WATSONVILLE, Calif. — One of the most special events of the season for the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series is next when it visits Ocean Speedway (July 18-19 for the 15th annual Howard Kaeding Classic.
The event honors the patriarch of the famed Kaeding family that includes his Hall of Fame son Brent, and grandsons Bud and Tim. HK, as he was known to his friends, was a champion racer in his own right, most especially at the old San Jose Speedway where he won several championships and at one point famously won 17 consecutive races. The race saluting the “Campbell Comet” was already a staple in the California 410 sprint car schedule, but this year’s event has taken on special meaning with Howard passing away in February at the age of 92.
Before Howard’s passing, it was already announced that this year’s event would be a two-night show.
Now in just the last couple of weeks it was announced that Saturday’s purse will see an increase, with the main event paying $10,000 to win ($1,500 to start A), while Friday’s show pays a neat $5,000 ($750 to start A.) This was made possible by many generous sponsorships from companies with ties to the Kaeding family and the racing community.
With the added special meaning to the event, not to mention the now five-figure payday on the final night, many of the top drivers on the West Coast will be competing hard for victories.
Reigning “King of the West” Justin Sanders won his second Howard Kaeding Classic last year, one of his seven victories on his way to the 2024 NARC title. Sanders has four NARC wins to his credit this season, including a win at Ocean Speedway in May, but is locked in a tight points race atop the standings with former series champion D.J. Netto, who is just one point ahead of Sanders. Netto, meanwhile, has never won a Kaeding Classic and would love to add one to his resume.
Of course, no racer out there would love to win this weekend more than brothers Tim and Bud Kaeding, who will be racing with heavy hearts at the race honoring their grandfather. Bud has twice won the HK, picking up wins in 2014 and 2019. Tim picked up his 75th career NARC victory on Saturday at Petaluma Speedway and like his father and grandfather is one of the most accomplished sprint car racers ever from California. He has never won a Howard Kaeding Classic and Tim no doubt wants to get that first one this Saturday.
Fremont’s Shane Golobic, the 2023 Howard Kaeding Classic winner, is expected to compete, along with 2021 winner Sean Becker. Tyler Thompson continues his search for his first NARC win but still sits third in points and leads the NARC Rookie of the Year chase. Caeden Steele, a first-time NARC winner in May, had an impressive run at last Saturday’s Petaluma event and will look to build off of that this weekend.
Other drivers expected to race this weekend include two-time series champ Dominic Scelzi, Gauge Garcia, Billy Aton, Mariah Ede, Dominic Gorden and Nick Parker.
The Howard Kaeding Classic was first held in 2011 with Evan Suggs picking up the win. NARC great Jonathan Allard won the next two. Kyle Hirst leads all drivers with three wins in the prestigious event. Colby Copeland and current World of Outlaws standout Buddy Kofoid each have single HK victories as well.
