Friday, April 28, 2017

Siskiyou Motor Speedway, Coos Bay Speedway, Southern Oregon Speedway Previews


DCRR Racing Radio Show
Can Be Heard HERE

North State Modified Series at All American Speedway in Roseville can be read HERE




Racing Action Continues At Siskiyou Speedway Saturday Night

Yreka, CA...The season opener was a success as drivers flocked from everywhere to be a part of the racing action last week at Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  The show continues this Saturday night as IMCA Modifieds, O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds McDonald's Mini Stocks and Hornnets will be racing.  Due to a rainout in  Medford, a few more cars are anticipated, and the Outlaw Pro Stocks will be back for a Billy Geyer Memorial Race tuneup.  Though the big track has avoided a rainout, the bad weather claimed Friday's scheduled Outlaw Kart event.

Last week saw the return of three champions in the IMCA Modifieds.  We saw 2015 champion Nick Trenchard finish third after winning the Trophy Dash.  Reigning champion Albert Gill was in the hunt with a fifth place finish.  The night didn't go as well for past champion Lenny Toolanen, who watched the finish from the sidelines.  It's anticipated that these three will be there to do battle this week along with Ray Kniffen Jr., Zach Fettinger, James Welshonse and others. Welshonse had a nice start to his evening last week with a heat race win.

Speaking of nice starts, Colton Cheffey began his championship bid in IMCA Sport Modifieds with a fourth place finish.  He and third pace finisher Chris Jorgensen were the highest finishing locals of the group and are anticipated this week.  Doug Franklin and Jorgensen were heat race winners and Garrett Hamilton was a Top 10 finisher last week, and all three are anticipated this week along with Jack Waldon III, D.J. Bottoms, Gary Foster, rookie Mike Colson and others.  Depending on the status of a couple of Oregon tracks, it's possible Oregon State champions Jorddon Braaten and Mike Medel could be there.

We knew going in that reigning Mini Stocks champion Marilyn Yawnick and past champion Terry Kendrick would be factors in the battle this year, and both looked strong last week.  Yawnick finished second in the Main Event, while Kendrick was fourth and won a heat race.  Second generation racer Aaron Jorgensen made everybody take notice of him with his dash win and third place finish.  These three drivers and young gun Ethan Killinsworth could be battling it out this season.  Though 2014 champion Mike Whitaker didn't finish, he'll be back this week along with Amber Waldon, Mike Frost, Brian Jorgensen and others.  2015 champion David Steele is anticipated and was the winner last week.  Word is that Medford regular Kristopher Mix might also be there.

The Outlaw Pro Stock Association will be racing for points this week.  After a rain out in Medford, OPSA representatives contacted speedway management to inquire about a possible race date, and the answer came back quickly.  It was yes.  On short notice, a field of 10-14 racers is anticipated for this race.  Last week, past Medford champion Scott Lenz swept heat, dash and feature in an impressive driving display.  In the feature, he had 2015 OPSA champion Jeffrey Hudson chasing him, but the talented teen wasn't quick enough.  Hudson was driving for Scott Bennett, and that car is anticipated along with last week's third place finisher, Scott Flowers, Rick Lukens, Johnny Cobb, Jeff Haudenshield, Brian Hammond, Roy Bain and more.  The Flowers racing family also includes Scott's wife Ginny, daughter Julia and son James.

The Hornets race generated such buzz last week that they were added to the program with the decision to add the Outlaw Pro Stocks.  Joby Shields was the class of the field last week in his "Triple Nickel" car, and it looks like he'll be there this week to go for two in a row.  Reigning Medford champion Tm Hedges and Jason Stoutenburgh could also be there.  Track officials are hoping to establish this division as an entry level option for the new racer.

The IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks will offer an exciting program of racing this Saturday night.  These three are also apart of the May 6th show, which will feature the 50 lap Billy Geyer Memorial Race for Outlaw Pro Stocks.  At last report, the Geyer will pay $2500 to the driver who can lead the halfway mark of the race and take the checkered flag first.  Stars such as Scott Lenz, Scott Flowers, Matt Harlow, Ken Irving, Brian Johnsen and Jeffrey Hudson are among those to watch for.  For further information, go to www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.


Carload Night At Coos Bay Speedway Saturday Night

Coos Bay, Oregon...NASCAR Whelen All American Series racing continues this Saturday night at Coos Bay Speedway.  This week is South Coast Shopper Carload Night, which means $23 admission for a car load.  The NASCAR lineup includes the Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Mini Outlaws, Hornets and Street Stocks.  Humboldt Motorsports Side By Side UTV's are also scheduled.

In Super Late Models, Mike George is off to the best start so far with a win and a third place finish in his first two starts.  George has a four point lead on Jared Bemetz and a ten point lead over Trent Elliott.  The championship could be worth as much as $6,000 to one of these guys.  Bemetz opened with second and third place finishes.  Elliott won the most recent race, but he had a disappointing seventh pace finish at the opener.  2015 champion Toby McIntyre, Chuck Bracelin, Chris Ray, Kristy Grout and Tom Parry are others to watch for this week.

Two time reigning Sportsman Late Model champion Wayne Butler may have been the driver to beat going into the season, but second year racer Body Montgomery has had his number so far.  Montgomery has two feature wins, while Butler has a second and a third so far.  Dyllan Siewell has a second and a sixth so far.  This gives Montgomery a four point lead over Butler, while Siewell is 12 tallies arrears of Montgomery.  Other drivers to watch for include Tony Chamberlain, Charlie Withers and Jeff Krossman.

The Daniels family is battling for the early point lead in the Mini Outlaws as Dan Daniels leads Jamie Daniels by just four points.  Rob Lauver brought his potent VW Beetle and won the last race over Ken Fox, while reigning champion Ryder Johnson beat Carl Johnson to win the season opener.  Street Stock races have been won by Justin Krossman over Ken Fox one week, and Krossman over reigning champion Daniel Land in the other.  As a result, Krossman leads Land by over 50 points now in the struggling class.

Reigning Hornets champion Jeremiah Reiber is continuing where he left off last year.  Reiber has won both races.  Ryan Siewell was second ahead of "Hurricane" Hannah Robinson one week, with Robinson holding of Siewell for second the other week.  Joining these three on Saturday night should be Jeremy Beard, David Pellum, Sam Taylor, Tim Young,  Lori Dionne and Matt Butler.

South Coast Shopper Carload Night should be exciting with NASCAR Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Mini Outlaws, Hornets, Street Stocks and side By Side UTV's all on the card.  For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.


2017 Season Begins Saturday Night 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, CA...After a long and wet winter and first month of spring, racing season is set to begin next Saturday night (May 6th) at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Mike McCann of KJE Enterprises is beginning his season season and ushering in the track's 22nd year of operations with an exciting six division lineup.  On the card for this week are the Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets..

Through the years, we've seen occasional visits from the Late Model division, but this year is different.  We begin the season with three consecutive visits from these high-horsepower machines.  Late Models are the pinnacle of Stock Car racing on the dirt, and we have them ten times this year.  Bob Dees is the reigning champion, and he returns this season along with his sons, John Dees and Garrett Dees.  A two time winner last year, Mike Linder will be back as well.  Coos Bay Speedway champion Nathan Augustine will be back.  Like Dustin Knight, he was a feature winner last year.  Kristy Grout, Steve Lemley and Don Garrett Jr. are others to watch for this week.

When the IMCA Modifieds roll into town for their first race, two time champion Albert Gill will be leading the charge.  Gill won't be the only hard charger in the field.  Nick Trenchard has won several races in recent seasons and is the 2015 Yreka champion.  Top 5 ranked Jesse Bailey was the only driver with three Top 3 finishes last season.  Perennial front runner Monte Bischoff, Zach Fettinger, Ray Kniffen Jr., Scott Crumm, Bo Shields and 2016 "Rookie Of The Year" James Welshonse are among the other stars to watch for.

The competition level in the sixth year of IMCA Sport Modifieds is so high that both reigning champion Mike Medel and two time champion Jorddon Braaten have new cars to keep up the pace.  Two time champion Dwayne Melvin will also be on the roster, meaning all three champions are still racing.  2016 "Rookie Of The Year" David Marble just got married, and he's looking to celebrate with his first win in this division.  Marble is the 2015 Mini Stock champion with many wins in that division.  The list of talented racers on the roster is long, and Top 5 competitors Willie McFall and A.J. Parker should be there along with hard chargers like Rich McCoy, Toby Judd, Kalvin Morton, Tony Bartell and returning front runner Rob Fitzsimmons.  It should be an exciting season for this division.

Super 4's division has been renamed the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites.  Reigning champion Lee Doty is back to see if he can repeat as champion, but word is that his competition is stepping up their game.  Two time point runnerup Terry Hadley is said to be debuting a new car, and this three car team will also include wife Krista Hadley.  Reigning Mini Stock champion Bob Burkett is moving up.  Burkett has won over 20 Mini Stock features in the last five seasons.  Eric Aos and son Dustin Aos are anticipated along with 2013 champion John Barger, Danny Prewitt, Mike Cloud, Bill Spencer, hard charger Charlie Eaton and Steve Thompson.

With Bob Burkett planning a limited Mini Stock schedule, this year's battle may be between 2014 champion Gary Anderson and 2015 Yreka champion David Steele.  Anderson was second in points last year with two wins, but Steele was a five time winner.  However, 2013 champion Steve Goetz is planning to return, which will make things more interesting.  There are some other drivers looking to make their marks, led by third ranked Andrew Hall.  Hall finished second three times last year in his fast Pinto Wagon, and he'll be looking for a win.  Other hard chargers such as Kristopher Mix, 2016 "Rookie of the Year" Dillen Lausen, Michael Johnson and veteran Eric Hanson will also be in the hunt for wins.

