SUPRS 2024 Golden State Classic: A Tribute to Racing History

April 5, 2024 – Clovis, CA….The Supermodified Ultimate Pavement Racing Series, (SUPRS), racers are in the final run to the Gold Crest Wing Supermodified Season Championship and with it the inaugural SUPRS Golden State Classic series April 7-9, 14, and 23 of 24. This is not just a series of supermodified sim races; it’s a heartfelt homage to the pulse-pounding, wheel-to-wheel action of the legendary Golden State Classic and Gold West Classics. With a storied past dating back to the early to mid-1970s, these iconic races brought together the crème de la crème of supermodified racing, featuring a cavalcade of up to 200 cars and the most skilled drivers from across North America. The series’ seven-race format, spanning various tracks—including the unpredictability of dirt—created a week-long spectacle that left an indelible mark on the annals of racing history.

Fans who had the privilege to witness these races saw a chapter of supermodified racing written before their eyes. The SUPRS version of that series is a continuation of that legacy, offering a modern-day experience that still holds true to the excitement and camaraderie of the past.

As we revive the spirit of these classic competitions, the SUPRS 2024 Golden State Classic will include real and fictional tracks and iconic SUPRS races like the 20^th Annual Billy Vukovich III Classic and the 20^th Annual Summit Classic. The series also includes two double-header events and four tracks where the SUPRS racers have never before competed on.

The Legends Who Paved the Way

Names like Bill Scott, Ollie Silva, “Quick” Nick Rescino, and Howard Kaeding resonate with a timeless echo in the halls of racing history. They, along with other greats such as Johnny Brazil, Roy Smith, and Dave Bowling, exemplified the pinnacle of supermodified racing. As we list the winners—Everett Edlund, Jerry McLees, Jim Eiland, DeWayne Woodward, Jerry Sneva, Bill Deschamps, Nick Ringo, “The Preacher” Gary Patterson, Butch Wilkerson, Earl Kelly, and Todd Gibson—we pay our respects to the drivers who turned mere races into legendary events.

Altamont Speedway: A New Chapter Begins

The SUPRS 2024 Golden State Classic kicks off with a historic first at Altamont Speedway. Marking the first race of a seven-event series, the supermodified sim racers will embark on a journey that pays homage to the thrilling Golden State and Gold West Classics. This double-header night also features the Stockton 99 Speedway, challenging drivers to endure two 100 lap races in a single evening, a true test of skill and endurance reminiscent of the classic days.

Altamont’s Legacy

Altamont Speedway holds a special place in the history of supermodified racing, being one of the few tracks that transitioned from the Golden State Classic to the Golden West Classic era. The track’s first race in the series was on October 21, 1973, won by Roy Smith, the same year Howard Kaeding celebrated the overall championship. The following year, Jerry Sneva triumphed at the race, and DeWayne Woodward was crowned the 1974 champion. By 1975, Altamont became the final race in a shortened six-race Golden West Classic schedule, with Todd Gibson taking the win and Johnny Brazil securing the championship.

Stockton 99 Speedway: A Test of Patience and Skill

The second race of the first night’s double-header action takes place at Stockton Speedway. The tight turns and flat bullring of Stockton 99 Speedway present a unique challenge, one that’s new to the SUPRS racers. Historically, the track saw its share of dramatic races and weather-induced rescheduling, adding to the lore of the Golden State Classic. From Johnny Brazil’s victory in 1971 to Nick Rescino’s championship in 1976, Stockton has been a theater of high stakes and even higher emotions.

Shasta Speedway: Racing in the Shadow of Mt. Shasta

As the series progresses to Shasta Speedway for the second night and race three of the seven, racers will navigate a track that mirrors its real-world counterpart set against the backdrop of the majestic Mt. Shasta. Though it featured only twice in the original series, Shasta’s races were pivotal, with Jerry McLees and Bill Deschamps claiming victories in ’73 and ’74, respectively.

In the real world, the track at Shasta appeared on the schedule for the Golden State Classic and Golden West Classic just twice with the first race being held after Altamont on Wednesday, October 24, 1973, and the second, also after Altamont and also on a Wednesday on October 23, 1974. Each time, Shasta Speedway was the fourth race of the seven.

