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Sprint Cars And Modifieds Highlight
Antioch Speedway Program
Antioch, CA...The first All Star Series race of September comes to Antioch Speedway this Saturday night. The popular Winged 360 Sprint Cars are back in action for their ninth race of the season. The A Modifieds will continue their close championship battle, while the B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars will also be competing on the 3/8 mile clay oval.
The Winged 360 Sprint Car championship battle continues to be close heading into the stretch run. Two-time reigning champion Art McCarthy holds a slim 18 point advantage over two-tme feature winner Matt DeMartini. McCarthy has a pair of seconds and a pair of thirds so far this year, but he's still looking for his first win. It may come down to a win at the end of the season to decide this one.
It's been an up-and-down season in what is still pretty much a rookie season for Tim Burcher. After his second season-high fourth place finish last time out, Burcher is holding a 28 point lead over David Dias in the race for third in the standings. Not too far behind Dias, 26 points back in fifth, is Jeff Strole. Strole was eliminated in the same crash that took out McCarthy in the most recent race
These five drivers are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include recent winner Burt Foland Jr, two-time winner and 2016 champion Billy Aton and Jacob Tuttle. With Petaluma having ended their point season, it's likely that we'll see a few racers from there as well.
The A Modified division continues to have some exciting racing at the speedway. The past two weeks have seen very close action all the way to the checkered flag, and both finishes involved current point leader Nick DeCarlo. The six-time Main Event winner gave it a good effort, but he had to settle for second behind Brian Cass last week. However, with closest point rival Bobby Motts Jr finishing third, DeCarlo now holds a 30 point advantage. Motts seems to be on the verge of his first feature win of the season after scoring four runner-up finishes.
Sean O'Gara has a pretty good hold on another third place ranking after his recent fourth place finish. His lead over Bobby Montalvo is nearly 100 points. In fact, Montalvo is pulling away a little bit further in the battle for fourth, 46 points ahead of David Zeiter. These five are anticipated this week, and other drivers who could make an appearance include Brian Cass, Raymond Lindeman, Trent Wentworth, Oreste Gonella, Michael Paul Jr and Jeff Thomas.
Though his night ended in disappointment last week, Trevor Clymens nonetheless clinched his second B Modified championship in three seasons. With Clymens having taken care of business, the battle is now between Ryan DeForest and Chuck Golden for second. In his rookie season, DeForest has a Main Event win and a 36 point advantage over Golden. Another relative newcomer to the B Modified division, Tommy Fraser, holds down the fourth point position. Fraser looked impressive last week in holding off Chris Sieweke for a crowd-pleasing victory. This keeps him fourth in the standings, 43 points ahead of the consistent Kenny Shrader.
With multiple second place finishes, past Street Stock champion and 2017 "Rookie of the Year" Todd Gomez is also looking for his first win. Gomez is actually not far out of fifth in the standings, 58 points behind Shrader. Other drivers to watch for this week include Kevin Brown, Matt Taylor, Randy Brown and Nick Caughman Jr.
Cameron Swank may be second in the current standings, but the reigning Hobby Stock champion leads the Main Event winner's list with seven victories after his impressive performance last week. He held off rookie Josh Leach, who enjoyed a career-best second place finish. This was a rare night where six-time winner Chris Sorensen failed to make it into the Top 5, and yet Sorensen enjoys a 125 point lead over Swank.
Swank gained the second position when five-time winner Michael Cooper missed the show. Cooper is only 25 points behind Swank and in a still close battle for second in the standings. Breanna Troen continues to impress in recent weeks. The top rookie in the field now has three Top 5 finishes in the last five races, including a pair of third place finishes. She now has an 87 point lead over fellow rookie Anthony Wellborn, who enjoyed his best finish of the season in third last time out.
There are several newcomers who have helped make this division really interesting this season. Some of the drivers to watch for this week include Haley Gomez, Ed Letterman, Syd Smyth, Frank Furtato and Mike Matheson. This is also the final tune-up before the big $1,000 to win 50 lap race for the division set for the following week. Just starting the Main Event will earn the drivers $125. It is expected to attract some of the top drivers from around the area.
Mike Corsaro continues to be on a path towards his second-straight Dwarf Car championship. He opened the season with an impressive four wins in the first five races. Despite the fact that he has been shut out in the last eight events, Corsaro has notched five second place finishes. He is being pursued by three-time winner David Michael Rosa, but Rosa is nearly 100 points behind him at the moment.
In fact, any missteps by Rosa, and one time-winner Mario Marques is ready to make a move. Marques is just 36 points behind Rosa. Street Stock champion David Rosa is 34 points behind Marques in the race for third in the standings. 2010 champion Jerry Doty won the most recent event and has risen to sixth in the standings after a late start. He trails Chris Becker by 99 points. Other drivers to watch for this week include Timmy Ryan, Tony Carmignani, Chuck Conover and Miranda Chappa.
