..::Bay Cities Racing Association::..

BCRA Vintage Views - Irwindale & Willow Springs
On Wednesday 11/25 Paul and I loaded up Pickles our V8-60 midget, headed to Turkey Night at Irwindale Speedway. The weather was prefect all the way and the traffic was not bad as we went down 99 over Tehachapi to 14. Our first stop was Mojave near Edwards Air Base and Willow Springs Race Track, where the Walt James Stadium Track is located. We got our room for 4 nights in Lancaster and settled in for the night.

On Thursday, Thanksgiving, morning we headed to Irwindale, about 85 miles south for Turkey Night. We got to the track around 11:30 AM and waited for the rest of the group to show up. We line up the vintage cars by the grandstand near the pit gate. Around 14 cars in all were on display, midgets, sprint cars and a couple of track roadsters. If you put your car on display, you get a couple of free pit passes. So off we went to the pit area, the pits were loaded with cars and stars. There were lots of big names from midgets to sprint cars and drivers from all over the country. We wondered around the pits for a few hours taking pictures of the pits, cars and looking at cars.

We went over to the grandstands and settle in for evening. First was qualifying for all the groups, it went pretty quick for amount of cars they had, Focus Midgets, Sprint Cars & regular Midgets. Irwindale is a beautiful 1/2mile track and these guys really fly around it.

Then came the opening ceremonies and race time. The first race was Focus Midgets for 40 laps, won by Garett Peterson #40 from Sacramento, CA. Second race, Sprint Cars for 40 laps, won by Cole Whitt #29 from Alpine, CA. The midgets ran 2 qualifying races 12 laps each, first race won by Kody Swanson #40 of Kingsburg, CA and second won by Chad Boat #30 of Phoenix, AZ. The main event and race was the 98 lapper won by Byron Clauson #11 of Noblesville, IN.

On Friday, we headed out to Willow Springs. Not much was going on we just hung out and visit with the folks. Around 5 PM or so everyone headed to Coaches for our annual Friday night dinner, we had a big room all to ourselves. There were about 40 people, it was a lot of fun. Just a bunch of old racers eating and talking about everything, things broke up around 9 PM.

Saturday started off with a great swap meet with lots of good stuff. There were lots of cars in the pit area ready to go on the track. It’s a real nice 3/8mile dirt track. Driver’s meeting was around 10:30 AM. Then the track was open for all groups, which all went out in their perspective order and with lots of track time. The track was in great shape. No racing just go out and do your own thing.

Track time was over around 4:30 PM and every one headed to the Paddock, it’s a big bar & grill on the track grounds. Bill Huth owner of the Willow Springs Raceway, open it up to for the vintage group to have a memorial dinner to celebrate the life of Walt James who pass away 9/9/09. Bill also provided a great Spaghetti feed with all the trimmings for all. What a great time we had, the place was full with about a 100 people they had an open microphone set-up so everyone could get up and share stories about Walt’s life. It was a real tribute to a, great, man who live and love racing his whole life, RIP Walt.

Thank you Bill Huth for everything at Willow Springs, the track and the memorial dinner.

Things ended up around 10 PM, then back to our room for so much needed sleep. Sunday we headed home, what a great weekend we had.

Happy New Year, June

BCRA Vintage Views - Shasta 9/18 - 9/19/09
Well Roseville is in the books. What a neat event is was, Bonnie Chisholm with the West Capital Raceway Alumni Association did a great job, for the All American Vintage Classic IV held at the Roseville Speedway. The weather was hot, real hot in the 90s all three days.

Things started out Thursday night for the early arrivals. They had a great chili feed, Hotdogs, chili, corn bread, coffee and cake. It started around 6 PM. Then when it got dark it was movie night, what fun Tom Motter singing Back Home Again In Indiana, he sound better than Jim Neighbors. Tom Motter was one of the narrators along with Rex Dean for the movies. Lot of old stuff, Indy Sprint cars, midgets from the Indoor 50s, and events at the Oakland track. There were hardtops, midgets from the 40s and 5os also. Don Scott brought films that he shared, shot when he was a kid.

