By John Lemon
Tulsa Oklahoma (May 21, 2013) – The Memorial Day holiday is upon us and this Saturday night, Caney Valley Speedway will host the Oil Capital Racing Series as the traveling sprint car pilots get ready to invade Caney’s ¼ mile bullring. Caney Valley is one of the most demanding racetracks, as competitors need to be keenly aware of their surroundings as cars are frequently running within inches from one another (or the wall). This type of action enthralls those who plunk down paper bills expecting to see such brave drivers maneuver at speed.
Coming to Caney Valley with a full head of steam and looking to take no prisoners, as she hasn’t since the season started, is the very talented Harli White of Lindsay Oklahoma. White is coming off a masterful win last week at the Salina Highbanks where she started in the sixth row and scored a victory from that placement for the second time this year. She has also stretched out her point lead to 97 markers over Jeremy Allen in the chase for the series championship. By all accounts, while the season is still young, should White become the series champion at season’s end, she will not only become the first female champion in OCRS history, she will become the first female champion in the region, be it a traveling series or a weekly track program. History is awaiting the final tabulations.
Looking to slow the “Lindsay Flash” is the aforementioned Allen who has been set back a couple of steps due to some undesired tough luck last time out but still holds onto the second spot in the standings, but only by 12 points over a climbing Brian McClelland. Before last weekend, McClelland sat fifth in the standings 60 points behind Allen’s runner-up spot. With his amazing charge from the rear of the field after going tailback early in last Saturday’s feature and placing in the show position, McClelland now sits third in the championship hunt, a prize McClelland let it be known from the past off-season he was set to capture.
Then there is defending champion Jamie Passmore of Rose Oklahoma. Passmore was a strong second to White last weekend having started side by side with the young lady. ‘Jammin Jamie’ is always an odds-on favorite to win anytime he unloads. Add Danny Smith who seems to most always rack up a main event or two win each racing season and you have a fiery combination. The facts:
What: Oil Capital Racing Series Sprint Cars
Where: Caney Valley Speedway / Caney Kansas
When: Saturday May 25, 2013
Time: Gates open at 5p / Hot laps at 7:00p / Racing begins at 7:30p/ OCRS drivers meeting at 6p
Track Phone: (620) 330-0485
Track website: www.caneyvalleyspeedway.net
The track is easy to locate, as it is just 0.8 mile west of the junction of US 75 and US 166 on CR 1600.
Help Needed For Racers Who Became Tornado Victims
Attention Everyone………….
Whit and Steve Gastineau have each lost their homes in the Moore, Oklahoma tornado Monday afternoon. The race shop is also gone but the homes are the major concern.
Likewise, Dan Schnackenberg lost his home in the tornado that hit Shawnee, Oklahoma on Sunday. Donations to help the Gastineau’s and the Schnackenberg’s in their recovery are being accepted at this time. Cash is of keen interest as are clothing, furniture, appliances, food, water (and other beverages), blankets, coats and any additional items that you may be able to donate.
Send cash donations to:
Triad Bank
c/o: Gastineau Recovery Fund
7666 East 61st St, Suite 150
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
OR……………..
Triad Bank
c/o: Schnackenberg Recovery Fund
7666 East 61st St, Suite 150
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
For all other items to be donated, contact OCRS at:
Barry Grabel: (918) 260-3899 or sprint24@cox.net
John Lemon: (918) 850-5341 or ocrsracing.pr@gmail.com
Special thanks goes out to 3-time OCRS champion Mike Goodman for everything he did in working to set up the program with Triad Bank. Thank you for your humanitarian support Mike!
Give all you can folks. Everything will help………………EVERYTHING!
We will see you at the Caney Valley Speedway this Saturday night! “Get Ready”