya Mauldin. That was the order until Tardiff and Mauldin tangled on the 11th circuit, allowing Heston Stepps to gain second ahead of Haven Sherman and Colin Reynolds. Reynolds surrendered fourth to Tardiff on the 17th circuit. Davis cruised to a decent margin of victory ahead of Stepps. Unfortunately, Stepps was later disqualified from his best ever finish, moving Sherman into second ahead of Tardiff, Reynolds, Mauldin, David Anderson, Samantha Dozier, Issac Salameh, Charlie Haines and Cole Hart.
Davis was the quickest of 11 qualifiers at 12.551, beating the 12.569 of Sherman and the 12.660 of Tardiff. Davis and Sherman won the 10 lap heat races, and Tardiff prevented the Davis clean sweep by holding him off for the six lap Trophy Dash win.
For further information, go to www.dixonspeedway.net.
Fielding, Philips, Whitney Earn Marysville Raceway Glory
Marysville, CA...May 14...William Fielding won the 25 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Marysville Raceway. In much the same way this division was last year, we've had a multitude of different winners. He's the sixth different winner in the six events held so far, and this race only had one slow down early in the action.
Past Petaluma Speedway champion Jake Haulot had the pole and jumped into the early lead ahead of Cody Spencer and Casey Schmitz. On the eighth lap, Fielding moved past Schmitz for third, and he overtook Spencer a lap later for second. The race only had the Lap 6 yellow flag for Bill Smith in Turn 3. Smith joined Peter Paulson on the sidelines at that point. At the midway point of the race, Fielding was pressuring Haulot for the lead, and he got by on Lap 15. Haulot returned the favor in this thrilling duel on Lap 16 as he regained command. The tenacious Fielding found an opening and got by on Lap 18, but Haulot was back in front a lap later. Undaunted, Fielding again got by on Lap 20 and held off the persistent Haulot from there to score the hard fought victory. Blake Carrick had settled into third by Lap 12, and he briefly took second from Haulot on Lap 22. Haulot regained his position a lap later, and Carrick ended up third, followed by point leader Bobby Butler, recent winner Michael Wasina, Schmitz, reigning champion Billy Wallace, Colby Wiesz, Carson Hall and Dennis Scherer.
There were 25 Winged 360 Sprint Cars, and Spencer set the fast time on the quarter-mile clay oval at 13.033, beating the 13.059 of Carrick and the 13.076 of Wallace. Schmitz, Dawson Hammes, Butler and Haulot picked up the eight lap heat race wins. Kevin Lovell won the 12 lap B Main. He raced into the lead at the start with Josh Wiesz and Korey Lovell quickly ascending to second and third. That was the order at the finish of the rapidly run race as Paulsen and past champion Mike Monahan rounded out the Top 5.
Jeremy Phillips won the 20 lap Pepsi IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was his second win of the season. Richard Vander Ploeg had the pole, but Damion Merritt bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Scott Savell and Phillips. Phillips slipped past Savell for second on Lap 5 and overtook Merritt for the lead on the ninth circuit. Merritt kept it close, but Phillips prevailed in the end. Savell settled for third ahead of point leader Jimmy Ford, Vander Ploeg, Mike Merritt, Todd Carlock, Antioch racer Chuck Golden, Hunter Merritt and Devin Koranda. Eight lap heat race wins went to Shaun Merritt and Phillips.
Shawn Whitney won the 20 lap NorCal Dwarf Car Main Event. He took the lead from the outset ahead of Brenden Shrum and Brandon Shaw. Shaw surrendered third to Mike Reeder on Lap 2, and Reeder slipped past Shrum for second on Lap 3. Shaw moved into third, but his race came to an abrupt end on Lap 4. Shrum held third for two laps before being passed by past series champion Michael "Spanky" Grenert. Kevin Bender moved into fourth on Lap 10, but he lost the position to Ben Wiesz on Lap 8. Whitney went on to win ahead of Reeder, Grenert, Ben Wiesz, Cory Eaton, Bender, Josh Wiesz, Dylan Shrum, Brenden Shrum and Jamison Sole. Bender, Ben Wiesz and Reeder won eight lap heat races.
For further information, go to www.marysvilleraceway.com.
Munn, Hadlock, Kuntz, Hillier, Whitney Pick Up Wins At Deming Speedway
Evanson, Washington...May 13...Jake Munn won the 25 lap Northwest Focus Midget Main Event Friday night at Deming Speedway. This was Shots 2 Go Espresso/Clean Crawls night at the races, and the win for Munn kept him very much in title contention.
Jake Westergard had the pole and set the early pace ahead of Jake Munn and Jesse Munn. Brian Holmkvist was running fourth until being overtaken by Sawyer Lind on Lap 6. Both Lind and point leader Levi Harless got around Jesse Munn on Lap 11, and Lind overtook Westergard for second on Lap 16. Lind kept it close, but Jake Munn stayed cool under pressure to prevail in the end. Harless settled for third, followed by Holmkvist, Jesse Munn, Chris Foster, Jamee Gardner, Chuck Pierce, Kyle Hanson and Jesse Geddes.
Jake Munn was the quickest of 13 qualifiers on the 1/6 mile clay oval at 11.752, beating the 11.927 of Westergard and the 11.960 of Jesse Munn. The eight lap heat race wins went to Lind and Harless.
Parker Hadlock won the 25 lap Shots 2 Go Espresso 1200 Mini Sprint Main Event. Jacob Buckenmeyer had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Hadlock and point leader Derek Holmwood. Hadlock overtook Buckenmeyer for the lead on the fourth circuit, and Holmwood put the moves on Buckenmeyer for second on Lap 8. At the same time, Alex Lewis took fourth from Terry Lewis. Hadlock went on to the satisfying win ahead of Holmwood, Buckenmeyer, Alex Lewis, Terry Lewis, Jared Gunderson, Dakota Drake, Seth Hespe, Steven Hendrickson and Tyson Cross.
Buckenmeyer was the quickest of 16 qualifiers at 10.766, beating the 10.794 of Hadlock and the 10.805 of Gunderson. Holmwood and Alex Lewis claimed eight lap heat race honors.
Levi Kuntz won the 25 lap Speed Mart Super 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. The win kept him 8 points ahead of Jesse Schlotfeldt in the championship battle. Tanner Holm had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Kuntz and Jayden Whitney. That was the order until Kuntz made his move around Holm for the lead on Lap 20 and brought it home the victory with Holm a close second. Whitney ended up third. Derek Torkelson was fourth all the way until the final lap, when he was overtaken by eighth row starter Colin Mackey. Blaine Granberg ended up sixth, followed by Tyler McLeod, Ryley Mayer, Macie Logsdon and Spencer Constance.
Kuntz was the quickest of 19 qualifiers with a 10.718, barely beating the 10.719 of Ryley Mayer and the 10.753 of Tanner Holm. The eight lap heat race wins were earned by Constance, Granberg and Hadlock.
