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Winged Sprint Cars, Modifieds Back In Action
At Antioch Speedway
Antioch, CA...It has certainly been an exciting past few weeks at Antioch Speedway. It's a rare occurrence to see a driver win two Main Events in the same night, but for the past two weeks this has happened at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds based racing facility. Last week, Kimo Oreta accomplished the goal in Late Models and Limited Late Models. The week before, it was Danny Wagner getting it done in Winged 360 Sprint Cars and A Modifieds. Those two divisions will be in action this week along with the B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars.
Wagner followed up his amazing night with one of his most frustrating outings of the season. Wagner lost out on a valuable heat race point opportunity in his Modified when he got sideways in front of the pack, resulting in everybody crashing behind him. He was assigned the yellow flag and sent the pits as there is a one and done rule with the heat races.
In the Main Event, Wagner was trying to find his way from the fourth row to the front when contact sent him and Raymond Lindemann crashing at the Turn 1 exit. Wagner sustained heavy rear end damage, leaving his crew much work to do to keep his potential Modified championship effort going.
Following his third feature victory of the season and heat race triumph, young Buddy Kniss nearly doubled his point lead over Wagner coming into this week. Kniss had to work hard to get that win as he enjoyed several laps of close, side-by-side racing with Sean O'Gara, who collected a season best second place finish. Gary Hetrick ended up fourth, and both drivers seem to be working their way towards the Top 5 in the standings after late starts. Also noteworthy last week was Cameron Swank, who drove his B Modified to his second third place finish of the season in A Modified competition.
While Wagner and his crew might have work to do on the A Modified, the Dave Johnson owned Sprinter seemed to be hitting on all eight cylinders two weeks ago. Wagner became the fourth different winner in four All Star Racing Series events, asserting his name into the championship discussion. Jacob Tuttle earned his second-straight Top 5 finish as he continues to cling to an eight point lead over two-time champion Art McCarthy and Wagner.
Bradley Dillard is 32 points back in fourth, and these four drivers are anticipated this week. There may be drivers coming in from Petaluma and possibly past champion Billy Aton as well. It'll be a solemn occasion for Tim Burcher, who will be running a memorial lap for his father, who passed away recently.
Since championship hopeful Brent Curran had to bail out of the past two races due to health issues, Tommy Fraser has taken control of the B Modified point lead. Fraser has five victories to his credit, but he's had to settle for second in two of the last three races. His lead over Kevin Brown is now 48 points. Brown scored his first career win last time out and has scored Top 3 finishes in the last four races, giving him a 24 point lead over rookie Cameron Swank in a closer race for second.
The Clymens brothers are having a close race for fifth as two time-winner and two-time reigning champion Trevor Clymens is just six points behind his brother, rookie Tommy Clymens Jr. If six-time winner Curran isn't there this week, this could become a battle for fourth. Some of the others to watch for this week include Mark Garner, Chris Sieweke and Jason Womack.
The Hobby Stock division is being led by Chris Sorensen. Sorensen is continuing his trend from last season where you rarely see him not on the podium at the end of the night. He scored his division leading sixth feature win last week and also leads the division with six second place finishes. Meanwhile, Breanna Troen is equally impressive with 13 Top 5 finishes in her 14 starts. She has a win, two seconds and four third place finishes among her best efforts. Her lead over three-time winner Josh Leach in the race for second is about 30 points now.
Though Will Buirch has been looking really good this year, bad luck has haunted him during the past three races. He ended up retiring from a third place run last week, handing that position to rookie Ken Johns. Johns has four-straight Top 5 finishes and has moved to within 20 points of Buirch in another close battle for fourth. Johns seems poised to get his first win soon. Other drivers to watch for this week include recent winners Jacob Mallett Jr and James Thomson, Dalton Jewell, Jeff Bentancourt and Luke Brignoli.
The Dwarf Car division never fails to bring the excitement anytime they are on hand. Four-time winner Scott Dahlgren holds a 50 point lead over teammate Devan Kammermann. Kammermann is knocking on the door to his first victory with three second place finishes and a third in his last four starts. Despite that sort of consistency, Kammermann is only 14 points ahead of Troy Stevenson Jr, who now has five-straight Top 5 efforts. This battle could be close all the way to the end of the season.
Two-time winner Travis Dutra, one-time winner David Michael Rosa and Mario Marques are also having a close battle for the fourth position in the standings. Rosa won the most recent race ahead of Kammermann. He'll be out to get his second win of the season, as will his father, two-time Street Stock champion David Rosa. Others to watch for include two-time reigning champion Mike Corsaro, Chris Becker and Timmy Ryan.
It's sure to be a good race this week with the lineup scheduled. Sprint Cars are always a wide open race, and you never know who may come to town from race to race to pick up the money. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Oreta A Double Winner, Kniss Wins Again
At Antioch Speedway
Antioch, CA...August 10...Kimo Oreta was a double winner at Antioch Speedway Saturday night. Oreta started things off by winning his fifth 20 lap Limited Late Model Main Event to take over the point lead. He closed the evening in impressive fashion by winning his first ever 20 lap DIRTcar Late Model Main Event.
Oreta had a front row start for the Late Model feature and charged into the lead ahead of Rob Norris. A backstretch pass on lap two gained point leader Richard Papenhausen the second position. Following a lap four yellow flag, Papenhausen began to pressure Oreta on the restart. This battle continued over the next 12 laps, but Oreta was doing an impressive job of keeping Papenhausen at bay. Suddenly on lap 16, Papenhausen stalled in Turn 4 with front end damage. Oreta again raced into the lead on the restart and led the remaining laps for the victory. Norris held off Rick Coffey for his best ever finish in second as Rod Oliver and Papenhausen completed the Top 5.
In the Limited Late Model Main Event, John Evans took advantage of his front row starting spot to lead early and through a pair of yellow flags in the first four laps. Jim Freethy was running second. Freethy made an inside move on Evans as they exited Turn 2, there was slight contact and Freethy gained the lead. Evans later spun and ended up coming to a stop in the infield off of Turn 4. Freethy was leading Oreta and Michael Burch when a lap 10 yellow flag flew for debris on the track. Freethy was penalized to the back for what was deemed by officials to be an aggressive pass on Evans. Oreta led Burch on the restart, but Freethy made an inside pass in Turn 2 of the 12th lap to gain second. However, Oreta held a straightaway lead and would score the victory ahead of Freethy, Burch, Evans and Chad Hammer
Buddy Kniss won the 20 lap A Modified Main Event. This was the third win of the season for Kniss. He increased his point lead as he also won his heat race and rival Danny Wagner didn't finish the feature. Sean O'Gara set the early pace ahead of Gary Hetrick, but a red flag flew on lap two after contact sent Wagner and Raymond Lindemann crashing at the Turn 1 exit. Kniss moved into second behind O'Gara on the restart, and an intense, side-by-side battle developed between O'Gara and Kniss during the next 10 laps. Kniss finally made an inside pass in Turn 4 on the 13th lap to gain the lead. He would lead the rest of the race for the victory with O'Gara settling for second ahead of Cameron Swank, Hetrick and Wagner.
Shannon Newton won the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. This was the seventh win of the season for the current point leader. Newton had a front row start and raced into the early lead ahead of Keith Calvino. However, Calvino spun in Turn 2 for a lap three yellow flag. Newton continued to lead Cameron Martin, but Calvino quickly worked has way back up through the pack. During the final 10 laps, Calvino grabbed the second position from Martin and set about trying to take the lead from Newton. However, Shannon Newton was not to be denied as he scored the victory ahead of Calvino, Mackenzie Newton, Martin and Dan Gonderman.
