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King of the West/NARC
NARC NEWSLINE (06/22/17)
By Jim Allen … Okay race fans, let’s start this episode of the NARC NEWSLINE with a question … How do you make a small fortune in sprint car racing? The answer … quite simply … Start with a big one!
The debate continues not just in 410 sprint car racing, but in all forms of high dollar open wheel motorsports. And it doesn’t change when you go run with the World of Outlaws. True, you are racing for more money, but you’re also spending a lot more in the process. The bottom line is … chasing points and a championship is not only grueling and tedious, but it’s also extremely expensive in just about any class of race car. I got my first taste of this a couple of decades ago talking to longtime car owner and NARC Board Member Duke McMillen. My question was … “How much does it cost for you to go racing?” He got quiet for a second, put his hand to his chin, and said he didn’t know, and didn’t want to ever know. He knew .., and I knew .., and we all know deep down that a team could win every race on the schedule and still not come close to covering half of their actual cost. And it’s probably even worse today in terms of cubic dollars! So it all comes down to the usual stuff … sponsorship dollars, passion for the sport, and admitting that this is one super-expensive hobby.
Yes, I said it. Somewhere along the way, grassroots racing evolved into an expensive hobby that can literally rip the heart out of a Visa card. Let’s dig in a little bit. In rough dollars, a single rolling chassis is going to set one back $30,000. A Shaver or Kistler top of the line motor will make you feel like you’re having a stroke at $65,000. And don’t think that the once super-affordable 360 motors are going to alleviate the sucking sound out of one’s wallet. Now consider that every 10-14 races, a car owner is going to rack up a plethora of frequent flyer points as he charges another $10,000+ to “freshen it up.” And that’s assuming nothing blows out of the bottom during those 10-14 races … aka Andy Forsberg fireball style. Now, let’s throw in $45 pit passes, $250 tires, fuel and the one expense that most people never talk about, the cost of getting the huge tow rig up and down the road. To help fund this passion, most owner-drivers basically drive for free. For those with “drivers for hire,” there is also the expense of paying them a portion of the winnings. Holy crap, I think I need CPR!
Thirteen-time NARC & Golden State champion Brent Kaeding says it costs approximately $125,000 to compete in a California-based championship point’s battle and that is barring any type of catastrophic failures. To put that in perspective, the median household income in Tulare and Chico is less than $43,000 per year. Let's pause here for a second, while I go look again for my winning lottery ticket.
So let’s answer the usual questions … Have purses increased in perspective with the cost of racing? You would have a better chance of sitting naked in a hot tub with Heidi Klum (that’s not happening either!) Have the crowds increased proportionately? Do I need to mention that hot tub thing again? Both of those questions and answers are directly tied together.
That’s why with all of the good things taking place with sprint car racing in California these days, it’s super important that we all stay positive. If you can’t truly appreciate what these racing teams and series are doing on a week in-week out basis, then I’m sure there’s a Disney on Ice show out there somewhere calling your name.
And finally, we truly are grateful for each and every fan that supports open wheel racing and travels all over the Golden State to show their love and affection by purchasing $25 tickets. We just need more of you! Maybe instead of a “Bring your Daughter to Work Day,” we should consider a “Bring your Neighbor to the Races Day!” And to all of the car owners and sponsors out there … WE TRULY THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS AND SUPPORT OF OPEN WHEEL RACING!
ANTIOCH NOTES: Winner Gio Scelzi! Kaeding 347, Eliason 343, Scelzi 341.
TULARE NOTES: A month ago, Gio Scelzi didn’t have one KWS-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series victory to his credit. After his Thunderbowl excursion, he now has three winner’s checks driving the Dennis Roth Motorsports KPC. Bud Kaeding was second. Mitchell Faccinto finally earned a podium finish in Stan Greenberg’s ride, which says a lot for the overall talent level of King of the West. Faccinto has been a frontrunner for just about every hardcharger award this season. They say it’s easier to win races when you start closer to the front. He's getting closer! … The track took rubber early, making it extremely hard to pass. … There are some haulers in the “Race Savers” division that would be the envy of some NASCAR teams. … Kyle Hirst took the Roth Motorsports Tailgater Challenge in the headliner in an attempt to chase down $1500 from Dennis Roth and $1000 from Williams Roofing. He started in the back and got up to seventh. Did I mention that the track had taken rubber? The night before in Hanford, Hirst rocketed from 21st to third. DJ Netto won at that aforementioned Friday night show at Keller Auto Speedway. … Craig Stidham had a rough night after getting reeled into a three car melee in his heat race. From a distance, there didn’t appear to be much damage. Up close, it was a different story. Do I need to mention that Visa card thing again? … The Antaya Motorsports crew worked their butt off changing out a variety of components before settling on a complete motor change before the feature. Helping out was Willie Croft and Kyle Hirst. All that work paid off with a sixth place finish for Cory Eliason. … Scelzi takes the point lead over Kaeding 407-406.
PETALUMA NOTES: With a first name of Chase, we knew it was just a matter of time before Mr. Johnson scored his first career KWS-NARC victory. A killer slide job as leader Bud Kaeding got momentarily hung up in traffic on lap 17 proved to be the winning move. Congratulations to car owners Shawn and Cyndi Thomas. They became the sixth different winner this season. … Sean Watts scored his third top 10 feature finish in a row. His heat race victory was the first of his KWS-NARC career. … The “Real Deal” Jamie Veal from Australia was in the field. He was piloting the familiar BK Racing Maxim #69 of Brent Kaeding. This team got off to a rough start when their tow rig blew a tire on the trip to Petaluma. Everything settled down for Veal, who scored a third place feature finish after a torrid battle with Andy Forsberg and Gio Scelzi. … Speaking of quick qualifier Scelzi, and second quick Cory Eliason, neither transferred to the dash out of their heat. … Does anyone have an extra 410 ride sitting around? Geoff Ensign would be an excellent candidate to give it a whirl! Racing a 360 in a 2007 chassis, he made it to the dash and was running third in the feature before mechanical problems knocked him out. … The final checkered was waved at 9:22 p.m. How sweet is that with four divisions racing? …
... Gio, Bud, Cory and Jamie all scored 60 points at the event. Gio still leads by a point! … Chase Johnson’s donuts in turn four after winning was almost worth the price of admission. … 22 cars … Great crowd. … Seventy-five percent of the KWS-NARC quick qualifiers have ended their night with a top three finish. Three have won. … 15-year old Nathan Rolfe has quietly worked his way up to 11th in points, getting in some quality lap time in the process. … Hats off to “owner-crew chief-pit crew & driver” Bobby McMahan. Mr. McMahan finished in the top 10 in NARC points for the first time in 1987 (third) and claimed that honor 10 times over the next 13 years. Today he is still competitive and is sitting fifth in points. There are not too many drivers who can celebrate a successful 30-year racing career. … Only one dash winner has gone on to claim the 30-lap headliner. And that was Gio Scelzi at Placerville. … Andy Forsberg and his A & A team jumped through some serious hoops leading up to Petaluma. They replaced their blown 410 motor, ran it at Chico on Friday night, pulled it on Saturday, pulled out a 360 from their other car, put the 410 motor in that car and finished sixth at Petaluma on Saturday night. Heck, I got tired just writing that.
By the way, if you haven’t noticed, all of the race reports on NARC410.com feature Mills Video highlights of the race. No more bouncing around looking for them. … That’s all for now! It’s time to load up for the only doubleheader weekend of the year … the 32nd annual Pombo-Sargent Classic at Ocean Speedway, and the First Annual Boys & Girls Club Dirt Classic at Calistoga.
Coming to you live from Auburn, CA. See ya!
6/17/17 - Petaluma, CA … Chase Johnson outdueled Bud Kaeding in a thrilling open wheel battle at Petaluma Speedway to capture his first career King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series feature event victory Saturday night.
Johnson, piloting the potent Shawn & Cyndi Thomas-owned, Wesmar-Champion Machine-powered Maxim, played cat and mouse with polesitter Kaeding throughout the 30-lapper before capitalizing on slower traffic to make his winning move. As the pair sliced and diced through lapped cars, Johnson launched a no holds barred slide job in the third corner on lap 16 to get under race long leader. He exited the fourth turn with the point.
Kaeding wasn’t done yet and continued his frantic pursuit of the leader in a race that ran nonstop the final 21-laps after a couple of early caution flags. Johnson almost took himself out of contention when he collided with the car of Nathan Rolfe going down the frontchute three laps later. However, he regrouped and held on to the win by four car lengths.
“I knew I had a chance to get around Bud (Kaeding) if we got into traffic,” explained Johnson, after become the sixth different KWS-NARC winner this season before a hometown crowd. “Once I got there and made it happen, I was surprised that it worked out so well.”
Kaeding finished in the runner up spot in the Williams Motorsports Alviso Rock Maxim. Australian sprint car star Jason Veal survived several wheel-to-wheel skirmishes with KWS-NARC point leader and quick qualifier Gio Scelzi and Cory Eliason to score third. Veal was driving the BK Racing Al’s Roofing Maxim.
Eliason was on the move from the initial green after starting 11th. He was seventh after nine circuits, fifth after 19 and ended up fourth in the Antaya Motorsports Fuel Curve-sponsored Maxim. Tenth starter Scelzi, who failed to transfer out of his heat race in the Roth Motorsports KPC, secured fifth.
Scelzi still maintains a slim 467-466 advantage over Kaeding in the championship standings, after both drivers finished the event earning the same amount of points.
Andy Forsberg, DJ Netto, Billy Alton, Sean Watts and Bobby McMahan rounded out the top 10. Watt’s performance was a season-best. The checkered flag in the four division program waved at 9:22 p.m.
