Peraluma Speedway, Antioch Speedway, Siskiyou Golden Spedway, Ocean Speedway, Madera Speedway, More

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Becker, Slaney, While, Brown Win 
Sunday Night Petaluma Speedway Races

Petaluma, CA...Jun 21...Sean Becker won the 25 lap PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Sunday night at Petaluma Speedway. Due to the covid-19 guidelines that will not allow fans in the grandstands, this race was moved to Sunday to accommodate live streaming via SpeedshiftTV. Becker is the reigning champion at Silver Dollar Speedway and won last year's $5,000 prize in the Adobe Cup race. 

Shane Hopkins led the opening lap ahead of 2018 champion Jake Haulot. An inside pass in Turn 2 put Becker into second a lap later as Andy Forsberg followed into third. Hopkins caught the slower car of Bill Cornwell and lapped him on lap 11. As Becker was lapping the slower car entering Turn 1, they made contact, sending Cornwell crashing out the Turn 1 exit gate for a yellow flag. On the restart, Becker got a strong run on the inside and passed Hopkins in Turn 1 for the lead. The final yellow flag flew for Bret Barney stalling in Turn 3 on the 13th lap. Becker continued to lead the race as Forsberg made an outside pass down the back straightaway to take second from Hopkins. The lead margin remained about one second the rest of the way as Becker scored the victory over Forsberg. Hopkins settled for a respectable third, followed by Haulot, DJ Freitas, JJ Hickle, Brent Bjork, Joel Myers Jr, Barney and Cornwell. Forsberg set the fast time of 13.162, beating the 13.225 of Becker. Eight lap heat race wins went to Freitas and Becker.

Anthony Slaney won a wild 30 lap McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modified Main Event. Slaney had a nerve-wracking final 10 laps filled with numerous yellow flags. Shortly after crossing the checkered flag, he dropped a driveline in the third turn. 

Slaney had a front row start for the race and charged into the lead ahead of recent Antioch winner Jim Pettit II and Shane DeVolder. An inside pass in Turn 4 of the second lap gained Troy Foulger third. Slaney and Pettit had a close battle going at the front of the pack, and Michael Paul Jr raced by DeVolder for fourth on the eighth lap. Mitch Machado and Justin Yaeger tangled in Turn 4 for a lap 10 yellow flag. Slaney continued to lead as Paul made a strong outside pass to go from fourth to second by the time they exited the second turn. Pettit held on to third as the battle was close between Slaney and Paul. Tim Yeager grabbed third from Pettit on the 15th lap, and the yellow flag waved after the 16th lap when contact between Tim Yaeger and Paul sent Paul spinning in Turn 3. Slaney continued to lead the restart as Foulger moved by Yaeger in Turn 2 for the second position. A lap 19 yellow flag flew for Trevor Brady on the back straightaway. 

On the restart, Pettit and Foulger both made a serious challenge on Slaney. They went three-wide down the back straightaway, and Foulger emerged with the lead by the time they exited Turn 4. However, the pass was negated when the yellow flag flew for Machado and Chris Sieweke in Turn 3. Slaney led Foulger and Pettit on the restart. Foulger was giving Slaney all the pressure he could handle. Foulger went into Turn 2 real hard and spun his car on the 20th lap to avoid taking Slaney out. This put Pettit back into second to challenge Slaney, but he got sideways and stalled in Turn 3 for a lap 26 yellow flag. Through all the melee behind Slaney, Michael Paul Jr managed to find his way into second on the lap 27 restart, but steering issues saw him hit the Turn 2 wall for a yellow flag. Slaney led Tim Yeager on the restart and would hold him off for the final three laps to grab the win. Pettit made a late charge with an outside pass coming to the checkered flag gaining him third from Michelle Paul. Justin Yeager finished fifth, followed by Trevor Brady, Gary Zwicker, Michael Paul Jr, Foulger and JC Elrod. Six lap heat race wins were collected by Slaney, Michael Paul Jr and Foulger.

Matt While won the 30 lap Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stock Main Event. In the process, he snapped the consecutive point race Main Event win streak of reigning champion Mitch Machado at 13 races. Two-time champions Steve Studebaker and While settled into the first two positions at the start, but an inside pass in Turn 2 of the fourth lap gained Machado second. By then, Studebaker held a half-straightaway lead, but Machado closed in on him by the seventh lap. The two leaders battled fiercely before Michado made an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 11th lap to take the lead. The yellow flag flew for a Studebaker spin in Turn 2 on lap 15. On the restart, Machado continued to lead While and Studebaker. Things seemed to be smooth sailing ahead for Machado until he began to slow on the 18th lap as While and Studebaker both moved by on the inside exiting Turn 4. A lap later, Machado headed for the pits. While set a smooth pace during the final 10 laps and kept Studebaker at bay for the win. Rookies Justin Zwicker and Randy Miramontez finished third and fourth, respectively. Roger Miller, Machado and Gary Adams were scored in order as all three of them were out by the time the race finished. Machado and While won their respective six lap heat races, and past champion Shawn McCoy was a scratch prior to the heat races with mechanical issues.

Tom Brown won an entertaining 25 lap Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stock Main Event. Brown is the 2018 division champion. Roberta Broze set the early pace ahead of Cody Bolles and Brown. An outside pass on the backstretch gained Brown second on Lap 2. Broze led Brown and Bolles when the yellow flag flew for Casey Monahan on the fifth lap. Broze chose the inside on the restart, but Brown charged ahead to lead the lap. However, Brown appeared to lose power momentarily entering Turn 1, allowing Bolles to make an inside pass around Brown and Broze for the lead. The lead trio ran closely, and Brown made an outside pass on the frontstretch of the 11th lap to regain the lead. This close battle continued for much of the race, and Broze made an inside pass down the backstretch of the 20th lap to take the lead from Brown. Brown went high in Turn 1 a lap later to regain the lead, and Austin Lodin brought out the final yellow flag on lap 21. Brown resumed command on the restart and brought it home to victory ahead of Broze, Bolles, Jake Barretta, Lodin and Monahan. Brown also won the six lap heat race.

The next race on the schedule is set for Sunday and will feature the PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprints, McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds and Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks. For up-to-the-minute scheduling changes and other information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com or check out the Petaluma Speedway Facebook page.

Pettit, Ryland, Smith Share Antioch Speedway Winner's Circle

Antioch, CA...June 20...Jim Pettit II won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. Pettit is in the Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame as a three-time Late Model champion with 46 career wins in that division. This was his first Antioch win in an IMCA Modified. Once again, covid-19 guidelines kept the grandstands from being open to the public, but the race was streamed live on SpeedshiftTV.

Past champion Bobby Motts Jr raced into the early lead ahead of Ryan McDaniel and Pettit. Bobby Montalvo spun from his Top 5 spot for a Lap 2 yellow flag. On the restart attempt, a crash involving DJ Shannon, Chris Sieweke and Justin Yeager brought out an immediate yellow flag. On the next restart, Pettit got a good run going on the outside and immediately began to pressure Motts for the lead. An outside pass on the frontstretch gained Pettit the lead as they completed the lap. Tim Yeager brought out a lap four yellow flag. McDaniel took second on the restart with previous winner Shane DeVolder following into third. For the second half of the race, Pettit led with McDaniel taking looks to the inside in an attempt to get by. Pettit kept his cool throughout this battle. When the checkered flag flew, Pettit prevailed with McDaniel a close second. DeVolder finished third ahead of Nick DeCarlo, and Shannon recovered with a fifth place finish. There were 27 competitors for this race with eight lap heat race wins going to McDaniel, DeCarlo, Trevor Fitzgibbon and DeVolder.

Fred Ryland won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The 2015 champion won a night earlier at Ocean Speedway to make it a double win weekend. Newcomer Ryan Graham set the early pace ahead of Marysville stars Mike Merritt and Larry Ferguson. Ryland started eighth and had fourth by the third lap. The red flag waved on lap three after a backstretch crash involving Marysville point leader Timothy Allerdings, Patti Ryland and Brent Curran. Curran was shaken up and taken to the hospital. He had a concussion and other injuries but he was later released. Graham continued to lead Ferguson and Merritt on the restart, but a low pass in Turn 4 of the fifth lap put Fred Ryland into third. Andrew Pearce brought out a yellow flag after five laps. On the restart, Ryland got a good run and made a pass on Ferguson in Turn 1 to take second as Graham continued to lead. An inside pass in Turn 2 a lap later gained Fred Ryland the lead. Ferguson quickly moved into second. Trying to avoid Graham as they exited Turn 2, Todd Gomez slowed down and was hit by KC Keller for a yellow flag after nine laps. Ryland led Ferguson and two-time champion Trevor Clymens on the restart. Kenny Shrader began pressuring Clymens for third and made a high-pass in Turn 4 the 12th lap to grab the position. Fred Ryland stretched his advantage to well over a straightaway by the 15th lap and would take it to the checkered flag. Shrader made a late pass for second as Ferguson settled for third ahead of Trevor Clymens and Andrew Peckham. Chase Thomas, Shrader, Gomez and Ferguson were the eight lap heat race winners as 27 drivers were on hand for this race. Mark Garner won the 12 lap B Main ahead of Trevor Clymens and Curran.

Ryan Smith won the 20 lap Super Stock Main Event. Smith is a regular competitor with the Western Pro Stock group that competes at Bakersfield and Santa Maria, and he was the top rookie two years ago. This was his first win. After Smith and 2013 champion Jim Freethy won their respective eight lap heat races, they set themselves up to be the drivers to beat. Freethy jumped into the lead with Smith settling into the second spot. Smith kept looking for his opportunity to get by Freethy and finally saw the opening as Freethy went just a bit high exiting Turn 2 around the mid point of the race. Smith didn't pull too far ahead of Freethy, but he went on to score the victory. Mike Walko finished third, followed by John Evans and Jon Hanaey.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with the Wingless Spec Sprints back in action along with the Delta Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks and the Four Bangers. Next week's show should be broadcast on SpeedshiftTV once again. For up-to-the-minute information on scheduling and the track's effort to open the grandstands under covid-19 guidelines, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Peery, Braaten, Harlow Win At Siskiyou Golden Speedway

Yreka, CA...June 20...Travis Peery won the IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Siskiyou Golden Speedway. This was the second-straight win for the multi-time Yreka champion, and the win paid $800. Due to covid-19 guidelines, fan attendance was not allowed for this race, but the race was broadcast for free on the internet.

