DeCarlo, Garner Win At Antioch, Lauer, Spainhoward Win At Merced, Sylvia Machado Win At Petaluma, More

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DeCarlo, Newberry, Garner, Clymens Win 

Larry Damitz Memorial Races At Antioch Speedway

Antioch, CA...April 14th...Antioch Speedway had a six division All Star Series racing program Saturday night in memory of five time Limited Late Model champion Larry Damitz. When the checkered flag flew on the 20 lap A Modified race, it was Nick DeCarlo notching his second straight Main Event win. Sean O'Gara paced four laps before spinning out in Turn 4, handing the lead to Scott Busby. However, DeCarlo took the lead from Busby on the restart and would lead the remaining 16 laps through a pair of mid-race yellow flags. Busby spun out of second on lap nine, handing the spot to Danny Wagner. However, Duane Cleveland made his move from deep in the pack to take second from Wagner by the checkered flag. Following DeCarlo and Cleveland were Petaluma Champion Oreste Gonella, Wagner and Busby. DeCarlo and Wagner won eight lap heat races.

Bob Newberry got his season started on a high note by winning the 20 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. The 2004 champion started mid-pack while Alan Miranda paced the early laps. Newberry was up to third on a lap seven yellow flag and took second on the restart. Newberry made an inside pass down the backstretch to take the lead from Miranda on lap 11 and went on to score or the victory. Shannon Newton made a late pass on Miranda to finish second. Miranda settled for third ahead of Brandon Burd and Roy Fisher. 2015 champion Kyle Baakie and Miranda each won eight lap heat races.

Mark Garner captured the big Larry Damitz Memorial trophy for the second straight year. Heat race winner Jim Freethy set the early Main Event pace with Garner quickly moving into second. Garner dogged Freethy for the next 10 laps before making an inside pass in Turn 4 to take the lead. Once he got the lead, Garner went on to a satisfying victory ahead of Freethy, Mike Walko, Lori Brown and reigning champion Kimo Oreta.

Trevor Clymens impressed with the win in the 20 lap B Modified Main Event. For most of the race, 2016 Hobby Stock champion Guy Ahlwardt looked like he would win. However, a lap 18 yellow flag for debris changed everything. Clymens put the pressure on Ahlwardt on the restart and made an inside pass in Turn 4 to gain the lead. Clymens went on to win ahead of Ahlwardt, Aaron Crowell, Kenny Neu and Tommy Fraser. Neu won the eight lap heat race.

2010 Hobby Stock champion Chris Sorensen outran Michael Cooper to win the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. John Wacht led the first two laps before spinning from the lead. Reigning champion Cameron Swank had the lead at that point, but he surrendered it to Sorensen's low pass in Turn 4 on lap seven. Cooper followed into second and pressured Sorensen for the lead for the rest of the race. Swank settled for third ahead of Wacht and Erik Pitschner. Sorenson and Cooper each won eight lap heat races.

Two-time Antioch champion and reigning NCDCA Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner returned and won the 20 lap Main Event. Wagner also won his eight lap heat race. Fellow heat race winner and 2016 champion Kevin Miraglio shared the front row with Wagner, and it was a Wagner and Miraglio 1-2 finish. Reigning champion Mike Corsaro finished third ahead of Ben Weisz and Lonnie Tekaat. Tekaat was the other heat race winner. Devan Kammermann flipped violently in his heat race. He was shaken up but returned to start the Main Event.

Another exciting lineup of All Star Series racing returns next Saturday night, headlined by the Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models and Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Race Results

All Star Series Antioch Speedway

A Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Danny Wagner. Main Event (20 Laps)-DeCarlo, Duane Cleveland, Wagner, Oreste Gonella, Scott Busby.

Wingless Spec Sprints

Heat Winners-Kyle Bakkie, Alan Miranda. Main Event (20 Laps)-Bob Newberry, Shannon Newton, Miranda, Brandon Burd, Roy Fisher.

Limited Late Models

Heat Winner (8 Laps)-Jim Freethy. Main Event (20 Laps)-Mark Garner, Freethy, Mike Walko, Kimo Oreta, Lori Brown.

B Modifieds

Heat Winner (8 Laps)-Kenny Neu. Main Event (20 Laps)-Trevor Clymens, Guy Ahlwardt, Aaron Cromwell, Neu, Tommy Fraser.

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Chris Sorensen, Michael Cooper. Main Event (20 Laps)-Sorensen, Cooper, Cameron Swank, John Wacht, Erik Pitschner.

Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Kevin Miraglio, Danny Wagner, Lonnie Tekaat. Main Event (8 Laps)-Wagner, Miraglio, Mike Corsaro, Ben Wiesz, Tekaat.

Merced Speedway Honors Bill Egleston 

With Action Packed Race

Merced, CA...April 14...Merced Speedway held their event remembering Bill Egleston last Saturday night, and the pits filled up so quickly that race cars ended up having to be parked in the parking lot. Nearly 140 racers competed in the five division show. When the checkered flag flew in each of the Main Events, wins were scored by Danny Lauer in the IMCA Modifieds, Nick Spainhoward in the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Billy Nelson in the Hobby Stocks, Chris Corder in the Mini Stocks and Scott Dahlgren in the South Bay Dwarf Cars.

With $4,015 on the line for the IMCA Modified 50 lap Main Event winner, some of the best drivers in the state came out for a shot at the glory. However, the driver they were chasing all race long was multi-time Santa Maria champion Danny Lauer. Lauer started on the outside front row of the Main Event and raced into the lead at the start ahead of fellow front-row starter Austin Burke. In fact, it was Burke chasing Lauer for the entire distance for the $1,015 second place finish. Darrell Hughes II ran a strong third ahead of Roger Holder, Bret Bennett, Shane DeVolder, Troy Foulger, Cody Burke, Paul Stone and Bobby Hogge IV, who started back in 15th after finishing second behind Chett Reeves in the first of two 15 lap B Mains. It was Robbie Sawyer winning the second B Main ahead of Brian Pearce. The 38 car IMCA Modified field was split into six eight lap qualifying heat races with wins going to Cody Burke, Hughes, Lauer, Nick Trenchard, Foulger and Austin Burke.

Nick Spainhoward came to town, and the 2014 IMCA Sport Modified State champion left with the $1,800 prize money. Spainhoward started on the front row outside and sprinted ahead at the drop of the green flag. Garrett Jernagen made an early pass on pole sitter Tim Elias and was a race long second. Elias settled for third ahead of reigning track champion Fred Ryland, Chris Falkenberg, Danny Roe, Bruce Nelson, Matthew Mayo, Andrew Peckham and Jeremy Hoff. They ran two 15 lap B Mains with Austin Manzella winning the first one ahead of Anthony Giuliani. Peckham won the second B Main in front of Jack Aguiar. The 33 car field ran six eight lap qualifying heat races with Hoff winning the the first one. Other wins were scored by Falkenberg, Kevin Johnson, Chuck Weir, Ryland and Tim Elias.

Billy Nelson won the 25 lap Hobby Stock Main Event, and the three-time Watsonville champion left with the $1,200 first prize. 2016 champion Michael Shearer paced four laps before Billy Nelson raced by for the lead. Michael Shearer held the second position until lap 21 when 16th starter Shannon Nelsen made the pass to claim the runner-up finish. Shearer settled for third ahead of Syd Finn, Robbie Loquaci, Chris Bennett, Dexter Long, Joey Ridgeway, Kristie Shearer and Kyle Eurto. The 25 car field ran four eight lap qualifying heat races with Jeff Lacy, Billy Nelson, Chris Long and reigning champion Kodie Dean picking up the wins.

Three-time reigning Mini Stock champion Chris Corder won his heat race and used his pole position start to lead all 20 laps in scoring the Main Event win ahead of his sister, Jennifer Corder. Teammate Destiny Carter completed the sweep of the podium as Lee Ragsdale, 2016 Watsonville champion DJ Keldsen, Allen Neal, Bryant Desaire, Ray Jackson, Kevin Lockerby and Joe Terry rounded out the Top 10. A track record 22 Mini Stocks competed in this event, and siblings Chris and Jennifer Corder won eight lap heat races along with Dan McCabe and Kevin Lockerby.

Scott Dahlgren won a thrilling 25 lap South Bay Dwarf Car Main Event. Jack Haverty led early before surrendering the front spot to past champion Shawn Jones. Dahlgren quickly settled into second and put the pressure on Jones for several laps. Working the 23rd tour, Dahlgren made his winning pass on Jones and scored the victory. Jones settled for second ahead of Michael Grenert, Haverty, Mark Biscardi, Zach Price, Mark Hanson, Ryan Amlen, Gene Pires and Eddie Claessen. Haverty, Dahlgren and Jones each one eight lap qualifying heat races.

Merced Speedway management wishes to think B&M Trucking, P&F Metals, Cal Mill and Maria Egleston and family for the additional sponsorship that helped make this event such a huge success. Coming up next Saturday night will be an open wheel themed event, featuring BCRA Midgets, USAC Speed 2 Midgets and the Valley Sportsman division. For further information, go to www.racemerced.com.


Note: The following articles are based on live scoring and may be subject to computer glitches and official decisions.  They are therefore unofficial.

Sylvia, Machado Win Petaluma Speedway Features

Petaluma, CA...April 14...Shayna Sylvia scored a popular victory in the 25 lap PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event Saturday night at Petaluma Speedway. Sylvia raced past Angelique Bell for the lead on lap two with DJ Johnson following closely into second. Through three yellow flags, Sylvia continued to lead the way. It was on they restart with two laps to go when past Winged Sprint Car champion Bradley Terrell raced past Johnson for second. However, nobody was able to stop the flying Sylvia. Johnson settle for third ahead of Jessie Love IV, Scott Chapeta, Dennis Furia Jr, Bell, Adam Teves, Keith Calvino and Eden McCormick. Terrell and Sylvia each one eight lap heat races.

Mitch Machado scored the victory in the 20 lap Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stock Main Event. After both he and fellow past champion Steve Studebaker won their eight lap heat races, Machado led Studebaker to the 1-2 finish in the Main Event. Reigning champion Matt While placed third ahead of Jim Woodward, Manny Avila, Gary Adams, Shawn McCoy, Sean Cook, Did Hess and Snazzy Duckworth.

Zack Albers took the lead from John Peters on the third lap and went on to win the 20 lap Redwood Empire Dwarf Car Main Event. Chad Mathias was a solid second ahead of Marty Weisler, Scooter Gomes, reigning champion Dave Mosier, Peters, Adam Teves, Barry Waddell, Mike Alfonso and Michael Williams. Brandon Gentry and Mosier won eight lap heat races.

Jared Morrison won the time limit shortened 12 lap Santa Rosa Auto Body 600 Micro Main Event. The race struggled to get started and was riddled with numerous yellow flags. Morrison gained the lead on lap 3 and wouldn't relinquish it. Cody Gray finished second, followed by Rick Cook, David Engstrom, Anthony Soper, Jenna Perkins, Brian Slubik, Rick Alonso, Kyle Grissom and Paul Alonso. Morrison an angstrom each 1/8 lamp heat races.

Racing roars back into action next week with a PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprints headlining along with the McLea's Tire MICA Modifieds, General Hydroponics Redwood Empire Dwarf Cars and Jakes Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.

Kaeding, Hogge, Ryland, Keldsen Ocean Speedway Winners

Watsonville, CA...April 13...Bud Kaeding went flag-to-flag in scoring a 30 lap Taco Bravo Sprint Car Main Event win Friday night at Ocean Speedway. Kaeding set the tempo for his perfect evening by winning both his eight lap heat race and the six lap Trophy Dash. The talented third generation competitor had the pole for the Main Event and led the race through three yellow flags. Dominic Scelzi held second from the start, and he had one final shot at Kaeding when a lap 27 caution flag bunched the field. However, Kaeding was not about to let this race slip away as he paced the remaining three tours for the victory. Dominic Scelzi settled for second ahead of 2015 champion Justin Sanders, multi-time champion Shane Golobic, Giovanni Scelzi, Tommy Tarlton Jr, Brad Furr, Cole Macedo, Koen Shaw and Sean Becker.

