LINCOLN, Calif. — March has brought weather difficult on race tracks and travelers but the forecast is finally showing some sun. But not just yet.
Rain in some areas will be a factor the next day or two and Chico is one of those still facing some precipitation. Silver Dollar Speedway’s two-day event (the Mini Gold Cup) this coming weekend will happen according to Brad Sweet. The promotion trio of Brad Sweet, Colby Copeland and Kyle Larson have already lost a two-day show at the beginning of March.
The first weekend of March brought a huge snowstorm in the mountains and the valley got heavy rain in some areas. From Bakersfield to Chico tracks canceled races or practice sessions while Interstate 80 was closed nearly three days over a 105-mile stretch due to many feet of snow.
It took longer than usual to plow at least one lane as over half of Caltrans equipment was broken, partly due to the huge amount of snow overwhelming the plows.
Last weekend was better, but Hanford, Watsonville and Antioch still canceled races due to a soft track surface and residual water.
Marysville has been lucky and has raced both scheduled nights. The pit area and parking lot has had plenty of standing water, but it was very nice to have racing and the crowd size showed fan appreciation.
Tanner Carrick won the first night and Colby Copeland matched Carrick’s effort last Saturday. Both wins were scored by drivers who dominated the field on a very fast track.
Crate winged sprints have been on hand both of the Marysville nights and wins went to Misty Castleberry and Koa Crane. The 602 powered division is led in points by Crane.
Two years ago, Marysville turned on their new LED lighting which made a huge difference in viewing. This year the track unveiled a scoreboard, which is mounted above turn three so everyone can get a good look. It took more than 50 years for the quarter mile to have a scoreboard, but promoter Dennis Gage was able to round up enough support to make it happen.
Silver Dollar Speedway had a tough season last year when nine race nights were canceled. Seven were due to rain and two more because of extreme heat. Only 10 races were held out of the 19 scheduled and the track is already zero for two this year. The quarter-mile oval’s luck is overdue to change and maybe this week will be the start.
Micro sprint racing last weekend was successful at Plaza Park Raceway in Visalia on Friday and Lemoore Jet Bowl raced Saturday. Plaza Park has been updated and two significant names in racing are now running the city park located track.
Jason Meyers, the 2010 and 2011 World of Outlaws champion, and Jake Hagopian, a well-known name in micro sprint racing, are now running Plaza Park. An aggressive schedule includes a huge event this month when the Keith Kunz Motorsports Challenge takes place over a four-night stretch.
Micro sprint racing to the north starts later this month but now there is only one track in the greater Sacramento area. Delta Speedway occupies a piece of the fairgrounds in Stockton and is now the primary northern track.
A five-race series is planned for Hills Ferry Raceway in Newman to add to the micro action.