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Sprint Cars, Modifieds Highlight Big Antioch Speedway Event
Antioch, CA...All Star Racing Series action returns to Antioch Speedway this Saturday night in a big way. There will be six divisions competing on the fast 3/8 mile clay oval. Fans wanting to see some Sprint Car racing will get their wish as the Winged 360 Sprint Cars and the Wingless Spec Sprints will both be in action. The A Modifieds return, joined by the B Modifieds, Limited Late Models and Dwarf Cars. This is sure to be a program with non-stop action from start to finish.
We haven't gotten to see too many Winged Sprint Car races so far this year. There have been two regular point events and the Civil War Series race, but we're about ready to see two races in a row for the class. This should give us an indication of where the championship season will be. In the three races held so far, the wins have been earned by Angelo Cornet and Ryan Robinson as Billy Aton picked up the Civil War Series win. However, Jacob Tuttle is the point leader after his second place finish last time out. He leads two-time champion Art McCarthy by just two points.
Danny Wagner is a rookie in the class this year. It's been a mixed bag for him so far, but he recently earned a Top 10 finish in Marysville. He'll be hoping to do better things this Saturday night. Other racers to watch for include Tim Burcher and Emily Williams.
Sometimes you need a little luck on your side to get the victory. Wingless Spec Sprint point leader Shannon Newton was zooming along in the lead last time out when he spun to avoid taking out a slower car. Newton gathered it up and resumed racing in fourth, but moments later a yellow flag waved for a spin in the fourth turn. This put Newton back into the lead due to not racing to the yellow, and he brought it home to his sixth triumph in nine starts. Not surprisingly, Newton leads Rick Panfili by 78 points.
Panfili, who is still searching for his first career win, has earned four consecutive Top 5 finishes, giving him a 34 point advantage over Mackenzie Newton in a closer race for second. The return of two-time champion Dan Gonderman has certainly made things interesting. Gonderman led several laps last time before earning his second runner-up finish of the season. Two-time reigning champion Bob Newberry is also a double winner this year. These two could be there this week, and others to watch for include one-time winner Dustin Maibes, Jeff Scotto, Adam Teves and Troy Ferry.
The A Modified division has been interesting this year. From very early on, third-generation racer Buddy Kniss has led the way. Kniss gave clear indication that he means business this year when he earned his second feature win last time out. His closest rival, one-time winner Danny Wagner, finished third that night, meaning Kniss now has a 36 point lead in the championship battle.
Meanwhile, reigning champion and three-time winner Nick DeCarlo has a solid hold on third following his second runner-up finish in the last three weeks. DeCarlo is always a threat to win when he's at the track. Other drivers to watch for this week include Frank Furtado, Gary Hetrick, Sean Wilson, one-time champion Bobby Motts Jr and Bobby Montalvo.
The B Modified division has continued to be a battle between Tommy Fraser and Brent Curran. It seems like these two have been dividing the wins amongst each other, and the difference seems to be that the previous winner has to start no better than tenth at the next race. Curran picked up his sixth win of the season last time out, while Fraser won a battle with Kevin Brown to finish second. Fraser has five wins to his credit, and he leads Curran by 14 points.
Meanwhile, Kevin Brown is engaged in a close battle with Cameron Swank for the third point position. Brown earned his third third place finish of the season last time out, and he has also picked up five Top 5 finishes in his last six starts. However, his lead over Swank is still just four points. Trevor Clymens was an early-season winner as he began what could have been his third championship run before he had to miss a few races. Clymens is gathering back his momentum and is poised to strike for another win anytime soon. Other drivers to watch for this week include reigning Limited Late Model champion Mark Garner, Tommy Clymens Jr, Tim Rolan and Les Friend.
The current Limited Late Model point list hasn't been released yet, but it should show Kimo Oreta and Jim Freethy in a tie for the lead. Oreta scored his fourth win of the season last time with Freethy in pursuit. Freethy is a two-time winner. Both drivers are competing for their second championship in this division, and this appears to be a battle that will go down to the wire.
Meanwhile, Michael Burch is holding third in the standings with five Top 5 finishes in his seven starts. The margin isn't too comfortable for Burch after Chad Hammer picked up his second third place finish of the season last time out. Other drivers to watch for this week include two-time champion Mike Gustafson, John Evans, Mike Walko and Jimmy Robbins.
The Dwarf Car division seems to be a battle for second in the standings after seven races. This is because Scott Dahlgren has won four Main Events, including three of the last four. Dahlgren has a 74 point lead over teammate Devan Kammermann. On the strength of back-to-back second place finishes, Kammermann has a four point lead over Troy Stevenson. Stevenson has picked up a pair of third place finishes so far this year. Other drivers to watch for this week include two-time reigning champion Mike Corsaro, Mario Marques, Chris Becker, David Michael Rosa and one-time feature winners Travis Dutra and David Rosa.
For fans wanting to see lots of racing at Antioch Speedway, Saturday night will be your night. This six division lineup is sure to deliver a lot of action and excitement. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Papenhausen, Oreta, Curran, Mallet Win
Antioch Speedway Features
Antioch, CA...July 20...Richard Papenhausen won the 20 lap DIRTcar Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the fifth win of the season for the current point leader. Kimo Oreta had the pole for the race and charged into the lead from the green flag ahead of past Santa Maria Speedway champion Rick Coffey. Fourth row starter Papenhausen was up to third on lap three and gained second from Coffey on a lap five restart. Papenhausen began to pressure Oreta for the lead, but he would spin to avoid contact in Turn 4 for of the eighth lap. Papenhausen got going without a yellow flag, and Oreta had a big lead on Coffey. As they came across to complete the 12th lap, however, Oreta suffered a mechanical failure and coasted down the front straightaway.
This put Coffey into the lead over Papenhausen. However, Papenhausen charged into lead on the restart, and Coffey surrendered second to David Newquist on a lap 17 restart. As Papenhausen brought it home to victory, Coffey made an inside pass on the backstretch on the final lap to take second from Newquist. Newquist settled for third, followed by Dennis Souza and Rod Oliver.
Kimo Oreta had better luck in the All Star Racing Series Limited Late Model 20 lap Main Event. He would pick up his fourth win of the season to keep the pressure on point leader Jim Freethy in a close championship battle. Both drivers won their respective heat races. Oreta sped into the lead from the waving of the green flag. Freethy challenged Oreta during the early stages of the race, but Oreta pulled away just a bit by the time the checkered flag waved. Freethy was a comfortable second, and Chad Hammer made a late move around Michael Burch to finish third. Gustafson also got by for fourth as Burch settled for fifth.
Brent Curran won the 20 lap B Modified Main Event. This was his sixth win of the season as he keeps things close with Tommy Fraser in the point race. Les Friend led the opening lap before spinning in Turn 4 in front of Kevin Brown. Friend kept it going without need for a yellow flag as Curran took the lead. Brown was running second and was soon joined by tenth starter Fraser in what would be the closest battle of the race. As Curran pulled away a little bit, Fraser kept the pressure on Brown until making an inside pass on the backstretch of the 12th lap to take over second. The only yellow flag waved for a crash in Turn 4 of the 16th lap. Curran led the restart with Brown regaining second. Fraser made a bold inside move in Turn 1 of the 19th lap to regain second, but there was no way he could catch the flying Curran. Curran won ahead of Fraser, Brown, Cameron Swank and Friend.
Jacob Mallet Jr won his first career 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. With Alfred Johnson electing to start at the back, Mallett inherited a pole position start and raced into the lead at the waving of the green flag. Jeff Betancourt held second until an inside pass on the backstretch of the seventh lap gained Will Buirch the position. Buirch held second until spinning in Turn 4 on lap 15, moving Breanna Troen and point leader Chris Sorensen into second and third. A lap 17 yellow flag meant Mallett had to defend his lead on one more restart. Sorensen moved into second and provided the pressure, but Mallett kept his cool and scored a well-earned victory. Troen finished third, followed by Ken Johns and Betancourt.
Gene Haney won the Bay Area Hardtop Main Event.
All Star Racing Series action continues next Saturday night with a program that will feature both the Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Wingless Spec Sprints. Also competing will be the A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models and Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.
