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Wagner, Newton, Myers Win Antioch Speedway Features
Antioch, CA...May 4...Danny Wagner won the 20 lap All Star Series A Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. Wagner picked up a very impressive first career win at Placerville and pocketed $1,500 that night in the process. He's in a championship battle with point leader Buddy Kniss at Antioch and needed a good finish after his bad luck at the previous race.
Terry Kaiser made his first Antioch appearance of the season and led the opening laps of the A Modified feature ahead of Wagner and B Modified star Fred Ryland. Wagner was challenging Kaiser hard and actually made a pass for the lead on lap six, only to have a yellow flag for Frank Furtado negate the pass. Kaiser led the pack to the green flag, but Wagner again made a move around the outside to take the lead on lap seven. Ryland and Buddy Kniss were quickly into second and third. However, Wagner stretched his advantage to nearly a straightaway at the checkered flag. Ryland finished second ahead of Kniss and Brent Curran in a close battle. Brian Pearce completed the Top 5 at the finish.
Shannon Newton rolled to his fourth straight 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event victory. Newton has proven to be unbeatable so far this year in the Richard Basden owned entry. After missing all of last season due to a serious leg injury suffered at work, two time division champion Dan Gonderman was back and set the early pace with Newton quickly into second. The lead duo pulled away from the pack and was soon in slower traffic. It was traffic that proved Gonderman's undoing as a slower car ran in the high groove that he was using. When they exited Turn 2 of the sixth lap, Newton ducked underneath the slower car and Gonderman and had the lead. Newton stretched his advantage during the final half of the race as he won ahead of Gonderman, Roy Fisher, Alan Miranda and Cameron Martin.
After back-to-back second place finishes, Brad Myers scored his first 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event win of the season. Myers started in the second row and ran behind a good battle between James Thomson, Trevor Clymens and Josh Leach in the early goings. Thomson had his car hooked up well on the outside, and though he lost the lead briefly to Leach with an inside pass on lap seven, he moved back around Leach in Turn 2 to regain the lead on lap eight. Myers was in third when the only yellow flag flew on lap nine. On the restart, Myers made a strong outside move and had the lead by the time they exited Turn 2. Thomson held second ahead of Beanna Troen and point leader Chris Sorensen. Second place was the battle as Myers pulled away just a bit, but Sorensen managed to pass both Thomson and Troen by lap 16. By the time the white flag waved, Sorensen had caught Myers in traffic. However, Myers made an outside move around the slower cars and brought it home to a satisfying victory. Sorensen settled for second, followed by Thomson, Troen and Philip Oreta.
Kimo Oreta won the 20 lap Limited Late Model Main Event. Chad Hammer returned to action and led early with Oreta right behind him. On lap seven, Hammer got just a bit sideways exiting Turn 4 as Oreta was attempting a move on the inside. There was contact, and Hammer ended up hitting the wall. Hammer was out of the race, and Oreta led Jim Freethy on the restart. Oreta went pretty much unchallenged the rest of the way to win ahead of Freethy, Michael Burch, John Evans and Jimmy Robbins.
Next week, the B Modifieds and DIRTcar Late Models return to the All Star Series line-up along with the Dwarf Cars and Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results
All Star Series Antioch Speedway
A Modifieds
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Fred Ryland, Terry Kaiser. Main Event (20 Laps)-Danny Wagner, Fred Ryland, Buddy Kniss, Brent Curran, Brian Pearce, Chester Kniss, Terry Kaiser, Justin Yeager, Frank Furtado, Jake Dewsburuy.
Wingless Spec Sprints
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Dan Gonderman, Shannon Newton. Main Event (20 Laps)-Shannon Newton, Dan Gonderman, Roy Fisher, Alan Miranda, Cameron Martin, Rick Panfili, Troy Ferry, Jeff Scotto, Mackenzie Newton, Adam Teves DNS.
Hobby Stocks
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Brad Meyers, Chris Sorensen. Main Event (20 Laps)-Brad Myers, Chris Sorensen, James Thompson, Brianna Troen, Philip Oreta, Ken Johns, Jeff Betancourt, Will Buirch, Josh Leach, Trevor Clymens.
Limited Late Models
Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Kimo Oreta. Main Event (20 Laps)-Kimo Oreta, Jim Freethy, Michael Burch, John Evans, Jimmy Robbins, Chad Hammer.
Late Models, B Modifieds Return To Antioch Speedway
Antioch, CA...With all the excitement going on at Antioch Speedway, Promoter John M Soares has made a few adjustments to the All Star Series line-up to keep the show going. It was announced on Sunday that the Limited Late Models were being replaced by The Hobby Stocks as part of this Saturday's program. Also on the card will be the DIRTcar Late Models, B Modifieds and Dwarf Cars. Soares also announced the divisions competing on May 18th during the Contra Costa County Fair. Once again, it will be the Wingless Spec Sprints and Hobby Stocks that night.
Richard Papenhausen clearly enters Saturday's Late Model program as the driver to beat. He has been somewhat dominant so far. Papenhausen has run two very patient Main Events where he has run second behind the leader for several laps before making his move. Once the opening appears, he goes by and leaves the pack behind. Papenhausen is a two-time winner this year and a two-time champion at Antioch, and beating him will not be easy.
The two drivers who look to have the best shot this year are Kimo Oreta and Shawn DeForest, who was subbing for Dennis Souza at the most recent race. Both drivers were the early leaders before being passed by Papenhausen and settling for second. Could either one of them break the Papenhausen stranglehold on the Winner's Circle? A look at the points, however, finds last season's point runner-up Rod Oliver in second. He trails Papenhausen by 18 points and holds a four point lead over Oreta. Just two points behind Oreta in fourth is Mike Hynes. The Top 4 point runners are anticipated this week along with the car of Souza, John Soares and Rob Norris.
After four events, the B Modified point lead belongs to rookie Cameron Swank. Swank has been consistent this season as a Top 5 finisher, and as they say, consistency is generally what wins you a championship. However, two-time reigning champion Trevor Clymens is only four points behind Swank. Clymens has a win this year and will be trying to get back to the Winner's Circle again this week. Third-ranked Brent Curran is also on the Winner's List this season and is just 16 points out of the lead. The consistent Kevin Brown and two-time feature winner Tommy Fraser are also Top 5 ranked.
the B Modifieds are off to a strong start this year, and the numbers have been up so far. Also, there are some fast runners in the group with a shot at Main Event glory. 2018 Limited Late Model champion Mark Garner has had an up-and-down season so far, but he scored a strong second place finish at a recent visit to Placerville. He could be a threat this week, and other drivers to watch for include Todd Gomez and a strong group of rookies that includes Keith Steinmetz, Tommy Clymens Jr, Dennis Gilcrease and Haley Gomez.
The Hobby Stock division has featured some great battles at the front of the pack these past few races between two-time reigning champion Chris Sorensen and past champion Brad Myers. Myers finally evicted Sorensen from the Winner's Circle with an impressive win last time out. Myers has managed to work his way into Top 5 contention after missing the season opener, but he still has a long ways to go to catch Sorensen. The two-time winner Sorensen has the lead right now ahead of the consistent Breanna Troen. Troen has all Top 5 finishes so far and is holding off season opener winner Josh Leach for second in another good battle.
Another good battle is going on between the rookies as Philip Oreta and Will Buirch are going back and forth. This is also the battle for fifth in the standings. With three Top 5 finishes, Oreta is doing pretty well so far. These drivers will be out to get the glory this week, and others to watch for include Luke Brignoli, Ricky Foster, Ken Johns, John Wacht, Dalton Jewell and Judy Allison-Arth.
This season, two-time Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner has decided to make Antioch Speedway his priority. Not only is he going for the A Modified championship, he's also in the running for the Dwarf Car title and intends to run a Winged 360 Sprint Car for Dave Johnson as well. After two events, Wagner leads teammate Scott Dahlgren by just two points. Wagner won the season opener, and Dahlgren won the most recent race. Though the championship could come down between these two hard chargers, there are others hoping to make a run. Second-year competitor Troy Stevenson is 22 points behind Dahlgren in third, but he is only six points ahead of David Rosa. Rosa led several laps of the most recent race before falling out with mechanical issues. Other drivers to watch out for this week include Devan Kammerman, Travis Dutra, Mario Marques, Travis Hensley and Jerry Doty.
