Jack Wood Announces ARCA Campaign Starting Thursday At Las Vegas

Photo of the Wood Bros. Properties #78 at Evergreen Speedway in 2019 (Michele Martin photo)

Via Velocity Racing Media

LOOMIS, Calif. (February 17, 2020) – 19 year-old Jack Wood continues a busy start to 2020, Thursday, when he climbs aboard the Velocity Racing #78 Toyota in the ARCA Menards Series, West opener at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Star Nursery 150 will start the ARCA era on the west coast and mark Wood’s seventh start in the series.

The Loomis, Calif.-based driver is also scheduled to compete in his ARCA Menards Series national debut at Phoenix in March, the ARCA Menards Series, West race at Irwindale, and the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Winter Showdown at Kern County Raceway Park. His remaining schedule is still being finalized.

Wood’s efforts will be led by veteran crew chief Ty Joiner, with the pairing already earning dividends in the prestigious All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway earlier this month. Wood finished a career-best third, scoring the FLUIDYNE High Performance “Cool Move of the Race” award as well.

Wood has added another ally to his program with NASCAR XFINITY veteran and Bakersfield native Ryan Reed serving as his driver coach.

“I’m super fortunate to have these opportunities. Irwindale was good for my confidence because we were able to run with the best racers on the West Coast,” Wood said.

Thursday’s event will be the first time the West Series has raced on the 3/8ths mile Vegas oval since 2012, but Wood has three starts at the venue in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour.

“I really think we have a shot to win. I think we can show up with some good speed,” Wood said. “We spent all of the offseason working on the cars and getting ready for this year.”

Wood’s schedule in March includes the one-mile Phoenix, half-mile Kern County, and half-mile Irwindale, tracks he believes suit his driving style. He qualified four times within the top-ten out of six ARCA West starts in 2019, all at venues a half-mile or larger. He ended the season qualifying eighth and finishing eleventh at Phoenix in November.

Action gets underway for the Star Nursery 150 on Wednesday with practices at 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. An additional practice will be held on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. before time trials at 5:00 p.m. The Star Nursery 150 will roar to the green flag at 8:00 p.m. Coverage of the event is available live on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, or available on a tape delay basis on NBCSN.

Race fans can follow Jack Wood and the Velocity Racing team by visiting Velocity Racing on Facebook. Jack Wood Racing can also be found on Instagram, with a direct link from JackWoodRacing.com

NWSLMS Heads Into 2020 With New Owners

Via NWSLMS Media

Spokane, Wash. (February 14, 2020)– Officials with the Northwest Super Late Model Series and its leadership head into the 2020 racing season under new ownership as
Northwest Super Late Model Tour LLC has acquired the super late model touring group.

Since its humble 2014 beginning, the series had been under the ownership of Evans Racing Enterprises. With Garrett Evans entering a new phase in his racing career, he struck a deal with Jarrod Goodwin, Troy and Tillie Blanton along with Dan and Annette Garber that will see the show go on for years to come.

“We’ve been talking about this opportunity for a while and Garrett presented a package to us that will allow for this new ownership group to grow beyond where we have been the last few seasons and hopefully see some exciting new prospects in coming years,” Goodwin said.

Rules and track agreements are in place with the new ownership group with promotional and public relations activities being planned for the 2020 season and beyond, Goodwin added.

“We got our rulebook out early for the teams to plan for the new year, had the agreements in place for the current season which made the ownership change smooth for all involved.”

The series expects little noticeable changes to the teams, drivers and fans when racing resumes this spring.

“We will have the same inspectors onboard with us this season and are gearing this year’s race dates towards one-day shows trying to minimize the expense for teams,” Goodwin explained. ‘Our goal is to provide a team with the chance to race the series in a one-day format which can lead to a savings on travel and other racing expenses. Our track partners are excited for the new year with this leadership group and we’re already hearing from future venues for upcoming seasons.”

NWSLMS action gets underway April 25 with the running of the Leonard Evans 150 at Wenatchee Valley Super Oval. For additional information log onto nwslms.com or the NWSLMS Facebook page.

