Wes Gutierrez Sets Fast Time at Kings Speedway Opener

When, March 14, 2009
Where, Hanford, CA. Kings Speedway
Weather, Nice mid 70’s sunny
Promoter, Frank Diaz
Car Count, 17

March 14, 2009 was a great day for the West Coast Sprinters Debut at Kings Speedway, in Hanford, California. The car count maxed at 17, not quite as many as was expected but for the 17 that did show up it was a great night of racing.

The track prep was awesome. The 4pm driver meeting only had one surprise - that it started at 4pm. With everyone getting ample practice time, it was now time for the first Qualifying attempt of the season. Wes (007) was driving the 2009 California Graphix Maxim Chassis and was third out setting a fast time with a 15.846 at 85.195 mph. He was followed by Davey Pombo with a 15.894 at 84.938 mph and 2008 Champion Peter Murphy with a 15.926 at 84.767 mph.

With the line up posted for the heat races it was a stacked heat for Fast timer setter Wes, with a solid 9 car field with the likes of Peter Murphy, Rusty Carile, and Richard Vanderweerd. Wes needed to finish 6th or better to get his time back for the main event line up. Wes was starting fourth and no sooner had the green flag dropped than Wes realized that he was in a little trouble. Going into turn one on the second lap, the right front suspension broke. This was a very serious problem since any wrong move could send Wes’ 007 ButlerBuilt Maxim Chassis flipping for a violent end to the heat race. Crew Chief Rob Russell was sending signals for Wes to just take it easy and hang on for the next 8 laps on the perfectly manicured track. Wes was able to finish 4th in the heat and received his qualifying time back.

While his crew worked on repairing the front suspension, Wes made it over to the pit tower to draw for the invert. His 6 roll put Wes starting sixth in that night's main event. The crew, which consists of Luis Gutierrez, Sher Gutierrez, Gil Valdez and team Manager Rod Stiles, worked up till the very last minute, completing the needed repairs from the heat race, a complete nut and bolt check, and fueling. Wes and Rob kept a close eye on the track conditions. With the final call going out for the cars to make it to prestaging, Rob made the final decision on the stagger and with that it was time for the main event line up. All cars were pushed on the front straight away for drivers' introductions. It was apparent right away that Wes was already getting a following of several young race fans. These looked to be the same fans that gathered around the 007 Douglas Wheels DMI Maxim Chassis the previous night at Denny’s Restaurant for a car show to promote Kings Speedway and track sponsor Denny’s Restaurant. This public appearance was a lot of fun and Wes is looking forward to helping Frank Diaz, track promoter of Kings Speedway, get the word out that for Saturday entertainment you need to be at a local speedway near you.

With drivers' introductions coming to an end it was time for Wes to fasten into his ButlerBuilt, Kaeding Performance Maxim chassis and prepare to do battle. Rod, knowing it was going to be a battle, gave that little extra click on the new Hooker Belts just to make sure Wes was as secure as possible. With the green flag waving, local driver TJ Smith brought out the first yellow flag of the night, going over the turn one berm. TJ would continue and finish 12th, one lap down in his Mc Cowan Racing owned Maxim Chassis. With a complete restart, Wes again would be starting sixth just behind Peter Murphy. On the second lap Peter got a little to sideways in turns one and two, forcing Wes to make a split second choice between hitting Peter or going over the berm himself. With Wes being known as a clean a respectful driver, the descion he made proved that point. Wes decided to go over the outside berm himself.

Wes kept his car moving on the back of turn two and did not draw a yellow flag. While Wes was making his appearance on the back straight away, the leaders were now going into turn one. With the 007 being almost a three forths of a track behind, Wes had his work cut out for him. He patiently manuevered around the track and by the next yellow flag on lap 17 he had worked his way up to 9th place. Wes then had to go work, with the laps counting down. With Wes’ winning attitude he was not going to settle for a 9th place. Wes made some very methodical moves in the closing circuits finally coming out of turn four on the last lap to get by Tommy Tarlton’s 21T entry piloted Michael Faccinto for a well deserved 6th place finish. Wes was very frustrated with his early mishap as he felt he had the field covered. The 007 WG Motorsports Maxim Chassis was awesome tonight and we are looking forward to many more strong nights in the 2009 season.