"Sawyer Finishes Third At Turkey Classic"
Saturday. November 27th, 2004
The Turkey Classic was held over Thanksgiving weekend. November 26th & 27th in Imperial, California. The event drew cars from Perris to Stockton, California and Arizona.

The race recap is very limited due to the fact that over the weekend the filming of video could not be done because I worked in the pits. I must say it had been sometime since I worked the pits, and sitting in the grand stands is easier than helping in the pits. A hats off to the crew this past year, they have all done a great job and we appreciate the support in this Super Street Stock Championship Season.

Friday-The Qualifying Heats:
Thirty six cars showed up to qualify for the fifty lap race worth $3,000 to win and only twenty two would start the main event on Saturday night. Qualifying heat races began Friday night with the top three from each heat taking automatic transfers to the "A" main on Saturday. There were five heat races on Friday night. Sawyer started third row outside of the first heat and after taking the green flag moved into second place coming out of turn two. The first heat transfers were 92(Caley), 98(Sawyer), 48(Hixson), but Caley forgot to go report to the tech area after the race and Sawyer emerged as the winner while 41(Fronsman) moved up as the next transfer. The second heat transfers were 5, 14, and 31. The third heat transfers were 3, 51 24. The fourth heat ended under a checkered yellow when two cars got together and the transfers were 2c, 27 and 44. The fifth heat transfers were 98A, 70 and 47. The remaining cars would make up the B main for Saturday night. All cars then would draw a number for starting position in the A main event. Sawyer drew the second lowest number which started him outside front row. After winning his heat race on Friday night it was discovered rocker arms studs had broke on Sawyer's car and it was running on seven cylinders during the heat race. The remainder of the evening was spent working on mechanical problems.

Saturday morning.

The Saturday venture from the Motel to the track started early and by 9:00 am Sawyer and his parents were unloading the car in the deserted pit area. There was still lots of work to be done in preparation of the main event. While most drivers were still sleeping in their RV's parked in an area outside the backstretch, Kelly and Robby began to make preparations for the evenings main. The only sounds were that of the tractor grating the track followed by the noise of the water truck. Around eleven o'clock drivers began to meander into the facility and the sounds of impact wrenches and tools clanging began.
Saturday night.
The Saturday night racing began with the excitement of an unscheduled Trophy Dash. During the driver's meeting there was a debate whether to have a trophy dash with an added incentive of cash. After White (98A) and Sawyer both spoke up during the driver's meeting that $100.00 was not enough incentive to risk the payoff of a $3,000 main event ...a gentleman (who I don't know) in the pits pulled out $500 cash and added it to the trophy dash purse stating that he came to see racing. The $600 ten lap trophy dash set the stage for the evenings excitement. The pits began to buzz with talk because the stakes were high for the trophy dash. Sawyer started front row of the trophy dash and had hopes that his mechanical problems were solved and he could bring home some cash but soon fell off the pace and into the pits with problems (rocker arms). Redding also pulled into the pits during the dash while White (98A) went to challenge Aaron Mari on the final lap of the dash and spun his 98A. Mari pocketed the $600 cash and the win. The B Main top three were Caley, Miller and Foss. The last chance race was won by the #3 of Perry and resembled a destruction derby as multiple yellows were thrown. As the IMCA were running there main event, Kelly Sawyer continued to work feverishly on rocker arms of the 98 car. Just when the last bolt was tightened the cars were called to line up for the main event. Climbing into his car, Robby pulled onto the track as his crew chief and father told him, "Just go turn left, and lets see what happens."
The Main.
Twenty two cars started the fifty lap main event. Sawyer ran second until lap seven and Hixson passed him on lap seven putting him in third. Hershberger and Sawyer battled for third place as Sawyer continued to struggle with the car. At the halfway break the red flag was thrown as pit crew hustled over to their driver's car adding fuel. Drinking a water while putting on fresh tear-a-ways, Sawyer told his crew chief the car was still having problems. "I can't put it to the floor (the throttle) stated Sawyer, so I am just working the throttle to keep the RPMS down so it won't hesitate". Kelly added fuel to the car and told Robby just hang in there and keep doing what you are doing because your fast in the corners but the restarts are hurting us. The top five running order at the halfway break was Hixson, Caley, White, Hersberger, and Sawyer. Hershberger went to the pits for fuel and repairs and had to go to the back on the restart that moved Sawyer to fourth. An accident on lap 38 cost Hixson the lead as he fell to the pits. White moved up to first. On lap 40 Denman passed Sawyer to take over third. Unknowing to Sawyer, Denman was involved in an early incident that put him a lap down. Sawyer was still holding the third position driving into the corners hard and keeping up a consistent and smooth momentum. The final finish saw White, Caley, Sawyer, Herberger, and Prince making up the top five finishers. In a post race interview Sawyer states, "I thought we got fourth and then learned later that Denham was a lap down, I did all I can do and after the main found out I was running on six cylinders, I have never drove a car so hard but the third place makes it worth it, especially when you only have six cylinders."

"Sawyer Wins at Chowchilla Speedway…Win gets taken away"
Saturday. November 6, 2004
The win Saturday night was Sawyer's 13th of the 2004 Race Season, 13th; the number everyone associates with bad luck. Bad Luck in the context that Sawyer went from the B Main to the 18th starting position of the A main to take the checkered flag first and have the win taken away because of a rough driving call. Officials determined Sawyer was too aggressive on the last lap, lap nineteen which came as a surprise to the drivers and pit crew who were told it was a twenty-five lap main event before the race began.

