Wednesday, February 27, 2019

Antioch Speedway And Orland Raceway Schedule News, Stockton, Hanford, More


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The DCRR Racing Media Books


Just A Kid From The Grandstands:  My Time In Auto Racing
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Oval Motorsports Releases 59th Season Schedule 
For Antioch Speedway

Antioch, CA...A little over a week after it was announced that John M Soares and Oval Motorsports would have the contract to promote Antioch Speedway for the next five years, a new schedule has been released. This will be the 59th season of consecutive championship racing on the 3/8 mile clay oval located at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch.

Once again, the All Star Series lineup of divisions will feature the Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, DIRTcar Late Models, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. The Bay Area Hardtops will also make four appearances throughout the season.

It's a busy schedule with 27 races dates booked and the possibility of a 28th event during the Contra Costa County Fair in May.  The longest continuously active division at the track are the A Modifieds.  They enter their 30th season with a 17 race schedule, including a few extra money affairs.  The Hobby Stocks will kick off their 25th season at the speedway with 19 races booked, with the Dwarf Cars entering their 22nd All Star Series season with a 17 race schedule.

The Limited Late Models will get 14 races for their 20th season, while the Wingless Spec Sprints kick off their 21st season with 12 race dates.  The B Modifieds are the most active class at the speedway with 22 race dates.  We will see the DIRTcar Late Models nine times and the Winged 360 Sprint Cars eight times.  The Bay Area Hardtops are in action four times, and they are a part of three of the biggest events of the season.

Eight All Star Series champions will again be crowned.  Last season, it was Matt DeMartini winning the Winged 360 Sprint Car title.  Nick DeCarlo won the A Modified crown, while Jeff Decker (DIRTcar Late Models), Mark Garner (Limited Late Models), Trevor Clymens (B Modifieds), Chris Sorensen (Hobby Stocks), Mike Corsaro (Dwarf Cars) and Bob Newberry (Wingless Spec Sprints) were the other champions.  For Decker and Corsaro, it was their second straight titles.

There are some big races on the schedule this season, and this includes the Third Annual Larry Damitz Memorial race on April 27th. The DIRTcar Late Models will headline the show along with B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Bay Area Hardtops. Another highlight comes on June 1st with the return of the California Civil War Winged 360 Sprint Car Series. Joining them will be the B Modifieds and Dwarf Cars.

On June 8th, the Third Annual Jerry Hetrick Memorial race will feature DIRTcar Late Models, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Wingless Spec Sprints and Hobby Stocks. On June 29th, it's the Firecracker 50. The 50 lap A Modified Main Event will pay $1,000 to the winner. The Wingless Sprints, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models and Hobby Stocks will also be on the card. A week later, the July 6th program will pay $500 to the B Modified Main Event winner. Wingless Specs Sprints, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars will also compete that night.

Every Saturday night through July and August will offer racing. In September, the third straight Saturday night race will be the 17th Annual Chet Thomson Memorial Hardtop race. Joining them on the September 21st program will be the A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars for what will be a loaded program. The track stays dark a week later in support of the Jim and Pat Pettit Memorial Dirt Track Shootout at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville.

Antioch Speedway will remember Donna Soares with a special memorial race on October 5th. The wife of John M Soares passed away last October. The A Modified Main Event that night will pay $1,500 to win with DIRTcar Late Models, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Hardtops also on the schedule. An open show is tentatively planned for October 12th that will include A Modifieds and B Modifieds. Further details on purse will be forthcoming. The track will also have a Hall of Fame Night, likely to be scheduled in August. However, that information will be forthcoming as well.

On March 16th and 23rd, the speedway will open for back to back play days. On the 30th, the All Star Series season kicks off with a show featuring A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. The crew is hard at work making preparations on the race track, and this promises to be an exciting season from start to finish. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

2019 All Star Series Antioch Speedway Schedule

March 16 - Playday
March 23 - Playday
March 30 - A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
April 6 - Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Dwarf Cars
April 13 - Winged 360 Sprint Cars, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
April 20 - Wingless Spec Sprints, DIRTcar Late Models, A Modifieds B Modifieds
April 27 - 3rd Annual Larry Damitz Memorial - DIRTcar Late Models, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Bay Area Hardtops
May 4 - Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks
May 11 - DIRTcar Late Models, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Dwarf Cars
May 18 - Contra Costa County Fair - TBA
May 25 - Winged 360 Sprint Cars, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
June 1 - Civil War Series Sprint Cars - Winged 360 Sprint Cars, B Modifieds, Dwarf Cars
June 8 -  3rd Annual Jerry Hetrick Memorial, DIRTcar Late Models, Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks
June 15 - Winged 360 Sprint Cars, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
June 22 - Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds, Limited Late Models, $300 To Win Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
June 29 - Firecracher 50 - $1,000 To Win A Modifeds, Wingless Spec Sprints, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks
July 6 - Wingless Spec Sprints, $500 To Win B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
July 13 - Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
July 20 - DIRTcar Late Models, Limited Late Models, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Bay Area Hardtops
July 27 - Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modfieds, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Dwarf Cars
August 3 - Winged 360 Sprints, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Dwarf Cars
August 10 - Wingless Spec Sprints, DIRTcar Late Models, A Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks
August 17 - Winged 360 Sprint Cars, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
August 24 - Wingless Spec Sprints, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks
August 31 - Wingless Spec Sprints, DIRTcar Late Models, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Dwarf Cars
September 7 - Wingled 360 Sprint Cars, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
September 14 - Wingless Spec Sprints, DIRTcar Late Models, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars
September 21 - 17th Annual Chet Thomson Memorial Hardtop Race - A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars, Bay Area Hardtops
September 28 - No Races
October 5 - Donna Soares Memorial Race - DIRTcar Late Models, $1500 To Win A Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Bay Area Hardtops
October 12 - Open Show - A Modifieds, B Modifieds - Purse TBS

Subject To Change


Eagerly Anticipated Orland Raceway Schedule 
Finally Released

Orland, CA...The 2019 Orland Raceway schedule has just been released, and it offers even more excitement for the fans than the previous season. Promoter Rich Hood has taken things up a notch in his fourth season at the helm of the 1/5 mile dirt oval, located at the Glenn County Fairgrounds in Orland. There are some great things in store for the fans this season.

For years, the Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and Mini Stock divisions have all been featured, and that will continue to be the case this season. The lineup also includes several dates for the Wingless Sprints, 600 Micro Sprints and 250 Micro Sprints. For good measure, Hood has booked special visits for the popular California Hardtops, the Winged Crate Sprint Cars and the Sport Modifieds. There will even be an appearance by the popular Dwarf Car division.

After playdays on March 2nd and March 16th, the track is slated to open for the first race of the 17 event season. The March 30th show will include the classic lineup of Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks and Wingless Sprints. Also on the bill will be the 600 Micros.

Last season, the wild and exciting Pure Stock championship was won by Paul Stephens ahead of previous champion Jeremy Langenderfer. It was Tom Davis out-running Barbara Crain in a hotly-contested Mini Stock battle, while Keith Ross won the Mini Truck title ahead of past champion Dan Webster. The closest battle at the speedway last year happened in the Wingless Sprint division. Tanner Thomson outdueled RJ Baker by just one point for the championship. Jake Fernandez won the 600 Micro Sprint title, while Pax Gonzalez was the 250 Micro Sprint champ.

The first special happens on April 6th with the first of three scheduled appearances by the California Hardtops. The night will also include Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Stocks and 250 Micros. The Hardtops return on June 1st along with Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks, 600 Micro Sprints, 250 Micro Sprints and the lone visit by the Dwarf Cars. The final appearance of the California Hardtops will be on the September 28th Championship Night. Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks and 600 Micro Sprints round out what should be an exciting program.

The Sport Modifieds will again make two appearances, the first of which will happen at the Glenn County Fair on Friday, May 17th. Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks and Mini Stocks will also be competing. The Annual County Fair Destruction Derby will happen a night later, joined by a Boat Race and Tuff Trucks. The Sport Modifieds return on Ladies Night. The July 20th event will also include Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks and Wingless 250 Micros.

The fans will get another taste of Sprint Cars. The Crate Sprints, which have been featured at Marysville and Chico in recent years, will make their first appearance on April 20th, joined by Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks and 250 Micros. On August 31st, the Crate Sprints return along with Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, and Wingless 250 Micro Sprints.

Three of the more popular events in previous years will continue to be on the schedule this year. On June 8th, the speedway will host the Thomas Schmitke Race For The Cure event. In addition to raising money for a good cause, racing will feature Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks and 250 Micro Sprints.

Kids Bike Night has also been a hit as the track has done bike giveaways for the kids and had the kids racing bikes for trophies on the track. This show returns on August 17th. The divisions competing that night will include the Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks and 250 Micro Sprints.

On Fan Appreciation Night on September 14th, Orland Raceway offers a unique experience. The drivers park their cars behind the main grandstands, allowing the fans to meet them, get autographs and get their pictures taken. Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints and 250 Micro Sprints will be competing.

The Third Annual Battle Of The Axles will draw the season to a close on October 12th. The divisions are to be announced.

We are about a month away from opening the season. Weather permitting, racing will begin on March 30th. It's going to be an exciting racing season at Orland from start to finish. For further information, go to the Orland Raceway Facebook page.

2019 Orland Raceway Schedule

March 2 - Playday
March 16 - Playday
March 30 - Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints
April 6 - California Hardtops, Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Stocks, 250 Micro Sprints
April 20 - Crate Sprints, Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, 250 Micro Sprints
May 4 - Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints, 250 Micro Sprints
May 17 - Glenn County Fair - Sport Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks
May 18 - County Fair Destruction Derby - Stock Derby Cars, Boat Race, Tough Trucks
June 1 - California Hardtops, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks, Dwarf Cars, 600 Micro Sprints, 250 Micro Sprints
June 8 - Thomas Schmitke Race For The Cure - Pure Stocks, Winless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 250 Micro Sprints
June 22 - Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints, 250 Micro Sprnts
July 6 - Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints
July 20 - Ladies Night - Sport Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, 250 Micro Sprints
August 3 - Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints, 250 Micro Sprints
August 17 - Kids Bike Night - Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 250 Micro Sprints
August 31 - Crate Sprints, Wingless Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 250 Micro Sprints
September 14 - Fan Appreciation Night - Pure Stocks, Wingless Sprints, Mini Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints, 250 Micro Sprints
September 28 - Championship Night - California Hardtops, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 600 Micro Sprints
October 12 - 3rd Annual Battle Of The Axles - Classes TBA

Schedule Subject To Change


House Of JuJu Becomes Title Sponsor For 
CVMS Mini Stock Series

Lemoore, CA...Big things are in store for the 10 race Central Valley Mini Stock Series this season. CVMS Promoter Dan Myrick is constantly working on new ideas to improve things for the group, now entering its third season. Myrick made a big announcement for the coming season.

House of JuJu in Clovis and Morro Bay has been a big supporter of this series since it was established in 2017. They've sponsored several races and cars during this time and even hosted an awards banquet. This year, they've come on board as the title sponsor.

Late last year, Myrick declared his intent to pay a $5,000 point fund for the series this year, and this will now happen. It will amount to the biggest championship point fund for a Mini Stock group anywhere on the West Coast as the Top 10 drivers will be picking up point fund checks along with their season awards at the next banquet.

This year, the group has an expanded schedule of 10 dates with five taking place at Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, four occurring at Lemoore Raceway and one on the pavement of Madera Raceway. It's a more ambitious schedule for the racers, who have mainly been competing at Lemoore these past two seasons. Since the tracks are still located within reasonable distance, most of the drivers won't be facing too difficult a tow to the various events.

Last season, Greg Baronian proved to be a little bit too much for the competition in winning the championship. He dethroned 2017 champion Danny Myrick. In both instances, the champions had to beat Dan Myrick, who settled for second both seasons. It was particularly heartbreaking for Myrick in 2017 as he may have won the championship if not for some difficult luck at the season finale. As it was, he held off a determined challenge from Ryan Doglione to finish second in the standings last year. He made sure that was the case when he won the season finale.

The Mini Stocks have been producing fields of anywhere from 14 to 20 cars on any given race night, and Myrick sees those numbers improving this season. The affordability and the ease of access to these cars are key factors in why Myrick believes the Mini Stock division will continue to grow.

It should be noted that Dan is constantly thinking of new and better ways to improve the program with the CVMS. This has led to an intriguing idea that Myrick is working on to potentially unveil in 2020. He is also looking at the possibility of a big Mini Stock event after point season racing is done this year.

In the meantime, the racers will need to get ready as the season opener is just around the corner. They go to Lemoore Raceway on March 9th. Joining them on the Saturday night card will be the South Bay Dwarf Car Association invitational race. Also part of the night's entertainment will be the Cab Street Band, who will perform a set after the final checkered flag waves. For further information, go to www.centralvalleyministocks.com or check the Facebook Page.

CVMS is exited to welcome House of JuJu as the title sponsor for the 2019 race season! Go try the best burgers, salad and flat breads in Clovis at, 565 Pollasky Ave #101, Clovis, CA 93612 or in Morro Bay at, 945 Embarcadero, Morro Bay, CA 93442.  Your taste buds will thank you!

House Of JuJu CVMS Mini Stock Point Fund
1st-$1000
2nd-$800
3rd-$700
4th-$550
5th-$450
6th-$400
7th-$350
8th-$300
9th-$250
10th-$200


Gualda, McDaniel, Ryland Win At Stockton Dirt Track

Stockton, CA...February 23... Tony Gualda won the 30 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at the Stockton Dirt Track. Gualda pursued Placerville champion Andy Forsberg for three laps before moving by on a lap four restart. The final 27 circuits went without incident with Gualda leading the rest of the way in victory. In the waning laps, Ryan Bernal moved in to challenge Forsberg for the second spot. As Forsberg had problems on the final lap, Bernal ended up second. Rico Abreu moved from fifth to third on the final lap, followed by Kyle Offill, Colby Copeland, Cody Hodgson, Forsberg, Jayson Bright, Nathan Rolfe and Jacob Tuttle.

The 16 Sprint Car competitors ran two sets of eight lap qualifying heat races. Gualda won his first heat race ahead of Tuttle and Bernal, while Forsberg won his first heat race in front of Croft and Copeland. It was Offill winning his second eight lap heat race opportunity ahead of Bernal and Gualda. Copeland won his second heat ahead of Croft and Hodgson.

Ryan McDaniel held off a late race challenge from previous Main Event winner Troy Foulger to win the 30 lap A Modified Main Event. McDaniel was the winner of the New Year's race. Antioch champion Nick DeCarlo led a lap before Foulger raced into the lead. Following a lap six caution, McDaniel made a move around both Foulger and DeCarlo to get the lead. DeCarlo still held second until surrendering the position to Foulger on lap 12. McDaniel was setting at a rapid pace and held about a half straightaway lead before catching slower traffic. Foulger made a good run on the inside as McDaniel dealt with the slower cars ahead of him. It was close down the stretch, but McDaniel prevailed just ahead of Foulger. DeCarlo settled for third, followed by Anthony Slaney, Mitch Machado, Tim Baulding, Chris Nieman, Jessie James Burks, Mark Abouzid and Derek Nance.

The 19 Modified competitors ran three eight lap heat races. Slaney picked up the first win, followed by Machado and Buddy Kniss. DeCarlo outran Foulger and Oregon visitor Jesse Bailey to win the second heat, and Kellen Chadwick won the final heat ahead of McDaniel and Balding.

2015 IMCA Sport Modified State champion Fred Ryland turned in a dominant performance in winning the 25 lap B Modified Main Event. Merced Speedway star Danny Roe led the opening lap before being passed by Ryland. The final yellow flag of the race flew on lap three with Ryland leading Tom Fraser and Roe on the restart. Ryland began to pull away from the rest of the pack, leaving Fraser and Roe to battle for second. Roe gained that position on lap 15, but by that time, Ryland was leading by a full straightaway. Ryland scored the impressive victory ahead of Roe, Fraser, rookie Cameron Swank, Mark Garner, Richard Vander Ploeg, Jason Womack, Joe Salvi, Brent Curran and Jeff Tuttle. Garner won his eight lap heat race ahead of Ryland and Vander Ploeg, while Curran scored the win in his heat, followed by Fraser and Roe.

Racing resumes with a big event next Saturday night. The NARC/King Of The West Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series has their opener. The B Modifieds will be a part of the program. for further information, go to www.stocktondirttrack.com.


Netto, Rasmussen, Johnson Open Keller Auto Speedway Season With Wins

Hanford, CA...February 23...DJ Netto opened the 2019 Keller Auto Speedway season with a victory in the 30 lap King Of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night. This was the opening race of a series that takes place between Hanford and neighboring Tulare Thunderbowl. Netto kicked things off with the fastest time of the 23 qualifiers and followed that up by winning his 10 lap heat race ahead of Craig Stidham. Only a second to Tucker Worth in the 8 lap Dash blemished his evening.

However, second didn't turn out to be a bad thing for Netto as he started on the outside front row for the feature. Netto charged into the lead and would hold off Mitchell Faccinto down the stretch for the victory. Coming from tenth starting, Dominic Scelzi roared to a third place finish. Worth settled for fourth, followed by Scott Parker, Zane Blanchard, Matthew Moles, Bud Kaeding, Danny Faria Jr and Jace Vanderweerd. Worth won his heat race ahead of Jared Faria, while Faccinto outran Scelzi for his heat race victory.

Kyle Rasmussen won the 25 lap opener for the IMCA RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars. Rasmussen was the fast qualifier at 14.574, beating the 14.674 effort of Mike Schott. Rasmussen and Schott had third row starting spots for the Main Event, and Rasmussen led the 1-2 finish for the duo. Brooklyn Holland finished third, followed by Grant Champlin, Brendan Warmerdam, Connor Danell, Ryan DeLisle, Phil Heymen, Lance Jackson and Michael Pombo. Warmerdam won his heat race ahead of Grant Champlin, and Holland scored a popular victory over Pombo in her eight lapper.