Cottage Grove star Paul Culp set the early pace ahead of Peery and reigning track champion Duane Orsburn. Susanville star Riley Simmons slipped past Orsburn for the third position on the fourth lap, and Perry made a high pass and Turn 4 of the sixth lap to take the lead from Culp. Simmons was pressuring Culp for the second position before making an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 13th lap to gain the spot. A yellow flag flew for Jeffrey Hudson's Turn 2 spin on the 17th lap. Peery led Simmons and Culp on the restart as two-time track champion Nick Trenchard settled into fourth. Steve Borror spun in Turn 3 for a lap 18 yellow flag, and Trenchard grabbed the third spot from Culp on the restart. However, Peery and Simmons pulled away from the pack in their own battle. Peery kept his cool under pressure and brought it home to the impressive win ahead of Simmons, Trenchard, Culp, Orsburn, Albert Gill, Paul Rea, Jimmy Lipke, Dan Philpott and John Campos. The 20 car field ran two 10 lap heat races with wins going to Trenchard and Culp.

Jorddon Braaten scored the victory in the 30 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was the second-straight win for the three-time Medford champion, and it capped an impressive weekend for him in Yreka. Braaten won a special King of the Dirt bracket race tournament that netted him $1,000 on Friday night.

The race was restarted following a Gary Foster spin in the second turn. Ryan Peery led the opening lap ahead of recent Coos Bay winner Matt Sanders and brother Isaac Sanders. Braaten made an inside pass on the backstretch of the third lap to take third from Isaac Sanders, and Perry spun in the third turn moments later for a yellow flag. Matt Sanders led Braaten and Isaac Sanders on the restart. The leaders caught traffic, and Matt Sanders made contact with a slower car on the ninth lap. An inside pass on the frontstretch of the 11th lap gained Braaten the lead, and Perry spun in Turn 4 for a yellow flag moments later. Braaten led Isaac Sanders and Mike Medel on the restart, and Matt Sanders would head for the pits. Despite two yellow flags during the final 10 laps, Braaten drove a flawless race and brought it home to a well-earned victory. Isaac Sanders settled for second ahead of Medel, reigning Cottage Grove champion David Schmidt, Justin Foux, Branden Wilson, Hunter Bloom, Stephen Sanders, Aaron Bloom and Zach Nelson. Matt Sanders and Ryan Peery won their respective 10 lap heat races.

Matt Harlow won the 30 lap Outlaw Pro Stock Association Main Event. This was the first win for Harlow aboard the Maurie Skaggs owned car. The eventful race featured several different leaders. Rookie Darek Alford led a lap before hitting the wall exiting the fourth turn for a yellow flag. This put Miles Deubert into the lead in the Roy Bain car with Scott Bennett in second in the former Bryan Hammond car. Harlow was running third at that point. A low pass in Turn 4 of the sixth lap gained Bennett the lead with James Flowers and Colby Hammond quickly shuffling Deubert out of the Top 3. An inside pass on the backstretch of the eighth lap put James Flowers into the lead, and Bennett spun for a yellow flag. James Flowers led his father, reigning champion Scott Flowers on the restart. Scott Flowers made an inside pass in Turn 3 of the 11th lap to take the lead from James Flowers. Sixth row starter Johnny Cobb gained the second position on lap 12 as James Flowers headed to the pits. Colby Hammond was in third at that point, and Alford brought out another yellow flag on lap 13. 

Scott Flowers led Cobb and Hammond on the restart, but a low pass in Turn 4 of the 15th lap gained Cobb the lead. Cobb and Flowers began an intense battle for the lead with Flowers making a high pass in Turn 4 of the 16th lap to regain first. However, contact between Cobb and Flowers in Turn 2 saw Flowers spin for a yellow flag on lap 20. Suddenly, Hammond had the lead over Harlow and Bennett. Hammond led with Harlow in close pursuit on the restart. Harlow patiently looked for a line around Hammond before making an inside pass on the backstretch of the 26th lap to gain the lead. Once in front, Harlow went on to score the victory. Hammond settled for a career-best second ahead of Bennett. Scott Flowers salvaged a fourth place finish ahead of rookie Michael McLeod, Deubert, Cobb, Dennis Burtenhouse Jr, James Flowers and Alford. 10 lap heat race wins went to James Flowers and Scott Flowers.

IMCA Sport Modofoeds will be back this Saturday night along with Mini Stocks and a possible addittional class. Check the Siskiyou Golden Speedway Facebook page.

Doss, Burks, Stephens Win Club Race At Madera Speedway

Madera, CA...June 20...Jeremy Doss won the 40 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Madera Speedway. The race featured a thrilling battle between Doss and rising young star Joey Iest in the waning laps. The track is still in the Club Racing phase and covid-19 guidelines will not allow for fan attendance. However, sponsorship from nutup.com allowed the track to broadcast the race for free. 

Doss started on the front row and charged into the early lead ahead of Thomas Martin and Iest. A hard crash in the first and second turns brought out a red flag after one lap. Thomas Suarez, Lauren Kutz and Mike Shapiro were all eliminated in the incident. Doss continued to lead Martin and Iest on the restart, but Iest used an inside pass on the frontstretch of the fourth lap to take second. A low pass in Turn 2 of the sixth lap gained Michael Mitchell third, and a Turn 1 Matt Kutz spin brought out a yellow flag..Mitchell got a good run on the inside on the restart and briefly gained the lead as Iest made an inside pass on Doss on the eighth lap for second. Iest went low in Turn 4 of the 10th lap to grab the lead with Austin Herzog following into second. A yellow flag flew on the 11th lap for Jon Schlundt. 

Both Herzog and Doss got by Iest on the restart as the lead three cars ran closely. Doss made an inside pass in Turn 1 of the 25th lap to grab the lead from Herzog with Iest following closely into second. The lead two drivers begin to pull away from the pack as Herzog, Martin and Matt Erickson had a great battle going for third. Erickson made an outside pass on the 32nd lap to take over fourth. Iest began pressuring Doss hard during the final few laps and seemed to be setting up for a final pass attempt. However, time ran out as a spin moments after the white flag waved brought out a yellow flag and froze the field. Doss got the win ahead of Iest. Erickson made a last lap pass on Mitchell for third. Mitchell settled for fourth ahead of Herzog, Matt Wendt, Lily Mead, Joey Brasil, Matt Kutz and Schlundt. 

Doss had the fastest lap of the 22 competitors with a 14.890 effort, beating the 15.071 of Thomas Martin. 10 lap heat race wins went to Doss, Martin, Iest and Mitchell.

Jesse Burks won the 30 lap Junior Late Model Main Event. Burks raced into the early lead with Brody Armtrout and Calvin Hegje running closely behind him. However, Burks pulled away just a little bit after five laps. Armtrout broke away from Hegje and set his sights on Burks. He caught him when Burks came up on a slower car on lap 13. However, Burks maintained his composure to keep the lead. He caught two slower cars on the 20th lap. He made the perfect move to get past both of them and built another good lead. From there, Burks went on to score an impressive victory. Armtrout settled for second with Hegje a solid third. Kenna Mitchell, Hailey Liles and Daytona Spicola completed the finishing order. Mitchell set the fast time of 16.291, beating the 16.311 of Liles. Armtrout outran Burks to win the 10 lap heat race.

Bert Stephens won the 30 lap MST Main Event. This was the second straight win for the reigning track champion. Dennis Brannon raced into the early lead over Haley Bugg. However, Stephens made a low pass in Turn 3 of the third lap to gain the second position. On the fifth lap, Bugg spun into the Turn 4 infield with the yellow flag waving. Brannon led the restart, but Stephens made a strong move on the outside to get past him on the back straightaway for the lead. Only one lap was completed before Tim Kammerer brought out a yellow flag. Stephens led the restart. Only one lap ran before a another caution flag when contact sent Brannon spinning in the third turn. Stephens led Kyle LaBrie and Patrick Geiger on the restart, and Geiger settled into second on the tenth lap. Stephens and Geiger had a decent lead over LaBrie by the 20th lap, but LaBrie began to gain on them. Labrie caught them on the 25th lap, only to bobble slightly exiting the second turn. Geiger made one last attempt to get around Stephens on the final lap, but Stephens prevailed at the checkered flag. LaBrie settled for third ahead of Brannon, Jason Kerns, Kammerer and Bugg. Stephens set the fast time of 16.888 as Geiger was second quick at 16.975. Stephens also outran Geiger to win the 10 lap heat race.

Point leader Andrew Parr won the 20 lap Toyota Main Event. Previous feature winner Thomas Magray set the early pace as Parr found himself chasing JJ Brandsen for a lap. As they worked the second lap, Parr finally got by Brandsen in the fourth turn to take over second. Magray had a pretty good lead, but Parr steadily reeled him in. On the sixth lap, Parr made a low pass in Turn 4 to take the lead. Parr set a rapid pace and led the rest of the way for the victory. Magray settled for second ahead of Brandsen and Wayne Cantrell. Parr set the fast time of 17.932 and outran Magray to win the 10 lap heat race. 

Dennis Saunders Jr won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. Sanders charged into the lead at the start ahead of Donnie Large Jr and Manny Gonzales Jr. Saunders was able to pull away just a little bit as Large had his hands full trying to hold off Gonzales. This battle went on for most of the race before Gonzales finally moved to the inside down the frontstretch and took the second spot from Large. However, Saunders had a straightaway advantage by then. Large retired with two laps to go as Saunders won ahead of Gonzales. Saunders set the fast time of 16.451, but Gonzales held off Saunders to win the heat race.

The first race of the $1,000 to win Nut Up Pro Late Model Series happens this Saturday night. The Late Models will run an 80 lap race. Race #1 of the 51fifty Junior Late Model Series will also happen, which means a 70 lap race for them. Also on the card will be a Mini Cup vs Bandolero Series race. If there are no fans allowed in the stands due to the covid-19 guidelines, the track plans to once again broadcast it for free. For further information, go to www.racemadera.com or check out the Madera Speedway Facebook page.

