Open Wheel Madness Heats Up PGS

By D. Cope

Fans in attendance to the Punta Gorda Speedway were treated to hot, door to door action on a cool Southwest Florida evening.  The “Open Wheel Madness” event is a fan favorite as the race drivers compete with the risk of dangerous consequences when wheels tangle with competitor’s wheels on the tight turns of the oval.

The racing card opened with the Pro 4 where the top four cars put on a clinic in competitive racing.  While John Balzarano led the entire race he was constantly pressed by second place Ryan Collver.  The third place position was hard fought with Dylan Bigley and Cody Allen exchanging positions four times before Bigley finally secured third place.

The SE Champ Karts are perennial favorites as the super charged Go-Karts race on the large track.  Driver in this feature race use strategies similar to what NASCAR drivers use at the super speedways as they usually need drafting partners to get to the front.  This race saw several lead changes but Rusty Chancey held off a hard charging Tim Simmons for the win.  Third place went to Dennis Mace.

In the Cowboy Cadillac class the race was won with little challenge by Robert Williams who finished second in the series last year.  Second place went to James Dellea with third to Andy Vanscyoc.

The Super Stock class was a battle between winner Shane Leonard and second place Bobby Fischer who stretched their lead over the rest of the pack.  They raced the entire race nose to tail with Larry Braswell and Jamie Castleberry fighting hard for the third spot.  Castleberry had mechanical trouble near the end of the race and Braswell went on to take third spot.

The Dwarf Car series was the first of three open wheel events.  It started out with Larry Hubbard, Jr. jumping out to the lead.  He was challenged throughout the race by Andy Prior.  Hubbard pulled away near the end of the race but Andy Prior was seriously challenged by his Dad, Tom Prior.   Second place went to the son and the father third.

The main feature of the evening was the Open Wheel Modified “Open Wheel Madness” event. The 50 lap race was one of the more exciting of the evening.  While Sean McLaughlin led the race wire to wire, he was never without hard and serious challenge.  The first 24 laps McLaughin was pushed hard by Steve Arnold.  On the twenty fifth lap Arnold tried to pass McLaughin but spun out in the process.  He was put to the back of the pack and Tony Carreno took over in pressing McLaughlin for the rest of the race.  Arnold never gave up and passed most of the pack to retake third place by the end of the race.

Following the Open Wheel Modified event was the second open wheel feature with the Independent Pavement Sprint Car Alliance running a 25 lap event.  The feature was a thrilling event for the crowd with Mickey Kempgens leading 23 of the 25 lap race.  Brian Gingras who finished second pressured Kempgens throughout the race and nearly passed him on lap 24 before falling into line on the final lap.  Jim Alvis finished third.

Concluding the program following the feature event was the Fab 4 class.  The quick 20 lap event was a runaway win by Karl Garrard with Zac Campilonga coming in second.  Campilonga’s car was later disqualified during technical review resulting in David Patterson being awarded second place and     Linda Badali third.

The family- oriented racing card was also a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society honoring their “Relay for Life”.  Proceeds from the 50/50 raffle as well as donations from the “Relay for Life” table went to the ACS relay team from Florida Community Bank of North Port.  Kimberly Funk, an employee of the bank expressed her appreciation on behalf of the American Cancer Society for Punta Gorda Speedway’s support.

Punta Gorda Speedway has exciting racing action every Saturday night.  On March 19th, the Sportsman, Trucks, Legends, and TQ Midgets return to the speedway for an exciting evening of racing.  Gates open at 5:00pm with racing action beginning at 6:30pm.

Punta Gorda Speedway Results 3/12/2011

Sprints

1. 70 Mickey Kempgens, Darby

2. 1 Brian Gingras, Lakeland

3. 21 Jim Alvis Sefner

4. 78 Shane Miller, Tampa

5. 41 Ray Bragg, Tampa

6. 55 Tommy Nichols, Tampa

7. 75 Darrin Miller, Tampa

8. 10n Shawn Namor, Deerfield Beach

9. J1 Mike Tharp, Ft. Myers

10. 69 Rick Voisey, Wesley Chapel

11. 89 Trent Bos, Wesley Chapel

12. 30 Wendy Mathis, Valrico

13. 01 Mathew Hall, Apollo Beach

14. 21x Bobby Gorden, Spring Hill

15. 47 Jason Bradford, Englewood

16. 57x Mike Koss, Port Charlotte

17. 9 Little Jimmy Alvis, D.N.S.