Unofficial Race Results
All Star Series Antioch Speedway
Late Models
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Richard Papenhausen, Rod Oliver. Main Event (20 laps)-Richard Papenhausen, Rick Coffey, David Newquist, Dennis Souza, Rod Oliver, Mike Hynes, Kimo Oreta, Rob Norris.
B Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Brent Curran, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (20 laps)-Brent Curran, Tommy Fraser, Kevin Brown, Cameron Swank, Les Friend, Trevor Clymens, Tommy Clymens Jr, Mark Garner, Jason Womack, Dennis Gilcrease.
Limited Late Models
Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jim Freethy, Kimo Oreta. Main Event (20 laps)-Kimo Oreta, Jim Freethy, Chad Hammer, Mike Gustafson, Michael Burch, John Evans, Jon Haney, Chris Long DNS.
Hobby Stocks
Heat winners (8 laps)-Josh Leach, Chris Sorensen. Main Event (20 laps)- Jacob Mallett Jr, Chris Sorensen, Brianna Troen, Ken Johns, Jeff Betancourt, Lori Brown, Will Buirch, Madison Motts, Josh Leach, Alfred Johnson.
USAC Western States Midgets Come To Merced Speedway
Merced, CA...Merced Speedway has been lining up some special open-wheel shows throughout the year. On the heels of last week's exciting Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint race, the USAC Western States Midgets are returning to the quarter-mile clay oval this week, a week ahead of the huge Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour, presented by Abreu Vineyards, event. Joining the Midgets this Saturday night will be the always exciting IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks and the Valley Sportsman division.
The USAC Western Midgets put on an exciting show everywhere they go, which was highlighted in the season opener at Bakersfield Speedway where Ben Worth made a thrilling rally to grab the victory. Worth counts himself as one of the four different winners in the five races held so far. Series point leader Austin Liggett has a pair of victories, including the win at the last race at Merced in April. Robbie Josett and Maria Cofer are the most recent winners.
They brought an impressive 19 car field to the last Merced race, and Cofer seemed intent on getting the victory as she paced the field for 22 laps. However, Liggett passed her on lap 23 and went on to win. When Cofer got the win at Petaluma last week, she had to take the lead away from Liggett. It was Sprint Car Star Shane Golobic finishing second at the recent Merced race, followed by Mitchell Moles, Cory Elliott and Worth. Liggett holds a 45 point advantage over Robert Dalby in the standings, while Dalby is trailed by Shannon McQueen, 19 points back. These three are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include Elliott, Watsonville point leader David Prickett, CJ Sarna, Randi Pankratz, Kyle Beilman, and Marvin Mitchell.
The IMCA Modified championship battle has certainly taken shape after seven events. Troy Foulger has been a force at Merced Speedway behind the wheel of the Bowers Racing Modified. With three wins and seven Top 5 finishes, Foulger leads fourth-generation racer Ryan Porter by 26 points. Just four points behind Porter is two-time champion Randy Brown. Brown has a win this year, but his inability to make the Main Event during the County Fair has put him further behind Foulger.
Multi-time champion Ramie Stone finds himself in the hunt, just 14 points out of second, and this is despite the fact that he has yet to get a Top 5 finish. He does have five Top 10 efforts, which puts him 13 points ahead of Paul Stone. Paul is a one-time winner, but he missed a race. Also missing a race is two-time winner DJ Shannon, who recently made a trip to the Midwest to do some racing. Some of the stars to watch for this week include Jessie James Burks, Anthony Giuliani, Cody Burke and longtime Merced Speedway competitor Bob Williamson.
Consistency has been the key for Lee Ragsdale in the Mini Stock division. Ragsdale is the only driver with all Top 5 finishes in his five starts, putting him three points ahead of one-time winner Lucy Falkenberg. Falkenberg is mounting a serious challenge this year, and Ragsdale is trying to rebound from the heartbreaking season finale of last year that cost him what could have been a championship. One-time winner Jennifer Rodgers is only 19 points out a lead, 11 ahead of rookie Shayla Gould. Another rookie in the field, Tyler Post, has done well as he trails Gould by just 15 points, three ahead of Jerry Tubbs. These six drivers are anticipated, along with two-time winner Shawn DePriest, three-time champion Chris Corder, Austin Sprague and Leonard Burnett.
Rick Elliott has taken command of the Valley Sportsman point lead. As he has not missed a race yet this year and is also a one-time winner, Elliott holds a commanding lead over second place. Second place is the battle as Chris Corder leads two-time winner and reigning champion Jerry Cecil by just one point. These three drivers are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include two-time champion Mike Friesen, Eric Seeley, Jeff West and the recent winner Dwayne Short.
With the Western Midgets and the IMCA Modifieds on the same bill, Merced Speedway will be the place to be this week. But also, with the huge Winged 360 Sprint Car show coming on August 3rd, fans will want to make plans to be there then as well. For further information, go to www.mercedspeedway.net.
Jones, Falkenberg, Shearer Collect Merced Speedway Victories
Merced, CA...July 20...Shawn Jones scored the victory in the 25 lap Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Merced Speedway. This was the first visit to the speedway by the series, which is now in their 10th season. Jones is the reigning series champion and one of the top drivers on the Dwarf Car circuit.
Jones had a front-row starting spot with point leader Jake Morgan lined up in the third row. Morgan was looking for his third win of the season, but once he moved into second, he found Jones to be a bigger challenge. Jones held off the advances of Morgan to score his second win of the season. Morgan settled for second, followed by Cody Spencer, Shayna Sylvia, three-time series champion Terry Schank Jr, Scotty Clough, Bob Newberry, Scott Chapetta, Craig Swim and Jimmy Christian. Eight lap heat race wins went to Matt Stewart, Jones and Spencer.
Chris Falkenberg won the 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Falkenberg led much of the way in the previous race before losing a photo finish on the last lap. This time around, Falkenberg was able to grab the victory with Chase Thomas finishing second. State point leader Guy Ahlwardt came from the 10th starting position to finish third, followed by Jack Aguiar, Cody Parker, Nick Tucker, incoming point leader Fred Ryland, Kelly Wilkinson, KC Keller and Chuck Weir. Ryland, Aguiar and Tyler Thomas won the eight lap heat races.
Michael Shearer won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the 2016 champion, and he kept the pressure on point leader Shannon Nelson. Austin Van Hoff had a front row start for the race and made his biggest challenge yet for a win. However, Shearer and Nelson would both get by him. Shearer held off his teammate Nelson for the well-earned victory. Van Hoff settled for third, followed by multi-time champion Raul Rodriguez Sr, Kristie Shearer, John Hensley, Dustin Donathan, George Silva, Allen Neal and Steve Torres. Rodriguez and Race Shelton won the eight lap heat races.
Carson Guthrie won the 12 lap California Sharp Mini Late Model Main Event. He battled point leader Timmy Crews to get his first win of the season as Crews settled for second, followed by Riley Jeppesen, heat race winner Logan Clay and Emali Van Hoff.
Merced Speedway has another exciting open-wheel event lined up for this Saturday night. The USAC Western States Midgets will be in action, joined by the IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks and the Valley Sportsman division. For further information, go to www.mercedspeedway.net.
Sprint Cars Highlight Four Division Show At Petaluma Speedway
Petaluma, CA...Championship racing resumes this Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. This will be the sixth round of the PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Car championship. The PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprint division will also be in action, joined by The Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks and General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars.
Consistency has been the name of the game for John Clark as he continues to lead the Winged 360 Sprint Car point battle. Clark opened the season with a second place finish and had a third place effort at the next point race. This has helped give him a 21 point advantage over Joel Myers Jr. Myers has also picked up a pair of Top 5 finishes. Last week, Colby Johnson inserted himself into the battle by picking up his first win of the season. He trails Myers by 22 points.
Reigning champion Jake Haulot is fourth in the standings and still looking for his first win of the season. He leads one-time winner Brent Bjork by just 10 points. Colby's brother, Chase Johnson, accounts for a pair of victories, while past champion Bradley Terrell is also a one-time winner. Shawn Arriaga has been piloting the Lathrop Racing #9n car and is trying to overcome an opening-week disqualification. He's within 40 points of fourth place Colby Johnson and could be a threat to win should he be there this week. Other drivers to watch for include Nathan Schank, Angelo Cornet and David Lindt II.
