Wauge, Cooper Win Haudenschild Race, Plus Yreka, Coos Bay Reports

Southern Oregon  Speedway Racing Discussion
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Wauge From The Back For $1500 Haundenshild Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon.. May 28...With a $1500 first prize on the line in the Roger Haudenshild Tribute Race, six time champion Mark Wauge impressed with his charge to the front of the pack for the 30 lap IMCA Modified victory.  Wauge had to start in the last row in a race that ran with just one caution flag and a complete restart.  He took the lead from Manteca long tow Darrell Hughes II on lap 20.  Once in front, Wauge was not to be denied as he pulled away for the win.  Hughes settled for an $800 second to go with his $200 win in the Crack The Whip Challenge.  Jesse Bailey enjoyed his second straight third place finish for a $500 payday.  The extra money was made possible thanks to sponsorship from The Haudenshild Family and Dusty's Transmissions of Central Point.

Car count grew to 24 cars as the IMCA Modified field was bolstered by visitors from California and Northern Oregon.  The three heat races would transfer six cars into the big money feature.  Hughes got things started by winning his six lap race ahead of two time defending champion Albert Gill.  Wauge suffered rear end problems and had to be towed off the track for repairs.  Past Chico Silver Dollar Speedway champion Duane Cleveland won his heat race ahead of Lloyd Speer. Zach Fettinger impressed by outdueling past IMCA Modified and Pro Stock champion Brian Poppa for the win in the third heat race.

The four lap Trophy Dash started the evening off and was based on the first four finishers of the previous Main Event.  Bailey won that race ahead of Wauge.  The six lap Crack The Whip Challenge race had six competitors with each last place car dropping out every lap until Hughes remained for the $200 victory.  Only two drivers would transfer from the 12 lap B Main.  Wauge chased Mark Carrell for three laps before making a pass on a Lap 3 restart for the victory.  Carrell held on for second ahead of Jeremy Ohlde, a disappointed Matt Duste, Scott Crumm and James Anderson.

The Main Event had 20 starters, and Poppa started back in the third row.  Hughes started right behind him in the fourth row outside, while Wauge was all the way back in the tenth row inside.  After a multi car crash in Turn 1 forced a complete restart, Poppa shot into the lead on the opening lap ahead of past Madras champion B.J. Wild.  Wild spun in Turn 2 for the only other yellow flag after one lap.  Poppa led Hughes, Gill and Cleveland on the restart, and Cleveland raced past Gill for third on lap 3.  Hughes was pressuring Poppa hard for the lead before using an inside pass in Turn 3 of the fifth lap to gain the lead.  The flying Wauge was already sixth by then as he drove a low line that had him glued to the race track.  Wauge raced past Ryan McDaniel for fifth on lap six, and he slipped underneath both Gill and Randy McDaniel for fourth on lap seven.  Bailey was fifth by lap nine as the two began closing in on the Top 3 runners. A low move in Turn 4 of the 11th lap gained Wauge third from Cleveland as Hughes was lapping slower cars.  Wauge raced underneath Poppa for second in Turn 4 of the 15th lap.  Bailey took fourth from Cleveland on lap 17, and Wauge was closing in quickly on leader Hughes.  An inside move in Turn 2 of the 20th lap gained Wauge the lead.  Bailey raced by Poppa for third on the same lap.  Once Wauge grabbed the lead, he set a blistering pace that saw him lapping several cars down the stretch.  Wauge was the happy winner ahead of Hughes, Bailey, Poppa, Randy McDaniel and Cleveland, the final lead lap finisher.  Nick Trenchard was seventh ahead of Mark Carrell, Ryan McDaniel and Gill.

Racing resumes this week with Outlaw Kart Racing on the smaller track on Friday night.  A six division show is on tap for Saturday night, headlined by the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Open Stock Cars, Hornets and OTRO Hardtops.  For further information, check the website at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat 1-Darrell Hughes II, Albert Gill, Randy McDaniel, Kevin Pendergrass, Jesse Bailey.  Heat 2-Duane Cleveland, Lloyd Speer, Ryan McDaniel, Kyle Casson, Nick Trenchard.  Heat 3-Zach Fettinger, Brian Poppa, B.J. Wild, Duane Orsburn, Curt Coggins.  Trophy Dash-Bailey, Mark Wauge, Albert Gill, Matt Duste.  $200 Crack The Whip Challenge-Hughes.  B Main-Wauge, Mark Carrell, Jeremy Ohlde, Matt Duste, James Welschonse, James Anderson.  A Main-Wauge, Hughes, Bailey, Poppa, Randy McDaniel, Cleveland, Carrell, Trenchard, Ryan McDaniel, Gill, Scott Crumm, Mike Evans, Pendergrass, Osrburn, Fettinger, Wild, Casson, Speer, Shane Mills, Coggins.

Cooper Brothers Go 1-2 in Salute To Billy Hammond 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...May 28...Taking the lead from Brentwood, CA visitor Patti Ryland on lap seven, Chico, CA visitor Todd Cooper pocketed the $1000 first prize in the Salute To Billy Hammond 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified feature Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The event was part of the Roger Haudenshild Tribute and attracted some top drivers from California and Northern Oregon.  Todd Cooper was chased across the line by his Silver Dollar Speedway point leading brother Brian Cooper, who collected $700 for second.  Point leader Jorddon Braaten held off California IMCA State champion Fred Ryland to finish a $400 third.  The extra money was made possible thanks to sponsorship from The Haudenshild Family and Dusty's Transmissions of Central Point.

The Top 4 finishers from the previous feature started the evening off with a five lap Trophy Dash, won by Jimmy Lipke ahead of Bob Nelsen.  Defending IMCA Oregon State Champion Mike Medel won the first six lap heat race ahead of rookie David Marble.  Todd Cooper grabbed the victory in the second heat race ahead of two time champion Dwayne Melvin.  The four lap Crack The Whip Challenge race had four competitors with each last place car dropping out every lap until F. Ryland remained to collect the $100 first prize.

Patti Ryland started in the third row inside with T. Cooper in the second row outside and B. Cooper in the sixth row inside in the 17 car Main Event.  The race had to be restarted when rookie A.J. Parker spun and Marble's car died with a battery issue.  Medel led the complete restart ahead of P. Ryland and T. Cooper.   Another yellow flag flew after one lap for Chris Frisbie.  Medel continued to lead P. Ryland on the restart as Braaten used an inside pass in Turn 4 to take third.  Ryland slipped underneath Medel for the lead on lap 3 as Braaten followed her into second.  T. Cooper made an inside pass in Turn 4 to shuffle Medel out of the Top 3, and Phillip Shelby spun in Turn 2, collecting F. Ryland for a lap four caution flag.  The first restart attempt was botched by a Glen Severson spin in Turn 2.  P. Ryland continued to lead T. Cooper on the restart as B. Cooper finally made his first appearance in the Top 3.  P. Ryland led a lap six restart before T. Cooper made an inside pass in Turn 3 of the seventh lap to grab the lead.  P. Ryland made an inside move past T. Cooper in Turn 2 a lap later, but T. Cooper and B. Cooper both got back by her before the lap was complete.  Randy Fernandes and Tony Bartell got together in Turn 2 for a lap ten caution flag.  The Cooper brothers continued to run 1-2 on the restart ahead of P. Ryland and Braaten.  Marble had returned, but his car died on the back stretch for a final caution flag on lap 12.  T. Cooper led B. Cooper on the restart.  P. Ryland ran third, but Braaten was giving her lots of pressure.  Braaten made an outside pass in Turn 4 of the 13th lap to grab third with F. Ryland getting by his wife for fourth.  The rest of the race was caution free with T. Cooper winning by two thirds of a straightaway ahead of B. Cooper.  Braaten beat F. Ryland back to the line for third as Shelby, Nelsen, P. Ryland, Melvin, Lipke and Medel completed the Top 10.