Heat race victories were picked off by Geoff Ensign, Sean Watts & DJ Netto.
RACE RESULTS:
KWS-NARC Fujitsu Feature Event (30 laps): Chase Johnson, Bud Kaeding, Jamie Veal, Cory Eliason, Gio Scelzi, Andy Forsberg, DJ Netto, Billy Alton, Sean Watts, Bobby McMahan, Riley Matson, Chase Madjic, Jarrett Soares, Brent Bjork, Nathan Rolfe, John Clark, Brian Boswell, Jenna Frazier, Geoff Ensign, Eli Deshaies, Jason Paniagua, Bill Cornwell
Lap Leaders: Bud Kaeding 1-16, Chase Johnson 17-30
Hoosier Tires Dash (6 laps): Bud Kaeding, Chase Johnson, Jamie Veal, Geoff Ensign, Billy Alton, Andy Forsberg, DJ Netto, Bobby McMahan, Sean Watts
Fast Qualifier (3/8 mile clay oval - 22 cars): Gio Scelzi – 12.701
Heat 1 (10 laps): Geoff Ensign, Bobby McMahan, Bud Kaeding, Gio Scelzi, Nathan Rolfe, Jarrett Soares, Jenna Frazier
Heat 2 (10 laps): Sean Watts, Andy Forsberg, Bill Alton, Cory Eliason, John Clark, Eli Deschaies
Heat 3 (10 laps): DJ Netto, Jamie Veal, Chase Johnson, Chase Madjic, Riley Matson, Brent Bjork, Jason Paniagua, Brian Boswell
https://narc410.com/2017/06/18/johnson-claims-first-kws-narc-victory-in-exciting-petaluma-duel/
KWS-NARC SPRINT CARS SET TO INVADE ANTIOCH SPEEDWAY ON SATURDAY
(5/28/17) Antioch, CA … Antioch Speedway is set to host the high-powered broadsliding open wheel sprint cars of the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series this Saturday, June 3rd.
This marks the first of only two visits to the action-packed quarter-mile oval this season. It is also the sixth event in the ultra-competitive 17-stop King of the West-NARC series.
To date, the tour has produced five different winners in as many races including current championship point leader Bud Kaeding of Campbell, Cory Eliason of Selma, Rico Abreu of St. Helena, Fresno’s Gio Scelzi, and defending series champion Kyle Hirst of Paradise.
Hirst, a three-time series titlist who captured six events in 2016, finally earned his spot in victory lane on May 20th at Tulare. He admits he was getting frustrated by how long it took to score his first victory of the season.
“It’s getting harder and harder to win a King of the West NARC race,” explained Hirst. “It appears that everyone has stepped up their game and it’s getting tougher to gain any kind of competitive advantage. All of the teams and drivers are extremely prepared.”
The Antioch racing program includes qualifying, three heat races, the Hoosier Tires Dash, and is capped off by the 30-lap Fujitsu Racing Series feature event headliner.
“There are at least ten different drivers who can win on any given night,” continued Hirst, “and that doesn’t include any potential upsets. It all comes down to being more consistent than everyone else and that is a lot easier said than done. That means securing a great qualifying time, being aggressive in the heat race, finishing well in the dash, and staying out of trouble in the main. A little luck doesn’t hurt either.”
Also expected to compete Saturday is DJ Netto and Mitchell Faccinto of Hanford; Penngrove drivers Michael Kofoid and Chase Johnson; Willie Croft of Sacramento; Elk Grove’s Bobby McMahan; Jarrett Soares of Discovery Bay and Fremont’s Shane Golobic.
Pit gates open at 2:00 p.m. Front gates open at 5:00 p.m. Also on the racing card is the Hobby Stock division. Antioch Speedway is located at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch, CA. For more information, call 925-779-9220.
2017 KWS-NARC FUJITSU SERIES POINT STANDINGS (After five events in 17-race Series) 1. Bud Kaeding, Campbell (1) – 294 2. Cory Eliason, Selma (1) – 281 3. Giovanni Scelzi, Fresno (1) – 277 4. DJ Netto, Hanford – 274 5. Michael Kofoid, Penngrove – 265 6. Kyle Hirst, Paradise (1) – 263 7. Willie Croft, Sacramento – 236 8. Carson Macedo, Lemoore – 230 9. Jarrett Soares, Discovery Bay – 226 10. Bobby McMahan, Elk Grove – 223 11. Mitchell Faccinto, Hanford – 219 12. Shane Golobic, Fremont – 215 13. Sean Watts, Atwater – 210 14. Nathan Rolfe, Atwater – 197 15. Sean Becker, Roseville 196 16. Dominic Scelzi, Fresno – 195 17. Craig Stidham, Fresno – 146 18. Chase Johnson, Penngrove – 143 19. Brent Kaeding, Campbell – 139 20. Jason Statler, Grass Valley – 138
The King of the West Fujitsu Racing Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club is co-sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires. Contingency award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, ARP Racing Bolts, BMRS, Butler Built, FK Rod Ends, Flowmaster, Fuel Safe Racing Cells, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Williams Roofing, and Winters Performance Products.
UPCOMING EVENTS: June 10 – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway, Tulare, CA June 17 – Petaluma Speedway, Petaluma, CA June 23 – Ocean Speedway, Watsonville, CA June 24 – Calistoga Speedway, Calistoga, CA
(5/20/17) Tulare, CA … Defending King of the West champion Kyle Hirst became the fifth different NARC-Fujitsu Sprint Car Racing Series winner of the season, capturing top honors in the exciting 30-lap Faria Memorial at the Thunderbowl Raceway.
“I’m finally here,” said a happy Hirst in victory lane. “It’s been tough to win this year in this series, but my team has kept battling and we got it done tonight.”
Outside front row starter Cory Eliason appeared to have the entire field in hip pocket from the initial green, rocketing out to a quick lead. He quickly established a 12-car lead by lap eight, as the field began negotiating its way through slower traffic.
Hirst, who started fifth in the potent the Roth Motorsports H&R Livestock Transportation KPC sprint car battled Bud Kaeding for the runner-up spot for several laps before securing the spot for good on lap 16. As Eliason began to struggle in heavy traffic, Hirst and the freight train of Shane Golobic and Carson Macedo reeled him in.
On the 19th circuit, Hirst launched a massive turn three slide job on the leader to take the point, chased closely behind by Golobic. The top three cars battled inches apart in dramatic fashion before Gio Scelzi stopped bringing out the only caution of the race with seven to go. Scelzi was injured, dislocating his shoulder. He would later seek medical attention after the event.
Once the race resumed, Hirst took no prisoners and powered his way to a 1.55 second victory over Golobic in the Keith Day Trucking/Gabilan AG Services sponsored entry. Carson Macedo got around Eliason with four laps remaining to earn the show position in the Tarlton Motorsports Tachi Palace sprint car.
Eliason finished his night in fourth in the Antaya Motorsports-Fuel Curve ride, chased by current point leader Bud Kaeding. With Scelzi’s misfortune, Kaeding and his William Motorsports team extended their championship point lead to 275-261 over Eliason. Scelzi dropped to third with 257.
Mitchell Faccinto, 12th starter Craig Stidham, Dominic Scelzi, DJ Netto, and Bobby McMahan rounded out the top 10 at the checkered.
Willie Croft captured the Hoosier Tires Dash. Heat races were picked off by Eliason, Netto, and Golobic.
RACE RESULTS:
KWS-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Feature Event (30 laps); Kyle Hirst, Shane Golobic, Carson Macedo, Cory Eliason, Bud Kaeding, Mitchell Faccinto, Craig Stidham, Dominic Scelzi, DJ Netto, Bobby McMahan, Michael Kofoid, Jeremy Chisum, Sean Watts, Mathew Moles, Jarrett Soares, Nathan Rolfe, Willie Croft, Gio Scelzi, Brent Bjork, Wayne Rowett.
Lap Leaders: Eliason 1-19, Hirst 20-30
Hoosier Tires Dash (6 laps): Willie Croft, Cory Eliason, Gio Scelzi, Bud Kaeding, Kyle Hirst, Carson Macedo, Shane Golobic, DJ Netto, Mitchell Faccinto
Fast Qualifier (1/3 mile clay oval – 20 cars): Carson Macedo – 13.438 seconds
Heat 1 (10 laps): Corey Eliason, Mitchell Faccinto, Carson Macedo, Michael Kofoid, Sean Watts, Jarrett Soares
Heat 2 (10 laps): DJ Netto, Bud Kaeding, Willie Croft, Dominic Scelzi, Mathew Moles, Jeremy Chisum, Nathan Rolfe
Heat 3 (10 laps): Shane Golobic, Kyle Hirst, Gio Scelzi, Craig Stidham, Bobby McMahan, Brent Bjork
KWS-NARC SPRINT CARS HEADED TO TULARE ON SATURDAY FOR FARIA MEMORIAL
(5/14/17) Tulare, CA … The high-powered open wheel sprint cars of the King of the West/NARC Fujitsu Racing Series are returning to the Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway on Saturday, May 20th for the Faria Memorial race.
This marks the second of only three visits to the lightening fast one-third mile dirt oval track located at the Tulare Fairgrounds.
The King of the West/NARC series has proved to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, producing four different feature event winners in as many events. Current championship point leader of Bud Kaeding of Campbell, Giovanni Scelzi of Fresno, Cory Eliason of Selma, and Rico Abreu of St. Helena have earned those honors.
However, it's 15-year old driving sensation Scelzi who is turning heads, not only at California race tracks, but also drawing the attention of motorsports enthusiast across the nation. The Fresno driver, the son of famous NHRA championship drag racer Gary Scelzi, laid claim to his first KWS/NARC victory on Saturday (5/13) at Placerville Speedway in a thrilling photo finish. He only led the final two feet of the 30-lap race in his Fresno-based Roth Motorsports sprint car.
