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TICKET PRICES CUT nearly in half for the POMBO/SARGENT CLASSIC Open Wheel Special! Saturday Night June 8th is the Pombo/Sargent CLASSIC at the LoanMart Madera Speedway!

To pay tribute to these two GIANTS in California Open Wheel racing we are having a pure OPEN WHEEL event featuring the MEGA PURSE Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World Series Super Modifieds going head to head against Winged Sprint Cars, the BCRA/USAC Midgets, the NCMA wingless Sprint Cars, and the Vintage Hard tops and Vintage Midgets!

Race fans will enjoy a PURE open wheel event at the Pombo/Sargent Classic, but we thought we would take it one step further to pay tribute to two of the best ever in the sport, we are ROLLING TICKET PRICES BACK for this special event.

Ticket prices have been cut from $27 to now just $15 for an adult ticket for the Pombo/Sargent Classic! Seniors and Military are only $13, youth 6-12 are only $7, and kids five and under are free! Family Packs are only $40 for two adults and two youth. That is just about HALF PRICE on all tickets!

The Pombo/Sargent Classic, Super Modified, Sprint Cars, Midgets and Vintage Hard Tops, and ½ PRICE TICKETS for this Special event! This is a one-time special, DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT!

Brought to you by Pabst Blue Ribbon, Hoosier racing Tires, and Kenny Shepherd's Short Track Management Company, check out our facebook page the week of the event for free ticket promotions, check out racemadera.com for more information�

Wild night at Speedway's Mother's Day special

Five-dollar tickets and a Mother's Day prize package valued at $500 brought extra fans to the LoanMart

LoanMart Madera Speedway --- 5/11/2013
MEDIA RELEASE --- Mother's Day Special $5 Night
MEDIA RELATIONS --- Mark Smith

Wild night at Speedway's Mother's Day special

Five-dollar tickets and a Mother's Day prize package valued at $500 brought extra fans to the LoanMart Madera Speedway Saturday night, and all in attendance were treated to a night full of wild racing that at one point had a driver playing villain to jeers and taunts from the crowd.
Donnie Large Jr., in the popular local Toyota Sedans class, purposely caused race leader Kyle Fortney to spin out as the two entered turn four of the final lap in the 30-lap main event.

With the checkered flag out and Fortney's for the taking, Large Jr. - who had battled from second nearly all race to try and take the lead - accelerated and slammed into Fortney's rear.
Candee McIntosh, in third at the time, was caught in the resulting spill and spun out as well.

As the results were being determined by officials, Large Jr. drove into the winner's circle, got out to stand on his car, and took a sarcastic bow as calls of "cheater" came from the booing crowd, though many fans also cheered for the display.
Fortney, who was eventually dropped to fifth place - Large Jr. earned sixth while Tim Curtis took first, Candee McIntosh second, and her husband Del McIntosh third - later said that the move wasn't out of the ordinary for Large Jr.

"I think the track's too small for his ego," Fortney said of Large Jr. "That's all I can say about it � He got beat this race and he just couldn't handle it."

Curtis said he was happy with the win but wished it could have come in a cleaner race.
"I didn't even know I got first place until just now," Curtis said. "What a crazy race."

The LunkerDaddy Late Model main event had extra incentive for drivers as a raffle held before the race paired female fans with drivers to win a $500 Mother's Day prize package with: a manicure, pedicure, hair styling and massage from Aqua Essentials and Day Spa, limousine ride from HS Limousine Service, chocolate-covered strawberries and $100 at the Vineyard Restaurant.
Matt Erickson, the winner of that race, said that the extra prizes were just icing on the cake.

"That's what racing's all about," Erickson said. "It's all about the fans."
Rebecca Powers, 21, was the fan paired with Erickson and the winner of the prizes.
However, as she stood in the winner's circle she called out to Barbara Hart - mother of the night's Hobby Stocks winner Ryan Hart and late-model driver Roy Hart - to give her everything.

Powers said she felt Hart deserved the prizes more than her, thus the generous gift.
"I mean, I'm not a mom," Powers said. "So I didn't deserve those prizes. They should go to a mom, and a racing mom too!"
"This is wonderful," said Hart, surprised by the gesture and a wide smile on her face. "I've never had chocolate-covered strawberries before, and the massage and everything, it's just great."

With her son winning his race and the prizes, Hart said it was the perfect Speedway Mother's Day.
"I couldn't be happier," Hart said.

Other winners on the night included: Kevin Thompson in the MST's and the 18-second Bracket Race and Katie Briggs in the 4-Bangers.
The Speedway is closed next Saturday but will host its Military Tribute Night on May 25, where all active and retired military fans get in free! Races on that night will include: Race #3 of the $1,000 to win LoanMart Open Late Model Series, Sport Mods, Hobby Stocks, MST's, Toyota Sedans, 4-Bangers, South West Trucks, Mini Cup, and the 18-second Bracket Race.

For more information go to www.racemadera.com or call (559) 673-7223.

Results

Main:

LunkerDaddy Late Models (30 laps):
Matt Erickson
Tony Schmitz-(-5.430)
Shelden Cooper-(-7.567)
Aaron Mullins-(-7.719)
Donnie Large-(-10.235)
Nastasia Dodd-(-11.967)
Dillon Tucker-(DNF)
James Schmitz-(DNF)
Eloy Bazan-(DNF)

Toyota Sedans (30 laps):
Tim Curtis
Candee McIntosh
Del McIntosh
Dean Gould
Kyle Fortney
Donnie Large Jr
Chris Altuvilla
Thomas Magray
Chris Rabe-(DNF)

MST's (20 laps):
Kevin Thompson
John Bowersox-(-0.180)
Jed Gilman-(-3.440)
Aaron Reeves-(-4.506)
Brett Wasson-(2 laps)

Hobby Stocks (15 laps):
Ryan Hart
Don Selsor-(1 lap)

4-Bangers (15 laps):
Katie Briggs
Casey Hall-(-13.690)
Mitch Pasquale-(1 lap)
Marty Leber-(1 lap)

18-second Bracket Race (30 laps):
Kevin Thompson
Ryan Hart
Dean Gould
Thomas Magray
Brett Wasson
Aaron Reeves

Qualifying (2 laps):

LunkerDaddy Late Models
Matt Erickson-15.857
Tony Schmitz-15.982
Aaron Mullins-16.450
Nastasia Dodd-16.502
Eloy Bazan-16.527
Dillon Tucker-16.527
Donnie Large-16.559
Shelden Cooper-16.577
James Schmitz-17.393

Toyota Sedans
Donnie Large Jr-17.557
Kyle Fortney-17.738
Chris Rabe-17.831
Tim Curtis-17.832
Del McIntosh-17.869
Candee McIntosh-17.969
Dean Gould-18.281
Chris Altuvilla-18.345
Thomas Magray-18.791

MST's
John Bowersox-17.021
Aaron Reeves-17.024
Kevin Thompson-17.041
Brett Wasson-17.331
Jed Gilman-17.349

4-Bangers
Katie Briggs-19.079
Mitch Pasquale-19.864
Casey Hall-21.093
Marty Leber-21.290

Hobby Stocks
Ryan Hart-17.510
Ivan Scorsur-18.731
Don Selsor-19.305

Madera Speedway --- Vukovich Classic
Media release --- May 4, 2013
Media relations --- Mark Smith

Vukovich Classic brings night of fire and fun to Madera Speedway

History was the theme behind the LoanMart Madera Speedway's Vukovich Classic Saturday night as three high-profile racing classes - including the second race at the track to combine winged sprint cars with super modifieds - put on a night jam-packed with action in honor of one of the Valley's most prolific racing families.
The United States Auto Club/Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets was the highlight of the night, as a 50/50 raffle raised over $2,000 before the race, with one lucky fan taking home $1,000 and the other proceeds going to the Billy Vukovich Scholarship Foundation.
Brittany Dellanini, 25, took home the $1,000 prize after her and 13 other fans' tickets were drawn to be paired with drivers. As a result she was paired with Chad Nichols, the eventual winner of the race and the prize money.
Afterwards, Dellanini, visibly ecstatic with the prize, said she would use it to pay for her college education at Fresno Pacific University.
"This means so, so much," Dellanini said. "I don't even know what to say!"
Nichols, who in the lead position had to fend off multiple moves from young midget-car driver Tanner Swanson and Nick Chivello to win, said he was happy to earn a comeback win after having to drop out due to car troubles the last time he was on the track.
"It feels great to win, always," Nichols said. "I had a bad race the first time and 1,000 bucks for a fan doesn't hurt either. I'm happy to come back and get the win."
The Billy Vukovich Scholarship Foundation - which provides high school students with money for college - was set up in honor of Billy Vukovich III, who died in a sprint car race in Bakersfield in 1990.
Vukovich III was the third in a line of racers that began with one of the greatest of his time, Bill Vukovich, who won two Indianapolis 500 events in 1953 and 1954 before being killed in the 1955 Indy 500.
A variety of vintage cars were also on display in several events, and the Brothers of the Third Wheel - an international three-wheel motorcycle association - brought over 50 trikes to take a few laps on the track.
Other winners on the night included: Kyle Vanderpool in the 360/410 Super Modifieds and Eric Humphries in the Northern California Modified Association Sprints.
The Speedway will host its Mother's Day Special next week where all women pay half price for entry. The night will include the LunkerDaddy Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, MSTs, Toyota Sedans, 4-Bangers, and the 18 Second Bracket Race.
For more information, go to www.racemadera.com or call (559) 673-7223.

