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Wheeler Scores Dominant Victory
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 29...Mike Wheeler scored the victory in the 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Wheeler grabbed the lead at the start and would pull away to a huge advantage by the waving of the checkered flag. This was his second win of the season as he increased his point lead in the process.
There were 12 competitors for this race. After suffering motor issues on Friday night in his appearance at the Fred Brownfield Memorial Winged 360 Sprint Car race, Tanner Holmes returned and was a surprise entry in this event. Holmes held off Wheeler to win the first of two eight lap heat races. Raquel Ivy made her first appearance in two seasons and won the second heat ahead of Enrique Jaime. The Top 3 finishers in each heat race drew for their lineup in the six lap Scramble, which would determine the first three rows of the Main Event. Jaime kept Wheeler and Holmes behind him for his impressive victory is that race.
Jaime would lead the opening lap of the Main Event before Wheeler made an inside pass in Turn 4 to take over. Holmes settled into third, and the only yellow flag of the race waived on lap four as Johnny Burke stalled in Turn 2. Burke was able to continue as Wheeler led Jaime and Holmes when the green flag waved. Wheeler proceeded to pull away from the pack, and an intense battle developed between Jaime and Holmes. Jaime ran strong on the inside as Holmes worked to gather momentum on the outside groove. Anissa Curtice and Bailey Hibbard had a good battle going for fourth before Blaine Cory took the fifth position from Bailey Hibbard on lap nine. By then, Wheeler was leading Jaime and Holmes by a straightaway. An inside pass on the front stretch on lap 13 put Cory into the fourth position as Curtice was still having a good run in fifth. Holmes kept working the outside line on Jaime, and he finally made a Turn 2 pass on lap 18 to take over second. By then, Wheeler led by about half a lap and started lapping slower cars. Reigning champion David Hibbard made a late pass to get around Curtis for fifth. However, nobody seriously threatened Wheeler as he scored the impressive victory ahead of Holmes, Jaime, Cory, David Hibbard, Curtice, TJ Winningham, Charlie Thompson, Ivy and Bailey Hibbard. Everybody finished the rapidly run race.
The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars return this Friday night along with the Late Models, 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
Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars
Heat 1-Tanner Holmes, Mike Wheeler, Bailey Hibbard, Blaine Cory, Charlie Thompson, Johnny Burke.Heat 2-Raquel Ivy, Enrique Jaime, Anissa Curtice, David Hibbard, TJ Winningham, David Marble.
Scramble-Enrique Jaime, Mike Wheeler, Tanner Holmes, Bailey Hibbard, Raquel Ivy, Anissa Curtice.
Main Event-Mike Wheeler, Tanner Holmes, Enrique Jaime, Blaine Cory, David Hibbard, Anissa Curtice, TJ Winningham, Charlie Thompson, Raquel Ivy, Bailey Hibbard, Johnny Burke, David Marble.
Hunter Magnan Wins First Career Mini Stock Feature
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 29...Hunter Magnan scored a surprise victory in the 20 lap Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was his first career victory. Magnan had been fighting motor problems during the first couple of weeks of the season and gave an indication at the previous race that those problems had been worked out when he finished second.
Ashtin Hedges opened the night by holding off point leader David Steele for his second four lap Trophy Dash win. Steele outran 2014 champion Gary Anderson to win the first of two eight lap heat races. 2013 champion Steve Goetz made a move around Hedges and held him off to win the other heat race.
The Main Event would be another rapidly run race as Steele charged into lead at the start ahead of Anderson. Hedges made an inside pass in Turn 2 of the second lap to take the second position from Anderson, and Goetz moved to the inside of Anderson in Turn 4 to gain third on lap four. Steele, however, was setting a rapid pace and held a straightaway advantage by lap seven. Magnan was able to gain the fourth position on lap four and made an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 10th lap to take third from Goetz. Steele had a huge advantage and was working slower traffic as Magnan caught Hedges. Magnan went low in Turn 4 of the 17th lap to take second from Hedges, but making a challenge for the lead seemed impossible at that moment. However, when Dylan Irving stalled off the back stretch on lap 18, the yellow flag that Magnum needed would slow the pace. Steele maintained the lead on the restart with Magnan close behind him. Magnan made his winning move on Steele a lap later and held him off for the surprising victory. Steele settled for second, followed by Hedges, Goetz, 2017 champion Kristopher Mix, Anderson, Andrew Hall, Dylan Irving and Brandyn Wonsyld.
The Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks return to action this Saturday night along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, JOAT Labs Hornets and Valley Store All Late Model Lites. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks
Heat 1-David Steele, Gary Anderson, Kristopher Mix, Andrew Hall, Brandyn Wonsyld.Heat 2-Steve Goetz, Ashtin Hedges, Hunter Magnan, Dylan Irving.
Trophy Dash-Ashtin Hedges, David Steele, Hunter Magnan, Dylan Irving.
Main Event-Hunter Magnan, David Steele, Ashtin Hedges, Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Gary Anderson, Andrew Hall, Dylan Irving, Brandyn Wonsyld.
Sauer Rolls To Fourth Straight Hornets Feature Triumph
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 29...Dylan Sauer won the 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was his fourth-straight win, but on this occasion, rookie Quinton Tritchler made the current point leader work hard to get the victory.
There were still a few cars missing in the field after a rather brutal night of racing two weeks prior. Sauer picked up the four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Tim Hedges. The eight lap heat race featured an intense battle between reigning champion Bree Tritchler and Sauer, which saw Tritchler make an aggressive move to the inside in Turns 3 and 4 to get the victory.
The Main Event was destined to go non-stop, and Dylan Sauer charged into the lead from his outside front row start, followed by Bree Tritchler and her father, Quentin Tritchler. An inside move on the frontstretch on lap six gained Quinton second, and Sauer and Quinton Tritchler held about a straightaway lead over Bree Tritchler by lap 10. An inside pass in Turn 4 of the 12th gained Quinton Tritchler the lead, but Sauer went racing by on the inside down the backstretch a lap later. Quinton Tritchler again made the inside pass, this time in Turn 4 of the 14th lap. Sauer stayed with him and made an aggressive move to the inside in Turn 3 of the 16th lap to emerge with the lead once again. The lead duo caught slower traffic with Dylan Sauer keeping his advantage over Quinton Tritchler. However, Quinton Tritchler made an attempt to move by Dylan Sauer as they charged to the checkered flag. It was Sauer winning by a nose ahead of Tritchler. Tim Hedges had managed to make an inside pass on the backstretch on lap 12 to get the third position from Bree Tritchler, though the leaders were far ahead. On the 19th lap, right after taking the white flag, Hedges coasted into the infield with a blown motor. Bree Tritchler crossed the finish line in third, only to be disqualified for failure to report to tech. This elevated Janna Hedges to a third place finish, followed by Tim Hedges, Lacey Sauer and Shawn Nelson.
The JOAT Labs Hornets return this Saturday night along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks and Valley Store All Late Model Lites. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
JOAT Labs Hornets
Heat-Bree Tritchler, Dylan Sauer, Quinton Tritchler, Jenna Hedges, Shawn Nelson, Lacey Sauer, Tim Hedges.Trophy Dash-Dylan Sauer, Tim Hedges, Jenna Hedges, Shawn Nelson.
Main Event-Dylan Sauer, Quinton Tritchler, Jenna Hedges, Tim Hedges, Lacey Sauer, Shawn Nelson, Bree Tritchler DQ.
Cast Scores Eventful Second OTRO Hardtop Win
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 29...Dean Cast collected his second-straight 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event victory Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was a race that featured a few different leaders before Cast took over to lead the final 10 laps in victory.
After being retired for 15 years, Darryl Haugh returned in the former Dusty Trotter car and outran Brian Weberg II to win the four lap Trophy Dash. Haugh again won the eight lap heat race with Weberg in second. Bill Trotter won the other heat race with last starter Mark Minter a very close second.
All nine of the OTRO Hardtops started their Main Event with Jay Smith driving Bill Trotter's truck into the early lead. The yellow flag waved when Chris Mehrer got out of shape and collected both Haugh and Cast on lap one. Haugh made a pit stop, and Smith continued to lead Trotter and Minter on the restart. Minter moved past Trotter for second on lap three. Minter made a move around Smith for the lead, but the yellow flag waved for a backstretch tangle between Mehrer and Cast, negating that pass as there is no racing to the yellow flag. Smith led Minter and Trotter on this restart, but Minter made contact with the back wall on lap five and brought out a yellow flag, ending his race. Smith led Trotter and Cast on this restart as Haugh rejoined the field. An inside pass in Turn 4 of the seventh lap gained Trotter the lead with Smith running close with him during the next couple laps. Trotter spun in Turn 2 for a yellow flag after nine laps. Both Weberg and Matt Butler stalled during the yellow flag, and both drivers pitted. Smith led the restart, but Cast went by him on lap 11 to take over. Another yellow flag waved when Smith spun in Turn 2 on lap 14, and Butler rejoined the field. Cast continued to lead Trotter and Smith on the restart. Cast would lead Trotter and Smith in a close three-car battle all the way to the checkered flag. Eric DeRamus would finish a lead lap fourth, followed by Haugh, Butler, Weberg, Minter and Mehrer.
The OTRO Hardtops will return as part of Pepsi Kids Bike Night on July 13th. The Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks will be racing that night along with the 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-Darryl Haugh, Brian Weberg II, Eric DeRamus, Matt Butler.Heat 2-Bill Trotter, Mark Minter, Dean Cast, Chris Mehrer, Jay Smith.
Trophy Dash-Darryl Haugh, Brian Weberg II, Matt Butler, Eric DeRamus.
Main Event-Dean Cast, Bill Trotter, Jay Smith, Eric DeRamus, Darryl Haugh, Matt Butler, Brian Weberg II, Mark Minter, Chris Mehrer.
Arnold Scores Late Model Lites Sweep
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...June 29...Greg Arnold rolled to the 15 lap Valley Store All Late Model Lites Main Event win Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. The win capped a sweep of Trophy Dash, heat and feature wins for the championship contender with reigning champion Charlie Eaton finishing second in all three races.
