Southern Oregon Speedway Banquet Announcement And Other Observations

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Southern Oregon Speedway Banquet Announcement 

And Other Observations

White City, Oregon...We're a couple of months into the offseason, and it won't be long before the 2019 season will be upon us. But before we get there, there will be an awards banquet celebrating the 2018 season. This will happen at Los Arcos Restaurant in Medford on January 26th.

Once again, the Top 10 drivers in all of the track's regular divisions will receive trophies, and "Rookie Of The Year" winners will also be honored.

All in all, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the future of the 23 year old racing facility. When it was built, the people and the racers flocked to the speedway be a part of the excitement. Huge numbers of fans spectated some great racing excitement, and seeing more than 100 cars in the pits was common when things really got going during the first 10 year period.

By the time KJE Enterprises entered the picture to begin promoting in 2016, the speedway was far from those glory days. The previous half dozen years weren't anything to brag about, but at least racing was still continuing on the 3/10 mile clay oval. Promoter Mike McCann set about adding new attractions to the schedule and new divisions to give the fans more variety to enjoy. In these past three seasons, we've seen an increase in attendance and car count. Though it's not on par with those early years, it's certainly better than what the fans were seeing in the immediate years leading up to McCann taking over.

There were a few occasions when long time fans even had to admit that they hadn't seen numbers like this in years. The Roger Haudenshild Tribute race had nearly 100 cars. The R Charles Snyder Salute had well over 100 race cars in the pits as the biggest car count the track had seen in over a decade. The season finale tipped in at 80 competitors, prompting some people to wish the season could go on for just a few more weeks.

There were certainly some moments to be proud of. A future column will review the season itself, but we can take a look at some good moments we had at the speedway in 2018. It may not seem like much to some, but Albert Gill winning his third IMCA Modified championship was quite an accomplishment. Gill was faced with the pressure of needing to make the Main Event in the star-studded R Charles Snyder Salute. He did so by impressively winning his B Main, thereby punching his ticket into the show. He has won all three of his championships in the last five years.

David Hibbard blazed a trail in the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Series by winning five Main Events in the first six races. By the time the season finale came along, he didn't have to be there to win the championship. David has been a leader in the revival of Sprint Car racing in the area, and he is the first to admit that it's great seeing so many young, up-and-coming racers on a roster that continues to grow.

Another David who has the respect of his peers is Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock champion David Steele. David carried a nice experience advantage over his fellow competitors as he was on a quest to win his first local track championship and take his seat atop the track's all time Mini Stock Main Event winner's list. He accomplished both tasks. To show you how impressive he was, Steele won nine Main Events, and his two worst finishes were second place.

It's not often you miss a race and are still able to win a championship. It becomes even more of a challenge when you're trying to dethrone the reigning champion. Second-generation competitor John Dees was a model of consistency with five second-place feature finishes during the season and one win. When John again picked up a second place finish in the finale, he accomplished his Late Model championship winning goal.

Rookies usually spend the season learning, and we get a sign of what they can do with a couple of nice moments during the season. However, Bree Tritchler accomplished something some drivers race their whole careers and don't get done. She won the JOAT Labs Hornets division championship on the strength of five second place finishes and one victory. She needed her second place finish in the season finale to close the deal.

The SODCA Dwarf Car division, which had their banquet back in October, fielded some of the biggest car counts at the speedway all year. A nice mixture of veteran competitors and newcomers gave them full fields most of the time. The competition was so tough that there were roughly a half-dozen drivers with a shot at the championship going into the finale. However, it was third generation racer Josh King using a second place finish in the final race to hold off Chad Cardoza to reclaim his position at the top of the point list. Young Michael Johnson was the top rookie of the season and won his first heat race late in the year as one of the track's rising young stars.

Another division putting some of their best car counts ever on the track this year was the IMCA Sport Modifieds. It seemed like everybody was getting a car to run this class, and it was a wide-open battle. Past Mini Stock champion David Marble kicked things off with his first win in the division and backed it up with several Top 5 finishes. By the time the season finale came along, he had secured the championship over the rookie Branden Wilson. Marble now has a Sprint Car as he looks forward to his next challenge.

Since the Valley Store All Late Model Lites were brought back to the roster in 2016, Charlie Eaton has been one of the most consistent drivers. It seemed like usually he was finishing second or third, but this year, he took it up a notch with a division leading three wins to write his name into the record books as a Southern Oregon Speedway champion.

The R Charles Snyder Salute stands head and shoulders above the other races as the marquee event of the season. The community seemed to band together to help make this show even bigger. Sponsorship grew the IMCA Modified winner's prize money to $5,000, while the IMCA Sport Modifieds were racing for $2,000 to win. In fact, the Sport Modifieds fielded over 50 cars for the two-day event. The Modifieds checked in at over 40. Guy Ahlwardt came from Antioch, California and surprised the Sport Modified competitors by holding off local ace Jorddon Braaten for the impressive win. Bobby Hogge IV won the Modified race.

The track hosted one of the biggest races of the year for the Winged Sprint Car class in Oregon. Roughly 20 competitors checked in to run the Ironhead Nationals, and Summer Thunder Series competitor Garen Linder returned to his hometown to score an impressive $2,000 victory.

When you're talking about impressive victories, the race of the season for the Sprint Car class happened in the season finale. Outlaw Kart star Tanner Holmes was running fifth on lap 18 when the teen leadfoot noticed the groove on the outside was faster. He moved up. A series of passes put him in a position to make a last-lap pass on the front stretch to take the win away from race long leader Mike Wheeler. Holmes won the last two Main Events for the class.

The biggest Wingless Sprint Car race in the state also happened at Southern Oregon Speedway. Defending Herz Precision Parts Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge race winner Geoff Ensign left little doubt when he battled Shawn Arriaga early on before pulling away to the $3,500 victory. Another talented up-and-comer, Jeffrey Hudson, won a three-car battle late to finish a $1,500 second.

Nick Trenchard has a knack for winning when the money is on the line. The Sixth Annual Rodger Haudenshild Tribute race was paying $2,000 to win for the Modifieds. Trenchard defended his win in the previous race with another triumph. In the companion Sport Modified class, it was Californian Fred Ryland winning the prize, which was over $1,000. Dr. Scott Lenz left with more money when he won the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock portion of the show.

Dwarf Cars took center stage to kickoff August as nearly 60 competitors showed up for the annual WSDCA Dwarf Car Nationals race. Ryan Diatte was the star of the weekend in the Pro class as he won both the Preliminary and final Main Events. It was 2016 race winner Tim Fitzpatrick coming back to win the Veteran Main Event finale. Another local star, Brett James, won the Sportsman Main Event. Southern Oregon Speedway also got to be part of the Dwarf Car Speedweek as the opening race win went to Camden Robustelli. Several members of the PHRA came to town, giving them a field of roughly 40 competitors.

The Northwestern Focus Midgets made their second appearance at the Speedway for a Memorial Day Weekend visit.  A well run program saw 30 competitors come down, mostly from Washington and Canada, to entertain the crowd.  Jonathon Jorgenson won the Little Indy special in what was a fast race with close battles throughout the pack.  The Iron Giant Street Stock Series was back with a field of over 20 competitors a couple of weeks earlier.  This series is proof that Street Stock racing is still alive and well in Oregon.  Andrew Langan won the 50 lap race.

A small but dedicated group of Pro 4 Mini Stocks came from the Salem area and had some good racing with Rick Wagner winning in their lone appearance.  The OTRO Hardtops brought their beautiful six-cylinder cars to the track for six appearances, and among the notable moments were Mark Minter's three wins in the oldest car in the group and a pair of wins by Bill Trotter.  There were many good battles for victory throughout the season.  One of the most notable wins was scored by Preston Jones in the IMCA Modified finale after a good battle with CJ Putnam.  It was the first career win for Jones in this division.

Southern Oregon Speedway also proudly hosted the second annual Southern Oregon racing Hall Of Fame. This event was created to pay homage to some of the all-time greats of Southern Oregon racing. This year, Bruce Rayburn, Dave Duste Sr, Dane Smith, Dick Wallace and Rick Hunsley where all inducted at the August event.

These are just some of the things to be proud of from 2018. It was a team effort. Of course, numbers wouldn't be up if it wasn't for the great support of the fans and all of the competitors who came out to be a part of the show. Numbers were looking particularly good in Dwarf Cars and Sport Modifieds, and the Modifieds had their best season in four years. With a boost from several Outlaw Kart competitors, the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car division had its best year since the class was restarted in 2016.

There's still much work to be done to get things where everybody really wants to see them, but plans are underway to make 2019 the best season in years at Southern Oregon Speedway. The first order of business will be the awards banquet, which again will take place at Los Arcos Restaurant in Medford on January 26th.


