Gill, Peters, Steele Win At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

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 Gill Grabs Victory At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 16...Albert Gill served a reminder to the competition that he is the two time reigning IMCA Modified champion at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Gill took advantage of his front row start to lead every lap in winning the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night.  The win was his first of the season at his home track, and it comes on the heels of his recent win at neighboring Siskiyou Motor Speedway.  Monte Bischoff made his first visit of the season and made a late charge to finish second.

Gill's Main Event win actually capped a clean sweep as he won the four lap Trophy Dash and his six lap heat race ahead of Willamette Speedway title contender Matthew Drager.  Bischoff won the other heat race in front of rookie James Welshonse.  Gill had a front row starting spot for the feature and raced into the lead ahead of Yreka point leader Duane Orsburn and Welshonse.  By lap six, Gill had already built a straightaway advantage over the dueling Orsburn and Welshonse, and he was lapping slower cars two laps later.  Orsburn spun from second in Turn 2 for a caution flag after 11 laps.  Gill continued to set the pace on the restart ahead of Welshonse and Drager.  Bischoff was now fifth, and he took fourth from Ray Kniffen Jr. on lap 13.  Gill was again lapping slower cars by 15 as he held a comfortable advantage over Welshonse and new third place runner Bischoff.  Bischoff made a low pass in turn 3 of the 18th lap to take second from Welshonse, and there was one last yellow flag after 22 laps.  Bischoff tried to make a run at Gill on the restart, but Gill was just too quick as he scored an impressive win.  Drager made a lap 19 pass on Welshonse to finish there as Welshonse settled for fourth ahead of point leader Mark Wauge, Kniffen, Orsburn, Bo Shields, James Anderson and Dan Philpott.

Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Trophy Dash-Albert Gill, Mark Wauge, James Welshonse.  Heat 1-Gill, Matthew Drager, Wauge.  Heat 2-Monte Bischoff, Welshonse, Ray Kniffen Jr.  Main Event-Gill, Bischoff, Drager, Welshonse, Wauge, Ray Kniffen Jr., Orsburn, Bo Shields, James Anderson, Dan Philpott.

Steele Grabs Third Win In Four Starts

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 16...David Steele made his fourth start Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway and left with his third 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event victory.  After a late start, the 2015 Yreka champion is rising quickly up the Top 10 in the standings.  Point leader Bob Burkett finished second, though he was never a threat to Steele.

Burkett has developed a taste for Trophy Dash victories, and he won his fifth four lapper of the year ahead of Steele.  That was the last time Steele finished second as he outdueled Burkett to win their six lap heat race.  Ethan Killingsworth drove his Mini Truck to a heat win ahead of the Pinto Wagon of Andrew Hall.  Steele and Killingsworth shared the front row of the Main Event, and Steele set the pace from the start.  Hall settled into an early third behind Kilingsworth.  Patrick Stringer-Stine spun in Turn 4 for a lap four caution flag and Marissa Henson stalled.  Steele continued to set the pace ahead of Killingsworth and Hall, but Burkett slipped past Hall for third on lap six.  Steele ran a good race up front as Burkett steadily closed in on Killingsworth.  Burkett caught Killingsworth by lap 15, and he made a Turn 4 pass for second on lap 18.  However, Steele was far ahead, and he scored the victory ahead of Burkett, Killingswowrth, Gary Anderson, Hall, Kristopher Mix, Mike Cloud, Dillen Lausen, Mike Johnson and Eric Hanson.

Race Results

Mini Stocks

Trophy Dash-Bob Burkett, David Steele, Gary Anderson.  Heat 1-Steele, Burkett, Mike Cloud.  Heat 2-Ethan Killingsworth, Andrew Hall, Eric Hanson.  Main Event-Steele, Burkett, Killingsworth, Anderson, Hall, Kristopher Mix, Mike Cloud, Dillen Lausen, Mike Johnson, Hanson, Hunter Magnan, Patrick Stringer-Stine, Garrett Fredrickson, Marissa Henson.

Peters Prevails In SODCA Dwarf Car Feature 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 16...Brock Peters has been on a big roll with the Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association, and that continued Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  After winning the $750 Dash For Cash to start the evening, Peters won the B Dash and led every lap in winning his third 20 lap Main Event in his last four starts at the track.  Chad Cardoza enjoyed his best feature finish in second.  Though a point list wasn't available prior to the races, Peters is the likely leader now following the struggles of teammate Kalvin Morton in recent starts. Morton flipped just feet from a sure victory two weeks ago and missed the start last week.  This week, Jerry Hauck let him drive his race car, and Morton responded with a fifth place finish.

The night started with a six lap, $750 Dash For Cash, won by B. Peters ahead of Camden Robustelli and Rob Gergel.  Cody Peters held off Robustelli to win a six lap heat race, and two time reigning champion Josh King claimed the other heat race ahead of Cardoza.  King prevailed in the A Dash ahead of Cardoza, while B. Peters won the B Dash ahead of Mason Lewman.  King had a front row start with B. Peters, but his Main Event ended very early as he headed to the pits on the third lap.  B. Peters charged into the lead ahead of Cardoza.  C. Peters took over third on lap two.  While B. Peters led Cardoza, the race behind them found C. Peters, Robustelli and Lewman battling for third.  Robustelli and Lewman both got by C. Peters for third and fourth on lap eight.  Lewman made a late pass on Robustelli for a season best third place finish.  However, nobody was going to stop B. Peters from scoring another victory.  Cardoza was a strong second ahead of Lewman, Robustelli, Morton, C. Peters, Paul Haslow, Joe Sanders, Gergel and Randy Slater.

Race Results

SODCA Dwarf Car

Heat 1-Cody Peters, Camden Robustelli, Don Gifford.   Heat 2-Josh King, Chad Cardoza, Brock Peters.  A Dash-King, Cardoza, C. Peters.  B Dash-B. Peters, Mason Lewman, Rob Gergel.   $750 Dash For Cash-B. Peters, Robustelli, Gergel.  Main Event-B. Peters, Cardoza, Lewman, Robustelli, Kalvin Morton, C. Peters, Paul Haslow, Joe Sanders, Gergel, Randy Slater, Mark Nielson, King, Jerry Hauck (DNS), Gifford (DNS).

Doty Wins Second Straight Super 4's Feature 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 16...The Super 4's division continues to gather momentum at Southern Oregon Speedway, and one of the drivers rallying others to come race is Lee Doty.  There was another new entry in the field last week as Dan Prewitt joined the action.  However, not even Pruett could stop Doty from driving to his second straight 20 lap Main Event victory.

Doty gave an early sign of things to come as he held off John Barger to win the four lap Trophy Dash. The division  ran two six lap heat race with Doty again beating point leader Barger to win his heat race.  Prewitt held off Charlie Eaton to win the second heat.  Doty shot out of the gate like a cannon ball to lead the Main Event from the start.  Prewitt settled into second ahead of Barger, and Doty was lapping slower cars by the mid point of the race.   Terry Hadley spun for the only yellow flag on lap 11, but Doty continued his rapid pace on the restart.  Prewitt ran a strong second, but Barger's run came to an end as he retired on lap 8.  Doty scored the impressive victory ahead of Prewitt, T. Hadley, Krista Hadley, Eaton, Bill Spencer and Barger.

Race Results

Super 4's

Heat 1-Lee Doty, John Barger, Terry Hadley.  Heat 2-Dan Prewitt, Charlie Eaton, Krista Hadley.  Trophy Dash-Doty, Eaton, K. Hadley.  Main Event-Doty, Prewitt, T. Hadley, K. Hadley, Eaton, Bill Spencer, Barger.

Thomason Scores Third Straight OTRO Hardtop Feature Win At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 16...The OTRO Hardtops made their third appearance of the season Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway and entertained the crowd with their beautiful race cars.  When the checkered flag flew, it was Trevor Thomason driving the Vic & Louise Bridges owned 1933 Dodge Coupe to victory in the 20 lap Main Event.  It was the third straight win for Thomason.

Bill Trotter won he four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Chris Mehrer, who finally got the steering issues resolved with Bill Trotter's 1938 Ford pickup for a second place finish.  Thomason won the eight lap heat race ahead of Rhett Lange.  Thomason was lined up in the third row for the Main Event, but he was already second behind Wylie Powell on the first lap.  A low move in Turn 4 of the second lap gained Thomason the lead in what was destined to be a non stop race.  Lange followed Thomason into second.  Trotter moved in to challenge Powell for third and made an inside pass on the front stretch on lap four to grab third.  Thomason was setting a rapid pace up front and started lapping cars at the back of the pack by lap nine.  Thomason won by a good margin ahead of final lead lap finisher Lange.  Trotter finished third ahead of Powell, Jimmy Del Castille, Mehrer and Brian Crouch.

