Tag: Chico

By Bill Sullivan /Civil War Series Media Relations

CHICO, CA (5-29-11) – Before the background of the colorful Silver Dollar Fair and the capacity filled grandstand of enthusiastic fans it provided, the Hoosier Racing Tires Silver War Race Series and the Silver Dollar Wingless Sprint Cars provided entertainment that was second to none Sunday night at the famed Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico. In the end one of the regions future legends celebrated in victory lane with another driver has already earned that legendary status quo.

Known as “Mr. Excitement” to his peers and colleagues in the sport, Auburn hot shoe Andy Forsberg drove his way to his second victory of the season in the 2011 Civil War Sprint Car Series here. With the win the five time series champion becomes the first repeat winner of the season in the premier traveling series for winged sprint cars. Forsberg celebrated in victory lane with the legendary Jimmy Sills who now hails from Elverta. Sills drove to a hard earned victory in the Silver Dollar Wells Fargo Series Wingless Sprint Cars

All season long the traveling Civil War Sprint Car Series has been impressive in the way of car counts at each event where it competes. Sunday evening was by far the most impressive yet as a total of 49 cars qualified on the Silver Dollar clay. Another impressive aspect, the evening prior to the event the Chico area underwent heavy rains and in the morning hours track officials questioned if the race would even take place due to the saturated ground and flooded facility. It was the teamwork of track promoter Dennis Gage and his crew and that of the Silver Dollar Fair that converged to make sure the show did go on.

“A lot of people don’t realize how hard it is to put a track together, especially when you have bad weather working against you,” said Forsberg. “Sure we all like to complain about track conditions where ever we go but let me tell you guys something; to put this track together today considering what happened here last night is pretty amazing. This race is important because it brings a lot of new faces to the track with the fair and hopefully if they like what they see they come back on Friday nights.”

Sunday’s crowd that packed the Silver Dollar grandstands was by far one of the most enthusiastic in recent history. Like Forsberg attested to, when the checkered flag flew all of them undoubtedly left the fairgrounds feeling well entertained to say the least.

Following all of the preliminary events, the 30-lap feature event for the Civil War Sprint Cars got off to a wild start with multiple red flags flying before the official green ever came out. Former Champion Mike Henry was the first driver to roll over and pause the start. Placerville’s Jimmy Trulli was the second victim of a traffic jam in turn four. Both racers were down for the count with great damage to their cars. When the official green flag eventually did fly, Forsberg started on then outside of the front row and made good use of the position as early as the first lap.

Charging ahead of pole sitter Herman Klein of Sacramento, Forsberg took a lead he would never relinquish in the event that ran all but it’s final six laps due to time constraints. Klein challenged Forsberg throughout the race and closed in within striking distance on several occasions as the two seasoned wheelmen dueled in lapped traffic along with third place runner John Michael Bunch of Paradise and two time champion and point leader Sean Becker of Antelope.

Once Sunday’s race was under the green flag it didn’t come without incident. In his heated battled for third place with Becker, Bunch took a wild tumble in the second turn to draw a red flag. Jeremy Burt of Grass Valley also suffered a damaging rollover that ended his night with just four laps complete.

In the waning laps of the race, Forsberg was challenged by Klein who closed in lapped traffic. Shane Geologic moved into the mix late in the race as he charged into the third position to pressure Klein. At the 24 lap mark a final caution forced officials to draw the checkered flag. Forsberg picked up the win followed by Klein, Golobic and Robbie Whitchurch of Chico.

“This race wore me out tonight, 49 cars is really something,” said Forsberg. “I heard Herman Klein was coming up fast behind me but this F&F car was perfect tonight, I could run almost anywhere. I hope everyone here tonight liked what they watched and will come back and support this place on Friday nights.”

In the Silver Dollar Wingless Sprint Cars, Sills drove an exciting race to the victory as well. Driving for car owner Charlie Mars, Sills took the lead from the pole position over second place starter Braeden Enos and never relinquished the top spot for the 20-lap affair.

With six laps down, Sills raced his way into lapped traffic as Enos closed in on the leader. Fourth place starter Scott Hall of Lincoln, Sills’ nephew, was determined to catch his high speed family member and give him a run for his money. Hall overtook Enos for the second position and tucked beneath Sills to challenge for the lead on several occasions, they even banged wheels at one point and took part in a friendly game of bumper tag during a yellow that was well enjoyed by the crowd.

As the race continued, Sills eventually broke into a healthy lead as Hall faded back a pair of position with overheated brakes. At the finish line Sills took the win ahead of Kyle Hirst of Sacramento who raced both classes Sunday. Cody Myers of Browns Valley finished in third followed by Hall and Alex Schutte.

“We’re having fun in this wingless class this year,” said Sills. “Charlie gives me a really good car to drive wherever we go. It’s always fun to come here to Chico for the fair race. The crowd is great and racing is usually pretty intense too with new drivers showing up. We had a good run tonight and I think we put on a great show for the fans too.”

