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DeCarlo gets it done at Antioch Speedway, Smith, Welborn, Foulger also win

April 12, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Nick DeCarlo #17 increased his IMCA Modified point lead with his second win. Photo: Katrina Kniss

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…April 9…Nick DeCarlo won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. It was the second win of the season for the current point leader, and he overtook rookie Trevor Clymens to get the job done.

Clymens raced into the early lead ahead of Sean Wilson and Kenneth Robles. DeCarlo started deeper in the field, and Clymens had a straightaway advantage wiped out by a Lap 7 yellow flag. Clymens continued to lead Robles on the restart with DeCarlo already up to third. DeCarlo went around Robles on the frontstretch to take second on the ninth lap. DeCarlo was working the outside groove very well and made an outside pass on the backstretch on the 12th lap to take the lead from Clymens. A late yellow flag bunched the field on Lap 17, but it didn’t stop DeCarlo. As DeCarlo charged on ahead of everybody else, Aaron Crowell made an outside pass in Turn 4 to take second from Clymens. DeCarlo got the win ahead of Crowell, and Bobby Motts Jr beat Clymens back to the checkered flag in a drag race for third. Robles settled for fifth.

Ryan Smith #250 made a last-minute decision to travel up from Bakersfield to Antioch and won the Super Stock race. Photo: Katrina Kniss

Ryan Smith won an eventful 20 lap Super Stock Main Event. The division got a major boost when a race down south got canceled due to the weather, sending several drivers to Antioch Speedway. For the first 12 laps, Tri State Pro Stock Series star Richard Brace Jr led as Ryan.Smith and.Chris Smith battled with Jay Sears for the second position. A backstretch pass on Lap 13 gained Ryan Smith the lead. Sears and Brace battled fiercely for second until Sears headed pitside on Lap 17. Ryan Smith went on to win ahead of Brace, Jim Freethy, Jimmy Robbins and Chad Hammer.

Misty Welborn #75 picked up her third win in three starts in Hobby Stock competition. Photo: Katrina Kniss

Misty Welborn won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. On this occasion, she started on the front row and proceeded to lead all 20 laps in victory. Michaela Taylor gave chase early on before surrendering to Larry McKinzie Jr. When McKinzie had problems and stalled in Turn 1, he was clobbered in the rear end by Jewell Crandall for a Lap 9 yellow flag. Welborn led Taylor on the restart, leaving the battle for third. Aiden Ponciano held that position until being passed by Chris Long on Lap 18. Welborn won by a straightaway ahead of Taylor, Long, Taylor DeCarlo and Ponciano.

Troy Foulger #49 became the third different winner in three IMCA Stock Car races. Photo: Katrina Kniss

Troy Foulger won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. He started in the back as Anthony Giuliani took the early lead ahead of reigning champion Travis Dutra. Foulger got up to third very quickly and made an inside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 4 to take second. Foulger worked on reeling in Giuliani. The duo ran a couple of side-by-side laps before Foulger went low in Turn 2 on Lap 12 to take the lead. Giuliani had a mechanical issue on Lap 16 for a yellow flag. Foulger led Dutra and Jason Robles on the restart, and they would finish in that order as Jason Jennings and Joe Gallaher completed the Top 5.

Racing continues next Saturday night with a visit from the WMR Midgets and the season debut for the Wingless Spec Sprints. Also competing will be the Delta Dwarf Cars and Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway April 9 Unofficial Race Results

IMCA Modifieds 

Trophy Dash (4 laps) – Aaron Crowell. Heat Winners (8 laps) – Kenneth Robles, Nick DeCarlo, Terry DeCarlo, Jr. Main Event (20 laps) – Nick DeCarlo, Aaron Crowell, Bobby Motts, Jr., Trevor Clymens, Kenneth Robles, Buddy Kniss, Troy Foulger, Terry DeCarlo, Jr., Terry DeCarlo, Sr., Gary Hylton.

Super Stocks

Trophy Dash (4 laps) – Jim Freethy. Heat Winners (8 laps) – Mike Walko, Jim Freethy. Main Event (20 laps) – Ryan Smith, Richard Brace, Jr., Jim Freethy, Jimmy Robbins, Chad Hammer, Jay Sears, Cody Smith, Michael Burch, Paul Hanley, Mike Walko.

IMCA Stock Car 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Travis Dutra, Troy Foulger. Main Event (20 laps) – Troy Foulger, Travis Dutra, Jason Robles, Jason Jennings, Joe Gallaher, Scott Foster, Dave Hill, Dan Gonderman, Anthony Giuliani.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Charlie Bryant, Chris Long. Main Event (20 laps) – Misty Welborn, Michela Taylor, Chris Long, Taylor DeCarlo, Aidan Ponciano, James Graessle, Jon Haney, Jess Paladino, Jewel Crandall, Danny Aves.

Filed Under: East County, News, Sports

Stock Car excitement comes to Antioch Speedway Saturday night

April 8, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Kellen Chadwick #87 is second in IMCA Modified points as he contends for his first championship since 2006. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…Stock Car racing is the name of the game this Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. In addition to the IMCA Modifieds, the IMCA Stock Cars will be back for their third appearance of the season, joined by the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and the Super Stocks. It’s shaping up to be an exciting season so far, and we’re just getting started.

