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Tim Kaeding Reigns in Hanford Golden State Thriller - By: Bobby Gerould. 04-19-03, Hanford, CA. …Tim Kaeding has now won half of the Golden State Challenge feature events contested in this calendar year. The reigning "King of California" moved into the 2003 points lead with a dramatic win at Kings Speedway Saturday night. The 24 year-old charger from San Jose may as well have a key to Hanford's speedplant. In the last five months, Kaeding has won a World of Outlaws race, two Golden State features, the Cotton Classic, and the Trophy Cup at Kings Speedway. On this night, Kaeding maneuvered from third to first in the final four laps to turn a podium finish into a clutch victory in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
BR MotorSports Quick Qualifier, Brent Kaeding drew the number 12 pill meaning that he would have to start the 30 lap Golden State Challenge feature outside row six. With only a five-point advantage over son, Tim Kaeding coming into the event in the GSC "King of California" points; many eyes at Hanford were on the Kaeding men. Tim started tenth on the 22-car grid as the green flag flew. The initial start was aborted when Nick Rescino JR., who was starting fourth, spun out in turn one. A complete restart was called, with Rescino surrendering his great starting spot and heading to the tail.
Mike Faria of Tipton in his own #4 got the jump over polesitter Jason York. Faria led the first two circuits before the yellow flag appeared for Andy Forsberg who raced over the edge of turn one and stopped. Forsberg was able to continue. Tim Kaeding was already fifth at that point trailing a top four of Mike Faria, Ricci Faria, York, and Craig Stidham. On lap five, Ricci Faria of Visalia moved around Mike Faria to take the race lead with a pass in turn four. Moments later, Wayne Williams and Rescino JR. became tangled at the rear of the pack bringing out the caution. Both headed to the pits. Rescino retired because of two stops and Williams was through due to a broken Watts Linkage.
The ensuing restart saw Tim Kaeding bobble allowing Stidham to overtake him for third place. Brent Kaeding, meanwhile, had bad luck on lap eight, coming to a stop in turn three while racing in the top ten. The caution appeared for the eleven-time champion of the series, who was able to continue but had to go to the rear of the field. Stidham was primed for the restart and swept by Mike Faria to take over second place. Stidham, the 2002 Golden State Challenge Rookie of the Year then tracked down Ricci Faria for the lead, passing him on lap 18 in turn three.
Just when it appeared Stidham was headed for his first Golden State feature win, Tim Kaeding started operating in the Terry Cowan Eagle #7T. On lap 25 of 30, Tim was about a half-straightaway behind leader, Stidham. Tim chased second running Ricci Faria in traffic and passed him with four laps remaining. Shortly afterward, Stidham became bottled up in heavy traffic, and Tim swept by him in turn one for the winning pass. At the checkered flag the first ten across were Tim Kaeding, Stidham, Ricci Faria, Mike Faria, Jason Statler, Dennis Moore JR., Blake Robertson, York, Brad Furr, and Steve Kent. Brent Kaeding ended up 16th.
"I saw we had five to go", explained the winner. "I knew we had to get going in the last five laps to make something happen. I hope you fans enjoyed that."
Third place finisher Ricci Faria drew a chuckle from the fans in the post race interview by stating flatly; "Third place sucks".
It was the second consecutive third place finish in Golden State action at Hanford for Faria. With the win, Tim Kaeding moved into a tie with Tim Green on GSC career feature win list. Both drivers are tied for third with 15 wins. They trail Brent Kaeding (62), and Steve Kent (24). Strong passing performances were also turned in by Stidham (8th to 2nd), Robertson (15th to 7th), and Kevin Pylant (20th to 12th).
Brent Kaeding earned his third BR MotorSports quick time award of 2003 by circling the 3/8's mile Kings Speedway in 12.964 seconds. York snared the B&B Oval Track Products heat race. Other heat winners included Chico's John Gray, Auburn's Forsberg, and Los Gatos pilot Statler. Five-time Kings Speedway track champion, Steve Kent who was making only his second start of the 2003-racing season captured the Last Chance race. The GSC heads to Tulare Thunderbowl Saturday April 26th for their first visit of 2003. The Golden State Challenge "King of California" series is sponsored by Hoosier Tires, CL Bryant, BR MotorSports, and B&B Oval Track Products.
April 19, 2003. Kings Speedway, Hanford CA. Golden State Challenge Round Six
BR MotorSports Qualifying: Driver Hometown Car Time
B&B Oval Track Products Heat One: 1. York, 2. Faria JR., 3. Moore JR., 4. B. Kaeding, 5. Pylant, 6. Williams, 7. BinstockHeat two: 1. Gray, 2. Howard, 3. Furr, 4. Rescino , 5. Kent, 6. Ishii, 7. Lippincott
Heat three: 1. Forsberg, 2. T. Kaeding, 3. Skinner, 4. R. Faria, 5. Robertson, 6. B. Maiwald 7. Fowzer, 8. Coelho
Heat four: 1. Statler, 2. M. Faria, 3. Tarlton, 4. Stidham, 5. Quigley, 6. Key, 7. J. Maiwald, 8. L. Rescino
Last Chance Race (12 laps. Top 6 transfer.): 1. Kent, 2. Robertson, 3. Lippincott, 4. Williams, 5. Pylant, 6. Ishii, 7. Quigley, 8. B. Maiwald, 9. J. Maiwald, 10. Binstock, 11. Fowzer.
Feature (30 laps) 1. T. Kaeding, 2. Stidham, 3. R. Faria, 4. M. Faria, 5. Statler, 6. Moore JR., 7. Robertson, 8. York, 9. Furr, 10. Kent, 11. Tarlton, 12. Pylant, 13. Forsberg, 14. Lippincott, 15. D. Faria JR., 16. B. Kaeding, 17. Skinner, 18. Ishii, 19. Quigley, 20. Howard, 21. Rescino JR., 22. Williams.