ANDERSON, California -- The action should be hot and heavy at Shasta Raceway Park this Saturday as the Northstate Challenge Series for Super Late Models invade the fast 3/8's mile paved oval located at the fairgrounds in Anderson. The Hemsted's Van & Storage/Schmitt Equipment Sales 100 will feature all the top drivers in the Northstate, also on the program will be the NASCAR Coors Light Late Models, NASCAR Auto City Modifieds and the popular Hornets. This will be the first of two Northstate races at SRP in 2007, the second race will be August 18th, the August date will take the place of the rainout event from April 14th.
Drivers entered that are expected to challenge for the win include former SRP Track Champion and former NASCAR Southwest Tour Champion and winner of the May Hotwood SRL race at Shasta, Cottonwood driver Craig Raudman. Raudman looks to the favorite after his dominating performance here last month.
Former Cottonwood resident now living in Medford, Oregon, Randy Houston should give Raudman a run for his money, Houston with a win at the NSCS opener at Redwood Acres in Eureka in April also won this event last year.
Other local drivers entered include Kristi Schmitt, Randy Stutesman and Kent Black all from Anderson and Sean Hayes from Redding.
The list of out of town drivers looking to take the win include Cresent City's Howard Ford who won the last NSCS race at Altamont two weeks ago, Gary Glenn from Orangevale who has two Westcar wins this year including one at SRP on May 19th. Other top California contenders include 2005 and 2006 NSCS Champion Mike Doss from Upper Lake, Mic Moulton from Eureka, Luke Hall from Fortuna, Jr. Roddy from Gualala and Jeremy Hopkins from Lakeport.
Oregon drivers looking for the win include Coquille's David Miller, Kyle Pope from Winchester, and Brad Wasmund from Ashland.
On the local scene Steven "The Flash" Gannon has been on a tear as of late winner the late four main events, including both 30 lap feature last Saturday Night, Gannon holds a commanding 28 point point lead for Jerry Nichols and Bill Lancaster who are tied for second with 104 points. Klamath Fall's driver Randy Hirschbock holds down fourth spot with 78 points and has one feature win so far this year. 2004 and 2005 Late Model Champion Alan Pyszora rounds out the top five with 76 points. Weaverville's Garth Pedrotti moved up to sixth place with his fine third place showing last weekend. Two drivers who have a rough start to the 2007 include seventh and eighth place drivers Eric Gannon and Bobby Hirschbock.
In the Auto City Modified division Guy Young the 2005 and 2006 Champion is looking to make it three in a row as he currently sits in first pace with 277 points and one main event win. 2006 Rookie of the year winner Kevin Brink is a close second at 266 points, Brink who is the current track record holder, has been close all year and should break into the winners circle soon. The ageless veteran "The Racing Auctioneer" Jack Epperson holds down third place with 251 points and one main event win, Cottonwood's Ralph Borden who has two main event wins in 2007 including last Saturday Night is in fourth with 248 points. Kelly Peacock round the top five out with 223 points.
The front Gate opens on Saturday at 5:00 PM, Time Trials at 6:00 Pm and the Racing action to start at 7:00 PM. The admission prices Adults $14.00, Jrs13-18/Mil/Sen62+ $10.00, Youths (6-12) $5.00 and Family 2 Adults and up to 4 youths under 18 $34.00
For more information call the Raceway Office at 530 378 6789
