Friday, February 17, 2017

Southern Oregon Speedway 2017 Schedule, Yreka And Orland 2017 Schedules And More


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2017 Schedule Features Lots of Excitement 
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...The schedule for the 22nd season of racing at Southern Oregon Speedway has been released, and it's a good one. The fans will be treated to a variety of different classes on the three-tenth mile clay oval, and the schedule is dotted with special events throughout the season. All of the divisions from last season will return this year, with some rules defined in a few of the classes that were added last year.

In an effort to make sure the racers get some practice in before the season, a Test and Tune has been booked for April 15th with a rain date Test And Tune also scheduled for April 22nd. April 29th kicks off the new season with Late Models and IMCA Sport Modifieds headlining along with Pro Stocks, Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks and SODCA Dwarf Cars. The popular IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds lead the charge on May 6th, along with Late Models, Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks and Hornets. The season continues all the way to September 16th.

As mentioned above, there are several special events sprinkled throughout the season. On May 27th, the track will have an Open Wheel Showcase, featuring Northwest Midgets and Kendall Oil Sprint Cars. Non Wing Sprint Car enthusiasts can also mark the Herz Precision Parts Cascade Sprint Car Challenge on their calendars on August 26th, which will pay $3,000 to win. On June 3rd, the Roger Haudenshild Tribute will feature an increased purse for IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Pro Stocks. June 24th will be the annual Wild West Speedweek IMCA Modified and IMCA Sport Modified race.

The SODCA Dwarf Cars have again made the speedway the host track for the WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals on August 4th-5th. There will also be a special Street Stock event on May 20th, billed as The Road To The Iron Giant Series.  On August 12th,  with IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Models, Pro Stocks, Hornets and SODCA Dwarf Cars on the schedule, the track pays tribute to Medford racing history with a special "Hall Of Fame" night. Other scheduling announcements will be forthcoming.

Most of the divisions will have a minimum of ten races as a way to help ensure driver support and more cars on race night. The regular classes will also run for a guaranteed purse, regardless of car count. Given the current times, racers are balancing family time with racing time, and there's also the racer's budget to consider. It's with budget and increased driver support in mind that the track has adjusted the rules for the Pennzoil Sprint Car class. A new generation of racers is coming up through the Outlaw Kart ranks, and it's anticipated that these rules adjustments will help make it easier for them to continue supporting open wheel racing.

David Hibbard is coming back to his home track.  A past Limited Sprint Car champion who only missed the championship at Cottage Grove last season when he turned the wheel over to his son Bailey Hibbard for a race, David has enthusiastically worked behind the scenes with promoter Mike McCann to make a ten race season. Hibbard and McCann believe that this will lead to more cars, and David is looking forward to he and his son both competing at his home track. Other names to watch for include Jeffrey Hudson, Merissa Henson and rising young Outlaw Kart star Tanner Holmes.

After a year of the Open Stock experiment, the track has switched it to a Late Model division this year. Several cars are being built. The Dees family (champion father Bob and sons John and Garrett), will be back along with Mike Linder. Other names to watch for include Dustin Knight, Don Garrett Jr., Rick Hazen and Nathan Augustine. Because there are more Late Model chassis being run with 4 cylinder motors, the Super 4's have been rebranded as Late Model Lites. Champion Lee Doty will be back along with other stars, such as past champion John Barger, Charlie Eaton, Dan Prewitt, Eric Aos and Terry and Krista Hadley.

IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds are back. Management remains committed to the IMCA sanctioning and is hoping that this leads to a car count increase. IMCA Modified stars such as two time champion Albert Gill, James Welshonse, Duane Orsburn, Bo Shields, Jay Poppa, Jesse Bailey, Andy Freeman and Nick Trenchard are just a few who are anticipated this year.  Freeman will be debuting a new car.  Meanwhile, Mike Medel has a new car with hopes of defending his IMCA Sport Modified track championship, but he will face stiff competition from two time champion Jorddon Braaten, David Marble, Rich McCoy, Willie McFall, A.J. Parker, Tony Bartell and more.

The track has welcomed the Pro Stocks back under its own banner, meaning the drivers will race for a Southern Oregon Speedway championship for the first time since 2011. There are no major rule changes, and drivers anticipated during the 9 race season include two time champion Ken Irving, Miles Deubert, Brian Johnsen, Mike Johnson, Derrel Nelson Jr. and more. The Pro Stocks were one of the four divisions on the track's roster when it opened back in 1996, and it is still seen as an important part of what we do.

