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Just A Kid From The Grandstands: My Time In Auto Racing
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A cool article about Wingless Spec Sprint Co-Founder Don O'Keefe Jr's newest racing endeavor HERE
Clymens, Miranda, Decker Win Antioch Speedway Races
Antioch, CA...June 2...Trevor Clymens continued to roll in All Star Series B Modifieds at Antioch Speedway Saturday night. Clymens collected his third straight 20 lap Main Event victory and fourth of the season as he maintains a solid point lead. Heat race winner Todd Gomez set the early pace. After a lap four yellow flag for debris on the track, Clymens charged into second, and he made a Turn 4 pass on lap eight to take the lead from Gomez. Cameron Hammett spun from third late in the race as Clymens won ahead of Gomez, heat race winner Kenny Neu, Kenny Shrader and Tommy Fraser.
Alan Miranda collected his second 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event victory of the season. Miranda shared the front row with Rick Panfili, but Panfili's hard luck season continued as he broke his steering and crashed. Miranda led a smoking Shannon Newton on the restart. As Newton pitted, Petaluma Speedway racer Bob Davis took up the chase of the flying Miranda. However, Miranda was not to be denied as he picked up the win ahead of Davis, USAC Speed2 Midget champion Jesse Love IV, rookie McKenzie Newton and Bob Newberry.
Point leader Jeff Decker collected his second 20 lap DIRTcar Late Model feature victory of the season. Heat winner Dennis Souza spun on lap three for a yellow flag. Decker led Kimo Oreta on the restart. Third row starter Richard Papenhausen got around Oreta for second soon after, but all he could do was chase Decker for a second place finish. Oreta settled for third, followed by Rod Oliver and Mike Hynes.
Kimo Oreta won his second 20 lap Limited Late Model Main Event of the season in the Sundrop Racing #15 car. Oreta and point leader Mark Garner shared the front row of the Main Event with Garner charging into the lead. Garner was repelling Oreta's every attempt to get by until Oreta finally made a low pass in Turn 4 of the 12th lap to gain the lead. Garner had lost his left rear spring as he surrendered second to Mike Walko on lap 14 and lost third to Ryan Cherezian two tours later. A fire under the hood of the John Evans mount forced a lap 17 red flag and allowed Garner the chance to head to the pits and replace the spring. Oreta led the restart and the remaining laps for the satisfying win. Walko was a strong second, followed by Cherezian, Garner and Chad Hammer.
Garner had lost his left rear spring as he surrendered second to Mike Walko on lap 14 and lost third to Ryan Cherezian two tours later. A fire under the hood of the John Evans mount forced a lap 17 red flag and allowed Garner the chance to head to the pits and replace the spring. Oreta led the restart and the remaining laps for the satisfying win. Walko was a strong second, followed by Cherezian, Garner and Chad Hammer.
Championship hopeful Chris Sorensen had a little bit of luck on his side as he won his fourth 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event of the season. Michael Cooper had his sights set on his fourth victory of the season and set the early pace ahead of Sorensen. Heat race winner Chris Bennett moved past Sorensen on lap three and began looking for a way around Cooper. Bennett finally made his pass around Cooper for the lead on lap 9, and Cooper had a spirited battle with Sorensen going for the second spot. Bennett's run up front ended in heartbreak as he stalled in Turn 4 for a lap 15 caution flag. Cooper had the lead at that point, but Sorensen made his winning pass on lap 18 and brought it home to victory. Cooper settled for second, followed by Anthony Vigna, Bob Bennett and Joey Ridgeway. Cameron Swank and Billy Garner were the other heat winners.
All Star Series racing continues next Saturday night with the third appearance of the Winged 360 Sprint Cars. A Modifieds are back along with B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results
All Star Series Antioch Speedway
B Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Kenny Neu, Todd Gomez. Main Event (20 Laps)-Trevor Clymens, Todd Gomez, Neu, Kenny Shrader, Tommy Fraser, Chuck Golden, Robby Senn, Ryan DeForest, Cameron Hammett, Guy Ahlwardt.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Bob Newberry, Shannon Newton. Main Event (20 Laps)-Alan Miranda, Bob Davis, Jesse Love IV, McKenzie Newton, Newberry, Shannon Newton, Scott Martin, James East, Roy Fisher, Rick Panfili.