With Sprint Cars on the card, Saturday night should be very entertaining with fast-paced action. This five division lineup offers something for everybody, and it kicks off an exciting month that will include a $1,000 to win Hobby Stock race on the 8th and the Third Annual John Soares Sr Memorial Top Dog Race on the 15th. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Decker, Miranda, Cass Win Antioch Speedway Features
Antioch, CA...August 25...Point leader Jeff Decker won the 20 lap DIRTcar Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the fourth win of the season for Decker, and it came after some good side by side laps with two-time champion Richard Papenhausen. Championship contender Rod Oliver led the first three laps before Papenhausen went racing by on the frontstretch. Decker gained second on a lap five restart and made an inside pass in Turn 4 a lap later to take the lead. Working the outside groove, Papenhausen gave Decker all kinds of pressure before making a pass on the backstretch on lap ten. Papenhausen's lead was short-lived as Decker gained first with an inside pass in Turn 2 on lap 12. Decker led the remaining laps to win, followed by Papenhausen, Oliver, Mike Hynes and Tyler Lightfoot.
Alan Miranda returned and won his third 20 lap All Star Series Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event of the season. Scott Martin led early before spinning into the path of point leader Bob Newberry. Both cars continued and there was no yellow flag in the race. Miranda was running strong on the inside groove as championship contender Shannon Newton gave him all kinds of pressure on the outside line. Newton made a last lap attempt to get by, but Miranda prevailed for the well-earned victory. Brandon Burd finished third ahead of James East and Newberry.
Brian Cass made a rare start and won the 20 lap A Modified Main Event. During the first half of the race, Cass had to contend with with a serious challenge from Bobby Motts Jr on the outside groove. Point leader Nick DeCarlo got around Motts for second on lap nine and began to pressure Cass. The lead duo ran side-by-side later in the race, but a slower car in Turn 2 on the final lap slowed DeCarlo just enough. DeCarlo still gave it a run to the checkered flag, but Cass earned the win. Motts settled for third ahead of Sean O'Gara and heat race winner Tim Yeager Jr.
Tommy Fraser won the 20 lap B Modified Main Event. This was the first career win for Fraser, who recently picked up a new car in the hopes of being more competitive. The final laps of the race left the crowd on their feet as Chris Sieweke kept making attempts to get on the inside of Fraser. Though there was contact, Sieweke always backed off to avoid taking Fraser out. Fraser kept his cool and scored the popular win. Sieweke settled for second with Todd Gomez a close third ahead of Kenny Shrader and Kevin Brown.
Reigning champion Cameron Swank scored his seventh 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event win of the season. In the process, he moved into second in the standings. Rookie Breanna Troen led the first eight laps of the race with Frank Furtado chasing her until Josh Leach took over the second spot on lap eight. A lap later, Chris Sorensen made a strong move and gained the lead. On the 10th lap, Sorensen spun in Turn 4, handing the lead to Swank, who had just passed Troen on the back straightaway. With Leach pressuring Swank on the inside throughout the second half of the race, Swank still managed to get the win. Leach was a career-best second, followed by Anthony Wellborn, Troen and past champion Brad Myers.
Next Saturday night, the All Star Series Winged 360 Sprint Cars return along with the A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. With most of the surrounding area race tracks not running that weekend, car count is expected to increase. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results
All Star Series Antioch Speedway
DIRTcar Late Models
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jeff Decker, Kimo Oreta. Main Event (20 laps)-Jeff Decker, Richard Papenhausen, Rod Oliver, Mike Hynes, Tyler Lightfoot, Kimo Oreta, Paul Guglielmani, John M Soares, Dennis Souza, Terry Kuntz.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Brandon Burd, Bob Newberry. Main Event (20 laps)-Alan Miranda, Shannon Newton, Brandon Burd, James East, Bob Newberry, Rick Panfili, Scott Martin, Mackenzie Newton.
A Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Tim Yeager Jr. Main Event (20 laps)-Brian Cass, Nick DeCarlo, Bobby Motts Jr, Sean O'Gara, Tim Yeager Jr, David Zeiter, Bobby Montalvo, Jeff Thomas.
B Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Nick Caughman Jr, Tommy Fraser. Main Event (20 laps)-Tommy Fraser, Chris Sieweke, Todd Gomez, Kenny Shrader, Kevin Brown, Randy Brown, Ryan DeForest, Matt Taylor, Trevor Clymens, Chuck Golden.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Chris Sorensen, Brad Myers. Main Event (20 laps)-Cameron Swank, Josh Leach, Anthony Wellborn, Breanna Troen, Brad Myers, Chris Sorensen, Syd Smyth, Frank Furtado, James Thompson, Haley Gomez.
Point Leaders Hughes, Dean Win At Merced Speedway
Merced, CA...August 25...Darrell Hughes II won his third 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Merced Speedway. The current point leader came all the way from 11th starting to gain third on lap three. A lap later, Hughes moved by Justin Villanueva on the backstretch to gain second. After several side by side laps with leader Jarod Fast, Hughes moved by in Turn 4 on lap ten as Fast slipped off the groove. At that point, Hughes led Brian Pearce, and they ran that way for the final 15 laps. Ramie Stone finished third, followed by Jeff Streeter, Fast, Paul Stone, Villanueva, Mitch Enos, Troy Stone and Bob Williamson. Ramie Stone, Paul Stone and Pearce won the eight lap heat races.