Mini Stocks are coming off of their best season in recent years, and that trend is expected to continue this year. Though champion Bob Burkett is moving up to Late Model Lites, he will still make several appearances in Mini Stocks. 2014 champion Gary Anderson and division super star David Steele are anticipated along with rising stars like Andrew Hall, Kristopher Mix, Dillen Lausen, Michael Johnson and many others.

The Hornets are back for their fourth season, and most of last year's stars are back again for the upcoming eight racer season. Champion Tim Hedges is planning to field three cars with his son and another driver wheeling the other cars. He recently purchased the Jesse Merriman car. Gabe Nelson will reportedly take the wheel of his dad's car, while John Hoult and hard charger Joby Shields will also be back. Other cars are being built, and this should be the biggest season yet for the entry level class.

The SODCA Dwarf Cars race at other venues, but they are proud to call Southern Oregon Speedway their home track. They will run most of their races here. In a bid to repeat as champion, Brock Peters has a new car from the shops of M&M Racing. Following back to back runnerup seasons, Camden Robustelli has his sites set on a championship and will make racing his Dwarf Car a bigger priority than racing his Sprint Car.  Rising young star Cody Peters, two time champion Josh King, Chad Cardoza, Randy Slater, Rob Sanders and other hard chargers will keep things very competitive.

Also back for more in 2017 will be the OTRO Hardtops.  The popular vintage division features some beautiful Coupe and Sedan bodied race cars and has been featured on the paved race tracks in the Northwest for several years.  OTRO President Vic Bridges negotiated some dates last season, and the group enjoyed racing at Southern Oregon Speedway so much that they're back for eight more races this year.  Some of the competitors in the group include Trevor Thomason, Bill Trotter, Wylie Powell, Jimmy Del Castille and Dean Cast.

Outlaw Kart enthusiasts may be wondering where the schedule is for the one-eighth mile oval.  They can rest assured that a schedule will be forthcoming and will be bigger than the 2016 offering.  Things are being finalized before the announcement can be made, and it will be good.  The awards banquet announcement will also make February a big month for the Outlaw Karts.  The 500 Open Karts, 250 Karts, Box Stocks and  Beginners Box Stocks will all be a part of the coming season. Stay tuned for all of that information.
It all gets started with the April 29th season opener.  With the exceptions of Jackson County Fair week on July 15th and the Country Music Festival on July 29th, racing will continue all the way through to championship night for IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Models, Mini Stocks and SODCA Dwarf Cars on September 16.  Stay tuned for further announcements and look for other information at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

2017 Southern Oregon Speedway Schedule
Saturday April 15 - Test & Tune - 3PM-7PM
Saturday April 22 - (Rain Date Test & Tune)
Saturday April 29  - Late Models, IMCA Sport Modifeds, Pro Stocks, Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Saturday May 6 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Models, Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks, Hornets.
Saturday May 13 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Models,  Pro Stocks, Hornets, OTRO Hardtops.
Saturday May 20 - Kendall Oil Sprint Cars, Road To The Iron Giant Street Stocks, Pro Stocks, Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Saturday May 27 - “Open Wheel Showcase” Kendall Oil Sprint Cars, Northwest Midgets, OTRO Hardtops, Pro 4 Modified West Association.
Saturday June 3 - “Haudenshild Tribute” IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Pro Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Saturday June 10 - Kendall Oil Sprint Cars, Late Models, Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks, Hornets, OTRO Hardtops.
Saturday June 17 - Kendall Oil Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, OTRO Hardtops.
Saturday June 24 - “Wild West IMCA Speedweek” IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Saturday July 1 - Kendall Oil Sprint Cars, Late Models, Pro Stocks, Mini Stocks, Hornets, OTRO Hardtops.
Monday July 3 - Monster Truck Mania - Monster Truck Invasion
Saturday July 8 - Kendall Oil Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks, Hornets, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Saturday July 15 - No Racing (Fair)
Saturday July 22 - Kendall Oil Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Late Models, Pro Stocks, Mini Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars, OTRO Hardtops.
Saturday July 29 - No Racing 
Friday August 4 - WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals
Saturday August 5 - WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals, Pennzoil Sprint Cars, Late Model Lites, OTRO Hardtops.
Saturday August 12 - “Hall Of Fame Night” IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Models, Pro Stocks, Hornets, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Saturday August 19 - Kendall Oil Sprint Cars (Non Wing), Late Models, Pro Stocks, OTRO Hardtops.
Saturday August 26 - “Herz Precision Parts Cascade Sprint Challenge” ($3000 To Win Non Wing) , Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks, Hornets.
Friday September 1 - “Lon Skinner Memorial” (Registration Day)
Saturday September 2 - “Lon Skinner Memorial” IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Sunday September 3 - “Lon Skinner Memorial” IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Saturday September 9 - Kendall Oil Sprint Cars,  Late Models, Pro Stocks, Late Model Lites, Hornets.
Saturday September 16 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Models, Mini Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars.
Schedule Subject To Change



2017 Schedule Released For Siskiyou Motor Speedway

Yreka, CA...The first draft of the 2017 schedule for Siskiyou Motor Speedway has been released, and it's filled with all of the big events you've come to expect, a few surprises and some new things as well.  The Siskiyou County Motorsports Association has a great season planned for the big track with news on the Outlaw Kart track still to come.  

