2007 RESULTS

South Sound Speedway September 15th

A season filled with so many emotions came to a thudding closure on September 15th at South Sound Speedway, Rochester, Washington. The last race of the WMRA season, a story book ending for Kenny Ferris, winning his very last race of a twenty-five year career, provided no such emotional joy for the camp of the number 9. No matter what was tossed at, wrenched on, or pleaded with, the engine simply would not hold power at the top of the power curve. Dallas tried, but it simply was not to be, and he was forced to return to the pits after only two laps in the feature. Yet Dallas is always the true sportsman, and as Kenny Ferris pulled the number 28 up to the finish line to receive his trophy, Dallas was sprinting down the track from the pits, and was one of the first to be seen wildly congratulating the long time veteran.

A new chapter for Dallas now begins, as on October 1st, he heads off to college where he will study Automotive Performance Engineering and Management. The engine has been sent out to be refurbished, and hope is strong that Dallas and the number 9 will be competing at Turkey Night at Irwindale Speedway.

Altamont Motor sports Park September 8th

Dallas was wicked fast in two days of practice, often topping the charts. Qualifying Dallas was fifth quickest, however, doubts arose as their qualifying effort seemed slightly off pace. Those doubts would become stronger in spite of finishing second in his heat race. The engine was showing signs of dropping off on the top end. In the main, those doubts became reality, the fuel pump was failing. Dallas drove a very strong effort to finish 8th in a very competitive 20 car field. "The car was dialed perfect, and our entrance, roll through the turns, and turn exits were great. Unfortunately, about 3/4ths of the way down the straight we would have fuel starvation and the motor would just lay down at the top end of the rpm's. We know it was our fuel pump going bad, but you can't change the pump in the middle of a race." An obviously disappointed Dallas said. "It's just one of those things, you work as hard as you can on prep of the car, you are the fastest in practice, and than race time, we just began losing the fuel pump."

Dallas next races on September 15th, at the season ending WMRA race to be run at South Sound Speedway, Rochester, Washington.

September 1, Ephrata Raceway

Dallas drove a very strong race on what was a one groove track. Although Dallas tried the outside, the second groove simply was not there and had to drive the low groove in hopes the leader would make a mistake. Tires would grip for ten to fifteen laps, than give way, than come back in an unusual evening for tire handling. Next up for Dallas is the rocket fast 1/2 mile at Altamont Raceway Park on Sept 8, 2007.

August 18th Wenatchee Valley Super Oval

Dallas Melby of Ravensdale, Wash. finished third in the Chris Melby No. 9 Mopar-Blue Dot. Melby won the WMRA season opener at South Sound Speedway on April 28 and also has a BCRA win to his credit.

Qualifying: (Car no., driver, hometown, owner, chassis/motor, time)
1. 12 Brad Curtis – Edmonds, WA; Joan Curtis, Beast/Mopar, 13.028 seconds (New Track Record)
2. 9 Dallas Melby – Ravensdale, WA; Chris Melby, Blue Dot/Mopar, 13.14
3. 50 Evan Margeson – Tacoma, WA; Harold Beald, Beast/Ford, 13.24
4. 28 Ken Ferris – DuPont, WA; same, Beast/Ford, 13.25
5. 55 Ethan “Snake” Livernash – Spanaway, WA; Scott Livernash, Beast/Esslinger, 13.30
6. 25 Brea Lopez – Vader, WA; Dan Press, Beats/Esslinger, 13.33
7. 8 Spence Gatrell – Aurora, OR; Steve Gatrell, Hawk/Gaerte, 13.34
8. 81 Doug Kammerzell – Arlington, WA; Carl Peter, Spoors/Gaerte, 13.46
9. 98 Chris Petersen – Portland, OR; Tom & Judy Maples, Beast/Ford, 13.49
10. 44 Tony Seidelman – Spanaway, WA; Randy Manners, Hawk/Sage, 13.52
11. 19 Troy Globe – Abbotsford, BC; Brian Globe, Blue Dot/Ford Focus, 14.53

A Heat (8 laps): 1. 50 Evan Margeson, 2. 12 Brad Curtis, 3. 28 Ken Ferris, 4. 9 Dallas Melby, 5. 55 Snake Livernash.

Feature (35 laps): 1. 8 Spence Gatrell, 2. 25 Brea Lopez, 3. 9 Dallas Melby, 4. 28 Ken Ferris, 5. 50 Evan Margeson, 6. 55 Snake Livernash, 7. 19 Troy Globe, 8. 98 Chris Petersen, 9. 44 Tony Seidelman, 10. 12 Brad Curtis, DNS – 81 Doug Kammerzell.

July 28th South Sound Speedway

Dallas takes fourth at South Sound Speedway -

July 14th Wenatchee Super Oval

Statistical results will follow shortly - a next day re-cap for now -

Twelve cars pushed off for the feature main. Eleven fired, one returned to the pits with a frozen engine. Dallas began the 35 lap feature 3rd row inside. On lap five Dallas running second challenged hired California gun and past BCRA champion John Sarale in the Glen Siedelman number four for the lead. Making a classic underneath move, side by side racing saw Sarale slide a bit high which allowed Evan Margeson to follow Dallas through. Evan, winner of the last four WMRA races now found it a long, slow process of wheeling the fast flying leader, Dallas in. With 12 laps to go, Evan got under the left rear of Dallas, contact was made, and Dallas executed a marvelous save, rear tires smoking, and sideways out of turn two. Snapped the car back straight, and sent the fans into wild approval, as he dirt tracked the Blue Dot Performance Tool hard after Evan. With five to go Dallas found himself returning the favor with a solid contact into the back nerf of Evan.

The contact was a straight on impact, much like a bump draft in Nascar, and was really a competitors way of telling the other driver "I didn't appreciate your move." Tires now wearing, Dallas admitted, "I used up everything I had to catch Evan, and give him that bump tap. His contact on his pass of me knocked something out of alignment, and I couldn't have gotten back around him. It's always good to finish strong, and second is, well, second. I really thought we had this one though for a win."

Dallas returns to action on July 28th, at the next WMRA race, at South Sound Speedway, Rochester, Wa.