ABOUT THE NORTHWEST SUPER LATE MODEL SERIES:
The Northwest Super Late Model Series Inc. is the premier regional touring Super Late Model series in the Northwest. The series has many valued sponsors including Hoosier Racing Tire, McGunegill Engine Performance, AR Bodies, Joes Racing Products, Penske Racing Shocks, Accelerated Graphics, Five Star Bodies, Longacre Racing Products, Wheel Chill, KRC Power Steering, Atomic Screenprinting and Embroidery, Franks Racing Radio, BLP, Jefferson Racing, Leonard Evans Used Car Super Store, The Ti Company and Pacific Steel Structures LLC. For more information on the series visit www.nwslms.com or on Facebook or Twitter. To contact the series please email northwestsuperlatemodels@gmail.com

Austin Edwards Set For Busy 2020 Season Across Multiple Disciplines Of Racing

Via Blakesley Sports Media

MENTONE, Calif. (February 7, 2020) – 15 year-old Austin Edwards has announced plans to compete for five different teams from all forms of motorsports, in what is shaping up to be an ambitious 2020 campaign. Edwards is slated to compete on both ovals and road courses, dirt and asphalt, open wheel and closed wheel throughout the season.

His racing efforts will continue to support YAPS (Yucaipa Animal Placement Society), the Nathan Tyler Davis Foundation, and the St. Baldricks Foundation as well. His long-time sponsor Burgeson’s Heating & Air Conditioning will be a major partner of the 2020 program.

“I couldn’t be more excited for this 2020 season,” Edwards said. “The opportunity for experience in so many different cars and styles of racing is bound to be something amazing, and I can’t wait to learn everything I can from these incredible race teams. It’s bound to be a fun year and will shape me into a better driver for whatever 2021 may bring.”

After dipping his toes in the open wheel waters last season, Edwards will compete on a regular basis at Wheel 2 Wheel Raceway in Victorville, Calif. Driving for Kendall Scheidecker Racing, Edwards will compete in nine races in the Speedway Sprints division at the 1/8th mile dirt oval.

“I’m definitely looking forward to having Austin in one of our cars this year,” Scheidecker said. “It will be a lot of fun to watch such a young talent adapt to the diverse racing he has on tap this year.”

His other open wheel adventures will come in a Ford Focus Midget in a new two-car effort for Michael Creevan Racing. Creevan, who has previously fielded teams across multiple divisions of pavement racing, will field Edwards in four events at Madera Speedway. Madera is the site of Edwards’ breakout Jr. Late Model victory in April of 2016, and a track that Edwards has competed in more than 30 events. He finished third in the standings in both 2016 and 2017 in the MAVTV-televised Jr. Late Model division.

“We are looking forward to Austin joining our program,” Creevan said. “Our main objective is to give Austin experience to help him grow as a driver. Austin is a great kid with a super attitude and a willingness to learn.”

Edwards burst onto the motorsports scene in 2013 as the youngest competitor in the history of the Southwest Tour Truck division. He plans to return to that series in a truck prepared by Ronnie Davis Racing. At least ten races are planned with sponsorship opportunities still available. Events take place at Irwindale Speedway, the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Havasu 95 Speedway, and Madera Speedway.

“The Rocket Motorsports team is very excited to be teaming up with Austin this year,” Davis said. “He’s a great young talent behind the wheel and a great young man. Myself, team owner Ron Davis, Sr. and Crew Chief Dallas Leininger are looking forward to lots of success with Austin!”

Road Racing has been a big addition to Edwards’ driving resume and a total of seven weekends in NASA Spec Miata are on the schedule for the 15 year-old. Each weekend comprises two races, for a 14 race schedule in total driving for Robert Davis Racing.

Edwards’ home division at nearby Orange Show Speedway is in the Mini Stock division. Edwards will fill-in available weekends in a C&M Electric-sponsored Mini Stock.

All told, the five different disciplines of racing represent an opportunity for Edwards to compete in more than 40 racing events across the western United States.

