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Luckman Leads The Way In Late Models
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...May 11...Preston Luckman opened the 2019 Late Model season with an impressive 25 lap Main Event victory Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Luckman is the 2018 Cottage Grove champion and is currently competing for the title at Coos Bay Speedway. The win paid $1,000 to Luckman, and that increase was made possible thanks to an extra $200 of sponsorship from Northwest Trucking.
There were a dozen Late Models for this show, and reigning Coos Bay Speedway champion Brody Montgomery held off Luckman to win the first eight lap race. Trent Elliott outran 2013 Pro Stock champion Dave Everson to claim the honors in the second heat. The wins put Montgomery and Elliott on the front row for the Main Event, and Montgomery took the lead ahead of Elliott and Luckman. Unfortunately, Montgomery spun in Turn 2 with fellow Coos Bay regular Deven Brown to bring out a yellow flag and cause a restart. This moved Luckman to the pole, and he charged into the lead ahead of Elliott and 2017 champion Nathan Augustine. A lap four yellow flag flew when Augustine spun from third in Turn 2. Luckman continued to lead Elliott, and Montgomery had already worked his way back into third. 11th starter Miles Deubert was battling Everson for the fourth position before making a move on lap six to gain the spot. A lap 10 caution flag waved when Brown and Everson made a bit of contact on the front straightaway, resulting in a spin by Brown. Luckman led a lap before the final yellow flag slow down as Brown spun on the back straightaway. Luckman continued to lead Elliot and Montgomery on the restart. Luckman was setting a rapid pace and was into slower traffic by lap 18. Despite a few scary moments that could have resulted in a crash, Luckman brought it home to the impressive victory. Elliott settled for second, followed by Montgomery. Augustine made a charge back through the pack to finish fourth, followed by Deubert, Bob Dees, Everson, Dave Foote, Davey Evans and Brown.
Late Models are part of this Saturday's show along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Late Models
Heat 1-Brody Montgomery, Preston Luckman, Nathan Augustine, Deven Brown, Miles Deubert, Tony Bartell..
Heat 2-Trent Elliott, Dave Everson, Bob Dees, Dave Foote, Davey Evans, Cliff Massey.
Main Event-Preston Luckman, Trent Elliott, Brody Montgomery, Nathan Augustine, Miles Dubert, Bob Dees, Dave Everson, Dave Foote, Davey Evans, Deven Brown, Tony Bartell, Cliff Massey.
Robustelli Wins Thrilling Dwarf Car Race
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...May 11...Camden Robustelli thrilled the crowd in winning a three-car battle for the 25 lap Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Main Event victory Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Robustelli looked like he would be a sure winner in the opener at Yreka before mechanical issues sent him to the pits that night. To win this race, he had to battle three-time reigning champion Josh King and two-time champion Brock Peters, who led most of the race before settling for second.
A strong turnout of 20 Dwarf Cars needed three eight lap qualifying heat races. Robustelli looked impressive in winning the first race ahead of Peters. Mason Lewman won the next heat ahead of early leader Fred Hay. The final heat race victory was a flag-to-flag run for King ahead of Joe Sanders. King took the lead from Robustelli on lap five to win the six lap A Dash. Peters made a move around Kalvin Morton on lap five to win the six lap B Dash. Unfortunately for Morton, his Main Event ended very early.
Brock Peters had the outside front row for the Main Event with Robustelli lined up fifth and King starting eighth. Peters charged into the lead at the start ahead of Lewman. Reggie Ayers stalled on the front stretch for a lap two caution flag. Peters continued to lead the restart with Hay moving into second. King took third from Lewman on lap four, and a high pass in Turn 2 on lap seven gained King second from Hay. Peters was already working slower traffic, and Robustelli quickly slipped past Hay for third on lap eight. A three-car battle developed at the front of the pack as Peters, King and Robustelli pulled away from everybody else. On the 18th lap, a high pass in Turn 2 put King into the lead, and Robustelli also got by for second. Traffic made things interesting at the front of the pack as Robustelli managed to get by King for the lead on lap 22. Moments later, a caution flag waved for Paul Haslow. Robustelli maintained the lead on the restart with Peters getting by King for second. However, Robustelli was not letting go as he scored the impressive victory, followed by Peters, King, Hay, Lewman, Cardoza, Jesse Lorentz, Sanders, Shane Hines and Jerry Hauck.
The Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars return this Saturday night along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com or check out www.sodca.net.
Race Results
SODCA Dwarf Cars
Heat 1-Camden Robustelli, Brock Peters, Kalvin Morton, Paul Haslow, Ashleigh Strain, Chad Lorentz.Heat 2-Mason Lewman, Fred Hay, Chad Cardoza, Michael Johnson, Sean Trujillo.
Heat 3-Josh King, Joe Sanders, Jesse Lorentz, Cody Peters, Jerry Hauck, Shane Hines.
A Dash-Josh King, Camden Robustelli, Brock Peters, Mason Lewman, Fred Hay, Joe Sanders.
B Dash-Chad Cardoza, Kalvin Morton, Paul Haslow, Michael Johnson, Jesse Lorentz, Cody Peters.
Main Event-Camden Robustelli, Brock Peters, Josh King, Fred Hay, Mason Lewman, Chad Cardoza, Jesse Lorentz, Joe Sanders, Shane Hines, Jerry Hauck, Ashleigh Strain, Chad Lorentz, Paul Haslow, Michael Johnson, Cody Peters, Reggie Ayers, Kalvin Morton, Sean Trujillo.
Hedges Battles Steele For First Career Mini Stock Win
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...May 11...Taking the lead from David Steele late in the race, Ashtin Hedges won his first career Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. With a second place finish in the opener, Hedges is off to a good start and is a player in the championship battle.
On Friday night, Kristopher Mix and Carrie Weiser welcomed their second baby boy into the world. On Saturday, the 2017 champion celebrated by holding off Steele to win the eight lap heat race. Steele claimed the four lap Trophy Dash victory ahead of Hedges. Mix had the pole for the Main Event and set the early pace ahead of Steele and Hedges. A low pass in Turn 2 of the fifth lap gained Steele the lead from Mix, and Hedges followed Steele into second. The only yellow flag of the race flew on lap seven when rookie Dylan Irving spun in Turn 2. Steele led the restart with Mix moving past Hedges for second. A low pass in Turn 2 of the ninth lap regained Hedges second, and he started to set his sights on Steele. Hedges kept it close in the waning laps and surprised Steele by making an inside pass in Turn 2 of the 19th lap to gain the lead. They raced across the start-finish line in a near dead heat, and Hedges held off Steele in the race to the checkered flag for the well-earned victory. Mix settled for third, followed by Michael McLeod and Irving.
The Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks will return to Southern Oregon Speedway this Saturday night along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars and JOAT Labs Hornets. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks
Heat-Kristopher Mix, David Steele, Ashtin Hedges, Michael McLeod, Dylan Irving.Trophy Dash-David Steele, Ashtin Hedges, Dylan Irving, Michael McLeod.
Main Event-Ashtin Hedges, David Steele, Kristopher Mix, Michael McLeod. Dylan Irving.
Eaton Opens Season With Late Model Lites Victory
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...May 11...Reigning Valley Store All Late Model Lites champion Charlie Eaton won the 12 lap Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Eaton won the eight lap heat race in a flag-to-flag run ahead of Greg Arnold. Making his return to the class after a pair of starts in 2017, Mike Cloud had mechanical issues sideline him for the night. Eaton led the Main Event from the outset and would lead every lap to win ahead of Arnold. Pete Bowne made his division debut with a third place finish.
