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ROBBIE KENNEALY WINS $5,000 MADERA SPEEDWAY PRO LATE MODEL SPEED FEST
MADERA, CALIFORNIA (March 18, 2023) – Madera’s Robbie Kennealy, 17, stormed to his first career MAVTV-televised Lunkerdaddy Pro Late Model feature win, taking the $5,000 to win Speed Fest at Madera Speedway on Saturday night. 11-year-old Vito Cancilla of Martinez claimed the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series feature while 15-year-old Ethan Nascimento of Manteca scored the INEX Legends Tour win. INEX Bandoleros were won by Andrew Williams.
Kennealy previously tied atop the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series standings in 2022 after a season finale victory in October, ultimately finishing runner-up in the championship after the points tie-breaker. Saturday’s Pro Late Model victory continues a red hot streak of momentum for the 17-year-old.
“Man I need to catch my breath right now. I can’t believe we just did that. That one is for my grandma, she passed away a couple weeks ago,” Kennealy said. “It was just about being patient and making the right adjustment. We had a really good adjustment thanks to John Keller. Just stayed in third and when it was time to pounce, we did. It’s a long season, but after that – I don’t’ know how you couldn’t be looking forward to the rest of this season.”
Kennealy earned fast-time in qualifying on the one-third asphalt oval, then rolled off fourth in the 100-lap feature. 2021 Jr. Late Model champion Brody Armtrout of Smartsville drew the pole and held the lead at the start. San Jose’s Jay Juleson was pinned on the outside and fell back to seventh from his third starting position on lap 15. His teammate Matt Erickson of La Grange, a four-time season opener winner, started ninth but drove up to fifth within the first 20 laps.
The first caution flew on lap 35 when Howard Ferguson, Jr. spun in his series debut. Armtrout picked the inside of Shelden Cooper of Clovis for the restart. A slide for Armtrout allowed Cooper to use the outside to seize the lead on lap 36. The caution flew on the following lap for Loomis’ Kenna Mitchell having trouble in turn three.
Juleson got pinned on the outside again and fell back to eighth, being passed by Eagle, Idaho’s Jacob Smith for seventh. Cooper led the field into the break on lap 50 ahead of Armtrout, Kennealy, Tyler Herzog of Fresno, and Erickson. Cooper selected the outside on the restart with Armtrout driving inside of him to take over on lap 52. Eric Nascimento, Jr. spun rear first into the turn one wall for a caution on lap 54. Erickson fell outside the top-five, then had a prolonged pit stop for repairs.
Cooper and Armtrout collided on the backstretch on a lap 56 restart, sliding into a nose-to-nose contact in turn three to end their duel for the lead. Cooper was unable to continue while Armtrout restarted at the back.
The skirmish allowed Robbie Kennealy to assume the top position with Tyler Herzog leaping into second. Jason Aguirre of Atwater spun after tagging Smith on the restart and was eliminated from the race as well. Rick Thompson of Fresno worked his way up to fourth position by lap 61, then was a part of some of the tightest battling over the second half of the event.
Juleson and 16th starting Keith Nelson of Ukiah battled side-by-side for third for several laps until Juleson cleared Nelson on lap 94. Kennealy drove ahead of Herzog for a 1.43 second advantage and the $5,000 triumph. Juleson topped Nelson for fourth. Kenna Mitchell came back to finish fifth.
11-year-old Vito Cancilla of Martinez, Calif. topped a new crop of drivers ages 10-16 years-old for his first career 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series victory. The 70-lap feature took the green flag with no previous series winners in the field.
Madera’s Joey Kennealy started on the pole position and led Bakersfield’s Taylor Mayhew. Cancilla was the first driver to go upstairs, passing Chase Hand of Wilton, Calif. for third on lap five. Cam Carraway and Las Vegas’ Bryson Brown collided to bring out a caution on the following lap. Mayhew peeked inside Kennealy for the lead before the next caution on lap 13.