The tentative schedule for the teenager begins on February 15 and 16 at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway for Spec Miata action with NASA Arizona. Edwards’ first oval track event of the year is tentatively scheduled for March 7 with the Southwest Tour Trucks at Havasu 95 Speedway in Arizona.

For more information about Austin Edwards, you can visit quickpaws.support Sponsorship information is available by calling Austin at (909) 436-0162 or emailing firstplaceace@icloud.com Race fans can learn more about Austin Edwards on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin as well.

Top 10 North State Modifed Drivers Honored

The 2019 top 10 North State Modified Series drivers with awards: Back Row - Left to Right – Rich Cobb, Rick Avila, Sal Lopez, Terry Deal, Steve Thomas (for Keith Bloom) Front Row – Left to Right – Robbie Knittel, Cameron Austin, Darrin Knight, Ian Elliott (Photo Courtesy Nadine Strauss)

Via Nadine Strauss/NSMS Media

Williams, CA. February 1, 2020....... The sixth annual awards banquet honoring the top ten drivers in the 2019 North State Modified Series (NSMS), presented by Protect the Harvest was held Saturday night at Granzella's Banquet Facility in Williams, CA. Business Manager Nadine Strauss acted as master of ceremonies. Speakers were Rick Avila representing the “2018-19 Driving Out Cancer” tour, Shasta Speedway promoter Dave Twyman, and NASCAR official Butch Schafer. Series promoters Jeff Stephens and Bob Strauss talked about the future of modified racing, the 2020 rules, and racing schedule.

The Ferrari-Kramer racing team was crowned NSMS champion. The championship team consisted of two different drivers, Robbie Knittel of Lodi for the first half of the 12-race season, and veteran driver Scott Winters of Tracy piloting the car for the second half.

Knittel was on fire at the start of the season. Third time out in the new car he placed third at Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka. At the next race he was the winner at Stockton 99 Speedway. He came back to Madera Speedway the next race, set fast time and won the feature event there. But then problems with his wife’s pregnancy forced him to hand the driving duties over to Winters.

For many years Winters was a top-runner with the southern-based Lucas Oil Modified Series. During his run with NSMS he set new track records at Madera Speedway, Redwood Acres, and Shasta Speedway. He also won the race at Madera and had six other top 5 finishes in only six races. The team took home $1200 in cash plus a $1000 Lucas Oil products certificate. Plus all team members received Championship Hoosier Tires racing jackets.

Second place honors went to Cameron Austin of Santa Rosa. Austin was the points leader until a mechanical break of the car’s third link gave him a bad finish with only two races left in the season. Nevertheless in 2019 he set fast time four times, and set a new track record at Redwood Acres Raceway. He had back-to-back wins at All American Speedway in Roseville and Redwood Acres in July. He placed second four times and third four times. Austin only had one finish out of the top five.

Finishing third this year was three-time NSMS champion Darrin Knight of Kelseyville. Knight was the only three-time winner in 2019 – claiming wins at Stockton 99 Speedway, Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Oregon, and at Redwood Acres Raceway. He captured nine top five finishes which included the three wins and three seconds.

Fourth place overall went to another two-man racing team, Ian Elliott of Lakeport and Terry Deal from Roseville. Elliott drove most of the time, but Deal filled in for a couple of events. Elliot was the 2018 NSMS Rookie of the Year and finished ninth. This season he won two Lucas Oil Dashes for Cash. In main event action he finished fourth once, fifth once, sixth twice, seventh twice, an eighth and a ninth. Elliott also set fast time at Stockton 99 at the April race.

Deal finished a solid fourth in Eureka and had two top ten finishes. Deal recently moved to Tennessee and sold the car to Elliott. Elliott will be piloting the car full time in 2020.

Ending up in fifth in 2019 was Darrin Sullivan of Kelseyville. Sullivan was the 2016 Rookie of the Year. He was the fastest car at Stockton 99 in June, finished fourth three times, fifth once, and had five other top 10 finishes. He is one of the four drivers who’s name is inscribed on the perpetual “Lloyd Burton Challenge” trophy.

