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Photo's contributed by Johns Racing Photos
Allard looks to get back in groove this weekend
By Gary Thomas
Chico, CA - May 22, 2007... Following a tough last couple weekend’s, Chico’s Jonathan Allard will look to get back in the high saddle this weekend as the Golden State Challenge Series heads for three straight night’s of racing at a pair Bay Area region tracks.
This past weekend saw Jonathan and Williams Motorsports run strong both night’s only to have bad luck take away any possible hope at claiming victory. On Friday night in Chico Jonathan qualified fourth fastest and finished second in his heat to transfer into the 25 lap main event. The feature saw JA start fourth and he was running there when two cars in front of him made contact and left him nowhere to go as he made contact with one of them. This created a big log jam and Aussi Trevor Green got upside down to create a red flag and JA pitted during the stoppage. He got back out for the restart but after a couple laps the right rear got packed with mud and he was forced to pit again. He was pushed back out and went on to finish 14th aboard the GT Trends, K & N Filters, Weld Racing No.0.
The following night in Tulare with the Golden State Challenge Series he qualified fourth quickest again, finished third in his heat race and second in the dash to earn a front row starting spot for the 30 lap feature. As the green came out he fell into second in the first set of corners but as they rounded turn four he sliced to the inside of Brent Kaeding to take the lead. Early on Jonathan had his way with the field until he lost the lead on a lap six restart to Kaeding. Jonathan stayed with him, however, and was poised to give him a great battle until the motor began to lay over and he pulled into the infield on lap 10 to put an end to the night.
It has been a frustrating last couple weekend’s but all you can do is keep on trucking and hope that the racing luck changes for the better at the next event.
This weekend kicks off on Friday night with a re-scheduled Golden State Challenge Series race at the Petaluma Speedway in Petaluma. Jonathan won both GSC races at the 3/8 mile track last season and will look to continue his strong runs at the hooked up and tacky track on Friday.
On Saturday and Sunday Jonathan and Williams Motorsports will be in action at the world famous Calistoga Speedway for two consecutive night’s of Golden State Challenge Series action at the ½ mile dirt oval.
Saturday’s race is the annual Salute to Walter T. Ross, a night paying respect to the former Northern Auto Racing Club President and long time car owner. His famous #56 graced victory lane at Calistoga Speedway on 11 occasions and was one of the most recognizable sprint cars of its era. Ross passed away in 1987 from ALS and this race recognizing him has become a tradition on Memorial Day weekend at Calistoga.
On Sunday it will be the 24th annual Tribute to Gary Patterson. Also known as the Dancing Phantom, the Preacher, the Hostile Hipee or just simply GP, Patterson was one of the most colorful characters of his time and considered Calistoga Speedway to be one his favorite tracks. GP was taken from us in an accident at Calistoga Speedway on Memorial Day weekend 1983, but his memory lives on and Calistoga has payed tribute to him on Memorial Day weekend every year since his death.
Jonathan has become very quick at Calistoga and last season was as fast as he’s ever been at the long and demanding speed plant. At the Salute to Walter T. Ross last season JA set fast time and won his heat race before finishing fourth in the dash. Jonathan was going for second on the opening lap of the feature when he hopped over Jason Statler’s right rear and went for a tumble in turn four. The Williams crew as well as other teams got the damage fixed and JA was able to get back out for the restart. The wing on the 0 machine was stuck at an angle that’s not so good for aerodynamics at Calistoga, but even with that he was able to charge back through the field and bring home a fourth place finish.
The Tribute to Gary Patterson saw Jonathan start the main event in fifth and just as he had moved into second with about 12 laps left and was beginning to chase down leader Steve Kent, a U-joint failure put him out of the race. It was a tough way to end the Tribute to GP because JA had just found a line that worked well and gave him a possible shot at chasing down Kent and claiming his very first Calistoga win.
Jonathan will be giving it his all this weekend and definitely wants to pick up a win at Calistoga Speedway to put on his resume. Coming into the weekend JA’s best previous finish at Calistoga Speedway is fourth, a position he has finished in three of the last four GSC races held at the intimidating ½ mile.
For all the latest news on Jonathan Allard and Williams Motorsports log onto http://www.allardmotorsports.com
www.sprintcarchallengetour.com
www.placervillespeedway.com
www.stocktondirttrack.com
www.thunderbowlraceway.com
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