By Jim Allen
June 21, 1996
Contact: (916) 721-6272
You've read about it, you've heard people talking about it, and now...,
finally..., it's time to partake in another exciting multi-day California open
wheel extravaganza know as Speedweek. Some consumer testing determined that
most race fans were not thoroughly exhausted after only six NARC shows last
year, so another was added to the fast paced adventure. It also was the one
and only way to truly state that Speedweek '96 will be
"the fastest week of your life."
Just to wet your appetite on what to expect, here is a quick track by track
Speedweek '96 preview:
Placerville Speedway:
More things can happen in one lap at P-ville then in an entire main event at
most racetracks. It's small and tricky, banked and sticky, and dusty all at
the same time, and it marks NARC's only visit of the season to the tightest
bullring in the Golden State. The past ten NARC races at P-ville have produced
a somewhat astounding eight different winners, making it "thee" most
unpredictable track on the tour. Former track regular Greg DeCaires and Steve
Kent lead the bunch with two wins. Speaking of which, look for a former track
regular to win this opener. Bring your goggles and a yard blower to remove the
red dust sheen off your car afterwards.
By the way, lap traffic at P-ville becomes a factor after only a couple of laps, making it a cat and mouse chase contest of who can zig and zag the best. Ancient legend has it that a driver once checked out in a Placerville feature. He won by 2-car lengths.
Twin Cities Raceway:
You've probably seen bigger grandstands at your kid's high school football
game. However, while Marysville's grandstand area provides flashbacks to the
1960's, the race track is definitely mainstream 1990's. Track Manager Mel Hall
is as proactive as his budget allows, consistently breaking out the heavy
equipment to make subtle, but effective changes to the facility. The track has
been continuously reshaped and widened to promoter better racing. It's bigger
than P-ville, but smaller than Chico, which makes negotiating traffic a must
to win here. Also, with all the changes, nobody in the field will have any
advantage over anybody else in the field (with exception of a few track
regulars).
And..., the pit area has been expanded to better accommodate the official home of the Jimmy Sills School of Open Wheel Racing. If Sills stays away from lap traffic, or the other way around, Sills will end up on the podium. Don't count out either of the Allard boys!
How about that new bathroom seating?
Silver Dollar Speedway:
If there is going to be an upset, it's probably going to happen here. Why? Due
to uncontrollable winds and wet weather, the Silver Dollar high banks have
been unpredictable and somewhat confusing to many competitors this season.
Randy Hannagan won a GSC feature on a narrow dry one. Paul McMahan captured a
thrilling three groove/three car hooked-up shootout at the
Budweiser Summer Nationals on a wide
wet one. The regular Friday night shows have also dished up a smorgasboard of
track surfaces.
However, after witnessing the McMahan-Kaeding-Kent Summer National race-o-rama, promoter and ace water truck spray man John Padjen is bound to have the floodgates blasting wide open. In other words, expect a hook 'em up, ride it rough, kidney jarring, mud spraying dirt track. Then again..., maybe not! If it's wet, everybody will be fast.
However, the fast qualifier will not win the feature and whoever does, will have to contend with the Chico master himself -- Brent Kaeding. If Jason Statler is going to win a race this year, this will be the place.
Randy Tiner - white courtesy phone!
San Jose Speedway:
The newest addition to the Speedweek calendar promises to host one of the
largest crowds in track history. You can chalk that up to an extensive
fireworks program and approximately 100 sprint cars (NARC and NASCAR 360's).
Of all the places that NARC visits, this place probably has the most exclusive
winners list. It sorts out the pretenders from the contenders better than any
other track on the NARC-Budweiser trail.
In the 1990's, only an elite few have managed to win on the 1/3 miler. They include Tim Green (8), Brent Kaeding (4), Steve Kent (3), Ronnie Day (1), Lee Brewer (1), and Paul McMahan (1) -- that's it! Don't expect an upset of any kind, just good quality racing among the "King of California's" and other big track masters. Be patriotic and wear something red, white and blue. Better yet, buy a Speedweek T-shirt. If you're going to eat a real good Speedweek meal, this will be the place it's going to happen.
Petaluma Speedway:
Welcome to the most secure race track in California.
With its high barb-wire fences and gung-ho security guards, this place could be converted into a prison in a moments notice. Reliable sources reveal that promoter John Soares is just trying to protect his prized investment, the most precious gumbo clay know to man.
Last years Speedweek non-stop feature easily rates as one of the top five NARC features of all-time. Those things happen when a veteran promoter delivers a smooth, hooked-up, multi-line, gumbo racetrack. Soares reputation as a dirt scientist and track prep expert always rides on the quality of his gumbo. Count on another perfect racetrack.
Is that a gun turret?
Calistoga Speedway:
If you had to pick only one race to watch at Calistoga each year, the
Speedweek event has to be the one. Just picture Jimmy Sills holding off Kevin
Pylant at the checkered to win by four feet last year, or Steve Kent's
thrilling last corner pass of Brent Kaeding in '94. Or..., the popular Randy
Tiner winning the rescheduled and very lucrative GP race in '93. Heck, if that
doesn't get you pumped up, Calistoga will even throw in its annual USAC/BCRA
midget shootout, it's county fair, a variety of farm animals, pig races, and a
carnival. Can you say standing room only?
The top five in this feature will have the last names of McMahan, Kent, Kaeding, and Green. The keys to success on the half-miler is staying out of the turn four pond, away from the backstretch fencing, and away from the Miller beer stand. Ask for Budweiser beer by name! After all, it is the official sponsor of the Northern Auto Racing Club, the people who put on the show! Buy a Bud, or don't buy anything at all!
Is that B.S. on the bottom of my shoe? You know what... it is!
Antioch Speedway:
You know why Antioch host the finale of Speedweek? Because they deserve to!
NARC could race at this place any day of the week, and Antioch open wheel
enthusiasts will come out and pack the place. They get loud, buy lots of NARC
paraphernalia, and leave with a smile on their face and a new hero in their
heart. You want to hear loud, just listen to the response the four abreast
parade lap gets at this quarter miler. It will give you chills!
As far as track preparation, many think it's done by a coin flip. Heads - it gets water. Tails - the water truck is out of gas. Either way, NARC always seems to dish up a classic at this place. However, the best wheel to wheel classics are usually performed on tails! Anybody running in the top ten in NARC points has a strong chance to win here. Can you say photo finish?
Until then.... let's get ready to "RRRRRRUUMBLE!"
Look for a new updated HAMMERDOWN! race program at each Speedweek event. If not, take a look at those new HAMMERDOWN! shot glasses or the new "Big Kahone's Club" T-shirt.
Randy Tiner will be driving Duke McMillen's Hansen Hauler JB during Speedweek.
Coming to you live from 5408 Berwick Moor Place, Antelope, CA 95843.
See ya!
Click here to return to the NARC Home Page.