CLS - California Lightning Sprints

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The California Lightning Sprints (CLS) are a Southern California based 1200cc Mini-Sprint club. The group competes in both winged and non-winged events at the Perris, Bakersfield, Ventura, Santa Maria, Barona, El Centro, and Victorville clay ovals. Reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph, the cars of the CLS may be small in size, but they are big on excitement!!!

CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Organization Contacts

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CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing Schedule

Schedules are known to change without warning, double check with race track before heading out.

CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing News

• 
  JEFF DYER GETS ANOTHER CLS SECOND-PLACE FINISH AT BAKERSFIELD

  (Yucca Valley, CA, May 20, 2022) Jeff Dyer continued his pursuit of the 2022 California Lightning Sprint Car Series championship with his third straight second-place finish at the Bakersfield Speedway last Saturday night. In addition to the CLS side of the program, Dyer also raced his 410 sprint car and finished 14th in the companion USAC/CRA main event. 280524714_3104555146462480_1116574500896404848_n.jpg Jeff Dyer and his wife Christina before last Saturday's race at Bakersfield. Saturday's race was Dyer's fifth of the year in the CLS and his performances have been phenomenal. In addition to his three second-place finishes, he also has a third and a fourth. Dyer came out of Saturday's race 79-points out of first in the championship standings. However, he has missed one race while the point leader has not. As the CLS has a one-race throw-away rule in 2022. Dyer's throw-out race will be the one he missed. At the beginning of the night, Dyer recorded the fastest time in West Evans Motorsports CLS qualifying with a lap of 12.908. Not only was that faster than all the CLS cars, but it was also faster than all the 410 USAC/CRA Sprint Cars as well. Dyer followed the qualifying effort in his familiar #4 with a third-place finish in his heat. For the main, the retired United States Army Demolitions Expert started fifth. He quickly advanced to third. On lap eight, the second-place car got caught in lapped traffic. Veteran Dyer took full advantage of the situation, raced by, and set his sights on the leader. The distance between the leader and Dyer quickly dwindled. Suddenly, Dyer was within striking distance, and he tried to knife his way inside in turn one on the 10th lap. The leader thwarted the effort and pulled away. At that point, most in the crowd thought the race for the lead was over. Dyer, who recently turned 40, had other ideas. The pacesetter got caught behind lapped traffic on the 14th go around. As soon as he did, Dyer was camping on his tail tank. He tried to pass for the lead on the inside in turn one, but once again, the leader held him at bay before motoring away. That was not going to be the end of the story. As the laps dwindled down, Dyer seemingly was not going to catch the first-place driver. However, with two laps to go, he was coming on like a runaway freight train. Just as he was about to mount another challenge, a lapped car drifted into Dyer's path forcing him to slow down. With only two laps to go, it was too late for Dyer to rebuild his momentum and he took another second place. Dyer moved forward more than any other driver in the main event and was the Speed Mart/Advanced Racing Suspension "Hard Charger." When the 25-lap CLS race ended, Dyer returned to his pit and jumped into his 410 USAC/CRA Sprint Car. The veteran driver started 19th in a race that was plagued with multiple yellows and one red flag. With chaos all around him, the Yucca Valley, California resident stayed out of the trouble and came home 14th. This Saturday, Dyer will continue his pursuit of the CLS title when the series makes a stop at the Ventura Raceway. For fans who would like to attend Saturday's show, adult tickets are $22.00. Seniors 60 and over, military with id, and students with id get in for $18.00. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Spectator gates will open at 3:00 p.m. and the first race will be at 5:30. The track is located on the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard (93001). The website is http://venturaraceway.com/ and the office phone number is (805) 648-RACE. On May 28th, he will jump back into his USAC/CRA 410 sprint car for the annual Salute to Indy at Perris Auto Speedway. As usual, Dyer is not the only member of the family who will be competing this Saturday. His son Seth will be racing at Wheel2Wheel Raceway in Victorville, where he is fifth in the restrictor class championship standings. Last Saturday night, the teen finished fifth in the main event. For fans who would like to attend Saturday's show at Ventura, adult tickets are $22.00. Seniors 60 and over, military with id, and students with an id get in for $18.00. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Spectator gates will open at 3:00 p.m. and the first race will be at 5:30. The track is located on the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard (93001). The website is http://venturaraceway.com/ and the office phone number is (805) 648-RACE. Dyer is racing in memory of his grandfather Glenn Sels throughout the 2022 season. Dyer would like to thank the following for making the 2022 season possible in the #4 Lightning Sprint Car. Dependable Machine Inc., Haircuts By Susie, Jobu Racing, LBA Investigations, and Dyer Motorsports. For the USAC/CRA #39 sprint car, Straight Time Stirrups, Dependable Machines Inc., Hair Cuts By Susie, Jobu Racing, Justice Brothers, and Specialty Fasteners make it all possible. If you would like to be a part of Dyer Motorsports in 2022, call (760) 267-0298 or send an email to mailto:dyermotorsports4@gmail.com. Jeff Dyer 2022 Results 3-5 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest 13th A Main 3-25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 4th A Main 3-26 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA 13th A Main 4-1 Keller Auto Speedway USAC/CRA 14th A Main 4-2 Thunderbowl Raceway USAC/CRA 23rd A Main 4-16 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 3rd A Main 4-23 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th B Main 4-30 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main 1 4-30 Ventura Raceway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main 2 5-14 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main 5-14 Bakersfield Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th A Main Scott Daloisio produced this release. For more information, use the following: call (909) 226-7768 or E-mail mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com. To keep up to date with all the teams, tracks, and series represented by the above, please visit the Instagram page @socalmotorsportspr

