(Current points leader Kris Price of Sacramento (#51x) will be competing against 3-time NSMS champion Darrin Knight of Kelseyville (#20) Saturday night when the North State Modified Series invades Ukiah Speedway.)
Ukiah, CA……This Saturday night, June 23, the North State Modified Series, presented by Protect the Harvest, comes to Ukiah Speedway for race #4 of its “2018 Driving Out Cancer Tour.” North State drivers, crews and families have dedicated this season to bringing cancer awareness to the race fans. Saturday will be the only time that the North State Modifieds will compete at Ukiah in 2018.
The NSMS points battle has flip-flopped from last season. This time last year the top five contenders hailed from Lake County. Now the top two, Kris Price and Jason Philpot, come from Sacramento. Price leads the way by 14 points. Kelseyville’s Eric Johnson sits third in points with Dustin DeRosier, Cloverdale, fourth and Darrin Sullivan, Kelseyville, fifth.
Thirty drivers have raced with NSMS in 2018 with an average car count of 19. More local cars are expected to show up for the Ukiah event. Practice will begin on Friday at 4 pm. Qualifying, the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash, and the Protect the Harvest 60 lap main event will be on Saturday.
The North State Modifieds will join the local Bandoleros, Bombers, and Legends Cars. The Nor-Cal Pro-4 mods will also be on the racing cars. For rules, a NSMS schedule, or more information visit www.NorthStateModifieds.com.
May 27, 2018…..Eureka, CA…. After chasing leader Eric Johnson for 34 laps, Jason Philpot of Sacramento took advantage of lapped traffic to slip under Johnson and stay out front the remainder of the 60 lapper to win race #2 of the North State Modified Series, presented by Protect the Harvest, at Redwood Acres Raceway Sunday night. Philpot’s win earned him $1000 plus a $250 bonus from Ward Land Management and Development (WLM&D.) This was Philpot’s first win at the Redwood Acres Raceway.
Johnson held off the late-race challenges of Kris Price to collect $700 (plus a $150 bonus from WLM&D) for his second place finish.
NSMS points leader Randy Houston clocked in fastest at 16.514 seconds over 2nd fast qualifier Darrin Sullivan (16.583), Kris Price (16.628), Eric Price Jr. (16.642) and Herman Pulyer (16.674.) Houston drew an 8 chip for the invert placing Johnson and Dustin DeRosier in row one for the start. Philpot and Pulyer were in row two, the Price brothers Eric and Kris shared row three, and Sullivan and Houston started seventh and eighth.
Johnson forged ahead at the start with Philpot diving under DeRosier for second. DeRosier settled into third with Eric Price fourth and Sullivan fifth. As the field was putting down laps, Houston started a forward run passing Pulyer on lap four. Houston continued, nosing under Sullivan for fifth on lap 16, and while Sullivan rode high, Kris Price also drove by.
Terry Deal was next to join the front runners, and at the half-way mark it was Johnson, Philpot, DeRosier, Eric Price, Houston, Kris Price, Deal, Sullivan, Ian Elliott, Rich Cobb, Pulyer, Stuart Campbell and Rick Avila.
As the leaders approached slower traffic, Johnson chose the high side and it was all Philpot needed to dive low and assume the lead on lap 35. Ten rounds later Eric Price spun in turn two to bring out the first yellow flag.
An uneven restart caused an accordion effect that saw the back of the field stack up causing severe damage to Eric Price’s car, ending his run. Stuart and Avila were also involved and both retired to the pits.
When racing resumed Houston passed DeRosier for third with Kris Price following to assume fourth place. Houston was working hard on Johnson, and with only 10 laps to go Price nosed under Houston for third. Price then set his sights on Johnson, but Johnson never faltered.
Philpot led the field to the Sunoco checkered flag followed by Johnson, Kris Price, Houston, DeRosier, Deal, Sullivan, Cobb, Pulyer and Elliott.
Eliott was the $100 winner in the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash where he later donated the money to the North State Modified Series “Driving Out Cancer” awareness fund. Eric Johnson collected $50 for his second place finish. Houston earned the Keyser Hard Charger award for passing the most cars, Stuart won the Naake Shocks certificate, and the Frank’s Radios awards went to Philpot, Johnson and Kris Price. Scribner Plastics jugs were presented to Elliott and Johnson.
North State Modified Series travels south to Madera Speedway for Race #3 on June 9.
The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Ward Land Management & Development, Hoosier Tire West, Sunoco Race Fuels, Naake Suspension, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, Scribner Plastics and Frank’s Radios.
