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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.