Merced Speedway Race Track in Merced, California, USA
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.
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Merced Speedway Dirt Track Location
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900 Martin Luther King Way
Merced, California, 95341 USA - lat: 37.290959, lng: -120.483021
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- Surface: 1/3 mile banked clay oval
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Merced Speedway Dirt Track Contacts
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Merced Speedway Dirt Track Racing Schedule
Schedules are known to change without warning, double check with race track before heading out.
Wed, Jun 7
- 2023-06-072023-06-07EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgFair Race #11 - Valley Sportsman, IMCA Modified, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Thu, Jun 8
- 2023-06-082023-06-08EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgGo Karts Race #12 - 250 Winged Outlaw, 500 Winged Open Outlaw, Dirt Cage Karts Open, Restricted Box StockDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Jun 10
- 2023-06-102023-06-10EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgFair Destruction DerbyDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Jun 24
- 2023-06-242023-06-24EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgRace #13 - Hobby Stocks, Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Midgets, DwarfDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
- USAC - United States Auto Clubhttps://dirtFan.com/dirt-track-racing-organization/USAC/United States Auto Club/USAC - United States Auto Club Dirt Track Racing Organization - Midget - Western - 2023-06-242023-06-24EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgRacesDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Jul 1
- 2023-07-012023-07-01EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgFree Fireworks Night Race #14 - Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Jul 22
- 2023-07-222023-07-22EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgRace #15 - Lightning Sprints: Bay Cities Racing Association Lightning Sprints - Hobby Stocks, Mini Late Models, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Aug 12
- 2023-08-122023-08-12EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgRace #16 - Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Aug 26
- 2023-08-262023-08-26EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgHall of Fame Night Race #17 - Hobby Stocks, Mini Late Models, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Sep 16
- 2023-09-162023-09-16EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgRace #18 - Hobby Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late Models, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA ModifiedDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Sep 23
- 2023-09-232023-09-23EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgChampionship Night #1 Race #19 - Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Oct 7
- 2023-10-072023-10-07EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgChampionship Night #2 Race #20 Albright Memorial - Lightning Sprints: Bay Cities Racing Association Lightning Sprints - Mini Stocks, Valley Sportsman, Mini Late ModelsDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
- CLS - California Lightning Sprintshttps://dirtFan.com/dirt-track-racing-organization/CLS/California Lightning Sprints/CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing Organization - 2023-10-072023-10-07EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgRacesDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Fri, Oct 27
- 2023-10-272023-10-27EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgSteitz Memorial Night #1 - Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Sat, Oct 28
- 2023-10-282023-10-28EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgSteitz Memorial Night #2 - Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Tue, Nov 21
- 2023-11-212023-11-21EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgUSAC National Midgets and Winged 360s - Midgets, 360 Sprints - WingedDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
- USAC - United States Auto Clubhttps://dirtFan.com/dirt-track-racing-organization/USAC/United States Auto Club/USAC - United States Auto Club Dirt Track Racing Organization - Midget - National - 2023-11-212023-11-21EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgRacesDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Wed, Nov 22
- 2023-11-222023-11-22EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgUSAC National Midgets and Winged 360s - Midgets, 360 Sprints - WingedDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
- USAC - United States Auto Clubhttps://dirtFan.com/dirt-track-racing-organization/USAC/United States Auto Club/USAC - United States Auto Club Dirt Track Racing Organization - Midget - National - 2023-11-222023-11-22EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgRacesDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
Fri, Nov 24
- 2023-11-242023-11-24EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpgSeason Finale - Hobby Stocks, IMCA Stock Car, IMCA Modified, IMCA Northern SportModDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeMerced Speedway209-600-8382https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Merced/Merced Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/154.jpg$900 Martin Luther King Way Merced, California, 95341 USA
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Merced Speedway Dirt Track News
- Scelzi Wins Sprint Car Challenge Tour Feature at Merced
Fresno’s Dominic Scelzi raced to his 7th career Sprint Car Challenge Tour victory on Saturday night at the Merced Speedway.
- BRADEN CHIARAMONTE HEADS BACK TO ARIZONA'S ADOBE MOUNTAIN SPEEDWAY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
(El Cajon, CA, April 20, 2022) Still waiting on the return of the engine he blew at the USAC/CRA Sprint Car race at Mohave Valley Raceway on April 1st, Braden Chiaramonte must skip Saturday's Sprint Car Challenge Series race at the Merced Speedway. However, the 16-year-old rising star is not about to rest on his laurels. Instead of heading north, the team will travel east to Arizona's Adobe Mountain Speedway for races Friday and Saturday nights. This week's "Morris Rumble" will see the talented team race its 600CC micro in the Outlaw Nonwing class on Friday night. For Saturday, the crew will slap a wing on top for the A-Class Winged race. Two weeks ago, the El Cajon, California base teen dominated the Winged Outlaw class at the "Copper State" track. He started on the pole in his heat race and scored a runaway victory. A little while later he had more work to do as he started 7th in the main event. Chiaramonte patiently worked the traffic before finding himself up to second on the sixth lap. Driving his white #73B Hyper, he stalked the leader until lap 11 when he sped by and eventually won the 20 lapper by a full straightaway. In three starts since last fall on the track located just north of Phoenix, Chiaramonte has a win, and a second-place finish. The only time he did not podium on the 1/5 mile track was due to getting clobbered and knocked out of a race last November. Adobe Mountain Speedway is located just south of Pinnacle Peak Road on 43rd Avenue in Glendale, Arizona. Gates will open at noon on Friday with wheel packing at 5:00 and racing at 6:00. On Saturday, the gates will once again open at noon with wheel packing at 4:00 and racing at 5:00. Adult tickets are $10.00. For kids 5-12 it is just $5.00 and those 4 and under are free. The track website is at https://www.adobemountainspeedway.com/ and the office phone is (207) 977-6520. Chiaramonte would like to thank all his sponsors who have made his racing efforts possible. RTL Traffic Control, AM Ortega, King Racing Products, Tiner-Hirst Enterprises, and Keizer Wheels. As the full 2023 season is just starting to unfold, Chiaramonte and his team are making plans for a busy year. If you are interested in becoming a marketing partner with one of the most talented and personable young drivers in the sport, please feel free to call or e-mail Daniel Chiaramonte mailto:dchiaramonte@rtltraffic.com or (619) 988 7563. Braden Chiaramonte 2023 Results January 13 Tulsa SageNet Center Chili Bowl Midget Nationals 14th A Main January 14 Tulsa SageNet Center Chili Bowl Midget Nationals 12th C Main March 11 Imperial Valley Raceway So Cal Non Wing Open Comp Sprints 9th A Main March 11 Imperial Valley Raceway Best of the West Lightning Sprints #2 1st A Main March 18 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 16th A Main March 24 Placerville Speedway Sprint Car Challenge Tour 10th B Main April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Car DNS April 8 Adobe Mountain Speedway 600 Outlaw Winged Micro 1st 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.
- BEN WORTH TOPS MERCED USAC WESTERN MIDGET OPENER
Subbing for defending champion Michael Faccinto, Ben Worth (Coalinga, CA) led all 30-laps to claim the season opener at Merced Speedway. Driving the Graunstadt Enterprises' #14J Silva Ranches / T&T Trucking Spike, Worth earned the fourth USAC Western States Midget victory of his career over Brody Fuson, Cade Lewis, Caden Sarale, and A.J. Bender.
