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Big Money On The Line In 21st Annual
Lon Skinner Memorial Race
White City, Oregon...When Southern Oregon Speedway was opened in 1996 by John Skinner, a plaque was laid at the entrance in memory of the man who inspired him. That same year, the track's cornerstone race, the Lon Skinner Memorial, was launched. John wanted to pay tribute to his father and make it a weekend of great racing and celebration.
This Saturday and Sunday, the 21st Annual Lon Skinner Memorial race comes to the fast one-third mile clay oval. Some of the best racers on the West Coast will compete for the biggest purse for IMCA Modifieds anywhere on the West Coast. With $5,000 to win and a minimum of $500 to start the Sunday Main Event, track prep guru Jim Rogers has been working to give the racers the best racing surface possible.
The Saturday Preliminary Day will offer heat races, preliminary mains and a $600 to win and $100 to start Main Event that will lock the top finishers into Sunday's big money race. It makes Sunday a less stressful experience for the front runners as they know going into the day that they are already in. These drivers will run a special Fast Dash to determine the lineup for the front half of the 24 car Main Event. The rest of the starting lineup will be determined by who transfers from the preliminary mains.
Leading the charge for the big money will be the race's defending champion and four time winner, Bobby Hogge IV. The Hogge name has been synonymous with winning for decades, and Bobby has won some of the biggest races and championships out there. Among Hogge's many accomplishments are his two NASCAR Regional championships in 1996 and 1997. Hogge has won somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 Main Events in his illustrious career.
Hogge isn't the only Californian coming to town for a shot at the money. Two time race winner Richard Papenhausen and Duane Cleveland are two past Chico Silver Dollar Speedway champions who will make their presence known this weekend. Both have scored feature wins at Antioch Speedway this year, where Papenhausen is the Late Model point leader. Richard is the only driver who has competed in all 20 Lon Skinner Memorial races, and he is a two time winner.
Several local competitors will be there in an effort to keep the winner's prize in Southern Oregon. Leading that charge are Brian Poppa, Mark Wauge and Nick Trenchard. All three have won IMCA Modified championships, and Wauge has won more than anybody at Southern Oregon Speedway with six titles. He's leading the point race going into this big race in the hopes of scoring his second Lon Skinner Memorial win. Trenchard is also a one time winner of the big race while Poppa has three wins.
Drivers will be coming from everywhere, and the pre entry list includes past Susanville, CA champion Chris Olexiewixcz, Antioch, CA Speedway stars Chester Kniss and Norm Boeck, Shasta and Yreka veteran Stan Gunderson, Top 5 Cottage Grove racer Tyler Smith and Manteca, CA racer Darrell Hughes II. Hughes finished second to Wauge in the Roger Haudenshild Tribute race back in May.
Southern Oregon Speedway mainstays like two time champion Albert Gill, James Welschonse, Duane Orsburn, Bo Shields, Zach Fettinger and Jesse Bailey are also confirmed from a list of roughly 30 drivers already committed. It is anticipated that 50 or more drivers will compete this weekend. Sunday being a point race, it could also shake up the championship battle as Orsburn and Welshonse still have their sights set on Wauge with two races remaining.
As if two nights of exciting IMCA Modified action isn't enough, the IMCA Sport Modifieds and SODCA Dwarf Cars will run two complete programs on Saturday and Sunday. The Sport Modified field will be bolstered by a group of Northern California visitors, led by Jimmy Ford, who won the Sport Mod Main Event on Lon Skinner Memorial weekend two years ago.
The points will be effected by the anticipated absence of two time reigning IMCA Sport Modified champion Jorddon Braaten, who is competing in his first IMCA Nationals event in Boone, Iowa next week. Braaten's car is already loaded and on the way. He was invited to bring his car in California State champion Fred Ryland's trailer, and it was too good of a deal to pass up.
Unless Braaten secures another ride and flies back to Iowa after the race, the door is open for Mike Medel and David Marble to race past him in the standings. Medel had a strong third place finish in last week's race. Both of these drivers are still looking for their first wins of the year, while Rich McCoy won impressively last Saturday night.
The two nights of racing will offer some of the best IMCA Modified and Sport Modified racing you will find anywhere in the state. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. both nights. General admission starts at $15 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday, Seniors and Veterans are $12 on Saturday and $18 on Sunday and Kids ages 6-12 are $10 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday. Two day discounts and reserved seating is also available. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Point Standings
This Saturday and Sunday, the 21st Annual Lon Skinner Memorial race comes to the fast one-third mile clay oval. Some of the best racers on the West Coast will compete for the biggest purse for IMCA Modifieds anywhere on the West Coast. With $5,000 to win and a minimum of $500 to start the Sunday Main Event, track prep guru Jim Rogers has been working to give the racers the best racing surface possible.
The Saturday Preliminary Day will offer heat races, preliminary mains and a $600 to win and $100 to start Main Event that will lock the top finishers into Sunday's big money race. It makes Sunday a less stressful experience for the front runners as they know going into the day that they are already in. These drivers will run a special Fast Dash to determine the lineup for the front half of the 24 car Main Event. The rest of the starting lineup will be determined by who transfers from the preliminary mains.