Results

Main:

360/410 Super Modifieds (50 laps)
Kyle Vanderpool
Tim Skoglund-(-7.191)
Lance Tatro-(-11.648)
Cody Gerhardt-(-12.348)
Eric Silsby-(DNF)
Jeff Collins-(DNF)

USAC/BCRA Midgets (30 laps):
Chad Nichols
Tanner Swanson-(-0.569)
Scott Pierovich-(-3.790)
Darrin Snider-(-4.279)
Kevin Morris-(-5.014)
Frankie Guerrini-(-7.003)
David Goodwill-(-7.423)
Ken Nichols-(-8.348)
Dan Gundo-(-12.856)
Gary Conterno-(1 lap)
Michael Snider-(1 lap)
Floyd Alvis-(1 lap)
Nick Chivello-(DNF)
JR Williams-(DNF)

NCMA Sprints (30 laps):
Eric Humphries
Carl Mott-(-0.610)
Justin Kawahata-(-2.775)
Denny Burell-(-4.002)
David Goodwill-(-4.250)
Ed Amador-(-8.310)
Steve Amador-(DNF)

Qualifying (2 laps):

360/410 Super Modifieds
Eric Silsby-12.359
Jeff Collins-12.384
Kyle Vanderpool-12.419
Tim Skoglund-12.511
Cody Gerhardt-12.855
Lance Tatro-13.165

NCMA Sprints
Eric Humphries-14.222
Carl Mott-14.492
David Goodwill-14.539
Justin Kawahata-14.615
Denny Burell-14.731
Ed Amador-15.003
Steve Amador-15.177

USAC/BCRA Midgets
Tanner Swanson-13.866
Chad Nichols-13.874
Kevin Morris-13.918
Scott Pierovich-13.969
Nick Chivello-13.992
Frankie Guerrini-14.019
Darrin Snider-14.021
David Goodwill-14.126
Ken Nichols-14.126
Dan Gundo-14.208
Gary Conterno-14.366
Nick Foster Jr-14.624
Floyd Alvis-14.929
JR Williams-16.131

LoanMart Madera Speedway - 4/27/13
MEDIA RELEASE - $1000 to win Late Model Open Race #2
MEDIA RELATIONS - Mark Smith

Erickson dominates in Late Model Open Race #2

A variety of races brought bumper-to-bumper action and incredible performances at the LoanMart Madera Speedway on Saturday, Apr. 27, with young buck Matt Erickson absolutely dominating his opponents in the second race of the $1000 to win LoanMart Open Late Model Series.

Erickson, with the fastest time in qualifying, started in tenth with the invert start. It would prove little obstacle to the talented racer as he moved into fourth place by lap three, into second by lap 10, and took the lead in turn one of lap 13, from which he never looked back on his way to the checkered flag by over 10 seconds.

The racing was wheel to wheel behind Erickson as Justin Westmoreland, Rick Erickson, Frank Mazzei, Trevor Schlundt and Aaron Mullins were fighting it out for second back.

"He's done his homework," third-place finisher Rick Thompson said of Erickson. "Ever since a few years ago when I was track champion he was right behind me. Now he's just gotten that much better."

"I've just got this car dialed in," Erickson said. "I've been with this car since 2003 and we keep getting better with it. I know what makes it tick and that helps a lot."

The win puts Erickson's point total at 103, with Thompson in second at 84 and five races remaining in the series.

The Toyota Sedans, a popular class with local fans, brought some gritty driving as Donnie Large Jr, the eventual first-place finisher, fought to overtake Del "Stuntman" McIntosh in the skull-and-crossbones 26 car for much of the race.

That two bumped into each other multiple times on the front-end straightaway, putting on a show for fans as they battled for 19 of 30 laps before Large Jr pulled ahead for good.

Other winners during the night included: John Bowersox in the MST's, Katie Briggs in the 4-Bangers, Ryan Hart in the Hobby Stocks, and Tyler Johnson in the 18 Second Bracket Race.

The Speedway will host a jam-packed night of racing next week in the second historic race that combines Winged Sprints with Super Modifieds in a fast-paced, track-filled action.

There will also be the Vukovich Classic, BCRA/USAC Midgets, NCMA Sprint Cars, Vintage Super Modifieds, the Valley Sportsman, and Vintage BCRA cars in action that night.

For more information go to www.racemadera.com or call (559) 673-7223.

Results

Main

LoanMart Late Model Open Race #2-(100 laps)
Matt Erickson
Justin Westmoreland-(-10.495)
Rick Thompson-(-13.141)
Frank Mazzie-(1 lap)
Trevor Schlundt-(1 lap)
Aaron Mullins-(2 laps)
Howard Holden-(4 laps)
Ryan Hart-(DNF)
Larry Pasquale-(DNF)
Tony Schmitz-(DNF)

Toyota Sedans
Donnie Large Jr
Del McIntosh-(-0.750)
Tim Curtis-(-1.035)
Kyle Fortney-(-4.187)
Tyler Johnson-(-5.832)
Chris Altuvilla-(-9.767)
Dean Gould-(-10.144)
Thomas Magray-(2 laps)

MST's (20 laps)
John Bowersox
Kevin Thompson-(-2.002)
Del McIntosh-(-9.296)
Jed Gilman-(-9.343)

4-Bangers (15 laps)
Katie Briggs
Dave Kong-(-1.241)
Dave Ansted-(1 lap)
Casey Hall-(2 laps)
Marty Leber-(2 laps)

Hobby Stocks (20 laps)
Ryan Hart
Matt Anderson-(-8.936)
Don Selsor-(1 lap)
Ivan Scorsur-(DNF)

18 Second Bracket Race
Kevin Thompson-(17.789)
Tyler Johnson (W)-(18.087)
Donny Darter-(18.171)
Dean Gould-(18.270)
Thomas Magray-(18.883)

Qualifying (2 laps):

LoanMart Late Model Open
Matt Erickson-15.632
Trevor Schlundt-15.637
Tony Schmitz-15.807
Frank Mazzie-16.008
Justin Westmoreland-16.010
Howard Holden-16.087
Rick Thompson-16.113
Ryan Hart-16.425
Larry Pasquale-16.807
Aaron Mullins-17.084

Toyota Sedans
Tim Curtis-17.653
Donnie Large Jr-17.659
Kyle Fortney-17.689
Del McIntosh-17.922
Tyler Johnson-18.029
Chris Altuvilla-18.330
Dean Gould-18.398
Thomas Magray-19.047

Hobby Stocks
Ryan Hart-17.531
Ivan Scorsur-18.276
Matt Anderson-18.309
Don Selsor-19.382

MST's
John Bowersox-16.919
Kevin Thompson-17.191
Jason Bowersox-17.218
Jed Gilman-17.398

4-Bangers
Dave Kong-18.505
Katie Briggs-18.853
The Koop-20.070
Marty Leber-21.843
Casey Hall-21.981

LoanMart Madera Speedway --- 4/20/2013
MEDIA RELEASE --- Spring Fling 200 Enduro
MEDIA RELATIONS --- Mark Smith

Spills and thrills in abundance during 200-lap Enduro at Madera Speedway

With 24 cars and a track covered in soap and water, the 200-lap Enduro Race held during the LoanMart Madera Speedway's Spring Fling Night was full of spinning cars, big crashes, and aggressive traffic driving.

The race, which reversed direction and added even more soap and water after 100 laps, claimed no less than 9 cars due to engine trouble or wrecks by its completion.

