LOVELOCK, NV (Aug. 3) – Every year this small rural Nevada town celebrates its founding with Frontier Days, which is a festival by the court house and a parade on Saturday. The town’s track, Lovelock Speedway joins celebration with the two-day Frontier Day Races.
The result is usually the largest car count of the season as well as the largest amount of fans in the stands. On the track, to go along with the hot summer weather was some hot and sometimes crazy racing.
After winning Saturday’s IMCA Modified race for the second year in a row Ryan McDaniel said, “The car was really good, I just knew that on the first restart when I was on the outside, well that was pretty much my only shot. If I was behind cars couldn’t get into the corners where I wanted to be. I thought, ‘well this is going to be my only shot here,’ so I just blew it in there, hoped it would stick and it did.”
Then he thanked his sponsors, Donco Plumbing, J’s Mobile Welding, McDaniel Motorsports, ICON, K&J and Victory Race Cars.
When the green waved on the 18-car field Shawn LaRoque was on point but things when haywire after that. A tangle in Turn 2 Left the car of Bradley Schmidt perched on the hood of Jim Lamkey’s car.
It took a bit to get both cars apart and after quick visits to the pits they rejoined the field. When the green waved again there was an immediate caution when another car spun in Turn 2 and Vincent Evenson was just able to get by.
On the green McDaniel used his outside position to take the lead as the group roared down the backstretch. Behind him Robert Miller took over second after getting by LaRoque.
Soon McDaniel caught the slowest cars and was beginning to lap them. Another caution for debris erased his advantage as the cars began to close up for the restart.
When the green waved McDaniel took off with Miller, Josh Combs, Andy Strait and Corey Sample giving chase. Soon there was another caution when another car stopped at the exit of Turn 2.
Once that was removed and the green waved again. Up front McDanile was in the driver’s seat as he roared off to claim the victory and winner’s check. Behind him Miller wound up second ahead of Combs, Sample and Strait.
This time there were 10 sprint cars on hand but their main had a petty dramatic start.
Just before the main was to get going there was a call about debris by the Turn 1 wall and one of the track crew was dispatched to retrieve it. Unfortunately the field expected the green, which was never thrown and started down the front straight only to slow, setting off a melee behind the leaders.
The car of Bob Cooney was clipped and sent rolling toward Turn 1. After three rotations it came to a stop upside down. The officials three the red flag as the infield crew rushed to Cooney’s aid.
Fortunately all the safety gear a driver wears or has around them worked. It took a couple of minutes to help him out but is appeared Cooney was only shaken up.
It took a while to gather the pieces and get the car rolled over to where the tow truck could get it back to the pits. After that the field reformed but would do this second try in single file.
When the green waved Darren Johnson led the charge with Nick Larson and Cameron Haney Jr. giving chase. There would be two more cautions one coming when a driver broke part of his steering and wound up on the infield.
The next came when local Jeff Macedo’s car slowed then stopped. One he was taken to the pits and the green waved again Johnson took off and would score the victory followed by Bruce Ferrier and Haney Jr.
Asked about the race, his second victory in as many days, Johnson said, “It was a blast. We were just trying to keep our head up, didn’t know where everybody was at, just kept moving forward, the track was slick, tried to hold the bottom in case anybody was coming for us.”
Then he thanked his father Darrel and Johnson Enterprises for their support.
Also helping to round out the racing card was the Nevada Pro Stock Association. This year the group has been having problems with car count but on this night five of them showed up.
Their race also began with a bang when leader Bill Pearson spun in Turn 1 right after the start. In resulting melee the cars of Dale Tatum and Jay Sears were involved.
Later Sears was allowed to pit as part of this carso a part of his car’s body needed to be removed so it wouldn’t become a hazard later.
On the second start Robert Miller jumped into the lead and was never headed although Pearson and Sears did they best to chase him. They finished in that order.
There were seven Sport Mods racing that night and right from the get-go Bill Pearson was on point with Craig Nieman and Andy Welch giving chase.
Four cautions for various things including spins slowed the pace. After a few all the restarts would be single file. After the last restart Pearson motored away to victory ahead of Nieman and Welch.
There were 10 Hobby Stocks that took the green when their main began. Shane Cazel was on point but Roy Peterson spun bringing out the caution. He pitted then returned as the field formed for a second attempt at a start.
Once again Cazel was on point until Ray Davis came from his sixth starting position to take the point. Two more cautions slowed things and since the track reverts back to the previous lap Cazel was put back in the lead.
