By Matthew J. Sullivan

After finishing fifth in the Legend point standings in her rookie season of racing at Redwood Acres Raceway, Eureka, California racer, MKinzy Uselton will be looking to step up her game for the 2017 season. In addition to driving a new Legend car for the upcoming season at the 3/8-mile facility, Uselton will also be participating in the Acres’ Outlaw Karts driving a 250 kart.

2016 was certainly a learning year for Uselton and the MK Racin’ 29 team in RAR’s Legends division. It was Uselton’s first time behind the wheel of any type of race car. In spite of that, Uselton steadily improved behind the wheel as the season progressed. In total she earned four top five finishes in six starts with an average finish of 4.8. In addition, Uselton was voted by Acres fans as having the best appearing Legend car.

Uselton will be expanding her horizons in 2017 as along with returning to the Legend class, she will also be driving a 250 outlaw kart. It will be the second season of action for the karts at Redwood Acres Raceway and Uselton will be partaking in the six non-point events.

Uselton is the granddaughter of former fan-favorite Acres driver, Lissa Uselton. Her Legend race team is led by her crew chief and grandfather, Brett Uselton aka “Papa” who will also serve as head wrench on her kart. Uselton’s 250 kart is owned by Fredy Champaigne and crew chiefed by Wayne Fisher aka “Pepper”. The rest of the MK Racin’ 29 Team is made up of Jim Jamson, Jim McIntosh, Lissa Uselton, Aaliyah Hughes Mitchell and Unk B. Sponsors for Uselton are Jim Redd Four Star Realty, Verizon in Fortuna, CA, John’s Used Cars, Left Coast Vinyl, Central Office, Red Boots Racing & Mrs. Moulton, Bayside Realty, Howard's Body Shop and Dee Kenny.

By Dave Grayson

TUCSON SPEEDWAY. 3/8 MILE. TUCSON, AZ. www.tucsonspeedway.com FRIDAY & SATURDAY, 2.3 - 2.4.17.

It's Chilly Willy time in Tucson. This annual event annually launches a new season of racing at the famed Arizona facility. Headlining the event will be the Super Late Models who will be running the Chilly Willy 150 which pays a whopping $10,000 to the driver who passes under the checkers first. Adding to the full racing evening will be the presence of the speedway's Modified and Pro Truck divisions along with a combined Bomber/Hobby Stock enduro event.

On Friday the spectator gates will open at 4pm followed by qualifying at 5pm and a series of heat races which will determine the line ups for Saturday night. On Saturday main event night the spectator gates will open at 5pm with the green flag falling over the Chilly Willy at 6pm. The evening will begin with a last chance race to complete the line up for the 150 lap Super Late main. The remainder of Saturday night's schedule includes the Bomber Enduro race, a 50 lap Modified main and the Chilly Willy 150. The evening will conclude with a 50 lap main from the speedway's Pro Trucks.

General admission tickets, age 17 plus, are only $13. Tickets for seniors, age 55 plus, and military personnel are $11, Kids tickets, age 11 to 16, are $8 with kids age ten and under admitted free. The speedway will also be offering a budget friendly family package, value priced at $32, which admits two adults and two kids age 11 to 16.

HAVASU 95 SPEEDWAY. 1/4 MILE. LAKE HAVASU CITY, AZ. www.havasu95speedway.com SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH.

The Havasu 95 Speedway will be unlocking their spectator gates this Saturday afternoon and, never hesitating to present their well known sense of humor, will open the month of February by getting "Punxy". This is in honor of "Punxsutawney Phil", of Ground Hog Day fame, who last Thursday made his annual appearance and national weather prediction. This event is a day race. The spectator gates will open at 12pm with the "Punxy" racing receiving the green flag at 2pm. All of this racing fun, along with a very exciting racing line up, is being presented by Larson Equipment. The always challenging quarter mile paved oval is located within the SARA Park Complex in beautiful Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Saturday's on track action will be led by the speedway's Late Model division who will treat the fans to twin, 50 lap, main events. Also pegging the racing excitement meter will be appearances from the Havasu Wiring Outlaw Karts, the Flowers Assisted Living Team Factory Stocks along with a special guest appearance from the Arizona Vintage Racing Association who will be displaying and racing their pristine restored sprint and midget cars.