Cancilla restarted third behind Kennealy and muscled his way to the inside. Cancilla took over the top spot on lap 16. Kennealy, Hand, and Mayhew swapped positions for second up to the lap 40 break for MAVTV interviews and adjustments. Cancilla led Hand, Kennealy, Mayhew, and San Antonio, Texas’ Tristan Pena into the break.
Hand and Kennealy put on a show for second with Hand eventually using a dramatic cross over move in turn one to swoop underneath Kennealy, taking second on lap 54. Vito Cancilla went on to lead Hand, Kennealy, Carraway, and Pena at the finish for his first series win, while Mayhew finished sixth.
2022 Jr. Late Model champ Ethan Nascimento of Manteca won the 40-lap INEX Legends Tour Series main event with 23 cars in action. Zach Sansom led the opening three laps before 2022 champion Cody Winchel of Sebastopol took over. Wyatt Sansom suffered a hard crash into the turn three wall and was transported to a local medical facility for evaluation, but was awake and alert. Kevin Travels and Bakersfield’s Josh Ayers had a tangle battling inside the top-five as well.
Bakersfield’s Colton Page collided with Winchel for the lead into turn one on lap 25, relegating both drivers to the rear. Nascimento assumed the lead with teammate Cancilla in tow. Aidan Phillips of Madera and Kayci Phillips, ironically unrelated, crashed in turn one to set up a five lap shootout to the finish. Nascimento held the lead for the victory over Cancilla, Henry Barton, Sacramento’s Jason Philpot, and a hard charging Kevin Travels.
Andrew Williams topped Kaine Bettencourt for the 15-lap INEX Bandolero victory.
Next Saturday night, March 25 will be CLUB RACE #1 / Smokey Hanoian Classic, featuring: Madera Late Models, Madera Super Stocks, MST/Toyota Sedans, Jr Late Model Exhibition race, Madera Mini Stocks, and Legends of Kearney Bowl.
For more information about the Madera Speedway including how to advertise with a race team on MAVTV please visit www.racemadera.com or call the race office at 209-356-1968.
The 2022 season would not be possible without the support of Lunkerdaddy Fishing Lures, 51FIFTY LTM, Mission Foods, 805 Beer, Race 2B Drug Free, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, and Sunoco Race Fuel.
Madera Racing on MAVTV airs Monday nights at 5:00pm Pacific and 8:00pm Eastern.
2023 MADERA MAVTV LATE MODEL SCHEDULE
March 18 - $5,000-to-win
April 8
April 29
May 20 – Military Tribute Night
June 24 – Reverend Ron Spencer Red, White Blue Classic
July 22 - $5,000-to-win
August 26
September 16
October 7 - $10,000-to-win Short Track Shootout
MADERA SPEEDWAY CELEBRATES 52 YEARS OF ACTION WITH EXPLOSIVE 2023 SCHEDULE
Madera, Ca. (12-24-22) – The Madera Speedway is celebrating 52 years of racing at the fastest 1/3 mile in the West in 2023 with one of the strongest lineups of motorsports events in recent history.
The return of the mighty Super Modifieds with the Speed Tour that is set to bring a field of cars that could reach 20+ for the 50th Annual Harvest Classic tribute to Clyde Prickett on September 29th and 30th is sure to be one of the biggest events seen in years at Madera. The Supers will also make an appearance at the Vukovich Classic on May 20th. Both Super events will be filmed for MAVTV.
Speaking of the biggest events at Madera, the ARCA Series is set for an October 21st appearance that is sure to be one of the biggest races in the history of the speedway bringing the top drivers from all over the nation to go head-to-head with the stars from the Madera MAVTV program. The MAVTV televised Pumpkin Cup Open 100 for the Pro Late Models and the Pumpkin Cup 50 Lap 51FIFTY Jr Late Model invitational races are also a part of the ARCA weekend at the Madera Speedway.
The MAVTV televised LunkerDaddy Pro Late Model Series and the 51FIFTY Jr Late Model Series are set for a nine-race televised championship bringing the best future stars in the sport to Madera from all over the nation. This has become one of the premiere platforms in the nation for young drivers to launch their careers from and season number nine of this televised program is loaded with new talent.
