Story By: PJ PETERSON / C&M MOTORSPORTS – PLACERVILLE, CA – Looking to be in the mix during the first feature event of the season on Saturday night at Placerville Speedway, Tony Gomes fell victim to a broken stop late in the race on Saturday night and it ultimately resulted in a DNF for the Modesto, CA driver.
“It was a bummer way to have our night end after how hard the C&M Motorsports team worked,” Tony Gomes said. “I really put us in a bad spot in qualifying, but I got it together in the heat race and we were trending the right direction from there.”
With 30 cars checked into the pit area on Saturday night, Gomes timed the Lund Construction/Anrak/Sam Rhodes backed No. 7c in 15th fastest in qualifying time trails which lined him up in the third row of his heat race.
Needing to win the heat in the worst say do dig out of the early hole, Gomes indeed took care of the task at hand as he powered into the top spot. Working his way into the lead, Gomes was able to work his way around the tricky track surface as he picked up the win and moved into the redraw.
Pulling the four, Gomes was in a great spot to have a top finish to open to 2025 Championship season at the quarter mile bullring as he settled into the Top-Five as the race got underway.
Hanging up front with the leaders, a stop let go on Gomes’s entry and his car sat in a curious stance as he continued on his way. Battling hard, Gomes ultimately slowed to a stop when other cars tangled and opted to go to the work area to make repairs.
Getting stuck in the work area as the race came back to life, Gomes’ night came to an end as he retreated to the pit area.
“It was disappointing because I think we for sure had at least a podium worthy car if not more,” Gomes added. “Cody and Mandi have been so great over the years continuing to support my racing efforts and allow me to drive their car, and Cody, Bobby, and John always work so hard. I think we are in for a great year, and I also want to thank all of the great sponsors that continue to support our group.”
The C&M Motorsports team would like to thank Lund Construction, Anrak, Sam Rhodes, Alturas Tires, Swartz Diesel, Adrian Blanco Jewelry, Kings Meats, American Paving Systems, PT Shocks, Creason Enterprises, and all of their product sponsors for their continued support.
ON TAP: C&M Motorsports and Tony Gomes will get right back to it this weekend as they are set for the Sprint Car Challenge Tour season opening event at Placerville Speedway.