Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Season comes to a close at Antioch Speedway Saturday night

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Top IMCA Modified racers Kellen Chadwick #83, Nick DeCarlo #17 and Bobby Motts Jr #u81 do battle. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

The marathon season at Antioch Speedway comes to a close this Saturday night, Nov. 26. Over 40 events have been held at the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) track this year. Originally, this was to be a two-race weekend, but it’s been condensed down to one.

The IMCA sanctioned Modifieds, Sport Modifieds and Stock Cars will be on hand along with the Wingless Spec Sprints, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Super Stocks. It’ll be the final opportunity to see racing here until next year.

The championship season for the IMCA Modifieds came down to a tie. In fact, IMCA did an official audit when they originally had Kellen Chadwick of Oakley leading by one point over Martinez’s Nick DeCarlo. It was determined that the tie the track had calculated between the two drivers was in fact the correct.

DeCarlo will win the championship based on the fact that he beat Chadwick, four wins to three wins. Bobby Motts Jr will end up third in the final run down ahead of this year’s top rookie, Brentwood’s Trevor Clymens and Terry DeCarlo Jr of Martinez.

Bill Bowers Memorial winner Kenny Shrader #188, Fred Ryland #7j, Kelly Campanile #2 and Tyler Browne #325 jockeying for position in IMCA Sport Modifieds. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The IMCA Sport Modified battle went down to the wire. Andrew Pearce of Oakley seemed good until mechanical issues at the third to last race while leading sent him to the pits. Brentwood’s Fred Ryland had four wins this season and beat Pearce by eight points for the championship. Pearce did end up winning three races this season for a strong second place outing, followed by IMCA State champion Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley, Pacheco’s Kenny Shrader and Chuck Golden of Pittsburg.

Travis Dutra of Concord ended up winning the IMCA Stock Car championship by 20 markers ahead of Jason Robles of Rio Vista. This is the second-consecutive championship for Dutra, who finally got his first win in the season finale. He only missed the Top 5 one time in 12 starts. Jason Jennings of Pittsburg wrapped up third in the standings and top rookie honors, followed by Dave Hill of San Francisco and Antioch’s Dave Gonderman.

Misty Welborn kicked off the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock season with three wins in the first four races. The Castro Valley resident cruised to the championship, while Oakley’s Michaela Taylor beat Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh by just four points in the race for second. Top rookie Taylor DeCarlo of Martinez ended up fourth ahead of the much improved Jewell Crandall of Antioch.

Shannon Newton #2, Steve Maionchi #25 and James East #71 racing hard in Wingless Spec Sprints. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Shannon Newton of Elk Grove wasn’t planning on racing for points this year, but the four-time winner ended up winning his second Wingless Spec Sprint championship by 17 points ahead of Oakley’s James East. Steve Maionchi of Sonora ended up third ahead of MacKenzie Newton of Elk Grove and Tulare’s Zack Neeley.

In Super Stock competition, Jim Freethy of Danville picked up his third championship. He picked up four wins along the way, and his title was never in doubt. Brentwood’s Joey Ridgeway bested Jimmy Robbins of Concord by just eight points to end up second in the standings. 2020 champion Mike Walko of Knightsen and two-time title winner Mike Gustafson of Concord ended up fourth and fifth, respectively.

Mike Walko #13a, Larry Damitz Memorial winner Michael Burch #03 and Wayne Trimble #71 race for position in Super Stock competition. Photo by Katrina Kniss

At this point, it’s about the bragging rights and the purse money when these six divisions come to compete this Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.

Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.

For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

 

St. Vincent de Paul, De La Salle Lacrosse “Team-Up” to provide Thanksgiving dinners for needy Concord families

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DLS Lacrosse Team supports SVdP – St Francis Turkey Drive on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Photo: St. Vincent de Paul

By Brian Boyle, Communications & Development Associate, St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County

On Saturday, November 19, 2022, the St. Vincent de Paul branch at St. Francis Assisi church in Concord, and the coaches and players on the De La Salle Lacrosse teams provided over 100 turkeys and over 100 volunteer hours to help hungry Concord families.  As a result, these 100 families, (over 400 individuals), will have a special holiday meal to serve their family this Thanksgiving.

Isabel Lara, the leader of the St. Vincent de Paul volunteer team in Concord said that they would not be able to extend this program to the needy without the help of the De La Salle Lacrosse teams.

“The kindness and support of the DLS Lacrosse players and coaches at the Thanksgiving distribution was a gift to the community!” she shared. “The happy faces from the parents and their children as they received their turkey, and the bags of food was a beautiful expression of their gratitude.”

