Archive for the ‘Sports’ Category

Ryan wraps up two-win weekend at Antioch Speedway

Monday, July 17th, 2023
Jason Ryan, Jr. #52 regained the point lead with his third IMCA Sport Modified win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DeCarlo, Baugh, Davis, McLeister also winners

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…July 15…Jason Ryan, Jr. of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was his third win of the season as he regained the point lead from Kenny Shrader of Pacheco. Ryan also won the Main Event at Watsonville a night earlier.

With a front row start, rookie Billy Garner bolted into the lead when the green flag flew, pursued by his father Mark Garner, both of Antioch. Ryan settled into third very quickly and took up pursuit of Mark Garner. Ryan and the elder Garner went side by side for several laps before a low pass in Turn 4 of the 11th lap gained Ryan second as Garner pushed too high.

Billy Garner continued to lead the way until an inside pass in Turn 4 of the 14th lap gained Ryan the lead. Mark Garner passed his son for second before a yellow flag waved on Lap 18. Ryan maintained his cool on the restart and held off Mark Garner for the victory. Billy Garner impressed with a third-place finish, followed by Kelly Campanile of Oakley and Trevor Clymens of Brentwood.

Terry DeCarlo, Jr. looked impressive in winning the IMCA Stock Car feature. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Terry DeCarlo, Jr. of Martinez won the 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. A week earlier he led the first half for the race before being passed. This time around, he gained the lead when brother Nick DeCarlo had mechanical issues on the ninth lap.

Nick DeCarlo of Martinez took the early lead over Terry DeCarlo Jr and Kenneth Robles of Rio Vista. They ran that way until Nick DeCarlo fell off the pace as they went down the front straightaway on ninth lap, surrendering the lead to his brother. Kenneth Robles held second ahead of father, Jason Robles of Rio Vista.

However, Jason also fell out, leaving Kenneth Robles to battle Mitch Enos of Manteca and point leader Troy Foulger of Oakley in a good race for second. Foulger made a Turn 2 move around Enos on Lap 18 for third. As Terry DeCarlo Jr sped to a straightaway advantage in victory. Foulger tried to get underneath Kenneth Robles exiting Turn 4, but Robles held him off at the line for second. Enos ended up fourth ahead of Jason Robles.

Jared Baugh #07 won his second-straight Hobby Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jared Baugh of Pittsburg won his second-straight Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. Point leader Grayson Baca of Brentwood set the pace on the opening up, but a yellow flag waved for debris on the track. Baca surrendered the lead to Baugh on the restart with James Thomson of Pittsburg settling into second on the third lap. Aidan Ponciano got past Baca for third on Lap 6 and led Baca around Thomson for second and third on the eighth lap.

They ran that way until Colten Haney of Brentwood spun in Turn 4, collecting Ken Johns of Antioch on Lap 16. Baugh continued to lead the way with Ponciano in close pursuit in second. However, Baugh would prevail at the checkered flag. Reigning champion Misty Welborn of Castro Valley made a late surge for third ahead of Baca as San Pablo’s Bobby Motts Jr beat James Graessle of Antioch back to the line in a drag race for fifth.

Tom Davis #75 gained the Mini Stock point lead with his fifth feature triumph. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Tom Davis of Los Molinos won his fifth-straight 20 lap Print Club Mini Stock Main Event and took the point lead from Tom Brown of Santa Rosa in the process. Brown was a Main Event scratch.

Wyatt Lakin of Diamond Springs set the early pace ahead of Davis, but Davis went low in Turn 3 of the third lap to grab the lead. An inside move on the back stretch of the fifth lap gained Tony Quinones second. Davis set a rapid pace during the final 10 laps and won by a straightaway ahead of Quinones. Lakin ended up settling for third, followed Austin Struthers and Thomas Jensen, both of Placerville.

Don McLeister #7 won his third 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Don McLeister of Stockton won the 15 lap 600 Micro Sprint Main Event. This was his third win in as many races. He wasted little time charging into the lead from his pole position start as Ryan Holden of Lodi took up close pursuit. The first two positions never changed as McLeister picked up the win ahead of Holden. Devin McLeister of Stockton ran third until pulling off on Lap 8, giving the position to eventual third place finisher Swen Johnson of Marysville. Devin McLeuster settled for fourth ahead of Charlie Kight of Antioch.