Leading the charge for the big money will be the race's defending champion and four time winner, Bobby Hogge IV. The Hogge name has been synonymous with winning for decades, and Bobby has won some of the biggest races and championships out there. Among Hogge's many accomplishments are his two NASCAR Regional championships in 1996 and 1997. Hogge has won somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 Main Events in his illustrious career.
Hogge isn't the only Californian coming to town for a shot at the money. Two time race winner Richard Papenhausen and Duane Cleveland are two past Chico Silver Dollar Speedway champions who will make their presence known this weekend. Both have scored feature wins at Antioch Speedway this year, where Papenhausen is the Late Model point leader. Richard is the only driver who has competed in all 20 Lon Skinner Memorial races, and he is a two time winner.
Several local competitors will be there in an effort to keep the winner's prize in Southern Oregon. Leading that charge are Brian Poppa, Mark Wauge and Nick Trenchard. All three have won IMCA Modified championships, and Wauge has won more than anybody at Southern Oregon Speedway with six titles. He's leading the point race going into this big race in the hopes of scoring his second Lon Skinner Memorial win. Trenchard is also a one time winner of the big race while Poppa has three wins.
Drivers will be coming from everywhere, and the pre entry list includes past Susanville, CA champion Chris Olexiewixcz, Antioch, CA Speedway stars Chester Kniss and Norm Boeck, Shasta and Yreka veteran Stan Gunderson, Top 5 Cottage Grove racer Tyler Smith and Manteca, CA racer Darrell Hughes II. Hughes finished second to Wauge in the Roger Haudenshild Tribute race back in May.
Southern Oregon Speedway mainstays like two time champion Albert Gill, James Welschonse, Duane Orsburn, Bo Shields, Zach Fettinger and Jesse Bailey are also confirmed from a list of roughly 30 drivers already committed. It is anticipated that 50 or more drivers will compete this weekend. Sunday being a point race, it could also shake up the championship battle as Orsburn and Welshonse still have their sights set on Wauge with two races remaining.
As if two nights of exciting IMCA Modified action isn't enough, the IMCA Sport Modifieds and SODCA Dwarf Cars will run two complete programs on Saturday and Sunday. The Sport Modified field will be bolstered by a group of Northern California visitors, led by Jimmy Ford, who won the Sport Mod Main Event on Lon Skinner Memorial weekend two years ago.
The points will be effected by the anticipated absence of two time reigning IMCA Sport Modified champion Jorddon Braaten, who is competing in his first IMCA Nationals event in Boone, Iowa next week. Braaten's car is already loaded and on the way. He was invited to bring his car in California State champion Fred Ryland's trailer, and it was too good of a deal to pass up.
Unless Braaten secures another ride and flies back to Iowa after the race, the door is open for Mike Medel and David Marble to race past him in the standings. Medel had a strong third place finish in last week's race. Both of these drivers are still looking for their first wins of the year, while Rich McCoy won impressively last Saturday night.
The two nights of racing will offer some of the best IMCA Modified and Sport Modified racing you will find anywhere in the state. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. both nights. General admission starts at $15 on Saturday and $20 on Sunday, Seniors and Veterans are $12 on Saturday and $18 on Sunday and Kids ages 6-12 are $10 on Saturday and $15 on Sunday. Two day discounts and reserved seating is also available. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Point Standings
IMCA Modified
1m Mark Wauge 180
0 Duane Orsburn 175
2g James Welshonse 164
89c Albert Gill 153
54n Nick Trenchard 128
68 Jesse Bailey 91
88 Zach Fettinger 88
f1 Monte Bischoff 79
64 Ray Kniffen Jr. 75
23 Matt Duste 72
IMCA Sport Modified
84 Jorddon Braaten 304
30m Mike Medel 286
4m David Marble 269
76 A.J. Parker 246
4y Jimmy Lipke 214
7m Willie McFall 203
27b Tony Bartell 158
8n Bob Nelsen 147
57 Glen Severson 127
69 Dwayne Melvin 107
Past Lon Skinner Memorial Winners
1996 Ron Haggard
1997 Scott Lenz
1998 Tom Glover
1999 Richard Papenhausen
2000 Don Estramado
1m Mark Wauge 180
0 Duane Orsburn 175
2g James Welshonse 164
89c Albert Gill 153
54n Nick Trenchard 128
68 Jesse Bailey 91
88 Zach Fettinger 88
f1 Monte Bischoff 79
64 Ray Kniffen Jr. 75
23 Matt Duste 72
IMCA Sport Modified
84 Jorddon Braaten 304
30m Mike Medel 286
4m David Marble 269
76 A.J. Parker 246
4y Jimmy Lipke 214
7m Willie McFall 203
27b Tony Bartell 158
8n Bob Nelsen 147
57 Glen Severson 127
69 Dwayne Melvin 107
Past Lon Skinner Memorial Winners
1996 Ron Haggard
1997 Scott Lenz
1998 Tom Glover
1999 Richard Papenhausen
2000 Don Estramado
2001 Brian Poppa
2002 Richard Papenhausen
2003 Dennis Silva
2004 Scott Weldon
2005 Brian Poppa
2006 Mark Wauge
2007 Jon DeBenedetti
2008 Bobby Hogge IV
2009 Bobby Hogge IV
2010 Bobby Hogge IV
2011 Brian Poppa
2012 Matt Duste
2013 Jesse Williamson
2014 Nick Trenchard
2015 Bobby Hogge IV
2002 Richard Papenhausen
2003 Dennis Silva
2004 Scott Weldon
2005 Brian Poppa
2006 Mark Wauge
2007 Jon DeBenedetti
2008 Bobby Hogge IV
2009 Bobby Hogge IV
2010 Bobby Hogge IV
2011 Brian Poppa
2012 Matt Duste
2013 Jesse Williamson
2014 Nick Trenchard
2015 Bobby Hogge IV
Bischoff Battles Kniffen For IMCA Modified Victory
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...August 27...Taking the lead from Ray Kniffen Jr. just past the halfway point of the race, Monte Bischoff won the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. It was a final chance for the drivers to get tuned up for Labor Day Weekend's big $5000 to win 21st Annual Lon Skinner Memorial Race. Bischoff never could shake Kniffen as they scored a close 1-2 finish. Bischoff becomes the fifth different winner is the six races held so far.
