If You Like Reading Our Articles
DCRR Racing Radio Racing Radio Show
Can Be Heard HERE
Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
Can Be Heard HERE
Wheeler Grabs First Career Sprint Car Victory
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 15...Mike Wheeler won the 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Wheeler is a decorated champion on the Outlaw 500 Kart circuit, but this was his first win in the Sprint Car class. It came after a close three-car battle for the lead during the first half of the race.
There were 11 competitors for the show. Bailey Hibbard scratched prior to the heat races with motor issues, but his father David Hibbard put him in his car for the night. Bailey responded by winning the first eight lap heat ahead of Blaine Cory. The second heat saw rookie Jared Hood lead the way for the first six laps before being passed by Wheeler for the lead and eventual victory. Hood settled for second. They came back for a four lap Scramble race to determine the first two rows of the Main Event. Cory won that race ahead of David Hibbard.
Cory raced into the lead at the start of the Main Event ahead of Bailey Hibbard and Mike Wheeler. A yellow flag waved after two laps when Enrique Jaime stalled in the second turn. Cory continued to lead Hibbard, but Anissa Curtice spun in Turn 2 for a lap three caution flag. Hibbard had been taking looks to the outside of Cory, but as Cory continued to lead the restart, it was Wheeler making an outside pass in Turn 4 to take second from Hibbard. Cory and Wheeler began to pull away just a little bit in the battle for the lead, and Curtice spun in Turn 2 for a lap 11 yellow flag. She was able to keep her car under power, but the yellow flag still waived. Hood headed to the pits. Cory led the field to the green flag, but Wheeler again made an outside pass as they exited Turn 2 and charged down the front straightaway to take the lead as they completed the lap. Wheeler would lead the rest of the way as there were no more yellow flags. Cory settled for second, followed by Bailey Hibbard, Charlie Thompson, Enrique Jaime, TJ Winningham, David Marble, Curtice, Hood and Johnny Burke.
The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars will be back on June 29th along with the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Store All Late Model Lites and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars
Heat 1-Bailey Hibbard, Blaine Cory, Charlie Thompson, Johnny Burke, Enrique Jaime, David Hibbard DNS.Heat 2-Mike Wheeler, Jared Hood, TJ Winningham, David Marble, Anissa Curtice.
Scramble-Blaine Cory, Bailey Hibbard, Mike Wheeler, Jared Hood.
Main Event-Mike Wheeler, Blaine Cory, Bailey Hibbard, Charlie Thompson, Enrique Jaime, TJ Winningham, David Marble, Anissa Curtice, Jared Hood, Johnny Burke, David Hibbard DNS.
Bailey Wins Southern Oregon Speedway
IMCA Modified Main Event
White City, Oregon...June 15... Jesse Bailey won the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Bailey is the 2017 champion, and he held off three-time reigning champion Albert Gill to get the win.
There were two eight lap heat races, and Preston Jones picked up the first win ahead of Bailey. Duane Orsburn won the second heat ahead of Zach Fettinger. Gill won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Fettinger.
Orsburn was back after rolling his car at the season opener. He had a front-row start for the Main Event and spun in the fourth turn for a complete restart. The race would have no other yellow flags. Bailey raced into the lead at the start ahead of Gill and Jimmy Lipke. The Top 3 drivers ran is that order throughout the race. Ray Kniffen Jr was an early fourth before surrendering the position to Jeremy Ohlde on lap five. Fettinger passed Kniffen for the fifth position on lap 20. During the final five laps, Gill closed in on Bailey, but he was unable to make a move as Bailey won ahead of Gill, Lipke, Ohlde, Fettinger, Kniffen, Justin Foux, Jones, David Satterfield and Orsburn.
The IMCA Modifieds will be back for their fourth race on Saturday night. This is the second round of the Annual IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek Series. The IMCA Sport Modifieds will be running in support. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
IMCA Modifieds
Heat 1-Preston Jones, Jesse Bailey, Jimmy Lipke, Ray Kniffen Jr, Justin Foux, David Satterfield, Daniel Herrera.Heat 2-Duane Orsburn, Zach Fettinger, Albert Gill, Jeremy Ohlde.
Trophy Dash-Albert Gill, Zach Fettinger, Justin Foux, Preston Jones.
Main Event-Jesse Bailey, Albert Gill, Jimmy Lipke, Jeremy Ohlde, Zach Fettinger, Ray Kniffen Jr, Justin Foux, Preston Jones, David Satterfield, Duane Orsburn, Daniel Herrera DNS.
Elliott Wins Thrilling Late Model Feature
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 15...Trent Elliott won the 25 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. The race had a thrilling conclusion to it as Elliott and leader Darren Coffell worked slower traffic, which provided Elliott his opportunity to make a move into first. Elliott becomes the third different winner in as many races, and his win paid $1,000 thanks to some additional sponsorship by the Northwest Trucking Academy.
There were 16 Late Models on hand for this show, and Coffell won the first of two eight lap heat races ahead of Elliott. Dave Foote held off a determined Mark Wauge to win the other heat. However, Wauge won the four lap Trophy Dash in front of Coffell.
For the Main Event, there were three yellow flags during the first eight laps before the rest of the race would go nonstop. Coffell charged into the lead ahead of Elliott and Nathan Augustine. Davey Evans spun in Turn 4 for a lap one caution flag. As Coffell continued to lead Elliott, Wauge made an inside pass to take third from Augustine on lap three. A yellow flag again slowed the pace for debris on lap four, and the final yellow flag waved for Eric Massey in Turn 2 on lap seven. Coffell led Elliott on the restart, and they took their battle far ahead of the pack. Wauge held third with Augustine running closely behind him. The leaders hit slower traffic very quickly, but Coffell was making the right moves to keep Elliott behind him. It was when they approached a pair of slower cars on lap 22 when Coffell became a little hesitant. Elliott started looking to the outside, and he finally made a high pass in Turn 4 to take the lead on lap 24. They were still in traffic on the final lap, but Elliott would hold off Coffell to claim the victory. Wauge finished third, followed by Augustine, Bob Dees, Foote, Chris Biggs, Eric Massey, Miles Deubert and Dave Everson.
The Late Models return as part of the July 6th Veterans Night event. Also competing will be the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Valley Store All Late Model Lites, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Late Models
Heat 1-Darren Coffell, Trent Elliott, Nathan Augustine, Miles Deubert, Chris Biggs, Jason Schultz, Tony Bartell, Don Garrett Jr.Heat 2-Dave Foote, Mark Wauge, John Dees, Dave Everson, Bob Dees, Davey Evans, Eric Massey, Cliff Massey.
Trophy Dash-Mark Wauge, Darren Coffel, Dave Everson, Trent Elliott.
Main Event-Trent Elliott, Darren Coffell, Mark Wauge, Nathan Augustine, Bob Dees, Dave Foote, Chris Biggs, Eric Massey, Miles Deubert, Dave Everson, Jason Schultz, John Dees, Davey Evans, Don Garrett Jr, Tony Bartell, Cliff Massey.
Braaten Scores Another Clean Sweep
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 15...Jorddon Braaten won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday at Southern Oregon Speedway. Once again, he came from deep in the pack to score the feature victory. He had earlier won his heat race and the Trophy Dash to make it a clean sweep for the reigning IMCA Oregon State champion.
There were 21 IMCA Sport Modifieds for this show, and they ran three eight lap heat races. Two-time champion Mike Medel won the first heat ahead of Jantzen Knips. Isaac Sanders went flag-to-flag to win the second heat ahead of Braxton Possinger. Braaten won the third heat ahead of rookie Wyatt Westfall. Braaten also won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Possinger. Chris Silva scratched after the heat races.
Medel led the opening lap of the Main Event from his front row start before Donald Bandfield spun in Turn 4 for a yellow flag. On the restart, Knips raced into the lead as Billy Richey settled into third. A lap three yellow flag flew for Jesse Skidmore in Turn 2. Knips continued to lead Medel and Isaac Sanders. They ran that way through a third yellow flag for Richey in Turn 2 on the ninth lap. Knips continued to lead Medel and Matt Sanders on the restart. Braaten found his way into fourth by then, and he made an inside pass on the front stretch on the 11th lap to take third from Matt Sanders. On the 12th lap, the exciting three-car battle saw Medel race by Knips on the backstretch to get the lead, only to surrender first to an inside pass in Turn 4 by Braaten. Knips took second from Medel a lap later. Brian Knorr spun on the front straightaway for a lap 14 yellow flag. Moments later, Knips spun in Turn 4. Knorr was ruled the cause of the flag, and Knips was restored to second for the restart. Braaten continued to lead Knips and Medel on the restart, but Isaac Sanders made an inside pass in Turn 3 to take second from Knips on lap 17. Braaten pulled away in the final few laps for the victory. Isaac Sanders finished second, followed by Knips, Matt Sanders, Medel, Westfall, Steven Sanders, Rich McCoy, Austin Petray and Steve Lysinger.
The IMCA Sport Modifieds are back Saturday to run in support of the IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek event. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Heat 1-Mike Medel, Jentzen Knips, Rich McCoy, Matt Sanders, Willie McFall, Michael Rule, Chris Silva.Heat 2-Isaac Sanders, Braxton Possinger, Branden Wilson, Billy Richey, Donald Bandfield, Brian Knorr, Jesse Skidmore.
