Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Ensign, Hansen, Steel Win At Southern Oregon, Cronk Wins At Coos Bay


The DCRR Racing Radio Show
Can Be Heard HERE

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
Can Be Heard HERE


Ensign Wins $3,000 Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 26...Leading all the way from his pole position start, Geoff Ensign won the 30 lap Cascade Wingless 360 Sprint Car Challenge Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Thanks to sponsorship from Herz Precision Parts, the win paid Ensign $3,000 aboard the Ted Finkenbinder owned Sprinter.  Ensign has become one of the top West Coast Sprint Car drivers both without or with wings.  He currently leads the Winged 360 Sprint Car standings at both the Petaluma and Watsonville, California tracks.  Cody Fendley turned in an impressive performance as he held off Kyle Miller for a second place finish.  Fendley collected $1,500 for second, while Miller earned for $1,000.

There were 22 Sprint Cars, and the drivers each got one lap for qualifying.  The Top 2 qualifiers would automatically transfer into the eight lap Scramble to set the first four rows of the Main Event.  Ensign turned the three-tenth mile clay oval with a lap of 12.741, beating the 12.751 of Steve Hix.  Kyler Barraza was a close third with a 12.807.  The Top 2 finishers in each ten lap heat race would also earn starts in the Scramble.  Barraza is the 2017 Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car champion at Southern Oregon Speedway.  He removed his wing to race for the big money and finished second to three time Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint champion Terry Schank Jr. in his heat race.  Fendley led Miller for the 1-2 finish in the second heat, and local ace David Hibbard won a close battle with Jeremy Wilson in the third heat.  Ensign made a last lap pass on Barraza to win the eight lap scramble ahead of Hibbard and Schank.  Barraza had problems on the last lap and finished eighth.

There were 20 Main Event starters as Bailey Hibbard and Colton Slack scratched.  Ensign raced into the lead at the start ahead of Hibbard and Hix.  The flying Ensign was already lapping slower cars by lap seven as Hibbard, Hix and Fendley were enjoying a spirited battle for second.  Ensign was a straightaway in front as the second place battle hit heavy traffic.  Hix made a Turn 4 pass on Hibbard for second on lap 17, just before a yellow flag flew for debris on the front stretch.  Ensign maintained command on the restart, while Fendley moved into third behind Hix.  Barraza and Miller joined the intense battle for second, and contact on the back stretch on lap 19 resulted in a red flag as Sterling Kane flipped.  Barraza had to pit for repairs.  Ensign led the restart as Fendley took second from Hix.  The race was red flagged after 20 laps when Barraza flipped on the back stretch and his car caught fire.  Barraza walked away under his own power.  Ensign maintained command on the restart and steadily pulled away.  Fendley was second ahead of Miller.  Miller moved up on Fendley, but Fendley stayed smooth during the final laps to maintain the second position.  Ensign brought it home to the impressive victory ahead of Fendley, Miller, Hix, Jake Wheeler, Jeremy Wilson and final lead lap finisher Tim Alberding.  Lindsay Barney, Kevin Pendergrass and Nathan Johnson rounded out the Top 10 at the checkered flag.

Race Results
Wingless 360 Sprint Cars
Heat 1-Terry Schank, Kyler Barraza, Tim Alberding.  Heat 2-Cody Fendley, Kyle Miller, Jake Wheeler.  Heat 3-David Hibbard, Jeremy Wilson, Guy Weedman.  Scramble-Geoff Ensign, David Hibbard, Terry Schank.  Main Event-Geoff Ensign, Cody Fendley, Kyle Miller, Steve Hix, Jake Wheeler, Jeremy Wilson, Tim Alberding, Lindsay Barney, Kevin Pendergrass, Nathan Johnson, Guy Weedman, Mark Herz, Lance Hallmark, Jacob Gillman, David Hibbard, Kyler Barraza, Sterling Kane, Ariel Biggs, Jeff Crossman, Terry Schank, Bailey Hibbard (DNS), Colton Slack (DNS).


Hansen First Repeat Winner In Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 26...Randy Hansen won the 20 lap Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  This was his second straight win as he became the first repeat winner of the season.  The win also capped a sweep of six lap heat race, four lap Trophy Dash and Main Event.  Bob Burkett maintained his point lead by holding off championship rival Charlie Eaton for second.

Hansen won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Dustin Aos, but Aos blew a motor in his heat race to join Danny Prewitt as a Main Event scratch.  Hansen won his six lap heat race ahead of Burkett, and Eaton won the other heat ahead of Eric Aos.  At the waving of Tom Hood's green flag, Hansen raced into the Main Event lead.  Eaton was an early second in front of Burkett.  An onside move on the front stretch of the third lap gained Burkett second from Eaton.  E. Aos ran close behind Eaton in fourth as Greg Arnold tried to find a way past him.  Arnold pushed high off of Turn 2 on lap eight, but he rejoined the race a lap later, right in front of Hansen.  Hansen put him down another lap as he also caught the four car race for second.  Not wanting to effect the point battle he knew was going on, Hansen rode behind the other cars as he scored the impressive victory.  Burkett held off Eaton for second as E. Aos, Bill Spencer and Arnold rounded out the finishing order.

Race Results
Valley Stor All Late Model Lites
Heat 1-Charlie Eaton, Eric Aos, Greg Arnold.  Heat 2-Randy Hansen, Bob Burkett, Bill Spencer.  Trophy Dash-Randy Hansen, Charlie Eaton. Bob Burkett.  Main Event-Randy Hansen, Bob Burkett, Charlie Eaton, Eric Aos, Bill Spencer, Greg Arnold, Danny Prewitt (DNS), Dustin Aos (DNS).


Steele Scores Fourth Mini Stock Win 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 26...David Steele raced to victory in the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  This was his fourth Main Event win of the season, but three straight nights with motor issues has taken him from championship contention.  Steve Goetz stayed in the hunt with a strong second place finish, while Kristopher Mix gained the point lead with a third place finish.

Mix kicked off the night by outrunning Dillen Lausen for his first career four lap Trophy Dash win.  Goetz won his six lap heat race ahead of Lausen, while Steele won the second heat ahead of Mix.  Steele raced into the Main Event lead at the start as Mix settled into second ahead of incoming point leader Michael Johnson.  As they ran down the back stretch, Johnson and Mix got together and crashed off of Turn 3 for a yellow flag.  Johnson made a pit stop, but both drivers were able to continue.  Hunter Magnan joined Garrett Fredrickson on the sidelines.  Steele led Goetz and Lausen on the restart.  A three wide battle for third on the back stretch on lap six saw Johnson race by on the outside to gain the spot.  Mix ducked underneath Lausen in Turn 4 to gain fourth.  A high move in Turn 4 of the seventh lap gained Johnson second from Goetz.  Not content to ride in second, Johnson set about trying to reel in a straightaway lead for Steele, but he brushed the front wall on multiple occasions.  Johnson ended up with a flat tire on lap ten and spun in Turn 4 for a yellow flag.  He barely made it back for the restart as Steele led Goetz and Mix.  Jeremy Sites pitted.  There was no stopping Steele as he collected the impressive victory ahead of Goetz, Mix, Andrew Hall, Lausen and Johnson.

Race Results
Mini Stocks
Heat 1-Steve Goetz, Dillen Lausen, Jeremy Sites.  Heat 2-David Steele, Kristopher Mix, Michael Johnson.  Trophy Dash-Kristopher Mix, Dillen Lausen, Michael Johnson.  Main Event-David Steele, Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Andrew Hall, Dillen Lausen, Michael Johnson, Jeremy Sites, Hunter Magnan, Garrett Fredrickson (DNS).


Stoutenburgh Wins Third Straight JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 26...Jason Stoutenburgh won the 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedaway.  This was the third straight win for Stoutenburgh, and he took a big step towards the championship as his closet point rival, Tim Hedges, struggled at the back of the pack.  Derrel Nelson Jr. was a solid second as 14 year old rookie Dylan Irving finished third.

Jenna Hedges battled Nelson for the four lap Trophy Dash win.  Nelson won his six lap heat race ahead of Brandon Wonsyld, and Stoutenburgh won the other heat ahead of Irving.  One of the Hedges cars and John Corder in the Ashland High School PT Cruiser were loaded up early with motor problems.  Stoutenburgh raced into the Main Event lead at the start.  Nelson was an early second, but Irving made a Turn 3 pass on lap four to take over second.  Nelson returned the favor with a high pass in Turn 4 of the seventh lap to reclaim second.  J. Hedges, Wonsyld and Ashtin Hedges were having a spirited battle for fourth.  Wonsyld finally took fourth from J. Hedges and set about closing the gap between he and teammate Irving.  At that point, Stouternburgh held a commanding lead over Nelson and was closing in on the fifth place battle between J. Hedges and her son A. Hedges.  He lapped them both on lap 18 as Wonsyld caught Irving.  However, Wonsyld couldn't make the pass on Irving as Stoutenburg won ahead of Nelson, Irving, Wonsyld, J. Hedges, A. Hedges and T. Hedges.

Race Results
JOAT Labs Hornets
Heat 1-Derrel Nelson Jr., Brandon Wonsyld, Ashtin Hedges.  Heat 2-Jason Stoutenburgh, Dylan Irving, Jenna Hedges.  Trophy Dash-Jenna Hedges, Derrel Nelson Jr., Jason Stoutenburgh.  Main Event-Jason Stoutenburgh, Derrel Nelson Jr., Dylan Irving, Brandon Wonsyld, Jenna Hedges, Ashtin Hedges, Tim Hedges, John Corder (DNS).


Cronk Wins Street Stock Battle At The Beach 
At Coos Bay Speedway

Coos Bay, Oregon...August 26...David Cronk won the 50 lap Street Stock Battle At The Beach Saturday night at Coos Bay Speedway.  This was the seventh round of the Road To The Iron Giant Series, which has eight races at eight different tracks, and a good group of competitors came in from the Willamette and Cottage Grove tracks.  Cronk had it dialed in as he won the 50 lap race by almost a half lap.  Series organizer Chris Sine grabbed a second place finish not too far ahead of Cottage Grove point leader Evan Britton.  Reigning Coos Bay champion Daniel Land battled Erik Jarnport for a fourth place finish while local racer Jeff Thurman was the final lead lap finisher in sixth.  R.C. Levin, Sean Cronk, Ken Fox and Hunter Bloom competed the Top 10 finishing order.  Ten lap heat wins went to Ron Brewster, Kyle Yaeck and D. Cronk, but Brewster and Yaeck were out of the Main Event early.

Mike George scored the 25 lap Main Event victory in the NASCAR Super Late Model division.  This was his ninth feature win of the season.  Championship rival Toby McIntyre beat George by a straightaway to win the ten lap heat race, but George scored the feature win by about a half straightaway over McIntyre.  Rookie Brody Montgomery, Thor Kristenson and Chris Ray rounded out the Top 5.

Dr. Scott Lenz made a surprise visit to Coos Bay and won the 20 lap Sportsman Late Model Main Event.  Lenz currently leads the points at Southern Oregon Speedway and with the Outlaw Pro Stock Association.  Lenz kicked things off by winning the ten lap heat race by a straightaway ahead of championship hopeful Wayne Butler.  In the Main Event, Lenz continued his rapid pace in beating point leader Brody Montgomery by a straightaway.  Butler was a solid third with Dyllan Siewell the final lead lap finisher ahead of Jeff Krossman, Stacy Robinson and Charlie Withers.

John Henry won the 20 lap Mini Outlaws Main Event.  This was his second win of the season.  Henry just managed to beat point leader Sam Talon back to the line for the victory as Alyssa Johnson rounded out a short field of cars.  Talon won the ten lap heat race ahead of Henry.

Braden Fugate won the 25 lap Hornets Main Event.  This was his second win of the season and it came not too far ahead of the season best second place finish for Jeremy Beard.  Beard won a good battle with reigning champion Jeremiah Reiber for the runnerup finish.  Hannah Robison enjoyed a good battle with point leader Ryan Siewell before beating him back to the line for fourth.  Sam Taylor and April Warmack were the final lead lap finishers as Tyler McIntyre, Eric Kolari and Patrick Nagel rounded out the Top 10.  Fugate and Siewell were ten lap heat race winners.

Next Saturday night is the Wingless Sprint Car Iron Man Race, and there will also be a Fireworks Show.  Also on the NASCAR Whelen All American Series card will be the Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws, Hornets and West Coast Vintage Sprints.  For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.


Chico Silver Dollar Speedway Race Results August 25, 2017
410 Sprints
Sean Becker
Bud Kaeding
Michael Ing
Brent Bjork
Stephen Ingraham
Richard Brace Jr.
Emilee Lindgren
Jeremy Hawes
Andy Forsberg
Chase Majdic

Sport Mods
Phillip Shelby
Todd Cooper
Tyler Rodgers
Mark Abouzeid
Mike Merritt
Corey Hall
Hunter Merritt
Jerry Bartlett
Richard Vanderploeg
Brian Cooper
Keith Foux
Jake Vantol
Jeff Fear
Greg Barnes
David Larabee

Street Stocks
Shawn Smith
Joe Flower
Corey Hall
Michael Helwig
Gary Newman
Phil Marino
Richard Workman
Phillip Shelby
Jesse Skidmore
Mike Slightom
Danny Dozier

Hobby Stocks
Cy Cooper
Nick Vidovich
Jeremy Langenderfer
Kyle Allen
James West
Shannon Collins
Callen Myers
Colin Ferguson


Placerville Speedway Race Results August 25. 2017
SCCT Sprint Cars
A Main
Results are not official
1     #83SA Cory Eliason
2     #22 Shane Golobic
3     #X1JR Colby Copeland
4     #31C Justyn Cox
5     #94 Steven Tiner   
6     #83 Kyle Hirst
7     #3C D.J. Netto
8     #33T Jimmy Trulli
9     #16 Andy Gregg
10     #35M Roger Crockett
11     #56 Ryan Bernal
12     #2K Kyle Offill
13     #29 Willie Croft
14     #4SA Greg DeCaires
15     #55 Cody Hodgson
16     #3 Kaleb Montgomery
17     #37 Mitchell Faccinto
18     #4S Michael Kofoid
19     #7N Zach Lynskey
20     #57 Dustin Golobic
21     #83T Tanner Carrick
22     #7C Tony Gualda Jr.   