The consistent Angelique Bell is the only driver in the Wingless Spec Sprint division with all Top 10 finishes in her six starts. The past Chico champion leads Boy Moniz in the standings by just 23 tallies while past division champion Sparky Howard is only 27 points out. Howard and Moniz have both finished as high as third, and like Bell, they each have three Top 5 finishes. Bradley Terrell tops the leaderboard with three victories, and he is only 46 points out despite missing two races. Ahead of Terrell in the Top 5 are Scott Chapeta and one-time winner Cody Fendley. Among the other stars to watch for this week include Keith Calvino, Bob Davis, 2017 champion Ryon Siverling and Travis Degaton.
Mitch Machado is setting a torrid pace in his quest to repeat as the Super Stock champion. Teaming up with Baker Motorsports this year, Machado has won all six Main Events, and he also carries an impressive streak of eight consecutive wins in point racing competition at the speedway. Not surprisingly, Machado leads past champion Steve Studebaker by 42 points in the championship battle.
Studebaker has a division-leading four second place finishes, but the very consistent two-time champion Matt While is just 12 points behind him in a closer race for second. Among the stars to keep an eye out for this week include Manny Avila, Gary Adams, Shawn McCoy, Austin Ohlinger and Tim O'Hara. McCoy, who is a past champion, has one second place finish, while Adams has a pair of third place efforts.
The Redwood Dwarf Car Association has hosted five events at the speedway, including the big two-day Dwarf Car Nationals. There are no repeat winners in the point races held so far. The win list includes Chad Matthias, Shawn Jones, Mark Hanson and South Bay star Mark Biscardi. Matthias, who is a past champion at the speedway, holds a 21 point lead over Hanson and a 22 point advantage over Marcus Hardena. The Dwarf Cars have been fielding some of the biggest car counts this year, and some of the stars to watch for this week include past champion John Peters, Matt Hagermann, reigning champion Scooter Gomes, Mike Affonso and Darren Fridolfs.
Saturday's lineup will offer plenty of speed and excitement for the fans. The racing has been good at the speedway all season long, and this week should be no exception. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Cofer, Johnson Score Petaluma Speedway Wins
Petaluma, CA...July 20...Maria Cofer won the 30 lap USAC Western States Midgets Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. Cofer is a past BCRA Midget champion. She started back in the fifth position as point leader Austin Liggett charged into the lead. Cofer quickly worked her way into second and took the lead from Liggett on the ninth lap. Liggett faded just a bit in the waning laps as Cofer took the checkered flag ahead of Alex Schutte and Robert Dalby. Liggett settled for fourth, followed by Kyle Beilman, Shannon McQueen, CJ Sarna, Gage Rucker, Beau Lemire and Marvin Mitchell.
15 Western States Midgets took to the 3/8 mile Adobe oval with Cory Elliott setting the quickest lap of 14.968, beating the 14.988 of Schutte. Unfortunately, Elliott had mechanical issues in the first heat, which was won by Cofer. Schutte picked up the other 10 lap heat race win.
Colby Johnson won his first 25 lap PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event of the season. Johnson had a front-row start for the Main Event and charged into the lead. Past Petaluma and Antioch champion Shawn Arriaga was driving the Lathrop Racing Sprinter and settled into second. However, Arriaga was unable to overtake the flying Johnson, who did an impressive job in winning the race. Reigning Marysville champion Mike Monahan finished third, followed by Joel Myers Jr, Nathan Schank, reigning champion Jake Haulot, Angelo Cornet, John Clark and Roberto Kirby. Haulot was the fastest qualifier, and eight lap heat race wins went to Clark and Johnson.
Reigning champion Tom Brown scored his third Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stock 20 lap Main Event win of the season. Brown charged into the lead at the start ahead of incoming point leader Jeremy Tjensvold. Tjensvold took the lead from Brown on lap 13, but the lead was short-lived as Brown regained first on lap 16. Brown went on to victory ahead of Tjensvold, Darien Balestrini, Sophie Shelley, Roberta Broze, Randy Miramontez, Austin Lodin and Antonio Miramontez. Balestrini and Tjensvold won their respective six lap heat races.
Justin Adiego won the 20 lap Santa Rosa Auto Body 600 Micro Main Event. Adiego was an early second behind point leader Nick Robfogel. Robfogel was looking for his third win of the season, but his race ended on lap 13. Adiego gained the lead from there and went on to victory. David Prickett had started back in the fourth row and took over second on lap 14, where he would finish ahead of Anton Gianini, Rob Brown, Sam Borland, Carroll Mendenhall, Trevor Mendenhall, Robfogel and Kyle Grissom. Robfogel and Adiego won their respective six lap heat races, and Robfogel also set the quickest lap of 15.806, beating a 16.170 of Adiego.
The PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Wingless Spec Sprints will both be racing this Saturday night along with the Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks and General Hydroponics Redwood Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
Bud Kaeding Wins Howard Kaeding Classic
Watsonville, CA...July 20...Bud Kaeding won the Howard Kaeding Classic 30 lap NARC/King of the West Fujitsu Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Ocean Speedway. This special event pays tribute to Bud's grandfather, "The Campbell Comet" Howard Kaeding. Howard is a member of the San Jose Speedway Hall of Fame and one of the biggest stars in the history of that track. The event was sponsored by A1 Roofing, and Bud collected the $5,000 winner's prize aboard the Maury Williams owned Sprint Car.
Following his impressive performance at Petaluma a week earlier, Billy Aton had the pole position and charged into the early lead ahead of Willie Croft. Shane Golobic took over second on a lap four restart and at times pressured Aton for the lead. However, Bud Kaeding took over second just before a yellow flag waved on lap 15. On the restart, Kaeding wasted little time charging by Aton to take the lead. Aton held second until Golobic reclaimed that position on lap 19. However, Kaeding drove a flawless race down the stretch and was not about to let the win in his grandfather's race slip away. He took the checkered flag ahead of Golobic, who was closely pursued by Willie Croft in third. Justin Sanders finished fourth, followed by Colby Copeland, Jason Statler, 20th starter Cole Macedo, Ryan Bernal, Jeremy Chisum and DJ Netto.
35 drivers came to compete on the fast quarter-mile clay oval, and Croft set the quickest lap of 11.847, just beating the 11.856 of Mitchell Faccinto. They ran four 10 lap heat races wins going to Aton, Jonathan Allard, Golobic and Bud Kaeding. Macedo had to earn his feature start by winning the 12 lap B Main. He went flag-to-flag to win ahead of Nathan Rolfe and Kenny Allen. Allard picked up the win in the six lap Trophy Dash ahead of Aton.
Bobby Hogge IV scored his third 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event win of the season. Raymond Keldsen Jr raced into the early lead with Hogge taking over second following the departure of Todd Hermosillo on lap two. Hogge kept the pressure on Keldsen, who was doing a good job of leading the way. However, Hogge found his opening on lap 15 and slipped past Keldsen to take the lead. Hogge led the final 10 laps and pulled away to a comfortable advantage in victory. Brian Cass took second on lap 20 and held off a late surge by Jim Pettit II to grab the runner-up finish. Nick DeCarlo also got by Keldsen. Keldsen settled for fifth, followed by Robert Marsh, Austin Burke, Cody Burke, Anthony Copeland and Jeff Decker. There were three eight lap heat races, and Copeland, Hogge and Marsh were the winners.
Dennis Simunovich won his first 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event of the season. Billy Robertson led two laps before surrendering the lead to Simunovich in what would be a rapidly run race. Simunovich caught his stride and pulled away to a straightaway advantage in victory. Bakersfield star Kevin Johnson started back in the eighth position as Stephen Alee ran second for several laps. On the 12th lap, Johnson passed Alee, and he brought it home to a second place finish behind the flying Simunovich. Jarrod Mounce finished third, followed by Robertson, Alee, Andrew Peckham, Justin McPherson, Adriane Frost, Max Baggett and Kelly Campanile. Alee and TJ Etchison III were the eight lap heat race winners.
