Sutton, A. Case, Hester, Henderson, Potter, Margeson, And J. Batalgia Score SSP Season Opener Wins
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy Of Justin Thomas)
Banks, Oregon- Sunset Speedway Park would host their first race of the season in 2018 on Saturday, April 21st. There would a full card to bring in the new year including seven divisions. Classes included Super Late Models, Street Stocks, Dwarf Cars, 4-Bees, New Bees, and both classes of Micro Sprints.
Gresham native Willie Sutton would best the competition in the Super Late Model division. In the Street Stocks reigning track champion Arnie Case, from Vancouver, Washington, would return to his winning ways. With a large turnout in the Dwarf Cars it would be Hillsboro’s Jeremiah Hester getting to the wire first in the feature.
In 4-Bee competition Austin Henderson, of Vancouver, Washington, would make a sensational last lap pass to get the win over the field. Ryan Potter would be the latest victor in the New Bees making his first ever appearance in victory lane.
In the Micro ranks Tacoma, Washington standout Evan Margeson would conquer the 600cc Open division. Young Jo Jo Batalgia, from Forest Grove, would score an incredible win in the 600cc Restricteds.
Sunset Speedway Park will return to racing on Saturday, April 28th for the Bobby Morley Memorial. Street Stocks, IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Dwarf Cars, and 4-Bee’s will all be in attendance.
Pit Gates open at 2:00 PM, Front Gates 4:00, Time Trials begin at 5:30, with Racing kicking off at 6:30. Tickets are $13.00 for Adults and Seniors/Military/Juniors (13-17) $10.00. A Family Pass (Two Adults and up to four Youths) is offered for $35.00 while Premium Seats are available for $25.00 each. For more information log on to www.sunsetspeedwaypark.com.
Race Results:
2018 Season Opener
Saturday, April 21st, 2018
Sunset Speedway Park
Banks, Oregon
Super Late Models
A-Feature: 1. 67-Willie Sutton; 2. 76-Jason Johnson; 3. 5-Britton Donahoo; 4. 66-Garrett Dees; 5. 96-Elena Johnson
Street Stocks
A-Feature: 1. 33-Arnie Case; 2. 10-James Baker; 3. 5-Marc Farrar; 4. 01-Craig Loomis; 5. 95-Tim Jenner; 6. 24-Rob Ferree
Dwarf Cars
A-Feature: 1. 96-Jeremiah Hester; 2. 18-Shane Youngren; 3. 4K-Mikie Clark; 4. 4D-Shawn Dorie; 5. 24K-Justin Demars; 6. 78X-Kevin Hicks. 7. 00X-Doug Pirtle; 8. 01O-C.W. Wright; 9. 68-Barry King; 10. 35O-Guy Williams; 11. 87-Jason Albert; 12. 54-Dave Brune; 13. 13-Lane Richmond; 14. 53O-Jake Van Ortwick; 15. 5K-Brandon Ross; 16. 11P-John Chrisman; 17. 95-Bailey Hester
4-Bees
A-Feature: 1. 69-Austin Henderson; 2. 8-William Wolfe; 3. 14-Ryan Conroy; 4. 21-Travis Koch; 5. 7-Captain Turnabout; 6. 37-Kaylee Batalgia; 7. 22-Nick Henry; 8. 74-Travis Zimmerly; 9. 55-Jacob Schultz; 10. 0-Bob Berg
New Bees
A-Feature: 1. 10P Ryan Potter; 2. 07-Cutlas Jones; 3. 57-Thunder Jones
600cc Restricted Micros
A-Feature: 1. 39-Jo Jo Batalgia; 2. 4-Alli Johnson; 3. 4B-Becca Clark; 4. 00X-Doug Pirtle; 5. 2X-Crystal Flath
600cc Open Micros
A-Feature: 1. 11-Evan Margeson; 2. 86-Jeff Little; 3. 13*-Casey Starr; 4. 72-Josh Thompson; 5. 88-Dave Ward; 6. 27C-Paul Cengic; 7. 00X-Doug Pirtle; 8. 2X-Crystal Flath
2018 Sunset Speedway Park Supporters:
FinishLine Graphics
Jim’s Thriftway
RockAuto.com
Budweiser
Speed Shift TV
Tommy’s Transmissions
Schram Brothers Excavating
Rockstar Energy Drinks
Speedmart Inc.
Hoosier Racing Tires
Sunset Park
Pick-N-Pull Self-Service Used Auto Parts
R.S. Race Products
Maletis Beverage
Jackson Industries
98.7 The Bull
Bud Light
Pepsi Co.
City of Banks
Checkered Flag Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating
Bridgeport Logistics
PGH Excavating