Sexton Carries Ventura Runner-Up Momentum Into Thunderbowl Debut Saturday
2026-03-27 21:38
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Lakeside, CA — March 25, 2026 — Veteran Southern California open wheel driver Brent Sexton will wrap up a busy month of March when he makes his first appearance at Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway with the Ultimate Sprint Car Series this Saturday night, March 28th. The race will be Sexton's fifth of the month, and it comes hot on the heels of a second-place finish in the California Lightning Sprint Car race last Saturday night at the Ventura Raceway.
Sexton, a Tennessee native who lives in Lakeside, California, qualified fifth fastest at Ventura. The three-time lightning sprint car champ then placed fifth in his first heat race and won his second heat on the track that is located at the beach on the Ventura County Fairgrounds.
The wily veteran started on the pole for the 20-lap main event and led most of the first circuit on the 1/5 mile track. Sexton, who last visited the Ventura Raceway on Thanksgiving weekend last year, eventually slipped back to fourth. He bided his time in fourth but had moved up to second by the time veteran starter Kris Kornder ended the 20-lapper with his checkered flag.
While Sexton will be making his debut at the famous Thunderbowl on Saturday, it will be the second appearance of a Sexton Gatlin Racing car at the Central Valley track. Nearly three years ago, his youngest son, Grant, tried to tame the famous 1/3 mile clay oval. In a race with the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars, the then-teenage driver timed in ninth fastest in qualifying.
After racing up to third in his heat race, he had a meeting with another driver's rear tire and flipped. Before getting upside down, the car slammed rear-end first into the crash wall, breaking the rear end. The crew thrashed to get the car ready for the main event and narrowly got it done before the race pushed off. However, the drive shaft pulled out after only a few laps, and Grant finished 14th. Brent is hoping to have a little better luck on his Thunderbowl debut on Saturday.
At the Thunderbowl, gates will open at 4:00 with hot laps at 5:00, qualifying at 6:00, and racing at 7:00. Adult tickets are $30.00 (grandstands) and $25.00 (bleachers). For seniors, tickets are priced at $28.00 (grandstands) and $23.00 (bleaschers). Kids 6-12 are $30.00 in the grandstands and $18.00 in the bleachers. Children 5 and under are free. The Thunderbowl is located on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets at 620 South K Street, Tulare (93274). The website is http://www.thunderbowlraceway.com/ and the office phone is (559) 688-0909.
For more updates, follow Sexton Gatlin Racing on social media and stay tuned for results throughout the 2026 season.
Sexton Gatlin Racing would like to thank the following companies for making the 2026 season possible. East County Electric Works, Antonelli's Deli, Keys Brothers, Geoff Dale, BR Motorsports, Maxima Oil, Automated Interiors, Valley Lubricant Services, Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, and Troy Dirt.
Collie would like to express his thanks to the following sponsors. Sexton Gatlin Racing/HRP Hose and Rubber Products/Sexton Fire Protection/Maxima Racing Oils/Automated Interiors/Valley Lubricant/Swift Powdercoating/Sunnyside Promotions/Sids Auto Body/BK Wings/BTS Equipment/TC Construction/Thunderstruck Motorsports/AG Sand Cars/Mom/Dad/Tavo/Grant/Dant
If you or your company are interested in becoming a marketing partner with Sexton Gatlin Racing in 2026, please call (619) 454-6945 or E-mail mailto:sextonfire@cox.net or mailto:sextonfire@gmail.com.
Brent Sexton 2026 Results
2/28/26 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 16th A Main
3/6/26 Imperial Valley Raceway CLS/SCLS Lightnings 10th A Main
3/7/26 Imperial Valley Raceway CLS/SCLS Lightnings 7th A Main
3/12/26 Las Vegas Dirt Track Ultimate Sprint Cars DNS
3/21/26 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main
Braydin Collie 2026 Results
3/6/26 Imperial Valley Raceway CLS/SCLS Lightnings 13th A Main
3/7/26 Imperial Valley Raceway CLS/SCLS Lightnings 2nd A Main
3/12/26 Las Vegas Dirt Track Ultimate Sprint Cars 15th A Main
3/13/26 Las Vegas Dirt Track Ultimate Sprint Cars 21st A Main
Bradin Chiaramonte 2026 Results
3/7/26 Imperial Valley Raceway CLS/SCLS Lightnings 15th A Main
Dalton Sexton 2026 Results
3/6/26 Imperial Valley Raceway CLS/SCLS Lightnings DNS
This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. Contact (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com