Olga's California Dream 100 is set for their annual race featuring the best mini stock drivers in the country, so is the 16th annual Pumpkin Smash that brings out a record number of kids every year.
There are three Challenge Cup races on the schedule for our young drivers to tune up for the ARCA race in West type cars.
There are six club race events scheduled for the local championship that include the Madera late Models, Hobby Stocks, MST/Sedans, and Mini Stocks.
The National Focus Midget Tour will join the two-day Harvest Classic in September. There are four NCMA Sprint Car races on tap for 2023, and four Legends Tour Series races on the schedule. Plus, the INEX Bandoleros will join the program once again in 2023.
For the nostalgia fan the Legends of Kearny Bowl, BCRA Vintage Midgets and the California Hard Tops are all on the 2023 schedule.
There are also two drifting events scheduled in 2023 at the speedway, these will include a big car show, and a burnout contest.
There are some dates still being worked on at this time and they include the Golden State Invitational National Truck and Tractor Pull event that will return for their 2nd annual event, the event date is to be announced in the coming weeks. There is also a Super Late Model 125 lap race set to take place at the fastest 1/3 mile in the west in 2023, and that date will be announced in late January when it is added to our high energy 2023 schedule. We are also working on the possible addition of the full midgets being added to the Harvest Classic in September.
2023 is set to be one of the strongest seasons in the history of the Madera Speedway. The season opens on March 18th with the MAVTV televised Lunkerdaddy Late Models and the 51FIFTY Jr late Model Series.
For information about Madera Speedway and to see the entire 2023 racing schedule, visit www.RaceMadera.com The 2023 season would not be possible without the support of 51FIFTY, Mission, LunkerDaddy, 805, Ghost, Ultra, Colorfast, Franks Radio, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, and Sunoco Race Fuel.
RYAN HART LEADS WIRE TO WIRE IN 16TH ANNUAL PUMPKIN SMASH AT MADERA SPEEDWAY
MADERA, CALIFORNIA (October 29, 2022) – Ryan Hart of Dos Palos successfully navigated a Madera Speedway filled with smashed pumpkins and other hazards to prevail in the 16th annual Pumpkin Smash Enduro on Saturday night. Hart led all 200-laps around the one-third mile speedway for his first ever Enduro victory. Hart was one of 25 drivers who tempted fates on the Halloween-themed event that will be televised later on MAVTV.
“(Leading all 200 laps) that’s got to be some kind of record,” Hart said. “I’m ecstatic. I’m always done well but always have had something happen. We had a super-fast car tonight and it still looks good. This is also the first Pumpkin Smash without my dad. I’m almost at a loss for words which doesn’t happen for me.”
Adam Baggett of Stockton won $250 for winning the 10-lap Barrel race, where drivers had to complete a U-Turn around a tractor tire on the front stretch each lap. Race fans trick or treated through the pits, then smashed pumpkins all over the front stretch before the race. Water and soap were added as well.
Hart started eighth in the Pumpkin Smash feature but charged into the lead on lap one. Perennial contender Mark Odgers of Mariposa suffered a short night with a hard crash that knocked him out of the race on lap 24.
When the red flag was lifted, Hart continued to lead the way. He skirmished with Connor Griffoul of Hollister, cutting down Hart’s left rear tire. Hart’s three lap advantage evaporated in the pits and he narrowly drove back onto the track in front of Baggett to keep the lead.
Baggett took over second from Gene Etheridge of Oakdale on lap 53 but then lost the position on lap 82 back to Etheridge. After the lap 100 break, Baggett took the second spot once more.
Rich Denman of Paso Robles ran down Etheridge over the entire second half, overhauling him for third on lap 166. Baggett was involved in a major multi-car melee in turn two on lap 175 that eventually relegated him to a long stop in the pits with right front damage. Denman inherited second and Etheridge inherited third in the process.