Chris Sorensen won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was the sixth win of the season for the current point leader. Aiden Ponciano led a lap before Sorensen went racing by for the lead on the backstretch. Breanna Troen gained second on a lap six restart, and Ponciano spun from third in Turn 2 for a lap seven yellow flag. Sorensen continued to lead Troen and Will Buirch on the restart. They ran in that order until Buirch pitted from third on lap 13. Sorensen scored the victory by a comfortable margin ahead of Troen, Ken Johns, Philip Oreta and previous winner Jacob Mallet Jr.
Racing continues next Saturday with the Winged 360 Sprint Cars back in action along with A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results
All Star Series Antioch Speedway
DIRTcar Late Models
Heat Winner (6 laps)-Kimo Oreta. Main Event (20 laps)-Kimo Oreta, Rob Norris, Rick Coffey, Rod Oliver, Richard Papenhausen.
A Modifieds
Heat Winners (6 laps)-Sean O'Gara, Buddy Kniss. Main Event (20 laps)-Buddy Kniss, Sean O'Gara, Cameron Swank, Gary Hetrick, Danny Wagner.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (6 laps)-Dan Gonderman, Mackenzie Newton. Main Event (20 laps)-Shannon Newton, Keith Calvino, Mackenzie Newton, Cameron Martin, Dan Gonderman.
Limited Late Models
Heat Winner (6 laps)-Ryan Cherezian. Main Event (20 laps)-Kimo Oreta, Jim Freethy, Michael Burch, John Evans, Chad Hammer.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (6 laps)-Josh Leach, Jeff Bentancourt, Madison Motts. Main Event (20 laps)-Chris Sorensen, Breanna Troen, Ken Johns, Philip Oreta, Jacob Mallet Jr.
Modified Divisions Headline Merced Speedway Program
Merced, CA...People are talking in Merced, and they're saying that Merced Speedway is the place to be on Saturday night. The racing has been top notch, the car count has been up and it's simply a fun way to spend an evening with your family. This Saturday night, the IMCA Modifieds are back in action. The IMCA Sport Modifieds will also be a part of the program, joined by the Valley Sportsman and California Sharp Mini Late Model divisions.
Troy Foulger and car owner Billy Bowers have covered their bases pretty well in the IMCA Modifieds. They've scored four feature wins and have all Top 5 finishes in their nine starts. With this race and only the September 14th finale remaining on the schedule, all they need to do now is not stumble and the championship awaits them. If you know anything about this duo, they're going out Saturday night to try and win. As it is, Foulger holds a 31 point advantage over Ryan Porter. Though Porter has seven Top 5 finishes, he has yet to win this season.
Multi-time track champion Ramie Stone has managed to get a pretty good hold on third in the standings, though he has yet to grab a Top 5 finish. His advantage over over relative newcomer Jesse James Burks is 33 points. Burks notched his third Top 5 finish of the season last time in the stellar field of competitors, but his absence from two events has kept him out of the hunt for the championship. Burks could be a threat to win this week, and other racers to watch for include past champions Randy Brown and Paul Stone, two-time winner DJ Shannon and Bob Williamson.
There is still a little bit more time to make a move in the points as the IMCA Sport Modifieds have this race and two more left on the schedule. However, the consistent Fred Ryland will present a challenge to the contenders. Ryland again picked up a Top 5 finish last week, giving him six in his seven starts. Ryland is aiming for his second Merced championship, and he leads two-time winner Kelly Wilkinson by just 16 points. Only nine points behind Wilkinson is State point leader Guy Ahlwardt. Ahlwardt has enjoyed his visits to Merced and is hoping to get his first win at the speedway this week. He's won at other venues this year.
Patti Ryland holds fourth in the standings by 10 markers ahead of Nick Tucker. Last week, she scored the B Main win to make it into the feature. She'd love to notch her second Top 5 finish of the season this week. Other stars to watch for include Chuck Weir, KC Keller, reigning champion Jeremy Hoff and Chris Falkenberg. Quietly, 10th ranked Kodie Dean has moved into the rookie point lead.
The youngest stars of the speedway can be found in the Mini Late Model division. Seven races into the season, reigning champion Timmy Crews has picked up five victories and has a 36 point advantage over Logan Clay. Clay has also had all Top 5 finishes this year, but he is still clinging to just a 15 point advantage over one-time winner Riley Jeppesen in a closer race for second. Carson Guthrie picked up the win last time out and and could be out to get another one this week. Other stars to watch for include Kaylin Lopez, Jeremiah Enriquez and Ian Shearer.
After ranking second in the standings last season, Rick Elliott seems to be a lock to win the Sportsman championship. He is also one of four different feature winners so far this year as he holds a lead of over 100 points in front of two time-winner and reigning champion Jerry Cecil. Dwayne Short has scored his two victories in recent events and may come into the night as the driver to beat. Other racers to watch for include two-time champion Mike Friesen, Chris Corder, Eric Sealy and Jeff West.
The two Modified classes at Merced Speedway have been thrilling the crowd with some great racing all season, and there's no reason to expect anything different this week. It should be another good show at the 70 year old racing facility. For further information, go to www.mercedspeedway.net.
Sawyer, Johnson Score Legends Night Victories
At Merced Speedway
Merced, CA...August 10...Robby Sawyer scored the 25 IMCA Modified Main Event win Saturday night at Merced Speedway. This was Legends Night at the speedway and also the third round of the four race Highway 99 Series. Sawyer is the current point leader at Bakersfield Speedway and the win paid $1,000.
For the IMCA Modified Main Event, Jesse Burks had the pole position and battled Ryan Porter early before Sawyer and fellow Bakersfield racer Jerry Flippo both got by. Point leader Troy Foulger had to start back in the fifth row, but he rapidly worked his way into the Top 3. However, Sawyer ran strong and was not to be denied the victory. Flippo settled for second ahead of Foulger, Burks, Porter, Austin Burke, reigning track champion Darrell Hughes II, Bobby Hogge IV, Clint Richenbach and Billy Wilker. Foulger, Burks and Burke won their respective 10 lap heat races, and Jeff Streeter won the 12 B Main from the pole, followed by Wilker and Bob Williamson.
Michael Johnson won the 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was the second Merced win for the Bakersfield Speedway competitor. Johnson had to start back in the sixth row. Chris Falkenberg led early from the pole, but mechanical issues ended his bid for a second win. Past State champion Nick Spainhoward and current point leader Fred Ryland mixed it up at the front of the pack, but it was Johnson moving around both of them to get the lead and eventually win. Spainhoward settled for second, followed by Ryland, KC Keller, Bakersfield point leader Jason Nation, Andrew Peckham, State point leader and Guy Ahlwardt, Kelly Wilkinson, David Pearson and Bubba Nelson. Eight lap heat wins went to Peckham, Falkenberg, Nelson and Fred Ryland. Patti Ryland won the 12 lap B Main from the pole ahead of Chuck Weir and Danny Roe.
Billy Nelson won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the three-time Watsonville champion. Billy Nelson shared the front row with Bakersfield competitor Kevin Irwin, and they had a good race up front. Justin Gonzales made a charge from the eighth row, but he only got as far up as fourth as Nelson won ahead of Irwin and Domissie Scoggins. Tyler Guzman finished fifth, followed by Michael Shearer, point leader Shannon Nelson, Terry Campion, Austin Van Hoff and Donnie Shearer. Billy Nelson, Irwin and Nicholas Johnson were the eight lap heat race winners, and Gonzales won the 10 lap B Main ahead of Allen Neal and George Silva.
Dakota Keldsen won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Keldsen is a two-time winner at his home track in Watsonville aboard the Lloyd Keldsen Jr Tribute Car. Dakota Keldsen had the pole position and led from the start with previous winner Shawn DePriest running not too far behind in second throughout the race. Point leader Lee Ragsdale finished third, followed by Jennifer Rodgers, Chris Corder, Jennifer Corder, Tyler Post, Jerry Tubbs, Lucy Falkenberg and Alex Widdowson. Eight lap heat race wins went to Keldsen and Jennifer Corder.
