Gill, Dees, Barraza, Johnson Win On Wild Night At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion 

Can Be Heard HERE

Gill Fifth Different IMCA Modified Winner 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 22...Albert Gill won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  He becomes the fifth different winner in as many races.  Prior to the races, Gill declared that he is indeed racing for his third championship in the last four seasons.  Matt Duste made his first start of the season and finished a strong second.

Gill won his eight lap heat race after making a pass around Preston Jones, who finished second.  Gill also finished second to Jesse Bailey in the four lap Trophy Dash.  Santa Rosa, California visitor Jeff Faulkner forced Bailey to settle for second in their heat race.  In the Main Event, Preston Jones set the early pace in his bid for a first career win.  Ray Kniffen Jr. ran second in front of Gill.  Kniffen spun for a lap five caution flag.  The first restart was called back for debris.  Outlaw Kart graduate Jantzen Knips spun in Turn 2 on the next restart attempt.  The next restart saw Gill make a move on Jones with an inside pass on the back stretch.  Duste made a Turn 4 pass on Jones on lap eight to gain second.  Zach Fettinger was running closely behind Jones in fourth when Faulkner spun in  Turn 2 for a lap 11 caution flag.  Gill continued to lead Duste on the restart as Fettinger settled into third.  A lap 14 caution flag flew for James Welshonse and Jeremy Ohlde.  Gill maintained the lead through a pair of late restarts and was a happy winner ahead of M. Duste, Fettinger, Kniffen, Shane Everson, Knipps, Tony Duste, Faulkner, J. Bailey and Ohlde.

The IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds return on August 12th as part of Hall of Fame Night.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat 1-Albert Gill, Preston Jones, Jeremy Ohlde.  Heat 2-Jeff Faulkner, Jesse Bailey, Ray Kniffen Jr.  Trophy Dash-Jesse Bailey, Albert Gill, Jeremy Ohlde.  Main Event-Albert Gill, Matt Duste, Zach Fettinger, Ray Kniffen Jr., Shane Everson, Jantzen Knips, Tony Duste, Jeff Faulkner, Jesse Bailey, Jeremy Ohlde, James Welshonse, Preston Jones, Tim Bailey.

Barraza Wins Eventful Sprint Car Race 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White, City, Oregon...July 22...Kyler Barraza scored the victory in the 20 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event.  This was Barraza's third win of the season, and he increased his lead in the championship race as his three closest rivals didn't finish.  Cooper Desbiens drove a great race to finish second in his first visit to the track this year.

There were two heat races, and Bailey Hibbard won the first eight lapper ahead of Barraza.  Shane Forte won the second heat in front of Hedge Carter.  The six lap Scramble set the first three rows of the Main Event, and Jake Wheeler scored the victory in that race, followed by Barraza and B. Hibbard.  Wheeler is the reigning division champion, and he was making his first start at the track this season.  The race got off to an ugly start as David Hibbard got together with Enrique Jaime and Forte, resulting in flips by Jaime and Forte in Turn 4.  Barraza led the restart ahead of Wheeler, but Wheeler spun in Turn 2 for a caution flag.  Merissa Henson's night ended after contact sent her into a tractor tire.  Barraza continued to lead Carter and Camden Robustelli on the restart.  Desbiens took third from Robustelli on lap five.  A Robustelli spin in Turn 2 forced a lap six caution flag.  Barraza led the restart, but a lap didn't get completed after B. Hibbard and Wheeler got together with Wheeler flipping.  Barraza maintained the lead over Carter and Desbiens on the restart.  Barraza held a straightaway lead over Carter by lap 12, and one last caution flag waved on lap 13.  Desbiens took second from Carter on the restart as Barraza continued to lead the way.  Robustelli began to challenge Carter for third in the waning laps, and he made a Turn 2 pass on the last lap to gain the position.  Barraza won by a straightaway ahead of Desbiens, Robustelli and Carter.  Tanner Holmes made his debut with a lead lap fifth place finish as C. Hibbard was the last driver to take a checkered flag in the 12 car field.

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars return to action at Southern Oregon Speedway on August 5th.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars

Heat 1-Bailey Hibbard, Kyler Barraza, Jake Wheeler.  Heat 2-Shane Forte, Hedge Carter, Camden Robustelli.  Scramble-Jake Wheeler, Kyler Barraza, Bailey Hibbard.  Main Event-Kyler Barraza, Cooper Desbiens, Camden Robustelli, Hedge Carter, Tanner Holmes, Calvin Hibbard, Bailey Hibbard, Jake Wheeler, Merissa Henson, Shane Forte, David Hibbard, Enrique Jaime.

Reigning Champion Dees Wins Late Model Feature 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 22...Bob Dees won the 20 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The reigning champion becomes the fourth different winner in four races.  A late restart showdown with incoming point leader Dustin Knight didn't stop Dees as he forced Knight to settle for second.

Nathan Augustine outran Kristy Grout to win the four lap Trophy Dash.  Mike Linder won the six lap heat race with B. Dees finishing second.  Linder charged into the lead at the start of the Main Event, followed by B. Dees and Knight.  On lap three, Knight and Linder got together in Turn 2 as B. Dees raced into the lead over Dave Foote.  Knight and Augustine had a little contact on the front stretch in their third place battle on lap six.  Knight spun in the turn for a lap seven caution flag.  B. Dees continued to lead Foote on the restart, and Augustine made a back stretch pass on Foote to take second a lap later.  Moments later, there was a red flag for a front stretch crash.  Knight made a move underneath both Grout and John Dees in Turn 4 to take third.  J. Dees and Grout made contact on the front stretch, resulting in Grout rolling past the start finish line.  She wasn't injured, but the race ended for both drivers.  B. Dees led Augustine and Foote on the restart.  Augustine was racing hard for the lead, but he spun for a lap 18 caution flag.  Knight was now second, and he gave B. Dees a good challenge on the outside groove.  However, Dees stayed smooth running the bottom line as he had all race long, and he brought it home to a well earned victory.  Knight settled for second, followed by Foote and Augustine.  The rest of the drivers watched from the sidelines as J. Dees was scored fifth ahead of Grout, Garrett Dees and Linder.

Race Results

Late Models

Heat-Mike Linder, Bob Dees, Dustin Knight.  Trophy Dash-Nathan Augustine, Kristy Grout, Bob Dees.  Main Event-Bob Dees, Dustin Knight, Dave Foote, Nathan Augustine, John Dees, Kristy Grout, Garrett Dees, Mike Linder.

King Snaps Peters Southern Oregon Speedway 

Dwarf Car Winning Streak

White City, Oregon...July 22...Josh King won the 20 lap SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  King is a two time champion, and this was a nice tuneup for the big Western States Dwarf Car Nationals event that will be hosted by SODCA on August 4th and 5th.  King snapped a three race winning streak at the track for reigning champion Brock Peters, who settled for second.

Point leader Chad Cardoza was a double winner in preliminaries as he held off King to win their six lap heat race and the four lap A Dash.  Fred Hay won his heat race ahead of Steve Walker, and Cody Peters outran B. Peters to win the four lap B Dash.  Cardoza raced into the early Main Event lead ahead of King.  A lap two red flag flew when Hay got sideways in Turn 4, resulting in Walker making contact with him and rolling.  Cardoza led King and Ryan Smith on the restart.  An outside move on the front stretch of the fourth lap gained B. Peters third from Smith.  B. Peters quickly made it a three car battle for the lead, and a strong inside move on the front stretch gained B. Peters the lead on lap eight.  King was back in second a lap later as Cardoza headed to the pits.  A low pass in Turn 2 of the tenth lap gained King the lead from B. Peters.  C. Peters was now third.  King led the rest of the way for the victory, and B. Peters outran his son Cody for the second place finish.  Randy Slater and Hay rounded out the Top 5 finishers.

Race Results

SODCA Dwarf Car

Heat 1-Chad Cardoza, Josh King, Randy Slater.  Heat 2-Fred Hay, Steve Walker, Cody Peters.  A Dash-Chad Cardoza, Josh King, Steve Walker.  B Dash-Cody Peters, Brock Peters, Randy Slater.  Main Event-Josh King, Brock Peters, Cody Peters, Randy Slater, Fred Hay, Chad Cardoza, Ryan Smith, Mark Nielson, Steve Walker.

Johnson Scores First Mini Stock Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 22...Second generation racer Michael Johnson won his first 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event at Southern Oregon Speedway.  He also became the first new winner in this division since 2014 and is very much in the championship battle.  Johnson gained the lead on lap 13 when David Steele slowed and pitted, and he would lead the rest of the way on his way to victory. 

Johnson gave everybody a preview of things to come when he won the six lap heat race ahead of Steve Goetz.  Goetz battled Kristopher Mix to win the four lap Trophy Dash.  Gary Anderson led the first two laps of the Main Event as Andrew Hall pitted.  Steele took the lead on lap 3, and a push in Turn 2 dropped Johnson back to third.  Mix lost power and stalled in Turn 2 on lap seven.  Steele led Johnson and Goetz on the restart.  Steele appeared to have his motor problems from recent weeks solved as he led the way, but he slowed on lap 13 as Johnson and Goetz raced by.  Steele headed for the pits.  Johnson ran a good race out front to get the win.  Goetz spun exiting Turn 4, but he recovered quickly enough to hold his spot at the checkered flag.  Johnson won ahead of Goetz, Mix, incoming point leader Dillen Lausen and Steele.

Race Results

Mini Stocks

Heat-Michael Johnson, Steve Goetz, David Steele.  Trophy Dash-Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Gary Anderson.  Main Event-Michael Johnson, Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Dillen Lausen, David Steele, Andrew Hall, Hunter Magnan, Gary Anderson.

Britton Lucky In OTRO Hardtop Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 22...Jamie Britton won the 15 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Britton had a little luck on his side as Bruce Wilkerson broke his front end while leading in the Vic & Louise Bridges owned entry.  Britton led from there ahead of four lap Trophy Dash winner Bill Trotter.

