2016 racing season is in the books
Speedway Media, BAKERSFIELD, CA. (November 20, 2016) – Ronnie Gardner motored to an impressive USAC Western States Midget victory Saturday night as the race capped off the 71st season at the 1/3-mle high banked clay oval.
While the Corona, CA. native bested the USAC Midget field, other Bakersfield Speedway winners included Brody Schweitzer in American Stocks, Chad Johnson in IMCA Stock Cars, Brent Hosfeldt in Hobby Stock action and Jett Yantis in Mini Dwarfs.
18 USAC Midgets checked in Saturday for their final tune up before the 76th running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ventura Raceway. Current 2016 Western States point leader Gardner led the final nine laps of the feature to grab another victory at the Bakersfield Speedway. Frankie Guerrini jumped out to an early lead in the 30 lap feature but eventually gave way to Gardner on lap 21 but held on for a solid second place finish. Chad Boat finished third followed by Cory Elliott and Courty Crone rounding out the top five.
In Central Valley Tanks IMCA Stock Car action, Chad Johnson of Bakersfield made the most of his front row starting position by racing to his first victory of 2016 in the IMCA Stock Car division.2015 track champion Troy Patee finished second followed by newly crowned 2016 track champion Steven Johnson, Renn Bane and Devan Jones rounding out the top five finishers.
Brent Hosfeldt of Porterville, CA. capitalized on a perfect handling car in the Hobby Stocks presented by H&S Body Works action by taking the checkered flag ahead of Tate Loftis and Michael Scruggs. Scruggs took the early lead from his number one starting position and was eventually ran down by Hosfeldt. Hosfeldt came from the outside third row starting spot and never looked back after grabbing the top spot. Joe Baker ended up fourth followed by Steven Johnson in fifth.
Brody Schweitzer of Bakersfield grabbed his fourth main event win of 2016 in his rookie season of the Johasee Rebar American Stocks in impressive fashion over the 10 car field Saturday night. Schweitzer took the green flag from his fifth place starting spot and wasted no time using the high side of the race track to get out front. With only one caution the entire race, Schweitzer led the remaining laps and took the checkered flag for the fourth time this season. Nicholas Johnson finished second followed by Dakota Brown, Dylan Wilson and Clint Duncan all from Bakersfield.
In Mini Dwarf action, Jett Yantis of Bakersfield made fast work of the 15 car field of Mini Dwarf cars as for the first time this season both Jr & Sr mini dwarf racers were combined in the first annual mini dwarf challenge. Yantis the 2016 Jr mini dwarf track champion started sixth in the field and was leading by lap three and never looked back. Seth Wise crossed the line in second followed by Hank hall, Tailer Morrison and Ryley Millard.
Bakersfield Speedway ended its 71st racing season Saturday night and will now start gearing up for 2017. Opening night is already set for March 4th. Mark your calendars now as the West’s Fastest 1/3 Mile High Banked Clay Oval will be back in action then.
Bakersfield Speedway would like to thank its major marketing partners: Budweiser, Advance Beverage, Coca-Cola, Monster Energy, Motor City GMC, Melo’s Gas and Gear, West Air Gases, H&S Body Works, Diamond IT, Central Valley Tanks, RealFast.tv, Mid-Cal Fabrication, Hungry Hunter Restaurant, Del Taco and Cowboy Bail Bonds.
For more information, you can visit Bakersfield speedway online at www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call the event info line at (661) 393-3373. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instgram for race updates all season.