There were 25 Sprint Cars in action, and Sanders paced the field with a fast time of 11.488. An 11.529 was good enough to net Dominic Scelzi second quick. Kaeding won the first eight lap heat race ahead of Matthew Moles. Kurt Nelson outran Jake Haulot to claim the win in the second heat and Billy Aton won the final heat ahead of Golobic. Kaeding continued his momentum by holding off Dominic Scelzi to win the six lap Trophy Dash. The remainder of the field was filled out by the 12 lap B Main, and Kyler Shaw collected the win ahead of Kaleb Montgomery, Jeremy Chisum, Gary Nelson Jr and Becker.

Multi-time IMCA Modified champion Bobby Hogge IV scored an impressive victory in the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. Hogge had a front-row start for the race and led the entire distance through one yellow flag for the win. Alex Wilson was a race long second, leaving the battle between the Burke brothers for third. Cody Burke took the third position from Austin Burke on lap 14 to finish there. Austin Burke settled for fourth as Kyle Wilson, Jeff Decker, Robert Dias, Steve Streeter, Raymond Keldsen and Todd Hermosillo completed the Top 10 at the finish. Alex Wilson won the first eight lap heat race ahead of Austin Burke, while Hogge claimed the win in the second heat in front of Cody Burke.

Fred Ryland won the time limit shortened 16 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The race suffered three false starts before finally getting a lap in with Austin Manzella setting the pace. Ryland made a move into the lead on lap four before the yellow flag waved. Ryland led through two yellow flags in the next three laps, and Anthony Giuliani settled into second on lap 13 ahead of two-time reigning champion Matt Hagio. Ryland had a commanding half lap lead when the yellow and checkered flags waved on his victory on lap 16 due to a crash and an expired time limit. Giuliani settled for second ahead of Matt Hagio, Trevor Clymens, Austin Williams, Jack Aguiar, Travis Meyerhoff, Brandon Fox, Guy Ahlwardt and Jim DiGiovanni. The 24 car field was split into three eight lap qualifying heat races, and Ryland won the first race ahead of Manzella. Clymens collected the win in the second heat race ahead of Andrew Peckham and Matt Mayo held off Igor Grandzuk to win the final heat.

DJ Kelson scored his first career 20 lap American Stock Main Event win. The 2016 Mini Stock champion, Keldsen started back in the fourth row of the Main Event as Terry Traub set the early pace. Three-time champion Billy Nelson gained the lead on lap three before a yellow flag waved. Nelson led Tony Oliveira and Chris McCabe on the restart. The lead three remained the same through restarts on laps four and ten, and Keldsen made his first appearance in the Top 3 on lap 14 as Oliveira took the lead from Nelson. The yellow flag was out for Nelson shortly thereafter, and Oliveira led Keldsen on the restart. Keldsen put the pressure on Oliveira until making his move on the final lap for the hard-earned victory. Oliveira settled for second ahead of Kyle Reeder, Jerry Skelton, Traub, McCabe, John Farrell, Matt Kile, Nelson and JC Elrod. Kyle won the first of two eight lap heat races ahead of Elrod, and Nelson outran Oliveira to win the second heat.

Nate Teramo won a good battle with Dakota Keldsen for the win in the 15 lap 4 Banger Main Event. Teramo is a newcomer to the division this year, and he settled into an early second behind Keldsen. Teramo moved up to battle Keldsen for the lead by lap seven and eventually gained the point. From there, Teramo began to pull away over the remaining four laps for the victory. Keldsen settled for second. Kelly Campanile charged back from an early pit stop to finish third ahead of Justin Williams, Kate Beardsley, Nicole Beardsley, Bill Beardsley, Abigail Kennedy, Tom Summers and Devin Belton. Campanile won the eight lap heat race ahead of Kennedy.

Next Friday night, racing resumes at Ocean Speedway with the NARC/King Of The West Sprint Cars headlining the program along with the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, American Stocks and 4 Bangers. For further information, go to www.racepmg.com.

Micheli Wins B Modified Race At Stockton

Stockton, CA...Matt Micheli won a good battle with Les Friend and Brian Cooper to score the victory in the 25 lap B Modified Main Event Saturday night at The Stockton 99 Speedway dirt track. The B Modifieds ran in support of the Sprint Car Challenge Tour on Jimmy Sills night. Micheli is the reigning Limited Late Model champion at Placerville Speedway, and the win came aboard the mount of American Valley Speedway car owner champion Marty Burdine.

Friend led for several laps, and Micheli and Cooper made it good race up front. Micheli made his winning pass in Turn 3 of the 19th lap and led the rest of the way. Friend suffered a mechanical failure moments later and stalled on the front stretch. Cooper finished second ahead of Jake Van Tol, Jerry Bartlett, Brent Curran, Jimmy Ford, Mike Merritt, Richard Vanderploeg, Friend and Jason Emmot.

This race was booked before Cooper was forced by IMCA to pull the plug on his successful West Coast Sport Mod Tour, and despite completion from other tracks, there were 16 cars in action. Howard Law won the first eight lap heat race ahead of Cooper. Friend win his heat race by nearly a straightaway in front of Bartlett. Friend also won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Law.

Petaluma Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 14, 2018
PitStopUSA.com Wingless Sprint Cars
A Main
Results are not official
1     #9 Shayna Sylvia            
2     #83 Bradley Terrell
3     #33 DJ Johnson
4     #38 Jesse Love
5     #92z Scott Chapeta
6     #57n Dennis Furia  Jr.
7     #5b Angelique Bell
8     #42 Adam Teves
9     #73x Keith Calvino    
10     #32b Eden McCormick
11     #51L Chet Wilson    
12     #42f Will Fatu        
13     #77s Ryon Siverling        
14     #17 Dan Younce        
15     #3r Bob Davis

Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks
A Main
Results are not official
1     #22m Mitch Machado        
2     #46 Steve Studebaker
3     #3 Matt While
4     #49 Woody Woodward
5     #07 Manny Avila
6     #00 Gary Adams
7     #60 Shawn McCoy
8     #11c Sean Cook    
9     #51d Sid Hess
10     #18 Snazzy Duckworth

Redwood Empire Dwarf Car
Results are not official
1     #22r Zack Albers            
2     #9n Chad Matthias
3     #46r Marty Weisler
4     #66r Scooter Gomes
5     #23r Dave Mosier
6     #71r John Peters     
7     #42r Adam Teves        
8     #10r Barry Waddell
9     #03r Mike Affonso
10     #43r Michael Williams    
11     #34r Sam Borland
12     #31r Brandon Gentry        
13     #59r Matt Hagemann

Santa Rosa Auto Body 600 Micros
Results are not official
1     #154 Jared Morrison            
2     #04 Cody Gray    
3     #7 Rick Cook
4     #29 David Engstrom
5     #11d Anthony Soper
6     #2j Jenna Perkins     
7     #121 Brian Slubik    
8     #7r Rick Alonso        
9     #53 Kyle Grissom        
10     #1p Paul Alonso            
11     #00 Scott McIntosh
12     #23 George Nielson            
13    #41s Jack Clark
14     #11a Amber Fields


Tulare Thunderbowl Unofficial Race Results April 14, 2018
Light Up The World USAC Western States Midgets
Alex Schutte
Austin Liggett
Cory Elliott
Shannon McQueen
Robert Dalby
Ronnie Gardner
Frankie Guerrini
Clayton Ruston
Marvin Mitchell
Dylan Ito
C.J. Sarna
Maria Cofer
Ron Hazelton
Matt Mitchell
Robby Josett
Ryan Bernal
Bryan Drollinger
Kyle Beilman
David Prickett
Michael Faccinto

USAC/CRA Sprint Cars
Results are not official
1     #83 Austin Liggett            
2     #10 Richard Vanderweerd
3     #91r Brody Roa    
4     #4 Damion Gardner
5     #92 Jake Swanson
6     #44 Cody Williams
7     #5m Max Adams
8     #21 AJ Bender    
9     #02 Matt Rossi
10     #5 Logan Williams    
11     #73 Ryan Bernal    
12     #28m Matt McCarthy
13     #42 RJ Johnson
14     #4G Chris Gansen    
15     #98 Jeremy Ellertson
16     #17v Danny Faria Jr        
17     #2 Austin Williams
18     #88 Jace Vanderweerd            
19     #5x Tom Malcom            
20     #45 Gary Paulson

IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars
Results are not official
1     #67G Grant Duinkerken            
2     #35 Albert Pombo
3     #7Z Zane Blanchard
4     #95 Marcus Thomas
5     #45 Monty Ferriera
6     #5 Cole Danell
7     #75 Brendan Warmerdam
8     #2 Brooklyn Holland
9     #10F Jared Faria
10     #87P Jacob Tuttle
11     #67 Vaughn Schott    
12     #5S Mauro Simone
13     #41 Doug Gandy
14     #38 Kyle Rasmussen
15     #31H Phil Heynen    
16     #23T George Tristao
17     #12 Jacob Pacheco    
18     #4X Richard Weddle            
19     #53 Michael Pombo            
20     #43 Steven Wenzel            
21     #9 Steve Davis



Stockton 99 Speedway Dirt Unofficial Race Results April 14, 2018
2018 Jimmy Sills Classic - Featuring the Sprint Car Challenge Tour
SCCT Sprint Cars
A Main
Results are not official
1     #41S Dominic Scelzi        
2     #29 Willie Croft    
3     #41 Giovanni Scelzi
4     #42X Tim Kaeding    
5     #83 Kyle Hirst
6     #22 Shane Golobic
7     #X1 Andy Forsberg    
8     #7C Tony Gualda Jr.    
9     #5C Colby Copeland
10     #63 Jeff Ensign
11     #56 Justin Sanders     
12     #31C Justyn Cox
13     #5 Kalib Henry
14     #7 John Carney
15     #16 Andy Gregg
16     #75 Sean Becker            
17     #32 Klint Simpson        
18     #94 Steven Tiner            
19     #21X Cole Macedo
20     #P37 Matt Petersen            
21     #88N D.J. Netto            
22     #9L Cody Lamar            
23     #5H Michael Kofoid            
24     #2K Kyle Offill

B Main
Results are not official
1     #5H Michael Kofoid        
2     #63 Jeff Ensign
3     #21X Cole Macedo    
4     #32 Klint Simpson
5     #17 Bud Kaeding    
6     #55 Cody Hodgson
7     #28 Nathan Rolfe
8     #47 Mason Moor    
9     #7K Steven Kent
10     #91C Shawn Conde
11     #5V Chase Johnson
12     #9F Dustin Freitas
13     #33 Lucas Ashe
14     #99T Tanner Boul
15     #01 Jodie Robinson
16     #97 Shane Hopkins    
17     #9 Tyler Brown        
18     #38 Colby Johnson            
19     #7N Zach Lynskey        

C Main #1
Results are not official
1     #5V Chase Johnson            
2     #33 Lucas Ashe
3     #7B Brent Bjork
4     #37 Mitchell Faccinto
5     #88 Bret Barney
6     #12J John Clark
7     #6W Billy Wallace    
8     #4 RC Smith

C Main #2
Results are not official
1     #17 Bud Kaeding            
2     #97 Shane Hopkins
3     #20 DJ Freitas
4     #15 Ryan Souza    
5     #25 Justin Johnson
6     #98 Chris Masters        

B Modifieds
Results are not official
1     #79 Matt Micheli            
2     #17C Brian Cooper    
3     #26V Jake Van Tol    
4     #00 Jerry Bartlett
5     #132 Brent Curran
6     #12 Jimmy Ford    
7     #58M Mike Merritt
8     #55 Richard Vanderploeg
9     #15 Les Friend        
10     #9 Jason Emmot
11     #14 Howard Law            
12     #25J Jason Womack            
13     #22M Damian Merritt            
14     #112 Alan Furuta
15     #27 Dwayne Short    
16     #27T Tony Peffer        


Merced Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 14, 2018
Race #3 - Honoring Bill Egleston Presented by B&M Trucking
IMCA Modifieds
A Main
Danny Lauer
Austin Burke
Darrell Hughes
Roger Holder
Bret Bennett
Shane DeVolder
Troy Foulger
Cody Burke
Paul Stone
Bobby Hogge IV
Ryan Porter
Nick Trenchard
Brian Pearce
Jeff Streeter
Chris Lewis
Tim Balding
Chett Reeves
Carl Berendsen II
Chris Crompe
Stephen Hopf
Brian Lewis
Randy Brown
Robby Sawyer
Freddie Plourde