In the process, Scelzi became the youngest winner in series history and now current trails Kaeding in the standings by only three points (235-232) entering the Tulare event.
But don't be fooled by his young age where most of his high school peers would rather be "hanging out" or playing video games. Scelzi comes to the track with nine-years of racing experience and it shows and is already paying off rewards.
His career kicked off in Jr. Micro Sprints at Lemoore Raceway and Plaza Park Raceway in Visalia. He dominated his class in 2010, winning 24 main events.
Since then, he has graduated through the open wheel ranks into Micro-Sprints and now 410 c.i. 900-horsepower winged sprint cars. Scelzi's 19-year old brother Dominic also races a sprint car locally and on the national World of Outlaw tour.
“I have learned so much from all of the people at the race track, especially my brother, Dominic, and the Faccinto brothers,” states Scelzi. “Racing is in my blood. I hope to one day race in NASCAR.”
Scelzi is referring to Hanford open wheel racers. Mitchell & Michael Faccinto. Mitchell will also be competing at Tulare.
Thirty-seven year old Kaeding put forth his perspective on Scelzi. "Enjoy this kid while we have him," explained Kaeding. "He has a ton of talent and he will be off to do bigger things on a national level like NASCAR's Kyle Larson. Drivers like him don't come around very often and he is going to be very successful."
Also expected to compete Saturday will be Carson Macedo of Lemoore; Hanford's DJ Netto; Penngrove drivers Michael Kofoid and Chase Johnson; Discovery Bay's Jarrett Soares; Willie Croft of Sacramento; and defending series champion Kyle Hirst of Paradise.
Pit gates open at 2:00 p.m. Front gates open at 4:00 p.m. Also on the racing card is USAC Non-Wing 360’s, Race Saver sprint cars & the vintage cars of the Legends of Kearney Bowl.
The Thunderbowl Raceway is located at E Bardsley Avenue & South K Street in Tulare.
KINGOFTHEWESTSPRINTCARSERIES-PRESENTEDBYTHENORTHERNAUTORACINGCLUB
ED NOTE: Hanford driver DJ Netto will be signing autographs for race fans from 4:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. near the front gate.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
June 3 - Antioch Speedway, Antioch, CA
June 10 - Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway, Tulare, CA
June 17 - Petaluma Speedway, Petaluma, CA
June 24 - Calistoga Speedway, Calistoga, CA
The King of the West Fujitsu Racing Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club is co-sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires. Contingency award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, ARP Racing Bolts, BMRS, Butler Built, FK Rod Ends, Flowmaster, Fuel Safe Racing Cells, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Williams Roofing, and Winters Performance Products.
2017 KWS-NARC FUJITSU SERIES POINT STANDINGS
(After four events in 17-race Series)
Bud Kaeding, Campbell (1) - 235 Giovanni Scelzi, Fresno (1) - 232 Cory Eliason, Selma (1) - 224 DJ Netto, Hanford - 222 Michael Kofoid, Penngrove - 214 Kyle Hirst, Paradise - 201 Sean Becker, Roseville - 196 Willie Croft, Sacramento - 192 Jarrett Soares, Discovery Bay - 180 Bobby McMahan, Elk Grove - 172 Carson Macedo, Lemoore - 168 Mitchell Faccinto, Hanford - 164 Sean Watts, Atwater - 162 Shane Golobic, Fremont - 156 Nathan Rolfe, Atwater - 152 Chase Johnson, Penngrove - 143 Dominic Scelzi, Fresno - 142 Brent Kaeding, Campbell - 139 Jason Statler, Grass Valley - 138 Kalib Henry, Chico - 117
Jim Allen - 714-397-7417 - info@narc410.com
GIO SCELZI SCORES FIRST CAREER KWS-NARC WIN IN A THRILLER AT PLACERVILLE
(5/13/17) Placerville, CA, By Jim Allen … Young driving sensation Gio Scelzi continues to amaze the open wheel ranks on the King of the West/NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series. On Saturday night, the 15-year old pulled off an exciting final corner pass of race leader Sean Becker at Placerville Speedway and held on to win by two feet for his first career victory in the series.
Scelzi became the youngest winner in KWS-NARC history (15 years, 5-months), piloting the potent Roth Motorsports H&R LIvestock Transportation KPC sprint car.
Sean Becker, who scored his 100th career victory the night before in Chico, shot into the lead from his third starting position and set a frantic pace in the Dan Menne Motorsports Mike's Hard Lemonade-sponsored KPC. Becker held off the continued advances of cushion-riding Willie Croft for the first 15 laps as the pair zigged and zagged through lapped traffic.
Scelzi, who set fast time and started on the pole after winning the Hoosier Tires dash, fell back to third before he regrouped and charged back on the tight quarter mile oval. He utilized lap traffic to his advantage and picked off Croft at the halfway point , before setting his sights on the leader.
Scelzi made a pass for the lead with six to go when Becker got hung up in slower cars, but a yellow for two spun cars reverted the field back a lap. Another caution with two laps remaining set the stage for Scelzi's winning move. With Becker protecting the bottom of the track, Scelzi, rode up high on the cushion and slingshot into the lead as the pair powered out of the final turn. The two drag raced down the front straight with Scelzi scoring a narrow .069 second victory margin.
"This is great!" said a fired up Scelzi in victory lane. "I thought I messed up and didn't have enough to catch him (Becker). But Roth Motorsports gave me an excellent car and we got it done at the end."
The checkered flag waved at 8:46 p.m.
Point leader Bud Kaeding also found the high line to his liking in the late going, passing Kyle Hirst and Croft to earn the show position in the Williams Motorsports Alviso Rock Maxim. Defending series champion Hirst claimed fourth in the other Roth Motorsports KPC. Croft rounded out the top five in his Amerikote Powder Coating sprint car.
Mitchell Faccinto earned the Hardcharger award, picking up seven spots after starting 13th. Cory Eliason, DJ Netto, Michael Kofoid, and Shane Golobic claimed the remaining positions in the top ten.
Sean Watts brought out the only red flag of the night when he go upside down on lap seven. He was unhurt.
Heat race winners were Bud Kaeding, Andy Forsberg and DJ Netto
30-lap KWS-NARC Fujitsu Main Event: Gio Scelzi, Sean Becker, Bud Kaeding, Kyle Hirst, Willie Croft, Mitchell Faccinto, Cory Eliason, DJ Netto, Michael Kofoid, Shane Golobic, Justyn Cox, Andy Forsberg, Andy Gregg, Chase Johnson, Brent Kaeding, Jarrett Soares, Nathan Rolfe, Scott Males, Dominic Scelzi, Kalib Henry, Sean Watts, Bobby McMahan
Fast Qualifier (1/4 mile oval - 23 cars): Gio Scelzi - 10.541
Heat 1 (10 laps): Bud Kaeding, Michael Kofoid, Gio Scelzi, Kalib Henry, Brent Kaeding, Justyn Cox, Mitchell Faccinto, Scott Males
Heat 2 (10 laps): Andy Forsberg, Sean Becker, Willie Croft, Shane Golobic, Jarrett Soares, Chase Johnson, Dominic Scelzi, Jim Richardson
Heat 3 (10 laps): DJ Netto, Kyle Hirst, Cory Eliason, Bobby McMahan, Sean Watts, Nathan Rolfe, Andy Gregg
Hoosier Tires Dash (6 laps): Gio Scelzi, Willie Croft, Bud Kaeding, Kyle Hirst, Cory Eliason, Michael Kofoid, Andy Forsberg, DJ Netto
NOTE: Past NARC NEWSLINE columns can be found at NARC410.com ... You can also find current points standings, rule books, history, and sponsor information.
NARC NEWSLINE, News, Notes & Quotes from the KWS-Northern Auto Racing Club Sprint Cars, By Jim Allen, (May 12, 2017)
It feels great to have a little normalcy and routine now that we have a couple more events under our belt on the King of the West/NARC tour, without having to look at the Weather Channel. The Peter Murphy Classic in Tulare and the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial in Chico earned those honors.
Our good friend Peter Murphy did what he does best … now that he is no longer is racing … and put on a well supported and promoted event that pulled in 39 competitors. That's typically what happens when you serve up an $11,000 to win race, that also happens to pay $1000 to start the feature - plus a bunch of other great perks (cash) worked in between.
Bud Kaeding was able to check off one of his racing career bucket list items with his victory in Morrie Williams Maxim. That check was worth $11,000 and a whole lot of champagne spray in victory lane. Carson Macedo was reeling in Bud in the late going, pulling within three car lengths in lap traffic in the late going, but ran out of laps. The next two drivers had a combined age of 30-years old … Gio Scelzi and Buddy Kofoid. DJ Netto rounded out the top five.
At the May 6th Bradway Memorial, it was more of the same in the cash machine department. Rico Abreu had the pin number of the Silver Dollar Speedway ATM machine and cashed out $8000 for his nights work. That breaks down to $1000 for the Carwash Mike Avilla Fast Time Award, $5,000 for the A-Main victory, which included $1000 kickers from Roth Motorsports and Abreu Racing. Top that off with $2000 in lap money for his 1-40 leader effort and you have what can best be described as a profitable evening. It was Abreu's third Bradway Jr. Memorial win in five years.
