Natenstedt Tops IMCA Modifieds, Belli Rebounds In Mini Stocks At Diamond Mountain Speedway

Natenstedt Tops IMCA Modifieds, Belli Rebounds 

In Mini Stocks At Diamond Mountain Speedway

Susanville, CA...Despite threatening skies, the show went on at Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville.  There were two new winners and a repeat winner in the three division program.  Shawn Natenstedt won the IMCA Modified Main Event in his season debut, while Kyle Belli won the Mini Stock feature.  Victor Richey won the Strictly Stock feature. The switch to a rare Friday night program likely worked to the track's advantage as they were able to avoid a rainout.

Another good turnout of 14 IMCA Modifieds competed in the Friday night show.  Shawn Nantenstedt made a successful season debut with a Main Event victory.  Chris Nieman improved on a fourth place finish in the season opener with his second place finish as Galen Hainline brought it home in third.  It was 2015 point runner up Matt Murphy finishing fourth ahead of 2012 Quincy champion, Erica Buhr.  Past Susanville champion Jeff Chew was sixth as Nevin Kennemore, Dave Sciarroni, Wade DeBerg and Larry McCracken rounded out the Top 10.

Defending Strictly Stock champion Richard Longacre kicked off the night with a victory in the heat race ahead of Nathan Howard.  However, it was season opening winner Victor Richey again preventing Longacre from getting into the Main Event winner's circle.  Longacre settled for another second place finish ahead of Howard, Steve Goss, Ian Upton, James Erie, Shayna Robertson and Jason Emmot.

Kyle Belli had a season debut he'd rather forget.  Defending Mini Stock champion Belli started the evening off with a heat race win and followed that up with a Main Event victory.  Billy Gibson improved on his fifth place finish at the season opener with a second place finish ahead of the season debut of Wyatt Spaulding.  Robert Feller and Larry Foster rounded out the Top 5.  Past champion Larry Whitebird won his heat race, but he settled sixth in the feature ahead of Rick Higby, Megan Wilson and Joe Marlow.

The track runs the NAPA Gold Series with neighboring American Valley Speedway in Quincy, and that next race is June 4th in Quincy. Quincy is two races into their season.  The IMCA Modified opener on April 30th was won by Chris Nieman ahead or Erica Buhr, Riley Simmons, Eli Zucker and Late Model veteran Bill Pearson.  Perennial front runner Jeff Olschowka won the most recent race on May 14th ahead of Chase Nieman, Matt Murphy, Larry McCracken and Chris Olexiewicz. 

Racing resumes at Diamond Mountain Speedway on June 11th.  The second round of the NAPA Gold Series will feature IMCA  Modifieds, Strictly Stocks and Mini Stocks.  For further information, go to the track website at https://lassencountyfair.org/interim-events/diamond-mountain-speedway/

Braaten Dominates Sport Mod Main At Siskiyou Speedway

Braaten Dominates Sport Mod Main At Siskiyou Speedway,

Jorgensen Snaps Yawnick's Win Streak

Yreka, CA...Despite the threat of rain in the area, the show went on at Siskiyou Motor Speedway Saturday night.  Southern Oregon Speedway champion Jorddon Braaten returned and ran away with the victory in the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modified 30 lap Main Event.  Dennis Jorgensen ended Marilyn Yawnick's two race win streak in the 20 lap McDonald's Mini Stock feature.  Veteran Stan Gunderson bested a slim field of IMCA Modifieds in their 15 lap feature.

Braaten currently leads the competitors in the Northwest Sport Mod Challenge Series and did nothing to hurt that when he won the Main Event.  Braaten set a blistering pace out front and won by over half a lap ahead of Jimmy Lipke, in his best finish yet.  Kurt Lorenini was a respectable third as Chris Jorgensen and Colton Cheffey rounded out the Top 5 as lead lap finishers.  Mike Medel was back after winning the season opener and finished a lap down in sixth, followed by Garrett Hamilton, David Marble, Kyle Pitkin and Trevor Tiffee.  Heat wins were scored by Lorenzini and Medel, and Chad Wormington was the Trophy Dash winner.

Dennis Jorgensen and Marilyn Yawinick were the Mini Stock heat race winners, and Joregensen continued that momentum by winning his first Main Event.  The win came ahead of the rapidly improving Ethan Killingsworth in his fast Mini Truck.  2014 champion "Magic" Mike Whitaker had his best finish of the year in third.  Yawnick settled for fourth ahead of Devon Weiser, Trophy Dash winner Terry Kendrick, Mike Coleson, Mike Frost and Amber Waldon.  Point leader and defending champion David Steele scratched early in the evening with mechanical issues, and that should put past champion Kendrick in the point lead when the new totals are released.

Stan Gunderson won the IMCA Modified feature ahead of Roger Lorenzini and Duane Orsburn.  Lorenzini won both the Trophy Dash and heat race.

The Sport Mods had a Mechanics Race, and Modified veteran Lenny Toolanen won that race ahead of Cory Biggs, Dennis Joregensen and past Southern Oregon Speedway Mini Stock champion Toby Judd.  Racing resumes next Saturday night with IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks and SODCA Dwarf Cars all on the card.  This is the first round of the Patriot Series.  More details on the next race can be found at www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.

Desbiens, Sin Score Feature Wins At Coos Bay Speedway

Coos Bay, Oregon...Round #2 of the Les Schwab Racing Series at Coos Bay Speedway on Saturday night was Pepsi Night at the speedway.  The five division  program brought in over 50 race cars.  Cottage Grove Speedway racer Cooper Desbiens won the Winged Sprint Car Main Event, while Josh Sin grabbed the victory in the Late Model feature.  Wayne Butler was the Sportsman winner.  Daniel Land (Street Stocks) and Jeremiah Reiber (Hornets) collected their second straight Main Event victories.

The Winged Sprint Car feature included a couple of visitors from Cottage Grove, and it was Cooper Desbiens grabbing the victory ahead of point leader Scott Fox in the Main Event.  Desbiens started his night off right by wining his heat race ahead of Fox before the duo ran 1-2 in the feature.  Desbiens had the lead by straightaway at the checkered flag.  Another Cottage Grove racer, Brandi Crockett, finished third in the Main Event ahead of defending champion Dave May and Eric Lyons, who was the final lead lap finisher,  Nick Kyukendall was a lap down in sixth as Ken Fox, Ryan Kingrey, Casey Starr and season opening winner John Black made up the Top 10.  Lyons was a heat race winner ahead of Lawrence Van Hoof, while Black held off Crockett to win their heat race.