Hart claimed a nine-lap advantage at the end with Denman topping Etheridge for second. David McEwen won a long battle with Jamie Sitton to wrap up the fourth position. Baggett had to settle for sixth in the final rundown. Hart never relented despite his sizeable lead, running his best lap of the main on lap 159.
“I’m a Late Model driver and I’m a Hobby Stock driver. I’m driving hard from the first lap to the last lap,” Hart said.
Madera Speedway will celebrate its 2022 season with its championship awards banquet on November 12th!
For more information about the Madera Speedway including how to advertise with a race team on MAVTV please visit www.racemadera.com or call the race office at 209-356-1968.
The 2022 season would not be possible without the support of Lunkerdaddy Fishing Lures, 51FIFTY LTM, Mission Foods, 805 Beer, Race 2B Drug Free, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, and Sunoco Race Fuel.
Madera Racing on MAVTV airs Monday nights at 3:00pm Pacific and 6:00pm Eastern.
KYLE KELLER PREVAILS IN THE SHORT TRACK SHOOTOUT FOR $10K WIN AND 2022 CHAMPIONSHIP
MADERA, CALIFORNIA (September 17, 2022) – Las Vegas’ Kyle Keller avoided a late-race melee to prevail in both the 2022 Short Track Shootout for $10,000 to win and the Lunkerdaddy Pro Late Model championship at Madera Speedway on Saturday night. Keller becomes only the second back-to-back Short Track Shootout winner in the ten editions of the October special. He also joins Buddy Shepherd in 2017 as drivers to claim a championship and the Shootout win in the same year.
Keller avoided an incident between 2021 champion Jadan Walbridge of Vancouver, Wash. and Ukiah’s Cole Brown as the field raced to the white flag. It ended the race prematurely with a yellow-checkered flag.
“Feels really really good. It was a hard-fought battle with Jadan. I have major respect for that kid. It sucks for what happened to him. I knew to stay to in third. I knew something was going to go on there with two go,” Keller said. “It means a lot for us as a family team. We’re still family team in the heart. This was really huge and hopefully we can come back next year and go three in a row.”
Walbridge and Keller entered the lucrative finale tied in the championship. Napa’s Dylan Zampa led time trials over Walbridge and Keller, giving Walbridge a one-point advantage entering the 150-lap feature. Third in points Jacob Smith of Eagle, Idaho won the 30-lap B-Main for $1,000-to-win. It narrowed the 33-car turnout to 26-starters for the feature.
Keller drove around the outside of Brown for the lead at the start of the feature. Keller repeatedly opted for the outside line through the early restarts. Walbridge also got the outside line working in his favor when he passed Brown for second on lap 18.
Aidan Daniels of Fort Bragg crashed hard into the turn one gate for a caution on lap 24. Tyler Herzog drove inside of Brown for third on the restart while Walbridge challenged inside of Keller for the lead. Walbridge took over the top spot on lap 32.
Carlos Vieira of Livingston, in his retirement race, drove from 18th to ninth by lap 40. Robbie Kennealy of Madera slipped outside of the top-ten during the green flag run. Kennealy then collided with Washington’s Kasey Kleyn for a caution on lap 52 in turn one.
Shelden Cooper spun in a chain reaction incident in turn four on the restart, collecting Bakersfield’s Kercie Jung and Santa Clara’s Pete Soto with heavy damage.
Keller tried to edge inside Walbridge while Zampa entered the picture from third. Zampa slid backwards late in the opening 100-lap segment with brake issues. Walbridge led Keller, Zampa, Herzog, and Brown at the break for adjustments and MAVTV interviews.
Ethan Nascimento of Manteca collided with Herzog into turn three on lap 107, dropping both drivers to the rear of the field from potential top-five finishes. Walbridge brought Brown with him on the outside line on the restart. Brown nearly took second place but Keller continually fought back on the bottom.
With four laps to go, Brown drove up to second and the rear bumper of Walbridge as they lapped Soto. Brown and Walbridge made contact in turn four coming to two to go, but Walbridge held the lead after getting sideways.