Racing continues next Saturday night with IMCA Modifieds back in action along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, California Sharp Mini Late Models and the Valley Sportsman division. For further information, go to www.mercedspeedway.net.
59th Annual Johnny Key Classic Set For
Ocean Speedway Saturday Night
Watsonville, CA...Ocean Speedway is gearing up for the biggest Sprint Car race of the season. This is the 59th Annual Johnny Key Classic, putting the local Taco Bravo Sprint Cars against the Civil War Series. There is no bigger Sprint Car race in the Bay Area with a longer heritage than this one. Joining the Sprint Cars on the card will be the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and the Ocean Midgets.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Johnny Key was one of the biggest names in Bay Area racing. He was a champion and seemed destined for greater things before a tragic racing crash in a AAA Midget race in Ohio cost him his life. San Jose Speedway began running the Johnny Key Classic in his memory. It started out as a 200 lap race in the early years. When the Tully Road San Jose Speedway location closed, the race moved to the fairgrounds in San Jose until the track closed at the end of the 1999 season.
The race may have come to an end then if not for Ocean Speedway starting a Sprint Car class. In 2007, thanks to some great sponsorship, the race was brought back. Long time Sprint Car competitor Jason Statler won the first 50 lap race at Watsonville. This marks the 12th running of the Johnny Key Classic at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds racing facility. There will be an increased purse for this race, and the field is expected to swell into the 30s with some of the best Sprint Car competitors around.
When it comes to Sprint Car racing, it seems like there's always a Kaeding in the mix. In this case, it's third-generation competitor Bud Kaeding. Bud has made 10 starts at Watsonville, and his numbers include four victories, five seconds and one third as he leads the championship battle. Kaeding has had one of those seasons racers strive to achieve, and it includes a win in the race named after his grandfather, the Howard Kaeding Classic.
With Kaeding leading the championship battle by over 100 points, the battle is for second. James Ringo holds the position, but it's not too big of an advantage over Koen Shaw and Jeremy Chisum. Shaw enjoyed one of his best efforts of the season with a third place finish last week. He led the first 19 laps before being overtaken by eventual winner Justin Sanders and Kaeding. Sanders will be another driver to watch in the battle for victory this Saturday night. He was the winner of the 2016 race.
The last five Johnny Key Classics have been won by Rico Abreu, ten-time Civil War champion Andy Forsberg, Sanders, Michael "Buddy" Kofoid and Tanner Thorson. At Ocean Speedway, only Abreu and two-time Watsonville champion Tommy Tarlton have won this race twice. The race is expected to draw an all star cast of Sprint Car competitors, which could include two-time Ocean Speedway champion Shane Golobic, recent Oregon Speedweek champion Mitchell Faccinto, multi time King of the West champion Kyle Hirst, reigning Civil War champion Cole Macedo and DJ Netto. Some of the track regulars anticipated include three-time regning champion Brad Furr, Jason Chisum, Kurt Nelson, Jayson Bright, Richard Fajardo and Jerry Bonnema.
The IMCA Modifieds are 10 races into the season, and only seven points separate reigning champion Cody Burke, brother Austin Burke and past champion Jim Pettit II. Cody Burke has a pair of wins to his credit and Pettit has one as well, but Austin Burke is still looking for his first win of the season. With a pair of wins at the Mike Cecil Memorial weekend event, six-time champion Bobby Hogge IV now has five wins and has moved back into the Top 10 in the standings. Though Hogge is not a point chaser this year, it's very possible that he will be here for this race. Other drivers to watch for include Jeff Decker, Robert Marsh, Brian Cass and Raymond Keldsen.
The IMCA Sport Modifieds have had 12 races so far this year. Two-time winner Jarrod Mounce is on a quest to get his first championship. The second-generation racer has earned a pair of victories to give him a 23 point advantage over two-time winner Adriane Frost. Frost is a two-time Four Banger champion at the speedway, but she's in pursuit of her first championship in this class. It's likely to be decided between these two drivers.
Justin McPherson has picked up a pair of Top 5 finishes and recently gained a one point lead over State point leader Guy Ahlwardt in the race for third. Ahlwardt appears to be making another track his Saturday night choice, and he's likely be there this week. Some of the racers to watch for include Charlie Hunter, Max Baggett, Steven Allee and Kelly Campanile
The track's effort to create an Ocean Midgets division based on the Western Midgets Racing ruleset has produced between six and eight cars per race. Five events have been run so far, and USAC Midget racer David Prickett carries a 22 point lead over Randi Pankratz into Saturday night. Both Pricket and Pankratz have four Top 5 efforts in their five starts. Keoni Texeira won the most recent race. Greg Edenholm currently holds third in the standings ahead of Jackson Dukes. These two are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include Jessica Swanson, Tyler Slay and Rickey Sanders.
The Johnny Key Classic is the final big show of the season at Watsonville for the Sprint Cars, and the big field that is anticipated makes this a show you won't want to miss. There will be lots of great racing happening at the quarter-mile clay oval on Saturday night. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Sanders Scores Ocean Speedway Sprint Car Victory
Watsonville, CA...August 9...Justin Sanders won the 30 lap Taco Bravo Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Ocean Speedway. This was the third win of the season for the 2015 champion. Point leader Bud Kaeding continued his string of impressive performances behind the wheel of his father Brent Kaeding's car with his fifth second place finish of the season.
Kurt Nelson set himself up for a potential second Main Event win of the season when he outran Koen Shaw to win the six lap Trophy Dash. The duo had the front row for the feature race, and Shaw charged into the lead at the waving of the green flag. Nelson held second until being passed by Sanders on lap five. Sanders took up pursuit of Shaw, who did a fine job of holding the lead for the first 19 laps. On lap 20, however, Sanders slipped past Shaw and began to pull away to about a straightaway advantage by the time the checkered flag waved. Kaeding began to pressure Shaw for second until making his move on lap 25 to finish there. Shaw settled for third, followed by Kurt Nelson, Zane Blanchard, Jake Andreotti, James Ringo, Jeremy Chisum, Keith Day Jr And Ryon Nelson.
Kurt Nelson set the fast time of 11.941, barely beating the 11.954 effort of Sanders. Andreotti held off the pressure of Kaeding throughout the eight lap heat race to earn the win. Shaw won the other heat ahead of Jeremy Chisum.
Rob Gallaher won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was the sixth win of the season for the current point leader. Rob's father, Joe Gallaher, led the race from the start with heat race winner DJ Keldsen in second. The lead battle got a little too close for comfort entering what was to be the final turn when contact between Keldsen and Joe Gallaher sent Gallaher spinning for a yellow flag. Rob Gallaher suddenly found himself in the lead for the restart and held off a determined Terry Traub for the victory. Ryan Muller, Joe Gallaher and Cody Bryan completed the Top 5 at the checkered flag..
Dan Anderson won the 15 lap Police N Pursuit Main Event. This was the second win of the season for Anderson. Anderson represents the Task Force Racers, and he led every lap with point leader John Hohmann of the Scotts Valley Police Department running very closely behind him in second. Jesse Mueller of the California Highway Patrol earned passing honors by coming from the sixth row to grab the third position from Kyle Dorris during the second half of the rapidly run race. Dorris settled for fourth, followed by Nate Graham, Justin Rhodes, Roy Iler, Adam Rikalo, Steven Fernandes and Chris Murphy. Hohmann and Anderson won their respective six lap heat races.
Tony Gullo won the 15 lap Four Banger Main Event. This was his second win of the season. Ryan McClelland led a lap before Gullo went by for the lead. Gullo would lead the rest of the way and stretch his advantage over McClelland to nearly a straightaway at the checkered flag. Previous feature winner John Grilli raced past Ray Bunn for the third position on lap 10 and would finish there as Bunn settled for fourth, followed by point leader Kate Beardsley, Nicole Beardsley, Bill Beardsley and Allen Kuykendall. Grilli was the eight lap heat race winner.
