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Modifieds, Late Models Headline Antioch Speedway Show
The A Modified championship battle seems to be going the way Buddy Kniss would hope, but the third-generation racer knows he can't get too comfortable. His division is booked in four of the last five races, and that means there are plenty of point earning opportunities for his rival, Danny Wagner, to gain some ground. At the moment, Kniss leads Wagner by 36 points. It's been a back and forth battle between the two as Kniss has won three Main Events and Wagner has two wins in the 14 races held so far. Both have a second place finish, and Wagner has four third place finishes to three for Kniss. However, Kniss has been better at getting Top 5 finishes overall with 12 of them.
There have now been eight different feature winners this season as Brian Pearce was the most recent winner last time out. After a strong start, reigning champion Nick DeCarlo has been missing in recent weeks, and yet he leads Sean O'Gara by 60 points in the race for third. O'Gara has three Top 3 efforts in the last four races, which also puts him 30 points ahead of past champion Bobby Motts Jr in the battle for fourth. There is still plenty of opportunity to make some moves up the point ladder for some of the other competitors.
Others to watch for this week include Gary Hetrick, Raymond Linderman and Trevor Clymens. With neighboring Petaluma Speedway not racing until Monday, it's possible that some of their Modified competitors may show up to take advantage of a potential two-race weekend.
Kimo Oreta has recently started running a Modified and could show up with that car this week. However, we do expect him to compete in the DIRTcar Late Model race. Oreta has emerged as a challenger to the dominant Richard Papenhausen. Two races ago, he led 12 laps of the Main Event before mechanical issues sidelined him. The Sun Drop Racing Team got everything situated, and Oreta responded by scoring his first win in this class last time out. It also meant that Oreta snapped a five-race win streak for point leader Papenhausen, who was running in second when front end suspension damage sent him to the pits. Papenhausen holds a 40 point lead over the consistent Rod Oliver. Oliver is the only driver other than Papenhausen to have six Top 5 finishes, and this includes a season high second and one third.
Oliver isn't comfortably in the second position as Oreta trails by just four points. Not to be forgotten in the battle for second is Mike Hynes. Hynes is only 18 points out of second on the strength of two season high third place finishes. Though this has been a difficult season at times for past Modified champion Rob Norris, he rebounded last time with a career best second place finish. Another driver making his presence known lately is past Santa Maria Speedway champion, Rick Coffey. Coffey has a second and third place finish in his last two starts. Other drivers to watch for this week include Dennis Souza and John Soares.
The apparent march to the Wingless Spec Sprint championship for Shannon Newton hit an unexpected hurdle last week. Newton was making a charge towards the front in a quest for his eighth feature win when he contacted a tire entering Turn 3 and cartwheeled into the infield. It looked like a rather violet flip, but Newton emerged from the wreckage unscathed. How much damage the car sustained, we haven't heard, but the Richard Basden team will be hard at work making repairs for the coming race.
As it stands, Newton holds a comfortable lead of 94 points ahead of division mainstay Rick Panfili. After a pair of not so good finishes, Panfili rebounded a bit last time out with a fourth place finish. This also gave him a 20 point lead over Mackenzie Newton. She was coming off of a pair of third place finishes and is still very much a threat to Panfili for the second position. Much like Newton and two-time champion Dan Gonderman, top rookie Jeff Scotto was out of the Main Event early and now only has a 22 point lead over Keith Calvino. Calvino followed up his second place finish from the previous race with a fifth place finish last time out as he continues to climb the point ladder.
Past division runner-up Marcus Smith was a welcome sight in the pits for the first time this year. In fact, the trio leading the pack last week were not drivers that have been seen regularly at the speedway. Alan Miranda, a feature winner in past seasons, collected the win in front of Smith and 2015 champion Kyle Bakkie. You never really know who could show up from week to week, but other drivers to watch for this week include Dustin Maibes, Cameron Martin and Troy Ferry.
The B Modified division saw another new winner added to the list last week. We had gotten word that rookie Cameron Swank was looking to sell his B Modified and searching for a Camaro for a return to the Hobby Stock division. Swank has done an admirable job in the B Modified class so far, but he saved his best for last week in turning in a rather impressive performance in scoring his first career feature win. The win also moved him to within 14 points of Kevin Brown for second in the standings. Brown has been very consistent with seven-straight Top 5 finishes. The streak also included his first career victory three races ago.
Barring any unforeseen issues, Tommy Fraser appears to be headed for the division championship. Fraser has six wins to his credit and was forced to start back in 10th last week as the previous winner. He managed to climb to third as two-time reigning champion Trevor Clymens managed to overcome steering issues to earn a respectable second place finish. Clymens is leading his brother Tom Clymens Jr by just four points in the race for the fourth position. Other drivers to watch for this week including Jason Womack, Nick Caughman Jr and Ty Bickford.
The Dwarf Cars round out what should be a very exciting program. Scott Dahlgren, who has been one of the top competitors in the NorCal Dwarf Car group in recent years, continues his march toward the championship. He scored his fifth feature win last time, keeping his lead at 50 points in front of teammate Devan Kammermann. Kammermann has scored four second place finishes and one third in his last five races as he's practically pounding on the door to his first career feature win. The pressure is on Kammermann with Troy Stevenson Jr just 28 point behind him in third. Stevenson had a streak of five Top 5 finishes going into the most recent race, but bad luck put an end to that.
Last time out, two-time reigning champion Mike Corsaro looked about as good as we've seen him all year as he earned his third season high third place finish. Corsaro could be another threat to win the coming race. Two-time winner Travis Dutra and one- time winner David Michael Rosa will also have their sites set on victory this week. Some of the other racers to watch for include Mario Marques, Chris Becker, Travis Day and Timmy Ryan.
This Saturday's program will offer a nice variety of fast and competitive divisions for the fans to enjoy. With the battles we have going in the various championship races and the fact that we've been seeing some new faces in the winner's circle in various divisions recently, this should be a show you won't want to miss. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Swank, Miranda Win Antioch Speedway Races
Antioch, CA...August 24...Cameron Swank won the 20 lap All Star Racing Series B Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. Swank is the top rookie in the division so far this season, and this was his first win in the class. Swank charged into the lead at the start, followed by Kevin Brown and Nick Caughman Jr. Throughout the first half of the race, Swank built a comfortable lead as Caughman and Brown battled fiercely for the second position. On lap 15, Caughman spun in Turn 4, collecting Tommy Fraser and Mark Garner in the process. On the restart, Trevor Clymens charged into second behind Swank. Even with the two-time champion running behind him, Swank kept his cool and led the remaining laps for the impressive victory. Trevor Clymens settled for second, and Fraser beat Tommy Clymens Jr back to the checkered flag for third in a near photo finish. Ty Bickford finished fifth.
Alan Miranda won the 15 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. This was his first win of the season. After a flip in preliminaries, rookie Jeff Scotto was a Main Event scratch. Before one lap could be completed, there was a wild crash entering Turn 3. Dan Gonderman slowed down on the back straightaway as Rick Panfili was looking to the inside. With a bunch of momentum, incoming point leader Shannon Newton took evasive action into the infield, clipped a tractor tire and did a double cartwheel. He emerged from the wreckage unscathed, but his car suffered heavy damage. After Keith Calvino spun in Turn 2, Miranda charged into the lead ahead of 2015 champion Kyle Bakkie. Marcus Smith made a big move exiting Turn 2 of the third lap to get past both Mackenzie Newton and Panfili for the third position. A high pass in Turn 2 of the fifth lap put Smith into second, and he caught Miranda by the 10th lap. A fierce battle for the lead ensued. Smith bumped the rear wheel of Miranda entering Turn 1 as he attempted to get by on the 14th lap. Miranda managed to hold off Smith at the checkered flag as Bakkie, Panfili and Calvino completed the Top 5.