Josh Sin derailed David Schmidt's bid for a clean sweep in the Late Model feature.  Schmidt had started the night off by holding off defending champion Toby McIntyre to win their heat race before beating season opening winner Nathan Augustine to win the Trophy Dash.  However, Sin had Schmidt's number in the Main Event as he collected the win in the 25 lap race.  Sin and Schmidt were chased across the line by Augustine, McIntyre and Kristy Grout, the final lead lap finisher.   Thor Kristenson took a checkered flag down two laps in sixth as Chuck Bracelin and Dylan Hitner rounded out the finishing order.

Defending Sportsman champion Wayne Butler came back strong from his runner up finish in the season opener by winning the Main Event impressively.  Butler won by a half a lap ahead of Justin Rykes and Tom Williams.  Season opening winner Dylan Siewell was the final lead lap finisher.  Russ Blean and Eric Barely were a lap down in sixth and seventh, respectively, as Steve Dubisar and Charlie Withers completed the field.  Siewell won his heat race over Butler, but he finished second to Dubisar in the Trophy Dash.  Williams won the other heat in front of Dubisar.

Street Stock point leader Daniel Land enjoyed another clean sweep performance.   Land won the heat race and the Main Event ahead of Justin Krossman.  Land was also the Trophy Dash winner.  Trophy Dash runner up Stacy Robinson was third in the Main Event ahead of Jeff Krossman and Tim Young.  Dustin Hitner broke in the heat race to end his night.

Jeremiah Reiber backed up his win in the Hornets season opener with another winning performance.   Reiber won the feature just ahead of Josh Bearden and Jake Siewell.  Jason Greer was fourth as Sam Taylor just beat Darren Fuller back to the line for fifth.  Mike Wagner, Robert Vandal and Ryan Siewell completed the lead lap finishing order as William Hitner was tenth.  Reiber won his heat race ahead of Brian Barelelow, while Bearden won the other heat ahead of Beard.

The Les Schwab Racing Series continues on May 28th with the Super Late Model Showdown.  Late Models headline the show along with the Sportsman class, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and Hornets.  For further information, check out www.coosbayspeedway.us.

Pit stops - Jefferson Edition

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Pit stops - - Jefferson Edition

Modifieds Take Center Stare At Southern Oregon Speedway

It's official. Racing season is in full bloom throughout the West Coast. While Siskiyou Motor Speedway was taking a week off, Southern Oregon Speedway was bringing out the heavy guns last Saturday night. The lineup of IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks and Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars delighted the crowd.

In the field of IMCA Modifieds was six time champion Mark Wauge. Wauge raced a limited schedule last season, but he still managed to rank second in points. Between Southern Oregon Speedway and Yreka, Wauge managed to win several of the big races during the course of the season. It's not for lack of love for his home track that Wauge didn't run every race last season. His main concern was car count, and he really didn't want to go out there and get wins if it was only a six car field.

In the weeks leading up to the season opener, Mark began to tell people that he was considering running full time again this year. He revealed to this reporter that this is the plan as long as car count can stay up above the 10 car mark. It was hoped that some of the big names would get back out there and race, and Mark is certainly the biggest name in the area. On Saturday, he showed why as he won both his heat race and the Main Event.

If Wauge does go for his seventh track championship, he can count on some competition from Matt Duste. Throughout the 20 year run of the speedway, the Duste family has been a factor in the championship battle in this division. In fact, Matt and his father and his brother, Dave Sr. and Dave Jr., have all ranked as high as second in the standings. Matt himself is a winner of the prestigious Lon Skinner Memorial Race. The rumor had it that Matt would be running a Sport Mod this year, but he had his beautiful blue #23 car out there running with the Modified division. He ran a smooth race, though he didn't have what he needed to get around Wauge for the win. He settled for a second place finish.

Two of the other names you'll need to keep an eye on this year are Jesse Bailey and two time defending champion Albert Gill. You won't find a better supporter of the speedway over the last two seasons than Gill. He has come up through the ranks of the Pro Stock division to the Modifieds, and he has been competitive in whatever division he's been in. He grabbed a fourth place finish on Saturday night, showing that he still has it.

As for Bailey, he's been a front runner in Modifieds at the speedway over the last few seasons. He would follow Wauge's example by winning his heat race that night, and he was up near the front of the pack in third for most of the Main Event. The fact is, Jesse is due for a breakout championship run. Could this be the year?

The Yreka track was also well represented in the Southern Oregon opener. 2015 champion Nick Trenchard, Kyle Casson, and Duane Orsburn crossed the line in fifth through seventh. Trenchard had been running up in third, but his motor seemed to be losing a little bit of power down the stretch. All three of these drivers have had their success at Southern Oregon Speedway. Casson is a past Top 5 driver in the standings, and Trenchard won the Lon Skinner Memorial Race a few years ago. Orsburn started racing at the Speedway in the Street Stock division and won the first two championships in 2011 and 2012.

In the week leading up to the opener, Duane revealed that he was planning on running full time for a championship at Southern Oregon Speedway. This could have been heightened by his frustration at Yreka, where he was the only driver to make all three races. In fact, the the last time Yreka had a race for the class, he was the only driver there. Trenchard had a $1,000 victory in the season opener before bailing on them. We didn't hear what Nick's plans are, but Casson said he would run occasionally at Southern Oregon Speedway. Having any of these three drivers in the field is a bonus for the fans.

It was interesting to watch the crew of Daniel Herrera in the line coming to the track. The team had gotten this car from Dan Estremado, a past champion at the speedway. The car wasn't quite ready to go to the track, and they were trying to finish up the last minute details while they waited to sign in. Obviously, things weren't quite up to specs as the team didn't make the Main Event.

Jeremy Ohlde and Zach Fettinger both made it for the opening night. Both drivers plan on making the full season. Ohlde managed to grab an eighth place finish, but Zach watched the finish from the sidelines as he DNF'ed in 12th. Making the Main Event interesting was the fact that it went all 25 laps without a yellow flag. It shows just how good IMCA Modified racing can be at Southern Oregon Speedway.

The IMCA Modifieds take a week off, but they're coming back for two appearances in a row to close the month on May 21st and May 28th. The May 28th race is a big event, the Roger Haudenschild Tribute Race. Extra money will be on the line, and the IMCA Sport Modifieds will be there then. In fact, the IMCA Sport Modifieds are running this week as well.

Back once again is Jorddon Braaten. Braaten has already been a big factor on the circuit, having won Main Events at Cottage Grove Speedway. When he got into the Sport Modified division a few years ago, he revealed that his plans were to get into the IMCA Modifieds. According to the team, this is going to happen in 2017. In the meantime, Jorddon is setting his sights on a triple crown and the championships of Southern Oregon Speedway, IMCA Oregon State and Steve Kerstulovich's North West Sport Modified Challenge.