Next Saturday night is the 59th Annual Johnny Key Classic for the Taco Bravo Sprint Cars and the Civil War Series. The Ocean Midgets, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds will surely make this an exciting four division program. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Johnny Soares Classic Set For Saturday Night
At Petaluma Speedway
Petaluma, CA...This Saturday night is another special event at Petaluma Speedway. This is the Eighth Annual Johnny Soares Classic, which pays respect to the long time Petaluma Speedway promoter and West Coast Stock Car Hall of Famer. The Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints will be in town to go head to head with the local PitStopUSA.com drivers in a 50 lap race. Also competing will be the General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars, Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks and the Santa Rosa Auto Body 600 Micros.
In a storied career that stretches back into the 1940s, John Pershing Soares had seen it all and done at all. He won NASCAR races, was a two time BCRA Hardtop champion and helped build race tracks. He's a member of several Hall of Fames, including Bay Cities Racing Association and Antioch Speedway. Soares started promoting Petaluma Speedway in the early 1960s. With exception of a three-year span in the 1970s, he promoted the track all the way to through the 2002 season. The race was created by his son, Jim Soares, as a way to pay respect.
The Hunt Series continues to be the premiere effort for the Wingless Spec Sprint division. With Petaluma Speedway's PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprint effort doing well this year, the car count is expected to be quite big for the show. Reigning Hunt Series champions Shawn Jones and Jake Morgan each had a pair of victories to get the season going, and Jones won last week's show at Placerville Speedway.
Some of the stars of the Hunt Series who are anticipated include three-time champion Terry Schank Jr, Cody Spencer, Troy Degaton, Tim Sherman Jr and Matt Stewart. Scott Chapeta, meanwhile, is racing with both the Hunt Series and at Petaluma Speedway. Chapeta is also third in the standings at Petaluma following his charge from 14th to a fifth place finish last time out. He is still looking for his first win there.
The most recent race for the regular group at Petaluma was quite dramatic as Bradley Terrell had problems while looking for his fourth win of the season, giving the lead to reigning champion Shayna Sylvia. When she too had some problems, point leader Angelique Bell took command and scored her first victory of the season ahead of second ranked Sparky Howard. Howard is in the hunt for his second championship at the speedway. Other drivers to watch for this week include one-time winner Cody Fendley, Boy Moniz, Keith Calvino, Bob Davis and 2017 champion Ryon Siverling.
The Redwood Dwarf Cars have had five races so far, and there have been five different winners. Car counts have also been very strong with this group as they are frequently visited by racers from the South Bay and NorCal groups. Wins have been recorded by point leader Chad Matthias, Shawn Jones, second ranked Mark Hanson, South Bay star Mark Biscardi and 2016 Antioch champion Kevin Miraglio.
It's a close battle at the front between Matthias, Hanson, Marcus Hardina, John Peters, Matt Hagermann and reigning champion Scooter Gomes. These drivers are all anticipated this week, and others to watch for include Mike Affonso, Darren Fridolfs, Sam Borland and Brandon Gentry.
The Mini Stock race is a back and forth battle between teammates Jeremy Tjensvold and Tom Brown. So far, each driver has picked up three victories and Tjensvold has three second place efforts to a pair for Brown. Brown is hoping to become the first repeat champion in this class in over a decade. The duo is certainly the odds on favorites to get the win this week, but some of the others to watch for include Jason Grover, Roy Dearing, Sophie Shelly, Danny Manzoni, Antonio Miramontez and Darien Balestrini. Dearing has finished by as high as second and third, while Grover, Broze and Balestrini have finished third. Balestrini and Dearing have a pair of thirds.
We haven't seen a point update for the 600 Micro class in a while, but a new list was just released following last Saturday's race. Surprisingly, it shows Justin Adiego leading Nick Robfogel by 19 points. Robfogel outran Adiego to get his third win last week, but Adiego has scored Top 5 finishes in all six of his starts. These two drivers may be leading the charge, but there's a good battle going on between Carroll Mendenhall, Rob Brown and Kyle Grissom for third. Grissom is the only one of the three to get a win. Mendenhall leads Brown by four points and Grissom by six. Other drivers to watch for this week include Sam Borland, Trevor Mendenhall, Brian Slubik and Anton Gianini.
The John Soares Classic is sure to draw a huge field of Spec Sprints, and the Dwarf Cars always bring a bunch of cars. It's a special night at the speedway that you won't want to miss. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Paul Wins Top Dog Nationals At Petaluma Speedway
Petaluma, CA...August 10...Michael Paul Jr won the 40 lap Top Dog Nationals McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. This was the first win of the season for the multi time champion, and he collected a $1,500 paycheck.
Josh Combs led a lap and Yreka long the tow Jimmy Lipke led two laps before Paul went charging by for the lead. Paul had built about a straightaway advantage by lap 10 as Combs and Oreste Gonella both got by Lipke for second and third. Following a lap 15 yellow flag, reigning champion Gonella slipped past Combs for the second position. The race had a break at 20 laps to allow refueling and other adjustments, and Paul led Gonella and Anthony Slaney at that point.
Paul would lead Gonella throughout the second half of the race and through four yellow flag slow downs. Slaney saw his run in third come to a disappointing end for a lap 34 yellow flag. At that point, State champion Shane DeVolder took over third. Paul went on to score the impressive victory, and DeVolder made a last lap pass on Gonella to claim second. Terry Kaiser finished fourth, followed Jeffrey Faulkner, Trevor Brady, Jake Dewsbury, Justin Yeager, Freddie Plourde III and Slaney. Michael Paul Jr, Gonella and Slaney won their respective eight lap heat races.
Geoff Ensign scored a thrilling victory in the 25 lap PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event. The 2017 track champion was coming off of a $3,500 win in the big Wingless Sprint Car show in Medford last weekend. Shawn Arriaga put the Lathrop Racing Sprinter into the early lead ahead of Brent Bjork. Ensign took third from Billy Aton on lap nine and gained second on lap 15. Ensign began to pressure Arriaga until making his winning move on lap 19. Ensign went on to victory ahead of Arriaga, Bjork, Brett Rollag, John Clark, Brett Barney, Joel Myers, Peter Paulson, Aton and Roberto Kirby. Ensign set the fast time of 13.304, and Aton and Barney were the eight lap heat race winners.
Point leader Mitch Machado won the 25 lap Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stock Main Event. This was his eighth feature win of the season as he has won every race so far. Manny Avila led the first five laps before a yellow flag waved. The restart was Machado's opportunity to gain the lead, and he wasted no time taking over. The race had three more yellow flags, and each time Machado maintained his advantage over Avila. Machado pulled away to about a half-straightaway advantage over Avila at the checkered flag. Steve Studebaker finished third, followed by Shawn McCrory, Gary Adams, Dave Spindell, Shane DeVolder, Tom Sargis, Danny Naron and Matt While. Heat race wins went to Machado and While.
Nick Robfogel won the 20 lap Santa Rosa Auto Body 600 Micro Main Event. This was his third win of the season as he ranks second in the championship chase. Robfogel raced into the lead at the start ahead of point leader Justin Adiego. After a lap four yellow flag, Adiego made the move around Robfogel to take the lead, but it was short lived. Robfogel raced back around Adiego for first on lap eight and led through one more yellow flag to score the victory. Adiego settled for second, followed by Carroll Mendenhall, Rob Brown, Brian Slubik, Jeromie Charon, Amber Fields, Kyle Grissom, Sam Borland and Trevor Mendenhall. Adiego and Robfogel picked up eight lap heat race wins.
Next Saturday night is the Eighth Annual Johnny Soares Classic, which pays tribute to the long time promoter. The Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Tour will be running a 50 lap Main Event. Also competing will be the General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars, Santa Rosa Auto Body 600 Micros and Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Kids Bike Night, Great Racing This Saturday Night
At Orland Raceway
Orland, CA...In recent years, one of the big events on the Orland Raceway schedule has been Kids Bike Night. This is the opportunity for kids to put their bikes on the track to race for awards, and it's also a night that sees the track give away several bikes to lucky winners. Saturday night will be Kids Bike Night. The full lineup of racing on the 1/5 mile dirt oval will include Pure Stocks, Wingless Spec Sprints, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks and Wingless 250 Micro Sprints.
