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1-24-11 Pro Racing Announces
2011 Flat Track Grand National Schedule-Sacramento Mile is back!
Source Calistoga Flat Track Racing
National Championship motorcycle
racing is back in a big way in Northern California. NorCal fans will be
fortunate to enjoy the full array of motorcycle racing in 2011, right at
their doorstep - 1 Supercross, 1 Motocross National, 2 Road Race
Nationals, and new for this year- 3 Dirt Track Nationals (Mile, Half
Mile, and TT). Here's the schedule of upcoming, National Championship
events:
January 29 Supercross Oakland Coliseum
April 23 GNC TT Salinas Sports Complex
May 14-16 Road Race National Infineon Raceway
Infineon's Moto Jam includes Supermoto, Vintage MX and Flat Track racing
May 21 Hangtown MX National Prarie City OHV Park
July 23-24 Road Race National Laguna Seca Raceway In conjunction with
Moto GP
July 30 GNC Mile CalExpo Sacramento
Oct 1 GNC Half Mile Calistoga Speedway
After the wild success of our Inaugural Calistoga Half Mile National (CHMN)
in 2010 (thanks in part to our event sponsors - Certainteed, SDI
Insulation, Motion Pro, Rod Lake Racing, Cycle Gear, Michael's
Harley-Davidson, A&A Racing, Black Tie Transportation, LeoVince and
others), we anticipate an even more exciting 2011.
Season tickets for both the Sacramento Mile at Cal Expo (July 30) and
the CHMN (moved to October 1) will become available by mid-February.
Initially, these tickets will be offered to the same fans who purchased
tickets to the 2010 CHMN event. If you purchase CHMN tickets during this
pre-sale you will have the first opportunity to purchase Sacramento Mile
tickets.
We will announce this pre-sale by contacting 2010 CHMN ticket buyers
through email - receiving this email means you are on that list. If you
found out about the season ticket opportunity some other way, send an
email to info@CalistogaHalfMileNational.com so we can confirm that you
are a 2010 CHMN ticket buyer and get an email address to add you to the
list.
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1-24-11 Showdown Debut For
Lupton
Source Jeffrey Best
NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown
Seventeen year-old Dylan Lupton
will be starting the engine to the race of his career come January 28th,
where he will be racing the Toyota Allstar Showdown at Toyota Speedway
at Irwindale. The race will mark the beginning to Lupton’s 2011 career
where he will be piloting the #56 High Point Racing Late Model. Dylan
plans on using this race as a test for the upcoming season. “We want to
make quality passes in the race, stay out of trouble, and finish with a
top 10” said Lupton. When asked about any strategy for the new
implementation of heat races for the late models in the showdown, he
replied “to not take any unnecessary risks, but make sure we make the
show.” With a couple races already under his belt, Lupton will be
battling against top late model drivers for his chance to repeat what
car owner Tim Huddleston was able to accomplish last year…Showdown
victory.
Dylan Lupton’s High Point Racing career started in 2010 racing the #56
Langer’s Juice S2 car, racking up 3 wins in a season that saw 8
different drivers claim a victory. Not only did he excel against the
competition, Lupton claimed the Rookie of the Year and Championship of
his division as well. Working on being as prepared as they can be, the
team has been conducting off-season testing. “Off-season testing has
been going great” said Huddleston.
A fun side to High Point Racing is the history of each car in the
stable, and even more amusing are the names they carry with them.
Lupton’s #56 car has been nicknamed “Allstar” and has quite the record
on Toyota Speedway’s racing surface. “Allstar” was the Tim Huddleston’s
championship winning car in 2008, as well as the car he drove to victory
in the 2010 Toyota Allstar Showdown Late Model event.
The Nascar Toyota Allstar Showdown will be at Toyota Speedway at
Irwindale on January 28th and 29th, and will be televised live on SPEED.
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1-24-11 The ASA Truck Series
is Excited to Announce Adding Madera Speedway to Their 2011 Schedule
Source ASA Truck Series PR
ASA Truck Series
SANTEE, Ca- As the anticipation
builds for another season in the ASA Truck Series, we are able to
continue the momentum as the teams will be welcomed by Madera Speedway
for two dates in 2011. As this is a ‘touring’ series and teams expressed
interest in adding new tracks, series owner, Lisa McLauchlan worked
diligently with Madera Speedway promoter, Kenny Shephard to secure June
25 and September 24 at that track. “We are so excited to be racing at
the newly paved, newly renovated “fastest 1/3 mile in the west” at
Madera along with the popular Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series”, said
McLauchlan. The events are also scheduled to include fireworks, a stunt
show, and lawn mower races!
Remember that the season opener is scheduled for April 9th in Lake
Havasu City, Arizona at the Havasu 95 Speedway and an additional race as
been added there on October 8th. The ASA Truck Series is also scheduled
to race at the Lucas Oil I-10 Speedway in Blythe and Firebird
International Speedway at the Firebird West Road Course. TOYOTA Speedway
at Irwindale is busy with the All-Star Showdown and will not be
committing to schedule dates until the first week of February, so the
ASA Truck Series schedule will be formally issued after final
negotiations are complete with all the tracks. Race event sponsorship is
still available for some of the events if you are interested in having
the race presented by your company or sponsor. Contact the office for
more information.