B Main
Results are not official
1     #16 Andy Gregg
2     #83 Kyle Hirst
3     #4SA Greg DeCaires
4     #4S Michael Kofoid
5     #37 Mitchell Faccinto
6     #83T Tanner Carrick
7     #25 Justin Johnson
8     #97 Shane Hopkins
9     #85 C.J. Humphries
10     #2 Gary Nelson Jr.
12     #9L Cody Lamar   
13     #X1 Mason Moore       
14     #16S Justin Dill       
15     #10 Logan Seavey   

Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints
Results are not official
1     #51 Austin Liggett   
2     #32 Klint Simpson   
3     #33 Kalib Henry
4     #45 Jake Morgan
5     #38 Casey McClain
6     #1 Terry Schank Jr.
7     #28 Marcus Smith
8     #6 Sparky Howard
9     #84 Brent Steck   
10     #3V Josh Vieira   
11     #56 Scott Hall
12     #27 Rick Gutzke   
13     #1W Trey Walters       
14     #1JR Tim Sherman Jr.


Redwood Acres Raceway Eureka, CA Race Results Augut 26, 2017
Late Models
Dave Henderson
Brandon White
Mic Moulton
Eric Gannon
Dane Nissen
JD Frey
Luke Hall
Marty Walsh
Ryun Leazer
Miles Anderson
Ryan Walters
Eddie Klein
Scott Baker
Ken Hallis
Sheyne Demello
Dennis Delbiaggio
George Young
Dustin Walters
Craig Baker
Kenny Demello

Bombers
Jeff French
Sam Brown
Kolby Jackson
Chris Naughton
Bethany Rapp
Jimmy Sorrels
Jim Redd
John Lally
Kimberley Sorrels

Mini Stocks
Brett Murrell
Eugene Palmer
Scott Taylor
Brian Murrell Jr.
Troy Lee
Jon Zaugg
Ken Murrell
Nick Ford
Jordon Paiment
Brian Murrell Sr.
Nick Green
Trevor Eacret
Kayla Foster
RC Brown

Thunder Roadsters
Ronnie O'Neil
Tommy Payne
Chris Lawrence
Tyler Peach
Paul Baker
Mac Collado

Legends
Derek Copeland
Robert Miller
Joe Brattoli
Tyler Peach
Daniel Whitley
Dominc Vogelsang
Tyler Krupa
MKinzy Uselton
Bianca Barajas

All American Speedway Race Results August 26, 2017
Bombers
Erick Ray
Chris Paulson
Daryl Fitzgerald
Travis Henry
Tim Walters
Nathan Hickok
Eric Martinez
Wayne Hickok
Bill Clark
David Caluya
Will Harmon
Blake Disomma

Pro 4 Modifieds
Sammy Nuno
Erick Kaas
Marty Lewis
Mike Peterson
Scott Brown
Jim Sturgess

NCMA Sprint Cars
Jerry Kobza
Rob Hammond
8Denny Burrell

Friday, August 25, 2017

Southern Oregon Speedway, Siskiyou Speedway, Coos Bay Speedway, Pit Stops


The DCRR Racing Radio Show
Can Be Heard HERE

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
Can Be Heard HERE

Sprint Car Race Part Of Fan Friendly Night 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...Saturday night is a big night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The headliner for this event is the Cascade Wingless 360 Sprint Car Challenge, which is a $3,000 to win race.  Herz Precision Parts came on board to sponsor the big race.  Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets are also racing that night.  As if that's not enough, it's also Hays Oil and KBOY Night, and that means there will be lots of fan giveaways.

The money will draw some top Sprint Car teams to the White City track for a shot at the first prize.  Perhaps leading the way is a California leadfoot named Geoff Ensign.  Ensign has been nicknamed "The Human Highlight Reel" as one of the more exciting drivers to watch at tracks in Petaluma and Watsonville, California.  Ensign runs Winged Sprint Cars at both tracks and leads the point standings there.  However, Geoff has won several wingless races as well.  Saturday night, he will be teaming up with car owner Ted Finkenbinder.  The two have won several races together.

Two top Northwest Wingless Sprint racers to watch are Tim Alberding and Lance Hallmark.  Both are feature winners with the NWWT Sprint Car Series, and Alberding is currently second in the standings.  Alberding was second in points last season and the champion the year before.  Hallmark recently won his second Main Event of the season in Willamette and he was also a two time feature winner and Top 5 point competitor last season.  Both figure to be contenders for the win this week.

Kyler Barraza has clinched the track's Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car championship.  He'll be taking his wing off and putting in his ASCS motor in to make a run at the prize money.  Barraza recently won a Wingless Sprint Trophy Dash at Willamette, but it had been a couple of years prior to that since he had raced without the wing.  Considering his knack for winning at his home track, the competition will have to take him seriously this week.

Rising young star Ariel Biggs and teammate Jake Gillman are coming.  Gillman is a past Top 5 point competitor with the NWWT Series, and Biggs is a past Focus Midget Star and Sprint Car feature winner with the Young Guns Series this year in Perris, CA.  Mark Herz is both the sponsor of this race and a past Top 5 NWWT point runner.  The Johnson Racing Team from Corning, CA will be fielding multiple cars, and USAC competitor Steve Hix is on a list of nearly 20 drivers already confirmed.  it's going to be an exciting night of open wheel racing.

After winning the Mini Stock championship last season, rookie Bob Burkett finds himself leading the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites championship battle by 10 points over Charlie Eaton.  Burkett is a feature winner this season with three Trophy Dash wins, while Eaton hasn't missed a Top 3 finish yet this year.  Lee Doty has had rear end problems and a heat race rollover end his last two races early, but the reigning champion will be out to win his second feature this week.  Recent winner Randy Hansen, Eric Aos, Bill Spencer and Danny Prewitt are other drivers to look for this week.

After winning the Trophy Dash and finishing second in last week's Main Event, 15 year old Michael Johnson moved into the Mini Stock point lead.  Johnson leads 16 year old Dillen Lausen and Kritopher Mix by just one point.  While Johnson has a feature win this year, Mix and Lausen are still looking for their first wins.  Steve Goetz is still in the hunt, 13 points out of the lead, while David Steele will be back to try for his fourth win of the season.

The JOAT Labs Hornets race is a battle between Jason Stoutenburg and reigning champion Tim Hedges.  Both have won two Main Events this season, and Stoutenburgh leads T. Hedges by just eight points.  Jenna Hedges is still in the hunt as she trails the leader by 21 points.  She'll be out to try for her first feature win this week, and other stars to watch for include Dylan Irving, Ashtin Hedges, Brandon Wonsyld and Derrel Nelson Jr.

There's plenty of excitement on tap this Saturday night with great open wheel racing and fan giveaways as part of the schedule.  Gates open at 5:00 PM with the first race starting at 7:00 PM.  General Admission is $15.00 with Juniors (6-12), Seniors and Veterans $10.00 and Children 5 and under free.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


R. Charles Snyder Salute To Pay $5,000 
To IMCA Modified Winner

White City, Oregon...The R. Charles Snyder Salute is the biggest IMCA Modified race of the year on the West Coast, and it's happening at Southern Oregon Speedway on September 2nd and 3rd.  The Labor Day Weekend event was created to pay tribute to the long time announcer at Medford Speedway and Southern Oregon Speedway, R. Charles Snyder.  Snyder passed away in 2015.

Charles was one of the most popular radio DJ's in the Medford area for over 40 years.  He had a hand in  promoting rock concerts in the area and would lend his voice to help various causes through the years.  It was in 1976 when he went to Medford Speedway to see how racing announcers do their job.  Little did he know that the regular announcer would not show up that night, and he was called into action to announce the races.  Thus began Snyder's love of auto racing.

He announced at Medford Speedway until the track closed in 1989.  When Southern Oregon Speedway opened, he started announcing there and continued to announce for over a decade.  He even announced at Yreka.  Charles was a big fan of Dale Earnhardt and followed the news on him very closely.  He was also a big James Bond fan.  He had one of the largest collections of Bond memorabilia in North America and even attended three different movie premieres in England.

The community mourned his passing, but nothing was ever officially done for him at the track.  Speedway management contacted Snyder's family about the possibility of having this race, and they were happy to see the track add it to the 2017 schedule.  His son Travis has even brought in some sponsorship to guarantee that the winner of the IMCA Modified Main Event will receive a $5,000 payday.  More importantly, the event will honor the beloved announcer.  The scoring tower will be dedicated to him as the R. Charles Snyder Memorial Race Tower.

The IMCA Modifieds have had a big race on the schedule since the track opened in 1996, and that will continue to be the case this year.  The money at the top for Sunday's finale will entice some of the best drivers on the West Coast to come race.  It's $5,000 to win, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third and $1,000 for fourth.  Drivers get a minimum of $200 to start the Main Event, and entry for car and driver is only $100.

Saturday's qualifying format gives each racer two heat races, and they will earn points in those races to determine who qualifies for the big race.  The remaining drivers will be in the B and C Main Events.  Saturday will have an invitational Main Event for the track's regular weekly purse.  The Top 3 finishers in the first round of heat races qualify for that race, which will close Saturday night's program.

IMCA Sport Modifieds will be racing both nights as well.  Their heat races on Saturday night will determine who makes Sunday's $650 to win race.  Top heat finishers also qualify for Saturday's invitational race, which pays a regular purse.  The SODCA Dwarf Cars will run both nights, and their Sunday Main Event will offer a $1,000 payday to the winner.

Local IMCA Modified stars will be lining up at the gate to take on the visitors coming to town for a shot at the big money.  Point leader Jesse Bailey and his closest rival Albert Gill are anticipated along with seven time champion Mark Wauge, Matt Duste, Ray Kniffen Jr., Preston Jones, James Welshonse and Duane Orsburn.  The Sunday race will also be an IMCA points paying race, and the increase in car count will make things more challenging for the leaders.

Likewise, the IMCA Sport Modifieds have a good battle between reigning champion Mike Medel and Willie McFall, and just a few points separate the two going into the big Sunday race.  After back to back wins, Rich McCoy is closing in fast, and the anticipated car count increase gives him a good shot at closing in on the lead duo.  Two time champions Jorddon Braaten and Dwayne Melvin are anticipated along with other top locals such as Justin McCreadie, A.J. Parker and Jesse Merriman.

The R. Charles Snyder Salute is shaping up to be a huge event that you won't want to miss.  Gates will open at 5 PM and the first race will be at 7 PM both nights.  Ticket prices will be made available on the website.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


Racing Returns To Siskiyou Motor Speedway Saturday Night

Yreka, CA...Siskiyou Motor Speedway has been silent during the Siskiyou County Fair, but it's about time to change that.  The crew is hard at work making the track ready for Saturday night's races.  There will be a loaded program with IMCA Sport Modifieds, Outlaw Pro Stocks, McDonald's Mini Stocks and IMCA Modifieds on the big track.  This Friday night will feature an Outlaw Kart race on the small track.  It's about time for the stretch run as the championships will all be decided at the Rod Restad Memorial Race on September 23rd.

The IMCA Sport Modified championship race finds D.J. Bottoms leading Colton Cheffey by 50 points.  Cheffey had some bad luck to start the season, but he won four Main Events in a row headed into the month long hiatus.  Things were going so well for the second generation racer that he probably wishes they didn't have a break.  Making up a point deficit is much more difficult with IMCA and its one point at a time system.  It doesn't help that Bottoms entered the break with back to back Top 3 finishes.  D.J. has done well this season with two wins out of five Top 3 finishes.

The steady Randy Wright is now two points ahead of Justin Foux in the race for third.  Foux had a pair of early season wins before taking his car elsewhere.  Wright finished second to Foux in one of those races, but he's still looking for his first win.  Second generation racer Ryder Boswell has gained a five point lead over Jack Waldon III in the race for fifth in points.  Ryder's best finish is a second, while Jack has a third.  There have been seven different winners so far this season as Justin McCreadie, Cory Biggs and Jordon Braaten each have two and Keith Brown Jr. also has a win.

Reigning McDonald's Mini Stock champion Marilyn Yawnick is still leading their point race by 37 ahead of Ethan Kilingsworth and 40 over Mike Whitaker.  Marilyn had three seconds and three thirds heading into the final race before the break, but she finally got her first win of the year ahead of Killingsworth that night.  Marilyn can't go into protection mode.  Four time winner Killingsworth won three in a row at one point, so she is well aware of what that talented teen racer is capable of. 

2014 champion Whitaker is enjoying a good season so far, and he is one of the six different winners so far this season.  2015 champion David Steele has three wins, while Michael Johnson and Chris Jorgensen each have a win.  Mike Frost, Jason Frost, Guy Morris, Mike Colson and Amber Waldon are a few of the other racers hoping to get a win.

Only the non point, big money Billy Geyer Memorial Race has eluded Dr. Scott Lenz in the Outlaw Pro Stock division.  Lenz has won all six point races in Yreka, leaving the battle for second.  Jeffrey Hudson could very well be second in points right now, but he missed a race making his lone Sprint Car start in Medford that night.  Jeffrey won the Billy Geyer Race and has five second place finishes in the six point races held in Yreka. 

With three thirds and a second, Scott Flowers is holding onto second in the standings ahead of Johnny Cobb and Hudson, who have a close battle going for third.  Cobb has a pair of third place finishes this season, while James Flowers was third in the most recent Yreka race.  S. Flowers beat son J. Flowers in the most recent association point race in Medford, and these two, along with Hudson, may be the best hope of beating Lenz.  Top rookie Bryan Hammond, Ginny Flowers, Roy Bain and Matt Harlow are other drivers anticipated for the race.