Britton won the six lap heat race and set the early Main Event pace ahead of Wilkerson and Trotter.  Wilkerson raced past Britton on the front stretch for the lead on lap four.  Wilkerson had suffered front end damage in a Trophy Dash crash, and his crew worked hard to get the car ready for the Main Event.  On lap seven, his front end broke and he limped to the pits.  Britton gained the lead and paced the remaining laps for the win.  Trotter was a season best second with his truck, driven by Kevin Lowell, finishing third.  Wilkerson and Jimmy Del Castille rounded out the Top 5.

Race Results

OTRO Hardtops

Heat-Jamie Britton, Bill Trotter, Kevin Lowell.  Trophy Dash-Bill Trotter, Jamie Britton, Jimmy Del Castille.  Main Event-Jamie Britton, Bill Trotter, Kevin Lowell, Bruce Wilkerson, Jimmy Del Castille.

Hudson Wins Pro Stock Main Event 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 22...Jeffrey Hudson won the 15 lap Pro Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Hudson is the 2015 Outlaw Pro Stock champion, and his win came aboard the Scott Bennett owned car.  Hudson won the six lap heat race and the four lap Trophy Dash as well.  Rookie Dean Hackworth finished second as Darron Arnold pitted before the finish.

Race Results

Pro Stocks

Heat-Jeffrey Hudson, Darron Arnold, Dean Hackworth.  Trophy Dash-Jeffrey Hudson, Dean Hackworth.  Main Event-Jeffrey Hudson, Dean Hackworth, Darron Arnold.

Barraza, Gill, Dees Win At Southern Oregon Speedway, Outlaw Kart News

Barraza, Gill, Dees Win At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 21...Kyler Barraza won the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  In a race that had it's share of spins and crashes, point leader Barraza led each restart and collected his third win of the season.  Cooper Desbiens passed Hedge Carter for second with six laps to go.  However, Desbiens could not catch Barraza as he sped to victory.  Camden Robustelli made a last lap pass on Carter to finish third, while Tanner Holmes finished a lead lap fifth in the 12 car field.  The opening lap saw rookie Enrique Jaime and Shane Forte both flip in Turn 4 after getting together with David Hibbard.  There was a red flag on a lap eight restart after Jake Wheeler flipped.  Nobody was injured in the rollovers. 

Albert Gill made his intentions known before the races.  He is racing for his third IMCA Modified championship, and the point leader backed it up with his first 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event win of the season.  Gill took the lead from Preston Jones on a lap five restart.  Gill held off Matt Duste in the closing laps before grabbing the win.  Zach Fettinger finished third, followed closely by Ray Kniffen Jr. and Shane Everson.

Bob Dees won his first 20 Late Model Main Event and became the fourth different winner of the season in the process.  Dees gained the lead when Mike Linder pushed in Turn 2 on lap three, collecting Dustin Knight.  After a lap seven caution flag for a Knight spin in Turn 4.  B. Dees led the restart, but Kristy Grout rolled on the front stretch a lap later after she and John Dees got together.  Grout was not injured.  Dees led the restart and held off a determined Knight for the win.  Dave Foote, Nathan Augustine and Grout were scored in the Top 5.

Josh King won the 20 lap SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event.  Reigning champion Brock Peters raced into the lead on lap eight in his bid for a fourth straight win, but a low pass in Turn 2 on lap ten gained King the lead from B. Peters.  As King pulled away to an impressive win.  B. Peters held off his son Cody Peters for second.  Randy Slater and Fred Hay rounded out the Top 5.  The race had an early red flag when Hay got sideways in Turn 4, collecting Steve Walker.  Walked barrel rolled twice, but he was not injured. 

Michael Johnson won his first career Mini Stock Main Event after winning his six lap heat race.   David Steele battled with Gary Anderson for the early lead before a yellow flag waved on lap seven for Kristopher Mix.  Anderson pitted during the caution.  Steele led the restart and seemed headed for victory until pitting on lap 13.  Suddenly, Johnson had the lead, and he held off Steve Goetz the rest of the way for the win.  Mix followed the lead duo in third as Dillen Lausen and Steele made up the rest of the Top 5.

Jamie Britton won his second 15 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event of the season.  Britton led three laps before being passed by Bruce Wilkerson.  Wilkerson's crew had repaired front end damage suffered in a Trophy Dash crash, but the he had steering issues drop him from contention on lap six.  Britton gained the lead and went on to win ahead of Trophy Dash winner Bill Trotter, Kevin Lowell, Wilkerson and Jimmy Del Castille.

Jeffrey Hudson won the 15 lap Pro Stock Main Event.  Hudson won the heat and Trophy Dash, and he was followed in the Main Event by Dean Hackworth and Darron Arnold.

After an off week, it's the WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals on August 4th and 5th.  The two day event will feature Dwarf Cars both days.  On the 4th, the JOAT Labs Hornets will be part of the show.  The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites and OTRO Hardtops will race on Saturday.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Bailey Hibbard, Shane Forte.    Scramble (6 Laps)-Jake Wheeler.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Kyler Barraza, Cooper Desbiens, Camden Robustelli, Hedge Carter, Tanner Holmes.

Late Models

Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Mike Linder.   Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Nathan Augustine.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Bob Dees, Dustin Knight, Dave Foote, Nathan Augustine, Kristy Grout.

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Albert Gill, Jeff Faulkner.   Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Jesse Bailey.  Main Event (25 Laps)-Albert Gill, Matt Duste, Zach Fettinger, Ray Kniffen Jr., Shane Everson.

Mini Stocks

Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Michael Johnson.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Steve Goetz.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Michael Johnson, Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Dillen Lausen, David Steele.

SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Chad Cardoza, Fred Hay.  A Dash (4 Laps)-Chad Cardoza.  B Dash (4 Laps)-Cody Peters.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Josh King, Brock Peters, Cody Peters, Randy Slater, Fred Hay.

OTRO Hardtops

Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Jamie Britton.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Bill Trotter.  Main Event (15 Laps)-Jamie Britton, Bill Trotter, Kevin Lowell, Bruce Wilkerson, Jimmy Del Castille.

Pro Stocks

Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Jeffrey Hudson.   Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Jeffrey Hudson.  Main Event (15 Laps)-Jeffrey Hudson, Dean Hackworth, Darron Arnold.

Wheeler, Holmes Win Southern Oregon Kart Races

White City, Oregon...July 21...500 Open Kart guru Mike Wheeler won the 25 lap Main Event Friday night at the Southern Oregon Speedway Outlaw Kart track. Wheeler was joined in the winner's circle by 250 Kart winner Carley Holmes, Box Stock winner Trevor Grimes and Beginner Box Stock winner Malachi Johnson. After his two heat race wins, Wheeler set a rapid pace out front and won the 25 lap 500 Open Kart Main Event ahead of Kenny Boardman and Lucas Ashe.

Carley Holmes returned and scored an impressive win in the 20 lap 250 Kart feature. Holmes was also a double heat race winner before winning the feature event. Devin Felix held off Trevor Grimes for the second place finish. Grimes won his third 20 lap Box Stock race immediately before the 250 Kart race and rushed to the pits to switch cars. In the Box Stock feature, Grimes held off fellow heat race winner Taylor Fuller and Keaton Augustine for the win. Malachi Johnson won the closest race of them all in the Beginner class. Johnson was closely pursued in the 15 lapper by double heat winner Gavin Restad, who settled for second ahead of Kiley Grimes. Gabe Garrison won the 12 lap Lawn Mower race.

Racing continues tonight with another seven division show that features the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Pro Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Southern Oregon Speedway Returns With Late Models, Sprint Cars Saturday Night

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion 

Can Be Heard HERE

Southern Oregon Speedway Returns With Late Models, 

Sprint Cars Saturday Night

White City, Oregon...Southern Oregon Speedway returns from a one week break with another double header weekend.  After a Friday night of Outlaw Kart racing on the one-eighth mile clay oval, there's a seven division show scheduled for the big track on Saturday night.  The action packed lineup will feature Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, SODCA Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, OTRO Hardtops and Pro Stocks.  The fastest three divisions are all on the schedule.

There's lots of news in the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car division.  Outlaw Kart star Tanner Holmes made his first laps recently in a Sprint Car.  If all goes according to plans, he could be making his division debut on Saturday night.  Young Tanner has won on every level in which he's competed in Cage Karts, and now he's set his sights on the big track.  Tanner has the makings of a future Sprint Car champion.

The Sprint Car effort is generating quite a bit of interest, and there's word of a few teams building cars and others looking to get in.  David Hibbard has been working to help build up the class.  "I think the rules keep the cost down and keep the competition pretty close, " said David.  "The fans are seeing a good show.  Nobody is dominating.  I think we're building a good foundation for this class to grow on."

With two Main Event wins, Kyler Barraza remains at the top of the point ladder, while D. Hibbard, rookie Merissa Henson and Bailey Hibbard are battling for second.  Bailey won his second Main Event last time out and would be a close second to Barraza if not for a mistake in the season opener when be bypassed the scales on his way to the pits.  Barraza gave Hibbard all he could handle last time out and spun in the final turn rather than make contact with him in his daring low groove pass attempt. 

Bailey's grandfather, Calvin Hibbard, Enrique Jaime and Camden Robustelli are others to watch for this week.  Word is that reigning champion Jake Wheeler will be making an appearance.  Jake just had an impressive Top 5 Speedweek effort with a series best Main Event finish of second last week.  The Wheeler family has been great supporters of Southern Oregon Sprint Car racing for several years.  There are five cars known to be in the works for this division, and word is the next one may be ready by August 5th.

The Late Models have been getting the attention of the fans as car count has been improving.  Only a point separates Dustin Knight and Nathan Augustine in a close championship battle.  These two were joined by Trent Elliott in the winner's column after Elliott won the most recent race.  Reigning champion Bob Dees looked much faster in his third place finish last time. 

Dees is getting his newer car dialed in and should be a factor in the battle to win some races in the coming weeks.  As somebody who supported the effort to build this class a few years ago, Dees sees the Late Model car count growing now.  "I think all the ingredients are there for this class to really take off, " said Bob.  "When we did this before, you never knew what the purse was going to be.  We have a guaranteed purse now.  The track has been good, and that makes for some good racing for the fans."