When the race first got started there was some pushing and shoving in the pack but eventually things settled down. However some cars had damaged bodies including the one of Mark Hain that had it’s nose-piece kind of rearranged.
There would be two more cautions during the race but each time Davis was on point. Hain, despite the damage to his car took over second but just couldn’t get ahead of Davis.
In the end Davis won his second race in as many days followed by Hain, Bryan Thorp and Cazel coming him in fourth. For Davis, who also kissed the wall, the checkered came out in the nick of time.
“You know yesterday it was a good track, we started out front, stayed out front, can’t get any better than that,” Davis said. “Tonight I think we started about sixth position, track was good, driving was a little rough to get going but there were a few spin but you know what, think we weathered it. Kind of kissed the wall in the top of turn 3 a little bit then but the tire held up and we kept running, got bumped in the left rear a little bit, ate up our tire but we got lucky and finished the race with a flat left rear.”
Then he thanked his sister’s company Paris Studio, A&L Machine Shop, his credit card and his father Chuck Davis.
Seven Dwarf Cars were on hand and these little cars really get up and go. For one of the drivers it was a very special weekend.
On the green Glenn Sciarani took off while Joe Frock jumped into second. On the second time through Turns 1 and 2 Frock used an inside move to take the lead then sailed away from the pack.
His advantage was evaporated when there was a spin in Turn 2 but on the restart Frock took off. Behind him Tim Fitzpatrick was working his way from the back and would soon challenge Sciarani for the runner up spot.
One more caution slowed things just a bit but the result after the restart was the same with Frock on cruise control while the group spread out.
Friday was a landmark for Frock as he won his 100th feature victory and on this night he increased that total to 101. Behind him Fitzpatrick and Sciarani ended up second and third.
“Last night we picked up our 100th win, 100th feature in a Dwarf Car, tonight was 101,” Frock said. “We tried some things and the car was not very predictable so it didn’t handle very well so we just weren’t really happy with the adjustments. We’re working on things for nationals and stuff like that. Always try to improve, that’s what racers do.”
Then he expressed his appreciation for the support his sponsors have given him. They are Damron Racing Las Vegas, Wild Island, Nature’s Bakery, R&J Landscaping, Diette Racing Innovations, Eternal Image and Freiheit Racing Products.
Gen-X uses small cars and are somewhat limited on the power they have. Even thought only four cars were these it two a pair of starts to get their main rolling.
At first Mikki Beuchat and Bob Gardner were side-by-side as they dueled for the lead. Finally Beuchat would take over the point but Gardner wasn’t too far behind.
The race morphed into a pair of groups with Beuchat and Gardner making up the faster duo. Behind them came the duo of Eric Nielson and Ainsleigh Evenson.
As the race progressed Beuchat increased his lead, lapped the two slower cars at least twice and scored the victory. Gardner was help up getting past the slower cars but still hung on for victory while Evenson ended up third ahead of Nielson.
After the race Beuchat said,”It was slick and I was just being cautious. The car’s a good little roller skate.”
Like many Beuchat is looking for sponsors so if one wants put their signs on a winning car, he’s looking for sponsors.
• On Friday night there was another complete set of races and like Saturday it as a bit of a marathon.
The winners were, Jimmy Ray Huffmon in Sport Mod, Joe Frock in Dwarf Cars, Bob Garnder in Gen-X, Ray Davis in Hobby Stocks, Darren Johnson in Sprint Cars and Corey Sample in IMCA Modifieds.
Now that the two-day event is complete Lovelock Speedway will be quiet until August 24th when the next race is scheduled.
REPORTER’S NOTE: If you see a photograph you’d like a print of please let me know as I’ll sell you one. Another great photographer was there and you can see her work at melissasoutonalimb.smugmug.com. She does excellent work and also will be glad to sell you a print.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• Of course the biggest thing happening for the next week, starting on Tuesday is Hot August Nights. It’s a full buffet for car people. For information and the schedule please check the website at www.hotaugustnights.net.
• This week Teresa’s Garage Radio Show is on the road. The broadcast is from 2 until 3 p.m. and we’ll by in the north parking lot of the Peppermill Casino. Look for the small tent on the Virginia Street side of the entrance.
I have a preview section at 2:15 and the show covers all things automotive.You can listen to us live, streamed on the Internet, but this time don’t know if we’ll be live on Facebook.