The Father and son team of Dusty Aos and Eric Aos were back along with Ross Payant, who was wheeling the Lee Doty car. Unfortunately, Payant got together with Eric Aoss in the Trophy Dash, ending the night for Payant. Arnold won the four lap Trophy Dash and the eight lap heat race with Eaton a close second in both races. Arnold then took the green flag in the Main Event ahead of Eaton and Eric Aos. Aos made a high move in Turn 3 of the sixth lap two take over the second position, but Arnold held a straightaway advantage by lap six. Dusty Aos spun on the frontstretch for a lap seven yellow flag, and Eric Aos retired from the race at that point. Arnold lead Eaton and Dusty Aos, but Aos was struggling with an ill handling race car and brought out two yellow flags before retiring on lap 13. Arnold took the checkered flag ahead of Eaton. Dusty Aos was credited with third, followed by Eric Aos.
The Valley Store All Late Model Lites will 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.
Race Results
Valley Store All Late Model Lites
Heat-Greg Arnold, Charlie Eaton, Eric Aos, Dusty Aos.Trophy Dash -Greg Arnold, Charlie Eaton, Ross Payant, Eric Aos.
Main Event-Greg Arnold, Charlie Eaton, Dusty Aos, Eric Aos, Ross Payant NS.
Late Models, Sprint Cars Headline Five Division Show
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...Saturday night is a special night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This will be Veterans Night, meaning all active and retired military personnel with ID will get to watch the night's racing for free. The Late Models and Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars will both be in action for their fourth event of the season. Also competing will be the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets and Valley Store All Late Model Lites. Fans wanting a little bit more racing action can go to the little Southern Oregon Speedway track on Friday night for a full complement of Outlaw Karts, Flat Track Bikes, Quads and Three Wheelers.
Late Model fans will be in for a special treat on Saturday night. Joey Tanner is making his first visit to the speedway. Fans of the division will recognize Joey as perhaps the top driver currently competing in the state of Oregon. After posting back-to-back runner-up seasons in Late Models at Willamette Speedway, he won last season's championship. He has racked up eight feature wins on the circuit so far this year and currently leads the points at Willamette. He will be skipping out on a point race at his home track to come race at Southern Oregon Speedway.
Tanner got word of the great racing being done by two of this season's feature winners, point leader Trent Elliott and second-ranked Darren Coffell. With these three drivers in the field, Saturday's show should be very competitive. Having posted back-to-back third-place feature finishes, seven-time IMCA Modified champion Mark Wauge will also be mixing it up in the battle for victory. It promises to be a great show.
Other racers to watch for this week include Dave Foote, Miles Deubert, Dave Everson and Bob Dees. Word out of Springfield is that Cottage Grove championship contender Paul Culp will be making a visit. He's already won two Main Events at his home track this year.
After scoring a very dominant second feature win last week, Mike Wheeler increased his Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car point lead even more. Wheeler has gotten off to a strong start as he serves notice to the rest of the competition that he is one of the drivers to contend with in the championship battle. Last week also saw Enrique Jaime enjoy his best night yet as he finished third in the feature after winning the Scramble. Jaime is very much in contention for the track title this season as well.
After missing the season opener, Blaine Cory has looked very fast so far with a pair of Top 5 finishes. Cory will be going for his first win in this division on Saturday night, and other drivers to contend with include reigning champion David Hibbard, son Bailey Hibbard, rookie Anissa Curtice and past champions TJ Winningham and Charlie Thompson.
The Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock division has yielded some interesting results this season as Hunter Magnan is coming off of his first career win in the class. It was Ashtin Hedges getting his first win in the division at the season opener, while reigning champion and current point leader David Steele is the other winner. Steele managed to get a second place finish last week despite the fact that he was suffering motor problems in the waning laps of the race. The motor problems have Steele working overtime this week in getting another motor ready to go racing again. He is facing a strong challenge from Hedges in this year's championship chase.
After picking up a fifth place finish last week, 2017 champion Kristopher Mix is hoping this will be the week he gets his car to the winner's circle. 2013 champion Steve Goetz, who is coming up on his 60th birthday, will be hoping to pick up a win this week as well. Other drivers to watch for this week include rookie Dylan Irving, Andrew Hall and 2014 champion Gary Anderson.
The JOAT Labs Hornet drivers are all being challenged by the fast pace being set by point leader Dylan Sauer. Sauer has won all four Main Events held so far this year. Last week, rookie Quinton Tritchler gave Sauer a serious run for his money before finishing a season-best second. Tritchler could very well be the biggest challenge for Sauer this week. 2016 champion Tim Hedges blew a motor while running third late in the race last week, but he'll be back with another motor in his quest to get it to the winner's circle. Other racers to watch for include Jenna Hedges, Lacey Sauer, Shawn Nelson and Quinton's daughter, Bree Tritchler.
The Valley Store All Late Model Lites definitely set a rapid pace anytime they're on the track. Last week saw a clean sweep performance by Greg Arnold as he keeps up with Charlie Eaton in the championship battle. These two drivers are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include Eric Aos, Dusty Aos and Ross Payant.
Friday night at the little track has turned into quite a show with the addition of the Flat Track Bikes, Quads and Three Wheelers. The Three Wheelers, also called Trikes, have thrilled the crowd as such hard chargers as Garrett Stookey, Ryan Comstock and Mike Burson battle at the front of the pack. Flat Track Bike competitor Trevor Taylor has been rather dominant during the past two events. Mya Maffei and Theo Lount are two other fast competitors on the Bikes.
Meanwhile, Jayme DeBenedetti has rolled to a pair of wins in the Beginners Box Stock class as she leades the championship chase ahead of Isaac Grimes. Keaton Augustine has been proven to be very difficult to beat as he leads the Box Stock battle ahead of Kiley Grimes, while Kiley's older brother Trevor Grimes is leading a battle with Jacob James in the 250 Kart class. All three divisions will be there to put on a good show along with the other classes.
Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday night with the first race starting at 7 pm. $10 gets you pit access and a bleacher seat.
On Saturday night, gates open at 5 p.m. with the first race at 7 p.m. Veterans and active military personnel with ID get in for free. General Admission adults are $13 with Seniors and Juniors 7 to 12 $7. Children 6 and under are free. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Fireworks On Tap For Fourth of July At Siskiyou Speedway
Yreka, CA...Following the one week break, racing will be returning to Siskiyou Golden Speedway in a big way this Thursday night. Not only will the popular IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks be competing, but there will also be a fireworks show and live music, courtesy of the Good Old Boyz band.
The IMCA Sport Modifieds point battle has been shaken up just a little bit following the post-race technical disqualification of apparent third place finisher Ethan Killingsworth in the Main Event at Speedweek. According to the recently released IMCA point sheet, Killingsworth was still credited with a last place finish. He still holds a one point advantage over Colt Boswell. Ryder Boswell is only three points out of the lead. Both Boswell brothers are still looking for their first feature wins of the season, but they've been running fast and consistent so far this season. Killingsworth is a one-time winner.
There is also a close battle going on for fourth in the standings, currently being led by Sean Hulsey. Randy Wright is four points back, while Matt Sanders is trailing Hulsey by 17 points. Just a point behind Matt is his brother Isaac Sanders. While Hulsey has yet to win, Wright has finished as high as second and the Sanders brothers each have won a Main Event. Matt Sanders is a two-time winner, including his big victory in the Bo Hittson Memorial race. Most of these drivers are anticipated on Thursday along with a few others, including Chad Wormington, Merissa Henson, Gary Foster and possibly two-time winner Rich McCoy.
We are still waiting for the most current Mini Stock point list to be released, but the last report had Terry Kendrick leading second-year racer Zak McMurry by just 10 points. It likely got closer with McMurry scoring his second feature triumph last time out. Also within striking distance of the lead are two-time champion Mike Whitaker, Michael Kendrick, three-time reigning champion Marilyn Yanwick and Darek Alford.
A look at the leaderboard so far finds Terry Kendrick, McMurry and 2015 champion David Steele each winning two Main Events, while Cassidy Wilkinson has one win to his credit. Surprisingly, Whitaker and Yawnick have been shut out so far. It's been an evenly-matched division so far this year, and Thursday's event offers everybody another shot at some Main Event glory. On July 8th, Mini Stocks and IMCA Sport Modifieds will be back at it again as part of the Western Sprint Tour Speedweek program.
Fans will also be able to enjoy a nice fireworks display and live music, which will be provided by the Good Old Boyz band. At one point during the evening, people who bring their remote-control cars will be able to play with them on the track. It all adds up to good, family fun. For further information, go to www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Mister Dizzy's Thrill Show, Fireworks And Racing
At Coos Bay Speedway
Coos Bay, Oregon...This Saturday night, Coos Bay Speedway is delivering a little bit of Fourth of July excitement with the Oregon Coast's Best Fireworks show. Also, it's Eve Of Destruction 10, featuring American Daredevil Mister Dizzy. When it comes to racing, the speedway will be offering up another NASCAR Whelen All American Series racing program featuring Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws, Hornets and Jr Stingers.
The fans will also get another chance to see some great racing on Tuesday night when the second round of the Western Sprint Tour Speedweek Series comes to town. Joining these high powered race cars on the card will be the NASCAR Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and Hornets.
The America's Mattress Super Late Models are five races into the season, and it's turning into an epic battle between 2018 Cottage Grove Speedway champion Preston Luckman and reigning Coos Bay champion Brody Montgomery. Both drivers have picked up two feature wins out of five Top 5 finishes, and Luckman carries a slim eight point advantage into this week's races. Two-time Sportsman Late Model champion Wayne Butler is lurking 28 points out of the lead in third and still within striking distance.
With Luckman and Montgomery doing most of the winning so far this year, there are several drivers vying for their first victories of the season. In addition to Butler, two-time championship runner-up Thor Kristensen is hoping to break into the win column. Kristensen is a solid fourth in the standings ahead of 2015 champion Toby McIntyre. Other drivers to watch for this week include Chris Kristensen, Deven Brown, Richard Wallace and Chase Hitner.
The Sportsman Late Model division has been dominated by Braden Fugate. Fugate has won all five Main Events this year, but in each event, he's been chased across the finish line by Mike Taylor. As a result, Fugate only carries a 10 point advantage into the sixth event of the season. Can Taylor turn the tables on Fugate and get his first win of the season? Other drivers to watch for this week include Garrett Smith, Tom Williams, Ryan Baker and Josh Kralicek.
The Street Stock championship battle appears to have been broken wide open as Steve Dubisar increased his point lead on the strength of his fourth win of the season last week. He now has an over 100 point advantage over one-time winner David Smith. Having a fast competitor like Dubisar in the field makes it difficult for the competition to get a win, but some of the drivers to watch for in that quest this week include Leroy Rockwell, Sam Talon, Peyton Reigard and reigning champion Ken Fox.
