12-29-11 A look back at the 2011 King of the West 410 Sprints Royal Court Driver Number 13- “The Iron Man” Pat Harvey Jr.

By Gary Thomas

Rio Vista, CA – December 29, 2011…Dedication and tenacity are a couple of great words to describe Grass Valley, California racer Pat Harvey Jr., who even despite a grinding crash at the end of 2010, came back this season to complete the entire Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series schedule.

Harvey is the owner of Nevada City Auto Service in Nevada City, CA and has been following the state’s premier 410 sprint car series over the last few years. Affectionately dubbed the “Iron Man” Harvey is also the father-in-law of fellow KWS driver and former series champion Jason Statler.

“I think it was a fun year overall in the grand scheme of things,” said the recently turned 65-year-old competitor, who has been racing for over 30-years. “The previous season ended in a pretty rough fashion so to have everything finish on a much better note this year was nice.”

The 2010 Golden State 410 Series finale saw Harvey get upside down in a big way during the main event and it had left the veteran wondering if it was time to hang up the racing shoes. “That was a pretty major accident at the end of the year and I had thoughts of calling it quits,” he said. “But when the season rolled around I was ready to get back at it.”

Harvey also has a unique aspect about his racing efforts, which is the fact that he campaigns the KWS 410 trail with a home-built engine under the hood of his Nevada City Auto Service No. 15 sprinter.

“I actually didn’t know that Pat built his own engines until a couple years ago,” said King of the West Sprint Car Series operations manager George Hague. “Pat is truly one of the backbones of the sport and has been one of the biggest supporters of 410 racing out here over the last few years.”

Since becoming a regular with the Golden State tour, Harvey has logged a number of miles up and down California and wanted to recognize some people for their support. “It’s not an easy thing to travel around as much as we do,” said Harvey. “I want to thank my son-in-law Jason Statler and my girlfriend Kay because she puts up with a lot. I also want to thank Bill Winkle, Ray Clarke and Mario Landy, who also help me out.”

Harvey was also the subject of a short “Behind the Wheel” segment earlier this year produced by the KWS production unit and it can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/20565564

The Golden State King of the West 410 Sprints would like to thank the following companies for their support this season: Goodyear Racing Tires, Pit Stop USA.com, Kaeding Performance, Hoseheads.com, Grant’s Fine Art, Auto Meter Products Inc., Contingency Connection, Maxim Chassis, Amerikote, Abel Chevrolet, Bully Dog, Red Horse Performance, JE Pistons, KSE Racing Products, Hunt Magnetos, Weld Racing, Racing Optics, Butler Built Performance, HoservilleCA, Angellos ATV Rental, Rogue Regency Inn, Williams Motorsports, DES Inc. and Simpson Percherons.

 

12-26-11 Hutchison Bursts Onto West Scene, Announces 2012 Plans


SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (December 26, 2011) – 17 year-old Dylan Hutchison made a huge impression in his NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West debut in October at his home track All American Speedway, and the strong debut will be parlayed into a partial season of action in the West Coast’s premier stock car series for 2012.

The 2011 All American Speedway NASCAR Late Model runner-up, 16 years old at the time, was one of a host of drivers under 21 years old participating in the “TOYOTA/NAPA 150” at the track. Before a sold-out crowd of more than 5,000 strong, Hutchison drove the #5 Bay Bio Diesel Chevrolet for Charlie Silva and Jack Sellers in this prestigious race.

Most significant about Hutchison’s debut in professional NASCAR racing had to be his qualifying run. One of six teenagers in the top-ten of qualifying alone, Hutchison timed in ninth quickest with a 13.901 second lap around the one-third mile oval. Hutchison out-qualified other drivers with Roseville experience including 2011 track champ Matt Scott and 2009 Modified Rookie of the Year Jessica Brunelli.

Hutchison also earned the #5 team its highest qualifying position of the season and only top-ten qualifying effort of the year.