Racing resumes this week with Outlaw Kart Racing on the smaller track on Friday night.  A six division show is on tap for Saturday night, headlined by the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Open Stock Cars, Hornets and OTRO Hardtops.  For further information, check the website at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

IMCA Sport Modified

Heat 1-Mike Medel, David Marble, Brian Cooper, Jorddon Braaten, Bob Nelsen.  Heat 2-Todd Cooper, Dwayne Melvin, Fred Ryland, Phillip Shelby, Patti Ryland..  Trophy Dash-Jimmy Lipke, Nelsen, Melvin.  $100 Crack The Whip Challenge-F. Ryland.  Main Event-T. Cooper, B. Cooper, Braaten, F. Ryland, Shelby, Nelsen, P. Ryland, Melvin, Lipke, Medel, Chris Frisbie, A.J. Parker, Fernandes, Marble, Tony Bartell, Glen Severson, Ken Frisbie, David Henshaw (DNS).

King Collects Second SODCA Dwarf Car Feature Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...May 28...Grabbing the lead midway through the race, Josh King went on to win the 20 lap SODCA Dwarf Car feature Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  King is a two time reining SODCA Dwarf Car champion, and this was his second straight win at the track this year.  Championship hopeful Kalvin Morton backed up his recent win at Yreka with a second place finish ahead of Ryan Smith.

The Dwarf Cars brought 14 cars, and Chad Cardoza continued with his preliminary race success by winning his six lap heat race ahead of Camden Robustelli. Morton won the other six lap heat race in front of Smith.  The group ran a six lap A Dash with Cardoza grabbing the win ahead of Robustelli.  King won the eight lap B Dash in front of Brock Peters.

The Main Event had 13 starters as Chad Cardoza and Brock Peters shared the front row.  King lined up in the third row inside behind Morton.  B. Peters led the opening lap before Jerry Hauck spun the former C.J. Putnam car for a yellow flag.  Peters led the restart ahead of King and Smith.  Working lap 5, King used in inside pass in Turn 4 to take the lead from Peters, but a James Edwards spin brought out the yellow flag that negated the pass.  The racing got a little too close on the restart lap as contact between King and B. Peters saw Peters take a ride off the track in Turn 2.  Cardoza raced around the incident to grab the lead as King recovered in second ahead of Rob Gergel.  The leaders ran close with Morton taking third from Gergel on lap five in a close five car battle up front.  Mark Nielson spun in Turn 2 for a lap nine caution flag.  Cardoza led King and Morton on the restart, and King made a low pass in Turn 1 of the 11th lap to grab the lead from Cardoza.  Spins by rookies Neilson and Hauck forced caution flags on laps 12 and 13.  Morton made a front stretch pass on Cardoza for third on lap 15.  The  rest of the race ran without a yellow flag, and King put a couple of lapped cars between he and second place finisher Morton by the checkered flag.  Gergel and Cardoza bumped wheels on lap 17 with Cardoza limping to the pits.  Smith finished third ahead of Gergel, Cody Peters, Randy Slater, Edwards, Nielson, Cardoza and Hauck.

Several SODCA competitors will take part in the Dwarf Car Nationals event in Vernal, Utah on June 3-4 before heading to Cottage Grove for another non club point race on June 11th.  The only club point event in the busy month of June will be on the 18th at Southern Oregon Speedway.  For further club information, check out their official home page at www.sodca.net.

Race Results

SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat 1-Chad Cardoza, Camden Robustelli, Rob Gergel, Josh King, Brock Peters.  Heat 2-Kalvin Morton, Ryan Smith, Cody Peters, Jerry Hauck, James Edwards.  A Dash-Cardoza, Robustelli, Smith.  B Dash-King, B. Peters, Gergel.  Main Event-King, Morton, Smith, Gergel, C. Peters, Slater, Edwards, Mark Nielson, Cardoza, Hauck, Joe Sanders, B. Peters, Robustelli,

Thompson Wins Super 4's Return 

To Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...May 28...The Super 4's division made their return to Southern Oregon Speedway on Saturday night.  They've been scheduled for seven races, but the first one was rained out.  It was Jerry Thompson winning the 10 lap Main Event.

Several Super 4 drivers have been wanting to come back to the speedway, and four of them made the trip for the first race.  Lee Doty won the group's lone appearance last season, but his red, white and blue #7 car suffered mechanical problems in hot laps to end his night.  It was 2013 champion John Barger winning a duel with Thompson in the six lap heat race, but Bill Spencer suffered mechanical gremlins to end his night.  Thompson led all ten laps of the Main Event as Barger was second.

The group hopes to have more drivers for their next race on June 25th.  Racing resumes this week with Outlaw Kart Racing on the smaller track on Friday night.  A six division show is on tap for Saturday night, headlined by the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Open Stock Cars, Hornets and OTRO Hardtops.  For further information, check the website at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Super 4's

Heat-John Barger, Jerry Thompson.  Main Event-Thompson, Barger, Bill Spencer, Lee Doty (DNS).

McDaniel,  Cooper Kendrick Big Winners

At Siskiyou Motor Speedway

Memorial Day Weekend offered lots of racing at Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  The two race weekend was capped by the 11th Annual John Arnberg Memorial Race for the IMCA Modifieds on Sunday.  $1,038 was on the line for the winner of the 38 lap race, and it was Chico Silver Dollar Speedway champion Ryan McDaniel scoring the victory.  Current Chico and Marysville point leader Brian Cooper won the $750 first prize in the 30 lap Bo Hittson Memorial race for the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds.  The $202 winner's check for the McDonald's Mini Stock winner went to current point leader Terry Kendrick.

The 38 lap distance in the IMCA Modified race was set in honor of the car number for long time racer John Arnberg, who died in a tragic boating accident in 2005.  Several drivers came from various other tracks to support this big show.  The Main Event was a fast paced affair with few yellow flag slowdowns.  McDaniel grabbed the checkered flag ahead of Kyle Casson, Saturday night Medford winner Mark Wauge, Duane Cleveland, reigning Yreka champion Nick Trenchard and Darrell Hughes II.  Reigning Medford champion Albert Gill was seventh ahead of Monte Bischoff, rookie James Welshonse and Chris Lewis.  Cleveland and Wauge each won heat races, and Ceveland won the Fast Dash ahead of McDaniel and Casson.

There were 32 cars in action for the Bo Hitton Memorial Race.  The O'Reilly Auto Parts Sport Modifieds race turned out to be an eventful race with several mishaps.  The checkered flag flew a lap early with Brian Cooper holding off a determined Jimmy Lipke to grab the big victory.  The second place finish was Lipke's best effort yet, and he held off reigning Medford champion Jorddon Braaten to grab that finish.  Point leader Garrett Hamilton was fourth ahead of Jason Ferguson, Jesse Morton, Sean Halterman, Damian Merritt, Keith Foux and Alan Faruta.  Heat wins were gathered up by Marysville Stock Car veteran Phillip Shelby, IMCA State champion Fred Ryland, Kurt Lorenzini and Lipke.  Last week's feature winner, Colton Cheffey, won the Fast Dash.  Merritt won the Last Chance Qualifier ahead of Saturday night Medford winner Todd Cooper and reigning track champion Colter Boswell.

Terry Kendrick had an impressive drive to victory in the 30 lap McDonald's Mini Stock race.  It was the Mike Caveye Memorial Race, and sponsorship from McDonald's led to a reduced pit entry for Mini Stock drivers for this race.  Chris Jorgensen finished second as three time winner Marilyn Yawnick was third.  Defending champion  David Steele took a checkered flag in fourth, followed by the truck of Ethan Killingsworth, Anthony Whitaker, Dan Borror, Dennis Jorgensen, Tyler Frost and Kris Mix.  Yawnick won the heat race and Steele grabbed the Fast Dash win.

Saturday night was an opportunity for six IMCA Sport Modified drivers to lock themselves into Sunday's race with a good finish.  Keith Foux won that race ahead of Colton Cheffey, Garrett Hamilton, Jimmy Ford, David Pierce and Jason Ferguson.  Foux also won the Trophy Dash.  Steele returned to his winning form in the McDonald's Mini Stocks on Saturday by winning the dash and feature.  Dennis Jorgensen was second ahead of Kendrick, Anthony Whitaker and Ethan Killingsworth.