2018 Southern Oregon Speedway Point Standings

2018 IMCA Modifieds
1    Albert Gill
2    Zach Fettinger
3    David Satterfield
4    Nick Trenchard
5    Jantzen Knips
6    Mark Wauge
7    Duane Orsburn
8    Dave Duste Jr.
9    Jesse Bailey
10    Jeremy Ohlde

Rookie Of The Year - David Satterfield


2018 IMCA Sport Modifieds
1    David Marble
2    Branden Wilson
3    Tony Duste
4    Willie McFall
5    Tony Bartell
6    Jimmy Lipke
7    Mike Medel
8    Danny Rule
9    Billy Richey
10    Braxton Possinger

Rookie Of The Year - Branden Wilson


2018 Kendall Oil Sprint Cars
1    David Hibbard
2    Jeffrey Hudson
3    Bailey Hibbard
4    Blaine Cory
5    Tanner Holmes
6    Aaron Miller
7    Enrique Jaime
8    Merissa Henson
9    Charlie Thompson
10    Todd Whipple

Rookie Of The Year - Blaine Cory


2018 Late Models
1    John Dees
2`    Nathan Augustine
3    Miles Deubert
4    Dave Foote
5    Bob Dees
6    Mike Linder
7    Don Garrett
8    Garrett Dees
9    Eric Massey
10    Dave Everson

Rookie Of The Year - Miles Deubert


2018 Valley Store All Late Model Lites
1    Charlie Eaton
2    Greg Arnold
3    Eric Aos
4    Dusty Aos
5    Lee Doty
6    Bob Burkett
7    Danny Prewitt
8    Jim Cunningham
9    Terry Hadley
10    Krista Hadley

2018 Bobbio’s Pizza Mini Stocks
1    David Steele
2    Hunter Magnan
3    Steve Goetz
4    Kristopher Mix
5    Garrett Fredrickson
6    Michael McLeod
7    Ashtin Hedges
8    Gary Anderson
9    David Marble
10    Marilyn Yawnick

Rookie Of The Year - Michael McLeod


1018 JOAT Labs Hornets
1    Bree Tritchler
2    Tim Hedges
3    Brandyn Wonsyld
4    Chris Boynton
5    Dylan Irving
6    Jenna Hedges
7    Dylan Sauer
8    Ashtin Hedges
9    Zach Nelson
10    Jason Stoutenburgh

Rookie Of The Year - Bree Tritchler

Jones, Holmes, Coffman, Lenz, Trotter Win Championship Night Features At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Jones Wins First IMCA Modified Feature 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 22...Holding off some late pressure from CJ Putnam, Preston Jones scored the victory in the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the first career win for Jones. Albert Gill won his third championship in five seasons just by taking the green flag for the Main Event.

Gill started the evening off with his fourth four lap Trophy Dash win of the season. 2017 champion Jesse Bailey outran his brother-in-law, Jon DeBenedetti, to win the first six lap heat race. Putnam won the second heat in front of Jones.

Jentzen Knips charged into the Main Event lead over seven-time champion Mark Wauge on the opening lap, and Bo Shields spun for a caution flag. Knips continued to lead the restart as Jones slipped past Wauge for second. Wauge came charging by Jones for second on lap four, but a Turn 3 pass on that seven regained Jones the position. A lap later, Jones made an outside pass on the backstretch to take the lead from Knips. Jones began to pull away, leaving the battle for second, but a lap 15 yellow flag waved for debris on the track. Jones led the restart with Putnam making an inside pass in Turn 2 to take second from Knips. After a lap 17 caution flag, Putnam made a serious bid to take the lead on the restart and grabbed the spot with an inside pass exiting the fourth turn. The lead was short-lived as Jones beat him back to the line to lead the 19th lap. The lead two cars ran closely as Zack Fettinger had settled into the third position. A tangle between Bailey, Gill and Dave Duste Jr brought out the final yellow flag on lap 21. Jones led the restart with Putnam giving him all the pressure he could handle. Putnam attempted to get by several times in the remaining four laps, but Jones held him off for the hard earned victory. Fettinger finished third, followed by DeBenedetti, Wauge, Jeremy Ohlde, Duane Orsburn, Duste, Bailey and Gill.

Race Results

IMCA Modifieds

Heat 1-CJ Putnam, Preston Jones, Albert Gill, Mark Wauge, Jantzen Knips, David Satterfield.

Heat 2-Jesse Bailey, Jon DeBenedetti, Zach Fettinger, Jeremy Ohlde, Dave Duste Jr, Bo Shields.

Trophy Dash-Albert Gill, Jesse Bailey, Dave Duste Jr, Zach Fettinger.

Main Event-Preston Jones, CJ Putnam, Zach Fettinger, Jon DeBenedettim Mark Wauge, Jeremy Ohlde, Duane Orsburn, Dave Duste Jr, Jesse Bailey, Albert Gill, David Satterfield, Jantzen Knips, Bo Shields.

Coffman Closes Season With IMCA Sport Modified Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 22...Leading all the way from the start, Roseburg's Doug Coffman won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. He became the ninth different winner of the season. David Marble took a checkered flag further back in the field to wrap up his championship winning season.

Rich McCoy started things off with a win in the four lap Trophy Dash. With 24 competitors on hand, the Sport Modifieds ran four six lap qualifying heat races, and wins were recorded by McCoy, Branden Wilson, Coffman and Willie McFall. Only the Top 4 finishers of each heat race made it into the Main Event with the remaining drivers forced to run a 12 lap B Main. Rookie Michael Rule won that race ahead of last starter Tony Duste, Gary Foster and final transfer Toby Judd.

Coffman had a front-row start for the Main Event and charged into the early lead ahead of McFall and two-time champion Dwayne Melvin. A yellow flag flew on lap two for Judd on the front straightaway. Coffman continued to lead the restart as McCoy passed McFall for second. Melvin was back up to third a lap later before a caution flag flew for AJ Parker. Coffman led McCoy and Melvin on the next restart, and a lap seven caution flag waved for Tony Bartell. Coffman continued to lead the way on the next restart ahead of McCoy as Braxton Possinger settled into third. However, Possinger surrendered that position to Justin McCreadie on lap 10. Coffman continued to set a good pace during the final 10 laps with McCoy running not too far behind for a second place finish. McCreadie settled for third, followed by Jimmy Lipke, Randy Wright, Wilson, two-time champion Mike Medel, Matt Sanders, McFall and Duste.

Race Results

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat 1-Rich McCoy, Randy Wright, Dwayne Melvin, Matt Sanders, Michael Rule, Steve Lysinger.

Heat 2-Branden Wilson, Jimmy Lipke, AJ Parker, Danny Rule, Gary Foster, Billy Richey.

Heat 3-Doug Coffman, Mike Medel, Tony Bartell, David Marble, Isaac Sanders, Austin Petrey.

Heat 4-Willie McFall, Braxton Possinger, Justin McCreadie, Brian Johnsen, Tony Duste, Toby Judd.

Trophy Dash-Rich McCoy, Matt Sanders, Randy Wright, Branden Wilson.

B Main-Michael Rule, Tony Duste, Gary Foster, Toby Judd, Isaac Sanders, Austin Petrey, Billy Richey, Steve Lysinger DNS.

Main Event-Doug Coffman, Rich McCoy, Justin McCreadie, Jimmy Lipke, Randy Wright, Branden Wilson, Mike Medel, Matt Sanders, Willie McFall, Tony Duste, Gary Foster, Danny Rule, David Marble, Michael Rule, Dwayne Melvin, Tony Bartell, Braxton Possinger, Brian Johnsen, AJ Parker, Toby Judd.

Holmes Thrills Crowd With Last Lap Pass For Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Victory At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 22...Tanner Holmes made an impressive late race charge to score his second straight 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event win Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. With eight laps to go, the 15 year old phenom was running fifth. He switched to the outside groove for the final eight laps and worked his way to the front, where he took the lead from Mike Wheeler with a last turn pass.

The Sprint Car count grew to a record 23 cars for this race, and the three eight lap heat race wins were recorded by Holmes, Wheeler and new track champion David Hibbard. Outlaw Kart superstar Wheeler outran top rookie Blaine Cory to win the 10 lap Scramble. The increase in car count forced a 12 lap B Main, won by Camden Robustelli ahead of Enrique Jaime and final transfer Cooper Desbians. Past Cottage Grove champion Hedge Carter saw his night end early with a flip in the B Main

With a pole position start, Wheeler raced into the early lead ahead of Cory and Bailey Hibbard. In his previous two starts, mechanical issues ended Wheeler's night early, but he was running strong on this occasion. Todd Whipple did a complete 360 in Turn 4 on lap five and kept going, but a yellow flag still waived. Wheeler continued to lead Cory and Bailey Hibbard on the restart with David Hibbard and Jeffrey Hudson filling out the top five at that moment. Robustelli brought out a caution flag when he broke in Turn 4 on lap eight. Wheeler continued to lead Cory and Bailey Hibbard on this restart. Aaron Miller and Kyler Barraza retired in the next few laps as Wheeler and Cory were having a close battle at the front of the pack. The final yellow flag waved on lap 18. Holmes was up to fifth by then, and he took fourth from David Hibbard on the restart as Wheeler continued to lead. Bailey Hibbard also slipped past Corey for the second position. Holmes was working the extreme high groove that no one else was touching, and he made a Turn 4 pass on to lap 21 to take third from Cory. He gathered the momentum exiting Turn 4 a lap later and made a frontstretch pass on Bailey Hibbard for second. Wheeler was still running the bottom line that had served him well to that point, and Holmes quickly reeled him in. As they exited the final turn, Holmes gathered the momentum for an outside pass down the front straightaway. Despite a slower car also running the high line, Holmes kept going and managed to beat Wheeler back to the checkered flag for the crowd thrilling victory. Wheeler settled for a disappointed second, followed by Bailey Hibbard, Cory, AJ Harbaugh, Jeffrey Hudson, David Hibbard, Desbiens, TJ Winningham and Bailey Sucich.