The ASA Trucks are 2,450 pounds, full tube chassis, 108 inch wheelbase,
375 horsepower V-8’s, with 2-speed direct drive transmissions and
Speedway Engineering aluminum quick change rear ends on 8-inch Hoosier
Racing Tires and can reach speeds of 105 MPH at the ½ mile TOYOTA
Speedway at Irwindale oval and 150 MPH on the 2.1-mile road course at
Firebird International Raceway. The ASA Trucks sport exact replica
Norris Racing fiberglass bodies in Chevy S-10, Chevy Colorado, Ford
Ranger, Dodge Dakota and Toyota Tacoma models.
If you would like to find out more about the ASA Truck Series and how
you could be part of the growing excitement across the nation about this
dynamic series, contact Todd or Lisa McLauchlan at 619-596-6816 /
mcracers@prodigy.net or go to www.asatruckseries.com
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1-24-11 Derek Thorn to Compete
in All Star Showdown
Source Derek Thorn Media Relations
NASCAR Toyota All Star Showdown
IRVINE, Ca- 24 year-old Derek
Thorn will kick off the 2011 racing season by competing in the
prestigious NASCAR K&N Pro Series division of the TOYOTA All-Star
Showdown at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale, Calif.
Thorn will be at the controls of the #44 Four Star Fruit/Superior
Crankshaft Chevrolet for Byron Campbell Racing. The Showdown events will
take place over January 28 and 29 with the races broadcasted live on
SPEED channel.
“It’s awesome knowing I’m going to finally be running the Showdown in a
K&N car as I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,”
Thorn said. “I owe this all to Dan Smith and Junior Joiner for helping
me get back to winning races on the West coast since my return from back
East.”
Additional sponsorship support for the effort has come from PepperJack
Kennels, Joiner Motorsports, and Sumseeds. Sumseeds has supported
grassroots racing in the past, and is excited to be joining Thorn on the
biggest stage in short track racing. Fans who attend the Showdown will
have the opportunity to sample the many flavors of Sumseeds energized
sunflower seeds.
“I am excited about this opportunity for Derek and for this new team and
proud to be a part of the K&N experience,” Superior Crankshaft CEO
Cheryl Archer said. “This is one of those opportunities that every young
driver strives for, and Superior is blessed to be in a position to
support both this team and the series. We are very proud of our driver
development program and having Derek as our driver for the 2011 season.”
Thorn competed at TOYOTA Speedway 11 times in 2010 between the Late
Model, Super Late Model, and SRL Southwest Tour divisions including a
pair of Late Model wins.
His 2010 season was highlighted by a third place points finish his
freshmen year in the SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour standings. Thorn scored
four poles and two victories in the hotly contested series.
The TOYOTA All-Star Showdown is considered the “Daytona 500 of
short-track racing” and attracts top drivers from all over North
America. Several drivers are locked into the field already based on
championships and race wins, meaning that qualifying is a crucial part
of the weekend.
Thorn’s previous history in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series saw him qualify in
the top-ten in five of his six starts in the 2008 East Series, making
him confident that he can qualify into the Showdown on time with the
support and great equipment that is being provided for him
“Byron Campbell and Mike Keen have given me some great opportunities to
win in their equipment and I am looking forward to this opportunity to
compete in the Showdown,” Thorn said. “With Superior Crankshaft,
PepperJack Kennels, and Sumseeds giving us their support I’m feeling
confident and looking forward to running up front.”
The TOYOTA All-Star Showdown is highlighted by the 40 car, 225 lap
feature spread over three segments. The race will be one of the longest
that Thorn has competed in during his young career.
Race fans can follow all the action live on SPEED. The main event on
Saturday night is set to begin at 8 p.m. PST.
Thorn is slated to campaign the entire 2011 SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour
representing Superior Crankshaft and in select K&N Pro Series events.
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1-21-11 Golden State KWS Hires
Mills as Video and Television Production Manager
Source Gary Thomas
Golden State King of The West
Rio Vista, CA -The Golden State
King of the West Sprint Series is proud to officially announce the
hiring of Dean Mills as the Production Manager for all video and
television productions for the 2011 Season.
A California native returning to the West Coast after residing in
Indiana the past 7 years, Dean Mills has been shooting video of sprint
car racing for nearly three decades, having served as the official
videographer of the Placerville Speedway (1984 - 1995), the Silver
Dollar Speedway in Chico (1989-1995), done a stint as the official
videographer of the Jimmy Sills School of Open Wheel Racing (1993-95),
worked with the Sprint Car Racing Association (SCRA) (1994-2002) as well
as the All-Star Circuit of Champions (2004-2006), and had most recently
been with the United States Auto Club (USAC), covering it's National
Divisions the past 6 years as the Official Videographer from 2005 -
2010.
A 5-time nominee for "North American Sprint Car Poll Media Member of the
Year" and a recipient of the prestigious award in 2008, Mills returns
home with high hopes for the series.
"I am expecting big things for the Golden State King of the West Series
in 2011. The buzz surrounding the renaissance of this series, and Winged
410 Sprint Car Racing in California in general is resonating from Coast
to Coast," Mills declared. "I am honored that Dan Simpson and George
Hague have sought me out and brought me home to make all this happen. I
haven't lived in NorCal in a decade and a half, and I am really excited
to move back here and be a part of the great resurgence we are going to
see with this series in the coming year".
Mills has spent the past 27 years honing his skills in both the video
and television realms, having been a regular contributor to the now
defunct "Raceday" show on 'TNN', the "RPM2Night" show on 'ESPN2', while
still an active stringer for SPEED Channel's, 'The SPEED Report' and
'Wind Tunnel' shows. He has served as a camera operator for various
World of Outlaws broadcasts on TNN, ESPN, ESPN2, VS., The Outdoor
Channel and SPEED, worked on various shows for the NHRA and the Hooters
Pro Cup Series, as well as been a shooter and segment producer for the
Outdoor Channel's 'USAC Thunder Series' in 2006.