Bob's son Garrett Dees is getting better in his rookie season, and son John Dees should be able to make his season debut.  Third ranked Kristy Grout, Mike Linder, Dave Foote and Don Garrett Jr. are others to watch for this week.  Word is that because of a very busy work schedule, Steve Lemley nearly sent his car to the track this week for a veteran racer to give it some shakedown laps.  Steve has an old Richard Papenhausen car, and he also has another car for sale that has been looked at by interested parties.  Rich McCoy is said to be coming out with a car from the shop of Rapp Racing later this year.  Rich, who is racing for the IMCA Sport Modified championship, put fenders on the Modified and won a race at Roseburg last week.  Chris Biggs also has a car in the works for a possible August 12th debut. 

Not to be outdone, the IMCA Modifieds have had four different winners so far this year in Monte Bischoff, Nick Trenchard, Danny Lauer and Derek Nance.  The consistent Albert Gill, who has finished as high as second this year, leads the point race in a bid for his third division championship in four years.  More importantly, Gill is hot on the trail of his first win of the season.  Jesse Bailey is another driver to watch as he's had more Top 3 finishes than anybody since last season.  2016 "Rookie Of The Year" James Welshonse, James Anderson, Jeremy Ohlde, Shane Everson, Duane Orsburn and Preston Jones are others to look for this week.

Perhaps the luckiest driver in the Dwarf Cars this year is Brock Peters.  The reigning SODCA champion has won the last three S.O. Speedway races, but two of those wins came at the expense of a spin by son Cody Peters and a mechanical failure for Camden Robustelli.  Both drivers should be there to try to put a halt to Brock's winning streak.  The most recent point list finds Chad Cardoza leading B. Peters and Ryan Smith, and just a few points separate the three.  Smith and Cardoza are looking for their first win of the season, and Fred Hay, Kaycee Sheeler, Steve Walker and Randy Slater are other hard chargers to look for this Saturday.

Only six Mini Stock drivers have won Main Events since 2014.  The odds seemed to be in the favor of a new winner in the last two races as David Steele had major motor problems, but 2013 champion Steve Goetz and 2014 champion Gary Anderson won those two races to put themselves back into a close championship battle.  Young Dillen Lausen won his first Trophy Dash last time out and is barely holding on to the lead with Anderson, Kristopher Mix, Goetz and Michael Johnson within less than 20 points.  In fact, Steele isn't too far behind if he can get his motor problems ironed out.

The OTRO Hardtops and Pro Stocks round out an exciting program on the big track.  Mark Minter and Jamie Britton are the Hardtop winners so far, but Bruce Wilkerson, Bill Trotter, Nathan Augustine and Jimmy Del Castille will be out to add their names to the winner's list.  The track remains committed to bringing the Pro Stocks back under the banner with championship points and a guaranteed purse.  Darron Arnold is anticipated this week along with Tom Hackworth, Josh Kralicek and Miles Deubert.  Will Dr. Scott Lenz make an appearance and go for Win #3?  Will any Association members come for a shot at the $300 to win?

The Outlaw Kart track will showcase Beginners Box Stocks, Box Stocks, 250 Intermediate and 500 Open Karts.  Some of the young stars anticipated this week include Jacob James, Trevor Grimes, Keaton Augustine, Wyatt Pinckney and Isiah Sanders.  The program will also include some lawnmower racers from the Southern Oregon Lawnmower Association. 

Gate Times both nights are 5:00 PM with the first race starting at 7:00 PM.  General Admission on Saturday is $12.00 with Seniors, Juniors (6-12) and Military $6.00.  Children 5 and under are free.  General Admission on Friday is $10.00 with children 6 and under $5.00.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Pit Stops

This column will be a bit brief, but there are a few things to talk about at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The effort to turn things around at the track is an ongoing process that has had and will have set backs.  However, progress continues.  Whether it's replacing pipes from the aging plumbing system at the facility, replacing various equipment, adding touches like the benches at the concession stand area or general improvements to the big and small track, things are happening that will help the future of Southern Oregon Speedway. 

On the upcoming calendar are three very important events for the future of the track.  Hall Of Fame Night is fast approaching on August 12th, the Cascade Sprint Car Challenge, Presented by Herz Precision Parts, is next on August 26th.  The R. Charles Snyder Salute is coming on September 2-3.  The first and third events mentioned here, along with the Roger Haudenshild Tribute that was held earlier this year, are very important to this race track.  They honor people who helped made racing in Southern Oregon happen.  It's also worth noting the Dwarf Car Nationals on August 4-5 is the biggest Dwarf Car event in the state of Oregon.

When you talk Hall Of Fame, there are varying opinions offered up by long time observers as to who should get in.  In reality, this night should have happened a long time ago, and it's a bit of a puzzle as to why it didn't come up until this year.  This was an event that was very much on Promoter Mike McCan's mind when he began his ten year run at the track last year.  To help in the effort to get this started, brothers Curt and Denny Deatherage have come on board.  The Deatherage's are knowledgeable in Oregon racing history, and they made the Historical Night and Hall Of Fame happen at Cottage Grove Speedway some 15 years ago.  One of the things they will be doing is constructing a display of old photos of Medford racing's past.  This display will see additions in the years to come.

The event itself should grow in the future.  The goal is to get it up and running now and build on that foundation.  In Hall Of Fame discussions at other tracks, a comment that comes up is why isn't there an actual building?  It's not that this can't happen, but you start getting into the cost of it all and that bogs down the entire effort.  What many places have settled on is a Hall Of Fame gathering, and honorees are presented with Hall Of Fame plaques.  An actual pre race get together, either earlier in the day or the night before, could be in the cards for the future.  This year, the inductions will take place on race night.

The discussion that is sure to have many opinions is who belongs in the Hall Of Fame?  Southern Oregon racing has a history that stretches back many decades.  There were a few different tracks in Medford and White City, not to mention Ashland Speedway.  Many drivers deserve this honor as well as car owners and people who worked hard behind the scenes to make it happen.  Rest assured that 2017 is the first of an annual event, and the greats will all be honored.  Announcements on who will be getting inducted will be forthcoming, but August 12th will be a night on which you will want to be at Southern Oregon Speedway.

The August 12th race will be a Stock Car night, headlined by Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Pro Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets and SODCA Dwarf Cars.  The Outlaw Pro Stock group will be supporting this race and have announced that they will be honoring the late Rocky Nash, who died from complications resulting from his crash in Yreka earlier this year.  Nash was a two time feature winner last season and a long time racer.  The lineup of divisions on the schedule that night will make for some great racing.

On August 26th, lots of things will be happening.  The main attraction is the Cascade Sprint Car Challenge, presented by Herz Precision Parts.  Longtime Wingless 360 Sprint Car supporter Mark Herz has come on board to sponsor this event, which pays $3,000 to win.  Some of the best Wingless 360 Sprint Car racers from Oregon and California will be in action.  Our own Kyler Barraza has said he's racing, and word out of California is that respected car owner Ted "Would You Believe It" Finkenbinder will be fielding his two race cars.  Ted always brings his A Game, which will make for some great action on the track.  We'll have more news on who is coming in the days ahead.  The Sprint Cars will be joined by the Valley Stor-All Late Models Lites, Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets that night.

An announce met on format and purse should be made in the next few days, but the night just gets better.  The good people at Hays Oil (www.haysoil.com) will be there as this is Hays Oil Night At The Races.  This means giveaways for the fans.  We have just received word that there will be a grudge match between two local DJ's driving Hornets.  It's all about creating excitement around Southern Oregon Speedway.

The R. Charles Snyder Salute is already generating interest from fans.  IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Modifieds and SODCA Dwarf Cars are listed on the schedule, and there will be purse details and information on any additional divisions competing that weekend very soon.  However, the event is about honoring legendary Southern Oregon Speedway/Medford Speedway announcer R. Charles Snyder.  The Race Tower, which has the announcer, scorer and VIP sections and the soon to be upgraded rooftop, will be dedicated to Snyder in a special ceremony that weekend.  There will be more details in the days ahead.

The challenge has been issued to the IMCA Modified racers to show the fans what you've got.  The drivers have asked for and gotten the IMCA sanctioning, a guaranteed purse and smooth and consistent racing conditions.  The division has been a cornerstone class at the speedway for years, but the numbers have declined during the past 7-8 seasons.  Neighboring Yreka is struggling even more.  Some good racers have continued to support the class, including Albert Gill, Jesse Bailey, Zach Fettinger and Jeremy Ohlde.  At the recent Speedweek race, only eight area racers were there to challenge the Tour racers.  A race before that, only five locals showed, while five visitors were there to keep the car count in double digits.

The division is being give a fair shake.  The Speedweek and Roger Haudenshild Tribute races featured increased purses, and the R. Charles Snyder Salute will do the same.  The area is known to have a car count base approaching or even surpassing the 30's, and there are some very talented stars that the fans have enjoyed watching through the years who are included in those numbers.  There can still be some great days ahead for IMCA Modified racing.  They've had their challenges in recent years.  Racing is more expensive and the Sport Modifieds are there for racers to compete and have therefore effected Modified car count, but the division has had a longer run than most other forms of racing that you'll find at different race tracks.

It's worth giving a note of appreciation to guys like Gill, Bailey (Jesse and Tim), Ohlde, Fettinger, Nick Trenchard, Mark Wauge, Scott Crumm, Duane Orsburn, Shane Everson, James Anderson, James Welshonse, Preston Jones and Monte Bischoff.  The division still lives on because these drivers (among others) won't give up on it.  With a bit more support, the division could be seen much more at the track in the future.  It's in the hands of the drivers.

Four Cylinder racing is alive and well at Southern Oregon Speedway, and it's an important part of the racing program.  Mini Stocks have been there since the track opened in 1996.  Late Model Lites have been there as well.  It appeared to be gone, but racers like Lee Doty, Danny Prewitt, Charlie Eaton and Eric Aos wouldn't let it go away.  The cars have evolved to become one of the fastest divsions at the track, and they've been putting on a good show this year.  There have been three different winners so far in Doty, Bob Burkett and Bob Westcott.  Eaton and Prewitt are certainly knocking on the door to victory.

