9/7/2009
Sprint Source
Camron Mendes scores first career win
[b Rohnert Park’s Mendes charges to first career victory in Placerville Finale]
[i By Bill Sullivan, Sullivan Images Media]
ROHNERT PARK, CA – Two years ago, Rohnert Park’s Camron Mendes chose to make Placerville Speedway his home track as he set out to advance his young sprint car racing career. Although his choice required a two hour drive every Saturday, the former outlaw kart racer felt that the quarter-mile bullring located in the sierra foothills best fit his driving style and would eventually lead him to achieving a life long dream of becoming a sprint car feature event winner. Saturday night that dream came true for Mendes as he held off several of the track’s veteran drivers to post his first career win before a capacity crowd on the final night of the Red Hawk Casino Championship Season.
After leading all 25-laps of Saturday’s feature event, Mendes pulled to the front stretch of Placerville Speedway Saturday to a cheering crowd that showed strong support for the young driver’s biggest accolade. Savoring the moment in the cockpit of his Joe Rose Law, Cartwright Builders, RPM Photo Art #29x sprint car, Mendes received the honorary handshake from the track’s director of competition, Mike Andreeta, a former winning driver himself, who is always supportive of young drivers advancing in the sport. Realizing the dream had become reality Mendes climbed from his car and raised his hands in celebration to the cheering fans that have grown to love the 18-year-old wheelman.
“I couldn’t have done this if it wasn’t for my crew,” said Mendes, who won the event in the absence of his crew chief. “I want to thank my crew chief Stymie. Even though he wasn’t there, he helped us by phone. I especially have to thank my step dad, Jim Cartwright, and my Mom for letting me do this and supporting me. This was the best way to end the point season at Placerville because we have had a really rough season.”
Mendes qualified seventh in Saturday’s event and earned the pole position in the 25-lap feature event after winning his heat race earlier in the evening. At the waving of the green flag he took the lead ahead of second place starter Kenny Allen of Chico. In the early laps of the race, Allen stayed within striking distance of Mendes until former two time track champion Mike Henry of Sacramento moved in to challenge for the lead along with fourth time Civil War Series Champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn.
For the first 22 laps of the race, Henry darted high and low in an aggressive effort to gain a faster line than Mendes to no avail. On a final restart with three laps to go, Mendes pulled even further ahead than he had been all night to seal his first feature win of the season. Mendes was trailed across the line by Henry, Forsberg, Allen and Mason Moore of Princeton. After the victory, he was congratulated by newly crowned Placerville Champion Colby Wiesz and was then tackled by his parents and crew in celebration.
“We are fortunate to have a team that works harder and harder every week and we finally did it,” said Jim Cartwright. “Unfortunately Stymie wasn’t here with us for this tonight but he was there via phone and planning our moves from his Mother’s 60th birthday party. I want to thank this entire team, Shaun, Alex, Jerry and Melanie for pulling together and finishing the points with our first win. A big thanks goes out to Joe Rose for his continued support throughout the season and everyone that has come to our aid. We will take this momentum with us to Chico for the Pacific Sprint Cup next week.”
Jim Cartwright was the first family member to reach Mendes on the front stretch. He was so excited when the checkered flag flew he ran down the access ramp, catching his shirt on the chain link fence and tearing it, giving him a rockstar appearance for the team’s very first win. Camron’s mother, Melanie, was just as emotional as her son following the victory and offered her view of the night that will long be remembered.
“Our beautiful drive to Placerville led to a conversation of how our team has struggled so much this season,” she said. “With the last points race upon us and our crew chief only available by phone, our team had our work cut out for us. Last night was like beautiful orchestra playing without flaw. Last night it all came together. Last night I ran to my son and saw the tears of joy in his eyes. Last night his dream of becoming a feature winner became a reality. There is only one first time. To be able to experience that moment with my son was such an indescribable feeling.”
Following Saturday’s victory, the Mendes spent the day at the Stoke Ranch in Santa Rosa representing the Bob Consani Racing Foundation at a gala car show. The team later attended the USAC race at nearby Calistoga Speedway and will now focus on the upcoming Pacific Sprint Cup this Wednesday night at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico.
JMS Motorsports appreciates all of their sponsors for their strong support this season Including, the Rose Law Firm of Folsom, Cartwright Builders of Rohnert Park, RPM Racing Photos of Placerville, Sparky’s Collision Center of Santa Rosa and VSR Steering Repair of Santa Rosa.
Those interested in learning more about Camron Mendes, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities for the post season or 2010 can do so by visiting the official team website at www.camronmendes.com. Information about the team’s title sponsor can be found at www.joeroselaw.com. Sponsorship inquiries can also be sent directly to: jms-motorsports@comcast.net. Further information on the Bob Consani Foundation please visit www.bobconsaniracing.com.
Submitted By: Bill Sullivan