The track runs a four lap Trophy Dash of the previous Top 4 feature finishers, and Bischoff won that race ahead of two time reigning champion Albert Gill. Mark Wauge won the first six lap heat race with Bischoff making a late pass on Nick Trenchard for second. Zach Fettinger made a last turn pass on Gill to win the second heat race. Kniffen had the pole for the Main Event with Bischoff starting behind him in third. Kniffen charged into the lead at the start ahead of Bischoff and Dwarf Car champion C.J. Putnam. Fettinger made a front stretch pass on Putnam for third on lap two, and the yellow flag flew after four laps for Gill in Turn 2. Gill and division newcomer Jay Poppa both pitted, and Kniffen continued to lead Bischoff and Fettinger on the restart. Bischoff was shadowing Kniffen's every move, but Kniffen did a great job of leading the way until a lap 14 yellow flag flew for past Susanville champion Chris Olexiewicz and rookie James Welshonse in Turn 4. Olexiewicz retired from the race. On the restart, Bischoff got a good run on Kniffen and emerged with the lead by the time they exited Turn 2. Trenchard and Wauge raced into third and fourth on the restart. Kniffen ran closely behind Bischoff, looking for a way by on the inside. However, Bischoff drove a brilliant race up front and sped to a well earned victory. Kniffen was a close second. Trenchard repelled Wauge's advances to finish third. Welshonse brought it home a strong fifth ahead of Duane Orsburn, Putnam, Fettinger, Olexiewicz, Gill and Poppa.
Race Results
IMCA Modifieds
Trophy
Dash-Monte Bischoff, Albert Gill, James Welshonse, Mark Wauge. Heat
1-Mark Wauge, Monte Bischoff, Nick Trenchard, James Welshonse, Ray
Kniffen Jr. Heat 2-Zach Fettinger, Albert Gill, Chris Olexiewicz, C.J.
Putnam, Duane Orsburn. Main Event-Monte Bischoff, Ray Kniffen Jr., Nick
Trenchard, Mark Wauge, James Welshonse, Duane Orsburn, C.J. Putnam,
Zach Fettinger, Chris Olexiewicz, Albert Gill, Jay Poppa.
McCoy Fast As Lightning In IMCA Sport Modified Victory
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...August 27...Taking the lead from Jimmy Lipke on lap nine, Rich McCoy went on to win his first 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. McCoy was sporting a new car and paint job with Lightning McQueen colors from the Disney movie Cars. McCoy becomes the fifth different winner in the competitive division as Yreka point leader Lipke settled for second. It was also a nice tuneup race for the drivers as they get ready to run for extra money in the Sport Modified portion of the Lon Skinner Memorial Race on Labor Day Weekend.
Mike Medel started things of by winning the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of fellow championship contender David Marble. Lipke won his six lap heat race by a wide margin ahead of Marble. McCoy went flag to flag to win his heat race ahead of Medel. Lipke charged into the lead at the start of the Main Event ahead of McCoy and Medel. McCoy was pressuring Lipke hard for the lead before making an inside pass in Turn 3 of the ninth lap to grab the spot. Medel was running a solid third ahead of Willie McFall as McCoy began lapping slower cars by lap 12. With his car already loaded and on the way to Boone, Iowa for the IMCA Nationals, point leader Jorddpn Braaten drove the Glen Severson car, but he pitted on lap 12. McCoy set a rapid pace in the smoothly run event and scored the impressive victory ahead of Lipke, Medel, McFall, Doug Franklin, Marble, Garrett Hamilton, A.J. Parker and Braaten.