Talon has pretty much dominated the Mini Outlaw division this season. He's won all five of the Main Events held so far and carries an over 100 point advantage on Jason Kellam as a result. Kellam is only 14 points ahead of Dan Daniels and 18 in front of Bob Oliver in a closer battle for second. All three drivers would love to get a win as would Rob Lauver. Lauver has had his share of mechanical issues, which have served to keep him from being a serious threat so far in the Main Event. One thing you know about Lauver is when everything gets dialed in, he will certainly be fast and tough competition for Talon.
With three-time winner Hannah Robison skipping a pair of races, the door was open wide for Steven Parker to take over the Hornet point lead. Parker has a pair of Top 5 finishes, but he's still looking for his first win. Second-ranked competitor Ray Marshall won the Sunday feature two weeks ago and is only 24 points out of the lead. He's also 22 points ahead of the tied Robison and Jesse McIntyre. Reigning champion Tyler Tullos finally grabbed his first win of the season in the most recent event, but he is 20 points out of the Top 3 in a tie with Kris Parker. Gabrielle Boles has finished as high as second in the Main Event this year and is looking for a win. Other drivers to watch for include Dusty Shingleton, Charity Hinkle and William Hitner.
Rounding out the Saturday program will be the Junior Stingers. This is a Hornet division for driver's 11 to 14 years old. Reigning division champion Griff Smith has won three of the four races, but his lead over Alex Butler and James Shingleton is still only six points as the track's point system doesn't award heat or Trophy Dash points.
Saturday's show will offer so much excitement, you won't want to miss it. NASCAR racing will be complemented by an amazing Fireworks Show and American Daredevil Mister Dizzy. On July 9th, another exciting show will feature the Winged 360 Sprint Car Speedweek Tour along with some of the regular NASCAR divisions. For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.
Luckman, Robustelli Win At Coos Bay Speedway
Coos Bay, Oregon...June 29... Preston Luckman won the 25 lap America's Mattress NASCAR Super Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Coos Bay Speedway. This was the second win of the season for Luckman, who currently leads the point standings in a close battle with reigning champion Brody Montgomery. Luckman had the pole for the race and streaked out to the lead at the waving of the green flag. Montgomery quickly moved into second on lap two with Chase Hitner following into third. Though Luckman didn't pull too far ahead of Montgomery, he nonetheless went on to victory. Montgomery settled for second with Hitner a strong third, followed by Wayne Butler, Thor Kristensen, Medford racer Eric Massey, Mike Taylor and Tom Williams. The eight lap heat race win went to Kristensen ahead of Montgomery.
The Southern Oregon Dwarf Car versus Northwest Dwarf Car event saw some strong support from the Southern Oregon group, led by hard-charger Camden Robustelli. Robustelli started back in eighth and rapidly worked his way to the front for the impressive 25 lap feature victory. It was past Northwest Dwarf Car champion Ryan Martinez pacing the field for four laps before being overtaken by John Chrisman. Martinez held second until being overtaken by Robustelli on the 13th lap. A lap later, Robustelli put the moves on Chrisman for the lead, and he would go on from there to victory. Southern Oregon regular Chad Cardoza moved into second behind Robustelli and won a brief duel with Martinez to grab the runner-up finish. Martinez settled for third, followed by Shane Youngren, Cody Peters, Fred Hay, Chrisman, Jesse Lorentz, Mark Nielsen and Casey Warren.
There were three eight lap heat races, won by Zak McMurry, Martinez and three-time reigning Southern Oregon champion Josh King. McMurry, a regular Mini Stock competitor in Yreka, was driving the Brock Peters car. The six lap A Dash win also went to McMurry ahead of King, while Cody Peters outran Chrisman in a good battle to win the B Dash.
Braden Fugate collected his fifth-straight Sportsman Late Model Main Event victory to maintain his point lead. Fugate led all 25 laps to win ahead of chief rival Mike Taylor, Garrett Smith and Tom Williams. Taylor was the eight lap heat race winner.
Point leader Sam Talon collected his fifth-straight Mini Outlaw Main Event win as he remains undefeated in the class. Talon took the lead from Tahlen Rogers on the fourth lap and led the remaining distance for the 25 lap win. Jason Berrier finished third, followed by Rob Lauver and Jason Kellam. Kellam also won the eight lap heat race.
Tyler Tullos picked up the win in the 25 lap Hornets Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the reigning division champion. Tullos grabbed the lead from Mario Navarrete on the second lap and led the rest of the way in victory. Gabrielle Boles followed Tullos in second and stayed closely behind him for a season-best runner-up effort. Kris Parker finished third as the final lead-lap finisher, followed by Ray Marshall, Dusty Shingleton, Charity Hinkle, George Wheeler, Stephen Parker, Jesse McIntyre and Navarrete. There were a pair of eight lap heat races with wins going to Tullos and Boles.
Point leader Steve Dubisar scored his fourth Street Stock feature win of the season ahead of Sam Talon and Leroy Rockwell. Dubisar also won the eight lap heat race.
Junior Stinger point leader Griff Smith collected his third 15 lap Main Event win of the season ahead of Alex Butler and James Shingleton. He also won the eight lap heat race.
This Saturday night will be Eve Of Destruction 10, featuring American Daredevil Mister Dizzy and the Oregon Coast's Best Fireworks Show. The NASCAR Whelen All American Series show will feature America's Mattress Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws, Hornets and Junior Stingers. On July 9th, the Western Sprint Tour Winged 360 Sprint Car Speedweek Series rolls into town for a special appearance, joined by the NASCAR Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and Hornets. For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.
Blevins Wins First Career Sprint Car Feature
At Silver Dollar Speedway
Chico, CA...June 28...Chelsea Blevins won the 30 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway. With motor problems in her own ride, Blevins was able to borrow the car of Kyle Stanley to run this race. She had a front row start and would lead all 30 laps for the popular victory.
Blevins led the field to the green flag, followed by Jake Wheeler and JJ Hickle. A red flag flew on lap four when point leader Andy Forsberg did an easy roll in the second turn. Blevins continued to lead Wheeler and Hickle on the restart. The yellow flag flew on lap 10 for a Corey Lovell spin. Blevins continued to lead the restart, and Hickle made a pass in Turn 4 to take second from Wheeler. Moments later, Hunter Stanley spun for a lap 11 yellow flag. Blevins continued to lead Hickle on the restart. Colby Copeland settled into third on lap 13, and he was soon being challenged by Willie Croft. Another yellow flag flew for Blake Carrick on lap 15, and Blevins maintained the lead on the restart. Yet another yellow flag flew when Carrick and Jeremy Wilson tangled in Turn 2.
By then, Blevins discovered that her motor was beginning to overheat, and she was hoping for a fact conclusion to the race. She led the restart, and the battle was for second. Willie Croft had taken over the position with a high pass in Turn 2 of the 17th lap, but Hickle regained second on lap 21. Croft had issues late and Blevins won the race, followed by Hickle, Brent Bjork, Wheeler, Copeland, Trent Canales, DJ Freitas, Forsberg, Holly Shelton and Greg DeCaries V.
Croft set the fast time of the 20 competitors with a lap of 12.184, beating the 12.285 of Forsberg. Blevins outran Hickle to win the first of two eight lap heat races as Wheeler picked up the win in the second race in front of Shelton. The eight lap Trophy Dash win went to Croft in front of Forsberg.
Jeremy Phillips won his second straight IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Timothy Allerdings led the first four laps. Phillips moved past Scott Savell for second on lap four and made an inside pass in Turn 2 of the fifth lap to get the lead from Allerdings. Tyler Rodgers moved in for a close bottle with Allerdings before taking over second on lap 10. Moments later, Justin Funkhouser stalled for a yellow flag. Philips led Rodgers on the restart, and point leader Matt Micheli made an inside pass in Turn 2 of the 14th lap to take third from Allerdings. Moments later, a yellow flag flew for debris. The first restart attempt was called back as Rodgers was not in line. He was penalized two positions as Philips led Micheli and Allerdings on the next restart. Rodgers was back in third on the 16th lap. However, Phillips was not to be denied as he scored the satisfying win, followed by Micheli, Rodgers, Savell, Damian Merritt, Allerdings, Richard Vander Ploeg and Funkhouser. Eight lap heat race wins went to Micheli and Phillips, and Rodgers picked up the six lap Trophy Dash win.
Matt Micheli won his second Street Stock Main Event of the season. Gary Newman led three laps before an inside pass in Turn 2 gained Brent Lawrence the lead. Matt Micheli went inside Newman on the same lap in Turn 4 to take over second. Micheli then made an inside pass on Lawrence in Turn 2 of the sixth lap to take over second. Ken Micheli stalled for a lap 17 yellow flag. Matt Micheli resumed command on the restart and led the remaining laps for the victory. Lawrence settled for second, followed by Richard Workman, Newman and Jim Hellwig. Workman won the six lap Trophy Dash, while Matt Micheli picked up the win in the eight lap heat race.
On the 4th of July, racing returns with a huge fireworks show. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Street Stocks will all be competing. For further information, go to www.silverdollarspeedway.com.
Lenz Wins Gordon Russell Sr Memorial
At Cedarville Speedway
Cedarville, CA...June 29...Dr Scott Lenz won the 25 lap Gordon Russell Sr Memorial race Saturday night at Cedarville Speedway. This was the third running of this race at Cedarville and it paid Lenz $1,500. Lenz is a two-time reigning champion with the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks of Oregon and currently leads the point standings in that series. This is also a Tri State Challenge Pro Stock Series event, and Lenz won the first race in that series, which was the Billy Geyer Memorial race in Yreka back in May.
Mike Learn set himself up for the pole position in the big race. However, Learn fell back a couple of spots on the start as Jesse Gonzalez led the first three laps ahead of Lenz. Gonzalez saw his race come to a disappointing end after three laps. Lenz found himself leading on the restart ahead of Learn. It seems like whenever Lenz gets into the lead, it's a difficult task evicting him from that spot. That turned out to be the case this time as he led Learn for the final 22 laps for the victory. Bakersfield and Santa Maria racer Dave King Jr also had a rough start and fell back a few spots from his third position. However, King quickly got his race back on the right track and took the third position from Oregon racer Scott Flowers on lap six. King ran a steady race from that point on and finished third. Scott Flowers settled for fourth, followed by son James Flowers, Chico championship contender Brent Lawrence, Bakersfield racer Ryan Smith, Antonio Aragon, Chris Smith and Matt Harlow.
