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First Practice Event Of 2026 At Antioch Speedway A Success

Antioch, CA...March 7...Racers showed up at Antioch Speedway for the first time in 2026 to a pit area of green grass. As winter is about to give way to springtime and warmer temperatures, Antioch Speedway will celebrate the 65th Anniversary of its founding back in 1961 with a brand new racing season.

Saturday's event was the first practice session with two more scheduled for the following two weeks. The track crew had whipped the 3/8 mile clay oval into excellent condition. The mild temperatures would have made the occasion ideal for a season opening race, but that won't happen until April 4th with the annual Easter Eggstravaganza event.

Roughly 30 competitors across several racing divisions took advantage of the ample opportunity to make numerous practice laps. The popular Pacific Coast Hobby Stock and IMCA Sport Modified divisions fielded the most cars, and there were few on track issues to report. A few of the drivers, unfortunately, had mechanical issues end the day early for them.

Hobby Stock championship contender Hunter Hammett of Oakley hasn't lettered his race car yet, but he presented one of the fastest cars all afternoon. Fellow Hobby Stock racers Frank Furtado of Martinez and Gavin Griffiths of Brentwood also made several good laps throughout the afternoon. Both drivers are trying to move on from what was definitely a hard luck season for both last year.

Nicholas Garner of Antioch is finally getting his opportunity to do some racing after pitting for his father Mark and brothers Brodie and Billy for the past several seasons. Getting more comfortable behind the wheel was the goal of the day for the fourth generation racer.

IMCA Sport Modified news during the off season was that three-time champion Kenny Shrader of Pacheco and Jason Ryan Jr of Oakley we're both stepping out of the division. Shrader will be taking a break, but Ryan had a change of plans. With the happy news that he and wife Jayleen are expecting a baby boy later this year, Jason traded his IMCA Stock Car for a return to the Sport Modified division, where he's ranked third for three-straight years. He looked as fast as ever.

After winning the 2025 Marysville championship, Antioch's Mark Garner was back behind the wheel of his familiar #76 car and making laps. After breaking an ankle midway through last season, Kelly Campanile of Oakley returned with two Sport Modifieds. As she and her crew got the cars dialed in, Kelly revealed that she will be racing for points in Antioch while also making visits to Merced Speedway this year.

2024 IMCA Stock Car State champion Scott Foster of Oakley was back, and his son Cayden Foster of Oakley was making his very first laps in an IMCA Sport Modified. After some motor issues in his first round, young Cayden picked up the pace a little bit as the afternoon went on. Justin Tudor of Grass Valley was the lone IMCA Modified driver taking advantage of the practice opportunity.

Colin Kirby of Pleasant Hill was making his first Wingless Spec Sprint laps at Antioch Speedway, joined by John Ulrich of Antioch and long time competitor Roy Fisher of Antioch. Now in his 80s, Fisher has returned after a year off. James Ringo of Morgan Hill made some good laps in his Winged 360 Sprint Car. Running one session with the wingless cars made things a little more interesting for Ringo, who was making fast laps.

Micro Sprint racers Ryan Dotson of Fremont and Buddy Chappell of San Jose were also on hand for practice. The duo have been the runner-up finishers in points for the last two seasons. Three-time reigning Dwarf Car champion Travis Day of Concord and Sport Modified racer Trent Golden of Pittsburg both arrived late but made some good laps. Golden looked impressive as he prepares for his second season.

Last season's Hardtop championship runner-up Don Slaney of Martinez made several laps. After preparing his car and working on other race cars last year, long time Antioch Speedway competitor Brad Coelho of Oakley finally debuted his car with some solid laps.

These practice events are all about racers dialing out the mechanical issues in their cars prior to their first race of the season. For the newer drivers, it's also an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their race cars and get more comfortable.

Practice went from just after 2:00 in the afternoon until the sun went down, and the day was successful. Weather looks good for next Saturday, and an even bigger turnout is anticipated for the occasion. Pit passes for practices are $30, and the grandstands are closed. However, the track offers free streaming of the practices on the Antioch Speedway by PROmotions Facebook page for all to enjoy. After the 2x Monster Truck event on March 28th. The first race will be on April 4th. For further information, go to www.raceantiochspeedway.com.

Photo captions

IMCA Sport Modified racers Mark Garner #76 and Kelly Campanile #2 running practice laps together. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Don Slaney #4ud and the new Hardtop of Brad Coelho #99 getting ready for the new season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Hobby Stock teammates Colten Haney #46 and Gavin Griffiths #47 making their first laps of the season. Photo by Katrina Kniss

Ageless veteran Roy Fisher #21 and John Ulrich #m5 pilot there Wingless Spec Sprints around the 3/8 mile clay oval. Photo by Katrina Kniss

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