The Outlaw Pro Stocks also were on Saturday's card for a full program, and Steve Borror continued to dominate with his third feature win on the circuit.  Borror lapped all but Arlen Garrison in grabbing the victory.  Scott Flowers was third ahead of Johnny Cobb, Rick Lukens, Scott Bennett, John Duffie, Julia Flowers, James Flowers and Matt Harlow.  The three heat wins went to S. Flowers, Borror and Lukens.  Borror completed the sweep with his Trophy Dash victory.

The Outlaw Pro Stocks are back this Saturday and will do a Ball Toss as well.  O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds and McDonald's Mini Stocks will make this an exciting three division program. For further information, go to www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.

 Schmidt Scores $1500 Late Model Win At Coos Bay

Coos Bay, Oregon...May 28...Coos Bay Speedway was the site of a big money Super Late Model race on Saturday night.  Fans were treated to an exciting race, won by title hopeful David Schmidt.  Other winners on the night included Wayne Butler (Sportsman), Justin Krossman (Street Stock), Jeremiah Reiber (Hornets) and John Henry (Mini Outlaws).

With the big money on the line in the $1500 to win Super Late Model 50 lap feature, David Schmidt impressed with a  victory ahead of Late Model veteran Ron Brewster, himself a past champion in Oregon.  Schmidt used his win to move into second in the standings and gain major ground on point leader Nathan Augustine, who struggled a lap down in tenth.  Brewster managed to just hold off Chase Mott for second as 2015 champion Toby McIntyre was fourth.  Cottage Grove racer Blaine Taylor brought it home sixth ahead of Kelly McIntyre, Ed Peters, Bill Hitner and Augustine.  Augustine held off Schmidt to win their heat race, while Peters won his heat ahead of Taylor.  McIntyre set quick time of 15.453.

In the Sportsman division, point leader Wayne Butler turned in a dominating performance in the 25 lap Main Event.  The point leader lapped all but second and third by the time the checkered flag was displayed.  Second ranked Tom Williams was a distant second ahead of Dave Foote. Josh Kralichek was the only driver one lap down as Charlie Whithers finished fifth ahead of Stacey Robinson and rookie Dylan Siewell.  Siewell's 17.571 was the fast time of the night.  Butler won the heat ahead of Williams.  Williams captured the Trophy Dash ahead of Foote.

The Street Stock action had been dominated by point leader Daniel Land, but his race ended at eight laps.  Land's misfortune was an opportunity for Justin Krossman to make a move, and he took full advantage of that.  Krossman won the Main Event by about a half straightaway ahead of Dusti Trotter.  Ken Fox was third ahead of Tim Young and Jeff Thurman.  Land set fast time of 17.738, but he settled for a very close second to Krossman in the heat race.  Thurman won the Trophy Dash ahead of Krossman, but his Main Event ended on the same lap as Land.

‌The Hornets division seems to be point leader Jeremiah Reiber's personal playground this year.  Reiber set the night's fast time standard at 19.360 before holding off rival Ryan Siewell to win the heat race.  Siewell turned the tables on him with a close win in the Trophy Dash.  Reiber grabbed the win in the Main Event with Siewell running closely behind. Robert Vandal and Jason Greer narrowly avoided being lapped in third and fourth, respectively. Ryan Ebeileir, Sam Taylor and Ben Crabill completed the finishing order.

John Henry dominated the Mini Outlaws action.  It started with his fast time of 18.203 and continued with his Trophy Dash win over Ryder Johnson.  He continued by winning his heat race ahead of Samuel Talon.  In the Main Event, Henry had a winning advantage of almost a half lap ahead of R. Johnson.  Michael Greenway was third with Southern Oregon Speedway racer Eric Hanson the only other racer a lap down in fourth.  Carl Johnson, Talon and Medford racer Mike Cloud completed the finishing order.  R. Johnson won the other heat ahead of C. Johnson.

Wauge, Cooper Score Haudenshild Wins At Southern Oregon Speedway

Wauge, Cooper Score Haudenshild Wins 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

Making a drive from the back after winning the B Main, Mark Wauge scored a big $1,500 IMCA Modified victory Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Darrell Hughes II led most of the race until being passed by Wauge and settling for second.  California invaders ran at the front of the IMCA Sport Modified feature.  It was Chico visitor Todd Cooper grabbing the lead from Patti Ryland on lap 7 and going on to win the $1000 prize in the 20 lap race.  Two time Dwarf Car champion Josh King won the 20 lap Dwarf Car feature that saw a half dozen lead changes among three different drivers.  Steve Thompson led all the way to capture the Super 4's 10 lap Main Event win.

Mark Wauge won the big 30 lap IMCA Modified Main Event.  After rear end problems in his heat race, Wauge had to win the 12 lap B Main to get into the feature.  Brian Poppa led five laps of the Main Event before being passed by $200 Crack The Whip winner Darrell Hughes II.  Wauge started back in 19th and was already up to third by lap 13 of a race that only had one early yellow flag.

Wauge made an inside pass in Turn 4 to take second from Poppa on lap 15.  He made a low pass in Turn 2 on lap 20 to take the lead from Hughes.  Wauge set a blistering pace from there and put some lapped cars between himself and Hughes by the time the race was over.  Jesse Bailey, Poppa and Randy McDaniel made up the rest of the Top 5.

Chico Silver Dollar Speedway racers Todd Cooper and Brian Cooper ran 1-2 in the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified feature.  T.  Cooper grabbed the lead from Patti Ryland on lap seven and would lead the rest of the way in victory.  B. Cooper followed T. Cooper around P. Ryland and would finish second by half a straightaway.  Jorddon Braaten edged Fred Ryland to the line for third as Marysville racer Phillip Shelby completed the Top 5.

Josh King won the 20 lap Dwarf Car Main Event.  King started fifth and ran a steady race as Brock Peters led four laps.  King grabbed the lead on the fifth lap and lost it to Chad Cardoza on lap seven when he and Peters got together in Turn 2.  Peters was eliminated, and King made his winning pass on Cardoza in Turn 1 of the 11th lap.  King went on to win the race with Kalvin Morton making the pass for second on lap 15.  Ryan Smith finished third ahead of Rob Gergel and Cody Peters.

Steve Thompson won the 10 lap Super 4's Main Event.  Thompson led all the way with heat winner Dan Barger challenging him  briefly before settling for second.  Bill Spencer was third.

Racing continues next week with an Outlaw Kart race on Friday on the smaller track.  On Saturday, Pennzoil Winged Sprints and Modifieds headline the show along with Open Stock Cars, Mini Stocks, Hornets and OTRO Hardtops.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results Saturday, May 28

IMCA Modifieds
Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Darrell Hughes II, Duane Cleveland, Zach Fettinger.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Jesse Bailey.  $200 Crack The Whip (6 Laps)-Hughes.  B Main (10 Laps)-Mark Wauge, Mark Carrell, Jeremy Ohlde.  Main Event (25 laps)-Wauge, Hughes, Brian Popppa, Jesse Bailey, Randy McDaniel.

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Mike Medel, Todd Cooper.   Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Jimmy Lipke.  $100 Crack The Whip (4 Laps)-Fred Ryland.  Main Event (25 Laps)-T. Cooper, Brian Cooper, Jorddon Braaten, F. Ryland, Phillip Shelby.

SODCA Dwarf Cars
Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Chad Cardoza, Kalvin Morton.  A Dash (6 laps)-Cardoza. B Dash-(8 Laps)-Josh King.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Josh King, Morton, Ryan Smith, Rob Gergel, Cody Peters.

Super 4's
Heat Winner (6 Laps)-John Barger.  Main Event (10 Laps)-Steve Thompson, Barger, Bill Spencer.

Haudenshild Tribute Race On Tap For Southern Oregon Speedway On Saturday

The DCRR Racing Radio Show
The latest episode is HERE


It's a big money weekend, and the resourceful driver can pair up a visit to Southern Oregon Speedway on Saturday with a visit to Siskiyou Motor Speedway on Sunday.  Yreka purse is mentioned in the second article below.  

