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Photos By Stephanie Kralicek
2017
Southern Oregon Speedway champions from left to right; Kyler Barraza
(Sprint Cars), Kristopher Mix (Mini Stocks), Mike Medel (IMCA Sport
Modifieds), Bob Burkett (Late Models Lites), Jesse Bailey (IMCA
Modifieds) and Scott Lenz (Pro Stocks).
2017 Southern Oregon Speedway Rookie Of The Year winners from left to right; Merissa Henson (Sprint Cars), Garrett Dees (Late Models), Jesse Merriman (IMCA Sport Modifieds), Bob Burkett (Late Model Lites) and Jenna Hedges (JOAT Labs Hornets).
Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car champion Kyler Barraza won three Main Events.
Mike Medel won two Main Events and earned his second straight IMCA Sport Modified championship.
16 year old Merissa Henson finished second in Sprint Car points and won the Rookie Of The Year award.
Garrett Dees won the Late Model Rookie of The Year award and finished seventh in points.
Jenna Hedges was a two time Trophy Dash winner, won JOAT Labs Hornets "Rookie Of The Year" honors and finished second in points.
Champions Honored At Southern Oregon Speedway
Awards Banquet
Medford, Oregon...The stars of the 2017 season at Southern Oregon Speedway gathered at Los Arcos restaurant in Medford for the awards banquet. The top drivers in the track's eight regular divisions were presented with trophies from what was the 22nd consecutive season of racing on the 3/10th mile clay oval in White City.
Promoter Mike McCann gave the group of nearly 200 attendees his state of the race track address as he prepares for his third season as promoter of the speedway. McCann highlighted some of the struggles and the accomplishments of the 2017 season, which included the first running of the Herz Precision Parts Wingless 360 Sprint Car race, Hall of Fame Night and the R Charles Snyder Salute. McCann also thanked all of the people who worked hard behind the scenes to make it all happen as well as the track's sponsors.
With track announcer Bryce Burtner unable to MC the event due to a scheduling conflict, track publicist Don Martin stepped in to handle the duties. Martin emphasized how important each and every driver is to the success of the racing program and why events such as the R Charles Snyder Salute and Hall of Fame night are so important to the heritage of the track. He added that the track just received their five-year anniversary award from IMCA for continuous sanctioning and that IMCA will continue to sanction the popular Modified and Sport Modified divisions in 2018.
The track honored eight champions, including Kyler Barraza (Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars), Nathan Augustine (Late Models), Jesse Bailey (IMCA Modifieds), Mike Medel (IMCA Sport Modifieds), Bob Burkett (Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites), Kristopher Mix (Mini Stocks), Jason Stoutenburgh (JOAT Labs Hornets) and Dr. Scott Lenz (Pro Stocks). Only Augustine was unable to attend the event.
Barraza had seven total Top 3 finishes, including three feature victories. However, his season ended one week from the finish after his car flipped on the back stretch in the Wingless Sprint race at the end of August. The car caught fire and Barraza suffered second and third degree burns. However, he accomplished enough in his other starts to clinch the championship despite missing the final race. Kyler pointed out that his racing was a family effort without big sponsors, and without his family he wouldn't be able to do this. He added that this was his 10th season of racing, and he enjoyed competing with everybody.
The Winged Sprint Car division will continue under the Kendal Oil sponsorship. David Hibbard of Dave's Carpet And Vinyl will continue to be a big supporter of the effort and has also launched the ISCS Sprint Car Tour, which will include two other race tracks in addition to Medford. David finished fourth in the standings last year behind his son Bailey. Bailey won three Main Events. However, Marissa Henson beat Bailey Hibbard by just one point to finish second in the standings and win Rookie Of The Year honors.
The Top 10 drivers in each of the eight divisions received trophies, and the Dees family was well-represented in Late Models as Bob finished third with two feature victories, son Garrett finished seventh and son John finished 9th. Garrett also won Rookie Of The Year honors. Champion Nathan Augustine won two Main Events out of five Top 3 finishes to out duel three time winner Dustin Knight for the championship.
Jesse Bailey did not enter the season expecting to run for IMCA Modified points, but after leading the division with five Top 3 finishes, he won a hard fought battle with seven time champion Mark Wauge and two time champion Albert Gill to claim the title. Gill and Wauge each had a victory. Shane Everson earned the 7th place trophy and Rookie Of The Year.
With a new car for the season, Mike Medel set out to defend his IMCA Sport Modified championship. His two feature victories secured him those honors as he had a division leading five Top 3 finishes. Medel praised his fellow competitors, including division point runner-up Willie McFall, for the close competition and the fun that he had each and every week. Jessie Merriman finished fourth in the standings to secure Rookie Of The Year honors.
After being one of the stars of the Mini Stock division for over a decade, Bob Burkett used his one win and five Top 3 feature finishes to win both Rookie Of The Year and the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites championship. Charlie Eaton did a superb job of staying consistent and finishing a career best second. Having raced as long as he has, Burkett felt weird about being the top rookie, but he pointed out that he had fun driving a car that was faster than anything he had raced before.
A long shot going into the year, third Generation racer Kristopher Mix surprised the field with a division leading six Top 3 feature finishes to secure the Mini Stock championship. Mix also celebrated the birth of his first son. The rapidly improving Michael Johnson made a late charge on Dillen Lausen to take second in the final standings, while Hunter Magnan finished eighth in points and was the top rookie.
Jason Stoutenburgh left little doubt as to who the JOAT Labs Hornets champion would be by winning the last four Main Events of the season. The battle was for second, where rookie Jenna Hedges passed her husband Tim Hedges on the final night. Jenna also won the Rookie Of The Year award.
Returning champion Dr. Scott Lenz picked up three Pro Stock feature wins to hold off Rookie Of The Year Dean Hackworth for the championship. Jeffrey Hudson won perhaps the race of the year to close out the season and finished third in the final standings.
Many rumors swirled around the room concerning drivers moving into different divisions and other racers coming out for the 2018 season. Promoter Mike McCann indicated that the schedule will be released within the next two weeks. The season opener will be set for April 28th. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
2017 Southern Oregon Speedway Season Review
White City, Oregon...2017 marked the 22nd consecutive season of continuous operation at Southern Oregon Speedway. Promoter Mike McCann began his second year at the speedway with an exciting schedule featuring some big events. McCann and crew also struggled during the early portion of the season with numerous problems that threatened to derail the season. However, several big events enabled the season to end on a high note.
The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars were back for their second season, and rules adjustments and some support from Dave's Carpet And Vinyl helped boost the numbers. Kyler Barraza, who is a two time Southern Oregon Sprint Car Tour champion, returned after taking a break and mounted a serious challenge for the championship. Jake Waddell was a surprise visitor and scored the victory in the season opener ahead of Barraza.
The season opener marked one of the moments that affected the championship battle as Bailey Hibbard crossed the finish line in third but bypassed the scales and was disqualified. Barraza won his first of three Main Events at the second event, and B. Hibbard rebounded for his first of three wins at the third race. With seven Top 3 finishes and three Trophy Dash victories, Barraza built such a big lead that even missing the final race due to burns suffered in a fiery crash at the Herz Precision Parts Cascade Sprint Car Challenge race couldn't stop him from winning the championship.
Bailey Hibbard did all that he could in winning the season finale for his third victory, but Merissa Henson crossed the line in fourth to hold him off by just one point. Henson finished second in the points with Rookie Of The Year honors, and her best Main Event finish of the year was third. After three straight second place feature finishes, David Hibbard finally got his one victory and ended up fourth in the standings ahead of rookie Enrique Jaime. Jaime had a heat race win late in the season and a season high third place Main Event finish. David Hibbard won one Trophy Dash with Barraza winning the other three.
Jake Wheeler made an appearance late in the season and held off Barraza for the victory. Cooper Desbiens, Camden Robustelli and Tanner Holmes each had a season high second place feature finish. The $3,000 prize in the Herz Precision Parts Wingless Sprint Car Challenge was won by Californian Geoff Ensign ahead of Cody Fendley and Cottage Grove 360 Sprint Car champion Kyle Miller.
The Late Model division gathered more momentum and featured an exciting battle between Coos Bay champion Nathan Augustine and past Pro Stock and Modified champion Dustin Knight. There were four consecutive different feature winners in the first four races as Augustine, Knight, Trent Elliott and reigning champion Bob Dees collected the wins. The battle intensified as Knight and Augustine when the next two races, and Augustine led the division with four Trophy Dash victories.
Round #6 was the game changer as Knight crashed exiting Turn 2 early in the race and finished last. He rebounded to win the seventh event for his third win of the season (to go with his three seconds), but a scheduling conflict kept him from running the final race. Augustine was the point leader headed into that race, but got a flat tire that night to finish last. Bob Dees scored the win in that race for his second victory of the season. Augustine was the champion with two wins and three seconds. Knight finished second in the standings ahead of B. Dees.
Dave Foote used his third third place finish of the season in the finale to take fourth in the standings from Kristy Grout. Californian David Newquist and Rookie Of The Year Garrett Dees each had season high second place finishes, while hard luck racer Mike Linder and Kristy Grout each had a season high third. Knight, B. Dees and John Dees won one Trophy Dash each.
The IMCA Modified division was so competitive that there were no repeat winners throughout the season. There was also a question as to who might win the championship. Car count was strong at the three marquee events as Californian Troy Foulger captured the $5,000 first prize in the first R Charles Snyder Salute event, followed by seven time track champion Mark Wauge. Nick Trenchard collected a $1,700 first prize with his victory in the Rodger Haudenshild Tribute in front of Albert Gill. The $1,000 prize in the Wild West Speedweek Tour race went to Californian Danny Lauer ahead of John Campos.
Longtime competitor Monte Bischoff won the season opener and was a Trophy Dash winner the next week before falling out of competition. Californian Derek Nance made a surprise visit in round #3 and used traffic to take the victory from Gill. The fifth event was a victory for Gill, who declared his intent to run for the championship. However, Gill was a no show in the sixth event, won by Zach Fettinger ahead of a season high second place finish for Jesse Bailey. Bailey led the division with five Top 3 finishes.
Though he didn't have a strong showing in the R Charles Snyder Salute, Bailey did make the big money Main Event, while Gill did not. Because of that, Bailey had pretty much clinched the championship heading into the season finale. Wauge ran a patient race that night and took the lead from early leader Kevin Hewitt. Once in front, Wauge became the ninth different winner in nine races ahead of a season high second place finish for Preston Jones. While Bailey was the champion, Wauge overtook Gill for second in the standings.
Preston Jones would finish fourth in the final rundown ahead of Ray Kniffen Jr. Jeremy Richey had a season high second place finish in the preliminary feature during the R Charles Snyder Salute. Collen Winebarger and Bobby Hogge IV each had a season high third. Only Bailey won more than one Trophy Dash as other wins went to Kniffin, Gill and Hogge.
With a new car, Mike Medel set out to defend his IMCA Sport Modified Championship. However, he faced the familiar challenge of two time champion Jorddon Braaten, who won the first two races and forced Medel to settle for second each night. When Braaten elected to pull out of the championship battle, Medel won the next race ahead of Rich McCoy. After a hot lap crash at the season opener sidelined him, McCoy was forced to play catch up for most of the season.