In fact, it was a very strange night at Chico when it was deemed profitable to still be rolling at the end of the 40-lapper. Kind of like a sprint car version of the television show Survivor. Only eight of the 22-car starting grid actually rolled into their trailers. No, that is not a misprint - eight, like a heat race. Ten caution flags decimated the field, including three reds. You know your thoughts and prayers are answered when you watch the scary Michael Ing, Carson Macedo and Jason Statler crash down the back chute in slow motion video. Sheet metal and parts were ripped off, down tubes were sheared and if was bolted on, it wasn't anymore. Statler was shaken but not stirred, and the other two drivers remarkably (and thankfully) walked away from their totally destroyed their cars. Carson was quick to credit his safety equipment on Twitter afterwards. We agree!
The semi wasn't much better, especially after viewing the spectacular multi-car crash entering the first turn. Kyle Hirst, Ryan Bernal, Brent Bjork, Justyn Cox, and Brian Boswell, their equipment, and the SDS catch fence took a beating. Once again, thank you to the continued advances of safety equipment.
On the lighter side, we can never say enough about Dave & Dianne Durica who have taken this event under their wings to make it so successful. They hustled up lap money for the A & B Main events, plus a variety of other cash and prizes. That's a lot easier said, than done. Also, kudo's to Cindy Thomas who fired up Hoserville and others for additional prizes including Hoosier right rears and tear offs for the heat race winners.
Peter Murphy Classic … Make sure you support the companies that support sprint car racing. In this case that would be Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino in Lemoore for their tremendous financial support of the PMC … You've got to love Rudeen Racing. They donated $100 to each of the four heat race winners, plus $500 to the KWS-Northern Auto Racing Club General Fund to help with the conversion process to a non-profit sports league. …Gio Scelzi set quick time at Tulare in the Roth Motorsports 83JR car and earned $500 from Tachi Palace in Lemoore. They later donated the money to the NARC Benevolent Fund. … Quote of the week comes from car owner Shawn Thomas, who said, "I would rather dial myself out of a race, than sit on a stool and do nothing." Good philosophy! … Kyle Hirst did double duty in the USAC non-wing 360's. He ended up scoring his first victory in that series, which means he is ready for any future NARC-KWS events that happen to go non-wing. #Just saying. … By comparison, Ryan Bernal has 30 non-wing USAC 360 wins … Bobby McMahan ended up making every highlight reel in America. Unfortunately, it wasn't for something good. On the start, McMahan found himself in one of those "no place to go" accidents and took a wild ride down the front straightaway. The car was trashed, but Mr. McMahan was fine and on the phone to wife Linda a couple of minutes later to update his status. He earned a $200 tough luck award, which will cover just a fraction of the actual repair costs. By the way, if you ever wanted to join a pit crew, the McMahan's is one of the leanest on tour. Go help them out. …
… So what do you do when you suffer 410 motor issues in the heat race and get delegated to the B-main? If you are Shane Golobic and Golobic Racing, you pull it in favor of your 360 powerplant. Then you go out and capture the semi from the 10th starting spot. And to put a cherry on top of this hot fudge sundae, you finish 14th in the feature - which paid $1000 to start. Might be time to start awarding extra championship points for EXTRA EFFORT! … According to a trackside interview with Jason Statler, he weighs in at 285 on a "good day." By comparison, 15-year old Gio Scelzi comes in at 150 soaking wet. How much of an advantage that gives him on the race track? … In victory lane, Bud Kaeding was asked about his last second race strategy. Just before the event was getting ready to push off, it appeared that Kaeding got out of car to initiate a last minute left rear time change. Answered Kaeding, "I had nothing to do with that. I got out of the car because I had to pee." I guess that would be an honest answer. Not the answer I was expecting, but an honest one. … Rico Abreu was slated to start sixth in the PMC feature, but pulled out before the race started with food poisoning. … Sean Becker also presented his car and pulled out before the feature started with mechanical issues. …
… If you are not impressed by the performances of 15-year old Buddy Kofoid, take a look again. Not only is he running in the top 10, he is looking steady in the process. He races methodically and doesn't take any unnecessary risks, but is aggressive and is always moving forward. That's a winning combination… The Pole Shuffle was entertaining. Here is how it went: Bobby McMahan outran Monte Faccinto and Kyle Hirst, only to lose to DJ Netto who beat Tanner Thorsen and Mason Moore, only to lose to Carson Macedo, who lost to Buddy Kofoid who went on to finish ahead of Rick Abreu, only to take second to Willie Croft who lost his battle to Bud Kaeding who finished runner-up to Gio Scelzi. Try saying that all in one breath! … By the way, Gio won an additional $500 for his 26-seconds of work in the pole shuffle. … Long tow honors went to Cori Andrews, who made the long 11-hour drive up I-5 from Murrieta, CA (think Perris Speedway) … Jeremy Chisum has one of the most interesting sponsors on the KWS-NARC tour - Pediatric Cancer Awareness. When you get a chance, take a closer look at the Number "8" on their top wing. They have helped raise more than $250,000 for the keyforacurefoundation.com …
Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial … A very commendable workmanlike effort was put together by Jarrett Soares in his Brian Sperry wrenched sprint car. He avoided the semi-crash and ran strong to finish fourth. In the feature, he battled through the field without a front wing and scored eighth. In the process, he earned $650 for the Hardcharger Award. …A very unusual site at Chico took place in the infield. That would be Kyle Hirst and Willie Croft both viewing the feature in street clothes. Both failed to qualify for the money race which happens about as often as we have a Reality Television Star as President. … Considering Hirst won the Friday night show, his weekend was all up, or all down! On Saturday, the Roth 83 sprint car blew a motor in their heat before trashing the ride entirely in the semi. … Gio Scelzi was sort of on the same path, but not quite as bad. He won the Friday night show in Hanford, before a run in with Chico concrete ended his night in 13th. … While Rico got the lion's share of the feature lap money, Cory Eliason ($970), Michael Ing ($650), and DJ Netto ($380) walked away with thicker wallets also. …
… Five-time Bradway winner Jonathan Allard was in the pits after returning from New Zealand. During an interview, he said he is looking for a ride. … Jason Statler, who got his bell rung in his accident informed this corner that his team is done for a while. They have experienced more than their fair share of bad luck this season and need to circle the wagons for a while. … The same applies to Scott Parker and Craig Parker and their 12P ride. They hurt their motor and need to regroup. (Motor Sponsored Wanted ad goes here!) … It was nice to see Justin Bradway, the nephew of the late Dave Bradway Jr., competing at Chico. He was 14th in the semi. … Let's be honest. If the Car Wash Mike Avilla Coors Light hats were on sale right now for $250 each, we would all buy one. … Rico's fast time at SDS was 11.665. The entire field was fast which may have led to some of the trouble. … Chasing Rico across the checkered was DJ Netto, Cory Eliason, Shane Golobic, Roger Crockett, Bud Kaeding, Michael Kofoid, and Jarrett Soares. That's it. … There are some great announcers working around California. Silver Dollar Speedway's Troy Hennig rates as one of them. … Clyde & Marion Lamar kicked in $100 in Tri-C cash to each Bradway heat race winner … There were three generations of the racing Bumgarner Family in the pits at Chico. Sprint car racing tends to get into your DNA. … Have you purchased at least two racing T-shirts yet this season? What are you waiting for? … For everything KWS-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series related, including race results, point standings, and rule books, go to NARC410.com
Coming to you live from Auburn, California. We will catch up with you at a track near you. See ya!
PLACERVILLE SPEEDWAY TO HOST KING OF THE WEST-NARC SPRINT CARS ON SATURDAY
(05/07/17) Placerville, CA … The 900-horsepower open wheel sprint cars of the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series will be making their only appearance of the year at Placerville Speedway this Saturday, May 13th.
The ultra-competitive 17-race series has already produced three different winners in three events, including Selma’s Cory Eliason, Bud Kaeding of Campbell, and Rico Abreu of St. Helena. Abreu captured the May 6th KWS-NARC event in Chico.
Kaeding is the current championship point leader; maintaining a slim 176-170 lead over Eliason. Hanford’s DJ Netto and Lemoore’s Carson Macedo are also within easy striking distance with 169 and 168 points, respectively. Despite a stellar career, Kaeding has never laid claim to the King of the West crown, but has been runner-up several times.
Two 15-year old drivers are also making a name for themselves on the KWS-NARC tour this year. Gio Scelzi of Fresno and Penngrove’s Michael Kofoid are currently in the top 10 in points and have been producing consistent top 10 finishes.
In the age of children being brought up as single-sport athletes, this pair represents a new breed of young guns who have been competing in open wheel cars since the age of five or six years old. Most typically start out in go-karts and quarter-midgets and move through the open wheel ranks to micro-sprints, Outlaw Karts, and eventually sprint cars. By the time they get the opportunity to pilot a 900-horsepower, 410 cubic inch powered sprint car, most drive like their older and more experienced peers – and these two do exactly that!
Placerville’s quarter-mile clay oval bull ring promises to deliver a competitive night of racing as teams set their sights on the $3000 winner’s paycheck. The track is known for extremely competitive racing and many local teams feel they have an advantage because horsepower is not as big a factor on a smaller track. It all comes down to driving skill and car set-up.
The racing format includes qualifying, four heat races, a Hoosier Tires Dash, a 12-lap semi-main and the 30-lap feature event.
Pit Gates open at 2:00 p.m. Front gates open at 3:00 p.m., followed by qualifying at 6:00 p.m. Pure Stocks and Mini-Trucks are also on the racing card.
For more information on the King of the West Series, presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club, go to www.NARC410.com
Placerville Speedway is located at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville. Take US-50 to Forni Road/Placerville Drive exit and go north on Placerville Drive to the fairgrounds. Additional information can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com or by calling 530-626-3680.