Saturday's four division lineup should be another good show on the three-eight mile clay oval. Fans now know that there will be racing during the County Fair on the 18th as well. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Nelson, Burke, Ryland Win At Ocean Speedway
Watsonville, CA...May 3...Kurt Nelson won the 30 lap Ocean Sprint Car, presented by Taco Bravo, Main Event Friday night at Ocean Speedway. Nelson came from the third row to become the third different feature winner of the season. After winning his heat race and the Trophy Dash, incoming point leader Jeremy Chisum set himself up in a good position with the pole position for the feature. Though Chisum ran strong, he was no match for Kurt Nelson, who collected the victory ahead of James Ringo. Chisum settled for third, followed by Jayson Bright, Jarrett Soares, Jake Andreotti, Joey Ancona, Kyler Shaw, Chris Nelson and Keith Davis Jr. Chisum won his eight lap heat race ahead of James Ringo and the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Soares. Soares outran Chris Nelson to win the other heat race.
Cody Burke won the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. The reigning division champion started in the second row and battled front row starter Anthony Copeland in a good race for the victory. Burke becomes the third different winner in three races. Copeland would settle for second, followed by Austin Burke, Merced Speedway point leader Troy Foulger, Jeff Decker, Anthony Giuliani, Robert Marsh, Brian Cass, Mitch Machado and Todd Hermosillo. Jim Pettit II won his eight lap heat race, but he fell out early in the Main Event. Austin Burke was the other heat winner.
Fred Ryland won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The 2015 State champion started in the second row with fellow heat race winner Tanner Thomas and wasted little time getting into the lead. Ryland led most of the way to win with Bakersfield star Kevin Johnson charging from eighth starting to finish second. Jarrod Mounce finished third, followed by current State point leader Guy Ahlwardt, TJ Etchison III, Patti Ryland, Justin McPherson, Adriane Frost, Austin Williams and Thomas. There were three eight lap heat races with wins going to Thomas, Ryland and Mounce.
Ryan McClelland won the 15 lap Four Banger Main Event. He becomes the third different winner in his many races. McClelland had the pole with Kate Beardsley on the outside, and the duo drove to a 1-2 finish at the checkered flag. Ninth starter Dakota Keldsen drove the Lloyd Keldsen Jr Tribute Car to a third place finish, followed by Nicole Beardsley, John Grilli, Bill Beardsley, Jeff Finsand, Abigail Kennedy and Chuck Kessinger. McClelland and Kate Beardsley won their respective eight lap heat races.
Next week, the Ocean Sprints return along with the second appearance of the USAC Western Speed2 Midgets, Hobby Stocks and Four Bangers. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Intriguing Sprint Car Battle Continues
At Ocean Speedway Friday
Watsonville, CA...Don't look now, but there is a decidedly different look at the top of the Ocean Sprint Car, presented by Taco Bravo, point list so far this year at Ocean Speedway. Some newer names are appearing at the top of the point list, and that battle continues this Friday night. Also on the card will be the Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and the Ocean Midgets.
Some of the names you expect to see at the front of the pack in the championship chase for the Sprint Car division have decided to give it a break. This has opened the door for some new contenders to emerge, and the name at the front of the pack may be surprising to some. It's Jeremy Chisum. Chisum enjoyed his best finish to date in third last time out. This helped put him 26 points into the lead, but following his first career feature win last time out, it's Kurt Nelson in second. Nelson will enter this week with much more confidence, and Chisum will need to stay very consistent.
James Ringo and Jeremy's brother, Jason Chisum, are in a tie for third, 37 points out of the lead. Right now, these four drivers and 2018 point runner-up, Koen Shaw, are your main title contenders. Other drivers to watch for this week include Jayson Bright, Jake Andreotti, Richard Fajardo and Kyler Shaw. However, you never know when two-time feature winner Bud Kaeding, three-time reigning champion Brad Furr and 2015 title winner Justin Sanders will show up.
Two races into the Hobby Stock season, past champion Rob Gallaher leads the way. He picked up a win in the most recent event with DJ Keldsen looking good in second. It was the second straight Top 5 finish for Keldsen, who is now just 10 points out of the lead and four ahead of Rob's father, Joe Gallaher. Joe was actually running second in the most recent race, but he had problems drop him back a couple of spots. Past champion Wally Kennedy is just 20 points out of the lead in fourth, four ahead of Jerry Skelton. These five drivers are anticipated, and other drivers to watch for include ageless veteran Tony Oliveira, season opener winner JC Elrod, Nick Triolo and Bobby Huckaby Sr..
In the Four Banger division, there is another close battle taking place at the top of the point list. After his recent victory, Ryan McClelland leads previous winner John Grilli by just two points. Grilli is one of the newcomers to the division, and he's done very well so far. It seems like the road to the Four Banger championship goes through the Beardsley family, and they are all in the hunt once again. Kate Beardsley is four points back in third, Nicole Beardsley is seven points out and Bill Beardsley is trailing by 19 points. All five of these drivers are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include season opener winner Dakota Keldsen, Chuck Kessinger and Tony Gullo.
The newly-established Ocean Midgets division is part of the USAC Western Speed2 Midget program. They had their first race a couple of weeks ago, and there were seven drivers on hand to get things started. It resulted in a good battle at the front of the pack between veteran David Prickett, Randi Pankratz and Dylan Tucker, who led several laps before surrendering the lead to Prickett. Pricket was in Ventura last week and finished fifth, while Jackson Dukes had a second place finish that night. Pankratz finished in sixth. The four drivers mentioned above are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include Adam Lemke, Steve Durant and Greg Edenolm. Speedway management is excited about establishing this division on the program, and there's been plenty of good buzz so far this year.
A stronger turnout of Ocean Sprint Cars is anticipated for this Friday Night show. Coupled with the exciting fendered Hobby Stocks and Four Bangers and the new Ocean Midget class, it should be an exciting racing program from start to finish. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Bjork, Fendley Win Petaluma Speedway Sprint Car Races
Petaluma, CA...May 4...Brent Bjork won the 25 lap PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. Bjork competes regularly at Chico on Friday nights. He started on the second row and had an early battle with front-row starter DJ Freitas. Bjork would grab the lead from Freitas on lap 10. Once in front, Bjork stretched his advantage to nearly a straightaway at the checkered flag. Freitas still held on to finish second, followed by John Clark, David Lindt II, Shawn Arriaga, Chace Majdic, Angelo Cornet, Joel Myers and Nathan Shank.
Lindt turned the only 12 second time on the 3/8 mile adobe oval with a 12.956 qualifying effort. Majdic was second quick at 13.323. There were two eight lap heat races, and Cornet won the first race ahead of Lindt. Freitas outran Bjork to win the second heat.
Cody Fendley won his first 30 lap PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprint feature of the season. Fendley had the pole and charged out to the lead at the start, followed by Boy Moniz and Dennis Furia Jr. They ran that way until Moniz was overtaken by Furia on lap 14. Furia had a good run during the last half of the race, but he was no match for the flying Fendley. Fendley would lead all the way to win with Furia a career-best second, followed by Bryan Grier, Sparky Howard, Josh Young, Scott Chapeta, Angelique Bell, Travis DeGaton, Chett Wilson and Tony Bernard.
Fendley set the quick time out of 18 Spec Sprints with a lap of 14.740, just beating the 14.971 of past Antioch champion Grier. Fendley outran Chapeta to win the first of three eight lap heat races. Bob Davis just managed to hold off DeGaton to win the second heat, and the third heat win went to Ryon Siverling over Moniz.
