'Carson drivers knocked out of main event'

Carson City supermodified drivers Eric Silsby and Dale Lamborn raced at Madera (Calif.) Speedway Saturday night in a 50-lap feature of the Supermodified Racing League.

Also on the venue were the United States Auto Club Western Region Sprint Cars, including former Minden resident Amy Barnes. After finishing fifth in her heat race (Barnes started second), she was forced to drive the B-main for a transfer spot to the A-main. Barnes did not earn a transfer spot to the main event.

Silsby qualified fifth-fast on the night which saw a field of 17 cars, Lamborn was seventh. Silsby and Lamborn both were fielded in the first of two heat races. Lamborn finished fifth, Silsby was second.

In the main event, Lamborn lined up in the fourth position -- second row, outside. Silsby was right behind him in the sixth spot. With an off weekend for NASCAR, current Winston Cup champion Tony Stewart was in the race also, lined up inside of Silsby for the main event.

The 50-lap feature was marred with accidents. After taking three starts to get the race under way, Lamborn was off to a great run making a pass on the first lap and holding a solid third at the beginning of the race.

While battling Stewart for the fourth spot, Silsby's left front nose wing was lifted from its position, creating loss of downforce. After being hit from behind, a right rear shock mount was broken, causing Silsby to have an even more difficult time of handling the car.

"It wasn't the best of nights," said car co-owner Steve Shaw.

"We were pretty disappointed. Everybody was banging on everybody and a lot of cars were taken out. I don't know if it was the Stewart factor or what, but, it was not a good night for us."

Silsby is second in points with 118, just six away from leader Lonnie Adamson; Lamborn is in sixth, with 106. The series resumes May 30 for a two-day feature at Meridian Speedway in Idaho.

The Supermodified Racing League comes to Champion Motor Speedway Aug. 2. League owner and former IRL driver Davey Hamilton is expected to race.