The IMCA Modifieds have been a wide open battle. The three races held so far have found five-time champion Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick and Nick DeCarlo each taking a trip to the Winner’s Circle. The common denominator in the point battle is that DeCarlo and Chadwick, one-time Antioch champions themselves, have been in the hunt at every race.

The standings find DeCarlo leading Chadwick by just two points, while 2016 champion Bobby Motts, Jr. is eight points out of the lead in third.

We haven’t seen Chadwick really competing for points at the speedway in quite some time. As the second-generation competitor became faster, he chose to take his talents on the road to compete for bigger money at other venues. This has led to him winning prestigious races such as the Beads Shipwreck Nationals at Grays Harbor in Washington, the R Charles Snyder Salute in Oregon as well as other big races in California. Chadwick even won the big $7,000 prize in the West Coast Nationals at Antioch in 2019. When the money is on the line, Kellen comes up big.

Kellen Chadwick #87 is contending for wins in the #87 IMCA Stock Car. Photo by Katrina Kniss

When he was younger, Kellen was also a fast competitor in the Outlaw Kart divisions, and he instantly developed a love for race cars. A scary incident in a Late Model could have ended his life and his career, but Chadwick is a tough competitor. After he recovered, he not only returned, but he remains one of the best IMCA Modified drivers on the West Coast. He also competes in the new IMCA Stock Car class and is a contender for that championship, piloting a car for Rich Quadrelli.

IMCA is better known for their Modified divisions, but the Stock Car class is catching fire in California. The consistency shown by Chadwick after two events has him just four markers behind leader Fred Ryland and one ahead of reigning champion Travis Dutra. Anthony Giuliani has done well to rank just eight points out of lead and two ahead of Jason Robles, who got the win last time out. The Stock Cars are noteworthy for the side by side racing they’ve given the fans as this style of racing is just a little bit more thrilling than your average Hobby Stock race.

The Hobby Stocks are definitely delivering the excitement to the fans. Reigning division champion Larry McKinzie Jr could have ended up calling it a night after an incident between he and Jared Baugh in last week’s race. Larry restarted at the back of the pack. He kept at it and completed his charge to the front with a last lap pass on Ken Johns for second. The glory went to Misty Welborn, who scored a popular second career win. McKinzie now leads 2020 Mini Stock champion Jess Paladino by 14 points and Welborn by 18.

Michaela Taylor #71 is in the hunt for her first Hobby Stock Main Event win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Not to be forgotten in this battle are the tied Michaela Taylor and rookie Taylor DeCarlo, 22 points out of the lead. DeCarlo is the granddaughter of 80-year-old IMCA Modified competitor Terry DeCarlo Sr and the daughter of Top 5 Modified competitor Terry DeCarlo Jr. She’s been competing in Micro Sprints, but she decided to take on the challenge of the Hobby Stock and had a fifth place finish last time out.

Much like DeCarlo, Michaela Taylor is a threat to win. She showed just how much she has improved over the last two seasons with her run at the front of the pack in the Main Event for several laps last week. Michaela is driving the #71 Hobby Stock, made famous by her grandmother, Debbie Clymens. In fact, Debbie has run as a passenger with her, which means 17-year-old Taylor is getting advice from an Antioch Speedway Hall of Famer. The way she’s looking, a Main Event win could be in her future.

Mike Walko #13a has been racing at Antioch Speedway since 1982 and remains very competitive in a Super Stock. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Management has decided to give the Super Stock drivers an opportunity to rebuild the class. It was a little bit late notice for some of the drivers last time out, and reigning champion Jim Freethy beat 2020 champion Mike Walko to get the win. Walko has competed in Late Models and IMCA Modifieds at Antioch and did well in both divisions. Management has put out a call to drivers from neighboring Petaluma Speedway that they are welcome to come race with the Antioch competitors.

Local drivers Jimmy Robbins and Michael Burch are said to be preparing their cars to battle the likes of Chad Hammer and Joey Ridgeway Jr. Who might show up from Petaluma is unknown, but several drivers have expressed interest. Petaluma drivers have done well at Antioch in their visits through the years, and they certainly add to the excitement.

This Saturday night’s program starts with the gates opening at 3:00 pm. This is to accommodate a special $5 beer happy hour event at the south beer garden, which runs until 5:00 p.m. the first race will start at 6:00 pm.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for military, senior (60 and over) and children (under 11) with children five and under free.

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

Filed Under: East County, News, Sports

Foulger back on top at Antioch Speedway, Keller, Welborn, Freethy also winners

April 6, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Five-time champion Troy Foulger #49 won the IMCA Modified Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…April 2…Troy Foulger won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. He becomes the third different winner of the aeason as he piloted the Bowers Motorsports Modified to the win. Foulger is a five-time champion at the speedway.

Trevor Clymens led a pair of laps with the yellow flag waving twice. Clymens led Foulger on the Lap 3 restart, but a low pass in turn 2 a lap later gained Foulger the lead. Kellen Chadwick went low in Turn 4 on Lap 5 to take second with Nick DeCarlo quickly striking to third. Foulger had a straightaway advantage by Lap 10 as DeCarlo battled Chadwick to take second. DeCarlo finally grabbed the spot on a Lap 14 restart. Foulger was never really threatened as he won with DeCarlo holding off Chadwick for second. Buddy Kniss and Clymens completed the Top 5.