There were 20 competitors in the field, and Lenz beat Aragon back to the line in a photo finish to win their eight lap heat race. Gonzalez easily won his heat race with other heat triumphs going to Gordon Russell Jr and Learn. Unfortunately for Russell, who organizes this race as a way to pay tribute to his father and other Cedarville racing greats, his Main Event ended early. Roy Bain picked up a nice trophy for his win in the four lap B Dash, while Learn won the Fast Dash.
Randy Boyd scored the victory in the 25 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. For the third-straight year, the Hobby Stocks ran in support of the Pro Stock event, and Boyd picked up $1,000 for his effort. He also won this race two years ago. Polesetter Richard Italiano led the first seven laps of the race before his night ended in disappointment. Boyd started back in third and fell back as far as sixth before making his charge back to the front. It was Royce Goetz taking over with the departure of Italiano, and Boyd was already in second by then. On the 20th lap, Boyd made his winning pass on Royce Goetz and would hold him off the rest of the way for the well-earned victory. David Flournoy finished third in a close battle with Ronnie Goetz. Crystal Kotney rounded out the Top 5, followed by Curtis Leslie, Dave Quick, Italiano, Susanville racer Steve Gordon and Aaron Flournoy. There were a pair of eight lap heat races with Kotney and Italiano getting the wins. The four lap Fast Dash was won by Boyd, while Royce Goetz claimed B Dash honors.
The Tri State Challenge Pro Stock Series will have their third of five scheduled events on July 13th at the Stockton Dirt Track. The track's web page can be found at www.stocktondirttrack.com.
Forsberg, Peckham, Larson Win At Marysville Raceway
Marysville, CA...July 3...Andy Forsberg won the special 20 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Wednesday night at Marysville Raceway. The show also featured a Fireworks Display to end the evening. Forsberg is the reigning champion at both Chico and Marysville.
Forsberg had the pole for the race and led through eight yellow flag periods. Bobby Butler ran second for most of the race, and point leader Michael Ing had an early battle with Heath Hall for third before taking over the position on a lap five restart. The final slow down of the race came on a lap 18 red flag after reigning champion Mike Monahan and Jessie Love IV tangled in Turn 2. As Forsberg led the way on the restart, Ing moved by Butler to take over second. Forsberg went on to victory, followed by Ing, Butler, three-time champion Coby Wiesz, Jake Andreotti, Brent Bjork, Billy Wallace, Peter Paulson, Danny Wagner and Korey Lovell.
Forsberg set the fast time of 23 competitors with a lap of 12.863, beating the 12.881 of Chelsea Blevins. Forsberg, Blevins and Ing won the three eight lap heat races.
Andrew Peckham won his third 20 lap Pepsi IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Peckham started in the second row and took the lead at the start ahead of Jim Waller. Third row starter Todd Cooper drove the David Pierce car past Waller for second on lap three, and the first of only two yellow flags waved on lap 10 for a tangle between Hunter Merritt and Brian Cooper, ending the race for both. Bakersfield racer Kevin Johnson took over third on the restart, but past champion Philip Shelby gained the third position on lap 14 following a yellow flag for David Larabee in Turn 3. Peckham wasn't too far ahead of Todd Cooper in scoring the victory as Shelby finished third, followed by Johnson, Waller, Thomas Reynolds, recent Antioch winner Scott Savell, Larabee, Mike Merritt and Hunter Merritt. Waller and Shelby won their respective eight lap heat races.
Nick Larson won his third 20 lap Crate Sprint Main Event. The race had to be restarted for RC Smith's yellow flag in Turn 2. Smith was out of the event at that point. Larson jumped into the second position on the restart as Jeff Macedo set the early pace. Larson made his winning pass on lap five, and a yellow flag waved on lap eight for Mike Ballantine in Turn 1. Point leader Brett Youngman took second from Macedo on the restart, but the third yellow flag of the race waived for Cameron Haney Jr in Turn 2 on lap 11. As Larson led the restart, Macedo and Kiely Ricardo both moved past Youngman for second and third. Larson set a good pace and kept Macedo behind him the rest of the way. Ricardo finished third, followed by Youngman, Chad Thompson, Ballantine, Haney and RC Smith. The eight lap heat race went to Larson.
Point leader Matt Micheli won his fourth 15 lap Super Stock Main Event. Richard Vander Ploeg led opening lap before surrendering the lead to Rod Oliver in the non-stop race. Micheli settled into second on lap two and took up pursuit of Oliver. Micheli made his winning pass on the last lap as Oliver settled for second, followed by Joey Olschowka, Vander Ploeg, Brent Lawrence and Jacob Johnson. Micheli easily won the eight lap heat race.
The next event will be $1 Night on all tickets on July 13th. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars will be competing along with the Pepsi IMCA Sport Modifieds and Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.marysvilleraceway.com.
Kenmemore, Longacre Win At Diamond Mountain Speedway
Susanville, CA...June 28...Wade Kennemore won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Friday night at Diamond Mountain Speedway. This was his third win of the season, which should put him into the point lead in a close battle with Chris Nieman and Larry McCracken. Robert Brummitt settled into the early lead ahead of Nevin Kennemore and Wade Kennemore and the Lead 3 competitors pulled away from the pack. On lap five, Wade Kennemore made a strong inside move down the backstretch to gain the lead, and Nevin Kennemore went inside Brummitt in Turn 3 of the seventh lap to take over second. A yellow flag waved moments later, and Wade Kennemore continued to lead Nevin Kenmore on the restart as Riley Simmons slipped past Brummittt for third. Chris Nieman made a Turn 4 pass on Simmons on lap 10 to gain third, and another yellow flag waved on lap 12. Wade Kennemore continued to lead the restart as Nieman slipped past Nevin Kennemore for the second position. However, Nieman spun in Turn 3 after contact from Nevin Kennemore for a lap 14 yellow flag. Nevin Kennemore was penalized to the back of the pack as Wade Kennemore led Riley Simmons and Brummitt on the restart. Mitch Murphy went inside Brumnitt in Turn 4 of the 17th lap to gain third. However, it was Wade Kennemore leading the rest of the way to win ahead of Simmons, Murphy, Chris Olexiewicz, Brummitt, Nieman and Larry McCracken. There were three eight lap heat races, won by Wade Kennemore, Nevin Kennemore and Simmons.
Richard Longacre won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. It was his first win of the season, and it gained him sole possession of the point lead from Craig Nieman. Colton Chew had a front row start and moved into the early lead with Longacre taking second from Ryan Svensson on lap two. Longacre was providing serious pressure to Chew in his bid to take the lead, but Chew was doing a good job of maintaining his line. However, an inside pass in Turn 2 of the 15th lap finally gained Longacre the lead. Craig Nieman went low in Turn 4 of the 16th lap to take second from Chew. Longacre led the rest of the way with Craig Nieman not far behind in second. Chew settled for third, followed by Jason Emmot, Shayna Nieman, Svensson and Ray Talavera Jr. Eight lap heat race wins went to Emmot and Longacre.
Steve Gordon won his fourth 15 lap Hobby Stock Main Event of the season. Jacob Hutson led the early laps, but he lost power on lap six as they went down the back straightaway to end his run. Gordon took over at that point, followed by Doug Weeks and David Woods. Gordon would lead the rest of the way with Weeks not too far behind in second. Woods finished third, followed by Steve Buhr. Hutson won the eight lap heat race.
Suzi Schmidt won the 15 lap Mini Stock Main Event. It was multi-time champion Larry Whitebird leading the first two laps before an inside pass in Turn 4 of the third lap gained Schmidt the lead position. Billy Gibson was running third until an inside pass in Turn 4 of the sixth lap gained Randy Black the position. Whitebird kept the pressure on Schmidt throughout the race, but she kept her cool for the impressive victory. There was contact between Black and Gibson in Turn 2 on the final lap in their battle for third, and Black held on to finish there ahead of Gibson, Randy Moya and Anthony Hovland. Schmidt also won the eight lap heat race.
The racing continues on July 4th and 5th as the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks will all be on the card. IMCA Modifieds are being advertised as $1,000 to win for both days. For further information, go to www.dmspeedway.com.
Pit Stops
Last Saturday night was a more relaxed schedule of racing at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was in contrast to some of the busier nights the speedway has had in recent weeks. The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars returned to action along with the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, OTRO Hardtops and the Valley Store All Late Model Lites.
This was the third round of the Sprint Car championship season, and Mike Wheeler was entering the night as the driver to beat. People were still talking about his impressive performance in scoring his first career feature win last time out. With brother Vern Wheeler Jr turning wrenches as the crew chief, the team seems to have the right combination at the moment. Vern seems to keep himself very busy as he and son Jake went down to Chico, CA the night before to pick up a Top 5 finish in the Sprint Car show there. Jake is also in the midst of a potential championship run at Cottage Grove Speedway this year.
If you thought Mike Wheeler was impressive the last time, you were about to get a demonstration of just how much better he has gotten behind the wheel of his Sprint Car. On this occasion, Tanner Holmes was a surprise entrant. Tanner, like Jake Wheeler, is a contender for the Cottage Grove championship, but he went to Elma, Washington to run the Fred Brownfield Memorial race last weekend. After motor issues on Friday, the Holmes team made the decision to head back down to Medford and brought out the other car. Last time we saw Tanner at Southern Oregon Speedway, he was picking up a victory.
When young Tanner picked up a heat race win to start the night, it looked like Mike Wheeler was in for some stiff competition. Enrique Jaime, meanwhile, has been out there and perhaps not getting much fanfare. The past Asphalt Kart champion gained a little bit of attention by holding off Wheeler and Holmes to win the six lap Scramble. In doing so, Enrique earned the pole position for the Main Event.
There were a dozen competitors for this show, and each one of them did a good job. Only one yellow flag was waved throughout the race, and everybody survived to take the checkered flag. Jaime was able to lead a lap before Wheeler went charging by. After a lap four yellow flag, Wheeler set a blistering pace that would rival some of the impressive efforts turned in by champions David Hibbard and Kyler Barraza in the past two years. At one point, Wheeler was a half-lap ahead of the competition.
When Holmes put his car up on the outside in his battle with Jaime for the second position, you might have thought he'd just fly by and set his sights on Wheeler. However, Enrique was driving a very impressive race on the bottom groove. It wasn't until the 17th lap when Holmes finally got around for the position. By then, Wheeler was in cruise control as he hit slower traffic. It was the second-straight win for Wheeler, and he managed to increase his point lead over new second place competitor Jaime as a result.
