Antioch Speedway, Madera Speedway, Marysville Raceway, Dixon Speedway, Siskiyou Golden Speedway, More

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Pettit, Pearce, Hamilton, Wagner Win 

As Fans Return To Antioch Speedway

Antioch, CA...April 3...Jim Pettit II won the 30 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This wrapped up a perfect weekend for the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Famer as he won the Friday night show at Ocean Speedway. This was also the first time since October of 2019 that Antioch Speedway was able to open with some fan attendance.

Buddy Kniss started on the outside front row for the Main Event, and the 2019 champion moved into the early lead ahead of Dylan Schriner and 2018 champion Nick DeCarlo. Following a Lap 2 yellow flag, DeCarlo and Matt Hagio moved into second and third behind in Kniss, but reigning champion Troy Foulger, Pettit and Kellen Chadwick shuffled Hagio out of the Top 5 on the fourth lap. DeCarlo and Foulger brought out a Lap 7 yellow flag. Kniss continued to lead the restart ahead of Aaron Crowell and Pettit. Pettit slipped past Crowell for second on Lap 12 before a yellow flag again slowed the pace. Kniss saw three yellow flags wave in the next six laps, but he continued to lead Pettit and Crowell on each restart. It was a Lap 20 yellow flag that proved the undoing for Kniss. Pettit and Crowell moved into the first and second positions on the restart. Pettit would lead the rest of the race to win with Crowell bringing it home second. Foulger made a charge back to finish third with Kniss settling for fourth ahead of Chadwick, Bobby Motts Jr, Carl Berendsen II, Mickey Hill, Kimo Oreta and JC Elrod. The eight lap heat race wins went to Pettit, Foulger and DeCarlo.

Andrew Pearce won the 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Pearce has been impressive at Stockton this year with a pair of feature victories, but this was his first win at Antioch. Pearce started on the outside front row and charged into the early lead ahead of Tyler Browne and Mark Garner. Todd Gomez took third from Garner on Lap 2. Both Gomez and Guy Ahlwardt ran closely behind Browne, and a yellow flag waved on Lap 9. Pearce continued to lead on the restart as Ahlwardt settled into second. Fred Ryland gained third on Lap 12 and joined the battle for the lead. Tommy Fraser settled into fourth and slipped past Ryland for third on Lap 21 before a yellow flag waved. Pearce again led the restart and would go on to victory ahead of Ahlwardt, Fraser, Ryland, KC Keller, Kenny Shrader, Garner, Browne, Chuck Golden and Tommy Clymens Jr. 

The 25 competitors ran four eight lap heat races with Fraser, Trevor Clymens, Pearce and Garner getting the wins. Golden won a crash shortened seven lap B Main ahead of Breanna Troen, Dylan Connelly, Matthew Elmore and Tommy Clymens Jr.

Brock Hamilton won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Fellow Hanford racer Renn Bane shared front row with Hamilton, and Hamilton led Bane from the start. Watsonville Hobby Stock champion Joe Gallaher was an early third, but he surrendered the position to Kellen Chadwick. Chadwick moved in to battle Bane for the second position before eventually getting by. Hamilton went on to victory ahead of Chadwick. Travis Dutra and previous winner Garrett Corn moved into third and fourth on the final lap. Dan Gonderman picked up his second-straight fifth place finish, followed by Bane, Austin Van Hoff, Jason Robles, Gallaher and Jay Bryant. Hamilton and Dutra won the eight lap heat races.

Danny Wagner won his second-straight Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. The two-time champion was an early second behind Dennis Gilcrease. Jack Haverty was an early third, but David Michael Rosa and Devan Kammermann made that a good battle. As Gilcrease and Wagner pulled away from the pack, Kammermann was able to move into the third position. Wagner began to pressure Gilcrease hard and made his winning pass as they lapped a slower car on Lap 19. Gilcrease settled for second, followed by Kammermann, Sean Catucci, Kevin Miraglio, Haverty, Toby Brown, Chance Russell, Scott Dahlgren and David Rosa. There were 18 competitors, and Gilcrease, David Michael Rosa and Wagner were the eight lap heat race winners.

Racing continues next week with a visit from the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series. Also in action will be the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Delta Dwarf Cars. For information on the happenings at the speedway and how you can get tickets, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Haulot, Winter, Norton Score Marysville Raceway Victories

Marysville, CA...April 3...Jake Haulot won the 25 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Marysville Raceway. Past Petaluma Speedway champion Haulot led the race from the start aboard the Dan Haulot owned Sprinter. Like many of the tracks on the West Coast, Marysville was able to open the grandstands to some fan attendance.

Haulot had a front row start and raced into the immediate lead ahead of past Placerville champion Billy Wallace and Michael Wasina. The first yellow flag of the race flew on Lap 9 for James Taylor in Turn 1. Haulot continued to lead Wallace and Wasina on the restart as Brent Bjork settled into fourth. Bjork took third from Wasina on Lap 12, and a yellow flag waved for Burt Foland Jr in Turn 4. Haulot continued to lead Wallace on the restart with multi-time Marysville champion Colby Wiesz settling into third. A final yellow flag flew on Lap 21 for Foland and Wasina. Haulot continued to lead Wallace on the restart, but Wiesz made a move on Wallace to grab second on Lap 23. Haulot went on to score the satisfying victory ahead of Wiesz, Wallace, Kenny Wanderstat, past champions Mike Monahan and Korey Lovell, Bjork, Pat Harvey Jr, Koa Crane and Jimmy Steward.

There were 19 Sprint Cars for the show. Foland set the fast time of 12.662 on the quarter-mile clay oval, beating the 12.692 of William Fielding. The eight lap heat race wins went to Steel Powell, Monahan and Wallace.

Ryan Winter won the 20 lap NorCal Dwarf Car Main Event. Reigning champion Michael "Spanky" Grenert led the opening lap before a Turn 1 tangle involving Oregon visitor Steve Walker and Fred Dickey brought out the yellow flag. Winter took the lead from Grenert on the restart as Shawn Whitney settled into third. Winter quickly built up a decent lead over Grenert, only to have a Lap 6 yellow flag wave for Austin Quilty in Turn 2. Winter led Grenert and Whitney on a Lap 7 and Lap 8 restart. Grenert pressured Winter for a few laps, but Winter again started to pull away. The final yellow flag of the race fell on Lap 14 for Derek Droivold in Turn 2. Once again, Winter bolted ahead when the green flag waved, and he built a comfortable advantage over Grenert by the time the checkered flag fell. Whitney settled for third ahead of Brandon Shaw, Dylan Shrum, Cory Eaton, Walker, Dan Geil, Ben Wiesz and Colby Wiesz. The 19 Dwarf Car competitors ran three eight lap heat races with wins going to Walker, Grenert and Winter.

Jay Norton won the 20 lap Limited late Model Main Event. Norton was piloting the Stephen Ahart owned car. Norton raced into the early lead ahead of previous winner Dan Brown Jr and Wayne Trimble. A yellow flag waved after two laps for Eddie Gardner in Turn 4. A lap later, the yellow flag waved for Shannon Barton in the third turn. Brown's race ended at that point, and Norton led Wayne Trimble and Rod Oliver on the restart. Trimble was keeping it close with Norton, and a yellow flag waved for Ray Trimble in Turn 2 on lap 10. Norton continued to lead Wayne Trimble on the restart. As the laps winded down, Norton had built a straightway advantage over Wayne Trimble that he would take to the checkered flag. Wayne Trimble held off a last lap effort by Oliver to claim second. Richard Vander Ploeg settled for fourth ahead of Barton, George Magenheimer, Ray Trimble, Gardner and Brown. Brown won the eight lap heat race ahead of Ray Trimble.

The Winged 360 Sprint Cars return next Saturday night along with the Pepsi IMCA Sport Modifieds and Hobby Stocks for what is sure to be an exciting program. For further information, go to www.marysvilleraceway.com.

Sanders, Morgan Win Sprint Car Features 

At Placerville Speedway

Placerville, CA...April 3...Justin Sanders scored the victory in the 25 lap Thompson's Auto Group Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Placerville Speedway. It was a two-win weekend for Sanders, who scored his second-straight win at Ocean Speedway on Friday night.

Sanders started up front and raced into the lead over Andy Gregg when the green flag waved. Tanner Carrick settled into third on Lap 3, but he surrendered the position to brother Blake Carrick on Lap 5. Sanders and Gregg pulled away from the pack a little bit, but a yellow flag waved on Lap 12. That signaled the end of the race for Justyn Cox. Sanders continued to lead the restart as Blake Carrick took second from Gregg. The second and final yellow flag flew on Lap 17. Blake Carrick briefly took the lead from Sanders on the restart, but Sanders was back in front a lap later as Chase Majdic settled into third. Sanders stayed smooth over the remaining laps and collected the win ahead of Blake Carrick, Majdic, Shane Golobic, Gregg, Tanner Carrick, Joey Ancona, Chase Johnson, Ryan Robinson and Andy Forsberg.

37 Winged 360 Sprint Car competitors took their turns on the quarter-mile clay oval, and Michael Faccinto set the fast time of 10.905, beating the 10.966 of Blake Carrick. They ran four eight lap heat races with the wins going to Sanders, Jake Morgan, John Clark and Tanner Carrick. Michael Ing won the 10 lap C Main. He led from the start with Kyle Offill a race long second in front of Greg DeCairies V. Ancona won the 12 lap B Main. Joel Myers Jr led two laps before Ancona took over and led from there to the checkered flag. Ancona briefly lost second to Chase Johnson on the ninth lap, but he regained the spot a lap later and would finish there ahead of Johnson, Ryan Robinson and Shane Hopkins.

