Asher Conquers SSP 4-Bee Bonanza; Pitsch, Tow Jr., Henry, LaBarger, And Jackson Also Scores Wins
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Nikki Gamell)
Banks, Oregon- Sunset Speedway Park would host one of the area's most unique races of the 2016 campaign on Saturday, July 30th. The 4-Bee division would be the headliner classification and they would compete for sixty laps. The catch was that the first thirty laps were just like any normal race while the final thirty would require the drivers to turn right. Other classes in action were the Bridgeport Logistics Street Stocks, Dwarf Cars, IMCA Sport Mods, Pure Stocks, and the New Bees.
William Wolfe was dominant in the first half of the 4-Bee Bonanza feature. He would lead all thirty laps of the first portion going the normal direction. But on lap thirty-three, Danny Asher would make a move around Wolfe to get the lead. Asher, out of Oregon City, would remain there the rest of the way to win the first ever 4-Bee Bonanza and is the first time he has won at SSP this year.
Vancouver, Washington’s Rob Ferree was second followed by William Wolfe in third. Austin Henderson, also of Vancouver, Washington, ended his night in fourth while completing the top five, in fifth, would be Forest Grove’s Jason Gilman.
In the Bridgeport Logistics Street Stocks, Arnie Case was the man to beat. The Vancouver, Washington driver got the top spot from fellow Vancouverite Terry Mason on lap four. He would hold down the position until late in the race. Case would be involved in a caution while running up front with just a handful of laps to go. Forest Grove veteran Tony Catalano would restart as the new leader but he would be passed moments later by Doug Pitsch. Pitsch would go on to win the race for his first victory of the season.
Tony Catalano finished second while third place went to Gresham youngster Justen Case. Arnie Case rallied from the back to get fourth and Yamhill chauffeur Terry Houck got fifth.
Castle Rock, Washington’s Guy Tow Jr. would take care of business in the Dwarf Cars. Tow seized the initiative from the get-go. He would lead every single lap to win his second race of the campaign.
Guy Tow Sr., of Rainier, placed second and finishing third would be Brian Hicks of Cottage Grove. Barry King was fourth and Creswell’s Chris Wright got fifth.
John Henry of Hillsboro would visit the winner’s circle yet again. The Hillsboro pilot would be in first place in every single lap of the IMCA Sport Mod main event. It was Henry’s third win of the year. Brush Prairie, Washington’s John Gamell finished second in the Michael Melton owned entry.
In the Pure Stocks, it would be Lonnie Jackson, out of the town of Carlton, captured the lead on the initial start. There Jackson would remain until lap nine. Forest Grove’s Trevor LaBarge would be the one to make the pass. LaBarge would dominate the rest of the distance to win for the sixth time in 2016.
Kendall Lee, of Forest Grove, was the runner-up while Lonnie Jackson finished third. Travis Pitsch managed to get fourth with Derek Rebello earning fifth.
Last but not least were the New Bees. This is the beginner class at SSP and is starting to really grow in popularity. Bailey Jackson would dominate the feature pacing the field on every lap. It would be the first win ever for the Carlton teenager.
Cheyenne Long got second and Vancouver, Washington’s Avory Lewis was third. Savannah Walker ended her night in fourth and Taylor Sayre, of Vancouver, Washington was fifth.
Sunset Speedway Park hosts the City of Banks “National Night Out” on Tuesday, August 2nd. This is where citizens get to meet all of the local fire department and sheriff department. Local vendors, face painting, a movie in the park, and much more will be in attendance. Also will be drivers of the “Banks Bullring”. For more details visit www.cityofbanks.org.
The next race is Saturday, August 6th for the IMCA Modified Twin 50 presented by Schram Brothers Excavating. This night is double races, double points, and double pay for the Budweiser IMCA Modifieds. Also competing at the ¼-mile clay oval is the IMCA Sport Mods, Bridgeport Logistics Street Stocks, and both classes of 600cc Micro Sprints.
Pit Gates on Saturday will open at 2:00 PM, Front Gates open at 4:00, and racing starts at 6:30. Tickets for this event are Adults $13.00, Seniors/Military/Juniors (13-18) $10.00, Youths (Ages 12-6) $5.00, and Children under the age of 5 are FREE and a family pass will be offered for two Adults and up to four Youths for just $35.00. For more information, log on to www.sunsetspeedwaypark.com.