Heat 3-Jordan Braaten, Wyatt Westfall, Steve Lysinger, Austin Petray, Steve Sanders, Joby Shields, Danny Rule.
Trophy Dash-Jorddon Braaten, Braxton Possinger, Wyatt Westfall.
Main Event-Jorddon Braaten, Isaac Sanders, Jantzen Knips, Matt Sanders, Mike Medel, Wyatt Westfall, Steve Sanders, Rich McCoy, Austin Petray, Steve Lysinger, Donald Bandfield, Michael Rule, Danny Rule, Brian Knorr, Willie McFall, Branden Wilson, Joby Shields, Billy Richey, Braxton Possenger, Jesse Skidmore, Chris Silva DNS.
Steele Wins Caution Filled Mini Stock Feature
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 15...David Steele won the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. The reigning champion Steele didn't gain the lead until the 10th lap, and he led from there to the early checkered flag on lap 16 as time had expired on the race. This was his second win of the season.
After loading up early in the season opener and missing the next race due to his motor issues, Hunter Magnan won the first eight lap heat race ahead of Steele. Ashtin Hedges won the second heat ahead of Mike McLeod. Hedges also won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Kristopher Mix. Both Gary Anderson and Steve Goetz were Main Event scratches.
Magnan charged into the lead at the start of the Main Event ahead of McLeod and Andrew Hall, who is back with a new Ford Pinto. Hedges spun in Turn 4 for a lap one yellow flag, and Steele moved into second behind Magnan and McLeod on the restart. With debris on the track in Turns 1 and 2, the yellow flag waved again, and Steele raced into second behind Magnan on the restart. Hall ran third until teammate Mix raced by him on lap five. Hall spun in Turn 2 for a lap seven yellow flag, and the resurgent Hedges took second from Steele on the restart. An outside pass on the backstretch on lap nine gained Hedges the lead from Magnan, but he surrendered first to Steele, who made an inside pass on the backstretch a lap later. Another yellow flag waved at that point as Dylan Irving spun in Turn 2. Steele continued to lead Hedges and Magnan. Mix was back to third on a lap 13 restart, and the time limit was approaching for the race due to the caution flags. The yellow flag waved on lap 14 as Mix and Hedges got together. Both drivers pitted, and Hedges returned in time for the restart as Steele led Magnan and Hall. McLeod spun for the final yellow flag on lap 14, and Mix returned a lap down. Steele led Magnan on the restart, and Hall slammed the front wall, getting two wheels in the air. Steele received the checkered flag for the victory, followed by Magnan, Hedges, Irving, Brandon Wonsyld, Hall, Mix, and McLeod.
The Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks will be back on June 29th along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Store All Late Model Lites and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks
Heat 1-Hunter Magnan, David Steele, Kristopher Mix, Andrew Hall, Dylan Irving.Heat 2-Ashtin Hedges, Brandyn Wonsyld, Mike McLeod, Steve Goetz, Gary Anderson.
Trophy Dash-Ashtin Hedges, Kristopher Mix, Mike McLeod, David Steele.
Main Event-David Steele, Hunter Magnan, Ashtin Hedges, Dylan Irving, Brandon Wonsyld, Andrew Hall, Kristopher Mix, Mike McLeod, Steve Goetz DNS, Gary Anderson DNS.
Sauer Wins Third Straight Hornets Race
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 15...Dylan Sauer won the JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was his third straight win, and it enabled him to take the point lead.
There were 12 Hornets, and rookie Quinton Tritchler made a lap seven pass on Jenna Hedges to win the first eight lap heat race as incoming point leader Tim Hedges finished second. Dylan Sauer won the second heat ahead of Chris Boynton. Jenna Hedges outran her husband Tim to win the four lap Trophy Dash.
Chris Boynton led the opening lap of the Main Event before spinning in Turn 2 for a yellow flag. Bree Tritchler had motor issues and pitted early, and Tim Hedges made a pit stop before returning for the restart. On the next restart, Sauer continued to lead, but a yellow flag again waved for Boynton and Lacey Sauer. The next restart attempt saw Boynton getting into Quinton Tritchler with Tritchler slamming the front wall for a red flag. Nobody was injured, but both were out of the race. Sauer led Derrel Nelson Jr and Jenna Hedges on the restart. Dylan Sauer had checked out on the field, leaving Nelson and the Hedges team to battle for second. An inside pass on the backstretch gained Tim Hedges third from Jenna Hedges on lap 14, and Tim Hedges went low in Turn 3 a lap later to take second from Nelson. However, Nelson and Tim Hedges got together on the back stretch for a yellow flag, ending the race for Tim Hedges. Sauer continued to lead Nelson on the final restart, but Jenna Hedges made a low pass in Turn 2 on lap 17 to take the position. Dylan Sauer was the winner ahead of Jenna Hedges, Derrel Nelson Jr, Shawn Nelson, Tim Hedges, Boynton, Quinton Tritchler, Ryan Nelson, Lacey Sauer and Darron Clark.
The JOAT Labs Hornets will be back on June 29th along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, Valley Store All Late Model Lites and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
JOAT Labs Hornets
Heat 1-Quentin Tritchler, Tim Hedges, Jenna Hedges, Lacey Sauer, Shawn Smith, Ryan Nelson.Heat 2-Dylan Sauer, Chris Boynton, Darrell Nelson Jr, Zach Nelson, Bree Tritchler, Darron Clark.
Trophy Dash-Jenna Hedges, Tim Hedges, Dylan Sauer, Quinton Tritchler.
Main Event-Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Darrell Nelson Jr, Shawn Nelson, Tim Hedges, Chris Boynton, Quinton Tritchler, Ryan Nelsen, Lacey Sauer, Darron Clark, Bree Trichler, Zach Nelson DNS.
Cast Wins OTRO Hardtops Race
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 15...Dean Cast won the 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was his first win in a Hardtop race on the dirt track, and it came after Mark Minter had led much of the race.
There were 10 Hardtops for this show, but Eric DeRamus saw his night come to an end as he hit the front wall in the Trophy Dash, which was won by Matt Butler ahead of Bryan Weberg II. Cast won the first eight lap heat race ahead of Chris Mehrer, and Bill Trotter made a lap seven pass on Mark Minter to win the other heat as Minter settled for second. Weberg joined DeRamus as a Main Event scratch after the heat races.
Cast let the opening lap of the Main Event before a high pass in Turn 3 gained Minter the lead. Trotter settled into third, and Minter held a straightaway lead over Cast by lap five. Mehrer was showing noticeable improvement from last season as he ran fourth ahead of Justin Krossman, who was in the Dusty Trotter car. The first of only two yellow flags waved when Mehrer spun and got stuck on the berm in Turn 2 on lap 13. Cast surprised Minter by taking the lead on the restart, and Mehrer spun in Turn 4 for the final caution flag on lap 16. Minter retired from the race, and Cast led Bill Trotter and Justin Krossman on the restart. As Cast brought it home to victory, Justin Krossman made a last turn pass on Bill Trotter to take the second place finish. Jay Smith finished fourth, followed by Mehrer, Matt Butler, Minter and Buddy Krossman.
The OTRO Hardtops return to action on June 29th along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets and Valley Store All Late Model Lites. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
OTRO Hardtops
Heat 1-Dean Cast, Chris Mehrer, Matt Butler, Buddy Krossman, Eric DeRamus DNS.Heat 2-Bill Trotter, Mark Minter, Jay Smith, Justin Krossman, Bryan Weberg II.
Trophy Dash-Matt Butler, Brian Weberg II, Buddy Krossman, Eric DeRamus.
Main Event-Dean Cast, Justin Krossman, Bill Trotter, Jay Smith, Chris Mehrer, Matt Butler, Mark Minter, Buddy Krossman, Brian Weberg II DNS, Eric DeRamus DNS.
Wild West IMCA Modified Speedweek Series Comes
To Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...Southern Oregon Speedway is set for another big event this Saturday night. The IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek Series is coming to town, and that means there will be a bigger field of competitors in the class. Joining them on the card will be the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. It's sure to be another exciting event.
This is the ninth season for the popular Speedweek Series. It was created as a means to bring together some of the top competitors on the West Coast in the spirit of good competition. They will compete in eight different events in a nine race span at six different race tracks. After the final race at Willamette Speedway, they will crown a champion of the week-long series.
The Speedweek Series was kicked off in 2011 with Medford star Brian Poppa winning the championship. In three of the next four years, Jesse Williamson emerged with the championship, interrupted only in 2014 by Chowchilla, California's Alex Stanford. The last three seasons have seen the championship honors go to Oakley, California's Kellen Chadwick in 2016, Williamson for the fourth time in 2017 and last season to John Campos.
The format calls for two sets of heat races with the starting lineup for the first heat race inverted for the second heat. Drivers earn finishing and passing points to determine who makes it into the show and who is forced to run B Mains and Last Chance Qualifiers, if necessary. Just making it into the show can be a challenge, and this also plays into the track's own championship battle.
Going into each season, the racers know that the Speedweek race and Labor Day Weekend's special R Charles Snyder Salute will have a huge impact on the track championship. With the increase in top name drivers coming from out of town, just making it into the show and therefore earning points can be a challenge. After three races, feature wins have been earned by Jeffrey Hudson, Bobby Hogge IV and Jesse Bailey. Fettinger currently leads the standings by two points ahead of rookie Justin Foux and six in front of Preston Jones. Reigning champion Albert Gill and Bailey are within 11 points of the lead. This will be the first test for the local racers.