Kelly Wilkinson won his second 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Wilkinson had a few side-by-side laps early on with leader Todd Burk before moving ahead on a lap six restart. Point leader Bruce "Bubba" Nelson gained second a lap later. However, Wilkinson set a good pace up front and won by a half a straightaway in front of Nelson. Jeremy Hoff finished third, followed by Mark Squadrito, Tanner Thomas, Chase Thomas, Danny Roe, Cody Parker, Burk and Nick Tucker. Nelson and Wilkinson were the eight lap heat race winners.
Point leader Kodie Dean picked up his eighth 25 lap Hobby Stock Main Event win of the season. Championship contender Shannon Nelson led the first seven laps in pursuit of her first win. A lap seven caution flag bunched the field, and Dean went by Nelson on the outside on the restart to take the lead. The lead three cars ran closely as the final 18 laps went caution free. Dean won ahead of Nelson, Austin Van Hoff, Mike Germait, Michael Shearer, John Hensley, Kristie Shearer, Kalob Shelton, Chad Ragsdale and Race Shelton. Van Hoff and Dean were the eight lap heat race winners.
Shawn DePriest won his second 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event of the season. Lee Ragsdale won an early battle with Kevin Lockerby before DePriest settled into second on lap five. DePriest made an inside move in Turn 2 on lap 18 to take the lead from Ragsdale. DePriest led the final two laps to win, followed by Ragsdale, Lockerby, Tyler Jackson, Jennifer Rodgers, Allen Neal and Chris Corder. Jackson and Corder were the eight lap heat race winners.
Mike Friesen won the 15 lap Valley Sportsman Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the two-time division champion. Friesen won a good battle with Eric Sealy, who settled for second, followed by Jeff Bristow, Jeff West, Rick Elliot and new champion Jerry Cecil. Elliott won the eight lap heat race.
The speedway will be dark for two weeks before returning on September 15th with a five division program. IMCA Modifieds will be back along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and California Sharp Mini Late Models. For further information, go to www.racemerced.com.
Terrell wins Johnny Soares Classic At Petaluma Speedway
Petaluma, CA...August 25...Bradley Terrell scored a thrilling victory in the 50 lap Johnny Soares Classic Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. This was a point event for both the C&H Veterans Services Hunt Series and the local PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprint Series.
Billy Aton set the early pace ahead of Michael Faccinto. Terrell settled into third on lap eight. The lead three cars ran closely. It got a little too close for comfort in Turn 2 on lap 16 when Terrell got into the rear end of Aton in heavy traffic. Shawn Jones spun from fourth to avoid contact. Aton continued to lead Faccinto and Terrell on the restart. Working what would have been lap 36, Terrell made a move around Aton for the lead, but a four-car crash in Turn 4 brought out a yellow flag and negated the pass as there is no racing to the yellow flag.
Aton continued to lead Terrell on the restart, and the lead duo was soon in slower traffic again. Terrell kept taking looks to the inside, but he finally made an outside pass in Turn 2 on lap 47 to take the lead. Terrell led the final three laps for the hard-fought victory. Aton settled for second, followed by Faccinto. Shayna Silvia clinched the PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprint championship with a fourth-place finish. Cody Spencer, Troy DeGaton, Shawn Jones, Matt Stewart, Nick Larson and Terry Shank Jr made up the remainder of the Top 10.
There were 22 competitors, and Sylvia bested the field with the quickest lap of 15.217. Jones was second quick at 15.314. Terrell, Larson and DeGaton were the eight lap heat race winners, and Aton grabbed the pole for the Main Event by holding off Larson to win the six lap Dash.
Ryan Diatte won the 25 lap Western States Dwarf Car Pro Division Main Event. Diatte led from the outset with Zach Albers and Adam Teves providing the pressure. Teves took second from Albers in Turn 2 on lap 20, but he hit a rut in Turn 4 moments later and fell back to third. During a lap 22 caution period, Teves retired. Diatte led the restart and the remaining three laps for the win. Terre Rothweiler raced past Albers for the second place finish. Ryan Winter finished fourth, followed by Danny Wagner, Scooter Gomes, Chad Matthias, Ben Wiesz, Marty Weisler and Mark Hanson. Hanson and Matt Hagerman were the eight lap heat race winners.
Scott Dahlgren won the 20 lap Western States Dwarf Car Veterans Division Main Event. Dahlgren won a close race at the end with Kevin Maraglio and Mike Reeder. Jack Haverty finished fourth, followed by Mark Biscardi, Tim Fitzpatrick, Wade Ehrlich, Glen Sciarani, Danny Marsh and Carroll Mendenhall. Haverty and Reeder were the eight lap heat race winners.
The Sportsman Division had its best showing for a Western States event this year with 14 cars, and Shawn Whitney dominated the 20 lap Main Event for the victory. Whitney won by over half a lap ahead of Mike Affonso, Adam Freitas and Garrett Brady. Sam Borland was a lap down in fifth, followed by Michael Williams, Trevor Mendenhall, Mack Aceves, Mike Reed and Kylee Johnson. Whitney and Williams were the eight lap heat race winners.
The California Hardtop Association ran a 10 lap race, and Ron Ruiz scored the victory.
