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Statler moves through the pack in Chico
By Gary Thomas
Chico, CA - April 14, 2007... San Jose’s Jason Statler continued to his string of consistent runs Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway’s Point Race #3. "The Big Guy" started from row six and drove forward to earn a top five, which now makes him the only driver to finish in the top five at all three of the track point races held so far this season.
Jason began the night by qualifying the Tom Rolfe Trucking, DF Rios Construction, Pheasant Run Shopping Center No. 10, 12th quick overall out of 30 cars.
The 2004 King of California then started from the outside of row two in the night’s fourth and final heat race. Jason settled into third on the start and on lap three powered around Mark Workentine to claim second. He then looked to chase down leader Andy Gregg. Jason closed in on Gregg and put heavy pressure on the Placerville driver. As the white flag waved the "Big Guy" drove the No. 10 machine hard down low in turn one and as they exited the second corner, Jason sliced underneath Gregg to take the lead. He led the last ½ lap to pick up an exciting heat race win in the Platinum Powder Coating, BR Motorsports, Northgate Rock No. 10 and added five points towards the track championship.
Jason lined up 11th for the 25 lap feature and was on the hammer early as the track once again became choppy for the main event and he was up on the wheel bouncing through the rough spots. On lap seven Jason got around Stephen Allard to take sixth and then a lap later saw a red flag come out for a couple cars that flipped in turn two. On the restart Jason got good bite and moved around Andy Gregg to claim fifth. As the race wore on Jason battled Brad Sweet for fourth at one point and when the checkered flag was thrown on lap 20 due to time constraints, the "Big Guy" sat in fifth place.
Saturday’s Golden State Challenge Series race scheduled for Watsonville’s Ocean Speedway has been cancelled due to rain, so Chico ended up being the only racing that Jason and the 10 team were able to get in during the weekend.
Next Friday and Saturday will see Jason compete at Silver Dollar Speedway Points Race #4 on Friday and Golden State Challenge Series Round #9 in Petaluma on Saturday. Last season Jason had finishes of sixth and 13th in the two Golden State Challenge Series races held at Petaluma Speedway.
On Saturday he’ll go into the 3/8 mile clay oval sitting fourth in GSC points. Hopefully mother nature cooperates next weekend so we can run both night’s. For more info on 2004 King of California Jason Statler log onto www.statlerracing.com
www.sprintcarchallengetour.com
www.placervillespeedway.com
www.stocktondirttrack.com
www.thunderbowlraceway.com
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