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Josh Leach won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was the fifth win of the season for Leach as he remains in championship contention. Dalton Jewell set the early pace ahead of Lori Brown and Tyler Henrickson. Leach quickly moved up to make it a four-car battle and made a Turn 1 pass on lap six to gain third. A slower car veered into the path of Brown as it headed towards the Turn 1 exit on lap seven, slowing her pace as Leach moved by for second. Following a yellow flag on lap nine, Jewell and Leach began a battle for the lead. Jewell was doing well until he left the door open exiting Turn 4 of the 16th lap. Leach went by on the inside to gain the lead and went on to score the victory with Jewell still a career best second. Championship contender Breanna Troen was a solid third ahead of Ken Johns and Will Buirch.
Jimmy Robbins won the 15 lap Limited Late Model Main Event. After winning his heat race, Robbins had the pole for the Main Event and led early ahead of John Evans. Robbins pulled away from Evans as point leader Kimo Oreta looked for a way around Evans. A low pass in Turn 4 of the fifth lap gained Oreta second, but Robbins held comfortable lead at that point. Oreta set a rapid pace and closed in on Robbins by lap 11. Oreta took a look to the inside of Robbins as they worked lap 12 and pulled even with him on the back straightaway as they worked the 14th lap. However, Robbins kept his poise and picked up the win ahead of Oreta, Evans and Michael Burch.
Racing resumes with an exciting five division lineup this Saturday night. The DIRTcar Late Models and A Modifieds will be back along with the Wingless Spec Sprints, B Modifieds and Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
All Star Series Antioch Speedway
Unofficial Race Results
B Modifieds
Heat Winners (6 laps)-Nick Caughman Jr, Tommy Fraser. Main Event (20 laps)-Cameron Swank, Trevor Clymens, Tommy Fraser, Tommy Clymens Jr, Ty Bickford, Kevin Brown, Chuck Golden, Adam Coonfield, James Graeselle, Nick Caughman Jr.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (6 laps)-Marcus Smith, Shannon Newton. Main Event (20 laps)-Alan Miranda, Marcus Smith, Kyle Bakkie, Rick Panfili, Keith Calvino, Mackenzie Newton, Jeff Scotto, Shannon Newton, Dan Gonderman.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (6 laps)-Ken Johns, Chris Sorensen. Main Event (20 laps)-Josh Leach, Dalton Jewell, Breanna Troen, Ken Jones, Will Buirch, Tyler Henrickson, Judy Arth, Lori Brown, Jacob Mallet Jr, Dustin Himes.
Limited Late Models
Heat Winner (6 laps)-Jimmy Robbins. Main Event (20 laps)-Jimmy Robbins, Kimo Oreta, John Evans, Michael Burch, Chad Hammer DNS.
USAC/CRA Sprint Cars Invade
Petaluma Speedway This Monday
Petaluma, CA...Petaluma Speedway has a special Labor Day event on Monday. It's the third round of the five-race USAC/CRA Sprint Car Speedweek Series, which is an annual occurrence at the 3/8 mile adobe oval. Joining the Sprint Cars in support will be the McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds and the Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks.
This will be the 14th race of the series for the USAC/CRA Wingless Sprint Car group. They are the premiere Wingless Sprint Car Series on the West Coast, and they always deliver an exciting show. After 11 races, there have been seven different winners so far this season. With a pair of wins each, Damion Gardner and Brody Roa are battling fiercely for the championship. Gardner holds a 20 point advantage. A solid third, and only 37 points out of second, is Austin Williams.
Meanwhile, the most recent winner at Paris Auto Speedway was Jake Swanson. Swanson has a pretty good hold on fourth with Tommy Malcolm back in fifth. The balance of the Top 10 is currently being rounded out by Chris Gansen, RJ Johnson, Matt McCarthy, Cody Williams and two-time winner Richard Vanderweerd. A turnout of 20 or so competitors is anticipated for Monday's show.
The McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds get their sixth opportunity to go racing, and multi time champion Michael Paul Jr is riding a two-race win streak into the night. Paul grabbed the $1,500 prize a few weeks ago in the Top Dog Nationals. His most recent win ahead of reigning champion Oreste Gonella has Paul trailing him by two points in this year's battle. Season opener winner Mitch Machado is still within striking distance, 10 points back. Only seven points behind Machado is Justin Yeager as these four drivers seem to be the ones in the championship battle at this point. The other feature wins this year have gone to two-time champion Nick DeCarlo and current Merced point leader Troy Foulger. Among the hard chargers to watch for this week include Gary Zwicker, Jay Learn, Trevor Brady, Tim Yeager and Michelle Paul.
The dominant force in the Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks right now is reigning champion Mitch Machado. Machado has teamed up with Baker Motorsports to win all eight features so far, leaving the question. Can he win every Main Event held this year? Though it's possible, this is not something that happens very often in racing. Steve Studebaker is the closest challenger to Machado in the standings, 57 points back. Studebaker has seven Top 5 finishes, including four second place finishes. He leads fellow two-time champion Matt While by 18 points. While has one second and three third place finishes. Manny Avila picked up a season best second place finish last time out, giving him an eight point lead over Gary Adams in the race for fourth. Adams has three third place finishes. Others to watch for this week include past champion Shawn McCoy, Tim O'Hara, Austin Ohlinger and Sid Hess.
Petaluma fans get to see quite a bit of Sprint Car racing, but this is the only time of the season to watch Wingless 410 Sprint Car racing. With Modifieds and Super Stocks running in support, this will be a good show. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Becker, Paul Win Petaluma Speedway Main Events
Petaluma, CA...August 24...Sean Becker won the 25 lap PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. Having recently wrapped up his sixth Silver Dollar Speedway championship, Becker was making his first appearance of the season. Becker and Shane Hopkins shared the front row of the Main Event with Colby Johnson starting in the second row. Becker battled Hopkins early on. Johnson was looking for his third win of the season, and he would take the second position from Hopkins. However, Becker won the hard fought battle ahead of Johnson and Hopkins. With one point race left to go for the division, John Clark used a fourth place finish to wrap up the championship. Bret Barney finished fifth, followed by Jason Toft, Wayne Katen, Nathan Schank, Joel Myers Jr and Joshua Bates.
Becker set the fast time 14.066, beating the 14.087 of Hopkins. Johnson outran Becker to win the first eight lap heat race, and Barney picked up the second heat win ahead of Clark.
Michael Paul Jr won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. This was the second-straight win for Paul, who is a multi time champion. Pole sitter Jeff Thomas was eliminated after one lap along with Justin Yeager and Gary Zwicker. Paul and reigning champion Oreste Gonella wasted little time moving to the front of the pack. Paul would go on to win by about half a straightaway ahead of Gonella. Joel Myers was a solid third, followed by Mitch Machado, Tim Yeager, Jay Learn, Trevor Brady, Jeffrey Faulkner, Michelle Paul and Thomas. Michael Paul Jr and Thomas were the eight lap heat race winners.
Mark Hanson won the 20 lap General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Car Main Event. This was the second win of the season for Hanson. Championship contenders Hanson, Marcus Hardina and Chad Matthias started in the first two rows of the feature race. Hardina had four second place finishes going into the night and was making a serious bid for his first win of the season. The battle was close down the stretch, but Hanson managed to hold off Hardina for the win. Matthias was a solid third, followed by 14th starter Scooter Gomes, Matt Hagermann, Carroll Mendenhall, Michael Alfonso, Tom Van Tuyl, Garrett Brady and Vernon Hubbard.