The St. Vincent de Paul branch at St. Francis of Assisi operates a food pantry, provides home visits to extend basic needs assistance, (rental & utility assistance), and other services for the needy.

The De La Salle Lacrosse teams have provided this assistance to St. Vincent de Paul for 12 years, distributing over 1,650 turkeys, raising over $35,500 and contributing over 1,230 volunteer hours.

If someone needs help, please contact SVdP at www.svdp-cc.org, or (925) 439-5060.

About St. Vincent de Paul

The mission of St. Vincent de Paul: A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships with and service to people in need.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County provides help to neighbors in need regardless of gender, national origin, race, or religion. It is part of an international non-profit, organized locally to bring concrete aid and comfort to those who are poor and suffering in Contra Costa County. The Society collaborates with other people and organizations of good will in mitigating need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served.

 

Foulger plays spoiler for third Antioch Speedway win

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Five-time champion Troy Foulger #49 returned for his fourth IMCA Modified win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Pearce, Dutra, Holbrook, Brown also winners 

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Troy Foulger won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night, Sept. 17, 2022, at Antioch Speedway. This was his third win of the season aboard the Bowers Motorsports Modified, and the fact that the five-time champion stole the win from title hopeful Kellen Chadwick meant that Chadwick and Nick DeCarlo ended up tied for the point lead. DeCarlo won the championship on tiebreaker due to four wins to the three that Chadwick had.

Chadwick bolted into the early lead ahead of Bobby Motts Jr, but Foulger slipped past Motts for second on Lap 4. Foulger closed in quickly on Chadwick and made a low pass in Turn 2 on Lap 8 to take the lead. After his own car was broke, incoming leader Nick DeCarlo had to borrow his father’s car and started at the back of the pack. He was trying to make enough passes to at least keep a tie with Chadwick. When Tyler Browne bobbled out of Turn 4 two laps from the end, DeCarlo ended up seventh, which was all he needed to do. Foulger set a rapid pace and brought it home to victory ahead of Chadwick, Motts, Buddy Kniss and Trevor Clymens.

Andrew Pearce #15p gave it a valiant effort in his second IMCA Sport Modified victory, but he’ll come up short in the championship chase. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Andrew Pearce won his second-straight IMCA Sport Modified Main Event, but a third-place finish wrapped up the third championship for Fred Ryland. The race was destined to go without a yellow flag. Pearce and Ryland started on the front row with Pearce charging into the lead ahead of Ryland and Jacob Mallet Jr. Kenny Shrader made an inside pass on the back stretch on Lap 6 to take third and slipped past Ryland on the inside down the front stretch on Lap 10 to take second. However, Pearce had a commanding lead and led the final 10 laps for the impressive win. Shrader settled for second ahead of Ryland, Tommy Fraser and Jason Ryan Jr.

Travis Dutra #22 used his first win of the season to wrap up the IMCA Stock Car championship. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Travis Dutra wrapped up the 2022 IMCA Stock Car championship with his first win of the season. He started on the front row and led immediately ahead of Jason Robles. Troy Foulger gained second on Lap 8 and held the position until he threw a wheel in Turn 2 on Lap 14 to end his race. At that point, Dutra led Ryland and Robles, but Ryland threw a wheel in Turn 4 on the last lap as Dutra picked up the win ahead of Robles, Dan Gonderman, Dave Hill and Jason Jennings.

Clarence Holbrook III #2h scored his fourth Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Clarence Holbrook III won his fourth Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Despite having a rough last lap, Misty Welborn won the division championship. Jared Baugh took the early lead over Michaela Taylor and they ran that way until Baugh slowed on the back straightaway and pitted in the infield on Lap 8. Taylor led a lap before Grayson Baca took the lead with a low pass in Turn 4 on Lap 9. Aidan Ponciano settled into second and they ran that way until a yellow flag on Lap 16. Holbrook took the lead on the restart with Baca in second. That’s the way they finished over the final laps as Larry McKinzie Jr ended up third followed by Taylor and Kevin Brown.

Dan Brown, Jr. #15 took the Xtreme Limited Late Model point lead with his second Antioch win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Dan Brown, Jr. won the 20 lap Xtreme Limited Late Model Main Event and in the process took the point lead in the series. He had won the previous race at Antioch. Matt Micheli jumped into the early lead and built a straightaway advantage within seven laps. As the race hit the midway point, Micheli closed in on slower traffic and had a difficult time getting by. Brown made a Turn 2 pass to take the lead. Two slower cars got together in front of leaders with Jake Dewsbury spinning for a Lap 18 yellow flag. Brown maintained the lead on the restart and went on to victory ahead of Micheli, Kiely Ricardo, Rod Oliver and Dewsbury.

