Third Annual R Charles Snyder Salute At Southern Oregon Speedway This Weekend, Pit Stops

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Third Annual R Charles Snyder Salute 

At Southern Oregon Speedway This Weekend

White City, Oregon...This Saturday and Sunday night marks the biggest IMCA Modified and Sport Modified event in the state of Oregon. The Third Annual R Charles Snyder Salute will happen at Southern Oregon Speedway. The event honoring the long time voice of Southern Oregon Racing will see the IMCA Modified and IMCA Sport Modified divisions competing for their biggest purse of the year. The Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars will compete on both nights as well, and the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks will join the action on Sunday.

Snyder got his first opportunity to announce at the old Medford Raceway when the regular announcer didn't show up. Snyder was only there to observe how motorsports announcers do their job, and he ended up getting called into action. Little did he know that that night would spark his love of Motorsports. He went on to announce at the old Medford track and Southern Oregon Speedway for years. Snyder was also a popular local Radio DJ for 40 years. He passed away in 2015.

In 2017, speedway management held the first race in Snyder's honor and dedicated the scoring tower in his memory. His son Travis, an active member in the Medford community at large, was there for the dedication and has been a proud supporter of his father's race. Last season saw the pits fill up with over 90 IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds combined, making it the most successful race the speedway has seen in over a decade.

The prize money will get the attention of some of the top drivers on the West Coast once again. On the IMCA Modified side of things, drivers will be racing for $5,000 to win, $2,500 for second and $1,500 for third among the purse that will give them a minimum of $200 just to start the feature. The special Saturday Invitational Feature will also pay $1,000 to win. The IMCA Sport Modifieds don't often get a huge purse, but Sunday's show will pay them $2,000 to win, $1,000 for second and $700 for third among a purse that pays $150 to start. The Saturday Invitational will now pay $500 to win.

All eyes tend to be on Bobby Hogge IV of Salinas, California when he comes to the speedway. He's won several big Labor Day events through the years and won last year's R Charles Snyder Salute ahead of Manteca, California's Darrell Hughes II and Bricen James. James didn't even show up for the opening night of the event, which meant he had to come from the back of the pack after coming through the B Main to get that third place finish. Hogge can relate to playing catch up as a spin early in the race in 2017 put him at the back. He managed to get up to third as Troy Foulger got the win ahead of local star Mark Wauge.

If you perform will enough in your first heat race, you make it into the Invitational Feature. Though that race doesn't have any bearing on Sunday's show, the $1,000 to win money is attractive enough to get the attention of the competitors. Last season, Hogge was denied the victory as local star CJ Putnam won a race long duel aboard the Don Roemer owned car. Hogge did win the Invitational Race the year before.

Hogge and Hughes are both anticipated for the show. Hogge has won a plethora of championships, but two of his career highlights include NASCAR Regional championships. Hughes was the Merced Speedway champion last season. Another champion planning to make the show is this year's IMCA Wild West Speedweek title winner, Kellen Chadwick. These three drivers certainly present a formidable challenge when it comes to racing for the big prize, but the local stars are anticipated as well.

This is an IMCA sanctioned event, and Sunday's feature race will be paying points as well as money. Zack Fettinger has led the standings for much of the season, but his lead was cut to 12 points at the last race by 2017 champion Jesse Bailey. It was the second win of the year for Bailey, and both drivers need to perform well to set themselves up for a shot at the track title on Championship Night on September 14th.

Rookie Jimmy Lipke picked up $1,200 for his won in the John Arnberg Memorial race in Yreka last week. He outran Fettinger for the victory, and he'll be hoping for good things this weekend. Other area stars to watch for include Justin Foux, Duane Orsburn, Ray Kniffen Jr, Jeremy Richey, Andy Freeman and Nick Trenchard. Trenchard isn't in the point chase this year, but he has won some of the biggest races in the area in recent years.

The IMCA Sport Modifieds are really the fastest growing division in Oregon and on the West Coast. As the IMCA Modified division has been around on the West Coast for 25 years now, there's an abundance of older cars that have had new life breathed into them as drivers have made Sport Modifieds out of them. Over the last few seasons, the driver who has emerged as Oregon's biggest star is Jorddon Braaten. Braaten is the reigning Oregon State champion and current leader in that race as well as at Southern Oregon Speedway. The R Charles Snyder Salute is one of those events that the team circles on their calendar each year.

Jorddon turned in a rather dominant performance in winning the inaugural race in 2017.  He was chased across the line by Yuba City, California competitor Alan Furuta and 2017 Oregon State champion Jayson Nelson. Jorddon came into last season as the driver to beat, but he was surprised by Brentwood, California competitor Guy Ahlwardt, who drove a flawless race in scoring the victory as Braaten settled for second ahead of Daniel Ray. Last season's 50 plus car count for the Sport Modifieds was the biggest gathering for this division in the history of the class in Oregon.

Braaten and his two closest rivals in track points, Isaac Sanders and Matt Sanders, are anticipated for the show. Cottage Grove Speedway point leader David Schmidt has thrown his hat into the ring for this race along with his closest point rival, Doug Coffman. Travis Pruitt is another top driver from the Cottage Grove area planning on coming down to compete against Medford area stars. Drivers coming in from California include such competitors as Yreka championship contenders Ethan Killingsworth, Ryder Boswell and Colt Boswell, reigning Yreka champion Trevor Tiffee, Turlock, California racers Chase Thomas and brother Tanner Thomas, Marysville, California racer Mike Merritt, Yuba City, California drivers Jimmy Ford and Jason Ferguson and Antioch, California champion Mark Garner.

Southern Oregon Speedway will be well represented by several top notch local competitors, including two-time champion Mike Medel and Branden Wilson, who currently ranks in the Top 5 in the standings. Two-time champion Dwayne Melvin is also anticipated along with hard charger Rich McCoy, Joby Shields, Steve Lysinger, Jantzen Knips and the return of Merissa Henson. Henson has picked up a pair of victories in Yreka this year driving for Donny Bottoms.

For the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Sport Modifieds alone, the weekend will be worth the price of admission, but they are not coming alone. The Southern Oregon Dwarf Cars will be bringing plenty of speed and excitement with them. This season has seen an entertaining battle at the front of the pack between three-time reigning champion Josh King, two-time champion Brock Peters and perennial title contender Camden Robustelli. This battle will continue for two nights of racing as they are joined by such hard chargers as Chad Cardoza, Ryan Smith, Jesse Lorentz, Mason Lewman and ageless veteran Fred Hay

On Sunday, the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks make their third and final appearance of the season. Dr. Scott Lenz won a thrilling battle with 2016 champion Steve Borror the last time they were in town in July. Lenz is the two-time reigning champion and current point leader over another fast competitor, Scott Flowers. Third ranked James Flowers, longtime Pro Stock competitor John David Duffie, two-time champion Ken Irving, Matt Harlow and Bryan Hammond are some of the other stars anticipated when the Pro Stocks compete on Sunday night.

The R Charles Snyder Salute is one event that you don't want to miss. In addition to remembering a man who meant so much to not just the racing community but the community in general, there will be some exciting and competitive racing on both nights.

Gates will open on both nights at 5pm with the first race starting at 7pm. Saturday General Admission Adults 13+ are $15 with Seniors 62+, Veterans and Juniors 7-12 are $10. Children 6 and under are free. On Sunday, General Admission Adults 13+ are $20 with Seniors 62+, Veterans and Juniors 7-12 $15. Children 6 and under are free. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Pit Stops

You can look around at Southern Oregon Speedway and see a bit of change in the air. Four years ago, there wasn't such optimism surrounding the place. Car counts were dwindling, and it seemed at the time that the only classes experiencing an up turn were the touring Southern Oregon Dwarf  Cars and Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks. Something needed to change after the previous run of about 5 years, and that change finally came in the form of Mike McCann of KJE Enterprises.

You can see the difference. Things are improving. Much work has been put in to making a better program, and much work still needs to be done. Though we can be optimistic, we continue to be committed to making things even better than they are now. One of the positives of Southern Oregon Speedway right now are the special races on the schedule. In August, two of the newest additions produced plenty of great action and excitement for the fans.

We witnessed one of the most exciting Wingless 360 Sprint Car races the state of Oregon has seen as Geoff Ensign won a battle with Jake Wheeler for the $3,500 prize. Fans were actually talking about looking forward to the next installment of the Herz Precision Parts Cascade Wingless Sprint Car Challenge next year. We had a very moving Hall of Fame night in which six legends of Southern Oregon Racing where inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the night was capped by one of the most exciting IMCA Modified Main Events of the season, won by Jesse Bailey with a late pass on Andy Freeman.

Late Model racing is something Medford area racing fans have been starving for in recent years, and McCann has been developing a class with some very talented racers. He upped the ante with the addition of the $4,000 to win Cottonwood Classic last week. The speedway has hosted big Late Model shows in the past, but it's been about seven years or so since the last one. It was a good race, and Trent Elliott went home $4,000 richer. The 24 competitors who came to race put on a good show, and this is just the beginning.

