N E W S
2024 SEASON
FINALLY! THE JM ENVIRONMENTAL WILD WEST SHOOTOUT WILL GET THE 24 SEASON ROLLING.
ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY–MARCH 23
Spears Srl Southwest Tour - February 26 at 9:00 AM ·
Cale Kanke Hopes to Repeat Fathers Success at All American Speedway
Bakersfield, CA - Cale Kanke has yet to earn a top-five finish at ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY - ROSEVILLE CA in either his Legend or his Super Late Model. But the Dirt Modified star has seen great improvements in their Super Late Model program over the last several seasons. Kanke will look to capitalize on those improvements when the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series visits the 1/3-mile oval on March 23rd for the “JM Environmental Wild West Shootout Rock the House 127”. It is the opening round for the series, now in its’ 24th season.
Cale has only three starts in a Super Late Model at Roseville, but he has five in a Legend. He does have two top-10’s in the big car, but his best finish has been an eighth in 2021. Cale’s father Mike (M.K.) has had a plethora of successes in Roseville, winning in the SRL in 2009, his championship season. He also has a basket full of near victories, finishing second three times in the NASCAR Southwest Tour and with the SRL. He was third in his last start at the facility in 2012. Cale and the RPM Motorsports crew seek to recreate some of that magic on March 23rd.
2024 ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–FEB 3
Our “No Rain Dance” failed miserably friends. Hope to see you all at the next race in March.
READY TO KICK OFF THE 2024 SEASON!
Spears Srl Southwest Tour - January 24
With his recent successes with his dirt track Sport Modified, Cale Kanke is looking to continue his improvement on the asphalt as well, when the popular Frazier Park, CA driver heads to Irwindale Speedway for the $25,000-to-win "All-Star Showdown 200" on February 3rd. Kanke is the son of former Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series champion and all-time winningest NASCAR Southwest Tour Series driver MK Kanke. Cale has been knocking on the door of Victory Lane over the last several seasons, and hopes to get his first one in his RPM Motorsports Super Late Model at his hometrack. The "All-Star Showdown" is less than two weeks away.
2023 SEASON
CALE KANKE LANDS IN 3rd AT THE 37TH ANNUAL BUDWEISER NATIONALS
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–OCTOBER 14
In the last dirt track race of the year, Cale brought home the third place trophy. Well done!
WINNER OF THE 13th ANNUAL PETIT SHOOTOUT!
OCEAN SPEEDWAY WATSONVILLE–SEPTEMBER 30
Congratulations Cale!!! Winner of the 13th Annual Pettit Shootout at Ocean Speedway Speedway,Watsonville. IMCA Modifieds
Applause for the winner upon his return. Congratulations Cale!
CALE TAKES FIFTH AT THE
ALLIE BAKES 100!
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–SEPT 16
Saturday at Irwindale Speedway for the #alliebakes100 was quite the ride! Pie Car 1 had an unfortunate run-in with the wall Friday night so Pie Car 2 really had to step it up. She did! After starting in the 12th poll position it was quite thrilling to pull up into 5th and finish on the track for an interview with the esteemed Trevor Huddleston. Irwindale SpeedwaySpears Srl Southwest TourAllie BakesCale Kanke
Spears Srl Southwest Tour - September 16, 2023
Congratulations to Jacob Gomes for earning his fifth win of the 2023 Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series season, this one in the "Allie Bakes 100" at Irwindale Speedway. Gomes officially led every lap, but Buddy Shepherd was able to clear Gomes after a lap 64 restart. But Gomes was able to fight back in Turns 3 & 4, to just lead at the line. Gomes was able pull away to a 2.5 second victory over Austin Herzog, who tied his career best finish. Shepherd was able to hold on for third, with Dan Holtz, and Cale Kanke the top-five.
Can’t race without an Allie Bakes cookie in the belly!
JOIN US AT THE FIRST EVER
ALLIE BAKES 100!
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–SEPT 16
Unofficial race promotion created by Allie Bakes
Where did the summer go? First Stockton got cancelled due to a heat warning in July. Then we went to Colorado without much good news to report. The second Stockton 99 race of the summer went on without the 33 Machine. The RPM Motorsports Team and Cale Kanke are looking forward to enjoying the best for last: The Allie Bakes 100! Fans at the Autograph Session will be offered Commemorative Magnets handed out by Allie of Allie Bakes herself. (Reportedly many cookies are also in the works.)
CALE KANKE LANDS HIS THIRD 2ND PLACE FINISH IN THE LAST SEVEN RACES!
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–JUNE 17
Spears Srl Southwest Tour
Bakersfield, CA
The RPM Motorsports Team and Cale Kanke showed determination and perseverance last Saturday night at Kern County Raceway Park. After multiple pit-stops, the team and its driver earned the Five Star Bodies "Hard Charger Award", for the “JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. Wild West Shootout - For Those About to Rock 107" for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series. Cale started the event 10th and drove to a season's best 2nd Place finish in his Hamke Racecars Super Late Model. It is his third runner-up finish in the last seven events.
Saturday night’s race had an amazing finish! 90 laps of frustration, followed by 17 laps of great fun. In the final restart, Gomes was slowly pulling away as Kanke battled by Herzog for third in the outside line. Doss began his move from the back, getting by Zampa for sixth on lap 97. He grabbed fifth from Moore on lap 102, as Kanke began dipping inside Rocha for second a lap later. The duo battled side-by-side, allowing Herzog and Doss to close on the pair. Kanke cleared Rocha as the field took the white flag.
Afterwards the team happily enjoyed a lovely cake in celebration of Cale’s 32nd Birthday!
Check out the interview video after the race!
Cale Kanke in 2nd place, followed by 3. Austin Herzog*, 4. Jeremy Doss, 5. Blaine Rocha
Cale Kanke & RPM Motorsports Team Spotter Ken Dyer
After the race, the team happily enjoyed a lovely cake in celebration of Cale’s 32nd Birthday!
GET READY FOR THE
JM ENVIRONMENTAL
"For Those About to Rock 127"
WILD WEST SHOOTOUT
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–JUNE 17
The Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series will visit Kern County Raceway Park for the 24th time in series history on June 17th.
Spears Srl Southwest Tour
Bakersfield, CA
Wild West Shootout News and Notes Kern County Raceway Park.
It will be a single-day event for the series, and they will be joined by the Spears Pro Late Model Series presented by Sigma Performance Services and the Spears Modified Series. The JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. Wild West Shootout – For Those About to Rock 107” will pay $10,000 to the winner and $800 to start.
Championship Standings: Three-time ’23 winner Jacob Gomes leads the Super Late Model standings after four events with 710 points. John Moore (630), Dylan Zampa (582), Nick Cooper (549), and Cale Kanke (529) make up the top-five. Andy Allen (516), Austin Herzog (515), Dan Holtz (512), Scott Sanchez (492), and Jace Hansen (450) round out the top-10.
CONGRATULATIONS to MR & MRS KANKE!
EDEN GARDENS - JUNE 2
Congratulations to the very happy newlyweds Christina & Cale Kanke who tied the knot in a very joyous wedding celebration June 2, 2023.
RJ ALLEN “122”
Presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–MAY 2o
A WILD 9TH PLACE FINISH
In what could only be described as a wild Super Late Model race, Cale pulled off a 9th place finish in spite of not being on the track for half the race. Cale had just cleared a 2nd position when his car and four others were taken out in a big crash just after the half-way mandatory caution.
The Autograph Session was well attended and the race got off to a great first half. In the end the car was far from the beautiful shape it started the day.
The results: Dylan Zampa held off two-time Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series champion Jacob Gomes, over the last 30 laps, to earn his first Southwest Tour victory in the "RJ Allen Inc. 100 presented by San Dimas Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse". The 2022 Kulwicki Driver Development Program champion survived 3 red flags and a severe challenge from Gomes to get the victory.