WLM&D TIME TRIALS: Randy Houston (16.514), Darrin Sullivan (16.583) Kris Price (16.628), Eric Price Jr. (16.642), Herman Pulyer (16.674), Jason Philpot (16.716), Dustin DeRosier (16.799), Eric Johnson (16.857), Terry Deal (16.892), Rich Cobb (16.996), Ian Elliott (17.013), Stuart Campbell (17.140), Rick Avila (17.253).
LUCAS OIL DASH FOR CASH: Ian Elliott, Eric Johnson, Stuart Campbell, Terry Deal, Rich Cobb, Rick Avila.
SUNOCO / WLM&D FEATURE EVENT: Jason Philpot, Eric Johnson, Kris Price, Randy Houston, Dustin DeRosier, Terry Deal, Darrin Sullivan, Rich Cobb, Herman Pulyer, Ian Elliott, Stuart Campbell, Eric Price Jr., Rick Avila
Tulare, CA – …The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards is amped up to head for Central California and kick-off the much-anticipated Peter Murphy Classic this Friday May 18 at Tulare’s Thunderbowl Raceway.
The Peter Murphy Classic has become one of the biggest weekends of competition all season long in California. The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards will kick-off the event this Friday, while the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series headlines Saturday’s finale. The USAC West Coast Wingless 360’s are also on hand both nights, making it a sprint car lovers dream weekend.
The event is organized by now retired racer Peter Murphy, who suffered injuries during a racing crash at the Antioch Speedway on July 20, 2013. The accident ultimately forced him to step out of the seat, having suffered a traumatic brain injury, ligament damage in his neck, shoulder and knees, along with a compressed T-3 vertebra. The following year he organized the inaugural Peter Murphy Classic and received rave reviews for it. This season we celebrate the fifth anniversary of the event and it’s shaping up to be one of the best yet.
“I really want this weekend to be a memorable one for all the fans and teams once again,” said Murphy, who is originally from Australia and now resides in Clovis, CA. “I still can’t thank everyone enough for all they did after my accident. It was so humbling to have support from people all over the world. This is a way for me to continue giving back and show how much I appreciate the sport we all love. We’re excited to have the Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards as part of the Peter Murphy Classic again this year on Friday night.”
Commemorative Peter Murphy Classic T-shirts and hats will be on sale at the event with proceeds going to the NARC Benevolent Fund, which aids injured drivers and assisted Murphy immensely following his accident.
“The Northern Auto Racing Club Benevolent Fund is something that I definitely hold close, because it really kept my family and business going after my accident,” Murphy commented. “We’re getting event shirts made once again, plus hats and all the proceeds will be going to the benevolent fund. I also want to encourage everyone to bring a friend to the races that hasn’t been before. The best thing we can do is bring new people into our sport and I hope the Classic is an event that can get them hooked.”
There will again be a victory podium made up with champagne to help celebrate the winners in style. It will surely be a victory presentation that fans want to witness and gather around for! Sprint Car ambassador Brad Doty will also be on hand at the event with throwback T-shirts for sale.
Adult reserved grandstand seats for the Peter Murphy Classic cost $25 each night, while general admission bleacher tickets are $20 both nights. Kids 6-12 are $13 in the grandstands and $10 in the bleachers each night. Senior grandstand seats will be $23 and senior bleacher tickets are $18 both nights. To reserve your seats, contact 559-688-0909. The front gate will open at 4pm each night, with racing getting underway around 7. A seating chart, as well as hotel info is available online at www.tularethunderbowl.com
Merle Stone Chevrolet 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. Camping is also available at the fairgrounds located off turns three and four.
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour is proudly sponsored by Elk Grove Ford, Abreu Vineyards, Hoosier Racing Tires, Bianchi Farms, Kyle Larson Racing, All Star Performance, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, BR Motorsports, King Racing Products, Pit Stop USA, Auto Meter, ADCO Driveline & Exhaust, Bullard Construction, Chris Kenner Racing Specialties/ Security Race Products, CLT Logging, CRV Carbon Solutions, D&D Roofing, Driven2SaveLives, Dynachrome, Finley Farms, Garner Heat Treat Inc., Garth Moore Insurance and Financial Services, Jockos Sprint Parts, Keizer Wheels, Kevin Sharrah Designs, Light Up the World Beverages, Moto Wear, Metal Works, Naake Suspension, PT Shocks, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Quick Time Mortgage, Race Punk, R&R Racewear, Saldana Racing Products, Team Ford of Woodland, Walker Performance Filtration and Winters Performance.
Peter Murphy Classic Weekend Schedule at Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway
Friday May 18: Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards / USAC West Coast Wingless 360 Sprinters
Saturday May 19: King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series / USAC West Coast Wingless 360 Sprinters
Upcoming Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards events:
Friday May 18: Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway (Fifth annual Peter Murphy Classic) Saturday June 16: Keller Auto Speedway – Hanford, CA Saturday June 30: Placerville Speedway (with KWS-NARC) Sunday July 1: Petaluma Speedway Saturday July 7: Stockton Dirt Track (Salute to LeRoy Van Conett)
Eureka, CA (May 13, 2018) – It was a wild night of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway this past Saturday on Pepsi Night at the Races. Several major incidences slowed the competition in multiple divisions but there still was some thrilling racing all night long.
