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Traditional Sprint Car FanSite |
See You At The Races!!! |
| Ariaz Wins Fourth Feature At
Altamont by Debbie Shipherd |
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Tracy, Ca...June 16... Alum-Line's Pat Ariaz won his fourth
feature event at Altamont Raceway Park on Saturday June 26, taking
the lead on lap 17 when John Silva of Tracy pitted with rear end
problems that ended his night prematurely after leading all but 2 of
the prior laps. The evening was marred with multiple mechanical
gremlins experienced by several NCMA teams, but also highlighted by
some exciting side by side dicing, jockeying for positions, and
fast, caution free racing. At the checkers it was fast qualifier
Ariaz, Patterson's Don Hicks, and Contra Costa Auto Parts'Keith
Shipherd in the top three. Practice sessions began with Hale Lumber's Rob Hammond suffering an oil leak, unable to repair the motor problem at the track, and parking his ride for the night. His evening wasn't a total bust, since he was able to watch a young driver he sponsors, Dominic Portena, win his heat race and later the main in the youth driven Mini Cup division that ran on the inside 1/4 mile track at Altamont. The Hammond team also graciously assisted several of their fellow NCMA drivers. An unfortunate incident in practice also saw both J&J Dairy's Ed Amador and Shipherd suffering some damage to their cars, but both of the hard working teams made repairs and were able to race. The 4 lap trophy dash began with Patterson's Don Hicks and Shipherd on the front row. Shipherd took the lead at the green, Hicks made a pass, and Shipherd regained the lead to take his 1st dash win on pavement. Ed Amador had some obvious motor problems in the dash and later discovered he had a bad piston. The 25 lap main had a thrilling beginning with Dan's Racer Safety John Silva and Shipherd dueling for the lead, swapping spots cleanly for the first 3 laps. Silva gained ground lap after lap, Ariaz darted into 2nd on lap 15, and Hicks pulled into 3rd. A good battle for 5th between Z&Z Racing's Zarevich and OCR's Siverling had them also switching positions several times. By lap 17 Silva's car began smoking and he safely pitted with suspected rear end problems. At the checkers it was Ariaz, Hicks, Shipherd, Burt Siverling, and Michael Zarevich in the top 5. The NCMA Sprints will have a welcome weekend off for the holiday and then return to Reno-Fernley's 3/8 mile dirt track on Saturday, July 10 for race #4 of the West Coast Select Series. All Spec Sprints are welcome to join the racing action at the fun, fast track. The following Saturday, July 17 race at Chowchilla Speedway will feature a special raffle for two children's bikes and other fun give-aways. Drive safe, have fun, and take care. Summary Fast Time: Pat Ariaz 18.850 Trophy Dash: Keith Shipherd, Don Hicks, Pat Ariaz, Ed Amador Main: Pat Ariaz, Don Hicks, Keith Shipherd, Burt Siverling, Michael Zarevich, John Silva, Ed Amador, Rob Hammond (DNS) |
