Young hot shoes Kyle Larson & Rico Abreu return to California for “Chris & Brian Faria Memorial Spring Shooutout” in Tulare this Friday & Saturday
By Gary Thomas
Tulare, CA – May 8, 2012…The excitement level is set to be kicked up a notch with the Cancen Oil KWS Series presented by Goodyear this weekend, as young stars Kyle Larson and Rico Abreu throw their names into the mix for the “Chris & Brian Faria Memorial Spring Shootout" at Thunderbowl Raceway.
Both drivers were in action last weekend with the USAC National Midget Series in Dodge City, Kansas where Larson picked up a win on Friday and then tallied a runner up effort to Tracy Hines on Saturday. Larson then promptly jumped into the Abreu/Stadelhofer wingless sprint car on Sunday night and captured victory at the Kokomo Speedway in Indiana.
Abreu brought home a best finish of eighth in his debut at the Dodge City Raceway, as he continued his rookie season with the USAC National Midget Series driving for Keith Kunz Motorsports.
Larson considers the Tulare Thunderbowl to be his favorite track and the 19-year-old will be searching for another win at the one-third mile oval while driving the Silva Motorsports No. 57 mount this weekend. At the KWS opener on April 7 he drove the Paul Silva owned machine to a fourth place finish from the rear of the field.
Last October Larson dominated the Saturday night portion of the Trophy Cup to easily win the 50-lap finale. The Elk Grove native will also be doing double duty this weekend in Tulare, with him competing without the wing both nights with the West Coast 360’s. The former state 410 champion claimed the “Chris & Brian Faria Memorial” in 2010, which was the same season he ended up winning the title.
Abreu returns to California for the first time since winning his first career sprint car race two weeks ago in Chico. The 20-year-old also had a strong run going with the Cancen Oil KWS Series the following night, until issues in turn two put an end to his night. The St. Helena driver should be a thrill to watch at the Thunderbowl as he guns for his initial KWS victory.
Larson and Abreu will be just two of the many top drivers expected to be on hand for the weekend.
Current Cancen Oil KWS presented by Goodyear point leader Tim Kaeding of San Jose will be a definite favorite at the track he has practically owned in recent years. Driving for Fresno based Roth Motorsports “TK” is routinely the man to beat at the Thunderbowl and is the defending winner of the Faria Memorial. Kaeding also beat the traveling World of Outlaw stars when the series competed in Tulare on March 16 and comes into Friday having scored two KWS wins thus far in 2012.
Chico’s Jonathan Allard also goes into the weekend with momentum, following his big victory last Saturday during the “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” at Silver Dollar Speedway. Allard sits just 10-markers behind Kaeding in the fight for the point lead and is gunning to close even more on Friday & Saturday. Allard captured the Faria Memorial in 2003 and will look to add another this weekend.
Three-time USAC Silver Crown Series champion Bud Kaeding will make his first start of the season with the Cancen Oil KWS Series presented by Goodyear this weekend. The Campbell, CA driver is set for double-duty on Friday and Saturday as he, like Larson, will also run with the West Coast 360’s. Bud was the winner at Thunderbowl Raceway on April 28 with the Rebel Cup 360 Series.
Local favorite Tommy Tarlton will also make his season debut with the Cancen Oil KWS Series presented by Goodyear this weekend at the Thunderbowl. The Easton wheel-man claimed a pair of victories with KWS last year, including one at the Tulare County Fairgrounds based one-third mile clay oval.
Rounding out the top-five in the Cancen Oil KWS presented by Goodyear standings coming into the Thunderbowl Raceway are Campbell’s Brent Kaeding, Elk Grove’s Bobby McMahan and Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs. The trio is separated by only four-points and this weekend’s event at the Thunderbowl should prove pivotal as we gear up for another two-night show on Memorial Day weekend in Calistoga.
Other drivers ready to tackle the Thunderbowl Raceway for both nights of competition will include 2005 Faria Memorial winner Jason Statler of Grass Valley, Fresno’s Craig Stidham, Clovis, CA’s Peter Murphy, Placerville’s Andy Gregg, Sacramento’s Willie Croft, Loomis’ Kyle Hirst, Fair Oaks Chad Compton, Visalia’s Cory Eliason, Rio Vista’s Danielle Simpson, Oakhurst’s Doug Gandy, Laton’s Geoffrey Strole and more.