Michael Johnson bested a stellar field of 22 IMCA Sport Modifieds to win their 25 lap Main Event. Johnson led a Bakersfield sweep of the podium as reigning State champion Austin Manzella and Kevin Johnson finished second and third, respectively. Merced regular Jarrod Mounce finished fourth, followed by Keith Brown Jr, Jason Nation, Michael Dean, Guy Ahlwardt, Chris Falkenberg and Gavyn Manning. The drivers ran three eight lap heat races with Michael Johnson outrunning Garrett Jernigan to win the first one. Brown outgunned Manzella for the second heat race victory, while Nation prevailed ahead of Falkenberg in the third heat.

The World of Outlaw Winged 410 Sprint Car Series comes to town on March 29th along with another IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car show. The next regular event for the speedway is on April 20th with the King Of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars headlining along with the RaceSaver Sprints, IMCA Stock Cars and California Lightning Sprints. For further information, go to www.racekingsspeedway.com. 


Pit Stops

This week's column includes a combination of tracks featured in our Jefferson and DCRR Racing blogs. We lead off with Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg where the track made additional announcements after our initial article previewing the 2019 season schedule. One of the interesting things they have done is added a Sport Modified division under their PRA sanctioning. The PRA is the association that runs the paved oval.

It's interesting to note that at this time they are not going with an IMCA sanctioning, and any of the existing Sport Modified drivers in Oregon would have to change over to give the payment a try. However, track officials are hoping that the money will be an incentive. With eight or less cars, they are talking $300 to win. A field of 9 to 11 cars would be $400 to win, and if they get 12 or more cars to start the Main Event, it's $500 to win. At 12 cars, second goes from $250 to $350, and third goes from $175 to $250. In all three scenarios, drivers get a minimum of $50 to start. These numbers would make Roseburg the biggest paying track for Sport Modifieds in Oregon.

Marysville Raceway has been throwing around bigger numbers for not just the IMCA Sport Modified class, but Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Hobby Stocks as well. We're still trying to get an understanding of what they're talking about, but the increase seems to be based on drivers who support back-to-back point racing nights from Chico Silver Dollar Speedway and Marysville Raceway. Marysville management appears to be stepping up their game to try and keep their locals supporting the Sport Modifieds, which are clearly the second best car count for their regular classes. One of the things that they are doing is offering up a big event, the Pepsi Peach Tree Nationals. This event takes place on September 14th and will pay the IMCA Sport Modifieds $1,249 to win in addition to being the final point race for both them and the Crate Sprints.

Interested racers can find out more on the Marysville Raceway Facebook page or their website, but another thing that they are doing is working with Chico on five selected Winged 360 Sprint Car dates that will offer a special bonus to anybody who can win all five of them. This is being billed as "The Drive For Five" with a $5,000 bonus to the driver that can win both nights of the Silver Cup at Chico on March 1st and 2nd, the Toller Memorial/Civil War Series Race at Marysville on March 9th, the Marysville season opener on March 16th and the Chico Silver Dollar opener on Friday, March 22nd. As an added bonus, any driver who competes in all five of those races plus the May 26th Mel Hall Memorial at Marysville will get a $250 bonus. If somebody wins four of the five aforementioned races, they get an extra $2,000 to win. If they win three of those races, they get a $1,000 bonus.

An interesting thing has happened. With the addition of All American Speedway to the NASCAR Whelen All American Series of tracks, there are now four NASCAR sanctioned Speedways in California. The Roseville track joins Kern County Raceway, Orange Show Speedway and Irwindale Speedway in a lineup of all pavement tracks, and this is the biggest number of NASCAR sanctioned tracks in California in over a decade.

The money is nice. NASCAR boasts over $15,000 in point fund money being given to each track, which is distributed among the Top 5 drivers in each of the Top 4 designated divisions. The premier classes, or Division 1, will receive $3,000 just for the championship. The division 2 champion will get $1,000. In addition to that, there will be $7,000 worth of State point fund money available to the top Division 1 stars.

Bill McAnally is in his second year of promoting All American Speedway, and he has expanded their schedule and added other divisions to help fill out the program. McAnally is also noteworthy in being a car owner and promoter of several events for the NASCAR K&N West Series, including races at all American Speedway and Douglas County Speedway. Is this a resurgence of NASCAR in California? If so, who might join next? At some point, are we going to see a dirt track get back into the NASCAR Family?

In Northwest California in Trinity County, Mountain Valley Speedway in Hayfork was hoping to get a playday in the books in February. Unfortunately, the ground was covered with snow. Optimism is high under the new organization that will be promoting the track for their second year. At the end of the 2017 season, the future looked bleak, but the new group organized and enabled the track to rise up from the ashes.

There will be one more opportunity to get a playday in on March 23rd before the season kicks off with the scheduled opener on April 13th. One of the problems we have is getting accurate information on what's happening in Hayfork. At its best, we've usually only managed to track down Top 3 finishers in the Main Events, but last season even that was difficult to achieve. This led to us getting some criticism when we attempted to put together finishes to get some word out, and we opted to leave things alone. We do support the track and would love to spread the word if we have adequate information.

One of the reasons that racing continues in Hayfork is because of some of the teams that have remained very dedicated in recent years. The Kasper family continues to field multiple cars with third-generation racer Will Kasper one of the frontrunners in the Hobby Stock division. You also have Kevin Kasper and Tim Kasper running the wild and crazy Enduro class along with several other fierce competitors, including Bryan Gummerus and William Young.

The Hobby Stocks continue to be a crowd-pleaser, and front-runners such as Burl Richardson, Russ Newman and Tresan Smith are among those giving the fans somebody to cheer for. You've also had Mini Stock stars such as Larry Richardson, past champion John Turner, Andy Blackburn and Orland based competitor Ross Vige among the Mini Stock competitors. We'd certainly like to give everybody their due, but as the Hayfork track is not exactly forthcoming with rosters, finishes and point lists, this is about the best that we can do for now.

The other thing we can tell you is that Hayfork will have a 10 race season. In addition to the aforementioned opener on April 19th, race dates include May 4th, May 18th, June 8th, June 22nd, the special July 4th Celebration race on July 13th, July 27th, the Trinity County Fair Race on August 10th, August 24th and Championship Fan Appreciation Night on September 14th. We haven't seen the specific designated date for the Clyde Cordell Memorial, but we suspect that may be on August 10th.

However, when it comes to getting the most accurate information available for Mountain Valley Speedway, we recommend you go to their Facebook page. If we get timely and accurate information, we may attempt to put out more news for the track this year.

Cedarville Speedway only has one race. It's the Gordon Russell Sr Memorial event on June 29th. This race came about because of Pro Stock competitor Gordon Russell Jr. Gordon watched his father race at the track in Cedarville and even began to race there himself. When his father passed away, he had the hope of putting on a big race for him in Cedarville. When he finally made the first one happen in 2017, Gordon Jr dedicated it not just to his father but to all of the fallen racers who helped to make racing special in Cedarville

The last time the track had any kind of a regular racing program, it was more than a decade ago and featured Street Stocks. it was an association driven program at the time, and there would also be the occasional Late Model and Modified races. Gordon didn't just want to put on a big Pro Stock race in Cedarville, he was hoping to inspire something more for the race fans in the area.

The big Pro Stock race this year will also be the second round of the five race Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series, and the Hobby Stock division will be on the card as support. Russell was recently in Cedarville for a meeting with officials regarding the organization of the third annual event. Gordon has been busy coordinating the Pro Stock Challenge Series with Roy Bain and Jerry Bartlett, and there will also be events at Yreka (May 4), Reno Fernley (August 17) and two races at the Stockton Dirt Track (July 13 and September 14).

Russell recently reported that there is news in Cedarville of some racers organizing a new Hobby Stock Association. The hope is that the new group will be able to get more races scheduled in Cedarville in the future with the big Pro Stock race coming to town once a year as well. Perhaps, in addition to Hobby Stocks, the locals could organize a new Mini Stock class as a way to attract other new drivers with an inexpensive form of racing to get them started. We'll be monitoring the scene and updating as more news becomes available.

We know that new Siskiyou Golden Speedway Promoter Kevin Barba has an interest in the Pro 4 Modified division. He competed on the tour with the group that races on pavement tracks such as Lakeport, Ukiah, Roseville and Eureka. At one time, in the early days of the group, Lakeport had worked out a series with the dirt track in Orland. Orland had a budding division during the early part of the 2000s. Unfortunately, when the Turner era ended at Orland at the end of 2007, so did the division.

Barba admitted that he currently has a couple of these cars, and one of the first promoters he talked to at WARPA last year was Orland Promoter Rich Hood. Hood revealed that there were still cars in Orland that don't quite meet the rules of the classes that he has. Barba has an interest in doing something with this division, though he has yet to make an announcement. Most people will concede that Yreka needs something new to get more cars in the pits. Could a Pro 4 Modified division fit the bill? We'll be watching to see what may develop in the days ahead.

Down in Merced, it's a milestone year for the Valley Sportsman division. This is the 20th Anniversary season for the revival. After Mark Amador took the Limited Sprint division from the dirt of Merced to the pavement, then Promoter Chuck Griffin needed something to replace the division. As one of the last drivers to compete in the Sportsman division at Merced in 1979, he always had a soft spot in his heart for this unique and popular style of racing. Working with Luis Miranda, Griffin came up with a set of rules and relaunched the Sportsman class in 1999.

The division at one time was putting as many as a dozen cars on the track, but these days it seems to be a good night if seven or eight cars show up. It's known that there are well over a dozen cars in different states of repair that have competed at Merced during this run. The lineup of drivers from the past includes such stars as future Merced Hall Of Famer Rod Poor, Kevin Freitas, Keith Van Houten, Billy Mattos, Neill Barcellos, Dennis Barcellos, Robb Schropp, Gary Hildebrand. Mike Hausmann and Shane Hausmann.

Last season, the Sportsman division saw ten different cars at the speedway at various times. Watsonville Hall Of Famer Jerry Cecil wrote his name into the record books as the latest champion after beating Rick Elliot for the title. Others on the list of competitors included two-time champion Mike Friesen, Jeff Bristow, Chris Birdsong, Watsonville Hall Of Famer Ray Johnson, Jeff West, Chris Corder and Eric Seeley. And still, other drivers such as past champion Mark Odgers, Marcus Lung, Larry Pierini and Tim Prothro have cars.

What sets the Sportsman division apart from everything else out there is the uniqueness of these vehicles. Whereas Modifieds and Sport Modifieds pretty much look alike, the Sportsman cars have different looks to them that appeal to longtime racing fans. Fortunately, the new management at Merced Speedway has kept the division on the roster for this season for a championship series, and this is currently the only track at which you can see these cars.

One of Ed Parker's contributions to Merced Speedway two years ago was the addition of the California Sharp Mini Late Models to the lineup. These small scale Late Models with 600cc engines in them were brought to the speedway as a way to get young drivers up from the Kart ranks and onto the bigger track. Car dealer Michael Shearer has gotten six vehicles onto the track so far. What we haven't heard during this offseason is any news on any other possible drivers joining the ranks this season. It appears as if Jesse James Burks, who won most of the Main Events last year, will be running a Modified, though we don't know the status of the car he drove in this class last season.

The very consistent Tim Crews finished no worse than second in any of his starts last year in winning his championship, while his chief rival Carson Guthrie won the season finale. These young drivers have done a good job, and others in the field include Ian Shearer, Riley Jeppesen and Logan Clay. We'd certainly like to see this class grow at Merced, and it would also make a nice addition to any of the Micro Sprint tracks in the state. You can look up the California Sharp Mini Late model page on Facebook for more information.

Stockton Dirt Track promoter Tony Nocetti has to be smiling from ear-to-ear after his third event of the season. Tony took the gamble of running some early races this year, and it might have been seen as a challenge. The Sprint Cars generally don't get their season going until March and have had very few races before that in recent years. However, Tony has managed to get car counts in the mid-teens in his two races for that class. But, there's more going on than that.

We've speculated that if the Stockton Dirt Track wanted to begin to take things to the next level, they would need to begin to establish some of their own classes. The track is now seen as a special events place for such groups as the World of Outlaws, King of the West, Sprint Car Challenge Series. What Tony has learned in three races is that there is potential to do more with A Modifieds and B Modifieds. Car count in both divisions after three races have definitely been encouraging, and there will still be more appearances for the B Modifieds this year.

Where things might need just a little bit more work would be with the Bomber and Basically 4 Cylinder divisions, which are both featured on Stockton's pavement track. Tony attempted to have a race for both of these divisions on New Years, but count wasn't as big there. You can still see the potential to do something with the two classes, but it may take a bit more work to make it happen. The advantage to doing that is that you're not talking as big a purse as you would be with the other divisions. There are still more Stock Car type things happening at Stockton throughout the season, and judging from what's been going on so far, we can expect that this will be a trend heading into next year as well.

Dates for Stock Car enthusiasts to check out at Stockton this year include the B Modified, Bomber and Basically 4 Cylinders event on June 14th during the San Joaquin County Fair, the July 13th Tri State Pro Stock Challenge race, which will also include B Modifieds, Bombers and Basically 4 Cylinders and the Al Miller Memorial Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Race on September 14th. In addition to that $5,000 to win event, Sport Modifieds, Bombers and Basically 4 Cylinders will also be competing.

Speaking of Bomber racing, an interesting thing is happening on the pavement. Furia Motorsports of Lakeport and Ukiah Speedways, Dave Twyman of Shasta Speedway and the new management team at Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka have put together a nice little seven race shootout series for the popular Bomber class. One thing that sets these races apart is that the winner will receive $1,000 among The increased purse. Scheduled dates include Eureka on May 11th, a doubleheader weekend at Lakeport May 25th and Ukiah May 26th, Shasta June 22nd, Eureka on July 20th, Ukiah on August 24th and the finale at Shasta on October 5th.

We've been awaiting the announcement of race dates for the California Hardtop Association. Apparently, group President John Philbert is still finishing up the details, but we can tell you that four dirt tracks are listing dates for the group on their schedules. It's worth noting that the group, which has been around for over a decade, now has over 20 cars that have actively competed in the last couple of years, and interest continues to grow for these classic Ford and Chevy Coupe and Sedan racers.

It's not just about racing, but the camaraderie behind the scenes. The drivers do their best to respect each other's equipment on the track, but they also race hard on any given night. The glory has been shared among several competitors, including 2018 winners such as Jason Armstrong, Ron Ruiz, Joe Shenefield, Tom Grady, Dave Reed and Ken Retzloff. But the group is made up of many great competitors, such as Ken Clifford, Jason Clifford, Dennis Armstrong, Roger MacShain, Larry Wells, Joe Hopp and Rhett Lange.

When the schedule is released, there will be pavement and dirt races. While we await the official announcement from the group, we've seen the race track schedules on the dirt. Placerville is offering three dates with events booked for April 20th, July 20th and May 11th. They will make three appearances at Orland Raceway on April 6th, June 1st and September 28th. They are booked at Silver Dollar Speedway on June 7th, and here's a point of confusion that will need to be cleared up. They have visits planned for Marysville Raceway on May 18th and August 31st.

Ken Clifford made the biggest news during the offseason when he purchased one of the Marc McCaslin team cars from Bakersfield. This gives the Clifford shop three race cars and gives Ken choices for what to run on race day. Much like the car Ken purchased for his son four years ago, the McCaslin car is also one that has won several races.

We haven't heard if the Hardtop group is actively trying to find buyers for cars, but the McCaslin team still had another one for sale. Also, Spenser Nice now has his car for sale as well. Nice bought the car driven by CHA original Jack Low when the group was founded. Also, the Sam Huff Tribute Car built by Mike Friesen is for sale. While we know that the Bakersfield Hardtop group still has dates booked at Bakersfield Speedway and Kern Raceway, the Bay Area contingent was still awaiting their schedule.

As the CHA didn't deal with Petaluma Speedway, a resourceful Bay Area Hardtop leader might be inclined to speak with Petaluma management about possibly getting that date. However, it's what dates are offered at Antioch that concerns them. Dave Mackey revealed that he was hoping to get the motor he ran last year put into the Pete Paulsen car to get that one back on the track again. Meanwhile, he'll have another motor for his car, but as Dave is working in Texas, he'll have a long commute to go racing. Dave reveals that the company has offered to fly him out for race days.

The Bay Area Hardtop group includes feature winners Terry DeCarlo and Ken Retzloff. DeCarlo won last year's Chet Thomson Memorial ahead of fellow Bay Area racer Kimo Oreta. Others on the roster include Gene Haney, Doug Braudrick, Steve Cloyes and division original Tommy Thomson. While we are aware that division original Dan Williams has a car, he has not committed to the group at this time. Car builder Nick DeCarlo recently sold a couple of cars that he was building. We haven't heard who bought them or if Nick might be building another car to join his father for some Hardtop racing once again.

Getting back to Marysville, the track opened for a playday last Saturday night. Roughly 40 competitors were on hand for the opportunity to give their cars a shakedown run. Drivers representing Hobby Stocks, Winged 360 Sprints, Wingless Spec Sprints, Crate Sprints, Limited Late Models, Super Stocks, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Dwarf Cars were all on hand. It's interesting to note that the biggest turnout of more than a dozen cars was offered by the Hobby Stocks.

Reigning track champion Shannon Collins took his first laps behind the wheel of a car that is new to him. Kyle Cheney, Jacob Johnson. Mel Byers, Anthony Doubledee and Willie Horn were among the drivers making laps. It's looking like this Hobby Stock season at Marysville may be their best one yet. Jimmy Ford had his IMCA Sport Modified on the track to make his shakedown run for the season. Antioch Speedway Late Model point runnerup Rod.Oliver and Placerville star Tyler Lightfoot were there to make laps as was Top 5 Antioch Limited Late Model competitor Ryan Cherezian.

The Crate Sprint division is pretty optimistic this year with Marysville once again their home track but other appearances penciled in at Chico and Orland. Past Chico champion Mike Sayre was there as was Jeff Macedo. The Wingless Spec Sprints are on the outside looking in at both Marysville and Chico, and we haven't heard if the rules have been relaxed in Orland to allow them to come support that show. There were about a half-dozen drivers making laps on Saturday, including reigning champion Cody Spencer, Josh Young, Jesse Walker and one of the Ted Finkenbinder cars. We're not sure who was driving it.