- BRADEN CHIARAMONTE GETS HIS SECOND WIN OF THE YEAR AT THE ADOBE MOUNTAIN SPEEDWAY
(El Cajon, CA, April 13, 2022) For the second time in less than a month, teenage star Braden Chiaramonte found his way to victory circle. Following his lightning sprint car win at the Imperial Valley Raceway on March 11th, the 16-year-old outdistanced the Outlaw Winged 600 Micro field last Saturday night at Arizona's Adobe Mountain Speedway. When Chiaramonte last visited the 1/5 of a mile track that is located about 30 miles from Phoenix last November, he clearly had one of the fastest cars at the two-day show, and he placed second on the opening night. After having to restart at the back 24 hours later, he was working his way to the front when another car clobbered him and knocked him out of the race. That resulted in a frustrating 17th-place finish. After being the 5th fastest of the 27 cars in hot laps, the El Cajon, Californian was ready for redemption for his November outcome. He began laying the law down in his heat race. Starting on the pole in the eight-lapper, Chiaramonte led every inch of the way and was half a straightaway ahead of the second-place car on the second lap of the race. Five laps later, he had increased that lead to an inspiring half racetrack for his first victory of the night. While he made it look easy, things were going to be somewhat tougher to start out the main event. Instead of starting on the pole, he was slated to begin the 20 lapper on the inside of row four in seventh. He got a reprieve when one of the cars in front of him was penalized after a yellow flag on the opening lap. That allowed Chiaramonte to move up to the inside of row three for the restart of the race. The first potential hazard for Chiaramonte's mission came at the end of lap one when two cars in front of the handsome teen tangled and nearly took him out of the race. Fortunately, he narrowly escaped the scare and was poised and ready to make his charge forward once racing began again. Early on at the track with the eye-catching backdrop, the race seemed to be plagued by yellow flags. Chiaramonte managed to stay away from the chaos and methodically worked his way through the field. By the sixth circuit he had driven his lightning-quick #73 Hyper to second and he began stocking the leader. The young driver patiently bided his time while sizing up the first-place driver. Finally, on lap 11, he raced to the inside going into turn three and commandeered the point position. Taking the top spot should have been the end of the story, but for the second time in the race, things got dicey. With his quickly built good size lead, Chiaramonte arrived in turn two on the 13th circuit where a lapped car spun directly in front of him. His sharp reflexes once again paid off as he avoided the spinning car. However, the incident forced a yellow flag and yet another restart. For the restart, Chiaramonte was at the head of the pack and he took full advantage of the situation presented to him. He simply ran away from the pack. Within two circuits he had a half-straightaway lead. When the checkered flag ended the 20-lap affair, he was a full straightaway ahead of his nearest pursuer. The win at Adobe came in the fifth different type of car Chiaramonte has driven in eight races in 2023. Chiaramonte will take a weekend out of the cockpit this Saturday but hopes to return to action when the Sprint Car Challenge Tour visits the Merced Speedway on April 22nd. The team is currently waiting for the repairs to be finished on the engine he blew in the USAC/CRA race at Mohave Valley Raceway two weeks ago or the arrival of its brand-new Nogrady powerplant. Chiaramonte would like to thank all his sponsors who have made his racing efforts possible. RTL Traffic Control, AM Ortega, King Racing Products, Tiner-Hirst Enterprises, and Keizer Wheels. As the full 2023 season is just starting to unfold, Chiaramonte and his team are making plans for a busy year. If you are interested in becoming a marketing partner with one of the most talented and personable young drivers in the sport, please feel free to call or e-mail Daniel Chiaramonte mailto:dchiaramonte@rtltraffic.com or (619) 988 7563. Braden Chiaramonte 2023 Results January 13 Tulsa SageNet Center Chili Bowl Midget Nationals 14th A Main January 14 Tulsa SageNet Center Chili Bowl Midget Nationals 12th C Main March 11 Imperial Valley Raceway So Cal Non Wing Open Comp Sprints 9th A Main March 11 Imperial Valley Raceway Best of the West Lightning Sprints #2 1st A Main March 18 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 16th A Main March 24 Placerville Speedway Sprint Car Challenge Tour 10th B Main April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Car DNS April 8 Adobe Mountain Speedway 600 Outlaw Winged Micro 1st A Main Photo courtesy of Judd Neves. This release was produced by Scott Daloisio. You can contact him online at mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com or by calling (909) 226-7768.
- AJ BENDER TRIUMPHS IN CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR RACE AT BAKERSFIELD
(Torrance, CA, April 11, 2023) When the competitors in the California Lightning Sprint Car Series heard the old saying "the band is getting back together again" last week, they initially paid no attention to it. However, when they found out it meant that star driver AJ Bender was again teaming up with long-time car owner Mike Schweitzer for last Saturday's race at the Bakersfield Speedway, it struck fear in their hearts. As it turned out, that was rightfully so as Bender smashed the competition to win his second CLS main of the 2023 season. thumbnail.jpg AJ Bender winner of Saturday's California Lightning Sprint Car race at Bakersfield. Lance Jennings Photo. The original 2023 CLS schedule had Saturday's date as the second for the club on "The West's Fastest 1/3 Mile High Banked Clay Oval." Unfortunately, due to heavy rains canceling the March 18th date, Saturday was the first time the club ventured to the track this year. Veteran driver Jeff Dyer of Yucca Valley set the fastest time in qualifying when he toured the track in 13.683. Bender, who was coming off a heat race win and an eighth-place main event finish in the USAC/CRA race the previous week at Arizona's Mohave Valley Raceway, timed in second at 13.807. The CLS "G.O.A.T," Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills, was third quick at 13.890. With 10 cars on hand, CLS officials got innovative for the heat races. Each heat featured all 10 cars. The Extreme Muffler Heat Race #1 was totally inverted by qualifying times. The second heat was totally straight up by the same qualifying times. The first eight lapper saw pole sitter "Rockstar" Jon Robertson of Torrance lead green to checkers for the win over Lakewood's Aiden Lange and Michnowicz. It was not quite as easy as that sounds though as Lange was nipping at his push bar all the way. They crossed the line well ahead of third-place finisher Cody Nigh of Camarillo. Michnowicz and Bender rounded out the top five. The cars did not stop or leave the track before the start of the second heat race. They just lined up with Jeff Dyer on the pole and Bender outside of him. Michnowicz and Lange were in the second row. However, before the drivers could take the green flag, drama intervened. Seth Dyer of Yucca Valley dropped out and pulled to the infield. Then Bender jumped the original start and was penalized one row. That moved Michnowicz to the outside of row one. Before the next attempt to get the race started, Nigh pulled to the infield. A few moments later, he rejoined the pack. With the broken car off the track, the offender penalized, and Nigh back after a break in the infield, the race finally commenced. The race was classic Michnowicz as he, like Robertson, led green to checkers. Jeff Dyer fought off Bender's early advances for second and had that spot in the bag until he pulled out at the white flag. That handed the runner-up spot to Bender. Greco, Lange, and Bakersfield local Leland Day rounded out the top five. Points were tallied from the two heats and the top six had a redraw. Bender, in the Mike Schweitzer-owned Abacas/BillMell.com Real Estate Services/Van's Logging/M&P Environmental/Oil Well Service/Yoshimura/2007 Henchcraft/2000 ZX12 #41B, drew the pole. That combo won two of their three starts at the "Okie Bowl" last season. They would be tough to beat normally, but off the pole, it would be nearly impossible to do. Greco was on the outside of the front row. Veteran Michnowicz was on the inside of two with youngster Day alongside. Row three featured Lange and Robertson and they were followed by Nigh and Jeff Dyer. Chino's Pat Kelley was alone in row five. One thing was different than normal by the time the CLS took to the track for its main event. Normally the surface has slickened off. This time the track was hooked up to the max and passing was going to be at a premium. Thus, when Bender jumped into the lead at the start, he was not only going to be tough to pass, but he was going to be hard to catch as well. Greco, Michnowicz, and Day were his early pursuers. Bender gapped Greco by four lengths at the end of the first circuit and things around the track remained status quo until the leader reached the first lapped car on lap eight. Greco had put some distance between himself and third-place Michnowicz. By lap 10, Greco was starting to inch closer to the race-long leader. He continued to gain ground and by the time they reached turn one on lap 14, Greco was only one car length behind. Lap 15 saw Bender face his only big threat in the race. Heading into turn number one, Greco peeked inside the leader. Up until that time Bender had gone unchallenged. To compound factors, they pulled up behind Day and he was having issues with his top wing that was slowing him down. Greco had another look on the inside going down the back chute, but San Diegan Bender fended him off and a couple of laps later, he had opened his advantage to a comfortable margin again. Greco seemed to have second place sewed up and that would have given him three top-four finishes in his first three races of 2023. However, going into turn three on the 21st lap, he slowed dramatically. Michnowicz closed on the race-long runner-up driver and drove by for second. Greco then pulled to the infield coming off turn four. By the time Michnowicz had taken second, Bender had enough of an advantage that nobody was going to catch him and he became the first CLS driver to win two main events in 2023. Michnowicz placed second for the second time this year and as of now, he has not finished worse than third. Lange, who was making his first appearance of the season, ended up third and Nigh, who was also racing for the first time this year was fourth. Robertson placed fifth. Nigh was the "Advance Racing Suspension Hard Charger" moving from seventh on the start to finish fourth. The CLS gets its longest break on the 2023 schedule and will not return to action until May 13th at Jim Naylor's Ventura Raceway. Going into that race, Michnowicz has a 59-point lead over Greco in the season-long championship point standings. Bender, Lakeside's Brent Sexton, and Jeff Dyer round out the top five. The following companies are marketing partners with the CLS in 2023. Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, RacingJunk.com, and Advanced Racing Suspension. if you or your company would like to be a marketing partner with the CLS, please get in touch with Jon Robertson using the contact information at the top of this release. To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints Bakersfield Speedway Qualifying: 1. Jeff Dyer, 13.683, 2. AJ Bender, 13.807, 3. Bobby Michnowicz, 13.890, 4. Aiden Lange, 13.961, 5. Eric Greco, 13.980, 6. Cody Nigh, 14.085, 7. Leland Day, 14.145, 8. Jon Robertson, 14.292, 9. Seth Dyer, 15.087, 10. Pat Kelley, 16.736 Extreme Muffler Heat #1 (8-Laps): 1. Robertson, 2. Lange, 3. Michnowicz, 4. Nigh, 5. Bender, 6. Seth Dyer, 7. Day, 8. Greco, 9. Jeff Dyer, 10. Kelley Heat #2 (8-Laps): 1. Michnowicz, 2. Bender, 3. Greco, 4. Lange, 5. Day, 6. Robertson, 7. Nigh, 8. Jeff Dyer, 9. Kelly Main Event (20-Laps) Includes Starting Position Time Behind 1. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA, (1st) 2. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA, (3rd) … 1.699 3. Aiden Lange, Lakewood., CA, (5th) … 2.218 4. Cody Nigh, Camarillo, CA, (7th) … 3.632 5. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA, (6th) … 11.508 6. Leland Day, Bakersfield, CA, (4th) … 2 Laps 7. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, (8th) … 3 Laps 8. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA, (9th) … 3 Laps 9. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA, (2nd) … 5 Laps DNS - Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings and Best of the West Standings 1. Bobby Michnowicz, Lomita, CA … 522 2. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA … 463 3. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA … 399 4. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA … 388 5. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … 384 6. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA … 365 7. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA … 328 8. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … 285 9. Robby Brockman, El Cajon, CA … 280 10. Connor Speier, Fillmore, CA … 271 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings and Best of the West Standings 1. Bobby Michnowicz, Lomita, CA, CLS … 388 1. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA, SWLS … 388 3. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA, CLS … 371 4. Robby Brockman, El Cajon, CA. SWLS … 280 4. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, CLS … 280 6. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA, CLS … 271 7. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, CLS … 262 8. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA, SWLS … 261 9. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA, CLS … 254 10. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA, CLS … 240 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 10 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #1 AJ Bender March 11 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #2 Braden Chiaramonte March 18 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC Western Midgets Rained Out April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #3 Brent Sexton April 8 Bakersfield Speedway CLS AJ Bender May 13 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 20 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #4 June 3 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series Round" #1 With USAC 360 Sprint Cars June 17 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars Wagsdash July 8 Ventura Raceway CLS July 22 Ventura Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #5 August 19 Ocean Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #2, Johnny Key Classic September 9 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #3 September 23 Ventura Raceway CLS October 7 Merced Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #4, Wayne Albright Memorial Non Wing October 14 Mohave Valley Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #6 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars October 28 Ventura Raceway CLS November 14 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC National Midgets November 16 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 17 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 18 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing 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 2022 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com
- SEXTON BEATS MICHNOWICZ IN CLS MAIN AT MOHAVE - BAKERSFIELD THIS WEEK
(Torrance, CA, April 3, 2023) The statement "Youth Must Be Served" proved to be an April Fool's joke when the California Lightning Sprint Cars and the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Cars co-sanctioned round #3 on Saturday night at the Mohave Valley Raceway. Geezers Brent Sexton, Bobby Michnowicz, and Jeff Dyer, who have a combined age of 149 years, claimed the top three spots in the 20-lap main event on the 1/3 mile banked clay oval. 338774599_914723216305571_731285793926451414_n.jpg Brent Sexton won his heat and the main event at the Mohave Valley Raceway. CLS Photo. With a packed house looking on, 59-year-old Michnowicz, the five-time CLS champion who lives in Oak Hills, out-qualified the 13-car field with a time of 14.372. Palmdale's Eric Greco was second-quick at 14.680. Dyer was third fastest at 14.859. Fifty-year-old Sexton was on the pole for the first heat race. That was bad news for the competition as the defending SWLS champion drove away from the field and won the eight-lapper by over a half straightaway. His one-time arch-rival Michnowicz was second with Sexton's teammate, Brockman, third. The second heat race was captured by Dyer when he beat Palmdale's Eric Greco and Lakeside's Cody Griggs to the checkers. Dyer, who just celebrated his 40th birthday, was on the pole for the main event. Sexton was on the outside of the front row. Row two was made up of Brockman and Greco. Michnowicz and "Rockstar" Jon Robertson of Torrance started in row three. The story of the race was essentially written at the drop of the green flag. Sexton roared into the lead over Dyer, Greco, and Brockman. By the end of the first circuit, the two-time CLS champion had stretched his advantage to five car lengths. Michnowicz, who is off to a good start in 2023, moved into fourth and began to pester Greco for third on lap two. A couple of laps later, the wily veteran had taken over second. Out front, Sexton, in the eye-catching Keys Brothers, East County Electric Works, Maxima Oil, Automated Interiors, Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, Troy Dirt, Victory Graphix, and Swift Powdercoat #44, was pulling away from his pursuers and had a near half straight lead by the end of the fifth circuit. Dyer, a highway patrol officer off the track, momentarily began to chase down Sexton on lap seven. One go around later Sexton hit the lapped traffic but it did not faze him. He once again pulled away and established a comfortable lead. At the halfway point, he had a commanding lead with Dyer, Michnowicz, Greco, and Brockman rounding out the top five. Michnowicz began closing in on second-place Dyer on the 11th circuit. His progress was slowed on lap 12 when the only yellow flag of the race slowed the action when Lakeside's Cody Griggs rolled to a stop in turn two with clutch issues. At the same time impressive rookie Brockman pulled off the track. By the time that yellow waved, Sexton was over a full straightaway in front of the field. That big advantage was suddenly crushed like it was an empty soda can. For the restart, it was Sexton where he had been the entire race. Michnowicz was up to second with Dyer third. Greco was in fourth place with Robertson, who had been as far back as 10th, up to fifth. Michnowicz stuck close to the race-long leader on the restart. Likewise, Dyer was hanging close to Michnowicz. In fact, he got a great run on the bottom going into turn one on lap 14. He was edging ahead of Michnowicz when he hit some water on the bottom and slid all the way across the track. The ever-alert Michnowicz got on the brakes, averted what could have been a major disaster, and ducked underneath Dyer who nearly slid all the way to Prescott before getting back on the throttle. The Dyer/Michnowicz turn-two escapade essentially ended the fight for first as it allowed Sexton to once again pull away and lead the final six laps. To say the least, it was a very impressive wire-to-wire win. Michnowicz was second and was followed by Dyer, Greco, and Robertson. Dyer's 16-year-old son, Seth, scored his best-ever finish with a sixth and was also the main event "Advanced Racing Suspension Hard Charger." Coming out of the race, one-time nemeses Sexton and Michnowicz are tied for first in both the CLS and "Best of the West" series standings. Greco is third with Dyer fourth and Robertson fifth. This Saturday, April 8th, the CLS will head to the Bakersfield Speedway for its first appearance at the popular track in 2023. Last month's race at the venue was canceled due to wet conditions. In 2022, the CLS appeared at the Scott Schweitzer promoted track six times. AJ Bender, who will be back in the Mike Schweitzer #41 on Saturday, and two-time series champion David Gasper, each won two times. Michnowicz and 2021 SWLS champion Grant Sexton had one victory each. Spectator gates at Bakersfield will open at 4:00 p.m. with racing at 6:00. Joining the CLS will be the USAC West Coast Sprint Cars, and Mini Stocks. Adult tickets are $25.00. Seniors 65 and over and military with proper id get in for $23.00. Kids 6-12 are $15.00 and children 5 and under are free. Parking is free. The track is located at 5001 North Chester Ext. Ave., Bakersfield (93308). The track website is http://www.bakersfieldspeedway.com/ and the office phone number is (661) 393-3373. The following companies are marketing partners with the CLS in 2023. Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, RacingJunk.com, and Advanced Racing Suspension. if you or your company would like to be a marketing partner with the CLS, please get in touch with Jon Robertson using the contact information at the top of this release. To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints Mohave Valley Raceway Qualifying: 1. Bobby Michnowicz, 14.372, 2. Eric Greco, 14.589, 3. Brent Sexton, 14.674, 4. A J Bender, 14.680, 5. Robby Brockman, 14.764, 6. Jeff Dyer, 14.859 7. Connor Speir, 14.872, 8. Seth Dyer, 15.064. 9. Dalton Sexton, 15.083, 10. Harlee Aguilera, 15.122, 11. Jon Robertson, 15.140, 12. Cody Griggs, 15.443, 13. Pat Kelley, 17.008.Heat #1 (8-Laps): 1. Brent Sexton, 2. Michnowicz, 3. Brockman, 4. Robertson, 5. Kelley, 6. Dalton Sexton, 7. Speir Heat #2 (8-Laps): 1. Jeff Dyer, 2. Greco, 3. Griggs, 4. Bender, 5. Aguilera, 6. Seth Dyer Main Event (20-Laps) Includes Starting Position Time Behind 1. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA, (2nd), 2. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA, (5th) … 1.093 3. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, (1st) … 2.117 4. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA, (4th) … 4.683 5. Jon Robertson, Temecula, CA, (6th) … 10.998 6. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, (10th) … 1 Lap 7. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA, (7th) … 1 Lap 8. Robby Brockman, El Cajon, CA, (3rd) 8 Laps 9. Cody Griggs, Lakeside, CA, (8th) … 8 Laps 10. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA, (9th) … 20 Laps DNS - Dalton Sexton, Lakeside, CA DNS - AJ Bender, San Diego, CA DNS - Harlee Aguilera, Galt, CA 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings and Best of the West Standings 1. Bobby Michnowicz, Lomita, CA, CLS … 288 1. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA, SWLS … 288 3. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA, CLS … 371 4. Robby Brockman, El Cajon, CA. SWLS … 280 4. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, CLS … 280 6. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA, CLS … 271 7. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, CLS … 262 8. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA, SWLS … 261 9. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA, CLS … 254 10. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA, CLS … 240 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 10 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #1 AJ Bender March 11 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #2 Braden Chiaramonte March 18 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC Western Midgets Rained Out April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #3 Brent Sexton April 8 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 13 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 20 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #4 June 3 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series Round" #1 With USAC 360 Sprint Cars June 17 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars Wagsdash July 8 Ventura Raceway CLS July 22 Ventura Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #5 August 19 Ocean Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #2, Johnny Key Classic September 9 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #3 September 23 Ventura Raceway CLS October 7 Merced Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #4, Wayne Albright Memorial Non Wing October 14 Mohave Valley Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #6 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars October 28 Ventura Raceway CLS November 14 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC National Midgets November 16 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 17 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 18 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing 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 2022 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com
- Sunny Skies In The Forecast As Antioch Speedway Returns To Action Saturday
Antioch, CA...It seems like it's been a broken record. It's happened a total of six times this year, including the two practices that were scheduled before the original season opener on March 11th. Antioch Speedway has been rained out six times this year, including four races in a row. As the rain let up after Wednesday last week, there might have been a chance to hustle to get the races in over the next couple of days, but the grounds were very saturated on Thursday. It didn't start looking good out there until Saturday. The decision to cancel last week was a good move. It gives the crew and the staff time to make things right for this Saturday night's races and Kid's Easter Egg Hunt. The Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks will take center stage, joined by the Delta Dwarf Cars, BCRA Midgets and Lightning Sprints and the always fun to watch Hardtops. As if that's not enough, the season will now open with an exciting Figure 8 race. There's lots of excitement on the card for fans looking for their racing adrenaline rush. Danny Wagner of Bay Point has competed in all sorts of divisions and been a winner in everything. The three-time Delta Dwarf Car champion has also won feature races in the Mini Trucks, IMCA Modifieds and Winged 360 Sprint Cars. During the off-season, Wagner built a Hobby Stock, and he debuted it at Merced Speedway last week with results you might expect from him. He picked up the feature win in his first start. Whether Wagner goes for points or not, he is sure to be a force in Hobby Stocks anytime he's there. There are some good Hobby Stock drivers looking to take it up a notch after last season, led by Jared Baugh of Pittsburg, Michaela Taylor of Oakley, Jewell Crandall of Antioch and Grayson Baca of Brentwood. The Hobby Stocks were averaging car counts in the mid-20s last season, and expectations are that they will remain on that level this year. Hobby Stocks are the car of choice for the exciting Figure 8 race. Antioch featured this race from 1987 to 1990 and briefly in the early 2000s. Last season, the crowd approved of the return of this race, which came back with a $1,000 to win event, won by two-time Spec Sprint champion Dan Gonderman of Antioch. Longtime Figure 8 supporter Jimmy Robbins of Concord, Mike Conley Jr of Antioch and Newman's DJ Keldsen and Cody Keldsen are among the drivers anticipated when the cars take the track this Saturday night. Dwarf Cars are the third longest tenured class at the speedway, following IMCA Modifieds and Hobby Stocks. The king of the mountain these days may be Danny Wagner, but he'll get stiff competition from last year's Most Improved Driver, Devan Kammermann of Dublin, who won two races. Throw in great competition from the likes of Ellie Russo of Bay Point, Sean Catucci of Brentwood, Travis Day of Concord and five-time champion Ricardo Rivera of Hollister, and the Dwarf Cars will definitely entertain. There isn't an older sanctioning body based out of California than the Bay City's Racing Association. The BCRA Lightning Sprints have been making periodic visits to the track every year, but it's been a couple of seasons since we've seen the BCRA Midgets. The popular Open Wheel class ruled the roost in California throughout the 1940s, '50s, '60s and '70s. Through the ups and downs, BCRA has remained to sanction these racers, and they still have drivers committed to bringing exciting Midget racing. The Lightning Sprints made two appearances last season. Unlike the Midgets, they run with wings and they turn some of the fastest laps at the speedway. This division has been under the BCRA banner for over two decades now and always puts on a good show. There's another division that was once sanctioned by the BCRA throughout the 1950s into the early 1960s, and they are on the card on Saturday night. The popular Hardtops return, likely to be joined by some of the Valley Sportsman racers from Merced Speedway. Unlike the Hardtops, the Sportsman division runs a wing and is a class that was featured at Antioch Speedway throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Last year, the Hardtops held the Butch Althar Memorial race, won by two-time Merced Speedway champion Rick Elliott. It was Joel Hannagan piloting Doug Braudrick's Junkyard Dog to his third-consecutive Chet Thomson Memorial win last season. The diverse lineup of cars scheduled this Saturday night offers a little something for every fan. If you want fast and open wheel, look no further than Midgets and Lightning Sprints. If you want slam-bang, fendered Stock Car racing, Hobby Stocks and Figure 8 will fill the bill. If you like a little bit of nostalgia in your program, look no further than the Hardtops. It's sure to be a good show. The evening will also have an Easter Egg Hunt and bike giveaway for the kids. This has become a happy tradition at the speedway in recent years and another reason families come to the speedway. The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00. Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids five and under free. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page.