The event will also include a complimentary breakfast on Saturday morning at the fairgrounds for ticket & pit pass holders from the night before. The breakfast will be in building two from 8am to 10am. All you have to do is show your ticket stub or pit pass from Friday for the breakfast courtesy of KWS.
On Friday & Saturday May 11 & 12 the front grandstand gate will open at 5pm. Hot laps are scheduled for 6pm, with qualifying at 6:30pm and racing anticipated to start around 7pm. Also on hand both nights will be the West Coast Wingless 360’s and IMCA Modifieds.
Advance tickets for the weekend are on sale and be acquired by contacting the track ticket office at (559) 688-0909. Reserved grandstand seats cost $20 with general admission bleacher tickets $17. For a seating chart visit the track website at http://www.thunderbowlraceway.com
The Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California. From the junction of SR 99 and SR 137, go west on SR 137. At South K go south one-half mile to the Fairgrounds. For directions visit http://www.mapquest.com/maps?address=E+Bardsley+Ave+%26+S+K+St&city=Tulare&state=CA&zipcode=93274
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All Stars Homecoming at Mercer Raceway Park Saturday
Mercer, PA (May 8, 2012): Saturday's All Stars Circuit of Champions Sprint Car race at Mercer Raceway Park will be like a homecoming. The series, founded in Western Pennsylvania by area businessman Bud Miller, and others, has long roots in the region. Back in the day, the series consisted of mid-week hundred lappers for Sprint Cars, and Mercer was one of the tour stops from the very beginning. The first All Stars Champion was hometown favorite, Ralph Quarterson, one of the greatest ever to slide behind the wheel of a Sprinter. Times have changed, and now an All Stars feature goes for thirty breath-taking laps!
But there is one constant. Successive generations of All Stars heroes hailed from Western PA, including Hall of Famer Brad Doty and current NASCAR star Dave Blaney. Among the contemporary All Stars are current champion, Tim Shaffer, of Aliquippa, and former champion, Dale Blaney, of Fowler, OH. And, the younger set is well represented by Danny Holtgraver, of Pittsbugh, and Pete Miller, III, of Port Vue.
The home team, the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, will be led by former All Stars travelers Rod George, who won last week's feature, and Bob Felmlee, the defending track champion.
Also expected to compete are Ed Lynch, Jr. and Brian Ellenberger, both of whom have won on the road with the All Stars, and in their own back yards, here at the Park.
All of the other Mercer talents will be on hand, such as Brent and Brandon Matus, Brandon Spithaler, Eric Williams, and many more. Other visitors expected include Lee Jacobs and Rob Chaney, both of whom were testing the waters last weekend, and Cap Henry, who was victorious last season at the Park.
Saturday's race will be the first of two visits for the All Stars, who swept both programs last season. Can the home team even up the score? You won't want to miss this rematch.
Joining the powerful 410 Sprints will be their cousins, the TI22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors. The Precise Racing Products Stock Cars and the Mini Stocks will complete the racing card.
Racing starts at 7 p.m., and front gates will open at 4. The weather forecast calls for warm and sunny conditions, so come out early to get your favorite seats.
Special event ticket prices will be in effect. Adults will be admitted for $23, seniors for $21, and students for just $9. Children 8 and under are always admitted free. The Family Pass will cost $48, and that will be good for two adults and up to four children of any age. Pit passes will be just $35.
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George, Guidace, Byler, Griffin, Marcucci and Bratcher Open Points with Wins at Mercer Raceway Park
Mercer, PA (May 5, 2012): Once again, the veteran drivers showed the way at Mercer Raceway Park. Rod George, of Kittanning, scored the win in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, while Frank Guidace, of Mercer, dominated the Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modifieds. Russell Byler made his season debut a successful one, as he was victorious in the Precise Racing Products Stock Cars. Guy Griffin topped the Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors, Mark Marcucci led the way in the Modifed Lites presented by Big Daddy's Speed Center and Rock Concrete. The Ministock nightcap went to Jerry Bratcher.
