1-6-12 USAC Western Classic Returns its 2012 Dirt Sprint Schedule


SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (January 6, 2012) – The USAC Western Classic Racing Series will embark on its second season in 2012 with at least 11 dirt races planned up-and-down the state of California. The 2012 slate could expand to as many as 13 races with a pair of early season dates to be announced at a later time. The USAC Western Classic Racing Series burst onto the California racing scene in 2011 as one of the only Sprint Car series in the nation running both on asphalt and dirt for the overall championship.

After a hugely successful 16 race campaign last season that included eight dirt races, the dirt slate is being expanded thanks to strong promoter interest. The series also intends to hold several pavement shows in 2012 with that slate to be released soon.

Despite an even split of dirt and pavement races in 2011, dirt standout Geoff Ensign of Sebastopol narrowly won the inaugural series championship over pavement veteran Tony Hunt. Driving for Ted Finkenbinder in the #3f, the “Human Highlight Reel” dominated the dirt portion of the schedule as the top WCRS points earning car in six of the eight races held.

The 2012 tour will include four appearances at John Prentice’s Ocean Speedway. The Santa Cruz Fairgrounds quarter-mile hosted the series last June with Cory Kruseman defeating Ensign for the win feature win with 32 cars in the pits. The USAC sprint cars will tackle Ocean Speedway on April 20, June 15, July 6, and August 10 with the June and August races combined with USAC/CRA.

Chris Kerns’ fast 3/8ths mile Santa Maria Speedway is on the schedule with two dates: June 16 and August 11, also both with the USAC/CRA.

Dennis Gage’s Silver Dollar Speedway will join Alan Handy’s Placerville Speedway for the prestigious “Wayne Sue Classic” and “Mike McCreary Classic” over August 3 and 4, which saw Kody Swanson and Ensign pick up popular victories in 2011.

Early September will be a speedweek of sorts between the USAC/CRA and USAC Western Classic. It kicks off with the traditional Labor Day weekend “Louie Vermeil Classic” on September 1 and 2 at Calistoga Speedway, followed by the “Tiner Family Classic” on Wednesday September 5 during the “Gold Cup Race of Champions” at Silver Dollar Speedway. Last year’s Tiner race attracted an eye-popping 49 cars with the feature win going to Kyle Larson.

The USAC Western Classic Racing Series will continue to utilize the equivalency formula established last season with a Hoosier HTW on the right rear and intake restrictors on 410 cubic inch engines.

The USAC Western States championship banquet, which will honor all champions of USAC Western States divisions from the 2011 season, will be held on February 4 at Thunder Valley Casino in Lincoln, CA. The event will be emceed by Bobby Gerould, the voice of the World of Outlaws on SPEED. Ticket information is available by calling (916) 864-8722.

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


USAC Western Classic Racing Series 2012 Dirt Schedule

March TBA

April 20 Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA

May TBA

June 15 Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA***
June 16 Santa Maria Speedway – Santa Maria, CA***

July 6 Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA “Howard Kaeding Classic”

August 3 Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, CA “Wayne Sue Classic”
August 4 Placerville Speedway – Placerville, CA “Mike McCreary Classic”
August 10 Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA***
August 11 Santa Maria Speedway – Santa Maria, CA***

September 1 Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, CA*** “Louie Vermeil Classic”
September 2 Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, CA*** “Louie Vermeil Classic”
September 5 Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, CA*** “Tiner Family Classic”

*** = USAC/CRA co-sanctioned event