Racing resumes next Saturday night with the Wingless Spec Sprints and Xtreme Late Models back in action along with the Delta Dwarf Cars, Super Stocks and Hardtops. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – July 15, 2023

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Trevor Clymens, Jason Ryan Jr. Main Event (20 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Billy Garner, Kelly Campanile, Trevor Clymens, Tom Fraser, Kenny Shrader, Raymond Lindeman, KC Carpenter, Al Johnson.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Grayson Baca, Jared Baugh, Aidan Ponciano. Main Event (20 laps)-Jared Baugh, Aidan Ponciano, Misty Welborn, Grayson Baca, Bobby Motts Jr, James Graessle, James Thomson, Colten Haney, Ken Johns, Gavin Griffiths.

IMCA Stock Cars

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Mitch Enos, Kenneth Robles. Main Event (20 laps)-Terry DeCarlo Jr, Kenneth Robles, Troy Foulger, Mitch Enos, Jason Robles, Nick DeCarlo, Dan Gondeman, Scott Foster.

Print Club Mini Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tony Quinones, Tom Davis. Main Event (20 laps)-Tom Davis, Tony Quinones, Wyatt Lakin, Austin Struthers, Thomas Jensen, Logan Lakin, David Carson, Tom Carse, Tom Brown DNS, Dana Gardner DNS.

600 Micro Sprints

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Don McCleister. Main Event (15 laps)-Don McLeister, Ryan Holden, Sven Johnson, Devin McLeister, Charlie Kight, Ryan Dotson DNS, Devin Baxter DNS.

Antioch’s founding AAU basketball Dream Team Celebration: Shooting for Success July 28

Saturday, July 8th, 2023

By Jareem Gunter

Join us on Friday, July 28 for the Antioch AAU basketball Dream Team Celebration: Shooting for Success, a dynamic in-person event where we’ll celebrate achievements of our founding team!

Join us for an exciting time at the Nick Rodriguez Community Center at 213 F Street in Antioch. Get ready to be inspired and motivated as we come together to celebrate success and dream big. Whether you’re an athlete, artist, entrepreneur or simply someone with big dreams, this event is for you! These young men have worked so hard and would love for you to join us in celebrating our accomplishments.

The Dream Team aims to provide essential guidance, mentorship and educational opportunities for young boys, ages 9-11 in 4th and 5th grades. We firmly believe that by instilling positive values, life skills and a strong sense of self, we can support these young men in becoming confident, responsible, and successful community members.

Join us in celebrating them! Please sign up on eventbrite to ensure we have enough seats.

For more information about the Dream Team visit HOME | Dreamteam (dreamteamantioch.org).

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Kendall Smith’s 3rd Annual Basketball Camp in Antioch Aug. 5

Friday, July 7th, 2023

Deer Valley High and Oklahoma State grad and former Warriors G-League team member, Kendall Smith will host his 3rd Annual Basketball Camp on Saturday, August 5th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

The free, co-ed camp is open to all Bay Area kids ages 7 to 17 and will be held in the gym at Deer Valley High School, 4700 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

To register click, here.

Golobic wins Sprint Car Challenge Race at Antioch Speedway

Monday, July 3rd, 2023
Shane Golobic takes his spot on top of the Sprint Car Challenge podium with Justin Sanders pictured on the right and Chase Johnson on the left. Photo by Katrina Kniss.

Pittsburg’s Baugh wins Hobby Stock Main Event

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media

Antioch, CA…July 1…Shane Golobic of Fremont won the 35 lap Winged 360 Sprint Car Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the return of the Sprint Car Challenge Tour to the Speedway for the first time in several seasons. Among the many accomplishments for Golobic is a win in a World of Outlaws race at Antioch Speedway back in 2013.

Shane Golobic #17w drove the Matt Wood owned sprinter to victory in the Sprint Car Challenge race. Photo by Katrina Kniss.

