willamettespeedway Archives

Braaten collects Willamette, Cottage Grove checkers

By Ben Deatherage CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – It was a fantastic weekend of racing for Jorddon Braaten last Friday and Saturday night as the Central Point, Ore., chauffeur took home the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod winner’s checks on both nights at two different venues. The weekend kicked off July 27 at Willamette Speedway. The night started off by Braaten being third quick and finishing second in the heat. In the main event, Braaten seized the lead after a lap five restart. From there on he simply dominate the field for his fifth win of 2018 at Willamette. “This car is working well and that really make job way easier,” commented Braaten. “The last half of the race I was having fuel pressure problems for some reason but other than that the car handled good and felt really good.” The team traveled south on Saturday to Cottage Grove Speedway on Saturday, where Braaten set quick time in time trials and was the runner-up in his heat race. He patiently worked his way to the front after starting toward the [Read More]

James is double winner during weekend at Willamette

By Ben Deatherage ALBANY, Ore. – 2018 has been an ultra-successful campaign for Bricen James. The Albany, Ore., teenager has nabbed four wins at Cottage Grove Speedway and twice has visited victory lane at Willamette Speedway. James was hoping to add more to that count by participating in two evenings of racing at Willamette Speedway on Friday and Saturday, July 27-28. Friday saw James win his heat race and finish on top in the trophy dash. In the feature, he battled toward the front for most of the race. He spent the majority of the time in second place trying to track down the leader. James caught the pace setter and the two battled in some heavy traffic. He got to the front with a daring pass on lap 28 and held on for the final two circuits for the victory. “I really didn’t think we had a chance there,” said James. “Justin (Cady, the leader) was gone and if it hadn’t been for lapped traffic he definitely wouldn’t have won.” The next night, James competed at the Rick [Read More]

James tames Willamette for career first Wild West Shootout checkers

By Ben Deatherage LEBANON, Ore. (June 29) – Night number seven of the Wild West IMCA Modified Shootout belonged to Bricen James. The Albany speedster gained the lead near midway and led to the $1,000 checkers Friday at Willamette Speedway, earning his tour career first victory and a berth on the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot. Rob Mayea made his first start with the series and got to the front on the initial green. Mayea was mighty fast while leading but unfortunately got caught up with a lapped car on the 13th circuit. Although Mayea retained the lead due to not stopping, his car was sustained enough damage to take him out of contention for the victory. On the restart, James blazed past Mayea and officially took over first place on lap 14. James tried to separate from the rest of the field but a handful of contenders gave chase. The race started intensified as lapped traffic came into the picture in the last laps. James kept all challengers in check to become the sixth [Read More]

Gentry makes history at Willamette

By Ben Deatherage LEBANON, Ore. (April 21) – Brad Gentry made history on opening night at historical Willamette Speedway. Gentry won the first-ever IMCA Sunoco Stock Car feature held in Oregon Saturday at Lebanon, holding off Kevin Roberts for the victory. Collen Winebarger topped the IMCA Modified feature and Jorddon Braaten was the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod winner.

Willamette Speedway opener is April 14

By Ben Deatherage LEBANON, Ore. – With one test and tune session under their belt, IMCA Modifieds will open the 2018 IMCA Speedway Motors Weekly Racing point season at Willamette Speedway this Saturday, April 14. Pit gates open at 1 p.m. and the front gates open at 3:30 p.m. for the Cabin Fever lidlifter. Racing is at 6 p.m. “This season, there are so many great events throughout the year,” commented Race Director Jeremy Means. “Hopefully Mother Nature cooperates and we can get some racing in.” One big change is that two-day racing dates will be going from Saturday-Sunday to Friday-Saturday. Also, Fast Fridays will be coming to Willamette for the first time and will have a special $5 general admission price. Regular race night tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for seniors, military and juniors, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free for five and under. A family pass (two adults and up to four youth) is $35. Season passes are discounted and include all races: Adults $390, seniors, military and juniors $275, youth [Read More]