Finishing in sixth place was Keith Bloom of Redding. This young man was chosen by Bob Lehman, one of the “industries greats”, to drive his modified. He had previous dirt-track experience before he moved on to the asphalt NSMS modifieds. He won the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash five times. His best 2019 finish was a fifth place. Out of the 12 races, he finished in the top 10 – 10 times.

Seventh place went to Rick Avila of Pleasanton. Avila drove the zebra-striped car and was the NSMS “Driving Out Cancer” spokesperson. Avila placed 10th in points last year and was proud of it. He bettered that record in 2019 and placed in the top 10 three times. He also earned the “Hard Charger Award at the All American Speedway in Roseville.

Jason Philpot of Sacramento finished eighth. In 2016 Philpot won more races than any other driver. In 2019 he was the big winner at the Shasta Speedway Fair race. He never finished lower than eighth, and had seven top five finishes this season.

Ninth place overall went to Sal Lopez of Sacramento. Although he’s raced with North State since 2014, this is the first time Sal finished in the top ten. Our oldest driver at the age of 75, but he still managed to have six top 10 finishes in 2019. Lopez earned the Most Improved Driver award, an embroidered jacket from Sonoco Racing Fuels.

Rich Cobb of Klamath Falls, Oregon rounded out the 2019 top 10 NSMS drivers. Cobb earned the “Hard Charger” award at the June race at Stockton 99 Speedway. He was the winner of the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash at the Shasta Speedway Fair race. During the season he had two top five finishes and four other top 10 finishes.

The top six drivers present at the awards ceremony collected Lucas Oil Product certificates. Lopez took home a new Five Star Modified body. Other North State Modified drivers in attendance were Oregon’s Randy Houston and Kelseyville’s Jeremy Nowlin. They received products courtesy of Five Star and Scribner Plastics.

Recognition also went to all the NSMS officials as well as the series sponsors Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Hoosier Tire West, Mort Houston, Naake Suspension, Sunoco Race Fuels, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, Scribner Plastics, and Frank's Radios.

The North State Modified Series begins its 2020 season at Madera Speedway on April 11. The entire schedule can be found on the North State Modified Series facebook page.

New Partnership Group Formed To Promote Redwood Acres Raceway In 2020 And Beyond

Photo Courtesy Sherie Bialous

Eureka, CA (January 26, 2020) – Redwood Acres Raceway held its annual banquet to celebrate the 2019 champions and all the competitors this past Friday evening at the Blue Lake Casino. In addition to the crowning of track champions in each of the raceway’s six local divisions, news was announced regarding whom would be promoting the track in 2020 and hopefully well into the future.

Former track champion in the real stock division and RAR’s current announcer Aaron Byers served as master of ceremonies for the evening. The top three drivers in the Bandoleros, roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends and late models were all recognized for their efforts in 2019. Champions in each division were Maleesa Miles in the Bandoleros, J.R. Brandt in the roadrunners, Raquel Krupa in the bombers, Gary Klinetobe in the mini stocks, Leonard Ward III in the Legends and David Henderson in the late models.

With their first championships at the Acres, Miles and Krupa became the first female drivers to win a track title on the pavement and the first female since Verta Hennell was track champion on the dirt in the super stock division in 1984. Brandt’s championship came in his first season of racing. Klinetobe’s mini stock title was his second in the division and his third at RAR overall. Ward earned his second championship after winning the 2014 bomber crown. Henderson claimed his first late model title adding to three track championships in the Thunder Roadster class.

Following the presentation of awards, multi-time track champion Jim Redd made the announcement that he along with other partners including Joe Bonomini and Bill White had formed Redwood Acres Raceway LLC which would take over promotional duties for the raceway starting in 2020. Some immediate plans the group has are to improve and upgrade the facility including installing a new scoreboard as well as additional caution lights around the 3/8-mile speedway. The price of admission will also be cut significantly with prices being $10 for adults and $5 for children, seniors and veterans.

