Merced Speedway Race Track in Merced, California, USA

• dirt tracks
• USA
• California

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Logo

Merced Speedway is the fastest, smoothest dirt track in the Central Valley of California. With large, covered grandstands, fans are kept cool in the summer heat with an obstruction free view of the entire speedway.

Merced Speedway races IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman, WRS 305's, Mini Late Models, Dwarf, BCRA Midget Lites, 360 Sprints, and 410 Sprints.

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Location

• 900 Martin Luther King Way
  Merced, California, 95341 USA
• lat: 37.290959, lng: -120.483021
• Link to Google Map
• Link to Apple Map
• Surface: 1/3 mile banked clay oval

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Contacts

• Website
• Facebook
• Email: Mercedspeedway@yahoo.com
• Phone: 209-600-8382

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Racing Schedule

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

Merced Speedway Dirt Track News

• 
  ERIC GRECO SWEEPS CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINTS AT VENTURA

  (Torrance, CA, May 24, 2022) After missing the last series race, Eric Greco dominated the competition and swept the show last Saturday when the California Lightning Sprint Car Series visited Jim Naylor's Ventura Raceway. In posting the win in the shortened 20-lap main, the Palmdale-based driver became the sixth different winner in the series' first seven races in 2022. 281456142_3109676305950364_6068251977052836032_n (1).jpg Eric Greco swept the California Lightning Sprint Car Series show last week at Ventura. CLS photo.l Greco began his reign of terror over the competition when he turned in a lap of 12.504 in West Evans Motorsports Time Trials. Five-time series champion Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills turned in a duplicate lap, but Greco had a quicker second lap than Michnowicz so he got the nod. 2021 CLS champion David Gasper of Santa Barbara was third fastest at 12.255. Greco captured Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1 in a photo finish over San Diego's Kevin Bates. Point leader Cody Nigh of Camarillo was third. The first heat was not without extra excitement. As the pack raced into turn three on the first circuit, Gasper clipped the right rear tire of Torrance's "Rockstar" Jon Robertson. Gasper went for a wild ride that saw him flip two times, tearing the wing off the car and ending with a thud against the wall. The driver was unhurt and got back in and drove the car back to the pits, but the crew had some extra work to do to get it ready for the main event. In Yoshimura R&D Heat Race #2, three-time series champion Jarrett Kramer of Spring Valley spanked the field and won by over a full straightaway over his teammate Michnowicz. Yucca Valley's Jeff "Ponch" Dyer, who came into the night second in points, placed third. For the main event, the super team, of Kramer and Michnowicz, was on the front row. Robertson and Greco sat in row two. Dyer, who entered the main with three straight second-place finishes, and Nigh were in row three. When Kris Kornder waved the green flag to start the 25-lapper, Michnowicz raced around Kramer as they exited turn two for the lead. Greco, Dyer, and Nigh were giving chase. By the time the field completed four laps, Michnowicz had expanded his advantage to nearly a half straight. However, a yellow slowed the action on lap five when Ojai's Gage Cheek, rookie Connor Speir of Fillmore, and C.J. Marin all came to a stop in turn two. The top five for the restart were the same as they were at the start of the race. However, that was about to change. When the green lights flashed on, Michnowicz took off again. As he exited turn two, his left rear wheel came off. He slid sideways in the middle of the straightaway leaving teammate Kramer with nowhere to go. Kramer slammed into Michnowicz's crippled car and flipped. Robertson then slid sideways into Michnowicz's car. The red flag flew and the rescue crew rushed to the scene. All drivers were okay, but the crash knocked Kramer and Michnowicz out of the race. Robertson restarted at the back. As the show was creeping up on the local curfew and there was still a USAC West Coast Sprint Car main, officials shortened the race to 20-laps. The lineup for the restart saw Greco at the point with Dyer, Nigh, Gasper and Bates rounding out the top five. As Greco inched away from the field, Dyer and Nigh got into a tremendous battle for second that raged for three laps. In the end, Dyer fended off his pursuer and re-focused on Greco. When the race reached its new halfway point at the end of lap 10, Greco, in the pretty blue Janssen's/dirtisgone.com/The Educator/Walker Performance Filtration/Ralph & Sonja Greco/Henchcraft/Kawasaki #8, had an eight-car length advantage over second-place Dyer. That lead diminished in a hurry when Greco clipped the cushion in turn four on the 13th lap and biked the car. That allowed Dyer to close in dramatically. On lap 15, Greco came up on a lapped car and was briefly held up. Dyer, who like Greco was looking