B Main 1
Chett Reeves
Bobby Hogge IV
Chris Lewis
Freddie Plourde
Brian Lewis
Stephen Hopf
Troy Stone
Ricky Thatcher
Ramie Stone
Vincent DePalma
Jay Bradley
Jarod Fast
Michael Aldrich

B Main 2
Robby Sawyer
Brian Pearce
Carl Berendsen II
Jeff Streeter
Tim Balding
Chris Crompe
Justin Villaneuva
Mike White
John Osgood III
Kevin Williamson
Kellen Chadwick
Karl Rose
Royce Mull

IMCA Sports Modifieds
A Main
Nick Spainhoward
Garrett Jernagan
Tim Elias
Fred Ryland
Chris Falkenberg
Danny Roe
Bruce Nelson
Matthew Mayo
Andrew Peckham
Jeremy Hoff
Austin Manzella
Kelly Wilkinson
Chase Thomas
KC Keller
Patti Ryland
Anthony Giuliani
T.J. Etchinson III
Jack Aguiar
Dale Grissom
Chuck Weir
Cody Parker
Andrew Odgers
Tanner Thomas
Kevin Johnson

B Main 1
Austin Manzella
Anthony Giuliani
Tanner Thomas
Chase Thomas
Dale Grissom
Andrew Odgers
Jason Pugh
Tim Ragsdale
Mark Condell
Courtney Burks
Vince Gianotta

B Main 2
Andrew Peckham
Jack Aguiar
KC Keller
T.J. Etchinson III
Patti Ryland
Cody Parker
Dave Smart
Joe Salvi
Mark Squadrito
Jarrod Mounce

SBDCA Dwarf
Scott Dahlgren
Shawn Jones
Michael Grenert
Jack Haverty
Mark Biscardi
Zach Price
Mark Hanson
Ryan Ameln
Punky Pires
Eddy Claessen
Dan Zuger
Robert Kozinski
Bill Belfield
Brady Beck

Hobby Stocks
Billy Nelson
Shannon Nelson
Michael Shearer
Syd Finn
Kodie Dean
Robbie Loquaci
Chris Bennett
Kristie Shearer
John Hensley
Dexter Long
Joey Ridgway
Austin VanHoff
Kyle Eurto
Mike Germait
Brandon Pugh
Kalob Shelton
Michael Scruggs
Cody Brown
Jeff Lacy
George Silva
Chris Long
Kevin Joaquin
Mark Reist
Chris Williams
Craig Tatum DQ

Mini Stock
Chris Corder
Jennifer Corder
Destiny Carter
Lee Ragsdale
DJ Keldsen
Allen Neal
Bryant Desaire
Ray Jackson
Kevin Lockerby
Joe Terry
Jennifer Rodgers
Tyler Jackson
Devin Belton
Dan McCabe
Darren Chaves
Jason Belton Jr.
Abigail Kennedy
Shawn DePriest
Jerry Tubbs
Dustin Donathan
David Richards
Kristina Cole


Ocean Speedway Watsonville, CA Unofficial Race Results April 13, 2018
Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo
A Main
Bud Kaeding
Dominic Scelzi
Justin Sanders
Shane Golobic
Giovanni Scelzi
Tommy Tarlton Jr.
Brad Furr
Cole Macedo
Koen Shaw
Sean Becker
Billy Aton
Kurt Nelson
Kyle Offill
Mathew Moles
Jake Haulot
Jerry Bonnema
Josh Chisum
Gary Nelson Jr.
Wayne Katen
Jeremy Chisum
Kaleb Montgomery
Kyler Shaw

B Main
Kyler Shaw
Kaleb Montgomery
Jeremy Chisum
Gary Nelson Jr.
Sean Becker
Josh Chisum
Wayne Katen
Richard Fajardo
Bryan Grier
Alan Beck

IMCA Modifieds
Bobby Hogge IV
Alex Wilson
Cody Burke
Austin Burke
Kyle Wilson
Jeff Decker
Robert Dias
Stephen Streeter
Raymond Keldsen Jr
Todd Hermosillo
Robert Marsh

IMCA Sport Mods
Fred Ryland
Anthony Giuliani
Matthew Hagio
Trevor Clymens
Austin Williams
Jack Aguiar
Travis Meyerhoff
Brandon Fox
Guy Ahlwardt
Jim DiGiovanni
Matt Mayo
John Ferro
Austin Manzella
Andrew Peckham
Todd Gomez
Adriane Frost
Mike Kofnovec Jr.
Mark Hartman
Markus Frazier
Mike Kofnovec, SR
Alex Bieser
Matthew Mayo
Igor Gandzuk DNS
Logan Doglione DNS

American Stocks
DJ Keldsen
Tony Oliveira
Kyle Reeder
Jerry Skelton
Terry Traub
Chris McCabe
John Farrell
Matt Kile
Billy Nelson
JC Elrod
Norm Ayers

Four Bangers
Nate Teramo
Dakota Keldsen
Kelly Campanile
Justin Williams
Kate Beardsley
Nicole Beardsley
Bill Beardsley
Abigail Kennedy
Tom Summers
Devin Belton

Antioch Speedway And Merced Previews, Orland, Hanford, Kern Raceway, More

First of all...

The DCRR Racing Media Books

Just A Kid From The Grandstands:  My Time In Auto Racing

Stories of my time in auto racing from the beginning to 2003
Available on Lulu in Paperback And Hard Cover

And

Don's California Racing Recollections:  Best Of The Blog And Beyond

Racing History, Stories, Statistics And Pictures
Available via print on demand at Lulu in Hard Cover or Paperback

A cool article about Wingless Spec Sprint Co-Founder Don O'Keefe Jr's newest racing endeavor HERE

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Also...

DCRR Racing Media And PR Consulting  HERE

The DCRR Racing Radio Show

2nd Annual Larry Damitz Memorial Race On Tap 

At Antioch Speedway

Antioch, CA...Antioch Speedway roars back into action this Saturday night with an exciting six division All Star Series program honoring the late Larry Damitz. Featured divisions this weekend include the Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modified, B Modifieds, Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars.

In recent seasons, the division of choice for Damitz, who was racing well into his 80s, was the Limited Late Models. In his final seven seasons at Antioch, he won five championships and finished second in those other two seasons. He won over 50 Main Events in his illustrious career at Antioch Speedway alone, and he was also recently inducted into the Vallejo Sports Hall Of Fame.

For The Limited Late Model racers, this event is for them. They spent many years trying to beat the orange and blue #15 car, wheeled impressively by Damitz. Last season, it was Kimo Oreta taking the wheel and making sure the Sun Drop Racing team maintained their championship status. Though he was very consistent and won multiple races, he still had to fight off the challenges of 2013 champion Jim Freethy and Mark Garner.

Freethy and Garner are both expected to contend for this year's championship. Garner was doing double division duty last season, but he has put his B Modified up for sale in order to focus on his Limited Late Model effort. The man who has won more Main Events in this division at Antioch than anybody else, Mike Gustafson, will be another driver to watch out for. He was a two-time feature winner last season. Chris Long is anticipated in the John Keith car, and other drivers to watch for include John Evans, Lori Brown, Chad Hammer, Jeff Kendrick and Ryan Cherezian.

The A Modified division kicked off their 2018 season two weeks ago with Nick DeCarlo scoring the impressive victory. DeCarlo tends to bounce from track to track, but he has championships to his credit at Watsonville and Petaluma. A decision on Nick's behalf to compete for the Antioch crown would certainly make him a top threat. Reigning champion Bobby Motts Jr notched the second place finish at the opener as he attempts a title defense. Five time division champion Scott Busby has his eyes on a track record 73 career feature wins, and other drivers to watch for this week include Sean O'Gara, rookie Buddy Kniss, hard charger Trent Wentworth, Mike Salazar and Bobby Montalvo.

Fred Ryland might have been a surprise entrant at the opener as he was the 2017 Merced Speedway champion. However, he picked up right where he left off with another Antioch win. The 2015 Antioch champion, who also has a Hobby Stock championship to his credit, is rapidly approaching 50 career feature wins. Ryland's presence in the field makes things very interesting and helps make Antioch one of the most exciting B Modified programs in the state. Other drivers to watch for in the field include 2016 champion Trevor Clymens, 2017 champion KC Keller, past Street Stock champion Todd Gomez, past Hobby Stock champion Guy Ahlwardt and Tommy Fraser.

The Wingless Spec Sprint division enters its 20th season on the roster, and it appears as if 2004 champion Bob Newberry has his sights set on the championship. Newberry won more Main Events than anybody last season before settling for third in the standings. Another driver to keep an eye on is the only driver to have competed in all 20 seasons in this division, 2017 runnerup Rick Panfili. A competitive group of racers in this class includes Alan Miranda, Roy Fisher, Shannon Newton, Brandon Burd, Abigail Gonderman, Adam Teves, James East and Bryan Grier, who hasn't officially said if he's attempting a title defense this year.

The Hobby Stock division continues to have a strong presence at the speedway. In the opener, Michael Cooper looked very impressive in scoring the win, leaving the battle for second between reigning champion Cameron Swank and 2010 champion Chris Sorensen. Past Super Hobby Stock and Figure 8 champion Jim Robbins threw his hat into the ring this year and looked very fast in the opener. Likewise, Billy Garner also figures to be in line for his first career feature win. Other drivers to watch for this week include Jordan Swank, Travis Tabucchi, Ricky Foster, Josh Leach, Russell Shearer and Haley Gomez.

There was plenty of disappointment to go around in the Dwarf Car community after the rain out canceled what was sure to be a big event last week. Regardless, Mike Corsaro enters the season as the reigning champion. Corsaro may very well be the driver to beat this year as he has become very consistent in recent seasons. David Michael Rosa is knocking on the door to his first career feature win and may be another driver to watch in the championship hunt. Other drivers to watch for this week include last season's top rookie, Devan Kammermann, Brian Gray, David Rosa, Charlie Correia and 2016 champion Kevin Miraglio.

It looks as if the weather will open a window and allow this exciting six division program to unfold. For further information on this and other happenings, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Big Race Remembering Bill Egleston 

At Merced Speedway Saturday Night

Merced, CA...So far, rain has claimed two of the three scheduled events at Merced Speedway. This Saturday night, Merced Speedway plans to make up the rained out event from March that was to honor fallen racer Bill Egleston. Weather permitting, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks and South Bay Dwarf Cars will be on the card.

Bill Egleston was a popular racer among his peers at Merced Speedway. Last season, he finished fourth in the standings, and he was the 2012 IMCA Modified champion. Back in January, he was killed in a crash at Perris Auto Speedway. With an outpouring of affection from throughout the local community, funds were raised to make this Saturday night's IMCA Modified Main Event a $4,015 to win race. The IMCA Modifieds don't get all of the goodies, however. The IMCA Sport Modifieds will race for $1,815 to win, while the Hobby Stock feature winner will receive $1,200.

With that kind of money on the line, drivers are anticipated from outside the Merced area as well as strong support from the locals. Randy Brown is the two-time reigning IMCA Modified champion, and he has his sights set on what could be the biggest win of his career. To get that win, Randy knows he may be facing stiff competition from the likes of racers such as Paul Stone, Ramie Stone, Alex Stanford and Troy Foulger, all of whom have won IMCA Modified championships at various venues.

Merced Speedway has a group of top notch competitors amongst its roster, including Bruce 'Bubba" Nelson, fourth generation racer Ryan Porter, Mike Villanueva, Troy Stone, Darrell Hughes II and Chris Shannon. All of their eyes will be on the big Main Event prize.

The IMCA Sport Modified season opener two weeks ago was won by Tanner Thomas. It was the first career win for the talented teen. The division is seeing an increase in competitors, including some talented young racers such as Tanner's brother Chase Thomas and Cody Parker. Danny Roe finished second in the opener and will be gunning for the big win. Other drivers to keep an eye on include Chris Falkenberg, Jeremy Hoff, Tim Elias, Paul Espino and Josh Hensley. With the money on the line, it's possible that two time champion Rick Diaz will be in action this week along with some top competitors from outside the Merced area.

It's not often that the Hobby Stock division gets to compete for $1,200 to win, and this is sure to draw a good field of racers as the division kicks off their 2018 season. Both reigning champion Kodie Dean and runner-up Garrett Corn each won four Main Events last season, and either may be the best bet for the win. 2016 champion Michael Shearer and 2015 champion Kevin Joaquin are sure to make their presence known. The talent filled field of drivers should include Kristie Shearer, Shannon Nelson, Mike Stockton, Austin Van Hoff, Robbie Loquaci and John Hensley.