Ron Wills, the eventual winner of the race, said that the Enduro events were unlike any other.

"We had a great time here tonight," Wills said. "I've had bad luck with these races in the past, but I knew that if I finished I would finish well. The Enduros are a whole lot of fun to be in."

One driver, Cody Guertin, demonstrated the tough-nosed spirit of American racing at one point in the race.

In lap 53, Guertin - in the number 17 American-flag-striped Chevrolet Monte Carlo - was entering turn one when he hit a water puddle and spun out, slamming his front end into the wall extremely hard.

Sparks flew, Guertin's entire front-right side was crunched up over his tire, but he regained control and kept on driving for another two laps before he had to drop out.

Other winners in the 8-race night included: first-time winner Zak Green in the Southwest Tour Trucks, Matt Erickson in the LunkerDaddy Late Models, Donnie Large Jr. in the Toyota Sedans, Katie Briggs in the 4-Bangers, Brett Wasson in the MSTs, Ryan Hart in the Hobby Stocks, and Jed Gilman in the 18 Second Bracket Race.

The Speedway will host its Race #2 of the $1000 to Win LoanMart Open Late Model Series next week, along with: Sport Mods, Toyota Sedans, MSTs, Hobby Stocks, 4-Bangers, and the 18 Second Bracket Race.

For more information go to www.racemadera.com or call (559) 673-7223.

Results

Main

200-Lap Enduro
Ron Wills
Loren Chitwood-(-7.067)
Steve Schermerchorn-(4 laps)
Adam Bagget-(5 laps)
Ryan Chivers-(6 laps)
Mark Odgers-(15 laps)
Jake Kirby-(17 laps)
Darryn Saenz-(18 laps)
Chris Landcaster-(18 laps)
Greg Evans-(20 laps)
Randy Gens-(21 laps)
James Cooke-(28 laps)
Jim Satlawa-(35 laps)
Robert Smith-(36 laps)
Robert Reagan-(56 laps)
Marisa Odgers-(DNF)
Rick Anderson-(DNF)
Tony Mentzer-(DNF)
Richard Herzog-(DNF)
Joe Reyes-(DNF)
Mike Robinson-(DNF)
Brook Allen-(DNF)
Cody Guertin-(DNF)
Jason Sitton-(DNF)

Southwest Tour Trucks
Zak Green
Ed Cutler-(-3.120)
Mike Gilboy-(-3.577)
Neil Conrad-(-7.151)
Ronnie Davis-(1 lap)
Alan Rizzone-(1 lap)
Shawn Rizzone-(1 lap)
Jim West-(4 laps)
Cecil Phelps-(4 laps)
Steve Reeves-(4 laps)

LunkerDaddy Late Models
Matt Erickson
Jason Aguirre-(-4.243)
Aaron Mullins-(-6.932)
Emma Tucker-(1 lap)
Shelden Cooper-(1 lap)
Eloy Bazan-(1 lap)
Nastasia Dodd-(1 lap)
Tony Schmitz-(9 laps)
Donnie Large-(DNF)

Toyota Sedans
Donnie Large Jr
Tim Curtis-(-0.754)
Kyle Fortney-(-2.041)
Ronnie Roberts-(-2.328)
Del McIntosh-(-5.202)
Chris Altuvilla-(-7.821)
Tyler Johnson-(-10.941)
Thomas Magray-(2 laps)

4-Bangers
Katie Briggs
Cory Brockman-(-8.368)
Quilton Harris-(-19.704)
Adam McEwen-(1 lap)

MST's
Brett Wasson
Jed Gilman-(-5.176)

Hobby Stocks
Ryan Hart
Don Selsor-(2 laps)
Ivan Scorsur-(DNF)

18 Second Bracket
Jed Gilman-18.137
Brett Wasson-18.485
Katie Briggs-18.857
Thomas Magray-19.098

Qualifying - 2 laps:

Southwest Tour Trucks
Alan Rizzone-16.022
Mike Gilboy-16.057
Ed Cutler-16.064
Neil Conrad-16.128
Zak Green-16.159
Shawn Rizzone-16.225
Ronnie Davis-16.476
Cecil Phelps-16.677
Jim West-17.613
Steve Reeves-17.954

LunkerDaddy Late Models
Matt Erickson-15.469
Tony Schmitz-15.730
Jason Aguirre-15.966
Aaron Mullins-16.059
Eloy Bazan-16.129
Donnie Large-16.529
Nastasia Dodd-16.842
Emma Tucker-16.975
Shelden Cooper

Toyota Sedans
Tim Curtis-17.553
Kyle Fortney-17.566
Donnie Large Jr-17.569
Ronnie Rodriguez-17.953
Tyler Johnson-18.112
Del McIntosh-18.240
Chris Altuvilla-18.429
Thomas Magray-26.887

4-Bangers
Cory Brockman-19.665
Katie Briggs-20.615
Quilton Harris-21.368

MST's
Jed Gilman-17.328
Brett Wasson-17.387

Hobby Stocks
Ryan Hart-17.685
Ivan Scorsur-18.059
Don Selsor-19.761

LoanMart Madera Speedway --- Hampton Inn Night
Media Release --- April 13, 2013
Media Relations --- Mark Smith

Madera-area racers on display in $5 night

Five-dollar tickets set the stage for a packed house at the LoanMart Madera Speedway on Saturday, Apr. 13 as winners were crowned in the 4-bangers, Hobby Stocks/Mini Super Toyota Combined, LunkerDaddy Late Models and Toyota Sedans after races full of contact and close finishes.

The LunkerDaddy Late Models - a 40-lap event that at one point had sparks fly and the red flag make an appearance - came down to a photo finish, with Tony "The Tiger" Schmitz taking the checkered flag over Matt Erickson by less than a hundredth of a second.

"It was a great race," Schmitz said. "Came right down to the wire but I was able to pull it off."

"I almost had him," said Erickson, who had the fastest time in qualifying. "But that's just how it is sometimes, and I was glad to put on a show."

The night's main event, the Toyota Sedans, had extra incentive for drivers as Speedway owner Kenny Shepherd obtained the sponsorship of the Madera Walmart to give new bicycles to a boy and girl assigned to the winning car.

"It's a new idea," Shepherd said. "We want to get the kids and fans more engaged in the race so having kids assigned to drivers with prizes makes a lot of sense."

Track-regular Kyle Fortney, the winner of that event, said he felt honored to race for new fans.

"Even if we don't know you," Fortney addressed the crowd in the winners circle, "it means the world to us that you're here. Thank you for coming and we'll always work to give you guys a great race."

Two track records were broken during the night in the Hobby Stocks and Toyota Sedans.

Other winners included new driver to the track Patty Rylan in the 4-bangers, John Bowersox in the Hobby Stocks/Mini Toyota Combined, and Fortney in the 18-second Bracket Race, where drivers race 30 laps to try and get as close as possible to an 18-second lap time without going over.

The Speedway will host its Spring Fling 200 Lap Enduro Race next week, which will also include the LunkerDaddy Limited Late Models, Hobby Stocks, MSTs, Toyota Sedans, 4-Bangers, South West Trucks, and the 18-second Bracket Race.

For more information, visit www.racemadera.com or call (559) 673-7723.

Results

Main

4-Bangers-10 laps
Patty Rylan
Casey Hall-(-5.894)

Hobby Stocks/MST Combined-20 laps
John Bowersox (MST)
Ryan Hart (HS)-(-8.573)
Fred Rylan (HS)-(1 lap)
Ivan Scorsur (HS)-(DNF)

LunkerDaddy Late Models-40 laps
Tony Schmitz
Matt Erickson-(-0.048)
Aaron Mullins-(-2.320)
Emma Tucker-(1 lap)
Donnie Large-(1 lap)
Nastasia Dodd-(2 laps)
Sheldon Cooper-(DNF)

Toyota Sedans-30 laps
Kyle Fortney
Tim Curtis-(-0.284)
Donnie Large Jr-(-0.484)
Ed Rodriquez-(-4.444)
Dean Gould-(-11.134)
Chris Rabe-(1 lap)
Christ Altuvilla-(1 lap)
Thomas Magray-(2 laps)

Qualifying - 2 laps:

4-Bangers
Patty Rylan-20.183
Casey Hall-20.214

Mini Super Toyotas
John Bowersox-16.726
Kevin Thompson-16.812

Hobby Stocks
Ryan Hart-17.503*
Ivan Scorsur-18.157
Fred Ryland-18.242

Toyota Sedans
Donnie Large Jr-17.469*
Kyle Fortney-17.493
Tim Curtis-17.709
Chris Rabe-17.723
Ed Rodriquez-17.871
Chris Altuvilla-18.508
Dean Gould-18.582
Thomas Magray-19.720

LunkerDaddy Late Model
Matt Erickson-15.421
Tony Schmitz-15.742
Emma Tucker-15.955
Aaron Mullins-16.084
Donnie Large-16.143
Nastasia Dodd-16.709

*Track record

Media Release - Smokey Hanoian Classic
Madera Speedway - March 30, 2013
Media Relations - Ronald D. Montez

Custer cruises to $1,000 victory in Smokey Hanoian Classic at the LoanMart Madera Speedway

Madera, CA - After an Easter Egg hunt by young fans on the LoanMart Madera Speedway racetrack, it was the competitive drivers in each racing division that were searching for victories on Saturday, March 30, 2013 in the Smokey Hanoian Classic presented by Allied Storage and Containers featuring race No. 1 of 8 of the $1,000 to win in the LoanMart Open Late Model Series (Split 50's) along with the Toyota Sedans, Hobby Stocks, Mini Super Toyotas, 4-Bangers and the 18-Second Bracket race.