Zampa grabbed the lead from Austin Herzog after a red on lap 46 and was able to fend off all challengers to win in front of Gomes, Herzog, Nickolas Cooper, John Moore, and Scott Sanchez. They were the only finishers in what one would think was full-moon racing.
8th ANNUAL WINTER SHOWDOWN
Kern County Raceway Park–MARCH 25
Cale Kanke was awarded his Third Place trophy for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour 2022 standings! This just after qualifying 1st pole position to start the race. His first ever. It was a great place to start the race. Lots of exciting on track action resulted in an 8th Place finish at Kern County Raceway Park,
Come on out and catch all the racing action!
The “8th Annual Winter Showdown” will take place on March 25 at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, CA. The competing series will include the Super Late Models of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series, the Spears Pro- Late Models presented by Sigma Performance Services, and the Spears Modified Series. It is the third time all three divisions have competed in the annual event. The Super Late Models will via for a $10,000 winner’s check, thanks to the “Winner’s Bonus” from Senneker Performance. They will have a break on lap 80 of the 135-lap feature. The Pro Late Models will compete for $2,500, or for $3,500, if the winner competed at the season opening “All-Star Showdown 100” at Irwindale Speedway.
ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–JANUARY 21
Spears Srl Southwest Tour
January 20, 2023
Cale Kanke jumped to the top of board late in the first practice session for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour/SRL National from Irwindale Speedway. Kanke finished second in the last two events for the Southwest Tour and is seeking his first series victory this weekend in the "All-Star Showdown 200". Jeremy Doss was second followed by Kole Raz, Dylan Zampa and John Moore.
CALE KANKE LANDS HIS SECOND CONSECUTIVE 2ND PLACE FINISH!
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–NOVEMBER 12TH
December 23, 2022 at 9:07 AM ·
Kanke Finds Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series Success in 2022
Cale Kanke closed the 2022 Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series season with consecutive career bests, finishing second in both the 34th Annual “October Classic” at Kern County Raceway Park, and at the “Prelude to the Showdown 100” at Irwindale Speedway. The strong finish to the season vaulted Kanke to the third position in the final championship standings. The two-time SRL Legends Series champion improved upon his fourth-place standing in 2021, earning three top-five and six top-10’s in nine starts.
Kanke picked up his first six top-five finishes over the last two seasons, after searching for his first, over his first 22 SRL series starts. The driver from Frazier Park, CA has seen a large improvement in both his dirt and asphalt programs over those last two seasons. In 2022, he led his first career laps, passing for the lead in the season finale at Irwindale. His resent results show the RPM Motorsports team’s improvement in SRL competition, as Kanke has begun to emulate some of the traits of the 2009 SRL champion, 23-time NASCAR Southwest Tour Series winner, and father M.K. Kanke.
“As you know, there are many important keys to success in the SRL series”, Kanke began. “It is so challenging just to compete up front. Our team has been working at putting all the pieces together. The main improvement is the communication between all of us. Though many people tell me that my driving style is similar to my dad’s, he and I are a bit different on our preferred "feel" of the car.”
Kanke continued, “That has taken seat time and setup trial and error. My dirt racing has also been very valuable to me targeting the feel and ability to race close and tight, with the top drivers. I’ve always gotten great advice from guys like Willie Allen, Jim Pettit II, Clay Daly, and of course my dad.”
The RPM Motorsports team has also been a key factor in his improvement. The comradery between the long-time team members, hard work, willingness to experiment, and quality power under the hood have pushed the driver to new highs.
“Our team’s core works countless hours and is willing to try new ideas”, Kanke explained. “The time with Dan Nikolai, M.K., Dennis Olson, Sam Johnson, Jerry Smith, and Mike Dunkleberger is always a good time, as we have fun figuring out stuff together. And I never mention Bill Maropulos enough, but he has always built a heckuva motor.”
Kanke’s recent success has seen him racing with the best of the series, at the front of the field.
It has been an enjoyable experience and gives him hopes of even greater success, heading into the 2023 season.
“It is always a blast to race with guys who know how to race clean and tight, and even more so at the front of the field in the last couple races! It was a very good way to end the year. My team and I have a lot of optimism for next year. We have been diligent and patient, perfecting our race-craft, and we are hopeful it will bring us to Victory Lane in 2023.”
Next up for Kanke and the RPM Motorsports team is the $25,000-to-win “All-Star Showdown 200” at Irwindale Speedway on January 21st. The event will kick off the season for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour, SRL National, Spears Modified, and the Spears Pro Late Model Series presented by Sigma Performance Services.
LAST RACE OF THE SEASON FOR SPEARS SRL SOUTHWEST TOUR THIS SATURDAY!
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–NOVEMBER 12TH
The “Spears Southwest Tour Season Finale – Prelude to the Showdown 100” will close out the 22nd season for the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series. It will be the first time the series closes its’ championship season at Irwindale Speedway.
Cale Kanke currently sits third in the championship standings with 1088 points. John Moore is 31 points back with 1057 markers. Dustin Ash is a mere three points behind Moore with Buddy Shepherd another four points behind Ash. All four drivers have a strong shot at the third-place position. Come on out and catch the action Saturday. If the last race was any indication, this one could be a real thriller.
Photo by Allie X Brooker // Allie Bakes
Sadly there will not be an autograph session Saturday since the season finale will be aired live on TV!
Find the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series LIVE on MAVTV, beginning at 6:00 PM. It will be the first time the series has been featured live on national television. All the weekend’s features can be seen at www.SpearsRacing.TV, for those without MAVTV. Only the Super Late Model feature will be broadcast live.
The winner of Saturday night’s event will receive $6,500, thanks to the “Winner’s Bonus” from Senneker Performance. $2,500, $1,500, $1,250, and $1,000 will be paid out to the balance of the top-five. $1,000 will be paid to start the event, for those on the Spears Manufacturing Frequent Flyer Program. The Spears Pro Late Model winner will receive $2,500, and the Modified winner will receive $2,000.
CALE KANKE TAKES SECOND IN THE
34th ANNUAL OCTOBER CLASSIC!
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–OCTOBER 22
Photo credit Sal Sigala Jr.
Congratulations to CALE KANKE for his Career Best Second Place finish at Spears Srl Southwest Tour 34th Annual October Classic at Kern County Raceway Park! The same racetrack where he was Champion at the Budweiser Nationals just two weeks ago in his Sport Mod!! Cale is having a great Fall season. It was a thrilling race!
Here is how facebook.com/spearssrl.tour spells it out:
For Cale Kanke, his “October Classic” finish was a career best in the series. It comes on the heels of wins in his Sport Mod on the dirt and continues his momentum as of late.
“It just tops off a few great weeks”, Kanke exclaimed! We won at Ocean (Speedway), then finished second the next night. We won the Budweiser Nationals (at Bakersfield Speedway) and now we are second here. It is pretty exciting.”
Kanke spent most of the first 80 laps locked in a battle with Austin Herzog for fifth. But after the Competition Caution, his car came to life after a few adjustments to his Dodge Charger, an outside line restart, and quick reflexes to miss a slowing Rocha.
“We made an adjustment on the car, and it helped me out a lot, and that is where I was really struggling to get by guys. I had a great restart, and the outside (line) went, and I was able to push it in there. I don’t know what happened to (Blaine) Rocha, but that was close. I thought we were all wrecking getting off of four, but in the end the car turned good, and we were able to come home with a great finish.”