Last season, Collen Winebarger scored the Speedweek victory at Southern Oregon Speedway. Winebarger, along with Williamson and Campos, made it a close Speedweek championship race last year before Campos emerged with the title. Winebarger has done well in the Southern Oregon Speedway race with third place finishes in 2017 and 2016 and a fourth in 2015. He's looking forward to coming to town and making a run at his second-straight victory. Williamson and Campos are sure to make their presence known. Chadwick will be back to make a run at another Speedweek crown, and the car count could reach into the 30s in this division alone.
Car count has been on the rise in the IMCA Sport Modified division, prompting some of the racers to lobby to be included in the entire Speedweek Series. Southern Oregon Speedway has remained supportive of the class and included them in the show for the past three seasons. Point leader Jorddon Braaten has the hot hand coming into the night after posting back-to-back clean sweep efforts. His win last week came ahead of Isaac Sanders, and it's Matt Sanders running second to Braaten in the standings by 10 points. Rookie Wyatt Westfall is surprising a few people as he holds down third in the standings.
Saturday's race could see an increase in drivers in the IMCA Sport Modified division as well. Jantzen Knips had a strong effort last week with a third place finish, while two-time reigning champion Mike Medel had his best effort of the year in fifth. Both will be looking to get the win this week, and others to keep an eye on include Branden Wilson, Willie McFall, Rich McCoy and Braxton Possinger.
The Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars round out what is sure to be an action-packed evening. Feature winners so far this year at Southern Oregon Speedway include two-time champion Brock Peters and Camden Robustelli. These two drivers come in as favorites to win, but three-time reigning champion Josh King has been on a roll with wins in Yreka, Willamette and Winnemucca, Nevada already this year. Beating this trio will be difficult, but ageless veteran Fred Hay, Chad Cardoza, Kalvin Morton and Jesse Lorentz will be among those hoping to get the job done.
To those looking for more racing, there is another full lineup of Outlaw Karts and Flat Track Motorcycles at the little track on Friday. The gates will open there at 5 p.m. with the first race starting at 7 pm. $10 gets you pit access and a bleacher seat.
On Saturday, the IMCA Wild West Speedweek Series show will see the gates open at 5 with the first race starting at 7. General Admission Adult tickets are $15 with Seniors, Juniors and Children 7 to 12 $10. Children 6 and under are free. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Speedweek Series Comes To Siskiyou Golden Speedway
Yreka, CA...There's another big race on tap at Siskiyou Golden Speedway this Friday night. It's the annual visit of the IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek Series. The program will also include the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks in what is sure to be a night you won't want to miss.
Fans looking for the once-thriving IMCA Modifieds to be a part of the program will get their wish on Saturday night, and it's going to be a big night. Several top drivers from Oregon, Washington and California will converge on Yreka for the first round of the eight-race Speedweek Series. The series takes place at six different tracks, culminating in the finale next Saturday night at Willamette Speedway.
You can expect a field possibly reaching into the thirties for the show, meaning not only will the fans see an IMCA Modified race, but they'll see drivers having to race hard just to make it into the show. The speedway has been featuring IMCA Modifieds for nearly 30 years, but in recent seasons the division has been in a bit of a decline. A few locals may turn out for this race, but the field will be made up largely of visiting drivers.
For the past two years, 2015 Yreka champion Nick Trenchard has won the Speedweek race in Yreka. In 2016, Kellen Chadwick kicked off what was to be his Speedweek Series championship run with the win in Yreka. In eight seasons, four Speedweek championships have been earned by Jesse Williamson, one by Alex Stanford and last year by John Campos after a good battle with Collen Winebarger and Williamson. Winebarger has done well in Yreka with a second place finish last season and a third two years ago. However, he'll be looking for a win this Friday.
The IMCA Modified Speedweek Series will run a program similar to that used by the Outlaw Karts. Drivers draw for their starting positions in the first set of heat races. The lineups from those heat races are inverted for a second set of heats. Drivers earn heat race finishing and passing points to determine who makes it into the Main Event and who ends up in the B Main. From the moment the program gets started, everybody's racing hard to make it into the show.
If the IMCA Modifieds aren't enough, the IMCA Sport Modifieds roar back for their seventh appearance. Driving for Donny Bottoms, Merissa Henson put on a driving clinic last week in going flag-to-flag for the victory. She won the race over Randy Wright by a straightaway. The battle for third was also the battle for the point lead. Ethan Killingsworth would finish third, and roughly 10 points separate him from Ryder Boswell and Colt Boswell. The Boswell brothers are still looking for their first wins, and it will be tougher on Friday night as standouts such as two-time winner Matt Sanders, one time-winners Rich McCoy and Isaac Sanders and Steven Sanders are among those expected to increase the car count this week.
The program will be rounded out by the exciting Mini Stock division. "The Holy Terror' Terry Kendrick has served notice to the rest of the competition that he's intent on winning his second Mini Stock championship. Kendrick is also a past Street Stock champion at the track and has won his share of races through the years. Kendrick knows that the road to this championship will not be easy, and he's facing his toughest challenge from last season's top rookie, Zak McMurry.
McMurry is a one-time winner this year and finished fifth last week. He's second in the standings, but two-time champion Mike Whitaker is running closely with him after a fourth place finish. Marilyn Yawnick, Darek Alford and Mike Kendrick are also very much in the battle. Alford had his season-best effort in second last week ahead of Terry Alford. The way things are going right now, the Mini Stock championship race could go down to the end of the season as it's been prone to do in recent years.
Friday night's IMCA Modified Speedweek event alone is worth the price of admission. Fans will see some of the best Modified racers on the West Coast. Add in the IMCA Sport Modified and the Mini Stocks, and this is a race that you won't want to miss. For further information, go to www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Henson, Lenz, Kendrick Win At Siskiyou Speedway
Yreka, CA...June 15...Merissa Henson won her first IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Siskiyou Golden Speedway. She has won on the Outlaw Kart level and has competed in both Mini Stocks and Winged Sprint Cars in recent years, but this was her first ever feature win on a big track. Henson had the outside front row next to heat race winner Randy Wright and charged into lead at the start. During the first 10 laps, Ryder Boswell, Colt Boswell and point leader Ethan Killingsworth had a close battle for third before Killingsworth gained the position on lap eight. By then, Henson had nearly a straightaway lead over Wright, and Wright had a good lead on Killingsworth. Henson drove a flawless race and won by a comfortable margin. Killingsworth pulled to within striking distance of Wright, but he ran out of time as Wright finished second ahead of Killingsworth, Ryder Boswell, Colt Boswell and Gary Foster. Killingsworth won the four lap Trophy Dash.
Dr. Scott Lenz continued his strong season with another 20 lap Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock Main Event victory. The two-time reigning champion has yet to lose a Main Event with the group this year. Lenz started things off by winning both his eight lap heat race and the four lap Trophy Dash. He started back in the fourth row and wasted little time working his way to the front of the pack. Lenz was followed across the line by a season-best second for John David Duffie. Scott Flowers drove a good race to finish third, followed by Matt Harlow, James Flowers, Rick Lukens, Kenneth LaPlant Jr, Bryan Hammond, Roy Bain and Ginny Flowers. James Flowers and Duffie won their respective eight lap heat races, and Lenz was the four lap Trophy Dash winner
Terry Kendrick won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. This was the second win of the season for the current point leader. Kendrick shared the front row with Darek Alford and would hold off the young racer for the victory. Second was still the season best effort for Alford. Terry Alford finished third, followed by Mike Whitaker, Zak McMurry, Marilyn Yawnick, Mike Kendrick and Johnny Cobb.
The Jefferson State Jalopies were again added to the program, and Michael Colson swept the four lap Trophy Dash, eight lap heat race and 20 lap Main Event. Colson started on the pole and forced Marilyn Yawnick to settle for yet another second place finish. JJ Smith and Karl Bernstein completed the finishing order.
The IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek Series kicks off this Friday night in Yreka. Joining them on the program will be the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks. For further information, go to and www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Hirst Wins David Tarter Memorial At Silver Dollar Speedway
Chico, CA...June 14...Kyle Hirst won the 35 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway. This was the Seventh Annual David Tarter Memorial race, which paid a $3,500 first prize to Hirst. The four-time King Of The West Series champion has now won this race five times.
Kyle Offill led five laps before being passed by Chelsea Blevins. Blevins led just three laps before Offill regained the lead. Hirst motored past Blevins for second on lap 17, and the first of three yellow flags waved on lap 24 for Cody Lamar. Offill led Hirst on the restart, but Hirst managed to take the lead from Offill on a lap 26 restart. Blevins had slipped as far back as fifth. She was fourth on lap 29 and raced past Offill for second a lap later. However, Hirst was not to be denied the rich victory. Blevins scored a personal-best second place finish ahead of Colby Copeland, Offill, Michael Ing, Andy Forsberg, Blake Carrick, Kalib Henry, Sean Becker and Jarrett Soares.
The Winged 360 Sprint Cars had a solid 23 car turn out, and multi-time champion Becker drove the Dan Menne car to the quickest lap of 12.094. Ing with second quick at 12.344. They ran three eight lap heat races with wins being recorded by Blevins, Blake Carrick and Offill. Forsberg outran Copeland to win the eight lap Trophy Dash. They also ran a ten lap B Main with Casey McClain scoring the win ahead of Greg DeCaires IV and Angelo Cornet.