Mills has been tapped to head up the production team with the intent on
making a television show centering on the lives of the competitors,
followers, and fans of the King of the West Series.
"We don't want to call it a 'reality' show, because so much of those
type of shows are clearly fake and rehearsed. They aren't real. We want
to make a show about the real lives of these racers, race teams and race
fans. It'll be real and unscripted, action-based television. I want this
to be referred to as 'Real TV'. There are so many great stories
involving the Northern California Sprint Car scene, and we are going to
show these people as professional racers. This will be the anti-Madhouse
show. There is so much we can do with this. I can't wait to get this
party started."
KWS Operations Manager George Hague acknowledges what a feather in the
cap it is to have Mills in the fold.
"Dean has been a leader in the video realm in the sport of Sprint Car
racing for many, many years. With emphasis on his recent viral video
work on the web with USAC, as well as his live streaming on the net, we
felt he was the only guy for the job. With his vision and understanding
of the sport, as well as his knowledge of the history of this region, we
believe he is the person we need to take on this groundbreaking
expedition of creating a television show following the lives of the
racers in our series. It's been a real coup to bring him back to where
he first started, to be a part of the KWS Series. We are looking forward
to working with Dean to develop this show, and excited to see how it all
comes together".
The Golden State King of the West Sprint Series is a Winged 410 Sprint
Car Association that races from Central and Northern California to
Northern Washington, including Oregon and Nevada as well. In its 26th
year of operation, Golden State has 27 events on it's 2011 racing
calendar.
For more information, go to the web at http://www.kingofthewestsprintcarseries.com.
Also follow KWS on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/KWS410s and Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/KWS410s#!/pages/Golden-State-King-of-the-West-Series/150145691703907
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1-21-11 Derek Thorn To Compete
In All-Star Showdown
Source Steven Blakesley
NASCAR K&N Pro Series
IRVINE, CA- 24 year-old Derek Thorn will kick off the 2011 racing season
by competing in the prestigious NASCAR K&N Pro Series division of the
TOYOTA All-Star Showdown at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale, Calif.
Thorn will be at the controls of the #44 Four Star Fruit/Superior
Crankshaft Chevrolet for Byron Campbell Racing. The Showdown events will
take place over January 28 and 29 with the races broadcasted live on
SPEED channel.
“It’s awesome knowing I’m going to finally be running the Showdown in a
K&N car as I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,”
Thorn said. “I owe this all to Dan Smith and Junior Joiner for helping
me get back to winning races on the West coast since my return from back
East.”
Additional sponsorship support for the effort has come from PepperJack
Kennels, Joiner Motorsports, and Sumseeds. Sumseeds has supported
grassroots racing in the past, and is excited to be joining Thorn on the
biggest stage in short track racing. Fans who attend the Showdown will
have the opportunity to sample the many flavors of Sumseeds energized
sunflower seeds.
“I am excited about this opportunity for Derek and for this new team and
proud to be a part of the K&N experience,” Superior Crankshaft CEO
Cheryl Archer said. “This is one of those opportunities that every young
driver strives for, and Superior is blessed to be in a position to
support both this team and the series. We are very proud of our driver
development program and having Derek as our driver for the 2011 season.”
Thorn competed at TOYOTA Speedway 11 times in 2010 between the Late
Model, Super Late Model, and SRL Southwest Tour divisions including a
pair of Late Model wins.
His 2010 season was highlighted by a third place points finish his
freshmen year in the SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour standings. Thorn scored
four poles and two victories in the hotly contested series.
The TOYOTA All-Star Showdown is considered the “Daytona 500 of
short-track racing” and attracts top drivers from all over North
America. Several drivers are locked into the field already based on
championships and race wins, meaning that qualifying is a crucial part
of the weekend.
Thorn’s previous history in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series saw him qualify in
the top-ten in five of his six starts in the 2008 East Series, making
him confident that he can qualify into the Showdown on time with the
support and great equipment that is being provided for him
“Byron Campbell and Mike Keen have given me some great opportunities to
win in their equipment and I am looking forward to this opportunity to
compete in the Showdown,” Thorn said. “With Superior Crankshaft,
PepperJack Kennels, and Sumseeds giving us their support I’m feeling
confident and looking forward to running up front.”
The TOYOTA All-Star Showdown is highlighted by the 40 car, 225 lap
feature spread over three segments. The race will be one of the longest
that Thorn has competed in during his young career.
Race fans can follow all the action live on SPEED. The main event on
Saturday night is set to begin at 8 p.m. PST.
Thorn is slated to campaign the entire 2011 SRL SPEARS Southwest Tour
representing Superior Crankshaft and in select K&N Pro Series events.
SP Racing is online at www.superiorcrankshaftracing.com An all-new Derek
Thorn website is online at www.derekthorn.com
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1-19-11 Ocean Sprints Race
into 2011 With New Schedule and Staff
Source Steven Blakesley
Ocean Sprints
WATSONVILLE, CA- After releasing a 15 race schedule earlier this week,
the Ocean Sprint Car Series presented by Taco Bravo is announcing the
addition of a new member to its series’ staff.
Steven Blakesley will assume the role of series PR Director and
Announcer for the 2011 season. Blakesley takes over the duties from Gary
Thomas, who is moving on to a full-time position as Director of
Communications for the new Golden State King of the West Sprint Car
Series.