Levi Hilliar won the 20 lap mytrafficman.net Restricted 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. The win kept him 12 points ahead of Corbin Ramsey in the championship chase. Hillier started on the pole and led from the outset with Peyton Drake and Kane Van Sickle in tow. Hillier built a more than a straightaway advantage over Drake in victory with Van Sickle a solid third, followed by David Greene, Mallory Fisher, Ramsey, Carson Guffie, Grace Matier, Clayton Jalakas and Ryan Bright.
Hillier was the quickest of 21 qualifiers at 11.146, beating the 11.329 of Guffie and the 11.391 of Van Sickle. The eight lap heat race wins were recorded by Drake, Avery Touchette and Matier. Ryley Kentch won the 10 lap B Main. Kentch led from the outset with Hunter Cook a race long second. Cruz Kentch was third until being passed by Caleb Gately on Lap 5. Gately ended up third ahead of Jeff Woolsey.
Chase Whitney won the 20 lap Clean Crawls Jr Sprint Main Event, but he gained little ground on point leader in McKenna Morgan, who finished second. Whitley led from the outset ahead of Morgan. Sawyer Baxter had third until retiring on the third lap, handing the position to third place finisher Cooper Anderson. Jace Medcalf ended up fourth, followed by Kinley Askvig, Kole Campbell, Hudson Johnson, Caden Riese, Madi Hoppe and Hayden Cook. Whitney set the fast time of 13.168, beating the 13.311 of Morgan and the 13.427 of Anderson. Whitney and Morgan won the eight lap heat races.
For further information, go to www.demingspeedway.com.
Williams Scores USAC/CRA Sprint Car Win At Bakersfield Speedway
Bakersfield, CA...May 14...Cody Williams won the 30 lap AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway. This was his first win of the season.
Austin Williams started on the pole and bolted into the early lead. After six laps, Kyle Edwards gained the point, but he surrendered the lead to Tommy Malcolm on the 12th lap. Cody Williams moved into the battle and overtook Malcolm for the lead on Lap 17. Matt Mitchell soon gained second and presented a challenge. However, Cody Williams prevailed at the checkered flag, followed Mitchell, Kyle Edwards, Logan Williams, Eddie Tafoya Jr, Chris Gansen, Verne Sweeney, Austin Grabowski, Austin Williams and AJ Bender.
The series brought 22 Sprint Cars for the show, and Williams turned the 1/3 mile clay oval at 12.967, beating the 13.143 of point leader Damion Gardner and the 13.367 of Malcolm. Grabowski won the first 10 lap Flow Dynamics Incorporated/Laserworx Manufacturing/Factory Wraps heat race. Steve Hix prevailed in the billsjerky.net/Laserworx Manufacturing/Factory Wraps second 10 lap heat race. Logan Williams got the win in the In Memory Of Jim and Chet Gardner 10 lap third heat race. Keep up to date with the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series at www.usacracing.com.
AJ Bender won the 25 lap California Lightning Sprint Main Event. Will Browne had the pole and took the early lead ahead of Bender and Jeff Dyer. Bender slipped past Browne for the lead on Lap 6 with Dyer gaining third a lap later. Point leader Cody Nigh moved into third on the ninth circuit. It was a close race at the front of the pack, but Bender held off Dyer for the victory. Nigh was a strong third with Browne settling for fourth, followed by David Gasper, Gage Cheek, Connor Speir, Pat Kelley, Jarrett Kramer and Leland Day.
The California Lightning Sprints brought 13 cars for the occasion, and Dyer set the fast time of 12.805, beating the 12.946 of Nigh and the 13.029 of Bender. Eight lap heat race wins went to multi time champion Bobby Michnowicz and Gasper. Nigh ended the night with a 79 point lead over Dyer, who led Gasper by just eight tallies in a closer race for second. For further information, go to www.racecls.com.
Ricky Childress Jr won the 25 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was the second win of the season for the reigning track champion, and he used it to move into the point lead over early leader Tate Loftis.
Colby Quinton led a lap before Dylan Wilson took over. Jonathan Flippen was an early third, but he surrendered the spot to Karl Noland on Lap 6. Noland was overtaken a lap later by Loftis, but Loftis saw his race take a turn for the worse on Lap 9. Flippen saw his race end a lap later with Quinton leading Childress and Dakota Brown at that point. Childress motored past Quinton for the lead on Lap 13, and he brought it home to victory ahead of Quinton. Brown lost third to Don Mead on Lap 15, but regained the position on Lap 21 to finish there. Brooke Cimental ended up fourth, followed by Noland, Colby Ward, Mead, Jacob Vandigriff, Loftis and Flippen. Eight lap heat race wins went to Childress, Jimmy Irwin and Loftis.
For further information, go to www.bakersfieldspeedway.com.
Trenchard, Peery, Flowers, King, Knight Open Southern Oregon Speedway Season With Wins
White City, Oregon...May 14...After inclement weather and other issues delayed the season opener, Nick Trenchard opened the Southern Oregon Speedway season with a 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event win. Trenchard was coming off of the $1,000 victory in the Bo Hittson Memorial at Siskiyou Golden Speedway a week earlier. Multi-time champion Albert Gill paced the field for four circuits before Trenchard got by. Once Trenchard got the lead, he proceeded to pull away to nearly a straightaway advantage in victory. Past champion Jesse Bailey ran second from the start and followed Trenchard when he gained the lead. Bailey held second until the 17th circuit, when Gill found an opening and got by. Trenchard recorded the win ahead of Gill, Bailey, Jeffrey Hudson, highly decorated champion Mark Wauge, past Cottage Grove champion Jake Mayden, Jimmy Lipke, Eric Ashley, James Welshonse and John Dees.
There were 15 cars for the opener, and Trenchard turned the 3/10th mile clay oval at 15.979 for the fast time, beating the 16.098 of Hudson and the 16.136 of Lipke. 10 lap heat race wins went to Hudson, Lipke and Trenchard with Hudson preventing the Trenchard sweep by holding him off for the four lap Trophy Dash win.
Ryan Peery won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The reigning Yreka champion was fourth early on. Yreka star Ethan Killingsworth took the early lead ahead of Trevor Points and Steven Sanders. Sanders gained second on the third lap and held the spot until Peery took it on Lap 6. Peery put the moves on Killingsworth for the lead on Lap 10 with Reigning champion Matt Sanders following closely into second. Points gained third on Lap 15. It was a close battle at the front of the pack, but Peery managed to hold off Matt Sanders for the victory. Points settled for third ahead of Steven Sanders, Garrett Hamilton, Daniel Ray, Trevor Tiffee, Wyatt Westfall, Killingsworth and Isaac Sanders.
There were 27 cars for the show, and Peery set the fast time of 15.883, beating the 16.003 of Killingsworth and the 16.017 of Hamilton. Aaron Bloom, Peery, Points and Killingsworth picked up eight lap heat races, and Peery made it a clean sweep with his four lap Trophy Dash win. Daniel Ray won the 10 lap B Main. Chuck Carson paced a pair of laps before Ray took over. Wyatt Westfall moved into second on Lap 5 and would finish there ahead of Carson and Brandon Norton.