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Placerville Speedway - Since 1965, High-Banked 1/4 Mile Clay Oval
2017 KWS-NARC FUJITSU SERIES POINT STANDINGS
(AFTER THREE-EVENTS IN THE 17-RACE SERIES)
Bud Kaeding, Campbell (1) - 176
Cory Eliason, Selma (1) - 170
DJ Netto, Hanford - 169
Carson Macedo, Lemoore - 168
Giovanni Scelzi, Fresno - 166
Michael Kofoid, Penngrove - 162
Kyle Hirst, Paradise - 142
Jason Statler, Grass Valley - 138
Sean Becker, Roseville - 137
Jarrett Soares, Discovery Bay - 135
Bobby McMahan, Elk Grove – 133
Willie Croft, Sacramento – 133
Sean Watts, Atwater – 122
Mitchell Faccinto, Hanford – 109
Scott Parker, Coaresgold - 109
Rico Abreu, St. Helena – 108
Nathan Rolfe, Atwater – 108
Shane Golobic, Fremont – 104
Dominic Scelzi, Fresno – 100
Mason Moore, Chico - 97UPCOMING EVENTS:
May 20 – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway, Tulare, CA
June 3 – Antioch Speedway, Antioch, CA
June 10 – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway, Tulare, CA
June 17 – Petaluma Speedway, Petaluma, CA
The King of the West Fujitsu Racing Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club is co-sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires. Contingency award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, ARP Racing Bolts, BMRS, Butler Built, FK Rod Ends, Flowmaster, Fuel Safe Racing Cells, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Williams Roofing, and Winters Performance Products.
HIGHPOWERED KING OF THE WEST-NARC SPRINT CAR FIELD EXPECTED AT BRADWAY JR. MEMORIAL
(4/30/17) Chico, CA … Silver Dollar Speedway will be hosting the traveling King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series, this Saturday, May 6th for the lucrative 27th annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial Race.
This marks the only stop by the state’s premier sprint car division to the action-packed quarter-mile oval this year. (The season opener on March 4th was rained out.)
The Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial Race, named in honor of the Northern Auto Racing Club driver who lost his life in a racing accident in 1987, is one of the longest running races in the country. The winner’s list reads like a “who’s-who” of some of the best open wheel drivers in California. That is driven by the fact it features one of the richest purses of the KWS-NARC season, including $4000 in extra lap money for the race leaders, plus special cash awards for fast time and the feature event hard charger,
Among those expected to compete in Chico is current KWS-NARC championship point leader Bud Kaeding of Campbell. Kaeding leads 15-year old driving sensation Giovanni Scelzi of Fresno by a narrow121-119 margin in the standings. Kaeding is coming off a huge $11,000 victory at Tulare on April 22nd.
“Due to the extra prize money, there is a lot of emphasis to let it all hang out during qualifying, because we want a good starting position in the main event,.” explained Kaeding, the 2015 Bradway race winner. “All of the teams share the same basic game plan, which ultimately makes for a great night of racing.”
“With the lap money paying the top three drivers, the incentive is there to get out front as quickly as humanly possible,” Kaeding continued. “While none of us will admit we race for the money, it’s there in the back of our head so we don’t hold anything back.”
Also expected to compete on Saturday is defending series champion and 2016 Bradway race winner Kyle Hirst of Paradise; Lemoore’s Carson Macedo; feature event winner Cory Eliason of Selma; Willie Croft of Sacramento; Penngrove’s Michael Kofoid; Mitchell Faccinto and DJ Netto of Hanford, and Roseville’s Sean Becker.
The racing format includes qualifying, four heat races, a Hoosier Tires Dash, a 12-lap semi-main and the 40-lap feature event.
Pit Gates open at 3:00 p.m. Front gates open at 5:00 p.m., followed by qualifying at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:00 p.m. Also on the race card are Wingless Sprint Cars and Economy Sprints.
Silver Dollar Speedway is located at the fairgrounds in Chico, approximately ¼ mile west of U.S. 99. For more information, call 530-891-6535.
2017 KWS-NARC FUJITSU SERIES POINT STANDINGS
(After two events in 17-race Series)
Bud Kaeding, Campbell (1) 121
Giovanni Scelzi, Fresno 119
Carson Macedo, Lemoore 118
Kyle Hirst, Paradise 113
Cory Eliason, Selma (1) 112
DJ Netto, Hanford 110
Mitchell Faccinto, Hanford 109
Michael Kofoid, Penngrove 108
Willie Croft, Sacramento 98
Chase Johnson, Penngrove 96
Brent Kaeding, Campbell 93
Craig Stidham, Fresno 92
Sean Becker, Roseville 92
Bobby McMahan, Elk Grove 90
Jason Statler, Grass Valley 87
Sean Watts, Atwater 86
Scott Parker, Coarsegold 84
Jarrett Soares, Elk Grove 82
Taylor Malsum, Seattle, WA 79
Mathew Moles, Fresno 79UPCOMING EVENTS:
May 13 – Placerville Speedway – Placerville, CA
May 20 – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway, Tulare, CA
June 3 – Antioch Speedway, Antioch, CA
The King of the West Fujitsu Racing Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club is co-sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires. Contingency award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, ARP Racing Bolts, BMRS, Butler Built, FK Rod Ends, Flowmaster, Fuel Safe Racing Cells, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Williams Roofing, and Winters Performance Products.
4/22/17 - Tulare, CA … Bud Kaeding scored a lucrative $11,000 victory Saturday night at the Thunderbowl Raceway with a convincing green-to-checkered 30-lap run in the King of the West/NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series Peter Murphy Classic.
Driving Morrie William’s Alviso Rock/Kaeding Performance Center sponsored Maxim, Kaeding won a drag race down the front straightaway against quick qualifier Giovanni Scelzi and never looked over his shoulder the rest of the way. Kaeding dedicated his victory to longtime family friend and race supporter Bob Miller who passed away just two days earlier.
“We lost a member of our family,” said Kaeding on the victory podium. “Bob was a great friend of mine and was like a grandfather to me. He was great for the sport and they don’t make them like that anymore. We are going to miss him dearly.”
Tenth starter Bobby McMahan was involved in a wild crash down the front stretch on the first attempt to get the event underway. He was unhurt, but the same couldn’t be said for destroyed race car. The only other yellow flag was on lap five for Jason Statler who sustained major front end damage. The 25-laps chase to the checkered ran non-stop.
Sixth starter Carson Macedo pulled to within three-car lengths of the leader in traffic with two to go, but ran out of laps. Piloting the Tarlton Motorsports Tachi Palace backed machine, Macedo locked horns and passed Scelzi for third at the halfway point, and powered past Buddy Kofoid for second on lap 19. By that time Kaeding had built a four second lead advantage, plus a two lapped car interference.
Polesitter and Peter Murphy Pole Shuffler winner Scelzi passed Kofoid in the waning laps to earn a podium finish in the Roth Motorsports HR Livestock Transportation sprinter. Kofoid held on to cross the checkered in an impressive fourth. DJ Netto rounded out the top five in the Tri-C Machine sprint car.
The rest of the top ten included 11th starter and defending champ Kyle Hirst, Mitchell Faccinto, Mason Moore, 20th starter Dominic Scelzi, and Willie Croft. Earlier Hirst scored his first-ever USAC non-wing feature victory in their 25-lap headliner.
Shane Golobic took top honors in the 21-car Hoosier Tire B-Main event. He started 12th in the field driving a 360 powered sprint car. His team had blown their 410 engine in their heat race and changed motors.
Giovanni Scelzi’s fast time of 13.801 seconds around the 3/8 mile oval was the quickest in the 39 car field. Heat races were picked off by Moore, Croft, Hirst, and Rico Abreu.
KWS-NARC Tachi Palace/Fujitsu Feature Event (30 laps); Bud Kaeding, Carson Macedo, Giovanni Scelzi, Buddy Kofoid, DJ Netto, Kyle Hirst, Mitchell Faccinto, Mason Moore, Dominic Scelzi, Willie Croft, Cory Elliason, Chase Johnson, Tanner Thorsen, Shane Golobic, Craig Stidham, Brent Kaeding, Jarrett Soares, Lucas Ashe, Jason Statler, Bobby McMahan
Lap Leaders: Bud Kaeding 1-30
Fast Qualifier (39 cars): Giovanni Scelzi 13.801
Heat 1 (10 laps): Mason Moore, Giovanni Scelzi, Buddy Kofoid, Cory Eliason, Craig Stidham, Shawn Conde, Cori Andrews, Nathan Rolfe, Jared Peterson
Heat 2 (10 laps): Willie Croft, DJ Netto, Bobby McMahan, Chase Johnson, Jason Statler, Dominic Scelzi, Dustin Golobic, Kalib Henry, Jeremy Chisum, Mathew Moles.
Heat 3 (10 laps): Kyle Hirst, Carson Macedo, Bud Kaeding, Sean Becker, Brent Kaeding, Taylor Malsam, Kaleb Montgomery, Scott Parker, Shane Golobic
Heat 4 (10 laps): Rico Abreu, Tanner Thorsen, Mitchell Faccinto, Jarrett Soares, Lucas Ashe, Sean Watts, Andy Gregg, Bill Butler, Brent Bjork
Peter Murphy Pole Shuffle (6 laps): Bobby McMahan defeated Mitchell Faccinto; Bobby McMahan defeated Kyle Hirst, DJ Netto defeated Bobby McMahan, DJ Netto defeated Tanner Thorsen, DJ Netto defeated Mason Moore; Carson Macedo defeated DJ Netto; Buddy Kofoid defeated Carson Macedo; Buddy Kofoid defeated Rico Abreu, Willie Croft defeated Buddy Kofoid; Bud Kaeding defeated Willie Croft, Giovanni Scelzi defeated Bud Kaeding.
