Thursday, June 30, 2016

Franklin, Whitaker, Borror Grab Siskiyou Wins, Orland And Coos Bay News


Franklin, Whitaker, Borror Grab 
Siskiyou Motor Speedway Wins

Yreka, CA...The fans enjoyed a great night of racing Saturday night at Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  Four divisions competed on the quarter-mile dirt oval, and Doug Franklin scored the victory in the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modified Main Event.  "Magic" Mike Whitaker shook off his early season bad luck and drove to his first 20 lap McDonald's Mini Stock feature win of the season.  Steve Borror won a battle with Rocky Nash to gain the Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stock 20 lap Main Event win.  Visitor Chris Olexicwicz was victorious in the 20 lap IMCA Modified feature.

The IMCA Sport Modified Main Event saw three of it's "heavy hitters" all battling for their second win of the season.  Doug Franklin is the reigning SCMA champion in this division, and he had his hands full battling Colton Cheffey and Jimmy Lipke, who stayed in the hunt to the end.  However, Franklin would win just ahead of Cheffey and Lipke. Reigning IMCA champion Colter Boswell was fourth as point leader Garrett Hamilton, Chris Jorgensen and Trevor Tiffee followed on the lead lap.  Tiffee had his car back together after a hard crash two weeks ago.  Jack Walden, Randy Wright and D.J. Bottoms filled up the remainder of the Top 10.  Walden beat Wright for his first eight lap heat race win of the season, while Cheffey out ran Lipke to win the other heat.  Lipke bested Cheffey to win the four lap Trophy Dash.

"Magic" Mike Whitaker is the 2014 McDonald's Mini Stock champion and point runnerup last year, but his luck so far this season has been terrible.  Everybody knew he would turn it around eventually.  Whitaker ran a good race and won by about a straightaway ahead of the truck of talented teen sensation Ethan Killingsworth, who is in the hunt for his first win.  "Big Mac" Marylin Yawnick just beat point leader Terry Kendrick back to the line in a drag race for third.  Don Borror and Mike Frost followed on the lead lap as Dennis Jogensen and Mike Coleson rounded out the finish.  Coleson won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Jorgensen, but he was out of the feature early.  Killingsworth beat Coleson for his heat win, while Jorgensen finished ahead of Borror in his eight lapper.

It was another Borror winning the 20 lap Pro Stock Main Event.  Point leader Steve Borror has been the dominant force all season long, but Rocky Nash has returned to make things interesting.  Nash is a past winner on the NASCAR West circuit, and he battled Borror up front.  Borror collected his fourth win of the season with Nash a close second.  Miles Deubert finished just ahead of title contender Scott Flowers for third as Scott's son James Flowers rounded out the Top 5.  Matt Harlow finished sixth ahead of two time champion Ken Irving, rookie Julia Flowers, John David Duffie and Mike Prill.  Borror won his eight lap heat by a half lap over Irving, while Duffie won his heat over Nash.  Duffie added a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Nash to make it a double win night in the Arlen Heath owned entry.

Chris Olexicwicz is a past champion up at Susanville, and he made a surprise visit to Yreka with his IMCA Modified.  He was glad that he did as he dove to victory in the 20 lap Main Event.  Second generation racer Ray Kniffen Jr. made his first start of the season and finished a close second.  Past Yreka champion Lenny Toolanen wasn't far off the pace in third as title contender Duane Orsburn and Greg Foster rounded out the Top 5.  Olexicwicz won the eight lap heat race ahead of Steve Boucher, but Boucher hurt his motor to end his night.  Kniffen beat Olexicwicz in the four lap Trophy Dash to prevent the sweep.

Next up for Siskiyou Motor Speedway is the Fireworks Extravaganza on Sunday, July 3rd.  Fans will be treated to a Fireworks Display as well as a racing program of O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars and IMCA Modifieds.  The Sport Modifieds will run a 40 lap race for $550 to win.  For further information, go to the all new web page at www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.


Langenderfer, Chilton New Orland Raceway Winners
Racing Again This Saturday Night

Orland, CA...This Saturday night, racing returns to Orland Raceway for the fourth event of the season.  Five divisions of racing took their turns on the newly resurfaced one-fifth mile clay oval last Saturday night.  It was a night for new winners to shine as Donovan Chilton (Mini Stocks) and Jeremy Langenderfer (Pure Stocks) won their respective Main Events for the first time this season.  Olin Crane won his second Mini Truck feature while Skyler Richter won the combined 600/250 Micro Sprint race as the top 600.  Andrew Love was the top 250 finisher.

Donovan Chilton had three Top 3 finishes in four visits last season, including one win.  He was making his first Mini Stock start as the field nearly doubled last week.  Past champion Tom Davis has been on a roll with back to back feature wins, and both Chilton and Davis were heat race winners.  Davis figured to be a good bet for Win #3, but Chilton would prevail in the 20 lap feature, forcing Davis to settle for second.  Jeff Bennett earned his third Top 3 finish in third after a second place finish to Davis in his heat race.  Dustin Hills was fourth in his Hornet ahead of past champion John Kirkpatrick, Steven Spears, Jack Pendergrass, Josh Tucker and Robert Hunt.

Top 5 Chico competitor Jeremy Langenderfer has had two disappointing outings, but they say three is a charm.  On Saturday night, he and Chris Bennett teamed up to keep past champion Steve Martin out of the Pure Stock winner's circle all night.  Bennett got it started with a heat race win, and it was Langenderfer getting the feature victory.  Martin made him work for it as he finished second ahead of Bennett, Earl Adams and Mel Byers.  There are three different winners in three races.

Olin Crane opened the season with a win in the Mini Truck feature, but he suffered a DNF in the next race.  "Rollin" Olin rebounded in a big way as he won the heat race and the Main Event.  Merced Speedway competitor Tony Peffer brought his truck to the only California track with its own Mini Truck division and chased Crane across the line for a second place heat race finish.  Division veteran Dan Webster was hoping for two in a row in the Main Event, and he made Crane work for the win as Webster settled for second in the 20 lap race.  Peffer grabbed the final podium spot in third as Brent Allinger, William Fogle and reigning champion Keith Ross rounded out the finish.  Ross has yet to get a Top 3 finish this year.

As the runnerup driver in 600 Micro Sprint points last year, Skyler Richter had five second place finishes, but no wins.  On Saturday night, Richter finally found the winner's circle as he won the combined 600/250 Main Event ahead of fellow division competitor Tony Alosi and Dean Slinkard, who finished fifth overall.  Alosi won the heat race.  Andrew Love won the 250 heat race and was the top driver in his group in the feature.  Dave Mckinnon Jr. was the second 250 as Rusty Hensley and reigning champion Jess Garland rounded out the finish.

The same five divisions will be a part of this Saturday night's show.  General admission is $7.00, Children 7-12 and Seniors are $5.00 and children 6 and under are free.  First race starts at 7:00 p.m. sharp.  For further information, go to www.orlandraceway.org.



PHRA/SODCA Dwarf Car Shoot Out In Coos Bay 
Goes Well For SODCA Regulars

Coos Bay, Oregon...June 24-25...The Pacific Hardtop Racing Association and Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association had a two day event at Coos Bay last weekend that was hosted by the PHRA.  When the checkered flag flew on both Main Events, the SODCA drivers had swept the podium in both races.  Camden Robustelli won the Friday night Dwarf Car race, while Brock Peters grabbed the checkered flag on Saturday.  The track included many of their regular classes, and the Winged Sprint Car Main Event win on Saturday went to Erin Lyons.

The show put on by the Dwarf Cars alone was worth the price of admission.  The SODCA drivers battled fiercely for the 20 lap Main Event win on Friday.  Robustelli won by inches ahead of point leader Kalvin Morton and Ryan Smith was right behind them.  Reigning SODCA champion Josh King was fourth as Harry Cornin III was the only PHRA driver in the Top 9.  John Chrisman was sixth, followed by Chad Cardoza, Brock Peters, Dylan Chrisman and Clay Goben. All of the Top 10 were lead lap finishers.  Some of the drivers needed to run a 12 lap B Main to punch their tickets into the Main Event, and PHRA's Brett James won that ahead of SODCA President Randy Slater and Jim Fisher.  B. Peters outdueled teammate Kalvin Morton to win the A Dash, while SODCA's Rob Gergel won the B Dash ahead of Jeremiah Hester.  Peters, Smith, Morton and King made it a SODCA sweep of the heat races.

On Saturday night, SODCA competitors had another close race up front, but it was B. Peters prevailing just ahead of Robustelli and King.  Jeremiah Hester was the top PHRA competitor in fourth,  An unidentified driver in the #80 car finished fifth, followed by Henry Cornin III, Dylan Chrisman, George Fisher, Jess Taylor and Cody Peters.  Michael Hester won the 15 lap B Main ahead of Dylan Chrisman and Casey Sheeler.  B. Peters won the A Dash ahead of Bret James.  Robustelli won the B Dash ahead of J. Hester.  The heat win for B Peters made it a clean sweep for him as other heat wins went to Chad Cardoza, James and Clay Goben.

The Winged Sprint Cars were part of Saturday night's program.  Erin Lyons grabbed her first win ahead of point leader Dave May.  Duke Johnson was third ahead of previous Main Event winner Scott Fox and Lawrence Van Hoof.  Ken Fox grabbed the checkered flag in sixth as Nick Kyukendall, Ryan Kingrey and John Black rounded out the finish.  S. Fox set the fast time with a 14.864 lap as Johnson was a close second at 14.877.  May won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Kingrey and then won his eight lap heat race in front of Johnson.  The other heat win went to Van Hoof in front of S. Fox. 

The Sportsman and Street Stocks ran their Main Event together both nights.  The Friday program saw Sportsman point leader Wayne Butler continue his season long domination of the action with a half lap victory ahead of Russ Blean in the 20 lap Main Event.  Jeff Krossman finished third, just ahead of rookie Dylan Siewell.  Steve Dubisar and Jeff Kralicek made up the remainder of the lead lap finishers with Street Stock racer Jeff Thurman topping his group in seventh ahead of Tom Williams and Street Stock racers Rhett Eastman and Daniel Land.  The Sportsman division ran one eight lap heat race with Butler beating rival Williams by a straightaway.  Krossman won a close battle with Williams for the win in the four lap Trophy Dash.  Point leader Land won the Street Stock eight lap heat race, just ahead of Jeff Thurman.

The Saturday night action saw a rare bad night for Butler finally happen in the 25 lap Main Event.  Butler's race was over after eight laps.  This meant the battle was on for the victory, and Steve Dubisar won a duel with Williams to finish first.  Justin Krossman was a solid third, and Street Stock point leader Land topped his group in fourth.  Jeff Krossman was fifth ahead of Siewell and Josh Kalichek, the final lead lap finisher.   The rest of the Top 10 was made up of Street Stock drivers as Stacy Robinson was eighth ahead of Rhett Eastman and Eric Bailey.  Dubisar won his Sportsman heat ahead of Jeff Krossman, while Justin Krossman won the other eight lapper ahead of Williams.  Siewell was the Trophy Dash winner ahead of Williams.  Robinson impressed by holding off Land in a close battle for the Street Stock heat race win, but Land beat her to win the Trophy Dash.

On Friday, the Mini Outlaws and the Hornets ran separately, but they were combined the next night.  Ryder Johnson had a good night in the Mini Outlaws as he won the 12 lap Main Event in a duel with John Henry.  Jamie Daniels and Sam Talon rounded out the order.  Talon was out early in the Main Event with mechanical issues, but he won the heat race ahead of Henry.  Johnson beat Henry in a close battle in the Trophy Dash.  Hornet point leader Jeremiah Rieber was challenged by Tom Perry all night.  He beat Perry in the heat race, but Perry held him off for a trophy Dash victory.  Rieber won yet another Main Event, but Perry was about a half straightaway behind him.  Only second ranked Jeremy Beard managed to stay on the lead lap of the 20 lap race as William Hitner, Sam Taylor and Robert Vandreer rounded out the field.

On Saturday, the Mini Outlaws ran a Main Event with the Hornets.  Rob Lauver was back with his fast VW Beetle, and he won the 25 lap race as the top Mini Outlaw.  Hornet point leader Rieber was second, over a half lap behind, while Ryan Siewell was third.  New Mini Outlaw point leader John Henry was fourth as the final lead lap finisher.  Hornets followed throughout most of the Top 10 as Jeremy Beard was fifth ahead of Paul Benson, Hannah Robinson and Sam Taylor.  The Mini Outlaw of Jamie Daniels was ninth as the Hornet of Wesley Wilkinson rounded out the Top 10.  Lauver won the Mini Outlaw Trophy Dash by a wide margin over Daniels, and Lauver also won the heat race ahead of Henry.  Wilkinson won the Hornet Trophy Dash ahead of Rieber, and Rieber won his heat race with Beard second.  The other eight lap heat went to Hitner ahead of Siewell.