Jake Morgan kicked off the season for the Hunt Wingless Sprint Car Series with a win in their 25 lap Main Event. Braidon Moniz started up front and raced into the lead at the start, followed by Tim Sherman Jr and Cody Fendley. The yellow flag waved after one lap with Fendley, Bob Newberry and Daniel Whitley out of the event at that point. Braidon Moniz continued to lead Sherman and Morgan on the restart. Morgan raced past Sherman for second on Lap 3 and put the moves on Moniz to take the lead on the fifth lap. Bradley Terrell motored past Sherman for third on Lap 13 and set his sights on Braidon Moniz. Terrell charged by Moniz to briefly grab second on Lap 19, but Moniz regained the position of lap later. The final yellow of the race flew on Lap 21, and Cameron Martin retired from the event. Morgan continued to lead the way on the restart and secured the victory. Braidon Moniz withstood the pressure of Terrell to hold on to a series best second place finish. Geoff Ensign settled for fourth, followed by Shane Hopkins, Sherman, Jarrett Soares, Matt Streeter, Brent Steck and Shawn Arriaga.

There were 29 Hunt Wingless Sprint Cars for the show, and they qualified in their heat race groups. Terrell came out in the third group and set the quick time of 12.631, beating the 12.649 of Jacob Williams, who was in the first group. They ran four eight lap heat races with the wins going to Nick Robfogal, Streeter, Braidon Moniz and Sherman. Cameron Martin won the 12 lap B Main. He started on the pole and went flag to flag in victory. Kaimi Moniz-Costa ran second until being passed for the position on Lap 11 by Whitley. Costa settled for third ahead of Hopkins and Scott Clough.

Kevin Jinkerson won the 20 lap Pure Stock Main Event. Jinkerson started on the pole next to Stephanie Hanson and charged into the lead at the start. Nick Baldwin quickly moved into second, and Ryan Peter was an early third. Orville Owens slipped past Peter to grab the third position on Lap 5 and held it until his race ended for a lap 15 yellow flag. Jinkerson continued to lead the persistent Baldwin on the restart as Peter was back in third. Baldwin provided plenty of pressure, but Jinkerson prevailed at the checkered flag. Peter settled for third, followed by Jonathan Walsh, Jason Palmer, Kenny Bernstein, Ryan Murphy, Michael Murphy, Owens and Russell Murphy. Eight lap heat race wins went to Russell Murphy and Owens.

Wyatt Lakin won the 20 lap Mini Truck Main Event. Lakin raced into lead at the start ahead of Howard Miller and Mike Miller. With five laps to go, the battle was close between the lead trio, but Lakin prevailed ahead of Howard Miller, Mike Miller, Thomas Jenson, Tom Stanwood, Kevin Tremblay, Aaron Rupley and Eric Hansell. The eight lap heat race win went to Lakin.

The Thompson's Auto Group Winged 360 Sprint Cars return next weekend along with the Limited Late Models, Pure Stocks and the NorCal Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.placervillespeedway.com.

Gray, Hannum, Barnes, Stepps 

Open Dixon Speedway Point Season With Wins

Dixon, CA...April 3...Cody Gray won the 25 lap Wingless 600 Micro Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Dixon Speedway. Gray overtook reigning champion Kelvin Lewis with a few laps remaining to secure the victory. This was the first race of the championship season at the track, and it got off to a late start as traffic issues forced speedway officials to push back the starting time.

Lewis had a front row start and raced into the early lead over Dan Mognaga and Brandon Carey. A yellow flag slowed the pace, and Derek Patterson retired at that point. Lewis continued to lead Mognaga and Carey on the restart. Gray settled into fourth on the sixth lap, and a yellow flag waved moments later. Both Travis Sullivan and Joe Silva exited the event at that point. Lewis continued to lead Mognaga and Carey on the restart, and a Lap 10 yellow flag waved as Dave Mosier saw his race come to an end. Gray settled into third behind Lewis and Mognaga on this restart. The final yellow flag waved on Lap 18. Gray moved into second behind Lewis on the restart and began pressuring him hard in his bid for the lead. Gray made what proved to be his winning pass on the 22nd lap. He went on to win ahead of Lewis, Carey, Brandon Riveira, Colin Kirby, Mognaga, Bryant Bell, Austin Wood, George Nielsen and Norman Harley Rose.

37 Wingless 600's took their turns on the 1/5 mile dirt oval in qualifying, and Gray set the fast time of 10.891, beating the 11.097 of Carey. They ran four 10 lap heat races with wins going to Rivera, Carey, Sullivan and Patterson. The Top 4 finishers in those races made it into the feature race, while the rest had to run the two 12 lap B Mains. Taylor DeCarlo used a pole position start to win the first race ahead of Nielsen and Ryan Holden. Front row starters Bell and Rose scored a 1-2 finish in the second race as Jackie Whitson missed the cut in third. Mognaga won the 10 lap Trophy Dash ahead of Lewis.

Reigning champion Brad Hannum won the 20 lap Super 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Hannum lined up in the third row inside, and polesitter Devin Courtnier raced into the early lead ahead of Jeffrey Pahule and Izaak Sharp. A Lap 3 yellow flag flew for Sharp, and Courtnier continued to lead Pahule and Hannum on the restart. Brett McCulloch brought out a Lap 5 yellow flag. Courtnier continued to lead Pahule as Sharp regained the third position. Sharp slipped past Pahule for second on Lap 7 and set his sights on Courtnier. Unfortunately, Sharp saw his race come to an end on Lap 15 as the red flag waved. Hannum took the lead from Courtnier on the restart with Colby Grieg settling into third. A final yellow flag waved on Lap 21. Hannum led Courtnier and Grieg on the restart. Courtnier kept it close, but Hannum prevailed at the checkered flag. Lee Brewer made a last lap pass to grab the third position as Grieg settled for fourth ahead of Tallon Becker, Rylee Whitehouse, Jeffrey Rosas, Sharp, Pahule and McCulloch. 

McCullough was the quickest of 12 qualifiers with a lap of 10.419, beating the 10.488 of Courtnier. Pahule and Sharp won the 10 lap heat races with Courtnier out-running Pahule to win the eight lap Trophy Dash.

Isabel Barnes won the 20 lap Restricted Micro Sprint Main Event. Barnes started up front and raced into the lead at the start ahead of Austin Wood and Teagan Moles. The race had a bumpy start with three yellow flags in the first five laps, but Barnes led Wood and Moles on the Lap 6 restart. With Wood providing plenty of pressure for the final 15 caution-free laps, Barnes stayed smooth and scored the well-earned victory. Moles settled for third ahead of Andrew Smith, Jackson Kohler, Ryder Byrd, Kellen Harper, Rylee Whitehouse, AJ Nielsen and Nicholas Leonard Jr. 

Wood set the fast time in the 20 car field with a lap of 11.128, beating the 11.171 of Barnes. Kohler and Smith won the 10 lap heat races, and Moles held off Barnes to win the six lap Trophy Dash.

Hayden Stepps followed last week's practice Main Event win with a win in the 20 lap point season opener for the Jr Sprints. Brody Rubio raced into the early lead ahead of Stepps and Vito Cancilla, but Mickelina Monaco brought out a Lap 1 yellow flag. Rubio continued to lead Stepps and Cancilla on the restart. Stepps ran closely with Rubio until making what proved to be his winning pass on the 10th lap. Hayden Stepps went on to win with Rubio not too far behind in second, followed by Cancilla, Levi Osborne, Briggs Davis, Jackson Tardiff, Colin Hale, Colin Reynolds, Heston Stepps and Maya Mauldin. 

18 Jr Sprints showed up, and Hayden Stepps was the quick qualifier with a lap of 13.022, beating the 13.046 of Cancilla. Hayden Stepps and Cancilla won their 10 lap heat races, and Rubio outran Stepps to win the six lap Trophy Dash.

Racing resumes with a full slate of Micro Sprint action on April 17th. For further information, go to www.dixsonspeedway.net.

Nascimento Wins Nut Up Pro Late Model Race 

At Madera Speedway

Madera, CA...April 3...Eric "Bubba" Nascimento won the 80 lap Nut Up Pro Late Model Series Main Event Saturday night at Madera Speedway. This was the second MavTV Series race, and the track welcomed a limited amount of fans back into attendance, while also giving away a free broadcast on their YouTube page.

A solid turnout of 22 competitors were on hand for this race, and Austin Herzog turned the one-third mile paved oval with a quick lap of 14.846, beating the 14.884 of Dean Thompson. Trevor Huddleston was third quick at 14.933, followed by a 14.981 for Cassidy Hinds and a 14.984 for Colby Potts.

With a pole position start, Bubba Nascimento raced into the early lead in front of Potts and Jason Aguirre. Aguirre slipped past Potts for second on Lap 2, and the lead five competitors ran nose to tail and sometimes side by side in the early laps. The first yellow flag waved on Lap 17 for Dylan Zampa and Howard Holden in Turns 1 and 2. Aguirre got a good run on Nascimento on the restart lap and made a high pass in Turn 4 to grab the lead. Austin Herzog settled into third, and a yellow flag waved on Lap 24 for Cassidy Hinds in Turn 4. Aguirre continued to lead Nascimento and Trevor Huddleston on the restart. An intense side by side battle at the front of the pack continued, and Nascimento grabbed the lead on Lap 28. Aguirre went low in Turn 4 on Lap 30 to briefly regain first, but Nascimento was back in front a lap later. The yellow flag waved on Lap 31 as Holden spun in Turn 4. Nascimento led Aguirre and Huddleston on the restart. The lead five competitors still ran closely, and an inside pass at the line on Lap 42 put Huddleston into second. Angelina Dempsey spun in Turn 3 for a Lap 48 yellow flag, and officials elected to call this the halfway break with Nascimento leading Huddleston, Austin Herzog, Aguirre and Kyle Keller.

Nascimento continued to lead Huddleston as Aguirre moved back into third on the restart. Nascimento was running the outside line along with Aguirre, while Huddleston and Austin Herzog ran low in a close four-car battle. The yellow flag waved on Lap 60 for Rick Thompson. On the restart lap, they had a three-car battle for the lead, and Huddleston exited Turn 4 in front Nascimento. Aguirre made an inside pass on Nascimento to take second on Lap 71. However, he was involved in a yellow flag on Lap 72 that also involved Dean Thompson, Keller and Potts. Nascimento took the lead on the restart ahead of Austin Herzog. Zampa found his way back into third on a Lap 75 restart. It was an intense four-car battle at the front of the pack for the final five laps, but Nascimento managed to beat Austin Herzog back to the line for the victory. Dylan Zampa settled for third in front of Jay Juleson, Bradley Erickson, Adam Lemke, Rick Thompson, Kabe McClenny, Glenn Cook and Tyler Herzog.