Race Results

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars

Heat 1-Tanner Holmes, Jeffrey Hudson, Bailey Hibbard, Merissa Hensen, Melissa Solesbee, Camden Robustelli, RC Levin.

Heat 2-Mike Wheeler, Aaron Miller, Todd Whipple, Bailey Sucich, AJ Harbaugh, Cooper Desbiens, Steve Thompson, Justin Tracy.

Heat 3-David Hibbard, Blaine Cory, TJ Winningham, Kyler Barraza, Steven Snawder, Enrique Jaime, Hedge Carter, Morgan Bergs.

Scramble-Mike Wheeler, Blaine Cory, Bailey Hibbard, TJ Winningham, David Hibbard, Tanner Holmes, Jeffrey Hudson, Todd Whipple, Aaron Miller.

B Main-Camden Robustelli, Enrique Jaime, Cooper Desbiens, Morgan Bergs, RC Levin, Hedge Carter, Steve Thompson, Justin Tracy.

Main Event-Tanner Holmes, Mike Wheeler, Bailey Hibbard, Blaine Cory, AJ Harbaugh, Jeffrey Hudson, David Hibbard, Cooper Desbiens, TJ Winningham, Bailey Sucich, Merissa Henson, Steven Snawder, Enrique Jaime, Todd Whipple, Melissa Solesbee, Kyler Barraza, Aaron Miller, Camden Robustelli.

Lenz Wraps Up Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock Championship With Win At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 22...Taking the lead from Steve Borror on the fourth lap, Dr Scott Lenz went on to win the 20 lap Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was his eighth series victory and ninth of the year as he wrapped up his second consecutive championship.

Lenz got his night started off with a four lap Trophy Dash win, but his quest for a clean sweep would end as John David Duffie held him off to win the first six lap heat race. James Flowers outran his father Scott Flowers for the second heat race win.

Steve Borror set the Main Event pace from the start ahead of Lenz and James Flowers. A Turn 2 pass on the fourth lap gained Lenz the lead, and a tangle involving James Flowers and Duffie left Duffie in Turn 2 and brought out a lap five caution flag. Duffie was done for the night, but Flowers returned after a pit stop. Lenz continued to lead Borror and Scott Flowers on the restart, but Matt Harlow made an inside pass on the front stretch on lap 8 to take third from Scott Flowers. A lap nine caution flag for debris was the final slow down of the race. Lenz continued to lead Borror on the restart as Scott Flowers regained third. A lap later, Dave Quick passed Flowers at the line to take over third. Lenz held a straightaway advantage over Borror by lap 15, leaving the battle for third. Scott Flowers slipped passed Quick for third on that 19, and Lenz was the happy winner, followed by Borror, Scott Flowers, Quick, James Flowers, Rick Lukens, Harlow, Ray Kniffin Jr, Ken Irving and Bryan Hammond.

Race Results

Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks

Heat 1-John David Duffie, Scott Lenz, Steve Borror, Rick Kukens, Bryan Hammond, Ray Kniffen, Dave Quick.

Heat 2-James Flowers, Scott Flowers, Matt Harlow, Ken Irving, Scott Bennett, Phil Pipgras.

Trophy Dash-Scott Lenz, Scott Flowers, Steve Borror, Dave Quick.

Main Event-Scott Lenz, Steve Borror, Scott Flowers, Dave Quick, James Flowers, Rick Lukens, Matt Harlow, Ray Kniffen Jr, Ken Irving, Bryan Hammond, Scott Bennett, Tom Hackworth, John David Duffie, Dave Sauer DNS.

Trotter Closes OTRO Hardtop Season With Second Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 22...Bill Trotter won the 15 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Trotter battled Jay Smith through most of the race before scoring his second win of the season.

Chris Mehrer won the four lap Trophy Dash to get the show started, and Trotter won a good battle with Smith and Dean Cast for the eight lap heat race win. Trotter raced into the lead at the start of the Main Event ahead of Smith and Cast. The lead three drivers had their own battle as Mehrer mixed it up with three relative newcomers in the battle for fourth. Unfortunately for Matt Butler, he stalled with motor problems for the only caution flag of the race on lap three. Trotter continued to lead Smith and Cast on the restart. Gradually, Trotter and Smith began to pull away from Cast, while Dillion Rourk battled Mehrer for the fourth position. As Trotter went on to win, Smith lost a wheel in the final turn. Cast finished second. Rorke made an inside pass on the backstretch on lap 14 to take fourth from Mehrer. With Smith's misfortune, Roark ended up third at the checkered flag, followed by Mehrer, Mike Higby, Smith and Butler.

Race Results

OTRO Hardtops

Heat-Bill Trotter, Jay Smith, Dean Cast, Chris Mehrer, Mike Higby, Dillion Roark, Matt Butler.

Trophy Dash-Chris Mehrer, Matt Butler, Dillion Roark, Mike Higby.

Main Event-Bill Trotter, Dean Cast, Dillion Roark, Chris Mehrer, Mike Higby, Jay Smith, Matt Butler.

Holmes, Jones Thrill Crowd With Southern Oregon Speedway Wins

Holmes, Jones Thrill Crowd With 

Southern Oregon Speedway Wins

Tanner Holmes #18t won his second straight Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car feature.

White City, Oregon...September 22...Tanner Holmes closed the 2018 season with a thrilling 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint car Main Event victory Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. It was his second straight win. Holmes started running the high line during the final half dozen laps and made an impressive charge from fifth. Working the final lap with a slower car on the outside of race long leader Mike Wheeler, Holmes went high and beat Wheeler back to the checkered flag for the win.. Bailey Hibbard finished third ahead of Blaine Corey and AJ Harbaugh. David Hibbard is the new champion.

Preston Jones #5j won his first career IMCA Modified Main Event.

Preston Jones won his first career 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. Jantzen Knips led Mark Wauge for five laps before Jones made a Turn 2 pass to take second from Wauge. Jones then passed Knips on the back stretch on lap eight for the lead. On a lap 16 restart, CJ Putnam took second from Knips. Putnam spent the final nine laps trying to get by Jones. However, Putnam's last turn attempt at a high pass came up just short as Jones won. Zach Fettinger finished third followed by Jon DeBenedetti and Wauge. Albert Gill wrapped up his third championship in the last five seasons.

 Doug Coffman #99c got his first Southern Oregon Speedway IMCA Sport Modified Win.

Doug Coffman won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Coffman led from the start with Rich McCoy taking over second on lap three. Through numerous yellow flags, Coffman continued to hold off McCoy on each restart to win. Justin McCreadie finished third ahead of Jimmy Lipke and Randy Wright. David Marble won his first Sport Modified championship.

Dr. Scott Lenz #51l used his Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock Main Event win to wrap up his second straight championship.

Scott Lenz wrapped up his second Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stock championship with his eighth series win. Lenz made a Turn 2 pass on Steve Borror on lap four and proceeded to lead the rest of the 20 lap race. Lenz won by a half-lap ahead of Borror. Scott Flowers won a late race battle with Dave Quick for third as James Flowers finished fifth.

Chris Mehrer #17 won the OTRO Hardtop Trophy Dash.

Bill Trotter won his second OTRO Hardtop Main Event of the season. Trotter led the 15 lap race from the start. Jay Smith ran closely behind him for most of the race until losing a rear wheel in the final turn. Trotter won ahead of Dean Cast, Dillion Roark, Trophy Dash winner Chris Mehrer and Smith.

This concludes the 2018 season. For news on the track and the 2019 season, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Tanner Holmes, Mike Wheeler, David Hibbard. Scramble (6 Laps)-Mike Wheeler. B Main (12 Laps)-Camden Robustelli, Enrique Jaime, Cooper Desbiens. Main Event (25 Laps)-Tanner Holmes, Mike Wheeler, Bailey Hibbard, Blaine Cory, AJ Harbaugh.

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-CJ Putnam, Jesse Bailey. Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Albert Gill. Main Event (25 Laps)-Preston Jones, CJ Putnam, Zach Fettinger, Jon DeBenedetti, Mark Wauge.

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Rich McCoy, Branden Wilson, Doug Coffman, Willie McFall. Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Rich McCoy. B Main (12 Laps)-Michael Rule, Tony Duste, Gary Foster. Main Event (20 Laps)-Doug Coffman, Rich McCoy, Justin McCreadie, Jimmy Lipke, Randy Wright.

Calculated Comfort Pro Stocks

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-John David Duffie, James Flowers. Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Scott Lenz. Main Event (20 Laps)-Scott Lenz, Steve Borror, Scott Flowers, Dave Quick, James Flowers.