Race Results

OTRO Hardtops

Heat-Trevor Thomason, Rhett Lange, Bill Trotter.  Trophy Dash-Trotter, Chris Mehrer, Brian Crouch.  Main Event-Thomason, Lange, Trotter, Wylie Powell, Jimmy Del Castille, Mehrer, Crouch.

Hallmark $2000 Wingless Sprint Winner 

In Exciting Night At Coos Bay Speedway

Coos Bay, Oregon...July 16...On the heels of last week's WST Sprint Car Speedweek race, Coos Bay Speedway racing returned on Saturday night for an action packed show that included an appearance from the Wingless Sprint Tour.  The show also featured an exiting thrill show, complete with cars crashing through fire and rolling and a Fireworks Show to cap the evening.  With $2000 on the line, Lance Hallmark surprised the Wingless Sprint Car field with his win in the 30 lap Main Event.  Wayne Butler returned to the winner's circle in the 25 lap Sportsman Main Event.  Hornet point leader Jeremiah Reiber won their 25 lap Main Event, and Ryder Johnson scored the victory in the 20 lap Mini Outlaws feature.

There were 18 Wingless Sprint Cars, including five locals who removed their wings to compete.  Johnathan Jorgensen cracked the 13 second barrier with a 13.890 lap to set quick time.  Rob Lindsey was second quick at 14.055.  Top 3 ranked Winged Sprint Car racer Lawrence Van Hoof represented the locals well with his four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Lindsey.  Tim Alberding won the first eight lap heat race ahead of Lance Hallmark.  Brad Rhoades held of Lindsey to win the second heat and Lindsey Barney won the final heat ahead of local point leader Dave May.  Come Main Event time, Lindsey gave it a good run, but Hallmark drove a great race for the impressive victory.  Van Hoof was the top local in third ahead of Cottage Grove Limited Sprint racer Cooper Desbiens, Barney, Alberding, Scott Fox, Jorgensen, Nathan Johnson and Duke Johnson.

A light Street Stock turnout saw the division run with the Sportsman class.  Justin Krossman was the top Street Stock qualifier of three cars at 17.549 and held off point leader Daniel Land to win the Trophy Dash,  Jeff Krossman was the top finisher in third in the combined eight lap heat race, won by Sportsman point leader Wayne Butler ahead of top rookie Dylan Siewell.  Siewell managed to set the fast time of 15.803, beating the 15.923 of Russ Blean.  Butler won the Trophy dash ahead of Siewell.  Coming off of last week's second place finish to Siewell, Butler turned the tables on him and won the Main Event by over a half-lap ahead of Siewell.  The Street Stock of Jeff Krossman was third.  Brody Montgomery and Blean were fourth and fifth before the Street Stock of Justin Krossman.  Rounding out the order were Tim Young, Josh Kralicek and Land.

Hornet point leader Jeremiah Reiber continues to roll.  He began his grand slam performance with a fast time of 18.022, beating the 18.475 of his nearest point rival Jeremy Beard.  Reiber won the Trophy Dash ahead of Tom Williams and won his heat ahead of Robert Vandre.  Jason Greer just beat Beard back to the line to win the other heat race.  Reiber has been practically unstoppable in this division this year, and he won the Main Event by over a straightaway.  Greer drove a great race for a season best second place finish as Sam Taylor, Hannah Robinson and Beard were the final lead lap finishers in the Top 5.  Vandre took a checkered flag in sixth, followed by Brian Barklow, William Hitner, Williams and David Stevenson.

Ryder Johnson started the night off for Mini Outlaws with a fast time of 17.544, beating the 17.747 of Samuel Talon. Talon won the Trophy Dash ahead of Carl Johnson, while point leader John Henry won the heat race ahead of Talon.  R. Johnson scored the feature win, but he gained little ground on Henry, who finished second in a good race.  Talon was the final lead lap finisher as C. Johnson and the VW Beetle of George Greenway took the checkered flag to complete the Top 5.

Gill Steals The Show With IMCA Modified Win

Gill Steals The Show With IMCA Modified Win

Two time defending champion Albert Gill dominated the IMCA Modified division by leading all 25 laps of the Main Event at Southern Oregon Speedway. Gill also won his heat race and the Trophy Dash.  Gill was chased across the line at the end by Monte Bischoff.

Lee Doty capped a clean sweep with his second straight Super 4's 20 lap Main Event victory ahead of Dan Prewitt, who was making his season debut.

SODCA Dwarf Car point leader Brock Peters won his third 20 lap Main Event in his last four starts.  Peters led all the way with Chad Cadozaa a race long second.

David Steele won his third 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event in four starts, winning by nearly half a lap over point leader Bob Burkett.

Trevor Thomason won his third straight 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event as Rhett Lange finished second for the second  time in a row.

Albert Gill reminded everybody that he is the reigning champion by winning the 25 lap IMCA Modified feature in impressive fashion.  Gill had won the Trophy Dash and his heat race earlier in the evening and led most of the way by a wide margin.  Monte Bischoff took second from James Welshonse on lap 19, and a lap 22 yellow flag gave him a shot at Gill.  However, Bishoff was no match for Gill, who drove to the impressive victory.  Matthew Drager, Welshonse and Mark Wauge completed the Top 5 at the checkered flag.

Lee Doty had a strong night in the Super 4's division.  Doty won his heat race, the Trophy Dash and the 20 lap Main Event.  Doty took the lead at the start of the Main Event, and not even a lap 12 yellow flag for a Terry Hadley spin could stop him.  Doty won ahead of Dan Prewitt, T. Hadley, Charlie Eaton and Krista Hadley.

Brock Peters won the 20 lap SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event, the six lap $750 to win Dash For Cash and the 6 lap B Dash.  B. Peters had a front row start for the feature and led all the way with Chad Cardoza running a good race to follow not too far behind in second.  Mason Lewman won a late race duel with Camden Robustelli for the third place finish as Kalvin Morton finished fifth.

David Steele won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event.  From his front row starting position, he was never really threatened as he pulled away from fellow heat race winner Ethan Killingsworth.  Third row starter Bob Burkett made a turn 4 pass on Killingsworth on lap 19 and finished there as Killingsworth settled for third.  Gary Anderson and Andrew Hall rounded out the Top 5 finishers.

Trevor Thomason won the OTRO Hardtop heat race and 20 lap Main Event.  Thomason started in the back, but he had the lead by lap two.  Thomason set a rapid pace and lapped third place finisher and Trophy Dash winner Bill Trotter with four laps to go.  Thomason beat Rhett Lange by a half lap as B. Trotter, Wylie Powell and Jimmy Del Castille rounded out the Top 5.

Racing takes a week off for the Jackson County Fair, but the Pennzoil Winged Sprint Cars will be  part of a big six division show on July 30th along with the Outlaw Pro Stocks, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Hornets and Open Stock Cars. The Dwarf Car Western Regional event is next on the schedule for August 5-6.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


Race Results, July 16

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Albert Gill, Monte Bischoff.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Gill.  Main Event (25 Laps)-Gill, Monte Bischoff, Matthew Drager, James Welshonse, Mark Wauge.

SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Cody Peters, Josh King.  A Dash (6 Laps)-King.  B Dash (6 Laps)-Brock Peters.  $750 Dash For Cash (6 Laps)-B. Peters, Camden Robustelli, Rob Gergel.  Main Event (20 Laps)-B. Peters, Chad Cardoza, Mason Lewman, Robustelli, Kalvin Morton.

Mini Stocks

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-David Steele, Ethan Killingsworth.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Bob Burkett.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Steele, Burkett, Killingsworth, Gary Anderson. Andrew Hall.

OTRO Hardtops

Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Trevor Thomason.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Bill Trotter.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Thomason, Rhett Lange, B. Trotter, Wylie Powell, Jimmy Del Castille.

Super 4's

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Lee Doty, Dan Prewitt.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Doty.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Doty, Prewitt, Terry Hadley, Charlie Eaton, Krista Hadley.

Pit Stops - Jefferson Edition

The DCRR Racing Radio Show

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Pit Stops - Jefferson Edition

The Western Sprint Car Speedweek Series came and went last weekend, and the last two stops happened at Siskiyou Motor Speedway in Yreka and Southern Oregon Speedway in White City. The championship was very much in doubt, but an Oregonian was not in contention. It was between Californian and Steven Tiner and Washington based competitor Trey Starks.

Car count was a bit low for the series, and it took heavy support from California to help keep the car count from getting really bad. Southern Oregon Speedway benefited from a rain out at the last minute at Cottage Grove Speedway, which had booked a Limited Sprint race opposite the Speedweek race for some unknown reason. With the rain, a half a dozen more competitors boosted the total to 22 cars for that race.