Chris Corder kicked off his attempt at a fourth Merced Mini Stock championship by winning the season opener two weeks ago. In that race, he had to pass Destiny Carter, who earned her career-best finish in second. While Chris and his sister Jennifer Corder are both Main Event winners, there is a host of hungry new competitors looking for their taste of victory. Lucy's Falkenberg is knocking on the door to her first career win and had multiple second-place finishes last season. Wayne DePriest, Devan Belton, Joe Terry, Robert Jackson and Lee Ragsdale are other drivers to watch.

In June, the Dwarf Cars will have a two-day Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event. Saturday night is the lone opportunity for the South Bay Dwarf Car competitors to get a tune up. They kick off their season with Cameron Diatte as the reigning champion. Other drivers to watch for this week include past champions Mark Biscardi and Gene "Punky" Pires, Ryan Amlen, Bill Belfield and Kyle Jones.

We might be looking at a little rain during the week, but it looks like the weather on Friday and Saturday should be good. If the pits get a little bit wet, promoter Ed Parker has the back up plan to park the racers out in the parking lot in order to see that the show goes on. You can find out the latest status of this race and other information at www.racemerced.com.

Golobic, Stanford Win Kern Raceway Features

Bakersfield, CA...April 8th...Shane Golobic scored the victory in the 30 lap NARC/King Of The West Winged Sprint Car Main Event at Kern County Raceway Sunday evening. The race was moved back one day due to the rain during the week. Golobic grabbed the lead from the outset and made all the right moves In traffic late in the race when it counted to score the win. During the first half of the race, Willie Croft and Dominic Scelzi exchanged the second position multiple times before Croft grabbed the position for good at the halfwaya point of the race. After the race's final yellow flag on lap 15, Golobic bolted ahead at the green flag and led the rest of the way to win ahead of Croft and Dominic Scelzi. Kyle Hirst made a move into fourth by lap 22 to finish there as Tanner Thorson, Mitchell Faccinto, Bud Kaeding, Giovanni Scelzi, Chase Johnson and Jason Statler rounded out the Top 10 in the 22 car field. 2016 Series champion Hirst set the fast time with a lap of 12.406, beating the 12.474 effort of Golobic. They ran three ten lap heat races with Croft comfortably winning the first race ahead of Hirst. Giovanni Scelzi held off Kaeding to win the second heat and
Johnson scored of the victory in the third heat ahead of Dominic Scelzi. The six lap Trophy Dash was won by Croft with Hirst not too close behind in second.

Alex Stanford won the 30 lap A Modified Main Event. After taking the lead from Robby Sawyer on a lap 12 restart, Brad Pounds looked like he might win the race. Stanford followed him quickly into second and briefly took the lead on that 20, only to relinquish the spot a lap later. Pounds was moving along in front when he got a flat tire and pitted on lap 27. Stanford gained the lead from there and brought it home to a satisfying victory. Sawyer was a strong second ahead of Brett Bennett, Cody Laney, Shane DeVolder, Rob Sanders, Steve Noland, Brylon Holder, Austin Manzella and Dave Phillips. The 20 car field was split into three qualifying heat races with Dylan Thornton winning the first eight lapper ahead of division rookie DeVolder. It was two time reigning Merced Speedway champion Randy Brown holding off Sawyer in a good battle to win the second heat and Roger Holder beating Manzella by a comfortable margin to win the final heat.

J.D. Brown won the 25 lap Mod Lite Main Event. Brown shared the front row with Cheyenne Flippo and managed to motor ahead of her. Flippo would lose second to Danny Valdez, but Brown won by about a straightaway ahead of Valdez. Valdez was disqualified in post race tech with Flippo elevated to second. Kenny Cochran was the final lead lap finisher in third as Roy Maynard Jr, Jacob Diamond, Colby Lewis, Kaden Cochran, Tim Varney and Anthony Balcazar completed the finishing order. Lewis won the first eight lap heat race ahead of Varney, while Maynard outran Balcazar in the second heat.

James Bradburn dominated the Bakersfield Hardtop action with an impressive victory in the 25 lap Main Event. Bradburn came from the third row to get the lead, and once he had it, he pulled away to a comfortable margin of nearly half a lap ahead of second place finisher Richard Souza. Tom Dugan was a solid third head of final lead lap finisher Marc McCaslin. Jason Stanphill finished fifth ahead of Jeff Geddes, Brandon Stanphill, Matt McCaslin, Jennee Dugan and Josh Yadon. Marc McCaslin won a good battle with James Bradburn to win the first eight lap heat race with Souza holding off Tom Dugan to win the second heat.

Racing comes back to the Kern County dirt track on April 20th with A Modifieds, B Modifieds, Mini Stocks and Bakersfield Hardtops. For further information, go to www.kernraceway.com.

 Roa, Robertson Win Keller Auto Speedway Openers

Hanford, California...April 7...Brody Roa scored the victory in the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Main Event as Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford opened their season. With the rain during the week, this event was under threat, but the crew had the track in shape and ready to go. Other feature winners on the night included Blake Robertson in the IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars, Chad Johnson in the IMCA Stock Cars and Jason Cook in Mini Stocks.

Brody Roa collected the win in the 30 lap USAC West Coast Sprint Car Main Event. Steve Hix paced three laps before losing the lead to Jake Swanson on the restart. Swanson set the pace from there until a lap 23 red flag flew when David Faria Jr flipped. Roa made his move past Swanson on the restart to take the lead with Richard Vanderweerd following into second. Roa paced the remaining seven laps for the victory ahead of Vanderweerd, Swanson, Jace Vanderweerd, Ryan Timmons, Hix, Tristan Gaurdino, Shannon McQueen, Koen Shaw and Britton Bock. There were 19 competitors, and Richard Vanderweerd set the fast time at 16.352, besting the 16.474 lap of Austin Liggett. They ran three ten lap heat races with Richard Vanderweerd winning the first one ahead of Brody Roa. Swanson won the second heat ahead of Liggett and the final heat race win went to Hix ahead of Brandon Wiley.

Blake Robertson scored the victory by nearly a straightaway in the 25 lap IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car Main Event. Despite the yellow flags, Robertson won comfortably ahead of Zane Blanchard. Grant Duinkerken finished third ahead of Vaugh Schott, Cole Danell, Brooklyn Holland, George Tistao, Mauro Simone, Michael Pombo and Brandon Warmerdam. There were three eight lap heat races with Mike Schott winning the first heat ahead of Blanchard. The second heat race win went to Tristao in front of Duinkerken, and Robertson won the final heat in front of Mike Schott.

Hanford was the first California track to get an IMCA Stock Car division over ten years ago, and there were 11 competitors for their season opener. Chad Johnson won a close battle to the line to beat Preston Martin in the 25 lap Main Event. Brock Hamilton was a solid third ahead of James Elliott, Steve Streeter, Chett Reeves, Ren Bane, Pat Biggs, Josh Nichols and Alan Mendes. In his division debut, Shawn Schwartzenberger was eliminated in an opening lap crash. Johnson won the first eight lap heat race ahead of Martin, while the second heat race win went to Hamilton in front of Mendes.

The Mini Stock division rounded out the program with a 20 lap Main Event. It was Jason Cook prevailing by a comfortable margin ahead of Paul Schwartzenberger and Andy Boydstun. Clinton Massey was a solid fourth ahead of Matt Herod. Shawn DePriest rounded out the lead lap finishers in sixth. Darren Estermann, Gene Glover and Red Beard Rutledge completed the finishing order. Paul Schwartzenberger won the first heat ahead of Herod, and Boydstun won his six lap heat race ahead of Massey. Steve Porter scratched prior to the heat races.

Racing continues on April 28th with the King Of Kings Winged 360 Sprint Cars, joined by the IMCA Stock Cars, Mini Stocks and Mod Lites. For further information, go to www.racekingsspeedway.com.

Orland Raceway Holds Successful Playday

Orland, CA...With all of the rain falling during the week leading up to the scheduled playday at Orland Raceway, promoter Rich Hood made a decision on Friday to move the playday to Sunday afternoon. The result was a turnout of roughly 30 racers to get laps on the 1/5 mile dirt oval.

Drivers encompassing all of the track's regular divisions, Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks, Micro Sprints and Wingless Gas Sprints, made laps. Also taking advantage of the opportunity to practice were several racers from the California Hardtop Association and the B Modified division. The latter two divisions have each been booked for two special visits.

It's been about eight years since Orland Raceway had Modifieds on the track. About a half a dozen drivers came for the special race back in 2010. On Sunday, 2016 Yreka champion Jimmy Lipke and Justin Faux made their very first laps on the track. Both remarked that they enjoyed the practice and look forward to coming back later this season. Faux was testing his brand new race car. Also making practice laps was another Yreka area competitor, Trevor Tiffee.

When both of the California Hardtop racing events were rained out at Chico and Marysville last weekend, several of their competitors decided to come to Orland to practice for their two upcoming events. Leading the charge were Ken Clifford, Joe Shenefield, Joe Hopp, Roger MacShain and Larry Wells. Wells purchased his car during the offseason and was making his first laps. The California Hardtop drivers remarked after their visit last season about how much they enjoyed racing at Orland.

Several Pure Stock competitors took advantage of the opportunity to give their cars shakedown runs, including 2017 champion Jeremy Langenderfer and runner-up Shannon Collins. A field of about ten drivers from this division were making their practice in anticipation of the season opener on April 28th.

Reigning Mini Stock champion Tom Davis and reigning Mini Truck champion Keith Ross we're both in attendance among a group of roughly a dozen competitors combined in the two groups. Several Micro Sprint and Wingless Gas Sprint racers made laps, including multi-time Wingless Sprint Car champion Josh Jacobo.

The racers can hardly wait for the season to begin. If weather permits, there will be another practice on April 21st before the season opener, which will feature Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks, Wingless Gas Sprints and Micro Sprints. For further information, go to www.orlandraceway.org or look the track up on Facebook.

The Editor's Viewpoint

You can never predict how the weather is going to be. In two of the last three weeks, almost everything has been rained out. Last weekend, a few tracks got creative and moved what they had planned for Saturday to Sunday. Two racing events, one at Madera and one at Kern County, were moved to Sunday. Two playdays, one at Orland and one at Stockton, were also moved to Sunday.

We shouldn't be all shocked and surprised that we will get some rain outs in Spring. The arrival of Spring doesn't mean that automatically the rain is going to stop. Some years we get luckier than others, but I can remember a time when we weren't even getting started with our racing season until about mid April. Weather patterns being what they are over the last 20 years, now we start our racing seasons in March and go all the way until October.

I had the lion's share of my articles completed and could have went ahead with the post. Even the audio show has been recorded as I type this, but I thought maybe I would add a little something else. The natives are certainly getting restless up here as we have our fingers crossed for the playday in Medford. Actually, I wouldn't count on it happening.

As the Publicity Director, I sit here in a holding pattern. I don't want to get everybody all hyped up for the playday, only to pull the rug out from under them. It's on the schedule. Before the internet, you just looked at your schedule. If you had a doubt going into race day, you called the track. These days, we have web pages. We try to find new and creative ways to use the internet to generate interest.

The thing that frustrates me about here is I feel like we've been fighting a battle to win people over. We've done more to chip away at some of the old negativity than some of our critics may realize, but then again, how would they know? All the fan or racer is expected to know is the who, what, where, when and why about race night. They don't need to know the struggles you're going through.

Mike seems pretty cool about all of this, because he's been through it before. Me, I'm out of my element. I mean, I'm familiar with these types of things having worked at Antioch and Chowchilla behind the scenes, but up until a couple of years ago, I had only been to Oregon twice in my life. I don't know everybody so well. I do my best, but it sometimes feels like an exercise in futility. So I sit here trying to figure out how to be positive and get people excited.

Playday was looming large, and when I walked the track a week ago, I started thinking everything looked to be on schedule. The pits looked okay too. I was picking loose dirt up off the top of the track. All we need to do is get this sucker cut, but what do I know? Mike looked at it and said it's a week away. So, what do I say? It's on the schedule, but I don't want to add a nice little decorative, rah rah rah, type of thing.

