WATSONVILLE — San Jose’s Bud Kaeding scored his first sprint car triumph of the season, while Salinas’ Camron Diatte topped the dwarf car field to grab the Mark Biscardi Memorial at Watsonville Speedway on Friday.
Kaeding jumped into the lead at the waving of the Keith Trusso green flag in the 25-lap sprint car feature. Bakersfield’s Jett Yantis carved his way into second and hounded Kaeding for a majority of the race.
San Jose’s Bud Kaeding, third from right, celebrates with friends and family after his sprint car feature win at Watsonville Speedway on Friday night. (Top Dawg Photos)
On one occasion, Kaeding dove low working lapped cars and Yantis blasted around to take the lead, only to have a caution negate the pass. After that Yantis tried his best, but Kaeding was mistake free up front on way to his first win of the year.
Hard Charger Yantis, Colfax’s Cole Croft, Salinas’ Caleb Debem and fast qualifier Landon Henry of Sacramento rounded out the top five.
Henry brings the point lead into next week, looking to wrap up the sprint car title at Watsonville Speedway.
South Bay Dwarf Cars
The South Bay Dwarf Cars saw an amazing 38-car turnout to race in memory of the late Mark Biscardi, who died in April. Several gracious individuals raised extra money for the purse and special awards during the night.
Santa Rosa’s Joey Lingron thundered into the lead when the main event got underway. He looked strong up front early on until biking in turn four on lap six, which dropped him several spots in the order.
Salinas veteran Camron Diatte then found himself up front and kept the field at bay over the course of the 26-lap feature. The well-prepared surface allowed for some fantastic dwarf car racing behind him though.
Salinas’ Camron Diatte celebrates after his South Bay Dwarf Cars win at Watsonville Speedway on Friday night. (Top Dawg Photos)
With things remaining entertaining behind him Diatte had to withstand a final one lap shootout to the finish. Campbell’s Marty Weisler and Hollister’s Chris Durden attempted to steal it on the last circuit, but Diatte hung tough and snagged the checkered flag ahead of both drivers.
Baypoint’s Danny Wagner, Pleasanton’s Toby Brown, Santa Cruz’s Terre Rothweiler, Auburn’s Dan Geil, Brentwood’s David Hays, Placerville’s Corey Eaton and Campbell’s Eric Weisler ran fourth through 10th, respectively.
Hobby stocks
The hobby stocks showcased a close battle up front between Watsonville drivers Adriane Frost and point leader Lilly Mead during the initial seven laps. The pair raced side by side while giving the fans on hand a tremendous display of hobby stock competition.
Frost suffered a flat tire that took away her shot at victory. Mead led the remainder to scoop up her fourth win of the Watsonville Speedway campaign. Scotts Valley’s Mark Cooper, Merced’s Xavier Baez, Watsonville’s Steve Remde and Morgan Hill’s Jim DiGiovanni filled out the top five.
Four bangers
In the four bangers division, Scotts Valley’s Ryan McClelland jumping into the lead. He held command until Santa Paula’s Diego Nava took control on lap 11 and led the final four circuits to pick up another win at the track. McClelland and Union City’s David Dupius also made the podium.
IF YOU GO
Fan Appreciation Night
When: Friday, 6 p.m.
Events: 360 Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Car, Four Bangers
Where: Watsonville Speedway
Tickets: WatsonvilleSpeedway.com