Next week is Championship Night #2, featuring the Wingless Spec Sprints, Mini Stocks, W

MR Midgets, a non-point Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock race and the Hardtops. For further information, go to www.antochspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results September 17th

Antioch Speedway

IMCA Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Bobby Motts Jr, Kellen Chadwick. Main Event (20 laps)-Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Bobby Motts Jr, Buddy Kniss, Trevor Clymens, Brian Cass, Nick DeCarlo, Jeff Browne, Paul Guglielmoni, Danny Malfatti.

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Fred Ryland, Kenny Shrader. Main Event (20 laps)-Andrew Pearce, Kenny Shrader, Fred Ryland, Tommy Fraser, Jason Ryan Jr, Jacob Mallet Jr, Chris Sieweke, Joseph Pato, Todd Gomez, Dylan Connelly.

IMCA Stock Cars 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Travis Dutra, Jason Jennings. Main Event (20 laps)-Travis Dutra, Jason Robles, Dan Gonderman, Dave Hill, Jason Jennings, Joe Gallaher, Rob Gallaher, Jeff Bentancourt, Fred Ryland, Troy Foulger.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Clarence Holbrook III Aidan Ponciano, Jon Haney, Jared Baugh. B Main (15 laps)-Danny Aves, James Graessle, Gavin Griffiths. Main Event (20 laps)-Clarence Holbrook III, Grayson Baca, Larry McKinzie Jr, Michaela Taylor, Kevin Brown, Jewell Crandall, Taylor DeCarlo, Misty Welborn, Jon Haney, Adam Kujala.

Xtreme Limited Late Models 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Matt Micheli, Kiely Ricardo. Main Event (20 laps)-Dan Brown Jr, Matt Micheli, Kiely Ricardo, Rod Oliver, Jake Dewsbury, Jason Ryan Jr, Paul Guglielmoni, Buddy Kniss, Brett Curran.

 

Book signing by author, wife of Pittsburg’s Olympic Gold Medalist Eddie Hart Saturday, Aug. 27

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“I Remember ‘72” offers her perspective of what happened to cause Fastest Human, World Record Holder to be disqualified

By Allen D. Payton

Following publication of the book “Disqualified” by Pittsburg resident Eddie Hart and longtime Bay Area sports reporter Dave Newhouse about Hart’s experience leading up to and at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, his wife, Gwendolyn “Gwen” Hart has penned her own book to offer her perspective. (See related article)

In her book entitled “I Remember ’72: The Road to Munich (My Voice)” Gwen, wife of the Olympic Gold Medalist, World’s Fastest Human at the time, and World Record Holder, speaks from a woman’s point of view. After 50 years of silence, she now voices her held in feelings of what happened to her then boyfriend, now husband on the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Summer Olympics.

About The Book

It’s the perspective of a supportive girlfriend, then wife, of the life, tragedy experienced, and dignity displayed by the one-time, Fastest Man in the World and Olympic Gold Medalist Eddie Hart.

“I REMEMBER ‘72 is about perseverance, overcoming and love, which is what life is all about,” Gwen shared. “When situations arise, you’re going to need someone that cares for you, to help you to see that it can be overcome, that you can persevere. Eddie’s fortitude and the love he had from family would be the shining beacon that he would have to hold to and believe in, not letting others dictate how he should live; because Eddie was brought up to not throw stones, because one is thrown at you. He couldn’t afford to be told differently.”

“Life’s lessons are all about choices and what you choose will either help you build your character as a person or it will drag you like the wind blows trash, not having a direction. When things get rough you don’t have the luxury of re-acting but responding. That’s what I REMEMBER ‘72 is about; the man Eddie Hart who responded,” she added.

“A must read for those who appreciate a journey of faith by two who qualified because their hearts are filled with love, Gwendolyn’s My Voice has become their voice,” said Paul Cobb Publisher of the Post News Group.

“I Remember ‘72 provides yet another testimony of how love is the power and the means by which we overcome the catastrophic times in our lives,” Of LIFE and TIME author Clifton L. West III shared.

Get an autographed copy of Gwen Hart’s book and meet Eddie Hart on Saturday, August 27 at 1 p.m. at the Pittsburg Historical Society Museum located at 515 Railroad Avenue.