We now know how the $4,000 is going to be added to the purse at Southern Oregon Speedway this Saturday Night.  It is also the regular track pit fees for drivers and crews.  Total Purse for both classes top $9,000!!!


  Fourth Annual Roger Haudenshild Tribute 

The IMCA Modifieds will pay

1 - $1500
2 - $800
3 - $500
4 - $300
5 - $250
6 - $200
7 - $180
8 - $150
9 - $130
10 - $100
Minimum $100 to start The Main Event

Plus $200 To Win Crack The Whip Race

$50 Pit Pass For IMCA Modified Drivers
$30 Pit Pass For Crew

The IMCA Sport Modifieds will pay
Salute to Billy Hammond

1 - $1000
2 - $700
3 - $400
4 - $300
5 - $200
6 - $150
7 - $100
8 - $80
9 - $70
10 - $60
Minimum $50 to start The Main Event

Plus $100 To Win Crack The Whip Race

$45 Pit Pass For IMCA Sport Modified Drivers
$30 Pit Pass

Haudenshild Tribute Race On Tap For 

Southern Oregon Speedway On Saturday

Rainy weather has won the last two races at Southern Oregon Speedway, but the forecast calls for racing this Saturday night.  It's one of the biggest races on the track's schedule, the Roger Haudenshild Tribute Race.  An extra $4,000 in purse money has been raised for the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds.  SODCA Dwarf Cars and Super 4's are also on the card.

The racing community was saddened when Haudenshild passed away in the summer of 2012.  Roger was one of those guys who sponsored many race cars, sometimes anonymously  He was a lover of the sport and classic cars.  He even raced occasionally in Stock Cars and competed in Destruction Derbies.

Haudenshild was a dear friend and sponsor of IMCA Modified racer Matt Duste, who has been gathering the sponsorship money for the big race.  The Duste Racing Team was dealt another blow when crewman and Sport Mod racer Billy Hammond died in a motorcycle accident.  "It was tough for us for a couple of years, " Matt Duste admitted.  "We took a little time away from the sport and regrouped, but we're back."

As somebody who traveled to the Mid West to visit tracks every year, Roger saw a race called the "Crack The Whip Race" and brought the idea back to the track.  You take the top two or three heat race finishers, invert the field and run one lap per car in a special race.  Each lap, the last place car pulls off until you have the winner.

The IMCA Modifieds will run a $200 to win Crack The Whip Race and the IMCA Sport Modifieds will pay $100.  "Roger thought that was the neatest thing, " Matt explained, "and his family thought running that race would be a great way to honor his memory."

Last season, Brian Poppa (Modifieds) and Bob Nelson (Sport Modifieds) pocketed the extra money in the special dashes, while Nick Trenchard (Modifieds) and Matt Duste (Sport Mods) won the extra money Main Events.  "This is a special race that we want to use to honor all of the great drivers through the years who are no longer with us, " said Duste.  "It's also an opportunity for the racers to compete for a little extra money.  It will be a great night of racing."

With rain falling in the Medford area, six time champion Mark Wauge headed north to Cottage Grove and won his second IMCA Modified feature there, while Oregon State IMCA point leader Jorddon Braaten also made the trip and won his third Main Event there.  These two drivers won the season opener at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Not surprisingly, they are the favorites to win this week.

However, word is that there are drivers heading in from California to stake a claim on the prize money, and there are track regulars who should not be counted out.  Two time defending IMCA Modified champion Albert Gill, Jesse Bailey, Matt Duste, Duane Orsburn and Nick Trenchard are just a few of the competitors to watch for in the Modified division. 

Meanwhile, Braaten can expect some competition from defending IMCA State champion Mike Medel, Bob Nelson, Randy Fernandes and two time champion Dwayne Melvin, to name a few.  It should be a great night for both Modified divisions.

As if that isn't enough, the SODCA Dwarf Cars make their second appearance.  Young Kalvin Morton has been tearing up the scene this year.  Morton won his second race at Yreka last week as he tries to stake a claim on the championship.  Camden Robustelli is anticipated this week along with two time champion Josh King, Brock Peters, Rob Gergel, Kaycee Sheeler and Ryan Smith.

The Super 4's will take their first turn on the 3/10th mile clay oval this week.  Who will be there is still a question.  The event that was held for this division late last year was won by Lee Doty.  Doty was joined by Steve Thompson, Charlie Eaton, John Barger and Bill Spencer, and these drivers are anticipated for their season opener.

Further information can be found at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Arnberg Memorial Race Set For Siskiyou Motor Speedway 

Yreka, CA...It's a big weekend of racing in Yreka.  It's time for the annual John Arnberg Memorial 38 lap race for the IMCA Modifieds.  The two day weekend will also include the Bo Hittson Memorial for O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds and the Mike Caveye Memorial for the McDonald's Mini Stocks.  The Saturday event will also include a visit by the Outlaw Pro Stocks, the Sunday show is the big money night and there are complete programs both nights.  As this is being written, it was just announced that the Outlaw Kart track will have a race Saturday afternoon.

The Arnberg Memorial race honors local Stock Car legend John Arnberg, who died in 2005 in a tragic accident on the water. Arnberg was a multi time champion and winner of three Art Pollard races in his 25 plus year career.  The track runs a special race every year in his honor for the IMCA Modified division.  At times, the race has been a 50 lapper, but it will be 38 laps this year, which was John's car number.

The win in the big Sunday Modified show will pay $1038 with second place receiving $750 and third $550.  The money has attracted some big names to this event in the past, and six time Southern Oregon Speedway champion Mark Wauge won it last season.  Past Susanville champion Riley Simmons (2014), Dave Duste Jr. (2013), Travis Peery (2012), Vince Bowers (2010) and John DeBenedeti (2009) have won the big event in recent seasons.

The Bo Hittson Memorial race will pay a nice first prize of $750 for the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds.  Second will pay $450 with third grabbing $300.  Two time defending Southern Oregon Speedway champion Jorddon Braaten has won the last two events.  Prior to that, the Super Stocks got to run this event with Cody Hamilon (2013), Jesse Morton (2012), Billy Jasmer (2010) and Tony Morton (2009) on the winner's list.

The McDonald's Mini Stocks are not left out as they run for a few more bucks in the Mike Caveye Memorial race on Sunday.  It's $202 to win, $150 for second and $125 for third.  The Mini Stocks have had blow out races for the past several seasons.  It's not surprising that defending champion David Steele has won the last two of these races as Ryder Boswell (2013), Dan Borror (2012) and Steele (2010) are also on the win list.

Both days will be complete shows and Garrett Hamilton is expected to lead the IMCA Sport Modified charge this week along with recent winner Colton Cheffey, Jack Walden, Jimmy Lipke, Doug Franklin, Kurt Lorenzini and Chris Joregensen,.  Like Lorenzini, Jorddon Braaten and Mike Medel are feature winners, and those two drivers will probably be there on Sunday along with David Marble.  Word is there are a few drivers planning to tow up from the Sacramento area.

The McDonald's Mini Stocks have been a good show this season, and the surprising Marilyn Yawnick is a three time feature winner this year.  She will be looking to add to her win totals this weekend, but she can expect stiff competition from David Steele.  Dennis Jorgensen was a winner two weeks ago and Ethan Killingsworth seems poised to get a win.  Terry Kendrick hasn't won yet either, but his consistency has him riding high in the points.  Many of the track regulars are fully capable of getting a win, and there will probably be a few visitors from neighboring Southern Oregon Speedway as well.

Car count in the IMCA Modifieds has been hurting lately, but the Sunday show should see a few big name drivers come to town to try to win the Arnberg race.  Though the Pro Stocks aren't running for big money, the drivers have incentive.  Steve Borror has dominated the first two races, and James Flowers and his father Scott Flowers are two drivers who will racing hard to try to end Borror's domination.  Roy Bain, Johnny Cobb and Scott Bennett are others we'll be watching for.

With two days of racing on the big track and a pre race Kart show on the small track on Saturday, it's going to be a great weekend of racing in Yreka.  For further information, check out www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.