Nieman, Longacre Share Susanville Winner's Circle

Susanville, CA...June 17...Despite the rainy weather claiming other races in Northern California, the show still went on Friday night at Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville.  In the IMCA Modified division, Chris Nieman collected the victory in the 20 lap Main Event, while defending champions Richard Longacre (Strictly Stocks) and Kyle Belli (Mini Stocks) won their features.

The competitive IMCA Modified division had three different winners going into Round #4 as Duane Cleveland, Shawn Natenstedt and point leader Matt Murphy claimed the wins.  Murphy carried a 5 point lead over Nieman into this race.  Nieman is also second in points to brother Chase Nieman at Quincy,  Chris Nieman would drive to victory in this race and became the fourth different winner.  He had to battle past Susanville champion Jeff Chew to get it.  Chew settled for second ahead of Steve Bejeck and Larry McCracken.  Matt Murphy will maintain his point lead as he finished fifth ahead Wade DeBerg, Mitch Murphy, Dustin Sell, Joe Blackwell and Tyler Patzke.

Reigning Strictly Stock champion Richard Longacre has two second place finishes as the Main Event action so far has been dominated by three time winner Victor Richey.  Longacre and Jason Emmot were the two heat race winners on the night.  Longacre finally broke through for his first win of the season. Emmot settled for his second runnerup finish of the year as Nathan Howard was third for the third time in four starts.  Chris Annas was fourth as Richey came back down to earth with his fifth place effort.  Shayna Robertson, Fred Kresge and Steve Goss rounded out the finish.

Reigning Mini Stock champion Kyle Belli was a double winner as he won his heat race and the Main Event.  The win was Belli's third of the season.  Past champion Larry Whitebird was second in both races and now has three second place feature finishes and one win this season.  Larry Foster and Billy Gibson rounded out the field.

Racing will return on Monday, July 4th as all three divisions will compete along with a Fireworks show.  For further information, check out https://lassencountyfair.org/interim-events/diamond-mountain-speedway/.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Hibbard, Burkett, Nelsen Win Thrillers At Southern Oregon Speedway


Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
The latest show can be heard HERE

Nelsen Battles Braaten For IMCA Sport Modified Victory 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...June  25...Bob Nelsen won a late race duel with point leader Jorddon Braaten to score the victory in the 20 lap IMCA Northern Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Nelsen grabbed the lead early on while Braaten battled his way from the last row to provide the pressure.  Braaten made a late pass on Nelsen, but the determined Nelsen moved back by for the lead and victory.  Braaten protected his track and Oregon State point leads with a second place finish.  Nelsen is now the fourth different winner in the competitive division.

The night started with a Trophy Dash, and division newcomer Willie McFall held off Braaten to win the four lap event.  Braaten grabbed an eight lap heat race win ahead of Glen Severson, while Nelsen win his heat ahead of two time champion Dwayne Melvin.  Severson and Tony Bartell shared the front row with Nelsen starting seventh and Braaten tenth in the Main Event.  Bartell led one lap before Severson used an inside pass on the front stretch to grab the lead.  Nelsen made a low pass in Turn 4 to get by Bartell and made a similar move on lap four to take the lead from Severson.  Braaten followed closely into second.  The red flag flew after six laps when Jarrme Horn hit the back wall.  Nelsen led Braaten and Severson on the restart, and David Marble made an outside pass in Turn 4 a lap later to take third.  While Nelsen and Braaten pulled away just a bit, the rookie Marble, Severson and Mike Medel had a close three car battle going for third.  A low move in Turn 4 of the 16th lap put Braaten into the lead, but Nelsen had the outside groove working and beat Braaten back to the line for the lead a lap later.  Braaten made one last ditch effort to get by Nelsen, but he came up short as Nelsen scored the well earned victory ahead of Braaten, Marble, Severson, Medel, Melvin, McFall, Bartell, Horn and A.J. Parker.

Race Results
Heat 1-Jorddon Braaten, Glen Severson, David Marble.  Heat 2-Bob Nelsen, Dwayne Melvin, Tony Bartell.  Trophy Dash-Willie McFall, Braaten, Mike Medel.  Main Event-Nelsen, Braaten, Marble, Severson, Medel, Melvin, McFall, Bartell, Jarrme Horn, A.J. Parker.


Hibbard Ends Wheeler Sprint Car Winning Streak 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...June 25...Making his first visit of the season Saturday night, David Hibbard made a late race pass on point leader Jake Wheeler and went on to victory in the 25 lap Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car Main Event at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Wheeler won both his heat race and the Trophy Dash and led most of the way before being passed by the Cottage Grove Speedway Limited Sprint Car point leader Hibbard.  Wheeler maintained his advantage in the standings with a second place finish.

The night started off on the right foot for Wheeler as he won the four lap Trophy Dash over Wayne Kniffen.  The Wheeler family had won every race they started in the division up to that point this season, and Jake added another win over Hibbard in their eight lap heat race.  Car count grew to require a second heat, and 15 year old Jeffrey Hudson won that race ahead of Jeremy Lowe.  Kniffen's night came to abrupt end in that heat as he spun and collected Bailey Hibbard, who had nowhere to go.  Wheeler and Hudson led the pack to the Main Event green flag with Wheeler pulling ahead.  A low move in Turn 2 of the second lap gained D. Hibbard second from Hudson.  Wheeler pulled away a little bit, but D. Hibbard was not far behind him.  Hudson ran a solid third, and a close three-car battle began behind him, involving B. Hibbard, Bill Hopper and Lowe.  Hopper's Top 5 hopes ended when he pitted on lap 15 as the lead duo came up on a slower car. D. Hibbard was taking looks to the outside of Wheeler, who was making his car wide enough to prevent the pass.  On lap 23, D. Hibbard dove it in low in Turn 1 and emerged out of Turn 2 with the lead.  Wheeler went in hard on the inside in an attempt to regain the lead in Turn 3 of the same lap.  Unfortunately, his car pushed high in Turn 4 and Hibbard regained the lead.  D. Hibbard would bring it home to an impressive victory as Wheeler settled for second.  Hudson was a solid third ahead of B. Hibbard, Lowe, Aaron Miller and Hopper.

Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car
Heat 1-Jake Wheeler, David Hibbard, Bill Hopper.  Heat 2-Jeffrey Hudson, Jeremy Lowe, Wayne Kniffen.  Trophy Dash-Wheeler, Kniffen, Hopper.  Main Event-D. Hibbard, Wheeler, Hudson, Bailey Hibbard, Lowe, Aaron Miller, Hopper, Kniffen (DNS).


Burkett Wins Thrilling Three Car Battle for 
Southern Oregon Speedway Victory

White City, Oregon...July 25...Point leader Bob Burkett came back strong following his second place finish a week ago to win his third 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Burkett took the lead from Gary Anderson at the mid point of the race and survived a last lap threat from previous winner David Steele for a hard fought victory.  Steele's bid to regain the lead saw him nearly spin and lose second to Anderson.

Burkett started his night off with another four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Andrew Hall.  However, Anderson won their heat race ahead of Burkett to prevent a clean sweep.  Hall was winning a close battle with teammate Kristopher Mix in their heat race, but Hall started overheating on the last lap as Mix took the lead in the final turn for the win.  Anderson had the pole for the Main Event with third starter Burkett following him into second at the start.  From sixth starting, the flying Steele made a low pass in Turn 4 to grab third from Mix on lap two.  While battling Hall for fourth, Mix suffered a flat tire for a lap three caution flag.  Hall lost power in Turn 3 for a lap seven caution flag.  Anderson led Burkett and Steele on the restart.  A low move in Turn 4 of the tenth lap gained Burkett the lead. However, the race between these two and Steele was so close that you could almost throw a blanket over the cars for the next several laps.  Eric Hanson was holding down the fourth spot ahead of 14 year old Marissa Henson, but Henson made her move into fourth on lap 12.  At the same time Henson was making her move, Steele made a low pass in Turn 4 to take second from Anderson.  Steele was pressuring Burkett hard for the lead and made an outside pass at the start/finish line as the white flag flew to take first.  Burkett beat him back into Turn 1, and Steele's attempt to regain the lead resulted in him getting sideways in Turn 2.  Anderson drove by before Steele recovered.  Burkett was the happy winner ahead of Anderson and Steele.  Henson finished a solid fourth ahead of Hanson, Mix and Devon Weiser, the final lead lap finisher.  Fourteen year old Mikey Johnson grabbed a checkered flag in front of Dillen Lausen and Randy Simmons.

Mini Stocks
Heat 1-Gary Anderson, Bob Burkett, Marissa Henson.  Heat 2-Kristopher Mix, Andrew Hall, David Steele.  Trophy Dash-Burkett, Hall, Mix.  Main Event-Burkett, Anderson, Steele, Henson, Eric Hanson, Mix, Devon Weiser, Mikey Johnson, Dillen Lausen, Randy Simmons, Hall, Mike Cloud (DNS).


Doty Rebounds From Heat Race Crash For Super 4 Feature Win At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...June 25...After hitting the wall coming out of Turn 4 in his heat race, it looked like Lee Doty's night was over at Southern Oregon Speedway.  However, the crew worked hard, and they got the red, white and blue #7 car back together.  Doty responded by recording an impressive 20 lap Super 4's Main Event victory.  Doty took the lead from 2013 champion John Barger on lap 13 and brought it home to the win.  Barger settled for second.

There were seven Super 4's in action, but previous winner Steve Thompson was done after hot laps.  Barger won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Charlie Eaton and then held off Terry Hadley to win the eight lap heat race.  Barger had the pole for the Main Event with Doty lined up in the third row outside.  Barger charged onto the lead at the drop of the green flag while Doty moved through the field quickly.  Doty made a low pass in turn 4 of the opening lap to take second from Eaton.  However, Barger had already built up a straightaway lead by then.  Terry Hadley led Krista Hadley around Eaton for third and fourth on lap six.  On lap nine, K. Hadley made an inside pass in Turn 4 to take third from T. Hadley.  Amazingly, the flying Doty had caught Barger by then, and he made a Turn 2 pass for the lead on lap 13. Once Doty had the lead, he pulled away to a comfortable advantage at the checkered flag.  Barger settled for second ahead of K. Hadley, T. Hadley, Eaton and Bill Spencer.

Race Results
Heat-John Barger, Terry Hadley, Charlie Eaton.  Trophy Dash-Barger, Eaton, Krista Hadley.  Main Event-Lee Doty, Barger, K. Hadley, T. Hadley, Eaton, Bill Spencer, Steve Thompson (DNS).

Thomason Sweeps OTRO Hardtop Event 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...June 25...The OTRO Hardtops made their second appearance Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway and put on a show for the fans.  Driving the Dick & Louise Bridges owned 1933 Dodge Coupe bodied Hardtop with a Chevy 250 V6 engine, Trevor Thomason swept the heat, Trophy Dash and Main Event.  Winnemucca, Nevada's Rhett Lange made his first start of the year in the Lance & Sandra Lange owned 1937 Ford Coupe bodied Hardtops with a Chevy 266 V6 and rebounded from an earlier spin to finish second.

Thomason started the night off with a four lap Trophy Dash victory ahead of Gary Barber.  Thomason won the eight lap heat race ahead of Lange.  Bill Trotter raced into the early lead ahead of Thomason and Gary Barber.  An outside move on the front stretch gained Thomason the lead from Trotter on lap four and Wylie Powell retired early.  Brian Crouch spun for a lap six caution flag after Lange made a Turn 3 pass to take third from Barber.  Thomason continued to lead the restart as Lange used a low pass in Turn 4 to gain third.  Moments later, Lange spun.  Jimmy Del Castillo was now third behind Trotter, but Thomason had a good lead.  Lange took over third on lap ten, and a high move in Turn 2 of the 13th lap gained Lange second from Trotter.  By then, Thomason held a straightaway advantage.  Thomason brought it home to his second feature win with Lange a strong second.  Trotter finished third ahead of Del Castillo, Crouch, Barber and Powell.  Chris Mehrer was a Main Event scratch with steering issues likely suffered from his crash in the group's previous visit.

OTRO Hardtops
Heat-Trevor Thomason, Rhett Lange, Bill Trotter.  Trophy Dash-Thomason, Gary Barber, Trotter.  Main Event-Thomason, Lange, Trotter, Jimmy Del Castillo, Brian Crouch, Barber, Wylie Powell, Chris Mehrer (DNS).


Nelson Back in Winner's Circle In Hornets 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...June 25...There were three different winners in the three Hornet races held Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  In the 20 lap Main Event, Darrel Nelson Jr. reeled in a big Tim Hedges lead, made the pass and pulled away to his second feature win of the season.  Nelson was leading the feature a week ago when a flat tire sent him to the pits.