Winged 360 Sprint Cars continue to be the featured class at Marysville, which has been the case since past Promoter Mike McCann introduced the division to the lineup back in 1990. Jeremy Wilson was there making laps along with Justin Henry, Anissa Curtis, Adam Brenton and Brad Bumgarner. All in all, it was a positive day for Marysville Raceway as drivers are excited about the coming season.


The Editor's Viewpoint

After a contentious off-season process, we can now tell you that John M Soares and Oval Motorsports has been awarded the contract to run Antioch Speedway for the next five years. I've debated what to say about this. There is a lot to say. If you want to get a real good idea of just how contentious everything was, I would recommend contacting the Contra Costa County Fair Board and looking into the possibility of getting a written transcript. I don't know what the rules are on such things and if they make these available for a price, but if they do, the debate will be eye-opening. It will say it all. In fact, that meeting alone would make an exciting and dramatic made for tv movie or a really nicely done web series that could be put on YouTube.

Here's what I can tell you after talking with John in October. He was already in the middle of making plans in early September to do a big money race. You really have to hear what he was talking about to believe it, but knowing John, it would have happened. He was looking at the end of October. Otherwise, he would have fit it in somewhere next year, or I suppose that's this year now. Plus, he was thinking about the New Year's race and what he wanted to do there. He had some plans swirling around in his mind, but it all got derailed.

The problem is he wanted to evoke his five-year clause to come back, and the Fair Board had other ideas. I don't even know what the legalities are in that case. I am not a lawyer. However, the Fair Board went ahead and did it. There was somebody hanging around and talking about what they were ready to do for the track, and it was music to at least a couple of board member's ears. The next thing you know, the process begin. The interested party was none other than Jeremy Prince. Mike Slaney was also involved in Prince's effort.

During my visit to Antioch, I heard the words that I had been wanting to hear for quite some time. After what was a really nice visit, my hope was that I would be back soon. Let's put it that way. When I heard that Prince was going to be competing against John, I admit I really wasn't too worried about it. These things usually come down to experience, and they don't have nearly the experience John has, right?

The only worry I had in the back of my mind was if an established player in the game, somebody running one of the other established tracks, decided to jump in. That didn't happen. The deadline approached, and Prince was the only name I heard competing with John. Well, that takes care of that. John won. Time to start planning the next season, right? Wrong!

I haven't seen the proposals and what went into them, so it's very difficult for me to comment in-depth on anything. However, I can tell you that Jeremy Prince was scored as the winner. Before he could be officially declared the winner at the next Fair Board meeting, however, John exercised his legal right and issued a protest in Sacramento. It wasn't just one point that he had contention with. There were four of them. He was looking at five, but I think he backed off on the fifth one. Understand that he didn't need to have all of them ruled in his favor. If he was right on just one of them in Sacramento's eyes, the bid by Prince would be disqualified. What Sacramento found, after a much lengthier process than was needed, was that the Prince bid was incomplete.

Here's what I can tell you when it comes to submitting proposals for anything to the state. You had better dot all of your i's and cross all of your t's. If they ask you for anything, you had better give them an answer. If they ask for five copies of something, don't give them four. Give them five. Be very thorough. I cannot emphasize this enough.

As an example, back during the offseason before 2004, the track came up for bid. One of the interested parties was George Steitz. Because he didn't include something in his proposal, it was disqualified. Only this time, it didn't have to go to Sacramento. The board members involved in grading the proposals discovered it.

The criticism I have of the process was that it didn't seem on the up-and-up with regards to the fair board. From what I've heard and even some things I've seen online, certain members have been very unprofessional. I'll leave it at that. But because there was an interest in the track expressed by somebody other than John and these board members were interested in seeing if they could get somebody else in, things happened. Again, I will leave it at that. I felt that there were some things going on that were cause for concern, and evidently so did Sacramento.

Of course, people are going to say that I am against Jeremy Prince, and to that I can only say no I am not. I feel that John is the better person for the job at this time. Unless a hand-picked successor to take over the corporation can step forward, the next best alternative would be to bring in a proven established promoter. Given the money that they expect to make out of the track at the fairgrounds, that's really the best way. I do not fault Jeremy and Mike for stepping in and trying. Quite the contrary. I respect them for thinking they could come in there and make a difference.

It didn't go the way they wanted. The state ruled to overturn the bid by Prince and gave the Fair Board two options to consider. They could either restart the lengthy process and put the track up for bid again, or they could go with the only other person who went after the track, John. If they were to choose the former, they risked either getting an abbreviated season in 2019 or none at all. If they went with John, they had a chance of getting in a season. By this point, people who were not in favor of putting the place out to bid in the first place basically said, "Hey, look, we're back where we started again. We had better go back to the one who brought us here and get the show on the road." That's what happened.

I'm going to say one thing pretty clearly. Some people hate John, and some people love John. That's just the way it is. It seems like most of the positive things that John has ever done in the sport have been washed away by people who have selective memory. It's all been bad, he's ruining racing, he's running off the drivers and all of that. These are feelings that were even expressed at the most recent meeting. As I said, contact the Fair Board about getting a written transcript, if those are available. You'll be fascinated as you read and picture this whole thing playing out in the moment.

Through the 21 years of Oval Motorsports at Antioch Speedway, just like the six years they had Merced Speedway, the bills have been paid. 99.9% of the races that could go on unless bad weather hit them went on. Only by fluke were any events scheduled and not completed. Being an expensive a place to operate, that money might come out of John's pocket if the money wasn't there from the gates. This also means that somebody in a lesser financial state than John might throw in the towel if they couldn't pay the bills. It also means that this is not as easy as some people think it is. There is a risk involved. At the end of the day, more promoters than not are going to walk out of the gate hated and demonized. It's the nature of the beast.

The last thing I'm going to to tell you here is that everything has been perfect at the speedway in recent years. That is simply not true. Some of it is self-inflicted by management and officials and certain other personnel who went into business for themselves, and some of it is just the sign of the times. What certain people involved with the fairgrounds tried to insinuate and later found out to be false was that Antioch was the only track suffering down times. Again, not the case. Other tracks that once rode on high times every week, such as Watsonville, Petaluma and Merced, sometimes found themselves struggling to get people to come watch. That's just the reality of the times we live in.

We are also in a time in the sport that, quite frankly, I'm not fond of. It's a time in which tracks will often resort to running five or six divisions just to get the numbers they need in the pits. This is done because the days where you can get 20 plus cars in most of your divisions seems to be long gone. There are those nights that become the exception at some places, and of course there are your big shows, but that's not the norm. Though there might be a couple of tracks on the West Coast that buck that trend, I can assure you that the majority of them are in the same boat. The easiest thing to do is to point a finger at the promoter and say, "Hey, this is the prick who's causing all the problems. Get rid of him."

Everything started out with so much hope when John took over Antioch Speedway. I was there, and I remember not only lobbying for him to step in, but I remember being a part of the team for the first three years. I remember watching as we would have three, sometimes four divisions with B Mains. I remember how we got to the point where there were over 100 cars in the pits on most occasions, and twice as many fans as you'll see in the stands these days.

Then, the bottom fell out in 2001. 9/11? Partly to blame, but I could see what was coming ahead. There were a couple of divisions that were performing pretty well at Antioch through most of the decade until John's brother got a hold of Petaluma Speedway and started both of those divisions. There went the car count. At one time, it's important to remember that John and his dad had agreements as to which divisions would run at which tracks. Jim was the one who broke the deal.

John could see what was happening, and he wasn't okay with it. He could also see where help was needed that he wasn't getting. John has always been a man willing to do things up big. Generally speaking, he's been one who will try to be consistent with the rules and bear the local racer's budgets in mind when putting those rules together. He's also been one willing to put up a purse and pay what he says.

But, the numbers were going where they were going. The missed opportunity for me, as I was not ready to take said opportunity, was when I was invited back to take on the role I had in the first three years. This offer was made prior to the 2010 season. I wrote about that in my book, Just A Kid From The Grandstands, and I don't need to rehash it here.

Even when the tough times were hitting, John would still dust off those big-money races. I'm talking $5,000 to win for the Modifieds. This is before the Sport Modified class came in and divided the car count. He would pull off Late Model shows and the occasional Sprint Car show as well. He was the first promoter at Antioch or Merced to bring in the World of Outlaws. He was the promoter who came in and saved Merced Speedway from closing in 2010. But, he is still "that prick" by a lot of people. Doesn't matter what he does.

I know the numbers, and they haven't been so good in recent years. John has been working on ideas to improve things, but one thing he's lacked in recent years is having the right personnel in the right positions. In the past few years, we've watched him add big money memorial events, such as the races for Larry Damitz, Jerry Hetrick and his dad. He gave the Chet Thomson Memorial Hardtop race a place, and put in a few other specials.

The biggest problem? Not a lack of willingness to pay, but a lack of putting the word out. A lack of anybody in the key position of helping present the program as a Publicity Director or announcer. What I have done over the last three years from afar has been done because of my desire to see any kind of good word go out for the racers and that race track, but he's needed somebody there who can do the job adequately in person. What he's had is somebody holding their hand out and doing the bare minimum for a paycheck.

Sorry if I am a bit evasive on personal matters at the moment, but it needs to be that way for now. You should hear more from me on things soon. However, that's about all I will say on the matter for now. I know there are some bitter feelings. I know there are some people asking themselves if they can ever go back to the track again. I am only going to say that you've got to do what you feel is right.

It's supposed to be fun for you, and if it's not, you have a problem. I don't believe anybody will go to a race track and get it 100% the way they want it every time. Oftentimes, 80% is the number to shoot for, and even if that 20% really irks you, you forget about it and realize that for the most part it's still pretty fun. But it's up to the individual to decide if this is what they want to do. I would hope that what is done out there will create an environment in which people will want to come back.

Jeremy Prince goes back to the drawing board, and I know it has been a difficult offseason for him, just as it's been for John. With John, he's been grieving over the loss of his wife of 50 years. With Jeremy, he protected his wife from getting burnt badly in an accident in the pits at Dixon, so he has spent the offseason recovering from those terrible burns. He's still got a long road to recovery. So basically, you had John and Jeremy battling for Antioch Speedway at a time when they've had what they've had going on in their lives. I know with Jeremy, Mike Slaney has helped to take up some of the slack in that area.

Jeremy will go back to Dixon. What he does there, I'll be interested to see. They've got a nice little Micro Sprint program. I'm not sure what's going on with the Outlaw Kart end of things as they didn't do much of that last year or the year before for that matter. They have also established that you can run Mini Stocks and Dwarf Cars on that track. In fact, bigger cars have practiced there before. Does Jeremy have a mind it to do any of that? I don't know. Terry DeCarlo Jr seemed to be a driving force in making that happen before, but the last time we saw those divisions there was in early 2014.

I don't know what they will do other than the Micro Sprint stuff, and I can't speak for them. I'm only speaking for what the potential is, but when you start doing bigger things, there are things that need to be done at the facility too. I only bring this up as I've clearly seen that Jeremy has a desire to try to do something on a bigger scale. Antioch Speedway was the stage he wanted to play with.

While that is not a possibility for him for the next five years, he still has the ability to do something bigger at Dixon Speedway. What he will do there will be interesting to see. I just hope other certain rumors I've heard about the situation there don't turn out to be true. But I won't speculate any further than that.

If you think the drama that played out in Antioch is crazy, you should take a look at what's going on in Chandler, Indiana. Elvis impersonator Reno Fontana has been running his mouth for well over a year about turning Chandler Motor Speedway into Movieland Speedpark. He has grand plans for the place, but when you look at the scheme of things it is nowhere near the upper echelon of tracks in Indiana.

The reality is that nobody in Chandler Is looking for some big statement to be made for the sport of racing. They simply want their oval dirt track and their drag strip up and running again. While Fontana has been making wild statements and claiming ownership of the property, it has been seized and put up for auction on March 20th to satisfy a lien from a bill that was owed to a company that was making repairs to the drag strip.

Even with a sign posted at the front of the property stating that the auction will take place and the auction house verifying that this will indeed happen, Fontana has claimed that the auction will never happen, the dirt track is his and will open in April. According to reports in the area, no work has been done to the facilities in some time, and currently the weather conditions aren't conducive to getting much done now either.

Fontana has succeeded in dividing the community into people who are true believers and those who see him as a con artist. There are still legal issues to be resolved regarding the former property owner, who owed back taxes for the past two years before making a questionable deal with Fontana last December to purchase the track. There are questions regarding what it is that Fontana really owns and whether it's legal at all.

At this point, it looks like the auction will happen, but Fontana's apparent confidence makes whatever his next move will be a "can't miss moment" for people who have been following this drama. Some people are speculating that the auction will bring a higher price for the property than whatever Fontana actually has in his budget to spend. The biggest concern for the people in the community is that they have a race track to come back to. It's anybody's guess what will happen next.

I'd also like to note the efforts of two people right now who have stepped up to try to help make this sport a little bit better. Dan Myrick launched the Central Valley Mini Stock Association at Lemoore Raceway back in 2017. I liked the novelty of the Mini Stocks running on the 1/5 mile dirt oval known more for its Micro Sprint racing. However, this was no novelty. Dan has dreams of making this into something special.

When we've communicated during these past couple of years, I have to admit I like his thought process. There are some things even now that he is considering doing that would be good for the 4 Cylinder racing fans in the area, but it's what was just announced that should have everybody's attention. Dan has landed House Of JuJu as the title sponsor for the group. About a month or two ago, he made his plans known for a $5,000 championship point fund. House Of JuJu has come on board to make it happen.

This 10 race series will take place at three different tracks. There is a one-race throwaway rule where a driver can get rid of their worst finish or not suffer if they happen to miss one race. If you're able to even get 10th place in the standings, you'll leave the banquet with your award and a $200 check. The championship is worth an impressive $1,000. I don't think you'll find a Mini Stock group anywhere on the West Coast with a bigger championship point fund than the Central Valley Mini Stocks. I look forward to a good season for the group and what's in store for the future.

Gordon Russell Jr did a good thing for Cedarville when he brought the memorial race for his father to that Speedway two years ago. In the planning of the third annual event recently, Gordon found out that there are some Hobby Stock racers in the area who are discussing the formation of their own association. The Hobby Stocks are already the support class for the June 29th Gordon Russell Sr Memorial, but this move has significant meaning.

The Hobby Stock association could lead to more racing in Cedarville than just the big Pro Stock race in June. In the past, when the track featured a Street Stock show, it was a driver run association that kept it going. Gordon always hoped that the locals would pick up the mantle and re-establish a more regular racing event for the fans, and it could be that this will be happening in the not-too-distant future. It just goes to show what people can do for the sport when they step up and make an effort.

On that note, I'm going to end this column for the week.  Until next time...


Can Bigger Things Happen At Dixon Speedway?

Dixon, CA...With the news regarding Antioch Speedway, Jeremy Prince will return to his post at Dixon Speedway. He was going to be at the helm of the track regardless of the news at Antioch Speedway, but obviously the opportunity to promote Antioch Speedway would have presented to him a bigger platform to do bigger things. But there is a question. Is Dixon Speedway a place in which he could attempt to promote bigger racing events?

Running big shows in Dixon is not something that hasn't happened in the past. If you go to the fairgrounds, there was a time when there were big Sprint Car and Open Comp shows at that track. Unfortunately, the fairgrounds went another way. Now, they choose to promote concerts during the fair and an annual Destruction Derby.

One of the first things you're going to hear from people is that Dixon is a 1/5 mile clay oval and therefore not big enough to do much of anything. Set aside the question of the possibility of expanding the track, which may not be an option, there are two tracks in California that check in at 1/5 mile that promote big car racing.

Orland Raceway has had a successful Mini Stock program for years, and they eventually added Wingless Sprint Cars to the lineup. They've also had Modified and Sport Modified races there.

Down south in Ventura, California, Promoter Jim Naylor has taken it up a notch. He has a competitive Wingless Sprint Car show there. These are not Spec Sprints, but 360 injected Sprints. They also host one of the big USAC races, Turkey Night, in November. Plus, they have big Midget races and IMCA Modified shows among other classes. Lest you think the racing isn't good, all you need to do is watch a video to see otherwise.

Prior to making the announcement that a Kart season will happen at Hills Ferry, there was an interested promoter looking at the possibility of running some shows with bigger cars. This would have included Mini Stocks, Dwarf Cars and other potential classes. The space is there to do something, though one of the knocks against the location is that you don't have a big enough grandstand. Given the numbers we get these days, 500 to 600 fans at some venues on race night, this venue probably could have accomplished that. The pit area probably could have accommodated 50 to 60 cars as well. Maybe the potential for huge shows wasn't there, but a nice little bi-weekly program could have been cultivated. As it is, they still host some big Kart races and other shows.

There's also the case of Sacramento Raceway. Right next to the drag strip is the stadium oval. They didn't have a long run of things, but in the mid 1990s, they managed to have a somewhat successful Stock Car program with Modifieds, Midgets and other classes. From the walls, the track was a quarter-mile, making it a small quarter-mile at that. Yet they managed to hold many races there. Even into the next decade, the track hosted several Spec Sprint and Hardtop shows. If not for the owner's lack of interest in doing much with the dirt track, they could still be hosting races there.

Before Dixon Speedway came to be, Argyle Park had the 1/5 mile dirt oval sitting out there. There were no bleachers or lights or anything, just an oval track. Drivers would still come out there to test their Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and even Sprint Cars. This went on for a few years. When Vallejo Speedway 2 was threatened, some of the racers came to Dixon and formed CORA. CORA Speedway came into being around 2005. It started out as a Kart race track, but it evolved from there.

Eventually, Micro Sprints became the thing with a few different classes. Dixon is also included in the King of California Series with three other venues, giving them some big events for the Micro Sprints. As this has grown, unfortunately, the Kart program has sort of waned. but an interesting thing started to happen around 2012.

Terry DeCarlo Jr began pushing for some Mini Stock and Dwarf Car races, and the drivers responded. You can even find some footage on YouTube, and if you look through the MyLaps history of Dixon Speedway, you'll also see the results. There were races that had 12 cars in either class. What helps the Dwarf Car division is the fact that there are a few different associations and an abundance of cars in the area.

