FALLON, NV (Oct 6) – The 33rd annual Dirt Track Championship closes out the season for Rattlesnake Raceway. It’s two shows in two days where a driver’s combined finishes determine their spot in the overall championship.
As an added attraction was the final round of this year’s I-80 Challenge series, that goes across Northern Nevada. So for three classes there was an additional championship on the line as well as money.
Each day ended with the IMCA Modifieds and both races were barnburners.
After the Sunday race the winner Chris Nieman said, “Beginning of the race I was not good at all, couldn’t get nothing going then the track cleaned off a little bit and I was able to get some traction and go to the front. He (Robert Miller) was running the bottom there in 3 and 4 so I was just kept trying to get that top to come in more and more and it worked out.”
Then he thanked Lonnie, my Grandma Cheryl, GRT Race Cars. Pit Stop, Simon Graphics, Full Hill Meat Company, Competition Carbs.
After two attempts the modified finally got their race going with Denny Roblee on point. Soon he was replaced by Robert Miller, who already clinched the I-80 Challenge title, and Jeff Olschowka.
Back in the pack there was a fair share of bumping and shoving. The race had a few cautions and every time Chris Nieman improved his position.
In the last part of the race he had Miller in his sights and began to challenge him. Finally Nieman got around right when Miller seemed to slow just a bit and they finished in that order.
Hobby Stocks were another class that also was in the I-80 Challenge. Like the Modifieds it took two attempts to get the race rolling but Shane Cazel was on point both times.
Behind the leader Chris Christiano was on a charge that was cut short by a flat tire. Up front Ray Davis was reeling the leader.
With four to go Davis held the lead followed by Cazel, Mark Hain and Bob Vaden. They finished in that order; Davis, Cazel, Hain and Vaden.
The Northern Nevada Winged Sprint Cars were present and also part of the I-80 Challenge. On the green Bruce Ferrier was on point with Kurt Goddard and Bob Cooney giving chase.
A caution came after Jay Bradley did a 360 in Turn 4 but couldn’t keep it going. When the green flag waved Cooney gassed it and took the lead, which he held until the finish.
Ferrier was the runner up followed by Bradley and Bob Shank.
Only three Dwarf Cars were present and on this night Roy Petersen had a long battle with Doug McVae. In the end Petersen scored the victory in a car he’s retiring with McVae a close second followed by Skip Wise.
Only two Sport Mods answered the green and local Rusty McMillian ran away with the race followed by runner up Collin Sanford.
When the green waved to send the Gen-X cars on their way Bob Shank was on point. His run ended in the wall at the exit of Turn 4, while he was okay the same can’t be said for the car.
Since the full field hadn’t completed a full lap a full restart was ordered. On the second green Jorden Lumsden and Mikke Beuchat took off.
Soon Beuchat in his Honda took the lead and appeared on his way to scoring another victory. There was another caution when Lumsden either hit or stopped in time before hitting the back stretch wall.
On the restart Kevin Reuter used an inside move to take the lead while Beuchat’s car was very loose. Once things were settled Beuchat started carving his way to the front and was soon in the lead.
Then he just ran away from everyone to score the victory while class champion Jesse James settled for second ahead of Jerome Kleve.
Earlier in the day Matt Canada was involved in a crash that left him with a concussion and some bruises. From his last post seems the concussion was worse than thought but he’s home and being watched.
Once the dust settled drivers and crews assembled for the awards ceremony. First the I-80 Challenge top three got their cash prizes.
They were Ray Davis in Hobby Stock, Robert Miller in IMCA Modifieds and Bob Cooney for Sprint Cars. Fourth place in Hobby Stocks was Crystal Kontny, on active duty in the Navey, she was presented with the banner since her next duty station is Japan.
This year’s Dirt Track Champions are Ray Davis in Hobby Stocks, Mikki Beuchat in Gen-X, Bob Cooney in Sprint Cars, Jeff Marson in Street Stocks, Doug McVae in Dwarf Cars and Robert Miller, who actually clinched the IMCA Modified title on Saturday and Keih Nicklos in Sport Mods.
Most of the Street Stock drivers came down from Oregon and they donated all their prize money back to the track. They plan to return next year.
During the intermission two Outlaw Kart racers were honored as Dirt Track Champions they were Peyton Albury in Box Stock and Keagan Mederos in 500cc.
The night marked the end of era for Rattlesnake Raceway, Lovelock Speedway and Diamond Mountain Speedway in Susanville, California. It was the final night for announcer Davey Boy Munoz, who has been involved in racing for 50-years and is retiring.
Now 70 years old he decided it’s time for more fishing and camping on the weekends. Everyone wished him well and gave him a poster board with some photos and signatures of drivers as a going away present.