Jorddon picked up right where he left off last year by winning the Main Event. In this case, he had his hands full with another two time Southern Oregon Speedway champion, Dwayne Melvin. Melvin had won his heat race, and he gave Braaten all he could handle during the first half of the race. Dwayne even made it past for the lead midway through the race, only to have it negated by a yellow flag for defending Oregon State champion Mike Medel. He ended up settling for a strong second place finish.

As for Medel, the night ended up being one he'd rather forget. Dwayne was involved in a scrape on the back straight away with Yreka visitor Garrett Hamilton and Randy Fernandes. Fernandes was the worst victim of the early yellow flag as his race ended. Hamilton and Medel continued, but it was obvious both of their cars were pretty damaged. Medel fell out, but heat race winner Hamilton limped around the track for a seventh place finish, one lap down.

As with the IMCA Modified division, the Sport Modifieds were will represented by Yreka racers. In addition to Hamilton, Jimmy Lipke and Kurt Lorenzini were also in the field. Lipke had purchased a car before the season from Ryland Racing down in Brentwood, California. He has been running up near the front of the pack, but he's looking for a feature victory. On this occasion, he ended up fourth. He will likely be back at his home track next week trying for that win.

Lorenzini is a driver who will be racing wherever he feels like this season. Kurt got his car from his legendary father, Roger Lorenzini Jr. It was actually an IMCA Modified that he converted back to Sport Modifieds for this season. The results of that paid off early on with the win that he had at Yreka, and he didn't do too badly on this night with a fifth place finish.

2015 Mini Stock champion David Marble made his Southern Oregon Speedway debut in the Sport Modified class. The nephew of past Sprint Car champion T.J. Winningham collected a respectable fifth place finish. David had been pitting for him for several seasons before he was convinced by his uncle to get a Mini Stock. He rapidly climbed up the ladder in that division, ranking in the Top 3 in 2014 before winning the championship last year. So far, he's really enjoyed driving this race car.

Marble wasn't the only rookie in the field as A.J. Parker was also making his first start. Unfortunately for Parker, he didn't do too well and ended up last in the 10 car field. That was better than Klamath Falls long tow Justin Foux, who didn't even start the Main Event due to mechanical issues.

Mini Stock racing has been pretty exciting two races into the season. Bob Burkett and Gary Anderson have come out strong this year. Burkett, who is now the point leader, won the season opener, and he was working on a clean sweep last week. After his Trophy Dash and heat race wins, however, Burkett was denied by Anderson. Burkett did lead 10 laps before Anderson passed him. This time, Anderson didn't get tripped up by lapped traffic. He ended up bringing home the victory. Anderson is the 2014 champion in this division, and it could be a good battle between these two drivers.

The Mini Stock division has a pair of 14 year olds in its midst. They are Marissa Henson and Michael Johnson. Henson has raced for several seasons in Outlaw Karts. Last season was her first season in Mini Stocks, and she finished in the Top 10. This year, the High School Freshman is setting her sights on a Top 3 ranking and her first career feature victory in Mini Stocks. Marissa managed to hold off a late challenge from Andrew Hall to finish fourth in the Main Event, earning her another Trophy Dash start next time the division is in action. She is also holding on to third place in the point standings.

For second generation racer Johnson, the going has been a little bit more difficult. Michael is one of three drivers who has moved up from the Hornet division, and he actually ranked second in that class last year. The car he ran then had an automatic transmission, and now he's working a stick shift. In his struggle to learn the stick shift, Michael didn't quite make it out to start the season opening Main Event. Johnson answered the call in the latest race and finished ninth.

Eric Hanson would love to answer the call for a Main Event, but thus far, he's been unable to start either race. Coming off of his Top 5 season last year, but nothing has gone right so far. He was taken out by fuel pump problems at the season opener, and the team was scrambling frantically during intermission to get the motor running this last week. No word on what the problem was this time, but Eric will hopefully have the car back and running when the Mini Stocks return to the speedway on May 21st.

For Kristopher Mix, the racing season almost didn't happen. Coming off of his Top 10 season last year, Kristopher has high hopes of an even better year this year. He took the car he intended to compete with this season to the playday at Yreka. Unfortunately, he ended up crashing in one of the practice sessions and damaged the car enough that it wasn't going to be usable for him in time to start the season at Southern Oregon Speedway. This left the veteran of four seasons of Mini Stock racing scrambling to find another ride.

Fortunately for Mix, he found a ride in the former Curt Ballard car. He went to work on getting the car ready with just a couple of weeks to do so, and he added some new pink numbers to his #89 car. The second generation racer went out on opening day and grabbed himself a Top 5 finish in fourth. That earned him a Trophy Dash start last week, though he didn't do so well in that event. Mix ended up seventh at the checkered flag last week, which keeps him in the battle for the Top 5 in points.  That and a feature win were the goals going into the season.

Meanwhile, Yreka visitor Ethan Killingsworth brought his Mini Truck, and he had a solid showing with a third place finish. Just a week prior at his home track, Ethan actually led 10 laps of the Main Event before an electrical issue sidelined him.

It's obvious that the beautiful blue #007 Mini Wagon of Andrew Hall is fast, though Hall is still getting used to being behind the wheel. For the second straight week, Andrew won his heat race, and he was running up in the Top 3 before spinning again. Hall made a charge back up to finish fifth in the Main Event, just barely missing passing Marissa Henson for that fourth place position. Actually, if there's a car in the field that has something for the #43 of Burkett and the #0 of Anderson, it could be the #007 car of Hall.

It was not too much of a surprise to see Vern Wheeler Jr. again roll to a clean sweep in the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car division. Wheeler has the experience and is running a 360 Sprint Car in the field that has some Limited Sprints. Though there are some veteran racers avoiding competing in the new class at Southern Oregon Speedway, Wheeler has ruffled some feathers by taking his car and his son Jake's car to the speedway. Wheeler has said that he wants to see this division be successful at the track, and it is close to his home.

An issue with some of the racers is their feelings that there should be a bigger purse for the class. At this point, management is just trying to establish a division and build a crowd base for the speedway, which has had tough times over the last couple years. Things can get a lot better for Sprint Car racing at Southern Oregon Speedway, but the fact that some of the racers refuse to compete there isn't helping the cause.

As for the Wheeler Team, they have grabbed the top two positions in each Main Event so far, and that has left them with a $1,200 paycheck each week. Plus, they are only towing a few minutes from home. If the other teams aren't liking what they're seeing, perhaps somebody will bring their car out there and put an end to the Wheeler domination? Otherwise, it will fall to one of the drivers on the roster to do this.