Unfortunately, the Fortuna Wheel & Brake bomber division was not in action for the evening due to the car count. In the division championship, Nick Green holds the points lead by three over Ryan Walters. Jim Redd is another point behind Walters in third. Sam Brown is fourth and Kolby Jackson rounds out the top five.
Qualifying for the Compass Community Credit Union roadrunner division was lead by Dylan Ford with a 20.334 time-in. Race one was a battle between brothers Dylan Ford and Nick Ford. Patrick Sproul was a big challenger in the early going but contact with lapped traffic cut his right front tire which sent him into the wall. The Fords continued their fight for the lead all race long but Nick was unable to get by Dylan. At the finish it was Dylan Ford winning over Nick Ford, Amanda Lohr, Lindsey Zito and Sprout.
The second main proved to be more chaotic. The Fords again were the front-runners but the 21-second rule played into the race several times. The rule is in place to ensure fair competition in the division and to keep costs down. Both Fords broke out three times and had to allow third-place Lindsey Zito into the lead. With both Fords trying to regain the lead on lap 15, Nick got into the grass while trying to pass Zito and Dylan. Nick lost control and lost control sending both he and his brother hard into the turn three wall. Both drivers were able to climb out of their cars safely. Zito inherited the lead and was able to go on to win her first-ever main event win. Ronnie Crump placed second, Amanda Lohr third. Dylan Ford was credited with fourth and Nick Ford fifth.
Lane Anderson continued his hot-streak in qualifying for the Bandoleros with fast time, a 21.617. Anderson followed up his trophy dash victory with a win in the heat race. The feature event saw more of the same as Anderson jumped to the lead and pulled away from the rest of the field. Anderson went on to win followed by Aiden Kimberling and Kadence Mace.
Chris Lawrence has made a successful transition from the Thunder Roadster division to the NorthCoast Lighting And Electric Legends division. His 18.167 was good enough to set fast time for the class. Aiden Daniels was the trophy dash winner while the heat went to Lawrence. Wyatt Hobart jumped to the lead initially before being overtaken by Tyler Peach. Lawrence moved to second and the front pair looked to be superior to the rest of the field. They pulled away as the rest of the field sorted out. On lap 10, Tyler Krupa’s left front wheel came off between turns one and two sending him into the wall and ending his night.
After that yellow, another caution flew when Brent Mack’s car broke. Lawrence used the restart to his advantage as he was able to get by Peach on lap 14. It was Lawrence’s race from then on as he took his first main event win in the Legends division. Peach was second followed by Aiden Daniels, Hobart and Brad Henderson.
Brian Murrell, Sr. was fast time for the Humboldt Hydroponics mini stock class with a 19.001. Murrell followed up with a victory in the dash. Scott Taylor pulled through to win heat race one while the second heat featured a little more excitement than some drivers wanted. Trevor Eacret and Murrell tangled on the front stretch sending Murrell into the wall. Eugene Palmer would take the victory in the race. Dylan Hagmann and C.J. Dalton led the field to the green with Dalton getting the initial lead. Just after the green, Hagmann, Brian Murrell, Jr. and Brian Murrell, Sr. all went into the pits. On lap four Dalton spun in turn four collecting Taylor.
The restart saw Jordan Paiment lead with Nick Ford in second place. Eugene Palmer’s truck lost power forcing him the pits for the duration of the race. The major turning point in the race occurred in turns one and two. Rick Estes was pulling his car into the pits. Behind him, R.C. Brown slowed just as the leaders were gaining at a high rate of speed. The result was Paiment slamming into Brown’s rear bumper. From that point on, Paiment’s car was not the same. On lap 10, Eacret took over as Paiment’s car was definitely off pace compared to earlier in the race. Gary Klinetobe did all he could as he got to within three to four car lengths on Eacret but it was not enough. At the finish it was Eacret winning his first feature over Klinetobe. Ford took third with Paiment placing fourth. Brown placed fifth.
Fast time for the Mid-City Motor World Super Six Challenge Series late models was Mic Moulton with a 15.780. Things got too exciting on the first lap of the heat race. Going into turn three, several cars got together resulting in major damage to Leonard Ward’s car. Fortunately, he was able to make the main event. The heat winner was Dane Nissen. The NorthCoast Lighting and Electric feature was led to the green by Dane Nissen and David Henderson. Things got too wild on the first lap going into the third turn when Tim Crenshaw and Kenny Demello got together. Both drivers hit the wall hard, seriously damaging both of their vehicles. Thankfully both drivers were able to walk away from their badly beaten cars.