Mitch Machado repeated his season-opening performance with a 20 lap Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stock Main Event victory. Machado had the pole position in the Baker Motorsports entry and led from the start, trailed early on by Danny Naron. However, Steve Studebaker made his way from the third row to grab the second position and take up pursuit of Machado. The race had several caution periods, but each time Machado maintained his lead when the green flag waved. Machado won, followed by Studebaker, Naron, Austin Ohlinger, Tim O'Hara, Paul Hanley, Matt While, Manny Avila, Kristen Hanley and Sid Hess. There were 16 competitors, and six lap heat race wins went to Machado, Naron and Shawn McCoy.
Jeremy Tjensvold won his second-straight 20 lap Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stock Main Event. Roy Dearing had the pole position and led early, but Tjensvold would overtake him for the lead. Reigning champion Tom Brown also got by and kept the pressure on Tjensvold for the remainder of the race. However, Tjensvold prevailed at the checkered flag, followed closely by Brown. Dearing settled for third ahead of Sophie Shelly, Darien Balestrini, Bill Manzoni, Danny Manzoni and Jason Grover. Six lap heat race wins were earned by Tjensvold and Balestrini.
Next Saturday night is the first PitStopUSA.com Shootout event. In addition to the Winged Sprint Cars and Wingless Spec Sprints, the Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks and General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars will also be competing in this four division program. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
PitStopUSA.com Sprint Car Shootout
On Tap For Petaluma Speedway Saturday Night
Petaluma, CA...PitStopUSA.com has been a strong supporter of racing at Petaluma Speedway in recent years, and Saturday night offers the first of two specials from the title sponsor for the Winged 360 Sprint Car and Wingless Spec Sprint classes. It will be the PitStopUSA.com Shootout, and there will be extra money on the line in both classes. Also on the card this week will be the Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks and General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars.
The lure of the extra money for these special events has a way of bringing out some of the top Winged Sprint Car drivers from around the state. Last season, for instance, many time Sprint Car champion Andy Forsberg came to town and won both of these PitStopUSA.com Shootout events. It's certainly going to be a good battle at the front of the pack.
Meanwhile, we are two races into the show, and three drivers appear to be throwing their hats into the ring as championship contenders. John Clark has been running at several different venues and looking good so far. His back-to-back third-place finishes has him doing well in the standings. Likewise, past Petaluma champion Shawn Arriaga had a second at the opener and a fifth in the most recent event, and David Lindt II has a pair of Top 5 finishes as well. It's a little too early to say what this means, but these three drivers are putting themselves in a good position so far. As there aren't a bunch of races on the schedule, every start counts.
When it comes to running for the money, you have to know that if he has nothing scheduled, Chase Johnson would be at the top of the list of potential feature winners. Johnson looked impressive in grabbing the win at the season opener. Other drivers to watch for this week include last week's winner, Brent Bjork, reigning champion Jake Haulot, DJ Freitas, William Fatu and Brett Rollag.
After winning the first two races of the season in the Wingless Spec Sprint division, Bradley Terrell didn't compete in last week's impressive 18 car field. With more money on the line, you're liable to see him in both the Wingless and Winged Sprint Cars this week. It was Cody Fendley pocketing the winner's prize last week ahead of a career-best second-place effort for Dennis Furia Jr. Furia has two Top 5 finishes, as does Hawaii native Boy Moniz and past division champion Sparky Howard. These drivers should be among the front runners this week, and others to watch for include past Chico champion Angelique Bell, Scott Chapeta, Travis DeGaton and reigning champion Shayna Sylvia.
In the Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks, Mitch Machado may be behind the wheel of a different car, but he's producing the same results. Piloting the Baker Motorsports entry, the reigning division champion has scored back-to-back wins, and he's led most of the laps along the way. Chasing him to the checkered flag on both occasions was that familiar #46 car of two-time champion Steve Studebaker. It looks like the championship battle from last season continues between these two heavyweights. Last week saw Danny Naron have one of his better finishes in third, trailed by another driver having one of his best finishes, Austin Ohlinger and Tim O'Hara. These three drivers lead the charge of those hoping to evict Machado from the Winner's Circle, and others to watch for include Gary Adams, Manny Avila, two-time champions Shawn McCoy and Matt While, David Spindell and Snazzy Duckworth.
Some of the General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Car drivers have been busy competing in a pair of Dwarf Car National events held recently, but they are all excited about coming back to race at the home track. Last time out, past champion Chad Matthias scored the win ahead of Mark Hanson and John Peters. An impressive field of 21 racers was there for that show. There are some great competitors in the Redwood Dwarf Cars, and among those to watch for this week include reigning champion Scooter Gomes, Carroll Mendenhall, Brandon Gentry, Marcus Hardina, Sam Borland, Matt Hagermann and Michael Affonso.
Saturday night should offer up some great Sprint Car racing for the fans to enjoy and some exciting Super Stock and Dwarf Car racing to boot. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Stone, Nelson Win At Merced Speedway
Merced, CA...May 4...Paul Stone won the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Merced Speedway. He is now the fourth different winner in as many races for the division. It was a busy week at the quarter-mile clay oval with big Monster Truck programs on Friday and Sunday and the regular Stock Car offering on Saturday night, which was being sponsored by Big O Tires.
Stone started back in the fourth row in the Main Event, but he didn't waste much time leading fellow fourth row starter Ryan Porter to the front of the pack. Once Paul Stone got the lead, he would hold off Porter for the victory. Reigning Watsonville champion Cody Burke settled for third, followed by incoming point leader Troy Foulger, Randy Brown, Austin Burke, Ramie Stone, Josh Combs, Ricky Thatcher and John Osgood III. The 16 car field was divided into three ten lap heat races with wins going to DJ Shannon, Jesse James Burks and Austin Burke.
Point leader Shannon Nelson won her second-straight FND Motorsports Hobby Stock Main Event. Nelson started on the outside front row, but she would have her hands full with Austin Van Hoff in close pursuit. Last time out, Van Hoff had a flat tire end a possible winning effort. This time, he was practically glued to the back bumper of winner Nelson as she scored the well-earned win. Domossie Scoggins grabbed a third place finish, followed by 2016 champion Michael Shearer, Cody Smiley, Allen Neal, Donnie Shearer, season-opening winner Dexter Long, Kristie Shearer and Race Shelton. Robbie Loquaci returned and won his eight lap race with Michael Shearer winning the other one.
Three-time Mini Stock champion Chris Corder scored the victory in that division's 15 lap Main Event. He became the third different winner in three races. On this occasion, he held off fellow front-row starter of Lucy Falkenberg, who settled for second. Lee Ragsdale placed third, followed by Shawn DePriest, Shayla Gould, Tyler Post, Jerry Tubbs, Austin Sprague and Jennifer Rodgers. Falkenberg and Corder won their respective eight lap heat races.
Rick Elliott became the third different winner in as many races with his victory in the 15 lap Valley Sportsman Main Event. He overtook pole sitter and two-time champion Mike Friesen to get the lead and would hold off Eric Seely to grab the win. Friesen settled for third ahead of Jeff West. Chris Corder won the eight lap heat race, but he suffered mechanical issues in the process to end his night early.
The speedway will go dark next Saturday night, but the May 18th program will offer up IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, the Valley Sportsman Division and California Sharp Mini Late Models. For further information, go to www.mercedspeedway.net.
Liggett, Randolph Win At Kern Raceway
Bakersfield, CA...May 3...Austin Liggett won the BCRA/POWRi Midgets 30 lap Main Event at the Kern Raceway Dirt Track Friday night. Liggett had a front row start for the feature race and led from the start ahead of Cory Elliott and Shannon McQueen. Robert Dalby slipped past McQueen for third on lap two. The Top 3 ran in that order until Dalby made a move around Elliott for second on lap 18. A yellow flag on lap 22 bunched the field. However, Liggett was not to be denied as he led the restart and the remaining laps for the impressive win. Dalby settled for second, followed by Elliott, Troy Morris III, McQueen, CJ Sarna, Marvin Mitchell, Robert Carson, Kyle Beilman and Terry Nichols. Beilman won his eight lap heat race ahead of Elliott, and Liggett outran McQueen to win the other heat. Liggett set the quickest time of 14.603, beating the 14.692 of Dalby.