July 7th, Madera Speedway

A fourth at Madera in a Western Regional USAC event. Not bad. Yet Dallas was left wondering, what if - what if the weight jacker had not un-spun and the initial adjustment had been retained through-out the race (Dallas readjusted the weight-jacker under caution and the car became deadly fast) only, to another what if, the left rear hub nut had not come loose, causing a loose left rear in the final five laps.

Than again, what if's are often what racing is - after a DNF a week ago, a fourth place finish lets you and your crew feel you are back on target.

USAC Midgets
Fast Time – Paul Zimmerly (Ridgefield, WA) – 14.134 seconds
Dash – None

Heat 1 – 8 Laps
Dallas Melby (Ravensdale, WA)
Michael Faccinto (Hanford)
Justin Melton (Flower Mound, TX)
Levi Roberts (Broomfield, CO)
Paul Zimmerly (Ridgefield, WA)
Mike Bunswanger (Concord)
Chad Nichols (Colma)

Heat 2 – 8 Laps
Scot Pierovich (Alamo)
Lee Yeter (San Jose)
Johnny Rodriguez (Elk Grove)
Daniel Bedford (Brentwood)
Shannon McQueen (Bakersfield)
Laura Poorter (Amsterdam, Holland)

Main– 30 laps
Shannon McQueen (Bakersfield)
Michael Faccinto (Hanford)
Johnny Rodriguez (Elk Grove)
Dallas Melby (Ravensdale, WA)
Mike Bunswanger (Concord)
Levi Roberts (Broomfield, CO)
Lee Yeter (San Jose)
Scot Pierovich (Alamo)
Justin Melton (Flower Mound, TX)
Laura Poorter (Amsterdam, Holland)
Daniel Bedford (Brentwood)
Chad Nichols (Colma)
Paul Zimmerly (Ridgefield, WA)

June 30th, South Sound Speedway

You start your season off with two wins, and take a second in a western regional USAC event, you are probably having a good year. Most won't win a race in an entire season. However, Dallas found the wall at Yureka, and clipped it at Altamont. You think you have all the parts back where they belong, and you go racing. You make one lap, (which Dallas did in his second hot lap session) and you bring it back in. You climb out, and you stare at your crew chief Dad, and simply say, it won't race. It won't turn, and it just goes sideways. You just gotta know it's going to be a long day.

After allot of head scratching, Crew Chief Dad, Chris - discovers the rear panhard bar is slightly buckled. Not good. But at least adjustments can be made, and the car is race worthy.

So you tape up the front air scoop (for increased engine heat, horsepower) for qualifying, and Dallas goes out, and sets fast time.

You run your heat race, not too many laps, and you are happy with your finish. You than go out for the main, and you are real happy, as the invert hasn't stopped Dallas from moving quickly through the field and is positioned in easy striking distance of the lead car. But its a 30 lap main. And on lap twelve the engine temp is off the gauge. You slow down, hoping it will cool. It doesn't. On lap 15 you make the decision. Blow the engine, or go into the pits. You do the only thing you can, and pull off, and go to the pits.

Crew Chief Dad hears you say, "its' off the scale on hot". You climb out.

Son and dad inspect the car, than stand there, dumb founded at what they both know. You tape off the nose intake for qualifying. You always take the tape back off for the feature.

You didn't. An oversight. It happens. But knowing the cause never really makes a DNF (did not finish) feel any better. It just wasn't your day.

And some days, it really just doesn't go your way.

July 7th is a new day, a new race. Better finishes ahead.

June 16th Altamont Raceway Park

05/26/2007 Wenatchee

WENATCHEE 5-26-07
OFFICIAL RESULTS

Qaulifying:

Brad Curtis..........12.661
Dallas Melby........12.680
Evan Margeson....12.682
Matt Stone.........12.725
Brea Lopez..........12.813
Ken Ferris...........12.873
Tony Seidelman...12.911
Skeeter Flake......12.911
Ken Muth............13.035
Chris Peterson.....13.273
Snake Livernash...13.402

B Dash:

1. Tony Seidelman
2. Ken Ferris
3. Ken Muth
4. Skeeter Flake

A Dash:

1. Evan Margeson
2. Dallas Melby
3. Brad Curtis
4. Matt Stone

Heat 1:

1. Snake Livernash
2. Ken Muth
3. Tony Seidelman
4. Skeeter Flake
5. Chris Peterson

Heat 2:

1. Ken Ferris
2. Evan Margeson
3. Brea Lopez
4. Brad Curtis
5. Matt Stone
6. Dallas Melby

Main:

1. Evan Margeson
2. Ken Ferris
3. Brea Lopez
4. Brad Curtis
5. Dallas Melby
6. Ken Muth
7. Snake Livernash
8. Matt Stone DNF
9. Skeeter Flake DNF
10. Chris Pettersen DNF
11. Tony Seidelman DNS
12. Eric Hector DNS
13. Corey Hehr DNS

05/05/2007 - Stateline Idaho

Margeson overtakes Seidelman at Stateline
Andrew Kunas

POST FALLS, Idaho - Tony Seidelman led every lap except one, and that one lap was the one that counted in the end.

Seidelman got loose on the final lap and Tacoma’s Evan Margeson took advantage, making the pass for the win in the Washington Midget Racing Association event at Stateline Speedway in northern Idaho.

Seidelman, out of Spanaway, Wash., had led from the start while Margeson steadily moved his way forward from his tenth starting position. After passing Ravensdale, Wash. driver Dallas Melby for second on lap 26 of the 35-lap event, Margeson closed in on Seidelman as time was running out. Seidelman, got squirrelly coming out of turn two of the high-banked, ¼-mile asphalt oval, which allowed Margeson to get inside Seidelman on the backstretch, then shooting ahead going through the third turn to win it.

Melby, driving father Chris’s Blue Dot with a Stanton Mopar, finished third ahead of DuPont, Wash.‘s Ken Ferris.

A four-lap B Dash and four-lap A Dash were run. Seidelman won the B Dash and Lopez was victorious in the A Dash, which featured the four fastest qualifier. Picking up wins in the two eight-lap heat races were Melby and Stone.