General admission tickets, age 17 plus, for this "Punxy" day of excitement are only $12. Tickets for seniors, age 55 plus, military personnel and the handicapped are $10 . Kid's tickets, age six to 16, are value priced at $6. The speedway also offers a budget friendly family package, priced at $25, which admits two adults and two kids. Fans can also enjoy the special amenities of the speedway's VIP section, featuring the best seats in the house, for only $25. Fans are also invited to gather at "Pub 95" to enjoy happy hour, from 12 to 130pm, featuring $2 draft beers.

EVERGREEN SPEEDWAY. 5/8 3/8 & 1/5 MILE OVALS, 1/8 MILE DRAG STRIP & FIGURE 8 TRACK. MONROE, WA. www.evergreenspeedway.com SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH.

The Evergreen Drift Winter Series will treat its fans to its tire burning, riding slide ways, action this Saturday. Evergreen Drift is your place to experience the excitement of drifting at its best.

Evergreen Drift includes both the 3/8ths and 5/8ths paved banks on the track layout. The Formula DRIFT layout is one of the fastest oval course on the circuit. On the 5/8ths bank, drivers hit speeds north of 90mph. Off the 5/8ths, the layout continues infield into a hard breaking zone. The transition is a left hand turn to a sharp low speed hairpin turn.

Home to the Northwest Grassroots Championship series and the only Formula Drift ProAm Affiliate series in the Northwest; they are one of the few venues in North America where you can go from a beginner to earning your professorial license without ever going to another track.
Drifters from Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and beyond have been coming for nine seasons to slay tires, tap walls, and participate in the camaraderie of the local drift scene.

Join us for our next event and experience the energy and community of Evergreen Drift for yourself!
The action will run from 11am until 5pm. General admission tickets, age 7 and up, are only $10 with kids, age six and under admitted free. Driver entry fees are $60. All access pit passes are $15.

By Dave Grayson

The Lucas Oil Modified Racing Series, presented by RAM Mounts, will once again be featured on national television when MAV TV presents two of their exciting events from Salt Lake City, Utah and San Bernardino, California.

The Salt Lake 75 was video taped by the award winning Lucas Oil Production Studios, back on July 23d of last year, at the always challenging Rocky Mountain Raceway's quarter mile oval. The broadcast date and time is:

Friday - 2.3.17 - 1 am eastern time & Thursday - 2.2.17 - 10 pm pacific time.

The Fight Under The Lights 100 was video taped at the Orange Show Speedway back on August 20th of last year and marked the Lucas Oil Modified Series' triumphant return to the quarter mile paved oval whose racing history dates back to well over six decades. The date and broadcast time is:

Tuesday - 2.7.17 - 3 pm eastern time - 12 pm pacific time.

Also of interest to southern California stock car fans will be the Junior Late Model Series Championship Night from the Loan Mart Madera Speedway. This still relatively new program is for teen drivers created to develop the next generation of racers at the fastest one-third mile in the west. MAV TV broadcast times for this event are:

Thursday - 2.2.17 - 8 pm eastern time - 5 pm pacific time. Replay at 11 pm eastern time - 8 pm pacific time.

Headquartered in Corona, California, MAV TV is owned and operated by Lucas Oil Products. MAV TV is a television network with roots deep in the automotive world. MAV TV offers an unparalleled line up exclusive motorsports.