It was the young Cole Custer, who made his debut last season as a 14-year-old phenom driver on the "Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West", that once again topped the rest of the 13-car field.

He made it 3-for-3 at the LoanMart Madera Speedway as he won the 100-lap main to claim the $1,000 prize payout and extend his two-year winning total to $3,000 after taking two Open Late Model Series races last season.

Unlike his last two races in Madera, Custer had to overcome early adversity and battle his way back up to the front.

Custer, who smashed the previous fast time record with a 15.045 mark, had to make a trip to the infield on a Lap 10 caution but returned just before the restart.

While Rick Thompson led the race for the first 29 laps, Custer used Laps 11-28 to pass 10 drivers including Trevor Schlundt, who was in second at the time.

After getting around Schlundt, Custer then made his way past Thompson and secured the lead on Lap 30 where he would hold that position for the reminder of the first part of the split 50-lap race.

When action resumed, Custer picked up right where he left off and continued to stay ahead despite three restarts in the final 50 laps to dominate the last half of the race. Defending Open Late Model Series champion Matt Erickson took second and Trevor Huddleston placed third overall in the main.

Like Custer, Dos Palos' Tyler Johnson earned a come-from-behind victory in the 30-lap Toyota Sedans' main.

Johnson, who was the 4-Bangers defending track champion and Most Improved Driver from last season, brought his winning ways to another class.

After finishing last in his first Toyota Sedans race on March 16, Johnson bounced back in his second race in that class with his first career win while Donnie Large Jr. came in second and Chris Rabe finished third.

"It was a good night and we had a lot of fun," Johnson said. "We had a really good car and I'm not sure what we can do to it to make it go any faster because it was as fast as it could be."

It wasn't a great way to start for the rookie in the main as Johnson was five spots behind Rabe, who bolted out to a nice lead and was in the front of the race for the first 17 laps.

But before Rabe could cleanly get away from the rest of the field, he was closely followed by Johnson, who won the six-lap trophy dash earlier in the day and was the top qualifier in the class with a time of 17.720.

It was on Lap 18 that Johnson that surged ahead of Rabe on the back straightaway after Turn 2 to get into first place.

"It was a great race," Johnson said. "That pass on the outside was real intense, I just kind of had to stay into the throttle as much as I could because I knew I could get enough traction out on the high-side and just carry that momentum coming around," Johnson said.

Other winners on the night included Ryan Hart (Hobby Stocks), John Bowersox (MST), Katie Briggs (4-Bangers) and Kevin Thompson (18-Second Bracket Race).

After a weekend off, the Madera Speedway returns to action on Saturday, April 13, 2013 on Hampton Inn Night featuring the LunkerDaddy Limited Late Models, Sport Mods, MST, Toyota Sedans, 4-Bangers and 18-Second Bracket Race.

Main

Open Late Models - 100 Laps
Cole Custer
Matt Erickson
Trevor Huddleston
Ryan Cansdale
Trevor Schlundt
Robbie Knittle
Rick Thompson
Aaron Mullins
Mike Graham
Ryan Hart
Frank Mazzie
Eloy Bazan
Justin Westmoreland

Toyota Sedans - 30 Laps
Tyler Johnson
Donnie Large Jr.
Chris Rabe
Kyle Fortney
Tim Curtis
Ed Rodriguez
Katie Briggs (4-Bangers)
Thomas Magray

MST - 12 Laps
John Bowersox
Kevin Thompson
Brett Wasson

Hobby Stocks - 10 Laps
Ryan Hart
Ivan Scorsur

18-Second Bracket Race
Kevin Thompson
Tyler Johnson
Brett Wasson*
Katie Briggs
Thomas Magray

*Indicates 18-second breakout

Trophy Dash - 6 Laps

Toyota Sedans
Tyler Johnson
Kyle Fortney
Donnie Large Jr.
Tim Curtis
Ed Rodriguez
Chris Rabe
Hobby Stocks
Ivan Scorsur
Ryan Hart
Katie Briggs

Heat Race - 6 Laps

MST
John Bowersox
Kevin Thompson
Brett Wasson

Qualifying - 2 Laps

Open Late Models
Cole Custer 15.045
Trevor Huddleston 15.046
Ryan Cansdale 15.241
Trevor Schlundt 15.379
Matt Erickson 15.426
Robbie Knittle 15.615
Aaron Mullins 15.746
Rick Thompson 15.828
Ryan Hart 16.069
Frank Mazzei 16.074
Mike Graham 16.305
Eloy Bazan 17.481

Toyota Sedans
Tyler Johnson 17.720
Kyle Fortney 18.004
Donnie Large Jr. 18.044
Tim Curtis 18.069
Chris Rabe 18.240
Ed Rodriguez 18.473
Thomas Magray 20.801

MST
Kevin Thompson 16.680
John Bowersox 16.764

Hobby Stocks
Ivan Scorsur 18.382
Ryan Hart 18.779

4-Bangers
Katie Briggs 18.848

THANK YOU FOR A SEPCIAL TWO WEEKS AT THE LOANMART MADERA SPEEDWAY!
By Kenny Shepherd

Madera, CA (3.25.13) - When I was working on the 2013 schedule back in November I envisioned a night in which we gave the fans the ultimate in motorsports entertainment, a Spears Tour show combined with a Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World show. But to help friends with dirt tracks that had Outlaw shows in March we had to drop that idea (for this year) and go to a back to back season opener featuring a big stock car night, then a big open wheel night.

This is my eighth year promoting races, and this past two weeks were as rewarding as any events I've been a part of. Everyone involved in the Speedway, from my staff, our sponsors, the contractors, the staff at the fairgrounds, to the board of directors at the Madera Fairgrounds, the focus has been on returning Madera to a place where it shines in the motorsports world once again, and I'm very proud of this effort.

We opened the 2013 season on March 16th with the Spears Southwest Tour Melo's Gas & Gear 151 presented by 51 FIFTY Energy drink. These are the cars I spent most of my driving years in and this is the only time my stomach aches as I still miss racing them. Pettit smoked the old track record by a ½ second (I cheered when he broke the record, but please do not tell him as we used to race pretty hard against each other), the racing was great and Derek Thorn won the season opener for the tour cars. The SRL Legends, and the S2 Series provided some great entertainment as well as being a class act and a pleasure to work with. Our local late model drivers got to show their talent in front of a big crowd, the pits were full as were most of the stands; it was a great Short Track atmosphere!

March 23rd was a special night, and for me it was the beginning of something I have envisioned for some time now, the Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World Series featuring Winged Sprint Cars racing against Super Modifieds, it is off and running! I drove stock cars, but as a fan my favorite car on the planet is a Super Modified, back in the early eighties I used to go watch the Supers at Madera when I was not racing, and in 87 I got to go to the Copper Classic and work on a crew for Clyde Prickett (he owned two Supers with two great drivers), well I was hooked for life on the Super. Winged Sprint cars are as cool as it gets, and putting them on pavement with the supers will provide some of the most entertaining racing fans have ever seen within a year. I thank all the Sprint Car drivers that participated in the first ever PBR Winged World Series race.