The WMRA next races at the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval in East Wenatchee, Wash. on Saturday, May 26. They then race at Ephrata Raceway Park in eastern Washington on June 9.

- - -

Washington Midget Racing Association
Stateline Speedway
Post Falls, ID
May 5, 2007

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

11 cars

Qualifying:
No. Name Hometown, Owner, Time
1. 50 Evan Margeson, Tacoma, WA; Harold Beald, 12.722 seconds
2. 12 Brad Curtis, Edmonds, WA; Joan Curtis, 12.853
3. 28 Ken Ferris, DuPont, WA; Ken Ferris, 12.883
4. 25 Brea Lopez, Vader, WA; Dan Press, 12.903
5. 10 Matt Stone, Everett, WA; Matt Stone, 12.905
6. 55 Ethan “Snake” Livernash, Spanaway, WA; Scott Livernash, 12.920
7. 98 Chris Petersen, Portland, OR; Tom & Judy Maples, 13.002
8. 9 Dallas Melby, Ravensdale, WA; Chris Melby, 13.013
9. 44 Tony Seidelman, Spanaway, WA; Randy Manners, 13.055
10. 17 Skeeter Flake, Woodinville, WA; Skeeter Flake, 13.253
11. 92 Eric Hector, Ephrata, WA; Allen Dixon, 13.464

B Dash (4 laps): 1. 44 Tony Seidelman, 2. 9 Dallas Melby, 3. 17 Skeeter Flake, 4. 98 Chris Petersen

A Dash (4 laps): 1. 25 Brea Lopez, 2. 12 Brad Curtis, 3. 28 Ken Ferris, 4. 50 Evan Margeson.

B Heat (8 laps): 1. 9 Dallas Melby, 2. 44 Tony Seidelman, 3. 98 Chris Petersen, 4. 92 Eric Hector, 5. 17 Skeeter Flake.

A Heat (8 laps): 1. 10 Matt Stone, 2. 55 Ethan “Snake” Livernash, 3. 28 Ken Ferris, 4. 25 Brea Lopez, 5. 50 Evan Margeson, 6. 12 Brad Curtis.

Feature (35 laps): 1. 50 Evan Margeson, 2. 44 Tony Seidelman, 3. 9 Dallas Melby, 4. 28 Ken Ferris, 5. 12 Brad Curtis, 6. 25 Brea Lopez, 7. 55 Ethan “Snake” Livernash, 8. 10 Matt Stone, 9. 98 Chris Petersen, 10. 92 Eric Hector, 11. 17 Skeeter Flake.

Lap leaders: 1-34: Seidelman, 35: Margeson.

04/28/2007

By Dolan Lanan - WMRA reporter

04/14/2007

03/31/2007

Melby Masters Shasta Speedway in BCRA Triumph

-By Robert Haugh

Ravensdale, Washington’s Dallas Melby toppled a stellar BCRA Midget field on Saturday evening, March 31st at the beautiful 3/8-mile Shasta Speedway in Anderson, Ca, wheeling the #9 Chris Melby Blue Dot/Gaerte, earning his second BCRA feature triumph.

Following the 19-year-old Melby to the checkers was a pair of 17-year-olds, Justin Grant in the #30 Tim Grant Beast/Esslinger and La Conner, Washington’s Evan Funk in the #23 Lindsey Motorsports Beast/Esslinger.

Following the talented trio of young guns to the line was Ralphie “The Racer” Cortez in the #31 Shores-Cortez Beast/Sesco-Mopar and Vader, Washington’s 19-year-old sensation Brea Lopez in the #25 Dan Press Beast/Pink Ford rounding out the Top 5.

“The Ageless Wonder,” 7-time BCRA champion Floyd Alvis captured sixth in the #18 Champion Automotive Stealth/Van Dyne ahead of Kyle Kruger in the #22, David Prickett in the #15 Neverlift Motorsports Hawk/Van Dyne, Mike Donaldson in the #87 Stu Donaldson Stealth/Gaerte and Scott Pierovich in the #35 Beast/Bob Wirth Mopar rounding out the Top 10.

Multiple late race spins and tangles halted the race after 22 laps due to curfew.

Leading after Lap 17, Portland, Oregon’s Spence Gatrell (2006 WMRA champion) in the Steve Gatrell #8 Hawk/Chevy tangled with Paul Zimmerly of Ridgefield, Washington in the #11 DMS Race Products Beast/Esslinger and Chad Nichols in the #17n Beast/Esslinger, dropping the three frontrunners to the rear of the finishing order.

Cortez won Heat #1 from the outside pole in a green-to-checkers triumph over 2002 BCRA Third place driver and car owner champion Bill Lindsey in the #61 Jim Fowler Beast/Esslinger, Donaldson, Pickett and hometown racer Rick Faeth of Anderson in the #3 Beast/Chevy V4.

Funk, the 17-year-old Washington sensation won Heat #2 over Pierovich, Travis Berryhill in the #11 “Spirit of American Canyon” Stealth/Gaerte, Alvis and Lakeport’s Eric Mostin in the #12 Beast/Mopar.

Melby claimed the incident plagued Third Heat over Flower Mounds, Texas native Justin Melton in the #31d DMS Race Products Beast/Esslinger, Zimmerly, Gatrell and Krueger. Contact nearing the conclusion of the race displaced Gatrell from the lead, dropping him to fourth.

Zimmerly took the winner’s laurels in the Trophy Dash over Melby, Nichols and Lopez.

Chad Nichols outpaced the stellar field of BCRA Midgets in qualifying setting fast time at 14.928, one of only two drivers breaking the 15-second barrier. Zimmerly also reached into the 14s, scoring a 14.955 mark.

Melby’s other BCRA feature race triumph came last July in a BCRA and WMRA co-sanctioned show at the 3/8-mile Douglas County Speedway in Roseburg, Oregon.

The DMS Race Products BCRA Midget Series venture back to dirt, powering into the Sierra Nevada foothills for the first of three races at John Padjen’s beautiful ¼-mile Placerville Speedway at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds on April 14th.

Following the Placerville bout, the BCRA Midgets partake in the Vukovich Classic at the lightning-fast 1/3-mile Madera Speedway, then venture north to Redwood Acres Raceway in Eureka for a double-points race on May 19th.

