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Photo by http://www.johnsracingphotos.com
Strong Calistoga weekend nets Jonathan Allard Golden State Challenge Series point lead
By Gary Thomas
Calistoga, CA – May 25, 2009…Returning to the Calistoga Speedway this past weekend two-time King of California Jonathan Allard posted a pair of strong podium finishes at the intimidating half-mile and it was good enough to put the Williams Motorsports No. 0 atop the Golden State Challenge Series point standings for the first time this season.
Allard was victorious at the Calistoga Speedway the last time the traveling 410 sprint car series visited the track in May of 2007 and the Chico racer put together another solid showing at the Napa County Fairgrounds facility this past Saturday & Sunday. "We would have liked to get a win during the weekend but it was really a great outing for us regardless," Allard said. "Ashley Smith and the guys gave me some great cars both nights and it was as good as I've ever felt at Calistoga."
Going into the weekend Allard sat nine digits back of the Golden State Challenge Series point lead and he kicked off Saturday's opener by qualifying fourth fastest in the field, before bringing home victory in both his heat race and the dash to give the Williams Motorsports, K&N Filters, Red Line Oil No. 0 the pole for the main event. When the green lights came on in the 25 lap feature Allard jumped ahead of outside front row starter Tim Kaeding, but going into turn one Kaeding executed a huge slider to take command off turn two.
Allard would lose second on a lap one restart to Tyler Walker, but would regain the spot when Walker got upside down in the first and second corners on the seventh circuit. The Chico native then stepped up his challenge on the restart and was able to quickly close in on Kaeding when traffic hit on lap 13, but just as soon as it was getting interesting the yellow lights came on to take the leaders out of traffic. With just 12 laps to go however, things heated up as the final circuits clicked off caution free and saw some exciting action up front as Allard hounded Kaeding over the remaining distance.
Allard ran nose-to-tail with Kaeding as they both navigated through slower traffic, making for some intense moments as both ran the cushion around the half-mile dirt oval. The two-time King of California was able to get side-by-side with Kaeding as the five to signal was approaching, but heading into turn one Kaeding sliced in front of Allard and a lap car to hang onto the top spot.
The 32 year-old stayed close to Kaeding though and when the white flag waved he got a great run on the No. 83jr sprinter to close in heading down the back stretch and into turn three. With Kaeding going high Allard looked to the middle of the speedway and got good traction to get alongside him off turn four, but the San Jose driver cut a smooth corner and Allard was forced to settle for second.
The runner-up finish, coupled with a dnf for point leader Tyler Walker, was enough to give Allard the Golden State Challenge Series point lead after the night of racing. He then came back on Sunday and had another solid event, setting fast-time to begin the night and concluded the evening by scoring a third place finish in the main event behind winner Kyle Hirst and second place Brent Kaeding. "It was a lot of fun both nights and was nice to see so much crowd support come out for the weekend," Allard said. "We just have to keep doing what we're doing right now and we'll be trying hard to get back into victory lane this weekend."
This weekend will find the Golden State Challenge 410 Sprint Car Series heading for a double-header of action at a pair of bullrings starting Friday night at the Ocean Speedway in Watsonville. During the previous stop at the track Allard finished second after leading all but the final lap in the main event. Going into event at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds facility on Friday Allard will hold a 12 point advantage in the GSC standings over second place Tyler Walker and a 13 point edge over Brent Kaeding who sits third.
Then on Saturday Allard and the rest of the GSC competitors will make the drive up to the Placerville Speedway for the second time this season. The series competed at the track in the season opener on March 28 and the Chico driver scored a sixth place finish after charging from the rear of the field following a mid-race collision while battling for the lead. Allard has had much success at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds bullring since joining Williams Motorsports and he'll look to continue the trend on Saturday.
For more news on two-time and defending King of California Jonathan Allard visit http://www.allardmotorsports.com
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Chico's Jonathan Allard has moved to the top of the Golden State Challenge Series standings following a pair of podium finishes at the Calistoga Speedway half-mile this past weekend. The hotly contested race sees Tyler Walker just 12 points back in second and Brent Kaeding 13 back in third. Photo by http://www.tohf.com/
www.sprintcarchallengetour.com
www.placervillespeedway.com
www.stocktondirttrack.com
www.thunderbowlraceway.com
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Two-time & defending King of California Jonathan Allard will bring the Williams Motorsports, Platinum Powder Coating, JP's Paint & Body, Sharp Insurance No. 0 into this weekend holding a 12 point lead in the GSC standings as the tour heads to Watsonville's Ocean Speedway on Friday night and the Placerville Speedway on Saturday. Photo by http://www.stevesracingphotos.com
www.sprintcarchallengetour.com
www.placervillespeedway.com
www.stocktondirttrack.com
www.thunderbowlraceway.com
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