There were 28 Dwarf Cars in the pits, and Hagermann outran Danny Marsh to win the 12 lap B Main. Sam Borland finished third. Eight lap heat race wins went to Matthias, Hanson, Hardina and Kevin Miraglio.
Jeremy Tjensvold won the 20 lap Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stock Main Event. This was the fifth win of the season for the current point leader. Tjensvold wasted little time getting around Roy Dearing and Darien Balestrini to get the lead. Once in front, Tjensvold set by a rapid pace in winning by half a lap ahead of Dearing. Balestrini settled for third, followed by Tom Brown, Randy Miramontez, Sophie Shelley, Cody Bolles, Antonio Miramontez, Casey Monahan and Ben Baxmen. Eight lap heat race wins went to Tjensvold and Austin Ohlinger.
Racing returns with a special Memorial Day event on September 2nd. The USAC/CRA Sprint Cars will be competing along with the McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds and Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Sport Modifieds Get Big Race Saturday At Merced Speedway
Merced, CA...August 24...The IMCA Sport Modifieds have a big event coming this Saturday night at Merced Speedway and several of the tracks in the area aren't running the division this weekend. A few drivers who might otherwise have to make a long trip up north to go racing now have Merced as an option for a big money race. General Manager Doug Lockwood booked a $1,500 in a win race for the division. Joining them for an exciting night of racing will be the Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman division and the California Sharp Mini Late Models.
In recent years, Merced and other area tracks have avoided running on Labor Day weekend. However, Lockwood decided to take a gamble that if he had a big IMCA Sport Modified race there would be cars coming from out of town for the extra money. Two weeks ago, it was announced that there would be an increased purse for this event, including $1,500 to win. That money is expected to draw top containers from Bakersfield, Watsonville and elsewhere.
It will also be a regular point event for the local competitors, which also makes it more challenging as they will most certainly have to earn their way into the Main Event with the increased car count that is anticipated. After eight of the 10 championship point events held so far, 2016 champion Fred Ryland is leading Kelly Wilkinson by 21 points. Ryland has been very consistent with seven Top 5 finishes, including one win. Wilkinson has two victories to his credit, but those are the only two Top 5 finishes he's had. Only three points behind Wilkinson is State point leader Guy Ahlwardt, who won the most recent Main Event. Though Wilkinson and Ahlwardt are certainly in the title hunt, Ryland will have to stumble in these last two races. An increased car count certainly makes that more possible.
Patti Ryland, who is the wife of the point leader, has earned back-to-back B Main wins, but she's hoping for better Main Event luck this week. She has a six point lead over Nick Tucker in the race for the fourth position. While Tucker has earned more Top 5 finishes, his absence from one race has him holding down the fifth position. Some of the other regulars to watch for this week include Chuck Weir, KC Keller, Chris Falkenberg, Bruce Nelson, rookie Kodie Dean and reigning champion Jeremy Hoff.
The increased prize money is almost certain to draw some of the top drivers from elsewhere. Three top Bakersfield area racers to watch for are point leader Jason Nation, Michael Johnson and Kevin Johnson. Michael Johnson has two Merced wins to his credit and should be viewed as a threat to win again this week. Another potential threat for the big prize is 2014 State champion Nick Spainhoward. You never know who will be there to make a run for the big money, but over 30 competitors are anticipated for this show.
Meanwhile, the Mini Stock battle is still being led by Lee Ragsdale. Ragsdale has been the model of consistency with all Top 5 finishes in his eight starts, including one win. He's trying to make up for the heartbreaking season finale that saw him lose the point lead to the champion, Allen Neal, last season. Ragsdale leads one-time winner Lucy Falkenberg by 19 points as the battle seems to be between these two drivers. Falkenberg has picked up six Top 5 finishes. One-time winner Jennifer Rodgers ranks third, 26 points ahead of rookie Tyler Post. Some of the drivers to watch for this week include three-time winner Shawn DePriest, three-time champion Chris Corder, Jerry Tubbs, Shayla Gould and Austin Sprague.
This season, Lockwood took a gamble and booked the Valley Sportsman division more often. The car count has been slightly better than last season, and there's been some competitive racing for the victories. Point leader Rick Elliott scored his second win last time out as he holds a commanding lead over reigning champion Jerry Cecil. Cecil and Dwayne Short are also two-time winners this year. Two-time champion Mike Friesen is currently third of the standings, but he leads Jeff West by just eight points in that battle. Those two hard chargers could be there this week, and others to watch for include Chris Corder, Gary Hildebrand and Eric Sealy.
Rounding out the lineup will be the California Sharp Mini Late Models. Reigning champion Timmy Crews is showing no signs of slowing down in his quest to maintain his #1 status. Crews has a 39 point lead over Logan Clay on the strength of five wins in his eight starts. Following his second win of the season, Riley Jeppesen has moved to within nine points of Clay in a closer battle for second. These three drivers are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include Carson Guthrie, Kaylin Lopez and Jeremiah Enriquez.
Saturday night will be the IMCA Sport Modified division's night to shine as they headline the exciting program. You'll be seeing some of the best drivers in the state competing for a bigger purse. For further information, go to www.mercedspeedway.net.
Sanders Wins Again At Ocean Speedway
Watsonville, CA...August 23...Justin Sanders won the 30 lap Taco Bravo Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Ocean Speedway. Sanders took advantage of his front row starting position to lead all the way for his fifth win of the season. After finishing fifth in the Main Event, James Ringo moved to within one point of Bud Kaeding in the standings as Kaeding was winning a King of the West Series race at Stockton.
Sanders set himself up in a good position in the Main Event by out running Brent Kaeding to win the six lap Trophy Dash. Sanders set the pace from the drop of the green flag with Kaeding in pursuit. Sanders led Kaeding through lap six and seven yellow flags, but Landon Hurst slipped past Kaeding for the second position on lap 10. Sanders was beginning to build a good lead when a lap 18 yellow flag bunched up the field. He continued to lead Hurst and Kaeding on the restart. Sanders maintained his fast pace and stretched his advantage over Hurst to a straightaway by the time the checkered flag flew. Kaeding settled for third, followed by Grant Duinkerken, Ringo, Koen Shaw, Jayson Bright, Tucker Worth, Keith Day Jr and Jason Chisum.
There were 19 Sprint Cars, and Day managed to set the quick time of 11.747 on the quarter-mile clay oval. Sanders was second quick with an 11 778 lap. The eight lap heat race wins went to Duinkerken, Bright and Kaeding, but Kaeding was outran by Sanders in the six lap Trophy Dash.
DeCarlo Makes Late Move For IMCA Modified Win
Nick DeCarlo won the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. This was the second win of the season for DeCarlo, who is the reigning champion at Antioch Speedway. Jerry Movrich led a lap before being passed by Robert Marsh. Jeff Decker settled into second on a lap four restart, and DeCarlo was third on lap seven. Following a lap nine yellow flag, Decker maneuvered into the lead and began a duel with DeCarlo. DeCarlo took the lead on lap 15, but Decker regained the advantage a lap later as they ran side-by-side. DeCarlo again nudged ahead on lap 17, and a lap 18 yellow flag slowed the pace. Decker was able to regain the lead on the restart and held the point until DeCarlo again passed him on lap 22. Austin Burke was able to get by for second. DeCarlo won the hard fought battle ahead of Austin Burke, Decker, Bobby Hogge IV, Jim Pettit II, Cody Burke, Trevor Fitzgibbon, Anthony Copeland, Marsh and Raymond Keldsen Jr. Marsh and DeCarlo won the eight lap heat races.