John Hoult finally got his first win of the season in the four lap Trophy Dash as Hedges finished second.  Joby Shields won the heat race ahead of Hedges.  Hedges started the Main Event off strong as he raced into the lead.  Nelson had second before the lap was over, but Hedges had a pretty good lead by then.  By lap five, Nelson caught Hedges, and he made a high move in Turn 3 of the sixth lap to take over.  Hoult went underneath Hedges in Turn 4 a lap later for second, but a flat tire sent Hoult to the pits.  Hedges had the second spot until Shields made a Turn 4 pass on lap 14 to gain that position.  Nelson cruised to victory ahead of Shields, Hedges and Hoult.  Heather Menzel was a Main Event scratch.

Hornets
Heat-Joby Shields, Tim Hedges, Darrel Nelson Jr.  Trophy Dash-John Hoult, Hedges, Shields.  Main Event-Nelson, Shields, Hedges, Hoult, Heather Menzel (DNS).


Racing And Professional Fireworks Show Set 
For Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway will begin a very busy period for the track on Monday, July 4th.  It is the Fireworks Spectacular, which features a professional Fireworks Show along with three divisions of racing on the fast 3/10 mile clay oval.  Divisions on the card for this event include IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks and SODCA Dwarf Cars.

On Friday, July 8th, the Outlaw Kart track will have another event.  A night later, it's Sprint Car Speedweek, featuring some of the best Sprint Car drivers in the Pacific Northwest.  Dwarf Cars and Mini Stocks will also be part of that program.  First up will be Monday's big event.

There's been lots of excitement in the IMCA Sport Modified division so far this year.  More drivers are showing up to race, and there are some competitive drivers in the group.  Jorddon Braaten is still setting the standards as the the point leader at the track and in the state, but there are some drivers racing him hard.

Last season, Bob Nelson was one of the few drivers to beat Braaten for a Main Event victory, and Nelson did it again last week.  This thriller of a battle saw Braaten overtake Nelson with a few laps to go, only to see Nelson get back by him a lap later.  Both drivers are anticipated on Monday.

For his part, Jorddon is enjoying how much faster the other drivers are getting this year.   "We knew going into this year that there would be some good competition, " Braaten admitted.  "Guys are really stepping up this year, and that means we have to be ready.  Nothing is guaranteed out there.  You have to go out and earn it."

Another racer who has people talking is 2015 Mini Stock champion David Marble.  David is the top rookie in the Sport Mods and is third in the standings behind Braaten and Mike Medel.  The sportsmanship of these drivers is evident as Medel has helped Marble with setup advice and was beat by him last week.

After his third place finish, David could be the next driver to get a win. "It's been a lot of fun driving one of these cars, " claimed Marble.  "It's been been challenging at times, but that's one of the reasons we got the car.  I feel like we're getting things sorted out and we're just about there.  We almost had it last week before we broke."

The field is so evenly matched that you never know who might win.  Willie McFall won the Trophy Dash last week.  Tony Bartell, A.J. Parker and Glen Severson are others we anticipate this week, and word is there will be a few drivers coming in from California to make it even more interesting.

Speaking of making it interesting, Steve Borror has been a force in the Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks this year.  However, the current point leader has been joined in battle by past NASCAR West winner Rocky Nash in recent weeks.  Nash won the last race at Southern Oregon and finished a close second to Borror in Yreka last week.

The Pro Stocks have seen a rise in car count in recent weeks, and club president Arlen Heath indicates that more cars are coming.  Last time out, there were 16 cars, many of whom hail from  Klamath Falls.  Now that Nash has beat the four time winner Borror, others are hoping for their turn.  Second ranked Scott Flowers, son James Flowers, Rick Lukens, two time champion Ken Irving, Roy Bain and John David Duffie are others to watch for this week.  Duffie ran a strong second in the last visit to the track.

Another driver we may see this week is Brad Zeitler.  Brad had been active in the division as a crewman for several years before going racing himself.  "I pitted for my cousin Jimmy Walker Jr. when he was winning championships, " said Brad.  "He decided he wasn't gonna do it any more, and I wasn't done.  So, I got a car and a trailer and went racing.  This is a good group of guys.  I have a lot of fun racing with them."

The nice thing about the Pro Stocks is they keep a Stock Car presence in Southern Oregon and the Northern tip of  California at a time when there isn't much in the way of fendered, V8 motored race cars.  The division is somewhere between Late Models and Hobby Stocks, but affordable enough to attract many great racers.

The SODCA Dwarf Cars go everywhere, and they put on a show whenever they are in town. The group joined the rival PHRA in Coos Bay last week, and wins were recorded by SODCA stars Camden Robustelli and Brock Peters in the two day event.  Peters swept the action in the last visit to Southern Oregon.

There had been some questions about the previous race at the Medford track in which Peters appeared to get bumped off of Turn 2 by Josh King.  However, Brock set the record straight on that.  "I blew a fuse and lost power to the car, " said Peters.  "Josh had nowhere to go.  He never would have hit me.  I never have an issue racing with him because we race each other cleanly.  I hit a bump and it sparked it and blew a fuse. For it to die like that was a heart breaker."

The SODCA has a mixture of experienced drivers and newcomers to the group this year.  You should also find two time reigning champion Josh King, Ryan Smith, Chad Cardoza, Rob Gergel and point leader Kalvin Morton battling at the front of the pack this Monday.

Don Gifford is not necessarily a newcomer to racing.  He won a Claimer Car championship in the 1980's.  He's lucky to be racing now after having heart surgery last September.  "I didn't race last year," Don explained.  "The year before, I kept racing and getting tired and I couldn't figure out why.  The doctor told me it was a good thing I didn't race last year.  I may not have made it."

Gifford grabbed checkered flags in every race in which he started last time out, and newcomers like Mark Nielson, Jerry Hauck and Joe Sanders continue to improve as well.

This three division program will be one that you won't want to miss.  Plus, there will be a great Fireworks Show.  Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m.  Adult tickets are $15 with Seniors and Juniors $10.  Children 5 and under are free.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Saturday, June 25, 2016

Hibbard Battles Wheeler For Victory, Nelsen Wins Thriller Over Braaten

Hibbard Battles Wheeler For Victory,
Nelson Wins Thriller Over Braaten

White City, Oregon...David Hibbard won a good battle with Jake Wheeler for the victory the 25 lap Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car Main Event at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Hibbard stalked Wheeler for several laps before making his winning pass in Turn 2 on lap 23.  Wheeler settled for second over Jeffrey Hudson.

Bob Nelsen led most of the way and survived a serious late race challenge from point leader Jorddon Braaten to win the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event.

Lee Doty got his car repaired after a bout with the wall exiting turn 4 in his heat race to win the 20 lap Super 4 Main Event.  Doty took the lead from second place finisher John Barker with a Turn 2 pass on lap 13 and pulled away to a big lead.

Point leader Bob Burkett batted David Steele to claim his third 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event win.  Steele passed him at the while flag and nearly spin in Turn 2 as Burkett and Gary Anderson got by for the 1-2 finish.

Trevor Thomason led most of the way and beat Rhett Lange by a straighaway for his second 20 lap OTRO Hardtop feature victory.

Darrell Nelson Jr reeled in a straighatawy lead on Tim Hedges and made his winning pass on lap seven for the 20 lap Hornet Main Event victory.

It was 2014 Cottage Grove Limited Sprint champion David Hibbard winning a close battle with point leader Jake Wheeler to win the 25 lap Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car Main Event.  Wheeler won his heat race and figured to be the driver to beat in the feature.  Wheeler beat heat winner Jeffrey Hudson at the start, but D. Hibbard was second a lap later.   Wheeler pulled away, but Hibbard ran closely behind him as Hudson ran a strong third.  Wheeler hit traffic by lap 14, but Hibbard followed him closely.  Wheeler was making it difficult for Hibbard, but the door opened up and Hibbard slid by underneath in Turns 1 and 2 of the 23rd lap.  Wheeler dove in hard in Turn 3, but he pushed high in Turn 4 as D. Hibbard made the pass stick.  D. Hibbard went on to a crowd pleasing victory ahead of Wheeler, Hudson, Bailey Hibbard and Jeremy Lowe.

Bob Nelsen scored his first IMCA Sport Modified Main Event win of the season.  Nelsen took the lead from Glen Severson on lap three with Jorddon Braaten following him into second.   Nelsen and Braaten ran closely for the rest of the race while Severson, rookie David Marble and Mike Medel battled for third.  Marble took third just past the halfway point, and Braaten used a low pass in Turn 4 of the 16th lap to gain the lead from Nelsen.  However, Nelsen beat him back to the line a lap later and pulled ahead exiting Turn 2.  Braaten attempted a pass at the line, but it was Nelsen prevailing for the hard fought victory.  Marble was a strong third ahead of Severson and Medel.

Lee Doty was impressive in his 20 lap Super 4 Main Event win. After hitting the wall in his heat race, his crew worked hard to get it repaired for the feature.  As heat and dash winner John Barger led the way, Doty quickly gained second and reeled in a big Barger lead.  Doty made his winning pass in Turn 2 of the 13th lap and went on to an impressive victory.  Barker settled for second ahead of Krista Hadley, Terry Hadley and Charlie Eaton.

Bob Burkett returned to the winner's circle for the third time in the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event.  Gary Anderson was back after a nightmare night last week eliminated him in a hot lap crash.  Anderson led a blanket race of Burkett and David Steele until Burkett made a law pass in Turn 2 for the lead on lap 13.  Steele took second from Anderson on lap 17 and beat to Burkett to the white flag.  Burkett came back strong in Turns 1 and 2, and Steele got sideways in Turn 2 to fall back to third.  Burkett won ahead of Anderson, Steele, Marissa Henson and Eric Hanson

Trevor Thomason won his second 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event by a wide margin.  Thomason took the lead from Bill Trotter on lap three and began to steadily pull away from the pack.   Rhett Lange had spun from second midway through the race, but he regained second by lap 13.  Thomason won by over a striaghtaway ahead of Lange, Jimmy Del Castlille, Brian Crouch and Gary Barber.

Darrel Nelson Jt. won the 20 lap Hornet Main Event.  Tim Hedges led for seven laps, and at one point it was a straightaway lead over Nelson.  Nelson made a low move in Turn 3 of the seventh lap to gain the lead.  As Nelson pulled away to a half lap win, Joby Shields made a Turn 4 pass on lap 19 to take second from Hedges.  Hedges settled for third.

Racing continues on Monday, July 4th with SODCA Dwarf Cars, Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks and IMCA Sport Modifieds and a Firewoks Show.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results Saturday, June 25

Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Jake Wheeler, Jeffrey Hudson.  Trophy Dash 4 Laps)-Wheeler.  Main Event (20 Laps)-David Hibbbard, Wheeler, Hudson, Aaron Miller, Bailey Hibbard.

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Jorddon Braaten, Bob Nelsen.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Willie McFall.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Nelsen, Braaten, David Marble, Glen Severson, Mike Medel.

Mini Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Gary Anderson, Kristopher Mix.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Bob Burkett.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Burkett, Anderson, David Steele, Marissa Henson, Eric Hanson.

Super 4's
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-John Barger.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Barger.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Lee Doty, Barger, Krista Hadley, Terry Hadley, Charlie Easton.

OTRO Hardtops
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Trevor Thomason.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Thomason.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Thomason, Rhett Lange, Bill Trotter, Jimmy Del Castille, Brian Crouch.

Hornets
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Joby Shields.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-John Hoult  Main Event (20 Laps)-Darrel Nelson Jr., Shields, Tim Hedges, Hoult.

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Pit Stop's - Jefferson Edition





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Pit Stop's - Jefferson Edition

Two Nights Of Racing At Southern Oregon Speedway

As the weather heats up and signals the beginning of summer, the racing will be heating up at Southern Oregon Speedway as well.  There will be two nights of racing this week, and it starts on Friday night with another night of Outlaw Kart racing on the fast one-eighth mile dirt oval.  On Saturday, it will be six divisions of racing on the big track.

The Kart track is creating our next generation of stars, and Tanner Holmes was the star who shined the brightest last time out.  The reigning 250 Kart champ won that division's Main Event and then made his first start in the 500 Karts a winning performance. The skill in which he handled his Karts would suggest that this young man could be a future Sprint Car star in the making.

Another youngster by the name of Trevor Grimes got his Box Stock title defense started off right with an impressive feature win of his own.  The Box Stock division is a class filled with some talented girls in the field, including 2014 champion Carley Holmes, Natalie Richard and Emma Rodgers.  Isabella Jaime also impressed with her heat race victory on opening night.

A field of about three dozen Karts is anticipated Friday night, which will include the youngsters of the Beginners Box Stocks.  These are the kids ages 5-8 who are just getting started.  The show will get started at 7:00 p.m.  Gates will open 5:00 with a general admission of $10.  Children six and under are $5.

On Saturday night, the three-tenths mile clay oval will play host to a six division program that will include Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, OTRO Hardtops, Super 4's and Hornets.  The Hornets were added to the program this week in part because of the light schedule they have.  Also, the six car field produced last time was the highest car count in the three seasons the class has been running.