Results: 1. Jeremy Doss, 2. Cale Kanke, 3. Jacob Gomes, 4. Chris Davidson, 5. Buddy Shepherd, 6. Dan Holtz, 7. Sean Hingorani, 8. Joe Farre, 9. Dustin Ash, 10. Austin Herzog, 11. Brandon Farrington, 12. Ross Strmiska, 13. John Dillon, 14. Keith Spangler, 15. Austin Thom, 16. John Moore, 17. Blaine Rocha, 18. Zach Telford, 19. Andre Prescott, 20. Scott Sanchez, 21. Jim Wulfenstein, DQ. Andy Allen.
Team RPM enjoys a good night of racing at Kern County Raceway Park.
Check out KCRP’s SRL interview with Driver Cale Kanke
Jeffrey from Low Budget TV interviews Cale. Photo Credit Chris Kanke.
CALE KANKE CROWNED CHAMPION
OF THE DIRT IN THE 36TH ANNUAL BUDWEISER NATIONALS
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–OCTOBER 8
CALE KANKE WINS BUDWEISER NATIONALS!
Congratulations to our own Cale Kanke for winning the Budweiser Nationals last night at Bakersfield Speedway in his Sport Mod!! Cale Kanke of Frazier Park led from start to finish to win the 25-lap Spots Mod feature.
Kanke started on the pole and never looked back en route his first victory on the third-mile clay oval.
“I’ve been trying really hard for a long time to get a win here,” he said. “We really wanted to race here Friday night but the car wasn’t right. It was right tonight.”
It sure was! Congratulations on your big win Cale!
12th ANNUAL PETTIT SHOOTOUT
IMCA SPORT MODIFIED
OCEAN SPEEDWAY WATSONVILLE–SEPTEMBER 25
CALE KANKE HAD A GREAT WEEKEND IN THE DIRT!
Friday night at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville: A late surge from Cale Kanke of Frazier Park earned him the 23-lap IMCA Sport Modified win after a marathon race with red flags and caution flags.
Kanke challenged Curran for the lead several times over the final six laps. Kanke drove around Curran on the outside to lead lap 21 and Andrew Pearce of Oakley followed him into second. Cale Kanke, the 2021 Pettit Shootout winner, scored the win over Pearce, Curran, Brentwood’s Fred Ryland, and Bakersfield’s Tyler Blankenship.
Saturday night Fred Ryland of Brentwood prevented Cale Kanke’s attempt at four consecutive Pettit IMCA Sport Mod feature wins with a thrilling victory in the 33-lap feature. The win paid $1006 to Ryland.
Kanke used the outside line predominately to make passing maneuvers during Friday’s triumph and did the same on Saturday. He drove around the outside of Morris to lead lap 18.
Ryland looked inside of Kanke for the top position with six to go. They raced side-by-side until lap 31 when Ryland nosed forward with the lead. Kanke stayed up alongside of Ryland until the white flag, then tucked up behind him. Ryland led Kanke in a nose-to-tail formation across the finish line.
Congratulations Cale!
SPEARS SRL SOUTHWEST TOUR INVADES IRWINDALE
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–SEPTEMBER 17TH
Not a night that went right at our favorite legendary local track. Cale Kanke continues to sit 5th in points in the SPEARS SWT Championship Point Standings.
SOURCE: Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook Page
September 16
Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series invades Southern California this weekend for the "LIUNA - Feel the Power 100 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse San Dimas"!
3 SRL divisions are back in action this Saturday as the SPEARS Southwest Tour, SPEARS Pro Late Models and SPEARS Manufacturing Modifieds invade Irwindale Speedway! Join us for an action-packed triple header.
The first day of practice is in the books and Cale and the 33 Machine are zooming along. Come on out and catch the action tomorrow! Autograph session on the track at 5:45. Racing starts at 7. See you there race fans!
Photo by Ken Pagliaro. kenpagliaro.com
SPEARS SRL SOUTHWEST TOUR SERIES RACE CANCELLED
REDWOOD ACRES RACEWAY–AUGUST 13
WILLOW CREEK AREA FIRES FORCE CANCELLATION OF SATURDAY'S SRL RACE
Due to the fires in the Willow Creek area, Redwood Acres Raceway have announced the unfortunate cancelation of this weekend’s Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series race. The Redwood Acres Fairgrounds will be used as an emergency fire camp for the California Department of Forestry And Fire Protection necessitating the cancelation of the event.
SOURCE: Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook Page
August 8 at 5:10 PM
Father and Son Combo Look to Continue Redwood Acres Raceway Success Bakersfield, CA -
Photo by Ken Pagliaro. kenpagliaro.com
The winningest driver in NASCAR Southwest Tour Series history has made exactly three starts at Redwood Acres Raceway, in the now defunct series. He made the most of those opportunities earning a win and two third-place efforts. MK Kanke will be headed north from Frazier Park, CA, not to drive, but to crew for his son Cale Kanke, who will make his first appearance at the 3/8-mile facility in this weekend’s “Rumble in the Woods 125”. The father and son combination will be looking to turn heads this weekend, and grab the $5,000 prize to go along with his first career victory in the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series.
Cale has run limited SRL schedules in the past, but stepped up to run the full championship season in 2021, finishing fourth in the final standings. 2022 has seen a similar result, as he also sits fourth, with a season best finish of fourth at the “All-Star Showdown 200” at Irwindale Speedway. Kanke is a two-time SRL Legends Series champion and has split time on the dirt tracks of California as well, showing his versatility. He attended the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Nationals in 2021 and came home with a top-10 finish in his Dirt Sport Mod, against a field of 120 competitors. He won’t have 120 teams to compete against this weekend, but he will have the stiffest Super Late Model competition on the West Coast to deal with.
“I would like to always say thank you to our hardworking RPM Motorsports team, Dan & Kathy Nikolai, Willie Allen (Rackley WAR), and Cody Glick (Hamke Racecars) for all their help and advice”, Kanke expressed. “Also, check out our sweets sponsor Allie Bakes (alliebakes.com). Get some cookies and cakes to go fast!
The “Rumble in the Redwoods 125” is the seventh event of the 2022 Spears Southwest Tour Series campaign. $5,000 will go to the winning driver, thanks to the “Winner’s Bonus” from COMP Cams. Qualifying is scheduled for 6:00 pm with Opening Ceremonies to follow. Legend and Bomber Heat Races are next with an Autograph/Meet and Great Session on the front stretch to follow. The “Rumble in the Woods 125” is next with the racing activities winding up with Feature Events for the Legends and Bombers.
For those unable to attend, catch all the action LIVE at www.SpearsRacing.TV. The event will also air on MAVTV at a time and date to be announced later.
Celebrating its twenty-second season in 2022, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.
STOCKTON SPEEDWAY HERE WE COME
THE NEW STOCKTON 99 SPEEDWAY–JULY 16
Not the night of racing the team was hoping for, but Cale remains in 4th place in the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Championship Point Standings. See you all in Irwindale September 17th since the Redwood Acres event is now cancelled. We will be good and ready to fly.
Cale Kanke Racing #33 is back in his back-up Super Late Model this weekend, after loosing a motor at Kern County Raceway Park last month. It is perfect for the short track wars that are The New Stockton 99 Speedway. Raceday is Saturday!! $10,000 will be on the line.
Cale Kanke Racing #33 felt a vibration at the end of Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series final practice last night, here at The New Stockton 99 Speedway. The team stayed until past 11 pm last night, not finding the issue. They are swapping out the rear end hoping that will fix the problem.
Photo by Ken Pagliaro. kenpagliaro.com
Things are alway interesting at The New Stockton 99 Speedway. Hoping they are interesting in the good way this Saturday night. Cale will be ready for the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series 2022 this weekend at The New Stockton 99 Speedway. The JM Environmental Inc Wild West Shootout "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 127" is presented by 51 FIFTY LTM and $10,000 will go to the winner. Go Cale Go!