OTRO Hardtops

Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Bill Trotter. Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Chris Mehrer. Main Event (20 Laps)-Bill Trotter, Dean Cast, Dillion Roark, Chris Mehrer, Jay Smith.

Modifieds, Sprint Cars Headline Championship Night At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Modifieds, Sprint Cars Headline Championship Night 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...Some of the biggest nights of this season have included the IMCA Modifieds. On Saturday night, the racing season at Southern Oregon Speedway comes to a close with a program that will feature the IMCA Modifieds. Also on the card will be the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks and OTRO Hardtops.

Just three weeks ago, the track had its biggest weekend car count of the year with nearly 140 cars. The show was the R Charles Snyder Salute, which featured IMCA Modifieds. This also presented a problem for the championship contenders as this was a point race. A year earlier, Albert Gill saw his championship hopes derailed when he failed to make it into the Main Event. This time around, he won a B Main to get into the Main Event and only finished a few positions behind championship contender Nick Trenchard. Therefore, Gill has put himself in a nice position to win his third championship in five seasons.

Gill has been the most consistent driver this season with three second place finishes and two thirds to his credit, and this gives him a 17 point lead over two-time winner Trenchard going into the night. It's possible that Gill could clinch the championship merely by starting Saturday night's Main Event.

Because he was unable to make it into the Main Event at the R Charles Snyder Salute, three-time winner Zach Fettinger is further back in third. He leads rookie David Satterfield by just 11 points. These four drivers are anticipated this week along with Jantzen Knips, seven-time champion Mark Wauge, Duane Orsburn and Dave Duste Jr.

Last time out, David Hibbard had his worst finish of the season in fourth in the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car division. However, with five wins and two seconds going Into that night, he only needed to start the race to assure himself of his first championship at his home track. Hibbard is the 2014 champion at Cottage Grove Speedway. There is a battle for second in the standings, currently led by Jeffrey Hudson ahead of Bailey Hibbard and Blaine Cory.

Hudson leads Bailey by just 11 points going into the night with Cory trailing the younger Hibbard by just 12.  Early in the most recent Main Event, Hudson and Cory got tangled and flipped coming out of Turn 2.  When Bailey Hibbard finished second that night, he managed to overtake Cory for third in the standings.

The star of the night was Outlaw Kart phenom Tanner Holmes, who won his first career Main Event. Holmes went to Cottage Grove last week and did it again. The 15 year old leadfoot could very well be the driver to beat this weekend. Other drivers to look for include Enrique Jaime, Aaron Miller, Charlie Thompson, Merissa Henson and TJ Winningham.

The IMCA Sport Modifieds delivered a track record of over 50 cars to the R Charles Snyder Salute three weeks ago. The record will show that in eight point races, there have been eight different winners. David Marble has consistently finished in the Top 5 in most of those races and has one win. Though he didn't make it into the big show, none of his championship rivals did either. Marble leads Branden Wilson by 22 points going into the night and will just need to start the Main Event to assure himself of the championship.

There's a closer battle for second with Wilson leading Tony Duste by 12 points and Tony Bartell by 15. Willie McFall could also move up a position or two from his fifth spot. These five drivers are anticipated this week, and others to watch for include Jesse Merriman, Jimmy Lipke, Danny Rule, Michael Rule and two-time champion Dwayne Melvin.

The Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks have been invited back for what will be their season finale. Reigning champion Dr Scott Lenz finds himself leading the standings by 72 points ahead of the consistent Scott Flowers. Lenz has been on a roll this year with seven feature wins on the circuit, including five straight in Yreka. He comes into the night as the driver to beat. 2016 champion Steve Borror is third in the standings and counts himself as a one-time winner this year. He could be the biggest threat to Lenz, but other drivers to keep an eye on include Matt Harlow, John David Duffie, Johnny Cobb, James Flowers and Bryan Hammond.

Rounding out the program will be the beautiful Hardtops of the Old Time Racers of Oregon Association. Mark Minter has won three straight headed into their final race. Bill Trotter finished second last time and is also a one-time winner with the group this season. These beautiful Coupe and Sedan racers from the 1940s put on a good show, and other drivers to watch for this week including Dean Cast, Justin Krossman, Chris Mehrer, Jay Smith and Matt Butler.

This will be your last opportunity to check out a race at Southern Oregon Speedway before the season comes to a close. Gates open at 5 p.m. with Trophy Dashes scheduled to start at 7 p.m. General Admission is $12. Seniors, Veterans and Juniors (7 to 12) are $6 and children 6 and under are free. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


Southern Oregon Speedway Point Standings
IMCA Modifieds
89    Albert Gill    268
54n    Nick Trenchard    251
88    Zach Fettinger    237
211    David Satterfield 226
7    Jantzen Knips    218
1m    Mark Wauge    179
0    Duane Orsburn    159
73m    Dave Duste Jr.    154
68    Jesse Bailey    149
21    Jeremy Ohlde    130

Kendall Oil Sprint Cars
3    David Hibbard    262
L88    Jeffrey Hudson    204
1    Bailey Hibbard    193
94    Blaine Cory    181
48e    Enrique Jaime    122
2m    Aaron Miller     119
101    Charlie Thompson 108
17m    Merissa Henson    108
18t    Tanner Holmes    99
42    Theron Smith    76

IMCA Sport Modifieds
4m    David Marble    267
12w    Branden Wilson    245
23    Tony Duste    237
27    Tony Bartell    230
7m    Willie McFall    226
14    Billy Richey    171
11j    Jesse Merriman    170
4y    Jimmy Lipke    162
30    Mike Medel    159
25p    Braxton Possinger 158

Outlaw Pro Stocks
41l    Scott Lenz    545
21    Scott Flowers    473
B40    Steve Borror    433
0m    Matt Harlow    412
42    John David Duffie 394
05    Jeff Haudenshild 366
03    Johnny Cobb    340
22    James Flowers    323
55    Bryan Hammond    318
4    Ginny Flowers    312

Pit Stops

Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway was Championship Night #1. Five championships would be decided that night. Actually, we already knew who the champions were in the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks and Valley Store All Late Model Lites divisions, but the other three divisions were very close. There was plenty of drama to go around throughout the evening.

The Southern Oregon Dwarf Car Association did their best to upstage everybody else. All season long, the 20 year old Dwarf Car organization was putting good numbers on the track. Last week was one of several 20 car fields brought to the speedway by this group. The Dwarf Car point structure is conducive to close championship battles. It allows drivers to throw away two bad nights, or just nights when they might not have made it to the speedway.

Camden Robustelli has been racing Sprint Cars this year and missed two races to compete elsewhere, but the throw away rule helped put him in a tie with Chad Cardoza and Josh King going into the night. King might seem like the driver with the advantage with two championships to his credit, but Robustelli and Cardoza have been in the thick of the battle in the past. Both drivers have finished as high as second in the standings. Plus, Robustelli was probably the hottest driver going into the night. He won the previous race at Southern Oregon Speedway and then competed against some of the best drivers Oregon has to offer and won at Cottage Grove Speedway.

The group gives points for the heat races, but the A and B Dashes help line up the Main Event and are not for points. Robustelli won his heat race and carried a slim point lead into the Main Event. This was going to get interesting. Robustelli led a lap, but two-time champions Brock Peters and Josh King were able to get by him on the second lap. Still, Robustelli kept it close throughout the first 11 laps. Had they stayed in this order, it would have been interesting to see where the points fell, but Robustelli saw his run up front end in a tangle with a slower car.

As the two-time reigning champion, Peters was trying to overcome some bad luck this year. He wasn't far out of the lead, but he needed bad nights for the other three drivers to make his move. However, he did absolutely everything he could do by winning his heat race and the Main Event. That enabled him to move into a tie with Cardoza and Kalvin Morton for second in the standings.

Morton probably wouldn't have made it to the show had it not been for Bud Lorentz allowing him to borrow his car. Kalvin blew a motor in his own car. He made the most of it with a nice drive to a third place finish after winning his heat race and the A Dash

However, the big winner of the night was King. He used his second place finish to notch his third club championship in the last five years. It's been a difficult season for the James family as Markey James passed away earlier this year. The James family has been entrenched in Southern Oregon racing since the 1950s when Cecil James was a racer and promoter at the old Medford Raceway. Markey was Josh's grandfather, and Josh wasn't necessarily going into the season with any thoughts of winning a championship.

It was definitely a team effort. At times he was borrowing cars, including Jerry Hauck's race car. Josh drove the wheels off of it every time he had the opportunity. He is certainly a worthy champion, and the family had plenty of reason for a well deserved celebration. By all accounts, this was a great season for the Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars.

Though he was not in the championship hunt, Joe Sanders had his best finish to date. He started it off by beating the Mod Lite of Jesse Lorentz to win the B Dash. It was his first win with the group this year. He followed that up with a career-best fourth place finish in the Main Event. Sanders has gotten quicker as the season has worn on, and he will certainly be somebody to watch next year in the point battle. He held off Cardoza for that fourth place finish, which is also something to be proud of.