18. 4 Johnny Allen, D.N.S.

19. 12 Colin Cabre, D.N.S.

20. 52 Joey Aguliar D.N.S.

Open Wheel Modified

1. 99 Sean McLaughlin, Port Charlotte

2. 61 Tony Correno, Lutz

3. 19 Steve Arnold Cape Coral

4. 46 Doug Moff, Ft. Myers

5. 00 Shawn Harper, Lake Wales

6. 8 Kent McLean, Alva

7. 09 Don Skaggs, Ft. Myers

8. 0 Troy Robinson, Wesley Chapel

9. 14 John Garrett, Port Charlotte

Super Stock

1. 18 Shane Leonard

2. 2 Bobby Fischer

3. 80 Larry Braswell

4. 88 Jim Mieser

5. 8L Logan Leonard

6. 8 Jimmy Castleberry

7. 86 Jamie Castleberry

8. 68 Mike Wilson

9. 33 Chris Loney D.N.S.

10 2S Randy Sober D.N.S.

Pro 4

1. 31 John Balzarano

2. 04 Ryan Collver

3. 28 Dylan Bigley

4. 98 Cody Allen

5. 00 Dan Collver

6. 61 Paul Richards Sr.

7. 32 Cory Bigley

8. 05R Ronald Robinson

9. 22 Jeremy Perkins

10. 21 Jason Perkins

11. 29 Phillip Ellis Jr.

12. 05 David Doty

13. 63 Matt Fewox

14. 87 Charles Null

15. 38 Stuart Vandevender

Fab 4

1. 31 Karl Garrard

2. 4 David Paterson

3. 30 Linda Badali

4. 98 Aaron Hardgrove

5. 81 Brittany Barr

6. 63 Zach Fewox

7. 87 Skyler Null

8. 67 Mike Simmons

9. 38 Duane Vandevender

10. 9 Allie Espenosa D.N.S.

11. 3 Zac Campilonga D.Q.

Cowboy Cadillacs

1. 18 Robert Wilms

2. 77 James Dellea

3. 4 Andy Vanscyoc

4. 33 Les Couch

5. 30 Ken Badali

6. 15 Chuck Sweet

7. 24 Shane Moore

Dwarf

1. 56 Larry Hubbard 3rd.

2. 4 Andy Pryor

3. 69 Tom Pryor

4. 17 John Bailey

5. 33 Roger Richmond

6. 12 Darrell Fischer

7. 2 Paul Coraham

8. 08 Rebecca George

9 . 82 Rob Kohler

10 77 Don Wilcox

Champ Karts

1. 31 Rusty Chancey

2. 14 Tim Simmons

3. 32 Dennis Mace

4. 13 Romay Venta

5. 33 Mitchell Stevens

6. 77 Phil Harp

7. 66 David Harp

8. 98 Scott Hailey

9. 0 Darin Coker

10. 16 Paul Letourneau

11. 25 Erick McElroy

12. 61 P.J. Letourneall

By |2011-03-13T11:04:45-04:00March 13th, 2011|Front Page News, Punta Gorda Speedway, Race Results|Comments Off on Open Wheel Madness Heats Up PGS

Mother Nature Wins at Punta Gorda Speedway

From Linda Jericka

The pits were full and the crowd was making there way into the speedway for a great night of racing. The cars had just completed several rounds of practice and ready to race when the rains came. After several attempts to dry the track and Mother Natures persistent rain fall, the races were canceled. All classes scheduled for the night will be back on their next scheduled race night. You can visit the speedways web site for all scheduled events at www.puntgordaspeedway.com.

March 12th Punta Gorda Speedway supports Relay For Life with American Cancer Society Night.

Classes scheduled for the night will be:

Sprint Cars, Open Wheels, Pro 4, Fab 4, Dwarf Cars, Super Stock, the new Strictly Stock V-6, Cowboy Cadillac and the SE Champ Karts who always excite the crowd. It is called Open Wheel Madness, a night you do not want to miss.

All that racing for only $10.00 so bring a friend and support Relay for Life

Admission is $10.00 for Adults $8.00 for seniors Children 12 and under are FREE

Punta Gorda Speedway is located at 8655 Piper Road Punta Gorda Exit 161

For more info you can call the speedway at 941-575-7223

By |2011-03-07T16:09:04-05:00March 7th, 2011|Punta Gorda Speedway, Race Results|Comments Off on Mother Nature Wins at Punta Gorda Speedway

Super Late Model 6 Pack Series Returns To Punta Gorda

From Linda Jericka

The first Goodyear 6 Pack Challenge Series race will he held this weekend March 5th at Punta Gorda Speedway.