One bit of information that is sure to make racers and fans happy is the fact that the track will retain IMCA sanctioning for both the Modified and growing Sport Modified divisions.  The SCMA also encourages those racers to join the SCMA for a vote on matters concerning the future of the track and an opportunity to compete for SCMA championship points in addition to IMCA points.

Contrary to rumors, the track will continue to feature Modifieds as an important part of their schedule.  Four important nights of racing for the class are the John Arnberg Memorial Race (May 26th and 27th), Wild West Modified Speedweek on June 23rd, the Firecracker Challenge on July 4th and the big season ending Rod Restad Memorial Race on September 23rd.  The Sport Modifieds are included on all four nights with the big Bo Hittson Memorial Race on May 26th and 27th.   The Mini Stocks run the Mike Caveye Memorial Race on May 26th and 27th.

The challenge has been issued to the IMCA Modified drivers to come back and race.  Lenny Toolanen and Stan Gunderson still made a few starts last season, but hopefully they will be seen more often this year along with other local hard chargers like Pablo Duran.  Albert Gill managed to grab the championship from Duane Orsburn in last season's finale, and it's likely that we'll see them again this season along with other big names from across the state line.  The Modifieds remain one of the more popular classes on the West Coast, and track management is hoping to see an increase in support this year.

Management did see an increase in support from the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modified drivers last season.   The highly competitive championship battle was won by Jimmy Lipke as over a dozen competitors won a Main Event.  It was so exciting that you never knew who would win on any given week.  Lipke is anticipated this year as well as two of his closest rivals, SCMA champion Garrett Hamilton and Doug Franklin.  However, there is plenty of new blood in this class.  The Boswell brothers are both up from the Mini Stock ranks.  Ryder made his division debut last year, while 2015 IMCA champion Colter Boswell is already a force to be reckoned with.

Nobody was winning more than Colton Cheffey last year, and people are already picking this rising young star as the driver to beat in the championship battle.  D.J. Bottoms is another star on the rise and the talented field includes hard chargers like Doug Morton, Dave Henshaw, Randy Wright, Jack Waldon III and Trevor Tiffee.  There's no reason to think that this season will any less exciting than it was last year.  The IMCA rules package is certainly doing its part to make the competition level as high as it is.

The McDonald's Mini Stocks are an important part of the program and are also very competitive.  Last year saw another championship battle that went right to the end in favor of long time competitor and division booster Marilyn Yawnick.  With rising young star Ethan Killingsworth and past champion Terry Kendrick nipping at her heels, that championship didn't come easy for Yawnick.  With these two back again this year, can Marilyn repeat?  2014 champion Mike Whitaker is sure to rebound from a rough season.  Hopefully, he will be joined at some point by his son Anthony, who is currently serving in the military.  David Steele is sure to make things interesting anytime he's in action, and Dennis Jorgensen, Mike Frost, Mike Colson and Amber Waldon are other drivers to watch for.

There are some other key attractions that will highlight the season, not the least of which is the Sprint Car Speedweek race that is set for Monday, July 10th, supported by IMCA Sport Modifieds.  The Outlaw Pro Stocks will headline the 3rd Annual Billy Geyer Memorial Race on May 6th, and they are in negotiations for more dates, which have yet to be announced.  Word was they will be making visits at least five times with defending champion Steve Borror, Scott Flowers, James Flowers, Matt Harlow and Roy Bain among the drivers to watch for.  The SODCA Dwarf Cars are set for visits on April 22nd, July 4th and July 15th.  With Kalvin Morton moving up after sweeping all three visits last season, defending SODCA champion Brock Peters, Cody Peters, Chad Cardoza and Camden Robustelli will be leading the charge for victory this year.

Through the years, Siskiyou Speedway has had other divisions as part of the show, and management is looking to add to the roster in 2017.  A call was recently put out for any class that can bring at least four cars, and the entry level Hornets division was specifically mentioned as a class that will be added.  In fact, an IMCA Sport Compact sanctioning was even hinted at, causing rumblings of interest just across the state line.  The bone stock 4 cylinder Hornets are featured at several Oregon tracks and are an affordable class that is growing.  Management is also looking at the more advanced 4 cylinder Late Model Lites division, and dates for both classes are to be announced.