The Kittanning Comet, Rod George, took advantage of a restart on lap 16 to overtake Scott Priester, who led from the start of the 25 lap affair. George followed Priester into turn one, but rocketed off turn two. George's momentum carried him into the lead as the pair entered turn three. "My wife always gives me hell every night for sleeping on the restarts, so I decided to make it count tonight," the happy winner said.
Priester looked to be the class of the field in the Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprints for the first fifteen laps. Even George agreed. "Scott was running a super race, if it would not have been for that yellow, I'm sure that I wouldn't have gotten around him."
Priester swept into the lead at the drop of the green and he held off a challenge from Pete Miller, III, who was looking for a weekend double to celebrate his birthday.
Priester stretched his lead as he encountered traffic on lap eight. Meanwhile, George worked past Miller and took off after his pal. Priester was able to maintain his advantage as they negoitiated through the slower cars.
The 16th lap was problemmatic for more than Priester, however. The caution that set up George's winning move eliminated the fourth and fifth place cars of Jimmy Light and Broc Martin. Their misfortune moved Eric "Turkey" Williams and Bob Felmlee closer to the front.
Williams took advantage of his opportunity, passing Miller in the waning laps to take third.
At the checkers, it was George over Priester, Williams, Miller and Felmlee.
The sixth spot went to Jason Dolick. Dan Kuriger, Brandon Spithaler, Brandon Matus and Rob Chaney completed the top ten.
Heat wins for the 24 car field went to Felmlee, Priester and Chaney. The B Main winner was Craig Folmar.
Frank "on the Gas" Guidace scored his second win of the young season in his immaculate Troyer car. He credited the shop for their help in working on the set-up for slicker conditions. "I started changing and changing on that thing all night because I saw that the track was going to be harder and slicker." Guidace, who usually likes the heavier surfaces, thought that it was going to be a long, dry summer, so getting a better set-up was important for him.
Lonny Riggs and Frank Guidace paced the field for the 20 lap Approved Toilet Rentals 358 Modified feature. Riggs jumped out front at the start, but there was no stopping Guidace this night. He swept into the lead coming through turns three and four to lead lap 2. Riggs continued to run second while Rob Curtis and Jeff Shaffer took turns applying the pressure.
After a couple of stoppages, Curtis snuck by Riggs on a restart. Shaffer, who was driving the 51 of Clyde Gumpp, also passed the Tugboat for position.
A couple more cautions slowed the pace during the middle satges of the race, but the final half of the event went non-stop.
Guidace led the way to the checkers, with Curtis taking second. Shaffer held on for third, just one spot ahead of Riggs. Eric Gabany closed quickly in the final laps to snare the fifth position.
Sixth through tenth were Kyle Fink, J.R. McGinley, Matt Reeher, Dave Cogswell and Kevin Green.
The three heat winners were Guidace, Shaffer and Gabany. Dustin Martin took the B Main. There were 24 cars on hand.
The Ti22 Performance Outlaw Sprint Warriors were dominated once again by Guy Griffin. Griffin wrestled the lead away from Rob Felix after battling with Justin Whitesell in the early going. That was the way the top three crossed the line.
Rookie C.J. Jones turned in a fine fourth place run, just a notch ahead of Jimmy Morris.
Skip Dougherty, Joe McEwen, Dalton Daniels, Chris Matthews and Bob McMillin rounded out the top ten.
The pair of heats went to Felix and Griffin. There were fifteen cars in this class.
Next week, the All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars bring their high-flying show to town. They will be joined by the Stock Cars, Outlaw Sprint Warriors and Mini Stocks. Gates will open at 4 and racing will begin at 7.
410 Sprint Cars: Rod George, Scott Priester, Eric Williams, Pete Miller, III, Bob Felmlee, Jason Dolick, Dan Kuriger, Brandon Spithaler, Brandon Matus, Rob Chaney, Brent Matus, Lee Jacobs, Jimmy Light, Brian Steinman, Adam Kekich, Craig Folmar, Nathan Skaggs, Russ Sansosti, Adam Anderson, Broc Martin. DNQ: Gale Ruth, Sr., John MCCracken, Jr., Chris Best, Andy Priest (DQ).