Currently, the two drivers most likely to challenge Team Wheeler are rookies Camden Robustelli and Jeffrey Hudson. Each of them has a third place finish in the Main Event, while Hudson now has a second place finish in the Trophy Dash and a heat race. Robustelli also has a second place heat race finish. Both drivers are concentrating on getting comfortable behind the wheel and controlling their race cars. In time, you're going to see something good from both of these drivers. They're both very talented.

One driver who has been out at the speedway just about since it opened is Wayne Kniffen. Wayne is one of the budget racers at the speedway, and he has won B Main championships in the Dirt Modified and Mini Stock divisions in his career. After a sponsor flaked on him, he missed the opening race. As it is, it could be week to week as to whether we see the #84 car in the field.

On Saturday night, Wayne drove a good race and ended up a lead lap fourth in the 25 lap feature. With that finish, he is qualified for the Trophy Dash on May 21st. Wayne revealed that this was the first Trophy Dash for him since he ran the Mini Stocks some fifteen years ago. With a front row start, you never know what he might be able to accomplish.

Todd Whipple is getting the most seat time that he's had in a Sprint Car since he debuted the car. Though his results aren't as good as he might like to see, he has taken his car to two straight checkered flags and has been able to drive it up on the trailer. The one thing about the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car division at Southern Oregon Speedway is it has given these drivers some good seat time. If the six drivers return on May 21st, they will likely be joined by two time Orland Wingless Sprint champion Bill Hopper, who has gotten his motor problems ironed out. And, you never know who might show up next.

The five division program that is coming this week will include the Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks, the IMCA Sport Modifieds, the Hornets division, the Super 4's division and the OTRO Hardtops. There are a few questions centering around this program. However, they don't involve the Outlaw Pro Stocks. The turnout is expected to be pretty good for that class.

The bigger question when it comes to the Pro Stock division is can anybody stop Steve Borror? Steve has dominated the first two Main Events of the season. In fact, nobody has really come close to him. In the last race at Southern Oregon Speedway, only Ken Irving, James Flowers and Roy Bain managed to stay on the lead lap with him. Flowers is the only other driver with Top 3 finishes in both Main Events this year. He was second to Borror in Yreka.

The Flowers family now fields three Outlaw Pro Stocks. There is father Scott Flowers, who had a DNF at the first race at Southern Oregon Speedway. Then, there's his son James and daughter Julia. Julia is up from Outlaw Kart racing and is a rookie this season. So far, she has stayed out of trouble and grabbed two consecutive checkered flags. Scott brings impressive credentials as a two time runner up in the Pro Stocks these past two seasons and a past champion at Worden Speedway.

There were 14 cars at the last race, and some good competitors are anticipated this week as well, including John Cobb, Scott Bennett, Matt Harlow and two time Super 4's champion Brian Johnsen.

Speaking of the Super 4's division, they return to the speedway as one of the featured divisions for the first time since 2013. We're not sure who will be showing up, but last year's lone feature winner, Lee Doty, could be there along with John Barger. Estimations are that we could see anywhere from six to 10 cars for the opener. This division put on some good shows back in the day, and it will be nice to have them back in the fold once again.

One of the keys to a successful racing program is a solid entry level division. The Hornets division has been that entry level division for the past couple of seasons, though it has sort of flown in under the radar. A total of 10 different cars competed last year, including six cars each for the last two nights. The goal is to see nights where at least 10 cars show up. The hope is for a minimum of six cars for this race.

At this point, we're not really sure who will be there. Darrel Nelson Jr. has confirmed that he will be there. We've heard nothing from 2015 champion Drew Fielder, but three other competitors from last year, Devan Weiser, Dillon Lausen and Michael Johnson, have all moved up to Mini Stocks. Weiser still has his car and was contemplating a visit for this race. He is coming off of a sixth place finish in the Mini Stock feature last week.

Not much is known to this reporter about who will be showing up with OTRO Hardtops. A group of about a half a dozen of the competitors who were running on the pavement at Roseburg are said to be interested in doing some dirt racing. The only name that we've heard of in this group is Dick Bridges, who is the one reportedly coordinating the group to come visit. The Hardtops are scheduled five times this year, although one report was that they were going to run the first two races and see from there. 

Yreka Racing Returns On Saturday

Siskiyou Motor Speedway will be back in action this Saturday with a Kart race in the afternoon and then the regular show in the evening. The evening show will feature the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks and IMCA Modifieds. The program will also feature Mud Bogs, Mechanics Races and a ball toss by the IMCA Sport Modified racers.

At this point, the two IMCA Sport Mod drivers battling for the championship are Garrett Hamilton and his teammate Doug Franklin. Franklin was second in IMCA points last season while winning the association's championship. He ended up second at the finish last time out, while teammate Garrett Hamilton won the race. Hamilton took a beating at Southern Oregon Speedway last week, though he took a checkered in seventh on the night and after winning his heat race.

Two other drivers visiting Southern Oregon Speedway last week were Kurt Lorenzini and Jimmy Lipke. Lipke purchased a car from Ryland Racing in California in the hopes of being more competitive and picked up his best finish yet in that car in forth. Lorenzini already has a Main Event win at Yreka two races ago, and he finished sixth at Southern Oregon. It seems to be a pretty evenly matched show for the Sport Modifieds at Yreka.

The McDonald's Mini Stocks has turned into a rather interesting show. Not many people were expecting that Marilyn Yawnick would end up winning two Main Events in a row, but that's exactly what she has done. She's enjoying the best finishes of her career to this point. Making it even more impressive is the fact that in both cases, 2015 champion David Steele finished a close second to her.

Steele probably expected that 2014 champion Mike Whitaker would be his closest competitor. Unfortunately, Whitaker has sort of stumbled out of the gate so far this year. At this point, past champion Terry Kendrick and Yawnick are his closest contenders. However, we'll have to keep an eye on the Mini Truck of Ethan Killingsworth after his strong third place showing at Southern Oregon Speedway.

We anticipate good racing in both divisions, but we're not really sure who will be showing up in the IMCA Modifieds. After all of the complaining following just five dates being scheduled, the track more than doubled that schedule to 12 races. Car count to this point after three races has been five at the first show, 3 at the second and one at the third. Duane Orsburn was the only driver to make all three appearances, and he was clearly frustrated by the fact that he was the only guy there last time. Perhaps the only thing giving the show a chance at having cars is the fact that Southern Oregon Speedway does not have IMCA Modifieds this week. We'll see what happens.

