ANTIOCH, Calif. – The fourth annual Delta-Valley Classic will bring a close to the IMCA season at Antioch and Merced Speedways this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 26 and 27. The event is expected to draw cars from throughout the region for the large purse money offered.
“It’s part of my plan. I’ll be there,” said Bobby Hogge IV, after Saturday’s Xtreme Motor Sports IMCA Modified win at Antioch. Hogge IV won both ends of the Delta-Valley Classic four years ago, collecting a bonus for winning at both tracks. He is the only driver to date to accomplish that feat.
He’ll face stiff competition from a long list of drivers, including Paul Stone. Stone is the only Californian to make the Modified main event at the prestigious IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s.
“It’s good to be back home, but there will be nothing easy about winning the Delta-Valley Classic,” Stone said after winning Sunday night’s feature at Merced. “It will be tough out the gate with Bobby being there.”
Stone cited the difficulty of succeeding at California tracks. Their heavy clay surfaces change in consistency and can go from smooth to rough in locations from corner to corner depending upon sun location earlier in the day.
“Track conditions will show off what the good drivers have,” Stone added “The Delta-Valley Classic will definitely be difficult and challenging – but that’s what we’re looking for.”
The IMCA Modified division winner will receive $2,000 at each track, and a $500 bonus, for a total of $4,500 if he wins both legs of the event. The Modified feature will pay $200 to start.
Fred Ryland, still in contention for the Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMod national championship, is coming off of a sweep this past weekend at Antioch and Merced. Ryland picked up four more points with his wins.
The races will differ than weekly events, as drivers will draw for position after qualifying.
“It’s exciting. Your position at the start will have an element of luck,” Ryland said. “Nevertheless, the race should be a battle.”
The Brentwood Auto Parts IMCA Sport Mod features pay $500 to win and $100 to start in the Delta-Valley Classic. There will also be a $500 bonus for winning the SportMod feature both at Antioch and Merced Speedways.
Antioch Speedway is located within the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 West 10th Street in Antioch. Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens, and $10 for children ages 6-12. Children under six are admitted free. A family four pack of tickets is $40. Secured parking is offered by the Fairgrounds for $5. Racing begins at 6:30 p.m.
Merced Speedway is located inside the Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Merced. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $8 for children ages 6-12. A family four-pack of tickets admits two children and two adults for $32. Racing begins at 6 p.m. on Sunday. The grandstand opens at 4:30 p.m.
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