[i By Bill Sullivan, Racing for the Troops]
[b WEST SACRAMENTO, CA –] As a young racer, Bobby McMahan had the honor of racing with the late Dave Bradway Jr. as he developed his sprint car racing career in Northern California. This past weekend McMahan that privilege transformed into an honor as McMahan took to the track at Silver Dollar Speedway to pay tribute to the late fellow wheelman in the annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial in Chico.
"This is always a special race to be part of, " said McMahan. "Dave Bradway Jr. was a great driver and those of us that remember him will never forget that. At the same time the young guns in the sport today need to know about these great drivers that made their mark in the sport and helped form it into what it is today. No matter how you finish in this race, just being part of it is special."
For McMahan, the Bradway race marked the first time he returned to the likes of Silver Dollar Speedway since late in 2009. During the off season, Steve Harris, the founder and owner of the McMahan's popular '"Racing for the Troops" sprint car team lost his life to cancer so this weekend marked an emotional time for the team as they returned to the track that Harris truly loved to attend.
"Steve loved this place that's for sure, " said McMahan. "I didn't think it would take us this long to get back here but Mother Nature had some different ideas. It was nice to get back to Chico. At the same time, a big part of all of us was missing this time. Sometime this year it would be a great honor to get a win in Chico for Steve."
On Saturday night, McMahan returned along with his teammate Sean Becker of Antelope. McMahan piloted his familiar #26b sprinters while Becker was aboard the Brian Sperry fielded #51. Both drivers managed to salvage a top ten finish at the end of the night.
In qualifying McMahan timed in the 10th position with a 11:906 second lap while Becker was the 7th fastest of the night with an 11:830 second trip around the banked Chico clay. McMahan was in the second heat race of the night where he drove from the fourth place position into second place. Becker came to the track for heat race three where he traveled from 5th place into third.
With their success in the preliminary events, both drivers qualified for the evening's dash which determines the top starting spots for the A-feature. Becker went from fourth to 2nd in the dash while McMahan faded from 2nd to sixth place. In the A feature both drivers had their share of battles from the waving of the green flag. Becker had the biggest foe when the green flag waved and he spun coming out of the first turn to initiate a multi-car melee that involved several cars and damaged the #51. During the red flag the team made repairs and Becker returned to the event where he finished ninth.
"We had a great car all night long," said Becker. "I'm proud that our team was able to get me back out after I spun and got the damage on that first lap. I'm so happy to have salvaged a top ten but I'm disappointed in myself because I know how special this race is for Brian."
Throughout the evening McMahan battled an ill handling. Despite multiple attempts by the team to correct the problem it continued throughout the feature event. Despite the challenges he still claimed a tenth place finish.
"We fought the car all night long," said McMahan. "It seemed like no matter what we did it just wouldn't make a difference. I'm glad we managed to get another top ten. We're going to take a couple weeks off and regroup a little bit before Petaluma and Calistoga.
Following Saturday's event, McMahan maintains the fifth place position in the Golden State Challenge King of California point standings. Becker has raced limited events and sits 22nd overall. Racing for the Troops is expected to return to the Golden State Challenge at Petaluma Speedway on May 28 and then Calistoga on May 29 and 30.
Steve Harris Racing and the Racing for the Troops sprint car team have a number of marketing partners for the 2010 racing season. Proud supporters of the team include World Environmental Energy Incorporated, C & H Service Disabled Veterans Enterprises, Benic Enterprises, Simpson Race Products Butler Built Seats, SS Racing, Art Enterprises, and Redline Oil.
The Racing for the Troops team is proud to honor military veterans and active duty service members. They carry the legacy started by the late Steve Harris by educating the public on the needs of those returning from war and supporting activities which provide resources to America's active military, veterans and their families. You can learn more about the Racing for the Troops Sprint Car Team including its history and its mission by visiting their website at www.racingforthetroops.com.
- Bill Sullivan on May 12, 2010
- Article Date: 5/12/2010