358 Modifieds: Frank Guidace, Rob Curtis, Jeff Shaffer, Lonny Riggs, Eric Gabany, Kyle Fink, J.R. McGinley, Matt Reeher, Dave Cogswell, Kevin Green, Jimmy Holden, Dustin Martin, Tommy Glenn, Max Smoker, Rich Whitney, Makayla Guidace, Chad Gumpp, Joe Gibson, Shane Izzo. DNS: Andy Paden, Rick Hall. DNQ: Tom Holden, Ron Eperthener, Rick Kress.
Outlaw Sprint Warriors: Guy Griffin, Rob Felix, Justin Whitesell, C.J. Jones, Jimmy Morris, Skip Dougherty, Joe McEwen, Dalton Daniels, Chris Matthews, Bob McMillin, Harold Braden, Jr., Joe Siembida, Jacob Lagastee. DNS: Chad Matthews.
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SUPER MOON ARRIVES EARLY AS KEMENAH TRIUMPHS IN OUTLAW SPRINT MAIN
ROSSBURG, Ohio (May 4) – The super moon, the closest a full moon gets to Earth in this year, doesn’t arrive until Saturday night. But the World of Outlaws (WoO) treated fans at Eldora Speedway with a wild and crazy night of winged Sprint Car racing Friday in the Outlaw Thunder presented by Goodyear.
A series of cautions and a major five-car pileup shuffled the lead through three different drivers before handing it to Ohio native Chad Kemenah with six laps left. Kemenah sped away from Donny Schatz over those final laps for his first WoO victory at what's considered his home track, and his fourth career WoO victory.
Barney Craig won the Stock Car division by coming from fourth to first on the opening lap for the victory.
It wasn't as simple for Findlay, Ohio’s Kemenah. Crowd favorite Jac Haudenschild started on the pole and led the first 24 laps before a stunning turn of events during a span of two laps knocked out three race leaders.
With 23 laps completed, Sammy Swindell cut a tire in turn 1 for the race's fifth caution flag. Haudenschild darted into the pit area under that yellow flag period for fuel; however, under WoO rules, drivers can refuel only under an open red flag stop. With no red having been displayed, WoO officials ruled Haudenschild's night was over.
The lead shifted to Dale Blaney, who then pitted with a flat right front tire under the same caution.
David Gravel then inherited the lead and held it at the restart with Kerry Madsen charging underneath. Racing side-by-side for the lead, Madsen appeared to slide up into Gravel going into turns 1-2 to touch off a sensational multi-car accident that sent Sprint Cars tumbling and parts showering the track. In addition to Gravel and Madsen, the accident also collected Craig Dollansky, Tim Shaffer and Paul McMahon. Joey Saldana also suffered a damaged wing and a flat tire.
“I saw cars going everywhere and I thought if I keep my nose clean I might keep my right front tire," Kemenah said.
He did, holding off Schatz the final six laps for the victory. Steve Kinser, who caused the fourth caution of the race on lap 20 when he slowed on the frontstretch, recovered to finish third. Cody Darrah and Daryn Pittman rounded out the top five.
“There have been a few races this year where I had the fast race car and I’d seem to lose. Tonight I guess it didn’t matter; I'm standing up here," Kemenah said. “I’m kind of speechless, I can’t thank everybody enough. Man, I’m about ready to cry.”
Eldora Speedway owner Tony Stewart flew in from Talladega, Ala., -- the site of Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race -- to compete with the Outlaws. The reigning and three-time Sprint Cup Series champion finished seventh.
Kraig Kinser won the last chance showdown. Haudenschild won the dash, while Blaney, Dollansky, Madsen and Swindell won heat races.
Gravel of Watertown, Conn., set fast time in qualifying with a lap of 13.228 seconds, 0.003 seconds faster than Kemenah. Kinser (13.277), Pittman (13.288) and Haudenschild (13.291) rounded out the top five in a competitive two-lap qualifying session. The top 20 drivers were separated by less than 0.3 seconds.
The WoO doubleheader program continues Saturday with a full WoO event and the UMP DIRTcar Modifieds. Gates open at 2 p.m., hot laps are at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the Outlaw Thunder by Goodyear, the Kings Royal weekend, and all other Eldora events are available through the track office at (937) 338-3815 or online 24 hours a day at www.EldoraSpeedway.com. Like us at www.Facebook.com/EldoraSpeedway or catch all the behind-the-scenes preparation for the event on Twitter @EldoraSpeedway.