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  SEXTON GATLIN RACING SWEEPS THE PODIUM AT BARONA

  (Lakeside, CA, May 18, 2022) Sexton Gatlin Racing made a shambles of the proceedings by sweeping the podium when the Lucas Oil Southwest Lightning Series visited Barona Speedway last Saturday night. Dalton Sexton returned to victory lane for the second time in 2022 and he was followed home by teammates David Bezio and Brent Sexton. 281830025_10222373774435009_4425940720326648923_n.jpg Dalton Sexton on his way to the wingless main event win at Barona. Missy Benker photo. Missing from the squad on Saturday night was 2021 SWLS champion Grant Sexton. The 17-year-old took the night off to attend his high school prom. When his seat became open, Bezio gladly stepped in for his young friend. The domination of the Lakeside, California team began in the heat races. Dalton was on the pole and captured the first heat. Heat two saw Brent off the pole with Bezio alongside. Showing no respect for the boss, Bezio was the first to the checkered flag with Brent in the runner-up spot. For the 20-lap main event, Dalton was starting on the inside of the third row in his Sexton Fire Protection/BK Wings/Troy Dirt/Victory Graphix/Swift Powdercoat/Maxima Oil/Infiniti Shocks/Scotty and Jimmy Keys #18. Bezio was starting next to him in fourth with Brent in fifth. Dalton immediately drove into second as soon as the race started. Bezio and Brent settled into fourth and fifth. Dalton became embroiled in a war for the lead that raged on for several laps before he secured the spot. Once out front, he was unchallenged the rest of the way. Bezio and Brent had to work harder for their top-three finishes. They were still fourth and fifth before Bezio picked off two cars just past the halfway point to take over second. Brent was still mired in fifth when the fourth-place driver tapped the car in third and sent it spinning. With nowhere to go, Brent slid to a stop. It looked like he and the car that was hit would have to go to the back. However, track officials penalized the car that started the incident and sent it to the rear. Brent and the other car involved were allowed to restart and move up one spot from where they were (due to the offending car being sent to the back). That put Brent in fourth. The race restarted with a handful of laps to go, and Dalton ran away from the pack once again and picked up his first win since March 4th at Imperial Valley. Bezio placed second for the second time in 2022. Brent fought his way into third as time was running out giving SGR the top-three sweep. Dalton's win propelled him back into the point going into the June 8th race at Barona. Brent is second, only 21-points behind his firstborn. Bezio is third, 34-points behind Dalton. Grant is eighth. SGR was initially headed to Missouri next week for the POWRi Lightning Sprint Nationals. However, with the price of fuel through the roof, they have decided to skip that trip. Instead, they are attempting to get Grant's 360 sprint car ready for a debut with the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars in the historical "Salute To Indy" at Perris Auto Speedway. Sexton/Gatlin Racing would like to thank the following companies for making the 2022 season possible. Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, Troy Dirt, Victory Graphix, Swift Powdercoat, Maxima Oil, Infiniti Shocks and an extra special thanks to Scotty and Jimmy Keys. Plans are already underway for another busy season in 2022. If you or your business wants to partner up with one of the most visible Lightning Sprint teams on the West Coast, please call (619) 454-6945. You can also E-mail mailto:sextonfire@cox.net or mailto:sextonfire@gmail.com. Sexton Gatlin Racing 2022 Schedule 2022 Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 5 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless - Dalton 1st - Brent 7th - Grant 15th March 6 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless - Brent 1st - Dalton 3rd - Grant 4th March 25 Bakersfield Speedway CLS Winged Grant 1st - Brent 8th - Dalton 17th April 16 Ventura Raceway VRA Sprints Wingless Grant 1st April 23 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless Bezio 3rd - Brent 4th - Dalton 5th April 30 Barona Speedway POWRi Winged Grant 1st - Brent 4th - Dalton 5th May 14 Barona Speedway POWRi Wingless Dalton 1st - Bezio 2nd - Brent 3rd June 8 Barona Speedway POWRi Winged June 25 Barona Speedway POWRi Winged July 9 Barona Speedway POWRi Wingless July 14 Deming Speedway (Clay Cup) Open Winged July 15 Deming Speedway (Clay Cup) Open Winged July 16 Deming Speedway (Clay Cup) Open Winged August 11 Minkota Nationals POWRi Winged August 12 Minkota Nationals POWRi Winged August 13 Minkota Nationals POWRi Winged August 14 Minkota Nationals POWRi Winged Sept. 14 Perris Auto Speedway (with USAC/CRA) POWRi Winged October 1 Barona Speedway POWRi Winged October 8 Mojave Valley Raceway POWRi/CLS Winged October 13 Lemoore Raceway (California Cup) Open Winged October 14 Lemoore Raceway (California Cup) Open Winged October 15 Lemoore Raceway (California Cup) Open Winged October 23 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless October 24 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Wingless Nov. 15 Bakersfield Speedway BCRA/CLS Winged Nov. 17 Petaluma Speedway BCRA/CLS Wingless Nov. 18 Petaluma Speedway BCRA/CLS Wingless Nov. 19 Petaluma Speedway BCRA/CLS Wingless This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. Contact (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

• 
  CHIARAMONTE MAKES TWO INDIANA MAINS - USAC MIDGETS THIS SATURDAY

  (El Cajon, CA, May 18, 2022) Braden Chiaramonte made his first-ever appearance at Indiana's US 24 Speedway an impressive one by qualifying for two of the three main events in the "All In Transportation A Wingless Clash" micro race last weekend. This Saturday night, May 21st, he will be wheeling Matt Streeter's USAC Midget in his Ventura Raceway debut. The journey to Indiana included great racing and heavy rain. Most of all, it pitted Chiaramonte against more than 90 top drivers from 11 different states and Australia. Driving a Hyper house car, the 15-year-old started second in his 10-lap heat race on opening night. However, when the pole sitter jumped the start, the front row was penalized back to row two and Chiaramonte would be coming from fourth instead of second. He advanced one spot during the brief race to finish third. In his 20-lap qualifier, he started on the outside of row four and advanced the Hyper Racing #95 four spots to finish fourth and earn one of the positions in the 30-lap A main. He started 17th on the inside of the ninth row, and once again he moved forward passing four cars to finish 13th. Of the 94-cars that showed up for the Thursday night opener, only 22 earned one of the coveted main event spots. One of those drivers was Chiaramonte. Twenty-four hours later, Chiaramonte showed up to battle again. Ninety cars were on hand for the Friday show, and all were aiming to get a hard-to-come by starting spot in the main event. For the second night in a row, Chiaramonte, in the bright orange and gray Hyper Racing #95, was in the eighth, 10-lap heat race. He began the race in the second spot and ended up finishing third. In his 20-lap qualifier, he started fourth and maintained that position throughout. He claimed one of the main event spots for the second night in a row. After starting 20th in the 30-lapper, he again passed four cars to finished 16th. When all was said and done after two nights, 91 drivers had a chance to start both main events. Chiaramonte was one of only eight to do it! After heavy rain threatened Saturday's program, the track crew did an amazing job getting the surface in shape and the cars rolled out for the finale. Chiaramonte was in the first heat where he started sixth and moved forward to finish third. In his 20-lap qualifier, he began in third and finished fifth. That placed Chiaramonte in the Last Chance Qualifier. For the LCQ, he was starting in fourth and he needed to finish there or better to get into the final main event. It would be a tall order, but if anyone was up to it, it would be the teen who has the cool composure of a 20-year-veteran. Things got complicated before the LCQ started! When Chiaramonte pulled onto the track the bolt on his shifter broke. So, for restarts, he had to reach out and pull the shift rod by hand. He started 12th and worked his way up to and finished fifth. On the passing points for the week, he fell one point shy of the transfer. However, when he was pulling off the track after the LCQ, he noticed that one of the cars did not go to the scales. Thus, Chiaramonte gained a point and was tied for the final position in the main. Rules determined Thursday's highest finisher of the tied cars would get the nod. Chiaramonte was 13th and the other car was 11th. Unfortunately, his first racing adventure at US 24 was over. While in Indiana, Chiaramonte did well and got a lot of attention over the three days. He was impressive enough to get invited to go back to the same track for the three-day "Big Dance" on June 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Chiaramonte and his family want to send a big thank you to Hyper Racing's Jim Radney for making the weekend possible. Chiaramonte will be right back in action this Saturday night when he makes his second start in Matt Streeter's #14JR USAC Western States midget at the Ventura Raceway. Last month when he made his midget debut in Streeter's car at Bakersfield, Chiaramonte surprised everyone at the track. He qualified ninth fastest in the 21-car field, led most of his heat race before finishing second, and ended up 10th in the main. BRADEN CHIARAMONTE 3.jpg Shown here at Bakersfield in April, Braden Chiaramonte will be back in Matt Streeter's midget this Saturday at Ventura. Lance Jennings photo. In addition to it only being Chiaramonte's second race in a midget, it will be his first-ever appearance at the Ventura Raceway. Located adjacent to the beach on the Ventura County Fairgrounds, the picturesque track is one of the most popular in the country. For fans who would like to attend Saturday's show to see Chiaramonte in his Ventura debut, adult tickets are $22.00. Seniors 60 and over, military with id, and students with an id get in for $18.00. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Spectator gates will open at 3:00 p.m. and the first race will be at 5:30. The track is located on the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard (93001). The website is http://venturaraceway.com/ and the office phone number is (805) 648-RACE. Chiaramonte would like to thank the following marketing partners for making his 2022 racing season possible. RTL Traffic Control and Equipment Rentals, AM Ortega, Impact Racing, and AIM Sports Data. If you or your company would like to join forces with the fast-rising racing team, please contact Daniel Chiaramonte online at the following link mailto:dchiaramonte@rtltraffic.com or by calling (619) 988-7563. Braden Chiaramonte 2022 Results January 1 Tulsa Shootout Stock Non Wings 9th A Main March 5 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main March 6 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 8th A Main March 25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 6th A Main April 16 Bakersfield Speedway USAC Western States Midgets 9th A Main April 23 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 1st A Main April 30 Barona Speedway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main May 12 US 24 Raceway All In Transportation A Wingless Clash 13th A Main May 13 US 24 Raceway All In Transportation A Wingless Clash 16th A Main May 14 US 24 Raceway All In Transportation A Wingless Clash 5th Qualifier This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. You can contact him online at mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com or by calling (909) 226-7768.

