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Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
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Southern Oregon Speedway Brings The Speed
This Saturday Night
White City, Oregon...Saturday at Southern Oregon Speedway is Willamette Valley Bank night. It's also a night that will showcase the track's fastest divisions on the Jim Rodgers prepared m 3/10 mile clay oval. The Late Models are back this week along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. It will be night of fast racing action. If you're looking for more, Friday night at the Little Southern Oregon Speedway will offer a full slate of Kart racing along with Flat Track Bikes, Quads and Three Wheelers.
The Late Model division at Southern Oregon Speedway has everybody talking. Last time out, the division again had a big 16 car field with some top-notch talent. Darren Coffell picked up a win in rather dominant fashion, joining Bobby Hogge IV, Preston Luckman and point leader Trent Elliott as feature winners this season. Coffell missed the season opener, but he has rapidly climbed his way up to second in the standings. However, he trails the consistent Elliott by 33 points in the battle. Elliott made sure he didn't lose too many points to Coffell as he finished second last time out after winning both his heat race and the Trophy Dash.
Coffell and Elliott bring their a-game every time they're in town, meaning everybody else needs to step things up just a little bit. Past Outlaw Pro Stock champion Dave Everson looked very impressive last time when he out-dueled Coffell to win his heat race and then finished third in the Main Event. This has enabled Everson to move into third in the standings, 12 points ahead of Dave Foote and 19 in front of Miles Deubert.
There's plenty of opportunity for drivers to move up the point ladder. Mark Wauge had his sights set on second in the standings and looked very impressive in leading his heat race last time out before a broken rear end put an end to his night. Wauge does have a pair of third place finishes this year and would have to be considered a threat to win this week. Other drivers to watch for include 2016 champion Bob Dees, the rapidly improving Eric Massey, Chris Biggs and Jason Schultz.
The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars are being led by Mike Wheeler after four races. Wheeler has won the last three Main Events and is looking very difficult to beat so far. He has stretched his point lead to 30 over Enrique Jaime. Jaime finished fourth last time out and a season-best third the race before, but the young asphalt Kart champion is still searching for his first win. With Bailey Hibbard and Charlie Thompson trailing him by less than 10 points in the standings, Jaime may need a win to hold them off. Hibbard look very impressive in finishing second to Wheeler last time and seems on the cusp of getting his first win of the season.
Rookie Anissa Curtice scored a crowd-pleasing heat race victory last time out, and she held off Wheeler to do it. The 17 year old is making the trip from Eureka, California to come race at Southern Oregon Speedway. Like several of the other drivers in the field, she moved up from the Outlaw Kart ranks. There are some good drivers in the field, and others to watch for this week include TJ Winningham, David Marble and reigning champion David Hibbard. Plus, you never know when rising young star Tanner Holmes may show up.
We haven't seen the IMCA Modifieds since June, but point leader Zach Fettinger made a big statement that night as he made the big Speedweek show and finished in the Top 5. The effort gave Fettinger a 22 point advantage over 2017 champion Jesse Bailey and a 24 point lead over the tied three-time reigning champion Albert Gill and Justin Foux. Though all four drivers have had some Top 5 success this year, only Bailey has managed to win a Main Event. Gill has finished as high as second, but he is looking to end a winless streak that goes back to 2017. He may need to get that win to really make a move in the standings.
The IMCA Modifieds have proven to be very popular at the speedway as the cars are fast and they have some of the best racing you'll see. Jeffrey Hudson made everybody take notice when he won the season opener, but a crash at the Speedweek race in Willamette has forced the Don Roemer team to get a new car. They will be back soon, and other racers to watch for this week include impressive rookie Jimmy Lipke, Preston Jones, Ray Kniffen Jr and Nick Trenchard. There have been four different winners in the four races held so far.
In the IMCA Sport Modified division, Jorddon Braaten holds a nine point advantage over Matt Sanders in another good battle. Sanders is coming off of a win at Willamette Speedway last week. However, it's his brother Isaac Sanders who won the most recent race at Southern Oregon Speedway. As a result, Isaac is only 12 points behind Matt in close race for second. These three drivers certainly lead the charge in the race for victory, but there are some top notch racers looking to get the win this week.
Two-time champion Mike Medel is still looking for his first win of the season and hasn't had a podium finish yet. This could be his week as he has steadily gotten faster with each start. Other drivers to watch this week include Branden Wilson, the rapidly improving Steve Lysinger, Wyatt Westfall, Willie McFall and Jesse Skidmore.
The Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars round out what's sure to be an exciting program. The three races held so far this year have seen wins scored by Camden Robustelli, two-time champion Brock Peters and three-time reigning champion Josh King. Robustelli picked up the win in the most recent association race at Coos Bay. We haven't seen a point list from the group recently, but it's likely that these three drivers rank high. Other drivers who could be a threat for victory include Chad Cardoza, Fred Hay, Ryan Smith, Jesse Lorentz and Cody Peters.
For fans of Kart and Motorcycle racing, Friday should be a good show at the little track. Trevor Taylor has competed in multiple classes in the Flat Track Bikes, and he's won several races already. He may come into the night as the rider to beat, but Mya Maffei and Theo Lount are two riders who are likely to give him some good competition this week. Younger brother Brody Taylor has looked good with three-straight wins in the Small Bike class.
The Three Wheelers have been entertaining this year with Mike Burson Sr, Ryan Comstock and Garrett Stookey among the stars, but it's the young competitors of the Beginners Box Stock Kart class who are really putting on a show. Jayme DeBenedetti now has three wins this season as she leads Isaac Grimes in the standings, but Caleb Ranney may be the biggest threat to beat DeBenedetti after back-to-back second-place finishes.
Meanwhile, Isaac's older brother Trevor Grimes leads the 250 Karts on the strength of three wins in his four starts. Jacob James, Vinny DeBenedetti and Cadyn Smith are among those hoping to evict Grimes from the winner's circle this week.
On Friday night, the gates at the little track open at 5 with the first race starting at 7. Admission is $10 and gets you pit access and a bleacher seat.
On Saturday night, gates open at 5 with Trophy Dashes starting at 7. General Admission Adults are $13 with Seniors 62+, Veterans and Juniors 7 to 12 $7 each. Children 6 and under are free. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Lenz Wins Outlaw Pro Stock Main Event
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...July 13... Taking the lead from Steve Borror the 23rd lap, point leader Dr Scott Lenz won the 25 lap Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Lenz was celebrating his birthday, and he has won seven Main Events on the circuit this year as the current point leader. Lenz is also the two-time reigning champion, while Borror is the 2016 title winner.
There were 20 Pro Stocks in action this week, and they ran four eight lap heat races. Wins went to Lenz, John David Duffie, James Flowers and Steve Borror. Flowers also won the four lap Trophy Dash. The format called for the Top 3 finishers in each heat race to make it into the Main Event with the remainder running a 12 lap B Main. Perhaps as an indication of the good racing that was still to come in the feature, Dan Randall won an exciting three-car battle with Bryan Hammond and Ryan Smith to score what would be his first win ever in the class.
As the previous winner, Lenz started back in the sixth row, and James Flowers set the early pace ahead of 2015 champion Jeffrey Hudson, who was piloting the Scott Bennett owned car. Borror was an early third, and a yellow flag waved on lap three for Joe Benton in Turn 2. Flowers continued to set the pace with Borror and two-time champion Ken Irving settled into second and third. Jeff Haudenshild slipped past Irving for third on lap five before a yellow flag waved for Smith in Turn 4. Flowers continued to lead on the restart, but Borror was giving him some serious pressure. Borror moved to the inside down the back straightaway and raced by Flowers for the lead. By then, Lenz had moved all the way into fourth, and a yellow flag waved on lap eight for Chris Ellis in Turn 4. The first restart attempt saw Flowers blow a motor and come to a rest in Turn 2. Borror led Haudenshild and Lenz on the next restart. Lenz made a move around Haudenshild down the backstretch for second on lap 11. A high pass in Turn 2 of the 12th lap gained Lenz the lead, but Borror stayed with the inside grove. On the 14th lap, Borror went low in Turn 4 and regained the lead. Hudson was making this a close three-car battle of champions for the lead, and they caught slower traffic on lap 17. Lenz again made an outside pass on the backstretch to briefly take the lead, but Borror had the lead again just before a lap 18 yellow flag flew for Smith in Turn 2. The restart saw Hudson nearly spin in Turn 4, collecting Haudenshild as Hudson managed to gather it back up. Haudenshild's car was on the track in Turn 4 for the lap 19 yellow flag, and Hudson was charged with the yellow flag. Borror led Lenz on the restart as championship contender Scott Flowers found himself in third. The lead duo again pulled away from the rest of the pack, and an outside move on the front stretch as they raced to the line to complete the 23rd lap gained Lenz the lead. Borror continued to run strong on the inside, but Lenz managed to hold him off for the impressive victory. Scott Flowers settled for third, and Jeffrey Hudson managed to work his way back up to fourth, followed by Irving, John David Duffie, Colby Hammond, Bryan Hammond, Smith and Ellis.
The Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks will return on the second night of the R Charles Snyder Salute on September 1st. The big show also includes the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com or go to the Outlaw Pro Stock Facebook page.
Race Results
Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks
Heat 1-Scott Lenz, Jeffrey Hudson, Jeff Haudenshild, Dan Randall, Bryan Hammond.Heat 2-John David Duffie, Rick Lukens, Colby Hammond, Arlen Garrison, Chuck Hipps.
Heat 3-James Flowers, Ken Irving, Joe Benton, Ginny Flowers, Ryan Smith.
Heat 4-Steve Borror, Scott Flowers, Chris Ellis, Dean Hackworth, Matt Harlow.
Trophy Dash-James Flowers, Scott Lenz, Scott Flowers, Jeff Haudenshild.
B Main-Dan Randall, Bryan Hammond, Ryan Smith, Arlen Garrison, Ginny Flowers, Dean Hackworth, Matt Harlow DNS, Chuck Hipps DNS.
Main Event-Scott Lenz, Steve Borror, Scott Flowers, Jeffrey Hudson, Ken Irving, John David Duffie, Colby Hammond, Bryan Hammond, Ryan Smith, Chris Ellis, Arlen Garrison, Rick Lukens, Jeff Haudenshild, Dan Randall, James Flowers, Joe Benton.