Promoter Mike McCann has sent as message to the racers that the four cylinder divisions are just as important to the track as the other classes, and the Hornets play a vital role in the growth of the program.  They bring new racers to the speedway with an affordable set of rules.  Last week, Heather Menzel and Joby Shields made their first starts of the year, and Shields won the Main Event.

Tim Hedges won a heat race a week earlier.  His Main Event didn't go so well.  "I went the wrong way on tire pressure, " Tim explained.  "I added when I should have subtracted.  That made a big difference."

There aren't too many setup secrets in the Hornet class, but tire pressure does have an impact on the speed and handling of these cars. Hedges won the Trophy Dash last week before placing third in the Main Event.  Only a few points separate the Top 3 of Hedges, John Hoult and Darrel Nelson Jr. in a close point battle.

Also in the field last week in her season debut was Heather Menzel.  Heather had one start last season, and she was in a different car for what would be a fourth place finish.  "This is his (Devon Weiser's) car from last year, " said Heather.  "This is a neat class.  It's easy, and it's fun.  It's not like you're done if you wreck it."

One selling point for this class is the affordability as most of the racers have gotten into it for less than $1000. The Hornets just graduated their fourth driver into the Mini Stocks, Garrett Fredrickson.  Unfortunately, Garrett crashed in hot laps last week, ending the night for both he and title contender Gary Anderson.  Gary was trying to rebound from a bad night a week earlier.  Handling was a bit of an issue after he spun early in that race before charging back to fourth.  "The car was a bit loose, " Anderson admitted.  "I didn't want to sit there and draw a yellow after I spun.  I don't do that unless the car dies.  I was just a bit upset after that, so I didn't help myself."

The door was open for Andrew Hall to move into second in the standings, and he made it happen with a fourth place finish.  Hall was coming off of a career best second place finish in his Pinto Wagon a week earlier.  He finished behind point leader Bob Burkett that night.  "The car was good, " He admitted.  "I was watching him (Burkett).  We weren't gaining on him, but he wasn't pulling away either.  We're getting things fixed on the car and we're getting closer."

Hall had to do some rear end repair and had some help from sponsor Medford Radiator in fixing his radiator for this race.  Burkett snatched a Trophy dash win from Hall last week with a last turn pass, but his bid for a third feature win was thwarted by David Steele.  Steel has been racing Mini Stocks for nearly as long as Burkett and is a past top 5 competitor at the speedway.  He won the championship at Yreka last season.

Steele's title defense took a hit earlier this season as he scratched one night after hot lap's.  The issues were starting a week before that.  "The motor was laying down pretty badly the week before that, " Steele explained.  "That was why I didn't come here on the week off.  We didn't run that night because I didn't see any sense in tearing the motor up worse."

David has built a few competitive cars through the years, including the John Derby championship car and the car driven by Gary Anderson.  The #67 car that he wheels is the first car he built, and he's proud of that car.  Kris Mix is in the car he bought after crashing his other car at Yreka's playday.  In fact, that old car will be back eventually with a new driver.

Kris ran better in fifth this week, but things weren't quite right with the #89 car a week earlier.   "We ran a bad clutch last week just to get through the night, " said Mix, who is fifth in the standings.  "It had about three-quarters throttle.  The car handled way better than last time.  I could drive it and point it where I wanted it to go.  The problem was the clutch was slipping." 

While Bob Burkett has been beat, the Wheeler family remains undefeated in Winged Sprint Cars going into this race.  It may fall on Wayne Kniffen to do something about it, and he's ready to give it his best.  "I think we're getting the car figured out, " said Kniffen.  "We were hooked up out there last time, and I think we can beat him."

Who will show up for a shot at victory is still unclear, but Todd Whipple and Bill Hopper are both anticipated from California.  Reports out of Creswell are that 2015 Cottage Grove Limited Sprint champion Patrick Dills has marked this race on his schedule as night to visit.  Another report from earlier this week has past Cottage Grove Limited Sprint Car champion David Hibbard and a couple other drivers planning to visit.  David is from the area, is a past Top 5 ranked driver and has three wins in the last 28 races.

Jorddon Braaten is now a two time winner in IMCA Sport Modifieds following his win last week over Mike Medel.  The two drivers seem to do battle wherever they race.  Medel won the Trophy Dash earlier in the evening.  Mike had a good showing the week prior with a fourth place finish.  A night later at Yreka, he won his heat race before his night took a turn in the wrong direction,  "The car handled great, " Medel admitted.  "I adjusted the car too much.  "I look some drive out.  I didn't expect the track to get better.  They were passing me left and right."
 
 Meanwhile, rookie A.J. Parker is climbing the point ladder and sits fourth in the standings.  He is just excited to be racing.  "This is my first car, " he explained.  I've raced Go Karts before this.  My wife and I built this car, and I love it.  We are considering putting another car together for next year."

Another rookie, David Marble, sits third in the standings.  His night was a mixed bag last week.  David won his heat race.  He ran second in the feature until breaking a ball joint to end his race.  He'll be back to try again this week as the 2015 Mini Stock champion continues to learn in his new car.

The Old Time Racers of Oregon will be there with their Hardtops.  The drivers started out on the pavement of Roseburg, but some of the racers wanted branch out to the dirt.  The group has not set a tire rule, and all of the racers ran slick tires on the dirt track last time.  That made for some interesting moments as the cars struggled for grip at times early in the evening.  Chris Mehrer gave the other drives something to look at in the pits.  After winning the Trophy Dash, he put his car into the front wall and knocked the front end out from underneath it.

The Main Event and heat race wins went to Trevor Thomason ahead of Bill Trotter.  The Trotter family fielded three of the cars that competed last time.  These Coupe and Sedan bodied race cars give fans a glimpse of the division that headlined at many race tracks in the 1950's and 1960's.  Word from OTRO leadership is that everybody is ready to come back, including the #16 machine owned by Bill Trotter and driven by Mehrer.  Furthermore, there was word of the possibility of a new car or two coming to play this time.

The Super 4's will be back to try again.  Steve Thompson won the season opener ahead of 2013 champion John Barger.  Lee Doty was a Main Event scratch last time, but he should have things situated this week.  He won the lone Main Event for the group last year.  This group of drivers is not as worried about rules as they are about getting cars back to the track.  "We're just coming out here to race and have fun, " Barger explained.  "It's kind of an open rules thing.  We just want to get the cars back out here again."

The SODCA Dwarf Cars aren't racing this week, but they are a part of the Monday, July 4th Fireworks Extravaganza show and along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks.  The star of the this last week was Brock Peters, who bounced back from his terrible luck in a big way with a flag to flag romp for victory.  He was never seriously challenged as he won his heat and the and A Dash for a clean sweep.

Brock might have won the Main Event the time before if not for some bad luck taking him out.  To the spectator's eye, it might have looked like two time reigning champion Josh King took him out, but that simply was not the case.  "I blew a fuse and lost power to the car, " explained Peters, who was Top 5 ranked in points last season.  "The car died, and Josh had nowhere to go.  He never would have hit me.  He had nowhere to go.  I've never had a problem racing with him.  We race each other clean. What happened was I hit a bump; and it sparked and blew a fuse.  The car was running great.  For it to die liked it did was just a tough deal."

The battle behind Brock went to the checkered flag as Ryan Smith won a spirited duel with King to grab the second place finish.  Camden Robustelli and point leader Kalvin Morton rounded out the Top 5.  The Dwarf Cars welcomed Don Gifford back to the field.  Don has been racing for many years and is a past Claimer Car champion in the 1980's.  A health scare took Don out of the action last season .  "I had heart surgery in September, " Gifford explained.  "I didn't race last year.  The year before, I kept racing and getting tired and I couldn't figure out why.  The doctor told me it was a good thing I didn't race last year or I may not have made it.  So, this is my trial run.  We'll see if I can make it."

Gifford appears to have passed the test as he took checkered flags all night in his #87 Dwarf Car and had fun.  The SODCA Dwarf Cars run with another group in Coos Bay this week and hit Yreka on July 3rd before coming back for the July 4th event.  You always know you are in for a good show when the Dwarf Cars come to town.

The six division event this Saturday night will feature Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars,  IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, OTRO Hardtops, Hornets and Super 4's.  The show should a good one with the variety of divisions being offered. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race to fire off at 7:00 p.m.  General admission is $12 with seniors and juniors $6 . Children under five are free.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.



Racing Continues At Siskiyou Motor Speedway Saturday Night

Yreka, CA...When the rain falls, there's nothing you can do but wait for the next race.  That was the case at Siskiyou Motor Speedway last weekend when rain washed away the programs for both the big track and the Outlaw Kart track.  However, racing returns in a big way on Saturday night with O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks, IMCA Modifieds and Outlaw Pro Stocks.  Plus, there's Powder Puff Racing and Kid's Ride A Longs.

Garrett Hamilton continues to top the field in IMCA Sport Modified points, but he's not too comfortably ahead of Jimmy Lipke.  Lipke has been just a bit faster lately and has a win and a second in his last three starts.  The win  was his first in the division and followed his second place finish in the Bo Hittson Memorial race.  Lipke stepped up his program during the offseason and has made it known that he is here to win this season. 

The consistent Hamilton will continue to be a force on the track as will reigning IMCA champion Colter Boswell.  Boswell's second and third place finishes in the last two races show that he's not slowing down a bit.  Colter may not be in the point race this year, but he will certainly be in the race for feature wins.  The fact is, the IMCA Sport Mods are pretty evenly matched at the Yreka track.  Colton Cheffey and Kurt Lorenzini have already claimed victories, and third ranked Chris Jorgensen, Doug Franklin and Jack Walden III are three others to keep an eye on this week.

The McDonald's Mini Stocks have turned into an interesting championship battle between past champion "The Holy Terror" Terry Kendrick and "Big Mac" Marilyn Yawnick.  Only a few points separate the two.  Consistent Top 3 finishes have put Kendrick into the lead over the three time winner Yawnick, who is in the midst of her best season yet.  Yawnick had a blown motor on Memorial Day Weekend, and the off week has given her a chance to regroup.

Earlier this year, reigning champion David Steele was forced to park after hot laps due to motor issues.  David had been struggling with motor problems in the week prior, but he had hoped he could get through another week with what he had.  When the gauges didn't read the way he liked, he parked that night rather than do more damage.  This has left him 34 points behind Yawnick in third, but with two wins in the last three races, he's gaining ground.

Steele used the off week to return to Southern Oregon Speedway and battle their point leader Bob Burkett for another victory.  In fact, talented teen Ethan Killingsworth picked up another third place finish in his truck.  Ethan is a point behind Steele in Yreka's point race.   Steele has been racing these Mini Stocks for several seasons and has actually built some fast race cars for a few others in the division.

Like the Sport Modifieds, the McDonald's Mini Stocks are pretty evenly matched, and there are several drivers capable of winning on any given week.  Brian Jorgensen is one of the drivers to keep an eye on.  2014 champion "Magic" Mike Whitaker has had his share of problems, but he's due for a break out night.  The Mini Stocks are sure to put on a good show.

In the Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks, Steve Borror leads the way in the standings.  However, his three race win streak was snapped in the recent Medford race by past NASCAR Winston West winner Rocky Nash.  Nash seems to have a car every bit as fast as the one that Borror has, which is saying something.  A check of the point list finds Scott Flowers running second.  If that looks familiar, it may have something to do with the fact that the past Worden Speedway champion has ranked second in the group for two consecutive seasons.

Scott had to come back from a spin in the recent Medford race to finish third behind the impressive John David Duffie.  The Flowers family will likely field three cars again as Scott's son James and daughter Julia have cars.  Even his wife has gotten into the act as Ginny Flowers drove to a ninth place finish last time while daughter Julia was away at a friend's graduation.

The group is looking forward to the Annual Billy Geyer Memorial Race on July 22-23 as they compete for a $2500 first prize.  A field of at least a dozen cars is anticipated this week. Joining the list of competitors should be Scott Bennett, Rick Lukens, Arlen Garrison, Johnny Cobb, Brad Zeitler and Roy Bain.

The IMCA Modified division has been a bit of a mystery as drivers haven't been showing up in the numbers that management would like to see.  Reigning champion Nick Trenchard won the big money opener and leads the point standings.  There are a few big names from the past, such as Lenny Toolanen, Roger Lorenzini and Stan Gunderson with cars.  When it comes to who might race this Saturday night, it's very much a wait and see scenario.

It should be a great night of racing at Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race firing off at 7:00 p.m.  Adult tickets are $9.00, Seniors and Veterans are $7.00, Juniors are $5.00 and kids 5 and under are free.  Also, make a note of the 40 lap IMCA Sport Mod race for $550 to win, Mini Stock special and Dwarf Car event on  July 3rd.  Also on tap that night will be a Fireworks Display for the fans.  For further information, check out www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.