Nissen took the lead off the restart. Marty Walsh looked to be Nissen’s main competition in the early going but the handling on his car appeared to fall off after the first 10 laps into the race. Henderson and Moulton were able to get under and past Walsh and the two tried to close in on Nissen. Both drivers were eventually able to close on Nissen and the three raced bumper-to-bumper for several laps. Henderson appeared to have the advantage handling-wise but Nissen was able to use his power down the straights to keep his lead. With 20-laps remaining, Moulton began to make a serious move to the lead. He was able to get by Henderson on lap 40. With 12 laps left, Moulton was able to get under and by Nissen. From that point on, Moulton was able to pull away. At the checkered flag it was Moulton winning over Nissen, Henderson, Marty Walsh and Ward.
Race three for the 2018 season at Redwood Acres Raceway is set to be a big event. It’s a rare Sunday night race on Memorial Day weekend, May 27th The Super Six Challenge Series Late Models will have the night off but the ever-popular North State Modifieds will be making their first visit to the 3/8-mile paved oval for the series’ second race of the year.
Sunday May 27th – O’Reilly Auto Parts Night At The Races (Featuring North State Modifieds, Late Models off)
Saturday June 9th – Renner Petroleum Night At The Races (Featuring Super 6 Late Models)
Friday June 22nd – Fair Race (Featuring Demolition Derby and Boat Race, Late Models and Bombers off)
Saturday June 23rd – Tractor Pulls (VIP tickets available, no oval racing)
Saturday July 7th – Don Graham Memorial Firecracker 100 (Featuring fireworks, Bandoleros and Legends off)
Saturday July 21st – Harper Ford Night at the Races (Featuring Super 6 Late Models, North State Modifieds, Mustang car show, roadrunners off)
Friday/Saturday August 3rd and 4th – Monster Trucks
Saturday August 18th – Anderson Logging Driver Appreciation Night (Featuring Super 6 Late Models, Murrell 500)
Friday/Saturday September 7/8 – Mid-City Motor World Fall Spectacular (Featuring North State Modifieds on Friday, Super 6 Late Models on Friday and Saturday)
It was a thrilling night at Ukiah Speedway with the 4 divisions of racing. Saturday night featured the Pro Jammers, Junior Jammers, Ukiah Modifieds, and the Bombers.
In the Pro Jammers, it was tough to beat #88J Justin Moran as he won the heat race and the main event. The trophy dash was won by #4 Raymond Taylor Jr.
In the Junior Jammers, it was a battle between Kylei Keown and Christian Sanchez. Sanchez was able to pull off the win in the heat race but Keown got the main event win. That was Keown’s second main event win of the season.
In the Ukiah Modifieds, we seen some old faces and some new faces. Kyler Berry in the #88B made his debut in the series along with #88 of Jason Hunter and #6 of Kobe Taylor. Cole Brown in the #04 machine won the trophy dash finishing in front of #37 Sierra Furia and #5 Steve Taylor. There was two heat races, heat race #1 was won by #55 Tyler Caturegli and heat race #2 was won by #77 Erick Ray. In the main event, #55 Tyler Caturegli was able to take home the trophy with #04 of Cole Brown finishing 2nd and #37 of Sierra Furia finishing 3rd.
In the Bombers, it was a battle between #5 of Jeff French and #96 of RJ Randall in the main event. The trophy dash was won by #88 Bob Mook. The heat race was won by #17 Robert Byers. The main event was a toss up between #5 Jeff French and #96 RJ Randall. French ended up taking home the win, with #88 Bob Mook in second and #96 RJ Randall took 3rd. Audrey Portlock won the B Bomber main event.
