A resident of Calistoga, Mike Benson is one of few drivers that can claim the famous Calistoga Speedway as his hometown track. For Benson, a win at "home" would be the highlight of his racing career.
"I grew up at this place, there is nothing I want more as a driver than a win at Calistoga Speedway," said Benson, "I remember the old days here when this place was the talk of the town, they had a parade at the start of the season with all of the cars. This place saw many big names in racing. I would love to win this deal and this is one of the few races where we actually have that ability unlike when we run here with the Outlaws each year.
In June of 2007 Mike Benson won the Calistoga Cup Civil War event.
Mike Benson Racing Team, Calistoga, CACareer Highlights
- 1993 - California Mini-Sprint "Rookie of the Year" ( one feature win @ Hanford.
- 1994 - Won Mini-Sprint Championship (winning six feature events)
- 1995 - Won one feature event (retired early to prepare for new season)
- 1996 - Pacific Sprint "Rookie of the Year" one second & one fast time.
- 1997 - Third in Silver Cup, Fifth @ Fall Nationals, Two Narc heat race wins
- 1998 - Third in Pacific Sprint competition at Placerville / Five fast times
- 1999 - Fifth in Pacific Sprint competition at Placerville / Five fast times
- 2000 - Won one feature event (Silver Cup at Chico)
- 2001 - Raced for another car owner and placed in top 5 several times.
- 2002 - Two fast times running consistent with California Civil War series.
- 2003 - Won one feature event ( twin Cities Speedway ).
- 2004 - Won World of Outlaws heatrace @ Calistoga Speedway,
Knoxville Nationals 10th fast Qualifier.
- 2005 - Ran Misc 360 $ 410 races in Ca.
- 2006 - Drove the DW Motorsports 91 to a 7th place Civil war Finish.
- 2007 - Won Calistoga Cup Feature Event & 9th place in Civil War.
- 2008 - Goal Win 3 Features / 3 fast times / Top 3 in Civil War.
Mike Benson's interest in racing was developed at an early age. Mike grew up in Calistoga, where he still resides and saw his first race at Calistoga Speedway in the mid-70's.