Coming the white flag, Brown slid up the track underneath Walbridge. The pair slammed doors and Walbridge slammed the wall. Brown spun around backwards into the front stretch wall to require a yellow-checkered flag finish on lap 149. Keller avoided the heart-breaking incident for Walbridge to take his second consecutive Short Track Shootout and the Lunkerdaddy Pro Late Model Championship in a $15,000 total haul for the night. Zampa finished second while Jacob Smith charged through the pack to score third from 17th. Eric Nascimento finished fourth after starting 21st while Vieira earned a top-five finish in his final scheduled start.
Robbie Kennealy won his third-career 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model feature in the 70-lap season finale and Ethan Nascimento won the tie-breaker with Kennealy to become the 2022 champion in a wild night for the young drivers.
Nascimento drove into the lead on the opening lap. Fort Bragg’s Lane Anderson and Loomis’ Kenna Mitchell crashed hard on the backstretch to end both driver’s evenings on lap three. Two-by-two racing developed for the lead with Kennealy taking over the position on lap seven. Nascimento drove to his inside on lap 10 to retake the lead, then cleared Kennealy on lap 11.
Hobby Stock champion Hailey Bugg spun in her debut event on lap 28. The spin put the leaders in close quarters. Washington’s Kasey Kleyn tagged the back of Nascimento in turn four, spinning him from the position. Kennealy avoided the incident to retake the lead and was currently the points leader at that stage, with Nascimento restarting seventh.
Kennealy battled with younger brother Joey Kennealy briefly for the lead. Nascimento stormed through the pack then collided with 11-year-old Vito Cancilla of Martinez while battling into the top-five. Both drivers had to restart at the tail of the lead lap. Cancilla and Bakersfield’s Caden Cordova suffered a collision on the following restart. Kleyn collided with Nascimento again on lap 65, relegating Kleyn to the infield and Nascimento back out of the championship lead yet again.
Nascimento’s attempt to drive through the field was halted by a spin with Bugg on lap 68. With just two laps remaining, Nascimento would need to drive from the back to fourth position to hold the championship. Robbie Kennealy held the lead for his second win of the year and Nascimento managed to claim fourth, wrapping up a tie in the standings. Nascimento’s four wins gave him the edge over Kennealy, clinching the series title. Joey Kennealy wrapped up a Kennealy family 1-2 finish in the race with Cancilla earning a career-best third.
Clovis’ Skyler Schoppe won the INEX Bandolero feature while Las Vegas’ Kellen Keller used a second-place finish to wrap up the championship. Combined with Kennealy’s win and Kyle Keller’s championship, the Kyle Keller Racing team enjoyed success in all three events on Saturday night. Andrew Williams of Madera finished third.
Madera Speedway will host Truck and Tractor Pull Nationals, plus a post event concert, on October 21st and 22nd. The 15th Annual Pumpkin Smash 200 lap Enduro is October 29th. The event also features the Pumpkin Cup Open Late Model 100 lap MAVTV televised race, Challenge Cup 75 laps, the Open Super Stock 75 lap race, a Trick or Treat thru the Pits and on Track PUMPKIN SMASH for the KIDS!
For more information about the Madera Speedway including how to advertise with a race team on MAVTV please visit www.racemadera.com or call the race office at 209-356-1968.
The 2022 season would not be possible without the support of Lunkerdaddy Fishing Lures, 51FIFTY LTM, Mission Foods, 805 Beer, Race 2B Drug Free, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, and Sunoco Race Fuel.
Madera Racing on MAVTV airs Monday nights at 3:00pm Pacific and 6:00pm Eastern.
2022 MADERA MAVTV LATE MODEL SCHEDULE
March 5 - $5,000-to-win
April 2
April 30
May 21 – Military Tribute Night
June 25 – Reverend Ron Spencer Red, White Blue Classic
July 30 - $5,000-to-win Summer SpeedFest
August 27
September 17
October 15 - $10,000-to-win Short Track Shootout
October 29 – Pumpkin Cup Open (Non-Points)
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