The RACE…
Fifty six cars showed up to qualify for the twenty-five lap race worth $2,000 to win and only twenty-two would start the main event on Saturday night. Qualifying heat races began Friday night with the top three from each heat taking automatic transfers to the "A" main on Saturday. The remainder of the cars would run either the D, C, or B main as their heat race finish position would determine which main they qualified into. Sawyer earned his transfer spot to the A main on Saturday night by finishing third in the B main qualifier. The third place finish would earn him an 18th starting position in the A main. Twenty-two cars started the A Main. Machado set on the pole as the first yellow fell on lap two. A spin on lap three brought another yellow. By lap eight Sawyer had moved to eighth. A red flag on the next lap saw Sawyer now in fifth behind Scott, Eubank, and Randolph. Randolph spun on lap 15 and Sawyer moved into third, with three laps to go the running order was Scott, Denman and Sawyer.

The White Flag...
When the early white flag fell shortening the twenty-five lap race to twenty laps. Sawyer went high in turns one and two and passed Denman on the back stretch. The final corner saw Sawyer put his #98 on the low side of Scott. Some contact took place for the lead but the shot from Denman to the back side of Sawyer drove Robby into Scott which bounced Scott up the track. The finishing order at the flag was Sawyer, Denman, and Scott. As Sawyer pulled into the front stretch winners circle Denman climbed out of his car and walked across the dash and hood of Sawyer’s car upset about the last lap pass. Scott pulled his car behind Sawyer but never confronted either of the drivers. Denman yelled in Sawyer's face about the last lap move. Sawyer, excited for the win continued to show enthusiasm and track officials told Sawyer, well you may not have won, even though Sawyer took the checkered before any of the other drivers. Sawyer was told to go into the pits by the officials until a decision was made. The decision of officials and track promoter then ruled Sawyer was too aggressive on the last lap, and they would be penalizing him positions.

In The Pits...
While Kelly Sawyer, crew chief was looking to find the promoter. Sawyer’s pit crew was told he would be penalized two positions. Crew members Bryan Brown and Mike Sawyer were told if the driver leaves the premises of the track, he will be penalized and probably finish third. The officials and track promoter wanted Sawyer to leave to eliminate any further heated discussion between the drivers.

After the crew left the track, they later found out that he was going to be disqualified for rough driving on the final lap. Sawyer then was not even shown on the finish of the main event line up in the final results. No other driver was penalized for their actions.

Post Race…
In a post race interview with Sawyer he states,” I was shocked when the white flag fell, with one lap to go I had no idea they were cutting this race short. We were told it was a twenty-five lap main. I won it and everyone knows it. If this was a sanctioned class like IMCA or NASCAR the officials would review the tape before they made a decision-in this case who do I protest to? Do I protest to the Saturday night official or the track promoter? “What bothers the team is they were told one thing and then a different decision was made…there really is no arbitrator at this level of racing.

"Sawyer Wins Coors Nationals At Kings Speedway"
Saturday. October 23rd, 2004
The Coors National is a two-day event held at Kings Speedway in Hanford, California. Robby Sawyer, Bakersfield Speedway Track Champion captured the twenty-five lap main event Saturday night, the win makes Sawyer's twelfth of the 2004 Season.

Thirty-three cars showed up to qualify for the twenty-five lap race worth $1,500 to win and only twenty-two would start the main event on Saturday night. Qualifying heat races began Friday night with the top four from each heat taking automatic transfers to the "A" main on Saturday. The remainder of the cars were taken from the B-Main to be ran on Saturday night. Sawyer transferred on Friday night by finishing fourth in the twelve lap qualifier, the Saturday draw by drivers would place Sawyer starting in the eighth row of the main event. Rich Denman sat on the pole and lead the cars into turn one, he held onto the lead. A yellow flag fell on lap three because of a spin in turn one by Randolph, on the restart, Sawyer wasted no time as he began to maneuver through the pack. On lap seven Sawyer was seventh behind Machado, Denman continued to lead the race over second place runner Gary Dutton. By lap nine Sawyer took over fourth from Cardoza, on lap 11 he moved into third passing Pelphrey. Denman continued to hold the lead as Sawyer began to challenge Dutton. Sawyer made his move on Dutton and took over second on lap 16. Sawyer pulled in Denman and gave the grandstands a show as the two drivers raced side by side, the crowd's show came to an end when a yellow came out on lap 18. The field of cars was once again tightened up as Denman and Sawyer sat one and two on the restart. Sawyer started to pass Denman on the restart but held back the challenge when he noticed suspension problems on Denman's car. The following lap Denman broke something in his suspension and got out of shape as he ended up in the wall along the front stretch. Sawyer took over as the new leader. On the restart Sawyer pulled out into the lead and began to pull away from the remainder of the field. The thirty-lap main event was shortened to twenty-five as Sawyer came across to take the checkered over a straight-away ahead of the rest of the cars. The final finish saw Sawyer, Shaffer, Randolph, Machado, and Kirkpatrick making up the top five. In his post race interview Sawyer thanked his sponsors, family, and the Bakersfield people that came to watch him race, "this car was fast tonight," stated Sawyer.

"Sawyer Wins Both Nights At Bakersfield's 19th Annual Budweiser Dirt Track Nationals"
Saturday. October 9th, 2004
The 19th Annual Budweiser Nationals is a two day event held at Bakersfield Speedway. Friday consisted of the heat races, and qualifying main, Saturday the 40-lapper main. Robby Sawyer, Bakersfield Speedway's Track Champion won the Street Stock qualifying main on Friday night and 40-lapper main event on Saturday night. Sawyer now has 11 wins in his Rookie Season of driving Super Street Stocks. Congratulations Robby you did an awesome job!