Back in sixth at the checkered flag was Robustelli. He spent the last 14 laps driving his heart out trying to get a shot at the leaders one more time. He did it all without a yellow flag, but it was just not to be. He can certainly be proud of the effort he put forth. Ageless veteran Fred Hay certainly had his moments during the season with a pair of podium finishes. He maintained his Top 10 point status with a seventh place feature finish. Dwarf Car fans consider it a blessing that Fred is even out there in light of the hard crash at Chico two years ago that could have ended his career. Even when he was recovering, he kept his spirits up and had a good sense of humor. It's hard to imagine a Dwarf Car event at Southern Oregon Speedway that doesn't include the yellow #10 car of Fast Freddie, who has been racing in Medford for over 50 years.

There's something big on the horizon with the Late Model division. We'll just leave that little teaser out there, but it's something that could not only entice racers to build cars to join the effort, it could also be responsible for bringing more visitation to the fast, Jim Rodgers prepared 3/10th mile clay oval. This is the third year of the Late Model movement at Southern Oregon Speedway, and there is much to be proud of heading into the fourth season.

Nathan Augustine and John Dees have been battling fiercely for the Late Model point lead. The two drivers have respect for each other and endeavor to race each other clean. If not for his absence for a family gathering, John Dees might have entered the final race as the point leader. As it was, his impressive numbers, including four second place finishes and one feature triumph, had him just eight points behind the reigning champion Augustine.

For Augustine, the season took a decidedly disappointing turn when he was taken out by a lapped car in the third event of the season. Nathan had finished second in the opener and won the next race, but the two races that followed were anything but enjoyable. He had to borrow the Don Garrett Jr car just to maintain his point lead at the fourth event before winning the fifth race in his new car. As the incoming point leader, Nathan could play defense. He only lost two points from his lead after preliminaries, meaning he led Dees by six points going into the feature.

That might have been the good news, but the bad news was his motor wasn't sounding very good after the heat race. Nathan pulled into second early on, but it was only three laps into the race when his motor went up in a cloud of smoke. His night was over. Unless something disastrous happened to John Dees, Nathan would have to settle for second in the standings. Dees continued to lead, but he soon got a challenge from Trent Elliott.

We haven't seen Elliott since last season, when he made a rare appearance and won the Main Event that night. Trent looked like a serious threat in his heat race as he flew around the track, but contact with an infield tire left him with front end damage. The crew endeavored to get that fixed and that allowed him to start at the back of the Main Event. Elliott methodically worked his way to the front and took the lead from Dees before going on to an impressive victory. He remarked afterward that he enjoys racing at Southern Oregon Speedway and would like to make more appearances in the future.

Meanwhile, Dees was using his fifth second place finish of the season to wrap up the championship. He now joins his father, 2016 champion Bob Dees, on the list of past Southern Oregon Speedway champions. The driver finishing third in the Main Event can certainly be proud as well. He's Miles Deubert.

Miles didn't know what his racing plans might be this year when the opportunity presented itself for him to drive the 2017 Madras Speedway Late Model championship car. The question was answered about how he would do when he surprised the field in the season opener for the victory. However, Miles adjusted the setup and had a few disappointing efforts in the weeks that followed with only one second place finish shown as a podium finish in his next five starts. It was at the seventh event when he won the Main Event for the second time. He won his heat race and finished third in the last Main Event to secure "Rookie Of The Year" honors and third in the final standings.

Dave Foote settled for fourth, but his numbers improved greatly from the previous season. Dave happily makes the trip from Coos Bay to come race at Southern Oregon Speedway and picked up two Main Event wins and two Trophy Dash victories this year. He can certainly be proud of his effort.

David Steele put on one of the more dominant performances in Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock history. He came into the night with nine wins and a second place finish and already knew he was the champion. The question was, who could beat David Steele? The answer came from 2015 champion David Marble. I can.

Marble ended up with his old championship car when he bought it back from Mike Weiser prior to the season. He's only made a few limited appearances on the circuit as he focused on his IMCA Sport Modified championship effort. With nowhere else to race last Saturday, David was happy to come to Southern Oregon Speedway. A heat race win put him on the front row with Hunter Magnan. David got the lead rather quickly, and other than a threat from a car that wasn't running to Southern Oregon Speedway rules, he was never threatened in the later stages as he picked up the victory.

For Steele, he ended up with a season-worst second place finish. When you say season-worst and it's a second place finish, you know you've done well. It was a rare night when David didn't win any of the events, but he still carried himself with his trademark class as one of the more respected racers in the field.

Hunter Magnan is on the verge of some good things in the future. Last season, he struggled at times while still winning the top rookie honors. This season, he made his presence known and won an early-season battle with reigning champion Kristopher Mix to end up second in the standings. He also won his second Trophy Dash of the season at the finale. Hunter led the field in second place finishes in a tie with 2013 champion Steve Goetz at four. He picked up his third third place finish in the finale to end his second place point season on a positive note. Keep an eye on that #33m car next season.

Steve Goetz had just managed to take over third in the standings after the previous race. His original intent was not to race on Saturday as his grandmother was having her birthday celebration. At her urging, he came out to race and would head up to visit her the next day. He finished sixth in the Main Event to keep third in the standings. The bad luck for Kristopher Mix continued as mechanical issues in his heat race forced him to scratch from the Main Event. He will end up fourth in the standings.

if not for a late start, Ashtin Hedges might have won the top rookie award this year. As it was, he did everything he could to reel in Michael McCloud. His fifth place finish in the finale wasn't quite good enough to pass McLeod. Garrett Fredrickson was happy to get his car to the finish line in eighth and therefore hold off McCloud for fifth in the final standings. It was the first time Garrett had raced for points.

In the JOAT Labs Hornets division, Tim Hedges knew he was in a bad position. His car was underpowered and his motor was about ready to give up on him. He had the car at the track that his son and Ashtin drove to two victories, but that would be for his wife Jenna to drive. Tim didn't even consider taking over the driving duties and instead decided that he would make the best of what he had. The only question would be, could he start the Main Event and would it be enough to hold on to second in the standings.

Rookie Bree Tritchler wasn't buying into any of this. She had heard in the past that the Hedges car wasn't running well, like the night he got his car up on two wheels and still finished third in the Main Event. Tritchler was nervous going into the night. As it turns out, she had nothing to worry about. Hedges struggled though he was able to get the Main Event start he needed. He still took a checkered flag, but he passed nobody in last. Because of his preliminary efforts, he withstood the late threat of Brandyn Wonsyld for second in the standings.

Tritchler would move into second in a battle with Jenna Hedges, but by then Wonsyld was a straightaway in the lead. She knew that she had what she needed, and she earned her fifth second place finish of the season to wrap up what some might consider a surprising championship. She was smooth and consistent all season long and deserved this honor.

For Wonsyld, he's left to wonder what might have happened had he not missed two races. He was the early-season point leader, and the record shows that among his accomplishments were five second place finishes and four wins, including his win in the final race. He lost to Tim Hedges by one point in the race for second.

Dylan Sauer continued to end his season on a strong note. His late-season charge that included second and third place finishes in the final two races moved him comfortably into the Top 10 in the final standings. Dylan Irving, meanwhile, could be considered the Trophy Dash king of the division. Saturday night was his fifth Dash win of the season. He went through quite a bit of bad luck during the first five races before things started to click for him. He won a Main Event down the stretch as well as finishing third twice, and this enabled him to finish fifth behind another impressive rookie, Chris Boynton.

When you watch the brother and sister team of Boynton and Tritchler, you have to wonder about some of the paint trading they do on the track. But it's a sibling rivalry thing. They're both having fun out there. Boynton knew that he could lose fourth in the standings to Irving, but he was able to hold on to the position with his sixth place feature finish right behind Irving. Chris counts two feature wins as his best efforts of the season.

The Valley Store All Late Model Lites championship was won by Charlie Eaton. Eaton was the most consistent driver in the group this season as he never finished outside the Top 3. He was also a three-time winner this year and kicked off the final night with Trophy Dash and heat race victories. The question was, who was going to win the final race of the season?

Eric Aos has certainly had some bad luck this year, but his season ended on an optimistic note. The record shows that he won the season opener, and he won the race leading into the finale as well. He got the lead early on in the final race, but Eaton was there to make his presence known. When there was a little bit of contact between the two drivers, Eaton backed off rather than take out Aos. He settled for his third second place finish behind three-time winner Aos. Aos would finish third in the final standings while one-time feature winner Greg Arnold was second.

Elliott, Peters, Marble, Wonsyld, Aos Win On Championship Night At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Elliott Wins Late Model Finale, Dees Champion 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 15...Making a charge from last starting after a heat race crash, Trent Elliott won the 20 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Elliott had clipped an infield tire during his heat race, which damaged his steering and forced him to make repairs prior to the Main Event. John Dees used his second place finish to overtake Nathan Augustine to win the division championship.