Visit www.bcraracing.com for additional information on the BCRA Midgets.

Summary:

Qualifying:
1. Chad Nichols (17n) 14.928;
2. Paul Zimmerly (11d) 14.955;
3. Brea Lopez (25) 15.011;
4. Dallas Melby (9) 15.130;
5. Justin Melton (31d) 15.251;
6. Kyle Krueger (22) 15.275;
7. Spence Gatrell (8) 15.379;
8. Justin Grant (30) 15.419;
9. Scott Pierovich (35) 15.473;
10. Glen Carson (26) 15.501;
11. Travis Berryhill (11) 15.532;
12. Evan Funk (23) 15.570;
13. Eric Mostin (12) 15.779;
14. Floyd Alvis (18) 15.867;
15. David Prickett (15) 15.883;
16. Mike Donaldson (87) 15.891;
17. Mike Binswanger (63) 15.982;
18. Rick Faeth (3) 16.202;
19. Bill Lindsey (61) 16.272,
20. Ralph Cortez (31) 16.292;
21. Kevin Morris (17k) 16.369.

Dash: Zimmerly, Melby, Nichols, Lopez

Heat 1: Cortez, Lindsey, Donaldson, Prickett, Faeth, Binswanger, Morris

Heat 2: Funk, Pierovich, Berryhill, Alvis, Mostin, Grant, Carson

Heat 3: Melby, Melton, Zimmerly, Gatrell, Krueger, Lopez, Nichols

Main (22 laps shortened due to curfew)

1. Melby, 2. Grant, 3. Funk, 4. Cortez, 5. Lopez, 6. Alvis, 7. Krueger, 8. Prickett, 9. Donaldson, 10. Pierovich, 11. Melton, 12. Binswanger, 13. Carson, 14. Mostin, 15. Berryhill, 16. Lindsey, 17. Faeth, 18. Morris, 19. Gatrell, 20. Zimmerly, 21. Nichols

09/24/2006

Dallas wins Heat and takes Sixth in the feature at Shasta, California

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Ryan Kaplan, 21, Kaplan-14.829; 2. Bobby Grewohl, 11, DeBeaumont-14.895; 3. Bradley Galedrige, 29, Galedrige-14.950; 4. Chase Barber, 91, Barber-14.951; 5. Spence Gatrell, 8x, Gatrell-15.001; 6. Justin Grant, 30, Grant-15.005; 7. Ben Petter, 22, Petter-15.087; 8. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-15.109; 9. Evan Margeson, 50, Beale-15.131; 10. Stuart Birkinbine, 02, Birkinbine-15.158; 11. Breanna Lopez, 25L, Lopez-15.191; 12. Skeeter Flake, 17, Flake-15.198; 13. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen-15.255; 14. Garratt Boyden, 42, Boyden-15.268; 15. Travis Berryhill, 11z, Berryhill-15.273; 16. Dallas Melby, 9, 15.314; 17. John Sarale, 32, Sarale-15.348; 18. Gary Dickensen, 8, Dickensen-15.549; 19. Floyd Alvis, 18, Alvis-15.610; 20. Ralph Cortez, 31, Cortez-15.734; 21. Eddie Abrew, 25x, Abrew-15.764; 22. David Prickett, 15, Prickett-15.766; 23. Mike Donaldson, 87, Donaldson-16.052; 24. Darrin Bolton, XX, Bolton-16.098; 25. Rick Faeth, 3, Faeth-NT.


SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Melby, 2. Flake, 3. Boyden, 4. Cortez, 5. Dickensen, 6. Prickett, 7. Bolton. 2:01.15

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Kaplan, 2. Grewohl, 3. Galedrige, 4. Barber, 5. Gatrell, 6. Pierovich, 7. Petter, 8. Margeson, 9. Birkinbine, 10. Grant. 2:01.09

FEATURE: (40 laps) 1. Ryan Kaplan, 2. Bobby Grewohl, 3. Stuart Birkinbine, 4. Spence Gatrell, 5. Ben Petter, 6. Dallas Melby, 7. Breanna Lopez, 8. Shannon McQueen, 9. John Sarale, 10. Ralph Cortez, 11. Skeeter Flake, 12, Gary Dickensen, 13. Eddie Abrew, 14. David Prickett, 15. Evan Margeson, 16. Floyd Alvis, 17. Rick Faeth, 18. Garratt Boyden, 19. Chase Barber, 20. Bradley Galedrige, 21. Mike Donaldson, 22. Travis Berryhill, 23. Darrin Bolton, 24. Scott Pierovich, 25. Justin Grant. 25:04.06
------------

09/16/2006

Dallas finishes the WMRA season strong with winning the final Race of the season.

The track record of 13:221 was not threatened on a cold and slick surface. The qualifying order:

1. Evan Margeson, Beal # 50 13:519
2. Skeeter Flake, Flake # 17 13:572
3. Snake Livernash, Livernash # 55 13:591
4. Dallas Melby, Melby # 9 13:596
5. Ken Ferris, Ferris # 28 13:602
6. Doug Kammerzell, Peter # 81 13:630
7. Brea Lopez, Press # 25 13:640
8. Spence Gatrell, Gatrell # 8 13:794
9. Matt Stone, S % F # 10 13:816
10. Mike Garder, Seidelman # 4 13:842
11. Ken Muth, Muth # 14 14:082
12. Kenny Wood, Wood # 93 14:088
13. Tony Seidelman, Manners # 44 14:137
14. John Wood, Wood # 97 14:182
15. Eric Hector, Dixon # 92 14:191
16. Jeff Bird, Voss # 45 14:211
17. Kenny Burns, Burns # 21 14:257
18. Bobby Bird, Bird # 7 14:408
19. Kevin Wood, Wood # 95 14:500
20. Alan Norton, Norton # 69 15:105

It was announced by the promotors that, due to the length of the evenings program, all trophy dashes would be cancelled. All the racing organizations went immediately into the heat races.

Second Heat Race. Mike Gardner, Matt Stone, Spence Gatrell, Brea Lopez, Kenny Ferris, Doug Kammerzell, Dallas Melby, Skeeter Flake, Evan Margeson, and Snake Livernash.