A tentative schedule for the 2020 season was released and while the current rules package in each division will remain the same as in 2019, officials plan on working toward having RAR’s rules in line with other facilities in the region to allow drivers to race back and forth between tracks. Additional news and announcements will be made as soon as possible. Visit www.RacinTheAcres.com or find Redwood Acres Raceway on Facebook to keep up with all the latest information.

TENTATIVE 2020 SCHEDULE FOR REDWOOD ACRES RACEWAY (NOT FINALIZED)

**Bandoleros, roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks and Legends are scheduled for all events unless noted otherwise**

May 2 – New Promoter Night – Featuring Late Models
May 16 – Featuring Upstate Bombers
June 6 – Featuring Late Models And North State Modified Series (NO BOMBERS)
June 20 – Featuring Upstate Bombers
July 11 – Firecracker 100 – Featuring Late Models
August 1 – Fan Appreciation Night – Featuring Late Models
August 15 – Featuring Upstate Bombers
August 29 – Back To School Night – Featuring Late Models And INEX Open For Bandoleros And Legends
September 12 – Featuring Gun Slinger Sprint Cars
September 26 & 27 – Fall Spectacular – Featuring Late Models

The following is a press release from Redwood Acres Raceway LLC:

A team of dedicated racers has come together to form Redwood Acres Raceway LLC a partnership which will promote the 3/8-mile paved oval beginning in the upcoming 2020 season. The ownership group for RAR LLC is comprised of Jim Redd, Joe Bonomini and Bill White. These gentlemen have come together to ensure that racing will not only continue for the 2020 season but will work together to hopefully grow motor racing in the area.

Each of the three partners has a long history at Redwood Acres Raceway as well as beyond at other speedways in the west coast region.

Jim Redd is well respected both inside and outside of the local racing community. Redd has raced at RAR for nearly 20 seasons and has won championships in the real stock and bomber divisions. Last year, Redd helped form the Upstate Bomber Series which held events at RAR as well as Ukiah Speedway and Shasta Speedway.

Joe Bonomini has also been behind the wheel of various racing classes at Redwood Acres Raceway over a similar period of time. Bonomini has most notably raced in mini stocks, Thunder Roadsters and late models. More recently, Bonomini has served as the area’s parts supplier and dealer for INEX sanctioned divisions which includes Bandoleros and Legends.

Bill White has participated in racing both on the local level as well as the regional level. White has been a sponsor for the local late model division for the past several years. In addition, White has been a car owner for his son Brandon who participated full-time in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series between 2013 to 2016 in over 30 events as well as in the Pacific Challenge Series and the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series.

Many positive changes are planned for this season to enhance the programs at the track as the trio is ready to go to work. Stay tuned as more information will be available in the coming weeks.

As always, thank you for your support of local short track racing and we hope to see you at the Acres!

Awards Gala Sets Stage For 2020 Season At All American Speedway

Larry McReynolds and Bill McAnally pose with the Rising Star Award winners (Don Thompson photo)

Via All American Speedway Media

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (January 24, 2020) – All American Speedway powered by Roseville Toyota celebrated its 2019 season on Saturday night with the Championship Awards Gala, held inside Johnson Hall @the Grounds in Roseville. An outstanding turnout of over 250 drivers, families, sponsors, officials, and race fans were on hand for more than 60 awards. Daytona 500 champion Crew Chief and NASCAR on Fox broadcaster Larry McReynolds was the Master of Ceremonies.

The gala was the culmination of the first full season of promotion of the speedway by Bill McAnally Racing Promotions, under the NASCAR Home Tracks banner.

“The energy at Saturday’s event was overwhelming,” McAnally said. “It was rewarding to see everyone enjoying themselves with this type of banquet. We will continue to make All American Speedway the place our local racers deserve.”