While speedway management continues to look for other potential big events and schedule adjustments to make things even better, two shows that have been on the schedule in recent years continue to deliver. The IMCA Wild West Speedweek show in June and the Roger Haudenshild Tribute race earlier that month. The latter race sort of floated around on the schedule, and McCann made it a point to help build this race up to a level befitting of a man of Roger's status within the racing community. It was Bobby Hogge IV leaving town with the money once again in both the Modified and Late Model portions of the show. Bobby will have his eyes on another prize this weekend.

Labor Day has traditionally had a big weekend event at Southern Oregon Speedway since the gates opened in 1996. Race track founder John Skinner created the signature event, named after his father Lon Skinner. An effort was made to revitalize that particular weekend and restore some of the excitement. It was also an opportunity for the speedway to honor a man who announced many races here and at the old Medford Posse Grounds, long time radio DJ R Charles Snyder. The R Charles Snyder Salute began in 2017, and last season saw over 90 IMCA Modified and Sport Modified competitors come to race for the big prize money being offered.

It's more than that as over 100 competitors were in the pits for this event on both dates, topping out at over 130 cars on the Sunday portion of the event. A full pit area like this hasn't been seen in over a decade, giving a clear indication that things are on the up turn at Southern Oregon Speedway. One of the things McCann has strived to do is give the fans more cars and more racing, and this has necessitated the need to have maybe one or two more divisions than might usually be needed.

However, car counts have grown to a point where the promoter is looking at the possibility of reducing the total divisions needed on any given race night. Because there are as many cars as there are, it puts Trophy Dash presentations off of the schedule to keep the show moving, and an adjustment of one or two less divisions could make a return of the presentations possible. All things are being considered. The continued goal is to make this track a place at which drivers want to compete and a place where fans want to come to spectate.

In the meantime, the speedway is excited to present the R Charles Snyder Salute on Saturday and Sunday. Some of the best IMCA Modified and IMCA Sport Modified racers will be here to race for big prizes. It's $5,000 to win once again for the Modifieds, and that is still the top prize on the West Coast for this class. Even the IMCA Sport Modifieds will pay $2,000 to win, which is also the highest on the West Coast. With some Dwarf Car racing thrown in for both nights and a return of the popular Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks on Sunday, this is the event fans circle on their calendar.

We are in the stretch run as championships are being decided. Last weekend, the Late Models didn't compete for points, but the money alone was a season maker for winner Trent Elliott. He has four wins at the speedway and left the track on Saturday $4000 richer. Elliott has clinched the championship, leaving a close battle between local star Dave Everson and Darren Coffell for second when they return for their finale on September 7th. Both drivers were not competing last weekend, but Coffell watched as Bobby Hogge IV drove his #46 car to a $1000 third.

The money will bring the talent. In addition to the highly decorated champion that is Hogge, current Antioch Speedway Late Model point leader and two-time champion Richard Papenhausen made it and had a Top 10 feature finish. 2013 Cottage Grove champion Paul Culp was there as well, though he fell out before the Main Event was over.

Willamette Speedway has about the hardiest bunch of drivers you'll find in Oregon. These guys aren't afraid to take on the best that any track has to offer. As witnessed, current point leader Joey Tanner  second ranked Doug Elkins and third ranked Thomas Hunziker all made it to Medford. Only eight points separate reigning Willamette champion Tanner from Hunziker in a hotly contested battle that will continue at their home track this weekend. Hunziker and Elkins finished sixth and seventh respectively behind Justin Duty.

The thing about Tanner is he seems to win just about everywhere he goes, though the Medford win hasn't been something he's pursued so much. He's won at Cottage Grove, Coos Bay and most recently Madras to go along with his seven triumphs at his home track this season. However, the $1,000 third place prize slipped away on the last lap as Hogge went by. Rob Mayea has racked up an impressive list of championship credentials, which includes the 2014-16 titles at Willamette. He gave it a valiant effort in the Cottonwood Classic before settling for a still nice $2,000 second place finish.

Local stars Mark Wauge and Miles Deubert can be proud that they made the show. Wauge also took a checkered flag in the Top 10 in the Main Event as he seems to have his motor problems solved. Late Models are a new thing to the seven-time IMCA Modified champion, and as he gets more comfortable, you better believe he will be a threat to win. Deubert, a two-time winner last year, is still continuing to get used to his car this year and trying different things to get faster. Making the big show was indeed progress for him.

Unfortunately, Eric Massey missed the feature, but it wasn't through lack of effort. Massey attempted a last lap pass on Kellen Chadwick in the B Main, but he came up just short. Chadwick was piloting the Chris Biggs owned car and did make it into the show, though he fell out of the race before the finish. While they didn't do as well as they might have liked, it was still good to see local racers Cliff Massey, Greg Arnold and Kelly Justason back in action. Massey and Justason are two names that go back to the old Medford Raceway, and it's been a while since they've been behind the wheel. Arnold was pulling double duty.

As Greg Arnold had his Late Model motor in his Late Model Lites ride, it was Lee Doty coming to the rescue for his Late Model Lites championship effort. Doty and Ross Payant have been teaming up this year, but Payant stepped aside so that Arnold could earn points in his battle with reigning champion Charlie Eaton for the title. The #7 car is a good ride, and Arnold did Doty proud by winning both the heat race and Main Event with Krista Hadley trailing him.

Hadley has been doing an admirable job behind the wheel of her #16 car, while husband Terry, the division's all time win leader, has struggled a bit this year. Eaton took a third place finish. Though Charlie may have a shot at the title, it looks like it will be Arnold's to lose. Greg will be focused on making sure he takes the green flag in the Main Event on September 7th and doing what he needs to do to get the job done.

In the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock division, David Steele continues to take steps towards the championship. Young Ashtin Hedges has done everything he can do. With the experience factor that Steele carries into the show, it's hard to beat him when he's hitting on all cylinders. Steele was a heat race and Main Event winner, but he knew Hedges was there. Hedges, who also won his heat race, led the early Main Event laps before being passed by Steele. Though Hedges kept the point loss to a minimum, Steele is in a similar situation to Arnold. If he doesn't stumble, he could leave on September 7th with his second-straight championship. Steele has won six Main Events this season, while Hedges will be doing everything he can to collect his second win next time.

There's a lot going on in the life of 2017 champion Kristopher Mix, a proud father of two boys. Work keeps him so busy that usually somebody else will bring his car the track, and he shows up in time to hot lap later. Mix was looking to make another championship run, but some bad luck early on left him in third. With Hunter Magnan not far behind him, Mix needed to step up. He did just that last week with a second in his heat race and season best third in the Main Event. He faces another situation where if he doesn't stumble in the finale, the third place trophy should be his. Furthermore, Mix will be doing some IMCA Sport Modified racing next year as his father Keith reports that they have a car in the works.

The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car division continues to be led by Mike Wheeler, and Wheeler wasn't even at the track last week. He and his family had a planned vacation for Hawaii, and as he was leading by 40 points, there was no concern about losing his lead despite being absent. There was also no concern about the Wheeler family being absent from the Winners Circle as 2016 champion Jake Wheeler did a fabulous job of leading all the way in a non-stop race for the victory. With Vern Wheeler Jr being very active in helping both his son Jake and his brother Mike, it's no wonder why the Wheelers seem to be fast on race day.

The door was open for somebody to make a big gain on Wheeler, and it's a shame that past champion TJ Winningham missed a race this year. He looked quite impressive in making a move past reigning champion David Hibbard in getting a season best second place finish, but Wheeler was too far ahead for the old veteran to make any kind of move on him. A note of praise should go to past Outlaw Kart champion Johnny Burke on a strong performance that netted him a fourth place finish. He gained more ground on rookie leader Anissa Curtice, but one has to wonder if he has enough time to catch her after his late start.

You have to shuffle back to fifth place to find the driver making the gain on Wheeler in the championship chase. That was Bailey Hibbard. Hibbard didn't have the kind of night he may have hoped for, but he nonetheless cut the Wheeler lead in half. Charlie Thompson and Enrique Jaime are still very much in the hunt as well. Mike Wheeler certainly looked good the last time we saw him, but if he stumbles in the least in these last two races, the title he thought was his could still slip away away. It may be the most intriguing battle we watch as the season comes to a close.

The OTRO Hardtops race for the fun of it, and there might have been a big smile on the face of Mark Minter in the Minter family #33 car. Mark won a heat race battle with Brian Weberg II and led all the way for the feature victory. After some really bad luck in the first part of the season, Minter closed with back-to-back victories. It's no surprise to see him winning as he has won a Main Event with the group in each of the four seasons they have been here, but the surprise happened in second.

That would be Matt Butler, who has just made his laps at the back of the pack, tried to stay out of trouble and get to the checkered flag. On this occasion, he made all 20 laps and earned his best finish yet with the group in second. The Hardtops produced better fields this year as more people have joined the OTRO which bodes well for the future. This was their last appearance of the season. It's because of the Trotter family, who had Dan Fouts and Jimmy Del Castille driving their vehicles last week, Eric DeRamus, Weberg and others that this group that was founded back in the 1980s still continues.

The Hornet battle is over. By now, everybody has heard that the division has been dropped from the remainder of the schedule, which only included the September 7th finale. Things got just a little bit too heated in the pits, and management felt they needed to make the decision they made, which also included dropping them from the 2020 schedule, as of now, and also not including them in any plans for the awards banquet. This is not the sort of news people like to hear, and it is certainly not the sort of news that we like to report. However, management made the decision based on what went down and other factors.