The Complete Results follow:
Jr Jammers
Heat
#23 Christian Sanchez
#57K Kylei Keown
Main
#57K Kylei Keown
#23 Christian Sanchez
Pro Jammers
Dash
#4 Raymond Taylor Jr
#88J Justin Moran
#2T Raymond Taylor Sr
#48 Gene Odell Sr
Heat
#88J Justin Moran
#4 Raymond Taylor Jr
#48 Gene Odell Sr
#2T Raymond Taylor Sr
#3 Jennifer Campbell
Main
#88J Justin Moran
#4 Raymond Taylor Jr
#2T Raymond Taylor Sr
#48 TJ Buzzard
#3 Jennifer Campbell
Ukiah Modifieds
Dash
#04 Cole Brown
#37 Sierra Furia
#5 Steve Taylor
Heat 1
#55 Tyler Caturegli
#04 Cole Brown
#37 Sierra Furia
#5 Steve Taylor
#19 Shelby Helm
Heat 2
#77 Erick Ray
#88B Kyler Berry
#6 Kobe Taylor
#88 Jason Hunter
#17 Tyler Shipley
Main
#55 Tyler Caturegli
#04 Cole Brown
#37 Sierra Furia
#5 Steve Taylor
#77 Erick Ray
#88 Jason Hunter
#17 Tyler Shipley
#88B Kyler Berry
#6 Kobe Taylor
Bombers
Dash
#88 Bob Mook
#66 Jimmy Sorrels
#5 Jeff French
#96 RJ Randall
Heat
#17 Robert Byers
#5 Jeff French
#88 Bob Mook
#B86 Rick Dickerson
#66 Jimmy Sorrels
#8 Ericka Ray
#96 RJ Randall
#75 Audrey Portluck
Main
#5 Jeff French
#88 Bob Mook
#96 RJ Randall
#66 Jimmy Sorrels
#17 Robert Byers
#8 Ericka Ray
#75 Audrey Portluck (B Bomber Main Event)
#B86 Rick Dickerson
This coming weekend at Ukiah Speedway on May 19th, the races will feature the Bandoleros,
Bombers, Legends, Jalopies, Jammers, Pro 4’s, and the PCS Late Models. Gates will open at
3:30 with racing at 5pm. Adults are $12, Senior/Student are $9, Children 6-11 are $6, 5 & under
are free, First Responders (id present) are $6, and the family pack is (2 general, 3 kids) are $30.
We hope to see everyone there!
Press release; Sierra Furia
Information; David Furia 707-799-3044
– Stockton, CA – Coming off a successful opener the Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards will look to continue the momentum this Saturday with round two in the championship battle, which takes place at the third annual Jimmy Sills Classic in Stockton.
This Saturday’s event honors the legendary Jimmy Sills and marks the third straight year that the event will be held at the Stockton Dirt Track. In his storied career Jimmy Sills tallied numerous major accomplishments including six wins at the Dirt Cup in Washington, which ranks number one all-time at the prestigious event. One of his more revered triumphs at the race came in 1980 when he ran the alphabet from the D-main to beat out the late great Gary Patterson for the victory.
In addition to that and his three USAC Silver Crown titles, the “Professor” has also scored wins at the Mini Gold Cup, the Oval Nationals, the Grand Annual Sprint Car Classic, the Jayhawk Nationals, Ohio Speedweek, the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial, the Tribute to Gary Patterson and countless other major events. In 1983 he captured a preliminary night at the prestigious Knoxville Nationals and went on to finish fifth in the Saturday finale.
Sills was also the all-time leader in victories at the now defunct Baylands Raceway Park and throughout the years has claimed wins in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Long story short the Elverta, California resident has been one of the most respected short track racers to ever come out of the Golden State and we look forward to recognizing him this Saturday night. In 2006 Sills was bestowed one of the highest honors a driver can receive when he was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.
Defending Jimmy Sills Classic champion Mitchell Faccinto goes into the Stockton Dirt Track fresh off his season-opening Sprint Car Challenge Tour victory on March 31. The Hanford racer in fact, earned both of his tour wins last year in Stockton and has always gotten around 4/10-mile-oval in strong fashion. Rounding out the top-five at the recent Placerville Speedway opener was Penngrove’s Buddy Kofoid, Grass Valley’s Brad Sweet, Paradise’ Kyle Hirst and Fremont’s Shane Golobic.
A strong field of Winged 360 Sprint Cars is set to converge upon the Stockton clay and will also include San Jose’s Tim Kaeding, Fresno’s Dominic Scelzi, Auburn’s Andy Forsberg, Roseville’s Willie Croft and Sean Becker, Penngrove’s Chase Johnson, Watsonville’s Justin Sanders, Hollister’s Tony Gualda, Clarksburg’s Justyn Cox, Minden, Nevada’s Tanner Thorson, Hanford’s DJ Netto, Cameron Park’s Shane Hopkins, Fremont’s Dustin Golobic, Roseville’s Colby Copeland, Escalon’s Cody Hodgson, Stockton’s Matt Petersen and many more.
Adult tickets this Saturday April 14 at the Stockton Dirt Track will cost $20, kids 5-10 will be $10 and those four and under are free. All seating will be general admission. Online tickets are available at here.
The pit gate is scheduled to open at 1pm. The front gate opens at 4pm. Cars will hit the track around 5pm with hot laps, qualifying and racing to follow. Prior to the races we’ll have an autograph session set up with Jimmy Sills, Kyle Offill and Lucas Ashe from 4pm-5pm.
The standard SCCT muffler rule will be in effect on Saturday and the drivers meeting is slated to take place at 4:15.