• 
  VENTURA HOSTS USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGET AND WEST COAST 360 SPRINT CAR BATTLE

  The USAC Western States Midget Series will take center stage this Saturday, May 21st, at Ventura Raceway. Promoted by Jim Naylor, the sixth point race will also feature the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, California Lightning Sprints, Hobby Stocks, and Kids Classes.

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  YOSHIMURA R&D JOINS CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT SERIES

  (Torrance, CA, May 17, 2022) California Lightning Sprint Car Series president Jon Robertson is pleased to announce that Yoshimura R&D has signed on to be an associate sponsor for the series in 2022. The famous company has been building quality racing products for over half a century. 280311852_5489827904394824_3133748023766213981_n.jpg A.J. Bender's winning Yoshimura-powered California Lightning Series Sprint Car. Last week's CLS race at the Bakersfield Speedway was the first for Yoshimura as a marketing partner with the CLS. Ironically, San Diego, California's A.J. Bender won the main event in the Mike Schweitzer owned, Yoshimura powered #41. It was his third win (two with the CLS and one with BCRA in Northern California) in four starts in 2022. "California Lightning Sprints is proud to welcome Yoshimura R&D as an associate sponsor for the 2022 season," Robertson said. "This is exciting news! Yoshimura R&D brings world-class engine-building expertise to the club and is based right here in Southern California." Located 30-miles east of Los Angeles in Chino, Yoshimura is a reasonable drive time for nearly all the teams currently competing in the CLS. The friendly company offers packages and services to match the customer's horsepower needs and budgets. They will be happy to rebuild a racer's current engine or start with a fresh crate engine from Japan. "We do not simply throw in a big cam, bump up the compression, and create a time bomb - We build power at self-sustaining, balanced levels, because all the power in the world means nothing if you can't finish." "From personal experience, I've found the folks at Yoshimura to be knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely nice people," said Robertson who has a Yoshimura powerplant in his #42. "I look forward to the California Lightning Sprints representing Yoshimura R&D at all our events this year. Our very own AJ Bender has already won two main events this season with a Yoshimura R&D built motor, and we look forward to expanding this success within the club this year. I am now personally running their motors as well and I believe others are on the way." For teams looking to expand their power and get more reliability, Yoshimura's website is available at the following link https://www.yoshimura-rd.com/. The office phone number is (800) 634-9166. The physical address is 5420 Daniels Street, Chino, CA 91710. The CLS season continues this Saturday, May 21st, at the Ventura Raceway. Spectator gates will open at 3:00 p.m. and the first race will be at 5:30. The track is located on the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard (93001). The website is http://venturaraceway.com/ and the office phone number is (805) 648-RACE. California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings 1. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA ... 712 2. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA ... 633 3. David Gasper, Santa Barbara, CA ... 625 4. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA ... 608 5. Will Browne ®, Glendora, CA ... 569 6. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA ... 425 7. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA ... 422 8. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA, CA ... 366 9. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA ... 360 10. Dominic De Monte, Gardena, CA ... 320 CLS vs BCRA "Civil War Series" Points 1. David Gasper - CLS - 142 2. Dakota Albright - BCRA - 126 3. Eric Greco - CLS - 126 4. Will Browne - CLA 116 5. Harlee Aguilera - BCRA - 109 6. Cody Nigh - CLS - 104 7. Greg Dennett - BCRA - 100 8. Hunter Kinney - BCRA - 92 9. Matt Land - BCRA - 89 10. Tim Kinser - 83 CLS Contingency Awards Heat Race #1 - Extreme Muffler $50.00 Product Certificate - Heat Race #2 - CSI Shocks - $50.00 Product Certificate - Heat Race #3 - Saldana Race Products - $50.00 Product Certificate - 1st Place Main Event - Eibach Springs $100.00 Product Certificate - 2nd Place Main Event - Vahlco Wheels $50.00 Product Certificate - 3rd Place Main Event - Jake Swanson Shock Technology $50 Product Certificate - 4th Place Main Event - Hyper Chassis - $50 Product Certificate - 5th Place Main Event - Smith Titanium Product Certificate - 10th Place Main Event - King Racing Products $25.00 Product Certificate - Fast Qualifier - West Evans Motorsports $25.00 Product Certificate - Hard Charger - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - Hard Charger - Advanced Racing Suspension Product Certificate - Hard Luck Award - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - 1st Car Not On The Lead Lap - Rebel Gears 30% Off Coupon - The following companies have become marketing partners with the CLS in 2022. They have offered up more than $13,000.00 in contingencies that will be awarded on top of the regular racing purses and they will be paid out throughout the year. Yoshimura R&D, Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, Saldana Racing Products, Rod End Supply, Speed Mart, Cold Fire West, West Evens Motorsports, RC Fuel Injection, Jake Swanson Shock Technology, Advanced Racing Suspensions, CSI Shocks, Eibach Springs, Triple X Race Components, King Racing Products, Hyper Racing Products, Rebel Gears, Vahlco Wheels, Wilwood Disk Brakes, Fuel Safe Systems, MPI, Circle Track Performance, E-Z UP, Hepfner Racing, Smith Titanium, and Hoosier Speed. If you or your company would like to become a partner of the longtime racing organization, contact Jon Robertson via email at mailto:jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net or by calling (310) 367-9050. 2022 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 25 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - Grant Sexton April 2 Merced Speedway Non-Wing -- Civil War #1 - David Gasper April 16 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - A.J. Bender April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged (Make Up Main) David Gasper April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged - Bobby Michnowicz May 14 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - A.J. Bender May 21 Ventura Raceway Winged - June 11 Bakersfield Speedway Winged June 25 Ventura Raceway Winged July 9 Ventura Raceway Winged July 23 Ventura Raceway Winged August 26 Silver Dollar Speedway Winged - Civil War #2 August 27 Placerville Speedway Winged - Civil War #3 September 10 Lemoore Raceway Winged September 24 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - Civil War #4 October 8 Mohave Valley Raceway Winged - With SWLS October 29 Ventura Raceway Winged November 15 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - With USAC Midgets - Civil War #5 November 17 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points November 18 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points November 19 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints PAST CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS 1994 Tony Everhart 1995 Gary Sexton 1996 Rob Sczymczak 1997 Jon Rahe 1998 Chris Rahe 1999 Brent Sexton 2000 Greg Bragg 2001 Greg Bragg 2002 Greg Bragg 2003 David Cardey 2004 Keith Janca 2005 Johnny Bates 2006 Donny Gansen 2007 Shane Rossen 2008 Brent Sexton 2009 Stuart Hielschier Sr. 2010 Jarrett Kramer 2011 Tim Brown 2012 Bobby Michnowicz 2013 Stephen Limon 2014 Bobby Michnowicz 2015 Bobby Michnowicz 2016 Bobby Michnowicz 2017 Bobby Michnowicz 2018 Jarrett Kramer 2019 Jarrett Kramer 2021 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