At the time the Mini Stocks were being given dates, however, Marysville Raceway, Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico and Antioch Speedway all had 4 Cylinder classes. That is not the case at the moment. Petaluma, Merced and Orland still have 4 Cylinder classes. There are likely some cars still sitting around that could be cultivated, but the one thing a 4 Cylinder class has going for it is that you can build cars relatively quickly at an affordable price.

In 2014, the 4 Cylinders had their peak date with the New Year's Hangover 100. 12 Mini Stocks competed in that show, most of which were Four Banger type cars. There was a good crowd to watch this show, and video footage from other races before that seemed to show crowd interest as well. The Enduro featured action from turn to turn for the entire distance. The track did run some Dwarf Car and Mini Stock shows after that, but things seemed to die down.

What happened? Was it a case of lack of interest or was it a case of lack of promotion? Judging from the video footage, you can get competitive Dwarf Car and Mini Stock races on that track. This has been proven. It would add an element to the racing program that isn't there now. If enough interest were generated, you could host a limited number of races that featured Mini Stock and Dwarf Car type of racing.

Before going on, we should point out that in no way would we suggest taking the emphasis off of the division that is featured there now. Micro Sprints keep the track going and should continue to do so. However, you also don't book Micro Sprints every week. Drivers in the area sometimes choose to go to other places on nights off or just recuperate, repair and come back for the next race. The door would seem to be open for maybe four to six other special shows at various times during the year.

The other question to ask is, what divisions beyond Mini Stocks could you get away with running at Dixon? Could you book a Midget race and get support? Bear in mind that the BCRA Midgets have raced at venues only 1/8 mile around in the past. Could you get away with Midget Lites? Could you book Hobby Stocks? What divisions could you book there?

An idea that was proposed by The DCRR back in 2002 was a sort of practice session. At the time, all that was there was the oval, no bleachers or anything else. What you could do is gather drivers from as many divisions as are willing to come. You could put the cars out there one or two a time and run practice and qualifying laps. If you get any sort of division support, even five or six cars from the Modified division, for example, you could have a qualifying contest. Who sets the fast time? Prize monies or just best time trophies or plaques could be awarded to the winners. Maybe it is about plaques and just coming out there and having a good time at first.

If you could get drivers to come out there as it is now on some specially scheduled night, you can not only make this a gathering of sorts, the drivers could offer input on the track itself. Doing cars one or two at a time would seem safe, and there's precedent for that. Dixon Speedway likes to host practice nights as it is. At various times, drivers have put Hardtops, Modifieds, Midgets and Spec Sprints on that track. So doing cars one or two at a time is something that can be accomplished now with the goal of something bigger in the future.

What you could then do is book something of a racing program that also includes qualifying sessions. In other words, book Mini Stocks, Dwarf Cars and Mini Late Models to race. Whatever divisions you come up with. You could also offer qualifying opportunities for the bigger classes with the incentive that if you get so many cars, it becomes a fast time qualifying session with the winner getting a plaque, trophy or whenever. The idea also being that you could build a consensus for what can be done at the venue in the future.

Could something such as this open the door for Dixon Speedway to expand? Of course, this is all just speculation. Management at Dixon Speedway understands their situation better than we do. There may be things in the way preventing this, or it may just be that they haven't considered this very much lately. Or, it could be that they're thinking along these lines as we write this.

The other question would be, why do more than what you're doing now? One obvious answer is for business. If you're doing okay now, could you do better? Could you continue to nurture the Micro program while also expanding and bringing in bigger things? Also, if Jeremy Prince and his crew had a mind to go promoting at another track, even though that fell through, Dixon Speedway is still there waiting for new ideas.

Another question that would be asked is, why do anything with all the other tracks that are out there? Dixon is located in a place that could probably encourage visitation from the Sacramento area and the Petaluma area with the bonus being that drivers wouldn't have to pay a bridge toll to come. They are also not far from Antioch, allowing drivers to come from there as well. Merced racers might even come take a look.

This is all just speculation. Though we have long since looked at this venue and thought about what more could be done there, it could just be that the management team has it the way they want it. There may be reasons why it won't go beyond this. But then again, who knows? You could just hear about the track booking something for big cars sometime in the not-too-distant future. Whatever the case, this venue is not without potential. Where there's a will, there's a way. In the meantime, you can find out all about their plans for this year by going to www.dixonspeedway.net.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Antioch Speedway, Merced Speedway, Petaluma Speedway, Ocean Speedway Season Reviews, More


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58th Season Of Racing Sees Eight Champions Crowned 
At Antioch Speedway

Antioch, CA...Oval Motorsports wrapped up their 21st season of promoting Antioch Speedway. This was also the 58th season for the track, and 41 of those seasons have been promoted by a Soares. John M Soares beat his father John P Soares's record as he promoted the 2018 season, but it ended on a sad note.

Before the season was complete, John's wife of over 50 years, Donna Soares, passed away. She had been by his side throughout most of his racing career and was there when he took on the role of promoter of Antioch Speedway in 1998.

Once again, the track offered eight different divisions of All Star Series racing action for the fans to enjoy. Given how challenging it is to keep a car count up these days, Soares continued to employ the strategy of shuffling divisions and giving divisions nights off. However, the Hobby Stock division continued to be the hardest worked division at the speedway. The fans also got to enjoy A Modifieds, Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Wingless Spec Sprints, B Modifieds, DIRTcar Late Models, Limited Late Models and Dwarf Cars throughout the season.

The track offered its signature races, which included the Larry Damitz Memorial race, the Jerry Hetrick Memorial race, the John P Soares Memorial Top Dog race and the Chet Thomson Memorial. There were plenty of exciting shows to highlight the season and keep the crowd entertained.

There were two primary contenders for the A Modified championship. Bobby Motts Jr was going for his second division title, while Nick DeCarlo had set his sights on Antioch after winning championships at both Watsonville and Petaluma. DeCarlo made a big statement by winning the first two point races of the season. He gained four of his wins during the first half of the season, but he still couldn't shake the consistent Motts.

However, DeCarlo ended strong with four wins in the final seven races to seal the deal. All totaled, DeCarlo had eight wins, four seconds and four thirds among his best efforts. Motts had to work hard to finally get his one win of the season, which happened to be the big John P Soares Memorial Top Dog race. He also notched five seconds and three thirds to finish a close second in the final rundown.

Once again, Sean O'Gara finished third in the final standings. Among his best efforts were three third place finishes among his seven Top 5s. Past champion Kellen Chadwick ran a limited schedule, but he was a front-runner when he was there. With five feature wins, four seconds and one third, Chadwick ranked fourth in the standings. Rookie David Zeiter ended up fifth in the final rundown. David got better as the season went on and enjoyed his season-best one fifth place finish and heat race win in the closing weeks.

Bobby Hogge IV scored two wins in the A Modified division, including the Jerry Hetrick Memorial race. Oregonian Travis Peery paid a visit at the New Year's race and outran DeCarlo for that victory. Two-time champion Carl Berendsen II and Brian Cass were also feature winners with Cass winning twice. The second win for Cass came in the $1,000 finale. Season-best second place finishes were earned by Duane Cleveland, Jeff Olschowka, five-time champion Scott Busby, Anthony Slaney, multi-time Petaluma champion Oreste Gonella and Raymond Lindemann. Slaney did it twice. Season-best third place finishes were turned in by Danny Wagner, Trent Wentworth and Buddy Kniss. Wentworth and Wagner both did it twice.

it seems like the road to the Winged 360 Sprint Car championship always goes through three-time champion Art McCarthy. That was again the case last season. Despite a rough season opener, McCarthy remained consistent with two second place finishes and three thirds among his ten starts. However, second-generation racer Matt DeMartini managed to pick up two feature wins, finished second twice and finished third two times. The season finale that had the biggest car count of the year turned out to be a near-disaster for DeMartini after he flipped on the opening lap. McCarthy found himself in a position to nearly pull off the comeback as he led the race before blowing a motor. In the end, DeMartini prevailed.

Tim Burcher competed in what was his first full season and had lots of highs and lows. He made every race and had two season-best fourth place finishes to finish third in the final rundown, followed by David Dias. Dias had one season-high third place effort. Following his "Rookie Of The Year" effort, young Jacob Tuttle returned with two season-high second place finishes to rank fifth in the standings.

Second-generation racer Burt Foland Jr finally got his first win to go with one second and two thirds. Other feature wins went to Watsonville champion Brad Furr, multi-time Marysville champion Colby Wiesz, past champion Billy Aton, rising Petaluma star William Fatu, Eric Humphries and Kurt Nelson. DeMartini bears the distinction of being the only driver to win more than one Main Event. Tyler Brown and Petaluma champion Jake Haulot had season-high second place finishes, while David Lindt II, Geoffrey Strole, James Ringo and past Antioch champion Shawn Arriaga each had one season-best third.

After putting up impressive numbers in his third place effort a year earlier, Bob Newberry returned and made a successful run at his second Antioch Speedway Wingless Spec Sprint championship. Newberry got off to a very strong start by winning his four Main Events in the first seven races. He also had two second place finishes and maintained a slight advantage over Shannon Newton. Newton got hot during the second half of the season as he won two Main Events in the last four weeks to go with his division-leading four second place finishes. Newton still only just held off Brandon Burd by seven points for third. Burd's three third place finishes were his best efforts out of seven Top 5 finishes.

Fourth-ranked Roy Fisher also had three third place finishes out of his seven Top 5 efforts to stake his claim on fourth in points. It was a difficult season for division mainstay Rick Panfili. He considered selling his race car, but when the offer fell through, he came back and finished out the season. Panfili had a season-high second-place finish and seemed to be headed for that again in the finale before he was eliminated in a crash that eliminated the championship contenders as well. Newcomer Scott Martin had a fourth place finish and three fifths as he outran rookie McKenzie Newton for sixth in points by just three tallies. Newton had a season-best fourth place finish.

Alan Miranda saw the highs and the lows as he picked up three feature wins, but his season ended in a hard wreck at the tenth event of the season while leading. Young Adam Teves drove the 'Lloyd Beard Special" to a win in the season finale ahead of Bryan Speery. Past champion Kyle Bakkie and Bob Davis both had season-high second place finishes, while James East, Jessie Love IV and Keith Calvino each had one season-high third place finish.

During the past couple of seasons, Jeff Decker has been head and shoulders above the rest of the competition in the DIRTcar Late Model division. It has developed into quite the rivalry between Decker and Richard Papenhausen. Papenhausen and Decker figured to be the prime candidates competing for the championship, but after Papenhausen outran Decker to win the season opener, he skipped a race and dropped out of the championship battle. The surprising Rod Oliver emerged as the number one contender.

However, Decker was unstoppable. He scored seven wins, two seconds and a season-worst third place finish to steadily pull away from Oliver on the way to his fourth Antioch championship. Oliver never failed to finish inside of the Top 5 in any of his 10 starts. His season-high effort of  one second place finish occurred in the final race of the season, while he also had four third place finishes.

The battle was for third between Mike Hynes, Kimo Oreta and Papenhausen. Hynes scored his season-high third place finish in the finale to go with four fourth place finishes. This was enough to give him a slight advantage over Oreta for third. Oreta did have two third place finishes and one fourth. Papenhausen missed the finale, but he had three wins and five second place finishes to end up fifth in the standings. Season-high second place finishes were earned by sixth ranked Dennis Souza and Shawn DeForest once each, and Paul Guglielmoni had a season-high third place finish.

The closest championship battle for any of the All Star Series sanctioned classes was had in the Limited Late Model division. Reigning champion Kimo Oreta seemed like the driver to beat in the Sun Drop Racing Team car. However, third-generation racer Mark Garner was stepping up his game, while Mike Walko returned to the track where he started his career and was an immediate contender. The battle at the top of the list went back and forth between Oreta and Garner, while Walko was still within striking distance until missing a race late in the season. Garner got hot when he needed to with two wins and a second in the final three races, which made the difference in the end.

A key factor in Garner scoring his first-ever home track championship was the fact that he won nearly every heat race that he started. He also had five feature wins, four seconds and three thirds among his best efforts. His biggest win of the season came in the Larry Damitz Memorial race. Before Garner had his strong final three races to seal the deal, Oreta won three of his division-leading six Main Events in the four races prior to that. Oreta also had four second place finishes and four thirds. Meanwhile, Walko had a better start than any of them with ten Top 3 finishes in the first 11 races. His season totals included four wins, five second place finishes and four thirds, and he needed his fifth second place finish in the finale to just beat Ryan Cherezian for third in the final standings.

Cherezian had his best season yet, and this included two season-high second place finishes and five third place efforts. Fifth ranked Chad Hammer had his season-high third place finish in the finale among his six Top 5 finishes. Two-time division champion Mike Gustafson scored three feature wins, which included his thrilling victory over Garner at the second to last event of the season. Other season-best efforts were turned in by past champion Jim Freethy and sixth ranked John Evans with one second place finish each.

The B Modified championship was really no battle at all. Trevor Clymens hit his stride midway through the season as he scored four of his seven wins during a five-race stretch. He also scored three second place finishes and two thirds. He won the championship by nearly 300 points, leaving a good battle between rookie Ryan DeForest and Chuck Golden for second. DeForest had one feature win during the season and used his better finish ahead of Golden in the last race to end up second in the standings. Golden had two season-high third place finishes among his best efforts.

Tommy Fraser missed some races getting a new car, but he had his first feature win during the stretch run to go with one second and one third among his best finishes. He ended up fourth in the standings ahead of Kenny Shrader. Likewise, Shrader had one feature win late in the season to go with two third place finishes.

2015 champion Fred Ryland didn't race regularly, but he had three feature wins during the season. Ryland won the New Year's race ahead of past Chico and Marysville champion Philip Shelby. Other wins were earned by rookie Brent Curran, past IMCA State champion Nick Spainhoward, Tanner Thomas, 2017 Chico champion Phillip Shelby and Chris Sieweke, and Thomas did it twice. Thomas won a good battle with Watsonville champion Jim DiGiovanni to win the finale.

Second was DiGiovanni's best finish at Antioch, and other season-high second place finishes were turned in by Guy Ahlwardt, Aaron Crowell, Todd Gomez, and incoming champion KC Keller. Crowell, Gomez and Keller each did it twice. Curran was also notable in scoring three second place finishes. Season-high third place finishes were turned in by Les Friend, Doff Cooksey, Kenny Neu, Randy Brown, Anthony Giuliani and Chris Falkenberg. Cooksey had two third place efforts.

After a late-season scheduling change cost Chris Sorensen a possible championship in 2017, he came into the new season with a new car. This resulted in his best effort yet. Once Sorensen gained the point lead, he slowly pulled away to a nearly 300 point advantage by season's end. Chris racked up an amazing eight wins, nine seconds and five thirds, meaning he only failed to make it into the Top 3 six times. Michael Cooper and Cameron Swank had a back and forth battle going for second throughout the season. However, Cooper prevailed for his best career effort. He won five races with six second place finishes and three thirds. Swank made his final season in Hobby Stocks count with six wins, five seconds and three thirds.

"Rookie Of The Year" and fourth place status turned out to be a battle for a while during the season. After getting his win during the first part of the season, John Wacht slowly faded from contention. Breanna Troen had things figured out by the time the season began its stretch run. Her impressive numbers included one win, one second and three thirds among her nine Top 5 finishes. She would finish fourth in the standings to secure top rookie honors. Rookie Josh Leach got his first win late in the season to go with two seconds and three thirds. He ended the season on a tie with fellow rookie Anthony Welborn for fifth. Welborn's second win of the season came in the finale, and he also had one second and one third.

Fred Ryland built a car specifically to make a run at the special 50 lap, $1,000 to win race, which he won ahead of fellow past champion Brad Myers. Chris Long got his one win at the New Year's race. Billy Garner scored his first career feature win ahead of Cooper. Other season-high efforts included two second place finishes for Chris Bennett as well as a season-high second place finish for longtime Antioch racer Bob Brown. Anthony Vigna had a pair of season-high third place finishes, and other drivers to finish third during the season included Frank Furtado, Joey Ridgeway and Haley Gomez. Ridgeway did it twice. Gomez lost a heartbreaker during the year when she led all but the final lap, breaking her steering in the first turn.

It was the 20th anniversary season for the Dwarf Car division as a regular class at the speedway, and incoming champion Mike Corsaro appeared to be the driver to beat. When he won four of the first five races, Corsaro jumped out to a good lead. Corsaro won five Main Events, finished second six times and scored five third place finishes to claim his second division championship. It was a breakout season for second generation racer David Michael Rosa. Rosa won five Main Events during the season to go with one second and two thirds. He still just managed to hold off Mario Marques for second as Marques won one Main Event during the season to go with one second and one third.

Longtime Antioch Speedway competitor David Rosa was a Main Event winner once during the season with two seconds and three thirds as he had a solid hold on fourth in the standings. Chris Becker settled for fifth. He had one season-high fourth place finish. Other drivers on the winner's list included past champions Danny Wagner and Kevin Miraglio twice each. Another past champion, Jerry Doty, got a win, as did Toby Brown and Ben Wiesz.

There was also some confusion as to who was driving the Tony Carmignani car when it won the tenth race of the season. It turned out that the driver was five-time champion and the division's all-time Main Event win leader, Ricardo Rivera, rather than Carmignani. Season-high second place finishes were turned in by Michael "Spanky" Grenert, Josh Miller, Deven Kammerman, Michael Curry, Travis Hensley, Giovanni Bertoli and Thomas Lieby. Kammerman did it twice. Longtime division competitor Charlie Correia had a pair of third place finishes early in the season, and other season-best efforts were turned in by Jack Haverty and Carmignani. Carmignani did it twice. Dody also had three third place finishes.

The Bay Area Hardtops made three appearances during the season with Ken Retzloff winning the first event ahead of one of the originals of the division's revival, Terry DeCarlo. DeCarlo won the next two races. The first came in a close battle with California Hardtop star Jason Armstrong. The next one came in the prestigious Chet Thomson Memorial race after he chased leader Dave Mackey during the first half of the race before Mackey was eliminated in a crash. DeCarlo held off Kimo Oreta and Armstrong to win that race. Mackey had a third place finish in the opener, Ron Ruiz had a third-place finish in the next race and Doug Braudrick had his season-best effort in fourth in the opener.