The JOAT Labs Hornets are entering their fourth season, and car count will be increasing.  With JOAT Labs building cages for some of the new competitors, we will be seeing a more competitive group in the entry level class.  Reigning champion Tim Hedges returns in a quest for his first career victory.  Joby Shields was a four time winner last season and may be the driver to beat if his recent Yreka victory is any indication.  John Hoult, Jason Stoutenburg, David James Gillig, Gabe Nelson and Tylor Ray are just some of the other racers to watch for.

The lineup of Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets will offer great racing excitement for the fans.  Grandstands open at 5:00 PM with the first race starting at 7:00 PM sharp.  General Admission is $12, Seniors (62 and older) and Juniors (6-12) is $6 and children 5 and under are free.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Ferrando, Lenz, Brown Win At Yreka, Southern Oregen Speedway, Susanville, Orland, More


The DCRR Racing Radio Show
Can Be Heard HERE

 Ferrando, Brown, Steele, Lenz Share Winner's Circle In Siskiyou Motor Speedway Opener

Yreka, CA...April 22...After rains cancelled the opener two weeks ago, Siskiyou Motor Speedway opened with a huge turnout of 80 cars Saturday night.  The show was stacked with talented racers in all six divisions.  When the checkered flag flew on the night, Main Event wins were recorded by Grey Ferrando (IMCA Modifieds), Keith Brown Jr. (O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds), David Steele (McDonald's Mini Stocks), Scott Lenz (Pro Stocks), Josh King (SODCA Dwarf Cars) and Joby Shields (Hornets).

Grey Ferrando made the trip from Slayton, Oregon to be a part of the opener, and the track also welcomed back local ace Kyle Casson.  The battle was between these two at the end, but Ferrando managed to finish just ahead of Casson at the checkered flag.  Nick Trenchard finished a close third.  Zach Fettinger held off Monte Bischoff in a close race for fourth as reigning champion Albert Gill, Jesse Bailey and Scott Crumm finished on the lead lap in order.  2015 champion Trenchard  won the four lap Trophy dash ahead of Bischoff and finished second to James Welshonse in their eight lap heat race.  Bailey beat Bischoff in a photo finish to win their heat race.

As anticipated, the IMCA Sport Modifieds had a strong turnout of 16 cars, and this included Keith Brown Jr. from Pittsburg, CA.  Brown has already competed at several different venues, but his 15 lap Main Event win on Saturday was his first win of the season.  He had to contend with second generation racer Justin Foux, who drove a great race to finish second.  Chris Jorgensen held off Colton Cheffey for the third place finish, while Braxton Possinger made his first start in the class and finished a solid fifth.  Garrett Hamilton, David Marble and Rich McCoy took a lead lap checkered flag in order.  Brown won his eight lap heat race ahead of Zac Potts.  Doug Franklin held off McCoy to win his heat race, but McCoy beat Brown to claim the four lap Trophy Dash victory.  Jorgensen won the third heat ahead of Gary Foster.

2015 champion David Steele returned and won the 15 lap McDonald's Mini Stock Main Event, followed closely by reigning champion "Big Mac" Marilyn Yawnick and Aaron Jorgensen.  "The Holy Terror" Terry Kendrick was a solid fourth as rookie Jeremy Sites, Ethan Kingsworth, Dennis Jorgensen and Amber Waldon rounded out the lead lap finishers.  The night ended in disappointment for Mike Whitaker as the 2014 champion was out of the Main Event early.  Kendrick and A. Jorgensen has a good battle going in preliminaries as Kendrick held him off to win an eight lap heat race.  A. Jorgensen beat Kendrick to claim Trophy Dash honors.  Steele gave a preview of things to come as he outran D. Jorgensen to win his heat race.

Past Southern Oregon Speedway and Medford Speedway champion Scott Lenz got to make his first start in a new car and was the class of the Outlaw Pro Stock field all night long.  Lenz grabbed the lead early in the 20 lap Main Event, while Johnny Cobb and Scott Flowers battled for second.  This was the continuation of their eight lap heat race battle where Flowers held off Cobb for the win.  Flowers had his car working on the inside and made the pass for second, while Jeffery Hudson worked his way up to battle for second.  The 2015 Pro Stock champion, Hudson made that pass and chased down Lenz.  However, Lenz took the checkered flag just ahead of Hudson in victory.  Flowers was a solid third ahead of Jeff Haudenshild, Rick Lukens, Cobb and Matt Harlow, all on the lead lap.  Lenz made it a clean sweep by beating Hudson for his heat win and Flowers for the four lap Trophy Dash victory.

Two time SODCA Dwarf Car champion Josh King kicked of the new season by winning the 20 lap Main Event.  King out gunned  North West Dwarf Car visitor Jake Van Ortwick for the victory.  It was a clean sweep night for King as he won his heat race ahead of Don McFay and scored the win over Chad Cardoza in the Trophy Dash.  Ryan Smith held off Cardoza and James Brinster to finish third in the Main Event.  Smith and John Chrisman were also eight lap heat winners, while Cody Peters beat Van Ortwick to win the eight lap B Dash.

Drivers coming in from Medford gave the Hornets a six car field for their first ever race at Yreka.  Joby Shields entered the season with momentum and won the 15 lap Main Event in dominating fashion.  Shields and Southern Oregon Speedway champion Tim Hedges had a back and fourth battle earlier as Hedges won the heat race and Shields won the dash.  Hedges was second in the Main Event.  Though the Hornets aren't on the schedule at the moment, word is that they could be added at a later date.

Next week, the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks are back.  On May 6th, the three classes return along with the Billy Geyer Memorial 50 lap Main Event for the Outlaw Pro Stocks.  For further information, go to www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.


Kennemore, Longacre, Scroggins, Whitebird 
Diamond Mountain Speedway Winners

Susanville, CA...April 22...Nevin Kennemore opened the 2017 season at Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville with an IMCA Modified Main Event victory.  Joining him in the winner's circle were Richard Longacre (Strictly Stocks), Evan Scroggins (IMCA Sport Modifieds) and Larry Whitebird (Mini Stocks).

Nevin Kennemore scored the victory in the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event.  Kennemore had to contend with past champion and 2016 point runnerup Matt Murphy, who settled for second.  Wade Kennemore finished third ahead of Larry McCracken and Susanville and Quincy champion Chris Nieman.  Erica Buhr, another past Quincy IMCA Modified champion, finished sixth ahead of Steve Boucher, Chase Nieman, Joe Blackwell and Tyler Patzke.  Duane Cleveland made the trip from Chico and suffered a DNF in 11th.

Richard Longacre is a multi time Strictly Stock champion, and he shows no signs of slowing down.  Longacre opened the new season with a 20 lap Main Event victory.  Shayna Nieman had one of her best efforts in second ahead of Jacob Dias, Jim Erle, Darren Ballentine, Steve Goss, Jimmy Ray Huffman and Steven Cain.  Interestingly enough, Longacre, Nieman and Goss were the only drivers in the Top 10 in points last year as there are new competitors on the roster.

The IMCA Sport Modifieds began their first ever Susanville championship season with a six car field.  Evan Scroggins wrote his name into the book as the first 20 lap Main Event winner of the season.  One of the top drivers at Quincy last season, Ryan Svensson finished second ahead of Steve Gordon, Bob Feller, Strictly Stock graduate Jason Emmot and yet another member of the Nieman family of Quincey, Craig Nieman.

The big name in Mini Stocks at Susanville continues to be Larry Whitebird.  Whitebird has multiple championships at his home track and was both the Susanville and Quincy champion last season.  Whitebird grabbed the victory in the 20 lap Main Event.  Wyatt Spaulding scored his best finish yet in second with Bryan Gray a solid third ahead of Jacob Dias, Katelyn Robertson, Orland star Tom Davis, Colton Chew and 2016 point runnerip Billy Gibson,  An unidentified driver in the #32 car was 9th as Colby Russell and Alissa Lovelace rounded out the finishing order.

Speedway officials announced the addition of two more race dates on July 1st and July 29th.  The next date scheduled is for May 13th and will feature IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks and Strictly Stocks.  For further information, go to https://lassencountyfair.org/interim-events/diamond-mountain-speedway/.

Race results from 4-22-17
Modified main event

1-Nevin Kennemore
2-Matt Murphy
3-Wade Kennemore
4-Larry McCracken
5-Chris Nieman
6-Erica Buhr
7-Steve Boucher
8-Chase Nieman
9-Joe Blackwell
10-Tyler Patzke
11-Duane Cleveland

Sport Mod main event
1-Evan Scroggins
2-Ryan Svensson
3-Steven Gordon
4-Bob Feller
5-Jason Emmot
6-Craig Nieman

Strictly Stock main event
1-Richard Longacre
2-Shayna Nieman
3-Jacob Dias
4-Jim Erle
5-Darren Ballentine
6-Steve Goss
7-Jimmy Ray Huffman
8-Steven Cain

Mini Stock main event
1-Larry Whitebird
2-Wyatt Spalding
3-Bryan Gray
4-Jacob Dias
5-Katelynn Robertson
6-Tom Davis
7-Colton Chew
8-Billy Gibson
9-Car 32 (need driver name)
10-Colby Russell
11-Alissa Lovelace


2017 Season Begins Saturday Night 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, CA...After a long and wet winter and first month of spring, racing season is set to begin Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Mike McCann of KJE Enterprises is beginning his season season and ushering in the track's 22nd year of operations with an exciting six division lineup.  On the card for this week are the Late Models, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, Pro Stocks, Mini Stocks and SODCA Dwarf Cars.

