The Golden West Classic series didn't have much to do with West Capital Raceway but it was an interesting series.  In 1973 it was called the Golden State Classic because all of the races were ran on California track, including West Capital.  This was a series of seven races at seven different tracks in 10 days.  I don't remember the exact schedule but it went something like this:  Friday - Clovis, Saturday - San Jose, Sunday - Altamont, Wednesday - Anderson (Shasta Speedway), Friday - Madera, Saturday - Stockton, Sunday - T-Car (Carson City).  Since this series was intended to be ran on paved tracks the only dirt track they ran on every year was Clovis.  In 1974  the name was changed from the Golden State Classic to the Golden West Classic because T-Car was added to the schedule and West Capital was dropped.  Earl Kelly's in-laws were the promoters of this series but they were killed in a plane crash when they flew home from the Wednesday night race at Anderson.  Earl took over as promoter but the series came to an end after the 1975 races.

The 18 car up front is Rich Fender of  San Jose, this photo was taken at Madera.

Bobby Baker of Salt Lake City is in the lead here.  Mike Dameron of San Jose is on the outside with Todd Gibson in the rear engine Flintstone Flyer on the inside.  Todd was from the east coast and usually raced at Oswego.  Bobby Baker passed away a short time after the 1975 Golden West Classic.

Dave Bowling of San Jose is in the center with Todd Gibson on the inside.  The driver of the #5 is unknown.

The next 4 photos are of a terrible crash by Larry Cordero at Madera.  In this first picture Larry is in the air and beginning to spin.  The car spun and slammed into the concrete crashwall backward, the fuel tank ruptured, and the car exploded in flames.  This has got to be the most horrifying crash I ever wittnessed.

Larry's car is engulfed in flames and Larry is unconscious.

Larry remains unconscious in the car as burning fuel runs down the track.

Nick Ringo of San Jose can be seen trying to get Larry out of the car as others try to assist.  Just after this photo was snapped the car exploded again but Ringo didn't give up.  He finally succeeded in getting Larry's seatbelt loose and carried him out of the flames.  Nick suffered what appeared to be 2nd degree burns to his face and hand and was taken to the hospital.  After being checked out at the hospital Nick returned to the track and won the main event later that night.  After seeing this crash my wife and I never went to another race at Madera.

  Davey Pombo gets over the front wheel of Don Hicks from Crows Landing.

Al Pombo on the San Jose track

Roy Smith of British Columbia is on the outside in his Daffodill Hill Special with Todd Gibson in the center, and Nick Rescino on the inside.  I believe Roy won a main event at Altamont with this car.

Another shot of Todd Gibson on the inside, racing against an unknown driver.

This is the remains of Tommy Astone's car after a terrible crash at Clovis.  Tommy's throttle stuck wide open on the front straight and he hit the first turn wall at full speed.  The car vaulted over the wall and bounced end for end several time out into a field. I believe Tommy spent several days in the hospital after the crash.

Bobby Baker at Altamont during the 1973 Golden State Classic

I have a bunch of other pictures from the Golden West Classic series that I will be scanning when time permits, so check back from time to time if you are interested in these photos.  Thanks.