CHOWCHILLA, California -- David Goodwill of Napa piloted his J.A.G. Construction, Lito Auto Body Special to a solid victory in the 20 lap feature at Chowchilla Speedway on Saturday, March 26. Goodwill took the early lead from a second row start and was chased to the checkers by Merced’s Steven Williams, Ramos Oil’s Gary Koster of Woodland, Modesto’s Ed Amador, and Contra Costa Auto Parts’ Keith Shipherd of Pleasant Hill.
This was the first of six CSRA Wingless Sprint club visits to Chowchilla Speedway, and the general feeling expressed by many participating teams was one of gratitude that they were able to race at all. Recent rain storms forced most Northern California tracks to cancel races, and Chowchilla was one of just a few that was racing. Kudos to track promoters Tom and Cindy Sagmiller and the track crews that diligently worked to get the track ready. Puddle hopping was the only way to navigate the pits on this Easter eve, but the pits were filled with the upbeat anticipation and excitement associated with any first season race.
The Wingless Sprints had two flag to flag heat races, and young Steven Williams took the first win in his WW Generators sprinter after making a bold pass on veteran driver Gary Koster in turn three, followed by sophomore driver Rob Hammond of Morgan Hill, David Goodwill, Burt Siverling, and rookie driver Pat Higginbotham of Orland. CSRA’s Keith Shipherd won heat two with a half lap lead over Ed Amador, Elk Grove’s Scott Pierson, and George Terry. Sacramento’s Sam Fries scratched from his heat as he was fighting some first race mechanical gremlins. Gary Koster nailed down his second ever trophy dash win in a Wingless Sprint, and was followed closely to the checkers by Shipherd, Amador, and Williams. Steven Williams also did double duty as he piloted his injected Sprint for the evening, competing with the new SCRA Wingless 360 group.
The 20 lap feature ran accident free and fast on the well prepared tacky track. Pole starter Scott Pierson led the first two circuits until he took turn one high and went off the track for the first yellow. Goodwill took the point and checked out with a healthy lead over Hammond and Siverling. Mid pack showed lots of dicing for position between Koster, Shipherd, and Amador, and at lap 18 Williams made the move on Hammond for second, while Goodwill began to lap traffic. On the white flag lap Hammond spun in turn four as yellow and checkered flags flew for Goodwill, Williams, Koster, Amador, and Shipherd in the top five.
The CSRA teams donated candy and toys to fill Easter baskets for children in the stands, who were also treated to an Easter bunny visit. Many teams hung around after the races to visit with friends and fans they hadn't seen over the winter, and it was wonderful to see the cars all loaded on trailers undamaged. Special thanks to driver Jimmy Lavell who was still finishing up engine work on his car, as he loaded up his quad to come out and help push his fellow drivers. Chowchilla's Rev. Ron got us all off to a great safe season start with a prayer at the drivers meeting. There is nothing that compares to experiencing the smell of methanol fumes and the roar of engines as the 2005 CSRA season begins! The next race for the CSRA Wingless Sprints will be at Sacramento Raceway Park on Friday, April 29. Drive safe, have fun, and take care.