Making only his second start with the 51fifty Energy Drink Junior Late Models, Jacob Smith won the 70 lap Main Event. Smith had a pole position start and led all the way in victory. His toughest competition came from Kercie Jung, who set the fast time of 15.017. Smith was second quick at 15.052, beating the 15.084 of Ethan Nascimento and the 15.088 of Holly Clark.

Smith set the pace at the start ahead of Kasey Kleyn and Jung. Barrett Polhemus spun on the frontstretch for a Lap 1 yellow flag. As Smith led the restart, Holly Clark moved into second with Jung following into third. Jung slipped past Clark for second on Lap 5 before Kylie Ith spun in Turn 3 for a yellow flag. Smith led Jung and Clark on the restart, and they ran that way until Ith, Kenna Mitchell and Hailey Liles tangled in Turn 2 for a Lap 12 yellow flag. As Smith continued to lead Jung on the restart, Brody Moore slipped past Clark for third. Kleyn brushed the back wall on Lap 18, and Smith was leading Jung and Clark when Jeffrey Erickson spun on the back straightaway. Smith led the restart as Clark made a low pass in Turn 2 take second from Jung. There was contact between Moore and Jung in Turn 2, but they kept going. Smith was leading Clark and Jung on Lap 28 before a yellow flag waved for a hard crash in Turn 4 as Kale McClenny hit Ith. 

Smith led the restart as Jung moved back into second. A low pass in Turn 4 on Lap 31 gained Brody Armtrout third from Clark. A yellow flag waved on Lap 33. The restarts presented a challenge to the second place driver as Smith continued to work the superior inside line. Again, Clark got a good run on the inside and followed Smith into second when the race resumed. However, Jung used the inside on a Lap 34 restart to regain second. The Lap 40 break found Smith leading Jung, Polhemus, Armtrout and Clark.

At the start of the second part of the race, Smith led Jung and Polhemus, and they ran that way through a pair of yellow flags. A Lap 59 yellow flag saw the complexion of the race change. Jung had been making bids to make a low pass on Smith during a stretch of 14 green flag laps, but she spun in Turn 4 to avoid taking Smith out. Smith continued to lead Polhemus and Moore on the restart as Armtrout settled into fourth. Armtrout made a move around Moore for third on a Lap 69 restart. Smith held off the pressure of Polhemus for the satisfying win. Armtrout finished third, followed by Moore, Erickson, Kleyn, Mitchell, Jung, Clark and Nascimento.

Logan Chambers won the 30 lap Bandolero/Mini Cup Main Event. Joey Kennealy raced into the early lead ahead of Caden Cordova and Chambers. Kennealy hit the back straightaway wall on Lap 6 to end his race. The Mini Cup of Sam Wedehase had taken third from Cordova on Lap 5 prior to the Kennealy crash. He had to surrender the position for the restart as Mini Cup cars start behind the Bandolero cars. Chambers took command on the restart, leaving Cordova and Wedehase to battle for second. Wedehase kept taking big looks to the inside and pulling even with Cordova down the straightaways. Wedehase found himself in second as they were working the 29th lap due to contact between the Mini Cup car of Kellen Keller sending Cordova into the back wall. Chambers won by a comfortable margin ahead of Wedehase, Cordova, Keller and Kennealy. Kennealy had the fast time for the Bandoleros at 17.653, and Wedehase had the fast Mini Cup time of 18.125. Kennealy won the eight lap heat race.

Racing will take a break this weekend, but they return with Hampton Inn and Suites night on April 17th. The show will include the Madera Late Models, Southwest Tour Truck Series, Hobby Stocks, MST/Toyota Sedans, Mini Stocks and a 30 lap Junior Late Model exhibition race. To find out information on being able to attend and other news, go to www.racemadera.com. Thanks to good sponsorship from Nut Up Industries, 51fifty Energy Drink and Mission Foods, the track will continue to offer a free broadcast on their YouTube page.

Braaten Opens Season With Win

At Siskiyou Golden Speedway

Yreka, CA...April 3...Jorddon Braaten won the season opening 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Siskiyou Golden Speedway. This was the season opener for the speedway, and they were allowed a limited number of fans in the grandstands. Braaten picked up his third Medford championship in 2019 and was third in Yreka points last season after skipping some races to compete in the IMCA Nationals in Boone, Iowa. 

Braaten had an outside second row starting spot and raced into the lead at the start. Braxton Possinger struck quickly to second, but his race came to an early end. By the 10th lap, Braaten and held a straightaway advantage over Ryan Peery. Matt Sanders took the third position from Ethan Killingsworth on Lap 13, and a Lap 17 yellow flag slowed things down. Braaten continued to lead Peery on the restart, but Matt Sanders slipped past Peery for second on Lap 20. Peery regained second on Lap 24, but Braaten was well ahead of the pack by then. Braaten scored the impressive victory ahead of Peery, Matt Sanders, David Schmidt, Killingsworth, Wyatt Westfall, Travis Pruitt, Jack Waldon III, Ryder Boswell and Steven Sanders. Killingsworth and Ryder Boswell won the eight lap heat races.

Only three Mini Stocks turned out for their race. Pro Stock star Darek Alford started things out with a five lap heat race win. However, it was teammate Michael Knuckles outrunning three-time champion Marilyn Yawnick to win the 10 lap feature as Alford settled for third.

Reigning Jefferson State Jalopy champion JJ Smith won the 15 lap Main Event. After Scott Billingsley scratched before the feature race, there were just three starters. Smith won ahead of Marilyn Yawnick and Kade Bernstein. Yawnick was the eight lap heat race winner.

Racing will return on April 17th as the Limited Sprints and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars join the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks for a four division program. For further information, go to www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.

Big Night for the Dotson Family At Bakersfield Speedway

Bakersfield, CA...April 3...Ethan Dotson won the 30 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway. Robby Sawyer set the early pace ahead of Kyle Heckman and Brad Pounds. Dotson moved around Gavyn Manning for the fourth position on Lap 4 and slipped past Pounds to gain third on Lap 11. Dotson quickly closed in on Heckman in the battle for second, but a Lap 17 yellow flag bunched the field. On the restart, Dotson moved around both Sawyer and Heckman to take the lead. Dotson pulled away in the final laps to win by a comfortable margin ahead of Sawyer. Heckman settled for third ahead of reigning champion Jerry Flippo, Bryan Clark, Ryan Daves, Michael Scruggs, Dakota Schweitzer, Pounds and Chris Crompe. Sawyer and Dotson won their eight lap heat races.

Earlier in the evening, Ethan's father Wayne Dotson won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Wayne Dotson set the early pace ahead of Ethan Dotson and Nick Johnson. A Lap 7 yellow flag waved for Cody Johnson, and Nick Johnson slipped past Ethan Dotson for second on the restart. Only one lap could be recorded before Steven Johnson brought out a yellow flag. Wayne Dotson continued to lead Nick Johnson and Ethan Dotson on the restart, but a yellow flag waved again. On the restart, Wayne Dotson continued to lead the way with Ethan Dotson settling back into second. Wayne Dotson went on to victory ahead of Ethan Dotson. Nick Johnson crossed the line in third, but a post race disqualification gave the position to Miranda Scott ahead of Justin Schweitzer, Steven Johnson, Cody Johnson and Kyle Heckman. Wayne Dotson won the eight lap heat race.

Tyler Bannister won the 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Daniel West shared the front row with Marcus Frazier, and they raced into the first and second positions. Michael Black was an early third, but a Lap 8 yellow flag saw the end of the race for both Frazier and Black. West led Merced star Chris Falkenberg and 13th starter Tyler Bannister on the restart. Bannister was able to grab the second position from Falkenberg on Lap 17 and set his sights on West. On the 24th lap, Tyler Bannister went motoring past West to grab the victory. West still had his best finish in second, followed by Falkenberg, Jason Bannister, Nick Spainhoward, Austin Manzella, Brandon Jennings, Brock Crawford, Billy Simkins and Jason Nation. Spainhoward, Frazier and Tyler Bannister won the eight lap heat races.

Dakota Brown won the 20 lap American Stock Main Event. Brown becomes the third different winner in the three races held so far. Brown started on the second row next to Colby Ward and behind Mark McCaslin. Both McCaslin and Ward were disqualified. Brown got the win ahead of Brandon Ratcliff, Josh Yadon, Cody Sly, previous winner Antony Sly, Ryan Little, Casey Johnson, Mason Conway and James Williams. Brown and McCaslin were the eight lap heat race winners.

Brandon Wolford won his second-straight 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Wolford started in the second row behind Jose Rosales on the outside. Third row starter Matthew Herod and polesitter Carson Conway were also in the battle. Ultimately, Brandon Wolford scored the win ahead of Herod. Rosales settled for third ahead of Conway, Gene Glover, Tommy Provence, reigning West Coast Sport Compact champion Clinton Massey, Clint Duncan and WCSC point leader David Wolford. David Wolford and Herod won the eight lap heat races.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with the IMCA Modifieds joined by the California Lightning Sprints, Hobby Stocks, IMCA Mod Lites and the NMRA TQ Midgets. For further information, go to www.bakersfieldspeedway.com.

Thompson, Hudson, Elkins Open 

Cottage Grove Speedway Season With Wins

Cottage Grove, Oregon...April 3...Tyler Thompson won the 25 lap Limited Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night as Cottage Grove Speedway opened their 2021 season with a limited amount of fans allowed to attend. The 2019 360 Sprint Car champion started on the pole and never relinquished the lead in victory. Thompson raced into the lead at the start. Steven Snawder, Kyle Alberding and Jake Wheeler engaged in a good battle for the second position. Wheeler took second from Snawder on Lap 5. However, both Snawder and Alberding got back around Wheeler. Alberding briefly gained the second position on Lap 19, only to surrender it to Snawder on Lap 21. Thompson scored the win ahead of Snawder, Alberding and Wheeler. Bailey Hibbard crossed the line in fifth, but he was disqualified in post-race tech. This put Brody Sim in fifth, followed by Pat Desbiens, Brian Boswell, Morgan Burks, David Marble and Tim Minter. Thompson set the fast time of 11 qualifiers at 12.006. Hibbard won the four lap Trophy Dash with Thompson and Snawder the eight lap heat race winners.

