by Stephanie Odom on April 7, 2011

The World of Outlaws Western swing came to a conclusion this past weekend at historical Calistoga Speedway. The California Spring Break tour didn’t exactly have the ideal Golden State weather with wet conditions leading to a rain out at Giant Chevrolet Speedway. However, the rain did not take away from the excitement with four different drivers claiming a California victory.

Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway started things off with the Mini Gold Cup and would see Elk River, Minnesota’s Craig Dollansky standing in victory lane. Dollansky had his share of opportunities at the DIRTcar Nationals in Florida but came up short. He currently leads the series with the most laps led at 89.

The following weekend the Outlaws made their return to Hanford’s Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway. The program was rushed along and looked as if they would be able to get it in the books. However when the drivers took the track for the feature event the wet weather moved into the area forcing the drivers to put their thumbs down ending the night’s action. Lake Giant Chevrolet Speedway was not able to complete the program.

With threatening weather still around the area the Greatest Show on Dirt made the short drive to Tulare’s Gropetti Automotive Thunderbowl. Promoter Steve Faria and crew were able to prepare the track despite the weather conditions and rushed their program along to assure it was completed. Kerry Madsen was the early race leader but in the end it was Joey Saldana coming out on top. Hometown hero Jason Meyers came in second place after a strong run to the front.

After a week off the World of Outlaws entered Merced Speedway for the first time in their final weekend of competition on the West Coast. Unlike the previous tracks they competed on in California, Merced Speedway is a narrow quarter-mile clay oval. Veteran Sammy Swindell drove his way to his second victory of the season and set the track record. California’s talented Tim “T.K.” Kaeding came in second place.

Saturday night’s action would be completely opposite from Friday’s at Merced Speedway. The series made the move from the tiny quarter-mile bullring to Calistoga Speedway’s historical half-mile. It was the series first return to the Napa Valley track since 2007. Craig Dollansy appeared as if he had the race won until the final turn of the final lap when he ran out of fuel and coasted across the line for a second place finish. Jason Sides took advantage of Dollansky’s misfortune getting around him for his second win of the season. While the ending was exciting, the King of California left the fans with quite a bit to cheer about. Elk Grove’s 18 year-old Kyle Larson made a charge forward coming from a 21st starting position to a third place podium finish. Missed the impressive run by the youngster? OneDirt’s John Gibson reported on the strong run earlier in the week and you can watch the video by clicking here.

World of Outlaw drivers have this weekend off and will make their return on April 15th at Paducah, Kentucky’s Paducah International Raceway. Tickets are currently on sale for the event and can be purchased at www.woosprints.com where you can also find a complete schedule, race results and the latest news.

http://www.onedirt.com/news/california-spring-break-ends-midwest-up-next-for-world-of-outlaws/