Johnson Prevails In IMCA Sport Modifieds
Kevin Johnson won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was the third win of the season for Johnson, who currently ranks second in the State point race. Championship hopeful Adriane Frost led State point leader Guy Ahlwardt early on. Justin McPherson gained second on a lap five restart with Johnson following closely into third. Johnson was second on lap eight, and a yellow flag waved on lap nine. Frost continued to lead the restart, but Johnson was persistent. Johnson made his winning pass on lap 12. Point leader Jarrod Mounce gained second on a lap 15 restart, but all he could do was chase the flying Johnson across the finish line for a second place finish. McPherson finished third, followed by Randy Miller, Frost, Kelly Campanile, Haley Gomez, Matt Hagio, Charlie Hunter and Fred Ryland. Gomez and frost won the eight lap heat races.
Biscardi Claims Fourth Dwarf Car Victory
Mark Biscardi won the 20 lap South Bay Dwarf Car Main Event. This was the fourth win for Biscardi as he is in serious contention for the championship. Biscardi had the pole for the Main Event and led previous winter Ryan Amlen from the start. Only one yellow flag flew on lap three, but Biscardi would lead every lap in victory. Amlen finished second, followed by reigning champion Gene "Punky" Pires, Trafton Chandler, Eric Weisler, Barry Waddell, Jimmy Damron, Mack Aceves, Eddy Claessen and Keith Costas. Biscardi and Amlen won the eight lap heat races.
Grilli Gets Fourth Mini Stock Win
John Grilli won the 15 lap Mini Stock Main Event. This was the fourth win of the season for the rookie as he led the race from the drop of the green flag. Ryan McClelland and Roy Iler battled for the second position for a few laps before McClelland gained the spot. McClelland moved in to challenge Grilli briefly. However, Grilli began to stretch his advantage in the final five laps to a straightaway in victory. McClelland settled for second, followed by Iler, Chuck Kissinger, Nicole Beardsley, Bill Beardsley, Kate Beardsley and Jeff Finsand. Grilli was the eight lap heat race winner.
Racing will return to Ocean Speedway on September 20th. This will be Lady Police Night and the ladies will be competing in the Police N Pursuit cars. IMCA Modifieds will be back along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and the Ocean Midgets. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Sprint Car Divisions Headline Orland Raceway Program Saturday Night
Orland, CA...It's been an exciting season at Orland Raceway so far. As August comes to a close, Promoter Rich Hood has some exciting Sprint Car racing to offer the fans this Saturday. The Crate Sprints will be making their second and final appearance of the season, joined by the track's Wingless Spec Sprint division. Also competing in the five division program will be the Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks and 250 Micro division.
Prior to this season, it had been a few years since there had been Winged Sprint Cars on the 1/5 mile dirt oval. Several of the Winged Crate Sprint competitors have been trying to get dates at the speedway, and Hood finally booked them for a pair of races this year. Earlier this season, it was Mike Sayre winning the race. He is expected to be back to make another run at victory this Saturday night.
The Crate Sprint division is seen as a more economical way for competitors to get into Sprint Car racing. They've been racing mainly at Marysville this season, and Brett Youngman currently leads the championship race ahead of Kiely Ricardo and Cameron Haney Jr. Some of the drivers anticipated the this week include Jeff Macedo, Jerry Douglas and Chad Thompson, Sayre and Haney.
The Wingless Spec Sprint division has held 10 races so far. The lion's share of the glory has gone to Tony Richards, who had to go back home and get his back up car in order to start last in the most recent feature race. Richards ended up collecting his seventh win of the season, but the consistent Denny McNary finished third. Though McNary is still searching for his first win of the season, he has a 40 point advantage over Richards in the standings. McNary has scored 10 Top 5 finishes in his 10 starts, and at this rate, he may still be able to win the championship without winning a race.
RJ Baker has turned in a solid effort of his own this year and has a 33 point lead over Cort Marchuk in the race for third in the standings. Baker lost a very close battle with Tanner Thomson last season in the championship chase. The top rookie in the field continues to be Jeremy Langenderfer, and following his recent Top 5 finish, Langenderfer has a good hold on fifth in the standings. There were a dozen cars last race, and some of the stars to watch for this week include Ryan Owens, Cassie Amore, two-time winner Josh Tucker and Jerry Douglas.
Sometimes it gets a little bit wild in the Mini Truck division, but the drivers always put on a good show for the fans. The consistent Kalvin Kvalvik is leading the championship chase by 42 points over William Fogle. Kvalvik scored his second win of the season last time and has seven Top 5 finishes in his 10 races.
Fogle was absent one week as he went to Hayfork and scored the victory there. That absence may have cost him a shot at the championship. Fogle has a closer battle for the second position as he leads Dan Libbee by 13 points and Dan Webster by 24. 2016 champion Webster has racked up five feature wins in his eight starts, and he would probably be leading the standings if he had been at every race. Some of the stars to watch for this week include James Wooddell, Anthony Esquaville, Zack Webster and Beau Chandler.
Tom Davis is well on his way to a third-straight Mini Stock championship. Davis holds a lead of over 100 points over past champion John Kirkpatrick. He has also won an impressive seven Main Events in nine starts as only Kevin Pendergrass and Pure Stock champion Paul Stephens have managed to beat him. Davis has also picked up four wins in Susanville and one big money race in Hayfork as he's become one of the top Mini Stock racers in the state. Kirkpatrick, meanwhile, holds just a 19 point lead over Jason Libbee in the race for second. Other drivers to watch for this week include Barbara Crain and Jeremy Langenderfer.
The Wingless 250 Micro class rounds out the program. Despite failing to start the most recent race, four-time winner Mike McCarthy still holds a 24 point advantage over Ronnie Heyer in the championship chase. Lester Elsey is only five five points behind Heyer in a good race for second. These three are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include three-time winner Kaylee Porath and Jess Garland.
Fans wanting to see some exciting Sprint Car racing at Orland should take note. This Saturday show offers two Sprint Car divisions. With the four cylinder classes and the 250 Micros as part of the program, it should be an exciting show. For further information, go to the Orland Raceway Facebook page.
Kaeding Wins King Of The West Race
At The Stockton Dirt Track
Stockton, CA...August 23...Bud Kaeding won the 30 lap NARC/King of the West Fujitsu Sprint Car Series Main Event Friday night at the Stockton Dirt Track. This was the second win of the season for Kaeding aboard the Maury Williams owned Sprinter, and it moved him even closer to DJ Netto in a championship battle that has just 20 points separating the Top 5 competitors following this race.
Bud Kaeding set the tempo for things to come by outrunning Willie Croft to win the six lap Trophy Dash. This put the duo on the front row, and Kaeding charged into the lead at the waving of the green flag. A lap seven yellow flag bunched the field, but Bud Kaeding continued to lead Croft and Tim Kaeding on the restart. Tim Kaeding slipped past Croft for second on lap 15, but Croft regained the position two laps later. Croft briefly closed in on Bud Kaeding on lap 20, but Kaeding began to pull away in the waning laps. Bud Kaeding was the happy winner ahead of Croft, Tim Kaeding, Netto, Kyle Larson, Shane Golobic, Rico Abreu, Geoff Ensign, Mitchell Faccinto and Dominic Scelzi.
There were 20 competitors, and Larson set the fast time standard of 13.624, beating the 13.703 of Netto The first of three 10 lap heat race wins went to Bud Kaeding by a straightway ahead of Nathan Rolfe. Croft outran Netto to win the second heat, and it was Golobic beating Scelzi by a straightaway in the final heat. Bud Kaeding had the pole for the six lap Trophy Dash and outran Croft for the victory.
