Who: NMRA Three-Quarter Midgets
What: Race #9 of the 2008 NMRA Season
When: Saturday August 30, 2008
Spectator gates open @ 5 PM
Racing @ 6 PM
Where: 5001 N Chester Ext
Bakersfield, CA 93308
SR 99 (North of Bakersfield) to 7th Standard Rd. 3.6 miles east to the light at N. Chester Ave. Left (north) 0.4 miles then right on N. Chester Ext for 0.4 miles. Speedway on left.
For ticket prices and race night info call: 661-393-3373
Why: NMRA begins the 2008 stretch run this Saturday night at the Bakersfield Speedway for it’s final appearance. This has been the year for two former NMRA champions: 2007 champion, Kenny Wiley, and two-time champion, Chuck West. West is well on his way to a third championship, this year, after 3 wins and he has finished in the top every time out this season. Wiley has been one of the few drivers to mount a consistent challenge to West this year. Wiley has picked up three wins of his own and 6 Top 5’s. Were it not for one missed race with a back injury, Wiley would no doubt be right in the middle of the title chase. Even with the missed race, Wiley sits third in the standings, 97 points back of West.
NMRA’s third appearance at Bakersfield, last month, was another Wiley and West show. West had to ride the nerfbar of Wiley for the last five laps as he was not able to make the pass for the win. It was Wiley’s 2nd win of the season
Santa Maria Speedway was the site of one of NMRA’s most exciting races of the season. While Wiley ran off from the pole, West and his teammate West Evans staged a fierce battle for second for 20 plus laps. Evans was able to hold off West for his best finish in recent memory. The race for fourth raged on race-long also as Ron Ahrendt used a veteran’s experience to hold off Jimmy Dodson and Bruce Hiroshima for most of the race. Dodson and Hiroshima eventually getting by in the late stages.
West extended his points lead over Scott Dobson to 74 with just three races remaining. Jimmy Dodson continues to shine in his rookie season as his fourth place finish at Santa Maria pulled him within 9 points of current rookie leader Anthony Lopiccolo.
Joining NMRA, this Saturday night, will be the Western All-Stars DIRTcar Late Model Series and the local IMCA Modified division. Tickets at $15 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12. Gates open at 5 PM with racing at 6.