Through the years, we've seen occasional visits from the Late Model division, but this year is different.  We begin the season with three consecutive visits from these high-horsepower machines.  Late Models are the pinnacle of Stock Car racing on the dirt, and we have them ten times this year.  Bob Dees is the reigning champion, and he returns this season along with his sons, John Dees and Garrett Dees.  A two time winner last year, Mike Linder will be back as well.  Coos Bay Speedway champion Nathan Augustine will be back.  Like Dustin Knight, he was a feature winner last year.  Kristy Grout, Steve Lemley and Don Garrett Jr. are others to watch for this week.

The competition level in the sixth year of IMCA Sport Modifieds is so high that both reigning champion Mike Medel and two time champion Jorddon Braaten have new cars to keep up the pace.  Two time champion Dwayne Melvin will also be on the roster, meaning all three champions are still racing.  2016 "Rookie Of The Year" David Marble just got married, and he's looking to celebrate with his first win in this division.  Marble is the 2015 Mini Stock champion with many wins in that division.  The list of talented racers on the roster is long, and Top 5 competitors Willie McFall and A.J. Parker should be there along with hard chargers like Rich McCoy, Toby Judd, Kalvin Morton, Tony Bartell and returning front runner Rob Fitzsimmons.  It should be an exciting season for this division.

Super 4's division has been renamed the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites.  Reigning champion Lee Doty is back to see if he can repeat as champion, but word is that his competition is stepping up their game.  Two time point runnerup Terry Hadley is said to be debuting a new car, and this three car team will also include wife Krista Hadley.  Reigning Mini Stock champion Bob Burkett is moving up.  Burkett has won over 20 Mini Stock features in the last five seasons.  Eric Aos and son Dustin Aos are anticipated along with 2013 champion John Barger, Danny Prewitt, Mike Cloud, Bill Spencer, hard charger Charlie Eaton and Steve Thompson.

The last time Southern Oregon Speedway crowned its own Pro Stock champion was 2011.  Dustin Knight won that championship.  This season, second generation racer Miles Deubert has his sights set on that title.  Deubert is the 2014 Street Stock champion, and he won two Pro Stock features last season.  He can expect stiff competition from two time Pro Stock champion Ken Irving and two time Super 4's champion Brian Johnsen.  Past Pro Stock and Street Stock champion Scott Lenz is also back in a Pro Stock.  Josh Kralicek, past Mini Stock champion Mike "Zeus" Johnson, Derrel Nelson Jr., Roy Bain and Dave Satterfield are others to watch for.  Rumors have persisted that another champion, Dave Everson, may make appearances, and we may see some appearances from the Outlaw Pro Stock Association racers this week.  The group will support four races as association events.

With Bob Burkett planning a limited Mini Stock schedule, this year's battle may be between 2014 champion Gary Anderson and 2015 Yreka champion David Steele.  Anderson was second in points last year with two wins, but Steele was a five time winner.  However, 2013 champion Steve Goetz is planning to return, which will make things more interesting.  There are some other drivers looking to make their marks, led by third ranked Andrew Hall.  Hall finished second three times last year in his fast Pinto Wagon, and he'll be looking for a win.  Other hard chargers such as Kristopher Mix, 2016 "Rookie of the Year" Dillen Lausen, Michael Johnson and veteran Eric Hanson will also be in the hunt for wins.

The biggest news regarding the SODCA Dwarf Cars is the return of popular 70 something year old racer "Fast" Freddy Hay.  Hay sat out most of last year after a flip in a race in Chico, California left him with a broken neck.  The last time Fred raced, he finished third in points and was a feature winner in 2015.  Brock Peters enters the season as the reigning champion, and he has a new car for his title defense.  He knows the competition will be tough.  After back to back second place point efforts, Camden Robustelli is planning to make a run at the championship.  With racers like two time champion Josh King, Randy Slater, Mason Lewman, Rob Gergel, Cody Peters, rookie Ashleigh Strain and long time competitors Chad Cardoza and Ryan Smith in the field, it's sure to be an exciting show.

The lineup of Late Models, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, Pro Stocks, Mini Stocks and SODCA Dwarf Cars will offer great racing excitement for the fans.  Grandstands open at 5:00 PM with the first race starting at 7:00 PM sharp.  General Admission is $12, Seniors (62 and older) and Juniors (6-12) is $6 and children 5 and under are free.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


Orland Raceway Opens For 2017 Season On Saturday

Orland, CA...Orland Raceway is returning for a new season of racing under the promotion of Rich Hood.  A long time Pure Stock competitor at the track, Hood stepped forward in 2016 to save the track after the previous management walked away.  Rich went local with his schedule, meaning the staple classes, Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks, Micro Sprints and the returning Wingless Gas Sprints were all scheduled for a 14 race season this year.  The one-fifth mile dirt oval is primed and ready for the season opener this Saturday night.  The five core divisions are all scheduled for this race.

There's lots of excitement in the air surrounding the Pure Stock division.  Over the past few seasons, this division has done the best with car count and has been very competitive.  Steve Martin is the reigning champion and a champion previous to that.  He can expect some tough competition from Jeremy Langenderfer and Shannon Collins, who finished second and third in the standings last season.  These Top 3 competitors will have a new threat to deal with in past Mini Truck champion Keith Ross.  Ross has a Pure Stock this season and has already been racing at other tracks.  Cody Bundy, Earl Adams and Amanda Koop are just a few of the other Pure Stock competitors to keep an eye on this season.

The longest continually active Mini Truck division in California is at Orland.  The heritage of this division stretches back to the 1990's.  Dan Webster has been a perennial title contender for the past several seasons, but he took it up a notch in winning last season's championship ahead of the consistent William Fogle.  Fogle has a feature win in his sites this season.  Another driver to watch is past champion Ross Vige, who won the championship at Hayfork Speedway last season.  Long time Orland competitor "Rollin" Olin Crane, Nate Skaggs and Brett Allinger are just some of the stars of the Mini Truck class.

In the Mini Stocks, it seems as if Tom Davis is the big star of the show, and he scored most of the feature wins last season.  He may be the driver to beat this year, but it was the consistent John Kirkpatrick who won his second championship last season.  Kirkpatrick has been racing at Orland longer than just about everybody else on the roster.  Another past champion, Robert Hunt, finished second in points last year, and he also managed to win a feature.  Another driver with wins last year was Donovan Chilton.  He may mix it up with Davis for wins this season.  Steve Speers, Barbara Crain and Seth Libbee are other drivers making this an exciting division to watch.

For a little over 15 years, the Wingless Sprint class has been a part of an exciting program of racing at Orland.  This goes back to the early days of Josh Jacobo winning multiple championships.  Tony Richards is another champion of the class.  The most recent champion was Bill Hopper, who managed to hold off Richards in 2015.  Some of the drivers to watch for include Ryan Owens, Josh Tucker, Greg Higgenbotham, Gerald Webber, Kenny Webber, Jeremy Wilson, Jacobo and Richards

Not to be forgotten in the mix are the 600cc and 250cc engine Micro Sprint classes, which were first introduced to the regular roster by promoter Mike McCann in 2013.  When you're talking 600 Micros at Orland, you have to mention the two biggest stars, Jeromie Chrismon and Skyler Richter. Both drivers, along with third ranked Tony Alosi, were feature winners last year, and Chrismon's championship margin over Richter was big due to Richter missing races. Fourth ranked Kyra Michelet was also a feature winner last year, and other drivers to watch for in 600's this season include Rick Gutzke, Dean Slinkard and Rick Alonso.

The 250 racers tried something different one night as they had a wingless race, won by Robert Baker. One of the big names on the roster is Jackie Whitson Jr., who won multiple Main Events but missed several races to finish fifth in the standings. Andrew Love was also a feature winner during the 2016 season and won his championship comfortably ahead of Dave McKinnon. McKinnon just barely held off Ronnie Heyer by 3 points for second, while Jess Garland was 12 points back in fourth.

The season kicks off this Saturday night with Pure Socks, Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks, 250 Micros, 600 Micros and the return of the Wingless Gas Sprints.  It all adds up to lots of excitement for Orland racing fans.  Gates open at 5PM with the first race starting at 7PM.  General Admission is #$8, Children 7-12 are $5 and Children 6 and under are free.  For further information, go to http://www.orlandraceway.org/.

2017 Schedule Notes

Orland runs pretty much every other week, but they do follow up the opener with a May 6th West Coast Enduro event.

One of the things the track is trying is running the 250 Micro Sprint division wingless for the first six races before running winged from July 29th on.

The return of the popular Kids Bike Race is set for June 3rd.

There are double points races set for July 1st and September 16th to shake things up.

September 16th is also billed as O'Reilly Auto Parts Fan Appreciation Night, which included a meet and greet with the racers before the races last season.

The Glenn County Fair Race on May 19th will be an action packed event with all of the for classes except Wingless Gas Sprints included and a Powder Puff RV Derby.  Management is considering a Figure 8 during the season but hasn't set the date yet.

The Schmitke Memorial Race For A Cure is back this year on August 12th.  It's an event to raise money to fight Cancer and honor a beloved member of the Orland community.  All of the track's regular classes, plus the California Hardtop Association, will be in action that night.


Armstrong Kicks Of Hardtop Season With Placerville Win

Placerville, CA...April 22...The California Hardtops made their first appearance of the season at Placerville Speedway and brought a field of eight vintage race cars.  When the checkered flag flew, it was Jason Armstrong grabbing the victory in the 20 lap Main Event.

