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Chase Johnson Earns First Career Win at Chico

CHICO, CA (6-9-17) - Penngrove's Chase Johnson won the hotly contested 25-lap 410 sprint car main event Friday night at Silver Dollar Speedway. Chico's Brad Bumgarner led the first 13 laps until Auburn's Andy Forsberg took the lead. At that point, most would of thought that Forsberg would go on and win the race. Yet, on lap 15 disaster struck the #92. Going down the back straight the engine expired and a big fire erupted that engulfed most of the car. Luckily Forsberg could steer towards the fire crew and the escape without injury. After that it was all about the 22-year-old from Penngrove. Johnson was dominant the final 10 laps and won the race by over 5 seconds. Johnson was over the moon excited with the win and did some spectacular 360 donuts in turn four. Chico's Michael Ing earned the never give up award. Ing spun around earlier in the event, went to the work area, and then restarted in the last spot. Ing worked his way back to a second-place finish. Kalib Henry started ninth and did an excellent job to finish in the third spot. Chase Majdic at one point ran second in the main event. But he too spun around and brought out a yellow flag. He went to the work area then came back onto the track and ended up finishing fourth. Casey McClain held his own and finished in fifth place.

Phillip Shelby did something cool tonight. Earlier in the show, Shelby won the Street Stock 20-lap main event. The final race of the night was the IMCA Sport Modified event. At one point, it looked like Tyler Rodgers had the field covered. Yet, with five laps to go, Rodgers spun around in turn four giving the lead to Shelby. From there on out, Shelby led the final five laps to secure his second win of the night. On the final lap, contact between Mark Abouzeid and Jorddon Braaten allowed Matt Micheli to sneak into a second-place finish. Rodgers rebounded to finish third. Justin Foux had another solid night to finish fourth.

Jeremy Langenderfer scored his second win of the season during the Earl's Plumbing Hobby Stock series. Langenderfer has continued to show confidence and speed this year. Kyle Allen had an eventful night. Allen led the first part of the event. Then out of the blue his car stopped on lap five. He exited to the pit area and then came back out to tag the rear of the field. Allen worked his way back to a second-place finish. James West brought his car home in the third spot. Mike Chase finished fourth in a photo finish with Nick Vidovich.

Shelby not only won the Street Stock feature but in doing so he ended Phil Marino's win streak at three. Shelby led all 20 laps. Marino did come home in the second spot. At one point, Marino had dove to the inside and tried to pass Shelby, but was never able to complete the pass. Veteran racer Gary Newman finished a close third and barely held off a charging Kevin Lesch. Fritz Zanker did a respectable job and finished fifth.

Tony Elosi won both the heat race and main event tonight during the non-wing 600 micro sprint races. Only three drivers showed up. Second spot went to George Nielson and third was Nathan Schank.

Full results available at www.silverdollarspeedway.com

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