Jeffrey Hudson won the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. His win came aboard the Don Roemer owned Modified. Hudson started outside of Derek Young on the front row for the feature race and charged into the lead at the waving of the green flag. Young held second until being overtaken by past champion Jake Mayden on the fourth lap. Young continued to run third until being passed by BJ Wild on Lap 9. Wild maintained third until Bricen James got the position on Lap 13. Hudson drove a great race and held off the persistent Mayden to score the well-earned victory. James finished third, followed by Wild, Curtis Towns, Brad Martin, Aaron Sheelar, Jeremy Martin, Paul Culp and Steven Sturdevant. James was the quickest of 18 drivers in qualifying at 14.571, beating the 14.733 of Culp. Eight lap heat race wins went to Hudson, Gray Ferrando and James. Towns was the four lap Trophy Dash winner.

Doug Elkins won the 25 lap Late Model Main Event. Bob Dees started on the pole and led three laps before Elkins took over. Dees held second until his race ended for a Lap 9 yellow flag. That gave the spot to Randy Barley, but he surrendered second to Mike Peters when the green flag waved as Elkins continued to lead the way. Elkins went on to win by nearly a straightaway over Mike Peters. Barley settled for third, followed by Ed Peters, Trevor Klassen, Chuck Christian, Dees and Rob Williams.

Graig Osbourne won the 20 lap Street Stock Main Event. Last year, Osborne won several Main Events at both Cottage Grove and Coos Bay Speedway, where he nearly won the track championship. Seth Christian had the pole position and led five laps before Richard Clink drove by to grab the lead. Clink's lead was short-lived as his race came to an end on Lap 8 with Christian regaining first. Adam Applebee was second at that point, but he fell back a few positions on the Lap 14 as Osborne settled into second. Osborne set his sights on Christian, but Christian saw his run up front come to an end for a Lap 15 yellow flag. Osborne led the restart ahead of Applebee and Blake Lehman, and they finished in that order with Terry King fourth, followed by Daniel Land, Troy Chamberlain, Christian, Clink, Anthony Prather and Brad Korpella. Michael Hollingsworth was the quickest of 15 qualifiers with a lap of 18.040, beating the 18.176 of Osborne. The eight lap heat race wins went to Lehman and Osborne. Lehman was the four lap Trophy Dash winner.

Roseburg star Burnie Bryant won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Compact Main Event. Bryant had a pole position start and led all the way in victory. Jack Vicari held second for two laps before being passed by Michael Kennerly. Vicari regained the position on the fifth lap, only to surrender it to Brad Martin a lap later. Vicari came roaring back to regain second on Lap 8, but his race came to an end on Lap 10. This put Martin back into second, and Kennerly settled into third on Lap 11. Kennerly took the second spot on Lap 16 and held it until being overtaken by Martin on Lap 19. Bryant brought it home to victory ahead of Brad Martin, Kennerly, Mark Milligan, KC Scott, James Skeslien, Mark Stevens, Tiffany Towns, Kimberly Cannon and Kerry Cooper. Bryant was the quickest of 16 qualifiers with a lap of 18.043, beating the 18.055 of Cooper and the 18.059 of Cole Trissell. Bryant won his eight lap heat race and the four lap Trophy Dash to make this a clean sweep night. The other heat race wins went to Cooper and Trissell.

Racing returns next Saturday night with a visit by the Wingless Sprint Series. The IMCA Modifieds are back In action along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Street Stocks and IMCA Sport Compacts. For further information, go to www.cottagegrovespeedway.com.

 

Antioch Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021
IMCA Modifieds
Jim Pettit II
Aaron Crowell
Troy Foulge
Buddy Kniss
Kellen Chadwick
Bobby Motts Jr
Carl Berendsen II
Mickey Hill
Kimo Oreta
JC Elrod
Dylan Schriner
Mitch Machado
Jake Dewsbury
John Pierce
Matthew Hagio
Nick DeCarlo
Jeff Browne
Josh Combs

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Andrew Pearce
Guy Ahlwardt
Tom Fraser
Fred Ryland
KC Keller
Kenny Shrader
Mark Garner
Tyler Browne
Chuck Golden
Tommy Clymens Jr
Breanna Troen
Jacob Haas
Mathew Elmore
Dwayne Short
Todd Clymens
Matt Pedroni
Haley Gomez
Todd Gomez
Trevor Clymens
Dylan Connelly

B Main
Chuck Golden
Breanna Troen
Dylan Connelly
Mathew Elmore
Tommy Clymens Jr
Dwayne Short
Matt Pedroni
Kevin Brown
Jacob Mallet Jr
Joe Ferguson
Jason Ryan Jr
Haley Gomez
Mike Ficklin DNS

Delta Dwarf Cars
Danny Wagner
Dennis Gilcrease
Devan Kammermann
Sean Catucci
Kevin Miraglio
Jack Haverty
Toby Brown
Chance Russell
Scott Dahlgren
David Rosa
Ellie Russo
Mario Marques
Tom VanTuyl
Joe Leduc
Charlie Correia
David Michael Rosa
Travis Day
Roberto Monroy DNS

IMCA Stock Car
Brock Hamilton
Kellen Chadwick
Travis Dutra
Garrett Corn
Dan Gonderman
Renn Bane
Austin VanHoff
Jason Robles
Joe Gallaher
Jay Bryant


Placerville Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021

Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Justin Sanders
Blake Carrick
Chase Majdic
Shane Golobic
Andy Gregg
Tanner Carrick
Joey Ancona
Chase Johnson
Ryan Robinson
Andy Forsberg
Joel Myers Jr
Jodie Robinson
Landon Brooks
Dustin Freitas
Tyler Brown
Cody Fendley
Jake Morgan
Justyn Cox
John Clark
Michael Faccinto

B Main
Joey Ancona
Joel Myers Jr
Chase Johnson
Ryan Robinson
Shane Hopkins
Max Mittry
Zane Blanchar
Sean Becker
Colby Copeland
Isaiah Vasquez
Kyle Offill
Justin Bradway
C.J. Humphreys
Michael Ing
Ashlyn Rodriguez
Trent Canales
Chris Masters
Cody Spencer

C Main
Michael Ing
Kyle Offill
Greg Decaires V
Dylan Bloomfield
Justin Johnson

Pure Stocks
Kevin Jinkerson
Nick Baldwin
Ryan Peter
Jonathan Walsh
Jason Palmer
Kenny Bernstein
Ryan Murphy
Michael Murphy
Oroville Owens
Russell Murph
Stephanie Hanson
Lonnie Leonard
Chris D'angelo DNS
Dan Jinkerson DNS

Mini Trucks
Wyatt Lakin
Howard Miller
Mike Miller
Thomas Jenson
Tom Stanwood
Kevin Tremblay
Aaron Rupley
Eric Hansell

Hunt Wingless Sprints
Jake Morgan
Braidon Moniz
Bradley Terrell
Geoff Ensign
Shane Hopkins
Tim Sherman Jr
Jarret Soares
Matt Streeter
Brent Steck
Shawn Arriaga
Nick Robfogel
Boy Moniz
Kaimi Moniz-Costa
Tony Bernard
Jeff Scotto
Cameron Martin
Shawn Jones
Cody Fendley
Bob Newberry
Daniel Whitley

B Main
Cameron Martin
Daniel Whitley
Kaimi Moniz-Costa
Shane Hopkins
Scott Clough
Heath Holdsclaw
Gary Cisco
Nathan Schank
Trey Walters
Scott Gannett
Jacob WIlliams
Rory McLaughlin
Antonio Aragon DNS


Bakersfield Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021
IMCA Modifieds
Ethan Dotson
Robby Sawyer
Kyle Heckman
Jerry Flippo
Bryan Clar
Ryan Daves
Michael Scruggs
Dakota Schweitzer
Brad Pounds
Chris Crompe
Gavyn Manning
Cody Laney
Steve Noland
Troy Morris III

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Tyler Bannister
Daniel West
Chris Falkenberg
Jason Bannister
Nick Spainhoward
Austin Manzella
Brandon Jennings
Brock Crawford
Billy Simkins
Jason Nation
John Piker
Dylan Potter
David Pearson
Jon McKinley
Aaron Farrell
Markus Frazier
Michael Black
Tyler Blankenship
Justin Gonzalez
Brian Baker
Orion Messina

IMCA Stock Cars
Wayne Dotson
Ethan Dotson
Miranda Scott
Justin Schweitzer
Steven Johnson
Cody Johnson
Kyle Heckman
Nicholas Johnson DQ

American Stocks
Dakota Brown
Ratcliff Brandon
Josh Yado
Kody Sly
Antony Sly
Ryan Little
Casey Johnson
Mason Conway
James Williams
Matt Crawford DNS
Mark McCaslin DQ
Colby Ward DQ

Mini Stocks
Brandon Wolford
Matthew Herod
Jose Rosales
Carson Conway
Gene Glover
Tommy Provence
Clinton Massey
Clint Duncan
David Wolford
Bryce Benites DNS


Madera Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021
Nut Up Pro Late Models
Bubba Nascimento
Austin Herzog
Dylan Zampa
Jay Juleson
Bradley Erickson
Adam Lemke
Rick Thompson
Kabe McClenny
Glen Cook
Tyler Herzog
Jadan Walbridge
Shelden Cooper
Pete Soto
Jason Aguirre
Matt Erickson
Trevor Huddleston
Colby Potts
Dean Thompson
Kyle Keller
Howard Holden
Angelina Dempsey
Cassidy Hinds

