Several rounds of fantastic racing were witnessed Saturday night at Carson City Raceway at Fuji Park.
The wind kicked up quite a bit and with it came a new and impressive winner in the AMA Speedway Scratch Pro Division. Twenty-year-old Bryan Yarrow of Vacaville, Calif., dared to take an outside pass on Bart Bast, a prior winner at CCR, making it work for all it was worth.
After drawing for starting position for the Division I main event, the lineup was Yarrow on the inside, Tommy Hedden, Jeremy Parsons and Bast on the outside. With four of the best speedway riders on the line, getting a good start could mean the difference between winning and losing.
As the starting gate lifted, Bast got the initial jump but all riders were within inches of each other going through turns 1-2. Bast kept a slight advantage and the lead for lap 1. On lap 2, Bast held the inside line as Yarrow moved just to the outside of him and pulled a narrow lead down the back stretch. As the two powered out of turn 4, it was Yarrow with the lead at the line, Bast second, Parsons third and Hedden fourth.
At the checkered flag, Yarrow held his small advantage over Bast for the win, with Parson filing in for third and Hedden fourth.
"I saw another rider take the outside for a pass so I though why can't I do it," Yarrow said.
"It's better to get a good start off the line rather than starting position. But I was concerned with all the riders, not just Bast. I never underestimate the other riders. They're all really good."
Yarrow thanked his wife, Lacy, parents Karol Ann and Duane Yarrow, and bike owner Brian Serena for their support.
Bast has won more than two dozen speedway championships; Hedden won the opening race at CCR April 9 and again on July 2 and is a regular top-finisher at Fast Fridays in Auburn, Calif., and Parsons is the 2004 New York State and Overall East Coast Champion racer. Impressive credentials from each rider.
Winning the scratch consolation main event was Danny Easley over Casey Dunholt, Devin Defreece and Carson City's Jim Estes, who qualified but due to mechanical problems did not start the race. Division I racer Kenny Ingalls grounded his ride in turn 3 of heat race No. 3, injuring his left shoulder.
Winning her first-ever main event at Carson City Raceway in Division III was Tori Hubbert, who at the age of 16 is showing marked improvement this season. Hubbert won over Kjell Lovlien, Adrian Contreras, Tom Fehrman, Gary Hubbert and Jeff Spencer.
Division II winner was Tyler Hansen over Josh West, Reno's Guy Jessop and Les Veale. Division III consolation winner was Jeff Irwin over Greg Lovlien, Tor Lovlien and Marty Williams.
Several Pee Wee racers were on hand giving a great exhibition of their growing talents. Heading the pack was Jacob Estes of Carson City, Jake Dellavedora of Genoa, Jeremy Estes (Carson City), Kaycie Hedden of Folsom and Kolby Hedden.
Also racing were Pro and Pee Wee Quads.
The next event at CCR is "'Xtreme Nite" Oct. 8 featuring MX BigAir Thrill Show, Motorcycle Demo Derby, Bicycle Races, EconoBox Drags, Kids vs. Kops in a "Beat the Heat Challenge."
For information, contact Jeb Onweiler at CarsonCityRaceway@charter.net or 882-2460.
Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
