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Rohnert Park’s Mendes charges to first career victory in Placerville Finale

ROHNERT PARK, CA – Two years ago, Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes chose to make Placerville Speedway his home track as he set out to advance his young sprint car racing career. Although his choice required a two hour drive every Saturday, the former outlaw kart racer felt that the quarter-mile bullring located in the sierra foothills best fit his driving style and would eventually lead him to achieving a life long dream of becoming a sprint car feature event winner. Saturday night that dream came true for Mendes as he held off several of the track’s veteran drivers to post his first career win before a capacity crowd on the final night of the Red Hawk Casino Championship Season.

After leading all 25-laps of Saturday’s feature event, Mendes pulled to the front stretch of Placerville Speedway Saturday to a cheering crowd that showed strong support for the young driver’s biggest accolade. Savoring the moment in the cockpit of his Joe Rose Law, Cartwright Builders, RPM Photo Art #29x sprint car, Mendes received the honorary handshake from the track’s director of competition, Mike Andreeta, a former winning driver himself, who is always supportive of young drivers advancing in the sport. Realizing the dream had become reality Mendes climbed from his car and raised his hands in celebration to the cheering fans that have grown to love the 18-year-old wheelman.

“I couldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for my crew,” said Mendes, who won the event in the absence of his crew chief. “I want to thank my crew chief Stymie. Even though he wasn’t there, he helped us by phone. I especially have to thank my step dad, Jim Cartwright, and my Mom for letting me do this and supporting me. This was the best way to end the point season at Placerville because we have had a really rough season.”

Mendes qualified seventh in Saturday’s event and earned the pole position in the 25-lap feature event after winning his heat race earlier in the evening. At the waving of the green flag he took the lead ahead of second place starter Kenny Allen of Chico. In the early laps of the race, Allen stayed within striking distance of Mendes until former two time track champion Mike Henry of Sacramento moved in to challenge for the lead along with fourth time Civil War Series Champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn.

For the first 22 laps of the race, Henry darted high and low in an aggressive effort to gain a faster line than Mendes to no avail. On a final restart with three laps to go, Mendes pulled even further ahead than he had been all night to seal his first feature win of the season. Mendes was trailed across the line by Henry, Forsberg, Allen and Mason Moore of Princeton. After the victory, he was congratulated by newly crowned Placerville Champion Colby Wiesz and was then tackled by his parents and crew in celebration.

“We are fortunate to have a team that works harder and harder every week and we finally did it,” said Jim Cartwright. “Unfortunately Stymie wasn’t here with us for this tonight but he was there via phone and planning our moves from his Mother’s 60th birthday party. I want to thank this entire team, Shaun, Alex, Jerry and Melanie for pulling together and finishing the points with our first win. A big thanks goes out to Joe Rose for his continued support throughout the season and everyone that has come to our aid. We will take this momentum with us to Chico for the Pacific Sprint Cup next week.”

Jim Cartwright was the first family member to reach Mendes on the front stretch. He was so excited when the checkered flag flew he ran down the access ramp, catching his shirt on the chain link fence and tearing it, giving him a rockstar appearance for the team’s very first win. Camron’s mother, Melanie, was just as emotional as her son following the victory and offered her view of the night that will long be remembered.

“Our beautiful drive to Placerville led to a conversation of how our team has struggled so much this season,” she said. “With the last points race upon us and our crew chief only available by phone, our team had our work cut out for us. Last night was like beautiful orchestra playing without flaw. Last night it all came together. Last night I ran to my son and saw the tears of joy in his eyes. Last night his dream of becoming a feature winner became a reality. There is only one first time. To be able to experience that moment with my son was such an indescribable feeling.”

Following Saturday’s victory, the Mendes spent the day at the Stoke Ranch in Santa Rosa representing the Bob Consani Racing Foundation at a gala car show. The team later attended the USAC race at nearby Calistoga Speedway and will now focus on the upcoming Pacific Sprint Cup this Wednesday night at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their sponsors for their strong support this season Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa.

Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the post season or 2010 can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Information about the team’s title sponsor can be found at www.joeroselaw.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on the Bob Consani Foundation please visit www.bobconsaniracing.com.

Camron Mendes named as an ambassador of the newly formed Bob Consani Racing Foundation

ROHNERT PARK, CA – Eighteen year old Camron Mendes, has recently received a very impressive honor in the world of sprint car racing. The senior student at Cardinal Newman High School has been named as an ambassador for the in development Bob Consani Racing Foundation. Mendes will be an acting spokesman for the newly formed foundation, beginning next weekend at a gala event in Rohnert Park, California.

“This is truly an honor to be asked to do this,” said Mendes. “Mr. Consani was a legend in auto racing and very good man. Being able to help carry on his legacy by representing the foundation is very special to me. I’m really looking forward to it and knowing that maybe I will have the chance to make a difference in someone’s life or future.”

The Bob Consani Foundation’s mission is to carry on Consani’s endeavor to not only help young people achieve their dreams of a career in motor sports through financial support but, more importantly, through a mentoring program. The foundation will provide leadership and vision through the help of experienced drivers, mechanics and business people in and outside of the auto racing community. These individuals will guide and empower kids and young people, regardless of gender and background.

“We all know that it ‘takes a village’ and this is especially true in this team and family sport where parents, siblings and friends are such an important part of overall success,” said Jona Consani. “The added ingredient here will be one-on-one mentoring which was what Bob Consani was well known for in his later years. In a nutshell, the Bob Consani Foundation – Keeping Kids on the Right Track.”

After racing outlaw karts as a youngster, Camron Mendes began racing full sized sprint cars at the age of 16. In 2008, he competed in his first full season of racing at Placerville Speedway in El Dorado County. Competing against many of the best drivers in California, his efforts earned him an impressive eighth place finish in the point standings. He earned four top ten finishes, won a total of five heat races and earned a fast time award during a high caliber Civil War Series race. This season he currently holds the 12th position in the standings with one race remaining on the schedule.

