PLACENTIA, California — After a disappointing last lap spin while leading at the last race at the Bakersfield Speedway, Lomita, California veteran Bobby Michnowicz kept the #21K headed in the right direction and scored his series leading sixth win of 2011 when the California Lightning Sprint Cars visited the Ventura Raceway last Saturday night.
"Michnowicz immediately began to march his way to the front and split Sexton and Gamer to take the second spot on lap two."
Michnowicz, who splits time in the car with his teenage son, started the 20-lap main on the inside of the third row. When veteran starter Tony Otto threw the green flag Buena Park's Paul Krueger edged Anaheim's Dale Gamer for the lead. Two-time series champ Brent Sexton of Lakeside, making a rare 2011 appearance, was third on the start.
Michnowicz immediately began to march his way to the front and split Sexton and Gamer to take the second spot on lap two. Not far behind him, 2010 champion Jarrett Kramer was blazing his was to the front as well. The Spring Valley driver raced his way to third on the fourth go round and one lap later found his way to second.
Just after the midway point of the race and in the middle of lapped traffic, Kramer took the top spot from Michnowicz. As the race continued on, Kramer sliced and diced his way through the lapped traffic with Michnowicz glued to him. However, disaster struck for Kramer in turn four on the 18th circuit. He was about to lap Krueger, but made contact with Krueger's right rear tire. Kramer's #1 car launched into the air and headed for the crash wall. As soon as it came back to earth, Kramer mashed on the throttle pedal and kept on going, but it was to late as the yellow flag was already out and he was forced to the rear of the field for the restart.
Once the green flew for the final three circuits, Michnowicz maintained the lead for another victory. Sixteen-year-old Alexander Bissett of Hemet finished second and strengthened his grip on third place in the season long championship standings. Third went to impressive rookie Stephen Limon of Corona, who was also the "hard charger" after starting 10th. Kramer came back for fourth with Krueger fifth.
Point leader Tim Brown of Wildomar ended up sixth and just waits to receive his season championship crown when the series returns to action in two weeks at the 16th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway.
Earlier in the evening Michnowicz and Brown won the CLS heats on the multi division program.
The California Lightning Sprint Car Series would like to thank 2011 series sponsors Christian Stover Foundation, Circle Track Performance, DJ Safety, Electro Tech Powder Coating, Elliott's Powder Coating, DK Machine and Fabrication, Hoosier Tires, Keizer Wheels, Performance by Rosson Racing, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, Saldana Race Products and Sander Engineering. If you or your company would like to become part of the California Lightning Series for the 2011 season, please call Dan Hillberg at: (714) 719-0295.
To keep up with the CLS on line, please visit the web site at: http://www.calightningsprints.com/index.html
Ventura Main Event Finishing Order: 1. Bobby Michnowicz (Lomita), 2. Alexander Bissett (Hemet), 3. Stephen Limon (Corona), 4. Jarrett Kramer (Spring Valley), 5. Paul Krueger (Buena Park), 6. Tim Brown (Wildomar), 7. Brent Sexton (Lakeside), 8. Dan Lancaster (Imperial Beach), 9. Guy Maresch (Anaheim Hills), 10. Devin Hillberg (Corona), 11. Zach Zauss (Murrieta), 12. Dale Gamer (Anaheim), 13. Dan Hillberg (Placentia)
2011 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Point Standings
1. Tim Brown - Wildomar - 2359
2. Jarrett Kramer - Spring Valley - 2151
3 Alexander Bissett - Hemet - 2035
4. Dan Hillberg - Placentia - 1955
5. Dale Gamer - Anaheim - 1883
6. Stephen Limon - Corona - 1865
7. Paul Krueger - Buena Park - 1823
8. Dan Lancaster - Imperial Beach - 1815
9. Guy Maresch - Anaheim Hills - 1757
10. Darren Hillberg - Corona - 1718
2011 California Lightning Sprint Car Series Schedule
March 12 - Perris Auto Speedway - Kevin Michnowicz
April 2nd - Perris Auto Speedway - Kevin Michnowicz
April 16th - Ventura Raceway - Dan Hillberg
April 30th - Bakersfield Speedway - Bobby Michnowicz
May 14th - Santa Maria Speedway - Kevin Michnowicz
May 28th - Perris Auto Speedway - Jarrett Kramer
June 11th - Victorville Raceway Park - Bobby Michnowicz
July 2nd - Perris Auto Speedway - Darren Hillberg
July 23rd - Bakersfield Speedway - Bobby Michnowicz
July 30th - Perris Auto Speedway - Bobby Michnowicz
August 20th - Perris Auto Speedway - Jarrett Kramer
August 27th - Santa Maria Speedway - Tim Brown
September 17th - Victorville Raceway Park - Bobby Michnowicz
September 24th - Bakersfield Speedway - Seth Kramer
October 15th - Ventura Raceway - Bobby Michnowicz
November 4th - Perris Auto Speedway
November 5th - Perris Auto Speedway
PAST CALIFORNIA LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS
1994 Tony Everhart
1995 Gary Sexton
1996 Rob Sczymczak
1997 Jon Rahe
1998 Chris Rahe
1999 Brent Sexton
2000 Greg Bragg
2001 Greg Bragg
2002 Greg Bragg
2003 David Cardey
2004 Keith Janca
2005 Johnny Bates
2006 Donny Ganson
2007 Shane Rosson
2008 Brent Sexton
2009 Stuart Hielcshier Sr.
2010 Jarrett Kramer
This press release was produced by Scott Daloisio Sports (909) 226-7768. Please keep an eye out for our other clients: Perris Auto Speedway, "Dynamite" David Cardey, Greg Alexander, Justin Marvel in the RB Motorsports #1B and the Oil Twins Amsoil.