Looking back at last weekend it was even more special in so many ways, like a great midget race with Kody Swanson holding off one of the best NCMA drivers, or the class of the drivers in the NCMA ranks, and of course the feel of having a growing winged class at the Madera Speedway. I think we hit an Open Wheel nerve with the Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World Series as the calls have been pouring into our office from drivers and owners, so I think fans (including me) will be rewarded with what we have been waiting for for so long, a full field of WINGS that race nose to nose on the speedway!

But what really made last weekend special was two things, first when you have names attending the speedway like Vukovich, Andretti, Sargent, Edlund, Nichols, Swanson, Silsby, and announcer Ken Takeuchi it makes it very special for all that have supported the Madera Speedway for so long. Thank you to all of you that came out and made this a special night for the fans.

The second thing that made last weekend very special was the Jeff Doran tribute race, three different classes of local cars came together to make one very special race to honor Jeff. His family, racing family and I thank those drivers for that special memory.

My favorite photo from last weekend was Ken Takeuchi interviewing Everett Edlund, the driver voted best ever at Madera. The vintage Supers and Midgets really complete our open wheel shows, and I deeply appreciate the efforts of the vintage car owners to keep them in front of the fans.
There are two more groups of people I would like to thank that really do not get enough appreciation from all of us. The first is the speedway staff and safety crew; they work very hard to ensure the shows run well, on time, and are as safe as possible.

The second group is the writers, reporters, and photographers that cover the races. Our speedway writers and newspaper reporters Ronald Montez and Mark Smith do a great job, open wheel writer Gerald Laurie, Tour Near Live reporter Andy Daddario, and all the others, we thank you for keeping the fans informed. Over the past two weeks we have had more than 30 photographers cover the races and they do a great job getting the images in front of the public after the events, thank you! A special thank you to Sean Delk and my daughter Brittney Shepherd for the great photos and support of our facebook page!

To everyone that has supported the LoanMart Madera Speedway, I deeply appreciate your support and dedication. We are only 40% of where we are going with the speedway, and I look forward to growing a bigger racing family of fans, drivers, owners and supporters on our way to 100%.
A very wise person once told me you cannot eat an elephant in one day, you must keep chewing on it over a long period of time. I'm eight years into this short track management venture, and I'm still very hungry.

To all involved in our speedway, or any speedway for that matter, THANK YOU!

Madera Speedway --- Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World Series
Media Release - March 23, 2013
Media Relations - Mark Smith

Vanderpool claims victory in Winged World Series at LoanMart Madera Speedway

It was a historic night for the LoanMart Madera Speedway on Saturday night as it hosted its first-ever race pitting Winged Sprint Cars against Super Modifieds in the Inaugural Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World Series.

Kyle Vanderpool, a young up-and-coming driver at 25 years old would take the checkered flag in that race from behind the wheel of his orange and white #3 super modified racer, outdoing his next closest opponent, Eric Silsby in the #6 super modified, by over 4 seconds.

"It feels great to get the win," Vanderpool said. "Silsby's a great racer and I knew he was coming up, but I knew I just had to fend him off."

Vanderpool would lead for 44 of the race's 50 laps, taking the lead in the start of the sixth.

Other winners for the night included crowd favorite Kody Swanson in the 30-lap United States Auto Club/Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets, David Goodwill in the 30-lap Northern California Modified Association Sprints, Ryan Hart in the 30-lap Hobby Stocks, Kyle Fortney in the 30-lap Toyota Sedans, and lone show default winner Kevin Thompson in the Modified Super Toyotas.

Three races, the Hobby Stocks, Toyota Sedans, and Modified Super Toyotas were combined into one event and were held in honor of Jeff Doran, the Modified Super Toyota driver who passed away unexpectedly a few weeks ago.

To honor Doran, the race started in the missing man formation and displayed his car's #24 on the scoreboard.

The Speedway will host its Easter event next Saturday, which will include: Easter Egg Hunt for the Kids on the Race Track, the Smokey Hanoian Classic presented by Allied Storage & Containers, Race 1 of 8 of the $1,000 to win, LoanMart Open Late Model Series, 100-lap Open Late models (Split 50's), Hobby Stocks, Modified Super Toyotas, Toyota Sedans, 4-Bangers, Sport Mods, Mini Cup, and the 18 Second Bracket Race.

For ticket information, visit www.racemadera.com or call (559) 673-7223.

Results

Main

360/410 Super Modifieds

Kyle Vanderpool
Eric Silsby (-4.299)
Tim Skoglund (1 lap)
Cody Gerhardt (1 lap)
Lance Tatro (2 laps)
Mark Beck (5 laps)
Tom Baker (7 laps)
Jim Birges (DNF)
Chad Nichols (DNF)
Marvin Mitchell (DNF)
Carl Johnson
Rodger Galleano

USAC/BCRA Midgets-30 laps

Kody Swanson
David Goodwill (-0.150)
Darrin Snider (-0.855)
Frankie Guerrini (-2.127)
Kevin Morris (-2.680)
Gary Conterno (1 lap)
Dave Lomont (4 laps)
Floyd Alvis (6 laps)
Dan Gundo (DNF)
JR Williams (DNF)
Lonny Alton (DNF)
Chad Nichols (DNF)
Ken Nichols (DNF)

NCMA Sprints-30 laps

David Goodwill
Eric Humphries (-1.820)
Gordon Rogers (-4.143)
Denny Burrel (-6.107)
Carl Mott (-6.397)
Don Arriaz (2 laps)

Hobby Stocks-29 laps

Ryan Hart
Ivan Scorsur (-6.980)
Jason Fisher (-8.805)
Don Selsor (3 laps)

Toyota Sedans-30 laps

Kyle Fortney
Donnie Large Jr. (-2.822)
Chris Rabe (-3.292)
Dean Gould (1 lap)
Ed Rodriquez (2 laps)
Thomas Thomas (7 laps)

Modified Super Toyotas

Kevin Thompson

Qualifying - 2 laps:

360/410 Super Modifieds

Eric Silsby-12.200
Kyle Vanderpool-12.225
Jim Birges-12.344
Chad Nichols-12.451
Tim Skoglund-12.612
Cody Gerhardt-13.283
Mark Beck-13.608
Tom Baker-13.785

NCMA Sprints

Eric Humphries-13.756*
Gordon Rogers-13.939
Carl Mott-13.996
David Goodwill-14.026
Denny Burell-14.161
Audra Sasseli-14.281
Don Arriaz-15.263

Toyota Sedans

Kyle Fortney-18.168
Chris Rabe-18.330
Donnie Large Jr.-18.357
Ed Rodriguez-18.440
Dean Gould-19.068
Thomas Thomas-23.085

USAC/BCRA Midgets

David Goodwill-13.615
Kody Swanson-13.746
Kevin Morris-13.820
Frankie Guerrini-13.903
Darrin Snider-13.976
Dan Gundo-14.143
Gary Conterno-14.446
Floyd Alvis-14.565
Dave Lomont-15.201
Lonny Alton-15.392
Chad Nichols-16.683

Hobby Stocks

Ivan Scorsur-18.497
Jason Fisher-19.187
Ryan Hart-19.214
Don Selsor-21.925

Madera Speedway - Melo's Gas & Gear Night
Media Release - March 16, 2013
Media Relations - Ronald D. Montez

Thorn takes 151-lap Spears SRL race in LoanMart Madera Speedway opener!

Madera, CA - After nearly a five-month layoff, the LoanMart Madera Speedway returned back to action on Saturday, March 16, 2013 with the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series Melo's Gas & Gear 151 presented by 51 FIFTY Energy Drink featuring the Legends of the Pacific, SRL S2 Late Model Series, LunkerDaddy Limited Late Models, Toyota Sedans and the 18-Second Bracket Race.

The defending SRL Spears Southwest Tour series champion Derek Thorn was the big winner in the 151-lap main as he held on to place ahead of Jim Pettit II, who broke Thorn's qualifying track record time with a mark of 13.482. Thorn set the record last season with a time of 13.942.

"This car is phenomenal and it's great to start off the season like this," Thorn said after the race in the winner's circle.

After taking the lead away from fourth place finisher M.K. Kanke on Lap 45, Thorn had Pettit directly behind him for the remaining 106 laps.

"It was good to have him right there with me but of course you want your competition to be slower than you," Thorn said. "I was able to make a move early to get around him and that played a key in allowing me to set my pace with him following just close enough where I could see him in my mirror."

In the 26-car race that had as many as 12 not finish in a very rough main with 11 total restarts - including one when a red flag momentarily stopped the race - it was Thorn and Pettit that were able to separate themselves from the rest of the field.