DIRTcar Late Models
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Jeff Decker Kimo Oreta. Main Event (20 Laps)-Decker, Richard Papenhausen, Oreta, Rod Oliver, Mike Hynes, Souza, Rob Norris, Billy Bob Beaumont, Joey Olschowka.
Limited Late Models
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Mark Garner, Kimo Oreta. Main Event (20 Laps)-Oreta, Mike Walko, Ryan Cherezian, Mark Garner, Chad Hammer. Mike Gustafson, John Evans, Jon Haney.
Hobby Stocks
Heat winners (8 Laps)-Chris Bennett, Cameron Swank, Billy Garner. Main Event (20 Laps)-Chris Sorensen, Michael Cooper, Anthony Vigna, Bob Bennett, Joey Ridgeway, Tanis Rangel, Chris Bennett, John Wacht, Billy Garner, Josh Leach.
Merced Speedway Opens The Merced County Fair
On Wednesday Night
Merced, CA...One of the traditions at Merced Speedway is the race held during the annual Merced County Fair. This year, they get the fair started on Wednesday night with a three division program consisting of IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and the California Sharp Mini Late Models.
The track configuration was changed prior to the season by promoter Ed Parker. After listening to the concerns of his racers, he has spent the week and a half hiatus having a crew putting the banking back into the turns again. This effort should result in some exciting racing in all divisions.
After Paul Stone opened the season strong with a pair of wins in the first three races, it was cousin Ramie Stone winning the most recent event for the IMCA Modifieds. Paul Stone holds a nine point advantage over third generation racer Darrell Hughes II and a 10 point lead over Brian Pearce. Ramie Stone had a bit of a rough start and is 21 points out of the lead and two behind fifth place runner Ryan Porter.
After winning back-to-back championships, Randy Brown has found the going a bit difficult this year. He has struggled early in the season and only has one Top 5 finish in his three starts. The speedway has also seen Rookie Shane DeVolder on three occasions. Shane missed the most recent race to fall out of the Top 5, but he's making a campaign to win the IMCA State championship this year. Wednesday's show should be a good one as hard chargers such as Jeff Streeter, Troy Stone, Ricky Thatcher and Derek Nance are anticipated in what should be a good battle.
In Hobby Stock competition, Shannon Nelson has been the model of consistency as the only driver with five Top 5 finishes in the first five events. However, Kodie Dean is the reigning champion and has three wins already this season. He finds himself just four points out of the lead. At this pace, Dean will take over the lead unless Nelson can return to the Winner's Circle for the first time since 2015.
Meanwhile, Kristie Shearer and Mike Germait have a good battle going for the third position. Shearer holds an 11 point advantage over him at the moment and is also 22 points out of the lead. Robbie Loquaci has had his ups and downs this year, but he counts himself among the feature winners so far and also has two additional Top 5 finishes. He'll be after his second win of the season, and other drivers to watch include 2016 champion Michael Shearer, hard charger Austin Van Hoff, James Stockton, John Hensley and Caleb Shelton.
The California Sharp Mini Late Model division continues to be the gateway for the young drivers to get onto the big track at Merced Speedway. They've had three events, and two of the wins have been earned by Jesse Burks. However, Burks had a bad start to his season and finds himself 38 points out of the lead. It is a good battle between the other four drivers who have competed so far this season. One time winner Tim Crews has a five point advantage over Riley Jeppesen, a six point lead ahead of Carson Guthrie and a nine point advantage over the steady Ian Shearer.
Wednesday night racing should be exciting from start to finish, and with the backdrop of the County Fair, this will be a show you won't want to miss. The next big event on the calendar will also be a good one as the Western States Dwarf Car Association Dwarf Car Nationals will be on the card. Last season, a field of some 70 competitors from across the western states came to do battle. It's a two-day show on June 15th and 16th. On the 16th, Hobby Stocks, California Sharp Mini Late Models and Super Modifieds will be there as well. For further information, go to www.racemerced.com.