Justin Sanders of Aromas set the early pace ahead of Penngrove’s Chase Johnson and Golobic. Following a yellow flag on Lap 5, Johnson put the moves on Sanders to take the lead. Golobic slipped past Sanders for second on the 10th lap with a yellow flag waving on Lap 15. Johnson continued to lead Golobic on the restart. Following a yellow flag on Lap 22, Golobic started pressuring Johnson for the lead on the restart. A yellow flag waved a lap later. This time around, however, Golobic managed to get a good restart and slipped past Johnson for the lead. Golobic led through one more yellow flag in the final 10 laps to bring home the victory. Johnson settled for second ahead of Sanders, series point leader Justyn Cox of Sacramento and Tanner Carrick of Lincoln.

Jared Baugh #07 picked up his first win of the season in the Hobby Stock division. Photo by Katrina Kniss.

Jared Baugh of Pittsburg won the 25 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. This was his first win of the year after Kenneth Robles had driven his car to a win a few weeks earlier.

Aidan Ponciano of Oakley set the early pace ahead of point leader Grayson Baca of Brentwood and Jewell Crandall of Antioch. A yellow flag waved for Trent Golden of Pittsburg in Turn 4 on Lap 8. The restart saw Ponciano leading with Baugh charging into second. Baugh began pressuring Ponciano before making a low pass in Turn 4 of the 15th lap to take the lead. The 17th lap saw both second place Ponciano and third place Baca head for the pits as a yellow flag flew moments later. Baugh led the restart as Kevin Brown of Oakley started challenging Crandall for second. Crandall maintained her spot, and Brown surrendered third to Ken Johns of Antioch on Lap 23. Baugh brought it home a happy winner with Crandall a career best second. Johns beat Brown back to the line for third as James Graessle of Antioch ended up fifth.

Racing continues next Saturday night with the Eighth Annual Hetrick Memorial race. Purse money was just announced with the IMCA Modifieds racing for $1,250 to win, the IMCA Sport Modifieds receiving $1,000 to win and the IMCA Stock Cars competing for $500 for the victory. With the Wingless Spec Sprints also on the card, this will be a show you won’t want to miss. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – Saturday, July 1, 2023

Sprint Car Challenge

FT-Dominic Scelzi 13.048. Heat Winners (10 laps)-Kaleb Montgomery, Chase Johnson, Justin Sanders, Mitchell Faccinto. Trophy Dash (6 laps)-Justin Sanders. Main Event (35 laps)-Shane Golobic, Chase Johnson, Justin Sanders, Justyn Cox, Tanner Carrick, Kaleb Montgomery, Sean Becker, Dylan Bloomfield, Chance Grasty, Brad Bumgarner.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Grayson Baca, Aidan Ponciano. Main Event (25 laps)-Jared Baugh, Jewell Crandall, Ken Johns, Kevin Brown, James Graessle, Aidan Ponciano, Grayson Baca, Jess Paladino, Colten Haney, Trent Golden.

Fan Appreciation Night August 5

Plan to join us for Fan Appreciation Night on August 5th, which is going to be just $5 admission for everybody. The night will include giveaways and all kinds of fun stuff. Hall of Fame racer Ron Brown instigated this, and it’s going to be a good night for the track.

Troy Foulger a double winner at Antioch Speedway on Soares Memorial Night

Wednesday, June 7th, 2023
Troy Foulger #49 picked up the big win in the Soares Memorial IMCA Modified race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Racing resumes Friday and Saturday night with annual Western States Dwarf Car Nationals

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media 

Antioch, CA…June 3…Troy Foulger won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. The Oakley driver is the current point leader in the Bowers Motorsports entry, and this was his first win of the season. He is also in the hunt for an unprecedented sixth division championship.

