10-31-11 Jones, Spencer Lead National, CRA Sprints to Perris For 16th "Budweiser Oval Nationals;" Clauson Sweeps Canyon Features
Source Dick Jordan
Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprints

Levi Jones of Olney, Ill. and Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. continue their quest for historic AMSOIL USAC Sprint Car driving championships this week as the 16th “Budweiser Oval Nationals” unfold Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Jones, who leads Chris Windom by 43 points, is seeking a record fifth AMSOIL USAC National title in the last six years while Spencer, who leads Matt Mitchell by 34 points, is trying to win a record fourth straight USAC/CRA crown.

A new Saturday-night format including qualifying, heats, two B-mains and the 50-lap feature will conclude the three-night program which offers more than $80,000 in total prize money. Saturday’s feature winner will claim a payckeck totaling $12,500.

The second annual Malibu Towing “Legends of Ascot Match Race” is also slated Friday featuring Jones, Spencer, Nic Faas, defending “Budweiser Oval Nationals” Champ Windom and “wild card” Kyle Larson, with the winner taking home $10,000. The event showcases the five drivers in four, four-lap, races. The popular California Lightning Sprint Cars are also on Friday and Saturday’s card.

Windom won last year’s “Budweiser Oval Nationals” finale and with more than 200 National points available, could challenge Jones for the 2011 title with another front-running effort.

Spencer’s hold on the USAC/CRA lead is a bit more tenuous, with Mitchell just 34 back and Faas only one point behind Mitchell.

Clauson, of Noblesville, Ind., extended his lead in the USAC National Drivers Championship with his victory in Friday night’s opening Parker Store Hall of Fame Classic AMSOIL USAC National/CRA Sprint race at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. Clauson grabbed the lead in his Curb Records/R & B Truckers Spike/Chevy from Spencer on lap 25 and led the remaining six laps for the win. Windom finished second ahead of Damion Gardner, Jones and Spencer.

Clauson completed a “sweep” of the races at Canyon Speedway Park Saturday. Clauson caught R.J. Johnson on lap nine and led the final 22 laps to win the 30-lap feature. Keith Bloom Jr. finished second ahead of Jones, Chris Windom and fast qualifier Faas.

The 2011 AMSOIL USAC National and USAC/CRA series conclude November 12 at Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif.





 

10-28-11 Glasson, Helmuth & Kay- Karters Selected For Talent Search Shoot-out
Source RSWC PR
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle Shootout

Star Racing Supply recently announced a sponsorship program to provide up to 18 young drivers $6,000 to $18,000 each for the 2012 racing season. Working in alliance with Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle, 40 talented young drivers from across the United States and Canada will be selected to participate in the extensive, three day driver try outs known as "The Shoot-Out."

Cody Glasson, 11 years old from Texas, Molly Helmuth, 16 years old from Washington and Cody Kay, also 16 years old, from Nevada, are each talented Kart racers chosen to compete in this years RSWC talent search. Many successful car racers today honed their skills driving something smaller such as Karts and other forms of youth racing.

The Shoot-Out event, where drivers test in full size USAC or NASCAR Race cars, is focused on finding top talented, young drivers to be developed towards Professional Stock Car careers with RSWC. Selected drivers joining the RSWC development program will be groomed, coached, trained and raced in USAC and NASCAR oval track series. Drivers, as young as 12 years of age, can start in the USAC Young Guns Midget series, featuring race cars as fast Late Model Stock cars. Older RSWC drivers race in higher level, faster series in USAC and NASCAR sanctioned racing.

Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle is known in racing circles as the largest, and most comprehensive, Driver Career Development Program focused on oval track racing. RSWC has coordinated a Talent Combine in North Carolina with four top RSWC drivers testing with Cup Teams, an individual RSWC driver testing and signing with an official Cup Development Team in ARCA and guided a female RSWC driver successfully into the fully funded NASCAR Drive for Diversity program and now into NASCAR?s K&N Pro Series.

Cody Kay with 9 Karting Championships, an IKF Eagle and three IKF Duffys before moving up to Dirt Modifieds in 2011 said, "I am very honored to be in this years Shoot-Out because of the number of drivers that applied and the amount of great competition."

Super young Cole Glasson, already with many wins, 2 regional championships and 3 National championships in kart racing, commented, "I am really excited to be selected and look forward to a great experience at the shoot out. I think it will help me develop as a driver."

Molly Helmuth, with multiple poles & wins in Rotax Mini before moving up to NASCAR Mini Stocks in 2010, stated, "I'm looking forward to showing my driving talent and hopefully being selected for the RSWC program."

Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle has developed many young racers to successfully make the transition from Karting, and other forms of youth racing, to winning races in full size cars in USAC and NASCAR Oval Track series, including Jessica Brunelli, Joey Licata Jr, Beau DeBard, Bobby Grewohl, Trevor Hunt, Brendan Langlois, Jace Meier, Ian Miille, Benny Moon, Jimmy Moon, Brennan Newberry, Jeff Oleen, Bobby Runyan, Nik Romano, Eli Schrock and others.

Ron Sutton said, "These young drivers have shown their racing talent in karting which is one of the best forms of youth racing we have seen. We are excited to see Cole, Molly & Cody ... and the other drivers in this year's Shoot-Out ... show us their driving talent, skills & coachability so we may assess their overall potential to be developed to professional Stock Car careers."

The RSWC program consists of 12 driver coaches, 26 classroom training topics, 30 On-Track-Training programs, well known trainers and six racing organizations fielding 30 race teams, all dedicated to develop talented drivers to professional Stock Car racing. The teams are a balance of Open Wheel, Stock Car and Road Racing to develop highly versatile and accomplished winning drivers.

Families of young, winning drivers, ages 11 to 20, are encouraged to get detailed information from the web-site and submit their resume before the newly extended November 15th, 2011 deadline. The web-site is www.Winners-Circle-Racing.com






 

10-26-11 Dirt Racers Gilbert, Gaylord & Demartino Selected For Talent Search
Source RSWC PR
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle Driver Shootout

Star Racing Supply recently announced a sponsorship program to provide up to 18 young drivers $6,000 to $18,000 each for the 2012 racing season. Working in alliance with Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle, 40 talented young drivers from across the United States and Canada will be selected to participate in the extensive, three day driver try outs known as "The Shoot-Out."

Matt Gilbert, age 20, from Kansas, 16 year old Tripp Gaylord from Colorado and Derek Demartino, 20, from New Mexico are each talented dirt racers chosen to compete in this years RSWC talent search. Many successful Stock Car racers today, honed their skills driving dirt before moving to asphalt.

The Shoot-Out event, where drivers test in pavement USAC or NASCAR Race cars, is focused on finding top talented, young drivers to be developed towards Professional Stock Car careers with RSWC. Selected drivers joining the RSWC development program will be groomed, coached, trained and raced in USAC and NASCAR oval track series. Drivers, as young as 12 years of age, can start in the USAC Young Guns Midget series, featuring race cars as fast Late Model Stock cars. Older RSWC drivers race in higher level, faster cars in USAC and NASCAR sanctioned racing series.

Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle is known in racing circles as the largest, and most comprehensive, Driver Career Development Program focused on oval track racing. RSWC has coordinated a Talent Combine in North Carolina with four top RSWC drivers testing with Cup Teams, an individual RSWC driver testing and signing with an official Cup Development Team in ARCA and guided a female RSWC driver successfully into the fully funded NASCAR Drive for Diversity program and now into NASCAR's K&N Pro Series.

Derek Demartino stated, "I was very excited to hear that I had been selected for the shoot-out. All my experience has finally paid off. I'm really looking forward to this experience." Matt Gilbert, two-time Champion in the Midwest Outlaw Lightning Sprint series, said, "I must say I am incredibly excited about testing for RSWC."

Youngster Tripp Gaylord, who started racing dirt stock cars and modifieds at only 14, commented, "I am very happy and honored to be selected for the Shoot-Out. There are many young talented drivers that applied and I was selected. Thanks to everyone that has helped me, but most of all, thank you to RSWC."

Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle has developed many young racers to successfully make the transition from dirt track racing to winning pavement races in full size cars in USAC and NASCAR Oval Track series, including Daniel Adler, Jessica Clark, Austin Farley, Trevor Hunt, Nik Romano, Eli Schrock, Porter Smith, Keegan Walmer and more.

Ron Sutton said, "These young drivers have exhibited their racing talents in dirt racing which is one of the best ways for young drivers to learn car control. We are eager to see them ... and the other drivers in this year's Shoot-Out ... show us their driving talent, skills & coachability so we may assess their overall potential to be developed to professional Stock Car careers."

The RSWC program consists of 12 driver coaches, 26 classroom training topics, 30 On-Track-Training programs, well known trainers and six racing organizations fielding 30 race teams, all dedicated to develop talented drivers to professional Stock Car racing. The teams are a balance of Open Wheel, Stock Car and Road Racing to develop highly versatile and accomplished winning drivers.

Families of young, winning drivers, ages 11 to 20, are encouraged to get detailed information from the web-site and submit their resume before the newly extended November 15th, 2011 deadline. The web-site is www.Winners-Circle-Racing.com


 

10-26-11 Ventura's All Coast Construction 360 Challenge Finale Set For Saturday
Source Lance Jennings
Ventura Racing Associtation

Extra prize money up for grabs this Saturday, October 29th, when the VRA 360 Sprint Cars compete in the finale of the All Coast Construction 360 Challenge. Featuring a $5,000-to-win and $200-to-start main event at Jim Naylor's Ventura Raceway, an additional $5,000 will be awarded to series champion of the popular mini-series. With a possible $10,000 payday to the winning driver, Saturday's race is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Joining the powerful 360 Sprint Cars will be the VRA Midgets, Focus Midgets, and Go Karts. The Front Gates will open at 3:00pm with Racing to start at 5:30pm at "The Best Little Dirt Track In America."

Greg Taylor of Ventura has clinched the overall series championship and leads the point chase in the All Coast Construction 360 Challenge. The driver of the #7 Clark Engineering Construction / Westco International Consulting Inc. special placed eighth on October 15th and will have his sights set on the big paycheck on Saturday night. To date, Taylor has four feature wins, ten heat race victories, two hard charger awards, and fifteen top-10 finishes on the year.

Camarillo's Brian Camarillo is second in the point standings. Piloting the #22 Agromin Soil / Waste Management entry, Camarillo scored sixteenth on October 15th. In 2011, Brian has two main event wins, nine heat race victories, one semi-main win, and eleven top-10 finishes to his credit. Camarillo will be among the favorites for the $5,000 Ventura Raceway win.

Brian's younger brother Brent Camarillo has climbed to third in the point chase. On October 15th, the driver of the #51 Agromin Soil / Waste Management car took twelfth in the 30-lap main event. Camarillo claimed his first feature win on October 1st and will be looking to add to his resume on Saturday. To date, Brent has five heat race victories, one semi-main win, one Hard Charger Award, and nine top-10 finishes on the year.

Sitting fourth in the standings is Steve Conrad of Quartz Hill. The veteran pilot of the #56 Roy Miller Freightlines / SC Grafix machine did not compete on October 15th after a hard flip the previous race. In 2011, Conrad has two feature wins, one heat race victory, three hard charger awards, and thirteen top-10 finishes. Steve will be looking to rebound and score the All Coast feature win on Saturday.

Josh Ford of Camarillo is fifth in the point standings. Like Conrad, the driver of the #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine was missing in action on October 15th. The former USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year has four heat race victories, one hard charger award, and fourteen top-10 finishes on the season. The veteran driver is a threat to win on any given night.

Among the other top contenders expected to be in action are Moorpark's Kyle Smith, Santa Barbara's Markus Niemela, Jimmy Crawford of Newbury Park, Oak Park's Dakota and Cody Kershaw, Ventura's Cory Kruseman, Norwalk's Brandon Thomson, Ojai's Troy Rutherford, and many more.

Ventura Raceway is located on the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 West Harbor Blvd. in Ventura, California. Adult tickets are $14, Senior, Military, and Student tickets (ID Required) are $11, while Children’s tickets (12 and under) are FREE. For more event information, please visit www.venturaraceway.com or call (805) 985-5433.

To catch all of the action of the VRA Sprint Car Series and Ventura Raceway, Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com. In addition, Ventura Raceway offers a live feed of every event at www.venturaraceway.com/live.html. The live feed is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm PST.



 

10-26-11 KWS awards banquet giveaway car back in Rio Vista after getting powder coated by Willie Croft & Amerikote
Source Gary Thomas
King of The West

Recently picking up the new Maxim Chassis giveaway car at Kaeding Performance in Campbell, California the King of the West Sprints team proceeded to haul it up to Sacramento for a beautiful powder coating job courtesy of Amerikote.

Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series driver Willie Croft and Amerikote Powdercoating took tremendous care in their work, making the car turn out exceptional. It is now back in Rio Vista at the DES Racing complex and ready to be assembled for the championship awards banquet.

