EAST QUINCY, CALIF. (June 19) – American Valley Speedway hosted racing this Friday and Saturday night. Despite the heat Saturday was the scene of some hard racing even though the car counts were on the low side. One visiting driver had recently been inducted into the West Coast Stock Car Motor Sports Hall of Fame.
The IMCA Modified winner Jeff Olschowka recently sold his car but the new owner wasn’t able to race it he did. After taking the checkered flag, and doing a series of donuts in Turn 2 Olschowka said, “Make sure Colby don’t see this right here but I’ve got to thank him. Also want to thank my wife, kids and crew for making things work.”
When the green waved for the Modified main Olschowka led as the field exited Turn 2. Behind him Jim Peditt and Chris Olexiewize started a race long duel for second.
In the first laps the top four were very close with Peditt starting to challenge Olschowka for the lead. Then the top four pulled a gap over 5th place.
The battle for second turned into a three-way duel and this allowed Olschowka to extend his lead and score the victory. Finishing second was Peditt, who was recently inducted into that Hall of Fame, as he held off third place Chris Olsexiewize and fourth place Chris Nieman.
It would take two attempts to get the Sport Mod main going. Bryce Campbell briefly was on the point until Tyler Rodgers stormed past him. Not that far behind him was Craig Nieman.
Sometimes some of the best racing isn’t for the lead and at the end of the pack Ryan Belli and Joe Pearson were having quite a battle to see who wasn’t going to be last. In the end Pearson took fifth while Belli ended up sixth.
Two cautions slowed the pace but once racing resumed Rodgers took the lead and went into cruise control as he headed for the victory. Nieman ended up second ahead of Campbell.
As awards were be handed out a delighted Rodgers said, “After last year I think I deserve it, I don’t even know what to say. The track was good, I just got out front, did what I had to do and not have and not have Craig pass me.
” Have to thank Clay Daly, if it wasn’t for him I don’t what I’d be doing, I’d probably be in the back about 10-laps down. Also need to thank my parents, Tahoe Clean Water Company, and everyone else that helps me out.”
There were only two Hobby Stocks on hand, plus a late model that cruised behind them and was driven by Kenny Schmitt. On the green veteran Tom Haxall took the point with Shayna Nieman giving chase. For the first half there was no more than a car length between them.
Things changed when Nieman spun in Turn 2 bringing out a caution. When the green waved again Nieman grabbed the point and raced to the victory with Haxall having to settle for the runner up spot.
The show actually began with the Mini Stocks and they put on the race of the night even though there were only five of them.
On the green Kyle Froggatt took the point with Suzi Schmitt and Mallory Evenson giving chase. Soon it became a two-car duel for the lead with Schmitt chasing Froggatt. Lap after lap they were nose to tail then towards the end it was a side by side duel although Froggatt was able to hold the point as they passed the starter’s stand.
They were side-by-side when the white flag waved and coming out of Turn 4 Schmitt found just a bit of advantage and was able take the win. She would win but by just a few feet over Froggatt. Luke Collett was third with Andi Hast fourth and Mallory Evenson fifth.
After the dust settled Schmitt said, “That was a fun race, that was a good fight. I didn’t think I was going to get there but I was able to hold it down on the last lap when it mattered. I didn’t think I was going to get it but I did.”
Asked who she needed to thank Schmitt said, “My husband as without him I wouldn’t be here. My Parents, Moose Motor Sports, my new grandbaby Cash and my job.”
Next race for American Valley is on Saturday, July 17.
• Reno Cars & Coffee had its second meet of the month Sunday. The location was at the Human Bean coffee stand close to the corner of Moana Lane and Keitzke.
Considering it was Father’s Day the turnout was pretty decent and there were also families checking out the cars. As usually the selection ranged from exotic, unusual to pretty standard.
One of the more unusual cars was a dark blue roadster with a rumble seat owned by Phil Lanzino.
“It’s a 1934 Ford Roadster with a 409 small block, 411 Posi and a 4-speed Hurst. Pieced glass on an actual Ford frame,” he said. “Me and my dad built it from the 80’s to the 90’s, it was his car and now with the rumble seat I can have people out and have a good time. Rumble seats are cool, haven’t been in since I was a child but I get to drive now so it’s much more fun.”
Even though it was a warm day everyone was having a good time and enjoying seeing the cars on display. For many owners these are a source of pride and accomplishment if they did a build out. These meets are a great way to meet fellow car people or just enjoy what is there.
REPORTER’S NOTE: If one goes to the Reno Cars & Coffee Face Book page you’ll see the photos that Lance Freitas took of the meet. At the very end of this article, after the results I’ve also posted some of what I took.
OTHER RACING NEWS:
• Are you an experienced motorcycle tech looking for work. Well there is an opportunity for you as Moto-Source has a job opening. If that’s you please send your resume to rich@moto-source.com.
• Ladies if your car is special then you need to be at Saturday’s Women With Wheelz Car Show. Happens this Saturday at the Silverland Inn and Suites located in Virginia City.
Starts around 10 a.m. and to register go to www.teresasgarage.com. There will be music, a raffle and special prizes plus it’s cooler up in Virginia City.
