Tim Kaeding Chico Friday summary

'TK' Passes 10 Cars in Mini Gold Cup Opener

CHICO, CA (March 7) -- Tim Kaeding has been one of the hardest-charging drivers in the United States since he starting racing sprint cars, and never tires of proving it.

The two-time defending Mini Gold Cup champion drove Tom Rolfe Racing's #10 J.F. McCray Plastering Maxim past more cars than anybody at Silver Dollar Speedway Friday, on opening night of the 22nd running of the prestigious event in his car owner's home town.

"TK" rode the rim around the high-banked, 1/4-mile oval to pass 10 cars on his way to a fourth-place finish in the Golden State Challenge King of California's first race of the season. Tim won the 2002 Golden State Challenge King of California championship.

Kaeding, the 18th-fastest qualifier in the 65-car field, was .449 seconds off fast-qualifier Tyler Walker's pace. Tim, who won the Silver Dollar Speedway track championship in 1998 and 2001, started outside the front row in the Second Heat Race and passed pole-sitter Colby Weisz on his way to the victory.

"TK" will be racing for his third straight Mini Gold Cup championship when the event climaxes Saturday night at Silver Dollar Speedway.

Tim Kaeding will be racing for his third straight Mini Gold Cup championship Saturday night

-credit: trr