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07/22/2026

Spotlight #26 – Camron Diatte

Camron Diatte is a fourth-generation racer whose family’s involvement in motorsports stretches back nearly 100 years. His great-grandfather, Al “Snooky” Owen of Fresno, began racing motorcycles in the late 1920s and became an accomplished hillclimb, speedway and short-track competitor. Owen won the 1947 National Championship Class C Hill Climb at Covo Ranch in San Jose and earned another major AMA hillclimb victory near Mineral Wells, Texas, where he was the only rider to reach the top of the 440-foot hill. After his riding career, Owen remained active as a motorcycle dealer, speedway-bike builder and owner, fielding equipment for Northern California rider Duane Yarrow.

The tradition continued through Camron’s father, Troy Diatte, who raced quads and Enduro stock cars at San Jose, Altamont and Watsonville. Troy’s final Enduro came at Watsonville Speedway in 2006, but he continued supporting the family’s racing efforts from the shop and pits.

Camron and his brother Ryan began racing together in dirt-track go-karts at Tulare County Kart Club before moving into Dwarf Cars. Ryan became the 2008 and 2010 Watsonville/Ocean Speedway Dwarf Car champion, won major Western States Nationals events and later founded Diatte Racing Innovations.

Camron built his own championship résumé at Watsonville, earning the Dwarf Car title in 2013 and again in 2017. His career also includes multiple Ocean Speedway victories, two wins during the inaugural 2018 Oregon Dwarf Car Speedweek, Western States Nationals success, and the 2025 WSDCA Nationals Pro victory at Petaluma Speedway.

The momentum has continued into 2026. On July 11, Camron captured one of the biggest victories of his career by winning the Night 2 WSDCA Nationals Pro Feature at Petaluma Speedway, leading an unforgettable hometown sweep of the podium with Marcus Hardina finishing second and Legacy Chassis owner Chad Matthias crossing the line in third. Just one week later, on July 18, Camron returned to Victory Lane by winning the Redwood Dwarf Car Association Pro Main Event during a Petaluma Speedway championship points race. Those back-to-back victories gave him two wins in three starts, proving once again why he's one of the premier drivers in Dwarf Car racing.

Today, Camron competes in the original Legacy Chassis No. 002 while carrying forward a family tradition that has crossed motorcycles, quads, Enduro cars, go-karts and Dwarf Cars. Nearly a century after Al Owen first began racing, the family remains active—and Camron continues adding victories and accomplishments of his own.

In Camron's own words:

It started with my great grandfather Al Owen “Snooky” then my dad raced quads and Honda odyssey’s and then later moved to enduro races and was a crew chief for his best friends Jim DiGiovanni modified and then bought our first go kart that my brother raced in 2003and my dads last race was in 2004 and started racing go karts in 2004, my brother moved to dwarf cars in 2007 and I started racing dwarf cars in 2008 and won my first race in 2009. My brother won the BAD (Bay Area dwarfs) championship in 2008, he won the WSDCA national championship in 2011 and I was WSDCA co-champion with Ronnie Williams in 2012. My brother created DRI in the 2010 off season and has been building engines, shocks and chassis setup consulting since. I won the 2017 SBDCA championship and did a Northwest Speedweek in 2018 and took 7 years off after that, sold the racecar in 2019. And eventually Joey Lingron would race that car and that’s the car he had his bad wreck in at Quincy.

It wasn’t until 2025 when Chad and Joey took a trip to Watsonville that I had even considered getting back into a racecar. Joey gave me permission to race his car at the Santa Maria National in June of 2025, and Chad and I clicked. I later prepared Kinser Endicott’s old race car that was sitting at the shop with a lot of help from Chad, and we went on to win the Petaluma National that year and had a few more good runs after.