Season Openers At Coos Bay And Hayfork

While Susanville had a rain out for their second event (they have IMCA Modifieds, Strictly Stocks and Mini Stocks this Friday), Coos Bay Speedway finally had their first race. A field of just over 40 cars showed up for the five division show, which featured both Sprint Cars and Late Models. It was John Black picking up the Sprint Car win. The 2015 Point runner up beat the defending champion Dave May, who settled for second over Scott Fox. Nathan Augustine won the Late Model Main Event ahead of Chase Hitner and Tom Parry. There aren't too many tracks that run Late Models and Sprint Cars, and Coos Bay Speedway had them both on the same night.

Dylan Siewell is up from the Hornet division into the Sportsman class, and he had to take on the defending champ and the 2015 Point runner up. What was interesting was he managed to beat the defending champion Wayne Butler and Tom Williams in a competitive race. Siewell's departure from the Hornet division opens the door for 2015 fourth ranked driver Jeremiah Reiber, who picked up the feature win by half a lap over Ryan's Siewell. An equally dominant performance was turned in by the Street Stock runner up for 2015, Daniel Land, who won by over a half lap ahead of Matt King in Street Stocks. Land won every race in the division that night with King finishing second each time.

Out at Hayfork Speedway, they finally opened up their gates to do some racing. Unfortunately, their car count was just a bit light as only the locals showed up due to the threat of rain. The records will show that the winners of the seventh season opener were Burl Richardson in Hobby Stocks, William Young in Mini Stocks, D.J. Case in Beginners Street Stocks, Tressan Smith in Outlaw Pro Stocks and Ryan Gummerus in Enduros. They'll be trying for a bigger car count on May 21st, and it will probably happen.

Placerville And Closing Thoughts

Rain did a number on the race tracks in South Jefferson with cancellations in Roseville, Chico and Marysville. However, Placerville Speedway did get to run, and their Thompson Auto Group 360 Sprint Car feature was won by Andy Forsberg. It was Sean Becker picking up the second place finish once again over Dominic Scelzi, Mason Moore and Jonathan Allard.

In the Jay's Welding And Fabricating Pure Stock division, Jason Palmer picked up his first ever win over Matt Tillford. The Tillford family has been racing at Placerville for a number of years, making Palmer's accomplishment more impressive. Two time defending champion, Scott Grunert, finished third ahead of Jeff Sly and new point leader Nick Baldwin. Willie McMillan grabbed his second DOMCO Plumbing Limited Late Model Main Event win over Ryan McDaniel as Tyler Lightfoot. Ray Trimble and Matt Micheli completed the top five.

Whether it is the BCRA Midget Lites, NorCal Dwarf Cars or what have you, Placerville likes to run a fourth division. There have been rumblings about getting the track to start its own IMCA Sport Modified show, and after the 13 car showing they had at a test race a couple of weeks ago, it wouldn't be a surprise to see that happen. Past San Jose Sprint Car champion Charlie Caracillo won the BCRA Midget Lites Main Event over defending series champion Craig Dillard and Kyle Offill. This division will join the track's regular three divisions when racing resumes at Placerville this week.

Southern Oregon Speedway will be running Outlaw Karts on Friday night, followed by a five division show Saturday night on the big track that will include the Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Super 4's, Hornets and OTRO Hardtops. The page for the details as always is www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Siskiyou Motor Speedway likes to do their Kart racing on the same night as the big track races, so Kart races happen Saturday afternoon. The show on Saturday night will feature the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds, McDonald's Mini Stocks and IMCA Modifieds. Mud Bogs, Mechanics Races and a ball toss by the Sport Modified drivers are also featured on the card. And, www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com is your website to go to for all of the details.

Now that the gates are open at Coos Bay Speedway, you'll get Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, Sportsman, Street Stocks, Hornets and Mini Outlaws as a part of a six division show this Saturday night. You can go to www.coosbayspeedway.us for more information.

Hayfork Speedway Opens Seventh Season 

Under Threatening Skies

Racing season began at Hayfork Speedway Saturday night. Even the threatening skies didn't dampen the spirits of the competitors who were there as cars from five different divisions were represented.  Of note was the fact that three generations of the Kasper family were competing.

Grandfather Bill Kasper, himself the 2015 Hobby Stock champion, was there, along with son Kevin Kasper and grandson William Kasper.  Bill was going for the win in Hobby Stocks, but he was denied by the winner of last season's Clyde Cordell Memorial Race, Burl Richardson.  Bill settled for second ahead of Russ Newman.  Meanwhile, Bill's son, Kevin Kasper collected the win in the Trophy Dash.

The track has added a Beginner's Street Stock division as a way to get new competitors.  A couple of teens, D.J. Case and William Kasper, the grandson, battled for the win with the checkered flag falling over Case.  Bryan Gummerus won the Enduro race ahead of Tim Kasper.  2015 Enduro champion William Young won the Mini Stock race, while Tressan Smith was the Outlaw Pro Stock winner.

Racing resumes at Hayfork Speedway on May 21st with Hobby Stocks, Enduros, Mini Stocks, Outlaw Pro Stocks and Beginners Street Stocks all on the card.  For further information, check out the official web site at www.hayforkspeedway.com.

Five Division Show On Tap For Southern Oregon Speedway This Saturday Night

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion
The weekend preview edition can be found HERE

Five Division Show On Tap For 
Southern Oregon Speedway This Saturday Night

The third event of the 2016 season is set for this Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. After the successful debut of the two IMCA Modified classes, we get our first look at the Hornet and Super 4 divisions. The Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks, IMCA Sport Modifieds and OTRO Hardtops are also on the schedule. It should be another great night of racing on the fast 3/10's mile banked clay oval.

Last week was a bumpy beginning for the IMCA Sport Modified division, but it continued to be business as usual for two time defending champion Jorddon Braaten. Braaten led all the way, fighting off a challenge from two time champion Dwayne Melvin. Braaten has multiple championship goals in mind for this year, including his third track title a row and a state championship. It would be the ultimate accomplishment for the team as Jordan prepares to move up to the IMCA Modified division next year.

Last season's third place point runner, Bob Nelsen, had a good afternoon. His car was voted "Best Appearing" in the car show held earlier in the afternoon at a local business. He then drove to a third place finish in the Main Event.

David Marble made his division debut in fifth. Marble is moving up from the Mini Stock ranks, where he won the track championship last season. The difference is night and day in the way the cars handle. "Oh, this car is great, " Marble admitted. "There's no comparison between this and the Mini Stock. This thing practically drives itself."

Marble picked up a second place feature finish in Yreka about a month ago. His influence in racing is his uncle, past Southern Oregon Speedway Sprint Car Champion T.J. Winningham. "I pitted for him for many years, " David explained. "He's the one that talked me into racing. So, I got a Mini Stock about 7 years ago and started racing."

The Outlaw Pro Stock competitors are probably still chasing Steve Borror after last their last appearance. Borror put on a dominant performance in winning the Main Event by a half lap. This followed up his win in the group's season opener in Yreka just a few weeks before that. The question is, can anybody beat him this week?