- THE OLD GUARD LEADS THE CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CARS INTO MOHAVE VALLEY RACEWAY THIS SATURDAY
(Torrance, CA, March 27, 2023) Shaking off the disappointment of a rainout at the Bakersfield Speedway two weeks ago, the California Lightning Sprint Car Series continues its 29th season this Saturday night, April 1st, at Arizona's Mohave Valley Raceway. The race will be round #3 of the "Best of the West" series that is co-sanctioned by the CLS and the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Cars. Spectator gates at the track that is located just across the Colorado River from Needles, California, will open at 5 PM and the first race will be at 7:00. 336172657_935459524136350_3681086238930720976_n (1).jpg First in points Bobby Michnowicz (left) annd 2nd in points Brent Sexton (right) surround March 11 winner Braden Chiarmonte at Imperial. CLS Photo. Going into the race, a pair of longtime drivers who are both over a half-century old, Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills and Lakeside's Brent Sexton, are ranked first and second in the championship standings. Michnowicz, the five-time CLS champion, leads Sexton, a two-time CLS champ and the defending SWLS top dawg, by a mere four points going into this weekend's show. They are also ranked first and second in the "Best of the West" points. In the season-opening doubleheader three weeks ago at the Imperial Valley Raceway, Michnowicz, 59, got the best of Sexton, 50, on the first night when he placed second. Sexton was two spots behind in fourth. Twenty-four hours later they flip-flopped their positions when Sexton placed second and Michnowicz came home third. While the two longtime veterans are ranked first and second, third in the standings is young Eric Greco. The Palmdale-based driver started on the front row and led both races at Imperial. He finished the first race in the third spot and was fourth the following night. He enters this week's bash at the "Copper State" track just one point behind Sexton and four behind leader Michnowicz. USAC/CRA 410 sprint car star AJ Bender of San Diego is currently fourth in the standings. 2022 CLS "Rookie of the Year" Connor Speir of Fillmore rounds out the top five. Bender won the first main event of the year at Imperial on March 10th. The next night, his SGR teammate, Braden Chiaramonte, took home the main event gold. El Cajon's Robby Brockman, who contested his first ever lightning sprint car races at Imperial, is sixth in the championship standings. In addition, he is the current leader in the 2023 CLS "Rookie of the Year" chase. Last year the CLS and SWLS co-sanctioned a race at Mohave Valley on October 8th. In one of the best races in the 29-year history of the CLS, Sexton beat Bender and Dalton Sexton (Brent's oldest son) to the checkers in a late race barn burner. CLS drivers and fans will be getting their first look at the newly revamped Mohave Valley Raceway track surface. Over the offseason, track officials recut the track and applied banking on each end. The track is much faster than when the club last appeared there and three and four-abreast action will see a dramatic increase. In addition to the lightning sprints, the powerful USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will be making its first of three 2023 appearances at Mohave Valley. Dwarf Cars will also be in action. After Saturday, the CLS will get right back at it one week later at the Bakersfield Speedway. For fans who wish to take in this week's race at the Mohave Valley Raceway, the track is located at 2750 E. Laguna in Mohave Valley, Arizona. (86440) It is just minutes away from the Colorado River and only 20 minutes from Laughlin, Nevada. Adult tickets are $25.00. For seniors 60 and over it is $20.00. For active military with proper id it is $20.00. Kids 6-12 get in for $5.00 and children five and under are free. Parking is free. It is cash only for tickets (no ATMs on site). Concessions, souvenirs, and the beer garden take cash or cards. For more information, the track website is https://www.mohavevalleyraceway.com/ and the office phone is (928) 346-6000. The following companies are marketing partners with the CLS in 2023. Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, and RacingJunk.com. if you or your company would like to be a marketing partner with the CLS, please get in touch with Jon Robertson using the contact information at the top of this release. To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings and Best of the West Standings 1. Bobby Michnowicz, Lomita, CA, CLS … 253 2. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA, SWLS … 249 3. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA, CLS … 248 4. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA, SWLS … 227 5. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA, CLS … 188 6. Robby Brockman, El Cajon, CA, SWLS … 161 7. Kevin Bates, San Diego, CA, SWLS … 158 7. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, CLS … 158 9. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, CLS … 154 10. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA, CLS … 147 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 10 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #1 AJ Bender March 11 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #2 Braden Chiaramonte March 18 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC Western Midgets Rained Out April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #3 April 8 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 13 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 20 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #4 June 3 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series Round" #1 With USAC 360 Sprint Cars June 17 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars Wagsdash July 8 Ventura Raceway CLS July 22 Ventura Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #5 August 19 Ocean Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #2, Johnny Key Classic September 9 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #3 September 23 Ventura Raceway CLS October 7 Merced Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #4, Wayne Albright Memorial Non Wing October 14 Mohave Valley Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #6 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars October 28 Ventura Raceway CLS November 14 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC National Midgets November 16 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 17 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 18 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing 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 2022 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com
- BRADEN CHIARAMONTE GETS AN UNEXPECTED RIDE AND WINS BEST OF THE WEST SERIES RACE AT IMPERIAL
(Torrance, CA, March 18, 2023) Sixteen year old racer Braden Chiaramonte went to the Imperial Valley Raceway with plans to race his 360 sprint car in the Southern California Open Competition Non Wing Sprint Car race. After getting there, the rising star was offered a chance to drive one of Sexton Gatlin Racing's potent cars in the lightning sprint car portion of the show and he parlayed the opportunity into his first win of the 2023 season. 336181845_967476951296897_2351395383758508128_n.jpg Braden Chiaramonte after his lightning sprint win at Imperial Valley. The race, which was round #2 of the "Best of the West" series, was co-sanctioned by the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Cars and the California Lightning Sprints. Scheduled to be the final race of the night, some competitors were hoping the El Cajon, California-based driver would be worn out from wheeling his 360 sprinter to a second place finish in the B main and a ninth in the 30-lap open comp main before starting the lightning finale. Chiaramonte quickly noticed that he was anything but tired. With an appreciative crowd looking on, the lightning sprints pulled onto the track for the final open wheel race at the annual California Mid-Winter Fair. For the second night in a row, young CLS star Eric Greco of Palmdale was on the outside of the front row. On the inside of the first pair was Ryan Dumas of San Diego. Row two featured the defending POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car champion Brent Sexton of Lakeside and long time CLS star Jeff Dyer of Yucca Valley. Chiaramonte was on the inside of row three with his teammate and Friday night main event victor AJ Bender of San Diego on the outside. Fellow San Diegan Brent Horn was on the inside of row four alongside five times CLS champion Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills. Like the first night, Greco steered his number 8G into the lead at the beginning. Dumas and Dyer were second and third. Before the opening lap concluded, Dyer, a California Highway Patrol officer by trade, had taken over the runner up spot. Chiaramonte