Though Limited Sprint racer David Hibbard was a surprise winner in the track's Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car race a few weeks ago, he and the others from his group were noticeably under powered compared to the big contenders.  David is the Cottage Grove Limited Sprint Car point leader and a past champion, and he was joined by 2015 champion Patrick, Dills, Cooper Desbians, Don Waddell, Bailey Hibbard and Raquel Ivie.  Ivie actually won the B Main for the Speedweek Series a few days earlier at Cottage Grove.

David is beating the drum for Limited Sprint race dates at Southern Oregon Speedway as well as trying to come up with ideas that can enable the track regulars to run what they have for now.  The Limited Sprints had their genesis back in the early 1990's with the old Sportsman Sprint class, which had cars with four barrel carburetors.  Back then, they still had to run with Dan Menne, Jason Finley and the rest of the injected Sprint Car racers

It took a group of Northern California racers from the CMA, led by Mike Johnson, Mike Esseltine and Dave Johnson to help the Sportsman Sprints get their own races.  Sportsman Sprint drivers at the time included Worden Speedway owner Carl Tresser, Mike Linder, Ron Godwin, Don Garrett, Cale Carder and Joe Salyer. The class remained a part of Yreka racing for the next few years.  In the 2000's, the division evolved a little bit, but they have tried to keep the rules more affordable in comparison to the regular 360 Sprint Cars.

The struggle for a Speedweek car count only highlights one of the problems of Sprint Car racing in Oregon. There isn't much organization. The Sprint Car movement in Oregon lacks direction, and if it's not corrected, things may not get better and could fall apart completely. The Speedweek car count is a sign of the bigger problem. When you talk about a Speedweek event, generally speaking, you should have car counts in the 25-35 car range. Though there were two nights during the six night event that had B Mains, the other four nights didn't have enough cars for that.

Simply put, the Speedweek series is on life support at the moment. This is not to say that the racing wasn't good.  However, there was a definite discrepancy in speed of the cars. At Southern Oregon Speedway, for instance, the leaders were already in lapped traffic within five laps of any green flag period. One of the things that maybe helped keep the drivers from coming was the lack of a point fund. The drivers were simply running for the night's purse and to see who could win the big trophy at the end.

After Roger Crockett opened the series with back to back wins, he took a tumble at Willamette Speedway and was missing in action until the Southern Oregon Speedway series finale. Other wins went to Cory Eliason, Justin Cox and Yreka winner Mitchell Faccinto. Mitchell had a strong charge at the end of the series, and he used that win and a second at Southern Oregon to move into third in the series standings.

The fact that the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series was running a race in Hanford opposite the  Southern Oregon Speedway event led to the departure of some of the teams after the race at Coos Bay on Wednesday. Justyn Cox, past series champion Rick Hirst and Cory Eliason all headed to Hanford. Hirst is the current King Of The West point leader and used another strong finish to maintain his lead there. Boosted with confidence from his Speedweek win, Eliason went back to his home track in Hanford and won the King Of The West race on Saturday.

The series championship battle was between two drivers who hadn't won any of the first five races. There was Steven Tiner and Trey Starks. Starks has competed in Speedweek series events for several years prior to this one, but he had no wins. When he needed a win the most, he came through big time. Starks needed just 8 laps to wrestle the lead away from the Jered Ridge, and once he had it, he didn't let go. He did what he needed to do to win the series title. The rest was up to Tiner. Tiner was running in the Top 5 until doing a wheelie on the front straightaway. This happened just past the midway point of the race, and when he landed, he broke a front shock. This cost him a few positions down the stretch, and his eighth place finish was not good enough to keep the lead. The 2016 Western Sprint Tour Speedweek champion is Trey Starks. Starks is just the second Washington resident since the series began in 1998 to be the champion.

Crockett tried to sneak up on everybody. He was a late arrival and qualified last, but that didn't stop him from setting fast time and then winning his heat race. Crockett gave it a good run in the Main Event, but the best he could do was chase Faccinto across the line for a third place finish. Early leader Ridge finished fourth as past King Of The West and Silver Dollar Speedway point front runner Jonahan Allard finished fifth.

At this point, it sounds like there will be a Speedweek series for 2017, and it is worth fighting for. However, some things need to change not just for this series but for the state of Sprint Car racing in Oregon. The fans want to see Sprint Car racing, but they also want to see good shows with full fields. There are two distinct Winged Sprint Car efforts in Oregon, the regular Winged 360 Sprint Cars and the Limited Sprints.

At Southern Oregon Speedway, the effort has been made to run all the cars together to see what is there. Unfortunately, there has been a movement behind the scenes to convince racers not to support the new management in their effort to establish something. This has hindered the White City based race track from really establishing anything. In the end, these people's selfish motives are just hurting racing not just for the fans but for Sprint Cars in general. Fortunately, there are certain racers out there trying to help the cause. A few of these guys are showing up with their race cars to support things, and there is another team working to try to put together a race in September for one of the divisions. As things get a little bit closer, this column will have more details. What we want to see the most is a stronger Sprint Car movement in Oregon. To do that, there has to be a little bit more cooperation and less selfish motives.

There are a few surprises in the works for the Sprint Car movement. However, we're reluctant to mention much of that in this column until things get finalized. The end result will be something the fans will enjoy. But, the good news is that Sprint Car racing does continue and there was a speed week the fans could watch this year. There will be one next year, and things can still get better if there's a little bit more cooperation in the ranks.

We also salute racers like New Zealand's Daniel Anderson, Bricen James, Shane Forte, Brian Boswell,  Chelsea Blevins and Kelly Miller for being other racers who supported most of Speedweek,  Without them and the rest of the drivers who brought cars to at least one race, there would have been no series at all.

Yreka also had the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds as part of their show on Friday. Randy Wright picked up his first career Main Event win. It highlights the competitive nature of the Sport Modified division at the Northern California track. The competition is so fierce that most of the drivers in the field are capable of taking a win on any given week. Wright was chased across the finish line by Jimmy Lipke. Lipke was able to use that second place finish to take over the point lead from the absent Garrett Hamilton. It's not a big point lead, but in IMCA, it literally comes down to one point at a time. Making up a ten point lead can be something that takes a few weeks for a driver to do.

The Boswell family was well represented as rookie Ryder Boswell finished third and reigning champion Colter Boswell finished fifth. Not a bad showing for either of the drivers who got their start at the speedway in Mini Stocks. In between the two was Doug Franklin, who won The Siskiyou County Motorsport Association Sport Modified championship last year. The division has been added to the July 22nd and 23rd racing program on both nights.

Unknown is what the car count will be like for this class as some of the Southern Oregon drivers have had vacations planned for their off week there, and some of the regulars are a little concerned over the entry fees for the two day event and how that compares to what the payoff is. It does pay $700 to win on Saturday, but the drivers will pay a $150 entry fee for the two day event with the start money being $50 on Saturday and only the first half of the field getting a pay off on Friday. What sort of turn out they will have is anybody's guess. There have been some good turnouts in Yreka this year.

Also on the card on the Saturday portion of next weekend will be the McDonald's Mini Stocks. Title contender Terry Kendrick had a rough go of it in the previous race. While having a heat race battle with reigning Mini Stock champion David Steele, the two got together, sending Kendrick flipping. His Mini Truck was destroyed in the crash, but he got a ride in the Amber Walden car to get his Main Event points. Kendrick has a new truck, but word was that it wouldn't be ready to go until late August. At press time, we didn't have confirmation as to whether or not this coming Saturday race will be for points.

It is likely that the past Mini Stock champion Kendrick could secure a ride for that race if needed, and you know that Marilyn Yawnick will be there to go for her fourth feature victory of the year. Last time out, "Big Mac" had a strong showing as she won the Trophy Dash and then finished third in the Main Event. It was not a big surprise to see Steele picking up that Main Event victory ahead of his old rival, "Magic" Mike Whitaker. Most of the Mini Stock competitors should be in action for the Saturday show on the 23rd. Of course, there is a big headliner for the big the weekend.

That will be the annual Billy Geyer Memorial race, and the Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks are the headliners racing for the $2,500 first prize. The drivers are all anxiously awaiting the opportunity to run on the big stage, and 17 competitors were in action at their previous race at Southern Oregon Speedway. Miles Deubert won ahead of second ranked point competitor Scott Flowers. Rocky Nash finished third, but word is he will put reigning champion Jeffrey Hudson behind the wheel for the big race. Not finishing the Southern Oregon Speedway race in a rare non finish was current point leader and four time feature winner Steve Borror. Borror is probably the man to beat next weekend.

The big money is sure to lure some of the Lumberjack's Restaurant Super Stock competitors in from Petaluma Speedway, and last year saw Mitch Machado and Mike Learn among those competitors. As we get closer to the big event, will take a special look, but you know that hard chargers like James Flowers, two time champion Ken Irving, John David Duffie, Roy Bain, Scott Bennett, John Bowers, Todd Zeitler and Matt Harlow will be among the field for the Pro Stocks, and this is an event you don't want to miss.