Looking for a second-straight win, IMCA National rookie point leader Andrew Pearce of Oakley set the early pace, but a Turn 4 pass on the second lap put Foulger into the lead. Foulger led Pearce through a pair of yellow flags in the first 12 laps as Buddy Kniss of Oakley ran third. Martinez drivers Nick DeCarlo and Anthony Slaney dueled fiercely for the fourth position before Slaney moved ahead. Slaney got around Kniss for third with a Turn 4 pass on Lap 15. Foulger had a good lead on Pearce and picked up the impressive win. Slaney ended up third ahead of DeCarlo and Randy Shafer a Vacaville.

Point leader Troy Foulger #49 won his third IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Later, Foulger came back and won his third 20 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. Rob Gallaher of San Jose led early with Foulger making an inside pass on Travis Dutra of Concord on Lap 2 to take second. Foulger went low in Turn 4 on the third lap to grab the lead front Gallaher. From there, he pulled away in the non-stop affair to a straightaway advantage. Dutra went inside down the front stretch on Lap 4 to grab second. Gallaher battled with Scott Foster of Oakley for the third spot until Foster took the position on Lap 9. Foulger won ahead of Dutra, Foster, Gallaher and Jason Robles of Rio Vista.

Highly decorated Placerville and Marysville champion Matt Michelli #96 won the Xtreme Late Model Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Live Oak’s Matt Michelli won the 20 lap Xtreme Late Model Main Event. Micheli is a 10-time champion across multiple divisions at tracks in Placerville, Marysville and Chico.

Paul Guglielmoni of Vacaville charged into the lead at the start ahead of Les Friend of Galt. Micheli moved into second on Lap 2 and made a low pass in Turn 2 of the fifth lap to take the lead from Guglielmoni. On the seventh lap, Rod Oliver of Yuba City slipped past Guglielmoni for second, and a yellow flag waved moments later. Micheli continued to lead Oliver on the restart, but reigning  champion Dan Brown Jr of Lincoln made a Turn 2 pass on Lap 12 to take second. Clark Guglielmoni of Vacaville quickly settled into third. Micheli set a good pace In the closing laps and picked up the victory ahead of Brown, Guglielmoni, Oliver and Chester Kniss of Antioch.

Jason Ryan Jr #52 picked up his second IMCA Sport Modified feature to take the point lead. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was his second win of the season as moved into the point lead. Ryan bolted into the immediate lead ahead of Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley and Kelly Campanile of Oakley. Pacheco’s Kenny Shrader slipped past Campanile for third on the sixth lap and set his sights on Ryan and Mallet. Following a yellow flag on Lap 8 for Tyler Browne, Ryan continued to lead Mallet and Shrader on the restart. Ryan ran a smooth race for the remaining distance and collected the victory. Mallet settled for second ahead of Shrader, Campanile and Chuck Golden of Pittsburg.

Dwarf Car star Danny Wagner #11 won the Hobby Stock feature race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Danny Wagner won the 20 lap Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event. This wrapped up a clean sweep of Dash, heat and and feature race for the Bay Point driver. Wagner is a three-time Dwarf Car champion.

Chris Long of Antioch bolted into the early lead ahead of Colten Haney of Brentwood. Wagner slipped into second on the third lap with Jared Baugh Pittsburgh running in third. Wagner made an inside pass on Lap 6 to take the lead from Long. Baugh gained second on the Lap 7 restart, but he spun in Turn 4 on the 11th lap, collecting Long. Wagner led Les Friend of Galt on the restart, but Friend was involved in a tangle on the 13th lap. At that point, Wagner led Kevin Brown of Oakley and Ken Johns of Antioch. Aidan Ponciano of Oakley moved into third on Lap 16 and dueled Brown over the remaining laps. Wagner went on to victory ahead of Brown, Ponciano, Baugh and Johns.

DJ Saenz #72 won the Mini Late Model Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

DJ Saenz of Manteca won the 15 lap California Sharp Mini Late Model Main Event. This race was scheduled two days prior. Manteca’s Mitch Enos took the early lead over Saenz and Dan Zuger of San Jose. Zuger headed for the infield on the seventh lap, and a Lap 9 pass gained Saenz the lead from Enos. Enos kept it close, but Saenz prevailed in the end. Cayden Foster ended up third with Zuger rounding out the finishing order.

