---

McMahan Celebrates an Eventful Day at Mini Gold Cup

He also announces full-time status with the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series

CHICO, Calif. - March 23, 2013 - Saturday was a day of celebration and commemoration for Paul McMahan.

It began during the bright afternoon when he announced his CJB Motorsports team will compete full time this season with the World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series. It was then capped under the lights with a splattering of confetti on the frontstretch at Silver Dollar Speedway, where McMahan earned his 15 th career World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series victory at the famed Mini Gold Cup.

"Kenny Speck passed away last Friday night at Tulare and we laid him to rest today, and this is the first time I've been back to Stephen's (Allard) hometown here in Chico," he said after an emotional Victory Lane. "To win here, I know he's smiling down, looking on me - both of them are. I said earlier in the night that if I could win here this would be for them guys and I was fortunate enough to get it done."

While McMahan was all smiles after leading the final 33 of the 40-lap feature, several other drivers left the track in a less-than-desirable mood following a hectic finish, including runner up Chad Kemenah.

After taking last weekend off to heal from a concussion, Kemenah took another wild ride as he collided with NASCAR star Tony Stewart racing for second place to the checkered flag. Kemenah won the position, but ended with a wrecked car in the process.

For Stewart, who started on the pole and led the first seven laps in his first career race at Silver Dollar Speedway, the trouble started in turn four on the final lap.

After David Gravel drove around him in turn three for second place, Gravel spun sideways in turn four. Stewart had nowhere to go and the two drivers crashed in the bottom of the corner. Both were able to keep going, but the melee started the havoc.

Stewart plowed forward to the middle of the track while Gravel's car was momentarily straightened before he eventually spun across the finish line in sixth place.

"He's going for a second-place finish so we can't fault him for that," Stewart said. "He just spun in front of us and we clipped him on the way by. Then you're racing to the checkered there and Chad got a really good run on the inside of us. Just banged into him, drove over the left front (tire) and it tore his car all to pieces for a second-place run."

World of Outlaws STP Sprint Car Series officials had to review a video replay to determine the exact finishing order for everyone behind McMahan, who is second in the championship points standings and can now chase more than wins.

"When I headed to the race track I still didn't know what we were doing," he said. "Right before the drivers meeting (crew chief) Barry Jackson told me that we've got a contract to sign. So I got pretty excited."

Shane Golobic finished fourth and Roger Crockett placed fifth.

After Gravel, Kyle Hirst ended seventh, 14th-starter Kraig Kinser eighth, championship points leader Daryn Pittman ninth and 17th -starter Tim Kaeding rounded out the top 10.

Steve Kinser earned the KSE Hard Charger Award after maneuvering from 23rd to 13th.

Mini Gold Cup Notebook

NOTES - Jonathan Allard drove several memorial laps during Opening Ceremonies to honor his brother, Stephen, who passed away during the offseason. Fellow drivers, crew members and officials lined the edge of the track to pay respect. … This was the first race on a quarter-mile track this season. … It was the fifth time in 10 races this season with at least 40 cars. … Kyle Hirst set quick time in qualifying for the first race this season and the first time in his career. … David Gravel, Cody Darrah and Tony Stewart each claimed their first heat race win and Paul McMahan his second of the season. … The dash draw was a six. … Rico Abreu earned his first C Main victory of the year. … Stewart became the 10th different driver to win a dash in as many races this season. … Jason Statler won his first Last Chance Showdown of the year.

CONTINGENCY WINNERS - Penske Shocks ($100 certificate): David Gravel; MSD Ignitions ($50 cash): Paul McMahan; Comp Cams ($50 certificate): Paul McMahan; STP ($50 cash): Chad Kemenah; Bruce High Performance Transporters ($50 cash and $200 certificate): David Gravel; JE Pistons ($50 cash): David Gravel; UNOH ($50 cash): David Gravel; American Racing Custom Wheels ($50 cash): Kraig Kinser; VP Racing Fuels ($50 cash): Kraig Kinser; Edelbrock ($50 cash): Daryn Pittman; Comp Cams ($50 cash): Sammy Swindell; Cometic Gasket ($50 cash): Jason Statler; Bruce High Performance Transporters ($200 certificate): Steve Kinser; Superflow ($50 cash): Cody Darrah; JE Pistons (set of rings): Joey Saldana; Klotz Synthetic Lubricants ($50 cash): Joey Saldana; JE Pistons (set of rings): Jonathan Allard; Bruce High Performance Transporters ($200 certificate): Jonathan Allard; MSD Ignitions ($25 cash): Jonathan Allard; Armor All (case of product): Jason Statler; KSE Racing Products ($100 certificate): Steve Kinser.

WINNERS - Tim Kaeding - 2 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 15 and The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 7); Daryn Pittman - 2 (Tucson International Raceway on March 9 and Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 15); Craig Dollansky - 1 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 16); Kyle Larson - 1 (Stockton 99 Dirt Track on March 22); Danny Lasoski - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 17); Paul McMahan - 1 (Silver Dollar Speedway on March 23); Terry McCarl - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 16) and Donny Schatz - 1 (The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 6).

TIME TRIALS - Kyle Hirst was the fastest qualifier around the quarter-mile oval with a time of 11.685 seconds to earn five championship points. Also earning points were Daryn Pittman (4 points), Shane Golobic (3), Chad Kemenah (2) and Andy Gregg (1).

WE'RE ONLINE - Make sure to check out WoOsprint.com for the latest news and results, plus exclusive driver interviews, video and pictures. Also listen to every event live at DIRTVision.com .

---

Back to News