East Bay staff and management would like to extend our deepest sympathy to one of our racing families on the loss of their loved one. Memphis Sanders, the oldest son of Austin and Amber Sanders, was recently called to his heavenly home. Memphis was the grandson of W.C. and Elaine Sanders and Paul and Tessa Davis. This young man was a blessing to many people and will be missed very much.

Services for Memphis Sanders will be Tuesday, January 4 at Serenity Meadows Riverview, 6919 Providence Rd., Riverview, FL. The visitation will be at 9 a.m. with service to follow at 10 a.m. Following the service, there will be a gathering to share memories to be held at Marlin James, 1702 Marlin James Drive in Valrico.

Our thoughts and prayers are with this family during this difficult time. Please keep them all in your prayers in the coming days.

As 2021 comes to a close, we look back on the year and the good times and the bad times we have shared.

We are very grateful for our fans that came out for our Winternationals in 2021 and our weekly fans that come and support East Bay Raceway Park.

We also look back with sorrow at the number of our friends and family we lost this year and our hearts are saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are always with these families as they will start 2022 without their loved ones.

We are getting prepared for our 2022 Winternationals and our 2022 regular season. We appreciate your support over the years and look forward to another year of racing at East Bay.

The East Bay Management and Staff want to wish you a Happy New Year!!

See you soon!

The final night of the 2021 racing season at East Bay Raceway Park saw six divisions wrap up the year with the spotlight shining brightly on the 604 Late Models. A field of 26 cars closed off the campaign with many taking advantage of the opportunity run without a roof.

Steve Mathis Jr., who was denied a third consecutive win in his last outing, made good on his promise to himself to win the last race of the year. Mathis moved out front in the early stages and ended a trio of cautions on lap three that slowed the pace. The second of the cautions was brought on by a nine-car pileup in turn three that blocked the track and led to a red flag. Shortly after, things began to settle down as the field started to reel off green flag laps. By lap 7, Mathis was working through traffic while the battle was on for second. Daniel Woody slipped by Keith Nosbisch to gain the runner-up spot. Mathis continued to methodically pick his way through the biggest field of the season. On lap 15, his efforts were stymied by a pair of lapped cars battling for position. Woody could not make appreciable progress while battling Nosbisch for second. On lap 24, still under green, the top four cars had cleared lapped cars with Mathis maintaining a six-length advantage.

The caution returned on lap 27 from a spin in turn two and the field stayed under green until the checkered flag. Mathis’ third feature win of the year brought a $2,500 payoff plus an additional $200 from Robert Romano and a box of fasteners from ATC. Heat winners were Doug Horton, Keith Nosbisch and David Markham. With his third place finish in the feature, Horton claimed the track title, gaining the honor without a feature win.

The evening opened with the Florida Old Time Modifieds as Danny Bowman backed up his heat win with a checkered flag in the 15-lap feature.

The Q Auto & Injury Medical Malpractice Attorneys Mini Sprints closed off the year with the third win by Bryce Comer in his first year of competition. The eventual winner marched through the field to take the lead just before the midway point and ran steady to the end. The 2021 track champion, Bruce Comer, ran second to his nephew and announced his retirement from competition, choosing to pursue a role in assisting others in their racing endeavors. Bruce Comer and Kenny Brewer claimed heat wins.

Vernon Hart Jr. added his name to the list of winners in the Outlaw 4 class, grabbing the victory by holding off the charge of Mark Moniz. Heat winners were Stephen Hohlbaugh and Jimmy Baker. Eric Knight claimed the class championship.

Joel Huggins won his heat race, then moved by 2021 track champion Alex Cline for the lead in the 15-lap feature to put a new name on the winner’s list. Huggins made the trip to East Bay from his home near Des Moines, Iowa to get the win. Huggins had raced Winternationals a few years ago and had planned to visit East Bay earlier in the year. Despite his first appearance, it seemed the track was suited to his driving style for the win. Reed Garey, another first time competitor, won his heat.

Wayne Kissam has visited Victory Lane in 2021, but it was in the Gladiator class. Kissam was on a mission in the V-8 Warrior class, powering to the outside to grab the lead and claim his first win in the class. George Handy won the heat race while Nick Brown sealed up the track championship.