Jerry Skelton won the 15 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was his first win of the season. Nick Triolo had the pole and he raced into the early lead with DJ Keldsen taking up pursuit. Skelton settled into an early third, and a lap 12 restart provided Skelton his opportunity to leap from third and into the lead. Skelton led the rest of the way to win, followed by Bobby Huckaby Sr, Triolo, Bobby Huckaby Jr, Matt Kile, Ryan Muller, DJ Keldsen, Dakota Keldsen and Domissie Scoggins. DJ Keldsen and Kile were the eight lap heat race winners.
Ryan Amlen won his first 20 lap South Bay Dwarf Car Main Event of the season. Amlen had the pole for the race and led every lap. Reigning champion Gene "Punky"Pires was an early second with Joe Barkett running third. The Top 3 competitors ran closely, and Barkett moved around Pires for second on lap 16. However, Amlen would not be denied the victory as he took the checkered flag ahead of Barkett, Pires, Jimmy Damron, Bobby Johnson, Tom Van Tuyl, Mack Aceves, Eddy Claessen, Keith Costas and Mike Ferrell. Johnson and Barkett won the eight lap heat races.
The Taco Bravo Sprint Cars return to action on Friday night, joined by the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and the Police N Pursuit cars. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Golobic Wins Night #1 Of Howard Kaeding Classic
Watsonville, CA...July 19...Shane Golobic won the Taco Bravo versus Civil War Sprint Car Series 30 lap Main Event Friday night at Ocean Speedway. This was the first race of a double header weekend that pays tribute to San Jose Speedway Hall of Famer Howard Kaeding. Golobic benefited from the late race mishap of the leader, Chase Johnson. Golobic is a two-time Ocean Speedway Sprint Car champion.
After winning the Trophy Dash, Golobic had the pole for the Main Event. After a Trent Canales flip, Golobic led a complete restart ahead of Bud Kaeding. Kyle Offill spun in Turn 2 for a lap six yellow flag. Kaeding began to challenge Golobic when the race resumed. A low pass in Turn 1 of the 10th lap gained Kaeding the lead, but Golobic made a similar slide job pass to regain first a lap later. On the 12th lap, Johnson made an inside pass in Turn 3 to take second from Kaeding. Johnson moved in on Golobic and made an inside pass on the front stretch on lap 19 to gain the lead.
Johnson seemed headed for his second Ocean Speedway win of the year when he made contact with a slower car in Turn 4 and rolled on lap 28 for a red flag. Offill moved all the way back to second, but he spun to avoid contact. This put Golobic back into the lead, and he led the remaining two circuits for the victory. Track point leader Kaeding finished second, followed by Colby Copeland, Koen Shaw, Cole Macedo, DJ Netto, Kurt Nelson, James Ringo, Justin Sanders and Tony Gualda.
A strong field of 36 competitors were on hand for the big event, and Mitchell Faccinto set the quickest lap of 11.399 on the quarter-mile clay oval, beating the 11.427 effort of Shaw. They ran four eight lap heat races, and wins went to Johnson, Ringo, Offill and Geoff Ensign. They also had two B Mains to fill the remainder of the field, and Gualda won the first 12 lap race ahead of Dominic Scelzi and Landon Hurst. Joey Ancona won the second B Main, just ahead of Colby Johnson and Grant Duinkerken. Golobic's six lap Trophy Dash win came ahead of Ensign.
Todd Gomez won his first 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event of the season. Gomez has been competing at Antioch Speedway this season, but he's been taking trips to other tracks in recent weeks to expand his horizons. Marysville regular Andrew Peckham led the first eight laps before Gomez made the move into the lead on the ninth lap. As Gomez led the rest of the way, Peckham surrendered second to Bakersfield racer Kevin Johnson on the 14th lap. Johnson made a late charge, but Gomez managed to win a close finish at the checkered flag. State point leader Guy Ahlwardt finished third, followed by Peckham, Jarrod Mounce, Justin McPherson, Kenny Schrader, Stephen Alee, Haley Gomez and Kelly Campanile. Peckham won the first of three eight lap heat races with the other wins going to. Doff Cooksey and Mounce.
Keoni Texeira won the 15 lap Ocean Midgets Main Event. Texeira also won the eight lap heat race and would lead all 15 laps of the Main Event in victory. Randi Pankratz held second until being overtaken by Tyler Slay on the ninth lap. Slay would finish second, followed by Pankratz, Greg Edenholm, Adam Lemke, Gage Rucker, Kellen Mitchell and point leader David Prickett.
Reigning champion Matt Kile won the 15 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. Kile led all the way from his pole position start. Nick Triolo ran second for much of the distance. DJ Keldsen settled into third on lap five and put the moves on Triolo for second on lap 12. As Kile took the checkered flag by about half a straightaway in first, Keldsen managed to beat Triolo back to the line in a close battle for second. Bobby Huckaby Sr finished fourth, followed by Bobby Huckaby Jr, Jerry Jerry Skelton, Ryan Muller and Wally Kennedy. Kevin Counterman and Cody Bryan didn't start the Main Event. Kile and Kennedy won their respective eight lap heat races.
Taco Bravo Sprint Car Series Continues At Ocean Speedway
Watsonville, CA...Racing action continues at Ocean Speedway this Friday night. This race happens to be sandwiched between the huge Howard Kaeding Classic two-day Sprint Car show from last week and next weekend's two-day Mike Cecil Memorial Stock Car event. The Taco Bravo Sprint Cars take center stage this Friday night, joined by the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers and the Police N Pursuit Cars.
With the two-race throw away rule in effect, Bud Kaeding is not being impacted in the least by his two absences. Kaeding has three wins and mostly second place finishes to go with them. He leads James Ringo by 67 points. Ringo has four Top 5 finishes, but he is still looking for his first win. He leads three-time reigning champion Brad Furr by just six points in a closer race for second.
Jeremy Chisum made a surprise entry into the King of the West race last week and earned a Top 10 finish. He's been in a bit of a slump at the regular shows in recent races, which has enabled Jake Andreotti to use his recent podium finish to move to within 11 points of fourth in the standings. Some of the drivers to watch for this week include one-time winner Kurt Nelson, Koen Shaw, Jayson Bright and Richard Fajardo.
In the IMCA Sport Modified division, there is a close battle taking place at the top of the list between two-time winners Guy Ahlwardt, Jarrod Mounce and Adriane Frost. Ahlwardt has been a very busy man this year as he travels up and down the state to compete for IMCA State points. He's currently leading that race and is shown as the leader at Watsonville by just three points ahead of Mounce and four over Frost. These three drivers are expected to continue that battle this week. Justin McPherson isn't too far out of the battle as he looks for his first win this season. Other drivers to watch for include Max Baggett, Charlie Hunter, Kevin Johnson, Steven Alee, Kelly Campanile and recent winner Dennis Sumonovich.
The most recent update in the Hobby Stock standings shows Rob Gallaher leading Joe Gallaher by 14 points. The son and father team skipped the most recent weekend's activities to go on a camping trip, but the throwaway rule will see to it that it doesn't impact them too greatly. Rob Gallaher is a four-time winner this season, while Joe Gallaher has gotten on a bit of a hot streak in recent weeks with a pair of victories. These two are a force anytime they are at the track. Past champion Wally Kennedy currently holds third by six points over DJ Keldsen. Nick Triolo, Bobby Huckaby Jr, recent winner Jerry Skelton and Bobby Huckaby Sr are others to watch for. We also saw the debut of the Lloyd Keldsen Jr Special last weekend, wheeled by Dakota Keldsen.
Consistency continues to be the key in the Four Bangers division. Reigning champion Kate Beardsley and Nicole Beardsley both have eight Top 5 finishes, but they are still searching for their first wins of the season. Meanwhile, Bill Beardsley makes it an all Beardsley podium as he is 34 points out of the lead in third. He is also looking for his first win of the season.
The Keldsen team has earned four winner's trophies so far this year. Dakota Keldsen and brother DJ Keldsen each have a pair of wins aboard the Lloyd Keldsen Jr Special. John Grilli seems to be the top rookie so far and is a two-time winner, while Ryan McClelland also has a win. Others to watch for this week include Steven Ragsdale and Jeff Finsand.