J. Armstrong also won his eight lap heat race, but the action took place behind him.  Running for the same piece of real estate in Turn 1, Rob Waldrop's car slipped out of gear and he hit Dennis Armstrong.  D. Armstrong was able to continue and chased his son to a second place finish.  Rhett Lange brought his six cylinder Hardtop from Winnemucca, Nevada and won his heat race ahead of Joe Shenefield.  Shenefield was able to make his first good laps on the dirt and did well all night.  Waldrop and Joe Hopp were both done after heat races.  Hopp suffered motor problems to end his night early.

In the Main Event, Russ Kraft led the pack to the green flag, but he spun in Turns 3 and 4, allowing Shenefield to pace a couple laps before behind passed by both J. Armstrong and D. Armstrong.  The battle for third saw some good side by side laps between "The Rocket Man" Ken Clifford and Shenefield before Clifford pulled ahead.  Shenefield was later passed by Lange, who move up to battle Clifford for third.  Lange made his move past Clifford.  Meanwhile, J. Armstrong ran a great race up front and took the checkered flag for the win.  D. Armstrong took second with Lange not far behind him.  Clifford finished third ahead of Shenefield and Kraft.

The Hardtops will have a big double header weekend at Chico on  May 12th and Marysville on May 13th.  Word is there will be another car or two ready to race by then.

Jinkerson, Dillard Score Placerville Victories

Placerville, CA...April 22...Dan Jinkerson won the 20 lap Jay's Welding & Fabricating Pure Stock Main Event Saturday night at Placerville Speedway.  Jinkerson held the lead from the start with Scott Grunert second ahead of Jason Palmer.  Palmer moved past S. Grunert for second on lap five.  The race had the first of its two yellow flags on lap 16.  Jinkerson led the restart ahead of Palmer and reigning champion Nick Baldwin.  A lap 19 restart gave Baldwin the opportunity to slip into second.  However, Jinkerson was not to be denied as he scored the victory ahead of  Baldwin.  Orville Owens made a late move to take third from Palmer.  S. Grunert settled for fifth ahead of Dwight Bulton, Travis Emery, Sam Bernstein, Jeff Sly and Jay Bryant.

Reigning champion Craig Dillard won the 20 lap BCRA Midget Lites Main Event..  Dillard set the pace at the start of the race with heat winner Hunter Kinney running second.  A lap nine yellow flag slowed things down, and it was two BCRA Lites veterans, Terry Bergstrom and Scott Kinney, shuffling H. Kinney out of the Top 3.  Dillard drove a flawless race and earned the victory with Bergstrom a strong second ahead of S. Kinney, Jim Riddell, Emilee Lindgren, Kayla Green, H. Kinney and Rick Johnson.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Coos Bay Results, Siskiyou And Southern Oregon Speedway Previews


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Elliott, Barraza, Montgomery Win Coos Bay Main Events

Coos Bay, Oregon...April 15...The second round of the NASCAR Whelen All American Super Late Model Series was at Coos Bay Speedway on Saturday night and they produced a new winner.  This time, it was Trent Elliott collecting the win in the 25 lap Main Event.  Elliott started on the front row with 2015 champion Toby McIntyre, but it was season opener winner Mike George who offered the closest challenge to Elliot.  In the end, Elliott won by about half a straightaway.  George settled for second ahead of Jared Bemetz and McIntyre.  Dave Schmidt and Kristy Grout took checkered flags in fifth and sixth, respectively, as Chris Ray completed the finishing order.  For Elliott, it was a clean sweep performance with wins ahead of McIntyre in both the heat race and Trophy Dash.

Two time Southern Oregon Sprint Car Tour champion Kyler Barraza returned after taking two years off and showed no signs of slowing down.  Barraza held off Lawrence Van Hoof to win the heat race, and then two time reigning champion Dave May made his presence known in the feature.  May ran close, but the flying Barraza prevailed for the victory in the 25 lap race.  Van Hoof claimed Trophy Dash honors ahead of May, and he ran closely behind May for the third place feature finish.  Ryan Kingrey and rookie Casey Sabin rounded out the lead lap finishers as Brett Hulsey was sixth.  Christon Baird had a mechanical issue in the heat race and didn't start the feature.

Brody Montgomery drove to victory in the 25 lap NASCAR Sportsman Late Model Main Event.  Montgomery also won the season opener, and his second victory served notice to the competition that he will be a force to be reckoned with in the championship battle.  Two time reigning champion Wayne Butler came from the third row, but the best he could do was chase Montgomery across the line for a second place finish.  Two time Top 5 Cottage Grove Sport Modified point runner Jayson Nelson put fenders on his car and made a surprise appearance.  He finished a close third to Butler as the final lead lap finisher.  Doug Coffman took a checkered flag in fourth as Troy Chamberlain, Dyllan Siewell, Charlie Withers and Jeff Krossman completed the finishing order.  Siewell won the heat race over Nelson before his Main Event ended early.  Montgomery claimed Trophy Dash honors with Nelson again finishing second.

In the NASCAR Mini Outlaw division, Rob Lauver returned and won the 20 lap Main Event.  Lauver was as fast as usual in his potent VW Beetle, but Tim Fox was making this a good race down the stretch.  Lauver won in a near photo finish ahead of Fox.  Kallam Johnson and 2015 champion Sam Talon finished a lap down in third and fourth, respectively.  Dan Daniels and Jamie Daniels completed the finishing order.  Lauver made it a clean sweep as he won the heat race ahead of Fox and scored the Trophy Dash victory in front of Johnson.

It was business as usual for reigning NASCAR Hornets champion Jeremiah Reiber.  Following up on his win in the season opener, Reiber enjoyed a clean sweep performance with wins ahead of rival Ryan Siewell in both the heat race and Trophy Dash.  Reiber saved the best for last as he and Siewell came from the third row in a race to the front.  Reiber ended up getting there first and scored the win with Siewell not far behind in second.  "Hurricane" Hannah Robinson was a solid third as Jeremy Beard was a lead lap fourth.  Tim Young, David Pellum and Sam Taylor were all a lap down in order and Lori Dionne and Matt Butler rounded out the finish.

Only two NASCAR Street Stocks competed, and Jeff Krossman beat reigning champion Daniel Land in both the heat race and Main Event.  Land turned the tales on Krossman for the Trophy Dash win.

Racing returns to the dirt oval on April 29th for South Coast Shopper Car Load Night.  The NASCAR Whelen All American Series Event will feature Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Mini Outlaws, Hornets, Street Stocks and Side By Side UTV's.  For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.




Six Division Racing Program 
At Siskiyou Speedway Saturday Night

Yreka, CA...After a rainout and a break for Easter Sunday, racing season kicks off in a big way at Suskiyou Motor Speedway this Saturday night.  If you like racing and want to see a bunch of race cars, this is the night to come enjoy a big show.  The track's regular IMCA Modifieds, O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds and McDonald's Mini Stocks classes are all on the card, but it doesn't stop there.  The Outlaw Pro Stocks make their first of eight scheduled appearances at their home track for 2017, the SODCA Dwarf Cars are in town for their first of three visits and the new Hornets class makes their Yreka debut.

There are good things happening with the O'Reilly Auto Parts Sport Modifieds.  They get a chance to race for $500 to win once car count reaches 13, and there's a good chance that this could happen this week.  The track's past two IMCA champions, Colter Boswell and Jimmy Lipke, should be on hand along with the past two SCMA Association champions, Doug Franklin and Garrett Hamilton.  These four are no strangers to the winner's circle.  Boswell's winning ways stretch back to Mini Stocks, where he also won a championship.

The new talent coming into this class is a good thing for the future of the race track.  Second generation racer Colton Cheffey showed his ability last year with several Main Event and Trophy Dash wins.  Some are speculating that this young man could be the driver to beat this year.  Ryder Boswell, D.J. Bottoms and Jack Waldon III are some of the other "young guns" to keep an eye on.  With Mike Colson adding his name to the growing roster, it's believed there could be over a dozen cars on Saturday, and that's not counting potential visitors coming in from Medford.

Mini Stocks always offer up plenty of excitement when they are on the race track.  Ethan Killingsworth is the rising young star everybody is talking about as a potential champion.  He was a close second to Mini Stock veteran "Big Mac" Marilyn Yawnick last season.  Yawnick joined fellow Mini Stock competitors Terry "The Holy Terror" Kendrick, "Magic" Mike Whitaker and David Steele on the champions list.  Whitaker is hoping to put the bad luck of last year behind him.  More good news in the family is that we should be seeing more of past Top 3 racer Anthony Whitacker this year, along with hard chargers like Brian Jorgensen, Mike Frost and Amber Waldon.

The Outlaw Pro Stocks have a strong contingent of Klamath Falls based competitors planning to be here for what is a tuneup race for the May 6th Billy Geyer Memorial 50 lap race.  Steve "The Bullett" Borror won most of the races here last year, including the Geyer.  Not surprisingly, Borror won the championship, but he had to get through veteran Scott Flowers to do it.  Scott's son James barely lost a battle with Matt Harlow for third in points last year, and both drivers are anticipated this week along with 2016 "Rookie Of The Year" Julia Flowers, Roy Bain, Scott Bennett, John Bowers, NASCAR veteran Rocky Nash and more.

When the SODCA Dwarf Cars pull into town, "Fast" Freddy Hay will be among the group.  The popular 70 something year old leadfoot missed most of last year after he flipped in a race at Chico and broke his neck.  Hay was seen in Yreka a few weeks ago making practice laps.  The Dwarf Cars bring a talented roster of racers, including 2016 champion Brock Peters, two time champion Josh King, two time point runnerup Camden Robustelli, Kalvin Morton, Chad Cardoza, Ryan Smith and Randy Slater.  Young guns Ashley Strain and Cody Peters are also anticipated for the Dwarf Car season opener.