Before that comes along, Southern Oregon Speedway has a race this Saturday night, headlined by the IMCA Modifieds, Old Time Racers of Oregon Hardtops, Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks and Super 4's. It will be a good program heading into the one week break at the track.

There had been some question as to who might bring their IMCA Modifieds, but perhaps the track's biggest star in Modified history, six time champion Mark Wauge, plans to be there. Mark got into a wicked crash in his previous start at Cottage Grove Speedway that left him with severe front end damage. He is a two time winner there this year as well as his home track, and of course his big victory came from the last row of the 20 car field as he won big money in the Roger Haudenshield Tribute Race. Many people are saying that was the best ride of any competitor so far this year.

If Mark is the driver to beat, there are several drivers lining up to beat him. A few drivers have publicly announced that they are going to be there, including Jesse Bailey, Monte Bischoff and two time reigning champion Albert Gill. Any one of these drivers could give Mark a run for his money. Also planning to compete are Bo Shields, James Anderson and Ray Kifffen Jr.

We haven't heard what other name drivers might be out there, but it's already shaping up to be a big show. Should guys like past champion Bryant Poppa, past point runner up Matt Duste, Dwarf Car champion C.J. Putnam or Kyle Casson be among the competitors, it will be even better. It is likely that two of this year's Top 5 competitors, "Cowboy" Duane Orsburn and James Welshonse, will be there. Orsburn is a feature winner this season and leads the Yreka points, while Welshones now has three Trophy Dash wins between the two tracks.

Last week, Calvin Morton barely got his car back to the track. The week before, he was within a half a straightaway of victory when he tangled with a lapped car, sending both of them flipping. With the help of his teammates Brock Peters and Cody Peters, Morton just barely made it to the track. Unfortunately, the repairs didn't take and he did not start the Main Event. This means that we will likely end up seeing a new Southern Oregon Dwarf Car point leader.

In this case, it's Morton's teammate Brock Peters. Peters won everything he was in last week, including his heat race, the A Dash and the Main Event, which he led from start to finish. While Perters was winning, Rob Gergel left little doubt that he would finish second as he held that position the entire way. It was Gegel's best finish of the year. Camden Robustelli had a good night as well as he won the B Dash and finished third in the Main Event. To get that finish, he had to battle two time reigning champion Josh King, who settled for 4th.

An added incentive this week is a special $750 to win Dash For cash that has been added to the program. This will be another winner take all race, much like the Fred Hay Dash that paid $1,000 to win in the season opener. This race is sure to have an impact on car count, and other competitors to keep an eye on will include 2014 point runner up Ryan Smith, Fred Hay Dash winner Chad Cardoza, Cody Peters, Joe Sanders, Randy Slater and Kaycee Sheeler.

The Mini Stock division is still led by Bob Burkett, but the star on the track over the last few weeks has been David Steele. Steele won his second Main Event in three starts after taking the lead from early leader Gary Anderson. At the moment, these three drivers are dominating the Southern Oregon Speedway winner's circle. Anderson slipped to a fourth place finish, but when you combine that with his heat race win, he managed to regain second in the standings from 14 year old Marissa Henson. With Burkett finishing third in the Main Event and winning the Trophy Dash, Anderson didn't gain much on him.

The next driver to watch in the battle for a win could be 14 year old Ethan Killingsworth in his Mini Truck. Ethan made his way around Anderson for second and would finish there for his best career effort. If Ethan is a driver looking to break the stranglehold of the big three this week, you also should keep an eye on last week's fifth place feature finisher Eric Hanson, Top 5 ranked teammates Kris Mix and Andrew Hall, Marissa Henson and Devon Weiser.

In the Super 4 division, Lee Doty had himself a strong performance last time after he hit the wall in the heat race. Once repairs were made, he came from last starting to reel in a straightaway advantage held by John Barger. Doty made the pass and scored the win, forcing point leader Barger to settle for second. These two hard charges are anticipated this week along with Krista Hadley, Terry Hadley and Charlie Eaton. Bill Spencer and season opener winner Steve Thompson will both be out to try to turn their bad luck around from last time. Spencer finished last, and Thompson scratched after hot laps. No word on any new cars being prepared to run this event.

The OTRO Hardtops put on a good show the last time out, but it was Trevor Thomasson scoring a sweep in the Vic and Louise Bridges entry. Thomason had to start last in the Main Event, but it didn't stop him from charging to the victory. After spinning during the race, Winnemucca, Nevada competitor Rhett Lange still managed to come back up to the front and get a second place finish. These two should be out there this week, along with Bill Trotter, Gary Barber, Brian Crouch and Chris Mehrer.

There were eight competitors last time from a roster of 13 drivers, and the word is there could be one or two others from this list of pavement racers giving the dirt a try this week. Making it even more challenging for these guys is the fact that they're running on slick tires. The old style Coup and Sedan bodies on these cars gives them a unique appearance that is a throwback to the glory days of Hardtop racing in the 1950's and 1960's.

Orland Raceway is said to have a race on Friday night with their regular divisions. Results are still unavailable from their previous race, but we know that Robert Hunt won the Mini Stock Main Event, Dan Webster won the Mini Truck race and Brad Ray won the Hobby Stock feature. To this point of the season, there have been four different Hobby Stock feature winners, while Webster and Olin Crane are the only truck feature winners with two a piece.

With nothing to do at Orland, several Mini Stock and Mini Truck competitors headed to Hayfork Speedway for the extra money. Management at Hayfork announced that any division with 10 or more cars would get an extra $1,000 added to their purse. The Mini Stocks reached that goal and ran for the extra money, and it was an Orland sweep as 2015 Orland Mini Truck champion Keith Ross won the $500 prize for his victory. Eric Hammond drove his Mini Stock to a $300 second while Ross Vige was a $200. Vige, a past Orland Mini Truck champion, has been racing at Hayfork this season and has several wins. Meanwhile, Jeremy Langenderfer came in from Orland and grabbed the Hobby Stock Main Event win over Kevin Kasper. Jeremy also won the Trophy Dash. There were half a dozen Hobby Stocks. The track's regular Outlaw Pro Stock competitors had no visitors, but Josh Smith picked up the win in that event over Tressan Smith. They continue to grow this class. Hayfork Speedway will be back in action at the end of the month.

In dirt track news from Southern Jefferson, The Winged 410 Sprint Cars headlined the show at Chico Silver Dollar Speedway with Mason Moore besting the 13 car field to win ahead of Andy Forsberg and incoming point leader Sean Becker in the Dan Menne car.  Matt Micheli won the Limited Late Model feature ahead of Willie McMillen and reigning champion Ryan McDaniel.  From the Grass Valley area, Brett Youngman won the Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event ahead of Jeremy Wilson and Brent Steck, while incoming point leader Terry Schank Jr. had a rare non Top 3 finish in fourth,   Two time reigning Hobby Stock champion  Bran Compton won that Main Event ahead of Shannon Collins and Brad Ray,  Mike Ficklen won the Winged Economy Sprint feature ahead of Mike Sayre and Chris Story.

In Placerville, there were five divisions competing, and Michael Kofoid won the Thompson's Auto Winged 360 Sprint Main Event ahead of Greg DeCaires and Mason Moore.  The DOMCO Plumbing Limited Late Model feature win went to Mike Lightfoot ahead of Tyler Lightfoot and Matt Davis.  The track held their second IMCA Sport Modified event with Todd Cooper besting brother Brian Cooper and Kyle Cheney for the victory.  Dan Jinkerson won the Jay's Welding & Fabricating Pure Stock feature ahead of point leader Nick Baldwin and Orville Owens.  The BCRA Miget Lites made another appearance as Australian Scott Males won that race in front of two time San Jose Sprint Car champion Charlie Carraccilo and Danika Jo Parker.

Marysville Raceway had a good show with Mike Monohan leading a 16 car Winged 360 Sprint Car field for the win ahead of Cody Lamar and three time champion Colby Wiesz.  Long time speedway competitors Cortney Dozier, Phillip Shelby and James Castleberry made up the Top 3 in the nine car Super Stock feature.  Kevin Bender won the NCDCA Dwarf Car Main Event ahead of Matt Sargent and Buddy Olsholwka, and Jim Speck won the Hobby Stock Main Event.

Up north at Coos Bay Speedway, the fourth Speedweek Race for the WST Sprint Cars was won by Justyn Cox ahead of J.J. Hickle, Jake Wheeler, Trey Starks and Steven Tiner.  Rookie Dylan Siewell won the Sportsman Trophy Dash and also won the feature ahead of point leader Wayne Butler.