• Saturday was the first day of the DTC and much of that was run either at twilight or at night. During the driver’s meeting the announcer Davey Boy Munez, in an emotional short speech, formally announced his retirement.
Once again the IMCA Modified main ended the night but was another barnburner of a race.
“Well it was busy, busy,” Shawn Natenstedt said after winning the race. “If you start on the front row like that you never know how fast you’re going until someone gets up next to you. I saw a car next to me, I think it was Jeff and then I got my butt in gear and starting rolling. Then I saw another somebody come around next to me and had to step on it and get going again. But it’s never fun in the lead because you don’t know where everybody is running.”
Then he thanked Ultimate Air Heating and Air Conditioning, Competition Carburation and Dave Sciarroni for all his help.
Natenstedt added he wasn’t racing Sunday so his team could prepare for a race in California this coming week.
When the green sent the 16 modified off Natenstedt jumped into the lead. Behind him Quincy veterans Chris Nieman and Jeff Olschowka were on the move as was Robert Miller.
Lap after lap Natenstedt had to find off at least one of those three drivers that were challenging him. In the end he won followed by Nieman, Miller and Olschowka.
When the Street Stock main began Dan Dias was briefly on point until Jeff Marson used an inside move in Turn 4 to take the lead. Back in the pack Keith Marson had his sights on Dias and second place.
Jeff Marson scored the victory followed by Keith Marson and Dias.
When the Sprint Car main began Bob Cooney and Jay Bradley were leading. Two cautions followed as the car of Dennis Crook kept stalling.
Once racing resumed Cooney took off while Bruce Ferrier took second over from Bradley. They would finish in that order.
The Sport Mod main began with Collin Sanford on point for the first few laps. There was a caution as the car of Bill Pearson had to be towed to the pits.
On the restart McMillian made the winning pass while Sanford had to settle for the runner up spot and Keith Nickos ended up third.
There were 10 Gen-X racers that took the green flag to start their main event. First to lead was young pole sitter Will Evenson but it as short lived as Mikki Beuchat soon took the point.
One caution slowed the pace but when the green came out Beuchat left everyone in his dust. Unfortunately the name of he driver taking second place was unlisted but Jorden Lumsden ended up thirs while Beuchat scored another run away victory.
Only a trio of Dwarf Cars were on hand and that main was won by Doug McVae while Roy Petersen was second and Skip Wise third.
It took two attempts to get the Hobby Stock main going since there was a three-car tangle in Turn 1 after the first attempt. On the second try Roy Petersen took the lead with Brian Thorpe second.
Soon Petersen’s car began to smoke from the right rear rubbing. The cause was a broken suspension piece and he soon had to retire.
Behind the leader Ray Davis, driving the only Mustang in the field, was moving toward the front. After a short caution Davis grabbed the lead and took off.
Two quick cautions with three laps to go set up a shoot out for the victory. Up front Davis wasn’t about to be denied so Chris Christiano had to settle for second ahead of thirs place Shane Cazel and Mark Hain, who ended up fourth.
After the dust settled everyone retired to the pits and started preparing for Sunday’s racing.
Now Rattlesnake Raceway is quiet but on October 19th the annual Kris Kringle charity race will be staged. This year’s banquet has been moved over to the fair ground and will be held on November 9th.
REPORTER’S NOTE: There is a photo gallery after the results.
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RESULTS:
33rd Dirt Track Championships – Dirt Track Championships
• Sunday, Oct 6
IMCA Modifieds:
+ Heat #1: 1. Wade Lumsden, 2. Alec Childs, 3. Shawn LaRocque, 4. Denny Roblee, 5. Jim Turner, 6. Jay Bradley, 7. Will Evenson.
+ Heat #2: 1. Robert Miller, 2. Chris Nieman, 3. Jeff Olschowka, 4. Malen Gonzalez, 5. Andy Strait,6. Keith Walsh.
+ Main (25-Laps): 1. Chris Nieman, 2. Robert Miller, 3. Shawn LaRocque, 4. Jeff Olschowka, 5. Alec Childs, 6. Andy Strait, 7. Malen Gonzalez, 8. Wade Lumsden, 9. Jay Bradley, 10. Jim Turner, 11. Dennu Roblee, 12. Keith Walsh, 13. Will Evenson.
Sprint Cars:
+ Heat #1: 1. Bob Cooney, 2. Kurt Goddard, 3. Jay Bradley.
+ Heat #2: 1. Bruce Ferrier, 2. Bob Shank, 3. Dennis Crook.
+ Main (16-Laps): 1. Bob Cooney, 2. Bruce Ferrier, 3. Jay Badley, 4. Bob Shank, 5. Kurt Goddard 6. Dennis Crook.