There will be a special Monday race on September 3rd, featuring The Amsoil USAC/CRA Wingless Sprint Car Series. The McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds and Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks will also be competing. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Thorson Wins Johnny Key Classic At Ocean Speedway
Watsonville, CA...August 25...,Tanner Thorson scored his second win of the season in the 58th Annual Johnny Key Classic Saturday night at Ocean Speedway. The Taco Bravo and Civil War Sprint Car show produced a big 37 car field. The 50 lap race was run in 25 lap segments with a 10 minute break, and Cory Eliason led Thorson at the break.
There were 22 starters for the big money race, but two red flags flew before a lap could be completed. The first happened when Nick Ringo flipped in Turn 3, and Justin Sanders flipped in Turn 1 on the next attempt. Eliason charged into the lead on the next restart attempt ahead of Thorson and the lead two cars ran that way to the lap 25 break ahead of Kurt Nelson, Mitchell Faccinto and track point leader Brad Furr.
Dustin Golobic spun early in the second segment, and Nelson's Top 5 run ended in a bout with the back wall on lap 30. As the track conditions changed, it became more of a challenge for the leaders. Thorson nearly spun in Turn 2, and a few laps later, Eliason got sideways and fell back a few positions. This put Thorson into the lead, and he would lead the remainder of the race ahead of Shane Golobic, Bud Kaeding, Mitchell Faccinto, Eliason, Kyle Hirst, Ryan Bernal, Furr, Colby Copeland and Mathew Moles.
37 drivers timed in, and Furr and Eliason each clocked in with a lap of 11.476. Furr got the nod as the fast qualifier since he was the first driver to turn that lap. 10 lap heat races were won by Nelson, Thorson, Sanders and Faccinto. Thorson also won the six lap Dash ahead of Eliason to put the two drivers on the front row for the big show. There were two 12 lap B Mains, and DJ Netto won the first one ahead of Nick Ringo and Civil War point leader Cole Macedo. The second 12 lapper was won by Scott Parker ahead of Dustin Freitas and Cody Lamar.
Anthony Giuliani collected his first 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event win of the season after a good race with Adriane Frost, who settled for second. Austin Williams also ran close to the front in third, followed by past Street Stock champion Doug Hagio, Justin McPherson, point leader Jim DiGiovanni, Jarrod Mounce, Jason Womack, Alex Bieser and Travis Slayter. Giuliani and Frost picked up the wins in the eight lap heat races.
Matt Kile continued his strong bid for the American Stock championship with his fifth 20 lap Main Event win of the season. Despite blowing a motor in his own car in hot laps, Rob Gallaher jumped into the Joe Gallaher car and gave Kile a good battle before settling for second. Previous feature winner JC Elrod was a close third with fourth place Mike Calhoun a straightaway behind in fourth as Jerry Skelton, George Fernandez, Wally Kennedy, Terry Traub and DJ Keldsen completed the finishing order. Gallaher and Kile were the eight lap heat race winners.
The IMCA 305 RaceSaver Sprint Cars made their second appearance at the speedway, and point leader Grant Duinkerken won the 25 lap Main Event. Duinkerken came from the third row and beat championship contender Albert Pombo by half a straightaway at the checkered flag. Jacob Pacheco beat Grant Champlin in good battle for third. Kyle Rasmussen, Ricky Seldate, Mauro Simone, Jared Faria, Michael Pombo and Brooklyn Holland completed the Top 10. Duinkerken set the fast time of 12.505, beating the 12.591 of Holland. Eight lap heat race wins went to Michael Pombo and Rasmussen.
The next race is Friday, September 7th. The USAC/CRA Wingless Sprint Cars will be there along with American Stocks, Four Bangers and Police N Pursuit cars. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Orland Raceway Events On Hold In September
Orland, CA...The scheduled Fan Appreciation Night for Saturday night at Orland Raceway has been postponed. Last Wednesday, Cal Fire begin using the Glenn County Fairgrounds as a base as they battle various fires. Until further notice, the racing program is on hold. Management will make further announcements regarding Fan Appreciation Night and the remainder of the season.
At the most recent event, the speedway hosted a Kids Bike Night. Children in three different age groups got to race their bikes on the track, and the top finishers were rewarded with trophies. There was also a bike giveaway in which 35 bicycles and helmets were given away to the kids. It was definitely a successful night at the track.
When racing does resume, point leader Paul Stevens will be out to see if he can win his third Pure Stock Main Event. Stephens won the most recent race in his division. Olin Crain had his truck back at the track for the first time in a few races and captured his first Mini Truck Main Event win of the season. Other winners for the night included Jake Van Tol (Wingless Gas Sprints), BJ Martin (Winged 600 Micros) and Antonia Boscacci (Wingless 600 Micros).
Racing will resume at Orland Raceway as soon as that's possible. For now, the fairgrounds is being put to good use by the Cal Fire Crews, who are busy fighting various fires in the area. For further updates on the track, go to the Orland Raceway Facebook page.