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  BENDER WINS LIGHTNING SPRINT MAIN AND DONATES ENTIRE PURSE

  (Torrance, CA, May 16, 2022) San Diego's A.J. Bender made it two wins in three races in the California Lightning Sprint Car Series at the Bakersfield Speedway last Saturday night. On Monday, after reading that Lemoore Jet Bowl Raceway's favorite flag man Micah Smith was recently diagnosed with cancer, the classy team donated its entire purse to help his family with expenses. 281468739_5488389217871304_6933729375676488188_n.jpg A.J. Bender's winning steed after the CLS main event last Saturday at the Bakersfield Speedway. When Bender and team owner Mike Schweitzer pull into the pits for a CLS race, the competitors must take a big gulp and sigh. This year, they have won two of the first three CLS races at Bakersfield. Last season, despite running a limited schedule due to having a regular ride in the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, Bender tied for the series lead in victories with four. Conspicuous by his absence on Saturday was point leader Eric Greco of Palmdale. The young driver was feeling under the weather and was unable to make the show. While Greco was absent, a pleasant surprise to see in the pit area was two-time series champion Jarrett Kramer of Spring Valley. Driving a car owned by fellow champion Bobby Michnowicz, Kramer was making his first CLS start since his second series title in 2019. Yucca Valley's Jeff Dyer, who has gotten off to a great start in 2022 with two second-place finishes, a third, and a fourth in his first four races, picked up the West Evans Motorsports Fast Time Award with a lap of 12.805. Camarillo's Cody Nigh was second fastest at 12.946 and Bender was third at 13.029. In a battle of the champions, 2021 titlist David Gasper of Santa Barbara beat Kramer in the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1. Dyer placed third. In CSI Shocks Heat Race #2, Michnowicz, who calls Oak Hills home, crossed the line first with Nigh and series leading rookie Will Browne of Glendora third. Ironically, the two heat race winners each broke before the main events at the first two races at Bakersfield this year. For the 25-lap main event, Browne was on the pole and Michnowicz was slated to start alongside. However, the 5-time champ's water pump gave up the ghost and he was unable to start. That moved Nigh to the outside of row one. Bender manned the inside of the second row and was joined by Kramer. Row three featured Dyer and rookie Connor Speir of Fillmore. Browne raced into the lead at the drop of the green flag at "The West's Fastest 1/3 Mile High Banked Clay Oval" and he proceeded to lead the first two circuits. Running on the bottom, Bender, in the Mike Schweitzer owned Abacas/BillMell.com Real Estate Services/Van's Logging/Watkins Construction/M&P Environmental/Oil Well Service/Elite Signs/Yoshimura #41B, stalked the newcomer from the outset. Running the outside, Brown left the bottom wide open and Bender breezed by for the lead coming off the second corner on lap three. Browne stayed in the second-place spot until the eighth circuit when he got trapped behind a lapped car. That allowed Dyer, who came into the night with two straight second-place finishes, to pass for the runner-up position. In what became a recurring theme in the main event, Dyer chased down Bender for the lead. He tried to sneak by on the inside in turn 1 on the 10th lap. The leader was equal to the challenge and thwarted that effort. Moments later, Kramer dropped out of the race. By lap 13, Bender had constructed a decent size lead, but he could not rest on his laurels as Dyer was not about to give up. In fact, when Bender was briefly held up by lapped traffic on lap 14, Dyer came calling again. He tried the inside, but one more time, Bender fought off the challenge. Bender pulled away and by the 19th go around, he had established a half straightaway lead. It looked like he was going to sail the remainder of the way unchallenged. However, someone forgot to tell Dyer that. The retired United States Army Demolitions Expert refused to give up and mounted one last, serious challenge. He reeled the leader in for the third time and was about to make another attempt on lap 23. However, coming off turn four, a lap car impeded his progress and ended his victory hopes. Bender and Dyer, both of whom were also racing on the USAC/CRA portion of the program, took the checkers in first and second. Nigh, who was closing on Dyer over the last five laps, took third. Browne placed fourth and Gasper was fifth. Dyer went from fifth to second in the 25-lapper and received the Speed Mart and Advanced Racing Suspensions "Hard Charger" awards. "I was a little nervous to go to the top because Dyer showed me his nose on the bottom," the affable winner told the crowd after the race. "I was planning on running the top, but this thing was so great on the bottom. I cannot thank the Schweitzer family enough. They make it easy for me (to jump back and forth between cars)." The CLS is headed back to the Ventura Raceway for the third time in 2022 this Saturday, May 21st. Nigh, who has been around the picturesque track since he was a toddler, comes home as the new point leader. He holds a 79-point lead over Dyer in the season-long point standings. Defending champion Gasper is up to third with Greco and Brown comprising the remainder of the top five For fans who would like to attend Saturday's show at Ventura, adult tickets are $22.00. Seniors 60 and over, military with id and students with id get in for $18.00. Kids 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult. Spectator gates will open at 3:00 p.m. and the first race will be at 5:30. The track is located on the Ventura County Fairgrounds at 10 W. Harbor Boulevard (93001). The website is http://venturaraceway.com/ and the office phone number is (805) 648-RACE. Bakersfield Speedway, May 14 Results West Evans Motorsports Qualifying 1. Jeff Dyer, 12.805; 2. Cody Nigh, 12.946; 3. A.J. Bender, 13.029; 4. Will Browne, 13.040; 5. Jarrett Kramer, 13.082; 6. Bobby Michnowicz, 13.084, 7. David Gasper, 13.208; 8. Connor Speir, 13.407; 9. Trevor Ballou, 13.670; 10. Gage Cheek, 13.765; 11. Jon Robertson, 13.831; 12. Pat Kelley, 14.164; 13. Mark Henry, No Time Extreme Muffler Heat Race #1: 1. David Gasper; 2. Jarrett Kramer; 3. Jeff Dyer; 4. A.J. Bender; 5. Trevor Ballou; 6. Mark Henry CSI Shocks Heat Race #2: 1. Bobby Michnowicz; 2. Cody Nigh; 3. Will Browne; 4. Gage Cheek; 5. Connor Speir; 6. Pat Kelley; 7. Leland Day Bakersfield 25 Lap Main Event (with starting positions) 1. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA - 3rd 2. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA - 5th 3. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA - 2nd 4. Will Browne, Glendora, CA - 1st 5. Dave Gasper, Santa Barbara, CA - 7th 6. Gage Cheek, Ojai, CA - 8th 7. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA - 6th 8. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA - 11th 9. Jarrett Kramer, Spring Valley, CA - 4th 10. Leland Day, Bakersfield, CA - 10th 11. Trevor Ballou, Corona, CA - 9th CLS Contingency Awards Heat Race #1 - Extreme Muffler $50.00 Product Certificate - David Gasper Heat Race #2 - CSI Shocks - $50.00 Product Certificate - Bobby Michnowicz Heat Race #3 - Saldana Race Products - $50.00 Product Certificate - 1st Place Main Event - Eibach Springs $100.00 Product Certificate - A.J. Bender 2nd Place Main Event - Vahlco Wheels $50.00 Product Certificate - Jeff Dyer 3rd Place Main Event - Jake Swanson Shock Technology $50 Product Certificate - Cody Nigh 4th Place Main Event - Hyper Chassis - $50 Product Certificate - Will Browne 5th Place Main Event - Smith Titanium Product Certificate - David Gasper 10th Place Main Event - King Racing Products $25.00 Product Certificate - Leland Day Fast Qualifier - West Evans Motorsports $25.00 Product Certificate - Jeff Dyer Hard Charger - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - Jeff Dyer Hard Charger - Advanced Racing Suspension Product Certificate - Jeff Dyer Hard Luck Award - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - Trevor Ballou 1st Car Not On The Lead Lap - Rebel Gears 30% Off Coupon - Connor Speir California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings 1. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA ... 712 2. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA ... 633 3. David Gasper, Santa Barbara, CA ... 625 4. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA ... 608 5. Will Browne ®, Glendora, CA ... 569 6. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA ... 425 7. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA ... 422 8. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA, CA ... 366 9. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA ... 360 10. Dominic De Monte, Gardena, CA ... 320 CLS vs BCRA "Civil War Series" Points 1. David Gasper - CLS - 142 2. Dakota Albright - BCRA - 126 3. Eric Greco - CLS - 126 4. Will Browne - CLA 116 5. Harlee Aguilera - BCRA - 109 6. Cody Nigh - CLS - 104 7. Greg Dennett - BCRA - 100 8. Hunter Kinney - BCRA - 92 9. Matt Land - BCRA - 89 10. Tim Kinser - 83 The following companies have become marketing partners with the CLS in 2022. They have offered up more than $13,000.00 in contingencies that will be awarded on top of the regular racing purses and they will be paid out throughout the year. Yoshimura R&D, Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, Saldana Racing Products, Rod End Supply, Speed Mart, Cold Fire West, West Evens Motorsports, RC Fuel Injection, Jake Swanson Shock Technology, Advanced Racing Suspensions, CSI Shocks, Eibach Springs, Triple X Race Components, King Racing Products, Hyper Racing Products, Rebel Gears, Vahlco Wheels, Wilwood Disk Brakes, Fuel Safe Systems, MPI, Circle Track Performance, E-Z UP, Hepfner Racing, Smith Titanium, and Hoosier Speed. If you or your company would like to become a partner of the longtime racing organization, contact Jon Robertson via email at mailto:jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net or by calling (310) 367-9050. 2022 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 25 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - Grant Sexton April 2 Merced Speedway Non-Wing -- Civil War #1 - David Gasper April 16 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - A.J. Bender April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged (Make Up Main) David Gasper April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged - Bobby Michnowicz May 14 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - A.J. Bender May 21 Ventura Raceway Winged - June 11 Bakersfield Speedway Winged June 25 Ventura Raceway Winged July 9 Ventura Raceway Winged July 23 Ventura Raceway Winged August 26 Silver Dollar Speedway Winged - Civil War #2 August 27 Placerville Speedway Winged - Civil War #3 September 10 Lemoore Raceway Winged September 24 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - Civil War #4 October 8 Mohave Valley Raceway Winged - With SWLS October 29 Ventura Raceway Winged November 15 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - With USAC Midgets - Civil War #5 November 17 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points November 18 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points November 19 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints PAST CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS 1994 Tony Everhart 1995 Gary Sexton 1996 Rob Sczymczak 1997 Jon Rahe 1998 Chris Rahe 1999 Brent Sexton 2000 Greg Bragg 2001 Greg Bragg 2002 Greg Bragg 2003 David Cardey 2004 Keith Janca 2005 Johnny Bates 2006 Donny Gansen 2007 Shane Rossen 2008 Brent Sexton 2009 Stuart Hielschier Sr. 2010 Jarrett Kramer 2011 Tim Brown 2012 Bobby Michnowicz 2013 Stephen Limon 2014 Bobby Michnowicz 2015 Bobby Michnowicz 2016 Bobby Michnowicz 2017 Bobby Michnowicz 2018 Jarrett Kramer 2019 Jarrett Kramer 2021 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