Hoosier Tires B-Main (12 laps): Shane Golobic, Craig Stidham, Jason Statler, Dominic Scelzi, Brent Kaeding, Lucas Ashe, Taylor Malsum, Kalib Henry, Scott Parker, Jeremy Chisum, Dustin Golobic, Shawn Conde, Nathan Rolfe, Sean Watts, Cori Andrews, Brent Bjork, Andy Gregg, Jared Peterson, Mathew Moles, Billy Butler, Ryan Bernal
(4/16/17) Tulare, CA … The exciting 900-horsepower sprint cars of the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series will headline the two-day Peter Murphy Classic on Saturday night, April 22nd at Tulare’s Thunderbowl Raceway.
The lucrative event is expected to pay the largest overall purse of the season and will field a stellar field of 410 sprint cars aiming to earn the winners share. The 2016 race paid $11,000 to winner and eventual series champion Kyle Hirst of Paradise, CA. Last place paid $1000 to start the 30-lap feature event (final numbers for the 2017 were not available as of press time.)
This is the fourth annual event hosted by Australian driver Peter Murphy, who became a steady fixture and fan favorite on the Northern Auto Racing Club sprint car tour in California during the 1990’s. However, his successful driving career ended prematurely in 2013 after being seriously injured in a violent crash at Antioch Speedway. During his long recovery from multiple injuries, including head trauma, the sprint car community circled its proverbial wagons around the popular driver to provide support.
“The racing community really helped me when I needed them the most during my long healing process,” explained Murphy, who solicits additional sponsorship for his race. “This race is my way of giving back to the fans and to the NARC Benevolent Fund.”
The Peter Murphy Classic also generates revenue for the aforementioned (non-profit) NARC Benevolent Fund. This fund provides support to open wheel racers and their families in times of need. It provides financial support to help offset medical bills and expenses.
“As much as I wanted to get back in the saddle (race car) again, my doctors said absolutely ‘no way.’ It was a serious health risk,” said Murphy, who now lives and owns a sign and graphic business in Fresno, CA. “Giving up racing was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. This event has made it easier and allows me to stay involved with my fantastic open wheel family.”
Among those expected to compete at the one-third mile action-packed clay oval on Saturday is current KWS-NARC championship point leader Cory Eliason of Selma, CA. Eliason captured the KWS-NARC season opener at Kern County Raceway Park (Bakersfield, CA) on April 8th. He already has two A-Main victories to his credit this season, driving both a 360 and 410 c.i. powered sprint car.
Among the other drivers expected to compete on Saturday is defending KWS-NARC series champion Hirst, Lemoore’s Carson Macedo, Willie Croft of Sacramento, Bud & Brent Kaeding of Campbell, Atwater’s Sean Watts and Nathan Rolfe, and Hanford drivers Mitchell Faccinto and DJ Netto.
Pit gates open at 2:00 p.m. Front gates open at 4:00 p.m. Also on the racing card on Saturday night is USAC Non-Wing 360’s & Legends of Kearney Bowl Vintage Cars.
The Thunderbowl Raceway is located at E Bardsley Avenue & South K Street in Tulare.
KINGOFTHEWESTSPRINTCARSERIES-PRESENTEDBYTHENORTHERNAUTORACINGCLUB
ED NOTE: There will be a driver autograph session behind the grandstands from 4:00 – 4:45 p.m.
ED NOTE: Friday’s opening night of the Peter Murphy Classic will feature the Sprint Car Challenge Tour, Winged 360 sprint cars and the Legends of Kearney Bowl
ED NOTE: Race fans can contribute to the NARC Benevolent Fund.
Make checks payable to: “NARC Benevolent Fund” and mail c//o Kaeding Performance Center 813 Cristich Lane, Campbell, CA 95008. For more information on the fund, call 408-371-3031.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
May 6 – Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, CA – Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial Race
May 13 – Placerville Speedway – Placerville, CA
2017 KWS-NARC FUJITSU SERIES POINT STANDINGS
(After one event in 17-race Series)
Cory Eliason, Selma (1) 62
Carson Macedo, Lemoore 59
Kyle Hirst, Paradise 58
Giovanni Scelzi, Fresno 57’
Bud Kaeding, Campbell 56
Mitchell Faccinto, Hanford 55
Sean Watts, Atwater 55
DJ Netto, Hanford 54
Sean Becker, Roseville 53
Michael Kofoid, Penngrove 51
Matthew Moles, Fresno 50
Bobby McMahan, Elk Grove 49
Brent Kaeding, Campbell 48
Scott Parker, Coarsegold 48
Chase Johnson, Penngrove 47
Craig Stidham, Fresno 46
Willie Croft, Sacramento 46
Jason Statler, Grass Valley 45
Nathan Rolfe, Atwater 42
Taylor Malsum, Seattle, WA 41The King of the West Fujitsu Racing Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club is co-sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires. Contingency award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, ARP Racing Bolts, BMRS, Butler Built, FK Rod Ends, Flowmaster, Fuel Safe Racing Cells, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Williams Roofing, and Winters Performance Products.
ELIASON CAPTURES KWS-NARC SPRINT CAR SEASON OPENER AT KCRP
4/9/17 - Bakersfield, CA … Cory Eliason held off a furious late race charge by Carson Macedo to capture Saturday's exciting King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series season opener at Kern County Raceway Park.
Eliason, who started seventh in the 22-car grid aboard the Antaya Motorsports Good Guys Rod & Custom Association-sponsored Maxim, battled his way through the field to take the runner-up spot on lap 25. Up to that point, a variety of challengers attempted to reel in pole sitter Willie Croft who dominated and consistently pulled away from the field after a couple of yellow flags.
However, Croft's machine began to sputter a couple of laps later and Eliason began to reel him in. The field came to a complete stop with only two to go when fast qualifier Chase Johnson flipped in turn three. He was unhurt.
Croft car was out of fuel and unable to push off for the restart, allowing Eliason to inherit the point, followed by challengers Macedo, defending champ Kyle Hirst, Bud Kaeding and Giovanni Scelzi.
The green-white-checkered finish was organized open wheel mayhem as Macedo in the Tarlton Motorsports played wheel-to-wheel cat and mouse. Macedo actually took the lead in turn two with a massive slide job, but Eliason powered back by to take the lead and the victory.
"It got pretty wild at the end," said Eliason. "Carson (Macedo) and I put on a show for the fans. I hope you enjoyed it."
"Willie (Croft) ran out of fuel," continued Eliason. "If it weren't for that, I'm pretty sure he would have won the race." Croft ended his night in 17th.
Defending series champion Kyle Hirst survived a back-and-forth battle with Bud Kaeding and Roth Motorsports teammate Giovanni Scelzi. Scelzi claimed fourth. Kaeding held on to fifth in the Morrie Williams owned sprinter.
Thirteenth starter and semi-winner Mitchell Faccinto, DJ Netto, Sean Becker, Sean Watts and 15-year old Michael Kofoid rounded out the top 10.
Chase Johnson set the standard in qualifying around the one-third mile oval with a 12.909 second run. Twenty-four cars timed in.
Heat races were picked off by DJ Netto, Macedo and Eliason.
KWS-NARC Fujitsu Feature Event (30 laps); Cory Eliason, Carson Macedo, Kyle Hirst, Giovanni Scelzi, Bud Kaeding, Mitchell Faccinto, DJ Netto, Sean Becker, Sean Watts, Michael Kolfoid, Matthew Moles, Bobby McMahan, Brent Kaeding, Scott Parker, Craig Stidham, Jason Statler, Willie Croft, Chase Johnson, Nathan Rolfe, Taylor Malsum, Jeremy Chisum, Zane Blanchard
Lap Leaders: Willie Croft 1-28, Eliason 29-30
Fast Qualifier (24 cars): Chase Johnson 12.894 seconds
Heat 1 (10 laps): DJ Netto, Giovanni Scelzi, Chase Johnson, Scott Parker, Jason Statler, Brent Kaeding, Mitchell Faccinto, Craig Stidham
Heat 2 (10 laps): Carson Macedo, Bud Kaeding, Bobby McMahan, Sean Watts, Sean Becker, Zane Blanchard, Jarrett Soares, Brent Bjork
Heat 3 (10 laps): Cory Eliason, Willie Croft, Kyle Hirst, Taylor Malsum, Michael Kofoid, Nathan Rolfe, Jeremy Chisum, Matthew Moles
Hoosier Dash (6 laps): Willie Croft, Chase Johnson, Kyle Hirst, Carson Macedo, Bud Kaeding, Giovanni Scelzi, Cory Eliason, DJ Netto, Bobby McMahan
B-Main (12 laps): Mitchell Faccinto, Zane Blanchard, Craig Stidham, Brent Kaeding, Jeremy Chisum, Nathan Rolfe, Matthew Moles, Jarrett Soares, Brent Bjork
KING OF THE WEST-NARC FUJITSU SPRINT CARS SET TO INVADE KERN COUNTY RACEWAY PARK
(4/2/17) Bakersfield, CA … The Dirt Track at Kern County Raceway Park will host the season opener for the exciting 900-horsepower King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series this Saturday, April 8th. This marks the only visit by the traveling series to the one-third mile oval this season.
Leading the field of entries will be defending three-time King of the West champion Kyle Hirst of Paradise, CA. Hirst will have a lot in common with the other 25 teams expected to compete in that he has never raced at the newly configured one-year old track.
“It’s always a challenge to compete at a new racing facility,” said Hirst, “because we don’t know what to expect and everyone is on a level playing field. It’s going to come down to what team can dial in the proper chassis set up after just a few practice laps. A little luck comes in handy also.”
