CALISTOGA, Calif. — After taking command on the 27th lap, R.J. Johnson held off a surging J.J. Yeley by 0.065 seconds to win the $10,000 Sunday finale of the 15th Quick Change Liquid Energy Drink Louie Vermeil Classic at California’s Calistoga Speedway.
The victory marked the 15th career triumph for the two-time defending champion and current point leader of the Avanti Windows & Doors USAC CRA Sprint Car Series.
Yeley, Jadon Rogers, “The Pride of Garden Grove” Brody Roa and Logan Seavey followed R.J. to the checkered flags.
Driving the Petty Performance Racing owned #1p Avanti Windows & Doors / Lifestyle Homes Sherman, Johnson also earned the night’s hard charger / “best passing job” bonus courtesy of Shane Scott and Steve Lafond Photos. Like his teammate, Yeley, the night before, R.J. claimed the 30-lap main event after starting seventh and also won a 12-lap qualifying race, this time sponsored by Rescue Mission Alliance.
Starting third, Logan Seavey led the first 13 laps of the Louie Vermeil Classic. Looking for a repeat win from the previous night, Yeley powered to the front and led until the 26th circuit. Johnson surprised the USAC Triple Crown champion and took control to win the richest non-winged sprint car event in California for 2026.
The finish:
FEATURE: (30 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. R.J. Johnson (7), 2. J.J. Yeley (5), 3. Jadon Rogers (2), 4. Brody Roa (1), 5. Logan Seavey (3), 6. David Gasper (6), 7. Tanner Carrick (13), 8. Nate Schank (11), 9. Josh Young (10), 10. Cole Wakim (9), 11. Marty Hawkins (4), 12. Connor Speir (12), 13. Connor Lundy (17), 14. Brecken Guerrero (14), 15. Verne Sweeney (16), 16. Ryan Bernal (8), 17. Ryan Timmons (15).