Yreka is the only track in the area running IMCA Modifieds this week, but it's anybody's guess who might come to race.  A point race will happen if enough drivers show up to make it happen.  It's just possible that we may not see another Modified race until the big money season finale.  Nick Trenchard has won three of the four races to hold a 20 point lead over Kyle Casson and Albert Gill with James Welshonse 22 points back.  Trenchard has scored big wins at Yreka, Medford and Elma this year, and all of them were worth more than $1,000 to win.

With Outlaw Kart racing on Friday and a regular show on the big track on Saturday, it's going to be a great weekend of racing.  For further information, go to www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.


Siskiyou Speedway Points
McDonald's Mini Stocks
Marilyn Yawnick  584
Ethan Killingsworth 547
Mike Whitaker     544
Terry Kendrick     438
Mike Frost      399

IMCA Sport Modifieds
DJ Bottoms    487
Colton Cheffey    437
Randy Wright    377
Justin Foux     375
Ryder Boswell    328

Outlaw Pro Stocks
Scott Lenz    530
Scott Flowers    459
Johnny Cobb    423
Jeffrey Hudson    419
James Flowers    385

IMCA Modifieds
Nick Trenchard     157
Kyle Casson     137
Albert Gill     137
James Welshonse 125
Lenny Toolanen     109


The Road To The Iron Giant Goes Through 
Coos Bay Speedway

Coos Bay, Oregon...Coos Bay Speedway has a little "Bash At The Beach" planned this Saturday night.  The Road To The Iron Giant Street Stock Tour is coming to Coos Bay this week to do battle with the locals in a 50 lap Main Event.  There will be a noticeable increase in car count for the Street Stocks.  The NASCAR Whelen All American Series program will also feature Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Mini Outlaws and Hornets.  It should be another exciting night of racing.

Prior to the season, past Cottage Grove Street Stock champion Chris Sine put together an eight race series that takes place at 8 different tracks.  It's called "The Road To The Iron Giant" because it culminates at the big money Iron Giant race at Willamette Speedway on Labor Day weekend.  Among the drivers who support the tour are Sine, recent Roseburg winner Nick Hansen, Street Stock super star Kyle Yaeck and James Whitehouse.  Coos Bay is the final stop on the schedule before the Willamette finale.

Coos Bay management is throwing a little Bash At The Beach for Street Stocks.  In anticipation of the traveling competitors, a season high nine drivers were on hand as last week's race.  Winning for the eighth time this season was Steve Dubisar with reigning champion Daniel Land not far behind him.  Land is a Main Event winner this year, while point leader Justin Krossman has five victories and third ranked Jeff Thurman has won twice.  Second ranked Ken Fox, John Bearden, Dustin Hitner and Tyrell Mead are other drivers to watch for this week.

Mike George continues to roll in the Super Late Model championship battle.  After scoring his eighth win of the season last week, George has a 32 point lead over one time winner Toby McIntyre in a championship battle that could be worth as much a $6,000 to the winner at season's end.  2016 point runnerup Thor Kristensen got it to the finish line in third last week as he moved up to fourth in the standings by six points ahead of Jered Bemetz.  Kristy Grout returned last week and looked impressive in winning the five lap Trophy Dash.  She's anticipated this week, along with third ranked Chris Ray, rookie Brody Montgomery and 2014 champion Trina Post.

Last week, two time reigning Sportsman Late Model champion Wayne Butler managed to win his third Main Event of the season, while 12 time winner Brody Montgomery settled for third.  Montgomery still holds an 18 point advantage in the championship chase.  One time winner Dyllan Siewell has had an up and down season this year, but he finished second in the Main Event after winning the heat race last week.  The steady Charlie Withers is still fourth in points, and he's anticipated this week along with Deven Brown.  Brown won the Trophy Dash last week.

Ken Fox stepped back into the Top 5 in Mini Outlaw points after his second feature win of the season.  He won that race by holding off six time winner and point leader Sam Talon.  Fox also beat Talon for a Trophy Dash win.  The VW Beetle of Rob Lauver was a welcome sight back in the pits last week, but unfortunately mechanical issues took him out in preliminaries.  Hopefully, the issues weren't enough to take five time feature winner Lauver out of the action this week.  It's been a competitive class all season, and John Henry and third ranked Jason Kallam are also feature winners.  Second ranked Dan Daniels, Alyssa Johnson and Jamie Daniels are other drivers to watch for this week.

Ryan Siewell continues his march towards the Hornets championship.  Siewell won his 11th Main Event of the season last week ahead of Hanna Robison.  Robison is still looking for her first win of the season.  She trails Sam Taylor by 18 points in the battle for second, while Taylor is 80 points behind Siewell.  Two time winner Jeremiah Reiber is still in the hunt for second, 30 points behind Taylor.  Reiber is trying to make up for a bad start that took him out of championship contention.  Other drivers to watch for this week include two time winner Tom Williams, April Warmack, Patrick Nagel, Jeremy Beard, Tim Young and Matt Butler.

The Bash At The Beach Street Stock race will make this week's NASCAR program an event you'll want to see.  For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.


Pit Stops

The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars were back in action last Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  It's no surprise to see that Kyler Barraza had put himself into a position to clinch the track championship that night.  He won three Main Events out of six Top 3 finishes.  The night he didn't finish in the Top 3, he was second and going for first in the final turn.  He ended up spinning rather than taking out the leader.  Last week, Barraza was in a battle with Hedge Carter for the lead when the two bumped wheels.  Carter spun off the back stretch.  Officials put Barraza to the back for the restart.  He charged back to a third place finish, and this resulted in him clinching the championship.

The battle is for second, and the season finale for this division will take place on September 9th.  David Hibbard and Bailey Hibbard have both had their moments this year, but they've also had some bad luck.  Son Bailey has two wins while father David had three seconds going into last week.  The question was would David be able to get a win.  With rookie Merissa Henson only a few points behind him, he needed a big night, and that's what he got.  Sometimes it's all about being in the right place at the right time.  After Carter and Barraza got together on the back stretch, Cottage Grove point leader Ricky Ashley had the lead.  It might have been his time to shine, but he lost a wheel on the restart, putting Camden Robustelli in the lead.  D. Hibbard seized the moment and took the lead on the restart.  After that, nothing was going to stop him from winning.

Henson was having a good run in third at the time.  Barraza managed to take that spot, but Hensen was not about to let B. Hibbard take fourth from her.  This shows how much more confidence she has with all the seat time she's had in the car this year.  She held her line and maintained fourth.  This was a battle not just for position but for points.  Merissa has been smooth and consistent all season long.  She will be the top rookie in the division this season, and she is still within 12 points of D. Hibbard for second in points.  She leads B. Hibbard by eight.  More importantly, these three drivers are a big reason why the Sprint Car effort is gaining traction at Southern Oregon Speedway once again.  They've been there for  every race.

The division continues to grow, and this bodes well for the future of Sprint Car racing in Oregon.  It's been on the decline in recent years, and new racers are needed.  Camden Robustelli started running select races two years ago and was a feature winner in Cottage Grove that year.  He won again last year.  Camden had a third place finish at his home track a couple races ago, and he was on the verge of victory last week.  He ended up second, but he looked good out there.  It won't be a surprise to see him in the winner's circle at the finale or some time next season.

For Hedge Carter, the incident that saw him spin into the infield from the lead had to be disappointing.  The 1998 Cottage Grove champion hadn't raced for eight years, and he has looked like he hasn't been away at all.  He had fourth and third place finishes in his two previous starts.  He won his heat race last week before leading 18 laps of the Main Event.  Having a competitor of his caliber in the group has been a positive for this division.  Carter managed to take sixth from Enrique Jaime before the finish.  Jaime continues to maintain fifth in the standings.  Newcomer Jeremy Gargurevich was there to make his first appearance.  He's made a couple starts at Cottage Grove this year, and the rookie was just looking for more seat time.

One of the Late Model drivers the fans like to watch on the track is Dustin Knight in the white #77 car.  Knight entered last week as the point leader after his second feature win, but he was just a bit concerned about his remaining schedule.  The final two Late Model dates conflict with Super 4 races in Roseburg.  Knight and the Rapp Racing Team has been trying to maintain that division on the pavement track, and he is planning to run both races.  He admitted that there was a possibility that he could miss one or both Late Model races.  After winning his heat race, Knight led the opening lap of the Main Event.  Unfortunately, he hit the back wall to end his night with an 11th place finish.  Dustin was heard saying that he may not be back, but this will hopefully not be the case.  He's only 11 points out of the lead in his quest to win his third Southern Oregon Speedway championship in a third different division, which is uncharted territory.  Also, the fans always get a show when Dustin is on the track.

The Augustine family is three generations strong in racing, and Nathan Augustine's son Keaton makes the fourth generation.  Keaton recently won a Box Stock feature at the Outlaw Kart track.  Nathan won the Coos Bay Late Model championship last year, and he set his sites on Southern Oregon Speedway this season.  Nathan is definitely fast, but you'll also see him employ lots of patience as he makes his move to the front.  The battle between he and Knight never materialized in the Main Event after Knight's misfortune last week.  Nathan led the rest of the way to complete a clean sweep.  This was his second feature win and it went well with his fourth Trophy Dash victory.  He regained the point lead by 11 over Knight, but there are still two races remaining (September 9th and 16th).  It may take another feature victory to get the job done.

John Dees returned last week and ran second throughout the first half of the Main Event.  Antioch Speedway competitor David Newquist made a move into second in what was his first visit to the speedway.  Newquist was joined by fellow Top 5 Antioch racer Joey Olschowka and 2016 Antioch "Rookie Of The Year" Mike Hynes.  J. Dees still held third, but his father Bob Dees made it a family battle for third in the remaining five laps.  Bob made the pass to take third and gain a good hold on third in the standings.  John still finished a respectable fourth ahead of Mike Linder.  Linder is closing in on Dave Foote for fifth in the standings, trailing him by just seven points.  Foote took a checkered flag in sixth.

Much like the Sprint Cars, there's lots of optimism about the future of the Late Models.  Garrett Dees encountered more mechanical gremlins last week to send him to the sidelines early.  It's been a disappointing past few races for the rookie, but he continues to come back and give it his best effort.  Don Garrett also retired early last week.  Hopefully things will go better for both of them next time.  We recently saw the division debut of Chris Biggs, and word is that Jason Shultz will have his car out next month.  Shultz raced big block Modifieds back east.  Rich McCoy will be taking the wheel to help get the car set up for Shultz.  This is a car purchased from the shop of Rapp Racing.

It's been a transitional season for Mini Stocks as a few drivers are taking the year off and others are getting cars ready for next year.  However, the competitors who have been out there are putting on a good show for the fans.  Saturday's race was an added rain makeup point race for the drivers.  The night started with about a dozen points separating Dillen Lausen, Kristopher Mix, Michael Johnson, Steve Goetz and Gary Anderson for the point lead.  Anderson's night ended after his heat race, potentially ending his championship hopes.

David Steele had three consecutive bad nights going into last week.  A blown motor in his heat race one night forced him to scratch from the Main Event.  At this point, David just wanted to know that the motor was running okay in his #67 car, and he got clear indication that is was when he won his heat race last week.  In the Main Event, Steele grabbed the lead from the start and led the entire race for his third win of the season.  He's now 23 points out of the lead, but with two races left, it may be a case of too little too late.  However, this is Steele we're talking about.  You can't count him out just yet.

Michael Johnson is just 15 years old, but he's driving like he's been behind the wheel for years.  After winning the Main Event last time out, Johnson continued that momentum with his first Trophy Dash victory last week.  Johnson had to make a couple of passes to get into second in the Main Event.  Once he did, he found that Steele had built a huge lead.  However, Johnson managed to gain the point lead with his second place finish.  Kristopher Mix also managed to make a move into third before the finish, and the points added up to him being tied with Dillen Lausen, one point out of the lead.  This is the closest championship battle at the track.

Lausen fought Mix hard for third before losing the spot, but he managed to hold off Steve Goetz for fourth.  Goetz had a rough start as his motor wasn't quite running up to standards in preliminaries, but it was a little bit better in the Main Event.  Lausen is another of the division's young guns at 16 years old, and he's been doing a great job all season.  He won his heat race earlier in the evening, and now a first career feature win is the next accomplishment he'll be looking to cross of his list.  Car owner Mike Weiser has indicated that he's looking at getting a Mini Stock for son Bodee Weiser in the near future, but there is a question about the age required to start racing.  Bodee will be 13 next year.  As a 250 Kart champion, Bodee has proven he can handle a car, and he'd be a favorite in the rookie race if allowed to compete next year.  Meanwhile, Hunter Magnan was back continuing his drive towards this year's "Rookie Of The Year" award.

The Pro Stocks might have had a point lead change as the #15 car was back at the track.  However, car owner Scott Bennett decided it was time to get back behind the wheel again.  Jeffrey Hudson has been driving the car this year, and he was there in support of Bennett.  The Trophy Dash was the only race in doubt for Bennett.  Josh Kralicek led two laps before getting out of shape exiting Turn 2 and driving into the infield.  Rookie Bryan Hammond led until pushing in the final turn as Bennett drove by on the inside.  Bennett swept all three events.  When the points were added, rookie Dean Hackworth moved to within four points of three time winner Dr. Scott Lenz.  It seems a foregone conclusion based on how he's looked all season that Lenz will be the champion, but nothing is certain until the final checkered flag waves.  Hammond was second in all three races last week as he gained valuable seat time.  Kralicek moved into third in the standings with his third place finish.  He's just 15 points behind Hackworth.  The Pro Stocks return on September 9th, and the stars of the Outlaw Pro Stock Association, including Scott Flowers, Johnny Cobb, Matt Harlow, James Flowers and Roy Bain, are anticipated for this race.