The Stockton Dirt Track is a lightning fast 4/10-mile clay oval located on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds in Stockton, California. The physical address is 1658 S Airport Way, Stockton, CA 95206. For information on the speedway visit www.stocktondirttrack.com
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour is proudly sponsored by Elk Grove Ford, Abreu Vineyards, Hoosier Racing Tires, Bianchi Farms, Kyle Larson Racing, All Star Performance, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, BR Motorsports, King Racing Products, Pit Stop USA, Auto Meter, ADCO Driveline & Exhaust, Bullard Construction, Chris Kenner Racing Specialties/ Security Race Products, CLT Logging, CRV Carbon Solutions, D&D Roofing, Driven2SaveLives, Dynachrome, Finley Farms, Garner Heat Treat Inc., Garth Moore Insurance and Financial Services, Jockos Sprint Parts, Keizer Wheels, Kevin Sharrah Designs, Light Up the World Beverages, Moto Wear, Metal Works, Naake Suspension, PT Shocks, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Quick Time Mortgage, Race Punk, R&R Racewear, Saldana Racing Products, Team Ford of Woodland, Walker Performance Filtration and Winters Performance.
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour is operated under the Russell Motorsports Inc. banner, which also manages the Placerville Speedway in Placerville, California. For sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, RMI can be reached at 530-344-7592 or office@sprintcarchallengetour.com
Mitchell Faccinto snags Sprint Car Challenge Tour opener in front of sold out Placerville Speedway crowd
By Gary Thomas
Placerville, CA – Hanford’s Mitchell Faccinto won twice last season with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards and opened 2018 in stellar fashion, claiming victory in front of a sellout crowd at the Placerville Speedway on Saturday.
Faccinto put together a near perfect night aboard the Western Metal Company/ TSG Recycling No. 37, after winning the BR Motorsports heat race, the Race Punk dash and earning the Metal Works fastest lap in the A-main. The victory was a career first in Placerville for Faccinto and awarded him $4500 thanks to extra money from Elk Grove Ford and Kyle Larson Racing. Adding in the contingency prizes it bumped that number up to a solid $4800 in winnings.
“It feels great to get our first win at Placerville Speedway tonight and even better to do it on opening night with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour,” Faccinto said on the front stretch. “This place hasn’t always been our best, but my guys gave me an outstanding car tonight, so I can’t thank them enough. We had a really good year last season and hope this is a sign of things to come in 2018. We’ll use this momentum and hopefully do it again with SCCT in Stockton on April 14.”
The 35-lap feature began with Faccinto jumping into the lead ahead of fellow front row starter Michael “Buddy” Kofoid. A couple of cautions early on slowed the pace, but once lapped traffic came into play things became interesting. As Faccinto caught traffic it allowed Kofoid and Grass Valley’s Brad Sweet the opportunity to close in and make it a three-car fight for the lead. A caution on lap 21 brought the party to a stop however and gave the leaders an open track.
The remainder of the race saw Faccinto put together smooth and consistent laps and even despite catching traffic towards the end, was able to keep the field at bay and cross under the Ron Stahl checkered flag by 0.737 seconds in front of Kofoid. Faccinto also becomes the first driver to reach three career wins with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards.
Kofoid’s runner up finish capped off a solid night in the Van Dyke Motorsports/ Gary Silva Ranches No. 5H machine. The 16-year-old last season finished fifth in the tour standings, ironically one position behind Faccinto. The podium in the feature was rounded out by Sweet, who made a cameo appearance in the Rod Tiner Racing/ Shark Engines No. 83SA. The World of Outlaws regular battled defending SCCT champion Kyle Hirst for much of the race and was able to make the pass with a few laps remaining.
Hirst and Fremont’s Shane Golobic completed the top-five. The remainder of the top-10 was round out by San Jose’s Tim Kaeding, who earned the Pit Stop USA Hard Charger Award by carving way from 16th to sixth, Auburn’s Andy Forsberg, Lemoore’s Carson Macedo, Roseville’s Willie Croft and Penngrove’s Chase Johnson.
The Finley Farms B-main was captured by Cameron Park’s Shane Hopkins, while Lemoore’s Cole Macedo won the C-main. As noted Mitchell Faccinto claimed the Race Punk Dash and the BR Motorsports heat race. Brad Sweet scooped up victory in the Allstar Performance heat, with Tanner Thorson winning the A.R.T. Speed Equipment heat and Carson Macedo taking home the King Racing Products heat.
Shane Golobic opened the evening by setting the Quick Time Mortgage/ ADCO Driveline and Custom Exhaust fast time with a lap of 11.114 around the quarter-mile. It marked his fifth fast time with the tour in 11-starts.