TIME FOR ANOTHER JM ENVIRONMENTAL "WILD WEST SHOOTOUT”
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–JUNE 18
Car 33 didn't have the best of nights Saturday at Kern County Raceway. Cale the Birthday Boy was driving great and getting in some nifty passes . . . but then the engine blew. Some birthday present! He was a true sport about it and went on to enjoy birthday cake and sign autographs for the kids. Some nights racing just doesn't go your way. This was one of them. Luckily there is another race next month! @rpmmotorsportsteam @legracer33
This Saturday Night we return to Kern County Raceway Park with an action-packed triple header! Don't miss the JM Environmental Wild West Shootout featuring the SPEARS Pro Late Models, SPEARS Manufacturing Modifieds and the SPEARS Southwest Tour!
Heading into the race, Cale is in 3rd place in the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series points standings after round 4. It should be a very exciting race, and it will be Cale’s Birthday! Stop by to say hello if you are at the Kern County Raceway Park on Saturday. See you there!
SPEARS MANUFACTURING 100
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–MAY 21ST
9TH PLACE FINISH FOR CALE AT IRWINDALE
Ah the mercurial nature of racing. Cale had a great qualifying time and a pole position of fourth but by the end of the race found himself in tenth.
Jace Hansen crossed the line second but was found to have too much left side weight in post-race inspection, moving Jeremy Doss to second behind Jacob Gomes. Buddy Shepherd was third with Linny White and Dylan Zampa the remainder of the top-five. Jake Bollman, Dustin Ash, Chris Davidson, Cale Kanke, and Jeff Bischofberger completed the top-10.
Next up for Cale is the $10,000-to-win "JM Environmental Wild West Shootout 100" at Kern County Raceway Park on June 18th. Come on out!
Spears Srl Southwest Tour 5/19/22 at 7:50 AM
Spears Manufacturing 100 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse” is up Next for the Spears Southwest Tour
On May 21st, the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series will head back to Irwindale Speedway for Round #4 of the 10-race 2022 season. Teams will race for a $6,000 payday in the "Spears Manufacturing 100 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse San Dimas”.
Derek Thorn has won the last three Super Late Model events at the half-mile facility, including the season opening $25,000-to-win “All-Star Showdown 200”. With Thorn pursuing a national touring schedule in 2022, that streak will end on Saturday. Thorn is the winningest SRL winner at Irwindale with eight victories in 18 series starts. M.K. Kanke is second on the list with six victories, three in the NASCAR Southwest Tour Series and three in the SRL. Ryan Cansdale and Preston Peltier are the only other multi-time winners in the 22 previous series visits with two each.
Sitting tied for fourth in the championship standings is a driver with a family pedigree for winning. M.K. Kanke has a total of six NASCAR Southwest Tour and Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series victories at Irwindale. His son Cale Kanke Racing #33 hopes to get in the win column this weekend. The younger Kanke finished fourth in the series championship in 2021 and has started 2022 with one top-five and three top-10’s. His best run was a fourth at the season opening “All-Star Showdown 200” at Irwindale. He was the top finishing championship contender at that event, and he hopes everything will come together this weekend to get SRL win number one, in his 34th career start.
“Such an interesting notion…the recipe for a win is always a combination of so many things”, Kanke reflected. “The consistency I have gained at Irwindale is due to our team’s experience, my dad’s advice, and having run a lot of laps. I do think Irwindale suits my driving style, as it is a multi-groove track that allows me to move around to maximize my car’s speed.”
Kanke continued, “I think the recipe for a win is when preparation creates and meets opportunity. Obviously, every competitor is trying to put together the winning recipe on any given race night. I think Irwindale would be a fine place for it all to come together!”
CALE THRIVES IN THE DIRT AT CALIFORNIA CLASH
HANFORD, Calif. (April 26, 2022) – Three IMCA divisions fill the card each of six nights in the May 2-7 Central California Clash. Cale pulls down top-five finishes in the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods!
MERCED, Calif. (May 6, 2022) – In Night Five of the IMCA Central California Clash, Cale Kanke takes 3rd Place.
In the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods, Cale Kanke faced off with Kenny Shrader. For the early lead but Tyler Bannister motored his way underneath to lead lap two.
From there on, Bannister was in dominant form and held off Matt Sanders before collecting his second win of the week.
Sanders beat Kanke for second while Shrader and Garrett Jernagan were next across the stripe.
Northern SportMods – 1. Tyler Bannister; 2. Matt Sanders; 3. Cale Kanke; 4. Kenny Shrader; 5. Garrett Jernagan
MERCED, Calif. (May 7, 2022) The sixth and final night of the IMCA Central California Clash Saturday evening lands Cale in 4th Place.
Garrett Jernagan led from lap five to the checkers in winning the Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMod main. That victory was his series career sixth, another new Central California Clash record.
Jason Bannister got second at the line over Nick Spainhoward. Cale Kanke wound up fourth while Clash champion Tyler Bannister ended the week in fifth.
SportMods – 1. Garrett Jernagan; 2. Jason Bannister; 3. Nick Spainhoward; 4. Cale Kanke; 5. Tyler Bannister
See you at the Bakersfield Speedway Nationals May 28th!
CALE KANKE SEEKS TO CONTINUE FAMILY’S WINNING TRADITION AT IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY
Spears Srl Southwest Tour // April 26 at 11:11 AM
Bakersfield, CA - If there was a “Most Improved Driver Award in the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series, this second-generation racer would receive great consideration for the honor. The son of 2009 SRL Champion, and the all-time winningest driver in NASCAR Southwest Tour Series competition, Mike Kanke, has shown marked improvement over the last two seasons, earning a fourth-place finish in the 2021 standings. Cale Kanke has continued that trend in 2022, also sitting fourth in the standings after Round #3 of the season. He will now head back to his home track, where he scored a fourth-place result in the $25,000-to-win All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway.
Kanke has now ripped off three consecutive top-five’s at Irwindale and five top-10’s in-a-row. He has 33 career SRL starts, with 14 of them at the half-mile multi groove facility. The two-time SRL Legends champion will be looking for his first career victory in the "Spears Manufacturing 100 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse San Dimas” on May 22nd. With the guidance of his father M.K., who has six Southwest Tour Series victories at the track, and the experience of Dan Nikoli and the RPM Motorsports group, Irwindale would be the perfect place to get that victory. Cale’s opinion of the track doesn’t hurt either.
“Irwindale has always been a fun place to me”, Cale stated recently. “I ran a ton there in the Legend car and had my first “Tour” start there. I like the multiple grooves and it's a fun fast track. I am excited to get his RPM Motorsports car back to the track.”
Celebrating its twenty-second season in 2022, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.
HONORING SAMANTHA CLARK
All of us at RPM Motorsports are very saddened to hear that Samantha Clark lost her battle with cancer last night. I’m sure many of you who have been a part of the Srl Tour for a while will remember her for the infectious smile and laugh she always brought to the race track when she was with our team. I’m certain that her smile and positive attitude stayed with her all the way through her fight with an ugly, ugly disease. Please keep the Smith family in your thoughts and prayers today, she is going to be missed.
~ Cale and the entire RPM Family
7th ANNUAL WINTER SHOWDOWN
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–APRIL 2ND
Another Top Ten finish for Cale in the 2022 Season!
It was a tough night of restarts for Team Kanke on a night when the only cautions were compulsory competition yellows in an otherwise all green race. Upon the first restart, Gomes and Shepherd pulled away from the three-car battle for third, involving Doss, Hansen, and Cale Kanke.