Braaten appeared to be the winner in the Speedweek race, but a tech disqualification handed the win to Californian Brian Cooper. However, the Braaten team produced a letter proving that they had passed technical inspection of their motor after a thorough teardown, though the decision by IMCA would not be overturned. When McCoy scored back to back feature victories, two time Main Event runner up Willie McFall, McCoy and Medel were very much in the running for the championship heading into the pivotal R Charles Snyder Salute.
McFall struggled all weekend and failed to make into the big show. McCoy was one of the fastest drivers all weekend, but motor issues ended his Main Event on Sunday. Medel stayed consistent and smooth with a Top 5 finish to all but clinch the championship heading into the finale. If there were any doubts, Medel won the final race for his second win of the season, successfully defending his track championship. McFall finished second in the standings ahead of McCoy. Braaten won his last two starts, and his wins in the R. Charles Snyder Salute and Roger Haudenshild Tribute each paid over $1,000.
With a season high third place finish, Jesse Merriman was the top rookie and finished fourth in the standings, followed by David Marble, who had a season best second place feature finish after a very rough start. Season high second place feature finishes were also earned by Todd Cooper, rookie Justin McCreadie, Alan Furuta and Matt Sanders, while Tony Bartell, Jimmy Lipke, Craig Nieman and Oregon State champion Jayson Nelson had season high thirds. McCoy, McFall and Braaten each had two Trophy Dash wins, while Medel had one.
David Steele carried his experience advantage into the Mini Stock championship battle, and after his strong ending to 2016, he appeared to be the driver to beat. Steele opened the season with back to back Main Event victories, but he blew three straight motors in the races that followed. 2014 champion Gary Anderson and 2013 champion Steve Goetz won the next two races with Anderson winning again in Round #5. Unfortunately, these two drivers had enough mechanical issues to keep them from making a serious championship bid.
Teen leadfoot Dillen Lausen won a heat race at the opener, finished a season high second in the next Main Event and was third in the next race to take the early point lead. However, he was about to be challenged by unlikely contender Kristopher Mix. Mix opened the season with a third and had a season high second in the third event. Mix led the division with 6 Top 3 feature finishes, and Lausen began to struggle at the midpoint of the season. This opened the door for another hard charging teen, second generation racer Michael Johnson. Johnson began his charge up the ladder with a third place finish in the fourth event and a second at the following race.
Johnson clearly established himself as a threat for the championship when he won the sixth event and followed that up with a runner up finish at the next race. It fell apart for Johnson at the second to last event. Johnson was running second, trailing David Steele by straightaway. Hoping to catch him, Johnson made contact with the front and back wall and ended up with a flat tire. He finished further back and as a result would need major bad luck for Mix to win the championship. However, Mix ended the season with four straight third place finishes and won the championship, while Johnson used his third second place finish in the finale to overtake Lausen for second in the standings.
Steele won the last three Main Events and a total of five to finish fourth in points ahead of teammate Goetz. Marissa Luckman had a second place finish in the first event, and Andrew Hall had a season best third place finish at the second race and was also a trophy Dash winner. Only Steele repeated as a two time dash winner, while Bob Burkett, Lausen, Goetz, Johnson and Mix also won Trophy Dashes. The steady Hunter Magnan won top rookie honors.
The Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites gained Mini Stock veteran Bob Burkett in their ranks along with division super star Bob Westcott, who split driving duties with Randy Hansen. Reigning champion Lee Doty won the opener and finished second at the next race behind Westcott. Doty was the early point leader, but a broken rear end in mud packing at the third event and a roll over at the next event ended the season for Doty. With one win and four second place finishes along with four dash victories, Burkett made a serious bid for the championship.
Burkett's closest challenger was Charlie Eaton, who picked up four third place finishes and a season high second. The championship was close heading into the finale, but Burkett's fourth second place finish and Trophy Dash win clinched the title for him. Eaton was a career best second in the final standings, followed by Greg Arnold. With a win in the season finale, rookie Dusty Aos tied Bill Spencer for fourth in points. Danny Prewitt and Greg Arnold each had season high third place finishes while Hansen was the only other Trophy Dash winner. Hansen also won two Main Events. Burkett was the top rookie in the standings.
The JOAT Labs Hornets saw an increase in car count as the new title sponsor began building cages for new competitors. The season opened with Joby Shields winning the Main Event, followed by a win in the next event by David Coggins. However, both competitors dropped out of the point race. The battle would be between reigning champion Tim Hedges and past Thrill Car champion Jason Stoutenburgh. The controversial third event saw a crash on the back straightaway between Stoutenburgh and Coggins, resulting in confusion as to who's the leader was.
Initially, Zach Nelson was declared the winner, but it was discovered that T. Hedges was first. Hedges gained the point lead with his second straight win the next week, combined with a flat tire on the opening lap for Stoutenburgh. Unfortunately, this was the high water mark for Hedges, who failed to even earn a Top 3 finish in the final four events due to serious mechanical issues. Stoutenburgh left little doubt as to who the champion was by winning the last four races. Jenna Hedges had a season high second and third place finish along with two Trophy Dash wins, and she was able to overtake her husband Tim for second in the final standings.
Ashtin Hedges had a season high third place feature finish to finish a solid fourth in the standings, and second generation competitor Dylan Irving finished third in the second to last race and won both the Trophy Dash and his heat race in the finale to hold off Derrel Nelson Jr. and Brandon Wonsyld for fifth. D. Nelson had two season high second place finishes while sons Zach Nelson and Ryan Nelson each had one. Scott Pierce and Wonsyld each had one second. John Corder had a third place finish. Stoutenburgh was also a two time Trophy Dash winner while Tim Hedges and Shields also had one dash win.
An attempt was made to bring the Pro Stocks back under the track's promotional umbrella with their first track champion since 2011. The question was, who would race for it? Pro Stock Association members were reluctant to come on board, and an early season rainout for the association was moved to Yreka, rather than attempting to reschedule. This meant that only three of the seven remaining dates would receive full support from the association. Josh Kralicek and Derrel Nelson Jr. supported an eventful first race that saw Kralicek get a flat tire while leading and Nelson hit the wall coming out of Turn 4 to limp to the pits in victory. Nelson lost his ride after the second event.
The second race was the association supported Roger Haudenshild Tribute, won by Dr. Scott Lenz ahead of James Flowers. Kralicek won the Trophy Dash that night, but he missed the next race, won by Lenz ahead of Miles Deubert. Lenz missed the next race as Jeffrey Hudson won ahead of rookie Dean Hackworth. This moved both drivers into championship contention. The car count grew as the association supported the next race, another win for point leader Lenz ahead of Scott Flowers. Lenz missed the next race due to family commitments, but Hudson's potential move into the lead never happened. This was because car owner Scott Bennett drove the car to a feature win ahead of Bryan Hammond.
Hackworth was the only driver with a shot a Lenz going into the association supported finale. Lenz drove the borrowed Roy Bain car to a dash win and struggled as the first car a lap down in the feature. However, he did what he needed to do to clinch the track and association championships. Hackworth settled for second in track points along with top rookie honors. Meanwhile, the season finale saw Hudson win the race of the year with a thrilling last lap pass on James Flowers for his second victory. Hudson finished third in points ahead of Kralicek and J. Flowers. Lenz won three Trophy Dashes, while Hudson and Bennett each won one.
The Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association ran most of their races at Southern Oregon Speedway, and Brock Peters successfully defended his club championship. Peters won four of the first six point races at Southern Oregon Speedway and was second in the two races he did not win. Because of his strong start, he held off Chad Cardoza and Ryan Smith in a good battle. Cardoza had a season high second place feature finish as did Smith.
Camden Robustelli opened the season with a thrilling victory ahead of B. Peters and son Cody Peters. Cody had two second place finishes and two thirds in point competition at his home track, but the best would come later in the season. Two time champion Josh King picked up a pair of feature victories, and late season surprise victories were earned by Mason Lewmen and Rob Gergel. Gergel battled Kalvin Morton, who ended up with a season best second in the finale. Peters and Cardoza each had three A Dash wins, while Robustelli had two and C. Peters had one.
At the Dwarf Car Nationals, Cody Peters made a thrilling last lap pass on NorCal Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner to win the Pro Main Event, which was the biggest win of his young career. Kevin Bender won the Veteran feature and the Veteran preliminary feature. Josh Wiesz won the Sportsman feature and the Sportsman preliminary feature, while Michael "Spanky" Grenert won the Pro preliminary feature. Roughly 70 competitors from the around Oregon, California and Nevada were on hand for the Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event.
The Old Time Racers of Oregon Hardtops ran for fun, not points. Mark Minter brought the Minter family's Old Pink #33 car back after being away for a couple of seasons. This is one of the original cars that competed when OTRO began several years ago. Minter won the season opener ahead of Dusty Trotter and followed that up with a win ahead of Bruce Wilkerson at the next race. Jamie Britton, a PRA competitor on the pavement in Roseburg, was a surprise visitor at the opener. Britton found that he had a preference for dirt and joined OTRO that night. After back to back third place finishes, Britton won the next two races.
The final race of the season was a victory for Rhett Lange as Bruce Wilkerson settled for his second runner up finish. Wilkerson was driving for Vic and Louise Bridges. Vic Bridges was the president of the group and secured the dates for OTRO at Southern Oregon Speedway for these past two seasons. Sadly, he passed away during the off season. A season high second place finish was earned by Bill Trotter, while Kevin Lowell had a season high third. Trophy Dash victories were earned by Brian Crouch, Jimmy Del Castille, Jamie Britton, Bill Trotter and Dean Cast. Much like last season, there were no repeat Trophy Dash winners.
The first event for the Road To The Iron Giant Street Stock Series came to Southern Oregon Speedway. Donald Schott won the 50 lap $1,000 to win event ahead of hard charger Kyle Yaeck and Washington visitor Jack Parshall. The Northwest Focus Midgets were a part of the Open Wheel Showcase event that ended the month of May. Over 20 competitors where on hand from the Washington based group, and Tristin Thomas won an exciting event ahead of Michael Volbrecht and Chance Crum. The Pro 4 West Modifieds were a part of that program with the win going to Tobey Ferrando.
Siskiyou Motor Speedway 2017 Season Review
Yreka, CA...Siskiyou Motor Speedway continued their racing program in 2017 with a strong showing by the IMCA Sport Modified division and the McDonald's Mini Stocks. The IMCA Modifieds had some dates, but they didn't get support on some nights in which they were scheduled. To help take up some of the slack, The Outlaw Pro Stock Association, the Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association and Medford's Hornets and Late Model Lites were included on the schedule, and the track also hosted a Wild West IMCA Modified Speedweek race and a Northwest Sprint Car Speedweek event.
For all intents and purposes, the IMCA Sport Modified division took over the banner as the track's headline division. In doing so, they ran for a $500 to win purse every time car count exceeded 12 cars. The division boasts a strong youth movement with such young guns as D.J. Bottoms, Colton Cheffey, Colt and Ryder Boswell and Jack Waldon III. Cheffey certainly ended the 2016 season as the hottest driver in the division, and he was the odds on favorite to win the championship.
The season opened with Antioch, California area competitor Keith Brown Jr. winning the Main Event and early season championship contender Justin Faux finishing second. Chris Jorgensen wasn't seen much during the course of the year, but he finished third that night. A rookie by the name of Justin McCreadie scored the win at the next race ahead of Bottoms and a season best third place finish for Medford visitor David Marble.