Rather than dwell on negativity, we look at Dylan Sauer and an impressive year that saw him score six of the eight feature victories that were up for grabs. At times, he was unstoppable, and after he took the point lead from 2016 champion Tim Hedges early in the season, he managed to hold on all the way to the end. Had the September finale not been removed from the schedule, Sauer was already in a position to claim the championship, leaving the Hedges family and rookie Quinton Tritchler to mix it up for second.

Because of the rough and tumble action in the heat race, Tim Hedges and his crew were very busy. Not only did did he have to repair damage to his #14t car, his wife Jenna lost the right front wheel on her #27g car at the end of the heat race. Tim spent more time working on Jenna's car to get it running, and only too late discovered that his own car would not start. This meant that as a Main Event scratch, he was in a position to lose second in the standings, and with her season best second place finish, Jenna made the move. For the second time in her three seasons, she will finish second, dropping Tim to another third place season. Fourth ranked Quinton Tritchler will be the top rookie in the field.

The Hornet division has served to bring more new drivers into the fold, and management had made a bigger commitment to build this class up, further enhanced by the sponsorship of JOAT Labs. Last season, the division graduated top Mini Stock rookie Dylan Irving and teammate Brandyn Wonsyld up in classes, and 2018 champion Bree Tritchler has a Dwarf Car for a move up. There is word that Dylan Sauer may be moving up to the Dwarf Car class next year as well. There's also the impressive performance of Ashtin Hedges in the Mini Stocks. He won two Hornet Main Events last year before moving up in classes later in the season.

What the future will hold for this particular division will be something to speculate on at another time. These past four years have certainly provided plenty of entertainment and excitement, and that is something this writer will choose to remember.

Little Southern Oregon Speedway Pit Stop

Little Southern Oregon Speedway dropped the curtain on their season with championship night. It's known that the count is down at several tracks as cost and other factors have contributed to the decline in Kart count. Promoter Mike McCann made the call to bring in the Flat Track Bikes and Trikes this year, which has helped keep things going. It's also made for some very interesting racing on any given Friday night.

The 250 Kart championship had already been wrapped up in favor of 2017 champion Trevor Grimes. Grimes has won four Main Events this year, though the win in season finale was going to avoid him. Vinny DeBenedetti has looked fast this year, but if there was a hard luck driver in the field, it would be the 2018 champion. Vinny again had problems after leading several laps, but it wasn't Grimes who swept in to take advantage of the situation.

Cadyn Smith is a two-time Beginner's Box Stock champion at the little track, and he's been having a pretty good year this year. He came into the night with four-straight podium finishes and was going to receive the Most Improved Driver honors. However, the son of Dwarf Car star Ryan Smith was hoping to make a move on second in the standings and possibly pick up his first winners trophy. When DeBenedetti had his problems, Smith stepped forward to get the lead. As expected, Grimes was there to make a challenge and it got close. When Grimes ran out of real estate and spun into the infield with a few laps to go, it looked like smooth sailing for Smith. In fact, not even a last turn attempt by Grimes to get around would keep the young charger from picking up his first win in this class. Grimes would settle for second with Emma Rodgers taking a checkered flag in third.

The Beginners Box Stock championship honors were pretty much decided when the green flag waved on Jayme DeBenedetti. However, She was hoping that she could get her fourth win of the season. The division saw visits from Cottage Grove regular Bentleigh Chapman and Urijah Humphrey, the latter of which led some early laps before stalling. DeBenedetti may have thought this win could be hers, but her closest point rival, Isaac Grimes, turned in his best effort of the year. Grimes was a heat race winner earlier in the night, and he made a charge in the final half-dozen laps to take the lead and secure his first ever win. Second was still a nice way to wrap up a championship season for DeBenedetti as Chapman, Humphrey and Most Improved Driver Caleb Ranney made up the Top 5 at the finish. Rookie of the Year Talia Colley was sixth.

Keaton Augustine has been making trips more than two hours away to be a part of the show at the little track, but to the team's disappointment, there really haven't been many competitors supporting this program this year. Augustine was the reigning champion and was on hand to take some victory laps for repeating as the champion. This young third-generation competitor has done well in this class, and his father, 2017 Late Model champion Nathan Augustine, says that Keaton will be moving up to the Junior Street Stock division at Madras Speedway.

The Flat Track Bikes have been supported well by the Taylor family this season as they've made most of the races. Trevor Taylor has proven to be a formidable competitor this year and was on hand to wrap up championships in the 250cc, 450cc and Open Bike classes. Trevor rode to the Open Bike feature win ahead of Jessie Miller with Rick Roach in close pursuit. It was Roach giving Taylor his best challenge in the 450cc Bike class before settling for second. Theo Lount, who was absent this week, wrapped up second place seasons in all three bike classifications. It was Trevor's younger brothers Brody and Jax who ended up finishing first and second in the Little Bike feature to wrap up their first and second place seasons.

Mike Burson Sr and daughter MiKayla Burson have been good supporters of the Big Trike and Little Trike classes this year and as a result wrapped up championships as Mike was the Big Trike champion and MiKayla was the Little Trike champion. Mike and MiKayla had a spirited duel going in the Little Trike Main Event until MiKayla, who was leading going into the last turn, got too high on exit and hit the wall head on. Fortunately, she was okay and in good spirits as she collected her championship trophy. Mike would finish second in the Little Trike point race ahead of Ben Herbert.

Herbert is one of the fastest Big Trike competitors we've seen at the speedway, and he ran impressively in scoring another feature win in that class ahead of the man who won the first Trike feature of the year, Ryan Comstock. Mike Burson finished third to wrap up his championship season. At times, the Trike classes have been very well supported this year as there were over a dozen competitors on one night in particular. The Trike and Bike classes have certainly been entertaining to watch.

Elliott Wins Cottonwood Classic, Wheeler, Steele, Arnold, Minter, Sauer Other Winners

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Elliott Wins Cottonwood Classic 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 24...Trent Elliott won the 30 lap Cottonwood Classic Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. The big money event paid Elliott $4,000 for the victory. He is the current point leader and had three feature wins going into the night. At times, Elliott was pressured by Rob Mayea, who ended up scoring a $2,000 second place finish. Bobby Hogge IV made a last lap pass on Joey Tanner to collect an $1,000 third place finish. Hogge was piloting the Darren Coffell car.

The 24 car field included some of the top drivers from Oregon and California. They ran four 10 lap races, and the Top 3 finishers automatically qualified for the big money race. The Top 2 drivers were entered into the eight lap Scramble. Rob Mayea won the first heat after taking the lead from Antioch Speedway point leader Richard Papenhausen, who settled for second ahead of local star Miles Deubert. Willamette Speedway reigning champion and current point leader Joey Tanner won the second heat ahead of BJ Donofrio and Deven Brown. It was Thomas Hunziker collecting the win in the third heat ahead of Willamette Speedway title contender Doug Elkins and Richard Wallace. Elliott gave a sign of things to come when he held off Justin Duty to win the final heat as Bobby Hogge IV finished third.

The Top 2 finishers from the heat races redrew for their lineup order in the eight lap Scramble. This race would set the lineup for the first four rows of the Main Event, and it was Elliott scoring the win ahead of Mayea and Duty. The remainder of the Main Event field was determined by the Top 4 finishers of the 12 lap B Main. Steve Moore had the lead from the outset and scored the victory ahead of local star Mark Wauge, Paul Culp and Kellen Chadwick, who was driving the Chris Biggs owned car. Chadwick held off a last ditch attempt by Eric Massey to get the final transfer position.

Having earned the pole position by winning the Scramble, Elliott set himself up as the driver to beat in the Main Event. Elliott charged into lead at their waving of the green flag ahead of Duty and Mayea. A yellow flag waved on lap three for a Brown spin in Turn 3. Donofrio spun in Turn 2 on the restart attempt, and Elliott led the next restart ahead of Duty and Mayea. Mayea began pressuring Duty and took the second position from him on lap seven. Brown spun in Turn 2 for a lap 12 yellow flag. At that point, Elliott led Mayea, Duty, Tanner and Hogge on the restart. Hogge had started 12th and was working the outside groove. Elliott and Mayea pulled away from the pack just a bit as Duty and Tanner were also having a spirited duel for second. The lead duo caught slower traffic on lap 21 just as Mayea was trying to make a move around Elliott. Culp pitted on lap 22, and a yellow flag waved on lap 23 for debris on the track. Brown also retired from the race. Elliott led Mayea and Tanner on the restart. Tanner begin to pressure Mayea briefly for the second position, but Mayea stood his ground as Elliott begin to build a good lead. As Mayea pulled away from Tanner just a bit, Hogge moved in to challenge Tanner for the third position. Hogge made a backstrech pass on Tanner on the final lap to claim third, and Elliott scored the impressive victory ahead of Mayea, Hogge, Tanner, Duty, Hunziker, Elkins, Wauge, Papenhausen and Moore.

The Late Models wrap up their championship season on September 7th with a program that will also include the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks and Valley Store All Late Model Lites. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Late Models

Heat 1-Rob Mayea, Richard Papenhausen, Miles Deubert, Steve Moore, Paul Culp, Kelly Justason.