for his first win of the year, nearly pulled alongside. Greco got past the slower car and maintained his lead. Two laps later the shoe was on the other foot when a different lapped car slowed Dyer's progress. That essentially sealed the victory for Greco who stretched his lead out all the way to the checkered flag. Dyer ended up second, Gasper was third with Nigh and Bates taking fourth and fifth. "The car was so good all night," Greco said when interviewed in his car after the race. "The last race when we were here, we struggled really bad. We kind of did not change anything. I just reset myself. That was probably the most fun track we have had here for sure. I could just stick this car anywhere." After repairs to his blue #18 following his heat race flip, Gasper received the SpeedMart/Advance Racing Suspension "Hard Charger Awards" after going from 10th to third in the main. Michnowicz received the Speed Mart "Hard Luck Award." The current point standings show Nigh on top of the heap. He has a 68-point advantage over Dyer. Dyer, third-place Gasper, and Greco are separated by a mere 16-points in the battle for second. Rookie Will Browne of Glendora is fifth. This year the CLS will allow each team to have one throwaway race during the season. The throwaway race will be from a night when a driver did not compete or a night when a driver scores his lowest amount of points on the year. Dyer leads that version of the standings over Greco, Gasper, Nigh, and Browne. The CLS takes the next two weeks off before returning to action when it visits the Bakersfield Speedway for the fourth time in 2022 on June 11th. Ventura Raceway, May 21 Results West Evans Motorsports Qualifying 1. Eric Greco, 12.504; 2. Bobby Michnowicz, 12.504; 3. David Gasper, 12.555, 4. Jeff Dyer, 12.594; 5. Cody Nigh, 12.676; 6. Will Browne, 12.739; 7. Jon Robertson, 12.976; 8. Jarrett Kramer, 13.019; 9. Connor Speir, 13.032; 10. Gage Cheek, 13.144; 11. Kevin Bates, 13.152; 12. Pat Kelley, 13.386; 13. C.J. Marin, 14.456 Extreme Muffler Heat Race #1: 1. Eric Greco, 2. Kevin Bates, 3. Cody Nigh, 4. Connor Speir, 5. Jon Robertson, 6. C.J. Marin, 7. David Gasper Yoshimura R&D Heat Race #2: 1. Bobby Michnowicz; 2. Cody Nigh; 3. Will Browne; 4. Gage Cheek; 5. Connor Speir; 6. Pat Kelley; 7. Leland Day Ventura Raceway 20 Lap Main Event (with starting positions) 1. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA - 4th 2. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA - 5th 3. Dave Gasper, Santa Barbara, CA - 10th 4.. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA - 6th 5. Kevin Bates, San Diego, CA - 9th 6. Will Browne, Glendora, CA - 6th 7. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA - 7th 8. Gage Cheek, Ojai, CA - 8th 9. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA - 3rd 10. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA - 11th 11. C.J. Marin, Imperial Beach, CA - 13th 12. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA - 2nd 13. Jarrett Kramer, Spring Valley, CA - 1st CLS Contingency Awards Heat Race #1 - Extreme Muffler $50.00 Product Certificate - Eric Greco Heat Race #2 - Yoshimura R& D - $50.00 CSI Product Certificate - Jarrett Kramer 1st Place Main Event - Eibach Springs $100.00 Product Certificate - Eric Greco 2nd Place Main Event - Vahlco Wheels $50.00 Product Certificate - Jeff Dyer 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 - Kevin Bates 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 - David Gasper Hard Charger - Advanced Racing Suspension Product Certificate - David Gasper Hard Luck Award - Speed Mart $25.00 Product Certificate - Bobby Michnowicz 1st Car Not On The Lead Lap - Rebel Gears 30% Off Coupon - Gage Cheek California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings 1. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA ... 831 2. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA ... 763 3. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA ... 750 4. David Gasper, Santa Barbara ... 747 5. Will Browne ®, Glendora, CA ... 674 6. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA ... 510 7. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA ... 502 8. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA ... 479 9. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA ... 366 10. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA ... 327 California Lightning Sprint Car Season Point Standings (with throwaway) 1. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA ... 772 2. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA ... 757 3. David Gasper, Santa Barbara, CA ... 734 4. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA ... 733 5. Will Browne, Glendora, CA ... 614 6. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA ... 481 7. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA ... 480 8. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA ... 478 9. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA ... 366 10. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA ... 331 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 - Eric Greco 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