In the upcoming Labor Day weekend, Mendes will be a very busy young man. On Saturday night he will compete in the final point race of the season at Placerville Speedway and will then be busy preparing for his appearance for the Bob Consani Foundation on Monday, September 7 at the Stoke Ranch located at 5525 Old Redwood Highway in Santa Rosa. The event will take place from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and includes a bbq, kids club, live music by Blue Moon from 9 am until 1 p.m. and will award various raffle prizes. Mendes will be on hand with his family owned 29x sprint car and is looking forward to meeting many faces and youngsters that may be interested in entering the world of motorsports.

“Nothing means more then seeing a little kid come up and want to sit in your car and get an autograph,” said Mendes. “That’s how I got interested in racing. If I can be a positive influence to help someone achieve their dreams, well, that’s a pretty big accomplishment. I’m really looking forward to this event and many more opportunities with the Bob Consani Foundation.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors at and away from the track for their strong support this season Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa.

Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Information about the team’s title sponsor can be found at www.joeroselaw.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on the Bob Consani Foundation please visit www.bobconsaniracing.com.

Camron Mendes is 11th in the Civil War Sprint Car Series and holds the ninth position in the weekly championship standings at Placerville Speedway
Photo by Steve Lamothe

Despite adversities, Mendes continues to advance in area sprint point standings

PLACERVIILLE, CA – The summer months are nearing their end but Rohnert Park’ s Camron Mendes is far from completing his mission for the 2009 racing season. After a 12th place finish last weekend at Placerville Speedway, Mendes now maintains a top 12 status in two of Northern California’s most competitive sprint car campaigns.

The Cardinal Newman Catholic High School Senior is now 12th in the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series and maintains the 9th position in weekly Red Hawk Casino championship series at Placerville Speedway. This weekend, Mendes and his JMS Motorsports team will take a break from the track to gear up for the final weeks towards the Placerville Speedway 2009 championship.

“We’ve had our share of issues the past couple of races,” said Mendes. “Considering those events we are doing pretty well as a team and holding our own in the top ten at Placerville. I’m definitely looking to advance in the standings in the final weeks ahead.”

Mendes’ most recent event was the Sixth Annual Tribute to Al Hinds Civil War Race at Placerville last Saturday night. This annual event pays tribute to the late promoter and pioneer of the local track and Mendes participated in the all day festivities leading up to the race. After spending the day at Family Chevrolet in Shingle Springs meeting fans and enjoying a free bbq, Mendes headed to the quarter-mile bullring locked and loaded for action against Northern California’s best drivers.

“We had a lot of fun during the day at Family Chevy,” said Mendes. “It’s always great to meet the fans, especially the kids. We had to get up early to make the show but we really enjoyed, it was worth the trip.”

In qualifying on Saturday night Mendes drove the JMS Motorsports, Joe Rose Law, Cartwright Builders #29x sprint car to the 17th position in the competitive field of entrants with a lap time of 10:974. The fast lap time and the position on the roster illustrates the caliber of competition that was on hand for this event that eventually paid $3000 to the winner.

In heat race competition, adversity set in for the team when the car slipped out of gear and brought Mendes to a stop during the race. He restarted from the rear of the field but was then forced to park on the infield when he continued to have mechanical complications, forcing off of a competitive pace.

By parking during the heat race, Mendes was required to compete in the B Feature for one final chance to make it into the money race. Only the top six drivers transfer out of the B race while everyone else is finished for the evening. Mendes started ninth in the affair and charged his way into fourth by the time the checkered flag waved to secure a position in the 30-lap feature race later in the program.

“In the entire B main I was driving with a blown left rear shock which made it difficult,” said Mendes. “The car was really bad due to the shock and so hard to drive, yet we ended up fourth through all of that so I guess we finally had a little bit of luck come out way.”

In the A-feature, Mendes lined up in the 14th starting position. As the second lap he worked his way up to the 11th position before settling back into 13th three laps later. As the field raced into lapped traffic, Mendes put his patience behind the wheel as a priority to stay out of trouble. He faded as far back as the 15th position on the 22nd lap and rallied back to finish 12th during the last eight laps of the race.

“We had a good solid run in the A main,” said Mendes. “I think we could have done better out there but that’s just racing. Overall we had a good night.”
Mendes will return to Placerville Speedway on Saturday, August 15th for Kid’s Night at Placerville Speedway. The event is the first of just three remaining point races of the season at the track he calls home.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support this season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team acknowledges crew members, Jerry Stewart for his assistance and Sean “Stymie” Pratt who has assisted the team with set ups that have resulted in multiple impressive finishes.

Late race roll over brings ends top ten rally for Rohnert Park’s Mendes

July 18 - PLACERVIILLE, CA – Saturday night Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes was clearly illustrating his ability to work his way towards the front of the competitive A feature at ASA Sanctioned Placerville Speedway. Unfortunately for Mendes an unavoidable crash late in the race ended his valiant charge from the rear of the pack just moments before the checkered flag.

“I was holding my own in the tenth position after starting so far back,” said Mendes. “The brakes had been giving me trouble earlier in the night and in the main I lost them completely and then I got in trouble in lapped traffic. The car is damaged but it wasn’t too bad, we’ll be ready for Wednesday night here.”

In qualifying on Saturday night, Mendes turned the 14th fastest lap of the night with a 10:951 on the quarter mile. He started his heat race on the outside of the front row. It was here where he began to endure difficulty with the brakes on the JMS Motorsports, Cartwright Builders, Joe Rose Law #29x sprint car. When the green flag waved Mendes lurched forward prior to the official starting spot, prompting officials to issue a penalty and put him to the rear of the line up for a restart.