Three-time reigning Outlaw Pro Stock champion Scott Flowers won the 20 lap Main Event. Flowers started on the front row and followed Jeff Haudenshild for three laps before getting by. Flowers built about a half-straightaway advantage over Haudenshild in victory. Matt Harlow was a close third, followed by James Flowers, Denny Burtenhouse Jr, Colby Hammond, Johnny Cobb, Darek Alford, Lloyd Speer and Chance Trout. Scott Flowers and Haudenshild won eight lap heat races with Alford claiming four lap Trophy Dash honors.
Josh King won the 25 lap Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Main Event. The highly decorated series champion put on a passing clinic after having to win the B Main to get into the show. He was already up to third by the third lap. Ageless veteran Fred Hay paced a pair of laps before Northwest Dwarf Car competitor Tanner Curr got by. Curr was passed on the fifth lap by rookie Colby Bergquist. Multi time champion Brock Peters led King past Bergquist on Lap 8, but Peters suffered misfortune on Lap 10 to end his race with King now leading Devin LaHorgue. Chris Kress battled LaHorgue for the second position until getting by for good on Lap 22. King went on to victory from there with Kress a close second, followed by Bergquist, Curr, LaHorgue, John Chrisman, Chad Cardoza, RC Levin, Morgan Burks and Paul Haslow.
There were 25 Dwarf Cars with King setting the fast time at 16.015, beating the 16.030 of Curr and the 16.136 of Brett James. 10 lap heat race wins went to Peters, Cress and Bergquist. Peters won the four lap Trophy Dash.
King had to win the 15 lap B Main to get into the show. Trevor Davis led the opening lap ahead of John Chrisman. King quickly settled into third and took second from Chrisman on Lap 5. King put the moves on Davis for the lead on Lap 7 and pulled away to about a half-straightaway advantage in victory. Davis held off rookie Cadyn Smith to finish second with Chrisman and RC Levin completing the Top 5.
Dustin Knight picked up the win in the 10 lap Rapp Racing Super 4 Main Event. Ross Payant led a lap before Knight went motoring by. Knight led the rest of the race with Payant a solid second. Chris Salyer ran third for the first five laps, but he was involved in a mishap on Lap 6 that also eliminated reigning champion Charlie Eaton and John Barger. Tony Bartell took over third at that point, and Dustin Knight won ahead of Payant, Bartell, John Barker, Charlie Eaton, Salyer and Ricky-Lynn Knight. Dustin Knight won both the six lap heat race and four lap Trophy Dash.
For further information, go to www.southernoregonmotorsports.com.
Hogge, Bell, Hagio, Frost, Gullo, Iler Win At Ocean Speedway
Watsonville, CA...May 13...Bobby Hogge IV won the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. The current point leader was enjoying his third win of the season, and he left the evening with a two point advantage over reigning State champion Jim Pettit II and a five point lead over reigning track champion Cody Burke.
Hogge bolted into the early lead ahead of Raymond Keldsen Jr and JC Elrod. Elrod gained second on Lap 2 with Pettit quickly moving into third. On the 12th lap, Pettit finally found his opening and took second from Elrod with Burke following closely into third. Hogge built more than a half-straightaway advantage over Pettit in victory with Burke settling for third ahead of Elrod and Keldsen. Hogge also won the eight lap heat race.
Bryant Bell won the 20 lap WMR Midgets Main Event. Brody Petrie charged into the lead at the green flag ahead of reigning series champion Blake Bower. Nate Wait moved into the third on the seventh lap. Battling for the lead, Petrie and Bower got together, ending the race for Petrie. Wait had the lead on the restart ahead of Bell and Kyle Hawse. Bell pressured Wait until making his winning move on the last lap. Wait settled for second, followed by Kyle Hawse, Bower, Petaluma Micro Sprint point leader Caleb Debem, Steve Durant, Petrie, Todd Hawse, Sage Boardenave and Logan Mitchell. Petrie and Bower picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Jonathan Hagio won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Hagio took the early lead ahead of Jacob Mallet Jr. Mallet saw his race come to an unfortunate end on the ninth lap as Duane Bieser briefly grabbed second, only to surrender the spot to past champion Adriane Frost on Lap 11. Frank Cefaliello was running third, and Billy Robertson was in the fourth spot. Robertson slipped past Cefaliello for third on Lap 19. Hagio went on to win with Frost not too far behind in second, followed by Robertson, Bieser, Cefaliello, Charlie Hunter, Max Baggett and Mallet. Jeff Mead and Cody Bryan were Main Event scratches. Frost and Mallet picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Adriane Frost won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. The 2020 IMCA Sport Modified champion also won the eight lap heat race. In the Main Event, Frost trailed Joe Willoughby for just one lap before motoring ahead. She built about a half-straightaway advantage over Willoughby in victory. Norman Ayers ran third, followed by Nick Scentani, Shane Freeman, Dan Fassler and Brady Muller.
Reigning champion Tony Gullo won the 15 lap Four Banger Main Event. This was his first win of the season. From a front row starting position, Gullo motored ahead at the waving of the green flag. Jason Lazzerini was an early second ahead of Kenny Stragalinos. Stragalinos put the moves on Lazzerini for second on Lap 8 and set his sights on Gullo. Unfortunately, Gullo was able to build about a straightaway advantage over Stragalinos in victory. Past champion Ryan McClelland motored past Lazzerini for third on Lap 11 to finish there. Lazzerini settled for fourth, followed by past champion Bill Beardsley, his daughter and past champion Kate Beardsley, Travis Van Gilder, Dylan Chairez, Nicole Beardsley and Charlie Hernandez. Nicole Beardsley and Gullo picked up the six lap heat race wins.
Reigning champion Roy Iler won his second 15 lap Police N Pursuit Main Event of the season. Iler represents the San Benito County Sheriff's Office. Point leader John Hohmann of the Scotts Valley Police Department ran ahead of the pack for three laps before Iler went motoring by. Two laps later, Jackie Yeung of the Capitola Police Department gained second. Iler would go on to win by a straightaway ahead of Yeung. Hohmann settled for third, followed by Kevin Elliott, Hunter Gather, Pat Sullivan, Armando Cortez and AJ Waltrip. Iler won the six lap heat race.
For further information, go to www.oceanspeedway.com.
Sanders, Knuckles, Smith, Van Loon Win At Siskiyou Golden Speedway
Yreka, CA...May 13...Matt Sanders scored the victory in the 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Friday night at Siskiyou Golden Speedway. Garrett Hamilton started in the front row and charged into the lead when the green flag fell, followed by past champion Ethan Killingsworth. Matt Sanders gained third on Lap 3 and slipped past Killingsworth for second on the eighth circuit. Sanders put the moves on Hamilton for the lead on Lap 14. Hamilton briefly regained first on Lap 20, but Sanders was back in front a lap later. Killingsworth gained second on Lap 23, and Sanders went on to victory ahead of Killingsworth. Hamilton fell back a few spots late as reigning champion Ryan Peery ended up third, followed by Keith Foux, Hamilton, Isaac Sanders, Jace Wright, Trevor Tiffee, Cory Biggs and Trevor Points. It was a clean sweep performance for Matt Sanders, who won his eight lap heat race and the four lap Trophy Dash. Hamilton was the other heat winner.