“It’s really great when a sprint car guy does the powder coating, because he goes the extra mile and knows how to make it come out right,” commented DES Racing manager Jayson Debo. “The car looks awesome and we want to give a big thanks to Willie Croft and Amerikote.”

Whether you spell it powder coating or powdercoating, the next time you need metal finishing, contact AIC Amerikote Coatings of Carmichael, California. They serve the Northern California area including Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove, Placerville, Chico, Marysville and Yuba City.

“I was really impressed by Willie and Amerikote’s diverse body of work including customized medical lighting fixtures, entry gates, chassis for sprints and hot rods, custom folding chairs and more,” said KWS Operations Manager George Hague. “They’ve even done work for my wife and I definitely trust them with her business needs so that's where I go.”

AIC has specialized in metal finishes for over 15 years and is one of the area’s oldest and most reliable metal finishing companies in the greater Sacramento area.

They have new equipment and greater capabilities that enable them to powdercoat up to 20ft pieces. They use nothing but the best powder coating supplies, combined with the best service standards. Stop by or give them a call for a quote, you will be glad you did!

AIC - Amerikote Coatings is centrally located off I-80, situated between downtown Sacramento and Roseville. They are five minutes off Interstate 80 on Fair Oaks Blvd and Leos Lane. For more information give them a call at (916) 944-3300 or log onto http://www.amerikotecoatings.com/index.html#

Stay tuned for additional information on the giveaway car and our championship awards banquet that will be held in late-January.

Don't forget to “like” the Golden State King of the West Series on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kws410s

Also check out our official website at http://www.kwssprints.com for the latest news, results, history and more on the Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Cars.

Be sure to catch archived shows of “KWS Tonight” with Gary Thomas and George Hague, along with special KWS highlight clips from the 2011 season at http://vimeo.com/user5784994/videos


 

10-24-11 USAC/CRA Returns to Arizona For Canyon's "Hall of Fame Classic"
Source Lance Jennings
Amsoil USAC/CRA

This Friday and Saturday, October 28th & 29th, the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will make their debut at Peoria, Arizona's Canyon Speedway Park for the ParkerStore "Hall of Fame Classic." The co-sanctioned events with the USAC National Sprint Car Series will mark the return of Traditional 410 Sprint Car Racing to "The Copper State" and will feature an incredible roster of talent from across the country. The popular Challenge Cup Sprint Cars will join the showcase and the spectator gates will open at 5:00pm with racing set begin at 7:30pm.

Canyon Speedway Park's 3/8-mile facility will host two compete programs for the "Hall of Fame Classic." Starting on Friday, the 30-lap feature will pay $2500-to-win and $300 to-start. The purse for the Saturday night 30-lap finale will pay $5000-to-win and $500 to start. "Kevin Montgomery and I have been working on this event for a while now and we are happy to see USAC coming back to Arizona," commented USAC/CRA Director Chris Kearns. "This will be a great event with an impressive purse and a great start to the USAC Western Swing."

Formerly held at Manzanita Speedway, the "Hall of Fame Classic" not only honors an elite group of racers to the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame, it showcases some of the best drivers in the country. Since Manzanita's closing in April 2009, track promoter Kevin Montgomery and his staff have pledged to continue the rich tradition and spirit of racing in Arizona. "The Flying Shoe" Ron Shuman will serve as the event's Grand Marshal and will sign autographs along with other legends of the sport, including "The Tempe Tornado" Lealand McSpadden and "The Gasman" Richard Griffin.

Temecula's Mike Spencer holds a thirty-one point advantage over the competition as he looks for his fourth straight title. Piloting Ron Chaffin's famed #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim, Spencer finished third at Perris on October 8th. To date, the defending champion leads the series with six feature wins, four Sander Engineering Fast Time Awards (tied), two Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main wins (tied), and 121 feature laps led. In addition, he has six heat race victories and thirteen top-10 finishes to his credit. Mike will have his sights set on the "Hall of Fame Classic" victories as he closes in on another USAC/CRA crown.

Nic Faas of Huntington Beach is second in the point chase. Driving Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales Company / VP Racing Fuels Spike, Faas has won the last two main events on the circuit. The 2008 Rookie of the Year leads the series with four Sander Engineering Fast Time Awards (tied) and three Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards. In addition, Nic has six heat race victories, thirteen top-10 finishes, and thirty-nine feature laps led on the year. Faas will be looking to gain ground on the point leader with feature wins at Canyon Speedway Park.

Sitting third in the standings and thirty nine points behind Spencer is Yorba Linda's Matt Mitchell. Piloting the J.W. Mitchell Motorsports' #37 Mancha Realtors / Sierra Springs Maxim, Matt placed seventh on October 10th at Perris. The former USAC Western Midget Series Rookie of the Year leads the series with seven heat race victories and fourteen top-10 finishes on the year. In addition, Mitchell has two feature wins, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, and forty-nine feature laps led. Matt is in the thick of the championship chase and will be a favorite for the "Hall of Fame Classic" victories.

Austin Williams of Yorba Linda is fourth in the championship hunt. Driving Jack Jory's #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Viper, the 2009 Rookie of the Year scored eighth at Perris on October 10th. Williams has one feature win, three heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main win, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, ten top-10 finishes, and thirty feature laps led on the season. The son of Hall of Fame driver Rip Williams will be looking to claim his first Arizona victories.

Visalia's Greg Bragg is fifth in the championship points. Piloting Tom and Laurie Sertich's #92 Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror / Pacific Business Machine Buckley, Bragg claimed fifth on October 10th at Perris. The 3-Time California Lightning Sprint Champion has three heat race victories, two Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards, eleven top-10 finishes, and fourteen main event laps led to his credit. As this writing goes to press, Greg and the Moose Racing Team will miss the "Hall of Fame Classic" and plan to return at the Perris Oval Nationals.

Campbell's Bud Kaeding, Ventura's Cory Kruseman, Robert Ballou of Rocklin, and Elk Grove's Kyle Larson have also scored feature wins in 2011. Kaeding won the Hanford shootout on May 7th, while Kruseman won the Watsonville show on June 16th and the following night at Santa Maria. Ballou won the first night of the "Louie Vermeil Classic" at Calistoga and Larson won the "Tiner Family Classic" at Chico.

Among the other top USAC/CRA contenders expected to be in action are Yorba Linda's Cody and "The Ripper" Rip Williams, "Showtime" Danny Sheridan of Santa Maria, "Super" Rickie Gaunt of Torrance, Riverside's "Dynamite" David Cardey, Norco's Ronnie Gardner, and more.

The USAC National Series is led by Levi Jones of Olney, Illinois. Jones is looking for his fifth career series championship as he battles with Chris Windom, (Canton, IL), Jon Stanbrough (Avon, IN), Hunter Schuerenberg (Sikeston, MO), and Robert Ballou (Rocklin, CA). Other series drivers expected to compete are Tracy Hines (Wilkinson, IN), Dave Darland (Lincoln, IN), "The Demon" Damion Gardner (Concord, CA), Bryan Clauson (Noblesville, IN), Bobby East (Brownsburg, IN), Keith Bloom Jr. (Anderson, CA), and more.

Local 360 iron-block powered Sprint Cars are welcome to race with USAC/CRA. The 360s can run their local approved tires (all four corners must be Hoosier), but must meet series tech standards and race track muffler rules. There is an entry fee for both nights and entry forms can be found at www.usacracing.com/sprint_index/garage_s. The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series does not charge for transponders, but drivers must have one-way radios. In addition, the series is offering a bonus to the highest finishing 360 team- a $200 cash award from the United States Auto Club.

Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona. To get to the track, take Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles West on Carefree Highway. Advance tickets are on sale now and more event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-7223 (RACE).

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Donovan Engineering, Electro Tech Powder Coating, Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror, Keizer Wheels, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, Sander Engineering, and So-Cal Performance for their support. For more information, visit usacracing.com/cra or follow the series on facebook.
 

10-24-11 Canyon Raceway Park Debut Friday-Saturday; Next on Amsoil National/CRA Sprint Calendar
Source Dick Jordan
Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprints

This weekend’s races at Canyon Raceway Park in Peoria, Ariz. offer points toward three USAC championships and historic implications are aplenty.

Levi Jones of Olney, Ill. is leading the AMSOIL National Sprint Car standings in quest of a record fifth series title. Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. leads the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car standings in search of a record fourth consecutive championship! Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. holds a 10-point lead over Kyle Larson in his bid to repeat as USAC’s National Drivers Champion, which offers a $40,000 year-end bonus plus rides in all of the 2012 Firestone Indy Lights oval-track events.

The Friday and Saturday night races will be USAC’s first at the 3/8-mile dirt oval located northwest of Phoenix.

Jones enters the two races with a tenuous 44-point National lead over Chris Windom, while Spencer’s lead over Nic Faas in the USAC/CRA standings is just 31 points. A total of 148 points weill be available at the two Peoria races.

Jones won the last USAC Sprint race in the Grand Canyon State, at USA Raceway in Tucson last year. Darren Hagen won the last USAC Sprint race in the Phoenix area, in 2009 at Manzanita Speedway.




 

10-24-11 Joiner Race Cars to Hit Vegas With a Four Car Onslaught
Source Steven Blakesley
SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour

Joiner Race Cars will look to make a statement and build into their 2012 campaign as it will field four cars in the SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour season finale at Las Vegas next Saturday night. The “Sigma Engineering 154” will see JRC field cars for Derek Thorn, Joe Farre, Blake Williams, and Ryan Reed.

Thorn comes into the Las Vegas Bullring just 38 points out of second place in the series standings and still has a chance at the championship just 78 points behind the leader. Thorn will be driving the #26 Superior Crankshaft/JRI Toyota Camry with the Gen 1 JRC Truck Arm chassis underneath him.

Farre, co-owner of JRC, will be returning to the series driving the #54 Sigma Engineering/LVI Services Chevrolet after a two race break. More than 500 guests of Sigma Engineering, which Farre also owns, will be in the stands as he tries to win his hometown race.

A pair of young guns will join Thorn and Farre in the all-out assault on Vegas. Spokane, Washington’s 16 year-old Blake Williams will make his series debut driving the #55 JRC/McClintock & Turk Chevrolet as he continues to develop as one of the West Coast’s young guns and is looking into running the series full-time in 2012. Williams won the 2011 ICAR Late Model championship and also teamed with Kevin Richards to finish second in the Spokane County Raceway Late Model points championship.

The fourth member of the JRC team will be Ryan Reed of Bakersfield, CA driving the #56 JRC/Racehard.com Toyota. The 17 year-old driver recently tested for the Drive for Diversity program and relocated to North Carolina earlier this season to race a limited schedule in NASCAR K&N Pro Series, Super Late Model, and LMSC races. He was the 2010 TOYOTA Speedway Super Late Model Rookie of the Year and 2009 Legends track champion.

“I’m excited to head back West and race at Vegas,” Reed said. “I’ve had some fast cars there and look forward to competing in the SRL series again!”

The talented group of drivers will be met with a tough task at Las Vegas as live pit stops will be the name of the game for the season-finale. In addition to a competition break at lap 77 for fuel only, at any point in the race prior to lap 144 a team may choose to do a live two tire pit stop.

“We are extremely excited to add Blake Williams and Ryan Reed to our team for Las Vegas,” JRC Competition Director Marty Melo said. “These two young drivers have proven they have great driving skills. We look forward to putting them in our JRC equipment and watch them run up front.”

For additional information about Joiner Race Cars look them up online at www.joinerracecars.com Seats are still available for the 2012 season in the SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour and interested parties can contact Marty Melo at (530) 941-5642.



 

10-20-11 12 Year Old Trevor Hunt Wins a Pair of USAC Young Guns midget Titles
Source RSWC PR
USAC Young Guns

Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver Trevor Hunt, age 12 of Kansas City, MO, finished a very productive rookie campaign in the USAC Ford Focus Young Guns Midgets by winning both the USAC Western Pavement and USAC NorCal championships for the division.

With the championships, Hunt becomes one of the youngest USAC Young Gun champions in series history and he also finished second in the USAC Western Young Guns standings by just six points.

Hunt drove the RSWC-prepared FVP #11 on pavement and the Wally Pankratz Racing #8 on dirt. The 2011 season has been Hunt’s first on pavement after racing throughout the Midwest in Micros on dirt. Hunt became acclimated to the pavement quickly, scoring his first quick-time in his second race and first feature in only his fourth pavement start.

Hunt has clicked off seven feature wins in the USAC Ford Focus Young Guns with two coming on dirt. He also qualified on pole six times throughout the season. In addition to his USAC success, he has also won twice in limited Micro Sprints starts this year. Hunt has been the driver to beat at the series’ fastest track, Las Vegas Bullring, with three feature wins there this year.