• 
  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

• 
  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

• 
  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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  Ryan Bernal wins an entertaining SCCT feature at Merced Speedway

  Hollister's Ryan Bernal doesn't make as many starts nowadays, but on Saturday night he continued to show that he's more than capable of running up front with many of the best in California, by topping a 52-car field at Merced Speedway.

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  Golobic Captures USAC Western States Win at Merced

  Shane Golobic picked up the USAC Western States Midget feature at Merced Speedway Saturday night.

• 
  Hobby Stocks, Dwarf Cars And Something New Saturday At Antioch Speedway

  Antioch, CA...Saturday night racing returns at Antioch Speedway. Last week saw threatening skies for the early portion of the day, but the racing program went on as scheduled. This time around, the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks will be competing along with the Delta Dwarf Cars and the Mini Stocks. The track will also see the first ever visit from the California Sharp Mini Late Models. When last we left the Hobby Stocks, Misty Welborn was putting away her bridesmaid dress and becoming the bride as she finally got her first Main Event win. It didn't come easy with seasoned veteran Les Friend pressuring her hard over the final 10 circuits before settling for second. The fact is, the competition level has risen in the Hobby Stocks. We've had several new drivers join in the past couple of years, and they are all getting better. You'll see 20 drivers line up to take a green flag, and many of them are capable of winning on an given occasion, including young guns Aiden Ponciano and Jewell Crandall. Ponciano ran in the Top 5 for most of the opening race, and Crandall ended up finishing fifth. Hard chargers such as reigning champion Larry McKinzie Jr, Chris Long and Jared Baugh truly make things interesting. We also have the Haney family, which is three generations strong. Grandson Cameron Haney just joined the fray last season. His grandfather Gene and father Jon Haney have been competing at the speedway for years. Gene and Jon have competed in several different divisions, including Super Stocks, Dirt Modifieds and Mini Trucks, and they've done well. Gene Haney won a pair of championships in the Super Hobby Stock class, and before that he was a Street Stock Freedom Series champion. He was also a Mini Truck title winner. Jon has been Top 10 ranked in multiple divisions. It was Cameron representing the family the best last time out with a tenth place finish. The Delta Dwarf Cars demonstrated they can be both fast and very exciting at their opener last week. Dwarf Cars have been competing at least once at the Speedway every year since the mid 1995. It was prior to 2020 when two-time champion Danny Wagner gathered drivers together and formed the Delta Dwarf Car Association. This put the group under the Western States Dwarf Car Association rules, and made Antioch eligible to host a big National Dwarf Car event. Wagner, who is also a feature winner in Dirt Modified and Sprint Car competition, had won the NorCal Dwarf Car championship, and he liked the competition level of the drivers using the united rules set. Wagner kicked off the season last week by getting the win ahead of young up and coming star Devan Kammermann. Kammermann has several seconds and thirds to his credit during the past few seasons, but he's closing in on his first victory. Kammermann won't be the only threat. Hard chargers such as Ellie Russo, Chance Russell, 2020 champion Travis Day, David Rosa and Jack Haverty are sure to make things interesting this weekend. Management added the Mini Stocks to the equation prior to the 2020 season as there was a need for an entry-level class. There have been various entry level four cylinder classes for the past 20 years, which includes this division and the Mini Trucks. In two seasons, this division has grown slowly. Tom Brown bears the distinction of winning both the Antioch and Petaluma titles last year. He's had to battle with the likes of Laina Bales, Dan Abitz, Dana Gardner and Eddie Humphrey III. There are expected to be some new drivers in the field this time. A division that has slowly taken hold in California is the Sharp Mini Late Models. These are 5/8 scale versions of Late Models with 600cc engines. A few of the drivers even made an appearance at one of the practice days a few weeks back. Merced Speedway brought the class in 5 years ago as a way to get drivers up from the Outlaw Kart ranks onto the bigger track. They are already seeing drivers from this class graduate into the bigger divisions. Track management is looking at this same possibility for Antioch Speedway. About a half-dozen of these cars are anticipated for this show. The field will include some new drivers from the area as well as drivers from down in Merced. If things go well, we could be seeing more Mini Late Model racing in the weeks ahead. Management always strives to give the fans the best racing program possible, and Saturday's lineup should be good. The gates are scheduled to open at 4:00 pm,, and this gives the fans a good opportunity to grab their favorite seat before racing starts at 6:00 pm. The track strives to get done by 10:00 pm on any given race night. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for military, senior (60 and over) and children (under 11) with children five and under free. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com