In the final restart, Gomes pulled away for the victory in front of Hansen. Shepherd was able to hold off Moore in a near photo finish. Likewise, Doss was able to secure the final top-five position by a couple of bumper lengths over Huddleston. Cale Kanke came home seventh over Dan Holtz, Blaine Rocha and Indiana’s Jordon Riddick.
Cale began the competition early in the day in a battle for pole position. The series ran Heat Races to determine the starting line-up with the top-eight drivers redrawing for position in the Fast Heat. Buddy Shepherd crossed the line first in that event to earn the pole, with Gomes second, Cale Kanke third and Jeremy Doss fourth. These drivers made up the starting top-two rows.
The weather at Camp Kern was beautiful Saturday.
Spears Srl Southwest Tour // March 31 at 7:20 AM
7th Annual Winter Showdown 100 News and Notes
Event: The Seventh Annual “Winter Showdown” will take place at Kern County Raceway Park (CA) on April 2, 2022. The Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series Super Late Models will compete for a $10,000 payday. The SPEARS Pro Late Model Series presented by Sigma Performance Services will contend for a $3,500 winner’s share, plus an added bonus of $1,500 for anyone who participated in the last event at ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY - ROSEVILLE CA, thanks to Sigma Performance Services. The Spears Modified Series will fight it out for $2,000 in the “Winter Showdown Spears Modified Series 60”.
Heat Race Format: The “Showdown” for the Super Late Models will see 100 laps of competition for a $10,000 payday. Single car Qualifying will be followed by two 8-lap Qualifying Heat Races to set the line-up for the Feature event. The top eight cars in Qualifying will draw for position in their Heat Race, then race for their opportunity to sit on the pole for the prestigious event.
ANOTHER WILD WEST SHOOTOUT RIDES INTO THE SUNSET
ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY–MARCH 5TH
A cold night in Roseville didn’t have quite the racing luck that was hoped for. After a 9th place pole position start, Cale moved into 6th for a fair portion of the race. A couple of bumps and spins along the way made things interesting. The dirt car racing experience has helped Cale make a couple of great saves so far this year.
See you all in Bakersfield April 2nd!
EVEN CALE KANKE’S DODGE CHARGER WEARS A COWBOY HAT
Bakersfield, CA - Source: Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook page
March 5
Cale Kanke headed over the scales before today's only Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series Practice Session at ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY - ROSEVILLE CA. Even his Dodge Charger wears a cowboy hat.
THE FIELD FOR TONIGHT'S SPEARS SRL SOUTHWEST TOUR
Bakersfield, CA - Source: Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook page
March 5
The field for tonight's Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series "JM Environmental Inc Wild West Shootout Back in Business 127" from ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY - ROSEVILLE CA is ready to roll off for $10,000 to win.
CALE KANKE LEADS THE SRL INTO ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY FOR A WILD WEST SHOOTOUT
Photo Credit Sal Jr. Sigala
Bakersfield, CA - Source: Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook page
Cale Kanke finished a career best fourth in the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series championship standings in 2021. He scored a career high three top-fives and eight top-10 finishes. The 2022 season got off to a great start for the Frazier Park, CA driver, bringing home a fourth-place finish in the 33-car field at the “All-Star Showdown 200” at Irwindale Speedway. Kanke will lead the championship standings of those teams entered for the “JM Environmental Inc. Wild West Shootout Back in Business 127” at ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY - ROSEVILLE CA on March 5th. It puts Kanke in a great position to lead off the championship chase, but he knows it will be a tough task to maintain that position.
“Well, it is certainly a good place to be”, Kanke exclaimed! “But I hold no assumptions that it will be easy to stay there, especially with the teams that I know that plan to compete for the championship this year.”
Kanke had five SRL Legend Series starts at All American Speedway entering the 2021 season, but had never visited the 1/3-mile in a Super Late Model. Kanke had a season tying worst 15th-place effort in the JM Environmental Wild West Shootout in May, but earned an eighth-place finish in September’s event. Despite finishes far below his season average, Kanke still enjoyed racing at the fairground’s facility.
“I actually like racing at AAS”, Kanke began. “It’s very much a driver’s track, as it has some bumps and character to it. You have to be patient, but aggressive at the same time. I learned a bunch from my first couple of visits to AAS in the SRL car in 2021, about the driving and the set-up, so I look forward to finishing much better this weekend than last year.”
Cale will hope to learn even more as he visits for the third time in a SRL Super Late Model. He will also have the opportunity to learn from a former series winner at the facility, his father M.K. Kanke. The senior Kanke won in the SRL in his championship season in 2009. He has a total of five top-five, and nine top-10 finishes in 12 SRL and NASCAR Southwest Tour Series visits. That, combined with support from his team, family, and sponsors should find younger Kanke competing for the $10,000 victory this weekend.
“I would like to always say thank you to our hardworking RPM Motorsports team, Dan Nikolai & Kathy Nikolai, Willie Allen (Rackley WAR), and Cody Glick (Hamke Racecars) for all their help and advice”, Kanke expressed. “Also, check out our sweets sponsor Allie Bakes (alliebakes.com). Some cookies and cakes to go fast! Thanks also to the SRL for running this series with good teams to race with. My team and I are excited and look forward to the weekend!”
Admission Gates for the $10,000-to-win “JM Environmental Inc. Wild West Shootout Back in Business 127” will open at 4:00 PM. The SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series will be joined by the SPEARS Pro Late Models presented by Sigma Performance Services and the Spears Modified Series.
The local Mini Cup / Bandolero Division, F4 Division and Super Stocks will also join the action. Qualifying will begin at 3:55 PM with Opening Ceremonies scheduled at 5:00 PM. The Feature events will begin shortly thereafter with the SPEARS Modified Series closing out the evenings action.
Celebrating its twenty-second season in 2022, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.
FIRST RACE – FOURTH PLACE!
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–FEBRUARY 5TH
What a way to start the season. After qualifying in 22nd, Cale masterfully passed the competition one-by-one to take a fourth place finish in the. Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series "All-Star Showdown 200" from Irwindale Speedway! It was a thrilling race from start to finish! See y’all in March for the Wildwest Shootout at the All American Speedway in Roseville.
February 5 at 6:52 PM
Halfway break for the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series finds Derek Thorn Racing leading Preston Peltier Racing, Jeremy Doss Motorsports, Jace Hansen and Cale Kanke Racing #33. The "All-Star Showdown 200" is getting set for 100 more laps at Irwindale Speedway.
Cale is awarded the Fourth Place Trophy for the Spears Southwest Tour 2021 Championship Series.
Irwindale, CA - Source: Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook page February 5 at 11:10 AM
Cale Kanke looked pretty good last night at Irwindale Speedway, timing in seventh in the Combined Pratice Sessions for the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series. Today the Frazier Park, CA driver finds himself in the #14 hole. Kanke is the son of former SRL Champion M.K. Kanke. Until last year, M.K. was the winningest driver at Irwindale Speedway in Southwest Tour competition.
HAPPY NEW YEAR RACE FANS!
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY–FEBRUARY 5TH
Irwindale, CA - Source: Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook page
Event: The “All-Star Showdown” at Irwindale Speedway. The participating divisions will be the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series, SPEARS Manufacturing Modified Series presented by Lucas Oil and the SPEARS Pro Late Model Series presented by Sigma Performance Services. The Super Late Models will race for 200 laps, with a mid-race break at lap 100 on the ½-mile track.
Big Money: The SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series will be racing for $25,000-to-win. The Super Late Models, of the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series, will be competing for a “A”-Feature purse of $72,218 plus SPEARS Manufacturing Frequent Flyer Bonuses that could add up to an additional $13,150.
Super Late Model Entries: 35 Super Late Models representing eleven states are on the list. Those states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.