Ocean Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 25, 2018
58th Annual Johnny Key Classic
Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo
A Main
Tanner Thorson
Shane Golobic
Bud Kaeding
Mitchell Faccinto
Cory Eliason
Kyle Hirst
Ryan Bernal
Brad Furr
Colby Copeland
Mathew Moles
D.J. Netto
Cole Macedo
Dustin Golobic
Koen Shaw
Jeremy Chisum
Scott Parker
Kurt Nelson
Dustin Freitas
Colby Johnson
Cody Lamar
Justin Sanders
Nick Ringo
B Main 1
D.J. Netto
Nick Ringo
Cole Macedo
Zane Blanchard
Jason Chisum
Geoffrey Strole
Jerry Bonnema
Bryan Grier
Gary Nelson Jr.
Chris Nelson
B Main 2
Scott Parker
Dustin Freitas
Cody Lamar
Kaleb Montgomery
Burt Foland Jr
Vaughn Schott
Jarrett Soares
Richard Fajardo
Glenn Bryan
Klint Simpson
Wayne Katen DNS
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Anthony Giuliani
Adriane Frost
Austin Williams
Doug Hagio
Justin McPherson
Jim DiGiovanni
Jarrod Mounce
Jason Womack
Alex Bieser
Travis Slayter
John Ferro
Steven Allee
Charlie Hunter
American Stocks
Matt Kile
Rob Gallaher
JC Elrod
Mike Calhoun
Jerry Skelton
George Fernandez
Wally Kennedy
Terry Traub
DJ Keldsen
Western RaceSaver 305s
Grant Duinkerken
Albert Pombo
Jacob Pacheco
Grant Champlin
Kyle Rasmussen
Ricky Saldate
Mauro Simone
Jared Faria
Michael Pombo
Brooklyn Holland
Merced Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 25, 2018
IMCA Modifieds
Darrell Hughes II
Brian Pearce
Ramie Stone
Jeff Streeter
Jarod Fast
Paul Stone
Justin Villaneuva
Mitch Enos
Troy Stone
Bob Williamson
Vincent DePalma
Anthony Copeland
Steve Streeter
Ray Mayer
Ricky Thatcher
Gary Marsh
John Osgood III
Ryan Porter
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Kelly Wilkinson
Bruce Nelson
Jeremy Hoff
Mark Squadrito
Tanner Thomas
Chase Thomas
Danny Roe
Cody Parker
Todd Burk
Nick Tucker
Richard Ragsdale
Joe Salvi
Neill Barcellos DNS
Hobby Stocks
Kodie Dean
Shannon Nelson
Austin Van Hoff
Mike Germait
Michael Shearer
John Hensley
Kristie Shearer
Kalob Shelton
Chad Ragsdale
Race Shelton DNS
Mini Stock
Shawn DePriest
Lee Ragsdale
Kevin Lockerby
Tyler Jackson
Jennifer Rodgers
Allen Neal
Chris Corder
Valley Sportsman
Mike Freisen
Eric Seely
Jeff Bristow
Jeff West
Rick Elliot
Jerry Cecil
Gary Hildebrand DNS
Madera Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 25, 2018
MavTV Late Models
Racin Vernon
Logan Zampa
Jesse Love IV
Matt Erickson
Ross Strmiska
Adam Lemke
Garland Tyler
Ryan Hart
Kayla Eshleman
Rick Thompson
Shelden Cooper
Doyle Moen
Kevin Thompson
Loren Kutz
Will Martyn
Kolby Berry
Dillion Tucker
Howard Holden
Erik Woods
Nick Grossi
Jason Aguirre
J.J. Ferguson
Robbie Knittel
Austin Herzog
5150 Jr Late Models
Tanner Reif
Jesse Love IV
Dylan Zampa
Tyler Reif
Joey Iest
Lilly Mead
Calvin Hegje
Zachary Ginn
Austin Edwards
Olivia Manke
Jody Moen
Kayla Eshleman
Kyler Berry
Kabe McClenny
Jesse Burks
Toyotas
Jason Lawton
Greg Tyler
Jillaun Holden
Kyle Labrie
John Tevis Jr
Donnie Large Jr
Manny Gonzales Jr
Lucy Carmona
Legend Cars
Sheldon Crouse
Cody Winchel
Pete Soto
Chad Nascimento
Braden Rogers
Eddie Garone
Bredan Ruzbarsky
Matt Winfrey
Jadon Fisher
Keith Clement
Kevin Travels
Anthony Collins
Seth Wise
Jim Weiler
Pete Pierce
Bandoleros
Kercie Jung
Seth Wise
Hank Hall
Zachary Ginn
Trenton Eurto
Ethan Nascimento
Aaron Thomas
Joseph Holiday
Aiden Phillips
Kenna Mitchell
Riley Massey
Rebecca Dubie
Kale McClenny
Jayce McArthey
Ventura Raceway Unofficial Race Results August 25, 2018
Battle At The Beach
VRA / USAC 360 Sprint Cars Battle at the Beach #3
1. Tristan Guardino