Outlaw Thunder presented by Goodyear
World of Outlaws Sprints
HEAT 1 – 1.Dale Blaney, 2. Jac Haudenschild, 3. Trey Starks, 4. David Gravel, 5. Tony Stewart.
HEAT 2 – 1. Craig Dollansky. 2, Joey Saldana. 3, Donny Schatz. 4, Jason Sides. 5, Chad Kemenah
HEAT 3 – 1, Kerry Madsen. 2, Steve Kinser. 3, Stevie Smith. 4, Cody Darrah. 5, Cap Henry
HEAT 4 — 1, Sammy Swindell. 2, Tim Shaffer. 3, Daryn Pittman. 4, Greg Wilson. 5, Danny Holtgraver
B MAIN - 1. 11K-Kraig Kinser [4]; 2. 45-Paul Mcmahan [1]; 3. 1X-Randy Hannagan [3]; 4. 24H-Bryan Sebetto [5]; 5. 6-Bill Rose [2]; 6. 44W-Austen Wheatley [12]; 7. 28-Brian Paulus [7]; 8. 2M-Dustin Daggett [8]; 9. 5W-Lucas Wolfe [10]; 10. 00-Jim Nier [13]; 11. 56R-Ryan Myers [9]; 12. 19T-Todd King [11]; 13. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild [6];
FEATURE - 1. 63-Chad Kemenah [4]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [12]; 3. 11-Steve Kinser [2]; 4. 4-Cody Darrah [13]; 5. 27-Daryn Pittman [11]; 6. 1-Sammy Swindell [8]; 7. 14-Tony Stewart [17]; 8. 9-Joey Saldana [5]; 9. 7S-Jason Sides [18]; 10. 54-Cap Henry [19]; 11. 11K-Kraig Kinser [20]; 12. 5-Jac Haudenschild [1]; 13. 2-Dale Blaney [6]; 14. 89G-David Gravel [3]; 15. 29-Kerry Madsen [10]; 16. 83-Tim Shaffer [7]; 17. 7-Craig Dollansky [9]; 18. 45-Paul Mcmahan [21]; 19. W20-Greg Wilson [14]; 20. 55-Trey Starks [15]; 21. 19-Stevie Smith [16]; 22. D4-Danny Holtgraver [23]; 23. 24H-Bryan Sebetto [24]; 24. 1X-Randy Hannagan [22].
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CHALLENGERS AWARE THAT WORLD OF OUTLAWS STARS ARE NOT INVINCIBLE
Outlaws vs. Challengers Record Even at 50% in 2011 – New Battle Begins This Weekend
ROSSBURG, Ohio (May 3) – Although history and statistics favor the travelling stars of the World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Car Series whenever they invade the high-banks of Eldora Speedway, they are not invincible. In fact, the best the WoO headliners could produce last season was a 50% record in their four appearances. Joey Saldana carried the colors for the WoO teams with his two wins, while Tim Shaffer and Tyler Walker turned the trick for the challengers.
With two feature events on tap for this weekend’s (May 4 & 5) Outlaw Thunder by Goodyear and a clean slate going into the Eldora/WoO 2012 season, both sides will be gunning for the upper hand.
Shaffer, and fellow All Star Circuit of Champions competitor Dale Blaney, are considered to be at the head of the pack of challengers; while former WoO regulars Jac Haudenschild and Paul McMahan can be classified as members of the challenger camp.
All four have been to Eldora’s hallowed victory lane before, and relish any opportunity to best the WoO teams at their game.
Knowing that WoO teams can indeed be beaten at Eldora Speedway heightens their momentum going into the weekend’s chase. In addition, they are playing that the intense point battle among the top five WoO teams will throw them off guard against the invasion of the challengers.
Sammy Swindell leads that point race with a slim seven tally margin over Donny Schatz, while Joey Saldana, Steve Kinser and Kraig Kinser complete the top five. Swindell, Schatz, Saldana and S. Kinser have combined for 67 WoO wins at Eldora to date.
Friday’s opening leg of the Outlaw Thunder by Goodyear weekend will be the 138th race in a colorful WoO history that began in 1978.