I have taken most of this year off until this opportunity came about, and now here I am with Legacy Chassis No. 002, with two wins in my last three races. The first came on July 11, 2026, winning the Night 2 WSDCA Nationals Pro Feature at Petaluma Speedway and leading a hometown sweep of the podium with Marcus Hardina finishing second and Legacy Chassis owner Chad Matthias taking third. My second victory came just one week later, on July 18, 2026, by winning the Redwood Dwarf Car Association Pro Main Event during a Petaluma Speedway championship points race. It's been an incredible way to return to the driver's seat, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds.

07/22/2026

Hello everyone. This is Ron Lingron, Announcer and some time Facebook poster. While Rick is finally away from the speedway where he can get away and breathe and re-charge his batteries, my wife has taken the reins and has reached out for sponsors for the upcoming Dave Lindt Jr Memorial.

From my wife:

“Let’s make this bigger than having NARC. Looking for sponsors big or small. If you want to sponsor a lap, the fastest time during the main event, heat race winners, fast time qualifying. You name it you can sponsor. These drivers race because they love it knowing they are not going to get rich doing it. Every little bit helps to get to the track. Message the speedway or me if you are interested in sponsoring in some way. We will make sure your sponsorship is recognized on Facebook and on race day.

Thank you in advance!”

So far, after just a few hours, we have, courtesy of Petaluma Speedway driver Trevor Rodriguez:

$50 to every Heat Race winner
$100 to hard charger in the feature
$100 to fastest lap in the feature

$200 extra “Blue to the Front” bonus for the 6th place from Becky McCoy, whose husband Shawn was instrumental in getting Jr hooked on racing at a young age.

12 packs of Budweiser from Joey Lingron Racing, the final Heavy Metal Racing member inducted by Jr himself for Heat Race Winners and Feature Winner.

It’s coming together quickly. Let’s make this the best Dave Lindt Jr Memorial ever despite the challenges we faced when NARC pulled the plug!

We thank you for your generosity. Please message my wife or the Speedway if you want to get involved by sponsoring something for the Dave Lindt Jr Memorial, August 1st!

07/21/2026

Bad Ass black & white shot of the King.

1986 - Syracuse Mile - Steve Kinser #11 letting it all hang out. (Dave Pratt photo)

07/21/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PETALUMA SPEEDWAY ADDS ADDED MONEY WINGLESS SPEC SPRINTS ON CANCELLED NARC DATE OF AUGUST 1

Due to NARC cancelling their August 1st date, Promoter Rick Faeth has added the SRML Environmental Wingless Spec Sprints as a makeup race for one lost to weather earlier this year. This race will still be the Dave Lindt, Jr Memorial and pay $1500 to win and $200 to start for racers. Yes, this is also a Petaluma Speedway points race for the SRML Environmental Wingless Spec Sprint Cars.

Dwarf Cars, Hobby Stocks and Mini Stocks will also be racing as scheduled.

07/21/2026

Everything You Need to Know About Sprint Car Tires

In 410 sprint cars, we run a D12A left rear and a D15A right rear.

A few key things make these tires unique:

* Both tires use a non-directional tread pattern, which means they can be mounted and run either way. That’s why the Hoosier paint is visible on both sides.
* The tread features small blocks with holes in them to help release heat and reduce the chances of blistering or chunking.
* There’s no camber built into the tire — the tread surface is completely flat across.
* On the left rear, we have four casing options: 92, 93, 94, and 96. Different casings allow us to fine-tune stagger and better match track conditions.
* A lot of teams will groove and sipe their tires to change how they react on the racetrack and to help tune grip.
* The right rear has a stiffer sidewall, while the left rear has a softer sidewall. The goal is for the two tires to complement each other and work together at speed.

Sprint car tires are a huge part of the setup, and even small changes can make a big difference in how the car drives and how much speed you can find.

07/20/2026

A new chapter begins for one of NASCAR's toughest competitors.