Numbers have been up just a little bit in the Pure Stock division so far this season. From the start, reigning Mini Truck champion Keith Ross and Phil Spencer have been having a good battle for the championship. Both drivers ran well last time with Ross finishing second and Spencer collecting a fourth place finish as this battle continues. It was 2017 champion Jeremy Langenderfer making a charge from the seventh row to grab a very impressive victory. He could be out to grab another win, but there's sure to be some tough competition from multi-time winner Wes Smock, reigning champion Paul Stephens, third-ranked Steve Martin, John Camper, Maurice Merrill and others.
Likewise, there's been an interesting race happening in the Wingless Spec Sprint division. Tony Richards has won several championships in this class at both Chico and Orland, but after a season opening effort that saw him miss the Main Event due to mechanical issues, he's been foced him to play catch up. The consistent Denny McNary had a strong effort last time as he led several laps before being overtaken by Richards. Because McNary continues to pick up Top 5 finishes every week, he maintains a decent advantage in the championship chase. McNary is still looking for his first win, and it could happen this week. Josh Tucker has a pair of victories this year and is looking for #3. Others to watch for include Ryan Owens, Cort Marchuk, RJ Baker, Josh Jacobo and Cassie Amore.
It seems like there has been a Webster in the winners circle for almost every Mini Truck race this year. Despite flipping his truck off of Turn 2 this year, Zack Webster is a multi-time winner, and father, 2016 champion Dan Webster, has also won several races. However, the consistent Kalvin Kvalvik is also a winner this year and ranked first in the standings. There are some good drivers in the field this year, and some of the stars to watch for include Anthony Esquivelle, Beau Chandler, Dan Libbee, William Fogle and Tony Quinones.
Reigning champion Tom Davis has been in domination mode in the Mini Stock division. He's won most of the races and leads the way in the standings ahead of past champion John Kirkpatrick and Jason Libbee. Last season's championship runner-up, Barbara Crain, has also been making some good laps this year.
Mike McCarthy was the most recent winner of the Wingless 250 Micro Main Event and continues to lead the standings ahead of Lester Elsey and Ronnie Heyer. You never know who might show up from week to week in this class, but McCarthy has proven to be very fast and consistent this season.
Kids Bike Night has been one of the signature events at Orland Raceway in recent years. In addition to some great racing from the five divisions scheduled, this will be a fun family night at the Glenn County Fairgrounds race track. For further information, go to the Orland Raceway Facebook page.
Netto, Baronian, Win at Keller Auto Speedway
Hanford, CA...August 10...DJ Netto won the 30 lap King of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Keller Auto Speedway. This was the third win of the season for Netto and it gives him a 24 point advantage over Grant Duinkerken in the championship battle.
Bud Kaeding had the pole for the Main Event and set the early pace ahead of Netto and Duinkerken. After a yellow flag on the first lap, the race had 22 straight green flag laps. Netto and Kaeding began an intense battle for the lead on lap 10. Netto grabbed first on lap 11 with Kaeding regaining the position a lap later. Netto was relentless and put the moves on Kaeding to take the lead once again on lap 13. A lap 23 yellow flag bunched the field, but Netto resumed command when the green flag waved. Netto brought it home a happy winner ahead of Kaeding, Duinkerken, Tucker Worth, Zane Blanchard, Brooklyn Holland, Scott Parker, Jared Faria, Danny Faria Jr and Eric Humphries.
Worth was the quickest of 20 qualifiers with a lap of 14.033, beating the 14.177 of Jared Faria. Eight lap heat race wins went to Worth, Netto and Kaeding.
Greg Baronian won the 20 lap House of JuJu Central Valley Mini Stock Main Event. Baronian is the reigning series champion, and this was his first win of the season. Baronian had the pole for the Main Event and set the pace from the start ahead of series and track point leader Dan Myrick. Following a lap one yellow flag, Jason Cook moved into the third position on the restart. Baronian and Myrick pulled away to about a straightaway lead ahead of Cook. While the battle was relatively close in front, Baronian held off Myrick for the victory. Cook was a solid third, followed by Paul Schwartzenberger, Matthew Herod, Ryan Blank, Ryan Doglione, Ronald Curtner, Darren Wilson and Jeff Durant. Baronian set the fastest time in the 23 car field with a lap of 22.098. Eight lap heat race wins went to Myrick, Glover and Blank.
Rob Solomon won the 25 lap IMCA RaceSaver 305 Sprint Car Main Event. After early leader Brooklyn Holland had problems on lap two, Solomon took command. Solomon led the rest of the way for the win. Grant Champlin used a second place finish to gain the point lead. Michael Pombo finished third, follow by Ryan Delisle, Albert Pombo, Mauro Simone, Brandon Emmett, Chris Ennis, Rick Bray and Holland. Albert Pombo was the fast qualifier with the lap of 15.031, while Champlin and Emmett were the eight lap heat race winners.
Chad Johnson won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. This was the third win of the season for the current point leader. Renn Bane led two laps before Johnson moved by to take the lead. Larry Thompson took the second position from Bane on lap eight and took up pursuit of Johnson. A lap 13 yellow flag slowed the pace, but Chad Johnson continued to lead the way ahead of Thompson on the restart. They finished in that order with Cody Johnson third, follow by Rod Bane, Renn Bane, Dave Lincoln, Troy Patee, Tanner Lorenzo, Ron Hurt and Brock Hamilton. Chad Johnson and Larry Thompson won the eight lap heat races.
Racing returns to Keller Auto Speedway on September 7th with the King of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars, IMCA RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars. For further information, go to www.racekingsspeedway.com.
Stone, Lesser, Wood Win At Dixon Speedway
Dixon, CA...Austin Stone won the 25 lap Wingless Micro Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Dixon Speedway. Stone trailed Danny Carroll for five laps before moving by to take the lead. Stone set a good pace during the final 20 laps to score the victory ahead of Carroll. Austin Torgerson was a close third, followed by Robbie Lewis, Blake Parmley, Chris Parmley, Nate Wait, Theron Smith, Jeremy Chapman and Brett Irvine.
The Wingless Micros had a strong 31 car turn out, and Lewis set the quickest time on the 1/5 mile dirt oval with a lap of 10.796, beating the 10.971 effort of Stone. Danny Carroll won the 10 lap Trophy Dash ahead of Stone, and the 10 lap heat race wins were earned by Torgerson, Tommy Carroll, Danny Carroll and Josh Hurley. Randy Sims won the 12 lap B Main ahead of Fabian Fernandez, Louie Laspina and Matt Santana.
Ethan Lesser won the 25 lap Super 600 Main Event. Lesser had the pole for the race and led every lap in victory. Cody Gray ran second early, but he briefly lost the position to recent Orland winner Jessica McManus on lap nine. Gray regained the position a lap later and again lost the position on lap 21 to Blake Bower. Unfortunately for Bower, mechanical issues ended his race moments later, giving the second place finish to Gray, followed by Colton Huelsmann, McManus, Frank Camacho II, Hayden Saitch, Todd Job, Michael Torres, Bower and Tony Alosi. Bower was the quickest of 17 qualifiers with a 10.758 effort, and Lesser won the six lap Trophy Dash. Eight lap heat race wins went to Gray and Lesser.
Hailey Wood picked up the win in the 20 lap Restricted Micro Main Event. Wood took the lead from the start and rapidly pulled away from point leader Jeffrey Pahule to win by a straightaway at the checkered flag. Pahule settled for second, followed by Ashton Torgerson, Matthew Tatoole, Jackson Kohler, Austin Taborski, Rylee Whitehouse, Logan Penman, Austin Wood and David Camacho. Torgerson outqualified 13 others with a lap of 11.178. Kohler won the six lap Trophy Dash with 10 lap heat races were won by Torgerson and Kohler.