A doubleheader program each night will feature the Eldora Stock Cars on Friday and the UMP DIRTcar Modifieds on Saturday, as those two divisions continue their points chase and earn a position in the Feed The Children Prelude to the Dream invitational on June 6.
The Outlaw Thunder by Goodyear will be another flame, firework and pyrotechnic-filled weekend of sensory overloading excitement, mixed with unleashed horsepower.
Tickets for the Outlaw Thunder by Goodyear, the Kings Royal weekend, and all other Eldora events are available through the track office at (937) 338-3815 or online 24 hours a day at www.EldoraSpeedway.com. Like us at www.Facebook.com/EldoraSpeedway or catch all the behind-the-scenes preparation for the event on Twitter @EldoraSpeedway.
Big money & prestige on the line at 22nd annual “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” this Saturday May 5 at Silver Dollar Speedway
By Gary Thomas
Chico, CA – May 1, 2012…Much of the attention in Northern California sprint car racing will be focused on the Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico this Saturday night when the Cancen Oil KWS Series presented by Goodyear invades the track for the 22nd annual “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial.”
The “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” pays tribute to the fallen race car driver, who lost his life in a sprint car crash at Skagit Speedway's Dirt Cup in 1987. Bradway Jr. was a driver destined for stardom in sprint car racing and the event held in his memory has become a cornerstone for 410 Sprint Car racing in California.
In total there will be over $30,000 in cash and contingency prizes handed out at the “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” on Saturday and will attract one of the strongest fields of the season.
Dave and Diane Durica have once again collected lap money and each lap of the A-main and Last Chance Qualifier will pay $100 to be distributed among the top three each lap. The leader of the lap gets $50, second $30 and third $20. Lap money has been a staple of the Bradway Memorial over the years and always adds a special element to the event.
Butler Built Performance has also donated $500 to the winner’s share of the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial so the 40-lap A-main on Saturday will pay a minimum of $3,500 to win.
Heat race winners will also earn an extra special perk thanks to the fan group “Hoserville,” who have been a part of the “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” for the past nine seasons. Each heat race winner will receive a Goodyear right rear tire and five sleeves of tear offs. Each driver will also receive a trophy to hand out to a child in the stands.
The hard charger award for the 40-lap A-main is currently at a solid $600, which will give drivers starting near the back of the field even more reason to get their “elbows up” and come to the front. Last season Roger Crockett was the hard charger at the Bradway, carving his way from 18th to second. The hard charger in the feature will also receive the usual $200 certificate from Pit Stop USA.
The fast time award for the night is named in honor of “Carwash” Mike Avilla and as of press time was up to an amazing $1,125. Chico’s Jonathan Allard has taken home the fast time prize each of the past four years at the “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” and in that span has captured a staggering total of $4,500. Fast time as always will also earn a $100 certificate from BR Motorsports & a custom KWS license plate courtesy Grant's Fine Art.
A fully stacked field of 410 Sprint Cars is set to hit the Silver Dollar Speedway clay on Saturday and will include former Bradway Memorial winner Shane Stewart of Bixby, Oklahoma. Stewart won the event in 2010 after an entertaining fight with Jonathan Allard over the duration of the 40-lapper.
The reigning ASCS National champion will be aboard the familiar Paul Silva Motorsports No. 57 that he has raced to much acclaim and accolades over the last few seasons. Stewart charged to a runner up finish at the Knoxville Nationals last year and also won the 360 Nationals at the famed track for the second straight season.
Cancen Oil KWS Series presented by Goodyear point leader Tim Kaeding is a certain favorite this weekend in the Roth Motorsports No. 83 sprint car. The defending “King of the West” has won two of the first three events this season and will be in search of a third Bradway Memorial victory on Saturday.
Chico’s Jonathan Allard and Campbell’s Brent Kaeding are tied for the most “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” wins with four apiece and currently stand second and third in the KWS standings. Allard was the winner with KWS in Marysville two weeks back and Kaeding is coming off a strong second place finish last Saturday in Placerville.
More former winners of the Bradway Memorial expected in the field will include ’04 victor Jason Statler, ’06 winner Sean Becker of Oroville and defending event champion Peter Murphy from Clovis. Statler goes into the weekend ranking seventh in the KWS points and Murphy is eighth, while Becker makes his first series start of the season.