Blakesley is also the PR Director and Announcer for the USAC Western
Classic Racing Series and handles a variety of PR and website work under
the Blakesley Sports Media banner.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity that John Prentice has presented
me,” Blakesley said. “I know I have big shoes to fill but I hope to
bring a high level of excitement and professionalism to the Ocean Sprint
Car program.”
The Ocean Sprint Car Series will compete 13 times at Ocean Speedway
including the 51st running of the $5,000 to win “Johnny Key Classic”
along with single appearances at Tulare Thunderbowl and Giant Chevrolet
Kings Speedway in Hanford.
With the expanded schedule for the 2011 Golden State Sprints and influx
of new drivers, the Ocean Sprints championship looks to be as wide-open
as ever. Promoter John Prentice has grown the series to become one of
the top weekly 360 programs in California.
Tommy Tarlton topped young Kyle Larson to win the 2010 series crown in a
duel that went down to the final night of racing.
The season will kick off on Friday March 25 with Wingless Sprints,
American Stocks, and 4-Bangers also scheduled to compete.
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
2011 Ocean Sprint Car Series presented by Taco Bravo
Friday March 25 Ocean Speedway
Friday April 15 Ocean Speedway
Saturday April 30 Tulare Thunderbowl
Friday May 6 Ocean Speedway
Friday May 13 Ocean Spedway
Saturday May 21 Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway
Friday June 3 Ocean Speedway
Friday June 24 Ocean Speedway
Friday July 8 Ocean Speedway *California Sprint Car Civil War*
Friday July 29 Ocean Speedway
Friday August 19 Ocean Speedway
Saturday August 27 Ocean Speedway *$5,000 to win Johnny Key Classic*
Friday September 23 Ocean Speedway *California Sprint Car Civil War*
Friday October 7 Ocean Speedway
Friday October 14 Ocean Speedway
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1-18-11
Dylan Hutchison Readies for his Rookie Year in NASCAR Late Models
Source RaceMediaGroup.com
NASCAR All American Whelen Late Models
After
a successful 2010 Testing, the #88 Late Model machine, Johnnie Walker
Performance Center Pilot Dylan Hutchison will go full throttle in the
2011 NASCAR All American Whelen Late Model Series as a Rookie Driver.
Dylan has prepared himself to be physically fit ready for 2011 by being
one of the top Starters in his Del Campo Cougars High School Football
Team. Dylan is looking forward to the challenges to stay competitive in
the NASCAR Late Models and be the driver to beat. Meanwhile keeping up
with school and getting his late model ready for the big event in
Irwindale Dylan has managed to make a test day in a NASCAR K&N West Car
this week at The Stockton 99 Speedway.
Dylan’s first race of the season is just right
around the corner. January 29, 2011 is The Daytona’s 500 of Short Track
Racing, the “Toyota NASCAR All Star Showdown” at Irwindale Speedway.
Irwindale Speedway will be one of Dylan’s largest tracks to compete on,
the track is a racey, fast half mile super speedway.
“I finally
get to race with the big boys and I have been preparing for this race
for a long time,” Stated Dylan about the Irwindale Toyota NASCAR All
Star Showdown
Dylan’s 2011 Season will consist of running full time, scheduling
permitted at The New Stockton 99 Speedway and at All American Speedway
in Roseville. With both tracks having large competitive Late Model
fields Dylan looks to race against the fastest competition in Northern
Ca to hone his skills preparing him for the journey ahead as a Racecar
Driver.
“I have
High Hopes for my 2011 Season, hoping for a championship and a Rookie
Driver of The Year. I would like to race every weekend whether it’s All
American Speedway, Stockton 99 Speedway or make a trip to my favorite
track The Bull Ring Las Vegas.”
Dylan would like to thank his
race fans and his current sponsors: Johnnie Walker Performance Center,
Karp Capital Management, Rex Hutchison Racing Engines, All Valley Tow &
Transport, PJ’s Auto Body, Allen Cabinet & Fixtures, Amsoil,
MetalJeans.com, GM Construction & Developers, Done By Don and Race Media
Group.
For sponsorship opportunities, photos, results and more information on
Dylan Hutchison, please visit
www.DylanHutchison.com
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1-18-11 2011 USAC
Western Sprint Car Series Schedule Announced
Source Steven Blakesley
USAC Western Sprints
SACRAMENTO, CA- The Amsoil USAC Western Sprint Car Series has announced
its 2011 slate of races. Included in the series are eight Northern
California pavement races that are part of the new USAC Western Classic
Racing Series.
In addition to those eight races, the series will make two trips to
Rocky Mountain Raceways in Salt Lake City, a two-day event at Meridian
Speedway in Boise, ID, and two races at TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale.
Tony Hunt of Lincoln, Calif. won the 2010 series championship driving
for Metal Works and car owner Mike Phulps. He defeated rookie challenger
Luis Ramos III of Clovis in an unpredictable championship battle.
Hunt is preparing to defend his crown and will likely face a growing
field of pavement competition with several drivers planning to campaign
both the entire USAC Western Sprint Car Series and the USAC Western
Classic Racing Series which includes eight dirt dates.