KC Keller #38 won an exciting battle for the IMCA Sport Modified victory. Photo by Katrina Kniss

KC Keller won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. The race had to be restarted after a tangle that involved point leader Fred Ryland in Turn 4. 2019 champion Tommy Fraser took the early lead ahead of Dylan Connelly. Keller went low in Turn 2 to take second on the fourth lap and made an inside pass in Turn 4 three laps later to take the lead from Fraser. Andrew Pearce moved into second on Lap 9 before a yellow flag flew for Connolly. Keller led the restart with Jacob Mallet Jr moving past Pearce and into second. Mallet made a backstretch pass on Keller on Lap 11 for the lead. Pearce and Keller ran closely behind Mallet in the battle for second. A low pass in Turn 3 on Lap 19 put Keller into the lead with Pearce following into second. Keller went on to the impressive win with Pearce and Mallet running nose to tail behind him. Jeremy Hoff and Fraser completed the Top 5.

Misty Welborn #75 scored her second Hobby Stock win in three races. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Misty Welborn won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. It was her second win of the season. Looking for his second-straight win, Ken Johns led early ahead of Jared Baugh and Larry McKinzie Jr. A low move in Turn 4 on Lap 5 put Baugh into the lead. There was a back-and-forth battle for the lead as it changed hands a couple of times with Baugh still in front on Lap 8. Contact with McKinzie exiting Turn 4 on Lap 9 left Baugh stalled in Turn 2. Michaela Taylor led the restart with Welborn moving into second a lap later. Taylor spun exiting Turn 4 for a Lap 12 yellow flag. Welborn led Johns and Jeff Bentancourt on the restart. They ran that way until McKinzie gained third on Lap 16. As Welborn sped to the checkered flag, McKinzie beat Johns back to the line for second. Bentancourt and Taylor DeCarlo completed the Top 5.

Jim Freethy #99 won the Super Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jim Freethy won the 15 lap Super Stock Main Main Event. Heat race winner Mike Walko jumped into the early lead ahead of reigning champion Freethy and Joey Ridgeway. A low move in Turn 4 of the second lap gained Freethy lead. The only slow down of the race occurred on the ninth lap when Ridgeway spun in Turn 4. Freethy continued to lead Walko and Chad Hammer on the restart. Freethy pulled away to about a quarter of a straightaway lead, and Walko brushed the Turn 4 wall on exit heading to the checkered flag. Freethy won ahead of Walko, Hammer and Ridgeway.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with IMCA Modifieds back in action along with IMCA Stock Cars, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Super Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results Antioch Speedway – April 2, 2022

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Buddy Kniss, Kellen Chadwick. Main Event (20 laps) – Troy Foulger, Nick DeCarlo, Kellen Chadwick, Buddy Kniss, Trevor Clymens, Bobby Motts Jr, Aaron Crowell, Chris Lewis, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tommy Fraser, Dylan Connelly, Andrew Pearce. Main Event (20 laps) – KC Keller, Andrew Pearce, Jacob Mallet Jr, Jeremy Hoff, Tommy Fraser, Fred Ryland, Kenny Shrader, Chester Knss, Tyler Browne, Jason Ryan Jr.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Charlie Bryant, Jeff Bentancourt, Misty Welborn. Main Event (20 laps) – Misty Welborn, Larry McKinzie Jr, Ken Johns, Jeff Bentancourt, Taylor DeCarlo, Jewel Crandall, Michaela Taylor, Jess Paladino, Gene Haney, Mitchell Dana.

Super Stocks

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Mike Walko. Main Event (15 laps) – Jim Freethy, Mike Walko, Chad Hammer, Joey Ridgeway.

 

Filed Under: East County, News, Sports

Johns wins wild Hobby Stock race at Antioch Speedway Saturday night

March 28, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Ken Johns #32 rebounded from his bad luck at the opener to win the Hobby Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Wins for Wagner, Miramontez, Enos, too

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch CA…March 26…Ken Johns won the 25 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. Johns was rebounding from a night of mechanical issues at the opener for the class a couple of weeks ago, and he benefited from the misfortune of Brad Coelho and Grayson Baca.

Breck Smith led the opening lap before pushing high in Turn 2 and surrendering the point to Coelho. Reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr took up pursuit of Coelo early on, but it was Baca taking the runner up spot on Lap 12. A Lap 13 restart provided Baca the opportunity to steal the lead from Coelho. Coelho stayed tough in the battle, but things got a bit wild on Lap 18 when contact sent Coelho and Baca spinning. Johns suddenly found himself leading Angela Brown on the restart, and they ran that way until Coelho made a low pass in Turn 4 on Lap 24 to gain second. However, Coelho ran out of time as Johns brought it home a happy winner. Brown settled for her best ever finish in third, followed by Michaela Taylor and Baca.