Foulger Celebrates Birthday With Top Dog Nationals Win
At Petaluma Speedway
Petaluma, CA...June 2...Troy Foulger scored a big $1,500 victory in the Top Dog Nationals IMCA Modified race Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. Foulger is a four-time Antioch Speedway champion and drives for Bill Bowers. He was also celebrating his birthday in what would be his third straight win at the speedway. The 40 lap event was split into two 20 lap segments. Ryan McDaniel had the lead at the halfway point. McDaniel paced a few more laps before Foulger bolted into the lead with an outside pass in Turn 4. Once Foulger got the lead, he stayed smooth and maintained a not too comfortable advantage ahead of McDaniel. McDaniel was a $750 second, and IMCA State of California championship contender Shane DeVolder was a $500 third. Two-time champion Nick DeCarlo finished fourth, followed by Jeff Faulkner, Carl Berendsen II, Tim Yaeger, Brian Cass, Oreste Gonella and Anthony Slaney.
Caleb Henry set a rapid pace in posting the victory in a 25 lap PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event. Not only was Henry's 13.862 lap the fastest of the race, he won by over half a straightaway ahead of past champion Bradley Terrell. Reigning champion Geoff Ensign was a close third behind Terrell as Brent Bjork finished fourth. Brett Rollag took the checkered flag in fifth, followed by Colby Johnson, Nicholas Ringo and Nathan Schank.
Reigning champion Dave Mosier posted the victory in the 20 lap General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Car Association Main Event. Mosier was followed closely by Chad Matthias. Scooter Gomes outran Carrol Mendenhall for the third place finish as Mike Affonso, Mark Hanson, Trevor Mendenhall, Sam Borland, Michael Williams and Zach Albers rounded out the Top 10.
Next Saturday will be a night of plenty of open wheel excitement at the speedway. The King of the West/NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series is back along with the BCRA Midgets, Redwood Dwarf Cars and the Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Van Tol Makes Triumphant Return To Orland Raceway
Orland, CA... June 2...Jake Van Tol came back to Orland Raceway to be a part of the special B Modified race Saturday night. Promoter Rich Hood offered a $350 first prize and a good purse for the division to make its maiden appearance on the one-fifth mile dirt oval. Eleven competitors showed up to race. Van Tol, who is the 2007 Mini Modified and Mini Truck champion at the track, battled heat race winner Jerry Bartlett for several laps before pulling ahead and scoring a popular victory.
Nearly 20 Micro Sprints came to race for a $350 first prize of their own in both 600 winged and 600 wingless competition. Young Cody Gray picked up the Main Event victory in both classes. Kelly Porath earned the victory in the 250 Micro class
The popular Pure Stock division rounded out an exciting show, and 2015 champion Paul Stevens won a good battle with Shannon Collins for the victory in their Main Event. Collins settled for a season best second place finish. Josh Tucker won his second consecutive Wingless Gas Sprint Main Event.
The B Modifieds will be back for another visit on July 28th. Up next at Orland Raceway will be another Saturday Night Show on June 16th. Mini Stocks and Mini Trucks will be back along with the Pure Stocks, Wingless Gas Sprints and 250 Micro Sprints. For further information, go to www.orlandraceway.org or find us on Facebook.
The next two articles are based online scoring and are subject to computer glitches and official's decisions. They are therefore unofficial.
Hogge, Ahlwardt, Gallaher Grab Ocean Speedway Victories
Watsonville, CA...June 1...Taking the lead from Alex Wilson on a lap 17 restart, many time champion Bobby Hogge IV scored his third 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event victory of the season Friday night at Ocean Speedway. Wilson took the lead from early leader Todd Hermosillo on lap three with Cody Burke settling into second a lap later. Reigning champion Nick DeCarlo got around Burke for second on lap eight with Hogge settling into third a lap later. DeCarlo pitted on lap 14, handing second to Hogge, and a lap 16 yellow flag slowed the pace. Hogge took the lead from Wilson on the restart and led through one more yellow flag to pick up the win. Cody Burke led brother Austin Burke into the second and third spots on lap 18 as Wilson fell back to fifth. At the finish, it was Hogge winning, followed by Cody Burke, Austin Burke, Alex Wilson, Brian Cass, Raymond Keldsen Jr, Steve Streater, Jeff McCoun, Hermosillo and DeCarlo. Cody Burke bested Alex Wilson to win the first heat race, and Hogge outran DeCarlo to claim the second eight lap victory.
Guy Ahlwardt won his first career IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The Antioch Speedway regular started back in the fourth row and quickly worked his way into contention with early leader Adrian Frost. Ahlwardt made his winning pass on lap 11 and proceeded to pull away to a comfortable lead. A final caution flag flew on lap 18. Ahlwardt would not let that stop him as he led the restart and brought it home to a satisfying win. Austin Manzella made a last lap pass around Adrian Frost for the second place finish. Frost settled for third ahead of point leader Jim DiGiovanni, Justin MacPherson, Chuck Weir, Andrew Peckham, two-time champion Matthew Hagio, Anthony Giuliani and Dave Smart. Peckham won the first eight lap heat race in front of Frost. Manzella held off Giuliani to win the second heat.