Race Results
IMCA Sport Modifieds
Trophy
Dash-Mike Medel, David Marble, A.J. Parker. Heat 1-Jimmy Lipke, David
Marble, Willie McFall, Jorddon Braaten, Garrett Hamilton. Heat 2-Rich
McCoy, Mike Medel, Doug Franklin, A.J. Parker. Main Event-Rich McCoy,
Jimmy Lipke, Mike Medel, Willie McFall, Doug Franklin, David Marble,
Garrett Hamilton, A.J. Parker, Jorddon Braaten..
Deubert Dials It in For Second Pro Stock Victory
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...August 27...Taking the lead from Matt Harlow on the ninth lap, Miles Deubert went on to score an impressive victory in the 20 lap Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. It was the second win of the season for Deubert, who is the 2014 Street Stock champion at the track. James Flowers wheeled the Arlen Garrison owned car to a second place feature finish as he still has his sites set on third in the standings.
His third place finish last time out put Scott Flowers on the front row for the four lap Trophy Dash, and he won a spirited duel with Rocky Nash for the victory. Point leader Steve Borror was dealt a surprise as Nash made a last turn pass on him to win the first six lap heat race. Deubert enjoyed a flag to flag romp for the victory in his heat race as two time champion Ken Irving finished second. After a couple of false starts, the Pro Stock drivers proceeded to run one of their smoothest Main Events of the season. Harlow grabbed the lead at the start of the race ahead of Irving and J. Flowers. An outside move on the front stretch of the fourth lap gained Deubert third from J. Flowers, and he made an outside pass on the back stetch a lap later to grab second from Irving. J. Flowers followed Deubert into third. A low move in Turn 4 of the ninth lap gained Deubert the lead from Harlow. J. Flowers quickly moved in on Harlow before making an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 12th lap to take second. S. Flowers was in fourth when the lone caution flag flew on lap 16 for debris on the track. Julia Flowers joined Rick Lukens in the pits for a rare DNF on what was her 18th birthday. Deubert led James Flowers and Harlow on the restart. Nash took fourth from S. Flowers, and then Nash passed Harlow in Turn 2 of the 18th lap to grab third. S. Flowers also got by for fourth. However, Deubert set a rapid pace up front and brought it home to a well earned victory. James Flowers was a season best second ahead of Nash, S. Flowers, Harlow, Steve Borror, Irving, Roy Bain, Scott Bennett and Julia Flowers.
Race Results
Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks
Trophy
Dash-Scott Flowers, Rocky Nash, Steve Borror, James Flowers. Heat
1-Rocky Nash, Steve Borror, Scott Flowers, Matt Harlow, Zach Fettinger.
Heat 2-Miles Deubert, Ken Irving, Roy Bain, James Flowers, Mike
Johnson. Main Event-Miles Deubert, James Flowers, Rocky Nash, Scott
Flowers, Matt Harlow, Steve Borror, Ken Irving, Roy Bain, Scott Bennett,
Julia Flowers, Rick Lukens, Derrel Nelson Jr., Mike Johnson (DNS), Zach
Fettinger (DNS).
Emotional First Career Sprint Car Win For Aaron Miller
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...August 27...Leading all the way from the start, Aaron Miller won the 20 lap Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car Main event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. A regular at Petaluma Speedway who hails from nearby Grants Pass, Miller fought back tears as he accepted his trophy in the post race interview.
Past Chico Wingless Spec Sprint champion Rowdy McClennon competed in the Mark Michelet car and started the night off with a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Wayne Kniffen. McClennon established himself as the driver to beat in the Main Event after winning the six lap heat race ahead of Miller. Miller and McClennon led the field to the Main Event green flag, and Miller surprised McClennon by charging into the lead at the start. Miller made no mistakes for the entire distance as he earned the victory ahead of McClennon. Wayne Kniffen kept his hopes of moving into second in points alive by driving to a third place finish and clocking in with the fastest lap of the race of 11.787 on the three-tenth mile clay oval. Rookie Jeffrey Hudson remains in title contention following his lead lap fourth place finish.
The final Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car race of the season is slated for September 24th, but the track will host the third and final race of the $1000 to win Extreme Sprint Car Triple Crown Series on September 10th. Ricky Ashley won the first race at Cottage Grove ahead of past track champion David Hibbard, Kinzer Cox, Tyler Thompson and newly crowned repeat champion Patrick Dills. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Race Results
Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars
Trophy Dash-Rowdy McClennon, Wayne Kniffen, Aaron Miller. Heat Race-Rowdy
McClennon, Aaron Miller, Wayne Kniffen. Main Event-Aaron Miller, Rowdy
McClennon, Wayne Kniffen, Jeffrey Hudson.
Clean Sweep For Doty Tightens Super 4's Point Race
At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...August 27...In another impressive display of speed, Lee Doty won his third 20 lap Super 4's Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Doty won all three races on the night and could see the battle for second in front of him as he took the checkered flag in the Main Event. Charlie Eaton won a drag race back to the line to beat point leader John Barger for second. The 2013 champion Barger only leads Doty by a few points with the season nearly over.