Danny Wagner #11 made it two wins in a row in the Delta Dwarf Cars. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Danny Wagner won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. This was the second-straight win for the two-time division champion. David Rosa took the early lead ahead of Eric Weisler. Chance Russell slipped past Weisler for second on Lap 3, but he surrendered the position to Wagner on a Lap 6 restart. Wagner chased Rosa until a Lap 10 restart gave him an opportunity to take the lead. Devan Kammermann followed Wagner into second, but he lost that position to Jack Haverty on a Lap 12 restart. Once Wagner got the lead, nobody was going to stop him as he won ahead Haverty, who barely held of Weisler for the second position. Russell and Kammermann completed the Top 5.

Petaluma Super Stock champion Randy Miramontez #51 picked up the Mini Stock Main Event victory. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Petaluma Speedway Super Stock champion Randy Miramontez won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event. Miramontez started out running Mini Stocks at Petaluma Speedway before moving up to Super Stocks, and this was his return.

Dana Gardner jumped into the early lead in the race that was destined to go non-stop. Reigning Antioch and Petaluma champion Tom Brown settled into second on Lap 2 and made an inside move on the back stretch on Lap 5 to take the lead from Gardner. Miramontez found his way into second on Lap 9 and quickly started pressuring Brown. A low pass in Turn 2 of the 13th lap gained Miramontez the lead. The lead duo had to split a lapped car in the middle at that point, but everybody made it safely. Despite a scary incident in traffic with two laps to go, Miramontez kept his cool and held off Brown for the win. Gardner ended up third, followed by Shan Titman and Eddie Humphrey III.

Mitch Enos #09 wrote his name into the books as the first Mini Late Model winner ever at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Mitch Enos won the 15 lap California Sharp Mini Late Model Main Event. This was the debut for the class at Antioch. Matt Malcolm jumped into the lead at the start ahead of Enos. Malcolm pulled away a little bit for the first few laps, but Enos closed in by the midway point of the race. A low pass in Turn 4 on Lap 12 put Enos into the lead, and Malcolm spun in the same turn a lap later for a yellow flag. Enos led the restart, and Malcolm spun again in Turn 4 trying to make a pass. Enos won ahead of DJ Saenz and Malcolm.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with IMCA Modifieds back in action along with IMCA Sport Modifieds, Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Super Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Unofficial Race Results – March 26, 2022

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Larry McKinzie Jr, Charlie Bryant, Breck Smith, Brad Coelho. Main Event (25 laps) – Ken Johns, Brad Coelho, Angela Brown, Michaela Taylor, Grayson Baca, Gavin Griffiths, Taylor DeCarlo, Jess Paladino, Gene Haney, Shelby Asher.

Delta Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Jack Haverty, Ellie Russo, Danny Wagner. Main Event (20 laps) Danny Wagner, Jack Haverty, Eric Weisler, Chance Russell, Devan Kammermann, Ellie Russo, David Michael Rosa, Barry Waddell, Sean Catucci, David Rosa.

Mini Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps) – Randy Miramontez, Tom Brown. Main Event (20 laps) – Randy Miramontez, Tom Brown, Dana Gardner, Shan Titman, Eddie Humphrey III, Daisy Eszler, Laina Bales, Ryan Graham, Dan Abitz DNS.

California Sharp Mini Late Models

Heat Winner (6 laps) – Matt Malcolm. Main Event (15 laps) – Mitch Enos, DJ Saenz, Matt Malcolm.

 

Filed Under: East County, Sports

Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars and something new Saturday at Antioch Speedway

March 25, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Haney family prepares the motor on one of their Hobby Stocks. Front is grandfather, Gene Haney, back left is father, Jon Haney and right is his son Cameron Haney. Photo by DCRR Racing Media

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Where: Antioch Speedway

When: Saturday night, March 26th

What: Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks, Delta Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, California Sharp Mini Late Models.

Who’s Hot: Danny Wagner won the Dwarf Cars last week. Bobby Gallaher got his best Hobby Stock finish ever in third last time.

Gate Times: Gates Open 4:00pm, First Race 6:00pm, usually finished by 10:00pm.

Admission: $20 for adults, $15 for military, senior (60 and over) and children (under 11) with children five and under free.

Antioch, CA…Saturday night racing returns at Antioch Speedway. Last week saw threatening skies for the early portion of the day, but the racing program went on as scheduled.

This time around, the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks will be competing along with the Delta Dwarf Cars and the Mini Stocks. The track will also see the first ever visit from the California Sharp Mini Late Models.

When last we left the Hobby Stocks, Misty Welborn was putting away her bridesmaid dress and becoming the bride as she finally got her first Main Event win. It didn’t come easy with seasoned veteran Les Friend pressuring her hard over the final 10 circuits before settling for second.

The fact is, the competition level has risen in the Hobby Stocks. We’ve had several new drivers join in the past couple of years, and they are all getting better. You’ll see 20 drivers line up to take a green flag, and many of them are capable of winning on any given occasion, including young guns Aiden Ponciano and Jewell Crandall. Ponciano ran in the Top 5 for most of the opening race, and Crandall ended up finishing fifth.

Hard chargers such as reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr, Chris Long and Jared Baugh truly make things interesting.

We also have the Haney family, which is three generations strong. Grandson Cameron Haney just joined the fray last season. His grandfather Gene and father Jon Haney have been competing at the speedway for years.