After avoiding a few melees early on in the 150 lap race, Hutchison found himself eighth by lap 22 and ran strong against the veteran drivers to still be tenth near the halfway point. Hutchison had a nice battle with Canadian Daryl Harr before falling to 11th at a caution on lap 100.

The wheels came off a possible top-ten finish when Hutchison was involved in a multi-car crash in turn four on lap 112. Hutchison lost a lap in the skirmish which cost him heavily in a race that had very little attrition. Hutchison brought home the #5 car to a 19th place finish in his series debut with the team very happy and the car in one piece, but left wondering what could have been before the crash.

Hutchison is working with his team and his sponsors to put together a part-time schedule in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West for 2012. The series is scheduled to run 15 races including four road courses, and Hutchison’s exact schedule within that will be announced at a later date. Potential sponsors are urged to learn more about Dylan Hutchison Racing at his website.

Race fans can also learn more about Dylan Hutchison Racing at www.dylanhutchison.com or by visiting the team on Facebook at keywords “Dylan Hutchison Racing”.

Dylan Hutchison Racing thanks sponsors: Johnnie Walker Performance Center, Karp Capital Management, Rex Hutchison Racing Engines, All Valley Tow & Transport, GM Construction & Developers, Allen’s Cabinet & Fixtures, PJ’s Auto Body, Done by Don, JW Sweet Rides, Metal Jeans, Amsoil, Aero Wheels, Eibach Springs, and Race Media Group.


 

12-26-11 Hutchison Wins 2011 Rookie of The Year At All American Speedway


SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (December 26, 2011) – 17 year-old Dylan Hutchison was named 2011 Rookie of the Year in the NASCAR Late Models at All American Speedway during the awards banquet in November to cap off a highly-successful season for the driver of the #88 Chevrolet.

Hutchison, a former WSRA Baby Grand champion, came into 2011 with very limited experience in full-bodied stock cars but quickly moved his way to the front of a field that included four different Late Model champions running on a regular basis.

His 2011 season included four second place finishes starting with just the fourth race of the season on May 21st. Hutchison put together a string of great races throughout the 14 race points season with 10 top-fives and only finishing outside of the top-ten in the season opener in April.

A late-season rally in the final five races saw Hutchison close within just five points of fourth place finishing Chris Scribner in the points standings before finishing fifth.

On the final points race of the season, Hutchison led 38 laps and successfully held off 2011 track champion Matt Scott for many laps before relinquishing the lead on lap 46 of the 50 lap contest. The race was an affirmation of Hutchison’s growth throughout the year with the young driver falling just a few laps shy of a victory.

The non-points season finale on October 14 attracted entries from all over the Western United States with Hutchison qualifying 10th out of the 26 car field. Unfortunately, Hutchison was eliminated in a crash on lap 29 while running in the top-ten to end his Late Model season.

Along with four second place efforts, Hutchison also finished in the top 500 of the national NASCAR Whelen All-American Series standings. Finishing with nearly twice the points of the nearest rookie driver at All American Speedway, Hutchison was voted by his peers in the pit area as Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

Race fans can learn more about Dylan Hutchison Racing at www.dylanhutchison.com or by visiting the team on Facebook at keywords “Dylan Hutchison Racing”.

Dylan Hutchison Racing thanks sponsors: Johnnie Walker Performance Center, Karp Capital Management, Rex Hutchison Racing Engines, All Valley Tow & Transport, GM Construction & Developers, Allen’s Cabinet & Fixtures, PJ’s Auto Body, Done by Don, JW Sweet Rides, Metal Jeans, Amsoil, Aero Wheels, Eibach Springs, and Race Media Group.

 

12-21-11 USAC Champion Tony Hunt to Race in South Africa


LINCOLN, CALIFORNIA (December 21, 2011) – Newly crowned eight-time USAC champion Tony Hunt of Lincoln, CA will try to add to an international win to his resume, as he will compete at Ultimate Raceway in Vereeniging, South Africa on January 7. Hunt will be one of two Americans traveling to compete in winged 410 sprints on the quarter-mile paved oval track.