At this point, the Outlaw Kart schedule for the one-eighth mile dirt oval hasn't been announced, but it is coming soon.  Some Karts are likely to be on display along with the bigger cars as part of the March 11th Sportsman Expo Car Show & Shine.  The car show continues on March 12th with a racing exhibition planned, whether permitting.  After a Test And Tune on April 1st, IMCA Modifieds, O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds and McDonald's Mini Stocks kick off the season on April 8th.  It all adds up to an exciting season of racing once again at Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  For further information, check out www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.


2017 Siskiyou Motor Speedway Schedule

March 11- Sportsmen Expo Car Show & Shine 9am-6pm

March 12 - Sportsmen Expo Car Show 9am-4pm, Racing Exhibition 11am-4pm

April 2 - Test & Tune 1pm-dark (not open to the public)

April 8 - Season Opener 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

April 22 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars

April 29 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

May 6 - Racing 7pm! Outlaw Pro Stocks 50 lap "Billy Geyer Memorial" Race, Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

May 7 - Test & Tune 1pm-dark (not open to the public)

May 20 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

May 27 - Racing 7pm! "Memorial Races" Qualifying (possible no track points all classes) Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

May 28 - Racing 5pm! "Memorial Championships" Mini Stocks Mike Caveye 32 lap Memorial, IMCA Sport Mods Bo Hittson 32 lap Memorial, IMCA Modifieds John Arnberg 38 lap Memorial

June 3 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

June 10 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

June 17 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

June 18 - Test & Tune 1pm-dark (not open to the public)

June 23 - Racing 7pm! Wild West IMCA Speedweek, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods

July 4 - Racing 4pm! "Firecracker Challenge & Fireworks Spectacular" Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars

July 10 - Racing 5pm! "Northwest Sprint Car Tour" Northwest Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Mods

July 15 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars

July 22 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

August 26 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

September 2 - Racing 7pm! Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

September 9 - Racing 7pm! (no track points all classes, no IMCA points) Mini Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Modifieds

September 17 - Test & Tune 1pm-dark (not open to the public)

September 23 - Racing 7pm! IMCA Modifieds 50 lap Rod Restad Memorial – Season Finale

Schedule Subject To Change


Siskiyou Motor Speedway 2016 Season Recap

Yreka, CA...The 2016 season at Siskiyou Motor Speedway featured the rise of the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds with their strongest season yet.  The McDonald's Mini Stocks maintained a strong presence at the track.  There were also several appearances of the IMCA Modifieds, including the big Wild West Speedweek Series, John Arnberg and Rod Restad races.  Outlaw Pro Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars and a Sprint Car Speedweek Tour race were also a part of the schedule.  Saturday racing also included several afternoon events on the new one-eighth mile Outlaw Kart track.

The SCMA continued to run the program and held their own championship point races in addition to the IMCA sanctioned Modified classes.  The records will show that Garrett Hamilton (SCMA Sport Modifieds), Marilyn Yawnick (Mini Stocks) and Duane Orsburn (SCMA Modifieds) won those championships.  The IMCA Sport Modified title went to Jimmy Lipke, while Albert Gill won the IMCA Modified championship.  The Yreka events were a factor in Steve Borror (Outlaw Pro Stocks) and Brock Peters (SODCA Dwarf Cars) capturing their respective championships.  Outlaw Kart champions included Richard Weststeyn (500 Karts), Brionna Fuller (Box Stocks), Taylor Fuller (Beginner Box Stocks), Ed Grubb (Speedway Karts) and Braden Weiser (250 Karts).

There was a change at the top in Sport Modifieds, and the youth movement also continued.  The previous season saw Colter Boswell win the IMCA championship and Doug Franklin win the SCMA title.  Boswell didn't make his season debut until later, and Franklin missed races to take himself out of the hunt.  Garrett Hamilton was very much interested in pursuing the championship, and Jimmy Lipke stepped up his program as well.  Much like Boswell a year earlier, Lipke never joined the SCMA, opting instead to focus squarely on the IMCA championship that his membership put him in contention for.   It was still close at the end of the season.

Hamilton actually got off to a slightly better start, but Lipke stayed a bit more consistent and grabbed the lead.  A crash late in the season actually left Lipke struggling a bit, but he still held on for the IMCA championship by 19 points.  Lipke had one win, topped the field with five seconds and had two thirds, along with two dash wins.  Hamilton had one won, two seconds, two thirds and two dash wins.  Though second to Lipke in the IMCA championship, Hamilton was honored at the SCMA championship banquet.  Reigning SCMA champion Doug Franklin was second in that race by 11 points ahead of Jack Waldon III.  Franklin was also third in IMCA points with a feature win, two seconds, one third and two dash wins.