Book Purchase Information:

Cost: $23.00

Shp/Hld. $4.00

Payment Options:

Cash App: $ghbooks2music

By Check: Top Performance

640 Bailey Rd. #170

Pittsburg, CA 94565

Amtrak San Joaquins will run Special Event Train to August 7th “Battle of the Bay” baseball game

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Deeply discounted; by leaving the car at home, Oakland A’s and San Francisco Giant’s fans can relax, save cash and enjoy the game!

By David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority

Contra Costa residents will be able to take a deeply discounted special event train to the “Battle of the Bay” baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants on Sunday, August 7th.

Amtrak San Joaquins tickets to the Oakland Coliseum (OAC) will include an automatically applied 50% discount. Travelers can also apply additional discounts, including the Disabled Rider Discount, Veteran & Active Military Discounts, Student Discount, and others available on the Amtrak San Joaquins promotions page.

Amtrak San Joaquins has modified its route and schedule for the Sunday, August 7th Battle of the Bay game between the Oakland Athletics and the San Francisco Giants, scheduled to begin at 1:07 pm. Train 711 has been modified to travel all the way to the Oakland Coliseum, past its usual stop at Jack London Square and is scheduled to arrive at 10:39 am. After the game, Amtrak Train 718 will depart directly from the Oakland Coliseum at 5:25 pm.

“Amtrak San Joaquins riders utilize our service for a variety of transportation purposes. One of these purposes is to travel to fun, family-oriented events such as the Battle of the Bay,” said David Lipari, San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority marketing manager. “With the price of gas so high, people are looking for opportunities to travel, save cash, and still have a fun and memorable experience. We are happy to be able to provide that with our Battle of the Bay special train.”

For an additional fee of only $10, travelers aboard the 711 train can purchase the Battle of the Bay food bundle, which includes a hotdog and 12oz. beer of any choice, available for pickup in the Café Car.

Special Event Train will serve the following counties:

Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings and Kern

Date: Sunday, August 7, 2022

Schedule:

For passengers interested in monitoring capacity levels for trains and buses, travelers can utilize Amtrak’s capacity indicator system. This online tool allows customers to see in real-time the percentage of seats sold for each trip option. This gives customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded if they choose or cancel the reservation if needed.

All discounts can be accessed at amtraksanjoaquins.com/promotions/. Passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets prior to boarding at stations, online at AmtrakSanJoaquins.com, on the Amtrak app, or at a station kiosk.

About the San Joaquin Joint Powers Authority (SJJPA) Since July 2015, SJJPA has been responsible for the management and administration of Amtrak San Joaquins. SJJPA is governed by Board Members representing each of the ten (10) Member Agencies along the 365-mile San Joaquins Corridor. For more information on SJJPA see www.sjjpa.com.

Amtrak San Joaquins is Amtrak’s 6th busiest route with 18 train stations throughout the Central Valley and Bay Area, providing a safe, comfortable and reliable way to travel throughout California. Amtrak San Joaquins is currently running six daily round-trips. In addition to the train service, Amtrak San Joaquins Thruway buses provide connecting service to 135 destinations in California and Nevada including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Napa Valley, Las Vegas and Reno.

Velasquez, Reeder, Bohard win Opening Night of Dwarf Car Nationals at Antioch Speedway

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Southern California competitor Tommy Velazquez III #14e turned in a strong performance in winning the Pro Dwarf Car Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Newton, Baugh also win; Arriaga disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct after his race; races continue tonight!

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…July 15…Tommy Velasquez III won the Pro Dwarf Car 20 lap Main Event Friday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the opening night of the WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals, hosted by the local Delta Dwarf Car Association. Velasquez is part is part of the Southern California Dwarf Car Association, which was recently reformed by his family. The Top 10 finishers in each of the Dwarf Car categories automatically qualified for Saturday’s Fast Dashes to set the first five rows of Saturday’s Main Events.

Velasquez charged into the early lead ahead of Chance Russell and Chris Kress. However, a low pass in Turn 4 on Lap 3 gained Adam Teves second from Russell. Michael Tobiason gained third on the sixth lap and started pressuring Teves for second. Tobiason made that pass on Lap 11. By the 16th circuit, Tobiason was challenging Velasquez for the lead, and a yellow flag waved for Anthony Pope in Turn 3 on Lap 18. Velasquez led Tobiason and Danny Wagner on the restart, and they finished in that order with Adam Teves and Michael “Spanky” Grenert rounding out the Top 5.