The challenge has been issued to the IMCA Modified racers.  Who has what it takes to handle Siskiyou Motor Speedway?  Many great racers have come to town over the years in the battle for glory.  Last season, it was Albert Gill writing his name on the list as a two time track champion.  He snatched that championship from Duane Orsburn on the final night as Orsburn settled for second.  Word is we could be seeing Ray Kniffen Jr. and possibly others from the Medford area, and Klamath Falls based racers such as 2015 champion Nick Trenchard, Zach Fettinger and Jeremy Ohlde.  Local stars such as John "Pudge" Toolanen, Stan Gunderson and Roger Lorenzini Jr. still have cars and may be there as well.  It will be interesting to see who is up to the challenge.

The Hornets division is featured at just about every track in Oregon and also at Shasta Speedway.  SCMA officials asked racers if they were interested in starting this class, and a few Medford based competitors answered in the affirmative.  It is hoped that a field of at least four cars will be there for the first race, and word is that Joby Shields and Gabe Nelson may be among those on hand.  Shields is a four time winner and ranked third in Medford last year.  We've heard reports of Yreka racers building cars, and this is the perfect entry level class to introduce new racers to the sport.

Saturday night is a show you won't want to miss.  IMCA Modifieds, O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks, Outlaw Pro Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars and Hornets are all on the schedule, meaning the pits will be much fuller than usual.  For further information, go to www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.


Pro Stocks Are Coming Home To Southern Oregon Speedway

Medford, Oregon...The popular Pro Stock division is back at Southern Oregon Speedway this year.  Furthermore, and for the first time since 2011, the division will be competing for a track championship.  The longest currently active division with a lineage tracing back to the old Medford "Posse Grounds" Speedway, The Pro Stocks are an important part of Medford racing.

The old track had a healthy Street Stock division for years.  In 1988, management started the Limited Sportsman division as the #2 division to the Late Model class, while still keeping a Street Stock division.  Jim Walker Jr. won that first championship.  Interestingly enough, another Medford legend, Scott Lenz, was Street Stock champion that year, and he was a  front runner the next season before the track abruptly closed in July.  Walker, meanwhile, topped the Limited Sportsman point list that next year as well.

It took seven years before Medford racers had a home track again, and while the 1996 roster did not include Street Stocks, Pro Stocks made up the core three classes, along with Modifieds and Mini Stocks, that still compete to this day.  Lenz put his name into the record books that year as the first champion, while Walker won three of the next five championships, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest drivers to ever strap into a Pro Stock. 

Speaking of greats, Frank Word III came along and rewrote the record books with eight championships in a nine year period, interrupted only by two time champion Brian Poppa.  The battles between Word, Poppa and hard chargers like John David Duffie were some of the best ever seen at the track.  Pro Stocks were producing big fields that required B Mains, and their center piece race at the time was the Art Pollard Memorial.  In 2017, they will be part of the Roger Haudenshild Tribute Race on June 3rd.

Drivers are still making their plans for the season, but others we'll be watching for include Mike Johnson, Derrel Nelson Jr., Tyler Lockwood, Rick Lukens, Mike Prill, Phil Pipgras, Dave Satterfield and two time Top 3 Street Stock competitor Darron Arnold.  Top 5 Coos Bay racer Josh Kralicek will be racing in Medford too.  Rumors have circulated that we might even see past champions Scott Lenz and Dave Everson this season.  Johnson is no stranger to winning, and he's not afraid to drive anything, from Dragsters to Mini Stocks.  He is a past Mini Stock champion, while Lockwood is also a past Mini Stock star.  Nelson was a two time Hornet winner last year and second in points, while Lukens picked up a pair of Pro Stock heat wins last year in one of the nicest looking cars in the field.

This brings us to 2017.  Promoter Mike McCann has heard the concerns of the drivers.  They aren't asking for big rule changes, but they want tech of the cars, a guaranteed purse and pay out at the end of the night and they want to compete more often at their home track.  Therefore, a nine race schedule has been crafted to give them a comfortable season that allows time with family or traveling to other venues.  Plus, drivers will compete for points with a track champion crowned at the end of the season awards banquet.

Several drivers have thrown their hats into the ring this season, and that includes the track's final Street Stock champion, Miles Deubert.  Deubert was faster than ever last season as his two feature wins will show.  He could very well be the driver to beat this year.  The Deubert family are no strangers to winning at the speedway.  Miles' father Jer Deubert is an Art Pollard Memorial Race winner.

Speaking of drivers familiar with winning, the strongest supporter of Pro Stocks who is currently still active is Ken Irving.  Irving is a two time division champion who usually gets a win or two during the season.  Last year saw him only finish as high as second, and that's something he intends to improve on this season.

The veteran of the group is Rocky Nash.  Everywhere he has gone, he has won, and that includes the NASCAR West Series, where he was also Top 10 ranked in points.  Rocky picked up a pair of feature wins and dash wins last season.  Brian Johnsen is also a driver to watch.  He's a two time Super 4 champion who won a Pro Stock Main Event on the circuit last year.

Drivers are still making their plans for the season, but others we'll be watching for include Mike Johnson, Derrel Nelson Jr., Tyler Lockwood, Rick Lukens, Mike Prill, Phil Pipgras and Dave Satterfield.  Rumors have circulated that we might even see past champions Scott Lenz and Dave Everson this season.  Johnson is no stranger to winning, and he's not afraid to drive anything, from Dragsters to Mini Stocks.  He is a past Mini Stock champion, while Lockwood is also a past Mini Stock star.  Nelson was a two time Hornet winner last year and second in points, while Lukens picked up a pair of Pro Stock heat wins last year in one of the nicest looking cars in the field.

The Outlaw Pro Stock Association will have four of their point races at Southern Oregon Speedway for their members, which they will run with the track's regulars.  Those dates include April 29th, June 3rd, August 12th and September 9th.  Actually, they are not booked elsewhere on most of the other dates, so racers might just show up then as well.  Steve Borror is the reigning champion and a force any time he competes.

Scott Flowers also remains one of the stars and could again be joined by his wife Ginny, son James, and daughter Julia in this four car effort.  Arlen Garrison is the car owner helping make the Flowers family fun happen.  Scott Flowers was once again the point runnerup last season.

Rocky Nash seems to be as fast as anybody when he races, and like Borror, he won multiple times last season.  Roy Bain will be back, and other stars to watch for include Matt Harlow,  Scott Bennett, John Bowers and Johnny Cobb.  You have to respect this group for fighting to keep Pro Stock racing alive in Southern Oregon after the track's previous management pretty much gave up on them.

The Pro Stocks will get a playday opportunity on April 22nd.  The season opens on April 29th, and the Roger Haudenshild Tribute on June 3rd is a race that all of the drivers mark on their calendars as one they really want to win.  The last time the track crowned its own champion, it was Dustin Knight in 2011.  The question is, who will it be this year?  Come on out to the track and find out.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

2017 Southern Oregon Speedway Pro Stocks Schedule

April 22 - Rain Out Make Up Playday
April 29
May 13
May 20
June 3
July 1
July 22
August 12
August 19
September 9

Past Southern Oregon Speedway Pro Stock Champions

1988  Jim Walker Jr.*
1989  Jim Walker Jr.*
1996  Scott Lenz
1997  Jim Walker Jr.
1998  Jim Walker Jr.
1999  Brian Poppa
2000  Brad Alfrey
2001  Jim Walker Jr.
2002  Frank Word III
2003  Frank Word III
2004  Frank Word III
2005  Frank Word III
2006  Brian Poppa
2007  Frank Word III
2008  Frank Word III
2009  Frank Word III
2010  Frank Word III
2011  Dustin Knight
2012  Ken Irving**
2013  Dave Everson**
2014  Ken Irving**
2015  Jeffrey Hudson**
2016  Steve Borror **
* Medford Raceway
** Outlaw Pro Stock Association


Previous Feature Winners (2013-16)
May 11, 2013:  Brian Johnsen
May 25, 2013:  Dave Everson
June 8, 2013:  Andy Freeman
June 22, 2013:  Ken Irving
July 3, 2013:  Andy Freeman
July 10, 2013:  Dave Everson
July 27, 2013:  Dave Everson
August 17, 2013:  Dave Everson
September 7, 2013:  Dave Everson
May 3, 2014:  Ken Irving
May 17, 2014:  Jeff Hudson
May 31, 2014:  Ken Irving
June 7, 2014:  Brian Johnsen
June 28, 2014:  Scott Flowers
August 16, 2014:  Dave Everson
August 23, 2014:  Ken Irving
September 13, 2014:  Jeff Hudson
September 27, 2014:  Dave Everson
April 18, 2015:  Dave Everson
May 2, 2015:  Dave Everson
May 16, 2015:  Dave Quick
July 4, 2015:  Jeffrey Hudson
August 1, 2015:  Steve Borror
August 29, 2015:  Steve Borror
September 6, 2015:  Rocky Nash
September 26, 2015:  Steve Borror
April 30, 2016:  Steve Borror
June 11, 2016:  Rocky Nash
July 4, 2016:  Mile Deubert
July 30, 2016:  Steve Borror
August 13, 2016:  Steve Borror
August 27, 2016:  Miles Deubert
September 24, 2016:  Rocky Nash



SODCA Dwarf Cars Are Back At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...Perhaps the most reliable division at Southern Oregon Speedway in recent seasons is the SODCA Dwarf Cars.  The traveling group has been making visits to the speedway since the very early days of the track, and they always give the fans a good show.  Stars like Jon DeBenedetti and C.J. Putnam have won championships before moving on to other divisions.  With 12 races on the schedule, including championship night, the road to the SODCA tittle once again goes through Medford.