The talented young driver came to Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle in late 2010 and participated in the on-track Shoot-Out with impressive lap times. Coming into 2011, Hunt had already accomplished 152 feature wins combining his Micro Sprint and dirt oval kart statistics.

“Trevor did a great job this year in the #11 car,” Driver Coach Ron Sutton said. “His dominance this year at Las Vegas, our fastest track, really has shown his talent level. We are proud of Trevor for winning two championships in his first season!”

Hunt’s plans for 2012 are still in the works, but race fans can visit www.trevorhuntracing.com to learn more.

Trevor Hunt Racing and Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thank partners: FVP, Awesome Racewear, K&N Filters, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels and Star Racing Supply.

For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to www.winners-circle-racing.com



 

10-18-11 Smith’s Results at All American Speedway
Source Kaye Reshaw
NASCAR K&N West

Starting on the inside of row six, Moses Smith, who drives the No. 16 Hasa Pool Products/NAPA Filters Toyota Camry for Bill McAnally Racing, made his way towards the front of the field of NASCAR K&N Pro Series West cars. By lap 88 of the scheduled 150-lap race, he was in sixth. With twenty-five laps to go, Smith had navigated the Hasa Toyota into the fourth spot. He moved into third with ten laps to go.

A late race caution set the field up for their first attempt at a green-white-checkered finish. As the cars came to the checkered flag, Smith would get turned. He recovered the No. 16 Hasa Toyota to bring home a seventeenth place finish. With one race left of the 2011 West Series season, Smith is third in the championship points.

“The Hasa Toyota was good,” said Smith. “It took a little bit to get going. We were fast on the inside as well as running on the outside groove. The lap down cars held their line which really helped me. It looked like we were going to have a good finish when I got turned coming to the checkered flag. That’s short track racing.”
The three-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Most Popular Driver Moses Smith, who added pink to the look of his No. 16 HASA Pool Products/NAPA Filters Toyota, participated in a recent charity event for Breast Cancer Awareness held by his sponsor, White Flyer.
“It was a real honor to carry the colors that represent those that have beat breast cancer and those that are battling this disease. My aunt had breast cancer and it's cool to be able to pay a tribute to her and others who have beat this.”
Set your DVRs. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, the Toyota/NAPA AUTO PARTS “150” can be seen on Thursday, October 20th at 7 pm ET on SPEED Channel. Please check your local listings for broadcast times in your area.

For more information on Bill McAnally Racing, please visit our website at www.billmcanallyracing.com. Bill McAnally Racing is now on Facebook. Become a fan and stay up to date with the latest happenings with your favorite race teams.

Please also visit NASCAR Hometracks to Vote for the Most Popular driver. Smith has received this honor for the past three consecutive years. Go to http://www.nascar.com/news/110719/2011-mpd-knwest/index.html and vote daily.

For more information on Moses Smith, please visit www.mosessmith.com. You can visit our sponsors’ websites at www.hasapool.com, www.whiteflyer.com, www.napafilters.com and www.tcitransportation.com . You can also follow Moses on Twitter. Become a fan of Moses Smith on Facebook by going to https://www.facebook.com/MosesSmithFanClub.


 

10-18-11 Eric Holmes and the No. 20 NAPA Toyota team Win Again at All American Speedway
Source Kaye Reshaw
NASCAR K&N West

Eric Holmes and the No. 20 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota team brought home their second straight victory of the 2011 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West season and fourth in eight starts at All American Speedway, Bill McAnally Racing’s home track.

The reigning NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Champion Eric Holmes would have liked to make it a wire-to-wire win but Holmes narrowly missed out on starting on the pole by .040 seconds. He had the fastest time until the final driver took to the track.

It was a fierce battle as Holmes contested for the lead and finally took it at lap 31. It would be a back and forth battle with Holmes losing the position at lap 68. With the No. 20 NAPA Toyota Camry’s brake rotors glowing, Holmes patiently waited for his opportunity and regained the lead at lap 140. He held off any challengers to take the checkered before a sold-out crowd. Holmes moves into second in the championship point race with one race left of the season.

“We had a great NAPA Toyota,” he said. “We had to give up the lead there for a little while. We had a little brake issue. But we got it dialed in and saved the car for the end.”

“The NAPA Toyota is in Victory lane two races in a row. I’ve got to thank everybody on the team. It’s great to have Ty Joiner back. The two races we’ve been together this season, we’ve won. That says a lot about his leadership and how well this team works together. We’re really looking forward to Phoenix.”

“Thank you to our fans and our race partner, NAPA AUTO PARTS,” continued Holmes. “We always get great support throughout the year but especially here at All American Speedway. They make it possible for this NAPA team to have the success we have had for more than 20 years.”

Set your DVRs. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, the Toyota/NAPA AUTO PARTS “150” can be seen on Thursday, October 20th at 7 pm ET on SPEED Channel.

The next event on the 2011 schedule for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will be the season finale Casino Arizona 125 at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, Nov. 12.

For more information on Bill McAnally Racing and our race partners, please visit our website at www.billmcanallyracing.com.Bill McAnally Racing is on Facebook. Become a fan and stay up to date with the latest happenings with your favorite race teams. Also follow the team on BMR_NASCAR on Twitter.




 

10-18-11 Cameron Hayley and the No. 24 Cabinets by Hayley Toyota at AAS
Source Kaye Reshaw
NASCAR K&N Pro West

Cameron Hayley, driver of the No. 24 Cabinets by Hayley Toyota Camry for Bill McAnally Racing brought home his second top three finish in only three NASCAR K&N Pro Series starts.

“This weekend was great not only for me but my team,” said Hayley. “It is so great and so much fun to come to a track like AAS and have that hometown support for Bill McAnally Racing. The enthusiasm and support from everyone was huge.”

“The weekend started out great with again having the top time after the first practice session. It is a huge confidence booster for the No. 24 team and we used that success to keep the fire alive all night.”

“During qualifying, the tires we put on didn’t come in as fast as I would have liked but we still came out with a decent qualifying effort with a fifth place starting position. Qualifying is a difficult thing for me, and the team has really helped me by giving me great cars and the confidence I need to do well, even when things don’t go as according to plan.”

“Going into the Toyota/NAPA AUTO PARTS 150, we were confident we had a good Camry and could make it to the front. The race started out with a long first caution but settled in after that. I just kept working my way up car after car trying to stay out of trouble. Moving through the pack like that is probably one of the most amazing feelings in the world. It is a huge rush racing side by side with some of the best drivers in the West Series inches away from your door. The inside groove was definitely the proffered groove all night but it became very valuable to be able to pass on the outside do to the nature of the racing. By the end of the race I thought it might just be my chance to win the race with 15 to go and leading but it was cut short after a bump going into corner one by the driver behind me sending me shooting up the track and falling to fourth. That is not a good feeling when you lose the lead in a matter of seconds. It was unfortunate and disappointing but I had to make the best of by battling alongside fellow teammate Moses Smith for third on the last lap”

“Overall I was very happy with how the weekend went and I’m looking forward to continuing the success in Phoenix for the final race of the 2011 season.”

The next event on the 2011 schedule for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will be the season finale Casino Arizona 125 at Phoenix International Raceway on Saturday, Nov. 12.

Set your DVRs. The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, the Toyota/NAPA AUTO PARTS “150” can be seen on Thursday, October 20th at 7 pm ET on SPEED Channel. Please check your local listings for broadcast times in your area.

For more information on Bill McAnally Racing and our race partners, please visit our website at www.billmcanallyracing.com.Bill McAnally Racing is on Facebook. Become a fan and stay up to date with the latest happenings with your favorite race teams. Also follow the team on BMR_NASCAR on Twitter.






 

10-18-11 Top Ten Finish For Scott in NASCAR K&N Pro Series Debut
Source Steven Blakesley
NASCAR K&N Pro West

 Two-time All American Speedway champion Matt Scott drove the #35 Kamps Propane / RPM NorCal Chevrolet to a tenth place finish in his NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West debut on Saturday night. The 19-time feature winner at the one-third mile asphalt oval made the most of his first opportunity in the series driving for the Gary Quigley-owned Matt Scott Racing team.

Scott, age 19, finished tenth despite one of the toughest fields in track history and “last-minute” circumstances that allowed him to record only approximately 60 laps of practice total before the start of the TOYOTA / NAPA Auto Parts 150.

“(Finishing in the top-ten) means a lot especially since the car was put together in 13 days,” Scott said.

Before a packed crowd and needing to qualify in on time without any provisionals available, Scott turned a 13.962 second lap around the speed. The lap time was good enough for 14th overall. Scott ran tough amongst a host of series veterans throughout the race, running in the top-15 at all times.

Fighting a tight car, Scott managed to avoid several crashes and stay on the lead lap through a 37 lap green flag run. On the final lap of the race several cars spun with Scott navigating through the smoke to cross the line in the tenth position.

“I knew from watching the races in the past that I just had to keep the fenders on the car,” Scott said. “The car went pretty tight at the end of a run so I just stayed out of trouble and got the finish I was looking for.”

Matt Scott Racing thanks sponsors Kamps Propane, RPM NorCal, Pardee Lake Recreation, CatchYourEye.com, TAS Construction, SP Graphics, and Blakesley Sports Media for their support of the debut in the NASCAR West Series.

On Friday night, Scott participated in the RPM NorCal / PRS 100 for Late Models which attracted a 26 car field of drivers from all over California. Scott picked up his seventh fast-time of the season but had to start 14th after the inversion.

Scott drove all the way to fifth in the field before being forced up into the wall ending his day prematurely. It was Scott’s first DNF of the season in the Late Models in a very productive season for the 2011 champion.

Matt Scott Racing plans to compete in the 2012 NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West with sponsorship opportunities available by contacting Steven Blakesley at steven@norcalmedia.com or (916) 509-7049. The team is also planning to race at the California Classic for Late Models at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale, Calif. on November 26 but needs additional sponsorship support to compete.

Race fans can learn more about Matt Scott Racing at www.mattscottracing.com or “Matt Scott Racing” on Facebook.



 

10-17-11 Winters and Roddy Win Big at BMR’s Late Models and Modifieds
Source RMG Race Media Group
All American Speedway

October 14th Bill McAnally hosted the Late Model’s 100 and Modifieds 50 as the prelude to the NASCAR K&N Pro West race the next day Saturday, October 15th. With the help of many individuals to make this Friday night show a success the Late Model division brought an impressive 26 cars with drivers coming from all over California, Idaho and Canada to win the $1500 payout along with over $2500 worth in prizes from Penny Racing Supply, K&N Filters, ARP Bodies, Pick-N-Pull, Race Media Group and Scribner Plastics. The Modified division brought 19 cars with drivers from all over California to compete for the $700 payout along with the same $2500 worth in prizes. The day started out smooth as big rigs and trailers flooded the pit area at noon with SRL, Legends and WSRA sharing the day for Practice. The highlight of the evening was Cowboy Kenny Bartram x-games free style moto-x performing heart stopping daring jumps in the infield with jumps up to 30-40 feet in the air. Following Cowboy Kenny was the Modified 50 lap race. Modified drivers were very eager and determined to win creating lots of yellow flags which the division racing only 25 laps as they had a slot of 30 minutes to run 50 laps. Following the Modifieds were the Late Models 100 which put on a great show and barely making their time slot. All in all the fans packed the stands and enjoyed every minute as they were cheering on their favorite drivers.