2011 USAC Western Sprint Car Series schedule
Saturday April 2 Pavement Madera Speedway*
Saturday April 23 Pavement Shasta Raceway Park*
Saturday May 14 Pavement All American Speedway*
Saturday May 30 Pavement Rocky Mountain Raceways
Saturday June 11 Pavement Madera Speedway*
Saturday July 2 Pavement Rocky Mountain Raceways
Saturday July 9 Pavement Stockton 99 Speedway*
Saturday July 15-16 Pavement Meridian Speedway
Saturday July 23 Pavement All American Speedway*
Saturday August 27 Pavement TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale
Saturday September 17 Pavement Madera Speedway*
Saturday October 8 Pavement Shasta Raceway Park
Saturday October 15 Pavement TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale
Thursday November 24 Pavement TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale*
* = Points races for USAC Western Classic Racing Series
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1-18-11 Licata Shows Well in
ARCA Testing at Daytona
Source Steven Blakesley
ARCA Racing Series
LAKE BALBOA, CA- Back-to-back
ASA TRUCK SERIES champion Joey Licata, Jr. finished sixth overall out of
58 competitors that participated in the ARCA Racing Series testing last
week at Daytona International Speedway.
Licata, 19, is a member of the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver
development program based in Sacramento, CA. Penske development team,
Cunningham Motorsports, ran Licata in their famed #77 Dodge at the three
day Daytona test, in preparation for the 2011 ARCA season.
Despite this being Licata’s third ever time in an ARCA car and his first
time on the newly repaved Daytona, Licata was up to speed quickly.
“I was very impressed with how fast Joey adapted to the speed of the
famed 2.5 mile Daytona International Speedway,” Crew Chief Paul Andrews
said. “With the new pavement and no more large bumps we are seeing
faster speeds than last year. It’s very challenging for a veteran let
alone a rookie who has never been on a track larger than a 1 mile.”
Licata’s banner day came on Wednesday afternoon during the drafting
sessions, when he was fifth fastest at 185.670 miles per hour. His lap
time of 48.473 was just .059 seconds off of the leader.
“We made single car runs for the first day and a half, and then it was
time to draft with several other cars,” Andrews said. “(It was) another
impressive outing, learning how the draft works figuring out where to be
or not to be in the draft is very important. He listened to our input…we
had a great test and are look forward to going back with Joey.”
Licata’s laps on Wednesday placed him sixth overall during the three day
testing session.
With the successful test, Licata backed up his strong speeds in practice
at Rockingham last fall and in testing at Caraway Speedway. Licata looks
to be well-prepared to tackle the “Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200” which will
be live on SPEED on February 12.
“To actually do laps at Daytona was one of the greatest experiences of
my life,” Licata said. “Running with a team of the caliber of Cunningham
Motorsports was like nothing I have experienced before. My goals for
this first race are to stay out of trouble, be smooth in the pits, and
get a good solid finish.”
Licata’s opportunity to race for Cunningham Motorsports in the ARCA
Racing Series is a big moment for the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle
program. It encompasses 27 drivers from all over the world with a
NASCAR-oriented development platform.
Licata has rapidly ascended through the program, showing exceptional
race craft and talent along the way. His 2010 season was highlighted by
five poles and four wins including a victory in his first career NASCAR
Modified start.
“Joey’s performance at Daytona has made us all very proud. He has a ton
of talent and heart,” Driver Coach Ron Sutton said. “This is sure to be
just the first of many big accomplishments for this young man as he
makes his way in big league motorsports!”
Joey Licata, Jr. Racing and Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thank partners:
K&N Filters, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels,
and Star Racing Supply. Licata would also like to thank supporters
Jordan Kidushim and Luke Forstmann.
Joey Licata, Jr. Racing is online at www.joeylicata.com
For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to
www.winners-circle-racing.com
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1-12-11 USAC Western Classic
Racing Series Releases 2011 Schedule
Source Steven Blakesley
USAC Western Classic
SACRAMENTO, CA- A 16-race schedule of events has been announced for the
brand-new USAC Western Classic Racing Series for 2011. The schedule
consists of eight dirt and eight pavement races at 10 different race
tracks.
A rules package that will equalize both 410 and 360 cubic inch Sprint
Cars will be announced shortly and championships will be awarded for the
dirt, pavement, and overall points series.
Promoted as a “Tribute to NARC”, races will honor a legendary member of
the Northern California racing community in a tradition already
established by the “Louie Vermeil Classic” at Calistoga Speedway.
The first-year series kicks off on dirt on March 11 during the “Mini
Gold Cup” at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico. The USAC Western Classic
Racing Series sprints will be joined by the USAC Western Midgets for a
fan-friendly double-header of action.
Following Chico, the next four races will be on pavement. Kenny
Shepherd’s Madera Speedway near Fresno will host the WCRS on April 2 for
the “Gerhardt Classic” and again on June 11. USAC will travel to Rick
Faeth’s Shasta Raceway Park on April 23 and to All American Speedway in
Roseville for a race on May 14.
June 17 and 18 will see the USAC WCRS face off with the stars of the
Southern California-based USAC/CRA in races at Ocean Speedway in
Watsonville and Santa Maria Speedway.
The series will then get back to the pavement in July with an event at
the famed Stockton 99 Speedway on July 9 and a return to All American
Speedway on July 23.
One of the highlights of the 2011 calendar is a double-header at Silver
Dollar Speedway on August 5 and a race at Placerville Speedway on August
6.
The USAC-promoted “Louie Vermeil Classic” will run its fourth annual
revival on Labor Day weekend at historic Calistoga Speedway. It will be
followed by a huge USAC Western Classic Racing Series event at Silver
Dollar Speedway on Thursday September 8, during the “Gold Cup Race of
Champions”.
A busy summer of Sprint Car racing will conclude with a pair of pavement
races, as the series closes out its three races at Madera Speedway on
September 17 and the series championship will be during the “Turkey
Night Grand Prix” at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale.
Registration forms will be available shortly for competitors, with an
option of committing to either the dirt or pavement schedules or both.