The Placerville Speedway returns to action next Saturday April 7 with the opening Red Hawk Casino championship point race. Divisions set to hit the track for “First Responders Night” will include theWinged 360 Sprint Cars, Pure Stocks, IMCA Sport Mods and Mini Trucks. More info can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards will return to competition on Saturday April 14 at the Stockton Dirt Track. The night of racing will honor National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Jimmy Sills with the third annual Jimmy Sills Classic. More info can be found at www.stocktondirttrack.com
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour is proudly sponsored by Elk Grove Ford, Abreu Vineyards, Hoosier Racing Tires, Bianchi Farms, Kyle Larson Racing, All Star Performance, A.R.T. Speed Equipment, BR Motorsports, King Racing Products, Pit Stop USA, Auto Meter, ADCO Driveline & Exhaust, Bullard Construction, Chris Kenner Racing Specialties/ Security Race Products, CLT Logging, CRV Carbon Solutions, D&D Roofing, Driven2SaveLives, Dynachrome, Finley Farms, Garner Heat Treat Inc., Garth Moore Insurance and Financial Services, Jockos Sprint Parts, Keizer Wheels, Kevin Sharrah Designs, Light Up the World Beverages, Moto Wear, Metal Works, Naake Suspension, PT Shocks, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Quick Time Mortgage, Race Punk, R&R Racewear, Saldana Racing Products, Team Ford of Woodland, Walker Performance Filtration.
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour is operated under the Russell Motorsports Inc. banner, which also manages the Placerville Speedway in Placerville, California. For sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, RMI can be reached at 530-344-7592 or office@sprintcarchallengetour.com
More information on the Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards can be found at our official website www.sprintcarchallengetour.com – Be sure to also like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter for the latest breaking news regarding SCCT.
Photo: Cloverdale driver Dustin DeRosier (#12) and Sacramento’s Jason Philpot will be competing in the North State Modified Series’ season opener at Shasta Speedway on May 12.
The North State Modified Series (NSMS), presented by Protect the Harvest, will once again bring top-notch modified action to six different race tracks for 10 events throughout Northern and Central California.
The 2018 season opener at All American Speedway on April 21 was canceled by AAS promoter Bill McAnally when he was not able to secure a contract with the fairgrounds in time. That moves the first NSMS race to Shasta Speedway in Anderson, CA on May 12.
Two weeks later the series moves to the coast’s Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka, CA on May 27. The Eureka show will be the only Sunday event on the tour.
The series heads to central California on June 9 for a combo show with the southern-based Lucas Oil Modifieds at Madera Speedway. Then back to to the ¼ mile Ukiah Speedway on June 23.
The month of July is slated for a race at the All American Speedway on July 7, and a return to Redwood Acres Raceway on July 21.
The only race in August will be held at Lakeport Speedway, the smallest track on the circuit. Lakeport is the most challenging track for the modified competitors due to its narrow, circular configuration.
Events in September include the final show at Redwood Acres Raceway on Sept 8, and the 3rd Annual Lloyd Burton “Against the Wind” Modified Challenge on September 29 at Shasta Speedway.
The tour ends at All American Speedway on October 13 for a Trifecta Championship Night featuring the North State Modified Series, the Pacific Challenge Late Models Series, and the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.
The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Lucas Oil, Ward Ranches, Hoosier Tire West, Naake Suspension, Sunoco Race Fuels, Five Star Bodies, Racer Bling, Keyser Racing Products, Economy Heating & Air, and Scribner Plastics.
NSMS modified rules, procedures and other information are available at the new web site www.northstatemodifieds.com.
Press Release 04/04/18
By Nadine Strauss, 707-274-1662
Darrin Knight enjoys his time with the 51-Fifty girls in the winner’s circle at Madera Speedway while being interviewed after this North State Modified victory. PHOTO by Don Thompson
MADERA, CALIFORNIA (August 13, 2016) – Darrin Knight and Jeremy Doss both extended their points leads, taking touring series victories on a busy night at LoanMart Madera Speedway. Knight, from Kelseyville, CA, and Doss, from Upperlake, CA, both hail over 250 miles north of the 1/3rd mile speedway. Knight won the Sunoco Fuels 60 for the North State Modifieds, presented by Protect the Harvest, while Doss’ win came in the Pacific Challenge Series presented by PenneyLawyers.com.
NORTH STATE MODIFIEDS
Knight’s win in the North State Modifieds was convincing as he led Charlie Collins in a close duel throughout the closing laps. Nick Lyons started on the outside pole and took the lead from Terry Deal on the initial start. Charlie Collins and Mike Collins navigated the pack from eighth and sixth starting positions respectively. Knight lined up on the fifth row with June 11th North State Madera winner Jason Philpot of Sacramento alongside. Knight was quickly on the move and was up into third on lap five using the outside line.