Hornets were such an afterthought at the track that they were booked in 2013 and nobody came.  The division was sort of just there over the next two years until McCann came in to promote the track.  With a paying purse for the first time and JOAT Labs building cages, car count is finally growing for this class.  Why does that matter?  You have to find ways to bring new stars into the sport.  Even with the half-hearted effort to build the class before, we've seen young guns Michael Johnson, Dillen Lausen and Garrett Fredrickson move up from the Hornets class and into Mini Stocks.  Hornets matter to the program, and racers like Tim Hedges and his four cars, Derrel Nelson Jr. and his family, Jason Stoutenburgh and Dillon Irving are emerging as new stars at the speedway.

Mini Stocks are a bit down this year as drivers have moved on or are taking a year off.  The racers who are participating this season, however, are doing a great job of putting on a show for the fans.  Lausen and Johnson are emerging as Mini Stock stars in a field that includes champions like David Steele, Steve Goetz, Gary Anderson and Bob Burkett.  Kristopher Mix, Andrew Hall and Hunter Magnan are also putting on a show for the fans.  From the days of Rich McCoy, to Mike Johnson, to John Derby, to today, Mini Stocks continue to make great memories as the "Street Stocks" of Southern Oregon Speedway.

Barraza Coming To Cascade Sprint Car Challenge 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...Southern Oregon Speedway is hosting a big $3,000 to win Wingless 360 Sprint Car race on August 26th.  It's the Cascade Sprint Car Challenge, presented by Herz Precision Parts, and it's offering the biggest winner's prize for a wingless race in Oregon this year.  That kind of prize money is sure to attract some top notch talent, and it's already gotten the attention of Kyler Barraza.

In more recent years, Kyler has made a name for himself as one of the top Winged Sprint Car drivers in the state.  Currently, he leads the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car point race at Southern Oregon Speedway.  He hasn't been as active in the two years prior to this season, but when Kyler won a race at Coos Bay Speedway earlier this year, he showed that he hadn't lost a step.  He's won twice in the first five races at Southern Oregon Speedway, and that has put him into the point lead.

Barraza's credentials are impressive.  He's a two time Southern Oregon Sprint Tour champion, and he has three championships at Coos Bay Speedway.  One of his more famous wins was the night he took his 360 Sprint Car to a big Super Modified race on the pavement of Roseburg and won in 2007.  He's had plenty of success on the Oregon Winged Sprint Car circuit through the years, but he's no stranger to success in Wingless Sprint Cars either.  Kyler won the first two North West Wingless Tour Main Events in 2009.

The lure of a big payday has gotten the attention of Barraza.  He's won his share of races with the wing at Southern Oregon Speedway.  He knows the track pretty well, and he brings lots of confidence with him every time he straps into the race car.  Some of the best drivers on the West Coast will be coming to town for a shot at the money and the right to call themselves the winner of the first ever Cascade Sprint Car Challenge Race.  Perhaps that winner will be Kyler Barraza.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com or write to contact@southernoregonspeedway.com.

Hibbard, Burkett, McCoy, Anderson, Peters, Hedges Share Winner's Circle

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion 

Can Be Heard HERE

Bailey Hibbard Wins Again In Southern Oregon Speedway Kendall Oil Sprint Cars

White City, Oregon...July 8...Sixteen year old Bailey Hibbard won his second 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  It was a race that nearly got away late, but Hibbard stayed smooth and brought it home to a $1,000 victory aboard his Dave's Carpet & Vinyl Liquidators/Pacific Properties sponsored Sprinter.  Point leader Kyler Barraza made a last ditch attempt to take the lead, but he came up short at the end.

The preliminaries had three different winners.  Barraza won the eight lap heat race, while David Hibbard was the winner of the four lap Trophy Dash.  B. Hibbard won the four lap Scramble to earn the pole for the feature.  B. Hibbard raced into the lead over Barraza and D. Hibbard at the start of the Main Event.  The only caution flag of the race flew on lap three for a Calvin Hibbard spin in Turn 2.  B. Hibbard maintained the lead on the restart with Barraza and D. Hibbard right behind him for a while.  However, young Bailey left the second place battle and steadily reeled in the fourth place battle of Merissa Henson and Camden Robustelli.  Henson was driving a smooth race and was leaving no opening for Robustelli.  When B. Hibbard caught the two cars, he was reluctant to make a move up high to get around them.  Barraza pulled right behind B. Hibbard as they took the white flag.  Exciting Turn 4 one last time, Barraza attempted to get underneath him, but he spun to avoid contact.  B. Hibbard went on to victory ahead of D. Hibbard, Henson, Robustelli, Barraza and Calvin Hibbard.

The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars will be back on July 22nd and August 5th.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars

Heat-Kyler Barraza, Bailey Hibbard, David Hibbard.  Trophy Dash-David Hibbard, Kyler Barraza, Bailey Hibbard.  Scramble-Bailey Hibbard, Kyler Barraza, David Hibbard.  Main Event-Bailey Hibbard, David Hibbard, Merissa Henson, Camden Robustelli, Kyler Barraza, Calvin Hibbard.

McCoy Impressive In Southern Oregon Speedway 

IMCA Sport Modified Win

White City, Oregon...July 8...Rich McCoy won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  McCoy's first win of the season came by a wide margin as has become a player in the championship battle.  David Marble won a spirited duel with point leader Mike Medel for a second place finish.

Willie McFall was a double winner in preliminaries with six lap heat race and four lap Trophy Dash wins.  McCoy grabbed the victory in his heat race.  McCoy raced into the Main Event lead at the start ahead of Jesse Merriman and McFall.  McFall and Medel both raced past Merriman for second and third in lap three, and Merriman spun for a lap four caution flag.  McCoy continued to lead McFall and Medel on the restart.  Marble made it a three car battle for second as McCoy pulled away.  A low move in Turn 2 of the ninth lap gained Marble third from Medel, and Marble made a back stretch pass on McFall for second on lap 11.  By then, McCoy had a straightaway advantage over second.  Marble got out of shape in Turn 4 on lap 13 as Medel and McFall both raced by.  Marble took third from McFall on lap 14, and an inside move on the back stretch a lap later put Marble back into second.  There was no catching McCoy as he sped to his first win of the season.  Marble was a season best second, followed by Medel, McFall, Mike Helwig and Merriman.  Tony Duste made his division debut in the former Bob Nelsen car.  He is the third generation of his family to race at the speedway, and he took a checkered flag in seventh.  Kalvin Morton was there, but he sold his car before the heat races.

The IMCA Sport Modifieds will be back on August 12th as part of Hall Of Fame Night.  The IMCA Modifieds will also be there that night and will be at the track on July 22nd as well.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat 1-Willie McFall, David Marble.  Heat 2-Rich McCoy, Mike Medel.  Trophy Dash-Willie McFall, Mike Medel.  Main Event-Rich McCoy, David Marble, Mike Medel, Willie McFall, Mike Helwig, Jesse Merriman, Tony Duste, Kalvin Morton (DNS), Tony Bartell (DNS).

Burkett Sweeps Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites Action 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 8...Bob Burkett won his first 20 lap Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites Main Event of the season Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Burkett figured to be the driver to beat in the rookie race this season, but his clean sweep of his heat race, the Trophy Dash and Main Event gave him the point lead as Lee Doty loaded up with a broken rear end after hot laps.

Burkett's evening started with a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Charlie Eaton, and he followed that up with a six lap heat race win in front of Eric Aos.  Eaton won his heat race in front of past Super Truck champion Greg Arnold, who was making his return to the division in his recently purchased car.  Burkett paced the opening lap of the Main Event before Eaton raced by on the inside in Turn 2 for the lead.  Danny Prewitt ran third ahead of E. Aos, but Aos raced by Prewitt for third on lap three.  E. Aos took second from Burkett before a lap five caution for a Prewitt spin slowed the pace.  Eaton continued to lead the restart as Burkett took second from E. Aos.  Eaton set the pace with Burkett hanging with him as E. Aos and Prewitt battled for third.  A low pass in Turn 2 gained Burkett the lead from Eaton on lap 16.  Burkett started to pull away, but a Prewitt spin forced a lap 17 caution flag.  Burkett led the restart, but his car slowed a little bit on the back stretch as he was having a fuel pick up problem.  Eaton beat him back to the white flag, but Burkett managed to get back by on the back stretch on the last lap.  Burkett held on for the victory as Eaton settled for second.  Prewitt raced to a third place finish, followed by Dustin Aos, E. Aos, Bill Spencer and Arnold.

Race Results

Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites

Heat 1-Bob Burkett, Eric Aos, Bill Spencer.  Heat 2-Charlie Eaton, Greg Arnold, Danny Prewitt.  Trophy Dash-Bob Burkett, Charlie Eaton, Bill Spencer.  Main Event-Bob Burkett, Charlie Eaton, Danny Prewitt, Dustin Aos, Eric Aos, Bill Spencer, Greg Arnold, Lee Doty (DNS), Randy Hansen (DNS).

Peters Wins Third Straight SODCA Feature 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 8...Brock Peters won the 20 lap SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Peters is the reigning champion, and this was his third straight Main Event win at his home track.  He had a little luck on his side as son Cody Peters spun while leading.

The Peters family won the six lap heat races as C. Peters won the first heat ahead of Kaycee Sheeler, while B. Peters won the second heat in front of Chad Cardoza.  C. Peters held off Cardoza to win the A Dash, while Ryan Smith claimed the B Dash victory in front of Fred Hay.  C. Peters raced into the Main Event lead from his front row start.  B. Peters and Cardoza dropped Sheeler out of the Top 3 on lap two.  B. Peters was pressuring C. Peters for the lead, but the young gun was doing a good job of leading the way.  On lap 16, C. Peters spun in Turn 4 for a lap 16 caution flag.  B. Peters led the restart with Smith racing past Cardoza for second.  B. Peters led the remaining laps for the victory.  Smith was a season best second ahead of Cardoza and Hay.  C. Peters made a last turn pass on Randy Slater to salvage a fifth place finish as Steve Walker, Sheeler, Paul Haslow and Joe Sanders made up the remainder of the Top 10.