Hobby Stocks:
+ Heat #1: 1. Ray Davis, 2. Shane Cazel, 3. Bob Vaden, 4. Trevor Quell, 5. Crystal Kontny.
+ Heat #2: 1. Brian Thorpe, 2. Mark Hain, 3. Shane Rasmussen, 4. Chris Christiano, 5. Jacob Dias.
+ Main (25-Laps): 1. Ray Davis, 2. Shane Cazel, 3. Mark Hain, 4. BobVaden, 5. Brian Thorpe, 6. Crystal Kontny, 7. Jacob Dias, 8. Trevor Quell, 9. Shane Rasmussen.
DNF: Chris Christiano.
Sport Mod:
+ Heat: 1. Rusty McMillian, 2. Keith Nicklos.
+ Main (12-Laps): 1. Rusty McMillian, 2. Keith Nicklos.
DNS: Bill Pearson, Collin Sanford.
Street Stocks:
+ Heat: 1. Richard Clink, 2. Shane Cazel, 3. Jeff Marson, 4. Jessie Yankee, 5. Wayne Clink, 6. Keith Marson.
+ Main (15-Laps): 1. Richard Clink, 2. Shane Cazel, 3. Jeff Marson,4. Keith Marson, 5. Wayne Clink.
DNF: Jessie Yankee.
Dwarf Cars:
+ Heat: 1. Doug McVae, 2. Roy Petersen, 3. Skip Wise.
+ Main (15-Laps): 1. Roy Petersen, 2. Doug McVae, 3. Skip Wise.
Gen-X:
+ Heat #1: 1. Jesse James, 2. Matt Canada, 3. Will Evenson, 4. Bob Shank.
+ Heat #2: 1. Mikki Beuchat, 2. Kevin Reuter, 3. Jorden Lumsden, 4. Jerome Kleve.
+ Main: 1. Mikki Beuchat, 2. Jesse James, 3. Jerome Kleve, 4. Daniel Kleve, 5. Kevin Reuter, 6. Jorden Lumsden.
DNF: Bob Shank
DNS: Will Evenson, Matt Canada.
• Saturday, Oct. 4
IMCA Modifieds:
+ Heat #1: 1. Shawn Natenstedt, 2. Dave Sciarroni, 3. Denny Roblee, 4. Andy Strait, 5. Shawn LaRocque, 6. Jay Bradley.
+ Heat #2: 1. Chris Nieman, 2. Wade Lumsden, 3. Will Evenson, 4. Robert Miller, 5. Keith Walsh, 6. Nick Winters.
+ Heat #3: 1. Jeff Olschowka, 2. Malen Gonzalez, 3. Jim Turner, 4. Cole Jones, 5. Alec Childs, 6. James Riggs.
+ Main: (25-Laps): 1. Shawn Natenstedt, 2. Chris Nieman, 3. Robert Miller, 4. Jeff Olschowka, 5. Andy Strait, 6. Denny Roblee, 7. Shawn LaRocque, 8. Alec Childs, 9. Malen Gonzalez, 10. Cole Jones, 11. Will Evenson, 12. Keith Walsh, 13. Jim Turner, 49. Jay Bradley.
DNF: Wade Lumsden, Dave Sciarroni, Nick Winters, James Riggs.
Sprint Cars:
+ Heat #1: 1. Bob Cooney,2. Kurt Goodard, 3. Jay Bradley.
+ Heat #2: 1. Bruce Ferrier, 2.. Bob Shank, 3. Dennis Crook.
+ Main (16-Laps): 1. Bob Cooney, 2. Bruce Ferrier, 3. Jay Bradley, 4. Bob Shank, 5. Kurt Goddard, 6. Dennis Crook.
Sport Mods:
+ Heat: 1. Bill Pearson, 2. Collin Sanford, 3. Keith Nichols, 4. Rusty McMillian.
+ Main (15-Laps): 1. Rusty McMillian, 2. Collin Sanford, 3. Keith Nichols, 4. Bill Pearson.
Hobby Stocks:
+ Heat #1: 1. Ray Davis, 2. Mark Hain, 3. Jacob Dias, 4. Crystal Kontny, 5. Trevor Quell, 6. Shane Cazel.
+ Heat #2: 1. Brian Thorpe, 2. Roy Petersen, 3. Jacob Dias, 4. Bob Vaden, 5. Shane Rasmussen.
+ Main (25-Laps): 1. Ray Davis, 2. Chris Christiano, 3. Shane Cazel, 4. Brian Thorpe, 5. Mark Hain, 6. Crystal Kontney, 7. Trevor Quell, 8. Shane Rasmussen.