The third place finish and Scramble victory for Jaime were career-best efforts for him, serving notice that he could be in line for a feature victory soon. The drivers might be breathing a sigh of relief that Holmes is only going to race when his schedule allows. Were he racing for points, it's likely that he and Wheeler would be running close in this battle.
It's still a bit of a logjam in the battle for second. Jaime just gained the position, but he only has 11 points separating himself from past champions TJ Winningham and Charlie Thompson, Holmes and Bailey Hibbard.
Blaine Corey is definitely making up for lost time after missing the season opener. The 2018 Rookie of the Year grabbed a podium finish in his first visit last time out. He enjoyed some good laps racing with rookie Anissa Curtice before taking over the fourth position and finishing there. Cory is another driver you should be watching in the race to get a victory. David Hibbard started deep in the pack and managed to grab a fifth at the checkered flag ahead of a season-best sixth for Curtice.
Curtice wasn't the only lady in the field for this show. Perennial Top 5 point competitor Raquel Ivie made her first visit to Southern Oregon Speedway in a couple of years. She pretty much abandoned a potential championship effort at Cottage Grove to be there last week and won her heat race. The Main Event didn't go as well as hoped as she finished at the tail end of the lead lap in ninth. She had been battling Winningham and Thompson, who finished seventh and eighth, respectively. These two crafty veterans are in need of a big finish this Saturday night.
David Steele is definitely the man to beat when it comes to the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks. If he's not winning, it's likely that you will have to beat him to get the victory. Steele has a pair of wins and leads the point battle in his attempt to defend the championship. However, Ashtin Hedges is being tenacious and running very well so far. He grabbed his second Trophy Dash win last week and was Top 3 throughout the Main Event. Hedges found himself battling Hunter Magnan, who eventually overtook him for the second position.
Motor problems have been a storyline in the Mini Stock division, and we have frequently heard of Steele helping other racers get those problems situated. Magnan showed up at the season opener, but the motor problems he came in with were never quite resolved. After missing the next race, he came back strong with a second place effort in the Main Event. But that was nothing compared to what was about to happen for the 2017 Rookie of the Year and 2018 championship runner-up.
Steele had checked out on the field and held a straightaway advantage. Frankly, when Magnan gained second, there wasn't much of a chance that he was going to catch Steele without a motor issue slowing the #67 car down. As it turned out, Steele was having motor issues, but it was a yellow flag for Dylan Irving that provided Magnan his opportunity. He shadowed Steele for a lap before charging by and grabbing his first career victory. Steele still got it home to a second place finish and clings to a seven point advantage over Hedges in the title chase.
It looks as if Steve Goetz has worked out the motor problems in his #55 car. Steve, who will be turning 60 years old, won his heat race and had a solid fourth place feature finish. Points aren't really much of a consideration for both he and fellow past champion Gary Anderson, but this duo should not be counted out when it comes to grabbing a victory. They have both won their share through the years. Another driver hungry for victory is Kristopher Mix.
Running in the third point position, Mix is still in championship contention, but the 2017 title winner knows that the time for victory is now. Last time out, he managed a respectable fifth place finish, but he knows he can get more out of his #89 car, which he drove to a feature win on one occasion last season. Mix is enjoying his time at the track these days with teammate Andrew Hall back in action once again.
Hall, who is a past Top 5 point runner in this class who has finished as high as second in the Main Event, wheeled the iconic Pinto Wagon for a couple of years and got some good results out of that car. When the car got totaled in an early-season crash last year, he tried unsuccessfully to find another Pinto Wagon. Though he didn't find a Wagon, he is the only driver in the field running a Pinto. The car is fast, and once he gets a handle on it, Hall shouldn't be counted out in the battle for wins.
There is definitely a learning curve when it comes to going from Hornets to Mini Stocks. A driver making that move is definitely making a move up. Hedges is the latest driver to really be successful in this endeavor, and we have rookies Dylan Irving and teammate Brandon Wonsyld in the class now. Both drivers were Top 5 ranked in Hornets last season with feature wins. It was Wonsyld leading that group with four wins. However, he's definitely been struggling to get the handle on his car so far this year. These two drivers are quick studies, and it won't be a surprise to see them start getting some good results in the weeks ahead.
The Hornets division has been pretty-much conquered by Dylan Sauer so far. Nobody saw the second-year competitor coming, but after four-straight victories, they know who he is now. He's the point leader, and he's starting to pull away from Tim Hedges. Sauer did find himself in a very intense battle with rookie Quinton Tritchler, who is piloting his daughter Bree's championship car from last year. When Sauer got the lead, he might have been thinking it was smooth sailing from there, but the blue #24 car wasn't having any of that. They exchanged the lead a couple of times before Sauer got back in front. Tritchler still made a charge to the line that fell just inches short in his second place finish.
While the racers scramble to figure out what they need to do to beat Sauer, Hedges has work to do to get his #14t car ready this week. He blew a motor while running in third on the last lap of the Main Event. Despite that, he still managed to end up fourth to earn a Trophy Dash spot in the coming race. Tim will be hoping to have the motor problem situated as he needs to make up some of the 18 points he trails Sauer by.
Jenna Hedges managed another podium finish in third last week as things seem to be going well with the #27j car at this stage of the season. She trails her husband Tim by 13 points and will make her presence known in that battle pretty soon if the trend continues. Two years ago, she beat her husband to finish second in the standings as she also won Rookie of the Year honors. She's one of those drivers who should not be counted out in the battle for victory.
Some of the racers are still reeling from the damage they sustained at the June 15th race, and this left the Nelson family on the sidelines. Though the #28 car of Chris Boynton had been repaired, he spent the week recuperating from a back injury. Hopefully, he'll be able to get back behind the wheel of his car this week when the Hornets return for their fifth event of the season.
In the rookie column, we have a battle going on between Lacey Sauer and Shawn Nelson. It was Sauer holding off Nelson for the fifth place finish last time out. Nelson finished fourth the week before to earn his first Trophy Dash start. Lacey, however, holds a six point lead over Nelson in the battle for fifth in the standings. The top rookie in the field, however, continues to be Quinton Tritchler. He leads Lacey by 20 points.
The Valley Store All Late Model Lites saw the return of Eric and Dusty Aos. The father and son team was able to both compete as Dusty was driving the car driven by Pete Bowne at the opener. He found the handle to be just a bit challenging in the Main Event as he spun on multiple occasions. Father Eric was running along in second when mechanical issues sent him to the pits. Hopefully the team will be back this week.
We saw Lee Doty bring his #7 car back with long-time Southern Oregon racer Ross Payant behind the wheel. Payant, unfortunately, got caught up in a tangle in the second turn in the Trophy Dash to end his night earlier than he would have liked. The car definitely has some get up and go, and it may be a case of Payant shaking off some of the cobwebs and coming back to try again. This will not be a team to count out in the quest for victory.
The battle at the front of the pack was the same as it's been for the past year. Reigning champion Charlie Eaton is racing with past Super Truck champion Greg Arnold. Eaton managed to win the season opener, but Arnold was just a bit faster on this occasion. Arnold was never really threatened in the Main Event, which capped a clean sweep of heat, Dash and Main.
At some point, when scheduling allows, Arnold will be dropping a Late Model motor into his car, but he's committed to supporting the Late Model Lites cause. Like the other drivers there on this occasion, he's hoping some of the other area competitors with cars get them to the speedway as soon as possible.
When we talked about the show that got a little bit rough at times a couple of weeks ago, the OTRO Hardtops were the group that got on the track and ran a relatively smooth Main Event, won by Dean Cast that night. Saturday night, these drivers weren't as smooth, and only four of the nine who started the race took the checkered flag on the lead lap. Two of them lost laps in the pits, and three drivers watched from the finish from the sidelines after various yellow flag incidents.
Surprisingly, Mark Minter was one of those drivers who was done early. He was in the midst of making a play for the lead when he brushed the back wall to put an end to his race. The Minter car is seen by most as the nicest looking machine in the field. He is the only driver in the group who has won the Main Event in this class at Southern Oregon Speedway in each of the past three seasons, and he'd like to continue that trend this year. He'll get another opportunity on July 13th.
At the front of the pack, Bill Trotter was battling with the truck that he owns, driven by Jay Smith. Smith has done a better job of wheeling that truck than anybody since OTRO started racing at Southern Oregon Speedway in 2016. It won't be a surprise to see him get a win, but it wasn't to be on this occasion. Cast managed to get the lead on lap 11 and would pace the remaining circuits for his second-straight win, while Trotter held off Smith to finish second.
Eric DeRamus didn't have the type of debut he would have liked when he slammed the front wall in the Trophy Dash last time out. However, the #13 car that was wheeled for many years by his father Ted DeRamus was back and ready for more. Eric stayed out of trouble and grabbed a lead lap fourth place feature finish, which had to make him happy at the end of the night.
Darryl Haugh hasn't raced for about 15 years. The past open wheel competitor got to drive the former Dusty Trotter car and rattled off victories in both the Trophy Dash and his heat race ahead of newcomer Brian Weberg II. Unfortunately, he had to make a pit stop in the Main Event, but he took the checkered flag in fifth. Darryl definitely isn't afraid to do what he needs to do to get the most out of his race car.
Little Southern Oregon Speedway will have racing again this Friday night. It's uncertain what the Kart turnout might be with a neighboring track also booking a date on the same night, but there is a nice, loyal group of young competitors in the 250, Box Stock and Beginners classes. However, management recently made the announcement that due to lack of support, the 500 Open class has been dropped from the schedule for the remainder of the season.
In the past couple of seasons, the 250 Karts have taken on the mantle as the top Cage Kart class, and one of the big stars in the group is 2017 champion Trevor Grimes. However, Grimes and everybody else in the field could only watch as Taylor Fuller dominated the Main Event for his first career win last time out. Young Taylor has now won features in Beginners, Box Stock and 250 Karts.
Vinny DeBenedetti has had a rough start this year, but it looked like he had those issues resolved as he ran second in the Main Event for most of the way after winning the second heat race. Bad luck struck again as Vinny pitted with two laps to go, handing second to Cadyn Smith. Smith, who is a past Beginners Box Stock champ at the speedway, did a good job of repelling the advances of both Jacob James and Grimes on the last lap to finish second. That's his best effort in this class to date.
Meanwhile, James made a valiant effort in trying to get around Smith on the outside in the final turn, but unfortunately he opened the door with that maneuver, allowing Grimes to get by on the inside for third. The championship battle is still close between Grimes, James and DeBenedetti.