This is one race you do not want to miss:  Super Late Models for 100 Laps.

This weekends schedule:

Friday open practice for Super Lates and all divisions 4:00 PM  til 8:30 PM.

Saturday Pit Gates open at 12:00 noon.
Front Gates Open at 5:00PM.
Qualifying 6:00 PM.
Racing starts right after qualifying.

Saturday Races: Super Late Models for 100 Laps.

Legends, Bandoleros, T.Q. Midgets, Road Warriors, Pro 4 and Fab 4.

All that racing for a $10.00 ticket.
General Admission: Adults $10.00  Seniors $8.00 Children 12 and under FREE.
Bleacher seating or bring a lawn chair and sit on the hill.

No coolers allowed.

Full concession open, so come hungry.

Call the speedway for more info at 941-575-7223 or visit the web site at www.puntagordaspeedway.com.

8655 Piper Road Punta Gorda, Fl 33982

Exit 161  Jones Loop

By |2011-03-02T10:06:39-05:00March 2nd, 2011|Front Page News, Punta Gorda Speedway, Series|Comments Off on Super Late Model 6 Pack Series Returns To Punta Gorda

Opening at Punta Gorda Speedway Brings Night of Excitement

From Linda Jericka

Photos by R. E. Wing Photo

Punta Gorda, FL  -February 26, 2011- A record out crowd witnessed the opening of the 2011 racing season at Punta Gorda Speedway. The track which has recently undergone major improvements in both structure and format has gained a reputation as a family friendly venue for exciting racing entertainment.  The first event of the 2011 season lived up to that reputation.

The racing card premiered with the Fab 4 class in an exciting 20 lap feature.  There were three lead changes in the first seven laps as hotly competitive drivers, Zac Campilonga and David Patterson exchanged positions before giving up the lead to Carl Garrard on lap seven. Once Garrard took the lead he was never challenged again.  Paul Richards, Jr. took second while Linda Badali finished third.

In the Outlaw Modified Division the race was highly competitive with three time champion Raymond Jones leading the first several laps of the race.  NorthPort driver, Mike Endee kept pressuring Jones until he passed him on lap ten and never looked back.  Endee stretched his lead to half a lap by the end of the 25 lap feature.  Second place was secured by Jones and Doug Hopper finished third.

The Rookie truck division had seven cautions in the 15 lap feature, one of which resulted in a top contender, James Bullard ending with a wrecked car.  The race was an exciting battle between Kelli Burns, Michael Atwell, and Chad Chastain with the three of them exchanging positions until Burns took the top spot and held off her challengers.  Atwell finished a strong second with Chastain pressuring Atwell to the end of the race.

The Road Warriors division always brings thrills to the Punta Gorda Speedway crowd and opening night was no exception.  The father-son team of Shane and Logan Leonard was a race within a race.  The two competed for third place before making contact sending Shane into a spin.  Then just a few laps later Shane was following Logan into turn one when Logan lost his steering and his dad was caught up in the resulting wreck. Neither car was able to finish the race. Leader Chris Scott was challenged throughout the race by Richard Nelson who finished second.  Randy Kile edged out Rick Reed, 2010 champion, for third.

The Dwarf Cars ran the Tommy Bowles classic and despite numerous cautions leader Bo Bass led the race from green to checkered. The race is run annually to honor race driver Tommy Bowles who lost his life at the track in 1999. This year’s classic was led the entire way by Bo Bass although he was first challenged by Andy Prior and Mike Belazar.  Belazar who was put to the back of the pack following an early spin out raced his way back to fifth position by the end of the race.  Andy Prior finished second behind Bass while third place went to Larry Hubbard Jr.