The first division to hit the track was the Modifieds fielding 19 cars to compete for the $700.00 victory payout. No. 68 Cody Thompson fresh off a successful rookie season put his machine on top in the first practice session with a fast time of 14.080 seconds. Although in the second practice session Thompson was beat out by AAS track Champion No. 24 Scott Winters. Winters posted a fast time of 13.955 seconds and was the only driver to do so in the 13’s. Cody Thompson topped the charts in qualifying with a fast time of 13.970 seconds nearly edging out Scott Winters by .048 seconds. Making the return to AAS was No. 15 Jason Philpot landing the third spot followed by No. 5 Jason Bamberg and No. 50 Gary Glenn the fast five. An invert of 10 was drawn for the main event putting No. 21 Bobby Runyan on pole with No. 55 Jay Lynstroth off pole to lead the field to the green flag. Side by side racing took place for the first few laps until Lynstroth manage to pull out front with the lead. On lap two, No. 07 Justin Wolff was stalled in turn four causing the first caution. Lynstroth took advantage of the restart and jumped ut for the early lead as Runyan was stuck on the outside losing a few positions. As Runyan looked to get down to the bottom line he made contact with another driver sending the No. 21 car spinning in turn three causing a yellow flag on lap seven. Under yellow, Gary Glenn was sent to the back behind No. 45 Rich Lindgren for rough driving. Lynstroth leading the field for the restart got a run as the drivers fighting for third made it three wide into turn two keeping it clean. On lap seven, No. 22 Troy Nogosek and Rich Lindgren got collected in turn three and four as No. 8 Andy Fields pulled off track handing his second position to ARCA driver No. 7 Joey Licata Jr. As drivers doubled up for the restart, the front cars stacked up as the green flew, this led to an exciting three wide battle for the lead with Jason Bamberg taking over the top spot. Cody Thompson came back to get by Bamberg for the lead on lap nine. Tough night for Rich Lindgren and Bobby Runyan as the two collided in turn two on lap 11. On lap 12, No. 4 Paden Phillips got loose and spun in turn four. As the field returned to the green flag, leader Cody Thompson broke in turn one as he couldn’t steer and drove into Jay Lynstroth in turn one. Thompson suffered a DNF with a broken ball joint ending his night watching the race from the infield. Teammates Lynstroth and Bamberg led the field to the green flag and No. 48 Jim Badaker went up in smoke and pulled off the track as the field stayed green. On lap 17, Scott Winters and Jay Lynstroth raced side by side for the top spot and Winters took the lead. The battle for first allowed the rest of the field to catch up as it turned into the top six drivers battling for the lead. On lap 24, No. 88a Gary Lowbald spun in turn two causing a yellow. As the field bunched up for the green No. 10 Billy Bowerman’s car put out a lot of smoke barely making it to the track exit then suddenly the car bursted into flames creating a red flag. AAS safety crew quickly put out the fire and removed the vehicle from the track and racing was underway. With a strict 30 min time limit for the modified race to allow enough time for the Late Models, the division went on to a green, white, checkered finish as Scott Winters took home the victory. Followed by Jay Lynstroth, Joey Licata Jr, Jason Bamberg and Jason Philpot the top five.

Next up was the impressive stacked field of 26 Late Models fielding drivers from all over California and two drivers from Canada to compete for $1500. No. 5 Chris Scribner was fast out of the box in the first practice session posting a fast time of 13.947 seconds. In the second practice session AAS track champion No. 35 Matt Scott put his machine on top as well as in qualifying posting a fast lap of 13.952 seconds. Heading into the 100 lap main event an invert of 14 was drawn putting No. 15 Quintin Crye on pole and No. 41 Junior Roddy off pole to lead the field to the green flag. Quintin Crye jumped to an early lead heading into turn one, however Junior Roddy took the lead down the back straight. Crye found himself three wide with the No. 7 Jeremy Doss to his inside. Contact sent Crye spinning in turn four with the entire field missing a spinning No. 15 car causing a yellow. On the restart lots of bumping nose to tail as drivers were eager to drive to the front. Jamie Kryzsik under Juan Pitta for sixth as Pitta held his position. Teammates Travis Milburn and Mindy McCord traded rubber for second in turn four on lap ten. Jermey Doss spun in turn one on lap 12 causing a yellow. Upon the restart No. 4 Brandon Trevethan hit the front stretch wall sending the no. 4 car to the infield. Junior Roddy and Juan Pitta led the field to the restart and Pitta tried to get the jump however Roddy fought back aggressively and took the lead. On lap 30, Dylan Hutchison, Bobby Butler and Glen Cook made it three wide in turn three as Hutchison and Butler collided collecting Chris Scribner and Laura Hayes. Rookie Dylan Hutchison suffered severe damage ending his night watching the race from the infield causing a red flag. Pitta got a good jump on the restart in turn one as Junior Roddy challenged Pitta on the back stretch and again took the lead. On lap 34, Cowboy Kenny Bartram, Shannon Mansch and Chuck Glick all spun in turn one causing a yellow. On the restart heading into turn one Jamie Kryzsik and Mindy McCord got together swapping paint for fourth as Kryasik took over the position. On lap 45, Matt Scott bumped Glen Cook in turn two aggressively. Contact between Nik Romano and Crye sent Romano spinning in turn two causing a yellow. On the restart Milburn, Kryzsik and Cook all bumper to bumper for third as Roddy checked out once again. On lap 54, Matt Scott battling heavily with Glen Cook on the outside for fifth hit the front stretch wall ending his night watching the race from the sidelines. On lap 60, Scribner and Glen battled for fifth as Scribner completed the bump and run on Glen in turn four. On lap 63, Dylan Lupton and Cameron Hayley got collected in turn four causing a yellow. Junior Roddy once again pulled a gap on the restart and Glen Cook hits Scribner in turn one as the two battled for fifth. Travis Milburn and Jamie Kryzsik battled for third as the two continued to rub fenders leaning on each other and Kryszik got the position. By lap 75, Junior Roddy picked up a five car length on second place Juan Pitta. Lap 79, BMR’s Kryzsik battled with Scribner for third as the two put on a show of side by side racing passing each other allowing Glen Cook to catch up. On lap 84, Cook and Scribner were battling rough for fourth, the two made contact sending Cook spinning through the infield and losing several positions. No yellow was thrown as Cook quickly managed to get back on track. On lap 92, the field stacked up for fifth involving Cameron Hayley, Travis Milburn and Bobby Butler heading into turn one as Hayley got sent into the backstretch wall nearly head on. Milburn got sent to the back for rough driving on Hayley on the restart. Kryzsik got under Pitta in turn one on the restart as the two battled for second with three laps to go. Bobby Butler got into Kryzsik in turn three on the last lap for third. Junior Roddy performed a stellar performance to walk away with the $1500 victory. Followed by Juan Pitta, Bobby Butler, Jamie Kryzsik and Chris Scribner the top five.

Modified bonus payout:
Race Winner $700: Scott Winters
1st Place $600 K&N Filter Gift Certificate: Scott Winters
1st Place $300 ARP Bodies Gift Certificate from Penney Racing Supply: Scott Winters
2nd Place $150 ARP Bodies Gift Certificate From Penney Racing Supply: Jay Lynstroth
3rd Place $100 ARP Bodies Gift Certificate From Penney Racing Supply: Joey Licata Jr.
5th Place $300 K&N Filter Gift Certificate: Jason Bamberg
5th Place Scribner Plastics 5 Gallon Utility Jug: Jason Bamberg
10th Place $100 RMG Race Media Group Gift Certificate: Bobby Runyan Jr
10th Place Scribner Plastics 5 Gallon Utility Jug: Bobby Runyan Jr.
10th Place $100 K&N Filter Gift Certificate: Bobby Runyan Jr.
15th Place Scribner Plastics 5 Gallon Utility Jug: Billy Bowerman
Hard Luck Bonus $200 from Pick-N-Pull: Bobby Runyan Jr.
Fastest Qualifier $100 from Penney Racing Supply: Cody Thompson
Hard Charger Bonus $100 from Penny Racing Supply: Scott Winters

Late Model bonus payout:
Race Winner $1500: Junior Roddy
1st Place $600 K&N Filter Gift Certificate: Junior Roddy
1st Place $300 ARP Bodies Gift Certificate from Penney Racing Supply: Junior Roddy
2nd Place $150 ARP Bodies Gift Certificate From Penney Racing Supply: Juan Pitta
3rd Place $100 ARP Bodies Gift Certificate From Penney Racing Supply: Bobby Butler
5th Place $300 K&N Filter Gift Certificate: Chris Scribner
5th Place Scribner Plastics 5 Gallon Utility Jug: Chris Scribner
10th Place $100 RMG Race Media Group Gift Certificate: Mindy McCord
10th Place Scribner Plastics 5 Gallon Utility Jug: Mindy McCord
10th Place $100 K&N Filter Gift Certificate: Mindy McCord
15th Place Scribner Plastics 5 Gallon Utility Jug: Laura Hayes
Hard Luck Bonus $200 from Pick-N-Pull: Mindy McCord
Fastest Qualifier $100 from Penney Racing Supply: Matt Scott
Hard Charger Bonus $100 from Penny Racing Supply: Jason Gilbert
Modified Results:
1- Scott Winters, 2- Jay Lynstroth, 3- Joey licata Jr, 4- Jason Bamberg, 5- Jason Philpot, 6- Gary Glen, 7- Keegan Walmer, 8- Rich Lindgren, 9- Scott Woessner, 10- bobby Runyan Jr, 11- Gary Lowbald, 12- Sal Lopez, 13- Justin Wolff, 14- Paden Phillps, 15- Billy Bowerman, 16- Andy Field, 17- Cody Thompson, 18- Jim Badaker, 19- Troy Nogosek.

Late Model Results:
1- Junior Roddy, 2- Juan Pitta, 3- Bobby Butler, 4- Jamie Krzysik, 5-Chris Scribner, 6- Jason Gilbert, 7- Glen Cook, 8- Kyle McGrady, 9- Travis Milburn, 10- Mindy McCord, 11- Shannon Mansch, 12- Nik Romano, 13- Quintin Crye, 14- Cameron Hayley, 15- Laura Hayes, 16- Dylan Lupton, 17- Troy Nogosek, 18- Dave Byrd, 19- Jeremy Doss, 20- Colin Bailey, 21- Matt Scott, 22- Chuck Glick, 23- Kenny Bartram, 24- Justin Philpott, 25- Dylan Hutchison, 26- Brandon Trevethan.



 

10-17-11 Peter Murphy Wins Hanford's Wingless Cotton Classic
Source Lance Jennings
USAC West Coast 360s

 Charging from the fifteenth starting spot, Peter Murphy of Clovis surged past Ryan Bernal on the last corner to win the wingless portion of the Cotton Classic. Last Saturday's victory at Hanford's Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway was Murphy's second USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series triumph of the year and his efforts were greeted with a huge roar from the large crowd in attendance.

Dennis Howell grabbed the early lead from the pole position and looked to close out the year with his first victory of the season. Looking strong on the Hanford clay oval, Howell set to distance himself from the pack and began to inch away from the competition. Behind the leader, it was an all out battle for position as veteran drivers Davey Pombo of Kerman, Tipton's "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr., and Campbell's Bud Kaeding looked to move forward.

T.J. Smith had worked his way up to second after falling back to fourth in the early stages. Sander Engineering Fast qualifier Ryan Bernal chose the outside lane of the speedway to make his charge and dropped Smith to third on lap eight. By this time, Peter Murphy was methodically making his way forward and sat in eighth. Two laps later, Murphy had motored past Kaeding to claim sixth.

Despite several yellow flags and an early flip for Jeff Gardner, Dennis Howell continued to maintain control of the event with Bernal in pursuit. As the laps counted down, Murphy secured third from Smith and set his sights on second. With Bernal now feeling pressure from Murphy, Ryan quickly reeled in Howell and executed a momentum pass to take command on lap twenty-one. Still in pursuit, Murphy shot past Howell to take second as the leaders began to work their way through slower traffic.

Using the low groove of Scott Woodhouse's Kings Speedway, Murphy threatened for the lead with two laps to go. Bernal continued to run "top shelf" and began to inch away from the second place car. Ryan flew past the starter stand taking white flag with Peter gaining ground. Bernal had the advantage down the back straight and heading into turn three. Needing to make up some ground, Murphy drove his machine deep into the north turns and coming to the line it was anyone's race. With checkered flags in the starter's hand, it was Murphy with a late surge to the finish line over Bernal. Howell claimed third, Smith was fourth, and Pombo scored fifth. The large "Cotton Classic" crowd roared in approval of the finish and cheered for a fan favorite of the series.

Piloting Tom Tarlton Sr.'s pink #21 "Breast Cancer Awareness" car sponsored by Tarlton and Son Inc. and Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Peter Murphy won his series leading eighth career feature. In the process, the Australia native prevented Bernal from tying his 2009 club record of six main event wins in a season. Murphy claimed fourth in his heat race and earned his second Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award of the 2011 campaign. The veteran driver closed out the year sixteenth in points with seven top-10 finishes and five feature laps led.

After taking the lead from Dennis Howell on lap twenty-one, Ryan Bernal of Hollister looked for his sixth victory of the year. Driving Danny Olmstead's #11D S&S Automotive / Dorso's Automotive Maxim, the 2011 Rookie of the Year lost in a close finish at the checkered flags. Bernal was close to sweeping the "Cotton Classic" by earning his third Sander Engineering Fast Time Award and scoring his fourth heat race of the season by taking the Extreme Mufflers sponsored event. The new Santa Maria track champion finished the year second in series points with thirteen top-10 finishes and led the series with 153 feature laps led.

Dennis Howell of Rancho Palos Verdes led two thirds of the feature before coming home third in the family owned #62 San Pedro Auto Body / Howell-Meyer Racing Maxim. The USAC Western Midget Series graduate was third in his heat race and finished the year fifth in the point chase with one Sander Engineering Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, twelve top-10 finishes, two Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards, and twenty-three feature laps led to his credit.

Fresno's T.J. Smith looked to break a string of bad luck and took fourth despite front end damage of his machine. Piloting the Steve LeGras owned #14 UHL Rubber / S&S Automotive Maxim, last year's Santa Maria champion was second in his heat race and claimed eighth in series points with one Sander Engineering Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, seven top-10 finishes, and thirty feature laps led on the year.