Champions were honored in the six weekly divisions at the speedway, with Jason Romero winning his fourth track championship in taking the NASCAR Late Model crown. Nick Lyons of Loomis won the Limited Modified championship while Andrew Peeler of Carmichael was the Super Stock champ. Roseville’s Ray Molina used eight consecutive victories to win the F4 division title, while the youth divisions saw first-time track champions Brody Armtrout of Smartsville in the Jr. Late Models and Loomis’ Kenna Mitchell in the Mini Cups & Bandoleros. Former track champions Randy Fellman and Chuck Glick, along with track announcer Steven Blakesley and Director of Competition Frank Jordan helped honor each recipient. 51FIFTY Energy Drink spokesmodels presented the trophies as well.

The inaugural Ron Layton Dedication to Racing award went to Steve & Barbara Fensler, longtime supporters of Northern California short track racing and current officials at the speedway. The award was named in recognition of Layton, a former starter at the speedway. Members of his family were in attendance for the festivities as well.

A pair of Sportsman of the Year winners were named, with track champions Peeler and Molina earning the honors. Rookie of the Year titles were awarded to Ralph Bailey, Kolby Juarez, Billy Ray, and Trey Daniels. Track record holders also received plaques for their accomplishments.

All American Speedway revealed the inaugural Above & Beyond awards, presented to local first responders who were nominated for outstanding contributions to the community. Firefighter/Paramedic Angel Mota of the City of Roseville Fire Department, Roseville Police Officer Nick Gaines, and Placer County Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Bliss were recognized by the speedway.

Each driver in attendance under 18 was awarded a special Rising Stars trophy, with ten drivers across three divisions accepting for a group photo. All six track champions were presented with signed Richard Childress Winery bottles as well. Drivers under-age were joined by a parent on stage for the presentation.

Promoter Bill McAnally continued his commitment to the community, with support from race fans and sponsors in 2019, with fundraising for both the Placer Breast Cancer Foundation and the California Peace Officer’s Memorial Foundation. Presentations were made to each non-profit during the banquet.

All American Speedway’s 2020 season begins on April 11th, with a full slate of NASCAR excitement along with the first of five Riebes Auto Parts Trailer Bashes of the year. Special events this season include ARCA Menards Series West, UTV Racing, SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour, Enduros, and the Malicious Monster Truck Tour. Season tickets are on sale now for a discounted price of $199, available Monday-Friday at BMR NAPA AutoCare on Riverside Blvd in Roseville.

For more information about All American Speedway, visit www.AllAmericanSpeedway.com

Swanson, Leary & Courtney Share Spotlight at 2019 Night of Champions

The 2019 USAC National Champions (left to right): Kody Swanson (Silver Crown), C.J. Leary (Sprint) and Tyler Courtney (Midget). (Jeremey Rhoades Photo)

Via USAC Media

Indianapolis, Indiana (December 13, 2019).........USAC National driving champions Kody Swanson, C.J. Leary and Tyler Courtney shared the spotlight along with other 2019 USAC champions and special award recipients at Friday night's 64th USAC Night of Champions celebration at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, Ind.

2020 USAC National Midget Schedule is Largest Since 1988

4-wide USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget action was more the rule than the exception in 2019. (Danny Clum Photo)

By: Richie Murray - USAC Media

Speedway, Indiana (December 12, 2019).........USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midgets will embark on their largest schedule of events in over three decades when the series hits the trail for the start of their 65th season on Feb. 7-8 at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla., the opening night of Winter Dirt Games XI.

66th Season Of Stock Car Racing Set For Roseville's All American Speedway

NASCAR Late Models will battle for local, state, and national titles in Roseville (Don Thompson photo)

Via All American Speedway Media

ROSEVILLE, Calif. (December 11, 2019) – All American Speedway powered by Roseville Toyota has announced the schedule for its 66th year of racing competition, located @the Grounds in Roseville, Calif. The second full season of NASCAR competition under the tutelage of Bill McAnally Racing Promotions will present 14 nights of competition.

2020 USAC National Sprint Schedule Released

Dave Olson Photo

By: Richie Murray - USAC Media

Speedway, Indiana (December 11, 2019).........Forty-six events at 23 different venues across 14 states dot the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car calendar for the 2020 season with many of the familiar favorites joining a bevy of racetracks making their return to the schedule.