Carrick, Ryland, Lingron Win Ocean Speedway Season Opener

Watsonville, CA...June 19...Blake Carrick scored an impressive win in the 30 lap Taco Bravo Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Ocean Speedway. This was the first career win for Carrick. This was the first race of the season, and covid-19 guidelines meant that fans were not allowed in the grandstands. The race was streamed live on SpeedshiftTV, and there were roughly 110 competitors for the five division show

Carrick ended up on the outside front row following his second place finish to Kaleb Montgomery in the Trophy Dash. The race was restarted after Joel Myers Jr flipped on the back straightaway. Montgomery managed to lead a lap before being overtaken by Carrick. JJ Hickle was an early third, but an outside pass on the back stretch of the fourth lap put Bud Kaeding into the position. Carrick caught slower traffic by lap nine, but Jayson Bright spun on the backstretch for a lap 11 yellow flag. Kaeding had his pass for second on the restart negated when Bright and John Clark tangled in the first turn for a yellow flag. The track runs under a Fairgrounds mandated 10 pm curfew, and time was becoming a factor. Carrick continued to lead Montgomery and Kaeding on the restart. Carrick started to pull away again, leaving Montgomery and Kaeding to battle for second. On the 17th lap, Zane Blanchard spun in Turn 3, resulting in Jeremy Chisum doing an easy roll for a red flag. Carrick again motored ahead on the restart. Montgomery held second with Kaeding giving him plenty of pressure in the waning laps. As Carrick brought it home to an impressive victory, Kaeding made a last-lap pass on Montgomery to take second. Multi-time Chico champion Sean Baker also got by for third. Montgomery settled for fourth, followed by Kalib Henry, Hickle, Mitchell Faccinto, Justyn Cox, Kyle Offill and Joey Ancona.

Faccinto was the quickest of 33 competitors on the quarter mile clay oval with a lap of 11.826, beating the 11.924 of Kurt Nelson. Eight lamp heat race wins went to Carrick, Becker, Montgomery and Spencer Bayston. A bad heat race put Faccinto in the 12 lap B Main, but he won that race ahead of Koen Shaw, Jason Chisum, Jeremy Chisum and Bright.

Fred Ryland won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Ryland is the reigning Merced Speedway champion. Adriane Frost led just one lap before being passed by Ryland. Justin McPherson and Randy Miller settled into second and third on the third lap. Following a lap three yellow flag, Kenny Neu jumped from fourth to second behind Ryland. After another yellow flag on the eighth lap for Ryan DeForest on the back straightaway, Ryland motored ahead once again, leaving Neu to contend with McPherson. Brent Curran settled into fourth on the 13th lap. Curran moved up to the outside line in the battle with Neu and McPherson and made a Turn 4 pass on the 17th lap to take second. Andrew Peckham was in third a lap later. Fred Ryland set a rapid pace and brought it home to a satisfying victory ahead of Curran, Peckham, McPherson, Miller, Frost, Neu, Patti Ryland, Timothy Allerdings and Markus Frazier.

There were 27 competitors for this race, and eight lap heat race wins went to Curran, Peckham and Fred Ryland. Darren Thomas led most of the 12 lap B Main before getting a late-race challenge from rookie Kaylin Lopez. The duo exchanged the lead, but Thomas led the all-important last lap. Lopez settled for second ahead of Kelly Campanile, Anthony Wellborn and Tanner Thomas.

Joey Lingron won the 15 lap South Bay Dwarf Car Main Event. Lingron is a rookie at Petaluma Speedway and won the Sportsman portion of the Dwarf Car Nationals last weekend. The race had a bumpy start after a Turn 2 crash saw Trafton Chandler and reigning champion Mark Biscardi eliminated. The next restart attempt saw Terre Rothweiler eliminated. By the time the race finally got started, only six of the 16 competitors were still running and the original 20 lap distance was cut to 15 laps. Lindgren led fellow Petaluma competitor Mike Affonso and multi-time champion Gene "Punky" Pires on the start. A lap four yellow flag waved as contact sent Pires spinning in Turn 2. Lingron continued to lead Affonso on the restart. Jimmy Damron and Barry Waddell had a good battle going for third. Nobody was challenging Lingron as he grabbed the win ahead of Affonso, Damron, Waddell, Pires, Travis Day, Chad Matthias, Brian Barnhill, Ryan Amlen and Eddy Claessen. Rothweiler and Biscardi won the eight lap heat races.

Due to curfew, the Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks did not get to run their Main Events.  Joe Gallaher outran his reigning champion son Rob Gallaher to win the first eight lap Hobby Stock heat. Terry Campion beat Matt Kile in a battle of past champions in the second heat. There were 16 Hobby Stocks. There were 17 Mini Stocks, and Central Valley Mini Stock competitor Ryan Blank outran Tony Gullo to win the first eight lap heat. John Grilli won the second heat in front of Ryan McClelland. 

Management has said that the Mini Stocks and Hobby Stocks will be invited back on Thursday to run twin Main Events as a makeup. That evening will also include Taco Bravo Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Police N Pursuit cars. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com or check out the Ocean Speedway Facebook page.

Mead, Donofrio, Dubisar Pick Up Wins 
At Coos Bay Speedway Saturday Night

Coos Bay, Oregon...June 20...Tyrell Mead won the 25 lap Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Coos Bay Speedway Bar and Grill. With all of the other Oregon tracks within reasonable distance still closed, Mead was one of several racers across multiple divisions to come race at the speedway in front of some fans and concessions sales. 

Mead had to battle reigning Cottage Grove champion Shane Forte to get the win. Orland Raceway competitor RJ Baker started on the pole and settled for third ahead of fourth row starter Steven Snawder, past champion Laurence Van Hoof, Austin Sause, Patrick Desbiens, Ian Bandy, David Marble and Trent Ding. Forte and Snawder won their respective 10 lap heat races.

Willamette Speedway star BJ Donofrio won the 35 lap America's Mattress NASCAR Super Late Model Main Event. While Donofrio had a front row starting position, 2018 champion Brody Montgomery found himself starting back in the fifth row. Montgomery steadily worked his way through the pack to grab the second position. However, Donofrio would score the victory ahead of Montgomery. Rookie Braden Fugate started in the fifth row and scored a respectable third place finish ahead of Jason Johnson, Rob Campos, Mark Wauge, Jordan Wright, Mike Taylor, Eric Massey and 2016 champion Nathan Augustine. Wauge and Wright won their 10 lap heat races.

Reigning Street Stock champion Steve Dubisar took it up a notch from his runner-up finish on Wednesday night with the 25 lap Main Event win. Dubisar had a front row start. Fifth row starter Dakota Goddard had to work his way through the pack to put himself in a position to challenge winner Dubisar, but he settled for second. 2018 champion Ken Fox grabbed the final podium finish with Michael Hollingsworth, Greg Osborne, Peyton Reigard, Troy Chamberlain, Jeff Thurman, Shannon Collins and Scott Lehman rounding out the Top 10. Dubisar and Goddard were the 10 lap heat race winners.

Up from the Hornet division, Trace Fugate made his Sportsman Late Model debut with a 25 lap Main Event win. Fugate won ahead of Phil Loworn and Rod McCombs. Garrett Smith was a scratch after the 10 lap heat race, won by McCombs.

Reigning champion Hannah Robison scored the victory in the 25 lap Hornet Main Event. Robison had a perfect evening after winning her 10 lap heat race. She started in the second row but wasted no time in finding her way into the lead. Cottage Grove competitor Isaac Stere battled William Hitner to finish second with Hitner settling for third ahead of heat race winner Kris Parker, Dan Briesacher, Kevin Rockwell, Mike Bales, Jessie McIntyre, George Wheeler and John Henry. 

Two-time reigning champion Griff Smith continued his domination of the Junior Stinger division by winning the 15 lap Main Event. Smith also won his 10 lap heat race. He jumped into a quick lead from his second row starting spot and was never challenged from there. Lane Hitner held off last row starter Riley Rockwell to finish in the runner-up position. Dylan Wheeler was a solid fourth, followed by Cameron Metzgus, Heather Burton, Drake Vincent, Alex Butler, Joel Bates and Emery Johnson. Teagan Montgomery and Metzgus were the other heat race winners.

Brad Hicks won his first 25 lap Mini Outlaw Main Event. John Henry won the 10 lap heat race and seemed like a lock to win the feature race. However, he would settle for last in that race as Hicks won ahead of Dusty Shingleton.

For up to the minute updates on what's happening at Coos Bay Speedway, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us or check the Coos Bay Speedway Facebook page.

Spencer Bayston Opens NARC/King Of The West Season 
With Win At Keller Auto Speedway

Hanford, CA...June 20...Spencer Bayston won the 35 lap NARC/King of the West Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Keller Auto Speedway. This was the first race for the group this year and the first race at the track since it was closed down in March due to the covid-19 guidelines. Those very guidelines made it so that fans were not allowed to attend, but the race was streamed live on SpeedshiftTV. Bayston is the 2017 USAC National Midget champion, and his win came aboard the Tommy Tarlton owned Sprinter.

The covid-19 guidelines required drivers to sign up by Wednesday leading up to the big event, and 29 competitors committed to the show. Bayston put himself in a good position to win the race with a strong preliminary effort that started with the fast time of 14.137, beating the 14.339 of Willie Croft. He followed that up by holding off Craig Stidham to win their eight lap heat race and then outran reigning series champion DJ Netto to win the six lap Trophy Dash. This put Bayston on the pole for the Main Event where he charged into the lead early on over Netto. However, nothing was going to stop Bayston from grabbing the impressive win.

Netto had his hands full battling the Kaeding brothers. Bud Kaeding started in the third row, while Tim Kaeding lined up back on the outside of the fifth row. It was Bud who got to Netto first, but Netto was also unable to hold off the challenge of Tim Kaeding. Bud Kaeding grabbed the runner-up finish ahead of Tim Kaeding, while Netto settled for the fourth place finish. Mitchell Faccinto drove a solid race to finish fifth, followed by Kyle Hirst, Dom Scelzi, Colby Copeland, Michael Faccinto and Blake Carrick. 

Tim Kaeding outran Scelzi to win their heat race. Wingless Sprint Car star Jace Vaderweed outran Bud Kaeding for an impressive heat race win of his own. Mitchell Faccinto won the fourth heat ahead of Netto. It was Tucker Worth using his pole position start to win the 12 lap B Main ahead of Zane Blanchard and Jake Hagopian.

Though the USAC sanctioned events have been canceled through the second week of July, Hanford ran a Bandit Wingless 360 Sprint Car show that featured several of the competitors who are a part of the USAC series on the West Coast. Following a fourth place finish in winged competition at Watsonville a night earlier, Kaleb Montgomery came from the third row to win the 30 lap Main Event over Tyler Smith and Austin Liggett. Reigning USAC West Coast champion Tristan Guardino shared the front row with Ryan Timmons and led early before being shuffled back to his eventual fourth place finish. Timmons settled for fifth ahead of Trent Carter, Tanner Boul, Austin Ervine, Brent Owens and Rick Hendrix. Montgomery set the fast time over 2018 USAC champion Liggett. Eight lap heat race wins went to Landon Hurst and Danny Faria Jr, but Faria was eliminated early on in the Main Event as he flipped in the third turn.

