SAN BERNARDINO -- Matt Goodwin may try to make the winter last a whole year.
Goodwin, of Wildomar, had put together top five finishes in the Stock Pony point standings in his two seasons at Orange Show Speedway, but still was looking for his first win on the quarter-mile paved oval when the 2006 season ended.
Sunday afternoon, he got his second win in as many races in the speedway's Winter Series by besting a field that included the past three track champions and a couple of Irwindale Speedway regulars. Michelle Rouse, of San Bernardino, and Spencer Samaro, of San Bernardino, also got wins, in the Stock Cars USA and Factory 4's classes, respectively.
Goodwin, who started his Goodwin Racing Engines Ford Pinto fourth in the 14-car field, emerged with the lead on lap 17 of 25 after a three-way battle with 2004 champion Linny White, of Colton, and 2005 title-holder Jim Edmiston, of Highland, then held off fast qualifier Bill Hoagland, of Alpine, in a drag race to the checkered flag. Reigning champion Jim Mardis had overtaken Edmiston for the lead three laps into the event, but went to the pits after five laps with an oil leak. That left Edmiston, Goodwin and White, in a car usually driven by series regular Adrianne Murlin, to battle for the lead. White went to the pits with four laps to go, just as Hoagland was roaring into contention.
Hoagland took second from Edmiston on lap 22 and was on Goodwin's rear bumper for the final two laps, but couldn't find enough power to win their drag race off Turn 4 on the final lap.
The final round of the Winter Series is schedule for Jan. 28 on the track at the National Orange Show Events Center.
For further information, contact Jim Short at 951-203-2649 or jimshort65@sbcglobal.net, call 909-888-6788, X438, or visit the web site at www.nosevents.com/speedway.htm.
ORANGE SHOW SPEEDWAY
WINTER SERIES ROUND 3
Sunday's Results
STOCK PONY
Main event (25 laps) -- 1. Matt Goodwin, Wildomar; 2. Bill Hoagland, Alpine; 3. Jim Edmiston, Highland; 4. Richie Altman, Riverside; 5. Dave Fox, Riverside.
Heat race winners -- Marty Timm; Goodwin. Trophy dash winner -- Hoagland. Fast qualifier -- Hoagland.
STOCK CARS USA
Main event (25 laps) -- Michelle Rouse, San Bernardino, Chevrolet Monte Carlo; 2. Harry Michaelian, El Camino Village, Dodge; 3. Jeff Elder, Redlands, Chevrolet Chevelle; 4. Dave Foster, Riverside, Chevrolet Monte Carlo; 5. Dave Plante, Riverside, Ford Thunderbird.
Heat race winner -- Justin Good, Riverside, Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Trophy dash winner -- Foster. Fast qualifier -- Good..
FACTORY 4'S
(Sport Compacts and Sport Trucks)
Main event (25 laps) -- 1. Spencer Samaro, San Bernardino, Toyota truck; 2. Mike Hudson, Garden Grove, Honda; 3. Martin Huizenga, Hemet, Isuzu truck; 4. Jered King, Victorville, BMW 318i; 5. Jim Holland, Fontana, BMW 318i.
Heat race winners -- Kim Marzullo, San Bernardino, Dodge truck; Samaro. Trophy dash winner -- King. Fast qualifier -- Samaro.