Southern Oregon Speedway races Saturday night with a five division show that includes IMCA Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, OTRO Hardtops and Super 4's.  For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Siskiyou Motor Speedway takes a week off, but July 22-23 will be the $2,500 to win Billy Geyer Memorial race for the Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks.  O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds will run both nights, and McDonald's Mini Stocks will be on the card for Saturday. For further information, check out www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.

Starks Wins Speedweek Finale, Steele, Peters Share Southern Oregon Speedway Winner's Circle

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Viewed HERE

Starks Wins WST Speedweek Championship 

With Southern Oregon Speedway Victory

White City, Oregon...July 9...Taking the lead from Mitchell Faccinto on the eighth lap, Trey Starks went on to win the 30 lap WST Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  This was the final race of 2016 Speedweek, and Starks used his win to take the series championship by just three points over Steven Tiner.  Starks becomes only the second Washington based competitor to win the Speedweek title since it was founded in 1998.  After four time series champion Roger Crockket won the first two races, the other wins went to Justyn Cox, Cory Eliason, Faccinto and Starks.  Faccinto finished second in the Main Event as Crockett was third.

Crockett worked right up until the last minute to get his car ready for Saturday following his flip at Willamette on Tuesday.  Garen Linder set what appeared to be the quick time of 11.332, but last qualifier Crockett beat that time with an 11.215.  There were three ten lap heat races with the first win going to Crockett ahead of Shawn Forte. Brysen James won the second heat ahead of Faccinto, and Jared Ridge was the third heat winner ahead of 2015 Cottage Grove Limited Sprint champion Patrick Dills.  Ridge kept the momentum going with his five lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Starks.  Tiner would enter the Main Event needing a sixth place finish or better to clinch the series championship.  Cooper Desbians was a Main Event scratch, leaving 21 cars to start the big race.

Ridge and Starks shared the front row for the Main Event, and the race had a false start as Ridge failed to get up to speed on the initial green.  Ridge led Faccinto and Starks at the start.  The flying Ridge was already into lapped traffic by lap five as Starks took second from Faccinto.  A low move in Turn 3 of the eighth lap gained Starks the lead as Crockett caught the third place battle in traffic.  Crockett made a power move in Turn 2 of the 11th lap to pass Ridge and Tiner for third.  D.J. Freitas flipped for a red flag on lap 13.  At that point, Tiner was still doing what he needed to do to preserve his point lead.  Starks remained in command on the restart, followed by Faccinto and Crocket.  Working lap 17, Tiner did a wheelie down the front stretch, and he broke a front shock when the front came down.  Jonathan Allard got by for fifth.  A lap 20 caution flag flew for a stalled Dills on the backstretch.  Starks maintained his advantage over Faccinto on the restart with Crockett in third.  James took sixth from Tiner on lap 22, and Jake Wheeler soon got by for seventh.  Nobody was getting past the flying Starks as he charged to the Speedweek championship clinching victory.  Faccinto used his second place finish to leap into third in points as Crockett took the checkered flag in third.  Ridge was fourth, followed by Allard, James, Wheeler, Tiner, Linder and Daniel Anderson.

Race Results 

NST Sprint Cars

Fast Time-Roger Crockett 11.215.  Trophy Dash-Jared Ridge, Trey Starks, Steven Tiner.  Heat 1-Crockett, Shane Forte, Tiner.  Heat 2-Bricen James, Mitchell Faccinto, Jake Wheeler.  Heat 3-Ridge, Patrick Dills, Chelsea Blevins.  Main Event-Starks, Faccinto, Crockett, Ridge, Jonathan Allard, James, Wheeler, Tiner, Garen Linder, Daniel Anderson, Blevins, Bailey Hibbard, Don Waddell, Bill Hopper, Forte, Dills, David Hibbard, Freitas, Brian Boswell, Todd Whipple, Raquel Ivie, Cooper Desbiens DNS.

Steel Unstoppable At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 9...Taking the lead from Gary Anderson early in the race, David Steele won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Steele is the 2015 champion at Yreka, and this was his second win in three starts.  Fourteen year old Ethan Killingsworth finished second, and point leader Bob Burkett used a late pass to finish third.

There were 12 Mini Stocks in action, and Anderson won an eight lap heat race ahead of the truck of Killingsworth.  Steele won the other heat race ahead of Burkett, but Burkett prevented a Steel clean sweep as he held him off for a four lap Trophy Dash win.  Rookie Garrett Fredrickson and Mikey Johnson were Main Event scratches.  Anderson and Steele shared the front row of the Main Event, and Anderson raced into the early lead ahead of Steele and Killingsworth,.  Steele took the lead from Anderson in Turn 2 of the third lap, and Andrew Hall made a low move in Turn 4 of the fifth lap to take third from Killingsworth.  Unfortunately, Hall began to slow with a flat as he surrendered third back to Killinsgowrth on lap seven.  An inside move on the front stretch of the 13th lap gained Killingsworth second from Anderson, who appeared to be slowing just a bit.  Burkett made a pass on the front stretch on lap 18 to take third from Anderson.  Steele set a good pace up front and brought it home to an impressive victory.  Killingsworth had his best finish yet in second as Burkett settled for third.  Anderson used his fourth place finish to regain second in the standings with Eric Hanson a solid fifth.  Kristopher Mix, Marissa Henson, Mike Cloud, Hall and Patrick Stringer-Stine completed the finishing order.

Race Results
Mini Stocks

Heat 1-Gary Anderson, Ethan Killingsworth, Bob Burkett.  Heat 2-David Steele, Andrew Hall, Eric Hanson.  Trophy Dash-Burkett, Steele, Anderson.  Main Event-Steele, Killingsworth, Burkett, Anderson, Hanson, Kris Mix, Marissa Henson, Mike Cloud, Hall, Patrick Stringer-Stine, Garrett Fredrickson DNS, Mikey Johnson DNS.

Peters Scores Second Southern Oregon Speedway Victory

White City, Oregon...July 9...Brock Peters scored another impressive 20 lap SODCA Dwarf Car feature victory Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Once again, he did it in a clean sweep with wins in his heat race and the A Dash as well. In his last three starts at the track, Peters has two wins and a second, and the points will be shaken up after incoming point leader Kalvin Morton didn't start the Main Event.  Morton had to scramble to the last minute making repairs from his race ending flip while leading on the last lap a week earlier, and the repairs didn't quite work.

The Dwarf Cars ran two eight lap heat races, and B. Peters won his heat ahead of Rob Gergel.  Sean Fuller made his first start and won the other heat race ahead of two time reigning champion Josh King.  B. Peters continued his momentum with a four lap A Dash win ahead of King.  Camden Robustelli won the six lap B Dash ahead of Cody Peters.  Bill Winter was also a Main Event scratch.  B. Peters had an outside front row starting spot for the Main Event and sped into the lead at the start.  The race was destined to go non stop as Gergel ran second ahead of King. Joe Sanders and Kaycee Sheeler were both out before the halfway point of the race, and the battle was for third between King, Robustelli and C. Peters.  Robustelli made a back stretch pass on King for third on lap 14, and C. Peters fell slightly off the pace.  B. Peters drove a great race up front and earned the victory ahead of Gergel, Robustelli, King, C. Peters, John Crisman, Fuller, Sheeler and Sanders.

Race Results
SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat 1-Brock Peters, Rob Gergel, Camden Robustelli.  Heat 2-Sean Fuller, Josh King, Joe Sanders.  A Dash-B. Peters, King, Gergel.  B Dash-Robustelli, Cody Peters, John Crisman.  Main Event-B. Peters, Gergel, Robustelli, King, C. Peters, Crisman, Fuller, Kayee Sheeler, Sanders, Kalvin Morton DNS, Bill Winter DNS.

Orland Visitors Ross, Langenderfer Score 

Hayfork Speedway Victories

Hayfork, CA...July 9...Hayfork Speedway ran a special open show Saturday night, complete with a big Fireworks Show by Devastating Pyrotechnics.  Roughly two dozen competitors came to race, and the Mini Stocks reached the 10 car minimum required for the $500 first prize.  It was Orland Raceway regular Keith Ross scoring the feature victory in that event, while another Orland regular, Jeremy Langenderfer, won the Hobby Stock feature.  Josh Smith won the Pro Stock Main Event with Tim Kasper collecting the victory in the Enduro class.

Several drivers from the Orland track came up to Hayfork to give the Mini Stocks their ten car minimum.  A past champion at Orland himself, Ross Vige has been enjoying his trips to Hayfork, and he was joined by Orland regulars Keith Ross, Dan Webster, Tom Davis, William Fogle and others.  Ross had a clean sweep performance as the reigning Orland Mini Truck champion won his heat race, the Trophy Dash and Main Event for the $500 first prize.  Orland Mini Stock racer Eric Hammond was a $300 second, while Vige settled for a $200 third after his winning streak was snapped.

