From Dean Reichel
California, MO — (May 20, 2012) — The second night of the 2012 racing season is in the books at Double X Speedway in California, MO with some new and returning faces to victory lane. In the Xxtreme Glass Winged Sprint Cars, Gabe Maycock of Montgomery City, MO claimed the win, Matt Becker of Rich Fountain, MO claimed the victory in the Cooper Racing Street Stock main, Cole Campbell was victorious in the 600cc Mini Sprint Division while Seth Jacobs prevailed in the Hobby Stocks.
First on the card was the Street Stock division brought to fans by Cooper Racing. Matthew Becker of Rich Fountain made his first appearance at Double-X and claimed his first ever feature victory ever holding off defending division champion John Clancy Jr., California, by a bumper at the finish line. Clancy made an impressive run to claim the second spot, coming from the fifth starting spot. Derek Henson of Russellville, MO continues making an impression in his rookie season by claiming third. Rounding out the top five were Eldon’s Keeth Strange and Andrew Roark of Henley. Street Stock heat races were claimed by Henson and Roark. Henson was the beneficiary of a last lap altercation on the back stretch between leader Cole Graves and second running Ray Smith which resulted in Cole Graves rolling his machine. Both drivers emerged unscathed but were unable to continue in the evenings events. En route to the speedway, Becker learned of his grandmother’s passing. Our condolences to the Matt and the Becker family.
The Hobby Stock division rolled off on the card next with Seth Jacobs of Centertown piloting his #25S machine to the win in the division. Jacobs held off the strong advances of early leader, hard charging Will Register of Sedalia to claim the win. Rounding out the top four were Jeff Buford of Alma and Rudy Wirts of California.
The 600 cc mini sprints took to the track for the second time this season and proved why they are a fan favorite. Scott Hathman of Columbia looked to have the race well in hand but a presence was soon to be felt. Twelveth starting Cole Campbell of Mexico was moving through the field and was using both the top and bottom grooves to size up Hathman. On a lap 11 restart, Campbell was able to power by Hathman and pick up the victory. Finishing in second was Columbia’s Scott Hathman, third went to Ryan Marsch of Jefferson City and rounding out the top five were Blake Bennington of Columbia and Dustin March, Sweet Springs. Heat races were won by Scott Hathman and Corey Nelson of Eugene. The next appearance for the 600’s at Double X will be on June 3.
The Xxtreme Glass winged sprint cars took to the track for their feature event with the front row starters of David Brown and Gabe Maycock setting the pace. Maycock of Montgomery City, went to the lead on the start and was not to be headed. A former weekly competitor at Double X, Maycock is piloting the JHR #77 and proved that he still remembered the way around the tight quarter mile clay. A jubilant Maycock exited the car in victory lane and was rewarded with an appreciative response from the fans in attendance. Opening week feature winner Jonathan Cornell claimed second in his # 28 machine, third was California’s Tyler Blank, and rounding out the top five were Evan Martin of California and Brad Graham, Springfield. Heat races were claimed by David “Farmer” Brown of Marshall and Gabe Maycock.
The Memorial Day weekend will be a busy one with an “ALL Open Wheel” Friday night at Double X. Headlining the event will be the Winged Sprint Cars. The winged sprinters will be racing for a purse equal to the ASCS Warrior purse. The special Friday night event will also feature the first visit of the WAR-Wingless Auto Racing non wing sprint cars to Double X. Long time racers Tony Crank and Andy Korte are working hard to provide quality, non wing sprint car racing to Missouri. Filling out the card will be the AMRS- American Midget Racing Series. This new midget series is based in the Kansas City and was organized by veteran midget racer Joe Boyles, and will be a great addition to this event. Admission is $15, pit passes are $30. Gates open at 5 PM, Hot Laps at 7 and racing at 7:30.
Sunday night will be a “Tribute to Jesse Hockett” with the ASCS Warrior region Sprint Cars battling it out in the first appearance of the season for them at X. The Street Stock and Hobby Stock divisions will also be on the docket for the Sunday night program. A highlight of the event will be the re-dedication of Jesse’s Wall on the front stretch at Double X. Fans and friends will be able to participate in this special tribute.
An exciting season of racing at Double X is underway, for more information call 573-796-4694 or log on to www.xxspeedway.com or friend us on Facebook for more information and news about upcoming races.