That may fall to the two time champion Ken Irving, who hasn't finished outside of the top five in the standings in the last four seasons. Irving led the last feature for five laps before settling for a second place finish. Two other competitors, James Flowers and Roy Bain, were the only others to manage to stay on the lead lap last time out. Flowers is currently second in the group's point standings.

It is a family affair with the Flowers clan. Father Scott is coming off of back to back runner up point seasons. He is a past champion at the old Worden Speedway. James is his son, and daughter Julia just started in a Pro Stock this season. "She's been racing in Karts and she wanted to run with us this year, " Scott explained

The daughter already has one goal in mind. "I want to beat my father and my brother in a Main Event, " said Julia, who is a high school senior in Klamath Falls. Her first start at Yreka was a fifth place finish, and she took a checkered flag in eighth last time out.

It has been a few seasons since we last saw the Super 4's division. The effort was established about 15 years ago by local car builder Rick Rapp. After the 2012 season, several of the competitors headed for the pavement up north. John Barger remained and won the last track Championship the division had in 2013. He is one of the drivers that is anticipated this week.

As for who else will be racing, the word was that we could see anywhere from 6 to 10 cars for the opener. Lee Doty, who won the Main Event last year in the division's lone appearance, is anticipated to be one of those drivers. Prior to the most recent Outlaw Pro Stock show, one of that division's competitors and a two time Super 4 champion, Dennis Johnsen, talked about the possibility of being a competitor in this division once again.

The Hornets division is a gateway division to get new stars on to the big track. Last season, Dillon Lausen competed in the Hornet division as did Devon Weiser and Michael Johnson, who was second in the standings. All three of these drivers have moved up to the Mini Stock division this year. Johnson, a second generation competitor at the speedway, was just 14 years old when he started racing. Drew Fielder is the 2015 champion. Again, we've heard anywhere from 6 to 10 drivers could be out there to kick this division off. The Hornet division is in its third season, and optimism is high that it will grow in the weeks ahead.

The OTRO Hardtop division races on the payment up at Roseburg. A group of about a half a dozen of them are hoping to expand their horizons on the dirt. This week will be the first of five scheduled appearances for the group as they try to establish something.

Grandstands open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race starting at 7:00 p.m. sharp. Adult tickets are $12, Juniors and Seniors are $6.00 and children 5 and under are free.  For the ladies out there, Saturday night is Ladies Night, meaning only $6 to come out and watch a great night of racing.

Pit Stops

Of note on last week's roster was the appearance of six time IMCA Modified champion Mark Wauge. Wauge won that division's Main Event impressively. He would like to come back and support all nine races this year, but he's hoping that some of his fellow competitors feel the same way about bringing their cars to the track. "Car count got a little bit down last year, so we started racing at other places, " Mark explained. "I don't want to come out and beat a field of five or six cars. I'd feel just as good about finishing fifth in a field of 20 cars."

Wauge beat a field of 14 cars last week, which means we will probably see him at the division's next appearance on May 21st . "This is my home track, and I've run for points just about every year since I started, " he added.  "I was talking to other racers about coming out here, because I want to see the cars come back. This division puts on a good show for the fans."

Likewise, Winged Sprint Car competitor Vern Wheeler Jr. has been vilified for supporting the cause this year. However, the track is only a few minutes from his house and Wheeler just wants to race. "A few people have called me names for coming out here and racing, " Vern explained. "I just want to race, and I want this division to grow here."

Wheeler brings an experience advantage over the rest of the competition this year, and he's hoping that some of the more experienced teams come out and start racing. "I see what the management is trying to do out here and what they were dealing with coming in, and I understand,"  he remarked as he pointed to the grandstands. "The fans want to see Sprint Cars, and they will start coming back. They are starting to come back. I think that will be reflected in the purse if this continues."

Southern Oregon Outlaw Karts Kick Off 
 New Season On Friday

The little Field of Dreams at Southern Oregon Speedway, the 1/8th mile banked clay oval, kicks off its racing season Friday night. On the slate for the evening will be the Beginner Box Stock division for kids 5 to 8 years old, Intermediate Box Stocks, 125's, 250's, 500's and Micro Sprints.

The little track was built back in 1998 by Ron Shulbin, who promoted the track for the first ten years. Through the years, many youngsters have had their racing careers launched on that race track. Stars such as Camden Robustelli, Chadd Noland and Seth Nunes won their first championships out there.

An eight race schedule has been planned, beginning with this weekend's race. There will be two races per month from now through August, and a special race is being planned for midway through the year. An announcement will be forthcoming.

The Wall of Champions will show that last season's title winners were Trent Florey (Beginner Box Stock), Trevor Grimes (Box Stock), Wyatt Pinchney (125's), Tanner Holmes (250's) and Joseph Benton (500's).

General admission tickets are $5.00 with children under 5 free. Grandstands Open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race scheduled for 7:00 p.m. sharp.


IMCA Modifieds  
  
No.    Driver            Points
1m    Mark Wauge        40
23    Matt Duste        39  
68    Jesse Bailey        38
89c    Albert Gill        37  
54n    Nick Trenchard        36
11k    Kyle Casson        35
0    Duane Orsburn        34
21    Jeremy Ohlde        33  
68t    Dan Thomas        32
2g    James Welshonse        31  
38    Juston Ryker        30
88    Zach Fettinger        29
8    Daniel Herrera        28
10xx    Lloyd Speer        28

IMCA Sport Modifieds
  
No.    Driver            Points
84    Jorddon Braaten        40
69    Dwayne Melvin        39
8n    Bob Nelson        38
4y    Jimmy Lipke        37
4    David Marble        36
01k    Kurt Lorenzini        35
83h    Garrett Hamilton        34
76    A.J. Parker        33
30    Mike Medel        32
88    Randy Fernandes        31
6    Keith Foux        30

Mini Stocks

No.    Drivers            Points
43    Bob Burkett        72
0    Gary Anderson        64
17h    Marissa Henson        59
007    Andrew Hall        54
89    Kristopher Mix        49
2d    Devon Weiser        42
9c    Mike Cloud        40
87    Dillon Lausen        35
40    Ethan Killingsworth    30
421    Patrick Stringer-Stein    21
40    Randy Simmons        16
49h    Eric Hanson        12
  

Pennzoil Winged  Sprint Cars    May 8

No.    Driver            Points
21w    Vern Wheeler Jr.    74
21r    Jake Wheeler        64
25    Camden Robustelli    57
L88    Jeffrey Hudson        53
04    Todd Whipple        46
84    Wayne Kniffen        26  
54    Bill Hopper        6

Black Wins Coos Bay Opener, Yreka Kart News

Black, Augustine Kick Off 2015 Season 

At Coos Bay Speedway With Victories

Five divisions took their turns on the dirt oval at Coos Bay Speedway Saturday night.  When the checkered flag waved, wins went to John Black (Sprint Cars), Nathan Augustine (Late Models), Dyllan Siewell (Sportsman), Daniel Land (Street Stocks) and Jeremiah Reiber (Hornets).  It was all part of a great night of racing in the Les Schwab Series.