Racing resumes this Friday and Saturday night with the annual Western States Dwarf Car Nationals, hosted by the local Delta Dwarf Car group. Some of the best drivers on the West Coast will be there. On Friday, the Wingless Spec Sprints and IMCA Stock Cars will be competing. Saturday night will also include the IMCA Modifieds, Tri State Pro Stocks and Print Club Mini Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – June 3, 2023

IMCA Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Troy Foulger, Buddy Kniss. Main Event (20 laps)-Troy Foulger, Andrew Pearce, Anthony Slaney, Nick DeCarlo, Randy Shafer, Buddy Kniss, Chris Sieweke, Bobby Motts Jr, Dave Duste Jr, Tim Yeager Jr.

Xtreme Late Models 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Anthony Slaney, Clark Guglielmoni. Main Event (20 laps)-Matt Micheli, Dan Brown Jr, Clark Guglielmoni, Rod Oliver, Chester Kniss, Shawn DeForest, Les Friend, Justin Yeager, Wayne Trimble, Paul Guglielmoni. 

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Tyler Browne, Kenny Shrader. Main Event (20 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Jacob Mallet Jr, Kenny Shrader, Kelly Campanile, Chuck Golden, Trevor Clymens, Joseph Pato, Tyler Browne, Mark Garner, Tommy Clymens Jr.

Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Danny Wagner, Chris Long, Jared Baugh, Colten Haney. B Main (12 laps)-James Thomson, Bobby Gallaher, Michaela Taylor. Main Event (20 lap)- Danny Wagner, Kevin Brown, Aidan Ponciano, Jared Baugh, Ken Johns, James Thomson, Jon Haney, Colten Haney, Jess Paladino, Trevor Clymens.

IMCA Stock Car 

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Troy Foulger. Main Event (20 laps)-Troy Foulger, Travis Dutra, Scott Foster, Rob Gallaher, Jason Robles, Kenneth Robles, Nick DeCarlo DNS.

California Sharp Mini Late Models

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Mitch Enos. Main Event (15 laps)-DJ Saenz, Mitch Enos, Cayden Foster, Dan Zuger.

Antioch Police Activities League 13th Annual Golf Tournament fundraiser Sept. 9

Monday, June 5th, 2023

Ken Johns of Antioch wins his first Hobby Stock Main Event of season at Antioch Speedway during Fair time

Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023
Ken Johns #32 won his first Hobby Stock Main Event of the season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Keldsen, Tuttle, Pearce, Mallet, Foulger also winners 

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media 

Antioch, CA…May 19-20…Auto racing returned to the Contra Costa County Fair in a big way with two nights of racing. The Saturday night Figure 8 was a Main attraction. It was the first of six scheduled events for the popular race, and the win went to DJ Keldsen of Newman.

DJ Keldsen #01 returned for a thrilling Figure 8 victory. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Keldsen had the outside front row for the Figure 8 race, and he charged into the lead at the start ahead of Chester Kniss of Antioch and Jimmy Robbins of Concord. Both Robbins and Dakota Keldsen of Watsonville slipped past Kniss for second and third on the fourth lap. A close battle developed between Robbins and Dakota Keldsen with Robbins taking a wild ride into the infield on Lap 5 and falling back a couple of positions. Angela Brown of Antioch gained third at that point, but she and Dakota Keldsen had contact on Lap 10 as Kniss and Robbins moved into second and third. To that point, there had been plenty of close calls in the X, but it turned into a battle at the front for the win between DJ Keldsen and Kniss. When the checkered flag flew, Keldsen prevailed ahead of Kniss, Robbins, Dakota Keldsen and Tommy Clymens Jr of Oakley.

Ken Johns of Antioch picked up his first Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stock Main Event win of the season. The race was led early by third-generation racer Colten Haney of Brentwood with Johns in pursuit. They ran that way until Johns found an opening low in Turn 2 on the seventh lap to take over. Jared Baugh of Pittsburgh followed Johns into second. The race was run in rapid fashion on a hooked up racing surface. The leaders lapped several slower cars before a yellow flag waved on Lap 17. This didn’t stop Johns as he resumed command on the restart and went on to victory ahead of Baugh, Haney, Grayson Baca of Brentwood and Kevin Brown of Oakley.