Heat 2-Joey Tanner, BJ Donofrio, Deven Brown, Mark Wauge, Eric Massey, Cliff Massey.

Heat 3-Thomas Hunziker, Doug Elkins, Richard Wallace, Dennis Souza, Dana Bowers, Greg Arnold.

Heat 4-Trent Elliott, Justin Duty, Bobby Hogge IV, Kellen Chadwick, Jesse Roberts, Paul Guglielmoni.

Scramble-Trent Elliott, Rob Mayea, Justin Duty, Thomas Hunziker, Joey Tanner, Doug Elkins, BJ Donofrio, Richard Papenhausen.

B Main-Steve Moore, Mark Wauge, Paul Culp, Kellen Chadwick, Eric Massey, Jesse Roberts, Paul Guglielmoni, Dana Bowers, Dennis Souza, Cliff Massey, Kelly Justason, Greg Arnold.

Main Event-Trent Elliott, Rob Mayea, Bobby Hogge IV, Joey Tanner, Justin Duty, Thomas Hunziker, Doug Elkins, Mark Wauge, Richard Papenhausen, Steve Moore, BJ Donofrio, Richard Wallace, Deven Brown, Paul Culp, Kellen Chadwick, Miles Deubert.

Wheeler Takes Care Of Family Business 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 24...Jake Wheeler won the 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Wheeler recently got a ride in the Ron Osbourne owned Sprinter, and the 2016 champion turned in a rather dominant performance in scoring the victory. Incoming point leader Mike Wheeler, the uncle of Jake, has won three features this season but missed the race due to a planned vacation in Hawaii. Jake's impressive run kept the family in the winner's circle once again.

There were a dozen Sprint Car competitors for the show, which meant they would run two eight lap heat races. Past champion TJ Winningham impressed by holding off Wheeler to win the first heat. Thanks to Wheeler Racing, last season's top rookie Blaine Cory had a motor to use for the week. Cory took advantage of the opportunity by holding off reigning champion David Hibbard to win the second heat. The Top 3 finishers in each heat race ran the eight lap Scramble to determine the first three rows of the feature race, and Wheeler scored the win ahead of Winningham and David Hibbard as Anissa Curtice spun from third on the final lap. Orland Raceway Wingless Spec Sprint star RJ Baker was making his first Winged Sprint start, but motor problems sidelined him after heat race competition.

In the Main Event, the night went from bad to worse for Curtice as she spun in the first turn, collecting Aaron Miller. The night was over for both competitors. There were no other yellow flags in the rapidly run event. Wheeler led David Hibbard and Winningham on the complete restart. Johnny Burke charged past Winningham for the third position on the backstretch on lap two. However, Winningham came roaring back on the inside in Turn 4 to reclaim third on lap seven. Wheeler held by a straightaway advantage of over David Hibbard by the ninth lap as Winningham and Burke continued an intense battle for third. Winningham staked his claim on third and quickly reeled in Hibbard, taking the second position from him on lap 11. Wheeler drove a flawless race and was never threatened as he brought it home to an impressive victory. Winningham ended up with a season best second place finish ahead of David Hibbard, Burke, Bailey Hibbard, Charlie Thompson, Enrique Jaime, David Marble and Cory.

The Mike Wheeler point lead was cut in half by Bailey Hibbard, and there are still two events left to decide the title. The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars return on September 7th along with the Late Models, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks and Valley Store All Late Model Lites. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars

Heat 1-TJ Winningham, Jake Wheeler, Anissa Curtice, Charlie Thompson, Bailey Hibbard, David Marble.

Heat 2-Blaine Corey, David Hibbard, Johnny Burke, Aaron Miller, Enrique Jaime, RJ Baker.

Scramble-Jake Wheeler, TJ Winningham, David Hibbard, Johnny Burke, Blaine Corey, Anissa Curtice.

Main Event-Jake Wheeler, TJ Winningham, David Hibbard, Johnny Burke, Bailey Hibbard, Charlie Thompson, Enrique Jaime, David Marble, Blaine Corey, Anissa Curtice, Aaron Miller. RJ Baker DNS.

Steele Charges To Sixth Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 24...David Steele won 20 lap Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the sixth feature win for the current point leader and reigning champion, and he will be nearly impossible to beat for the title if he is able to start the season finale. Ashtin Hedges drove another good race to score his fifth second place finish.

The Mini Stocks ran a pair of eight lap heat races, and Hedges won the first heat ahead of Michael McLeod. 2017 champion Kristopher Mix led the second heat race early before being passed by eventual winner Steele and ending up second.

Hedges and Steele shared the front row of the Main Event, and Hedges charged into the lead ahead of Steele and McLeod. Hedges and Steele started to pull away just a little bit, and Mix moved to the inside of McLeod and grabbed third from him in Turn 2 of the fourth lap. A yellow flag waved for Andrew Hall in turn 2 on lap five. Hedges continued to lead on the restart, but a high pass in Turn 4 of the seventh lap gained Steele the lead. A yellow flag flew for Hall on lap seven. Steele led Hedges and Mix on the restart, and the leaders ran not too far apart. One final yellow flag waved on lap 15, but Steele resumed command on the restart. Steele took the checkered flag about half-straightaway ahead of Hedges as Mix was a season best third, followed by Steve Goetz, McLeod, Hall, Dylan Irving, Brandyn Wonsyld and Hunter Magnan.

The Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks will have their season finale on September 7th. Also competing that night will be the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models and Valley Store All Late Model Lites. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks

Heat 1-Ashtin Hedges, Michael McLeod, Andrew Hall, Hunter Magnan, Brandyn Wonsyld.

Heat 2-David Steele, Kristopher Mix, Dylan Irving, Steve Goetz.

Main Event-David Steele, Ashtin Hedges, Kristopher Mix, Steve Goetz, Michael McLeod, Andrew Hall, Dylan Irving, Brandyn Wonsyld, Hunter Magnan.

Arnold Rolls To Fourth Late Model Lites Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 24...Greg Arnold won the 15 lap Valley Store All Late Model Lites Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the fourth win of the season for the current point later. Arnold had a Late Model motor in his regular car, and Lee Doty let Arnold drive his fast #7 car for the occasion in order to keep his point effort going.

Arnold kicked off his night by winning a close battle with Krista Hadley to claim eight lap heat race honors. With a pole position start for the Main Event, Arnold charged into the lead ahead of Krista Hadley and reigning champion Charlie Eaton. Hadley got out of shape in Turn 4 on lap three as Eaton charged by for second, and a yellow flag waved after four laps when Eric Aos and Terry Hadley got together in Turn 2. Both drivers were eliminated in the incident. Arnold continued to lead Eaton and Hadley on the restart. They ran that way until Eaton had problems on the 12th lap, allowing Krista Hadley to charge by for second. Arnold was the happy winner ahead of Krista Hadley, Charlie Eaton, Terry Hadley and Eric Aos.

The Late Models Lites will run their season finale on September 7th. Also competing that night will be the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Late Models and Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Valley Store All Late Model Lites

Heat-Greg Arnold, Krista Handley, Charlie Eaton, Eric Aos, Terry Hadley, Jim Cunningham.

Main Event-Greg Arnold, Krista Hadley, Charlie Eaton, Terry Hadley, Eric Aos, Jim Cunningham DNS.

Minter Wins Second Straight OTRO Hardtop Main Event 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 24...Mark Minter won the 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the second-straight win for Minter, and he's the third different winner for the group this season.

Minter battled Brian Weberg II early in the eight lap heat race before scoring the victory ahead of Dan Fouts. Weberg suffered a mechanical problem in the heat race to end his night. Minter started back in the third row of the Main Event but had the lead before a lap was completed as Fouts ran second. The yellow flag waved for Matt Butler spinning in Turn 2. Fouts suffered a mechanical failure and headed for the pits. Minter led Dean Cast and Eric DeRamus on the restart, but Jimmy Del Castille moved the Bill Trotter car into third a lap later. The lead three ran is that order until Cast had problems and brought out a yellow flag on lap eight. Minter led the restart, and Cast got around Del Castille for second. Cast got out of shape in Turn 4 on lap 13, allowing Del Castille and Butler to move into second and third. Del Castille headed for the pits on lap 16, handing second to Butler. Minter was approaching Butler to put him a lap down when the checkered flag waved on his victory. Butler was a lead lap second, followed by Cast, DeRamus, Del Castille and Fouts.

This was the final appearance of the season for the OTRO Hardtops at Southern Oregon Speedway. www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

OTRO Hardtops

Heat-Mark Minter, Dan Fouts, Brian Weberg II, Dean Cast, Jimmy Del Castille, Matt Butler, Eric DeRamus.

Main Event-Mark Minter, Matt Butler, Dean Cast, Eric DeRamus, Jimmy Del Castille, Dan Fouts, Bryan Weberg II DNS.

Sauer Wins Hornets Championship With Sixth Victory

White City, Oregon... August 24...Dylan Sauer won the 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was his sixth win of the season, and it clinched him the championship as his closest rival, Tim Hedges, was eliminated in a heat race crash.

