Gilbert to claim 2008 track championship Saturday at Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton will officially claim the 2008 NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Model championship at Altamont Raceway Park on Saturday evening.

Round 20 of the competitive division will be part of Volvo Rents / USG Night at the Races, with other action including American Limited Stock Cars and Grand American Modifieds on the half-mile, Formula-4 racing on the 1.1 mile road course and the quarter-mile oval, and the exciting Legends of the Pacific.

Not only will Gilbert claim the track championship, he will extend his points lead in the NASCAR California State points. Gilbert unofficially has a lock on that championship, but his chief rival Nick Joanides will race on September 13 and is mathematically still in the hunt.

While Gilbert has his eyes on the state title and his top-ten run in the national standings, this weekend’s race win is far from a lock.

Among those expected this weekend are a trio of talented young guns, with Doff Cooksey of Brentwood, Justin Philpott of Tracy, and Carson City, NV’s Bobby Hodges.

Cooksey, the 2007 Rookie of the Year, currently runs in the second position in the track points. Philpott is still looking for his second main event of the season after stringing together several top-tens this season.

Hodges is likely the most overdue for a win, after claiming eight top-fives in his nine starts so far this year.

The other three weekly Altamont divisions will be competing in their second to last events, with Saturday September 20 marking the championship program for them.

In the American Limited Stock Car division, season long dominator Sammy Solari of Salida has won seven of the nine races but only leads by 16 points.

Richard Harper of Stockton has been the mark of consistency and still has a shot at taking his first Altamont track championship.

Todd Lynch of Tracy has a comfortable lead in the Grand American Modifieds by 22 points over Riverbank’s Todd Lewis. The top-two are nearly 200 points ahead of their nearest competitors, making it a two-car race down the finish.

Lewis is still winless this year in his first year running the open-motored Modifieds, and a win on Saturday would go a long way to getting him back in the championship.

The Formula-4 championship is the most interesting and closely matched. Last week’s debut for the division on the quarter-mile oval saw a three-wide finish between the top-three in the points.

One race on the oval and one of the 1.1 mile road course is on tap for Saturday, with Richard Hull leading by just 10 points over a tied battle for second between Bob Wilson and Jake Morgenstern. Wilson has put together seven feature wins in 2008 to lead in that category.

Race fans will get to enjoy the return of the popular Legends of the Pacific division, which runs half-scale cars that resemble vintage racers.

The series is a mix of both young guns and veterans, with drivers as young as 15 and as old as late 50s competing together.

Pine Grove’s Matt Scott, age 15, leads the points standings.

Racing action kicks off early on Saturday at 2 p.m., with racing to conclude by sundown.

Altamont Raceway Park is also preparing for its big show on September 13. The Altamont Fall Classic will mark the first ever event combining USAC and NASCAR Camping World Series West racing into one program.

More information on this history making night of racing is available at www.altamontracing.com/fallclassic

The official site for the Altamont Fall Classic features more information on both the NASCAR Camping World Series West and USAC Sprints & Midgets as well as event schedules and ticket information.

Altamont Raceway Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. An extensive remodeling project during the winter of 2005/06 has made the facility one of the most up-to-date on the West Coast.

For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Altamont Fall Classic bringing NASCAR & USAC stars to Altamont Raceway
By: Steven Blakesley
 
10 days remain before Altamont Raceway Park hosts the historic Altamont Fall Classic, featuring a first-ever pairing of the USAC Western States Sprints and Midgets with the NASCAR Camping World Series West.

The half-mile asphalt oval will come to life Saturday night, September 13th, with the USAC Challenge and the feature Golden State Steel & Stair 200.

The historic event will mark the first time the best open-wheel and stock car racers have competed during the same event. This prestigious race is attracting interest from fans, racers, and sponsors all over the country.

Altamont Raceway Park has hosted the NASCAR Camping World Series West stars for four times in the last two seasons. The previous fall outings for the series were the series finales, and central valley fans were treated to seeing Escalon’s Eric Holmes and Modesto’s Mike David claim the 2006 and 2007 championships respectively at Altamont.

This season’s Golden State Steel & Stair 200 serves as the penultimate round on the 13 round schedule, with Holmes leading the standings.

Holmes is embroiled in a fierce duel with Ontario sophomore racer Jason Bowles.

The NASCAR Camping World Series West is the highest level of the regional development series within NASCAR. Competitors utilize cars similar to those used by the NASCAR Nationwide Series, with 625 horsepower.

More than $100,000 in prize monies is up for grabs in the 200 lap / 100 mile event.

Local talent is laden in the NASCAR program, with Modesto’s Mike David fourth in the standings ahead of Fairfield’s fan favorite Jim Inglebright.

In the USAC Western States Sprints and Midgets, young guns have ruled the action.

17 year-old Tanner Swanson of Kingsburg leads the Sprints into Altamont. The 145 mile per hour, 750 horsepower, open-wheel rockets have made Altamont their home track in 2008.

Swanson leads comfortably over Chowchilla youngster Eric Humphries in the championship standings.

Huntington Beach teen Nic Faas has a firm grasp on the Midget championship. The midgets, slightly smaller than a sprint car, utilize four-cylinder power.

Both USAC programs will include heat races. Main events will follow with the Sprints competing for 50 laps and the Midgets will race for 30.

More information on this history making night of racing is available at www.altamontracing.com/fallclassic

The official site for the Altamont Fall Classic features more information on both the NASCAR Camping World Series West and USAC Sprints & Midgets as well as event schedules and ticket information.

Altamont Raceway Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. An extensive remodeling project during the winter of 2005/06 has made the facility one of the most up-to-date on the West Coast.

For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Spurgeon earns Tri-Holiday #3 win and championship at Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
52 Late Models packed the pits at Altamont Raceway Park on Saturday, as the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (w/ Westcar stars) and SRL Flashco Southwest Tour each took to the half-mile asphalt oval for 100 lap features.

The prestigious Tri Holiday Classic, round three, saw Tim Spurgeon of Danville earning the $1500 NASCAR Western Late Model win and adding $2000 for the Tri Holiday championship.

SRL points leader Jim Pettit of Prunedale fended off several challengers to win a caution-laden main event.

Other winners on the day included Sammy Solari of Salida in the American Limited Stock Cars, Colby Potts in the Future Champions Development Series, and Bob Wilson and Richard Hull split Formula-4 wins.

Spurgeon led all 100 laps en route to his second win of the year. The race closely mirrored his incredible win in the first Tri Holiday event back on May 24.

33 teams appeared with 29 taking the start for the 50 mile grind.

Spurgeon went toe-to-toe with Tri Holiday points contender Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV, and also fended off a race-long challenge from 2006 Stockton 99 Speedway champion Guy Guibor.

“The Tri-Holiday thing is really cool,” Spurgeon said. “These guys are really stepping it up out here and there’s 10 guys who can run good at any time.”

Guibor made his best challenge for the lead position on lap 10, as he went to the outside groove. The outside line, always a challenge at Altamont Raceway Park, appeared to be the preferred passing line throughout the race.

Unfortunately Guibor’s momentum was slowed when a multi-car crash brought out the caution.

Track points leader Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton went to work on the restart, after starting a dismal 13th.

Additional cautions for brief spins on lap 21 and 34 allowed Gilbert to move up to sixth place.

Gilbert ended up in the middle of a heavy battle between Modesto drivers Mike Beeler and former SRL champ Jason Fensler.

After coming through turn one three-wide, Gilbert came out of turn two ahead of Fensler. But contact heading into turn three sent Gilbert spinning. Fensler was sent to the rear for his involvement in the incident.

With Gilbert charging back through the large field, the top-three cars set a furious pace, with Spurgeon, Hodges, and Guibor comfortably ahead of the remaining pack.

A restart on lap 61 allowed Guibor to pass Hodges for second.

On lap 80, just 42 laps after falling to the rear, Gilbert had worked all the way up to fourth place in the order.

A late race caution with six laps set up a duel between the top-four cars, but on the restart Guibor attempted to go to the inside and ended up in the infield. As the dirt flew, several cars emerged with heavy damage.

Once the race finally restarted, Gilbert passed Hodges for third, and Spurgeon held on for the big win.

The top-five at the finish were Spurgeon, Guibor, Gilbert, Hodges, and Beeler.

“We’re just one adjustment off,” Guibor said. “My hats off to Tim. He did a heck of a job. I gave it everything I had and I took second.”

The SRL Flashco Southwest Tour race was a war of attrition, with nearly half a dozen contenders suffering setbacks.

When it was all over, the familiar face of Jim Pettit emerged victorious, extending his huge points lead and winning his third race.

West Coast veteran Jason Small lead the first six laps before a hard crash for Tracy’s Rick Ruzbarsky into turn three brought out a brief red flag.

The restart went to Pettit quickly.

The hard charger of the race at that point was Jason Fensler, using the outside groove to muscle past Small for second lap 17.

Following Fensler on the outside was 17 year-old rookie Josh Combs of Sacramento, and the two cars set-up by Joiner Motorsports put the pressure on Pettit.

Fensler used the outside to pass Pettit on lap 22 and drive away.

Heavy lapped traffic closed the gap between the top-three cars and fourth place Craig Raudman of Cottonwood.

But trouble ended Raudman’s chances at a possible win, as he tangled with lapped car Dave Mantooth in turn three, sparking a heavy crash. Dan Holtz of Los Angeles and Fremont’s Troy Ermish were all gathered up in the melee.

While circulating under caution, Fensler quickly drove to the pits and the cars immediately erupted into flames. Fensler exited the car quickly without injury but was done for the day.

2007 SRL champ Dave Byrd of Seaside used the restart to get up to third position on the track.

On lap 80, Combs made a serious challenge on Pettit but spun out. The race remained green and Combs had to join at the tail end of the line.

Byrd faded late in the race yielding to fast-time qualifier Greg Voigt of Goleta and Small. Voigt was on his own mission, after spinning while trying to pas Byrd earlier in the race.

Pettit checked on the pack for a win that looked easy. Voigt, Small, Byrd, and Combs rounded out the top-five.

The American Limited Stock Car 30 lap feature saw Sammy Solari of Salida win his seventh race of the year. Solari also won the Tri-Holiday championship worth $1000.

Solari won by 3.7 seconds over Stockton’s Brian Vosburg.

Race fans took a deep breath after a scary looking crash for Hayward’s Tim Rappa, in which he hit the turn three wall head-on while attempting a three-wide maneuver.

Rappa came out of the car uninjured but was done for the evening.

The top-five finishers at the line were Solari, Vosburg, Jim Earl, Stockton’s Richard Harper, and Chico’s Thomas Vosburg.

Formula-4 fans were treated to two different races, with a 15 lap race on the quarter-mile oval and a 10 lap race on the 1.1 mile road course.

The oval event was the first ever for the division, but the entry level divison shined. A caution free event had the top-three cars dueling in and out of traffic.

Coming to the line, Bob Wilson won a three-wide photo finish. The finish was one of the closest of the year at Altamont Raceway Park and kicked off the oval racing with a bang. Jake Morgenstern and Richard Hull, points contenders, were second and third in the thrilling finish.

The road course event was won by Hull, with Wilson second and Jason Edgecomb third.

For ticket and event information, log onto the track website.

Altamont Raceway Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Tri-Holiday Classic #3 on tap for Altamont on Saturday
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Another set of star-studded fields is expected in action Saturday, as Altamont Raceway Park hosts the third and final round of the prestigious Tri-Holiday Series.

Racing action will include the Flashco SRL Southwest Tour, led by points leader Jim Pettit of Prunedale, and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (w/ Westcar stars) with Pleasanton’s Jason Gilbert leading the championship.

Both series will compete in 100 lap features on the fastest half-mile in the west, and more than 50 Late Model stockcars are expected to be in action.