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  AFTER A 10TH AT PERRIS AUTO SPEEDWAY, WILLIAMS HEADS TO BAKERSFIELD

  (Hesperia, CA, May 12th, 2022) After recording his 5th top ten finish in five starts this year at Perris two weeks ago, Trent Williams is headed to the "California Country Music Capital," Bakersfield, for a race this Saturday night, May 14th at the Bakersfield Speedway. The race will be the first of two on the track for the Apple Valley, CA resident in 2022. DSC_5217.jpg Trent Williams photo courtesy of Charles Fawcett. For Williams, Saturday's race will be his first on the track that is billed as "The West's Fastest 1/3 Mile High Banked Clay Oval." He heads into the USAC/CRA portion of the program, which will also include the California Lightning Sprints, NMRA ¾ Midgets, and Hobby Stocks, 15th in the championship standings. However, he is a mere nine points out of 13th and is only 33-points out of 10th. In his last outing at Perris, Williams finished in 10th. That broke a string of six straight ninth-place finishes dating back to 2021. The Cal State Fullerton graduate ran as high as eighth in that 30-lapper. For the entire race, he participated in a war with seven others that see-sawed back and forth much to the delight of the Perris crowd. After five races, the driver known as "T-DUB" has a main event finishing average of 9.20. After four races in the month of April, Williams and the other USAC/CRA stars have a more relaxed schedule in May and June. After this week's race in Bakersfield, Williams gets a week off before returning to Perris Auto Speedway for the prestigious "Salute To Indy." That race dates back to the 1940s. In June, Williams will get to race at one of his favorite tracks, the Ventura Raceway, on June 11th. The famous track is located adjacent to the beach on the historic Ventura County Fairgrounds, which first saw motorsports events 98-years ago. Two weeks after that, he returns to Perris for the inaugural "Bubby Jones/Ray Sheetz Memorial." If you want to catch Williams in action this Saturday, the Bakersfield Speedway is located at 5001 N. Chester Ext., in Bakersfield (93308). The track website is http://www.bakersfieldspeedway.com/ and the office phone number is (661) 393-3373. The pit gate will open at 2:00 p.m., spectator gates at 4:00, and racing will start at 6:00. Adult tickets are $20.00. Seniors and military get in for $18.00. For kids 6-12 it is $5.00 and children 5 and under are free. Williams would like to thank marketing partners Victory Boys Performance, Sorrento Homes, and JasonR.Photos for making it possible to race his Maxim Chassis/Shaver Engines #52V during the 2022 season. He also wants to send a special thanks to Russell and Jean Martin for the use of their truck and trailer to get the #52V to the track last week. If you or your business would like to be a partner of the Victory Boys racing endeavors, please call (760) 780-8782 or mailto:trent.williams.racing@gmail.com. Trent Williams 2021 Racing Results 3-26-22 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 9th A Main 4-1-22 Keller Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 9th A Main 4-2-22 Thunderbowl Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 9th A Main 4-23-22 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 9th A Main 4-30-22 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 10th A Main This release was produced by Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