Incentives are being developed for the first 16 participants exercising
the “commitment” option in each championship (dirt or pavement).
The 2011 USAC Western racing schedules for all series are currently
being finalized, including the existing Western Sprint Car Series of
pavement races, with eight of those events included in the new Western
Classic Racing Series.
More information on the USAC Western Classic Racing Series is available
on Facebook at keywords “USAC Western Classic Racing Series”. The United
States Auto Club is online at www.usacracing.com The USAC Western States
is available at www.usacwesternstates.com with contact information and
the latest news.
Potential sponsors and competitors can contact Tommy Hunt at the USAC
Western office for more information. Tommy can be reached at (916)
864-8722.
2011 USAC Western Classic Racing Series Sprint Car schedule
Friday March 11 Dirt Sprint Silver Dollar Speedway
Saturday April 2 Pavement Sprint Madera Speedway
Saturday April 23 Pavement Sprint Shasta Raceway Park
Saturday May 14 Pavement Sprint All American Speedway
Saturday June 11 Pavement Sprint Madera Speedway
Friday June 17 Dirt Sprint Ocean Speedway
Saturday June 18 Dirt Sprint Santa Maria Speedway
Saturday July 9 Pavement Sprint Stockton 99 Speedway
Saturday July 23 Pavement Sprint All American Speedway
Friday August 5 Dirt Sprint Silver Dollar Speedway
Saturday August 6 Dirt Sprint Placerville Speedway
Saturday September 3 Dirt Sprint Calistoga
Sunday September 4 Dirt Sprint Calistoga
Thursday September 8 Dirt Sprint Silver Dollar Speedway
Saturday September 17 Pavement Sprint Madera Speedway
Thursday November 24 Pavement Sprint TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale
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1-12-11 CORA Speedway Race
This Weekend
Source Cora Speedway
Cora Speedway
Hello to all,
Happy New Year!!!! Hope you all had a happy holiday season. We are
looking forward to the 2011 race season. Since it looks as though we
will be having a few days of clear weather we are going to put on a race
this Saturday (1/15/11). Please join us for a $500 to win race with a
ten car minimum per class this weekend.
Due to the cold weather we will have a bit of a change in the schedule
for the day. Sign in booth will open at 11 am with hot laps at 1 pm
followed by racing at 2 pm. Looking forward to seeing all of you this
Saturday.
PS ~ The website will be updated with this information soon
If you have any questions please call Jeremy Prince at (925) 383-3237 or
Terry DeCarlo at (925) 787-7960
Cora Speedway
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1-12-11 Tri Track Challenge
Series Announced
Source Shasta Raceway Park
Tri Track Challenge
The promoters of Shasta Raceway Park, Redwood Acres Raceway, and Ukiah
Speedway have announced the formation of a Northern California Traveling
Modified Series for the 2011 racing season. The series is being called
the Tri-Track Challenge Series and will feature 6 events in 2011, three
events at Ukiah Speedway April 23, June 25, and a two-day show Labor Day
Weekend Sept 3-4. Shasta Raceway Park will host two events including the
4th Annual Craig Brown Memorial May 14 and August 20. Redwood Acres
Raceway will host an event on July 9 which for many years previously was
an historic modified date at that facility.
The series is open to all IMCA/GA-type Modifieds and will run on the
Goodyear D2862/D2863 tires. The series will utilize the successful
Northern California Open Show Rules which will be 2500 lb. minimum
weight, maximum 58% left side weight, maximum spoiler height of 8”,
interior slope of 6”.
Each 50-lap main event purse will be $750 to win and a $3700 payout for
a 20 car-field. Points will be awarded towards a season championship
with a points fund payout. Procedurally all racers will qualify, run
heats, and main event lineups will be based on pill draw for inversion.
The entry fee will be a modest $30 per car. Memberships for each track
will be honored so that competitors will be able to gain access to the
pits for each track at the member price. More details will be
forthcoming by accessing www.shastaracewaypark.net or
www.ukiahspeedway.com. Contact Rick Faeth @ (408) 499-6845
begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (408) 499-6845
end_of_the_skype_highlighting or Nadine Strauss @ (707) 274-1662
begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (707) 274-1662
end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
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1-10-11 Thirteen Top Young
Racers Chosen to Advance
Source Steven Blakesley
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle
SACRAMENTO, CA- Thirteen young
Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle development drivers that put up impressive
race results and progress in 2010, were chosen to advance in 2011. The
talented drivers look to continue their training and on-track success
with the driver development program focused on NASCAR, racing in various
oval track series with top race teams.
The 2010 racing season marked many victories, championships, and Rookie
of the Year honors for Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle Drivers. Headlining
the 2010 season was Joey Licata, Jr., 19, who picked up his second
straight ASA Truck Series Championship, scored a victory in the RSWC
NASCAR Modifieds, tested with Penske development team Cunningham
Motorsports and will compete in the ARCA Racing Series in 2011.
Twenty year-old Nik Romano, who previously won championships in Formula
Ford in 2008 and USAC Ford Focus Midgets in 2009, picked up two wins in
the highly competitive NASCAR Modified division at All American
Speedway. Romano was awarded the Rookie of the Year honors for his wins,
trophy dash win & fourth place points finish. Romano will drive NASCAR
Late Models in 2011 for championship team High Point Racing at TOYOTA
Speedway at Irwindale.
The talented Jessica Brunelli, 17, competed for Revolution Racing /
Drive for Diversity throughout North Carolina in 2010. Brunelli won two
NASCAR Rookie of the Year awards in the Late Models at the historic
Hickory Motor Speedway and Tri-County Speedway and has resigned to drive
with Revolution Racing for 2011.
