Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Military Tribute Night At Madera This Saturday



MADERA, CALIFORNIA (May 24, 2017) – The always popular Military Tribute Night at Madera Speedway is this Saturday night with the third rounds for both the RPM Mortgage Pro Late Model Series and the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Models. The MAVTV-televised Late Model divisions have had some of the strongest car counts in the nation, with more than 50 combined entries expected yet again. Toyota Sedans, F4s, and Mini Cups will round out a big night at the fastest one-third mile in the West.

2015 Pro Late Model champion Buddy Shepherd of Bakersfield has taken the fight directly to 2016 champion and all-time winningest driver Matt Erickson of La Grange. The duo traded blows in the series opener. Erickson snookered Shepherd in a late race shootout in the 125 lap, $5000 to season opener in March. Shepherd answered back in April with a dominating performance in that evening's 100 lap event after starting ninth. Erickson settled for a fifth place finish but it was enough to maintain second in the points. Former track champion Rick Thompson, March third place finisher Dillon Tucker, and Ryan Hart round out the top-five in the points.

Napa's Logan Zampa has been strong in the non-televised Madera Late Model races with two fast-times, a victory, and a second place finish. Tucker has a win and is a perfect three-for-three in top-three finishes in the non-televised races.

100 laps of racing are on tap again Saturday night. The series runs a pair of 50 lap segments with a halfway break on the front stretch in front of the fans. A split 25 lap B Main for both transfer positions and B Main points (and a special $500 to win purse) is scheduled if car count permits.

On the 51FIFTY Jr. Model side, 12 year-old Jesse Love has put "The Hammer" down with victories in both 75 lap races this year. The former USAC HPD Midget champion has taken to full size cars quickly despite fields above 20 cars in each race so far. The second year series has seen qualifying action dominated by Redwood Valley's Kolby Berry with fast times in both races and second in the points standings to show for it.

Female off-road star and second generation racer Hailie Deegan followed up a third place finish in round one with a fifth place run to rank third in the points while April runner-up Austin Edwards and Las Vegas' Kyle Keller round out the top-five. The field of drivers age 10-16 will once again battle 75 laps with a 50 lap opening segment before adjustments and TV interviews on the front stretch. That break will be followed by a 25 lap closing segment for the race win.

Mike Marley has bounced back from a 7th place finish in the season opener for the Toyota Sedans to lead the points by 20 markers over Thomas Magray. Erik Woods rounds out the top-three with 20 laps scheduled in Saturday night's main event.

The youngest drivers at Madera Speedway compete in the Mini Cups, with several younger siblings of Jr. Late Model drivers joining the fray this year. Tanner Reif of Las Vegas won his maiden race in April and looks to duplicate that feat on Saturday night!

An open practice kicks off the weekend on Friday before a full day of action on Saturday. Friday practice runs from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. On Saturday, pit gates open at 11 with practice from 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Qualifying will follow with heat races at 4:30 p.m. The B Main events are scheduled for 5 p.m. with Opening ceremonies and the main events beginning after that.

Tickets for this great night of racing are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $7 for youth ages 6-12, and kids five and under are free! All Military are admitted free this weekend and are encouraged to arrive early to see the special Military tribute during opening ceremonies.

For more information about Madera Racing on MAVTV please visit www.racemadera.com or www.mavtv.com. For more information about RPM Mortgage and to obtain loan information please visit www.rpmwins.com and for more information about 51FIFTY Energy Drink visit www.51fiftyenergydrink.com

Madera Racing on MAVTV begins Thursday June 1st with coverage of the season opener from March 11th for the RPM Mortgage Pro Late Model Series. The broadcast beings at 8 p.m. Eastern / 5 p.m. Pacific. Madera Speedway racing is also available on the LucasOilRacing.TV app

Garrett Evans Prevails Over Young Guns



Wenatchee, WA (April 30, 2017) For East Wenatchee, Washington’s Garrett Evans, the “young guns” are everywhere. They even travel with him around the northwest to race. Son Jan and his sister Stephanie have stepped up to tour with the Northwest Super Late Model Series Inc. this season, where their father has been champion for the past three years (NWSLMS).

Saturday night, the “young guns” gave the elder Evans a run for his money on his way to a victory in the Park Model Homes 125 at Spokane Super Oval (SSO). The wily veteran showed the up and coming drivers he is still boss, while praising their performance at the same time.