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  JEFF DYER DOING DOUBLE DUTY SATURDAY AT THE BAKERSFIELD SPEEDWAY

  (Yucca Valley, CA, May 11, 2022) When the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series and California Lightning Sprint Cars converge on the Bakersfield Speedway this Saturday night, May 14th, one of the busiest guys on the premises will be Jeff Dyer. The longtime open-wheel racer will be driving a car in each class and will be hopping back and forth between the two all night long. Deyr, Jeff 3-26.jpg Jeff Dyer in the Cal Smith/Dyer Motorsports #39 earlier this year at Perris Auto Speedway. Charles Fawcett photo. Dyer comes into the CLS portion of Saturday's show ranked fourth in the championship standings. That is despite missing one event when the two series were racing on the same night at different tracks, and he opted to run his 410. While he is fourth in the standings, his 2.75 finishing average is the best of the series regulars with four or more main event starts. In his four CLS starts in 2022, he has not finished worse than fourth with two runner-up finishes, a third, and a fourth. His two starts with the CLS at Bakersfield produced the third and fourth-place results. When Dyer, who resides in Yucca Valley, California, hits the track in the Cal Smith/Dyer Motorsports #39 on the USAC/CRA side of Saturday's program, he will be 22nd in series points. His last outing came at the Mohave Valley Raceway on April 23rd. In that race, he was running a new engine that came out of Missouri. However, he lost his brakes in the B Main and was done for the night. Fans who would like to attend Saturday's open-wheel show in Bakersfield can find the track at 5001 N. Chester Ext., in Bakersfield (93308). The track website is http://www.bakersfieldspeedway.com/ and the office phone number is (661) 393-3373. The pit gate will open at 2:00 p.m., spectator gates at 4:00, and racing will start at 6:00. Adult tickets are $20.00. Seniors and military get in for $18.00. For kids 6-12 it is $5.00 and children 5 and under are free. As usual, Dyer is not the only member of the family racing on Saturday. His teenage son Seth will be back in action at John Aden's Wheel2Wheel Raceway on the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville. Racing a Speedway Sprint Car, Seth enters Saturday's event fifth in the restrictor class standings. If you wish to catch Seth in action at Wheel2Wheel, the track is located on the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds at 14800 Seventh Street in Victorville (92395). Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and racing will follow at 6:00. The website for W2W is http://wheel2wheelraceway.com/ and the phone number is (760) 247-3987. Dyer is racing in memory of his grandfather Glenn Sels throughout the 2022 season. He has contested four of the first eight series races this year and has a best finish of 13th at Perris Auto Speedway on March 26th. Dyer would like to thank the following for making the 2022 season possible in the #4 Lightning Sprint Car. Dependable Machine Inc., Haircuts By Susie, Jobu Racing, LBA Investigations, and Dyer Motorsports. For the USAC/CRA #39 sprint car, Straight Time Stirrups, Dependable Machines Inc., Hair Cuts By Susie, Jobu Racing, Justice Brothers, and Specialty Fasteners make it all possible. If you would like to be a part of Dyer Motorsports in 2022, call (760) 267-0298 or send an email to mailto:dyermotorsports4@gmail.com. Jeff Dyer 2022 Results 3-5 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest 13th A Main 3-25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 4th A Main 3-26 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA 13th A Main 4-1 Keller Auto Speedway USAC/CRA 14th A Main 4-2 Thunderbowl Raceway USAC/CRA 23rd A Main 4-16 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 3rd A Main 4-23 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th B Main Scott Daloisio produced this release. For more information, use the following: call (909) 226-7768 or E-mail mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com. To keep up to date with all the teams, tracks, and series represented by the above, please visit the Instagram page @socalmotorsportspr

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  CHIARAMONTE GETS SECOND AT BARONA AND MAINTAINS SWLS POINT LEAD

  (El Cajon, CA, May 7, 2022) The Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series visited its home track, the Barona Speedway, on April 30th and rising local star Braden Chiaramonte placed second in the 20-lap main. That finish allowed him to maintain his lofty spot on top of the championship point standings. Chiaramonte, a 15-year-old from nearby El Cajon, California, drove his white #73 to a second-place finish in his heat at his first Barona appearance in more than six months. For the start of the 20 lap A main, Chiaramonte was on the outside of row three. The high school student was in fourth place for most of the first half of the race. However, for a lap nine restart, he was third and he manned that spot for several laps and two more yellow flag periods. When the final yellow of the race waved with four laps to go, the talented young driver was about to bring the spectators out of their seats. On the previous restart, Chiaramonte bravely split the two lappers who were between himself and the two lead cars. For the last restart, no lappers were stuck between him and his prey. The two leaders began to race side by side for the top spot going into turn three. In doing so they left the bottom of the track open as they sped off four. Possessing senses like a long-time veteran, Chiaramonte realized the situation presented to him and quickly pounced. He pulled even with the leaders as they exited the fourth corner and slid into the lead coming off turn two the next lap. He maintained the top spot until turn four when his fellow teen competitor found the drive on the outside and launched back into the lead. Chiaramonte attempted to race back into the point position, but in the end, he had to settle for second. Coming into the race at Barona, Chiaramonte had a two-point lead in the SWLS championship point standings. His second-place result allowed him to extend that lead to 15-points. However, the point lead - at least for the time being - will be lost next week. While the SWLS will be competing again at Barona, Chiaramonte will be at Indiana's US 24 Speedway in a Hyper house car at the "All In Transportation A Wingless Clash." The three-night affair in the Hoosier State will take place from May 12th through the 14th. The track will also host a practice session on May 11th. Thus far in 2022, Chiaramonte has started six races and yet, he has not finished out of the top 10. Included on his ledger sheet are one win and two second-place finishes. Chiaramonte would like to thank the following marketing partners for making his 2022 racing season possible. RTL Traffic Control and Equipment Rentals, AM Ortega, Impact Racing, and AIM Sports Data. If you or your company would like to join forces with the fast-rising racing team, please contact Daniel Chiaramonte online at the following link mailto:dchiaramonte@rtltraffic.com or by calling (619) 988-7563. Braden Chiaramonte 2022 Results January 1 Tulsa Shootout Stock Non Wings 9th A Main March 5 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main March 6 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 8th A Main March 25 Bakersfield Speedway California Lightning Sprints 6th A Main April 23 Imperial Valley Raceway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 1st A Main April 30 Barona Speedway POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints 2nd A Main This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. You can contact him online at mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com or by calling (909) 226-7768.