Augustine carried an eight point lead over John Dees into the night, and Dees got things started with a four lap Trophy Dash win. Dees won the first six lap heat race, and Miles Deubert picked up the second heat win in front of Augustine. This meant that Augustine's lead over Dees was six points. John Dees took the early Main Event lead from his front row starting position, and Augustine made an inside pass in Turn 2 on Deubert to claim second. After completing the third lap, Augustine blew a motor and stalled in Turn 2 to end his evening. Elliott had made it up to fourth by then, and John Dees led Deubert and Elliott on the restart. An inside pass on the backstretch on lap six gained Elliott second from Deubert, and he made a low pass in Turn 3 two laps later to take the lead from Dees. Elliott began to pull away and stretched his lead to a straightaway over new champion John Dees by the waving of the checkered flag. Deubert wrapped up his "Rookie Of The Year" season with a third place finish, followed by Dave Foote, Kevin Putnam, Bob Dees and Augustine. Dave Everson was a Main Event scratch.

Race Results

Late Models

Heat 1-John Dees, Dave Foote, Kevin Putnam, Dave Everson DNS.

Heat 2-Miles Deubert, Nathan Augustine, Bob Dees, Trent Elliott.

Trophy Dash-John Dees, Nathan Augustine, Miles Deubert, Dave Foote.

Main Event-Trent Elliott, John Dees, Miles Deubert, Dave Foote, Kevin Putnam, Bob Dees, Nathan Augustine, Dave Everson DNS.

Peters Wins SODCA Dwarf Car Finale At Southern Oregon Speedway, King New Champion

White City, Oregon...September 15...Leading from the second lap, two-time champion Brock Peters went on to win his second Southern Oregon Dwarf Car 25 lap Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. The win moved Peters into second in points in a tie with Chad Cardoza and Kalvin Morton. However, Josh King used his second place Main Event finish to win the championship.

King, Cardoza and Camden Robustelli entered the evening in a tie for the point lead. Robustelli moved ahead as he held off Cardoza to win his six lap heat race. Peters outran Fred Hay to win his heat race and Morton beat King to win their heat race. This put Robustelli into a slim lead heading into the Main Event. Morton won the six lap A Dash ahead of Peters, and Joe Sanders outran the Mod Lite of Jesse Lorentz to win the eight lap B Dash.

Robustelli led the opening lap of the Main Event before Peters used an inside pass in Turn 4 to take the lead. King followed him into second. Robustelli was holding on to the third position, but his race took a turn for the worse when he tangled with a slower car entering the first turn for the only yellow flag on lap 11. Robustelli was forced to restart at the back of the pack as Peters led King and Morton on the restart. Morton had blown a motor in his own car at the previous race and was driving the borrowed Bud Lorentz car. Cardoza had settled into fourth by then, followed by Sanders. Robustelli was passing cars rapidly and had made it up to eighth by lap 15. Sanders took fourth from Cardoza on lap 18 as Robustelli was up to seventh. Robustelli passed Cody Peters for sixth on lap 22, but that's where his progress ended. Brock Peters did all he could to move into the point lead as he won the race, but he was only able to make it into second in the standings. King used his second place finish to win the championship as Morton gained a share of second with his third place finish. Sanders was a season best fourth, followed by Cardoza, Robustelli, Hay, Steve Walker, Mason Lewman and Jesse Lorentz.

Race Results

SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat 1-Kalvin Morton, Josh King, Mikey Johnson, Mark Nielson, Brett James, Shane Hines, Sean Truillo.

Heat 2-Brock Peters, Fred Hay, Kaycee Sheeler, Jesse Lorentz, Mason Lewman, Ashleigh Strain, Andrew Gifford.

Heat 3-Camden Robustelli, Chad Cardoza, Joe Sanders, Steve Walker, Cody Peters, Chad Lorentz.

A Dash-Kalvin Morton, Brock Peters, Josh King, Camden Robstelli, Fred Hay, Chad Cardoza.

B Dash-Joe Sanders, Jesse Lorentz, Cody Peters, Kaycee Sheeler, Mark Nielson, Steve Walker, Bret James, Ashleigh Strain, Shane Hines, Sean Truillo, Chad Lorentz, Andrew Gifford, Mikey Johnson, Mason Lewman.

Main Event-Brock Peters, Josh King, Kalvin Morton, Joe Sanders, Chad Cardoza, Camden Robustelli, Fred Hay, Steve Walker, Mason Lewman, Jesse Lorentz, Kaycee Sheeler, Mark Nielson, Mikey Johnson, Ashleigh Strain, Chad Lorentz, Andrew Gifford, Cody Peters, Shane Hines, Brett James, Sean Truillo.

Marble Wins Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock Finale, Steele Is 

The Champion At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 15...David Marble made his second appearance of the season in the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock division and won the 20 lap Main Event. Marble is the 2015 champion and needs only to start the final IMCA Sport Modified Main Event to win that division's championship. David Steele scored his second second place finish of the season, which was his worst finish of the year. He had already clinched the division championship just by starting the Main Event a week earlier.

Hunter Magnan started his evening off by outrunning Steve Goetz to win the four lap Trophy Dash. Magnan also won his six lap heat race ahead of Gary Anderson. Marble won the second heat race ahead of Steele. Tim Cunningham was driving a Ford Pinto that didn't quite fit the specifications of the rules and was allowed to start last in the Main Event for no money or points. 2017 champion Kristopher Mix was a Main Event scratch after heat race problems.

Marble and Magnan led the pack to the Main Event green flag, and Magnan led one lap before Marble went by in Turn 4 for the lead. Steele was running third and made an inside pass in Turn 4 of the fourth lap to take second from Magnan. Cunningham was putting on a show coming from deep in the pack and had already gained fourth by lap five. The third place battle was close, and Gary Anderson made a Turn 4 pass on lap eight to gain third, only to lose the position to Cunningham a lap later. Cunningham made an inside pass on the backstretch on the 10th lap to take second from Steele and made a low pass in Turn 4 on lap 15 to grab the lead from Marble. After leading the 16th lap, Cunningham began to slow and pitted as Marble regained the lead over Steele and Magnan. Marble led the remaining laps for the win, followed by Steele, Magnan, Anderson, Ashtin Hedges, Goetz, Michael McCloud, Garrett Fredrickson and Scott Yerges

Race Results

Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks

Heat 1-Hunter Magnan, Gary Anderson, Mike McLeod, Scott Yergis, Kristopher Mix.

Heat 2-David Marble, David Steele, Ashtin Hedges, Steve Goetz, Garrett Fredrickson, Tim Cunningham DQ.

Trophy Dash-Hunter Magnan, Steve Goetz, David Steele, Ashtin Hedges.

Main Event-David Marble, David Steele, Hunter Magnan, Gary Anderson, Ashtin Hedges, Steve Goetz, Mike McLeod, Garrett Fredrickson, Scott Yerges, Tim Cunningham DQ, Kristopher Mix DNS.

Wonsyld Dominates In Fourth Win, Tritchler Wins JOAT Labs Hornets Championship At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 15...Leading the way from the start, Brandyn Wonsyld went on to win his fourth 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Wonsyld also had five second place finishes during the season, but his absence from two races effectively put an end to his championship bid. With Tim Hedges struggling throughout the race, Wonsyld managed to move to within one point of him for second in the final standings. Meanwhile, impressive rookie Bree Tritchler used her fifth second place finish of the season to win the division championship.

Dylan Irving held off Dylan Sauer to win his fifth four lap Trophy Dash of the season. Wonsyld then outran Irving to win his six lap heat race, while Jenna Hedges outran Chris Boynton to win the second heat race. Though 2016 champion Tim Hedges gained a point on Tritchler after the heat races, he knew his motor wouldn't last long in the Main Event and had a concern that his car wouldn't even start. Had he failed to start, he would have lost second in the standings. Wonsyld and Jenna Hedges led the pack to the green flag and ran 1-2 at the start. Sauer settled into third. Tritchler was running in fifth and passed both Sauer and Irving for third on lap six. Lap seven saw Jenna Hedges get out of shape in Turn 4 and lose ground to Wonsyld. Tritchler continued her effort to close in on Jenna Hedges as Wonsyld held a straightaway advantage by lap 14. Tritchler finally moved by Jenna Hedges for second on lap 17, but only mechanical issues would stop Wonsyld. There were no problems as Wonsyld brought it home to the satisfying victory, followed by Tritchler. Sauer passed Jenna Hedges for third on lap 18 as she settled for fourth, followed by Irving, Boynton, Jenia Silva, John Ferreira, Zach Nelson and Tim Hedges.

Race Results

JOAT Labs Hornets

Heat 1-Brandyn Wonsyld, Dylan Irving, Dylan Sauer, Bree Tritchler, Jenia Silva.

Heat 2-Jenna Hedges, Chris Boynton, Tim Hedges, John Ferreira, Zach Hedges.

Trophy Dash-Dylan Irving, Dylan Sauer, Brandyn Wonsyld, Jenna Hedges.

Main Event-Brandyn Wonsyld, Bree Tritchler, Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Dylan Irving, Chris Boynton, Jenia Silva, John Ferreira, Zach Nelson, Tim Hedges.