“I had my foot down all the way trying to slow the car down and it was doing nothing,” said Mendes. “It was idling a little fast so the start was really difficult to stay in line before the green. I wasn’t surprised I ended up with a jump. We came back pretty well.”

Mendes charged back to the sixth position at the conclusion of the eight lap qualifier. The finishing position placed him deep in the field for the start of the 25-lap feature event. Starting 17th Mendes had his work cut out for him in the money race and was unsure if the complications with the car’s braking system were resolved.

In the feature, Mendes charged as high as the ninth position by the fourth lap of the race. He then settled into the tenth position when the brakes again became an issue for much of the race. After eying a strong top ten finish, Mendes’ night came to a crashing halt with just 23 laps when he suffered an unavoidable collision in lapped traffic in the third and fourth turn and sent him upside down and to the pits for the night.

The JMS Motorsports Sprint Car received its share of damage from the incident but none too severe. The combination of sponsors and crew members quickly went to work on the car Sunday morning to insure it will be ready for this Wednesday’s special Civil War event at Placerville. After that Mendes will return to Petaluma Speedway for the Civil War Series event there and then, will return to Placerville on Saturday August 1 for the annual Tribute to Al Hinds. Mendes will be part of a huge sprint car show and fan BBQ during the day on August 1 at Family Chevrolet in Shingle Springs.

“We have a lot of really big races ahead of us,” said Mendes. “I want to thank my sponsors and my crew for all their hard work this week. I love racing on weeknights, it’s great. It puts a lot of pressure on the crew to get the car fixed in such little time and they are really appreciated.”

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support this season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team perpetually crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance and the newest addition to the team, Sean “Stymie” Pratt who has assisted the team with set ups that have resulted in multiple impressive finishes including that of Saturday night.

Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Cameron Mendes (29) drove to seventh place at Placerville Speedway July Fourth.
Photo by Steve Lamothe, www.stevesracingphotos.com

Mendes advances three positions in Placerville point standings with seventh place finish

PLACERVIILLE, CA – When it comes to the sport of auto racing, competing on the Fourth of July is always special for any team. The sport brings competition and camaraderie together and often times it is that added feature that results in a quality performance by many. Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes experienced just that Saturday night at Placerville Speedway. After a couple of weeks of misfortune, Mendes returned to his hard charging ways Saturday night and celebrated another top ten finish amidst fireworks and fanfare at the track he calls home.
“We had a great time on the Fourth of July at Placerville,” said Mendes. “Not only did we have a good night of racing, we had the chance to spend time together with family and friends at the track and enjoyed a great night together.”
Saturday night began with qualifying. Every year on the Fourth of July Placerville Speedway begins competition one hour early to allow for its fireworks display at the end of the night. The early start time produces somewhat different track conditions for the entire evening as the afternoon sun quickly dries the clay surface.
For Mendes, the slightly different conditions didn’t phase him a bit as he drove the JMS Motorsports-Joe Rose Law-Cartwright Builders #29x sprint car to the eighth position in time trials with a lap time of 10:786 on the quarter mile. A total of 27 cars qualified for Saturday’s event and the entire JMS Motorsports team was pleased with the results of qualifying, which can directly affect your success throughout the night.
In the eight lap heat race, Mendes started fifth and maintained the position for the entire event. He finished one spot out of the transfer positions and it was then that Stymie and the entire JMS crew went to work on the set up to insure they would transfer into the money race later in the night.
Teamwork paid off in the 12-lap B Feature. Mendes started on the outside of the front row and charged into a lead he would never relinquish. He picked up the B-feature victory and earned his starting position back for the A feature.
In the 25-lap A-feature Mendes started eighth and advanced into the seventh position. By the time the 20-car field took to the track an extremely dry slick surface had developed and made visibility difficult. Mendes used a perfect combination of caution and aggression to insure a top ten finish. After placing seventh he advanced three positions in the point standings for the 2009 Red Hawk Casino championship. Mendes now sits eighth in the standings.
“I was really happy with car, Stymie and the whole crew did a great job,” said Mendes. “It was really tough to see out here tonight and everybody did a good job of staying out of trouble. I’m happy were back in the top again.”
This Saturday night Mendes will return to Placerville Speedway for the highest paying event of the year, the Mark Forni Classic. The event pays $5000 to win the sprint car feature. Earlier in the day race fans can meet Camron Mendes and see the #29x sprint car at one of several race car displays in El Dorado County. Mendes will be on hand at 1 p.m. at RPM Photo Art, 259Main Street in historic downtown Placerville.
“I look forward to meeting a lot of fans and future fans on Saturday in Placerville,” said Mendes. “Its always rewarding to help a kid sit in the car and give them an autograph because it means so much to them.”
JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support this season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team perpetually crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance and the newest addition to the team, Sean “Stymie” Pratt who has assisted the team with set ups that have resulted in multiple impressive finishes including that of Saturday night.
Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Mendes excited to return back to his home track for “Wild Winged Wednesday” Civil War at Placerville

ROHNERT PARK, CA – After being away for the last two weeks, Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes is looking forward to returning to the track he calls home this week for two different events within four days. Mendes will join the field for the upcoming “Wild Winged Wednesday” Civil War Series event at Placerville Speedway this Wednesday, June 3. The 18-year-old junior at Cardinal Newman Catholic High School in Santa Rosa will then return to the Red Hawk Casino Championship series on Saturday, June 6.

“I love this idea of racing on a Wednesday night,” said Mendes. “Back east you can race everyday of the week practically. The more seat time you have the better you get so I’m looking forward to it.”

Mendes will end his school year on Tuesday and will start his summer vacation in fast fashion, competing with nearly forty of the best 360 drivers in California and the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday night. On Saturday, he will join the weekly roster to continue his run towards the 2009 track championship.