Reigning champion Michael Knuckles won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. He started on the front row next to Pro Stock star Darek Alford and battled with him, but Knuckles would prevail. Alford settled for second, followed by Quintyn Ericks, Hunter Magnan, three-time champion Marilyn Yawnick and Connor Franklin. Logan McKnight and Kayden Smith were both Main Event scratches. Knuckles made it a clean sweep with eight lap heat race and four lap Trophy Dash wins.
Reigning champion JJ Smith won the 15 lap Jefferson State Jalopy Main Event. Smith started on the front row next to four lap Trophy Dash and eight lap heat race winner Michael Colston. Colston gave it a good effort for the attempted clean sweep, but Smith was just a bit quicker in victory. Karl Bernstein ended up third, followed by past champion Marilyn Yawnick and James Koher.
Coos Bay Speedway competitor Bid Van Loon won the 15 lap Sport Compact Main Event. He led from the outset. He also won the eight lap heat race. Four lap Trophy Dash winner Blake Peery ran second for two laps before Jim Van Loon went motoring past. Bid Van Loon won ahead of Jim Van Loon, Peery and Kennie Jones.
For further information, go to www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Scelzi, Golobic Win Opening Night Of Peter Murphy Classic
Tulare, CA...May 13...Dominic Scelzi scored the victory in the 30 lap NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Tulare Thunderbowl. The win came aboard the Scelzi Motorsports owned entry and began a perfect weekend for the team in this series.
Driving the Elk Grove Ford sponsored Sprint Car for Matt Wood, Shane Golobic set the early pace ahead of Scelzi. Mitchell Faccinto worked his way into third by the eighth lap. For a few laps, Faccinto provided some good pressure to Scelzi for second, but Scelzi was up to the challenge. During the stretch run, Scelzi begin to make his presence known with Golobic before making what proved to be his winning pass on Lap 24. Scelzi went on to the victory from there, and Colby Copeland overtook Golobic for second on Lap 28. Golobic settled for third, followed by Mitchell Faccinto, Craig Stidham, DJ Netto, Bud Kaeding, Chase Johnson, Michael Faccinto and Mitchel Moles.
A strong 28 car field came to compete on the 3/8 mile clay oval, and Justin Sanders set the fast time of 13.612, beating the 13.792 of Michael Faccinto and the 13.797 of Golobic. The eight lap heat race wins went to Scelzi, Netto, Moles and Chase Johnson. Bud Kaeding picked up the win in the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Golobic. After a couple of scratches, they decided to run all 26 competitors in the feature race. To keep up to date with what's going on in the series, go to www.narc410.com.
Shane Golobic won the 30 lap Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Presented by Abreu Vineyards, Main Event. The win came aboard the Matt Wood Racing owned Elk Grove Ford sponsored entry. Golobic is the current point leader in the series.
With a front row starting position, Golobic motored into the lead at the start, leaving the battle for second. Colby Copeland was an early second ahead of Justin Sanders. Copeland's run in second ended in disappointment on the 10th circuit. At that point, Golobic led Sanders and Scelzi, but Scelzi put the moves on Sanders for second on Lap 18. Scelzi was keeping it close with Golobic until they hit the final four laps and Golobic pulled ahead just a little bit. Golobic brought it home to victory ahead of Scelzi, Sanders, DJ Netto, Sean Becker, Tony Gomes, Chase Johnson, Joey Ancona, Caeden Steele and Kaleb Montgomery.
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour brought 38 drivers, and they qualified in their respective heat race groups. Many time Civil War Series champion Andy Forsberg had the overall fast time from the second group at 13.084, beating the 14.184 of Copeland from the fourth group. Eight lap heat race wins went to Gomes, Scelzi, Sanders and past champion Kyle Hirst. Golobic claimed six lap Trophy Dash honors ahead of Scelzi.
Reigning series champion Ryan Robinson won the 15 lap B Main. Reigning Interstate Sprint Car Series champion Camden Robustelli led the first four laps before bringing out a yellow flag. At that point, Robinson inherited the lead. Gauge Garcia had moved into second at that point, but he surrendered the position to Colby Thornhill on the 10th lap. Thornhill provided the pressure, but Robinson prevailed in the end. Garcia ended up third with JJ Ringo earning the final transfer position ahead of Shane Hopkins. Keep up to date with the latest happenings from the group at www.sprintcarchallengetour.com.
For the latest info from the track, go to www.thunderabowlraceway.com.
Scelzi, Golobic Repeat Their Performances With Peter Murphy Classic Wins At Keller Auto Speedway
Hanford, CA...May 14...Dominic Scelzi won the 30 lap NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Keller Auto Speedway. Scelzi ended the evening with a 21 point lead over Mitchell Faccinto and a 31 point advantage over Shane Golobic. The race had a bit of drama, and in a rarity, Scelzi had to come from the sixth row to get the win.
Front row starter Justin Sanders raced into the early lead ahead Max Mittry. Corey Day settled into third on Lap 5 and put the moves on Mittry for second on the eighth circuit. On Lap 11, Day overtook Sanders for the lead. Unfortunately, Day and Sanders tangled to end the race for both on Lap 20. Scelzi had settled into third by Lap 14, and he found himself leading after the incident. Colby Copeland ran second behind Scelzi on the restart with past Series champion DJ Netto settling into third. Scelzi brought it home to victory ahead of Copeland, Netto, Mitchell Faccinto, Kalib Henry, Mittry, Craig Stidham, Willie Croft, Bud Kaeding and Chase Johnson.
Car count grew to 31 for this show, and Kerry Madsen turned 3/8 mile clay oval at 13.623 for fast time, beating the 13.707 of Day and the 13.727 of Sanders. Eight lap heat race wins went to Mitchell Faccinto, Netto, Copeland and Michael Faccinto. Sanders won the pole shuffle ahead of Madsen. Young Dylan Bloomfield picked up the win in the 12 lap B Main. Bloomfield shared the front row with Nick Parker, and Parker led a lap before Bloomfield took over. Bloomfield led Parker across the finish line. Oregon racer Garen Linder ran third until being passed on the fourth lap by eventual third place finisher Mitchel Moles. Linder settled for fourth ahead of Dawson Faria. To keep up to date with the group, go to www.narc410.com.
Shane Golobic won the 30 lap Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Tour, Presented by Abreu Vineyards, Main Event. The win kept Golobic four points ahead of Justin Sanders in the championship chase by the end of the evening with Sean Becker 31 points back in third.
Sanders had the pole and bolted into the early lead. Joey Ancona was second for a lap before being passed by Colby Copeland. However, Copeland surrendered second to Corey Day on the fourth circuit. Day put the moves on Sanders for the lead on Lap 7. Golobic worked his way into third by the ninth lap, and he made a big move around Day and Sanders for the lead on the 11th lap. Sanders followed into second. Day maintained third until his race came to an unfortunate and on Lap 25. This moved DJ Netto into the position. Golobic went on to victory ahead of Sanders, Netto, Dominic Scelzi, Chase Johnson, Copeland, Caeden Steele, reigning series champion Ryan Robinson, Sean Becker and past champion Kyle Hirst.