The Police N Pursuit competitors continue their public outreach with the community as well as their efforts to raise money for the Special Olympics. We've had five races so far, and John Hohmann leads the bunch with a pair of victories to his credit. Representing the Scotts Valley Police Department, he leads Roy Iler by 31 points and Steven Fernandes by 34. Iler represents the San Benito Sheriff's Department, while Fernandez runs the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office colors. These three are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include an Adam Rikalo, Tony Weir, one-time winner Dan Anderson, Justin Rhodes and Pat Sullivan.
Friday night is another opportunity to enjoy some great racing at the 60 year old racing facility. Good things are happening at the speedway this year, and this should be another one of those occasions. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.
Bower, Stone, Rivera Win Dixon Speedway Races
Dixon, CA...July 20...Blake Bower won the 25 lap Super 600 Micro Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Dixon Speedway. Reigning champion Kyle Metch was aiming for a clean sweep as he rode the pole position into the lead at the waving of the green flag. Bower settled into second and was soon pressuring Mentch for the lead. On the 15th lap, Bower put the moves on Mentch to take over the lead and would lead the rest of the way in victory. Mentch settled for second, followed by Blaine Baxter, Michael Wasina, Jessica McManus, Frank Camacho II, Jason Chapman and Jackie Whitson Jr.
Wasina turned the 1/5 mile dirt oval with a lap of 10.665 to set the quickest time. Bower was second quick at 10.935. Mentch won the 10 lap heat race ahead of Baxter, and Mentch also won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Baxter.
Austin Stone won another 25 lap Wingless 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. For much of the distance, Timothy Vaught led the way with Stone running in second. Stone made his winning pass on lap 21 with Dylan Bloomfield following closely into second. Stone held off Bloomfield for the victory. Dwarf Car star Matt Sargent finished a solid third, followed by Cameron Paul, Ethan Lanfri, Austin Torgerson, Blake Parmley, Jeremy Chapman, Travis Sullivan and Brett Irvine.
There was a strong turnout of 33 Wingless Micro competitors, and Bloomfield was the quickest qualifier with a lap of 11.130. Chapman was second quick at 11.203. Ten lap heat race wins went to AJ Bergen, Lanfri, Sargent and Vaught. Ten lap Trophy Dash honors went to Vaught in a close battle with Sargent. Derek Patterson took the lead from Harlee Aguilera on the ninth lap and held her off to win the 12 lap B Main. Chris Parmley finished third, just ahead of Jaedon Gatewood.
Brandon Rivera won the 20 lap Restricted Micro Main Event. Rivera had the pole and led every lap in victory. Izaak Sharp was a race long second, followed by Matthew Tatoole, Sage Bordenave, Caleb Debem, Austin Taborski, Logan Penman, Ashton Torgerson, Rylee Whitehouse and David Camacho. Tatoole set the quickest lap of 11.213 with Rivera winning the six lap Trophy Dash. Ten lap heat races went to Bordenave and Debem.
Makayla Tatoole won the 20 lap Junior Sprint Main Event in front of Hayden Stepps and Brody Rubio. She also set the quickest time of 13.281. Rubio won the four lap Trophy Dash, and the 10 lap heat race.
Racing returns this Friday night with a full complement of Micro Sprint divisions. For further information, go to www.dixonspeedway.net.
Ocean Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 19, 2019
Howard Kaeding Classic Night #1
Taco Bravo Sprint Cars
Main Event
Shane Golobic
Bud Kaeding
Colby Copeland
Koen Shaw
Cole Macedo
D.J. Netto
Kurt Nelson
James Ringo
Justin Sanders
Tony Gualda Jr
Blake Carrick
Geoff Ensign
Kyle Offill
Jayson Bright
Joey Ancona
Landon Hurst
Colby Johnson
Chase Johnson
Mitchell Faccinto
Grant Duinkerken
Trent Canales
Dominic Scelzi
B Main
Tony Gualda Jr
Dominic Scelzi
Landon Hurst
Zane Blanchard
Jason Chisum
Jeremy Chisum
Vaughn Schott
Richard Fajardo
Danny Faria Jr
Main 2
Joey Ancona
Colby Johnson
Grant Duinkerken
Jason Statler
Brooklyn Holland
Ryan Bernal
Chris Nelson
Jacob Tuttle
Burt Foland Jr
William Camara
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Todd Gomez
Kevin Johnson
Guy Ahlwardt
Andrew Peckham
Jarrod Mounce
Justin McPherson
Kenny Shrader
Steven Allee
Haley Gomez
Kelly Campanile
Billy Robertson
John Ferro
Charlie Hunter
Tommy Clymens
Trevor Clymens
T.J. Etchinson III
Max Baggett
Adriane Frost
Chuck Golden
Brian Baker
Doff Cooksey
Tim Rolan
Hobby Stocks
Matt Kile
DJ Keldsen
Nick Triolo
Bobby Huckaby Sr
Bobby Huckaby Jr
Jerry Skelton
Ryan Muller
Wally Kennedy
Kevin Counterman DNS
Cody Bryan DNS
Ocean Midgets
Keoni Texeira
Tyler Slay
Randi Pankratz
Greg Edenholm
Adam Lemke
Gage Rucker
Kelly Mitchell
David Prickett
Ocean Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 20, 2019
Howard Kaeding Classic Night #2
NARC/King of the West Fujitsu Sprint Cars
Bud Kaeding
Shane Golobic
Willie Croft
Justin Sanders
Colby Copeland
Jason Statler
Cole Macedo
Ryan Bernal
Jeremy Chisum
D.J. Netto
Billy Aton
Brad Furr
Kyle Offill
Nathan Rolfe
Danny Faria Jr
Kenny Allen
Sean Watts
Geoff Ensign
James Ringo
Trent Canales
Jonathan Allard
Mitchell Faccinto
Dominic Scelzi
Chase Johnson
B Main
Cole Macedo
Nathan Rolfe
Kenny Allen
James Ringo
Matt DeMartini
Blake Carrick
Vaughn Schott
Mark Barroso
Craig Stidham
Burt Foland Jr
Tim Estenson
Jason Chisum
Jenna Frazier
Kurt Nelson
IMCA Modifieds
Bobby Hogge IV
Brian Cass
Jim Pettit II
Nick DeCarlo
Raymond Keldsen Jr
Robert Marsh
Austin Burke
Cody Burke
Anthony Copeland
Jeff Decker
Mitch Machado
JC Elrod
Jeremy Crebs
Gary Marsh
James Alaga
Andy Obertello
Todd Hermosillo
Troy Foulger
Jerry Movrich
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Dennis Simunovich
Kevin Johnson
Jarrod Mounce
Billy Robertson
Steven Allee
Andrew Peckham
Justin McPherson
Adriane Frost
Kelly Campanile
John Ferro
T.J. Etchinson III
Max Baggett
Charlie Hunter
Kenny Shrader
Hobby Stocks
Jerry Skelton
Bobby Huckaby Sr
Nick Triolo
Bobby Huckaby Jr
Matt Kile
Ryan Muller
DJ Keldsen
Dakota Keldsen
Domossie Scoggins
Cody Bryan DNS
Wally Kennedy DNS
Kevin Counterman DNS
South Bay Dwarf Cars
Ryan Amlen
Joe Barket
Punky Pires
Jimmy Damron
Bobby Johnson
Tom Van Tuyl
Mack Aceves
Eddy Claessen
Keith Costas
Mike Farrell
Trafton Chandler
Kyle Jones
Mark Biscardi
Barry Waddell
Merced Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 20, 2019
Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints
Shawn Jones
Jake Morgan
Cody Spencer
Shayna Sylvia
Terry Schank Jr
Scott Clough
Bob Newberry
Scott Chapeta
Craig Swim
Jimmy Christian
Troy DeGaton
Adam Christian
Ryon Siverling
Jonathan Maupin
Cameron Martin
Angelique Bell
Tim Sherman Jr
Matt Stewart
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Chris Falkenberg
Chase Thomas
Guy Ahlwardt
Jack Aguiar
Cody Parker
Nick Tucker
Fred Ryland
Kelly Wilkinson
KC Keller
Chuck Weir
Patti Ryland
Jeremy Hoff
Tyler Thomas
Mark Squadrito
Tony Hornyack
Kodie Dean
Richard Ragsdale
Dwayne Short
Tony Peffer DNS
Stanton French DNS
Hobby Stocks
Michael Shearer
Shannon Nelson
Austin Van Hoff
Raul Rodriguez Sr
Kristie Shearer
John Hensley
Dustin Donathan
George Silva
Allen Neal
Steven Torres
Donnie Shearer
Race Shelton
Timmy Crews
Tyler Henricksen
Mini Late Models
Carson Guthrie
Timmy Crews
Riley Jeppesen
Logan Clay
Emali Van Hoff
Petaluma Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 20, 2019