“These young drivers we have coming up are phenomenal,” said Evans. “It’s unbelievable how good they’re doing, and I think the northwest has something to be proud of.

Evans started fourth on the grid after qualifying third in the inverted six field. Spokane’s Braeden Havens took the lead from pole setter Jan Evans on lap 1. By lap 10 though, Evans had started reeling in Havens, with Joey Bird and Zack Beaman tagging along for the ride. Evans made the pass on Havens for the lead on lap 32. Double file restarts kept Evans on his toes, with Havens starting right by his side.

On a late restart, Beaman made his presence known when as passed both third and second place positions with Evans in his sights. Beaman dove to the inside, but Evans nosed ahead. Jan Evans and Brooke Schimmel got together and brought out the yellow flag. On the restart, Beaman’s tires had cooled enough for him to make a run on the inside with Evans choosing the outside starting position. Beaman’s car stuck to the track and he made it wide enough to take the lead on lap 96. With Evans in his rear view and on his back bumper, Beaman held off the veteran. Evans stayed close and found room underneath, retaking the lead on lap 106.

Evans set the cruise control and was looking for the checkered flag when Schimmel spun, setting up a green-white-checkered shootout. The double file restart had Evans, Beaman, Havens and Brittney Zamora gridded for a showdown. Beaman spun the tires and Evans pulled away to the checkered. Zamora got her nose underneath Havens to take the third position, her first podium finish of the season.

Evans takes control of the point lead, with Zamora trailing by only three points in the championship chase. With Evans’ announcement that he will be focusing more on Jan and Stephanie’s program than racing his own, Zamora has a good shot of taking over the top spot. “I’ll probably be parking my car for a while,” noted Evans. “My daughter Stephanie and Jan will be running the rest of the season, and hopefully I’ll get to come back for the last one.”

The next event for the NWSLMS is at South Sound Speedway on June 3, 2017 at www.southsoundspeedway.com

Official Finish
Pos. Car No. Name Hometown Laps
1 64 Garrett Evans E. Wenatchee, WA 126
2 25 Zack Beaman Yakima, WA 126
3 52 Brittney Zamora Kennewick, WA 126
4 83 Braeden Havens Spokane, WA 126
5 72 Kameron McKeehan Lewiston, ID 126
6 29 Jason O’Neil Spokane, WA 126
7 1k Mitch Kleyn Quincy, WA 126
8 91 Alan Cress Staten, OR 126
9 64j Jan Evans E. Wenatchee, WA 125
10 33 Brooke Schimmel Woodland, WA 125
11 11 Ed Thomsen Kennewick, WA 124
12 51 Glenn Knutson Quincy, WA 94
13 24 Joey Bird Spokane, WA 93
14 93 Dave Garber Spokane, WA 61
15 1r Christian Roeder Ephrata, WA 51

Lap leaders: 1-31 Braeden Havens, 32-95 Garrett Evans, 96-105 Zack Beaman, 106-126 Garrett Evans.
This week’s contingency prizes were awarded to the following drivers:
Hoosier Tire Award – Mitch Kleyn, Alan Cress, Glenn Knutson
KRC Power Steer Gift Certificate – Brooke Schimmel
Longacre Racing Products Longest Tow - $50 Gift Certificate to Alan Cress
Longacre Racing Products Hard Charger - $50 Gift Certificate to Kameron McKeehan

Wheel Chill $100 Gift Certificate off Retail Set of Wheel Chills – Zack Beaman
Wheel Chill $25 Gift Certificate off Driver Cool Box – Braeden Havens
Wheel Chill $25 Gift Certificate off Retail Grill Chill – Christian Roeder

