The Central Nevada Racing Association held yet another racing event this past Saturday at 7:30 PM. It was sponsored by the Tonopah Truck and Auto Plaza. Six Mini Stock’s , Six Bombers, two Street Stock’s, three Dwarf’s, and eleven Mini Sprint’s attended in hopes of bringing home the trophy this night. Some well known drivers included Tim Barnes, Dylan ‘Psycho’ Sanford, Katherine ‘Kit Kat’ Chastain, and Colton Faught. After ending the kiddie rides, the first race was a go. And with the weather being in a down pour, no one knew quite what to expect on our new ‘Slip-N-Slide’ track. No dust, that’s for sure. Our first race answered that question with Dylan Sanford going over the edge, literally, but able to rejoin the race. Katherine Chastain got stuck in the track barriers a few times, but the tow truck graciously pushed her out. Upon one incident where she was stuck on the burm in turn 2, all drivers left the track, leaving Katherine to complete the drive and win first place. But she went to take care of her vehicle and #66 Matt Gillum took first place. The Mini Sprint races were next, and were quite entertaining. Though you couldn’t tell the numbers to identify the car and the driver inside due to the mud, you could tell these drivers had some skill. Especially after one did a perfect 180 spin and was able to continue their drive without causing a yellow. The Dwarf Heat was taken by #23 Justin Kimsey. The Bomber Heat was taken by #69 Jordan Sheldon and the Street Stock heat was taken by #007 Terry Sligar. The Trophy Dash was next. All but 2 classes opted out of this race but the Mini Stocks and the Dwarfs. In the Mini class it was # 66, Matt Gillum and in the Dwarfs it was # 22 Nick Winters.
The Main Event was run under a slight drizzle. Both the Dwarf’s and the Mini-Sprints thought it best to sit it out. For the rest it was one slick track. The Mini’s ran first with #2 Kathryn Chastain taking first after trading some metal with #15. #66 Matt Gillum brought home second place and #96 slid home with a clean third. For the Bomber class it was #69 Jordan Sheldon with first, Tim Barnes #11 taking second place and third was Michael McLaughlin. The Street Stock main event was taken By Terry Sligar.
True dedicated racer fans came out this night, despite the weather. Some even without jackets. Regardless of how wet and cold it was; they stuck it out. The P.A. system went out too, but the event kept going as usual. There was even an incident where the women’s bathroom was out of toilet paper, but they kept going.
A new addition to the bleachers has been graciously added this year. The Wyman Development Corp helped us created a ‘Family Section’ this year and is identified as the blue section. Many thanks go out to those who help get the track ready for this race. On Thursday it was a pond and turn 3 and 4 had serious damage. With the help of Steve Casebier and Tony Howerton for the use of their equipment and personnel to mover dirt, George Otto to operate the grader and along with Joe Paul, Bill Robertson and Tim Barnes, the track was put back in order. Thanks guy’s.
Come down Highway 95 every other Saturday and see what all the fuss is about. Be sure to carry a warm jacket, a few bucks for the concessions and kiddie corner, and possibly a seat pad (because all bleachers get uncomfortable after a while.) The next CNRA races will be held Saturday, June 27th, at 7:30 PM. For more information go to www.tonopahspeedway.com.