Pit Stops

In addition to the big races at Southern Oregon Speedway and Siskiyou Motor Speedway, Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg has a big 100 lapper, and the division of honor is the Hornets.  It's not often that you see a race like that for Hornets.  After his 25 lap feature win two weeks ago, Chris Cole will be hoping to grab the biggest win of his career.  Season opening winner Neil Pecor may have something to say about that as might Bob Vancil, who opened the season with back to back seconds.  Andy Nelson, Donnie Fain, Monique Scevers, Rich Leeland, Elijah Christanso, Anthony Roe and Rachel Mason are others who could be competing in the big race.  It will be interesting to see who writes their name into the record book in this one.  Also in action will be the Pro 4 Wedge cars, Modifieds and Mini Stocks.

At Coos Bay Speedway, they have a Super Late Model race scheduled for this Saturday night.  It is $1500  to win and a minimum of $200 to start.  Some of the top runners from throughout Oregon should be there to battle the likes of track point leader Nathan Augustine, Josh Sin, Chase Hitner, Toby McIntyre and Chuck Bracelin for the big win.  Augsutine and Sin are the two feature winners so far.  Sportsmans, Mini Outlaws, Street Stocks and Hornets should make this a great night of racing.  Wayne Butler and rookie Dylan Siewll lead the Sportsman class into the week, while the dominant Daniel Land is going for three in a row in Street Stocks.

Hayfork Speedway ran again last Saturday, but we are still waiting for results from there.  A video clip showed William Kasper leading the pack ahead of Bill Kasper, though we can't confirm the Kasper 1-2 finish at the moment.  We've also confirmed that Ross Vige made the trip up from Orland with his Mini Truck.  When we get further information, we will pass it along here.

At Orland, the plans still call for an Orland Raceway opener on June 4th.  The crew was unable to get on the track to start working on it until earlier this week, following the Glenn County Fair.  The track was also represented by cars in the Glenn County Fair Parade.  Given the last minute nature of things, if Rich Hood, Nate Skaggs and the crew make the opener happen, regardless of car count, they have made a big accomplishment.  We at Jefferson Racing News support the effort to keep racing in alive Orland.

Two weeks ago in Yreka, Dennis Jorgensen interrupted Marilyn "Big Mac" Yawnick's McDonald's Mini Stock winning streak, but she reclaimed the winner's circle again last week.  Once again, she beat defending champion David Steele to do it.  That makes three wins for her ahead of Steele in all three races.  These three drivers are the only winners in five races.  

Steele's DNS a couple weeks ago opened the door for past champion Terry Kendrick to grab the point lead.  Kendrick's third place finish last week keeps him ahead of Yawnik, who won the Trophy Dash.  These four drivers will be out for the win in the Mike Caveye race this week, but Ethan Killingsworth, Medford racer Devon Weiser and 2014 champion "Magic" Mike Whitaker may have something to say about that.

Rain cut the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modified race short last week at nine laps as Colton Cheffey got the win ahead of Garrett Hamilton and Jimmy Lipke.  The threatening weather may have led to a few teams staying home, but car count figures to rebound in Sunday's Bo Hittson Memorial Race.  

Fortunately, Kalvin Morton and Camden Robustelli picked up the slack and put on a good show for the fans in the SODCA Dwarf Cars.  Coming off of his season opening win in Yreka, Morton was a heat winner, and Robustelli won his heat and the A Dash.  Morton has high hopes of getting a championship this year, and his feature win ahead of Robustelli and Mason Lewman on Saturday night will not hurt his cause.  With a B Dash win and fourth in the feature, Rob Gergel had a solid night as well.

With no points on the line on Saturday for the regular Yreka classes, it may fall on the Outlaw Pro Stocks to help deliver a car count along with the Mini Stocks.  Last time out, Steve Borror turned in a dominant performance in winning the opener.  Borror appears to be on another level right now, and it may be up to the Flowers family to stop him Saturday night.  James Flowers was second in the first Yreka race ahead of his father, Scott Flowers.  His sister, Julia Flowers, was fifth.  Roy Bain hasn't looked too bad either this year and could also be a threat to win this week.

There are several Pro Stock drivers who were ready to support what ended up being a rained out opener for the Open Stock division at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The division is boasting a $500 to win first prize, making it appealing to some of the drivers.  The Open Stock class has a race scheduled for next Saturday night (June 4th), and it's likely that some of those drivers will be there.  Who is coming is still yet to be seen, but Late Model racers Mike Linder and Steve Lemley are two drivers anticipated for the show.

There have been rumors that the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car division was being dropped  Those rumors are false.  Promoter Mike McCann is committed to building a Sprint Car division at the track and will continue to keep this class on the schedule.  The division could evolve one way or the other, based on where support comes from, but it will be here.  Word is that 2009 champion Charlie Thompson will be there on June 4th, and we've learned of two other cars being prepped for debut.  The show will go on.

Joining these two classes on June 4th will be IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Hornets and OTRO Hardtops.  We anxiously await to see who will have Hornets at the track this year, but we know Derrel Nelson Jr. is planning to race.  The always exciting Mini Stocks have been a two car battle for the win so far with Bob Burkett and Gary Anderson sharing the glory at one win each.  Three divers looking like they can make a move on these two for a win are Andrew Hall, Marissa Henson and Kristopher Mix.  It should be a good race.

Checking in briefly at Lakeport Speedway, the track ran it's third race of the season on May 14th, and Darrin Knight won the 30 lap Modified feature ahead of Charlie Collins and Mike Collins.   The Bombers also had a pretty good showing with Bob Mook winning their 30 lap Main Event ahead of Wade Coleman and Bradley Brackett.  The other winners on the night were Justin Moran ahead of Brandi Robertson in Jammers, Bill Kistenmacher ahead of Zach Frazer in Legends and Lane Anderson in Bandoleros.  Scheduling and points information for Lakeport and Ukiah Speedway can be found at www.lakeportspeedway.com.

Finally, while Placerville ad Roseville were rained out, they raced in Marysville last Saturday.  Cortney Dozier won the Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event ahead of Cody Lamar and Jeremy Phillips.  The growing IMCA Sport Modified division saw their feature win go to Todd Cooper ahead of Brian Cooper and Jerry Bartlett.  Chris Warner (Street Stocks) and Matt Beardlsee (Pro 4's) won their Main Events.

Yawnick, Morton Score Feature Wins in Yreka

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Yawnick, Morton Score Feature Wins in Yreka

Yreka, CA...Despite another Saturday night with threatening skies, the show went on as scheduled at Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  It was the first round of The Patriot Series.  The program featured one new winner and two repeat winners.  It was Marilyn Yawnick collecting her third 20 lap McDonald's Mini Stock feature win in four weeks.  Kalvin Morton won his second SODCA Dwarf Car feature.  Colton Cheffey scored his first victory in the 20 lap O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modified Main Event.

If you were expecting Marilyn Yawnick to fade after her two race winning streak in the McDonald's Mini Stocks was snapped last week, you can think again.  Yawnick rebounded impressively by winning the Trophy Dash and Main Event, with the familiar #67 car of 2015 champion David Steele chasing her across the finish line for second place finishes in both races.  Only a second to Ethan Killingsworth in their heat race marred Yawnick's evening.  Steele won the other heat race.  Point leader Terry Kendrck finished a solid third in the Main Event.  Medford's Devon Weiser took advantage of another rainout at his home track to finish fourth in the Main Event as Killingsworth enjoyed another Top 5 finish behind him.  Kris Mix, Guy Morris and Mike Whitaker finished in order on the lead lap. Amber Walden and Mike Frost both took checkered flags in ninth and tenth, respectively.