Steele Grabs Fourth Mini Stock Win In Clean Sweep Fashion At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...July 13...Grabbing the lead from Ashtin Hedges early on, David Steele went on to win the 20 lap Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Steele is the reigning champion and current point leader, and this was his fourth win of the season. It was also his 76th career victory on the circuit and it capped a clean sweep of heat race and Trophy Dash.
The return of Garrett Fredrickson made it 10 Mini Stocks for the show, but Fredrickson had mechanical issues early in the evening. Steele started things off with the four lap Trophy Dash win, and he also picked up his eight lap heat race. Championship contender Ashtin Hedges was the other heat winner.
With his pole position, Hedges charged into the early lead ahead of Steele and Steve Goetz. There was immediately a close battle between the lead duo, and Steele made an inside pass in Turn 3 of the sixth lap to gain the lead. The lead two competitors had a straightaway advantage over Goetz, who was being pressured by Hunter Magnan. A low pass in Turn 4 of the 10th lap gained Magnan the third position as the leaders caught slower traffic. The yellow flag waved on lap 11 for a Michael McLeod spin. McLeod retired from the race, and the restart saw Kristopher Mix spin in Turn 2. Steele led Hedges and Magnan on the restart as Goetz continued to have a solid hold on fourth. Steele would lead the rest of the way for the impressive victory with Hedges a strong second ahead of Magnan and Goetz. The battle was for fifth as Mix made an aggressive inside pass in the final turn to take the position away from Dylan Irving. Andrew Hall finished seventh, followed by Brandyn Wonsyld and McLeod.
The Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks will be back in action on August 10th as part of the Ironhead Nationals race for the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars. IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and JOAT Labs Hornets will make this an entertaining show. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks
Heat 1-Ashtin Hedges, Steve Goetz, Mike McLeod, Dylan Irving.Heat 2-David Steele, Hunter Magnan, Kristopher Mix, Andrew Hall, Brandyn Wonsyld.
Trophy Dash-David Steele, Mike McLeod, Hunter Magnan, Ashtin Hedges.
Main Event-David Steele, Ashtin Hedges, Hunter Magnan, Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Dylan Irving, Andrew Hall, Brandon Wonsyld, Mike McLeod, Garrett Fredrickson DNS.
Hedges Wins Second Straight Hornets Main Event
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon... July 13...Tim Hedges won the 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the second straight win for 2016 champion Hedges as he keeps the standings close between himself and leader Dylan Sauer in the point race.
Dylan Sauer won the four lap Trophy Dash. Quinton Tritchler gave a preview of the early Main Event battle by holding off Tim Hedges to win their eight lap heat race. Chris Boynton outran Dylan Sauer to win the other heat, and Lacey Sauer retired early with motor woes.
Quinton Tritchler led the opening lap of the Main Event ahead of Tim Hedges, and a yellow flag waved for Dave Sauer and Jenna Hedges in Turn 1. Tritchler continued to lead the restart as Dylan Sauer went around the outside of Tim Hedges to gain second. The three ran closely. As Sauer worked to get around the outside of Tritchler, Hedges went low in Turn 4 of the sixth lap to gain the lead. A yellow flag waved after six laps for Zach Nelson. Tim Hedges continued to lead Quinton Tritchler and Dylan Sauer on the restart. Other than a couple of moments where Tim Hedges got a little bit sideways in the turns, he was not threatened from there in posting the victory. Quentin Tritchler settled for second, followed by Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Chris Boynton, Ryan Nelson, Dave Sauer, Zach Nelson and Shawn Nelson.
The JOAT Labs Hornets will be back as part of the Ironhead Nationals Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car race on August 10th. Also competing will be the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
JOAT Labs Hornets
Heat 1-Quinton Tritchler, Tim Hedges, Zach Nelson, Dave Sauer, Lacey Sauer.Heat 2-Chris Boynton, Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Shawn Nelson, Ryan Nelson.
Trophy Dash-Dylan Sauer, Quinton Tritchler, Jenna Hedges, Tim Hedges.
Main Event-Tim Hedges, Quentin Tritchler, Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Chris Boynton, Ryan Nelson, Dave Sauer, Zach Nelson, Shawn Nelson, Lacey Sauer DNS.
Arnold Grabs Late Model Lites Point Lead With Second Win At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...July 13...Greg Arnold won the 20 lap Valley Store All Late Model Lites Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the second win of the season for Arnold, and he used it to take the point lead from Charlie Eaton in a close championship battle.
Previous feature winner Ross Payant drove the Lee Doty car to a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Arnold. That was the only time Arnold finished second the whole night. Arnold won the eight lap heat race ahead of Payant. Jim Cunningham suffered mechanical issues early and retired for the night.
Arnold raced into the lead at the start of the Main Event ahead of Payant and Krista Hadley. The only yellow flag of the race flew on lap five for a Dusty Aos spin on the backstretch. Arnold continued to lead Payant and Krista Hadley. Eaton was challenging Hadley for the third position when he made contact with her on lap nine and fell back just a little bit. By the 13th lap, Arnold carried a straightaway advantage over Payant, and he went on to an impressive victory. Payant settled for second, followed by Krista Hadley, Eaton, Terry Hadley, Dusty Aos and Eric Aos.
The Valley Store All Late Model Lites return on August 3rd as part of the Cascade Wingless 360 Sprint Car Challenge Race, presented by Herz Precision Parts. The Late Models will be there that night along with the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Valley Store All Late Model Lites
Heat-Greg Arnold, Ross Payant, Charlie Eaton, Krista Hadley, Terry Hadley, Eric Aos, Dusty Aos.Trophy Dash-Ross Payant, Greg Arnold, Charlie Eaton, Dusty Aos.
Main Event-Greg Arnold, Ross Payant, Krista Hadley, Charlie Eaton, Terry Hadley, Dusty Aos, Eric Aos, Jim Cunningham DNS.
Fouts Wins OTRO Hardtop Race
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...July 13...Dan Fouts won the 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Fouts was piloting the Dusty Trotter owned Hardtop, and he snapped the two-race win streak of Dean Cast. It was also a clean sweep performance for Fouts.
Fouts started his night off by outrunning Brian Weberg II to win the four lap Trophy Dash and then held off Weberg to win their eight lap heat race. After some contact between Cast and Darryl Haugh in the second turn resulted in a Haugh spin, Cast won the second heat ahead of Bill Trotter. Eric DeRamus was a Main Event scratch.
Fouts took the lead from the start of the non-stop Main Event. A low pass in Turn 4 of the second lap gained Cast the second position from Weberg. A backstretch pass on lap six enabled Haugh to take the third position from Weberg. Fouts set a rapid pace at the front of the pack, and Cast was never able to catch him to make any sort of challenge. Fouts brought it home a happy winner ahead of Cast, Haugh, Weberg, Bill Trotter, Matt Butler and Jay Smith.
The OTRO Hardtops return as part of the Cascade Wingless 360 Sprint Car Challenge Race, presented by Herz Precision Parts. Also competing that night will be the Late Models, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars and Valley Store All Late Model Lites. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
OTRO Hardtops
Heat 1-Dan Fouts, Bryan Weberg II, Matt Butler, Eric DeRamus.Heat 2-Dean Cast, Bill Trotter, Darryl Haugh, Jay Smith.
Trophy Dash-Dan Fouts, Bryan Weberg II, Matt Butler, Eric DeRamus.
Main Event-Dan Fouts, Dean Cast, Darryl Haugh, Brian Weberg II, Bill Trotter, Matt Butler, Jay Smith, Eric DeRamus DNS.
Logger's Night At Siskiyou Golden Speedway This Saturday
Yreka, CA...Siskiyou Golden Speedway comes off of a one-week break with another exciting lineup of racing this Saturday night. This will be the O'Reilly Auto Parts Loggers Night. Competing divisions will include the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks. For fans looking for a little bit more racing, they can go to the little track at the fairgrounds and watch a full slate of Outlaw Kart divisions on Friday night.
The Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock Series has run four events in Yreka, and each visit has yielded the same result. Two-time reigning champion Dr Scott Lenz has won every race so far. Lenz was the winner of the Billy Geyer Memorial race and also scored a big victory in Cedarville at the Gordon Russell Sr Memorial. He added another win in Medford at the Roger Haudenshild Tribute.
Not surprisingly, Lenz holds a 32 point lead over his closest rival, Scott Flowers. Flowers is one of four different racers who has finished second in the four races held in Yreka so far. He also has a pair of third place finishes to lead his son James Flowers by a six point margin in a close race for second. With a season-high second place finish, John David Duffie holds down the fourth position by 11 points over Bryan Hammond and 14 in front of Matt Harlow. All of these tough competitors are anticipated this week along with other such notables as Ginny Flowers, Kenneth LaPlant and Colby Hammond.
The IMCA Sport Modified division has been very competitive this year. Following his non finish in the Fourth of July event, Ethan Killingsworth surrendered the lead to Ryder Boswell. Only seven points separate the Top 3 competitors as Ryder leads brother Colt Boswell, 311-310. Colt is a past champion in the class, while Ryder finished second in the standings last season. Killingsworth has 304 points and is a one-time winner this year. Ethan also has an additional three runner-up finishes and a pair of thirds, while Ryder and Colt have each finished as high as second in the Main Event.
There's also a spirited dual taking place for the fourth point position, led by Sean Hulsey ahead of Randy Wright by just two points. Though the recent Monday race but was not for points, Wright nevertheless secured his first win in the division. The other wins so far have gone to Merissa Hanson, Rich McCoy and Matt Sanders twice and Isaac Sanders and Jason Ferguson once each. it was Henson earning a popular victory in the Fourth of July race. She is anticipated this week, and other drivers to watch for include Chad Wormington, Gary Foster and Donovan Rodgers.
The Mini Stock division is a wide-open battle for the lead, but the two drivers leading the charge may come as a surprise to some people. Second-year competitors Zak McMurry and Darek Alford lead the charge, 467-451. McMurry is a two-time winner this year, while Alford is looking for his first victory. He has finished as high as second this year. It was another Alford, Terry Alford, winning the most recent race ahead of McMurry.