Frank’s Radio Gift Certificate $25 – Garrett Evans, Zack Beaman, Brittney Zamora

The Ti Company “Move of the Race” – Zack Beaman
Current Points Standings

1 64 Garrett Evans 96
2 52 Brittney Zamora 93
3 24 Joey Bird 91
4 83 Braeden Havens 91
5 64j Jan Evans 80
6 1k Mitch Kleyn 79
7 91 Alan Cress 74
8 11 Ed Thomsen 73
9 1r Christian Roeder 66
10 51 Glenn Knutson 66
11 33 Brooke Schimmel 66
12 93 Dave Garber 59
13 99 Shane Mitchell 53
14 25 Zack Beaman 53
15 75 Jeremy Doss 45
16 72 Kameron McKeehan 43
17 29 Jason O'Neil 42
18 89 Doni Wanat 42
19 9 Josh Roberts 39
20 64s Stephanie Evans 37
21 14 Brandon Carlson 35
22 22 Bryon Goetz 32
23 31 Chad Holaday 31
24 81 Darrell Midgely 29
25 66 Jeff Bishofberger 29
26 86 Tom Berrow 26
27 20 Andy Sole 25
28 95 Buck Noel Jr 20

In their fourth season, the Northwest Super Late Model Series Inc. is the premier regional touring Super Late Model series in the Pacific Northwest. The series has many valued marketing partner including Hoosier Racing Tire, McGunegill Engine Performance, AR Bodies, Accelerated Graphics, Five Star Bodies, Longacre Racing Products, KRC Power Steering, Franks Racing Radio, Jefferson Pitts Racing, Bassett Wheels, TI Company, Child Haven Learning Center, Pacific Steel Structures, LLC and Racing Dynamiks. For more information on the series visit www.nwslmseries.com or on Social Media, Facebook (NWSLMS) or Twitter (@nw_latemodels).

Monday, May 22, 2017

Moulton, Peeples Among Early Season Points Leaders



Eureka, CA (May 22, 2017) - Race number three of the 2017 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is set to take place this Sunday June 28th for what is expected to be another thrilling night of action. Joining the roadrunners, bombers, mini stocks, Legends and Thunder Roadsters will be the North State Modified Series for the first of two visits to the Acres.

Daniel Buell leads the California State and Federal Employees Credit Union roadrunner division point standings. Buell’s lead over second place Nick Ford is only five points. Tim Ratzlaff is third in the standings, 14 points behind Buell. Jake Keeling is fourth, two points behind Ratzlaff while Bob Ratzlaff in fifth is two markers behind Keeling.

In the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division, Jim Redd currently holds down the top spot in points. Second place in the standings is John Lally who won the most recent main event on May 13th. Bethany Rapp is third, 12 points in arrears to Redd while fourth and fifth are Kolby Jackson and Raymond Taylor.
Brian Murrell, Sr.’s lead in the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class is large in comparison to other divisions. Murrell leads second place Eugene Palmer by 13 points. Rookie driver, Scott Taylor has been impressive thus far in 2017 and is third in points, 17 behind Murrell, Sr. Troy Lee is 21 points behind the leader in fourth while rookie Trevor Eacert is fifth, three points behind Lee.

The Nor-Cal Automotive Legends division is currently being led by Brett Mack. His lead over second place driver, rookie MKinzy Uselton is 12 points. Another rookie driver is third in points, Dominic Vogelsang. He is 11 points behind Uselton. The most recent main event winner, Cody Winchel is fourth in points while Brad Curtice lies in fifth.

Veteran Paul Peeples, Jr. holds down the lead in the Lone Star Junction Thunder Roadster class thanks to two second place finishes. Ronnie O’Neil is second in points, five behind Peeples and was the winner of the May 13th feature. Tommy Payne is third, eight points behind Peeples and was the winner of the April 29th main event. Chris Sarvinski’s 70 points put him fourth in the standings, 11 behind Peeples. Fifth is Corey Toole, a rookie driver who is 23 points behind the leader.

The Mid-City Motor World late model class had held two of its five points races at the Acres and will have the night off this Memorial Day weekend. The five events at RAR and another at Ukiah Speedway on July 15th comprise the Super Six Late Model Challenge series. Mic Moulton is the leader of the standings by six points over Brandon White. The two Eureka drivers each have one win. Redding’s Eric Gannon is third and only only nine points behind Moulton. Kenny Demello has been steady in the two races and is fourth in the standings while Marty Walsh is fifth in spite of a major accident in the previous race.

The North State Modified Series will be stopping by the Acres for the first of two times this Sunday. Darrin Knight of Kelseyville is the current leader in the standings and is the odds-on favorite for this weekend’s event. Knight has won four of the series’ six races at RAR and was the winner of the first two races for the NSMS in 2017 at All-American Speedway and Lakeport Speedway.