Twenty-five cars showed up for the Friday nights qualifying race. Sawyer started eighth position in the qualifying main then went onto win Friday night's race. Winning the qualifying main placed him on the pole position for Saturday night's race, the following 14 cars would make up the rest of the starting field. Saturday drew an additional five cars to add to the starting field of the B main, only ten of those cars would transfer to the back of the A main. The final starting field of Saturday's A main saw Sawyer on the pole with Santa Maria's Billy Simpkins on the outside. Sawyer lead the field of cars into turn one and continued to hold onto the lead for the next forty laps. The packed grandstands at Bakersfield Speedway though got what they came to watch, great competition and action packed racing when the third of four yellow flags came out at the thirty lap point. Sawyer continued to lead but drivers were battling for top five positions behind him. Zack Forster was running second followed by Billy Simpkins, Heaslet, and Denman. As Denman began to move to the front he fought Simpkins and Steve Worstell for third place after Heaslet blew a motor. On lap thirty-two Denman took over second from Forster. Sawyer, still in the lead, drove into the corners smoothly putting distance between the #98 and the rest of the pack. On lap 37 a yellow was thrown and the pack of cars was once again fender-to-fender. On the restart, Denman made a challenge for first on the low side passing Sawyer in turns one and two but Sawyer took the preferred high side and came out as the leader as the two drag raced down the back stretch. Sawyer continued to stay on the high side of the track and began to once again pull away from the remainder of the pack. By the time the checkered flag fell, Sawyer had put five car lengths between him and second place finisher Denman. The Final top five consisted of Sawyer, Denman, Randoph, Forster, and Schweitzer. "When I saw Denman's fender after the restart I knew I had to kick it up a beat, I thought it's time to go racing now, I had been cruising and just driving consistently. The car really handled great. The win tonight is awesome, it's a great way to end the year at Bakersfield Speedway, another win in front of sponsors, family, and friends, I thank everyone for their support this year." stated Sawyer in a post race interview. Sawyer plans to be among the competition at Kings Speedway in two weeks.

"Sawyer Takes Fifth At Santa Maria Nationals"
Saturday. October 2nd, 2004
The 1st Annual Budweiser Pacific Coast 100 Nationals saw a fair car count for the Street Stock Division. Drivers from Kings Speedway and Bakersfield Speedway and other dirt tracks made the haul to compete for the $2,000 to win main event. The two day event had qualifying and heat races on Friday night with main events on Saturday night. Robby Sawyer, Bakersfield Speedway's Street Stock Champion, never got a shot at qualifying or competing on Friday night as the team was battling mechanical problems with the rear end.
The Team figured they would be headed back to Bakersfield and scratch Satuday's race but local race car driver Joey Silva (#56) offered his shop and expertise. Silva, who use to compete against Kelly Sawyer, is a long time racer and competitor at Santa Maria Speedway. Silva's hospitality didn't stop with Sawyer's Team as other teams were also busy working on their cars, Denman (14), Machado (22), Sullivan (39), and a few other teams all worked feverishly to make repairs and changes to their cars. It was quite a site to see how all these guys compete against each other on the track but off the track they all work and help each other out, they truly all reflect the love for racing. Once again the team Thanks Joey Silva for all his help.

Twenty-two cars started the main event. Sawyer started in the 20th position. Tim Randolph and Rich Denman made up the front row. Randolph took the lead and held it onto it for the next 14 laps then on lap 15 Rich Denman took over the lead. Meanwhile, in the back of the pack, Sawyer was picking up positions and moving towards the front. At one point on a restart from a yellow everyone went high and Sawyer stuck it on the low side and picked up three positions. On lap 33 Randolph took the lead back from Denman. A yellow was thrown with three laps to go in the forty-lap main event. Sawyer, now eighth was able to pass three more cars before the white flag was thrown. The final corner taking the checkered resembled a trophy dash as Randolph, Denman, Wilkinson, Kirkpatrick and Sawyer ran nose to tail coming out of turn four. "I had to come from a long way back, it was a good race, the car was fast, we just needed more laps", stated Sawyer. Sawyer will compete again next weekend in Bakersfield at the Budweiser Nationals. For more information visit the Bakersfield Speedway website.

"Sawyer Wins Street Stock Championship"
Saturday. September 25, 2004
The car count at Bakersfield Speedway continues to dwindle but Robby Sawyer came across as the Super Street Stock Champion for 2004. Congratulations Robby!!! You have done an awesome job this year and gave the grandstands a great show!

Only eight cars showed up for Saturday night's racing, Sawyer, the current points leader running into the main event came out as the Super Street Stock Champion despite suffering mechanical problems during the main event. Sawyer who held the points lead over Zack Forster by a slight margin knew all he had to do was run a lap to take the championship. Despite early mechanical problems Sawyer took the green flag early wanting to race. Sawyer passed Forester early in the race to make his move to the front when spring problems sent him to the pits early. "I am going out to win and race hard" stated the young rookie sensation Sawyer. Sawyer is the winnest driver at Bakersfield Speedway and took a total of six main event wins at Bakersfield Speedway in 2004 and a total of ten for the season. Sawyer's other main event wins come from Santa Maria and Kings Speedway. "The last couple of races we confronted some mechanical problems, springs for one, but we are fast and excited and ready for the next three Nationals we are going to compete at, Santa Maria, Bakersfield, and Kings Speedway," stated Sawyer."We have to move forward and let people know we are going to be in the front, we have bought everything new and replaced it on the car, we are ready for anything that might happen. My goal is to race, and hopefully move up in the sport," stated Sawyer. The Super Street Stocks will compete at Bakersfield Speedway next weekend for the Budweiser Nationals.

"Sawyer Racing Leaves For Lubbock Texas"
Race Update -
The normal recap of the racing events is changed due to the team traveling to Texas.
Well, they are off to Lubbock Motor Speedway after complications and cancellations Sawyer Racing moved forward. Saturday night on Sept 11th Sawyer Racing experienced something they were not expecting. Robby took the green flag and jumped out to an early lead on the opening lap but going into turn three the motor blew. The #1 rod came through the block. The race was done for the night for Sawyer Racing. The team came home and pulled the motor, they could not find a back up motor and decided to call it quits and not go to Texas as their new motor for the final points race and Nationals was still being built.