• If you enjoyed this article please “like,” and share it as widely as possible. Comments are welcome.
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We now have four very appreciated sponsors that support his site. Please patronize them as they support your sport and help nvracingnews continue.
Two of them are first class motorcycle shops located in Reno.
Our first sponsor is Reno Motorsports (RMS). Not only do they have about anything a rider might want or need and the store also has a full service shop.
Their location is at 964 Terminal Way, by the intersection with Mill Street. Store’s phone number is 775-322-1499 and the site is, www.rms-renomotorsports.com.
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The phone number is 775-856-3855 and the website is, www.moto-source.com.
The next sponsor is an excellent place if you need collision repair on your car or truck. It’s Concours Body shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno and has a long history of first class repairs
Brian Saul is the owner, a car enthusiast himself and he’s committed to continuing the shop’s reputation of quality work. Phone number is 775-329-4557 and the website is, www.concoursbodyshop.net.
Hungry, want a great place to eat, then try PJ&Company for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and it’s a great place to watch your favorite sports. If you’re a rider, well Wednesday evening is Bike Night, always a great time to see some great looking bikes and meet like-minded people.
The location is 1590 South Wells Avenue, just north of the round about. Phone number is 775-323-6366 and their website is www.pjandco.net.
Have a business targeted toward motorsports or an off road demographic? We are always looking for more sponsors and will expose your business to the racing and off road community in this area.
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RESULTS;
Lovelock Speedway – Frontier Day Races
• Saturday, August 3
Hobby Stocks:
+ Heat #1: 1. Bryan Thorp, 2. Mark Hain, 3. Ray Davis, 4. Crystal Kontny, 5. Alex Kniestedt.
+ Heat #2: 1. Jimmy Berhorst, 2. Shane Cazel, 3. Tori Edgington, 4. Dan Dias, 5. Roy Peterson.
+ Main: 1. Ray Davis, 2. Mark Hain, 3. Bryan Thorp, 4. Shane Cazel, 5. Roy Peterson, 6. Jimmy Berhorst, 7. Dan Dias, 8. Alex Kniestedt.
Black Flag: Tori Edgington.
Gen-X:
+ Heat: 1. Mikki Beuchat, 2. Bob Gardner, 3. Eric Nelson, 4. Ainsleigh Evenson.
+ Main: 1. Mikke Beuchat, 2. Bob Gardner, 3. Ainsleigh Evenson, 4. Eric Nelson.
Sport Mod:
+ Heat: 1. Bill Pearson, 2. Craig Nieman, 3. Trevor Tiffee, 4. Andy Welch, 5. Rusty McMillan, 6. Jeff Tuttle, 7. Shayna Nieman.
+ Main: 1. Bill Pearson, 2. Craig Nieman, 3. Andy Welch, 4. Trevor Tiffee, 5. Shayna Nieman.
DNF: Jeff Tuttle, Rusty McMillian.
Dwarf Cars:
+ Heat: 1. Joe Frock, 2. Glenn Sciarani, 3. Nick Winters, 4. Dominick Degrazia, 5. Skip Wise, 6. Derick Boyer.
DNF: Tim Fitzpatrick.
+ Main: 1. Joe Frock, 2. Tim Fitzpatrick, 3. Glenn Sciarani,4. Dominick Degrazia, 5. Derick Boyer, 6. Skip Wise, 7. Nick Winters.
Sprint Cars:
+ Heat #1: 1. Darren Johnson, 2. Nick Larson, 3. Curt Godderd, 4. Jordan Garretson, 5. Cameron Haney.
+ Heat #2: 1. Cameron Haney, 2. Bob Cooney, 3. Jeff Macedo, 4. Bruce Ferrier, 5. Bob Shank.
+ Main: 1. Darren Johnson, 2. Bruce Ferrier, 3. Cameron Haney, 4. Nick Larson, 5. Curt Godderd, 6. Bob Shank, 7. Cameron Haney Jr..
DNF: Jeff Macedo, Bob Cooney, #11
IMCA Modifieds:
+ Heat #1: 1. Alec Childs, 2. Robert Miller,3. Shawn LaRoque, 4. Ty Gamble,5. Kolbie Mace. 6. Cole Jones.
DNF: James Thibedaux.
+ Heat #2: 1. Randy McDaniel, 2. Corey Sample, 3. Paris Archie, 4. Josh Combs, 5. Jim Lamkey.
DNF: TyrellLowe, Steven Anderson.
