MERCED, California — When Chris Shannon “moved up” from modified stock cars to the traveling late model sportsman division three years ago, he never thought he would miss the wild open-wheeled cars that have become the nationʼs most popular dirt track racers. That was until he sat behind the wheel of a modified Sunday evening at Merced Speedway.
"Shannon, a Merced businessman, is a weekend warrior on dirt tracks throughout the western states. With Merced Speedway being the only Sunday California dirt track featuring modifieds every week, he was available to drive friend Mike Villa Nuevaʼs modified. Villa Nueva, of Atwater, is one of the divisionʼs top drivers. But, he is on crutches with a severe leg injury from a much more dangerous sport - volleyball. " Finishing third in the speedwayʼs grand reopening feature event last Sunday was enough for Shannon to know he wanted back in. "
“That was good racing,” he said Thursday in reflecting on his return to the modified ranks. “But, as the guys get used to the new track, they will be making changes to the cars to go faster - I know I will be (making adjustments) - the racing will get more and more competitive as each week passes.”
"Shannon was right on the back bumpers of Ryan and Randy McDaniel, who were dueling with eventual winner Alex Stanford on the newly configured, high-banked quarter-mile clay oval. Prior to the modified event, Shannon took his full-fendered late model out on the track for a demonstration run. However, heʼll be back in Villa Nuevaʼs modified this Sunday."
“Iʼd like to see the track run a big late model show, but I didnʼt realize how much I missed the modifieds until I drove Mikeʼs car,” he said. “I couldnʼt be happier. To race on a track a mile from my shop, and see the stands filled with my customers and friends from the Merced area cheering for me - it doesnʼt get any better than that.”
"Friendly foe and cross-town rival Stanford will be ready for Shannon and anyone else who is trying to master their local track."
“That was the first time I raced against Chris this year,” Stanford said Thursday.
“Iʼll be watching for him, and a few other drivers, like Ryan Porter, who will be faster this week. Iʼm always changing some adjustment on the car, and I keep making changes throughout the night.”
"Shannon sees the playing field as level."
“I donʼt think anyone will have an upper hand this week - not even the locals,” he said. “Itʼs a brand new track. Everyone is learning how to set up their cars for it. The guy who makes the best choices will win.”
" Racing continues this Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Merced Speedway, 900 Martin Luther King Way, Merced, Calif.
SPEEDWAY BREAKING NEWS AND MORE:
• Promoter John Soares, who also operates the highly successful Antioch, Calif. Speedway, reports several drivers have stated they will be traveling to Merced Speedway this week after word has spread about the new trackʼs success a week ago. Soares expects car counts to grow, and is committed to running a non-stop action event beginning at 5 and ending before 9 p.m.
• The Central Valleyʼs Rock Station, 92.5 “The Bear” will broadcast live from the Speedway this Sunday afternoon. Drivers will be interviewed and contests will take place at the main entrance. Fans can win “Bear Swag” and tickets by arriving early - the radio station will be on the air from the Speedway at 4 p.m.
•Univision 21 featured Merced Speedway live on its 6 p.m. newscast last Sunday. In addition, reporter Vanessa Ramirez, who showed her interest in the racing and the racers, as she asked great questions. She packaged interviews with hispanic drivers and car owners, who explained the different racing divisions in Spanish and English for the audience.
•Sport Mods will join the Modified, Hobby Stock, Four Banger and Valley Sportsman divisions this Sunday.