There was not a more competitive IMCA Sport Modified show in the northwest than the one held at Yreka 18 times in 2016.  Considering the fact that there are some talented young competitors such as Colton Cheffey, D.J. Bottoms, Colter Boswell and Ryder Boswell on the roster, the future is looking bright for Yreka Sport Modifieds.  Cheffey finished fourth in SCMA points and fifth in IMCA points, behind Walden.  However, the teen sensation led the division with four feature wins and four dash wins, along with four second place feature finishes and one third.  Some are calling him the driver to beat going into the new season.

Even more amazing was the fact that Cheffey was one of two repeat winners on a list of 14 different winners.  It wasn't until Oregon's IMCA State champion Jorddon Braaten got his second win 11 weeks into the season that there was a repeat winner.  Medford champion Mike Medel won the season opener, and Kurt Lorenzini, Keith Foux, California IMCA State champion Brian Cooper,  Fred Ryland, Randy Wright, Colter Boswell, Rich McCoy and Kalvin Morton were also on the Main Event winner's list with one each.  Colter Boswell had two second place feature finishes, and two season high seconds were earned by Jessie Morton.  Season high thirds were earned by Ryder Boswell (twice) and Chad Wormington, Gary Foster, Jimmy Ford and Glen Severson, once each.

The Trophy Dash winner's list included several names in addition to Lipke, Hamilton, Cheffey and Morton.  Medel, Wormington, Foux, Braaten, Lorenzini, D.J. Bottoms and McCoy each had one.

The McDonald's Mini Stocks also helped keep the show together with a steady average in car count.  Coming off of his 2015 championship, David Steele was still the driver to beat.  However, his points took a hit when he parked with motor problems one night rather than doing more damage trying to get more points.  This lifted past champion Terry Kendrick, rising young star Ethan Killingsworth and Marilyn Yawnick into a competitive three car battle.  Though Yawnick has been an important part of the class for several seasons, she had the best season of her career.  Kendrick kept it close until a heat race crash with Steele just past the mid point of the season caused him to roll his truck and borrow a ride for the feature.  However, he got no Main Event points that night.  That proved to be the difference.

Yawnick left no doubt that she was the champion by picking up her fourth feature win late in the season.  She also had three thirds and two Trophy Dash wins.  With his two wins coming in the last three races, 15 year old Killingsworth pulled to within 13 points of Yawnick at the end.  Ethan also had three seconds and three thirds as well as two dash wins.  Kendrick earned one feature win.  He also led the class in seconds (five) and thirds (four).   Past champion Mike Whitaker had some  horrendous luck.  However, he did manage to win one feature along with a second and two thirds, helping him take fourth from Steele in the final standings.  Steele still racked up six wins, four seconds and four dash wins to maintain fifth in points.

Dennis Jorgensen won one feature along with two seconds, two thirds and a dash win, but he didn't join SCMA and chose not to run for points.  Mike Colson and Aaron Jorgensen each had a dash win.

The IMCA Modifieds struggled mightily during the season with the exception of the Wild West Series race and the track's signature Arnberg and Restad Memorial events.  Originally, there were to be just the three big races and a couple of others, but the schedule was revised twice to add more races.  Most of the locals who had supported in recent seasons parked, and the only driver who seemed interested in racing for points was Duane Orsburn, who joined the SCMA.  After reigning champion Nick Trenchard opened the season with a $1000 win, there were two three car fields and a night when only Orsburn showed up.  The second three car field saw Orsburn and Stan Gunderson both get disqualified, prompting Orsburn to park. This led to nights when nobody showed.

Because the Wild West and Arnberg races were still to come, car count grew with some big name drivers for both events.  There were doubts about whether there even was a show at this point, but six car fields appeared twice, won by Susanville champion Chris Olexiewicz and Albert Gill, who suddenly found himself challenging Orsburn for the championship heading into the Restad Memorial Race.  When Orsburn fell out of that race, Gill won the IMCA championship.  Orsburn is the SCMA champion.

Nobody repeated on the winner's list.  After Trenchard's $1000 win, regular events were won by Jeremy Ohlde, Roger Lorenzini Jr., Olexiewicz and Gill.  Ryan McDaniel won the Arnberg race ahead of Kyle Casson and Medford champion Mark Wauge, Wild West Speedweek champion Kellen Chadwick won that race ahead of Lance Mari and Collen Winebarger and Bobby Hogge IV made his first appearance ever at the track and won the Restad Race ahead of Alex Stanford and McDaniel.  The list of second place finishers also included Dan Thomas, Orsburn, Ray Kniffen Jr., and James Welshonse. Gill, Gunderson, past champion Lenny Toolanen and Orsburn each had one third.  Welshonse had two Trophy Dash wins and Trenchard, Orsburn, Lorenzini, Kniffen and Wauge each had one.