Race Results

SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat 1-Cody Peters, Kaycee Sheeler, Ryan Smith.  Heat 2-Brock Peters, Chad Cardoza, Randy Slater.  A Dash-Cody Peters, Chad Cardoza, Kaycee Sheeler.  B Dash-Ryan Smith, Fred Hay, Randy Slater.  Main Event-Brock Peters, Ryan Smith, Chad Cardoza, Fred Hay, Cody Peters, Randy Slater, Steve Walker, Kaycee Sheeler, Paul Haslow, Joe Sanders, Kalvin Morton.

Hedges Sweeps JOAT Labs Hornets Race
At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 8...Reigning champion Tim Hedges won his second straight 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  This time, Hedges left little doubt as to who the winner was as he led the entire distance.  He also won his heat race and the Trophy Dash to make it a clean sweep as Derrel Nelson Jr. returned and finished second.

T. Hedges started his night with a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of incoming point leader Jason Stoutenburgh.  He also held off Nelson to win his six lap heat race.  Brandon Wonsyld led three laps of his heat race before Ashland High School student John Cordery raced by for the lead and victory.  Wonsyld finished second.  The Main Event was destined to go non stop, and T. Hedges raced into the lead at the start ahead of Nelson and Ashton Hedges.  Stoutenburgh got a flat tire in Turn 4 on the opening lap and headed for the pits.  Cordery took third from A. Hedges on lap three.  Wonsyld ran close to A. Hedges and finally made the pass for fourth on lap 15.  Nelson ran strong, but T. Hedges was just a bit faster as he scored the impressive victory.  Cordery finished third, followed by Wonsyld, A. Hedges, Kevin Hilgendorff, Jenna Hedges, Dillon Irving, Angie Gillette and Stoutenburgh.

Race Results

JOAT Labs Hornets

Heat 1-John Cordery, Brandon Wonsyld, Jenna Hedges.  Heat 2-Tim Hedges, Derrel Nelson Jr., Jason Stoutenburgh.  Trophy Dash-Tim Hedges, Jason Stoutenburgh, Ashton Hedges.  Main Event-Tim Hedges, Derrel Nelson Jr., John Cordery, Brandon Wonsyld, Ashton Hedges, Kevin Hilgendorff, Jenna Hedges, Dillon Irving, Angie Gillette, Jason Stoutenburgh.

Anderson Wins Second Mini Stock Feature 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 8...Gary Anderson won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  This was the second win of the season for the 2014 champion as he continues his climb up the point ladder.  Michael Johnson made a last ditch attempt to take the lead on the final lap before settling for second.

Incoming point leader Dillen Lausen won his first career Trophy Dash ahead of Anderson.  Anderson beat 2013 champion Steve Goetz to win his six lap heat race, while Kristopher Mix won his heat ahead of Lausen.  David Steele's title hopes took a hit when he blew a motor in his heat race to end his night.  Anderson had a front row start for the Main Event and raced into the lead ahead of Goetz.  Johnson made a Turn 1 pass on Mix on lap three to take over third in a race that was destined to go non stop.  The lead four of Anderson, Goetz, Johnson and Mix ran closely, and Johnson made an outside move on the front stretch on lap eight to take over second.  Johnson began pressuring Anderson for the lead, but Anderson was running a great race out front.  Johnson tried everything he could think of.  As they raced to the checkered flag, Johnson got a run on the inside.  Johnson spun across the finish line in his last ditch effort to take the lead, but Anderson prevailed.  Goetz settled for third ahead of Mix, Lausen, Hall and Hunter Magnan.

Race Results

Mini Stocks

Heat 1-Gary Anderson, Steve Goetz, David Steele.  Heat 2-Kristopher Mix, Michael Johnson, Dillen Lausen.  Trophy Dash-Dillen Lausen, Gary Anderson, Michael Johnson.  Main Event-Gary Anderson, Michael Johnson, Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Dillen Lausen, Andrew Hall, Hunter Magnan, David Steele (DNS).

 Grimes Grabs Victory In Southern Oregon Outlaw Karts

White City, Oregon...July 7...Trevor Grimes won the 20 lap Box Stock Main Event Friday night at the Southern Oregon Speedway Outlaw Kart track.  The two time reigning champion won the race ahead of Keaton Augustine and Vinny DeBenedetti.  The race had a red flag when Yreka champion Taylor Fuller flipped his kart in Turn 4.  Fuller was okay, but out of the event.  Grimes also won the 250 Kart feature. 

Jacob James won his second straight Beginners Box Stock Main Event ahead of reigning champion Kiley Grimes and Isiah Sanders.  Wyatt Pinckney grabbed the victory in the 500 Open Kart Main Event.  Racing returns to the Outlaw Kart track on July 21..  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com

Hibbard, Burkett Win Southern Oregon Speedway Races

Hibbard, Burkett Win Southern Oregon Speedway Races

White City, Oregon...July 8...Bailey Hibbard won the 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  It was the second win of the season for B. Hibbard, and it nearly got away at the end.  After winning the four lap Scramble to earn the pole for the feature, B. Hibbard sped into the lead and built nearly a straightaway advantage in the Main Event.  During the final five laps, the leaders caught the fourth place battle between Merissa Henson and Camden Robustelli.  Kyler Barraza took the white flag right behind B. Hibbard.  As they entered Turns 3 and 4, Barraza spun trying to take the lead.  B. Hibbard brought it home to a satisfying victory ahead for Trophy Dash winner David Hibbard, Henson, Robustelli and Barraza.

Bob Burkett won his first career Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites Main Event.  The 2016 Mini Stock champion won the four lap Trophy Dash and spent 17 laps chasing leader Charlie Eaton before making an inside pass in Turn 2 to grab the lead.  A yellow flag for a Danny Prewitt spin bunched the field.  Burkett appeared to lose power on the back stretch and was momentarily passed by Eaton.  However, Burkett regained the lead a lap later and held off Eaton for the win.  Prewitt finished third ahead of Dustin Aos and Eric Aos.

Rich McCoy turned in a dominant performance in winning his first 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event of the season.  While McCoy was building a half-lap advantage, David Marble won a thrilling duel with point leader Mike Medel for a second place finish.  Trophy Dash winner Willie McFall and Mike Helwig rounded out the Top 5.

Brock Peters won his third 20 lap SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event.  Brock was chasing his A Dash winning son Cody for most of the race before Cody spun in Turn 4 for the only yellow flag on lap 16.  B. Peters led the rest of the race for the win, while Ryan Smith battled Chad Cardoza for a second place finish.  Fred Hay was fourth, and a last turn pass allowed C. Peters to salvage a fifth place finish.

Gary Anderson won his second 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event.  The 2014 champion led from the start with 2013 champion Steve Goetz following him early.  By lap eight, young Michael Johnson moved up to challenge Goetz, and he took the second position on lap ten with his outside groove effort.  On the last lap, Johnson made a last ditch attempt to move underneath Anderson, only to spin across the finish line in second as Anderson won.  Goetz held of Kristopher Mix in a good battle for third as Trophy Dash winner Dillen Lausen finished fifth.

Tim Hedges won his second straight 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event.  It capped a clean sweep as he also won the four lap Trophy Dash and his six lap heat race.  T. Hedges raced into the lead from the drop of the green flag and led the entire distance.  Derrel Nelson Jr. followed not too far behind in second.  Ashland High School's race car was driven to a third place finish by John Cordery as Ashton Hedges and Brandon Wonsyld completed the Top 5.

There will be no racing next week due to the County Fair. Racing returns on July 22nd with Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Mini Stocks, Pro Stocks, SODCA Dwarf Cars and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars

Heat Winner (8 Laps)-Kyler Barraza.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-David Hibbard.  Scramble (4 Laps)-Bailey Hibbard.  Main Event (25 Laps)-Bailey Hibbard, David Hibbard, Merissa Henson, Camden Robustelli, Kyler Barraza.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Willie McFall, Rich McCoy.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Willie McFall.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Rich McCoy, David Marble, Mike Medel, Willie McFall, Mike Helwig.

Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Bob Burkett, Charlie Eaton.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Bob Burkett.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Bob Burkett, Charlie Eaton, Danny Prewitt, Dustin Aos, Eric Aos.

Mini Stocks

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Gary Anderson, Kristopher Mix.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Dillen Lausen.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Gary Anderson, Michael Johnson, Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Dillen Lausen.

JOAT Labs Hornets

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-John Cordery, Tim Hedges.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Tim Hedges.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Tim Hedges, Derrel Nelson Jr., John Cordery, Brandon Wonsyld, Ashton Hedges.

SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Cody Peters, Brock Peters.  A Dash (4 Laps)-Cody Peters.  B Dash (4 Laps)-Ryan Smith.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Brock Peters, Ryan Smith, Chad Cardoza, Fred Hay, Cody Peters.

Hornets Nest Stirred Up At Southern Oregon Speedway, Pit Stops

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion 

Can Be Heard HERE

Hornets Nest Stirred Up At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...Through the years, the Four Cylinder division has sometimes been an after thought at Southern Oregon Speedway. That's simply not the case anymore. The Mini Stocks and JOAT Labs Hornets are putting on some great races, and that's expected to be the case when these two classes join the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites and SODCA Dwarf Cars for a six division program this Saturday night. It's also a double header weekend as the Outlaw Kart track will have races on Friday night.

The Hornets division had everybody talking last week, and the talk started before the racing even happened. Reigning champion Tim Hedges is excited about the growth in this affordable, entry level class. In it's fifth year at the track, this division has never looked so good, and Hedges would like to keep that momentum going. He's even fielding four race cars this year. "The key is that I don't have to spend a lot of money on these cars, " said Hedges. "The rules are such that I can afford to do this, plus I get to race with my family."

