By Candice Martin
Antioch, CA...The weather has not been kind to Antioch Speedway so far in 2024. After two consecutive practices were rained out, the speedway has lost three of its first four races due to inclement weather.
Making matters worse is the fact that it only rained a little bit on Friday night for the past couple of weeks, but that was enough to soak the pits and make racing impossible for the weekend. However, there's good news.
This Saturday night will see some exciting racing take place on the 3/8 mile clay oval at the Contra Costa County Event Center. The Bay Cities Racing Association returns for their first of two appearances this season. The Midgets are running the Sala Family Tribute race, joined by the Lightning Sprints and a few of the Vintage Midgets from days gone by.
Fans of the local divisions will see two of the top classes in action. The IMCA Sport Modifieds return for their second round of competition along with the Pacific Coast Hobby Stocks. They offer an exciting style of racing you won't want to miss.
The BCRA has been in existence since the 1930s. It is the oldest California based motorsports organization still operating. Since last week's opener at the Kern County Raceway Dirt Track was raised out, the drivers are chomping at the bit to go racing this week.
Last season, the Mighty Midgets returned in a big way with three events. All three races kept the fans on the edge of their seat from start to finish with multiple lead changes. When the checkered flag flew, the wins were recorded by Stockton's Caden Sarale, Jake Andreotti of Castro Valley and Fremont's Shane Golobic.
In fact, the trio of Antioch races served as the Triple Crown Series, which had its own point fund. Sarale won that honor by 30 points ahead of Brentwood's Blake Bower and 37 ahead of Bryant Bell of Oakley. Bell is also the reigning WMR Midget champion.
A strong turnout is anticipated for this occasion with extra prize money on the line. Some of the stars to watch for include 2022 BCRA champion Michael Snider of Kelseyville, Danika Jo Parker of Oakdale and Hall Of Famer Floyd Alvis of San Carlos. Some of the top WMR stars are anticipated as well.
In recent years, the speedway has had a strong relationship with the BCRA Lightning Sprints. In fact, they visited on four occasions last year with wins being recorded by Dakota Albright of Waterford, Livermore's Greg Dennett and twice by Matt Land of Elk Grove.
Albright won championship honors last year and is currently leading Dennett by one point this year. Scott Kinney of Citrus Heights, Jason Schostag of Hangtown and Daniel Foster of Placerville are others anticipated for this event.
When it comes to the MVP divisions on the Antioch Speedway roster, it's hard to find a division with a bigger impact in recent years than the IMCA Sport Modifieds. At the opener, Kenny Shrader of Pacheco showed why he is the reigning champion after winning a battle with last season's point runner-up, Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley.
While that duo figures to go back and forth again this year, the lineup includes the return of four-time champion Fred Ryland of Brentwood, reigning Watsonville champion Chuck Golden of Pittsburg, past IMCA Modified champion Buddy Kniss of Oakley and Oakley's Tommy Clymens.
The Hobby Stock division also had a spirited duel for the honors three weeks ago before Galt's Clarance Holbrook III picked up the winner's prize. Ken Johns of Antioch was last season's runner up and figures to be in the hunt this year. He finished second in the opener.
Other stars to watch for this week include Jason Robles of Rio Vista, James Thomson of Pittsburgh, past Dwarf Car champion Rick Rogers and Maddie Motts, both of San Pablo, and Michaela Taylor of Oakley.
This lineup of divisions offers a little something for everybody, whether you like the slam-bang excitement of Hobby Stocks or the thrill of the IMCA Sport Modifieds. With the BCRA in town to offer more speed, this will be a show that you won't want to miss.
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.
- Wylie Wade on Apr 04, 2024
- Article Date: 4/4/2024 by Candice Martin, Photos by Katrina Kniss