To keep the car count at a good level and give the fans a nice variety, the divisions were rotated throughout the season. It made for some exciting racing all year, and this is expected to be the case again as the speedway enters it's 59th consecutive season of operation. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

2018 All Star Series Antioch Speedway
Point Standings  
A Modifieds
Nick DeCarlo    1040
Bobby Motts Jr.    892
Sean O'Gara    680
Kellen Chadwick    618
David Zeiter    574
Bobby Montalvo    478
Raymond Lindeman 457
Buddy Kniss    456
Brian Cass 354
Anthony Slaney   332

B Modifieds
Trevor Clymens    974
Ryan DeForest   710
Chuck Golden    708
Tommy Fraser    575
Kenny Shrader    534
Todd Gomez    392
Matt Taylor    360
Kevin Brown    352
Brent Curran    344
Guy Ahlwardt    302

Limited Late Models
Mark Garner    972
Kimo Oreta    962
Mike Walko    882
Ryan Cherezian    874
John Evans    617
Chad Hammer    604
Mike Gustafson    598
Lori Brown    250
Jon Haney    80
Michael Burch    74

Hobby Stocks
Chris Sorensen    1404
Michael Cooper    1147
Cameron Swank    1016
Breanna Troen    932
Josh Leach    861
Anthony Welborn    861
John Wacht    548
Billy Garner    504
Haley Gomez    488
Anthony Vigna    370

Dwarf Cars
Mike Corsaro    954
David Michael Rosa 836
Mario Marques    808
David Rosa    758
Chris Becker    643
Jerry Doty    476
Troy Stevenson    456
Timmy Ryan    361
Giovanni Bertoli 336
Jesse Pfieffer 308

Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Matt DeMartini    426
Art McCarthy    403
Tim Burcher    376
David Dias    368
Jacob Tuttle    336
Jeff Strole    302
Billy Aton    248
Burt Foland Jr.    188
Joey Ancona    122
William Fatu    100

Wingless Spec Sprints
Bob Newberry    544
Shannon Newton    511
Brandon Burd    504
Roy Fisher    434
Rick Panfili    380
Scott Martin    378
Mackenzie Newton 375
James East    316
Alan Miranda    316
Rick Ottderstrom 150

DIRTcar Late Models
Jeff Decker    546
Rod Oliver    488
Mike Hynes    438
Kimo Oreta     434
Richard Papenhausen 424
Dennis Souza    279
John Soares    272
Rob Norris    194
Paul Guglielmoni 176
Chester Kniss    110


Merced Speedway Carries On Under Difficult Circumstances

Merced, CA...Everything seemed to be going well at Merced Speedway. Promoter Ed Parker put together another top-notch schedule for 2018 that saw him working with other tracks whenever possible and offering some big, enticing races for the drivers throughout the season. The problem was that at times you could see the stress Ed was under in trying to always do the right thing. Nobody can ever make everybody happy, but Ed was one of those people who tried his hardest.

As the season went on, Ed was also under criticism from people who felt he wasn't giving them the best racing surface possible. He had gone to a few different promoters seminars and learned things that he hoped would work for Merced Speedway. When he realized it didn't work out, he had the crews working hard on the track after the Dwarf Car Nationals to get it into proper shape. 'You asked for it, you got it," he said in one of his famous Facebook live broadcasts. "I listen to my racers."

It wasn't too much longer after that when Ed died of a heart attack. The community was stunned. How could they go on and complete the rest of the season? However, Ed's family wanted to do it. They knew that this was what he would have wanted. Margie Mejia had been a silent backer of the program. She wasn't looking for any recognition, but she too believed in Ed's vision. With Ed gone, she stepped forward and was a little more visible as the show went on. This included one of the biggest races of the year, the Ed Parker Tribute.

The impressive line-up of divisions continued to include the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman and California Sharp Mini Late Models. Ed also scheduled some special shows, including the Dwarf Cars, BCRA Midgets Lites, BCRA Midgets, RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars and 600 Micros. There was a little something for everybody to enjoy. He also had several marquee events that generally paid tribute to somebody who made the race track special through the years.

Darrell Hughes II had taken a liking to Merced Speedway coming into the season. He knew that this was going to be his home track, and he set about winning the championship. Given the quality of the field, sometimes just making it into the Main Event was a challenge. In his 12 starts, however, Darrell only missed the Top 5 once. Because of the consistency of Brian Pearce, however, he couldn't get too comfortable in the lead. He needed to close out the season with four straight wins to seal the deal. He had five wins, one second, and two thirds among his best finishes. His victories included wins in the Ed Parker Tribute, the Matt & Glass Memorial Cancer Fundraiser and the Timmy Post Memorial. It is also noteworthy that Darrell won a race long battle with Bobby Hogge IV in winning the 51 lap Ed Parker race.

Pearce, meanwhile, had his hands full battling multi-time champion Ramie Stone for the runner-up honors. He picked up three season-high second place finishes, two of which happened in the final five races. This was good enough for him to hold off Stone by a slim margin. Stone managed to get one win, one second and one third in finishing third in the final rundown. Stone had seven Top 5 finishes to six for Pearce. Meanwhile, cousin Paul Stone settled for fourth in the standings. Paul won the second and third races of the season, the second being the Ted Stofle Classic, which he won ahead of Hughes and Pearce. He had five Top 5 finishes to four for fifth ranked Ryan Porter. Porter had one win during the season.

Ethan Dotson turned in an impressive performance in winning the John Fore Jr Memorial race to end the season. It was multi-time Santa Maria champion Danny Lauer holding off Austin Burke to win the season opener. DJ Shannon was a feature winner on one occasion, and Kenny Schrader came to town and scored the win that night ahead of Hughes. Other season best finishes included second place finishes for State champion Shane DeVolder, Justin Villanueva and Jeff Streeter once each. 2017 champion Randy Brown, Derek Nance, Chris Crompe and Troy Foulger each had one third place finish.

The IMCA Sport Modified  championship battle had several contenders. After a controversial disqualification call against Chris Falkenberg at the seventh event, he elected to take a break from racing at Merced. This left the battle between Danny Roe, Jeremy Hoff and Bruce "Bubba" Nelson. Hoff had won a championship at Antioch, but all three were vying for their first Merced Sport Modified crowns. Of the three, however, Nelson was the only driver with a Merced feature win. He managed to earn two of them.

Roe gave it a valiant effort with two of his three season-high second place finishes happening in the final two point races. However, it was not to be. Hoff picked up two season-high second place finishes, and his second third place finish in the finale was enough to keep Roe behind him in the final rundown. If not for bad luck in the second to last race, Nelson might have won the championship. He also gave it a valiant effort with his second win happening in the finale. He had three second place finishes as well, but he settled for third in the final rundown. Hoff topped the field with eight Top 5 finishes while Roe, Nelson and fourth-ranked Tanner Thomas each had five.

The sophomore season for second generation racer Tanner Thomas was impressive. He won three of the first six races of the season. He also made a couple of appearances at Antioch Speedway and won there as well. He settled for fourth in the standings, not too far ahead of brother Chase Thomas. Chase also won a Main Event. Two of Tanner's wins came in the Timmy Post Memorial and Ted Stofle Classic.

Chuck Weir's controversial win came after Chris Falkenberg and he made contact with Falkenberg beating him back to the line for an apparent win. Not only did Falkenberg lose the win, but he was completely disqualified as the second place finisher Weir was elevated to the win. Other victories were scored by past IMCA State champion Nick Spainhoward, sixth-ranked Kelly Wilkinson and 2017 champion Fred Ryland. Wilkinson and Ryland both won twice, and Ryland scored his second John Fore Jr Memorial win. Jack Aguiar, Jarrod Mounce and Andrew Peckham each had a season-high second place finish. Tim Elias had two third place finishes, while Ryan Bledsaw, Mark Odgers, Chris Falkenberg, Mark Squadrito and Cody Parker each had one third place finish as their best efforts for the year.

Despite the fact that Kodie Dean turned in a stellar performance throughout the season, the incoming Hobby Stock champion still had to earn this championship. Dean needed his ninth win in the season finale to secure just a seven point advantage over Shannon Nelson in the final rundown. He also picked up a pair of second place finishes and a third to account for his 12 Top 5 finishes. The consistent Nelson also had 12 Top 5 finishes. Her first and only win came in the 14th event of the season, and she also racked up four second place finishes and two thirds. Second was still her best career season. Two of Dean's wins came on Ted Stofle Classic night and at the Timmy Post Memorial.

After stumbling out of the gate, Austin Van Hoff hit his stride later in the season. His win in the Ed Parker Tribute race was his second of the season. He also had three second place finishes and three thirds among his 11 Top 5 efforts to end up fourth in the standings. His absence from one race due to a blown motor accounted for him settling for fourth behind Kristie Shearer. Shearer had 13 Top 10 finishes, including a season-best two third place finishes. John Hensley settled for fifth in the standings with two season-high fifth place performances.

Past Watsonville champions Billy Nelson and Rob Gallaher both had one feature win, and two time Sport Modified champion Rick Diaz drove one of the FND Motorsports cars to the win in the John Fore Jr Memorial race. Robbie Loquaci had a good start to his season with a win, two seconds and a third during the first half of the season before falling out of the Top 10 in the standings. Other notable efforts included season-high second place efforts for past Merced Hobby Stock champions Bubba Nelson and Kevin Joaquin and Cody Johnson in the John Fore Jr Memorial race. Syd Finn had two season-best third place finishes and seventh-ranked Kalob Shelton did it once.

The name the people are used to seeing at the top of the Mini Stock point list is Corder. Chris Corder has won three of the last four championships at Merced Speedway, finishing second the year he didn't win. He and his sister Jennifer figured to be factors in the championship battle once again. However, Chris had a rough start. Though he won three of the first four races, two of the first five races saw him watching the Main Event from the sidelines. Meanwhile, Jennifer had three second place finishes in the first five races. At the sixth event, things took a turn for the worst in the tech area. Both drivers opted to take a break from racing at Merced at that point.

This meant the championship would be won by a first-timer, and there were several drivers in contention. The two biggest challenges were presented by Allen Neal and Lee Ragsdale. Both drivers had ten Top 10 finishes in their 11 starts. With car count starting out very strong at the beginning of the season, this was important. Neal saved his best for last with his two wins coming in the last two point events. He also had one second place finish and one third out of his seven Top 5 finishes. Ragsdale actually had eight Top 5s. Though he didn't win, he had three seconds and one third among his best finishes. His crash in the finale cost him the championship to Neal by a mere two points. It was the closest championship battle at the speedway.

Tyler Jackson visited the winner's circle one time with two third place finishes among his six Top 5 efforts to nail down third in the standings ahead of Jennifer Rodgers. As the season wore on, Rodgers got faster with her second and third place finishes happening in the last two races. Shawn DePriest didn't start off strong, but he eventually won two Main Events with a pair of seconds and a third as his best finishes. This gave him fifth in the final rundown.

Central Valley Mini Stocks star Dan Myrick made a visit midway through the season and held off Ragsdale for the victory. Robert Jackson picked up his two feature wins during the first five races. It was Dakota Keldsen winning the money in the John Fore Jr Memorial race, while Tyler Jackson's win came on Ed Parker Memorial night. Other season-best finishes included a second and third by Destiny Carter in the first two races. She ended up selling her car and moving up to the Hobby Stocks. Bryant Desaire also had a season-high second, while Lucy Falkenberg and past Mini Truck champion Kevin Lockerby had two third place finishes each.

The Valley Sportsman division has had at least a few races at Merced Speedway since Chuck Griffin added it to the roster in 1999. Only the 2015 season went without a champion. For last season, Watsonville Hall Of Famer Jerry Cecil and Rick Elliott were the only drivers to compete at every race. Cecil beat Elliott to the finish line in all but the season finale. Cecil's season highlights were three second place finishes and two thirds, giving him a slim advantage over Elliot in the final rundown. Elliot's best finish was one third place effort.

Chris Birdsong racked up four wins in his five starts and one second. His absence from two races cost him a sure championship. One of his wins came aboard the 2017 championship car of Jeff Bristow. He also beat the biggest field of the year on Legends Night, followed by Cecil. Bristow drove his car to a pair of third place finishes, while Sport Modified star Chris Falkenberg picked up two wins in the Bristow car. On the strength of two second place finishes in the final three races, Eric Seeley ranked fourth in the final standings ahead of Jeff West. Watsonville Hall Of Famer Ray Johnson had one season-high second place finish as his best effort. Gary Hildebrand drove the Bristow car to one third place finish.

The California Sharp Mini Late Models had their first official championship race, but Tim Crews put up numbers that made him impossible to beat. Crews won four Main Events and finished second seven times to claim the championship ahead of Carson Guthrie. Guthrie finally picked up his first win in the season finale to go with three second place finishes and one third. Riley Jeppesen missed a race, but he had one win and five seconds to finish third ahead of Ian Shearer. Shearer had three season-best third place finishes. Jesse Burks might have presented a challenge for the championship, but he missed four races. He won five Main Events to finish fifth in the standings. Logan Clay made his debut late in the season with one second place finish, while Hobby Stock racer Raulie Rodriguez drove the Clay car to a third place finish.

The speedway offered a few special attractions here and there. This included two BCRA Midgets Lites races. Dean Alexander won the first one ahead of Scott Kenney and Hunter Kenny. Southern California star Bobby Michnowicz won the second race ahead of Doug Nunes and Hunter Kinney. The BCRA Midgets made one appearance, won by BCRA dirt track champion Maria Coffer ahead of Robert Dalby and Cory Elliott. The 600 Micros made an appearance as well, won by Jacob Williams ahead of Koen Shaw and Ryan DeLisle. Grant Duinkerken won the IMCA RaceSaver 305 Sprint Car race ahead of Albert Pombo and Brooklyn Holland.

The South Bay Dwarf Cars had one race early in the season, won by Scott Dahlgren ahead of Shawn Jones and Michael Grenert. The Dwarf Car Nationals event returned later with a big turnout of cars from throughout California and other states. The Pro Main Event was won by Ryan Diatte ahead of Jonathan Henry and Tony Steffensmeier. Diatte also won the Preliminary Feature ahead of Henry and Ryan Winter. The Veterans Main Event went to Arizona visitor Steve Kapaun ahead of Mark Biscardi and Tim Fitzpatrick. Dahlgren won the Preliminary Feature ahead of Biscardi and Kevin Bender. The Sportsman feature went to Shawn Whitney ahead of Southern Oregon racer Joe Sanders and Mike Clark. The Sportsmans ran within the Veterans race for their Preliminary Feature, with Whitney leading the charge ahead of Mack Aceves and Eddy Claesson.

Merced Speedway had one of its biggest car counts ever. There were roughly 130 cars in the pits for the Bill Egleston Memorial race. Many great things happened at Merced Speedway in 2018, and that trend is expected to continue in the coming season.  For further information, go to www.mercedspeedway.net.

2018 Merced Speedway Point Standings
IMCA Modifieds
Darrell Hughes    452
Brian Pearce    419
Ramie Stone    409
Paul Stone    355
Ryan Porter    330
Troy Stone    329
Justin Villaneuva 319
Jeff Streeter    315
Jarod Fast    290
Derek Nance    284   

IMCA Sport Mods
Jeremy Hoff    427
Danny Roe    424
Bruce Nelson    419
Tanner Thomas    390
Chase Thomas    377
Kelly Wilkinson    374
Cody Parker    339
Mark Squadrito    318
Jarrod Mounce    277
Chris Falkenberg 236   

Hobby Stocks
Kodie Dean    560
Shannon Nelson    553
Kristie Shearer    509
Austin Van Hoff    504
John Hensley    384
Mike Germait    358
Kalob Shelton    321
Race Shelton    316
Michael Shearer    309
Robbie Loquaci    296   

Mini Stocks
Allen Neal    396
Lee Ragsdale    394
Tyler Jackson    380
Jennifer Rodgers 366
Shawn DePriest    350
Chris Corder    209
Kevin Lockerby    202
Bryant Desaire    200
Jason Belton Jr. 182
Jennifer Corder    215   

Valley Sportsman
Jerry Cecil    265
Rick Elliot    251
Chris Birdsong    199
Eric Seely    151
Jeff West    143
Mike Freisen    114
Jeff Bristow    114
Chris Falkenberg 80
Ray Johnson    74
Chris Corder    73   

Mini Late Models
Tim Crews    433
Carson Guthrie    413
Riley Jeppesen    377
Ian Shearer    368
Jesse Burks    238
Logan Clay    113
Raulie Rodriguez 38   


2018 Had Plenty Of Excitement At Petaluma Speedway

Petaluma, CA...In light of the threats that surround the fairgrounds in Petaluma, it's not a given that racing will continue at Petaluma Speedway. However, fans were given good news late in the 2018 season. Glad Enterprises and promoter Rick Faeth were given a contract extension through 2022. This means that the show will go on at least that long without worrying about the checkered flag falling early on the speedway.

Faeth is a busy man working different deals for sponsorship for the speedway and the divisions. In the end, he manages to put together a nice schedule for the fans to enjoy. Last season, Petaluma Speedway continued to offer the PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 and Wingless Spec Sprints, McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds, Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks, Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks, Santa Rosa Auto Body 600 Micros and General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars. In addition to that, the fans were treated to special events, including The Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, presented by Abreu Vineyards, the King Of The West/NARC Fujitsu 410 Winged Sprint Cars, Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints and an appearance by the USAC/CRA Wingless 410 Sprint Cars.

The Winged 360 Sprint Cars quietly had their 30th season of championship racing at Petaluma Speedway last season, and once again it was a good battle. This one featured second generation racers Jake Haulot and Brett Rollag along with fourth generation racer Colby Johnson. All three drivers entered the season finale with a mathematical shot at the title, but Rollag's hopes ended in a flip in the Main Event. Haulot started the season strong with a second, a win and another second and his first three starts. He ended the season with two straight Top 5 finishes, earning him a seven point championship margin ahead of Johnson. Haulot had six Top 5 efforts. Johnson had a second and  two thirds out of his four Top 5 finishes. In settling for a close third in the standings, two second place finishes were the best of Rollag's four Top 5 efforts.