The next action will take place with the opening of the 2002 Winternationals on January 20 as five divisions compete in three nights of action with V-8 Warriors/Thunderstocks, Street Stocks, Gladiators, Mini Sprints and Micro Sprints on the card. Tickets are available to catch the action.

East Bay Raceway Park would like to thank everyone for making the 2021 season a successful one. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours.

604 LATE MODELS

Feature: Steve Mathis Jr. (95), Keith Nosbisch (02), Doug Horton (46), Daniel Woody (29), Jimmy Waldrop (9), Jeff Mathews (33), Cody Overton (97), Josh Peacock (2), Shan Smith (32), Trey Bayne (21T), Cole Crawford (4), Bruce Harvey (27H), Joshua Kunstbeck (11K), Matt Herlong (131), David Markham (50), John Norris (87), Justin Hammett (17), Pete Cochran (27c), Raymond Rogers (48), Brenden Smith (17ss), Jeff Choquette (40), Jason Garver (01), Benjamin Cranford (93), Ivedent Lloyd Jr. (21L), Joe Kump (721),. DNS – Thomas Burnside (13)

Q MINI SPRINTS

Feature: Bryce Comer (9), Bruce Comer (21), Kenny Brewer (45), David Hall (67), Charles Landis (12), Josh David (7s), John Inman (59X), Shanna Walters (13), Bill Gise (00), Jo Jo Davis (3rx), Joe Bartow (3). DNS – Doug Dyal (97D)

OUTLAW 4S

Feature: Vernon Hart Jr. (D4R), Mark Moniz (41e), Stephen Hohlbaugh (23s), Eric Knight (12), Jimmy Baker (82), Brad Button (25), Randy Johnson (1), Kenny Novak (53), Dalton Ellis (63), Thomas Braswell Jr. (88)

MOD LITES

Feature: Joel Huggins (11), Alex Cline (07c), Reed Garey (264), J.T. Joiner (6J), Dylan Dunn (22), Andrew Smith (71), Terry Joiner (6), Anthony Stewart (33), Jeff Bonnema (5B), Rocky Scott (4), Thomas Walsh (32T), Brodrick Kennedy (24), Zach Peters (41B). DNS – Jeff Wolfe (83)

V-8 WARRIORS

Feature: Wayne Kissam (107), George Handy (105), Collin Kruse (92), Jason Burnside (12J), Nick Brown (12), Jon Basquin (7OMG), D.J. Taylor (106), Alan Smith (X), Shane Koperda (124). DQ – Juston Meeks (10).

For five divisions, the Saturday night racing program at East Bay Raceway Park marked the end of a long season of action.

The final 2021 visit of the Top Gun Sprint series was the annual running of the Don Rehm Classic, featuring non-wing sprints. A field of 20 cars were on hand to vie for the prestigious honor, including former winners Shane Butler and A.J. Maddox. Tyler Clem held the top spot in the season point standings, but the championship was still undecided until feature time.

Butler grabbed the early lead and racing into lapped traffic by turn four before the first caution flew for Bryan Eckley. On the restart, the field was able to complete one lap before Justin Webster and heat winner Maddox tangled while racing for second. Both cars were eliminated. Clem, who had won his heat and stood to add $300 for the Clean Sweep with a feature win, jumped to second. The race was stopped on lap 11 for a stalled Sheldon Kinser Jr. Three laps after the restart, Steve Muller slammed into the turn one wall, bringing out the red flag. Muller was not hurt in the scary crash. The best battle was taking shape for third between heat winner Brandon Grubaugh and Kyle Connery with Connery gaining the advantage for one lap before Grubaugh re-asserted himself in third. The move came just in time as the red flag flew again for a Troy Thompson rollover on lap 20. With just five laps remaining, Clem closed on the leader, but Butler was able to scoot ahead from contenders. The checkered flag flew and the winner of the 2019 don Rehm Classic had another trophy to his collection.

With his third-place finish, Clem captured the 2021 Top Gun Sprints title. Tyler Orzechowski claimed Rookie of the Year honors as the Jacksonville driver finished third in overall point standings.