raised the eyebrows of fans with a sensational outside move going into turn three on the third circuit. Running sixth at the time, he blew around Michnowicz and Dyer. By the time he rocketed off turn four, he was up to fourth. One lap later, the talented teen changed lines and went to the inside of the racetrack to pass Bender for third. By lap five the leaders had gotten into lapped traffic. The back markers proved to be no problem for the leaders. Not long thereafter, Dumas stopped on the track causing the first of three yellow flags in the main. For the restart, Dyer, who had just taken the lead, was at the point with Greco second, Chiaramonte third, Bender fourth and Sexton fifth. Chiaramonte did not stay in second for long. He got by Greco and Dyer and assumed the lead. Dyer's night came to a premature end when mechanical gremlins hit on lap 13. A couple more yellows slowed the action before the final restart. Sexton and Michnowicz took Greco for second and third on the last green flag of the race. However, by that time, Chiaramonte was pulling away. Chiaramonte took the checkered flag for his first win of 2023 with room to spare in a finish that saw the top five all spread out. Sexton placed second with Michnowicz third. Greco and impressive newcomer Robby Brockman of El Cajon rounded out the top five. Pat Kelley of Chino was the race "Hard Charger." The second generation driver started 18th and passed six cars on his way to a 12th place finish. Chiaramonte was the fastest of the 19 cars to time trial with a lap of 11.819. Greco turned in the second best time of the night at 12.251 with Michnowicz third at 12.311. Brockman, on only his second night of racing a lightning, was fourth at 12.324. Bender won the opening heat race of the night when he held off a late race charge by Chiaramonte. San Diego's Brent Horn was third. In the second heat, Dyer took the win over Sexton and Dumas. Next on the CLS schedule will be on April 1st at Arizona's Mohave Valley Raceway. On that night, the club will once again team with the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Cars for round #3 of "The Best of the West Series." In addition, the USAC/CRA 410 Sprint Cars will also be in action. The following companies are marketing partners with the CLS in 2023. Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, and RacingJunk.com. if you or your company would like to be a marketing partner with the CLS, please get in touch with Jon Robertson using the contact information at the top of this release. To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints March 11, 2023 California Lightning Sprint Cars/POWRi Lightning Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series "Best of the West" Round 2 Results Qualifying: 1. Braden Chiaramonte, 11.819, 2. Eric Greco, 12.251, 3. Bobby Michnowicz, 12.311, 4. Robby Brockman, 12.324, 5. AJ Bender, 12.496, six. Brent Sexton, 12.537, 7. Conner Speir, 12.566, 8. Ryan Dumas, 12.568, 9. Brent Horn, 12.739, 10. Jeff Dyer, 12.901, 11. Cody Griggs, 12.913, 12. Seth Dyer, 13.213, 13. Deejay Dumas, 13.268, 14. Parker Dumas, 13.751, 15. Jon Robertson, 13.985, 16. Kevin Bates, 14.166, 17. Pat Kelley, 14.490, 18. Landon Dalton, 14.742, 19. Mike Kotlinski, 14.809, George Wolf, No Time Heat 1: 1. AJ Bender, 2. Braden Chiaramonte, 3. Brent Horn, 4. Bobby Michnowicz, 5. Cody Griggs, 6. Connor Speir, 7. Jon Robertson, 8.Dejay Dumas, 9. Mike Kotlinski, 10. Pet Kelley Heat 2: 1. Jeff Dyer, 2. Brent Sexton, 3. Ryan Dumas, 4. Eric Greco, 5. Robbie Brockman, 6. Seth Dyer, 7. Parker Dumas, 8. Kevin Bates, 9. George Wolfe Main Event Laps (with starting positions) 1. Braden Chiaramonte, El Cajon, CA … 5th 2. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA … 3rd 3. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA … 8th 4. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA … 2nd 5. Robbie Brockman, El Cajon, CA … 9th 6. Brent Horn, Alpine, CA … 7th 7. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA …6th 8. Connor Speier, Fillmore, CA … 12th 9. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA ,,, 11th 10. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … 14th 11. Dejay Dumas, El Cajon, CA … 16th 12. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA … 18th 13. Cody Griggs, Lakeside, CA … 10th 14. Kevin Bates, San Diego, CA … 15th 15. George Wolf, Santee, CA … 19th 16. Mike Kotlinski, Nuevo, CA … 17th 17. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … 4th 18. Ryan Dumas, San Diego, CA … 1st 19. Parker Dumas, San Diego, CA …13th 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings and Best of the West Standings 1. Bobby Michnowicz, Lomita, CA, CLS … 253 2. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA, SWLS … 249 3. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA, CLS … 248 4. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA, … 227 5. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA, CLS … 188 6. Robby Brockman, El Cajon, CA, SWLS … 161 7. Kevin Bates, San Diego, CA, SWLS … 158 7. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, CLS … 158 9. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA, CLS … 154 10. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA, CLS … 147 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 10 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #1 AJ Bender March 11 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #2 Braden Chiaramonte March 18 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC Western Midgets Rained Out April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #3 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars April 8 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 13 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 20 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #4 June 3 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series Round" #1 With USAC 360 Sprint Cars June 17 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars Wagsdash July 8 Ventura Raceway CLS July 22 Ventura Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #5 August 19 Ocean Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #2, Johnny Key Classic September 9 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #3 September 23 Ventura Raceway CLS October 7 Merced Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #4, Wayne Albright Memorial Non Wing October 14 Mohave Valley Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #6 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars October 28 Ventura Raceway CLS November 14 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC National Midgets November 16 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 17 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 18 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing 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 2022 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com
- SATURDAY'S CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR RACE AT THE BAKERSFIELD CANCELED DUE TO SATURATED CONDITIONS
(Torrance, CA, March 16, 2023) Due to saturated conditions from recent storms, this Saturday's California Lightning Sprint Car Series race at the Bakersfield Speedway has been canceled. The CLS race will not be rescheduled. "Keeping fans, teams, and the safety of everyone in mind, we are forced to cancel this Saturday night's event on March 18th," Bakersfield Speedway management said in a release on Wednesday afternoon. "For the second week in a row, the tremendous amount of rain we have received has created extremely saturated conditions on the track, in the entire pit area, and the walkways in the spectator areas. With a lot of race teams traveling long distances to the Speedway for this event, we felt it was appropriate to make this decision now." 335124469_599503151738495_7419254512788102107_n.jpg335397844_159770990264614_5005873997477355241_n.jpg The Bakersfield Speedway posted these pictures of the track on Facebook on Wednesday. "I've, looked at the schedule and we don't really have a place to add a makeup show," CLS President Jon Robertson said on Thursday morning. "We'll just have to write it off as a lost event." The cancelation means the next event on the CLS schedule will be on April 1st at Arizona's Mohave Valley Raceway. On that night, the CLS will once again team with the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Cars for round #3 of "The Best of the West Series." In addition, the USAC/CRA 410 Sprint Cars will also be in action. The following companies are marketing partners with the CLS in 2023. Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, and RacingJunk.com. if you or your company would like to be a marketing partner with the CLS, please get in touch with Jon Robertson using the contact information at the top of this release. To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings 1. Bobby Michnowicz, Lomita, CA … 253 2. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA … 249 3. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA … 248 4. AJ Bender, San Diego, CA … 227 5. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA … 188 6. Robby Brockman, El Cajon, CA … 161 7. Kevin Bates, San Diego, CA … 158 7. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … 158 9. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA … 154 10. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA … 147 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 10 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #1 AJ Bender March 11 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #2 Braden Chiaramonte March 18 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC Western Midgets Rained Out April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #3 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars April 8 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 13 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 20 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #4 June 3 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series Round" #1 With USAC 360 Sprint Cars June 17 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars Wagsdash July 8 Ventura Raceway CLS July 22 Ventura Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #5 August 19 Ocean Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #2, Johnny Key Classic September 9 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #3 September 23 Ventura Raceway CLS October 7 Merced Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #4, Wayne Albright Memorial Non Wing October 14 Mohave Valley Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #6 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars October 28 Ventura Raceway CLS November 14 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC National Midgets November 16 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 17 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 18 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing 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 2022 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com
- AJ BENDER WINS CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR SERIES 2023 OPENER
(Torrance, CA, March 13, 2023) Make no mistake about it, the hottest driver in the California Lightning Sprint Car Series coming into last weekend was AJ Bender. In the final three CLS races of 2022, the San Diego driver scored two wins and had one second-place finish. Last Friday night at the Imperial Valley Raceway, he extended his hot streak by winning the first round of the six-race "Best of the West Series" that is co-sanctioned by the CLS and the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Cars. When the 25-lap main event rolled onto the track, not many in the crowd would have given Bender a shot at winning the race. After all, he was starting on the outside of row six and had some very heavy hitters from each of the sanctioning clubs starting in front of him. Palmdale's Eric Greco was on the pole with San Diego's Kevin Bates alongside. Row two featured "Rockstar" Jon Robertson of Torrance and defending SWLS champion Brent Sexton of Lakeside. The third row was made up of Sexton's oldest son Dalton and Jeff Dyer of Yucca Valley. Dyer's 16-year-old son, Seth, and fast qualifier Dexter Dvergsten of Greenbush, Minnesota started in row four. Greco, who ended up second in CLS points in 2022, shot into the lead at the drop of the green flag with Bates and Robertson in hot pursuit. The first of three red flags halted the action on lap four when contact with another car saw Robertson rollover. The veteran driver walked away from the scene of the crash but his car needed some TLC and he was done for the night. Greco was at the point when the race restarted. Bates was still in second with Dyer, and Brent Sexton third, and fourth respectively. Bender had already moved up seven spots and was up to fifth. Dyer quickly elevated his position to second on the restart when he passed Bates. Simultaneously, Bender relegated his Sexton Gatlin Racing teammate Brent Sexton back to fifth. Bender then continued his rampage to the front when he dogged and passed Bates for third. Once again, the race festivities were brought to a stop by a red flag on lap seven. El Cajon's Robby Brackman, who was contesting his first lightning race, Seth Dyer, and San Diego's DJ Dumas got together in turn two. Brockman and Dyer flipped. Fortunately, all three were able to walk away but their cars were done for the night. At the same time as that tangle, Jeff Dyer, who was still in second, spun in turn four and had to go to the back for the restart. The next restart still had Greco at the point with Bender up to second, and Bates in third. Five-time CLS champion Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills was up to fourth after starting 15th. Brent Sexton was fifth. Bender, who is a rising star in the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, got a great restart and stole the lead from Greco going into turn one. At about the same time, Michnowicz continued with his impressive run when he took third from Bates. Like Michnowicz, San Diego's Ryan Dumas was coming through the pack. He started 16th and was up to fourth on lap 10. The top five positions remained the same until lap 14 when Ramona's Landon Dalton got upside down coming out of two forcing the starter to throw what turned out to be the final red flag of the race. Dalton was not injured and his car was not heavily damaged. He rejoined the field at the back of the pack. The race restarted for the final time with 12 laps to go. Bender was at the point. Greco was second with Michnowicz, Ryan Dumas, and Brent Sexton third, fourth, and fifth. While Bender got off to a good restart, Greco did not and was immediately passed by Michnowicz and Sexton. Michnowicz, who was second in CLS wins in 2022 with five, quickly caught Bender, who was third in wins with four. Bender and Michnowicz pulled away from the rest of the pack and it looked like it was going to be a showdown between the two stars until Bender began to inch away. He turned those inches to nearly a full straightaway lead at the finish. Michnowicz finished with a hard-earned second. Greco was third with Brent Sexton fourth and Ryan fifth. Michnowicz' advancement from 15th to second made him the CLS Hard Charger for the race. Prior to The main event, Brent Sexton and Jeff Dyer won the two heat races. Bates and Greco chased Sexton home in the first one with "Rockstar" Jon Robertson and Dalton Sexton finishing second and third to Dyer in heat race two. The following companies are marketing partners with the CLS in 2023. Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, and RacingJunk.com. if you or your company would like to be a marketing partner with the CLS, please get in touch with Jon Robertson using the contact information at the top of this release. To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints' March 10, 2023 POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints/California Lightning Sprint Car Results From The Imperial Valley Raceway Qualifying: 1. Dexter Dvergsten, 12.286; 2. Bobby Michnowicz, 12.442; 3. Eric Greco, 12.485; 4. Jeff Dyer, 12.769; 5. Aiden Lange, 12.870; 6. Seth Dyer, 12.834; 7. Landon Dalton, 13.191; 8. Brent Sexton, 13.195; 9. Jon Robertson, 13.256; 10. Kevin Bates, 13.375; 11. Cody Griggs, 13.417; 12. A.J. Bender, 13.675; 13. C.J. Marin, 13.675; 14. Connor Speir, 14,009; 15. Pat Kelley, 14.494; 16. Robby Brockman, 14.699; 17. Mike Kotlinski, 14.716, 18. George Wolf, 19.985; Dalton Sexton, No Time Heat #1: 1. Brent Sexton, 2. Kevin Bates, 3. Eric Greco, 4. Dexter Dvergsten, 5. Seth Dyer, 6. Connor Speir, 7. Robby Brockman, 8. AJ Bender, 9. George Wolf Heat #2: 1. Jeff Dyer, 2. Jon Robertson, 3. Dalton Sexton, 4. Landon Dalton, 5. C.J. Marin, 6. Pat Kelley, 7. Mike Kotlinski, 8. Cody Griggs, 9. Bobby Michnowicz Imperial Valley Raceway Main Event (with starting positions) 1. A.J. Bender, San Diego, CA - 12th 2. Bobby Michnowicz, Oak Hills, CA - 15th 3. Eric Greco, Palmdale, CA - 1st 4. Brent Sexton, Lakeside, CA - 4th 5. Ryan Dumas, San Diego - 16th 6. Dexter Dvergsten, Greebush, MN - 8th 7. Connor Speir, Fillmore, CA - 11th 8. Kevin Bates, San Diego, CA - 2nd 9. Landon Dalton, Ramona, CA - 14th 10. Jeff Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA - 6th 11. Pat Kelley, Chino, CA - 9th 12. Seth Dyer, Yucca Valley, CA - 7th 13. Robby Brockman, El Cajon, CA - 17th 14. Dalton Sexton, Lakeside, CA - 5th 15. Deejay Dumas, El Cajon, CA - 18th 16. Jon Robertson, Torrance, CA - 3rd 17. C.J. Marin, Imperial Beach, CA - 10th 18. Parker Dumas, San Diego, CA - 19th 19. Cody Griggs, Lakeside, CA - 13th DNS Mike Kotlinski, Nuevo, CA DNS George Wolf - Santee, CA 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 10 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #1 AJ Bender March 11 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #2 