The Late Model Lites will return to action on Memorial Day Weekend, May 25th. They will be a part of the Disorder On The Southern Border III Iron Giant Street Stock event. Also on the card will be the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Valley Store-All Late Model Lites
Heat-Charlie Eaton, Greg Arnold, Pete Bowne, Mike Cloud.Main Event-Charlie Eaton, Greg Arnold, Pete Bowne, Mike Cloud DNS.
Sauer Wins Second Straight Hornets Main Event
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...May 11...Leading from the drop of the green flag, Dylan Sauer won the 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the second straight victory for Sauer as he asserts himself as a contender for the championship this season.
Sauer took the lead from Bree Tritchler on the fourth lap and held her off to win the first of two eight lap heat races. Tim Hedges grabbed the lead from Quinton Tritchler on lap four and won his heat ahead of Chris Boynton. Hedges picked up the four lap Trophy Dash win, followed by Sauer.
The Main Event turned out to be a non-stop affair. Sauer used his pole position start to charge into the early lead ahead of Hedges. Bree Tritchler was an early third ahead of her father Quentin Tritchler. Third place turned out to be a close battle early on, and it was Quentin passing his daughter Bree for third on lap ten. Saur was quickly into slower traffic and had a decent lead over Hedges. The leaders lapped the fourth place battle of Bree Tritchler and Jenna Hedges on lap 18, and Dylan Sauer cruised to victory, followed by Tim Hedges, Quentin Tritchler, Bree Tritchler, Jenna Hedges, Lacey Sauer, Derrel Nelson Jr, Shawn Nelson, Jenna Silva and Zach Nelson.
The JOAT Labs Hornets are back in action this Saturday night along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars and Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
JOAT Labs Hornets
Heat 1-Dylan Sauer, Bree Tritchler, Lacey Sauer, Derrel Nelson Jr., Shawn Nelson.Heat 2-Tim Hedges, Chris Boynton, Quinton Tritchler, Jenna Hedges, Zach Nelson.
Trophy Dash-Tim Hedges, Dylan Sauer, Chris Boynton, Derrel Nelson Jr.
Main Event-Dylan Sauer, Tim Hedges, Quinton Tritchler, Bree Tritchler, Jenna Hedges, Lacey Sauer, Derrel Nelson Jr, Shawn Nelson, Jenia Silva, Zach Nelson, Chris Boynton.
Mike Caveye Mini Stock Blowout Highlights
Siskiyou Golden Speedway Program
Yreka, CA...After the Mother's Day weekend break, racing resumes at Siskiyou Golden Speedway this Saturday night. The Mini Stock division will take center stage with the Mike Caveye Memorial Mini Stock Blowout race. Also competing will be the IMCA Sport Modifieds and the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks. It is also Shop Local Night, which is intended to help generate support within the racing community for local businesses.
The Mini Stock Blowout race has been a part of the schedule for several years. Mike Caveye was a racer and a beloved member of the community. He was a staunch supporter of Yreka racing and seldom missed a race. When he passed away in 2011, the race was named after him. The man with the hot hand in recent years is 2015 Yreka champion and current Medford champ David Steele. Steele has won four of the last five events, interrupted only in 2016 by Terry Kendrick. Kendrick was the winner of the most recent point race and hopes to notch his second victory in this event. If Steele appears for this show, the five-time event winner would be the man to beat.
Kendrick has been fielding multiple cars this year, and the Alford family also has multiple cars. Last time out, Terry Alford Sr had a strong run in third behind 2012 Caveye Memorial winner Dan Borror. There's no word as to whether Borror might show up, but his son Steve Borror is expected to be there for the Pro Stock portion of the show. The hard-charging duo of three-time champion Marilyn Yawnick and two-time champion "Magic" Mike Whitaker are anticipated for this event as well.
Two young guns are getting everybody to take notice this year. Darek Alford picked up another Top 5 finish last time out. Last season's top rookie in the standings, Zak McMurry, collected his first Trophy Dash win. McMurry will be hoping to stake a claim on the Main Event win this time around. The Mini Stock show should be very entertaining.
One thing about the Mini Stock division is that it has brought several talented young drivers into the world of racing in Yreka. Three of them are now battling for the top honors in the IMCA Sport Modified class. Past champion Colt Boswell, brother Ryder Boswell and Ethan Killingsworth are the three front-runners in the championship battle so far. Killingsworth was the winner two races ago ahead of Colt and Ryder Boswell. Colt was the top regular point competitor in the most recent race, finishing fourth.
Randy Wright returned to the action last time out and captured his second Trophy Dash victory of the season. He will be out to try and get the feature win this time, and other drivers to watch for include Donovan Rogers, Gary Foster, Jack Walden III and Chris Jorgensen. Word is there will be some new cars in the field for this week's show.
Most of the drivers in the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock division have been scratching their heads in wonder. What do they have to do to beat two-time reigning champion Dr Scott Lenz. Lenz has been practically unbeatable in Yreka during the past two years, and he scored one of the biggest wins of his career last time out with his $2,000 victory in the Billy Geyer Memorial race. What makes his winning in these regular shows so impressive is that generally he has to start deep in the field.
At the most recent point race for the group, it was James Flowers leading several laps before being overtaken by Lenz. It was another second place finish for James, but he and his father, Scott Flowers, are two leading candidates to overtake Lenz for victory this week. Other drivers with a shot at the glory include Matt Harlow, Bryan Hammond, 2016 champion Steve Borror, John David Duffie and Colby Hammond.
This three division lineup should be a good one, and it's a nice opportunity for the Mini Stocks to showcase what they can do for the fans. Next week's two day Memorial Day Weekend show will offer another enticing lineup for the fans as things continue to look up at Siskiyou Golden Speedway. For further information, go to www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Mike Caveye/Mini Stock Blowout Winners
2008 John Derby
2009 Jim Pope
2010 David Steele
2011 John Derby *
2012 Dan Borror
2013 Ryder Boswell
2014 David Steele
2015 David Steele
2016 Terry Kendrick
2017 David Steele
2018 David Steele
* First race held in honor of Caveye
Rain Puts A Damper On Southern Oregon Speedway Weekend
White City, Oregon...The weekend was set to include two events at the Southern Oregon Speedway facility. In addition to a five division line up on the Jim Rodgers prepared 3/10 mile clay oval on Saturday night, a full complement of Outlaw Karts, Flat Track Motorcycles and Quads were scheduled to compete on Friday night.
However, rain began to fall on Wednesday afternoon and its been raining for much of Thursday. The forecast calls for continued rain through the weekend. After consulting various weather reports and the National Weather Service, Promoter Mike McCann made the decision to cancel all racing for the weekend. The news will come as a disappointment to the racers and fans who were hoping the show would go on, but it's the best course of action to take for the tracks.
Next on the schedule for Southern Oregon Speedway will be Saturday, May 25th. This will be the third visit for The Iron Giant Street Stocks. It's Disorder On The Southern Border III, and the Street Stock division will be running a 50 lap Main Event paying $1,000 to win. The thrilling IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modified will both be competing that night along with the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, the Valley Store All Late Model Lites and the OTRO Hardtops.
Fans rarely get an opportunity to see the Street Stock division, which was a regular fixture at the old Medford Speedway for years but only ran regularly at Southern Oregon Speedway for about five seasons. The series, put together by Chris Sine and James Whitehouse, takes the Street Stocks to almost every venue in Oregon, along with visits to tracks in Washington and California. The Southern Oregon Speedway event begins the season for the group.. Andrew Langan is the defending race winner and Donald Schott won the inaugural event a year earlier.