Hayden Stepps won the 20 lap Jr Sprint Main Event ahead of point leader McKayla Tatoole, Peyton Whitehouse and Cynric Vo. Tatoole set the quick time of 13.635. Stepps won the four lap Trophy Dash, and Tatoole picked up the ten lap heat race win.
Racing returns with a full compliment of Micro Sprints on August 24th. For further information, go to www.dixonspeedway.net.
Petaluma Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 10, 2019
Top Dog Nationals
McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds
Michael Paul Jr
Shane DeVolder
Oreste Gonella
Terry Kaiser
Jeff Faulkner
Trevor Brady
Jake Dewsbury
Justin Yaeger
Freddie Plourde III
Anthony Slaney
Brian Cass
Jimmy Lipke
Gary Zwicker
Ray Trimble
Michelle Paul
Mitch Machado
Jay Learn
Josh Combs
Matthew Kaiser
PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprints
Geoff Ensign
Shawn Arriaga
Brent Bjork
Brett Rollag
John Clark
Bret Barney
Joel Myers
Peter Paulson
Billy Aton
Roberto Kirby DNS
Jake Haulot DNS
Santa Rosa Auto Body Micros
Nick Robfogel
Justin Adiego
Carroll Mendenhall
Rob Brown
Brian Slubik
Jeromie Charon
Amber Fields
Kyle Grissom
Sam Borland
Trevor Mendenhall
Lamberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks
Mitch Machado
Manny Avila
Steve Studebaker
Shawn McCoy
Gary Adams
David Spindell
Shane DeVolder
Tom Sargis
Danny Naron
Matthew While
Tim O'Hara
Sid Hess
Merced Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 10, 2019
IMCA Modifieds
A Main
Robby Sawyer
Jerry Flippo
Troy Foulger
Jesse Burks
Ryan Porter
Austin Burke
Darrell Hughes II
Bobby Hogge IV
Clint Reichenbach
Billy Wilker
Cody Burke
Monty Tomlinson
Jeff Streeter
Alex Stanford
Ramie Stone
Anthony Giuliani
Trevor Fitzgibbon
Justin Villaneuva
B Main
Jeff Streeter
Billy Wilker
Bob Williamson
Ray Mayer
Paul Guglielmoni
Jeremy Crebs
Duane Orsburn
Robby Jeppesen
Justin Hart
IMCA Sport Modifieds
A Main
Michael Johnson
Nick Spainhoward
Fred Ryland
KC Keller
Jason Nation
Andrew Peckham
Guy Ahlwardt
Kelly Wilkinson
David Pearson
Bruce Nelson
Tanner Thomas
Patti Ryland
Kodie Dean
Tim Ragsdale
Nick Tucker
Chuck Weir
Chris Falkenberg
Tim Rolan
B Main
Patti Ryland
Chuck Weir
Danny Roe
Tony Peffer
Tony Hornyack
Joe Salvi
Frank Cefaliello Jr
Adam Coonfield
Tyler Thomas DNS
Hobby Stocks
Billy Nelson
Kevin Irwin
Domossie Scoggins
Justin Gonzalez
Tyler Guzman
Michael Shearer
Shannon Nelson
Terry Campion
Austin Van Hoff
Donnie Shearer
Allen Neal
George Silva
Race Shelton
Mike Germait
Raul Rodriguez Sr
Kristie Shearer
Nicholas Johnson
Timmy Crews
B Main
Justin Gonzalez
Allen Neal
George Silva
Logan Clay
Devin Belton
Mini Stock
Dakota Keldsen
Shawn DePriest
Lee Ragsdale
Jennifer Rodgers
Chris Corder
Jennifer Corder
Tyler Post
Jerry Tubbs
Lucy Falkenberg
Alex Widdowson
Keller Auto Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 10, 2019
King Of Thunder Winged 360 Sprints
D.J. Netto
Bud Kaeding
Grant Duinkerken
Tucker Worth
Zane Blanchard
Brooklyn Holland
Scott Parker
Jared Faria
Danny Faria Jr
Eric Humphries
Craig Stidham
Joey Ancona
Geoffrey Strole
Cole Danell
Vaughn Schott
Tanner Boul
Steven Kent
Travis Coelho DNS
Burt Foland Jr DNS
Landon Hurst DNS
IMCA 305 RaceSaver Sprint Cars
Rob Soloman
Grant Champlin
Michael Pombo
Ryan Delisle
Albert Pombo
Mauro Simone
Brandon Emmett
Chris Ennis
Rick Bray
Brooklyn Holland
Phil Heynen
Blaine Fagundes
Gordon Rodgers
Lance Jackson
Benjamin Catron
House Of JuJu CVMS Mini Stocks
Greg Baronian
Dan Myrick
Jason Cook
Paul Schwartzenberger
Matthew Herod
Ryan Blank
Ryan Doglione
Ronald Curtner
Darren Wilson
Jeff Durant
Danny Myrick
Shawn Schwartzenberger
Brent Myrick
Justin Griffioen
Ethan Griffioen
Randy Brown
James Smith
Jason Cook
Clinton Massey
Steven Porter
Gene Glover
Joshua Dysart
IMCA Stock Cars
Chad Johnson
Larry Thompson
Cody Johnson
Rod Bane
Renn Bane
Dave Lincoln
Troy Patee
Tanner Lorenzo
Ron Hurt
Brock Hamilton
Ocean Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 9, 2019
Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo
Justin Sanders
Bud Kaeding
Koen Shaw
Kurt Nelson
Zane Blanchard
Jake Andreotti
James Ringo
Jeremy Chisum
Keith Day Jr
Ryon Nelson
Jason Chisum
Richard Fajardo
Jayson Bright
Hobby Stocks
Rob Gallaher
Terry Traub
Ryan Muller
Joe Gallaher
Cody Bryan
DJ Keldsen
Jerry Skelton
Four Bangers
Tony Gullo
Ryan McClelland
John Grilli
Ray Bunn
Kate Beardsley
Nicole Beardsley
Bill Beardsley
Allan Kuykendall
Roy Iler DNS
Police n Pursuit
Dan Anderson
John Hohmann
Jesse Mueller
Kyle Dorris
Nate Graham
Justin Rhodes
Roy Iler
Adam Rikalo
Steven Fernandes
Chris Murphy
Pat Sullivan
Tony Weir
Dixon Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 10, 2019
Super 600 Micros
Ethan Lesser
Cody Gray
Colton Huelsmann
Jessica McManus
Frank Camacho II
Hayden Saich
Todd Job
Michael Torres
Blake Bower
Tony Alosi
Kyle Mentch
Jason Chapma
Colby Greig
Jesse Adams
Christian Harris
Ricky Sanders DNS
Darrell Busby DNS
Wingless 600 Micros
Austin Stone
Danny Carroll
Austin Torgerson
Robbie Lewis
Blake Parmley
Chris Parmley
Nate Wait
Theron Smith
Jeremy Chapman
Bret Irvine
Isak Johnson
Angelina Dempsey
Randy Sims
Joe Silva
Louie Laspina
Fabian Fernandez
Nick Banatta
Matt Santana
Ryan Holden
Brandon Shaw
Don McLeister
Cameron Paul
B Main
Randy Sims
Fabian Fernandez
Louie Laspina
Matt Santana
Nick Banatta
Don McLeister
Derrick Patterson
Tyler Chamorro
Chuck Patterson
Todd Job
Clayton Harris
Taylor DeCarlo DNS
Norman Harley Rose DNS
Restricted Micros
Hailey Wood
Jeffrey Pahule
Ashton Torgerson
Matthew Tatoole
Jackson Kohler
Austin Taborski
Rylee Whitehouse
Logan Penman
Austin Wood
David Camacho
Cody Crawford
Bryant Bell
Thomas Vo
Tallon Becker
Junior Sprints
Hayden Stepps
Makayla Tatoole
Peyton Whitehouse
Cynric Vo
Stockton 99 Speedway Unofficial Race Results August, 10, 2019
Tom Manning Memorial
BCRA Midgets
Jeese Love
Cody Gerhardt
David Goodwill
Blake Brannon
Floyd Alvis
Robert Carson
Dylan Nobile
Gunslinger
Austin Carter
Mark Pyle
Justin Segura
Allen Beck
Justin Kawahata
Dillon Tucker
Denny Burrell
AJ Russell
Mini Cups
Wyatt Sansom
Coupe Allen
Joey Stearns
Rebecca Dubie