Mendes returns to Placerville Speedway following two days of competition at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico last week and weekend off from competition over the most recent weekend. Driving the JMS Motorsports - Rose Law Firm-Cartwright Builders, #29x sprint car, Mendes was very satisfied with his team’s performance over the two day event in Chico. The first night of competition was a non-points invitational race for the 360 sprint cars. The second night of action was round two of the traveling Civil War Series he will compete with this Wednesday.

During the Saturday night competition at Silver Dollar Speedway, the pill draw format placed Mendes at the rear the field for the eight lap heat race in which he finished in sixth place, placing him in the B-main for a final opportunity to make the money race. In the 12-lap affair, Mendes led the first 10 laps of the race until Andy Forsberg passed for the lead, placing Mendes second at the checkered flag. Starting 18th in the feature event, Mendes charged up to the ninth position until another competitor spun in front of the #29x sprint car, ending the night early with damage.

On Sunday, the Civil War Sprint Car tour took to Silver Dollar Speedway. Mendes qualified in the fifth position out of the 48 cars in competition with a 12:916 second lap. In heat race competition a 10-lap battle with Herman Klein of Sacramento ended with Mendes finishing in second place to secure a position in the A-feature. In the 30-lap A-feature Mendes fought handling woes to finish in the 17th position.

“We had a pretty good night all together,” said Mendes. “Qualifying so well was really an accomplishment for me since I don’t race at Chico too often and there were 48 cars there. We did well in our heat race. In the feature we just missed our set up and I was fighting the car the whole race. We enjoyed the weekend in Chico and the break and we are ready to get back to the track this week.”

As he enters the busy week ahead at Placerville Speedway, Mendes is currently ninth in the championship point standings for the traveling Civil War Sprint Car Series. In the weekly Placerville Speedway championship, Mendes is currently 12th in the standings after five events.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team appreciates crew member Jerry Stewart for his assistance at and away from the track and Sean “Stymie” Pratt who has assisted the team with set ups that have resulted in multiple impressive finishes during 2009.

Camron Mendes and his entire team, including Jim and Melanie Cartwright would like to extend their thoughts and get well wishes to fellow competitor Mason Moore. Moore suffered a fractured vertebrae in a recent crash and has a lengthy recovery ahead. JMS Motorsports looks forward to seeing Moore at the track very soon.

Sponsorship inquiries can be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Top ten run earns Mendes Hard Charger award in Placerville Speedway point race

ROHNERT PARK, CA – Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes once again displayed his resilience behind the wheel of a winged sprint car Saturday during the fifth Red Hawk Casino Championship point race at Placerville Speedway. An ill favored inversion placed the Cardinal Newman High School Junior deep in the field for the 25-lap feature event but at the end of the night, Mendes was truly lovin’ it as he became the first driver to earn the inaugural Placerville Speedway McDonald’s Hardcharger Award.

"This is really cool that McDonald’s is helping our local track with a weekly award,” said Mendes. “I knew when started so far back tonight it was going to be a battle of survival out there. I just stayed patient and kept my nose clean. By staying out of trouble I found opportunities to gain some track position and make the best of it. I’m not complaining, we moved up in the points and we get to have dinner on McDonald’s”

Driving the JMS Motorsports - Rose Law Firm-Cartwright Builders, #29x sprint car, Mendes entered the night eighth in the overall point standings at Placerville Speedway. With the annual Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial taking place in Chico, the car count stood at 20 at the foothill speedway but the field was still compiled of numerous heavy hitters including former feature winners and champions to contend with.

In qualifying, Mendes turned the 10th fastest lap of the night with an 11:110 second lap on the quarter mile. In heat race competition Mendes finished in sixth place, keeping him just one position out of the inversion for the line up for the feature event. To simplify this, the former outlaw kart racer had a big feat ahead of him as he started 16th in the field. Placerville Speedway’s bullring style track and unsurpassed level of competition prevents even some of the sports’ best drivers from advancing from so deep in the field. Saturday night, Mendes charged his way through the pack like a veteran of the red clay circle.

By the time the checkered flag waved, Mendes had worked his way up to the 9th place position. He passed more cars then any other driver in the event which earned him the hard charger award. More importantly it launched him another position forward in the series point standings and continued a season that has been filled with positives for the third year sprint car driver.

“Everything is just going good for us this year,” said Mendes. “My crew is working together well and we are really on the mark with our set ups. Having the car set up so well really helps me focus on my driving out there. I’m still new at this and I’m learning new things every week that seem to make me faster and smoother.”

Saturday night, Mendes welcomed his sponsor Joe Rose of the Rose Law Firm and members of his family to the speedway. At the conclusion of the night Rose and the team were enjoying the competitive atmosphere that draws the team more then 2 hours from home every week to compete.

“It was nice to run so well with Joe here tonight,” added Mendes. “He is helping us a great deal this year and he really enjoys the racing. There are some sponsors that support you great but don’t really come out and get into it. Joe is very involved and we really appreciate him.”

Following Saturday’s event Mendes holds the seventh place position in the point standings, just 37-points from the leader. This Saturday night, Mendes and his JMS Motorsports team will return to Placerville Speedway in hopes of continuing their press towards the top of the point standings. So far in the season, Mendes has two top ten finishes and one top five on his record at Placerville.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support in the upcoming racing season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team perpetually thanks new crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance and the newest addition to the team, Sean “Stymie” Pratt who has assisted the team with set ups that have resulted in multiple impressive finishes.

Mendes drives to impressive fourth place finish in Placerville Speedway feature

By Bill Sullivan
April 18, 2009 ROHNERT PARK, CA – Rohnert Park sprint car driver Cameron Mendes had one of the best nights of his young racing career Saturday night at Placerville Speedway. Mendes raced among the top three finishers for all but one lap of the 25-lap feature event in the second Red Hawk Casino Championship point race of the season. At the end of the night he finished fourth, scoring his first top five of the season.

“I couldn’t get the smile off my face tonight, I had so much fun running up front,” said Mendes. “The whole night, from qualifying to the main event was a great night for us. We had a top finish; we moved up in the standings and started to rebound from our tough opening night a couple of weeks ago.”

