Ocean Speedway Race Track in Watsonville, California, USA
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Ocean Speedway races 360 Sprint Cars, Dwarf Cars, Midgets, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, and Four Bangers.
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Ocean Speedway Dirt Track Location
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2601 E Lake Ave
Watsonville, California, 95076 USA - lat: 36.951992, lng: -121.734223
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- Surface: 1/4 mile clay oval
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Ocean Speedway Dirt Track Contacts
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Ocean Speedway Dirt Track Racing Schedule
Schedules are known to change without warning, double check with race track before heading out.
Fri, Jun 2
- 2023-06-022023-06-02EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgModfied Madness # 3 - IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit, South Bay Dwarf CarsDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Jun 9
- 2023-06-092023-06-09EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, WMR - Ocean SpeedwayDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Jun 16
- 2023-06-162023-06-16EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit, South Bay Dwarf CarsDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Jun 23
- 2023-06-232023-06-23EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four BangersDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Jul 7
- 2023-07-072023-07-07EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit, South Bay Dwarf CarsDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Jul 14
- 2023-07-142023-07-14EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg13th Annual Howard Kaeding Classic - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, WMR - Ocean SpeedwayDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Sat, Jul 15
- 2023-07-152023-07-15EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg13th Annual Howard Kaeding Classic - NARC King of the West Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Hobby Stocks, WMR - Ocean SpeedwayDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
- NARC - Northern Auto Racing Clubhttps://dirtFan.com/dirt-track-racing-organization/NARC/Northern Auto Racing Club/NARC - Northern Auto Racing Club Dirt Track Racing Organization - 2023-07-152023-07-15EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$6900 to win 13th Annual Howard Kaeding ClassicDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Jul 21
- 2023-07-212023-07-21EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit, South Bay Dwarf CarsDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Jul 28
- 2023-07-282023-07-28EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Four Bangers, Police n Pursuit, WMR - Ocean SpeedwayDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Aug 4
- 2023-08-042023-08-04EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby StocksDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Aug 11
- 2023-08-112023-08-11EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Race - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, WMR - Ocean SpeedwayDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Aug 18
- 2023-08-182023-08-18EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgTaco Bravo Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, Hobby Stocks, Four Bangers, South Bay Dwarf CarsDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Sat, Aug 19
- 2023-08-192023-08-19EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgJohnny Key Classic - Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Hobby StocksDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
- CLS - California Lightning Sprintshttps://dirtFan.com/dirt-track-racing-organization/CLS/California Lightning Sprints/CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing Organization - 2023-08-192023-08-19EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgRacesDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
- SCCT - Sprint Car Challenge Tourhttps://dirtFan.com/dirt-track-racing-organization/SCCT/Sprint Car Challenge Tour/SCCT - Sprint Car Challenge Tour Dirt Track Racing Organization - 2023-08-192023-08-19EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg63rd Johnny Key ClassicDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Aug 25
- 2023-08-252023-08-25EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpgChampionship Night - Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, Four BangersDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Fri, Sep 29
- 2023-09-292023-09-29EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg13th Annual Pettit Shootout - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby StocksDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
Sat, Sep 30
- 2023-09-302023-09-30EventScheduledhttps://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg13th Annual Pettit Shootout - IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby StocksDirt Track RacingDirt Track RacingDirt Track Racershttps://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceModeOcean Speedway831-688-7223https://dirtFan.com/dirt-track/USA/California/Watsonville/Ocean Speedway/https://dirtFan.com/dirtfan/assets/graphics/track_logos/163.jpg$2601 E Lake Ave Watsonville, California, 95076 USA
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Ocean Speedway Dirt Track News
- Justin Sanders Scores at Ocean Speedway
Justin Sanders scored his third win of the season on Friday night at Ocean Speedway, and backed it up with a third place finish during Saturday's KWS/NARC Event at Petaluma Speedway.
- Aromas’ Justin Sanders returns to victory lane | Ocean Speedway
Multi-time Ocean Sprints champion Justin Sanders of Aromas returned to his home victory lane, scoring a convincing victory in Friday’s fourth round. It marked Sanders’ first win at Ocean Speedway ...