The winner's list also includes 2015 champion David Steele three times, McMurray and past champion Terry Kendrick twice and Kassidy Wilkinson once. Also in championship contention is third-ranked Mike Whitaker with 440 points. Whitaker is a two-time champion in the class, and he's finished as high as second twice so far this year. He leads Michael Kendrick by 20 points.
Logger's Night will also include a tug-o-war. It's going to be a special occasion at the speedway this Saturday night. For further information, go www.siskiyougoldenspeedway.com.
Smith, Davis Score Mountain Valley Raceway Wins
Hayfork, CA...July 13...The people of Hayfork were treated to a night of great racing and spectacular fireworks Saturday at Mountain Valley Raceway. Over 40 competitors across five divisions put on some great racing with a fireworks show being set off prior to the running of the Enduro finale. Main Event winners included Josh Smith (Hobby Stocks), Tom Davis (Mini Stocks), Tressen Smith (B Modifieds), Brian Gummerus (Enduro Cars) and Austin Bartholomew (Box Stock Karts).
There was extra purse money on the line for the special occasion in the Hobby Stock division, and that attracted Orland Raceway front-runners Keith Ross and Jeremy Langenderfer. However, it was multi-time Hayfork champion Josh Smith standing tall above the pack for the $500 victory. Russ Newman has been the man winning most of the time this season, but he settled for a $300 second ahead of Ross in the feature race. Ross won the four lap Trophy Dash.
Tom Davis has been winning so much at Orland Raceway, where he is the two-time defending champion and current point leader, that he's been taking his show on the road lately. Last weekend, he notched a pair of wins in Susanville, and this occasion saw him come to Hayfork and claim the $500 prize for his 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event win. He also claimed four lap Trophy Dash honors. Reigning Orland Hobby Stock champion Paul Stephens claimed the $300 prize for second place with local star Joey Young finishing a $200 third.
Tressen Smith has been winning so much in the B Modified class that he attracted the attention of current Yreka IMCA Sport Modified point leader Ryder Boswell. However, even Boswell couldn't stop Smith from picking up the 20 lap Main Event win and the four lap Trophy Dash. Boswell settled for second ahead of Joe Short.
After the crowd-pleasing fireworks display, the Enduro Cars had their turn on the watered down track for 20 laps of insanity. Eleven competitors took the green flag, but the front straightaway soon resembled a war zone from corner to corner. Previous winner Jeff Drake led the early laps before having problems negotiating a Turn 4 crash. Bryan Gummerus swerved to the inside and moved around everybody to take over the lead. Gummerus would take the checkered flag with Drake the only other finisher in second.
The speedway welcomed four young competitors from the Box Stock Kart division to put on an exhibition race, and Austin Bartholomew came from Crescent City to pick up the winner's trophy, followed by local star Chayce Smith and Emma Hudman. It is hoped that the speedway will be able to start a Kart program in the future.
Racing returns on July 27th with a full program that will include Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Enduro Cars and B Modified. For further information, check out the Mountain Valley Raceway Facebook page.
Tidal Wave Set To Hit Coos Bay Speedway This Weekend
Coos Bay, Oregon...This Saturday night, a tidal wave will be hitting Coos Bay Speedway. It's the Third Annual Tidal Wave Weekend for the America's Mattress Super Late Model division. The Saturday and Sunday event will be packed with some great racing. The NASCAR Whelen All American Series show will also include the Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws, Hornets and Junior Stingers.
The Main Event on each night will offer a $1,200 payday to the winner. Last season, this show attracted Willamette Speedway champion Joey Tanner, who picked up the prize money on both nights. Tanner has made one appearance at the speedway this year and was victorious on that occasion. No word on whether he will make the visit this week. Two drivers we do anticipate are championship contenders Preston Luckman and Brody Montgomery. The two have picked up five total wins this season with three of them going to Luckman. This has given Luckman a 12 point advantage going into this weekend, but there are two opportunities to gain valuable championship points.
Because he had mechanical issues last time, Wayne Butler fell a bit further off the peace. He's currently 24 points ahead of Thor Kristensen in the battle for third. Both of these drivers are still looking for their first victories, and if they could get a win, it would be their first ever in this class at Coos Bay. 2015 champion Toby McIntyre is another driver who should not be counted out. Last time out, he had a season-best second place finish. Other local stars to watch for include Deven Brown, Mike Taylor, Richard Wallace and Chris Kristensen. Plus, you never know who might show up this weekend to go for some of that extra money.
Reigning Sportsman Late Model champion Dyllan Siewell finally returned last time out, but he was unable to stop the juggernaut that is Braden Fugate. Fugate rolled to his sixth-straight win of the season and stretched his lead to 14 points over championship rival Mike Taylor. Taylor is still looking for his first win. These three drivers are all anticipated this week, and others to watch for include Tom Williams, Ryan Baker and Josh Kralicek.
Steve Dubisar has put himself into a great position to win the Street Stock championship. Unless he really starts to struggle, he will be difficult to beat. Dubisar has four feature wins this year, but he met his match in the form of 2016 champion Daniel Land last time out. Land joins David Smith and Jeff Krossman along with Dubisar as the winners of the seven races held so far. However, it's Mini Outlaw star Sam Talon holding on to second in the standings by two points ahead of fellow rookie Peyton Reigard. Other drivers to watch for this week include reigning champion Ken Fox and Charlie Withers.
Sam Talon has won all five Mini Outlaw Main Events so far to hold a commanding lead over Jason Kellam. Like Dan Daniels and Bob Oliver, Kellam has three Top 5 finishes and is looking for his first win of the season. Kellam also leads Daniels by just 14 points in the battle for second in the standings as Oliver trails Daniels by just four points. Other drivers to watch for this week include Rob Lauver, Jason Berrier and Hunter Berrier.
In seven races, Steven Parker is still looking for his first Hornet Main Event win of the season. However, the consistent Parker has six Top 10 finishes to lead Ray Marshall by 30 points in the championship chase. Marshall does have one win, but he's only 10 points ahead of four-time winner Hannah Robison. Robison has been dominant for most of the season, but her absence from two events dropped her to her current status of third in the standings. Reigning champion Tyler Tullos is fourth in points, 24 points behind Robison. He has one win and is tied with Gabrielle Boles for the fourth position. Boles has finished as high as second on multiple occasions and seeks her first win. Others to watch for this week include Kris Parker, Dusty Shingleton, Charity Hinkle, Jason McIntyre and Alyssa Johnson.
The Junior Stingers division rounds out an exciting program. These 11 to 14 year old kids compete in Hornet race cars. Griff Smith is the point leader by just two markers in front of James Singleton and four in front of Alex Butler. Smith has three wins, but Shingleton and Butler have each won a race as well. Last time out, they were joined by newcomer Drake Vincent. This weekend offers these new racers the opportunity to get more valuable seat time.
Tidal Wave weekend is one of the biggest Late Model occasions of the year at Coos Bay Speedway. Next to the Prather Family Lucas Oil Open in October, this is also an occasion for the drivers to race for more money. Add in all of the other NASCAR Whelen All American Series classes, and this will be another show you won't want to miss. For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.
Becker Scores Second Win at Silver Dollar Speedway
Chico, CA...July 12...Sean Becker put himself back into title contention with his second 30 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event win Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway. The five-time Silver Dollar Speedway champion was piloting the Dan Menne owned car, and he made a mid-race pass on championship contender Kyle Offill to take the lead.
Offill had the pole for the Main Event and led through a pair of early yellow flags. Becker started back in the fourth row and had worked his way past Blake Carrick for second by lap four. Becker took up pursuit Offill and closed in steadily. On the 18th lap, Becker made his winning move, and he would take it all the way to the checkered flag. Past champion Andy Forsberg briefly took second from Offill on lap 19, only to surrender the position to Marysville point leader Michael Ing a lap later. Following Becker and Ing at the checkered flag were Forsberg, Offill, Angelo Cornett, Carrick, Ron LaPlant, Kalib Henry, Alec Justesen and Wyatt Brown.
Forsberg turned the quickest lap of 15 competitors with a 11.990, beating the 12.203 of Brent Bjork. The eight lap heat race win went to Chase Majdic, and eight lap Trophy Dash honors went to Forsberg.
Point leader Matt Micheli won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Micheli had the pole and raced into the lead at the start with Andrew Peckham settling into second. Philip Shelby took third from heat race winner Scott Savell on lap three, but his race came to an end on lap six. Micheli went on to win by a half-lap margin ahead of Peckham. Savell finished third, followed by Jason Ferguson, Shelby and Timothy Allerdings.
Point leader Kyle Allen won his fifth 20 lap Hobby Stock Main Event. Allen started back in the fourth row as pole sitter Robert Warf led the first six laps. Allen had settled into second by the sixth lap and took over the lead on lap seven. Allen would lead the rest of the way, leaving the battle for second. Warf held second until being passed on lap 12 by Shannon Collins. Collins saw his run come to an end on lap 16 as a yellow flag waived for Warf in Turn 3. The restart saw Zach Lindgren take second briefly, but he surrendered the position to James West on a lap 18 restart. At the checkered flag, Allen was victorious, followed by West, Warf, Lindgren, Mel Byers, Earl Adams, Collins, Jacob Johnson, Toby Merrifield and Jeremiah Creedon. West was a double preliminary winner by picking up victories in both the six lap Trophy Dash and his eight lap heat race. Allen won the other heat.
Racing returns on August 2nd with Kids Bike Night. During intermission, there will be a kid's bike race. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars will be back in action that night along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Street Stocks and Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.silverdollarspeedway.com.
Hardtops At Hangtown Speedway Saturday Night
Placerville, CA...The California Hardtop Association has their sixth race of the season this Saturday night. They will take to the quarter-mile clay oval at Placerville Speedway. When the Hardtops get on the track, it will lead to people recalling the days when the place was known as Hangtown Speedway.
They have made a pair of visits to the speedway so far this year with wins being taken by Bay Area Hardtop competitors Ken Retzloff and Dave Mackey. Retzloff repeated his Placerville win at the most recent race in Chico. However, neither driver is anticipated this Saturday as they have a race scheduled at Antioch Speedway.