The 55-time USAC feature winner will face off against the best racers South Africa has to offer as part of the “Ultimate Sprint Car Series”. But his chief competition may come from Ohio’s Brian Lay. Lay is an accomplished racer from the Auto Value Super Sprints and won in South Africa in 2010.

Hunt rarely slows down during the off-season, traveling throughout the United States for various stunt driving and driving school jobs when not aboard the Mike Phulps-owned #56 Metal Works / Ebay Motors Schwanke powered Beast in the USAC Western Sprint Car Series.

Hunt will drive for local car owner and track operator Kallie Newman in a car that was formerly owned by California car owner Alan Kaiser whom Hunt won the 2006 USAC Western Sprint Car title with. The Eagle Chassis powered by a 410 cubic inch Jessie James engine has visited victory lane several times in South Africa along with many top-three finishes.

“It’s a real honor to be considered for this trip to South Africa,” Hunt said. “Getting back in a car I had a connection with with makes this even more special. I hope to put on a great show for the fans in South Africa and this should be a trip of a lifetime!”

Tony Hunt’s 2012 plans are to be announced at a later date with race fans encouraged to visit www.tonyhunt.com for more information.

Tony Hunt Motorsports Marketing partners include the following: MW Metal Works, Thompson’s Toyota, eBay Motors, Paul Oil, Redline Oil, Earl's, Intercomp, GoPro, Hoosier, MPD, Justice Brothers, Racing Electronics, Eibach Springs, Wilwood, Simpson, JB Racing Products, Mr. Espresso, Lajoie of Seating, K&N Filters, Hunt's Race World, Carmichael Auto Service, Mettec, Outlaw Graphics, Permatex, Gold's Gym of Lincoln, Meguiar's, Oakley, Scribner Plastics., Fuel Safe, and Blakesley Sports Media.

 

12-21-11 USAC West Coast 360 Sprints Series

2012 USAC WEST COAST 360 SPRINT CAR PREVIEW & SCHEDULE
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – DECEMBER 21, 2011... Series Promoter Chris Kearns has released the 2012 Schedule for the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Cars. The Central California based group is poised for seventeen nights of action, starting with their debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. In addition to Tulare, Hanford, and Santa Maria, the series will return to Bakersfield and make their first "official" appearance at Peoria, Arizona's Canyon Speedway Park.

The "Sin City Showdown" at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway will kickoff the campaign on Thursday, March 8th. Held during NASCAR weekend and showcased with the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, the non-point event opens a three race mini-series with the ASCS Canyon Sprints. Featuring a $2500-to-win and $300-to-start purse, the mini-series dates will be a "must see" for race fans. For more information on the Las Vegas race, visit lvms.com.

Steve Faria's Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare has four dates on the schedule. In addition to the March 17th show with the World of Outlaws, the non-wing 360s will share the spotlight with the King of the West Sprint Cars on April 14th and June 2nd. For details on the Tulare events, visit tularethunderbowl.com.

Scott Schweitzer's Bakersfield Speedway will feature the USAC West Coast 360s on March 24th. This will mark the group's first race at “The West’s Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval" since June 19, 2010 when local favorite Ricky Kirkbride scored the win. For more information on the Bakersfield show, visit bakersfieldspeedway.com.

Starting on April 7th, Scott Woodhouse's Kings Speedway in Hanford has five shows on the calendar. The 3/8-mile facility will host the popular "Jim Evett Memorial" on July 14th with the winged 410 King of the West Sprint Cars. The "Jim Turner Memorial" is set for September 8th and the 27th Annual "Cotton Classic" will close out the schedule on October 13th. For more details on the Hanford events, visit giantchevroletspeedway.com.

Chris Kearns' Santa Maria Speedway will host five dates of the 2012 campaign. The $2500-to-win "War at the Shore" on July 7th will be the second co-sanctioned "challenge" with the ASCS Canyon Sprints. The "Billet Cup" on September 29th is a special non-point race that will add spice to the schedule. For information on the Santa Maria shows, visit racesantamariaspeedway.com.