Tim's wife Jenna and son Ashton drive two of the cars, and he has a guest driver in the fourth car. Tim's concern for the division is that cars are built legal to the rules. "There are a couple of things that need to be monitored with these cars, " says Hedges. "A few guys have played around with the rules a little bit, and this could all be sorted out with tech. We're just starting to get a good car count, and I want to see that continue."

JOAT Labs came on board this season as the title sponsor. Miles Deubert has been building safe, reliable roll cages for this class to get more cars out on the track. We've seen 16 different cars compete in the first three races, and JOAT Labs has built cages for David Coggins, point leader Jason Stoutenburgh, Christian Listro and the new Hedges car, among others.

Hedges believes the simple rules package, enforced properly, is key to the success of this division. "The cars are all pretty close on speed, " Tim observed. "That puts it in the hands of the drivers. There was a car out there that wasn't quite in the spirit of the rules. When the rules were enforced, suddenly that car wasn't as fast. We need more of that to keep everybody honest."

Hedges is definitely one of the more enthusiastic supporters of this class, but his night took a somewhat controversial turn in last week's Main Event. An official call was made to black flag David Coggins after he and leader Jason Stoutenburgh got together on the back stretch. The two drivers had a few lapped cars behind them and were behind slower cars when this happened, causing a moment of confusion as to who the leader was. It was Hedges, but the Stoutenburgh car was picked up as the leader. This caused Hedges to be scored twice on lap 18, and he ran his 20th lap on lap 19.

Hedges had actually won the scheduled 20 lap race, but he and Zach Nelson were still battling after completing their 20th lap. Nelson made a Turn 4 pass on the non existent 21st lap and was initially declared the winner when it was quickly discovered that Stoutenburgh was not the leader. Hedges, however, was treated like the final lead lap car in sixth, rather than the winner that he was. Officials resolved the matter on Sunday and declared Hedges the winner over Nelson and Stoutenburgh. It was his first career win.

With an extremely close Mini Stock point race, emotions boiled over a little bit after a heat race last week. The division now has six drivers within 19 points of the lead, and it is rookie Dillen Lausen leading two time winner David Steele by a mere point. Six points back in third is Kristopher Mix. Both Mix and Lausen are searching for their first career feature wins, but fourth place Gary Anderson won a few weeks ago. 2014 champion Anderson is 12 points out of the lead. Meanwhile, 2013 champion Steve Goetz grabbed his first win since his championship season to tie Michael Johnson for fifth, 19 points back. 15 year old Johnson won his first career heat race last week and went to Yreka on July 4th for his first ever Main Event win.

David Hibbard was within two laps of becoming the fourth different Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car feature winner last week, but traffic gave Kyler Barraza the opening he needed to race by for his second win. Barraza has a 31 point lead over impressive rookie Merissa Henson. Merissa is just 16 years old, and she's done a good job of getting her car to the finish line in all but one of her races. She leads D. Hibbard by only three points in the battle for second. The Hibbard team, including David's son Bailey and family patriarch Calvin, are anticipated this week along with Enrique Jaime and Dwarf Car ace Camden Robustelli.

Mike Medel's disastrous night during Speedweek enabled Rich McCoy to close in on him in the IMCA Sport Modified point battle. Willie McFall is also off to a good start. These two drivers are within 15 points of Medel for the lead, but Medel is the only one of the three to win so far this season. These three are anticipated for a great night of racing along with two time champion Dwayne Melvin Jesse Merriman, A.J. Parker, Tony Bartell, Kalvin Morton and others.

Lee Doty has been the driver to beat since the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites returned to the speedway. The reigning champion has six wins in nine starts, but the most recent race saw the return of Bob Westcott. Westcott has won many races in this class through the years, and he battled Doty to win the Main Event that night. These two may be at the front of the pack this week, but they can expect Bob Burkett, Charlie Eaton and Danny Prewitt to make their presence known as well.

So far, reigning champion Brock Peters and son Cody Peters have been two of the fastest competitors at the track after three SODCA Dwarf Car races. Brock has led Cody across the line for the 1-2 finish these past two races, while Camden Robustelli won the first race. These three have been putting on a great battle up front so far, but you can expect Rob Gergel, Chad Cardoza, Josh King, Randy Slater, Ryan Smith and Fred Hay to be among those giving them a run for their money this week.

Friday night will offer Outlaw Kart racing on the smaller track. There are four classes of racing, and the most recent winners were Tanner Holmes (500 Open), Carley Holmes (250 Karts), Trevor Grimes (Box Stock) and Jacob James (Beginners Box Stocks). Car count is expected to increase this week for the second event of the season. Gates open a 5:00 PM with the first race at 7:00 PM. General Admission is $10 for the Friday night races.

On Saturday night, gates open a 5:00 PM with racing on the big track starting at 7:00. Ticket prices for the six division program are $12.00 for General Admission, $6.00 for Seniors, Juniors and Military and children 5 and under free. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Pit Stops

There is a bit of excitement surrounding the Southern Oregon Speedway Late Model effort.  The fact is, this track has never really made a serious effort to start it's own division until Mike McCann became promoter last year.  If you go back to the old Medford Speedway, Late Models were the class.  When Southern Oregon Speedway opened, much like the Street Stock division, the Late Models were conspicuously absent from the roster.  There's always been rumblings about this division through the years, and the track did book special Late Model tour races.  The ill fated revival from seven years ago was marred by the fact that you didn't know what the purse might be from race to race.

The last two races have had eight car fields.  While that may not be huge, it is progress from where it was last year.  We saw the return of Trent Elliott, who made appearances when the class had race dates seven years ago.  Championship contenders Nathan Augustine, Dustin Knight and Kristy Grout were also among the field.  Knight arrived a bit late and gave up his starting spot in the Trophy Dash, which was won for the second time by Augustine.  However, Knight won his heat race to keep pace with fellow heat winner Elliott.

What was interesting was Knight gave up a front row spot to start back in the fourth row of the Main Event.  He wanted to give the fans a little show, and he did.  The past Dirt Modified and Pro Stock champion quickly worked his way up to second.  The problem was Elliott had a straightaway advantage, and no yellow flags flew to bunch the field.  Elliott became the third different winner of the season, while Knight used his second place finish to take the point lead.  The other factor in that was Kristy Grout.  After Augustine spun from second, it seemed like all wasn't well with his car.  Augustine was lapped late, but he made a move to pass Grout.  While the eyes might have judged it in Augustine's favor, the scoring loop saw Grout taking fourth by a very slim margin.  That .001 second margin cost Augustine two points.

You can ask Bob Dees how every point matters.  Dees was trailing two time 2016 feature winner Mike Linder last year until making his move in the season finale to win the championship.  For this season, Bob got a newer 2009 chassis, but he wanted to make it just right.  He did all of the interior, while Bruce Rayburn did the body.  He missed the season opener, but the car turned out beautifully.  After watching his son Garrett lead two laps of the Trophy Dash, Bob battled Augustine for the win before settling for second.  It's also worth noting that Garrett Dees had the body of his car done by Rayburn, and it too is a nice looking car.  Bob Dees ran a good Main Event and was a lead lap third.  He's hoping to get a win this year, and he might just do it when the division returns on July 22nd. 

G. Dees and Dave Foote took checkered flags in sixth and seventh last week, but Mike Linder retired early in the race.  Part of the reason for the optimism for the Late Model division has to do with the fact that there are other cars being built.  Don Garrett Jr. discovered a motor issue two days before the race and and to miss the week, while John Dees missed the show due to his work schedule.  Steve Lemley has had a busy work schedule, but he's planning to make the 22nd with his new trailer bringing the car.  We've heard rumors of a few cars being prepared, one of which will be piloted by Sport Mod and Modified ace Rich McCoy.  Are we entering a new Late Model era at the speedway?  It might be too early two say, but it's looking better than it has in a long time.

The Pro Stock division is a bit of a mystery.  There is a question about who is willing to support the Medford effort at the moment.  Both drivers who were present at the first two races this year were absent last week.  Josh Kralicek was the leader coming into the night.  Derrel Nelson Jr. had been driving the Hackworth Racing #30 car, but word is that this car was sold to Chris Silva.  Silva had the #203 IMCA Modified at the speedway earlier this year.  The Association group, which is largely based out of Klamath Falls, originally only committed to four dates.  When a rainout occurred earlier this year, they chose to move that race to another track, rather than reschedule a later Medford date.  They supported the Roger Haudenshild Tribute and are only planning to support two more races at the moment.

It was anticipated that there might only be 6-8 cars from the Medford area supporting the effort to bring the class back under the track's umbrella, but that support hasn't come despite an increased purse.  Racers such as Tyler Lockwood, Brian Johnsen, Dave Everson and Darron Arnold haven't been seen yet, while we've seen Ken Irving and Dan Randall once.  Irving commented that he prefers racing here and he will support the association races at the track.  Eventually, his son Dillon Irving will be taking the wheel of the #1 car.  Saturday saw the return of Dr. Scott Lenz, who is hoping for the division's inclusion at the R. Charles Snyder Salute.  However, lack of support from a division capable of bringing 12-16 cars leaves that possibility in doubt.  Lenz is definitely an asset to Pro Stock racing, and he won the heat, dash and Main Event ahead of Miles Deubert and Tom Hackworth last week.  What happens to this division in the future depends on the support of the racers, but the purse has not been cut due to low turnout.

OTRO Hardtops fielded five cars this past week.  Jamie Britton looked pretty fast when he showed up out of nowhere for the opener.  He wasn't even an OTRO member.  He just wanted to race on the dirt.  He's since joined the group, and he drove the #11 car to a heat win and a third in the feature at the second race.  Jamie took it up a notch last week in winning his heat race, the dash and feature, snapping a two race winning streak for Mark Minter.  He also joins Trevor Thomason as the only other OTRO driver to score a sweep in their eight appearances.  Thomason is no longer driving the Vic & Louise Bridges #63 car, but past Marysville Raceway Stock Car competitor Bruce Wilkerson is now driving.  Bruce had a good battle going with Minter last week before settling for third as Bill Trotter and Ken Lerwell both took checkered flags.  OTRO comes back on July 22nd and will race on Night #2 of the Dwarf Car Nationals on August 5th.