Reigning American Stock champion Rob Gallagher won his second 20 lap American Stock Main Event. After holding off Chris McCabe to win his eight lap heat race, Gallaher bolted ahead at the start of the Main Event. Terry Campion kept it close but could never get close enough to make a threat to Gallaher as he settled for second. Point leader Matt Kile began to make a charge into the Top 5 during the final 10 laps, taking the third position from Mike Calhoun on lap 15 as Calhoun retired. Kyle Reeder finished fourth, followed by McCabe, Mark Reist, JC Elrod, Logan Doglione, Calhoun and Richard Keldsen. Campion won the other heat in front of Calhoun.
Heat race winner Justin Williams scored the victory in the 15 lap Mini Stock Main Event. He shared the front row with fellow eight lap heat race winner Kelly Campanile and bolted into the lead at the start. The second yellow flag of the race on lap nine erased nearly a straightaway advantage for Williams. Nicole Beardsley had just passed Campanille for second, only to have the yellow flag negate the pass. Williams continued to lead on the restart as Nicole Beardsley again passed Campanile for second. Williams pulled away over the remaining laps and brought it home to a satisfying win. Nicole Beardsley was a strong second ahead of Abigail Kennedy, Campanile, Kate Beardsley, Chuck Doglione, Ray Bunn, Bill Beardsley, Dakota Keldsen and Tom Summers.
After winning his eight lap heat race ahead of Gene "Punky" Pires two-time champion Terre Rothweiler won the 20 lap South Bay Dwarf Car Association Main Event. Rothweiler took the lead at the start of the race. Only one yellow flag slow down occurred on lap two. Rottweiler picked up right where he left off on the green flag and led the remaining laps to win by just under a straightaway. Mark Biscardi took second from Pires on lap five and held the position the rest of the way. Pires settled for third, followed by Kyle Jones, Ryan Amlen, Eric Weisler, Brady Beck, Eddie Claessen, Joe Barkett and Justin Yanez. Biscardi won the other eight lap heat race in front of Beck.
Next Friday night, the Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets headline the show along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, American Stocks, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars and Police n Pursuit cars. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Pounds Out-duels Sawyer For thrilling A Modified Feature Win At Kern County Raceway
Bakersfield, CA...June 1...Second generation superstar Brad Pounds won a crowd thrilling battle with Robby Sawyer for the 30 lap A Modified feature win Friday night at Kern County Raceway. Pounds led the first two laps before being passed by Sawyer. However, Pounds and another second generation star, Ricky Childress Jr, kept it close at the front of the pack. Pounds managed to wrestle the lead away from Sawyer on lap 10, but Sawyer stayed in the hunt. On lap 19, Sawyer returned the favor with a pass on Pounds. Sawyer looked like he would be able to hold off Pounds, but Pounds saved the best for last. Pounds made his winning pass on the final lap and sprinted to the checkered flag in victory. Sawyer settled for second, followed by Childress, Shane DeVolder, Roger Holder, Chris Crompe Jr, Troy Morris Jr, Dave Phipps and Dex Morris. Pounds outran Holder to win their eight lap heat race, and Childress took the checkered flag ahead of Troy Morris Jr to win the other heat.
Bakersfield Speedway point leader Nick Spainhoward won another crowd thrilling duel with Kern Raceway point leader Michael Johnson to claim the victory in the 25 lap B Modified Main Event. Spainhoward took the lead at the start ahead of Jeff Miller. Michael Johnson settled into third on lap four and took second from Miller on lap seven. A lap ten caution flag could have been the end of Johnson's run. He was at the back of the pack for the restart as Spainhoward led Gary Dutton and Kevin Johnson. Michael Johnson took fifth from Austin Frye on lap 14 and slipped past Miller for fourth a lap later. Michael Johnson raced past Kevin Johnson for third on lap 16 and a yellow flag flew on lap 21. Michael Johnson made his move on the restart and took the lead from Spainhoward. However, Spainhoward stayed right behind him and made his winning pass on the final lap. Michael Johnson settled for second, followed by Kevin Johnson, Dutton, Frye and Miller. Dutton outran Spainhoward to win the eight lap heat race.