Kevin Montgomery's Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona will host their first "official" date for the USAC West Coast 360s on September 22nd. The non-point "Brawl for it All" closes out the mini-series with the ASCS Canyon Region and has a $2500-to-win and $300-to-start purse. The 3/8-mile facility is also home to the "Winter Challenge," a series starting on January 27th that showcases six races in nine days. For more details on the Canyon event and the "Winter Challenge" series, visit canyonspeedwaypark.com.

The USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series would like to thank 2011 series sponsors Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, ButlerBuilt, Competition Suspension Inc., Cory Kruseman's Sprint Car & Midget Driving School, Crow Enterprizes, DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Hinchman-Indy Racing Uniforms, Integra Shocks, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Port City Racing, Rod End Supply, Saferacer.com, Saldana Racing Products, and Sander Engineering for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming 2012 season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

For more information on the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series, please visit westcoastsprintcars.com, usacracing.com, racesantamariaspeedway.com, or follow the series on facebook.
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2012 USAC WEST COAST 360 SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 8: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Non-Points)
March 17: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 24: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
April 7: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
April 14: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 21: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
May 5: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
May 12: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
June 2: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
June 23: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 7: *Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 14: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 4: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
September 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
September 22: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Non-Points)
September 29: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Non-Points)
October 13: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With ASCS Canyon Region Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

 

12-14-11 A look back at the 2011 King of the West 410 Sprints Royal Court Driver Number 15- “The Mongoose” Doug Gandy

By Gary Thomas

Rio Vista, CA – December 14, 2011…With the holiday season upon us we’ll be taking a look back at the 2011 season for the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series from the drivers perspective, as we feature a glimpse at the year for each of the “members in good standing” from the inaugural KWS campaign.

This past season saw a total of 15 drivers/teams finish the year as “members in good standing,” meaning they didn’t miss more than two events throughout 2011. The impressive loyalty earned those entrants the chance to be eligible for the point fund at the awards banquet and also the opportunity to take part in the drawing for a complete sprint car and engine.

Number 15 on the list was none other than a living legend in the Northern California dirt track scene, Oakhurst’s Doug Gandy. The 67-year-old veteran returned to winged sprint car racing for a couple of events in 2010, before making the jump back to full-time competition this past season.

“When I came back last year it was the first time I had driven a winged sprint since 1993,” said Gandy, who spent six-years driving for well-known Nor Cal car owner Morrie Williams. “I was unsure what kind of schedule I’d run this year, but after talking to Ashley Smith it made for an easy choice to decide on running the King of the West Series.”

In his career Gandy has won over 100 main events and is a three-time track champion at the Placerville Speedway, which is located on the El Dorado County Fairgrounds. The driver known as the “Mongoose” also captured the Silver Dollar Speedway track title in 1976, etching his name in the record books at the famed quarter-mile oval in Chico.

“The King of the West Series was a lot of fun this year and I’m really excited about coming back next season,” commented Gandy. “I noticed it was like a family traveling down the road with KWS and it hasn’t been that way for a while, so it was a great thing. I want to thank my team of Doug, Brandon, Scott Adelsbach and everyone that pitched in like Ashley Smith and Williams Motorsports, as well as Dan Simpson and DES Racing.” Gandy would also like to thank Scott Brown of MRO Inc., Oakhurst Tire and Lemire Tractor Inc.

To learn more about the “Mongoose” Doug Gandy please take a look at his appearance on “KWS Tonight” at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/16159861

The Golden State King of the West 410 Sprints would like to thank the following companies for their support this season: Goodyear Racing Tires, Pit Stop USA.com, Kaeding Performance, Hoseheads.com, Grant’s Fine Art, Auto Meter Products Inc., Contingency Connection, Maxim Chassis, Amerikote, Abel Chevrolet, Bully Dog, Red Horse Performance, JE Pistons, KSE Racing Products, Hunt Magnetos, Weld Racing, Racing Optics, Butler Built Performance, HoservilleCA, Angellos ATV Rental, Rogue Regency Inn, Williams Motorsports, DES Inc. and Simpson Percherons.