All of the divisions got a chance to run time trials, and Scott Fox was the fastest Sprint Car.  His 14.056 lap bested the 14.136 of Laurence Van Hoof.  Van Hoof chased John Black across the line for a second in the Trophy Dash before winning his heat race, but he hurt his motor in the process to end his night.  Black is the 2015 point runner up, and he won the Main Event ahead of defending champion Dave May.  Scott Fox won his heat race and finished third in the Main Event ahead of Ken Fox, Erin Lyons, Ryan Kingery and Nick Kykendall.  All of those drivers were on the lead lap of the 30 lap race, which Van Hoof didn't finish.

Coos Bay Speedway is one of those rare tracks on the West Coast that has their own Late Model and Sprint Car divisions.  Jared Benet kicked things off in Late Models with a fast lap of 15.397, besting the 15.618 of Nathan Augustine.  Benet finished a close second to Chuck Bracelin in the first heat race, but his motor got hurt in the process.  Augustine got on a roll in preliminaries as he held off Tom Parry to win the Trophy Dash and then bested Chase Hitner to win the second heat race.  Hitner gave it a good run in the Main Event, but the best he could do was settle for second behind the flying Augustine.  Parry grabbed a respectable third place finish as Thor Kristenson, Bracelin and Kristy Grout rounded out the lead lap finishers.  Defending champion Toby McIntire didn't finish.

Defending Sportsman champion Wayne Butler came out strong with a fast time in qualifying of 16.193, besting the 16.516 lap of Tom Williams.  Steve Dubisar held off Dyllan Siewell to win the Trophy Dash and then bested Butler in the heat race.  Unfortunately for Dubisar, his Main Event ended early.  With Butler and 2015 runner up T. Williams in pursuit, 2015 Hornet runner up Siewell had little margin for error in the Main Event.  However, Siewell was up to the challenge as he collected an impressive victory ahead of Butler and T. Williams.  Charlie Williams finished fourth as Josh Kralichek, Russ Blean and Dubisar rounded out the field.

Daniel Land would score a grand slam in the Street Stock division.  Land started things off as the only driver in the 16 second bracket in qualifying.  His lap of 16.918 bested Matt King's lap of 17.466.   In fact, King was second all night long to the flying Land.  Land won the Trophy dash, the heat race and the Main Event.  Land beat King by over a half lap in scoring the feature victory.  Jeff Thurman was the final lead lap finisher in the Main Event as Mark Minter, Dustin Hitner and Tom Young rounded out the finishing order.  Jeff Krossman had mechanical issues in preliminaries to end his night early.

The Hornet car count reached into double digits, and fourth ranked 2015 competitor Jeremiah Reiber is hoping to step up his game this season.  The flying Brody Montgomery, the 2015 champion, set the fast time of 17.959, beating the 18.711 of Reiber.  Reiber turned the tables on Montgomery to win the Trophy Dash, but Montgomery suffered a mechanical issue in his heat race to end his night.  Robert Randall won his heat race over Brian Berlelow, but he too had a mechanical issue to become a feature scratch.  Mike Wagner held off Reiber to win the second heat.  Reiber turned in a dominant performance in winning the Main Event.  He beat Ryan Siewell by a half lap as Jeremy Beard and Jason Greer were the final lead lap finishers.  Barlelew was a lap down in fifth as Wagner, Hanna Robinson, Jake Siewell and William Hitner completed the finishing order.  Adam Barber also scratched from the feature.

The Les Schwab series continues this Saturday night.  It's Pepsi Night with Sprint Cars, Late Models, Sportsman, Street Stocks, Mini Outlaws and Hornets all in action.  For further information, check out www.coosbayspeedway.us.

Outlaw Kart Season Continues 

At Siskiyou Motor Speedway On Saturday

The new one-eighth mile dirt oval track next to the bigger track at Siskiyou Motor Speedway races again this Saturday afternoon with various classifications of cars.  The track is a training ground for the next stars of the bigger track.  The show is just being established and will grow in the weeks to come.

The previous race was the season opener, and 500 Karts, 250 Karts, 125's and Box Stocks all took their turns on the small oval track. The 500's were the headliners, and Mike Wheeler grabbed the inaugural victory.  The Wheeler family has been a big supporter of open wheel racing for years.  Richard Weststeyn collected a solid second place finish with Kenny Boardman grabbing the final spot on the podium.  Johnny Burke was fourth.  Marissa Henson races the Mini Stock division on the bigger track and won a heat race recently.  She finished fifth in her Outlaw Kart as Dustin Pence rounded out the field.

Henson's teammates grabbed the 1-2 finish in the 250 division as Braden Weiser beat Brodee Weiser to the finish line.  Sklyer Cole rounded out the Top 3.  With the only 125 Kart in the group, Reece Skyler ran with the 250's and finished fourth ahead of Braden Bartlett and Colby Berquist.

The Intermediate Box Stock feature win went to Cadyn Smith ahead of Brionna Fuller and Devon Felix.  Natalie Richard grabbed the fourth place finish ahead of Ryan Hisrschbock and Drew Berry.  Hirschbock is about ready to make the transition to this class, but he also ran in the Beginner Box Stock division.  He finished second in that race behind Taylor Fuller.

Wheeler, Wauge, Braaten, Anderson Grab Feature Wins At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

The May 7th Post Race Edition is HERE

 Wheelers Go 1-2 In Sprint Cars Again 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

Grabbing the lead at the start of the race, point leader Vern Wheeler Jr. went flag to flag in  winning the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car 25 lap Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Once again, his son Jake Wheeler collected the second place finish, and the father and son both run Dave's Carpet & Vinyl/Reecers Fine Fluids sponsored cars.  Vern's win capped a clean sweep performance and paid $700, while Jake was a $500 second.

V. Wheeler gave an indication early on that he would be tough to beat as he took the lead from Jeffrey Hudson and went on to win the Trophy Dash.  He followed that up by taking the lead from Camden Robustelli on lap three and winning the heat race.  With Main Event lineups done straight up from the heat race finishes, V. Wheeler and Robustelli shared the front row of the feature.   Vern raced into the lead with Jake charging into second over Robustelli.  V. Wheeler set a good pace and was lapping slower traffic by lap ten with his son not too far behind him.  Vern appeared to slow his pace around lap 18, and a lap 20 caution flag few for debris on the track.  Hudson pitted during the caution period.  V. Wheeker picked up his pace on the restart and would not be stopped as he took the checkered flag ahead of J. Wheeler, Robustelli and Wayne Kniffen.  Todd Whipple and Husdon rounded out the finish.