Action will return to Silver Dollar Speedway on Friday night, June 10 as the Wells Fargo, Hoosier Tires, Riebes Auto Parts championship season resumes. The Civil War Sprint Car Series will new prepare for a special weeknight event at Placerville Speedway on Wednesday, June 8th as Placerville Speedway hosts the popular ‘Wild Winged Wednesday.” For more information on Silver Dollar Speedway log on to www.silverdollarspeedway.com. For further information on the Civil War Series check out www.civilwarsprints.com.

By Bill Sullivan /Civil War Series Media Relations

CHICO, CA (5-29-11) – When it comes to traditions at the annual Silver Dollar Fair, the sight of winged sprint cars before a colorful backdrop of carnival sights and sounds is right up at the top of the list with cotton candy, funnel cakes and the Ferris Wheel. It’s fair time at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds this week so step right up and witness the fire breathing sprint cars of the Civil War Sprint Car Series as it brings it’s amazing stars such as “The Shark, Mr. Excitement, Chicko, The Human Highlight Reel” and many more to the Silver Dollar arena.
When it comes to the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series its much more that catchy nicknames, it’s a racing series will never let an avid open wheel race fan down and is sure to bring a first time spectator back to the track once they witness the spectacle. The latest version of California’s premier series for 360 cubic inch powered winged sprint cars has already begun to produce a stellar chase for the coveted statewide championship title.

On Sunday night the open wheel racing will entertain fans at a bargain price as the Civil War Sprint Car Series takes to Silver Dollar Speedway for its second visit of the year and it’s fourth segment of the season. This event is second to none when it comes to quality entertainment at a bargain price. Admission to the speedway is free with admission to the fair which is just $8 for adults, $3.00 for children from ages 6-12. Children under six will be admitted for free and seniors are just $4.

Sunday’s event for the Civil War Series is the fourth event in the 2011 series that competes at six different California tracks throughout the year. The event will pay $3000 to the winner and $300 just to start the feature race. This is the premier traveling series for winged 360 powered sprint cars in California and produces higher car counts than any other traveling series in the state both winged and wingless. Sunday’s event is one of three visits to Silver Dollar Speedway, the series returns in September to open the Gold Cup Race of Champions with the “Pacific Sprint Cup Invitational.”

Entering Sunday’s race, former two time champion Sean Becker of Antelope leads the Civil War point standings after the completion of three events. Becker currently sits 15 points ahead of Visalia’s Steven Tiner. Defending five time champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn is lurking in the top three as well. Forsberg is just 16-points out of the lead. Sitting in fourth place is Herman Klein of Sacramento.

Rounding out the top five is Penngrove’s Alissa Geving. The former series Rookie of the Year is 20 points out of the lead. Former Civil War champion Mike Henry of Citrus Heights is in the sixth position over Sebastopol’s Geoff Ensign. Former Silver Dollar Rookie of the Year Kyle Hirst of Sacramento is eighth ahead of Elk Grove’s Nicole Miller. Jeremy Burt of Grass Valley rounds out the top ten in the series.

With three races in the history books, the Civil War Series is looking to be one of the most competitive yet. A mere 60-points separate the 10th place driver from the point leader which clearly illustrates that this campaign features the best of the west on any given night and hosts a posse of talented drivers who are all capable of taking home a win in any event as the playing field is more than level.

In three events the series has produced three different winners. Becker was the latest winner in War #3 at Silver Dollar Speedway. Stephen Allard of Chico won round two of the campaign at Placerville Speedway and defending champion Forsberg, better known as “Mr. Excitement” won the series opener at Petaluma Speedway. Over the three events that have taken place, 56 different drivers have already competed and earned points in the Civil War Series. Twelve different drivers have claimed heat race victories. Eighteen different drivers have earned top ten finishes. Nine different drivers have finished in the top five in the three events and two different drivers have earned fast time awards.

Sunday’s event will be well worth the price of admission as the Civil War Series brings nearly 40 of California’s high speed rebels without a cause to the exciting banks of Silver Dollar Speedway for a bargain price. Remember, admission to the speedway is free with fair admission. This is an incredible value that offers hours of entertainment over the holiday weekend.

In addition to the Civil War Sprint Cars, the Silver Dollar Speedway Wingless Sprint Cars will also be in competition on Sunday night. These exciting wingless cars are an excellent co-star to the winged warriors wherever they race and will ensure an action packed night of racing.
The grandstands at Silver Dollar Speedway will open at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Qualifying will begin at 6:30. An early arrival to the track is suggested as this annual race in conjunction with the Silver Dollar Fair routinely packs the grandstands due to its bargain price and top billing.

For further information on this upcoming event visit www.silverdollarspeedway.com or www.civilwarsprints.com. The Civil War Series is managed by Handy Racing Promotions Inc. in cooperation with the participating tracks on the tour including Petaluma Speedway, Calistoga Speedway, Silver Dollar Speedway, American Valley Speedway and Ocean Speedway. Learn more about this exciting traveling series at their official website today.

Thanks to Steve LaMothe of Steve’s Racing Photos for the generous use of his photos.