Other divisions competing Saturday’s jam-packed program include the American Limited Stock Cars and Future Champions Development Series on the half-mile. The Formula-4 division will share time between the Altamont quarter-mile oval and the 1.1 mile road course.

The headlining SRL show features a diverse racing line-up of 20 drivers who are entered. Among the entries is Goleta’s Greg Voigt, who was the runner-up in the May race but succumbed to mechanical problems in the July event.

Pettit’s chief rival all season has been Craig Raudman of Cottonwood, who has finished in the top four in every SRL event in 2008. Despite this nearly perfect season, Raudman finds himself 17 points back in the championship.

Local drivers to watch include rookie leader Josh Combs of Sacramento, former track champ Todd Bammer, and Fremont’s Troy Ermish.

Altamont’s Western Late Model division is moving towards its season finale on September 6, with Gilbert comfortably in command of the points lead.

Gilbert, with nine wins on the season, has also vaulted to the NASCAR California State points leader and an impressive ninth place ranking nationally.

With points set by car count, Saturday’s impressive field should do wonders for Gilbert’s national aspirations.

But Gilbert will have to contend with a bevy of young drivers, including Brentwood’s Doff Cooksey who runs second in the standings.

Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV will be back in action. Hodges has finishes of fourth and second in the Tri-Holiday races so far to be second in the Tri-Holiday standings.

Tim Spurgeon of Danville leads that battle by four points, with Gilbert still mathematically in the hunt. $2000 will be awarded to the Tri-Holiday Series champion.

Other drivers expected on Saturday include the exciting Kyle Gottula of Modesto, Orangevale standout Gary Glenn, last week race winner Mark Holeman of Los Altos, and rookie leader Greg Hock of Ione.

Sammy Solari of Salida leads the American Limited Stock Cars into its ninth event of the season. Solari leads by 10 points over Stockton’s Richard Harper on the heels of six main event wins.

Future Champions Development Series, a Late Model division for drivers ages 14-16, will compete for 20 laps on the half-mile oval.

The Formula-4 competition could be the most interesting. For the first time in division history, they will stage a 15 lap event on the quarter-mile oval, along with a 10 lap race on the 1.1 mile road course.

An ultra-tight points battle between Jake Morgenstern, Richard Hull, and Bob Wilson will be tested by this diverse and challenging race program.

Just 16 points separate the top-three in the standings.

Saturday’s action will see gates open at noon with qualifying at 1 p.m. and racing at 3 p.m. Altamont’s family-friendly “early in, early out” schedule will see racing conclude before dark.

For ticket and event information, log onto the track website.

Altamont Raceway Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Holeman and Gilbert rake in Altamont Late Model wins
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Points leader Jason Gilbert and 2007 NASCAR California State champion Mark Holeman of Los Altos shared the spotlight in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models at Altamont Raceway Park on Saturday.

“The car was great and we’ve been struggling,” Holeman said. “I can’t thank the guys enough for all the work they put in to make the car do what it just did.”

Saturday’s activities also included testing for the prestigious Altamont Fall Classic, coming September 13. The event will feature the NASCAR Camping World Series West in the “Western State Steel & Stair 200” and the USAC Sprint & Midget Challenge. This will mark the first time in history that both USAC and the NASCAR West Series will share a twin bill.

13 NASCAR West Series teams tested, including local favorites 2006 champ Eric Holmes of Escalon, the points leader, and 2007 champ Mike David of Modesto. Other drivers that tested included points contenders Moses Smith of Arizona, Jason Bowles of Ontario, and Austin Cameron. Jamie Dick, Paulie Harraka, Rod Kneeland, Paul Pedroncelli, 2007 Altamont champ Ryan Philpott, Todd Souza, Ross Strmiska, and Auggie Vidovich also practiced.

USAC testing included Daniel Bedford, Western Sprints points leader Tanner Swanson of Kingsburg, multi-time USAC champ Tony Hunt of Lincoln, and Fresno’s Tim Skoglund, a Ford Focus Series standout.

Gilbert found victory lane in the first 50 lap Late Model feature after initial race winner and Tracy High graduate Justin Philpott was disqualified. Holeman put on a stunning performance in a largely green flag race to win the second 50. The win for Holeman marked his first career victory at the fastest half-mile in the west.

Philpott led the field to green, with action slowed on lap 12 for a huge oil down from Ryan Thomason of Castro Valley.

On the restart, Philpott engaged in a battle with Doff Cooksey of Brentwood, with Gilbert, Orangevale’s Gary Glenn, and Holeman in tow.

The top-five moved out to a considerable lead when the caution flew at the race’s halfway mark.

As the field came to the green, Cooksey suddenly dropped out with a water pump problem, giving Gilbert a look at Philpott.

Meanwhile, Mike David was on the charge up to fifth place. David and fellow Modesto resident Kyle Gottula raced hard for fifth to the finish.

Philpott won over Gilbert in a wire-to-wire battle over the final 25 laps. In post race inspection, however, Philpott was discovered to have modified a-arms. The rules state they must be stock, so Philpott was disqualified for the evening.

The top-five at the adjusted finish were: Gilbert, Glenn, Holeman, David, and Gottula.

Returning Glen Cook of Fremont was the early race leader in the second 50 lap race, flexing his muscle in his newly rebuilt ride.

The yellow flag was displayed on lap seven, for a spinning Brian Koski of Pleasanton.

Rookie of the year points leader Greg Hock of Ione held down second spot on the restart, while Holeman began to make his moves.

Holeman passed Hock on lap 18, and seven laps later assumed the lead.

Holeman and Hock maintained a comfortable advantage over Gilbert, until Gottula came knocking.

Twice the hard charger of the event, Gottula went by Hock but at that point was nearly three seconds behind Holeman.

Holeman cruised to a solid victory, his first career win at Altamont. The top-five were Holeman, Gottula, Hock, Gilbert, and Cook.

“This car actually gets better on the long runs so to get out and lead early was kind of surprising,” Holeman said.

The Good Doctor David Goodwill made a big statement, winning again in the NCMA Limited Sprints by a devastating margin.

Goodwill led by 4.1 seconds at the line over Manteca’s Pat Ariaz in the 25-lap feature. Goodwill, a former dirt sprint car star, is making a name on the asphalt as well.

Rounding out the top-five were Rob Hammond of Morgan Hill, Jeff Burrows of Manteca, and Burt Siverling.

“Once we got in clear traffic we just set sail,” Goodwill said. “The car was just operating perfect tonight.”

Future Champions Development Series took the half-mile with 15 year-old Colby Potts taking the win over Penryn’s Tyler Thomas.

The drivers were competing on the half-mile for the first time in 2008, an incredibly rare opportunity for drivers of their age.

Speeds reached close to 120 miles per hour for the drivers in the 400 hp cars.
Saturday, Altamont Raceway Park hosts the third and final round of the Tri-Holiday Classic Series, with the Flashco SRL Southwest Tour 100 and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (w/ Westcar stars) 100.

Action will also include the Future Champions Development Series, American Limited Stock Cars, and Formula-4s.

For ticket and event information, log onto the track website.

Altamont Raceway Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Gilbert scores gold again at Altamont Raceway Park in 100 lap grind
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton continued his dominance in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (w/ Westcar stars) Western Late Model division at Altamont Raceway Park in the “Girls Day at the Track” 100 on Saturday evening.

28 cars graced the pits for the Western Late Model events, continuing the exciting season of high car counts at the fastest half-mile in the west.

Against a star studded 25 car field, Gilbert notched his eighth win of the 2008 season through 16 starts.

Saturday’s events also featured action from the Legends of the Pacific touring series, with points Matt Scott of Pine Valley scoring the win on the quarter-mile oval.

American Limited Stockcar action was claimed again by Salida’s Sammy Solari, points leader Todd Lynch of Tracy won the Grand American Modified feature, and Richard Hull won both 10-lap Formula-4 main events.

2007 Rookie of the Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood led the field to green in the Late Model feature. After a few short cautions, Cooksey was joined by Carson City, NV teenager Bobby Hodges and Tracy’s Justin Philpott.

Philpott made the charge on Cooksey, taking the lead on lap 21. Philpott then stopped in turn four with a mechanical problem, handing the lead to Hodges.

Orangevale’s Gary Glenn and Gilbert began to move through the field, passing Cooksey and moving towards Hodges.

A caution on lap 29 set up a restart that sent Gilbert into the lead.

Hodges and Glenn followed Gilbert closely, when the caution flew on lap 45 for a spinning Ron Robeck and Chris Bammer.

On the restart, the field set sail on a caution-free run that went all the way to lap 97, with Gilbert, Hodges, and Glenn running very close. Several battles for position all the way back to 15th continued as well.

Philpott spun on lap 97 setting up a three-lap shootout. Mark Holman of Los Altos, 2007 NASCAR state champion, passed Glenn for third.

An accident involving several cars drew a yellow-checkered on lap 98, two laps short of the scheduled distance.

Gilbert took the satisfying win over Hodges, Holman, Glenn, and a late charging Jace Meier of Las Vegas, NV.

Gilbert now leads Cooksey by more than 125 points with four rounds left, nearly cementing his place as track champion.

Westcar points leader Chet Danburg of Carson City, NV finished 13th and maintained his lead.

The Legends of the Pacific 30-lap main event saw passing galore on the Altamont quick quarter-mile.

The nimble, scale, and spec historic cars feature a bevy of both young talent and veteran leaders.

Ryan Raduechel of Modesto led the field to green, with three-wide battling behind him.

Robby Czub of Rocklin, the 15 year-old upstart, made contact with Raduechel to draw a caution and send both cars to the rear of the 20 car pack.

That handed the lead to Dylan Albiani of Modesto, but the lead was short-lived as Scott made his march.

Jeremy Wood, originally of Tracy but now residing in North Carolina, made a popular return to Altamont and was aggressively attacking the outside groove.

Scott finally took the lead from Albiani on lap 14 with Wood in tow. Scott fought off Wood to the finish, with Albiani scoring third. Fred Clement of Stockton and Mark Blevins of Modesto rounded out the top-five. Czub made a spirited charge to sixth.

Solari took care of business in the American Limited Stockcar 30 lap main event, as the class continues to get acquainted with the half-mile oval after previously racing the quarter-mile in 2007.

Solari made some daring passes, including taking the field three-wide, to assume the lead position on lap eight.

Stockton’s Brian Vosburg and Hayward’s Tim Rappa ran closely behind Solari all the way to a thrilling finish. The remaining top-five finished a full seven seconds back from the leaders.

Richard Harper of Stockton claimed fourth with Chico youngster Thomas Vosburg fifth.

Tracy’s Todd Lynch has now won three feature events, along with many fast-times and dash wins. But Saturday’s race turned into a suprising duel between newcomer AJ Ryder of Stockton and Lynch.

Lynch was forced to attack the high-line, his signature move, to pass Ryder with two laps remaining.

The full finishing order was Lynch, Ryder, Todd Lewis of Riverbank, and Leroy Hunt of Stockton.

The Formula-4 division races turned into a huge day for Hull, who swept both 10 lap features on the 1.1 mile road course.

Hull went toe-to-toe with fellow points contender Jake Morgenstern in both main events, while front-runner Bob Wilson lost ground in the ultra-tight standings.

The top-five in the first 10 lap main were: Hull, Morgenstern, Wilson, Jason Edgecomb, and Leo Solari.

Race number two saw Hull come from the rear to win over Solari, Morgenstern, Jim Robbins, and Dan Durbin.

Next Saturday at Altamont Raceway Park is the fall showcase day, with practice for all Altamont classes including USAC and Camping World West Series. This event will serve as the media day for the Camping World West Series as they prepare for the big show on Sept. 13th.