Jerry McLees won the Golden State Classic 100 lapper in 1973 with DeWayne Woodward second, with Johnny Brazil, Roy Smith, and eventual 1973 Golden State Classic champion Howard Kaeding fifth.

In 1974, Bill Deschamps was the winner at the renamed Golden West Classic event held at Shasta. Davey Pombo, Gary Allibritain, Don Epperson, and Jerry Sneva rounded out the top five with 1974. This was one of four races in 1974 that eventual Golden West Classic champion DeWayne Woodward failed to finish in the top five.

Kern County Raceway: Honoring the Legacy

Kern County Raceway, a modern marvel of racing engineering follows Shasta on night 2 of SUPRS  2024 Golden State Classic and offers a fresh challenge with its progressive banking and unique elevation changes. Despite its construction long after the original series ended, its inclusion in the SUPRS 2024 Golden State Classic is a nod to the enduring legacy of supermodified racing in the Bakersfield area, and the new chapter it represents.

The Billy Vukovich III Classic: Remembering a Legend

On Tuesday, April 9, the fifth race of SUPRS 2024 Golden State Classic takes place with the 20^th Annual Billy Vukovich III Classic at Mesa Marin Raceway is a poignant remembrance of a life tragically cut short. Billy Vukovich III’s legacy as a supermodified champion and Indianapolis 500 competitor is honored through this race, which is now sure to also become part of SUPRS Golden State Classic’s rich tapestry. The event is a celebration of Vukovich III’s contributions to the sport and a reminder of the impact one individual can have on the racing world.

Opened in 1977, Mesa Marin was owned and operated by one of the best and most respected promoters in all of short-track racing, Marion Collins. While the track never held any Golden State Classic competitions, it did host numerous real supermodified races until it was closed for a housing development in 2016.

After five races in three nights, the SUPRS racers will regroup four four days to get ready for the final stretch to SUPRS 2024 Golden State Classic glory.

The Final Stretch: Buckley Speedway and Madera Speedway

As the SUPRS 2024 Golden State Classic nears its conclusion, the stakes are higher than ever at Buckley Speedway. Here, the racers face a new challenge on April 14 with a 100-lap race that will push their skills to the limit on the fictional NASCAR Heat track. Buckley has been on the SUPRS schedule for many years, but this will be the first time the race has lasted longer than 75 laps.

After a one week break the series and the season culminates at Madera Speedway with the 20^th Annual Summit Classic 125 on April 23, where champions are made, and supermodified sim racing history is written. This final showdown is not just the end of the series but also a celebration of SUPRS’ two decades of supermodified sim racing excellence. It’s also a part of the SUPRS Triple Crown of Supermodified Sim Racing presented by Icings on Top.

More Than Just Racing

At SUPRS, we’re about more than just the thrill of the race. We’re a community that values family, friendship, and the shared passion for supermodified racing. Our events are about coming together to celebrate this unique form of motorsport, to learn from each other, and to support the real-world supermodified racing scene. We welcome everyone to join us in this journey, to become part of a family that races with dignity, class, and respect.

Join the Family

Whether you’re a seasoned supermodified fan or new to the world of sim racing, we invite you to Feel the thrill of the race and Join the supermodified sim racing family. Experience the ultimate in short track racing with us, where every event is an opportunity to race with dignity, class, and respect. Welcome to the SUPRS family, where every member is valued, and every race is a chance to create new memories.

As we gear up for the SUPRS 2024 Golden State Classic, we invite you to join us in making history. Be a part of this exciting chapter in supermodified sim racing and share in the legacy of the Golden State Classic. Stay tuned for more updates, and we look forward to seeing you at the track!

Watch Live Supermodified Sim Racing

Visit SUPRS Live or watch on SUPRS Twitch Channel to see the 20^th Annual Billy Vukovich III Classic April 9, 2024 at Mesa Marin Raceway, and the 20t^h Annual Summit Classic 125 on April 23 from Madera Speedway.

Information for this post was gathered from the Legends of San Jose Speedway website, personal recollections of Gene Lee Gibson, and a details spreadsheet of Golden State Classic winners and champions compiled by Thomas J. Schmeh, with assistance from Al Drake, Bobby Gerould, Marty Kobata,Dennis Mattish and Ed Williams.

“Supermodified Sim Racing for the Right Reasons” since 2004