The 40 Sprint Car Challenge Tour competitors qualified in their respective heat race groups. From the third group, Day set the fast time at 14.351, beating the 14.434 of Robinson from the second group. The eight lap heat race wins went to Copeland, Ancona, Scelzi and Michael Pombo. Sanders won the pole scramble ahead of Ancona. Landon Brooks won the 10 lap C Main. He moved into the lead on the second lap and led the rest of the way. Brooklyn Holland made a move into second on Lap 4 to grab the final transfer spot with Camden Robustelli on the outside looking in back in third. Jodie Robinson led from start to finish to win the 12 lap B Main. Jake Andreotti ran third behind JJ Ringo until making a move on the final lap for second. Ringo settled for third with Cody Key in the final transfer spot in fourth, followed by Gauge Garcia. Keep up to date with the group by going to www.sprintcarchallengetour.com.
For further information, go to www.racekingsspeedway.com.
The Editor's Viewpoint
I guess I need to add a little bit to this column from what was written last week that will appear in this post. First of all, some programming notes. I'm sorry that we haven't kept a very good schedule, but I haven't really been right in the head lately. Last week I wasn't feeling very well. I kept writing and keeping everything ready for when I could post, because I didn't want to waste the effort that was made. I didn't have the energy last Friday to edit for a few hours, and that's why I didn't post what I had then.
I'm foreseeing the end of this blog as it's been for the past seven years. There's no avoiding putting in the the kind of hours that one puts into a job in doing this blog. It requires that much work. I cut back a little bit on how much time I put into the blog this year, but it's still quite a bit of time. Monetization of this blog through Google will never pay me anything near what is worth the effort. Because I don't have all of my documentation set up, I can't run a tip jar. Even when I could, tips were few and far between.
Being involved in Antioch Speedway means I'm required to write some things, but I'm not required to write most of what I write on this blog. It's a labor of love that doesn't pan out financially. Secondly, I have somebody very special in my life who may end up making her way to the area. If that happens, I don't want to be spending 20-30 hours on racing stuff when I could be hanging out with her. Once I get the stuff done for the track that's required of me, I'm on me time. I want to enjoy life a little bit.
Therefore, if she does make her way up here, the blog as we know it will probably cease to be in the immediate future. I could compromise a little bit, but I have to restrain my tendency to overdo things. I get to where I want to write more and more, and all I can really justify is special articles and things like Pit Stops, provided they don't go on and on for hours. If my friend is here and I'm writing, I want to be doing other types of writing. She and I may also collaborate together, which would be quite a joy for me if that happens.
In any case, I'm going to talk a little bit about things that took place in the Jefferson area. I did Jefferson Racing News for four years, and the tracks in Medford and Yreka were two of the tracks I covered. I worked with Mike McCann in Medford, and I always understood why he chose not to work with Yreka. He was looking for things that were going to help Medford in the long run, and that meant working with a track that could actually send him race cars. There's not much coming from Yreka to Medford. A little bit, but not much.
The new management has decided that cultivating a good relationship with the Yreka track is the way to go. Through circumstances that weren't completely under the control of Promoter Kevin Barba, Yreka has become a Friday night track. I hailed that move, because I figured that this was the way to get the two tracks to work together. More Medford area racers might be willing to come to Yreka on a Friday night, and that will increase the car count there. Also, Yreka guys might be more willing to go to Medford. There is an intangible that makes this alliance between Medford and Yreka good.
I do like that the two tracks are working together on their Jefferson Series for the IMCA Sport Modifieds. Yreka also had an interested party coming in and sponsor the money for an IMCA Modified series. It was only a five race schedule, but that's enough. Most of the drivers who come are from Medford, and you're not going to get those guys to show up for 12 races. Four or five is doable, and the fans in Yreka still get a taste of IMCA Modified excitement. It's a good thing.
What Kevin can do and is doing is he shows up in Medford on Saturday and helps in whatever way they need him to. He puts his time and effort into helping the cause, and that is something you do when you're working together with the other guys. It will make things better in Medford, and as the alliance strengthens, it'll make things better in Yreka. It's win/win. True, they wouldn't produce the kind of numbers that would have justified Mike McCann wanting to work with Yreka when he ran Medford, but there are other ways to look at it. I don't see what's going on between these two tracks as necessarily a bad thing, and I'm happy they're making this effort.
I was critical of the management in Medford, because I got tired of watching them throw daggers at Mike and the effort we made. Part of it I understand. You're the new guy, and you've got to show how much better you're making everything. Part of it I felt was complete and utter BS, but you create this persona of you against everybody else as a way to get everybody to rally behind you. This kind of thing happened at Antioch, but it was hindered because of the virus shut down and the fact that the track couldn't have fans at all in 2020. They were essentially saying everything bad was associated with John, which I also felt was complete and utter BS. Similar thing.
The bottom line is Mike came into Medford and took a racing program that was in decline and stabilized it. He established new momentum. Stopped the bleeding in the car count in the IMCA Modifieds, doubled the car count in the IMCA Sport Modifieds. Kept the Mini Stocks afloat and had a good run for a couple of years in Hornets before that imploded. Revived Super 4s and added a Late Model and Sprint Car program the track never had before. He also established events that had never existed. People can say what they want, but unless they have their heads up their asses, they know what it was that Mike McCann accomplished, and I'm proud to have been a part of that.
A new team comes in and puts their spin on things. They establish new programs, but if they're smart, they use the building blocks that were left beforehand. The most recently completed Saturday program had a double-digit turnout of Sprint Cars and Late Models, and the most recent Super 4 show had 10 cars. These were all things that were put in place because McCann put these divisions back in the lineup, so his impact is still being felt in Medford. They're doing pretty well in Sport Modifieds and Modifieds, Dwarf Car numbers are up and there should be a lot of optimism in the air in Medford. I'm happy for them.
The only thing I would ask of them is that they stay focused on the positivity of what they're doing and not look back and throw daggers. 2015 was a lousy year for that track, and John Skinner was only going through the motions to collect money he thought he would get from the Jackson County Parks district. They left him high and dry, and I sympathize with John on this. The parks people are not always the easiest people to work with, and they had a reputation of being pretty cheap. Skinner got it through the first 20 years, and the last one might have been the worst, but at least it happened.
We couldn't look back at Skinner and point a finger at everything that he did wrong. We did try to work with him, but the alliance disintegrated within a year. We were left trying to establish new and different things, and I think we had a pretty darn good record. There are some things that we established that have been adjusted, and I don't think the moves were necessarily smart. However, time will bear out what works and what doesn't work.
At the very least, there are people trying to keep the gates open there, and why would I wish them anything but the best? The only time I get upset is when they start attacking things that I was intimately involved with for four years. I know I did my best for this track, and Medford will always be one of my home tracks from here forward.