It was Justin Faux staking his claim on the point lead by winning the third event ahead of Cheffey and Gavin Gonzalez. Foux followed that up with a win ahead of Randy Wright's season best second place finish and Garrett Hamilton. Things was looking good heading into the annual Bo Hittson Memorial Weekend. The opening night win went to McCreadie ahead of Brown and Faux. With the money on the line a night later, it was Medford star Jorddon Braaten collecting the first prize ahead of McCreadie and Medford champion Mike Medel.
Memorial Day Weekend turned out to be a disaster for Cheffey as problems on Saturday night forced him to miss Sunday's race. Medford Area racer Cory Biggs won the next event as Cheffey rebounded for a second ahead of Faux. Championship hopeful D.J. Bottoms got on a roll as he won the next race ahead of a season best second for Trevor Tiffee and Faux. Bottoms followed that up by beating Faux and Doug Franklin for his second straight victory.
It was at this point when Faux surprised the field by selling his race car and withdrawing from the championship battle. The Sport Modifieds were part of the IMCA Modified Speedweek event, won impressively by Braaten ahead of Sport Modified Speedweek champion Brian Cooper and Medel. Cheffey began an incredible run by winning the first of five straight races, followed by Franklin and reigning champion Jimmy Lipke.
Cheffey followed that up with another win ahead of the first of two season best second place finishes for Lipke and Franklin. Also noteworthy on the July 4th event was the fact that Bottoms assumed the point lead. Cheffey had so much ground to make up that catching Bottoms was a tall task, but he won the next race ahead of Bottoms and the first of two season best third place finishes for Jack Waldon III.
Cheffey took over second in the standings with his fourth straight win ahead of Ryder Boswell's season best second and Bottoms. Racing resumed after a one month break for the fair, and Cheffey kept right on winning with his fifth straight victory ahead of Randy Wright and Waldon. Just by starting the season finale, Bottoms was guaranteed the championship. Justin's father Keith Faux picked up the big money win ahead of Lipke and McCreadie. Bottoms won the championship with Chaffey settling for second. The consistent Wright settled for a career best third place ranking.
Not only did Cheffey lead the division with five Main Event wins, he also topped the Trophy Dash winner's list with three victories. Lipke and Keith Brown Jr. each had two wins. Nine drivers each had one win, and the list included Medford racer Rich McCoy, rookie Braxton Possinger, Jorddon Braaten, Justin Faux, Colt Boswell, Garrett Hamilton, Ryder Boswell, Doug Franklin and Randy Wright.
Marilyn Yawnick set out to repeat as McDonald's Mini Stock champion, but the road to that championship would not be easy with young Ethan Killingsworth picked by many as the driver to beat in his pickup truck. Mike Whitaker was hoping to rebound from a disappointing 2016 season, while Terry Kendrick was also in the mix.
The season started out with 2015 champion David Steele showing how it's done with a feature win ahead of Yawnick and Aaron Jorgensen. Steele followed it up with another win in front of Killingsworth and Kendrick. Kendrick won the third event ahead of a season best second for Dennis Jorgensen ahead of the second season best third place finish for Aaron Jorgensen. Killingsworth finally won his first race in the fourth event by holding off Steele and Kendrick. Whitaker became the fourth straight different winner in the Mike Caveye Memorial Race as he finished ahead of Yawnick and Killingsworth.
By the time June came along, the point list had still not been released. Because Kendrick, Whitaker and Killingsworth all had bad nights and Yawnick kept finishing, it was assumed that she was the leader. However, Killingsworth was not about to go away. He was perfect in the month of June with three victories, beating Whitaker and Yawnick for his first win. He followed that up by holding off Medford champion Kristopher Mix for a controversial win as Yawnick earned her second of three straight June third place finishes. Killingsworth won the next race ahead of Kendrick.
July turned out to be a wide open month. The first race saw young Michael Johnson make an impressive outside groove run, taking the lead from Medford rival Mix, who settled for third behind Whitaker. Chris Jorgensen grabbed the next win ahead of Killingsworth and Whitaker, who was quietly in the championship chase. Though it took 12 races, Yawnick finally got her first win of the season to wrap up July. Though Killingsworth ended up second ahead of Kendrick, it looked like Yawnick was sitting pretty in her bid to repeat as champion.
However, when the division returned from the fair break, Yawnick let a mental lapse cost her the point lead. Whitaker picked up his second victory ahead of Kendrick and Killingsworth, and fourth-place finisher Yawnick neglected to go to the scales after the races. Killingsworth was in a good position to win the championship, but the finale turned out to be his worst nightmare.
Yawnick kicked things off with a Trophy Dash win and led several laps of the Main Event. Medford star Steele was back in action and eventually took the lead from Yawnick, who stayed not too far behind for a second place finish. For Killingsworth, a Top 5 or even Top 3 finish seemed possible until contact with Kendrick put him into the front wall and out of the race. Because of that, he lost a close championship battle to Yawnick by just four points. Also within striking distance, nine points out of the lead, was Whitaker.
Killingsworth not only led the Main Event winner's list with four victories, he also topped the Trophy Dash leader board with four triumphs. Yawnick, Whitaker, Kendrick and Steele each had two wins, while Aaron Jorgensen had one.
Other than the season opener, the IMCA Modified drivers seemed unwilling to support the division unless there was extra money on the line. It was Northern Oregon competitor Grey Ferrando winning the opener ahead of Yreka's Kyle Casson and 2015 champion Nick Trenchard. Because IMCA doesn't acknowledge the point race until four races are in the books, it was uncertain whether or not the division could make it, but the decision to make the John Arnberg Memorial a point race on both nights and the support the division had at the opener meant drivers would compete for a championship.
The question of who that champion would be was answered with an emphatic "me" by Trenchard, who won both nights of the Arnberg Memorial and bagged the big bucks. He won the Saturday portion ahead of Casson and reigning champion Albert Gill, and then he followed that up with an impressive performance for the victory ahead of All Star Series Modified champion Ryan McDaniel and Casson. Trenchard returned during Speedweek for another win ahead of Ethan Dotson and Merced Speedway champion Randy Brown.
As Trenchard was chasing the money, had any of the locals decided to come out and run any of the scheduled races, Trenchard likely would have lost the title. However, everybody waited until the Rod Restad Memorial to return and close the season. Ferrando put bookends on his impressive season by winning the $2,000 finale ahead of Trenchard and IMCA Western Regional champion Cory Sample. Trenchard won his championship ahead of Gill and Casson. Trenchard also won three of the Trophy Dashes with Jeremy Richey winning the other.
The Outlaw Pro Stock Association called Yreka their home track with eight events, which included a hastily rescheduled race that was moved from Medford to Yreka after a Medford rain out. There was little doubt who the champion would be as past Medford Pro Stock champion Dr. Scott Lenz won six of the eight races.
Lenz opened the season with back to back victories ahead of 2015 champion Jeffrey Hudson, who was driving for Scott Bennett. Scott Flowers opened the season with a third place finish, while veteran Rocky Nash was third at the next event. Sadly, Nash would lose his life in a crash off of Turn 3 in the Billy Geyer Memorial Race.
With the money on the line in the Geyer Race, Hudson picked up one of the biggest wins of his career by holding off Nick Trenchard and Scott Flowers. The win paid $1,750, while Trenchard pocketed $750 for leading at the halfway break. This was a non point event, and with points on the line, Lenz proceeded to win 4 straight races. Hudson dropped out of the championship chase when he drove his Sprint Car at Medford. Lenz won that weekend ahead of Scott Flowers and Johnny Cobb, who were having a good battle for second in the standings for much of the season.
Lenz won the final race of June as Hudson was back in action and finishing second ahead of Scott Flowers. The Fourth Of July race was another opportunity for Lenz to shine as he won ahead of Hudson and Cobb. After winning the next race ahead of Hudson and James Flowers, it seemed all but certain that Lenz would be the champion. A blown motor in Coos Bay as he attempted to win his second race there forced Lenz to borrow the Roy Bain car to finish his season.
The season finale was a thrilling show that saw son Jeffrey Hudson, father Jeff Hudson, father Scott Flowers and son James Flowers battling fiercely for the lead. At the checkered flag, Jeffrey held off his father in a Hudson 1-2 finish as Scott Flowers settled for third. The finish was good enough to give Hudson second in points behind new champion Lenz. Scott Flowers settled for third.
Lenz also won three Trophy Dashes to top the leader board, while Scott Flowers won twice. Jeffrey Hudson, Jeff Hudson and Zach Fettinger each had one dash win.
The Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association made three visits as part of their own championship race. Though car count wasn't as big as hoped, they battled fiercely each time they were there. Two time champion Josh King won the first race ahead of PHRA competitor Jake Van Ortwick and Ryan Smith. Young Cody Peters won his first SODCA Main Event ahead of Chad Cordoza and a season best third for Fred Hay at the next event. Camden Robustelli won the final visit ahead of King and Smith. King, Cardoza and Cody Peters each had one A Dash win. Though he didn't do well in his Yreka starts, Brock Peters repeated as Southern Oregon Dwarf Car champion.
Two hastily scheduled Hornets races resulted in wins for Medford area racer Joby Shields. The five and seven car fields were made up entirely of Medford competitors as Yreka still has no cars in this class. Bob Burkett won a non point race for the Medford Late Model Lites ahead of Charlie Eaton and Bill Spencer. The Top 2 drivers in the Northwest Sprint Car Speedweek Series, Justyn Cox and Mitchell Faccino, finished 1-2 in the Yreka race as Sean Becker settled for third.
The statistical end of the Friday night Outlaw Kart program was in disarray early in the season before long time Kart booster Bob Fredrickson stepped in as head official and compiled a point list later in the season. This led to the track crowning seven champions during the Summer Series.
The youngsters of the Beginners Box Stock division were led by Hayfork's Emma Hudman and her teammate, Chayce Smith. Medford champion Malachi Johnson finished third. After winning the Beginners championship a year earlier, Taylor Fuller was the Box Stock champion comfortably ahead of Drew Berry, who beat Cale Cunial by two points for second. The track started an Intermediate Box Stock division for older newcomers, and Hannah Hoult won that championship ahead of Logan McKnight ad Connor Franklin.
Much like their northern neighbors in Medford, Yreka ran 500 and 250 Karts, but low car count sometimes forced them to run together. Wyatt Pinckney won the 500 Kart championship ahead of Jeffrey Hudson and Kyle Morris. Katie Carr was the 250 Kart champion, followed by Kloey Smith and Reece Slyter.
The growing Speedway Kart division split into two classifications. Johnny Hoult won the 4 Cycle Kart championship ahead of Debbie Medeiros and Steve Rambo. Brionna Fuller won the UAS Kart championship ahead of previous champion Ed Grubb and Larry Fuller.
The Kart leadership put together a Winter Series, and six divisions competed regularly. There were four classifications of Box Stocks and the Beginners branched out with a Sealed and Open division. Carson Henson won the Sealed division by a wide margin ahead of Chayce Smith and Shailene Horn. Chevy Reinhardt won the Open championship ahead of Uriah Sanders and Bentleigh Campbell.
Drew Berry won the Box Stock championship ahead of Cale Cunial and Dillin Dagata. Cali Bitzer won a close battle with Julian Rayas and Quinn C. to win the Intermediate Box Stock championship.