By Dave Grayson

The Havasu 95 Speedway will be unlocking their spectator gates this Saturday afternoon and, never hesitating to present their well known sense of humor, will open the month of February by getting "Punxy". This is in honor of "Punxsutawney Phil", of Ground Hog Day fame, who last Thursday made his annual appearance and national weather prediction. This event is a day race. The spectator gates will open at 12pm with the "Punxy" racing receiving the green flag at 2pm. All of this racing fun, along with a very exciting racing line up, is being presented by Larson Equipment. The always challenging quarter mile paved oval is located within the SARA Park Complex in beautiful Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Saturday's on track action will be led by the speedway's Late Model division who will treat the fans to twin, 50 lap, main events. Also pegging the racing excitement meter will be appearances from the Havasu Wiring Outlaw Karts, the Flowers Assisted Living Team Factory Stocks along with a special guest appearance from the Arizona Vintage Racing Association who will be displaying and racing their pristine restored sprint and midget cars.

The Late Models will again be running twin, 50 lap, main events complete with a skin tight championship points race between the division's top two drivers. Going into Saturday afternoon, Zack St Onge, also known as the "Zack Attack", leads the standings with 146 points based on a main event win and two second place finishes. However, Onge will have to keep an eye in his rear view mirror for the presence of Jeff Peterson. With two feature wins, and a fourth place finish, Peterson will start this Saturday afternoon a mere two points behind the leader. That alone has the potential of creating a tremendous amount of exciting racing.

The Havasu Wiring Outlaw Karts will be presenting their high energy brand of racing on the speedway's one-eighth mile track. Taylor Whitehead leads the division's championship standings with 392 points based on four feature wins and eight top five finishes. However, that lead doesn't guarantee a run away championship. That's because driver Korbin Mitchell, with three main event wins and eight top five finishes, is only 12 points away from first place. This will be the pair to watch as their winter racing season heads toward its final race.

The Flowers Assisted Living Team Factory Stocks is a concept, launched by speedway Promoter Bill Rozhon, that features three rotating drivers. In addition to the always exciting element that comes with Factory Stock racing at the Havasu 95, the division's championship run is also displaying a great deal of excitement. Team EWWWWEEEE Racing leads the title run with 154 points based on two feature wins and three top five finishes. However, their lead is only a mere eight points over Team Take and Bake. Also in the championship picture are the Vista Cruisers and the Asphalt Junkies who are 13 and 14 points away from first.

The Arizona Vintage Racing Association will be bringing their pristine collection of sprint and midget open wheel racing machines to the Havasu 95 this Saturday afternoon. These incredible machines will be on display during the speedway's on track meet and greet session allowing the fans to get an up close look at them while meeting the drivers who thoroughly enjoy telling stories about the history of their cars. Later in the evening, these cars will take the green flag to launch an exhibition race while showing the fans how powerful and exciting these cars are on the track.

General admission tickets, age 17 plus, for this "Punxy" day of excitement are only $12. Tickets for seniors, age 55 plus, military personnel and the handicapped are $10 . Kid's tickets, age six to 16, are value priced at $6. The speedway also offers a budget friendly family package, priced at $25, which admits two adults and two kids. Fans can also enjoy the special amenities of the speedway's VIP section, featuring the best seats in the house, for only $25. Fans are also invited to gather at "Pub 95" to enjoy happy hour, from 12 to 130pm, featuring $2 draft beers.

For more information regarding the Havasu 95 Speedway's winter racing season dial up their official website, www.havasu95speedway.com or visit their well presented Facebook page.

Madera, Ca. (1-31-17) – The 2017 dates have been set for the new West Coast Sportsman Series and it all kicks off at the Madera Speedway on April 8th. The series will compete three times on paved short track ovals, two times on road courses, as well as on dirt ovals.

The idea for the series is to take the out of date grand-national style race car and allow people to compete in a cost effective format that is focused on competitor comradery and fan pleasing, high quality racing action.

“We held a test race last fall with this new series and it turned out really well, so the next step is to run a short season with six to seven races in 2017. Having the series operate on paved ovals, dirt ovals and road courses really creates a place for veteran drivers to have fun, or for the up and coming driver to gain valuable experience” Kenny Shepherd.