The biggest force in the division was probably Klint Simpson. Simpson had three wins and an additional Top 5 finish, but some bad luck and his absence from one race forced him to settle for fourth. Young William Fatu made great strides in his rookie season in the class with four Top 10 finishes. He also had a win in a visit to Antioch Speedway.

Many-time Civil War Sprint Car champion Andy Forsberg won the two PitStopUSA.com Shootout races with the extra money on the line. Buddy Kofoid, 2017 champion Geoff Ensign and DJ Freitas won the other regular point races. Other season-best efforts in the regular shows included three second place finishes for Kalib Henry and one second place finish each for David Lindt II, past champion Bradley Terrell and John Clark. Season-best third place finishes were scored by Lucas Ashe and Chase Johnson. Ensign had an additional two third place finishes.

The Wingless Spec Sprint championship race didn't turn out to be very close at all. With two wins and a second out of her eight Top 5 finishes, Shayna Sylvia won the championship by a wide margin. Bradley Terrell took his turn behind the wheel in wingless action and notched three wins out of five Top 5 efforts. He won the second and third Hunt Series races, the second of which was also the annual Johnny Soares Classic. He grabbed third by just three points ahead of 2017 champion Ryon Siverling. A fourth place finish was the lone Top 5 effort for Siverling.

Scott Chapeta had a third place finish out of his three Top 5 finishes to secure fourth in the standings, not too far in front of Mini Stock graduate Eden McCormick. McCormick had six Top 10 finishes. Michael Faccinto won the season opener, which was also a Hunt Series race. Nick Larsen, multi-time Hunt Series champion Terry Shank Jr and Geoff Ensign were the other feature winners. Ensign won twice, including the Adobe Cup race. Season-high second place finishes were earned by Cody Spencer, past Chico champion Angelique Bell, Scott Hall, Casey McLain and Billy Aton. McLain and Aton each had two second place finishes. Season-best third place efforts were turned in by Troy DeGaton, DJ Johnson and Jake Haulot. Shank had an additional two third place finishes.

In the eight race IMCA Modified series, Jeffrey Faulkner emerged as a surprise contender for the championship. Hoping to dethrone Oreste Gonella. Faulkner got off to a strong start with a win in the opener and a second in the next race. With four Top 5 finishes in the first five races, Faulkner was in the lead, but his bad luck late in the season cost him that spot to Gonella. Gonella went winless for the season, but he scored three of his four second place finishes in the final three races to move past Faulkner and claim the championship. Gonella had a third place finish among his six Top 5 efforts. Faulkner had five Top 5 finishes, which included his third place finish in the finale.

Justin Yeager and the returning Tony Bernard had a close battle for third in the standings, won by Yaeger. It had been several seasons since Bernard had raced, but he was one of the first drivers to run in the Modified class after winning a Street Stock championship before that. Multi-time champion Michael Paul Jr placed fifth with a win, two seconds and a third among his best efforts.

Four-time Antioch Speedway champ Troy Foulger made three visits and won all three of them, including the $1,500 prize for his win in the Top Dog Nationals. Tim Yeager was a two-time winner, and Chris Sieweke also scored a victory. Season-high efforts included a second for Ryan McDaniel behind Foulger in the Top Dog race. Jerry Roy Jr, State champion Shane DeVolder and David Spriggs finished third with Roy doing it twice.

Despite the fact that Mitch Machado turned in a rather dominant performance in the Super Stock division, the championship battle was still close. Machado has spent years racing wherever he wanted to and having fun, but 2018 was the year he would focus on winning the title at his home track. His numbers included eight wins, one second and one third. Despite that, he still needed his win in the point season finale to seal the deal as the champion. Multi-time champion Steve Studebaker managed to keep it close. Studebaker won the two point events that Machado didn't win. He also finished second six times, third once and fourth once as his ten Top 5 finishes. Those numbers might have been able to win him a championship had it not been for how great a season Machado had.

Another past champion, Shawn McCoy, enjoyed two season-high third place finishes among his five Top 5 efforts to secure third in the standings ahead of Matt While. While enjoyed three season-high second place finishes and two thirds among his six Top 5 finishes. Snazzy Duckworth ended up fifth in the standings with eight Top 10 finishes in her eight starts.

The $2,000 to win prize in the Bob McCoy Memorial at the Adobe Cup event went to past Petaluma star Mike Learn ahead of Machado and Richard Brace Jr. Jim "Woody" Woodward and Manny Avila finished as high as third with Avila doing it twice.

The Redwood Dwarf Car championship managed to be close despite the fact that at times multi-time champion Dave Mosier was unbeatable. Mosier won four races in a five race span and five total. His one blemish, a disqualification during the season, may have been his undoing. Scooter Gomes had a very consistent season with two seconds and two thirds among his nine Top 5 finishes. His fourth place finish in the point finale earned him the championship over Mosier by just one point.

Past champion Chad Mathias had a win, two seconds and a third among his best efforts to nail down third in the standings ahead of Caroll Mendenhall. Mendenhall had two season-high fourth place finishes. Adam Teves won the second to last point race and had two seconds and a third among his best efforts to finish fifth in the final point rundown.

Other drivers on the Main Event winner's list included Shawn Jones, Terre Rothweiler, Zach Albers, Matt Hagermann and Miranda Chappa. Season-high second place finishes were turned in by Brandon Gentry and Mark Biscardi. Albers had a pair of second place finishes as well. Marcus Hardina, Mark Hanson, John Peters and Marty Weisler had season-high third place finishes. Peters did it twice.

The Redwood Dwarf Car Association hosted a Western States Dwarf Car Regionals event. It was Ryan Diatte winning the Pro Main Event ahead of Rothweiler and Albers. Scott Dahlgren won the Veterans Main Event ahead of Kevin Maraglio and Mike Reeder. Shawn Whitney won the Sportsman Main Event ahead of Mike Affonso and Adam Freitas.

The Mini Stock heritage at Petaluma stretches back to 1989 and is a continuation from Baylands Raceway that stretches back into the 1970s. Like the Winged Sprint Cars, the Mini Stocks quietly entered their 30th season of racing at Petaluma Speedway. The man they call "Doctor Burn Rubber," David Spindell, won an impressive five Main Events in his seven starts, but he missed a race. The consistent Tom Brown had one win along with four second place finishes among his five Top 5s to win the championship ahead of Spindell.

Danny Manzoni had a season-high second place finish out of his three Top 5s to just hold off Roy Dearing for the third point position. Dearing also had a season-high third place finish out of five Top 5s. Roberta Broze had four Top 5 finishes to end up fifth in the standings. After a late start, Jeremy Tjensvold picked up one feature win, one second and two third place finishes. Austin Ohlinger won the season opener before moving up in divisions with Danny Manzoni taking over the ride. Kelly Campanile had one season-high second place finish, while Randy Miramontez, Richard Sklarski and Simone Chrisman finished as high as third. Miramontez did it twice.

The 600 Micro Sprints continued to offer solid car counts throughout the season. David Engstrom turned in some impressive numbers. He won his three Main Events in the last four races in addition to three other Top 5 finishes. This enabled him to hold off young Cody Gray to win the championship. Gray won the second to last Main Event of the season and also had one second and two third place finishes. Kyle Grissom and Brian Slubik each had one Top 5 finish to finish third and fourth, respectively. George Nielsen had two seconds and a third but missed a race as he settled for fifth in the standings.

Nick Robfogel had a win and a third among his best efforts. Other feature winners included Jim Beck and Jared Morrison. Dixon champion Kyle Mentch and Rick Cook II had a season-high second place finish, while Cook also had a third. Another season-high third place finish was earned by Paul Alonzo.

The speedway also hosted the King Of The West/NARC 410 Winged Sprint Cars twice with Kyle Hirst winning a race ahead of Colby Copeland and Shane Golobic. Golobic came back the next time to hold off Bud Kaeding and Tanner Thorson for the victory. There were two huge fields on hand for the Sprint Car Challenge Tour visits. Willie Croft won the first race ahead of Tim Keading and Shane Golobic. It was Kyle Hirst holding off Tim Kaeding and Tanner Thorson at the next visit. The USAC/CRA 410 Wingless Sprint Car show was won by Tyler Courtney ahead of Damion Gardner and Geoff Ensign. The BCRA Midgets ran two races, the second of which was a head-to-head show with the USAC Western Midgets. Maria Cofer won the first visit in dominant fashion ahead of Ensign and David Prickett. Alex Schutte won the next race with Pricket and Michael Faccinto settling for second and third, respectively.

With two of the biggest car counts on hand for the Adobe Cup finales in October, signs are that Petaluma Speedway is on the rise. The racers can rest easy knowing that there are still four more years left on the contract for promoter Rick Faeth. This means the show will go on. After all of the great racing throughout the 2018 season, optimism is high for an even better year to come. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.

2018 Petaluma Speedway Point Standings
PitStop.USA 360 Sprints
Jake Haulot    380
Colby Johnson    373
Brett Rollag    363
Klint Simpson    314
Will Fatu    257
David Lindt Jr    253
John Clark    252
Bradley Terrell    252
Bret Barney    238
Kalib Henry    218   

Wingless Spec Sprints
Shayna Sylvia    444
Bradley Terrell    356
Ryon Siverling    353
Scott Chapeta    341
Eden McCormick    334
Dennis Furia Jr    310
Bob Davis    293
Terry Schank Jr    253
Angelique Bell    241
Wilson Chet    233   

Redwood Dwarf
David Mosier    496
John Scooter Gomes 495
Chad Matthias    469
Carroll Mendenhall 448
Adam Teves    395
Mark Hanson    379
Michael Affonso    341
Matt Hagemann    340
Michael Williams 324
Sam Borland    322

600 Micro Sprints
David Engstrom    370
Cody Gray    340
Kyle Grissom    280
Brian Slubik    263
George Nielson    257
Justin Adiego    254
Jenna Perkins    216
Amber Fields    210
Scott McIntosh    193
Carroll Mendenhall 187

Super Stocks
Mitch Machado    462
Steve Studebaker 435
Shawn McCoy    335
Matt While    306
Snazzy Duckworth 286
Woody Woodward    262
Sean Cook    256
Manny Avila    238
Tim O'Hara    215
Sid Hess    211

Mini Stock
Tom Brown    427
David Spindell    381
Danny Manzoni    334
Roy Dearing    326
Roberta Broze    306
Sophie Shelley    285
Antonio Miramontez 284
Randy Miramontez 232
Jermy Tjensvold    218
Sean Hale    203


Big Things Happened At Ocean Speedway In 2018

Watsonville, CA...The 59th season of racing at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville had some big moments throughout the season. The regular Sprint Car show continued to roll along with some big events scattered throughout the season. However, for fans wondering where Stock Cars fit into the program, the marque Mike Cecil Memorial and Pat And Jim Pettit Memorial Shootout races put two of the biggest car counts on the track for the year.

Once again, promoter John Prentice presented the fans with the regular Ocean Sprints, presented to by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars and the Police N Pursuit. The track was also visited by the King Of The West/NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series and Civil War Series. Prentice was big on doing things for the community, which included a Special Olympics Night and a First Responders Night. All in all, it was a great year for the coastal race track.

The Ocean Sprint Cars had a 15 race schedule, and early on it looked to be a battle between dark horse contender Koen Shaw and Justin Sanders. When Sanders missed a couple of races to compete elsewhere, Shaw found himself being challenged by multi-time champion Brad Furr down the stretch. Furr picked up two of his four future wins during the final five race stretch as he closed in on and passed Shaw for the lead. Furr also had a second and three thirds among his nine Top 5 finishes to win his unprecedented third Sprint Car championship. If not for some bad luck, Shaw might have been able to hold on. As it was, he did visit the winner's circle once among his 5 Top 5 finishes to secure his best career ranking in second.

The Chisum family competed with three different cars, and it was Jeremy Chisum having the best season of the three. His season-high fourth place finish among nine Top 10 efforts garnered him third in the final rundown. Kurt Nelson, meanwhile, finished as high as third once out of his three Top 5 finishes to end up fourth. Though he missed two races, past champion Justin Sanders still had four wins, three seconds and four thirds to grab a solid hold on fifth in the standings.

The fact that Watsonville is a Friday night track meant that several different drivers would come to town from time to time for a run at the win. The biggest win of them all was the prestigious Johnny Key Classic, and it was Tanner Thorson winning that race ahead of Shane Golobic and Bud Kaeding. Thorson also won the Howard Kaeding Classic Civil War race ahead of Kyle Hirst and Sanders.

Bud Kaeding was a three-time winner during the season, and Dominic Scelzi won the season finale. Season-high second place performances were turned in by Golobic, Dominic Scelzi, Jake Haulot, Cole Macedo, Ryan Bernal, Hirst and Mitchell Faccinto. Golobic, Bernal and Civil War champion Macedo each had two of them. Carson Macedo had a season-high third place finish, and Kyle Offill also hit that mark once.

The Burke Brothers, Cody and Austin, and past State champion Alex Wilson had a slugfest to determine the IMCA Modified championship. Cody Burke and Wilson seemed to be the most dedicated regulars at the speedway, and both picked up a pair of feature wins. Burke was slightly better in the Top 5 department with ten of them to seven for Wilson. Among Cody's best finishes were four second place efforts and a pair of thirds. Wilson had one second and one third. In the end, Cody Burke would prevail for the championship. Though Austin Burke was held winless at Watsonville, his two season-high second place finishes came in the final two point races. He also had three third place finishes among his nine Top 5 efforts to grab third in the final rundown.

Bobby Hogge IV missed some races or it's likely that he would have once again won the championship at his home track. Hogge at times was still very dominant as he won six Main Events and settled for second twice among his ten Top 5 efforts. He was a solid fourth ahead of the steady Raymond Keldsen Jr. Keldsen had a pair of fourth place finishes among his season-best efforts.

Robert Marsh picked up a pair of wins. 2017 champion Nick DeCarlo also won twice, including the Pat And Jim Pettit Memorial Shootout race, which he won ahead of four-time Antioch champion Troy Foulger and Hogge. Hogge got his sixth win of the season on preliminary night of the Pettit Shootout. Hogge also won the Mike Cecil Memorial race. Chris Sieweke made a surprise visit to the winner's circle at the point season finale. Season-high second place finishes were turned in by Foulger, past champion Brian Cass and Clint Reichenbach. Foulger did it three times. State champion Shane DeVolder, Kyle Wilson, Andy Obertello and Jeff McCown each had a third place finish.

The two most committed drivers in the IMCA Sport Modified division were past champion Jim DiGiovanni and Anthony Giuliani. They competed in all 19 events at the speedway. DiGiovanni marked two second place finishes and three third place efforts among his 11 Top 5 performances. This helped him seal the deal. Giuliani was a one-time winner with four second place finishes and three third place finishes among his ten Top 5 efforts. He would settle for second in the final standings.

With four season-high third place finishes out of his eight Top 5s, Austin Williams ran third in the final points ahead of Adriane Frost. Frost won the second race of the season and had a second and a third among her seven Top 5s. This gave her fourth in the rundown, followed by Charlie Hunter. Hunter had five Top 10 performances.

Past champion Matt Hagio and State champion Austin Manzella each picked up three feature victories. Both drivers managed to get them in four race spans. Fred Ryland opened the season with a win and returned to hold off Matthew Mayo and Williams to win the Mike Cecil Memorial race. Guy Ahlwardt picked up his first career feature win early in the season. Jack Aguiar picked up a pair of wins. Andrew Peckham was a one-time feature winner. Igor Grandzuk was a one-time winner on his way to a second win when he was taken out on the last lap. Justin McPherson scored one feature win.

It was Kevin Johnson coming in from Bakersfield to win preliminary night at the Pettit Memorial Shootout, followed by Ahlwardt and KC Keller. The big show a night later went to Brent Curran, followed by Johnson and past State champion Brian Cooper. Having lost his father, longtime racer Tim Etchison, TJ Etchison's feature win in the season finale was an emotional occasion.

The Sport Modifieds ran a marathon 19 race schedule with only the Hobby Stocks having more dates. Among the season best efforts were Tim Elias and Matthew Mayo with one second place finish each. Manzella was noteworthy in his two seconds, and Ryland had a pair of seconds as well. KC Keller picked up three third place finishes during the season.

There were 22 races for the Hobby Stocks during the season, and nobody really dominated the show. The season was a battle between Matt Kile and JC Elrod, though a late-season disqualification for Elrod dropped him a bit further back. Both drivers had impressive numbers. Kile and Elrod both won five Main Events each. Kile had four seconds and seven thirds among his 21 Top 5 finishes. It also meant he failed to make the Top 5 only once in his impressive championship season. Elrod had three second place finishes and three thirds among his 14 Top fives. The second place season was still the best yet for Elrod.

Multi-time champion Rob Gallaher missed a couple of races, but he was tough to beat when he was there. He picked up six feature wins to go with five second place finishes and three thirds out of his 16 Top 5 finishes. He had a solid hold on third in the final standings. DJ Keldsen picked up a feature win at the second race of the season and had a third place finish two races later out of his six Top 5s. He managed to hold off Terry Traub for fourth in the standings. Traub got his four fifth place finishes in the first five races of the season.

Multi-time champion Billy Nelson didn't run very often, but he had three feature wins to show for it. One of those wins came at the Pat And Jim Pettit Memorial Shootout, and the other was his victory in the 80 lap Mike Cecil Memorial race. Longtime division supporter Norm Ayers was a surprise feature winner, and Jerry Skelton picked up a win in the season opener ahead of Nelson.

Season-best second place finishes were earned by Tony Oliveira, Terry Campion, Jacob Jones, Nick Lawrence and Fred Ryland. Oliveira was back after his heart episode at the Pettit Memorial the year before, and he finished second three times. Kyle Reader, Joe Gallaher and Chris McCabe finished as high as third, and Gallaher did that twice. Campion also had a pair of third place finishes.