In the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car Main Event, Blake Robertson returned to the action and scored the victory in the 25 lap Main Event. Robertson started in the second row and mixed it up with front row starters Cole Dannell and reigning champion Grant Champlin. However, Robertson proved too fast for either driver to hold off as he scored the victory. Champlin settled for second ahead of Dannell and Kyle Rasmussen. Albert Pombo started back in 13th and charged to a fifth place finish, followed by Blaine Fagundes, Brooklyn Holland, Michael Pombo, Rob Solomon and Jared Faria.

The RaceSaver Sprints produced a 20 car field. Solomon appeared to have the fast lap of 15.091, but he was disqualified. This gave the fast time to Robertson at 15.238. Faria was second quick at 15.264. Eight lap heat race wins with to Dannell, Solomon and Champlin. 

This Saturday night, racing returns with the King of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars being joined by the IMCA Stock Cars and the House of JuJu Central Valley Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us or check out the Keller Auto Speedway Facebook page.

Central Valley Mini Stocks, King Of Thunder Sprint Cars Come To Keller Auto Speedway

Hanford, CA...On the heels of the successful reopening of Keller Auto Speedway last week, action resumes this Saturday night with another exciting three division offering. The House of JuJu Central Valley Mini Stocks will be competing along with the King of Thunder Sprint Cars and the IMCA Stock Cars. For both the Mini Stocks and the Sprint Cars, this is their third race of the season. Due to covid-19 guidelines, the grandstands will not be open for this event.

In their fourth exciting season, the House of JuJu CVMS series put over 20 cars on the track at both Hanford and Kern Raceway earlier this year. The results were similar. Reigning champion Dan Myrick emerged victorious both times. He was chased by 2018 champion Greg Baronian on both occasions. To nobody's surprise, Myrick holds an eight point lead over Baronian, 221-213.

The racing is exciting on the track, and the affordability of these cars has helped this group grow by leaps and bounds since it first started in 2017. Jason Cook has used a pair of fifth place finishes to hold third in the standings by four points over Rod Baronian. Rod had a fourth place finish at Hanford behind Matt Herod. Jeff Durant is fifth in the standings following his third place finish at Hanford and eighth at Kern Raceway. This should be a good show with such hard chargers as Scott Glenn, Gene Glover, Andy Boydstun and Steven Porter in the field.

The King of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars never seem to disappoint. Young charger Keith Day Jr might have won the opener this season if not for a bit of trouble in traffic. As as it was, Day won the next race to go with his Top 5 finish, giving him a 12 point lead over Grant Duinkerken and Kaleb Montgomery. Duinkerken was the one chasing Day at the second race to earn a runner-up finish. He'll certainly be a factor in the race for victory this week. Montgomery has been consistent with sixth and third place finishes so far.

This series was created last year to increase the fields in Hanford and Tulare, which hasn't opened yet. Car counts have reached into the twenties on both occasions this year. There are some top notch contenders in the field, won by Mitchell Faccinto. Mitchell's brother Michael finished fifth that night. Some of the drivers to watch for include Craig Stidham, Jace Vanderweerd, Zane Blanchard, Ben Worth and Steven Kent.

The IMCA Stock Car division is gathering momentum on the West Coast, but it all started with Hanford being the first track to offer the division. Their first race of the season produced a 14 car field with Eric Hamilton scoring the win over fifth row starters Wayne Dotson and Chad Johnson. Johnson won the championship last year with four wins in his six starts. These three drivers are anticipated this week, but there will be other hard chargers in the field including Troy Patee, Brock Hamilton and Loren DeArmond. All three drivers are past champions at the speedway. Last season's championship runner-up, Cody Johnson, will be hoping to rebound from his bad luck at the opener, and others to watch for include Chris Broucaret, Ron Bane, Joshua Nichols and Miranda Dotson.

This promises to be a good line up with the adrenaline pumping Winged 360 Sprint Cars along with the fender bending action offered by both the IMCA Stock Cars and CVMS Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.racekingsspeedway.com or go to the Keller Auto Speedway Facebook page.

Sprint Cars, Dwarf Cars Return 
To Antioch Speedway Saturday Night

Antioch, CA...Considering the difficult time we're going through in the country, it's amazing that Antioch Speedway has been able to have a race every Saturday night during June. Despite the fact that covid-19 guidelines have prevented the track from opening up the grandstands for fan attendance, fans have still been able to watch all of the action live on the internet. This Saturday night will see the return of the Winless Spec Sprints along with the Delta Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks and the Four Bangers. Winged 360 Sprint Cars had been booked, but a last minute schedule adjustment has been made to work with another track.

With the big Placerville Posse Sprint Car race happening this weekend,  management announced the decision on Tuesday morning to substitute the Winged  360 Sprint Cars with Wingless Spec Sprints and schedule the Winged 360 Sprints at another time. This will give the track a better opportunity to get more cars for the show. Earlier this season, Shayna Ensign won the Main Event ahead of DJ Johnson and Jake Morgan. Ensign is the 2018 champion in the division at Petaluma Speedway.

Dan Gonderman had been leading for several laps before falling back to fourth at the end. Gonderman is a two-time champion in the class and is anticipated. Three other champions we could be seeing are reigning champion Shannon Newton, two-time champion Bob Newberry and Johnson. Rookie Dylan Bloomfield has made a splash with two Top 5 finishes this year, including his impressive performance in the Hunt Series race. 

Others to watch for include Jeff Scotto, Kevin Box, Keith Calvino, Troy Ferry and Roy Fisher, but it's possible we'll see cars from elsewhere for the show. Rules were changed before the season to accommodate the drivers from neighboring Petaluma Speedway.

When last we saw the Dwarf Cars in action, they were setting a division car count record with 37 competitors. Management was so impressed with the show that the Western States Regionals event that was scheduled for July 18th has been expanded to two days with the first night on July 17th. Past Antioch champion Kevin Miraglio became the first official winner of a Delta Dwarf Car Association sanctioned event after taking advantage of a tangle between Shawn Jones and Ryan Winter to move past both for the lead. Jones and Winter settled for second and third, respectively.

Two-time Antioch champion Danny Wagner was a solid fourth on that occasion. Miraglio and Wagner are anticipated for the show. Reigning champion Scott Dahlgren recently won the Veterans division main event at the Dwarf Car Nationals at Petaluma Speedway. He finished 10th in the opener and will be hoping to take it up a notch on this occasion. Some of the drivers to watch for this time around include two-time champion Mike Corsaro, Jack Haverty, Travis Day, Chance Russell, Ellie Russo and last season's championship runner-up Devan Kammermann.

We haven't seen an official point list released yet for the Hobby Stock division after four events, but Travis Dutra certainly did himself a world of favors by winning the most recent event in dominant fashion. Dutra is a past Mini Truck champion at the speedway and more recently a Dwarf Car champion at Petaluma. He built a fast and competitive race car and has been in Top 5 contention for every race held so far. Dutra may be getting his closest challenge in the standings from last season's championship runner-up, Breanna Troen. Troen managed a fourth place finish last time out after her late pass on fifth place finisher Chris Bennett. For Bennett, fifth was one of his best performances in the class.

Larry McKenzie managed to snatch a podium finish last time out in third after being overtaken by longtime racer Tim Elias. The competition level has risen this year as rules have been opened up a little bit to allow visitors from out of town. This has included two-time winner Rob Gallaher and his one-time winner father Joe Gallaher. Both drivers are stars out at Watsonville, where Rob is a three-time champion. Some of the drivers to watch for this week include Josh Leach, Ken Johns, James Thomson, Gene Haney and Judy Arth. 

It's going to be a process in rebuilding the Four Banger division, but you've got to start someplace. Prior to the division's return on the 30th of May, they hadn't competed at the speedway since 2014. On this occasion, three-time Merced Speedway champion Chris Corder won both the Main Event and heat race. He won the Main Event ahead of Jess Paladino, who is expected to be one of the regulars this year. Merced racer Jennifer Rodgers finished third on that occasion ahead of Trevor Jolly, while past Merced champion Dan McCabe scratched. Cars are being built for this class, and it should grow in the weeks ahead. 

We wrap up the month of June with some exciting open-wheel competition as well as some fender bending stock car action. We hope to be able to open the grandstands for fan attendance soon. In the meantime, you can check out all of the action on SpeedshiftTV. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Trenchard, Rodgers, Boyd, Robertson Win 
At Diamond Mountain Speedway

Susanville, CA...June 13...Klamath Falls Oregon star Nick Trenchard came to town and left with the $1,000 winner's prize in the IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night as Diamond Mountain Speedway opened their season. They also became the first California race track to have fans in attendance under covid-19 guidelines, though no concessions were served.

Trenchard has won some big events in his career, including the Shipwreck Nationals, Lon Skinner Memorial and John Arnberg Memorial. To get his IMCA Modified win on this occasion, he had to battle local star Riley Simmons to the checkered flag. Simmons settled for second. Reigning track champion Chris Nieman ended up third, followed by past Chico champion Ryan McDaniel, past Nevada State champion and Friday night Fernley Raceway winner Robert Miller, Galen Hainline, Shawn Natenstedt, Nevin Kennemore, Jimmy Lipke and Vincent Evenson.

Tyler Rodgers won the IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Rodgers has been one of the top competitors in recent years at both Chico and Marysville. Coming off of a win the night before at Fernley Raceway, Randy Miller was hoping to make it a sweep on the weekend. However, Rodgers was just a bit quicker as he scored the victory. Miller settled for second ahead of Craig Neiman, reigning Chico champion Matt Micheli, Marysville point leader Timothy Allerdings, Justin Foux, 2018 Yreka champion Trevor Tiffee, Travis Pruitt and Jimmy Ray Huffmon.

As with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, the Hobby Stocks paid $400 to win. However, only one driver from the Top 10 last season showed up for this race. Randy Boyd scored the win ahead of brothers Royce Goetz and Rocky Goetz. Past Orland and Chico champion Jeremy Langenderfer ended up fourth, followed by Dan Dias, Jacob Dias and Richard Italiano.