Keaton Augustine is rapidly pulling away from Kiley Grimes in the Box Stock class after three-straight feature wins. He's just a little bit faster than the past Beginners Box Stock champion at this moment, but you can see a marked improvement in Kiley's driving so far. We did see the return of Malachi Johnson at the most recent race, which resulted in him finishing second. The 2017 Beginners Box Stock champion Johnson is just making the move up from the other class this year and is sure to get better with each start.
The departure of Johnson and Mikey Wheeler from the Beginners class and the short stint that Albert Gill Jr had in that division has opened the door for new drivers to race for the glory. Last season's third-ranked competitor Jayme DeBenedetti has been the first driver of the group to reach for the brass ring. Jayme has turned in two rather dominant performances in victory as she increases her advantage over Isaac Grimes. Grimes has won multiple heat races, but he's still searching for his first win in this class. He may be the best threat to beat DeBenedetti this week.
However, we've witnessed a marked improvement from young Caleb Ranney. Ranney was one of those young competitors who at times didn't want to get into his Kart last season. Not only is he racing, he's racing a little bit harder and becoming more competitive. Last time out, Caleb finished second ahead of Isaac Grimes. Could he be in line for his first-ever Main Event win this week?
It's a newer crop of drivers in the Beginners class, which includes Novice Box Stock champion Bhaltair Edwards, Talia Colley, Saige King and Urijah Boardman. It's fun watching these drivers as they are making their first laps and competing for their first wins.
What other Karts might show up will remain to be seen, but we also know that there will be Flat Track Bikes, Quads and Trikes this week. Trevor Taylor has set a rapid pace in Flat Track Bike competition, winning on the Open, 450cc and 250cc levels for the past two events. The two riders who have emerged as his biggest challenges are Theo Lount and Mya Maffei. Maffei has done an excellent job as she has shown a willingness to run on the high side and the low side. She's definitely not intimidated and could be the rider to knock Taylor from the winner's circle.
The Trikes are a very exciting brand of racing that you have to see to believe. These are three-wheel vehicles that don't tend to get much opportunity to race at other venues. The riders have come down from as far as Rainier, Washington to be with us, and some of the riders making waves include Ryan Comstock, Garrett Stookey, Ben Herbert and Mike Burson. Last time out, there were enough vehicles to produce two classifications, a big and little class. Some of the riders competed in both. Herbert and Stookey were the winners, and Herbert also won in the Quad class.
The addition of these different forms of racing has enabled the little Southern Oregon Speedway track to continue and work on developing better things for the future. It also makes for an interesting night when you get such a variety of different vehicles from the Cage Karts to the Bikes and everything in between. Friday night has become a fun night to come to Little Southern Oregon Speedway, which should again be the case this week.
Siskiyou Golden Speedway had an event planned for last Saturday and ended up canceling it. It was thought that it would be better to get things ready for the 4th of July event and the following Western Sprint Tour Winged 360 Sprint Car Speedweek event on July 8th. These two races are very important to the speedway. Promoter Kevin Barba has still been working at adding some touches to those events, so announcements could be forthcoming on the track's official Facebook page on any given day.
The IMCA Sport Modified division championship hunt was affected at the last race, but it's still a three-car battle between Ethan Killingsworth, Ryder Boswell and Colt Boswell. Only a few points separate the three. Killingsworth received a technical disqualification after finishing third at the Speedweek event. There was an issue with transmission modifications, but IMCA felt that it wasn't so severe that it necessitated loss of all points. Rather, he lost his third place finish and received last place points on the night. Therefore, rather than the Boswell Brothers taking the Top 2 positions in the standings, Killingsworth managed to cling to a slim lead.
It wasn't a major issue to the Killingsworth team, who simply changed the part in question and resumed racing at Southern Oregon Speedway the next night. Ethan made the trip far north to compete at Willamette Speedway and picked up a feature win on the second night of racing there. As Ethan has been willing to travel to various venues on off nights in Yreka, he has gotten much better. Seat time will certainly make a difference.
The Boswell brothers and Killingsworth may be in the championship hunt, but the potential winner on any given week remains a mystery. There are visitors who come to town at certain times, such as two-time winners Rich McCoy and Matt Sanders and one-time winner Isaac Sanders. Merissa Henson, who is wheeling the Donny Bottoms car, also has a victory. The IMCA Sport Modifieds were given the July 8th night off, which is a rarity. There aren't too many nights during the season where you won't find both the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks competing in Yreka. The scheduling of the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars that night made it easier to give the Sport Modifieds a night off.
Reigning champion Trevor Tiffee continues to hint at the possibility that he will be ready to race soon. When that might happen is anybody's guess. When he does return, however, he will be piloting a new race car. We've seen the return of Chad Wormington this year after taking a season off, and hopefully there will be more drivers coming back in the weeks ahead. Sean Hulsey, Randy Wright and Gary Foster have been supportive of the effort so far this year. The IMCA Sport Modifieds will take center stage on July 20th as part of the Jerry Casson Memorial race, which will also feature the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks and the Mini Stocks.
Mini Stocks will be busy during the next weak as they race on both July 4th and July 8th. We're waiting to see a point list, but it should still be very close between two-time winners Terry Kendrick and Zak McMurry, Mike Whitaker, Marilyn Yawnick and Darek Alford. The latter three drivers have been shut out of the win column so far this year, but they were feature winners last season. Word out of Medford is that two of that track's champions, David Steele and Kristopher Mix, will be in town on July 4th, and it's possible that Klamath Falls area racers Michael McLeod and Hunter Magnan could be there as well, which will make the Mini Stocks one heck of a race.
It has been hinted at the possibility that the Outlaw Pro Stocks could be added to the program on July 8th. The association has put it out to the membership, and if such a race were to happen, it would not be for points. Barba has simply asked that a minimum of six drivers compete for this show. You also know that there are four Jefferson State Jalopies on standby with a fifth in production from the shops of JJ Smith and Karl Bernstein. The Jalopy division has supported three events so far this year with wins being turned in by Mike Colson, Kassidy Wilkinson and Smith.
The Outlaw Pro Stock Association will be back in Medford on July 13th as they headline that show before heading to Yreka a week later. Some of the competitors supported the Tri-State Challenge Series event that took place at Cedarville. This was the $1,500 to win race in honor of the late Gordon Russell Sr. As with the first Tri-State Series race that took place in Yreka, it was Dr. Scott Lenz recording the victory ahead of Nevada Pro Stock racer Mike Learn. Scott Flowers and son James Flowers finished fourth and fifth, respectively, making it a good showing for the Oregon group. Lenz and Roy Bain won their respective Dashes and collected big trophies in the process.
Bain, Gordon Russell Jr and Jerry Bartlett have been collaborating to try and come up with a consensus of what the Pro Stock rules should be. The idea is to make it easier for drivers to go from one group to the other when scheduling permits and help make better shows. As it is, different associations and tracks have different rules, which often times pin racers to one track or another. The Tri-State Challenge Series has been created to make big events possible at different tracks throughout the course of the year. The next race for this series will be at the Stockton Dirt Track on July 13th.
In closing, Coos Bay Speedway is in the midst of a busy stretch of the season, and the NASCAR America's Mattress Super Late Models are having one heck of a battle between reigning champion Brody Montgomery and 2018 Cottage Grove title winner Preston Luckman. Luckman matched Montgomery by winning his second Main Event last time out, but Montgomery finished second. This race looks like it's going to be close throughout the season. Though Wayne Butler is not far behind in third, he's certainly going to have to step up his game to be a serious threat to the two drivers in front of him.
The nice thing is that with the NASCAR point fund money being offered at season's end, we're seeing a slight increase in Late Model support this year. Coos Bay does have several racers in the area with cars, but getting them to come out in recent years has been a challenge. The other challenge seems to be getting a win. Two-time series runner-up Thor Kristensen, Deven Brown, Richard Wallace and Chris Kristensen are four competitors who are still looking for their first Coos Bay victories.
The Sportsman Late Model division is being dominated by Braden Fugate, but despite winning five times this year, his lead is only 10 points over Mike Taylor. Taylor is new to the class, but he's finished second on all five occasions. Because Coos Bay is running a point system where heat races and Trophy Dashes don't earn any points, it's easy to keep the battle close as long as you make it to every race. This has proven to be the difference in both the Mini Outlaw and Street Stock divisions as point leaders Sam Talon and Steve Dubisar have 100 point advantages in their respective classes. Both drivers have won most of the races in their divisions.
Hornet racing continues to be the best supported class at Coos Bay, but after dominating the first few races of the season, Hannah Robison unexpectedly skipped a couple of races to hand the lead to Steven Parker over Ray Marshall. Parker hasn't won a race yet this year, and Marshall has one win to his credit. Because of some absences, reigning champion Tyler Tullos is still playing catch-up despite winning the most recent race. The division continues to be the gateway for newcomers to come into the sport, and it is sometimes the most entertaining show on the card.
Coos Bay is all about doing different family-friendly things to get people to come out. This includes the popular kids ride-alongs and this Saturday's upcoming Eve of Destruction 10, Fireworks Spectacular. Mister Dizzy The Daredevil will be doing something that is sure to get the people talking when the night is over. When it comes to racing, Coos Bay continues to offer different attractions when they can, and on the 9th of July, there will be a Western Sprint Tour Winged 360 Sprint Car Speedweek race.
On Saturday, they had a Dwarf Car show which was co-sanctioned by the Southern Oregon and Northwest Dwarf Car groups. Unfortunately, the Northwest group didn't bring as much support as they probably could have, and the Southern Oregon group grabbed the Top 2 positions with Camden Robustelli winning ahead of Chad Cardoza. Ryan Martinez and Shane Youngren were next, while Southern Oregon racer Cody Peters finished fifth.
Also noteworthy in the field was the fact that Zak McMurry got behind the wheel of the Brock Peters Dwarf Car. McMurry has been having a strong season in Mini Stocks at Yreka, but the team may be looking at his next opportunity. He won both his heat race and the A Dash that night, beating three-time Southern Oregon champion Josh King to win the latter race.