Three-Time Starters: 12 drivers on the entry are scheduled to make their third SRL “All-Star Showdowns”. They include; Derek Thorn, Preston Peltier, Dylan Lupton, Logan Bearden, Chris Davidson, Cale Kanke, John Moore, Jacob Gomes, Trevor Huddleston, Scott Sanchez, Kole Raz, and Andy Allen.
Big Money: The SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series will be racing for $25,000-to-win. The SPEARS Modified Division will compete for $5,000-to-win, while the SPEARS Pro Late Models will be gunning for $10,000. The Super Late Models, of the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series, will be competing for a “A”-Feature purse of $72,218 plus SPEARS Manufacturing Frequent Flyer Bonuses that could add up to an additional $13,150.
Plus the fireworks! Everyone loves the fireworks at Irwindale Speedway.
Come on out and see us Saturday!
Southwest Tour Legend’s Son Making a Name for Himself in 2021
Bakersfield, CA - Source: Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook page
Cale Kanke completed his first full season effort fourth in the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series championship standings. The driver from Frazier Park, CA scored his first three top-five finishes and a career high eight top-10 efforts in 2021. He scored a career best fourth-place finish in the $10,000-to-win "SaltedMetals Architectural Metals Design And Consulting 100 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse San Dimas” at Irwindale Speedway in July. He now has 30 career starts in the series which includes 12 top-10 results.
Cale is the son of 2009 SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series champion Mike “M.K.” Kanke. Mike was a 22-time winner in the NASCAR Southwest Tour Series and an 11-time winner in the SRL. Cale is still looking for his first SRL win, but has made big strides in his RPM Motorsports Dodge. The two-time SRL Legends Series champion started his season with a strong eighth place run in the 44-car "Sunrise Ford All-Star Showdown” and continued his improvement throughout the season. His only non-top-10 finishes were at the short tracks of the series, where he finished 15th at both ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY - ROSEVILLE CA and The New Stockton 99 Speedway. He had top-five efforts twice at Irwindale and finished the season with a fifth at Kern County Raceway Park’s “October Classic”.
Cale will look to continue this trend in 2022 and is thankful for the help he has received from his team and team owners.
"None of this would be possible without Dan Nikolai and Kathy Nikolai and I owe them so many thanks”, Kanke expressed. “Our whole RPM Motorsports team…we have a good time together. We love to compete, and it was so encouraging to see the measurable improvement in our speed and results each race this year. I’m proud that we finished fourth in my first full season. That accomplishment gives us something really good to build on for next year."
That effort will begin at Kanke’s home track, Irwindale Speedway. The series will return for the third time to the “Sunrise Ford All-Star Showdown”. 44 Super Late Models, 37 Spears Pro Late Models presented by Sigma Performance Services, and 22 Spears Modified Series teams appeared in 2021.
Celebrating its twenty-first season in 2021, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.
See you all in February at Irwindale!
IN THE LAST RACE OF THE SEASON CALE KANKE GRABS A FOURTH-PLACE FINISH!
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–OCTOBER 23RD
Cale started in 13th and racked up his third top-five of the season finishing in fourth place. Overall Cale’s Championship Points Standings of 1261 points give him a Top Five Finish for 2021. Not a bad way to finish the season!
THE FINAL RACE OF THE 2021 SPEARS SWT TOUR SEASON IS SATURDAY!
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–OCTOBER 23RD
RACE FANS...this is it!! The final race of the 2021 Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series Season. The 33rd Annual Bulwark Protection October Classic is this Saturday at Kern County Raceway Park. Click for weekend schedule, entry list, 2021 standings and more. Come on out and see Cale give it all he’s got for the last time until next February!
Spears Southwest Tour Storylines for the 33rd Annual October Classic at Kern County Raceway
October Classic: For 28 years, the October Classic was a mainstay and highlight of the season at Mesa Marin Raceway (CA) (1977 to 2005). In 2019, the race returned to Kern County Raceway (CA) and Bakersfield, CA. This year’s edition will find the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series joined by the SPEARS Modified Series, and the Spears Manufacturing Pro Late Models presented by Sigma Performance Services. The 33rd Annual “Bulwark ‘FR October Classic 150” will be the final event of the 10-race SRL schedule and will take place on October 23rd.
Throwback Weekend: The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series will feature a “throwback” themed weekend. Drivers and teams are encouraged to replicate paint schemes from the past, with the best design receiving a set of tires from Hoosier Tire West.
Two Segments: The “Bulwark ‘FR October Classic 150” will feature two segments, with a break at the lap 75 halfway point. Teams will be allowed to change tires and make adjustments. No points will be awarded at the break, but half of the purse will be paid out at that point, other than a special bonus. The leader will draw for the invert at the break for the second half. The invert will be a “0”, “4”, or an “8”.
Trick or Treat: The teams of the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour and SPEARS Manufacturing Pro Late Models will bring candy for kids in attendance at the October Classic. Cars will be parked on the front stretch for an autograph session, as well as an opportunity to pick up some Halloween goodies from the drivers and teams.
Championship Battle SLM: Derek Thorn needs only to finish 34th or better to secure his sixth series championship. With 25 cars currently entered, merely starting the event will assure him the championship. The battle for the runner-up position will likely come down to the last lap, with 2015 SRL champion Jacob Gomes leading Rookie-of-the-Year leader Buddy Shepherd by a mere five points. The battle for fourth is also tight with rookie driver Kole Raz leading Cale Kanke by 11 points. The remainder of the top-10 consist of Blaine Rocha, Brandon Farrington, Carlos Vieira, Dean Thompson and Scott Sanchez. John Moore sits 19 points behind Sanchez. 180 points will be awarded to the winner of Saturday’s “Bulwark ‘FR October Classic 150”.
CALE WINS IT ALL IN WATSONVILLE!
11th Annual Pettit Memorial race–SEPTEMBER 25TH
Congratulations to Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series driver Cale Kanke Racing #33 for sweeping the weekend and coming home first in a field of 49 Sport Mods in the 11th Annual Pettit Memorial race at Ocean Speedway/ Watsonville Fair Grounds!! Another fantastic job by Cale and the RPM Motorsports guys.
The next event of the season will be the "2021 Season Finale October Classic" from Kern County Raceway Park on October 23rd, closing out the 21st season of the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour. Come on out and see us in Kern!
READY FOR THE ROSEVILLE REBOUND
All American Speedway–SEPTEMBER 18TH
Cale came home eighth in the "Nut Up 125 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM" from ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY - ROSEVILLE CA Saturday night. At least there were no crashes and the race ran very clean.
Photo and story from Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook page 9/17/21
Spears Manufacturing SRL Trifecta Revisits All American Speedway
Cale Kanke Looks to Continue Career Season in the “Nut Up 125 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM”
Bakersfield, CA - Cale Kanke has had a solid season in his first attempt at running for the championship in the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series. Kanke had run partial seasons in the past, entering 2021 with 20 career starts, but had yet to make a full season effort. He sits fifth in the championship standings, with 13 teams to date, making each event. Kanke now heads to ALL AMERICAN SPEEDWAY - ROSEVILLE CA for the "Nut Up 125 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM” He hopes to continue his strong 2021 season, competing for an $8,000 victory, thanks to the Motor City Throwdown.
“I am really happy with our year so far”, Kanke told the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series. “We have come a long way with our program and it's great to see the results showing consistently. We are building and learning more and more each week, and it's a lot of fun to run up towards the front with the fast guys. Having the confidence and knowing we are bringing a fast car to the track is a proud feeling as a driver to the team.”