Davey Pombo of Kerman battled hard with veteran drivers Danny Faria Jr. and Bud Kaeding to take fifth in the 30-lap wingless "Cotton Classic." Driving Joey Eames' #3E Eames Trucking / Cool Hand Luke's Maxim, last year's Southwest Contractors 360 Clash Champion was second in his heat race and closed out the season eleventh in the point chase with nine top-10 finishes on the year.

Kyle Miller made the long tow from Eugene, Oregon and won the Saldana Racing Products / Keizer Wheels Heat Race #2. Piloting the family owned #10 Hanford Towing / Osterman Race Wings Triple X, Miller scored fourteenth in his first appearance with the USAC West Coast 360 competition at Hanford.

"Mr. Excitement" Andy Forsberg of Auburn claimed victory in the DJ Safety Heat Race #3. Driving his #92 Autism Awareness / Creative Finishes Plus Maxim, the multi-time California Civil War Sprint Car Champion scored twentieth after an early exit. In limited starts, Forsberg was twenty-ninth in points with two top-10 finishes and one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award on the season.

The USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, ButlerBuilt, Competition Suspension Inc., Cory Kruseman's Sprint Car & Midget Driving School, Crow Enterprizes, DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Hinchman-Indy Racing Uniforms, Integra Shocks, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Port City Racing, Rod End Supply, Saferacer.com, Saldana Racing Products, and Sander Engineering for their support.

For more information on the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series, please visit westcoastsprintcars.com, usacracing.com, racesantamariaspeedway.com, or follow the series on facebook.





 

10-17-11 Murphy Nabs Hanford's Cotton Classic on The Final Lap
Source Dick Jordan
Cotton Classic

Peter Murphy of Clovis, Calif. finally ran down Ryan Bernal on the final lap of Saturday night’s “Cotton Classic” and went on to win the 30-lap USAC West Coast 360 Sprint non-points special event at the Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway.

Murphy was trailed at the checkered flag by fast qualifier Bernal, Dennis Howell, T.J. Smith and Davey Pombo. Howell led the first 20 laps of the race before Bernal took over for laps 21-29.

The event concluded the 2011 activity for the West Coast 360 Sprint cars, which ended their points season October 8 at Tulare, Calif. Richard VanderWeerd of Visalia, Calif. who claimed the 2011 championship, did not compete Saturday.




 

10-15-11 October 15th Ventura Raceway Report
Source Cliff Morgan
Ventura Raceway

Saturday night October 15, belonged to the "Flyin Finn" Markus Niemela who took his first ever VRA Sprint Car victory in the 30 lap VRA Sprint Car feature event. Niemela who has raced all over the world in karts, formula cars and came to Ventura to race sprints a couple of years ago has been close to this important breakthrough on several occasions. Finally his determination and hard work paid off with an impressive win. Starting third in the 17 car field, he took the lead on lap on lap three from Tom Hendricks and then led to lap 22 when Brent Camarillo led for one lap. He passed Camarillo on lap 23 and went on to take the popular win. The battle for second through fourth continued between Brent Camarillo and point leader Greg Taylor until lap 28 when Taylor and Camarillo got together in turn four on lap 28. This incident allowed hard charging, Austin Deblauw, who drove a great race, to move into the second finishing position with Johnathon Henry taking third, Tom Hendricks Fourth and Guy Woodward in fifth. Taylor finished eighth, but scored enough points to clinch the 2011 VRA Sprint Car Title as he leads Brian Camarillo by 635 points with only 520 points available in the final two sprint car races to be held this season. Two heat races were run Saturday night with wins going to Brian Camarillo in the Extreme Muffler heat one and Brent Camarillo in the Joie of seating heat two.

Thirteen Senior Sprints were on hand Saturday night with two heat races held. Wins went to Bruce Douglass in the Spin Tech Muffler heat one and Gary Howard in the Maxwell Industries heat two. Their 20 lap main event Russell DeBlauw started on the pole and went on to lead all 20 laps of the main event. Following him across the line were Clif Warren, point leader Rob Kershaw, Bruce Douglass and Richard McCormick. Rob Kershaw now holds a 130 point lead over Cliff Warren after 11 races.

VRA Dwarf Cars races in two classes on Saturday. In Pros, the feature win went to point leader Ray Estrada over Mike Lewis, Curt Cook, Eric Moore and David Taylor Jr. They ran one heat with the win going to Ray Estrada. Ray Estrada continues to lead in Pro points by 140 points over Mike Lewis after 13 events. In Senior Dwarf competition, George Calvo took the win over Mike Neal, Bill VanPraag, Mitch Hedricks and Dave Dotson. They ran one heat race with the win going to Mike Neal. After 11 races held so far in the 2011 season, George Calvo leads Mike Neal by 100 points.

California Lightning Sprints were on hand Saturday night with 13 cars signed in. Two heat races were run with wins going to Tim Brown and Bobby Michnowicz. Michnowicz then went on to take the 20 lap feature over Alexander Bissett, Stephen Limon, Jarrett Kramer and Paul Krueger.

There were 9 VRA Mod Lites in attendance thanks to six visiting cars from Arizona. They ran two heat races with wins going to Bryan Miller and Nick Parker. The Arizona drivers dominated the 20 lap main event with the win going to Andy Eatwell with Bryan Miller, Kevin Alverson, Nick Parker, and Chris Olson.

The final groups racing on Saturday were our kids classes. In Mini Dwarf Pistons it was Zach Chavez scoring the heat race win and then J D Brown tok his sixth win in a row in the feature. In Mini Dwarf Superchargers the heat race and main event win went to Nick Velasquez.. In Junior Midget action, the heat race win went to Brennan Rogers who then went on to take the 15 lap main event over Devin McCree, Miles Hedrick, Oliver Blades and Chase Lippert. Point leader Brennan Rogers continues to lead the points by 15 over Devin McCree after 10 events.

After a week off on October 22, Ventura Raceway resumes racing Saturday October 29, when we will hold the third and final All Coast Challenge race for 2011. That night we will crown the 2011 All Coast Challenge Champion. That night will also include VRA Midgets, Focus Midgets, Junior Focus Midgets, and a non point Go Kart race.

 

10-15-11 Jonathan Allard surges to third career Cotton Classic victory in front of large crowd on Saturday/ Tim Kaeding takes home King of the West 410 Sprints championship
Source Gary Thomas
King of The West

Two of the very best sprint car drivers on the west coast celebrated on the front stretch Saturday night in Hanford, as Chico’s Jonathan Allard brought home his fourth King of the West 410 victory of the year and San Jose’s Tim Kaeding became the inaugural KWS champion.

“It’s just a great feeling to bring home the first California title for Dennis and Teresa Roth,” said Kaeding after the race. “This was a great year with the King of the West Series and I owe it all to my guys. Todd, Bonzai and our whole crew busted their tails every week and gave me a great car at every race.”

The 2002 Golden State 410 champion ended the year with a King of the West Series-high six victories aboard the HR Cattle, Roth Motorsports No. 83 Maxim. He also led the tour in top-five finishes, having only finished outside of the top-five on two occasions, showing the type of consistency needed to win championships.

“I really have to thank Dennis and Teresa Roth for giving me the opportunity these last few years, because it’s been a fun ride so far and this season has been icing on the cake,” he commented. “I also want to give a big thanks to Dan Simpson for stepping up and making the King of the West a premier 410 series. Hopefully next year we can get more backing and make it even better.”

For much of the main event on Saturday it looked as if youth would prevail over experience, with Northwest traveler Trey Starks outgunning the field from the pole position in his family’s black No. 55 sprinter. The 15-year-old from Puyallup, Washington impressively pulled away from the field on many occasions, but had a hair-raising first turn, where he got sideways and nearly spun out.

It resulted however, in outside front row starter Andy Gregg spinning around and coming to a stop, along with Tim Kaeding. St. Helena’s Rico Abreu also looped the car on the opposite end of the speedway, forcing him to the rear of the field after having a third row starting spot.

The next attempt saw Starks get a clean entry into the first set of corners and lead the field until a yellow flag with three laps complete. During it T. Kaeding had the rear end lock up and resulted in his first dnf of the year.

When things got going again Starks shot to the lead and began to stretch his advantage over the rest of the pack, whom were fighting for position behind him. The Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway surface had changed drastically as the night went on and became very treacherous and slick, which made finesse paramount to cutting good laps.

A yellow on lap 17 then changed the complexion of the race and tightened up the battle for the top-spot. When the green flag waved Easton’s Tommy Tarlton showed his muscle and carved the Tachi Palace No. 21 mount into the lead. It didn’t last long though as Starks continued his impressive night and went right back around Tarlton shortly after to re-take the point.

It soon became an exciting three-way tussle with two-time Golden State 410 champ Jonathan Allard entering the mix at the helm of his familiar Morrie and Katie Williams’ No. 0 machine. The 3/8 mile clay oval then started to take rubber more and more in the later stages, making speeds go up all around the speedway.

Using his experience from racing all around the globe Allard charged hard after the top-two and on lap 24 sliced underneath Tarlton for second.

The three-time & reigning Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup winner then tracked down Starks and coming off turn four on lap 26 made a great move to cut to the bottom and steal the lead away. After that it was clear sailing for Allard, who took the Willie Williams checkered flag by 2.788 seconds and claim his third career “Cotton Classic” victory. It was also his 28th career Golden State 410 triumph, which ties Steve Kent for third on the all-time win list.

“It’s been a back and forth season for us so to be able to finish the year with another win at the Cotton Classic is a great feeling,” said Allard, who also won the KWS season-opener in April. “That was an awesome race right there and I have to thank my whole team and my car owners Morrie and Katie Williams. I want to dedicate this win to Carwash Mike Avilla. I tried to get a win for him a couple weeks ago, but that didn’t work out so I’m glad I could get it tonight.”

Starks and Tarlton had the huge crowd on their feet as they fought it out for second in lapped traffic. Tarlton got around the youngster with only a few laps left, but the Northwest driver executed a beautiful maneuver off the fourth corner on the final lap to narrowly get the runner up spot. It was a very strong outing for Starks, who has limited starts in Hanford. Thirteen-time Golden State 410 champion Brent Kaeding had a solid night and came home in fourth to wrap up the third spot in the KWS standings.

Also having a nice run in the main event was ’04 series champ Jason Statler, who came home in fifth to lock up the fifth position in the King of the West standings. New daddy Willie Croft ironically crossed the line in sixth to solidify the sixth spot in the KWS points. Elk Grove’s Bobby McMahan finished seventh in the feature after starting from row seven. Wooster, Ohio’s Jac Haudenschild earned the Pit Stop USA hard charger award by coming from 18th to eighth, with the remainder of the top-10 being comprised of Brad Furr and Peter Murphy.

The evenings Last Chance Qualifier was picked off by Willie Croft and the Grants Fine Art/ KSE Racing Products dash was won by Trey Starks. The four Richmond Gear Weekend Warrior heat races were captured by Andy Gregg, Rico Abreu, Kyle Hirst and Trey Starks. The night was started off by Jonathan Allard earning his series high fifth Grants Fine Art fast time award of the season with a lap of 13.167.

On behalf of us all at the Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series we’d like to thank everyone for their support this year and look forward to a great 2012 campaign. This season we had 17 full time teams compete with KWS and the support from our teams meant a lot to all of us. Thank you to all the fans and sponsors that made this year a great one. Best of luck to all who are competing at next weekends Trophy Cup in Tulare.

Remember to stay glued to http://www.kwssprints.com/ for updates throughout the off-season and information regarding our championship awards banquet that is tentatively scheduled for the last weekend in January.

 

10-15-11 Golobic Wins Third Straight Ocean Sprints Main, Day Champion
Source Steven Blakesley
Ocean Speedway

 The Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo closed its 2011 campaign with a thrilling night of action as Fremont’s Shane Golobic won his third consecutive feature event while Salinas’ Ronnie Day was crowned series champion. Golobic’s last lap pass allowed him to become the only driver in the series to win three straight races, while Day’s fourth place finish was good enough to hold the title over Tommy Tarlton.

The last lap pass on Tarlton was reminiscent of Golobic’s win last Friday night when he passed Bud Kaeding with just two laps to go.

“It was a great race between Tommy and I and I’m glad we came out with the win,” Golobic said. “It felt good to get it done on the last lap and it seems like that’s how I’ve been doing it these days.”

After an eight car invert, Prunedale’s Justin Sanders started on the pole. A series of incidents in the first two laps slowed action and led to an open red flag so teams could top off their sprint cars with fuel.

Outside pole sitter Ryan Rusconi tagged the wall early on and fell outside the top-five, and the first caution came out when St. Helena’s Rico Abreu stalled in turn four with steering problems.

Several attempts at a restart saw Jerry Bonnema and Jeremy Chisum spun in turn four and then Chisum flipping hard in the successive restart. The lengthy open red flag allowed Abreu time to make repairs and he rejoined the field at the rear.