On Monday Robby received a phone call and was told he could pick up his Brand-New motor. Supplied by Powerhouse. They put the motor in and it fired great. The engine is a sister to the one Robby was running in his car. The team loaded and left Tuesday for Texas. Crew Chief, Kelly Sawyer driving with other crew members on board. Last we heard they are somewhere in New Mexico. Robby flies out early in morning and we will provide an update as things progress. Robby still holds the points lead for the Super Street Stock Division.

"Sawyer Wins 60-Lap Event In Santa Maria"
Sunday, Sept 5, 2004
The driver with patience, endurance, luck, consistency, preparation and an awesome pit crew is what it took to finish the main event Sunday night at Santa Maria Speedway. Robby Sawyer, the rookie sensation, had all those elements on Sunday as he drove to his tenth Victory in his rookie season. Thanks to all those who supported and helped in the pits, a special thanks to Kelly Sawyer, Bob Amos, Bryan Brown, Cody Prewitt, and Bob Bryant!! You guys were awesome in putting #98 in the winner's circle!!

Twenty-two cars started the sixty-lap main event. Fast qualifier Rich Denman started on the pole as the remainder of the field followed suit in their qualifying positions. Sawyer, who qualified tenth, started fifth row. On lap three a huge pile-up in turns 3 and 4 sent several drivers to the pits with mechanical problems and damage, Sawyer got caught in the middle of the pileup, Sawyer then pitted during the caution because he was having handling problems. The pit crew discovered he had lost a power steering belt. Sawyer returned to the track taking the back of the field as the crew decided they would make the repairs at the midway break. When the green was thrown once again the cars would make only one lap when another pile-up happened in the same corner as a result of Rich Denman spinning as he blew a transmission. With 56 more laps to go the race would see another 16 yellows. Sawyer pitted several times during the yellows and at the red flag break of the first segment the crew worked feverishly to make repairs to the car. Sawyer returned to the track in the twelth position and sixteen cars would retake the green flag once again for the second half segment. Sawyer began to move through the pack avoiding some close calls with other cars and crashes that brought out additional yellows and on lap 37 Sawyer moved into second with Wilkinson leading. The race would see several more yellows with the final one coming out with two laps to go. Wilkinson would lead the pack to take the green flag once again and appeared to be headed for the win when he spun coming out of turn four and Sawyer took the white flag as the new leader--the grandstands stood up and went crazy with excitment! The top five finishers were Sawyer, Priddy, Wilkinson, Oathout, and VanHooser. In his victory circle interview Sawyer thanked his sponsors, his crew, and his Bakersfield fans for coming over to support him, on a final note he told the crowd how awesome the track was and how he enjoyed racing there then Sawyer yelled at the grandstands, "Thank You Santa Maria!." Sawyer will compete again this coming Satuday night at Bakersfield Speedway. Saturday marks one of the last two point races for the season. For a detailed story of the Santa Maria race read Southwestern Stock Car.

"Sawyer Faces Mechanical Problems"
Saturday, August 28, 2004
Racing has it high points and low points, for Robby Sawyer Satuday night was a low point. Sawyer was leading the main event when he dropped out with mechanical problems.

Only ten cars showed up to race Saturday night, two fell out with mechanical problems leaving only eight cars starting the twenty-five lap main event. Sawyer and out of town driver Rich Denman made up the second row. Zack Forster lead the pack into turn one and Sawyer following suit moving into second. On lap two Denham brought out a yellow when his car blew into a ball of flames. Sawyer patiently waited to make his move to first as Forster and Sawyer began to pull away from the rest of the field. On lap nine Sawyer passed Forster in turn four to take over the lead. Sawyer held onto the lead and began to put some distance between him and Forster, then with two laps to go Sawyer's car made an awful sound and Sawyer fell off the pace and dropped into the pits with mechanical problems. The final finish saw Forster taking the win followed by Wayne Herung, Darin Hopkins, Bill Stevens and William Woodridge rounding out the top five. Sawyer still holds the Super Street Stock points lead as he is 42 points over VanScoy and 48 in front of Forster. The Super Street Stocks are off until September 11th but Sawyer plans to run Santa Maria on Sunday in the 14th Annual Budweiser Don Roberts Street Stock Grand Prix.

"Sawyer Wins Sixth Main Event At Speedway"
Saturday, August 7, 2004
It's not every Saturday night that the drivers get to qualify for their main event starting position. But due to the car count the drivers in the Super Street Stock division did just that Saturday night. Robby Sawyer qualified with the fastest time. This gave him the opportunity to draw how they would start the main event for the evening. Drawing number six meant Sawyer would start on the third row of the Main Event line-up. For Sawyer this was a step up from his normal starting position of ninth or tenth. He then climbed in his car for a race that would begin with him never looking back.

Charles Paul led the first lap but a yellow was thrown on lap two when there was a pileup in turns one and two. Sawyer missed the accident and VanScoy took the lead. On the restart Vanscoy lead the next lap then on lap three Sawyer passed Jerimiah VanScoy to take over the lead. Both drivers pulled away from the remainder of the cars until a yellow flag was thrown on lap seven that would tighten up the competition once again. On the restart Sawyer continued to lead as he began to pull away from VanScoy. Sawyer took the checkered flag a straight-a-way ahead of the pack as he won the race followed by VanScoy, and Phillip Priddy. The Super Street Stocks will be off for two weeks but will return to race on August 28th.