The OTRO Hardtops brought nine cars for their season finale.  Much like last year, there were five different Trophy Dash winners this season.  Dean Cast won last week to join Brian Crouch, Jimmy Del Castille, Jamie Britton and Bill Trotter on the Trophy Dash winner's list.  After losing a feature win last time with front end damage, Bruce Wilkerson was hoping to get the win for Vic & Louise Bridges.  He won a heat race, but Winnemucca, Nevada's Rhett Lange also won a heat.  Mark Minter might have been a contender, but his bid for a third win ended when he crashed in his heat race.  Wilkerson led the feature at the start, but Lange found his way into second by lap six.  The lead two set a rapid pace, nose to tail, but Lange made his winning pass on lap 13.  Lange, who finished as high as second in his visits last year, won ahead of Wilkerson.  Loyal OTRO supporter Bill Trotter won a good battle with two time winner Jamie Britton for third.  These old Coupes and Sedans are a throwback to the days in the 1950's and 1960's when Hardtops ruled the racing circuit, and OTRO does a good job of keeping this style of racing alive.

The season came to an end for the Outlaw Kart track last Friday night.  In general, it's been a struggle for not just this track but others to keep a Cage Kart program going.  Escalating costs, especially in 250's and 500 Open Karts, have contributed to dwindling counts.  However, the show went on for the racers who did support the program.  The closest battle was in the Beginners Box Stocks, where Malachi Johnson led reigning champion Kiley Grimes by five points going into the night.  Johnson swept his heats and lapped the field to win his third Main Event.  This earned him the championship ahead of Grimes and Uriah Sanders.

Box Stock count faltered, and Trevor Grimes wrapped up his third straight championship.  After his win in the previous race, Keaton Augustine locked up second, while Taylor Fuller will finish third in points.  Grimes lost the 250 Kart point lead at the previous race when his kart failed to start for the Main Event.  He's had that problem before, so even after winning both heat races last Friday, the question was, would it start for the Main Event?  It did, and he beat fellow rookies Cadyn Smith and Vinny DeBenedetti for the win.  Grimes is the champion ahead of three time winner Carley Holmes and Smith. 

Mike Wheeler had his 500 Open Kart at the track, but nobody was there to race him.  Therefore, he ran a UAS Speedway Kart and focused on his son, Mike Wheeler Jr., in the Beginners class.  A special newcomers race was held, and Carson Henson won that race ahead of the younger Wheeler.  Hensen was all smiles as he won a trophy and $50 donated by flagman Tom Hood and an anonymous fan.

Speed City in Medford and the Speedway Karts were represented by 13 competitors once again.  This could be seen as an audition, but the reality is that these open cockpit karts are on the rise.  Steve Rambo collected his second straight 4 Cycle feature win ahead of heat winners Michael Vickers and Debbie Medeiros.  Mike Wheeler won both UAS Speedway Kart heat races, but he pitted from the lead on lap eight of the Main Event.  Richard Torzilli swooped in and won that race ahead of Brionna Fuller and 2016 Yreka champion Ed Grubb.  The Speedway Karts were a highlight to the show.

Count at the Cage Kart track is down, and some changes will need to be made for the future.  Other upgrades are planned for the track for next year, but a kart count increase will need to happen.  It's hard to imagine a scenario where Speedway Karts are not on the schedule too.  Dwindling 250 and 500 Kart count is a concern.  The numbers are down at other tracks in the area too, and part of the reason is cost.  This has been very noticeable for 500's for a few years now, and some of the 250 stars have just moved on to Sprint Cars from there.  When cost is an issue, the owners justify their investments by only running at big pursed events or winter series races, when there's nothing else going on but indoor racing.

We haven't seen clear numbers at Yreka as points sheets and finishes for any races have yet to be released, but Steve Rambo discussed his concern about kart count and rising costs prior to the recent race.  One of the things that drew Steve to the 4 Cycle Speedway Kart class is the affordability factor.  However, he likes the Cage Karts and suggested a Beginners Box Stock class for drivers who started late and missed Box Stocks.  It's sort of an Intermediate Beginners Box Stock that Rambo says has grown to 5-6 karts.  Some will scoff at the idea, but without racer support, kart racing will fade away.  If this new class gets new drivers who can get comfortable with racing and then maybe move up to 250's, is this a bad thing?

The other thing that needs to be addressed is the cost of 250 and 500 Kart racing.  They will always tell you when any division gets too expensive that the genie is out of the bottle and it's too late to fix it.  Maybe that's true.  Then again, maybe this is something for rules experts to addrsss in a way that might get some of these karts back to the track again.  It really makes no sense on this level to have motors in karts that are worth thousands of dollars.  First, you get a divide between the haves and have nots, and then the have nots simply park.  This needs to be adressed, but without a willingness to compromise, nothing will work.

Lawnmowers may become a part of the show, and perhaps motorcyle racing could become a reality.  The mowers have occasional big National events, and there has been discussion of making one of these happen next year.  Mower count into the 60's has been seen at these big events.  If you can bring 60 of anything, you will probably get a seat at the table.  It's going to be an interesting off season as things are planned.  There was quite a bit of frustration voiced about the two early season rainouts, but when you have clouds and rain, even if it's scattered rain, people stay home.  Management risks money every time the gates open, and if it fails, management eats the cost.  Therefore, they have to put themselves in the best position to succeed.  There is a commitment to this race track, and people will continue to see improvements next year.

What about the possibility of Hornet races on the small track?  It's something that has been looked at.  Back in the 1990's at Cycleland and Delta Speedway in California, Mini Stocks, which are even faster than Hornets, were racing on the one-eighth mile ovals.  A few teams expressed interest in this possibility when it was discussed last season.  Nothing has been said officially on the matter, but it could happen.  The bottom line is keeping the little track going and providing entertainment for the fans.

Wingless Sprint Cars at Southern Oregon Speedway?  This weekend is the big Cascade Wingless 360 Sprint Car Challenge, presented by Herz Precision Parts.  There is a desire to have more wingless racing, and there is a desire by the locals to only run wings.  Last week's race was originally penciled in as wingless to provide drivers with a race to get familiar with racing without the wings.  However, some teams cited inexperience and others just didn't want to do it.  Rather than tamper with the success of the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, it was decided to leave this race as a winged race.  The class is growing.

However, this is not to say that the track will not pursue more wingless race dates next year.  The message has been sent that the regulars want winged racing, but there are other racers out there who do like to do wingless racing.  Therefore, while you will continue to see the winged effort grow and prosper, don't be surprised if a few wingless races pop up on the schedule as well.  It all depends on how things line up.

There's been speculation on the future of the Pro Stocks in Medford.  What will happen next year?  The track brought the class in house with a guaranteed purse and a championship point race, and it was pretty much rejected.  It was anticipated that the local area racers would support this effort.   However, some locals have opted not to support any non association races booked at the track.  Other locals haven't raced at all.  Therefore, the track's attempt to promote Pro Stocks never got off the ground.  Where does this leave Pro Stocks in 2018?  It's too soon to tell, but there will probably be discussions when the time comes.  The bottom line is when the association supports a race, there's usually anywhere between 12-18 cars competing that night.


Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Hibbard, Augustine Win At Southern Oregon, Coos Bay Race Recap, More


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Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
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Hibbard Wins First Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Feature 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 19...David Hibbard won the 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Hibbard caught a break when the leaders bumped wheels on the back stretch for a yellow flag, and he took the lead on the restart.  Hibbard had three second place finishes aboard his Hansen & Sons Trucking/Dave's Carpet & Vinyl Liquidators Sprinter, but this was his first win of the season.  It enabled him to maintain second in the standings as he also added a heat race win to his totals.

Hedge Carter and D. Hibbard started the evening with six lap heat race wins, and point leader Kyler Barraza battled Carter to win the six lap Scramble.  Barraza gained the Main Event pole with that win, but Carter raced into the lead at the drop of the green flag.  Barraza settled into second ahead of Cottage Grove point leader Ricky Ashley, Camden Robustelli and D. Hibbard.  The lead five cars ran nose to tail and caught slower traffic by lap ten.  Jake Wheeler retired before the battle up front really got interesting.  Barraza started looking for a way past Carter on lap 15.  On lap 18, Barraza pulled alongside Carter.  As they worked lap 19, the two leaders bumped wheels with Carter spinning into the infield off the back stretch.  Track officials put Barraza to the back of the pack for the restart, giving the lead to Ashley.  Unfortunately, Ashley lost a wheel in Turn 4 on the restart to end his race.  Camden Robustelli was the new leader on the restart.  As they exited Turn 4 to complete that lap, Hibbard dove underneath Robustelli and emerged with the lead.  Barraza was already back up to fifth, and he made a Turn 4 pass on lap 21 to take fourth from Bailey Hibbard.  Barraza made an inside pass on the front stretch on lap 22 to take third from Merissa Hensen.  However, nobody was going to stop D. Hibbard from collecting the Main Event win.  Robustelli was a season best second as Barraza settled for third.  Henson withstood serious pressure from B. Hibbard to finish fourth as Carter, Enrique Jaime, Jeremy Gargurevich, Ashley and Wheeler completed the Top 10.

Steve Hix was in town to get some practice laps before this Saturday night's big $3,000 to win Cascade Wingless 360 Sprint Car Challenge, presented by Herz Precision Parts.  Barraza took his wing off after the races to get some practice laps as well.  Information on Saturday's big Wingless Sprint Car race can be found at http://www.southernoregonspeedway.com/cascade.pdf.  The season finale for the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars will be on September 9th.  For further information, go to http://www.southernoregonspeedway.com/.

Race Results
Southern Oregon Speedway
Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars
Heat 1-Hedge Carter, Merissa Hensen, Kyler Barraza.  Heat 2-David Hibbard, Camden Robustelli, Ricky Ashley.  Scramble-Kyler Barraza, Hedge Carter, Camden Robustelli.  Main Event-David Hibbard, Camden Robustelli, Kyler Barraza, Merissa Hensen, Bailey Hibbard, Hedge Carter, Enrique Jaime, Jeremy Garguravich, Ricky Ashley, Jake Wheeler.


Augustine Sweeps Late Model Action 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 19...Nathan Augustine won the 30 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The win was the second of the season for Augustine, and it capped a sweep as he won his heat race and also won his fourth Trophy Dash of the season.  Augustine regained the point lead as incoming leader Dustin Knight hit the back wall on the second lap of the Main Event to end his race early.

Augustine beat Knight to win the four lap Trophy Dash, and they each won their six lap heat races.  Knight led the opening lap of the Main Event, but he hit the back wall a lap later for a yellow flag.  With Knight out of the action, Augustine led John Dees and David Newquist on the restart.  Mike Linder settled into fourth ahead of Bob Dees.  B. Dees took fourth from Linder on lap eight.  Augustine's lead over J. Dees was a straightaway by the halfway point of the race.  Newquist made a low move in Turn 1 of the 18th lap to take second from J. Dees.  As Augustine had a comfortable lead over Newquist, the battle was between J. Dees and his father B. Dees in the waning laps.  A low move in Turn 4 of the 27th lap gained B. Dees third.  Augustine won by a straightaway ahead of Newquist, B. Dees, J. Dees, Linder, Dave Foote, Mike Hynes, Joey Olschowka, Don Garrett and Garrett Dees.

Race Results
Late Models
Heat 1-Nathan Augustine, Mike Linder, Dave Foote.  Heat 2-Dustin Knight, John Dees, Joey Olschowka.  Trophy Dash-Nathan Augustine, Dustin Knight, Bob Dees.  Main Event-Nathan Augustine, David Newquist, Bob Dees, John Dees, Mike Linder, Dave Foote, Mike Hynes, Joey Olschowka, Don Garrett, Garrett Dees, Dustin Knight.


Steele Rebounds For third Mini Stock Win 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 19...David Steele won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  This was Steele's third win of the season, and it ended a three race period  where motor issues kept him from the finish line.  Michael Johnson continues to run strong, and he used a second place finish to gain a one point lead over Dillen Lausen and Kristopher Mix in the closest championship battle at the track.

Johnson kicked off the night with his first four lap Trophy Dash win, but Lausen held him off to win their six lap heat race.  Steele won the other heat ahead of Mix.  Garrett Fredrickson and Gary Anderson suffered mechanical problems in their heat races to end their night.  Steele won the other heat ahead of Mix.  Steele and Lausen shared the front row of the Main Event, and Steele charged into the lead at the start.  Lausen was an early second ahead of Mix and Steve Goetz.  Johnson made a Turn 2 pass on Goetz on lap 5 to gain fourth, and he moved under Mix a lap later in Turn 4 to grab third.  A high move in Turn 2 of the 11th put Johnson into second, but by then Steele's lead was a straightaway over second place.  Mix moved in to challenge Lausen for third and passed him high in Turn 1 of the 13th lap.  Steele drove a flawless race and scored the much needed victory ahead of Johnson and Mix.  Lausen held off Goetz to finish fourth as Andrew Hall and Hunter Magnan completed the finishing order.

Race Results
Mini Stocks
Heat 1-Dillen Lausen, Michael Johnson, Andrew Hall.  Heat 2-David Steele, Kristopher Mix, Steve Goetz.  Trophy Dash-Michael Johnson, Kristopher Mix, Dillen Lausen.  Main Event-David Steele, Michael Johnson, Kristopher Mix, Dillen Lausen, Steve Goetz, Andrew Hall, Hunter Magnan, Gary Anderson (DNS), Garrett Fredrickson (DNS).


Lange Wins OTRO Hardtop Season Finale 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 19...Rhett Lange won the 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Lange hails from Winnemucca, Nevada, and this was his first visit of the season.  Lange took the lead from Bruce Wilkerson and led the rest of the way for the victory.

Dean Cast got the night started by becoming the fifth different four lap Trophy Dash winner of the season.  Lange and Wilkerson each won six lap heat races.  Two time winner Mark Minter suffered a heat race crash to end his night early, and Brian Crouch was also a Main Event scratch.  Wilkerson set the early Main Event pace in the Vick & Louise Bridges owned car.  Two time winner Jamie Britton was an early second, but a low move in Turn 4 of the seventh lap gained Lange second.  Lange quickly reeled in Wilkerson and was running on his back bumper by lap 11.  A high move in Turn 4 of the 13th lap gained Lange the lead from Wilkerson.  At the same time, Bill Trotter took third from Britton.  Lange pulled away from the pack to score the victory.  Wilkerson settled for second ahead of Trotter, Britton, Max Augustine, Cast and Kevin Lowell.