Jeffrey Hudson easily won the 500 Open championship in front of Merissa Henson and Reece Slyter. The closest battle took place in the 250 Kart class, where Cadyn Smith beat Natalie Hudson by three points to win the championship. Cale Cunial finished third.
Coos Bay Speedway 2017 Season Review
Coos Bay, Oregon...2017 turned out to be a very interesting year for Coos Bay Speedway. Past race track GM Drake Nelson returned as promoter and brought with him the NASCAR banner. At times it can be a struggle to put cars on the race track in Coos Bay, but Nelson worked very hard to attract racers and was constantly promoting in a way that brought fans out to come see what they had.
Many of the trademark things that Chuck Prather had established continued to be part of Coos Bay Speedway's schedule, including thrill shows and various promotions that were family friendly. The track also got a Speedweek Sprint Car date and ended the season with the Prather Family's Lucas Oil Late Model Open Show.
With NASCAR returning to Coos Bay Speedway for the first time since the track was a pavement track, the Super Late Models we're given the opportunity to compete for as much as $6,000 for the championship, counting "Rookie Of The Year" honors for anybody who was holding a NASCAR license for the first time and the state championship. It was hoped that several drivers would get on board with the program, however Mike George and past champion Toby McIntyre were the only two drivers to compete regularly for the big prize.
Statistically, it wasn't even close as George won 10 Main Events to one victory for McIntyre. George also topped the field with 13 Top 5 finishes and would beat McIntyre by 36 points for the championship. Chris Ray managed to make most of the shows, and he finished third in the standings behind McIntyre. McIntyre had 11 Top 5 finishes, while Ray matched rookie Brody Montgomery and Jared Bemetz with six Top 5 finishes each.
Coos Bay Speedway also hosted two $3,000 to win Late Model races. Trent Elliott won the Les Swafford Ice Breaker 50, and Rob Mayea wrapped up the season with a $3,000 victory in the Lucas Oil Open. Elliott had an additional victory as he only competed four times during the season.
The track's Winged Sprint Car division returned for a seven race schedule, and a close battle developed between long time competitor Lawrence Van Hoof and reigning champion Dave May. Van Hoof was the only driver to get seven Top 5 finishes, and he also won two races, which gave him a 14 point advantage by season's and over May. May won a division leading three Main Events with five Top 5 finishes. The consistent Casey Sabin had six Top 5 finishes to rank third in the standings, only 38 points out of the lead. Past track champion Kyla Barraza returned and won an early season Main Event before heading back to Southern Oregon Speedway to win that track's championship, while Shane Forte was also a Main Event winner.
The Sportsman Late Model division was given an opportunity to compete for a $1,000 championship, but only Brody Montgomery and two time reigning champion Wayne Butler competed in the all of the marathon season's 20 events. Montgomery was frequently winning races with Butler in second, which meant that he only won the championship by 24 points. Montgomery's 14 Main Event wins led the division, while Butler had four wins. Butler was the only driver with 20 Top 5 finishes, while Montgomery had 19. Dylan Siewell ranked a solid third with one victory and 15 Top 5 finishes. The steady Charlie Withers had eight Top 5 finishes to rank fourth, and Outlaw Pro Stock Association champion Dr. Scott Lenz made 2 appearances and scored one Main Event victory.
The Street Stock division got off to a very slow start with a low car count, and this worked to champion Justin Krossman's advantage as he had most of his five wins early in the season and was never threatened in the championship battle after that. Krossman also had 18 Top 5 finishes, while point runner up Ken Fox had 17 Top 5's. Jeff Thurman had two wins and 11 Top 5 finishes to finish third, leaving the battle for fourth in the standings between the division's reigning champion, Daniel Land, and the season's top winner, Steve Dubisar. Land had three wins, while Dubisar won 8 times.
The track also hosted two big Street Stock events, the first being the second to last race on the Road To The Iron Giant Tour. David Cronk picked up the big victory in that event, while Kyle Yaeck won the Main Event at the Prather Family's Lucas Oil Late Model Open Show.
The popular Mini Outlaws division had a battle early on in the point race between the steady Dan Daniels, 2015 champion Sam Talon and the popular VW Beetle driving Rob Lauver. Daniels was never really able to get his effort off the ground. Even though he was a regular at almost every event, Daniels didn't win a race. Lauver scored five victories, but a blown motor in a visit to Cottage Grove sidelined him for some races. With eight wins and 19 Top 5 finishes, Talon won the championship by a wide margin ahead of Dan Daniels. Jason Kallum had one win to rank third in the standings. Ken Fox had three wins, John Henry won twice and Ryder Johnson scored one victory.
The Hornets division had an early season battle between hard chargers Ryan Siewell and Jeremiah Reiber, who was the reigning champion. However, Reiber had some bad luck during the first half of the season that put him behind. With 12 victories and 18 Top 5 finishes, Siewell won the championship by a wide margin. Sam Taylor and Hannah Robison each finished as high as second, and they had a close battle for second in the standings, won by Taylor by just six points. Taylor had 13 Top 5 finishes, while Robison had 15. Reiber won three Main Events and division veteran Tom Williams won twice. Braden Fugate made a late season charge with four victories, making him the number two winner of the season.
The track added a hastily scheduled Modified race early in the season, won by Mark Wauge after a good battle with Curtis Towns. During IMCA Modified Speedweek and unable to get a date for that tour, Nelson added Modifieds for a special night of racing during the week. Justin Duty won the race after a wild finish with race long leader Collen Winebarger. The NWWT Wingless Sprint Cars made a visit with a solid field of 18 competitors, and champion Rob Lindsay scored the victory in that event. California star Kyle Hirst scored the victory in the Northwest Tour Sprint Car Speedweek event.
The track was able to secure a Northwest Dwarf Car Regional event in early July, and the two day event brought over 40 cars. Californian Cameron Diatte won the Pro division Main Event, Californian Kevin Bender won the Veteran Main Event and Mike Clark of Vancouver, Washington won the Sportsman feature. Camden Robustelli scored the victory in the Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association's lone visit.
Outlaw Pro Stock Association Preparing For Seventh Season
With Four Different Tracks On The Schedule
Klamath Falls, Oregon...The Outlaw Pro Stock Association is back for their seventh season. The formation of the association was necessitated back in 2012 when the group's home track elected to drop them from the rotation in favor of the new Sport Modified division. Not wanting to remove their fenders and join the new class, the racers banded together and the association was formed. They enter their seventh season with a solid 13 race schedule
The bulk of the group's races will take place at Siskiyou Motor Speedway in Yreka, where they are booked a total of 9 times. The association also has two events scheduled for Southern Oregon Speedway and will also support the Gordon Russell Memorial race in Cedarville on June 23rd. They will run a shootout event on August 4th against the NASCAR Sportsman Late Models at Coos Bay Speedway.
They will begin their season at the April 14th opener in Yreka. They return on April 28th for their second event. Just one week later is the annual Billy Geyer Memorial event, which paid $2,500 to the winner (Jeffrey Hudson) last season. It is anticipated that several Nevada Outlaw Pro Stock drivers will support this event as the Outlaw Pro Stock Association will be supporting the Gordon Russell Memorial Race on June 23rd in Cedarville. Pro Stocks return to Yreka on May 19th.
One of the events that group looks forward to supporting is the Rodger Haudenshild Tribute Race at Southern Oregon Speedway on June 2nd. Haudenshild was a supporter of the Pro Stock division through the years. The latest Haudenshild to compete is Top 10 2017 competitor Jeff Haudenshild. On June 16th, the group returns to Yreka, followed by the July 4th Firecracker Challenge event in Yreka.
The Pro Stock drivers hit Yreka one more time in July on the 21st. Coos Bay Speedway on August 4th is the lone event there for the group, but they have a race at Southern Oregon Speedway on September 2nd that is of importance to several competitors. It is the R Charles Snyder Salute, and Snyder announced several association dates in Yreka in the past. The season will conclude with Yreka races on September 8th and 15th.
Association officials are hard at work landing various sponsors for the coming season, and more announcements will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead. Though the group has a strong base of competitors from the Klamath Falls area, the reigning champion will be Medford's Dr. Scott Lenz, who won an impressive eight Main Events last season. Lenz intends to defend that championship. Driving for Scott Bennett of Klamath Falls, 2015 association champion Jeffrey Hudson scored victories in the final two events to overtake Scott Flowers for second in the standings. It is anticipated that Bennett will take the wheel of his own number #15 car this season while the Flowers team of Klamath Falls will again be fielding multiple cars.
In fact, it is a family affair with the Flowers team. Daughter Julia began her Pro Stock career as "Rookie Of The Year" in 2016. Son James was fourth in points last season and wife Ginny gives them as many as four family members on the track some nights. Since joining the association, Scott Flowers has been a perennial Top 3 point competitor, but he's hoping to break through for a championship and return to the Main Event Winners Circle. The way son James has been looking on the track, it could be he who brings the family to the Winner's Circle next.
Johnny Cobb of Klamath Falls quietly earned himself a fifth place point season last year and is anticipated this year. Another front runner to keep an eye on will be Medford's Matt Harlow, who finished seventh last season. The Pro Stocks will be a nice addition to the Yreka schedule this year as they generally bring a dozen or more cars on any night they race. Other competitors to look for include 2017 "Rookie Of The Year" Bryan Hammond, Roy Bain, John Bowers, Darron Arnold, John David Duffie and more. Rumors are circulating concerning the return of 2016 champion Steve Borror this year.
Ken Irving continues to field a car and should be seen at some events this season. Irving is the 2012 and 2014 association champion, while Dave Everson, who also has a car, is the 2013 champion. Sponsorship is being secured for the 2018 season, and we just received word that Hammond Construction, First Class Auto Glass, Worden Truck Stop and Epicenter Bowling Center of Klamath Falls have come on board to support the Pro Stock Tour this season. You can watch The Outlaw Pro Stock Association Facebook page or look up their web page at https://outlawprostock.wixsite.com/association for more information.
The 2018 Schedule For Southern Oregon Speedway
Has Been Released
White
City, Oregon...The 2018 Southern Oregon Speedway schedule has been
released, and it signals an exciting season from start to finish at the
23 year-old racing facility. All of the divisions the people enjoyed
watching last season, all of the special visits and more are planned for
the coming season.
Once again, the season includes IMCA sanctioned Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Valley Store-All Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets and the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. Special visits are also planned for the Outlaw Pro Stocks, Northwest Focus Midgets and the Streets Stocks.
Hays Oil has returned to support Southern Oregon Speedway this year, providing the official racing fuel of the speedway, Sunoco Racing Fuels. Also, Kendall Oil will again be the title sponsor for the popular Winged Sprint Cars. Valley Stor-All will be the title sponsor for the Late Model Lites and JOAT Labs, who built several of the cages for cars in the Hornets division last year, will return to sponsor that division. Other announcements may be forthcoming.
The Modifieds and Sport Modifieds are down for 11 visits each, and it starts with the season opener on April 28th. The Late Models and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars will join them as we kick off the new season. The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars open their 10 Race season on May 5th with another packed show that will include IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, and the season opener for Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. On May 12th, the Late Models return with a show that also includes the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites in their opener, Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. The night also includes the first of four scheduled Demo Derbies.
With the season in high gear, the special events begin on May 19th with the Road To The Iron Giant 50 lap race for the Street Stocks. Late Models, Mini Stocks and Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites will be there along with the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. The Open Wheel Showcase returns on Memorial Day Weekend (May 26th), headlined by the Northwest Focus Midgets along with Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars.