When I get the hype started, I want it to lead towards the gate being open and things happening. I've never used the Facebook Events feature until this year for our season opener. I've seen people do that at other places, and I'm just trying to get people excited about coming out and racing. Who knows if what you're doing will resonate with the people? All's I know is we've done a lot and work hard. Could we do more? Probably. Are we cleaning up the mess that was left behind for us? Absolutely.

As I put something up letting everybody know about playday, I am hit with a string of comments from the Pro Stock competitors. We need Pro Stocks. Why aren't there more Pro Stock races? I don't know what to tell you all. This is the schedule Mike booked. Am I 100% behind the decision regarding Pro Stocks? No. I am not. But, it's not up to me to like it. It's up to me to sell it. They'll be racing 10 times at Yreka, so Yreka got a deal where they know there's going to be 10-12 cars on race night. We averaged a few more when we had them, but there are people who don't like going down there for whatever reason.

I'm anxious to get things going, but I'm going over everything. Did I get everything done? The stress level gets higher every day, and I might add that I really didn't suspect that I would be back here doing this again this year. I can only say that even though there are a lot of people I like up here, my experience up here has taken a lot out of me. I do my best, but I'm losing more and more of myself while I do this. I don't know what the answer is other than to just make the best of it.

What amazes me is how I can still have an impact at Antioch Speedway, and I haven't been there for a race since 2015. I made a post on Facebook last year about why the Limited Late Models should have the big race on Larry Damitz Memorial Night. It made sense to me, considering this was Larry's division of choice for the past eight or nine years. Pete Paulsen seized upon that to offer a big trophy for the winner of that Main Event.

Now, I was hesitant at first to do this, because I know how John can get very possessive. John works very hard at what he does, but if it's perceived that somebody else is getting the promotional glory, he doesn't get too happy. Between that attitude and certain people in the middle fanning the flames back in 2000, my time at the track ended. So, I tentatively did what I did and communicated with Pete via messaging. He made the offer, and I thought, why not? I'm already fired anyway, I can't get more fired. Actually, was I ever really hired at Antioch in the last few years?

Anyways, Pete stepped up to offer a trophy again. This was very last minute, because he didn't see my post on my Facebook page until Tuesday morning. He's already communicated with his trophy guy, and it looks like this could happen. I've always had a lot of respect for Pete. He's done a lot to help promote auto racing and automotive enthusiasm in general.

As of this writing, I have no idea who is getting the glory at Antioch Speedway. Last season, the Late Models were the headliner for Larry's night. Paul Gulielmoni and others stepped up and helped John with the purse. Paul was even on the motor sports show that they do up in the Willamette area promoting this thing and talking about the future. What exactly happened to the future of the Late Models involvement in this race, I can't say.

What ended up being booked on the schedule was Wingless Spec Sprints, A Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars and Limited Late Models. John added the B Modifieds last week, though I'm not sure who was aware of this. Guys were already talking about going to Merced and Stockton for races there. I'm assuming the A Modifieds are going to get the glory as they are the go to class when it comes to extra money purses. My opinion is the Limited Late Models should get it.

It's an interesting thing to look at the Limited Late Model division. They call them Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks at Petaluma, they have wings on the Super Stocks at Marysville, they call them Pro Stocks in Bakersfield and they call them Calculated Comfort Pro Stocks in Yreka. I'm wondering why there couldn't have been some effort to book a date where the Petaluma drivers, at least, could come support this race. Larry had quite the history at that track as well. Not meant as an attack, just an observational question.

The other thing about the Limited Late Models is we are still sort of in a Late Model wasteland in California. Antioch has the best full Late Model class, and Placerville has a pretty solid Limited Late Model class that is definitely a step above what Antioch calls Limited Late Models. People love the Late Model style, but California really doesn't have something on the dirt that is big. They haven't for quite some time, which is a surprise. Maybe something will happen as these Pro Stock, Super Stock and Limited Late Models evolve? In Oregon, it seems like the Late Model class is coming back around again.

Merced Speedway is taking another swipe at the Bill Egleston Remembrance. This is a special event to honor 2012 IMCA Modified champion Bill Egleston. Bill died in a crash at Perris Auto Speedway. He's been a fixture at Merced Speedway for the past several seasons and was Top 5 in the points last year. The season opener was rained out, but it was rescheduled for this week. The money still stands. $4,015 to win for IMCA Modifieds, $1,815 to win for IMCA Sport Modifieds and $1,200 to win for Hobby Stocks. Plus, they have Mini Stocks and South Bay Dwarf Cars. Looks like the weather will allow this to happen, I hope.

I look at the IMCA sanctioning with wonder. IMCA has pretty much taken over the Modified and Sport Modified market in California and Oregon. There are a few tracks without the sanctioning. They don't really suffer, but they're not part of the IMCA family. IMCA is very protective of their IP. So protective, in fact, that they dropped the hammer on the really nice IMCA Sport Modified Series that Brian Cooper and Jerry Bartlett put together.

I can't adequately describe how disappointed I am with Brett Root and IMCA's short-sightedness on the matter. This would benefit IMCA and California racing, but Brett wouldn't hear of it. I can't get into all the details that I heard out of respect for certain people, but I can say I have very little respect for how this was handled. Seems to me that Mr. Root could have picked up the phone and squared things up with Cooper. If he didn't like everything that Cooper was doing, he could have explained how things need to go from here on out and given him a mulligan, while keeping a close eye on things in the future. But instead he said, I want nothing instead of something. This division isn't supposed to have anything big, so they can have nothing and like it.

IMCA is it again making a foray into Sprint Car racing. It was generally a failure when they attempted this some 15 years ago. I mean, come on. Motor claiming in Sprint Cars? Sprint Cars are where the big boys play, and if you can't afford to be in it... IMCA is attempting to create its own brand here now with RaceSaver 305 Sprint Cars, but with injected 305 engines. Who else is doing this? They're going over pretty well at Hanford and when that group visits Bakersfield and Tulare.

Marysville Raceway, on the other hand, jumped into this class for whatever reason. I don't think it was needed. Dennis Gage has enough on his plate trying to maintain a rapidly eroding racing program. He already has a pretty good Winged 360 Sprint Car class. His foolish decision to begin the Winged Economy Sprints while still trying to have Wingless Spec Sprints has basically killed the Spec Sprints up there and stunted any growth for the Economy Sprints, now named Crate Sprints. But how many Sprint Car divisions do they need there?

If you go back in history, prior to when Mike McCann had his stint as promoter at Marysville, this was a Stock Car track. Right now, they have the Winged Super Stock division on the chopping block, a Hobby Stock division that still hasn't really performed that well and a budding IMCA Sport Modified show. Seems to me that this is where the attention needs to be given while nurturing the Winged 360 Sprints. But, IMCA will gladly put their label on divisions out in California to say, see, we sanction this too.

This brings me to IMCA Stock Cars. For whatever reason, Jerry Schram at the Willamette Speedway has added the division to his roster along with IMCA Sport Modifieds. Why? Claire Arnold built quite the empire up there throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Willamette had the top Stock Car racing program in Oregon, and honestly, they may have been better than anything in California back then too.

What happens at Willamette these days is the remnants of those glory days, but still one of Oregon's better dirt track offerings. You've got Late Models, Sportsmans, Super Sports, Street Stocks. It's a fender car paradise, with IMCA Modifieds thrown in for good measure. Jerry didn't really need to do anything else with IMCA at that point, although he had people lobbying for IMCA Sport Modifieds. Seems to me, you're going to be affecting the Sportsman or Super Sport division with this class. I'm not familiar with the rules to see which one is closest to the Sport Modifieds.

I will say that for the record, I love the look of the IMCA Stock Car. These cars are pretty neat, and they have a distinct image. Hanford has been doing this thing for the better part of 15 years, but it's never popped above 12 cars. I'm not sure why, other than the fact that the Hobby Stocks are still thriving at places like Bakersfield and Merced. Why get an IMCA Stock Car when there are so many places running Hobby Stocks still?

Oregon, unlike California, still has a legitimate Street Stock division. They haven't evolved the way they did in California, and I think that is a good thing. Several tracks have the class, unlike Southern Oregon Speedway, much to my disappointment. In fact, Sunset Speedway has both Street Stocks and Pure Stocks. Now, Willamette has the Iron Giant Race, which attracts 40 to 50 cars for the big money purse. The Street Stocks are healthy there.

Why would you even want to throw the IMCA Stock Cars into this mix? What possible reason could you have? There's one other thing that has happened here in Oregon this year that is a WTF moment for me, and even if it does top the list, IMCA Stock Cars at Willamette while you still have a Street Stock class is a very close second. The only thing that this can do is have a false start and fail or eventually put the Street Stocks out of business. Not sure what Jerry's thinking is on this.

Now, as we started to give attention to the Hornet division at Southern Oregon Speedway in 2016, I did start to hear people say, put IMCA sanctioning on the Hornets. No. Make that, hell no. Why do we need a banner on a class like this? Nobody in California is doing what would be called an IMCA Sport Compact class, not since Merced had the class back in the 1990's. Why? Because it's not needed.

I will say that a track that has no more healthy Hobby Stock or Street Stock show might not be hurting itself giving IMCA Stock Cars a try. While Cottage Grove, Willamette or Sunset might not really need IMCA Stock Cars, there might be a market for them at Southern Oregon Speedway or Siskiyou Motor Speedway. You'd be starting from the ground up, but there's a lot of people enamoured with those four letters.

Now, I know some people will say I'm IMCA bashing again. I'm not going to pretend I'm a big fan. Sorry if that offends. However, enough racers buy into their line that you're foolish to not give them a look. Some tracks will definitely suffer if they drop the sanctioning. To me, sanctioning bodies have another function, besides rules.

A promoter who knows how to say no to the racers when they ask to do more can create their own set of rules and be effective. To me, sanctioning bodies are probably best when they offer something at the end of the season for the racers. A nice point fund. IMCA almost needs a laugh track when they start talking about what the drivers get for winning their track championships or even the state championships. Give me a break.

Almost forgot to mention what happened at Siskiyou Motor Speedway. I'm still not clear on all the details, but they just released a clarification on their rules for what they're calling the Outlaw Open Comp class. Originally, this was an Outlaw Modified class, but IMCA apparently didn't take too kindly to them using the word Modified. Didn't think IMCA actually owned the name Modified, but since they run IMCA sanctioned Modified races there, they didn't want to confuse the issue.

So, Siskiyou Motor Speedway clarified the rules. Regardless of what they want to call them, it's still essentially an unsanctioned Modified class, mainly because a few Modified racers don't conform with the rules of IMCA and wanted to give the track a try. Will this work? I don't know, but Siskiyou Motor Speedway needs to do something to stimulate interest in the headline class before it's too late. Some may say it already is, but I'm hoping for the best.

I don't really want to beat a dead horse here, but Siskiyou Motor Speedway management needs to do a better job of preparing for the future. Given the behind-the-scenes scandal the association had that nearly ended their run at the track, I can see where they had other things to worry about. They have this Jalopy thing down there that's sort of the big version of a Dwarf Car or a cross between a Hardtop and a Modified. But is that the answer? Probably not. However, if the four cars I know of are actually ready, maybe they can get a couple of exhibition races to start with?

Because they only have the two divisions offering any kind of car count, IMCA Sport Modifieds and McDonald's Mini Stocks, they need all the help they can get. Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars will only be there twice in April. Yreka was very lucky that the Outlaw Pro Stock Association became available for 10 dates, and they should bring them at least 10 cars and probably more. The association very much wanted to be at Southern Oregon Speedway more often, but that didn't work out. Don't want to get sidetracked with my observation here, but the track still needs to think about the future.

There were some rumblings about the Sportsman or Street Stock class being revived, and I don't know why that didn't happen. I guess nobody had cars left? They could have easily tried to start a Hobby Stock class, or maybe even invited the guys up from Orland for a race. All you need to do is to take a look at the schedule and make something happen. But, you still need locals building cars.

This brings on the obvious question, what about Hornets? The track was speaking about that very possibility last year. After inviting the Southern Oregon cars for a couple of early-season races, the division died. You're telling me you can't get anybody to build cages for these cars? The Hornet division would have to be the easiest division to start. Point is, they need to start thinking about the future and strengthen their program.