The "A" main, nineteen cars took the green flag from starter John Ball, out of turn two it was Gatrell, Kammerzell, Melby, Lopez, Ferris, and as the field went into turn one on lap two Bobby Bird had a major tire failure and went hard into the wall doing extensive damage to his # 7 Beast/Fontana, He suffered no injuries but was out for the night. The restart saw the five front runners followed by Livernash, Margeson, Flake, Stone, Muth, Seidelman, Gardner, Kenny Wood, John Wood, Burns, Jeff Bird, Hector, and Norton. At the drop of the green, Margeson went spinning down the front stretch and came to rest on the infield entering turn one. Evan post race said he simply spun the tires and took himself around. Just prior to the next green one of the front running cars gave the balance of the field a "brake check" in the back straight, causing damage to several cars, including severe damage to the 4 car, who was forced to drop out a few laps later. Margeson was at the tail end of the pack as the green dropped once again.

The front runners saw a lead change as Melby made an outside pass through turns three and four, putting him in second place ahead of Kammerzell, he then picked off a fading Gatrell to take the lead. Livernash picked up several positions as well and was running what was probably his best race to date. Both John Wood and Jeff Bird pitted at this time, Wood with Shock problems, and the Voss #45 was overheating. Meanwhile, Margeson was picking cars off one at a time and working his was back toward the front.

On lap 14 Burns spun the 21 car in turn 4, the line up for the green following this was; Melby, Kammerzell, Lopez, Livernash, Gatrell, Ferris, Stone, Flake, Muth, Seidelman, Margeson, Kenny Wood, Hector, Burns, and Norton. Kenny Wood went to the pits with motor trouble, as a hard charging Livernash saw his hopes dashed when a timing gear failed.

Matt Stone pulled into the infield and was out of the race when a plug wire failed. Lopez passed Kammerzell and started to put pressure on Melby for the lead. The running order, Melby, Lopez, Kammerzell, Gatrell, Ferris, Flake, Margeson, Seidelman, Muth, Burns, Hector, and Norton. A rocker arm broke putting Flake out of the race, as Lopez tried an outside pass down the back stretch for the lead, the white flag is displayed and as the field enters turn one, Lopez spins. The 25 car was pushed off and went directly to the pits, not making a restart due to having completely losing the brakes. The field came down for the green/white/ checkered flags, and the finish order was as follows: Melby, Kammerzell, Gatrell, Ferris, Margeson, Seidelman, Muth, Lopez, Burns, Hector, Flake, Norton, Stone, Livernash, Kenny Wood, Gardner, Jeff Bird, John Wood, and Bobby Bird.

Winner Dallas Melby, runner up in the 2006 championship and 2006 WMRA champion Spence Gatrell stopped on the track in front of the grandstand to earn well deserved rounds of applause. Thus, the 2006 season ended for WMRA.

09/02/2006

Dallas wins his second feature win of the year at Ephrata Raceway, Wa

Qualifications

1. # 9 Dallas Melby, Melby Blue Dot/ Gaerte 13:41
2. # 8 Spence Gatrell, Gatrell Hawk/Gaerte 13:44
3. #28 Ken Ferris, Ferris Beast/Ed Pink Ford 13:56
4. #10 Matt Stone, Stone-Fleming Beast/Esslinger 13:59
5. #17 Skeeter Flake, Beast/FPA Ford 13:62
6. #25 Brea Lopez, Press Beast/Esslinger 13:62
7. #44 Tony Seidelman, Manners Hawk/Gaerte 13:66
8. #55 Snake Livernash, Livernash Beast/Esslinger 13:71
9. #81 Doug Kammerzell, Peter Spoor/Gaerte 13:85
10. #45 Jeff Bird, Voss Ultramotive/Nissan 13:94
11. #92 Todd Lolkus, Dixon, Autoresearch/Gaerte 14:06
12. #14 Ken Muth, Muth Ultramotive/Nissan 14:10
13. # 4 Nick Seideloman, Seidelman Hawk.Esslinger 14:25
14. #93 Kenny Wood, Wood Beast/Gaerte 14:37
15. #97 John Wood, Wood Beast/Gaerte 14:38
16. #95 Kevin Wood, Wood Beast/Gaerte 14:41
17. # 7 Bobby Bird, Bird Beast/Fontana 14:44
18. #o2 Stuart Birkinbine, Birkinbine Stealth/Brayton 14:47
19. #69 Alan Norton, Norton Beast/Gaerte 14:50


The "A" dash was won by pole started Matt Stone, followed to the line by Spence Gatrell, Dallas Melby, and Ken Ferris.


The third and fast heat got off to a scary start as the rear end stepped out big time on Skeet Flake, collecting the 8 car of Spence Gatrell who now rode up and onto the left side of Skeet's 17. The cars sliding to a stop midway down the front stretch. Skeet found himself pinned in the car with the right front tire of the 8 car pressing against his left side. After the cars were seperated only cosmetic damage to the 17's panels had occurred, and both were able to restart the heat. The restart saw Brea Lopez jump into a first turn lead and easily retain a lead of many car lengths. She was followed by, Stone, Gatrell, Melby, Ferris, and Flake.

What an interesting main event awaited the fans. Our four top points drivers, and the only ones in reach of the championship, were the four fastest qualifiers, and oddly, fast qualifier Dalas Melby drew the number FOUR for the inverted start, putting these same drivers in the first four starting positions! The "A" main saw Ken Ferris and Matt Stone hit the starting line almost abreast. Ferris had a slight edge going into turn one, but was on the outside and this permitted Matt Stone to make a clean pass down the backstretch and into turn three. The balance of the field made it through the opening laps with little passing. On lap 8 Jeff Bird made a quick spin in turn four. The restart after the yellow was; Stone, Ferris, Melby, Gatrell, Kammerzell, Tony Seidelman, Flake, Lopez, Livernash, Muth, Lolkus, Kenny Wood, Nick Seidelman, John Wood, Birkinbine, Bobby Bird, Kevin Wood, Norton, and Jeff Bird.

