Image credit: Cameron Hageman / Pure Pixel Visuals
This weekend Lemoore Raceway will host the prestigious 'Jet Bowl Classic'. RACECAR Illustrated contributor Cameron Hageman from Pure Pixel Visuals will be on scene all weekend long to document all of the action with his incredible imagery and written event coverage. Below is Cameron's preview of the prestigious micro sprint event.
This weekend marks the start of Lemoore Jet Bowl’s 75th season of racing. The track itself started out in the middle of a field in 1947 (a stone’s throw from the current location), holding its first event in 1950. Having undergone a relocation in 1995 and then a major overhaul in 2022, this track has its fair share of history. It opened back before the days of roll cages, HANS devices, and even before full face helmets were mandatory. Back then, the speeds weren’t nearly as high, but the drivers were just as courageous as today. After the track’s relocation in the mid-nineties, the original site became Lemoore High School.
This weekend’s race highlights the classic style of those heyday’s from three quarters of a century ago. The Jet Bowl Classic is meant to pay respects to that bygone era of racing and drivers alike, with some even sporting retro designs and fashion.
2024 Jet Bowl Classic Winners
Cash Lovenburg – A Class
Mackcen Roush – Junior Sprints
Austin Torgerson – Non-Wing Outlaw
Blayden Graham – Restricted
Austin Torgerson – Winged Outlaw
Austin Torgerson took home 2 of the 5 main event wins last year and if he runs this year, expect him to fight for the same results. He’s coming off a win at Plaza Park last week, so he has the momentum. Mackcen Roush is in the same zone, fresh off a victory and hungry for more. I have no doubt he will find a way to the front, but now in the Restricted class, battling alongside defending Jet Bowl Restricted Champion Blayden Graham. Roush’s younger brother, Huxcen, wasted no time parking it in victory lane, winning 2 of 2 at the KKM West Showdown in his Junior Sprint debut. While Cash Lovenburg didn’t have the race he would have hoped for at Plaza, he’s no stranger to victory lane so look out for him when the checkered flag drops.
The Jet Bowl is a fantastic track that regularly hosts some of the best racing in the Central Valley and has an amazing snack bar. Theres also a couple booths for the adult beverages if you’re interested. Be sure to bring a sweater or jacket as Lemoore tends to get a bit breezy after the sun goes down at this time of year.
The Lemoore Jet Bowl is located just east of the 41, south of 198 in Lemoore. The Friday schedule indicates the drivers meeting is at 6pm with wheel pack and hot laps to follow soon after. Expect the racing to being around 7pm with heat races first. Saturday is scheduled a bit earlier with the drivers meeting set to be at 430pm. For more info on the track and amenities, visit www.lemoorejetbowl.com or Lemoore Jet Bowl on Instagram.
I will be at the track both days covering the racing action and getting those sweet shots. If you see me, don’t be afraid to say hey!