The Pro Truck series started out to be quite a battle between Stephen Darvalics and Josh Williams who raced side by side around the track in each of several restarts.  On the 15th lap of a scheduled 35 lap event, a six car pile-up on the front stretch brought out the red flag.  The crowd was silenced as it watched for a few anxious moments as veteran driver Phil Morrison was shaken up and slow to get out of his car.  Fortunately, all drivers involved, including Morrison were uninjured.  Their cars were not so lucky.  All six cars had to be towed from the track.  The officials called the race giving the cars leading at the time an official finish.  At the time of the accident Steven Darvalics was leading and was awarded first place.  Josh Williams was given second place while Mike Smith was awarded third. One of the drivers involved in the accident was guest celebrity Bubba “The Love Sponge” Clem from FM 102.5.  While his car was being towed, he entertained and pleased the crowd by signing autographs.

The Sportsman class was a clean race with only two cautions in the 25 lap event.  The lead was held by Brian Richardson for the entire race but second and third positions were hotly contested throughout.  Following Richardson at the checkered flag were Greg Krom in second and Bill Vandevender in third.

The final race of the night was in the Pro 4 Division.  Fans that stayed until the end of the evening were treated to a hard fought battle where Ryan Collver held off challengers Wally Smith and Dylan Bigley for the win.  Bigley never gave up and passed Smith for second at the checkered flag.  Smith ran third.

By |2011-02-27T11:11:55-05:00February 27th, 2011|Front Page News, Punta Gorda Speedway, Race Results|Comments Off on Opening at Punta Gorda Speedway Brings Night of Excitement

Punta Gorda Speedway 2011 Racing Season Starts Feb 25th & 26th

Punta Gorda, FL -February 24, 2011- Punta Gorda Speedway will kick off it’s 2011 Race Season on Feb 26th.

Saturdays races: Sportsman, Pro Trucks, Rookie trucks, Dwarf Car Winter Nationals,Pro 4, Fab 4, Road Warriors and Outlaw Modifieds.

New gates times for Saturday racing:

Pit Gates will open at 3:00pm and Front Gates to open at 5:00pm with racing to start at 6:30pm.
Front Gate Admission: Adults $10.00, Seniors $8.00, Children 12 and under are FREE.

Call the speedway for more info at 941-575-7223

All pit parking for Saturday’s racing will be determined by the size of your truck and hauler.

Friday Night Feb 25th Schedule:

Dwarf Car Asphalt Winter Nationals
Qualifying and Feature
Open practice from 4:00 to 9:00
(pits will open at 4:00pm Friday night)
Dwarf car drivers and crew members
$30.00 each for Friday night

Price to enter into the pits for practice Friday night $10.00 per person.  Front gate (Friday Night) to watch the Dwarf Car Nationals and practice $5.00.
Concession will be open Friday night with a limited menu.
Due to restrictions of the new road out front you cannot enter the speedway at the old entrance any longer. The new entrance is where you use to enter the pits and the opposite direction from the airport.

Thank you for your support:  SEE YOU AT THE RACES!

By |2011-02-25T13:42:03-05:00February 25th, 2011|Punta Gorda Speedway|Comments Off on Punta Gorda Speedway 2011 Racing Season Starts Feb 25th & 26th

Punta Gorda Swap Meet February 12 & 13

PUNTA GORDA SWAP MEET @ PUNTA GORDA SPEEDWAY 8655 PIPER ROAD, PUNTA GORDA, FL

*MUSIC*FOOD*BEER*PRACTICE*SWAP MEET*
***FREE ADMISSION***

FEBRUARY 12TH & 13TH
SATURDAY 10:00AM TO DARK
SUNDAY 10:00 AM TO 3:30 PM

AUTO PARTS*GARAGE SALE*HOUSEHOLD ITEMS*CRAFTS

OPEN PRACTICE SATURDAY NOON TO 5:00 PM
$10 PER PRACTICE SO BRING THE WHOLE CREW
DRIVERS BRING OUT YOUR SPONSORS

STOP BY AND TAKE A TOUR OF THE TRACK
MEET DRIVERS, PICK UP A NEW SCHEDULE,
GET INFO ABOUT THE TRACK
PICK UP 2011 RULES AND DRIVERS PACKETS

TRACK SPONSORSHIP INFO AVAILABLE

COME HUNGRY
NEWLY REMODELED CONCESSION WILL BE OPEN
FOR BOTH DAYS

BEER PUB WILL BE OPEN

ALL VENDORS WELCOME :
$10.00 A DAY PER SLAB TO SELL WHAT YOU WANT
BRING YOUR OWN TABLE OR TENT IF NEEDED
CALL TO RESERVE A SPOT AT 941-575-7223

By |2011-01-28T20:46:29-05:00January 20th, 2011|Front Page News, Punta Gorda Speedway, Series|Comments Off on Punta Gorda Swap Meet February 12 & 13

The Punta Gorda Speedway Banquet.