Though the Hobby Stocks didn't reach their ten car goal, they still had an increased field.  The Hobby Stocks at Hayfork have been a place for the Kasper family to shine, but it was Orland and Chico regular Jeremy Langenderfer notching wins in both the Trophy Dash and Main Event.  Kevin Kasper represented the family with a second place finish as father Bill finished out of the Top 3.  Local Brian Young made his first start with a third place finish.

The Pro Stocks fielded their three track regulars, and Josh Smith scored the Main Event victory ahead of Tressan Smith and Josh Michaels.  Tim Kasper held off Andy Blackburn to win the Endcuo Main Event.

These same four divisions will be back in action when racing resumes on July 23rd.  For further information, go to www.hayforkspeedway.com.

Starks Wins WST Sprint Car Speedweek Finale

Starks Wins WST Sprint Car Speedweek Finale

Trey Starks won the sixth round of the WST Speedweek Series Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. He gained the lead from Trophy Dash winner Jered Ridge on lap eight and led the rest of the way to win ahead of Mitchell Faccinto and Roger Crockett. The win for Starks gained him the Series Championship by three points ahead of eighth place finisher Jonathan Allard.

Brock Peters scored a clean sweep in winning the SODCA Dwarf Car 20 lap Main Event, heat race and A Dash. Peters led Rob Gergel for the entire distance in collecting his second win in his last three starts at the speedway.

David Steele won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Ethan Killingsworth made a late charge before settling for a season best second.

Trey Starks won the NST Sprint Car 30 lap Main Event. The win made him the fifth different winner in six races and moved him ahead of Steven Tiner for the Series Championhsip by 3 points. Starks followed Trophy Dash winner Jered Ridge for seven laps before making his move for the lead in lapped traffic. A lap 11 pass gained Mitchell Faccinto second, but all he could do was chase the flying Starks across the line for second. Roger Crockett arrived just before time trials and still set the fast time of the evening. Crockett drove to a solid third place finish ahead of Ridge and Jonathan Allard.

Brock Peters won the 20 lap SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event along with his eight lap heat race and four lap A Dash. Peters used his front row start to lead every lap in victory. His win, along with the scratch of incoming point leader Kalvin Morton, will tighten the point race. Rob Gergel was a race long second, and Camden Robustelli won a battle with two time reigning champion Josh King to finish third. Cody Peters rounded out the Top 5 at the checkered flag.

David Steele won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Steele shared the front row with Gary Anderson and the two battled closely early on before Steele pulled away. Anderson appeared to be having a mechanical issue as he fell just a bit off the pace in surrendering second to Ethan Killingsowrth and third to point leader Bob Burkett. Killingsworth could not make the move on the flying Steele, who picked up his second win of the season. Burkett finished third ahead of Anderson and Eric Hanson.

Racing continues next Saturday with IMCA Modifieds back in action once again. Also on the card will be the SODCA Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, Super 4's and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, check out www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results, July 9

NST Sprint Cars
Fast Time-Roger Crocket. 11.215. Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Crockett, Bricen James, Jered Ridge. Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Ridge. Main Event-Trey Starks, Mitchell Faccinto, Crockett, Ridge, Jonathan Allard, James, Jake Wheeler, Steven Tiner, Garen Linder, Daniel Anderson.

SODCA Dwarf Cars
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Brock Peters, Sean Fuller. A Dash (4 Laps)-B. Peters. B Dash (6 Laps)-Camden Robustelli. Main Event (20 Laps)-B. Peters, Rob Gergel, Robustelli, Josh King, Cody Peters.

Mini Stocks
Heat Winners (8 Laps)-Gary Anderson, David Steele. Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Bob Burkett. Main Event (20 Laps)-Steele, Ethan Killingsworth, Burkett, Anderson, Eric Hanson.

Pit Stops - Jefferson Edition

Pit Stops - Jefferson Edition

It is time once again for the Speedweek Sprint Car Series. The Western Sprint Tour closes this year's series with a visit to Siskiyou Motor Speedway on Friday night and Southern Oregon Speedway on Saturday night. Admittedly, this series is not as strong as it once was, and whether it's lack of promotion to the racers or something else, car count has been down this year.

The California racers didn't seem to get the memo. Once again, it is California drivers leading the way in the standings. It didn't start out that way as Oregon Sprint Car star Roger Crockett opened things up with back to back wins at Sunset Speedway and Cottage Grove Speedway. Then, things took a turn for the worse when he ended up on his lid at Willamette Speedway. Roger was a no show at Coos Bay.

Three of the California stars in the series are Steven Tiner, Cory Eliason and Justyn Cox. Despite no win yet, Steven Tiner finds himself second in the standings after four Top 5 finishes. The current leader continues to be Willamette Speedway winner Cory Eliason. At Coos Bay, however, it was Justyn Cox putting on a dominant performance in scoring the victory. Also of note was Southern Oregon Speedway Pennzoil Winged Sprint Car point leaders Jake Wheeler's third place performance.

Car count has been a mixed bag so far. Sunset Speedway and Coos Bay Speedway were both at 18, while Willamette and Cottage Grove reached into the mid twenties. Traditionally, you would expect mid-twenties to be a minimum car count for a series of this stature. For whatever reason, however, this is not the case. Of course, when you deal with things of this nature, the finger needs to be pointed squarely at the promotional team that has put the series together. They command a high price tag for their race dates, and when they don't deliver the cars, what is the future of the series?

There are some notable racers in Oregon that you might expect you to come. However, we can't make that claim as they head to Medford and Yreka. The Washington names that have been a part of the series will likely fall by the wayside as they are racing at Skagit and Elma this weekend. The possible exception might be Trey Starks, who is third in points after four races. Why were the two Washington tracks not included in the series this year?

So, the question remains, who is coming to Southern Oregon Speedway and Siskiyou Motor Speedway? Estimations would put the car count in the 12 to 16 car range, possibly 18. Medford area racers like Garen Linder, Jake Wheeler, Jeremy Lowe, Brent McGrath and Aaron Miller are anticipated. What are the names of those who will be at Siskiyou Motor Speedway is unknown at this point. Since Yreka is closer for Todd Whipple, it is likely that he will be there.

The California names mentioned above are anticipated. Kyle Hirst, the 2014 Series champion, had made some of these races, but he has a King Of The West point lead to protect on Saturday. It is not likely that he will make it to Southern Oregon Speedway. Herman Klien joined the series midway through, and the past Petaluma Speedway champion may possibly be at the two tracks, though this would only be a guess at this point. There is another California driver making all of the races named Mitchell Faccinto, who is a second generation racer from the Hanford area.

The Wheeler Racing Team will be on hand, and we anticipate that it will be Jake rather than Vern driving the car. However, Vern did take the wheel at Willamette and earned a Top 10 finish. Garen Linder made the first two races and had a Top 5 finish at Cottage Grove before he disappeared from the next two races. It seems likely that he would race at his home track in Southern Oregon, but we don't take that for granted. The team has already made a policy of not running there for less than a certain amount of money, but if there is another grudge held against the racetrack, will he show up? Hopefully, for the fans sake, he'll be racing.

The bottom line to all of this is that the fans want to see Sprint Car racing. The leadership that puts this series together needs to do a better job of organizing it and making the racers want to be a part of it. The fans do not think about the politics of the races, they just go to the race track and see the cars. If the cars aren't delivered, how much longer will the fans want to put up the money to go watch them? It seems that the Sprint Car racers and their leaders need to start thinking about the fans, or the state of Sprint Car racing in Oregon will get worse.

We are hoping for a good turnout for this series and at least a good performance by whoever is there. There is no reason for a low car count for the Sprint Cars at this point in time, and it doesn't bode well for the state of Sprint Car racing if it doesn't improve. Another thing that will affect the car count at Southern Oregon Speedway is the fact that the Limited Sprint division has been booked that night at Cottage Grove Speedway. It is not really fair that a track that participates in the Sprint Car Speedweek Series has booked a Sprint Car race on top of a track running a series race. Is that in the best interests of the series? People may say that these are Limited Sprints, but there are Limited Sprint racers willing to support the bigger show if not forced to commit elsewhere for the sake of point races.

The Yreka show on Friday night will include the O'Reilly Auto Parts IMCA Sport Modifieds. Garrett Hamilton continues to lead the way in the standings, but Jimmy Lipke is still very much in the hunt. Last time out, they were visited by Jorddon Braten. The Southern Oregon Speedway point leader impressed with his second victory at the track, and he is likely to show up for Friday night's race. With him will likely be reigning IMCA Oregon State champion Mike Medel.