As a member of the WSDCA, the Southern Oregon based group gets to host the big Dwarf Car Nationals event.  This year, the two day extravaganza takes place on August 4th and 5th.  The best drivers on the West Coast will be in Medford that weekend.  The Dwarf Cars are scheduled for their first appearance on April 29th.  These fast, 1200cc motorcycle engined machines will provide the fans with some entertaining races every time they come to town.

Brock Peters is leading the pack this year as the reigning champion.  At times, he was unstoppable last season, and he has a new car from the shop of M&M Racing with the hopes of maintaining his top status.  With Camden Robustellli returning this year, it won't easy.  Robustellli is coming off of back to back runnerup seasons, but he has a championship in his sights this year.

While Peters and Robustelli are feature winners, Brock's son Cody Peters is looking for his first SODCA victory.  Cody did win a Sportsman feature during the Nationals last season, and he led several laps of the season finale.  It seems a good bet that he will win a Main Event this year. Also expected to race at least some this year will be Kalvin Morton.  Morton is a multi time Top 5 point runner who won several races last season before his championship hopes were dashed when he flipped hard while leading on July 4th.

You would be making a mistake if you ignored two time champion Josh King.  He didn't attempt to defend his championship last year, but he won several Main Events during the season.  Chad Cardoza is another top star who won a feature last year as well as the $1000 to win Fred Hay Dash For Cash.  A long time Dwarf Car competitor, Cardoza could assert himself in this season's championship battle. Another driver to watch is Ryan Smith.  The 2014 runerup has won features with this group in the past and was usually in the hunt when he competed last season.

Getting back to of Fred Hay, the popular long time member recently made his first laps since a terrible flip at Chico last year left him with a broken neck.  The Top 3 2015 point runner reported that he felt comfortable and the car handled well.  Outlaw Kart graduate Ashley Strain also made some practice laps recently as she will be one of the rookies this season.  She impressed last last season in Cottage Grove with her 250 Kart win in September.

After his fifth place season, Randy Slater is poised for a break out year.  Joe Sanders will be looking for better results following his "Rookie Of The Year" season.  Veteran Jerry Houck, Kaycee Sheeler, Mason Lewman, Mark Nielson, Don Gifford and James Edwards are among the other drivers to watch for in the competitive field.

Their first appearance will be April 29th, and they are scheduled for 12 visits, which includes the big Dwarf Car Nationals event on August 4th and 5th.  Fans will be in for an exciting show any time the SODCA Dwarf Cars come to town.  For further information on happenings at the speedway, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

2017 Southern Oregon Speedway
SODCA Dwarf Car Schedule

April 22 - (Rain Date) Playday
April 29
May 20
June 3
June 24
July 8
July 22
August 4 - WSDCA Nationals
August 5 - WSDCA Nationals
August 12
September 2 - Lon Skinner Memorial
September 3 - Lon Skinner Memorial
September 16


SODCA Dwarf Car Champions

1998  Jon DeBenedetti
1999  Jon DeBenedetti
2000  Jon DeBenedetti
2001  Gary Fitzsimmons
2002  Gary Fitzsimmons
2003  Dan Van Acker
2004  Crash Jackson
2005  Jerry Apland
2006  Tom Palazollo
2007  Jim Harsha
2008  Kelly Gutches
2009  Greg Denton
2010  Kelly Gutches
2011  R.J. McGahuey
2012  R.J. McGahuey
2013  C.J. Puttnam
2014  Josh King
2015  Josh King
2016  Brock Peters


Southern Oregon Speedway Pit Stops

The rain during the week was enough to put a halt to the planned April 15th playday at Southern Oregon Speedway..  It wasn't so much that the track itself wouldn't have been usable, but there was a concern about pit conditions, particularly on the lower end nearest the track.  It is hoped that we will be able to make the pits more usable.  If the weather pattern holds as forecast next week, chances are much better that we can make that playday happen.

There's been some buzz around town about change being in the air for the track as it enters its 22nd season.  At this point, we'll just let the rumors go and address them later, but it is something that should lead to better things for the future of the race track.  The other part of the rumor may actually elicit more excitement than the first part, which means you should just keep your eyes open for news in the future.  Management recently added some new benches to the facility as an option for people to eat under the shade.

The question at the Outlaw Kart track has centered around the addition of the Speedway Kart division.  The open cockpit Karts have been growing at other tracks, and they have been added for the first four races this year.  If all goes well, they could end up on the full schedule.  The Fuller family has been a driving force in pushing this effort.  Speaking of which, Brionna Fuller will be in a 250 Kart this year after her Yreka Box Stock championship, while Taylor Fuller has graduated to Box Stocks after his championship in Yreka in the Beginners class.  Taylor won two races at Mini Southern Oregon Speedway last year.

It might have come as a bit of a surprise, but Wyatt Pinckney has a 500 Open Kart this season.  Wyatt spent just one season in  250's after being crowned the 125 Kart champion in 2015.  We're still wondering who is on the roster with him this year.  We could be seeing past Cottage Grove champion Brody Sim, past Medford champion Stephanie Crisp, hard charger Kenny Boardman, Merissa Henson, Dillen Lausen, reigning champion Johnny Burke and Tanner Holmes among the competition for this class.

It's hoped that the numbers pick up in the 500's this year, and management is still working on an announcement for the class.  The 250 Karts, Box Stocks and Beginners Box Stocks will also be a part of the Outlaw Kart program, and it looks like there will be some newcomers in the Beginner class.  This will actually be the 20th season for Mini Southern Oregon Speedway.  As the training grounds for our future stars on the big track, and just a place for kids to have fun and race, this little one-eighth mile clay oval is an important part of what we do.

The buzz has been incredible in the Hornets division this year as several new cars are being built.  JOAT Labs has come on board as the title sponsor, and they have done cages for some of the new cars coming out, including the car of Jason Stoutenburgh.  Tylor Ray and Anthony Kniffen will both have cars this year.  Joby Shields has been showing off his ride and is also offering a second car for rent.  The car of the son of Tim Hedges is ready.  We still haven't seen pictures of Tim's ride, but Gabe Nelson is ready to take the wheel of the #8g car, driven by his father last year.  The roster is now is in double digits as the class continues to grow.

Darrel Nelson Jr. will be taking the wheel of the blue #30 car of Ken Hackoworth in the Pro Stock division.  We've also gotten word that Dave Satterfield will be joining the ranks of the Pro Stocks.  As we've been researching information for the archive section of the web site, we can report that Satterfield was a Pro Stock dash winner in 2005.  There is a red #57 IMCA Modified in the Hackworth stables this season as well. 

We previously reported the news that 2013 Mini Stock champion Steve Goetz will be back this season after a couple of seasons off.  We're still waiting to see pictures of Michael "Hercules" Johnson's Mini Stock.  Word was that he was considering running his father's #81 with an H.  We noticed Outlaw Kart promoter Bob Fredrickson was working on a Sport Modified.  We heard rumors of who would be driving, but we will not speculate on that.  It's also worth noting that the PSM Pacific Sport Modified Series is back offering an additional point race for the drivers.  Any competitors who want to support an effort that promotes the class can look up the PSM on Facebook and consider joining. 

Chris Silva and Brian Bowman are two other names you can add to the IMCA Modified roster this year.  If some of the veterans are not regulars this season, we may still see an increase in newer names.  Silva could have had an impact in last season's championship.  After Mark Wauge was involved in a wreck while racing for the lead in last season's finale, he came back out and limped to a checkered.  Had Silva not retired from the race, it might have forced a tie between Wauge and James Welshonse.  IMCA does not break ties.  It just goes to show you how every point counts. 

We're keeping our fingers crossed that there will be a playday this Saturday and we can get a look at some cars and see all of our friends at the track.  The Kendal Oil Sprint Car class has been quiet lately, and we've yet to see any pictures of the dozen or so cars being prepared.  Because there are so many young new drivers, the division may have some sort of an orientation event.  At present, David Hibbard carries a huge experience advantage over the group.  Several drivers will be making their first ever Sprint Car starts, including Outlaw Kart champion Tanner Holmes, Merissa Henson, Bartley Foster and Blaine Corey.  We're hearing rumors of a few big names getting involved this year, but we'll leave the rumors where they are for now.  When the first race happens, all will be revealed.

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Siskiyou Speedway Prepares For Opener, Coos Bay Speedway Opener, Medford News


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Racing Season Kicks Off Saturday Night At Siskiyou Speedway

Yreka, Ca...A new season of racing is ready to begin this Saturday night at Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  Several drivers took advantage of the opportunity to come out and make practice laps last week.  On the card for this week are the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks and IMCA Modifieds.

The IMCA Sport Modifieds are poised for a big season, and the SCMA has offered a further enticement for the drivers.  At 13 cars this season, the payout goes up.  The winner's share of the purse goes from $300 to $500.   That makes Siskiyou Motor Speedway the biggest paying track for this division anywhere in the area.  If last season is any indication, there are several drivers who have a shot at the increased payout. There were 14 different winners last season.

Colton Cheffey enters the season as one of the top contenders not just for wins, but for the championship.  The talented second generation racer won four Main Events last season.  Reigning IMCA champion Jimmy Lipke, runnerup Garrett Hamilton and Doug Franklin were on the winner's list last season and are anticipated for this race as well as 2015 champion Colter Boswell.