- Dominic Gordon snags first career Sprint Car victory at Ocean Speedway Friday night
They always say first wins are the sweetest and for young Dominic Gordon on Friday night at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, that was certainly the case.
- 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
- 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
- NARC SPRINT CARS INVADE THE STOCKTON DIRT TRACK FOR 2023 SEASON OPENER
(3/27/23 - Ben Deatherage) Stockton, California ... After a delay of a couple of weeks, Sprint Car fans will get a chance to converge towards the Stockton Dirt Track for the first race of the 2023 NARC 410 Sprint Series presented by Napa Auto Parts. The 3/8-mile San Joaquin County Fairground speed factory will have the series be a part of their coveted Asparagus Cup weekend for the second straight year and third consecutive season the tour has opened at the facility. Roseville's Colby Copeland won the 2022 Asparagus Cup. "I'm very excited for the return of the NARC 410 Sprint Series here for the Asparagus Cup," commented Tony Noceti, promoter of the Stockton Dirt Track. "It should be a great show, and the weather should be just fine." The NARC 410 Sprint Series began visiting the Stockton Dirt Track in 2013. Thirteen drivers have tamed the field in the previous twenty-three visits, with Fresno's Dominic Scelzi having the most success with three wins. Eight drivers have amassed two victories, while only four are one-time winners. "We are extremely grateful that mother nature has finally given us the opportunity to go Sprint Car racing," said NARC 410 Sprint Series General Manager Jim Allen, making reference to the originally scheduled March 18th show in Chico that was rained out. "Teams are anxious to go racing again and the Stockton Dirt Track is an extremely fast venue ready to make that happen." Also joining the program will be the Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Joe Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprint Series, and the Legends of the Kearney Bowl. Who to Watch Two-time defending NARC 410 Sprint Series champion Dominic Scelzi will hope to win the Asparagus Cup for the first time in his illustrious career. The Fresno phenom was second in the event last year. However, he won in the series debut at the track on August 3rd, 2013, and a triumph on June 13th, 2015, while his most recent trip to victory lane was on August 28th, 2021. Corey Day will be one to watch when the NARC 410 Series rolls into town. The Clovis teenager won the November date in 2021 at SDT and was among his six wins with the tour in the last few seasons. Day has two career series top ten performances in three starts at the "Asparagus Capital of America". Aromas' Justin Sanders already has victories to his credit this offseason. Justin managed to best the fields at Brisbane, Queensland's Archerfield Speedway, and Eastern Creek Speedway in New South Wales over in Australia. He has also won to 360 sprint car races already this year. Two of his thirteen total tour triumphs have come at Stockton, achieved in 2020 and last November. His eight starts at the track had resulted in four top ten finishes, including last year when he was sixth at the Asparagus Cup on April 2nd and won the Tribute To Gary Patterson, which marked his third top five. In addition, Sanders achieved touring victories with NARC at the Stockton Dirt Track and Watsonville's Ocean Speedway last season. Shane Golobic is another driver returning to "California's Sunrise Seaport". The Fremont flyer has two wins, eight top fives, and fourteen top tens in sixteen starts at the facility. Last year Golobic never finished outside the top five when the checkered flag dropped and included a runner-up result on July 23rd. In 2022, Shane claimed his fourteenth career NARC 410 Sprint Series win when he beat the competition at The Dirt Track at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield last October. Third-place in series points last year, Bud Kaeding has won twice at Stockton. Representing Campbell, Kaeding has started twenty-one events at the 3/8-mile oval and has been among the top ten on sixteen occasions, including wins in 2016 and 2019. Also, since 2001, the 2017 series champion has taken the green flag in 255 NARC 410 Sprint Series events, posted 202 top tens and 121 top fives, and amassed twenty wins. He was third in the main event last year