Kanke has scored his two best career finishes, in his RPM Motorsports Dodge Charger, in 2021. He Brought “Trampled Under Foot” home in fifth in the "Spears Manufacturing 100 presented by Earnest Performance” at his team’s home track, Irwindale Speedway. He backed it up in July with a career best fourth in the $10,000-to-win SaltedMetals Architectural Metals Design And Consulting100 presented by Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse San Dimas”. In total, six of his 10 career top-10 efforts have come in 2021. He has had only two finishes outside the top-10 this season, with one being at All American Speedway, where he was 15th. But that result hasn’t soured his view of the facility, as he explained.
“I am a huge fan of AAS! I feel like the track is pretty racey and tight. It was disappointing our finish last time there, as the result didn't show our speed. I am looking forward to getting back there to have a solid finish. My goal for this next event is to have a solid top-five finish. Our car has had some pretty good long run speed, and if we can get the short run better, I think we can be up there contending with (Derek) Thorn and (Jacob) Gomes.”
Kanke is looking forward All American Speedway this weekend as well as the “2021 Season Finale October Classic” at Kern County Raceway Park. The two-time SRL Legends Series Champion is hopeful to hold off Blaine Rocha and Brandon Farrington for the final position in the top-five, while having his eyes set on closing the 15-point gap on fourth-place Kole Raz.
“As far as this year goes, I would like to finish the year off in the top-five in points”, Kanke stated. “Hopefully I can gain that fourth-place spot, that would be really exciting for our team. We would like to finish these last couple races strong and get more experience to put us in a good position for next year.”
With a trip to the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt Nationals in 2021, where he scored a third-place run in a preliminary night feature in his Sport Mod, and a 10th-place run in the finale amongst 120 cars, Kanke has had a career year, and seems to be coming into his own. The son of the all-time winningest driver in NASCAR Southwest Tour Series history, M.K. Kanke, would like to make a name for himself among the best on the West Coast. His current season efforts are showing progress towards that feat. At Roseville he plans to continue that progression with the help of his friends, family, crew, and sponsors.
“I'd like to thank Dan and Kathy (Nikolai) for all that they have put into our team and me”, Kanke said. “It's been a lot of fun this year racing my first full year of the tour. I'd also like to thank my dad and our crew; Engineer Dennis Olson, Car Chief Sam Johnson, Spotter Kenny Dyer, Mike Dunkleburger for bringing all of his knowledge and expertise, Danny Nikolai Tires / Engineer, Mick Edwards Tires / Trailer & Car Prep and Rick Blackburn polisher, for all of the hard work and late nights on the car. I’d also like to thank W.A.R. Shocks, Allie Bakes, Good Dog Sushi and Movember for their support.
The “Nut Up 125 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM” will be Round #9 of the 2021 SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series season. They will be joined by the SPEARS Pro Late Model Series presented by Sigma Performance Services, and the Spears Modified Series. The BMR Driver’s Academy will also be on the card. $8,000 will be on the line for the winner, other than Derek Thorn, thanks to the Motor City Throwdown Challenge. For those who cannot attend, the races can be followed LIVE on www.SpearsRacing.TV. It will be broadcast on MAVTV at a time and date to be named later.
Celebrating its twenty-first season in 2021, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.
go Cale GO!
CALE & CREW ARE IN STOCKTON FOR ANOTHER "WILD WEST SHOOTOUT”
THE NEW STOCKTON 99 SPEEDWAY–AUGUST 14TH
On a very smoky and bumpy night in Stockton, Car 33 got punched in the nose and spun in just the 6th lap! A break down a few laps later ended the race early, and placing Cale in15th when it was all over. Not the most favorite race, but that’s short track paved oval racing and Cale is still glad he got to be out there. Ten cars didn’t even finish the race on this wild night. Gives him that much more motivation for our next go-around.
We got a BIG race happenin at The New Stockton 99 Speedway this Saturday night for Round 3 of the Wild West Shootout. See the fastest gunslingers in the West duke it out for 227 laps. Join us at the track or LIVE online at SpearsRacing.TV. It’s the 3rd and Final Round of the Wild West Shootout and with 227 laps at the 1/4 mile paved oval, its definitely a CAN'T MISS event!!
It’s the 3rd and Final Round of the Wild West Shootout and with 227 laps at the 1/4 mile paved oval, its definitely a CAN'T MISS event! The $10K to Win JM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. Wild West Shootout "Touch Too Much 227 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM"!
CONGRATULATIONS TO WILLE ALLEN ON HIS NEW GREEN JACKET
NASHVILLE FAIRGROUNDS SPEEDWAY–JULY 17
Cale and Team wish to send a huge shout out to good friend Willie Allen.
On a night which saw an energetic, capacity crowd fill the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway grandstands as the Camping World SRX Series came to town, one of Nashville’s own Willie Allen claimed the prestigious green jacket in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Rackley Roofing Masters of the Pros 150.
VIDEO: Recap the CRA: Champion Racing Association Masters of the Pros at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway with Willie Allen Racing, Cody Coughlin, and Jake Garcia Racing.
CALE KANKE EARNS A CAREER BEST FOURTH-PLACE FINISH!
IRWINDALE RACEWAY–JULY 17
It was a wild night - avoided a wreck or two, went three-wide for a second, and held third for most of the 100 laps! Cale was SO close to placing third and landed finishing FOURTH! His best finish yet! The RPM Team had an absolute amazing time.
Here's a clip of the last 10 laps from Irwindale Speedway. Cale even bested Derek Thorn for a split second. There is no Super Late Model Tour like the Spears SRL Southwest Tour. Some very skilled drivers put on a show for sure this night.
Photo credit srlsouthwesttour.com
COME ON DOWN TO IRWINDALE TONIGHT!
IRWINDALE RACEWAY–JULY 17
Let’s go!! Ready to get after it at Irwindale Speedway tonight. The stars of the Spears SRL Southwest Tour series will be at Irwindale Speedway for some three wide racing. Come watch Cale race and catch the firework show after — Gates open @ 4 and racing @ 7! P.S: there’s gonna be a pretty cool event involving mini vans crashing into each other if you needed even more more incentive to come on out.
There is a Autograph Session in the Pits at 5:45. Our sponsor Allie Bakes will be handing out fresh and delicious cupcakes to all in attendance… while they last!
A 6TH PLACE FINISH FOR CALE IN KERN!
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–JUNE 26
Things are heading back in the right direction! After an 11th place start, Cale pulled up to 6th after 75 laps at Kern County Raceway. Nice to have fans in the stands on a very hot June night. See y’all in Irwindale July 17th.
TEAM CALE IS HEADED TO KERN FOR THE JM ENVIRONMENTAL "WILD WEST SHOOTOUT”
KERN COUNTY RACEWAY–JUNE 26
RACE FANS!! The event of the Summer is only 3 days away!! The $10,000 to Win JM Environmental "Wild West Shootout - Get It Hot 75" is this Saturday, June 26 at Kern County Raceway Park!! Click below for the weekend schedule, pre-entry list, 2021 championship standings and SPEARS Southwest Tour Series historical stats. A great night of racing and the Central Valley's best Firework's Show!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CALE!
Yum! Banana Birthday Cake after a 6th place finish at Kern County Raceway. Icing on the icing on the cake.
CALE KANKE RIDES INTO THE “WILD WEST SHOOTOUT ARE YOU READY 147”
All American Speedway–May 22nd
Getting Car 33 ready to qualify at Roseville All American Speedway. Practice went great today. Go Cale Go!
Welp! We qualified 9th and were running pretty solid until we had a little fight with the wall close to the last quarter. We lost placing us in 15th. Like the old song goes, “I fought the wall and the wall won”. Just this once.
Back to the shop to fix her on up and get back out on the track soon!
Photo courtesy of Spears Srl Southwest Tour Facebook page
Cale Kanke Racing #33 and the mustache adorning his Dodge Charger Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series Super Late Model. Kanke is currently sixth in the Final Practice Session of the weekend for the Super Late Models.