One driver who should be there is Ron Ruiz. Ruiz has scored the victories in both appearances at Orland Raceway this year. He is still looking for his first Placerville win, but he has a second and a third in his previous two visits. He also finished second in the most recent race at Chico. He may coming into the night as the driver to beat.
One driver who has looked good at Placerville in the past and is a winner there is Dennis Armstrong. The last time the Hardtops were in Placerville, Dennis picked up a third place finish behind Mackey and Ruiz. This is not too surprising as Dennis has competed for years in various Stock Car classes at the speedway. His son, Jason Armstrong, has has been missing from the lineup since motor issues sidelined him at the first Orland race. There's no word as to whether the fast #26 car will be ready to go this time.
Another driver who's looked good this year with the California Hardtop Association is Joe Hopp. Hopp counts a third at Orland as his best finish so far, but he's also finished in the Top 5 at the first Placerville race and second Orland visit. As with Ruiz and Hopp, "The Rocketman" Ken Clifford has been to all five races this year. He counts one third at Chico and one fifth each at Placerville and Orland as his best efforts so far.
Ken's son, Jason Clifford, is a multi-time winner on the Hardtop circuit. His most recent Placerville start ended in disappointment, but he finished a strong second at the first race behind Retzloff and ahead of Ruiz.
Joe Shenefield has had some good efforts this year, which includes a pair of fourth place finishes at Orland. These drivers could all be in Placerville this Saturday night, and others to watch for include Larry Wells, Tom Grady and Rhett Lang.
These beautiful old Sedans and Coups from the 1930s and 1940s will be some of the nicest looking race cars you'll see at Old Hangtown Speedway this Saturday night. The drivers love to put on a show for the fans, and they enjoy being at Placerville on any occasion. For further information, go to the California Hardtop Association Facebook page.
California Hardtop Association Fun Points, presented by DCRR Racing Media
Ron Ruiz 242
Joe Hopp 212
Ken Clifford 206
Joe Shenefield 160
Ken Retzloff 140
Mario Romano 130
Larry Wells 110
Roger MacShain 92
Dennis Armstrong 90
Jason Clifford 78
Only CHA events are included here. If the group endorses either the September 21st or October 5th race be at Antioch, the event(s) will be included in our for fun point list.
Cox Wins Can-Am Challenge At Douglas County Speedway
Roseburg, Oregon...July 12...Friday night was part of the annual Graffiti Night event in Roseburg, and that meant the annual Can-Am Challenge PRA Hardtop show at Douglas County Speedway. The event was presented by Umpqua Community College and Johnny's Drive-In. The top Hardtop drivers of Roseburg took on drivers from Canada, and when the checkered flag waved, it was reigning PRA champion Harlan Cox getting the win. Cox won a battle with long time Roseburg Hardtop competitor Mike Batman, who finished a close second. There was an equally close battle for third, won by Casey Cavender ahead of Doug Richen. Jimmy Smith finished a solid fifth, followed by Chuck Jacobs, 2016 champion Greg Hickman, Danni Fain, Duncan Behar and Roger Beck. Eight lap heat race wins went to Bryson Lillard and Cox. The four lap Trophy Dash win went to Richen.
John Harvey won the 30 lap PRA Sport Modified Main Event. Harvey won by a comfortable margin ahead of Tom Ford. Riley Watson was a solid third ahead of Brad Watson, Kaleb Watson, Pete Tyree, reigning Street Stock champion Jeff Solberg, Jamie Britton, Blake Harvey and Tom Durant. The first of two eight lap heat race wins was earned by Brad Watson with John Harvey winning the second heat race. Four lap Trophy Dash honors went to Brad Watson.
A strong turnout of 17 Hornets showed up for a tune-up race ahead of next Saturday's Hornet's Nest 50. It was Michael Kennerly grabbing the checkered flag for the 20 lap victory. Burnie Bryant finished second ahead of Rich Dickenson, Ron Johnson, Zachary Asumendi, Ryan Dickenson, Blake Phillips, Bart Pulse, Cherish Wilson and Valerie West. There were three eight lap heat races with wins going to Sara Hickman, Chris Lemon and Bryant. Ryan Dickenson won the four lap Trophy Dash.
Karl Smith won the 20 lap Super Stock Main Event ahead of John Dumire, Monique Scevers and April Hilyard. Scevers won the eight lap heat race.
The third Outlaw 100 race, which is being sponsored by Addcox Heating And Air Conditioning, happens this Saturday night. The Hornet's Nest 50 will also be a part of the program along with PRA Hardtops and the J Class. For further information, go to www.douglascountyspeedway.com.
Pit Stops
Southern Oregon Speedway had one of those special nights for the family last Saturday night. It was Pepsi Kids Bike night. Claudia Linker rounded up some amazing sponsors who donated a total of 36 bikes to give away to the kids. This had track announcer Cory Penfold busy during intermission making the night that much better for several kids.
The Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock Association got a rare opportunity to headline a show at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was also their second of three scheduled appearances. Though they're not at the track as often as they'd like to be, the three times in which they are included happen to be three big shows for them. This one was special because they were headlining, and it brought out several past champions to do battle. When you add in the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Store All Late Model Lites and OTRO Hardtops, you've got a fun night that attracted well over 50 competitors.
There's just so much going on at Southern Oregon Speedway these days. More people are coming out to check out the show and more racers are coming out to be a part of it all. What's interesting is that the roster lineup at the speedway has grown so much that all five of the divisions present last week will not be a part of the Willamette Valley Bank Night scheduled for this week. This will be a week where they bring the speed, led by the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars.
The coming show has been previewed elsewhere, but there's been quite a bit of buzz surrounding the Late Model division. We are now four races into the season, and the last two races have produced 16 car fields. Everybody is wanting to get involved in this division as it seems to have taken on a life of its own this year. Part of the buzz centers around the $4,000 to win Cottonwood Classic, which happens on August 24th. There were rumors of a second show happening. Though that show may not happen this year, it's possible it will be a part of things next year.
People are wondering what the purse is, and though we haven't seen official numbers yet, we believe that the start money for the event will be a minimum of $200. That information will come out very soon. We know the win money is $4,000, and second place could be in the area of $1,500 to $2,000. Once we get that information, we will pass it along as there are many eager drivers from north and south of Southern Oregon Speedway who want to be a part of that show.
Two drivers who have become a part of the regular show this year and have made it that much more interesting are Trent Elliott and Darren Coffell. Both drivers account for a win each, while Bobby Hogge IV and Coos Bay point leader Preston Luckman are the other winners so far. There are some drivers on the cusp of victory, and a few of those may actually surprise you. After notching a third place finish last time out and beating Coffell to win their heat race, seeing Dave Everson get a win won't surprise anybody.
Likewise, Mark Wauge, who has scored a pair of third place finishes this year, won't be a surprise in the winner's circle. Mark has won 50 Main Events at Southern Oregon Speedway, and he has a Late Model victory in his sights. Perhaps the only thing that stopped him last time out was a broken rear end, which ended his night prematurely as he led his heat race.
The biggest surprise in the field could be Eric Massey. Massey sped to a Top 5 finish last time out. He has a new car this year from the shops of Rapp Racing, and he is quite a bit faster. Massey was among the Top 10 in the standings last year, although he never quite got that car to run the way he'd hoped. The team still fields that car with Cliff Massey behind the wheel. We're still anxiously awaiting the return of Dustin Knight. When Rapp Racing went to pick up the car for Massey, they also picked up a car for Knight. However, they've been so busy at the shop, that Knight's return has been delayed. It could happen at any time, and the past Modified and Pro Stock champion is sure to be fast.
Something's going on with the Late Model division. There seems to be quite a bit of excitement surrounding the class right now. This has been a division that promoter Mike McCann has believed in from the start, and some would say it's been long overdue for the track to really make an effort to establish this division. There are still a few cars in production that we could see soon.
However, it's because of the efforts of people like 2016 champion Bob Dees and Mike Linder, who was the runner-up that season, 2017 champion Nathan Augustine, 2018 champion John Dees, Garrett Dees, Don Garrett, Dave Foote and Miles Deubert that this division has steadily gained momentum each season. These are the racers who believed enough in this class in the beginning to get involved in getting it established.
The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car division has seen a slight dip in car count this year, but there's been some good racing at the front of the pack. It's Mike Wheeler leading the way on the strength of three-straight victories. Having his brother Vern Wheeler Jr on the crew has certainly been a positive. The Wheeler family also has a presence in the Winged 360 Sprint Car effort at Cottage Grove Speedway, where Vern's son Jake is competing for a championship. Having somebody like Vern on the crew to impart his knowledge has certainly helped Mike, but Mike has always proven himself to be a good wheelman in the Outlaw Kart ranks.
At some point, you would think that Wheeler has to get beat. Even David Hibbard and Kyler Barraza, as dominant as they were during their championship runs, got beat. Bailey Hibbard has picked up five wins at Southern Oregon Speedway since 2016 and his father David has won more. Young Tanner Holmes is always a threat when he comes to town, and he won the season opener. They seem to be the most likely candidates to win, but it just could be that we'll finally get another brand new winner in the class.
Enrique Jaime has been on the roster since 2017, and he appears to be on the cusp of his first victory. He has a third place finish and won the Scramble two races ago. Another young competitor, 17 year old Anissa Curtice, was a heat race winner last time out after a good battle with Mike Wheeler. These two could be the prime candidates to become first-time winners in this week's event, but you can't count out past champions Charlie Thompson or TJ Winningham in their quest to return to the winner's circle. The racing at the front of the pack should be good this week.
It's interesting to note that we are four races into the IMCA Modified season and only 2017 champion Jesse Bailey of the Top 4 competitors is a feature winner so far this year. Leader Zach Fettinger, three-time reigning champion Albert Gill and rookie Justin Foux are searching for that win. The drivers made it through the challenging Speedweek race, which does tend to affect the local point battle. Fettinger made sure he didn't suffer. Last year he didn't even show up for the race, and this time out he got a Top 5 finish to increase his point lead. As good as he's been looking, it's only a matter of time before he gets a win. The IMCA Modifieds seem to be that clutch division that delivers good Main Events week in and week out.
