ANTIOCH, California — Even though he is reining Antioch Speedway champ, Troy Foulger sees himself as a student - learning from veteran modified stock car drivers like Scott Busby. Busby sees himself as a driver who has conquered Antioch Speedway. “Master Antioch and you can go anywhere and race with the best,” he says.
“I’m still learning,” said Foulger. “I’m learning the new car. The suspension is four-bar - I used to run three-link. It’s difficult learning what adjustments are right. Sometimes you bite your foot, some times you are right on the money.”
Foulger is trying new things to go faster. His aim is now on Busby.
“Scott runs like thunder, his knowledge is unmatched,” Foulger said. “I’m chasing experience. He was winning 20 years before I was born. The more seat time I have the faster I will be. I never want to finish second - but there are going to be those nights. I’ll learn from it.”
Busby sees a lot of his fortune being from his luck.
“You have those nights when the moon is right, the car is right, the driver is right,” Busby explains. “Sure, I have years and years of experience. Some times it works in my favor.”
This Saturday, April 30, the two top runners and a field of 28 more potential winners in the DIRTcar West UMP Modified division take to the high banked clay oval Saturday night to headline a seven division “Even Bigger” race card. Seven divisions - also including the Wingless Sprint Car, Super Hobby Stock, “Mini-Trux”, Dwarf Cars, “Four-Bangers” and Vintage “Hard Top” classes will take the green flag.
Last Saturday night’s modified stock car thriller saw Foulger overtaken by Busby late in the feature. Michael Paul charged into to third.
“There are a lot of drivers who are capable of winning at Antioch,” he explained. “The field is strong this year - it can be any driver at any time – Troy (Foulger), Nick DeCarlo, Kenny Neu or anyone else.”
Antioch Speedway promoter John Soares has the modified events sanctioned by DIRTcar, which tallies regional and national driver’s points. A fund will award cash to the top drivers at the end of the season. In addition, Soares pays $1,000 to win if there are 20 modifieds competing.
“There’s been some great racing, and the track has been perfectly prepped by John (Soares),” Busby added. “The moisture content at Antioch is just right. That makes all the difference in the world for great racing.”
Gates open at 5 p.m., and racing starts promptly at 7 p.m. at Antioch Speedway, which is located in the Contra Costa Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St., in Antioch, CA 94509.
