Marty Hawkins made his Sprint car debue at Petaluma Speedway last Saturday. Petaluma is known for its aggressive tracks and agressive driving styles. Seeking help for set-ups and parts the Hawkins Motor Sports team went to an old racing ally and Petaluma track favorite, Gary Geving. The Chick-O-Motorsports team not only helped with car set-up, but they also gave a top wing, nose wing, and some safty equipment. To make it difficult for the rookie on his first night out, the track was extensivly rough track. Some of the more local drivers commented that it was the worst the track had seen in many years.

The crew headed to Petaluma with a 410 engine to race in a 360 show, and explained to officials that they were there to test the car for the following week at Calistoga. After shaking out the butterflies in wheel packing and qualifing Marty got up to speed and even passed other drivers in his heat. He started in the back of his nine car heat race and made his way up to sixth before putting the preasure on the cars ahead as the final laps came to a close. When the time came for the A-main the track had become extensivly rough and when the green flag dropped the crowd held its breath as the pack of cars bounced through turn one. As the race went on Marty began to slowly pick cars off and managed to stay out of trouble. After getting lapped Marty would let the leaders go before getting up to speed, and even passed a few of the leaders back. In the end Marty finished 13th out of 18 cars. The night was still a success due to the fact that all the team was trying to accomplish was get laps before heading to Calistoga Speedway the next week. They plan to run the double header at Calistoga on May 23rd and 24th.

Special Thanks is also needed for Mike Benson and his crew, Kyle Vella and Mark Porter, for helping with engine and chassis work as well.