Jeremy Phillips won his first 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Phillips gained the lead from two-time Street Stock champion Phil Marino on lap two and led the rest of the way in a race that was riddled with seven yellow flags. Tyler Rodgers had a good battle going with Craig Nieman during the final five circuits. Rodgers would make the pass for second on the last lap and finish there, followed by Marino, Craig Nieman, Shayna Nieman, Matt Micheli, Sean Hulsey, Todd Cooper, Brian Cooper and Scott Savell. Marino and Todd Cooper were the eight lap heat race winners, and Craig Nieman picked up six lap Trophy Dash honors.
Matt Micheli won the 20 lap Street Stock Main Event. Micheli and Phil Marino shared the front row with Micheli racing into the lead at the start. As Micheli led all the way, Marino held second until his race came to an unfortunate end on lap 17. Brent Lawrence assumed the runner-up spot on lap 18 and chased the flying Matt Micheli across the finish line. Corey Hall placed third, followed by Kyle Allen, Richard Workman, Marino, Ken Micheli and Gary Newman. The eight lap heat race went to Hall, and it was Matt Micheli picking up the six lap Trophy Dash win.
The Winged 360 Sprint Cars are back in action on Friday, June 28th along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Super Stocks. For further information, go to www.silverdollarspeedway.com.
Taylor, Grimes, DeBenedetti Win
At Little Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 14...Trevor Taylor turned in a dominant performance in winning not one, but three Speedway Bike Main Events Friday night at little Southern Oregon Speedway. Taylor won the Open, 450cc and 250cc classifications.
In the Open Bike class, Taylor led from the outset, leaving the battle for second. Mya Maffei took the second position from Brooke Lozano on lap five and finished there as Lozano, Steve Williamson and Theo Lount completed the Top 5.
In the 450cc Bike class, Taylor had the lead at the start ahead of Lount. Brooke Lozano took third from Steve Williamson on lap four. Taylor rode a good race and collected the victory ahead of Lount, Lozano, Williamson and Matt Washer.
Taylor's first win came on a different bike in the 250cc Bike class. He again led from the outset with Alec Vernier an early second. Lount gained second on lap 4 and kept things close up front. However, Taylor would win ahead of Lount, Mya Maffei, Alec Vernier and Shawn Vernier.
Taylor also won his six lap heat races in all three classes, and there was some exciting two and even three wide battles going on all night long. Bo Stanridge won the 12 lap Quad Main Event, and Mike Burson was the winner of the 12 lap Trike feature. Both riders led every lap in their respective victories.
Collin Laeger won the Small Bikes 12 lap Main Event. Laeger led from the start and was followed by Brody Taylor and Jax Taylor. Laeger also won the six lap heat race.
Trevor Grimes won the 20 lap 250 Kart Main Event. This was the second straight win for the 2017 champion. Jacob James raced into the lead at the start, but Grimes ran closely behind him. Both drivers had picked up six lap heat race wins earlier in the evening. On lap 17, Grimes made a move on James for the lead in Turns 1 and 2, and there was contact. Both drivers kept going, but Grimes assumed the lead and brought it home to victory ahead of James, Cadyn Smith and reigning champion Vinny DeBenedetti.
Jayme DeBenedetti picked up her first-ever 15 lap Beginners Box Stock Main Event win. DeBenedetti and Isaac Grimes won eight lap heat races. Grimes led two laps before DeBenedetti went racing by. Once DeBenedetti got into a rhythm, nobody could keep up with her. She won the race by about a straightaway ahead of Urijah Boardman, Bhaltaire Edwards, Talia Colley and Grimes.
Reigning Box Stock champion Keaton Augustine won the 15 lap Main Event. This was his second straight win, and he also won both six lap heat races. Kiley Grimes ran second early on, but she would eventually surrender the position to Albert Gill Jr, who finished second ahead of Grimes.
The little track will continue with another show of Flat Track Bikes, Quads and Outlaw Karts this coming Friday night. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
LaChance, Cunial, Smith Win Yreka Outlaw Kart Races
Yreka, CA...June 14...Brandon LaChance won the 15 lap 500 Open Kart Main Event Friday night at the Yreka Outlaw Kart track. LaChance won both eight lap heat races to put himself on the pole for the feature. He won the race with fellow front-row starter Daren Spencer finishing second. Point leader Brionna Fuller, Kurt Doring, Carson Sousa and Johnny Utah completed the finishing order.
Cale Cunial won the 15 lap 250 Kart Main Event. This was the third win in four starts for the current point leader and reigning champion. Cunial won one of the eight lap heat races, but Nicolas Perrin prevented the sweep with a win in the other heat. Cunial had the pole for the Main Event and won ahead of a season-best second place effort for Taylor Fuller. Perrin, Dallin Dagata and Logan McKnight completed the finishing order as Drew Berry was a feature scratch.
Chayce Smith won the 15 lap Box Stock Main Event. This was the third straight win for the Hayfork driver. Smith was shut out in the heat races as Mikey Wheeler Jr and Shailene Horn were the respective winners. Carson Henson had the pole for the race, but the incoming point leader trailed Smith early. Wheeler moved into the second position and followed Smith to the checkered flag. Austin Bartholomew finished third, followed by Horn, Henson and Emma Hudman.
Larry Fuller one the 12 lap UAS Speedway Kart Main Event. Fuller and 2016 Yreka champion Ed Grubb were the eight lap heat race winners. Larry Fuller shared the front row with 2017 title winner Brionna Fuller, and it was a Fuller 1-2 finish at the checkered flag. Grubb settled for third, followed by reigning champion Steve Rambo and Lori Fuller. Sean Fuller scratched prior to the feature.
Debbie Medeiros won the Four Cycle Main Event. She also won a heat race, but Lori Fuller prevented the clean sweep with a heat victory of her own. At the finish of the Main Event, Medeiros led Lori Fuller and Steve Rambo.
Point leader Hunter Granger won his first Unrestricted Box Stock 15 lap Main Event. Hunter Colson and Malachi Johnson won the eight lap heat races, but Granger won the feature event ahead of Colson and Johnson.
The next race will be on June 28th and will include all of the divisions featured tonight. For further information, go to the Yreka Outlaw Kart Facebook page.
Double Header Weekend At Coos Bay Speedway
Coos Bay, Oregon...After a couple of weeks off, Coos Bay Speedway comes back big with a double header weekend. On Saturday night, it's another NASCAR Whelen All American Series event, featuring the America's Mattress Super Late Models, Winged Sprint Cars, Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and the Hornets. Also, it's Ladies Night, meaning ladies get in free. On Sunday, Coos Bay hosts the third round of the IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek Series. The NASCAR Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and the Hornets will all be competing.
The IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek Series had been missing from the Coos Bay schedule when Drake Nelson took a gamble in his first year at the helm of the speedway. He created the Midweek Modified Gambler show with a big money purse on a night the Speedweek Series had off. Though he didn't get a big car count, the drivers who showed up put on a good show, won by Justin Duty over Collen Winebarger and Lawrence O'Connor. This prompted Coos Bay to be returned as the third round of the series last year. More cars showed up, and Grey Ferando scored the victory ahead of Ethan Dotson and Dustin Cady.
This Sunday night is the IMCA Wild West Speedweek Series race, and turnout in the twenties is anticipated for the Coos Bay visit. Last season, Jesse Williamson was gunning for his fifth title and Winebarger was also very much in the mix. However, John Campos had a strong series and won his first title. He joined Kellen Chadwick, Brian Poppa and Alex Stanford as other one-time champions.
The Sunday visit will be a fully loaded program that will feature two sets of heat races with points determining the Main Event lineup. The drivers run a grueling schedule with eight races in nine days, culminating in the finale at Willamette Speedway next Saturday. Some of the best Modified drivers on the West Coast will be here for the show.
Saturday night will be the fourth round of the Americas Mattress Super Late Model Series. The three races so far have been won by Willamette champion Joey Tanner, Preston Luckman and defending champion Brody Montgomery. As it stands, Luckman holds an eight point advantage over Montgomery in a close battle. Two-time Sportsman Late Model champion Wayne Butler isn't far behind in third, 20 points back, while 2015 champion Toby McIntyre and Deven Brown make up the balance of the Top 5. They've been getting a bigger car count this year, and others to watch for include Thor Kristensen, Chris Ray and Richard Wallace, who finished third last time out.
The Sprint Cars make their second appearance of the season. Defending champion Brett Hulsey won the Main Event the last time they were there ahead of Donovan Prather and Austin Sause. Generally, they get between a half-dozen and eight cars for this show, and the Sprint Cars will help make Saturday an exciting night.
The Sportsman Late Models are having a doubleheader weekend, meaning the points could be shaken up. Braden Fugate has won all three events so far ahead of Mike Taylor, giving him a six point advantage. Both drivers will have to be ready for both races to keep this battle going. It's also an opportunity for racers like Tom Williams, Josh Kralicek and Dave Williams to gain some ground in the battle.
The Street Stock division has seen a slight increase in their car count, making the racing that much better. They will be running both nights. Point leader Steve Dubisar won the first two events over Tom Elam, who was absent from the third race. That third race was won by last season's top rookie, David Smith. As a result, Smith moved to within eight points of Dubisar in the point battle. Peyton Reigard is this season's top rookie so far, 20 points out of the lead with a pair of Top 5 efforts. These three should be there, and other drivers to watch for include Elam, Sam Talon and last season's champion, Ken Fox.