Jr Late Model
Jacob Smith
Barrett Polhemus
Brody Armtrout
Brody Moore
Jeffrey Erickson
Kasey Kleyn
Kenna Mitchell
Kercie Jung
Holly Clark
Ethan Nascimento
Hailey Liles
Robbie Kennealy
Kylie Ith
Kale McClenny

Mini Cups/Bandoleros
Logan Chambers
Sam Wedehase
Caden Cordova
Kellen Keller
Joey Kennealy


Marysville Raceway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021
360 Sprints
Jake Haulot
Colby Wiesz
Billy Wallace
Kenny Wanderstadt
Mike Monahan
Korey Lovell
Brent Bjork
Pat Harvey Jr
Koa Crane
Jimmy Steward
William Fielding
Steel Powell
R.J. Baker
James Taylor
Kyle Standley
Josh Wiesz
Michael Wasina
Burt Foland Jr
Kevin Lovell

NorCal Dwarf Cars
Ryan Winter
Mike Grenert
Shawn Whitney
Brandon Shaw
Dylan Shrum
Corey Eaton
Steve Walker
Dan Geil
Ben Wiesz
Colby Wiesz
Jace Badeker
Fred Dickey
Austin Quilty
Zachary Armstrong
Derek Droivold
Kevin Bender
Jamison Sole
Tyler Quilty DNS
Austin Struthers DNS

Limited Late Models
Jay Norton
Wayne Trimble
Rod Oliver
Richard Vander Ploeg
Shannon Barton
George Magenheimer
Ray Trimble
Eddie Gardner
Dan Brown Jr
 

Cottage Grove Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021
IMCA Modifieds
Jeffrey Hudson
Jake Mayden
Bricen James
BJ Wild
Curtis Towns
Brad Martin
Aaron Sheelar
Jeremy Martin
Paul Culp
Steven Sturdevant
James Welshone
Chance Hyser
Dan Sheller
Grey Ferrando
Derick Young
Paul Rea
Matthew Drager
Chad Groves

Limited Sprints
Tyler Thompson
Steven Snawder
Kyle Alberding
Jake Wheeler
Brody Sim
Pat Desbiens
Brian Boswell
Morgan Burks
David Marble
Tim Minter
Tyrel Mead
Bailey Hibbard DQ

Late Models
Doug Elkins
Mike Peters
Randy Barley
Ed Peters
Trevor Klassen
Chuck Christian
Bob Dees
Rob Williams

Street Stocks
Graig Osborne
Adam Applebee
Blake Lehman
Terry King
Daniel Land
Troy Chamberlain
Seth Christian
Richard Clink
Anthony Prather
Brad Korpela
Mike Swaim
Tauton Swaim
Cody Moore

IMCA Sport Compact
Burnie Bryant
Brad Martin
Michael Kennerly
Mark Milligan
KC Scott
James Skeslien
Mark Stavens
Tiffany Towns
Kimberly Cannon
Kerry Cooper
Jack Vicari
Barry Cannon
Andrew Langan
Brad Martin
Cole Trissell


Adobe Mountain Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021

Todd Damron Memorial
AZ DWARFS
Darren Brown
Chris Trimino
Keaton Swane
Ben Haney
Ricardo Rivera
Dustin Washburn
Dan Morris
Steve Kapaun
Chris Vernon
Tippette Holcombe
Justin Bingman
Cale Rudy

Wingless 600
Jade Avedisian
Jake Hagopian
Corbin Rueschenberg
Josh Castro
TJ Smith
Austin Torgeson
Cameron La Rose
Cody Keys
Darren Brown
Elijah Gile
Dominic Carter
Preston Norbury
Grant Schaadt
Chase Ferris
Brody Wake
Tyler High
Chloe High
Dennis Carrier
Bryant Dawson
Cody Christensen

B Main 1
Grant Schaadt
Darren Brown
Ryan Walter
Casey Bauman
Eddie Hamblen
Joshua Spatola
Dillan Beal

B Main 2
Preston Norbury
Elijah Gile
Chase Spicola
Jessie Owens
Drake Edwards
Jacob Kirchoff

Restricted
Jett Barnes
Colton Key
Quinn Thurein
Conner Jacobs
Xander Dundon
Ethan Stevens
Bradley Cox
Jayden Huppert
Elijah Gile
Maddie Gjerness
Axton Romero
Damian Norbury
Dominic Carter


Barona Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021

IMCA Modifieds
Cole Dick
P.J. Dyke
Steven Daffern
Michael Thing
Joseph Altig
Andy Papp
Cody Parenteau
Eric Evans
Chris Jaggi
Dustin Stanley
William Hackett
Karl Von Yokes
Keith Altig

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Brian Brown
Ryan Amidon
Greg Mann
David Ross
stevin luecht
Bill Hackett
Jeremey Willey

Street Stocks
dale erwin
Chris Laff
Kaden McKown
Jason Aldridge
Gary Rodriguez
Scott Duffy
Nick Braddy
Paul Dyke

Pure Stocks
Rick Chavez
Michael Rumbaugh
Rick Eicksteadt
rich schnerdger
Tiffany Crow
Dave Evangeloa
Jason Aldridge
Mike Wolfe
Rusty Staley
David Hunt
Brandon Jesina
Mike Saunders
Rick Perry

Lightning Sprints
Parker Dumas
Grant Sexton
David Bezio
Braden Chiaramonte
Wyatt Boczanowski
Jim Squire III
Jon Squire
Matt Mat
Robert Early
Dalton Sexton
Jeffery Dyer

Dwarf Cars
John Isabella
Ryan Dumas
pete Scully
Ron Dunlap
Robert Peters
DeJay Dumas
Greg Goodwin
Shane Linenberger
John Bridger
Mike Tobiason

Pony Stock
Eric Milczewski
wraymond Schott
Cody Parenteau
Lucas Vanderstaay


Dixon Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021
Jr Sprints
Hayden Stepps
Brody Rubio
Vito Cancilla
Levi Osborne
Briggs Davis
Jackson Tardiff
Colton Hale
Colin Reynolds
Heston Stepps
Maya Mauldin
Kyle Klagenberg
Brycen Roush
Bailey Lydon
Edward Olvera
Bradley Anderson
Mickelina Monico
Dean Skrifvars DNS
Colton Patterson DNS

Wingless 600
A Main
Cody Gray
Kelvin Lewis
Brandon Carey
Brandon Riveira
Colin Kirby
Dan Mognaga
Bryant Bell
Austin Wood
George Nielson
Harley Rose
Hayden Siach
Jarrett Heimlich
Cody Jessop
Matthew Santana
Taylor DeCarlo
Dave Mosier
Danny Carroll
Joe Silva
Travis Sullivan
Austin Taborski
Drew Laeber
DERRICK PATTERSON
 
B Main 1
Taylor DeCarlo
George Nielson
Ryan Holden
Aiden Bailey
Brandon Alvarado
Isak Johnson
Caleb Ingle DNS
Kristi Cornelious DNS
Randy Westbrook DNS
Nick Vanatta DNS
 
B Main 2
Bryant Bell
Harley Rose
Jackie Whitson
Brian Slubik
Mary Ramich
Devin Osanna
Ray Neilson
Randy Sims DNS
Allen Sheriden DNS

Restricted
Isabel Barnes
Austin Wood
Teagan Moles
Andrew Smith
Jackson Kohler
Ryder Byrd
Kellan Harper
Peyton Whitehouse
AJ Neilson
Nicholas Leonard Jr
Kyle Cravotta
Cam Carraway
Kaiden Gowen
Cierra Wullenwaber
Kyle Fernandez
Adrianna DeMartini

Super 600
Brad Hannum
Devon Courtnier
Lee Brewer
Colby Greig
Tallon Becker
Rylee Whitehouse
Jeffrey Rosas
Izaak Sharp
Jeffery Pahule
Jarrett Rogers
Brett McColloch
Travis Sullivan


Siskiyou Golden Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 3, 2021
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Jorddon Braaten
Ryan Peery
Matt Sanders
David Schmidt
Ethan Killingsworth
Wyatt Westfall
Travis Pruitt
Jack Waldon III
Ryder Boswell
Steven Sanders
Colt Boswell
Issac Sanders
Jace Wright
Braxton Possinger

Mini Stocks
Michael Knuckles
Marilyn Yawnick
Darek Alford

Jalopies
JJ Smith
Marilyn Yawnick
Kade Bernstein
Scotty Billingsley DNS 

Where: Antioch Speedway www.antiochspeedway.com, www.antiochspeedway.tv

When: Saturday, April 10th

Who: Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Delta Dwarf Cars

What: The Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series returns in a head-to-head battle with the local Super Stocks. Last season, the group had four visits, and car count was always in the 20s. Multi-time Petaluma champion Mitch Machado and Richard Brace Jr each had a pair of victories with Brace winning the Al Miller Memorial race. The IMCA Modifieds have seen Jim Pettit II win twice, including last week as he took the lead from Buddy Kniss on Lap 21. Andrew Pearce won his first IMCA sanctioned Sport Modified race last week and joins Todd Gomez and past champion Fred Ryland on the winner's list. Meanwhile, two-time Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner is coming off of back-to-back feature wins.

Why: The point races are just getting started, and Pettit leads one-time winner Kellen Chadwick by six points and reigning champion Troy Foulger by nine in the IMCA Modifieds. Past IMCA Sport Modified State champion Guy Ahlwardt has been very consistent with all Top 5 finishes as he leads Pearce by seven points and Gomez by 28 in the early battle. 2016 Dwarf Car champion Kevin Miraglio has used consistency as the only driver with three Top 5 finishes to lead Dennis Gilcrease by four points and Sean Catucci by 16 in the early point battle. Jim Freethy leads the Antioch Super Stock point battle with two victories to his credit. The Tri State Series was in Hanford a month ago as Brace won the race ahead of Enduro star Rich Denman and Billy Griffin. Fred Ryland won the group's New Year's race at Stockton ahead of Susanville Promoter Jeff Olschowka.