Tim Randolph won the 25 lap Western Pro Stock Main Event. Randolph had a front row start and led from the outset, followed by Chris Smith. There were two yellow flags on lap two and lap nine, but Randolph charged in front on each ensuing restart. He stretched his lead to just over half a straightaway over Smith by the time the checkered flag flew. Late Model veteran Jerry Stewart held third until surrendering the position to Billy Simkins on lap 16. Stewart settled for fourth, followed by Paul Miller, Chris Clinton, Justin Crockett and Ryan Smith. Chris Smith set the fastest time in qualifying of 17.036, beating the 17.113 of Randolph. They ran one eight lap heat race with Chris Smith winning ahead of Randolph.
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Brooklyn Holland led all 25 laps to win the 305 Sprint Car Main Event. Holland led the first four laps ahead of Brendan Warmerdam before a yellow flag waved. She resumed command with Warmerdam not too far behind in second. At the checkered flag, Holland won ahead of Warmerdam, Phil Heyman and Chris Ennis. Holland set the quick time of 13.181 but she settled for second behind Warmerdam in the eight lap heat race.
Rich Denman won the 20 lap American Stock Main Event. The Enduro and Street Stock veteran Denman settled into an early third behind Kenny White and Kody Sly. Denman moved into second on a lap seven restart and ran closely behind White until making a pass for the lead on lap 12. Moments later, the yellow flag flew. White took the lead from Denman on the restart and held the position until Denman made his winning move on lap 17. Denman led the rest of the way to win as White settled for second, followed by Brock Crawford, Sly, Colby Ward and Tim Varney. White outran Denman to win the eight lap heat race.
Racing returns to the Kern Raceway Dirt Track on June 7th with the second round of the Triple Crown Series. A Modifieds will be back along with B Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and QRC Karts. For further information, go to www.kernraceway.com.
Ocean Speedway Unofficial Race Results May 3, 2019
Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo
Kurt Nelson
James Ringo
Jeremy Chisum
Jayson Bright
Jarrett Soares
Jake Andreotti
Joey Ancona
Kyler Shaw
Chris Nelson
Keith Day Jr
Jason Chisum
Richard Fajardo
Koen Shaw
IMCA Modifieds
Cody Burke
Anthony Copeland
Austin Burke
Troy Foulger
Jeff Decker
Anthony Giuliani
Robert Marsh
Brian Cass
Mitch Machado
Todd Hermosillo
Raymond Keldsen Jr
Jeff McCoun
Jeff Streeter
Jim Pettit II
Kyle Bryan
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Fred Ryland
Kevin Johnson
Jarrod Mounce
Guy Ahlwardt
T.J. Etchinson III
Patti Ryland
Justin McPherson
Adriane Frost
Austin Williams
Tanner Thomas
Danny Roe
Alex Bieser
Kelly Campanile
John Ferro
Max Baggett
Randy Miller
Charlie Hunter
Robby Claborn
Tyler Thomas
Dwayne Short
KC Keller DNS
Four Bangers
Ryan McClelland
Kate Beardsley
Dakota Keldsen
Nicole Beardsley
John Grilli
Bill Beardsley
Jeff Finsand
Abigail Kennedy
Chuck Kessinger
Kern Raceway Dirt Track Unofficial Race Results May 3, 2019
BCRA/POWRi Midgets
Austin Liggett
Robert Dalby
Cory Elliot
Troy Morris III
Shannon McQueen
Marvin Mitchell
Robert Carson
Kyle Beilman
Terry Nichols
Ricky Lewis DNS
Western Pro Stock
Tim Randolph
Chris Smith
Billy Simkins
Jerry Stewart
Paul Miller
Chris Clinton
Justin Crocket
Ryan Smith
305 Winged Sprint
Brooklyn Holland
Brendan Warmerdam
Phil Heymen
Chris Ennis
American Stock
Rich Denman
Kenny White
Brock Crawford
Kody Sly
Colby Ward
Tim Varney DNS
Bakersfield Speedway Unofficial Race Results May 4, 2019
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Gary Dutton
Chris McKellar
Jason Nation
Tina Pounds
Guy Ahlwardt
Ryan Bledsaw
Michael Johnson
Jack Aguiar
Robby Claborn
Daniel West
Tyler Blankenship
Markus Frazier
Nick Lawrence
Kyle Wood
James Cecil
Gavyn Manning
Kevin Johnson
David Pearson
Western Pro Stocks
Jerry Stewart
Justin Crockett
Billy Simkins
Dakota Schweitzer
Chris Smith
Ryan Smith
Paul Miller
Chris Clinton
Mod Lites
Kaden Cochrun
Anthony Balcazar
Deven Pearson
Roy Maynard
Jeff Thompson
Kenny Cochrun
Candi Varney
Jakob Carey
Tim Varney
Cheyenne Flippo
Tristan Kanthack
J.D. Brown
Hardtops
Rich Souza
Jason Denman
James Bradburn
Tom Sommerfeld
Kelly Mason
Adam Medovitch
Tom Dugan
Jesse Dobbins
Brad Pesheck
Tyler Weeks
Jason Stanphill
Brandon Stanphill DNS
Sr Mini Dwarfs
Seth Hanson
Jett Yantis
Adam Nohl
Deegan Bledsaw
Ethan Johnson
Joshua Chambers
Mallory Meyers
Ainsley Walker
Eric Vences
Carson Conway
Kaden Cowan
Brooklyn Palmer
Jr Mini Dwarfs
Khloe Cotton
Wyatt Webb
Bryson Martin
Blake Watson
Emma McKellar
Kenna McKellar
Cameron Blankenship
Nathan Nohl
Jacob Chutuk
Tom Stephens III
Bradley Brink
Travis Varney DNS
Petaluma Speedway Unofficial Race Results May 4, 2019
PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Brent Bjork
DJ Freitas
John Clark
David Lindt II
Shawn Arriaga
Chase Majdic
Angelo Coronet
Joel Myers Jr
Nathan Schank
PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprints
Cody Fendley
Dennis Furia Jr
Brian Grier
Sparky Howard
Josh Young
Scott Chapeta
Angelique Bell
Travis DeGaton
Chet Wilson
Tony Bernard
Keith Calvino
Bob Davis
Dillon Tucker
Boy Moniz
Adam Christian
Rick Holbrook
Jessica Walker
Ryon Siverling
Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks
Mitch Machado
Steve Studebaker
Danny Naron
Austin Ohlinger
Tim O'Hara
Paul Hanley
Manny Avila
Matt While
Kristin Hanley
Sid Hess
Snazzy Duckworth
Sean Cook
Shawn McCoy
Gary Adams
Dave Spindell
Steve Hansen
Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks
Jeremy Tjensvold
Tom Brown
Roy Dearing
Sophie Shelley
Darien Balestrini
Bill Manzoni
Danny Manzoni
Jason Grover
Madera Speedway Unofficial Race Results May 4, 2019
Challenge Cup Late Model 100 Laps
Buddy Shepherd
Devin Dodson
Tommy Wicks
Thomas Martin
Matt Erickson
Austin Herzog
Thomas Suarez
Southwest Tour Trucks
Ronnie Davis
Jeff Williams
Mike Kelperis
Curtis Burns
George Perret
Steve Reeves
Madera Midgets
Jerome Rodella
Dylan Nobile
David Goodwill
Mark Maliepaard
Cody Gerhardt
JR Williams
Blake Brannon
Robert Carson
Toni Breindenger DNS
USAC Western Speed2 Midgets
Joey Iest
Johnny Nichols
Derek Loweree
Joseph Holiday
Legends
Colton Page
Braden Rogers
Eddie Garone
Peter Soto
Kevin Travels
Keith Clement
Carlee Austin
Forest Souza
Dylan Washburn
Barona Speedway Unofficial Race Results May 4, 2019
IMCA Modifieds
Matthew Hicks
Brian Brown
Michael Thing
Joey Craig
Devon Felkner
Bill Miller
Keith Altig
Eric Evans
Cole Dick
Steven Eaton
Andy Papp
Karl Von Yokes
Jonathan Walton