Kate Robertson won the $150 prize in the Mini Stock Main Event. Robertson was a top competitor two years ago but didn't race much last year. She was chased across the line by three-time reigning Orland Raceway champion Tom Davis. Matt Canada grabbed the final podium position, followed by past Orland Mini Truck champion Dan Webster, past Hayfork champion Jack Turner, Bob Feller, Orland Mini Truck champion Kalvin Kvalvik, Anthony Hovland, William Fogle and last season's championship runner-up, Billy Gibson.

There's a doubleheader on the bill for June 26th and 27th. The Friday night portion of the program will feature the four divisions that competed tonight. Mini Stocks take Saturday off as the Late Models and Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series will be on the card. IMCA Modifieds race for $1,500 to win on both nights. The Late Models and Pro Stocks will also be competing for $1,500 to win on Saturday night. The IMCA Sport Modifieds and Hobby Stocks will be racing for $400 to win each night. For further information, go to www.dmspeedway.com or check out the diamond mountain Speedway Facebook page.


Coos Bay Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 2020
Winged Sprints
Tyrell Mead
Shane Forte
R.J. Baker
Steven Snawder
Lawrence VanHoof
Austin Sause
patrick desbiens
Ian Bandey
David Marble
trent ding
Ricky Hulsey
Davina Jordy

America's Mattress Super Late Models
BJ Donofrio
Brody Montgomery
Braden Fugate
Jason Johnson
Rob Campos
Mark Wauge
Jordan Wright
Mike Taylor
massey eric
Nathan Augustine
John Duffie
Doug Elkins
Wayne Butler

Sportsman Late Models
Trace Fugate
Phil Lovvorn
Rod McCombs
Garret Smith DNS

Street Stocks
Steve Dubisar
Dakota Godard
Ken Fox
Michael Hollingsworth
Graig Osborne
peyton reigard
Troy Chamberlain
Jeff Thurman
Shannon Collins
Scott Lehman
Dominic Conti
Charlie Withers

Mini Outlaws
Brad Hicks
Dusty Shingleton
John Henry

Hornets
Hannah Robison
Isaac Stere
William Hitner
Kris Parker
dan briesacher
kevin rockwell
mike bales
Jesse McIntyre
george wheeler
john henry

Jr Stingers
Griff Smith
lane hitner
riley rockwell
dylan wheeler
Cameron Metzgus
Heather Burton
drake vincent
Alex Butler
joel bates
emery johnson
Jordan Wheeler
max haga


Siskiyou Golden Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 20, 2020
IMCA Modifieds
Travis Perry
Riley Simmons
Nick Trenchard
Paul Culp
Duane Orsburn
Albert Gill
Paul Rea
James Lipke
Dan Philpott
John Campos
Jesse Bailey
Ray Bloom
Jeremy Crebs
Jeffrey Hudson
Steve Borror
Dave Duste Jr
James Anderson
Justin McCreadie
Zach Fettinger DNS
Daniel Herrera DNS

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Jorddon Braaten
Isaac Sanders
Michael Medel
David Schmidt
Justin Foux
Branden Wilson
Hunter Bloom
Steven Sanders
Aaron Bloom
Zach Nelson
Brionna Fuller
Matt Sanders
Dwayne Melvin
Ryan Peery
Gary Foster
Chris Silva DNS
Ryder Boswell DNS
Colt Boswell DNS

Outlaw Pro Stocks
Matt Harlow
Colby Hammond
Scott Bennett
Scott Flowers
Michael McLeod
Miles Deuburt
Johnny Cobb
Dennis Burtenhouse Jr
James Flowers
Darek Alford
Berry Hunt Jr
Arlen Garrison
Jeff Haudenshild
Rick Lukens DNS


Keller Auto Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 20, 2020
NARC/King Of The West Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Cars
Main Event
Spencer Bayston
Bud Kaeding
Tim Kaeding
D.J. Netto
Mitchell Faccinto
Kyle Hirst
Dominic Scelzi
Colby Copeland
Michael Faccinto
Blake Carrick
Jake Hagopian
Zane Blanchard
Kurt Nelson
Jace VanderWeerd
Grant Duinkerken
Jodie Robinson
Sean Watts
Kyle Offill
Tucker Worth
Travis Coelho
A.J. Bender
Willie Croft
Brendan Warmerdam
Craig Stidham

B Main
Tucker Worth
Zane Blanchard
Jake Hagopian
Michael Faccinto
Trent Canales
Geoffrey Strole
Ben Worth
Stephen Ingraham
Richard Brace Jr

IMCA RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars
Blake Robertson
Grant Champlin
Cole Danell
Kyle Rasmussen
Albert Pombo
Blaine Fagundes
Brooklyn Holland
Michael Pombo
Rob Soloman
Jared Faria
Rick Bray
Mauro Simone
Connor Danell
Jacob Pacheco
Sean Quinn
Chris Stevens
Brandon Emmett
Ryan Delisle
Chris Ennis DNS

Wingless 360 Sprint Cars
Kaleb Montgomery
Tyler Smith
Austin Liggett
Tristan Guardino
Ryan Timmons
Trent Carter
Tanner Boul
Austin Ervine
Brent Owens
Rick Hendrix
Dan Taylor
Jake Hawley
Danny Faria Jr
Landon Hurst


Ocean Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 19  c, 2020
Tace Bravo Sprints Cars
Main Event
Blake Carrick
Bud Kaeding
Sean Becker
Kaleb Montgomery
Kalib Henry
J.J. Hickle
Mitchell Faccinto
Justyn Cox
Kyle Offill
Joey Ancona
Koen Shaw
James Ringo
Jeremy Chisum
Jason Chisum
Zane Blanchard
Keith Day Jr
Jodie Robinson
Kurt Nelson
Spencer Bayston
Jayson Bright
John Clark
Joel Myers

B Main
Mitchell Faccinto
Koen Shaw
Jason Chisum
Jeremy Chisum
Jayson Bright
John Clark
Adam Kaeding
Tristan Guardino
Ryon Nelson
Josh Chisum
Brooklyn Holland
Bradley Dillard
Ashlyn Rodriguez
Richard Fajardo
Bryan Grier
Chris Nelson
Grant Duinkerken

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Main Event
Fred Ryland
Brent Curran
Andrew Peckham
Justin McPherson
Randy Miller
Adriane Frost
Kenny Neu
Patti Ryland
Timothy Allerdings
Markus Frazier
Gavin Espino
Paul Espino
Kaylin Lopez
Darren Thomas
Kelly Campanile
Steven Allee
Tanner Thomas
Aaron Farrell
Anthony Welborn
Ryan DeForest

B Main
Darren Thomas
Kaylin Lopez
Kelly Campanile
Anthony Welborn
Tanner Thomas
Dwayne Short
Billy Robertson
Max Baggett
Scott Foster
Charlie Hunter
Mike Kofnovec Jr
Frank Cefaliello Jr

South Bay Dwarf Cars
Joey Lingron
Mike Affonso
Jimmy Damron
Barry Waddell
Punky Pires
Travis Day
Chad Matthias
Brian Barnhill
Ryan Amlen
Eddy Claessen
Duke Shoemaker
Mark Biscardi
Trafton Chandler
Terre Rothweiler
Danika Del Monte
Shawn Jones

Mini Stocks
Main Event
Curfew

Heat 1
Ryan Blank
Tony Gullo
Jeff Durant
Greg Baronian
Dan Myrick
Jerry Tubbs
Leo Lotz
Joseph Marsh
Kelly Campanile

Heat 2
John Grilli
Ryan McClelland
Kate Beardsley
Jesse Gullings
Nicole Beardsley
Bill Beardsley
Mark Fields
Chuck Kessinger DNS

Hobby Stocks
Main Event
Curfew

Heat 1
Joe Gallaher
Rob Gallaher
Austin Manzella
Ken Winland
Jerry Skelton
Tony Oliveira
Norm Ayers
Thomas Summers

Heat 2
Terry Campion
Matt Kile
Bobby Huckaby Jr
Austin VanHoff
Steve Remde
Bobby Huckaby Sr
Ryan Muller
Brady Muller


Kern Raceway Unofficial Race Results June 20, 2019
Modifieds
Main Event Segment #1
JIM COFFEY
ED COFFEY
BROCK MELO
JASON KISER
BRADY MELO
RILEY MASSEY
RYLEY MILLARD
MARK ALLAN

Main Event Segment #2
ED COFFEY
BROCK MELO
JASON KISER
BRADY MELO
RILEY MASSEY
RYLEY MILLARD
JIM COFFEY

Super Stocks
Main Event Segment #1
RON CROSS
GREG PUSKARICH
ANTHONY MAINELLA
PAUL EBERSBACHER
GENE FIFE
KENNY HARRISON
MIKE PUSKARICH
MICHAEL NICKS

Main Event Segment #2
PAUL EBERSBACHER
RON CROSS
KENNY HARRISON
MICHAEL NICKS
ANTHONY MAINELLA
MIKE PUSKARICH
GREG PUSKARICH
GENE FIFE


Madera Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 20, 2020
Late Models
Results are not official
1     #75 D Jeremy Doss        
2     #88 I Joey Iest
3     #58 Matt Erickson
4     #16 M Micheal Mitchell
5     #11 H Austin Herzog
6     #1 Matthew Wendt
7     #16 Lily Mead
8     #23 Joey Brasil    
9     #75 M Matt Kutz
10     #21 Jon Schlundt
11     #12 K Kyle Keller
12     #9 Thomas Martin        
13     #55 Kent Cam
14     #26 Del McIntosh    
15     #48 Calvin Hegje        
16     #19 Brody Armtrout        
17     #44 Mike Shapiro            
18     #96 Loren Kutz
19     #4 Thomas Suarez
20     #91 Jesse Burks

Jr Late Models
Results are not official
1     #91 Jesse Burks        
2     #19 Brody Armtrout    
3     #48 Calvin Hegje
4     #7 Kenna Mitchell
5     #15 Hailey Liles    
6     #18 Daytona Spicola    

MSTs
Results are not official   
1     #40 S Bert Stephens    
2     #21 Patrick Geiger
3     #9 Kyle Labrie 
4     #11 Dennis Brannon
5     #21 K Jason Kerns
6     #58 Tim Kammerer
7     #2 B Haley Bugg

Toyotas
Results are not official
1     #33 A Andrew Parr            
2     #301 Thomas Magray    
3     #13 J.J Brandsen
4     #3 C Wyatt Cantrell


Petaluma Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 21, 2020
PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Sean Becker
Andy Forsberg
Shane Hopkins
Jake Haulot
D.J. Freitas
J.J. Hickle
Brent Bjork
Joel Myers
Bret Barney
Bill Cornwell
Art McCarthy Jr
Jason Toft DNS

McLea's Tire Service IMCA Modifieds
Anthony Slaney
Tim Yaeger
Jim Pettit II
Michelle Paul
Justin Yaeger
Trevor Brady
Gary Zwicker
Michael Paul Jr
Troy Foulger
JC Elrod
Shane DeVolder
Mitch Machado
Chris Sieweke
Freddie Ploudre

Lumberjack's Resturant Super Stocks
Matthew While
Steve Studebaker
Justin Zwicker
Randy Miramontez
Roger Miller
Mitch Machado
Gary Adams
Shawn McCoy DNS

Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks
Tom Brown
Roberta Broze
Cody Bolles
Jake Barretta
Austin Lodin
casey monahan

The Editor's Viewpoint

Another racing weekend is in the books, and quite a few tracks are doing their best to make a go of it under these difficult circumstances. Covid-19 guidelines meant that none of the tracks in California last weekend were allowed any fans in attendance. We were looking at the possibility that Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville might be the only track in California to have fans by the time the month of June ended. However, we got word on Saturday morning about another track joining the ranks. I'll get to that news in a moment. I look at this whole situation and just shake my head. I feel like I'm in an episode of The Twilight Zone at this point with the craziness going on in the world. 