After an incredible career that includes 18 NASCAR Cup Series victories, the 2008 Daytona 500 pole, the 2013 Brickyard 400 win, and years of battling the sport's best, Ryan "Rocket Man" Newman is adding another challenge to his legendary résumé.

Next Tuesday and Wednesday, Newman will make his World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series debut at Ohsweken Speedway, taking on some of the best sprint car drivers in the world on one of dirt racing's most exciting stages.

Known for never backing down from a challenge, Newman has competed in everything from NASCAR to USAC and dirt modifieds. Now, he'll strap into a winged sprint car and test himself against stars like David Gravel, Donny Schatz, Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart, and the rest of the World of Outlaws field.

Can the Rocket Man make some noise in his World of Outlaws debut? Sprint car fans are about to find out!

Do you think Ryan Newman can race his way into the feature and surprise the Outlaws? Share your prediction below!



From World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

07/20/2026

🏁 At 70 years old, Sammy Swindell is proving that legends never stop winning.

One of the greatest sprint car drivers in history added another chapter to his incredible career Saturday night, capturing the VROOM feature during the Rumble on the River USCS event at Riverside International Speedway.

Known throughout the racing world as "Slammin' Sammy," Swindell's résumé is nothing short of legendary. The Bartlett, Tennessee native is a three-time World of Outlaws champion (1981, 1982, 1997) and owns an astounding 394 World of Outlaws A-Main victories, placing him among the winningest sprint car drivers of all time. His accomplishments include victories in the Knoxville Nationals, Kings Royal, Chili Bowl Nationals (five times), and countless other marquee events over a career that has spanned more than five decades.

Swindell also ventured into NASCAR's Cup, Busch, and Truck Series, competed in Champ Car, and even attempted to qualify for the 1987 Indianapolis 500. Yet, through it all, sprint car racing has remained his home.

Although he announced his retirement in 2014, retirement clearly didn't last long. Swindell returned to racing, picked up sprint car victories in 2023 and 2025, and now, at 70 years old, he's still climbing to the top step of the podium.

Congratulations to all of Saturday night's feature winners at Riverside International Speedway:

🏆 Deal Brothers Stock Cars: Carter Caldwell
🏆 Black Oak Gin 600 Mini Sprints: Gunner Swindell
🏆 VROOM: Sammy Swindell
🏆 G&S Electric Modifieds: Dennis Kimbrough
🏆 360 Winged Sprints: Dale Howard

Very few drivers have enjoyed the longevity and sustained success that Sammy Swindell has. Watching one of dirt racing's all-time greats continue to win against competitors decades younger is a reminder that talent, determination, and passion never go out of style.

What is your favorite Sammy Swindell memory?



Photo: Riverside International Speedway West Memphis, AR | Wes Hale Photo

07/20/2026

🏁 Driver Spotlight #25 – Callie Whiting 🏁

Some racers are born into the sport. Others discover it through determination, curiosity, and a willingness to chase a dream wherever it leads.

At just 19 years old, Callie Whiting has already taken an uncommon path to the driver's seat. From carving through winter storms on the ski slopes of Tahoe to setting records in karting and now competing in the highly competitive Pro Division behind the wheel of Legacy Chassis #009, Callie has embraced every challenge with a relentless desire to learn and improve. Along the way, she found more than just a new passion—she found the racing family and sense of community she had been searching for.

Now, in Callie's own words, here's her story.

Hey there, my name is Callie Whiting. I'm 19 years old, and this is my second full season behind the wheel of a dwarf car.

Since I was two years old, there have been videos of me strapped into skis, making my way down Tahoe slopes during winter storms. Like most kids growing up in Tahoe, skiing was a huge part of my childhood. I progressed from ski racing to freeride teams and eventually traveled around the country competing. The mountains felt like home, but despite all the time I spent there, I always felt something was missing: a sense of community.

