MERCED, California — It’s the final regular program of the season this Sunday (9/25) at Merced Speedway. DIRTcar West Modified Stock Cars headline show, and a full field of drivers is expected, as it is the last chance to prepare for the following week’s Budweiser Fall Classic.
"You could be at the back of the pack and come out the winner, anything is possible there."— Troy Foulger
Merced Speedway’s full program with six divisions of racing will take place this Sunday at 5 p.m. All eyes will be on the DIRTcar West modifieds, as Troy Foulger of Martinez has a slim chance of upsetting six-time winner Chris Shannon of Merced in the point battle for the championship.
“You bet I would like to win the championship - I’ve never missed a race at Merced,” Foulger said. “But, there are a lot of ‘if’s’. Starting with having a good night at Antioch Speedway the night before”.
Foulger, who has two wins this year, would have to win his Merced Speedway heat race and then the feature; and, Shannon would have to not qualify in order for Foulger to be crowned champ.
“The thing is you never know about Merced Speedway,” Foulger said. “You could be at the back of the pack and come out the winner, anything is possible there.”
Last week, Foulger ran nearly all 20 laps in a battered car, with a flat left-front tire. He’s known as “Tricky Troy” for his ability to pull off a victory when all odds are against him.
“I race to win - first and foremost,” he added. “Then maybe a championship will come.”
Sunday is the last track championship points races of the season for all of the divisions. Ryan Hart is untouchable in the Hobby Stock class, as is Mike Hausmann in the Valley Sportsman division.
Last week, several new drivers ventured to Merced Speedway to challenge Hart in the Hobby Stocks. Running strong was second place Cole Oreta of Vacaville. Oreta, along with several other newcomers, are planning to return to Merced Speedway this Sunday.
Though there are no close battles in the other three divisions featured on Sunday, upsets are a possibility. In almost all cases, the leader would have to not qualify or do poorly and the second place driver would have to win the feature event. Larry Damitz leads the Super Stocks, Nick Sagmiller is ahead in the “Four-Bangers” and Christian Hickman is in control at the top of the All Star Wingless Sprint Cars.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Racing will start at 5 p.m. Regular admission prices are in effect. Adult admission is $10, a child is $7, and senior citizens are $8. A family of two adults and two children can enjoy the racing action for $28.
Merced Speedway is located within the Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way in Merced, Calif.