Gene and Jon have competed in several different divisions, including Super Stocks, Dirt Modifieds and Mini Trucks, and they’ve done well. Gene Haney won a pair of championships in the Super Hobby Stock class, and before that he was a Street Stock Freedom Series champion. He was also a Mini Truck title winner. Jon has been Top 10 ranked in multiple divisions. It was Cameron representing the family the best last time out with a tenth place finish.

The Delta Dwarf Cars demonstrated they can be both fast and very exciting at their opener last week. Dwarf Cars have been competing at least once at the Speedway every year since the mid-1995.

It was prior to 2020 when two-time champion Danny Wagner gathered drivers together and formed the Delta Dwarf Car Association. This put the group under the Western States Dwarf Car Association rules, and made Antioch eligible to host a big National Dwarf Car event.

Wagner, who is also a feature winner in Dirt Modified and Sprint Car competition, had won the NorCal Dwarf Car championship, and he liked the competition level of the drivers using the united rules set.

Wagner kicked off the season last week by getting the win ahead of young up and coming star Devan Kammermann. Kammermann has several seconds and thirds to his credit during the past few seasons, but he’s closing in on his first victory.

Kammermann won’t be the only threat. Hard chargers such as Ellie Russo, Chance Russell, 2020 champion Travis Day, David Rosa and Jack Haverty are sure to make things interesting this weekend.

Management added the Mini Stocks to the equation prior to the 2020 season as there was a need for an entry-level class. There have been various entry level four cylinder classes for the past 20 years, which includes this division and the Mini Trucks.

In two seasons, this division has grown slowly. Tom Brown bears the distinction of winning both the Antioch and Petaluma titles last year. He’s had to battle with the likes of Laina Bales, Dan Abitz, Dana Gardner and Eddie Humphrey III. There are expected to be some new drivers in the field this time.

A division that has slowly taken hold in California is the Sharp Mini Late Models. These are 5/8 scale versions of Late Models with 600cc engines. A few of the drivers even made an appearance at one of the practice days a few weeks back.

Merced Speedway brought the class in 5 years ago as a way to get drivers up from the Outlaw Kart ranks onto the bigger track. They are already seeing drivers from this class graduate into the bigger divisions. Track management is looking at this same possibility for Antioch Speedway.

About a half-dozen of these cars are anticipated for this show. The field will include some new drivers from the area as well as drivers from down in Merced. If things go well, we could be seeing more Mini Late Model racing in the weeks ahead.

Management always strives to give the fans the best racing program possible, and Saturday’s lineup should be good.

The gates are scheduled to open at 4:00 pm. and this gives the fans a good opportunity to grab their favorite seat before racing starts at 6:00 pm. The track strives to get done by 10:00 pm on any given race night.

Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for military, senior (60 and over) and children (under 11) with children five and under free.

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

Filed Under: East County, Sports

Chadwick, Ryland, Robles, Wagner share Antioch Speedway spotlight

March 23, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

After letting one slip away the previous week, Kellen Chadwick won the IMCA Modified Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…March 19... Kellen Chadwick picked up the win in the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. Skies threatening rain and a little bit of drizzle gave way and allowed racing to take place. Chadwick was the class of the field with a dominant Main Event performance and a win in his heat race. It was a bit of redemption for Chadwick, who felt he let the win slip away from him a week earlier.

2016 champion Bobby Motts Jr had a front row start and charged into the lead from the get-go. Chadwick moved into second on Lap 2 and made a Turn 4 pass to take the lead on the seventh circuit. Previous winner Nick DeCarlo settled into third on Lap 13. Chadwick stretched his advantage to a straightaway in victory. DeCarlo made an outside pass attempt in the final turn, but Motts held him off for second. Pettit settled for fourth, followed by Terry DeCarlo, Jr. The eight lap heat race winners were Chadwick and Pettit.

Fred Ryland is off to a great start in his title defense effort after winning his second-straight IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Fred Ryland won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was the second-straight win for the reigning division champion. Past champion KC Keller took the early lead ahead of Nicholas Zapatero. Ryland made a move around Zapatero on a Lap 5 restart, and Zapatero spun moments later for a yellow flag. Keller led Ryland on the restart, but Ryland made a low pass in Turn 2 on Lap 7 to take the lead. Jacob Mallet Jr got by Keller on Lap 9 and took up pursuit of Ryland. However, Ryland was just a little bit too smooth as he won ahead of Mallet and Keller. Andrew Pearce salvaged a fourth place finish after a rough heat race as Tyler Browne settled for fifth. Keller and Ryland won the eight lap heat races.

Jason Robles turned in a dominant performance in winning the IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jason Robles won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. This race was destined to go without a yellow flag. Robles bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Dave Hill. Previous winner Fred Ryland started back in the fourth row and found his way into third by the the fifth lap. Ryland worked hard to get around Hill for second before making an inside pass in Turn 4 on Lap 15. By then, Robles held a straightaway advantage that he would bring to the checkered flag. Ryland pulled away comfortably for second, and reigning champion Travis Dutra made a last turn pass to take third from Hill, who fell back to fifth behind Kellen Chadwick. It was Ryland and Hill getting the eight lap heat race victories.