A close race in the Q Auto & Injury Medical Malpractice Attorneys Micro Sprints got even closer as the top two contenders eventually swapped spot as Chris Kennedy claimed his third feature win of the season. Point leader Doug Dyal carried a 16-point advantage in the night, but finished well back in his heat. This gave William Burnside an opportunity to gain ground. Burnside picked up four points to narrow the gap to 11 before the main. Bad luck continued to plague Dyal, who dropped out of the contest early on. Burnside’s second place finish behind Kennedy earned him the unofficial track title by three points, subject to a points audit. Burnside and Jerod Meyers won their heats.

Brandon Yates claimed the point championship, but John Wayne Haynes won the feature in 602 Late Models. Yates, a former Outlaw 4 champion, chased Haynes to the finish after winning the heat.

The Street Stock title had already been clinched by Rich Livernois and the evening’s field contained no former winners in 2021, an opportunity for someone to get the cherished spot. Josh Jones and Jimmy Baker won their heat races and it would be Jones who would double down for his first feature win. Jones had to hold off top drivers, running a masterful line throughout to make passing impossible.

Charles Paris Jr. led the Gladiators in 2021 feature wins and that gave him enough to claim the 2021 title by just starting the 15-lap main. Paris did more than start the race, locking into battle with David Zeman for second, settling for third and the point crown. The race winner was a first time victor as Josh Genarie drove a determined race to bring home the victory. Genarie had raced last week for the first time early August, using the hiatus to get the race car into top condition. The win served as a fitting reward for the effort in the year.

Racing action continues Saturday, Dec. 18 with the final event of 2021 season offering 604 Late Models in a 50-lap topless event as well as Outlaw 4s, V-8 Warriors, Q Mini Sprints, Mod Lites and Florida Old Time Modifieds. Santa is expected to take a break to greet the kids and drivers will be passing out candy. C & W Racing will be providing a pair of bicycles to be given away, as well as prizes for adults that include a pair of tickets to the Feb. 12 Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series finale. Special event pricing is in effect.

TOP GUN SPRINTS

Feature: Shane Butler (18), Brandon Grubaugh (G6), Tyler Clem (6s), Andrew Griffin (32), Kyle Connery (91), Danny Jones (14), Skeeter Kelley (46), Bradley Shanks (4J), Guy Bos (3k), Tyler Orzechowski (38), Nikki Green (96), Cole Nichols (N20), Scott Baldwin (4), Billy Boyd Jr. (4×4), Troy Thompson (T15), Bryan Eckley (12B), Steve Muller (29), Sheldon Kinser Jr. (17c), A.J. Maddox (3A), Justin Webster (21)

Q MICRO SPRINTS

Feature: Chris Kennedy (2), William Burnside (13), Jerod Meyers (7), Paul Seburn (23), Mike Meyers (77), Michael Mason (3), Rudy Rodriguez (1), Cliff Evans (24), Doug Dyal (97D). DNS – Kaylee Dyal (11D)

602 LATE MODELS

Feature: John Wayne Haynes (52), Brandon Yates (86), Austin Leamon (18)

STREET STOCKS

Feature: Josh Jones (05), Matt Bozeman (58), Jimmy Baker (69x), Buck Woodhouse (55), Chad Dishman (86), Jimmy Wagner (17w), Shawn Taylor (83), Thomas Burnside (31), Chris Livernois Jr. (71), Kyle Bowman (46k), Jarod Gay (90), Doug Johnson (09)

GLADIATORS

Feature: Josh Genarie (93P), David Zeman (13), Charles Paris Jr. (03T), Derrick Edwards (17), Patrick Tabb (03), David Wood (21W), Davey Martin (55),Wayne Kissam (07), Ricky Rutledge Jr. (4), Robert Kissam (911), Tracy Maynard (62), Callie Gubich (15), Rick Rutledge (4), Raymond Rogers (40R). DNS – Rodney Martin (21), Kyle Kruse (1K).

With only three weeks remaining in the 2021 season, point battles got a little more interesting during the six-division program that kicked off the month of December.

The 604 Late Models saw a first time winner as Josh Peacock was finally able to capture a victory in the 30-lap feature after coming so close so many times. Peacock was the beneficiary of an unfortunate turn of events for early race leader Steve Mathis Jr., who was denied a third straight victory on lap 11 after an apparent suspension failure. Peacock made the best of the opportunity for the win, turning around his fortunes from his own mishap in the heat race when he lost the lead after being pinned behind a lapped car. Nevin Gainey and Mathis were credited with heat wins.