Once racing got going sixth starting Tarlton jumped up to the lead passing both Golobic and Sanders on lap eight. The next yellow came out when Nick Rescino, Jr. and Carter Train spun in turn four. On the restart fifth starting Bud Kaeding drove the Werbach Motorsports #20 up to third past Golobic while Sanders challenged Tarlton for the lead.

Golobic took third back on lap 12 and went back-and-forth with Sanders for several laps. On lap 21 Sanders jumped the cushion in turn three sending him hard into the wall. His night was over.

A pair of cautions came out again on lap 22 and 24 both involving Tommy Laliberte to end his night and with six laps to go the battle was on up front.

After a brief tussle with Kaeding, Golobic had second place in hand and coming to the white flag he seized the opportunity to challenge Tarlton. In turns three/four Golobic swept past Tarlton on the outside to take the checkered flag in a close finish.

The balance of the top-five saw Kaeding finishing third ahead of Day and Abreu in a comeback drive. The DDNi Hard Charger award went to Wayne Katen who advanced 12 positions from 19th to seventh.

The Ray Scheidt’s Electric fast-time honors went to 2011 Civil War champion Andy Forsberg with a 12.090 lap around the quarter-mile oval. Forsberg retired to the pits on lap 11 of the feature with mechanical problems. Heat race wins went to Golobic, Abreu, and Rusconi.

Ronnie Day’s championship comes in a season where he won his first career Ocean Speedway feature and followed it up with a win at the 51st “Johnny Key Classic”. The driver of the #22 Keith Day Trucking car won the championship by 37 markers over Tarlton with Abreu, Sanders, and Golobic unofficially rounding out the top-five.

“It’s been a great year and I think we finished out of the top five only twice this year,” Day said. “We’ve had probably the best year of my career.”

For more information on the Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo log onto http://www.oceansprints.com and for more on the Ocean Speedway visit http://www.oceanspeedway.com



 

10-14-11 Scott Running Double Duty This Weekend at Roseville
Source Steven Blakesley
All American Speedway

19 year-old Matt Scott is making his NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West debut on Saturday night at All American Speedway but will also defend his home track from a host of outsiders as he will race in Friday night’s Late Model contest as well. The 2010 & 2011 track championship will be driving a pair of #35 RPM NorCal Chevrolets on the weekend with Saturday’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series effort also supported by Kamps Propane.

Scott has 19 career Late Model wins at All American Speedway but his NASCAR K&N Pro Series debut will come against one of the toughest fields ever assembled at the speedway. As many as a dozen drivers under 21 could make the field including three making their series debuts.

A strong performance in testing last Thursday has Scott optimistic about the debut.

“We’re real competitive now,” Scott said, “With a few laps on the tires we’re in the (13.9s) which is respectable for this track. I’d like to get a top-five but a top-ten would be just as good for me. We only got about 30 laps of testing because of sound restrictions.”

For Friday night’s Late Model race, more than 20 Late Models are expected to be racing in the 100 lap contest with a huge crowd of Matt Scott Racing supporters in the stands. RPM NorCal is not only sponsoring Scott in the race but also sponsoring the event itself.

Saturday’s races will be held before a crowd of more than 7,500 plus live radio on NASCARHomeTracks.com and tape-delay coverage on SPEED. Additional sponsors for Scott’s efforts on Saturday include Pardee Lake Recreation, CatchYourEye.com, TAS Construction, SP Graphics, and Blakesley Sports Media.

Matt Scott Racing would also like to thank their entire crew which includes car owners Gary Quigley, Mike Scott, and Chuck Scott, plus crew chief Eric Snyder, and crew members Brian Bates, Rich Field, and many others for their support.
Potential sponsors for the 2012 season are urged to contact Steven Blakesley at steven@norcalmedia.com or (916) 509-7049 for details on sponsoring Matt Scott Racing.

Race fans can learn more about Matt Scott Racing at www.mattscottracing.com or “Matt Scott Racing” on Facebook.



 

10-13-11 Day Looks to Close Out Ocean Sprints Championship on Friday
Source Steven Blakesley
Ocean Speedway

Salinas sprint car veteran Ronnie Day has had a season full of milestones in 2011 including his first career Ocean Speedway victory on June 3rd and finishing in the top-four in the first seven features of 2011. But Day will look to add one more milestone to the Keith Day Trucking team’s mantle as Day tries to close out the 2011 Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo championship on Friday night.

Day leads Tommy Tarlton by 30 points going into Friday night’s finale and could possibly clinch the title by the time the feature rolls off with a maximum of 30 points possible in the main event.

Tarlton will have to gain every point possible through qualifying and heat racing to have a shot at Day. Tartlon was the talk of the series through the summer with back-to-back wins on July 29th and August 19th but will need to recapture that magic in the #21 Tarlton & Son mount if he wants the championship.

A host of other drivers are planning to tackle the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds quarter-mile in search of one last Ocean Speedway victory. Bud Kaeding dominated last Friday night before narrowly loosing to Fremont’s Shane Golobic in the final two laps. Kaeding is returning to Ocean reloaded thanks to moving over to the Werbach Motorsports #20 for the final.

Golobic, in the Joe Vonschriltz #121, will try to become the only four-time winner in the series in 2011 after winning the last two races. Golobic also has a chance to crack the top-five in series points with Laliberte loosing his seat with Werbach Motorsports and his status for Friday night unknown.

The other points battle is between a pair of young drivers, as Prunedale’s Justin Sanders is within 14 points of popular rookie driver Rico Abreu of St. Helena. Sanders has established himself as a driver with great qualifying acumen but neither has seen victory lane this season.

Rounding out the top-ten in points are Kurt Nelson, “Cowboy” Craig Smith, Jerry Bonnema, and Ryan Rusconi. 16 year-old Orval Burke, Jr. is 28 points behind Rusconi in 11th overall.

Friday’s activities will also crown a champion for the Wingless Sprints. Micro Sprints and Four Bangers are also scheduled to be in action.

Adult tickets are just $17 with seniors 65+ $15 and kids ages 6-12 are $12. The family pass for two adults and two children is value priced at just $50. Qualifying will get underway at 6 p.m. with fan gates opening at 4:30 p.m.

For more information on the Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo log onto http://www.oceansprints.com and for more on the Ocean Speedway visit http://www.oceanspeedway.com

 

10-13-11 All American Speedway to Host NASCAR’s K&N Touring Series
Plus Post Season Battle from Top Five Late Model and Modified Teams on Friday
Source Karen Spencer
All American Speedway

October 15 will mark the return of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series racing to the All American Speedway in Roseville. The K&N Series is NASCAR’s premiere West Coast driver development series, which debuted on the local track in 2008 with both the season opener and championship race. The Napa Toyota 150, has become a semi-annual favorite in Northern California, is well-suited to the fast, short-track oval, and draws fans from the Bay Area to Reno, Fresno to Oregon.

In addition to the main event on Saturday, Friday, October 14 will feature Late Models and Modifieds in a post-season battle. Local favorites are looking forward to one last opportunity to race before the winter hiatus including AAS Track Championship Late Model Top Five drivers Matt Scott, Juan Pitta, Chris Scribner, and Dylan Hutchison. AAS Modified Top Five entries include Jason Bamberg and Cody Thompson who came on strong late in the season

Bill McAnally, who produces the K&N races, continues to provide 150 laps of tight competition with a field of top-name drivers. Three-time champ, Eric Holmes, driving the No. 20 NAPA Toyota Camry for BMR, is working to move into the second place slot in the series, which is currently held by teammate Moses Smith, No. 16 Hasa Pool Products/NAPA Filters Toyota Camry. Greg Pursley, No. 26 Gene Price Motorsports/Star Nursery Chevrolet, sits in first place.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race, the Toyota/NAPA AUTO PARTS 150 can be seen on Thursday, October 20th at 7 pm ET on SPEED Channel. NASCARHomeTracks.com will feature a live internet radio broadcast of the West Race from All American Speedway.

Tickets are available at the track and at Bill McAnally Racing at 8636 Antelope North Rd, Antelope, California. For more information, please call Bill McAnally Racing Promotions at 916-676-0010.




 

10-12-11 Ventura 360 Sprint Cars Clash This Saturday
Source Lance Jennings
Ventura Raceway

The traditional 360 Sprint Cars of the Ventura Racing Association are back in action this Saturday night, October 15th, at Jim Naylor's Ventura Raceway. The action packed showcase will also feature the Senior Sprints, Dwarf Cars, Mod Lites, Mod Lite Juniors, California Lightning Sprints, Junior Midgets, and Mini Dwarfs. The Pit Gate will open at noon, Front Gates will open at 3:00pm with Racing at "The Best Little Dirt Track In America" to begin at 5:30pm.

As the season is winding down, Ventura's Greg Taylor has a stout 610 point lead over the competition. On October 1st, the driver of the #7 Clark Engineering Construction / Westco International Consulting Inc. special won his tenth heat race of the year and scored thirteenth in the feature. To date, the former track champion has four feature wins, two hard charger awards, and fourteen top-10 finishes on the year. Taylor will have his sights set on Saturday's main event win.

By virtue of his third place finish on October 1st, Camarillo's Brian Camarillo has climbed to second in the championship points. The pilot of the #81 Christian Stover Foundation / Steve Watt Enterprises car has two main event wins, eight heat race victories, one semi-main win, and eleven top-10 finishes to his credit. Camarillo will be looking for another 30-lap main event triumph at Ventura Raceway.

Steve Conrad of Quartz Hill sits third in the point standings. On October 1st, the driver of the #56 Roy Miller Freightlines / SC Grafix machine flipped hard in his heat race and did not start the feature. In 2011, the veteran driver has two feature wins, one heat race victory, three hard charger awards, and thirteen top-10 finishes. Conrad will be looking to rebound and score the main event win on Saturday.

Josh Ford of Camarillo is fourth in the point standings. The driver of the #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine entry did not compete in last Saturday's show, but is tied for the series lead with fourteen top-10 finishes. The former USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year has four heat race victories, one hard charger award, and thirty-five main event laps led on the year. The veteran driver is a threat to win on any given night.

Camarillo's Brent Camarillo is fifth in the standings. On October 1st, the pilot of the #51 Agromin Soil / Waste Management car won his first career main event at Ventura Raceway. To date, Brent has four heat race victories, one semi-main win, one Hard Charger Award, and nine top-10 finishes on the season. Camarillo will have his sights set on a repeat performance on Saturday.

Among the other top contenders expected to be in action are Moorpark's Kyle Smith, Santa Barbara's Markus Niemela, Jimmy Crawford of Newbury Park, Oak Park's Dakota and Cody Kershaw, Ventura's Cory Kruseman, Norwalk's Brandon Thomson, Ojai's Troy Rutherford, and many more.

Ventura Raceway is located on the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 West Harbor Blvd. in Ventura, California. Adult tickets are $14, Senior, Military, and Student tickets (ID Required) are $11, while Children’s tickets (12 and under) are FREE. For more event information, please visit www.venturaraceway.com or call (805) 985-5433.

To catch all of the action of the VRA Sprint Car Series and Ventura Raceway, Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com. In addition, Ventura Raceway offers a live feed of every event at www.venturaraceway.com/live.html. The live feed is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm PST.

 

10-12-11 Tim Kaeding looks to wrap up first California title for Roth Motorsports this Saturday at King of the West "Cotton Classic" in Hanford
Source Gary Thomas
King of The West

For as many years that Fresno, California’s Dennis Roth has owned a 410 Winged Sprint Car, he had never had the opportunity to win a title in his home state of California.

Coming into this season though he made the commitment to keep a car in the Golden State full-time and this Saturday night in Hanford, his driver Tim Kaeding looks to be crowned as the very first King of the West Series champion.

“We’ve had a great season overall and I’m really excited that it appears I’ll get the title for Dennis and Teresa Roth this weekend,” said Kaeding. “They’ve given me a great chance the last few years and coming into the season our number one goal was to get the King of the West championship.”

Kaeding has certainly done everything he can to reach that goal, winning a total of six races thus far and has finished among the top-five in all but one event aboard the HR Cattle No. 83 sprinter. The 2002 Golden State 410 champ has won three consecutive KWS races and will be
searching to finish off the season in style on Saturday.

“It’s been a fun year out here and has been one of the most competitive for 410 Sprint Cars in a long time,” commented Kaeding. “None of these races have been easy to win this season, but my guys have been doing a great job every week. I can’t thank ‘Bonzai’ and my whole team enough for all their hard work this year.”

This Saturday’s Golden State King of the West 410 Series finale also comes at a track Kaeding has had immense success at in his career. “The TK Express” has won three of the last four Winged 410 Sprint Car events at the Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway, including the KWS visit to the 3/8 mile clay oval in early August.