Porterville Stock Car star Karl Noland went flag-to-flag in picking up an impressive victory in the 25 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. Noland set the early pace ahead of Michael Scruggs. Scruggs was being pressured by a pair of Johnson's, and it was Nick Johnson making the pass for second on lap 17, followed closely by Cody Johnson. However, they were no match for Noland as he won ahead of Nick Johnson, Cody Johnson, Trevor Baker, Kyle Wood, Scruggs, Eric Cimental, John Piker and Tom Manzella. Cody Johnson won the first heat ahead of Baker, and Noland outran Piker to claim the other eight lap victory.
Jason Cook won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Gene Glover held off Cook to win their eight lap heat race, while Shawn Schwartzenberger outran Ken Shugarts to claim the other heat victory. These four drvers battled it out front fo8yiyiuglhllhjfvrvsvsdrikuku8e6r the feature victory. At the checkered flag, it was Cook grabbing the victory ahead of Schwartzenberger, Glover and Shugarts. Clinton Massey finished fifth, followed by Andy Boydston, Jason Hannegan, Destiny Joplin and David Waller. Massey held off Boydston to win their eight lap heat race, while Schwartzenberger outran Shugarts to claim the other heat victory.
Racing continues on Friday, June 15th with Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, Mod Lites, Mini Mods and Mini Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.kernraceway.com/dirt.
Ocean Speedway Race Results June 1, 2018
IMCA Modifeds
Bobby Hogge IV
Cody Burke
Austin Burke
Alex Wilson
Brian Cass
Raymond Keldsen
Stephen Streeter
Jeff McCoun
Todd Hermosillo
Nick Decarlo
Robert Marsh
John Wear
Kyle Wilson
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Guy Ahlwardt
Austin Manzella
Jim DiGiovanni
Justin McPherson
Chuck Weir
Andrew Peckham
Matthew Hagio
Anthony Giuliani
Kenny Shrader
Dave Smart
Steven Allee
Charlie Hunter
Austin Williams
Jason Pugh
Billy Robertson
Todd Burk
Adriane Frost DQ
American Stocks
Rob Gallaher
Terry Campion
Matt Kile
Kyle Reeder
Chris McCabe
Mark Reist
JC Elrod
Logan Doglione
Mike Calhoun
Richard Keldsen
DJ Keldsen
Brandon Pugh
Terry Traub
Jerry Skelton
Mini Stocks
Justin Williams
Nicole Beardsley
Abigail Kennedy
Kate Beardsley
Chuck Doglione
Ray Bunn
Bill Beardsley
Kelly Campanile
Dakota Keldsen
Tom Summers
SBDCA Dwarf Cars
Terre Rothweiler
Mark Biscardi
Punky Pires
Kyle Jones
Ryan Amlen
Eric Weisler
Brady Beck
Eddy Claessen
Joe Barket
Justin Yanez
Mac Aceves
Zach Price
Kern County Raceway Unofficial Race Results June 1, 2018
A Mod Main
Brad Pounds
Robby Sawyer
Ricky Childress Jr
Shane Devolder
Roger Holder
Chris Crompe Jr
Troy Morris Jr
Dave Phipps
Dex Morris
B Modified Main
Nick Spainhoward
MICHAEL JOHNSON
Kevin Johnson
Austin Frye
Jeff Miller
Gary Dutton
Hobby Stock Main
Karl Noland
Nicholas Johnson
Cody Johnson
Trevor Baker
Kyle Wood
Michael Scruggs
Eric Cimental
John Piker
Tom Manzella
Mini Stock Main
Jason Cook
Shawn Schwartzenberger
Gene Glover
Ken Shugarts
Clinton Massey
Andy Boydstun
Jason Hannegan
Destiny Joplin
David Waller
Petaluma Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 2, 2018
Top Dog Nationals
McLea's Tires IMCA Modifieds
Results are not official
1 #49 Troy Foulger
2 #10rm Ryan McDaniel
3 #44s Shane Devolder
4 #17 Nick Decarlo
5 #34j Jeff Faulkner
6 #88p Carl Berendsen
7 #17y Tim Yaeger
8 #55 Brian Cass
9 #23 Oreste Gonnella
10 #4x Anthony Slaney
11 #22m Mitch Machado
12 #89 Freddie Plourde
13 #01 Terry Kaiser
14 #2y Justin Yaeger
15 #1jr Jerry Roy Jr.