One of the guys that I was fortunate to know during my time in Medford was Roy Bain. Roy raced Pro Stocks, but he also started to take an interest in doing social media to help promote that particular group. As he got more into it, the idea of forming a bigger Pro Stock alliance became a thing, and Tri State Pro Stocks were born. He was figuring out a way to market that, and Speed Union TV came out of that. Roy is not a guy who possessed a lot of knowledge in what he was doing, but he was somebody who had an eagerness to learn and get better at what he was doing. I respect his effort.
Pro Stocks were becoming a thing that might have 10 cars here or 10 cars there, but getting 25-30 cars to show up anywhere wasn't going to happen. That's where Roy got leaders together from different groups and created the series. We ended up seeing big races with car counts in the 20s, which is just what happened at Yreka for the Billy Geyer Memorial. Frankly, I've been trying to get people in Antioch to listen as they've gone sour on this thing for whatever reason. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me when I think a Tri State race would help this track. That's not my call to make.
Roy has cultivated relationships with promoters and tracks who appreciate what he does and want to work with him. This means the Stockton Dirt Track has been a good ally, as has Petaluma Speedway. It also means that Roy secured the big date this past weekend at Yreka and a race in September in Medford, which is something I proposed while Mike still had the track. The series is still holding together, but it always has its challenges. Scheduling sometimes is done in a way that might be seen as malicious towards what Roy's doing, but he rolls with the punches and keeps it going. The fact that they had over 20 Pro Stocks for two nights of racing in Yreka is a definite positive.
Roy likes to credit me with inspiring him to do some of the things he's done, but I think Roy is just a doer. He sees what's possible and knows he has a lot to learn. He's willing to roll up his sleeves and do the work needed. Speed Union TV is an internet streaming service that has been grown from the ground up. If Roy doesn't know something, he is either studying up on it or talking to people who do know something. The result is Speed Union has gotten better in the way the camera equipment is as well as the audio quality. They've stumbled, sure, but they learn from their mistakes and get better.
I watched the broadcast this past weekend, and I was impressed with what I saw from Yreka. Roy is going to places that other streaming services may be ignoring. That's a good strategy to employ. Yreka and Medford are on board with him. The Stockton tracks are working with him. There's even Willamette Speedway coming on board and working with him a little bit this year. By going to places other streaming services aren't looking at, he's not stepping on toes. He's using these places that have been ignored as a way to build his platform and form alliances. This is good business. I wish Roy continued success.
I could talk about a lot of things, but I don't want to keep talking and make this column longer than it already is. We did have double header weekends at multiple venues, including Dixon, Yreka and Bakersfield. Antioch Speedway had a nice four division show. The previous management was getting to the point where they avoided running on Memorial Day Weekend, but current management is rolling the dice on these occasions. Track conditions were less than ideal at the previous race, but the show still went on. This time around, the racing got better.
I don't know that track conditions were as ideal as I'd like them to be, but this is my opinion. I don't like the dust situation and how it cakes on the grandstands or what it must be doing to cars in the area. However, the IMCA Modified and Sport Modified crowd swears by this type of setup. Given this surface to run on, the Sport Modifieds had no yellow flags on Saturday, and the Modifieds ran a smooth race. The Xtreme Scaffolding Limited Late Models also ran without a yellow flag. I wasn't delighted that certain teams that could have showed up didn't for the Super Stocks, but the six who did put on a show.
Racing was stellar come Main Event time. They might have been the best Main Events that we've witnessed all year. That's one take away. I'm also impressed with what Mike Slaney is attempting to do with the Limited Late Model Series he's put together. Getting 15 cars to come to Antioch is a pretty good score, and there was some good talent in the field for sure. It made for a good show, and this class definitely earned their right to run the last Main Event of the night and send the fans home happy.
Everything kind of overwhelmed me last week, and the blog post fell by the wayside. To be honest with you, I'm in a worse mental state right now than I've been since prior to leaving Oregon. I liken it to how I was feeling last year. I came down in such a positive, optimistic mind frame, but everything sort of chipped away at it the last two weeks and left me feeling in a way I wasn't happy. I've reasoned that I need to center myself and tune out the garbage.
I'm tempted to say that I have retired from announcing any auto races, at least ways at Antioch Speedway. There are things here that have happened that have left me not happy, and I'm not going to get into that here. It brings off negative feelings and might make me seem bitter or something. That's not it at all. You will recall that when I came down here I told anybody who would listen that I wasn't interested in announcing. I just wanted to write and keep an eye on the place as I was asked to do.
People have been telling me since I got here how I should be announcing. I smile and appreciate the compliment, because these are people who know what I brought to the microphone when I had the opportunity before. I do enjoy announcing. I enjoy it more than any other aspect of what I do, because it's an in the moment thing and then I don't have to stress on it anymore. Having said that, I'm not interested in lobbying for the gig, and I'm not interested in the microphone being handed to me unless I'm being given the gig. I have other things in my life I need to worry about.
The sad thing about walking around a race track and seeing all the things that are wrong with it is you want to try to make it better. That's the way my mind has always been hardwired. I understand that part of that is because it allowed me to push myself to the background and I didn't tend to my needs. It also made me very effective in helping a track. When you look around and you see so many things being done wrong and a lack of leadership, there's cause for concern. You want to see things get made better, and you know you can make a difference. I'm making a general statement here.
What made things so good when I first got a microphone and did the publicity and everything for John Soares at Antioch was he had a plan. You knew what he wanted, and the best part was he backed everything up that he said. If I looked good, it's because John was doing everything he said he would do. All I was doing was selling what he was selling. I might have done it with my flare and presentation, but it helps when you have somebody saying it's going to be that way and it is. I had this same sort of thing working with Mike at Medford, only I didn't have much of a budget to work with and it was much more stressful.
I'm proud of the time I put in working for John in those early years, because I proved a few things. I proved what I could do if given the opportunity, and people still talk about that 20 years later. I proved to myself that it wasn't just that race track when I went to Chowchilla and Merced and did the same thing there. What I proved in Medford was on another level, because I did things I didn't think I could ever do. Mike trusted me and believed in me enough to let me do it, and I feel very much a part of why we increased the attendance and the car count numbers so significantly in our four years.
I want the best for Antioch Speedway, but I also feel we need to define what our vision is around here. We need our leader to step forward and present a cohesive game plan. Something that highlights where we are now and where we want to be in the next few years. We need some positions defined around here, and we have to look at the different aspects of what we present. Are certain things needed? Are certain things being done the right way or could they be better? If we really want to make things better around Antioch Speedway, we need to actually put in the work to get the job done.
My biggest concern is dry and dusty race tracks. Everybody puts it down on the drivers. Drivers complaining about the dust, and then they'll tell them that every driver has to drive the same track. That is factually correct. I know certain people in the Modified ranks like these kind of tracks, because they were lobbying for them pretty hard in Medford. The only thing we have to remember is the drivers aren't the only part of the show. We need them to put on the show, but we need people to come out and spectate and bring money through the gates for there to be a show at all. If they aren't coming, the show won't last.