Racing action the half-mile will conclude the day with the NASCAR Western Late Model twin 50’s Future Champions Development Series, NCMA Limited Sprints, and Spectator Racing Series.

For ticket and event information, log onto the track website.

Altamont Raceway Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Altamont’s “Girls Day at the Track” features NASCAR Late Model 100
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Fans on hand for Saturday’s “Girls Day at the Track” will be treated to one of the most talented field in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models of the entire season. A 100 lap feature with Westcar stars will headline a program that will also feature Legends of the Pacific, American Limited Stock Cars, Grand American Modifieds, and Formula-4s.

“Girls Day at the Track” will treat attendees to exciting racing viewed from the Altamont VIP suite, lunch, shopping, and ride-alongs in the Altamont Raceway Park ride-along Late Models. Tickets to be apart of the “Girls Day at the Track”, which will raise money for several charities, are available at www.girlsdayatthetrack.com

Late Model points leader Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton, on the heels of three-straight wins, will be busy with a very strong turnout on the fastest half-mile oval in the west.

Points contenders such as Brentwood’s Doff Cooksey, leading rookie Greg Hock of Ione, Carlos Vieira of Merced, and Tracy’s Justin Philpott will all be competing.

Two drivers who will round out their seasons at Altamont, 2006 Westcar runner-up Gary Glenn, and Clovis’ Trevor Schlundt, will be back to challenge Gilbert.

Carson City, NV teen Bobby Hodges hopes to continue his perfect streak of top-tens, as he has scored seven top-tens in seven starts, with six of those finishes in the top-five.

17 year-old Steven Cantrell of Mooresville, NC nearly scored a win in his debut back on July 5. He will return, along with teammate Ross Strmiska of Stockton, in a tough two-car team.

Jace “The Ace” Meier from Las Vegas, NV and Mark Holman of Los Altos are also returning, both in Ford bodied cars.

30 cars are expected to take the green flag in the 100 lap feature event.

The Legends of the Pacific cars are a fan-favorite and are making their first Altamont appearance on 2008 on Saturday.

Featuring a mix of both young up-and-coming drivers, along with aged veterans, the Legends division runs half-scale cars resembling 1930s Ford coupes and sedans.

Each car is powered by an identical Yamaha engine, and can buzz around the Altamont quarter-mile at speeds over 75 miles per hour.

Nearly 20 cars are expected, with two heats and a 30 lap main event on tap.

Tracy’s Todd Lynch leads the open-wheeled Modified division into action for Saturday’s 30 lap main event on the half-mile. Robert Kennedy of San Francisco went toe-to-toe with Lynch in the division’s previous event on July 26.

Sammy Solari of Salida has five wins this season in the American Limited Stock Car division, but leads by just four points over Richard Harper of Stockton.

The close points battle will continue into Saturday’s 30 lap main event, with Tim Rappa of Hayward also in striking distance.

Formula-4 racing in 2008 has been thrilling from start to finish, with a three car dogfight for the points lead. The Formula-4s run stock four-cylinder cars on the 1.1 mile road course.

This affordable but exciting division has two 10 lap main events slated for Saturday, with Jake Morgenstern leading Bob Wilson by six points into Saturday’s event. Richard Hull is only four points back from Wilson in the title hunt.

For ticket and event information, log onto the track website.

Altamont Raceway Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Gilbert does it again in Altamont NASCAR action, winning both features
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Points leader Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton scored two more crucial wins in his chase for NASCAR Whelen All-American Series state and national points on Saturday evening at Altamont Raceway Park.

Brian McClish of Santa Rosa tamed a strong USAC Western States Sprint Car field for his second win of 2008, and Bobby Grewohl of Hollister and Jeff Oleen of Bethesda, Maryland earned their first USAC wins.

Grewohl claimed an exciting USAC Western States Midgets feature, while Oleen was victorious on the Altamont quick quarter-mile in the USAC Ford Focus program.

Pat Ariaz of Manteca held off David Goodwill of Napa in closely contested NCMA Limited Sprint feature.

Carlos Vieira of Merced led the field to green in the first 50 lap feature for the NASCAR Western Late Models over the 26 field.

The caution was thrown on lap two when as many as six cars spun. Chris Bammer of Pleasanton had to restart at the rear of the field.

On lap eight Vito Ranuio of Stockton and Clovis’ Trevor Schlundt tangled in a battle for fourth, with both cars suffering flat tires but remarkably not spinning.

Racing stayed clean and green while Gilbert stalked Vieira for the lead. Gilbert finally took the point on lap 12.

On a lap 20 restart, a large pileup on the front stretch saw Ken Benhamou of San Ramon ending up drivers door first into the wall with heavy damage.

Benhamou was eliminated from contention with Ranuio and Dallas Glenn of Fresno also damaged.

Orangevale visitor Gary Glenn staged a heated battle with Vieira for third, and took the position on lap 48.

Gilbert cruised home to win over Brentwood’s Doff Cooksey, with Glenn third, ahead of Vieira and Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV.

In the second feature, Vieira again flexed his muscles, taking the lead from pole sitter Kyle Gottula of Modesto on lap two.

The top-15 cars ran nose-to-tail behind Vieira with Gilbert applying pressure.

After a caution on lap 16, Gilbert went to work. On lap 29, Gilbert made the move stick. Five laps later, Vieira got loose and slipped up, allowing Justin Philpott to take second.

Vieira fell to fifth in the shuffle up.

Glenn battled hard with Philpott for the second spot while Gilbert enjoyed a comfortable lead through lapped traffic. Glenn eventually took the position on lap 44.

A six car battle for fifth highlighted the run to the finish.

At the line it was Gilbert, Glenn, Philpott, Cooksey, and Vieira.

Gilbert now has seven wins in 15 starts at Altamont Raceway Park.

It took just 12 laps for McClish to take hold of the USAC Western States Sprint Car series 50 lap feature.

Nick Rescino, Jr. of San Francisco was the early race leader, but was challenged by Eric Humphries of Chowchilla.

McClish went to work on the top groove, passing Alamo’s Scott Pierovich for third on lap eight, and moving past Rescino and Humphries just four laps later.

Rescino began to fade with mechanical issues and dropped out of the event.

Rookie Porter Smith of Aztec, NM and points leader Tanner Swanson of Kingsburg made a charge to the front from sixth and eighth on the grid respectively.

By lap 26, both had dispensed of Humphries and went to work on McClish for the lead.

A hard fought battle ensued all the way to the finish, with Swanson making a strong outside charge that was thwarted by lapped traffic.

McClish held on for his second Altamont win in 2008, over Smith, Swanson, Humphries, and Pierovich.

Grewohl’s win in the USAC Western States Midget event was a surprise to many, with his supporters cheering wildly after the thrilling win.

Grewohl went toe-to-toe with Hanford standout Michael Faccinto, taking the lead in a stunning pass on lap 26.

Passing two cars in one turn, Grewohl screamed by both Paul Zimmerly of Ridgefield, WA and Brentwood’s Dan Bedford in turn three on lap 21.

As if he was shot out of a cannon, Grewohl reeled in Faccinto just five laps later.

The top-five finishing order were: Grewohl, Zimmerly, Nic Faas of Huntington Beach, Bedford, and Canada’s Steven Matthews.

Ron Sutton’s Winner Circle driver Oleen took his first career USAC Ford Focus win in the 30 lap race contested on the quarter-mile oval at Altamont.

Oleen was forced to fight off points leader Alex Bowman of Tuscon, AZ and West Sacramento’s Garrett Peterson.

Jessica Brunelli of Hayward and Pleasanton’s Ian Miile rounded out the top-five.

Ariaz led every lap of the NCMA Limited Sprint 25-lap feature, but nearly lost the race in the closing stages. While negotiating lap traffic, points leader Goodwill made a charge that had the fans on the edge of their seats.

The finish was by just .167, with Goodwill looking high and low but unable to make the pass.

Morgan Hill’s Rob Hammond, Manteca’s Ed Amador and Jeff Burrows rounded out the top-five.

Next Saturday evening Altamont Raceway Park hosts the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (w/ Westcar stars) for 100 fast paced laps on the fastest half-mile in the west.

Grand American Modifieds and American Limited Stock Cars will also be in action the half-mile, with Legends of the Pacific competing in their first event at Altamont on the quarter-mile. The fast and furious Formula-4s will stage two 10 lap features on the 1.1 mile road course.

For ticket and event information, log onto the track website.

Altamont Raceway Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Busy Altamont program with NASCAR and USAC racing scheduled
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Altamont Raceway hosts the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models for a twin-50s program on Saturday, along with a triple header of United States Auto Club Sprints, Midgets, and Ford Focus Midgets. NCMA Limited Sprints will also be in action in this jam packed program.

All American Speedway standout Gary Glenn of Orangevale will be joining the Western Late Model competition, and is expected to be joined by a handful of drivers from Madera Speedway.

They will be busy with Altamont points leader Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton, as well as 2006 Stockton 99 Speedway champion Guy Guibor of Manteca, 2007 Rookie of the Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood, Merced’s Carlos Vieira, and Tracy High graduate Justin Philpott.

Carson City, NV standout Bobby Hodges will be competing in all Altamont events in the month of August. Hodges has recorded three second place finishes and two fourths in his five starts in 2008.

Kingsburg’s talented teenager Tanner Swanson leads the USAC Western States Sprint car trail into Altamont, for their sixth appearance of the year. Swanson comes in on the heels of a big win in the 100 lap feature at Magic Valley Speedway in Idaho last weekend.

Swanson has stretched his points lead to a comfortable 61 points over Nick Rescino Jr. of San Francisco. Eric Humphries of Chowcilla sits just four points back from Rescino. A 50 lap feature is on tap for the open-wheel warriors on Saturday.

The USAC Western States Midgets series is led by Nic Faas of Huntington Beach. Young guns Robby Jossett of Santa Clarita and CJ Sarna of Palm Desert are embroiled in a tough battle for second in the points, with local Alamo driver Scott Pierovich on the outside looking in from fourth after winning the 2007 championship.

Arizona driver Alex Bowman leads the USAC Ford Focus California Pavement series standings with Pleasanton’s Ian Miile leading the closely matched pack for second.

Napa’s David Goodwill has been on fire in the NCMA Limited Sprints action at Altamont, and the series will continue its busy summer at the track with Goodwill looking for his third straight feature win.

Grandstand gates open at 12 p.m. with qualifying at 1 p.m. and racing at 3 p.m. The USAC series will open the day with heat races followed by feature races for all five divisions. The family-friendly “early in, early out” schedule will see racing conclude before dark.

For more information with times and ticket prices, log on to www.altamontracing.com

Altamont Raceway is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Gilbert wins again in thrilling 100 lap feature at Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Gilbert wins again in thrilling 100 lap feature at Altamont

Steven Blakesley / Altamont Raceway

Tracy, Calif. – Points leader Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton scored his fourth win of July and fifth of the 2008 season, winning the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models (w/ Westcar stars) 100 lap feature as part of “Sponsor Appreciation Day” at Altamont Raceway.

Sammy Solari of Salida found his way to victory lane for his fifth victory of the season in the American Limited Stock Car division, while San Francisco’s Robert Kennedy won a wire-to-wire Grand American Modified feature.

Tyler Thomas of Penryn was credited with the Future Champions Development Series, while Jake Morgenstern and Richard Hull shared Formula-4 victories.

Gilbert took the lead from Guy Guibor of Manteca on a lap 90 restart, after following him for nearly 57 laps. Guibor led a race-high 77 laps before surrendering the lead.

Tim Spurgeon of Danville led the opening laps against the 27 car starting grid, with a total of 31 cars on site for the day’s activities.

Carson City, NV teenager Bobby Hodges took the lead on lap nine off of turn four.