Marysville, Lakeport and Roseville News

Out at Marysville Raceway, they hosted both BCRA groups as well as Wingless Spec Sprints and Limited Late Models.  It was Stock Car and Spec Sprint graduate Taylor Simas winning the BCRA Midget Main Event ahead of Cory Elliott and Maria Cofer.  The red hot Kyle Offill won the BCRA Midget Lites feature ahead of Chris Hanson and defending champion Craig Dillard.  Chico point leader Terry Schank Jr, came to town and won the Spec Sprint feature ahead of Jake Morgan, Josh Vierra, Tony Richards and Misty Castleberry.  Matt Micheli grabbed the Limited Late Model Main Event win ahead of Courtney Dozier and Ray Trimble.

On the pavement of All American Speedway in Roseville, the NCMA Sprint Cars had their best showing of the season as Cody Jessup won the Main Event ahead of Denny Burrell, Pat Ariaz and past champion Audra Sasselli.  Rich Lavallee won the Street Stock Main Event ahead of Mark Gardiner and Dan Farrington.  The Bomber Main Event win went to Chris Paulsen  ahead of Blake Disomma and Gary Eisenhower.  Mel Wilson Jr. emerged with the F4 feature win ahead of Keith Hopkinson Jr. and Travis Lewis.

Furia Motorsports and the NCRA continue to keep the train rolling at Lakeport Speedway as they held another show on the paved quarter-mile oval last week.  They had a good field for the Modified Main Event with Darrin Knight winning as Mike Collins, Clay Caturegli, David Lyndall and Darin Sullivan were all on the lead lap in order.  The companion Pro 4 Modified race went to Codi Barba ahead of Sami Nuno and Neo Nuno.  Bob Mook grabbed the Bomber Main Event win over Rick Tomilla and Bradley Brackett.  Rounding out the program were the Jammers, and Justin Moran won the feature ahead of Danny Helm Sr. and Gene Odell Sr.


Racing Continues Saturday Night At Orland Raceway

Orland, CA...The gates will open for Round #3 of racing at Orland Raceway this Saturday night at the Glenn County Fairgrounds.  Divisions offered on the schedule include the Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks and 600 and 250 Micro Sprints.  Track management is also offering up a bike and helmet raffle for the kids thanks to Penner's Auto Center and Mini Stock racer Robert Hunt.

Due to the short amount of time that Promoter Rich Hood and his crew had to get the one-fifth mile clay oval ready before opening day, they've been working hard trying to make things even better.  During the off week, they added more new clay to the track in preparation for Saturday's race.

Two races into the season, past champion Steve Martin is doing his best to stake a claim on the Pure Stock championship.  Martin opened the season with a win and finished second to Placerville visitor Jason Armstrong in the next race.  Cody Bundy, Top 5 Chico competitor Jeremy Langenderfer and Earl Adams are among the others anticipated as car count continues to improve in the popular division.

The Mini Trucks continue to be a featured attraction at the track, and the first two wins of the season have gone to division mainstays "Rollin" Olin Crane and Dan Webster.  Webster had his work cut out for him as he battled past champion Ross Vige to win his race.  With other hard chargers such as reigning champion Keith Ross, William Fogle and Nate Skaggs in the field, Saturday's race should be good.

2014 champion Tom Davis has been the man to beat in Mini Stocks.  When the division takes to the track on Saturday, he will be going for his third straight victory.  With a pair of Top 3 finishes so far, Jeff Bennett seeks to grab his first win as past champion John Kirkpatrick, Eric Hammond and Robert Hunt are others to watch for.

The 600 and 250 Micro Sprints will both be racing, and they've been running together as car count gets established.  It also makes for a bigger field as Jackie Whitson Jr. and Rob Baker count themselves as 250 Micro winners and reigning champion Jeromie Crisman and Robert Baker have the 600 wins.  Sprint Car ace Rowdy McLennon, Ronnie Heyer, Marty Plumb and Reigning 250's champion Jess Garland are others to watch for this week

The management is working on other giveaways for the night.  Orland Raceway also has one of the lowest ticket prices in the state at $7.00 for general admission, $5.00 for kids 7-12 and children 6 and under free. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race starting at 7:00 p.m. sharp.  For Further Information, check out www.orlandraceway.org.

 Scott Fox Scores Sprint Car Win At Coos Bay, 
Butler And Reiber Dominance Continues

Coos Bay, Oregon...June 18...The competitive Sprint Car division saw Scott Fox become the latest winner at Coos Bay Speedway Saturday night.  Fox beat point leader Dave May by just under a straightaway at the checkered flag of the 25 lap race.  Lawrence Van Hoof was right behind May as John Black and Erin Lyons made up the remainder of the lead lap finishers.  Ryan Kingrey was sixth ahead of Ken Fox.  Black beat Van Hoof by a straightaway to win his heat race while Lyons beat May in a good battle to win their heat race.  Duke Johnson and Nick Kyukendall were Main Event scratches.  May beat Van Hoof back to the line in a close race for the Trophy Dash victory, and Scott Fox beat Ken Fox in time trails in a battle of the Fox's.  Scott turned a 13.905 lap to Ken's 14.005.

Defending Sportsman champion Wayne Butler continues to roll.  Butler scored yet another 25 lap Main Event victory ahead of hard charging rookie Dylan Siewell and Tom Williams.  Jeff Thurman and John Kralichek rounded out the field.  Butler beat Williams for the heat race win, but Williams held off Siewell to win the Trophy Dash.  Williams also set the fast time of 16.304, and Kevin Nelson scratched after hot laps.

In the Hornet division, Jeremiah Reiber continues to dominate things.  Reiber won the 25 lap Main Event by a half lap ahead of Hannah Robinson.   Sam Taylor just beat second ranked Jason Greer back to the line for third as John Henry was fifth,  Darren Fuller grabbed the sixth place finish ahead of Michael Greenway, Ryan Siewell, William Hitner and Jeremy Beard as the Top 9 finishers were all on the lead lap.  Reiber won his heat race impressively ahead of Taylor, while Jake Siewell won his heat ahead of Robinson.  Beard won the Trophy Dash ahead of Darren Fuller.  Beard surprised Reiber by beating his 18.896 with a quicker lap of 18.873.

John Henry won the eight lap Mini Outlaw heat race ahead of Micheal Greenway, Ryder Johnson and point leader Samuel Talon.  Johnson was listed as fast qualifier with a lap of 18.046.  Daniel Land won the ten lap Street Stock Main Event ahead of Jeff Thurman.  Land also won the heat race, but Thurman surprised by posting the faster qualifying lap of 21.743.


Smith, Kasper, Vige Win At Hayfork Speedway

Hayfork, CA...Five classifications of race cars took their turns on the Hayfork Speedway oval last Saturday night.  There is much anticipation over the big July 9th race and fireworks show coming up, but there was plenty of excitement to be had in the latest race. 

The new Outlaw Pro Stock division was another opportunity for Tressan Smith to shine.  T. Smith was chased across the line by a new driver, Josh Michaels, in the Main Event.  Josh Smith, who has been the one spearheading the division, collected the third place finish.  The division was added to be a somewhat affordable option for the Hobby Stock drivers looking to do a bit more. 

The Hobby Stocks have been competitive this season with multiple winners.  "The Newmanator" Russ Newman was looking to add his name to the list, but it was one of the Kasper clan standing in his way.  In this case, it was Kevin Kasper, son of Bill Kasper, grabbing the victory in the Main Event and Trophy Dash.  Newman settled for another second place finish with Bill Kasper placing third.  The Beginner's Pure Stock class for the younger drivers saw D.J. Case get another Main Event win, this time over Ricky Berry.  Case also won the Trophy Dash.

Ross Vige is enjoying racing in Hayfork, so he once again made the trip from Orland with his Mini Truck.  The past Orland Mini Truck champion has been a force at Hayfork this year.  He won his third Main Event after winning the Trophy Dash.  2015 Enduro champion William Young finished second ahead of Andy Blackburn.

Bryan Gummerus has been the dominant force in the Enduro class, but he had his win streak snapped by Tim Kasper in the most recent race.  Joe Young Jr, finished second with Andy Blackburn grabbing his second third place finish of the night.  They also ran the Enduros in reverse with Donny Case getting the win.

The next race is a big one on July 9th.  The Outlaw Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Beginner's Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks and Enduro racers will all be back, along with a Fireworks display.  The track is advertising $1000 to win in each class, provided they have a minimum ten car field in the Main Even.  For further information, go to www.hayforkspeedway.com.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Peters, Braaten, Steele, Shields Southern Oregon Speedway Winners


Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
The Latest Show Can Be Heard HERE


Braaten Back In Winner's Circle 
 At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...June 18...Taking the lead from Mike Medel on the 13th lap, Jorddon Braaten went on to victory in the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Braaten is the current point leader at the track and in the IMCA State standings, and his win came aboard the Don Braaten Painting sponsored Modified.  Defending IMCA State champion Mike Medel wrapped up a solid night by using his second place feature finish to move into second in the standings.

Mike Medel won the four lap IMCA Sport Modified Trophy Dash to start the evening, but he was passed by impressive rookie David Marble and Willie McFall for the Top 2 spots in his heat race.  Jorddon Braaten won the other heat ahead of David Henshaw.  Rich McCoy blew a motor in his heat race to end his night.  Braaten started back in the fourth row of the Main Event as Medel started in fifth and McFall had a front row start.  McFall set the early pace as Medel passed Glen Severson for second on lap two.  Marble quickly struck to third.  Medel made a lows pass in Turn 1 of the fifth lap to grab the lead from McFall as Marble followed into second.  The lead duo pulled away just a bit as Braaten raced past McFall on the front stretch for third on lap seven.  Marble was threatening Medel for the lead when he broke a ball joint and drove off of Turn 4.  Medel continued to set the pace with Braaten now second.  Henshaw made a Turn 3 pass on McFall for third on lap ten.  Braaten was pressuring Medel hard for the lead before making his winning move with a Turn 4 pass on lap 13.  Braaten pulled away just a bit from Medel for a well earned victory.  Medel was a solid second ahead of Henshaw, McFall, Tony Bartell, Severson, A.J. Parker and Marble.

IMCA Sport Modified
Heat 1-Jorddon Braaten, David Henshaw, A.J.Parker.  Heat 2-David Marble, Willie McFall, Mike Medel.  Trophy Dash-Medel, Rich McCoy, Marble.  Main Event-Braaten, Medel, Henshaw, McFall, Tony Bartell, Glen Severson, Parker, Marble, Rich McCoy (DNS).


Peters Snaps Out Of Slump With SODCA Victory 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White  City, Oregon...June 18...2016 has been a season of many downs and few ups for Brock Peters in the Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association.  He was battling for a win a few weeks ago when a blown fuse caused him to lose power off of Turn 2.  On Saturday night, he rebounded in a big way by winning his heat race, the A Dash and 20 lap Main Event aboard his Brock Peters Painting sponsored Dwarf Car.  The battle was for second as 2014 Point runnerup Ryan Smith beat two time reigning champion Josh King back to the line to claim runnerup honors.

The Dwarf Cars ran two eight lap heat races, and Brock Peters won his ahead of Ryan Smith.  It was point leader Kalvin Morton winning his heat race ahead of Randy Slater. That heat race saw a red flag as James Edwards hit the front wall and rolled.  Remarkably, his crew had the car ready to go for the Main Event.  Peters beat Smith once again in the A Dash before Josh King claimed the B Dash win ahead of Camden Robustelli.  Peters had the pole for the Main Event and raced into the lead from the start ahead of Smith and King.  The only yellow flag of the race flew after the first lap as Brock's son Cody Peters spun on the front stretch.   The lead three cars of B. Peters, Smith and King pulled away a bit as Slater held down the fourth position.  B. Peters was lapping slower traffic by lap seven as Robustelli passed Slater for fourth.  Jerry Hauk and Morton made it a close three car battle for fifth.  B. Peters was beginning to stretch his advantage as Smith and King dueled fiercely for second.  Morton finally grabbed fifth on lap 13, and a low move in Turn 1 of the 19th lap gained King second.  However, Smith got a good run exiting the final turn and beat King back to the line for second.  B. Peters was a jubilant winner ahead of Smith, King, Robustelli and Morton.  Hauck was sixth ahead of Slater, C. Peters, Edwards and Mark Nielsen.

SODCA Dwarf Car
Heat 1-Brock Peters, Ryan Smith, Josh King.  Heat 2-Kalvin Morton, Randy Slater, Don Gifford.  A Dash-B. Peters, Smith, Morton.  B Dash-King, Camden Robustelli, Jerry Hauck.  Main Event-B. Peters, Smith, King, Robustelli, Morton, Hauck, Slater, Cody Peters, James Edwards, Mark Nielsen, Gifford, Joe Sanders (DNS).