Shannon Newton #2n fired up his Wingless Spec Sprint championship hopes with his third Main Event win of the season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

2019 Wingless Spec Sprint champion Shannon Newton kept his championship hopes alive with the 20 lap Main Event win. Official decisions elevated him from a second place finish. For most of the race, recent Sonny Calkins Memorial winner Shawn Arriaga was leading in the Dave Johnson owned car.

Arriaga took the early lead ahead of Newton, and a yellow flag waved on Lap 6 for incoming point leader Zack Neeley, who retired at that point. Arriaga led Newton and Nick Larsen on the restart. Arriaga held a straightaway advantage over Newton by Lap 10, but he hit heavy traffic by Lap 14 as Larsen slipped past Newton for second. Larsen caught Arriaga quickly, and contact from Larsen sent Arriaga spinning in Turn 2. Arriaga kept going with no yellow flag as Newton was second and Arriaga recovered in third. Larsen brought it home to the checkered flag but was penalized two positions for the contact with Arriaga that gained him the lead. This put Shannon Newton into the winner’s circle. Arriaga was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct after the race, elevating MacKenzie Newton to a career best second ahead of Larsen, Roy Fisher and James East.

Veteran point leader Mike Reeder #72n won his division’s preliminary Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Veteran division point leader Mike Reeder won their time-limit shortened 17 lap Main Event. Reeder took the early lead ahead of Jack Haverty and Eric Weisler. Haverty made a Turn 2 pass to claim the lead on Lap 2, but a bit of contact between Haverty and Reeder as they were working Lap 3 saw Haverty hit the Turn 4 wall for a yellow flag. Haverty was out, and Reeder led Weisler and Brian Quilty on the restart. They ran that way through the 10th lap, when Scotty Preast took third from Quilty. Reeder had a straightaway advantage wiped out by a yellow flag on Lap 12. Reeder led Weisler and Quilty on the ensuing restart. A yellow flag waved on Lap 15, and the drivers were warned that the next yellow flag would end the race. Reeder led Weisler on the restart. Quilty spun from his Top 5 position in Turn 4, and the yellow and checkered flags flew on Lap 17. Reeder got the win ahead of Weisler, Tony Margott, Stacy Woods and Ronnie Williams.

Southern California competitor Joey Bohard #15e won the Sportsman Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Joey Bohard won the 20 lap Sportsman Dwarf Car Main Event. Brenden Shrum started on the front row and took the early lead ahead of Kylee Johnson. Bohard slipped past Johnson for second on Lap 8 before a yellow flag waved for a Shrum spin. On the restart, Bohard moved into the lead with Sportsman point leader Dan Varner settling into second. Kinser Endicott made a big move around Johnson for third on Lap 11 and took second from Varner on the 16th lap. Endicott went low in Turn 4 on Lap 19 to briefly grab the lead, but Bohard came back strong with an inside move entering Turn 3 for the final time. Bohard made that pass and brought it home to victory ahead of Endicott, Varner, Johnson and Cody Shrum.

Jared Baugh #07 took the lead from Taylor DeCarlo and went on to win his first Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. It was his first career win. Top rookie Taylor DeCarlo charged into the early lead ahead of James Graessle. By the fourth lap, DeCarlo had nearly a straightaway advantage as Baugh was running in third. Baugh slipped past Graessle for second on Lap 6, and a yellow flag waved for Tyler Graves in Turn 4 on Lap 11. A bit of contact exiting Turn 4 on Lap 12 gained Baugh the lead with Kevin Brown moving into third, but a yellow flag waved. DeCarlo was restored to the lead, but Baugh and Brown again moved into first and second on the next restart. They finished in that order, and point leader Misty Welborn made a late charge into the third with Grayson Baca settling for fourth, followed by Graessle.

Keep up to date with the latest happenings at the track at www.antiochspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results

WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals Night 1

Pro Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Chance Russell, Tommy Velasquez III, David Teves, Adam Teves. Main Event (20 laps) – Tommy Velasquez III, Micheeael Tobiason, Danny Wagner, Adam Teves, Michael “Spanky” Grenert, David Teves, Devan Kammeramann, Dylan Shrum, Ridge Abbott, Chuck Eaton.

Veteran Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Jack Haverty, Mike Reeder, Brian Quilty. Main Event (20 laps) – Mike Reeder, Eric Weisler, Scotty Preast, Tony Margott, Stacy Woods, Ronnie Williams, Steve Walker, Glenn Sciarani, Mark Biscardi, David Rosa.