The excitement just keeps on coming on June 2nd with the 6th Annual Roger Haudenshild Tribute Race, featuring IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, Late Models, Pro Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. The Malicious Monster Truck Tour makes an appearance at Southern Oregon Speedway on June 9th with the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars racing in support.
The IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek Tour is back on June 23rd with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars and JOAT Labs Hornets also on the card. One of the highlights of July is Kids Bike Giveaway Night on July 14th. The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars and Late Models will be in action along with the Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets.
By the time August rolls around, it's a non-stop month of excitement at Southern Oregon Speedway that begins with the two-day Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event on August 3rd and 4th. On the 4th, Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars and Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites will also be on the card. August 11th will be the big $2,000 to win Iron Head Winged Sprint Car Nationals. Joining them will be the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, JOAT Labs Hornets and Mini Stocks.
The track will continue its new tradition of honoring past Southern Oregon racing greats with Hall Of Fame Night on August 18th. The Stock Car extravaganza will include IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, Late Models, JOAT Labs Hornets, Mini Stocks and OTRO Hardtops, who will be at Southern Oregon Speedway six times this season. August ends with the $3,500 to win Herz Precision Parts Wingless 360 Cascade Sprint Car Challenge. Joining the Wingless Warriors that night will be the Late Models, Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets.
On Labor Day Weekend, the R Charles Snyder Salute is back. The two-day event on September 1st and 2nd features IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars as we honor the memory of the voice of Southern Oregon racing. Pro Stocks will run on the 2nd. Championship Night 1 on September 15th closes the point season for Late Models, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. Championship Night 2 on September 22nd will close the season with Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds and OTRO Hardtops.
It will be 23 nights of pure excitement on the Jim Rodgers prepared 3/10 mile clay oval. The track will hold championship seasons for seven divisions this year. Stay tuned for more news about the coming season in the weeks ahead. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
Once again, the season includes IMCA sanctioned Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Valley Store-All Late Model Lites, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets and the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. Special visits are also planned for the Outlaw Pro Stocks, Northwest Focus Midgets and the Streets Stocks.
Hays Oil has returned to support Southern Oregon Speedway this year, providing the official racing fuel of the speedway, Sunoco Racing Fuels. Also, Kendall Oil will again be the title sponsor for the popular Winged Sprint Cars. Valley Stor-All will be the title sponsor for the Late Model Lites and JOAT Labs, who built several of the cages for cars in the Hornets division last year, will return to sponsor that division. Other announcements may be forthcoming.
The Modifieds and Sport Modifieds are down for 11 visits each, and it starts with the season opener on April 28th. The Late Models and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars will join them as we kick off the new season. The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars open their 10 Race season on May 5th with another packed show that will include IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, and the season opener for Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. On May 12th, the Late Models return with a show that also includes the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites in their opener, Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. The night also includes the first of four scheduled Demo Derbies.
With the season in high gear, the special events begin on May 19th with the Road To The Iron Giant 50 lap race for the Street Stocks. Late Models, Mini Stocks and Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites will be there along with the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. The Open Wheel Showcase returns on Memorial Day Weekend (May 26th), headlined by the Northwest Focus Midgets along with Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars.
The excitement just keeps on coming on June 2nd with the 6th Annual Roger Haudenshild Tribute Race, featuring IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, Late Models, Pro Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets. The Malicious Monster Truck Tour makes an appearance at Southern Oregon Speedway on June 9th with the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars racing in support.
The IMCA Modified Wild West Speedweek Tour is back on June 23rd with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars and JOAT Labs Hornets also on the card. One of the highlights of July is Kids Bike Giveaway Night on July 14th. The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars and Late Models will be in action along with the Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets.
By the time August rolls around, it's a non-stop month of excitement at Southern Oregon Speedway that begins with the two-day Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event on August 3rd and 4th. On the 4th, Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars and Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites will also be on the card. August 11th will be the big $2,000 to win Iron Head Winged Sprint Car Nationals. Joining them will be the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, JOAT Labs Hornets and Mini Stocks.
The track will continue its new tradition of honoring past Southern Oregon racing greats with Hall Of Fame Night on August 18th. The Stock Car extravaganza will include IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds, Late Models, JOAT Labs Hornets, Mini Stocks and OTRO Hardtops, who will be at Southern Oregon Speedway six times this season. August ends with the $3,500 to win Herz Precision Parts Wingless 360 Cascade Sprint Car Challenge. Joining the Wingless Warriors that night will be the Late Models, Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets.
On Labor Day Weekend, the R Charles Snyder Salute is back. The two-day event on September 1st and 2nd features IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars as we honor the memory of the voice of Southern Oregon racing. Pro Stocks will run on the 2nd. Championship Night 1 on September 15th closes the point season for Late Models, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites and Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars. Championship Night 2 on September 22nd will close the season with Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds and OTRO Hardtops.
It will be 23 nights of pure excitement on the Jim Rodgers prepared 3/10 mile clay oval. The track will hold championship seasons for seven divisions this year. Stay tuned for more news about the coming season in the weeks ahead. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.
2018 Southern Oregon Speedway Schedule
April 14 - Play Day
April 28 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Model, SODCA Dwarf Car
May 5 - Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets
May 12 - Late Models, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, Demo Derby
May 19 - Road To The Iron Giant Street Stocks, Late Models, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites
May 26 - Open Wheel Showcase - Northwest Focus Midgets, Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, SODCA Dwarf Cars, OTRO Hardtops
June 2 - Roger Haudenshild Tribute - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, JOAT Labs Hornets, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Late Models, Pro Stocks
June 9 - Malicious Monster Truck Tour - SODCA Dwarf Cars
June 16 - Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, OTRO Hardtops
June 23 - IMCA Modified Speedweek - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars, JOAT Labs Hornets
June 30 - Veterans Night - Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, OTRO Hardtops, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Demo Derby
July 7 - Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, SODCA Dwarf Cars
July 14 - Kids Bike Giveaway - Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets
July 21 - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, SODCA Dwarf Cars, OTRO Hardtops, Demo Derby
July 28 - No Racing
August 3 - WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals - Dwarf Cars, JOAT Labs Hornets
August 4 - WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals - Dwarf Cars, Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites
August 11 - $2,000 To Win Iron Head Sprint Car Nationals - Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets
August 18 - Hall Of Fame Night - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Late Models, JOAT Labs Hornets, OTRO Hardtops, Mini Stocks
August 25 - Herz Precision Parts Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge - Wingless 360 Sprint Cars $3,500 To Win, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Late Models
September 1 - R Charles Snyder Salute - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars
September 2 - R Charles Snyder Salute - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Pro Stocks
September 8 - Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites, Demo Derby
September 15 - Championship Night 1 - Late Models, Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley-Stor-All Late Model Lites, SODCA Dwarf Cars
September 22 - Championship Night 2 - Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, OTRO Hardtops
Schedule Subject To Change
Siskiyou Motor Speedway Releases 2018 Schedule
Yreka, CA...The first edition of the 2018 Siskiyou Motor Speedway schedule has been released, but it came out amid concerns about the future of the SCMA. Despite some behind the scenes turmoil within the SCMA that left the future of the racing program in doubt, the association never stopped planning as if the 2018 season would happen.
This meant that a new Board Of Directors would be elected by the membership and the annual awards banquets for both the big track and the Outlaw Kart track went on as scheduled. To ensure the continuation of the Kart program, they broke off from the SCMA. Furthermore, an Outlaw Kart Winter Series has just wrapped up and plans are underway to schedule the spring and summer series.
The SCMA's 2018 schedule for Siskiyou Motor Speedway has been released, and it offers all of the special shows the fans have grown accustomed to in recent years. The main divisions will continue to be the IMCA Sport Modifieds and the Mini Stocks. The IMCA sanctioning will be maintained for the big Modified races, while some special open comp Modified races have also been booked that do not carry the IMCA banner. Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars will race a pair of events, and all of the usual big races will continue to be on the schedule for 2018. Not to be forgotten are the Outlaw Pro Stocks, who have been booked for nine races.
The IMCA guidelines call for a minimum of four races to have a championship season. Because the season opener on April 14th will be an IMCA Modified race, plus you will have the 3 big races for the class, a champion will be crowned by IMCA. Last year, the group met the minimum requirement and the championship was won by three time feature winner Nick Trenchard ahead of Albert Gill. Cottage Grove champion Grey Fernando was the only other feature winner.
Other marque dates that are sure to attract attention for the IMCA Modifieds will be the John Arnberg Memorial Race on May 26th and 27th. The IMCA Wild West Speedweek Race returns on Friday June 22nd and the season wraps up on September 22nd with the annual Rod Restad Memorial Race. In all three events, IMCA Sport Modifieds run in support. The Memorial Day Weekend event is also billed as the Bo Hittson Memorial for Sport Mods. Mini Stocks run that weekend as well in the Mike Caveye Memorial.
In addition to the IMCA Modified races, there will be five non sanctioned events, meaning a minimum of one race a month for them. The association put feelers out to find out why car count had not been so great for the Modifieds in recent seasons, and it was reported that some drivers just do not meet the IMCA requirements. It is hoped that the open comp shows will get those cars back to the track. The possibility of a Street Stock division was also considered.
During the past couple of seasons, the IMCA Sport Modified division has been a shining light at the speedway. A youth movement with some very talented young racers has served the track well in keeping a decent car count. Stars like reigning champion D.J. Bottoms, the hottest driver in the last 2 years, Colton Cheffey, brothers Colter and Ryder Boswell and Jack Waldon III are giving the track hope for the future.
The 2017 IMCA Sport Modified championship went to Bottoms, who won two times during the year and seemed to have smooth sailing throughout much of the season. Because Cheffey struggled just a bit during the month of May, he lost valuable ground and settled for second. However, at one point during the season he rattled off five straight Main Event wins. The steady Randy Wright didn't win, but two season high second place finishes helped secure him a career best third in the standings.
A look at the 2017 winner's list also finds Jorddon Braaten picking up two wins, the win during Speedweek and the win at the Bo Hittson Memorial. Early season point leader Justin Faux won a pair of Main Events before selling his car. Rookie Justin McCreadie won two Main Events, while Keith Brown Jr., Cory Biggs and Keith Faux were the other feature winners. Faux won the big money at the end of the season in the Rod Restad race.
A check of the IMCA Sport Modified schedule finds them running 17 times in 2018. The Mini Stock division will also be very busy as they are scheduled for 15 races. They are coming off of an exciting and a bit controversial 2017 season.
Marilyn Yawnick repeated as the division champion and used consistency to pull it off. Before getting her only win of the season, her consistency saw her finish second three times and third three times. The hard charging Ethan Killingsworth was a four time winner who had some early season bad luck nearly cost him. In an unlikely finish, Yawnick lost a Top 5 finish at the second to last event when she failed to go to tech. Killingsworth needed to just get a decent finish at the finale to wrap up the title.
Yawnick led several laps of that Main Event before finishing second to four time winner David Steele. Unfortunately for Killingsworth, contact with Terry Kendrick on the front straightaway sent him into the front wall and out of the event. Yawnick won the championship by just a few points over Killingsworth with Mike Whitaker a strong third. Whitaker had two Main Event wins, while Kendrick, Medford star Michael Johnson and Chris Jorgensen each had one.
The IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks will not be the only game in town. The Billy Geyer Memorial Race returns for the Outlaw Pro Stock Association on May 5th. With a total of nine dates on the schedule, Yreka will again be the home track for the Pro Stock division. Six time Yreka winner Dr. Scott Lenz beat two time Yreka winner Jeffrey Hudson for the 2017 Pro Stock championship. The season opener on April 14th will find the Pro Stocks and the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars joining the IMCA Modifieds and Sport Mods and the exciting Mini Stocks. The April 21st event will include Dwarf Cars with the IMCA Sport Modifieds Mini Stocks.
For fans of the exciting Winged 360 Sprint Car division, they can mark July 9th on their calendar. The Monday night event will be the first race of the Western Sprint Tour Winged 360 Sprint Car Speedweek Series. Other big events during the month include the July 4th Firecracker Challenge that lists the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks and Pro Stocks. All three divisions will also be part of the July 21st Christmas In July event. That night will be the second night to feature kids rides.
Various special events will fill the schedule throughout the season, including the September 1st Fan Appreciation Night that boasts a $5 ticket for the fans. There will also be a driver meet and greet on the front straightaway that night as the IMCA Sport Modifieds and Mini Stocks are slated to appear.
The SCMA continues to work on the details of the new season and making sure everything is handled behind the scenes. This also means that there may be updates to the schedule, which you can find on the official website at www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.
Coos Bay Speedway Releases 2018 Schedule
Coos Bay, Oregon...When Drake Nelson stepped in to promote Coos Bay Speedway last year, there was probably at least a little bit of healthy skepticism among the racing community. What would Drake do to help make the program more special? The first big announcement came swiftly as he added the NASCAR Whelen All American Series sanctioning to the six division program. He also announced then that no divisions would receive the axe.
Back again this year will be the NASCAR Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and Hornets. The Winged Sprint Cars are also on the schedule several times. Nelson recently announced the addition of some Stinger race dates. Stingers are Hornets driven by drivers from 11 to 14 years old. The hope is to bring some new drivers to racing at Coos Bay Speedway.
One of the things that may have made racers skeptical was the addition of the NASCAR banner. However, NASCAR delivered as promised. When Mike George won his 2017 Super Late Model championship, he collected $6,000 in total. Coos Bay Speedway drivers will be competing for track championship, state championship and Rookie Of The Year championship money. Any driver to have never held a NASCAR license in the Super Late Model division is eligible for top rookie honors, meaning the champion could collect as much as $6,000 again this year.
Some of the signature things that have been a part of the Chuck Prather promotion in the years leading up to Nelson continue to be featured on the dirt oval. This includes the big Prather Family Lucas Oil Open Show on October 6th. Last year, the season-ender attracted a huge field of Late Models for what was a $3,000 first prize. Nelson added another big race for Super Late Models last year that will return on July 21st. Last year, the Title Wave 50 Les Swafford Memorial race paid $3,000 to the Late Model winner. Late Model Car count increased slightly last year, and word is that it's going to get better this year as people know the NASCAR sanctioning is the real deal.
In addition to all of the regular division programs, there are various special events and fan friendly promotions sprinkled throughout an exciting season. Noteworthy on the schedule is the June 15th and 16th Malicious Monster Truck Insanity Tour and Tuff Truck event. Also, Eve Of Destruction 9 will feature the American Daredevil Mr. Dizzy and a huge Fireworks Show on July 7th. Sportsman Late Models headline the racing portion along with Street Stocks, Hornets and Jr. Stingers. The Jr. Stinger division will be there five times throughout the season training the future stars of Coos Bay Speedway. The Humboldt Motorsports Side By Sides have been given a seven race schedule as the track maintains their commitment to this class.
A total total of ten Sprint Car races will take place during the season, highlighted by the July 10th Western Sprint Tour Winged 360 Sprint Car Speedweek race, which also includes the Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and Hornets. On September 1st, the Northwest Wingless Tour Sprint Cars will have their Ironman Challenge Race. NASCAR Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws, Hornets and Jr. Stingers make this a packed program.
Not to be forgotten in the mix is the August 25th Street Stock Battle At The Beach. This is also a Road To The Iron Giant Street Stock Series race, which attracted a good field of competitors last year. That is again expected to be the case this year. If that is not enough action for you, NASCAR Super Late Models, Sportsman Late Models, Mini Outlaws, Hornets and Jr. Stingers are also on the program.
There are so many exciting special events and promotions throughout the season that fans aren't going to want to miss anything. In fact, anybody wanting to meet some of their favorite drivers can do so from March 9th through the 11th at the car show at Pony Village Mall. Drivers will be there representing the various divisions that race on the dirt oval track and and the drag strip.
The 2017 season featured talented competitors putting on a great show for the fans. Champions included Mike George after a good battle with Toby McIntyre in NASCAR Super Late Models. It was young Brody Montgomery holding off two time champion Wayne Butler in Sportsman Late Models. Justin Krossman won the Street Stock championship while Steve Dubisar was definitely the star of the show during the latter stages the season. Sam Talon won the Mini Outlaw championship and Ryan Siewell was the class of the Hornet field as Sam Taylor battled Hannah Robison for second. It was Lawrence Van Hoof dethroning Dave May to win the exciting Winged Sprint Car championship.
Things are heating up at Coos Bay Speedway, and it promises to be the place to be for racing fans on the Oregon Coast this season. For further information, go to www.coosbayspeedway.us.
Schedule For 20th Anniversary Outlaw Kart Season
Released For little Southern Oregon Speedway
Released For little Southern Oregon Speedway
White City, Oregon...The 2018 schedule has been released for the Outlaw Kart program at Little Southern Oregon Speedway and it's a little bit bigger than it has been in the past two seasons. Eleven events have been booked, including a two-day show to open the season on May 18th and 19th.
The KT-100 Challenge, presented by Speed City, opens the show on May 18th along with the track's regular lineup of Beginners Box Stock, Box Stock, 250 Karts and 500 Open Karts. The KT-100 Challenge Main Event will run on Saturday along with a full program for the UAS Series Speedway Karts, presented by Speed City of Medford.
One of the changes in the 2018 schedule is the inclusion of the Speedway Karts at all events. Speedway Karts run the entry level 4 Cycle class and the faster UAS division, and both will take part in the remaining nine events, which will include championship point racing for both divisions.
The schedule will show race dates on June 8th, June 22nd, July 6th, July 13th, July 20th, August 10th, August 17th, September 7th and September 21st. This year there is only the one opening weekend event for May. The past two seasons have seen four May events rained out, so promoter Mike McCann is hoping to have better luck getting the season started by starting it later and going later. This should result in much more racing on the fast 1/8th mile dirt oval, prepared by Uncle Rich.
The popular Beginners Box Stock division, which is the gateway for the youngest racers to get started, returns this year with word of several new competitors. Last season, we saw the first starts ever for Yreka Winter Series champion Carson Henson and Mike Wheeler Jr. Word is that there will be several other newcomers in this class, which should make for some entertaining racing for the fans. Malachi Johnson and Kiley Grimes have won the past two championships.
The popular Box Stock division is the next division in line for the youngsters, and with three time champion Trevor Grimes moving up to the 250 Kart class, it is a wide open race to see who the champion will be this year. It will be interesting to see what newcomers and returning drivers will take part in this class.
Grimes was only out to get his first starts in the 250 Kart class last season, but he ended up winning the championship. Will he be able to repeat? One driver who could present a big challenge for him is fellow Box Stock champion, Carley Holmes. Vinny DeBenedetti and Yreka Winter Series champion Cadyn Smith also made the move into the 250 Kart class last season.
The bigger question is how the 500 Open Kart division will respond after a disappointing 2017 season. The elephant in the room is the higher cost for drivers to maintain their 500 Karts, and the fact that it has seeped down to the 250 Kart class hasn't helped matters either. Still, there is word of 250 drivers getting 500 Karts, including brothers Braden and Bodee Weiser. It is hoped that this division will return with a bigger car count. Management has issued the challenge to the 500 Open Kart division that they need to bring at least four Karts to the show to get a purse.
Other things are being examined for potential shows in the future, and management has looked into Flat Track Motorcycle racing and Lawn Mower racing as well. Also on the table is a potential Hornet race, or even a Hornet Figure 8 event. The goal is to continue to keep Little Southern Oregon Speedway going for years to come. Records show how many talented young racers have gotten their starts at this track before moving on to the bigger track.
The aforementioned Speedway Kart division is an important addition to the program. Several enthusiastic competitors came to compete in the final two events last year, sparking much optimism for the future of this style of Kart racing. It just adds to the family fun aspect of the sport. The Fuller family of Speed City in Medford is enthusiastically supporting the Speedway Kart class, and this means you see such stars as Yreka Summer Series UAS champion Brionna Fuller, Lori Fuller, Larry Fuller, Steve Rambo, Yreka Summer Series 4 Cycle champion Johnny Hoult, Debbie Medeiros and many more.
Racing fans looking for more of a racing fix will find it at Little Southern Oregon Speedway on Friday nights 10 times this year, and it's a nice appetizer heading into the bigger track on Saturday nights. Who are the rising young stars of Southern Oregon racing? You can find that answer on Friday nights. Stay tuned for more information or go to the http://southernoregonspeedway.com/OutlawKarts.html
The awards banquet date has been announced for the
Southern Oregon Speedway Outlaw Kart!
It will happen at Abby's Pizza in White City on March 14th
The Wednesday evening gathering will start at 7:00 PM.
Beginner Box Stock
Malachi Johnson
Kiley Grimes
Uriah Sanders
Jacob James
Keegan Bounds
Box Stock
Trevor Grimes
Keaton Augustine
Taylor Fuller
Sophia Bauer
Vinny DeBenedetti
250 Karts
Trevor Grimes
Carley Holmes
Cadyn Smith
Braden Weiser
Reece Slyter
500 Open Karts
Tanner Holmes
Mike Wheeler
Wyatt Pinckney
Johnny Burke
Kenny Boardman
2017 Southern Oregon Speedway Outlaw Kart Season Review
White City, Oregon...The 2017 season at the Southern Oregon Speedway Cage Kart track can best be summed up by the phrase, the show went on as scheduled. Once again, the first two races of the season were claimed by rainouts and frustration grew when pipe problems at the facility forced the cancellation of the third event.
The season finally opened for what was the fourth scheduled event. A low turnout nearly forced the next event to be turned into a playday. Not one to give up so easily, promoter Mike McCann put it to a vote amongst the racers who were present. The vote was to race and the show went on as scheduled. To show you the level of commitment to the program, on one occasion the 500 and 250 Outlaw Kart classes brought one Kart each. Though the two cars were run together, the drivers were paid for winning their Main Events and given winner's trophies. Despite criticism, management has remained firmly committed to the Outlaw Kart program.
This can be best demonstrated by Uncle Rich and his crew and the hard work they put forth in preparing the track for each event. The drivers were given smooth racing conditions. In addition to that, Rich kept the grounds maintained and led his crew in giving the walls of the Kart track a fresh coat of paint. The commitment was there to keep the show going.
The 500 Open Kart class has held the top spot at the track since the gates opened in 1998. Car count was less than desired, and the finale was called off when only local legend Mike Wheeler showed up to race. The record shows that wins went to champion Tanner Holmes, Wheeler, 2016 champion Johnny Burke and Wyatt Pinckney.