I just observe and keep my mouth shut. However, when I hear people yelling, "put water on the track," during intermission. When I see people leaving the grandstands because of the dust issue. When I look at grandstands coated in dust at the end of the night, I see a major problem here. The previous promoter would not stand for this. A night like this would have him getting on the grader immediately after the races to fix it so it wouldn't be that way next week. That's jthe bottom line. We are an entertainment industry, and if people aren't coming out here and being entertained, we're not making money.
Look around at the grandstands and for those of you who have been around here for years, do you remember how it used to be? I understand that times have changed and there's more things competing for entertainment dollars. However, there are other tracks doing better in attendance. We struggle and have a good night when there's 500 people in the stands. We can do so much better, but we won't if we don't improve our presentation. If we don't define what it is we want to do and get on the same page, it won't get much better than this. I know I'd like to see it get better than this.
I've said I don't have much gas in the tank, and I feel that. I'm getting tired and stressed out, but I don't know what to do. I don't know where I go beyond this track, and I haven't given it much thought because this track dominates my time and my mind. I'd like to know the efforts that I'm making right now are part of what's going to help turn things around and make it better. That's why I came back to this track. Sure, it was my only means to get back to Contra Costa County, but I wanted to help make things better in the time I have left in the sport. Am I making a difference? I don't know.
People are going to say I'm being negative, and I'm okay with that. I'm not being negative, I'm being critical. There's a difference. Being negative would be me calling people involved with this track names. If I'm personally attacking the promoter, for example, I'm being negative. Simply saying that we lack vision and a game plan is not negative, it's critical. We need something to believe in and strive for in the future, and the racers need something to commit to. This will bring me to another point.
I put the word out that Petaluma Super Stocks are welcome for last weekend. I didn't agree with the track dropping the Super Stock class, but drivers sort of bailed on the track after John handed the keys to the gates over to Chad. Where did the cars all go? John could at least get 8 or 10 cars to show up, but then it dropped to four or six. Chad made the decision to pull the plug, and he was within his rights to do it. Where the track made the mistake is they put the division back on the schedule, but we haven't clearly defined why people should come back out here and support this show. What is the purse? What are the actual dates? That sort of thing.
I made a plea for Petaluma racers or drivers elsewhere to bring their Super Stocks, and I was reminded of a race at the Northern end of California. That's all well and good, but how many Bay Area drivers with cars are seriously planning to make the trek five or six hours up the road to do that? If they do, that's great. I hope they have fun, and I do support the Tri State Pro Stock Series very strongly. I think it's one of the best things that's been done, because it's geared towards helping save this type of division. It needed this help, because there is no sanctioning body behind it.
I know a famous promoter in Oregon once told his drivers at a pit meeting, very proudly I might add, you are my cars and you are not to go anywhere else. They obeyed him. Imagine that? The guy had the best Stock Car program going in Oregon for a long time. Some promoters assume that cars that are built within a certain radius of that track are their cars, but drivers are the ones paying the bills. They put the money and time into their car, and it's their right to take their car wherever they feel they should. They ought to want to take it to their local track, and the fact that so many drivers don't want to race locally speaks to one of the problems we have.
We can no longer assume that every local driver with a car legal to run that track will run it. Some are going to go up the road. Some are only going to run the money races elsewhere and barely support the local effort at all. In the case of the Super Stocks, you've got a division that's on life support. The track has been willing to give them dates, and they're willing to expand on that if enough drivers get behind the class. Therefore, I feel drivers might have a right to go up and down the road, but they should consider something. If you're not going to support your local track when it's giving you a race date and would rather go five or six hours up the road, should you really complain if suddenly you don't have any local option?
I was disheartened by the idea that people were posting that they were going up to the other race that far away. Oh, we'll come and support you otherwise. Will you? The next time we have a date, if it doesn't conflict with anything, there'll be another 8 or 10 drivers coming? Prove it to me, because I don't believe it. I also didn't particularly care when I heard the motivation behind booking the schedule as it was booked. There was a little bit of maliciousness in picking some of the dates, and I'll leave it at that. I warned them that this would happen. The bad part is I'm the person that's got to go out there and sell it and get the cars to come, and I know that I'm pitching a problem date to those racers.
The track had a conflict last week that left only five Wingless Spec Sprints at Antioch. The part I have a problem with, when it comes to the leadership of this place, is they knew there was a problem. They knew it a few weeks ago and did nothing. I know there are local drivers complaining because they didn't get enough Spec Sprint dates, and I see that as a problem as well. The bigger problem is the bigger series wanting the track to stay dark. I know that they left Reno, and maybe there was an understanding of how the schedule was going to be. As always with Reno, things change the minute you leave that city. It's just the way it is.
At that point, you can bellyache about how you had this date and this and that, but the bigger series date was booked at Merced. It was happening. You knew it was happening a few weeks in advance, and yet you did nothing to change your date. There were options presented to you on where to make a local date for the regulars, but instead you said this would just be a regular date, and let the series run where it does.
That's all well and good. You have a right to do what you want at your track. The problem is, the fans at Antioch only got five Sprint Cars, because some of the guys went to Merced. It was a bigger series for bigger money. Who's to blame? I'd say the promoter who could have made the adjustment is the blame, and I've got my eye on the series directors for monkeying around with the schedule. I don't know what was agreed to in Reno and what got changed, but I know that happens.
We did outreach during the County Fair for Antioch Speedway, and it added to some of my stress level. The four days, I worked the microphone at the table, shared some history and stuff with the people who passed by. I created a full color two page flier that had me going to the pill draw room to reprint it multiple times. I didn't get to enjoy the fair as much as I might have liked, because I always seemed to get pulled back to the table. The Derby night was even more stressful, but I feel like what I did helped salvage something out of the night. I'll address that second part in a minute.
Public outreach is important, because you'd be amazed how many people in Antioch have no idea this race track exists. Even people who go to the Fair and might even watch the Derby don't know that that's a race track that runs on Saturday nights. We made people aware of that, and we need to take every opportunity we have in times like these two create more awareness. We can't take for granted that people are just coming the way they used to. We have to hustle and work hard for every fan that we get and not take it for granted that they'll be here always. We also have to make a good enough presentation that they want to keep coming back.
I also want to salute Nette Lane for being at the table all four days doing what she did to make it pop. Rick Panfili, Kellen Chadwick, James Graessle and Rich Quadrelli brought cars to display. Larry set up the PA system and TV and got it going. Tina was there pretty much all but one of the days as she had to work at the track, and Rick Panfili was there everyday. This is what it takes to make a little bit of effort to create awareness. We were afforded the opportunity to have that table to address the Fair goers, and I know some people learned a little bit about what we do here.
Chad suddenly took an interest in what I was doing at the table on Saturday. He asked for me to work it from 2:00 to 4:00, and I did. It wasn't so effective, because the Fair goers want to do what they do. They're going to be interested in what's going on here closer to the time it opens for that Destruction Derby. After I was done, I was trying to make my way back to the trailer for me time, but it never quite happened until about 5:00. I was only in there for a bit when I started feeling bad for Chad. The crowd was looking dismal, and the Derby car count sucked. Could I help?