+ Heat #3: 1. Wade Lumsden, 2. Shawn Natenstedt, 3. Don Childs, 4. Andy Strait, 5. Bradley Schmidt, 6. Vincent Evenson.
+ Main (30-Laps): 1. Ryan McDaniel, 2. Robert Miller, 3. Josh Combs, 4. Corey Sample, 5. Andy Strait, 6. Shawn LaRoque, 7. Alec Childs, 8. Vince Evenson, 9. Paris Archie, 10. Cole Jones, 11. Shawn Natenstedt, 12. Ty Gamble, 13. Wade Lumsden, 14. Tyrell Lowe,15. Bradley Schmidt, 16. Kolbie Mace, 17. Jim Lamkey, 18. Don Childs.
DNS: Steven Anderson.
Nevada Pro Stock Association:
+ Main: 1. Robert Miller, 2. Bill Pearson
• Friday, August 2:
Hobby Stocks:
+ Heat #1:1. Tori Edgington, 3. BryanThorp, 4. Jimm Berhorst, 5. Shane Cazel, 6. Robert Crane, 7. Crystal Kontny.
+ Heat #2: 1. Ray Davis, 2. Rocky Goetz, 3. AlexKniestedt, 4. Roy Goetz, 5. Roy Peterson.
+ Main: 1. Ray Davis, 2. Jimmy Berhorst, 3. Bryan Thorp, 4. Roy Peterson, 5. Robert Crane, 6. Robert Crane, 7. Crystal Kontny, 8. Alex Kniestedt,, 9. Tori Edgington.
DNF: Roy Goetz, Rocky Goetz.
Dwarf Cars:
+ Heat: 1. Tim Fitzpatrick, 2. Glen Sciarani, 3. Dominick Degrazie.
DNF: Joe Frock.
+ Main: 1. Joe Frock, 2. Tim Fitzpatrick, 3. Glenn Sciarani, 4. Dominick Degrazia.
Sprint Cars:
+ Heat #1:1. Bob Cooney, 2. Darren Johnson 3. Nick Larson, 4. Bruce Ferrier, 5. Curt Godderd, 6. Dalton Christiani.
+ Heat #2: 1. Cameron Haney Jr., 2. Cameron Haney, 3. Jordan Garretson, 4. Jeff Macedo, 5. #14 unlisted.
DNF: Bob Shank.
+ Main: 1. Darren Johnson, 2. Bob Cooney, 3. Chad ???, 4. Jeff Macedo, 5. Curt Godderd, 6. Jordan Garrdetson, 7. Bruce Ferrier, 8. Bob Shank.
DNF: Dalton Cristiani, Cameron Haney Jr., #14 Unlisted.
Gen-X:
Heat:1. BobGardner, 2.Eric Nielson, 3. Ainsleigh Evenson.
+ Main: 1. Bob Garnder, 2. Ansleigh Evenson.
DNF: Eric Nielson.
Sport Mod:
+ Heat: 1. Jeff Tuttle, 2. Rusty McMillian, 3. Jimmy Ray Huffmon, 4. Shayna Nieman, 5. Chris Nieman.
+ Main: 1. Jimmy Ray Huffmon, 2. Andy Strait, 3. Craig Nieman, 4. Rusty McMillian, 5. Shayna Nieman, 6. Jeff Tuttle.
IMCA Modifieds:
+ Heat #1: 1. Corey Sample, 2. Alec Childs, 3. Ty Gamble, 4. Will Evenson,5. Tyrell Lowe, 6. Kolbie Mace.
+ Heat #2: 1. Josh Combs, 2. Ryan McDaniel, 3. Wade Lumsden, 4. James Thibedaux, 5. Cole Jones.
DNS: Shawn LaRoque.
+ Heat #3: 1. Robert Miller, 2. Don Childs, 3. Bradley Schmidt, 4. Paris Archie, 5. Andy Strait, 6. Jim Lamkey.
+ Main: 1. Corey Sample, 2, Robert Miller, 3.Ryan McDaniel, 4. Paris Archie, 5. Andy Strait, 6. Ty Gamble, 7. James Thibedaux, 8. Josh Combs, 9. Shawn LaRoque, 10. Alec Childs, 11. Wade Lumsden, 12. Jim Lamkey, 13. Tyrell Lowe, 14. Koblie Mace, 15. Vincent Evenson.
DNF: Don Childs, Cole Jones, Bradley Schmidt.