Aos Wins Second Straight Valley Store All Late Model Lites Feature, Eaton Champion At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...September 15...Leading all the way from the start, Eric Aos won the 20 lap Valley Store All Late Model Lites Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the second straight win and third of the season for Aos. Charlie Eaton wrapped up the division championship with his third second place finish. Eaton also had three wins this season and had two season worst finishes of third.

Eaton opened the evening with a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of his closest point rival, Greg Arnold, and he followed that up with a six lap heat race win in front of Eric Aos. Eric Aos charged into the Main Event lead from his outside front row starting position with Eaton in close pursuit. Greg Arnold and Dusty Aos were having a good battle for the second position until Dusty Aos pitted on lap seven. A couple of times, Eaton made a serious challenge for the lead. Contact between the two cars on the front stretch on the 13th lap saw Eaton back off rather than taking out the leader. Eric Aos kept his cool in the waning laps and scored the victory, followed by Eaton, Greg Arnold, Jim Cunningham and Dusty Aos.

Race Results

Valley Store All Late Model Lites

Heat Race-Charlie Eaton, Eric Aos, Greg Arnold, Dusty Aos, Jim Cunningham.

Trophy Dash-Charlie Eaton, Greg Arnold, Dusty Aos, Eric Aos.

Main Event-Eric Aos, Charlie Eaton, Greg Arnold, Jim Cunningham, Dusty Aos.

Elliott, Peters Win At Southern Oregon Speedway

Elliott, Peters Win At Southern Oregon Speedway

Trent Elliott #4e made his first visit of the year and won the Late Model Main Event.

White City, Oregon...September 15...Trent Elliott rebounded from a heat race crash to win the 20 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway.  Elliott chased new track champion John Dees down and passed him in Turn 3 of the eighth lap for the lead.  Elliott stretched his advantage to nearly a half-lap at the checkered flag.  Dees used his fifth second place finish of the season to win the division championship.  Miles Deubert finished third in the feature, followed by Dave Foote and Kevin Putnam.

Brock Peters #2 won his second SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event to move into second in the standings.

Brock Peters won his second 25 lap SODCA Dwarf Car Main Event of the season.  The two-time champion led from the start and fought off an early challenge from Josh King.  King repelled a serious late race challenge from A Dash winner Kalvin Morton to finish second as B Dash winner Joe Sanders and Chad Cardoza rounded out the Top 5 finishers.  Josh King emerged with his third SODCA Championship.

Eric Aos #66 won his third Valley Store All Late Model Lites Main Event of the season.

Eric Aos won his second straight 20 lap Valley Store All Late Model Lites Main Event and third of the season.  Aos led from the start with new champion Charlie Eaton in close pursuit.  On lap 13, the two cars touched exiting Turn 4, and Eaton backed off.  Aos led the rest of the way with Eaton a close second ahead of Greg Arnold, Jim Cunningham and Dusty Aos.

2015 Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock champion David Marble #4m returned and won the Main Event.

David Marble returned to the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock division and won the 20 lap Main Event.  Marble is the IMCA Sport Modified point leader and the 2015 Mini Stock champion.  Marble led from the start.  Tim Cunningham started last in his Mini Outlaw and managed to take the lead from Marble on lap 15.  However, he fell off the pace a lap later as Marble resumed command all the way to the checkered flag.  New division champion David Steele finished second ahead of Trophy Dash winner Hunter Magnan, Gary Anderson and Ashtin Hedges.

Brandyn Wonsyld #7 won his fourth JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Of The Season.

Brandyn Wonsyld won his fourth JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event of the season.  Wonsyld led from the green flag and won the non stop event by a full straightaway.  Bree Tritchler gained second from Jenna Hedges on lap 17 and would finish there for the fifth time this season.  The finish earned Tritchler the division championship.  Dylan Sauer finished third, followed by Jenna Hedges and Trophy Dash winner Dylan Irving.

Racing season concludes next Saturday night with Championship Night #2.  The IMCA Modifieds will be there along with the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks and OTRO Hardtops.  For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results

Late Models

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-John Dees, Miles Deubert.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-John Dees.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Trent Elliott, John Dees, Miles Deubert, Dave Foote, Kevin Putnam.

SODCA Dwarf Cars

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Kalvin Morton, Brock Peters, Camden Robustelli.   A Dash (6 Laps)-Kalvin Morton.  B Dash (8 Laps)-Joe Sanders.  Main Event (25 Laps)-Brock Peters, Josh King, Kalvin Morton, Joe Sanders, Chad Cardoza.

Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Hunter Magnan, David Marble.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Hunter Magnan.  Main Event (20 Laps)-David Marble, David Steele, Hunter Magnan, Gary Anderson, Ashtin Hedges.

JOAT Labs Hornets

Heat Winners (6 Laps)-Brandyn Wonsyld, Jenna Hedges.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Dylan Irving.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Brandyn Wonsyld, Bree Tritchler, Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Dylan Irving.

Valley Store All Late Model Lites

Heat Winner (6 Laps)-Charlie Eaton.  Trophy Dash (4 Laps)-Charlie Eaton.  Main Event (20 Laps)-Eric Aos, Charlie Eaton, Greg Arnold, Jim Cunningham, Dusty Aos.

Championship Night #1 Set For Saturday Night At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Championship Night #1 Set For Saturday Night 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...The first of two championship nights is set for this Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Five divisions will be ending their 2018 season, headlined by the Late Models along with Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets and Valley Store All Late Model Lites.

The Late Model battle is between reigning champion Nathan Augustine, John Dees and rookie Miles Deubert. Augustine, who has won two Main Events this year, leads Dees by eight points. Dees has scored four second place finishes and one win, but he's been making up for missing one race and still has a shot at the championship. Augustine has had his challenges as a hard crash this year forced him to get a new car to finish the season.

Meanwhile, two-time winner Miles Deubert is only 15 points out of the lead. While these three drivers battle it out for the championship, Dave Foote is within nine points of Deubert for third in the standings. Foote ran impressively last week as he scored his second Main Event win of the season. Other drivers to watch for this week include Bob Dees, Dave Everson and Mike Linder.

The Dwarf Car division has an amazing three-way tie for the lead heading into the final race. Two-time champion Josh King, Chad Cardoza and Camden Robustelli are all tied atop the leader board. King and Robustelli have each won two Main Events at Southern Oregon Speedway, and Robustelli also has two wins at Siskiyou Motor Speedway and one in his most recent appearance at Cottage Grove Speedway. He appears to have the hot hand headed into the weekend.

Only four points out of the lead is two-time winner Kalvin Morton, but Morton is still scrambling to get a motor together for Saturday night. Reigning champion Brock Peters is six points out of the lead, while son Cody Peters trails by seven points. With these six drivers very much in contention for the championship, Saturday's Dwarf Car show will be one that you won't want to miss. Other drivers to watch for this week include Ryan Smith, Fred Hay, Joe Sanders and Michael Johnson.

Another close battle is taking place in the JOAT Labs Hornets division. Heading into the final race, rookie Bree Tritchler leads 2016 champion Tim Hedges by just seven points. Tritchler has run impressively all season long. While both she and Hedges have one Main Event win, she also has four second place finishes. After winning his third Main Event of the season, Brandyn Wonsyld now leads Chris Boynton by 18 points in the race for third. Boynton has done well in his rookie season with two wins. Other drivers to watch for this week include Dylan Irving, Jenna Hedges, Dylan Sauer and John Ferreira.

David Steele has wrapped up the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock championship following his impressive ninth feature win of the season last week. In fact, Hunter Magnan has locked up second in the standings following his fourth second place finish last week. Steve Goetz has a one point lead over reigning champion Kristopher Mix in a close battle for third. Other drivers to watch for this week includes Garrett Fredrickson, Michael McLeod, Ashtin Hedges and 2014 champion Gary Anderson.

The Valley Store All Late Model Lites championship battle has been decided already. Three-time winner Charlie Eaton clinched the championship last week. In fact, Greg Arnold appears to be headed for second in the standings. Following his second win of the season, Eric Aos and his son Dusty Aos are tied for third in points.

This is the second to last race of the 2018 campaign. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with the first race starting at 7 p.m. General Admission is $12. Seniors, Veterans and Juniors (7 to 12) are $6. Children 6 and under are free. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.