Other top-10 drivers in the KWS standings geared up for the “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” are Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs, ’09 Silver Dollar Speedway track champion Bobby McMahan, Fremont’s Shane Golobic and Sacramento’s Willie Croft. Last season Croft came close to winning the event for the first time in his career, before brake issues with just five-laps left in the feature took away that opportunity.
Loomis driver Kyle Hirst is always a sentimental favorite at the “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” and will be gunning for his initial win at the prestigious event on Saturday. The outlaw kart graduate has come close twice before in his sprint car career, including last season, where he led the feature until contact in lapped traffic left him upside down and out of the race.
The Hirst family was instrumental in getting the Bradway Memorial up and running and is a race that the 24-year-old wants to win as much as any for his family.
More entrants looking to take home the big money on Saturday will include Placerville’s Andy Gregg, Fresno’s Craig Stidham, Redding’s Tyler Wolf, Chico’s Brad Bumgarner, Kenny Allen, Jason York & Kevin Sharrah, Fair Oaks Chad Compton, Rio Linda’s Cody Lamar, Prunedale’s Justin Sanders, Paradise’ John Michael Bunch, Auburn’s Richard Brace Jr., Oakhurst’s Doug Gandy, Rio Vista’s Danielle Simpson, Laton’s Geoffrey Strole and many more.
The Nor Cal Auto Racing Alumni will also be holding their annual bbq and Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday at the fairgrounds. The gathering will begin at 11am with lunch hosted by Dennis & Sandy Gage starting at noon. The awards portion of the event will begin at 1pm. Inductees this year include Dwayne Starr, Brent Kaeding, Cliff White and Bill Riggins. Old timers not forgotten include Johnny Williams & Blackie Roberts.
The front grandstand gate at the "Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial" will open at 5pm on Saturday, with qualifying around 6:30pm and racing beginning around 7pm. All seating is general admission for the event with adult tickets costing $20, juniors $15 and children $6.
The Silver Dollar Speedway is located on the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds, a half-mile west of SR 99 on Park Ave in Chico, California. For more information on the Silver Dollar Speedway visit the track website at http://www.silverdollarspeedway.com
Don't forget to “like” the Cancen Oil King of the West Series on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kingofthewestsprints and follow us on Twitter @kwssprintracing for the most timely and up to date information on the series.
Also check out our official website at http://www.kwssprints.com for the latest news, results, history and more on the Cancen Oil King of the West 410 Sprint Cars presented by Goodyear.
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Tim Kaeding holds off hard-charging Brent Kaeding to claim his second Cancen Oil KWS Series presented by Goodyear win of the season
By Gary Thomas
Placerville, CA – April 28, 2012…It was a picture perfect night for defending “King of the West” Tim Kaeding on Saturday at the Placerville Speedway. After winning his heat race and the dash, the “TK Express” proceeded to lead all 30-laps in the main event and score his second victory in three races this season with the Cancen Oil KWS Series. It was also good enough to make him the new point leader heading into Chico next week.
It didn’t come easy for the San Jose driver however, as he felt pressure at various times throughout the race, including a late challenge from 13-time state champion Brent Kaeding, who looked like the “BK” of old during the night, charging from 12th to second in the feature.
“We’ve had a great start to the season and I can’t thank Dennis & Teresa Roth enough for giving me the opportunity and this whole team that gives me such a fast car every week,” said Kaeding. “I saw my old man poking his nose in there late in the race and I know he has lots of tricks up his sleeves, so thankfully we held on for another win. I also want to thank all you fans for coming out tonight because it's great to see this place so full.”
A packed house of race fans filled the stands at Placerville Speedway on Saturday, for what was the first Winged 410 Sprint Car event at the track since August of 2010. It was also the initial event sanctioned by the King of the West Series at Placerville and the fan support was tremendous during the first ever visit by the tour.
Following his win in the KSE Racing Products Dash, Tim Kaeding jumped into the lead at the waving of Ryan Riley’s green flag. A multiple car pileup after one-lap was complete however, slowed things to a crawl. Early on Kaeding had his way out front as Chico’s Jonathan Allard tried to keep pace in second. An exciting duel for third also waged on between Shane Golobic, Willie Croft and Rico Abreu.