Two-time Delta Dwarf Car champion Danny Wagner won the season opening Main Event for the class. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Danny Wagner won the 20 lap Delta Dwarf Car Main Event. The two-time champion took the lead at the outset with Devan Kammermann in pursuit. Kammermann was in search of his first win, but he had his hands full trying to hold off Chance Russell for several laps. There was a red flag incident on the Lap 15 when contact sent Sean Catucci rolling in Turn 4. David Michael Rosa was black flagged from third at that point. Kammermann tried to keep it close, but he was no match for the hard charging Wagner. 2020 champion Travis Day finished third ahead of David Rosa and John Tardiff. Kammermann, Justin Bingman and Wagner picked up the eight lap heat race wins.

This Saturday, the Delta Dwarf Cars are scheduled to return along with the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Unofficial Race Results March 19th

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Kellen Chadwick, Jim Pettit II. Main Event (20 laps) – Kellen Chadwick, Bobby Motts Jr, Nick DeCarlo, Jim Pettit II, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Paul Gugliemoni, Clark Gugliemoni, Buddy Kniss, Trevor Clymens, Jeff Browne.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-KC Keller, Fred Ryland. Main Event (20 laps) – Fred Ryland, Jacob Mallet Jr, KC Keller, Andrew Pearce, Tyler Browne, Mark Garner, Chuck Golden, Jason Ryan Jr, Nicholas Zapatero, Jake Bentancourt.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Dave Hill, Fred Ryland. Main Event (20 laps) – Jason Robles, Fred Ryland, Travis Dutra, Kellen Chadwick, Dave Hill, Joe Gallaher, Anthony Giuliani, Jeff Bentancourt (DNS).

Delta Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Devan Kammermann, Justin Bingman, Danny Wagner. Main Event (20 laps) – Danny Wagner, Devan Kammermann, Travis Day, David Rosa, John Tardiff, Jerry Shreffler, Jack Haverty, Sean Catucci, Ellie Russo, David Michael Rosa.

Filed Under: East County, Sports

Five-time “bridesmaid” Misty Welborn finally the “bride” winning first Hobby Stock Main Event at Antioch Speedway

March 14, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Misty Welborn #75 celebrates winning her first Hobby Stock Main Event at Antioch Speedway on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DeCarlo also opens season with win, Ryland wins twice; win a family pass for four!

By Don Martin II, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…March 12, 2022 – After placing second in five races last season, Misty Welborn finally took first place winning the 25-lap Hobby Stock Main Event at the Antioch Speedway, Saturday night. It was the first race of the 62nd Opening Day at the speedway. Welborn ranked in the Top 5 in the standings last season, and many people said she was due to get a win at any time. Welborn ranked in the Top 5 in the standings last season, and many people said she was due to get a win at any time.

Ken Johns moved up from the second row into the lead at the start. Johns led the race until his car slowed after Lap 8. Les Friend found himself in the lead on the restart ahead of reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr. Welborn quickly struck to second on a Lap 12 restart. Welborn made a high pass in Turn 2 on Lap 13 to take the lead from Friend. For the second half of the race, Friend kept it very close. However, Welborn prevailed for her first win. Friend settled for second ahead of Bobby Gallaher, Jared Baugh and Jewell Crandall.

A very excited Welborn was jumping up and down with joy and raising her hands in excitement during the victory presentation following the race.

Later asked if it was like being “always a bridesmaid and finally a bride?” she responded, “yes” with a big smile and laugh while accepting congratulatory hugs from friends and supporters near the pits.

Welbourne said she only started racing in 2019 and gave credit to her husband for her skills and ability as a driver.

Nick DeCarlo #17 won his first IMCA Modified race at Antioch in two years. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DeCarlo Also Opens Season with Win

Nick DeCarlo scored the win in the 25-lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the first race of the 62nd championship season at the track, and it was DeCarlo’s first win in two years.

Kellen Chadwick jumped into the lead at the start with Nick DeCarlo not far behind him in second. Bobby Hogge IV made an outside pass on the backstretch to take third from reigning champion Jim Pettit II on Lap 7. The leaders caught heavy traffic on Lap 15, and DeCarlo made an inside pass on the backstretch on Lap 16 to grab the lead. Hogge made a high pass in Turn 2 on Lap 17 to take the lead from DeCarlo, but DeCarlo came back strong with an outside pass in Turn 4 to regain command. During the final circuits, Hogge kept it close, but DeCarlo prevailed for the well-earned victory. Five-time champion Troy Foulger ended up third ahead of Chadwick and Pettit.

Fred Ryland #7 made it two IMCA Sport Modified wins on the weekend after winning at Watsonville a night earlier. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Ryland Wins Twice

Reigning champion Fred Ryland won the time limit shortened 21 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. He picked up a win at Watsonville a night earlier to make it a double win weekend in the class. Ryland wasn’t done as he came back out and turned in a dominating performance in winning the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car feature.