An immediate caution flag slowed Hodges’ progress, when 2007 track champion Ryan Philpott hit the wall on the backstretch. While Philpott tried to gather up the damaged car, 2007 Rookie of the Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood was forced into the dirt.

When the dirt cleared, Cooksey had made a miraculous save to only have minor damage, but Philpott and Manteca favorite David Hulsey were eliminated.

On the pending restart, Guibor applied heavy pressure to Hodges, with Hodges making a mistake into turn three and overshooting the corner. This allowed Guibor to assume the lead.

A caution on lap 20 allowed Gilbert to get around Spurgeon and then pass Hodges, setting his sights on Guibor.

Guibor, Gilbert, and Hodges raced closely as the race moved into the later stages.

A serious looking crash on lap 48 saw Lisa Riordan of Scotts Valley suffer a suspension failure on the backstretch, and the resulting contact with Clovis’ Trevor Schlundt eliminated both from the race.

The field was restarted with ten laps to go after Justin Philpott suffered a flat tire, giving Gilbert his chance to make a move.

Hodges made a bold move on the outside in the shuffle up, but paid for the heroics and fell to fourth. Mark Holman, 2007 NASCAR state champion, made the pass on Hodges on lap 94 for third.

At the line, the top-five were Gilbert, Guibor, Holman, Hodges, and Greg Potts of Morada.

Sammy Solari spent just four laps on his rivals in the American Limited Stock Cars, before carving through the field and taking the lead for good. Solari hung on for a satisfying win after an infraction in the prior ALSC event.

Tim Rappa of Hayward found himself in the middle of several mix-ups, but battled back to finish fifth.

The final ten laps were a shootout, with four cars dueling for second place. Joe Morgenstern of Livermore ended up with the position, over Chico young gun Thomas Vosburg. Richard Harper of Stockton and Rappa rounded out the top-five.

San Francisco’s Robert Kennedy ran side-by-side with points leader Todd Lynch of Tracy in a surprisingly exciting Grand American Modified feature, despite low car count.

Lynch went to Kennedy’s outside, and the two ran wheel-to-wheel for ten straight laps.

On lap 20 in the 30 lap event, they ran identical laps times.

When it came down the checkered flag, Kennedy had outmatched Lynch by just a hair.

Todd Lewis of Riverbank rounded out the running cars.

Colby Potts of Morada won the overall race for the Future Champions Development
Series, a Late Model series for drivers ages 14-16 on the Altamont quarter-mile.

But Tyler Thomas of Penyrn was credited with the win for recording the fastest lap-time during the event. Thomas ran a 14.699 second lap to lead the field.

The Formula-4 division, on the Altamont 1.1 mile road course, is usually relatively caution-free and incident-free. But Saturday’s racers came out aggressively, with both races turning into slam-bang showdowns.

Long-time front runner Bob Wilson was relegated to finishes of second and fourth, while Jake Morgenstern won the first 10 lap event and Richard Hull won the second 10 lap event.

Altamont Raceway goes dark next Saturday evening before returning for another exciting racing program, featuring the United States Auto Club Sprints, Midgets, and Ford Focus Midgets, plus NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models will compete in two 50-lap main events on the half-mile oval.

NCMA Limited Sprints action will round out the jam packed program.

For ticket information and event times, visit the track website.

Altamont Raceway is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Sponsor Appreciation Day & 100 laps of Late Models at Altamont Raceway
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Altamont Raceway presents “Sponsor Appreciation Day” on Saturday evening, featuring the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models (w/ Westcar stars) going to battle for 100 laps on the fastest half-mile in the west.

Altamont’s American Limited Stock Cars and Grand American Modifieds will also grace the half-mile, with Future Champions Development Series racers on the quarter-mile, and Formula-4s rounding out the program on the 1.1 mile road course.

The five divisions, three venue program is a bargain at just $12 for adult admissions. Team sponsors with RSVP’d tickets, will pay just 2-for-1 price and be treated to a barbeque lunch in the Turn 4 Club. Teams competing Saturday may email Jim Becker by Wednesday at jbecker@AltamontRacing.com to RSVP.

Pleasanton’s Jason Gilbert leads the Late Models into action Saturday, with four feature wins on the season. Gilbert has vaulted to fifth in the NASCAR California State standings, and 29th in the NASCAR National standings.

A close battle for second in the track points has wowed fans this summer, with Brentwood’s Doff Cooksey and 2006 Stockton 99 Speedway champion Guy Guibor of Manteca locking horns.

Several visiting drivers are expected to be in action on Saturday, including Carson City, NV standout teenager Bobby Hodges. Hodges has finished in the runner-up position three times in his four starts. Hodges could be in position to claim his first win on Saturday.

Another driver expected to compete is 2007 State Champion Mark Holman of Los Altos.

The Westcar Late Model Series is led by Carson City, NV veteran Chet Danburg.

Other drivers racing on Saturday in the Late Model competition will be Tracy High graduate Justin Philpott, sophomore standout Carlos Vieira of Merced, and veterans Brian Koski and Ken Benhamou.

Stockton’s Richard Harper has finished in the top-five in all six American Limited Stock Car races thus far to lead the ALSC championship.

Sammy Solari of Salida has four wins and is just two points back in the hunt. Tim Rappa, Anthony Gourley, and Robert Cherf round out the top-five. The ALSC division has wowed fans with its racing on the half-mile oval since moving to that track earlier in the year.

Todd Lynch of Tracy has taken care of business in the Grand American Modifieds, leading Todd Lewis of Riverbank by 16 points. The open-wheeled class has a 30 lap event scheduled Saturday.

Future Champions Development Series Late Models, with drivers ages 14-16, will compete for 20 laps on the quick quarter-mile.

A pair of 10 lap features for the competitive Formula-4 division will wrap up the evening. Bob Wilson is tied with Jake Morgenstern atop the standings.

For ticket information and event times, visit the track website.

Altamont Raceway is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
More first time winners at Altamont Raceway in USAC and NASCAR action
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Altamont Raceway was again the track with first time winners, as Scott Pierovich of Alamo claimed his first career USAC Western Sprint Car feature, while Alex Bowman and CJ Sarna took home their first Altamont wins.

The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series program for the Western Late Models saw race wins go to Brentwood’s Doff Cooksey and points leader Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton.

The first NASCAR 50 lap feature on the fastest half-mile in the west was slowed with a huge crash on the second lap.

Clovis’ Trevor Schlundt and All American Speedway visitor Gary Glenn of Orangevale tangled on the backstretch, and slid hard into the turn three wall. The crash eliminated both drivers from the race.

On the restart, Modesto’s Mike Beeler pulled away from Gilbert as the top-six raced closely.

Lap 11 saw Gilbert and Tracy High graduate Justin Philpott collide in turn three, giving Gilbert a flat tire and putting both cars to the rear of the order.

The restart allowed Cooksey to make his move on Beeler, passing him off turn two on lap 16.

While Cooksey pulled away with the lead, Gilbert went to work on the pack. It took Gilbert just 17 laps to catch Carlos Vieira of Merced and take fourth place.

Beeler dropped out of contention on lap 38, yielding second to Sacramento’s Josh Bews.

Cooksey cruised home for his second win of 2008 over Bews, Manteca’s Guy Guibor, Gilbert, and Vieira.

In the second 50 lap main event, Gilbert took a dominating win after the race had only one caution period.

Gilbert took the lead at the start of the race, with Bews chasing in second. Several seconds back, Guibor was under heavy pressure for a line of as many as six cars.

On lap 21, Guibor drifted up the race track and ended up falling all the way back to eighth.

Schlundt recovered from his wreck in the first race to challenge Vieira for the third spot for the closing laps.

Gilbert hung on after a lap race restart with Bews, to take home his fourth win of the 2008 season.

Rounding out the top-five were Vieira, Schlundt, and 2007 champion Ryan Philpott of Tracy.

The USAC Western States Sprint Car 30 lap main event saw Pierovich claim his first ever sprint car win in just his third start in the series.

Three-time champion Tony Hunt of Lincoln led the opening laps. Second place in the points standings Nick Rescino Jr. of San Francisco touched wheels with Jojo Helberg of Rohnert Park and ended up in the air.

This relegated Rescino the rear of the field in what turned out to be a frustrating run for the popular local.

Pierovich took the lead on lap eight from Hunt and took the thrilling win in the caution-free event.

Chowchilla’s Eric Humphries had a huge run coming home in second, with Brian McClish of Santa Rosa third. The remaining top-five were points leader Tanner Swanson of Kinsburg and visiting Bobby Santos of Franklin, MA.

Heat race wins went to Rescino and Helberg.

After a caution-filled affair for the USAC Western States Midgets, emerging star and former dirt-only driver CJ Sarna, of Palm Desert, earned the win.

Sarna led every lap fighting off hard charges from Bryan Clauson Inc. driver Shane Golobic of Fremont and Ridgefield, WA’s Paul Zimmerly.

Zimmerly was eliminated from contention on lap eight.

The race was restarted late on lap 16, with Golobic and points leader Nic Faas making spirit charges at Sarna from the outside.

But Sarna took the checkered flag with Faas second and Golobic third. Michael Faccinto of Hanford was fourth, and Pierovich was fifth.

Faas and Brentwood’s Daniel Bedford claimed head race wins.

Alex Bowman took a wire-to-wire USAC Ford Focus California Pavement series on the Altamont Motorsports Park quarter-mile.

Bowman chased Brandon Langlois for 19 of the event’s 30 lap distance before making the exciting pass on the inside of turn two.

Bowman then fought off an exciting drive by the experienced Santos, the take the win.

Langlois was third, with Ian Mille of Pleasanton and West Sacramento’s Garrett Peterson rounding out the top-five.

Hayward’s Jessica Brunelli and Langlois were heat race winners.

Racing action resumes at Altamont Raceway, the home of the “Big Show,” with the NASCAR Whelen All- American Series (w/ Westcar stars) 100 lap feature, as part of “Sponsor Appreciation Day.”

American Limited Stock Cars and Grand American Modifieds will also be in action the half-mile, with Future Champions Development Series on the quarter-mile and Formula-4s on the 1.1 mile road course.

For ticket information and event times, visit the track website.

Altamont Raceway is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
USAC and NASCAR double-header on Saturday at Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Altamont Motorsports Park will host a combination event featuring both NASCAR Whelen All-American Series and USAC Western States racing this Saturday evening as part of the Pacific Coast Summer Nationals.

Competition on the fastest half-mile in the west will include the open-wheel USAC Western States Sprints and Midgets, NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models, and NCMA Limited Sprints.

USAC’s Ford Focus Midget program will conduct races on the Altamont quick quarter-mile.

Altamont’s family friendly early-in, early-out schedule sees racing begin at 3 p.m. and conclude before sundown.

An exciting season of Western Late Model action is reaching a fever pitch as the busy summer stretch continues.

12 feature events are scheduled for the Late Models between July 5 and August 30, meaning that a bad run could turn a whole season upside down.

Conversely, points Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton may have just given his season a shot in the arm with wins in both 50 lap features last Saturday.

Gilbert, who continues to rise in both the state and national points in NASCAR, will have to fend off Roseville stalwart Gary Glenn in this weekend’s twin 50’s.

Other drivers expected in action include Manteca’s Guy Guibor, second in the points, and 2007 Rookie of the Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood.

Tracy High graduate Justin Philpott has seen his season turn around with two top-fives and a win so far this month.

Tanner Swanson of Kingsburg comes into Saturday’s Western Sprint 50 lap feature embroiled in a tight points race with San Francisco’s Nick Rescino Jr.

The 140 mile per hour, 700 horsepower machines will be gracing the half-mile oval for the fourth time in 2008. Swanson leads Rescino by 13 points entering Saturday’s contest.