When: Feb 5, 2011

Where: Benedetto’s Steakhouse at the Best Western Hotel in Punta Gorda.

Here are all the details:

Doors open at 6:00 PM with cocktails and hors dourves till 7:00 PM

Dinner to begin around 7:00 PM

Salad, rolls and butter

Dinner is buffet style

Carved prime rib

Stuffed grouper

Chicken Marsala

Roasted red potatoes

Pasta Primavera

Veggies

Dessert-cheesecake and chocolate cake

Awards ceremony to begin after dinner

DJ will begin after awards

Tickets are $35.00 per person. You can mail a check or money order to:

Punta Gorda Speedway

PO Box 381049

Murdock, FL 33938

Please include the names of those attending as there will be a guest list made for entry.

Please no tickets sold at the door as the restaurant needs guest count in advance.

Call if you need any additional info 941-626-2586.

By |2011-01-16T06:39:35-05:00January 15th, 2011|Punta Gorda Speedway, Tracks, Upcoming Events|Comments Off on The Punta Gorda Speedway Banquet.

Fantastic Finale to Punta Gorda Speedway Season

PGS Media

The weather was cold but the action was red hot at Punta Gorda Speedway for the finale’ of the inaugural season of the newly remodeled track. With three championship length feature events, the fans were rewarded with non-stop, thrilling door to door racing.

The guest of honor in attendance was Craftsman Camping World Truck Series professional race driver, Johnny Jackson (aka “Action Jackson”) a former driver at PGS. (more…)

By |2010-12-05T19:10:31-05:00December 5th, 2010|Front Page News, Punta Gorda Speedway, Race Results, Tracks|Comments Off on Fantastic Finale to Punta Gorda Speedway Season

Punta Gorda Speedway Closed For Thanksgiving

Punta Gorda Speedway will be closed for Thanksgiving  Nov 27th so everyone can enjoy the holiday weekend with their families.

But get ready, the Punta Gorda Speedway will end the 2010 season with a HUGE final race night Dec 4th with the SUPER LATE MODELS. There will be prize giveaways for the kids and alot of great racing and fun. So make plans to come early, the front gates will open at 4:00pm!

This is going to be a great night of racing for all 9 classes that are battling to take over the points lead and be crowned 2010 points champion for their division.

Dec 4- Super Late Model 100, Pro Truck 50, Rookie Trucks, Road Warriors, Pro 4, Fab 4, Mini Stocks, Legends 75 Laps $1,000 to win, Bandolero 20 Laps.

The final points night for Sportsman, Open Wheels and Super Stock Nov 20th had the fans on their feet so this race night should be one you do not want to miss.

All this racing action for a $10.00 grandstand ticket

you can call the speedway for more info at 941-575-7223 or visit the website at puntagordaspeedway.com sign up for email updates and 2011 season opener
Front gates open at 4:00pm with racing starting at 6:00
Lowest ticket prices in the state
Adults 10.00   Seniors-8.00 student 11 to 17 are 5.00  10 and under are FREE

The owners and staff of Punta Gorda Speedway would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

By |2010-11-25T00:58:59-05:00November 25th, 2010|Punta Gorda Speedway, Tracks, Upcoming Events|Comments Off on Punta Gorda Speedway Closed For Thanksgiving

Doug Moff Gets PGS Modifieds

PGS Media

Punta Gorda Speedway saw Fourteen modifieds rolled out for qualifying on a beautiful full moon Saturday night and the # 46 of Doug Moff set fast time on a tight field with 12 cars within a half second.  After the redraw it put the #12 of Eric Rudd on the pole and Moff starting outside pole.  From the drop of the green flag Moff and Rudd had quite a battle running side by side for many laps.

There was some great racing just behind the leaders between Kyle Bookmiller, Jimmy Wilkins and Steve Arnold.  After a caution on lap 18 would send Arnold to the rear the battle continued up front between Moff and Rudd, Sean McLaughlin in the 99 machine making a charge on the outside mixing it up with Bookmiller and Wilkins. (more…)

By |2010-11-24T04:18:59-05:00November 21st, 2010|Front Page News, Punta Gorda Speedway, Race Results, Tracks|Comments Off on Doug Moff Gets PGS Modifieds