We will start hearing about the second wave pretty soon when it comes to the virus, and we can expect them to ratchet up the fear factor even more in the news. Seems they love to scare the crap out of people who don't know how to turn their TV sets off. I've never said that people aren't dying. I wouldn't say that. I would say the numbers are inflated, and this situation is beyond ridiculous. Enough people are falling into the trap that this is going to be the narrative going forward. We ought to be concerned about that, and some people are. I want to be careful not to launch into a tirade here. I hate commenting on it at all, but you sort of have to when you talk about tracks trying to open these days.

You start talking about wearing a mask, and people get divided into two camps. The people who are either very cautious or living in fear will maintain that it's the right thing to do. The people who don't believe the fear associated with the numbers being given will say it's ridiculous to have to wear a mask. Wherever you fall in this debate, the California governor just put a rule in place to require everybody in the state to wear a mask. As I've said, they could turn around and start taking things away from us very easily. We should keep that in mind.

I feel bad for the people trying to run a business. It's affecting everybody, from the mom-and-pop stores to the big chains. People will be going out of business, and we're going to hear about people having difficulties making payments on their homes and possibly losing their homes as a result. We're going to hear so much negative stuff from an economic standpoint, and I think it's a fair question to ask. Has the country overreacted to the virus? Are we going to pay a bigger price for shutting down the economy than the damage done by the virus?  

Have we overreacted? Let's talk about that for a moment. I'm going to leave out certain opinions on this subject if I can. There has been news of NFL Football players and NHL Hockey players testing positive for covid-19. Granted, football season is still a ways out there, but they'll be having a discussion about playing soon. Like Major League Baseball and NBA Basketball, the NHL Hockey season was suspended when the pandemic hit and everything was shut down. They've been having discussions about whether to open it back up again or not. It's interesting to read fans' comments on the subject anytime the slightest bit of news comes out either way. People are getting restless.

NASCAR Cup racing has been back in action. They started with no fans in the stands but with the personal they need to run the races. I believe they have begun allowing a limited amount of fans to spectate some races. I haven't heard how the testing has been going on the people who have been involved there, but we got news on the local front. Antioch Speedway's most recent IMCA Sport Modified feature winner, not to mention State champion Guy Ahlwardt just announced that he has tested positive for covid-19. This was another bit of news that was put out by Guy himself on Saturday morning. 

The story goes that Guy had recently tested negative, but he came into contact with people who had tested positive. He decided it would be in his best interest to have another test. This one came up positive. Mind you, Guy has not reported feeling any symptoms or any of that, but the protocol now requires him to go into a 14 day self quarantine to see if any of the symptoms start to materialize. This is standard procedure. This is also part of the "new normal", which I still feel is an Orwellian term. Okay, I said I wouldn't go there. Regardless, when you test positive, you are expected to go into a 14 day quarantine for public safety. When it comes to contact tracing, will that lead through the gates of Antioch Speedway? I don't know.

I have a good friend whom I respect. He happens to be wearing a mask in public. He's at ground zero of having the big debate with people who feel that he looks ridiculous wearing a mask. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn't. My friend isn't under any pretenses that he will protect himself from getting sick by wearing a mask. However, he wears this mask for what he feels is the public's safety. As he says, he doesn't know if he might be spreading it or not, and according to some of the experts the mask will help prevent that from happening. Let the mask debate rage on as I'm sure it will. 

I will say this when it comes to the guidelines that tracks are implementing to open up again. If you are put in a position by the health officials that you are required to make everybody wear a mask, you should do that. I have noticed that some tracks have a mask requirement on their covid-19 guidelines, but I've seen so much evidence that they are not enforcing it. Let's not look at this from the idea that you'll be safe or the other person won't be safe if it makes you feel better not to have that discussion. Let's consider the fact that a county health official or somebody on the state level could show up and see how poorly that rule is being enforced and decide that is a reason to shut you down. It's something to consider. 

The first track I thought would open with fans in California was Marysville Raceway. They were the leader in the movement to open up tracks in California. I know Dennis Gage has been discussing things with the health officials on a regular basis, and the fan question has been one thing that's come up. 

Well, he got an answer for June 24th, but it wasn't exactly what he was looking for. They told him he could have fans, but he can only have 100 fans. Seriously? Okay, I won't slam what was still a small victory. 100 people will be let in early and shown where they will be seated as the covid-19 social distance guidelines will be implemented in the plan. If he does this right, he'll proceed to the next phase whenever they think that's possible.

My frustration still centers around the fact that you're getting 70 or so cars for a race, probably 200 or so people in the pits. Actually, I think they've had more at other races. I still say if they can let you have even 300 people in the pits, they can do the same in the grandstands, shut the crossover gate and even keep the concessions stand closed if they feel that must be done. They aren't really gathered in the same location until fans start to mingle with the racers, which you can prevent. I don't know that they are even discussing how many people are in the pits, just how many people can be with each car. That's as far as that discussion goes. It just seems like something that should be so obvious.

In Odessa, Michigan, i-96 Speedway opened up on June 12th. The promoter was happy to be able to do something and thought he was doing it the right way. The governor there happens to be one of these stricter governors in terms of enforcing the guidelines. They were all set to go on Friday when the State Deputy Attorney General and the Ionia County Health Department sent them a cease-and-desist letter, strongly advising them not to do it. In other words, they would face repercussions. The promoter said he wanted to follow the rules and thought he was. He also mentioned the $5,000 mortgage payment he needs to make every month to stay in business.

As highlighted by what happened at i-96 Speedway, promoters are sometimes getting creative in trying to figure out what to do. If you keep your gates shut, you're not generating any revenue. There are bills to be paid. On the other hand, if you open up under certain restrictions, your ability to make money will be greatly limited. You want to be able to open your race track with fans and concessions, and that's not currently happening at most tracks in California yet. I'm hoping that we'll start hearing about more tracks being able to have grandstands in July and not hearing about things going in the other direction.

In Oregon, the governor has made it very difficult for the tracks to try to do anything. Race tracks have been forced to run limited or rental practices, if they do anything at all. When the Phase 2 rollout began, promoters were under the impression that they could only have 100 people or less. That was what was originally announced, but a couple of days before Phase 2 began, we were told that those counties would be able to have 250 or less in any gathering. Suddenly, it became possible to gather enough people for a potential race or at least open it for practice. 

Coos Bay Speedway Promoter Drake Nelson didn't think that was good enough. He was still sticking to the plan he put in place back in May. This was the plan that saw him get shut down by the state, but he was back and racing again in June. What he has done is drafted a plan, using covid-19 guidelines, that enabled him to open the pits for the racers and open the grandstands for the fans, all while serving them food and beverages. When you look at the guidelines set forth by the Oregon governor, sporting events aren't supposed to happen yet. Furthermore, it's obvious that Coos Bay has had more than 250 people on its premises for some of these events, including the first oval track race on June 17th.

I've been talking about the idea that guidelines could have been put in place for a business such as a race track. You're talking about a big facility. The people who gather in the pits to do the racing do not have to mingle with the people who gather in the grandstands to spectate. At the very least, you could have designated the two locations at separate, thereby allowing a track to have 250 people in the pits and 250 people in the grandstands. This has not been done by the state, so it fell on Nelson to put together a proposal that could get him back in business. Since he's been successful, other promoters in the state are forced to look at what he's done to see if they can implement this idea at their locations.

I wrote about this last week, but I'll recap it in brief. A regular racing event has drivers come out to race so that they can sell tickets to the fans to come watch. Fans then buy concessions. Drake is doing this, but the terminology is different. He's calling his concession stand a bar and grill so he can have a gathering of people in the grandstands. He's basically saying that the fans are really coming to the bar and grill to grab a bite and a beverage. They take their seats in the grandstands. The racers who have gathered in the pits then go on the track and race. The bar and grill patrons just so happen to have seats to be able to watch this. They are still there to watch a race, but in legal terms, they are there to grab a bite. The track just happens to have drivers out there racing against each other.

Technically, I don't necessarily believe that what Drake is doing is within the letter of the guidelines. Then again, there was nothing specifically outlined for how to open race tracks during this difficult time. He was the one who made the proposal. The Medford Dragstrip promoter has done something similar and had an event. The biggest question is, will the state start clamping down on tracks that open under the same sort of plan as Nelson? That is the unknown. All you can do is negotiate with your county health officials and hope that everything is good from there. The bad part would be if you do all of that and make all of your preparations, only to be shut down by the state. I believe it's possible that this could happen, though I don't know if it will. 

Promoters have to look at this and do the number crunching. Can they open with fans and concessions? How many fans would be allowed in the stands? If you're dealing with percentages, even 25% of a grandstand of 3000 seating would allow you 750 fans. That's manageable. It becomes possible for you to do business and actually make out okay. If you're limited, a promoter might then have to do things like running under half purse or whatever meets the bottom line of what is required to keep going. I don't know what that would be. I can tell you that Heather Boyce at Cottage Grove Speedway would like to race as she is currently buying that track from Jerry Schram and needs to generate revenue.

