Madera Speedway will be back in action this Saturday, May 30th with Hoosier Tire Night featuring a six division NASCAR Whelen All American Racing Series program that will include the 360 Super Modifieds, Western Late Models, Grand American Modifieds, American Limited Stock Cars, Hornets and Toyota Sedans.
The powerful 360 Modifieds, which normally run in a combined feature with the 410 Modifieds, will take center stage this Saturday as these open-wheel rockets compete on their own for the only time this season in a 40-lap main event.
Defending division champion David Tuey, of Bakersfield, leads the 2009 standings for the 360 Modifieds after finishing first in class in the combined 360/410 features on April 4 and May 11. However, Tuey has plenty of competition as Lance Tatro, the 2007 Madera 360 Modified champion and Kenny Kinchen, both of Madera, are just 9 and 11 points behind him, respectively.
The Western Late Models are scheduled for a 50-lap feature this Saturday. Third generation driver Ross Strmiska, of Stockton, picked up his second victory of the season last weekend to take over second place in the season standings. Strmiska now trails second generation driver Kyle Gottula, of Modesto, by 173 to 124 point margin while Roseville’s Eric Schmidt, Manteca rookie Jacob Gomes and Trevor Schlundt, of nearby Clovis, round out the top five.
The always crowd pleasing Grand American Modifieds return to the “Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West” for just their third appearance this season with a 30-lap feature. Mendota’s Chris Smith’s victory on May 2nd vaulted him over former two-time Madera champion Scott Winters, of Tracy, by a narrow 55 to 48 point margin.
The American Limited Stock Car wars continue to be hotter than a two dollar pistol. Last Saturday Modesto’s Dennis Saunders Jr. entered the night with just a three point lead over rival Jason Aguirre of Atwater, in the season standings. Although Aguirre held off Saunders to finish in second behind Coulterville’s Matt Erickson in the main Saunders win in the trophy dash negated the advantage and as a result Saunders continues to hold a three point (116-113) advantage heading into this week’s competition.
No division has produced more tight finishes than the Toyota Sedans this season. Sanger’s Chris Lewis continues to set the pace in the division, but a host of drivers including Cody Stout of Clovis, Jason Kerns of Fresno and defending champion Stan Hankins, also of Fresno, are all breathing down his neck in the season points.
When two time defending Hornet champion Miles Humphreys, of Clovis, decided that he would only run a part time schedule this year it left the door to this season wide open and Modesto’s Mike Hull has marched through it by taking two first place finishes and second in the first three races of the season. The rest of the division will be looking to slow him down this Saturday.
So come out to the “Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West” for Hoosier Tire Night this Saturday, May 30th for a healthy dose of Short Track Thunder.
Ticket prices for this Saturday’s program are only $15.00 for adults, $12.00 for seniors 65 years of age or older, $10.00 for students, active duty military and juniors age 13-17, $5.00 for kids age 6-12 while kids age 5 and under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. A family pack ticket (two adults and up to two kids 12 years old and under) is also available for the bargain price of $35.00. VISA and MasterCard are welcome at window #3.
This week only if you would like to get a hat or a shirt when you visit the Madera Speedway you can receive $5.00 off your purchase if you mention you are a fan club member of the track. For more information on the fan club visit the Madera Speedway website.
On Saturday, May 30th, the Madera Speedway pit gates will open at 2:00 PM, the grandstands open at 4:00 PM, heats and dashes begin at 5:45 PM and the evening’s opening ceremonies will kick off main event racing at approximately 6:30 PM.
Also, if you like winged injected sprint cars flying around the dirt track sideways then Chowchilla Speedway is your ticket. This week Chowchilla Speedway will host round one of the Wright One Sprint car series featuring the top winged sprint car drivers in Northern California. Main event number two features the ground pounding Western Modifieds with their three wide brand of racing. The under card includes the Valley Sportsman verses the Hard Tops and the 4-Bangers.
The Madera Speedway is conveniently located at the Madera County Fairgrounds just off to the west side of Highway 99 at the Cleveland Avenue exit. For more Madera Speedway information visit the track’s website at www.racemadera.com or call the Info/Race Line phone number at (559) 673-RACE.