The JM Environmental “Wild West Shootout Are You Ready 147” presented by 51 FIFTY LTM will take place at All American Speedway (CA) on May 22nd. It will be the first of three “Shootout“ events for the series, sponsored by John Moore and JM Environmental. Round #1 will pay $8,000 to the winner. $1,000 leader bonuses will be paid on lap 27 and lap 127, as well as a $5,000 bonus for any driver qualifying in the top-eight, that starts at the rear and wins the event. The event will feature green flag runs of no longer than 40 laps, unless it is within the last 25 laps. Teams will start the Main Event straight-up based upon qualifying, unless a team decides to take the “to the back” challenge. The unique format is the brainchild of SRL and All-American Speedway competitor John Moore.
Winning Tradition: The Kanke family is know for their abilities behind the wheel of a race car. M.K. Kanke is a former SRL Champion and the winningest driver in NASCAR Southwest Tour Series history. M.K. has an SRL win at All American Speedway and he will be helping his son Cale do the same this weekend in Roseville. Cale has gotten the season off to a strong start and sits fourth in the season standings, finishing no lower than ninth. He will make his Super Late Model debut at the facility this weekend, after competing in five SRL Legend Series events in the past.
Let’s go Cale!
THE CALIFORNIA COWBOY RACES IN STOCKTON
THE NEW STOCKTON 99 SPEEDWAY–mAY 1ST
Welcome to the Stockton 99, the tough little 1/4 mile oval track where things go bump in the night. Running solidly in the 5th spot late in the race, Cale got spun in the 108th lap. He handled it perfectly, got the car right back in there and still pulled out a top-ten finish, coming in 9th. Congratulations Cale!
On to the next race! See you all in Roseville May 22nd.
The 33 Machine ran great for both days of practice and had a great qualifying time, placing 3rd. After the pole position, Cale was given a 7th place start.
From the New Stockton 99 Speedway Facebook page:
For Immediate Release / Bakersfield, CA - The SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series will invade Stockton 99 Speedway for the first of two visits on May 1st, for the “SPEARS Southwest Tour 125 presented by Senneker Performance”. It will be the 30th time the series has visited the historic speedway whose history goes back to 1947.
The final top-five position is occupied by the son of a former SRL Champion, and the all-time wins leader in the NASCAR Southwest Tour Series, M.K. Kanke. His son Cale is having his best season in the series thus far. Cale has finished in the top-10 in all three events, and scored his first career top-five at the last series event in Irwindale. Kanke will also be making his Super Late Model debut at Stockton, but he has seven SRL Legend Series starts. Amongst those are six top-five efforts.
CALE KANKE GETS HIS FIRST TOP-FIVE FINISH!
IRWINDALE Raceway APRIL 10Th
Cale Kanke drove with nerves of steel to capture his first Fifth Place finish at Irwindale Speedway Saturday night at the SWT NASCAR and Spears SRL Night. Starting in 8th position, he quickly pulled into 7th, and then 6th and fought off a passing attempt for more than 30 laps before pulling into 5th place with just four laps to go. It was a thrilling night for this young driver.
This was the first event at Irwindale Speedway that fans were allowed in attendance for a year. The event sold out with the grandstands were half full, allowing for the required social distancing. Everyone was clearly enjoying the experience.
Well deserved congratulations Cale!
THE CALIFORNIA COWBOY ROUNDS UP A 9TH PLACE FINISH AT SRL WINTER SHOWDOWN
Kern County Raceway March 20th
Cale’s flight from Tennessee arrived at10:30 am, just in time for him to hit the track for qualifying. Cale Kanke finished in 9th place at the SRL Tour Winter Showdown in Bakersfield. He got up to 7th a couple of times but there were a few cautions at the end of the race. Lots of action on the restarts between Cale and two other drivers. Decent result given the circumstances. Congratulations Cale! See you April 20th in Irwindale for the SWT NASCAR and Spears SRL Night.
Image Copyright 2020 Sal Sigala Jr.
CALE KANKE FINISHES 1OTH AT DIRT NATIONALS!
The trip back east was worth it, as Kanke transferred through his Last Chance Qualifier, finishing third. He then started 22nd in the Feature Event and drove to a 10th place finish at the end of 30 laps in the nearly all green flag event. 120 Sport Mods were in attendance. Congrats Cale! see you at Kern County Raceway on Saturday for the Winter Showdown.
CALE KANKE IS HEADED TO DIRT NATIONALS
DIRT TRACK NATIONALS MARCH 15–20, 2021
WEST COAST DIRT NEWS UPDATES
The latest news on Cale at Dirt Nationals
Cale Kanke’s Sport Mod Car 33 has been fine tuned and is ready to race in Bristol at the Dirt Nationals.Go Cale Go!
OUTSIDE GROOVE CHECKS IN WITH CALE
VIDEO INTERVIEW FROM DIRT NATIONALS
Cale gives a great interview inn Bristol! #CaliforniaCowboy - Cale Kanke #33ck Sport Modified
Wish Cale good luck at Bristol Motor Speedway. The car is loaded up and headed out to Tennessee to compete in the Sport Mod Class.
The Karl Kustoms Bristol Dirt Nationals will showcase more than 1,200 racers throughout eight racing classes and multiple sanctioning bodies coming together for a spectacular week of dirt racing at the half-mile, high-banked oval at Bristol Motor Speedway.
The event will usher in the return to dirt at Bristol Motor Speedway for the first time in twenty years on March 15-20, 2021. Eight Classes of cars will compete all week long with champions crowned on the weekend including the first stop of the Karl Chevrolet Double Down Triple Crown – a $50,000-to-WIN Super Late Model main event.
A giant field of competitors from all over the country leaped on the opening day of registration for this mega-event. A murderer’s row of competitors have entered the event across all the racing divisions. From Hornets to Super Late Models there is a giant amount of speculation and intrigue surrounding gearing for the legendary half mile oval.
You can stream the races at XR+ on race days.
LATE MODEL DIGEST
FEBRUARY 19, 2021
The most recent issue of Late Model Digest has coverage of the Sunrise Ford All-Star Showdown at Irwindale CA. Cale Kanke is featured on page 31. There is lots of great reporting on races around the county.
SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway
February 6, 2021
2021 All Star Showdown Qualifying. Kale Canke pulls a 15th place position, after excellent practice run times.
RPM MOTOTRSPORTS COMES UP WITH A TOP 10 FINISH IN THE ALL-STAR SHOWDOWN
Cale Kanke brought Car 33 in with an 8th place finish at the 2021 All-Star Showdown Saturday February 6, 2021 – Spears SRL Southwest Tour (unofficial). Qualifying in 15th place, and starting in the 13th position, Cale really moved up and held a steady top ten position throughout most the race. Nice job Cale!
Cale Kanke is headed through Qualifying Tech at the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series. Sunrise Ford All-Star Showdown 200 presented by the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame at Irwindale Speedway.
Halftime break of the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway. Preston Peltier leads Jace Hansen, Casey Roderick, Buddy Shepherd and Jacob Gomes. The first 99 laps of the race were a barn burner.
DIRT TRACK RACING
Salinas’ Bobby Hogge used a dramatic pass on the outside to take his fifth career Pettit Shootout victory on Saturday night at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, Calif.
CALE KANKE FINISHES 4TH IN THE PETTIT SHOOTOUT AT WATSONVILLE
WATSONVILLE, CALIF. (SEPTEMBER 27, 2020) – Cale Kanke had a fourth place finish in the tenth running of the Pettit Shootout in a 64-car turnout of IMCA Modifieds at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Cale overcame a14th place start to finish fourth just behind Todd Gomez.
