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Wingless Spec Sprints
Chowchilla, CA- April 28, 2007
By Debbie Shipherd
Kent Stephens Wins Chowchilla Season Opener
The first of eight Wingless Spec Sprint races at Chowchilla Speedway was won by Modesto's young Kent Stephens, who was also the victor at the last Spec Sprint race there in 2006. Stephens, sponsored by Stephens Motorsports, Hilmar Powdercoating, and Mac Tools, took the lead of the twenty lap feature on lap 11 when Salinas' Steve Pemberton slowed with suspected motor issues.
Four Spec Sprint teams arrived to race, and were met with friendly Chowchilla hospitality as well as plenty of sunshine. Dave Lovejoy, Chowchilla's new track announcer took the time to greet and visit with all of the competitors and teams.
The Okie Bowl Hardtops made their second appearance at Chowchilla and were great fun to watch. Just about every car in this club has some fascinating history, as many date back to vintage 1930's and 40's. Club President "Krazy" Kenny Farris was excited about the popularity of the class which now claims Chowchilla as their home track. Turlock's Ken Bonnema won the feature in his yellow #44 Model A, and appeared to have a blast. More information about the class can be found at http://okiebowlhardtops.com/index.html.
The Spec Sprints ran a six lap heat race which ran flag to flag and was won by Contra Costa Auto Parts' Keith Shipherd. For several of the Wingless Spec Sprint teams, this was their first race, and some had mechanical gremlins to work out.
Despite the small field, promoter Tom Sagmiller graciously gave the Spec Sprint teams their money's worth with a twenty lap feature. The grid was a complete invert of the heat race finish, putting Rancho Cordova's Bill Hopper on the pole and Modesto's Kent Stephens on the outside. At the start, turn one proved to be a challenge as Stephens ran over the birm and got out of shape, resulting in contact from behind and a flat. Stephens returned after the customary courtesy laps, with Hopper on pole. As the green unfurled, he, too got out of shape in turn one, for the second yellow. On the third try Pemberton Motorsports' Steve Pemberton took the lead with Stephens and Shipherd close behind. Stephens challenged several times, and by lap eleven Pemberton, a two time Watsonville Spec Sprint champion, began loosing power and was passed by Stephens and Shipherd. At the checkers, it was Stephens, Shipherd, Pemberton, and Hopper.
Hopefully more Wingless Spec Sprint teams will support this class at Chowchilla's fast 1/3 mile track. Chowchilla Speedway has given the Spec Sprints a place to race since 2001, long before their surge in popularity. The Chowchilla crews go all out with track prep, the officiating is fair, and all of the staff is extremely approachable, hands on, and friendly. Their goal is to make racing fun for everyone, and they do. The next Wingless Spec Sprint race at Chowchilla is Saturday, June 2.
Drive safe, have fun and take care.
Results:
Heat 1: Keith Shipherd, Steve Pemberton, Kent Stephens, Bill Hopper
Main: Kent Stephens, Keith Shipherd, Steve Pemberton, Bill Hopper
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