Getting back to last Saturday show, the spotlight was shining brightly on the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks. With the exception of Dave Everson, every driver who can call themselves a Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock Association champion was accounted for. This included two-time reigning champion and current point leader Dr Scott Lenz, 2016 title winner Steve Borror, 2015 champ Jeffrey Hudson and two-time champion Ken Irving. Irving had a constant presence in the Top 5, though he never quite made it into the lead battle.
The lead battle saw plenty of Lenz, Borror and Hudson, who found himself having to come from the back of the pack a couple of times. Borror gave Lenz the biggest challenge that he's probably seen all year and had his car glued to the bottom of the track. It's only because Lenz found the traction he needed on the outside when it counted that he notched his seventh win of the season. The big winners on the night were the fans as they saw another great show by the Pro Stocks.
Dan Randall might not have been expecting to get a win during the course of the night. He's one of those competitors who is just happy to enjoy a night at the track when he can, and the format ended up putting him in the B Main. It's been awhile since the group has had one of those races, and Randall did pretty much what Borror did. He kept his car running smooth and consistent on the bottom groove. Ryan Smith was giving it a great effort on the outside, but he was unable to make the pass and would surrender second to Bryan Hammond on the final lap. However, Randall managed to go flag the flag for his first ever victory. The icing on the cake came afterwards as the track presented him with a B Main Event winner's trophy.
The Flowers team always gives a good accounting of themselves. Saturday was no exception as James Flowers won both his heat race and the Trophy Dash. He led some of the early laps in the Main Event before his motor expired on him. Seems only a matter of time before James wins a Main Event. His father, Scott Flowers, was running along in the Top 10 for most of the race, but good things kind of came his way as he found himself in third in the final laps. Scott Flowers is consistent and knows how to play the point game as he currently ranks second. It's been awhile since he's won a Main Event, but you know he can strike at any time.
Matt Harlow is another one of those competitors who has his moments, but unfortunately Saturday wasn't one of them. It was a disastrous night for the Top 5 point competitor from the word go. After a bad heat race, he was scheduled to run the B Main, but he dropped out on the pace lap. This was not the kind of night that Matt and car owner Maurie Skaggs were hoping for, but they'll go back to the drawing board for next time.
Unanimously, the Pro Stock drivers want to be a part of the program at Southern Oregon Speedway whenever possible, and the track is open to the possibilities next season. The fans do enjoy having a taste of Pro Stock racing as part of the program. They'll be back on September 1st to be a part of the show that pays tribute to a man who was known to have been a supporter of their class, R Charles Snyder.
The Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks seem to be gathering some momentum. Car count sort of took a hit last year and didn't start off so strong this year, but racers appear to be coming back. There's even a few teams looking to get involved. When they get there, they know that the black #67 car will be somebody to beat to get the glory. Reigning champion David Steele reported that after his recent win in Yreka, he has won 75 career Main Events. Over 30 of them have occurred in Medford.
Ashtin Hedges is doing everything he can to hang with Steele, and even though Steele has been coming out ahead lately, Hedges has been the one chasing him across the line. The point race is still close, but Ashtin knows he'll need to get his second win soon if he wants to make this thing a little bit closer. Steele had another clean sweep effort with wins in the Main Event, Trophy Dash and heat race. He trailed Hedges for a few early laps in the Main before taking over.
He has a ritual that he goes through before every race, which sees him walking the race track as usually the first or second guy to get there. This also enables him to make an assessment of how the track is looking and help the track if there's things he sees that he can remove from the surface. David knows that one of the things that leads to victory is knowing the racing surface and how to set your car up. Though he is good with a motor, he knows it takes more than that to get the win.
Hunter Magnan is rapidly rising up the point list. After his latest third place finish, he now counts himself among the Top 5 point competitors. If not for a disastrous start with motor issues, he would probably be in the battle with Steele and Hedges. As it is, he is closing in on third-ranked Kristopher Mix. This could be a battle that goes all the way down to the end.
Mix headed down to Yreka for the 4th of July and left with the Trophy Dash winner's hardware and second in the Main Event. Buoyed by that success and hoping to erase the bad taste of a disappointing night at Southern Oregon Speedway two days later, he headed back for the July 8th race in Yreka. He was in the thick of the battle in the Main Event, but he got into a crash that left him with some serious front end damage. Fortunately, the team was able to get that straightened out, but there was still a question. How would the car work?
Mix was closing in on fifth in the later stages of the Main Event. After rolling his car the week before, top rookie Dylan Irving was hopeful of holding on to his Top 5 spot, but Mix had other ideas. Mix charged into the final turn very hard, and there was a little bit of contact between the two drivers. They both kept it going, and Mix scored a much-needed fifth place finish. Knowing how fast Magnan has been, Mix knows that he needs to step up his game a little bit more. He still has hopes of getting a feature win this year, and Saturday showed that the car still has a little bit of get-up-and-go in it.
It was steady as she goes for Steve Goetz. Though he doesn't quite have everything the way it needs to be, Goetz is still able to run with the leaders. On this occasion, he rebounded from the previous week's non finish with a fourth place effort. It's been a couple of seasons since Steve has grabbed a feature victory, and he too will be somebody to keep an eye on. The fact is, there are some good drivers in the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock division.
Likewise, the drivers are getting a bit faster in the JOAT Labs Hornets class. Dylan Sauer served notice to the others when he kicked off the season with four consecutive wins. This has given him the point lead, but he hasn't been able to shake the presence of 2016 champion Tim Hedges. These two drivers seem to be the fastest, but rookie Quinton Tritchler is also in the hunt. As Quinton has gathered momentum in the last couple of races, he's also closing in on Jenna Hedges for third in the standings and very much mixing it up in the battle for victory.
It was Tritchler and his son, Chris Boynton, winning the heat races on Saturday, which put them at the front of the pack. Tritchler got a good start and raced into lead, but Tim Hedges and Dylan Sauer were right there with him. Even as a rookie in the field, Tritchler is not intimidated by the competition, and he looked good early on. It was when Sauer was making his run on the outside to try to get the lead when Hedges sneaked by on the inside and took over. Tritchler settled for a second place finish, but everybody in the field knows he's a threat to win now.
Hedges was driving his car hard, and there were a couple of times when it looked like it could get away from him in the turns. Knowing how fast Sauer has been this year, Tim is not holding anything back. The battle between those two drivers is another one that could go down to the end of the season. Even though Dylan didn't get the win, he won the Trophy Dash and didn't lose too much ground as he continues to lead the points over Hedges.
With Tim Hedges running as hard as he is, we might tend to forget that his wife Jenna Hedges is out there running strong as well. She had another solid night with a fourth place feature finish as she continues to hold on to third in the standings. Chris Boynton continues to maintain fifth in the standings after his latest fifth place finish and heat race win, but he knows he can get even better results out of his car. Last season he was a two-time feature winner, and it's only a matter of time before he makes a real strong run at the victory.
A win is something Ryan Nelson has in his sights. Last time out, the second-generation racer picked up a fifth place finish. He was in the hunt to do it again this time, but he had to settle for sixth. The Nelson team continues to field two cars as brother Zach Nelson piloted their father Derrel Nelson Jr's car. Derrel is helping Zach situate his own car, so there is a possibility of seeing the father and his two sons back on the track together at some point before the season is over.
The Valley Store All Late Model Lites saw the return of the division's all-time Main Event win leader, Terry Hadley, and his wife Krista Hadley. They were a welcome sight, and they helped increase the field to eight cars. We continue to hear rumblings of other cars that we might see soon, but the drivers that did show up gave the fans some exciting racing by some of the fastest cars on the track on Saturday night.
When you see Lee Doty bring his #7 car to the track for Ross Payant to drive, you might think this is the guy that's going to win. Payant didn't dissuade those thoughts when he won the Trophy Dash ahead of Greg Arnold. Arnold didn't like finishing second all that much, so he corrected the situation by holding off Payant to win both the heat race and Main Event.
Payant isn't in the championship battle this year, though he could still finish third in the standings. However, reigning champion Charlie Eaton is in the point chase. Both Arnold and Eaton are feature winners this season, but it seems like the two are alternating when they have really good nights. Eaton found himself trying to get around Krista Hadley for the third spot, but she didn't budge as she made her season debut with a podium finish. The Hadley team plans to have both of their cars there for the remainder of the season, and Terry Hadley has indicated that there could be a third car out from the team soon.
Getting back to Eaton, as he was only able to take third in the Main Event, Arnold used his second feature win of the season to regain the point lead. It's been about 17 years since Greg last won his championship in the Super Truck division, and it looks like he's intent on adding another championship trophy to his mantle. The thing is, this Arnold-Eaton battle will probably go down to the final checkered flag, and it's anybody's guess who will prevail.
Some people make the mistake of thinking that the Old Time Racers of Oregon Hardtops aren't actually out there racing. A few of the newer drivers do you tend to tiptoe around the track as they run on slick tires and don't want to crash. Chris Mehrer, who was absent from the most recent race, found that out the hard way when the group ran their first race at the track in 2016. After winning the Trophy Dash that night, he got on it a little too hard in the heat race and put the Bill Trotter truck into the front wall. Newcomers generally take it easy and get a feel for the track.
One driver is new to the group, but he is by no means a newcomer. Darryl Haugh has raced Midgets and Micro Sprints through the years, but he's been absent for about 15 years. He donned his old fire suit and was ready to go racing again in the former Dusty Trotter car. He won the Trophy Dash and his heat race that night, but his Main Event didn't go quite as well. Last week was a bit different. It was in the heat race that saw Darryl leading Dean Cast when there was a bit of contact that resulted in a Haugh spin. Cast hit the brakes, but he didn't stop soon enough.
Later on, Cast saw his Main Event win streak snapped at two in a row as he settled for second. Haugh managed to get up to third, but he didn't have much of a chance of mixing it up with the leader in the non-stop event. He's definitely one of the drivers in the field who is not afraid to race these cars. However, there was a moment that occurred in the pits that was reminiscent of something you might see in the movie Days of Thunder. OTRO officials have made the call to suspend Haugh for the rest of the season. Though he was not involved in the situation, it was a member from his crew and Cast.