on the July 23rd visit. Also in attendance will be last season's rookie of the year Max Mittry of Redding, Oakley teenager Dylan Bloomfield, Billy Aton of Benicia, Sebastopol's Joel Myers Jr., and many more! Fan & Competitor Info The Stockton Dirt Track, is located at the San Joaquin Fairgrounds at 1658 S Airport Way in Stockton, California. For ticket information, log on to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asparagus-cup-narc-410-scct-360-sprint-cars-and-more-tickets-570895683357 for online purchases. Tickets are priced at $30.00 for Adults and $25.00 for Children (5-12) and Seniors (65+). Also, be sure to visit the track website www.stocktondirttrack.com. Front Gates open at 1:00 pm, with Time Trials at 4:30 pm. Opening Ceremonies are planned to kick off around 5:00, followed by Racing at 5:30. The NARC 410 Sprint Series, presented by Napa Auto Parts is the leading 410 Sprint Car tour west of the Rocky Mountains. Since 1960, they have enthralled countless thousands of fans from tracks up and down the Pacific Coast. For more information, visit their website at www.narc410.com or social media pages. The Asparagus Cup can be viewed live on Floracing.com, along with every NARC 410 Sprint Car Series race. The NARC 410 Sprint Car Racing Series is also sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires, Floracing.com, and NAPA Auto Parts. Associate and product award sponsors include Automotive Racing Products (ARP), Beacon Wealth Strategies-Raymond James Financial, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Bullet Impressions, Diversified Machine Inc., Johnstone Supply, Kaeding Performance Center, Kimo's Tropical Car Wash, KSE Racing Enterprises, LifelineUSA LLC, Starr Property Management, Sunnyvalley Bacon, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Lite Brakes, Williams Roofing, Wilwood Disc Brakes, and Winters Performance Products. SOCIAL MEDIA INFORMATION Website: www.NARC410.com Facebook: NARCKingoftheWest Facebook (History page): NARCSprintCarHistory Twitter: NARC410 Instagram: NARC410 YouTube: NARC410 TikTok: NARC410 Live Stream PPV: Floracing.com UPCOMING EVENTS: April 8 - Kings Speedway (Hanford) - $10,000 to win Anthony Simone Classic + non-wing feature April 14-15 - Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway - $18,300 to win Dennis Roth Classic April 29 - Antioch Speedway - The Contra Costa County Clash Former NARC 410 Sprint Series Winners at Stockton Dirt Track Dominic Scelzi-3 Bud Kaeding-2 Cory Eliason D.J. Netto Jonathan Allard Justin Sanders Rico Abreu Shane Golobic Tim Kaeding Colby Copeland-1 Corey Day Sean Watts Tyler Walker NARC 410 Sprint Series Wins By Date At The Stockton Dirt Track 2013- Dominic Scelzi on August 3rd, Rico Abreu on November 2nd 2014- Jonathan Allard on August 2nd, Shane Golobic on November 2nd 2015- Dominic Scelzi on June 13th, Tyler Walker on August 1st, Jonathan Allard on November 7th 2016- Bud Kaeding on June 18th, Cory Eliason on July 10th, Tim Kaeding on November 5th 2017- Cory Eliason on November 11th 2018- Rico Abreu on November 3rd 2019- Sean Watts on June 22nd, Bud Kaeding on August 23rd, Tim Kaeding on August 24th, Shane Golobic on November 2nd 2020- Justin Sanders on November 7th 2021- D.J. Netto on March 20th, Dominic Scelzi on August 28th, Corey Day on November 6th 2022- Colby Copeland on April 2nd, D.J. Netto on July 23rd, Justin Sanders on November 5th ...
- 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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Ocean Speedway Dirt Track Videos
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Ocean Speedway Nearby Dirt Tracks
- Merced Speedway Race Track72 miles away - Merced, California, USA
- Antioch Speedway Race Track73 miles away - Antioch, California, USA
- Delta Speedway Race Track73 miles away - Stockton, California, USA
- Stockton Dirt Track Race Track73 miles away - Stockton, California, USA
- Lodi Cycle Bowl Race Track81 miles away - Lodi, California, USA
- Dixon Speedway Race Track92 miles away - Dixon, 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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Ocean Speedway Dirt Track Racing Organizations
- CLS - California Lightning Sprints Dirt Track Racing Organization
- IMCA - International Motor Contest Association Dirt Track Racing Organization
- NARC - Northern Auto Racing Club 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