Schmitke Memorial Race For A Cure Night At Orland Raceway

Orland, CA...Saturday night racing continues at Orland Raceway, and it's a special night at the track. In addition to the Hobby Stock, Mini Stock, Mini Truck and Micro Sprint divisions, it is also the Schmitke Memorial Race For A Cure Night.


Thomas Schmitke was a beloved member of the community who passed away back in 2010 after a battle with Cancer. He was 23 years old. Thomas left behind a two year old daughter, Lexi. Friends and family started a fund raiser for his daughter, and they've also given back to the community through various charities through the years.


This year, they are working with the race track to raise money and promote awareness. Many in the community have lost loved ones to Cancer or know somebody who is fighting that battle today. This year's charity is St. Jude's. This will also be a night for the family as there will be face painting for the kids, a bouncy house and other fun activities.


On the track, there will be exciting racing on the recently resurfaced one-fifth mile clay oval. With six races in the books, only Shannon Collins has won more than one Hobby Stock Main Event. In fact, he is carrying a two race win streak into this race. With four seconds and one win, Steve Martin leads Cody Bundy by a 62 point margin. Bundy is just 18 points ahead of one time winner Jeremy Langenderfer, and Collins is already fourth after a late start.


It seems like every year Dan Webster is in the hunt in the Mini Truck division. Despite missing the opener, Webster is only ten points behind the consistent William Fogle in the championship battle. Webster won his third Main Event last time to make it closer. At this rate, he will be in the lead soon if Fogle can't find the winner's circle. Two time winner Olin Crane is just three points ahead of reigning champion Keith Ross in the battle for third.


John Kirkpatrick, is in the hunt for his second Mini Stock championship as he leads one time winner Robert Hunt by 21 points. Hunt is also a past champion in this division at Orland. Jeff Bennett is only nine points behind Hunt after six races. Chttps://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3368036438765895065#editor/target=post;postID=7910465610791304170;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=0;src=postnameoming off of his third win of the season last time, Tom Davis is fourth in the standings.


Word is that there should be a few more Micro Sprints to challenge reigning champion and current point leader Jeromie Crismon. Crismon stretched his advantage to 52 points following another win last time out. Tony Alosi, Dean Slinkard and 250 Micro point leader Andrew Love are others to watch for this week.


The Race For A Cure Night will be a fun night to bring the family to see some good racing and support a good cause. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. with the first race to start at 7:00 p.m. General admission is $7.00 with Kids 7-12 $5.00. Kids 6 and under are free. For further information, check www.orlandraceway.org.


Orland Raceway Points


Hobby Stock

Steve Martin 288

Cody Bundy 226

Jeremy Langenderfer 208

Shannon Collins 155



Mini Trucks

William Fogle 273

Dan Webster 263

Olin Crain 213

Keith Ross 210

Ross Vige 150



Mini Stock

John Kirkpatrick 280

Robert Hunt 259

Jeff Bennett 250

Tom Davis 216

Eric Hammon 144


600 Micros

Jeromie Chrismon 210

Skyler Richter 162

Toni Alosi 108

Dean Slinkard 103

Rick Gutzke 53


250 Micros

Andrew Love 242

Dave McKinnon 103

Robert Baker 101

Jess Garland 95

Ronnie Heyer 94