The OTRO takes a different approach from other Hardtop groups. Whereas the Hardtop groups in Bakersfield and Roseburg compete for points, the OTRO runs what you might call an exhibition style race. They do not compete for points or championships. They race, but they try to race respectfully without putting the race cars at too much risk. They do mix it up at times at the front of the pack, but drivers like Bill Trotter, Dean Cast and Mark Minter are generally used to running with each other and know each other's driving styles. There is a bit of respect among the drivers who have raced with each other.
Dan Fouts was the driver of the hour as he got behind the wheel of the Dusty Trotter #26 car. Fouts had no problem picking up wins in the Trophy Dash and his heat race, and he stayed out to lead flag to flag in the next heat race, though he wasn't officially part of that particular event. He was never really threatened in the Main Event as he won.
The tradition that has gone on with the OTRO for a few years now sees them giving the newer drivers who are getting up to speed an opportunity to race for a Trophy Dash win, while the more established drivers wait for their time in the Main Event and heat race. Bryan Weberg II drives the yellow #18 Coup, and he did pick up a pair of second place finishes in his heat race and the Trophy Dash before finishing fourth ahead of Bill Trotter in the Main Event.
Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg has been having a good year this year. Their Outlaw 100 Open shows have been getting good fields. They had a huge Mini Stock event this year. They had a $1,000 to win Sport Modified show. This division was just started, and though it's not sanctioned, they've been getting double-digit car counts. They had the "Super Shoe" Sprint Car race rained out this year, but it will be made up in October. They also recently had a NASCAR West Race. Good things are happening at Roseburg. This Saturday night will feature another Outlaw 100 Open race as well as the Hornet's Nest 50.
The PRA hosted Graffiti Night racing last Friday. The signature event for them is the Can-Am Challenge Hardtop race, which is an event that sees drivers coming in from Canada every year to take on the local stars. If you thought you saw the last of Harlon Cox in a Hardtop, you were wrong. Cox and division mainstay Mike Batman were at the head of the pack for the big show and finished first and second, respectively. The balance of the Top 5 in the show was completed by Casey Cavender, Doug Richen and Jimmy Smith. There were 16 racers. This event has probably become the biggest Hardtop race on the West Coast.
A week off allowed Siskiyou Golden Speedway to get a few things in order ahead of the O'Reilly Auto Parts Loggers Night event. This was also to be a show that would pay tribute to the late Jerry Casson, but the family has requested that they delay this event as they are not ready for it. The scheduled divisions will still compete, and this means the fans will get to watch Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks. There's also the possibility that you'll get to see the Jefferson State Jalopies once again.
The Pro Stocks continue to deliver the track some of its best car counts. They are coming off of the big race at Southern Oregon Speedway with a question on people's minds. Who can beat Dr Scott Lenz? He has won all seven of the races in which he has started, four of which took place at Yreka. Scott Flowers and John David Duffie lead the charge in that regard, and though we'll probably see James Flowers, he may be left scrambling for a motor. The Pro Stocks don't disappoint in Yreka, and the track hosts the majority of the group's races this season.
A call may have been made to the local racers to support their track. IMCA Sport Modified action has been intense at the front of the pack as point leader Ryder Boswell, Colt Boswell and Ethan Killingsworth are only separated by less than 10 points. The Boswell brothers have finished as high as second, but both are looking for their first wins of the season. Killingsworth does have a win to his credit.
Reigning champion Trevor Tiffee just announced that he will be making his home track debut this weekend in a new car. He put his car through its paces at a race out of state, and there has been much speculation as to when he would come back home. With Merissa Hanson piloting the Donny Bottoms car, Randy Wright coming off of his first career win and Jack Waldon III also in the mix, the Sport Modifieds should have a heck of a show on Saturday.
The Mini Stocks right now has been a wide-open battle. A recent point update found that second-year competitor Zak McMurry and Darek Alford are the ones fighting for the lead. Terry Kendrick, a longtime track supporter and past champion, had a disastrous weekend last time around that saw him suffer mechanical issues on both nights. His chances may be all but over in the point battle, but two-time champion Mike Whitaker and Mike Kendrick still have hopes in a battle that may go down to the final checkered flag.
One thing that McMurry has shown that the other three have not is that he can get a win this season. He has a pair of victories, while the others have finished no better than second. It may take a win from the others to really make a challenge to McMurry. McMurry was recently at Coos Bay Speedway in the Brock Peters Dwarf Car, where he won a heat race and the A Dash. Is a move up to that division in his future?
Coos Bay Speedway will have the Tidal Wave Weekend event for the NASCAR America's Mattress Super Late Models. There will be increased purse money on the line for this show, and that means $1,200 to win on Saturday and Sunday. Second place is regular to win money at $500, and there is $100 guaranteed to start. It's expected to draw all of the regulars into the field, but just what sort of visitation might occur remains to be seen. There is racing for this class in Medford and Willamette. Willamette champion Joey Tanner did come down to race at Coos Bay and win both nights of this special show last year. Even if he doesn't show up on Saturday, there's a possibility that he and others might take a chance and run on Sunday.
While that is all a possibility, the other thing happening is the championship battle between Preston Luckman and reigning champion Brody Montgomery. The two have carved up most of the wins amongst themselves, and Luckman finds himself leading at the moment. He is the 2018 Cottage Grove champion, but Coos Bay is where he's from. The things happening to promote this class finally drew him back this year. Another interesting battle is happening between Wayne Butler and Thor Kristensen for third in the standings. Both of these drivers have had their moments, but neither has won a feature yet at Coos Bay in this class.
The strength of the Late Model division in Oregon might have some people wondering if there's a possibility of a Late Model Speedweek at some point in the future. Madras, Cottage Grove, Sunset, Willamette, Coos Bay and Medford all have a division of their own, showing that there is that potential. There are already three other Speedweek Series happening in the state, the third of which will be the Limited Sprint/Dwarf Car Speedweek that starts off in August.
Track unity might be something to discuss in Northern California between the tracks in Orland, Yreka and Hayfork. We're now seeing Orland drivers going up more regularly to Hayfork and Hayfork drivers have made trips to Orland and occasionally Yreka. At the encouragement of promoter Kevin Barba, a few racers went from Yreka to Hayfork last week, where they had their Independence Day Celebration Race and Fireworks Display last Saturday night.
This track isn't quite a decade old, but because of the management change that took place in the last couple of years, the program continues to grow by leaps and bounds. There were some 40 different competitors across all classes on hand to give the fans a great show, led by the 14 car field in the Mini Stock division. The track was also able to secure the sponsorship that made it possible for them to pay the Hobby Stock and Mini Stock divisions $500 to win, $300 for second and $200 for third. This made the Trinity County Fairgrounds race track the place that people wanted to go. Even San Joaquin Valley racing promoter Jerm Smith made the trip to Hayfork to check things out.
Honestly, one of the most fascinating things happening at Hayfork continues to be the Enduro division. They are driving trucks, suburbans and cars of all makes, and it's organized mayhem. The Enduro division started 11 cars at the most recent race. Very quickly, things got ugly coming out of Turn 4, resulting in the blockage of the turn. Drivers trying to make their way through on some occasions pushed the cars in front of them into the wall. It's almost like a rolling Destruction Derby, but there is a checkered flag at the end of the race for the winner. In this case, it was Bryan Gummerus. This is not surprising as Gummerus has a knack for winning these wild shows. Not only is this a good thing for Hayfork, but other tracks looking to add a little bit more of an attraction for their fans should take a look at what these people are doing.
With the B Modified division something that the track is trying to grow and the visitation of IMCA Sport Modified Yreka point leader Ryder Boswell, one might think it's time for Hayfork to consider sanctioning their class. It's probably not too much of an expense for the track, but it opens the door for them to get visiting drivers in pursuit of IMCA State, Regional and National points. Tressen Smith won again, and he, Joe Short and Patrick Solometo are the three drivers on the ground floor of making this thing happen.
Josh Smith is a past Hobby Stock champion, but he has been so engaged in his young son Chayce Smith and his Box Stock racing career that he has not been able to support every race. He shows up when he can, and his fellow competitors knew he was there as he took the $500 win last Saturday. It's not surprising as Smith has won his share of races at the track through the years.
Josh is committed to seeing racing in Hayfork grow, and he would also like to see the track establish Kart Racing again. He's helped get a couple of exhibitions on the big track, but he's pushing for a Kart track to be built again. He certainly had fun racing local star Russ Newman and Orland championship contender Keith Ross, who finished second and third, respectively.
Some people are looking over at Mini Stock star Tom Davis and wondering what they need to do to beat this guy. He's been unbeatable at Orland, where he is the two-time reigning champion and current point leader. Tom took his show on the road to Susanville during the Fourth of July weekend and picked up a pair of wins there. Enticed by the $500 prize, he came to Hayfork and left with the money and the hardware for his victories in both the feature race and the Trophy Dash. It was another Orland regular, Paul Stephens, picking up the $300 check for second, while local star Joey Young settled for a $200 third.
Nights like they just had in Hayfork show us the potential for really good things to happen at this track. They work very hard and remain community and family-oriented. The next big show at the track will be the Clyde Cordell Memorial race during the fair in August, and this is another show that people will want to be a part of.