Pinckney won his race with he and 250 winner Trevor Grimes the only competitors on the track. Both drivers received winner's purse money and trophies for their efforts. Perhaps the highlight of the season was the slide job battle put on by Burke and Holmes, where they were passing each other in every turn for the entire distance. Burke scored the win, but the second place finish earned by Holmes was good enough to notch the championship in his favor. The biggest car count of the season came with four competitors on the night Wheeler won in impressive fashion. Wheeler is credited with second in the standings in a tie with Pinckney.
The 250 Kart division turned into an unlikely battle as the season went on. Having won the previous two Box Stock championships, the Box Stock season was pretty much Trevor Grimes's farewell season as he became a rookie in the 250 class. Grimes is shown as a two time winner with a third and fourth place finish in the Main Event, but he nearly let the championship slip away from him.
Perhaps the most entertaining competitor in this field was past Box Stock champion Carly Holmes. Holmes only raced three times, but the record shows she left with the winner's prize money on all three occasions. As Holmes was winning her third race, Grimes was stuck in the pits. After running the Box Stock race, Grimes was unable to get his 250 Kart to start. Holmes used her win to take the point lead, but her absence from the finale gave the lead back to Grimes. Holmes would settle for second in the final standings.
With third and fourth place feature finishes, Box Stock graduate Cadyn Smith wrapped up third in the standings. Smith also had a successful winter as he won the 250 championship in Yreka. Both Braden Weiser and Reece Slyter had second place finishes in their lone starts, netting them 4th and 5th, respectively, in the standings.
Trevor Grimes certainly carried the experience advantage into his final Box Stock season. With four victories and a second place finish, there was little doubt who the champion would be. However, it was the one night Grimes settled for second that may have been the race of the season. Keaton Augustine was bypassing his local track to compete in Medford, and Augustine made a surprising pass on Grimes to claim the other Main Event win. He also had a second and a third place feature finish to claim second in the standings.
Having won the Beginners Box Stock championship in Yreka a year earlier, young Taylor Fuller set his sights on a successful Box Stock championship run there in 2017. However, he made some appearances in Medford and earned a second, a third and a fourth place finish on his way to 3rd in the standings. This young man showed how tough he was when one of his visits resulted in a rollover. Sophia Bauer used a third and fourth place finish to wrap up fourth, while Vinny DeBenedetti had one third place finish to finish fifth in points. Vinnie's Box Stock season came to a screeching halt when he contacted the Turn 4 wall and flipped. Fortunately, he was uninjured, and he would make the move up to 250 Karts by season's end.
The Beginners Box Stock season turned out to be the closest championship battle at the track. When Jacob James showed up for the first two races and won impressively, it looked like he would be a runaway champion. However, those were his only starts of the season in Medford as he wound up fourth in the final points. After blowing a motor in the season opener and missing the next race, Malachi Johnson came on strong. He won the final three races of the season.
Johnson still had to contend with reigning champion Kiley Grimes as she had a shot at the championship in the season finale. Grimes lost by 11 points as she had one second and two third place finishes among her highlights. Uriah Sanders had a third and two fourth place finishes to move into third in the final standings. With second place finishes in their only starts, Keegan Bounds and Gavin Restad tied for fifth.
The fastest growing form of Kart racing in the area is happening in the Speedway Kart division. Rainouts and cancellations early in the season prevented them from showing what they could do on the fast 1/8 mile dirt oval early on, but the month of August saw the Speedway Karts make two impressive visits. Both times, a combined total of 12 Karts competed with six in the 4 Cycle class and six in the faster UAS division. .
It was Kenny Boardman flying to victory in the first UAS race ahead of Larry Fuller and Ron Bolles, who each won a heat race that night. In the 4 Cycle class, hard charger Steve Rambo won a heat race and impressed with his feature triumph ahead of Michael Vickers and Lori Fuller. Rambo backed up his win with another win at the next race ahead of Vickers and Debbie Medeiros, who were the two heat race winners that night. Richard Torzilli won the next UAS race ahead of Yreka UAS champion Brionna Fuller and reigning Yreka Champion Ed Grubb. Mike Wheeler won both heat races and pitted while leading the Main Event that night.
The Lawn Mower racers were invited to make an appearance in July and brought two competitors. What they lacked in count they made up for in a crowd pleasing side by side battle in the Main Event, won by Gabe Garrison. In the last event of the season, two newcomers made their very first starts of the season in the Beginners Box Stock class. Carson Henson and Mike Wheeler Jr. were actually on the track previously making practice laps after the night's events had concluded. For the special final race, these two new competitors battled each other for a trophy and $50 in prize money sponsored by fans. When the checkered flag waved, it was Henson winning his first race ahead of Wheeler.
The good news for fans of Outlaw Kart racing is that the show went on in 2017 despite the obstacles. It was the 20th season of racing on the smaller track. 2018 marks the 20th Anniversary Season of Outlaw Kart racing at Little Southern Oregon Speedway, and it will see an increase in events scheduled. For further information, go to http://southernoregonspeedway.com/OutlawKarts.html.
Jefferson Pit Stops
All Schedule Information Subject To Change
All Schedule Information Subject To Change
The Jefferson area race tracks have put out their schedules for the 2018 season, and the time to race is just around the corner. Dennis Gage in Marysville and Chico ended the speculation as to what will be happening at the two tracks he promotes. He's not going anywhere, and both tracks have good schedules with all that you would expect from them.
Featured divisions at Chico on Friday nights will continue to be the IMCA Sport Modifieds, Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Wingless Spec Sprints. The last remaining Winged 410 Sprint Car division featured regularly at a track in California was at Chico, but with Andy Forsberg, the last championship at the track in this class has been decided. This season, the Winged 360 Sprint Cars will be racing regularly in place of the 410 Sprints.
In fact, their racing season is just around the corner with the annual Silver Cup event on March 2nd and 3rd. The Winged 360 Sprint Cars take center stage with a $2,000 to win race on Friday and a $3,500 to win race on Saturday. Wingless Spec Sprints race both nights with the Saturday event being a Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Tour event. The Western States Dwarf Cars will be kicking off their King Of California Series as they run both nights. It is also a Regional event for the Dwarf Cars.
Weekly series racing begins on March 23rd with Winged 360 Sprints, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Wingless Spec Sprints. The Street Stock division starts their season a week later, and there are several special events throughout the season, including the May 4th Bill Brownell Classic for Winged 410 Sprints and the Dave Bradway Jr. Classic for the NARC/King Of The West Sprint Car Series a night later. The David Tarter Classic for Winged 360 Sprints will be June 15th. Wingless Spec Sprints, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Street Stocks will be part of that show. Racing will include a Fireworks Show on the 4th of July.
The Tyler Wolf Classic for Winged 410 Sprints is scheduled for August 17th, while Street Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Wingless Spec Sprints and California Hardtops are also on the night's card. The annual Gold Cup event takes place from September 5th through September 8th, featuring Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints, Civil War Winged 360 Sprints, USAC Sprint Cars and World of Outlaw Winged Sprint Cars on various nights. The Fall Nationals 360 Sprint and Northwest Focus Midget show will close the season on September 28th and 29th. Plus, there are several other things planned throughout the season, including Monster Trucks on April 13th and 14th.
Looking back at the 2017 season, the afore mentioned Andy Forsberg goes on record as the final Winged 410 Sprint Car champion. Tony Richards won the Wingless Spec Sprint championship by a mere 15 points over Craig Swim. Philip Shelby wrapped up an impressive season by beating Tyler Rodgers by 25 points to win the IMCA Sport Modified championship. It was Phil Marino winning his first Street Stock championship in over 15 years ahead of seasoned veteran Gary Newman. The Hobby Stock championship went to Kyle Allen by 24 points ahead of Nick Vidovich. Mike Ficklin won the Winged Economy Sprint championship. That class will being doing all of their racing in Marysville this year as the renamed Crate Sprints. All the information you need for Silver Dollar Speedway can be found at their new web page, www.silverdollarspeedway.com.
Gage was very busy during the off season as he was also planning out the 2018 season for Marysville Raceway. There are changes on the horizon for the roster, which has featured Stock Car racing for many years. Recent years have seen a trend towards Sprint Car racing. In addition to the Winged 360 Sprint Car class, the renamed Crate Sprints will race mainly at Marysville as Chico has been dropped from their schedule. The track will also add the IMCA RaceSaver 305 Sprint Car division. The Winged Street Stock division had been dropped, but drivers lobbied to have it restored to the schedule. Instead, Wingless Spec Sprints have been dropped. The Hobby Stocks and IMCA Sport Modifieds return this season. NorCal Dwarf Cars will also make some appearances.
The Loree and Sherm Toller Classic pretty much kicks on off racing season in California on February 24th. It's a $2,000 to win Winged 360 Sprint Car race that also includes the Hunt Wingless Spec Sprints and RaceSaver Sprints. Weekly racing kicks off on March 10th with the Winged 360 Sprints, RaceSaver Sprints, Hobby Stocks and IMCA Sport Modifieds. If need be, this is a rain makeup date for the Toller Classic. In addition to visits from the California Civil War Series, there are other special events lined up throughout the season.
The California Civil War Sprint Car Series headlines the March 24th event along with the RaceSaver Sprints and IMCA Sport Modifieds. Monster Truck Mayhem comes to town on April 27th and 28th. The annual Mel Hall Classic on May 26th includes Civil War Sprint Cars, RaceSaver Sprint Cars and IMCA Sport Modifieds. The special Freedom Tuesday racing program includes a giant Fireworks display along with Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Crate Sprints, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Winged Street Stocks on July 3rd. Dollar Ticket Night on July 14th includes Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Hobby Stocks, Winged Street Stocks and IMCA Sport Modifieds. August 25th is Dollar Hot Dog and Two Dollar Beer Night and includes Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Crate Sprints, Hobby Stocks and Winged Street Stocks. Championship Night is September 1st and features Winged 360 Sprints, Hobby Stocks Crate Sprints and IMCA Sport Modifieds.
One of the signature events for Marysville for the last 20 plus years is the Western States Dwarf Car Nationals on September 21st and 22nd. All tickets are $1 on September 21st and Winged Street Stocks are part of the September 22nd program. If you didn't get enough Monster Truck Mayhem earlier in the year, they come back on October 12th and 13th. The track continues the tradition of Gold Fever with the Taxi Cab open on October 20th featuring Limited Late Models, Super Stocks, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks and Hobby Stocks. Gold Fever Open Wheel Night on October 27th closes out the season with Winged 360 Sprints, Wingless Spec Sprints, Crate Sprints and RaceSaver Sprints.
The record shows that Jeremy Hawes won the Winged 360 Sprint Car championship last season by 34 points over veteran Mike Monahan. Cody Spencer won the Wingless Spec Sprint championship by just 12 points ahead of Brett Youngman. Adam Ermolenko won the Winged Economy Sprint Car championship ahead of Cameron Haney Jr. The IMCA Sport Modified championship went to Philip Shelby by a wide margin ahead of Mike Smith. The Winged Street Stock championship went to James Casselberry by a mere eight points ahead of Mike Walko. The Hobby Stock championship was won by Cy Cooper by only one point ahead of Mel Beyers and two points ahead of Matt Magenheimer. Excitement is high headed into the 2018 season, and further information can be found at the new website at www.marysvilleraceway.com.