Then came Friday the 18th, it started out with a racecar swap meet, donuts and coffee under the big Oak Tree, just hanging out, with cars coming in all day. Lots of hardtops, super modified, sprints and midgets cars. BCRA vintage midgets were well in attendances, with 13 of 17 midgets that were at the event. Around 4 PM the track open for practice, lots of time for all the groups of vintage cars to get 8 lap heat and 12 lap main. Everyone was really exhausted from the heat and welcome the night air.

Saturday the 19th was the big day. There was a bar-be-que that started around noon on the picnic side of the fairgrounds, with all the vintage cars being push to the area for display.

There was lots of booths set-up for selling stuff, silent auction and selling raffle tickets.

The bar-be-que lasted about 2 hours with the announcement, of the New Hall of Fame inductees: Frank Albert. Gordon Chastain, Tim Green, Bill Sullivan, Bill Sessa, Frank Vierra, Ed Wallace and Super Modified HOF #2.

Around 2PM everyone was ready to go racing, the track was still very hot. All vintage cars did their own thing and great exhibition by all groups. Before the sprint main, parade lap was done for Walt James by Kenny Van Blargen who carried the checkers and with a moment of silent prayer.

Everyone had fun and everyone went home happy, especially Paul he received the #1 Peoples Choice for our vintage midget. Our thanks, to everyone for the hard work that went into this event.

I can’t name everyone, I’ll just mention the names of few of vintage midget guys who were present; Paul Ferreira #1, Perry Ashworth #2, John Cordell #3, Greg Vroman #3,Jim De Jong #4, Bob Wacker #7, Tom Belfiore #16, Doug Shanoian #17, John Kunstal #20, Les Stark #20. LD Nix #22, Don Strauch #26, Ron Kunstal #27, Donavan Stark #41, Mike Ryan #60. Don Scott #87 & Paul Farajian #98.

Along for the ride, June

BCRA Vintage Views - Shasta 9/12/09
The Shasta speedway event is history. Great show, car count was down a little for the competitive midgets, but the racing was great. They had Dwarf Cars, Mini Stocks, Competitive Midgets and Vintage.

There were 9 vintage midgets on for the show. Weather was hot, but overcast so it was easier to deal with. The regular midget put on a, real fast, 30 lap main. Everyone had plenty of track time, as Rick Faeth made sure of that. The vintage cars had lots of hot laps, 8 lap heat, and a 12 lap main, It can’t get any better than that.

Hey we are in a little trouble again. I know it’s hard, but we have to slow the speed down. We are driving to fast. We are in trouble with Linda Manning for too much speed. They watch us very close and put the clock on us. Sometimes some of the cars were in the 17, second bracket, which is to close to the regular midget time. The newer cars, Jim De Jong #4, Norm Gray #30, John Kunstal #20, and Harold Allen #4, did a real good job on the track. Guys we really have to watch the speed and stay more as a group to put on a better show for the fans.

Shasta went really well, everybody had fun and that’s what it’s all about. Some of other car and driver that were on hand; Paul Farajian #14, Greg Vroman #3, Tommy Belfiore #16, Bob Wacker #7, and Paul Ferreira #1.

Thank you Rick Faeth and staff for giving us a great day for our vintage show.

Walt James
5/13/23-9/9/09
Racing legend Walt James passed away on September 9, 2009 at the age of 86. In 1982 a group of buddies with Walt James resurrected the WRA. Bill Huth owner of the Willow Springs Raceway encouraged Walt to build a track for WRA and in 1982 the track was open for business. The track was named Walt James Stadium. Every year since, on Thanksgiving weekend. Walt and Dottie have hosted the Walt James Vintage gathering. Bill Huth has said he will still have the 17th annual Walt James racing weekend this Thanksgiving.

Along for the ride, June

BCRA Vintage Views - Merced 6/27/09
June Wheeler-Ferreira
On Saturday June 27th a few of us vintage guys, went down to Merced to run a combo show with WRA. It wasn’t on our schedule and some didn’t know about it, so we were short on cars. We did get a lot of track time, had hot laps, trophy dash and a main. Ron Dunn won the trophy dash in his Chevy II #1, didn’t get no trophy, but all the vintage guys got a ball cap, compliments of Merced Speedway.