Mark Wauge was forced to settle for second at the IMCA Modified season opener behind the flying Jeffrey Hudson. While he appeared to be closing in on Hudson, time ran out on him. He will be back on Saturday in pursuit of his 50th career IMCA Modified win at his home track. The IMCA Sport Modifieds staged a thrilling race that ended in a photo finish last time out, won by Matt Sanders ahead of race long leader Justin McCreadie. The division produced a strong 21 car field that night.
The next program at little Southern Oregon Speedway will take place on June 14th, and all of the divisions featured at the opener will be back. Promoter Mike McCann has invited the Flat Track Motorcycle riders to compete on the little track, and 69 year old Bobby Ingle answered the call with an impressive win in the Unlimited division last week. Also along as part of the program were the three-wheel Trikes, and Ryan Comstock won that race.
The 250 Intermediate Karts continue to put on a great show, and 2017 champion Trevor Grimes opened the season with a victory ahead of rookie Jacob James. Reigning Box Stock champion Keaton Augustine won his season opener, and Brionna Fuller was a double winner at the opener, winning the Four Cycle Main Event and the 500 Open class race as well. June 14th is poised to be the biggest turnout of competitors across all classes that the speedway has seen in recent years.
Many exciting events are still lined up for Southern Oregon Speedway all the way through mid September. You can find out more information on the all-new webpage at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Interstate Sprint Car Series Comes To Coos Bay Speedway
Coos Bay, Oregon...This Saturday night, a special event will be coming to Coos Bay Speedway. It's the first of three scheduled visits by the Interstate Sprint Car Series. Joining them for the program will be the NASCAR Whelen All American Series Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and the Hornets. This is also Mega Bike Giveaway Night for the kids.
Interactions between reigning Southern Oregon Speedway Sprint Car champion David Hibbard and Oregon Sprint Car guru Brian Crockett prior to the 2018 season led to the revival of the dormant Interstate Sprint Car Series. Hibbard saw the potential for a big Series for the Sprint Cars that use the limited rules package. Crockett agreed, and as the owner of the series that had raced three seasons as a Winged 360 Sprint Car tour, Crockett put things together and mapped out a very enticing schedule.
Promoter Drake Nelson jumped at the chance to get Coos Bay involved in the series, and they were given three dates last year, including one of the Week of Speed races in August. This will again be the case this year. The regular Coos Bay Sprint Car competitors are welcome to join the fun, and one of the locals shocked the field in September last year with an upset victory. That would be two-time Coos Bay champion Dave May.
The popular Kyler Barazza, himself a past Coos Bay and Southern Oregon Sprint Tour champion, won the first visit, and Tyler Thompson won the second race, which was a Week Of Speed Event. Thompson won the Week Of Speed Series and also won a good battle with Kinzer Cox and Shane Forte to win the series crown.
A large amount of support comes from Cottage Grove Speedway, where the turn out for a regular show is anywhere from 18 to 22 cars per event. They will open the series on Friday night at Cottage Grove before coming to Coos Bay. Some of the top stars of the group include Medford area racers Camden Robustelli and Bailey Hibbard, AJ Harbaugh, Steven Snauder and Brett McGhie. Tanner Holmes, who won the recent races in Medford and Cottage Grove, is expected for this show. Holmes has won five of his last six starts on the circuit in this class.
Last season, Coos Bay didn't include these events as part of their own point races, so the local stars weren't necessarily obligated to compete. Track regular Donovan Prather won a preliminary event at the September showdown, and he recently finished second in a local Main Event behind reigning champion Brett Hulsey. Fans love watching Sprint Car racing, and the Interstate Sprint Car Series will bring a good field of competitors to put on a show.
The Sportsman Late Model division has taken on a new look this year in the championship battle. This is because reigning champion Dyllan Siewell is currently not competing and Wayne Butler has moved up to the Super Late Model class. Hornet graduate Braden Fugate has won both Main Events so far this season, but with a pair of second place finishes, Mike Taylor is only four points behind him. Other drivers to watch for this week include Josh Kralicek, Charlie Withers and Tom Williams.
Another good battle is happening in the Street Stock division. Steve Dubisar has hit the ground running this year by winning the first two races of the season. Dubisar has won more Main Events than anybody in the class since 2017, but he has not been chasing points. Right now, he finds himself four points ahead of Late Model veteran Tom Elam, who has finished second in both races. Last season's top rookie, David Smith, is only 10 points out of the lead and eight ahead of Hornet graduate Peyton Reigard. Reigning champion Ken Fox has struggled at the start of the season, but he will be hoping to turn things around this week. Likewise, Sam Talon has had two races he'd rather forget as he maintains a double division effort.
Talon is the two-time reigning Mini Outlaw champion. Last time out, he picked up a victory ahead of Jason Kellam and Dan Daniels. These three will hopefully be there along with double division racer Ken Fox, Hunter Berrier and Jason Berrier. The VW Beetle of Rob Lauver was in attendance at the season opener, but mechanical issues put him on the trailer early and pretty much ended the night for the division as Talon was left by himself.
Last season, Hannah Robison won four Main Events to finish third in the Hornet standings. This year, the popular Myrtle Point competitor has had an amazing start with back-to-back feature wins over reigning champion Tyler Tullos. Her lead is just four points. Robison missed her heat race last time and started 13th on the Main Event grid. However, she set a rapid pace in charging to the front and scoring the victory. These two drivers figure to have a season-long battle for the lead, but other drivers to keep an eye out for include Gabrielle Boles, Ray Marshall, Steven Parker, Jessie McIntyre and Kris Parker.
Fans who love Sprint Car racing will want to be at Coos Bay Speedway for the Interstate Sprint Car Series event. Plus, the Mega Bike Giveaway offers the kids a chance to win a new bike. It will be a fun night by the bay this Saturday night. For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.
Kennemore, Brown, Gordon Win
At Diamond Mountain Speedway
Susanville, CA...May 10...Taking the lead on a lap 13 restart, Wade Kennemore went on to win the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Friday night at Diamond Mountain Speedway. The IMCA inversion put Tom Glenn on the front row for the Main Event, and he charged into the lead at the start ahead of Paris Archie and Matt Murphy. Kennemore started a bit further back in the field, and he slipped past Mitch Murphy for the fourth position on lap seven. Kennemore gained third from Matt Murphy on lap 12, moments before Rob Robles lost a motor on the front straightaway for a yellow flag. Wade Kennemore easily motored around the outside of Glenn for the lead on the restart. A lap later, Glenn spun, collecting Archie for a caution flag. Archie wasn't assigned the blame and was restored to his position on the restart. Kennemore led Matt Murphy as Chris Nieman made a Turn 4 pass on Archie to gain third. Wade Kennemore began to pull away just a bit, but a final caution flag waved on lap 24, setting up a one lap shootout to the finish. Wade Kennemore would not be denied as he motored ahead at the waving of the green flag and brought it home to a satisfying win. Archie fell off the pace on the final lap and ducked into the pits off the back stretch as Chris Nieman finished second, followed by Matt Murphy, Larry McCracken, Mitch Murphy, Nevin Kennemore and Steve Bejcek. Glenn won the first eight lap heat race in front of Nevin Kennemore, and Wade Kennemore picked up the second heat win ahead of Bejcek.