The final night of the Gagel’s Modified season saw Bryan Bernhardt capture his third win of the year. In doing so, Bernhardt captured another track championship in the class. Bernhardt took the lead from Austin Sanders on the fourth lap and ran a determined race. Heat wins went to Seth Geary and Eric Moon.

Nick Brown was dominant in the V-8 Warrior 15-lapper. Brown drove to the inside in a four-wide race for the lead on the first lap and never allowed anyone to pass en route to his seventh feature win of the season, adding a few more precious points to the cushion he holds going into the class finale on Dec. 18. George Handy topped the field to nail down the heat.

A field of 16 Q Mini Sprints included a few newcomers, but a familiar name made a return appearance in victory. Point leader Bruce Comer added his fifth main, fighting off nephew Bryce at the checkers. Bryce and Kenny Brewer had scored preliminary wins.

Austin Martin capped his season with his seventh win of the year. Martin, a two-time track champion, will be prevented from competing in the class finale due to his work schedule. By finishing second, Alex cline captured the division title. Martin and Cline were heat winners.

A first time winner captured the Gladiator 15-lap feature with Patrick Tabb holding off heat winner Robert Kissam and point leader Charles Paris Jr. Wayne Kissam also won his heat.

Racing resumes on Saturday, dec. 11 with the running of non-wing Top Gun Sprints Don Rehm Classic. The race will be the final event for the series. Point leader Tyler Clem would only need to start the feature to clinch the 2021 title. In addition. The program will feature the final 2021 appearances of the 602 Late Models, Street Stocks, Q Micro Sprints and Gladiators.

604 LATE MODELS

Feature: Josh Peacock (2), Doug Horton (46), Jeff Mathews (33), Nevin Gainey (17), Jimmy Waldrop (9), Brenden Smith (17ss), Cody Overton (97), Cole Crawford (4), Bruce Harvey (27), Steve Mathis Jr. (95), Shan Smith (32), Joshua Kunstbeck (11K), Randy Thomas (4R), John Norris (87), Thomas Burnside (13). DNS – Robert Gast (12). DQ – Austin Yarborough (127)

GAGEL’S MODIFIEDS

Feature: Bryan Bernhardt (B69), Seth Geary (7G), Austin Sanders (64), eric Moon (18), Jason Jack (54), Scott Bane (23B), Patrick Passanise (333), Jason Russell (75R), Paul Rivall (15R), Roger Crouse (15). DNS – Tim McLeod (192), Cam Canova (6), Don Crandall (9c)

Q MINI SPRINTS

Feature: Bruce Comer (21), Bryce Comer (9), Kenny Brewer (45), Charles Landis (12), Brad Sutton (9), Joe Askew (78j), Doug Dyal (97D), David Hall (67), Austin Craddock (17), Justin Orr (98), Jo Jo Davis (21W), Chris Diamond (94), Joe Bartow (3), John Craddock (71), Josh Davis (7s), John Inman (59x)

V-8 WARRIORS

Feature” Nick Brown (12), George Handy (105), Wayne Kissam (107), Jason Burnside (12j), Justin Scarberry (24), Mark Roadarmel Jr. (81)

MOD LITES

Feature: Austin Martin (97), Alex Cline (07c), Jeff Bonnema (5B), Dylan Dunn (22), Terry Joiner (6), Jeff Wolfe (83), Rocky Scott (4), Anthony Stewart (33), Brodrick Kennedy (24), Zach Peters (41B), Bo Bass (97D).

GLADIATORS

Feature: Patrick Tabb (03), Robert Kissam (911), Thomas Adams (T2), Charles Paris Jr. (03T), Wayne Kissam (07), Davey Martin (55), Rodney Martin (21), Josh Genarie (93P), Ricky Rutledge Jr. (124), Britt Mann (4×4), Derrick Edwards (17), Ricky Rutledge Sr. (4), Jeff Smith (150, David Kincaid (x26), David Zeman (13), Kyle Kruse (46), DNS – David Wood (3D)

Join the team at East Bay for the 2022 Winternationals! We’re looking to fill positions beginning the week of Jan. 17. You must be able to work all of the Winternationals and there are a variety of responsibilities available. For information, contact Janet at the track office Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (813-677-7223)

With six divisions on the schedule, the excitement was non-stop as the countdown continues to the end of the 2021 season. Only three events in December remain and point battles remain intense.