Doty started his night off right with a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Eaton. He continued an impressive night by winning the six lap heat race by about a straightaway over Dan Prewitt. Doty had the pole for the Main Event and bolted into the lead at the start. Doty held a straightaway lead by lap four as Eaton took second from Prewitt. Barger gained third on lap as the Doty advantage was stretched to half a lap by six. Doty started lapping slower cars by lap ten, and Prewitt retired from the race on lap 13. As Doty took the checkered flag, he could see a close battle for second between Eaton and Barger in front of him. Barger made a run at Eaton, but it was Eaton having his best finish of the season in second. Bill Spencer, Eric Oahs and Prewitt completed the finishing order.
Race Results
Super 4's
Trophy
Dash-Lee Doty, Dan Prewitt, Charlie Eaton, Eric Oahs. Heat Race-Lee
Doty, Dan Prewitt, Charlie Eaton, John Barger, Bill Spencer. Main
Event-Lee Doty, Charlie Eaton, John Barger, Bill Spencer, Eric Oahs, Dan
Prewitt.
Thomason Wraps Up OTRO Hardtop Season With Thrilling Victory At Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...August 27...Returning to the driver's seat after missing the previous race, Trevor Thomason won a drag race to the line with Bill Trotter for the 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event victory. The win was the fourth of the season for Thomason as he won every Main Event he started aboard the Vic & Louise Bridges owned car. Trotter was also back after turning the wheel over to Mark Winter in the previous race, and he made a nice charge at the end before settling for second.
After Wylie Powell had a problem with the Dusty Trotter car before the Trophy Dash, B. Trotter graciously let him drive his car in the race. Powell responded by scoring his first victory ahead of Jimmy Del Castille. With no time to switch drivers after the trophy ceremonies, Powell got to drive the car again in the six lap heat race. He responded by holding off Thomason to win that race as well. Powell got to make a few laps in the Dusty Trotter car before starting it in the Main Event. Powell led one lap of the Main Event before Thomason came speeding by on the front stretch for the lead. B. Trotter followed the lead duo closely in third. A low move in Turn 4 of the tenth lap would gain B. Trotter second. Thomason was in slower traffic by lap 11, but this time B. Trotter and Powell were not far behind him. B. Trotter began to close the gap on Thomason, and he positioned himself to make a move on the last lap. B. Trotter gave it a good run as they exited the final turn, but Thomason prevailed by inches. Powell wrapped up his best night of the season with a lead lap third place finish. Chris Mehrer, Del Castille and Crouch rounded out the finishing order.
Race Results
OTRO Hardtops
Trophy
Dash-Wylie Powell, Jimmy Del Castille, Chris Mehrer, Brian Crouch.
Heat Race-Wylie Powell, Trevor Thomason, Jimmy Del Castille, Chris
Mehrer, Brian Crouch. Main Event-Trevor Thomason, Bill Trotter, Wylie
Powell, Chris Mehrer, Jimmy Del Castille, Brian Crouch.
Holmes, Grimes, Fuller Unstoppable
At Southern Oregon Speedway Kart Track
White City, Oregon...August 26...Tanner Holmes wrapped up a great night of racing at the Southern Oregon Speedway Outlaw Kart Track Friday night. Holmes led all 20 laps to win his third 250 Kart Main Event after winning both heat races and the Trophy Dash. Point leader Bodee Weiser held off Tanner's sister Carley Holmes for the second place finish.
Merissa Henson debuted her 500 Kart by winning both heat races, the Trophy Dash and 15 lap Main Event ahead of new point leader Johnny Burke.
After spinning in an opening lap tangle with fellow heat winner Natalie Richard, point leader Trevor Grimes grabbed the lead on lap seven and won the 20 lap Box Stock Main Event. Brionna Fuller led six laps before settling for second.
Taylor Fuller led from start to finish for the 15 lap Box Stock Main Event win. Fuller won his two heats and the Trophy Dash, while double heat winner Jacob James battled back from a spin to finish second.
Tanner Holmes continued his impressive winning streak in the 250 Outlaw Karts. After winning his two heats and the Trophy Dash, Holmes charged out to the lead at the start of the 20 lap Main Event, leaving the battle for second behind him. Point leader Bodee Weiser was second early on as Braden Cory took third from Devin Felix with a back stretch pass on lap lap five. Cory raced by Weiser for second on a lap eight restart, but he spun off the back stretch for a lap 11 caution flag. Holmes led through five different yellow flags and won by a good margin. Weiser withstood some late pressure from Tanner's younger sister Carley Holmes to finish second. Felix wrapped a good night in his division debut with a fourth place finish ahead of Enrique Jaime. Felix and Weiser each won heat races.
After three straight Top 3 seasons in her 250 Kart, Merissa Henson has been making a run at the Top 3 in Mini Stock points on the big track this year. Friday night was her opportunity to debut her 500 Kart, and she did it with wins in both heat races, the Trophy Dash and the 15 lap Main Event. Henson led all the way with point leader Johnny Burke right behind her in second. Jeffrey Hudson was a Main Event scratch, and Steve Rambo had his Kart in the pits in an effort to sell it.