CHICO, CA (5-9-11) – This Friday night war will be declared on the high banks of Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico. Some 30 or more of California’s top 360 sprint car teams will converge for battle on the high banks of the quarter-mile clay oval for the third round of the traveling Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series.

When it comes to speed thrills in area sprint car racing, the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series will never disappoint an open wheel race fan and is sure to bring new fans back to the track once they witness the spectacle. The latest version of California’s premier series for 360 cubic inch powered winged sprint cars has just recently begun and is already looking and is shaping into a stellar chase for the coveted statewide championship title.

Friday’s event is the third of 14 events at six of California’s best known race tracks that will experience the thrill of Civil War Sprint Car Racing. The hosts of this tour span Northern California from the Sierra Foothills to the Wine Country and the Coastal Region. Saturday’s event and every regular Civil War Series event will pay $2000 to the winner and $300 to start the 22 car A-feature.

Overall, this series will compete for more than $250,000 over the year and an outstanding championship fund of $40,000 in championship funds is in place with $10,000 of that amount going to the 2011 Civil War Series Champion alone. Additional contingency awards throughout the year are expected to reach the $30,000 mark in various products as well.

Friday night will mark the first of three visits to Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico. After this week, the series will return on Memorial Day weekend for their second appearance during the Silver Dollar Fair and once again in September when the series opens the Gold Cup week with the Pacific Sprint Cup Invitational.

Entering Friday’s race, two time series champion Sean Becker of Antelope has returned to the forefront of the Civil War Series point standings. Becker won titles in the Civil War Series in 2008 and 2009 and nearly captured the 2010 title until mechanical woes on the final race of the year dashed his hopes of a record breaking third consecutive title.

Becker is currently in a three way tie for the lead position and Silver Dollar Speedway could not be the better location for the Oroville native to look for an upper hand on the competition. Becker learned the ropes of sprint car racing on the banks of Chico. He is a former track champion here and also captured the Golden State Challenge Series title back when the tour considered Chico its home.

Currently, the driver known as The Shark shares the lead position in the Civil War Series with the young man known at the Human Highlight Reel, Geoff Ensign, of Sebastopol. Steven Tiner of Visalia is third in the tied trio for the point lead. Sitting fourth is Penngrove’s Alissa Geving. The driver known as “Chicko” is eight points out of the lead and holds off the defending series champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn by a single point.

Sitting just out of the top five is former champion Mike Henry of Citrus Heights who is tied with Sacramento’s Herman Klein. Shawn Wright of Fresno is 8th in the standings followed by Chico’s own Brett Miller and Kyle Hirst of Sacramento.

As the Civil War Series takes to the track Friday night the campaign regulars will be joined by former World of Outlaw’s regular Johnny Herrera of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s been nearly ten years since Herrera competed at Silver Dollar Speedway. In his previous visits here he always had strong runs during the annual Gold Cup and Mini Gold Cup events.

“We never got a win in Chico but we had our share of top finishes,” said Herrera. “I think we got in the top five a few times, It’s been awhile since I’ve raced in Chico. I always enjoyed racing there and I’m looking forward to the Civil War this Friday and Placerville on Saturday.”

Best known for his success with the Outlaws tour, Herrera is now focused on the 2011 American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) championship title. The tour will compete out west this summer, including Placerville Speedway for a two day appearance at the conclusion of July.

Herrera, 44, will be behind the wheel of the #35a sprint car fielded by Harold and Janet Main out of Grass Valley. This season Herrera and Main have teamed together to compete in the ASCS National Tour. Routinely Herrera runs the #45x in the ASCS tour.

Highlights of Herrera’s racing career include a Rookie of the Year title in the World of Outlaws tour in 1986. As of 2009 he had 12 feature victories in the tour. In 1991 he was named the Most Improved Driver Award. In 1991 Herrera won the track championship at the famed Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA. He captured the nationally known Kings Royal in 1996, earning a winners purse of $50,000 after leading all 30 laps of the affair.

In 2002 and 2003 Herrera teamed up with former NASCAR Crew Chief Billy Wilburn and drove the popular #2W sprint car in the preliminary feature race at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He raced a number of non winged sprint car in the all areas of the United States and won the Roger McCluskey Classic at Tuscon USA Raceway. He was also the series champion in 2007 in the SCOA Winged Sprint Car Series in Arizona and won the season title in the Hollywood Hills Speedway Non Winged Class the same year.

As Herrera and the winged warriors of the Civil War Series converge on Silver Dollar Speedway Friday night they will be joined by the Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprint Car Series for a double billing of superb open wheel competition.

The front gates of Silver Dollar Speedway will open at 6 p.m. on Saturday night with qualifying starting at 6:30 followed by racing at 7. Adult tickets will be $16 at the gate. Seniors will be $16. Juniors will be $12 and Children will be $6. For further information on this event visit www.civilwarsprints.com or www.silverdollarspeedway.com.

Photos courtesy of Steve LaMothe from Steve’s Racing Photos.