Race Results
OTRO Hardtops
Heat 1-Rhett Lange, Dean Cast, Kevin Lowell.  Heat 2-Bruce Wilkerson, Bill Trotter, Jamie Britton.  Trophy Dash-Dean Cast, Mark Minter, Kevin Lowell.  Main Event-Rhett Lange, Bruce Wilkerson, Bill Trotter, Jamie Britton, Max Augustine, Dean Cast, Kevin Lowell, Mark Minter (DNS), Bran Crouch (DNS).


Bennett Scores First Win At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 19...Scott Bennett won the 15 lap Pro Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Bennett has had 2015 Pro Stock champion Jeffrey Hudson driving his car this season, but he jumped behind the wheel of his #15 car for the first time this year.  Bennett swept all three of the races.

The night started with Bennett taking the lead from Josh Kralicek to win the four lap Trophy Dash.  He followed that up with a six lap heat race win.  This put Bennett on the pole for the Main Event, and he raced into the lead at the start, followed by rookie Bryan Hammond.  Dean Hackworth fell out on the fourth lap.  Kralicek pitted on lap eight.  Bennett led the entire race for the win with Hammond looking good in second.

Race Results
Pro Stocks
Heat-Scott Bennett, Bryan Hammond, Josh Kralicek.  Trophy Dash-Scott Bennett, Bryan Hammond, Josh Kralicek.  Main Event-Scott Bennett, Bryan Hammond, Josh Kralicek, Dean Hackworth.


R. Charles Snyder Salute To Pay $5,000 To 
IMCA Modified Winner

White City, Oregon...The R. Charles Snyder Salute is the biggest IMCA Modified race of the year on the West Coast, and it's happening at Southern Oregon Speedway on September 2nd and 3rd.  The Labor Day Weekend event was created to pay tribute to the long time announcer at Medford Speedway and Southern Oregon Speedway, R. Charles Snyder.  Snyder passed away in 2015.

Charles was one of the most popular radio DJ's in the Medford area for over 40 years.  He had a hand in  promoting rock concerts in the area and would lend his voice to help various causes through the years.  It was in 1976 when he went to Medford Speedway to see how racing announcers do their job.  Little did he know that the regular announcer would not show up that night, and he was called into action to announce the races.  Thus began Snyder's love of auto racing.

He announced at Medford Speedway until the track closed in 1989.  When Southern Oregon Speedway opened, he started announcing there and continued to announce for over a decade.  He even announced at Yreka.  Charles was a big fan of Dale Earnhardt and followed the news on him very closely.  He was also a big James Bond fan.  He had one of the largest collections of Bond memorabilia in North America and even attended three different movie premieres in England.

The community mourned his passing, but nothing was ever officially done for him at the track.  Speedway management contacted Snyder's family about the possibility of having this race, and they were happy to see the track add it to the 2017 schedule.  His son Travis has even brought in some sponsorship to guarantee that the winner of the IMCA Modified Main Event will receive a $5,000 payday.  More importantly, the event will honor the beloved announcer.  The scoring tower will be dedicated to him as the R. Charles Snyder Memorial Race Tower.

The IMCA Modifieds have had a big race on the schedule since the track opened in 1996, and that will continue to be the case this year.  The money at the top for Sunday's finale will entice some of the best drivers on the West Coast to come race.  It's $5,000 to win, $2,500 for second, $1,500 for third and $1,000 for fourth.  Drivers get a minimum of $200 to start the Main Event, and entry for car and driver is only $100. 

Saturday's qualifying format gives each racer two heat races, and they will earn points in those races to determine who qualifies for the big race.  The remaining drivers will be in the B and C Main Events.  Saturday will have an invitational Main Event for the track's regular weekly purse.  The Top 3 finishers in the first round of heat races qualify for that race, which will close Saturday night's program.

IMCA Sport Modifieds will be racing both nights as well.  Their heat races on Saturday night will determine who makes Sunday's $650 to win race.  Top heat finishers also qualify for Saturday's invitational race, which pays a regular purse.  The SODCA Dwarf Cars will run both nights, and their Sunday Main Event will offer a $1,000 payday to the winner.

Local IMCA Modified stars will be lining up at the gate to take on the visitors coming to town for a shot at the big money.  Point leader Jesse Bailey and his closest rival Albert Gill are anticipated along with seven time champion Mark Wauge, Matt Duste, Ray Kniffen Jr., Preston Jones, James Welshonse and Duane Orsburn.  The Sunday race will also be an IMCA points paying race, and the increase in car count will make things more challenging for the leaders.

Likewise, the IMCA Sport Modifieds have a good battle between reigning champion Mike Medel and Willie McFall, and just a few points separate the two going into the big Sunday race.  After back to back wins, Rich McCoy is closing in fast, and the anticipated car count increase gives him a good shot at closing in on the lead duo.  Two time champions Jorddon Braaten and Dwayne Melvin are anticipated along with other top locals such as Justin McCreadie, A.J. Parker and Jesse Merriman.

The R. Charles Snyder Salute is shaping up to be a huge event that you won't want to miss.  Gates will open at 5 PM and the first race will be at 7 PM both nights.  Ticket prices will be made available on the website.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


May, George, Butler, Dubisar Win  Coos Bay Features

Coos Bay, Oregon...August 19...Dave May won the 20 lap Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Coos Bay Speedway.  This was the second win of the season for the two time reigning champion.  May battled with Mike Crawford in the feature and the eight lap heat race.  Crawford won the heat race just ahead of May.  In the Main Event, May managed to hold off Crawford for the win.  Point leader Lawrence Van Hoof was a solid third as Ozzy Osborn, Casey Sabin and Criston Beaird completed the finishing order.  Van Hoof won the eight lap heat race ahead of Sabin.

Mike George won the 25 lap Super Late Model Main Event.  This was the eighth win of the seson for the current point leader as he continued to add to his lead.  George won by a straightaway ahead of his closest point rival, Toby McIntyre.  George also beat McIntyre to win the eight lap heat race.  Thor Kristensen finished third in the feature, followed by Brody Montgomery and Kristy Grout.  Grout won her first five lap Trophy Dash ahead of Montgomery.

Wayne Butler won the 20 lap Sportsman Late Model Main Event.  This was the two time reigning champion's third Main Event win of the season as he remains in contention for the championship.  Butler won the Main Event with Dyllan Siewell a close second.  Siewell managed to hold off Brody Montgomery for his second place finish.  Siewell beat Montgomery earlier in the evening for an eight lap heat race win.  Deven Brown and Charlie Withers completed the Main Event finishing order.  Brown won the five lap Trophy Dash ahead of Montgomery, but he retired from the Main Event seven laps from the finish.

Steve Dubisar won the 25 lap Street Stock Main Event.  There were a season high nine cars on hand for the race as they tune up for next week's Battle At The Beach.  This was the eighth win of the season for Dubisar, and he had to fight off reigning champion Daniel Land for the win.  Tyrell Mead made his season debut with a third place finish ahead of Kelly McIntyre, point leader Justin Krossman and R.C. Levin.  Jeff Thurman and Ken Fox completed the finishing order one lap down, and Nels Dubisar was a Main Event scratch.  Land beat Thurman to win both the eight lap heat race and five lap Trophy Dash.

Ken Fox won the 20 lap Mini Outlaw Main Event.  This was the second win of the season for Fox, and his win came in a near photo finish over point leader Sam Talon.  Fox also beat Talon to win the five lap Trophy Dash.  Alyssa Johnson was a lead lap fourth ahead of Jason Berrier and Dan Daniels.  Talon won the eight lap heat race ahead of Rob Lauver, but Lauver had mechanical issues and scratched for the rest of the evening.

Ryan Siewell won the 20 lap Hornets Main Event.  This was the 11th feature win of the season for Siewell, who has a good hold on the point lead.  Hannah Robison matched her season best effort with a second place finish ahead of Sam Taylor and Tim Young.  Carl Johnson was a lap down in fifth, followed by Patrick Nagel, April Warmack, Jeremiah Reiber, Jason Greer and Toby McIntyre.  Reiber won the first heat in dominant fashion ahead of Young.  Andrew Grisham won the second eight lap heat race ahead of Robison.  Reiber held off Robison to win the five lap Trophy Dash as Robison finished second in every race she started.

The Road To The Iron Giant Street Stock Series comes to Coos Bay Speedway next Saturday night.  The NASCAR Whelen All American Series program will also feature Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Mini Outlaws and Hornets.  For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.



Johnson, Grimes Wins Southern Oregon Speedway 
Kart Championships

White City, Oregon...August 18...Malachi Johnson used his third straight Beginners Box Stock Main Event win Friday night to win the championship at the Southern Oregon Speedway Kart track.  Johnson won both of his heat races and set a blistering pace in winning the 20 lap feature.  Adrian Richard returned and outdueled 2016 champion Kiley Grimes for the third place finish. 

Tevor Grimes won the Box Stock Main Event and then outran Cadyn Smith and Vinny DeBenedetti to win the 20 lap 250 Kart Main Event.  The win in that race enabled Grimes to add a 250 championship to his third straight Box Stock title.

Richard Torzilli won the 25 lap UAS Speedway Kart Main Event.  Mike Wheeler won the two heat races and led the Main Event until he pitted on lap eight.  Torzilli had the lead at that point and led the remaining laps to win ahead of Brionna Filler and Ed Grubb.

Steve Rambo won the 25 lap 4 Cycle Kart Main Event with a flag to flag romp for the victory.  Michael Vickers spun trying to take second early in the race, but he made a comeback from fourth that culminated in a lap last pass on heat winner Debbie Medeiros for third.  Vickers and his crew had to hustle to repair his kart after he spun in his heat race and was hit head on by Jerry Saybo.

Two newcomers in the Beginners Box Stock class were given a ten lap Main Event for their first race, and Carson Henson outran Mike Wheeler Jr. for the victory.


Silver Dollar Speedway Race Results August 18, 2017
Tyler Wolf Memorial

410 Sprints

Kyle Hirst
Sean Becker
D.J. Netto
Andy Forsberg
Bud Kaeding
Mason Moore
Bobby McMahan
Michael Kofoid
Michael Ing
Tanner Carrick
Jason Statler
Sean Watts
Brent Bjork
Mike Monahan
Nathan Rolfe
Chase Majdic
Mark Tabor Jr.
Richard Brace Jr.

Economy Sprints
Cameron Haney
Mike Ficklin
Mike Sayre
Scott Gannett
David Johnson
Cameron Haney Jr.
Wyatt Brown
Chris Story

Hobby Stocks
Nick Vidovich
Kyle Allen
Jeremy Langenderfer
Shannon Collins
Mel Byers
Colin Ferguson
James West

Wingless Sprints
Tony Richards
Terry Schank Jr.
Jeremy Wilson
Craig Swim
Brett Youngman
Billy Wallace
Casey McClain
Ron Laplant

Street Stocks
Phil Marino
Danny Dozier
Fritz Zanker
Gary Newman
Richard Workman
Mike Slightom
Michael Helwig
Corey Hall


Placerville Speedway Race Results August 17, 2017
Forini Memorial

360 Sprint Cars

A Main
Justyn Cox
Justin Sanders
Steven Tiner
Sean Becker
D.J. Netto
Colby Copeland
Buddy Kofoid
Kyle Hirst
Tony Gualda
Chase Johnson
Shawn Conde
Bud Kaeding
Shane Golobic
Jimmy Trulli
Willie Croft
Andy Gregg
Cody Lamar
Cory Eliason
Bradley Terrell
Andy Forsberg

B Main
Buddy Kofoid
Chase Johnson
Kyle Hirst
Bradley Terrell
Greg DeCaires
Jodie Robinson
Colby Wiesz
D.J. Freitas
Mike Benson
Kyle Offill
Tanner Carrick
Justin Henry
Cody Hodgson
Mason Moore
Matt Peterson
Ryan Bernal
Shane Hopkins
Kirt Organ

C Main
Kirt Organ
Shane Hopkins
Justin Johnson
Colby Johnson
C.J. Humphreys
Chris Masters
Justyn Dill
Joe Stornetta Jr.
Mike Cook

Limited Late Model
Matt Michelli
Matt Davis
Tom Tillford
Eddie Gardner
Mike Lightfoot
Tyler Lightfoot
Ray Trimble
Ken Michelli
Scott Woessner
Kiely Ricardo
Ryan Peter

Pure Stocks
Jason Palmer
Nick Baldwin
Matt Tillford
Scott Grunert
Lonnie Leonard
Sam Bernstein
Chris Van Roekel
Travis Emery
Rick Grunert
Bill O'Niell
Sarah Ely
John Ewing
Brad Myers
Jesse Van Roekel
Mike Stoeckle

Dwarf Cars
Danny Wagner
Ben Wiesz
Mike Grunert
Kevin Bender
Scott Dahlgren
Mike Reeder
Jeff Fitch
Colby Wiesz
Robert Peters
Aaron Rupley
Robert Johnson
Devan Kammerman
Shawn Whitney
Sam Wren
Josh Wiesz
Clark Droivold
Dan Geil
Jeremy Blackshere

Marysville Raceway Race Results August 19, 2017

IMCA All Star Series Modifieds

Troy Folger
Cody Burk
Tim Balding
Duane Cleveland
Ryan McDaniel
Robby Sawyer
Austin Burke
Randy McDaniel
Carl Berendsen
Josh Combs
Jake Dewsbery
Brian Lewis

IMCA Sport Modifieds
Phillip Shelby
Jerry Bartlett
Damian Merritt
Alan Furuta
Raymond Benkowski
Howard Law
Jim Waller
Mike Merritt
Mike Helwig
Mike Smith
Hunter Merritt
Lance Delozier

Super Stocks
Rod Oliver
James Castleberry
Mike Walko
Jason Embree
Phillip Shelby
George Magenheimer
Billy Knoop Jr.