The eight lap heat race was a brutal, high contact affair. Early in the race, newcomer Zachary Tener and Chris Boynton got together on the front stretch, resulting in Tener hitting the front wall and then making contact with Dylan Sauer. Tener was out for the night with severe front end damage. Later in the race, championship contender Tim Hedges made an inside move on Dave Sauer in Turns 1 and 2 and there was contact. The two drivers ran a full contact lap around the speedway with Sauer putting Hedges into the front wall for a red flag. Hedges would join Tener on the sidelines for the rest of the evening as there was too much damage to repair. Because Tim Hedges was unable to start the Main Event, it cost him second in the standings to his wife, Jenna hedges. Dylan Sauer survived the heavy attrition to win the heat race ahead of Boynton.

The Main Event would go non-stop as Dylan Sauer led Boynton and Jenna Hedges at the start. They ran in that order until Jenna Hedges slipped past Boynton for the second position on lap 11. Dylan Sauer didn't pull too far ahead of Hedges and Boynton, but he still went on to the victory as they finished in that order. Top rookie Quinton Tritchler finished fourth ahead of Dave Sauer.

Race Results

JOAT Labs Hornets

Heat-Dylan Sauer, Chris Boynton, Quinton Tritchler, Jenna Hedges, Tim Hedges, Dave Sauer, Zachary Tener.

Main Event-Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Chris Boynton, Quinton Tritchler, Dave Sauer, Tim Hedges DNS, Zachary Tener DNS.

Elliott Wins $4,000 Cottonwood Classic At Southern Oregon Speedway

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Elliott Wins $4,000 Cottonwood Classic 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 24...Trent Elliott won the 30 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the $4,000 to win Cottonwood Classic and it was the biggest win of Elliott's career. Elliott is the current point leader at the speedway, and this was his fourth win of the season.

He led from the outset ahead of Justin Duty. Rob Mayea took the second position from Duty on lap seven. Other than some brief challenges from Willamette point leader Joey Tanner, Mayea would hold on for second, and Elliott won by a straightaway. Bobby Hogge IV made a late pass on Tanner to finish third, and Justin Duty completed the Top 5.

Jake Wheeler turned in a dominant performance in winning the 25 lap Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Car Main Event. This was the first win of the season for Wheeler, who was piloting the Ron Osbourne car. Wheeler had the lead over David Hibbard and TJ Winningham. By the 10th lap, Wheeler had a straightaway lead over Hibbard as Winningham and Johnny Burke were having a spirited duel for third. On lap 12 Winningham slipped past David Hibbard for second. However, Wheeler drove a flawless race in the non-stop affair to score the victory ahead of Winningham, David Hibbard, Burke and Bailey Hibbard.

David Steele won the 20 lap Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock Main Event. This was the sixth win of the season for the current point leader. Ashtin Hedges led for the first six laps before Steele made a high pass in Turn 4 to take the lead. Even a lap 15 yellow flag couldn't stop Steele as he maintained his lead from the restart all the way to the checkered flag. Hedges settled for second, followed by Kristopher Mix, Steve Goetz and Michael McLeod.

Dylan Sauer won the 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event. This was the sixth win of the season for the point leader, and he increased his point advantage further as Tim Hedges was eliminated early in the evening in a heat race crash. Sauer jumped into the lead from the start, leaving the battle for second. Chris Boynton held second for the first 10 laps before being overtaken by Jenna Hedges. However, Dylan Sauer had a huge lead as he won ahead of Jenna Hedges, Boynton, Quinton Tritchler and Dave Sauer.

Mark Minter won the 20 lap OTRO Hardtop Main Event. Minter had the pole for the race and led every lap for his second-straight win. Dean Cast had second and until spinning in Turn 4, handing the position to Matt Butler. Minter won by a wide margin ahead of Butler, Cast, Eric DeRamus and Jimmy Del Castille.

Greg Arnold won the 15 lap Valley Store All Late Model Lites Main Event. This was the fourth win of the season for the current point leader, and it came aboard the Lee Doty owned car. Arnold had the lead from the start with reigning champion Charlie Eaton running closely behind him for much of the race. On lap 11, Eaton started experiencing motor problems as Krista Hanley moved by for second. Arnold pulled away to a comfortable margin in victory with Krista Hadley settling for second, followed by Eaton, Terry Hadley and Eric Aos.

Racing returns next weekend with the Third Annual R Charles Snyder Salute two-day event. The IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds will be competing on both Saturday and Sunday with their biggest purses of the year on Sunday. The Southern Oregon Dwarf will be running on both nights, and the Calculated Comfort Outlaw Pro Stocks will be there on Sunday. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Unofficial Race Results

Cottonwood Classic Late Models

Heat Winners (10 laps)-Rob Mayea, Joey Tanner, Thomas Hunziker, Trent Elliott. Scramble (8 laps)-Trent Elliott. B Main (12 laps)-Steve Moore, Mark Wauge, Paul Culp. Main Event (30 laps)-Trent Elliott, Rob Mayea, Bobby Hogge IV, Joey Tanner, Justin Duty.

Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-TJ Winningham. Blaine Cory. Scramble (8 laps)-Jake Wheeler. Main Event (25 laps)-Jake Wheeler, TJ Winningham, David Hibbard, Johnny Burke, Bailey Hibbard.

Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Ashtin Hedges, David Steele. Main Event (20 laps)-David Steele, Ashtin Hedges, Kristopher Mix, Steve Goetz, Michael McLeod.

JOAT Labs Hornets

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Dylan Sauer. Main Event (20 laps)-Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Chris Boynton, Quinton Tritchler, Dave Sauer.

Valley Store All Late Model Lites

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Greg Arnold. Main Event (20 laps)-Greg Arnold, Krista Hadley, Charlie Eaton, Terry Hadley, Eric Aos.

OTRO Hardtops

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Mark Minter. Main Event (15 laps)-Mark Minter, Matt Butler, Dean Cast, Eric DeRamus, Jimmy Del Castille.

$4,000 To Win Late Model Race At Southern Oregon Speedway Saturday Night, Pit Stops

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

$4,000 To Win Late Model Race 

At Southern Oregon Speedway Saturday Night

White City, Oregon...On the heels of the successful Hall of Fame night, Promoter Mike McCann has another big event set for Southern Oregon Speedway this Saturday night. It's the $4,000 to win Cottonwood Classic Late Model race. Some of the best drivers on the West Coast are anticipated for this show. Also competing will be the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Store All Late Model Lites and OTRO Hardtops.

McCann has been committed to establishing a stronger Late Model presence at Southern Oregon Speedway, and this is the best year yet in that endeavor. The purse money offered for Saturday's big show is the biggest for any Dirt Late Model event on the West Coast. Not only will the drivers receive a nice $4,000 first prize, but second place pays $2,000 and third is worth $1,000.

Hoping to stake a claim on the big prize will be point leader Trent Elliott. Elliott leads the standings on the strength of three feature wins and a second place finish last week. To get second, he had to come from the back of the pack twice after a bad heat effort put him at the back for the start. When he got to third, there was contact between he and Mark Wauge, resulting in a Wauge spin. Elliott had to restart at the back as well, and he managed to get back to a second place finish.

The driver leading the way from start to finish last week was Darren Coffell. After his second win of the season, he is feeling pretty good about his chances of winning the big money. Last week saw a pair of competitors from the Willamette track, which included second ranked Doug Elkins, who finished fourth. Elkins is competing with Joey Tanner for the Willamette title, and Tanner leads after winning the championship the year before. Tanner is anticipated this Saturday as well.

The bigger prize money is getting the attention of some California racers, which includes two-time IMCA Modified Speedweek champion Kellen Chadwick. Chadwick will be piloting the Chris Biggs car this Saturday night. Car owner Paul Guglielmoni will reportedly be bringing three cars for this occasion. Guglielmoni is a two-time Petaluma Speedway champion, and the team had their cars at Placerville last week with Clark Guglielmoni getting the win there. The other driver is Bobby Hogge IV, who won a Late Model race at Southern Oregon Speedway earlier this year. Hogge has won some of the biggest races at Southern Oregon Speedway and on the West Coast throughout his decorated career and may be this driver to beat on Saturday.

Two local standouts hoping to bring the prize money home are Mark Wauge and Dave Everson. Seven-time IMCA Modified champion Wauge overcame recent motor woes by winning his heat race last week and earning his third third place finish of the season. Likewise, 2013 Pro Stock champion Everson has earned a pair of third place finishes this season and currently ranks second in the standings. Other regulars to watch for this week include Dave Foote, Miles Deubert, reigning champion John Dees, Bob Dees, Eric Massey and past Dirt Modified and Pro Stock champion Dustin Knight.

The Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars will also be bringing the speed Saturday night. On the strength of his three victories, Mike Wheeler holds a good lead in the standings, but he's not about to get too comfortable with three point races remaining. Wheeler saw his win streak snapped last time out by Kinzer Cox, but he finished a close second. Trailing him in the standings is Bailey Hibbard, who only has a four point advantage over Enrique Jaime and past champion Charlie Thompson in a closer race for second. All three of these drivers are still looking for their first win of the season.