The SODCA Dwarf Cars were back for their second appearance, and the showdown of the night was set up early when young guns Kalvin Morton and Camden Robustelli each won a heat race.  Robustelli would grab the pole position for the Main Event with his win in the Trophy Dash.  Morton is making a run at the SODCA championship this year, and it didn't hurt his cause when he finished in the Top 3 in a big show at Cottage Grove last Friday.  With Robustelli in action this week, Morton had to work hard, but he would prevail by about five car lengths at the checkered flag.  Robustelli was a strong second ahead of Mason Lewman, Rob Gergel, Randy Slater, Cody Peters, Anthony Pope, James Edwards and Brock Peters.  Only B. Peters was not on the lead lap in the end.  C. Peters was going for his second straight B Dash win, but Gergel made him settle for second.

Colton Cheffey was a double winner in the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modified division.  Cheffey won his heat race ahead of Jimmy Lipke and the got the win in the Main Event.  Trophy Dash winner Garrett Hamilton finished second ahead of Lipke, Jack Walden Jr., Gary Foster and Jesse Morton.

The big Memorial Day Weekend show next week will feature memorial races for three important figures in Yreka racing history.  The IMCA Modifieds will run the annual John Arnberg Memorial, while the IMCA Sport Modifieds will run the Bo Hittson Memorial.  The Mini Stocks run the Mike Caveye Memorial race.  All three divisions will run preliminary events next Saturday and big money Main Events on Sunday.  For further information, check out www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.

Pit Stops - Jefferson Edition

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Pit Stops - Jefferson Edition

Drivers Can Run For The Money At Two Tracks 

On Memorial Day Weekend

Last week, the weather was the winner at Southern Oregon Speedway as it washed out both the Outlaw Kart race and the race on the bigger track. This week, they will try again with both tracks. Despite the washout at Southern Oregon Speedway, Roseburg, Coos Bay, Susanville and Yreka all got their races in.

There are some big races coming up on Memorial Day Weekend. Though it may appear as if Southern Oregon Speedway and Siskiyou Motor Speedway are engaged in a bit of one upsmanship, that's not the case. When Mike McCann took over the Medford track, he looked at of all the schedules and saw that the big race for Yreka was actually the weekend before last year. Southern Oregon Speedway had the Roger Haudenschild Tribute on the last week of May. McCann figured that this was a safe bet.

The track will go ahead with the tribute to Roger Haudenschild, which is being spearheaded by Matt Duste of Dusty's Transmission. As this column is being written, we're still putting together the notes on what the pay is going to be, but Matt has indicated an increase in last year's $700 to win for the IMCA Sport Mods and  $1000 to win for the IMCA Modifieds is the goal. Last year's purses are actually in line with the $1,038 to win at Yreka for IMCA Modifieds and $750 to win for IMCA Sport Mods.

For Siskiyou Motor Speedway, it's an important event. They honor one of the track's legends, John Arnberg, with a 38 lap IMCA Modified race. All three divisions are having special events as the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds honor Bo Hittson and the McDonald's Mini Stocks honor Mike Caveye. It is actually a two day event for Siskiyou Motor Speedway as they run preliminary races on Saturday and the big races on Sunday.

In this day and age, a two day event can be a crap shoot. Back in the days when there were big car counts at these shows, you needed that second day to help qualify people for the show. You would get 50 or 60 or more cars in the pits for the big show. Even getting B Main Events at this show may be a long shot. This is not a negative shot at any race track, just an observation of the times that we live in now. It would be nice if they could get that kind of car count.

The smart racer will note the purses at both tracks and head for Southern Oregon Speedway on Saturday and back to Siskiyou Motor Speedway on Sunday. That means that the fans will enjoy big show's at both tracks. The two tracks have a rather strained relationship for reasons that this column won't get into, but hopefully that will change in the future. As it is, many racers support both tracks when they can.

Southern Oregon Speedway Ready For Action

What we didn't get last week that would have been nice was our first look at the Super 4's and the Hornets divisions. Going into the third season for the Hornets division, we're not really sure we can expect at Southern Oregon Speedway. We do know Darryl Nelson Jr is ready to go, and we've seen one Hornet that was on display at the parade a month ago. The hope was that we could at least start the season off with the six cars that we had last year and build from there. We know of at least 10 Hornets in the area.

The Super 4's division is coming back to Southern Oregon Speedway after being away for a few seasons. Indications are that we could see anywhere from 6 to 12 cars when they finally get on the race track. Though the first race was a wash out, they're scheduled to be a part of the Haudenschild Race on May 28th.

Another question will be answered when the four division show comes to Southern Oregon Speedway this week. The show will feature Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks and the new Open Stock division. Eyes were opened among some of the Outlaw Pro Stock drivers when they got wind of what the purse would be. The word is that we will be seeing some Outlaw Pro Stock drivers at the track this week as part of the Open Stock race.

The unknown in all of this is what sort of Late Model and Street Stock count might appear. It is known that there is still a handful of cars in the area in both classes, but otherwise they'll be drawing from cars up north. We anticipate that we will see some cars from each classification, but how many remains to be seen. Late Model names that were said to be looking include Blaine Thomas, Bob Dees, Mike Linder and Steve Lemley.

With the recent cancellation of the Limited Sprint show up at Cottage Grove Speedway, there was a question as to who might show up for the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car class at Southern Oregon Speedway this week. They run for a slightly smaller purse than what Southern Oregon Speedway offers, so some drivers might think they have a shot at some of the money. We'll have to wait and see.

Right now, Vern Wheeler Jr is the king of the mountain, and his son Jake Wheeler seems to be the prince. The Wheeler family has taken the 1-2 positions in both Main Events, and the first target will be Jake. Can anybody take the second spot from him this week? The two young guns of the division, Camden Robustelli and Jeffrey Hudson, seem like the most likely candidates at the moment.

The hot rumor right now is that we may be seeing 2009 champion Charlie Thompson make a return to the Sprint Car division this week. His return could signal a challenge to Vern Wheeler Jr's domination.

The Winged Sprint Cars will also get a Trophy Dash with a front row of Robustelli and Wayne Kniffen. Will either of these two drivers be able to withstand the challenge from the Wheelers, who start in the row behind them?

Mark Wuage will be back out there to go for two in a row. There's a lot of excitement in the air with the IMCA Modifieds as they prepare for the Roger Haudenschild Tribute Race coming up on May 28th. You can bet that Mark will be gunning for that race and the extra prize money on the line, and this week will be a tune up for the six time track champion.

There are some talented drivers in this field that we saw last time out, including the driver who finished second, Matt Duste, third place finisher Jesse Bailey and two-time defending champion Albert Gill. These three are anticipated this week along with hard chargers such as Zack Fettinger, Jeremy Ohlde and Justin Ryker. There are some hard chargers we hope to see here in the weeks ahead, including past champions John DeBenedetti and Brian Poppa and hard charger Tim Bailey.

While Bob Burkett and Gary Anderson are picking up right where they left off in the Mini Stock division, there is still a race among the rest of the competitors to dethrone these two feature winners. Andrew Hall has certainly stepped up his game and could be the driver to beat them. There's also talented 14 year old racer Marissa Henson, currently third in the points. Kristopher Mix, Mike Cloud and hard luck racer Eric Hanson are others we'll be watching for. The field also welcomes some talented new drivers including Dylan Lausen, Devon Weiser and Mikey Johnson.

Sport Mod, Mini Stock Excitement In Yreka

Making headlines last week at Siskiyou Motor Speedway in Yreka was the fact that veteran Lenny Toolanen jumped into an IMCA Sport Modufied and set a track record. Toolanen was running in the Mechanics Race and scored the victory. Names like Toolaneen, Gunderson and Lorenzini have been fixtures at the speedway through the years, and all three families were represented on Saturday night.

With rain putting a damper on some of the race tracks up north, Jorddon Braaten led the charge in the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modified division. Not surprisingly, he ended up bringing home the winner's hardware. Braaten was so dominant in the Main Event that he scored the victory by over half a lap ahead of Jimmy Lipke, who figures to be a serious title contender this year.  Lipke enjoyed his best finish yet in his new car. There's only one more position for him to go as he sets his sights on the victory

Kurt Lorenzini, the son of Roger, ran a good race to finish third in the Main Event after winning his heat race. Kurt already counts himself as one of the Main Event winner's this season. Another of this year's Main Event winners and title contender Garrett Hamilton settled for 7th in the Main Event.