Trevor Grimes continued his domination of the Box Stock division by winning his third 20 lap Main Event. Grimes won the Trophy Dash and a heat race, but Natalie Richard won the other heat race to prevent the sweep. At the start of the race, Grimes and Richard got together in Turn 4 and spun for a yellow flag. Brionna Fuller had the lead for the complete restart, and Grimes immediately charged into second as Ryan Hirschbock led a thee car battle with Emma Rodgers and Richard for third. Fuller kept it on the bottom and Grimes looked for an opening to race underneath. Grimes finally found the opening and made a low pass in Turn 4 of the seventh lap to take the lead. Rodgers made an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 12th lap to take third. Grimes held the lead the rest of the way for the win as Fuller settled for second ahead of Rodgers, Richard and Hirschbock.
Yreka point leader Taylor Fuller won his second straight Beginners Box Stock 15 lap Main Event. Fuller also won his two heats and the Trophy Dash comfortably. Season opener winner Jacob James won his two heats. Fuller led from the start. James spun from second for a lap nine caution flag. By then, Fuller had lapped all but the Top 4 cars. James was already back in second by lap 11, but Fuller sped to the victory. In only his second race, Malachi Johnson finished a strong third and was second in both of his heat races. Shailene Horn was a lead lap fourth as Adrian Richard finished fifth.
Unofficial Race Results
250 Karts
Trophy
Dash (4 Laps)-Tanner Holmes. Heat 1 (6 Laps)-Devin Felix. Heat 2 (6
Laps)-T. Holmes. Heat 3 (6 Laps)-Bodee Weiser. Heat 4 (6 Laps)-T.
Holmes. Main Event (20 Laps)-Tanner Holmes, Bodee Weiser, Carley
Holmes, Felix, Enrique Jaime, Brenden Bartlett, Braden Weiser, Ashleigh
Strain, Braden Cory, Reece Slyter.
Box Stocks
Trophy
Dash (4 Laps)-Trevor Grimes. Heat 1 (6 Laps)-Natalie Richard. Heat 2
(6 Laps)-Grimes. Main Event (20 Laps)-Grimes, Briona Fuller, Emma
Rodgers, Natalie Richard, Ryan Hirschbock.
Beginner Box Stocks
Trophy
Dash (4 Laps)-Taylor Fuller. Heat 1 (6 Laps)-Fuller. Heat 2 (6
Laps)-Jacob James. Heat 3 (6 Laps)-Fuller. Heat 4 (6 Laps)-James.
Main Event (15 Laps)-Fuller, James, Malachi Johnson, Shailene Horn,
Adrian Richard, Kiley Grimes, Roger Whipple, Nicholas Davis Jr., Jordyn
Bowers, Thomas Whipple.
500 Karts
Trophy
Dash (4 Laps)-Merissa Henson. Heat 1 (6 Laps)-Henson Heat 2 (6
Laps)-Henson. Main Event (15 Laps)-Henson, Johnny Burke, Jeffrey
Hudson (DNS), Steve Rambo (DNS).
Stock Car Racing, Kids Bike Racing And Giveaways
Saturday Night At Orland Raceway
Orland, CA...As the ninth racing event of the year takes place at Orland Raceway this Saturday night, there is plenty to get excited about. The fans will be treated to a good night of Pure Stock, Mini Stock, Mini Truck and Micro Sprint Racing. As if that's not enough, there will also be a bike giveaway for the kids. Once the heat races are done, the kids will get to race their bikes on the track in three different age categories. There will even be trophies for the winners.
With two wins and four seconds for point leader Steve Martin, even a bad night two weeks ago didn't derail his bid for another Pure Stock championship. As Martin heads for that championship, a three car battle for second finds Cody Bundy leading two time winner Jeremy Langenderfer by ten points and another two time winner, Shannon Collins, by 20 points. Langenderfer has been fast lately. He won the Main Event and heat race two weeks ago. He then went to Hayfork Speedway last week and won the Main Event and Trophy Dash there. There have been five winners in eight races as Brad Ray and Jason Armstrong each have a win.
In Mini Truck competition, Dan Webster holds a 42 point lead over reigning champion Keith Ross. Unless the three time winner Webster struggles during these final two races, he'll win his first track championship. Webster may be breathing a sigh of relief that Ross had such a bad start. Ross has picked up the pace with three wins in the last four races. His win two weeks ago over local ace Jake Van Tol moved Ross four points ahead of William Fogle in the battle for second. Fourth place point competitor Olin Crane has two feature wins this season.
Consistency has the been the key for past Mini Stock champion John Kirkpatrick in leading this year's point race. Kirkpatrick had his best finish two races ago in second and won his heat race two weeks ago. He now leads one time winner Robert Hunt by 34 points in the battle for the championship. Tom Davis leads the winner's column with four victories, but his absence from a couple of races has him third in the standings. Davis won two weeks ago ahead of previous winner Hunter Merritt. Donovan Chilton is also a two time winner and is currently fifth in the standings.
Andrew Love is well on his way to the 250 Micro Sprint championship. Reigning 600 Micro Sprint champion Jeromie Crismon has won on multiple occasions and leads rival Skyler Richter by 66 points in that battle. However, the star of the show two weeks ago was Kyra Michelet, who held off Crismon for the win.