State championship contender Keith Brown Jr again made the trip from Antioch and won the 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Craig Nieman and reigning champion Jason Emmot exchanged the lead during the first few laps before an inside pass in Turn 4 on lap five gained Nieman the position. By then, Brown was in third, and he made an inside pass on the backstretch to take second from Emmot on lap six. Brown was soon being challenged by multi-time Hobby Stock champion Richard Longacre for the second position. Brown withstood the challenge of Longacre and gained the lead from Nieman on lap 12. Despite there being four yellow flags during the second half of the race, Brown made no mistakes and brought it home to a satisfying win. Longacre began an intense battle with Brittany Nieman for the second position and grabbed the spot on a lap 16 restart. However, Nieman made an inside pass in Turn 4 a lap later to move back ahead. Longacre made an outside pass on lap 21 to claim second from Brittany Nieman again. A yellow flag waved moments later, and Brittany Nieman lost the third position to Shayna Nieman. An inside pass in Turn 4 of the 24th lap gained Shayna Nieman the second position. However, nobody was a match for the flying Brown as he won ahead of Shayna Nieman. Longacre won a near photo finish with Brittany Nieman for the third position as James Huffmon, Emmot and Craig Nieman rounded out the Top 7. Heat race wins went to Craig Nieman ahead of Emmot and Huffmon in front of Colton Chew. Chew led most of that race before a bobble in Turn 4 opened the door for Huffmon to get the win.
Steve Gordon won the 15 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. Steve Buhr led early with Gordon in close pursuit. An outside pass on the backstretch on lap four gained Gordon the lead. Buhr kept it close and briefly we took the lead in their side-by-side battle on lap seven. However, Gordon motored ahead on the inside down the backstretch a lap later. On lap nine, Jacob Hutson took the second position from Buhr with a low pass in Turn 4. Gordon would be chased closely by Hutson down the stretch, but he would prevail at the checkered flag. Rick Higby made an inside pass on the backstretch on lap 10 to take over the third spot, and he would finish there, followed by Buhr and Fred Kresge. Heat race wins went to Buhr and Higby.
Cody Kennemore won the 15 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Kennemore started on the front row and would pull away from the start, leaving the battle for second. Randy Black and Bion Barr battled it out down the stretch. Black made his move past Barr for the runner-up position on lap 14, but nobody was going to stop Kennemore from collecting the win. Barr settled for third ahead of multi time champion Larry Whitebird.
The next race will be on Friday, May 24th. The lineup will include the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.dmspeedway.com.
Mackey Wins California Hardtop Race
At Placerville Speedway
Placerville, CA...May 11...Dave Mackey won the 20 lap California Hardtop Association Main Event Saturday night at Placerville Speedway. Mackey drove to victory in the Dudley Brothers Tribute Hardtop. He started deep in the pack and steadily worked his way to take the lead by the halfway point of the race.
Joe Shenefield led the first four laps. Joe Hopp had second until being passed on lap three by Dennis Armstrong. Armstrong made an outside pass on the frontstretch of the fifth lap to take the lead from Shenefield. Jason Clifford was running third, but he spun in Turn 4 for a lap five caution flag. Armstrong continued to lead Ken Clifford and Roger MacShain on the restart. MacShian went around the outside of Clifford in Turn 1 on lap seven for second, but he had an off track excursion a lap later as Armstrong led Clifford and Mackey. Mackey made a move around Clifford for second on lap nine and set his sites on the lead. An inside pass on the backstretch on lap 11 gained Mackey the lead from Armstrong. Ken Retzloff was running in third and made an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 13th lap to take second from Armstrong. Retzloff was the previous winner and he was in close pursuit of Mackey until spinning in the final turn as Mackey brought it home to victory. Ron Ruiz made a late pass and finished second, followed by Armstrong, MacShain, Ken Clifford, Retzloff and Hopp.
There were 12 cars, and they ran two eight lap heat races. Jason Clifford won the first heat ahead of Hopp. Retzloff was the second heat winner ahead of Mackey.
Up next is this Saturday night at Marysville Raceway. It's their first of two visits to the track. Drivers are also eagerly anticipating their June 1st visit to Orland Raceway, which will be the race following Marysville. The California Hardtop Association drivers bring plenty of excitement to every track they visit.
Golobic, Ahlwardt, Allen Win At Silver Dollar Speedway
Chico, CA...May 10...Shane Golobic won the 30 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway. Golobic was coming off of second place finishes in last weekend's Bill Brownell and Dave Bradway Jr Memorial events, and this time he battled Justyn Cox and past Chico champion Sean Becker to get the win. The race had six yellow flags with the final restart taking place on lap 28 after a tangle between Alec Justeson and Jeremy Wilson. Golobic maintained his advantage on the restart and brought it home to the satisfying win. Cox battled Becker for the runner-up finish as Becker settled for third, followed by reigning Chico and Placerville champion Andy Forsberg, Kyle Offill, Casey McClain, Chase Majdic, Brad Bumgarner, Chelsea Blevins and Holly Shelton.
There were 25 competitors, and Golobic set the fast time standard of 12.086, beating the 12.155 of Forsberg and the 12.156 of Majdic. The first of three eight lap heat race wins went to past Medford champion Jake Wheeler ahead of Cox. Lucas Ashe outran Blake Carrick to win the second heat, and the final heat race saw Colby Copeland win by the biggest margin ahead of Shelton. Bumgarner picked up six lap Trophy Dash honors ahead of Kalib Henry and Golobic
Guy Ahlwardt won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Ahlwardt is currently locked in a close battle with fellow Antioch area racer Keith Brown Jr in the IMCA State championship race, and Brown picked up a win in Susanville Friday night as well. The race was a non-stop affair, and Ahlwardt got his win with only Matt Micheli and third place finisher Andrew Peckham within reasonable distance of him. Tyler Rodgers won a close battle with Jim Waller and Justin Funkhouser as the Top 6 drivers were the only lead lap finishers. Recent Yreka winner Jason Ferguson finished seventh, followed by Timothy Allerdings and Alex Garcia. Waller won a good battle with Peckham to score the eight lap heat race win, and six lap Trophy Dash honors went to Peckham in front of Micheli.
Kyle Allen won the 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. This was the third straight win for Allen, who currently leads the point race and is the 2017 division champion. Allen made it a clean sweep as he also won the eight lap heat race and six lap Trophy Dash. Relative newcomer Travis Moore was the only driver within reasonable distance of Allen by the time the checkered flag flew in the Main Event. Reigning Marysville champion Shannon Collins won a good race with Jeremiah Creedon for third, but the duo were a half-lap behind the flying Allen. Zach Lindgren was fifth, followed by James West, Rick Lloyd, Nick Vidovich, Mel Byers and Jacob Johnson. Byers was part of the only yellow flag in the Main Event as he tangled with Lloyd in Turn 2 of the 13th lap. Byers did win his heat race ahead of Collins. Allen outran Lloyd to win their heat race and then picked up the Trophy Dash win ahead of West.
Racing returns on Friday, June 7th with a program headlined by the Winged 360 Sprint Cars. Also in action will be the Hobby Stocks, Street Stocks and the California Hardtops. For further information, go to www.silverdollarspeedway.com.
Cox Wins Outlaw 100 At Douglas County Speedway
Roseburg, Oregon...May 11...Douglas County Speedway ran a special Outlaw 100 lap event Saturday night. The PRA event allowed cars from all of the various classes at the speedway to compete. When the checkered flag waved, it was Hardtop champion Harlon Cox leading the way to victory. John Dumire finished second, followed by Brandon Ash, Troy Gasner, Greg Hickman, Mike Batman, Chuck Jacobs and Dale Roth.