Likewise, reigning champion David Hibbard is still looking for his first win this year, and other stars to watch for include 2016 champion Jake Wheeler, top rookie Anissa Curtice, Johnny Burke, TJ Winningham and David Marble. We may also see an appearance by Tanner Holmes, who recently won the Week of Speed Series championship.

David Steele has hit his stride, and that's bad news for the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock competitors. The reigning champion and current point leader grabbed his fifth feature win of the season last week, and he did it while also picking up his third-straight clean sweep. This has put the pressure on second ranked Ashtin Hedges to get another win. Hedges managed to finish second last week ahead of heat race winner Steve Goetz, who was enjoying his best night of the season. Other stars to watch for this week include 2017 champion Kristopher Mix, Hunter Magnan, top rookie Dylan Irving and Mike McLeod.

Following his third feature win of the season, Greg Arnold managed to increase his Valley Store All Late Model Lites point lead just a little bit more over reigning champion Charlie Eaton. Like Arnold, both Eaton and Ross Payant are feature winners this year. They may be leading the charge to get the victory this week, but others to watch for include recent Trophy Dash winner Krista Hadley, Eric Aos, Dusty Aos and the division's all time feature win leader, Terry Hadley.

Dylan Sauer had an impressive clean sweep performance last week, capped by his fifth JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event win. This enabled him to double his point lead over 2016 champion Tim Hedges. Hedges will be hoping to get his third win of the season to make up some ground, but his wife, Jenna Hedges, is also hoping to take it up a notch after finishing a season high second last week. Other stars to watch for this week include top rookie Quinton Tritchler, Shawn Nelson, Chris Boynton, Ryan Nelson and newcomer Zachary Tener.

Rounding out an exciting program will be the OTRO Hardtops. These classic old Ford and Chevy Coup and Sedan race cars from the 1940s always put on an entertaining show. Wins so far had been recorded by Mark Minter, Dean Cast and Dan Fouts. Minter is the only driver in the group to win a race in each of the past four seasons. Other racers to watch for this week include Bill Trotter, Jay Smith, Eric DeRamus and Bryan Weberg II.

For the big Late Model show alone, this event will be worth checking out. The other divisions make it that much more exciting. The gates will open at 5pm with the first race at 7pm. General Admission Adult tickets 13+ are $15, Seniors 62+, Veterans and Juniors 7 to 12 are $10. Children 6 and under are free. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Pit Stops

Hall of Fame night at Southern Oregon Speedway is in the record books, and by all accounts it was success. It's seemed like the community was more excited about the event this year as six Southern Oregon racing legends were honored. Sadly, the only surviving member of the new group going in was Dave Shinn. Dave was very excited about the occasion and brought some of his old clippings and photos to display for the fans to see. He was also given the opportunity to drive the Mark Wauge Late Model for some hot laps. This was the first time that Dave had been behind the wheel of a race car in thirty years, and it looked like the 1987 POSSE champion still has it.

Within the span of the last year, the community has mourned the passing of Markey James, Jim Walker Sr and most recently Jay McCleary. These three racers were among the biggest stars at the speedway in their time, and all were inducted into the Hall of Fame. It was nice to see the outpouring of love and respect shown to the new members, which also included long time flagman Freddy Higginbotham and Sam Dykes.

The Late Models had an opportunity to tune up for this weekend Cottonwood Classic, and this proved to be a very interesting night. After winning his heat race, Darren Coffell wasted little time getting the lead and reminded everybody that he is still a player in the coming big show as he sped to his second win of the season. Coffell missed the previous race, which enabled Dave Everson to move into second in the standings with just one point event remaining. Everson did his best to protect his point status by finishing a respectable fifth in the Main Event.

You might have expected that Coffell was the big star at the front of the pack, but all eyes seemed to be on Mark Wauge and point leader Trent Elliott. First of all, people were wondering how the motor would hold up in the Wauge car. He looked impressive in winning his heat race, and he settled into an early second in the Main Event. Elliott, who has won three Main Events this year, seemed to be piloting a rocket ship. A disastrous heat race forced him to start last on the grid in the Main Event, but he wasted little time getting to the front of the pack. This is where things got interesting.

As they motored into the first turn at about the midway point of the race, Elliott made contact with Wauge, resulting in a Wauge spin. It didn't take long for a call to come down sending Elliott to the back of the back with Wauge for the restart. Neither driver stayed back there for long as they made a mad dash to the front of the pack. All eyes were on the two drivers, wondering what might happen next. What happened was Elliott managed to get the second place finish, and Wauge scored his third third place finish of the year. The one positive Mark could take out of the race was that he managed to get through the night with his motor intact and ran very well. Could he be a threat to win some of that big money this weekend?

Doug Elkins, who is in the midst of a potential championship effort at Willamette Speedway, made a surprise visit along with BJ Donofrio. Both drivers ran in the Top 5, but only Elkins was able to get it to the finish line with a fourth place finish as Donofrio finished further back in seventh. It's possible that the man Elkins is competing with for the Willamette championship, Joey Tanner, could be on hand for this week's big race. It was also nice to see reigning champion John Dees back again. John has moved and has been racing at the tracks up north, but he did a respectable job in finishing sixth in the featue race. He could be another driver to watch in the big money race. Another driver looking good was Late Model Lites point leader Greg Arnold, who got as high as third before ending up eighth at the checkered flag.

Track officials are anticipating a car count reaching into the high twenties or possibly even the thirties this Saturday night with the big money that's at stake. This will include some top notch competitors from California, including Bobby Hogge IV, Richard Papenhausen and Kellen Chadwick. Chadwick will be piloting the Chris Biggs owned car. Hogge will be part of the Paul Guglielmoni team. That team was in Placerville last weekend, and it was Clark Guglielmoni getting the win on that occasion. Fans have been wanting to see a big Late Model show at Southern Oregon Speedway for a while now, and Saturday night will be their opportunity. It's going to be good.

IMCA Modifieds and Sport Modifieds will take center stage the following weekend for the big Labor Day Weekend R Charles Snyder Salute. The money will be on the line as the Modifieds compete for $5,000 to win on Sunday, while the Sport Modifieds get $2,000 for the win. Local stars are hoping to get a piece of the big money. As usual, the local point race could be affected based on the outcome of that weekend. Several top drivers will be coming in from Oregon and California for a shot at the money, so last Saturday was the final tune up opportunity for the regulars.

It seemed as if incoming IMCA Modified point leader Zach Fettinger had a rocket ship in preliminaries. He was about to attempt a last lap pass on Jesse Bailey to win the Trophy Dash, but he ended up spinning as Bailey one. He won his heat race, but his high point average meant he was starting further back in the Main Event. Bailey wasn't starting much further up, but he seemed to have figured out that there was a nice groove on the outside for the taking. Both drivers found their way to the front, but the luck ran out for Fettinger, who was eliminated in a crash that also saw three-time reigning champion Albert Gill end up on the sidelines after they had been competing for Top 3 positions.

Andy Freeman hasn't been seen too often this year, but he has his eyes on the big September 1st prize. Freeman's low point average put him up on the front, and he proceeded to lead 23 laps of the Main Event with another of the top stars from the past, 2003 champion Jeremy Richey, in pursuit. It was during the final 10 laps when Bailey started making his move on the outside, and a high pass in Turn 4 on the 24th lap is what secured him the lead and victory. Not only was this the second win for the 2017 champion, but with Fettinger on the sidelines, Bailey cut into the point big lead. The R Charles Snyder Salute will be very important in this battle as only that event and one more remain on the schedule.

Nick Trenchard has won some big shows at Southern Oregon Speedway and has become somewhat of a bounty hunter, rather than a point chaser, in recent years. The new car seemed to work well in his heat race win, but Trenchard had problems early on in the Main Event, forcing him to come back from last in the 19 car field. As the race wore on, the #54 car was picking off cars one by one. While Bailey was making his move around Freeman for the win, Trenchard finally got into the Top 5 and would settle for fourth behind Richey. Paul Rea was making his second start at the speedway and the Cottage Grove racer had a respectable fifth place finish ahead of Jeremy Ohlde and Jimmy Lipke. Lipke is one of two rookies in the Top 5 in the standings, and the 2016 Yreka champion has been doing a good job this year.

There was also a bit of a point shake up in the IMCA Sport Modifieds, where two-time reigning champion and point leader Jorddon Braaten is on his way to a potential third title. Braaten broke out the broom as he won both the Trophy Dash and his heat race. He started back in the fifth row of the Main Event, while the surprising Austin Petray and Jentzen Knips ran at the front of the pack. On this occasion, Braaten wasted little time getting the lead on the sixth lap. Once he got it, he brought it home to his third win of the season. There was further good news as the man coming into the night ranked second, Matt Sanders, was out of the Main Event early. Braaten will therefore increase his lead as the next closest driver, Isaac Sanders, will be trailing by over 20 points.

If you think Jorddon might be worried about just playing defense and getting a respectable showing in the R Charles Snyder Salute, you don't know him very well. This is a race that has been in his sights for the past couple years, and he's looking to score the big victory. He knows the competition will be tough, but if the way the #84 car was looking last weekend was any indication, you can expect Jorddon to come out strong that weekend.