"He's always competitive," Thorn said of Pettit. "We raced against each other all of last year so we know each other's driving styles pretty well. It was nice to get him behind us so we could set our pace."

Like Thorn, another defending champ that has started the season off on a high note is Tony "the Tiger" Schmitz. After dominating the division last season, Schmitz wrapped up his 40-lap main with a win in the LunkerDaddy Late Models race.

Schmitz took the lead on Lap 3 and never looked back as finished ahead of runner-up Aaron Mullins and "Racin" Jason Aguirre, who took third.

"It wasn't easy by any means," Schmitz said. "I'm going to have my work cut out for me with Matt (Erickson) and Jason out here."

Erickson, who won the six-lap trophy dash earlier in the day, broke Schmitz' track qualifying record with a new fast time of 15.224.

Like Erickson and Pettit, Trevor Huddleston also set a track record with a time of 15.549 in the SRL S-2 Late Models qualifying.

After 24 laps of clean racing to start off the Legends of the Pacific main, there were two cautions in the final 11 including one that drew a red flag on Lap 29 that ended with Brent Scheidemantle taking the 35-lap race.

On the Lap 29 restart in which fans voted to keep the race going, Scheidemantle was able to stay in control of the main and pulled comfortably away from Donny St. Ours in the final two laps.

Other winners on the night included Donnie Large Jr. (Toyota Sedans); Kenny Smith (SRL S-2 Late Models) and Donny Darter (18 Second Bracket Race).

The Madera Speedway returns for more racing drama next Saturday, March 23, 2012 in the Winged World Series presented by Pabst Blue Ribbon Round No. 1 Supers vs. Winged Sprints, USAC/BCRA Midgets, NCAM, MST, Toyota Sedans, Hobby Stocks, 4-Bangers, Mini Cup, Valley Sportsman, Vintage Super Modifieds, Vintage BCRA, and the 18 Second Bracket Race.

Results

Main

SRL - 150
Derek Thorn
Jim Pettit II
Jason Gilbert
M.K. Kanke
Colby Potts
Carlos Vieira
Brandon Loverock
Jacob Gomes
Ken Benhamou
Scott Sanchez
Greg Voigt
Michael Sandoval
Bobby Hodges
Jeremy Doss
Mike Mendenhall
Zane Lovelace
Justin Westmoreland
Donny St. Ours
Ross Strmiska
Keith Spangler
Dave Byrd
Austin Barnes
Eddie Secord
Jeff Bischofberger
David Ross
Jonathon Gomez

Legends - 35 Laps
Brent Scheidemantle
Donny St. Ours
Chad Schug
Luis Tyrrell
Darren Amidon
Danny Allen
Ricky Schlick
Cameron Austin
Matt Baxter
Kevin Cadieux
Joe Leduc
Logan Zampa
Brian Mallin
Chase Majdic
Zach Frazer
Hollis Thackeray
Buddy Sheperd
Julia Landauer
Blaine Perkins
Brandon Weaver
Cody Berger
Cale Kanke
Johnanthan St. Ours
Jeff Baxter
Parker Malone
Jason Figura
Racin Vernon

LunkerDaddy Late Models - 40 Laps
Tony Schmitz
Aaron Mullins
Jason Aguirre
Emma Tucker
Donnie Large
Matt Erickson
Nastasia Dodd
Howard Holden
Sheldon Cooper

S-2 Main 1 - 25 Laps
Kenny Smith
Ryan Cansdale
Ricky Schlick
Daryl Scoggins
Bill Waters
Trevor Huddleston
Ulises Perez
Cory Elliot
Cody Ware
Gary Waters

18-Second Bracket Race
Donny Darter
Brett Wasson
Kyle Fortney
Chris Rabe
Chris Altuvilla

Toyota Sedans - 30 Laps
Donnie Large Jr.
Kyle Fortney
Chris Rabe
Ed Rodriguez
Tyler Johnson

Trophy Dash - 6 Laps

LunkerDaddy Late Models
Matt Erickson
Tony Schmitz
Jason Aguirre
Emma Tucker

LunkerDaddy Late Models - Dash 2
Aaron Mullins
Nastasia Dodd
Donnie Large
Sheldon Cooper
Howard Holden

Toyota Sedans
Kyle Fortney
Chris Rabe
Donnie Large Jr.
Tyler Johnson

Qualifying - 2 Laps

SRL
Jim Pettitt 13.482*
Derek Thorn 13.608
Zane Lovelace 13.625
Ross Strmiska 13.633
Jacob Gomes 13.674
Austin Barnes 13.702
M.K. Kanke 13.774
Jason Gilbert 13.809
Greg Voigt 13.825
Eddie Secord 13.842
Bobby Hodges 13.843
Keith Spangler 13.856
Brandon Loverock 13.863
Donny St. Ours 13.868
Carlos Vieira 13.911
Colby Potts 13.949
Michael Sandoval 13.973
David Ross 13.986
Ken Benhamou 14.006
Jonathon Gomez 14.013
Scott Sanchez 14.020
Mike Mendenhall 14.026
Justin Westoreland 14.059
Jeremy Doss 14.087
Dave Byrd 14.223
Jeff Bischolfberger 14.241

Legends
Cale Kanke 15.967
Cameron Austin 16.016
Danny Allen 16.043
Brent Scheidemantle 16.062
Logan Zampa 16.119
Ricky Schlick 16.130
Donny St. Ours 16.235
Luis Tyrrell 16.237
Chad Schug 16.257
Darren Amadon 16.282
Brandon Weaver 16.344
Julia Landauer 16.386
Blaine Perkins 16.387
Parker Malone 16.403
Buddy Sheperd 16.416
Chase Majdic 16.421
Brian Mallin 16.423
Kevin Cadieux 16.497
Johnathan St. Ours 16.501
Joe Leduc 16.598
Matt Baxter 16.616
Hollis Thackeray 16.635
Jeff Baxter 16.693
Racin Vernon 16.871
Cody Berger 16.956
Zach Frazer 17.043
Jason Figura 17.573

LunkerDaddy Late Models
Matt Erickson 15.224*
Tony Schmitz 15.496
Jason Aguirre 15.785
Emma Tucker 15.886
Aaron Mullins 16.160
Nastasia Dodd 16.340
Donnie Large 16.379
Howard Holden 16.427

Toyota Sedans
Kyle Fortney 18.122
Tyler Johnson 18.227
Chris Rabe 18.286
Donnie Large 18.306
Ed Rodriguez 18.586

*New Track Record

Pabst Blue Ribbon is Onboard for the Winged World Series

Madera, CA (2.27.13) - Pabst Blue Ribbon signed on as title sponsor of the new Winged World Series based at the LoanMart Madera Speedway. The new series will be named the Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World Series and features Winged Sprint cars racing against the Super Modifieds.

"We are very excited to have Pabst Blue Ribbon on board for the first year of this new series, our vision is big for this series and to have the support of a major brand like Pabst Blue Ribbon is a great start" Kenny Shepherd.

The first race of the new series is March 23rd 2013; there are a total of six races in the series at the LoanMart Madera Speedway in 2013, March 23rd, May 4th, June 8th, July 13th, August 10th and September 14th. All events will include non-winged midget and non-winged spec sprint races. The September 14th event also features a multi-engine tractor pull, and an appearance by BIGFOOT the world famous monster truck.

Shepherd adds " the idea for this series is something we have discussed for some time now, make the rules simple, competition close, the winged action great for the fans, and the payout big for the teams. We have been working close with several key engine builders and the idea is to make sure the 410, or 360 engine can be competitive in either a sprint car or a super."

Plans for the series starting in 2014 include a five-six race series of events at the LoanMart Madera Speedway, with a select group of traveling events at other tracks to make up a nine race championship series. There is talk about a North/South Shootout two race event (Pavement Civil War) featuring the best of the Southwestern States, against the best of the Northwestern States as part of the series. The Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World Series could even include a division of winged midgets in the traveling shows for 2014.

For more information about the Pabst Blue Ribbon Winged World Series including dates, purses and rules click here

BIGFOOT IS COMING to the LOANMART MADERA SPEEDWAY

Madera, CA. (2.13.13) - The world famous monster truck named Bigfoot that started the monster truck craze is coming to the LoanMart Madera Speedway on September 14th! Bigfoot is going to thrill the crowd by performing a car jump and a smash.