Weather was hot, windy and dust was really flying. The track had the Saturday night regular cars running.

Not too many fans in the grandstands. The main was 12 laps, most of the cars had issues and Paul Ferreira #1 and Norm Gray #30 finish the 12 laps, with Paul in the lead.

On hand were; Ron Dunn, Chevy II #1, Bob Mastroleo, V8-60 #14, Dick Hughes, Chevy II #21, Norm Gray, V8-60 #30, Paul Ferreira, V8-60 #36 and Rich Mastroleo. Chevy Power Sprint #55.

Marysville date was cancelled, not a good date, so the next show will be July the 24th a combo with the WRA at Ocean Speedway, Watsonville, Friday night. The vintage cars haven’t run there in years. I hope you can make it, come out have fun and we can use the car count. The gate into the pits will open at 1PM.

The WRA will have a Saturday show on the 25th at Hanford’s, Kings Speedway. Both track are dirt, if your car is running, think about making it.

We’ll be selling, BCRA Vintage Shirts at the track. They are $10 each.

Along for the ride, June

BCRA Vintage Views - Lakeport 6/20/09
June Wheeler-Ferreira
The Mighty Vintage Midgets had a car count of 6 for Saturday night at Lakeport, which was good. We started off with a warm up secession, than we had a 10 laps heat and a 12 laps main exhibition event.

Few of the guys were going a little too fast in the heat exhibition, so we were told to cool it by the watchful eyes of BCRA Officials. Things settled down in the main, the drivers went a little slower and everything went well.

The weather at Lakeport was nice, but a little on the windy side. Our friend, midget car owner & driver, Mike Luddon #3 came all the way from Arizona to run with us. Good to see him and his partner Alison, his car was down all season until last weekend. Then we had our regulars; Paul Ferreira & I #1, Harold & Nancy Allen #4, Doug Shanoian #14, John Kunstal #20, Norm & Carol Gray #30, Frank Goularte push jeep, Stu Donaldson 2 competitive midgets & Paul Farajian, his vintage midgets are down.

It was a fun night and that’s what its all about. Harold Allen had carburetor trouble and didn’t run the main. The driving slowed down a lot in the main, just changing positions in the exhibition. Remember drivers it’s just an exhibition and the crowd seem to enjoy it, but wanted us to go a little faster.

The competitive midgets put on the usual great show as always, fun to watch. High Light of the main, was the pace go-kart driven by, 5 year old, Sarale Jr. #32, he was just simply BOSS. Thank you Lakeport Speedway for having the BCRA Vintage at your at your wonderful facility.

Our next pit stop is Friday 26th at Hanford & Saturday 27th at Merced. A combo with BCRA and WRA, hope to see all there.

Along for the ride, June

BCRA Vintage Views - Madera 6/13/09
June Wheeler-Ferreira
The BCRA & WRA Combo Vintage Car Show at Madera, June the 13th, is in the books, Car count was down a little, but the ones that were there had a good time. Walt James and John Lee were unable to attend, Walt’s back is really out and John Lee track roadster is in need of repairs. BCRA broke a few midgets at the Anderson Show. The ones that were there had a good time, Lots of mixing and mingling in the pits.

Bob Mastroleo gave all members a nice tape measure, compliments of John Lee and WRA. Also we got a can of spray lubricant from Rich Mastroleo, compliments of the Justin Brothers. Thank you all for the nice and very useful gifts.

Thank you Kenny Shepherd, for sharing your Super Saturday Show with the vintage cars,

We didn’t get much track time, we had a practice and 10 laps each for midgets and Sprints, There was too many other divisions running.

Mastroleo brother’s were first in their mains, Bob came first in the midget exhibitions and Rich was first in the sprint exhibition.

We’ve pick-up new members in our group in the past few years, they are really beginning to run well, Norm Gray and John Kunstal have come a long way in vintage exhibition. Tony Simon was on hand with his push truck, what a big help. We have to give a big thanks to Frank Fuentes, he broke his car at Merced, he came to Madera and drove Rich Mastroleo quad. Frank was busy as a little bee pushing cars all night long. Greg Dierks brought his beautiful new #5 Sprint out for the first time, wow, what a nice car.

