PETALUMA, CA (3-29-08) – Penngrove’s Alissa Geving returned to her home track of Petaluma Speedway Saturday night for the opening round of the 2008 All Pro point series at Petaluma Speedway. Despite a number of adversities in preliminary competition, Geving used patience and skill to charge her way to another impressive top three finish at the conclusion of the night aboard the Chick-O-Motorsports – Pit Stop USA #3 sprint car….

Upon arrival at Petaluma Speedway Saturday afternoon, Geving learned that the evening would exclude the routine timed qualifying due to the inclement weather and a delayed start time. The program utilized a pill draw for heat race position and the disappointment of no qualifying turned far more positive when she earned the pole position of her heat race.

Leading the event with only two laps remaining, Geving suffered a cracked valve cover which resulted in an intense oil fire, drawing a red flag and ultimately ending the race with the checkered flag being waved thereafter. Uninjured and undaunted from the incident, the Ursline High School Junior avoided racing in a grueling semi-feature as the field consisted of just 15 cars, down partially due to the questionable weather and the fact that several teams are still preparing for the upcoming year.

Starting the A-feature in the rear of the field, Geving began her season at Petaluma much like she left off at the conclusion of last year, charging towards the front like each lap is the last. Saturday’s track was extremely racy due to the damp conditions, but with the lack of a cushion near the top of the racing surface, it was difficult to race a high line while the low line of the track was very greasy, requiring great finesse and determination to negotiate a successful pass.

Late in the event a red flag paused the race and on the ensuing restart Geving was on fire once again, only this time it was a different kind of fire as she made a late race charge from seventh to third place and even battled with veteran Petaluma driver Art McCarthy for a number of laps. Geving overtook McCarthy for third on the final time around the 3/8 mile. She then set her sights on second place Rick Williams and eventual winner Tyler Franklin. However, time ran out for Geving to further advance when the 25 lap mark was reached and she ended the night with an impressive third place finish, advancing eight positions and undoubtedly being the hard-charger of the night.

“I was bummed at first when they said they weren’t qualifying the sprints tonight,” said Geving. “Until I found out I started on the pole and was leading it, up until the car caught on fire. In the main event nobody was really passing anyone as far as I could see. After the restart I just found a good line and got up to third. It was awesome, I loved it and now I’m really excited for the Petaluma races coming up.”

Geving will return to Petaluma Speedway this Saturday, April 5th for the second championship event of the season before she heads east to Placerville Speedway on Wednesday, April 9th for the rescheduled season opener of the traveling Hoosier Tires Civil War Series. On Saturday, April 12th the series will compete in its second round of the 15 race campaign at Geving’s home track, Petaluma Speedway.

Alissa Gevings’ title sponsors include Pit Stop USA, Auto Repairs Unlimited, Matt Cordiero Enterprises and A1A Muffler. Additional sponsors include Sequoia Logistics, Kalembas Tire Center, Rossi Auto Body, Afex Graphics, ALC Machine Century 21st Healthy Club, Spin Tech Mufflers, Fast Lube Plus and Kaeding Performance.

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