16 #1b Tim Balding
17 #83 Kellen Chadwick
18 #12 Josh Combs
19 #42b Tony Bernard
20 #50 Michael Paul Jr.
21 #23m Michelle Paul
PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprints
Results are not official
1 #18 Kalib Henry
2 #43 Bradley Terrell
3 #88 Geoff Ensign
4 #7b Brent Bjork
5 #27 Brett Rollag
6 #38 Colby Johnson
7 #9n Nicholas Ringo
8 #1s Nathan Schank
9 Data unavailable
10 #7h Jake Haulot
11 #32 Norm Johns
12 #26 Billy Aton
13 #6 Will Fatu
14 #101 Klint Simpson
General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars
Results are not official
1 #23r Dave Mosier
2 #9r Chad Matthias
3 #66r Scooter Gomes
4 #11r Carroll Mendenhall
5 #03r Mike Affonso
6 #79r Mark Hanson
7 #13r Trevor Mendenhall
8 #34r Sam Borland
9 #43r Michael Williams
10 #22r Zack Albers
11 #22n Josh Miller
12 #8r Michael Brian
13 #27r Danny Marsh
14 #66b Mark Biscardi
15 #46r Marty Weisler
Ventura Raceway Unofficial Results June 2, 2018
VRA PRO SPRINT CARS
1 55 Kyle Smith
2 98 Jeremy Ellertson
3 Charlie Butcher
4 21k Sterling Cling
5 72 Ryan Stolz
6 u47 Ed Schwarz
7 27 Tyler Hatzikian
8 5j Joe Bishop
9 33 b Brandon Wiley
VRA PRO DWARF CARS
1 93 Jason Horton
2 69 Johnniy Conley
3 14 Tommy Velasquez III
4 48 Trent Morley
5 91 Kody Cowan
6 18 Tom Morley
7 22s Gage Cheek
8 63xx Brandon Wiley
9 41 Nick Velasquez
10 4 Tommy Velasquez II
11 45 Korey Cowan
12 88 Jeff Brink
13 38 April Banuelos
14 54 Lee Majors
15 28 Tony Pellegrino
16 00 Zach Curnel
17 25 Shane Lineberger
18 6 David Conley
IMCA MODIFIEDS
1 61 Donald Houghton
2 09 Luis Espinoza
3 38 Dennis Eckert
4 08 Dave Phipps
5 21 Austin Rodarte
6 11 Andrew Greiman
7 55jr Jack Parker
8 28 Trevor Fitzgibbon
9 20 Aaron Rodarte
HOBBY STOCKS
1 98 Gary Rayburn
2 16 Tom Stephens Sr
3 7 Mike Standford
4 6 Heath Morton
SENIOR SPRINT CARS
1 27 Tyler Hatzikian
2 66 Chris Meredith
3 2 Wally Pankratz
4 3g Greg Andrews
5 u47 Ed Schwarz
6 5k Eddie Williams
7 5j Joe Bishop
8 2k Paul Merrick
Bakersfield Speedway Unofficial Results June 2, 2018
IMCA Modifieds Main
1. 12. Robby Sawyer
2. 11. Brad Pounds
3. 2. Chris Crompe
4. 10. Cody Laney
5. 8. Bret Bennett
6. 4. Bryan Clark
7. 7. Steve Noland
8. 3. Randy Thornell
9. 9. Jerry Flippo
10. 14. Justin Schweitzer
11. 5. Blake Thornell
12. 16. Timothy Gagnon
13. 15. Stephen Streeter
14. 13. Justin Villanueva
15. 1. Ricky Childress Jr.
16. 6. Clint Reichenbach
Pro Stocks Main
1. 6. Wayne Coffman
2. 4. Devin Crockett
3. 7. Clay Daly
4. 2. Justin Crockett
5. 8. Chris Smith
6. 1. David King Jr.