All who were present for the Madera event; Paul Ferreira #1, Bob Munier #4, Greg Dierks #5, Paul Farajian #14, Bob Mastroleo #14, John Kunstal #20, Norm Gray #30, Steve Bonestal #34 & Rich Mastroleo #55.

We had mild windy weather, but it was warm in the mid 70’s.

The competitive Midgets put on a great show, as did the Sprints, Ford Focus, and Super Modified. All of the groups were fun to watch.

That’s it for now, next pit stop Lakeport, June 20th.
Along for the ride, June

BCRA Vintage Views - Shasta Raceway Park May 21-23
June Wheeler-Ferreira
The Shasta California Vintage Nationals is history, what a great weekend we had from May 21st through May 23rd. All the vintage guys and gals would like to give Rick Faeth and staff a great big thank you, for a really great job.

Rick work really hard getting everything in place. He and his staff, was helpful in keeping things rolling along smoothly for all 3 days, His motto, have fun and play safe, that’s what it’s all about, thanks again Rick

Everyone had plenty of track time and the weather was hot, but not unbearable. All groups had heats, trophy dashes and main events. Good exhibitions of vintage racing.
Congratulations to John D. Martini #5, Doug Shanoian #17, Scott Nail #00, all got Oscars in dashes and John & Scott won their mains.

There were a lot of old cars, vintage midgets, sprinter, track roadster, hard tops and one modified. There were also old stars wondering the pits Former BCRA Champ Bob Machin, Turkey Night Winner Tony Simon, Billy Shuman & Johnny Anderson of NARC fame, just to name a few.

All and all a great show guys,

BCRA vintage guys and midget also ran a show at Merced on May 16th. Weather was a little hot, but cooled off in the evening. This was a combo show with WRA, the car count was a little low, but everyone had a good time.

Hope to see all at our event in Madera June 13th.
Hey guys don’t forget to tighten your wheels!
Along for the ride, June Wheeler-Ferreira

Shasta Raceway Park - CA Vintage Nationals - May 22 -23
Photos by Jack Waterman

BCRA Vintage Views - May
June Wheeler-Ferreira
The Mighty Vintage Division was off and running, at Marysville, Saturday, April 18th. We had a good time, but our car count was down, from what we expected. Things worked out well, Paul and I got to the track around 2PM. Pits gate was suppose to open at 3PM, but it open a little early. We found our pit area, unloaded, we then sat out to walk around and visit with the folks. The weather was a little hot. We did have a cool Delta breeze that helped and it stayed warm all night.

Stu Donaldson brought his modern midget #8 for his son Mike to drive. It was good to see Stu out and about, he’s looking good after his health issues, but he’s still on the mend.

Around 5 o’clock we pushed 4 vintage midgets to a roped off area, in front of the grandstand, for the fans to view before going into the Race. We got a lot of good feed back from the fans on how good they looked and how they remembered seeing cars like that run years ago.

The cars were in front until 7PM. The promoters liked it, was good PR for the track. Thank you, for our exhibition, Paul and Kathy Hawes.

Then after qualifying was over, Mike Donaldson in his father’s modern midget #8 and Paul Ferreira in his vintage, old rail V8-60, #36 did some Memorial laps for Kay Goularte. Things were a little sad at this point, as we can’t remember a race where Kay wasn’t there. Linda Manning passed out Memorial Decals to all midgets.

Frank Goularte was there with Rich Walsh and after the Memorial laps, Frank came over and thanked us all.

Then after the dust settled, vintage cars went out for some warm-ups laps and an exhibition run. Unfortunately the track was really rough for vintage cars, but we had fun as always. The promoter and staff at the track were super people, real easy to work with so things went well.

The regular midgets were there and put on great show as always. Bob and Shirley Munier with their quad came down from Madera for Kay’s Memorial, Norm & Carol Gray, from Santa Cruz with their #30, V8-60, Harold Dickerson & Roger from Manteca with Harold’s beautiful Falcon and Don Strauch from Folsom with his New #26 Chevy II, just to name a few.