Cox also won the 20 lap Hardtop feature. The reigning series champion held off 2016 champion Hickman for the victory with Gasner grabbing the final podium position. Batman settled for fourth, followed by Brian Lenihan, Kyran Greene and Bryson Lillard.
Reigning Mini Stock champion Dale Roth won that Main Event ahead of Kieri Smith, Hornet star Ron Johnson, Ed Pratt and 2017 champion Chuck Jacobs.
The biggest car count was turned in by the Hornets, who had 17 competitors for their 20 lap feature. Richard Dickinson collected the win in that race ahead of Burnie Bryant and Johnson. Bruce McMasters drove to a fourth place finish, followed by Jeremy Simms, Bart Pulse, Ryan Dickinson, Paul Corbett, Tyler Organ and Valerie West.
Next Saturday night will be the NSRA Sprint Cars running the Annual Rick Brown Super Shoe race. Also competing will be the PRA Hardtops, Sport Modifieds and Hornets. The event is presented by Umpqua Dairy, Cam-Cat and Hot Tub Factory Outlet. For further information, go to www.douglascountyspeedway.com.
Grimes, Ingle, Augustine, Comstock Win
At Little Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...May 10...Trevor Grimes opened the season at Little Southern Oregon Speedway with a win in the 20 lap 250 Kart Main Event Friday night. Grimes is the 2017 champion, and he finished second in the standings last season, though he won four Main Events. The night started off with Box Stock graduate Jacob James winning his very first heat race ahead of Grimes. Grimes turned the tables on James by holding him off to win the second heat race. Heat race points put the duo on the front row for the feature, and Grimes charged into the lead at the drop of the green flag. James settled into second ahead of a reigning champion Vinny DeBenedetti. The first yellow flag of the race waived on lap eight when Taylor Fuller spun in Turn 4. Fuller spun for another yellow flag a lap later, and Grimes continued to lead James and DeBenedetti on the restart. Fuller moved around Emma Rodgers for the fourth position on lap 12. Grimes set a rapid pace and lapped Rodgers late as he won ahead of James, DeBenedetti, Fuller and Rodgers.
The little track hosted its very first Flat Track Motorcycle race, and 69 year old Pro Rider Bobby Ingle won the Unlimited class 12 lap Main Event. In hot laps, Ingle crashed in Turn 2. He bounced back by winning his six lap heat race in front of Shawn Vernier. For the Main Event, Ingle raced into the lead with Vernier in close pursuit. As they exited Turn 4 to complete the second lap, the two touched wheels with Vernier crashing. He got up and continued racing as Collin Laeger settled into second ahead of Brooke Lozano. Ingle set a good pace and picked up the victory, followed by Laeger, Lozano, Alec Vernier and Shawn Vernier.
Laeger ran both the Unlimited class and the event for the 65 to 85 Flat Track Motorcycles, but because he moved up to run with the Unlimited class, he vacated his apparent win in the other Main Event. Brothers Christopher Raper and Devin Raper would finish first and second in the heat race and the Main Event. Devin Raper led his younger brother until the final lap when Christopher surprised him by making the pass and just beating him back to the finish line.
Albert Gill Jr won the 12 lap Beginners Box Stock Main Event. Gill scored a clean sweep as he won both heat races ahead of Jayme DeBenedetti. Gill, who was only making his sixth ever start, set a rapid pace and looked like a racer with more experience as he easily won the Main Event. DeBenedetti managed to hold onto a lead lap finish in second, followed by Isaac Grimes and Hunter Granger.
The newest of the new racers were moved into their own 10 lap Novice Beginners Box Stock Main Event, and reigning Novice champion Bhaltaire Edwards won their 10 lap Main Event. Edwards trailed Urijah Boardman for one lap before moving by for the lead. Edwards pulled away just a little bit, but Boardman started to close in on him by the midway point of the race. Boardman made good laps, and though Edwards was the winner, he was a much improved lead lap second. Talia Colley and Saige King were making their very first starts and set a steady pace at the back of the pack. Colley would finish third ahead of James, and both drivers took the checkered flag.
The Trikes made their very first visit to Little Southern Oregon Speedway, and Ryan Comstock won their 12 lap Main Event. Comstock won the six lap heat race ahead of Garrett Stookey. In the Main Event, Comstock charged into the lead ahead of Stookey and Ben Herbert. The five competitors ran closely throughout the 12 lap distance, and Herbert made a move around Stookey for the second position on lap six. Comstock would take the checkered flag in first, and Herbert held off the challenge of Stookey to finish second. Erin Melvin and Mike Burson completed the finishing order.
Keaton Augustine won the 12 lap Box Stock Main Event. The reigning champion kicked off his evening by out running Mikey Wheeler Jr to win both heat races and earned the pole for the Main Event. Wheeler was making his first start in the Box Stock class. The Main Event had a scratch when 2017 Beginners Box Stock champion Malachi Johnson spun in Turn 4 and was hit by 2016 Beginners Box Stock champion Kiley Grimes. Augustine raced into the lead and led all the way for the feature victory, followed by Wheeler and Grimes.
Mike Wheeler collected the hardware with a 12 lap feature victory in the UAS Speedway Karts. The 500 Open star won both heat races. His first win came ahead of Brenden Bartlett, and he outran past Yreka champion Ed Grubb to win the other heat. Attrition eliminated Larry Fuller, Steve Rambo and Nathan Augustine before the Main Event ever started. Wheeler took the lead from the start and won ahead of Grubb and Bartlett.
In a more exciting Four Cycle Flat Kart race, Brionna Fuller surprised her mother by passing her to win their 12 lap Main Event. Reigning UAS Speedway Kart champion Lori Fuller was driving the 4 Cycle Kart she ran for most of last season and won both of her heat races, the first ahead of Cody Bruckenstein and the second ahead of her daughter Brionna. Lori Fuller set the early Main Event pace ahead of Bruckenstein and Steve Rambo. Brionna Fuller leapt from fourth to second on lap five and made an inside pass in Turn 3 of the sixth lap to take the lead. Brionna Fuller would lead the rest of the way to collect the victory ahead of Lori Fuller, Rambo and Bruckenstein.
Brionna Fuller wasn't done with the Four Cycle race, she also won the 15 lap 500 Open Main Event. She won one of her heat races ahead of Brenden Bartlett and the other ahead of her brother Taylor Fuller. Brionna Fuller led the Main Event from start to finish with Taylor Fuller second and Bartlett finishing third.
Completing the packed program was the first visit from the Quads. Tyler Gove won the heat race ahead of John Creveling. On the warm-up lap, Bo Stanridge rolled his Quad on the backstretch and didn't run the race. He came back to run the Main Event, but Gove would win that race ahead of Stanridge and Creveling.
The next show at Little Southern Oregon Speedway will be Friday night and will offer all of these divisions. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Beginners Box Stock
Heat 1a-Albert Gill Jr, Jayme DeBenedetti, Isaac Grimes, Hunter Granger, Bhaltair Edwards, Urijah Sanders, Talia Colley, Saige King.Heat 2a-Albert Gill Jr, Jayme DeBenedetti, Bhaltair Edwards, Talia Colley, Saige King, Isaac Grimes, Hunter Grange, Urijah Sanders DNS.
Main Event-Albert Gill Jr, Jayme DeBenedetti, Isaac Grimes, Hunter Granger.
Novice Beginners Box Stock
Main Event-Bhaltair Edwards, Urijah Sanders, Talia Colley, Saige King
Box Stock
Heat 1a-Keaton Augustine, Mike Wheeler Jr, Kiley Grimes, Malachi Johnson.Heat 2a-Keaton Augustine, Mike Wheeler Jr, Kiley Grimes, Malachi Johnson.