Evan Laires
Molly Laires
Focus Midgets
Joey Iest
Joseph Holliday
Derek Laweree
Santa Maria Raceway Unofficial Race Results August 10, 2019
Race #8 - Bud Stanfield Memorial
USAC West Coast 360 Sprints
Austin Liggett
Tristan Guardino
Ryan Timmons
TJ Smith
Kalab Montgomery
JJ Ringo
Slater Helt
Tom Hendricks
Tyler Most
Koen Shaw
Ryan Stolz
Hannah Mayhew
Matt Day
James Herrera
Michael Faccinto
Austin Ervine
Nick Diani
Brent Owens
Gage Rucker
USAC Western States Midgets
Robert Dalby
Shannon McQueen
Cory Elliott
Michael Faccinto
Jake Swanson
Cody Swanson
Ben Worth
Austin Liggett
Dylan Ito
Alex Schutte
CJ Sarna
David Prickett
Marvin Mitchell
Terry Nichols
Anthony Lopiccolo
Troy Morris III
Ron Hazelton
Randi Pankratz
Kyle Beilman
Gage Rucker DNS
Koen Shaw DNS
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Robbie Claborn
Kevin Johnson
Dylan Potter
Austin Ruskauff
Donnie Hampl
Aaron Farrell
Rich Denman
Brian Baker
Orion Messina
Mike Dean
Paul Harris
Adam Baker
Jason Pugh DNS
Markus Frazier DNS
Hobby Stocks
Tom Grzincic
Scotty Preast
Jacob Jones
Matt McEwan
Mike Keebler
Chris Whitford
Pat Fausel
Sheldon Bailey
Aaron Bruce
Greg Baker
Johnny Wood
Kevin Pritchard
American Stocks
Justin Jackson
Jimmy Satlawa
Rich Denman
Ron Tansom
Brent Bohard
Ed Wyand
Nicholas Verbryke
Steven Cardoza
Irwindale Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 10, 2019
Pick Your Part Late Models
Main Event #1
Blaine Perkins
Ryan Vargas
Jace Jones
Trevor Huddleston
Dean Thompson
Lucas McNeil
Nick Joanides
Andy Allen
Tanner Wattenbarger
Rodney Peacher
David Sear
Main Event #2
Trevor Huddleston
Nick Joanides
Lucas McNeil
Jace Jones
Blaine Perkins
Rodney Peacher
David Sear
Ryan Vargas
Andy Allen
Dean Thompson
Tanner Wattenbarger
Irwindale Race Truck/Spec Late Models
Andrew Porter
Kenny Smith
Andy Partridge
Lucas McNeil
Ron Nava
Jagger Jones
John Watkinson
Jacob McNeil
Ed Cutler
Takuya Okada
Dennis Arena
Niko Mongenel
L.J. Billings
Troy Andersen
Ken Michaelian
Southwest Tour Trucks
Ronnie Davis Jr
Austin Edwards
Mike Kelperis
Robert Vandermooren
Steve Reeves
Gary Howard
Barry Kelperis Jr
Curtis Burns
George Perret
Enduros
Bory Molina
Bobby Ozman
Robbie Salcido
Rick Conti
Kirk Kubik
Ian Rotundo
Robert Rice
Dewitt Jones
Brad Stellman
Mike McIntyre
David Rowe
John W. Beard
Joseph Furlow
Joseph Bereiter
Rodney Argo
Chris Voight
Progressive Paint Super Stocks
Rich DeLong III
Jason DeLong
Robby Harryman
Greg Bartlett
Bridgette Shaw
James Swan
Rich DeLong
Harry Michaelian
Legends
Cameron Morgan
Ricky Schlick
Darren Amidon
Jake Bollman
Tyler Hicks
Ricky Leigh
Chad Schug
Christen Bazen
Orange Show Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 10, 2019
LATE MODELS
Results are not official
1 #38 Jeff Peterso
2 #48C Cody Kiemele
3 #48 Robb Kiemele
4 #86 Ryan Bragdon
5 #26 Jim Vermillion
6 #56 Kyle Meyer
7 #24 Mike Wiemann
8 #51 Racin Vernon
9 #8 Matt Goodwin
Results are not official
STREET STOCKS
Results are not official
1 #83 Kevin James
2 #7 Scott Groom
3 #16 Roger Brown
4 #07 Evan McCray
5 #18 Darrin Secord
6 #8 Tyler Gallup
7 #45 Don Geary
8 #11 Jay Verduzco
9 #3 Mark Whitson
MINI STOCKS
Results are not official
1 #10 Chase Shackleford
2 #88 Danny French
3 #21 Tyler Underwood
4 #51 James Teets
5 #16 Eric King
6 #81 David Rice
7 #76 Renee Graham
8 #99 Cody Carruthers
9 #18x Victor Garcia
BANDOLERO
Results are not official
1 #11 Daniel O'Donnell
2 #35G Landon Gresser
3 #12 Skyler Meisenbach
4 #93 Ralph Hodges
5 #04 Riley Massey
6 #45G Logan Gresser
SKID PLATE
Results are not official
2 #98 Robert Snyder
3 #44 Mike Miller
4 #25 Steve Belling
5 #10 Gary Gordon
6 #43 Bill Markloff
7 #79 Amy Evans
8 #11 Tony Price
The Editor's Viewpoint
I get irritated by comments that compare racing now to a different era of racing and insinuate that one person has caused the lower numbers. I saw a comment regarding Antioch Speedway. Somebody posted a video from a race in 1985, and admittedly the crowd was nice. I bet there were 1500 fans in the stands at least that night. The track was heavy, there was lots of contact in the Street Stocks, but they were doing okay.
I will address the car count situation first. 1985 was a year when the Street Stocks were beginning to get Semi Mains, so you might have 25 to 30 cars. The Late Model division was not getting Semi Mains, and this was due to people pushing for rule changes. Antioch was slower to get its Late Model car count up when the division was returned to the roster in 1981. It took until 1983 to start seeing Semi Mains, and 1984 might see 30 Late Models show up. Definitely progress, but then the haves wanted more, and the have nots couldn't afford it. Guess what happens at times like these? Cars get parked. So, 15 or 16 Late Models was probably the average that year.
What that meant was somewhere in the area of 40-50 cars were showing up. Guess what folks? We're getting 40-50 cars for the average show at Antioch Speedway now, sometimes more. So no, John hasn't suddenly killed the car count at Antioch Speedway 35 years later. We created this thing that I call Divisionitis where we have to have eight different divisions on the roster to rotate, and in 1985 we had two divisions. This has served to divide drivers into more classes, and we can argue what classes are needed and what are not. But four divisions and sometimes five are booked to get a car count in the 50s these days.
I also point out that Antioch Speedway isn't unique in this division thing. It's standard practice for tracks to book at least four divisions for a race, and many of them have more than that on their roster that they rotate. Antioch isn't doing anything any of the other tracks aren't doing. I'm not sure how we got down this path. When John's dad did what he did at Petaluma, he did it in the knowledge that Baylands Raceway was closed and there were a bunch of drivers looking for a new home track. When Antioch started doing that, prior to when John got there, it was just to get more cars in the pits. Again, Antioch wasn't the only track doing these things even then.
