SAN BERNARDINO, California — Jim Conklin will be in the starting lineup for Saturday night’s (July 25) ASA Late Model main event at Orange Show Speedway. That’s a given, because he hasn’t missed a race since moving into the class and winning the first of his two championships in 2006.
He said his Chevrolet-powered Pontiac Grand Prix might be faster than ever, too, and that’s a surprise, because when Conklin was ready to leave the speedway on July 11 he needed the help of other racers and even some spectators to push his bent and broken car into the trailer.
Conklin had been in the wrong place at the wrong time on the opening lap of the race. The Chevrolet of Ryan Daniel had been bumped and spun and was sliding down the track in Turn 2. Conklin saw the incident, moved to the low side of the track and pressed his gas pedal to the floor to try to avoid any contact. Instead, Daniel’s car slid into the side of Conklin’s car.
Conklin said he wasn’t sure if it was one of the hardest crashes he’s been in, but he was positive it was the most expensive. The car’s frame was bent and the rear differential, drive shaft, shock absorbers, springs and right rear brake assembly were destroyed. Conklin said he didn’t know if he’d be able to get that car repaired or if he’d have to prepare his backup car, the one that Gerald Lair drove to Pro Stock titles in 1996 and ’97.
Wednesday, the owner of Conklin’s Hot Rods and Collision Repair in Big Bear City said his primary car was ready to go. He said he had some of the needed parts in his warehouse and most of the repair work was done in his shop, but it still took “in the neighborhood of $3,000” just to cover his costs.
It may be money well-spent, however, because Conklin tested the car at the speedway last Friday night and said it is “faster than it was before. I’m very pleased with the result.”
The result Conklin needs most, though, is a victory. The 2006 and 2007 champion won the opening race of the season April 4, but has just one top five finish in the five races since and has fallen to fifth in the standings, 22 points behind leader Kevin James.
The dominant driver in the class has been Toni McCray, who has set two track records in qualifying and will be going for her third straight win on Saturday, when the Super Late Models, Factory Fours and Stock Cars USA are joined by the Old Farts Car Show and Kenny Asche’s Flaming Camaro.
McCray missed the opening race, but has two seconds and a fourth to go along with the two wins and is third in the standings, just 10 points behind James. Ryan Daniel is second, 4 points behind the leader.
McCray also will be driving in the Super Late Model division, where reigning champion Linny White won on Saturday (July 18) for his second victory in the past three events.
Spectator gates will open at 4 p.m., with an on-track autograph session from 6 to 6:40 p.m. and the first race at 7 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $10 for general admission, but this week a $3 discount is available to anyone printing out the coupon at www.BestInTheWestRacing.com and presenting it at the box office. Admission is $8 for seniors (60 and older), students 11 to 18 and military personnel with valid identification. Children 10 and under are admitted free. A Family Pack, which includes admission for four plus a hot dog and small soft drink for each person, is priced at $40.
Parking is $5, with entry through Gate 4 off Mill Street.
For information on sponsorship and promotional opportunities, please contact Best in the West Racing by telephone at 909-885-9000 or visit the new web site at www.BestInTheWestRacing.com.
For all other information, please contact Jim Short by telephone at 951-203-2649 or by e-mail at jimshort65@sbcglobal.net.