Chris Jaggi
Joseph Altig
James Cory
Street Stock
Greg Mann
Ryan Amidon
Mike Prigeon
Jake Triska
Keith Altig
Nick Braddy
Aaron Maclean
Dan Burakowski
Jayson Aldridge
Rod Robison
David Kilpela DNS
Terry Adams Jr DQ
Pure Stock
Jayson Aldridge
Rick Eicksteadt
David Hunt
Ken Rose
Rick Schnereger
Dave Evangelou
Lynn Davis
Patrick Hartley
Greg Perry
Wayne Rebello
Nick Novak
Tiffany Crow
Jason Saunders
Brandon Jesina
Mike Saunders
Steven Luecht DNS
Triston Peters DNS
Mini Stocks
Dennis Taylor II
Robert Minnick
Lucas Vanderstaay
Nicole Carleton
Gary Langevin
Mi Alan Milczewski
Tera Galen
Kaden McKown
Cody Parenteau
Mark Barlow
Ventura Raceway Unofficial Race Results May 4, 2019
CRA/USAC Sprints
Results are not official
1 #11 Troy Rutherford
2 #92 Austin Williams
3 #73 Jake Swanson
4 #21 A. J. Bender
5 #5X Tommy Malcolm
5 #91R Brody Roa
6 #83 Austin Liggett
7 #4G Chris Gansen
8 #4 Damion Gardner
9 #15 Rick Hendrix
10 #57 Steve Hix
11 #28M Matt McCarthy
12 #52V Trent Williams
13 #98 Verne Sweeney
14 #29T Ryan Timmons
15 #98J Jeremy Ellertson
16 #81M Ricky Lewis
18 #12B Joel Rayborne
18 #71 Brent Owens
19 #51T Eddie Tafoya Jr
20 #51 Austin Ervine
21 #37 Matt Mitchell
VRA Senior Sprints
Results are not official
1 #13 Bruce Douglass
2 #2 Wally Pankratz
3 #27 Tyler Hatzikian
4 #66 Chris Meredith
5 #50 Will Perkins
6 #3G Greg Andrews
7 #2K Mark Sheppard
8 #5K Paul Mircik
9 #1K Danny Parrish
PORWi California Lightning Sprints
Results are not official
1 #1 Jarrett Kramer
2 #7 Doug Nunes
3 #37 Dominic Del Monte
4 #73X Aiden Lange
5 #18 Dalton Sexton
6 #21x Bobby Michnowicz
7 #22s Gage Cheek
8 #44 Brent Sexton
9 #8g Eric Greco
10 #4 Jeff Dyer
11 #45 Cody Nigh
12 #69x Jonathon Conley
13 #2r Robb Pelmear
14 #02 Jason Arnolde
15 #42 Jon Robertson
16 #74 Shane Sexton
17 #3 Grant Sexton
18 #17 Dale Gamer
19 #7f Frank Ditmar
20 #2j James Turnbull
21 #91 A. J. Bender
Western Speed2 Midgets
Results are not official
1 #73 Charlie Butcher
2 #73T Jackson Dukes
3 #73X George Ito
4 #94K Hobie Conway
5 #22Q David Prickett
6 #8X Randi Pankratz
7 #37 Mike Leach Jr
8 #8 Tres Van Dyne
9 #26 Tim Foy
Merced Speedway Unofficial Race Results May 4, 2019
IMCA Modifieds
Paul Stone
Ryan Porter
Cody Burke
Troy Foulger
Randy Brown
Austin Burke
Ramie Stone
Josh Combs
Ricky Thatcher
John Osgood III
Jesse Burks
Mitch Enos
D.J. Shannon
Bob Williamson
Scott Simatovich
Anthony Giuliani
Hobby Stocks
Shannon Nelson
Austin Van Hoff
Domossie Scoggins
Michael Shearer
Cody Smiley
Allen Neal
Donnie Shearer
Dexter Long
Kristie Shearer
Race Shelton
Timothy Crews
Robbie Loquaci
Mini Stocks
Chris Corder
Lucy Falkenberg
Lee Ragsdale
Shawn DePriest
Shayla Gould
Tyler Post
Jerry Tubbs
Austin Sprague
Jennifer Rodgers
Valley Sportsman
Rick Elliott
Eric Seely
Mark Friesen
Jeff West
Chris Corder DNS
Stockton 99 Speedway Unofficial Race Results May 4, 2019
Late Models
Guy Guibor
Arron Shankel
Gary Shafer Jr
Justin Philpott
Justin Lovelace
Larry Tankersley
Ty Carlson
Dominic Lopez
Lance Ward
Johny Cardoza Jr.
Dennis Byers
Danny Devore
Chad Holman
Christian Roche
Steve Cabral
Josh Smiley
Bombers
Ben Lewis II
Tyler Guzman
Mikala Stearns
Justin Scantlin
AJ Ryder
Barrett Sugden
Troy Walz
David Anderson
Rodney Oliver
Allen Ryder
Harrison Stone
Jeana Ramos
Brandon Diede
Joey Stearns
Robert Oliver
Basically 4 Cylinder
Josh Cross
Joe Flowers
Andy Rumsey
Jeffery Harris
Frank Brown
Kathy Bishop
Josh Brown'
Garland Powell
Dave Kong
Matthew Richardson
AJ Flowers
Joe Martin
Mark Hunt
Ethan Rumsey
Bryon Bishop
The Editor's Viewpoint
I wrote something last Saturday. I really don't like opening up too much about my own situation, but there were things I did want to say. I've had things on my mind lately. I'm coming up on a point where I'm going to have to make a decision about something. I've been putting it off, but I think the time has just about come. The only reason I'm not doing it now is out of a courtesy to somebody who said they were going to call me when the situation they were working on was resolved. That hasn't happened within the span of time that they gave me. I'm going to be vague on things for now.
This has left me on the verge of having to make a big decision on where I am going and where my racing media effort is going. When I make the announcement, if it's necessary, I'll explain why. I know my friends will understand why I would make such a decision. It doesn't come easy for me. However, you can rest assured that I will continue to work on the media effort throughout the season as I have made that commitment. Absolutely no content that I'm doing now will be dropped from the blog this year.
It does get challenging, because when I say I'm volunteering my efforts, I really am. My friend Don tells me I need to point this out more, and I don't like doing that. I prefer to get down to work and hope that help comes when I need it. But the fact is, I have no budget and draw no salary for the efforts that I make. To be honest, I never held my hand out and asked any track to help. I simply put up The Tip Jar, and people can help me there if they want. Some people have in the past, and it's greatly appreciated.
It gets to a point where I don't have enough money to buy new shoes or new clothing or things that I personally need for myself, let alone things for my media effort. So, when I had some money at the end of last year, I started taking care of those needs. Now, I find myself needing a new camera for the pictures that I take and a new phone. I still can't afford the phone service, but I make use of the phone in other ways that make it a necessary tool.
I am waiting on the camera to be delivered, and I hope to have that before the next race. The phone is just waiting for me to take it out of the box. The one I am using has developed a hairline crack, and it's just a matter of time before it dies on me. Fortunately, I'm not going in for those fancy phones, but just something basic and simple.
I do want to thank Michael Burch for the recent support that helped make the camera purchase possible for me. I had been setting aside money for the phone that I knew I would need to replace, in the hopes that it would last longer. Unfortunately, I have tapped into those funds to make that purchase.
So it comes down to this, if you like the effort that we make on either of our racing blogs to put the word out for the sport, consider throwing a tip our way. The Tip Jar is at the top of each post, and you can't miss the link below the red text. Support goes towards personal needs to keep me going, needs to keep the media effort going and whatever else is needed.
