From Troy Hennig
Chico, CA — (October 3, 2015) — It was nine years since Auburn’s Andy Forsberg stood in victory lane at the end of the final race of the season at Silver Dollar Speedway. The 2006 Fall Nationals Champions had what could be considered an off year at Chico. His one and only win took place during the opening night of the 2015 race season. However, his dedication to the sport and his friendship with Stephen Allard was evident in his victory lane speech. “This means so much to me and my team,” said Forsberg. “You fans probably think that we drivers hate each other and well probably some of us do, but Stephen and I had a friendship outside of just racing sprint cars and I truly miss racing against him week in and week out.” He added, “To win this race in his honor and to do so with his family here is unbelievable.”
Forsberg bested a stout field featuring 55 other competitors on the final night of the 23rd Annual Fall Nationals in Tribute to Stephen Allard. The win was anything but easy for Forsberg as he started in the fifth row, tenth starting spot. The 40-lap race was hampered by a constant wind storm that had punished the speedway all evening. Not only did Forsberg battle the track but in the end he had to hold off a charging Sean Becker. The three-time and defending champion of the race started in the 18th position, but in typical fashion, Becker sliced and diced his way to the front. On the 39th circuit, Forsberg and then second place driver Shane Golobic were content following a slower car on the bottom of turns three and four. This gave Becker one last shot to rail the top. While he never got to Forsberg, the momentum Becker received from the cushion allowed him to pass Golobic at the checkered flag. “I needed a few more laps,” said Becker. “But I am thrilled with my second place finish tonight. To come from 18th just shows how strong of a team we have and our never give up attitude.”
Tonights win marked Forsberg’s 136th career sprint car victory and tenth this season driving the PT Shocks/PitStopUSA #7c. Earlier this year he won the prestigious Johnny Key Classic at Ocean Speedway. When asked about the final lap, Forsberg directed his comment over to Becker, “I was just hoping and praying that Shane or Sean wasn’t going to break my heart tonight,” said Forsberg. “It’s one of those things in racing were you just have to do what you think is right and hope it works out.”
Golobic finished in the third spot and while happy with his run he also displayed a little remorse. “Man I wish I would have gone to the top on the final turn,” said Golobic. “I just didn’t think there was anything up there. My decision cost us a spot in the end but I am still happy to run third to those guys. If I had to lose to anyone those two guys are my favorites and third doesn’t look so bad now.” As always, the defending Civil War Champion was gracious on the microphone even in defeat.
The 40-lap race started with Steven Tiner, Kirt Organ and Chase Majdic all flipping down the back straight. Majdic was the only driver able to continue on. Friday night winner Kyle Hirst led the opening laps of the main event. Hirst got the jump over pole sitter and dash winner Tyler Walker. On lap six Hirst jumped the cushion in turn one and on the ensuing lap came to a slow crawl on the race track with what was reported later to be a broken rear end. This gave the lead to Willie Croft. On lap 12 Andy Gregg exited the speedway with a tail tank issue. Two laps later Justin Sanders drove around Croft for the lead. On lap 15 Croft spun off turn one and the yellow was needed.
The middle portion of the event was terrific as Jonathan Allard emerged into the third spot. Both Forsberg and Walker were trying to pass Allard. In turn, Allard was trying to catch second place Golobic. On lap 24 Forsberg began to find a bit of rubber in turns one and two while running the top. This propelled him past Allard and eventually Golobic. Forsberg made his winning move on lap 28 as he dove under Sanders going into turn three for the lead. While Forsberg did get trapped behind a few slower cars he was never seriously challenged for the lead during the final 11 laps. A driver that did emerge in the late going was Greg DeCaires who runs the Dale Miller owned tribute car to Stephen Allard. DeCaires started 11th and should be commended for finding the bottom to his liking and running up to a fourth place finish. Allard finished in the fifth spot. Walker ended up coming home in the sixth spot.
Herman Klein held off Brad Bumgarner and a charging Steven Tiner to win the 12-lap B main event. The fourth place finisher and final transfer was Kirt Organ. Michael Ing won the 10-lap C main event. Cody Lamar captured the 8-lap D main event.
A nice field of 14 wingless sprints gathered to complete their year of racing at Chico. On the track RC Smith won the 15-lap main event; however, post-race his car did not make weight and he was disqualified. That gave the win to John Clark. While it wasn’t an on track win for Clark he should still be commended for his racing tonight. He started seventh in heat one and got the win. During the main event he was as fast as Smith but just could not find a spot for the pass. Nick Larson was credited for the second place finish. Bret Barney came home in the third spot.