I can tell you that Southern Oregon Speedway Promoter Mike McCann has taken a look at what's going on and is reviewing options. There could be an announcement forthcoming soon, but I'm not aware of what that would be. I feel there will be some sort of racing in Medford in July through the end of the year if McCann feels it's possible to do something where he can at least have some fans and some concessions. What that will be is up to him to announce. 

If you're dealing with a window of 8 to 12 weeks of racing and if you have seven or eight divisions that run at your track, what do you do? If you rotate those classes, that means that divisions are only going to get a few races. The other alternative is to do what we've called the "kitchen sink race". That means you book every division on every night in which you race. Certain things might need to be cut from the format to make that happen and allow the races to end at a reasonable time, but it would at least allow every division to be able to race. I have a feeling that could be an idea being considered, but I don't know for sure. The best thing I can tell you is to go to the Southern Oregon Speedway Facebook page. There will be an announcement there soon I'm sure.

Delta Speedway opened up this past weekend for a two-day event featuring all of their Micro Sprint divisions. Unfortunately, they were just a little bit late to the party. With the Speedweek Series that was going to happen this coming weekend canceled, Dixon Speedway, Plaza Park Speedway and Lemoore Raceway have all taken a date for what will be called the Covid Cup. Dixon will open it on the 24th with Plaza Park on the 26th and Lemoore Raceway on the 27th. Unfortunately, Delta Speedway got open just a little bit too late to be a part of this. It should be big, and they are boasting $40,000 in purse money. It's amazing that they are able to do something this big when they still can't get fans in the grandstands due to the covid-19 guidelines.

Ocean Speedway finally managed to open up for a race. As has been the case with a few of these tracks when they open for the first time after the virus shut down, they had a huge car count. There were five divisions booked, and they had about 110 total cars. I don't even think management expected to see the numbers they got, and that presented a challenge for them. Ocean Speedway has a 10 pm curfew imposed on them by the fairgrounds. Even though the state-mandated curfew is 11 pm, they have to be done an hour earlier. I know that in light of the struggle that John Prentice probably went through just to get this race to happen, he wasn't interested in pissing anybody off and bringing trouble down on the track. 

It really didn't seem like they took that long getting through the heat races. The problem came when the Dwarf Car Main Event had a few slowdowns that saw the race cut from 20 to 15 laps. When the IMCA Sport Modifieds got on the track, they actually got things done pretty quickly, leaving the track to the Winged 360 Sprint Cars. Unfortunately, there were numerous crashes in this race and two red flags. They hit 10 with a few laps left to go in the Main Event. Once the checkered flag flew, they brought the winner to the front straightaway and interviewed him and called it a night with the Hobby Stock and Mini Stock Main Events left to go.

You're going to have nights like this, but this night had all the right ingredients for things to happen this way. First of all, your official and safety crew are getting back in action for the first time this year. People might be a little bit rusty, and maybe things weren't going as quickly in some areas as they could have. Secondly, you had 110 race cars for the five division program. That meant you were going to have more races, more cars on the track and more crashes. It was going to take longer. What can you do? You do the best you can. What I've heard is that the Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks will be back for next week with double Main Events. I don't know the details, but I'm sure the Ocean Speedway Facebook page will spell it all out for us.

Siskiyou Golden Speedway had a practice on Friday, but there was something special about this practice. They were doing a King of the Dirt IMCA Sport Modified tournament with 16 spots filled up. I believe that three spots were still available as they had some people back out on them. It's kind of interesting to see a practice and with something like this. There was $1,600 worth of prize money on the line for this little tournament. The winner would be leaving with $1,000, second would get $400 and third would get $200. We haven't seen an event like this very often, although Jay Banks of Living Phat Promotions did stage something for the Dirt Modifieds at Antioch Speedway a couple years ago.

It didn't go too badly, but I noticed one thing that probably could have been done a little bit better. It seems like going green, white and checkered and ending it at that point might be a bit sudden. What I'm thinking is best two of three matches for each contest like the match races we used to have back in the day. 

They didn't really take that long to do this once it got started. Yes, this adjustment would add a little bit more time to the program, but the drivers who were buying in at $100 a pop can feel that they got a fair chance. Going out there for one race can end quickly for a competitor, especially if they bobble or mess up one little bit in their race. You don't get a second chance. It's only a slight nitpick, but I think what they did was pretty cool.

It's nice to see Promoter Kevin Barbra doing things like this. There's been a real positive vibe going on in Yreka this year, even before the virus hit. Kevin has assembled a team that is really starting to make things happen. The track really looked good for this tournament. People are starting to get excited about racing here again, and that's needed. 

When things were really popping over a decade ago, special things happened at this track. They can get it back. You don't get there overnight. It takes time. However, when you're doing things like this tournament, the racers notice and are more interested in being a part of the show in the future. Given the struggles Kevin and other promoters are having during this difficult time, this was definitely a positive for the track

In another good move for the Yreka track, the Dirt 360 TV team came out and streamed the races live. However, it was free for the fans to view. They even brought in Ben Deatherage to do the announcing. Since the camera angles weren't perfect, having Deatherage on the microphone giving you the lap by lap commentary helped immensely. I actually watched this stream live during the Main Events as it overlapped the Madera Speedway coverage that I was watching. It was really a heck of a show, especially the Outlaw Pro Stock portion of it.

Tracks that open earlier than others in the area are benefiting from increased car counts and are being challenged to get the show done quickly. However, this has not been the case at Yreka where the team has been pretty organized. I will go back to my criticism of the track not having Mini Stocks on the card for Saturday, but it might have actually been a smart move. Focusing on three divisions enabled them to keep this show moving. It's not that you have people in the stands getting restless. You just don't want to come up against curfew at a time when you're lucky to be able to get the track opened at all. This was not a problem for the track as it wasn't up against the 11 pm curfew.

The two biggest things impacting Yreka in a positive way right now are the fact that Medford and Cottage Grove haven't been able to open yet. This meant that there were visitors from both tracks in the IMCA Modified and IMCA Sport Modified ranks. The quality in that field was very impressive, and the stream people got to watch for free was certainly worth paying for based on these two divisions alone. Add in the Pro Stocks, which had one of those races where you never really knew who was going to win until the end, and this was one heck of a show.

I don't quite know how to describe what we are witnessing at Yreka. I keep comparing it to Chowchilla, but only in so far as you've got a promoter thinking outside the box. Chowchilla Speedway opened with Tom Sagmiller, but Siskiyou Speedway has been around for a while. It had better days, and Kevin is charged with trying to bring those days back again. I believe he is on the right track, but he was still going to be up against a Medford track that by all accounts has turned things around over the decline that had been steady from about 2008 through 2015. Then, the virus shut everything down and leveled the playing field.

This is the worst time to be trying to conduct business when you can't even do it to the best of your ability. You have to deal with all of these restrictions. So, when I'm mentioning tracks being successful, they are being successful in terms of what they have to deal with while opening. Yreka had 52 cars for the show, and they had no grandstands to draw fan support from. They gave away a quality stream for free, rather than getting any money out of that. The long range positive of giving that away is that you build up good faith with your fans, who can clearly see the racing surface is looking very good and things appear to be different now. There's no denying the momentum that's building up there, but bigger tests will still be ahead.

I'm blown away by what Drake Nelson has been doing at Coos Bay Speedway. In the face of a governor who has said no gatherings of more than 250 people and no sporting events, he's doing both. A look at the grandstands on Saturday night can plainly see he had a normal crowd, and he was also serving them food. The bar and grill plan is working well for him. Because he was the only track open in Oregon on Saturday night, he had drivers coming from other tracks, and several of the divisions saw a noticeable boost in car count. You've got to hand it to him. After he got shut down in May, he said he would find a loophole, and it looks like he has. Like I said above, other tracks are going to be forced to look at what he's doing if he's going to get away with this. 

I'm starting to look at the Sportsman Late Model deal at Coos Bay speedway and wondering if it's time to pull the plug. I think the track has lost the ability to put a field of cars out there for this division. I know that it gets NASCAR status and some of that point fund money, but it seems to me that would be better spent on a division that can produce cars. I'm not sure how you can get the numbers up here as drivers are just going full Late Model and others prefer to stay in the Street Stock division. I think the Street Stocks would be the class to focus on in terms of building a car count and keeping that thing going. They are certainly entertaining to watch.

After the event they had on Wednesday, I can't see why Drake wouldn't at least take a look at the IMCA option. Yes, I'm talking IMCA sanctioning and NASCAR sanctioning at the same time, which can be done. Watsonville did that at one time when they dropped NASCAR on their Modifieds and gave it to IMCA. There are already at least four drivers in the area who have IMCA Modifieds. 

I think they could build up an IMCA Sport Modified class. It might start out low in numbers, but it would surpass the Sportsman Late Model class relatively quickly, in my opinion. One thing's for sure, he has an opportunity to gain cars right now if the other tracks are slow to open, so booking more IMCA stuff isn't a bad idea. He originally had IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds scheduled this Sunday, so we'll see what goes.

The one thing Coos Bay Speedway didn't have was live streaming, and they probably could have done okay with that. It's doubtful they have anybody there to work a camera, and Dirt Oval TV was in Washington to broadcast at Deming on Friday night and Grays Harbor on Saturday. One track that did have live streaming again was Lakeport Speedway. This was another event where the NCRA competitors were running for no purse, although they were taking donations from anybody who wanted to sponsor that. The car count wasn't that great, although the Legends of the Pacific had double-digit attendance. The Bombers and Limited Modifieds were certainly lacking. 

Another thing lacking was the presentation. They had a different announcer, which was noticeable. For much of the afternoon, you couldn't hear him announce the cars when they were actually racing, which was different from the previous week. They had Race Monitor working to keep track of things, but I discovered during the Legends Main Event that it was out of whack. The notes I was taking were useless, so I abandoned my effort to do any sort of article. I'm sure Nadine Strauss will have something up at the NCRA Lakeport Speedway Facebook page. Though I found the live broadcast to be a bit lacking, I will point out that it's still cool that they did this and gave it away for free. It's better than a kick in the butt.

Kenny Shepherd and the team at Madera Speedway did another live stream for free, thanks to nutup.com. They give you quality video production, and it is nice to see the multiple camera angles. The Late Models produced 22 cars and were clearly the show, but I found the MSTs and Junior Late Models to be enjoyable to watch as well. It did feel like they were dragging things out much longer than it should have been. Given the car count they had, I don't see any reason they needed to get done at 10. They could have trimmed an hour off of that easily by toning it down on the post race interviews, in my humble opinion. 