It definitely becomes more challenging to do this. After a long day out at the race track and a commute that I absolutely despise at this point, I'm back at the house at probably 2 or 3 in the morning after race night. I try to get whatever notes I can then so I know what I'm working with when I start the writing effort on Sunday, Plus taking care of social media needs for the track and working on the update for the souvenir program if needed to be sent out for the next week. It wouldn't seem to be a big problem, but I run out of gas pretty quickly on Sunday. It leaves me working funny hours where I find myself seeing the sun peeking through my window on Monday morning and I'm still finishing stuff up.
These are the deadlines that I have to deal with in sending stuff out to various media outlets. If it doesn't get there in time, it's not getting printed. So, I do what I can. I'm up to nine different tracks that I know of that have been printed in at least one paper in their area, and I'm still looking to add others. In many cases, I would have been writing these articles for the blogs anyways, so I make the extra effort of emailing them to several different sources. The problem is the extra effort requires the work to be done quicker than I might do it otherwise.
Between demands on my time and the commute back and forth to the track during the week that I make, I struggle to make sure I get everything up on the blogs by Thursday morning. if I'm lucky, I end up with half a day where I don't have anything to do. There is no one or two days off for me with this media effort as things take my time so much it's just not possible. If I want it done, I have to do it when I have the time to do it. A lot of people would throw in the towel because there is no paycheck at the end of the week for this.
Racing does manage to keep a roof over my head, a warm bed to sleep in and food to eat. I am grateful and yet resentful at the same time as life passes me by and this is all I do. I know people might not understand that, but it's the truth. On the other hand, diving into racing keeps my mind occupied and off of the things that are really just bothering me. Maybe it helps fight off the depression for a while?
In any event, I've continued the effort for Southern Oregon Speedway and have worn many hats to help the cause. Though I don't draw a salary, I do maintain my here and now. What happens in the future if all this goes away, I don't know. I don't see a good personal outcome. I see what I was facing four years ago ultimately happening when this ends.
In the meantime, we had a good opener up here. The car count was good and we had a slightly better crowd than last year. I call that progress, but there were many things going on behind the scenes that were not good. We saw it and are dealing with it. It's a never-ending battle that you fight every week to keep things going. Though it may not have been that good in some respects, the fans still saw a good show and were sent home by 11. This is what you strive for.
We don't like down time here very much. Once the program gets started, we want to keep it moving. Therefore, after the heat races are done, I'm heading down to the pits to make sure we've got lineups on the boards. In this case, we had to do the redraw for three classes, which meant the 10 minute intermission probably stretched to 15 or 20 minutes. But once a lineup appeared on the board, cars were being called up. I find myself almost stuck in the pits when the first Main Event rolls out on the track every week, so I'm running to get back up to the booth.
I came up here to try and help make things better than they were before I got here. Social media presence has increased dramatically, we have a much better webpage than we had when I got here, we have a souvenir program that continues to gather momentum, articles are being put out every week, we have an audio show and that's just some of the stuff I've been involved with personally to help make it better. I am so proud of what we've accomplished here, the work we've done and all of the great racers and fans.
The souvenir program sales are a source of pride for me. As I understand it, the previous year or two, there were no programs. So, we were establishing them the first year. Sales increased by 50% the next year and 33% the year after that. Last week, we sold 79 of 100 printed programs. I do them 100 at a time with the hope that I have to print a new one every week. Then, they get new stories and new pictures. That has not happened up until this week. Because we sold so many, I had to print a new batch.
Two things that probably contributed to the increase in sales were the fact that our announcer, Cory Penfold, began announcing at about 10 minutes to 6. rather than starting moments before the races are going to begin. Cory is on the microphone letting people know who is there, they can get programs, there's food available and all of that. Things that you want to mention. The other thing that helped the programs was probably the introduction of Race O. It's sort of like bingo, only when you get a line of numbers, you win a prize. We do food coupons, passes for next week and that sort of thing.
It's amazing to see people getting excited about being back at the races again. More new faces are out there in the pits. Drivers are investing in new cars and moving up. Businesses dealing with the racers are doing well. This is all because of hard work and taking a program that was nearly dead back in 2015 and beginning to turn it around. We've done a lot, but there's so much more that still needs to be done. You get the impression that things can unravel on you very quickly if you're not on top of them. That has me worried all the time, which is why I never take a good week for granted. I never assume that we are there. There are always people who are ready to point out your flaws, so be aware of your flaws from the start and work on them. Nobody's going to be perfect, mind you, but when you make an effort, people see that.
The feeling I have is that Southern Oregon Speedway can continue the momentum this year. This should be the best year yet for Mike McCann and KJE Enterprises at this track. You want to know that you left things better than they were when you got there, and we've been doing that. Actually, looking at the numbers during the last decade, last year may be at the top of the list for during that time period. The goal is to make this year even better, and we've got a great group of drivers here to help make that happen. Ultimately, all you can do is open the gates and do your best.
While Southern Oregon Speedway was having a good season opener with some exciting racing all the way around, neighboring Siskiyou Golden Speedway had a good night. Kevin is going to have to deal with the nitpickers. I was looking on social media, for instance, and people were wondering why there were only 20 Pro Stocks for the Billy Geyer race. Are you freaking serious? I know the local Oregon group didn't produce the numbers they probably should have, but this race had more out-of-town support than it's ever had. The fans saw a good turnout and good racing. They saw somebody win $2,000 for the victory. They had double-digit turnouts in the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks. What more do you want for the third race of a new promotional team?
Kevin has a lot of work to do, but he came into a program that was much like what we faced in Medford after the 2015 season. The only place to go is up. If you don't work on going up, the other place is no place at all. The gates close and it's over. Kevin is determined not to let that happen, and he's worked very hard. He's been networking with other promoters and different people and building up a program.
It's my hope, and this is me personally and not as a spokesperson for any race track, that the program grows in Yreka to such an extent that a working relationship can be established between them and the Medford track. Sort of a, "what can you bring to the table" kind of thing. Medford's numbers are better, but a stronger Yreka is one that Medford could work with, in my opinion. Again, I speak only as the editor of the DCRR Media brand and not as a representative of a track when I say that.
What has happened with Kevin is he is taking the week off for Mother's Day. My first instinct is to shake my head and say, why Kevin? I know Merced Speedway is doing the same thing. But then again, they just had a three event weekend where people are probably tapped financially. Giving them a week to recoup some money probably helps there. Yreka would seemingly have a golden opportunity to increase Sport Modified car count this week and also even book an IMCA Modified race. Add in the Mini Stocks, and I think they could have probably done okay this weekend.
I don't doubt that if there are any other opportunities on the schedule to try and throw in an IMCA Modified race, they might just do that. As it turns out, Kevin has said that while they have this week off, he's going to look at his schedule and make some adjustments. Again, being a first-time promotor, he's already learning a lot on the job. I don't care what any critic says, they did well with the Billy Geyer Memorial race last week, gave the fans a good show with a good turnout and it was a win as far as I'm concerned. If you want to be a part of the turn around at your local race track, be a part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Of course, Antioch Speedway has people complaining as well. John has made some scheduling adjustments. Here's my thoughts on the whole matter. When you put a schedule out, people make copies and stick them on their refrigerators, their bulletin boards in the garage or wherever. They circle the dates they know they can make and make their plans. They might have to take that one week off and do something with the family. In other words, they're planning their whole year. So when a schedule gets adjusted, it does tend to screw with your drivers. If you want strong support at each race, you try to avoid that.
The Limited Late Models are one of the classes that has kind of staggered out of the gate this year. They pulled in six cars last week, but two of those drivers blew motors. Worried about only having four cars this week, John decided to remove them and add the Hobby Stocks. I've been commenting that one of the reasons the Hobby Stocks are doing so well is because they're not big booked to death. They've been added here and are part of the announced schedule for during the County Fair race on May 18th along with the Wingless Spec Sprints. We all knew there would be a date coming during the fair, so adding the division there was no surprise. Being added this week might catch a few off guard.