Placerville Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 13, 2019
Points Race #10 - Tribute to Al Hinds
Thompson's Auto Group Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Main Event
Sean Becker
Shane Golobic
Tony Gualda
Andy Gregg
Kalib Henry
Bobby McMahan
Jimmy Trulli
Shane Hopkins
Andy Forsberg
Greg DeCaires V
Jodie Robinson
Stephen Ingraham
Chris Masters
Mike Benson
Zane Blanchard
Colby Johnson
Blake Carrick
Bradley Terrell
Colby Wiesz
Cole Macedo
B Main
Greg DeCaires V
Colby Wiesz
Zane Blanchard
Colby Johnson
Cody Lamar
CJ Humphries
Justin Johnson
Jared Van Bebber
Jarrett Soares
Michael Sellers
Jay's Mobile Welding Pure Stocks
Dan Jinkerson
Nick Baldwin
Kevin Jinkerson
Jason Palmer
Scott Grunert
Jesse Bryant
Ken Berstein
Randy Sargent
Stephanie Hanson
John Ewing
Colton Lawson
Limited Late Models
Ryan McDaniel
Wayne Trimble
Dan Brown Jr
Matt Davis
Paul Guglielmoni
Jay Norton
Ray Trimble
Tyler Lightfoot
NorCal Dwarf Cars
Shawn Jones
Ryan Winter
Ben Wiesz
Tim Fitzpatrick
Mike Grenert
Colby Wiesz
Mike Reeder
Ryan Plexico
Kevin Bender
Sam Wren
Jeremy Blackshire
Justin Winter
Robert Johnson
Wade Ehrlich
Robert Kozinski
Katelin Eccles
April Halliday
Kenny Cucuk
Daniel Weger
Shawn Whitney
Josh Wiesz
Jeff Fitch
Dan Zuger
Marysville Raceway Unofficial Race Results July 13, 2019
Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Billy Wallace
Mike Monahan
Bobby Butler
Brent Bjork
Brad Dillard
Pat Harvey Jr
Raquel Hall
Jimmy Steward
Brandon Dozier
Korey Lovell
Robert Stice
Kenny Wanderstadt
David Dias
Peter Paulson
Michael Ing
Pepsi IMCA Sport Modifieds
Todd Cooper
Andrew Peckham
Mike Merritt
Scott Savell
Timothy Allerdings
Jim Waller
Thomas Reynolds
Bryce Campbell
Jason Ferguson
Phillip Shelby DQ
Hobby Stocks
Eric Phillips
Devin Ryan
Shannon Collins
Jesse Van Roekel
Zach Lindgren
Danny LaBonte
Jose Hernandez
Jeremiah Creedon
Mike Stoeckle
James West
David Allen
Chris Van Roekel
David Caluya
Silver Dollar Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 12, 2019
Winged 360 Sprint Cars
Sean Becker
Andy Forsberg
Kyle Offill
Angelo Cornet
Michael Ing
Blake Carrick
Ron LaPlant
Kalib Henry
Alec Justeson
Wyatt Brown
Brent Bjork
Chase Majdic
Casey McClain
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Matt Micheli
Andrew Peckham
Scott Savell
Jason Ferguson
Phillip Shelby
Timothy Allerdings
Hobby Stocks
Kyle Allen
James West
Robert Warf
Zach Lindgren
Mel Byers
Earl Adams
Shannon Collins
Jacob Johnson
Toby Merrifield
Jeremiah Creedon
Ukiah Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 13, 2019
McCarty's Auto Body Bash & Legends of the Pacific
Pro 4 Modifieds
Mike Peterson jr
Wade Eldredge
Timber Haskins
Ron Portlock
Andy Leuzinger
B Bombers
Amber Portlock
Jr Jammers
Donovan Arreguin
Christian Sanchez
Hunter Ashby
Limited Modifieds
Results are not official
1 #15 Mike Lovell
2 #15X Mike Doss
3 #04 Cole Brown
4 #15A Jason Philpot
5 #67 David Furia
6 #37 Sierra Furia
7 #89 Kevin Coburn
8 #MAD23 TJ Buzzard Jr
9 #6 Kobe Taylor
10 #55 Tyler Caturegli
11 #57K Kylei Keown
12 #88 Gene O'Dell
13 #17 Dennis Anderson
14 #51 Bo Robertson
Bombers
Mikey Lovell
Dustin Kuhl
Brenton Smith
Jimmy Sorrels
Trever Abella
Bo Robertson
Jeff French
Jammers
Ron Portlock
Raymond Taylor Jr
Lesa Underwood
Sean Keown
David Rogers
Raymond Taylor
Legends
Cameron Austin
Cody Winchel
Jeremy Doss
Peter Soto
Keith Clement
Aidan Daniels
Scott Sabol
Dylan Washburn
Kylie Daniels
Carlee Austin
Kevin Travels
Wayne Olhiser
Jadon Fisher
Jalopies
Loren Powers Jr
Tia Everett
John Parker
Chris Hunt
Devon Parker
Jack Schleif
James Walker
Wayne Hunt
Douglas County Speedway Unofficial Race Results July 12, 2019
Fan Appreciation Night
Can-Am Challenge Hardtops
Results are not official
1 #56 Harlen Cox
2 #07 Mike Batman
3 #88 Casey Cavender
4 #54 Doug Richen
5 #57X jimmy Smith
6 #30 Chuck Jacobs
7 #58 Greg Hickman
8 #81 Donnie Fain
9 #61 DUNCAN BEHAR
10 #42 RODGER BECK
11 #32 Kyran Greene
12 #X Eldon wilson
13 #22 Brian Lenihan
14 #57 Bryson Lillard
15 #35 KALE BECK
16 #55 Travis Lillrad
Sport Modifieds
Results are not official
1 #17 john Harvey
2 #23 Tom Ford
3 #11 Riley Watson
4 #213 Brad Watson
5 #29 KALEB Watson
6 #33 Pete Tyree
7 #51R Jeff Solberg
8 #45 JAMIE BRITTEN
9 #07 BLAKE HARVEY
10 #28 Tom Durant
11 #XX BEN NUNNES
Hornets
1. Michael Kennerly
2. Burnie Bryant
3. Richard Dickenson
4. Ron Johnson
5. Zachary Asumendi
6. Ryan Dickenson
7. Drake Phillips
8. Bart Pulse
9. Cherish Wilson
10. Valerie West
11. Chris Lemon
12. Jalana Pynch
13. William Edwards
14. Patti Morgan
15. Tyler Organ
16. Sarah Hickman
17. Alexis Grichard
Super Stocks
1. Karl Smith
2. John Dumire
3. Monique Scevers
4. April Hillyard
The Editor's Viewpoint
I attempted to do this after my late night, early morning media effort on Monday. This is an effort that saw us get eight race tracks coverage that we can verify in at least one newspaper in their area. I think my comments might have been just a little bit scattered, so I'm going to see if I can simplify this and make my point a little clearer.
I'm kind of amused at the comment from one of the Dwarf Car associations on their Facebook page. Apparently, one of their members decided to take their car somewhere else instead of the show the group had. They're complaining about it not being acceptable. I'll leave the name of the association out of this, but I do feel like a comment is necessary.
First of all, racers will take their cars wherever they damn well please. Just because they buy a membership or something doesn't mean they're obligated to support you. I understand the frustration. A couple of tracks that are very important to me see drivers who live right around the corner from them or not far away go elsewhere instead. It used to be that if you had a race car near a race track, that's where you went to race.
During the last 20 years or so, racers more and more have discovered that they have options. They don't have to race every week, first of all. And secondly, they realize that they can run a shorter schedule if they want and pick and choose the tracks they go to. Or, in the case of the driver that's being complained about, they can run all the time and still go where they want.
The problem with this particular association is the division they represent has races at a half a dozen or more venues in California on any given weekend, so the racers have options. They join one association or the other to enable them to compete in the big Nationals events, but some people join an association not because they want to run every race with them but just so that they can be a member in good standing with the national group. I think that the leadership of the group that is complaining needs to lighten up and understand that racers have options. Do your best to make the racers want to be at your race and don't air your dirty laundry publicly. It makes you look bad.
The Stockton Dirt Track attempted to run another Stock Car oriented program last week. The Tri State Challenge Pro Stock Series was one of the four divisions competing, and they delivered 15 cars. From what I understand, Tony Noceti increased the purse that they were supposed to be getting. I've also heard unconfirmed rumors that they were paying a substantial amount to the B Modified division that was also on the card. They filled out the program with the Bombers and Basically 4 Cylinder divisions that normally run on the pavement not far away from the dirt track.
I know the Pro Stock drivers were pleased with how well the show went. There were challenges with the race. First of all, the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock group had a race scheduled at Southern Oregon Speedway that night, and they were booked to be the headline class. Initially, the speedway had hoped to make this a Tri State Challenge Pro Stock race, but series officials had already made a deal with Stockton by the time negotiations got going. One would still have to classify this a success for the group and for the track. I would suspect the car count could even double in September for the $5,000 to win Al Miller Memorial Race in Stockton. It could be even bigger, but I think there's some drivers who would like to come out there that will still be deemed illegal.
I think Roy Bain and Gordon Russell Jr have a long row to hoe to get where they're going. What they've accomplished this year by bringing groups together was pretty impressive, but as you are trying to come up with universal rules, you're going to see more of a challenge. The Nevada Pro Stock group seems a little bit more willing and maybe even on more of a par with the group down in Bakersfield who is interested in supporting this. This leaves the Oregon group, and I have a feeling you're going to have a challenge as this group tends to be more on the budget end and is not looking to open things up more than they already are. That's not to say they don't have a couple of fast racers who will be tough, but the majority of the group is racing to have fun. I don't see the relationship between the Billy Geyer and Gordon Russell Sr races at Yreka and Cedarville, respectively, changing. That's a good thing. I'll be curious what Oregon drivers make the trip to Nevada next month to support the next Tri State Challenge race.
For Stockton itself, this was an important show because Tony seems to be looking to establish something Stock Car oriented. When the dirt track was opened not too many years back, it became a place to run big Sprint Car shows with the occasional Modified race. Seems to me Tony is keen on establishing some sort of Stock Car presence, and he selected the B Modifieds and his local Bomber and Mini Stock classes to be a part of this as well. The thing about these three classes is there are drivers from other tracks who can support. Having Pro Stocks come in a couple times seems like a nice touch as well, and there will also be the occasional A Modified race.
What I find interesting about the B Modified show is they are not that far removed from Antioch Speedway, which has long established its own class. Because Antioch chooses to go non-sanctioned, there are already several racers who take their show on the road. With Tony willing to throw a little bit more money at this class, he's even luring some of the Antioch racers there. In the long run, this could lead to a more frosty relationship between the two track's managements, but I also see Stockton needing to do what they have to do. A little track unity could be a good thing, but Antioch might rightly be asking what exactly Stockton can do for their car counts.
I don't say that to be harsh or mean to Stockton. As I said, Tony has done a good job of running marquee events. However, during that time, he hasn't built up a car base of his own in any division on the dirt track. He relies on all of the traveling series in the Sprint Cars, rather than even attempting to start his own class there. And the best you can say about the Stock Car side of things is he has his pavement Bomber and Mini Stock classes running the dirt with the enticement that these are point races. However, I can see that changing on the Stock Car side of the program if what I have seen in the schedule this year holds true for the future.