Almost imediately Jeff Bird started picking off positions and steadily worked his way back up through the field. On lap 15 Norton dropped out with overheating issues, being the only car in the field who did not complete the "A" main event. All through the pack competition was fast, tight, and clean. As the laps counted down several drivers began to encounter handling problems, as a result, Melby got into the back of a second running Ferris and nearly turned him, but hit the brakes hard allowing Ferris to straighten the car out, and continue in his position, but this was the signal that the 28 car was beginning to fade. Also starting to experience similar problems was race leader Matt Stone, and as the leaders were lapping Nick Seidelman, who had left plenty of track for everyone, Dallas Melby saw his chance and dove under Stone, a half lap later Gatrell did the same. As this was occuring Doug Kammerzell made his way past Ferris, followed by Tony Seidelman, who then proceeded to pass Kammerzell with but a lap or two to go.

The official finish order: 1. Melby, 2. Gatrell, 3. Stone, 4. T. Seidelman, 5. Kammerzell, 6. Ferris, 7. Flake, 8. Lopez, 9. Livernash, 10. J. Bird, 11. Lolkus, 12. Muth, 13. Bobby Bird, 14. Nick Seidelman, 15. Birkinbine, 16. Kenny Wood, 17. John Wood, 18. Kevin Wood, 19 Norton.

All race long the top six cars were nearly bumper to bumper, while ten to fifteen car lengths back Flake, Lopez, and Livernash were having a battle of their own. Following this group Jeff Bird worked his way up from the back following his lap 8 spin. All cars were fast and competitive, by consensus the best race of the year to date. Promotors stated a very good race, and we modestly agree!

08/05/2006

Wenatchee Super Oval - Wenatchee, Washington

Quaifying:

1. Brea Lopez #25: 12:461
2. Brad Curtis #12: 12:520
3. Spence Gatrell #8: 12:532
4. Evan Margeson #11: 12:544
5. Scott Walker #34: 12:586
6. Skeeter Flake #17: 12:634
7. Ken Ferris #28: 12:655
8. Dallas Melby #9: 12:686
9. Tony Seidelman #44: 12:723
10. Ben Petter #22: 12:765
11. Snake Livernash #55: 12:772
12. Doug Kammerzell #81: 12:786
13. Matt Stone #10: 12:805
14. Ken Muth #14: 12:807
15. Nick Seidelman #4: 12:900
16. Tony Berry #45: 12:994
17. Bobby Bird #7: 13:261
18. Stuart Birkinbine #o2: 15:185


Second heat; Margeson, T. Seidelman, Ferris, Walker, Gatrell, Melby, Curtis (out), and Lopez (out). Lopez having a sticking throttle, thought it best to pull in for repairs.

As the field took the green flag for the feature Ben Petter led the field out of turn one with the fourth starting Ken Ferris close behind, and Tony Seidelman third. Melby and Walker ran side by side for the better part of a lap with Walker prevailing. On lap three Brea Lopez spun in turn four, and was sent to the back, the runing order at the green flag was, Petter, Ferris, T. Seidelman, Walker, Melby, Gatrell, Flake, Margeson, Kammerzell, Muth, Berry, Livernash, Stone, N. Seidelman, Birkinbine, Bird, and Lopez. Following the restart Skeet Flake was forced to slow due to traffic ahead with Ken Muth running up and over his rear end coming out of turn four. This ended Flake's night on a caution with a broken bird cage, while Ken Muth was able to do an in and out of the pits for a quick repair. On the restart Livernash spun in turn four and Matt Stone with no place to go ran up and over his hood. Surprisingly, both cars were able to continue. Soon after the restart, Lopez spun in turn one and a fast closing Ken Muth ran into her with Livernash spinning to avoid contact. The incident knocked Muth out of the race while Lopez and Livernash were able to restart at the rear of the pack. Second trip to the rear of the line for Lopez. A surprising Tony Berry in the Dick Voss #45 Nissan had worked his way up to ninth position from his sixteenth starting spot. Voss had just installed a new Nissan engine and this appears to be a very competitive division II car with Berry at the wheel. A hair raising event occurred as Dallas Melby attempted to pass second place Ken Ferris on the outside in turns one and two, they touched, Melby's steering broke and he exited the track using the pit entrance off of turn two for his escape, going into the pits at speed, while managing to maintain control and coasting to a stop, his evening over.

"A" main finish: Matt Stone #10, Ken Ferris #28, Brea Lopez #25, Tony Seidelman #44, Doug Kammerzell #81, Spence Gatrell #8, Scott Walker #34, Tony Berry #45, Ben Petter #22, Stuart Birkinbine #o2, Nick Seidelman #4, Bobby Bird #7, Dallas Melby #9 (out), Snake Livernash #55 (out), Evan Margeson #11 (out), Ken Muth #14 (out), and Skeeter Flake #17.