• 
  Carson Macedo Denies Brad Sweet for Home State Win at Merced Speedway

  For the third time in three nights of the west coast swing, a Californian walked away with the win; only this time, it was a full-time World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series driver getting the job done.

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Videos

• Another Great Stock car Race And Another Wild Finish At Merced Speedway
• Tempers Flare On The Racetrack Andy Forsberg VS Justin Sanders Merced Speedway
• HIGHLIGHTS: USAC Western States Midgets | Merced Speedway | 4/23/2022
• Merced Speedway Also A Great Stock Car Track!
• World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars at Merced Speedway, March 18, 2022 | HIGHLIGHTS

Merced Speedway Nearby Dirt Tracks

Distance information is direct (as the crow flies) - driving distance will differ due to road routes and things like lakes or mountains.

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  Stockton Dirt Track Race Track61 miles away - Stockton, California, USA
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  Delta Speedway Race Track62 miles away - Stockton, California, USA
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  Lodi Cycle Bowl Race Track68 miles away - Lodi, California, USA
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  Ocean Speedway Race Track72 miles away - Watsonville, California, USA
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  Lemoore Raceway Race Track79 miles away - Lemoore, California, USA
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  Keller Auto Speedway Race Track81 miles away - Hanford, California, USA
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  Antioch Speedway Race Track88 miles away - Antioch, California, USA
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  Keller Auto Raceway Race Track90 miles away - Visalia, California, USA
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  Thunderbowl Raceway Race Track98 miles away - Tulare, California, USA
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  Tulare County Kart Club Race Track98 miles away - Tulare, California, USA
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  Dixon Speedway Race Track100 miles away - Dixon, California, USA
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  Placerville Speedway Race Track100 miles away - Placerville, California, USA

Merced Speedway Dirt Track Racing Organizations

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  ASCS - American Sprint Car Series Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  BCRA - Bay Cities Racing Association Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  HMWT - Hunt Magnetos Wingless Tour Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  KWS - King of the West Sprints by NARC Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  SCCT - Sprint Car Challenge Tour Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  USAC - United States Auto Club Dirt Track Racing Organization
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  WoO - World of Outlaws Dirt Track Racing Organization