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Forsberg Triumphs at Chico Again

CHICO, CA (8-15-14) - Eighth place starting Andy Forsberg passed Jason Statler on lap 17 to win the non-stop, 25-lap sprint car main event Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway. It was his second 410-winged sprint car win in a row at Chico. "We didn't start off the year too strong but I think we have hit on something as of late," said Forsberg. The team is hitting their stride just in time as the Gold Cup is just around the corner. "What a race track tonight. Anytime you can start eighth and pass this group of caliber race cars is a testament to the track and my team," said Forsberg. Over 60 cars lined the pit area during Tri Counties Bank point race #14. The night's race was presented by Riebes Auto Parts. It was great to see the grandstands full of fans and lots of kids because of the night's annual bike races.

Grass Valley driver Jason Statler led the first 17 laps but ended up in the second spot. His family was still a big winner tonight as his boys Craig and Cody each won their bike races. If that wasn't cool enough, they also held the wining raffle ticket number to one of the new BMX bikes. It is probably safe to say that this was a great night for the family to remember. Fifth place starting Sean Becker passed Mason Moore in lap 18 to secure a third place finish. Moore held on for fourth. Andy Gregg started fifth and finished in the fifth spot. Earlier in the night we had a chance to interview Gregg on the front stretch to recognize his Knoxville Nationals accomplishment by winning the Rookie of the Year award. Keith Bloom charged from the 13th starting spot to finish sixth.

Mike Monahan and Andy Gregg each won their respective heat races. BJ Martin earned the Tyler Wolf fast time award by turning the fastest lap of the night at 12.465.

Congratulations are in order for Scot Gannett who not only won the 25-lap economy winged sprint car main event but also earned enough points to win the Tri Counties Bank point championship. Gannett and Jason Standley had a friendly battle all season long. Tonight it came down to the final main event. While Gannett went on to win the race and the championship, Standley gave it all he could but ended up spinning out on the last lap. Once Standley spun it all but ended his chances of a championship. Gannett was humble in victory lane as he thanked Standley for being a good friend all year. He thanked Ron Wyman, David Smalley and Dennis Gage for keeping this division going. Kyle Bakkie returned after a long hiatus and ran second. The before mentioned Wyman finished in the third spot. Shawna Overton bounced back from an earlier spin to finish in the fourth spot. Keith Mikaelson made his first start at Chico a good one by coming home in the fifth position. Bakkie won the lone heat race of the night.

The hobby stock main event was filled with close racing and a championship battle that came down to the last lap. Brian Compton won the main event, his fourth of the year, however, Jesse Skidmore finished second. By doing so, Skidmore secured the track championship by just one point. At one point Skidmore was running in the third spot. Yet, a late race restart allowed Skidmore the chance to move around Clinton Earl and grab the title. It doesn't get any closer than that. Compton gave congratulations to Skidmore while doing his victory lane interview. "I knew I had to win every race I was in tonight and I did my job," said Compton. "Just needed Jesse to have an off night and he didn't." Skidmore thanked his crew and was very happy to win the track title. "It was a great year and I look forward to coming back next year and trying it again." David Cooper tried to play spoiler late in the race but ended up third. He had a solid car all night. Kyle Allen was consistent all season and came home in the fourth spot. Shannon Collins rounded out the top five. Both Compton and Cooper were winners in each of their heat races.

The Limited Late Model main event was amazing. The 20 lap main event went non-stop and showcased the driving talents of the guys in this division. Defending dirt modified champion Duane Cleveland drove a technically challenging track and got the popular win. He held off a charging Ryan McDaniel during the last ten laps. Those two put on a show for the fans. They both should be commended for an outstanding ace. Joining in the fun was former champion Matt Micheli. At one point Micheli got around McDaniel, only to see McDaniel back around him for second. The fourth car in the chase was Jeff Olschowka. The final four laps were as good as it gets around Chico. Cleveland said in victory lane how fun it was to drive on that challenging track. Cleveland won the second heat race to give him a clean sweep of the night. Micheli scored the win for heat race number one. Limited Late Models return for one final race next Friday.

Sometimes in life you have to save the best for last. Even though the other main events were wonderful, nothing topped the finish of the 15-lap street stock main event. Going into the white flag lap Jake Vantol had the lead. Yet, directly ahead of him were two slower cars who were racing for positon. Right on Vantol's heal was Chris Warner. Going into turn one the unthinkable happened as the two leaders split the lapped cars and they went four wide. It was a moment of beauty. As the four cars raced out of turn two, Warner had gained the advantage and took the lead. Vantol was valiant in his effort to try and pass him back going through the final turn. In the end it was Warner winning the race as about 20 of his closest friends were high fiving each other and up on their feet rooting on Warner as he crossed the line. It was a special moment. Vantol finished second but should feel some consolation as he did nothing wrong just ended up one spot short. Mitch Machado debuted a new car tonight and was competitive but didn't get to victory lane as he usually does. Phil Marino spun out early in the event and did a great job to come back and finish fourth. Mike Slightom had another solid run and finished fifth. Machado and Warner each won their heat races. Street stocks return next Friday. For a complete run down of tonight's races, including starting spots, please visit www.silverdollarspeedway.com

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