Jamie Krzysik, 20, became one of the first RSWC racers to win a national
championship, by winning the IMCA Canadian championship in pavement
Modifieds. Krzysik caught the attention of Bill McAnally Racing to land
a ride for the 2011 NASCAR Late Model series at All American Speedway.
Proven winner & champion Bobby Runyan, 17, will be leading the charge
for RSWC in NASCAR Modifieds at All American Speedway. Runyan was the
2009 Formula Ford Champion and wrapped up 2010 in second place in the
2010 USAC Ford Focus Midget Western Pavement series, scoring a pair of
wins to go with 16 top-tens.
Austin Sangster, 20, of Alma, Arkansas will return to the NASCAR
Modifieds after eighth and third place efforts in his two starts during
2010. NASCAR Modifieds in Colorado will be represented by Mindy McCord
of Billings, MT. The 17 year-old driver picked up several top-ten and
top-five finishes in her 2010 season, including a second place run at
Big Country Speedway.
Jessica Clark will have her hands full in 2011, running three series.
Her primary series will be racing NASCAR S2 Limited Late Models with
championship team High Point Racing at TOYOTA Speedway at Irwindale.
Clark will also continue racing in the USAC Ford Focus Midget series,
when not conflicting with her stock car schedule, running both NorCal
and SoCal divisions.
The Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle Midget team will have three veteran
leaders returning this season. Fifteen year-old Keegan Walmer of
Portland, Oregon will look to be a strong championship contender after a
huge 2010 season that saw him win six times in the USAC Young Guns
Midgets and once in the USAC Focus Midgets.
Eureka, CA hot shoe Brandon White won both the USAC Western Pavement
Young Gun Midget and USAC NorCal Young Gun Midget championships in 2010
while also running the second half of the USAC Ford Focus Midget Series.
White will contend for the USAC SoCal Ford Focus Midget crown this
season.
Seventeen year-old Illinois racer Tanner Long proved himself greatly in
four starts in 2010, with three top-five qualifying efforts. Long is
scheduled to run all 12 USAC NorCal Ford Focus Midget Series races in
2011. Jimmy Moon, 17, from California and Jace Meier, 22 from Las Vegas,
both proven winners in race cars with RSWC, are finalizing sponsorship
and race plans for 2011.
The racing season officially kicks off for the program when Joey Licata,
Jr. will debut in the ARCA Racing Series at Daytona, live on SPEED, on
February 12th. The USAC Ford Focus season begins on March 3rd at I-10
Speedway in Blythe, CA with the NASCAR Modified schedules at All
American Speedway and Stockton 99 Speedway getting underway in April.
Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thanks partners: K&N Filters, Scribner
Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels and Star Racing Supply.
For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to
www.winners-circle-racing.com
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1-6-11 2011 Hanford- Tulare
Season Openers Moved
Source Lance Jennings
USAC West Coast 360 Sprints
SANTA MARIA, CA – The
Season Openers at Hanford and Tulare have been moved to a week earlier
than originally posted. The 2011 campaign for the USAC West Coast 360
Sprint Car Series will begin on Friday, March 18th, at Hanford's Giant
Chevrolet Kings Speedway. The following night, March 19th, the group
will compete at Tulare's Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway. As
previously released, both events are a showcase with the famed World of
Outlaw Sprint Cars.
In addition, Series Promoter Chris Kearns has announced that the
traditional 360 sprints will compete at Tulare's Pombo-Sargent Classic
on May 14th. The winged Golden State King of the West Sprints are also
featured on the card.
2011 USAC WEST COAST 360 SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 18: Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
March 19: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 9: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
April 16: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (Chris &
Brian Faria Memorial)
April 30: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 14: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (Pombo-Sargent
Classic)
May 21: Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 4: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 16: Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett
Memorial)
July 23: Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
July 30: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 20: Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 27: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
September 10: Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner
Memorial)
September 17: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield
Memorial)
September 24: Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
October 15: Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic
- Non-Points)
*This schedule is subject to change.
The USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest
Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, 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, Kirkey Racing Fabrication, Port
City Racing, Saferacer.com, Saldana Racing Products, and Sander
Engineering for their support.
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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1-3-11 Top 10 moments from the
2010 season at Redwood Acres Raceway
Source Matthew J. Sullivan
Redwood Acres Raceway
With the 2011 calendar year just
beginning, here is a look back at the top 10 moments from the 2010
season at Eureka, California s Redwood Acres Raceway.
10. The demise of the Limited Street Stock division Throughout the 2008
and 2009 seasons, the limited street stock class struggled to maintain a
worthy car count. With no sign of new cars or drivers joining the class,
the limited street stocks were cut from the track s program for 2010.
Thankfully the three mainstay drivers in the division, Kenny Demello,
Fergy Ferguson and Bill Middleton continued racing at the Acres in 2010,
Demello in the sportsman division, Ferguson in the thunder roadster
division while Middleton returned to the real stock class.
9. The August 7th Thunder Roadster Heat Race This truly was a race of
attrition. The carnage began with Alan Olson spinning in turns one and
two and suffering left front damage to his suspension from Mike Ward s
nose. It continued when Thomas Payne got into Ward going into turn three
spinning Ward around, then concluded when Chris Sarvinski spun off turn
four collecting Ward with a vicious hit. The collision finished Ward s
season as he suffered a broken foot. To top it off the front two
drivers, Randy Olson and Ray Elliott mistakenly pulled into the pits
believing the race to have ended when it in fact did not. Belinda Ward
inherited the lead and was able to take the win in one of the craziest
races of the season.