The track also welcomed the Outlaw Pro Stocks for five races, including the two race weekend that was the group's crown jewel, the Bily Geyer Memorial Race.  A late season cancellation by the group knocked their visits down from six.  The clear star of the Pro Stocks was series champion Steve Borror.  Borror won four of five races, including the Geyer race.  He was third in the Friday night preliminary feature as part of the Geyer event.  Borror also won three Trophy Dashes.  Second ranked Scott Flowers never missed a Top 3 finish with one second and four thirds.  Brian Johnsen won the Geyer preliminary feature and a Trophy Dash.  Other notable finishes included James Flowers, Arlen Garrison, reigning series champion Jeffrey Hudson and Rocky Nash each with a second and Miles Deubert with a third.  John David Duffie had a dash win.

Kalvin Morton likely wished the SODCA Dwarf Cars ran more races in Yreka.  Morton swept all three events and had two A Dash wins.  Unfortunately, a flip during the season in Medford saw him struggle enough to fall to third behind champion Brock Peters and Camden Robustelli.  Robustelli had one second place finish, while Chad Cardoza impressed with two seconds, a third and an A Dash win.  Rob Gergel, Mason Lewman and rising young star Cody Peters each had a third place finish as C. Peters also ranked fourth in points.

There was also a Sprint Car Speedweek race, and Mitchell Facinto won that race ahead of series champion Trey Starks and Jonathon Allard.  Faccinto also won the Trophy Dash that night.

Through the years, Siskiyou Motor Speedway has attempted to start an Outlaw Kart program.  It's believed that having a training ground such as their one-eight mile dirt oval will groom the future stars of the bigger track.  They usually raced Saturday afternoon before the big track had their races.  As the track was still being improved, a few races were canceled, and the improved track actually debuted in September.  Unfortunately, race results were not available, but point totals and point totals earned per race were.

The 500 Kart championship went to Richard Weststeyn.  Richard was the top point earner in three of the six races and was second twice.  500 Kart star Mike Wheeler was the top driver in his lone appearance, and Pro Stock champion Jeffrey Hudson was the top point getter in his one visit.  Kyle Morris managed to be the championship runnerup on the strength of two nights when he earned the second highest point total and two nights when he had the third highest.  Dillen Lausen made two starts and was the highest point earner of the finale.  Merissa Henson and Steve Rambo each had a night when they were the second highest point earners, while Medford champion Johnny Burke and Kenny Steadman each had a night when they earned the third highest point totals.

The Speedway Karts, led by the Fuller family, is a division trying to establish a presence in Yreka.  In three of the four visits, Ed Grubb had the highest point totals, and not surprisingly, he won the champion ship over Larry Fuller.  Larry had one night each as the top point earner, second highest and third highest.  Lori Fuller, Matt Davis and Matt Kimes each has one second place point night as their best efforts, and Sean Fuller and Debbie Maderros each had the third highest totals once.  According to kart numbers for the last two events, the Speedway Kart season ended the strongest.

The Fuller family presence was felt in both Box Stock classes.  Brionna Fuller was very impressive in Box Stocks as she had the highest totals four times, the second highest once and the third highest once.  Despite that, she won the championship by just 26 points over Natalie Richard.   The consistent Richard had the highest totals once and the second highest point earnings five times.  Cadyn Smith had the highest totals once.  Dallin Dagata ranked third in points with his two best performances being nights in which he earned the third highest totals.  Ryan Hirschbock moved up from the lower class and had the third highest totals in the finale.

Brionna's brother Taylor Fuller was very consistent in winning the Beginners Box Stock championship.  Taylor was the top point earner once, earned the second highest points four times and was third highest once.  Jacob James only beat Drew Berry by five points in the battle for second.  James was the highest point earner twice and had the third highest totals twice.  Berry was the highest point earner, the second highest point getter and the third highest point earner each once.  Ryan Hirschbock and Malachi Johnson topped the point list each once.  Adrian Richard had the second highest point totals once for his best showing, while Kyle Nixon had the third highest totals once.

The 250 Karts had enough support for three races.  Braden Weiser was the champion over Bodee Weiser.  Braden Weiser and Enrique Jaime each had one night with the highest totals.  The finial event saw the two Weiser boys and Trace Adams tie for the highest totals.  Cole Skyler had the third most points in the first race.