Also competing at those two events as well as this week will be the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars.  We haven't gotten the chance to see much of Camden Robustelli in his Sprint Car, but scheduling is such that he can race both his Dwarf Car and Sprint Car at all three events.  Camden has missed a couple of Dwarf Car point races, but the two race throwaway rule allows for that.  He's very much interested in winning the SODCA Dwarf Car championship after back to back runnerup seasons.  It's the last accomplishment left to be had on that level as Camden is also an Outlaw Kart champion.  Robustelli started racing in the Sprint Car class two years ago and already has two wins at Cottage Grove to his credit.  Still on the horizon is his first Medford win.  What he needs is more seat time at his home track, and as he gets comfortable, he will be a factor in the battle for victory.

This is something you'd expect from 2014 Cottage Grove champion David Hibbard.  Hibbard has won his share of races at both Cottage Grove and Medford through the years.  When the rules were open last year, David beat some 360 Sprint Cars in a thrilling battle for a win.  This year has been a mixed bag for the man who has gone above and beyond in the effort to grow this class at his home track.  He fell out of the opener with motor problems and was eliminated in an opening lap crash at the next race.  He finished second to his son Bailey in Race #3, but last week's win had David's name written all over it.  He won his heat race and the Scramble and for 23 glorious laps led the way in the Main Event.  He wasn't putting a lot of distance between himself and point leader Kyler Barraza, but barring any mistakes, David was going to be the fourth different winner in four races.

Unfortunately, in a 25 lap race, anything can happen.  Enrique Jaime was having an overheating issue during the race.  He went to the high side and ran about five laps at a reduced speed in an effort to cool off his engine.  Once the numbers read a but lower, he got back on it, but leaders D. Hibbard, Barraza and B. Hibbard were approaching fast.  As they exited Turn 2 on lap 24, Jaime was in D. Hibbard's path.  This opened the door wide, and Barraza drove by for his second win of the season.  D. Hibbard was a disappointed second.  It was still a solid point night that moved him to within three points of Merissa Henson, but if you know the competitor that David is, he really wanted that win.  It would not be wise to count him out this week.

The points may be shuffled further.  With a special Wingless Sprint Car race being sponsored by Mark Herz of Herz Precision Parts at another track this week, Barraza may make a run for a big payday this Saturday.  He ran the July 4th Extreme Sprint twin features at Cottage Grove and had a fourth and a third that night.  If Barraza skips this week's race, it will not end his championship effort by any means.  He could still be leading, and he'd only be a few points behind if not.  Impressive rookie Merissa Henson is the next in line, and she has done a good job of staying smooth and getting good finishes this season.  She was a lead lap fourth last week, which helped keep her in second in the standings.  "Rookie Of the Year" was her first goal for this year, but the other two possibilities should not be dismissed.  She could win the championship, and she could also win her first race before the season is over. 

We've heard some Sprint Car news on two fronts moments before this column was to run.  The Shawna Overton Sprint Car has just been purchased and should see it's first Medford start on July 22nd.  However, the bigger news is the return of reigning champion Jake Wheeler to the fold this week.  Wheeler will be using a motor from the Hibbard Racing Team as he returns for a couple of races.  The Wheeler family has been strong supporters of Sprint Car racing in Medford through the years, and both he and his father Vern Wheeler were Main Event winners last season.  Having Jake in the field is good news for the fans as this kid is a hard charger and a threat to win when he's racing at his home track.

The "always exciting" Mini Stocks lived up to their name last week.  With points as close as they are, there were a few animated discussions taking place in the pits after the races.  The motor problems encountered by 2015 Yreka champion David Steele have been the difference after four events.  Steele shot out of the gate like a cannon ball with back to back wins to kick off the season.  He started encountering motor issues in his back to back visits to Yreka, and he missed both of those Main Events.  In the third Medford race, Steele knew the motor wasn't long for this world, but he gave it one more effort to get a feature start.  It lasted a lap before it let go.

While David has been working out his own motor issues, he's also been working on teammate Steve Goetz's motor.  He encountered a change in the way the oil pumps are made that has forced him to change the way he's been doing his motor, but all seemed well last Saturday.  As for Goetz, a rocker arm needed replacing following his third start.  The race was going well in the Top 3, but it didn't end so well.  Both Steele and Goetz had their fingers crossed last Saturday, and Steele started things off with a heat race win.  Unfortunately, after getting as high as second, Steele ended up watching the finish from the sidelines.  He was still scored in fifth, meaning it was an acceptable point night.  It certainly could have been much worse.

For Goetz, it was time to end the streak of only five different drivers to win Main Events since 2014.  The 2013 champion led from the start and won his first Main Event since 2013.  He had to beat the guy wheeling his old championship car, 2014 champion Gary Anderson.  Both Goetz and Anderson are back in the championship hunt now.  Anderson can relate to the motor problems as he had back to back bad nights before putting it together for his first win of the year in the third event.  Anderson decided to go back to his motor from last year, which served him well in his runnerup point season last year.  The fact that these two are now running strong is bad news for the hungry young drivers seeking their first feature wins.  By the way, the Goetz win now means there are eight different winners since 2013.  Only Steele, Goetz, Anderson and reigning champion Bob Burkett are left on the roster from the list of eight, and Burkett is expected to be in the Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites field this week.

Michael Johnson has everybody taking notice of him in the #777 car.  The son of past division champion Mike "Zeus" Johnson is just 15 years old, but he's been getting up on the wheel and running the high groove lately.  Johnson needed help getting pushed off and nearly did not start his heat race last week.  Fortunately for him, the car finally started and he battled fellow championship hopeful Kristopher Mix for his first career heat race win.  It gets better for Johnson.  After a career best third in the Main Event, his team headed to Yreka to tackle the dry slick conditions there on July 4th.  Michael was working the outside groove like nobody else, but third generation racer Mix was getting it done on the inside until a mistake with two laps to go cost him the lead and forced him to settle for third.  Johnson made no such mistakes, even with 2014 Yreka champion "Magic" Mike Whitaker trailing him.  He made Zeus a proud papa by bringing the winner's trophy back to the Johnson house.

Is Johnson going to be the driver to finally break the strangle hold of the veterans for a Main Event win at his home track?  Mix is hoping to have something to say about that.  The same can be said for 16 year old Dillen Lausen, who currently leads the points.  These three have to be considered threats to win now.  Andrew Hall seems to be as fast as any of them in his Pinto Wagon.  He won his first career Trophy Dash at the third event of the season, but he got caught up in a tangle that left him with a damaged front bumper in last week's feature.  He came back after losing laps, but it was a disappointing night for both he and Neon Mafia teammate Mix.  It certainly wasn't a night that had rookie Hunter Magnan turning cartwheels either.  He was out of the race early with front end damage.  There might have been a question of whether Hunter would have the #33m car ready for this week, but he was in Yreka on July 4th and finishing a career best fourth in the Main Event that was won by Johnson.

In the JOAT Labs Hornets division, it has been a wide open battle after three races with three different winners in Joby Shields, David Coggins and Tim Hedges.  Shields sold his #555 car prior to the most recent race as he has begun working on an IMCA Sport Modified.  Last week, he took the wheel of the JOAT Labs #553 rental car.  What is interesting to note is the point leader so far is Jason Stoutenburgh.  Jason is still looking for his first feature win, but he can also point to 2016 champion Tim Hedges, who won his championship without a Main Event win.  Stoutenburgh won both his heat race and the Trophy Dash last week.  He was leading when the moment occurred that thrust the finish of the race into chaos.  Up until that point, he and Coggins were in heavy traffic in a battle for the lead.

When Coggins and Stoutenburgh got together on the back stretch, resulting in Jason spinning, David was given the black flag.  With several of the cars running close together and a few getting their laps back, there was confusion as to who was leading the race.  It was Tim Hedges, but the scorers picked up on Stoutenburgh.  This resulted in Hedges and Zach Nelson both being scored twice on lap 18.  They both ran their 20th lap on lap 19 with Hedges in front, and the non existent 21st lap was where Nelson made a pass for the lead.  Unfortunately for Hedges, Nelson was honored as the winner, but it was determined on Sunday that Hedges was the actual winner.  This was his first win, and his stable of four cars were all in the Top 6 at the finish.  Tim is now in second and zeroing in on Stoutenburgh in the championship battle.  Jenna Hedges has been quietly lurking in this point battle and enjoyed a fourth place finish last time.  She is currently third in the standings.

We're still seeing new drivers joining the ranks as 16 cars have competed after three races.  In the third event, young Dillon Irving was there in his red #11 car.  The son of two time Pro Stock champion Ken Irving is being groomed for his eventual Pro Stock ride.  Brandon Wonsyld and Matt Butler were two new competitors last week.  Wonsyld was making his first start, while Butler has been competing at Coos Bay Speedway this season and was running in the Top 10 in points there.  All three of these drivers grabbed a checkered flag as 10 of the 11 starters finished the competitive race. 

Exciting Finishes, New Winners At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion 

Can Be Heard HERE

Barraza Grabs Victory From Hibbard 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 1...Kyler Barraza won his second Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The current point leader was stalking leader David Hibbard when traffic provided him with the opportunity to make his winning pass on lap 24.  While Barraza sped to the $1,000 victory, Hibbard brought it home to a season best second place finish as his car was running better than it has all season.