Steele Battles Burkett For 
Southern Oregon Speedway Mini Stock Win

White City, Oregon...June 18...David Steele made a surprise appearance Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway and left with a 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event victory.  Steele is the 2015 champion at Yreka and a past Top 5 point runner at Southern Oregon Speedway, and he has been racing about as long as current point leader Bob Burkett.  Steele grabbed the lead from Burkett early in the race and held him off for the impressive victory.

Garrett Fredrickson made his Mini Stock debut, but it didn't go well for him or title contender Gary Anderson as the two crashed in hot laps.  The night was over for both of them.  In the four lap Trophy Dash, Andrew Hall appeared headed for victory before Bob Burkett made a last turn pass to take it away from him.  Burkett also won his heat race ahead of Devon Weiser.  Young Mikey Johnson led his first Mini Stock lap in that race.  David Steele set up the Main Event showdown by winning his heat race ahead of Hall.  Burkett and Steele shared the front row of the Main Event.  Burkett led two laps before Steele made a high move in Turn 3 to grab the lead.  Weiser was running third as the lead duo started to pull away.  An inside pass in Turn 2 of the fourth lap put young Ethan Killingsworth's truck into the third position.  Teammates Kristopher Mix and Hall battled closely for fourth.  Hall gained the position on lap nine and set about trying to reel in Kilingsworth for third. Steele ran a rapid pace, but Burkett was not far behind him.  Steele scored the impressive victory ahead of Burkett, Killingsworth, Hall, Mix, Eric Hanson and Marissa Henson, the final lead lap finisher.  Mike Cloud, Patrick Stringer-Stine and Johnson rounded out the Top 10.

Mini Stock
Heat 1-Bob Burkett, Devon Weiser, Kristopher Mix.  Heat 2-David Steele, Andrew Hall, Eric Hanson.  Trophy Dash-Burkett, Hall, Mix.  Main Event-Steele, Burkett, Ethan Killingsworth, Hall, Mix, Hanson, Marissa Henson, Mike Cloud, Patrick Stringer-Stine, Mikey Johnson, Weiser, Gary Anderson (DNS), Garrett Fredrickson (DNS).


Joby Shields Makes Hornet Debut With Impressive Victory
Hornets Added To June 25th Program

White City, Oregon...June 18...Saturday night was a milestone event for the budding Hornet division at Southern Oregon Speedway as the division matched its high car count of 2015 with six cars.  The event saw two new cars in the field, and one of them was Joby Shields in the "Triple Nickle" entry.  After leader Darrel Nelson Jr. got a flat tire on lap five, the race was wide open.  Shields made his winning pass on lap six and went on to win the 20 lap race.  The Hornets division is a bare bones stock Mini Stock class that offers a very affordable entry way into racing on the banked three-tenths mile clay oval.  Because the division didn't have many dates scheduled to begin with, Promoter Mike McCann has added a race this Saturday night, June 25th.

The drivers shared the wealth with three different winners in the three races.  Tim Hedges got things started with a four lap Trophy Dash victory ahead of Darrell Nelson Jr.  Nelson won the season opening Main Event and claimed the heat race victory ahead of John Hoult.  Hoult led two laps before surrendering the lead to Nelson.  Nelson had the pole for the Main Event and figured to be the driver to beat as he raced into the lead at the green flag.  A close three-car battle for second began at the outset between Hedges, Hoult and Joby Shields.  Hoult held second as there were two side by side battles going on at the same time.  When Nelson pushed off of Turn 4 with a flat tire, it opened the door for Hedges to grab the lead ahead of Shields and Hoult.  Shields made an inside move on the front stretch of the sixth lap to take the lead from Hedges.  As Shields led, Hedges and Hoult continued to battle side by side for second.  Hoult beat him back to the line for the spot on lap 12, only to lose it to a low pass in Turn 2 a lap later.  Hoult was committed to the high line and went back around Hedges to regain second in Turn 2 of the 14th lap.  However, Shields drove a good race and earned this win ahead of Hoult, Hedges, Heather Menzel, Sebastian Burson and Nelson.

Hornets
Heat-Darrel Nelson Jr., John Hoult, Tim Hedges.  Trophy Dash-Tim Hedges, Nelson, Hoult.  Main Event-Joby Shields, Hoult, Hedges, Heather Menzel, Burson, Nelson.


Linder Wins Open Stock Race At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...June 18...The new Open Stock division had its second event at Southern Oregon Speedway Saturday night.  A scheduling conflict effected car count as the track attempts to bring Late Models, Street Stocks, Sportsman cars and other fendered Stock Cars together in one class.  It was once again the Late Model of Mike Linder grabbing the win ahead of Bob Dees in the Trophy Dash, heat race and 12 lap Main Event.  Dees led the heat race until spinning out in Turn 4 late. The  next race for the division is set for July 30th.

Open Stock
Heat-Mike Linder, Bob Dees. Trophy Dash-Linder, Dees.  Main Event-Linder, Dees.

Saturday, June 18, 2016

Braaten, Peters, Steele Share Southern Oregon Speedway Spotlight


Braaten, Peters, Steele Share 
Southern Oregon Speedway Spotlight

White City, Oregon...June 18...Southern Oregon Speedway Point leader Jorddon Braaten took the lead from Mike Medel with seven laps to go and held him off to win the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night.

Brock Peters shook off the bad luck in a big way with an impressive victory in the 20 lap Dwarf Car Main Event.  Ryan Smith out-dueled Josh King for second

Reigning Yreka champion David Steele visited the Medford track and won a race long battle with point leader Bob Burkett to win the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event.  Mike Linder won the 12 lap Open Stock feature.

Point leader Jorddon Braaten had a spectacular drive from last to first in the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event.  Trophy Dash winner Mike Medel took the lead from Willie McFall on lap six and held the spot until Braaten made his winning move with an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 13th lap.  Braaten would lead the rest of the way for the satisfying victory.  Medel had his best effort of the year at the speedway in second as David Henshaw, McFall and Tony Bartell rounded out the Top 5 finshers.

Brock Peters has had nothing but bad luck in the Dwarf Cars this season, but he made it disappear by leading all 20 laps of the Main Event.   With Peters out front, reigning champion Josh King and Ryan Smith dueled fiercely for second late in the race.  Smith beat King to the line by inches for second as Camden Robustelli and point leader Kalvin Morton rounded out the Top 5.  Peters swept the action with heat and A Dash victories as well.

David Steele won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event.  Steele trailed Trophy Dash winner Bob Burkett for two laps before making his his move with a high pass in Turn 3.  Though he never pulled away from Burkett, Steele made no mistakes on his way to victory.  Burkett was second.  Ethan Killingsworth held off Andrew Hall for third as Kris Mix rounded out the Top 5 finishers.

Joby Shields made his debut in the Hornets with a 20 lap feature victory.  Shields was battling side by side with Trophy Dash winner Tim Hedges for second, and that became first when leader Darrel Nelson Jr. got a flat tire and drove off Turn 4 on lap five.  Shields made his winning pass on the front stretch on lap six.  John Hoult battled Hedges for second before making the pass on the front stretch for the position on lap 12.  Shields got the win as Hoult, Hedges, Heather Menzel and Sebastion Burson rounded out the Top 5.

Mike Linder won the heat, dash and Main Event for the Open Stock class.  Bob Dees ran right behind Linder for the entire 12 lap Main Event, but he settled for second.

Racing continues next week with the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, OTRO Hardops and Super 4's all in action.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results Saturday, June 18

SODCA Dwarf Car
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Brock Peters, Kalvin Morton.  A Dash (6 Laps)-Peters.  B Dash (6 Laps)-King.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Peters, Ryan Smith, King, Camden Robustell, Morton.

IMCA Sport Modified   
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Jorddon Braaten, David Marble.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Mike Medel.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Braaten, Medel, David Heshhaw, Willie McFall, Tony Bartell.

Mini Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Bob Burkett, David Steele.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Burkett.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Steele, Burkett, Ethan Killingsworth, Andrew Hall, Kris Mix.

Open Stock
Heat Winner (8 Laps)-Mike Linder.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Linder.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Linder, Bob Dees.

Hornets
Heat Winner (8 Laps)-Darrel Nelson Jr.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Tim Hedges.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Joby Sheilds, John Hoult, Hedges, Heather Menzel, Sebastian Burson.

Friday, June 17, 2016

Murphy, Belli Susanville Winners, Richey Domination Continues

The DCRR Racing Radio Show
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Susanville, CA...June 11...The second round of the NAPA Gold Series took place at Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville last Saturday night. The event pits the stars of the Susanville track and American Valley Speedway in Quincy against each other. When the checkered flag flew on the night's action, it was Matt Murphy becoming the third different winner in three IMCA Modified races. Kyle Belli grabbed his second Mini Stock win of the season, while Victor Richey made it three in a row in Strictly Stock Cars.

A competitive 14 car IMCA Modified field came to do battle for Main Event glory. Coming off of a fourth place finish last time out, Matt Murphy impressed with a Main Event victory Saturday night. Cory Sample made his season debut with an strong second place finish as he held off Late Model veteran Bill Pearson. Current Quincy point leader Chase Neiman grabbed the fourth place finish with Larry McCracken holding off past Susanville champion Jeff Chew for a fifth place finish. Mitch Murphy settled for seventh ahead of Steve Bejeck, Dustin Sell and reigning champion Wade Kennemore.

The Strictly Stock Car division had two heat races with Shayna Robertson and Nathan Howard grabbing the victories. Richey settled for second in his heat race, but he wasn't settling for anything less than his third straight Main Event victory. Jason Emmot rebounded from his DNF a race earlier by holding off Steve Goss for a second place finish. Third was the best finish of the year for Goss as Nathan Howard and Mike Nichols rounded out the Top 5. Dan Dias, Fred Kresge and Robertson were feature scratches.

Reigning Mini Stock champion Kyle Belli and past champion Larry Whitebird continue to put on a show for the fans. For the second straight race, Belli would prevail as Whitebird settled for second. Whitebird won his heat race earlier in the evening. Larry Foster had sixth and fifth place finishes going into this race, but his third place finish on Saturday was his best effort of the year. He held off heat winner Billy Gibson for that finish as Joe Marlow completed the Top 5. Raymond Talavera, Brandon Bumb, Gabrielle Lewis and Jason Marlow were feature scratches.

Racing continues on Friday, June 17th with IMCA Modifieds, Strictly Stock Cars and Mini Stocks. For further information, go to https://lassencountyfair.org/interim-events/diamond-mountain-speedway/

Pit Stops - Jefferson Edition


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Pit Stops - Jefferson Edition

The Wild West IMCA Modified Series came to Southern Oregon Speedway last Saturday, and boy did they put on a show. The program itself was packed with the Outlaw Pro Stocks and IMCA Sport Modifieds also on the card. Therefore, the pits had over 70 competitors making it one of the fullest pits that the speedway had seen in awhile.

The Wild West Modified Series uses a formula similar to what fans may recall from the Northern Auto Racing Club Sprint Cars in California back in the 1990's. They race at a track about every day of the week. In eight days, they had seven races at six race tracks.

It's an intense week, but there are racers who look forward to it.  They plan ahead of time, take the week off and come out to do some racing. You end up with the best of the best and some really great racing. In fact, the series got some great internet coverage from Speed Shift TV.  This is a very professional broadcast. It's television quality.

The formula for the series is to run two sets of heat races before getting into the B Mains and Main Event. They run for heat race points and passing points to determine who the top 10 qualifiers are for the night. The top eight qualifiers draw for their starting spots in front of the grandstands, giving the fans firsthand information about how the first four rows of the Main Event will line up. The final two start a row behind the drivers who redraw. From the moment the drivers hit the track, they have to have their act together. When the cars get there, you'll see many of them up on jacks as they make adjustments with the gearing and that sort of thing. Nobody comes to play around at a Speedweek event.

The Modifieds do something different from what the Sprint Cars did back in the day. If there were many cars back then, they might run a C or even a D Main. The multiple B Main format is a little bit different and gives drivers a little bit better odds of making it. Therefore, the field of drivers who did not qualify are divided into two B Mains. At Cottage Grove, they divided them into three B Mains. At Southern Oregon Speedway, we transferred 5 cars from the B Mains into the Main Event. The drivers who didn't make it through the B Mains got one more chance to make the feature through an event called The Last Chance Qualifier. They took the top four finishers from that.

This year is the busiest Speed Week yet at seven races in eight days. They will take a break on Thursday to have a party before running at Sunset Speedway in Banks on Friday. Coos Bay Speedway was set to host the race on Monday, but management had to make a change of plans due to over booking at that race track. They had scheduled monster truck events for Saturday and Sunday. It's hard to say what the heck they were thinking over there, but that was a big mistake on their part. Hopefully, the kids enjoyed the show of big trucks crushing small cars.