Matt Stewart won the 25 lap Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Series Main Event. Hawaii native Boy Moniz charged into the lead at the start ahead of Stewart and Jake Morgan. Morgan stood to gain big in the championship battle as incoming point leader Shawn Jones had mechanical issues and scratched from the feature. Morgan took second from Stewart on lap eight, but Stewart came charging past him for the spot on lap 13. The lead three cars ran closely, but Stewart finally put the moves on Moniz for the lead on lap 16. Morgan quickly followed into second, and Scott Chapeta settled into third on a lap 23 restart. Stewart ran smooth, and despite the pressure of Morgan, he scored an impressive victory. Morgan settled for second ahead of Trevor Schmid, Cody Spencer, Jarrett Soares, Terry Schank Jr, Moniz, Tim Sherman Jr, Cameron Martin and Chapeta.
Schmid set the quick time of 17.168, beating the 17.227 of Stewart. The 18 competitors were divided into three eight lap heat races, and Spencer outran Jones to win the first one. The second heat race saw a close battle between the lead three cars with Chapeta winning ahead of Stewart and Soares. Moniz held off the pressure of Morgan to win the final heat.
The King of the West and Hunt Series groups were scheduled to compete on Saturday at the Stockton Dirt Track as well. For information on the Hunt Series, go to www.huntwingless.com. and for information on the King of the West series, go to www.narc410.com.. Information on the Stockton track can be found at www.stocktondirttrack.com.
Baxter, Shaw, Torgerson Win At Dixon Speedway
Dixon, CA...August 24...Blaine Baxter won the 25 lap Super 600 Micro Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Dixon Speedway. Baxter had the pole for the race, but it was Brad Hannum racing into the lead. Hannum ran out front for the first 11 laps before bringing out a yellow flag. Baxter had the lead on the restart and led until lap 16 when ninth starter Ricky Sanders took over. Sanders' time out front was short lived as he brought out a yellow flag on lap 18. This put Baxter back in the lead once again, and he led the rest of the way for the victory, followed by John Bordenave, Hannum, Ethan Lesser, point leader Kyle Mentch, Colton Huelsmann, Devon Courtnier, Colby Greig, Sanders and Darrell Busby.
Baxter was the quickest of 20 qualifiers with a lap of 10.528 on the 1/5 mile dirt oval, beating the 10.569 of Lesser. Hannum and Bordenave won their 10 lap heat races, and Baxter outran Hannum to win the six lap Trophy Dash.
Brandon Shaw won the 25 lap Wingless 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Shaw won the 10 lap Trophy Dash and then proceeded to lead all 25 laps for the Main Event victory. The battle was for second as Danny Carroll held the position for the first six laps before being passed by Robbie Lewis. Lewis held second until Timothy Vaught raced by on lap 13. Vaught kept it close down the stretch, but Shaw still scored the victory. Randy Sims finished third, followed by Lewis, Carroll, Nate Wait, Tucker LaCaze, Chris Parmley, Norman Harley Rose and Mikie Clark.
The Wingless Micros brought another strong field of 31 cars, and Vaught set the quickest time of 11.397. Lewis was second quick at 11.477. The 10 lap heat race wins were earned by Rose, Carroll, Wait and Shaw. Shaw also outran Carroll to win the Trophy Dash. When leader Ryan Holden had problems on lap 11, Kyle Grissom ended up winning the 12 lap B Main ahead of Taylor DeCarlo and Tyler Chamorro.
Ashton Torgerson won the 20 lap Restricted Micro Main Event. Torgerson raced into the lead at the start and led the entire distance. Matthew Tatoole held second until being passed on the final circuit by Brandon Riveira. Tatoole settled for third, followed by Jeffrey Pahule, Hailey Wood, Isabella Barnes, Sage Bordenave, Thomas Vo, Bryant Bell and Austin Taborski. Tatoole set the fastest time of 11.185, and Torgerson and Pahule won the 10 lap heat races. Tatoole won the six lap Trophy Dash.
Lucas Mauldin won the 20 lap Junior Sprint Main Event. Mauldin led from the drop of the green flag with point later McKayla Tatoole in close pursuit. On lap 16, Tatoole took the lead, and she held the position until Mauldin regained command on lap 19. Maldin went on to win with Tatoole settling for second ahead of Hayden Stepps, Peyton Whitehouse, Brody Rubio and Cynric Vo. Mauldin set the fast time of 13.073, won the four lap Trophy Dash and 10 lap heat race to make it a clean sweep for him.
Micro Sprint Car action will resume at Dixon Speedway on Saturday September 7th. For further information, go to www.dixonspeedway.net.
Stockton Dirt Track Unofficial Results August 24, 2019
King Of The West/NARC Fujitsu Winged Sprint Cars
Tim Kaeding
Shane Golobic
D.J. Netto
Kyle Larson
Dominic Scelzi
Rico Abreu
Mitchell Faccinto
Bud Kaeding
Willie Croft
Colby Copeland
Geoff Ensign
Ryan Bernal
Kyle Offill
Sean Watts
Nathan Rolfe
Tim Estenson
Michael Sellers
Jace Vander Weerd
Cole Macedo
Chase Johnson
Jason Statler
Kenny Allen
Jonathan Allard
Jenna Frazier
Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints
Jake Morgan
Matt Stewart
Terry Schank Jr
Boy Moniz
Jarrett Soares
Shawn Jones
Josh Young
Tim Sherman Jr
Scott Chapeta
Cameron Martin
Ryon Siverling
Tony Bernard
Cody Spencer
Dixon Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 24, 2019
Super 600s
Blaine Baxter
John Bordenave
Brad Hannum
Ethan Lesser
Kyle Mentch
Colton Huelsmann
Devon Courtnier
Colby Greig
Ricky Sanders
Darrell Busby
Todd Job
Anthony Lewis
Cody Gray
Hayden Saich
Jason Chapman
Travis Henry
Steve Kaiser
Christian Harris
Blake Bower DNS
Jessica McManus DNS
Wingless 600s
Brandon Shaw
Tiimothy Vaught
Randy Sims
Robbie Lewis
Danny Carroll
Nate Wait
Tucker LaCaze
Chris Parmley
Norman Harley Rose
Mikie Clark
Jeremy Chapman
Bret Irvine
Isak Johnson
Derrick Patterson
Taylor DeCarlo
Blake Parmley
Matt Santana
Michael Wasina
Justin Adiego
Kyle Grissom
Tyler Chamorro
Harlee Aguilera
B Main
Kyle Grissom
Taylor DeCarlo
Tyler Chamorro
Mikie Clark
Chuck Patterson
Ryan Holden
Todd Kaiser
Louie Laspina
Nick Banatta
Buddy Chappell DNS
Fabian Fernandez DNS
Austin Stone DNS
Clayton Harris DNS
Restricted Micros
Ashton Torgerson
Brandon Riveira
Matthew Tatoole
Jeffrey Pahule
Hailey Wood
Isabel Barnes
Sage Bordenave
Thomas Vo
Bryant Bell
Austin Taborski
Colin Kirby
Rylee Whitehouse
Jackson Kohler
Austin Wood DNS
Jr Sprint Cars
Lucas Mauldin
Makayla Tatoole
Hayden Stepps
Peyton Whitehouse
Brody Rubio
Cynric Vo
Madera Raceway Unofficial Race Results August 24, 2019
Nut Up Pro Late Models
Buddy Shepherd
Carlos Vieira
Jason Aguirre
Dylan Zampa
Blaine Rocha
Jeremy Doss
Jacob Gomes
Kolby Berry
Austin Herzog
Ryan Hart
Racin Vernon
Toni Breidinger
Glen Cook
Rick Thompson
Tim Skoglund
Joey Brasil
Tyler Herzog
Greg Lowhorn
Joey Iest
Logan Zampa
Eric Nascimento
Matt Erickson
