Simpson, Chadwick, Wagner Capture 5th Annual Sores Classic Wins
By Devin Mayo and Rick Faeth
Petaluma Speedway returned to action as Croft Roofing hosted the 5th Annual Soares Classic featuring the Joe Hunt Magneto Wingless Sprints vs the Pit Stop USA Spec Sprints. Bruno Bianchi would come right out of the box setting quick time with a swift lap of 14.428. Shayna Sylvia and Klint Simpson would go on to win their respective 8-lap heat races. A four car, 4-lap dash saw Sylvia pick up the victory and would start on the pole of the 50 lapper. Sylvia would take the early advantage over Bianchi but would run into trouble on lap 4 and Terry Schank Jr would take the lead. Sylvia and Simpson would both suffer suspension failure during the first 25 lap segment but make rapid repairs to rejoin the field. At the mid-race refueling stop it was Schank over newcomer Chris Kerr. Simpson would be moved to the rear of the field for unauthorized work on his car during the break. Schank went into cruise mode until lap 40 when Simpson showed is car’s nose low in turn four. The two season-long rivals were even the next three circuits. Disappointingly, the final caution was for Schank on lap 46 due to a failed torque tube. Simpson would not be headed the last few laps as he was chased to the line by Sylvia, Bianchi, Kerr, and Ryon Silverling.
The All Star Modifieds came out strong Saturday Night in Petaluma with an outstanding field of 22 IMCA sanctioned open wheelers. Nick DeCarlo, Bobby Hogge, IV, and Troy Foulger nabbed the heat race wins. Asthe field went to green, a great battle for the lead would envelope. Kellen Chadwick, Troy Foulger, Austin Burke, and Riley Simmons trade spots and battle for the lead during the first ten stanzas. Chadwick would asset himself at lap 12. A mid race yellow would bunch up the field but Chadwick would hold the field off to win the main event with Foulger in 2nd and Burke in 3rd. Riley Simmons, and Ryan McDaniel rounded out the top five.
The General Hydroponic Dwarf Cars saw Petaluma regulars Travis Dutra and Matt Hagemann notch the heat races. The green flag would wave on the 20-lap main event and similar to the modified’s a 4 car battle would ensue for the lead which included: Danny Wagner, Dutra, Hagemann, and Chad Matthias. On lap 11, Wagner would make an impressive pass for the lead after the lead changing 3 times on lap 10. With 3 to go, Dutra would make a late race charge for the lead on Wagner as he was dealing with lap traffic but Wagner would hold on for the victory with Dutra in 2nd and Hagemman in 3rd. Scooter Gomes was fourth and Chad Matthias fifth.
The California Vintage Hardtops Association supported the show with a dozen historic creations. They ran two exhibition heat races and had a 15-lap finale, which entertained the crowd and added to the night’s program.
Petaluma Speedway is dark this weekend but returns on August 27th with the King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series, the Western Region Dwarf Nationals, and the 600’s. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.petaluma-speedway.com.
