KING OF THE WEST-NARC SPRINT CARS HEAD TO PETALUMA ON SATURDAY
July 8, 2019
Jim Allen
(7/9/19) Jim Allen, Sacramento, CA … Petaluma Speedway will play host to the 950-horsepower sprint cars of the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series this Saturday, July 13th, for an exciting night of exciting wheel-to-wheel racing action on the 3/8th mile dirt oval.
This marks the eighth stop of the traveling sanctioning body’s 60th Anniversary campaign and the final visit to Petaluma Speedway this season. It also begins a three consecutive weekend set of races that will pay a key role in deciding the 2019 series champion. And at this point in the season, it’s a very competitive battle.
Entering the event, Hollister’s Ryan Bernal holds a single-point advantage over DJ Netto of Hanford (787-786). Bernal took the point lead away from Netto at Placerville Speedway two weeks ago with his second runner-up finish of the season. Despite stellar racing resumes’, neither driver has claimed the King of the West-NARC crown, and in fact, neither has led the points standings until this season. However, both run exceptionally well at Petaluma and will be looking to score their first win of the season Saturday night.
For Bernal, who is well-know for his winning exploits in non-winged open wheel race cars, this is his first full season in a winged 410 cubic inch sprint car. He feels that the season is progressing as planned for his Fresno-based racing team.
“The main goal is to win the Tarlton Motorsports team a championship,” explained Bernal, “and I’m appreciative that they took a chance on a non-wing guy like me. I have to admit that taking the points lead has boosted my drive and confidence.”
Also within striking distance of the two frontrunners is Fresno’s Dominic Scelzi and Willie Croft of Roseville. Scelzi is one of five different winners this season, winning a pair of races.
Other’s expected to compete include Bud Kaeding, the 2017 series champion out of Campbell; Elk Grove’s Shane Golobic; Sebastpol’s Geoff Ensign; Penngrove’s Chase Johnson; feature event winner Sean Watts and Nathan Rolfe of Atwater; Chico’s Kenny Allen; Stephen Ingraham of Fair Oaks; Jason Statler of Grass Valley; Tracy’s Kyle Offill; Auburn’s Richard Brace Jr.; Sacramento’s Jenna Frazier; and many more. Ensign is a former track champion at Petaluma Speedway.
The King of the West by NARC racing program will include qualifying, three 10-lap heat races, a trophy dash, and the 30-lap Fujitsu headliner that will pay $3000 to the winner. Also on the racing card are Super-Stocks, Dwarf Cars, and Mini-Stocks. Pit gates open at noon. Front gates open at 4:00 p.m. Racing gets underway at 6:00 p.m.
Petaluma Speedway is located at 100 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma. For more information, go to Petaluma-Speedway.com. or call 707-763-7223.
The King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Racing Series is also sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires and Hydrochem PSC. Associate and contingency award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, Automotive Racing Products (ARP), Autometer, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, ButlerBuilt, FK Rod Ends, Hooker Harness, Johnstone Supply, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Safecraft Safety Equipment, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, Swift Metal Finishing, Sunnyvalley Bacon, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Weld Racing Wheels, Wilwood Disc Brakes, Williams Roofing, and Winters Performance Products.
All King of the West-NARC events are available on PPV on Speed Shift TV – https://www.speedshifttv.com/
UPCOMING EVENTS:
July 20 – Ocean Speedway, Watsonville Speedway – Howard Kaeding Classic (night two)
July 27 – Santa Maria Raceway, Santa Maria, CA – Winged Madness including a Wheelie Contest