Where: Petaluma Speedway www.petaluma-speedway.com

When: Sunday, March April 11th

Who: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series, Redwood Dwarf Cars vs South Bay Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks

What: Petaluma Speedway officials are excited about opening the season this week and doing it with fans in attendance. After the success of the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series visits last year, they are anticipating a car count in the 20s when they hit town this Sunday. Speaking of big car counts, the shootout race for the Redwood/South Bay Dwarf Cars could see a roster in the 40s. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars didn't get very much opportunity to go racing at Petaluma last year, and drivers are excited about getting back on the 3/8 mile adobe oval this week. The Mini Stock drivers didn't turn out in big numbers last year, but they hope to rebound this year.

Why: The big stars of the local Super Stock show last year where Steve Studebaker and Matt While, and they are among the top local contenders who could bring the big Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series win home this week. Richard Brace Jr picked up a pair of Tri State victories last year. Multi time champion Mitch Machado figures to make this an interesting battle as well. With over 30 Sprint Car championships to his credit, Andy Forsberg was no surprise in winning the ASCS race last year as well as the Adobe Cup. Sean Becker, Chase Majdic and Justin Sanders were the other winners last year. While Chad Matthias was listed as the point leader with the Redwood Dwarf Cars last year, the winners list included stars such as Michael "Spanky" Grenert, Garrett Brady, Ryan Winter, Shawn Jones, Danny Wagner and Darren Brown. An all star lineup is anticipated on Sunday. All four Mini Stock wins last year went to past champion Tom Brown. 

Where: Ocean Speedway www.racepmg.com

When: Friday, April 9th

Who: Ocean Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Police N Pursuit cars

What: The Taco Bravo Sprint Cars have picked up from where they left off last year with some strong driver support. The first two events have yielded 28 and 37 car fields respectively, and another good turnout is anticipated on Friday. The IMCA Sport Modifieds opened their season last week with an 18 car field as they continue their momentum from last season. Both of the Hobby Stock races have produced double digit fields, and even the Four Bangers had 10 cars for their opener a couple of weeks ago. The Police N Pursuit class has officers from various law enforcement groups competing and interacting with the community in a positive way.

Why: We are still waiting for a point sheet to be released, but Justin Sanders is sure to be the Sprint Car leader after posting back-to-back victories. Last week saw him deny Bud Kaeding his first Watsonville win in two seasons, while Hanford regular Corey Day was a solid third. Fred Ryland has won at multiple venues this year as he continues to be one of the biggest stars in IMCA Sport Modified competition. He won the first race of the year at Watsonville last week ahead of Merced star Tanner Thomas and Dennis Simunovich. The Gallaher family has taken turns winning Hobby Stock races this year with reigning champion Joe and his son Rob each claiming a win. Kate Beardsley got the win in the first Four Banger race, while reigning champion Ryan McClelland didn't make it to the finish line. 

Where: Marysville Raceway www.marysvilleraceway.com

When: Saturday, April 10th

Who: Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Pepsi IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks

What: The Winged 360 Sprint Cars have had four races this year, and last week's 19 car turnout was the only time the numbers dipped below 20. Competition is tough, and there have been four different winners so far. The Hobby Stocks have produced big counts this year with over two dozen in each of the two races, and that means you have to be on your game just to make it into the show. 16 racers showed up for the first IMCA Sport Modified race of the season, and if the action was any indication, the battle will be as wide open this year as it was last year.

Why: The four Winged 360 Sprint Car races have been won by Blake Carrick, Kaleb Montgomery, reigning champion Andy Forsberg and most recently Jake Haulot. Billy Wallace holds an 11 point lead over Haulot in the early battle as Pat Harvey Jr is 16 points back in third. The Hobby Stock wins have gone to Keith Ross and Howard Law so far. Law had a second place finish in the first race and leads the tied David Cooper, Hollis Thackery and reigning champion Jesse Van Roekel by 12 points. Past IMCA Sport Modified and Street Stock champion Phillip Shelby won the first Sport Modified race ahead of Les Friend and Jimmy Ford. With hard chargers such as Justin Funkhouser, Damon Merritt, Brian Cooper and Scott Savell anticipated, can he make it to in a row?

Where: Placerville Speedway www.placervillespeedway.com

When: Saturday, April 10th

Who: Thompson's Auto Group Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Limited Late Models, Pure Stocks, NorCal Dwarf Cars

What: This Saturday night's event is one of the special shows on the yearly schedule. It's the 18th running of the Al Hinds Memorial and usually that means bigger purse money. The Thompson's Auto Group Winged 360 Sprints could see a field in the 30s, which was the case last week as they had 37 competitors. One of the few places you can still see any type of Late Model racing in California is Placerville, and they could have a double digit turnout for the Limited Late Models. The Pure Stocks should be even better as they had 15 competitors last week. The NorCal Dwarf Cars love coming to Placerville and should be in the high teens or into the 20s as well, meaning this will be another can't miss show on the fast quarter-mile oval.

Why: The Sprint Car Challenge Tour race two weeks ago produced an all star lineup with Tanner Carrick bringing home the win ahead of Sean Becker and Chase Majdic. The competition was just as tough last week, and Watsonville star Justin Sanders collected the win with Blake Carrick second and Majdic getting another third. Kevin Jinkerson beat the persistent Nick Baldwin last week to win the Pure Stock race. Limited Late Model races have been won by Dan Brown Jr and Jay Norton at Marysville so far this year. It's their first Placerville race of the year. Dan Jinkerson topped the point totals in last year's five race series with wins going to Bobby Hogge IV, Ray Trimble, Brown and Dan Jinkerson (twice). Ryan Winter got the latest NorCal Dwarf Car win last week at Marysville. Both he and reigning champion Michael "Spanky" Grenert have been difficult to beat so far, but they've got a talented roster of drivers to watch, including such notables as Ben Wiesz, Shawn Whitney, Dylan Shrum and the always fast Shawn Jones.

Where: Bakersfield Speedway www.bakersfieldspeedway.com

When: Saturday, April 10th 

Who: IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, IMCA Mod Lites, California Lightning Sprints, NMRA TQ Midgets

What: Saturday night is a nice mixture of open wheel and stock car competition on the always fast 1/3 mile dirt oval. The IMCA Modifieds take center stage in their third event, and the wins so far have gone to Cody Laney and Ethan Dotson. The Hobby Stocks have seen a familiar name at the top of the finishing order as Ricky Childress Jr has a pair of wins to his credit so far and looked rather dominant in victory at the most recent event. The Mod Lites are having their first year under the IMCA banner, but that doesn't change the fact that Zack Forster remains difficult to beat. California Lightning Sprints are always excited about the opportunity to race at Bakersfield, and they could bring big numbers. The NMRA TQ Midgets are always a welcome addition when they are scheduled.

Why: Ethan Dotson leads the tied Cody Laney and Ryan Daves by seven points after two IMCA Modified races. Ricky Childress Jr holds a 20 point advantage of Steven Johnson with Dylan Wilson 22 points back in the Hobby Stock battle. Following his win over Caden Cochran and JD Brown, Zach Forster is atop the IMCA Mod Lites point listings. The California Lightning Sprint drivers were delighted to have a Bakersfield race after only making one visit last year. The March visit for the group produced a 20 car field with Eric Greco getting the win ahead of James Turnbull and Dakota Albright.

Where: Keller Auto Speedway www.racekingsspeedway.com 

When: Saturday, April 10th

Who: Winged 410 Sprint Cars, USAC West Coast 360 Sprints, USAC Western States Midgets

What: Usually when they run a King of Thunder Winged Sprint Car race at Hanford, it's for the Winged 360s, but occasionally they have a special race for Winged 410 Sprints that isn't NARC/King of the West Series sanctioned. That will be the case this Saturday night. Open wheel fans will want to be in Hanford, and word is they will officially be opening the grandstands for fan admission. The USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Cars are getting their first show on the south side of California in over a year. The Western States Midgets are having their second race of the season. Most of the time, the two USAC sanctioned groups will be scheduled at the same place this year.

Why: $3,000 to win among a nice payout that will also include bonus money for the Top 3 Winged 360 Sprint Car drivers is sure to attract some good competition for the King of Thunder Winged 410 Sprint Cars. Last season, they had an impressive lineup for big money, and Kyle Hirst won the early October race ahead of Tim Kaeding and brother Bud Kaeding. It was so good that they did it again for the Tarlton Classic at the end of October with even bigger money on the line. Carson Macedo won that race ahead of Kyle Larson and Brad Sweet. The count should hit at least the 20s for this portion of the program. Last season, all four West Coast 360 Sprint Car races were held on the northern side of California, and Ryan Timmons picked up two wins as Austin Liggett and Geoff Ensign each had a victory. Timmons recently got his first USAC/CRA Sprint Car win down at Kern Raceway. The Wingless 360s race for $1,500 to win, and the Western States Midgets get $1,200 to win in a jointly supported event with the BCRA Midgets. It was Santa Rosa's Chase Johnson scoring a thrilling victory at Bakersfield ahead of Davey Ray and Austin Liggett two weeks ago.

Where: Coos Bay Speedway www.coosbayspeedway.us

When: Saturday, April 10th

Who: NASCAR America's Mattress Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Hornets, Mini Outlaws, Jr Stingers

What: Saturday night begins the fifth-straight year of NASCAR sanctioned racing at the Coos Bay Speedway dirt oval track. Promoter Drake Nelson is in his fifth season, and the changes he has brought to the oval track have begun to turn things around. The NASCAR point fund money has certainly appealed to new racers, and the Late Model division generally never drops below double digit count. The Hornet division remains strong, and the Jr Stinger class for kids 11-14 years old is bringing new drivers into the fold and has seen its ranks grown continuously since the division began three years ago. Last season, the numbers were aided by the fact that at times they were the only track running in Oregon, plus they were the only track on the West Coast to open throughout the season with fan attendance and concession sales.

Why: Last season saw the Super Late Model battle go down to the end. Two-time winner Brody Montgomery overtook Jason Johnson with a couple of races left to pick up his second championship by just 12 points over Braden Fugate and 22 over Johnson. Trace Fugate won the Sportsman Late Model championship by 12 tallies ahead of Jared Simmons. The Street Stock championship saw Ken Fox win his second title by just four points over Steve Dubisar. Both Dubisar and third-ranked Graig Osborne had five feature wins. Brad Hicks won the Mini Outlaw title by 30 points over Scott Beaudoin, while Isaac Stere beat William Hitner by 14 points to win the Hornets championship. Griff Smith had another dominant performance in easily winning the Jr Stinger class championship and all 12 Main Events to boot.