The Beardsley family was back in full force with three Four Bangers as they did battle with Dakota Keldsen and newcomer Abigail Kennedy in a 10 race series that went down to the wire. Bill Beardsley was the reigning champion, but it was Kate Beardsley stepping up big with a pair of feature wins and three seconds among her division-leading seven Top 5 finishes. Kate won the season finale, while Abigail Kennedy managed a fourth-place finish. This meant that Kate Beardsley beat Kennedy by just one point in the closest championship battle of the season. Kennedy picked up her first career feature win as well as three third place finishes among her best efforts. After Dakota Keldsen opened the season with a feature win, he appeared to be the driver to beat. He ran strong throughout the first half of the season, picking up his six Top 5 finishes in the first eight races. Unfortunately, he was shut out of the Top 5 in the final two races. He had three second place finishes among his best efforts to finish nine points out in third.

Nicole Beardsley picked up a feature win during the season as well as two second place finishes and a third out of her eight Top 5 finishes to finish 12 points back in forth. Bill Beardsley had two fourth place finishes out of his four Top 5s and was a solid fifth in the standings. Nick Teramo, Logan Doglione, Justin Williams and Tom Summers were the other feature winners. Teramo won twice. Kelly Campanile, Chuck Doglione and Ray Bunn finished as high as second once each. Jay Gardner, and Chuck Kessinger each had a season-high third place finish.

The track continued to pay tribute to law enforcement with the Police N Pursuit races, and once again a champion was crowned in the six race series. Jessie Mueller picked up two feature wins, but it was one time winner Chris Murphy beating Roy Iler by just one point for the championship. Murphy and Iler both had three Top 5 finishes with Iler scoring a season-best second and a third. John Hohmann picked up three third place finishes among his four top fives to finish third, nine points out of the lead. Steven Fernandes had two Top 5 finishes to secure fourth with Kyle Dorris back in fifth. Dorris had three Top 5 finishes.

Mike Mount, Cliff Sloma and Jason Kelly each scored a victory with both drivers also having a second place finish. Jason Johnson and Tony Parker both had one second place finish. Sloma also had a pair of thirds, but he missed two races to fall from championship contention. A special Ladies Race was held with the Police N Pursuit cars, and Charli Rommel won that race ahead of Franny Marasci and Cheryl Weir.

Because the South Bay Dwarf Car Association never made their point standings officially available to the people, we're not exactly sure how the points added up. Most of their races took place at Watsonville, though they also had visits to Merced and Petaluma. The battle was between Gene "Punky" Pires and Zach Price, but Pires would prevail in the end. Pires scored two of his three wins at the first two events, and Price at one time rattled off three wins in a row. Pires had an additional two second place finishes, while Price also had two seconds. Pires had three thirds, and Price had one.

Past champion Shawn Jones ended the season with his two victories, and another past champion, Terre Rothweiler, picked up two wins as well. Mark Biscardi, Eric Weisler, Ryan Amlen, 2017 champion Cameron Diatte and Kyle Jones each had a second place finish. Justin Yanez picked up a pair of third place finishes to start the season as his best two finishes, and Amlen and Jones each had a third.

The speedway also hosted three King Of The West/NARC Winged 410 Sprint Car events, and there were three different winners. Kyle Hirst won the first race ahead of Shane Golobic and DJ Netto. The Pombo/Sargent Classic went to Justin Sanders ahead of Hirst and Golobic. The Howard Kaeding Classic victory was earned by Colby Copeland ahead of Bud Kaeding and Chase Johnson. Brody Roa won the USAC/CRA 410 Wingless Sprint Car race ahead of Ryan Bernal and Chase Johnson. Chase Johnson won the BCRA Midget race ahead of Maria Cofer and Robert Dalby. The IMCA RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars had two visits, and Blake Robertson one the first one ahead of series champion Grant Duinkerken and Kyle Rasmussen. Duinkerken won the next visit over Albert Pombo and Jacob Pacheco.

All in all, it was another solid season of racing at Ocean Speedway. Car count was up and there is plenty of enthusiasm heading into the season ahead. The track has created a nice mixture of open-wheel and Stock Car oriented racing, giving the fans a nice variety of things to enjoy. For further information on the happenings at ocean Speedway, go to www.racepmg.com.

2018 Ocean Speedway Point Standings
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Jim DiGiovanni    664
Anthony Giuliani 617
Austin Williams    592
Adriane Frost    550
Charlie Hunter    476
Justin McPherson 454
Matthew Hagio    316
Austin Manzella    306
Jack Aguiar    302
Steven Allee    272

Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo
Brad Furr    2539
Koen Shaw    2460
Jeremy Chisum    2366
Kurt Nelson    2312
Justin Sanders    2244
Jason Chisum    1914
Bud Kaeding    1844
Cole Macedo    1784
Richard Fajardo    1575
Kyle Offill    1571   

IMCA Modifieds
Cody Burke    523
Alex Wilson    501
Austin Burke    497
Bobby Hogge IV    459
Raymond Keldsen Jr 419
Robert Marsh    417
Todd Hermosillo    383
Jeff McCoun    299
Shane DeVolder    280
Brian Cass    275

Hobby Stocks
Matt Kile    747
JC Elrod    653
Rob Gallaher    635
DJ Keldsen    465
Terry Traub    447
Tony Oliveira    392
Joe Gallaher    347
Jerry Skelton    346
Chris McCabe    251
John Farrell    232

Four Bangers
Kate Beardsley    552
Abigail Kennedy    551
Dakota Keldsen    543
Nicole Beardsley 540
Bill Beardsley    516
Tom Summers    365
Ray Bunn    304
Justin Williams    292
Kelly Campanile    239
Jay Gardner    215   

Police n Pursuit
Chris Murphy    316
Roy Iler    315   
John Hohmann    307
Steven Fernandes 304
Kyle Dorris    297
Jesse Mueller    288
Mike Mount    254
Cliff Sloma    228
Scott Morasci    178
Jared Johnson    147   


Merced Speedway Prepares For 70th Consecutive Season

Merced, CA...Immediately after the 2018 season ended, there was speculation about who would be running Merced Speedway in the future. However, it didn't take too long before the next team stepped forward and got the contract to run the Speedway for its 70th consecutive season. Long-time racers and past champions Paul Stone and Chris Shannon formed S&S Motorsports and brought in Doug Lockwood to run the operations.

Longtime fans of the speedway will know Doug as he practically grew up at the speedway before moving on and rising up the ranks as an official with the USAC West Coast Sprint Car and Midget tours. Given the opportunity to come home and make a difference, Lockwood jumped at the opportunity. In addition to naming past Speedway great Doug Williams as the Race Director, Lockwood assured all of the local competitors that they would still have a home at the speedway with an exciting new schedule.

The IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds will continue to be featured at the quarter-mile clay oval. Likewise, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman and California Sharp Mini Late Models have also been booked as regular championship divisions. In addition to that, Lockwood has set up visits from several open wheel groups, secured another Dwarf Car Nationals event, created a series between Merced and Bakersfield Speedway and added several other nice touches.

Over the past three seasons, Merced Speedway has stayed dark on the first weekend of August to allow the local Modified and Hobby Stock racers to travel to Watsonville for the Mike Cecil Memorial. While those divisions will again be dark this year, the track has a huge Sprint Car show scheduled for August 3rd. It will be the Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, presented by Abreu Vineyards. A field of some 40 winged 360 Sprint Cars should be there that night along with the local Mini Stocks and California Sharp Mini Late Models.

The Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets will make two visits to the speedway in co-sanctioned events with USAC. On April 20th, the Midgets will be competing along with IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks. On July 27th, the Midgets will be joined by the IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks and Valley Sportsman. The BCRA Midget Lites will get two visits to the speedway as well. They are on the April 27th program along with Hobby Stocks, Valley Sportsman and Mini Late Models. They return on June 22nd along with the Hobby Stocks, Valley Sportsman and Mini Late Models. Plus, the Legends Of Kearney Bowl Super Modifieds will be there.

Merced Speedway also landed a USAC/CRA Speedweek event on September 6th. These exciting Wingless 410 Sprint Cars will be joined by the Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and Mini Late Models. The IMCA RaceSaver 305 Winged Sprint Cars get two visits. They will be on hand on April 6th along with the IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks and the Valley Sportsman division. They return on May 25th along with IMCA Modifieds, Valley Sportsman and Mini Late Models. The Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Series comes to town on July 20th along with IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini Late Models.

The South Bay Dwarf Car Association will be on hand for the season opener on March 23rd along with IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks. On April 12th and 13th, the South Bay group will host the Third Annual Western States Dwarf Car Nationals. IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds will be there on the 12th. The Sport Modifieds return on the 13th along with Mini Late Models.

Another highlight for the season will be an appearance by the Malicious Monster Truck Tour. The Monster Trucks come to town on May 3rd and May 5th for two appearances. On May 4th, the IMCA Modifieds headline the show along with Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and the Valley Sportsman division.

Some signature events the fans have been used to have been removed from the schedule. Lockwood explained that the greats from the past will be honored at the August 10th Legends Night event. This is also a special North vs South Highway 99 Challenge Series event for IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds. Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks round out the exciting program that puts the locals in head-to-head competition with the stars from Bakersfield Speedway. The Ed Parker Tribute will happen on June 15th, featuring the same four divisions as Legends Night.

The night traditionally known as the Timmy Post Memorial night, July 6th, will be the Fireworks Spectacular. A tradition that past promoter Chuck Griffin started, free admittance for the fans into the grandstands, will continue. IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and Mini Late Models will all be there. The track will also have a race during the Merced County Fair on June 5th, featuring IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds.

The end of the season John Fore Jr Dirt Nationals will take place on October 25th and 26th. This is the fourth annual salute to the late Sport Modified driver, who died in a work-related accident prior to the 2016 season. IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks will be on hand for both nights. Mini Late Models will be there as well on October 25th, while the Valley Sportsman division will compete on the 26th.

2019 will be the 70th consecutive season of championship racing at the historic racing facility. Lockwood has put together an impressive line-up of racing that the fans are sure to enjoy. It all starts at the aforementioned March 23rd season opener. Point racing will continue almost every weekend from then through the point season finale on September 21st, which will feature IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman and Mini Late Models. For further information, go to www.mercedspeedway.net.

2019 Merced Speedway Schedule

3/9/2019 - Practice 1 - 5 PM
3/23/2019 - South Bay Dwarf Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks
3/30/2019 - IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models
4/6/2019 - IMCA RaceSaver Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman
4/12/2019 - Dwarf Car Nationals, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods
4/13/2019 - Dwarf Car Nationals, IMCA Sport Mods, Mini Late Models
4/20/2019 - USAC Western Midgets with BCRA, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks
4/27/2019 - Hobby Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models, BCRA Midget Lites
5/3/2019 - Malicious Monster Truck Tour
5/4/2019 - IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman
5/5/2019 - Malicious Monster Truck Tour
5/18/2019 - IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models
5/25/2019 - IMCA RaceSaver Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models
6/5/2019 - Merced Fair Race - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods
6/15/2019 - Ed Parker Memorial - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks
6/22/2019 - Hobby Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models, BCRA Midget Lites, Legends of Kearney Bowl
7/6/2019 - Firework Spectacular FREE GRANDSTANDS - IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Late Models
7/20/2019 - IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Late Models, Hunt Wingless Series
7/27/2019 - USAC Western Midgets with BCRA, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman
8/3/2019 - Winged 360 Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Mini Stocks, Mini Late Models
8/10/2019 - Legends Night / North vs South 99 Challenge Round 3 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks
8/17/2019 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models
8/31/2019 - IMCA Sport Mods, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models
9/6/2019 - Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Late Models, 410 Sprints - Non-Winged
9/14/2019 - IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Dwarf
9/21/2019 - IMCA Sport Mods, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models
10/25/2019 - John Fore Dirt Nationals - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Late Models
10/26/2019 - John Fore Dirt Nationals - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman

Subject To Change


Petaluma Speedway Gears Up For 58th Season

Petaluma, CA...Petaluma Speedway is set for its 58th consecutive season of racing on the 3/8 mile adobe oval. Promoter Rick Faeth has again put together an attractive schedule that will offer all of the local divisions the fans have come to expect with some marquee events sprinkled throughout the season.

Faeth is hard at work putting together sponsorship deals for the speedway and the divisions once again. PitStopUSA.com has again come on board to sponsor the Winged 360 and Wingless Spec Sprint divisions. This will lead to some extra money and contingency prizes for both divisions during the season. Jake's Performance Hobbies has returned as the Mini Stock sponsor, and other sponsorship announcements will be forthcoming. The popular Super Stock division will be back along with IMCA Modifieds, 600 Micro Sprints and the Redwood Dwarf Cars.

Notable once again are Northern California's three premier Sprint Car series returning for visits this season. The Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, presented by Abreu Vineyards, makes its first appearance at the speedway on April 27th, supported by the 600 Micro Sprints. They return on June 30th with the Micro Sprints again in support. The King Of The West/NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series also makes two appearances. First, they race on June 1st along with the IMCA Modifieds, Redwood Dwarf Cars and Mini Stocks. They return on July 13th with the Super Stocks, Redwood Dwarf Cars and Mini Stocks in support.

Though Faeth has sold his interest in the Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Series to concentrate on his local effort, the Hunt Series returns on March 30th along with the Super Stocks, 600 Micros and Mini Stocks. The Hunt Series will also headline the 8th Annual Johnny Soares Classic on August 17th, supported by the Redwood Dwarf Cars, 600 Micro Sprints and Mini Stocks.

When it comes to Wingless Sprint Cars, there is no bigger tour in California than the USAC/CRA 410 Sprint Car Series. The annual Speedweek event will come to town on September 2nd, supported by IMCA Modifieds and Super Stocks.

The fans will also get an opportunity to check out some USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series action at Petaluma this season. The Wingless 360 Sprint Car Tour will be in town on May 18th, supported by the IMCA Modifieds, Redwood Dwarf Cars, in a shootout race with the South Bay Dwarf Cars, and the 600 Micros. The West Coast Sprint Cars get to make another appearance as part of the second night of the Adobe Cup that will take place on October 12th. The Redwood and South Bay Dwarf Cars will run twin 25 lap features that night with the 600 Micro Sprints also running in support of the show.

The Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets will come to town for their first appearance on June 8th, along with the Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Super Stocks and Mini Stocks. On July 20th, the BCRA Midgets co-sanction a race along with USAC. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars, 600 Micros and Mini Stocks will also be in action that night.

There will be two special PitStopUSA.com Shootout races for the Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Wingless Spec Sprints. The first happens on May 11th, and Super Stocks and Redwood Dwarf Cars will run in support that night. The second event will happen on September 7th with the same four divisions on hand. The big event for the Winged 360 Sprint Cars will be the 7th Annual Adobe Cup on October 5th. They will race for $5,000 to win, while the Super Stocks will run the Bob McCoy Memorial race, which paid $2,000 to win last season. The speedway will also run a race during the County Fair on June 23rd, featuring Wingless Spec Sprints, IMCA Modifieds and Super Stocks.

Petaluma Speedway has been given the opportunity to host a Western States Dwarf Car Regional event for the past several seasons, but this year it has been elevated to Nationals status. This means it's a two-day event, scheduled for June 14th and 15th. Micro Sprints support the 14th, while Wingless Spec Sprints support the 15th. Last season, Faeth reintroduced the Top Dog Nationals, a big IMCA Modified event that was founded by Promoter John P Soares back in the 1990s. The event is again scheduled to pay $1,500 to win and will happen on August 10th. Super Stocks and 600 Micros will run in support.

Fans will get their first taste of racing action on March 30th with the Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Tour, which will be supported by the Super Stocks, 600 Micros and Mini Stocks. There are lots of great events scheduled and other surprises in store for the fans for this coming season. It all adds up to a season that you won't want to miss. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.

2019 Petaluma Speedway Race Schedule

March 16 – Test & Tune
March 23 – Test & Tune
March 30 – Hunt Wingless Sprint Tour, Super Stocks, 600’s, Mini Stocks
April 6 – Wing 360, Modifieds, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks
April 13 – Wingless Spec Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks, 600’s
April 20 – Wing 360, Wingless Spec Sprints, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks
April 27 –Sprint Car Challenge Tour, 600’s
May 4 – Wing 360, Wingless Spec Sprints, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks
May 11 – Wing 360, Wingless Spec Sprints, Super Stocks, Dwarfs, Pit Stop USA Shootout Race #1
May 18 – USAC West Coast 360, Modifieds, Dwarfs w/South Bay, 600’s
June 1 - KWS – NARC Sprint Car Series, Modifieds, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks
June 8 – W360, BCRA Midgets, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks
June 14 (Fri) – WSDCA National, 600’s
June 15 – WSDCA National, Wingless Spec Sprints
June 23 (Sun) – Sonoma Marin Fair: Wingless Spec Sprints, Modifieds, Super Stocks
June 30 (Sun) – Sprint Car Challenge Tour, 600’s
July 13 – KWS – NARC Sprint Car Series, Super Stocks, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks
July 20 – Wing 360, BCRA-USAC Western States Midgets, 600’s Mini Stocks
July 27 – Wing 360, Wingless Spec Sprints, Super Stocks, Dwarfs
Aug 10 – Wing 360, Top Dog Modifieds National, Super Stocks, 600’s
Aug 17 – 8th Soares Classic: Hunt Wingless Sprint Tour, Dwarfs, 600’s, Mini Stocks
Aug 24 – W360, Mods, Dwarfs, Mini Stocks
Sept 2 (Mon) – USAC-CRA Sprint Cars Series, Modifieds, Super Stocks
Sept 7 – W360, Wingless Spec Sprints, Super Stocks, Dwarfs Pit Stop USA Shootout Race #2
Sept 21 – Wingless Spec Sprints, Super Stocks, 600’s, Mini Stocks
Oct 5 – 8th Annual Adobe Cup – Wing 360’s, Bob McCoy Super Stock Open
Oct 12 – Adobe Cup II – USAC West Coast 360, Dwarf Twin-25’s w/South Bay, 600’s

Subject To Change


Ocean Speedway Prepares For Another Exciting Season

Watsonville, CA...Ocean Speedway is preparing to open up for their 60th consecutive season of racing at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds facility. Coming off of what by all accounts was a strong season last year, promoter John Prentice has booked another exciting lineup for the fans to enjoy.

