By Bill Sullivan/Sullivan Images Media
PENNGOVE, CA (4-17-10) – Just a week ago Alissa Geving shocked many of her hometown fans into a frenzy with an announcement that she would not return to the weekly Petaluma Speedway All Pro series to chase a third consecutive title and instead, was joining the Golden State Challenge Sprint Car Series tour.
This Saturday night those fans that were awakened by her bittersweet news will have the opportunity to see the personable lady racer that possess a serious need for speed back in action at the track she has claimed two championship titles. The King of California tour is bound for Petaluma Speedway this week and along with its Kings comes the queen of the 3/8 mile dirt track, Alissa Geving also known simply as “Chicko.”
“Making that decision a couple of weeks ago was really tough for me because the one thing I truly love about racing at home is all of the great fans that have supported me there,” said Geving. “So it’s pretty obvious I’m excited about coming back this week for the Golden State event. We had a strong run last weekend until we had some motor issues and I hope we bring that momentum back.”
Last weekend Geving made her third start of the year in the competitive Golden State Challenge – King of California Tour. The scene was at the lightning fast Tulare Thunderbowl in Tulare, California. After a fifth place finish in Antioch the week before, Geving carried her recent string of success in the 410 cubic inch venue.
After timing in with the 12th fastest lap of the night with a 14:213 second circuit, Geving returned to the impressive smooth packed track for heat race competition. Where she started on the outside of the front row next to pole sitter Mark Workentine. When the light went green, Geving went with it and charged ahead of Workentine to take a lead she would never relinquish in the 10-lap preliminary event. At the finish line she finished ahead of Jason Statler, Andy Gregg, Tommy Tarlton and Workentine.
The inversion placed Geving deep in the field for the 30-lap feature event. At the waving of the green Geving began working her way to the front but battling a somewhat tired motor and a pair of spins eventually led to her demise in the Faria Memorial event. After losing power during a caution period early in the race, Geving restarted from the rear of the field and began to rally back towards the front but later suffered a spin in traffic that would result in a 19th place finish at the end of the night.
“The car was set up great. It was flying around there,” said Geving. “We are running a tired motor and I knew at some point it was going to have an issue and it decided it would during the yellow flag. We got fired and the car was working great up top. I just tried too hard to get back to the front and ended up spinning out of the race. I love racing with this series and I hope we can pull together the resources and sponsorship to become more competitive. We definitely need to improve our motor program. We can’t do it without more funding so I am doing the best with what I have.”
Geving ended up 19th officially on Saturday night. Her longtime childhood friend and fellow racer Kyle Larson went on to win the event. With the finish, Geving is now 8th in the championship point standings. She is tied with veteran driver Andy Gregg of Placerville and both drivers are 36-points from the leader. Geving is the only female racer that has started all three Golden State Challenge events in 2010 and is one of just two lady drivers in the tour. She is joined by Danielle Simpson who has started in two races and recently climbed to 18th in the standings.
This Saturday night, Geving will return to familiar territory. Not only is Petaluma Speedway the site of her career accolades including a Rookie of the Year Title and two consecutive championships, it is a track she has studied for nearly 18 years of her life since she was just a toddler sitting in the stands with her Mother watching her Dad race, the successful Gary Geving who hung up his helmet to allow his talented daughter to continue a family tradition in the North Bay.
At Petaluma Speedway the fans are very passionate about their favorite drivers. When the news broke of Geving’s departure from the weekly series last week their family owned business was inundated with emails and phone calls and a Petaluma Speedway social networking site seemed stunned with her “Out of Left Field” major announcement. While many were saddened they wouldn’t see her run for a third title at the track they call home all of them ended their inquiries with well wishes and support.
“The response was pretty overwhelming. It wasn’t what I expected at all,” said Geving. “I love the fans here, like I said that’s what I miss the most. Their concern and support for me in my new goal is just awesome. I can’t wait to see all of them this week and I hope they will all come say hello regardless of my performance.”
The Golden State Challenge Series consists at 28 total events at 14 different tracks in the months to come. With excessive travel and the need for an improved motor program Geving and her Chicko Motorsports team are seeking additional title sponsorship for the season to come. As the youngest female sprint car champion in the world that boasts one of the most incredible personalities in the sport and continues to pursue her education, Alissa Geving is a prime marketing representative for any successful company or product.
“We are ready to give your company or product great exposure,” said Geving. “It extends far beyond the wing panels and the media coverage. I am always eager to speak on behalf of my sponsors and endorse their product or service in any way I can. I’m hoping we can partner up with someone very soon and associate their company with this incredible sport.”
While they are seeking additional sponsorship to compete throughout California, Chicko Motorsports would like to thank their current dedicated marketing partners including, Tillett Tool, Matt Cordeiro Enterprises, Pit Stop USA, and Auto Repairs Unlimited. Additional associate sponsors and promotional considerations include K&N Filters, Napa Auto Parts, Flowmaster Mufflers, Hodgin and Son Tree Service, Allstar Performance, Santa Rosa Auto Parts, Jeremy’s Chair Repair, Afex Graphics, Simpson Racing Products, 21st Century Health Club, Vanlare Steering Repair, Pro Shocks, ALC Machine, JW Web Design and Sullivan Images Media Specialties.
To learn more about Alissa Geving or her Chicko Motorsports Team can learn more at their website at www.chick-o-motorsports.com. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact team owner Gary Geving at: gary3x@yahoo.com. Media inquiries can also be sent to sullivanimages@sbcglobal.net.