Main Event-Keaton Augustine, Mike Wheeler Jr, Kiley Grimes, Malachi Johnson DNS.
250 Intermediate
Heat 1a-Jacob James, Trevor Grimes, Taylor Fuller, Vinny DeBenedetti, Emma Rodgers.Heat 2a-Trevor Grimes, Jacob James, Vinny DeBenedetti, Emma Rodgers, Taylor Fuller DNS.
Main Event-Trevor Grimes, Jacob James, Vinny DeBenedetti, Taylor Fuller, Emma Rodgers.
4 Cycle
Heat 1a-Lori Fuller, Cody Bruckenstein, Steve Rambo, Brionna Fuller.Heat 2-Lori Fuller, Brionna Fuller, Steve Rambo, Cody Bruckenstein.
Main Event-Brionna Fuller, Lori Fuller, Cody Bruckenstein, Steve Rambo, Ashley Bruckenstein
500 Open
Heat 1a-Brionna Fuller, Brenden Bartlett, Taylor Fuller DNS.Heat 2a-Brionna Fuller, Taylor Fuller, Brenden Bartlett.
Main Event-Brionna Fuller, Taylor Fuller, Brenden Bartlett.
UAS Speedway Karts
Heat 1a-Mike Wheeler, Brenden Bartlett, Steve Rambo, Ed Grubb, Larry Fuller DNS, Nathan Augustine DNS.Heat 2a-Mike Wheeler, Ed Grubb, Brenden Bartlett, Steve Rambo, Larry Fuller, Nathan Augustine.
Main Event-Mike Wheeler, Ed Grubb, Brenden Bartlett, Steve Rambo DNS, Larry Fuller DNS, Nathan Augustine DNS.
Unlimited Flat Track Bikes
Heat-Bobby Ingle, Shawn Verneir, Collin Laeger, Alec Verneir, Brooke Lozano, Jason Lucas.Main Event-Bobby Ingle, Collin Laeger, Brooke Lozano, Alec Verneir, Shawn Verneir.
Trikes
Heat-Ryan Comstock, Garrett Stookey, Ben Herbert, Erin Melvin, Mike Burson.Main Event-Ryan Comstock, Ben Herbert, Garrett Stookey, Erin Melvin, Mike Burson.
65-85 Flat Track Bikes
Heat-Christopher Raper, Devin Raper.Main Event-Christopher Raper, Devin Raper.
Quads
Heat-Tyler Gove, John Creveling, Bo Stanridge.Main Event-Tyler Gove, Bo Stanridge, John Creveling.
Pit Stops
Southern Oregon Speedway had their first Late Model show of the season last Saturday night. There's been lots of buzz centered around this division during the offseason with a few new drivers getting cars to join the fun. This resulted in a 12 car field for the opener, despite the fact that several other drivers who intend to compete were not there.
Three of the drivers who did show up happened to be regulars at Coos Bay Speedway. Reigning Coos Bay champion Brody Montgomery, current Coos Bay point leader and 2018 Cottage Grove champion Preston Luckman and Deven Brown were the three coming to Southern Oregon Speedway to make a run at the money. It was the first Late Model visit for all three drivers.
Montgomery, who was the 2017 Sportsman Late Model champion at his home track prior to moving up, purchased a new Late Model for this season. He sold his other car to two-time Late model champion Wayne Butler, who is now full time in the Super Late Models as a result. Montgomery found Southern Oregon Speedway to his liking and hopes to make another visit or two before the season concludes. He won his heat race, and despite a spin on the opening lap, he charged back to an impressive third place feature finish.
Luckman ended up leading the pack after the Montgomery spin. One probably expected a showdown between Luckman and Trent Elliott for the lead, but it never really materialized. Elliot was the one chasing Luckman and hoping for the opportunity to make a challenge. He has only made two visits in the prior two seasons, both victories. Elliott has thrown his hat into the ring as a point competitor this year, and this second place finish will still be useful in his championship goal.
The only thing threatening Luckman was a few scary moments in slower traffic during the final few laps. However, he still made all the right moves to get it to the finish line in first. Much like Montgomery, Luckman is hoping to make another visit or two before the season closes. Luckman's win from the increased purse also included a nice bonus from Northwest Trucking Academy.
Two of the drivers expected to be in the championship battle this year are 2017 title winner Nathan Augustine and last season's top rookie, Miles Deubert. Deubert has been battling some fuel problems and was hoping he had most of them worked out when he made practice laps the week before. He lined up in the sixth row of the Main Event and got it all the way to third before he ended up settling for fifth. He was passed during the later stages by Augustine, who ended up fourth. It wasn't a bad start for either of these drivers, and it won't be a surprise to see them getting victories at some point.
What is interesting is that everybody has to bring their A Game this year as the competition level has gotten that much tougher. Dave Everson, who won the 2013 Outlaw Pro Stock championship, seems much quicker this year and would manage a sixth place finish. However, Dave is a very competitive racer and knows he can do better. Another Dave, 2012 Coos Bay champion Dave Foote, had announced earlier that he might be racing more at his home track. We've been fortunate enough to have him at most of the races during the past two seasons, and he was a two-time feature winner last year. Dave says that he will be racing regularly in Medford once again.
You can never assume anything when it comes to racing. Reigning Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock champion David Steele has not been beat very often for Main Event wins since late in the 2017 season. After winning the season opener in impressive fashion, it looked as if he might pick up another win last week. However, Ashtin Hedges had other ideas. Hedges settled the matter between himself and 2017 champion Kristopher Mix for second and began to close in on Steele. He surprised him by making a late pass and collecting his first career victory.
Both drivers were all smiles after the checkered flag flew. Though he lost the battle, Steele admitted that this was one of the funnest races he'd been a part of in recent memory. He's also excited about the possibility that drivers like Hedges are getting better and making things more competitive in the class. David is still working to try and get other drivers back for the next Mini Stock appearance.
2017 champion Kristopher Mix and Carrie Weiser celebrated the arrival of their second baby boy on Friday night. On Saturday, Mix further celebrated as he picked up an impressive heat race win. In a nice gesture after winning the Trophy Dash, Steele donated his trophy to baby Bo.
Tim Hedges was hoping that he could pick up a JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event win. His night started off the way he wanted it to with wins in both the Trophy Dash and heat race. However, he never quite got his Main Event effort going the way he wanted to. Plus, season opening winner Dylan Sauer showed everybody that his previous win was no fluke by winning yet again with 2016 champion Hedges in pursuit. Because Hedges has done so well in preliminary competition, he has a slim point lead over Sauer after two races.
The Hedges team is fielding new cars for both Tim and his wife Jenna. Jenna had a battle on her hands with reigning champion Bree Tritchler for the fourth position. Tritchler watched the season opener from the sidelines after blowing a motor in hot laps. She made the most of the second week by out-running Jenna to get the fourth place finish, but she couldn't quite keep up with her father, Quentin Tritchler. Quentin is driving Bree's championship car and finished third in the feature.
Rookie Lacey Sauer did a good job as she is getting more confident behind the wheel of her #10s car. This was only her second start of the season, and though she got lapped midway through the race, she seemed to keep pace with the leaders pretty well after that and would still get a respectable sixth place finish. It would not be a surprise to see her compete for a win at some point this season.
If you want to even be in the discussion as a potential feature winner with the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, you've got to bring your A Game. Two drivers setting the bar rather high are three-time reigning champion Josh King and two-time champion Brock Peters. This duo accounts for the past five championships. One driver who's been in contention for most of those titles is Camden Robustelli, and it might have seemed like he didn't quite have it when King passed him to win the A Dash. However, Robustelli had a trick up his sleeve.