Taking up the slack, Cottage Grove Speedway was put in there to replace the Monday cancellation, giving them two nights in a row of racing. The Speed Week organizers were not about to let this thing fall apart. At the moment, it seems like it is on the verge of exploding in car count, and there's a side effect of this whole thing. Given the success that this event has had in the last couple of years, Sport Modified drivers are now clamoring to be the regular support division for each event. However, Cottage Grove Speedway did not take the bait. Maybe next year?

Given the popularity of the division in California, it's a bit surprising to this reporter that nobody has taken up the cause of having a Speed Week down there. It seems like the promoters down in the area don't want to cooperate sometimes, but a promoter by the name of John Prentice could be the one we might see step up and start something like this. He has already created a series called the All Star Modified Series that takes place throughout the year at several different tracks. California racers would clamor for a Speed Week down there, and just as some of those drivers came up north to run this event, it is likely that some drivers from the north would go down there to run that one.

When they show up here, they will have to contend with Jesse Williamson, who has won three of the last four series championships, being beaten only once in 2014 by last season's runner up Alex Stanford of Chowchilla, California. It was past Southern Oregon Speedway champion Brian Poppa who kicked the series off with the 2011 championship and four wins along the way. When they came to Medford that year, Poppa won the B Main and then the Main Event in perhaps the most impressive display of driving the series has seen in its entire run.

One of the fun things about an event like this is meeting all of the different racers that come from other race tracks. The racers didn't just came from the state of Oregon, but also drivers from Washington and California were represented. They even had a couple of heavy hitters from Golden, Colorado come to play. The racers were so amped up to come out and race that a majority of the competitors had already towed to the pits before the pit booth was even open. Many teams brought their campers to enjoy a week of racing, camping, hanging out with old friends and catching up again.

Two drivers who arrived relatively early in the afternoon were the father-son team of Don Jenner and Matt Jenner. The two hail from Vancouver, Washington. Longtime racing fans will recall that Vancouver was the home of the very popular racing newspaper, Racing Wheels. Don has been running Modifieds for over 15 years and raced other classes before that at his home track, Grays Harbor Speedway in Elma, Washington. Some people will also know that Grays Harbor Speedway has been the site of one of the bigger Modified races on the West Coast for many years. For the week, the team has enlisted the assistance of California Late Model and Modified champion Clay Daly as their crew chief.

Another driver from Washington to make an appearance was Tom Sweatman. Hailing from Cosmopolis, Washington, Sweatman has one of Alex Stanford's old race cars.  He has been running on the dirt for the past few years. Prior to that, he was a pavement racer. As with Oregonians T.J. Richaman and John Campos, Sweatman got to the track very early and was camping.

California was well represented with a few champions in the field, which included past Chowchilla Speedway champion Randy Brown, Imperial champion Lance Mari, Santa Maria champion Danny Lauer, past Speedweek champion Alex Stanford and past Antioch champion Kellen Chadwick. Brown is currently in contention for the Merced Speedway championship, ranking third in the standings with two feature victories. Lauer is a three time champion at Santa Maria who is just running special races here and there this season.

It is interesting to note that Mari builds his own race cars and had a brand new car for this event. Chadwick himself had only debuted his new ride at Tulare for the All Star Modified Series a few weeks ago. The Chadwick team was going to run most of the Wild West Speedweek Series races.  When they got to Elma, they would decide whether they would go to that race or head back down to California for the series race in Stockton. As Chadwick has won two of the first four races as of this writing, things seem to be looking good for the team so far.

A second generation racer and son of past Antioch Speedway hard charger Chad Chadwick, Kellen did not play around. He came to win, but so did the Gaylord family of Golden, Colorado. Ryan Scott Gaylord was top five in the series points last season, missing third by just a few points. His brother Tripp Gaylord made the haul for this one, and if the Gaylord name sounds familiar to you, it should. Scott Gaylord, their father, is a past Winston West star for many years.

Zack Olson made the trip all the way from Great Falls, Montana to come run this Speed Week event. He had a big incentive for doing so. Apparently, it's been raining so much in his home state that he's only gotten three races under his belt. Zack commented prior to the races that this week long event would give him more racing than he would probably get back in his hometown.

Two of the biggest stars in the state, six time Southern Oregon Speedway champion Mark Wauge and reigning Willamette Speedway champion Collen Winebarger, were parked next to each other. Winebarger runs the Superman logo, a big S, on the side of his race car in lieu of a number. If you've seen him race, you know that he can back up the logo. He won the Late Model race at his home track the week prior to this event and was looking to win the series championship. Collen ran the number 1m on his rear quarter panel as he and his friend Wauge had a friendly little rivalry going. Collen called himself Superman, while Mark called himself Kryptonite. John Mayden joined his teammates to make this week long event, although he gave Mark a scary moment in the second Cottage Grove race as Mark was coming up to lap him in his impressive winning performance there.

Way over in the far corner of the pits was series promoter Jerry Schram and three time champion Jesse Williamson. Really, Schram and the entire crew are to be commended for putting a series like this together. Getting promoters to agree to anything can be very difficult, although in Schram's case, he happens to promote three race tracks, Cottage Grove Speedway, Sunset Speedway and Willamette Speedway. That certainly makes things a little bit easier. People don't necessarily talk a lot about Jerry and his driving, but he did a good job of actually making the 24 car Main Event field, while Williamson was up front in that race as usual.

The talent level is just so big in a field like this that it's difficult to mention everybody who was out there in this column, though Bricen James is as fast as they come. Donald Schott from Portland, a regular competitor at Sunset Speedway, and fellow Sunset Speedway racer and champion B.J. Wild were also in the group. From Coos Bay Speedway came Preston Luckman. Unfortunately for Luckman, there is no IMCA Modified division at his home track. Therefore, when he wants to run his Modified, he has to travel up and down the road. Not surprisingly, he was just a little bit disappointed at his home track's management for cancelling the Speed Week race there. Luckman also has a Late Model, and it's just possible we could see him at Southern Oregon Speedway in the Open Stock class at some point.

Southern Oregon Speedway was well represented by two time Pro Stock and one time Modified champion Brian Poppa. It would take several paragraphs to run down the credentials of this talented racer, but he debuted his car at the Roger Haudenschild race to a fourth place finish a couple weeks prior. Though he hails from Williston, North Dakota these days, Travis Peery is still considered a local by the fans here. A past Medford and Yreka champion, Travis was third in the series points last season. Top 5 racer Jesse Bailey, past top five point runner Kyle Casson, past point runner up Matt Duste and Yreka champion Nick Trenchard made sure the area was well represented.

Duste was still trying to erase the bad taste of not being able to qualify for the Haudenshild race out of his mouth. He had to run one of the B Mains to get into the Main Event and just barely made the cut. After that, it was all downhill as he hit the front wall and rolled his car. Surprisingly, the crew got the thing back together and he rejoined the field, but he fell out six laps from the end.

From the preliminaries, Ryan Scott Gaylord and Jesse Williamson made it known that they came to win. Both drivers won their two heat races to punch their ticket into the big show. Because of the procedure with points and the way the races lined up, the last thing you wanted to do was have to go through the B Mains to get into the Main Event. It can be very difficult on a 3/10 mile clay oval to charge to the front of the pack. It seemed as if the driver making the most progress in that instance was Randy Brown, who finished third in his B Main and ninth in the Main Event. However, the drivers running well in the heat races were the ones who ran at the front of the Main Event.

In this case, that meant R. Gaylord, Chadwick, Williamson and Winebarger. When it came down between R. Gaylord, Chadwick and Winebarger, you could throw a blanket over the three lead cars. Eventually, Gaylord and Chadwick separated themselves from the others and Chadwick briefly got around Gaylord for the lead. However, Gaylord wasn't about to let the $1,000 victory get away as he won this race just ahead of Chadwick, Winebarger, Williamson, Sunset Speedway competitor Mark Carroll, Stanford, T. Gaylord, Mari, Brown and John Campos.

The drivers then headed to Yreka for a Sunday afternoon race, and while R. Gaylord's night took a turn for the worse, Chadwick was just getting started. Gaylord barely made it into the big show with his win in the Last Chance Qualifier. What is interesting is that no driver won more than one heat race. All 10 heat races had different winners. Come Main Event time, Chadwick was not about to let this one go. Mari took it up a notch and ran a strong second in the race with Winebarger again finishing third. To win a championship, you need to be consistent, so Winebarger definitely helped his cause.

Lauer had a DNF the night before, but he finished fourth in the Main Event at Yreka ahead of Poppa, James, Brown, Stanford, Carrell, Grey Ferrando. Defending track champion Nick Trenchard had to go through the B Main to get into the feature, but his night went down hill from there for the second night in a row. James picked up more passing points in the Main Event as he had to win his B Main before finishing sixth in the feature. All in all, the IMCA Modifieds put on a good show for the Yreka fans who have been craving a Modified show as their division on the regular nights seems to be falling apart.

Past Yreka champion Lenny Toolanen happened to be out there in his Modified, but though he was fast, he couldn't quite put things together. As the series rolled back up north to Cottage Grove, where Chadwick and Wauge were the two feature winners, there are still questions in Yreka concerning the future of their Modified class. As the division is on the schedule this Saturday night, we'll see what happens next.

The Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks rolled back to Medford for their second race of the season there. The big question on everybody's mind was could anybody beat the flying point leader Steve Borrer. Borror has been off in another time zone all season long, and he showed no indications of slowing down as he won both his heat race and the Trophy Dash earlier in the evening. However, things were about to change.

For one thing, veteran Stock Car racer Rocky Nash was back in the field. If the name sounds familiar to long time Stock Car fans, it should. Last season, Rocky was a feature winner at Southern Oregon Speedway with the group and ranked Top 10 in the standings despite a limited schedule. However, Rocky has been driving Stock Cars for years and even competed on the NASCAR Winston West circuit in the late 1990's and early 2000's. In fact, he won a race with that group among his 14 Top 10 finishes, finished 11th in points in 1999 and was seventh in the standings in 2000. The man can drive a Stock Car.

All night long, it appeared as if Nash might have something for Borror, but the normal line up procedure was to put both heat race winners on the front row. Being that he was the previous feature winner, however, the group put him to the back of the 16 car field. That figured to make the show interesting, and it certainly didn't disappoint. As Nash raced out to an early lead, Borror started passing cars like they were standing still. By lap seven, Borror was already up to second and beginning to look for a way around Nash. Another monkey wrench was about to be thrown into his plans.

Track officials set a one minute per lap time limit on the Pro Stocks, and a slow start for the race ate 5 minutes before one lap was even scored. By the time a lap 13 yellow flag had waved, it was decided that it would be a green-white-checkered finish. Borror didn't know this was coming until he saw the white flag waving and figured he'd better get going. In the last turn, while trying to make an inside pass, Borror ended up looping his car as Nash sped home to victory. John David Duffie did an excellent job of wheeling Arlen Heath's #42 car to a second place finish, and Scott Flowers rebounded from an earlier spin to finish third. Flowers, who has finished second in the standings for the past two seasons, is still second in the points.

Two time series champion Ken Irving managed to get around Borror for the fourth place finish before Borror recovered to finish fifth. Not the kind of ending that Steve would have wanted for his night, but he did salvage a top five finish and maintains his point lead after four events on the strength of his three feature victories. Matt Harlow also had a nice showing with his sixth place finish just ahead of Brad Zeitler.

Zeitler was making only his second start of the season after making his season debut at Yreka in the previous race. For years, he pitted for his cousin Jimmy Walker Jr. during his championship efforts. When Walker decided to retire, Brad decided that he wasn't quite through yet and got a Pro Stock. He's been enjoying running this division and he didn't look too bad on Saturday night. For those of you wondering, Brad's cousin is Todd Zeitler, who races Sprint Cars.

The Flowers family continues to be strong supporters of the Outlaw Pro Stock effort. The father, Scott Flowers, once again got a Top 3 Finish, while his son James Flowers ended up on the unhappy end of a tow truck hook before one lap was even complete. Julia Flowers came into the night ranked third in the standings, but she had to miss the race to attend a friend's graduation. In Julia's absence, Scott's wife Ginny Flowers drove the #20 car to a ninth place finish behind Rick Lukens.

At the moment, the Outlaw Pro Stock division is providing the racing fans in the Central Jefferson area with a nice dose of Stock Car racing. With 16 cars in attendance at Southern Oregon Speedway, the group seems to be gathering momentum. And, Heath notes that there are 29 drivers with cars on the roster at the moment, meaning we should see car count growth continue as the season progresses. More good news for the Stock Car minded racing fan.

The need for the Outlaw Pro Stock group to be formed occurred in 2012 when Southern Oregon Speedway decided to start a B Modified division on the backs of the Pro Stock division. Drivers didn't want to let go of the division, which had been running at Southern Oregon Speedway since the gates opened in 1996. Therefore, the Outlaw Pro Stock Association was born, and that group had many of their dates in 2012 at Yreka. The B Modified division struggled out of the gate that first year, but it has been growing ever since.