The 2017 West Coast Sportsman Series kicks off the season at the Madera Speedway on April 8th, then there is a TBA date for June, then the series heads North to Portland Oregon to hit the first road course in July from the 7th through the 9th, then the series hits its second paved oval at Redwood Acres Raceway on the Northern California Coast on August 5th, then the series heads to the rolling hills of Sonoma Raceway for the second road course race on September 16th and 17th, then the series heads back to Central California to hit the paved oval at the Madera Speedway on October 21st, then the final race of the season hits the dirt at the Stockton Dirt track on November 3rd.

The series is structured in a club manner with a group of car owners guiding the series via an owner representative. For more information about the rules and technical aspect of the series contact Mike Naake at info@naake.com. For information on scheduling, event organization and marketing opportunities contact Kenny Shepherd at kshepherd@racemadera.com.

West Coast Sportsman 2017 Schedule
4-8 Madera Speedway (Paved Oval)
6-3, or 6-10 TBA (dirt or paved oval)
7-7 to 7-9 Portland, Oregon (Road Course)
8-5 Redwood Acres Raceway (Paved Oval)
9-16 to 9-17 Sonoma Raceway (Road Course)
10-21 Madera Speedway (Paved Oval)
11-3 Stockton Dirt Track (Dirt Oval)

Bakersfield, CA – For the third straight year, 51FIFTY Energy Drink will present opening night of the $150,000 Winter Showdown at Kern County Raceway Park. The Friday, February 10th “51FIFTY Energy Drink Opening Night” will feature a full night of racing to kick off the first day of competition at the 3rd Annual Winter Showdown, the richest short track race in the nation.

51FIFTY Energy Drink Opening Night will feature single car qualifying for the Super Late Models starting at 6:30pm. Racing will start at 7:30pm with the first Lucas Oil Modified Series’ “Spray Nine Shootout” featuring the top modified drivers of 2016. The race not to miss on Friday night is the “Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse Fast 12”, featuring the fastest twelve Super Late Model drivers battling it out for the top starting positions for Saturday night’s Spears Manufacturing Winter Showdown 250.

The remainder of the field with be split in two for the “Race for Autism” qualifiers, where the top placing drivers will secure their starting positions in Saturday’s 36 car field.

“We greatly appreciate 51FIFTY Energy Drink sponsoring opening night of the Winter Showdown once again and bringing autism awareness to the event through its Race For Autism campaign.” stated the SRL’s Brian Olsen.

Saturday’s “Winter Showdown 250” will be one of the richest asphalt short track events in the nation, with a record $30,000 payday going to the winner.

Friday, February 10th, it’s the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Opening Night. Bring in an empty can of 51FIFTY Energy Drink and save $5 on Adult GA at the front gate for Friday opening night admission. Qualifying at 6:30pm, racing begins at 7:30pm. 51FIFTY Energy Drink is available by visiting http://www.51fiftyenergydrink.com/where-to-buy.

For more event information, go to the “Winter Showdown” icon at www.SRLSouthwestTour.com. Winter Showdown general admission and reserved seat tickets are on sale now at http://www.kernraceway.com/#!tickets/c1cuz.

The 3rd Annual Winter Showdown at Kern County Raceway in Bakersfield, California on February 10th and 11th. The weekend’s main event is Saturday, February 11th with the $30,000 to win, “SPEARS Manufacturing Winter Showdown 250” for Super Late Models. The weekend begins on Friday night, February 10th at the paved half-mile with the “51 FIFTY Energy Drink Opening Night”, featuring the “Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse Fast 12” and the “Race for Autism Qualifying Races.”

Make the Most of the Winter Showdown Weekend: February 8, 9, 10, 11, 2017

WEDNESDAY
Super Late Model Registration, Parking and Optional Tech Day 10:30am to 4:30pm.