Economy Sprints
Nathan Johnson
Adam Ermolenko
Jeff Macedo
Dusty Barton
Jason Holt

All American Speedway Race Results August 17, 2017
Matt Camp Memorial Race

Bomber Main #1

Travis Henry
Daryl Fitzgerald
Blake Disomma
Mario Davis
Chris Paulson
Nathan Hickok
Tim Walters
Wayne Hickok
Mo Abhat
Will Harmon
Erick Ray
Bill Clark
Tim Williams
Rick Anable
Bradly Gordon
David Caluya
Eric Martinez
Cody Rickard DQ
Tony Latimer DQ

Bomber Main #2
Chris Paulson
Mo Abhat
Erick Ray
Travis Henry
Daryl Fitzgerald
Blake Disomma
Eric Martine
Nathan Hickok
Mario Davis
Bill Clark
David Caluya
Will Harmon
Tim Williams
Bradly Gordon
Wayne Hickok
Tim Walters
Cody Rickard DQ

Street Stock
Byron Gonzales
Dan Farringto
Andrew Peeler
Kenny Jastrumske

F4
Rick Enable
Ray Molina
Mel Wilson
Jess Yendes
Spencer Emerson
John Haines
Matthew Fuhs

Ukiah Speedway Race Results August 18, 2017

NSMS

Kyle Tellstrom
Charlie Collins
Eric Johnson
Jason Philpot
Cameron Austin
Sierra Furia
Kris Price
Dustin DeRosier
Darrin Knight
Codi Barba
Simi Tour
Darrin Sullivan
Bryan Denton
Ross English
Andy Vanderveer
Richie Potts
Adrianna Strugnell
David Campbell
Ian Elliott
Cody Braund
Sal Lopez
Rick Avila

Bombers
Loren Powers Sr.
RJ Randall
Bob Mook
Kevin Bracket
Bill Kistenmacher
Bobby Gilbert
Ron Portlock
George Abella
Jesse Frey
Terry Pitman

Pro 4 Modifieds
Sami Nuno
Jimmy Sorrels
Marty Lewis
Andy Leuzinger
Mike Peterson

Jammers (Jr/Pro)
Dave Rogers
TJ Buzzard
Raymond Taylor Jr.
Dennis Anderson
Christian Sanchez


Douglas County Speedway Race Results August 19, 2017

Late Model Outlaw 100

Brandon Ash
Wade Koens
Riley Watson
David Miller
Jeff Solberg
Greg Hickman
Harlem Cox
Kyle Brown
Bill Stewart
Tom Durant
Don Brysco
Kevin Ballard

Street Stock
Jeff Solberg
Kevin Ballard
Kyle Brown
Bill Stewart
Neil Pecor

Hardtop
Steve Smith
Greg Hickman
Don Brysco
Harlem Cox
Matt Klass

Hornet
Ron Johnson
Bob Vancil
Pete Lemon
Jeremy Simms
Bart Pulse
Cherish Wilson
Valerie West
Andy Nelson
Richard Fleming

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Southern Oregon Speedway Weekend Preview And News, Coos Bay Preview, Pit Stops



The DCRR Racing Radio Show
Can Be Heard HERE

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
Can Be Heard HERE

R. Charles Snyder Salute Flier for Southern Oregon Speedway Sept 2-3 Can Be Viewed HERE

Sprint Cars, Late Models Cap Double Header Weekend 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...Another two night racing weekend is on tap at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Following last week's big Hall Of Fame night, this Saturday's night show offers the high powered Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars and Late Models along with Mini Stocks, OTRO Hardtops and Pro Stocks.  There is also a full program of Outlaw Karts at the one-eighth mile dirt oval next to the big track on Friday night.

People are talking about the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car and Late Model divisions.  The track has never had a serious Late Model effort of its own.  You have to go back to the old Medford Speedway to find that.  The Sprint Cars have had over a dozen championship seasons, but the division fell off after 2010.  Promoter Mike McCann made a commitment to establish both of these divisions at the track when he took over this year, and the numbers are up for both.

The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars had a ten car field last time and a dozen cars at the previous race.  There have been four different winners in seven races.  Reigning champion Jake Wheeler was back to win his first Main Event last time and deny Kyler Barraza his fourth win.  Kyler's three wins and two seconds have given him a commanding point lead.  In fact, he could actually clinch the championship with a good enough finish this week.  Barraza may have taken a couple of seasons off since his back to back Southern Oregon Sprint Tour championships, but he's picked up right where he left off.

The battle is between past Cottage Grove champion David Hibbard, impressive rookie Merissa Henson and two time winner Bailey Hibbard for second, and just seven points separate the three.  Though three time feature runnnerup D. Hibbard and his son Bailey have had better finishes than Henson, she has done a slightly better job of getting to the finish line and has finished as high as third.  B. Hibbard is coming off of back to back non finishes, and he's looking to turn his luck around this week.  Whatever happens in the championship battle, it looks like the race for second will go down to the final checkered flag next month.

The Sprint Cars are gaining more interest every week.  Outlaw Kart stars Tanner Holmes and Mike Wheeler have both joined the division in recent weeks.  Holmes has taken two checkered flags with a fifth place finish in his first start.  Young rookie Enrique Jaime finished fourth last time as he is now fifth in points.  The division has several young competitors, which bodes well for the future.  We've also seen the return of 1998 Cottage Grove champion Hedge Carter after an eight year absence.  People are talking about Southern Oregon Speedway's Sprint Car effort, and indications are that we will keep seeing new additions to the roster in the days ahead.

By far the most exciting driver to watch in Late Models is Dustin Knight.  He leads Nathan Augustine in a close championship battle, and he likes to run right on the edge.  Knight delighted the crowd last week with a last lap pass from third to first to win the Trophy Dash.  He then had the lead, lost it and regained it in traffic to win his second Main Event.  Knight now has two wins and three seconds in the Main Event.  Augustine has a win and chased Knight twice for second place finishes.  He also has three Trophy Dash wins.  Both drivers are fast, and you get contrasting driving styles from the more aggressive Knight to the more patient Augustine.  This is a battle that could go down to the season finale.

Reigning champion Bob Dees just gained third by a point over Kristy Grout.  Dees finished third last week, while Grout ran further back.  She was fortunate to be back after her rollover a few weeks ago bent her frame.  Tim Grout found a new chassis and spent the off week getting it ready for Kristy to come back.  Dave Foote and Mike Linder have both had their moments this year with recent Top 4 finishes.  We saw the return of Don Garrett and the debut of Chris Biggs last week.  Drivers are watching this class and looking to join the action.  In fact, Top 3 Antioch Speedway competitor David Newquist and Mike Hynes are planning to visit the speedway this week.  It's looking like Saturday's race could even offer a season high car count on the heels of last week's ten car field.

Mini Stocks were added with a point race this week to make up for an earlier rainout.  The point battle is so close that just 11 points separate 16 year old Dillen Lausen, Kristopher Mix, 15 year old Michael Johnson and past champions Steve Goetz and Gary Anderson.  Johnson won his first race at his home track last time out, joining Goetz, Anderson and David Steele on the winner's list.  Most of the drivers in the field have a legitimate chance to win.  Though Andrew Hall has struggled a bit in his Pinto Wagon, he's due for a big night.

OTRO Hardtops make their final appearance of the season, and Mark Minter and Jamie Britton have divided the wins among each other with two each.  Bruce Wilkerson was racing hard to get a win for car owner Vic Bridges last time, but front end damage ended his race early.  Staunch OTRO supporter Bill Trotter, who fields two cars, was the fourth different Trophy Dash winner last time.  He too will be racing hard for a feature win.  OTRO has had fun putting on a show for the fans with their old Coupe and Sedan race cars, and indications are that a few drivers missing in recent visits will be back this week.

The Pro Stocks have struggled to get cars under the track's banner, which is raising speculation about the future of the division that has been a part of the roster since the track opened.  Dr. Scott Lenz won the most recent race, which was his third victory of the season.  A family commitment will keep him out of the action this week, which opens the door for one time winner Jeffrey Hudson and rookie Dean Hackworth to make a big leap in points.  Josh Kralicek and Darron Arnold are both anticipated this week, and there's word of Miles Deubert possibly racing in a different car.  We may also see the debut of past Top 5 Mini Stock racer Mike Cloud.

Friday Night Karts bring down the curtain on their season this Friday night.  Two of the more interesting battles are for the Beginners Box Stock and Box Stock championships.  Following his runaway second Main Event victory last Friday, Malachi Johnson holds a five point lead over Kiley Grimes in the Beginners class.  Trevor Grimes has won most of the Box Stock races and he's looking for his third straight championship.  He lost last week's race to a late pass by first time winner Keaton Augustine.  Augustine trails by 17 points in that battle.  Grimes was leading the 250 Kart point race, but he surrendered the lead to three time winner Carley Holmes by 15 points after failing to start the Main Event last week.  All three championships are still up for grabs this week.

The gates open for both events at 5:00 PM with the first race at 7:00 PM.  Friday's General Admission is $10.00 with Children 6 and under $5.00.  This gives you access to the pits.  Saturday's prices are $12.00 for General Admission, $6.00 for Children (6-12), Seniors and Veterans and Children 5 and under are free.  For further information go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


Sprint Cars, Late Models Headline Show 
At Coos Bay Speedway

Coos Bay, Oregon...After two weeks without oval track racing, Coos Bay Speedway roars back into action with the Open Wheel Extravaganza.  The Winged Sprint Cars are back this week along with the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and Hornets.  It's going to be another exciting night of racing in Coos Bay.

After five races, Lawrence Van Hoof is on a pace to win his first Sprint Car championship.  Van Hoof has all Top 5 finishes so far.  He won his second Main Event last time out to maintain a 20 point lead over reigning champion Dave May.  As good as May has been over the past two seasons, Van Hoof will have to continue to bring his A game.  May doesn't have a comfortable hold on second.  He leads Ryan Kingrey by two points and Casey Sabin by eight.  This also means that only 28 points separate the Top 4 in the standings.  Other drivers to watch for this week include Bret Hulsey, Christon Beaird and Scott Walling.

With the "Rookie Of The Year" and State championship money factored in, the Coos Bay NASCAR Super Late Model championship could be worth as much as $6,000.  Mike George and Toby McIntyre are the only two serious players in this game.  George was coming off of a Top 5 finish in the Tidal Wave 50 last time, but he has won seven of the ten Main Events this year and never failed to earn a Top 5 finish.  With that kind of consistency for George, McIntyre can count himself lucky to only be 30 points out of the lead.  McIntyre, who is the 2015 champion, is a one time winner with eight Top 5's this season.  He needs a second win to make a challenge to George.  Chris Ray, Jared Bemetz, Trina Post and Thor Kristensen are other drivers to watch for this week.

The Sportsman Late Models have been run 15 times this year in their $1,000 championship battle, but only Brody Montgomery and two time reigning champion Wayne Butler have been to all of the races.  Both have yet to finish outside the top 5, but Montgomery has racked up amazing 12 feature victories.  However, his lead over two time winner Butler is still just 22 points.  Butler knows he needs to start winning now.  Dyllan Siewell is holding down third by a comfortable margin over Charlie Withers, and he's a one time winner this season.  Jeff Krossman, Deven Brown and Troy Chamberlain are other drivers to watch for this week.

It's also possible that Steve Dubisar might run both the Sportsman and Street Stock races as he has done three times this year.  Dubisar is off to a late start, and that means that five time winner Justin Krossman is headed for the Street Stock championship unless something really bad happens,  Dubisar is a seven time winner, but he's a distant fourth in points behind second ranked Ken Fox and third ranked Jeff Thurman, who is a two time winner this season.  Dubisar may be the top local competitor in next week's (August 26th) Battle At The Beach, which will see some top drivers come in from up north as part of their Road To The Iron Giant Series.  Dubisar will be looking for his eighth win this week, but reigning champion Daniel Land, Josh Bearden and Dustin Hitner are others who could be there this week to make things interesting.

The Mini Outlaw championship appears to be under the control of 2015 champion Sam Talon at this point.  Talon is a six time winner so far.  Five of the Top 6 drivers have won at least once this season.  Fourth ranked Rob Lauver is a five time winner, but he's been out with a blown motor in recent weeks.  Third ranked Jason Kallam, Ken Fox and John Henry each have one win.  Only second ranked Dan Daniels is without a win after 14 races.  With Alyssa Johnson, Jamie Daniels and Jason Berrier also on the roster, it's been a competitive class this season.

Ryan Siewell has had an amazing season in the Hornets division.  Siewell has racked up ten feature victories and 13 Top 5's in 16 starts, and this has given him a 76 point lead over Sam Taylor.  Taylor has ten Top 5's, but he is still without a feature triumph.  He may need one with reigning champion Jeremiah Reiber and Hannah Robison both 20 points behind him.  Siewell, like fifth ranked Tom Williams, is a two time winner this season.  There are other drivers in the pack looking for their first wins, and leading that charge will be April Warmack, Patrick Nagel, Jeremy Beard, Tim Young and Matt Butler.  The Hornets are the strongest supported division at the track this year.

Saturday will be a fun and exciting night of racing with lots of variety for the fans to enjoy.  For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.



Drivers Lining Up To Compete In $3,000 To Win Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...We're less than two weeks away from the Cascade Wingless 360 Sprint Car Challenge, presented by Herz Precision Parts, and there are already some top notch competitors planning to come to Southern Oregon Speedway for a run at the $3,000 top prize being offered.  The race happens on August 26th at the fast three-tenth mile clay oval, located in White City, Oregon at the Jackson Sports Park.  The track has held some big Winged Sprint Car races through the years, but this is the biggest Wingless Sprint race ever held here.  Promoter Mike McCann intends to make this an annual event.

It's just been confirmed that "The Human Highlight Reel" Geoff Ensign will be behind the wheel of the Ted Finkenbinder owned Sprinter.  Ted may field a second car, but the #3f car will be driven by the third generation racer Ensign.  Geoff has won many Wingless Spec Sprint and 360 Sprint Car races, including USAC wins in Finkenbinder's cars.  This year, Geoff has excelled at winged racing as the point leader at both Petaluma and Watsonville and second in points in the Civil War Series.  The Cascade Sprint Car Challenge offers Geoff an opportunity to indulge in his love of Wingless Sprint Car racing and make a run at the big prize being offered.  He may be the driver to beat.