After a tough start to the season on April 3, Mendes returned to Placerville Speedway this Saturday night with the addition of Sean Pratt, better known as “Stymie” to the JMS Motorsports team. Throughout the season, Stymie will be a vital part of the crew as Mendes campaigns for the 2009 Placerville Speedway championship. The addition of the veteran wrench to the JMS crew was proven successful on his very first night in the pit area. Additionally, the relationship between he and Mendes is one that will surely lead the team to victory lane one day.

“Working with Stymie was a lot of fun. The new set ups made all the difference in the world to me,” said Mendes. “It allowed me to go out there and drive wherever I wanted to. I think he is a great addition to our team He is that missing link we have been searching for to get us in the right direction. I’m really looking forward to seeing what else we can do together during this season.”

From the time he hit the track, Mendes’ performance exceeded that of previous events at the track he considers home. In practice he was one of the top 10 fastest drivers. In qualifying he turned a 10:584 on the quarter mile to claim the 5th fastest lap of the night.

“Qualifying is really important at this track, “added Mendes. ‘If you struggle early it will cost you for the rest of the night unless you are saved by the inversion. This is not the easiest place to get through traffic.”

After finishing fifth in his heat race, Mendes started the 25-lap Red Hawk Casino feature event in the fourth position, sitting right in the middle of Placerville Speedway’s toughest competitors like Andy Forsberg, Andy Gregg, Scott Russell, Jimmy Trulli, Bobby McMahan, Colby Wiesz and Mason Moore to name a few. At the drop of the green flag the 18-year old Cardinal Newman Catholic High School Junior knew there was no time to waste. He advanced into the third position where he settled in behind Forsberg and Gregg who assumed the first two positions early in the running.

As Forsberg, a former Placerville, Civil War and Silver Dollar Speedway Champion, led the event and began working his way in lapped traffic. Gregg and Mendes dueled in his wake. Slicing and dicing their way through lapped traffic, both drivers were clearly at the top of their game on this given night. Every lapped car that Gregg worked his way past, Mendes followed suit, negotiating every move with near perfection.

“Running up front with those guys was incredible,” said Mendes. “The car was super fast and it seemed like it worked anywhere I put it. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun racing.”

Entering the final lap of the race, Mendes was feeling the pressure of Princeton driver Mason Moore who had been closing in on the third position for several laps. It wasn’t until the final circuit that Moore took over the third position respectively and the two former outlaw kart racers crossed the line nose to tail to cap off a season best performance together.

“Mason was right there most of the race, putting the pressure on me,” added Mendes. “He raced me nice and clean like he always does and got me late in the race. I’m happy with our fourth place tonight. This is a huge step forward for us as a team.”

Following Saturday’s event, Mendes has moved up to ninth in the Placerville Speedway point standings. He currently sits 25-points from Forsberg for the point lead. The team’s schedule will bring them back to Placerville Speedway this Saturday for point race number three. On Saturday, May 2 Mendes will be one of nearly 20 drivers that will have their car on display at the second annual Tribute to Al Hinds BBQ and car show at family Chevrolet in Shingle Springs from 11 until 2. The event will lead up to the Tribute to Al Hinds Civil War event at Placerville Speedway later that night.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support in the upcoming racing season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team perpetually thanks new crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance in promoting the team. Public Relations for JMS Motorsports are furnished by Sullivan Images in conjunction with Steve’s Racing Photos.

Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Information about the team’s title sponsor can be found at www.joeroselaw.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Mendes celebrates 18th birthday with competitive night in Petaluma Speedway Civil War event.

ROHNERT PARK, CA – Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes celebrated his 18th birthday in high speed fashion on Saturday night. Mendes, returning to the track where he began his sprint car racing career, Petaluma Speedway competed in the opening round of the competitive Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series. The event was the first of 13 races in the traveling series that visits six tracks in California.

“I can’t think of anything I would rather have done on my birthday but gone racing,” said Mendes. “We don’t race this close to home too often and we had a great time and got the chance to visit with many of the local fans that don’t travel each week.”

With 38 cars in the field, the evening started off strong for Mendes and the JMS Motorsports Team. In qualifying, Mendes drove his Rose Law Firm-Cartwright Builders, #29x sprint car to a top 20 qualifying position, turning a 13:510 to lock the 19th spot in the field despite an ill handling car. Sean Becker, the defending series champion, was the fast qualifier of the event, clocking a 12:952 second lap.

“We were fighting a very loose car when we went out to qualify. Turns three and four were really loose if you got a bit too high,” said Mendes. “We weren’t alone though as there were others that had the same difficulties. We spun before taking the time clock and luckily were able to turn around and get a good run at it.”

Following adjustments to the car, Mendes took to the track in the third heat race of the night on the outside of the front row. In Civil War events, heat races are ten laps in distance and only the first four finishers qualify for the A-feature. After the waving of the green flag, Mendes overtook pole sitter Richard Bailey and drove his way to victory over veteran drivers Herman Klein, Brett Rollag and R.D Smith. With the victory, Mendes became the tenth fastest driver to qualify for the A-feature, winning the MPD Racing Products Pill Draw Award.

“The car felt much better in the heat race,” added Mendes. “I got a good start from up top and was able to pull down low once I was out in front. Getting the opportunity to do the pill draw was a cool experience during the break too.”
With his top heat race finish, Mendes avoided a grueling B-feature event. The Cardinal Newman Catholic High School Junior ended his night with an 18th place finish in 30-lap A-feature in a field packed with California’s top talent.

“We started deep in the field,” said Mendes. “I was patient our there tonight and stayed out of trouble. We brought the car home in one piece tonight and everyone had a great time racing close to home. I’d like to congratulate Kyle Hirst on a great run tonight, he did an incredible job.”