Mechanical issues have been a storyline in the Mini Outlaw division this season as Jason Berrier, Carl Johnson and the fast VW Beetle of Rob Lauver have all been there, but none of them were able to start. They get two opportunities to do some racing this weekend. Two-time reigning champion Sam Talon has won both races so far and holds a four point lead over Jason Kellam, who has a pair of seconds. Other drivers to watch for this week include Dan Daniels, Bob Oliver and Hunter Berrier.
This weekend is a perfect opportunity for the Hornet drivers to catch Hannah Robison. Robison has won three Main Events so far, the last two in rather dominant fashion. Her lead right now is 24 points over reigning champion Tyler Tullos, who does have a pair of second place finishes. Gabrielle Boles is only 10 points behind Tullos in third. While these three drivers may be leading the charge, racers like William Hitner, Steven Parker, John Henry, Leroy Rockwell and Kris Parker will be out to score a win this weekend.
You can't go wrong at Coos Bay speedway this weekend. Ladies Night and NASCAR Whelen All American Series racing on Saturday will have a fully loaded program. Modified enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the best when the IMCA Wild West Speedweek Series rolls into town on Sunday. For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.
Roth Wins Addcox Outlaw 100 At Douglas County Speedway
Roseburg, Oregon...Dale Roth scored the victory in The Addcox Outlaw 100 lap Main Event Saturday night at Douglas County Speedway. The event is presented by Addcox Heating Center, and it allows drivers from several different divisions to compete against each other. Roth is also the current Mini Stock point leader. He won this race ahead of Late Model and Modified veteran Tom Elam. John Harvey finished third, followed by Brad Watson, John Doyle, Blake Harvey, Mike Batman, Bobby Ulam, Larry Mears and Kalob Watson as 15 drivers competed. Roth also took the point lead by 36 tallies ahead of Batman.
Burnie Bryant won the 20 lap Hornets Main Event. Bryant has won the past two races, but he is still playing catch-up in the championship point battle as he had a disappointing season opener. It was point leader Rich Dickenson finishing second. Dickenson has a pair of victories this season and leads Bryant by 83 points in the championship chase. Michael Kennedy had his best finish of the year in third, followed by Jeremy Simms, Bart Pulse, Zachary Asumendi, Paul Corbett, Ryan Dickenson, Tyler Organ and Valerie West. There were 15 competitors in this race as well.
Kyran Greene assumed the point lead in the PRA Hardtops with his 20 lap Main Event victory. He held off division veteran Mike Batman for the honors. 2016 champion Greg Hickman finished third, followed by Chuck Jacobs and Brian Lenihan. Greene now has a 35 point lead over Hickman in the championship battle as previous winner Harlon Cox dropped to third and wasn't competing on Saturday.
The Bump To Pass-J Class had four competitors with Dylan Grichar winning the race ahead of Jeremy Simms, Zachary Asumendi and Valerie West.
The racing continues this Saturday night with the North American Big Rigs coming to town. Also on the card will be the Sport Modifieds and the Hornets. The event is presented by Umpqua Valley Transportation Sector Partnership. For further information, go to www.douglascountyspeedway.com.
Pit Stops
Due to the lateness in which this column is being written, we're going to be a little bit briefer than usual. We are trying to keep our deadline and have been fighting that battle all week.
Southern Oregon Speedway had a test last Saturday night. It was what we call a kitchen sink event. Seven of the ten divisions that get rotated in the lineup were all competing, meaning it was a full program of racing. Conservatively, a car count of somewhere between 70 to 80 cars was anticipated, but there ended up being 93 drivers for the show. While track officials were able to keep the show moving and keep cars on the race track, other factors slowed it down.
Track conditions were a little bit challenging for some of the racers, resulting in yellow flags and making the show go later and later. The fans who hung in there were treated to some really good racing by the time the Late Models, IMCA Modifieds and Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars rolled onto the track. Even the IMCA Sport Modifieds put on a good show as Jorddon Braaten came from the sixth row to get the lead, putting on a passing clinic.
It seems like every time the IMCA Modifieds are called upon to run a fast and exciting program, they do just that. In this case, it was a battle between 2017 champion Jesse Bailey and three-time reigning champion Albert Gill. Gill was never quite able to attempt a pass on Bailey, but he ran with him in a race that had a complete restart and then no yellow flags after that. Third place went to division rookie Jimmy Lipke, who has been a star and champion in Yreka in the IMCA Sport Modifieds. He is adapting quite well to this division.
With a couple of the championship contenders opting to go elsewhere, other racers are more than willing to step up and be counted. Being a championship contender with IMCA can be a blessing and a curse. The bad part is your high average will put you deeper in the pack, which is where Zack Fettinger found himself at the start. He was able to get as far as fifth behind Jeremy Ohlde. The finish was still good enough to move Fettinger into the lead in the standings by two points ahead of rookie Justin Foux, who finished sixth. Only one point behind Foux is Preston Jones, while Gill is now ten points out of the lead, making this a close battle.
It's been highlighted that the Wild West Speedweek format makes it a challenge for the local point competitors, as does the R Charles Snyder Salute that will take place on Labor Day Weekend. You'll have a big group of drivers coming in from out of town to race, meaning the local drivers aren't assured they're going to get into the show. They have to race hard, and some drivers won't make the cut. Saturday night's Speedweek event will not only offer some of the best Modified racing seen all season, it will certainly test the locals.
The Late Models made a big statement on Saturday night with 16 competitors pulling through the gates. Never has Southern Oregon Speedway seen such a big car count for a regular Late Model show, though there have been huge gatherings for special events. Two drivers making a long trip to go racing at Southern Oregon Speedway are point leader Trent Elliott and Darren Coffell. These two drivers figured to be tough to beat this year, and they didn't prove that speculation wrong on this occasion.
The battle between Coffell and Elliott at the front of the pack was epic as they worked slower traffic. Coffell was doing fine until he got slowed up just a bit on the bottom groove, allowing Elliott to make a pass on the 24th lap to take the lead and victory. In doing so, Elliot has managed to stretch his point lead to 31 points over Coffell. What's interesting, however, is there is a very close battle going on for second.
Coffell isn't the only driver who missed the season opener that is still in the hunt. Mark Wauge also didn't join until the second race, an event that saw him finish third. Last Saturday, he won the Trophy Dash and then won a good battle with 2017 champion Nathan Augustine to finish third in the Main Event once again. This will keep him five points out of second in a tie with 2012 Coos Bay champion Dave Foote. Wauge is definitely finding Late Models to his liking.
Dave Everson and Miles Deubert are both within seven points of Coffell. To highlight just how much the Late Model division is growing, last Saturday saw the season debut of both Eric Massey and Chris Biggs. Massey has a car that came out of the shop of Rapp Racing. We should be seeing another car from that shop, driven by the hard-charging Dustin Knight, in the future. As for Saturday, Biggs managed to grab a seventh place finish, followed by Massey.
What's nice is there is an excitement surrounding the Late Model division, and other drivers are wanting to join the fun. When Promoter Mike McCann added the class in 2016, it was with the hope and belief that something could develop in the Medford Area. Fans and racers have been starving for some Late Model racing, and now they're getting it.
The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car division is proving something this year. It doesn't appear to just be a one-man show at the front of the pack. The racers are stepping up their game, and it's making for some exciting racing. Mike Wheeler has set the Outlaw Kart world on fire through the years, but he's always wanted to go Sprint Car racing. He's finally getting his chance, and he served notice last season when he led most of the Main Event in the season finale before finishing second. Early in the race, Wheeler ran a close third behind the season debut of Blaine Cory and Bailey Hibbard.
Where Wheeler may have learned the lesson last year that helped him this time was his willingness to put his car up on the outside. He lost the lead last year in that race to an outside pass. This time, he made not one, but two outside passes to get around Hibbard and then eventually Cory to grab the lead. Wheeler led the second half of the race for a well-earned first career victory and has moved into the point lead. Wheeler had some help from his brother Vern Wheeler Jr. Vern has won several Main Events at the speedway through the years and is able to impart his knowledge in helping Mike be more competitive.
Drivers are still jockeying for position in the Sprint Car battle, meaning that two past Southern Oregon Speedway champions, TJ Winningham and Charlie Thompson, are both within 11 points of the lead. Thompson did a good job of getting his car to a fourth place finish last week ahead of Enrique Jaime.
Looking at the field that competed last week, it's fair to say that most of these drivers can strike for a win at some point. Even rookie Jared Hood looked good in preliminaries when he finished second in his heat race, though he joined Johnny Burke in the pits early in the Main Event.
It's still unclear whether Jorddon Braaten is going for points at Southern Oregon Speedway. The only clear message that he's sending everybody is that he will be difficult to beat any time he's in town. Nobody would doubt that as he approaches 50 career wins at Southern Oregon Speedway in his impressive career. The two-time Southern Oregon Speedway and reigning Oregon State champion started back in the sixth row while Jantzen Knips and Mike Medel mixed it up at the front of the pack.
Medel has had two races that he'd rather forget, but it was plain to see that he had things figured out with his car this time. No sooner had Medel taken the lead from Knips then Braaten came charging past him to take the lead. For Braaten, it would be another clean sweep performance as he stretched his point lead to 10 points over Matt Sanders, who would finish a respectable fourth ahead of Medel in the Main Event. It was another Sanders, Isaac, taking second from Knips before the finish. Rookie Wyatt Westfall is surprising everybody as he is third in the standings, right behind Matt Sanders.