USAC Western States Midgets
Maria Cofer
Alex Schutte
Robert Dalby
Austin Liggett
Kyle Beilman
Shannon McQueen
CJ Sarna
Gage Rucker
Beau Lemire
Marvin Mitchell
Robert Carson
Britton Bock
Randi Pankratz
PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Colby Johnson
Shawn Arriaga
Mike Monahan
Joel Myers Jr
Nathan Schank
Jake Haulot
Angelo Coronet
John Clark
Roberto Kirby
Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks
Tom Brown
Jeremy Tjensvold
Darien Balestrini
Sophie Shelley
Roberta Broze
Randy Miramontez
Austin Lodin
Antonio Miramontez
Santa Rosa Auto Body 600 Micros
Justin Adiego
David Prickett
Anton Gianini
Rob Brown
Sam Borland
Carroll Mendenhall
Trevor Mendenhall
Nick Robfogel
Kyle Grissom
Dixon Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 20, 2019
Super 600
Blake Bower
Kyle Mentch
Blaine Baxter
Michael Wasina
Jessica McManus
Frank Camacho II
Jason Chapman
Jackie Whiteson Jr
Todd Job
Ricky Sanders
Wingless Micros
Austin Stone
Dylan Bloomfieid
Matt Sargent
Cameron Paul
Eathan Lanfri
Austin Torgerson
Blake Parmley
Jeremy Chapman
Travis Sullivan
Bret Irvine
Norman Harley Rose
Derrick Patterson
Chris Parmley
Taylor DeCarlo
Jaedon Gatewood
Matt Santana
Tiimothy Vaught
Nate Wait
Travis Henry
Harlee Aguilera
Chuck Patterson
Randy Sims
B Main
Derrick Patterson
Harlee Aguilera
Chris Parmley
Jaedon Gatewood
Taylor DeCarlo
Travis Henry
Clayton Harris
AJ Kesler
Allen Sheridan
Ryan Holden
Todd Job
Restricted Micros
Brandon Riveira
Izaak Sharp
Matthew Tatoole
Sage Bordenave
Caleb Debem
Austin Taborski
Logan Penman
Ashton Torgerson
Rylee Whitehouse
David Camacho
Tallon Becker
Bryant Bell DNS
Jr Sprints
Makayla Tatoole
Hayden Stepps
Brody Rubio
Peyton Whitehouse DQ
Bakersfield Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 20, 2019
IMCA Modifieds
Trevor Fitzgibbon
Logan Drake
Robby Sawyer
Alex Stanford
Ryan Daves
Robert Sanders
Brad Pounds
Dylan Thornton
Michael Scruggs
Jerry Flippo
Bryan Clark
Justin Schweitzer
Donald Scott
Mod Lites
Kaden Cochrun
J.D. Brown
Sean Conyers
Anthony Balcazar
Tim Varney
Candi Varney
Jeff Thompson
Zack Forester
Kenny Cochrun
Jakob Carey
Michael Black
IMCA Stock Cars
Chad Johnson
Cody Johnson
Jayden Schweitzer
Troy Patee
Kris Broucaret
Gary Rayburn Jr
Larry Thompson
Tanner Lorenzo
Hobby Stocks
Dylan Wilson
Trevor Baker
Jerry Flippo
Kenny White
Michael Scruggs
Aaron Stewart
Stephen Johnson
Kevin Irwin
Joe Baker
Dakota Brown
Raymond Noland Jr
Matt Sweeney
Tyler Bannister
Marcus Wankum
Nicholas Johnson
Don Mead
Justin Gonzalez
Johnny Wood
Hardtops
Jason Denman
James Bradburn
Jason Stanphill
Rich Souza
Jesse Dobbins
Adam Medovitch
Tyler Weeks
Tom Sommerfeld
Brandon Stanphill
Stockton 99 Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 20, 2019
Gunslingers
Dillon Tucker
AJ Russell
Austin Carter
Dylan Huchison
Gordon Rogers
Justin Kawahata
Justin Segura
Allen Beck
Mark Pyle
Bombers
Joey Stearns
Mikala Stearns
Harrison Stone
Robert Oliver
Kyle Singleton
Allen Rider
Barrett Sugden
Jeana Ramos
Troy Walz
Richard Reese
Roy Luft
AJ Rider
Kanai Scantlin
Rodney Oliver
Darrin Addler
Rodney Tripp DQ
Basically 4 Cylinders
Dave Kong
Josh Cross
Joe Flowers
Andy Rumsey
Ethan Rumsey
Kenny Burton Jr
Mark Hunt
Rob Previtalli
Joshua Brown
Cathy Bishop
Frank Brown
Andrea Rumsey
Grand American Modifieds
Mike Regelman
Chris Lyon
Buzz DeVore
The Editor's Viewpoint
I'm sitting here on Wednesday trying to put the finishing touches on a blog post. Yes, I know I'm running behind schedule. It's been that kind of year. Because the media effort entails me trying to get certain articles out to news outlets before they get to their offices on Monday, Sunday can be a bit brutal for me. Bare in mind, I was covering two nights of racing, and I announced at the little track in Medford.
It doesn't seem to matter these days. I'm dragging my ass on Sunday trying to get things done. I do my best, but I'm tired. At some point when the evening approaches, I lay down for three or four hours of sleep before what becomes an all-nighter. In this case, I managed to rest for three hours. I had a lot of work to do, and not much had been done. It was about 8:30 in the morning on Monday when I was ready to send out the articles that hadn't already gone out. I did articles for nine different tracks last weekend, but two of them had already gone out. I was pretty much a zombie for the rest of the day on Monday and didn't get much accomplished. This greatly hurt the effort this week, I'll admit it.
What's interesting is I started getting messages from a couple of those outlets asking about the story. They're getting used to me sending articles to them as I am consistent. They get an article from me every week, whether they use it or not. Because of the consistency, I've gotten to where we're getting covered in these papers every week. It's also interesting in that they find it valuable enough to include in the papers, but no compensation has been offered to me. I get nothing from the tracks or the papers.
This is why I say this is a volunteer effort. Many hours go into all of the media effort that I do, and I find that I'm not getting much me time anymore. No time to even go out and take a walk. When I get me time, I'm seldom doing more than just staring blankly at a computer screen. I don't like living this way, but I'm just trying to get to the finish line this year and accomplish what we set out to do. 12 different race tracks have gotten coverage in at least one newspaper in their area, thanks to the volunteer effort. We're consistently covering eight or nine of them every week.
Does the media effort work? I think it does, but you'll be hard-pressed to find too many promoters that want to admit that. They would have to admit there was value, and promoters tend to be tight with the purse strings. I don't mind trying to help some of the lower budgeted tracks, though I'm a little bit disappointed that one of the tracks I cover has actually decided to pay somebody for social media writing, rather than ask me if they could use the article I'm already providing. I would have no problem with that whatsoever. So be it. It's a clear indication that I'm doing too much and things will need to change next year.
I don't mind helping the cause, and I suppose that as long as I'm involved in the sport somewhere, I will continue to write weekly in some capacity. Things are going to change a little bit from this year to next year once the final checkered flag waves on the final track that we cover. I believe that last race will be in Antioch in October. We'll evaluate that and go from there. It's highly doubtful that I will attempt to cover a bunch of tracks again next year. One of the things I want to do is finish the book I started writing before I ever got up here. There are some things I really want to put out there as I make that the final observational, autobiographial racing book that I'm going to do. Future books will stick to racing history.
Getting back to the question of whether it makes a difference, I think it does. In Orland, you can see the numbers going up when you look at the grandstands shots. I'm not privy to what those numbers are, but I do know there are multiple newspapers out there that run the articles. Orland doesn't make it easy as they don't generally put race results out there. Other than the few times I've been messaged with results this year, if I'm not seeing a video that I can go over, I'm not getting anything. I have been consistent with the preview articles, and those are getting printed.