I went back to the table and started working the crowd again. People were starting to get in line for last minute tickets, and I realized that what I was doing was getting more people to get in line. They kept coming, and I started hearing people ask if they were going to miss the show. Not knowing for sure, I said I will go to the promoter and get him to delay the show so they can get in. Hell of a thing to say when I didn't know. Fortunately, I saw Chad over by the concession stand and ran to him quickly. I told him to delay this show a little bit, because we were getting people. A lot of people.
In a way I felt dirty, because I was selling a garbage show, but I think what I did more than doubled the crowd we would have had. Given the purse we were paying, it helped a little bit. I heard some positive crowd reaction, so I think they were a little entertained. People in the know knew this was a garbage show. Working at a race track in the position I'm in, the job is to get people to come, so I did my work. I just like to be able to present more quality to the people, because eventually you start being associated with garbage, and people remember that when you're the one trying to get them to come.
I don't like the Destruction Derby group that promoted the Derby we had at the track. I sympathize with the family of Mike Doyle Jr, who passed away the morning of the event. I also feel like the Derby took advantage of the track. They knew they weren't going to get the kind of car count they told them, which was 15-20 cars. They had a couple of options. Knowing they might bring a half a dozen or so, they could have simply canceled and saved everybody money. Or, they could have taken a pay cut because they didn't deliver even half of what they said they would. They gleefully took the money and had the nerve to pitch the next event. Wow.
I might offend some people, but that particular Derby did absolutely nothing for me. I am bored of the reinforced cars. I was getting bored of them 20 years ago. They come out there with a car that they've already entered in four or five Derbies, and the mystique of the Derby has been killed. The days of us seeing a car that was straight and getting it smashed up are gone. The days of local people entering a car into the Derby are gone. Replaced by people who expect $5,000 to win and put $20,000 into their cars. Is that really what Destruction Derbies are all about now?
I think the track might go with an actual race next year, which would be smarter. The Fair only wants about an hour and a half or two hours of entertainment. You give them a two division show, run some races and get them back to the midway where they can consume Fair food and ride the rides. There is the option of creating a local Derby. Create your rules and come up with a purse a fraction of what the pros want. You could probably get six to eight cars to do something like that.
I even pitched the idea that the Alameda County Fair did for a few years. Pick up about six 4-cylinder cars out of the wrecking yard and create a makeshift Figure 8 in the arena. All you really have to do is put a couple of tires in the ends to serve as the infield, and the drivers know where the X is. They're not going too fast for them to do too much damage. There's a little bit of contact that will entertain these Fair going fans and you come up with another 10-20 minutes of entertainment from the introduction of these drivers all the way to the conclusion of the race. Coupled with the Derby, even with 6-8 cars, there's your quick entertainment.
Despite the fact that we had dry and dusty conditions on Saturday night, there was a good race. The Hobby Stocks are the MVP right now. Them and the IMCA Sport Modifieds are carrying the bigger burden when it comes to divisions that produce the car count. There were 23 Hobby Stocks, and we didn't have a B Main because of a couple of scratches. The IMCA Stock Cars delivered a dozen, which was helpful to me in trying to bring in last minute fans. Knowing we had a couple of big-name drivers there and enough cars for a couple of heats and a Main made that better. The Dwarf Cars finally saw Devan Kammeramann get his first win, which to me was the highlight of the night. There weren't a lot of Spec Sprints, but they drove their butts off and have the bent up machinery to prove it.
I love this race track, and as far as I'm concerned, there could still be some good years ahead. As long as the gates continue to open, there's a chance for good things to happen. You just have to make the game plan and follow through with it. There's nothing more needed than that. We're a Saturday night race track. Sure, it's a place where dreams can come true and all, but we're a Saturday night race track. We just want to entertain the people who come and give the racers a fair environment in which to compete. There's nothing super fancy about that. The basics that we've used for years still work.
The old school promoters were sometimes seen as stubborn. They had their way of doing it, and they were seen as not supporting progress. I heard that about John and about Mike. I understand John a lot better. He spent a lot of money on this race track. He told people who pitched ideas that this wouldn't work and that wouldn't work, and people got frustrated with him. Maybe something would have worked, but there would have been more effort and the possibility that that effort wouldn't have paid off. At the end of the day, John stuck with the basics and kept the gates open. He always paid the bills, and did we miss any races at this track because John didn't pay the bills? I think it's time people started to appreciate what he did here.
I'm looking forward to having a discussion about the Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame. I understand early this month, Chris Briggs and the committee are going to come and meet, discussing criteria of how we put people in and presenting names. There are so many things that we need to consider, not just on the track accomplishments. Longevity of career and impact made just by the person themselves. People behind the scenes. There are a lot of factors. I'm hearing the name Jerry Hetrick being bantied about as a potential first announcement, and I don't disagree with that. He was going to make it in eventually. Longevity of career and impact behind the scenes, and we need to start looking at people like Allan Nordstrom, Mel Maupin and Ron Brown for the same thing.
I look forward to that discussion, and I was hoping to have a discussion with Merced Speedway Promoter Doug Lockwood regarding Merced Speedway and it's Hall of Fame. Doug had contacted me late last year, but I was in the process of pulling the plug on my racing effort. I really should have contacted him, and I eventually did. He just got to a busy stretch and couldn't answer me. I don't think starting the Merced Speedway Hall of Fame is a difficult task. All you're trying to do this year is get it going and put some people in. You simply need the list of inductees.
They've got the perfect grandstands for displaying boards with multiple clippings through the years. Then, it's about getting some nice awards that you would hand out to your inductees this year. I'd favor a list of 10 to get it started, but you could go half if you wanted. I just see Dennis Moomjean, Vern Wilhoite, Ted Stofle, George Steitz and Johnny Sass getting in now. It wouldn't be so hard to come up with a group of 10 for the first five years, because there's so many people in 70 years. Get it started this way, and then go back and create your committee and the criteria. It'll take a benevolent dictator, such as Doug, to just get the ball rolling.
I could go on and on. I'm very happy with the start Southern Oregon Speedway has had. Good car counts for their first two nights, and it looks like maybe they're going to really start establishing some momentum there. I love that they didn't have any Modified classes last weekend, but had double digit car counts in Sprints and Late Models, the two classes that Mike McCann added. Way to go guys. I like that Yreka is off to a pretty good start this year and Kevin Barba is working with Medford. The man is actually going to Medford on Saturday nights to help behind the scenes in any way he can. I have respect for that.
The show keeps going on. The Peter Murphy Classic seemed to be a success at Tulare and Hanford, and the NARC Sprint Cars then delivered a decent show to Petaluma, which is also off to a good start. Placerville is going gangbusters, and Marysville's got a strong pair of Sprint Car classes and Hobby Stocks. Merced shows that they can still promote the big shows very well. Watsonville is struggling more than I'd like to see, and I 'm not sure why. The Sprint Cars continue to bail the place out, but I wish the Stock Car side could get a little more muscle behind it.
In any case, I've said enough. That's all for now. Until next time...