The short 17-race KWS-NARC schedule leaves little margin for error for those with championship aspirations. Also, the organizations new points schedule pays a premium for winning races as teams chase the winner’s share of the $20,000 purse and a year-end $62,000 championship point fund.
Hirst and Campbell’s Bud Kaeding dominated victory lane in 2016, with six and five feature event victories, respectively. Six other drivers captured the other nine wins. Both Hirst and Kaeding plan to pick up where they left off in 2016.
“The best way to pursue a championship is to start strong and win the first race of the season,” continued Hirst, who drives for Fresno-based Roth Motorsports. “Winning for the first time at a new track would make it extra special.”
Among the other drivers expected to compete on Saturday include Mitchell Faccinto and DJ Netto of Hanford; Justyn Cox of Clarksburg; Sean Watts of Atwater; Penngrove’s Chase Johnson; Cory Eliason of Selma; Grass Valley’s Jason Statler and many more.
Pit gates open at 2:00 p.m. Front gates open at 5:00 p.m. Also on the racing card are American Stocks and HPB Midgets.
Kern County Raceway Park is located at 13500 Raceway Blvd in Bakersfield (Interstate 5 & Enos Lane.)
KINGOFTHEWESTFUJITSUSPRINTCARSERIES-PRESENTEDBYTHENORTHERNAUTORACINGCLUB
Driver Bud Kaeding will be signing autographs near the front gate between 5:00-5:30 p.m.
ED NOTE: The scheduled March 4th KWS-NARC season opener was rained out.
FINAL 2016 KWS-NARC POINT STANDINGS
Kyle Hirst, Paradise (6) 3183 Bud Kaeding, Campbell (5) 3164 Justyn Cox, Clarksburg 2962 DJ Netto, Hanford 2922 Sean Watts, Atwater 2729 Jason Statler, Grass Valley 2720 Jarrett Soares, Discovery Bay 2681 Mitchell Faccinto, Hanford 2326 Chase Johnson, Penngrove 1942 Shane Golobic, Fremont (3) 1900 Cory Eliason, Selma (2) 1725 Bobby McMahan, Elk Grove 1674 Colby Copeland, Roseville 1643 Justin Sanders, Aromas (1) 1513 Jonathan Allard, Chico 1228
Number of 2016 Victories in Parenthesis
UPCOMING EVENTS:
April 22nd – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, CA
May 6th – Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, CA
May 13th – Placerville Speedway – Placerville, CA
The King of the West Fujitsu Racing Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club is also sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires. Contingency award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, ARP Racing Bolts, BMRS, Butler Built, FK Rod Ends, Flowmaster, Fuel Safe Racing Cells, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Williams Roofing, and Winters Performance Products.
FUJITSU IS NAMES TITLE SPONSOR OF KING OF THE WEST-NARC SPRINT CAR SERIES
Contact: Jim Allen
3/30/17 - Sacramento, CA …The King of the West Sprint Car Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club proudly announced today that Fujitsu General America has joined the traveling 410 sprint car series as title sponsor. Fujitsu is a worldwide leader in high-efficiency mini-split heating and air conditioning products for both residential and commercial applications.
"Fujitsu is very excited about this partnership and the marketing opportunities presented with the King of the West NARC series." said Thomas Carney, National Director of Sales. "We look forward to a fantastic year of championship-caliber sprint car racing.”
The series has been re-branded the King of the West Fujitsu Racing Series – presented by NARC (Northern Auto Racing Club.)
Fujitsu General has produced and shipped millions of air conditioning systems throughout the world for more than four decades. Their line of Halcyon™ products have been designed to provide zoned comfort and are engineered to install quickly and easily.
“This is an absolute game changer for our racing series,” stated KWS-NARC Business Manager Jim Allen. “Our organization is honored to receive the support of a first class company like Fujitsu. We are looking forward to a long mutually-rewarding relationship.”
Fujitsu plans to provide interactive displays at most events to showcase their products.
As a result of Fujitsu's generous support, the King of the West/NARC championship point fund has now been boosted to over $62,000. It will be paid out to the top 15 teams in the final standings. The championship team earns $10,000.
About Fujitsu General Limited
With global headquarters in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, and U.S. headquarters in Fairfield, New Jersey, Fujitsu General Limited manufacturers and sells products and components for both the air conditioning and telecommunications fields. Founded in January 1936, today the company is led by Chairman Junichi Murashima, and President Etsuro Saito. www.fujitsugeneral.com FUJITSU GENERAL United States & Canada www.fujitsugeneral.com FUJITSU GENERAL United States & Canada website. Cooling and Heating Solutions for Residential or Commercial. Air Conditioning Systems, Products, Services, Support and ...
KWS-NARC Sponsors
In addition to Fujitsu, the KWS-NARC series also enjoys tremendous financial and product support from Hoosier Racing Tires, ATL Racing Cells, ARP Racing Bolts, BMRS, Butler Built, FK Rod Ends, Flowmaster, Fuel Safe Racing Cells, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, and Williams Roofing, and Winters Performance Products.
NARC NEWSLINE
News, Notes & Quotes from the KWS-Northern Auto Racing Club Sprint Cars
(2/25/17) … By Jim Allen – info@NARC410.com
Let’s address the elephant in the room and ask the big question … will the 2017 King of the West Northern Auto Racing Club sprint car schedule finally get underway? The much hyped March 4th series opener featured more anticipation than a five-year old has on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, when all was said and done, Mother Nature had the final word at the our Chico Mini-Gold Cup opener. To make things worse, the weather in Chico was sunny until about 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, which meant that all of our teams endured the travel expenses of rolling North before making a U-turn around 3:30 p.m.
Now off the record, the rainout was probably a good thing for the KWS-Northern Auto Racing Club rebrand from a marketing standpoint. Pretty much everything has been a mad scramble since our February 12th Competition Meeting in Fresno - but in a good way. To put that in perspective, the new NARC410.com website went live shortly before Kyle Hirst took the checkered on Friday’s Mini-Gold Cup regular season opener. We thank AestheticMedia.com for burning the midnight oil and getting this first-class site up and running in less than two weeks. By the way, if you haven’t checked out NARC410.com … what are you waiting for? We built it for you - and we are literally updating it daily.
Our official concessionaire, Jim Gardner of Bullet Impressions, also breathed a huge sigh of relief with the rain out. It allowed him to press forward with several new KWS-NARC apparel designs. For all of those of you who have already inquired about getting your hands on a new T-shirt design, Jim promises that it will be worth the wait. You’ll have to make the trip to Kern County Raceway Park on April 8th to get yours.
DAVE BRADWAY JR. MEMORIAL RACE: Dianne Durica is again spearheading the sponsorship efforts for the May 6th Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial race. Through her efforts, this is the richest one-day event on the King of the West/NARC schedule. The 40-lap A-Main features $4,000 in total lap money that pays the top three on any given lap. Plus there are huge payoffs for B-Main, Hard charger, Fast Time, and Trophy Dash winner. The race is less than 50 days away so give Dianne a call at 916-988-5958 or email at durica1414@sbcglobal.net
NARC BENEVOLENT FUND: We are getting several emails from fans that want to contribute to the NARC Benevolent Fund. If you would like to donate to the fund we hope we never have to use, make your donation to the NARC Benevolent Fund and mail it to: C/O Kaeding Performance Center. 813 Cristich Lane, Campbell, CA. You will receive your tax deductable letter in the mail shortly thereafter.
SERIES SPONSOR: Expect some news regarding a new series sponsor for the King of the West/NARC series. That’s all I can tell you right now – or I’d have to kill you.
HOW MANY WINNERS: Last year’s KWS feature events winners were Kyle Hirst (6), Bud Kaeding (5), Shane Golobic (3), Cory Eliason (2), and Justin Sanders, Rico Abreu, Willie Croft, and Tim Kaeding with one each. That makes eight. I can easily see that number reaching 10 or 12 even in a shortened 17 race season. Plan on throwing in Chase Johnson, Justyn Cox, DJ Netto, Colby Copeland and a few others into the victory lane mix. This group is scary fast.
NARC NOTES: Special thanks to Adam Ulrey, who has become the resident historian of sprint car racing on the West Coast. His website www.nwsprinthistory.com has been extremely helpful while rebuilding the NARC history books. … Dennis Gage and ace PR man Troy Hennig did an excellent job with their Silver Dollar Speedway season kick-off luncheon on the Thursday before the Mini-Gold Cup. Mike Andreetta represented the new KWS-NARC series. … Special kudos go out to Andy Forsberg who had his car on display for the local press at the luncheon. It doesn’t matter if it’s a 360 or a 410, it’s good for sprint car racing as a whole. … Grass Valley’s Jason Statler listed on his driver profile that the car he always wanted to drive was a midget. The only way that is going to happen is if we remove the motor so he has someplace to put his legs. If you can believe this, Jason started his career in Micro-Midgets in 1986. …
Car owner Shawn Thomas has also put his name in the hat for a position on the NARC Advisory Board. He joins Kyle Hirst, Hanford promoter Bubby Morse, and Bud Kaeding, on the short list. Several others have said they are considering the position. … The 2017 KWS-NARC contingency award package is worth in excess of $30,000 to competitors this season – plus a ton of free product that will be given away at the year-end championship banquet. … Keep up with us on Instagram at NARC410 and Twitter at NARC410 … We've got two Facebook pages. The first one is our NARC history page at NARC SPRINT CARS. The other is more for current events at King of the West by NARC. … Here's a question for you. Would you rather race for a larger weekly purse, or a larger year-end point fund? I know the answer is BOTH, but if you had to choose one, which one would it be?
Coming to you live from Anaheim Hills, CA … looking f
(3/4/17 - Jim Allen) … The King of the West Sprint Car Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club proudly unveiled a brand new website for the traveling organization. The site NARC410.com features schedules, results, driver profiles, sponsors and an overview of 66 years of 410 c.i. racing history.