Jacob Tuttle drove the Ted Finkenbinder #3 car to a Wingless Spec Sprint win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Piloting one of the two Ted Finkenbinder owned entries, Jacob Tuttle of Oakley prevailed in the 25 lap Wingless Spec Sprint Main Event. Tuttle had the pole and charged into lead over WMR Midgets champion Blake Bower of Brentwood, who was also in a Finkenbinder car. Kevin Box of Bethel Island settled into an early third with reigning champion Shannon Newton of Elk Grove starting to pressure him for the position. The track was a bit dry with drivers preferring the lower line. Newton had just overtaken Box for the third position on Lap 16 when he began to smoke and lost power for the only yellow flag on Lap 17. Tuttle continued to lead Bower and Box on the restart, and they finished in that order as Jarrett Soares of Gilroy and James East of Oakley rounded out the Top 5.

National IMCA Rookie point leader Andrew Pearce #15p won the IMCA Modified feature. Photo by Katrina Kniss

IMCA National rookie point leader Andrew Pearce of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Modified Main Event. This was his first win of the season. Anthony Slaney of Martinez set the early pace ahead of Buddy Kniss of Oakley and Pearce. Pearce slipped underneath Kniss in Turn 4 on Lap 5 to gain second and set his sights on Slaney. By the midpoint of the race, there was a battle at the head of the pack. Pearce finally made an inside pass on the front stretch on Lap 16 to grab the lead, and he brought it home to victory from there. Slaney settled for second ahead of Kniss, Troy Foulger of Oakley and Timothy Allerdings of Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Troy Foulger #49 picked up another IMCA Stock Car Main Event win. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Troy Foulger of Oakley won the 25 lap IMCA Stock Car Main Event. It was Jason Robles of Rio Vista taking the early lead, but Foulger slipped underneath him in Turn 4 on Lap 2 to gain command. As Foulger began to pull away, Jason Robles was being challenged by son Kenneth for the second spot. The race for second place saw a back and forth battle during the late stages. Kenneth went low in Turn 4 to pass his father for the spot on Lap 19, but his father regained the position in Turn 2 a lap later. It was Foulger winning ahead of Jason Robles, Kenneth Robles, Scott Foster of Antioch and Travis Dutra of Concord.

Reigning State champion Jacob Mallet Jr #127 picked up his first IMCA Sport Modified win of the year. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Reigning IMCA Sport Modified State champion Jacob Mallet Jr of Oakley collected the win in the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Mallet had the pole position and raced into the early lead ahead of Mark Garner of Antioch. However, Joseph Pato of Oakley went low in Turn 4 on the third lap to take second. A yellow flag waved on Lap 3 for Trevor Clymens of Brentwood in Turn 4. Mallet continued to lead the restart ahead of Pato and Matt Pitts of Rodeo. As the lead duo pulled away from the pack, Pitts had his hands full in a close battle for third. Kenny Shrader at Pacheco got by with a low pass in Turn 2 on Lap 14. Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley found his way into fourth late, but Mallet drove a flawless race to collect the win. Pato settled for a career best second, followed by Shrader, Ryan and Garner .

The racetrack on Saturday for the Hobby Stocks, Figure 8 and Sport Modifieds was hooked up and fast, while the Friday surface for the Wingless Spec Sprints, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars was dry. The crew worked very hard to produce the fast-racing conditions on Saturday.

After a week off, the show returns on June 3rd. The Soares Memorial race is on the schedule, featuring the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Modifieds, Xtreme Limited Late Models and Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results – May 19 & 20, 2023

Friday

Wingless Spec Sprints 

FT Jacob Tuttle 15.715. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jacob Tuttle, Blake Bower. Main Event (25 laps)-Jacob Tuttle, Blake Bower, Kevin Box, Jarrett Soares, James East, Anthony Bruno, Nathan Johnson, MacKenzie Newton, Steve Maionchi, Shannon Newton.

