(7/9/18) Sacramento, CA …The King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series will battle wheel-to-wheel at Petaluma Speedway, this Saturday (July 14th) featuring California’s top open wheel teams in a full-program of exciting championship racing action.
This marks the stretch run for the winged 410 traveling series, which only has six races remaining on the schedule. This includes the final appearance of the season at Petaluma on Saturday.
Most eyes will be focused on Kyle Hirst of Paradise, CA, easily recognized as one of the hottest race car drivers in the country. Hirst, along with car owner Dennis Roth, have dominated victory lane, capturing four of the past five King of the West-NARC feature events, and five total in this seasons 10-races. Hirst is on a quest to claim his fourth series championship, after earning the coveted crown in 2013, 2014 and 2016.
Hirst currently maintains a 933-894 advantage over Elk Grove driver Shane Golobic, and a 70-point lead over defending series champion Bud Kaeding of Campbell. Assuming he doesn’t miss the 101 freeway exit in Petaluma, Hirst lead is what can best be described as “comfortable.”
While Hirst aims for another title, a couple of other rookie drivers are striving to experience that same level of greatness. That would include rookie of the year candidate Dustin Golobic, 23, of Fremont, CA He is the younger brother of Shane Golobic and is sixth in points. Also in the top ten in the championship standings is rookie Jenna Frazier.
“Being a rookie on the King of the West-NARC tour this year has been very tough,” admitted Dustin Golobic. “I have learned a lot about 410 racing and it’s a whole different ballgame. The 410 is a different animal and every track we go to is a learning curve for me to get comfortable again. I didn’t realize how competitive the series is, especially cracking into that solid top 10 group of cars.”
But he is not alone in his efforts to gain success on the track. “All of the drivers have been cool to me whenever I reach out for advice or help,” explained Golobic, a third generation driver. “My dad (John Golobic) has given me a really good car all year and my brother has been huge on helping me with driving and on the car when needed.”
Golobic realizes that his small advances will lead to long term success.
“To get that first win, we’re gonna need everything to fall our way all night and enjoy a little bit of luck! But on the short term, we’re looking to pick up our first top five finish very soon!”
Other drivers expected in the pit area include local driver Chase Johnson of Penngrove; Roseville’s Colby Copeland and Willie Croft; DJ Netto and Mitchell Faccinto of Hanford; Atwater driver’s Nathan Rolfe and Sean Watts; Discovery Bay’s Jarrett Soares; Elk Grove’s Bobby McMahan; and many others. A local contingent of drivers are also expected to compete including Geoff Ensign, Klint Simpson and Jake Haulot.
The racing program includes qualifying, three 10-lap heat races, the six-lap Sunnyvalley Bacon dash; followed by the 30-lap Fujitsu Sprint Car Series headliner. The winner earns a $3000 paycheck.
Pit gates open at Noon. Front gates open at 4:00 p.m. Racing starts at 6:00 p.m. Also on the racing card is Super Stocks, Dwarf cars, and mini-stocks.
General admission tickets are $22 with seniors (65+) at $18.00. Junior’s aged 6-11 are $18. Kids five and under are FREE!
Petaluma Speedway is located at the fairgrounds in Petaluma, CA. For more information, call 707-763-RACE, or go to NARC410.com