07/29/2006

BAY CITIES RACING ASSOCIATION & WASHINGTON MIDGET RACING ASSOCIATION

By Floyd Busby

MELBY CHARGES TO FIRST MIDGET VICTORY AT ROSEBURG

ROSEBURG, OR., JULY 29.: Dallas Melby scored the win in the co-sanctioned Bay Cities Racing Association and Washington Midget Racing Association battle on the Douglas County Speedway 3/8-mile paved oval. WMRA's Melby moved his Chris Melby Blue Dot Gaerte under early leader Doug Kammerzell in the first turn on the 18th lap of the 40-lap feature event to claim his first career midget victory.
Kammerzell spurred his Carl Peter Spoor/Gaerte into the initial lead from the pole over Tony Seidelman's Hawk/Gaerte, Pat Bliss and Brea Lopez. On the second lap Bliss and Lopez tangled on the back-straight, with both pitting before reentering at the rear.
At the green Kammerzell continued his lead over Seidelman, with Melby now in third over Rob Lindsey, Matt Stone, John Sarale and Travis Berryhill.
The leading pack maintained their positions until the 11th round when Snake Livernash spun after a shunt from the rear for another caution flag. WMRA point leader Spence Gatrell now held sixth behind Sarale, whom he shunted entering the turns for several laps.
On the 16th circuit Melby made good his bid over Seidelman to take over second. One lap later, entering the first turn, Melby made an aggressive move under Kammerzell, taking the lead as they raced out of turn-two. Melby now held the advantage over Kammerzell, Seidelman, Stone and Sarale. Gatrell clipped Sarale to take over fifth, severing a brake line on the Sarale Beast/Chevy.
On the 23rd lap, entering the first turn, Gatrell climbed the left side of Stone's Beast/Esslinger. The action sent Stone into a spin with Lindsey's path blocked, sending him up-and-over Stone. This put Stone out and both Gatrell and Lindsey were able to restart at the rear. Sarale pitted with his brake problems.
The new lineup moved Berryhill and Ben Petter in behind Melby, Kammerzell and Seidelman for fourth and fifth. Petter battled Berryhill and gained fourth on the 26th lap as Berryhill's engine expired and he pulled to a stop in the backstretch.
At the green Petter maneuvered his Beast/Esslinger under Seidelman to claim third, then aggressively went to work on Kammerzell, finally working his way by for second on the 31st circuit. Evan Margeson, Garratt Boyden and Kenny Ferris now held fifth through seventh. One lap later Ferris got by Boyden.
On the 34th circuit Boyden was shunted from behind while exiting the fourth turn and spun down the front chute. Immediately following the restart, Lindsey spun into the turn-four infield with assistance. Following the next restart attempt, Eric Mostin's Beast/Gaerte broke a front panhard and spun out of turn-two onto the back-straight.
At the final green Melby continued his lead over Petter, who made several attempts to take the lead. Margeson battled Kammerzell for third, taking the position on the 37th lap as Seidelman also passed to claim fourth. Ferris too dropped Kammerzell another position one lap later to claim fifth at the checkered flag over a resurging Gatrell and rookie Justin Grant.

SUMMARY: QUAL.: 1. Spence Gatrell, #8 /Gatrell 14.565; 2. Ken Ferris, #28 Ferris 14.605; 3. Even Margeson, #11 Margeson 14.648; 4. Snake Livernash, #55 Livernash 14.746; 5. John Sarale, #32 Sarale 14.748; 6. Travis Berryhill, #11z Berryhill 14.800; 7. Ben Petter, #22 Petter 14.820; 8. Matt Stone, #10 Stone 14.822; 9. Dallas Melby, #9 Melby 14.828; 10. Rob Lindsey, #23 Lindsey 14.902; 11. Pat Bliss, #50 Beal 14.906; 12. Brea Lopes, #25 Press 14.915; 13. Tony Seidelman, #44 Manners 14.993; 14. Doug Kammerzell, #81 Peter 15.025; 15. Justin Grant, #30
Grant 15.034; 16. Garratt Boyden, #42 Boyden 15.096; 17. Nick Seidelman, #4 Seidelman 15.118; 18. Floyd Alvis, #18 Alvis 15.304; 19. Ralph Cortez, #31 Cortez 15.470; 20. Kenny Burns, #21 Burns 15.702; 21. Eric Mostin, #12 Mostin 15.761; 22. David Prickett, #15 Prickett 15.792; 23. Alan Norton, #69 Norton 15.927; 24. Bill Lindsey, #61 Lindsey 18.777; 25. Skeeter Flake, #17 Flake N/T.

B-DASH: Grant, T. Seidelman, Lopez, Kammerzell.

A-DASH: Margeson, Ferris, Gatrell, Livernash. HEAT-1: Alvis, Prickett, N. Seidelman, Mostin, Burns, Cortez, Norton, B. Lindsey.

HEAT-2: Boyden, Kammerzell, Grant, T. Seidelman, Lopez, R. Lindsey, Melby, Bliss.

HEAT-3:Stone, Petter, Berryhill, Margeson, Sarale, Livernash, Ferris.

MAIN: 1. Dallas Melby, 2. Ben Petter, 3. Evan Margeson, 4. Tony Seidelman, 5. Kenny Ferris, 6. Doug Kammerzell, 7. Spence Gatrell, 8. Justin Grant, 9. Snake Livernash, 10. Nick Seidelman, 11. Garratt Boyden, 12. Floyd Alvis, 13. Eric Mostin, 14. Ralph Cortez, 15. Skeeter Flake, 16. David Prickett, 17. Brea Lopez, 18. Rob Lindsey, 19. Pat Bliss, 20. Travis Berryhill, 21. Matt Stone, 22. John Sarale, 23. Bill Lindsey, 24. Alan Norton, 25. Kenny Burns. LAP LEADERS: 1-17 Kammerzell, 18-40 Melby.

07/08/2006

1. Dallas Melby, Melby Blue Dot/Gaerte 12:397
2. Ken Ferris, Ferris Beast/Ed Pink Ford 12:485
3. Matt Stone, Fleming-Stone Beast/Esslinger 12:515
4. Brad Curtis, Curtis Beast/Mopar 12:528
5. Spence Gatrell, Gatrell Hawk/Toyota 12:552
6. Evan Margeson, Margeson Beast/Gaerte 12:616
7. Doug Kammerzell, Peter Spoor/Gaerte 12:656
8. Brea Lopez, Press Beast/Esslinger 12:682
9. Ben Petter, WMS Beast/Esslinger 12:710
10. Tony Seidelman, Manners Hawk/Gaerte 12:743
11. Nick Seidelman, Seidelman Hawk. Esslinger 12:768
12. Rob Lindsey, Lindsey Beast/Eslinger 12:785
13. Skeet Flake, Flake Beast/FPA Ford 12:800
14. Snake Livernash, Livernash Beast/Esslinger 12:832
15. Ken Muth, Muth Ultramotive/Nissan 12:870
16. Tony Berry, Voss Ultramotive/Nissan 13:152
17. Todd Lolkus, Dixon Autoresaearch/Gaerte 13:183
18. Bobby Bird, Bird Beast/Fontana 13:407
19. Alan Norton, Norton Beast/Gaerte 13:605

"A" Dash - The finish was Ferris, Matt Stone, Dallas Melby, Brad Curtis.

Heat Three: Margeson, Gatrell, Melby, Curtis and Ferris.