“Kings Speedway has always been one of my favorite tracks and it will definitely be a great show on Saturday, because it’s a perfect place for sprint cars,” said the 33-year-old San Jose resident. “I’ve won a lot of races there in the past and won the Cotton Classic back in ’02, so I’d like to get another one this weekend.”

Other winners of the prestigious Cotton Classic since the year 2000 have been Visalia’s Blake Robertson; Aliquippa, PA’s Tim Shaffer; Chico’s Jonathan Allard (twice); Clovis’ Jason Meyers; Chico’s Stephen Allard and then last year Elk Grove’s Kyle Larson.

As previously noted, to commemorate the final night of the inaugural KWS season Roth Motorsports will also field a second entry with National Sprint Car Hall of Fame member Jac Haudenschild at the helm. “The Wild Child” is sure to add some excitement to the Cotton Classic and is coming off a third place finish last week in Tulare.

As Kaeding looks to cap off the title this weekend, Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs will be shooting to lock up the second position in the KWS standings. The 24-year-old San Jose State graduate has put together his finest Winged Sprint Car season to date, which was highlighted by a victory during the Howard Kaeding Classic in July at Ocean Speedway.

Close battles within the top-10 in points going into championship night include the fight for third between Brent Kaeding and Jonathan Allard, who are separated by just 15-markers, as well as the fight for fifth, in which Jason Statler, Willie Croft and Andy Gregg sit only 10-digits apart. Completing the top-10 in the standings going into the night include Bobby McMahan, Kenny Allen and Brad Furr.

Other top contenders this Saturday are sure to include Easton’s Tommy Tarlton, Clovis’ Peter Murphy, St. Helena’s Rico Abreu, Fresno’s Craig Stidham, Tipton’s Mike Faria, Visalia’s Cory Eliason, Puyallup, Washington’s Trey Starks and many more.

Tickets for the 26th Cotton Classic are on sale now and can be acquired by contacting the Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway box office at (559) 584-7223. Qualifying is scheduled to get underway just after 6pm with racing beginning at 7.

The Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway is located on the Kings County Fairgrounds in Hanford, California. The physical address is 801 S. 10th Ave, Hanford, Ca 93230. More information can be found at http://www.giantchevroletspeedway.com

Be sure to “like” the Golden State King of the West Series on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kws410s

Also check out our official website at http://www.kwssprints.com for results, standings and more. You can also contact the KWS office at (707) 374-2222.



 

10-12-11 $1500 to win USAC 360 Cotton Classic This Saturday at Hanford
Source Lance Jennings
USAC West Coast 360s

Newly crowned USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Champion Richard VanderWeerd of Visalia will lead a talented roster of drivers to Hanford's "Cotton Classic" this Saturday night, October 15th. The 26th running of the special event will also feature the winged Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series and is non-points race for the traditional 360s with $1500 going to the winner. The Spectator Gates will open at 4:00pm with racing scheduled for 6:00pm.

Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway Promoter Scott Woodhouse and staff are working to make the "Cotton Classic" an event to remember for racers and fans alike. The festivities begin at noon with a spaghetti feed in the grandstand area with donations going to the Adventist Health Breast Care Center. At 4:30pm a special autograph session will be held featuring drivers from both series including Peter Murphy, Tim Kaeding, and Andy Gregg. A two-seat sprint car will be on display and Murphy will showcase the machine on the Hanford clay oval. Rides will be raffled off with proceeds going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Piloting the family owned #10 VanderWeerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard VanderWeerd closed out his championship season last Saturday at Tulare. In 2011, VanderWeerd led the series with three Sander Engineering Fast Time Awards and fourteen top-10 finishes to his credit. In addition, Richard has one feature win, three heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, and seventeen main event laps led. VanderWeerd will have his sights set on the $1500 Wingless Cotton Classic victory.

Hollister's Ryan Bernal gave a valiant effort to take the title away from VanderWeerd and finished second in points. The 2011 Rookie of the Year raced Danny Olmstead's #11D S&S Automotive / Dorso's Automotive Maxim to his series leading fifth main event win at Tulare. In addition, Bernal has two Sander Engineering Fast Time Awards, three heat race victories, twelve top-10 finishes, and 144 feature laps led in 2011. Ryan can tie Peter Murphy's single season feature win record with a Wingless Cotton Classic triumph.

"Wide Open" Wes Gutierrez of San Martin finished the season third in the championship points. Piloting the WG Motorsports' #007 ButlerBuilt / Competition Suspension Inc. DRC, Gutierrez won the Jim Turner Memorial at Hanford on September 10th. Wes led the series with five heat race victories and has twelve top-10 finishes to his credit. The hard charger will have his sights set on Saturday's main event win at Hanford.

Visalia's Jace VanderWeerd came home fourth in the point chase. Driving the family owned #88 VanderWeerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, last year's USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year won at Santa Maria on April 9th. VanderWeerd has one Sander Engineering Fast Time Award, two heat race victories, twelve top-10 finishes, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, and fourteen feature laps led in 2011. Jace will be looking to add the Wingless Cotton Classic to his resume.

Dennis Howell of Rancho Palos Verdes closed the season fifth in the point standings. Piloting the family owned #62 San Pedro Auto Body / Howell-Meyer Racing Maxim, Howell tied for the series lead with two Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards. In addition, the USAC Western Midget Series graduate has one Sander Engineering Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, eleven top-10 finishes, and three feature laps led on the year. This Saturday, Howell could break through and pocket the $1500 victory.


Campbell's Bud Kaeding, Peter Murphy of Clovis, Tipton's "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr., and "Showtime" Danny Sheridan of Santa Maria have also claimed feature wins in 2011. Kaeding won four main events and Murphy won Tulare's 30-lap main event on April 30th. Faria won the "Jim Evett Memorial" at Hanford on July 16th and Sheridan claimed the "Bud Stanfield Memorial" at Santa Maria on September 17th.

Among the other top contenders expected to be in action are Gardena's Greg Alexander, Hanford's Justyne Hamblin, T.J. Smith of Fresno, and Kerman's Davey Pombo. In addition, Hanford's Jonathan Logan, Ricky Kirkbride of Bakersfield, and more should be on hand to battle for the victory.

Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway is located on the Kings County Fairgrounds at 801 S. 10th Avenue in Hanford, California. Reserved Grandstand tickets are $25 with discounts available for Seniors (55+), Military (with I.D.), and Children 7-12. Kids 6 and under are FREE at all events. Advance tickets are on sale now and camping is available on the fairgrounds. For more event information, visit giantchevroletspeedway.com or call (559) 584-RACE (7223).

The USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, ButlerBuilt, Competition Suspension Inc., Cory Kruseman's Sprint Car & Midget Driving School, Crow Enterprizes, DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Hinchman-Indy Racing Uniforms, Integra Shocks, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Port City Racing, Rod End Supply, Saferacer.com, Saldana Racing Products, and Sander Engineering for their support.

For more information on the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, www.racesantamariaspeedway.com, or follow the series on facebook.

 

10-12-11 Thompson Continues Red Hot Stretch in Modifieds With Third at Stockton
Source Cody Thompson PR
Stockton 99 Speedway

18 year-old Cody Thompson continues to be one of the hottest drivers in NASCAR Modified racing in Northern California, as the rookie drove to a third place finish in the Fall Classic at Stockton 99 Speedway on Sunday afternoon. Thompson, driving for new sponsor Maaco of Fremont, came from 15th on the 23 car grid to finish third in the 60 lap feature.

Thompson was making his third career Modified start at Stockton 99 where he won two USAC Ford Focus Midget races in 2010. In his previous two starts in 2011, Thompson had qualified in the top-five in both appearances.

After a minor practice crash, Thompson was relegated to qualifying just 15th quick. More bad luck struck the Eagle Scout as he had carburetor problems in the heat race to end a rough Saturday night.

Returning to Sunday’s feature, all eyes at the historic speedway were on Thompson after he topped the final two practice sessions against a field full of champion drivers. Starting 15th in the main event, Thompson carefully navigated the field.

Thompson was up to eighth place by lap 15 but the cars began to get harder to pass as he closed down on the veterans leading the race. A caution on lap 37 bunched the field up with Thompson running third. But in the final 23 laps, despite several attempts to pass second place Mikey Regalman, Thompson was unable to move forward. He took a strong third place finish at the checkered flag instead.

The third place finish was Thompson’s 10th top-five of 2011 and sets him up for a return to his home track All American Speedway this Friday night. Thompson won twice at All American Speedway this season including the season finale on September 17. He will be racing against another large field in a high-paying, non-points race that is the prelude to Saturday night’s prestigious NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West event.

Thompson fans can follow the action live at www.stevenblakesley.com if they are unable to attend the race.

Cody Thompson Racing thanks sponsors Southern Rock Granite & Marble, RPM NorCal Racing, Maaco of Fremont, San Jose Custom Cabnetry, Weisner & Cerato Machine Shop, Josh Bews Fabrication, Blakesley Sports Media, Top One Designs, and MTFX Graphics.

Race fans can learn more about Cody Thompson Racing at www.codythompsonracing.com by visiting the team on Facebook at keywords “Cody Thompson Racing”.


 

10-11-11 2 in a Row For Nic Faas At Perris Auto Speedway
Source Lance Jennings
Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprints

After scoring his first Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car feature win of the year on September 24th, Nic Faas of Huntington Beach returned to victory circle last Saturday night. The 2008 Rookie of the Year took the lead from "Super" Rickie Gaunt on lap fifteen and led the rest of the way to claim the "Southern California Fair Race" at Don Kazarian's Perris Auto Speedway. Gaunt finished second, with point leader Mike Spencer, "The Ripper" Rip Williams, and Greg Bragg rounding out the top five drivers.

Driving Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales Company / VP Racing Fuels Spike, Nic Faas recorded his fourth Sander Engineering Fast Time Award over the thirty cars in attendance. The 2008 Rookie of the Year finished fourth in his heat race and would start eighth in the feature. Steadily making his way to the front, Faas took command from Gaunt and blazed to nearly a half-lap lead at the checkered flags. In the process, USAC and track officials observed lap times near the track record. By virtue of his win, Nic earned his third Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, climbed to second in the standings, and earned a spot in the $9000-to-win Legends of Ascot Dash that will be held at the Oval Nationals. To date, Faas is thirty-one points behind Mike Spencer with six heat race victories and thirteen top-10 finishes on the year.

Torrance's "Super" Rickie Gaunt had one of his best outings of the year with a second place run. Piloting David Miller's #66 Tom Roberts Designs / Barnes Systems Inc. Eagle, Gaunt was ninth fast on the night and second in his heat race to Cory Kruseman. Starting on the pole position of the feature, "Super" Rickie got the jump on Rip Williams and led the first fourteen laps before falling to Faas. The 1999 Oval Nationals Champion is ninth in the point chase with one Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main win and six top-10 finishes on the season.

Point leader Mike Spencer of Temecula charged to a third place finish after starting ninth in the 30-lap feature. Driving Ron Chaffin's famed #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim, Spencer qualified second fast on the night and scored seventh in his heat race. The 3-time series champion rebounded to win his second Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main of the year and currently holds a thirty-one point lead over the competition. Like Faas, Spencer will represent USAC/CRA in the Legends of Ascot Dash with Chris Windom and Levi Jones representing the National series. In 2011, Mike has four Sander Engineering Fast Time Awards, six heat race victories, six feature wins, and thirteen top-10 finishes.

Yorba Linda's "The Ripper" Rip Williams placed fourth in the Southern California Fair Race after starting second. Piloting Jack Jory's #3 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Viper, Williams was eighth quick in time trials and second in his heat race to his son Austin. The 2004 USAC/CRA Champion raced hard in the 30-lap feature and currently sits eighth in the point standings. To date, "The Ripper" has three heat race victories and six top-10 finishes on the season.

Visalia's Greg Bragg started third in the feature and battled hard to claim fifth at the checkered flags. Driving Tom and Laurie Sertich's #92 Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror / Pacific Business Machine Buckley, Bragg was seventh fast on the night and scored fourth in his heat race. The former California Lightning Sprint Champion is currently fifth in the point chase with three heat race victories, two Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards, and eleven top-10 finishes in 2011.


"The Kruser" Cory Kruseman of Ventura won the night's Extreme Mufflers / Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror Heat Race #1. Making his first start in Mark Priestley's #7 Roy Miller Freightlines / Sander Engineering Maxim, Kruseman qualified fifth and placed sixth in the main event. The 2005 USAC/CRA Champion is twelfth in the point standings with two feature wins, two heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, and six top-10 finishes on the year.

Riverside's "Dynamite" David Cardey claimed victory in the Saldana Racing Products / Circle Track Performance Heat Race #2. Piloting his #59 Circle Track Performance / Victory Race Cars Viper, Cardey was sixth fast in time trials and scored twenty-second in the feature after suffering a blown left rear tire. The former California Lightning Sprint Car Champion is tenth in points with one Sander Engineering Fast Time Award, five heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, and six top-10 finishes on the season.