The IMCA Sport Modifieds are probably the most competitive division at the speedway, and they are certainly delivering the biggest car counts. It's making for some great racing on the track as the drivers have to be on their game or they're certainly not going to be in the hunt. Since the IMCA Sport Modifieds are on the card this week, it's possible that we could see an increase in car count.
Several stars from Oregon and California have been vocal about their desire for the Sport Modified class to be included as part of the IMCA Speedweek Series. For the record, Southern Oregon Speedway is not opposed to this idea and has booked the class for the past three years as part of this date. In any case, Top 10 competitors such as Branden Wilson, Willie McFall and Steve Lysinger will be out giving it their best this week. Lysinger is in his second year, and he's shown quite a bit of improvement as he takes aim at his first Top 5 finish.
Other things that sparked the car count increase at the speedway last week included the season-high 10 car field that the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks delivered, the 12 that came from the JOAT Labs Hornets and the 10 OTRO Hardtops. For the Hardtops, this was the biggest count they've delivered since being a part of the schedule in 2016.
The one thing you can say about the Hardtops is if other things seemed to be slowing the program down last week, it certainly was not the drivers in this class. Dean Cast won the Main Event, but it's likely that those honors would have went to Mark Minter. Minter led 13 laps, but mechanical issues sent him to the pits. Driving the Dusty Trotter car, Justin Krossman made a last turn pass on Bill Trotter to finish second, while Jay Smith did his usual competent job of driving the truck to a fourth place finish. Chris Mehrer has a new motor in his green #17 car, and he took a lead lap finish in fifth.
OTRO generally puts drivers who don't get much glory into the Trophy Dash to give them a shot at a trophy. In this case, it was Matt Butler holding off the debut of Brian Weberg II to get the win. Unfortunately for Weberg, his night ended after the heat race. Eric DeRamus saw his night end after a crash in the Trophy Dash when he hit the wall hard. His car suffered damage, but fans donated money to help him get the car repaired. The car Eric is driving was driven by his father, Teddy DeRamus, in years past.
David Steele is still proving to be formidable in the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, but he's finding some good competition from Ashtin Hedges. Though Ashtin is not a rookie, he is in his first full season and was coming off of an impressive win last time out. Ashtin did lead briefly in the race, but a pit stop had him playing catch-up in the closing laps. Steele won, and Hunter Magnan was a happy second after winning his heat race earlier in the evening.
Much like 2013 champion Steve Goetz, Magnan has been battling motor problems. However, Goetz still didn't have them sorted out as he scratched after the heat race. He was joined on the sidelines by 2014 champion Gary Anderson, who also had motor issues. Megnan seems to have the #33m car running strong once again, and looking as good as he did last week, you have to believe a feature win is just around the corner
With his third place finish, Hedges is still just five points behind Steele in a close championship battle. It was not the best of nights for some of the racers, but despite losing a lap in the pits, 2017 champ Kristopher Mix still holds down third after his Main Event run. He leads Mike McLeod by four points and fourth place finisher Dylan Irving by six. Mix was joined by teammate Andrew Hall, who is back in action with a new Ford Pinto. Andrew was fast all night, but it looks like he's got some handling issues to sort out.
The JOAT Labs Hornets have the same thing going on these days. Dylan Sauer just keeps winning. Last Saturday he roared to his third straight victory. After having some problems early in the race, 2016 champ Tim Hedges had worked his way into second before being eliminated in a crash involving Derrel Nelson Jr. Hedges will still hold second in the standings, seven behind Sauer. For Nelson, it was a third place finish as he was passed late by Trophy Dash winner Jenna Hedges. However, Derrel seems to be back in form again. He is fourth in the standings, six behind Jenna Hedges and four ahead of rookie Quinton Tritchler.
The bad news for the Hornets was that the race was rather brutal as there was much contact. Only four of the 11 starters took the checkered flag, including a career-best fourth-place effort for Shawn Nelson. One who didn't take the checkered flag was Bree Tritchler, despite debuting a new car. The reigning champion commented prior to the races that she's looking at making a move up and hopes that this will happen in the Dwarf Car division. No timetable is set, but Bree has certainly accomplished what she set out to do in the Hornet class.
Little Southern Oregon Speedway had an event last Friday night and will be back in action again this Friday. The addition of the Flat Track Bikes has certainly helped the program as the Kart count has sort of struggled during the past 3 seasons. The Bikes were also important as there were several Kart teams who were not competing Friday. The Kart racers who did show up certainly put on a good race, but it is hoped that the numbers will increase across the boards and things can start to happen that people have been looking for at the little track in the future.
The 250 Kart class has been putting on a good show all season long. Trevor Grimes is back to see if he can return to championship form. He was forced to settle for second last season behind Vinny DeBenedetti, but he did win the 2017 title. This year, Grimes is finding some tough competition from rookie Jacob James.
James shared heat race winner's honors with Grimes and then proceeded to lead 17 laps of the Main Event. There was a bit of contact in Turns 1 and 2 as Grimes passed James for the lead and went on to victory. James was second. One would have to believe that a win is just around the corner for him. Cadyn Smith was also a welcome return. Though there were mechanical issues early in the night for him, he still took a checkered flag in third in the feature.
Jayme DeBenedetti had her best night yet. Hoping to see her get more aggressive, her father Jon DeBenedetti put her in the Novice class for last season's finale, and she promptly won that race. In the Beginner's class on Friday, DeBenedetti got the lead and then she promptly pulled away from the rest of the pack. She was never challenged as she got her first win in this class.
Also looking very good last week was Urijah Boardman, who had a career-best second ahead of Bhaltair Edwards in his best finish in the Beginners class in third. Another driver showing marked improvement was Isaac Grimes. He led much of the first heat before finishing second to DeBenedetti, and then he won his first career heat race next time around. His Main Event didn't go as hoped, but it was still a good night.
Keaton Augustine was able to win another Box Stock Main Event. The reigning champion got the lead early on and left Kiley Grimes and Albert Gill Jr to battle for second. Gill would eventually wrestle the position away from Grimes for his division debut second place effort, but Grimes still looked good in her third place finish. Hopefully, there will be a few more competitors next time around.
The Flat Track Bikes had 19 competitors and ran four different classifications. The star of the night was clearly Trevor Taylor, who turned in a rather dominant performance in winning the Open Bike, 450cc Bike and 250cc Bike Main Events. Theo Lount competed in all three classes as well and finished second in both the 250 and 500 classes, while Mya Maffei got a third in the 250s and a second in the Open Bike class. Another Rider looking good was Brooke Lozano, who finished third in both the Open and 450 Bike classes.
Word is getting out there about the Flat Track Bikes program being established at the little track. One of the riders who showed up this week was Carl Tresser, the owner of Worden Speedway. Tresser was the founding force behind the Sportsman Sprint Car division that ran in Yreka in the 1990s. Unfortunately, he had mechanical issues, but Tresser should be back this week. Another of the older competitors was Steve Williamson, who came in from Willits, California and finished fourth in both the 450 and Open Bike classes.
Siskiyou Golden Speedway is still shuffling things around on the schedule to get the most out of everything. Kevin Barba has certainly seen his challenges as promoter, but he's trying to rise to those challenges. Speedweek this Friday night will include the Mini Stocks as part of the program along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds and the headliner IMCA Modifieds. This show should be huge for the speedway, and it's hoped that there will be a good attendance. Fans have been crying for more IMCA Modified racing in Yreka, and this is their chance. A practice day was added to the schedule for Thursday in anticipation of drivers who might show up early.
They were not on the schedule, but the Jefferson State Jalopies were added for their third appearance last Saturday night. Karl Bernstein and JJ Smith had their four vehicles ready to go, and the guest driver this week was Mike Colson. Colson has competed in both Mini Stocks and IMCA Sport Modifieds, and that experience served him well as he held off three-time Mini Stock champion Marilyn Yawnick to win the Jalopy Main Event. They've now had three different winners in those three races as Smith and Kassidy Wilkinson both have wins as well.
Perhaps the biggest story of the night was the IMCA Sport Modified victory earned by Merissa Hanson in the Donny Bottoms car. Bottoms is a two-time IMCA Modified champion who provided the car that his son DJ Bottoms won the Sport Modified title with in 2017. As DJ isn't interested in racing these days, Donny made the offer to Merissa to go racing. Henson has been competing in the Sprint Car division at Southern Oregon Speedway, but she jumped at the chance to drive Danny's car. How often does a racer get an opportunity to drive somebody else's race car?
Car count was not what was desired, but Henson charged into the lead at the start of what would be a non-stop event. Randy Wright, who hasn't had the best Main Event luck this year but does have two Trophy Dash wins, finished second about a straightaway behind. He also won the heat race earlier in the evening. Championship contenders Ethan Killingsworth, Ryder Boswell and Colt Boswell mixed it up in third during the first half of the race before Killingsworth gained the position. Ethan simply ran out time in his quest to overtake Wright, but he maintains a slim lead over the Boswell brothers in the close point race.