Rescino has had considerable success at the speedway throughout his career, scoring eight feature wins in a sprint car.

Western Speed Racing’s Nic Faas holds a comfortable lead in the Western Midget points, coming on the heels of a victory last Saturday night at Santa Maria Speedway.

Faas will hope to take the momentum of the dirt win towards his first asphalt win of the season.

Justin Hommel of Canyon Lake leads the USAC Ford Focus Midget points. Coming off of an impressive victory last weekend at Altamont, Dr. David Goodwill of Napa leads the NCMA Limited Sprints points.
Over 250 laps of competition will be staged on Saturday evening in this must-see show.

For ticket information and event times, visit the track website.

Racers are also reminded that sponsor appreciation day is coming July 26. Tickets will be available on Saturday at the track with the ticket deadline Wednesday July July 23rd.

Altamont Motorsports Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Gilbert doubles his pleasure with two big wins at Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Tracy, Calif. – 2005 track champion Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton picked up two crucial wins in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models on Saturday evening at Altamont Motorsports Park.

Gilbert, the incoming track points leader, took both wins in convincing fashion on the fastest half-mile in the west.

Saturday afternoon’s action also saw Tim Rappa of Hayward pick up the American Limited Stock Car victory, Dr. David Goodwill of Napa taking his first asphalt win the NCMA Limited Sprints, and Todd Lynch of Tracy winning the Grand American Modifieds.

Colby Potts of Stockton won the Future Champions Development Series feature on the quarter-mile oval, and Bob Wilson won both Formula-4 mains on the 1.1 mile road course.

Gilbert led from flag-to-flag in the first 50 lap Western Late Model feature.

Restarts are where Gilbert gained his advantage, taking large leads from Kyle Gottula of Modesto on each of the five restarts. Gottula, nursing a failing transmission, was embroiled in heavy battling with a line of eight cars.

Gilbert led the 21 car starting field by as much as two seconds in the race.

Two of Altamont’s star young guns, Justin Philpott of Tracy and Doff Cooksey of Brentwood, succumbed to mechanical problems. Philpott lost a plug wire and Cooksey a tire.

A caution on lap 39 set up an 11 lap duel for the second position, with Gottula holding out over Guibor.

At the finish the top-five were Gilbert, Gottula, Guibor, Joey Stearns of Stockton, and Vito Ranuio of Stockton.

Feature number two saw Gilbert muscle past 2007 NASCAR State Champion Mark Holeman on lap 22.

While Philpott charged through the pack, Gilbert took third from Guibor on lap 15, and second from Trevor Schlundt of Clovis on a lap 17 restart.

Just five laps later Gilbert took the lead with Guibor taking second from Holman on lap 28.

A caution on lap 30 set up a 20 lap run to the finish, with Gilbert holding onto the win over Guibor. Philpott found third by lap 28 and stayed in that position to the finish. The remaining top-five were Doff Cooksey and Stearns.

Sammy Solari of Salida made an impressive charge to the American Limited Stock Car victory, in the 20 lap main event on the half-mile.

But post-race inspection revealed an illegal brake bias control inside the car, handing the win to Rappa.

Solari tangled with Joe Allen of Stockton on the backstretch on the second lap, forcing both drivers to the pits for heavy repairs.

It only took Solari three laps to carve through the field towards the lead.

The official finish after the adjustment saw Rappa over Brian Vosburg of Stockton, Richard Harper of Stockton, Joe Morgenstern of Livermore, and Thomas Vosburg of Chico the top-five.

NCMA Limited Sprint action saw five lead changes in as many laps, before David Goodwill of Napa emerged in the lead and checked out for an easy victory.

Burt Siverling led the field to green but lost the lead on the opening lap to Steve Amador. Just one lap later, Manteca’s Jeff Burrows took the lead.

On the same lap, Amador tangled up with a fast Micheal Zarevich into turn one, with Zarevich hitting the turn one wall at well over 100 miles per hour. The violent crash drew a red flag, but Zarevich emerged from the battered race car sore but ok.

Goodwill took advantage on the restart to motor to the lead from Burrows.

At the line it was Goodwill, Pat Ariaz of Manteca, Rob Hammond of Morgan Hill, Ed Amador, and Burrows.

“The Demon” Todd Lynch of Tracy made winning look easy in the 20 lap Grand American Modified main event, leading every lap. Lynch, the division points leader and fast-time qualifier, took a two second victory over Todd Lewis of Riverbank.

Robert Kennedy of San Francisco, AJ Ryder of Stockton, and Michael Ostrowski rounded out the top-five.

Colby Potts of Stockton won the Future Champions Development Series race over Cameron Millard of Carson City, NV. The feature, a 20 lap event on the Altamont quick quarter-mile, featured drivers ages 14-16 in Western Late Model cars.

Bob Wilson took two entertaining wins in the Formula-4 division on the 1.1 mile road course. The division for stock four-cylinder cars runs two 10 lap main events each week. Wilson used crafty driving with several crossover passes to win the second feature to the approval of the crowd.

Altamont Motorsports Park returns to action next Saturday evening with a double-helping of racing, as both USAC and NASCAR stars will be in competition.

The Pacific Coast Summer Nationals will feature United States Auto Club Sprints and Midgets, plus NCMA Limited Sprints, and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models.

For event information visit the Altamont Motorsports Park website.

Altamont Motorsports Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Philpott becomes the newest winner at Altamont with Tri-Holiday triumph
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Altamont Motorsports Park welcomed the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models and SRL Flashco Southwest Tour cars for a pair of 100 lap features on Saturday evening, for the Tri-Holiday Classic #2, with Tracy’s Justin Philpott becoming another first time winner in 2008.

Cottonwood’s Craig Raudman won a thrilling wire-to-wire SRL event over Jim Pettit, Sammy Solari of Salida took home the win in the American Limited Stock Car division, and Formula-4 winners were Rodney Lopez and Jake Morgenstern.

Event grand marshal U.S. Congressman Jerry McNurney was on hand for the activities. McNurney, a staunch supporter of Altamont Motorsports Park, experienced a ride-along on the half-mile asphalt oval and gave the command to start the engines for the ALSC feature.

Philpott’s win in the Western Late Models came after a late race restart with five laps remaining. Due to a prolonged caution period on the opening lap of the event, the 100 lap feature was shortened to 50.

The race staged was an exciting duel, however, with Philpott emerging from the car physically exhausted.

18 year-old Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV led the field to green, but racing was quickly halted by a ten car melee in turn three. Points leaders Jason Gilbert and Guy Guibor were involved but continued from the rear of the field.

A restart on lap five saw Danville’s Tim Spurgeon assume the lead from Hodges. The lead was short-lived, as Hodges moved back into the point on lap 11. Spurgeon was then chased down by a barrage of young guns. 16 year-old Steven Cantrell took second on lap 14 and Philpott moved into third two laps later.

After a lap 29 restart, Hodges and Cantrell began a torrid battle for the lead position. Lap traffic became a factor, with Hodges darting in and out of lap cars quickly to hold off Cantrell.

Cantrell made a look to the inside in turn three on lap 46, and sent Hodges spinning. A new regulation at Altamont allowed Hodges to reassume his lead position while Cantrell was sent to the rear.

But despite Hodges earning the lead back, he still had to contend with Philpott. Coming to the white flag, Philpott made the pass in stunning fashion.

Philpott held on for the close victory over Hodges, with Spurgeon, 2007 Rookie of the Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood, and Turlock’s Wes Miller the top-five. Gilbert charged back through the 28 car pack to finish sixth, with Guibor eighth.

In the SRL Southwest Tour 100, Sacramento young gun Josh Combs led 23 laps and looked in position to claim his first series win.

But after being thwarted by a flat tire, the race turned into a two-car chase. Raudman and Pettit, the SRL Southwest Tour points leader, ran nose-to-tail for the remaining 56 laps in the 100 lap feature.

Raudman and Pettit set a blistering pace, lapping up to fourth place, including early race leaders Justin Westmoreland and Tracy Bolin.

They enjoyed a nearly 14 second margin over Fremont standout Troy Ermish.

Raudman held on for the close finish over Pettit, with Ermish, Keith Spangler, and Westmoreland rounding out the top-five. The race was only slowed by four cautions.

Sammy Solari of Salida dominated another American Limited Stock Car race, taking home win number four in the still young season.

Brian Vosburg of Stockton had the most exciting run, coming from seventh on the grid to finish second. Vosburg moved past perineal front-runners Richard Harper of Stockton and Joe Allen of Stockton to put together the finish.

At the finish of the 30 lap feature the top-five were Solari, Vosburg, Allen, Harper, and Anthony Gourley.

A large 15 car turnout of Formula-4 cars took to the 1.1 mile road course for a pair of 10 lap features.

Incoming points leader Bob Wilson had finishes of seventh and sixth and dropped out of the points lead.

Rodney Lopez took a close win over Jake Morgenstern in the first feature, with Morgenstern answering back to win over Lopez in the second main.

This Saturday evening at Altamont Motorsports Park is “Fan Appreciation Day,” with all tickets just $5. The racing on tap will not just be any ordinary program, with a full slate of NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action scheduled.

The Western Late Models will be in competition for a pair of 50 lap features, bringing a 28 car average into the event. Also racing on Saturday will be American Limited Stock Cars, Grand American Modifieds, and NCMA Limited Sprints on the half-mile, Future Champions Development Series Late Models on the quarter-mile, and Formula-4s on the 1.1 mile road course.

Altamont Motorsports Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Tri-Holiday Classic #2 to bring over 50 late model stars to Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Altamont Motorsports Park presents the second round of the Tri-Holiday Series this Saturday evening, with over 50 late models expected to be in competition in two 100 lap features.

The Flashco SRL Southwest Tour 100 and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Models (w/ Westcar stars) 100 will share the bill in this action packed day at the fastest half-mile in the west.

Altamont’s popular American Limited Stock Car class will also grace the half-mile. Future Champions Development Series Late Models racing will take place on the quick quarter-mile, and Formula-4’s will attempt to tame the 1.1 mile road course.

The full slate of action is the second round of the Tri-Holiday Series, the sixth night of NASCAR Whelen racing, and eighth round for the Western Late Models. Saturday’s events also mark round four for the SRL Series and round five for Westcar Series.

Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton leads a roaring pack of Late Models into Saturday’s competition. Despite a NASCAR-best 28 cars per event average, Gilbert is averaging a fifth place finish in each of the seven rounds so far.

The Tri-Holiday Series is attracting the west coast’s top drivers. Gilbert will be busy with drivers such as former SRL champ Jason Fensler of Modesto, Big Dog Series points leader Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV, Wes Miller of Turlock, and former Irwindale champion James Weston of Goleta.

Not only will Gilbert be contending with a strong contingent of star drivers, he also has a tough points battle brewing. 2007 Rookie of the Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood is now fourth in the standings, fresh off a win on June 8th in the Big Dog event.

Third is Danville’s Tim Spurgeon, who tasted victory in Tri-Holiday round one on May 24th. Second in the points is 2006 Stockton 99 Speedway champion Guy Guibor of Manteca who has been to victory lane twice in 2008.

Saturday’s Western Late Model event is the first of four straight weekends of competition, and a strong finish will definitely build momentum for the rest of the month.

The SRL Flashco Southwest Tour drivers have had their hands full with veteran Jim Pettit of Prunedale, who leads Cottonwood’s Craig Raudman by a hefty margin entering Saturday’s races.

The two former NASCAR Southwest Tour champions have also been challenged by Goleta’s Greg Voigt. Troy Ermish of Fremont and 2004 Altamont track champion Todd Bammer of Pleasanton round out the top-five in points. Sacramento’s Josh Combs leads rookies in sixth.