Yorba Linda's Matt Mitchell raced to the DJ Safety Heat Race #3 win in the J.W. Mitchell Motorsports' #37 Mancha Realtors / Sierra Springs Maxim. Qualifying third quick and finishing seventh in the main event, Mitchell is currently third in the hunt for the championship. The former USAC Western Midget Series Rookie of the Year has two feature wins, seven heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, and fourteen top-10 finishes in 2011.

Austin Williams of Yorba Linda scored his third heat race victory by taking the Electro Tech Powder Coating / Rod End Supply sponsored event. Driving Jack Jory's #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Viper, Williams qualified twelfth fast and placed eighth after starting twelfth. The 2009 Rookie of the Year is fourth in the point standings with one feature win, one Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main victory, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, and ten top-10 finishes on the year.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Donovan Engineering, Electro Tech Powder Coating, Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror, Keizer Wheels, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, Sander Engineering, and So-Cal Performance for their support. For more information, visit www.usacracing.com/cra or follow the series on facebook.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will travel to Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona on Friday, October 28th, for the two night "Hall of Fame Classic." Co-sanctioned with the USAC National Sprint Car Series, the event marks the return of traditional 410 Sprint Cars to the "Valley of the Sun." More event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-7223 (RACE).

To catch all of the action of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series at Perris Auto Speedway, Jeff Kristensen's Raceway Video has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (818) 618-9764 or visit www.racewayvideo.com. In addition, Perris Auto Speedway offers a live pay per view feed of every event at www.pasvideo.com.


 

10-11-1 Krzysik Wins First Career Late Model Feature at Stockton
Source RSWC PR
Stockton 99 SPeedway

 20 year-old Jamie Krzysik drove the Bill McAnally Racing #16 Late Model to victory in the first 75 lap feature on Sunday afternoon at Stockton 99 Speedway during the Fall Classic open show. The 2010 IMCA Canadian National Champion picked up his first career Late Model victory in just his seventh career start.

Krzysik, a member of Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver development, opened up the weekend by qualifying second with a 14.142 second lap around the quarter-mile bullring. The lap was just .02 seconds off of the pole and after finishing second in his heat race he started outside pole for the trophy dash.

Driving the #16 Isley Group Chevrolet, Krzysik led all four laps to win the trophy dash to wrap up Saturday’s activities with the twin 75 lap races set for Sunday.

Krzysik started the race fourth and ran fourth through the lap six caution. The lap six restart saw the leaders tangle and spin, with Krzysik snaking through to move up to second place.

A lapped car spun on lap 44 right in front of Krzysik to bring out another yellow but the leader pulled away from Krzysik on the restart. The caution came out again on lap 54.

Krzysik took advantage of the leader picking the high side to take the lead on the restart. The battle continued as second place dove inside to go side-by-side with Krzysik for nearly 10 laps.

Krzysik eventually pulled away to take the narrow win by just two tenths of a second for his first Late Model victory. The second 75 lap race had Krzysik starting fifth and the race had few cautions forcing to Krzysik to finish fourth.

“Jamie did a great job this weekend against some tough customers at Stockton,” Driver Coach Ron Sutton said. “Now he will return to Roseville this week where he has a shot at another win!”

Krzysik will race at his home track Roseville’s All American Speedway this Friday night as part of a special event for NASCAR Late Models. A large crowd is expected as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West races the following night. Race fans can follow all the action beginning at 5 p.m. on www.jamiekrzysikracing.com

Jamie Kryzsik Racing and Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thank partners: Canadian Western Maintenance, Ric’s Grill, First Choice Pipehandlers, LTD., PROEX, Decca Industries, G.D. Cornish Trucking, IPS, The Muffler Man, Sportswear Plus, Tim McTaggart Trucking, Kal Tire, Prairie Gold Jewelry, 3S Contracting, Michelin, Dokat Mechanical, Sun Life Financial – Dan Boorse, Jim Clark Peterbuilt, Bell Helmets, Little John’s Transport, Mac Tools, Da-Roc Transport, K&N Filters, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels and Star Racing Supply.

Jamie Krzysik is online at www.jamiekrzysikracing.com

For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to www.winners-circle-racing.com




 

10-11-11 Walmer Closes USAC Ford Focus Career With Shasta Win
Source RSWC PR
USAC Ford Focus Midgets

 16 year-old Keegan Walmer ended his productive career in the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series in a big way by winning the feature at Shasta Raceway Park on Saturday night. The victory is Walmer’s 12th between USAC Ford Focus and USAC Ford Focus Young Guns.

Walmer is a member of the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver development program who has spent 2011 in transition towards NASCAR Modified racing. Walmer plans to race a full season in the NASCAR Modifieds in 2012 along with select events in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.

In qualifying, Walmer was fourth with a 16.005 second lap around the three-eights mile oval before finishing second in the trophy dash and third in the heat race.

A four car inversion placed Walmer on the pole for the 30 lap feature event with Walmer leading the field to green behind the wheel of the #3 K&N Filters / Reiser’s Fine Foods-sponsored car.

Walmer immediately drove away to a strong lead while the fast-time qualifier navigated his way through the pack. A great duel ensued between Walmer and the second place car but Keegan successfully held off the challenge to lead all 30 laps for the win.

Despite trailing in the USAC NorCal Ford Focus points by just 11 markers, Walmer has elected to switch his focus completely to NASCAR Modifieds following Shasta.

“This weekend wrapped up a memorable three years and I’m glad to get the win,” Walmer said. “I’ve grown tremendously and I know I am ready to move on to the next level. Thanks to everyone that has helped me!”

Walmer will climb back behind the wheel of his #98 Modified this Friday night at All American Speedway in a special event that is expected to attract a strong crowd. Walmer will carry a special pink paint scheme on the car in honor of breast cancer awareness.

“It was great to see Keegan close the USAC chapter of his career with a win,” Driver Coach Ron Sutton said. “I have no doubt he will be successful in the Modifieds next season!”

Keegan Walmer Racing and Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thank partners: K&N Filters, Reser’s Fine Foods, Stoney Inn, Robinson Construction, K&K Motorsports, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels and Star Racing Supply.

Keegan Walmer Racing can be found at www.keeganwalmer.com

For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to www.winners-circle-racing.com





 

10-11-11 Trophy Dash Win and Top Five For Runyan at Stockton
Source RSWC PR
Stockton 99 Speedway

 18 year-old Bobby Runyan, Jr. returned to the site of his first career USAC Ford Focus Midget victory back in 2010, driving the #21 K&N Filters NASCAR Modified to a trophy dash win and fifth place finish at Stockton 99 Speedway. The races were part of the prestigious Fall Classic at the quarter-mile bullring with 24 Modifieds in the pits for three days of racing.

Runyan had an average finish of fourth in six Midget starts at Stockton 99 Speedway in 2010 but this weekend’s races marked his first Modified start at the speedway. The Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle development driver had his first Modified win at All American Speedway in 2011.

Runyan was 12th quickest in qualifying but only two tenths of a second off pole. In the heat race, Runyan drove to an impressive second place finish which locked him into the trophy dash. The 2009 SCCA Formula Ford champion dusted off the field in the four lap trophy dash by leading all four laps.

Sunday’s races included a 60 lap feature for the Modifieds with 23 cars on the grid. Runyan started third but fell back to fourth early on. Runyan successfully held off a pack full of champion drivers for many laps, before finally surrendering the fourth spot on lap 23.

Runyan briefly fell back to sixth but he fought back passing veteran Rich Lindgren on the outside to take fifth place back. Runyan defended Lindgren to the finish line in a strong performance.

“We had a great first open show with Bobby,” Crew Chief Jason Houghtaling said. “I want to thank the team for all their hard work. Roseville here we come!”

Bobby Runyan, Jr. will continue his busy season returning to All American Speedway on Friday night for a special event for the Modifieds. The Modifieds will be racing as a prelude to Saturday night’s NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West event.

“Bobby has done a great job against the veterans all year long,” Driver Coach Ron Sutton said. “He is going to be up on the wheel this Friday night as he comes back to his home track!”

The 2012 season plans for Bobby Runyan, Jr. are to be determined with more details to be announced at www.bobbyrunyan.com

Bobby Runyan, Jr. and Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thank partners: K&N Filters, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Raging Bull Motorsports, Brown’s Shop Support, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels and Star Racing Supply.

For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to www.winners-circle-racing.com


 

10-10-11 Three-way battle for 5th in the points another storyline for Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series finale this Saturday
Source Gary Thomas
Golden State King of The West

Money and prestige will be on the line this Saturday night at Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway’s “Cotton Classic” when the Golden State King of the West 410 Sprints invade the blazing fast 3/8 mile oval for championship night.

One of the most interesting facets of the event is sure to be the extremely close three-way fight for fifth in the KWS standings between Grass Valley’s Jason Statler, Sacramento’s Willie Croft and Placerville’s Andy Gregg.

The talented trio is separated by just 10-markers, with Statler currently holding down the fifth spot, Croft in sixth and Gregg in seventh. Not only would rounding out the top-five in points be something in the way of bragging rights, but it will also be a difference in money to be gathered at the championship awards banquet.

Of the three drivers, Statler is the only one to have captured a Golden State 410 Sprint Car title, with that feat coming in 2004. “The Big Guy” however, is also the lone driver of the three that hasn’t found victory lane yet in 2011.

Statler though is coming off a season best runner up finish during the most recent KWS event in Hanford on August 6 and will look for more of the same at the Cotton Classic to solidify his position in the standings.

Lurking just six-digits behind Statler is Croft, who became a father on Monday when fiancée Samantha gave birth to baby Cole. “Double Down” picked up a victory earlier this season at the Marysville Raceway Park in April, but suffered a dnf at Giant Chevy Kings Speedway in August after getting upside down on the front stretch.

Gregg goes into the night only four-points back of Croft for sixth and 10 back of Statler for that lucrative fifth spot in the Golden State King of the West 410 standings. The former motocross racer scored victory at the Santa Maria Speedway in May and had a solid night at Hanford in August, winning the dash and finishing fifth in the main event.

Another close battle among the top-10 includes the fight for third between Campbell’s Brent Kaeding and Chico’s Jonathan Allard. “BK” currently holds the spot by 15-points over “JA” and will be looking for his first win of the year at the Cotton Classic. Allard on the other hand is in search of his fourth triumph of the season to help give him the added points and overtake the National Sprint Car Hall of Famer in the standings.

Everyone however, is chasing the Roth Motorsports No. 83 machine of Tim Kaeding, who comes into the 26th Cotton Classic with an almost definite lock on the title. “TK” will be gunning for his fourth consecutive KWS victory and seventh of the overall season. The San Jose throttle-masher captured the Cotton Classic in 2002, the same year he won the Golden State 410 title.

“It will be an exciting night on Saturday and the battle for fifth is going to be awesome to watch with it coming right down to the wire,” said KWS Operations Manager George Hague. “Jason, Willie and Andy are all great racers and great people so it should be a fun show to see who locks down that important fifth position. There's a lot of money on the line for that spot.”

In addition to the actual racing don’t forget about the Breast Cancer Awareness Spaghetti Feed starting at noon on Saturday in the grandstand area, which benefits the Adventist Health Breast Care Center. Stop by to support a good cause and do some bench racing to commemorate the final night of the KWS season.

Tickets for the 26th Cotton Classic are on sale now and can be acquired by contacting the Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway box office at (559) 584-2223. The Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway is located on the Kings County Fairgrounds in Hanford, California. The physical address is 801 S. 10th Ave. Hanford, Ca 93230. More information can be found at http://www.giantchevroletspeedway.com

Be sure to “like” the Golden State King of the West Series on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kws410s

Also check out our official website at http://www.kwssprints.com for results, standings and more. You can also contact the KWS office at (707) 374-2222.


 

10-10-11 Spencer Eyes Canyon Speedway Park Races; FAAS Now 2nd in CRA Points After 2nd Straight Perris Victory
Source Dick Jordan
Amsoil ISAC/CRA Sprints

Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. continued his pursuit of a record fourth consecutive AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint car title Saturday night with his third-place finish in the 30-lap race at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. He now turns his attention to a pair of AMSOIL USAC National Sprint races October 28-29 at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz., which will afford points toward both the National and USAC/CRA championships.

Nic Faas of Huntington Beach, Calif. led the final 16 laps to win Saturday night’s 30-lap AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint race at Perris. Faas trailed Rickie Gaunt for 14 laps, then led the rest of the way in his Mark Alexander entry to beat Gaunt, Mike Spencer, Rip Williams and Greg Bragg.

The victory was the second in a row for Faas at the half-mile Perris oval and vaulted him to second in the series standings ahead of Matt Mitchell, who was seventh Saturday. Faas trails Spencer by 31 points and is eight ahead of Mitchell as the three continue their battle for the 2011 series title.