Yreka has been able to depend on the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks to deliver a car count. This was again the case on Saturday night with 15 racers coming to do battle. The night still ended with the same question we've been asking. Who can beat Dr Scott Lenz. Lenz did look human in the heat race that he ran when he spun, but he still went on to win that race. Even starting deeper in the pack, Lenz would come to the front of the pack and hold off John David Duffie for the feature victory. Second-ranked Scott Flowers would finish third as he continues to lead son James Flowers in the second place point battle. James ended up fifth behind Matt Harlow at the checkered flag.
It was nice to see Rick Lukens back in action again and finishing sixth. Another welcome return back in ninth was Roy Bain. Bain has been working on his new car for the past couple of months, but a busy work schedule has served to delay that debut. He can definitely see the difference between this car and his old car, and as he gets comfortable behind the wheel, he'll be a driver to watch.
Roy definitely wanted to have his car ready for the Gordon Russell Sr Memorial race for the Tri State Pro Stock Challenge that's happening in Cedarville on the 29th. Some of the top drivers from the Oregon group will do battle with the Nevada racers and the others coming in from California that night.
We've been updated periodically by Marilyn Yawnick as to the status of the Mini Stock point race. After winning the second event of the season, Terry Kendrick served notice to the competition that he is back as a championship contender. It's been a few years since his last Mini Stock title, and Kendrick has also won a Street Stock title while also being a Dwarf Car competitor for a while. On Saturday, "The Holy Terror" Kendrick held off the Alford family as Darek finish second and Terry settled for third. Second was the best finish of the year for Darek, but he's fallen off the pace in the standings after a disqualification a few weeks back.
Zak McMurry could only muster a fifth place finish behind fellow title contender Mike Whitaker. Our estimation is that McMurry still holds second by a slim margin over Whitaker, but it would be very close. Yawnick and Mike Kendrick, who finished sixth and seventh last week, are also very much in the battle.
The Mini Stocks usually get the Speedweek event off, but they're going to be competing at the coming IMCA Modified Speedweek and have also been added to the Sprint Car Speedweek next month. They're going to be a little bit busier than they have been in recent years, putting more pressure on the drivers to have their cars ready.
We didn't get to do a preview for the Mountain Valley Raceway program coming up at Hayfork this Saturday, but again the Mini Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Enduro Cars and B Modifieds are back in action. There is video footage on the track's Facebook page showing some of the racing that happened on Kids Night two weeks ago. Nights like that will certainly help the speedway in the long run.
Tressen Smith did something about the two-race Hobby Stock win streak of Russ Newman. He picked up a clean sweep last time out by winning both the heat and Main Event in not just Hobby Stocks, but B Modifieds as well. The Hobby Stock field included such racers as past champion Josh Smith, Isaac Kephart, Mikey Ruth and Josh Michaels. Unfortunately for Josh Smith, he encountered motor problems and felt it would be a wiser move to load up before the Main Event and fight another day.
Larry Richardson was the man of the hour in the Mini Stock division aboard his Ford Pinto as he won the Main Event. It was Joey Young driving another Pinto to the win in the heat race. There are some good drivers, but Ian Thulin was not one of them. Unfortunately, he wrecked his truck in the heat race at his previous visit to Orland and was unable to make repairs. However, racers like William Young, Ricky Berry and Jack Turner certainly make this a competitive field.
The Young's are a part of the show in the Enduro class. It's still one of the more unique shows you're going to see as they wet the track before these vehicles of all different makes and models come out to do a bit of contact racing. Bryan Gummerus was the winner last time out, and he has been tough to beat. Racers like JD Hudman and William Young will make this an interesting show for sure.
The Pure Stocks have people at Orland Raceway talking. The exciting racing taking place between the likes of point leader Phil Spencer, Keith Ross, reigning champion Paul Stevens and two-time winner Wes Smock has been very entertaining. However, the Pure Stocks have been given the week off on Saturday night as the Wingless Spec Sprints take center stage along with the wild and exciting Mini Trucks, Mini Stocks and the two Micro classes.
There may not be a lot of chatter going on about the Spec Sprint division in Orland, but perhaps it's time people took notice. Again, there were 12 racers the last time they were out two weeks ago. Tony Richards has been very tough to beat, but he did get beat last time. It was Bruce Douglas getting the win as he led most of the way. RJ Baker did a little bit of passing to get a second place finish, which makes it the best effort yet for the 2018 point runner-up.
Richards had second and was trying to figure out a way around Douglas before he spun on the front straightaway. He didn't even wait for a yellow as he gathered it back up and was still in fourth behind eventual third place finisher Denny McNary. McNary has not won yet this year, but consistency keeps him leading the points over Richards, who is still trying to make up ground for the fact that he didn't start the season opener. Racers like rookie Jeremy Langenderfer, Cassie Amore and Cort Marchuk are making this division very interesting to see.
The Mini Truck division may not be for the faint of heart. It's definitely a division that has some contact at times, but Dan Webster has been negotiating through such things for the past several years. The 2016 champion missed a race and didn't figure to compete for points this year. Having won three Main Events, he is climbing the point ladder and could figure into the battle by the time this season is over. Zack Webster is also a feature winner, but you've also got one-time winner Kalvin Kvalvik, James Woodell and Dan Libbee in the hunt. The Mini Truck division is certainly entertaining anytime they get on the track in Orland.
Tom Davis is a multi-time champion in the Mini Stocks, and it's certainly being shown as he continues to win most of the races. Jeremy Langenderfer got close to him last time in second, but it appears as if Langenderfer is selling his car, possibly to get funds for his Spec Sprint effort. This will leave Jason Libbee, 2018 point runner-up Barbara Crain, Scott Camper, past champion John Kirkpatrick and Kevin Pendergrass to present the next challenge for Davis. Pendergrass has won this year, but he's also letting other people drive his car.
Marysville Raceway Unofficial Race Results June 15, 2019
360 Sprints
Kalib Henry
Billy Wallace
Peter Paulson
Alec Justeson
Jake Haulot
Michael Ing
Michael Faccinto
Billy Butler
Mike Monahan
Pat Harvey Jr
Jimmy Steward
Kyle Standley
Raquel Hall
Wyatt Brown
Brad Bumgarner
David Dias
Korey Lovell
Bobby Butler
William Fielding
Pepsi IMCA Sport Modifieds
Jeremy Phillips
Andrew Peckham
Brian Cooper
Todd Cooper
Jimmy Ford
Timothy Allerdings
Mike Merritt
Jim Waller
David Larabee
Thomas Reynolds
Scott Savell
Mike Smith
Jason Ferguson
Alan Furuta
Crate Sprints
Jeff Macedo
Brett Youngman
Kiely Ricardo
Nick Larson
Cameron Haney Jr
Chad Thompson
Kevin Dozier
Super Stocks
Matt Micheli
Rod Oliver
Richard Vander Ploeg
George Magenheimer
Joey Olschowka
Silver Dollar Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 14, 2019
David Tarter Memorial
360 Sprints
A Main
Kyle Hirst
Chelsea Blevins
Colby Copeland
Kyle Offill
Michael Ing
Andy Forsberg
Blake Carrick
Kalib Henry
Sean Becker
Jarrett Soares
Ryan Robinson
Chase Majdic
Brett Rollag
Greg DeCaires V
Casey McClain
Angelo Cornet
Tucker LaCaze
Lucas Ashe
Cody Lamar
Brad Bumgarner
Justyn Cox
Jeremy Wilson
B Main
Casey McClain
Greg DeCaires V
Angelo Cornet
Jeremy Wilson
Wyatt Brown
Leanne Fowler
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Jeremy Phillips
Tyler Rodgers
Phil Marino
Craig Nieman
Shayna Nieman
Matt Micheli
Sean Hulsey
Todd Cooper
Brian Cooper
Scott Savell
Timothy Allerdings
Street Stocks
Matt Micheli
Brent Lawrence
Corey Hall
Kyle Allen
Richard Workman
Phil Marino
Ken Micheli
Gary Newman
Douglas County Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 15, 2019
Outlaw 100
1. Dale Roth
2. Tom Elam
3. John Harvey
4. Brad Watson
5. John Doyle
6. Blake Harvey
7. Mike Batman
8. Robby Ulam
9. Larry Means
10. Kalob Watson
11. Pete Tyree
12. Pete Ulam
13. Tom Durrant
14. Kyran Greene
15. Dan Philpott
Hornets
1. Burnie Bryant
2. Richard Dickenson
3. Michael Kennedy
4. Jeremy Simms
5. Bart Pulse
6. Zachary Asumendi
7. Paul Corbett
8. Ryan Dickenson
9. Tyler Organ
10. Valerie West
11. Cherish Wilson
12. Dylan Grichar
13. Jabana Pynch
14. Drake Phillips
15. Chris Lemon
Hardtops
1. Kyran Greene
2. Mike Batman
3. Greg Hickman
4. Chuck Jacobs
5. Brian Lenihan
Siskiyou Golden Speedway Unoffoicial Race Results June 15, 2019
Siskiyou Golden Speedway
Dads Night at the Races
Jefferson State Jalopies
Michael Colson
Marilyn Yawnick
JJ Smith
Karl Bernstein
Mini Stocks
Terry Kendrick
Darek Alford
Terry Alford
Mike Whitaker
Zak McMurry
Marilyn Yawnick
Michael Kendrick
Johnny Cobb
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Merissa Henson
Randy Wright
Ethan Killingsworth
Ryder Boswell
Colt Boswell
Gary Foster
Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks
Scott Lenz
John David Duffie
Scott Flowers
Matt Harlow
James Flowers
Rick Lukens
Ken LaPlant
Bryan Hammond
Roy Bain
Ginny Flowers
Ryan Smith
Arlen Garrison
Colby Hammond
Jeff Haudenshild
Dean Hackworth DNS
All American Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 15, 2019
NASCAR Whelen All American Series
Late Model Feature Twin 1
Matt Erickson
Jeremy Doss
Jason Romero
Michael Mitchell
Cole Moore
Cole Brown
Justin Marks
John Moore
Lance Halm
Shane Butler
Kolby Juarez
Aiden Daniels
Rick Scribner
Chris Scribner
JJ Ferguson
Jose Hernandez
Ron Chunn
Randy Hedrick
Jason Aguirre
Late Model Feature Twin 2
Jeremy Doss
John Moore
Michael Mitchell
Lance Halm
Kolby Juarez
Calvin Hegje
Shane Butler
Jason Romero
Chris Scribner
Cole Moore
Rick Scribner
JJ Ferguson
Justin Marks
Matt Erickson
Cole Brown
Limited Modified
Kris Price
Tyler Wentworth
Cory Englehardt
Nick Lyons
Josh Blackwood
Matt Manoilis
Tyler Mullican
Don Shalla
Niles Strever
Ralph Bailey
Mike Regalman
Derrick Doering
Super Stock
Byron Gonzales
Dan Farrington
Andrew Peeler
Chris Poulson
Tony Latimer
Cody Rickard
Blake Disomma
Erica Ray
James Shelton
Dave Deni
Jeremy Fritz
Wayne Hickok
Billy Ray
Nathan Hickok
Harry Lambert
F-4
Ray Molina
Rich Ennis
Vic Theberge
Tony Vino
Jerry Nunes
Shannon Meadows
Matthews Fuhs
Mini Cup/Bandolero
Kenna Mitchell
Trey Daniels
Hannah Ray
Tayler Mitchell
Dylan Krug
Sadie Krug
Lauren Bamberg
Jr. Late Model Feature
Calvin Hegje
Lane Anderson
Brody Armtrout
The Editor's Viewpoint
The lateness of the time and the fact that this post needs to be put up today dictates that I need to be quick or not write anything at all. So if I can say this in a dozen paragraphs or less...