In the American Limited Stock Car division, Slammin’ Sammy Solari has won three of the four races held so far. But a look at the points standings shows that a very consistent Richard Harper of Stockton is a scant four points back from Solari coming into this event.
It was announced that the ALSC division will remain on the half-mile the rest of the season. It is to be seen how this will affect the points battle or if this will allow some other drivers in the series a shot at victory.

An exciting new division will be competing on the quick quarter-mile. Future Champions Development Series is a ground-breaking Late Model division for drivers ages 14-16. Carson City, NV’s Cameron Millard has proven to be a quick learner in the 400 hp cars, but Colby Potts of Manteca is also a threat. Tyler Thomas of Penyrn will be making his return to the series on Saturday.

Rounding out Saturday’s competition will be two 10-lap events for the Formula-4s. Bob Wilson leads the way on the heels of four wins through the first eight races. The twin bill on the road course for these stock four-cylinder cars is always exciting to watch.

Saturday’s activities begin at 8 a.m. with pit registration opening. SRL Flashco Southwest Tour cars begin practice at 9:30.

Spectator gates open at 12 p.m. with qualifying slated for 1 p.m. The first feature rolls off at 3 p.m.

Competitors are reminded to arrive no earlier than 7:30 a.m. due to county regulations. Track management thanks everyone for their support.

Ticket prices for Saturday are $25 for adults. Seniors, youths 9-16 & military with I.D. are $20, and children eight and under are free. A family package with two adults and two youths is available for just $65.

Event schedules and track information is available on the track website.

Altamont Motorsports Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Smith, Golobic earn first career USAC wins at Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Porter Smith of Aztec, NM and Shane Golobic of Fremont, CA claimed their first career USAC wins on Saturday evening at Altamont Motorsports Park in Tracy, Calif

Smith, the 2007 SRL Rookie of the Year, won the Western Sprints feature, while the 16 year-old Golobic claimed the Western Midget win in his first career Altamont start.

Brendan Langlois won a wire-to-wire USAC Ford Focus feature, and the NCMA Limited Sprints main event was won by Pat Ariaz of Manteca, CA.

Smith took the lead from Eric Humphries of Chowchilla on lap 26 after a race-long duel. The two former Late Model stars wowed fans with their wheel-to-wheel battling.

Humphries led the Western Sprints field to green under heavy pressure from Smith and teammate and 2006 champion Ryan Kaplan of Chico.

The opening 24 laps went caution-free before Scott Clough of Placerville slowed with an apparent flat tire.

Humphries was shuffled back quickly on a lap 26 restart, falling out of the top-five.

Incoming points leader Tanner Swanson of Kingsburg, age 17, went to work from the eighth position on the grid to move into fourth by lap 33.

The long green flag run saw Swanson fall into the grasp of Nick Rescino Jr. of San Francisco, who is second in the USAC points.

By lap 44, Rescino assumed the fourth position over Swanson.

At the line it was Smith over Kaplan, with Chase Scott leading the Toyotas to finish third. Rescino and Swanson rounded out the top-five.

Golobic’s midget win was in dramatic fashion as well, as Golobic snuck past leader Paul Zimmerly of Ridgefield, WA on the final lap to take the win.

Early race leader Daniel Bedford of Brentwood, CA had his momentum slowed by a huge accident on the backstretch on lap three.

Zimmerly collided with 2007 BCRA champion Justin Grant of Ione, CA on the backstretch, sparking a chain-reaction pile-up. Robby Josett of Santa Clarita, CA and Steven Matthews of Ontario, Canada suffered heavy damage. The grinding crash was most serious for Viktor Siznig, who ended up hitting the wall and sliding upside into turn three.

Siznig and Matthews were the only drivers unable to continue, and there were no injuries.

On lap nine, Evan Margeson of Seattle, WA took the lead from Bedford. Zimmerly went to work from the rear of the field and closed in.

After Manteca’s Marco DeGeorge lost his engine on lap 16, Margeson began to suffer the same fate.

The restart saw Zimmerly quickly move past Margeson and attempt to fend off Golobic. Coming to the white flag, Golobic made a stunning move to the outside and took the lead with the right rear tire smoking.

Golobic’s popular win was the first for the 16 year-old driver driving for Bryan Clauson Inc. Golobic was followed by Zimmerly, Margeson, Bedford, and C.J. Sarna.

Jessica Brunelli of Hayward, CA, at just 14 years old, led all but the final lap in the 30 lap USAC Ford Focus feature.

The raging 13 car pack ran closely for the duration of the event held on the Altamont quarter-mile.

Brennan Newberry of Bakersfield tangled with Garrett Peterson of West Sacramento in a battle for second with eight laps to go.

The ensuing restart saw the pressure build, until the white flag lap when Brunelli opened the door off of turn two.

Langlois made his move on the inside to take the lead, while Brunelli ended up tangling with Alex Bowman.

The top-five were Langlois, Mike Maier, Ian Millie, Jeff Oleen, and points leader Justin Hommel.

The NCMA Limited Sprints main event was 20 laps, and it took Ariaz 12 before he could conquer race leader Rob Hammond of Morgan Hill.

The two battled furiously, exchanging the lead three times between laps 10 and 12.

Ariaz was followed by Hammond, David Goodwill of Napa, CA, Jeff Burrows of Manteca, CA, and Ed Amador.

Altamont Motorsports Park returns to action on July 5th with the second round of the Tri-Holiday Classic Series. Competition will include a 100 lap event for the SRL Flashco Southwest Tour and a 100 lap event for the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models (w/ Westcar stars).

Also on tap Saturday evening will be American Limited Stock Cars, Future Champions Development Series, and Formula-4s.

Over 50 late models are expected.

Altamont Motorsports Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
USAC returns to Altamont this Saturday with Sprints, Midgets, and Focuses
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Kingsburg teenager Tanner Swanson leads the United States Auto Club back to Altamont Motorsports Park, as the USAC Western Sprint Cars make their third appearance of the season at the west’s fastest half-mile oval. A 50 lap-feature is scheduled.

USAC Western Midgets and Ford Focus Midgets, plus NCMA Limited Sprints and Spectator Racing Series, will also be on the bill.

Swanson has one win and two fast-times so far at Altamont. His chief rival in 2008 has been popular Northern California standout Nick Rescino, Jr. of San Francisco. Rescino comes into the event trailing Swanson by 14 points.

Former Stockton 99 Speedway Late Model star Eric Humphries of Chowchilla runs third in the standings, with JoJo Helberg fourth. 2007 SRL Rookie of the Year Porter Smith of Aztec, NM is fifth in the points.

Toyota’s debut season in the 360 Cubic Inch Sprint Cars has been improving, with Chase Scott seventh in the standings. Teammate and three-time Ford Focus champion Tim Skoglund of Fresno is eighth, but 2006 champion Tony Hunt of Lincoln is surprisingly only tenth in the series standings.

The 700 horsepower, 140 mile per hour, open-wheel thunder is some of the most exciting racing at Altamont. The sprints are running seven races at Altamont in 2008.

The USAC Western Midgets will also be bringing plenty of open-wheel action for the fans. These four-cylinder, light-weight cars are nearly as quick as the sprints.

Ridgefield, WA’s Paul Zimmerly scored the feature win on April 19 at Altamont and is one of the favorites to claim the win on Saturday.

Teammate and points leader Nic Faas is also expected to be a factor. Faas leads 2007 champion Scott Pierovich of Alamo by just one point coming into the event.

On the quick quarter-mile, the USAC Ford Focus Midgets run identical powered and sealed Ford Focus engines. This series is where the next stars of USAC get their start.

Justin Hommel holds just a slim 19 point advantage over Ventura young-gun Alex Bowman in the championship standings.

NCMA’s Limited Sprints will tackle the Altamont half-mile with its affordable sprint cars that still crank out over 500 horsepower and 125 mile per hour speeds.

Rounding out the five division card is the Spectator Racing Series. The Spectator Racing Series allows any interested fan to get out of the seat and into the action. Spectator Racing Series provides a race car, suit, and helmet for a full day of racing.

Qualifying will kick off action at 1 p.m. with heat races beginning at 3 p.m. and features to follow. Altamont Motorsports Park is home of the family-friendly “early in, early out” schedule in 2008, with racing concluding before dark.

Altamont Motorsports Park is located just west of Tracy at the merger of Highways 205 and 580. For more information on this NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned, multi-use facility, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Cooksey scores Big Dog #2 win at Altamont against huge field
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Doff Cooksey Jr. of Brentwood, CA picked up his NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Model win, Sunday afternoon, at Altamont Motorsports Park as part of the Noceti Grupe Inc. Big Dog #2.

Cooksey, the 2007 Rookie of the Year, won the 75 lap feature ahead of Carson City, NV’s Bobby Hodges and claimed $2000 for the win.

An outstanding car count of 39 took part in the exciting action on a comfortable day at the fastest half-mile in the west.

Cooksey, after winning an earlier heat race, led the huge starting grid to the green flag. Cooksey’s momentum was slowed on lap six when Al Vogel of Ukiah, Brock Monroe of Escalon, and several other cars tangled in turn one.

Big Dog #1 winner Jason Fensler of Modesto, CA stalled in turn four with mechanical problems to draw the caution on lap 10.

On the restart, points leader Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton and Justin Philpott of Tracy battled heavily, with David Philpott also in the fray.

Gilbert moved into second and the caution flew again on lap 14 when Guy Guibor of Manteca spun in turn four.

The leaders set forth on a long green flag run with heavy lapped traffic. Cooksey and Gilbert ran nose-to-tail in a heated battle.

On lap 32, a large accident broke out into turn four as the field checked up. Michael Wendt of Lodi rammed into the back of Vito Ranuio of Stockton. Andrew Livengood of Richmond was also collected. Livengood and Wendt were forced to retire for the afternoon.

A series of cautions followed, with state points leader Joey Stearns of Stockton suffering mechanical problems and loosing four laps. 2006 Stockton champion Guy Guibor also surrendered to car issues for the second straight event.

After a fourth consecutive caution, Tri-Holiday winner Tim Spurgeon of Danville was removed for the event for rough driving with Dallas Glenn of Fresno. Glenn and Sprugeon tangled in turn four with Glenn suffering race ending damage.

The eventful race continued its drama on lap 68. With seven laps remaining, Gilbert and Madera Speedway points leader Kyle Gottula of Modesto made contact into turn one. Gilbert was sent spinning and Gottula was sent to the rear of the field.

On the restart, All American Speedway points leader Gary Glenn of Orangevale went to work on David Philpott for second, but the second position proved to be a curse. Glenn and Philpott made contact, with Philpott spinning and Glenn being black flagged.

The young Cooksey held on for the final four laps in a thrilling finish that satisfied the home fans.

Cooksey was followed home Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV. Hodges edged out a hard-charging Carlos Vieira from Merced who started 31st. Gilbert and 2000 Irwindale Speedway James Weston of Goleta rounded out the top-five.

Joe Racer of Stockton won a back-and-forth American Limited Stock Car feature on the Altamont quick quarter-mile. The largest field of the season took part in the event.

Racer led the opening eight laps before the caution flew for a spinning Sammy Solari of Salida.

On the restart, Stockton’s Donnie Darter took command from the outside front row. Solari, undefeated as the track points leader heading into the afternoon, struggled to make up ground for the rear of the field with apparently handling problems.

Another caution on lap 12 allowed Racer to get the lead back from Darter, who fell to fourth.

Racer led Richard Harper of Stockton to a caution on lap 25. The restart with five to go saw Zack Huffman of French Camp, CA move past Harper for second.

Racer held on for the win over Huffman, with Darter, Harper, and Pete Anderson Sr. of Stockton rounding out the top-five.