Braden Chiaramonte March 18 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC Western Midgets April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #3 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars April 8 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 13 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 20 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #4 June 3 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series Round" #1 With USAC 360 Sprint Cars June 17 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars Wagsdash July 8 Ventura Raceway CLS July 22 Ventura Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #5 August 19 Ocean Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #2, Johnny Key Classic September 9 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #3 September 23 Ventura Raceway CLS October 7 Merced Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #4, Wayne Albright Memorial Non Wing October 14 Mohave Valley Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #6 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars October 28 Ventura Raceway CLS November 14 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC National Midgets November 16 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 17 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 18 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing 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 2022 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com
- CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CARS SERIES KICKS OFF ITS 29th SEASON THIS WEEKEND AT IMPERIAL
(Torrance, CA, March 8, 2023) The California Lightning Sprint Car Series returns to action to begin its 29th season this Friday and Saturday, March 10th, and 11th, during the California Mid-Winter Fair at the Imperial Valley Raceway. The two races will be the first of a 21-race campaign that will take the club to seven different venues in 2023. The weekend's races will be co-sanctioned with the POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series and will be the first two rounds of the six-race "CLS/SWLS Best of the West Series." The doubleheader at Imperial is expected to draw a large field of lightning sprint cars. Heading the list of entries is five-time CLS champion Bobby Michnowicz of Oak Hills and defending SWLS champion Brent Sexton of Lakeside. Among the top stars expected to join the over 50-year-old pair of multi-time champions this weekend are Palmdale's Eric Greco, 2022 CLS Rookie of the Year Connor Speir of Fillmore, Yucca Valley's Jeff Dyer, Lakeside's Dalton Sexton, SWLS Rookie of the Year Cody Griggs of Lakeside, Gardena's Dominic Del Monte, USAC/CRA Sprint Car Star A.J. Bender of San Diego, "Rockstar" Jon Robertson of Torrance, and C.J. Marin of Imperial Beach The fight for the CLS championship will be wide open in 2023. Santa Barbara teenager David Gasper, who was Rookie of the Year in 2021 and who won both the CLS and "Civil War Series" titles in 2021 and 2022, is stepping aside to concentrate on racing in the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series. Among the drivers who finished in the top 10 who will be vying for the 2023 title will be Michnowicz, Speir, Greco, Robertson, Gardena's Dominic Del Monte, and Pat Kelley of Chino. Many consider Michnowicz to be the favorite for the 2023 title. A veteran who has raced for over 50 years, he got off to a slow start in 2022 due to mechanical gremlins at the start of the year. He caught fire in late August and won four of six series races through the middle of November. Those triumphs propelled the popular 59-year-old to the fourth spot in the final championship standings. In 22 CLS races in 2022, seven different drivers won main events. Gasper led the way with seven victories. Michnowicz triumphed five times. San Diego's A.J. Bender, who will be driving for Sexton Gatlin Racing at Imperial, was the first to the checkered flag on four occasions. The father and son combo of Brent and Grant Sexton had two wins each. Greco and Speir recorded one victory apiece. For this weekend's races, the following companies have donated bonuses totaling $675.00 ($1,350.00 total) to the purse each night. T Shirts By Timeless, Min-Kota Lightning Sprints, Little Mrs. Coors Light, Dyer Motorsports, Savage Racing Design, Olson Underground Inc., Premier Roofing Inc., SRK Racing, Sexton Fire Protection, CLS Officials The Cosseys, AG Sand Cars/Triple XXX Race Cars, Cakes By Kim/Betty Crocker Pit Stop, and DroneDude on Instagram. The lightning sprints will not be the only open-wheel cars in action on Friday and Saturday. The Southern California Open Class Non-Wing Sprint Cars will also be competing on the same card. Racing will begin at 6:00 p.m. each night. Fair spectator gates will open at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and noon on Saturday. Kids 18 and under get into the races for free with their ticket to the fair. Admission to those 19 and over will require an extra ticket. The fairgrounds is located at 200 East 2nd Street in Imperial, California. The drivers and cars of the CLS will have little time to rest on their laurels before returning to action at the Bakersfield Speedway for round #3 of the 2023 campaign on March 18th. The following companies are marketing partners with the CLS in 2023. Hoosier Tires West, T-Shirts By Timeless, Extreme Mufflers, and RacingJunk.com. if you or your company would like to be a marketing partner with the CLS, please get in touch with Jon Robertson using the contact information at the top of this release. To keep up with the CLS online, please visit the website at http://racecls.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/californialightningsprints 2023 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule March 10 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #1 March 11 Imperial Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #2 March 18 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC Western Midgets April 1 Mohave Valley Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #3 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars April 8 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 13 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars May 20 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #4 June 3 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series Round" #1 With USAC 360 Sprint Cars June 17 Ventura Raceway CLS With USAC 360 Sprint Cars Wagsdash July 8 Ventura Raceway CLS July 22 Ventura Raceway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #5 August 19 Ocean Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #2, Johnny Key Classic September 9 Bakersfield Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #3 September 23 Ventura Raceway CLS October 7 Merced Speedway CLS/BCRA "Civil War Series" Round #4, Wayne Albright Memorial Non Wing October 14 Mohave Valley Speedway CLS/SWLS "Best of the West" Round #6 With USAC/CRA Sprint Cars October 28 Ventura Raceway CLS November 14 Bakersfield Speedway CLS With USAC National Midgets November 16 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 17 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing November 18 Placerville Speedway "Hangtown 100" No Points Non Wing 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 2022 David Gasper This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768 mailto:sdaloisiosports@gmail.com
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Merced Speedway Dirt Track Videos
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Merced Speedway Nearby Dirt Tracks
- Stockton Dirt Track Race Track61 miles away - Stockton, California, USA
- Delta Speedway Race Track62 miles away - Stockton, California, USA
- Lodi Cycle Bowl Race Track68 miles away - Lodi, California, USA
- Ocean Speedway Race Track72 miles away - Watsonville, California, USA
- Lemoore Raceway Race Track79 miles away - Lemoore, California, USA
- Keller Auto Speedway Race Track81 miles away - Hanford, California, USA
- Antioch Speedway Race Track88 miles away - Antioch, California, USA
- Keller Auto Raceway Race Track90 miles away - Visalia, California, USA
- Thunderbowl Raceway Race Track98 miles away - Tulare, California, USA
- Tulare Kings Kart Club Race Track98 miles away - Hanford, California, USA
- Dixon Speedway Race Track100 miles away - Dixon, California, USA
- Placerville Speedway Race Track100 miles away - Placerville, California, USA
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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Merced Speedway Dirt Track Racing Organizations
- CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing Organization
- SCCT - Sprint Car Challenge Tour Dirt Track Racing Organization
- USAC - United States Auto Club Dirt Track Racing Organization
- WoO - World of Outlaws Dirt Track Racing Organization
- WSDCA - Western States Dwarf Car Association Dirt Track Racing Organization