Mission Valley Speedway ends season with a bang

By Reed Tobol

PABLO - With double points on the line and the last race of the year, the pits were full of cars, crews and drivers ready to rumble. With the best racing conditions and weather, the cars were able to run at top speed, all for the honor of being called champ.

The drivers did not time in; instead they ran two trophy dashes where the cars were first lined up by the fast times of the year, and then sent out by their point standing.

The cars started out slowest to fastest which allowed the Bomber 4's to take the green flag with Reese Middlemist and John Sterret each getting a Flanigan's sponsored trophy.

After getting the crowd riled up, the Budweiser Bombers came onto the track. Justin Drake took both trophy dashes early in the evening.

Next, the MGD/Lite Hobby stocks took the track. During the race, point leader Casey Brandt and #7 John Roesler crashed, allowing remaining driver Burland to claim the first trophy. Brandt managed to finish and win the second Hobby trophy dash. Roesler suffered injuries and was taken to St. Lukes Hospital in Ronan.

The Compact class had only two competitors. #9 Vic Robinson and #2 Arnie Coleman each won a trophy dash.

The Mod 4's rolled out with a six-car class. #37 James Kammerer won the trophy dash and the main event; however, Shawn Carpentier went all in during the last lap to take the win away.

Then, the fastest cars that run at the Mission Valley Speedway, the Pepsi Super stocks, were turned loose. Don Staggs took his Coca-Cola Chevrolet to the winner's circle in the point dash and received another Flanagan's sponsored trophy. Casey Brandt took his Monte Carlo passed the checkered flag for a trophy win.

The Bomber 4's went back out on to the speedway with Kyle Middlemist taking the championship. #16 rookie, Corey White, Jr. finished the evening with a 3rd place point finish.

Once more, the Bomber's to the track for fifteen laps of action. For fourteen laps, it was door-to-door between #9 Justin Drake and #66 Chris Carpentier with Carpentier inching passed Drake in the final lap to become the 2006 Bomber Champ.

With Roesler out of the race, the Hobby's were short one driver. This time, Brandt was named Hobby Stock Champion.

Two drivers were in the eight-lap Compact race: Arnie Coleman and Vic Robinson with Robinson winning the point race.

In the 18-lap Mod 4 race, #37 Kammerer won with #28 Shawn Carpentier coming in second.

At the end of the evening, all eight Super Stocks raced in a 30-lap main. #8 Chuck Morigeau led the entire race with #1 Don Staggs falling behind after a spinout collision with #10 Dennis Dumont. Morigeau went on to take the win and Alvin Bester went on to be crowned the 2006 Pepsi Super Stock champion.

The Mission Valley Auto Racers would like to than everyone who contributed to the speedway this year. It was an action-packed year and with our sponsors and people contributing their time, the Mission Valley Speedway would not be able to operate. Once again, a big thanks goes out from all of the MVAR Members.

An end-of-the-season banquet will be held at the Ronan Community Center on Saturday, October 14, with social hour starting at 6 PM and dinner at 7 PM. The awards will follow dinner. The Public is welcome.

For information and ticket prices, check out www.missionvalleyspeedway.com or call the 24-hour Race Hotline at 675-RACE.