WATSONVILLE, Calif. – Ocean Speedway officials have announced a busy conclusion to its racing season, with four make-up dates that includes a new date for the 60th running of the Johnny Key Classic on Oct. 17.
Ocean Speedway will host regular purse points races for the Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks and Four Bangers on Sept. 18, Oct. 9, Oct. 17 and the championship race on Nov. 6.
The tenth annual Pettit Shootout remains scheduled for Sept. 25-26 as well. IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, and Hobby Stocks will be competing each night of the Pettit.
Each of the events scheduled will be broadcast online and continue to be closed to spectators in the main grandstands. Only pit pass holders will be admitted into the speedway with COVID-19 protocols in effect. Face coverings are always required when on the property of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Track officials kindly request anyone experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 to stay home.
Bud Kaeding leads the Ocean Sprints championship standings after seven races ahead of Koen Shaw. Defending champion James Ringo ranks third ahead of young upstart Joey Ancona and season-opening winner Blake Carrick. Justin Sanders is the only repeat winner this year.
Robert Marsh leads the IMCA Modifieds with four rounds in the books. J.C. Elrod and 2020 West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame inductee Jim Pettit round out the top-three, ahead of Cody Burke and Todd Hemosillo. Adriane Frost and Gavin Espino are currently tied in the Sport Mod championship fight with Kelly Campanile a scant seven points behind in third. Steven Allee and Max Baggett make up the balance of the top-five.
Joe Gallaher has two victories to his credit to lead the Hobby Stocks over Steve Remde, Terry Campion, Jerry Skelton, and Rob Gallaher. Ryan McClelland has three wins and an 18 points cushion over Kate Beardsley in the Four Bangers, followed by Nicole Beardsley, Tony Gullo and Bill Beardsley.