Following Saturday’s event, Mendes and the JMS Motorsports Team will head east to Placerville Speedway for the second round of the 2009 Red Hawk Casino Championship Series. Mendes is currently 19th in the season point standings at Placerville with one point race completed in the season.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support in the upcoming racing season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team perpetually thanks new crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance acquiring sponsorship and interest in the team. Public Relations for JMS Motorsports is furnished by Sullivan Images in conjunction with Steve’s Racing Photos.

Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Information about the team’s title sponsor can be found at www.joeroselaw.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Mendes to be racing in his neighborhood Saturday night for Civil War Series opener at Petaluma


By Bill Sullivan
April 8, 2009 - ROHNERT PARK, CA – Camron Mendes is looking forward to celebrating his 18th birthday this Saturday at the track closest to his Rohnert Park home, the 3/8 mile Petaluma Speedway. Mendes will be competing in his Rose Law Firm-Cartwright Builders, #29x sprint car for the 2009 Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series opener. Saturday will mark the first of three Civil War events at Petaluma Speedway, a track Mendes began his racing career at two years ago but no longer frequents as he travels to Placerville Speedway on a regular basis.

“This is pretty cool, getting to race on my birthday and being able to do it close to home for the Civil War series,” said Mendes. “I enjoy racing at Placerville full time but it’s always special to get the chance to race at home when there is a big event like this. My friends and family will be there and many of them don’t make it up the hill every week. We’re looking forward to it.”

Saturday’s race will mark the third event of the year for Mendes. He opened his season at the Silver Cup Race of Champions in Chico two weeks ago and last week began his season in the 2009 Red Hawk Casino Championship series at Placerville Speedway. After a first race filled with challenges, Mendes sits 22-points behind the current Placerville Speedway point leader Andy Forsberg.

“We had some trouble getting dialed in on the first night,” said Mendes. “Then we got caught up in some trouble that ended our night in the B-main. We should be in good shape this weekend and next week when go back up there.”

This Saturday is the beginning of the new Civil War Sprint Car Series. This series totals 13 events at six different tracks in California. Mendes will be competing with the series as well as the weekly campaign at Placerville. In addition to Petaluma, the series competes at Placerville, Calistoga, Silver Dollar Speedway, Quincy and Watsonville. This will mark the first time in several years that the series opens at Petaluma, following a rain out last month.

“We we’re ready to open the series at Placerville, we always run stronger there,” said Mendes. “But Mother Nature had a different idea.”

Last season Mendes had intentions to race the entire Civil War Series. However, motor woes derailed him late in the season. He competed in 11 of the 15 events that took place and ended the year 23rd in the series point standings. During those he events he earned one fast time award and a top ten finish.

“This series is the toughest competition,” said Mendes. “It seems like most of the top drivers in it are regulars at Placerville so hopefully we can use that to our advantage when we run the series. I’m looking forward to it.”

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support in the upcoming racing season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team perpetually thanks new crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance during this off season in acquiring sponsorship and interest in the team. Camron Mendes invites all the fans to the pits after each race for autographed hero cards.

“I love meeting the fans,” added Mendes. “That’s what this is all about. It’s always great to see the kids come up and sit in the car. That’s how I got interested in racing. I’m thankful for the great sponsors we have this year that makes it possible for me to do this.”

Mendes is a junior at Cardinal Newman Catholic High School in Santa Rosa. When not at the race track he enjoys playing on the school rugby team and working with his family on the race car for the coming race weekend.

Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Following Silver Cup “shake down” Mendes is readied for Placerville opener Saturday

ROHNERT PARK, CA – Rohnert Park racer Camron Mendes is ready begin his run for the 2009 Placerville Speedway Red Hawk Casino Championship. Following a two day “shake down” of his Rose Law Firm-Cartwright Builders, #29x sprint car last weekend in Chico, the 17-year old Cardinal Newman High School Junior is ready to race at the track he calls home.

“I’m ready to get back on the track in Placerville this weekend, I’ve been waiting for this all winter long,” said Mendes. “Last year I got really comfortable racing at Placerville and I learned a lot. Now it’s time to go back there and test my skills against the best of the best.”

Last Friday and Saturday, Mendes traveled to Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California to compete in the annual Silver Cup of Champions. The event was an opportunity for the JMS Motorsports team to test and tune their new Borello powered A.R.T sprint car and, as drivers like to say “shake off of the cobwebs” following a long winter.

“It felt good to get back in the driver’s seat again,” said Mendes. “We had some challenges on our set up and I’m glad we discovered that before we started racing for points back at Placerville.”

On Friday night, Mendes turned the 14th fastest lap in qualifying with a 12:872. In his heat race he claimed a 6th place finish and concluded the evening with a 7th place finish in the B feature. Saturday night saw the team qualify 12th overall with a 12:687 second lap. Mendes finished 5th in his heat race and rounded out the night 5th in the B feature.

This Saturday will mark Mendes’ third season of sprint car racing as he begins his second full season at Placerville Speedway. In 2008 he drove to an impressive eighth place finish in the point standings at the foothill track. He earned four top ten finishes, won a total of five heat races and earned a fast time award during a high caliber Civil War Series race.

Like many drivers, Mendes looks forward to returning to Placerville Speedway this season. The track is under new title sponsorship and management with many improvements forthcoming in areas of safety and amenities for both fans and drivers.“We’re really looking forward to it,” said Mendes. “We loved racing their last year. Recently we had the chance to meet the new promoter personally and we’re excited to be a part this first season for Handy Promotions.”

Racing begins at Placerville Speedway at 6:30 on Saturday. Mendes and his sprint car division will share the evening with pro stocks, pure stocks and dwarf cars for the first Red Hawk Casino point race of the year.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support in the upcoming racing season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team perpetually thanks new crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance during this off season in acquiring sponsorship and interest in the team.

Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Camron Mendes and JMS Motorsports Team bound for Chico’s Silver Cup by Bill Sullivan

March 25, 2009 CHICO, CA – Seventeen year old sprint car ace Camron Mendes of Rohnert Park is set to begin his 2009 racing season this Friday and Saturday at the annual Silver Cup event on the banks of Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California. The event will mark the fourth career visit for Mendes and his JMS Motorsports team as they debut their 2009 colors aboard the Rose Law Firm-Cartwright Builders, Borello Racing Engines powered #29x spint car.

“I’m ready to get the season started,” said Mendes. “I was ready last weekend but Mother Nature had a different plan for us I guess. I’ve only had the opportunity to race at Chico three times in the past and I have really liked it. We’re looking forward to the two day show to start off our season.”

The annual Silver Cup is just the second 360 sprint car race of the year in Northern California, following a recent open show at Marysville Raceway Park in which Mendes did not compete. During the 2008 Silver Cup, Mendes placed fourth in his preliminary heat race and drove to a 7th place finish in the B-feature. This year he looks to improve on his stats at the famed quarter mile on the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds.

Following the 2008 Silver Cup, Mendes competed in his first full season of racing at Placerville Speedway in El Dorado County. Competing against many of the best drivers in California, his efforts earned him an eighth place finish in the point standings. He earned four top ten finishes, won a total of, five heat races and earned a fast time award during a Civil War Series race. This season the junior student Cardinal Newman Catholic High School will return to the foothill speedway for a run at the 2009 track championship.

“We’re looking forward to the new season,” added Mendes. “We have a new sponsor, Joe Rose and the Rose Law Firm. He is also excited about the year ahead and I think we are going to have a really good year. We now have Borello Racing Engines under the hood and that is going to make a huge impact on our results.”
Despite the rain out last Saturday, Mendes participated in a sprint car display and autograph session in historic Placerville. The event was presented by RPM Photo Art, a sponsor of the JMS Motorsports team. Mendes shared the afternoon with championship car owner John Taylor and fellow driver Scott Kinney. The trio greeted numerous race fans who attended the event even though the race was cancelled due to rain.

“We pretty much expected the race to be cancelled before we even left when we saw the forecast,” said Mendes. “But meeting the fans was worth the drive and the gas. I loved signing autographs for the kids and meeting all the fans. I can’t wait for another opportunity to do it.”

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support in the upcoming racing season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team also wishes to thank new crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance during this off season in acquiring sponsorship and interest in the team.

Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Race fans can meet driver Camron Mendes at sprint car art sale in historic Placerville Saturday

PLACERVILLE, CA – This Saturday race fans can get an early look at the JMS Motorsports #29x Sprint Car and meet its driver, Camron Mendes during a special showing in historic Placerville prior to Saturday’s Placerville Speedway opener. The event will take place at the Executive Barber and Art Studio at 259 Main Street in historic downtown Placerville.

The Executive Barber and RPM Photo Art Studio is owned and operated by Phil Hamilton. Hamilton is known for his creative sprint car photography and artwork and is a proud sponsor of Mendes and the JMS Motorsports Sprint Car team. On Saturday, Hamilton will host his first racing related art show and sale at his establishment and will have two sprint cars on display, in addition to Mendes, defending track champion Colby Wiesz and his #35 sprint car will be on hand.

“ I’m excited for the new season and looking forward to great things to come this year,” said Mendes, who will be in competition Saturday evening at Placerville Speedway. “I love the people in Placerville and am looking forward to meeting new fans and seeing familiar faces at the art sale downtown. Phil Hamilton has become a part of our team and a family friend. I’ve never seen anyone create the art that he does and I hope the race fans support the event well.”

Saturday’s show is the first of it’s kind in Placerville. Hamilton’s racing photo art that depicts numerous drivers of Placerville Speedway is truly in a unique league of its own, “I am truly excited to give back to a sport that have given me so much joy throughout the years”, said Hamilton. All proceeds from the event will go to the purse of the evening’s Civil War race at Placerville Speedway. Mendes will be on hand at the event at 259 Main Street from 10 a.m. until 4 to sign autographs and meet fans of all ages. Placerville Speedway schedules will be on hand for race fans at the event which preludes the opening of the 2009 Red Hawk Casino racing season at he El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

In 2008, Camron Mendes competed in his first full season of racing at Placerville Speedway in El Dorado County. Competing against many of the best drivers in California, his efforts earned him an impressive eighth place finish in the point standings. He earned four top ten finishes, won a total of, five heat races and earned a fast time award during a high caliber Civil War Series race. This season the 17 year old junior at Cardinal Newman High School will return to the foothill speedway to compete for the 2009 championship.

JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their current sponsors for their strong support in the upcoming racing season. Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa. The team also wishes to thank new crew member, Jerry Stewart for his assistance during this off season in acquiring sponsorship and interest in the team.

During the off season, Mendes has been busy focusing on earning top grades during his junior year at Cardinal Newman Catholic High School in Santa Rosa. He has been weight training in preparation for the upcoming racing season and playing on the Rugby Team. Much like racing the sport of rugby is one that combines skill, aggression and sportsmanship. For Mendes the off season venture will surely benefit him in the racing season to come.

Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on Placerville Speedway can be found at www.placervillespeedway.com.