Don't forget to “like” the Golden State King of the West Series on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/kws410s for the most timely and up to date information on the series.

Also check out our official website at http://www.kwssprints.com for the latest news, results, history and more on the Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Cars.

Be sure to catch archived shows of “KWS Tonight,” along with special highlight clips from the 2011 season at http://vimeo.com/user5784994/videos and http://www.ustream.tv/channel/king-of-the-west-today/videos



 

12-9-11 Thorn Nearly Pulls Off Top Ten in Snowball Derby Debut


BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (December 9, 2011) – Overcoming incredible odds, Bakersfield’s Derek Thorn nearly pulled off a top-ten in the 44th annual Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL over the weekend, driving from his 30th starting position up near the top-ten before a disastrous crash ended his day with just 5 laps remaining in the 300 lap contest.

Thorn made the race behind the wheel of the #26 Sigma Engineering Solutions / JRC Toyota Camry with significant fan and sponsor support from throughout the racing industry. Thorn and his JRC team made a 2100 mile trip to race at the premier short track event in the nation. The long tow along with using three engines and a wild crash earned Thorn the Five Star Bodies Tough Guy Award for the week.

The Junior Joiner led crew successfully managed the “Room of Doom” technical inspection process on Wednesday with only minor changes needing to be made to the car. With tech out of the way, all focus shifted towards Thursday practice.

Thursday practice hit a bump in the road as the primary motor blew in the first few laps. The crew scrambled to install a back-up engine with Thorn eager to get some experience on the tough half-mile oval. But Thorn’s day was ended when the back-up engine suffered a valve train failure early in his final practice.

The JRC team was faced with the prospect of packing up before the week had even really began, but additional sponsor support stepped forward to buy a Hamner Racing Engines bullet to install in the car. A late night rally by the JRC team, going to nearly 3:30 a.m., resulted in the successful installation of the new Hamner Racing Engine. With a new power plant, Thorn was ready to attack the track at first practice on Friday.

Friday practice was much more successful for Thorn as the team hunted for more speed. Qualifications that evening proved difficult with dropping temperatures and a slippery race track. Only the top 30 qualifiers would make the 300 lap event on times and Thorn narrowly made the field qualifying 30th out of 52 entries.

After utilizing Saturday practice to further tune-up the #26 ride, it was time for the JRC Gen-1 Truck Arm car to strut its stuff before a crowd of nearly 12,000 for the Snowball Derby. Starting 30th out of the 37 car field, Thorn conserved his car while fighting a loose condition early in the race. Moving up to 26th place, Thorn was put a lap down before the team was able to get him to the pits to discover a flat right rear tire.

With fresh rubber on the car Thorn went to work, first cracking the top-20 and then getting up to 16th position to earn a “Lucky Dog” and get back on the lead lap. Thorn continued digging and avoiding accidents, finding himself knocking on the door for a top-ten finish. After taking his last pit stop with less than 50 laps to go Thorn was ready for a run to the front of the pack.

Unfortunately, Thorn spun with a little bit of help and was forced to restart in the thick of traffic in the closing stages of the race. With damage to the rear end of his car, Thorn hung on before being gathered in a violent crash on lap 294 that sent Thorn’s JRC chassis flipping down the banking in turn one.

Thorn emerged from his battered race car uninjured and team owner Joe Farré later revealed that the car suffered no significant chassis damage whatsoever. His day was done but Thorn was gracious enough to talk to Speed51.com for their live radio broadcast which earned him kudos throughout the internet world for his composure after a rough week.

Getting just a small taste of Snowball Derby success has Farre, Thorn, and Junior Joiner all eager to return to the 45th running of the event next season. Thorn’s attention will now turn towards a busy 2012 season that will see him compete in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, West for Bob Bruncati and Sunrise Ford, while also mixing in races in the SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour.