The Editor's Viewpoint

The news the racing community has been waiting for for a year now is starting to break. Fans are gradually being allowed back into the grandstands at various venues up and down the West Coast. Granted, there are guidelines in place, and it's still going to be a process. I don't think places are allowed much more than 25% maximum capacity at the moment, but there is something I've been saying about that since last year.

We can't kid ourselves into thinking we're going to pack the grandstands and we're somehow being screwed out of a lot of money by being limited this way. I agree, we shouldn't be limited, but this is the way it's going to be until people stand up and say enough is enough. What I do want to point out is that many venues on the West Coast are lucky to get 25% occupancy on an average night. Therefore, being open to 25% allows tracks the opportunity to go back to the average attendance of many venues back in 2019. Right now, promoters are going to take what they can get.

Many of the county officials don't want people to just walk up to the grandstands ticket booth and buy a ticket, and this kind of pisses me off a little bit. I don't want to get into a rant, but this reeks of contact tracing and the travel passports that some people in businesses and even government officials want to force on us. At some level, some of us are going to start thinking biblically. We've been asking this question for a few years now. What is the mark of the beast? I'm not here to tell you that travel passports that give you the right to attend sporting events are The Mark, but they sure as hell look a lot like it to me.

Promoters just want fans back in the grandstands. If they have to sell most of those tickets online, that's exactly what they're going to do. Then, you have to worry about how many people are okay with that and if that negatively impacts your sales. From what I can see, fans are so desperate to get back into the grandstands again that tracks are doing okay with online sales. This is also a golden opportunity for a promoter to recuperate some of the losses they've been suffering. By that I mean raising the ticket prices. At Antioch Speedway, the cheapest ticket you're going to get is $15, and it's $20 for adults.

It's a shrewd business move by Promoter Chad Chadwick. I was saying a couple of years ago that Antioch Speedway still had a slightly lower ticket price than certain other venues in the area. There was at least a dollar that could have been tacked on to admission, but the Antioch Fairgrounds decided they would jack up the parking fee. Right now, people just want to get back in the stands. In the short term, I don't think the hardcore fans are going to balk at paying $20 to get into the stands. Long-term, I'm not sure. Then again, I don't know what the long-term plans are when it comes to admission prices. I'd expect people to start seeing an increase in various costs.

When you're making improvements to the facility, you're paying a little bit more money. I'm not privy to the investment Chadwick is making on improvements, but I know that the rent cost and the money he paid to get the contract from John Soares isn't cheap. I also know that the track went on the electronic scoring system this year, and that's not cheap either. I'm trying to monitor things via the electronic scoring, but a few of the teams still don't have their transponders yet. It makes it difficult to accomplish. Plus, Antioch still isn't uploading their finishes to Speedhive, nor are they using Race Monitor as a live app for people to watch. It all goes to My Race Pass.

I think we've established that those IMCA sanctioned nights at Antioch Speedway are the strength of the schedule. Between the Modified and Sport Modified classes last weekend, they had a field of over 40 cars. Even the IMCA Stock Cars delivered 10 cars, and they were going head-to-head with the show in Bakersfield. The Delta Dwarf Cars are good for 18 to 20, so the fans who paid to watch definitely got a show. The two Modified classes and Dwarf Cars will be back this weekend, and the track is also bringing in the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series. This should be another good show.

In another shrewd move by Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series Promoter Roy Bain, he managed to book a doubleheader weekend this week. Hoping to get a piece of the action, Petaluma Speedway Promoter Rick Faeth decided to open his season on Sunday. This enabled the Pro Stocks to continue their weekend at Petaluma. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Mini Stocks will be there. It's also a shootout event between the local Redwood Dwarf Cars and the South Bay Dwarf Cars, which could mean a count in the 40s for them. They're also going to be able to sell tickets, which you can find out about at www.petaluma-speedway.com or the track's Facebook page.

Interestingly enough, Chadwick has booked another traveling group on April 17th for Antioch. This will be the West Coast Sport Compacts. The group has already had three events this year. Chadwick is trying to establish his Mini Stock effort, and a few drivers from the traveling group supported Antioch on multiple occasions last year. It's possible there could be a count in the 20s in Antioch. One of the things it does, aside from giving the fans some of the best Mini Stock racing they're going to see, is helps highlight why locals need to build cars for the class and join the fun. I like that WCSC Promoter Dan Myrick and Chadwick were able to come to terms on an Antioch date.

Everybody is getting open, so it's interesting to see where the cars end up going. I was keeping track of who was signing into the pits at Placerville Speedway for the Winged Sprint Car and Wingless Sprint Car show. I noticed some names that might have been at Marysville were at Placerville, and I started to get worried. I wasn't worried about Placerville, where they had 37 Winged 360 Sprint Cars and 29 Hunt Wingless Sprint Series competitors. Who was going to show up at Marysville was more of a concern to me. Then again, I momentarily forgot just how many Sprint Cars are out there.

In the end, they had 19 Winged 360 Sprint Cars in Marysville, and a few different drivers got to run at the front of the pack. What happens when the big names go somewhere else is you make new stars. That's always been the way. With about 18 NorCal Dwarf Cars and nine Limited Late Models running in support, Marysville wasn't a bad show under the circumstances. They were also able to have fans in attendance. The fans in attendance at Placerville also got to see about 15 Pure Stocks and eight Mini Trucks. I don't think anybody was complaining at either venue.

I think there were a few people complaining at Siskiyou Golden Speedway in Yreka. Honestly, they have reason to be grumpy. When you pay your money to go to a show, you want to see a show. I don't care if your grandstands admission is cheaper than the other places, people have reasonable expectations when it comes to what they're going to see. One of the reasons I disagreed with Kevin Barba's decision to drop the IMCA Modifieds completely from the schedule this year is because there were nights when they could have given the fans a decent show with the class.

When the association that promoted the track prior to Barba saw the decline in car count, they still attempted to book four dates. This was the minimum to give them a point race, and they picked occasions when Medford wasn't running. Since Medford wasn't open yet, I think there's reasonable belief that there could have been 10 or so IMCA Modifieds in Yreka. That could have been the difference maker, because other than the 11 IMCA Sport Modifieds they had, the show was a failure. They had more Jefferson State Jalopies than Mini Stocks. How does that even happen when you only have four Jalopies and probably have a dozen Mini Stocks in the area?

The thing about being a promoter of a race track is you have to promote. I wouldn't expect somebody to walk into Yreka and swing for the bleachers. The issues they are dealing with when it comes to car count were not created by Barba, and it's been a process that's gotten them down as far as they have. You have to work with the building blocks you have, but you also have to be aware that you need to create things that are going to build up in the future. I've been saying for a few years now that Yreka could have started a Hobby Stock and Hornet division. Had they done this when I was speaking on the matter five years ago, they'd have something else as part of their program by now.

I'm really at a loss as to why only three Mini Stocks showed up for the season opener. This isn't even about the Medford drivers not coming down to support. They might be more willing to do so if the track would pay a purse all the way down in the Main Event, rather than just the first half of the field. This is one thing people knew when they went to Medford during the Mike McCann years. The purses were guaranteed in every class. Even in the Hornet division, you might only get $10 for taking a green flag, but you did so for every race. I'm more sad and disappointed then angry at the results here. I don't think racing is dead in Yreka, but it needs somebody who understands how to build up the program itself.

Maybe the Northern Nevada Sprint Cars could have even been booked in Yreka at some point? What frustrates me about the Sprint Car effort is the Limited Sprints have people complaining about the Nevada Sprints and the Crate Sprints of California and how the cars aren't compatible. The thing is, the Limited Sprints at Medford have an advantage, so why would those drivers want to keep slower cars from coming to town when they want to visit? This is the problem with starting your own Sprint Car class with rules unique to your track. If three efforts are using three different rules sets, and drivers could theoretically visit each different venue, you're taking away from the possibility of having bigger shows.

Right now, I would have to say that the Nevada group and the Crate Sprints of California should be doing everything they can do work together. I wouldn't expect somebody to go from California to Nevada every week or vice versa, but there are occasions when they can do it. I said it before, and I'll restate it. The Crate Sprint division needs leadership. I would say leadership that keeps in mind that if it wasn't for Chico and Marysville, they wouldn't be where they are now. After whatever is booked for them at those two venues, the group could then try to expand the brand to other venues, such as Orland, or dare I say it, Yreka.

I believe there were nine of the Nevada Sprints that made the trip to Susanville for their two-day affair. They had a big car hauler bringing in about a half a dozen of those cars, which was interesting. We've been sitting here waiting for any information on Susanville, and the results weren't available as of Monday afternoon. In monitoring the social media activity, however, it looks like the six division show delivered about 100 or so cars. This included enough cars in the IMCA Modifieds to need a B Main. It's really good to see that kind of a turnout. This is why I say Susanville and maybe even Quincy could be included in a sort of California/Oregon border series that also included Yreka, Medford and Coos Bay. We've seen Susanville drivers travel to Medford in recent years. The best part is these drivers support their home track.

I find it fascinating that Susanville seems to hold the Hobby Stock division in higher regard than the IMCA Sport Modifieds when it comes to purse money. For the Friday and Saturday night races there this past week, they were advertising $650 to win the Hobby Stock races, while they were offering $400 to win the IMCA Sport Modified race. I wouldn't think that the Sport Modifieds were lower on the pecking order than a Hobby Stock, but then again, it seems there were more Hobby Stocks than Sport Modifieds this past weekend as they had a full Main Event. Then again, maybe the reason some teams didn't travel with their Sport Modifieds was because the purse wasn't as big as they felt it should be?