"Sawyer Finishes Second In Main Event"
Saturday, July 31, 2004
There is a starting position Rookie Robby Sawyer knows all too well when it comes to the Super Street Stock main event, fifth row. Every week Sawyer starts in the back of the pack and works his way through traffic in the twenty-five lap main event. Every week he is confronted with obstacles, lap cars, a hood flying up, debris on the track, etc. But this week it wasn't an obstacle that slowed him down, it was time. Time being the normal twenty-five lap main event was shortened to twenty laps. In fact, Sawyer worked his way through traffic setting up for the final laps to make his known "Sawyer Pass" but came up short taking second by a half car length over front row starter Zack Forster.

Eleven cars started the twenty-lap main event. Sawyer started in the fifth row. By lap six Sawyer was running fifth. Little, Noland, and VanScoy scrambled for position as front row starter Forster ran by himself leading the race. Meanwhile, Sawyer was working his way through traffic and on lap ten passed VanScoy, on lap eleven in the same corner he passed Noland and moved into third. Debris brought out a yellow on lap 13. When the green flag fell again, Sawyer passed Little to move into second on lap 14. VanScoy brought out a yellow on lap 17 that brought the pack back together once again as Forster now had hard chargin Sawyer on his bumper when they took the green. Forster went into turn one and held onto the lead with Sawyer in hot pursuit. When the white flag fell Sawyer made an attempt to take the win as he went under Forster on the low side in the final turn, both cars came out of the corner in what appeared to be a drag race down the front stretch but Forster's high groove run gave him the edge as he took the checkered by a half car length. In a post race interview, Sawyer states, "I was surprised to see the white flag so soon, I looked at the scoreboard and saw only 19 laps, I knew we normally run twenty-five, I did what I had to do but just ran out of time".

"Sawyer Scores #5 Win - Breaks Track Record"
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Robby Sawyer treated Saturday night just like any other race night, the only difference is this Saturday two things occurred. Sawyer captured his fifth win of the season, making him still the only repeat winner in the Super Street Stock Division at Bakersfield Speedway. Second, he broke the track record for Super Streets when the track decided to put the clock on his final laps during the main event. Sawyer ran an 15.3 on the one third mile oval. The announcement that came over the PA system seemed like no surprise to those have been following the racing this season. The hard charging rookie continues to dominate the division, people are beginning to wonder does this kid drive race cars in this sleep? The truth is its a combination of elements, this includes, car set-up, driving ability, and a lot of luck.

Luck became a major factor Saturday night. Sawyer started in the fourth row of the twenty-five lap main event. By lap four Sawyer had moved into second when the unthinkable happened... the hood of the car came flying up and completely covered the drivers view of the track in front of him. Sawyer though never missed a beat, as he continued to race at full speed down the straight-a-ways. Just as the flag man picked up the black flag and waved it (which everyone wondered how he would see it) a yellow flag was thrown because of a stalled car in turn one. Robby pulled to the inside of the front stretch as track officials worked feverishly to remove the hood that was stuck onto one of the hood pins. Under Speedway rules Sawyer was able to restart in his previous position. Luck, one might say, luck and timing, and determination to win despite all the obstacles and not being able to see the track in front of you. When the race went green, it was the 98x of Charles Paul that continued to lead with Sawyer's #98 was in hot pursuit. Paul ran the high groove and Sawyer repeatedly tried to get by on the inside groove, several times, coming up short as both drivers put on what appeared as a drag race for the fans. With six laps remaining, Paul bobbled in turn three and Sawyer drove underneath him to take over first. Sawyer took the checkered followed by Charles Paul, Zack Forster, Johnny Romero and Jerimiah VanScoy rounding out the top five. The Super Street Stocks will race the next two weekends.

"Sawyer Captures Fourth Win At Bakersfield Speedway"
Saturday, July 10, 2004
Rookie sensation Robby Sawyer captured his fourth win at Bakersfield Speedway Saturday night. Saturday's win adds another notch to Sawyer's race resume as it marks his seventh win in his rookie season in the Super Street Stock Division.

Fifteen cars started the twenty-five lap main event. Sawyer started fifth row outside beside Jeremiah Vanscoy, who is currently second in points. A yellow was thrown on lap one when James Cornelius spun in turn one collecting VanScoy, Noland, Henderson, Oathout, and Sawyer. After the dust had cleared, Sawyer found himself climbing out of the car to free his car of sheet metal as the #4 car waited for a Tow Truck. Track officials removed debris as Sawyer then pitted with a flat tire. Sawyer returned to the field before the green flag fell and took position to the back of the pack. By lap five Sawyer had moved into fifth then a yellow was thrown when Zack Forster pitted with a flat tire. On lap thirteen Sawyer passed Henderson to take over second place. By lap twenty Sawyer had caught the #77 of Schweitzer as the two had pulled away from the pack by over a straight-away. On lap 24 when the two drivers saw the white flag Sawyer made the pass on Schweitzer to take over first place, Sawyer won the main followed by Forster, Paul, Oathout, and Henderson making up the top five finishers in the Super Street Stock Division. A Post race inspection found Schweitzer with an illegal carburetor. The Super Streets will be off next weekend but will return to race on July 24, 2004.

"Sawyer Finishes Fifth At Chowchilla Speedway"
Friday, July 2, 2004
The Freedom Series #2 was held Friday night at Chowchilla Speedway. Sawyer ran the Super Street Stock Division and ended up fifth place despite numerous yellow flags.

Sawyer started the second row of heat one. Sawyer went onto win the heat race which placed him in the pole position of the main event. Twenty-two cars started the main. Sawyer lead the pack into the first turn then spun bringing out a yellow. Anticipating a restart Sawyer moved back to the front but officials placed him in the back of the field for bringing out a yellow. The race saw several yellows and there were four including a red flag before lap five. The twenty-five lap main event was cut short to twenty-laps when time became an issue. Sawyer moved up to fifth place by lap fifteen and on lap sixteen he passed Watsonville's Chris Messmer. However, another red flag was thrown which placed the cars back to the previous lap which placed Sawyer back to fifth. Messmer and Sawyer battled for the fourth spot as Bakersfield's Zack Forster lead the race until the final lap when Darren Thomas passed him coming out of turn four to take the win.