Track unity is a challenge. We all have a vision of that, but tracks will generally look out for what's in their own best interest first. As I mentioned before, we don't have Bob Barkhimer bringing the tracks together these days. While Antioch may not have any interest in working with Stockton, I would hope their position changes when it comes to Petaluma. The two tracks share several divisions in common, and I think something could be worked out where both tracks benefit in the long run. However, this will require John Soares and Rick Faeth to sit down at the table and make something happen. Then, you've got to stick with the plan. What will happen remains to be seen.
Getting back to the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks, I marvel at this division. I have some strong opinions on its value when it comes to the track in Medford, and I've kept some of that to myself. That is, other than the fact that I endorse as many dates as are made available for this group. As Southern Oregon Speedway doesn't have a Hobby Stock or Street Stock division, thank you very much John Skinner, this is the next best thing. I like the racing here, and it's not really a high-dollar class.
I've lamented the fact that there are so many Klamath Falls area racers who don't have a track in their area. Klamath Falls had its own track for many years, and then there was the chance that they would get to race on the dirt at Worden. Car count was good, and three years later, the plug was pulled when the track got a new owner. It still sits there begging to be used. Frankly, I think I'm the one complaining more about the situation than the drivers in Klamath Falls. They simply load up their cars and travel down the road, whether that be to Medford or Yreka. They want to race, which proves my point. A race track in that area would work.
When the group was presented with the opportunity to headline last Saturday's race at Southern Oregon Speedway, they were all excited. What I saw was a group of racers who did everything they could to make a good show and really want to be a part of the program more often next year. When was the last time the Pro Stock division headlined a show at Southern Oregon Speedway? They did it on Saturday, and they gave the fans a hell of a show with the race that Dr Scott Lenz, Steve Borror and Jeffrey Hudson were putting on at the front of the pack. Considering you had three champions from the last four seasons, it's not a surprise that they would be the ones at the head of the pack for this show.
I gained a little bit more insight on the philosophy of the Outlaw Pro Stock group and what it is they are trying to accomplish. I can't really argue against that as every time they come to Southern Oregon Speedway, they're usually bringing 15 to 20 race cars. This makes them one of the biggest car counts for any show in which they appear, and they were the biggest car count on Saturday. To do that, they are geared towards making it affordable for as many people as possible. I think that what Scott Flowers, Maurie Skaggs and the group are doing is to be commended.
I know it has to have been a challenge for this group to continue on from the moment they were unceremoniously dropped from the Medford schedule back in 2012 in favor of Sport Modifieds. Had they thrown in the towel then, we wouldn't be having this discussion now. However, nobody gave up on this deal, and this is the ninth year of the association. Doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon either.
One of the places that these guys will go is Siskiyou Golden Speedway in Yreka. It's rather interesting that Kevin Barba made a plug for Mountain Valley Raceway in Hayfork. With his track dark, he suggested anybody that wanted to race go to Hayfork. A few racers took him up on that. Hayfork had one of the biggest shows I've seen them ever have in terms of car count and even from the looks of the grandstands. It had a fireworks show with extra money on the line in their Hobby Stock and Mini Stock classes.
A couple of years ago, the association running Hayfork nearly ran it into the ground. So, they've had to regroup and go back to the basics. They're not running for points this year as they are focused on being consistent with their program and building things up. However, they have been doing special things like kids bike night, nights where veterans get in for free, fireworks and other good things. It's geared towards making people want to come out and watch a race. As the car count has grown, there is more of a race to watch. It's a good thing.
Hayfork flirted with a Pro Stock division, but nothing really came of it. They have gotten into the B Modified class, and I think there could be potential. I think one of the things management needs to consider in 2020 if they continue with this class is sanctioning it with IMCA. If you run an IMCA Sport Modified division that would have the State, Regional and National points, you have a chance of getting more visitors to come support the show. I don't think it's an expensive proposition, and it gives you a consistent set of rules to enforce.
Mini Stocks continue to grow, and I see quite a bit of visitation coming from Orland during the course of the year. There were a few drivers from Orland in both this division and the Hobby Stocks. The one touch they have put on this program that I think was brilliant was the addition of the Enduro cars. They've been a division out there for the past few seasons, but it's absolute motorized mayhem. The track is watered before the finale, and they turn those drivers loose. They had an 11 car, 20 lap race that you would have have to see to believe last week. There wasn't a dull moment during the first half of that race.
I know that Josh Smith has been advocating for a little Outlaw Kart track in the infield. I have to agree with him on this, but my thinking is they should start by trying to build something for the littlest of the kids. This would mean Beginners Box Stocks and Box Stocks. Do what they do down in Bakersfield with their Mini Dwarf Car classes and run them on a regular race night. The fans can watch the youngest kids go out there and race during the night, and it gets more families involved with racing there. The way Josh has been advocating, I think the past Hayfork champion will make something happen here. As it is, he's a dedicated racing father who brings his boy Chayce to several different racing venues during the year.
Other than that, a couple of thoughts I have in addition to the sanctioning of the Sport Modifieds would be bringing in a traveling show at some point during the year. I would take into account that the budget may not be so big, but I think there's a couple of divisions they might want to look at. For starters, maybe there's something that could be done to get a Dwarf Car race. I don't think the purse requirement is so big that it's out of reach the way a Sprint Car show might be. One would have to think about the possibility that the Speedweek Series they run in Oregon could be in play, but it's a high purse. I don't know if the officials of the series would even entertain Hayfork, but they are looking for another date.
Other than that, you're kind of limited on what sort of touring group you could bring in. You might take a look at something like Hardtops. Would the OTRO Hardtops come from Roseburg, Oregon to race? How about the California Hardtop Association that's based out of Sacramento? I know I've heard people in Hayfork talk about wanting to see Hardtops, and again, I don't think you're talking about a huge budget to make something like that happen. The other possibility would be borrowing the Jefferson State Jalopies from Yreka a time or two, if the drivers were up for the trip.
Could any type of series be worked out between the Yreka, Orland and Hayfork tracks? You could call it the YOH series or something like that, pronounced yo. The three tracks do share a Mini Stock division in common, Hayfork and Orland run Hobby Stocks and Yreka and Hayfork run Sport Modifieds, which Orland has for two dates. If Hayfork got sanctioned, that's even more incentive. I know from the way he was talking that Yreka Promoter Kevin Barba is keen on working with people. Though I haven't seen anything out of Rich Hood saying one thing or the other, I have to believe the Orland promoter might entertain something. The Hayfork gang seems open to anything.
One race at each track during the course of the year. Slightly bigger purses and see how the drivers support it. The Orland racers seem very willing to come to Hayfork, and we're starting to see that the Yreka racers are open to the possibilities. Hayfork drivers are even traveling. So, there is potential for something happening between these three tracks. Whatever might come from this whole idea, I can tell you that the Hayfork management is on the right track with what they're doing. It can only get better.
This is the challenge with being a promoter. It isn't all fun and games. It's not easy, and people have no concept of what they deal with behind-the-scenes. I know that the Yreka and Orland situations were not the best when their current promoters stepped in, so it's all about trying to build things up. Looking at Rich Hood in his fourth year at Orland, that track has grown by leaps and bounds in terms of its program from when he got there when the place was almost closed. Kevin has a little bit more work to do, and I'm hoping that he's learning some of the lessons that have presented themselves that he can apply towards making things even better next year.
Yreka has a big program this week with the Pro Stocks coming to town to run along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks. It's Loggers Night. It was to be a race memorializing the late Jerry Casson, but the family asked for this race to be removed as they weren't quite ready for it yet. It's going to be a good race to go out on as The Siskiyou Golden Fair kicks off after this week. They will return to action on August 17th with the makeup date for The Iron Giant Street Stock Series, and there's a string of big shows beyond that to close things out. I see some potentially good things happening down there to close the season. I've already offered opinions on things that I think would make things better, so I'll leave it at that for now.
I know in working behind the scenes to help Southern Oregon Speedway thrive, it's been a big challenge. Seems like this year has been a little bit more hectic behind-the-scenes and sometimes more stressful, but in the midst of it, good things seem to be happening. We did the Kids Bike Giveaway this last week with over 30 bikes to give away. Claudia Linker stepped up big time and really took the bull by the horns. This turned out to be a big success.
You never know how things are going to go from week to week. Numbers are up for July, and I think part of the reason is the weather, which has been very kind to us. That looks to be the case for the big five division Willamette Valley Bank night this week. All of the fast divisions will be there, so we're hopeful of another good night. Then, a week off. I'm very much looking forward to the week off, although it will not be a complete week off in regards to my media effort. I won't be looking for another track to go to that week. I have preparations to make for the stretch run, including things I need to do for Hall of Fame Night at both Southern Oregon Speedway and Antioch, which comes in October.
In August, when we get back to racing, it's a string of big shows that will be led by a big-money Wingless Sprint Car race, a big-money Winged Sprint Car race, Hall of Fame Night, a $4,000 to win Late Model show and the R Charles Snyder Salute. We need to hit our marks, and I know I need to be very ready for whatever is to come.
I am trying to get my second wind for the stretch run as I've been definitely feeling tired and a little bit run down this year. I just want to get to the final checkered flag at Southern Oregon Speedway on September 14th, and then if things go well, depending on whether I can afford to actually make the trip, I'm heading to Antioch to MC the Hall of Fame Night. Hall of Fame Night will happen one way or the other, but until I know that I've got the finances covered, I'm not certain that I will be the one overseeing it. I'm thankful that Hall of Fame Announcer John Myers will be there as I know he can do it.
There's not a lot I can say in closing. The media effort takes several hours a week and is almost a full-time job. People tell me I must be rolling in it, but I'm not. I have volunteered my effort for these various tracks. I can verify that eight race tracks benefited from my media effort going out to various news outlets this week, and I'm not drawing a salary for it. I simply jumped in to help. This is not something that is likely to continue in 2020 unless I am able to see a few things come back my way for the energy put forth.
I am very grateful that I've been able to help the cause, and I know the difference that has been made. If you like what we're doing with the media effort, just click that link way up above the at the top of this post. It's just below the red text. It's The Tip Jar.
On that note, I'm going to end this column. I have other things that need to be done. Until next time...