7. 5. Billy Simkins
8. 3. Tim Randolph
Bakersfield Hardtops
1. 5. Rich Sousa
2. 4. James Bradburn
3. 6. Jason Stanphill
4. 1. Kelly Mason
5. 3. Matt McCaslin
6. 9. Justin Yadon
7. 11. Tyler Weeks
8. 12. James Boswell
9. 10. Darren Dadey
10. 8. Jason Denman
11. 7. Brandon Stanphill
12. 2. Josh Yadon
DNS. 13. Tom Dugan
The Editor's Viewpoint
Friday was a bit of a blessing. I was able to have a day of relaxation. While things have improved in some regards so far this season in Medford, it has been anything but smooth. We're working harder this year. As I refuse to compromise my DCRR Media effort, this means I'm working harder this year to get everything done.
To that end, I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of information coming from Orland Raceway. It could just be that they are working harder in their third season too, but I just don't get it. Understand that I can't praise Rich Hood and his team enough for their turnaround effort. It takes work to make it happen.
Mike ran that track for a couple of seasons, and he tells me of the struggle to get fans there. I think Paul and Carol Turner got some good years out of it. The thing is, the best way to grow a crowd is by getting information out to them in a timely matter. I'm going to play critic here, but you should note that not only am I willing to help in this track, I have been helping. I'm not just playing armchair critic here.
There is simply no way that in 2018 you can't post results somewhere online. None. You can simply take a picture of your posted finishes and post them on Facebook. Simple. No results have been posted. No points have been posted, the website hasn't been updated since last year and there is no schedule online now. There was back in January on Facebook, but it's gone now.
If not for photographer Christina Meeds (buy her photos and show her some support), Nobody would know who has won so far and who has raced so far. How does this happen in 2018? In the midst of this, I have attempted to do preview articles for them that have been printed. I did this last year since I couldn't do race review articles. There were no results posted most of the time then either. At least there were points.
When you want to spread the word and get fans, you must use any avenue available. Even if you have very little to no budget for advertisement, you can still get articles out there that the people will see. I had two newspapers in the area email me asking for an article. I had a deadline. What I didn't have for the preview was a point list or a schedule. I attempted to wing it just to get them in the paper. It matters, and it frustrates me when some tracks act like you don't need preview and results articles. Yes you do. Even if raw stats (points and results) are out there, adding color to it is what engages the fans.
I've reached a point where I cannot engage media outlets for the track if this is all the information I have to work with. I can and will continue to cover them on the blog, but I need more to go on to do any more than that. I'm writing this on Saturday morning and hoping I will see some change in time to do something. If not, I don't see how I can help them. I'm looking at a couple of other tracks where more information is out there, and I may add one of them. I'm doing this for tracks who have nobody sending to media outlets, and I'm having more success than ever so far. To Orland I would simply quote my go to line from Jerry McGuire, "Help me, help you."
I wrote an article that I never posted back in 2016 about the issues I see that are hurting the sport. It was and may still be slated to appear in my next book, but I'm considering posting it here in the near future too. The sport is a mess, bottom line. There are many reasons why. Posting that article might not be a bad idea.
One thing I get tired of up here is Cottage Grove Speedway being thrown in our face. I get it. They have the best car count in Oregon. In California, you'll hear that about Bakersfield Speedway and Placerville Speedway. Everybody can't be Bakersfield or Placerville. Medford is growing but still somewhere in the middle of Oregon tracks. Look at Coos Bay, Madras and Roseburg. Even Hermiston and sometimes Sunset Speedway can be included in that. Numbers aren't that impressive there either, but at least they're still running races. Not everybody is in a situation where they can get the huge car counts. Many tracks in California are in the same boat. Look at Yreka, Susanville, Quincy, Hayfork, Orland, Ukiah and Lakeport for that manner. Be thankful that you have a race track in those places.
Hayfork Speedway was a bit of a surprise that it ever came into existence in the first place. But it's there now, and that means they have a fighting chance to keep it. It still annoys me when I look at the Speedway Illustrated article written about that track. The racers seemed happy with it if you look at social media reactions. My issue was it focused way too little on the racing there and too much on a negative depiction of the area. It was like, "Don't come unarmed. The last visitor hasn't been seen since."
An article written by me would have talked about Clyde Cordell and his dream of bringing racing there. He passed away and sadly wasn't around to see much racing. They honor him with their biggest race of the season. I never knew the man, but I respect him. I'd have written about the racers, such as three generations of the Kasper family. I'd have written about the struggle to keep it going and the pride in what had been accomplished so far. I'm disappointed in what was written and feel the writer blew a good opportunity to help the track.