"Sawyer Wins At Santa Maria Speedway"
Saturday, June 27, 2004
People call him the "Rookie Sensation", "Rebel Rouser", and "The Kid" but those who know him know Robby Sawyer just wants to race cars, anyday, anytime, anyplace, he just loves auto racing. Bakersfield's Robby Sawyer took another step forward in his race career Saturday night when he won the Super Street Stock Division main event at Santa Maria Speedway.

The Super Street Stocks were divided into three heat races. Sawyer started the third heat - last row and finished second in the eight lap heat race. The starting position for the main was determined by draw of a pea for invert positions - a six was drawn - this meant the top two from each heat would be inverted up to six positions. The draw placed Sawyer's #98 starting on the pole on the twenty-five lap main event.

Fifteen cars started the main event. Sawyer, from the pole, set the pace for the field to take the green flag and beat #14 of Oathout into turn one. Sawyer commenced to pull away from the pack despite several yellow flags. When lap twenty came around there were four caution flags as several cars kept spinning in turns three and four. With only five laps to go, the race finally resumed and Sawyer once again pulled away from the pack of cars as he took the checkered flag as the winner. This was Sawyer's first win at Santa Maria Speedway, and sixth for the 2004 season in the Super Street Stock division.
Read the race results posted in Santa Maria Times.


Sawyer who is the points leader in the Super Street Stock Division at Bakersfield Speedway is off next weekend from the Speedway but will compete in Chowchilla on Friday night in the Freedom Series #2. For more information about Friday's race visit Chowchilla Speedway's website.

"Sawyer Sweeps At Bakersfield Speedway Winning It All"
Saturday, June 19, 2004
In auto racing the term sweep means you won it all, Robby Sawyer did just that Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway when he won the heat race, trophy dash, and main event in the Super Street Stock Division.

Sawyer started the twenty-five lap Super Street Stock main event in the last row. Glen Hughes and Zack Forster sat in the front row and Forster took the lead racing into turn one. Meanwhile, Sawyer began working his way to the front of the pack and for several laps was held up in traffic. By lap eleven Sawyer was in fourth place. Sawyer passed Karl Noland on lap thirteen and took over third place. Sawyer began to reel in second and on lap nineteen passed Schweitzer for second place. Forster who was over a straight-a-way ahead of Sawyer had been leading since the green flag fell. Hoping for a caution to tighten up the cars did not happen and Sawyer began to reel in Forster. Two laps later Sawyer caught Forster and blew passed him to take the lead on lap twenty-three. Sawyer lead the final two laps and took the checkered making the night's win his third for the season at Bakersfield Speedway and fifth over all this season with his other two wins at Kings Speedway. Sawyer now emerges as the points leader for the Super Street Stock Division. The final finish was Sawyer, Forster, K Noland, Hood, and S Noland, rounding out the top five.

In a post race interview Sawyer states, "I didn't realize I had won until I looked at the score board and saw #98 after taking the checkered, sometimes you lose track of who is where when there is no cautions. The car ran great, after I got out of traffic I just told myself its time to go racing now, so I just started working on passing one car at a time trying to move to the front. It was a great night for the race team. We put a lot of work in the car through the week keeping it maintained and when you win its worth the effort. I want to thank my dad, sponsors, family, and friends for all their support this year. We are having a great season."

"Sawyer Emerges As Point Leader With Eighth Place Finish"
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Coming into Sunday's race Robby Sawyer and Jeremiah VanScoy were tied for first place in the Super Street Stock Division points battle. However, Sunday's race put Sawyer as the new point leader in the division despite some bad luck and controversy.

Fifteen cars started the Super Street Stock Main Event. Sawyer started in the fifth row outside. Sawyer moved up through the pack and by lap ten he took over third place from Henderson. Henderson got around Sawyer on lap twelve and retook third then on lap 20 Sawyer moved back into third by passing S. Noland. Zack Forster fell back to second with Henderson now leading the race followed by Forster, Sawyer, and Noland. A lap 23 yellow was thrown after Darrell Hood spun in turns three and four. On the restart Sawyer went to challenge Forster taking the inside line but spun when taking the corner of turn three. Another caution came out as Sawyer now took to the back of the pack with only seven laps remaining. Two more yellow flags were thrown on laps 26 and 27 as Darrell Hood was sent to the pits because of the two spin rule. As the cars began to line up for the final three laps, Sawyer now in the sixth position was lining up for the yellow when Larry Hood took his car and rammed it into Sawyer's car on the yellow flag then drove off to the pits. Sawyer stunned by Hoods actions stopped his car on the track and climbed out to talk to officials about the incident. The checkered flag was thrown as the race was called at 27 laps instead of the scheduled thirty laps. Since Sunday's race, Kelly Sawyer, the team's owner spoke with a track official s on Tuesday, he was told that Robby is being penalized two positions (from sixth to eighth) for getting out of his car and also both Robby and Larry Hood will be fined $100.00 for the incident. As most of those who follow the website updates are aware we video tape the races but not the cautions. We are currently looking for someone who may have video taped this incident that occurred on the final yellow of the Super Street Stock Main, if you have video of this incident please contact us.