The site was built by Southern California-based Aesthetic Media (aestheticmedia.com) and debuted just hours before the March 4th Mini-Gold Cup season opener was rained out. The site will continue to be expanded with NARC history as the season progresses.
The club sports two “official” Facebook pages. The NARC Sprint Cars page features posts reliving decades of racing history and the King of the West Sprints site is focused on current events.
KWS-NARC news, information, and highlights can also be found on Twitter at @NARC410 and Instagram at NARC410.
For more information, contact the series at info@NARC410.com
KING OF THE WEST/NARC SPRINT CARS KICK OFF 2017 SEASON AT MARCH 4th MINI GOLD CUP
(2/26/17) … The King of the West Sprint Car Series – Presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club, will invade Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico on Saturday, March 4th for the season opening high-stakes $5,000 to win Mini-Gold Cup.
This is the first of only two visits by the KWS-NARC series to the high-banked quarter-mile oval in 2017. This event also marks the return of the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) sanctioning body to the Mini-Gold Cup for the first time since 2000. The organization was resurrected this past offseason to help grow and promote the popular 410 cubic inch motor class of sprint car racing in California. The Mini-Gold had been sanctioned by the World of Outlaws for the past eight years.
Among the drivers expected to compete include defending King of the West champion Kyle Hirst of Paradise, CA; Campbell’s Bud Kaeding; Justyn Cox of Clarksburg; Hanford’s DJ Netto; Sean Watts of Atwater; Penngrove’s Chase Johnson; Grass Valley’s Jason Statler and at least 20 others.
“We hope that Mother Nature cooperates with the racing community this weekend,” said Jim Allen, KWS-NARC Business Manager. “This area has been pounded for weeks by wet weather and I’m sure open wheel fans would rather watch and hear the sounds of sprint cars than another broadcast on the Weather Channel.”
The extra moisture should equate to an excellent racing surface, which allows teams to “hook up” their chassis to maximize the performance of their 850 horsepower-1400 pound sprint cars.
“One thing I can guarantee on Saturday is that everyone will be extremely fast,” said perennial NARC & King of the West champion Brent Kaeding of Campbell, who will also be competing. “Everyone is looking to start the season strong and if you miss the set up even a slightly, you’ll become lap traffic in just a handful of laps."
The Mini-Gold Cup marks the beginning of the ultra-competitive KWS-NARC schedule that features 18-events at 10 different dirt oval tracks around California.
Silver Dollar Speedway is located at the fairgrounds in Chico, approximately ¼ mile west of U.S. 99. For more information, call 530-891-6535.
KINGOFTHEWESTSPRINTCARSERIES-PRESENTEDBYTHENORTHERNAUTORACINGCLUB
FINAL 2016 KWS-NARC POINT STANDINGS
Kyle Hirst, Paradise (6) 3183 Bud Kaeding, Campbell (5) 3164 Justyn Cox, Clarksburg 2962 DJ Netto, Hanford 2922 Sean Watts, Atwater 2729 Jason Statler, Grass Valley 2720 Jarrett Soares, Discovery Bay 2681 Mitchell Faccinto, Hanford 2326 Chase Johnson, Penngrove 1942 Shane Golobic, Fremont (3) 1900
Number of 2016 Victories in Parenthesis
The King of West/NARC Sprint Car Series is sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Butler Built, FK Rod Ends, Flowmaster, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, Racing Optics Tear-Offs, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, System 1, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, and Winters Performance Products.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
April 8th – Kern County Raceway Park – Bakersfield, CA
April 22nd – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, CA
May 6 – Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, CA
ROTH MOTORSPORTS TO CHASE 2017 KWS-NARC TITLE WITH KYLE HIRST
(2/20/17 - Fresno, CA) … Fresno-based Roth Motorsports announced that Paradise, CA driver Kyle Hirst will be driving their potent 410 sprint car during the 2017 King of the West-NARC season. Hirst is one of the hottest drivers in California, having captured three of the past four series championships, including last season’s hotly contested battle which was determined at the final event of the season.
“We are extremely excited to partner up with Kyle Hirst to chase the KWS-NARC championship title this season,” said Dennis Roth. “He’s a very talented young driver with a lot of open wheel experience and we plan to field a first-class car for him to drive every week.”
The Dennis and Teresa Roth owned team is title sponsored by HR Livestock Transportation. Open wheel veteran Troy Welty is the crew chief.
Roth Motorsports has a long legacy of winning sprint car races around the country featuring some of the best drivers in the business. This Hall of Fame list includes the likes of Sammy Swindell, Mark Kinser, Brent Kaeding, Danny Lasoski, Randy Hannagan, Tim Kaeding, and Kasey Kahne. They have literally won’s hundreds of races including the famed Knoxville Nationals and national titles such as the 2006 National Sprint Car Tour.
“The Roth team always has a positive attitude and a take no prisoners’ mentality no matter what the circumstances,” said Hirst of Sacramento. “Their expectations have always been very high, but they back it up with top notch equipment and a hardworking crew that seldom misses the mark as far as chassis set-ups are concerned. It’s hard to drive for a better car owner and the rest is up to me to deliver a King of the West championship to Fresno.”
The 18-race King of the West Series – presented by the Northern Auto Racing Club gets underway on March 4th at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico. The event pays $5,000 to win.
News from the KWS-Northern Auto Racing Club Sprint Cars
(2/16/17) … By Jim Allen – info@NARC410.com
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Since the Northern Auto Racing Club is making a comeback with the King of the West Sprint Car Series in California, I figured it was time to bring back another regular feature from the 1990’s - my NARC NEWSLINE column. Yes, in the old days, there were these things called racing newspaper’s like Racing Wheels, National Speed Sport News, Western Racing News, and SPRINTCAR to name a few. Now they are just remnants of the days before smart phones, when diehard open wheel fans were perfectly content waiting four or five days to get last weekend’s news.
But say no more because the NARC NEWSLINE is not a column anymore, it’s a blog and it’s loaded with almost everything you need to know about the 410 sprint car racing in California. So with that intro, here we go:
As expected, there has been the typical naysayers’ complaining about bringing back the NARC name. I think these same people are still at home wondering why their last issue of Racing Wheels never showed up. Most of the negativity comes from an overall lack of communication, because they just don’t realize that this move was thoroughly researched, investigated and planned out before it was even considered. It’s a plan that should improve the headline sprint car class in the Golden State over the next several years, with its members taking a leading role in club management. The model is … the Northern Auto Racing Club; a sanctioning body that can promote from within, can provide premium racing entertainment to many generations of fans, and grow the sport. It’s not a cover up, or putting lipstick on a pig, it’s a new start for open wheel racing. We all knew it was time for a change – and most people hate change of any kind. So with that in mind, let’s communicate in a positive fashion!
COMPETITION MEETING: The Roth Motorsports compound in Fresno was packed with almost 90 car owners, drivers, promoters and 410 sprint car enthusiasts on February 12th. Was it the killer Tri-tip or the promise of a new direction for 410 sprint car racing in California that lured them in? The answer is pretty simple … it was BOTH! They sat through a Jim Allen KWS-Northern Auto Racing Club business plan presentation that not only addressed the strengths of the organization, but spent more time on the areas that must be addressed to ensure success in the future. The feedback was outstanding and now its full speed ahead into what can best be described as an infrastructure building year. This includes installing an Advisory Board in the weeks to come that will help shape the direction of the organization. Among those who have already stated their interest in a board position is three time King of the West champ Kyle Hirst, and Keller Auto Speedway (Hanford) promoter Bubby Morse.
FORMAT: A new fan-friendlier format was rolled out to the masses and it will be in play at the season opening Mini-Gold Cup. With 27 cars or less, the top three finishers’ in each heat race will qualify for the dash and the top five will earn a spot in the feature. The third heat race winner will pull a pill to determine the inversion in the dash. With four heats, the top three make the dash and the front four qualify for the feature. Yup, a 12-car dash … should be interesting. The finishing position in the dash determines the starting grid for the feature event.
RESTARTS: Remember the days of clean nose-to-tail single file restarts between turns three and four? The one’s where the leader set the pace and the cars powered out of turn four? The restarts that were high on excitement, low on controversy, and didn’t wad up a bunch of equipment in turn one? Well, they’re coming back this season. This was a hot topic at the meeting and it generated a lot of conversation among car owners. After much discussion on different starting scenarios, it ended with a unanimous decision.
POINT STANDINGS: The winner of a KWS-NARC feature event now earns 42 points, three more than second place, which places a premium on winning. However, from that point on it drops only one point per position. The only other way to earn points is to show up (20 points) and to be one of the four quickest qualifiers. The quick qualifier pockets four points, second fast – three points, etc.
Speaking of the point standings, that leads us to the 2017 KWS-NARC point fund, which currently sits at stout $40,000. The championship team pockets ten grand. Additional sponsors are being solicited and the fund and sidebar promotions are expected to grow.
TIRE RULE: The KWS-NARC series has once again teamed up with Hoosier Racing Tires again for the 2017 season. Special thanks to Hoosier Tires for donating a right rear for a raffle at the competition meeting. Owner/Driver Bobby McMahan was last seen walking out of the building with it slung over his shoulder. The season hasn’t even started yet and he has already won.
Well, that’s all for now. We hope that the Oroville Dam stays sturdy, and that Mother Nature goes on Spring Break, so we can see all of you at Silver Dollar Speedway on March 4th – without a life preserver. By the way, that would be the $5,000 to win Mini Gold Cup.
Coming to you live from Granite Bay, CA. … See ya!
E-mail info@NARC410.com
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