Marysville Raceway Unofficial Race Results July 3, 2019
360 Sprints
Andy Forsberg
Michael Ing
Bobby Butler
Colby Wiesz
Jake Andreotti
Brent Bjork
Billy Wallace
Peter Paulson
Danny Wagner
Korey Lovell
Alec Justeson
Raquel Hall
Chelsea Blevins
Jimmy Steward
Pat Harvey Jr
Mike Monahan
Jesse Love IV
Wyatt Brown
Heath Hall
Ron Laplant
Brandon Dozier
Cole Macedo
Pepsi IMCA Sport Modifieds
Andrew Peckham
Todd Cooper
Phillip Shelby
Kevin Johnson
Jim Waller
Thomas Reynolds
Scott Savell
David Larabee
Mike Merritt
Hunter Merritt
Brian Cooper
Crate Sprints
Nick Larson
Jeff Macedo
Kiely Ricardo
Brett Youngman
Chad Thompson
Mike Ballantine
Cameron Haney Jr
R.C. Smith
Super Stocks
Matt Micheli
Rod Oliver
Joey Olschowka
Richard Vander Ploeg
Brent Lawrence
Jacob Johnson
Cedarville Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 29, 2019
Gordon Russell Memorial
Pro Stocks
Results are not official
1 #51L Scott Lenz
2 #11H Mike Learn
3 #43K DAVE KING JR
4 #21F Scott Flowers
5 #04 JAMES FLOWERS
6 #4t Brent Lawrence
7 #250 RYAN SMITH
8 #067Z Antonio Aragon
9 #3d CHRIS SMITH
10 #0m Matt Harlow
11 #104 Kenneth LaPlant
12 #84P Bill Pearson
13 #7h BLANE HILL
14 #56 Jay Sears
15 #22R Darrick Rauscher
16 #2 Jesse Gonzalez
17 #19 ROY BAIN
18 #00 ARLEN GARRISON
19 #2A Donny Richardson
20 #86 Gordon Russell
21 #84
Hobby Stocks
Results are not official
Randy Boyd
ROYCE GOETZ
DAVID FLOURNLY
RONNIE GOETZ
Krystal Kotney
CURTIS LESLIE
DAVE QUICK
RICHARD ITALIANO
STEVE GORDON
AARON FLOURNLY DNS
Coos Bay Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 29, 2019
America's Mattress Super Late Models
Preston Luckman
Brody Montgomery
Chase Hitner
Wayne Butler
Thor Kristensen
massey eric
Mike Taylor
Tom Williams
Sportsman Late Models
Braden Fugate
Mike Taylor
Garret Smith
Tom Williams
Street Stocks
Steve Dubisar
Sam Talon
Leroy Rockwell
Mini Outlaws
Sam Talon
tahlen rogers
Jason Berrier
Rob Lauver
Jason Kellam
Hornets
Tyler Tullos
Gabrielle Boles
Kris Parker
Ray Marshall
Dusty Shingleton
Charity Hinkel
george wheeler
Steven Parker
Jesse McIntyre
Mario Navarrete
John Henry
JR Stingers
Griff Smith
Alex Butler
James Shingleton
Dwarf Cars Pro
Camden Robustelli
Chad Cardoza
Ryan Martinez
Shane Youngren
Cody Peters
Fred Hay
John Chrisman
Mark Nielsen
casery warren
Ashleigh Strain
Paul Haselow
shawn cote
Zak McMurry
Josh King
Ryan Smith
Silver Dollar Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 28, 2019
360 Sprints
Chelsea Blevins
J.J. Hickle
Brent Bjork
Jake Wheeler
Colby Copeland
Trent Canales
D.J. Freitas
Andy Forsberg
Holly Shelton
Greg DeCaires V
Hunter Stanley
John Clark
Angelo Cornet
Willie Croft
Jeremy Wilson
Blake Carrick
Wyatt Brown
Kyle Offill
Korey Lovell
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Jeremy Phillips
Matt Micheli
Tyler Rodgers
Scott Savell
Timothy Allerdings
Richard Vander Ploeg
Justin Funkhouser
Street Stocks
Matt Micheli
Brent Lawrence
Richard Workman
Gary Newman
Michael Helwig
Ken Micheli
Marysville Raceway Unofficial Race Results June, 29 2019
360 Sprints
Michael Ing
J.J. Hickle
Colby Wiesz
Brad Dillard
Brad Bumgarner
Peter Paulson
Korey Lovell
Alec Justeson
Bobby Butler
Adam Brenton
Jimmy Steward
Pat Harvey Jr
Brandon Dozier
Mike Monahan
Jacob Tuttle
NorCal Dwarf Cars
Shawn Jones
Mike Reeder
Thomas Leiby
Mike Grenert
Justin Winter
Jeremy Blackshere
Ben Wiesz
Tim Fitzpatrick
Shawn Whitney
Robert Johnson
Kevin Bender
Travis Day
Robert Kozinski
April Halliday
Vernon Hubbard
Ryan Plexico
Wade Ehrlich
Tom Vantuyl
Sam Wren
Kenny Cucuk
Josh Wiesz
Ryan Winter
Hobby Stocks
Mike Stoeckle
Eric Phillips
Jose Hernadez
Jesse Van Roekel
Devin Ryan
Rick Lloyd
David Allen
Danny LaBonte
William Merritt
Zach Lindgren
Gus Welty
David Caluya
Chris Van Roekel
Willie Horn Jr
Toby Merrifield
Crate Sprints
Nick Larson
Jeff Macedo
Brett Youngman
R.C. Smith
Kiely Ricardo
Cameron Haney Jr.
Chad Thompson
Mike Ballantine
Placerville Speedway Unofficial Race Results June 29, 2019
King Of The West/NARC Fujitsu Winged 410 Sprint Cars
A Main
Justin Sanders
Ryan Bernal
Andy Forsberg
Colby Copeland
Sean Becker
Willie Croft
Shane Golobic
Billy Aton
Geoff Ensign
CJ Humphries
Blake Carrick
Mitchell Faccinto
D.J. Netto
Bud Kaeding
Sean Watts
Stephen Ingram
Jason Statler
Dominic Scelzi
Tim Estenson
Nathan Rolfe
Jenna Frazier
Richard Brace Jr
Kalib Henry
Andy Gregg
B Main
Mitchell Faccinto
Blake Carrick
Nathan Rolfe
Stephen Ingram
Tim Estenson
Jenna Frazier
Kenny Allen
Michael Sellers
Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Abreu Vineyards
A Main
Justin Sanders
Cole Macedo
Ryan Bernal
Tony Gualda
Chase Johnson
Ryan Robinson
Justyn Cox
Shane Golobic
Sean Becker
Tim Kaeding
Shane Hopkins
Colby Copeland
Jodie Robinson
Kyle Offill
Jarett Soares
Mike Benson
Kyle Hirst
JJ Ringo
Jimmy Trulli
Hunter Stanley
Kaleb Montgomery
Kalib Henry
Colby Johnson
Andy Forsberg
B Main
Colby Copeland
Hunter Stanley
Mike Benson
Shane Hopkins
Blake Carrick
Jake Morgan
Mike Cook
Cody Lamar
The Editor's Viewpoint
It's actually 7:30 in the morning on Monday as I write this second Viewpoint column. I'm not even sure where I will run it or if I will. I just completed my media effort for the week. This is the effort I make to get articles to various newspapers for the tracks that I try to help out with coverage. This week, we've covered eight different tracks. I was considering a ninth, but I've backed off of that idea. Cedarville is a one-off event, so generating buzz for racing there in any media outlets seems premature.
There's a rumor of four races having been secured at the Cedarville track for the local Hobby Stock association. There was a schedule that circulated a couple of months ago the suggested one date each in July, August, September and October. However, I've heard nothing since. Is anything happening? I know that when Gordon Russell Jr brought the big Pro Stock race to Cedarville, he had hopes that the locals would do something to bring racing back to that track on more of a regular basis.
As I consider where the media effort will go or where the future of my racing blogs will be, I have recently begun thinking. Do I need to continue with the Jefferson Racing News blog? I have noticed that the views are down significantly this year. When I moved to Oregon, I wanted to create a blog that was more specifically geared for the area. This would be the blog that would cover Southern Oregon Speedway, Siskiyou Golden Speedway, Coos Bay and other tracks in the region. It made more sense than using the main blog for them. I'm proud of what's been accomplished with this blog in its three and a half year run, but I'm just wondering where it will be in the future.
Obviously, as I'm considering cutting way back in my media effort next year and beyond, there may not be a need for the second racing blog. I might be able to accomplish all that I want on the main DCRR blog. When I say cutting back, I'm looking at using my Pit Stops and Editor's Viewpoint columns and only writing a few race reviews. The media effort that I put forth to get articles into the newspapers may not happen or will only be for just a couple of tracks.
When I started doing that effort, I was already writing articles for some of these tracks anyways and putting them on my blog. As I recognized that certain tracks didn't have writers, I figured why not send stuff to the papers to see if they would get printed. This evolved to where I've been handling 12 different race tracks, but none of these tracks are paying me to do it. Do I want to keep giving away free media when some of the tracks I cover certainly have it within their budget to help me out?
What's funny is when I started the media effort, I was only trying to help the little tracks that didn't have much of a budget, but that morphed into me covering tracks that certainly have the money to pay a media person. They never asked me to do anything, so I'm not necessarily holding my hand out to them. However, whether I'm holding my hand out to anybody or not, I'm doing real work. It's been more stressful this year and I currently don't have the funds to afford the things and I'm planning to do, such as Hall of Fame Night at Antioch Speedway. So, I have a very serious question about whether it's worth putting all the effort that I do towards this.
I never kidded myself. At least ways, not in recent years. One of the reasons I walked away from the sport at the end of the 2003 season was because I realized that no matter how much work I put into this, I wouldn't be financially compensated in a manner that would justify the hours I spent on it. There's more to it than that, but from a financial standpoint, that was a big reason for me walking away. Nothing has changed in the years that have passed, and if anything it has gotten worse. While I personally believe that media and hyping up the sport will only help bring people through the gates, the people who promote the races and pay the bills don't share my opinion in most cases. They'll certainly take the benefits my efforts give them, but nothing will come back my way.
If you know one thing about me, it's that I like to finish what I start. I started writing for all of these race tracks when the season began, and I'm going to continue that commitment until the final checkered flag falls on the regular tracks that I cover. At the end of that, I consider it highly unlikely that I will put in this kind of effort again in 2020. Unless something changes from a financial standpoint, I cannot justify the hours that I put into this anymore. That doesn't mean that writing won't continue on the blog, but it does mean that I won't be abusing myself the way I have been.
By all accounts, it was a Speedweek for the history books this year. The IMCA Modified Tour competed at eight different tracks in a nine day span and had a storybook battle between Kellen Chadwick and Collen Winebarger. In the end, Chadwick won his second series title, and Winebarger has to be wondering what he has to do to win a title himself. When you win five times in eight races, you generally expect that you're going to win the championship.