Peters actually led most of the Main Event with King and Robustelli in close pursuit. Because these drivers are getting around the track so rapidly, slower traffic became a factor early on in a race that didn't see very many yellow flags. King grabbed the lead from Peters, but Robustelli managed to wrestle the lead from King on lap 22. Unlike Yreka, where mechanical issue sent him pitward, Robustelli didn't let this win get away.
It's rather interesting to watch Camden and his dedication to Dwarf Car racing. He also competes in the Limited Sprint car division, but the Dwarf Car division seems to take a higher priority with the team as they still have one goal left to be achieved. They are hoping to win the championship. Last season, because of an encounter with a slower car while running at the front of the pack in the finale, he ended up having to come from the back and fell just one point short of the title. Robustelli has what it takes to win the title, but you have to have the breaks go your way. He has been racing more on the Sprint Car circuit and was Top 5 ranked in the Interstate Sprint Car Series last season.
While Peters would hold off King to get the second place finish, ageless veteran Fred Hay and Mason Lewman had a classic battle going all night. Lewman outdueled Hay to win their heat race, but Hay managed to win the battle for fourth in the Main Event. He looked good all night, and it might make people wonder if a feature victory is in the cards for the long time Southern Oregon racer. A win for "Fast Freddie" would certainly prove to be very popular with the fans.
The Dwarf Cars produced 21 cars for the show, which pretty much picks up right where they left off last season. Oftentimes, they have the biggest car count when they are on the roster. Long time Medford racer Reggie Ayers was back with his Mod Lite, but he struggled all night to get the car up to speed. Another Mod Lite, driven by Jesse Lorentz, did get a Top 10 finish as did perennial title contender Chad Cardoza. The Dwarf Cars are certainly a crowd-pleaser and some say they had the race of the night last week.
Car count was a little on the sparse side for the Valley Store All Late Model Lites last week as the Hadley team suffered a setback. Word is that the Aos team won't be ready with their two cars until June. 2016 champion Lee Doty didn't have the car parts he needed in time to get his car ready. Ross Payant will be wheeling the Doty owned machine when it's ready. The show still went on as scheduled and included the return a "Pistol" Pete Bowne. Pete raced Mini Stocks several years back and drove the Doty #93 car to a third place finish. Mini Stock graduate Mike Cloud had mechanical issues in his heat race to end his night early.
This left the two stars of last season, reigning champion Charley Eaton and Greg Arnold, at the front of the pack. Eaton picked up right where he left off last season by winning both the heat race and the Main Event in impressive fashion. Arnold would finish second, and he has a plan this year. When the Late Model Lites are not running, he intends to swap the motor out of his car for a Late Model motor and race in that class. However, he wants to continue to support the Late Model Lites when they have races.
The Little Southern Oregon Speedway track has featured Outlaw Karts since 1998. In an effort to get more participants to come out and race, Promoter Mike McCann has extended an invitation to the Flat Track Motorcycles, Quads and Trikes by adding them to the schedule. There's been some uncertainty as to who might even show up to race, and a week prior to the season opener, it didn't look like anybody was coming. However, McCann is interested in doing something more with Motorcycles, which haven't really been featured all that much in Southern Oregon for many years on the oval tracks.
There is a thriving Motorcycle culture in the Medford area, and the addition of the MX track to the Southern Oregon Speedway facility has brought riders out of the woodworks. The inaugural practice at that track produced over 100 riders, so there has been some thought that some of these people would like to go racing on an oval track.
The first race was a moderate success. It managed to catch the attention of the oldest rider in the state of Oregon, Bobby Ingle. Ingle just recently turned Pro and has found the competition to be very tough at Salem Indoors. He's a tough man as well. This was illustrated when he crashed in practice. You might have thought you saw the last of him, but he came back strong to win his heat race.
In the Main Event, there was a moment when second place rider Shawn Vernier bumped his front wheel with the rear wheel of Ingle and crashed in Turn 4. Vernier was back on his bike moments later at the back of the pack. For Ingle, he would lead the rest of the way with Collin Laeger getting the second place finish.
There were eight riders, two of which were in the 65 to 85 Flat Track class. They were brothers Christopher and Devin Raper, who finished first and second. Word is, we can expect more riders in the two classifications and might even see a third classification next time around. Much like the Karts, the Flat Track Motorcycles have riders from all age groups.
It wasn't known that there would be any three-wheel Trikes. it's not the best known type of racing out there, but the five riders who came to the track gave the fans an exciting introduction. Throughout their heat race and Main Event, they ran in close competition. Ryan Comstock wrote his name into the books as the first ever winner in this class at the little track, beating Ben Herbert and third place finisher Garrett Stookey in the feature race.
The people were talking about the bikes as nobody really expected them to be there. However, they can expect that the open invitation will stand. McCann has been keen on boosting the numbers of competitors, which would give fans more of a reason to want to come out on Friday night and watch the show. It will be interesting to see how this program develops and what exactly it is that McCann has in mind for the future.
The 250 Kart class has sort of taken on the top dog status with the 500 Open Class struggling to produce a field. This year, the brother and sister duo of Brionna Fuller and Taylor Fuller are both in 500 Open Karts along with Brenden Bartlett. McCann has drawn the line at four Karts to produce a purse for the 500 Open Class, due to the fact that you never know who will show up on any given week, and sometimes the track hasn't even had a race for them. There is just a little bit of frustration due to the fact that it's known that there are somewhere between 15 and 20 Open Karts in the Medford area, and yet support is lacking for the class.
For their part, the Speed City team is doing what they can to jump start the 500 Open class in addition to maintaining the presence of the UAS Speedway Kart and Four Cycle Kart programs. Brionna Fuller was a busy young lady as she picked up the hardware with her wins in the 500 Open and Four Cycle classes. She and her brother did a good job in the 500 Open Karts as both grabbed the checkered flag in the Main Event. It was also young Taylor's first start in that division.
Moving over to the Four Cycle class, Brionna's mother Lori Fuller was in the same Kart that she drove most of the season to her UAS Speedway Kart championship last year. Lori won both of her heat races and led half of the race before being surprised by her daughter. Once Brionna got the lead, she didn't relinquish it and forced Lori to settle for second. Originally, Brionna had intended to run the UAS Speedway Kart race, but mechanical issues in that Kart saw a change of plans with her jumping into the Four Cycle Kart.
The one thing about Brionna is she's a tough young lady. Last season, despite having a broken arm, she still started a few UAS Speedway Kart races and did pretty well in that. She probably would have even driven her Cage Kart, but her cast prevented it. Brionna will get behind the wheel of whatever the class of Kart is that's offered to her and give it a great effort. She's driven just about every level of Kart now and has even competed in 600 Micros.
Trevor Grimes is intent on adding the 2019 championship to his 2017 honors in the 250 Intermediate class. Last season, though he won most of the Main Events, Vinny DeBenedetti dethroned the champion with a great effort. DeBenedetti is back, plus Box Stock star Emma Rodgers and Jacob James have joined the fun as well. James made his very first start a winning effort as he held off Grimes to win the first heat race.
After that, the flying Grimes was on a mission. He piloted the #100 Kart to victories in both the second heat race and the 20 lap Main Event and was never really challenged. It's still a goal of the team to eventually move this talented young driver into a Sprint Car when he becomes old enough. Judging by the way he handles his Kart, he will do well.
