CHICO, Calif. — Fans were treated to an old school, tacky, chunky and traditional racing surface in March at Silver Dollar Speedway for the Mini Gold Cup.
D.J. Netto thrilled the fans by passing Chase Johnson on a late race restart and went on to win his first career sprint car main event at the track. Netto, for his efforts, was awarded a $4,000 pay day in victory lane.
Among other notable performances, after taking a year off from racing, 18-year-old Max Mittry returned to not only lead early on but stay in the top three most of the night. Unfortunately for him, on lap 28 the rough track swallowed him up and Mittry flipped in turn four. He did not continue.
The last time the track hosted a Mini Gold Cup was 2019. A total of 28 drivers entered the 410-sprint car race. Johnson, while disappointed, still finished in second. Justin Sanders battled hard for a third-place finish. Kaleb Montgomery, the night’s overall fast time qualifier, finished fourth. Ryan Robinson advanced nine spots to finish fifth.
Jeremy Langenderfer returned after a three-year absence from racing at Chico to win the hobby stock race.
The third and final division of the night featured the IMCA Northern Sport Mods, which was won by Jace Wright.Â