2. Ryan Timmons
3. Kyle Smith
4. Steve Hix
5. Charlie Butcher
6. Tom Hendricks
7. Austin Ervine
8. Shannon McQueen
9. Ryan Stolz
10. Joey Bishop
11. Jake Swanson
12. Austin Liggett
13. Jeremy Ellertson
14. Jace Vander Weerd
15. Kyle Edwards
16. Rick Hendrix
17. Troy Rutherford
18. Britton Bock
IMCA Modifieds
1 28 Trevor Fitzgibbon
2 75 Brad Prows
3 55jr Jack Parker
4 09 Luis Espinoza
5 61 Donald Houghton
6 38 Dennis Eckert
7 22 Dave Phipps
8 34 Scott Olsen
9 3r John Romero
10 11 Andrew Greiman
VRA Pro Dwarf Cars
1 69 Johnny Conley
2 48 Trent Morley
3 14 Tommy Velasquez III
4 41 Nick Velasquez
5 93 Jason Horton
6 88 Jeff Brink
7 18 Tom Morley
8 4 Tommy Velasquez II
9 55 Mike Long
10 28 Tony Pellegrino
11 58 Tim Morse
VRA Senior Sprint Cars
1 2 Wally Pankratz
2 66 Chris Meredith
3 27 Tyler Hatzikian
4 5k Eddie Williams
5 16 Tom Stephens Sr
6 54 Nate Robinson
7 3g Greg Andrews
8 6 Bruce Hiroshima
9 2k Paul Mircik
10 1 William Holmes
11 1k Mark Sherpard
12 75 Bill Badger
13 45 Joey Bishop
NMRA TQ Midgets
1 36 West Evans
2 37 Chuck West
3 59 Scott Niven
4 21 Anthony Lopicollo
5 11 Kenny Wiley
6 5 Bruce Hiroshima
7 20 Taelor McEwan
8 07 Kevin Kale
9 55 Dave Lambert
10 77 Ace Kale
11 70 Don Bashier
12 2p Jason Amolde
VRA Hobby Stocks
1 7 Mike Stanford
2 51 Mike Keebler
3 15c Chris Whitford
4 16 Tom Stephens
Petaluma Speedway
7th Soares Classic/Hunt Wingless/Dwarf Car Regional
C&H Veteran's Services Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Series
Results are not official
1 #11 Bradley Terrell
2 #26 Billy Aton
3 #14 Michael Faccinto
4 #9 Shayna Sylvia
5 #7ej Cody Spencer
6 #39 Troy DeGaton
7 #24 Shawn Jones
8 #33 Matt Stewart
9 #24n Nick Larson Jr.
10 #1 Terry Schank
11 #11h Matthew Haulot
12 #92z Scott Chapeta
13 #3r Bob Davis
14 #57n Dennis Furia Jr.
15 #77s Ryon Siverling
16 #47 Kaimi Moniz-Costa
17 #32b Eden McCormick
18 #73x Keith Calvino
19 #17x Bruno Bianchi
20 #5b Angelique Bell
21 #02 Robert Floyd
22 #5150 Chet Wilson
WSDCA Pro Dwarf Car
Results are not official
1 #57n Ryan Diatte
2 #45b Terre Rothweiler
3 #22r Zack Albers
4 #4n Ryan Winter
5 #11d Danny Wagner
6 #66r Scooter Gomes
7 #9r Chad Matthias
8 #57 Ben Wiesz
9 #46b Marty Weisler
10 #79r Mark Hanson
11 #31r Brandon Gentry
12 #42r Adam Teves
13 #80n Shawn Jones
14 #59r Matt Hagemann
15 #83n Sam Wren
16 #15r Adam Johnson
17 #12n Spanky Grenert
18 #88n Adam Freitas
18 #18n Devan Kammermann
WSDCA Veterans Dwarf Car
Results are not official
1 #21n Scott Dahlgren
2 #40n Kevin Miraglio
3 #72n Mike Reeder
4 #2jn Jack Haverty
5 #66b Mark Biscardi
6 #14d Tim Fitzpatrick
7 #53n Wade Ehrlich
8 #76d Glenn Sciarani
9 #27r Danny Marsh
10 #11 Carroll Mendenhall
11 #12b Eddy Claessen
12 #9n Kevin Bender
13 #20d Kenny Martin
14 #71 John Peters
WSDCA Sportsman Dwarf Car
Results are not official
1 #15n Shawn Whitney
2 #03r Mike Affonso
3 #08r Adam Freitas
4 #32b Garrett Brady
5 #34 Sam Borland
6 #43r Michael Williams
7 #13r Trevor Mendenhall
8 #23b Mack Aceves
9 #22n Mike Reed
10 #2r Kylee Johnson
11 #48r Jordan Souza-Price
12 #71r Steven Peters
13 #51n Robert Johnson
14 #9r Wayne Matthias
Stockton 99 Speedway August 11, 2018
Gunslingers Sprint Cars
Gordon Rodgers
Austin Carter
Audra Sasselli
Jerry Kobza
Justin Kawatiata
Chad Nichols
David Burchett
Andrew Gleason
AJ Russell
NCMA Sprint Cars
Denny Burrell
David Burchet
Andrew Gleason
Don Emery
Rob Hammond
Stockton 99 Speedway August 18, 2018
Bombers
Ben Lewis Jr.
Justin Scantlen
Rick Roberts
Harrison Stone
Mikala Stearns
Kyle Singleton
Jeanna Ramos
Ben Lewis Sr.
