Justin Sanders wins crowd pleasing David Tarter Memorial at Silver Dollar Speedway By Gary Thomas
Images courtesy of Devin M Photography and Tim Holland
Chico, CA – May 1, 2021…The Sprint Car Challenge Tour debut at Silver Dollar Speedway certainly did not disappoint on Saturday as Justin Sanders, Dominic Scelzi and a host of others kept the crowd on the edge of their seats all race long.
When all was said and done however, it was Sanders coming out on top of the 61-car field to score his 10th victory of the season and third of his career with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards. His triumph at the eighth David Tarter Memorial came aboard the potent Dale Miller Septic/ Thompson’s Auto No. 4SA.
The final act of the ultra-entertaining show happened to be a green, white, checkered restart where Scelzi held the lead. Going into turn one though Sanders got a great run and slid the Fresno driver for the top-spot, grabbing the lead heading down the back stretch. Scelzi stayed right there and took a couple looks, but Sanders held off the challenges and crossed under the checkered flag for the $3,500 grand prize.
“I really don’t know what to say about that one, but I am absolutely pumped to add the David Tarter Memorial to my resume,” said an exuberant Sanders to Troy Hennig in victory lane. “I knew if I could get a good restart I had a shot to make something happen with Dominic. Going into turn one I had that opportunity and luckily it worked out and we are standing up here. I have to thank Dale Miller for giving me great cars to drive and all the partners that help out with this team.
Scelzi came home second and must be commended for a fantastic run that started from the 15th position on the grid. It capped off a great weekend for the driver of the Scelzi Ent. No. 41, as he also captured Friday’s Bill Brownell Memorial in Chico. An impressive drive was also put in by Templeton’s Kaleb Montgomery, who carved his way from 14th to a career best Sprint Car Challenge Tour finish of third by the conclusion.
All eyes in the feature at times were definitely locked into 15-year-old Clovis throttle-masher Corey Day, who impressively shot to the lead early, only to suffer a flat tire. After going to the work area Day charged all the way back through the field to finish fourth, after getting back up as high as third. The son of Nor-Cal Sprint Car legend Ronnie Day continues to impress in the Golden State. Despite several movers and shakers in the main event, it was Redding’s Chase Majdic who earned the Pit Stop USA Hard Charger Award with a breathtaking drive from 19th to fifth. Completing the top-10 at the David Tarter Memorial were Blake Carrick, Robbie Price, Sean Becker, Ryan Robinson and 22nd starter Colton Heath. The B-main was captured by Chase Majdic, while the twin C-mains went to Colby Copeland and Shane Hopkins.
The two High Sierra Industries Dashes were claimed by Justin Sanders and Justyn Cox. Six heat races were held during the evening and were snagged by Max Mittry, Robbie Price, Justin Sanders, Shane Golobic, Tanner Carrick and Isaiah Vasquez. Ryan Robinson began the night by earning the $600 Bianchi Farms/ Kyle Larson Racing Fast Time Award. Robinson toured the quarter-mile in 12.575 seconds to top the 61-car field.
David Tarter Memorial A-main finish at Silver Dollar Speedway: 1 4SA Justin Sanders, 2 41 Dominic Scelzi, 3 3 Kaleb Montgomery, 4 41C Corey Day, 5 2X Chase Madjic, 6 38B Blake Carrick, 7 21P Robbie Price, 8 35 Sean Becker, 9 14W Ryan Robinson, 10 33C Colton Heath, 11 X1 Andy Forsberg, 12 83T Tanner Carrick, 13 21X Shane Hopkins, 14 83SA Isaiah Vasquez, 15 15T Tristan Guardino, 16 34 Landon Brooks, 17 17W Shane Golobic, 18 7C Justyn Cox, 19 4 Jodie Robinson, 20 88 Kyle Offill, 21 7 Tyler Thompson, 22 9 Dustin Freitas, 23 2XM Max Mittry, 24 22 Keith Day Jr.
The companion Nor-Cal Dwarf Car Association main event was captured by Shawn Jones, who started deep in the field and excited the fans in the stands en route to victory. Jones is an absolute pleasure to watch wheel a Dwarf Car and as Silver Dollar Speedway Announcer Troy Hennig stated, is certainly one of the all-time greats. Ryan Winter, Ben Wiesz, Nick Velasquez and Mike Grenert completed the top-five.
The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford and Abreu Vineyards will now get ready for the annual “Peter Murphy Classic” on Friday May 14th at Keller Motors Speedway in Hanford.
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