It was Chris Jorgensen getting himself another good finish in the Main Event in fourth ahead of young up and comer Colton Chaffey. The one thing about the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modified division at Siskiyou Motor Speedway is it is very competitive. There are sure to be a few more drivers this year that will lay claim to Main Event victories.

In the McDonald's Mini Stock division, David Steele has not gotten off to the kind of start that he would hope for. He did win the season opener, but he was surprised in the next two races by Marilyn Yawnick. Marilyn has been enjoying the best run of her career so far, but her win streak was snapped by Dennis Jorgensen on Saturday night. It was a Main Event that Steele watched from the sidelines after mechanical problems before his heat race.

Jorgensen was a happy winner, and it appears as if young Ethan Killingsworth may be the next driver to make it into the Winner's Circle. Ethan seemed to be heading for victory last time out when he had a wiring problem sideline him from the lead 10 laps into the race. A visit to Southern Oregon Speedway netted him a third place finish two weeks ago. He backed that up with a strong second place finish last week.

"Magic" Mike Whitaker just served notice to the competition with his third place finish in the recent race that he's back in competitive form.  Whitaker is the 2014 champion and point runner up last season, but he has struggled out of the gate. It looks like he's turning things around now. Yawnick settled for a fourth place finish and remains in title contention. Marilyn was not winless that evening as she did win her heat race.

Another past Mini Stock champion, Terry Kendrick, picked up a Trophy Dash win and was 6th in the Main Event. Those results should put Terry into the point lead when the next point list is released. Though Devon Weiser is a regular at Southern Oregon Speedway, he was happy to grab his first top five finish in 5th.

A bit of a wild and crazy IMCA Modified division resulted in penalties being levied against Roger Lorenzini and 2015 point runner up Duane Orsburn. Stan Gunderson ended up getting the win, and word was that Orsburn was considering not coming back to the speedway in light of the ruling against him. Track officials had to be a little bit concerned with the car count that showed up despite the fact that Southern Oregon Speedway was rained out and didn't have this division scheduled to begin with.

This week will be the first round of the new Patriot Series that will pit the drivers in all divisions against each other in a winner take all competition. It combines points in all classes and the drivers will also get points based on the most patriotic looking paint jobs. All of that information will be explained at www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com. The Saturday night competition will include the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks and Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association.

Coos Bay, Diamond Mountain Speedway Racing Continues

Coos Bay Speedway is in full gear with two races under their belts and a big Late Model competition coming up on May 28th. The track again featured the Winged Sprint Car division and Late Models as part of the Les Schwab Series. It was Josh Sin adding his name to the Late Model win list ahead of David Schmidt and Nathan Augustine.

In light of the recent controversy over certain tracks and what they pay for the Winged Sprint Car purse, it was a bit of a surprise to us to see two Cottage Grove Speedway competitors in the Sprint Car field. It was not a surprise to see Cooper Desbian win the Main Event with Brandi Crockett finishing third. Local regular Scott Fox ended up second as defending champion Dave May was fourth.

Daniel Land continues his domination of the Street Stock division with his second straight Main Event win, while Wayne Butler held off Justin Rykes and Tom Williams to win the Sportsman Main Event. Jeremiah Reiber was the Main Event winner in the Hornets division ahead of Josh Bearden and Jake Siewell.

In Central Jefferson, we have word from Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville. Shawn Natenstedt won the IMCA Modified Main Event with Chris Nieman second and Galen Hainline third. Matt Murphy and past Quincy champion Erica Buhr rounded out the top five.

The Strictly Stock Main Event was another win for Victor Richey as he held off defending champion Richard Longacre and Nathan Howard for that victory. Meanwhile, 2015 runner up Kyle Belli rebounded from his non finish in the season opener to win the Main Event in the Mini Stocks ahead Billy Gibson and Wyatt Spaulding

It seems that the most difficult track to get any results from in the Jefferson area remains American Valley Speedway in Quincy. However, we can give you top three finishers for the first two IMCA Modified races of the season. It was Chris Nieman winning the opening Main Event ahead of Erica Buhr and Riley Simmons. Veteran Jeff Olschowka won the next Main Event ahead of Chase Nieman and Matt Murphy.

Quincy and Susanville seem to be dancing partners, so to speak, and they have the NAPA Gold Series. The first race for that series takes place at Quincy on June 4th with the next race at Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville on June 11th.

A bit west of Yreka, Hayfork Speedway is getting ready for their second event on May 21st. Admittedly, the support was a bit sparse for their opener under threatening skies. The track is hoping for some more competitors to take on Hobby Stock feature winner Burl Richardson, Bill Kasper and the rest of the competition. By the end of the season, the Hobby Stocks last year were getting double digit car counts, and the track decided to add Beginner Street Stocks this year.

Two youngsters, third generation racer William Kasper and D.J. Case, were there for the first race. Case will go on record as the first winner in the Beginners Street Stock class. Can he make it two in a row? Tressan Smith (Outlaw Pro Stock), William Young (Mini Stock) and Bryan Gummerus (Enduro) are also looking to win their second features in the five division program.

Racing Season Kicks Off In Roseburg

In Northern Jefferson, Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg now has two races under their belt. The PRA Hardtop division was part of the May 7th season opener, and they fielded 12 cars. Troy Gasner won the season opening 25 lap race ahead of Doug Coffman and Greg Hickman.

The PRA Modified division also competed with Tom Ford winning their opening 35 lapper ahead of Herman Pulyer and Andrew Koens. It was Nicholas Hansen winning the 25 lap Street Stock opener ahead of Mike Klass and Dale Yarbrough. The Pro 4 Wedge Car 25 lap Main Event went to Andy Nelson over Rich McCoy and Dustin Knight.

The season opener was also a showcase for the track's two other four cylinder divisions with Dale Roth winning the Mini Stock 25 lapper ahead of Jimmy Smith and Tony Shoptaw. A field of 12 Mini Stocks were in action for that one. Picking up the 20 lap Hornet Main Event win was Neil Pecor ahead of Bob Vancil and Chris Cole.

The Hornets were back again last week, and Cole picked up the Main Event win ahead of Vancil and Andy Nelson. Pecor ended up not finishing. The Pro 4 Wedge Car victory went too Rich McCoy over Andy Nelson and Dustin Knight.

The Mini Stock themed night continued with Kevin Welch winning the 25 lap Mini Stock future ahead of Dan Colton and Dale Roth, while the Pro 4 Modified 75 lap Main Event went to Rick Thompson ahead of Eddie Secord and Steve Thompson. Brad Morrison was the final lead lap finisher in the 12-car field.

From the extreme Northern end of Jefferson we head to the extreme South and All American Speedway in Roseville. The speedway went with a five division program, and the Street Stock 35 lapper went to Mark Gardiner over Dan Farrington and Andrew Peeler. Like Roseburg, Roseville had a Pro 4 Modified division with Jim Badeker winning the 35 lap race ahead of Codi Barba and Neo Nuno.

Erik Ray won the 35 lap Bomber Main Event over Blake Disomma and Chris Paulson. In the F4 division, Jesse Yendes grabbed the victory in the 25 lap Main Event ahead of Mel Wilson and Keith Hopkinson Jr. Not to be forgotten was the 35 lap Legend Main Event where Pete Peirce claimed the victory ahead of Jack Wood and Keith Clement.

 

Sprint Cars, Sport Mods Highlight Chico and Marysville

Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico had a Friday night program headlined by the 410 Sprint Cars. Jonathan Allard picked up the victory ahead of current point leader Sean Becker and Andy Forsberg. Chris Story claimed the win in the Economy Sprint Car race ahead of Mike Ficklin and Wyatt Brown, while Terry Shank Jr. saw his streak snapped by Tony Richards in Wingless Spec Sprints. Schank settled for second ahead of Barry Pries Jr.

There can be no doubt about the IMCA Sport Modified movement in the area. Car count has been strong so far this year. Past Marysville Stock Car star Philip Shelby picked up the Sport Modified win ahead of Brian Cooper and Todd Cooper. Past A Modified champion Marc Abouzeid made his debut in the division with a fifth place finish. The California Hardtop Association Main Event win went to Ken Clifford ahead of Joe Hopp and Ron Ruiz.