The Sport Modifieds delivered a 16 car field last time, and two drivers running pretty strong in the most recent race were the Top 3 finishers Jesse Morton and reigning champion Colter Boswell. Morton has been a competitor at the speedway for the past several seasons, and the return of his #56 Sport Modified is a welcome addition to the field. The racing has been good in this competitive division at Siskiyou Motor Speedway, and that's not likely to change on Friday night. It should be a good show.

Southern Oregon Speedway will be delivering two reliable support division to their Saturday night Sprint Car race. First of all will be the Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association. Last week, 17 cars competed and they had a wild finish in the Main Event. Point leader Kalvin Morton was coming out of the final turn and looking for his fourth checkered flag of the year when he made contact with a slower car, sending both cars flipping. Morton was done, and teammate Brock Peters seemed headed for a victory at that point.

However, the race had to be restarted, and Camden Robustelli had other ideas. Coming off of his win at Coos Bay Speedway a week earlier, Camden charged around Peters and took the checkered flag for his second win of the year. It is not clear where he will be racing this week. He remains Top 5 in the Dwarf Car points, but he also likes to run his Limited Sprint Car at Cottage Grove.

It seems likely that you will see Brock's son Cody Peters in action. Cody had a third place finish at Yreka on Friday and came to Southern Oregon Speedway a day later and picked up a fourth. He also won the B Dash that night. Third place finisher Rob Gergel should also be in action, and other hard chargers anticipated for the Medford race include Chad Cardoza, Ryan Smith, Randy Slater, Don Gifford and Joe Sanders.

The Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks will be gearing up for the Billy Geyer Memorial Race on July 22nd and 23rd in Yreka, but they hit Medford with 17 cards last week. Steve Borror was the guy people hoped to beat, and he started his night off with Trophy Dash and heat race wins. The man who won the recent Medford race, Rocky Nash, won the other heat race with a last lap pass on Miles Deubert. However, the farthest up these two drivers could get was third, and Borrror ended up pitting just before the mid point of the race. Nash spun, but he managed to come back up to third. That was good news for the competition as Deubert and second place point runner Scott Flowers fought for the lead throughout the entire 25 lap distance. Deubert never could quite shake Flowers from his rear bumper, but he still picked up the win, while Flowers settled for his second Top 3 finish in four Medford starts.

The Flowers family also had daughter Julia Flowers driving to an eighth place finish, and wife Ginny earned a tenth place finish in the Arlen Garrison car. Unfortunately, James Flowers broke before the heat race to keep the fourth member of the family, Scott and Ginny's son, from being in action. However, there was another Scott doing well as the #15 car as Scott Bennett picked up a fourth place finish. John David Duffie was hoping to repeat his solid top three performance of the last time, but his motor let go during hot laps to end his night. The Outlaw Pro Stocks will be back in Medford on July 30th.

The Mini Stock division will be there this weekend, and the drivers will be gunning for point leader Bob Burkett. In five races, Bob has driven to a pair of second place finishes and three victories. Two drivers spending much of the season running up front and accounting for the other wins are 2014 champion Gary Anderson and 2015 Yreka champion David Steele. Both drivers are anticipated this Saturday night.

The question remains, who in the rest of the pack can get up there and challenge the "Big 3" drivers for a win? Leading that charge might be teammates Kristopher Mix and Andrew Hall, but Hall had a DNF in the previous race. Hall came into the night ranked second in the standings, but he surrendered that spot to 14 year old sensation Marissa Henson, who finished fourth in that race. All she could do was watch ahead of her as Burkett won that thriller ahead of Anderson, while Steele nearly spun trying to get the lead and ended up third.

Marissa had her hands full with Eric Hanson, who has been running much better since his two non starts to begin his season. Henson & Hanson are two other drivers you have to consider when talking about potential Main Event winners. Somebody is going to break the stranglehold of the Big 3, but who will it be? A field of about a dozen or so Mini Stocks will be out there, and it should be a good race.

Speaking of good races, the McDonald's Mini Stocks ran at Siskiyou Motor Speedway last week, and once again you had David Steele reclaiming his spot at the front. He didn't get the win without a fight as 2014 champion "Magic" Mike Whitaker was a very close second. Whitaker has had a dreadful season, but in the previous race, he finally picked up his first feature win of the year. Whitaker and Steele have spent much of the previous two seasons at the front of the pack as Whitaker was second to Steele in 2015 after holding Steele off for the 2014 championship.

When it comes to this year's championship, "Big Mac" Marilyn Yawnick and "The Holy Terror" Terry Kendrick are the two fighting it out. Kendrick came into the previous race with a slim lead over Yawnick, but Yawnick picked up a Trophy Dash victory and finished third in the Main Event as Kendrick was a few positions behind her. Mike Colson and Mike Frost picked up Top 5 finishes that night. The truck of Ethan Killingsworth did not finish, dropping him further behind Yawnick and Kendrick in the championship battle.

Rumors are circulating concerning another Southern Oregon race track possibly opening again in the near future.  This would be Worden Speedway, not far from Klamath Falls.  We've been unable to confirm anything at this time and will be keeping an eye on things here.  We do know the man in charge there is a past Oregon Limited Sprint Car racer named Carl Tresser.  Carl owns the track, but hasn't done much with it other than run motorcycles there. Pro Stocks were a part of the show roughly 14 years ago, and Scott Flowers was a champion there in 2002.  We'll see if there is any news to report in the future.

In Southern Jefferson news, Justin Henry won the Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event last Saturday night at Marysville Raceway ahead of Colby Wiesz and Jeremy Phillips.  Colton Slack grabbed a Wingless Spec Sprint feature win ahead of Tim Sherman Jr. and Josh Viera.  Jerry Bartlett won the IMCA Sport Modified Main Event over Antioch regular Shane DeVolder and point leader Brian Cooper, and past champion Phillip Shelby won the Super Stock race ahead of another champion, James Castleberry and Steve Hammett.

Placerville had a double header weekend on Saturday and Monday.  Shane Golobic won the Thompson Auto Group Winged 360 Sprint feature on Saturday ahead of Andy Gregg, Michael Kofoid, point leader Greg DeCaires and Mason Moore.  Ray Trimble won the DOMCO Plumbing Limited Late Model race ahead of Mike Lightfoot, Wayne Trimble and Tom Tilford.  Reigning Jay's Welding & Fabricating Pure Stock champion Scott Grunert won that Main Event ahead of Dan Smith, Russ Murphy and Jason Palmer, and Taylor Simas won the BCRA Midgets Main Event ahead of Cory Elliott, Shane Golobic, Greg Bragg and Chico 410 Sprint Car point leader Sean Becker.

They were back again on Monday, July 4th, and Mike Benson won the Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event ahead of Tyler Walker, Greg DeCaires, Shane Golobic and Ryan Bernal.  Wayne Trimble won the Limited Late Mode feature ahead of Ray Trimble and Ryan Peter.  Another packed Pure Stock field saw the Main Event win go to Dan Smith ahead of Scott Grunert and Dan Jinkerson.

Chico Silver Dollar Speedway ran the David Tarter Memorial Race for 410 Sprint Cars on July 4th with point leader Sean Becker wheeling the Dan Menne car to a win ahead of Michael Ing and Andy Foreberg.  Past Modified champion Mark Abouzeid won the IMCA Sport Modified feature ahead of Clinton Earl and Todd Cooper as 16 cars again competed.  Dan Dozier won the Street Stock Main  Event in front of Brett Lawrence and Kevin Lesch, while reigning Hobby Stock champion Brian Compton won their feature ahead of Cameron Hammett and Brad Ray.

We're still waiting on results from both Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville and Orland Raceway as of Thursday, but Coos Bay Speedway hosted a Sprint Car Speedweek race with Justyn Cox winning that feature.  J..J. Hickle made a last lap pass on Jake Wheeler for second as Trey Starks and Steven Tiner rounded out the Top 5. The Sportsman Main Event win went to rookie Dylan Siewell ahead of point leader Wayne Butler.

It was time for the Deak Lyndall Memorial race at Lakeport Speedway on Saturday as Darrin Knight won the Modified feature ahead of Darrin Sullivan, Mike Collins and Eric Johnson.  The Bombers 40 lap Main Event went to Erik Ray ahead of Matt Manollis, Bob Mook and Lauren Snider.  The NCMA Sprint Cars began a double race weekend with past champion Audra Sasselli winning their 35 lap feature ahead of Cody Jessop, Denny Burrell and Pat Ariaz.