Southern Oregon Speedway Speedway Points
Late Models
24    Nathan Augustine  245
16    John Dees     237
38    Miles Deubert     230
75    Dave Foote     221
6    Bob Dees     203
22    Mike Linder     132
05    Don Garrett     99
66    Garrett Dees     83
7    Eric Massey     76
222    Brian Bowman    45

SODCA Dwarf Car
109    Josh King    781
71    Chad Cardoza    781
25    Camden Robustelli 781
18    Kalvin Morton    777
2    Brock Peters    775
30    Cody Peters    774
26    Ryan Smith    761
10    Fred Hay    738
06    Randy Slater    715
4    Joe Sanders    706

Bobbio’s Pizza Mini Stocks
67    David Steele    378
33m    Hunter Magnan    302
55    Steve Goetz    258
89m    Kristopher Mix    257
45g    Garrett Fredrickson 187
3    Michael McLeod    170
14t    Ashtin Hedges    153
0    Gary Anderson    143
11    Marilyn Yawnick    39
90    Mike Whitaker    38

JOAT Labs Hornets
17    Bree Tritchler    322
14t    Tim Hedges    315
7    Brandyn Wonsyld    292
28    Chris Boynton    274
11    Dylan Irving    265
27j    Jenna Hedges    201
54d    Ashtin Hedges    163
007    Jason Stoutenburgh 139
7s    Dylan Sauer    138
26    Zach Nelson    135

Valley Stor-All Late Model Lites
5    Charlie Eaton    236
39    Greg Arnold    184
66    Eric Aos    155
3    Dusty Aos    155
7    Lee Doty    132
43    Bob Burkett    93
99    Danny Prewitt    63
18    Terry Hadley    24
16    Krista Hadley    24

Pit Stops

The season is coming to a close at Southern Oregon Speedway. We have just two races left as each of the regular divisions will have just one more point event to decide things. Several of the championships have been decided, and a couple of championships will be decided once the point leader takes a green flag in their respective Main Events.

The previous few weeks leading up to last week's Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car event were a test of David Hibbard. When last the Winged Sprint Car division was at Southern Oregon Speedway on August 11th, Hibbard suffered a double whammy. First, he lost a heat race when he failed to go to the scales after his win. Forced to come from the back of the pack, he made it about halfway through before his motor gave up on him. Week of Speed began two days later at Coos Bay, and Hibbard decided to give that a run. A couple races into the series, he flipped and destroyed his chassis.

However, David had done so well in the previous seven point events, winning five times and finishing second twice, that all he needed to do was take a green flag in the Main Event to assure himself his first championship at his home track. He did that and took the checkered flag in the Main Event in fourth. It was a job well done for the man who has certainly risen above and beyond to help get a Sprint Car division established at Southern Oregon Speedway.

The battle for second in points took a turn for the ugly when Jeffrey Hudson and Blaine Cory got together and flipped coming out of Turn 2 during the Main Event. Both drivers have been doing well lately. Cory had a string of Top 3 finishes going in previous point races, and Hudson was coming off of a third in the Iron Head Nationals and a second in the Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge race. Both drivers were forced to watch the finish of the race from the sidelines. Hudson would still hold on to second in the points, but Bailey Hibbard had his best finish in several races in second. This enabled him to overtake Cory for third in the standings. It's still close between the three drivers.

Tanner Holmes seemed poised to be a contender in this year's championship race, but the team elected not to run full time as he still enjoys running special Outlaw Kart races. He did finish second in Week of Speed and 10th in Speedweek, which is pretty impressive for the driver who just turned 15 years old. On Saturday night, Tanner gave a glimpse of things to come when he led all 25 laps for an impressive first career feature win.

There's also a battle happening for fifth in the standings. Aaron Miller held the position going into the night, but he arrived after the heat races as he was putting the last-minute touches on his car. He looked good for a while, but he was out of the Main Event  early. Charlie Thompson looked good in winning the Scramble and running second until lap 18 in the Main Event when he retired from the race. This opened the door for Enrique Jaime to move into fifth in points after a seventh place feature finish, but his lead over Miller is just three points.

The division welomed back a couple of drivers we haven't seen in awhile, Merissa Henson and Steve Thompson. Thompson, who raced in the Late Model Lites division in the past, finished ninth. Henson looked good in her heat race with a second place finish and brought it home to a respectable fifth in the Main Event. Another driver making a rare appearance was past Cottage Grove champion Hedge Carter. The last time we saw him, he was flipping on the front straightaway. On this occasion, he won his heat race and finished third in the Main Event.

Another championship that has been wrapped up is the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks. Merely by taking the green flag in last week's Main Event, David Steele staked his claim to his first Southern Oregon Speedway championship. He was the Mini Stock champion in Yreka back in 2015. Steele won his heat race, but a clean sweep was out of the question as 2014 champion Gary Anderson won both his heat race and the Trophy Dash. Second in the Dash was the only blemish to Steele's night as he led all the way in the Main Event for his impressive ninth win of the season.

For a while there, it looked like 2017 "Rookie of the Year" Hunter Magnum might let second in the standings slip away. However, he has stepped up big when he needed good finishes the most. Last time out, Hunter scored a second place finish. He did it again last Saturday, making it four times he's finished as high as second. Could a Main Event win happen for him this week? Kristopher Mix had miserable luck once again last week. He finished last to eliminate him from contention in the race for second. As it is, he trails 2013 champion Steve Goetz by just one point for third. The reigning champion may get a reprieve as Goetz has said he will miss this week's race to attend his grandmother's birthday party.

Despite some bad luck this last week, Garrett Fredrickson holds a 17 point lead over rookie Michael McCloud in the race for fifth in the standings. Garrett hit the wall hard during the Main Event and lost power on the final lap. Ashtin Hedges has been doing everything possible to reel in McLoud in the rookie race. After his fourth place finish, Hedges is 17 points behind McLeod. It just may be that time will run out on Hedges in his quest, but anything can happen. Because of his hard crash earlier this year forcing him to miss a couple of races, points aren't really a factor for Gary Anderson, who finished fifth last week after winning his heat and the Dash. However, he would certainly love to get a feature win before the season ends.

The Valley Store All Late Model Lites championship belongs to Charlie Eaton following his third place finish last week. Although his latest start may not have been anything to brag about, it did the trick for the three-time winner in his quest for the title. He finished behind second place finisher Greg Arnold, who used that finish to lock up second in the standings. Eric Aos won for the second time this year, and that put him in a tie with his son Dusty, who didn't finish the Main Event.

The driver who looked to be the star of the evening was Lee Doty. Doty won both his heat race and the Trophy Dash and was well on his way to a clean sweep when motor issues sent him to the pits during a lap seven caution period. This division has been at the speedway for the past three seasons in no small part thanks to the support Doty has offered. The division will be back again this week, and he will try for his second win of the season. It's interesting to note that we have had four different drivers win Main Events in this class this year as nobody has dominated things.

The Late Model division has turned out to be one heck of a battle, and Nathan Augustine may be a bit surprised that he leads the standings with one race left to go. Things seemed to be going all right early in the year, but when a lapped car took him out, it also did severe damage to his race car. This left Nathan scrapping to get a ride for a race. Thanks to Don Garrett Jr, he came back out for the next race and earned his points. The next time, he had his new car. Nathan has won two Main Events this year, and he clings to a slim eight point lead over John Dees.

Dees has certainly been the most improved driver in the field this season. He has a division-leading four second place finishes and one win, but he had to miss a race for a family gathering. Had even just been there and taken a green flag in the Main Event, John would be leading the points right now. He finished fourth in the Main Event last week, which was not one of his better runs. It was nothing to write home about for Augustine either as he finished fifth. However, John has point earning potential coming into the finale as he has a pole position start secured for the Trophy Dash. Augustine did not qualify unless there's a scratch from one of the Top 4 finishers from last week.

Longtime Late Model competitor Dave Foote has not given up on the possibility that he could still finish third in the standings. To that end, he jumped out to the Main Event lead at the start and led all the way for his second win of the season. It's been an up-and-down season for Dave, but when things have been right, he's been as competitive as anybody in the field. Bob Dees had been working on a clean sweep and ran second in the Main Event for several laps before he started to fade in the waning laps.

It was Miles Deubert who got by the elder Dees first. Miles is the top rookie in the field this year, and by scoring a second place finish, he stays within seven points of John Dees and 15 of Augustine. It may still be a bit of a long shot for Deubert in the championship battle, but anything can happen. There have been five different winners in the Late Models this season, and it may be that the winner of this week's Main Event will end up being the champion.

That could also be the case in the JOAT Labs Hornets. By far and away, the star of the season has been Brandyn Wonsyld. The second-year competitor got off to a really strong start this year and led the early stages of the season. His impressive numbers include three wins and five second place finishes. His undoing was his absence from two races, but his win last week keeps him 18 points ahead of rookie Chris Boynton in the battle for third. One-time winner Dylan Irving still has a shot at fourth in the standings, he trails Boynton by nine points.

The championship, however, will be decided between rookie Bree Tritchler and Tim Hedges. Tritchler leads Hedges by seven points going into the finale. Both drivers have one win, but Tritchler has four second place finishes. Both Tritchler and Hedges struggled just a bit in the most recent race and were lapped at the finish. However, Tritchler had gotten around Hedges, as did her teammate Boynton, which enabled her to add a point to her lead by the end of the night. Neither Tritchler, nor Hedges qualified for this week's Trophy Dash.

However, Tricthler could find herself in the Trophy Dash if the rumors of Dylan Sauer not being there are true. Sauer has struggled just a little bit since starting later in the season. However, he's gotten faster with each start. Last week was a breakout night for Dylan as he won his first heat race and then took second from Jenna Hedges to get his best feature finish yet. He might be tempted to take the night off, but it could just be that he would get his first feature win this week if he showed up. Jenna Hedges, meanwhile, was driving the car her son Ashtin drove to a pair of feature wins earlier this season. She settled for a third place finish.