Past Events

Benson Racing Will Run Civil war event in Chico on Wed

After a long weekend of watching the Outlaws and the hopes for a Calistoga track championship diminish, (due to cylinder head problems with the 410 engine) Mike and the Benson racing team are exited at the chance to win their 2nd civil war race of the year. Mike has made mention of this race being one of those special one he wants to win. Aside from Calistoga the wed night Civil war venue is one that is thought about in the raining months of winter as preparation for the season takes place. Not only is it the biggest paying civil war show but there is a good crowd along with some of the outlaw teams in attendance.

“I’m speechless,” said Benson long after he left victory circle. “I still just can’t believe it.”

Benson dedicates first Calistoga win to the late Aaron Porter
Local Motorsports

“First off, congrats on Benson’s big win at the half mile! Any time the hometown guy does good and takes the show, it’s always a special night, and tonight was no different at all. And this was one victory Mike earned all the way, after those huge challenges by Jeff and Andy through the running.” a fan from Davis, CA

Photo by Noah Hampton-Asmus

Civil War Sprint Series in Calistoga Saturday, June 16, 2007

By Bill Sullivan
SPECIAL TO THE SAINT HELENA STAR
Thursday, June 14, 2007 12:20 AM PDT

The Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series is bound for the biggest track on the annual tour this Saturday night, the famed Calistoga Speedway.

The Speedway’s monster half-mile track is the largest dirt track in California.

Saturday night will mark the fourth running of the annual “Calistoga Cup” for the traveling Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series. Thirty or more of California’s top teams are expected to compete on the track that is twice the size of those they are accustomed to, and will be traveling at speeds in the neighborhood of 100 miles per hour.

Calistoga’s Mike Benson will be a driver to watch Saturday night. A resident of Calistoga, Benson is one of few drivers that can claim the famous speedway as his hometown track.

For Benson, a win at “home” would be the highlight of his racing career.

“I grew up at this place, there is nothing I want more as a driver than a win at Calistoga Speedway,” said Benson, who ranks 28th in the standings with two starts in the series this season.

“I remember the old days here when this place was the talk of the town, they had a parade at the start of the season with all of the cars. This place saw many big names in racing. I would love to win this deal and this is one of the few races where we actually have that ability, unlike when we run here with the Outlaws each year.”

The gates of the Napa County Fairgrounds will open at 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

The pit gate will open at 3:30 to allow all race teams to unload on the infield before parking their transporters in the parking area.

Qualifying is set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

All seating is general admission at $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Other drivers expected at Calistoga Speedway include Chico’s Brett Miller, Campbell’s Bud Kaeding, Calistoga’s Mike Benson, Sydney, Aust’s Trevor Green, Carruther’s Garrett Ishii, Gilroy’s Jon Maiwald, Tracy’s Jason Botsford, Discovery Bay’s Jim Skinner, Fresno’s Mark Workentine and more.

Something new for Calistoga Speedway this season is that all seating will be general admission during the Memorial Day weekend. Tickets go on sale at 4 pm on race day and gates open at 5. Adult tickets cost $20 and kids 4-12 will be $10. For more info on the weekend’s race contact 707-942-5111 or log on here.

The Calistoga Speedway is located on the beautiful Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga and is located at 1435 North Oak Street. Get to the track early each day as most of the teams will on the grounds working on their race cars. Also don’t forget about the annual pancake breakfast held on Sunday morning in the Tubbs Building on the fairgrounds. As always there will be a big screen TV set up to watch the Indy 500.