In the age of social media, I'm a bit baffled as to why Rich Hood and his staff haven't taken more of an active role on social media in Orland. They're not putting that bad of a racing product on the track for the fans, so having a stronger social media presence and a better web page will only help them in the long run. If they were to post more pictures on race day and maybe the occasional video update, it's only going to help. Being more consistent with race results and points? Only going to help.
I feel like I might have a little bit of an excuse as to why I'm going a little bit slower these days. I am handling a large volume of race tracks right now, and the one in Medford keeps me very busy. I'm engaged in duties up here that I wasn't initially planning to be a part of. However, it's become necessary to help Mike keep things moving along. I'm very proud of the year we're having, despite the stressful situation and the challenges that continue to present themselves. It's looking like it could end up being the best year yet in our four year run. Where we go from here, I can only speculate. I just work as hard as I can on my end.
I say I'm a little bit slower on things, because I am. I'm definitely starting to feel my age. I think a change-of-pace and scenery might rejuvenate me a little bit, but those are luxuries I don't have. I look at some of the tracks that lag and understand that the people in charge of those updates are only working on those tracks. I'm baffled as to why information isn't more forthcoming in some cases or just a little bit quicker than we get it. Then again, people have lives. They go to the race track to have fun, so it's kind of simple, when you think about it.
I can see where people might be thinking, "Hey, the gates are open and we're racing. Come on out and race. If you win, you'll get a trophy. If you're one of our Main Event racers you'll get some money. Have fun, don't cause trouble and we'll see you next week." Whether they want to talk about how the night went or what information they will share depends on the venue, I suppose. In the information age, you might think there'd be more information in some places, but at least the gates are opening. Can't complain about that.
We only have a couple of events left at the little track up here. I'm disappointed in some of the attitudes I've seen from people who refuse to support. Even more disappointed in the fact that certain racers are rallying support to go to another venue. Then again, it's your car, and you can do what you want. But when you're not a solution to the problems you may see there, you're also part of the problem. In other words, you're not stepping up to help make things better. So, don't be surprised at whatever might happen in the future. What that might be, I can only speculate.
The families of the Kart kids who are racing with us are very nice, and I still feel it is a pleasure to be around them. They've made it fun, and I've done everything I can do. The addition of the Motorcycles and Three Wheel vehicles is new to me as I've never followed that discipline before. I don't know that I would want to, not because I don't think it's good racing, but because I worry that I might see something truly horrific. They are very brave, and I admire them for that. We had a few scary moments on Friday, but thankfully, nobody was hurt. It is the addition of these classes that is helping save the program this year and given it the potential for a future.
The Kart families want this thing to continue, and they support. I don't blame them for the decline, because all you can do is bring your vehicle to the track. The fact is, whether some people want to admit it or not, it's not because of management or track conditions or whatever you want to say that the Kart numbers aren't so good up here. It's because over the last 5 to 10 years, there has slowly been a decline in numbers at several venues.
The higher Kart classes, such as 500s and 250s, have become so expensive that teams don't do it anymore. We have teams running the Limited Sprint class on the big track, because the cost is on a par with what they're spending in the Karts. Can you see the problem here? Kart racing is supposed to be affordable as a way to get kids into this sport, and somehow it's lost its way.
This is the problem we inherited. I know there are people that might say we're not holding enough races. Then again, where are they for the races we have now? This has always been the case since we took over in 2016. A promoter is more likely to take more chances and have some more races if there is more support. Otherwise, you're going to get the standard eight or so race dates. Last year, Mike actually booked ten races, but it became obvious that going into September didn't work due to kids going back to school. Plus, we have to consider the track down south, which for some reason has decided to book on top of almost every race we have this year. I think they received some encouragement in that decision, but that's just my opinion.
I have opinions on the matter, and certainly some opinions on the things I've experienced up here. I may not share everything here, but notes are being taken for the future book. Otherwise, all I'm doing is trying to make things better and putting whatever touches I can on things. It's been fun at the little track, despite the fact that somebody I've been trying to listen to and deal with in a respectful manner, when all he's done is snivel and cry since day one, threatened to punch me. I've just decided to wash my hands of this individual. It is what it is, and some people just want to have an attitude no matter what you do.
The number I find interesting was we had 42 competitors at the little track on Friday, while the track down south had 26. Also, you're looking at about half of those 26 competitors being people from our area. Rather than help the local track, they've chosen to take their show on the road. So be it. Don't complain when your actions affect your options.
The big track shows exactly what happens when the community gets involved. I know there are certain people that are not in love with management, but still, they show up and race and have fun. Why? They know Utopia Speedway isn't anywhere around, though there is Mecca, or Cottage Grove Speedway as we call it. I thought it was pretty neat that Tammy Rogers again stepped in and did something positive for her local track. She asked Mike last year if there was something that she could do to help get numbers up and suggested a night for her business, Willamette Valley Bank. Mike went for it, and there was a definite increase in fans. The numbers went up even more this year.
The point being is that all you owe your local race track is to show up and race if you feel like racing. You're not required to go above and beyond. If you have the ways and means and can help, it's nice when you do that. That might be sponsoring a race, a billboard or doing what you can to get fans to come. I've noticed certain individuals who could have that sort of influence taking their money elsewhere, and that's fine. People like Tammy are a part of the solution to why things can get better. The big track has seen a few people like her who rise above, and we work very hard to get people's respect through promoting a consistent program.
Everything isn't perfect. I've certainly seen things that we've done that I'm not happy with. I'm only trying to do what I can to help make things better. My writing and publicity effort is only part of what I do up here these days, and frankly, that suffers a little bit due to the lack of time I have for it when I have to do other things. But, the other things are necessary to help with the show. We've worked so hard to get to the point we have where the numbers are getting better, and I'll be darned if I will see anything falter on my watch. We had a five division show this last week, and it went off pretty well.
A couple of years ago, getting 80 cars into those pits wasn't very likely. I don't know if John Skinner got 80 cars into the pits for the last big race that he promoted. Maybe? We're getting those numbers now during the regular season, but it only means we need to work harder. One of my goals is to make sure we have our bases covered and keep the show moving, but we will continue to struggle with track conditions for the remainder of the year due to the clay that was donated that really wasn't clay. A promoter will take those free donations, because you always need clay, right? Thing is, this has created an ongoing problem since last year. Jim Rodgers worked hard to make something out of it. This year, he's been doing the same, but it's not really retaining the moisture. We just don't want to dust out the fans, so the battle will continue. It's my opinion that the track is going to need to get some new clay before next season.
I count ten races left that I will be a part of this year at Southern Oregon Speedway. There are two on the little track and eight on the big track. I'm going to give it my best all the way to the final checkered flag. What happens after that, I don't know. Will there be a fifth year for me here? I don't know. I can only tell you that wherever I happen to be in racing, if I'm anywhere, I will give it my best. I definitely need to change some of my approach in the future and try to find a happy medium where I can at least live a little bit.
I look forward to some of the big things happening up here next month, which includes a couple of big Sprint Car shows, a $4,000 to win Late Model event, the big R Charles Snyder Salute at the end of the month and Hall of Fame night. The latter two things I had a hand in getting started. Mike and I put together a list of potential nominees for the Southern Oregon Racing Hall of Fame and put that in the hands of the committee. We're just about ready to put this Hall of Fame into the hands of the committee and step away from it for good. At some point, it's up to others to keep it going. Hall of Fame night would still happen at the track, but it would be up to other people to make sure all of the bases are covered.
The late Curt Deatherage and his brother Denny did a fabulous job of creating Historical Night at Cottage Grove Speedway, which they just had this last weekend. It started out as a sort of reunion of old racers. They were giving out a bunch of tickets just to get them to come back. It developed into the Wall of Fame that is on the wall as you pass through the entrance at the speedway to go to the grandstands. The inductees get awards and are immortalized, so to speak, in Cottage Grove racing history. They put together these really nice display boards with clippings from newspapers through the years. Each year, they have added a new one. Last I heard, there were 14 or so. It's really pretty cool.