The crowd situation is something I hear a lot of, but the bottom line is times have changed from the 1980s to now. In the 1980s, we still had quite a few different options, but it's even more so now. Plus, people have other things competing for their entertainment dollars, and racing becomes less important than it was in the 1980s. So, those nights where there were 1500 fans in the stands have become a rarity at most places. Some tracks do better than others, but believe me, the numbers are down everywhere. The promoter at Antioch, just as the promoter at any of these other tracks, is not the only ingredient in what has caused this to happen.
I guess it just bothers me a little bit when I hear John get vilified for all that is wrong in the sport. He himself doesn't make it easy for people to like him, and I will admit that. He's misunderstood, and he gets a bad rap. Sometimes he brings that on himself with the things he says or does. However, most people find when they sit down and talk to him that he's a good guy and he's reasonable. He's the one writing the checks to pay the bills, and the bills are a lot higher to run Antioch Speedway than people realize. It's kind of the same situation San Jose Speedway got into, and where is that now?
Side note before getting back to Antioch, but does anybody think there's a possibility of San Jose Speedway returning to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds again? I know they recently had a racers reunion there, and this always spurs that talk. However, they have motorcycle courses on the property there, and it wouldn't take a lot of doing to make it happen. The big question is, what kind of an agreement could you get from the fairgrounds? I think there's a way to look at this that perhaps people aren't looking at.
A promoter could potentially round up equipment that could be removed from the property. Portable stuff. Portable bleachers, portable fencing and walls, trailers for food and other things. Put stuff in there and if you're able to get the five year deal, you're able to pull things out of there in the event that the deal goes sour in the end. You don't put a lot of investment into building permanent structures, because you're not exactly sure what is going to happen in the future.
Granted, this is not going to be your marquee, state of the art facility. However, racers just need a good track to race on and room to park their car. Fans need a place to sit down and enjoy a show while enjoying a hot dog and a soda. This could actually be done without heavy investments of building a state of the art facility. Will it be done? I don't know. I'll believe it when I see it.
The San Jose supervisors got greedy and stupid. Hey, it happens. First of all, they were charging too much to park. It's ridiculous to have an event you want people to come watch and then shank them for money to park their cars, but in 1999, people were being charged $5 to park. That may not seem like much, but when you know you're going to have to pay money to get into the track, money for food and all that, that $5 can be a deal breaker. At some point, you've broken the fans budget. So yes, there was greed.
It's no wonder that Rick Farren didn't really want to invest in the place and was simply keeping things going as long as he could afford to. The fact that Antioch and Watsonville were two of his tracks made it more manageable, because he would surely make money at both tracks that helped to pay for any losses at San Jose. Then again, the supervisors got stupid and thought they could put a concert venue at the facility that never materialized. Had racing continued in the early 2000s, I think racing would still be there today. But, you didn't have a promoter willing to go year to year to weather the storm of the amphitheater threat. I don't blame Rick for stepping away.
What does this have to do with Antioch? Well, how about a $7 parking fee? To me, that's just greed. The fairgrounds is going to the point of dictating to John how he's going to run the race track, what products he's going to offer in his concessions and what time he's supposed to end the show. They're almost tying his hands and telling him, "Good luck. Oh, by the way, where is our money?"
If you think it's going to get easier to run that venue in the years ahead, you're delusional. I don't say it can't be done, but you're going to be challenged in ways you didn't think you'd be challenged. And yes, we're going to come up on a day when somebody else will have to take on that challenge or the gates are going to close. What I don't see happening is the fairgrounds making a better deal where a promoter isn't charged more than they should be.
I know people think it's easy. Get rid of John and everybody's going to come back. That's the first fallacy. Racers who really wanted to race at Antioch would be there right now. There's only a few people who may not be welcome, and a whole lot more who just don't race there. The change of the person at the top isn't going to bring them all back, because a lot of these missing racers haven't been racing for years. When somebody gets in the habit of not racing, even if they have that race car, it's going to be harder to motivate them to start working on it and come back.
Am I saying that racers won't come back when somebody else is at the helm of that track? No. I'm just saying that you might get those people coming back out of curiosity, but keeping them there as regular supporters isn't going to be as easy as you think. After the honeymoon, where people who hated John so much are coming back, what are you going to do to keep them there? That's the question. I definitely see an initial bump in driver support, and maybe even attendance, but sustaining it is another matter.
What I've learned in Medford is that it's work keeping these numbers up. You have to put the time into it, and you can't just assume you have all the bases covered. You have to keep an eye on things and try different strategies. The fans tastes have changed and the way they get their information has change as well. We have to keep up with all of that. The Medford track had gotten to a point where getting 300 fans in the stands on a regular night was a challenge, so getting it where we have it now has been lots of work. You have to be engaged in the process and not assume anything.
The declining numbers that we see at several of these venues isn't purely because a promoter is a bad person, and it's all too easy to fall on the default position that you should just blame the promoter. You've got to look at economy, racing trends, technology, the automobile industry, city ordinances when it comes to working on cars and all of those things. There are many factors that have gone into why you have tracks that might have 300 or 400 fans on any given night. You have to consider that when seeing tracks that may get 30 or 40 racers some nights.
I have to be honest with you, I've looked at numbers at some race tracks that are so low, I wonder why they're even bothering to open the gates. You want to know why they do it? They love the sport. They're trying to keep it going, and we might look at a show at one of these venues and shake our heads, but to the fans there, it still matters. You can't make it better if you don't have a show there now. As long as the gates continue to open, there's a chance for better things to happen.
So when it comes to throwing shade at John, which seems to be the pastime for some people, consider the fact that he pays the bills at that venue and has done so over over 20 years. Consider the fact that he's had some of the biggest paying events during his time and is offering $12,000 to win his season finale. Consider the fact that there are many times when he takes losses that you may not even know about, but he comes back and does what he does. Yes, be mad at him for some of the things he does, but always remember that without him, that doesn't mean that suddenly things will be better.
The decline was coming, no matter who was in charge. People who were throwing shade at John when it came to attendance and car count conveniently left left out one vital piece of information. When he took over the track in 1998, the numbers went up. Attendance went up and racer support went up, peeking in 2000. Then, it leveled off in 2001 and we had that fateful day in September which may have had a hand in things. There was still an adequate enough show going on through most of the decade, though it was certainly a shadow of what it was in those first few years. Still, the numbers John had in his first three years are second to no other time in the history of that track.
I just feel it is important to point that out. I could sit here and point out flaws that the man has, because we all have flaws. I can point out where he didn't do himself any favors and cost the track, but it's not like everything he's done out there has been harmful. You can look at any promoter, the guy at Petaluma, Watsonville, Bakersfield or what have you, and you're going to find good and bad. Just remember, these are the people keeping the tracks alive.
This past weekend we got word of the passing of Steve Sutherland. Steve was a car owner and a track official. When John came to Antioch Speedway, Steve was in some ways his right hand man. He served in the capacity of Chief Steward and wherever John needed him. There was a time when he was presenting the winners awards to the drivers at the end of the races as well.
I knew Steve to be a nice guy and fair and impartial when it came to his rulings. He was in a challenging position, which people who have filled the role at Antioch know. You're never going to make everybody happy with your calls, and we had some things happen in 1999 that led to some not so pleasant memories for me. But through it all, Steve kept a positive attitude and did the best he could. I also knew him to be loyal to John. If John needed him and he was able to do it, he was there at the track doing what he could.
As my sister and I were doing everything that we could to help the track, she would help Steve in 1999 by typing up the penalty notes. So, Steve would bring Jackie back home from the races and they would discuss what might need to be done. They got along well and I've always appreciated that he treated my sister with respect and let her be a part of things. I'm sorry to hear about his passing, but I'm comforted to know that he is no longer suffering.
On that note, I'm going to close this column. Until next time...