DNF: Jacob Dias, Roy Petersen, Bob Vaden.
Street Stocks:
+ Heat #1: 1. Jeff Marson, 2. Keith Marson, 3. Wayne Clink.
DNS: Shane Cazel.
+ Heat #2: 1. Jesse Yankee, 2. Dan Dias, 3. Richard Clink.
+ Main (25-Laps): 1. Jeff Marson, 2. Keith Marson, 3. Dan Dias, 4. Jesse Yankii, 5. Rickard Clink, 6. Shane Cazel, 7. Wayne Clink.
Dwarf Cars:
+ Heat: 1. Doug McVae, 2. Roy Petersen, 3. Skip Wise.
+ Main (15-Laps): 1. Doug McVae, 2. Roy Petersen, 3. Skip Wise.
Gen-X:
+ Heat #1: 1. Jesse James, 2. Jorden Lumsden, 3. Will Evenson, 4. Shanna Ott, 5. Daniel Kleve.
+ Heat #2: 1. Mikki Beuchat, 2. Kevin Reuter, 3. Terry Enger, 4. Jerome Kleve, 5. Matt Canada.
+ Main: 1. Mikki Beuchat, 2. Unlisted, 3. Jorden Lumsden, 4. Jesse James, 5. Terry Enger, 6. Will Evenson, 7. Jerome Kleve, 8. Shanna Ott, 9. Daniel Kleve, 10. Kevin Reuter.
DNS: Matt Canada.
• I-80 Challenge finishing order:
+ IMCA Modifieds: 1. Robert Miller, 2. Alec Childs, 3. Andy Strait, 4. Shawn LaRocque, 5. James Thibodeaux, 6. Cory Sample, 7. Randy Artz, 8 John Demore, 9. Cole Jones, 10. Wade Taylor, 11. Don Childs.
+ Sprint Cars: 1. Bob Cooney, 2. Kurt Goddard, 3. Bob Shank, 4. Jordan Garretson, 5. Bruce Ferrier, 6. Dalton Cristiani
+ Hobby Stock: 1. Ray Davis, 2. Brian Thorp, 3. Mark Hain, 4. Crystal Kontny, 5. Shane Cazel, 6. Keith Greenwood, 7. Cody Maier, 8. Dustin Greenwood, 9 Bob Vaden, 10. Willy Tanson.
• 2019 Dirt Track Champions: Sprint Cars – Bob Cooney, Street Stocks – Jeff Marson, A Mods – Chris Nieman, Hobby Stocks – Ray Davis, Gen-X – Mikki Beuchat, Dwarf Cars – Doug McVae, Sport Mods – Keith Nicklos.
PHOTO GALLERY:
Richard Clink takes a victory lap after winning Sunday’s Street Stock main. 
Richard Clink takes the checkered flag as he wins Sunday’s Street Stock main. 
Bob Cooney scores his second victory in as many days in the Sprint Car main. 
Local Rusty McMillian was the Sport Mod winner. 
Rusty McMillian takes a Polish Victory lap after winning Sunday’s Sport Mod main. In Sunday’s Sprint Car main Bob Cooney makes the winning pass when he got around Bruce Ferrier. 
After winning Saturday’s IMCA main Shawn Natenstedt stand in victory circle. 
After winning the final race of the weekend, Sunday’s IMCA main Chris Nieman is in victory circle. Chris Nieman makes the winning pass on Robert Miller during Sunday’s IMCA race. Chris Nieman takes a victory lap after winning Sunday’s IMCA Modified main. This race ended the Dirt Track Championship weekend. Shawn Natenstedt winning Saturday’s IMCA main. He only raced that night. 
I-80 Challenge IMCA winners, Andy Strait, Robert Miller and Alec Childs. 
I-80 Challenge Sprint Car winners, Bob Shank, Bob Coone and Kurt Goddard. 
I-80 Challenge Hobby Stock winners, Mark Hain, Ray Davis and Brian Thorp. Ray Davis wins Sunday’s Hobby Stock main. 
After winning Sunday’s Hobby Stock main Ray Davis took a victory lap. Mikki Beuchat scored a run away victory in Gen-X. 
Roy Petersen won Sunday’s Dwar Car main in a car he’s retiring, 
During Sunday’s Dwarf Car main eventual winner Roy Petersen dueled with Doug McVae. Announcer Davey Boy Munoz on his final day in the booth. He’s retiring after 50 years being around racing. Young Peyton Albury was the Outlaw Kart Box Stock Dirt Track Champion. The 500cc Outlaw Kart Dirt track champion was Keagan Mederos. 
The 2019 Dirt Track Champions.