THURSDAY
Tech inspection for the Super Late Models will take place starting at 9:30am, with the cars hitting the track for the first time at 12:00pm and concluding at 4:30pm.

The “Winter Showdown Kick Off Party” at the Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace (2800 Buck Owens Blvd) presented by “Visit Bakersfield” on Thursday evening starting at 7pm. As part of the evening, the Top 10 in the 2016 SPEARS Southwest Tour Series will be honored, including Three-Time SPEARS Southwest Tour Series Champion, Derek Thorn.

FRIDAY
Lucas Oil Modifieds will move onto the Kern County Raceway grounds at 10:30am and will see three practice sessions, with the first one at 1:30pm.
The Super Late Models will have one practice session from 12:00pm-1:30pm.

Super Late Model Qualifying will take place starting at 6:30pm.

After Opening Ceremonies or the “51 FIFTY Energy Drink Opening Night” at 7:30pm, the Lucas Oil Modifieds will put on a show for the fans with “Spray Nine Top Nine of 2016”. The Top 10 drivers from the 2016 Lucas Oil Modifeds, will battle it for nine laps. Then its back to the Super Late Models with the “Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse Fast 12”, featuring the fastest 12 drivers from qualifying racing for the top 12 starting positions for Saturday’s SPEARS Manufacturing Winter Showdown 250. The night will finish off with the “Race for Autism - Qualifying Races”.

Spectator Gates 5:30pm - Opening Ceremonies at 7:30pm.

Adult General Admission $15, Youth (6-15) General Admission $10, Kids 5 & under Free. Reserved Seating $20.

SATURDAY
The main event of the weekend will be the Saturday evening, $30,000 to win, “SPEARS Manufacturing Winter Showdown 250” for Super Late Models. The racing will begin with Super Late Model Last Chance Race” at 3:10pm, where teams will be racing for the final three starting positions in the SPEARS Manufacturing Winter Showdown 250. After opening ceremonies at 5:00pm, the Lucas Oil Modifieds main event will kick things off with the “Spray Nine 50”. Then its final event of the 2017 Winter Showdown, the $30,000 to win “SPEARS Manufacturing 250”.

Spectator Gates 3pm, Showdown Last Chance Race 3:10pm, the 2017 Winter Showdown Opening Ceremonies 5:00pm.

Adult General Admission $25, Youth (6-15) General Admission $15, Kids 5 & under Free. Reserved Seating $30.

OTHER FAN INFO

A limited amount of “Rowdy Roundup” with Kyle Busch ticket packages are available for fans to purchase. This special ticket will allow fans to attend a meet and greet with Busch on Saturday afternoon before the race, get his autograph and have their picture taken with him. If you are interested contact Kern County Raceway at 661-835-1264.

Detailed Winter Showdown schedule: go to www.SRLSouthwestTour.com

RACE TICKETS will be available at the Front Gate each day, or online at http://www.kernraceway.com/2017-winter-showdown-tickets

There are a limited number of suites available for the Winter Showdown. If you are interested in renting a suite for the event, please contact the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series office at 661-679-4681.

Trackside and General RV parking is available all Winter Showdown weekend; contact Kern County Raceway at 661-835-1264 for details.
Race fans can enjoy practice each day and re-enter at the appropriate gate time.

Host Hotels - http://www.srlsouthwesttour.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/2017-Winter-Showdown-Host-Hotels.pdf

For more information on Bakersfield during your stay, go to: www.VisitBakersfield.com

The Third Annual Winter Showdown is presented by:
SPEARS Manufacturing - 51 FIFTY Energy Drink – VisitBakersfield.com
S.A. Camp Pump & Drilling - KUZZ AM 55 / FM 107.9 - KBAK 29/KBFX 58
Race For Autism - Spray Nine - Hoosier Racing Tire - Motor City GMC
Lucas Oil - Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse in Colton & San Dimas
SUNOCO Race Fuels - Speed51.com