2017 Siskiyou Motor Speedway Points
IMCA Sport Modifieds
James Lipke 513
Garrett Hamilton 494
Doug Franklin 426
Jack Waldon III 415
Colton Cheffey 382
Colt Boswell 347
Chris Jorgensen 302
Randy Wright 289
Ryder Boswell 276
Gary Foster 231

IMCA Modifieds

Albert Gill 160
Duane Orsburn 155
Nick Trenchard 129
Mark Wauge 103
Dan Thomas 90
Ryan McDaniel 78
Leonard J. Toolanen 78
Alex Stanford 72
James Welshonse 68
Monte Bischoff 67

SCMA Sport Modifieds
Garrett Hamilton 494
Doug Franklin 426
Jack Walden III 415
Colton Cheffey 382
Colter Boswell 347

SCMA Mini Stocks
Marilyn Yawnick 820
Ethan Killingsworth 897
Terry Kendrick 777
Mike Whitaker  738
David Steele 643

SCMA Modifieds
Duane Orsburn 155

500 Karts
Richard Weststyne 223
Kyle Morris 171
Steve Rambo 124
Merissa Henson 92
Mike Wheeler 55

Speedway Karts
Ed Grubb 194
Larry Fuller 140
Nick Davis 86
Lori Fuller 82
Sean Fuller 41

Box Stock
Brionna Fuller 308
Natalie Richard 282
Dallin Dagata 159
Cadyn Smith 98
Ryan Hirschbock 82

Beginner Box Stocks
Taylor Fuller 264
Jacob James 186
Drew Berry 181
Adrian Richard 160
Shailene Horn 127

250 Karts
Braden Weiser 117
Bodee Weiser 108
Enrique Jaime 53
Cole Skyler 46
Brendon Bartlett 45





Orland Raceway Prepares For 2017 Season

Orland, CA...Orland Raceway is returning for a new season of racing under the promotion of Rich Hood.  A long time Pure Stock competitor at the track, Hood stepped forward in 2016 to save the track after the previous management walked away days after announcing a schedule.  Hood went local with his schedule, meaning the staple classes, Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks and Micros were all scheduled for their 10 race season in an effort to get the ball rolling once again.  Because they had such a late start, they stuck with the basics in an effort to get racing back on the one-fifth mile dirt oval.

For the 2017 season, Orland has bumped the schedule up to 12 dates and two as of yet announced special events in October.  There are two playdays set for April 15th and April 22nd, and the season kicks off with the core five classes on April 29th.  They run pretty much every other week, but they do follow up the opener with a May 6th West Coast Enduro event.  One of the marque events for the track happens on May 19th as part of the Glenn County Fair.  Joining the core five classes will be a special Figure 8 race.

The track will likely make a few races during the 12 race championship season special events, and the August 12th race is special in its own right as the California Hardtops make their return after a three year absence.  Management has indicated in the past that they are receptive to adding dates for visiting groups if there is enough support, leaving open the possibility of an appearance by a division such as Street Stocks, Sport Modifieds or even Wingless Spec Sprints.  As it is, local racers will be happy to know they have a nice 12 race season booked.

Leading the charge will be the Pure Stocks.  The strongest support at the track continues to come from the popular division as they frequently have fielded car counts above ten during the past few seasons.  One of the names found frequently at or near the top of the point list in recent years is Steve Martin.  Martin won last season's championship by just 26 points ahead of Jeremy Langenderfer.  Despite missing the first three races, the steady Shannon Collins beat Cody Bundy by just seven points in a close battle for third.

Not surprisingly, Collins, Martin and Langenderfer topped the feature winner's list in 2016.  Collins won three times to a pair of victories each for Langenderfer and Martin.  Chico champion Brian Compton came to town and won the finale, and past Orland star Brad Ray and Jason Armstrong also had wins.  Armstrong is anticipated for the Hardtop show and may make a visit or two for some Pure Stock racing.  Other stars of Orland Raceway Pure Stock racing to watch for in 2017 include Earl Adams, Amanda Koop, Jared Flower, Mel Byers and Chris Barnett.

California's last remaining Mini Tuck division is in Orland.  The class has been featured here since the 1990's. One of the stars in recent years has been the always exciting to watch Dan Webster.  Unfortunately, bad luck, like the time he demolished his truck in a rollover, has kept him from taking the throne as champion.  However, Webster won the championship by 59 points ahead of William Fogle last season despite missing the opener.  The next three names on the list are Orland mainstays Keith Ross, Ross Vige and Olin Crain.