On Saturday night, 14 IMCA Sport Modified drivers competed, and this once again included California IMCA State champion Fred Ryland, and his Antioch Speedway "Rookie of the Year" award winning wife Patti Ryland. Fred got on a roll from the moment the night started. After winning the Trophy Dash, Fred gave his trophy to a lucky young fan in the stands and then went back out and won his heat race ahead of current point leader Jorddon Braaten.

Come Main Event time, the Ryland's shared the front row, and it was Fred charging out into the lead from the start. Braaten had his work cut out for him as he had to come from the fourth row to challenge the very fast Ryland. While this was going on, Trevor Tiffee was having a nightmare night that saw him involved in two yellow flags before the first half of the race was complete. Eventually, Braaten moved into second, but it was too late to do anything with Ryland by then as Ryland picked up the victory.

Jimmy Lipke had picked up his car from Ryland Racing this year, and you can see how much faster he has been this year at Southern Oregon Speedway and his home track in Yreka. He is trying to make a challenge to Braaten for the Northwest Sport Modified Challenge Series and was second coming into the night. Even second in that series, at $300, is worth more than the IMCA State championship in Oregon or California will pay. Lipke is also competing for the championship at his home track in Yreka. Though not a win, he had to be pleased with his third place finish.

Braaten had to settle for the second place finish. He had a decision to make on Saturday night as he was the point leader at Cottage Grove Speedway with four straight wins there. In the end, he came back to his home track and maintained his point lead there with his second place finish. Jorddon also leads the Oregon State and Northwest Sport Modified Challenge Series races and wasn't that far out of the lead at Cottage Grove despite missing the race should he decide to go back there. Wherever Jordan goes, you know he's going to be running near the front and battling for victories. He is certainly a driver the fans enjoy watching at Southern Oregon Speedway.

Friends off the racetrack and rivals on the racetrack, Mike Medel enjoys competing with Braaten. On Saturday night, he managed a respectable fourth place showing as he climbs up the ladder at Southern Oregon Speedway and maintains second in the State point race, which he won last season. Medel had to hold off Rich McCoy, who was making his season debut with a fifth place finish. Bob Nelson continues to get faster and won his heat race before finishing seventh behind Patti Ryland in the Main Event. Marysville, California racer Jimmy Ford, a past winner of the Lon Skinner Memorial Sport Mod race, made his first appearance of the season at the track, but he settled for a disappointing eighth place finish.

Back in Yreka, several of these competitors were there on Sunday afternoon as the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds got to compete. It was no surprise to find Fred Ryland once again at the front of the pack. Ryland won his heat race, but Braaten turned the tables on him after winning his heat race and then beating Ryland in the Trophy Dash. Come Main Event time, however, Fred proved to be just too fast for the competition. He grabbed the victory ahead of reigning Yreka champion Colter Boswell, who seems to be getting things together rather quickly in his #12 Modified. Boswell won a duel with Jimmy Ford, who ended up settling for third ahead of previous feature winner Jimmy Lipke. With point leader Garrett Hamilton finishing 5th, the point race will continue to be close at Yreka.

Mike Medel managed to start his night off on a positive note as he won his heat race, but the Main Event for him resulted in a disappointing ninth place finish. It's not likely that Jorddon Bratten was much happier with his sixth place finish ahead of Southern Oregon Speedway "Rookie Of The Year" hopeful David Marble. Marble's Top 10 finish at Southern Oregon Speedway made it a double Top 10 finishing weekend for him.

Trevor Tiffee continued a nightmare weekend as he again was involved in a tangle at Yreka. Unfortunately, this time he took a ride in an ambulance as he had a concussion. Not the kind of weekend that he was hoping for. The Yreka O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds are still off to a pretty good start this year, and they are back in action this Saturday.

The third division in the show this Saturday night at Siskiyou Motor Speedway in Yreka will be the McDonald's Mini Stocks. The drivers enjoyed the week off to make repairs for the next event, but the point standings will show that "The Holy Terror" Terry Kendrick continues to lead by a slim margin over "Big Mac" Marilyn Yawnick. Kendrick is a past champion in this division and has been consistently getting good finishes. Yawnick has surprised a few people with her three Main Event victories. The week off may have helped Marilyn get her motor program in order after she blew a motor during the Mike Caveye Memorial Weekend.

Both drivers will need to have their stuff together as defending champion David Steele seems to have things dialed in nicely on his car. Steele picked up the Main Event win the last time, and the only one that got away from him was his heat race, which went to 2014 champion "Magic" Mike Whitaker. Whitaker has been having nothing but problems in the Main Event so far this year, but everybody knows that on any given night they're going to see him turn things around. With the flying truck of Ethan Killingsworth, Brian Jorgensen, Amber Walden and others, the division has some hard chargers in its midst.

Mini Stocks are also a part of the scheduled program at Southern Oregon Speedway this Saturday night along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association, Hornets and Open Stock Cars. Bob Burkett continues to lead the way in his Mini Stock championship quest. Not too far behind him is 2014 champion Gary Anderson in his camouflage #0 car. While Burkett was winning last time out, Anderson was the one putting on the show.

Anderson spun early on in the Main Event and rather than draw a yellow flag, he gathered it back up back in eighth and set about trying to charge his way through the pack. Once he caught third place Eric Hanson, Gary had a difficult time. It was obvious his car was just a bit loose in the turns, and Hanson was due for a good finish after after the miserable luck he's been having. Anderson nearly spun while Hanson maintained his line and would grab the third place finish. Anderson settled for fourth. Earlier in the evening, 14 year old Marissa Henson got a confidence booster as she held off Anderson to win her first Trophy Dash. She ended up fifth in the Main Event to hold a slim lead over Andrew Hall in the battle for third in the point standings.

Hall is closing in fast on Henson, and the second place finish he got last time out certainly didn't hurt him at all. The #007 Pinto Wagon seems to be one of the fastest cars on the racetrack right now, but that #43 car of Burkett is just a little bit faster. Having raced this division for about a decade and finishing second in the points four times, Burkett carries an experience advantage over the rest of the pack. However, even he knows that the wins won't come any easier as these drivers start to figure things out. One thing is for sure, the Mini Stocks are an entertaining part of the program at Southern Oregon Speedway.

The Hornet division opened their season with a four car field. For all intents and purposes, though this division is in its third year, it's almost as if the division is being started for the first time this season. Four cars is the beginning of a building stage for a division that speedway management believes is very important to the future of the track. The new talent has to come from somewhere, and there were a few new drivers in the field for the first race. One of them was Darrel Nelson Jr., who pretty much dominated in winning the Main Event. Another newcomer was Tim Hedges, who didn't look too bad himself as he won his heat race. Add in newcomer John Hoult and second year racer Garrett Frederickson, and you have your first four drivers in the group. Word is that there could be a couple more Hornets in the field this week, and optimism is high that this division will continue to grow this year.

The Open Stock division is a division that combines Late Models, Street Stocks, Outlaw Pro Stocks, Super 4's and about any fendered Stock Car you can find. It has an open motor and tire rule. The idea is to build something up with the cars that are sitting out there right now without a division to race. The opener saw three cars, including veteran Mike Linder and local Late Model booster Bob Dees. It was learned at the opener that the Dees Family actually has three cars as son Garrett still has the Street Stock he ran back in 2014 and son John has a Late Model that he's hoping to debut soon. Linder won the opener, and that win, despite being in a three car field, was worth $500. $500 is more than certain Oregon race tracks pay their Late Model division. It is hoped that drivers will respond to that.

The Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association right now appears to be led by young Kalvin Morton in the championship race. Though points have not been released, Kalvin has supported every race and has two wins at Yreka and was second in the most recent race at Southern Oregon Speedway. Kalvin has been very fast, but two time Medford winner and two time reigning champion Josh King has been fast as well. King, however, has not supported the Yreka races. In a shootout race at Cottage Grove last week that involved other groups, Kalvin again showed his stuff with a strong second place finish.

The last time the Dwarf Cars were at Southern Oregon Speedway, Brock Peters appeared to have shed his bad luck and was in the hunt for a win before he was bumped from the groove and knocked off the race track. That had to be more than just a little bit disappointing to the Peters, who was fifth in the standings last season. Brock has already demonstrated his ability to be a winner in the group, and it's just a matter of time before that #2 car will see the winner's circle.

Another driver who has looked good so far with multiple Top 5 finishes is Rob Gergel. Gergel was hoping to make a challenge for the championship this year as well. Saturday's program should have some fast runners in the group, including 2014 point runner up Josh Smith, 2015 point runner up Camden Robustelli, Chad Cardoza and Randy Slater.

In Southern Jefferson, Chico Silver Dollar Speedway ran a six division show on Friday night, headlined by the Winged 410 Sprint Cars.  Sean Becker grabbed another victory in the Dan Menne car ahead of Andy Foresberg and Jonathan Allard.  Limited Late Models saw second generation racer Matt Micheli getting the win ahead of past Marysville champion George Magenheimer, Keith Foux and ageless veteran Ken Micheli.  The IMCA Sport Modifieds saw Fred Ryland involved in a tangle while racing for the lead as reigning Marysville champion Howard Law won ahead of Todd Cooper and past Modified champion Mark Abouzeid.

Past champion Phil Marino collected the Street Stock victory ahead of Kevin Lesch and Brent Hall.  Recent 200 lap Enduro winner and two time champion Brian Compton won the Hobby Stock Main Event ahead of Todd Hemman and Kyle Allen.  The BCRA Midget Lites made an appearance to round out the show with Australian Scott Males winning ahead of Wingless Sprint Car veteran Bobby Michnowicz and defending champion Craig Dillard.

Civil War Series Winged 360 Sprint Cars had a big show at Placerville on Saturday night with Steven Tiner collecting the victory ahead of Greg DeCaires, Mason Moore, Andy Forsberg and Jonathan Allard.  Allard eared his feature start after a second in the B Main behind Kyle Hirst.  The Nor Cal Dwarf Cars ran a support program with an equally impressive field as Kevin Bender won ahead of Johnny Reeves, Scott Dahlgren, Buddy Olschowka and Justin Winter.  "Doctor" Doug Martin won the B Main ahead of J. Winter.

Marysville had a Saturday night program in which the Chico 410 Sprint Cars made an appearance.  Mike Monohan scored the victory ahead of Justin Henry and Brad Bumgarner.  Ryan McDaniel won the Limited Late Model feature ahead of Willie McMillan and George Magenheimer.  IMCA Sport Modifieds raced, and three time Street Stock champion Phillip Shelby won the Main Event ahead of Stock Car veteran Willie Horn Jr. and incoming point leader Brian Cooper.  James Castleberry won the Street Stock race ahead of Antioch long tow Mike Walko and Rod Oliver, while Courtney Dozier  won the Winged Economy Sprint feature ahead of Jeff Macedo and Wyatt Brown.

Before closing, we look at a few our Jefferson area pavement tracks, starting with Lakeport Speedway.  The Legend Cars hit double digits this week with Luis Tyrell winning the Main Event ahead of Zach Frazier and Bill Kistenmacher.  Raymond Taylor held off Lane Anderson in the Bandoleros feature, while Justin Moran won the Jammer feature ahead of Danny Helm Sr. and Gene Odell Sr.  The Bombers ran a 30 lap feature with Bob Brackett getting the win ahead of Bob Mook and Brandon Verde.  They also have a Jalopy division that races on the dirt infield track.  Valicia Bartlow won that Main Event ahead of Wayne Hunt and Jessy Thurman.

In Southern Jefferson, All American Speedway was back in action with a four division program on the one-third mile oval.  The F4 feature was won by Jess Yendes ahead of David Gates and Mel Wilson.  The tech disqualification of Eric Ray gave the Bomber 35 lap win to Gary Eisenhauer ahead of Tony Latimer and Chris Stachniuk.  Street Stocks also ran a 35 lapper with Rich Lavallee winning the Main Event ahead of Jill Schmidt and Mark Gardiner.  California Hardtops competed in a 20 lapper with Jason Armstrong completing a clean sweep with his win ahead of club president John Philbert and Ken Clifford.

In Northern Jefferson, Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg had their own PRA Hardtops, and Mike Batman won their 25 lap Main Event ahead of Doug Coffman and Harlem Cox.  Nick Hanson won the 25 lap Street Stock race ahead of Kevin Ballard and Stephen McMahan.  The Hornets produced a solid 13 car field with Skyler Thompson claiming the 25 lap feature win ahead of Richard Fleming and Donnie Fain.

Once again, five divisions of racing will be on the card at Southern Oregon Speedway Saturday night, headlined by IMCA Sport Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, Hornets and Open Stock Cars.  Further information can be found at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

At Siskiyou Motor Speedway, the three division show will include O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks and IMCA Modifieds.  There will also be Mud Bogs and Kid's Ride-A-Longs.  Further information can be found at the all new www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.