Last year, Medford champion Mike Medel won the season opener, and he'd like to have a repeat performance.  That could be a challenge with Oregon IMCA champion Jorddon Braaten in the field.  Braaten won twice in Yreka last year.

There were about a dozen IMCA Sport Modified just for a practice last week.  There are new drivers in the field, including Mike Colson.  Colson is up from the Mini Stock division.  With Jack Waldon III, Doug Morton, Gary Foster and Ryder Boswell among the pack, the Sport Modified division will be putting on a good show for the fans.

Last year, Marilyn Yawnick finally wrote her name into the record books as a McDonald's Mini Stock champion.  She joined fellow competitors Terry Kendrick, Mike Whitaker and David Steele on the champion's list.  Steele is likely to divide his time between two tracks, but the other three are expected to compete with a talented young driver on the cusp of his first championship.  Last season, Ethan Killingsworth drove his fast Mini Truck to multiple feature wins on his way to second in points.

Those five drivers will make this a competitive show as it is, but they have other competition looking to step up.  Dennis Jorgensen was a feature winner last season, and both he and Aaron Jorgensen could put it in the winner's circle.  Mike Frost and Amber Waldon are also among the others to watch this season.  Word is that we could be seeing Anthony Whitaker this season as well.

The IMCA Modifieds round out the program. Last season, Albert Gill won a nail biter with Duane Orsburn for his second championship in three years.  Orsburn looked like he might hold on until failing to finish the season finale.  It was his second straight runnerup season.  The roster of racers from the area includes past champion John Toolanen, Stan Gunderson, Roger Lorenzini Jr. and Pablo Duran.  With Medford not running a race this week, we could be seeing visits from hard chargers such as James Welshonse, Jeremy Ohlde, Zach Fettinger and Ray Kniffen Jr.

In an interesting note from last week's playday, Fred Hay got back behind the wheel of his Dwarf Car for the first time since his terrible crash in Chico and made some laps along with rookie Ashleigh Strain.  It was a case of the oldest and youngest Dwarf Car drivers on the track together.  Hay said afterwards that he felt comfortable behind the wheel and the car handled well.  Pro Stock driver Johnny Cobb also made some good practice laps.  Hornets racer Joby Shields was also practicing.  On April 22nd, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Outlaw Pro Stocks and Hornets will join the regular three divisions for a big night of racing.

The O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks and IMCA Modifieds should put on a good show this week as we kick of an exciting new season of racing at Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  For further information, go to www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.


George, Forte, Wauge Open Coos Bay Season With Victories

Coos Bay, Oregon...April 1...Coos Bay Speedway kicked off the NASCAR era for the track with an eight division program.  Promoter Drake Nelson put some serious publicity efforts into this event and ended up with a packed grand stands as the coastal track was the first one in the state to hold a race this season.  On Thursday night, Nelson put word out on social media that he would add the A Modifieds to the program for a regular purse if they could give him at least six cars, and he had that commitment by the evening.

Mike George won the 25 lap NASCAR Whelen All American Series Late Model Main Event.  George hadn't won a feature at the track since September of 2014, but he took advantage of his pole position start to get the win.  It might have been the NASCAR sanctioning, but Jered Bemetz was another 2014 feature winner who returned to action.  From the outside third row staring position, Bemetz moved up to finish second.  Late Model veteran Chuck Bracelin, himself a feature winner back in 2015, grabbed the final podium position.  Chris Motts finished fourth ahead of Tom Parry, 2015 champion Toby McIntyre, Trent Elliott, Kristy Grout and Chris Ray.  Elliott and George were heat race winners.

Mark Wauge led the crusade the get A Modified drivers too commit to this race, and nine competitors ended up making the trip on short notice.  A seven time Southern Oregon Speedway champion, Wauge had to battle Ryan Baker for the lead early on before making the pass.  Wauge had heavy pressure from reigning Cottage Grove champion Curtis Towns down the stretch, but Towns fell out late.  Wauge took the checkers ahead of Baker and heat race winner Albert Gill.  Tyler Smith settled for fourth ahead of Towns, Jake Mayden, James Anderson, Max Augustine and James Welshonse.

Shane Forte made a surprise visit and left with the victory in the 25 lap Winged Sprint Car Main Event.  Forte had the pole for the race, but he shared the front row with fellow heat winner Lawrence Van Hoof.  Coming off of another Top 5 season, Van Hoof gave it a good run before settling for a second place finish.  Brett Hulsey finished third ahead of Casey Sabin and Ryan Kingrey.  Christon Baird finished sixth ahead of Todd Stevens, two time reigning champion Dave May, Michael Colby Jr. and Kevin Pendergrass.

Brody Montgomery opened the NASCAR Sportsman Late Model season with a 25 lap feature win.  Both Montgomery and Dyllan Siewell were stars of the Hornets division in 2015, where Siewell led the 1-2 finish in the standings.  Montgomery served notice to the competition that he will be a contender this year with his feature win over Siewell.  Siewell was a feature winner last year as well as second in the standings.  He finished second in this race as two time reigning champion Wayne Butler settled for third.  Jeff Krossman, Charlie Withers and Troy Chamberlain completed the finishing order.  Siewell won the heat race.

Jeremiah Reiber scored the victory in the 20 lap NASCAR Hornets Main Event.  Reiber is the reigning champion, and he shows no signs of slowing down as he won both the feature and heat race.  Ryan Siewell seemed to be the one driver last year who could challenge Rieber, and he finished second in the Main Event ahead of Hanna Robinson and 2016 point runner up Jeremy Beard.  Robert Vandre finished fifth ahead of Sam Taylor, Matt Butler and Erin Burton.

Ryder Johnson impressed with his own 20 lap NASCAR Mini Outlaws feature win and a heat race triumph.  Johnson is the defending champion, and his win came ahead of Carl Johnson, 2015 point runnerup John Henry, Dan Daniels and Jamie Daniels.

Justin Krossman won the 20 lap Street Stock Main Event ahead of Ken Fox as reigning champion Daniel Land failed to start. 

There were six competitors in the Humboldt Motorsports Side By Side UTV division, and Curtis Zeissler won their first ever 12 lap feature ahead of Scott Carroll, Shannon Krohn, Wayne Frampton, Byron Peck and an unidentified driver who finished last.

Next Saturday night is Business Card Night with Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws, Hornets and Humboldt Motorsports Side By Sides all on the schedule.  For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.

Coos Bay Speedway Race Results April 1, 2017
Winged Sprints

1 Shane Forte Junction City, OR
2 Lawrence VanHoff North Bend, OR
3 Brett Hulsey Coos Bay, OR
4 Casey Sabin North Bend, OR
5 Ryan Kingery North Bend, OR
6 Christon Beaird
7 Todd Stevens Elizabeth, MN
8 Dave May Walton, OR
9 Michael Colby Jr Gold Beach, OR
DNS Kevin Pendergrass


NASCAR Super Late Models
1 Mike George Coos Bay, OR
2 Jared Bemetz
3 Chuck Bracelin Coos Bay, OR
4 Chris Mott Salem, OR
5 Tom Parry Coos Bay, OR
6 Toby McIntyre Coos Bay, OR
7 Trent Elliott Springdale, OR
8 Kristy Grout Myrtle Point, OR
9 Chris Ray Coos Bay, OR


Modifieds
1 Mark Wauge Medford, OR
2 Ryan Baker Coquille, OR
3 Albert Gill Medford, OR
4 Tyler Smith Cottage Grove, OR
5 Curtis Towns Cottage Grove, OR
6 Jake Mayden Eugene, OR
7 James Anderson White City, OR
8 7 Max Augustine Cottage Grove, OR
9 James Welshonse Medford, OR


NASCAR Sportsman Late Models
1 Brody Montgomery Bandon, OR
2 Dyllan Siewell Bandon, OR
3 Wayne Butler Bandon, OR
4 Jeff Krossman Junction City, OR
5 Charlie Withers Bandon, OR
6 Troy Chamberlain Junction City, OR


NASCAR Hornets
1 Jeremiah Reiber North Bend, OR
2 Ryan Siewell
3 Hannah Robinson Myrtle Point, OR
4 Jeremy Bead Coos Bay, OR
5 Robert Vandre
6 Sam Taylor
7 Matt Butler Coquille, OR
8 Erin Burton Coos Bay, OR


NASCAR Mini Outlaws
1 Ryder Johnson Coquille, OR
2 Carl Johnson Myrtle Point, OR
3 John Henry
4 Dan Daniels
5 Jamie Daniels Coos Bay, OR


Humboldt Motorsports Side By Sides
1 Curtis Zeissler Coos Bay, OR
2 Scott Carroll Roseburg, OR
3 Shannon Krohn Lincoln City, OR
4 Wayne Frampton Lakeside, OR
5 Byron Peck Camas Valley, OR
6 Mystery Driver Coos Bay, OR


NASCAR Street Stocks
1 Justin Krossman Coquille, OR
2 Ken Fox North Bend, OR
DNS Daniel Land Coos Bay, OR


2017 Mini Stock Season At Southern Oregon Speedway An Opportunity For New Stars To Shine

White City, Oregon...The Mini Stocks are back for another ten race season at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Since the track opened in 1996, they have been one of the staple classes.  Car count had struggled for a few seasons leading into last year, but the track experienced some of its best Mini Stock turnouts since 2010.  In fact, the Mini Stocks were one of the more reliable divisions at the track last season.

A look into the numbers over the past three seasons finds an interesting fact.  You can count the different feature winners over the previous 47 races on one hand.  Bob Burkett, David Steele, Gary Anderson and David Marble won most of them, and James Welshonse had one win.  Welshonse is now in a Modified, and 2015 champion Marble is driving a Sport Modified these days.  2016 champion Bob Burkett has a Late Model Lite and won't run all of the Mini Stock races this year, meaning 2014 champion Anderson and 2015 Yreka champion Steele might be the drivers to beat for the championship this year.