Darin Snider of Lakeport is 18 points behind Knight in second. Third place features a tie between Charlie Collins from Upper Lake and Eric Johnson of Kelseyville. Both drivers are 20 points behind Knight. Santa Rosa’s Cameron Austin sits fifth in points, 32 behind Knight. Other top contenders who are likely to show up are Bryan Denton from Kelseyville, Jason Philpot from Sacramento, Petaluma’s Richie Potts and Sierra Furia from Lakeport.

O’Reilly Auto Parts sponsors this Sunday’s Memorial Day weekend races in honor of the men and women who serve in our country’s military. Grandstands open at 5:00 while racing begins at 6:00. General admission is $16, senior $13 and children 12 and under $3. Kids five and under get in free and any military member will also get in free with ID. There is an open practice on Saturday, May 27th from 1:00 to 6:00. For more information on everything going on at Redwood Acres Raceway, please visit the track’s official website www.RacingTheAcres.com

Sunday, May 21, 2017

Bischofberger Gets First PCS Victory In Stockton Thriller



STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA (May 21, 2017) - Tracy's Jeff Bischofberger became the third first-time winner in three 2017 Pacific Challenge Series presented by PenneyLawyers.com races, claiming the first Tri-Holiday race of the year at Stockton 99 Speedway. Saturday night's 100 lap contest came down to a 10 lap shootout between Bischofberger and Jason Romero with four career series wins.

Romero took over the lead from 2012 and 2016 PCS champion Jeremy Doss of Upperlake, CA on lap 62 when Doss slowed with a broken third link. Doss also set fast time with a blistering 13.140 second lap earlier in Sunoco Fuels Fast Time qualifying.

A five car battle for fourth boiled over down the backstretch when Shasta winner Derek Copeland was bounced out of the battle and spun to a stop. That caution appeared to set up what would be a great battle between Romero and 2015 Rookie of the Year Cole Moore, who was searching for his first career PCS win as well.

Two attempts at a restart were unsuccessful, with officials electing to move Romero and Moore back a row to set a new front row of Bischofberger and early race leader Ross Strmiska of Manteca.

Bischofberger quickly charged ahead of Strmiska into turn one of the restart with Romero following into second position. Romero dove inside Bischofberger several times including a big maneuver coming to the white flag in turn four that did not net the lead position. Romero gave it one more shot in turn four coming to the checkered flag, eventually sliding and bouncing off of Bischofberger. Bischofberger drove through to take the checkered flag first with Moore snaking through for second while Romero crossed the line sideways in third. Romero ended up against the turn one wall after the wild slide with 2014 PCS champion Mike Beeler of Modesto fourth and 2015 PCS champion John Moore rounding out the top-five.

Strmiska jumped out to the race's early lead with Beeler a focal point for much of the early battling when he got pinned outside. Moore moved inside Strmiska for the lead on lap 20 and cleared him on the following lap. Doss wasted little time chasing down Moore when he overtook Strmiska on lap 26 for second.

A lap 27 caution allowed Romero to get around Beeler for third. Bischofberger was the next driver to get on the move as he was up to fourth by lap 37. Romero's run to the front continued when he took over second place from Moore on lap 47.

Romero clawed at Doss before a caution when Matt Wendt and Strmiska made contact that resulted in Wendt stopping in turn four on lap 59. Wendt was able to return after repairs. Doss' days at the lead appeared numbered as Romero looked inside several times before finally getting the move done right as Doss faltered and stopped in turn two with mechanical problems to cause a lap 61 caution.

Cole Moore won the American Racer Tire Dash for a set of tires and the pole for the feature. Hayward's Danny Malfatti drove to seventh to win the Penney Racing Supply Hard Charger for his best career Stockton finish. Wendt overcame the early incident with Strmiska for his second consecutive sixth place finish.

The Pacific Challenge Series presented by PenneyLawyers.com will continue on June 17th at All American Speedway in Roseville, CA.

For more information on the Pacific Challenge Series presented by PenneyLawyers.com, visit www.PacificChallengeSeries.com or follow them on Facebook or YouTube

The Pacific Challenge Series is presented by: Penney Racing Supply, Penney & Associates, American Racer Tires, Radio Law Talk, Compact-It, Northwest Compactors, Naake Suspension, Sunoco Fuels, Five Star Bodies, BrakeOMeter, Lefthander Chassis, ARP Bodies, Joes Racing Products, Bassett Wheels, Frank's Radio, WrapStar Pro, and Blakesley Sports Media. All PCS Super Late Models race ABC Bodies or Muscle Car bodies on American Racer Tires with Sunoco Racing Fuel.