8. Surprise champions
Going into the 2010 season in the thunder roadsters, it was unlikely
that anyone other than Paul Peeples, Jr. or David Henderson would take
the division track title. In fact, it was unlikely that anyone other
than Peeples, Henderson and/or Randy Olson would be able to win a main
event. Thomas Payne was able to break through, first with a series of
strong finishes and an eventual main event victory. Though neither
Peeples or Henderson ran the full season, Payne was a constant contender
night after night and was a deserving champion.
Like Payne, 2010 real stock champion, Casey Mitchell was a constant
mainstay in the top three. All throughout the year, Mitchell was always
at or near the front, challenging for the race win. Mitchell won three
main events and usually did it without having to use strong-arm tactics.
7. Moulton track champion again
Mic Moulton began his racing career at Redwood Acres Raceway in 1994 in
the mini stock division. In 1995, Moulton took the mini stock track
championship. In 2010, Moulton was once again a track champion, this
time in the sportsman division. Though Moulton was a heavy favorite
going into the year, it was a real fight to win the title.
For the better part of the first half of the year, Moulton was caught up
in wrecks or suffered parts failures. As the season wound down though,
Moulton began to show the strength that everyone expected and by the end
of the year he was able to beat Angelo Marcelli for the sportsman crown.
6. Fair night fireworks
Perhaps the most controversial race of the 2010 season was the sportsman
main event on June 25, the first of the two night Redwood Acres Fair
Classic. Mid-way through the race, Mic Moulton dove on the inside of
Angelo Marcelli going into the first turn. The two came together and
spun collecting Dennis DelBiaggio while Joe McDonald narrowly escaped
getting involved.
In the closing laps, McDonald and Jerry Peterson dueled for the race
lead. Coming to the white flag, Peterson applied the bumper to McDonald
getting McDonald loose and allowing Peterson to get under.
Coming off turn four to the checkered flag, McDonald used the same
tactic only this time Peterson spun sending up a huge cloud of smoke.
McDonald was DQ ed giving Angelo Marcelli the victory. Unfortunately, he
penalty effectively took McDonald out of the running for the points
title which was a shame as he was Moulton s biggest competition all
season long.
5. The AABLM debuts at the Acres
For the first time since the now defunct North State Challenge Series,
Redwood Acres Raceway fans saw the return of a touring late model series
with the Airport Auto Brokers Late Models. The AABLM visited the Acres
twice in 2010, first on May 22nd then on July 31st.
Coquille, Oregon s David Miller won the May event while Lucerne,
California s Kevin Ostern won the July race. Acres fans can look forward
to the return of the Northern California late model series in 2011. The
AABLM has points paying dates tentatively set for June 25th and July
31st.
4. What s going on with Jim Walker?
Northern California late model stock car racing legend, Jim Walker
participated in only two events at the Acres in 2010; the second night
of Fair Night racing on June 26th and the second AABLM race on July
31st. Walker delighted the crowd in the sportsman main event on June
26th coming from the rear of the field to finish third. In the AABLM
race in July, Walker started fourth in the 75-lap feature but
unfortunately made serious contact with the wall down the front stretch
ending his night. It s not known what Walker s plans are for
2011 but it will be a huge loss for the Northern California motorsports
community if Walker can no longer race.
3. Bakers vs. Murrells and the likely end of the mini stock division
Things got heated in the mini stock division almost immediately between
the Baker brothers and the Murrell father/son duo. Brian Murrell, Sr.
and Craig Baker got together twice in the trophy dash on opening night
of the season. The two came together a third time off turn two resulting
in both cars in the fence. The next race, Brian Murrell, Jr. and Scott
Baker made contact while racing hard for the win going into the third
turn on the final lap. Baker spun while Murrell was able to cross the
line first. After the race, a fiasco broke out in the pits. The end
result forced the division out of action for several races.
There weren t any other big moments between the Bakers and Murrells for
the rest of the season, but the continued low car count for the division
will likely send it the way of the Limited Street Stock division for the
2011 season.
2. Sir Raleigh
Prior to the 2010 season, Raleigh Willoughby was best known at the Acres
as being the kid who flipped his roadrunner car in 2009. After the 2010
season, Raleigh Willoughby is best known at the Acres as the kid who has
the most trophies. Willoughby won the first three races of the season
before getting involved in a wreck off turn four not of his making.
Willoughby had to be cut from his car for safety precautions but was
able to return to race the next race. Willoughby would only finish
outside the top five twice all season long. In the end, Raleigh amassed
seven main event wins along with the 2010 roadrunner track championship.
1. The Fall Spectacular
For the first time in several years, the season ending Fall Spectacular
was a Saturday night and Sunday afternoon show. The featured cars, the
late models had 28 cars and drivers show up to partake in the weekend s
events. For the first time ever, the Acres had a higher car count for
the late model open than the open at Shasta Raceway Park. Given the
location of Redwood Acres Raceway and taking into account the difficulty
of getting to and from the area compared to the Redding/Anderson area,
it was a very big deal to outdraw the Shasta facility. The 100-lap
affair featured only one caution flag and was dominated by David Miller
in wire-to-wire fashion.
Redwood Acres Raceway 2011 Tentative Schedule April 2 - Practice April
16 April 30 May 7 May 21 June 4 - Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds
June 11 June 25 - AABLM Series July 9 July 23 - AABLM Series July 30
August 6 August 27 - Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds September 10
September 24 and 25 - Fall Spectacular featuring Late Models, IMCA
Modifieds and Northern California Pro-4 Modifieds
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