Sportsman Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Brenden Shrum, Kylee Johnson. Main Event (20 laps) – Joey Bohard, Kinser Endicott, Dan Varner, Kylee Johnson, Cody Shrum, Teagan Fischer, Brenden Shrum, Isaak Geil, Ian Velasquez, Daniel Peters.

Wingless Spec Sprints

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Nick Larsen, Shawn Arriaga. Main Event (20 laps) – Shannon Newton, MacKenzie Newton, Nick Larsen, Roy Fisher, James East, Rick Panfili, Steve Maionchi, Zack Neeley, Jeff Scotto, Shawn Arriaga DQ.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Kevin Brown, Misty Welborn, Grayson Baca. Main Event (20 laps) – Jared Baugh, Kevin Brown, Misty Welborn, Grayson Baca, James Graessle, Michaela Taylor, Danny Aves, Colten Haney, Jake Archibald, Jess Paladino.

Seventh Annual Hetrick Memorial Race set for Antioch Speedway Saturday night

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Two of the favorites to win the Hetrick race in the IMCA Modifieds are point leader Nick DeCarlo #17 and two-time Hetrick race winner Kellen Chadwick #83. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…After a week off to celebrate the 4th of July, racing returns to Antioch Speedway in a big way this Saturday night. It’s the Seventh Annual Hetrick Memorial race, and increased purses are on the line for IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks.

More than the money, this race is about remembering the late Jerry Hetrick, who passed away in May of 2016. Hetrick competed in the Sportsman division in the 1970s and was one of the first drivers to clock in with a 15 second time on the quarter-mile clay oval. He was a Main Event winner during his career, which was impressive considering he didn’t have a big budget. He also ranked Top 5 or Top 10 in various seasons before wrapping up his career in 1981.

Even after his time behind the wheel was over, Jerry was known to help other racers with advice and encouragement. Kellen Chadwick, who is a two-time winner of this race, sites Jerry as being somebody who offered him plenty of encouragement when he was just getting started in his racing career. When Jerry’s wife Mary Ann passed away, the event was named the Hetrick Memorial to celebrate and remember both of them.

Kenny Shrader #188 has performed well in this race in the past and is the last season’s IMCA Sport Modified winner. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The race has been held six times, and the IMCA Modifieds and Hobby Stocks have been a part of all six events. Marysville legend Randy McDaniel won the very first Modified race in 2016. Bobby Hogge, IV and Chadwick have each won it twice with Troy Foulger winning the race last year. Kenny Shrader picked up the IMCA Sport Modified portion of the show last year, while Kenneth Robles won the Hobby Stock race.

Thanks to sponsorship, the IMCA Modifieds will be competing for $1,500 to win on Saturday. It’s $750 to finish second, and just taking the green flag in the Main Event assures the driver at least $150 at the pay window. The IMCA Sport Modifieds will compete for $750 to win, the IMCA Stock Cars will get a $600 payout for the winner, and first place in the Hobby Stocks pays $500. In all three Main Events, drivers will receive $100 minimum for taking the green flag.

We’ve reached the halfway point of the championship season, and nowhere is the battle more intense than in the IMCA Modifieds. Just four points separate leader Nick DeCarlo, Chadwick and Bobby Motts Jr in a good battle. DeCarlo has won three times this year, but he’s hoping to get his first Hetrick win. He has four Top 3 finishes in the six Hetrick races. Older brother Terry DeCarlo Jr is 19 points out of the lead and the top rookie. Rival Trevor Clymens is only two points behind DeCarlo Jr in a close rookie battle. It is hoped that the increased payout will attract some top competitors from outside of the area.

In the IMCA Sport Modifieds, point leader Fred Ryland is looking for his second win in the big race and fifth of the season in this division. Ryland tops the all-time winner’s list in the Sport Modified class and is fourth overall combined. He recently got his 70th career Antioch Speedway win, which puts him two points ahead of recent Northwest Speedweek Series champion Andrew Pearce.

Through consistency, 2004 Mini Stock champion Jason Jennings #42 is third in IMCA Stock Car points. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Just 17 points out of the lead in third is Jacob Mallet Jr. Jason Ryan Jr is seven points ahead of Chuck Golden in the race for fourth while two-time winner Tommy Fraser is nine points out of fourth. Kenny Shrader is not only the defending race winner, he has earned podium finishes on all four occasions in which this division was a part of the show. A strong turnout of competitors is anticipated in this division.