With seven-circuits completed Abreu solidified the third position and it soon became a multiple car fight for the lead with traffic coming into play. Kaeding had to pick his spots wisely as Allard was all over his rear bumper in the fight for the top-spot. The intense racing on the quarter-mile bullring had fans on the edge of their seats and on lap 14 Abreu was able to carve his way underneath Allard on the front straightaway for the runner up spot.
The youngster from St. Helena drove it hard into turn two trying to catch the leader, but unfortunately put it in just a little too hot and clipped the hill on the back stretch, which resulted in him getting upside down to put an end to his night. Abreu emerged from the car to a roar from the packed grandstands, showing their appreciation of the great job he had done up to that point.
Allard found himself back in second, but on the restart things went sour for him as he caught the cushion hard in turn three and looped the Williams Motorsports No. 0 to bring out a caution. Moving into the runner up spot now was Golobic, who looked very impressive all night after setting fast time to begin the evening. On the restart though “TK” charged out front once again and led the field until another caution appeared with 19-laps down.
The ensuing double file restart saw Campbell’s Brent Kaeding make his presence known, getting around Croft to claim third. After starting 12th on the grid “BK” made some great moves to charge forward and on lap 21 proceeded to carve his way underneath Golobic to grab second. The Hall of Famer then tried to close in on the lead, but a number of stoppages occurred once the 25th lap clicked off. Included in it was an open red flag period after a hard flip by KWS rookie Cody Lamar.
The final restart of the night saw B. Kaeding get a good run into turn one and inch his way to the front momentarily, but “TK” got good bite off the bottom of the second corner to rocket back into the lead. After this “BK” tried to keep Tim in his sights, but at the same time had his hands full with a very fast Croft in third. With the white flag waving Brent gave it one more last ditch effort and closed in quickly, but ran out of time and “TK” took the checkered flag by just 0.537 seconds ahead to grab the win.
The triumph marked Tim Kaeding’s third 410 win in a row at Placerville Speedway aboard the Roth Motorsports, HR Cattle No. 83 mount. For Brent Kaeding the runner up finish was his best effort of the young season and was one of the strongest nights he’s had in recent KWS events at the helm of his Al’s Roofing Supply, Kaeding Performance No. 69 sprinter. It was a good momentum builder for "BK" as he looks for his fifth win at the "Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial" next Saturday.
Rounding out the podium and finishing just behind the top-two was Croft in the Holey Smokes BBQ, Amerikote Racing No. 29 machine. “Double Down” crossed the line just 0.901 seconds behind T. Kaeding at the checkered. It was also his best night of the early season with KWS and was nice to see him back on the podium with the series. Completing the top-five was the Joe Vonschriltz Racing, Country Builders Construction No. 121 of Shane Golobic and the DF Rios Motorsports, YAK Graphics No. 00 of Jason Statler. Both Golobic and Statler had strong runs in the feature and looked very solid in the 30-lapper.
The remainder of the top-10 was comprised of Elk Grove’s Bobby McMahan, Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs, Clovis’ Peter Murphy, Fair Oaks Chad Compton and Jonathan Allard. Murphy earned the hard charger award by coming from 21st to eighth in the main event. Murphy actually had charged to sixth at one point, but spun to a stop and had to go to the rear of the field for a second time.
Redding’s Tyler Wolf captured the 12-lap Last Chance Qualifier, with Tim Kaeding winning the KSE Racing Products Dash. Kaeding Performance heat race wins went to Paradise, CA’s John Michael Bunch, Tim Kaeding and Fresno’s Craig Stidham. Shane Golobic kicked off the night by setting the BR Motorsports fast time with a lap of 10.226. The youngster also earned some extra cash for his efforts, in addition to a custom aluminum license plate from Grant’s Fine Art.
The Cancen Oil King of the West Sprint Car Series presented by Goodyear will now get ready for the 22nd annual “Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” next Saturday May 5 at Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway. The prestigious event is always the biggest one-night stand for local 410 Sprint Car racing in Northern California and once again will feature lots extra money and awards up for grabs. We encourage fans to camp out for the weekend at the fairgrounds and enjoy what is expected to be a great weekend of racing at Silver Dollar Speedway.
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