"Sawyer Finishes Second at Santa Maria Speedway"
Saturday, May 29, 2004
Bakersfield driver Robby Sawyer made the tow to Santa Maria Speedway Saturday night. This was the first time Sawyer had ever raced on the 1/3 mile clay oval. Sawyer qualified fourth starting position in what is the first of a four race series in the California Street Stock Championship race round one. Drivers from the San Joaquin Valley tracks such as Kings Speedway, Bakersfield Speedway, Antioch, and Merced along with other local Santa Maria drivers made up part of the field in the 11th Annual Budweiser Danny Simpkins Stock Car Memorial - one of four California Championship races.

Twenty-two cars started the thirty lap main event. Sawyer started in the second row inside. An accident on lap one caused a total restart to occur. When the green flag fell for the second time, Sawyer began to move up through the pack of cars and by lap seven he passed Rich Denham to take over the second place position. One attempt coming on lap 13 and another coming on laps 17 and 24, at one point Sawyer had his car running side by side of the leader coming out of turn two but was unable to make the position hold as Sawyer and Rick Wilkerson ran nose to tail for the entire main event. The final finish saw Wilkerson, Sawyer, Denham, Sullivan and Weber rounding up the top five.

"Sawyer Goes Two For Two At Kings Speedway"
Saturday, May 22, 2004
Bakersfield driver Robby Sawyer added another accolade to his racing achievements by winning back to back main events at Kings Speedway Saturday night. Saturday's win at Hanford makes win #4 as the Bakersfield Rookie proves he's a contender in the Super Street Stock Division.

Kings Speedway Hot Stock Class turned out the largest field of cars of the 2004 season with cars from Bakersfield and Santa Maria making the car count fifteen. The class not only saw an increase in car count but brought competition as previous track champions also made up part of the field. Points leader Kevin Kirkpatrick from Santa Maria made up some of the nights competition along with former Kings Speedway track champions Rich Denham, and Rick Tarr. Other out of towns included Bakersfield Speedway's Zack Forster, Bill Little and Darren Hopkins.

Sawyer started second row outside in the twenty lap main event. A lap one yellow was brought out when Rod Sullivan #39 spun. Sawyer who was currently running second took over the first position on the restart when the current leader Ron D'Artenay dropped out with engine problems. The running order then saw Sawyer, Denham, Pelletier, Tarr, and Kirkpatrick making up the top five. Sawyer continued to hold onto the lead on the restart with Denham in second, the two drivers pulled away from the field. Another yellow on lap eight closed the gap again. On the restart after the yellow flag a battle for second place began brewing between Tarr and Denham. Tarr passed Denham on lap twelve as Sawyer built a lead on the pack. Tarr cut into Sawyer's lead and began to pressure Sawyer but spun on lap 16 to bring out the final caution of the evening. Sawyer went onto take the main event win by pulling away from the rest of the pack in the final four laps. The top three finishes saw three different tracks represented: Sawyer from Bakersfield, Denham from Hanford, and Kirkpatrick from Santa Maria. In a post race interview in front of the grandstand crowd, Sawyer again thanked sponsors, pit crew and family for their support. When asked by the track announcer if he ever dreamed he would win back to back races at Kings Speedway? Sawyer stated, No, "I didn't think we would win one, this is a big accomplishment for me tonight." Sawyer plans on running at Santa Maria on May 29 in the 11th Annual Danny Simpkins Stock Car Memorial-Round 1 of a four race series. Then Sunday Sawyer will compete in the super street stock division at Bakersfield Speedway. Sawyer and Jeremiah VanScoy are currently tied for the points lead in the Super Street Stocks at Bakersfield Speedway. If all goes well and there is no damage to the car Sawyer may run the first of a three race series (George Steitz Freedom Series) on Monday night at Chowchilla Speedway. Check back for updates as the racing goes on!!

"Sawyer Finishes Third In Main Event"
Saturday, May 8, 2004
Robby Sawyer was leading the heat race Saturday night when he suddenly came to a stop in the infield. Inspection of Sawyer's car once in the pits found a broken third member. Preparing a quick back-up plan to make the main event sent a pit crew making a drive to the race shop.

Sawyer started the main event in the fourteenth position of the fourteen car field and by lap seven had moved into third place. A yellow flag on lap eight sent Sawyer to the back for causing the yellow flag to be thrown. Once again Sawyer worked his way to the front and by lap sixteen he was again in the third place position. The twenty-five lap race was shortened to twenty as Sawyer ended up finishing third place in the Super Street Stock Main Event. Zack Forster won the main event followed by Priddy, Sawyer, Romero and Paul rounding up the top five finishers. The Super Street Stocks will be off until Sunday May 30. Sawyer plans on running Hanford on May 22 and Santa Maria on May 29.


Wins Hot Stocks Main At Kings Speedway
Saturday, May 1, 2004
The trip north of Bakersfield to Hanford, California proved to be well worth it as Robby Sawyer took the main event win Saturday night in the Hot Stocks Division at Kings Speedway. Saturday's race at Kings Speedway was Sawyer's first time at the 3/8 mile dirt track.

Eleven cars started the main event, Sawyer started in the front row from the pole position. After five yellows in the first seven laps the racing got under way as Sawyer was never challenged for the lead. A lap thirteen yellow was the final yellow for the evening as Sawyer pulled away and took the checkered flag as the evenings main event winner in the Hot Stocks Division. Sawyer was followed by Paul Pelletier #4, Debbie Taylor #70, Rod Sullivan #39, and J Contente #94 making up the top five. In a post race interview Sawyer thanked all his sponsors, he also thanked the family and friends for following him up to Hanford. "I would especially like to thank the track for letting me run here tonight, this is a great track," stated Sawyer. The main event win Saturday night marks Sawyers third win in a row.
The Hot Stocks will compete again on May 22, 2004, Sawyer plans on returning to Hanford again on the next race date.
See The Hanford Sentinel Sports page for all race final results.