The Ocean Sprint Cars, presented by Taco Bravo, will compete in a 17 race season. Other featured divisions in the lineup include the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars and Police N Pursuit cars. The speedway will also offer up several big Sprint Car events during the season and will also launch a new Ocean Midgets division.

Two signature events during the season belong to the King Of The West/NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Series. On June 21st, it will be the Pombo/Sargent Classic. IMCA Modifieds, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars and Ocean Midgets will all run in support that night. The Howard Kaeding Classic event, set for July 19th and 20th, will feature the Winged 410 Sprint Car Series once again on the 20th, joined by the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Ocean Midgets.

On July 19th, the oldest Winged 360 Sprint Car Series in California, the Civil War Series, will run a head-to-head show with the Ocean Sprint Cars, joined by IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and South Bay Dwarf Cars. The Civil War Series will go head-to-head with the Ocean Sprints once again as part of the Johnny Key Classic on August 17th. IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modified and Ocean Midgets will run in support.

Not to be left out of the equation, there will be three big Stock Car themed events during the course of the season. The Bill Egleston Memorial will be on the card with extra money on the line for the IMCA Modifieds on May 17th. The IMCA Sport Modifieds are also in action along with Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and the Police N Pursuit. The 22nd Annual Mike Cecil Memorial race takes place on August 2nd and 3rd as it is now a two-day event. IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Hobby Stocks are all on the card. Traditionally, the Hobby Stock Main Event on Saturday night has been an 80 lap race. The biggest race comes with the 9th Annual Pat And Jim Pettit Memorial Shootout race on September 27th and 28th. There will be extra money on the line for the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Hobby Stocks. The All Star Series IMCA Modifieds will also have point events on August 3rd and September 28th.

The BCRA Midgets will run as part of Salute To Father's Day night on June 7th. The Ocean Midgets will be there along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, South Bay Dwarf Cars and Police N Pursuit. May 10th will be a Salute To Mother's Day event, featuring the Ocean Sprints, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and Ocean Midgets. The speedway also has Special Olympics night on April 5th, featuring the Ocean Sprints, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and Police N Pursuit.

The racing season officially kicks off with the World of Outlaws coming to town on March 22nd. The best Winged 410 Sprint Car drivers in the United States will be in town for a show that will also include the IMCA Sport Modifieds and South Bay Dwarf Cars. The regular point season kicks off on March 29th with Ocean Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and Ocean Midgets.

It's a great lineup of races that will keep the fans entertained from the start of the season to the end. Plus, there will be other special announcements made during the course of the season. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.

2019 Ocean Speedway Schedule

3/22/2019 - World of Outlaws - IMCA Sport Mods, South Bay Dwarf Cars
3/29/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Ocean Midgets
4/5/2019 - Special Olympics Night at the Races - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit
4/12/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers
4/19/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, Police n Pursuit, South Bay Dwarf Cars, Ocean Midgets
4/26/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars
5/3/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks
5/10/2019 - Salute to Mother's Day - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Ocean Midgets
5/17/2019 - Bill Egleston Memorial Race & First Responders Appreciation Night - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit
5/31/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars
6/7/2019 - BCRA Midget Night & Salute to Father's Day - IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Police n Pursuit, South Bay Dwarf Cars, BCRA Midgets, Ocean Midgets
6/14/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers
6/21/2019 - Pombo/Sargent Classic with NARC/King of the West Sprint Cars
IMCA Modifieds, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars, King of the West Sprints, Ocean Midgets
6/28/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Police n Pursuit
7/12/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit, South Bay Dwarf Cars
7/19/2019 - Kaeding Classic Night # 1 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Ocean Midgets
7/20/2019 - Kaeding Classic Night # 2 - IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, King of the West Sprints, Ocean Midgets
7/26/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit
8/2/2019 - 22nd Mike Cecil Memorial Race Night # 1 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks
8/3/2019 - 22nd Mike Cecil Memorial Race Night # 2 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks
8/9/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit
8/16/2019 - Key Kick-off Party at Taco Bravo in Campbell
8/17/2019 - Johnny Key Classic -
Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Ocean Midgets
8/23/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf Cars
9/20/2019 - Lady Police Night - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Police n Pursuit, Ocean Midgets
9/26/2019 - Pettit Car Show and Kick-off - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks
9/27/2019 - Pettit Shootout Night # 1 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks
9/28/2019 - Pettit Shootout Night # 2 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks
10/4/2019 - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers

Subject To Change


Central Valley Mini Stocks Announce 
Ten Race Schedule For 2019

Lemoore, CA...The Central Valley Mini Stocks enter their third season on a high note as the competitors look forward to a ten race schedule. The series launched at the 1/5 mile dirt oval in Lemoore two years ago, but as it has grown, the group has looked to branch out and race at other tracks. Series promoter Dan Myrick is constantly looking for ways to improve the series and make it better for the racers.

A couple of things planned for this year include Saturday night racing at Lemoore Raceway on the occasions in which they are there. For the past two seasons, they have run on Sunday afternoons, but Myrick believes that switching to Saturday nights and trying a few fan-friendly promotions will be the key to helping the program grow at the home track. Also, Myrick is working on a point fund for the top finishers in series points this year. Furthermore, there will be support divisions at each of the Lemoore races.

The season will kick off on March 9th at Lemoore Raceway with a show that will also feature the South Bay Dwarf Car Racing Association. They will be a part of the April 20th program at Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford before heading back to Lemoore on May 18th for a show that will also include the Southern California Enduros. June 1st will see them back at Hanford, and on the 15th, they make another appearance at Hanford.

The Mini Stocks will make their first appearance on the pavement of Madera Speedway on July 13th before coming back to Hanford for a race on August 10th. September 14th has them back at Lemoore Raceway for a show that will also include the California Mod Lites. On October 12th, they make their final appearance of the year at Lemoore for a show that will include the VRA Dwarf Cars. The season will end on November 16th as the Central Valley Mini Stocks support the program at Keller Auto Speedway.

The season opener on March 9th at Lemoore has another added bonus as the Cab Street Band will be doing a show live after the races. This will be the first of the ten race point season, and Myrick made the announcement that he is working on a point fund that could be worth as much as $1,000 for the champion with tenth place getting a minimum of $200. Details are still being finalized. Furthermore, he is considering a one-race throwaway rule for the series, allowing drivers to get rid of their worst finishes. This has been effective in making close point battles with the various Dwarf Car organizations on the West Coast.

In January, the group held their awards banquet. Greg Baronian turned in a rather dominant performance last season in winning most of the Main Events. In the end, he won the championship by 65 points. He also picked up the "Quick Time" award at the banquet for having the fastest time of the year.

With his season-ending feature victory, Dan Myrick beat Ryan Doglione by just 11 points to finish second in last year's championship chase. Doglione didn't get a feature win, but he did finish as high as second during the season. The steady Jeff Durant was fourth in the standings. Brent Myrick was a solid fifth in the standings and showed much improvement throughout the year. He was awarded with the "Most Improved Driver" honors at the banquet.  He did finish as high as second in the Main Event as he knocks on the door to his first win.

Darren Wilson finished sixth in the final rundown and was yet another driver who finished as high as second in Main Event competition. Rod Baronian started out strong and was a winner early in the season before settling for seventh in the standings, followed by Scott Glenn, Dick Adams and Ryan Blank. Glenn picked up the "Rookie Of The Year" hardware at the banquet.

Ryan Doglione was notable in being the highest finishing Central Valley Mini Stock competitor in the group visit to Hanford last year. He crossed the line second that night. This event was a catalyst in getting Hanford on the schedule more in 2019.

Myrick worked hard last season to add special touches to the program. On one occasion, he had several drivers from the Legends Of Kearney Bowl group put their beautiful Super Modifieds on display for the fans to see. For the last two events, he booked support divisions to give the fans more of a show, which is a trend that will continue at all events at Lemoore this season. Mod Lites Star Zach Forester won their appearance at the speedway ahead of rising young star JD Brown and Colby Lewis. The Dwarf Car visit was won by Mike Clark ahead of John Harris and Becca Clark.

The Central Valley Mini Stock competitors are excited about the busy schedule booked for 2019. Many good things are on the horizon with special announcements to come. For further information, go to www.centralvalleyministocks.com.


As it was last year, we are sort of forced to be vague on some of the statistics for the drivers at Orland Raceway. This is because the track did not release full finishes on a regular basis. They did finally release a point list that showed how many points the drivers earned each week. Based on the information we had, we attempted to review the 2018 season as best we could. We proudly support Orland Raceway and only wish to see things continue to grow in the future.

Orland Raceway Continues Its Momentum In 2018

Orland, CA...The show continued on at Orland Raceway in 2018. Under the third year of Rich Hood promoting the 1/5 mile dirt oval, they continued to feature the Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and Mini Stocks with several appearances from the Micro Sprints and Wingless Gas Sprints. It's the show the fans have grown accustomed to over the past 20 years, and it's not lost on many people that had it not been for Hood stepping in three years ago, there may be no show at all.

The numbers continued to improve in both the pits and the grandstands. Hood continued to add more touches to the schedule and remained community-oriented. If there was some way he could use the track to help others, he did so. This included the annual Thomas Schmitke Race For A Cure event. The track also offered kids bike race and bike giveaway night, Fan Appreciation Night, which included a meet and greet with the fans and racers before the show, and the second annual Battle Of The Axles events to close the season. There was plenty of reason to go to Orland Raceway and enjoy some great racing competition.

The Pure Stock championship battle was close throughout the season and got just a bit heated at one point between incoming champion Jeremy Langenderfer and longtime competitor and past champion Paul Stephens. Midway through the season, after the two drivers finished 1-2 in the Main Event, both were disqualified after things got a little too heated. Langenderfer enjoyed a championship effort at nearby Silver Dollar Speedway and made a strong bid to repeat at his home track. He topped the Main Event winners list with seven victories. Unfortunately, his bad luck throughout May and early June kept him playing catch up with the consistent Stephens. Stevens won a pair of Main Events and racked up an impressive six second place finishes. In the end, his championship margin over Langenderfer was 22 points.

Past champion Steve Martin went without a feature win during the season but did have a couple of podium finishes. He was a somewhat consistent Top 5 finisher and was a solid third in the standings ahead of the steady Amanda McAbel. After his runner-up season a year earlier, Shannon Collins elected to run for the championship at Marysville and missed three shows. However, he finished as high as second with four podium efforts. His final podium run in the last race enabled him to take fifth from one-time feature winner Thomas Pavalik.

The annual Thomas Schmitke Memorial Race was won by Langenderfer, and he also won the Fan Appreciation Night event. During the fair, it was Richard Vander Ploeg battling teammate and past track champion Jerry Bartlett for a close victory. Placerville star Dan Jinkerson made an appearance during the season for a victory, and he also won the $1,000 prize in the Second Annual Battle Of The Axles race in October. More importantly, car count numbers maintained strong with only two nights in which they didn't hit 10 cars out of their 13 scheduled events.

A very close battle for the championship took place in the Mini Stock division. Reigning champion Tom Davis came in as the man to beat, and he might have been a bit surprised by who his top challenger was. After debuting her new car late in the 2017 season, Barbara Crain was prepared to make a big run. After opening the season with back-to-back wins, Barbara emerged as the early point leader. She picked up two more mid-season victories to strengthen that. Unfortunately, less than stellar runs in the August race and the first event of September put her behind Davis, who scored three of his four feature wins in the final three point races. Despite Crain picking up second in the point finale, Davis was the winner and won the championship by just 10 points.

Sean Perry didn't have quite the season he was hoping for, but he was a consistent Top 5 finisher and notched four podium finishes. Despite that fact, he found himself in a tight battle with the Pinto driving Jason Libbee for third. Perry needed his Top 5 finish in the finale to beat Libbee by just two points for third in the final standings. Libbee had two podium finishes, including the race on Fan Appreciation Night, which he led for several laps before his hood flew up. Scott Camper was a solid fifth in the standings. Pure Stock champion Paul Stephens was the only other driver with a Main Event win and finished seventh in the standings behind rookie Cindy Wagner.  Davis won the $500 prize in the Battle Of The Axles finale.

The Mini Truck division didn't have a close battle after past champion Dan Webster missed the second race of the season. Reigning champion Keith Ross turned in a stellar performance by winning six of the point races. Dan Webster was a two-time winner and also won a hastily scheduled nonpoint event in June. Ross missed the finale and still won the championship by 18 points ahead of Webster.

The consistent William Fogle was one of three drivers who made it to every point event during the season. Fogle had mostly Top 5 finishes to finish 12 points ahead of rookie Tony Quinonez. Quinonez did score multiple podium finishes, and another season highlight for him was a feature win in Hayfork. Rocky Wagner finished fifth in the final rundown as Kalvin Kvalvik rounded out the Top 6 with a podium finish to close the season. Jeff Bennett drove the Olin Crain truck to a feature win at the second race of the season. After the Crain truck was out for a few races for repairs, Olin Crain got behind the wheel of it and picked up a win of his own in August. Webster won the special Battle Of The Axles $500 prize to end the year.

In a bid to keep the Wingless Sprint Car race close among the locals, the track adjusted rules so that motors could only run on gasoline. This for the most part prevented drivers from Chico from visiting. After winning two of the first four races, multi-time champion Josh Jacobo sat out the final four races of the season. The battle was between Tanner Thomson and RJ Baker, neither of whom had a win. Baker picked up five podium finishes and managed to finish as high as second. Likewise, Thompson finished as high as second, including a photo finish with winner Josh Tucker at the fair race. Tucker, like Jacobo, was a two-time winner. In the end, the podium finish earned by Thomson in the finale earned him the championship by one point ahead of Baker.

Jacobo still managed to finish third in the final standings. After a late start, past Orland champion and reigning Chico champion Tony Richards hit the speedway like a hurricane. Richards made four appearances in the final five shows and won all of them to finish fourth in the standings ahead of Tucker. Richards also scored the $500 win in the Battle off The Axles event. Jake Van Tol won the only Main Event he started with this division in August.

The 250 Micro Sprint championship was earned by Pax Gonzalez by just four tallies ahead of James Barnes. Gonzalez had four podium finishes and was also a feature winner. Barnes was a feature winner as well, but bad luck in the finale cost him the point lead to Gonzales in the end. The steady Ronnie Heyer also had a pair of podium finishes two notch third in the standings ahead of Michael McCarthy and Zack Webster. Other feature winners during the season included Alex Fowler, 2017 champion Jackie Whitson Jr and Kylee Porath. Porath also won the special 250 Micro Sprint race during the Battle of The Axles.

Jake Fernandez won the 600 Micro Sprint championship. To put the icing on the cake, he won the season finale. Past Orland champion BJ Martin scored a pair of victories to finish second in the final rundown. Likewise, Jessica McManus was a feature winner to settle for third in the standings ahead of Jeremy Wilson and Amber Fields. Antonia Boscacci and Cody Gray also won Main Events during the six race season. McManus won the 600 Micro Sprint Main Event during the Battle Of The Axles.

The track hosted two special Sport Modified races, the first of which attracted a dozen competitors. Local standout Jake Van Tol won that race, while past Chico and Marysville champion Philip Shelby won the final visit. After canceling a race earlier in the season due to heat, the California Hardtops were a part of Fan Appreciation Night with Tom Grady winning that race. Hunter Elkin won the season-ending $1,000 first prize in the Battle Of The Axles Destruction Derby.

The schedule lost one race due to the fires in the area. As the Camp Fire raged in Paradise after the season was up, it took a toll on the community. A few competitors lost everything they owned. Dan Webster began to form a plan to do a fundraiser race, and he approached Rich Hood with the idea. After Hood was able to set things up, a date was booked in January. Despite the fact that it was pouring rain, competitors came out anyway and ran mud packing for the crowd who was there in attendance. They raised nearly $5,400 for two charities that were helping the fire victims.

Not long after the January event, the community received bad news when longtime competitor Olin Crain passed away. Olin was somebody who was quick to help his fellow competitors and put other people's efforts in front of his own. He was also known as one of the voices of reason when debate got heated. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

After the February banquet, word will probably come out about the 2019 schedule. It is anticipated that most of the highlights people enjoyed this past season will continue. There's been talk of a few new additions to the schedule as well. With Hood at the helm of the good ship Orland Raceway, the future looks bright indeed.


Orland Raceway 2018 Points
Pure Stocks
Paul Stephens        568
Jeremy Langenderfer    546
Steve Martin         531
Amanda McAbel        456
Shannon Collins        426
Thomas Pavalik        424
Scott Camper        394
Jason Matlock        331
Richard Vander Ploeg    198
Jerry Bartlett        198

Mini Stocks
Tom Davis        460
Barbara Crain        450
Sean Perry        393
Jason Libbee        391
Scott Camper        344
Cindy Wagner        292
Paul Stephens        265
John Kirkpatrick    250
Dustin Hills        238
Les Fernandez        212

Mini Trucks
Keith Ross        485
Dan Webster        467
William Fogle        453
Tony Quinonez        441
Rocky Wagner        411
Kalvin Kvalvik        401
Justin Vance        314
Jeff Bennett        155
Olin Crain        146
Dani Libbee        118

Wingless Gas Sprints
Tanner Thomson        449
RJ Baker        448
Josh Jacbo        256
Tony Richards        220
Josh Tucker        162
Jeff Crossman        125
Kyle Pendergrass    90
Rob Worthington        89
Nathan Johnson        86
Jake Van Tol        53

250 Micro Sprint
Pax Gonzalez        382
James Barnes        378
Ronnie Heyer        341
Michael McCarthy    329
Zach Webster        237
Kylee Porath        217
Alex Fowler        140
Jackie Whitson Jr    100
Jess Garland        95
Kyle            51

600 Micro Sprints
Jake Fernandez        270
BJ Martin        210
Jessica McMannus    154
Jeremy Wilson        100
Amber Fields        99
Tony Alosi        90
Antonia Boscacci    55
Jeromie Chrisman    52
Cody Gray        51
Koen Shaw        51