IMCA Modifieds

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Anthony Slaney. Main Event (20 laps)-Andrew Pearce, Anthony Slaney, Buddy Kniss, Troy Foulger, Timothy Allerdings, Tim Balding, Jeff Browne, Eric Berendsen.

IMCA Stock Car

Heat winner (8 laps)-Jason Robles. Main Event (25 laps)-Troy Foulger, Jason Robles, Kenneth Robles, Scott Foster, Travis Dutra, Jeff Bentancourt, Kimo Oreta.

Saturday

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (20 laps)-Dylan Connolly, Trevor Clymens. Main Event (20 laps)-Jacob Mallet Jr, Joseph Pato, Kenny Shrader, Jason Ryan Jr, Mark Garner, Matt Pitts, Tom Fraser, Trevor Clymens, Billy Garner, Kelly Campanile.

Hobby Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-James Graessle, Grayson Baca, Jared Baugh. Main Event (20 laps)-Ken Johns, Jared Baugh, Colten Haney, Grayson Baca, Kevin Brown, Jake Archibald, Taylor DeCarlo, Jess Paladino, Michaela Taylor, Rob Waldrop. 

Figure 8

Main Event (15 laps)-DJ Keldsen, Chester Kniss, Jimmy Robbins, Dakota Keldsen, Tommy Clymens Jr, Angela Brown, Michaela Taylor, Mike Conley Jr, James Graessle, Dennis Keldsen.

Antioch Speedway: Hudson wins Larry Damitz Memorial

Wednesday, May 17th, 2023
Oregon Pro Stock champion Jeffrey Hudson #88 won the Larry Damitz Memorial race. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Cooper, Ryan, Hannagan other winners

By Candice Martin, DCRR Racing Media 

Antioch, CA…May 13…Jeffrey Hudson of Keno, Oregon picked up the win in the 25 lap Tri State Pro Stock Challenge Series Main Event Saturday night at Antioch Speedway. This was the annual Larry Damitz Memorial race, paying tribute to the man who raced for over 60 years and was a champion at 87 years old. Hudson collected $1,000 for his effort along with a championship belt.

Hudson drew the pole for the Main Event and charged into the lead at the start ahead of Antioch’s Buddy Kniss. Following a Lap 2 yellow flag, Richard Brace Jr of Grass Valley took up pursuit of Hudson.  The third yellow of the race flew on Lap 11 for Peter Coberly of Atwater in Turn 4. As Hudson continued to lead Brace, Chris Smith of Coalinga settled into third. 

On the 13th lap, Smith slipped past Brace on the front stretch to take second. Recent Placerville winner Travis White of Fallon, Nevada put the moves on Brace for third on the 16th circuit. Hudson drove a flawless race as he lapped slower cars down the stretch and picked up the win ahead of Smith, White, Brace and 2021 series champion Justin Crockett of Arroyo Grande.

Series organizer Brian Cooper #17c beat an all atar lineup in the West Coast Hobby Stock Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Brian Cooper of Yuba City scored the victory in the 25 lap West Coast Hobby Stock Main Event. Cooper, who is a past IMCA Sport Modified State champion, organized this series with Jerry Bartlett of Yuba City. Drivers from Hobby Stock divisions throughout the state gathered at Antioch with a field of 48 cars in competition.

As Cooper started back in the third row, Galt’s Clarence Holbrook III bolted into the early lead ahead of Bobby Motts Jr of San Pablo. An inside pass on the back stretch on the third lap moved Cooper into second. A yellow flag waved on Lap 4, and Cooper turned up the pressure on Holbrook on the restart. As they worked their way down the front stretch on Lap 6, Cooper moved to the inside and made the pass for the lead. Les Friend of Galt began challenging Holbrook for the second position, and a tangle involving Phillip Shelby and Cameron Swank brought out a Lap 13 yellow flag.

As Cooper led the way, Friend slipped past Holbrook for second. Holbrook came back strong to reclaim second on Lap 15, but Holbrook used a Turn 4 pass on Lap 18 to regain the runner-up spot. A yellow flag waved moments later, and Cooper continued to lead Friend on the restart. 19th starter Casey Gingrich of Orland moved into third late, and Cooper scored the satisfying win ahead of Friend, Gingrich, Ty Carlson of Stockton and Rob Gallaher of San Jose.