"Sawyer Wins Main Event - First Two Feature Winner"
Saturday, April 24, 2004
Robby Sawyer became the first Super Street Stock driver to win two main events in a row Saturday night. Sawyer won the main event last weekend with another last lap move that continues to bring the crowd to their feet. Sawyer's patience and driving skill once again gave race fans the show they came to see as they watched #98 put in a last lap move to take the win in the Super Street Stock Main Event.

The Super Street Stock class turned out a thirteen car field as Sawyer started from the fourth row. The normal 25 lap main event was shortened to fifteen laps (due to time constraints and five divisions running). The nights feature main event saw only two yellow flags thrown as Cargill and Forster sat in the front row at the start of the main event. Forster spun on lap 1 and Cargill paced the first round. John Romero got out front for laps 2-3, but it was Cargill back in front on lap 4. Sawyer followed Cargill around Romero for second and began to challenge for the lead. A second yellow flag was thrown on lap eight as fourth place Romero spun. As the cars took the green flag once again, Sawyer was running in second place and taking the high side of the track trying to get around Cargill. A final attempt to take the lead happened on lap fourteen as the two cars approached turns 3-4. Sawyer on the high side moved the #98 down into the low groove racing out of turn four when he raced underneath Cargill to the white flag. With one lap to go Sawyer held the lead and won the main event making him the first repeat winner in the Super Street Stock division. In a post race interview Sawyer states, "My dad has been coaching me to be patient and not get in a hurry to get to the front during the main event, I was just surpised the white flag came out so soon." The Super Street Stocks will be off next weekend but will resume racing on May 8. Sawyer plans on running the Hot Stocks Division next Saturday, May 1 at Kings Speedway. For information on race times and admission price visit the Kings Speedway website.

"Sawyer Wins Super Street Main Event"
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Sawyer Racing fans waited the evening out Saturday night as rain fell off and on, rain delays pushed all main events to be shortened by five laps. The race delay was worth the wait for Robby Sawyer's fans as they watched him put on a spectacular show winning the Super Street Stock main event in the final laps.

The Super Street Stock class turned out a twelve car field with Sawyer starting in the seventh position. A false start (green light and no green flag) at the beginning of the main saw two cars get collected in turn one as Sawyer advanced to the third row. A piece of debri on lap two produced a yellow flag as Sawyer was now in the fifth position. When racing resumed front row starter Zack Forester pulled into the lead as other drivers battled for positon on what proved to be the night's best racing surface. Patterson and Sawyer raced into the 2-3 slots on lap three and Noland took fourth from Little on lap 7 then pitted. Sawyer continued to hold the third position on the heels of the twelve car driven by Patterson waiting patiently to make his move into second place. Zack Forester's lead came to a halt when a lap 14 yellow flag bunched up the pack once again. On the restart Forester, Patterson, and Sawyer ran 1-2-3 when on lap 17 Forester stalled with a right front flat tire. Now with only three laps to go Sawyer sat in the second slot behind Patterson. Sawyer pressured Patterson and took the lead coming out of turn four taking the white flag and was able to pull away for the win. The Super Streets will race again on April 24.

"Sawyer Wins Trophy Dash, Heat, And Finishes Second In Main Event"
Saturday, April 3, 2004
The Super Street Stock class turned out a twelve car field Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway. Sawyer won the first heat race of the night for the Super Street Stock class, the win gave Sawyer the pole position for the Trophy Dash. Sawyer then went onto win his first Trophy Dash of the season as Lloyd Reed finished second.

The main event started a ten car field as two cars had scratched due to breakage. Sawyer and VanScoy started in row two. When the green flag fell Sawyer took it easy and at one point fell back to sixth setting his car up for the twenty-five lap main event. Sawyer running a new motor in his car drove a conservative race and picked off cars one by one setting himself up for what has been this season's most spectacular Street Stock Finish. Sawyer raced into third on lap seven and by lap 18 Sawyer moved into second with Jerimiah VanScoy leading the race. Sawyer made his bid to take the lead with an inside pass in the final corner, but drifted up into the leader and VanScoy ended up spinning across the finish line as the race winner. Sawyer ran second ahead of Reed and Noland with Heurung the final car to see the checkered flag.

Saturday, March 20, 2004 - Read the results from
Inside Groove

"Sawyer Wins Heat in Super Street Stock
and DNFs In Main"
Saturday, March 6, 2004
The Super Street Stock class turned out a field of fourteen cars Saturday night. Drivers from Ventura, Santa Maria, and Imperial as well as three Rookies made up one of the most competitive class at Bakersfield Speedway.

Robby Sawyer pulled his #98 onto the track to start the first heat of the evening in the Super Street Stock Division before a packed house at Bakersfield Speedway. Sawyer went onto win the heat making the win his first of the year in his new car.

The twenty-five lap main event saw twelve cars start the field in an inverted start as Sawyer took the last row starting position. Pole sitter Darrell Hood quickly jumped into the lead. The main event saw two red flags with the first one coming on lap five when Randolfs car caught fire. On the restart Ventura's Wayne Heurung brought out another red when he hit the wall on the front stretch and rolled his car in turn one. Fourth runner Patterson hit the wall on lap eleven bringing out a yellow flag. Mechanical problems and flat tires saw only six cars running by lap eighteen as Sawyer caught the pack on lap twenty. Two laps later Sawyer's evening ended with what appeared to be smoke. Sawyer pulled to the infield on lap 22 when a radiator hose had fallen off the water pump. Being the last car out of the race Sawyer finished sixth with only five cars taking the checkered flag three laps later. The final finish saw Hood take the win over Hughs, Reed, VanScoy, and Kirkpatrick.

"The new car handled great," stated Sawyer in a post race interview. "I can't wait until the next race, were making some changes and we will hopefully have our new motor." The Super Streets are off next weekend but will resume racing on March 20.