We're still waiting on word from Kyle Miller, who has won some big Wingless Sprint Car races in Oregon through the years.  However, two other big stars from the state are confirmed.  Tim Alberding and Lance Hallmark are coming to make a run at the money.  Alberding is a multi time Wingless Sprint Car champion and currently second on the NWWT circuit this season.  Hallmark is in the midst of his second straight Top 5 point season with the NWWT Sprint Series.  He's still looking for his first win of the season, but he won twice last year, including a $2,000 payday at Coos Bay.

Another Californian coming up for the big show will be Rowdy McClennon.  McClennon was one of the stars on the Wingless Spec Sprint circuit during the the past seven years and is the 2012-2013 Chico champion.  He's been running winged races recently.  He had a Trophy Dash win at Southern Oregon Speedway last year and won a 410 Sprint Car race at Marysville a couple seasons ago.  McClennon is coming to make a run at what could potentially be his biggest wingless win, and he would have to be considered a serious contender.

2014 NWWT point runnerup Mike Romig is on the list of about a dozen racers who has said they are planning to come race so far.  The Vancouver, WA resident, who hasn't been running the NWWT series regularly since 2014, finished sixth at Willamette behind past top 5 ranked NWWT racer Mark Herz last week.  Herz is a staunch supporter of Wingless Sprint Car racing in Oregon and has sponsored several races, including the Cascade Sprint Car Challenge.  Steve Hix is a regular with the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Tour.  He's currently contending for a Top 10 point position there.  He has family near Southern Oregon Speedway and is looking forward to a visit.

Kyler Barraza could clinch the track's Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Series championship with a good finish on August 19th.  He's already a two time Southern Oregon Sprint Tour champion with multiple Coos Bay championships, and he's won wingless races in the past.  Kyler was at Willamette for a wingless show last week.  He hasn't run without a wing in a few years, but he won the Trophy Dash.  He's a bit more familiar with Southern Oregon Speedway.  Whether with wings or without, Barraza will be tough to beat at his home track.

The Cascade Sprint Car Challenge is offering a nice payday.  No Main Event starter makes less than $250.  After $3,000 to win, the $1,500 prize for second and $1,000 for third are still pretty nice.  There are some good racers already committed to the show, and whoever wins will have to bring their A game.  It's all happening on August 26th at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Race information can be found, www.southernoregonspeedway.com/cascade.pdf, and the track web page is www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


Pit Stops

Hall Of Fame Night produced one of the better car counts of the season last week at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The IMCA Modifieds were back in action without their point leader.  Just a race after declaring his intent to win his third championship in the last four seasons, Albert Gill saw a family commitment keep him out of the field.  Jesse Bailey had missed a race earlier this year, but he was back last week to try to take advantage of the absence of Gill.  He would leave the night with a slim point lead.

Bailey was part of a four car battle at the front of the pack last week when he spun to avoid a crash with a lapped car that nearly got leader Zach Fettinger.  When the yellow flag flew, track officials assigned the blame to the slower car and put Bailey back to third.  He made a late pass to take second from Mark Wauge.  It was his best finish since winning the 2015 season opener.  Bailey now leads Gill by just three points with just the R. Charles Snyder Salute on September 2-3 and the September 16th finale remaining in the schedule.

Wauge returned with his old car.  He and his crew had lots of work to do to get it fixed after a hard crash in Willamette during Speedweek.  Mark does have a new car coming, but he decided to get the other one fixed so he could get back out there and race.  His decision to change numbers might have been inspired in part as a way to change his luck.  This hasn't been the best season for the seven time reigning champion, but he was all over the back bumper of Zach Fettinger for most of the race last week before finishing third.  It's a clear indication that the car is running fine, and Mark will be out to get another win before the season ends.

The last time out, Fettinger had a third place finish, and there had been a little bit of talk before the last race that it might be his turn to win this week.  There have been 14 different winners in the last 15 races.  The only repeat winner in that time is Wauge.  Zach took the lead from Preston Jones, who is another driver who could score a win at any time.  Once Fettinger got the lead, he had Wauge, Bailey and Matt Duste chasing him closely the rest of the way.  However, he wasn't letting this one get away.  He drove one of his best races for an impressive win.

Ray Kniffen Jr. didn't have his best Main Event of the year, but the second generation racer did have something to smile about.  Ray kicked off the night with his first Trophy Dash victory.  He's also working on his best point effort in the division as he ranks fourth, followed closely by rookie Shane Everson.  He's still within 19 points of Wauge for third.  "Cowboy" Duane Orsburn had some nice graphics on his black #0 car.  It's a new car for Duane, who is hoping to be a bit more competitive.  Duane was third in points last season and is a two time Street Stock champion at the speedway.  He drove to a respectable fifth place finish last week, followed by rookie Jantzen Knips.  This is the second lead lap checkered flag finish for the 500 Open Kart graduate Knips, who seems to be handling the move up in divisions well.

The IMCA Sport Modified championship battle is just as close.  Rich McCoy is giving it everything he has in an effort to reel in Mike Medel and Willie McFall.  McCoy started out the season with a hot laps crash that ended his night prematurely.  Since then, he's been working his way back into contention.  Rich scored a clean sweep victory last week, which was also his second straight feature win and fourth straight Top 3 finish.  He still finds himself 17 points back, but the R. Charles Snyder Salute is coming September 2-3.  With an increased car count anticipated, those points could be made up in one race.  All McCoy can do now is just try to win and let the points fall where they will.  He's looked impressive lately.

Willie McFall knew he needed to step up and have a big night last week, and that's exactly what he did.  McFall couldn't catch McCoy, but he still drove a great race to finish second ahead of the resurgent David Marble.  McFall has been quietly having the best season of his career, and he's keeping the pressure on Medel.  However, Willie knows a win right now might be just what it takes to get his first division championship.  Don't count him out.  McFall did notch his third career Trophy Dash win at the previous race.  Medel certainly knows McFall is there now.

Medel was actually lucky to be there last week.  The reigning champion's start this year was impressive.  He had back to back second place finishes, followed by a Main Event victory.  Medel had to battle at the previous race just to hold off McFall for third.  Then, it got worse.  Getting ready to come out last week, Mike found that he had a blown motor.  It was fortunate for him that Don Braaten still had the Street Stock motor that Jorddon ran a few years ago.  Mike worked hard to get the motor in the car, and then he started having transmission issues. By the time he got that fixed and made it to the track, he didn't care where he started.  He was just grateful to be there.  Mike had a battle with Braaten for fifth.  He settled for sixth, but that still kept him in the point lead.  Like McFall, Mike has to be concerned with that "Lightning McQueen" #95 car of McCoy and keeping him out of the winner's circle at the R. Charles Snyder Salute.  It should be good racing on Labor Day Weekend.

Last week saw an incredible 18 Sport Modified racers signed in to go racing.  This included Cottage Grove Speedway competitor Jayson Nelson.  Nelson is the Oregon State point leader, and he's not about to let that championship get away from him.  Nelson is racing hard to win the Cottage Grove championship.  He trails Buddy McHargue by just three points, and there are only five points separating the Top 4 drivers in the standings.  Rookie Dave Rule was also back last week, and he got it to the checkered flag in eighth, followed by fellow rookie Tony Duste.  The team cars of Matt Sanders and Isaac Sanders were both there.  Matt purchased the #18 car from Kalvin Morton and changed the number to 8.  Unfortunately, the teammates crashed on the first lap and did not finish.  It is nice to see these new drivers getting out there to help build the class.

The SODCA Dwarf Car point sheet is still only updated to July on their official website, but you can almost set your watch to the fact that reigning champion Brock Peters is the point leader.  Brock has mastered Southern Oregon Speedway with four wins this year, but the talk was all about his son Cody.  Cody is behind the wheel of Brock's old M&M Chassis as Brock got a new M&M Chassis this year.  It's helped them as they can set them up similarly and run the same parts.  Brock was more proud of Cody's accomplishment in winning the Pro Dwarf Car feature at the Nationals than his most recent win.  He also knows that Cody may be a future SODCA champion.  With Ryan Smith, Chad Cardoza and Cody lurking in contention, Brock isn't taking anything for granted.  He knows he has to finish this season off.

Camden Robustelli has pretty much dropped his bid for a Dwarf Car championship and has ran his Sprint Car a little bit more, earning a Top 3 finish recently at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Last week, Camden was working on a clean sweep performance with wins in his heat race and the A Dash, but his bid for his first local Main Event win since the opener was thwarted by B. Peters.  Camden settled for a strong second.  Camden has won Main Events with SODCA at Coos Bay and Yreka this year in addition to his home track.  There will be more money on the line for the Dwarf Cars on Labor Day Weekend, and you shouldn't count out Robustelli as a threat to grab the big $1,000 prize.   Word is that there will be visitors from the North West Dwarf Car group and the PHRA, which will make this a true Oregon State Shoot Out event.

The WSDCA Nationals is the biggest event on the SODCA calendar, and SODCA is the proud host of the Southern Oregon Speedway event.  Of course, it takes lots of effort to put on one of these events, and club president Randy Slater works hard from the planning all the way to the race itself.  His wife and family are there with him helping make it all happen.  Randy is a man who puts his own ego on the back burner to do what he can to make this a success, so his own racing suffers just a bit that weekend.  However, you can see the improvement in Slater's performance at the regular shows.  Last week, Randy raced past Cody Peters for a season best third place finish.  Looking like this, you have to believe that a Main Event win is in the future for Slater.

Kalvin Morton has returned to the Dwarf Cars after selling his Sport Modified.  The multi time Top 5 competitor had an amazing season last year that saw him come within a few points of the championship.  He won several times at other venues, but the home track win continued to elude him.  He's hoping to change that in the remaining races this season.  Kalvin had a solid fifth place showing last week, followed by Ryan Smith and Rob Gergel.  There were 14 cars in action last week, and SODCA put on another good show for the fans.

Late Models are generating lots of buzz among the racers and fans.  New cars are in the works, and some really nice cars have been there so far this season.  We're also seeing some good battles taking shape in the point standings.  At the moment, Dustin Knight and Nathan Augustine are racing hard for the championship, while reigning champion Bob Dees is battling Kristy Grout for third.  Knight had the crowd on the edge of their seats all night last week.  His move from third to first on the last lap of the Trophy Dash may have been the best pass of the season so far.  In the feature, Knight was flirting with the 12 second bracket with laps in the 13.2's.  He's definitely getting everything he can out of the white #77 car, and the new shocks he just got helped with the handle of the race car last week.

Nathan Augustine is not just cruising around the track.  The third generation racer is out there focusing on hitting his marks and trying to get the car to the front.  When Knight raced into the lead last week, Augustine might have appeared to be racing for second, but he was working on his fastest line.  Gradually, he reeled in Knight and surprised him by making the pass for the lead.  Knight actually fell back a bit trying to get past Augustine.  It was traffic that was Augustine's undoing.  Ironically, traffic is what helped Augustine beat Knight in the season opener, but Knight went by Augustine and the slower cars and sped to his second win of the season last week.  Augustine settled for second.  Their battle continues this week.

Meanwhile, Kristy Grout was all smiles before the races.  She was back after her rollover crash into the front wall bent her frame.  Husband Tim Grout put the car together with a chassis they got from Collen Winebarger, and Kristy was able to keep her point effort going.  Bob Dees was coming off of his impressive first win and trying to keep the momentum going.  He won his heat race and finished a solid third in the Main Event.  Grout ended up ninth in the feature, and Dees now holds a one point lead over her in the third place battle.  Mike Linder had the Pro Stock of Scott Lenz chasing him down the stretch, but he wasn't about to let go of his fourth place finish.

Dave Foote finished sixth last week to keep his fifth spot in the standings.  However, Linder is staying in the hunt as he trails by 14 points.  This is pretty much the rookie season for Garrett Dees, and that means there will be ups and downs.  Garrett's race ended early last week in last, but he'll be back going for another good effort this week.  Chris Biggs made his division debut as scheduled and grabbed a checkered flag in seventh.  He didn't have a number on the car as the team had been working to make sure it was ready to go.  Chris is excited about Late Model racing and has indicated that the team has another chassis that could end up being a car next season.  The driver could end up being Justin McCreadie, who has done a great job in the Sport Modifieds and finished fourth in that division's Main Event last week.

There's a battle going on for the JOAT Labs Hornets point lead, and the leaders have had their drama.  Three races ago, Jason Stoutenburg fell back to second in points when he couldn't seem to keep the air in his right front tire all night.  Reigning champion Tim Hedges won his second straight Main Event that night and seemed like he was hitting his stride.  However, the tables have turned in the last two races.  Stoutenburgh has won the last two races and clean swept last week.  Hedges has been shut out of the Top 3.  Stoutenburgh is feeling enough confidence that he's headed for Willamette this week for a shot at the big $700 prize being offered to the Hornet Main Event winner.  It will feature some of the best racers in the state.

T. Hedges is going back to the drawing board.  He's had his work cut out for him trying to maintain four cars and found a problem with his championship car that kept it out of the field last week.  They also had to fix the steering issues on his son Ashton's car.  Tim has felt like the white #14t that he's been driving was down on horsepower and suspected the motor might have been ready to blow.  It hasn't yet, but it needs work.  Tim has decided after last week's disappointing fifth place finish that he will be going back to the #4t car and working on the other car during the offseason.  He's now trailing Stoutenburgh by eight points.  Wife Jenna Hedges seems to be having her best luck lately.  She won her first heat race and Trophy Dash two races ago, and she won her heat race again last week.  Jenna is still in title contention, 21 points behind Stoutenburgh.