Jason Gilbert
5150 Jr Late Models
Joey Iest
Jadan Walbridge
Seth Wise
Bradley Erickson
Kabe McClenny
Austin Edwards
Jake Bollman
Kercie Jung
Kyler Berry
Lilly Mead
Jay Juleson
Kale McClenny
Robbie Kennealy
Brody Armtrout
Kasey Kleyn
Legends
Nick Halen
Chad Nascimento
Sheldon Crouse
Eddie Garone
Dylan Washburn
Peter Soto
Keith Clement
Christian Bazen
Ethan Nascimento
Kevin Travels
Mini Cups/Bandoleros
Riley Massey
Kenna Mitchell
Nathaniel Edwards
Ethan Nascimento
Aiden Phillips
Trenton Eurto
Dylan Baptista
Jeffrey Erickson
Joey Kennealy
Bakersfield Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 24, 2019
Mike Mosier Classic
IMCA Modifieds
A Main
Brad Pounds
Ethan Dotson
Alex Stanford
Jerry Flippo
Roger Holder
Danny Lauer
Austin Kiefer
Kyle Heckman
Shane Devolder
Bryan Clark
Austin Burke
Clint Reichenbach
Steve Noland
Ryan Daves
Jacob Dewsbury
Robby Sawyer
Blake Thornell
Chett Reeves
Randy Thornell
Kollin Hibdon
Cody Burke
Logan Drake
B Main
Austin Kiefer
Robby Sawyer
Logan Drake
Clint Reichenbach
Alex Stanford
Jerry Flippo
Chett Reeves
Austin Burke
Jacob Dewsbury
Kyle Heckman
Robert Sanders
Troy Morris III
Carl Berendsen II
Dylan Thornton
Ryan Porter
Anthony Slaney
Troy Morris Jr
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Michael Johnson
Ricky Childress Jr
Kevin Johnson
Nick Spainhoward
Jason Nation
Guy Ahlwardt
Kyle Wood
Brian Baker
Matthew Mayo
Brylon Holder
Tina Pounds
Brandon Jennings
Jack Aguiar
Austin Ruskauff
Tyler Blankenship
Todd Carlock
Daniel West
Gavyn Manning
Robby Claborn
Cale Kanke
Adam Baker
Jared Schweitzer
Hobby Stocks
Raymond Noland Jr
Don Mead
Kenny White
Dylan Wilson
Trevor Baker
Austin Manzella
Tyler Bannister
Aaron Stewart
Matt Sweeney
Kevin Irwin
David Schuyler
Johnny Wood
Eric Cimental
James Cecil
Nicholas Johnson
Jerry Flippo
Justin Gonzalez
Rick Henderson
Stephen Johnson
Austin Vanhoff DNS
American Stocks
Dakota Brown
Steve Johnson
Daryl Mealer
Miranda Scott
James Coots
Kody Sly
Jr Garcia
Robert Guess
Clay Waters
Brandon Ratcliff
Tara Childress
Steven Amick
Ryan Little
Brock Crawford
Troy Thomas Jr
Matt Crawford
Josh Yadon
JD Mealer
Seth Poncetta
Brian Childress DNS
Kylie Conway DNS
Ventura Raceway Unofficial Race Results August24, 2019
USAC/VRA Battle At The Beach Sprint Cars
Jake Swanson
J. J. Ringo
T.J. Smith
Tristan Guardino
Ryan Timmons
Slater Helt
Steve Hix
Brent Owens
Tanner Boul
Tom Hendricks
Rick Hendrix
Koen Shaw
Hannah Mayhew
Dylan Ito
Tyler Most
Jonas Reynolds
Ricky Lewis
Austin Ervine
Troy Rutherford
Gage Rucker
IMCA Modifieds
Trevor Fitzgibbon
Kevin Hocking
Dave Phipps
Andrew Greiman
Terry Hershberger
Jack Parker
Scott Olsen
Brad Prows
Sam Garvin
POWRi California Lightning Sprints
Cody Nigh
A. J. Bender
Bruce Douglass
Gage Cheek
Robb Pelmear
Jarrett Kramer
Grant Sexton
Doug Nunes
Eric Greco
Dominic Del Monte
James Turnbull
Aiden Lange
Pat Kelly
Wink Schweitzer
Jason Arnolde
Jon Robertson
Jeff Dyer
Dalton Sexton
NMRA TQ Midgets
Chris Thomas
West Evans
Bruce Hiroshima
Scott Niven
Paul Sanders
Mike Griffiths
Kevin Kale
Ace Kale
Scott Dobson
Hobby Stocks
Mike Stanford
Ricky Lewis
Tom Stephens Jr
Gary Garvin
Santa Maria Raceway Unofficial Race Results
IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars
Blake Robertson
Mike Schott
Michael Pombo
Grant Champlin
Brendan Warmerdar
Rob Solomon
Ryan Delisle
Lance Jackson
Phil Heynen
Mauro Simone
Brandon Emmett
Western Pro Stocks
Clay Daly
Justin Crockett
Jerry Stewart
Dave King Jr
Paul Miller
Billy Simkins
Tim Randolph
Chris Clinton
Ryan Smith
Frank Nyback
Dwarf Cars
Tommy Velasquez
Nick Velasquez
Jessica Swanson
Jeff Brink
Brian Barnhill
Thomas Velasquez
Tony Pellegrino
Mitch Caldwell
Kobe Kerns
Tony Margott
Bradon Wylie
Mini Stocks
Levi Burgett
David Kavanagh
Bill Barnhill
Zach Chavez
Megan Burgett
Arturo Carmona
Justin Gangolff
Ally Thornton
American Stocks
Justin Jackson
Jimmy Satlawa
Ed Wyand
Kevin Pritchard
Ron Tansom
Rich Denman
Nicholas Verbryke
Steven Cardoza DNS
Petaluma Speedway Unofficial Race Results August 24, 2019
PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Sean Becker
Colby Johnson
Shane Hopkins
John Clark
Bret Barney
Jason Toft
Wayne Katen
Nathan Schank
Joel Myers Jr
Joshua Bates
McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds
Michael Paul Jr
Oreste Gonella
Joel Myers
Mitch Machado
Tim Yaeger
Jay Learn
Trevor Brady
Jeff Faulkner
Michelle Paul
Jeff Thomas
Justin Yaeger
Gary Zwicker
General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars
Mark Hanson
Marcus Hardina
Chad Matthias
John Gomes
Matt Hagemann
Carroll Mendenhall
Michael Affonso
Tom VanTuyl
Garrett Brady
Vernon Hubbard
Sam Borland
Adam Freitas
Mike Dahle
Shawn McCoy
Travis Day
Michael Curry
Jordan Souza
Kevin Miraglio
Robert Johnson
Jamie Faulkner
Danny Marsh
John Peters DQ
B Main
Matt Hagemann
Danny Marsh
Sam Borland
Vernon Hubbard
Adam Freitas
Travis Day
Kylee Johnson
dave rossini
tim steger
Savannah Brown
Sean Catucci DNS
Jake's Performance Hobbies Stocks
Jermy Tjensvold
Roy Dearing
Darien Balestrini
Tom Brown
Randy Miramontez
Sophie Shelley
Cody Bolles
Antonio Miramontez
casey monahan
ben baxmen
Austin Ohlinger
Ocean Speedway Unofficial race Results August 23, 2019
Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo
Justin Sanders
Landon Hurst
Brent Kaeding
Grant Duinkerken
James Ringo
Koen Shaw
Jayson Bright
Tucker Worth
Keith Day Jr
Jason Chisum
Richard Fajardo
William Camara
Jake Andreotti
Ryon Nelson
Jeremy Chisum
Eric Humphries
Chris Nelson
IMCA Modifieds
Nick DeCarlo
Austin Burke
Jeff Decker
Bobby Hogge IV
Jim Pettit II
Cody Burke
Trevor Fitzgibbon
Anthony Copeland
Robert Marsh
Raymond Keldsen Jr
Stephen Streeter
Gary Marsh
Jerry Movrich
Jeff Streeter DNS
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Kevin Johnson
Jarrod Mounce
Justin McPherson
Randy Miller
Adriane Frost
Kelly Campanile
Haley Gomez
Matthew Hagio
Charlie Hunter
Fred Ryland
Guy Ahlwardt
South Bay Dwarf Cars
Mark Biscardi
Ryan Amlen
Punky Pires
Trafton Chandler
Eric Weisler
Barry Waddell
Jimmy Damron
Mack Aceves
Eddy Claessen
Keith Costas
Stockton Dirt Track Unofficial Race Results August 23, 2019
NARC/King Of The West Fujitsu Winged 360 Sprint Car Series
Bud Kaeding
Willie Croft
Tim Kaeding
D.J. Netto
Kyle Larson
Shane Golobic
Rico Abreu
Geoff Ensign
Mitchell Faccinto
Dominic Scelzi
Colby Copeland
Ryan Bernal
Chase Johnson
Jason Statler
Nathan Rolfe
Tim Estenson
Jenna Frazier
Cole Macedo
Sean Watts
Kenny Allen
Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints
Matt Stewart
Jake Morgan
Trevor Schmid
Cody Spencer
Jarrett Soares
Terry Schank Jr
Boy Moniz
Tim Sherman Jr
Cameron Martin
Scott Chapeta
Josh Young
Scott Clough
Kevin Box
John Mccann
Shawn Jones DNS
The Editor's Viewpoint