What it came down to was a night in which contact from Chadwick sent Winebarger spinning at Cottage Grove. There was much debate about whether the officials should have put Chadwick back at the tail end of the pack for the contact he initiated. What makes it further interesting were the comments that Chadwick made after his disappointing second place finish at Southern Oregon Speedway. He led most of that race, but he felt that the pass Winebarger made was rough. So, was what happened at Cottage Grove intentional? Nope, I'm not going there. I'll leave that for others to debate.
Because you had that drama, this was a Speedweek that will be talked about for years to come. The other thing that made things interesting was the decision that track officials made at Sunset Speedway. Despite some heavy rains leaving the track a mess, they spent over two hours packing the track back in. The program ran all the way until the Modifieds were scheduled to roll onto the track. Then, they proclaimed it curfew and ended it, rescheduling the Main Event for after the regular program at the finale in Willamette.
Personally, I believe it was a boneheaded move by track management to even attempt to race at Sunset. After 10 or 15 minutes of trying to pack that track in, they had to know it was going to take too much time to get it back into racing conditions. They wasted the time of the racers and the fans, and a better alternative would have been to cancel the scheduled day off party and reschedule Sunset for Friday. That's not what they did. Some of the racers were so disappointed with the track conditions that they didn't even attempt to compete that night.
I still haven't viewed the final race, but the first Willamette Speedway race was atrocious. The racers were negotiating a track that was so rough it was worthy of Mickey Thompson off-road racing. Cars were bouncing in the air, and I'm sure much suspension part damage and maybe even some frame damage was sustained. It was more about surviving that race than winning at a certain point. I would say that series officials can take in all the information of what they went through this year and apply those lessons to the future. However, I don't feel that much will be learned. It will just be business as usual when they come back for their 10th Speedweek Tour next year.
Track conditions have been very tricky at a lot of places this year. I'm not exactly sure what's going on. Antioch Speedway, a track very well-known for tacky, hooked up conditions, has been dealing with dry conditions. It came to a head at the Jerry Hetrick Memorial race when it was so dry and dusty that the fans were basically dusted out. Management made amends with the fans by offering a reduced ticket price for the next race. Dry and dusty conditions have been the norm this last month. Racers love the dry slick conditions, and often times are not so worried how much dust flies in the face of the fans.
There's an art to the way you prepare a race track, and this comes down to even mixing something in with the water that is poured on the track. I'm certainly no expert in this discussion, but I've witnessed what's been going on at Southern Oregon Speedway. At the end of the 2017 season, we had "clay* donated to us. I use the word clay in quotation marks for a reason. I don't believe it was clay, and I'm not so sure the person donating it was doing us a favor so much as maybe trying to throw the track a curveball. This is just me speculating and it's certainly not a statement made by me in an official capacity for the track.
Last season, the conditions were so bad that we were left struggling to get a handle on the track. Our track prep man, Jim Rodgers, was at his wit's end. Races were running later and it was certainly not the kind of program that we like to give the fans. It wasn't until we got to the second half of the season that the track seemed to be coming back in the way that we wanted it. However, this year has been more of the same. We've dealt with quite a few different things as we've tried to grow the program and sustain what we have. When the track goes away on you and gets dry and dusty, what do you do?
Jim has been working very hard, and he felt very confident going into our most recent race that things would be fine. After mud packing and then hot lapping the track, it became obvious that it was going to be too dry. It's not necessarily a good sign when you spend half an hour to 45 minutes packing a track and then realize after hot laps that you need to water the track again. One thing about Mike McCann is that he does not believe in dusting out the fans, so the decision was made. This again left us running behind schedule, and I don't think the races started until probably around 7:20, 20 minutes later than planned.
The benefit we had this last week was that it was a light schedule. Though we had five divisions, and they weren't our biggest classes. When it was all said and done, a checkered flag waved on the final race at 10:30. Personally, I felt it should have been done at 10, but I look at the little things that go wrong behind the scenes that maybe some people aren't noticing. The fans still saw a good race and weren't kept there all night, but more problems behind the scenes seem to keep cropping up to delay things. I'm not really thrilled by that. Had we had a show with bigger divisions, we were certainly going to get done after 11. Even if you don't have a hard 11 pm curfew, there's such a thing as taking too long and ruining the experience for the fans.
We go back to the drawing board and try again. We're in a three week span of shows that are not huge in car count. This offers us an opportunity to get our show in order and get everybody on the same page. Jim has an opportunity to work his magic with the track and will come up with something better. When we hit August, there's going to be a string a big events that will take us all the way to the conclusion in September. It would be nice to deliver some well run programs with our most popular divisions when they get back on the schedule.
I go back to the IMCA Modified Speedweek program and their first stop in Yreka. Promoter Kevin Barba hit on a good idea at the last minute to call a practice day on Thursday. It looks like he had several takers. On one level, it's an opportunity to catch racers who are coming up early and give them some track time. However, it's also an opportunity for the promoter to put a few dollars in his pocket. I know running the track has been a challenge for Kevin, and it seems to me he's watching the bottom line just a little bit closer. If you're not bringing in enough money, you're in danger of not lasting very long at the helm of the track. I certainly do not underestimate Kevin, and he has some good races on the schedule to draw in more revenue and build towards the future.
What I noticed was that 9 or 10 of the IMCA Modified racers who showed up on Friday would be area racers. That is to say, these are drivers the track could potentially draw if it were to running IMCA Modifieds more regularly. I'm really of the opinion that they should be trying to meet with the locals who still aren't running or at least reach out via phone and find out what's going on. I also believe that they have to have a set purse in line with what Medford and other tracks are doing. I think that in 2020, Siskiyou Speedway could fire up its program a little bit more by running Modifieds on nights when Medford isn't running and giving the racers a guaranteed purse.
I expect Kevin to use a little bit more creativity with his schedule now that he sees what he has to work with. There is still room for a Hobby Stock or Street Stocks class in Yreka. Their neighbor to the north in Medford isn't likely to do anything with this class, which kind of disappoints me. However, there's a lot of other divisions in the rotation at Medford, so it makes sense that the track wouldn't jump into this. Yreka needs divisions. There are two schools of thought in my mind.
The first is that the track could run a Hobby Stock division in lines with what they're doing in Susanville, Orland and Hayfork. You might be able to draw drivers from those tracks with the right scheduling, and I think some of the cars that are sitting around in the area could be changed over and run as Hobby Stocks without too much difficulty. This means that people who have Camaros and Firebirds would still be legal to run.
The second choice is to bring in IMCA Stock Cars, which renders Firebirds and Camaros illegal. The reason I would look at that is because if Yreka were starting a brand new division, why not start with something new to the area? The IMCA Stock Cars aren't necessarily growing by leaps and bounds, but they're capable of getting double digits down in Hanford and Bakersfield. Willamette Speedway also has a growing class. I am not necessarily in favor of jumping whole heartedly on the IMCA bandwagon, but I know how much certain racers swear by that sanctioning. Therefore, if Yreka were to get a new class going and sanction it with IMCA, they're almost certain to get some takers. To me, this would be something to announce sooner versus later, if the track is interested.
During my writing efforts this last week, when I was very pressed for time, I got contacted by an Antioch racer. He runs in the Limited Late Model division and is interested in seeing more cars. Because Petaluma Speedway runs a similar division with their Lumberjacks Restaurant Super Stocks, he was wondering what it would take to get the cars to come to Antioch. He suggested a potential date to get Petaluma drivers to come, but I didn't see much chance as it was just a little bit too late to do anything.
To me, if Antioch and Petaluma were going to entertain a working relationship with each other, these two are natural dancing partners. You can go back to the 1960s and at various times through the years and see how drivers are willing to go back and forth. They share a Winged 360 Sprint car, Wingless Spec Sprint, Dwarf Car, Modified and Super Stock division in common, though Antioch is currently unsanctioned with IMCA.
When it looked like I might be heading down to Antioch permanently, I was keenly interested in seeing the Larry Damitz Memorial race become bigger, and I also noticed that Petaluma was not running Super Stocks that night. I was mystified as to why John would drop the class from the night after running it at this race for the previous two seasons. I simply put out a thought on my Facebook page, and there were Petaluma racers looking and very interested in the idea of a big show in Antioch that night. I do believe something could happen between the two tracks, but it would take a willingness of both promoters to give and take. Will that happen? That I couldn't say.
There are people in Antioch who would like to see an IMCA sanctioning on the Modifieds. I spoke with John on this subject, and I don't necessarily disagree with him when he says that Antioch doesn't need the sanctioning to get a car count. Antioch has had some big numbers through the years in this class, and it didn't take sanctioning to do it. However, there are those intangibles that you should consider. With sanctioning, racers can come to your track and earn State and Regional points on nights in which their track isn't running. This can happen on any given week during the season. If you're sanctioned, you benefit from that. Antioch would gain cars.
If tracks were to begin to work on any kind of series together, you'll find that almost every other track within a certain radius of Antioch is sanctioning both their Modifieds and Sport Modifieds with IMCA. There's things I don't like about that. I do not like the IMCA line-up procedure in the least and feel IMCA does nothing to help the tracks get accurate points and averages. They expect the tracks to do all the work for them while they do a bare minimum. One of the reasons IMCA is so lazy that they do not count heat race and Trophy Dash points is because it's easier for them to just have the tracks send them the Main Event finish. It renders heat races and Trophy Dashes useless, in my opinion.
I can go on about the subject of why I don't think IMCA is necessarily a good sanctioning, but the argument in favor isn't just the ruleset. It's the idea that many racers have bought into IMCA's concepts and aren't as interested in supporting tracks that aren't sanctioned. In the years in which NASCAR withdrew from California on the dirt, IMCA has moved right in and taken over. You'll be hard-pressed to name the tracks that don't sanction Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, and IMCA is always interested in getting their tentacles into the other divisions as well.
At the end of the day, it's a managerial decision as to whether or not Antioch Speedway would do sanctioning with Modifieds. I couldn't tell you whether it will happen one way or the other. My personal opinion is that the track can benefit by gaining more cars on certain nights with an IMCA sanction. When it comes to paying a big money purse, the racers don't tend to care as much about whether it's sanctioned or not. Money tends to talk. However, a track can only afford to do that so often. The next easiest way to get cars to show up is through sanctioning.
I have probably said more than I needed to here and will go ahead and close this column. Until next time...