There is an ongoing debate among the Modified and Sport Modified supporters about purse money. With certain organizational efforts trying to enhance the IMCA Sport Modified car counts with their support, you'll hear people say that the Sport Modifieds are bringing more cars and should have a bigger purse than the Modifieds. My only response to that is to laugh out loud. However, when they do have bigger races with both Modified classes in California, the Sport Modifieds will generally get $1,000 or more to win. There is a debate about how much you should encourage drivers to stick around in that class versus getting them to move up, but we do know one thing. Usually, they get a big field at those higher paying events. The debate will continue, but it's car count that really matters.

I'd like to point out that even though we had our critics who felt we weren't doing enough for the IMCA Sport Modifieds at Medford, before the virus kept the 2020 season from happening, we had two races for the class that were going to pay $2,000 minimum to win. While I'm pointing out good things for the IMCA Sport Modifieds, it's only fair to mention the Al Miller Memorial that will be coming up on April 15-17 at Merced Speedway. This race has been a big Pro Stock event in previous years, but the Miller Brothers have decided they wanted to honor their father with a big blowout race for the Sport Modifieds.

On Main Event night, the Sport Modifieds will receive $5,000 to win, $2,000 for second and $1,000 for third among the prize money being offered. I would expect 50 cars for this one, because it damn sure deserves it. Bigger money is going out to the other classes as well. The IMCA Modifieds get $2,000 to win and $1,000 for second among the prize money. IMCA Stock Cars are getting a nice $1,200 prize with $800 going to second, and even the Hobby Stocks get $750 to win in $400 for second. These are some nice paying purses. Honestly, a fan of any of these divisions should head to Merced Speedway that weekend, because there will be so many race cars that they will have to use the parking lot to park then all.

Briefly looking at Oregon, Cottage Grove Speedway kicked things off last Saturday night with a five division offering. I kind of thought the numbers would be a little bit bigger than they ended up, but it still wasn't bad. They had a full field of IMCA Modifieds and the IMCA Sport Compacts continue to grow. They were enough Limited Sprints and Street Stocks to give the fans some good racing, and the Late Models still have a presence there. The good news was the track could open with 25% fan capacity, and many people were taking advantage of the opportunity. Cottage Grove was the first, but other tracks are getting it in gear this week.

Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg usually kicks their season off with a 200 lap Enduro and chili feed, and that will again be the case this Saturday night. They've had a good turnout of competitors for their last couple of Enduros, and last I heard they could have 15% fan capacity in the stands. That's the same thing I heard for Coos Bay Speedway, but there's an interesting thing happening as they get ready to kick off their NASCAR season on the dirt oval. I'm not hearing anything about online sales, limited fan capacity or any of that. They are selling tickets the way they usually do. Considering what Promoter Drake Nelson pulled last season, I can't say I'm surprised or even upset that he would thumb his nose at any of the guidelines laid down by the governor.

It was 5 years ago when Nelson took over and brought the NASCAR sanctioning with him. What I like about that is it's giving NASCAR a foothold at a dirt track on the West Coast. The point fund money is second to none, and it seems to have helped the car count a little bit in some of the classes. The Super Late Model program they have there is worthy of attention and has grown a little bit in the last few years. I'm curious how the Street Stock numbers will hold from last year with other tracks back in action, but the Hornets and Jr Stingers should continue to do fine.

I hesitate to bring up Southern Oregon Speedway only because I haven't heard the new promoters confirmed yet, nor have I seen a schedule and what the basic game plan is. As far as my thoughts about how things have gone and things that have been said, I've already voiced my opinion. I'll have more to say in the book, I'm sure. Otherwise, I prefer to comment on what is actually happening. Everybody who comes in as a promoter has their own ideas of what they wish to accomplish and what they think the track needs. Obviously, they have to have confidence in their vision, or they wouldn't be taking a shot at it.

The only thing we've heard was who the people are on this board that Travis Hoppes has assembled. I haven't even seen a name for the association yet, but at least we know the duties everybody on the board is supposed to be handling. Otherwise, they asked what divisions wanted to support the track. Not surprisingly, every division that was a part of the 2019 program had drivers who spoke up, and I hope the new management makes use of every one of them. Do what you need to do to ensure that the fans get the best car count and the best show possible. That's what the previous management did. I say they stopped the bleeding and began a turnaround before the virus shut down. Pick up the pieces and see if you can grow this deal even bigger and better.

We heard good news from Arizona Speedway. They were doing their Last Dance event this past weekend, which really was going to be their final race. They had been shut down as houses are being built and, well, you know the drill. They had a huge field of drivers across multiple divisions, and the night didn't just end in good news for the people who won their respective Main Events. The even better news was that the track had its lease extended all the way through November. This means that racing will continue, but it also means something else.

People wrote respectful letters, contacted media outlets and did whatever they could to draw attention to the fact that they did not want their track to be closed. It wasn't just people who lived within a certain radius of that race track. People were even commenting from out of the area in support, and this is absolutely what needs to be happening whenever a track is in danger. Some people take the defeatist attitude that once they make a decision to close a place down, that's it. It's all over. It absolutely isn't over until you've exhausted every option.

There have been tracks that have been closed down and sat dormant for years before anything was done with the property. Nobody really fought the battle, and it just sat in waiting. The best example for me was how nobody really fought for San Jose Speedway while certain city officials were insistent upon building an amphitheater that never stood a chance. Had somebody been fighting for racing and attempted to continue the show, it's possible that San Jose Speedway would still be here today. Once promoters gave up on the place, the city officials demolished those big grandstands, thereby driving a stake through the heart of racing. Even before that, nobody could even be bothered to show up at any meeting that was put in place to save auto racing in San Jose.

Right now, Petaluma Speedway is being threatened. Sacramento Raceway's drag strip and dirt oval facility is also being threatened. In the case of Petaluma, I know they are having meetings and there are petitions and all of that. People are taking an active role. We are being told that racing is done at the end of the 2022 season, but is it? We haven't gotten there yet, which means there's time to fight for that race track. The only way you truly lose is when you give up. You may not win when you fight for it, but you have a better chance when you do. Arizona Speedway stands as an example of what happens when you fight for your track.

What will happen there after November? Who's to say? Maybe negotiations will continue and a 2022 season will happen. Maybe not. Maybe management will find another location not too far away and start over. You've got to believe people will be doing what they can to keep the dream alive, and in the meantime, they will continue to race at that track through November. This is what happens when people use their voices to respectfully fight for racing.

Since I mentioned Sacramento Raceway, I do hope that they can save the drag strip. I mentioned previously that it's simply amazing to me that another race track hasn't popped up somewhere in that city since West Capitol Raceway closed down. There have been a couple of unsuccessful attempts, but nothing serious. With the racing money in that area, you're telling me that somebody couldn't have built a quarter-mile or 3/8 mile clay oval and made it work? It's simply amazing to me.

I know about the track across the street from Sacramento Raceway that held a few races before it closed. There's another track to the other side of the drag strip, but the owner didn't get the proper permits to build it. Therefore, they only held a couple of races before it closed. You can still see its footprint. The little stadium oval is the only place that had any kind of a run for the bigger cars. It's a bit too tight for full on Winged 360 Sprint Cars to truly negotiate, but they've had their share of Wingless Spec Sprint races. They also had a nice little Stock Car program on Friday nights during the second half of the 1990s.

If the track were to be saved, I'd like to see something done with the oval track. I know the people who own the property favor the drag strip, but it has been proven in the past that there are people who want to support the oval track. Surely some sort of arrangement could be worked out? The other thought I have is if ultimately they can't save Sacramento Raceway, I know they're going to have a blowout race or two at the drag strip. I'd love to see them arrange something big for the oval track too. I'd be willing to bet they could get a good turnout just to be a part of one final race on the oval.

In my continuing effort to document potential race tracks on the West Coast, I'd love to mention Altamont Raceway Park. I've heard it said that the place has been cursed since the Rolling Stones concert. The track has opened and closed repeatedly under different promoters who thought they were going to make a go of it and fell flat on their faces. With a big half-mile paved oval, they've had some showcase events. The problem is that you deal with extreme heat when you run during the daytime. At night, the wind and cold make it unbearable for fans at times. Despite all of that, we can't forget the decade long run that they had from the mid-1990s through the early 2000s under the NASCAR banner. It can work.

I hear the occasional rumor of the track opening. Actually, a few times I've heard John Soares talk about it. John doesn't live all that far from the track, which makes it appealing from a commuting standpoint. Then again, he's not getting any younger. He certainly has the resources to do something there if he's so chose, but he'd have to assemble the right team to get the job done. Just how much decay has set in on the various buildings on the premises, such as the press box and bathrooms and concession stands? How much money would have to be sunk into that? John had started mapping out a plan about five years ago, but things came up that required his attention at the time.

Could anybody come in there and revive the place that has sat dormant for almost 15 years now? Well, they have in the past. Personally, I think you would need to do something to make it more comfortable for fans. Maybe that's covering the grandstands or doing something to block off the wind or whatever. Something would need to be done. What presents a challenge in that effort is the press box. You can't have the cover of the grandstands blocking off the view from the scoring tower. I just think it comes down to making it more comfortable for people to come spectate. You'd be investing something if you took that on.

I've heard people thinking outside the box and speculating on turning the place into a dirt track. The problem in that scenario is you can attract marquee events on the half-mile, such as ARCA West, USAC and just big blow out Late Model races. However, what if you were to build a dirt track in the infield? This could be your regular venue, and the bigger track could be used for those showcase events? It's all just speculation. The thing that makes Altamont attractive to somebody with the money is it's just sitting there and waiting. I keep thinking that eventually somebody's going to come along with the money to take a shot at it.

As I was going over this column for editing here on Wednesday morning, I received word that the officials down in Medford made it official. Travis Hoppes and his association will be running Southern Oregon Speedway. I'm basically just acknowledging that in this column as I don't want to comment on much more. Like I said above, I want to wait on details of what all is going on. I'm sure we're going to be hearing news breaking rather quickly in the days ahead. This is their shot to show us all how it's done. I wish them luck.

Anyway, I had things that I excluded from the column I put together for Saturday's post. I'm just going to hold on to those thoughts for now and end this column. Until next time...