James did a fine job of bringing his Kart home to second in his first feature start in this class. Having won Main Events in both the Beginners class and the Box Stocks, you would have to think he has a win within him in this division as well. DeBenedetti, meanwhile, brought it home to a respectable third.
Keaton Augustine is hoping for a little competition in the Box Stock class. The reigning champion won both of his heats and the Main Event and was never really challenged. However, Mikey Wheeler Jr was second, and it won't be a surprise to see him become more competitive and challenge Augustine in the weeks ahead. 2017 Beginners champion Malachi Johnson was eliminated in the heat race, but he too will be somebody to watch in the weeks ahead.
Moving over to the Beginners class, after dominating the division with two heat race wins and a Main Event triumph, it is possible that Albert Gill Jr may be bumped up to the Box. class. He clearly has the confidence in his ability that one would see from a driver moving up to the next level. Meanwhile, Top 3 2018 competitor Jayme DeBenedetti did a nice job of finishing second in the Beginners feature, which is her best finish to date. She won the final Novice feature of 2018.
It wasn't really planned to have a Novice race for the season opener until officials looked at the speed difference between some of the drivers in the heat races. A hastily scheduled Novice Main Event was put on the track. Bhaltaire Edwards was the champion last year, but it was felt that he might benefit from one more start in this class. He's clearly on the cusp of a move up, but it was interesting to see Urijah Boardman, who was making only his second start, do a pretty good job of keeping pace with Edwards in his second place finish.
Talia Colley and Saige King highlight exactly why the Novice class exists. These two girls were making their very first starts and were doing what many newcomers do. They ran the bottom at a slow and steady pace. It can be very intimidating for kids at five or six years old to jump into one of these Karts, and there have been a few occasions in the past three years where they decided they didn't even want to go on the track.
The Novice class is there to help the kids feel less intimidated by faster Karts coming up to lap them every couple of circuits. Colley ended up taking a checkered flag in third while King crossed the line in fourth. Word is that Caleb Ranney, who's likely to be in the Novice class again this year, could be seen in June.
There's a lot of history and pride associated with the Outlaw Kart program. There were over 30 Karts on hand for the show, which was one of the better turnouts for the class. There are several other drivers out there, and a count of over 40 Karts is very achievable. Could this happen in June? Time will tell, but little Southern Oregon Speedway is becoming a more interesting place to be on Friday nights. The June 14th and 21st programs should both be worth checking out.
Redwood Acres Raceway Eureka, CA May 1, 2019
Upstate Bombers
Mike Doss
Mikey Lovell
Jeremy Doss
Brian King
Donnie Hyman
Sam Brown
David Dillinger
Jeff French
Charley Tour
Jim Redd
Bo Robertson
Simi Tour
74
Denny Cashada
Wade Coleman
Tyler Avelar
Ryan Aherns
Douglas County Speedway Race Results May 11, 2019
Hornets
1. Richard Dickenson
2. Burnie Bryant
3. Ron Johnson
4. Bruce McMaster
5. Jeremy Simms
6. Bart Pulse
7. Ryan Dickenson
8. Paul Corbett
9. Tyler Organ
10. Valerie West
11. Will Parson
12. Cherish Wilson
13. Chris Becker
14. Patti Morgan
15. Zachary Asumendy
16. Drake Phillips
17. Chris Lemon
Outlaws
1. Harlon Cox
2. John Dumire
3. Brandon Ash
4. Troy Gasner
5. Greg Hickman
6. Mike Batman
7. Chuck Jacobs
8. Dale Roth
Hardtops
1. Harlon Cox
2. Greg Hickman
3. Troy Gasner
4. Mike Batman
5. Brian Lenihan
6. Kyran Greene
7. Bryson Lillard
Mini Stocks
1. Dale Roth
2. Kieri Smith
3. Ron Johnson
4. Ed Pratt
5. Chuck Jacobs
Marysville Raceway Race Results May 11, 2019
Winged 360 Sprints
Steel Powell
Peter Paulson
Billy Wallace
Colby Wiesz
Korey Lovell
Ron Laplant
Roberto Kirby
Pat Harvey Jr
Raquel Hall
Kyle Standley
Brandon Dozier
Mike Monahan
Danny Wagner
Brad Dillard
Michael Ing
David Derr Jr
David Dias
Hobby Stocks
A Main
Brian Compton
Devin Ryan
Shannon Collins
Jesse Van Roekel
Rick Lloyd
David Caluya
James West
Jeremiah Creedon
Toby Merrifield
David Allen
William Merritt
Anthony Doubledee
Jose Hernadez
Willie Horn Jr
Gus Welty
Kyle Cheney
Mike Stoeckle
Kenneth Jastrumske
Eric Phillips
Danny Lavonte
B Main
Shannon Collins
Jose Hernadez
Toby Merrifield
Kenneth Jastrumske
Trevor Abella
Jared Powers
Sebastian Davis
NCDCA Dwarf Cars
Ryan Winter
Ben Wiesz
Mike Reeder
Jeremy Blackshere
Wade Ehrlich
Robert Johnson
Ryan Plexico
Justin Winter
Mike Grenert
Kenny Cucuk
Robert Kozinski
Derek Droivold
Shawn Whitney
Kevin Bender
Daniel Weger
Sam Wren
Tom Vantuyl
Silver Dollar Speedway Chico, CA Race Results May 10, 2019
360 Sprint Cars
Shane Golobic
Justyn Cox
Sean Becker
Andy Forsberg
Kyle Offill
Casey McClain
Chase Majdic
Brad Bumgarner
Chelsea Blevins
Holly Shelton
Alec Justeson
Angelo Cornet
Caden Sarale
Jeremy Wilson
Michael Ing
Lucas Ashe
Kalib Henry
Wyatt Brown
Jake Wheeler
Colby Copeland
Blake Carrick
Brandon Powell
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Guy Ahlwardt
Matt Micheli
Andrew Peckham
Tyler Rodgers
Jim Waller
Justin Funkhouser
Jason Ferguson
Timothy Allerdings
Alex Garcia
Hobby Stocks
Kyle Allen
Travis Moore
Shannon Collins
Jeremiah Creedon
Zach Lindgren
James West
Rick Lloyd
Nick Vidovich
Mel Byers
Jacob Johnson
Placerville Speedway Race Results May 11, 2019
Thompson Auto Group Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Andy Forsberg
Kalib Henry
Jodie Robinson
Bobby McMahan
Justin Johnson
CJ Humphries
Tony Gualda
Shane Hopkins
Mike Benson
Chris Masters
Jimmy Trulli
Blake Carrick
Jarrett Soares
Jacob Tuttle
Mike Cook
Greg DeCaires V
Shane Golobic
Justyn Cox
Kenny Wanderstadt
Jared Van Bebber
Justin Sanders
Jay's Mobile Welding Pure Stocks
Dan Jinkerson
Ryan Peter
Jason Palmer
Nick Baldwin
Dave Silva
Kevin Jinkerson
Scott Grunert
Rick Grunert
Ronnie Richards
Matthew Chacon
Jason Armstrong
Mel Byers
Stephanie Hanson
Jason Leonard
Lonnie Lennard
John Ewing
Jesse Bryant
Limited Late Models
Ray Trimble
Tom Tilford
Mike Lightfoot
Tyler Lightfoot
Michael Helton
Chad Hammer
Dan Brown Jr
Richard Vanderploeg
Ryan McDaniel
Mini Trucks
Mike Miller
Chris Curtis
Ryan Murphy
Aaron Rupley
John Littlejohn
Tom Stanwood
Thomas Jensen