Furia Motorsports and the NCRA then promoted another Fireworks event at Ukiah Speedway on Sunday with David Lyndall winning the Modified Main Event ahead of Charlie Collins, Matt Collins and Eric Johnson.  The Bomber Main Event win went to Erik Ray ahead of Raymond Taylor Sr., Bob Mook and Roy Ingalls Jr. as 19 cars competed.  Jammers also competed with Bo Robertson winning their feature ahead of Gene Odell Jr. and Gene Odell Sr.  Zach Frazer won the Legends Main Event  ahead of Bill Kistenmacher, Colby Furia and Jaden Fisher.  It was David Burcett winning the NCMA race ahead of Cody Jessop, Denny Burell and Audra Sasselli.  Wes Feliz won the Bandolero race.

To recap, Siskiyou Motor Speedway will attempt to beat the weather and hold a Sprint Car Speedweek race on Friday with IMCA Sport Modifieds in support.  The track has a new official web page at www.siskiyoumotorspeedway.com.

At Southern Oregon Speedway on Saturday, the weather may still permit the Sprint Car Speedweek Series finale, joined by the SODCA Dwarf Cars and Mini Stocks.  Further information can be found at www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Robustelli Wins Wild Race, Deubert, Braaten Score Wins

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

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Robustelli Wins Wild Dwarf Car Main Event 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 4...They say that the only lap that really matters in racing is the last lap.  SODCA Dwarf Car racer Camden Robustelli would likely agree with that statement.  Robustelli was running in third as leader Kalvin Morton was heading for the checkered flag when it happened.  Morton was about to put Randy Slater a lap down when the two cars touched, sending both cars flipping.  Robustelli made a charge when the green flag flew and took the lead from Brock Peters for the wild 25 lap SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event victory Monday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.

The Dwarf Cars ran three eight lap heat races, and Ryan Smith won the first one ahead of Rob Gergel.  Chad Cardoza won a battle with B. Peters to win the second heat race, and Morton grabbed the lead from Robustelli on lap six to win the third heat.  Having won in a clean sweep a night earlier in Yreka, Morton continued his momentum by holding off teammate B. Peters to win the six lap A Dash.  Cody Peters won the six lap B Dash over Randy Slater.  Matt Hagermann, Mason Lewman and Kaycee Sheeler were Main Event scratches.

Robustelli started in the inside second row for the Main Event and raced past Rob Gergel to lead at the start.  B. Peters moved into third on lap two and made an inside pass on the back stetch on lap three to take second from Gergel.  Bill Winter spun in Turn 2 of the fourth lap, but he gathered it back up and kept going as the leaders lapped him.  In the commotion, Morton took over second with Gergel also passing B. Peters for third.  Robustelli and Morton ran closely in the top two positions as they began to pull away.  Following a lap nine yellow flag, B. Peters moved back into third, and a thrilling three car duel up front ensued.  A high pass in Turn 4 of the 13th lap gained B. Peters second from Morton, and he made a similar move around Robustelli for the lead a lap later.  Cardoza, Gergel and C. Peters battled closely for fourth as C. Peters followed his father's example on the outside.  Cardoza's run came to an end with front end problems on lap 15 as Morton passed Robustelli for second.  A low move in Turn 4 of the 16th lap gained Morton the lead from B. Peters.  Morton is a three time winner at Yreka who is looking for his first win at his home track.  As the white flag flew over him in lapped traffic, Morton seemed to have it in the bag.  Working the final turn, Morton made a move to get underneath Slater to put him a lap down, but the two cars made contact and rolled for a red flag.  Neither driver was injured, but both were out of the race.  B. Peters led Robustelli on the restart, but Robustelli caught him by surprise to grab the lead.  Robustelli scored the victory in the wild race as B. Peters settled for second.  Gergel was a solid third with C. Peters and Paul Haslow rounding out the Top 5 as lead lap finishers.  Nick Davis finished sixth ahead of Don Gifford, Joe Sanders, Morton and Slater.

SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat 1-Ryan Smith, Rob Gergel, Randy Slater.  Heat 2-Chad Cardoza, Brock Peters, Don Gifford  Heat 3-Kalvin Morton, Camden Robustelli, Cody Peters.  A Dash-Morton, B. Peters, Cardoza.  B Dash-C. Peters, Slater, Paul Haslow.  A Main-Robustelli, B. Peters, Gergel, C. Peters, Haslow, Nick Davis, Gifford, Joe Sanders, Morton, Slater, Bill Winter, Smith, Cardoza, James Edwards, Kaycee Sheeler (DNS), Mason Lewman (DNS), Matt Hagermann (DNS).

Deubert Battles Flowers For Pro Stock Victory 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 4...Miles Deubert scored an impressive victory in the 25 lap Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stock Main Event Monday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  A second generation racer at the speedway, Deubert is also the 2014 Street Stock champion.  Deubert had the group's current point runnerup, Scott Flowers, shadowing his every move for the entire distance as he drove it to victory.

Point leader Steve Borror appeared headed for another clean sweep as he won his heat race by a straightway and claimed  another four lap Trophy Dash victory, both ahead of S. Flowers.  Rocky Nash made a last lap pass on Deubert to win the other eight lap heat race.  Mike Prill hit the wall in his heat race to end his night, John David Duffie loaded up after hot laps with motor problems and James Flowers also scratched to leave 14 Main Event starters.  As the previous winner in the last series race in Yreka, Borror was lined up last for the Main Event.  Ginny Flowers spun in the Arlen Garrison owned car for a complete restart.  Deubert settled into the lead at the start ahead of Roy Bain and Matt Harlow.  Nash passed Harlow for third on lap three before Bain spun in Turn 2 with G. Flowers for a caution flag.  Deubert continued to lead S. Flowers and Nash on the restart.  Borror was already up to fouth by then.  Nash spun in Turn 2 and did a complete 360 on lap six, but he continued moving as Borror was third.  Borror's charge to the front ended as he pitted on lap nine, moving two time series champion Ken Irving and two time Super 4 champion Brian Johnsen into third and fourth.  The battles for first and third were close as Deubert and S. Flowers pulled away just a bit from the pack.  A lap 15 yellow flag flew when contact on the front stretch sent both Irving and Johnsen spinning.  Scott Bennet gained third, but Nash got by on the restart.  Johnsen and Irving continued their intense battle, but contact sent Johnsen spinning in Turn 3 for a lap 17 caution flag.  Irving was sent to the pits for his part in the incident.  Deubert led the restart with S. Flowers looking for a way past.  However, Deubert was not to be denied as he brought it home to victory.  S. Flowers was a season best second ahead of Nash, Bennett, Harlow, Johnsen, Johnny Cobb, Julia Flowers, Rick Lukens and G. Flowers.

Valley Boys Auto Sales Outlaw Pro Stocks

Heat 1-Rocky Nash, Miles Deubert, Matt Harlow.  Heat 2-Steve Borror, Scott Flowers, Brian Johnsen.  Trophy Dash-Borror, S. Flowers, Nash.  Main Event-Deubert, S. Flowers, Nash, Scott Bennett, Harlow, Johnsen, Johnny Cobb, Julia Flowers, Rick Lukens, Ginny Flowers, John Bowers, Ken Irving, Borror, Roy Bain, John David Duffie (DNS), James Flowers (DNS), Mike Prill (DNS).

Braaten Drives To Third IMCA Sport Modified Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 4...Grabbing the lead just past the halfway point of the race, Jorddon Braaten won the 25 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Monday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  It was the track and Oregon State point leader's ninth win of the year on the circuit and third at the track.  Braaten took the lead from eventual second place finisher Mike Medel and wasn't threatened after that as he pulled away to an impressive victory.

Braaten started things off with a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Willie McFall and continued his clean sweep performance by holding off roookie David Marble to win his heat race.   Yreka competitors Jimmy Lipke and Garrett Hamilton ran 1-2 in their heat race.  Tony Bartell was done after hot laps with steering woes.  Braaten started back in the fourth row of the Main Event, and front row starter McFall charged into the early lead ahead of Marble and Medel.  Braaten was fourth after one lap as the three competitors in front of him mixed it up for the lead.  Marble raced by McFall for the lead, but contact with McFall left Marble with damage as he stalled in Turn 4 for a lap four caution flag.  McFall and Marble both pitted, and Medel led Braaten and Lipke on the restart.  Yreka point leader Hamilton pitted on lap eight, and A.J. Parker spun on lap ten.  Medel couldn't quite shake Braaten, and Braaten made a low pass in Turn 4 to grab the lead on lap 12.  Marble was trying to nurse his damaged race car to the checkered flag, but he spun in Turn 2 on lap 14.  Braaten pulled away to a strong victory with Medel matching his season best effort in second.  Lipke finished third ahead of Parker, Marble, Hamilton and McFall.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat 1-Jimmy Lipke, Garrett Hamilton, A.J. Parker.  Heat 2-Jorddon Braaten, David Marble, Mike Medel.  Trophy Dash-Braaten, Willie McFall, Medel.  Main Event-Braaten, Medel, Lipke, Parker, Marble, Hamilton, McFall, Tony Bartell (DNS).