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Day for NCMA at Chowchilla Speedway: Rainbow Races and Happy Faces by Debbie Shipherd |
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(March 23, 2003) Our race day began with the sound of rain early in the morning, and the accompanying apprehension of whether or not we’d be racing. After countless calls to crew members, other drivers, and the track, we were on the road again, heading for Chowchilla Speedway. On the way, we received reports of rain in nearby Atwater and Modesto, yet Chowchilla’s track recording continued to remain optimistic. Upon arriving, it started to drizzle, but we were greeted warmly by promoter Tom Sagmillar, his son Nick, track officials, and Lynn and Joe Martinez, the track photographers. Chowchilla’s hospitality was in full force with Radio Flyer Sue Guinn greeting everyone happily with hugs and busily working on putting together a program for Chow’s fans. The best part of any first race of the season is seeing the smile of old racing friends, meeting new people, and of course seeing the rainbow of freshly painted race cars. While the crew prepped the car, I had the opportunity to take some pictures and meet two new drivers, Mike Zarevich #42, and #38 John Fenton. Crewing for Mike was his father, Bill Zarevich, who is a former NCMA sprint driver. Bubba Sedgwick, car owner of the #38, also had a long haul, as they drove from Bakersfield. The driver’s meeting began with Tom Sagmillar announcing that to insure that all divisions got their main events in, they would run the mains first, then the heats, weather and time permitting. Reverend Ron ended with a fitting prayer including our troops and our racers, and then mud packing began. The sprints were lined up to go out first, so Millie, Eddie, Kassondra, and Russ were all busy working out of the Alum-Line NCMA trailer, informing teams of lineups and keeping things running smoothly, especially difficult without radios. Tonight’s 20 lap main event was a double point one for the sprints, and it ran fast. One yellow was thrown for a spun car, there was some spirited dicing going on for the 3rd spot, and both new drivers John and Mike held their line and drove smoothly, which is always encouraging. Scott Holloway, driving the TBS #41 finished first, followed by Keith Shipherd in the Western Tile/ CC Auto Parts #20, Ed Amador’s #76 was third, George Terry’s #2 finished fourth, and Bert Siverling’s #77 was fifth. Several drivers did not finish, as typically in a first race there were some minor mechanical problems. John Fenton pulled in with a blown radiator hose, the Chappa Insulation #6 Jim Janssen car broke a brake line, and #14 Darren Thomas had some overheating problems. It was explained to me later that high humidity (dense air) creates more horsepower in the engines, which can cause overheating, too. After the main, we were treated to the sight of a spectacular double rainbow in the sky which was breathtaking. While other divisions ran their mains, we visited with a few drivers in attendance without their cars. Russ Wullenwaber was still waiting for parts, and helped with the lineups and teching. Pat Ariaz, club president, was overseeing the first race and was anxious to drive his car next week at Altamont. Leon Holloway was there to root on his son Scott, and had some engaging stories to share. It was during that time we heard the announcement that open show promoter George Steitz was contributing some extra money to the purses in all divisions for the night. We thank him for his generous support! Our 8 lap heat
race followed later, with Scott Holloway taking the win, Ed Amador
finished second, and Keith Shipherd was third. I’m not sure of the
official finishes after that point.The sprint drivers then met for a
brief meeting, discussing some tire rules and club sponsorships, and
again congratulating the new drivers. It was a fun evening of
racing, and terrific to see all the sprints loaded up on trailers in
one piece. With a long haul home, we said our good byes and hit the
road again. Next Saturday we will be running the first pavement race
at Altamont. Drive safe, have fun, and take care, Deb |