There was some question as to the future of All American Speedway in Roseville, but word is they have an eight race schedule and NASCAR K&N West Event promoter Bill McAnally and a new track promoter. It also means that the NASCAR K&N West Series will be in Roseville on October 13th.We haven't seen the schedule, but www.allamericanspeedway.com should have that information up soon. Plus, we also got word that Darren Ricks-Campbell will be handling publicity for the track this season, leaving the racers in very good hands. Last season, Erik Ray beat Chris Paulson for the Bomber championship. The Limited Modified championship went to Nick Lyons ahead of Mike Goreham. Andrew Peeler beat Dan Farrington to win the Street Stock championship. Point standings weren't available for F4's or Legend Cars, but all five of these classes are anticipated for the coming season.
Up at Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Oregon, a full season has again been booked. The season kicks off on March 24th with a chili cook off and 200 lap Enduro. After a pair of Test and Tunes to end April, May 5th will be the season opener, featuring the PRA lineup of Modifieds, Hardtops, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks, Hornets and Bangers, which are the regular divisions at the speedway. NSRA Sprint Cars headline the May 19th program along with Modifieds, Hardtops and Hornets. The NASCAR K&N West Series Returns on June 30th, followed by Graffiti Night on July 6th, featuring the Can-Am challenge for Hardtops, Modifieds, Pro 4 Stock Cars and Hornets. Northwest Royal Purple Mini Stocks headline the July 14th show along with Street Stocks, Hornets and Bangers.
The Hornet's Nest 50 will headline the July 21st event along with Modifieds, Street Stocks and Mini Stocks. The Street Stock Smackdown headlines July 28th along with Pro 4 Stock Cars, Hardtops and Bangers, and the West Coast Modified Shootout ends August on the 25th along with Pro 4 Stock Cars, Hardtops, Mini Stocks and Hornets. There will be a bike giveaway for the kids on Family Night, September 8th. The Northwest Pro 4 Alliance Kitty Potter Race For A Cure is the headliner that night along with Modifieds, Hardtops, Street Stocks and Hornets. The Championship Night, Eve Of Destruction, includes a Trailer Race, Bangers, Modifieds, Hardtops, Street Stocks, Mini Stocks and Hornets. A Trick Or Treat Enduro closes the season on October 27th.
The record will show that Matt Klass won the PRA Hardtop championship by just two points ahead of Harlem Cox last season. The PRA Hornets championship went to Bob Vancil by eight points ahead of Jeremy Simms. Chuck Jacobs won the PRA Mini Stock title by 52 points ahead of Dan Colton. Andrew Koens won the PRA Modified title by 29 points ahead of James Smith. The PRA Street Stock title went to Jeff Solberg by over 100 points ahead of Kevin Ballard. The Late Model championship was won by Brandon Ash ahead of Wade Koens, but word is there will not be a regular Late Model division this season. For further information, www.douglascountyspeedway.com has what you need.
Three tracks we have endeavored to cover at the Jefferson Racing News blog have not made it easy for us. Especially when it comes to American Valley Speedway in Quincy, California. We are still awaiting schedule information from the www.americanvalleyspeedway.com website. IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modified, Mini Stocks and Hobby Stocks are the featured classes, and they certainly had some good moments last season despite the fact that results have not been easy to come by. They also have some Dwarf Car events during the season, including the first Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event early in the season (May 4th and 5th). The Nevada Outlaw Pro Stocks also make multiple visits.
What we have found from the IMCA website is listings for the two Modified classes. Records will show that veteran Jeff Olschowka won the IMCA Modified title by 28 points ahead of Chase Nieman. Past champion Erica Buhr beat Chris Nieman by just one point for third while Matt Murphy rounded out the top five in the standings. Other stars of the Top 10 included Larry McCracken, Richard Papenhausen, Scott Foreman, Late Model veteran Bill Pearson and Bobby Higgins.
In the IMCA Sport Modified division, Joseph Wood beat Jason Emmot buy a mere one point with Tom Froggatt only four points out of the lead. Britney Nieman was within 15 points of the lead in fourth while Craig Neiman rounded out the Top 5. Also on the Top 10 in the growing division were Ryan Svensson Jr,, Steve Gordon, Keith Brown Jr., Jimmy Ford and Jared Morris.
Information on who the champions were in the Mini Stock and Hobby Stock divisions is not available online, but the Nevada Outlaw Pro Stock Association had a very close championship decided in favor of Travis White ahead of Shawn Natenstedt. The association races at multiple venues including the Quincy, California race track.
Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville, California is a little bit better about getting information out there, and they have a 2018 schedule. Featured divisions continue to be the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks. Scheduled dates include April 21st, May 5th, May 19th, June 2nd, June 30th, July 4th, July 14th, July 22nd, July 28th, August 4th and August 18th.
Matt Murphy won a close IMCA Modified championship battle last season with 2016 champion Chris Neiman trailing by just seven points. Larry McCracken was a solid third ahead of Tyler Patzke and past champion Scott Foreman. Rounding out the Top 10 in points were Steve Boucher, Galen Hainline, Mitchell Murphy, Nevin Kennemore and Joe Blackwell.
The IMCA Sport Modified division completed its first season with Jason Emmot tying Bob Feller for the championship. Craig Neiman was third. Basically, everybody else on the point list showed up one time, and that list includes Evan Scroggins, Ryan Svensson Jr., State champion Shane DeVolder, Steve Gordon, Tom Froggatt and Robert Patterson.
Unfortunately, final point listings were not available for the other two classes, but we do know that Nathan Howard and Shayna Robertson were two of the stars of the Hobby Stock class last season. Jimmy Ray Huffman, Ray Talavera, Joe Marlow and multi time champion Richard Longacre were among the other competitors last season. Larry Whitebird and Ryan Belli continue to be stars in the Mini Stock division along with hard chargers like Kate Robertson, Anthony Howland, Wyatt Spaulding, Cody Kennemore, Colton Chew and Tom Davis. Davis won several times in his visits from Orland last year, and he likely would have been the champion had he not had to miss some races. You can find more information about Diamond Mountain Speedway at the official Lassen County Fairgrounds page at https://lassencountyfair.org/interim-events/diamond-mountain-speedway/.
We are still waiting for a schedule for Hayfork Speedway, which will likely be eight to ten race dates. The highlights of the season are the Clyde Cordell Memorial and the Fair Race. Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Enduro Cars and Quads are among the featured classes. Not much is known about who the champions were in 2017, but video footage on the track's Facebook page shows young Will Kasper doing championship victory donuts after the last Hobby Stock Main Event. The third generation competitor had hard chargers like 2017 Clyde Cordell Memorial winner Russ Newman, Burl Richardson, Mike Roth, Josh Smith, Tressan Smith, Jeremy Langenderfer and Jason Bovee to contend with. Mini Stock stars included likely (unconfirmed) champion Andy Blackburn, Jack Turner, William Young, Drew Brown and Ross Vige. Ryan Gummerus, Tim Kasper, Jack Turner, William Young, J.D. Hudman, Tom Evans and Isaac Kephart were among the Enduro stars You can go to the Hayfork Speedway Facebook page or www.hayforkspeedway.com for more information.
Meanwhile, in El Dorado County, Placerville Speedway has another great schedule set for the fans to enjoy. Back once again will be the popular Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Limited Late Models and Pure Stocks as the core 3 classes. The track also has the Mini Trucks as a fourth regular division, which was added to the roster last season. Several special events will be sprinkled throughout the season as well as support on any given night from the California Hardtops, BCRA Midget Lites and NorCal Dwarf Cars.
Highlighting the season will be the March 21st World of Outlaws event, presented by Brad Sweet. March 24th is the season opener with the Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Limited Late Models and Pure Stocks as they are joined by the NorCal Dwarf Cars. The Sprint Car Challenge Tour headlines the March 31st event. The Tour, presented by Abreu Vineyards, will be joined by the BCRA Midget Lites. April 21st is the 15th Annual Tribute to Al Hinds, headlined by the Winged 360 Sprint Cars along with Limited Late Models, Pure Stocks, BCRA Midget Lites and California Hardtops.
The April 28th event will see the Hunt Wingless Spec Sprint Tour headline along with Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and NorCal Dwarf Cars. IMCA Sport Mods make a few special visits including May 19th. This is the Tilford Tribute, featuring Limited Late models, Pure Stocks, Mini Trucks and California Hardtops. The NARC King Of The West Fujitsu 410 Winged Sprint Cars and the Sprint Car Challenge Tour will run a salute to the fans on June 30th. The popular 410 Sprint Cars of NARC/KWS return on July 28th along with the BCRA Midget Lites and California Hardtops.
One of the big Sprint Car events happens on August 18th as it is the 13th Annual Mark Forni Classic. Joining the Winged 360 Sprint Cars will be the Limited Late Models, Pure Stocks and NorCal Dwarf Cars. The Sprint Car Challenge Tour has a pair of dates on September 21st and 22nd. This is the NorCal Posse Shootout event with support coming from the BCRA Midget Lites. That event will wrap up an exciting season.
Speaking of exciting seasons, it was Steven Tiner winning the Winged 360 Sprint Car championship last season by 30 points ahead of Greg DeCaires. Jimmy Trulli ran a solid third. In the Limited Late Model championship race, it was Matt Micheli winning the championship by 72 points over Mike Lightfoot. Tyler Lightfoot was only six points behind Mike in third. In the popular Pure Stock division, Jason Palmer won the championship ahead of 2016 champion Nick Baldwin by 40 points. Past champion Scott Grunert was a solid third. For further information on what's happening at the track, go to www.placervillespeedway.com.
Getting back to the Sprint Car Challenge Tour, it was Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards coming on board as major sponsors. Because of them, The Tour began in 2017 with an impressive opener of 60 cars at Antioch Speedway. Though Antioch isn't part of the 2018 schedule, they will run four of their 13 races at Placerville Speedway on March 31st, June 30th and the NorCal Posse Shootout two race weekend on September 21st and 22nd. Stockton, Petaluma, Reno-Fernley, Tulare and Hanford are also part of the Sprint Car Challenge Tour schedule.
Looking back at the 2017 season, it was Kyle Hirst winning the championship by 79 points ahead of Willie Croft. Ryan Bernal was a comfortable third in the standings as Mitchell Faccinto and Michael "Buddy" Kofoid completed the Top 5. For further information, check out www.sprintcarchallengetour.com.
The oldest continuously running Winged 360 Sprint Car Tour on the West Coast continues to be the Civil War Series. Despite tough competition from the Sprint Car Challenge Tour, the Civil War lives on thanks in part to support from Jefferson area race tracks in Marysville and Chico. Marysville will will host the Series on March 24th and May 26th, while Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico hosts them on May 27th and September 5th. The Series also has races in Tulare, Calistoga and Watsonville.
A look at the final point standings of 2017 finds Andy Forsberg winning his 10th Civil War championship by 95 points ahead of Watsonville and Petaluma champion Geoff Ensign. Word has it that Forsberg is planning to run for the Sprint Car Challenge Tour championship this season. Back a good ways in third was past Watsonville champion Justin Sanders, who beat Koen Shaw by just 19 points. Michael Ing completed the Top 5 in the standings. For further information on the Civil War Series, go to http://www.racepmg.com/civilwarsprints/.