We just received word of another champion returning to action.  Steve Goetz is back this season after a couple of years away.  Steve had three Top 3 point seasons prior to winning the 2013 championship  He returns to a division that has several new drivers on its roster since the last time he was here. 

Chances are good that there will be at least one new winner this season, but the question is who will it be?  Leading the charge is last year's third place point competitor, Andrew Hall.  Though without a feature win last season, Hall still had three second place finishes.  By ending the season with back to back runnerup finishes in his fast Pinto Wagon, Hall managed to hold off Steele for third in the standings.

Hall's Neon Mafia teammate Kristopher Mix had his moments last season with several Top 5 finishes.  The second generation racer's season took a hit at a playday in Yreka last year when his car was destroyed in a crash, but his new car turned out to be pretty competitive.  One of the young up and coming drivers to watch is past 250 Kart champion Dillen Lausen.  Dillen ended the season with a third place feature finish by holding off Bob Burkett, and he left with "Rookie Of the Year" honors.

Eric Hanson had mostly bad luck last season, but he could be a threat to win on any given night  You also have to keep an eye on other hard chargers such as second generation racer Mikey Johnson, Garrett Fredrickson, Hunter Magnum, and Randy Simmons.  Johnson's car has just been painted, and he's excited about the opportunity to try to write his name on the track's all time feature winner's list next to his father

To get those wins, the drivers will have to get past David Steele and Gary Anderson.  Steele returned a few races into the season and won six times last year, matching his season best effort from 2013.  Steele carries the experience advantage of nearly ten seasons over the rest of the pack.  Anderson took the division by storm with his 2014 championship in his rookie season, and he has racked up nine wins in the last three years.  We also can't forget that Burkett will still run some races, and  Goetz is back.  Any new winners will know they've earned it by beating these guys.

Prior to the Hornets being added to the roster in 2014, the Mini Stocks were the most affordable entry point into racing, and it's still a pretty reasonable option for the budget minded racer.  In fact, three competitors moved up from Hornets to Mini Stocks last season.   The competition is still pretty close on the track, and the racing is good.  The ten race season kicks off on April 29th after back to back playdays on April 15th and 22nd.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

2017 Southern Oregon Speedway Schedule

April 15 - Playday
April 22 - Playday (Rain Makeup)
April 29
May 6
May 20
June 10
June 17
July 1
July 8
July 22
August 26
September 26

Mini Stock Champions

1996  Brian Barns
1997  Scott Holt
1998  Rich McCoy
1999  Tracy Bradley
2000  Tracy Bradley
2001  Tom Lanigan
2002  Mike Johnson
2003  David Bishop
2004  David Bishop
2005  Tony Christopher
2006  Milton Carter
2007  Jim Pope
2008  John Derby
2009  John Derby
2010  John Derby
2011  John Derby
2012  Toby Judd
2013  Steve Goetz
2014  Gary Anderson
2015  David Marble
2016  Bob Burkett

New Era For Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...For several seasons, the Super 4's were a featured division at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Drivers like Brian Barns, Parker Jones, Joe Guider and Brian Johnsen battled at the front of the pack.  By 2012, car count had fallen off.  After John Barker won the 2013 season championship, the division disappeared from the roster.  It was because of long time competitors Lee Doty and Barger that the division managed to get their foot in the door for a late season date in 2015.

When Mike McCann took over the promoting duties of Southern Oregon Speedway last year, Doty and the others knocked on the door once again.  They were brought back for seven races.  The Super 4's once established themselves as a place for Mini Stock drivers to make the move up, and even drivers from other classes gave it a shot.  Doty was somebody leading the charge to get cars back to the track last year.  By season's end, the division had its best turnout going back a few years into their previous run with back to back ten car fields.  The Super 4's were back and growing.

One of the trends in rebuilding the class has been for the drivers to take their 4 cylinder motors and drop them into older Late Model chassis.  This is largely due to the fact that the older chassis are out there and they are affordable options.  During the offseason, it was suggested that the division be rebranded as the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites. Valley Stor-All of Medford has come on board as the title sponsor.

The class has evolved just a little bit from those earlier days, they are going just a bit faster now and they have the look of the popular Late Model class.  This is not an entry level division, but it remains an option for Mini Stock drivers moving up   Making it more enticing is the fact that the Late Model Lites are back for an eight race season that will begin with the April 29th season opener.

To highlight the fact that Mini Stock drivers can move up, Mike Cloud moved from Mini Stocks to Late Model Lites late last season.  Perhaps the most consistently fast Mini Stock driver of the current decade, Bob Burkett, is also moving up.  Burkett has racked up four runner up point seasons in Mini Stocks and was the champion last year.  Furthermore, he's won a Mini Stock division leading 20 races in the last five years.  He is a welcome addition to the Late Model Lites.

It is Doty leading the charge as the defending champion.  He won five times last season, but he didn't overtake Barger until the end of the season.  Doty not only won often, he did it with class.  Getting this division built up seems to be an even bigger goal than winning for Doty.  Barger, meanwhile, will be out to try to return to the winner's circle this season.  As with Doty, he brings years of experience into his effort.

Speaking of experience, you need not look any further than the husband and wife duo of Terry and Krista Hadley.  Both have had Top 5 seasons in the past, and Terry is a two time runnerup.  Both have also won Main Events through the years, and they were fast when they raced last year.  Word is that they have a new car in the works and may be fielding a third car this year.

Speaking of fast, Dan Prewett is fast as well, and he was one of two other drivers to get a feature win last year as he finished fifth in points.  Steve Thompson, another driver with feature wins through the years, won last year's opener before blowing a motor and falling out of the action.  Eric Aos is a winner of a prestigious Battle At The Border Late Model Lites race not too many years ago.  He had his moments last year and is anticipated this year along with Dustin Aos, who is up from the Outlaw Karts this season.

Charlie Eaton came on very strong late last year with a pair of dash wins and two Main Event seconds in the last three races.  The steady Bill Spencer finished right behind him in fourth in points.  These drivers are all anticipated this year along with others who the fans may be familiar with.

The Late Model Lites are a fast and exciting brand of racing that will continue to entertain the fans when they are in town.  After the playdays on April 15th and 22nd, their ten race season kicks off on April 29th.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

2017 Southern Oregon Speedway
Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites Schedule

April 15 - Playday
April 22 - (Rain Date) Playday
April 29
May 6
May 20
June 10
July 8
Auugust 5
August 26
September 9

Past Late Model Lites Champions

2003  Brian Barns
2004  Brian Barns
2005  Reggie DeVore
2006  Joe Guider
2007  Jacob Cole
2008  Brian Johnsen
2009  Parker "Hollywood" Jones
2010  Brian Johnsen
2011  Joe Guider
2012  Jamie Guider Newberg
2013  John Barger
2016  Lee Doty


There's Nothing Like Opening Day At The Races

There's nothing like opening day at the race track.  We're in the heart of spring after a wet winter, and there is so much green around the race track and the pits.  It really is a beautiful time of year.  It's not so beautiful when the rain comes and forces the races to be canceled, but it does add to the beauty of the area.

It's a clean slate for all of the racers.  Consider the fact that every racer at the track on opening day is technically tied for the point lead until that first heat race pulls out onto the track.  The preparations have been made, the car is ready and anything is possible.

That brings us to the other thing about that preparation.  We've already seen some pictures of the cars, and there are some beautiful race cars.  Some of them could win the prize for best looking car.  Several cars will be on display this weekend at the 64th Annual Pear Blossom Festival Parade.  For the fans, it's their first chance to look at these race cars this year.

The teams put all of that work into their cars with the knowledge that the car won't stay pristine for long.  The first ding will be put on that car soon, maybe as eaerly as hot laps.  That's okay.  It's to be expected.  It's all about the competition.  The pre season preparation is itself a competition.  My car is better looking than your car.

Some people haven't seen each other since the last race.  The opener is the first chance to visit with everybody and get caught up on what's been happening.  We're stll a family, and that doesn't change because it's been a few months since we last spoke.  The racing family is a special fraternity.

The clean slate makes it special too.  You were the champion last year?  That's fine, but you have to go back out there and earn it again this year.  You had a bad season?  That's okay.  It's a new year.  That was then, this is now.  The beautiful thing about auto racing is that anything can happen on any given week.

Goals can be set and achieved if the dedication is there to make it happen.  Maybe a driver simply wants to take a checkered flag.  That happens, and now they want to win a heat race.  Maybe a Main Event?  It's all possible for those who put in the effort.  The offseason was the time to get everything lined up.  Now the green flag waves, and it's time to make it happen.

The sound of the race track.  That first motor is fired up as the car backs out of the trailer.  The sound of the cars going around the track on the pace lap, followed by the roar of the engines as the green flag waves.  The announcer is  calling the action as the crowd cheers.  The sound of multiple conversations in the stands.   You can hear the pit board official call the next race to staging.  It's on now.

The smell of opening day is unique.  Racing fuel and oil.  The smell of barbecue wafting through the pits, or the smell of the food being prepared at the concessions stand.  Just being out in the open air at one of your favorite places to be, the racetrack.  You've waited all winter for this, and now it's time.

This is the 22nd time we've had an opening day at Southern Oregon Speedway, and no other race day is quite like it.  This night doesn't need a special promotion to make it better.  It's finally time to go racing again, and you've been looking forward to this.  Whether you win or lose, you're enjoying a night at the races.  That's what it's all about.