As I have been researching Southern Oregon Speedway's history for my win totals, I've been looking at some of the numbers at Siskiyou Speedway from the 1990s and into the early 2000s. They didn't do too badly. The track has had some good years, but the association needs to keep their eyes on the prize. It's probably more of a challenge to do that given the fact that you are electing new officials every year. Somebody starts working on something, only to be voted out next year.

Siskiyou Motor Speedway will get by just fine this year. It's not a bad schedule, and maybe this Open Outlaw deal will turn into something. Pro Stocks are a nice car count boost, and they're a great bunch of racers. Saturday night, if the weather allows, they've got a five division show that should be one of the best car counts of the year.

Anyway, I hope the tracks do well, whatever their sanctioning. Petaluma is getting back in action with a four division offering, and Ocean Speedway has a loaded program on Friday night. It's kind of funny that the rain wiped out last weekend, and this weekend has no racing happening at Silver Dollar Speedway, Marysville Raceway or Placerville Speedway. There's a Monster Truck show at Silver Dollar Speedway.

What the weekend is really about at Antioch Speedway and Merced Speedway is remembering a couple of special racers. For Merced Speedway, everybody knew Bill Egleston. He was one of the most loyal supporters at Merced Speedway in recent seasons. Ed Parker is endeavoring to make this a special event, possibly even an annual show. My advice to the racers down there is support this one. It's going to be one hell of a show.

As for the people complaining about this and that, I still come back to the comment that you should put up or shut up. If you think you can do better, make the offer. And as for the people wondering why certain divisions weren't getting purses, people who donated the extra money to the other divisions did so because those were the divisions they wanted to support. If you feel your division should be included in this or any other night, You need to go out there and help drum up the support.

I can tell you this from my experience, it's not always easy to get businesses to throw in money for your special night or to sponsor your track in general. You get a lot of doors shut in your face before you get favorable responses. So, don't take it for granted the money is flowing just because a division gets a bigger purse from time to time. It isn't. And when you do hear the sponsors names on these cars or at the race track in general, support the people who support the races.

As for Larry Damitz, I can only say the man was an inspiration to so many of us. To be in his mid-eighties and still at the top of his game winning races and championships is something very rare. He didn't do his racing for any kind of glory. He did it because this is what he had been doing for the last 60 or so years of his life. Win, lose or draw, he was in his happy place when he was at the race track.

He deserves the honor of having a race in his memory. He deserves to be inducted into the Vallejo Sports Hall Of Fame. And Lord willing, if Antioch Speedway or Petaluma Speedway ever decides to start a Hall Of Fame, he deserves the honor of being inducted there. For any racer who appreciated Larry, or any fan for that matter, Antioch Speedway will be the place to be on Saturday night.

As for whether there will be extra purse money or any of that, I don't know. I've heard nothing from John on the matter. In the last year or so, John hasn't put the numbers out there, but on special nights, he has paid better. Take that for what it is. And, if things go according to plan, Pete Paulsen of Wheels by Pete Paulsen may be offering a trophy for the Main Event winner in the Limited Late Models again this year.

I also feel the need to give a tip of the hat to Rich Hood at Orland Raceway. You know, people in Orland don't really expect big things from that little race track. It's kind of stood there in the shadow of Silver Dollar Speedway all these years. They do their thing. But, anybody who's watched the place over the last 10 years knows the tough times it has gone through. Rich Hood was a Pure Stock racer turned promoter, and he stepped up only because that place might have ended up closed down if he hadn't.

Now, Orland Raceway is not some place that holds these big Sprint Car or A Modified shows. It's been known as a Pure Stock and 4 Cylinder division track for many years, and they have had some good moments doing that. Rich is sticking with the basics, and it's been working for him if you can judge his progress from 2016 to 2017. He's brought the Wingless Sprints back into the equation and still has the Micro Sprints.

I like the fact that he's giving a look at the B Modified division, and he can cultivate something there. I'd be willing to bet they could get six to eight drivers out there supporting a somewhat regular type of show, say seven or eight races in the 2019 season. He's starting with two races this year, and I think it'll go well. The drivers who were making laps at practice had nothing but praise for the track and are looking forward to coming back.

My friends at the California Hardtop Association lost two races due to rain, but the decision to move the playday to Sunday gave them an opportunity to try again. I can't say enough about those Hardtops. Beautiful looking race cars, and just a great bunch of guys who are out there having fun. There were five of them making laps on Sunday, and they're all looking forward to coming back later this season.

Hood had a decision to make. He could have thrown in the towel like so many others did. After all, it's just a playday. Instead, he saw that the forecast called for a sunny day on Sunday. It would not have been ready on Saturday, but the extra day gave him that opportunity. Playdays are important for drivers to test their equipment, but they can also be helpful to promoters as they build just a little bit of revenue towards the season. It's not a lot, and if it did make any money, it would be spent maintaining that racing program, I guarantee you. He has another playday booked on the 21st before going live with racing season a week later.

Orland Raceway is not without its charm. It's not the glory track that you might think of, but it is a track that has offered racers and fans a place to go for several years. Rich is in tune with the community and the racers there, and that's a positive. He knows to not swing for the bleachers with what he does. He knows to stick with the basics there and run a couple specials here or there or where it's possible. I think Orland Raceway is in good hands with him, and I certainly look forward to getting an opportunity to visit there in the future.

I'll be trying to get the last minute things that need to be done so I can be ready for the season opener In Medford on April 28th. If we do have a playday this weekend, I'll be ready for that. Otherwise, I'll be at the desk monitoring what's going on at various tracks. Still a few more things to do, but somehow I'll be ready to rock and roll.

Thank you for reading and thank you to those who have contributed to The Tip Jar. It means a lot, and it is going to good use to help keep me going. Until next time...


Kern County Race Park Unofficial Race Results April 8, 2018
NARC/KWS Sprint Cars
SHANE GOLOBIC
WILLIE CROFT
DOMINIC SCELZI
KYLE HIRST
TANNER THORSON
MITCHELL FACCINTO
BUD KAEDING
GIO SCELZI
CHASE JOHNSON
JASON STATLER
DJ NETTO
DUSTIN GOLOBIC
TOMMY TARLTON
KOLBY COPELAND
JERMY CHISUM
JARRETT SOARES
MATTHEW MOLES
NATHAN ROLFE
JENNA FRAIZER
CRAIG STIDHAM
SEAN WATTS
MARK BRARROSO

A Mod
Alex Stanford
Robby Sawyer
Brett Bennett
Cody Laney
Shane DeVolder
Rob Sanders
Steve Noland
Brylon Holder 
Austin Manzella
Dave Phipps
Dex Morris
Randy Brown
Karl Noland
Brad Pounds
Jerry Flippo
Troy Morris Jr.
Roger Holder
Clint Reichenbach
Dylan Thornton
Danny Lauer

Hardtops
James Bradburn
Richard Souza
Tom Dugan
Marc McCaslin
Jason Stanphill
Jeff Geddes
Brandon Stanphill
Matt McCaslin
Jenee Dugan
Josh Yadon
Darren Dadey
Kelly Mason DNS

Mod Lite
JD Brown
Cheyenne Flippo
Kenny Cochrun
Roy Manyard Jr
Jacob Diamond
Colby Lewis
Kaden Cochrun
Tim Varney
Anthony Balcazar
Danny Valdez DQ


Kings Speedway Unofficial Race Rsults April 7, 2018
USAC NW 360 Sprints
Brody Roa
Richard Vanderweerd
Jake Swanson
Jace Vanderweerd
Ryan Timmons
Steve Hix
Tristan Guardino
Shannon McQueen
Koen Shaw
Briton Brock
Austin Liggett
Brandon Wiley
Trent Carter
HOBIE CONWAY
Kevin Barnes
Kyle Edwards
Danny Faria
Brent Owens
Austin Ervine
Ryan Stolz

IMCA RaceSaver Sprints
Blake Robertson
Zane Blanchard
Grant Duinkerken
Vaughn Schott
Cole Danell
Brooklyn Holland
George Tristao
Mauro Simone
Michael Pombo
Brendan Warmerdam
Jacob Tuttle
Blaine Fagundes
Jesse Mack
Landon Davis
Jared Faria
mike schott
Phil Heynen
Albert Pombo 
Lance Jackson DNS 

IMCA Stocks
Chad Johnson
Preston Martin
Brock Hamilton
James Elliott
Steve Streeter
Chett Reeves
Renn Bane
Pat Biggs
Josh Nichols
Alan Mendes
Shawn Schwartzenberger

Mini Stocks
Jason Cook
Paul Schwartzenberger
andrew boydstun 
Clinton Massey 
Matt Herod 
Shawn DePriest 
Darren Estermann
Gene Glover
Redbeard Rutledge

Madera Speedway Unofficial Race Results April 8, 2018
RPM Mortgage Pro Late Model Open
Matt Erickson
Ryan Hart
Rick Thompson
Henk Gaalswyk Jr 
Jack Wood
Garland Tyler
Glen Cook
Austin Herzog
Kevin Thompson
Quintin Harris
Kolby Berry
Racin Vernon
Erik Woods
Howard Holden
Adam Lemke
Dillon Tucker
Del McIntosh
Nick Grossi
Christian Roche
Will Martyn
Tyler Herzog
Ross Strmiska
Zachary Cook
Shelden Cooper
David Lewellen

JR Late Model
Jesse Love 
Tanner Reif
Kayla Eshleman
Kabe McClenny
Anthony Guaimano
Tyler Reif
Lilly Mead
Austin Edwards
Kyler Berry
Olivia Manke
Dylan Zampa

Toyota Sedans
Jason Lawton
Jillaun Holden
Greg Tyler
John Tevis Jr
Thomas Magray
Manny Gonzales Jr
Kyle Labre
Tim Curtis
Shayla Gould
Mike Marley

MST
Patrick Geiger
Bert Stephens
Dave Lander
Ryan Reynolds
Dennis Brannon
Shaun Reynolds
Tim Pilcher 
Tim Kammerer

WSRA Mini Cups
Kercie Jung
Riley Massey 
Kale McClenny
Aaron Thomas
Joseph Holiday 
Aiden Phillips
Trenton Eurto
Avery Vivian 
Jayce McCarthey
Seth Wise 
Zachary Ginn

Antioch Speedway, Merced Speedway, California Hardtops, More

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Dwarf Cars Prepare For Big Show Antioch Speedway

Antioch, CA...Under the threat of rain this weekend, Dwarf Car competitors are hoping to get the show in this Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. It's one of the biggest Dwarf Car events that Antioch Speedway has ever had. Also on the card are the All Star Series B Modifieds and the Hobby Stocks.

Since John M. Soares has been promoting the speedway, he and Western States Dwarf Car Association guru Frank Munroe have spoken about the possibility of having a big Regional or National event. They've never been able to make it work, but there was a break in the negotiations during the offseason. The WSDCA has decided to start a special King Of California series, and competitors from the NorCal Dwarf Car Association, South Bay Dwarf Car Association and newly formed Redwood Empire Dwarf Car Association are anticipated for the special event. There could be over 40 competitors in the pits in this division alone.

Of course, Antioch Speedway has its own group of Dwarf Car competitors, led by reigning champion Mike Corsaro. Since Soares took over as promoter 20 years ago, the Dwarf Cars have been a part of the program with a champion crowned every season. The current roster features such stars as last season's top rookie, Devan Kammermann, the father-son duo of David and David Michael Rosa, Brian Gray, longtime Dwarf Car competitor Charlie Correia and 2016 champion Kevin Miraglio.

Correia has raced for decades and is one of the original Dwarf Car competitors in California. He was a part of the NorCal group in the mid 90s with Munroe. In those days, NorCal was part of some of the biggest shows Antioch Speedway ever had when the group invaded the races hosted by the Pacific Coast Dwarf Car Association at that time. It was not uncommon to see 30 or more Dwarf Cars during that season some 25 years ago. Fans will see some of the best Dwarf Car competitors in the state this Saturday night, if the weather holds.

Leading that charge should be reigning NorCal Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner, who is also a two-time Antioch Speedway Dwarf Car champion. Other NorCal Stars such as Buddy Olschowka, Scott Dahlgren, Ryan Winter and Mike Reeder are anticipated. The South Bay group should be represented by such stars as past champions Cameron Diatte, Mark Biscardi and Gene "Punky" Pires.