The Winged Sprint Cars return to Southern Oregon Speedway on May 21.  For further information, check out the track's official website at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars

Trophy Dash-Vern Wheeler Jr., Jeffrey Hudson, Jake Wheeler.  Heat-V. Wheeler, Camden Robustelli, J. Wheeler.  Main Event-V. Wheeler, J. Wheeler, Robustelli, Wayne Kniffen, Todd Whipple, Hudson.

Wauge Wins IMCA Modified Opener At 

Southern Oregon Speedway

Driving a great race from his pole position start, six time champion Mark Wauge won the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Wauge hinted at possibly racing for another championship, and his win was not easy with Matt Duste shadowing his every move up front.  A good field of 14 cars opened the season, and the first Main Event ran non stop with no yellow flags.

The IMCA Modifieds ran two heat races, and Wauge won his heat race by a straightaway ahead of Duste.  Jesse Bailey won the other heat race in front of Kyle Casson.  Wauge and Bailey shared the front row of the Main Event and ran 1-2 for a lap before Duste made an inside pass in Turn 4 a lap later to grab second from Bailey.  2015 Yreka champion Nick Trenchard made an inside pass in Turn 3 of the fourth lap to take third from Bailey.  Wauge was lapping slower cars by lap 12.  Bailey and Trenchard were batting for third, and Bailey made a low pass in Turn 4 of the 15th lap to reclaim the position.  Trenchard appeared to be a bit under powered down the stretch as he surrendered fourth to two time champion Albert Gill on lap 17.  Wauge never really shook Duste off of his tail in the non stop event, but he drove a great race for the victory.  Bailey collected a third place finish ahead of Gill, Trenchard, Kyle Csson, Duane Orsburn and Jeremy Ohlde.

Though the IMCA Sport Modifieds will be at the track as part of a five division show this week, the IMCA Modifieds will return on May 21st.  Both divisions are a part of the Roger Haudenschild Tribute race on May 28th.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat 1-Mark Wauge, Matt Duste, Nick Trenchard, Albert Gill, Duane Orsburn.  Heat 2-Jesse Bailey, Kyle Casson, Jeremy Ohlde, James Welshonse, Justin Ryker.  Main Event-Wauge, Duste, Bailey, Gill, Trenchard, Casson, Orsburn, Ohlde, Dan Thomas, Welschonse, Ryker, Zach Fettinger, Daniel Herreira (DNS), Lloyd Speer (DNS).

Braaten Begins Title Defense With Opening Victory 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

Jorddon Braaten kicked off his title defense in style by winning the first IMCA Sport Modified Main Event of the season Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Braaten has won the last two championships and is looking for a third one before an intended move up to IMCA Modifieds in 2017.  Braaten had a mid race challenge from two time champion Dwayne Melvin before collecting the victory.  Melvin settled for second.

Melvin gave every indication that he would be a factor when he held off Braaten to win their heat race.  Yreka visitor Garrett Hamilton won the other heat race ahead of Bob Nelsen.  In the Main Event, Braaten raced past front row starters Melvin and Hamilton to lead the opening lap ahead of Melvin and Nelsen.  The race had a yellow flag after Mike Medel and Garrett Hamilton got together on the back stretch.  The incident collected Randy Fernandes, who suffered the most damage.  Fernandes was out of the race as Braaten continued to lead Melvin and Nelsen.  Working lap nine, Melvin got a run down the back stretch and passed Braaten for the lead, only to have the pass negated by a yellow flag for Medel.  Braaten continued to lead Melvin and Nelsen on the restart, and the lead trio ran in that order the rest of the way.  Jimmy Lipke would hold off rookie David Marble to finish fourth with Kurt Lorenzini the final lead lap finisher in sixth.

IMCA Sport Modifieds return as part of the five division program this week.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat 1-Dwayne Melvin, Jorddon Braaten, Mike Medel, David Marble, Kurt Lorenzini.  Heat 2-Garrett Hamilton, Bob Nelsen, Jimmy Lipke, Randy Fernandes, A.J. Parker.  Main Event-Braaten, Melvin, Nelsen, Lipke, Marble, Lorenizini, Hamilton, A.J. Parker, Tony Bartell, Medel, Fernandes, Justin Foux (DNS).

Anderson Thwarts Burkett's Bid For Clean Sweep 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

Rebounding from a win that got away from him a week earlier, 2014 Mini Stock champion Gary Anderson won the 20 lap feature Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Anderson lost the lead to Bob Burkett in traffic on lap 18 a week earlier, but this time he got the lead from Burkett midway through the race and never looked back in victory.  Burkett settled for a close second.

Burkett started his night off right by winning the Trophy Dash ahead of 14 year old Marissa Henson.  The Burkett-Anderson battle began with Burkett winning their heat race.  Andrew Hall drove his Pinto Wagon to his second straight heat win ahead of Ethan Killingsworth.  The Main Event lineups were straight up off of the heat race finishes, and pole sitter Burkett raced into the early lead over Hall and Anderson.  Killingsworth took fourth from Kristopher Mix on lap four, and a low move in Turn 3 of the fifth lap gained Anderson second from Hall.  There was contact between the two, and Hall spun to fall out of the Top 5.  Henson was fourth at that point, and Burkett and Anderson pulled away from the pack.  The lead duo hit the front line in a dead heat on lap nine, and Anderson made an inside move in Turn 2 a lap later to take the lead.  Hall made an inside pass in Turn 3 of the 13th lap to take fifth from Mix.  Anderson set a good pace down the stretch and was a happy winner as Burkett settled for second.  Killingsworth was a solid third ahead of Henson and Hall.

The Mini Stocks are off next week, but they return on the 21st. This week, the Super 4's return to the track and are joined by Outlaw Pro Stocks, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hornets and OTRO Hardtops.  For further information, check the website at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Mini Stocks

Trophy Dash-Bob Burkett, Marissa Henson, Gary Anderson.  Heat 1-Burkett, Anderson, Kristopher Mix, Mike Cloud, Michael Johnson.  Heat 2-Andrew Hall, Ethan Killingsworth, Devon Weiser, Marissa Henson, Dillon Lausen.  Main Event-Anderson, Burkett, Killingsworth, Henson, Hall, Weiser, Mix, Cloud, Johnson, Lausen, Eric Hanson (DNS).