If that date sounds familiar it is because it is the 41st Annual Harvest Classic, and this one is set to be the biggest in high horsepower entertainment in the history of the Harvest Classic. The schedule on September 14th includes Bigfoot, multi-engine tractor pulls, the supercharged diesel tractor pulls, the Winged World Super Modifieds Vs Winged Sprints, USAC/BCRA Midgets, NCMA non-winged sprints and the Vintage Super Modifieds!

The Harvest Classic will once again spotlight "Protect the Harvest", and "Families Protecting the Valley" to gain awareness for our friends in the agriculture field.

The LoanMart Madera Speedway explodes into action March 16th with the Spears Southwest Tour Melo's Gas and Gear 151 presented by 5150 Energy Drink.

Madera Speedway Media Relations / for immediate release
LOANMART LATE MODEL SERIES GAINS Serious BONUS BUCKS

Madera, CA (1.25.13) - The LoanMart Late Model Series is not only growing to an eight race series at the LoanMart Madera Speedway in 2013, it is also growing some serious "Bonus Bucks" from LoanMart and Hoosier racing tires for its competitors.
The total amount of guaranteed bonus money, and first place winnings is now $13,200 for the eight race series!

Each of the eight races will pay a guaranteed $1,000 to win thanks to LoanMart, and there is $2,000 in bonus money up for grabs courtesy of LoanMart on championship night for the series, which happens to be the same night as the World Famous "Pumpkin Smash" on October 19th, 2013.

All drivers in the top twenty in points in the series are eligible for the Bonus Bucks on the final race of the 2013 series. The highest finisher in the top twenty in points on championship night will receive $1,000 in LoanMart Bonus Cash, plus their payout for the race. So if that driver wins the race they will receive $2,000, $1,000 in bonus bucks and $1,000 for the race win.

The second highest finisher on championship night that is in the top twenty in points will receive a $500 bonus in addition to their regular payout, and the third and fourth highest finishers in the top twenty in points will receive $250 each in LoanMart Bonus Cash.

Thanks to Hoosier racing tires there will also be a blind draw after each race, two lucky drivers will take home some extra cash for just starting the main event. The Hoosier blind draw happens in victory lane after each race, the first car number drawn will receive a $200 bonus, and the second car number drawn will receive a $100 bonus.

If that is not enough LoanMart has put up another $100 for each race in the series for the fastest qualifier.
LoanMart has a history of getting loans to their customers fast, and in that same tradition all the prize money and bonus bucks will be paid out to the competitors the night of the event.

The LoanMart Late Model Series is designed to be fan and racer friendly with one race per month during the season. The dates are March 30th, April 27th, May 25th, June 15th, July 20th, August 10th, September 21st, and October 19th.

The first race of the eight race LoanMart Late Model Series is March 30th, the first race of the 2013 Madera Speedway season is March 16th featuring the Spears Southwest Tour 151 presented by Fifty One Fifty Energy Drink.

The LoanMart Madera Speedway is the place to be for great motorsports entertainment in 2013.

Madera Speedway Media Relations / for Immediate Release
The Stage is Set, the 2013 LoanMart Madera Speedway Schedule is Released

Madera, CA (1.18.13) - The 2013 racing schedule is out and the LoanMart Madera Speedway is ready to roar into action for the upcoming season. Fans will enjoy a mixture of big open wheel events, big stock car events, the best in local racing action, and some unique events for the thrill seekers.

The Speedway opens March 16th with the first of two Spears Southwest Tour races, then March 23rd features the first of six great open wheel nights with the Super Modifieds verses the Winged Sprints, then March 30th is race one of eight in the LoanMart Open Late Model Series. Three big weeks to get the season kicked off in big horsepower fashion!

Several long running traditional events grace the calendar once again for the 2013 season including the Al Pombo Classic, the Gerhardt Classic, the Vukovich Classic, the Smoky Hanoian Classic, and the Harvest Classic.

The third annual Lucas Oil Summertime Horsepower Nationals hits the LoanMart Madera Speedway in July, and if this is anything like the first two events, this is a cannot miss event for fans.

Fans that enjoy cars slipping, sliding, and spinning out in soap and water will be happy to hear there is a four race championship for the crazy Enduro drivers, race one of the Enduro series is in April.

The season concludes October 19th with the seventh annual Pumpkin Smash, and this has become one of the greatest outings for young and old fans alike. This is also Championship night for the LoanMart Open Late Model Series with big bonus bucks on the line, so this is set to be one wild night.

"We have worked very hard to make this the strongest schedule we could for our fans and drivers, we are still working on additions to the schedule that include a monster truck event, and we have a sponsor agreement nearly complete for the open wheel events, so we have more great news to come over the next few weeks" Kenny Shepherd.

From Super Modifieds, to Winged Sprint Cars, Midgets, Legends, Touring Late Models, Touring Modifieds, Open Late Models, Multi-Engine Tractor Pulls, Hobby Stocks, Sedans, to the Vintage cars and everything in between, the LoanMart Madera Speedway is the place to get your racing thrills in 2013!

Madera Speedway Media Relations / for Immediate release
LoanMart Joins the Madera Speedway Team as the Premier Marketing Partner for 2013

Madera, CA (1.17.13) - Management at the Madera Speedway is proud to announce LoanMart as a sponsor of the Madera Speedway for the 2013 season. This week an agreement was completed and LoanMart became the premier marketing partner of the Madera Speedway for 2013.

Fans will see the LoanMart logo in victory lane, on billboards at each end of the track, on the pace car, safety trucks, at the ticket booth, in the grandstands and all over the LoanMart Late Model Series. Fans will also see the LoanMart logo right beside the Madera Speedway logo where ever it shows up in 2013.

Loan Mart will become the title sponsor for year number two of the popular Open Late Model Series at the Madera Speedway. It will be called the LoanMart Open Late Models Series and is growing from six races to an eight race, once a month schedule. The bonus money will increase for this series thanks to LoanMart, Hoosier Racing Tires, and a soon to be announced Adult Beverage Company.

"We are excited, and pleased to have found a partner in LoanMart, a very professional growing company that wants to expand their brand in our region. We are a growing race track operation with a big megaphone in this territory, so this has potential to be a very strong, long term relationship. In fact, we are so excited about this deal that every time you see or hear Madera Speedway, LoanMart is going to be right beside it" Kenny Shepherd.

LoanMart Marketing Director Colby Estes adds, "We're excited to be a premier marketing partner with Madera Speedway, not only does this give us a presence in the Central Valley's racing community but expands our companies branding efforts in California."

The first race event of the 2013 schedule is March 16th and the Madera Speedway wastes no time reeving up the big engines as it is the Spears Southwest Tour 151 presented by Fifty One Fifty Energy Drink. March 23rd features round one of the six race series that puts the Super Modifieds head to head with the Winged Sprints, then March 30th is race one of eight in the LoanMart Late Model Open Series. Three red hot weekends of racing will kick off the 2013 LoanMart Madera Speedway schedule.

The complete 2013 schedule is set to be released Friday the 17th.

For more information about LoanMart go to www.loanmart.com.

Drivers reflect on exciting season at the Madera Speedway banquet!

Madera, CA - With the 2012 racing season in the books for the Madera Speedway, an assortment of drivers from all nine of its classes gathered Friday evening, November 16, 2012, at the Hatfield Hall for the end of year awards banquet and dinner.

During the ceremony, individual drivers along with Speedway crew members were recognized for their outstanding work and set of accomplishments throughout the eight-month long season that included 22 spectacular racing events.

From the Coors Light Late Model Series to the 4-Bangers, each division's honorees took to the stage and received trophies/plaques for certain categories including Track Champion, Rookie-of-the-Year and Most Improved Driver along with the Sportsman of the Year.

Emotional recipients of the well-earned hardware also used the platform to thank everyone involved in their racing success from Speedway management to family and friends.

It was a very memorable season filled with big-time shows put on by those drivers who were also the first ones to race on the Speedway's newly paved track surface.

"It was the most important year in the history of the Madera Speedway," said Kenny Shepherd, CEO of Short Track Management. "This place opened in 1971 and we repaved it this season. We put so much energy back into the place and you could see it tonight with how positive it was in this room with racers. We're just one big team and it's great for our track."

The season officially ended on October 20 in the 6th Annual Pumpkin Smash and Blow Up featuring Race No. 6 to win $1,000 in the Open Late Model Series along with 18-Second Bracket Race, Hobby Stocks open, and 4-Bangers open.

When it was all said and done, there was one driver that topped them all after the points were tallied up for the Coors Light Open Late Model Series championship.

