ARAIZ TAKES ANOTHER NCMA ALTAMONT WIN

Source: Debbie Shipherd
Date: 06/22/2004

During the afternoon practice sessions the NCMA teams shared the happy news about the healthy new addition to the family. Russ and Kas Wullenwaber welcomed the birth of their daughter, Cierra Jade Wullenwaber on Thursday, June 17, and we all congratulate them. New driver Hale Lumber's Rob Hammond took some smooth and cautious laps during practice for his first Altamont experience, and had fun. Qualifying saw Mark Amador who was subbing for his brother Steve, spin out and make unfortunate contact with the 1/4 mile track wall, which resulted in severe damage to the car, but he was unharmed.

Heat 1 began with Ariaz on the pole and the Dan's Racer Safety car of John Silva next to him. Ariaz powered into the lead with Silva right behind him. Z and Z Racing's Michael Zarevich challenged OCR's Burt Siverling for the 3rd spot, lap after lap trying to pass him on the high side, Silva gave Ariaz a good challenge for the lead on the last lap but couldn't overtake him, and Ariaz took the win in a fast and caution free race. Heat 2 ran flag to flag as well, with the win going to Ed Amador followed by Don Hicks, Shipherd, and Sam Davies. The trophy dash victory was an exciting first win for rookie John Silva, who disappeared quickly into the stands to celebrate with his family, and reported that the trophy was going to be his dad's gift for Father's Day.

The 25 lap feature began with Z & Z Racing's Michael Zarevich on the pole and Contra Costa Auto Parts' Keith Shipherd on the outside. Shipherd took the lead at the green followed by Amador and Silva. On lap 12 Ariaz darted around both Amador and Shipherd to take the lead. Amador passed a lapped car on the inside as Shipherd got trapped on the outside and moved up to the 2nd spot. The action stopped on lap 21 when Sam Davies and Rob Hammond made accidental contact, Davies hit the wall, and both drivers were okay, but their cars crippled. Officials threw a yellow checkered, and at the finish it was Ariaz, Amador, Hicks, and Silva in the top 5.

For additional racing enjoyment, the NCMA teams will be raffling off several items for the fans, beginning with 2 children's bikes at our next race at Chowchilla Speedway on Saturday, July 17, and more items as the donations come in. The teams will return to Altamont next Saturday, June 26, and following the holiday will be running race #4 of the West Coast Select Series at Reno-Fernley's fast 3/8 mile track on Saturday, July 10. All Spec Sprint drivers are welcome to join us.

In light of several recent racing accidents that have resulted in unfortunate driver injuries, let these serve as a reminder for all drivers to do regular checks on all of their safety equipment, repair or replace warn equipment, use and wear it all if they are not doing so, and be as safe as you can possibly be in this sport we all love. Drive safe, have fun, and take care.

Summary: Fast Time: Pat Ariaz 18.601 Heat 1- Pat Ariaz, John Silva, Burt Siverling, Michael Zarevich, Rob Hammond Heat 2- Ed Amador, Don Hicks, Keith Shipherd, Sam Davies Trophy Dash- John Silva, Pat Ariaz, Keith Shipherd, Ed Amador Main- Pat Ariaz, Ed Amador, Keith Shipherd, Don Hicks, John Silva, Burt Siverling, Michael Zarevich, Rob Hammond, Sam Davies, Mark Amador (DNS)

See Also .:

News Index | E-mail to a Friend