Likewise, the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks are expected to have a strong showing. As mentioned above, they’ve been showcased as part of the Hetrick race since it started in 2016. IMCA Modified rookie Kenneth Robles won the race last year, and the other Hobby Stock winners include Les Friend, Josh Leach, Cameron Swank, Melissa Myers and Guy Ahlwardt. There is yet to be a repeat winner for the Hobby Stocks in this race, and everybody has their eyes on the $500 prize.

Misty Welborn’s incredible start that saw her win three Main Events has her 26 points ahead of Michaela Taylor in the Hobby Stock championship battle. 52 points out of the lead is reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr. Both McKinzie and Clymens have podium finishes but are still looking for their first wins of the season.

Just four points behind McKinzie in a closer race for third is Jared Baugh. Jess Paladino is 22 points out of fourth and only six points tallies ahead of sixth ranked Jewel Crandall. Last time out, Grayson Baca got his first career win, and it just may be that we see another first-time winner on this occasion.

Jared Baugh #07 is closing in on his first Hobby Stock Main Event win and is fourth in the standings. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The IMCA Stock Cars are making their first appearance at the Hetrick Memorial event. All season long, we’ve witnessed a close battle between reigning series champion Travis Dutra and Jason Robles. Dutra is maintaining a 12-point advantage over Robles despite not winning yet this year. He has six Top 5 finishes, including four seconds. Robles has a pair of victories.

Further back, the steady Jason Jennings is third in the standings, eight points ahead of Joe Gallaher, 12 ahead of Dave Hill and 22 in front of two-time winner Fred Ryland. Jennings is the 2004 Mini Stock champion. It’s anybody’s guess who will win the $600 prize this Saturday night.

The Hetrick Memorial is one of the biggest races during the regular season that Antioch Speedway offers. Saturday night’s show will be exciting from start to finish. The gates open at 4:00pm with the first race starting at 6:00pm.

Ticket prices are $20 for Adults, $15 for Military, Seniors (60 and over) and Children (under 11) with Children 5 and under free

For further information, go to www.antochspeedway.com.

Motorcycles entertain the fans at Antioch Speedway

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Tony Meiring #1 on his way to the Pro Am heat race win. He swept all three of his races. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…June 25…The flat track motorcycles invaded Antioch Speedway for a special night of racing on the 3/8 mile clay oval track. Over a dozen different classifications of bikes took their turns on the speedway in heat race and Main Event competition. However, the focus was on the Pro Am division, which competed for a $1,000 prize.

There were eight competitors for the Pro Am class, and the Top 4 heat race finishers would earn the right to compete in the winner take all $500 Dash for Cash. After winning the 10-lap heat race, Tony Meiring proceeded to score the big victory in the four lap Trophy Dash.

Meiring had his eyes on the $1,000 prize in the 20 lap Main Event, and he led that race from the outset. Brandon Weller moved into second on Lap 2, and Chris McDougall battled his way into third. They would finish in that order with Meiring the happy winner.

Donnie Darrah #48 led the pack in both the 230 Motorcycle heat race and Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The 12-lap Running Of The Bulls event didn’t have quite the first prize that was originally intended due to sponsorship pulling out at the last minute. However, the drivers on hand competed for $500 to win. After winning the 10-lap heat race, Blake Ash proceeded to win the 12-lap Main Event. Jonathan Schaefer was second ahead of William McDonnell.

The Schaefer name was at the head of the pack in the 85cc class, which brought nine riders to the show. Colton Schaefer won the 12-lap Main Event ahead of Rider Fitz-Hay and Jeff Katarzy. Schaefer and Chris Knox picked up their respective 10-lap heat race wins.

The 250 class saw Myles Henderson win their 12-lap Main Event ahead of James Arraiz and Christian Knox. Henderson also won the 10-lap heat race.

Donnie Darrah opened the evening with the Vintage A 10-lap heat race win and followed that up by holding off William McDonnell and Larry Greene to win the 12-lap Main Event.

Ryder Meiring #56 and C Elscholz #199 battle for position in the Peewee heat race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

The Peewee class for kids four- to six years old proved to be very popular, and Indy Tallent won the 12-lap feature ahead of C Elscholz and Ryder Meiring. Tallent also picked up the win in the 10-lap heat race.

The 100-150 4 Stroke win went to Dean Rabideau ahead of Ryder Fitz-Hay. Pedro Brown won the 12-lap Hooligan Main Event ahead of Dean Thompson and Victor Tallent.

The event ran smoothly from the start with only one crash stopping the action for fallen rider Joe Pereira. Pereira was shaken up in the incident on the back straightaway, but he was said to be doing well after a trip to the hospital.