Out at Marysville Raceway, it was Colby Weisz making a last lap pass on runner up finisher Jeremy Burt. Tyler Seavy settled for third. Meanwhile, Peter Paulson won the Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event ahead of Johnny Burns and Josh Vierra. The growing IMCA Sport Mod division's Main Event victory went to Todd Cooper ahead of Brian Cooper and Phillips Shelby. Shawn Jones won the NorCal Dwarf car Association feature ahead of early leader Buddy Olschowka and Michael "Spanky" Grenert.

Though there's not as many cars as the track would like there to be, the Hobby Stock division continues to grow, and Late Model veteran Greg Rayl won the 15 lap Main Event ahead of Cameron Hammett and Shannon Collins.

After his good run at Chico, Sean Becker took it up a notch with a Winged 360 Sprint Car feature win at Placerville Speedway on Saturday night. Mason Moore and Justin Johnson rounded out the top three. In Domco Plumbing Limited Late Model action, Jay Norton won the Main Event over Matt Micheli and two time winner Willie McMillan. It was Jason Palmer winning the Jays Welding And Fabricating Pure Stock feature ahead of Orville Owens and Dan Smith. Fourth place finisher Nick Baldwin continues to lead the standings.

BCRA Midget Lites were back for another race, and Kyle Offill won that Main Event ahead of Sprint Car veteran Charlie Caracillo and Scott Males. A nice field of 16 Midget Lites completed.

So once again, Siskiyou Motor Speedway in Yreka races this Saturday night. It will be Round #1 of the Patriot Series, featuring O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks and the Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association. To find out more, go to www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.

Southern Oregon Speedway will open up the Outlaw Kart race track on Friday night for six divisions of Kart racing. On Saturday night, it will be Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks and the Open Stock division. For further information can be obtained by going to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

 

 

Orland Raceway Rises From the Ashes Once Again

The tales of the demise of Orland Raceway have been greatly exaggerated. When Adam Zachary chose to walk away from the track at the end of last season, it looked as if racing was done in Orland. The Glenn County Fair Board had decided to put a soccer field right next to the race track. Word was that the fair board was receptive to having racing this season, but Zachary had other plans. Enter the new promotional team of Rich Hood and Nathan Skaggs.

There was word of a few racers who were looking to take a shot at running the track.  At the May Fairboard meeting, Hood made his presentation.  Rich has been a competitor in Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks in recent years and is one of the more respected people out there.  Joining him in this endeavor is Nathan Skaggs.  Skaggs has competed in the track's Mini Truck division in recent years.  The news of the two local racers taking charge of the track is be welcome among the competitors.

Adam Zachary never quite could establish a program at the speedway. In fact, car counts plummeted in some of the divisions following the departure of previous Promoter Mike McCann. Zachary was making decisions that were controversial to the racing community prior to deciding to leave in March of this year. He did not have the Wingless Sprint Car division included on the 2016 schedule that he announced. There was also the merger of the Mini Stock and Mini Truck divisions into one class. In the end, he decided to walk away.

There were some bright spots in the 2015 season, including the Hobby Stock division. It seemed as if the car count held steady at ten to a dozen race cars per race. The fact that the Mini Stock division and Mini Truck division usually had about four to six cars each made the decision to merge the two divisions easier. Though there were some grumblings from drivers in the Mini Stock division about running with the heavier Mini Trucks, it appears as if the new management will be continuing with that idea.

It also appears as if there will be no Wingless Sprint Cars on the schedule. The goal in mind right now is to get race cars back on that race track, and the new management is doing everything they can to make that happen. The 10 race schedule has an option for more races, and it begins on June 4th. One of the things that has to be done, in order to accommodate the soccer field, is they have to have racing on Sunday afternoons and Friday nights for most of the season. This is because soccer will be played on Saturday nights when the field is usable.

The story of Orland racing has been a rocky one. Racing has a history in the town going back into the 1970's, but there is a revolving door when it comes to promoters. In the late 1980's and early 1990's, there was Sprint 100's leadfoot Doc Bogart. It wasn't a bad program, but his run came to an end by the mid 1990's.

Then came Paul and Carol Turner. By the end of their tenure, which produced some great results, they were ridiculed by some in the racing community.  However, nobody can deny the success that that program had in the early days. So successful were the Turner's when it came to the staple Mini Stock, Mini Truck in Hobby Stock divisions that they ventured into Modified Mini Stocks and Wingless Sprint Cars. They created a healthy Sprint Car division that had 27 cars for one of the Harvest Classic events. In the end, when the money dried up, the Turner run came to an ugly end.

The problem was, everybody after them seemed to struggle to get anything established. The track even remained dark for a year. Nobody can be faulted for going in there and trying to do something, because at least somebody was putting race cars on the track. When veteran Mike McCann came into the picture in 2013, he attempted to give some stability to the program.

McCann's budget had been exhausted by midway through the 2014 season, though it appeared that the program was about to turn the corner. The lack of cooperation from a group that had rented the fairgrounds for a car show led to having to cancel a big open wheel event that he had planned. It also hastened his decision to walk away. McCann admitted that the board was supportive of his efforts.

It was actually thought that this track was going to be closed permanently when McCann walked away, but Adam Zachary entered the picture. Right from the beginning, Zachary struggled to establish a crew to run the events. The Mini Stock and Mini Truck drivers never really got on board with him, and the Wingless Sprint Car drivers became unhappy when their purses were cut. The 600 Micro Sprint and 250 Outlaw Kart divisions never quite jelled the way he would have hoped. However, the Hobby Stock division showed signs of life. The little car counts and the lack of attendance made it easy for Zachary to walk away rather than give the 2016 season a whirl.

This left the race car drivers in Orland scrambling to figure out where they were going to race. A few racers have headed for Marysville and Chico, but a majority of competitors ended up parking their cars. In fact, many people thought that racing in Orland was actually done this time. Negotiations to save racing in Orland have been ongoing for months, and a break in the negotiations finally occurred just within the last week or two.

With time being a major factor, the new promoting team is wasting no time trying to put a program on the race track. They are going with the basic divisions that Zachary had planned to run this year, and they intend to have the race track ready to go in June. While the dates are booked, the question remains the same as it was when Zachary had the race track. Will anybody support racing at the track this time?

It is known that there are several Mini Stocks and Mini Trucks in the area to go along with the Hobby Stocks. By all rights, all three divisions should have a double digit car count for every race. The lack of stability that the track has had over the last decade led to some racers going to Chico. The management team will have to see if they can win some of those teams back. So, what will be different this time around?

The bottom line is if the management team can't win the hearts and minds of those racers, racing doesn't have much of a chance. You can't continue to put race car programs on the track with a half a dozen cars, knowing that down the road in Chico there are cars. The fact that they know there are parked cars in the area has the management team hoping that they can get them to come back.

That puts the ball back in the court of the racers. And, they have to ask themselves, how badly do they want racing in their home town? If they don't get on board and support with their race cars, the show doesn't have a chance. There may be real valid reasons for some of these racers not to have supported the track in recent years. Perhaps they should be willing to give the next management team a chance. If they don't, it seems less likely that the track will get a chance next time. The new management team could very well be Orland Raceway's last hope.

The first order of business is to make the facilities usable. This includes making a racing surface that won't be rough on the cars. The next order of business is to get the word out to the racers and fans. The racers need to know the schedule and when those race dates are. Then, you have to hope that the racers haven't booked other things in a way that impedes their ability make it to these races. All track management can do is give it their best effort. If they give a serious and sincere effort, hopefully the people will give them a chance.

In these difficult economic times, some people say that Orland racing is dead already. Others believe that it will take the right management team to make it happen. Is this the right management team? The fact is, we're running out of options. Whether they are the best team or not, they may be Orland Raceway's last hope to keep it alive. And, the one thing we always say is as long as the gates open at the race track, there's a chance for good things to happen