Kimberly Rouse
Roy Worthy
Robert Oliver
B4's
Barrett Sugden
Dave Kong
Billy Rodriques
Michael Stearns
Joshua Cross
Joe Flower
Mathew Richardson
Andy Rumsey
Andrea Rumsey
Mini Cups
Aaron Thomas
Joey Stearns
Wyatt Sanson
Cash Holman
Coupe Allen
Aiden Phillips
Chase Lopez
The Editor's Viewpoint
My first attempt to write this column came off just a little bit too grumpy for my taste, so I'm doing this again. It's Wednesday afternoon as I get set to put up the weekly blog posts. We're on the eve of our biggest race of the year up here, and I'm pretty excited about that. There was never a doubt in my mind about adding this race to the schedule last year. R Charles Snyder deserves that. We'll see the biggest car count of the year at the speedway this week, and it will be the biggest car count Southern Oregon Speedway has seen in over a decade.
When I look back at where the track was before we got here and the downward slide it had been on in previous years, I can't help but be a little proud of what has been accomplished in our three years. Each year, it's gotten just a little bit better, but there's so much more work that needs to be done to complete the task. I don't think we are as far along as we should be right now, but I think that in the next year or two, we could get there. I don't know that the track will ever see the days it had when it first opened. The conditions were so right for that, and things have changed that much. But then again, you never know? I've always had the goal of making things better than they were when I got here, and I think this has been accomplished.
I'm still contemplating my future. I was honest when I said going into this year that I was strongly considering this being my final year of being active in the sport. I wouldn't entirely go away under that plan as I would continue to do blog posts and work on books, but maintaining this crazy schedule that I have been on would probably not happen. When I wrote that, the other thought was that I would probably have a change in location.
I'm torn on that. There are certain people up here that I enjoy being around. I feel very good about what has been done, and I know I have held nothing back in my efforts. It was never at the front of my mind to move up here, but I've certainly tried hard to do things that either haven't been done here before or haven't been done in quite some time. I think it's all made a difference. So when I talk about moving on, there's that nagging feeling that we're not done yet. There's still more to be done.
I was born in the Antioch area, and I never had any desire to move from there. No calling to move to the country around the trees or any of that. I like the city. Not the big city, but city enough that you can get to places easy. And, it was Antioch Speedway that made me ever pick up a pen and start writing articles in the first place. Just being honest when I say that.
But I did discover that there were other race tracks out there when I went down to the valley and covered Merced Speedway and Chowchilla Speedway. It's all the same. People enjoy seeing good coverage for the sport they love, and I know it makes a difference in the long run. I've seen it first hand. When you give a damn about things, it inspires others to care too.
I still feel as if there were certain things I could have done up here to help that I haven't done. I'm pulled in a few different directions, so some of the things that I would like to be doing are just not possible. I'm much more comfortable focusing primarily on the media effort, publications, announcing and that sort of thing. However, when other things need to be taken care of, I haven't hesitated to jump in and handle that. I feel as if my fingerprints are all over what we have done here and working side-by-side with Mike McCann these past three years. So, moving on isn't as easy as it would seem from a work standpoint. From a personal standpoint, and just being able to live life a little bit more, that's another story.
Back in my old location, I think I can make a difference at a place that needs help, and I would also be able to live in familiar territory. But, that's something that isn't set in stone. I'm getting ahead of myself when I say these things, because I don't know what direction the race track will want to go in and whether I would even fit into the game plan. All I know is I am heading back to Antioch to cover the last couple of races this year and have something pretty cool in the works that I've been wanting to accomplish for over 20 years.
I know, people are wondering what the hell I'm talking about. I would love to put more out there, and I will once I know that things are truly in motion. It should be anytime now on that front. Another thing that could be happening down there is the potential move of the Chet Thomson Memorial Race from the September 8th date to the October 6th date. The Hardtops are booked on both nights, so it's just a question of making that little adjustment.
Why would they want to do that? About a month or so ago, an effort was made to put on this really nice 50 lap Hobby Stock race that would pay $1,000 to win and $125 to start. Drivers are only paying $100 for car and driver, so they make out pretty well by starting the Main Event. The date chosen for this race was September 8th, which was the night that Chet's race was scheduled. So, making the Hardtop portion low key as a regular date in light of this scheduling information would seem like an easy thing to do. Run Hardtops, but it's a regular show.
The California Hardtop Association has seen a little bit of carnage in recent weeks. I hate to see that happen as these are nice looking cars, but it happens. These guys are racing out there, not simply cruising around the track. When they came to Petaluma last week, it showed. Drivers who I know would have been there were unable to attend because their cars were not ready. I don't think the situation has changed that much heading into September 8th, and it's probably a good thing for the Hardtop group that their Orland Raceway date was cancelled due to the firefighting crews setting up a base at the Glenn County Fairgrounds.
Now, there are a few Bay Area Hardtop drivers who want to be at this show, and they don't have their cars ready yet either. So, what kind of a show are we looking at for September 8th? Is it deserving of carrying Chet's name if the car count isn't that big? That's the question, and my answer is it wouldn't take much to move that race date. It also kind of goes hand-in-hand with an idea that I have, which again I can't say much of as of yet.
I'm only somebody who has a voice in the crowd. I would hope for the big race to be moved to October 6th when the potential of the car count hitting double digits would increase. My hope is that the California Hardtop Association leadership would actively endorse that and put a call out for anybody who wanted to support that race. I believe the Bay Area side would probably be good for a half a dozen or so cars as well.