Folsom based Rose Law Firm announces 2009 sponsorship of sprint car driver Camron Mendes

ROHNERT PARK, CA – JMS Motorsports and driver Camron Mendes are proud to announce the newest addition to their growing list of marketing partners. Attorney Joe Rose and the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, California has agreed to sponsor Mendes and the #29x sprint car for the 2009 championship racing season in Northern California.  READ MORE

Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes is ready to roll and seeking sponsorship for 2009 racing season
Mar. 02, 2009 ROHNERT PARK, CA –
Seventeen year old Camron Mendes and his JMS Motorsports Sprint Car team have announced their plans for the upcoming 2009 Northern California racing season. Behind the wheel of his family owned #29X 360 cubic inch powered sprint car, Mendes and his team are sure to be top contenders in the upcoming season and are seeking additional sponsorship for year to come as well.  READ MORE

Rohnert Park’s Mendes looking for driving opportunities and sponsorship to advance in his career
ROHNERT PARK, CA (9-20-08) – Following a successful championship point racing season at Placerville Speedway, Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes is in pursuit of new seat for the 2008 post season and the 2009 Northern California racing season. After a top ten finish in the 2008 championship point standings at Placerville, 17-year-old Mendes would be a great asset to an owner-driver team in the season to come.  READ MORE

Mendes and JMS Motorsports to race close to home as Civil War Series returns to Petaluma Speedway

By Bill Sullivan
ROHNERT PARK, CA (9-10-08) – Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes began his 2008 post championship season at the Gold Cup Race of Champions last week and will continue to do so this coming weekend much closer to home. The 17-year-old driver of the JMS Motorsports-Schellinger Brothers #29x sprint car will be in competition at Petaluma Speedway for the 13th round of the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series.   READ MORE

Mendes advances two point positions to eighth in final Placerville Speedway points standings
By Bill Sullivan
ROHNERT PARK, CA (9-1-08) – Rohnert Park teenager Camron Mendes ended his 2008 championship season at Placerville Speedway on a high note Saturday night. At the start of the season the former kart racer’s goal was a top ten finish in the standings and he took one step further. Actually, Mendes took it two steps further with an eighth place finish in the final season point standings. READ MORE

Rohnert Park's Mendes hits top ten in Placerville standings, will vie for Rookie title this Saturday
By Bill Sullivan
ROHNERT PARK, CA (8-24-08) - At the start of the 2008 racing season Camron Mendes set a goal for himself. He decided to drive past the track near his hometown every week and make the trip to the competitive quarter-mile Placerville Speedway every Saturday night. Mendes' goal was to compete against some of Northern California's best drivers every week and campaign for the Rookie of the Year title on one of the toughest tracks in the west. READ MORE

Steering fluid spill ends Mendes' top ten run early at Placerville for 12th championship point race
By Bill Sullivan
ROHNERT PARK, CA (8-16-08)
At just 17 years old, Rohnert Park's Camron Mendes has only dreamed of one day racing with drivers of national caliber. Saturday night, the had the opportunity to do so far sooner then he ever expected when four time Knoxville Nationals champion Danny Lasoski showed up at Mendes' home track of Placerville Speedway along with former World of Outlaws driver Tyler Walker of Los Angeles. The two drivers were on hand for "Morrison Concrete Kids Night" and the 12th championship point race at the track where Mendes has competed all season long in an effort to run with some of the sports' best drivers. Saturday Mendes raced with more then just California's best for the first time. READ MORE

Mendes advances through heat race and B-main to reach Calistoga Speedway Civil War feature event
Photo Courtesy of Steve Lamothe


By Bill Sullivan
ROHNERT PARK, CA (8-9-08) - Calistoga Speedway is known as one of the most dangerous and grueling tracks in California. At a half mile in length and routinely offering adverse surface conditions due to limited vents, the famed "dark lady" can take a toll on it's driver very quickly. Saturday night, Rohnert Park sprint car driver Camron Mendes faced the challenges of old "Stoga" in a big way as he earned his way into the feature event through qualifying, an eight lap heat race and then a 12-lap B-feature long before the 20-lap Hoosier Tires Civil War feature event even began. - READ MORE

MENDES FIRST TIME AT SILVER DOLLAR COMPETING IN THE SILVER CUP

At the close of his first season 2007, Driver Camron Mendes competed in his first Siler Cup, introducing him to competition at the accelerated speed of Silver Dollar Speedway.

Night one 29x–Mendes pulled a six pill for the poll in the third heat; ending the heat finishing fourth. “I love Silver Dollar and it feels so good to be here with all this talent!” says Mendes.

Night two of The Silver Cup, the 29x- Mendes is proving he too is a talent to be reckoned with among the 360 Sprint Cars. Mendes started third row inside. In lap five, Mendes took the high line, lost his composure, resulting in a complete spin NOT causing a yellow flag. Now the 29x was more than a quarter of lap behind the whole pack. Not to disappoint, Mendes did a fantastic job catching up to the pack by passing the 55-Gomes, 28r-Ramirez and the 24m-Petty ending with a sixth and qualifying for the B-Feature.

The 29x-Mendes started the B-Feature in tenth; missing the A-Feature by just one position. “For our first time here at Silver Dollar and competing in the Silver Cup with all this talent, I couldn’t be more proud of my team and what we have accomplished this weekend. I didn’t want it to end, it was way too much fun!” says Mendes.

First Race - March 21 and 22  - The Silver Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico.
The Silver Cup Race of Champions continues it's annual two night racing format this weekend, March 21 and 22, at the Silver Dollar Speedway. Three divisions will compete on the quarter-mile clay oval racing surface. The winged 360 sprint cars will highlight the event along with the wingless sprints and dirt modified's. There will be plenty of racing action this weekend with Friday night hosting preliminary racing and Saturday night each division will race a 30 lap feature main event. 

 

March 16th, 2008
Mendes Ready to Prove Himself
Driver Camron Mendes just 16 years old will have is first chance to prove himself in the tough competition of the Civil War Series”. Mendes will be competing for “Rookie of the Year” with a goal of finishing top 10 in points in both the Civil War Series, which is the most competitive 360 series in Northern & Central California and at the Placerville Speedway - which known for being one of the most technical tracks in Northern California.

Sprint car racing is recognized as a highly effective venue to increase brand awareness, disseminate marketing messages, influence key decision makers, and reach an extremely affluent and passionate audience. The experience and commitment of the JMS team will ensure that success on the racetrack translates to success in the market place.