D. Hibbard and Barraza were battling for position all night.  Having worked out the motor issues that have been hurting him for the first three races, Hibbard beat Barraza to win the six lap heat race.  Barraza won the four lap Trophy Dash ahead of Hibbard, who spun on the second lap for a yellow flag.  The four lap Scramble set the first two rows of the Main Event, and Hibbard won that race ahead of Barraza.  A motor issue in the Trophy Dash left Bailey Hibbard's crew scrambling to get the car ready for the Main Event.  D. Hibbard raced into the Main Event lead at the drop of the green flag with Barraza following in second.  "Rookie Of The Year" hopeful Merissa Henson was an early third, but B. Hibbard raced by for the position on lap two.  As the lead three cars ran closely, Henson and Enrique Jaime had a good battle going early on for fourth.  However, on lap 14, Jaime slowed his pace just a bit to cool his over heating motor.  This enabled 61 year old rookie Calvin Hibbard to take over fifth.  By about lap 19, Jaime was back to his usual pace, but the leaders were approaching him to put him another lap down.  Working lap 24, Barraza used the slower car to make his move past D. Hibbard for the lead and victory.  D. Hibbard settled for second, followed by B. Hillard, Henson, C. Hibbard and Jaime.  All of the starters finished the non stop event.

The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars are back on July 8th and 22nd.  After his Trophy Dash win, Barraza indicated that he will be removing his wing to compete in Southern Oregon Speedway's big Cascade Sprint Car Challenge, presented by Herz Precision Parts, on August 26th.  That Wingless 360 Sprint Car race will pay $3,000 to win.  For further information go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Kendall Oil Sprint Cars

Heat-David Hibbard, Kyler Barraza, Merissa Henson.  Trophy Dash-Kyler Barraza, David Hibbard, Merissa Henson.  Scramble-David Hibbard, Kyler Barraza, Merissa Henson.  Main Event-Kyler Barraza, David Hibbard, Bailey Hibbard, Merissa Henson, Calvin Hibbard, Enrique Jaime.

Elliott Becomes Third Different Late Model Winner At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 1...Trent Elliott won the 20 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Elliott hadn't been at the track for a few years, but he led all the way to become the third different winner of the season.  Previous feature winner Dustin Knight chose to start in the last row and made an impressive charge to a second place finish.

Knight and Elliott each won six lap heat races, and incoming point leader Nathan Augustine battled reigning champion Bob Dees and Garrett Dees to win the four lap Trophy Dash.  Elliott raced into the Main Event lead at the start ahead of Augustine and B. Dees.  On lap three, Augustine spun in Turn 2 for a caution flag.  Though he restarted in the back, it was obvious that all was not well with Augustine's car.  Elliott continued to lead B. Dees on the restart as Knight was up to third.  A low move in Turn 2 of the fifth lap gained Knight second from B. Dees, but the flying Elliott was already a straightaway in front with no caution flag in sight for the rest of the race.  Elliott lapped fourth place Kristy Grout on lap 17.  Elliott brought it home to an impressive victory with Knight a strong second.  B. Dees was the final lead lap finisher as Grout beat Augustine back to the checkered flag for fourth.  Dave Foote, G. Dees and Mike Linder completed the finishing order.

Late Models return on July 22nd for their fourth event of the season.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Late Models

Heat 1-Dustin Knight, Nathan Augustine, Dave Foote.  Heat 2-Trent Elliott, Bob Dees, Kristy Grout.  Trophy Dash-Nathan Augustine, Bob Dees, Garrett Dees.  Main Event-Trent Elliott, Dustin Knight, Bob Dees, Kristy Grout, Nathan Augustine, Dave Foote, Garrett Dees, Mike Linder.

Lenz Wins Second Southern Oregon Speedway 

Pro Stock Feature

White City, Oregon...July 1...Dr. Scott Lenz won the 20 lap Pro Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  This was his second win of the season at the track.  Lenz is a past Pro Stock champion at the track and the current Outlaw Pro Stock point leader.  The win also gives him the point lead at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Lenz won the heat race and Trophy Dash and led all but the first two Main Event laps in victory.  Miles Deubert led two laps before being passed by Lenz and settling for second ahead of Tom Hackworth.

Race Results

Pro Stocks

Heat-Scott Lenz, Miles Deubert, Tom Hackworth.  Trophy Dash-Scott Lenz, Miles Deubert, Tom Hackworth.  Main Event-Scott Lenz, Miles Deubert, Tom Hackworth.

Britton Snaps Minter Win Streak In OTRO Hardtops

White City, Oregon,...July 1...Jamie Britton grabbed the victory in the 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  This was only his third start on the dirt after finishing third in the previous Main Event.  Minter won a good battle with Bruce Wilkerson for second.

Britton became the third different four lap Trophy Dash winner of the season and added his second six lap heat race win.  This also gave him the second clean sweep effort in the group's eight appearance at the track so far as Trevor Thomason did it once last season.  Britton raced into the lead at the start ahead of Minter and Wilkerson, but Wilkerson took second from Minter on lap six. Fourth place Bill Trotter was lapped on lap 11.  As Britton sped along out front, Minter found his way past Wilkerson for second in the waning laps.  Britton collected the victory ahead of Minter, Wilkerson, Trotter and Ken Lerwell.

Race Results

OTRO Hardtops

Heat-Jamie Britton, Bruce Wilkerson, Mark Minter.  Trophy Dash-Jamie Britton, Bruce Wilkerson, Bill Trotter.  Main Event-Jamie Britton, Mark Minter, Bruce Wilkerson, Bill Trotter, Ken Lerwell.

Goetz Gets The Job Done For Mini Stock Victory 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City,  Oregon...July 1...Steve Goetz won the 20 lap Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Goetz has been struggling with motor issues so far this year, but the 2013 champion had things dialed as he became the third different winner of the season.  There had been a streak going back to 2014 of only 5 different Main Event winners in the class.  Goetz last won in 2013, meaning there have only been eight different winners since 2013.  Previous winner and 2014 champion Gary Anderson finished second as he continues to climb the point ladder.

The night started off with reigning champion Bob Burkett beating Dillen Lausen to win the four lap Trophy Dash.  Incoming point leader David Steele out-dueled Goetz to win their six lap heat race, while young Michael Johnson won his first career heat race ahead of Kristopher Mix.  The Main Event had to be restarted as Steele spun in Turn 2, collecting rookie Hunter Magnan and Burkett.  Magnan suffered front end damage to end his race.  Goetz led the complete restart ahead of Johnson.  Mix settled into third on lap two as Johnson was pressuring Goetz for the lead.  Lausen spun from fourth for a lap five caution flag, and Burkett retired from the race with motor issues.  Goetz continued to lead Johnson and Mix on the restart, but a caution flag flew a lap later as Johnson and Mix got together on the back stretch.  Andrew Hall made contact with the two cars, and he would lose laps in the pits making repairs.  Goetz maintained his lead on the restart with Steele and Anderson now second and third.  The yellow flag flew for the final time on lap 16 for Steele and Lausen.  Steele retired from the race, and Goetz led Anderson on the restart.  Lausen was back in third.  Goetz drove a great race and earned the victory with Anderson a strong second.  Johnson passed Lausen for a career best third on lap 18 as Lausen finished fourth ahead of Steele, Mix, Hall, Burkett and Magnan.

Race Results

Mini Stocks

Heat 1-David Steele, Steve Goetz, Gary Anderson.  Heat 2-Michael Johnson, Kristopher Mix, Andrew Hall.  Trophy Dash-Bob Burkett, Dillen Lausen, Gary Anderson.  Main Event-Steve Goetz, Gary Anderson, Michael Johnson, Dillen Lausen, David Steele, Kristopher Mix, Andrew Hall, Bob Burkett, Hunter Magnan.

Hedges Wins Wild Hornets Race For First Career Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...July 1...Tim Hedges won an exciting and controversial JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  The reigning champion now fields a stable of four cars in the division, and this was his first career feature win.  Hedges led early, only to lose the lead in traffic to Jason Stoutenburgh.  When contact on the back stretch sent Stoutenburgh spinning into the infield on lap 17, new leader David Coggins was shown the black flag for his part in the incident.  T. Hedges was the leader of the race at that time.  Stoutenburgh, who recovered back in third, was scored as the leader, and T. Hedges was scored twice on lap 18.  After the leaders had taken the checkered flag, T. Hedges and Zach Nelson were still racing, and Z. Nelson made a pass in Turn 4 for the lead that essentially did not count.

Incoming point leader Stoutenburgh won both his six lap heat race and the four lap Trophy Dash, while Coggins won the other heat race.  Coggins led the opening lap of the Main Event before Hedges led Stoutenburgh around him for the Top 2 positions on lap two.  A low move in Turn 4 of the fourth lap gained Coggins second from Stoutenburgh, and Stoutenburgh got a bit sideways in Turn 2 on lap six in his attempt to regain second.  This allowed Z. Nelson to race by for third.  The close racing up front continued with Stoutenburgh making a Turn 2 pass to take second from  Coggins on lap eight.  The leaders caught a slower car on lap nine.  Stoutenburgh got underneath Hedges to grab the lead, and the slower car drifted up to get out of the way, forcing Hedges higher and allowing Coggins to take over second.  The battle between Coggins and Stoutenburgh was close as the two exchanged the lead on lap 16.  Stoutenburgh got the lead back a lap later, but contact sent him spinning into the infield off the back stretch.  Coggins received a black flag for his part in the incident as they crossed the line.  The two leaders had lapped a few cars.  Stoutenburgh was identified as the leader at that point, though T. Hedges was the real leader, just ahead of Z. Nelson.  They completed the 20th lap with T. Hedges leading Nelson, but they still raced another lap as Stoutenburgh had been identified as the leader at that moment.  Z. Nelson made a pass on T. Hedges in Turn 4 of what would actually be the 21st lap of the scheduled 20 lap race.  T. Hedges was declared the winner upon further review, followed by Z. Nelson, Stoutenburgh, Jenna Hedges, Ashton Hedges, Ryan Nelson, Brandon Wonsyld, Joby Shields, Dillon Irving and Matt Butler.

Race Results

Hornets

Heat 1-David Coggins, Zach Nelson, Joby Shields.  Heat 2-Jason Stoutenburgh, Tim Hedges, Jenna Hedges.  Trophy Dash-Jason Stoutenburgh, Jenna Hedges, Ashton Hedges.  Main Event-Tim Hedges, Zach Nelson, Jason Stoutenburgh, Jenna Hedges, Ashton Hedges, Ryan Nelson, Brandon Wonsyld, Joby Shields, Dillon Irving, Matt Butler, David Coggins.