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  GASPER AND MICHNOWICZ SPLIT CLS WINS AT VENTURA

  (Torrance, CA, May 3, 2022) Youth was served when the California Lightning Sprint Car Series visited Jim Naylor's Ventura Raceway last Saturday and teenager David Gasper captured one of the two 25 lap main events on the night. In addition to youth, experience was served as well when quinquagenarian Bobby Michnowicz captured the other 25-lapper. The two main events were necessitated when qualifying and the heats were completed on March 16th. However, rain intervened and caused postponement of the main event. Thus, the first order of business after qualifying on Saturday was the makeup race. The start of the makeup main event saw Santa Barbara's Gasper on the inside of the front row with J.D. Bentley from Rubottom, Oklahoma on the outside. Palmdale's Eric Greco and Dominic Del Monte, two youngsters who are considered veterans in the CLS, comprised row two. The third row featured Camarillo's Cody Nigh and his uncle, five-time series champion Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills. As the field was coming around to take the initial green flag, series-leading rookie Will Browne of Glendora slowed and came to a stop in turn three. That was just about the time the remainder of the field was hitting the throttle pedal for the start of the race. The green did not come out, but several cars got together as they entered turn one. Nigh ended up on his side and a red flag came out before the green had ever waved. Officials pushed Nigh's pretty #45 back on all fours and he was ready for the restart. With a bent nose wing, he had to restart at the back after being deemed the perpetrator of the red. Gasper got the jump in turn one and led over Bentley, Greco, Michnowicz, and Del Monte. The race got three laps in before Chino's Pat Kelley coasted to a stop in turn one bringing out a yellow flag. Once action resumed, wily veteran Michnowicz, went to the outside to pass Greco for second coming off turn two. That was the last pass amongst the top five for the duration of the race, but it was anything, but boring. Gasper and Bentley hit the lapped traffic on lap 13 and had no problem getting around the first two. However, from that point on, the lappers provided a headache for the top four. When he was stuck behind lapped cars, Greco almost took third from Michnowicz and Bentley almost did the same to Gasper. However, both of those offensive thwarts were repelled. When the checkers ended the race, it was 2021 series champion Gasper posting his second win in the first four races of the year. Bentley was only three car lengths behind the leader and was trailed by Michnowicz, Greco, and Del Monte. Michnowicz won the "Speed Mart" and "Advanced Racing Suspension Hard Charger" awards for the first main after starting fifth and finishing seventh. "It was a long wait (due to the rainout) knowing that we started on the pole," Gasper said after his second triumph of the year. "My guys gave me a good car and we got it done. The sun started getting in my eyes a little bit heading into three. I couldn't really see, but we made it work and we got it done. It was a long year (at Ventura in 2021). Our best finish was second. We struggled on set up here, but I think we figured it out for sure." 278980898_3093706604214001_9062148145225199213_n.jpg David Gasper after his win in the first main at Ventura on Saturday night. CLS Photo. For the regular portion of the program, Gasper was the "West Evans Motorsports Fastest Qualifier" with a time of 12.240. Bentley was second quick at 12.360. Impressive Browne recorded the third-best time with a lap of 12.436. Greco and Nigh, with times of 12.455 and 12.478 respectively, rounded out the top five. Del Monte took the "Extreme Mufflers First Heat Race" when he beat Gasper and Nigh to the checkers. Rancho Cucamonga's Brent Owens topped the field in the "CSI Shocks Second Heat." Bentley and Michnowicz placed second and third. For the second 25-lap main event of the night, Nigh and Michnowicz were once again paired on the front row. Greco and Bentley lined up behind them in row two with Gasper and Browne slated to go from row three. After completing and finishing fourth in his heat race, Browne again stopped on the pace lap for the main event. This time the talented new driver to the CLS was done for the night. Michnowicz was the first to turn one and the first across the line at the end of the opening circuit. Bentley, Del Monte, Greco, and Gasper were in tow. Gasper split Greco and Del Monte and when the second lap was completed, he was third. Michnowicz and Bentley moved away from the remainder of the field and by the end of the fourth lap, they were on the rear end of the pack. That ended up being when Michnowicz faced his most serious challenge in the race. When he momentarily hesitated coming off two, Bentley drove to the outside and attempted to take the lead away. However, the lapped car was in his way and Michnowicz was able to maintain the lead and did not face another serious challenge. Besides the lap four interaction with traffic, the lapped cars were more cooperative than they were in the first race. When the sailing was clear, Michnowicz hugged the inside line, while Bentley ran a lane wider and stayed within four or five car lengths of the race-long leader through the first half of the event. The proceedings were halted for the second time on lap 16 when Del Monte slid to a stop on the back chute forcing a yellow. For the restart, Michnowicz and Bentley were joined in the top five by Gasper, Nigh, and Greco. On the initial try to go racing again, the yellow immediately came back on when Owens spun to the infield on the restart. On the next try, Michnowicz got a great restart, but Bentley did not. Gasper, who was trying to go two for two on the night, immediately went on the attack. He steered the brilliant blue #18 to the inside of Bentley in turn one. Coming off two, Bentley fought him off. Gasper tried again going into three, and Bentley fended him off one more time, got a good drive off four, and put some breathing room between himself and his pursuer. Bentley and Gasper's fight allowed Michnowicz to expand his lead. The wily veteran took full advantage over the last 10-laps, which went without a yellow. He put nearly a half straight between his T Shirts By Timeless/Pflum and Wagner/Fabozzi Metal Works/Super Shocks/Outlaw Wings/Simpson #21, and second place Bentley at the finish. Gasper ended up third with Nigh fourth and Greco fifth. Ojai's Gage Cheek, who was making his first start of the year, won the "Speed Mart" and "Advanced Racing Suspension Hard Charger" awards after starting 10th and finishing seventh. "We have had such bad luck," the happy winner said referring to his early-season woes. "Starting on the front row I was thinking, 'Just get the jump and go as fast as you can.' I was tired as we had already went 25 laps (in the first main). So, I ate a banana and drank some water. The track was great. Jim Naylor has changed the track a lot. He is going to massage it some more, but its really good. This is where I met my wife. We were 16 years old racin here. A lot of good memories and I love it here." 279085135_3093825910868737_6891230000475895813_n.jpg Five-time CLS champion Bobby Michnowicz got his first win the the year Saturday at Ventura. CLS Photo. Greco continues to add some points to his lead in the championship standings and now has a 24-point advantage over Nigh. Defending champion Gasper is third and 98-points behind the leader. Yucca Valley's Jeff Dyer is fourth. Michnowicz has finally broken into the top five for the first time this year and is fifth. The CLS gets one week off before returning to action with the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars at the Bakersfield Speedway on May 14th. West Evans Motorsports Qualifying: 1. Dave Gasper, 12.240; 2. J.D. Bentley, 12.360; 3. Will Browne, 12.436; 4. Eric Greco, 12.445; 5. Mike Nigh, 12.478, 6. Bobby Michnowicz, 12.486; 7. Jon Robertson, 12.617; 8. Trevor Ballou, 12.781; 9. Connor Spier, 13.331' 10. Gage Cheek, 13.648; 11. Jacob Magallanes 14.6748, 12 Brent Owens, 22.952; 13. Pat Kelley, 34.226; Mark Henry, NT, Dominic Del Monte, NT Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1 (8 laps): 1. Del Monte, 2. Gasper, 3. Nigh, 4. Browne, 5. Speir, 6. Kelley, 7. Magallanes CSI Shocks Heat Race #2 (8 laps): 1. Owens, 2. Bentley, 3. Michnowicz, 4. Greco, 5. Ballou, 6. Cheek, Henry Ventura Makeup March 16 25-Lap Main Event (with starting positions) 1. Dave Gasper - Santa Barbara, CA - 1st 2. J.D. Bentley - Rubottom, OK - 2nd 3. Bobby Michnowicz - Oak Hills, CA - 5th 4. Eric Greco - Palmdale, CA - 3rd 5. Dominic Del Monte - Gardena, CA - 4th 6. Cody Nigh - Camarillo, CA -6th 7. Jon Robertson - Torrance, CA - 8th 8. Trevor Ballou - Corona, CA - 10th 9. Connor Spier - Fillmore, CA - 9th 10. Pat Kelley - Chino Hills, CA - 7th DNS Will Browne - Glendora, CA DNS Brent Owens - Rancho Cucamonga, CA Lap Leaders: Dave Gasper 1-25 Ventura 25-Lap April 30 Main Event (with starting positions) 1. Bobby Michnowicz - Oak Hills, CA - 2nd 2. J.D. Bentley - Rubottom, OK - 4th 3. David Gasper - Santa Barbara, CA - 5th 4. Cody Nigh - Camarillo, CA - 1st 5. Eric Greco - Palmdale, CA - 3rd 6. Trevor Ballou - Corona, CA - 8th 7. Gage Cheek - Ojai, CA - 10th 8. Dominic Del Monte - Gardena, CA - 7th 9. Mark Henry - Rosamond, CA - 11th 10. Jacob Magallanes - Pasadena, CA - 12th 11. Connor Speir - Fillmore, CA - 9th 12. Brent Owens - Rancho Cucamonga, CA - 6th DNS Will Browne - Glendora, CA DNS Pat Kelley - Chino, CA Lap Leaders: Bobby Michnowicz 1-25 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings 1. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA ... 608 2. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA ... 584 3. David Gasper, Santa Barbara, CA ... 510 4. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA ... 499 5. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA ... 389 6. Will Browne ®, Glendora, CA ... 355 7. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA ... 331 8. Dominic Del Monte, Gardena, CA ... 320 9. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA ... 231 10. Jeremy Queener, Lake Elsinore, CA ... 207 10. Trevor Ballou, Corona, CA, 207 CLS vs BCRA "Civil War Series" Points 1. David Gasper - CLS - 142 2. Dakota Albright - BCRA - 126 3. Eric Greco - CLS - 126 4. Will Browne - CLA 116 5. Harlee Aguilera - BCRA - 109 6. Cody Nigh - CLS - 104 7. Greg Dennett - BCRA - 100 8. Hunter Kinney - BCRA - 92 9. Matt Land - BCRA - 89 10. Tim Kinser - 83 The following companies have become marketing partners with the CLS in 2022. They have offered up more than $13,000.00 in contingencies that will be awarded on top of the regular racing purses and they will be paid out throughout the year. T-Shirts By Timeless, Hoosier Tires West, Extreme Mufflers, Saldana Racing Products, Rod End Supply, Speed Mart, Cold Fire West, West Evens Motorsports, RC Fuel Injection, Jake Swanson Shock Technology, Advanced Racing Suspensions, CSI Shocks, Eibach Springs, Triple X Race Components, King Racing Products, Hyper Racing Products, Rebel Gears, Vahlco Wheels, Wilwood Disk Brakes, Fuel Safe Systems, MPI, Circle Track Performance, E-Z UP, Hepfner Racing, Smith Titanium, and Hoosier Speed. If you or your company would like to become a partner of the longtime racing organization, contact Jon Robertson via email at mailto:jon.robertson@sbcglobal.net or by calling (310) 367-9050. CLS Contingency Awards For The March 16 Makeup Ventura Race Heat Race #1 - Extreme Muffler $50.00 Product Certificate - Jeff Dyer Heat Race #2 - CSI Shocks - $50.00 Product Certificate - Dominic Del Monte 1st Place Main Event - Eibach Springs $100.00 Product Certificate - David Gasper 2nd Place Main Event - Vahlco Wheels $50.00 Product Certificate - J.D. Bentley 3rd Place Main Event - Jake Swanson Shock Technology $50 Product Certificate - Bobby Michnowicz 4th Place Main Event - Hyper Chassis - $50 Product Certificate - Eric Greco 5th Place Main Event - Smith Titanium Product Certificate - Dominic Del Monte 10th Place Main Event - King Racing Products $25.00 Product Certificate - Pat Kelley Fast Qualifier - West Evans Motorsports $25.00 Product Certificate - Eric Greco Hard Charger - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - Bobby Michnowicz Hard Charger - Advanced Racing Suspension Product Certificate - Bobby Michnowicz Hard Luck Award - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - Will Browne 1st Car Not On The Lead Lap - Rebel Gears 30% Off Coupon CLS Contingency Awards For The April 30 Ventura Race Heat Race #1 - Extreme Muffler $50.00 Product Certificate - Dominic Del Monte Heat Race #2 - CSI Shocks - $50.00 Product Certificate - Brent Owens 1st Place Main Event - Eibach Springs $100.00 Product Certificate - Bobby Michnowicz 2nd Place Main Event - Vahlco Wheels $50.00 Product Certificate - J.D. Bentley 3rd Place Main Event - Jake Swanson Shock Technology $50 Product Certificate - David Gasper 4th Place Main Event - Hyper Chassis - $50 Product Certificate - Cody Nigh 5th Place Main Event - Smith Titanium Product Certificate - Eric Greco 10th Place Main Event - King Racing Products $25.00 Product Certificate - Jacob Magallanes Fast Qualifier - West Evans Motorsports $25.00 Product Certificate - David Gasper Hard Charger - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - Gage Cheek Hard Charger - Advanced Racing Suspension Product Certificate - Gage Cheek Hard Luck Award - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - Will Browne 1st Car Not On The Lead Lap - Rebel Gears 30% Off Coupon 2022 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 25 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - Grant Sexton April 2 Merced Speedway Non-Wing -- Civil War #1 - David Gasper April 16 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - A.J. Bender April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged (Make Up Main) David Gasper April 30 Ventura Raceway Winged - Bobby Michnowicz May 14 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - With USAC/CRA May 21 Ventura Raceway Winged June 11 Bakersfield Speedway Winged June 25 Ventura Raceway Winged July 9 Ventura Raceway Winged July 23 Ventura Raceway Winged August 26 Silver Dollar Speedway Winged - Civil War #2 August 27 Placerville Speedway Winged - Civil War #3 September 10 Lemoore Raceway Winged September 24 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - Civil War #4 October 8 Mohave Valley Raceway Winged - With SWLS October 29 Ventura Raceway Winged November 15 Bakersfield Speedway Winged - With USAC Midgets - Civil War #5 November 17 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points November 18 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points November 19 Placerville Speedway Non-Wing - With USAC Midgets - No Points To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints PAST CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS 1994 Tony Everhart 1995 Gary Sexton 1996 Rob Sczymczak 1997 Jon Rahe 1998 Chris Rahe 1999 Brent Sexton 2000 Greg Bragg 2001 Greg Bragg 2002 Greg Bragg 2003 David Cardey 2004 Keith Janca 2005 Johnny Bates 2006 Donny Gansen 2007 Shane Rossen 2008 Brent Sexton 2009 Stuart Hielschier Sr. 2010 Jarrett Kramer 2011 Tim Brown 2012 Bobby Michnowicz 2013 Stephen Limon 2014 Bobby Michnowicz 2015 Bobby Michnowicz 2016 Bobby Michnowicz 2017 Bobby Michnowicz 2018 Jarrett Kramer 2019 Jarrett Kramer 2021 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com

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  A.J. BENDER LEADS USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGETS TO BAKERSFIELD

  This Saturday, April 16th, the USAC Western States Midgets will return to Bakersfield Speedway. Promoted by Scott Schweitzer, the third point race is co-sanctioned with the Bay Cities Racing Association (BCRA) and will also feature Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mod Lites, and the California Lightning Sprints.

CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing Videos

• California Lightning Sprints at Ventura Raceway 05-21-22
• California Lightning Sprints at Ventura Raceway 5-21-22
• California Lightning Sprints at Ventura Raceway 3-16-22
• California Lightning Sprints at Ventura Raceway 4-30-22

CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Tracks

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  Bakersfield Speedway Race TrackBakersfield, California, USA
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  Keller Auto Speedway Race TrackHanford, California, USA
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  Kern County Raceway Park Race TrackBakersfield, California, USA
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  Merced Speedway Race TrackMerced, California, USA
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  Placerville Speedway Race TrackPlacerville, California, USA
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  Silver Dollar Speedway Race TrackChico, California, USA
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  Ventura Raceway Race TrackVentura, California, USA