All American Speedway points leader Scott Winters of Tracy, CA scored his ninth win of the 2008 season, leading every lap of the Grand American Modified race.

But despite leading every lap, Winters had to fend off Big Dog #1 winner Jason Philpot of Citrus Heights. A restart with seven to go put Winters to the test, but he held on by only a few car lengths for the win.

2007 champion Tony Noceti of French Camp came home in third, with Todd Lewis of Riverbank fourth, and points leader Todd Lynch of Tracy fifth.

West Coast Enduro wrapped up the day with a special slam-bang 60 lap Enduro on the Altamont Motorsports Park interior road course.

Richard Bentz took the lead from Joe Racer and held on for the win, denying Racer of picking up two wins on the day.

Altamont Motorsports Park goes dark on Saturday June 14, but returns on Saturday June 21 with the Twisted Metal 1 Car Show, presented by Killer Customs of Tracy.

All event details are available at www.altamontracing.com or www.twistedmetal1.com

 
Altamont Motorsports Park hosts “Big Dog #2” this Sunday
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Altamont Motorsports Park will host the Noceti Grupe Inc Big Dog #2 “All-American Racing,” this Sunday, June 8th. The race is being promoted by Noceti Grupe Inc – Motorsports Promotions of French Camp, CA.

The day’s activities will also be titled “Infineon Raceway Day.” Infineon Raceway will include gifts for the first 100 fans through the gates as part of its “Infineon Day” promotion. Event tickets to the popular Sonoma track will be raffled off to fans, a Kyle Busch show car will be on display, and a bounce house will be set up for the kids.

Racing competition for the NASCAR Western Late Models (w/ Westcar stars), Grand American Modifieds, American Limited Stock Cars, and West Coast Enduro is expected to bring to together the top racing talent from all over the region.

The NASCAR Western Late Model event will keep the Altamont regulars on their toes, as several out-of-town drivers will be in action. All American Speedway points leader Gary Glenn will be competing, along with Big Dog #1 winner Jason Fensler of Modesto.

Carson City, NV teenager Bobby Hodges finished in the top-five in Big Dog #1 and will be action, along with 2000 Irwindale Speedway champion James Weston of Goleta, and Big Dog #1 runner-up Chris Bammer of Pleasanton.

2005 track champion Jason Gilbert leads 2006 Stockton 99 Speedway champion Guy Guibor of Manteca by four points.

32 cars have entered this event, making for a large field that will do battle in the 75 lap main. $2000 will go to the winner.

In the Grand American Modified feature, 2007 track champion Tony Noceti of French Camp will return to action to challenge current points leader Todd Lynch of Tracy.

Sammy Solari leads the American Limited Stock Car field into Sunday’s races with an undefeated record this season. Solari will be running the Modified race as well.

Fans will not only get to see hot action on the track, but also will be treated to a wide variety of exciting activities in the comfortable, covered Altamont midway.

Racing action will being at noon with 20 lap heat races. These heat races will be used to set the grids for the points- and money-paying main events. At least eight heat races will be contested.

Following heat races will be the feature events, including NASCAR Western Late Models (w/ Westcar stars) 75, Modified 30, and ALSC 30, in addition to the 100 lap West Coast Enduro race.

The West Coast Enduro 100 will be a challenge race between CW 31 Good Day Sacramento reporter Alan Sanchez and Dennis Dalton from Jackson Rancheria Casino and Hotel.

Big Dog #2 will pay out more than $26,000 in prize monies for the four feature events. Big Dog points will also be on the line, and the year end payout for the Big Dog Series is healthy as well.

Fans will have the chance to meet many local racing champions in the popular autograph sessions.

Ticket prices will see general admission for $20, with youth, military, and seniors just $10 for this huge regional racing event. A family pass of two adults and two youth is just $45.

$3 off coupons are available at the event website, lowering the ticket price to an extremely affordable $17 for adults.

More information on the Noceti Grupe Inc Big Dog #2 “All-American Racing” is available online at www.nocetigrupeinc.com

Altamont Motorsports Park is online at www.altamontracing.com

 
Exciting Tri-Holiday Classic sees Spurgeon and Pettit claim wins
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Saturday’s Tri-Holiday Classic #1 “Military Appreciation Day” saw Altamont Motorsports Park dodge wet weather to successfully pull off a huge day of Late Model action, with Tim Sprugeon of Danville, CA winning the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (w/ Westcar stars) 100, and Jim Pettit of Prunedale, CA scoring victory in the SRL Southwest Tour 100.

Incoming pints leader Guy Guibor of Manteca, CA led the 27 car field to green in the NASCAR Western Late Model event. The NASCAR program continues to maintain a near 26 car average through six races in 2008. Saturday’s Late Model event was the first of three rounds in the Tri-Holiday Series, which pays over $60,000 in prize monies.

2007 Mini Truck champion Ron Robeck of Milpitas, CA and Lisa Riordan of Scotts Valley, CA tangled on the opening lap in turn four, resulting in heavy nose damage for Robeck that ended his day early.

On the restart, the field set forth on an impressive green flag run to lap 29, but Guibor
only made it to lap 15 before pulling into the pits for a mechanical problem.

Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton, CA took over the lead, while Jason Fensler of Modesto, CA and Carlos Vieira of Merced, CA battled hard for third.

Casey Sherer of Danville, CA and Gary Franks of Manteca, CA made contact into turn one with Franks hitting the wall to draw the caution on lap 29.

Gilbert, Spurgeon, and Fensler hooked up on the restart, and a thrilling three-way battle ensued.

The incredible duel continued for the remaining 70 laps of the feature, with the three staying glued together through two long green flag runs and heavy lapped traffic.

Fensler snuck by Spurgeon on lap 72 in turn two to take second.

Vieira and David Hulsey of Manteca, CA made contact on lap 85, closing the gap between the top-three and fourth place Wes Miller of Turlock, CA.

Just ten laps later, Justin Philpott of Tracy, CA spun, creating another late race restart which has become common in the 2008 Late Model campaign.

Coming to the green on lap 95, Fensler and Gilbert made contact and then made contact again in turn one, sending Gilbert spinning and out of the lead.

Both drivers were put to the rear of the lead lap after the incident, and Spurgeon held off Miller in a close fought run to the finish.

Andrew Livengood of Richmond, CA continued his dazzling season with a third place finish and young Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV was fourth. Modesto’s Mike Beeler was fifth.

Greg Voigt of Goleta, CA set the new SRL Flashco Southwest Tour track record on Saturday, but points leader Jim Pettit proved to be too tough to beat in the 100 lap feature.

Justin Westmoreland of Madera, CA led the opening laps and was quickly joined by Pettit to create an all-Ford top-two.

A large accident in turn four slowed action on lap 17. Bryan Herzog of Clovis, CA checked up during a heavy battle with Todd Bammer of Pleasanton, CA, and was hit from behind.

Herzog was sent spinning through the dirt and when the dust settled, local favorite Rick Ruzbarsky of Tracy, CA had suffered race ending damage. Troy Ermish of Fremont, CA had front end damage that required several pit stops to repair.

Pettit took the lead from Westmoreland on lap 24, with Voigt passing Westmoreland on lap 43.

While Pettit fought off Voigt, rookie Josh Combs of Sacramento, CA made a charge to the front. Combs passed Dave Byrd of Seaside, CA when Byrd ducked into the pits with mechanical problems, then made his way past Tracy Bolin for fourth.

A close battle for third between Combs and veteran Craig Raudman of Cottonwood, CA wowed fans all the way to the finish.

Pettit hung on for the close win over Voigt, with Raudman, Combs, and Bolin the top-five.

The American Limited Stock Cars made its first start on the half-mile in several seasons, with high speeds and close competition.

Sammy Solari of Salida, CA continued his perfect season, winning his third feature of the year. Richard Harper of Stockton, CA made the race interesting as they raced closely for many laps in the 20 lap feature.

Solari had to come from the fifth row to pick up the win over Harper, with Tim Rappa of Hayward also coming from row five for third. Dino Fry made his first start of the season count with a fourth place finish and Zack Huffman rounded out the top-five.

Formula-4 action was claimed by Bob Wilson and Richard Hull as the stock four-cylinder cars raced on the 1.1 mile road course.

Carson City, NV 15 year-old Cameron Millard ran hot laps in the Future Champions Development Series. Future Champions Development Series is a series for drivers ages 14-16 in Western Late Model stockcars. The nationally unprecedented series returns on July 5th.

Altamont Motorsports Park goes dark on Saturday May 31st, before returning on Sunday June 8th for the Noceti Grupe Inc. Big Dog “All-American Racing.” The racing will feature NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models (w/ Westcar stars) for 75 laps, plus action for Grand American Modifieds, American Limited Stock Cars, Legends of the Pacific, and West Coast Enduro.

For more information on Altamont Motorsports Park, visit www.altamontracing.com

 
Tri-Holiday Classic this Saturday, featuring SRL, NASCAR, and Westcar
By: Steven Blakesley
 
A central valley motorsports tradition will take place at Altamont Motorsports Park in 2008, as Saturday’s racing kicks off the “Tri-Holiday Series” at the half-mile oval track in Tracy, CA. SRL Flashco Southwest Tour 100 and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (w/ Westcar stars) 100 are both on tap.

All active military with ID will be admitted at half-price, and fans will have an opportunity to experience Jasper Racing Engines racing simulators in the midway.

More than 60 late models, including the Jasper Racing Engines-sponsored Future Champions Development Series, are expected to compete in the large evening program.

Late Model fans and drivers from all over the western United States will be in attendance to be apart of this action-packed event.

In addition, more than $35,000 in prize monies will be up for grabs.

American Limited Stock Cars will make its first appearance in many years on the half-mile oval, and Formula-4’s round out the scheduled divisions with a pair of 10 lap events on the Altamont road course.

The SRL Flashco Southwest Tour is led to Altamont by points leader Jim Pettit of Prunedale, CA. 2007 SRL champion and 2006 Altamont champion Dave Byrd of Monterrey, CA runs seventh in the points after two rounds.

Joining Pettit with a feature win this year is Troy Ermish, who took the main event win at All American Speedway in Roseville. Pettit’s win came at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale.

2004 track champion Todd Bammer of Pleasanton, CA runs fifth in the SRL standings.

Guy Guibor of Manteca, CA is continuing his outstanding season in the NASCAR Western Late Model program, maintaining a 20-point advantage over Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton, CA.

Despite car counts averaging above 25 cars, Guibor has been able to stay consistently up front, with two wins and a third place average finish.

Tim Spurgeon of Danville, CA, 2007 Rookie of the Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood, CA, and Andrew Livengood of Richmond, CA, run third through fifth in the track points yet all three are winless in 2008.

Popular central valley racer Wes Miller of Turlock, CA will be making his return visit to Altamont. He will be joined by drivers such as Pleasanton, CA’s Chris Bammer and Carson City, NV teenager Bobby Hodges who will be looking to steal the win.

American Limited Stock Car racing on Saturday is wide-open, as the event will mark the first time the cars have competed on the half-mile oval in more than three years.

ALSC points leader Slammin’ Sammy Solari of Salida, CA is two-for-two so far this season.

Jasper Racing Engines presents the Future Champions Development Series feature this week, paying $200 to win. Future Champions Development Series is a late model series for drivers ages 14-16, competing on the Altamont quarter-mile.

A unique division on the west coast, it has attracted future champions of racing from Northern and Southern California as well as Northern Nevada. Drivers competing in the division have experience in Outlaw Karts, Karting, Mini Cups, and Baby Grands.

Points leader Bob Wilson will hope to return to victory lane in the Formula-4 division, after being denied in both mains last weekend on the road course. This class for stock four-cylinder cars, allows low-budget road racing as part of the NASCAR and USAC racing programs at Altamont.

