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PETALUMA, CA – Aug 8
By Rick Faeth
The 4th annual Soares Classic saw a new sponsor, PJ’s Automotive make a debut, on a pleasant shirt sleeved weather night with a full pit area and smooth track conditions. The Joe Hunt Wingless Sprints vs Pit Stop USA Spec Sprints saw Klint Simpson best the field of 17 with a rapid lap of 14.210 in group format qualifying. Simpson backed up his fast time effort with a heat race win and Chase Johnson, making a rare non-wing appearance won the second heat. Veteran Jimmy Christian copped the 6-lap dash to earn the coveted pole position of the 50-lap feature. At the drop of the Scott Erwin green flag it was Christian getting the better of Sparky Howard to lead through the first four stanzas. On the move was Simpson as he worked by Johnson and Howard for second by the 10 lap. Hot on Simpson’s bumper was Gary Nelson Jr. as all competitors paced themselves smartly for the long 50-lap distance. Shayna Sylvia experienced motor problems and drew the first caution on lap 15. With 22 laps down Johnson experienced a flat right front and lost positions struggling to the scheduled 25-lap fuel stop. After the break it was defending track champion Terry Schank Jr. on a major move as he restarted 10th but placed the Roger Gleason #1 on the cushion to rapidly make up places. As the balance of the field worked the low groove Schank was 8th on lap 30 and fifth by lap 34. Two quick cautions for Colton Slack and Ryon Silverling allowed the field to stay close. Schank continued his march as he was third on lap 35 and was the runner-up a circuit later. Christian began to suffer from tire wear as Schank boldly took the lead with a textbook crossover outside move on lap 38. Also on the move was Johnson as he broke into the top five by lap 44. As the checkered flag flew it was an ecstatic Schank earning the patient win for a back-to-back Soares Classic win over a Simpson, Nelson, Johnson, and Christian.
Petaluma Speedway returns to action Saturday Night, August 15th featuring round #3 of the Pit Stop USA Shootout Series with the Winged 360’s competing for $2,000 to win while the Spec Sprints have a $1,000 to win up for grabs. Also on tap are the Larsen Racing Products Dwarfs, Lumberjack Restaurant Super Stocks, and the Jake’s Performance Hobbies Mini Stocks. For more information please go to www.petaluma-speedway.com.
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