Branden Wilson, meanwhile, managed to pick up another Top 5 effort as he tries to strengthen his hold on a Top 5 point position. This hasn't necessarily been the smoothest season for last year's top rookie, but Wilson seems to be dialing things in. In this case, he battled Mike Medel before Medel settled for a sixth place finish. However, Mike did manage to get a heat race win earlier in the evening in one of the more exciting races as he battled Rich McCoy. McCoy would also finish seventh in the Main Event and is somebody who shouldn't be counted out for the big $2,000 prize next weekend. Two other drivers who continue to get our attention this year for their improvement are Brian Knorr and Steve Lysinger. Brian managed to get an eighth place finish, while Steve finished 10th. Both drivers continue to rank in the Top 10 in the standings.

It's difficult at times to even describe how impressive David Steele has been in the Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks. With all of the experience he carries, he is probably the best prepared driver in the division. Not only is he skilled at motor tuning, he also knows how to set the car up. It shows as David can put the black #67 car anywhere on the track, and it seems to be going to the front. For the third-straight race, Steele scored a clean sweep, and this was also his fifth win of the season as he has his eyes on his second-straight championship. With that kind of performance, it's very difficult to be anywhere near this guy when it comes to points, but there is a driver still hanging in there.

Ashtin Hedges has also done a good job, and if you didn't have a guy like Steele in the field, he would be leading the standings. This young up and coming star has been consistently finishing in the Top 3 in the Main Event and has a win to his credit. Hedges finished second in the latest race with 2013 champion Steve Goetz in close pursuit in third. Though Hedges lost a few more points to Steele, should Steele stumble in the last two races, he still has a shot at the championship. For Goetz, motor problems saw to it that points weren't going to be a thing for him this year, but he still hopes to get a win in his yellow #55 car. Overall, it was a good night for Steve as he won his heat race and finished third in the feature.

Kristopher Mix may not have much of a shot in the championship chase without some real serious luck coming his way, but the third podium position in the standings is still within his grasp. Mix was looking good in his heat race before he spun. In the Main Event, he battled the guy he's trying to keep behind him in the standings, Hunter Magnan. It didn't seem as if all was well with the Magnan car as he settled for fifth, but unlike Mix, Magnum is a feature winner this year. He's also still not far behind Mix as not much changed in their battle for third after this show. Mix did punch his ticket into the next Trophy Dash by finishing fourth.

We're hearing quite a bit of talk about potential new Mini Stock drivers for next year, and two of them could be coming up from the Hornets division. Reigning Hornet champion Bree Tritchler and Derrel Nelson Jr could be in the class next year. Nelson just sold his car to Zachary Tener, who scored a respectable fifth place finish in his first start. After the Hall of Fame ceremonies were concluded, the grandson of Jim Walker Sr confirmed that he's looking at making his racing debut in this class soon. It could be that we'll see the numbers go up a little bit in the Mini Stocks next season, which would be nice to see.

The JOAT Labs Hornet division battle took a turn for the good for point leader Dylan Sauer Sauer had a rare occasion where he shared a heat race with Tim Hedges and he managed to hold him off for the win there and the Trophy Dash as well. Hedges had Sauer in his sights in the Main Event, but a flat tire would cost him laps. This caused Hedges to lose a little bit of ground in the point battle. Sauer, though not dominating the Main Event, scored his fifth win of the season to double his lead. It was another Hedges, Jenna Hedges, who gave him some good pressure down the stretch before she settled for a season best second.

Quinton Tritchler had been in the hunt, but his son, Chris Boynton, managed to bump him from the podium as Boynton finished third ahead of Tritchler at the checkered flag. The Hornets division saw the debut of a new competitor as Cole Gillespie ran the #53 car. Unfortunately, Gillespie had mechanical issues after the heat race and scratched from the feature. Shawn Nelson, meanwhile, debuted a new car. He had been driving the Hedges Racing #4t car and was doing a respectable job with it this year. It will be interesting to see what he can do with the other car once he works the bugs out.

Bailey, Braaten, Coffell, Steele, Hedges Win On Hall Of Fame Night

Southern Oregon Speedway Racing Discussion

Can Be Heard HERE

Bailey Scores Second IMCA Modified Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 17...Jesse Bailey scored an impressive win in the 25 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was his second win of the season, which enabled him to cut into the lead of Zach Fettinger, who didn't finish. Bailey made an impressive outside groove effort that gained him the lead late in the race. The IMCA Modifieds were competing as part of Hall Of Fame Night at the speedway. Markey James, Jim Walker Sr, Jay McCleary, Sam Dykes, Dave Shinn and Freddy Higginbotham were all inducted into the Southern Oregon Racing Hall of Fame during intermission.

The battle between Bailey and Fettinger for the championship is certainly getting interesting. Bailey picked up the four lap Trophy Dash win earlier in the evening as Fettinger spun going for the lead on the last lap. Nick Trenchard, Fettinger and picked up eight lap heat race wins. There were 19 competitors on hand for this race.

For the Main Event, Andy Freeman had the outside front row starting position and set the early pace ahead of Dave Duste Jr and Jeremy Richey. A yellow flag waved for Trenchard in Turn 1. Freeman continued to lead Duste and Richey on the restart and they ran that way for the next several laps and through a lap six yellow flag. Richey finally slipped past Duste for second on lap nine and began to pressure Freeman for the lead. Albert Gill made a front stretch pass on Duste to take over second on lap 12. With 10 laps to go, Bailey wasn't even in the Top 5, but he began working the extreme outside groove. A lap 20 yellow flag for Ray Kniffen Jr bunched the field. On the restart, Bailey was running the outside groove in a bid to move into second, and a tangle in Turn 2 between Gill and Fettinger forced another yellow flag. Freeman continued to lead Bailey and Richey on the restart. Bailey continued to run the outside line and made a high pass in Turn 4 of the 24th lap to finally get the lead from Freeman. Bailey went on to the impressive victory as Freeman settled for second ahead of Richey. Trenchard managed to come from the back of the pack to finish fourth, followed by Paul Rea, Jeremy Ohlde, Jimmy Lipke, Ryan Baker, Duane Orsburn and Steve Borror.

The next race for the IMCA Modifieds will be the Third Annual R Charles Snyder Salute on Labor Day weekend. The big September 1st Main Event will pay $5,000 to the winner. The IMCA Sport Modifieds will run in support with $2,000 going to the winner of their feature that night. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race results

IMCA Modified

Heat 1-Nick Trenchard, Albert Gill, Jesse Bailey, Steve Borror, Duane Orsburn, Tom Elam.

Heat 2-Zach Fettinger, Dave Duste Jr, Justin Foux, Ray Kniffen Jr, James Anderson, David Satterfield.

Heat 3-Jeremy Richey, Andy Freeman, Paul Rea, Jimmy Lipkey, Ryan Baker, Jeremy Ohlde.

Trophy Dash-Jesse Bailey, Dave Duste Jr, Justin Foux, Zach Fettinger.


Main Event-Jesse Bailey, Andy Freeman, Jeremy Richey, Nick Trenchard, Paul Rea, Jeremy Ohlde, Jimmy Lipke, Ryan Baker, Dwayne Orsburn, Steve Borror, Tom Elam, Ray Kniffen Jr, Albert Gill, Zach Fettinger, Dave Duste Jr., James Anderson, Jim Van Loon, Justin Foux, David Satterfield.

Braaten Has Big Night In IMCA Sport Modifieds 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon... August 17..Jorddon Braaten won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. Braaten's third win of the season capped a clean sweep of Main Event, Trophy Dash and heat race for the two-time champion. It also enabled him to increase his point. The IMCA Sport Modifieds were competing as part of Hall Of Fame Night at the speedway. Markey James, Jim Walker Sr, Jay McCleary, Sam Dykes, Dave Shinn and Freddy Higginbotham were all inducted into the Southern Oregon Racing Hall of Fame during intermission.

Braaten kicked things off by winning the four lap Trophy Dash and his eight lap heat race. Isaac Sanders won his heat, and Mike Medel outran Rich McCoy to score a thrilling heat race win of his own. There were 20 competitors on hand for the show.

A high point average put Braaten back in 10th starting for the feature as outside front row starter Austin Petray raced into the early lead ahead of Jantzen Knips and Medel. Zach Nelson spun for a lap three yellow flag. Knips took the lead from Petray on the restart as Braaten settled into third. A high pass in Turn 2 of the fifth lap gained Braaten second from Petray, and Nelson spun in Turn 2 for a yellow flag to end his race. Braaten begin to pressure Knips for the lead on the restart and used a high pass in Turn 4 to gain the lead before the lap was completed. Braaten had about a straightaway advantage over Knips by lap 10, and Knips made a quick exit from the race. Braxton Possinger began a battle with Petray for the second position. A lengthy green flag run was punctuated by a final yellow flag on lap 17 for newcomer Bartley Foster. Braaten continued to lead Petray and Possinger on the restart, and the lead three remained unchained all the way to the checkered flag. Isaac Sanders finished fourth, followed by Branden Wilson, Medel, McCoy, Brian Knorr, Doug Wilcox and Steve Lysinger.