A 30-lap 604 Late Model feature served to show how intense the racing can be at the Clay by the Bay. After Josh Peacock led the opening lap, Steve Mathis Jr. swept into the lead. Point leader Doug Horton grabbed second from Peacock on lap four. Mathis would begin to add distance between himself and his challengers as the race stayed green through the early stages. Slipping through the field as backmarkers gave the leader plenty of room, Mathis stretched out his margin as the green remained. On lap 22, the leader had four lapped cars between himself and Horton. The only caution showed on lap 25 when Wallace Peacock slowed, bringing out the yellow. On the restart, Mathis picked up where he left off, cruising to his second win of the season. Daniel Woody and Jimmy Waldrop had claimed heat races.

A pair of drivers notched their sixth feature victories of the season as Nick Brown (V-8 Warriors) and Austin Martin (Mod Lites) were best in their respective classes. Martin, a two-time track champion racing a part-time schedule in 2021, had his hands full with point leader Alex Cline, who had taken the early lead from Jeff Bonnema to become the third different leader after Dylan Dunn paced the opening lap. Martin was able to slide by Cline on the eighth lap for the win. Martin and Cline had won heats. A red flag flew in a Mod Lite heat when Jeff Wolfe ended up on his roof in turn four. Wolfe was OK, but unable to continue in the preliminary.

Brown’s victory in the V-8 Warriors provided welcome redemption for a clutch issue that took victory away from the point leader the week before. Brown had to hold off the charge of George Handy, but Brown kept the #12 in front to claim the win. Brown and Handy had been heat winners.

A wild Outlaw 4 race saw a new winner as Brian Barse parked in Victory Lane in just his third start of 2021. Barse, who won his heat, was never headed in going wire-to-wire. Several potential competitors found themselves in on-track incidents that diminish their chances for a win. Brad Button recorded his first East Bay victory with a heat win.

Bryce Comer powered to the Q Mini Sprint feature, his second main event win of the year. Early challenger Kenny Brewer suffered through an early race spin, but managed to make it back to the runner-up position. Brewer had won his heat race. The other preliminary was the first 2021 win for Charles Landis.

Danny Bowman was best in Florida Old Time Modifieds after Dan Darnell won the heat.

Racing action will resume December 4 with the return of 604 Late Models, Gagel’s Modifieds, V-8 Warriors, Mod Lites, Q Mini Sprints and Gladiators.

604 LATE MODELS

Feature: Steve Mathis Jr. (95), Doug Horton (46), Josh Peacock (2), Keith Nosbisch (02), Daniel Woody (29), Phillip Cobb (03), Jimmy Waldrop (9), Cole Crawford (4), John Norris (87), Thomas Burnside (13), Kevin Devrieze (99), Wallace Peacock (P1)

MOD LITES

Feature: Austin Martin (97), Alex Cline (07c), Bo Bass (41B), Dylan Dunn (22), Rocky Scott (4), Jeff Bonnema (5B), Brodrick Kennedy (24), Terry Joiner (6), Jeff Wolfe (83). DNS – Anthony Stewart (33), Doug Dyal (97D), J.T. Joiner (6J)

V-8 WARRIORS

Feature: Nick Brown (12), George Handy (105), Wayne Kissam (107), Jason Burnside (12J), Kalen Maynard (2), Gary Lucas (106), Randy Shields (49), Dalton Ellis (52B), Macy Bozeman (58), Shane Koperda (124).

OUTLAW 4s

Feature: Brian Barse (82), Eric Knight (7), Vernon Hart Jr. (D4R), Rachelle Rudolph (77), Dalton Ellis (63), Terry Burke (73), Randy Johnson (1), Brad Button (25), Mark Moniz (41), Stephen Hohlbaugh (23s), Thomas Braswell Jr. (88). DNS – Fred Smith (5)

Q MINI SPRINTS

Feature: Bryce Comer (9), Kenny Brewer (45), David Hall (67), Bruce Comer (21), Jo Jo Davis (21W), Chris Diamond (94), Charles Landis (12), Paul Seburn (23), Doug Dyal (97D), Joe Bartow (3), Shanna Walters (13)