A welcome sight in the pits last weekend was Fred Ryland. Ryland has competed at Antioch Speedway through three different divisions and has been a star in all of them. Most recently, he won the Antioch B Modified championship in 2015, and he was the IMCA Sport Modified champion at Merced Speedway last year. All totaled, Ryland has won nearly 50 Main Events in his Antioch Speedway career alone.

There was a big field of B Modifieds last weekend, and the field included such stars as reigning champion K.C. Keller and 2016 champion Trevor Clymens, both of who joined Ryland and Todd Gomez in a spirited duel through traffic for the victory last week. Ultimately, it was Ryland emerging victorious over Clymens. Clymens also had a good night by winning his heat race and scoring a victory in the second Sharp Shooter Tournament race.

Known for paying bigger purses from time to time, Soares has issued the challenge to his B Modified drivers. Get him 18 cars, and he'll pay $500 to win. That would make this one of the biggest paying B Modified shows in the state. Tommy Fraser looked impressive last weekend in his third place finish, and other drivers to watch for this week include Guy Ahlwardt, Kevin Brown, Chuck Golden and impressive rookie Brent Curran.

The biggest turnout of the night last week was in the Hobby Stock division. There were 19 competitors in what was a rather enjoyable Main Event, won by Michael Cooper. Cooper is now in his sixth season of racing and is certainly capable of making a big challenge for the championship. A busy work schedule and a very busy schedule for the division may take him out of the action on a few nights and drop him from contention.

Certainly, reigning champion Cameron Swank and Chris Sorensen are drivers to watch in the title chase. They finished second and third, respectively, last weekend. All eyes were on Chris Bennett in the Bob Hanson Tribute Car after he won his heat race. Bennett was running third in the Main Event when he spun, charged back into the Top 5, only to tangle with Jim Robbins. Robbins, who has won championships in the Super Hobby Stock and Figure 8 classes, figures to do more racing this season and will be somebody to watch as well.

Ricky Foster surprised the field with a Top 5 finish last week as did newcomer Josh Leach. The Hobby Stocks continue to attract new competitors and put on a great show for the fans. Other drivers to watch for include Joey Ridgeway, Frank Furtado, Jordan Swank, Russell Shearer, Billy Garner, Travis Tabucchi and rookie Haley Gomez.

The show at Antioch Speedway, if weather allows it to happen, will be a good one. When you get that many talented Dwarf Car competitors in one place, you get a very entertaining show. The B Modifieda and Hobby Stocks will make this a well-rounded program that you won't want to miss. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

BCRA Midgets Merced Speedway Visit Rained Out, 

Bill Egleston Remembrance Next Saturday

Merced, CA...Promoter Ed Parker was watching the weather forecast for this weekend, and it wasn't getting any better. Therefore, he was forced to make the decision to cancel this Saturday's races at Merced Speedway. Scheduled to appear this week was the first of two appearances for the Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets, joined by the IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and California Sharp Mini Late Models. The Midgets will return on April 21st.

The BCRA Midgets invaded Merced Speedway with 18 competitors last year and put on a crowd-pleasing show, won by BCRA Dirt Series champion Cory Elliott ahead of past BCRA champion Frankie Guerini and Robert Dalby. The BCRA racers were all very complimentary towards the Tim Ragsdale prepared quarter-mile oval last year, and they are very much looking forward to the opportunity to race there again

The Bill Egleston Remembrance had been rained out a couple of weeks ago, and the rescheduled date will be Saturday, April 14th. The IMCA Modifieds will be racing for $3,000 to win, while the IMCA Sport Modifieds get $1,800 to win in the Hobby Stocks get $1,200 to win. Also on the card will be Mini Stock division and the South Bay Dwarf Cars, who will play host to the Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event at Merced Speedway in June.

Bill Egleston was a popular driver among his fellow IMCA Modified competitors and enjoyed a Top 5 season in the standings last year. He was also the 2012 Merced Speedway champion. Sadly, he lost his life in a crash at Perris Auto Speedway back in January. The outpouring of affection for Bill led to the booking of this special night of remembrance and the increased purses in three of the divisions.

It is sure to attract some of the top IMCA Modified competitors, including Troy Foulger in the Bill Bowers Modified, multi-time Merced champion Paul Stone and others. Leading the charge at Merced will be two-time reigning champion Randy Brown, multi-time champion Raimie Stone and his brother Troy Stone, D.J. Shannon, Mike Villanueva, Ricky Thatcher, Bruce "Bubba" Nelson and others. The IMCA Modified division alone will be worth the price of admission, but they're not coming alone.

Coming off of his first career victory in the IMCA Sport Modified feature last week, second generation leadfoot Tanner Thomas will be looking for two in a row. Getting that win won't be an easy task with some of the talent he will be facing. Danny Roe was back and stronger than ever in his second place finish at the season opener. After a Top 5 finish that night, Chris Falkenberg is another driver to keep an eye on. Young guns Chase Thomas and Cody Parker will be out for victory, and other hard chargers such as T.J. Etchison III, Jeremy Huff, Chuck Wier and Anthony Giuliani will be out to make a play for the big bucks. Drivers from neighboring race tracks are anticipated for this race.

Last season, two of the biggest stars in the Hobby Stock division were champion Kodie Dean and point runner-up Garrett Corn. Only 10 points separated them by season's end, and both of them scored four Main Event victories. A win with $1,200 on the line would be the biggest win of either of their careers. Dean looked quick in his practice laps a few weeks ago. Much like the two IMCA divisions, there should be an increased Hobby Stock car count with the money on the line. Drivers to watch for include past champions Michael Shearer and Kevin Joaquin, Robbie Loquaci, Kristie Shearer, Austin Van Hoff and Mike Stockton.

The Mini Stock division is coming off of the biggest car count in the division's history at Merced with 17 entries last time. It still produced a familiar result as reigning champion Chris Corder left the speedway with the victory. However, Destiny Carter gave everybody something to talk about by scoring her best career finish in second and leading some of the Main Event laps. These two should be tough competitors this week, joined by Lucy Falkenberg, Jennifer Corder, Wayne DePriest, Robert Jackson, Lee Ragsdale and more.

For the Dwarf Car competitors this lone South Bay Dwarf Car Association point race is an opportunity to get some practice laps ahead of the Western States Dwarf Car National event scheduled for June 15-16. The reigning South Bay Dwarf Car Association champion is Cameron Diatte, but the group has several hard chargers in its ranks, including past champions Mark Biscardi and Gene "Punky" Pires. Bill Belfield, Trafton Chandler, Ryan Amlen and Kyle Jones.

It will be a great night of racing as Merced Speedway remembers one of its own, the late Bill Egleston. With five divisions competing, it will be a show that true racing fans will not want to miss. For further information, go to www.racemerced.com.

California Hardtops Set For Double Header 

Opener This Weekend

Chico, CA..Once again, it's time for the California Hardtop Association to go racing. These Vintage Coupe and Sedan racers will be competing at several race tracks up and down the state of California, and it all gets started this weekend with a show on Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, followed by a Saturday night show at Marysville Raceway. All eyes are on the weather forecast, however, as rain seems to be on the way.

The known roster of competitors in this class reaches into the twenties, and there are over 30 Hardtops in various states of repair in the Northern California area alone. One of the people helping keep these cars going is Jason Armstrong, who won multiple Main Events last season. He's joined by his father, Dennis Armstrong. Both competitors come from Placerville Speedway and raced Stock Cars together prior to getting into this class.

Another father and son duo to keep an eye on is "The Rocket Man" Ken Clifford and his son Jason Clifford. Jason didn't get to do as much racing last season as he would have liked, due to a busy work schedule and the fact that he was building the shop where he and his father maintain the race cars. Jason did win a Main Event at Orland last year, and his father got to take Jason's car for a spin at Roseville and scored a victory there.

The California Hardtop Association boasts a great group of racers who enjoy racing against each other on the track and the camaraderie off the track. There's Joe Sheffield, who will be looking for his first Main Event victory. Ron Ruiz and Dave Reed are two competitors who seem to get faster every time they get behind the wheel. Joe Hopp was a Main Event winner last year in Roseville, and other competitors to watch for include Roger MacShane, Ken Retzloff, Tom Grady, Dan Whitney and Russ Kraft. Find the California Hardtop Association page on Facebook for further information.

The Editor's Viewpoint

I debated for about a day whether or not I was even going to put this post up. The weather looks terrible for this weekend, and it could be that most of the races get rained out. So, why bother to do weekend previews under these circumstances? Nonetheless, I went ahead with previews for Antioch Speedway and Merced Speedway and my friends at the California Hardtop Association.

20 years ago, Oval Motorsports and John and Donna Soares took over the promoting duties at Antioch Speedway. From the moment I first spoke with John about this possibility at Altamont Raceway back in 1997, he had me on board. The track needed change at the time. I took great risk endorsing him, although he was an anonymous bidder at the time. John asked to leave his name out of it, so I spoke of a group called Racing Inc.

The magazine at the time was doing some of the best business it ever had done before. My sister was there at the track every week selling it, so we were selling as many or more magazines overall than they were selling the souvenir programs at the track. And at the time, the Editor's Viewpoint column spoke of why we needed change at the track. I was putting my ass on the hot seat.

Now, I know Brynda had a dilemma. She had to kind of sit tight and wait and see what Rick was going to do, since he was her boss. She knew what she wanted to do, and it's my belief, based on what I had heard from reliable sources, that she wanted to put a bid in because she felt that the bid that Rick put in wouldn't be big enough. I don't think she followed through on that, mainly because you have to fall in line with what the company wants.

Unquestionably, she was pissed at me, and I don't blame her. I did take offense at John's comment, a couple years later when I told him that had he not won, I would have probably been kicked out. He looks at me, not even flinching, and says, "Well, you would have had it coming to you." Gee, thanks a lot John. I don't think there are too many people who have worked for John that would go through all the crap with him and really fight for his cause, but I can proudly say I was one of them.

I would have had it coming to me, just for the record, but Brynda didn't want to do anything during the 1997 season. She could have. It would have been her right to say, "No, you can't come in. Get these magazines off my premises." It took a lot of nerve for me and my sister to do what we did. Why didn't she drop the hammer on us? The only thought that comes to mind is she didn't want the negative feedback that would have come from racers and people, but once the bid cycle concluded, she would have quietly swept me under the rug in much the same way she did with the Figure 8 in 1992.

Now, would I have come back and fought the good fight? I did that every time I was kicked out of the pits before, but I was burning out. Honestly, I could have walked away from the sport then. The only reason I didn't was my hope that John would come in and bring change and perhaps there would be opportunities for me to do more in the sport. Thankfully, my hopes came true on that, and we had some pretty amazing seasons in those first few years.

The other thing that happened is I caught the attention of Ken Clapp. I was working, unofficially at least, for Altamont Raceway. I was sending the race reviews to Racing Wheels and other publications to help spread the word. I rather enjoyed my time at Altamont in 1997, but Ken wanted me removed. He even went to Andy Herbst and asked him to fire me. To Andy's credit, he stood behind me. I remember him telling me about his conversation with Ken, and with a laugh, he said, "He's a dick." I agree with that assessment of Mr. Clapp, though I know that's not a popular opinion with some people.

Anyway, the reason for this column was not a history lesson of my early support of John. This stuff is written down in my book, Just A Kid From The Grandstands, available at lula.com. I'm speaking of the rainy weather we faced in 1998 as we attempted to get the season started. To that point, there were a lot of people who wanted John to fail. There were a lot of people actively seeking to make sure he failed. I was putting the word out about all the things that we were going to have, and John held meetings with the racers. Things were actually going pretty well.

The one thing you can't predict is the weather. Up here, I look at the weather and keep my fingers crossed for a nice sunny day on April 28th. We need to have a good start this year, and my concern is either gloomy weather or we get a rain out. We've already seen one rain out weekend in California two weeks ago, and I'm afraid it doesn't look good for this weekend either.

In 1998, we lost our play days due to rainouts. We also lost two or three races due to rain. John had put new clay on the track and was still whipping the place into shape. We really needed that practice, but instead we opened after another bad week of weather. The track was in no way in the type of shape it needed to be in. Frankly, we probably shouldn't have run that race. This is easy for me to say. It's not my money on the line.

