Kings Speedway
Drake earns $2,750 in Jacob Memorial at Kings
By Stephanie Odom
West Coast ShootoutHANFORD, Calif. (April 6) — Steve Drake of San Luis Obispo, Calif., led every lap at Kings Speedway’s Gary Jacob Memorial for his first West Coast Late Model Shootout victory since 2011. Drake picked up $2,000 in purse money and $750 in lap money for his sixth career series victory.
Polesitter and dash winner Bobby Hogge IV of Salinas, Calif., settled for second with Jeff Decker of Morgan Hill, Calif., in third. Nick Bartels of El Segundo, Calif., and Andy Obertello of Hollister, Calif., rounded out the top five in the race that honors the late racing journalist.
Larry Childress of Bakersfield, Calif., was the race’s hard charger, rallying from his 17th starting spot to finish seventh.
Notes: Drake’s Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Drake Farmers Transportation and Golden Hills Auto Center. ... His previous West Coast Shootout victory came June 11, 2011, at Calistoga (Calif.) Speedway. ... Drake’s six career series victories puts him second on the all-time list, one victory behind Hogge. ... Special lap money paid $50 per lap: $25 for leader, $15 for second and $10 for third. ... Tommy Malcolm was forced to scratch for the evening following terminal engine issues in the dash. ... Billy Griffin piloted the Coors Light No. 7 typically driven by Mike Johnson, who couldn't attend Saturday's event. ... Modified driver Troy Foulger of Martinez, Calif., made his first start in a Super Late Model, finishing 14th. ... Two-time and reigning series champion Clay Daly of Watsonville, Calif., missed the event because his Pete Van Iderstine-owned team lacks fresh engines.
Gary Jacob Memorial: (1) Steve Drake, (2) Bobby Hogge IV, (3) Jeff Decker, (4) Nick Bartels, (5) Andy Obertello, (6) Jason Papich, (7) Larry Childress, (8) Billy Griffin, (9) Rob Sanders, (10) Tony Toste, (11) Johnny Cardoza, (12) Randy Brown, (13) Paul Guglielmoni, (14) Troy Foulger (complete finish unavailable). Fast qualifier (among 21 cars): Drake, 15.967 seconds. Heat race winners: Drake, Decker, Bartels. Dash winner: Hogge.
