SRL News and Notes All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway

Courtesy Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series Media

Event: The “All-Star Showdown”. The headlining division will be the Super Late Models, competing under the banner of the SRL National and the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series for the first time. The Super Late Models will race for 200 laps with a mid-race break at lap 100 on the ½-mile track. The SPEARS Manufacturing Modified Series presented by Lucas Oil will compete for 75 laps, and the SPEARS Pro Late Model Series presented by Sigma Performance Services will compete for 100 laps, with a halfway break on lap 50.

Where: All divisions will compete on the ½-mile progressively banked asphalt oval at Irwindale Speedway (CA).

When: January 21, 2023. It will be the championship opening event for the SRL National / Spears Southwest Tour Series Super Late Models, Spears Pro Late Models, and the Spears Modified Series.

Big Money:  The Super Late Models will be racing for $25,000-to-win. The SPEARS Modified Division will compete for $5,000-to-win, while the SPEARS Pro Late Models will be gunning for $10,000. The Super Late Models, of the SPEARS Southwest Tour / SRL National, will be competing for an “A”-Feature purse of $72,350, plus SPEARS Manufacturing Frequent Flyer Bonuses that could add up to an additional $12,950.

Fast Time Bonus: The Fast Qualifier in each division will receive a bonus from the Apache Rental Group. The fastest Super Late Model will receive $1,000, Pro Late Model $500, and Modified $250.

Large Fields: 84 cars, among three divisions, have submitted entries for All-Star Showdown weekend. 32 Super Late Models, representing nine states, have submitted entries for this weekend’s ”All-Star Showdown 200”. Those states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. 35 Spears Pro Late Models presented by Sigma Performance Services have entered the action, as well as 17 SPEARS Modified Series drivers.

Double Duty: Dylan Zampa and Jake Bollman will both be performing double duty this weekend at the “All-Star Showdown”, with the Super as well as Pro Late Models. Zampa will be driving the #1 Super Late Model owned by Randy Hedrick and his families #92 in the Pro Late Models. Jake Bollman with be racing for car owner and fellow competitor Scott Sanchez in his Super Late Model, and in the #71 Pro Late Model sponsored by PB Plumbing. Holly Clark has entered both the Spears Pro Late Model as well as the Spears Modified Series events. She pulled double duty twice in 2022. She set Fast Time once in the Modifieds and once in the Pro Late Models.

Colorado Strong: Five drivers from the state of Colorado have entered this weekend’s Super Late Model competition. 2021 All-Star Showdown third-place finisher Jace Hansen will look to improve upon that performance by two. He was a winner in the SRL in 2022. Three-time Colorado National Speedway Super Late Model champion Darren Robertson will make his first trip to Irwindale. Former ARCA Menards Pro Series West champion Chris Eggleston will make the trip. He is a previous winner at Irwindale in the “West” Series. Rocky Mountain Motorsports teammates Nickolas Cooper and Zach Morris will follow up their season finale trips to Irwindale. Cooper was the championship runner-up at Colorado National Speedway, the last two seasons, while Morris was the 2022 Rookie-of-the-Year.

Hot, Hot, Hot: Jeremy Doss enters the event as the hottest driver in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series. Doss has won three of the last four events, including the season finale at Irwindale Speedway. It was Doss’ first win on the multi-groove half-mile and has the Upper Lake, CA driver brimming with confidence after the breakthrough event.

“After picking up the win at Irwindale, the last time we were there, gives me a lot of confidence going into the “All-Star Showdown”, Doss admitted. “I’m very excited to get the band back together and pick up where we left off.”

Shines at Showdowns: Bubba Pollard has shined at “Showdowns” west of the Mississippi. He has two “Winter Showdown” wins at Kern County Raceway Park (CA) and a win at the “Summer Showdown” at Evergreen Speedway (WA), in four combined starts. Pollard will make his first start in the “All-Star Showdown” at Irwindale Speedway, seeking “Showdown” win number four. It is an event he had had his eye on for several years.

“We have been back and forth on coming back to the Showdown now for years”, the former Southern Super Series champion stated. “I’ve been wanting to race at Irwindale ever since the race moved from Kern (County Raceway Park). We just never could find a place for it in our budget over the last few years.”

Four-Time Starters: Only seven drivers on the entry list are scheduled to make their fourth SRL “All-Star Showdown 200” appearances. They include Chris Davidson, Cale Kanke, John Moore, Jacob Gomes, Scott Sanchez, Kole Raz, and Andy Allen.

Rookies: Nine rookies are entered in this weekend’s Super Late Model action. Dylan Zampa, Nickolas Cooper, Austin Herzog, Sean Hingorani, Ethan Nascimento, Jake Bollman, Barrett Polhemus, Zach Morris, and Austin Thom are all eligible for the Rookie-of-the-Year Award.

Debut: Three drivers will make their first Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series starts. Those drivers are Ethan Nascimento, Bubba Pollard, and Barrett Polhemus. Bubba Pollard competed in all four SRL National events in 2022, winning at Mobile International Speedway (AL).