When I got my driver's license at 16, motorsports quickly became my new obsession. I had no racing connections and knew nothing about cars, but it was all I could think about. I started in rental karting leagues around Reno and Sacramento and worked my way through the competition, setting records and winning championships. While looking for the next step, I met Vuki Wilson Jr. in Carson City. He introduced me to dwarf car racing, and after attending the Fallon season opener and volunteering at the 2024 WSDCA National in Quincy, I knew I had found that next step.

In June 2024, Vuki loaned me a spare car for three races to help me get my foot in the door, and I was hooked immediately. By August, we bought our first car, raced it, rolled it, sold it, and upgraded. In 2025, I completed my first full season racing across Northern Nevada and with WSDCA. Despite plenty of mechanical issues and the challenge of balancing racing with my senior year of high school, the season led us to order a new chassis from Chad Mathias. In early 2026, I spent two weeks at the Legacy shop building the 187R before jumping straight into the Pro division with a "learn it the hard way" mindset.

Today, I race with RWDCA and spend my time at the Legacy shop, constantly bouncing between Truckee, Petaluma, and Arizona. None of the progress I've made would have been possible without my family (Tiff and Blue), Chad, Camron, and everyone at Legacy Chassis. Their support, generosity, and willingness to teach me have played a huge role in my growth as a driver, and I'll always be grateful for the opportunities they've given me.

Right now I work with Legacy Chassis in Petaluma after Chad took me on as staff when we built my car, while continuing to develop my skills as a driver due to the little experience I have.

Goals for the future are to continue to improve in dwarfs and eventually find that next step. I'm not sure what the next step looks like for me, but I'll trust that I will find it.

07/20/2026

🏁🏁 SPOTLIGHT #24 – TRAVIS MANNING 🏁🏁

Some race cars carry more than paint and numbers—they carry memories.

For the 2026 season, Travis Manning proudly pilots the former Shawn "Iron Man" McCoy car, keeping Shawn's legacy alive with Becky McCoy's blessing. It's a fitting tribute, because Travis reflects the same spirit that makes grassroots racing special. He's quick with a smile, a firm handshake, and never hesitates to lend a hand when someone needs it. That's the kind of racer you'll find throughout our pit area, where the competition stays on the track and the racing family always looks after one another.

Now, in Leslie Manning's own words, here's Travis's story.

Travis Manning went to his first race at Petaluma Speedway when he was 5 months old…..and it just got better after that. He comes by his racing dream honestly, thanks to his maternal grandfather who raced at Rapid City Speedbowl while stationed at Rushmore AFS. He drove a 49 or 51 Plymouth sedan, named the Rushmore Rusher. He came in third and won $5 one night. Unfortunately, his grandfather’s racing career was cut short by the base commander…..

Travis’s aunt even tried her hand at racing, in a powder puff race. She never had the nerve again…..

Travis started his racing dream late in the 2024 season, driving the 22B, later rebranded to the 18R. He drove the 18R last year with almost a full season at Petaluma, plus the Marysville National, and while he was a DNF Saturday night due to motor issues, it was a good experience for him.

He had the opportunity to buy Shawn McCoy’s 60R dwarf car earlier this year and will be running it as is (paint colors) as the 160R in memory of Shawn with Becky McCoy’s blessing. He did drive at Antioch Speedway but had a close encounter with the wall coming out of Turn 4, earning him the nickname "Hot Laps."

Travis also offers his support to Hawkins Motorsports and other racers when he’s not racing himself. Travis is hoping to gain some sponsors because racing is expensive...and his parents haven’t won the lottery yet!

His parents, Tim & Leslie, support him wholeheartedly and are looking forward to his racing season, serving as his pit crew (or at least his dad—mom is more the cheerleader). Travis is also trying to convince his dad to get a car after he retires...mom’s not so sure about that plan.

When not racing, Travis works for Bell Products Mechanical out of Napa. Prior to that he worked at Hansel Ford, so someone reading this may have worked with him to buy a car or truck.

Written by his mother, Leslie Manning.