We're just about at the end of the string of big events booked at Southern Oregon Speedway. We just did a big Late Model show. It was the $4,000 to win Cottonwood Classic race, and we attracted some of the top drivers from the Willamette area as well as a few of the California stars. 24 competitors isn't bad for a Late Model show these days, but it could have been better. The reason the number didn't hit the 30s was because the local contingent wasn't as supportive as they could have been.
While I don't want to take those racers to task for not showing up, I can't help but be disappointed. A few of them were the ones that were pushing us to have a big race in the first place, and for them to not show up is certainly disappointing to me. Was it the fact that there were stars coming in from out of town that might have an advantage that scared them away? Did everybody just have something else to do on the biggest weekend of the year for their class? That I don't know. It was still a good show, but stronger local support would have made it better and helped justify the risk the track took in booking such a big purse.
I've noticed this a little bit, and it kind of upsets me. We are becoming more of an entitlement society. People point at the youth of today and say they are all screwed up, but it's more than that. Even those of us who are old enough to know better have that attitude. A race track puts out a big purse, from top to bottom. Some of the best money you're going to race for. You start seeing comments and nit picking. Why aren't you running this format or why aren't you doing that? A simple, thank you for running this race and we are going to be there will suffice.
Last year, we had people help sponsor a big show, but rather than doing it for the good of supporting the program, they wanted to try to dictate a change in the format. If you know Mike, you're not going to tell him how to run his race track or run his show, so it went nowhere. I got wind of it first as I was about ready to release the flier. This happened to be on the occasion of our Second Annual R Charles Snyder Salute. I knew what Mike's answer was going to be, but out of respect to the person wanting to propose the change, I withheld the flier for another week so that they could communicate with Mike directly as he was on vacation.
I admit I'm not happy about the attitude that somehow you're ruining a race that is offering such a big purse. You're not giving them the exact format they want or starting enough cars or whatever it is. Somehow, you ruin the race that you created. And it's not just what's going on up here, I've seen it at other tracks as well. When you see a race track, especially your local race track, making an effort to go above and beyond with a big purse, do one thing. Support the damn race. The promoter is taking a risk, and if that race bombs, the promoter will be paying the money out of their own pocket. Promoter's at race tracks do not exist simply for the convenience of the racers. They run a business. I'm not suggesting promoters need to get rich, but I am suggesting that if promoters don't get a return on investment over time, they don't last. If a promoter feels they are not going to get support for big races, they're simply not going to give the racers that big race.
This is just my observation as somebody who has certainly seen racing from all different sides. I'm not hearing the complaints from Mike. In fact, everything seems to have gone well so far with one big race left to go. Of course, there are nerves going into a week and like this. You've already committed to a purse in excess of $20,000, which means you could be on the hook for quite a bit of money if for some reason that race bombs. This is the reality that promoters across the country face.
I look just across the border to Yreka, where Kevin Barba ran the rescheduled John Arnberg Memorial this past weekend. There were racers complaining because of the timing of the date, and I certainly understand. Mecca, or Cottage Grove Speedway as it's called, had a big two-day event paying $2,600 to win. So, many of the top stars were going to be there for that one, and this also included a few racers from Southern Oregon who might have been in Yreka had they not had to choose. Kevin did the best he could with that particular date.
We're talking about a first year promoter, and I didn't hear any word on what sort of sponsorship this race might have had. Therefore, the purse may have come at the risk of the promoter himself. He bumped the purse up just a little bit compared to what it had been the previous years. I know that it was $1,038 to win, and somebody sponsored another $200 on top of that. It was $500 for second, and I know that each starter received $100 minimum, which wasn't the case at this race last year. Eight competitors came to run the race, which, given the circumstances of this division in Yreka, wasn't bad.
If I might jump off subject for just a moment, I saw where Coos Bay Speedway had 30 Iron Giant Street Stocks for their big show last weekend. That's quite a remarkable jump from the five cars they had in Yreka the week before, and I find that curious. I don't think attrition at Grays Harbor was the only reason why there was such low car count at Yreka, but I'm not prepared to speculate on what other reasons there may have been. In either case, the show went from five in Yreka to 30 at Coos Bay. Personally, I was disappointed as I thought there would be more support shown for Yreka. A thought does occur to me, however. Perhaps Yreka might look at scheduling when it comes to the tracks closest to it, such as Orland, Chico and Susanville, and try to run a special Hobby Stock show.
Another big show in the works is the Donna Soares Memorial race at Antioch Speedway. It was announced recently that the night Memorializing Donna would be moved from October 5th to the October 11th and 12th weekend. The Antioch show on the first weekend of October will now be Hall of Fame night. The big question is what is the purse for the two-day show the following weekend? Generally speaking, this is information that should get out quickly. Tracks want the racers to know what's going on so they can make their weekend plans.
What makes this particular weekend tricky is the fact that there's a 30 plus year tradition known as the Budweiser Nationals that happens at Bakersfield Speedway every year, and they're running that weekend. IMCA Modifieds are one of the featured classes. The show at Antioch was initially advertised at $12,000 to win for the A Modified class, but there have been rumblings about when the purse is going to be announced and what the purse will actually be. As a promoter, you have to pencil this in. It hasn't been the best of seasons for the track this year, first of all. Secondly, as a promoter you have to be prepared to pay the purse as advertised. If you fail to get the numbers you need, you make up the difference out of your own pocket. Therefore, there is still planning to be done.