The argument against making this adjustment was made by one person who said, "So somebody has problems and now their division is taken off so they can get things fixed? What about this other division and this guy blowing a motor? Should that division be dropped so he can get his motor fixed too?"
Fine, I get it. But John wasn't doing this adjustment based on favoring a particular driver so they can get their car back. What he was doing was saying he wanted to give the fans more cars in that particular division and felt that they would do better at the next scheduled date.
You're damned if you do and your damned if you don't. I know that there is an undercurrent of negativity waiting to rise to the surface at Antioch Speedway. I can already feel it. A lot of people were on board because it looked like the race track might close for the entire year or for several weeks at least. When John found out he won the protest and would get the track back, he could have very easily said he needed a little bit more time to make things ready. In my opinion, he probably should have. I just feel he could have benefited from another month or two of preparation.
I think John wanted to let everybody know that business would still go on as usual, and so it was important for him to start the season as closely to the time he normally would as possible. Hence, there were practices and races booked in March. Weather has been cooperative and everything that he has scheduled has happened so far. This has caused some people to get on board. People were volunteering help to get the facility ready, and you haven't seen a lot of bad-mouthing about the track on social media, at least compared to what it's been in the past.
The last thing I like to do is be negative, but I'm just being the observer from a distance. I can see things aren't what they should be. I can see people starting to think that it's just the same as it's always been. When people had a little bit of hope in their minds, they were willing to give some of the negative things a pass and just be optimistic about what was coming in the future. When they start looking at things like it's business as usual and things haven't changed, you're going to get negativity.
I don't want to see that. I understand there are a few things changing, and there could ultimately be some big change on the horizon for the speedway. I don't simply want to see things going on like business as usual. What needs to happen is things going on with an intent to make it better. Things going on with an attempt to get people back out there racing who we haven't seen in a while. Things going on with an intent towards getting more fans to want to spend money to come watch. And guess what? It's possible to do that. It's possible to start this next week and say, "Things are going to change. We're going to do better."
While I've been involved in the Medford effort, I've never made big promises. I've never said this is going to happen or that's going to happen. I've simply said that I'm going to do everything I can to make a difference. I've pitched ideas, some of which have actually happened. That means that I have to get my butt busy to help make that idea better. When Mike says he wants to do this or that, I'm working hard to help make that better. You work one week at a time to make it better and you get back in there after a good week or a bad week and do it again.
You can't have an every man for himself mentality. Unfortunately, there's a little bit of that going on from what I've been hearing. There is a man who has put a headset on and is focusing on what's going on, and the more he gets involved, the more I think things can improve for the better. What his plans are I don't know. I just know the man and the fact that he has spent the last 25 years involved in this sport and is involved in the local racing community. So, having Chad Chadwick involved in helping turn things around at Antioch Speedway can be a very big positive.
John has laid the groundwork this year. He got the gates open in time. The race track has been looking gorgeous the last couple of weeks. He's given the B Modifieds a couple of extra money races already, and there's some bigger money shows coming up for the A Modifieds. There are some huge events left on the schedule, but I think those races can be highlighted and hyped up a little bit better. The potential is there. What happens in the future depends on the powers-that-be.
What I learned from the attitude of the racers early on this year is that they want to believe in that place. They want Antioch Speedway to thrive and do better. They are willing to give things the benefit of the doubt, but they also want to see some progress. Some racers are just going to show up because it's easier to go there. We want them to show up because they really want to be there and be a part of what's happening. There's a difference. Anyways, I've got my eyes on what's going on there, and I'm always hopeful.
I will go over this column before deciding what to do with it. So that means, if you're reading it, I must have liked it enough to publish it. I'm trying to choose my words carefully as there are some things on my mind regarding my future. I don't want to have to make the move that it looks like I might have to make, but I'm going to do what's best for myself. I will explain what is going on when that time comes.
Last week, a man whom I do respect from the Hardtop group, Ken Clifford, contacted me regarding my opinion. Ken will give me his honest opinion, and I appreciate that. He has jumped on me when he thought I had it coming, and sometimes he's even said that I was right about what I said after thinking about it. Other times, he's been right and maybe I could have done things a little bit differently.
When I wrote last week's column about the Hardtops, I did ask myself whether I wanted to go there about the man who is booking the dates for the California Hardtop Association. I am not going to lie to you and say we are buddies. Far from it. He has said things about me and I've done the same about him. But I did ask myself whether I needed to go there. In retrospect, I did not. The comments I was making didn't really need to involve him or the California Hardtop Association.
Ken tells me that things are changing in the way the group is being run. He tells me there is more of a consensus with more driver input. It isn't a simple matter of one guy running everything. If this is true, then it's perhaps a step in the right direction. What I say is that the Hardtop division has a good opportunity to step in and be the hero at some of the venues they go to. I don't back down on that assessment. Then again, I have to understand that a group is going to be run the way the people within that group want it to be. My opinions are just that, my opinions. So, I'll just support what they're doing and do what I can from here.
One thing about the group of California Hardtop Association racers is that they can generally bring 6 to 10 cars for any date that they have booked. So weather I might wonder about organization or what not, they can bring something to the table. They are in a better position right now than the other group, and the whole point of the article I wrote last week was to say that nobody should blame the California Hardtop Association for the low turnout of Hardtops in Antioch for the Larry Damitz race.
There's a man that I have a great deal of respect for named Mike McCann, and I think many of the people in the Hardtops do as well. They should, because we wouldn't be having this Hardtop discussion if it wasn't for Mike McCann and Chuck Prather doing what they did in California some 17 years ago. They were the ones that sparked the revival movement in the state. Mike and I talk about what could happen and the missed opportunities.
The last time he tried to do something to help, 14 cars showed up at Antioch. John didn't want anything to do with the class, and Mike was the one who opened the door and said he'd get it going. John might have been skeptical, but he respects Mike. He let it happen. Mike was ready to do more, but a certain somebody within the group was being who he is and Mike went on to other things.
The Bay Area Hardtop group sprang out of a desire to have a better presence in Antioch. I agree with that and supported the movement. However, you have to work with your own cars when you're doing that. That's the bottom line. I stand by my assessment that there is a pool of 10 Bay Area cars, and three showing up for that race is pathetic. Others felt the same way, which is why they started pointing a finger at the California Hardtop Association. I merely wanted them to point the finger back in their own face and leave the California Hardtop Association alone.
Ken tells me that there is a difference in philosophy between the groups that may prevent any sort of regular support from the guys up north coming to Antioch. There are concerns over the $50 gate entry. There is a thought within the group that they don't want to run for a purse. They want to run for fun. There is the toll coming over the bridge. So, there are things that need to be addressed before you would see any sort of formal endorsement from the group itself to come to Antioch. If drivers decide to show up otherwise, it's their car. They'll do what they want.
It still comes back to what I was saying. There is no Bay Area leadership. There is only the hope of making something happen, just not somebody really leading the charge. I've seen enough and discussed enough with certain people to make that assessment, and I don't say that out of any dislike of any of the people in the Bay Area movement. They simply aren't leading. So, until I see otherwise, there are Hardtop races at Antioch Speedway that Bay Area racers can come to, but there's not an organized Bay Area Hardtop group that is building anything up.
There is a somewhat organized group of California Hardtop racers. There is an effort to get the word out to some within the group at least and the idea that as long as it's not too hot at whatever venue they're booked at, you'll get cars for the show. The guys love running at Placerville, and I have no doubt that they'll put on a good show again with whomever comes this Saturday night. I'm just disappointed that the movement at Antioch isn't further along three years later. Then again, maybe it isn't meant to be? Time will tell.
I need to close this thing down. I just want to point out that I'm impressed with what's going on with the PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprints at Petaluma. Another 18 car turn out last week. With there being 11 cars at Antioch Saturday night and another 12 cars that didn't have a race at Orland last week, they are still well over 40 active competitors in this group. Not too shabby. The Spec Sprints and the Winged Sprints are going to get a shot at some extra money this week at Petaluma thanks to the sponsorship of PitStopUSA.com. It's one of those Shootout races. The numbers remain pretty good at Petaluma so far, though the Winged Sprint Car class took a hit last week. It's still been a good start for the track.
