Source: SRL Media Relations/cs
Date: 07/01/2007

WILTON, California -- Two time Southwest Tour champion Jim Pettit of Prunedale, CA took the lead at lap 26 in the 03 car and never looked back as he declared his independence from the rest of the SRL field and took the checkered flag in the 4th of July Holiday race at Madera Speedway. A strong field of veteran and young SRL drivers took the green flag for 100 laps of racing that followed the fireworks show launched from track infield.

Dan Holt’s 23 car was on the pole and his car was a rocket as he quickly pulled away in the early laps. But an oil leak got him after 20 laps as he was blacked flagged and after trying to repair the issue, ended up back in the pits, never to return to the race. Rookie of the Year candidate Porter Smith had just taken his first lead of an SRL feature on lap 25 only to have contact with the turn 1 wall cut down his right front tire, ending his evening. The 38 car of Troy Ermish, whose car was the fast qualifier and also had the fastest lap in the trophy dash, looked strong as well until he had some rear body damage during a spinout with the 7 and the 02 cars on the front stretch. All three drivers recovered in time to avoid a caution. Once Ermish repaired his body damage under caution he was able to compete again and ended up with a solid 5th place finish.

During the final 50 laps, a strong battle for second place was fought between the 1 car of Dave Byrd, the 30 car of Steve Belletto and Mike Mendenhall in the 10 car. Rookie of the year candidates Todd Bammer in the 18 car and young Brennan Newberry in the 09 finished right behind Tracy’s Rick Ruzbarsky who finished 6th. Newberry and his team were excited after the race as it was Brennan’s first top 10 finish in the SRL touring series. Rounding out the top 10 was Tracy Bolin who got tangled up with the 11 car of Bryan Herzog as they crossed the finish line. Overall a very competitive race with the SRL drivers showing off their skills was enjoyed by a packed holiday crowd of race fans at Madera Raceway.

“What a great night of racing and fun for the fans with the Fireworks show!” said Steve Fensler, Director of the SRL. “We would like to thank California HotWood, Kenny Shepherd and all of the Madera Speedway crew for their tremendous support of the SRL and for putting on a smooth running event showing their true talents for putting on a great show!”

Trophy Dash:
Steve Belletto survived a hard charge from Troy Ermish to win the Performance Electric Company Inc. trophy dash, finishing in front of Rookie of the Year candidate Porter Smith and brother Jeff Belletto in the 6 car.

Other Awards:
The Mid Valley Iron and Metals Hard Luck Award went to Greg Voigt whose luck ran out early as his steering went out during the pre-race warm up laps. Dan Holtz won the Mid Valley Iron and Metals Pole Start Award and Santee, CA’s Mike Mendenhall won the hard charger award for finishing up 11 spots in 4th from his start in the 15th position. Mendenhall effort in the race was especially exceptional considering he and his crew drove through the night to make it to the race.

Remaining 2007 SRL Racing Schedule:

July 28th Shasta Raceway Park
August 4th Altamont Motorsports Park
August 18th Colorado National
September 1st Madera Speedway
September 29th Las Vegas Bullring
October 20th & 21st Shasta Raceway Park

About the Stockcar Racing League (SRL):
The SRL is one of the premier stock car racing series in the country. The series has patterned itself after NASCAR’S Elite Series with beautifully prepared cars and support vehicles, and identifiable team uniforms. This seventh season looks to break all attendance records, attracting over 70 seasoned drivers from all over California and the southwestern states. Local and regional stock car fans can also cheer for new stars that will someday drive the machines of NASCAR. The series is a training ground, not only for drivers but for crew chiefs, mechanics and engineers. This series is great for fans who love door to door racing on some of the fastest oval tracks in the West.

See Also .:

• Jim Pettit II Driver Card
• Madera Speedway Track Page

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