Johnson, Schank Win At Petaluma

It was the second round of the four race PitStopUSA.com Six Shooter Series for Winged 360 Sprint Cars and Wingless Spec Sprints on the fast, 3/8th mile Petaluma Speedway adobe oval. When the checkers fell on the Sprint Car races, it was Chase Johnson (Winged 360 Sprints) and Terry Schank Jr. (Wingless Spec Sprints) grabbing the wins. Other wins were collected by Oreste Gonella (IMCA Modifieds), Matt Hagerman (Dwarf Cars) and Darien Balestrini (Mini Stocks).


A strong showing of PitStopUSA.com Winged 360 Sprint Cars saw Seth Nunes win a heat race ahead of D.J. Freitas. Kurt Nelson won his heat ahead of Roberto Kirby, while Riley Matson won his heat over Geoff Ensign. Nelson had a front row start for the Main Event and was an early leader ahead of division veteran Andy Forsberg and Nunes. Johnson settled into an early fourth. Nelson fell out on Lap eight as Forsberg took command ahead of Nunes and Johnson. Johnson slipped past Nunes for third on lap ten and would eventually overtake Forsberg by lap 20. Once he got the lead, Johnson stayed smooth and brought it home to a well earned victory. Forsberg settled for second ahead of Ensign, Kenny Drew, Klint Simpson, Kirby, Bradley Terrell, John Clarke, Anthony Restad and Aaron Miller.


The PitStopUSA.com Wingless Spec Sprint feature had all the makings of another Klint Simpson flag to flag romp to victory. The 2015 champion grabbed the lead early on and seemed like a good bet to win. However, many time Spec Sprint champion Terry Schank Jr. had other ideas. A heat winner earlier in the evening, Schank grabbed third from Barry Pries Jr. on lap three and took second from rookie Matthew Haulot not long after that. Simpson led the way for several laps, but Schank wasn't far behind. On lap 21, Schank finally made his winning move around Simpson. Schank went on to victory. Problems on the last lap dropped Simpson back several positions. Recent winner Shayna Sylvia crossed the line second ahead of Haulot, Troy DeGaton and a disappointed Simpson. Brian Grier was sixth ahead of Bruno Bianchi, Ryon Siverling, Keith Covino and Rick Holbrook. Pries won a heat over Simpson, while Schank held off DeGaton to win his heat.


Defending General Hydroponics Dwarf Car Champion Dave Mosier is already off to a great start this year, but a rare non Top 10 finish left the door open for others to make a big gain. Second and third ranked John Peters and Carroll Mendenhall were up to the challenge. Mendenhall won his heat race ahead of Miranda Chappa, while Peters grabbed a heat win in front of Scooter Gomes. Gomes was the early Main Event leader while Matt Hagermann worked his way past Mendenhall for second. Just past the midway point of the race, Gomes saw his great run up front come to an end. Hagermann took over at that point and would lead the rest of the way in victory. Peters was a strong second while Chappa was a career best third. Mendenhall settled for fourth ahead of Tommy King, Chad Mathias, Zack Albers, Zack Atcheson, Danny Naron and Brandon Gentry, all on the lead lap.


Past champion and second generation racer Oreste Gonella came into the night tied with six time champion Michael Paul Jr. for the McLea's Tires IMCA Modified point lead. After winning his heat race ahead of Mitch Machado, Gonella grabbed the Main Event lead early on and was never really threatened as he scored the impressive victory. Paul Jr. had a good battle with Machado for second that saw them change positions a few times before Paul Jr. made it stick on lap ten. Machado settled for third ahead of Nick Viscusi III, veteran Mike Karinen, Joel Myers and Michael Paul Sr.


Only eight points separated William Fatu, defending champion Eden McCormick and Darien Balestrini in a close Jake's Performance Hobbies Mini Stock point race. Balestrini was hoping to make a big gain after holding off rookie Austin Ohlinger to win his heat race. Balestrini followed that up with an impressive flag to flag run in his Main Event victory. Fatu won his heat race ahead of Kelly Campanile and seemed on his way to second in the Main Event before Campanile made a move down the stretch to grab the position. Fatu settled for third ahead of Ohlinger. Sid Hess and Snazzy Duckworth rounded out the lead lap finishers. Mike Curley and Justin Whisman rounded out the Top 8.