7/15/2024
Meridian Speedway
Palmer Beats Heat, All Comers to Sweep Scorching Saturday
Racers and fans alike beat the record heat at Meridian Speedway last Saturday, July 13, as the quarter-mile asphalt oval hosted the American Staffing Twin 25’s. The Zamp NASCAR Latemodels, Idaho CDL Training Street Stocks, and Domino’s Legends each ran two features Saturday, while the Trammel Construction Stingers and Speedway Bandoleros race door-to-door for a single set of Performance Signs and Graphics trophies.
Young Andrew Palmer beat the heat and his competitors Saturday to complete a “once-in-a-lifetime" performance. At the controls of both his Bobby’s Transmission Center-sponsored Idaho CDL Training Street Stock and his Zamp NASCAR Latemodel, Palmer went four-for-four in feature victories for a sizzling Saturday night sweep.
Palmer’s night started fast as he held off former Idaho CDL Training Street Stock champion Taylor Occhipinti to score win number one. Next up was a Zamp NASCAR Latemodel duel with Melissa Weaver. Palmer outpaced Weaver’s damaged Marv’s Tire Service, Sonic Crush machine and cruised across the finish line nearly four seconds ahead of the runner-up.
The night’s second Idaho CDL Training Street Stock feature was hard fought as Occhipinti tried to interrupt Palmer’s winning ways. As the laps wound down Occhipinti mounted a spirited challenge for the lead, but no matter how hard he drove his Marv’s Tire, Sonic Crush machine into the corner he couldn’t work his way by Palmer, who stormed to the victory.
The Zamp NASCAR Latemodels wrapped up Saturday night’s action with another Palmer-Weaver showdown. Weaver struck first as she took the early lead, but Palmer tracked down the veteran and ripped around the outside line to take the lead and the win for himself.
“It’s really exciting to come out and compete like this,” Palmer said during his second visit to the Caleb’s Chop Shop Winner’s Circle.
Domino’s Legends competitor Austin Murphy found an extra gear in his Phoenix Fire Games, Bryant Ideas racer and used it to outrun Mike Soiseth in the division’s first feature. In the second Domino’s Legends feature Murphy found himself in a duel with Leon Tridle III. Tridle tried everything he could think of to keep his Knife River, Sticker Status machine up front, but he couldn’t hold off Murphy, who scored his own divisional sweep Saturday.
“All these drivers are incredibly talented,” Murphy said as he collected his first Performance Signs and Graphics trophy. “I am so excited!”
Trammel Construction Stinger racer Ryat Gorringe got his season back on track with a feature victory Saturday. Gorringe brought his Fast Lane Indoor Kart Racing, Boise Skateboard Supply ride home ahead of Michael Trammel’s Trammel Construction machine and division point leader Makayla Trafford in a backup Quality Alignment, Quick Dry car. Kalli Weller came home fourth and Trinity Sheckells fifth.
The Speedway Bandolero feature came down to a family feud as Tayton Monroe squeezed his Torch Towing and Transport, Idaho Wrecker Sales racer around the outside of his sister Bristol Monroe in turn four to take the lead and four laps later the win. Mason Martin finished third and Jhett Phipps retired early to score a fourth-place finish.
The summer stretch hits high gear at Meridian Speedway this Saturday, July 20, as the quarter-mile asphalt oval hosts the annual Neil Alan Race for Hunger 125 presented by Idaho Central Credit Union. The Idaho Asphalt Services Hornets run the night’s title 125-lap race, while the NASCAR Modifieds, Boise Bath and Kitchen Company Mini Stocks, Project Filter Pro-4s, and Trammel Construction Stingers round out a full lineup of racing action. Log on to www.meridianspeedway.com for more information on Saturday night’s Neil Alan Race for Hunger 125 presented by Idaho Central Credit Union and to purchase your advance tickets. We’ll see you under the big, yellow water tower this Saturday, July 20, for the Neil Alan Race for Hunger 125 presented by Idaho Central Credit Union at your NASCAR Home Track, Meridian Speedway.
Submitted By: Tyler Schild