You can make all the preparations and plans you want for a night of racing. The schedule is set, the purse is ready and so on. However, you can't control what ends up happening when the racing finally happens. Sometimes you can have a good night with a good crowd and a good pit count too. Everything seems to be in place, and then you lay an egg. This is the worst feeling in the world, especially when you're dealing with a a track that has been down in recent years.
I can attest that Mike McCann has worked hard to turn the Southern Oregon Speedway racing program around, and I've certainly done everything that I can to help him in this endeavor. It's been quite an experience, and some of those experiences are sure to make the next book that I hope to write. Actually, most of it is written, so I need to edit. But the bottom line is, we work hard to get the numbers up, and then you have a night like Saturday night.
Why did the time get away from us? People are going to say we ran too many divisions. There were seven divisions. Fair enough. We're talking Dashes, heats and Main Events. That shouldn't be too much of an issue. The race track has been tricky, and the conditions were challenging for some of the classes. We kept the lineups on the board and kept the program moving, so there was no downtime wondering where the next race was or who was in it.
Was it the challenging track? I think that at times our flag man was a bit too trigger-happy with the yellow flag. Drivers appeared to be willing to keep going after their spins, particularly in the Four Cylinder classes, but the yellow flag would wave very quickly. That and it seemed to take us a little bit longer than it needed to in the effort of getting the cars lined up. That took time there, and I'm sure it didn't help. Whatever the case, I'm just disappointed that we had the makings of another really good night, and it went on, and on, and on...
At the end of the day, people are unhappy. I get that. You have a right to be unhappy. I just wish people would measure their thoughts and think real hard before posting some of the negativity that they put out there. Some of the things I've heard said are in line with people who hate racing and want the track closed. I find it hard to believe a real racing fan hates racing and wants any track closed, but in their passion, they say things that are in line with people who hate racing and want the track closed. That's my opinion.
We have to own this. We didn't run an expeditious program. it took longer than it should have, and I already had a feeling we were going to go just past 11:00 anyways. It went far longer than that, and this makes two in a row. One positive was that we had 93 cars. In our effort to increase car count and turn things around, we are getting more racers. So, we're at a point now where we can also think about running four divisions per week instead of five. This might not be a bad idea going forward, and in fact, that was kind of Mike's plan all along. Rotate divisions, give divisions weeks off, have fewer divisions on race night and still give the fans a good show.
As I said, the turnaround process is still in the works. We are further along in this goal and it's noticeable, but we have much more work to do. I still take the program in 2019 over anything from 2010 through 2015 any day of the week. Southern Oregon Speedway is turning around, but we can't get complacent with it. Work still needs to be done, or things can backtrack. I'm happy with the increase in Sport Modifieds and the fact that the Late Model and Sprint Car classes have been firmly established. These are two classes that didn't even exist in 2015 at the speedway. Progress has been made.
At the end of the day, this is a business. Promoters run race tracks to give racers a place to go, but they are doing work and risking their own money and are entitled to gain something from the effort. I look down in Yreka and know that Kevin Barba has his work cut out for him. He didn't create the situation he walked into, but he is the one charged with making it better. One of the first things you want to do, aside from some of the improvements he's already made to the facility, is make a stronger race program with more cars. More cars is what's going to make more fans come out.
Kevin has rotated divisions and added divisions to programs that weren't there in the past. Mini Stocks, for instance, have been added to Friday night's IMCA Speedweek race and the Sprint Car Speedweek race in July. The Jalopies were added in short notice to last Saturday's program. Just having four more cars in the pits matters. Not only are you establishing a new division and getting fans interested in it, but it helps with the back gate. This does come down to making more money out of the race track. I know Kevin understands that if he doesn't make money, his run as the promoter won't last. Waiting in the wings is the Siskiyou County Motorsports Association, and I know they would like another shot at the place.
Honestly, I might be inclined to sit down and discuss something with the association president to see if there's anything that could be done that would benefit both the track and the association, while Barba is still the promoter of the track. But then again, I'm not down there on the scene. I know that the association has their minds at work on a Lawnmower race track and obviously wants to continue to be involved in helping promote the sport in Yreka. If an alliance can be struck, I don't see how that hurts the track.
They had a nice show last Saturday night. You can go on about car count, but the fans still got to see four different divisions. They got to see more racing than they might have seen at this time last year. Hopefully, drivers in certain divisions will get back out there and do some more racing, because the track is depending on them.
I know Kevin's counting the money coming in the gate and trying to figure out where they go from here. The schedule has already been adjusted, and because of the nature of the way the season is going, it's possible that it can be adjusted more. Therefore, I tell people they should keep a close eye on the Siskiyou Golden Speedway Facebook page for any future announcements.
My desire is to see this track be successful. As Kevin is at the helm of the track, my desire to see Kevin be successful. He's definitely got some good things lined up with the IMCA Modified Speedweek, Sprint Car Speedweek, Iron Giant Street Stocks, Rod Restad and John Arnberg races still upcoming. How those shows go will dictate where things are with the speedway. Remember, Kevin said that he is intent on putting more money into the track for improvements provided his contract is renewed, so I would think any racer capable of supporting that track would want to do so.
Otherwise, you have race tracks that sit dormant. I had the pleasure of talking to Carl Tresser at the Motorcycle race at Little Southern Oregon Speedway last Friday. Carl and I had several conversations on the phone back in 1994 as he was the founder of the Sportsman Sprint division. This was a four barrel carbureted Sprint Car division that was seen at the time as a slower Sprint Car running with the injected 360s in Yreka, but Carl organized this group that included people like Mike Linder, Don Garrett Jr, Joe Salyer and Cale Carter, to name a few. They had a run in Yreka from that point through 1999. Sadly, I don't think people remember the role Carl played, and I can't help but think he's a little bit disappointed in that.
We spoke about Worden Speedway. This track has been sitting dormant for 15 years after having a nice three-year run that featured Pro Stocks, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks, plus special events. The man who built that race track envisioned it as being a Sprint Car track, though that never came to fruition. Carl would like to see the same thing happen there, or even some big Motorcycle events. Actually, he spoke about one big Motorcycle event every year that he would like to have happen. But, Carl has been burned by people and that has left him to the point now where he's even looking at selling the place.
When I spoke to him of the idea that there are people who want to race at that race track, he sort of perked up. That's not saying that Carl said, "Okay, let's do this." He didn't say that, but if the right situation took place, Carl might be ready to do something. He certainly likes the idea of a Sprint Car show, and I can remember Dave Hibbard talking about doing his own Sprint Car Series prior to the season. In the back of my mind at the time, I thought, would Worden work as one of the tracks? I don't know the answer to that.
I like Carl. He's a kind person and I think he has done some good things for the sport. I would like to see somebody come in there that he could trust that could execute some of his vision while also doing things that would obviously work for the track. There's a group of 30 to 40 racers in that area ready to race at that track now, is what I told him. That's as far as my statement went. I'm not sure how he feels about Pro Stocks and Mini Stocks, but there's a group of them wanting to race. Who knows?
In the end, I realized that he came there to do some Motorcycle racing. I shook his hand and left him to have fun. He didn't have time for a long conversation, and I didn't mean to try and turn it into that. In fact, I don't have time for a long column, so I'm ending it here. Until next time...