Ross was actually the reigning champion, and Vige was also a champion in recent seasons.  Crain  remains a staunch supporter with multiple vehicles in Mini Trucks and Mini Stocks.  Crain actually won two of the first three races before taking himself out of the championship battle.  Ross led the winner's list 4-3 over Webster, while Vige won the season finale.  Nate Skaggs, Brent Allinger and Jeremy Callen are other drivers to watch for this season.

Unlike the other two champions, Orland Raceway mainstay John Kirkpatrick won his Mini Stock championship without winning a Main Event.  His margin of victory over past champion Robert Hunt was just 32 points.  Past champion Tom Davis ran a hit and miss schedule, but when he raced, he dominated.  Davis held off Donovan Chilton by 16 points in the battle for third, while newcomer Jeff Bennett was fifth despite missing the second half of the season when Barbara Crain took over the driving duties.

Davis opened the season with two wins, closed it with three in row and had a total of six victories in his seven starts.  Chilton grabbed a pair of wins, while Hunter Merritt and Hunt each grabbed a victory.  Other drivers to watch for this season include, Steve Spears, Eric Hammond and Seth Libbe.  As with the other classes, word is that there will be some new drivers on the roster this season.
Not to be forgotten in the mix are the 600cc and 250cc engined Micro Sprint classes, which were first introduced to the regular roster by promoter Mike McCann in 2013.  Building car count has been a work in progress, though the 250's ended the 2016 season with their second seven car field and the 600's had a 10 car field once during the year.  Management remains committed to building up these classes, but at times the two might run together if car count is light.

When you're talking 600 Micros at Orland, you have to mention the two biggest stars, Jeromie Chrismon and Skyler Richter.  Both drivers, along with third ranked Tony Alosi, were feature winners last year, and Chrismon's championship margin over Richter was big due to Richter missing races.  Fourth ranked Kyra Michelet was also a feature winner last year, and other drivers to watch for in 600's this season include Rick Gutzke, Dean Slinkard and Rick Alonso.

The 250 racers tried something different one night as they had a wingless race, won by Robert Baker.  One of the big names on the roster is Jackie Whitson Jr., who won multiple Main Events but missed several races to finish fifth in the standings.  Andrew Love was also a feature winner during the 2016 season and won his championship comfortably ahead of Dave McKinnon.  McKinnon just barely held off Ronnie Heyer by 3 points for second, while Jess Garland was 12 points back in fourth. 

Through the years, Orland Raceway has sort of flown in under the radar and has almost been like the best kept secret in Northern California racing.  However, there have been some big races and some top notch racers who have all helped make this such a special place to race.  Thanks to Rich Hood and his crew, there is a nice schedule that will kick off on April 29th with the core five classes and wrap up a 12 race championship season for those classes on September 30th.  Let's not forget the May 6th Enduro and the two potential special events in October.  It all adds up to lots of excitement for Orland racing fans.  For further information, go to http://www.orlandraceway.org/.

2016 Orland Raceway Point Standings
Pure Stock
Steve Martin 489
Jeremy Langenderfer 363
Shannon Collins 345
Cody Bundy 338
Earl Adams  272
Amanda Koop 172
Jared Flower 139
Mel Byers 137
Chris Barnett 133
Brian Compton 108

Mini Trucks
Dan Webster 464
William Fogle 405
Keith Ross  374
Ross Vige 301
Olin Crain  264
Nate Skaggs 234
Brent Allinger 216
Jeremy Callen 170
Jake Van Tol 52

Mini Stock
John Kirkpatrick 475
Robert Hunt 442
Tom Davis 379
Donovan Chilton  263
Jeff Bennett  250
Steve Spears 229
Eric Hammond  225
Barbara Crain  144
Seth Libbee  123
Hunter Merritt 107

600 Micros
Jeromie Crismon 417
Skyler Richter 294
Toni Alosi 156
Kyra Michelet 153
Rick Gutzke 106
Dean Slinkard 103
Rick Alonso 57
Kenny Wanderstad 55
Christine Root 46
Robert Bernard 44

250 Micros
Andrew Love 336
Dave McKinnon 194
Ronnie Heyer 191
Jess Garland 182
Jackie Whitson Jr. 165
Robert Baker 101
Rusty Hensley 91
Troy Weiss  53
Jackie Whitson Sr. 51
Monica Aldrich 46   


 2017 Orland Raceway Schedule

April 15 - Playday
April 22 - Playday
April 29 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros
May 6 - West Coast Enduros
May 19 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros, Figure 8
June 3 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros
June 17 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros
July 1 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros
July 15 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros
July 29 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros
August 12 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros, California Hardtops
August 19 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros
September 16 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros
Setpember 30 - Pure Stocks, Mini Stocks, Mini Trucks 250/600 Micros