So all and all it was a good night of racing, next stop will be May 16th in Merced. Hope to see all there.

A long for the ride, June Wheeler-Ferreira

BCRA Vintage Views - April
June Wheeler-Ferreira
Hi, gang, March 28th the BCRA Mighty Vintage Midgets had their opening event at Shasta Raceway in Anderson. The weather was great, a little windy, but not too bad. As usual we had plenty of track time, with 2 practices, a heat and a main event.

We had 7 cars for the event. Some of the vintage members on hand just to name a few, Frank & Jayne Fuentes with their #2 Chevy II, Greg Vroman #3 Offy, Bob Wacker #7 Offy, Paul Farajian #14 V8-60, Doug Shanoia #17, Don Strauch #26, first time out with his New Chevy II, with driver Mike Mosekian and Paul Ferreira and I with our #1 Chevy II. It was opening night for the modern midgets they put on a great show. The fans in the stands was fair, they enjoyed a good night of racing and vintage exhibition. Thanks, Rick Faeth, for letting us use your wonderful track.

Then if was off to Madera on April 4th for a combo event with WRA. There were 18 vintage cars; 12 midgets, 4 sprints and 2 track roadsters. There was a lot things going on with regular midgets, sprints, modifieds and legends, and so our track time was limited. All we had to run was a practice and a main divided with the midgets with 12 laps and sprints, track roadster with 12 laps for vintage exhibition.

All who was at the event with vintage midgets; Ron Dunn #1, Paul Ferreira #1, Frank Fuentes #2, Les Stark #8, John Plischke #13, Paul Farajain #14, Bob Mastroleo #14, Tommy Belfiore #16, Doug Shanoian #17, Don Strauch #26, Norm Gray #30 & Dale Erickson #55.

All with vintage sprints and track roadster at Madera; John Lee #8, Walt James #15, Lin Marsten # 17, Steve Enright #37, Keith Loomis #40 & Rich Mastroleo #55

You really have to hand it to the WRA members, they come a long way to put on a event.

Thank you, Kenny Shepherd, for great show at Madera.

On a sad note the BCRA racing community was sadden on passing of Kay Goularte on April 4th evening. Kay was a die heart racing fan. She knew all the cars, drivers, what motors they ran and if you had any questions, you just ask her. If you were ever in need of a cup of coffee you went to her motor home, she was there with a big smile and cup for you. She was always seen with her husband, Frank Goularte, working on someone midget or sprint. Kay will be deeply miss by all of us who knew her.
Rest in peace Kay, love from all!

April 18th at Maryville is our next event hope to see all there.....
Along for the ride, June Wheeler-Ferreira

BCRA Vintage Views - March
June Wheeler-Ferreira

Believe it or not we finally had our BCRA Vintage Annual Meeting. It was held at Frank & Jayne Fuentes beautiful Funny Farm in Tracy. We had about 21 members and guest in attendance including Linda Manning of the BCRA Board. The weather was beautiful, what a nice place to go.

The meeting got started around 10AM, we had lots of general chit chat, We also had a serious discussion about T-shirts and Calendars. We only have one meeting a year, it's good for all to get together and see everyone. Then to the schedule which was discuss and it looks like a good one. We have a lot of good shows this year for our exhibitions. We touch on a little on the Vintage Oval Magazine and I got a few photo op. The meeting last one hour or so, then it was off to the big kitchen for sandwiches, cold drinks or what ever.

Most went outside to Franks shop and bench race for a long time. Things started to break up around 3PM or so, everyone said their, "Good Byes'' and headed for home.

Meeting went well, so let's go play.

Hope to see all at Shasta Speedway on March 28th, June Wheeler-Ferreira

Stu Donaldson, had light stroke, he is home doing well, he has all our prayer and best wishes for a speedy recovery. Please send cards or call.
Stu Donaldson
991 Mitchell Way
El Sobrante, CA 94803
(510) 222-1346

BCRA Vintage Annual Meeting