This Saturday night is an off week for the speedway, but action resumes on July 9th with the Hetrick Memorial race. Extra money will be on the line for the event that will feature the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Slaney wins late model race at Antioch Speedway, Crowell, Ryland, Freethy other winners

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Anthony Slaney #4 became the third different Limited Late Model Main Event winner on the tour with his Antioch triumph. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…May 28…Anthony Slaney won the 20 lap Xtreme Scaffolding Limited Limited Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. He’s the third different winner in as many races on the tour this year, and the race would go without a yellow flag.

Past Marysville and Placerville champion Matt Micheli took the early lead ahead of Slaney and Dan Brown Jr. Brown went low in Turn 4 on Lap 5 to take second from Slaney, and Dan Jinkerson briefly took third from Slaney on Lap 10. Within a few laps, the Top 5 competitors ran nose to tail, and Slaney made a big move on the outside in Turn 4 on Lap 13 to regain second. A low pass in Turn 3 of the 14th lap gained Slaney the lead. Jinkerson made an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 16 to take second, but he spun in Turn 4 a lap later without a yellow flag. Slaney went on to victory ahead of Brown, Micheli, Kiely Ricardo and Brian Pearce.

Aaron Crowell #29c is the fourth different IMCA Modified Main Event winner of the year at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Aaron Crowell won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. This was the first win of the season for the 2004 champion. Crowell jumped into the early lead after the race had been restarted. Trevor Clymens was an early second. Clymens surrendered second to Kellen Chadwick in traffic on Lap 10 with Troy Foulger following closely into third. A blanket three-car battle developed for the lead with Crowell leading Chadwick and Foulger. As Foulger fell back a little bit in the waning laps, Chadwick took one more shot at Crowell, but Crowell prevailed at the checkered flag. Foulger settled for third, followed by Anthony Slaney and Clymens.

Fred Ryland #7j grabbed the IMCA Sport Modified point lead with his third win of the season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Fred Ryland won his third 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The race was destined to go without a yellow flag, and Nick Zapatero bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Kevin Brown. Brown surrendered second to Chuck Golden on Lap 4 as Golden went low in Turn 4. Ryland made his first appearance in the Top 5 on Lap 7 and quickly moved into third behind Kenny Shrader after Golden hit the Turn 2 wall on Lap 9. Ryland slipped past Shrader for second on Lap 15. Zapatero was nursing some front end damage as he tried to protect his lead, but Ryland closed in on him with two laps to go. Zapatero went high exiting the final turn, and Ryland ducked low to make his winning pass and score the victory. Zapatero was a career best second, ahead of Shrader, Jacob Mallet Jr and Tommy Fraser.

Jim Freethy #99 won his second Super Stock Main Event of the season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jim Freethy won the 15 lap Super Stock Main Event. This was the second win of the season for the reigning division champion. The division’s all time win leader and two-time champion Mike Gustafson returned to action and set the early pace ahead of Freethy and Joey Ridgeway Jr. A low move in Turn 2 of the fourth lap put Freethy into the lead with Ridgeway going low in Turn 3 to get second. The yellow flag waved on Lap 9 for Ridgeway in Turn 4, and Jimmy Robbins pitted with a flat tire. Freethy continued to lead the restart with Robbins going high in Turn 2 to take second from Gustafson. Freethy led the rest of the way to win ahead of Robbins, Gustafson, Ridgeway and Michael Burch.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with IMCA Modifieds back in action along with the IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Delta Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results – May 28, 2022

Xtreme Limited Late Models 

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Dan Jinkerson Anthony Slaney. Main Event (20 laps) – Anthony Slaney, Dan Brown Jr, Matt Micheli, Kiely Ricardo, Brian Pearce, Fred Ryland, Ray Trimble, Rod Oliver, Dan Jinkerson, Jay Norton.

IMCA Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick. Main Event (20 laps) – Aaron Crowell, Kellen Chadwick, Troy Foulger, Anthony Slaney, Trevor Clymens, Bobby Motts Jr, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles, Gary Hylton, Eric Berendsen.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Fred Ryland, Kenny Shrader. Main Event (20 laps) – Fred Ryland, Nick Zapatero, Kenny Shrader, Jacob Mallet Jr, Tommy Fraser, Andrew Pearce, Chuck Golden, Kevin Brown, Tyler Browne, Johnathan Hagio.

Super Stocks

Heat Winner (8 laps) – Jim Freethy. Main Event (15 laps) – Jim Freethy, Jimmy Robbins, Mike Gustafson, Joey Ridgeway Jr, Michael Burch, Wayne Trimble DNS.