1. Spence Gatrell #8, 2. Doug Kammerzell #81, 3. Brad Curtis #12, 4. Ken Ferris #28, 5. Evan Margeson #11, 6. Dallas Melby #9**, 7. Nick Seidelman #4, 8. Ben Petter #22, 9. Ken Muth #14, 10, Bobby Bird #7, 11. Skeet Flake #17, 12. Snake Livernash #55, 13. Tony Seidelman #44, 14. Todd Lolkus #92, 15. Matt Stone #10, 16. Brea Lopez #25, 17. Rob Lindsey #23, 18, Alan Norton #69, 19. Tony Berry #45.

** On lap 17 of 35, under a caution caused by another competitor, Dallas went into the pits for repairs for a slow air leak in the right rear. Dallas would rejoin the race at the end of the line, and work his way from 15th on the restart to a sixth place finish.

07/01/2006

1. Dallas Melby #9 - Melby Blue Dot/Gaerte - 13:282
2. Brea Lopez #25 - Beast/Esslinger - 13:310
3. Kenny Ferris #28 - Beast/Ed Pink Ford - 13:314
4. Pat Bliss #50 - Beast/Ed Pink Ford - 13:314
5. Scott Walker #34 - Beast/Mopar - 13:349
6. Brad Curtis #12 - Beast/Mopar - 13:374
7. Spence Gatrell #8 - Hawk/Gaerte
8. Matt Stone #10 - Beast/Esslinger - 13:408
9. Kenny Wood #93 - Beast/Gaerte - 13:464
10. Snake Livernash #55 - Beast/Esslinger - 13:524
11. Tony Seidelman #44 - Hawk/Gaerte - 13:554
12. Skeeter Flake #17 - Beast/FPA Ford - 13:564
13. Doug Kammerzell #81 - Spoor/Gaerte - 13:596
14. John Wood #97 - Beast/Gaerte - 13:596
15. Stuart Birkinbine #o2 - Stealth/Brayton Ford - 13:685
16. Rob Lindsey #23 - Beast/Esslinger - 13:753
17. Ken Muth #14 - Ultramotive/Nissan - 13:782
18. Nick Seidelman #4 - Hawk/Esslinger - 13:990
19. Kevin Wood #95 - Beast/Gaerte - 14:159 start
20. Darren Linder #45 - Ultramotive/Nissan - 14:213
21. Kenny Burns #21 - Kenyon/Fontana - 14:220
22. Alan Norton #69 - Beast/Gaerte - 14:426

A" dash finish, Ferris, Bliss, Lopez, and Melby.

Heat three: Spence Gatrell, Brad Curtis, Pat Bliss, Scott Walker, Brea Lopez, Dallas Melby, and failing to finish due to a flat tire, Ken Ferris

The official finish order: 1. Stone, 2. Gatrell, 3. Curtis, 4. Walker, 5. Lopez, 6. Ferris, 7. Bliss, 8. Kammerzell, 9. Lindsey, 10. Livernash, 11. Melby, 12. Birkinbine, 13. Tony Seidelman, 14. Kevin Wood, 15. Kenny Burns, 16. Nick Seidelman, 17. Linder, 18. Norton, 19. Muth (out, overheating, 20. Flake (out overheating), 21. Kenny Wood (out unspecified mechanical).

06/24/2006 South Sound Speedway

Dallas takes third in the main.

Finishing order top four: Ferris, Stone, Dallas Melby, Flake

06/17/2006 Yakima Speedway

Qualifying:

1. Ken Ferris, Ferris Beast/ Ed Pink Ford #28 18:540
2. Brad Curtis, Joan Curtis Beast/Mopar #12 18:603
3. Scott Walker, Walker Beast/Mopar #34 18:672
4. Spence Gatrell, Gatrell Hawk/Gaerte #8 18:751
5. Dallas Melby, Chris Melby Beast/Gaerte #9 18:859
6. Pat Bliss, Harold Beal Beast/ Ed Pink Ford #50 19:007
7. Snake Livernash, Scott Livernash Beast/Esslinger #55 19:032
8. Evan Margeson, Tom Margeson Beast/Gaerte #11 19:038
9. Matt Stone, Fleming/Stone Beast/Esslinger #10 19:175
10. Tony Seidelman, Randy manners Hawk/Esslinger #44 19:370
11. Jeff Bird, Dick Voss Ultramotive/Nissan #45 20:232
12. Kenny Burns, Jerry Burns Kenyon/Fontana #21 21:290
13. Alan Norton, Noton Beast/Gaerte #69 21:483
Nick Seidelman, Glen Seifelman Hawk/Esslinger, #4 DNQ
Skeeter Flake, Beast/FPA Ford, #17 DNQ
Brea Lopez, Motor problems, Beast/Esslinger, #25 DNQ
John Zaretzke, Ken Muth Ultramotive/Gaerte, Flipped, #51 DNQ


2nd Heat: Gatrell, Curtis, Melby, Bliss, Ferris, Livernash, Walker

Official Finish: 1. Evan Margeson, Dallas Melby, Scott Walker, Brad Curtis, Spence Gatrell, Snake Livernash, Tony Seidelman, Kenny Burns, Pat Bliss, Alan Norton, Jeff Bird, Matt Stone, and Nick Seidelman

Main:

1. Tony Seidelman, 2. Matt Stone, .3 Evan Margeson, 4. Dallas Melby, 5. Scott Walker, 6. Spence Gatrell, 7. John Zaretzke, 8. Ken Ferris (crash), 9. Brea Lopez (crash), 10. Doug Kammerzell, 11. Ken Wood , 12. Todd Lolkus 13. Snake Livernash (crash), 14. Kenny Burns, 15. Tony Berry, 16. Nick Seidelman(out), 17. John Wood(out), 18. Skeeter Flake(out), 19. Ken Muth(out), 20. Alan Norton(out)...

May 20th, Stateline, Idaho

Main:

Dallas, after making the top ten in qualifying, and winning Heat A that had the 11 fastest qualifiers in it met with mechanical woes in the main. Bent push rods sent the heat 2 winner to the infield in the latter stages of the main, and Dallas had a DNF (did not finish) for the feature. Chris Melby, car owner, crew chief and father of Dallas post race said, "the engine had been off for some time on power and we just didn't know why. This is actually a good thing, as that now we know our problem was a valve. We will fix it, and we look forward to Wenatchee this coming weekend."