Companies sponsoring Derek Thorn in the Snowball Derby include: Sigma Engineering Solutions, JRC, Lake County, Racehard.com, Approved Memory, PepperJack Kennels, Blakesley Sports Media, Victory Circle, Century Boatland, McClintock & Turk, Lakeport Speedway, AP Brakes, AR Bodies, Joe’s Racing Products, JRI Shocks, Eibach Springs, NEO, AG Source Magazine, and Imagine This.

Derek Thorn and JRC would also like to thank everyone for there generous support of this special event, including Joe Farré, Junior Joiner, Scott Franchimone, Jim Kennedy, Marty and Misty Melo, Stanley Fisher, Rick and Carol Thorn, Travis Thorn, Dave Reed, John Gomez, Don Williams, Mark Lundgren, The Keep Family, Dave Furia, Mark Reed, Mike Rose, Rod and Deanne Padel, Dave Sullivan, Grandma Kelly, Justin Dutcher, Kyle Tellestrom, Erika Johnson, Cheryl Archer, The Hensen Family, Phillip Gambrell, Grandma Shirlee and Grandpa Ray, Melissa Kelleey, Kyle and Kolby Medina, Kevin and Traci Medina, Rebecca Chouinard, Myles Anderson, Jeanne Broussal, Valerie Sullivan, Ken Benhamou, Kevin Disney, Randy and Jason Gilbert, Steven Meyer, Jack and Becky Gasper, Christine Smith, Dan Baril, Kristen Raney, Wanda Lopez, Judy Lanfranco, Jamie Ceridono, William & Alberta Knoll, John & Toni Candido, Travis, Tony, Tracy, Clay, & Miranda Wanzer, Grandma June, The Russell Family, The Reyonolds, Steve Meyer, Kim Olsen and Family.

For additional information about JRC look them up online at www.joinerracecars.com Seats are still available for the 2012 season in the SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour and interested parties can contact Marty Melo at (530) 941-5642.

 

12-8-11 Taco Bravo Extends Deal, Day Wins Kaeding Sprint Gar Giveaway


WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA (December 8, 2011) – The Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo joined the Ocean Speedway banquet on Saturday night at the Coconut Grove Ballroom at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with 2011 series champion Ronnie Day of Salinas among the honorees. Dennis Woullet and Taco Bravo announced a two-year extension of their title sponsorship of the series giving it great stability going into both 2012 and 2013.

Not only was Day honored as champion but he was also the winner of the Kaeding Sprint Car giveaway including a 2012 Maxim Chassis and body kit. Any driver within the top-20 in the points that was present was eligible to win, but Day’s win added to his list of numerous successes throughout the season.

The 2011 Johnny Key Classic winner was gracious up on stage and thanked his brother Keith Day for the support to make his championship season possible. Day won the championship with Tommy Tarlton, Rico Abreu, Justin Sanders, and Shane Golobic rounding out the top-five in the standings. Abreu, despite going winless on the season, made a big impression during his rookie season and was honored as Rookie of the Year for one of the nation’s premier weekly sprint car classes.

Ocean Speedway promoter John Prentice was thrilled to announce the extension of the Taco Bravo deal and saw it as an affirmation of the hard work he has put into the series over the last five years.

“We are extremely grateful for the support Taco Bravo has provided to both Ocean Speedway and our Ocean Sprints division over the years,” Prentice said. “This two year extension with Taco Bravo allows us to continue a commitment to put on great sprint car racing for the fans.”

Prentice has been busy representing Ocean Speedway as a keynote speaker at the RPM Promoters Workshop in Reno this week. Prentice spoke to the audience of esteemed promoters from throughout the Western United States on the sound issues facing both the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds and the race track. Prentice has been asked to return to the RPM Workshop during Speedweeks in Daytona in February.

The full 2012 slate of Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo races will be announced at a later date but race fans can expect another thrilling season of some of the best winged 360 action anywhere in the nation.