I love the fact that Antioch Speedway is doing something for the Hobby Stocks. They're aren't many big Hobby Stock races, but we have a few that we can speak of. The Mike Cecil Memorial race in Watsonville is one of the biggest out there. The Ed Parker Tribute Race at Merced Speedway a couple of weeks ago had a nice turnout and pay out. The Richie McGowan Memorial Race in Bakersfield comes to mind, and Santa Maria Speedway is getting ready to pay $1,000 to win this weekend. But I like that Antioch Speedway will take a seat at the table.
The thing with the Hobby Stock division at Antioch is the same with the B Modified class. The roster has increased substantially. I think what holds these two divisions back as far as their ability to really pop a car count is the number of race dates that were booked at the start of the season. Both were scheduled into the twenties, although we had the little bump along the way with dates being pulled in the B Modified class. When you book that many dates, drivers simply have a hard time making the show. Booked more reasonably, you would see an increase in car count at the dates that were scheduled.
The Hobby Stocks are ready for a big show at Antioch. I know the car count will increase into the twenties as long as the track is inviting. In fact, it could go into the 30s. Much like the Wingless Spec Sprint class, however, Antioch tends to be a little more limited with the Hobby Stock division rules as well. This is John's attempt to think of a racer's pocketbook, but drivers from other tracks don't come because of legality issues. There have been many inquiries from Watsonville and a few from Merced, so I know the interest is up for drivers coming in for the big September 8th race. This would be Antioch Speedway's time to shine, and they need a big moment like this.
As I get older, I get a little bit more sentimental. I was always a fan of the promoting efforts of John P Soares at Antioch and Petaluma. The fact that Antioch and Petaluma both run races in his name is pretty cool to me. Now, if we could just get a race for Bert Moreland and a race for Bob Barkhimer... But anyway, it makes me wish I could be at Antioch on September 15th for the race, because I'd love to be on the microphone and let people know just some of the things that Pops did in his long career in the sport. But, I have to wait until October for my visit, or maybe late September if plans get adjusted.
Orland Raceway is still on my radar for September 29th as I leave a few days earlier on the train. We'll be done at Southern Oregon Speedway, and I wanted to go ahead and make the most of this time. Orland came up because I have family in the area I would like to visit. But also, I wanted to go see a race at Orland Raceway. Presently, their schedule is on hold due to the fire crews at the fairgrounds, but I would expect that things will have changed by then. If not, we'll see where my plans go.
It's an important stretch of races throughout the West Coast. Not only are these tracks having some close championship battles, but we're up on some of the big Memorial races. Watsonville revived the Johnny Key Classic about 10 years ago, and they just had a successful running of that event last Friday. Petaluma had the race for its longtime promoter, John P Soares. Merced honored its late promoter Ed Parker.
Down further south, Bakersfield Speedway honored its long time announcer Mike Mosier with the special show that had a pretty nice car count in the IMCA Modifieds. And Santa Maria Raceway is gearing up for the Danny Simkins Memorial this weekend. Danny is another one of those greats. You have to put him in the discussion of greatest Stock Car racer on the west coast of all time. Even when he was fighting Cancer, even when he had a leg amputated, Danny was still kicking their butts and winning races and championships. That's how tough he was. That's what a great racer he was.
And I'm not going to claim that I am well-versed in Southern Oregon racing history. I know some because I have studied it, but I have to learn more beyond the facts and figures. This was my reasoning for pushing for Hall of Fame Night to honor the great's and why I wanted this race for R Charles Snyder. I'm just fortunate enough to have been working with a promoter in Mike McCann and working with Uncle Rich, and we were all in agreement that these things needed to happen.
Racing is a family. Racing is a community. Charles was very well loved in the racing community, but in the Southern Oregon community at large. He was a very popular Radio DJ for 40 years. People loved to hear his voice on the radio. Because of his popularity, he was able to do things within the community to help various causes. He announced at at least three different race tracks from the late 1970s to when he passed away in 2015. All I know is I immediately knew how much this guy was respected, and I wish I had the honor of being able to meet him.
The community-at-large has gotten on board with this race, and various people have stepped forward to bring in money. I'm still waiting for information, and I have certain individuals on my ass wanting to know where their recognition is when I wasn't given that information. Hopefully I'll know more when we get a chance to speak with Travis Snyder and Travis Hoppes tomorrow. I don't trust in just reading on Facebook for all of that information as some things can be inaccurate. The thing that frustrates me is certain people who are involved in trying to do certain things that hounded me leading up to this race and caused my delay in posting flier information. They have certain information at their disposal and couldn't give the courtesy of contacting me.
In any event, I believe very strongly in taking care of sponsors who helped a race track, a car or the sport in general. We couldn't continue to do what we do without sponsorship. In these days when attendance at tracks throughout the West Coast isn't what it used to be, sometimes it's the sponsorship that helps keep things going. I know we're going to have a good weekend this weekend, and one of the things I look forward to the most to seeing some of my old friends from California who will be making the trip up north for this show.
Anyway, I think I did a better job this time around. And on that note, I'm going to close this column for now. Until next time..