• The southern Shake ‘N Shake has a Tuesday evening crise from4 until 8 p.m. then on Wednesday, starting around 5 p.m. the Sparks A&W has a cruise in.
• Teresa’s Garage Radio Show is on the air from 2 until 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. In northwest Nevada, and all the way up to Susanville, it can be heard over the air at 1060 AM.
There is also a Podcast at amm.streamon.fm or it can be seen live on Face Book. The show is focused on all things automotive, trends, new developments and trivia.
SPONSOR LIST:
• If you enjoyed this article please “like,” and share it as widely as possible. Comments are welcome. Subscribers have articles posted to their inbox as soon as they are up on the site.
We now have eight very appreciated sponsors supporting this site. Please patronize them as they support your sport and help nvracingnews continue. And let them know you heard about them through this site.
Tread Connection is our newest sponsor and Blake Sobiloff owns the local franchise. The business brings the tire store to the customer so they don’t have to take time off work or even leave home.
Once the tires are ordered Sobiloff picks them up and arrives where the customer’s car is in a van packed with state of the art equipment. He observes all safety precautions and it’s no contact so tires can be chosen and paid for online.
Another service he provides is scanning tires as that will tell if any alignment is needed. A useful service for fleet owners so they won’t find several vehicles need new tires at once. There are discounts for First Responders, veterans as well as active duty military and members of the National Guard and Reserves.
His primary area is Reno and Sparks and one can either go to the Face Book page or check the website at www.treadconnection.com. The direct line to the business is 775-870-3600.
Next sponsor is G.I.S.L Land Services that, while having a global client base it has a Western U.S.A. Focus. Owner Greg Ekins is a long time off road motorcycle racer competing in the MRANN Series as well as the AMA National Hare and Hound series.
Among the services offers are Surface and Mineral Title Reviews and Cartographic Services. The website is www.gislandservices.com.
Next sponsor is General Transmission and Power Train Specialists owned by former motorcycle racer Pete Attashian. The shop is located at 2515 Sutro Street in Reno, a few blocks below Hug High School.
The shop services older and new transmissions and how has a section for high performance units and those used in towing. Phone number is 775-786-5888 and the shop’s website is www.generaltransmissionreno.com.
Racing photographer Melissa Coker is another sponsor. If you raced at Summit in Elko, Battle Mountain, Lovelock, Rattlesnake Raceway or Diamond Mountain Speedway she probably has a photograph of your car on the track.
She’s also been at the Duel in the Desert, Northern Nevada Modified Tour, Wild West Tour and the IMCA Super Nationals. She produces hero cards and memory books. To see her collections or to place an order, check www.melissasoutonalimb.smugmug.com.
Two of our sponsors 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.
The next shop is Moto-Source located at 3180 Mill Street. Once again they are a full service shop plus about any thing a rider might need or want.
The phone number is 775-856-3855 and the website is, www.moto-source.com.
Concours Body Shop, located at 250 Telegraph Street in Reno, is another sponsor. The shop does quality collision repair for cars and trucks.
Owner Brian Saul is a car enthusiast himself and is 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&CO for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and it’s a great place to watch your favorite sports. Wednesday evenings, starting around 5 p.m. is Bike Night, good time to meet fellow riders and have a great dinner.
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 car enthusiasts? This site is a great way to expose your services to those communities. You can contact us either through the comment section of this site or on our Face Book page.
RESULTS: • American Valley Speedway – June 19
+ IMCA Modified:
+ Heat Race: 1.Josh Combs, 2. Jim Peditt II, 3. Christopher Nieman, 4. Jeff Olschowka, 5. Chris Olexiewize, 6. Joe Blackwell, 7. Tyler Patezke.
+ Main (25-Laps): 1. Jeff Olschowka, 2. Jim Peditt II. 3. Chris Olexiewize, 4. Josh Combs, 5. Tyler Pakzke, 6. Joe Blackwell.
Sport Mods:
+ Heat Race: 1. Joe Pearson, 2. Craig Nieman, 3. Tyler Rodgers, 4.Bryce Campbell (Partial list due to transponder problems.)
+ Main (25-Laps): 1. Tyler Rodgers, 2. Craig Nieman, 3. Bryce Campbell, 4. Tom Froggett, 5. Joe Pearson, 6. Ryan Belli.
Hobby Stock:
+ Heat Race: 1. Tom Haxall, 2. Shayna Nieman.
+ Main (10-Laps) 1. Shayna Nieman, 2. Tom Haxall.
Mini Stocks:
+ Heat Race: 1.Kyle Froggatt, 2. Suzi Schmitt, 3. Andi Hast, 4. Mallory Evenson, 5. Luke Collett.
+Main(15-Laps): 1. Suzi Schmitt, 2. Kyle Froggatt, 3. Luke Collett, 4. Andi Hast, 6. Mallory Evenson.
CARS & COFFEE PHOTO GALLERY:
Chopper for sale. 
Mustang row with hoods up. 
A Mini coupe was on display. Phil Lanzino by his Ford Roadster. Phil Lanzino stands by the rumble seat that’s in his Ford Roadster. 
Yellow Lotus