Kelly Campanile had a front row start and bolted into the lead when the green flag waved ahead of Jimmy Ford. 2019 champion Tommy Fraser moved into second on Lap 3. On a third restart attempt on Lap 9, contact on the backstretch between Jacob Mallet Jr and Campanile resulted in a tangle between the two. Ryland took over on the restart. Despite some serious pressure from Andrew Pearce during the second half of the race, Ryland prevailed in the end. Pearce settled for second ahead of Chester Kniss, Tom Clymens Jr and Tyler Browne.

Fred Ryland #7 doubled up on his wins for the night by grabbing the glory in the IMCA Stock Car feature at Antioch Speedway. Photo by Katrina Kniss

In the IMCA Stock Car race, Ryland bolted into the lead at the start ahead of Jason Jennings. Jennings had a side-by-side battle going behind him between Kellen Chadwick and Anthony Giuliani. Ryland held a half-lap lead by the seventh circuit. Troy Foulger moved into fourth behind Chadwick and made it a side-by-side battle for third. Some close quarters racing on Lap 14 saw Foulger and Chadwick shuffle Jennings back. Even a late yellow flag wouldn’t stop Ryland as he maintained his lead from there to the impressive win. Foulger finished second ahead of Chadwick, Anthony Giuliani and Travis Dutra.

Antioch Speedway Unofficial Race Results March 12, 2022

Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Danny Aves, Les Friend, Larry McKinzie Jr, Misty Welborn. Main Event (25 laps)-Misty Welborn, Les Friend, Bobby Gallaher, Jared Baugh, Jewell Crandall, Angela Brown, Jess Paladino, Larry McKinzie Jr, James Graessle, Colton Haney.

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Bobby Hogge IV. Main Event (25 laps)-Nick DeCarlo, Bobby Hogge IV, Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Jim Pettit II, Trevor Clymens, Chris Lewis, Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles, Terry DeCarlo Sr.

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tommy Fraser, Fred Ryland, Andrew Pearce. Main Event (21 laps)-Fred Ryland, Andrew Pearce, Chester Kniss, Tommy Clymens Jr, Tyler Browne, Mark Garner, Jacob Mallet Jr, Shayna Nieman, Jimmy Ford, Jake Bentancourt.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jason Robles, Fred Ryland. Main Event (20 laps)-Fred Ryland, Troy Foulger, Kellen Chadwick, Anthony Giuliani, Travis Dutra, Jason Jennings, Rob Gallaher, Andrew Pearce, Joe Gallaher, Scott Foster.

To see Saturday night’s races visit: Watch Opening Day 2022! (antiochspeedway.tv)

Racing will resume this Saturday night with the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds and Delta Dwarf Cars. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or www.facebook.com/OfficialAntiochSpeedway. See the entire 2022 Season Schedule.

WIN FREE TICKETS TO THE RACES!!

Tina’s back at it!! She’s giving away 2 Family Passes!!

Entries MUST be received by 6:00 PM Thursday 3/17/2021 to be eligible.

Each Family Pass includes tickets for 2 Adults and 2 Children,

(A $60.00 Value $70 If you were to purchase separately.)

In Order to win 1 of the family passes, You MUST LIKE and FOLLOW the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page AND you MUST SHARE THIS post.

Once you have shared THIS post on the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions page, Down in the comments section, Make the comment “Shared” when you do that, We will confirm that you have LIKED the page and SHARED the post.

Remember you MUST put SHARED On the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook Page ONLY as we cannot see shares from other pages.

The names will then be put in a prize wheel and 2 winners will be picked this Thursday LIVE around 7:00 PM.

You could be the winner of one of the FREE passes!

This week Antioch Speedway is hosting…

IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars and Dwarf Cars

Good Luck and We Hope to See You at Antioch Speedway!

*Tickets can NOT be redeemed for cash and MUST be used THIS COMING Saturday Night.

** Tickets may NOT be exchanged for pit passes.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

 

Filed Under: East County, News, Sports

El Cerrito female Taekwondo student athlete raises funds for trip to World Championship

March 11, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Source: GoFundMe

Almost to goal of $5,000

By Nicole Santos, Spokesperson, GoFundMe

Samantha Skye Valdez lives in El Cerrito, is a 17-year-old high school junior and straight A student who has been doing Taekwondo since she was six years old. On February 20, Samantha won the qualifier in Colorado Springs to be a part of TeamUSA for the Goyang 2022 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in South Korea. She is a member of Team BoHyeon.

Samantha Skye Valdez (left) with her teammates.

To help Samantha represent the USA from April 21-24 at the World Championship, a GoFundMe has been launched by Kristel Cosio and donations will help her pay for her plane ticket and accommodation. To view the GoFundMe please visit: https://gf.me/v/c/4d4w/help-sam-represent-usa-at-worlds-korea

Samantha Skye Valdez trains.

The fundraiser states, “She practices at three studios in the Bay Area six days a week while taking SAT prep courses! Earlier this year she won Gold for women’s teams under 30 in the United States.”

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: People, Sports, Youth

A’s another step closer to remaining in Oakland with new waterfront stadium

February 19, 2022 By Publisher Leave a Comment

A’s waterfront stadium rendering. Source: Oakland A’s

Oakland City Council votes to certify Final EIR

By Oakland Athletics

On Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, the Oakland City Council voted to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for our waterfront ballpark project at Jack London Square. It follows las month’s unanimous vote by the Oakland Planning Commission recommending the council vote to certify the EIR.