2017 Pacific Challenge Series Schedule

March 18th - Madera Speedway (Madera, CA) Winner: Carlos Vieira

April 15th - All American Speedway (Roseville, CA) *POSTPONED, NEW DATE TBA*

May 6th - Shasta Speedway (Anderson, CA) Winner: Derek Copeland

May 20th - Stockton 99 Speedway (Stockton, CA) Winner: Jeff Bischofberger

June 17th - All American Speedway (Roseville, CA)

July 1st - Stockton 99 Speedway (Stockton, CA) Ron Strmiska Memorial

July 29th - Ukiah Speedway (Ukiah, CA)

August 12th - Madera Speedway (Madera, CA)

September 2nd - Stockton 99 Speedway (Stockton, CA)

October 14th - All American Speedway (Roseville, CA) *2017 Championship Finale* w/ North State Modified Series & NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West)

Pacific Challenge Series Round 3: Stockton 99 Speedway results
Finish Car Driver Hometown Sponsors
1 66 Jeff Bischofberger Tracy, CA Rent to Own Visalia
2 20m Cole Moore Granite Bay, CA JM Racing
3 8 Jason Romero Cameron Park, CA Folsom Lake Asphalt
4 6 Mike Beeler Modesto, CA Beeler Industries
5 27 John Moore Granite Bay, CA JM Environmental
6 1 Matthew Wendt Galt, CA Cali Style Customs
7 55 Danny Malfatti Hayward, CA Malfatti Motorsports
8 18 Jack Wood Loomis, CA Velocity Racing
9 24 Derek Copeland Anderson, CA SK Construction
10 90 Ross Strmiska Manteca, CA Mainline Equipment
11 53 Kyle Gottula Modesto, CA
12 75 Jeremy Doss Upperlake, CA S&S Sports Enterprises
13 70 Mike Hite Elk Grove, CA Storage for Less
14 50 Justin Philpott Tracy, CA Philpott Garare
15 11j Tracy Bolin Valley Springs, CA Bolin Builders
16 19 Travis Milburn Eagle, ID Neu Energy

Sunoco Fuels Fast Time: #75 Jeremy Doss 13.140
American Racer Dash: #20 Cole Moore
Penney Racing Supply Hard Charger: #55 Danny Malfatti
Lap leaders: #90 Ross Strmiska 1-20, Cole Moore 21-27, 75 Jeremy Doss 28-61, 8 Jason Romero 62-90, 66 Jeff Bischofberger 91-100

Eggleston Dominates Again At Orange Show Speedway



SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Orange Show Speedway has been a perfect fit for Chris Eggleston.

For the second consecutive season, Eggleston was victorious in the Sunrise Ford 150 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse. Saturday night, the 28-year-old Erie, Colorado, driver won the Coors Light Pole and dominated the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race on the quarter-mile.

It was his second win of the season and seventh time in his career. The victory also marked the 2015 NASCAR K&N Pro Series West champion's sixth top five finish of the season.

Sheldon Creed and Todd Souza came home second and third, respectively.

Kody Vanderwal and Takuma Koga rounded out the top five. Both earned the free pass midway through the race, and rebounded for career-best finishes.

Series championship points leader Todd Gilliland, who entered the night on a four-race win streak, was involved in a multi-car incident on Lap 121. He rallied to finish sixth and was the last car to finish on the lead lap.

Eggleston led a race-high 71 laps, as there were 12 lead changes among five drivers. He sliced Gilliland's championship lead down to 11 points.

Bill Kahn and Michael Self finished in seventh and eighth, respectively, both one lap down. Matt Levin and John Wood rounded out the top 10.

The NASCAR K&N Pro Series West will be back in action from Colorado National Speedway on Saturday, June 10 for the Toyota 150, the seventh of 14 races on the schedule. Last year, Eggleston followed up his Orange Show win with a victory at his home track in Colorado.

The Orange Show 150 will air on NBCSN on Friday, May 26 at 8 p.m. ET.