SRL Champions: Three former SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series champions are on the roster this weekend. Jacob Gomes, Jeremy Doss, and Jonathon Gomez will represent that group.

SRL Winners: Nine drivers on this weekend’s entry list have victories in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour or SRL National. Those winners include Jeremy Doss (12), Jacob Gomes (10), Jonathon Gomez (3), Blaine Rocha (2), Buddy Shepherd (2), Dan Holtz (1), Jace Hansen (1), Jeff Bischofberger (1), and Bubba Pollard (1 SRL National).

Spears Pro Late Models: 35 Pro Late Models are entered for this weekend’s “All-Star Showdown 100”, with $10,000 going to the winner on the outer ½-mile oval. Six different states and the province of Alberta, Canada are represented in the field. There will be a first-time winner of the event. Four drivers in the field have scored victories in the series, those include Bradley Erickson, Nick Joanides, Dylan Zampa, and Seth Wise. Nine drivers on the entry have starts in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series including Mike Beeler, Kyle Keller, Sean Woodside, Trevor Huddleston, Linny White, Jake Bollman, Kyle Gottula, Nick Joanides, and Dylan Zampa.

Spears Modified Series: The season opener will see the Modifieds on the ½-mile in the “All-Star Showdown 75”. Travis Thirkettle will look to defend last year’s win, after sweeping the Irwindale Speedway Modified events in 2022. $5,000 will go to the winner with $700 to start for teams on the Spears Frequent Flyer Program (two starts in-a-row). Weston Marthaler, will make the longest tow, travelling from Glenwood, MN. Five drivers in the field have previous wins in the series including Travis Thirkettle, Brandon White, Travis McCullough, Jim Mardis, and Eddie Secord.

History:  This will be the 12th time the event has been held at Irwindale Speedway. The event returned in 2020 after spanning a nine-year hiatus, but will be known as the Fourth Annual Event, under the SRL banner. The event was originally known as the Toyota All-Star Showdown and began in 2003, as an invitation only event, for the NASCAR Elite Divisions (Tour Series) and the now ARCA Menards Series (formerly NASCAR K&N Pro Series). The Elite Division portion was made up of participants in the top-10 of the championship standings from the Northwest, Southwest, Midwest, and Southeast Tours, starting 40 cars in the feature. The ARCA Menards portion was made up of the top-15 in both the “West” and “East” Series, to make a 30-car starting field.

The event was run much the same for the first four years, until the demise of the NASCAR Elite Divisions.  In 2007, the ARCA Menards Series top-15 East and West drivers were invited with bonus moneys. The guaranteed starting spots in the now 40-car field, were only guaranteed to those with a NASCAR Regional Series Championship. The balance of the field was made up of the top qualifiers and Last Chance Qualifying Race transfers. The Super Late Models were added for a 150 lap Friday night show.

In 2008, the race was moved from late in the year to the beginning of the 2009 season. The format remained the same, but the Late Models were added.  The 2010 and 2011 running of the events, kept the same divisions, with slight differences in the format and guaranteed starting spots.  At the end of the 2011 season, the All-Star Showdown was not renewed, and no event was held in 2012.

The event returned in 2020 with the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series Super Late Models, SPEARS Modified Series and Pro Late Models. The Pro Late Models raced on the inner 1/3-mile for 100 laps and $10,000, while the Modifieds ran for 75 laps on the ½-mile, for $5,000. The Super Late Models went for 200 laps with a halfway break. The winner collected $25,000.

2021 found the Super Late Models racing 200 laps for $30,000-to-win, but the event was curfew shortened to 177 laps with Preston Peltier claiming the richest prize in series history. Derek Thorn took his second “Showdown” win in 2022, holding off Owen Riddle for $25K. In 2021, the Pro Late Models raced for 150 laps and $15,000-to-win on the 1/3-mile, this time under the SPEARS Pro Late Model presented by Sigma Performance Services banner. It was the inaugural event for the series with Jermy Doss claiming the rich win. Dylan Cappello claimed $10,000 in 2022, leading all 99 laps on the ½-mile. The Modifieds moved to the inner 1/3-mile for 2021, with Jeremy Doss doubling down and claiming the $5,000 win over 100 laps. Irwindale dominator Travis Thirkettle scored his third overall “All-Star Showdown” win in 2022, earning the victory on the ½-mile again, worth $5,000.

Former Winners – Elite Division: Ron Breese Jr. (2003 MWT), Eric Holmes (2004 SWT), Auggie Vidovich (2005 SWT), Tim Schendel (2006, MWT) were winners in those first 4 seasons.  Eric Holmes, the 2004 winner, recalls collecting $15,000 for his efforts, a Toyota Tundra leased for a year, championship rings for the team, as well as many other gifts and awards.

Former Winners – Super Late Model Division: Greg Pursley (2007), Travis Thirkettle (2009), Rip Michaels (2010), Ryan Partridge (2011) were victors during those respective seasons. Derek Thorn scored the $25,000 win in 2020 and 2022, and Preston Peltier earned $30,000 in 2021.

