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Kaeding Sweeps Tribute to GP as Allard Wins Championship
by: Troy Hennig
(Chico, CA 7-26-08)...It was a night that those in attendance will not soon forget. Tim Kaeding was a highlight film again. Kaeding started the night off by turning the fastest lap in qualifying. He went on to come from his sixth starting spot in heat one to win the race. By virtue of a pill draw, Kaeding started on the pole of the dash and won the six lap race. However, to clean sweep this night, he needed a little help. That help came in the form of a tricky rut in turn four that leader Tyler Walker hit on lap 28. Coming down to the white flag, Kaeding was able to pass Walker for the lead. Kaeding went on to lead the last lap to clean sweep the night and bring the capacity crowd to their feet. “I still can't believe it,” said Kaeding in victory lane with Gary Thomas. “To clean sweep this night with this kind of competition is awesome. I have to thank the Roth family for the opportunity to drive this car.” A somber Walker pulled onto the front straight but to his credit he told it like it was. “I did everything I could to win,” said Walker. “ I don't know what else to say. He just beat me tonight. Not much else I can say.” For his effort, Walker did have a great weekend. He won the Friday night main event picking up $4,000. Tonight he finished second. He added to the winnings by earning the most points for the weekend. By doing so, he pocketed an extra $1,000 from Cherry St. Mini Storage. For the weekend, Walker won $6500. Not a bad trip to the race track. Finishing third was Sammy Swindell in the Tom Rolfe Trucking #10. It was the second night Swindell ended up on the podium. The whole night was a tribute to Gary Patterson. It was a night that even Patterson surely had to love.
Pulling onto the front straight was the overall 2008 King of California Golden State Series Champion Jonathan Allard. It was his second crown. His first was in 2006. “I'm just glad it's over,” said a relived Allard. “It's been a trying couple of weeks. It's all about my car owners Morrie and Katie Williams and my team led by Ashley Smith and Bob.” Even though the wins might have not been there for the team this year, they ended with one, the consistency of their program is what ultimately won the battle. Allard is a total professional when it comes to being a full-time sprint car driver. Congratulations to him and the while zero hero's.
A total of 32 cars entered the final night of racing. The night got off to a terrible start in qualifying when Chico's Brad Bumgarner flipped in turn four. It took a while to get him from his car. Bumgarner was in terrible back pain and it was later reported by his grandfather that Brad had broke his back. Surgery was scheduled for later that night or on the following morning. Fans were gracious enough to add some money for a roll over fund and Tim Kaeding announced he was donating the money he won from qualifying to Bumgarner. Kaeding earned $250 courtesy of the Thomas family.
Kaeding start the race as the leader by virtue of starting from the pole. On lap eight it was Sammy Swindell's turn to lead. Swindell was a dominant factor all weekend and now was the leader. On lap ten, Kaeding slid off the back stretch and Walker slid him going into turn three. Walker moved into the second spot. On the following lap the first caution waived when Kyle Hirst spun in turn two. Two laps later Brett Miller jumped a right rear and tumbled in turn one. On lap 15 another red slowed the event when Mark Workentine ended upside down in turn two.
Swindell continued as the leader but on lap 19 Walker closed in. On the next lap, Walker slid Swindell and took the lead. Swindell faltered once again and Kaeding moved around him for second. This set up the unbelievable finish. On lap 26 Andy Gregg slowed in front Walker. To avoid Gregg, Walker almost stalled the car. Somehow he kept the motor alive but in doing so Kaeding drove by. However, on the next lap it was Stephen Allard flipping and Brent Bjork was involved. With the red in the air the officials reverted back to the previous lap scored. That placed Walker back into the lead. The announcement was greeted with a mixed reaction from the crowd.
Walker resumed as the leader and had a clear track ahead of him. As the laps wound down Walker seemed to have dodged a bullet and would go on to win. Yet, going through turn four and coming down for the white flag, Walker's car bounced around a rut and he lost momentum. Kaeding charged to the bottom and took the lead. Kaeding led the final lap to clean sweep the event. He did his customary victory 360's on the front stretch and jumped out of the car with a ton of emotion. It felt like he truly could not believe what had just happened. “I want to congratulate Tyler on a heck of a season and Jonathan for his well deserved Championship,” said Kaeding.
Brent Kaeding won the 12-lap B main event. He held off Andy Gregg for the win. Mark Tabor Jr. was the show during this race and moved from tenth to fifth and earned the transfer.
Tim Kaeding won the first heat. During the night ManCamp Motorsports and Twin Cities Trophy's donated heat race trophy's for the winners to give into the grandstand for the young fans in attendance. Jason York, Mike Henry and Bud Kaeding each won their heat races.
Full results on the Internet at www.johnpadjenmotorsports.com
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