The Watsonville effort has been interesting to watch. The Ocean Sprint Car Series, presented by Taco Bravo, has a new look at the top of the point list. This is because three-time champion Brad Furr and 2015 champ Justin Sanders have now missed two races. Bud Kaeding picked up a couple of wins, but he too has missed two races. This is leaving the battle to Jeremy Chisum, Jason Chisum, James Ringo, Koen Shaw and Kurt Nelson, and it's very likely that somebody will be winning their first championship there this year.
Watsonville had a solid turnout for their show last week, which is nice to see. It's interesting to see the IMCA Sport Modified class had a stronger number last week. There has been some question about the way they do their purse in that class, but I think the track would come alive with Sport Modifieds if they paid the way other area tracks pay their division. This Friday night, we get another look at the Ocean Midgets, which runs the USAC Western Speed2 Midget rules. They had seven cars for the opener, which I think was a good start. Maybe this USAC Speed2 thing will finally get off the ground in California?
Also coming up on the 17th will be the Bill Egleston Memorial race. They will be paying extra money for the IMCA Modifieds in honor of the late Bill Egleston, who died in a crash at Perris Auto Speedway in early 2018. This was a race that was held at Merced Speedway, but when the management change happened there, they got rid of most of their memorial events. I find that to be greatly disappointing, but I find it refreshing that John Prentice has brought this race to Ocean Speedway, giving them three banner events for the IMCA Modifieds this year. That was a nice touch.
It seems like people want to find the negative aspect of any place and go overboard attacking their local race track. I don't know what good that serves. I've heard three items, and one of them I'm still trying to get to the bottom of. It's important to me, because it deals with one of the tracks that has been a part of this blog for several years, Orland Raceway.
I have been told that there were people selling their race cars because they're suddenly unhappy with the place. I've been able to find no evidence of that, though a car is for sale. Evidently, the driver has had some terrible luck with his motor and he has spent more than he wanted to in getting it fixed. That doesn't indicate discontent with the race track, but rather a frustration that he put money into it and is getting nothing but bad luck out of it. I can understand that, although my recommendation would be to park the car alongside the house for a couple of races while you take your time getting things fixed. No hurry in getting back. Line everything up right and when you do come back maybe it will be better.
Unhappiness at Orland Raceway? I don't know about that. I do know that you're always going to have people who find the negative in what you do. I also know that Orland is that hidden track in the shadows of tracks that are seen as bigger than they are. It's a modest program for weekly Saturday night racers on a budget. You're not going to the Taj Mahal. You're not going to Indianapolis. You're going to a local 1/5 mile dirt oval. Remember that. I can tell you that everything isn't perfect. It isn't perfect anywhere.
The fact remains, you've got a promoter there in Rich Hood who's been working very hard to take a program and give it some stability. This track has been lacking any kind of stability for several years, and he's trying to just get things organized and running properly. I think he's done a good job. I know a man who tells me that when you give the racers the opportunity, they'll do the wrong thing every time. There's truth in that. In other words, if things aren't exactly perfect, racers are liable to screw things up worse and put the whole track in jeopardy.
Lakeport Speedway had something going on that I'm still uncertain about. I heard a little bit about people impersonating NCRA board members and selling memberships. All I know is that all of the board members have resigned as of May 3rd and new board members were being elected. I don't know who was elected. I don't even know who's going to be running the track.
The man who was running things was David Furia, who is somebody that I have a great deal of respect for. I'm not exactly sure what happened, but I am under the impression that he is still involved with Ukiah Speedway. Ukiah has done a little bit better in recent years than Lakeport as far as numbers. Lakeport has been kind of struggling a little bit lately, and this is the track that had a pretty darn good reputation. As far as the racing conditions are concerned, I consider Ukiah to be one of the best pavement tracks in the state of California. Lakeport doesn't seem like it would be all that great when you look at it, but the racing isn't bad.
The only thing I know is that longtime promoter Nadine Strauss came on to clear the air on social media last Friday. Things are being done to put everything back in order and run the schedule that has been booked. I don't know who will be at the helm. Will it be Nadine? I don't know if that would be something she would want to do at this point as she has done her time. On the other hand, I do know that if they needed somebody to come in there and give it some stability, she's your woman. I know she cares a lot about that race track and just keeping it going. I hope everything works out there.
There was also a little bit about an announcer being fired at Bakersfield Speedway. Brian Smith has been announcing there for the past few years, and I understand that he has built up a level of respect among the racers for the job that he does. I don't know what the particulars are with him being fired. I do believe that Scott Schweitzer has been running one of the top dirt tracks in California for the past several seasons.
it doesn't matter whether a track is doing well or whether its struggles along, you're going to have people who went to sandbag it. They're going to say negative things and try to drag things down, because that's just the kind of people that they are. If Scott made a decision here, he did what he felt was best. Remember, at the end of the day, a promotor is the one writing the checks that keeps the business going. An announcer is an important position as they convey what needs to be said to the fans who come out to watch. If he's making a decision to go in another direction, he has his reasons.
Even good announcers get removed. I have no doubt that Brian is as they say, one of the better announcers. But if a promoter decides to go in another direction, it doesn't matter. They'll do what they think is best for their particular business. I remember back in 1990, Antioch Speedway got rid of an announcer that I felt was one of the best they'd ever had. When they did that, I don't think that they upgraded necessarily, but they got somebody that could do the job the way they wanted it done. The other guy simply moved on and found another gig elsewhere.
Up here in Medford, Bryce Burtner was released prior to this season. As I understand it, he's been the main announcer at the track for at least the past six seasons and was trained by long-time announcer or R Charles Snyder. Management decided they wanted to take things in a different direction and brought in Cory Penfold. It was not an indication, as far as I'm concerned, that Bryce was not good at what he did, but rather an indication that management felt that certain things could be done differently and wanted to go with Cory and his crew from Moxie Media.
While I've gotten along well with Cory, I also got along with Bryce. Cory brings a lot of passion to what he does, and Bryce is that familiar voice people hear on the radio during the week. So, there were some people disappointed. Bryce, however, has moved on. I can point out that when I heard there were some questions about the quality of announcing in Yreka, I made a recommendation to the management down there that they should contact Bryce. I think he is good at what he does. But, I'm drifting from the topic here.
When people start calling for boycots and that sort of thing because of a decision like this, they really should ask themselves if that is what's needed. There does come a time when people need to stand up when things get so bad that the general welfare of the race track is in danger. Is the removal of an announcer such a time? Do they have it so bad at Bakersfield Speedway that anybody would want to boycot? When I look at the numbers, I find it hard to believe that there's a problem.
We talk about race tracks that are sort of the Mecca of their state. That is to say, one of those places that people want to go to. Bakersfield generally gets spoken of as one of the Top 3 dirt tracks in the state of California, just as Cottage Grove Speedway is the bastion of greatness that people point to in Oregon. I pretty much dismiss what's going on at Bakersfield as a controversy that doesn't need to happen. Brian and Scott will work out whatever they need to be worked out. Scott is doing what he thinks is right for business, and Brian is still somebody that I could see getting hired somewhere else. The show goes.
Just remember when you're looking at all of these race tracks that are open on the West Coast, that doesn't indicate that the state of racing is wonderful. It's certainly not in the shape that it was 20 or 30 years ago. There are enough people with money to invest that love the sport enough to keep it going, but gates can start closing soon. In fact, I still believe we are on the verge of seeing some good places closed.
So when you talk about protesting, boycotting or whatever, ask yourself if it's worth it or not. As a racer, maybe you just race elsewhere or park your car for a while until you feel the urge to race again? If it's not fun, go somewhere that is fun, but don't torpedo the place that means a lot to other people. Just my two cents as somebody who walked away from the sport when it got to be too much of a negative for me.
I could go on and on, and you know I like to do that, but I'm going to end this column. Until next time...