Meanwhile, Derrel Nelson Jr. earned his third Top 3 finish last week.  This keeps him within 11 points of fifth place Dylan Irving and six points behind Brandon Wonsyld.  Derrel has been sharing the driving duties with son Zach, so we'll see if fifth in points is something he will pursue.  The Nelson team is working on more cars to debut in the future.  Irving is doing a good job after a late start to his season, and it won't be a big surprise to see the second generation racer pick up a win before season's end.

Dr. Scott Lenz is on fire.  It's almost as if when you see the #51l car show up, you know you are racing for second.  Lenz has been racing going back to the old Medford Speedway, where he was a Street Stock champion.  He's also a Pro Stock champion at Southern Oregon Speedway and winner of some big races as a multi time Top 5 IMCA Modified racer.  Lenz is leading both the Southern Oregon Speedway and Outlaw Pro Stock Association points, and his clean sweep last week did nothing to change any of that.  After his performance in the Pro Stock feature, Lenz started back in last in the Late Model Main Event and finished fifth.  He was closing in on fourth place Mike Linder before he ran out of time.  The points could be shaken up this week as Lenz will miss the show due to a family commitment.

This would open the door for 2015 Outlaw Pro Stock champion Jeffrey Hudson to gain the lead.  Hudson has a feature win this year and finished fourth after coming from the back twice last week.  He moved four points ahead of rookie Dean Hackworth in the battle for second.  Josh Kralicek is 15 points behind Hackworth.  Hackworth and Kralicek may be there this week, and there's rumors of Miles Deubert coming back this week in another ride.  Darron Arnold was absent last week, but we may see him this week.  There's rumors of the possible division debut of past Top 5 Mini Stock racer Mike Cloud.  Beyond that is just speculation that we won't make.  Southern Oregon Speedway is offering the only Pro Stock race in the area this week.

The Outlaw Karts held their fourth event of the season last week as the strength of the Cage Kart show remains the Box Stock and Beginners Box Stock classes while count struggles in the other two divisions.  On Thursday night, word got out through the Fuller Racing Team that the Speedway Kart racers wanted to race.  They brought 12 Karts last Friday, which included six each for the 4 Cycle and UAS divisions.  The Fuller's were offering up this race in support of the track and asked for nothing in return.  They just wanted to have a chance to show what they could do.  The Fuller's run Speed City, the QRC dealer in Medford.

One of the names in the UAS Speedway Kart class may be a familiar one to longtime Petaluma Speedway IMCA Modified fans.  He's Ron Bolles, and he was one of the first drivers to build a car when Promoter John P. Soares brought the division to California in 1987.  Bolles handled his Speedway Kart pretty well with a heat race win to start his night, and he finished third in the Main Event.  It was Kenny Boardman looking impressive in winning the Main Event ahead of heat race winner Larry Fuller.  Boardman has raced 500 Open Karts for several years, and he did a great job in the Speedway Kart last Friday night.  Young Brionna Fuller did a good job of holding off 2016 Yreka champion Ed Grubb for a fourth place finish.

Steve Rambo is a name familiar to people at Southern Oregon Speedway.  He's an avid Kart supporter, and he's helped out the track with photography and even using the RaceCeiver to communicate to the Dwarf Car drivers during the races.  Steve is in a 4 Cycle Speedway Kart.  He fields multiple Karts, but unfortunately his teammate Johnny Hoult didn't have much luck last week.  Rambo, however, had a great night as he won both the Main Event and one of his heat races.  Rambo beat the guy he beat in his heat race, Michael Vickers, while Lori Fuller finished a strong third.  This group of open cockpit Kart racers is very enthusiastic and did a great job of putting on a show for the fans.

Young Malachi Johnson is knocking on the door to the Beginners Box Stock championship.  He has won the last two Main Events, but he knows he shouldn't assume it's over just yet.  Malachi blew a motor in the season opener, so he knows he has to get out there and finish the job.  Young Kiley Grimes is just five points behind Johnson in the closest championship battle at the track.  She was part of the "nose to tail" battle for second last week involving Mason King and Uriah Sanders.  The kids are still learning, and nobody wanted to risk a wreck trying to make the pass.  The important thing is they all got laps as King finished second ahead of Sanders and Grimes.  Young Carson Henson wanted to get some time by himself in his beautiful red #11 kart, so he got his first seat time after the races were done.

Ryan Hirschbock returned for the first time this season and looked very impressive in winning his heat race ahead of fellow heat winner Trevor Grimes in the Box Stock division.  Grimes appears to be headed for his third straight championship, and he led the Main Event from the start.  Hisrshbock was glued to his rear nerf until he flipped in Turn 2, handing second to Keaton Augustine, who still has hopes of winning the championship.  Keaton noticed that Grimes had been pushing a bit exiting Turn 4, so he moved by underneath him when the race resumed.  Augustine scored a popular victory ahead of Grimes and Yreka point leader Taylor Fuller.  Going into the finale, Grimes has a nice 17 point lead over Augustine.

Grimes had the 250 Kart point lead, but the unthinkable happened as he strapped into his 250 Kart last week.  It wouldn't start.  Carley Holmes went out and won her third Main Event ahead of Reece Slyter.  It was a clean sweep performance for Holmes, who now leads Grimes by 16 points.  Grimes was hoping to go into point lead protection mode, and had he just started the race, it would have been difficult for Holmes to overtake him without an increase in car count this week.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Hudson looked like he might have had the fastest 500 Open Kart at the track, but mechanical issues ended his bid to win the first heat race, which was won by Tanner Holmes.  Hudson won the next heat, but he had problems that forced him to scratch from the Main Event.  Point leader Holmes and reigning champion Johnny Burke had a duel for the lead where they passed each other every lap all the way to the finish, and Burke picked up the victory. 

Siskiyou Motor Speedway has been silent during the Siskiyou County Fair, but it's about time to change that.  August 25th will be an Outlaw Kart race, and Saturday, August 26th will be a loaded program with IMCA Sport Modifieds, Outlaw Pro Stocks, McDonald's Mini Stocks and IMCA Modifieds.  It's about time for the stretch run as the championships will all be decided at the Rod Restad Memorial Race on September 23rd.

The IMCA and SCMA Sport Modifieds points are mirror images at the top with D.J. Bottoms leading Colton Cheffey by 50 points.  This is because the association is using the IMCA point format for the SCMA point race rather than also including heat and dash points, which might actually make it closer.  Cheffey had some bad luck to start the season, but he won four Main Events in a row headed into the month long hiatus.  Things were going so well for the second generation racer that he probably wishes they didn't have a break.  Making up a point deficit is much more difficult with IMCA and its one point at a time system.  It doesn't help that Bottoms entered the break with back to back Top 3 finishes.  D.J. has done well this season with two wins out of five Top 3 finishes. 

The steady Randy Wright is now two points ahead of Justin Foux in the race for third.  Foux had a pair of early season wins before taking his car elsewhere.  Wright finished second to Foux in one of those races, but he's still looking for his first win.  Second generation racer Ryder Boswell has gained a five point lead over Jack Waldon III in the race for fifth in points.  Ryder's best finish is a second, while Jack has a third.  There have been seven different winners so far this season as Justin McCreadie, Cory Biggs and Jordon Braaten each have two and Keith Brown Jr. also has a win.

Reigning McDonald's Mini Stock champion Marilyn Yawnick is still leading their point race by 37 ahead of Ethan Kilingsworth and 40 over Mike Whitaker.  Marilyn had three seconds and three thirds heading into the final race before the break, but she finally got her first win of the year ahead of Killingsworth that night.  Marilyn can't go into protection mode.  Four time winner Killingsworth won three in a row at one point, so she is well aware of what that talented teen racer is capable of.  "Magic" Mike is enjoying a good season so far, and he is one of the six different winners so far this season.  2015 champion David Steele has three wins, while Michael Johnson and Chris Jorgensen each have a win.  Mike Frost, Mike Colson and Amber Waldon are a few of the other racers hoping to get a win.

Only the non point, big money Billy Geyer Memorial Race has eluded Dr. Scott Lenz in the Outlaw Pro Stock division.  Lenz has won all six point races in Yreka, leaving the battle for second.  Jeffrey Hudson could very well be second in points right now, but he missed a race as he was having misfortune with a blown motor in his lone Sprint Car start at Medford.  Jeffrey won the Billy Geyer Race and has five second place finishes in the six point races held in Yreka.  With three thirds and a second, Scott Flowers is holding onto second in the standings ahead of Johnny Cobb and Hudson, who have a close battle going for third.  Cobb has a pair of third place finishes this season, while James Flowers was third in the most recent Yreka race.  S. Flowers beat son J. Flowers in the most recent association point race in Medford, and these two, along with Hudson, may be the best hope of beating Lenz.  A field of a dozen or more cars is anticipated for the August 26th race.

Yreka has access to all of the IMCA Modified racers for their next race, but it's anybody's guess who might come to race.  "Cowboy" Duane Orsburn may be anxious to test his new car, but whether anybody else will come is anybody's guess.  The race you can mark on your calendar is the Rod Restad Memorial on September 30th.  The division has had four point races, and Nick Trenchard has won three of them to hold a 20 point lead over Kyle Casson and Albert Gill with James Welshonse 22 points back.  It's not likely that you will see Trenchard unless the money is on the line.  He's scored big wins at Yreka, Medford and Elma this year, and all of them were worth more than $1,000 to win.  However, a point race will happen on August 26th if enough drivers show up to make it happen.


Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars Back 
At Southern Oregon Speedway Saturday Night

White City, Oregon...People are talking about the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car division at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The Sprint Cars have had over a dozen championship seasons, but the division fell off after 2010.  The track didn't crown its own champion until Promoter Mike McCann brought Sprint Cars back in 2016.  McCann's reputation as a Sprint Car guy is well documented.  He started Sprint Car divisions at Cottage Grove and Marysville that continue to this day. 

David Hibbard has been wanting to come back to his home track, where he has won his share of Main Events through the years.  Hibbard won the Limited Sprint championship at Cottage Grove in 2014 as well as ten Main Events there from 2013-2016.  He is an advocate for the more affordable rules set that is being used at Cottage Grove as it allows him to field a second car for his son Bailey.  This year, they added a car for his father Calvin to the team.  David has worked with McCann behind the scenes to help spark a renewed interest in the Sprint Car effort at Southern Oregon Speedway, and the numbers are up from last year after seven races.

The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars had a ten car field last time and a dozen cars at the previous race.  There have been four different winners in seven races.  Reigning champion Jake Wheeler was back to win his first Main Event of the season last time.  The Wheeler family has been supporters of the Medford Sprint Car effort through the years, and both Jake and his father Vern Wheeler Jr. were winners last season.  Jake's first start this year was a mixed bag.  He beat Barraza to win the scramble on his first night back, but he flipped in the Main Event.  His win last time out reminded everybody that he is the reigning champion.  Wheeler was also a Top 5 competitor in this year's Speedweek Series.

Kyler Barraza's three wins and two seconds have given him a commanding point lead.  In fact, he could actually clinch the championship with a good enough finish this week.  Barraza may have taken a couple of seasons off since his back to back Southern Oregon Sprint Tour championships, but he's picked up right where he left off this season.  His only non Top 3 finish came the night he spun going for the lead in the final turn rather than spinning out the leader.  He enters this week as the driver to beat.

The battle in points is between David Hibbard, impressive rookie Merissa Henson and two time winner Bailey Hibbard for second, and just seven points separate the three.  Though three time feature runnerup D. Hibbard and his son Bailey have had better finishes than Henson, she has done a slightly better job of getting to the finish line and has finished as high as third.  B. Hibbard is coming off of back to back non finishes, and he's looking to turn his luck around this week.  Whatever happens in the championship battle, it looks like the race for second will go down to the final checkered flag next month.

The Sprint Cars are gaining more interest every week.  Outlaw Kart stars Tanner Holmes and Mike Wheeler have both joined the division in recent weeks.  Holmes has taken two checkered flags with a fifth place finish in his first start and a lead lap seventh his last time out.  Young rookie Enrique Jaime finished fourth last time as he is now fifth in points.  The division has several young competitors, which bodes well for the future.  With the new rules package, this division is becoming an intriguing option for the Outlaw Kart racers looking to make a move up.

We've also seen the return of 1998 Cottage Grove champion Hedge Carter after an eight year absence.  Carter has a third place finish and a fourth in his two starts.  It might have been two thirds if not for a late pass two races ago by rising young star Camden Robustelli.  Carter will be there this Saturday night, and word is that Cottage Grove point leader Ricky Ashley and Tyler Thompson are planning to make their first visits to Southern Oregon Speedway.  The division has gotten the attention of two locally based 360 Sprint Car champions, Seth Nunes and  Charlie Thompson.  Thompson recently borrowed Merissa Henson's motor to make a start at Cottage Grove.  Nunes just got a motor legal for this division.

People are talking about Southern Oregon Speedway's Sprint Car effort, and indications are that we will keep seeing new additions to the roster in the days ahead.  Saturday night's show looks like it should be another good one headed into the August 26th Cascade Wingless 360 Sprint Car Challenge, presented by Herz Precision Parts.  That race will pay $3,000 to win.  The final race for the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Series will be September 9th.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.  For further information on the Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge, you can find the flier at http://www.southernoregonspeedway.com/cascade.pdf.

Point Standings
Kendall Oil Sprint Cars
Kyler Barraza       238
David Hibbard           181
Merissa Henson          176
Bailey Hibbard          174
Enrique Jaime              137
Calvin Hibbard             99
Camden Robustelli         80
Hedge Carter             59
Jake Wheeler             54
Tanner Holmes            45

Schedule

August 19
August 26 Cascade Wingless Sprint Challenge
September 9


Sprint Car Champions

1996  Dan Menne
1997  Bill Nutter
1998  Dan Menne
2001  Chad Bauer
2002  Todd Zeitler
2003  Dan Menne
2004  T.J. Winningham
2005  Dan Menne
2006  Bill Nutter
2007  Randy Rodgers
2008  Randy Rodgers
2009  Charlie Thompson
2010  Chadd Noland
2013  Kyler Barraza *
2014  Kyler Barraza *
2016  Jake Wheeler

* Southern Oregon Sprint Tour