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PRESS RELEASE, HOOSIER RACING TIRES CIVIL WAR SERIES
FROM THE OFFICE OF JOHN PADJEN MOTORPORTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2007
MEDIA CONTACT: BILL SULLIVAN: [email protected]
Sophmore drivers Petty and Sweeney ready to face Saturday's Calistoga Cup
By Bill Sullivan
CALISTOGA, CA – Last year they made their debut in the sport of sprint car racing and their talent led them to share the rookie of the year title at Placerville Speedway. This Saturday sophomore drivers Matt Petty of Jackson and James Sweeney of Placerville will be among the talent at the famed Calistoga Speedway for the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series in the fourth annual "Calistoga Cup."
Entering Saturday's event, Petty is poised in the top ten of the Civil War point standings, sitting in eighth place, just 72 points out of the lead. An eighth place rank in the Civil War Series is to be noted for a driver of Petty's caliber, considering the series has seen 65 different drivers earn points so far in the season that is four races strong.
Last year, despite his rookie status, Petty tested the waters at the intimidating Calistoga Speedway and competed in both the Calistoga Cup and the Napa Valley Challenge Civil War events. In the Calistoga Cup he finished 16th in the B-feature. When he returned later in the season he claimed a heat race victory and finished 17th in the A-feature.
After a week's hiatus to address an issue of malfunctioning brakes, Petty is sure to be in contention in Saturday's "big one" aboard his family owned #24. With the assistance of ART enterprises in the past week the recent brake concerns are expected to be fully repaired and the second generation driver will be looking to improve his already impressive Calistoga Speedway career resume.
While Petty has a tasted the flavor of California's largest dirt track, Sweeney will be making his racing debut on the scenic yet intimidating track nestled in the heart of the Napa Valley. Although Sweeney has never driven on the track too tough to tame he performs well on the larger tracks he has visited thus far, include the Tulare Thunderbowl where he was in a good position for the annual Trophy Cup until a collision in hot laps on the final night of competition ended his efforts with severe damage.
In his sophomore season, Sweeney has had his share of misfortunes in 2007, including the loss of two race cars. Once car was destroyed when he was struck by another driver at Placerville Speedway. The second car was destroyed when he fell victim to the poorly marked black infield tires during round three at Marysville Raceway Park.
This weekend, with his Sweeney Racing #20j ready to roar and a desire to race bigger tracks, Sweeney will look to turn his season around. Currently Sweeney sits 24 in the Civil War standings, 149 points from the lead position.
Another up and coming driver that is looking to turn his luck around will be Scott Kinney of Citrus Heights. The former Midget Lite racer advanced to sprint cars at the conclusion of last season and has already won a feature event at Placerville Speedway this year and has two top five finishes to his name. Kinney is currently 16th in the Civil War point standings with two top ten finishes in the series.
Every driver in Saturday's event shows a great deal of talent, it is what the Civil War Series is all about, bringing all of California's best drivers into one traveling showcase. All driver in contention will be looking the chase point leader and defending champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn as he looks for his first Calistoga win. Rohnert Park's Brett Rollag is second in the point standings ahead of Colby Wiesz of Colfax. Sacramento's Mike Henry ranks fourth ahead of Elk Grove's Greg DeCaires, Andy Gregg of Placerville, Indiana's Brandon Winner and Petty. Wimmer will not be a factor as he has returned to the Golden State Challenge Series as the new hired gun in the Beef Packers #83jr. team.
The gates of the Napa County Fairground will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The pit gate will open at 3:30.Qualifying is set to begin at 6:30. All seating is general admission at $20 for adults and $10 for children. For additional information on the Civil War Series visit www.johnpadjenmotorsports.com.
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