Jason Ryan Jr #52 won his first IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley won the 20 lap IMCA Sport Modified Main Event. This was his first career victory. Ryan competed in the Central California Clash Series the week prior and ended up second in the standings.

With a pole position start, Dylan Connolly set the early pace ahead of Jonathan Hagio of Prunedale. A yellow flag waved for a four-car crash in Turn 4. Connolly continued to lead the restart with Tommy Fraser of Antioch and Ryan moving into second and third. Connolly was doing an impressive job of leading the way in his pursuit of a first time win, and he maintained the point through two more yellow flags.

On a Lap 16 restart, Ryan started challenging Fraser for second before slipping past him on Lap 17. Ryan turned up the heat on Connolly before finding his opening on the back stretch on Lap 17 to gain command. Ryan went on to victory from there ahead of Connolly, Fraser, Brentwood’s Trevor Clymens and Kenny Shrader of Pacheco.

Joel Hannagan #16 won his second-straight Hardtop Main Event. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Joe Hannagan drove the Doug Braudrick owned Junkyard Dog Hardtop to the victory in their 12 lap Main Event. Front row starter Ronnie Ruiz of West Sacramento took the early lead ahead a Brad Coelho of Oakley. Hanngan motored into second on Lap 2. Bob Slaney spun in Turn 4 for a Lap 3 yellow flag. Hannagan took the lead from Ruiz on the restart. A low pass in Turn 4 on Lap 7 gained Coelho second from Ruiz. However, Ruiz kept it close. A back stretch pass on Lap 11 regained Ruiz second, but Hannagan built a comfortable advantage by then on his way to victory. Coelho settled for third ahead of Joe Shenefield of Modesto and Dave Reed of West Sacramento.

Patricia Robles of Rio Vista won the 10 lap Mother’s Day Minivan race, beating a field of four competitors.

Antioch Speedway will be open during the Contra Costa County Fair for two nights of racing. On Friday night, the Wingless Spec Sprints are back in action along with the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars. Saturday night sees the return of the exciting Figure 8 along with the Pacific Coast General Engineering Hobby Stocks and IMCA Sport Modifieds. For further information, go to www.antiochspeedway.com.

Antioch Speedway Race Results

Tri State Pro Stocks

FT Travis White 15.674. Heat Winners (8 laps)-Richard Brace Jr, Mike Learn, Jeffrey Hudson. Main Event (25 laps)-Jeffrey Hudson, Chris Smith, Travis White, Richard Brace Jr, Justin Crockett, Ryan Smith, Mike Learn, Paul Miller, Donny Richardson, Brent Lawrence.

West Coast Hobby Stocks 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Larry McKinzie Jr, Devin Koranda, Anthony Vigna, Colten Haney, Rob Gallaher, Bobby Motts Jr. B Main 1 (12 laps)-Les Friend, Philip Shelby, Grayson Baca. B Main 2 (12 laps)-Steven Johnson, Nick Johnson, Joe Gallaher. Main Event (25 laps)-Brian Cooper, Les Friend, Casey Gingrich, Ty Carlson, Rob Gallaher, Joe Gallaher, Clarence Holbrook III, Grayson Baca, Lance Hurst, Anthony Vigna.

IMCA Sport Modifieds 

Heat Winners (8 laps)-Jonathan Hagio, Chuck Golden, Chester Kniss. Main Event (20 laps)-Jason Ryan Jr, Dylan Connolly, Tommy Fraser, Trevor Clymens, Kenny Shrader, Mark Garner, Chester Kniss, Joseph Pato, Matt Pitts, Chuck Golden.

Hardtops

Heat Winner (8 laps)-Joel Hannagan. Main Event (12 laps)-Joel Hannagan, Ronnie Ruiz, Brad Coelho, Joe Shenefield, Dave Reed, Don Slaney, Ken Clifford DNS.