Former Winners – NASCAR ARCA Menards Series: Austin Cameron (2003), Mike Johnson (2004), David Gilliland (2005), Matt Kobyluck (2006), Joey Logano (2007), Matt Kobyluck (2009), Joey Logano (2010), Jason Bowles (2011) took home bragging rights from 2003 to 2011.

Former Winners – (Pro) Late Model Division: Mike Johnson (2009), Tim Huddleston (2010) and Sean Woodside (2011) were the only three winners in the Late Model Division. Cole Williams scored the Pro Late Model win in 2020, Jeremy Doss in 2021 and Dylan Cappello picked up the $10,000 in 2022.

Former Winners – Modifieds: Travis Thirkettle scored his second “Showdown” win in 2020, this time in a Modified. He repeated the feat in 2022. Jeremy Doss claimed the win in 2021.

Schedule: Saturday, January 21^st will be race-day with Practice for all divisions beginning at 9:30 AM. Qualifying for the Spears Modifieds begin at 2:00 PM with the Pro Late Models at 2:30 PM. Qualifying for the Super Late Models is at 3:00 PM. B-Mains (if needed) will follow Qualifying. Opening Ceremonies are scheduled for 4:30 PM with Feature Events for the Modifieds, Super Late Models and Pro Late Models to follow.

Livestream: All 2023 SPEARS Southwest Tour Series, SPEARS Manufacturing Modified Series and SPEARS Pro Late Model Series races will be Livestreamed at www.SPEARSRacing.TV.  Coverage will begin when qualifying begins on January 21st.  Tommy Mason and Jeffery Best, with Low Budget TV (LBTV), will cover the action from Irwindale.

MAVTV: All 2023 races for the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series, SPEARS Manufacturing Modified Series, and SPEARS Pro Late Model Series events will also be carried on MAVTV on a delayed basis. Broadcast times will be announced, at a later date.

Celebrating its twenty third season in 2023, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.

SRL National / Spears SRL Southwest Tour Pre-Entry:

1. 1Dylan Zampa, Napa, CA – Sierra Speed Technology, Reeve’s Complete Auto Center*
2. 05Nick Cooper, Severance, CO – Adams Polishes, Neighbors Trailer*
3. 08Jace Hansen, Greely, CO – NAPA Cheyenne, Buckeye Welding Supply
4. 11RDarren Robertson, Arvada, CO – TBA
5. 11HAustin Herzog, Clovis, CA – Richard Herzog Construction, Superior Door*
6. 13Sean Hingorani, Newport Coast, CA – Nascimento Motorsports*
7. 14DChris Davidson, Taylor Lake Village, TX – Davidson Electric, Mike Garvey Racing
8. 16Jacob Gomes, Manteca, CA – Sunnyvalley Smoked Meats, Dell’Osso Family Farms
9. 17Zach Telford, Middleton, ID – Gibson Performance Diesel, Project Filter
10. 21NEthan Nascimento, Jr., Lathrop, CA – Nascimento Motorsports*
11. 22AAndy Allen, Garden Grove, CA – RJ Allen, Inc.
12. 22EChris Eggleston, Erie, CO – Blazemaster Pipe & Fittings, Redline Synthetic Oil
13. 22GJonathan Gomez, Kimberly, ID – Precision Aviation, Baxter’s Excavation
14. 22SBuddy Shepherd, Bakersfield, CA – H&S Bodyworks & Towing, Schaeffer’s Racing Oil
15. 23Dan Holtz, Pacific Palisades, CA – Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, Concrete Motorsports
16. 24BJake Bollman, Huntington Beach, CA – PB Plumbing*
17. 24SScott Sanchez, Bakersfield, CA – Salted Metals, Gibson Crane
18. 25Brandon Farrington, Tucson, AZ – Wells Johnson, All Pro Coatings
19. 26Bubba Pollard, Senoia, GA – Pollard Motorsports
20. 27MJohn Moore, Granite Bay, CA – JM Environmental Inc., Berco Redwood
21. 33Cale Kanke, Frazier Park, CA – Allie Bakes
22. 42Kole Raz, Lake Oswego, OR – The Master Wrench, Wells Johnson
23. 44Jeremy Doss, Upper Lake, CA – Alliance Rental Solutions, Shell Roofing Solutions
24. 51Jake Finch, Lynn Haven, FL – Phoenix Construction
25. 61Dennis Rock, Henderson, NV – Kyle Keller Racing, Keller Motorsports
26. 66BJeff Bischofberger, Tracy, CA – JRC Real Estate Invest., FOGLINE Ind., JD Motorsports
27. 79Barrett Polhemus, Wimberley, TX – Wilson Motorsports, VanDoorn Racing Development*
28. 80Andre Prescott, Mesa, AZ – Burgeson’s A/C, National Trade Contractors
29. 88Jason Gilbert, Danville, CA – Morgan’s Wood & Race Shop, David’s Racing Products
30. 89Zach Morris, Greenwood Village, CO – CallEvo, Royal Purple*
31. 93Austin Thom, Dundee, OR – Sherwin-Williams, Finish Line Industries*
32. 98Blaine Rocha, Oakdale, CA – MASROC Farms, Masellis Drilling

*  SPEARS Southwest Tour Series Rookie