There was another thing that happened at the race at Medford in what had been a successful night with the Late Models and even a good show from the Sprint Cars. The Hornet division had a bit of ugliness that began in the heat race. I really wasn't expecting that as we didn't have much of a turn out. I figured the heat race would roll by quickly and we'd get into the next race, but there was a lot of crashing going on. In one instance one of the racers was put into the front wall. The whole situation degenerated into a fight in the pits.
I have certain opinions that I think I'll keep to myself at this time, but I will say I'm greatly disappointed in what happened. When Mike and I came to this race track in 2016, the Hornet division was an after thought. I see it was listed on the 2013 schedule, but I haven't found any proof that any races were actually held. The next two years, the division might bring a few cars, and at best there were six. So, Mike decided to pay them a little bit of money and offer them championship trophies. I made it a point to hype this division up as well as any other division on the roster, and my goal was to see it grow. It was already seeing progress in the first year, and that was nothing.
Car count actually doubled the next year as Miles Deubert got on board with JOAT Labs at the series sponsor. He built some of the cages for the cars that competed as he wanted to see this class grow and bring new drivers into the field. It seemed to be going well, but the bottom fell out of the division about halfway through the season. Up until that point, we thought we might get to a day where there were 20 of these cars, which should have been the case. But, it's hovered at around 8 to 12 cars, and lately it's been on the lower side of that. It's also developed into a battle between two different factions.
It's hard for me to see this happen as there are certain people I appreciate for their support who have believed in what we were doing from the start and decided to build more cars to get things going. I have to bite my tongue here and not say more, because I don't want to be seen as picking sides. Mike ultimately made the decision to drop the division from the remainder of the schedule, dis-invite them from the banquet this year and remove them from any consideration of the 2020 schedule.
Was this the right decision? I have gone over in my mind if there was another way, but suspending the parties involved might leave us three or four cars for the final race. Also, because of what was going on in the pits, Mike wished to send a message that we won't tolerate this. He was also looking out for the best interest of the division sponsor as he felt that Miles deserved better than what he was getting. While I might have thought about the other option of just suspending the parties involved, I can't say I disagree with the decision. There is a lot of momentum at the speedway right now in terms of more racers coming to the track as well as fans, and you want to keep a positive atmosphere going.
My disappointment comes from the fact that this was a division that was near and dear to me. I wanted to see it grow and blossom into something that could have attracted new racers to the fold. We've already been successful in getting drivers from this division into other classes, thereby showing that there was something here that was worthwhile. To admit some sort of failure and drop the class from the roster hurts, and this is something that will stick with me for a while. It's more of the unpleasant side of the sport that makes me not want to be involved. Other than that, I choose to keep my opinion to myself, and I will move on.
There's a rumor that's been out there for a year or so regarding a potential building of a new track in East Contra Costa County. I don't want to get into the specifics, but the land is there, and the important part is that it is not surrounded by houses. It would be the perfect location, and my sources tell me that the parties involved would be interested in building a complex there for other sporting events. I've come to the conclusion that this is something that needs to happen, and if the right people would step up with the right funding, it could happen. Then again, this is something that has been tossed around in this location for probably 20 years or more.
I completely and wholeheartedly endorse Antioch Speedway and would make it a point if my racing effort were to continue from this point forward to help Antioch Speedway in any way I can. And yet, I wonder how much longer things can go on there. It's not getting any cheaper to run a racing program in that location, they are surrounded by houses and the property has high value. Even though the speedway is currently not being threatened, it does come up from time to time at City Council meetings and from neighbors complaining about the noise or dust. You wonder how much longer the location can live that charmed life it gets by on when places like Petaluma Speedway and Ocean Speedway in Watsonville are currently being threatened and seem to be on borrowed time.
Being in the Medford area, I definitely understand the idea of being prepared for the closure of the race track. When Dennis Huth ran Medford Raceway, he knew that the location at the Posse Grounds was on borrowed time. He wanted to build a race track on a property not far from the Jackson County Park, but local politicians prevented that from ever happening. Sure enough, Dennis was right. The speedway ceased operations in July of 1989, and it took seven years before Southern Oregon Speedway came to light. In this case, there was always good property around to build a race track. They needed the people with the resources to come in and do it. In the case of Antioch Speedway, what happens to Contra Costa County racing in the event that the track closes?
Here's the thing to consider, Contra Costa County racing has been a consistent thing since the late 1940s at Contra Costa Stadium in Pacheco all the way to the Antioch location. We're talking over 70 years of giving fans racing in this county, and I'd like to see it continue that way. A new location with an open surrounding insures that you have the potential to keep racing going for years to come before houses inevitably encroach on that location too. Therefore, I'd like to see something started. I would love to see ground broken at that location, and were I located nearby, I would love to be a part of helping build something there through my media efforts and in any other way that I can help.
I'm not saying Antioch Speedway is under threat. I am saying there are conditions that make running that track more of a challenge these days, compared to 20 or 30 years ago. I understand that it could end without much warning, weather it has a few years to go, 20 more years or whenever. I want racing to continue there and in the area to provide the next generation of fans a place to enjoy their Saturday nights. In the event that a new location were built, I would love to see it done in a way where both locations could exist and work together, but I do think that people need to take a look at the future.
I love Antioch Speedway, but I need to be honest. Being in Medford has shown me one thing. Compared to the Southern Oregon Speedway, Antioch Speedway is, let's just say, not the most attractive facility these days. I don't put that all at the feet of the promoter, because the fairgrounds should be investing in the fan side of things. The grandstands should be completely renovated, the areas around in the grandstand should be paved and the concession stand buildings could probably be renovated or maybe even be completely rebuilt. Heck, this location has been around for over 60 years, so what do you expect? What I worry about is that people going after the track to close it down may eventually look at it as an eyesore that needs to be torn down. Believe me, people who are against you will come up with any way they can to take you down.
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Obviously, there are things that can be done in the cleanup effort to make the place more attractive too, and some of that does fall on the management side of things, but the place needs more than just that. And, I don't believe the promoter of the track themselves should be the only ones footing the bill. The fairgrounds needs to assume some responsibility for something that, let's face it, generates them a great deal of revenue every year. Whether it's the number one money maker or not, it is a money maker, and with a little TLC it could be generating more money. If it ever gets to the point where they feel the cost of doing that is more than just getting rid of the place, where do we go from there?
Therefore, I endorse the idea of building a brand new race track in the location I've been hearing about. I can't really get into specifics at the moment, but it's been something that, like I say, has been discussed for years. But, the property still sits there undeveloped. I think for those of us who love racing, maybe having a brand new and fresh location to help fill our need for speed would be a good thing. Who knows? The chat on this topic builds up and dies, and it may just go away again. Then again, you may just hear about them breaking ground on the next new speedway in Contra Costa County and the state of California in general. Would that be a bad thing?
I had a bit more written, but it evidently got lost in the program. Maybe it was a message for me to shut my mouth? I will say that plans are in the works for me to be in Antioch personally in September. Within a few days after the final race up here in Medford, I will be on a train and I will be in Antioch for the next month. The occasion is for Hall of Fame night and overseeing that as well as visiting friends and helping the track in any way that I am able to. I'm looking forward to the trip very much.
People are going to speculate about what the trip means, and I really don't know beyond this. I'm taking it as a month long visit to enjoy myself in an area that I deeply miss. While there, I'm just going to do my best to help make things better where I can and also help myself as I am in need of a change of pace. Looking for my smile again, I guess you can say. Seeing some old friendly faces will help do the trick. After that, what will be will be. I've learned not to assume or take anything for granted, so I'll just take things as they come.
On that note, I'll end this column. There's lots of editing to do. Until I next time...