For more information on the Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo log onto http://www.oceansprints.com and for more on the Ocean Speedway visit http://www.oceanspeedway.com


 

12-6-11 2011 Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Year in Review

By Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – DECEMBER 6, 2011... For the fourth consecutive year, Temecula's Mike Spencer won the driver's championship with the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. During the 2011 campaign, the traditional 410s showcased twenty-two events in California and Arizona with 150 different drivers taking the green flag. Twelve of those drivers scored feature wins as the group registered an average car count of thirty-two.

Piloting Ron Chaffin's famed red #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim, Spencer served early notice to the competition by winning the first three races of the year. After briefly losing the point lead to Matt Mitchell, the Bruce Bromme Jr. led team rebounded and scored three more victories, including the "Firecracker 30" at Perris and Calistoga's "Louie Vermeil Classic." In all, Mike led the series with six feature wins, five Sander Engineering Fast Time Awards (tied), four Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main wins, nineteen top-10 finishes, and 146 feature laps led. In addition to having seven heat race victories, Spencer won Santa Maria's Last Man Standing Dash on August 13th and the $10,000 "Legends of Ascot Match Race" at Perris on November 5th. For Chaffin, the 2011 USAC/CRA Championship is his fifth owner's title in the eight year history of the series.

Nic Faas of Huntington Beach finished second in the championship point chase. In his first year behind the wheel of Mark Alexander's silver #4 Scott Sales Company / VP Racing Fuels Spike, Faas won three features in a row at Perris, including the "Glenn Howard Memorial" and the first night of the Oval Nationals. The 2008 Rookie of the Year won two Last Man Standing Dashes, first coming at Santa Maria on June 18th, and the "Walt James Dash" at Perris on July 30th. Faas tied Spencer for the series lead with five Sander Engineering Fast Time Awards and set the 1-lap track records at Victorville and Peoria, AZ. Nic had seven heat race victories on the year with three Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards, seventeen top-10 finishes, and 64 feature laps led.

Yorba Linda's Matt Mitchell had a solid season and claimed third in the final point standings. The pilot of J.W. Mitchell Motorsports' #37 Mancha Realtors / Sierra Springs Maxim briefly led the points early in the year and claimed two feature wins at Perris, including the "Salute To Indy" on May 28th. The former USAC Western Midget Series Rookie of the Year led all drivers with nine heat race victories and four Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards on the season. In addition, the championship contender had seventeen top-10 finishes and 49 feature laps led in 2011.

Austin Williams of Yorba Linda placed fourth in the hunt for the championship. Driving Jack Jory's #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Viper, Williams won his first career USAC/CRA feature at Santa Maria on August 13th. The 2009 Rookie of the Year and son of Hall of Fame driver "The Ripper" Rip Williams closed out the season with three heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main win, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, ten top-10 finishes, and thirty feature laps led to his credit.

Scoring fifth in the final standings is Visalia's Greg Bragg. Piloting Tom and Laurie Sertich's #92 Huntington Beach Glass and Mirror / Pacific Business Machine Buckley, Bragg did not win a main event but was a factor in many of the races. The 3-Time California Lightning Sprint Champion had his best finish of the year with a second place run in the May 28th "Salute To Indy" at Perris. Greg and the Moose Racing Team ended their 2011 campaign with three heat race victories, two Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards, eleven top-10 finishes, and fourteen feature laps led.

"Cadillac" Cody Williams of Yorba Linda finished sixth in the championship points. The driver of Jack Jory's #44 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Viper did not win a feature, but raced towards the front on many occasions. Last season's Victorville Sprint Car Champion had his best finish of the year with a sixth place showing on July 30th at Perris Auto Speedway. The oldest son of Hall of Fame driver "The Ripper" Rip Williams recorded five heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, and eight top-10 finishes in 2011.