Knight then took over second with Charlie Collins up third behind him by lap ten. Four rounds later Knight moved to the high side and made the outside pass on Lyons to gain control and take the lead.
Knight, Lyons and Collins staged a nice battle before a red flag when Benny Moon lost an engine in turn one. Knight chose the outside groove on the restart and jetted ahead again. Collins went to work on Lyons for second. The battle continued until Lyons was finally shuffled to the outside line and freight trained back to sixth position.
At the halfway point of the 60 lap race Knight held the lead with Charlie Collins in hot pursuit. Philpot was next followed by Mike Collins, Darrin Sullivan, Lyons, Joe Rhodes Jr, Sierra Furia and Terry Deal.
Heavy lapped traffic in the final five laps of the race allowed Collins within half a second but never closer. Knight got the $1000 win over Collins, Philpot, Mike Collins, and Darrin Sullivan. Lyons eventually finished sixth followed by Rhodes, Furia and Kevin Coburn. Josh Stewart and Benny Moon suffered mishaps and did not finish.
In the Lucas Oil Dash for Cash Coburn collected $100 for the win, with Moon getting $50 for second.
Knight clocked in fastest at 14.940 seconds to earn the Penney Racing Supply/Sunoco Fast Time Award. He also took home the Wenteq Hard Charger Award for passing the most cars.
Lyons collected the Naake Suspension award, and the DJ Safety Certificate went to Rhodes. The Scribner Plastics went to Stewart and Moon.
The North State Modified Series rolls back into Ukiah Speedway on August 27th for the American Racer PRS 60.
The The North State Modified Series is presented by: Protect the Harvest, Swartz Diesel, Lucas Oil, Sinister Diesel, Penney Racing Supply, American Racer Tires, Naake Suspension, Sunoco Fuels, Five Star Bodies, Wrap Star Pro, Wenteq, Scribner Plastics, DJ Safety, and the Buckhorn Bar and Grill.
SUNOCO/PENNEY RACING SUPPLY TIME TRIALS: Darrin Knight (14.940), Jason Philpot (14.970), Charlie Collins (15.037), Darrin Sullivan (15.098), Mike Collins (15.164), Sierra Furia (15.180), Joe Rhodes (15.215), Josh Stewart (15.293), Nick Lyons (15.8410, Terry Deal (15.579), Benny Moon (15.658), Kevin Coburn (15.660)
LUCAS OIL DASH FOR CASH: Kevin Coburn, Benny Moon, Terry Deal, Joe Rhodes, Josh Stewart, Nick Lyons
SUNOCO FUELS 60: Darrin Knight, Charlie Collins, Jason Philpot, Mike Collins, Darrin Sullivan, Nick Lyons, Joe Rhodes, Sierra Furia, Terry Deal, Kevin Coburn, Josh Stewart, Benny Moon
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PCS LATE MODELS
Doss’ win was his 18th career victory in the series. Jason Romero made his first career Madera start after sweeping both Roseville races this year. He led practice, set a new track record at a 14.162, and proceeded to win the American Racer Tire dash for a set of tires and the pole position.
Romero’s pole was short lived at the start of the feature as Valley Springs’ Tracy Bolin swept around the outside to lead lap one. Romero fell into the clutches of Doss for second in a back-and-forth battle until Doss spun with contact from Ross Strmiska on lap five. Lodi’s Matt Wendt suffered a flat right front tire and slight damage trying to avoid the spin. Mike Beeler also was caught up in the incident.
Doss took over the lead from Bolin on the restart and Herzog used the restart to get around Jeff Bishofberger for third. Travis Milburn started turning up the heat as he got around Chris Scribner for sixth on lap 24 and then overhauled Shannon Mansch for fifth on the outside on lap 32.
The Herzog and Bischofberger battle was very physical with the drivers snaking three-wide through lapped traffic. The long 34 lap green flag run ended on lap 40 for a brief caution. Lap 41 proved to be difficult to overcome with a series of spins. Most notably Matthew Wendt suffered damage when he tangled with Strmiska.
Colby Potts suffered heavy front end damage to his Camaro and a few laps later tangled hard with Don Swartz‘ Mustang for a lap 45 caution. Potts was done for the evening.
All the following restarts were single file which gave Doss a cushion over the continuing battling between Bolin and Herzog. Herzog got around on the outside for second on lap 49 to turn his attention to Doss. Mansch spun with contact from Strmiska for a lap 51 caution that set up the battle to the finish.
Herzog made his mark, diving inside Doss several times and making contact in turn four to lead lap 55. Doss charged back on the outside to lead lap 56 and would not be deterred as he drove away for a 1.7 second win ahead of Herzog, Bolin, Bischofberger, and Romero for a comeback run to fifth.
By Steven Blakesley and Nadine Strauss, (707) 274-1662