Saturday night will be the time to bring the family for a night of great entertainment at Orland Raceway. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race to start at 7:00 p.m. General admission tickets are $7.00 and Juniors (ages 7-12) are $5.00. Children 6 and under are free. For further information, go to www.orlandraceway.org.
Orland Raceway Points
Pure Stock
Steve Martin 398
Cody Bundy 273
Jeremy Langenderfer 263
Shannon Collins 253
Earl Adams 233
Mini Trucks
Dan Webster 362
Keith Ross 320
William Fogle 316
Olin Crain 264
Ross Vige 196
Mini Stock
John Kirkpatrick 379
Robert Hunt 345
Tom Davis 271
Jeff Bennett 250
Donovan Chilton 211
600 Micros
Jeromie Crismon 316
Skyler Richter 250
Toni Alosi 156
Rick Gutzke 106
Kyra Michelet 106
250 Micros
Andrew Love 242
Dave McKinnon 103
Robert Baker 101
Jess Garland 95
Ronnie Heyer 94
Langenderfer, Davis, Ross Win Orland Raceway Features
Orland, CA...August 21...Racing switched to Sunday afternoon for the eighth event of the season at Orland Raceway. Jeremy Langenderfer returned to action in the Pure Stock division and made a move up the point ladder with his win in the 20 lap feature. Keith Ross continued to run strong with his third Mini Truck Main Event win, while Tom Davis won his fourth 20 lap Mini Stock feature. Kyra Michelet won the 600 Micro Sprint Main Event.
In Pure Stock action, Langenderfer made a move into second in the standings following his double win afternoon. It started with his win in the heat race over Shannon Collins. Collins is a double Main Event winner this year and had his sights set on win #3. However, Langenderfer proved to be a bit too much for him as he impressed with his second feature win of the season. Collins settled for second with Earl Adams enjoying one of his best finishes of the year in third. Newcomer Amanda Koop placed fourth ahead of point leader Steve Martin and Cody Bundy, who lost second to Langenderfer following his disappointing outing. Reigning 250 Miro Sprint champion Jess Garland was a Main Event Scratch.
If not for a dismal start to his season, reigning Mini Truck champion Keith Ross might be battling Dan Webster for the point lead. However, Ross has figured it out and is the hot driver of the division lately. Past Orland Raceway star Jake Van Tol returned to do battle in the Mini Trucks and finished second to Ross in the heat race. Van Tol and Webster were both looking for Main Event glory, but it was Ross prevailing for his third win in his last four starts. The finish boosted Ross into second in the standings. Van Tol finished second ahead of Webster, who seems to be on his way to his first division championship. Past champion Ross Vige was fourth ahead of William Fogle. Jeremy Callen broke in hot laps to end his afternoon early.
When past champion Tom Davis won the first two Mini Stock Main Events of the season, it looked like he might be the driver to beat for the championship. However, he skipped a couple of races and went up to Susanville to grab a win. Davis returned and would do battle with previous feature winner Hunter Merritt all afternoon. Davis held off Merritt for a heat race win, while point leader John Kirkpatrick won his heat ahead of two time feature winner Donvon Chilton. Merritt and Chilton were both running strong in the quest for another win, but Davis was just a little bit faster. Davis collected his fourth Main Event win of the season with Merritt and Chilton hot on his trail to the checkered flag. Second ranked Robert Hunt brought it home in fourth, but Kirkpatrick was right behind him in fifth. Shasta Hornet star Dustin Hills was sixth ahead of Steven Spears, Eric Hammond and Seth Libbee.
In the 600 Micro Sprint division, point leader Jeromie Crismon won the heat race ahead of Kyra Michelet. However, Michelet came back strong to win the Main Event. Skyler Richter finished second ahead of Crismon.
Racing returns on Saturday night, September 3rd. These same divisions are in action along with a kid's bike race and bike giveaway. For further information, go to www.orlandraceway.org.
Champions Crowned At Diamond Mountain Speedway
Susanville, CA...August 5 and 20...The final two races of the season at Diamond Mountain Raceway took place in August and helped decide the 2016 championships in the INCA Modified, Strictly Stock and Mini Stock divisions. IMCA Modified wins went to Chris Nieman and Mitch Murphy. When the final points were tallied, Nieman was the new track champion. In the Strictly Stock division, Shayna Robertson and Nathan Howard were the two feature winners, but Richard Longacre emerged with the track championship. In the Mini Stock division, Larry Whitebird hit the after burners with a pair of feature wins solidifying him as the track champion.
The turnout of cars was at a season low for the first IMCA Modified race of August, but the battle was still tight between Chris Nieman and Matt Murphy. Nieman took a big step towards the title by holding off Matt Murphy to win the first August race. Jeff Olschowka was third ahead of Steve Bejeck. It was a Murphy brothers 1-2 finish in the second August race as Mitch held off Matt for the victory. However, Chris Nieman finished third to win the championship by just four points over Matt Murphy. Late Model veteran Bill Pearson finsihed fourth ahead of past champion and two time winner Chris Olexiewicz, another past champion Scott Foreman, Steve Bejeck and Joe Blackwell.