This is a significant milestone for the project and comes after years of work with the City, local community members, and organizations to analyze and outline how our project will adhere to the highest of environmental standards. The project will clean up an industrial site with private dollars and return public access to the waterfront with more than 18 acres of public parks and open greenspace.

In addition, the council voted to approve a resolution requiring community benefits including local hire for jobs and to mitigate impacts to nearby neighborhoods, such as parking in Chinatown, and to West Oakland, following complaints by residents who spoke during the meeting from that neighborhood, as well as freight compatibility for the Port of Oakland.

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf issued a statement praising the council action in which she said, “Tonight’s action is more than a milestone — it’s a giant leap forward in our shared mission to create a regional destination that gives back our waterfront to the public, connects a new vibrant neighborhood to our downtown, and provides tens of thousands of good union jobs for our residents — and it does it all while keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.

Now that the Final Environmental Impact Report has been certified, the floor is set for negotiating robust community benefits that our residents demand and deserve, as well as the final development agreement.

Tonight’s action is more than a milestone – it’s a giant leap forward in our shared mission to create a regional destination that gives back our waterfront to the public, connects a new vibrant neighborhood to our downtown, and provides tens of thousands good union jobs for our residents – and it does it all while keeping our beloved A’s rooted in Oakland.”

Oakland A’s waterfront stadium Entitlement Milestones. Source: Oakland A’s

Our waterfront ballpark is a once-in-a-generation project, creating transformative environmental and community benefits for Oakland, and setting the stage for more World Championships for our fans.

We thank our fans, community members, and civic leaders who shared their support during the EIR process and in public meetings. While this is the furthest we have come in securing a new ballpark in Oakland for the Athletics, we have more work to do. We now look forward to finalizing the development agreement and community benefits agreement before a vote later this year.

The city council will still have to approve a development agreement with the team which is expected to occur sometime this summer, plus approvals from the Port, the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, and State Lands Commission.

To learn more about our waterfront ballpark at Jack London Square and the progress we’ve made to date, visit WeAreRooted.com.

Go A’s!

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Filed Under: Bay Area, News, Sports

2022 Antioch Speedway Race Schedule – begins Feb. 19

February 16, 2022 By Publisher 1 Comment

* Subject to Change

February 19 & 26, and March 5 – Open Practice

March 12 – Opening Day!! – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

March 19 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Dwarf Cars

March 26 – Wingless Sprints, Limited Latemodels**, Mini Stocks, Dwarf Cars

April 2 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

*Subject to Change

April 9 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Limited Latemodels**

April 16 – ** Easter Egg Hunt ** – WMR Midgets, Mini Stocks, Wingless Sprint Cars, Dwarf Cars

April 23 – Wingless Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifeds, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars

April 29/30 or 30/May 1st – Monster Trucks

May 7 – Mother’s Day – Mini Vans, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars

May 14 – ** Contra Costa County Fair **

Destruction Derby

May 21 – Wingless Sprint Cars, MCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars

May 28 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Limited Latemodels**, Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

* Subject to Change

June 4 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Dwarf Cars

June 11 – WMR Midgets, HUNT Magneto Series Wingless Sprint Cars, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks

June 18 – Lightning Sprints, Wingless Sprint Cars, Limited Latemodels**, Dwarf Cars

June 25 – Hetrick Memorial – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

July 2 – Dark – No Races

July 9 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

July 15 & 16 – Dwarf Car Nationals – 15th Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks, 16th Dwarf Cars, IMCA Stock Cars

July 23 – Wingless Sprint Cars, Limited Latemodels**, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Dwarf Cars

* Subject to Change

July 30 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars

August 6 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

August 13 – Lightning Sprint, Wingless Sprint Cars, Limited Latemodels**, 600 Non-Winged Micros

August 20 – WMR Midgets, Wingless Sprint Cars, Mini Stocks, Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsmen

August 27 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

September 3 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars

September 10 & 11 – Monster Trucks

September 17 – **Championship Night #1** – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stocks Cars

* Subject to Change

September 24 – **Championship Night #2** – Wingless Sprint Cars, Hobby Stocks, Limited Latemodels**, with Guest Division WMR Midgets. (Championship Night is for Antioch Divisions ONLY!)

September 29-October 1st 0 West Coast Nationals Bill Bower Memorial – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars

October 8 – Donna Soares Memorial / Hall of Fame Night – Lightning Sprint Non-Winged Sprints, Wingless Sprint Cars, Limited Latemodels**, Dwarf Cars

October 15 – 200 lap Enduro $2000 to Win!

October 22 – Dwarf Car Mainia – Dwarf Cars, Hard Tops / Winged Vintage Valley Sportsman, Mini Stocks

October 28 & 29 – Hobby Nationals – Details TBA

November 25 – Wingless, 600 Non-Winged Micro Mini, Limited Latemodels**

November 26 – IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, Hobby Stocks

New Year – Pending…

* Subject to Change

**Super Stocks can NOT run with Limited Latemodels.

Call (925) 779-9220 today, about sponsorship opportunities.

Filed Under: East County, News, Sports

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