Santa Maria's "Showtime" Danny Sheridan had a tough year and claimed seventh in the standings. Splitting time with the USAC West Coast 360s, the pilot of the Kittle Motorsports' #18 Pace Lighting / PIPE Sherman did not score a feature win with the club, but continued to live up to his nickname. The former Bandit Sprint Car Champion recorded two runner-up finishes in 2011, first at his hometown track on August 13th and at Calistoga on September 3rd. "Showtime" registered three heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main win, eight top-10 finishes, and fifteen feature laps led on the year.

"The Ripper" Rip Williams of Yorba Linda finished eighth in the point chase. Driving Jack Jory's famed black #3 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Viper, the 2004 USAC/CRA Champion did not win a main event but remained a force to be reckoned with in 2011. The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Driver placed second in the July 2nd "Firecracker 30" at Perris and continues to mentor sons Cody and Austin. "The Ripper" closed out his campaign with four heat race victories, six top-10 finishes, and six feature laps led.

Finishing ninth in the championship points is "Super" Rickie Gaunt of Torrance. Piloting David Miller's #66 Tom Roberts Design / Barnes Systems Inc. Eagle, Gaunt had a tough season and did not claim a feature win. Always running towards the front, the 2004 SCRA Champion's best finish of the year was second place run at Perris during the Southern California Fair on October 8th. The veteran driver had one heat race victory, two Competition Suspension Inc. Semi-Main wins, six top-10 finishes, and twenty-three feature laps led in 2011.

"The Demon" Damion Gardner of Concord finished tenth in USAC/CRA standings. Now racing primarily in the Midwest, the 2005 Champion made several guest appearances in Dwight Cheney's #42 machine and lost to Mike Spencer at the last corner of the March 12th Perris season opener. Racing his DG Racing #71 Pace Lighting Eagle, Gardner won his second Perris Oval Nationals on November 5th and had two Sander Engineering Fast Time Awards, one heat race victory, nine top-10 finishes, and sixty-three feature laps led on the year.

Bryan Clauson, "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman, Robert Ballou, Levi Jones, Bud Kaeding, Kyle Larson, and Chris Windom also scored feature wins in 2011. Clauson swept the October 28th & 29th "Hall of Fame Classic" at Peoria, Arizona's Canyon Speedway Park. Racing his CTR-BCI-Curb/Agajanian #7 Curb Records Spike, Clauson finished 20th in points. Kruseman won two co-sanctioned races with the new USAC Western Classic Racing Series, first at Watsonville on July 17th and the next night at Santa Maria. Splitting time between his #21K Lucas Oil Eagle and Mark Priestley's #7 Roy Miller Freightlines Maxim, the 2006 Champion claimed twelfth in points.

Ballou flew in from Indiana and won the "Louie Vermeil Classic" preliminary feature at Calistoga on September 3rd. Driving Keith Ford's #72 Berry Pack Ellis, "The Rocklin Rocket" finished 19th in series points. Levi Jones capped off his championship season with the USAC National Sprint Cars by winning "The Finals" at Hanford on November 12th. Piloting the Tony Stewart Racing #20 GM Performance Parts Eagle, Jones placed fourteenth in USAC/CRA points.

Kaeding won the shootout at Hanford on May 7th behind the wheel of Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises Maxim. The 3-time USAC Silver Crown Champion also drove his #29 BK Motorsports Maxim, set a new Hanford 1-lap record on November 12th, and tied for twenty-third in the point chase. Kyle Larson scored the September 8th "Tiner Family Classic" victory at Chico from fourteenth in Brent Kaeding's #99 Stadelhofer Construction Maxim. Larson also drove for Junior Bowman and claimed thirty-fourth in the final standings. Chris Windom won the "makeup" preliminary feature of the Oval Nationals at Perris on November 5th. Driving the Baldwin Brothers Racing #5X Fox Paving Maxim, Windom tied for seventeenth in USAC/CRA points.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Donovan Engineering, Electro Tech Powder Coating, Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror, Keizer Wheels, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, Sander Engineering, and So-Cal Performance for their support.

For more information on the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, please visit www.usacracing.com/cra or follow the series on facebook.