I'm told that Denny is putting together another board for us up here. I followed the Deatherage Brothers model in establishing the Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame. I knew that you needed a list of inductees, awards to be presented and display boards. Then, 15 or 20 minutes of the track's time. We pulled it off pretty well last year, and though there were some critics, it went over the way I had hoped. I thought there might be a chance that I would be down there this year. When that didn't happen, the Hall of Fame kind of disappeared, but I realized I needed to do something.
I want the Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame to continue, so in that endeavor, I began speaking with long time observers to get their thoughts on who should be inducted. We came up with a list of 14, which is four more than I planned. Realistically, I'd like the list to be at 5 to 7. Considering the track has been active for 59 consecutive seasons, I think we can make an exception in the early years and put a few more in. I also added a "plus one" to the 14, and that is Gary Jacob. Gary wrote about Antioch Speedway through his 30 year plus career as a motorsports journalist, and though it wasn't his home track, I don't think anybody will really disagree with his inclusion.
The thing about it is, this is not the way I want to do the Hall of Fame. I'm doing it again this year. I like the display board thing, which I hope will continue for years to come. What fan of racing wouldn't want to stop along the fence and look at the clippings and pictures of racers past? Some of the fans who have been around for a long time will even remember some of the things written about. I think we had about 10 or so boards last year, and we will add more.
This is being done on a voluntary basis, and my media effort has floundered in terms of bringing any revenue my way. So, we've been using The Tip Jar, which is listed above with a link under the red text. We will have the awards ready to go for October 5th, which is when we'll be doing this at Antioch Speedway. This is also the special Donna Soares Memorial night. A lot is going on. My hope is to be down there to MC this, but Hall of Fame Announcer John Myers will be there should I be unable to make it.
I do not want to continue to do the Antioch Speedway Hall of Fame the way I've done it. I've only done it this way for these two years to keep it going, but we will be establishing a committee of three to five people who will oversee the selection of future inductees. There will also be a criteria when considering future Hall of Fame candidates. We're also going to have that committee engage in the discussion on such matters as some sort of display listing of the Hall of Fame members at the speedway, which would have to be coordinated with the promoter. Do we want to do the induction ceremonies off track at some other location? These are the kinds of things that will need to be discussed. Also, there could end up being the creation of an Alumni Association.
I simply cannot oversee all of this, especially if I'm not even on the scene to do it. I will gladly help any race track interested in getting their Hall of Fame started with ideas that I have, but the community members need to take the bull by the horns. I don't mind being a member of the committee, if that's possible, but it will be a group effort that puts people into the Hall of Fame in the future. These will be people who have been around the speedway for a while. In that way, it truly becomes an Antioch Speedway racing community Hall of Fame, and nobody can mistake it for my Hall of Fame. It will still be my Hall of Fame in terms of the fact that this is my home track. Hopefully, I'm helping lay the groundwork for this to be a part of that track for years to come.
I'm really rambling on here, and I have deadlines looming. The post will be going up later than I want it to. I'm not at all happy with that, and I feel that this has affected the number of views we're getting these days. But, I'm just sort of working with the time that I have. Knowing that I burn out early these days, I try to make the most of the time when I'm really focused.
Ocean Speedway could certainly have a Hall of Fame night. For that matter, Petaluma Speedway and Merced Speedway are two that are high on my list as well. Actually, the Watsonville track does have a Hall of Fame, though nobody has stepped up and decided that it's time to bring it back. The last Hall of Fame night they had most recently at Watsonville was for the San Jose Speedway Hall of Fame, which I find very curious.
Promoter John Prentice goes back to the old San Jose Speedway. He fights a continuing battle to keep the gates open in Watsonville, and I don't know how much longer that will continue. Last I heard, he had signed a three-year extension last year. I certainly hope the track can continue. I look over at San Jose and the fairgrounds and notice that they're doing some sort of racing on the land out there. Could somebody come in there and put something up and make it a race track?
I always go down to the mantra, where there's a will there's a way. Only thing is, I don't know if a promoter would want to put a bunch of permanent structures out there. If you were to sign a five-year deal and you had stuff that you could take with you should the five-year deal end your run, you can take it with you when you leave. But who knows?
The Howard Kaeding Classic is a byproduct of the history of San Jose Speedway. Howard was one of the all-time greats and a Hall of Fame member at San Jose. What I find interesting was they pulled in over 30 Sprint Cars on both nights last week, the first being a Winged 360 Sprint Car show. Even the King of the West Sprint Car Series put out good numbers, but you would expect that for $5,000 to win and a minimum $800 to take the green flag. All in all, the night seemed to go very well in terms of car count and show for the track. They also have a big show coming up on the first weekend of August, which is the 22nd Annual Mike Cecil Memorial Stock Car event. I like that Prentice is doing big events for all types of cars out there.
The Civil War Series is an enigma. Is it done? I know there's much controversy surrounding the event they had at Antioch Speedway, but it still went into the record books as a race. The Friday night show last week at Watsonville was also a Civil War race. The Mel Hall Memorial race in Marysville, which was to be a Civil War event, has been rescheduled for November. Will the Civil War be a part of that? I'm not sure what the plans are for the future, but I notice that the Sprint Car Challenge Tour has kind of struggled a little bit. They're not getting 60 cars for those shows, and in fact, car count has dipped under 30 on multiple occasions. What I'm thinking is if the Civil War Series can somehow persevere, they may come through the other end. Next year would be their 30th season. That is, if John Prentice can keep it alive that long. Who knows?
Petaluma Speedway continues to move along. Rick Faeth already knows he'll be there through the 2022 season, so this frees him up to do all of the things he does to promote a better program. It's a nice variety of classes that they have, and that included the Western States Midgets last weekend. Car count has taken a little bit of a dip, but these are the dog days of summer. I think a lot of tracks are feeling the pinch in car count this time of year. Overall, however, Petaluma is having a stronger season in the Bay area than the other tracks.
It's a curiosity to me that both Petaluma Speedway and Antioch Speedway have booked the Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Wingless Spec Sprints this week. Not sure how that came to be. Antioch has a six division program, and I know management is counting on good numbers for this one as they close the books on July. There's also some rumors going on about some changes in officiating at Antioch that I certainly hope are true. One particular move will be well received by the racers, and it's time. As to how car count will work between the two tracks, we'll just have to see. However, Petaluma has put some strong numbers on the track in their Spec Sprint divisions.
As the statistics are a bit of a mess at Petaluma on the web page, I've been having to organize my notes when it comes to doing a preview for the track. It was mentioned by the track after Mitch Machado won his seventh-straight race that it was a record. I was a bit curious about that, and what I have noticed is that he has won six races in a row this year. The final race held at Petaluma last season was the Bob McCoy Memorial race, and Machado didn't win that race. However, it was not a point event. Machado won the prior two point events. So, if you're looking at Petaluma Speedway records, Mitch Machado has won eight consecutive point paying races at Petaluma Speedway. They say that Mike Learn had seven in a row. Then again, I'm not sure who keeps the records there these days. Harlan Osborne was doing a pretty darn good job of that while he was handling the publicity for the place.
Merced Speedway has open wheel stuff happening all year long. I was never surprised to see that coming from Doug Lockwood, General Manager for S&S Motorsports. Doug has been with the USAC group in recent seasons and also had a stint with the World of Outlaws, so you know where his love is. I can respect that, though I'm still a bit disappointed at the memorial races that the track took off the schedule this year. That didn't need to happen, in my opinion. The racing has still been top-notch at the speedway this season in all classes.
The speedway just hosted a Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint show that pulled in 19 cars. I think that can continue to be a tradition there where they get one or two visits. The Western States Midgets are there this week for their second appearance, and they too delivered 19 cars the last time. A Sprint Car Challenge Tour race is happening the first weekend of August as the track gives its Modified and Hobby Stocks divisions the night off to go to Watsonville to support the Mike Cecil race. In September, there is a USAC/CRA Sprint Car show. Fans are the ones who benefit from this as it gives them some exciting open-wheel stuff to enjoy.
I'm sure there were a few more things I needed to say, but maybe that'll come out in the audio show. Looking at the clock, I need to shut up and edit. On that note, I'll end this column. Until next time...
