An exciting 2007 racing season at Madera Speedway reached its thrilling conclusion on Saturday, October 20 with the 1st Annual Pumpkin Smash Enduro, Demolition Derby, Boat Races and fireworks.
A field of 23 cars lined up to take the green flag for the start of the grueling 400 lap Enduro on a track made slick with smashed pumpkins, soap and water. After a ragged start, which forced an early retirement for a couple of entrants, the drivers quickly became accustomed to the slippery track conditions and settled into a more judicious pace.
Ben Lewis of Stockton led for the first 280 laps of the marathon event before he was forced to the pits to repair a problem, giving the lead to David Pabst of Valley Springs. Lewis eventually returned to the track in fifth place and battled his way back to second as Pabst cruised home to earn the checkered flag and the $2,000 first place prize.
Larry Moniz Jr., Larry Wiendenhoeft and Joe Addison rounded out the Enduro top five. A total of 10 cars were still running at the finish.
The Demolition Derby provided enough bone jarring, metal crunching slams and rams to keep all the fans in the packed grandstands on their collective feet for the entire event.
The event came down to a head-to-head battle between San Jose’s Rod Shivers and Mariposa’s Todd Turgeon. The two inflicted several hits on each other before Shivers put a devastating, deathblow shot on Turgeon’s engine to claim first place.
The six-car field for 50-lap Boat Drag race also came down to a one-on-one duel between Stockton drivers Ben Lewis and Russ Johnson. Shivers held a full lap advantage, but lost his boat on lap 36 to hand the victory to a jubilant Johnson and draw the curtain on the 2007 season.
The season finale was preceded by the 2007 Madera Speedway Awards Banquet on Friday evening.
Madera track president Kenny Shepherd opened the night’s festivities with a few short remarks. Noting that the track had been scheduled to close last winter, Shepherd thanked the drivers, teams, sponsors, track staff and fans for their support and loyalty in making the 2007 such a success.
“Like the Stockton 99 Speedway, Madera was almost gone when we picked up the keys to the place just eight months ago. It would have been a parking lot, but instead it has been turned into a track of dreams,” said Shepherd to thunderous applause. “Even NASCAR headquarters back in Florida, has paid attention to the rebirth of Madera.”
Honors were then paid to all of Madera’s 2007 track champions - Mark Holeman in the Western Late Models, Donny Darter in the American Limited Stock Cars, Lance Tatro in the 360 Modifieds, Stan Hankins in the Toyota Sedans, Shon “Woody” Woods in the Modified Super Toyotas and Miles Humphreys in the Hornet division.
“Madera is a great place to race. All my thanks to my team, mom and dad for all their support and to Ray Miller for letting me drive his car,” said Holeman, a 22-year-old college student from Los Altos. “I want to thank and congratulate all my competitors who pushed us so hard all year and made us better.”
Holeman also won the prestigious NASCAR Whelen All-American
Racing Series championship for the state of California and finished the season
ranked 24th nationally. Four more Madera young guns - Ross Strmiska,
Trevor Schlundt, Joey Stearns and Matt Erickson – earned top ten finishes in the
final NASCAR California standings as well.
Rookie of the Year honors were given to Ross Strmiska in the Western Late Models, Dennis Saunders Jr. in the American Limited Stock Cars, Larry Hinz in the 360 Modifieds, Adam Ballesteros in the Toyota Sedans, Randy Fleming Jr. in the Modified Super Toyotas and David Lander Jr. in the Hornet division.
Several other awards were handed out including Most Valuable Staff Member to Joe Panzarino, Most Valuable Competitor to car owner Roy Robinette, Mechanic of the Year to Ross Caudle and Sportsman of the Year to Ron Strmiska Jr.
In one of the evening’s highlights, Ken Coventry was presented with the very special Bill France Jr. Above & Beyond Award. Coventry has worn many different hats during his long time association with Madera Speedway including those of promoter, engine builder, mechanic, owner and friend to virtually ever driver and team member in the pit area.
“This award means so much to me,” said Coventry as he choked back tears. “The love you have all given me is what makes this sport so special. I thank every one of you.”
A draft 2008 Madera Speedway schedule was unveiled at the banquet. The 2008 season will open on March 29th with the Smokey Hanoian Classic and once again conclude with the Pumpkin Smash Enduro and Destruction Derby on October 18th. All of the 2007 divisions will be returning to the Madera next season plus the powerful 410 Super Modifieds will be a making several appearances.
The 2008 schedule will feature the Western Late Models (WLM) with 24 races on 17 dates. Six of those WLM dates, with a total of 10 races, will count towards a separate HotWood Series prize fund. Also, to spur on even greater car counts, a WLM B Main prize fund will be established in 2008.
Although Madera Speedway will now enter into winter hibernation, for the best and most exciting motorsports entertainment in central California, the “Fastest 1/3 Mile in the West” will once again continue to be the place to race in 2008.
The Madera Speedway is located at the Madera County Fairgrounds just off to the west side of Highway 99 at the Cleveland Avenue exit.