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Steve-O
Speaksby Steve Turnross 01/21/03
The fall portion of the 2002 Steve-O Photo & Video tour consisted of dirt events only, as all of us were quite tired of pavement racing this year. A few yawner events soured the asphalt outlook.
It was time for some big-money-elbows-up-racing to finish out the year in style. John and Robbie Padjen’s Silver Dollar Speedway located right off highway 99 in Chico offered up some 360 action with their version of the fall nationals. A three day program saw the field split for the first two nights of racing. Thirty-three timed in on Thursday with Washington’s Jayme Barnes taking the prelim win over upstart Steven Tiner. Jason Statler came home a solid third in the main. Night number two had sixty-one cars sign in at the gate to take times on the clock. Tim Kaeding continued his Chico momentum with a rousing victory over Dad, Brent Kaeding in the main event. The combination of the ABC Ready Mix team had jelled quickly under the direction of crew chief Rod Tiner. The Saturday night finale treated fans to a showdown between BK and TK. The unlimited talent that Tim possesses was a tough match for the Master of figuring out the fast way around the track. The result was one for the ages...In the end it was Father goes best, as BK found a tiny spot of moisture to grab getting out of turn two that made the difference leading to the win.
The Kings Speedway in Hanford was the sight of our annual trip to check out the Rebel Cup Series and the USAC western states midgets in a winged/non-wing combo show. A racing rarity occurred on this evening as future hero, Steven Tiner, pulled off the ultimate upset, shocking everyone (including himself) with a flawless run to victory over some heavy hitters. The kid dominated the show as he lead wire-to-wire on one of the toughest tracks to win on in the country. Brent Kaeding worked the kid hard to no avail and had to settle for runner up honors.
The Midget portion of the show provided great battles throughout the pack Dallen McKenney scored his first career win at his home track. Danny Stratton, Chuck Gurney Jr. , Rip Williams, Ronnie Day, plus Peter Murphy all made it and exciting show with a battle royal for position. The hangin’ it out side-by-side action made it an exciting show. A good time was had by all who saw this one.
A return trip to Hanford for the Trophy Cup was next on the calendar of events. A large field produced a very long Friday night of racing with time trials, a ton of heats, plus the mains. The C Main stood for "Crash Main" as seven cars turned over by the end of the deal. OUCH! In the big show on Friday Tim Kaeding kicked ass and took names as he throttled to a convincing win over the star studded field. Things were looking good for TK and The Boys heading into the Trophy Cup Final. The Saturday night portion of the Trophy Cup is always the best as the point leaders must always start in the back, so you have to be makin’ moves not fakin’ moves. TK wanted it bad on this night as he left Sammy Swindell, Paul McMahan and the rest of the top point earners in his dust. Tim was making some hay--and fast, while father Brent had made it to the point. The newly crowned Golden State Champ was heading to the front in hopes of the win. Second was the closest the new king could get on this night as BK captured the win. By finishing second TK earned himself enough points to win the Trophy Cup points title.
The last stop for 2002 was at Perris Auto Speedway and the Budweiser Oval Nationals. The best non-wing drivers in the country converge on the PAS for a chance at $25,000 to win. The prelims for this event are just that--prelims. So we’ll skip the details on those and get to the real deal. 100 laps of all out hustle by the stars and their cars. The favorite and defending champ Bud Kaeding was brilliant as he flew past JJ Yeley in turn two with a sweet semi-slider. After the power move Bud gained control of the richest race in California non-wing sprint car racing, and cruised to victory. Davey Jones showed once again why he is the best with the big dough on the line. His set-up skills and preparation are second to none. Look for this team on the podium again next year.
This concludes the Steve-O Photo & Video fall tour re-cap. Be sure to look for post season awards coming soon. So until then... Remember...to... KEEP YOUR ELBOWS UP AND PUT THE HAMMERDOWN!