The IMCA Sport Modifieds will be competing at the Third Annual R Charles Snyder Salute on Labor Day weekend. The September 1st portion of the program will feature a $2,000 to win race for the class, while the IMCA Modifieds compete for $5,000 to win. For further information, go www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

IMCA Sport Modifieds

Heat 1-Isaac Sanders, Jantzen Knips, Billy Richey, Jesse Merriman, Joby Shields, Zach Nelson, Justin Ryker.

Heat 2-Mike Medel, Rich McCoy, Matt Sanders, Austin Petray, Steve Lysinger, Chris Silva, Bartley Foster.

Heat 3-Jorddon Braaten, Braxton Possinger, Branden Wilson, Brian Knorr, Mike Wilcox, Willie McFall.

Trophy Dash-Jorddon Braaten, Matt Sanders, Braxton Possinger, Branden Wilson.

Main Event-Jorddon Braaten, Austin Petray, Braxton Possinger, Isaac Sanders, Branden Wilson, Mike Medel, Rich McCoy, Brian Knorr, Mike Wilcox, Steve Lysinger, Bartley Foster, Billy Richey, Joby Shields, Willie McFall, Jantzen Knips, Zach Nelson, Matt Sanders, Jesse Merriman, Chris Silva, Justin Ryker DNS.

Coffell Unstoppable In Late Model Win 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 17...Darren Coffell won the 25 lap Late Model Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was the second win of the season for Coffell as he tunes up for the $4,000 to win Cottonwood Classic this Saturday night. He would lead all the way from the start, leaving plenty of excitement behind him. The win paid $1,000 with additional sponsorship coming from the Northwest Trucking Academy. The Late Models were competing as part of Hall Of Fame Night at the speedway. Markey James, Jim Walker Sr, Jay McCleary, Sam Dykes, Dave Shinn and Freddy Higginbotham were all inducted into the Southern Oregon Racing Hall of Fame during intermission.

There were 13 Late Models competing on this occasion, and point leader Trent Elliott got things started by outrunning Miles Deubert to win the four lap Trophy Dash. However, Elliott had a terrible heat race, which would put him last on the Main Event grid. Eight lap heat race wins went to Coffell and Mark Wauge, putting the two on the front row for the feature race.

Coffell raced into the Main Event lead at the start ahead of Wauge and Willamette Speedway star Doug Elkins. Elliott managed to make it to fifth on lap five before a yellow flag waved for Chris Biggs and Cliff Massey in Turn 2. Coffell led Wauge on the restart, and Elliott was fourth behind Elkins. Cliff Massey again brought out a yellow flag on lap 10. Elliott moved into third on the restart behind Coffell and Wauge. As they were working what would have been lap 12, Elliott tried to get a run on Wauge entering Turn 1, but this resulted in contact that sent Wauge spinning. Track officials put Elliott to the rear of the pack for his part in the incident. Coffell led Elkins and BJ Donofrio on the restart, but Late Model Lites point leader Greg Arnold took third when Donofrio spun in Turn 4 a lap later. Coffell led Elkins and Arnold on this restart and a lap 16 restart as well. Dave Everson was running in the fourth position, but a high pass in Turn 1 of the 19th lap by Wauge gained him the position. Wauge went by Arnold on the outside down the front stretch on lap 21, and a yellow flag waved for Miles Deubert in Turn 1 moments later. Coffell continued to lead the restart, and Elliott made an outside pass to take over the second spot with Wauge in third. In the waning laps, Elliott closed in a little bit on Coffell, but Coffell still brought it home to the victory. Wauge settled for third, followed by Elkins, Everson, John Dees, Donofrio, Arnold, Dave Foote and Cliff Massey.

This Saturday night is the $4,000 to win Cottonwood Classic for the Late Models, and a big field is anticipated for this event. Also in action will be the Kendall Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, JOAT Labs Hornets, Valley Store All Late Model Lites and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results
Late Models
Heat 1-Darren Coffell, BJ Donofrio, Greg Arnold, Miles Deubert, Cliff Massey, Eric Massey, Trent Elliott.

Heat 2-Mark Wauge, Doug Elkins, Dave Foote, Dave Everson, Chris Biggs, John Dees.

Trophy Dash-Trent Elliott, Miles Deubert, Dave Foote, Chris Biggs.

Main Event-Darren Coffell, Trent Elliott, Mark Wauge, Doug Elkins, Dave Everson, John Dees,  BJ Donofrio, Greg Arnold, Dave Foote, Cliff Massey, Chris Biggs, Miles Deubert, Eric Massey DNS.

Steele Unstoppable In Mini Stocks 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 17...David Steele won the 20 lap Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stock Main Event Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. The reigning champion Steele also holds the current point lead, and this was his fifth win of the season. It also marked his third-straight clean sweep of Main Event, Trophy Dash and heat race. Ashtin Hedges continues to try to hold on in the championship chase as he scored another second place finish. The Mini Stocks were competing as part of Hall Of Fame Night at the speedway. Markey James, Jim Walker Sr, Jay McCleary, Sam Dykes, Dave Shinn and Freddy Higginbotham were all inducted into the Southern Oregon Racing Hall of Fame during intermission.

Steele grabbed the four lap Trophy Dash win and followed it up by winning his eight lap heat race. The other heat race win went to Steve Goetz. Garrett Fredrickson had motor problems while running his heat race to end his night early.

Steele had the front row for the Main Event  and charged into the lead at the start ahead of Hedges and Goetz. Michael McLeod was an early fourth, but he spun in Turn 4 for a lap seven yellow flag, handing the position to Hunter Magnan. As Steele continued to lead Hedges and Goetz on the restart, Kristopher Mix made a low pass in Turn 4 to take fourth from Magnan. The battle for fourth was the closest on the track. Steele continued to make fast and consistent laps on his way to the impressive win. Hedges looked good in second as Goetz, Mix, Magnan, Dylan Irving, McLeod and Brandyn Wonsyld completed the finishing order.

The Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks will be back this Saturday night as part of the $4,000 to win Cottonwood Classic Late Model program. Also competing this week will be the Kendell Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Valley Store All Late Model Lites, JOAT Labs Hornets and OTRO Hardtop. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks

Heat 1-David Steele, Dylan Irving, Brandon Wonsyld, Kristopher Mix, Garrett Fredrickson.

Heat 2-Steve Goetz Ashtin Hedges, Hunter Magnan, Michael McLeod.

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

Main Event-David Steele, Ashtin Hedges, Steve Goetz, Kristopher Mix, Hunter Magnan, Dylan Irving, Michael McLeod, Brandon Wonsyld, Garrett Fredrickson DNS.

Sauer Sweeps JOAT Labs Hornets Action 

At Southern Oregon Speedway

White City, Oregon...August 17...Dylan Sauer scored an impressive 20 lap JOAT Labs Hornets Main Event win Saturday night at Southern Oregon Speedway. This was his division leading fifth win of the season and also a clean sweep of Main Event, Trophy Dash and heat race. As a result, he doubled his point lead over his closest rival, Tim Hedges. The Hornets were competing as part of Hall Of Fame Night at the speedway. Markey James, Jim Walker Sr, Jay McCleary, Sam Dykes, Dave Shinn and Freddy Higginbotham were all inducted into the Southern Oregon Racing Hall of Fame during intermission.

Sauer shot out of the gate fast with a four lap Trophy Dash win ahead of Tim Hedges. He folliwed that up with an eight lap heat race win, while rookie Quinton Tritchler was the other heat race winner. Newcomer Cole Gillespie was a Main Event scratch.

When the green flag waved in the Main Event, Sauer jumped into the early lead ahead of Tim Hedges, but Quinton Tritchler made a Turn 4 pass to take second on lap two. Hedges had a flat tire and stalled in Turn 2 for a lap three yellow flag. Sauer continued to lead Tritchler and Ryan Nelson on the restart, but Jenna Hedges gained third on lap five. A yellow flag waved on lap eight for Shawn Nelson in Turn 2. Sauer continued to lead Tritchler and Jenna Hedges on the restart. The final yellow flag flew for Ryan Nelson on the front stretch on lap 15. As Sauer led the restart, Jenna Hedges made an inside pass in Turn 3 to take second from Tritchler before the lap was completed. She set her sights on Sauer and closed in on him just a little bit. However, Sauer stayed smooth and picked up a big victory ahead of Jenna Hedges, Chris Boynton, Tritchler, Zachary Tener, Shawn Nelson, Tim Hedges and Ryan Nelson.

The JOAT labs Hornets will be back this Saturday night as part of the big Cottonwood Classic Late Model show. Also competing will be the Kendell Oil Winged Sprint Cars, Bobbio's Pizza Mini Stocks, the Valley Store All Late Model Lites and OTRO Hardtops. For further information, go to www.southernoregonspeedway.com.

Race Results

JOAT Labs Hornets

Heat 1-Dylan Sauer, Tim Hedges, Chris Boynton, Cole Gillespie.

Heat 2-Quinton Tritchler, Jenna Hedges, Ryan Nelson, Zachary Tener, Shawn Nelson.

Trophy Dash-Dylan Sauer, Tim Hedges, Jenna Hedges, Quinton Tritchler.

Mean Event-Dylan Sauer, Jenna Hedges, Chris Boynton, Quinton Tritchler, Zachary Tener, Shawn Nelson, Tim Hedges, Ryan Nelson, Cole Gillespie DNS.