I suppose Clyde would be a little disappointed in what happened this off-season. Money came up missing and the track was in danger of closing. This is one of the pitfalls of being an association run track. It happens more than you might think. The racers are not letting it go away so easily. They are bringing it back as Mountain Valley Speedway. We should be hearing more soon.
What they need to focus on now is the bread and butter classes, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and Enduros. If there is a tour willing to come to town, maybe you entertain that too. Back to basics. Keep Clyde's race, which I would do separate from the Trinity County Fair race. This gives them two big events. Also, don't go crazy with booking too many dates and do what can be done for maximum local support. They could approach 30 total cars just with locals.
It's worth noting that Orland racers do travel to Hayfork and vice versa. Therefore, every effort should be made to avoid conflicts in scheduling. You want the best car count possible. Also, engage any media outlet possible. I'll be happy to do what I can to help, or they can find an eager young writer to step up. Use Facebook to the maximum potential and build a good website. Keep information flowing.
Hayfork can work. It just requires those involved to stay focused on the basics. Don't aim too high at first. Build it up with the basics and establish that track as the place to be for people in the area. It can be done, and it can grow bigger that ever. I'm hoping for the best.
There's more I could probably add to this column as I'm writing this on an early Monday morning after handling my media effort for various venues. We had a big night at Southern Oregon Speedway. The biggest car count we've had up here yet as well as the biggest fan turn out. Should be a time to celebrate an accomplishment, but we're looking at all the things that went wrong and where we can fix them. I guess I just don't understand why things seem to be getting more difficult rather than getting a little easier.
I understand that it's not always going to go smoothly no matter how well you do things. There's always something that can go wrong. However, it's just a bit frustrating that it's going this way. I need to think about things before jumping in with too much of an opinion here. I have been compiling notes for the sequel to Just A Kid From The Grandstands that I released in January of 2015. I'd like to work on the new book and release it during the offseason.
The one thing I hear from people up here is that they think I'm doing a pretty good job with things. I don't know. I do my best. There are some good people I'm working with, and I'm very much looking forward to Uncle Rich coming back again. I try not to get too much of an opinion of myself. I've seen other people in the field get that way, and it annoys me. I like to say where it concerns me, a trained monkey could do what I do. Or maybe a chimpanzee or orangutan. In any event, compliments are appreciated. I try my best, but I'm not fishing for any compliments. It's not about me. It's about the racers and trying to help the sport.
I just noticed that Late Model Racer has been taken down. This forum had some 14 years worth of history on it, and I hate to see it go. Scott Jackson has been on his way out for a while now. The reason he's held on to the forum for so long is because the sport means something to him, but at some point we all walk away. In my case, I'm using various platforms that don't cost, but he was paying bills to keep that forum up. I can see why he would end it now.
The sport always moves on, no matter whether we're involved with it or not. I've tried to make a difference while I've been here. The history stuff means something to me. Even the stuff we're doing every week will become part of that history. I made an overture to a certain individual that could help my history efforts. This could lead to helping with potential book projects and other cool ideas as well. I'm reluctant to say much more than that until I know more for sure.
We made it into several newspapers last week, and I'm particularly delighted with the Merced County Times. I managed to help get Merced Speedway on the front page. It's the first time I've ever been on the front page with one of my articles in a newspaper. I wasn't searching for a byline credit, which I generally haven't gotten in most of my efforts, but I accepted the offer. Why not? My first goal is get the track in there, but I'll take the byline if I can get it.
Merced Speedway has been on a week and a half long hiatus as they get ready for Wednesday's Fair Race. In fact, I included a preview of that race in this particular blog post. However, the newspaper article was more of an effort to talk about the positive progress being made at the track under the leadership of Ed Parker as the promoter there. Ed has done a good job, and you can tell that the man cares about the sport and what he's doing. I hope that the negativity doesn't wear him down, because it can get to you. It gets to the best of us.
Ed made a broadcast from the track on Facebook on Friday. He had the crew working on the track and putting the banking back in the turns. Ed likes to go to various meetings and learn about the sport, and he tried something different with the track configuration. It didn't quite work out as he had hoped, though he gave it a really good try. Racers wanted the banking back, and he's a man who listens to his racers. So, they're going to have a different track when they race this Wednesday. It's one of the reasons why I would nominate Ed Parker for a promoter's award. I truly believe he's one of the best out here on the West Coast.
On that note, I'll end this column. Until next time...