That Late Model driver was Matt Erickson, who earned the most points out of six 100-lap races this season on "The Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West" to clinch his first ever championship in that class.

Even with the sixth-place finish in that final race, Erickson edged out Dallas Montes - 273-268 - in total points to clinch the Coors Light Late Model Series track championship.

Taking the title wasn't even a thought for Erickson when he entered the season but with some early success and help from a big-time sponsor, a track crown became highly possible.

"The first two races we were going to go out and just have fun with those guys but we ended up with a third place finish and a win with the street stock, so I figured I might actually have a chance at winning this," he said.

Erickson's first win of the season was on April 28 on Gene Adams Paving Night after taking third place in the season opener.

"After those races, I put together our Late Model and kind of struggled ever since we built it but then we had some help from the NASCIMENTO motor sports and some extra help with racer Greg Potts," Erickson said. "After winning in that street stock, I figured we could actually pull off a championship but knew it would've been tough without sponsors. Before them, I've been putting every dime into my car. They've been helping me get the car dialed in by giving me some extra advice and I've been taking it in."

For Erickson, it's a title he will cherish after taking second to Kyle Gottula in the 2009 Late Models class.

"This championship means a lot, especially with all those high-dollar teams that showed up all year long and got more motor than my car," said said. "But we got the car to rotate in corners and if you can be better off in the corners than the other guy, it makes it look like you got more motor than them and just beat them down the straightaway. Pretty much without my sponsor help, that car would've only made two races. So they helped make it better each week, it's like night and day."

It was also a very exciting racing season for the local classes as five drivers earned track championships back on September 29.

In the LunkerDaddy Late Models class, it was Tony Schmitz that capped off a near perfect season with a win in the 30-lap main and claimed his first title.

"It's been a long time coming," Schmitz proclaimed after he won the last race of the season. "We've been in this for 26 years and we finally won a championship. It's finally here, I started racing 26 years ago and we just put a good season!"

After Jason Aguirre won the first two races of the season, it was Schmitz that won nine out of the last 10 races including seven in a row to finish first in points with 903.

"You just have to keep trying every year," Schmitz said in his post-race speech. "We love racing and enjoy it because it's so much fun. First time we've ever chased points all the way until the end and we made it! It feels really good and we wanted to win the championship. When we started the season, I told my wife that I'm going to win the title this year and showed up here with the thought that I'm going to win every race so I can be the champion."

Local high school student Emma Tucker was named the Rookie of the Year in the class and was very grateful for the honors, thanking everyone involved in her young racing career. Tucker led in some races throughout the season and proved she could hang with the rest of the field.

The most competitive division by far this season was in the Toyota Sedans class won by Jarred Tickel, who narrowly edged out his dad, Bud Tickel, in points 1042-1031 for the title.

"It's great and a good deal to win, I'm stoked about it," Jarred Tickel said. "I love racing with my dad and coming out here, it's just a family deal with my cousins also pit crewing for us. It's just a family-oriented activity and coming out here on Saturdays was fun."

The defending champ Tickel opened the season with an emotional win and won four mains throughout the year while having constant top three finishes.

"It goes to back to the beginning of the season, we had rough times with my aunt passing from cancer and it feels good to win it for her," he said after the race. "She was a big fan of mine and wouldn't miss a race ever, so I dedicated the win to her."

Bud Tickel finished the season with five main wins overall in a class with the featured healthy competition while Tim Curtis was the Most Improved Driver.

"It was a blast and good clean fun," Jarred Tickel said. "It wasn't like somebody just dominated and won all the races, everybody was fighting and battling it out just to try to come out with a win. Everybody was getting faster and faster throughout the year, it was just fun."

Kyle Fortney doubled up as the Toyota Sedan's Rookie Driver of the Year and also won a championship driving that Sedan in the first-year of the 18 Second Bracket Race division.

Another close chase for the points was in the Hobby Stocks Class as Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Driver Ryan Hart battled Frank Mazzei all season long.

Mazzei assured himself the track title after winning the first six races of the season and the final one to finish with a total of 1,158 points.

"It was a great year," Mazzei said as he was dosed with champagne after celebrating in the winner's circle in the championship race. "Winning the title after coming back my first year with my crew, you can't ask for much more."

Hart, who started the year slow but picked up a full head of steam midway through the season with the help from Mazzei, also won six in a row as both drivers had the same amount of main wins heading into the final race.

"I wanted to help Ryan," Mazzei said. "He's a likable kid and I didn't want to dominate the field. I won six and he won six, tonight was the tie-breaker and I told him that no matter what happens, me and him became good friends. Ryan was a special guy and I helped him."

Like the Hobby Stocks and Toyota Sedans class, the MST division was down to the wire between drivers for points.

It was John McCollum Jr. topped the division in points with 1,067 to win the championship.

Sportsman of the Year driver Kevin Thompson, who won his first six races of the season and seven overall, finished second in points with 1049.

McCollum's dad, John Sr., was named the Most Improved Driver as it was a successful season for the McCollum's who combined for eight wins this year.

"It just means the world to me to win the title," John McCollum Jr. said. "I grew up watching my dad race and were big NASCAR fans. By watching everyone win championships, the main goal of mine was to just win a championship once. To be able to race my dad and actually beat him on the track is just tremendous. I look up to him, he's my hero and to be able to beat him at something he does best is a great feeling."

McCollum Jr. was clearly the season's most consistent driver in the class.

"I wasn't sure if I was going to win the title but I knew anything can happen," he said. "It was the last night of racing and people kind of go crazy, so I just had to focus on my race and I was able to do that and keep all four tires on the track."

One of the most dominant drivers of the season was Tyler Johnson, of Dos Palos, in the 4-Bangers division.

Johnson won the track championship and voted as the Most Improved Driver of the Year in the 4-Bangers.

Johnson, owner of seven mains this season, finished with 1,199 points.

"We set the season off with the goals to be champion and we just really wanted stay active and consistent," he said. "We just kept the car together week to week and came here to race every time and have fun and win as much as we could. All in all, it came out to be a great total of being a champion, so it feels awesome."

With a title under his belt, what's next for Johnson?

"I'm thinking we're going to try to run some more bracket racing with the new 18 series that Kenny (Shepherd) started and see if we can run an exact 18 second time," he said. "If not, we'll try to run some 4-Bangers and see where it takes us."

Nastasia Dodd was named the Rookie of the Year in the class. Dodd won two races this season as she finished ahead of Johnson in both of those main victories.

410/360 Super Modified champion Kyle Vanderpool was also presented with the track champion trophy as he out-gained Lance Tatro, 90-72, in points.

But it was perfectly made clear at the banquet that there was absolutely nothing but mutual respect for the two drivers as the multi-champion veteran Tatro congratulated the up-and-coming race star Vanderpool on a great season and further success.

The banquet also doubled up as a charity event and auction that raised a nice amount of money for children's causes.

Though the track will go dark for the winter, expect even more amazing shows next season.

"2013 will be the biggest season in the history of the Madera Speedway," Shepherd said. "From the Bigfoot Monster truck coming to the winged-world series that we've created that is coming out. A new sponsor for the Open Late Model Series with eight races, two SRL Southwest Tours, we just can't wait to go."

Next season's opener is slated for Saturday, March 16, 2013 featuring what Shepherd calls the biggest line up to ever hit the Madera Speedway with the Spears Southwest Tour, the Winged Sprints vs Super Mods, Winged Midgets and the Legends of the Pacific.

November 10th Winged Sprints Verses Super Modifieds is Postponed to March 2013

After taking many phone calls from race teams and fans traveling a long distance to get to the Madera Speedway on November 10th the decision has been made to postpone the November 10th race due to the poor weather conditions forecast for this weekend. We understand the high cost of fuel and agreed to make the decision early in the week rather than late in the week as we normally do.

There will still be an OPEN PRACTICE November 10th from Noon to 3pm. This will be a FREE practice to all teams and all fans. Again, this will be a FREE practice to all teams and fans. This is designed to get data off the winged sprints and supers to allow us to build towards next season with this program. All other race cars are welcome to get more seat time at no charge as well.

The opening date of the 2013 Madera Speedway schedule is March 16th, and the plan for the line-up at this point is the Winged Sprints verses the Super Modifieds, the Spears SRL Southwest Tour, the Midgets, and the Legends of the Pacific!

So if you want to run your car for FREE come out to the Madera Speedway this Saturday, if you are a race fan come out to the Madera Speedway this Saturday and check out some cool cars up close, for FREE.

Kenny Shepherd