The Strictly Stock division had a pretty good ending to their season, but reigning champion Richard Longacre would prove too difficult to dethrone. Though he didn't win either Main Event, the winners had to get through him for victory. Shayna Robertson was the star of the first August race as she joined Longacre in the heat race winner's circle. Come Main Event time, Robertson scored a well earned first victory ahead of Longacre. Jason Emmot had one of his best finishes of the year ahead of Ian Upton, Chris Annas, Francis Bailey, Fred Kresge and Nathan Howard. The DNF for Howard pretty much wiped out his title hopes despite a good effort in the finale. Longacre again won the heat race ahead of Howard. Howard and Longacre did battle for the Main Event win, but Howard prevailed at the checkered flag. Longacre settled for second ahead of Fred Kresge, Larry Foster, Joe Marlow and Caleb Eckles.
Like the IMCA Modifieds, the first Mini Stock race of August had a light turnout. Larry Whitebird held off Wyatt Spaulding to win both the heat race and Main Event. Season points runnerup Billy Gibson finished third in the Main Event ahead of Colby Russell. In the final August race, Bob Feller and Colton Lawson were about to have their best results of the season. Whitebird and Feller each won heat races. Whitebird proved to be just a bit too much for Feller to handle in the feature. Whitebird wrapped up a nice championship season with a win ahead of Feller and the hard charging Lawson. Gabriel Lewis had a strong showing in fourth ahead of Brandon Bumb, Trenton Longacre, C.C. Hernandez, Colby Russell and Megan Wilson.
Langenderfer, Blackburn Prevail At Hayfork Speedway
Hayfork, CA...August 27...Another night of racing at Hayfork Speedway produced some interesting results. The Hobby Stocks had another good turnout with Chico and Orland competitor Jeremy Langenderfer winning the Main Event. In the Mini Stocks, Andy Blackburn won a wild race. D.J. Case was the winner of the Beginner's Pure Stock race, while Tressan Smith won the Pro Stock race. Tommy Evans won the Enduro race.
A field of about ten Hobby Stocks produced some exciting racing as the division seems to be coming on strong again. More of the Hayfork locals are supporting the show. Langenderfer didn't let a crash he suffered last time keep him from coming back and doing battle with the locals. After a Trophy dash win, Langenderfer had to contend with two of the Kasper cars and past Clyde Cordell Memorial winner Burl Richardson. At the checkered flag, it was Langenderfer scoring a well earned victory. Kevin Kasper settled for second, while Richardson out dueled Bill Kasper for a third place finish.
Though the Mini Stocks didn't produce a huge field, the action was wild and entertaining for the fans. Orland leadfoot Ross Vige continues to make the tow to support this show, but he found himself involved in a couple of scrapes with 2015 Enduro champion William Young and reigning Mini Stock champion Jack Turner while battling fiercely for position. While this was going on, Andy Blackburn enjoyed his best night of the season. Blackburn brought home the hardware in the Trophy Dash and backed that up with a Main Event victory. Vige managed to get it to the line in second ahead of Young and Turner.
In a battle of the cousins, Tressan Smith won the Outlaw Pro Stock race ahead of Josh Smith. The Smith's have been committed to trying to establish this class at Hayfork Speedway, and Tressan clinched the championship with the win. Young D.J. Case won the Beginner's Pure Stock race ahead of third generatun racer William Kasper, while Tommy Evans won the Enduro race ahead of Eric Brown.
These same divisions will compete on September 10th when racing returns to Hayfork Speedway. For further information, go to www.hayforkspeedway.com.
Siewell, Reiber Win Coos Bay Features
Coos Bay, Oregon...August 27...The Sportsman and Hornet divisions were a part of the Paint To Pass program at Coos Bay Speedway Saturday night. In the Sportsman class, Dylan Siewell continued a strong rookie season with his 25 lap Main Event win. Runaway Hornets point leader Jeremiah Reiber returned in another dominant performance in winning their 25 lap Main Event.
Dylan Siewell set the Sportsman fast time with a lap of 16.955. He continued his good night with a Trophy Dash win ahead of the Street Stock truck of Michael Land. Troy Chamberlain won a good battle with point leader Wayne Butler for the eight lap heat race victory. Butler has been the driver to beat this year, but Siewell has been running strong lately. On this night, Siewell won the Main Event with Butler a few car lengths behind him in second. Land ended up third ahead of Chamberlain and Tim Young.
Tom Williams set the fast time for the Hornets, and Brody Montgomery scored the four lap Trophy dash win ahead of second place point competitor Jeremy Beard. Beard turned the tables on Montgomery by winning their heat race, while Reiber won his eight lap heat race ahead of Ryan Siewell. Come Main Event time, Reiber set a blistering pace up front to win by over half a lap ahead of Montgomery. Siewell and Adam Barber both managed to stay on the lead lap in third and fourth, respectively. Beard settled for fifth ahead of Sam Taylor, Paul Benson and Jason Greer.