Then again, I'm speaking as somebody who was monitoring multiple races and wanted to move on to the next race. I assumed that Madera would be done earlier, and I was wrong. It was still a good show. They do have a nice Late Model division, which will only get better with the big event coming up this weekend. If they don't have fans in the stands, which is likely to be the case, they will be streaming this live again for free. Furthermore, they're going to be filming for a later MavTV broadcast. For those who love pavement Late Model racing, this is something you will want to see.

Keller Auto Speedway opened with a big Sprint Car show that was streamed live on SpeedshiftTV. Car count numbers were impressive, especially with the NARC/King of the West Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Cars. Californians have been craving more Sprint Car racing during this pandemic, and this was a signal that they are going to be getting more of it. You had your choice of the Winged and Wingless Sprint Cars, which was really nice to see. Track conditions were not ideal, and they worked all night to try to combat that as best they could. 

I've noticed through the years that sometimes Sprint Car shows don't have a sense of urgency as far as getting done. Maybe they figure that these cars are so fast that once the race gets started it will go quickly? I don't know. I do know that they dragged the show on longer than probably needed to happen, and they went past the 11 pm state mandated curfew. They gave people the NARC Sprint Cars first before going to the Wingless Sprints and then the RaceSaver Sprints. I'm sure they can look at some of the things they did and see room for improvement, such as starting things a little bit earlier and not delaying things too long.

I get the idea that you are streaming something online, so you're almost being a TV broadcast at that point. Therefore, you're trying to give post race interviews. You can do that, but you really should have a plan for moving it along. either that or save post race interviews for after the completion of the last race and let the fans know that those ceremonies will be coming up. People who want to watch them will wait. People who just want to see racing will be thankful that you kept the show moving. That's just my opinion on the matter, but I still appreciate that Peter Murphy promoted this race with it's big purse during this difficult time.

My viewing schedule on Saturday night got shuffled around when Madera went longer than I thought they would. I ended up switching to the stream for Siskiyou Speedway, figuring that I'd get around to watching Antioch and Hanford after that race was done. Unfortunately, I was having a difficult time accessing either Hanford or Antioch. I wasn't able to finally watch Antioch until about the time Petaluma went live. I waited until after the Petaluma show was done so as to give both Antioch and Petaluma my full attention. When I offer my opinions here, I want to be dealing with as much information as possible.

Antioch Speedway held their sixth race since opening under covid-19 guidelines. Once again, fans we're not allowed. I don't know why I'm repeating that at this point when that's the case at almost every track on the West Coast, but maybe this is more documentation of what we're going through. Hopefully, I'll be writing more articles where I talk about tracks having races in front of fans. I know they are doing what they can to get fans back in the stands there, but at least they had SpeedshiftTV to broadcast it live. We're now having tracks that are racing with either no streaming service at all or they are doing it in house for free. I appreciate the tracks that are giving the fans something for free if they can't get a good pay service, but I digress.

Sooner or later, you're going to see car counts level off and get a clearer picture of what's really there for a regular show. In this case, they had around 65 cars for the three division program. That's not bad, especially when you consider the Super Stocks didn't bring a full field. This is one of those divisions that's going to take work, but the decision Chad Chadwick made to invite drivers using the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series rules was smart. It gives those drivers an option to come to Antioch and know that they are legal. A few drivers took him up on that, and Ryan Smith came up from the Bakersfield area and earned his first win.

One of the appeals of having IMCA sanctioning on your Modifieds and Sport Modifieds is the idea that you're part of the bigger picture. Therefore, it's more enticing for drivers to come in from out of town. They know what the rules are going to be, and they also earn their points towards State, Regional and National championships. Both divisions produced 27 car fields. That was your show. Fred Ryland finally showed us a glimpse of vintage Fred as he wrapped up a two-race weekend with an impressive Sport Modified victory at Antioch. He had a win the night before at Watsonville. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Ryland Racing does a lot for the racers in the community. 

The IMCA Modifieds were clearly the show once again. You had side-by-side racing with drivers running the low groove and the middle groove. Jim Pettit II turned in a brilliant performance in holding off Ryan McDaniel for his first win at the track in about 30 years. This was his first IMCA Modified win at Antioch to go with his 46 Late Model triumphs. This proved to be a popular win among the racing community, especially those who have been around for a while. Jim has been a welcome sight at the Antioch races this year.

I'm going to measure my comments here just a little bit as I'm still looking at stuff and wondering. I like some of the things they're doing there for sure, like the one yellow flag rule in the heat races. They definitely want to keep the show moving since it looks like they still have to adhere to the 10 pm curfew that John was stuck with. I heard rumors that Chad might get that extended to 11 again, but I don't know the status on that. He should be able to do that, but there is a growing trend in California to end some of these fairgrounds track races at 10. I didn't watch the stream live, so I was shocked when I heard Wade mention as the IMCA Sport Modifieds were pulling out that they had to keep an eye on the clock and curfew. Given the roster for this particular show, let's just say I'm surprised that curfew would even be a factor on this occasion.

At any rate, the main thing that concerns me is the dry and dusty track conditions. It doesn't even look that great on the stream when the dust in the air makes it harder to see the cars. At least you have the benefit of not having dust in your face as you're watching this. If dry slick is what they're going for, I hope they figure out a way to keep the dust down. It seems like this is the new trend for the racing surface, and I admit I'm not a fan. 

This is not the Antioch Speedway that I know, at least in terms of track conditions. I am aware of the fact that the IMCA Modified and Sport Modified drivers love this type of track. I still say this will be a concern once fans are allowed back in the stands again. You need to understand that your hardcore fans will be there through thick and thin, but casual fans won't put up with uncomfortable conditions like dust in the air. Without those fans, the goal of doubling the fan count we've seen in recent years will be harder to achieve.

It looks like they do what they do to prepare the track during the week, making use of the sheepsfoot. They do whenever last minute things need to be done before the races. I know they put a lot of work into track prep. After the heat races, they go out there and work on the outside groove during intermission. There used to be a time when you didn't do track prep during intermission unless things were really bad and needed it. 

I know part of this also comes down to trying to keep the dust down. I do hope they figure this out as less dust will be a positive in getting fans, even if the dry track is the goal. There is a way to do this that will make everybody happy. It's a new era at the speedway, and that's not a bad thing. The racers are on board with this. That's part of the equation to making things great again, but we want lots of fans to be there when the grandstands are open again. 

Given the fact that more tracks are opening, it's going to be interesting to see where the car count goes. There are new drivers on board, which is definitely a positive. Some of the drivers who are coming to town because this is their only option will have other options closer to home. In the seven times that the gates have been opened at the track, counting the playday on May 16th, car count numbers have been strong. 

I'm going to be interested in how things go this weekend with the lineup that is currently scheduled. I could say more, but I'm going to observe what happens. It will be interesting for sure. Other than that, I'm just going to keep my thoughts to myself for now and wish Chad and the crew luck in doing this in such a challenging time. I know it isn't easy and their efforts are appreciated.

I was a bit surprised to see the low turnout at Petaluma Speedway for Sunday's race. Granted, I wasn't necessarily expecting a record-breaking field of cars, but the fact that they didn't challenge the 50 car mark with four divisions was a bit disappointing. You never know how it's going to work out when you move your race date. On the heels of their record-breaking Dwarf Car count, the numbers in the pits had to be a little bit disappointing. On the other hand, sometimes a modest field of cars can put on one heck of a show. I recall that being the case when I started announcing at Merced Speedway in 2001 during a down time for the track. We had some very entertaining shows, and car count did start to grow week by week. 

In this case, it seems like all four divisions had a little bit of drama that played out during the course of their feature races. You had one of the dominant Ford Pintos getting challenged in the Mini Stocks. You had an amazing winning streak in the Super Stocks get snapped. You had a potential first-time winner leading several laps in the Sprint Cars. And then you had the drama that played out in the IMCA Modifieds. It was one of those races that could cause somebody to lose focus and make a mistake when faced with the possibility of getting your first feature win.

In this case, it was Anthony Slaney. Last year, Slaney had one get away from him at Petaluma and another one get away from him at Antioch. He led 30 laps, but the last 10 were riddled with yellow flags. Every restart had a new challenger, but he repelled them all. Luck seemed to be on his side. As if to illustrate that, he dropped a driveline on the track shortly after taking the checkered flag. On this Father's Day, this had to be a special moment for the Slaney family. His father Mikey Slaney was there by the fence watching him. They've been through their ups and downs, and moments like this are what it's all about.

It may not have been a great car count, but it turned out to be a most pleasant show to watch. You don't always have to have a huge field to have an entertaining race. Just get some good drivers out there and let them do what they do. I'm sure Rick Faeth had to be happy with the way things went. Everybody seemed to be doing their jobs and keeping things going. There was no reason for this one to run late, and it didn't. As they say, give them a good show and leave them wanting more.

I'm a little bit uneasy as we head to the end of this month. The racing season has been a struggle to get started, and we have three really good months left when it comes to weather. Things are happening in the effort to open tracks. We're even gaining a little bit of ground in the effort to get fans in the stands. However, the news is filled with negative information about increasing numbers of people testing positive for the virus. As mentioned above, we've now had people in our own racing community test positive. Is the second wave that they speak of just around the corner, and what impact will it have? Could we see shutdowns start to happen again in the next month or so? Let's hope not.

I've managed to wrap up most of my work here on Sunday evening, and it's still light outside. My intent is to get the post out as early as possible while this content is still news. Every day, you get something new coming across the newswire. I've been trying to cover things as best I can. It's been just a bit frustrating due to the lack of support I'm getting. I was just a bit more stressed out this week trying to get things done, but it still came together in the end. It's been an interesting weekend, and you almost start to feel normal. Then you remind yourself that you might be watching the races, but you're doing it on a computer screen.

I'm sure there is going to be news breaking this week. Could we hear something about fans in the grandstands somewhere else in California? Expect anything at this point. There could be bad news as well. As I finish this column, I'm not planning to do a preview post later this week. I think it's time to relax a little bit. I'm sure I will see something that will tempt me to put something together, but I'm planning to just wait and see how things go next week. Unless something changes, I will follow next weekend's action with another post.

On that note, I'm going to end this column. Thank you for reading. Until next time...