Antioch, CA — After three-consecutive rainouts, racing is scheduled to return to Antioch Speedway this Saturday night with a full lineup of six divisions competing on the 3/8 mile clay oval. In fact, the drivers will have a midweek practice session as well.
The IMCA Sport Modifieds and Wingless Spec Sprints both had an opportunity to compete at the season opener and return this weekend, joined by the Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, Hardtops and 600 Micro Sprints. It’s a lineup that offers plenty of variety for racing fans to enjoy.
When the rain cost the Sport Modified drivers a race last week, several competitors headed to Marysville Raceway. On the heels of his win at the opener, reigning champion Kenny Shrader of Pacheco scored the win last week, while 2023 runner-up Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley ended up fourth. Watsonville champion Chuck Golden of Pittsburg ended up third.
With over a dozen seasons in the books at Antioch Speedway, the Sport Modifieds have become perhaps the most competitive division in the lineup. You might see 16 or 18 drivers lining up to take the green flag in any given Main Event, and a good portion of them have a legitimate shot at victory.
Four-time champion and all-time Sport Modified win leader Fred Ryland of Brentwood returned at the opener. The win alluded him in the Sport Modifieds, but he picked up the honors in the Stock Car class. Among the stars to watch for this week include Tommy Clymens of Brentwood, Matt Pitts of Rodeo, Kelly Campanile of Oakley and Dylan Connelly of Antioch.
The Wingless Spec Sprints are back for their 26th season at the speedway. At the season opener, Jake Tuttle of Oakley scored the victory. Tuttle and last year’s top rookie Blake Bower of Brentwood both drive cars owned by Calistoga Speedway Hall of Famer Ted Finkenbinder. They come into any race they attend with a legitimate shot at victory.
Last time out, two-time champion Bob Newberry of Brentwood gave it a good go before settling for second. He’ll be out to see if he can improve his win totals as the division’s third-ranked all-time winner. Others to watch for this week include Roy Fisher of Antioch, Steve Maionchi of Sonora, Jeff Scotto of Antioch and Ethon Lanfri of Milpitas. Reports out of Concord are that past champion Jimmy Perry III could make a return appearance.
Antioch’s Chance Russell won championship honors last season under the Delta Dwarf Car banner. Dwarf Cars have been crowning champions at the speedway since 1998, and they will be under the track’s banner this season.
With an assist from Roberto Monroy, David Michael Rosa of Antioch ended up second in the standings last year. Some of the drivers to watch for this week include 2020 champion Travis Day of Concord, Sean Catucci of Brentwood and Pete Piantanida of Discovery Bay..
For the first time since 1964, the Hardtops had a track champion at Antioch Speedway, and the dominant Joel Hannagan of San Jose won those honors by winning all seven races. The Hardtops bring the entertainment as the cars have different looks to them from the old Sedans to the Coups. The winged Sportsman cars from Merced also make visits. Some of the drivers to watch for include Brad Coello of Oakley, Joe Shenefield of Modesto, Bob Slaney of Martinez and Ken Clifford of Placerville.
Tom Davis of Los Molinos won a majority of the Mini Stock races last season on the way to the championship. Davis had won four titles at his home track in Orland. With the grandstands being torn out of that facility, the future is in question. Davis and teammate Tony Quinones of Corning are likely to make the trip down to Antioch once again.
Some of the stars to watch for this week include reigning Petaluma Speedway champion Tom Brown of Santa Rosa, Don Abitz of Pittsburg and Josh Applebaum, David Carson and Jackie Price, all of Antioch.
With the Micro Sprints losing Dixon Speedway, there are reports of several drivers planning to be a part of the Antioch Micro Sprint program. The Stockton duo of Don and Devin McLeister were the top two drivers in the standings last year, while Antioch’s Charlie Kight ranked third. There’s plenty of optimism that this division will continue to grow this season.
The racers are hoping for good weather. The Saturday lineup of divisions offers a little something for everybody. On Thursday, the drivers will be practicing, but it will be a closed grandstand situation. However, you can keep a keep an eye on the track’s Facebook page for updates.
The gates will open at 4:00 with the first race starting at 6:00.
Adult tickets are $20, Senior/Military $15, Kids (5-12) $15 and kids four and under free.
For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com or check out the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page
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