What a lot of people may not recall is that John invested a lot of money into that place, and it needed it. The previous management was pretty much employing the "open the gates and take the money" strategy and it worked for them. Antioch was a part of the three race empire that was West Coast Speedways before John. Antioch made money, Watsonville did well and San Jose Speedway was flopping. The money made at Antioch is probably the biggest reason San Jose continued. So, when Antioch was out of West Coast Speedways, the domino effect continued. It all started when Ken Clapp took Barky's empire from 22 tracks to none.

When you're spending money on fences, lighting, score boards, bringing in a pit restroom, building a pit concession stand and all of the things that John did, you need money coming in. This was the biggest motivating factor for us to have that nightmare season opener. It was a disaster. I was set to share the announcing duties with Jack Menges, but he didn't get the memo. He announced that full night by himself. It wasn't a bad thing as I was watching what was going on.

There was a flier circulating around the grandstands from somebody who wanted John removed immediately. Yes, he had his haters. There was no more NASCAR at the track giving the drivers from the coast their precious Regional championship. This was going to be more locally-based, which I felt was a good thing. The numbers at that time back my opinion.

When you get into NASCAR, you get into Joe Amadeo. Joe had the TV station showing highlights of the races every week, and he really had an over inflated opinion of who he was. A guy who walked around acting like his poop didn't stink. But I spoke with Joe and he wasn't happy as yellow checkered after yellow checkered ended races early. He got angrier and angrier. "What am I going to do, " he asked me? I told him, we have one more Main Event, the Hobby Stocks, and you should film that and see what happens there.

Of course, Joe had a low opinion of that division. I even asked him one time to do his setup piece, "I'm Joe and we're at Antioch Speedway  " in front of a Hobby Stock, and he told me that the cars are too ugly. He'd rather do it in front of nothing. I don't have a lot of nice things to say about Joe. Sure, he had a TV show, which he stole from Bruce Paulson from everything that I've heard. It became a media circle-jerk between Joe, Tim Tyler at the newspaper, John Myers the announcer and Bob Messer with his souvenir programs. Like I say, it's not about us. It's about the racers. Joe liked to think it was about himself. Gee, I wonder why he's not involved in the sport anymore?

As Joe is grumbling and throwing a hissy fit, the Hobby Stocks had a ten lap Main Event or curfew, whichever came first. They proceeded to go ten laps without a yellow flag with Donny Babb winning the race. The camera wasn't on for the race. Now, Joe had done an interview with John a few weeks earlier where he threw hard balls at him about what he was going to do with the place. Meanwhile, softball questions to Rick out at Watsonville. So, it was obvious what Joe's bias was.

Joe used the show us a bully pulpit, such as when he went after Marco Bertozzi. Marco was not a great official, but he was a pretty cool guy who did his best. Rather than focus on racing sometimes, Joe would just verbally berate Marco. So, I knew it was coming during the week when Joe called me. "I don't have good enough footage. What am I going to do, Donny?" I told him that he should just use what he could and say it was a rough night but it will get better. Fact was, if he used his brain, he would realize it was going to get better.

The problem was a feeling that was going around with people who believed all of the NASCAR hype. The place isn't NASCAR anymore. It's been ruined by the son of the guy who opened the damn gates back in 1961. Utter BS, in my opinion. It's not about a banner hanging over the track, it's about the racers putting on the show for the fans. You need no banner to put on a show. Joe had a cushy position covering NASCAR, and he saw that empire crumbling.

I don't think he ever gave it a thought to give John the benefit of the doubt. He didn't care whether he would be kicked out of the gates or not. Screw it, he slammed John and the race track on his show and was disinvited from that point on. Was it fair? Freedom of press, right? I'm a believer in freedom of press. And, sometimes criticism is needed. The problem here is John had only promoted that one race at the track, and that's nothing to base his body of work on. Joe was hoping to create an atmosphere that might lead to John losing the track.

The rainy weather screwed us up big time in the beginning. We absolutely stumbled out of the gate. We had NASCAR stars saying they were only going to go to San Jose because we were not NASCAR anymore, and we had people thinking we couldn't do anything. In many ways, 1998 at Antioch Speedway is my proudest time in the sport. It was us against our haters, and we won. Things got better after that race.

John made the comment that is so true when we started hearing of the drivers who were no longer going to race with us. We'll make new stars. How right he was. Sure, Scott Busby, Bobby Hogge IV, Chad Chadwick, Chris Wadsworth and Brian Cass headed to San Jose. No problem. Dan Gonderman, Bob Newberry, Don Shelton, Keith Brown, they all stepped up. Mark Garner became a star as did Mel Maupin. I am very proud of the racers in every division.

And eventually, many of the top stars came back when they realized John paid pretty well and had a good show. The facility was in better shape than it had ever been and we were knocking it out of the ballpark. But that's another story.

Nobody ever wants to lose races to rainouts. We go through the whole winter with rain and lousy weather. When we see spring begin, we want to race. Some years are better than others when it comes to rainouts. All you can actually do is regroup and try again. It's kind of interesting that the gloomy weather brought my mind back to 20 years ago. Has it been 20 years?

The funny thing is I always envisioned that as long as I was involved in the sport, I would be at Antioch Speedway. But then the people started running their mouths and getting in between John and myself, and he and I weren't talking. The run only lasted 3 years, although those were the best three years that this track had ever had in terms of car count. I went away to The Valley at Merced and Chowchilla and had a good time there and came back to Antioch before walking away.

We always think when things are going well that the course is laid in. The future ahead of us is bright, but there's always road blocks. There's always pitfalls. For 20 years, John has negotiated through the pitfalls and kept Antioch Speedway going. I hear a lot of people saying negative things about him. Sometimes, criticism is deserved. Other times, people just want to run their mouths.

I mentioned this in my previous column. I do not believe John has anything else to prove. He's been a champion, built championship cars, won many races on dirt and even pavement, had a successful tour in Australia and he's run that race track for 20 years. Love him or hate him, the gates continue to open. How much longer he'll continue to do this is for him to say. Regardless, he's made a difference at that race track. The next person in line will realize it's not as easy as it might look. You don't just open the gates and let the magic begin. There's a lot of work involved.

I'm a little alarmed at the comment made by Maria Egleston, the widow of the late Bill Egleston. Maria has led the effort to put on a special night in remembrance of her husband, which is scheduled to happen at Merced Speedway on April 14th. However, the negativity is getting to her. I can't say I blame her. The negativity will get to anybody eventually.

No matter how good you think you're doing something and how hard you work at it, there's always some prick on the sidelines that either thinks they can do better or doesn't want you to succeed. And, if that prick can run their mouth, they'd be perfectly happy to destroy your effort and replace it with nothing. I don't know how many times I've witnessed this. People like that are a blight not just in the sport of racing but society in general. As my friend Joe Martinez might say, they're the devil.

What anybody has to say against an effort that's paying three divisions mor e money to win is something I don't know. How can you complain about being able to race for more money? What's wrong with having a race where you remember a fallen competitor? I know there were people in the fourth division who were wondering where their money was. It's real simple though. If you are a part of that division and you see no money, why not pound the pavement and get some money? Why is it the fault of the promoter or the sponsor for not supporting you when their intention was to promote a race for the headline class? In fact, the second and third divisions got more money because other people stepped in to do that.

It's real simple, if you don't like what you're seeing in the sport, step up and make a difference or shut your cake hole. Do you really love this sport or do you like to run your mouth and be a drain on the people bringing positivity? My guess is these types of individuals like to destroy good things. The sport has seen its better days. We're lucky we have what we have now, and we will start losing some tracks that meant a lot to people here soon. So, if you're not a part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Put up or shut up.

There are very few promoters out there that want to engage people in social media and let them know what's going on. Few promoters who take input from other people to make a difference. John did that in the early days in Antioch. I witnessed Tom Sagmiller doing that at Chowchilla. Ed Parker is doing that at Merced. Ed's not content to just invest money in that race track and say, "Look at me. I'm a promoter." He's there to try and make a difference and make things better.

You've got a guy who is genuinely grateful and humbled by the fact that he's even in the position he's in. He knows that this race track has a history of nearly 70 years now, and he's the steward of that legacy. He is literally the leader in writing new pages to the history book that encompasses the existence of Merced Speedway. And I know that if there are people who want to make things better and help out, all they need to do is go to him with their ideas. If they are workable ideas, chances are Ed will work with them to make them happen.

The injected and carbureted Wingless 360 Sprint Car show that was scheduled for April 21st at Merced Speedway has been put on hold. Scheduling conflicts with another track is the reason cited. Looking at the schedule, I believe that Is Tulare Thunderbowl. Ed wants this thing to pop, so he wants to pick the right date to make it happen. The one thing you'll see with Ed Parker is in attempt to not step on other track's race dates whenever possible and to work with others.

There is a budding movement to get an injected Wingless Sprint Car Tour going in the Northern California area. For the last few years, tracks like Petaluma Speedway and Placerville Speedway have run occasional dates to give the fans a taste of this style of racing. We have the Wingless Spec Sprint class, which is still viable at some venues. I don't think there's any problem with trying to get some dates for the wingless injected cars, and my guess is you could get an 8-10 race schedule.

Looking at tracks, I see Merced is interested. My guess is Petaluma would be interested, as would Placerville and maybe even Watsonville. In fact, if the numbers penciled in, Mike McCann at Southern Oregon Speedway would probably be willing to give such a group a shot as well. He has already put on the biggest Wingless Sprint Car race in the history of Southern Oregon Speedway, which happens again this year in late August. It's the Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge, paying $3,500 to win and sponsored by Herz Precision Parts.

I'll be keeping my eyes open for news on the Wingless Sprint Car front at Merced Speedway. If Ed can find a way to make it happen, he will. There are already some good racers, such as Ricky Brophy, Shawn Arriaga, Adam Teves, Cody Fendley and Roy Greer, who want to make this happen. Stay tuned.

There was a funny sort of April Fool's Day joke that came out on one of the Vintage pages on Facebook. It discussed the possibility of Altamont Raceway becoming the site of a place for vintage racing and a Hall Of Fame. Actually, it's not a bad idea. In discussing that with Mike, he sees the building in the back there as a good place for your Hall Of Fame. The question would be what hurdles would you have to jump to get this thing going. The rumor involved the Sargent family as Mark Sargent and Mike Sargent are involved in the Vintage Super Modified movement that has been sweeping Northern and Central California in recent years.

I love how everything old is new again. The Super Modifieds are running, Merced Speedway is trying to rebuild the Sportsman class and there are several places running Hardtops. This weekend was to be the weekend that began the California Hardtop Association season with a doubleheader at Chico and Marysville. Rain may cancel that, but they already have a roster of over 20 active competitors. I think it was about ten seasons ago that they got their first races at Antioch Speedway. My how time flies.

I was tempted to put a little April Fool's joke out there myself, but I'm not good at these sorts of things. The rumor would have involved a track in Worden Oregon, which has sat dormant for the better part of the last decade. It opened with lofty goals in the early 2000s and had a pair of seasons. Now, the track is owned by Carl Tresser. Carl uses the place to ride his Motorcycles and invite his buddies over to mess around. It's a shame to see a place like that just sitting when Oregon currently only has nine active outdoor oval tracks throughout the state.

The thing about Worden and where it's situated is it would make the perfect home track for the group in Klamath Falls. In looking over Racing Wheels in my research for the win list at Southern Oregon Speedway, I noticed several articles written by Gary Jacob about Worden. This was in 2002. I'm not sure why Carl doesn't see the opportunity that is there. You've got a good base of competitors in Klamath Falls who would be willing to start you out with a Pro Stock division and a Mini Stock class. Plus there are drivers in other divisions as well.

It seems to me I've heard rumor of the fact that Carl was interested in selling that place. I'm not sure what the price tag would be, but all too often promoters inflate the price. Jerry Schramm has two tracks in Oregon that are for sale with big price tags on them. Nobody will ever pay a million dollars or more for Cottage Grove Speedway or Willamette Speedway, sorry to say. What would the price tag be on Warden? I don't know.

The Klamath Falls bunch Now gets to make a trip to Yreka eight times this year for their Pro Stock races, but the playday this weekend will probably be rained out. Will they get the opener in on the 14th? Signs don't look good for that either, but you never know. Orland Raceway was also set to have a playday, but my guess is that one will go down to rain as well. Spring may be here, but Mother Nature never got the memo.

Anyway, we'll see what the weather lets us get away with this weekend. Until next time...