Saturday’s racing action kicks off at 1 p.m. with time trials, followed by racing at 3 p.m. and concluding by dark.

Military/Veterans (ID req'd) HALF PRICE: $12, General Admission: $25, Seniors 65+ & Youth 9-13: $20, Children 8 & Under: Free, Family Package (2 adults/2 kids): $65

More information for Saturday’s event is online at www.altamontracing.com

 
Swanson, Gilbert, Guibor big winners at Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
Tanner Swanson, Jason Gilbert, and Guy Guibor scored huge wins in Saturday evening’s “Double Feature” at Altamont Motorsports Park, with action for both the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Models and USAC Western States Sprints on the fast half-mile.

NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Western Late Model action was at a fever pitch on Saturday, with an eye-popping 27 cars on hand to compete in the twin-50s program.

The Western Late Model class has averaged over 25 cars throughout the five features run in 2008.

Stockton’s Vito Ranuio led the field in the opening laps of the first 50 lap main, while 2005 champion Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton, CA moved through the large field.

Clean racing allowed the 27 car pack to race the first 30 laps without a caution.

Gilbert closed in on Ranuio on lap 19, and made an exciting pass for the lead on lap 21 in turn three.

Joey Sterns of Stockton, CA spun on lap 30, and Brian Koski of Pleasanton, CA spun on lap 32 to bring out successive cautions.

Points leader Guy Guibor of Manteca, CA went to work, reeling in Ranuio and Phil Perry by the 38th lap. By lap 44, Guibor was up to second, when the caution flew for a spinning Andrew Livengood.

With six laps to go, Gilbert led Guibor to the line in a crucial restart. The thrilling shootout to the finish was won by Gilbert, followed by Guibor, Perry, Ranuio, and Tim Spurgeon of Danville, CA.

The second 50-lap main event was a complete contrast to the first, with several cautions in the opening laps.

Greg Potts of Morada, CA made a strong charge from the start and made contact with leader Spurgeon on the opening lap in turn three. As Potts exited turn four, the car went head-on into the wall.

Potts went back across the track, and collected Carlos Vieira, Lisa Riordan, Rod Winfree, Koski, and Doff Cooksey. Koski and Potts were both done for the race.

On the restart, Cooksey and Livengood tangled in turn three, with Livengood vaulting over the top of Cooksey’s car in dramatic fashion. Cooksey was able to continue but Livengood could not continue.

After the field had settled down, Guibor took advantage. Assuming the lead after the Spurgeon and Potts accident, Guibor maintained the spot nearly unopposed until lap 39.

Gilbert moved into second on lap 12, and kept chase with Guibor through persistent lap traffic.

Riordan and Winfree tangled in turn three to draw the yellow on lap 39, setting up another Guibor and Gilbert duel.

Guibor made a brilliant restart, and took the wire-to-wire win over Gilbert. Tim Bost of Paradise, CA completed a solid run for third, with David Philpott of Tracy, CA and Ranuio rounding out the top-five.

Kingsburg, CA teenager Tanner Swanson picked up his third career Altamont win, with a dominating performance in the USAC Western States Sprints.

Swanson entered the evening trailing points leader Nick Rescino Jr. of San Francisco in the duel for the points lead. Saturday’s events at Altamont marked round five for the series and the second of seven appearances at Altamont.

Swanson claimed fast-time with a 16.885 at 106.603 MPH, just ahead of popular Nick Green, who was making his return visit to Altamont.

An eight car invert put Rescino on the pole, with Green and Swanson on row four.

Swanson made quick work of the field, slicing his way forward quickly and then taking the lead from Rescino on a lap 12 restart.

The accident on lap 12 dropped Chowchilla’s Eric Humphries to the rear. Green spun in dramatic fashion on lap 25 in turn three while running second.

On the restart, Humphries hunted down Rescino to take over third.

Swanson maintained a 2.7 second advantage to claim the win over Greg Anderson. Humphries, Rescino, and JoJo Helberg rounded out the top-five. The impressive victory for Swanson in the 50-lap feature also allowed his to take over the points lead.

USAC Sprints return to Altamont on June 28th.

San Francisco’s Robert Kennedy took a close win over points leader Todd Lynch of Tracy, CA in the NASCAR Grand American Modifieds. Todd Lewis, Morgan Cooksey, and Jose Gutierrez rounded out the top-five finishers.

Formula-4 points leader Bob Wilson went winless for the first day of the season, winning neither of the ten lap main events. Jake Morgenstern of Stockton, CA claimed victory on the Altamont road course in the first race, with 2007 runner-up Richard Hull pulling in a win in the second. Wilson snagged a pair of second places to keep his points lead over Hull.

Ed Amador held off a tough challenge from Manteca’s Jeff Burrows to win the NCMA Limited Sprint race. David Goodwill, Rob Hammond, and David Burchett also scored top-fives.

Next Saturday afternoon, Altamont Motorsports Park presents the Tri-Holiday Classic and Military Appreciation Day, sponsored by Jasper Racing Engines. All active Military with ID will be admitted free for this headline event.

On tap are two 100 lap features, with both the SRL Flashco Southwest Tour and NASCAR Western Late Models (w/ Westcar stars) slated for the century mark distance.

American Limited Stock Car’s will try to tame the half-mile for the first time in more than three seasons, and the Future Champions Development Series Late Model drivers, ages 14-16, will chase a $200 Jasper Engines-sponsored win on the quarter-mile. Altamont’s Formula-4’s will compete on the road course.

For event schedule and ticket information, log on to www.altamontracing.com

 
Double Feature on tap with USAC and NASCAR racing at Altamont
By: Steven Blakesley
 
A huge evening of racing is on tap for Altamont Motorsports Park this Saturday, with both USAC and NASCAR Whelen All-American Series action on the open-wheel and stock car duel card.

Altamont’s summer schedule will see qualifying at 1 p.m. and racing starting at a family-friendly 3 p.m. More than 250 laps of competition is slated for Saturday evening.

The increasingly competitive points battle for the USAC Western Sprints will take to the Altamont half-mile. Saturday’s 50 lap feature marks round four of the 2008 USAC tour, and the second of seven appearances for 360 cubic inch rockets.

San Francisco’s Nick Rescino Jr. leads the standings, over Kingsburg teenager Tanner Swanson, and new sensation Eric Humphries of Chowchilla.

Rescino, the 2004 and 2005 CASA sprint car champion, has earned eight feature wins at Altamont in his career. Rescino brought home a second-place finish in April.

Central Valley favorite Nick Green, who recently relocated to North Carolina, will make his return to Altamont. Green has recorded three career Altamont wins.

The new Toyota power plant sees drivers Chase Scott, Tim Skoglund, and Tony Hunt running seventh, ninth, and tenth in the points. Hunt, a four-time Western Sprints champion, will be hungry to improve his position in the points.

JoJo Helberg of Rohnert Park, who leads the USAC Rocky Mountain points, will also be a contender.

Guy Guibor of Manteca is the surprise leader of the NASCAR Western Late Models. Guibor, with only one previous Altamont start before this season, has put together finishes of fifth, eighth, and first to claim the points lead.

Guibor will hope to make it two wins in-a-row this weekend, with twin-50’s on tap. Richmond’s Andrew Livengood, Pleasanton’s Jason Gilbert, and 2007 rookie of the year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood are all expected to compete.

Two car teams from car owners Rod Qualls and Eric Nascimento have both been fast. Qualls has drivers Tim Spurgeon and Casey Sherer of Danville, while Nascimento’s bunch if led by Fresno’s Dallas Glenn and Manteca’s Greg Potts.

Grand American Modified points leader Todd Lynch of Tracy will look to pad his points lead this weekend over San Francisco’s Robert Kennedy.

Gary Koster, winner in the last NCMA Limited Sprints feature at Altamont, will be in action in that class’ 30 lap main.

Bob Wilson and Wilson Motorsports have a commanding lead in the Formula-4 points, but 2007 runner-up Richard Hull runs second and is winless thus far. Two ten-lap features on the Altamont 1.1 mile road course are slated for Saturday, and momentum could shift in this class.

Racing action on Saturday gets started with time trials at 1 p.m., USAC heats at 3 p.m., with features to follow. The Spectator Racing Series will also be in action throughout the day Saturday, a group which gives fans the opportunity to race.

Saturday’s tickets for this huge “Double Feature” of USAC and NASCAR, are just $20 for general admission, $15 for youth, seniors, and active military, and $55 for a family pass of two general admission tickets and two youth tickets.

Fans can feast on award winning Kinder’s BBQ throughout the exciting evening of action.

For detailed event schedule and ticket information, log on to www.altamontracing.com

 
Philpott and Guibor take home wins at Altamont Motorsports Park
By: Steven Blakesley
 
David Philpott of Tracy and Guy Guibor of Manteca picked up stirring wins on Saturday afternoon, at Altamont Motorsports Park, in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Twin-50s.

Philpott and Guibor’s wins in the Western Late Model division went along with feature wins for Todd Lynch of Tracy in the Modifieds, Sammy Solari of Salida in the ALSC division, Colby Potts of Manteca in the Future Champions Development Series, and Bob Wilson in the Formula-4s.

21 cars took the green flag in Western Late Model 50 lap race #1, with 2005 track champion Jason Gilbert of Pleasanton leading the field to the green.

Trouble struck early as Casey Scheier of Danville tangled with Tim Bost of Paradise in turn three. As the two spun, Gary Franks was collected. Franks suffered heavy front-end damage and was done for the afternoon. Bost was forced to retire from the race but returned for the second feature.

Philpott, who also set the fast-time, went to work from eighth position and moved up to Gilbert’s rear bumper by lap 11.

Heavy battling for the fourth position between Tim Spurgeon of Danville, Guibor, Dallas Glenn of Fresno, and Greg Potts of Manteca allowed for Brentwood’s Doff Cooksey to run comfortably in third.

Reinie Naeb of Jackson spun while being lapped on lap 15, and was hit head-on by Mark Squadrito of Livermore. Both were eliminated by the crash.

On the restart, Philpott sized up Gilbert and on lap 25, made a thrilling pass to the outside to take the lead.

A late caution on lap 46 set up a four-lap shootout between Gilbert and Philpott, but Philpott had a great restart and was able to pull away for the win.

The top-five were Philpott, Gilbert, Cooksey, Spurgeon, and Potts.

The second 50 lap feature on the fastest half-mile in the west was Guibor’s race. Guibor led the entire race distance to take a very convincing win in just his fourth start on the paved oval.

While Guibor dominated, the race was full of drama, as the top-12 cars ran in a tightly wound pack in the opening laps. Trouble struck the two Nascimento Motorsports teammates when Glenn and Potts collided in turn one, collecting Cooksey.

All three returned to the track after repairs, with Cooksey and Potts sprinting to the front while Glenn dropped several laps off the pace.

Philpott went on the charge, running down Andrew Livengood of Richmond on lap 23 to set-up a thrilling duel for second.

Philpott and Livengood dueled fiercely in a race that stayed relatively caution-free, while at the tail-end of the lead-lap, Spurgeon, Bost, Cooksey, and Potts staged a heated battle for fifth.

With just a few laps remaining, and Guibor in striking distance, Philpott surrendered third as he suddenly went to the pits with an apparent overheating problem.

Guibor snuck away in heavy lapped traffic to a close win over Livengood, Gilbert, Bost, and Cooksey. Guibor also managed to come away as the points leader.

In Grand American Modified action, Tracy’s Todd Lynch worked his way past 2007 runner-up Todd Lewis of Riverbank to take the feature win.

Lynch and Lewis ran side-by-side for several laps, with Lewis appearing to possibly have the preferred line.

Lynch and Lewis came across the line in a close finish, followed by Robert Kenne