USAC News

USAC Race Results & Press Releases

Courtesy, Dick Jordan

USAC DMA MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 18, 2013 – Bradford, Vermont – Bear Ridge Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Josh Sunn (#76 Manafort), 2. Jeff Horn (#1R Mossman), 3. Adam Pierson (#3 Matczak), 4. Mike Chaffee (#18c Chaffee), 5. Dylan Duhaime (#57 Duhaime). NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Scott Holcomb (#47 Myers/Miller), 2. Timothy Gallant (#33 Gallant), 3. Joe Krawiec (#4 Matczak), 4. Scott Veits (#2 Miller), 5. Dean Christenson (#69 Miller), 6. Adam Whitney (#12 Whitney), 7. Ray Miller (#1 Miller), 8. Kevin Chaffee (#5 Matczak). NT

ALSO AT THE TRACK: Tyler Rivard (#37 Rivard) and Jeff Champagne (#77 Champagne).

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Scott Holcomb, 2. Joe Krawiec, 3. Adam Pierson, 4. Kevin Chaffee, 5. Jeff Horn, 6. Josh Sunn, 7. Scott Veits, 8. Timothy Gallant, 9. Adam Whitney, 10. Dean Christenson, 11. Ray Miller, 12. Dylan Duhaime, 13. Mike Chaffee, 14. Jeff Champagne. NT --------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Jeff Horn, 4-25 Scott Holcomb

NEW USAC DMA MIDGET POINTS: 1-Krawiec-175, 2-Viets-175, 3-K.Chaffee-172, 4-Miller-170, 5-Sunn-143, 6-Whitney-131, 7-Holcomb-116, 8-Gallant-116, 9-Christensen-111, 10-Duhaime-109.

NEXT USAC DMA MIDGET RACE: June 1 – Bradford, VT – Bear Ridge Speedway

USAC WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 18, 2013 – Las Vegas Nevada – Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Christine Breckenridge, 26, Breckenridge-15.478; 2. Jarid Blondel, 98, Blondel-15.567; 3. Michael Fanelli, 19, Fanelli-15.586; 4. Bryant Dawson, 99, Dawson-15.615; 5. George Blacker, 9, Blacker-15.635; 6. Winn Frazin, 59, Frazin-15.818; 7. Shawn Buckley, 7, Buckley-15.819; 8. Cody Jessop, 00, Jessop-16.099; 9. Ron Hazelton, 32, Hazelton-17.061; 10. Marina Turner, 98T, Turner-17.231.

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Fanelli, 2. Breckenridge, 3. Buckley, 4. Blacker, 5. Hazelton. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Dawson, 2. Blondel, 3. Jessop, 4. Frazin, 5. Turner. NT

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Bryant Dawson, 2. Christine Breckenridge, 3. Jarid Blondel, 4. Cody Jessop, 5. George Blacker, 6. Michael Fanelli, 7. Ron Hazelton, 8. Shawn Buckley, 9. Marina Turner, 10. Winn Frazin. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Dawson, Laps 3-10 Fanelli, Laps 11-30 Dawson.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Blondel-371, 2-Breckenridge-314, 3-Dawson-218, 4-Wally Pankratz-201, 5-Cory Elliott-198, 6-Parker Colston-188, 7-Fanelli-188, 8-Blacker-188, 9-Buckley-162, 10-Ariel Biggs-159. NEW WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Dawson-218, 2-Blondel-196, 3-Fanelli-188, 4-Breckenridge-183, 5-Buckley-162, 6-Blacker-144, 7-Turner-132, 8-Jessop-110, 9-Ariel Biggs-47, 10-R.Hazelton-42.

NEXT WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET RACE: June 15 – Las Vegas (NV) Motor Speedway Bullring

WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS:

May 18, 2013 – Ventura, California – Ventura Raceway

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Kyle Edwards (#39 Edwards), 2. Kyle Smith (#55 Smith), 3. Cody Swanson (#71 Swanson), 4. Randi Pankratz (#8 Pankratz), 5. Trey Marcham (#37 McQueen), 6. Terry Nichols (#45 Neverlift). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. David Prickett (#15 Neverlift), 2. Jerome Rodela (#25 Rodela), 3. Shannon McQueen (#7 McQueen), 4. Bruce Douglas (#31 Douglas), 5. Bobby Michnowicz (#21jr Michnowicz), 6. Bryan Drollinger (#55x Prickett). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ronnie Gardner (#68 Johnson), 2. Frankie Guerrini (#63 Guerrini), 3. Rick Hendrix (#12 Hendrix), 4. Jake Swanson (#5 VanDyne), 5. Robby Josett (#2 Josett). NT

ALSO AT THE TRACK: Sean Dodenhoff (#9d Dodenhoff).

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Ronnie Gardner, 1. Cody Swanson, 3. Frankie Guerrini, 4. David Prickett, 5. Robby Josett, 6. Jake Swanson, 7. Rick Hendrix, 8. Trey Marcham, 9. Bruce Douglas, 10. Shannon McQueen, 11. Terry Nichols, 12. Randi Pankratz, 13. Bobby Michnowicz, 14. Kyle Edwards, 15. Kyle Smith, 16. Jerome Rodela, 17. Bryan Drollinger. NT ---------------------------- **Drollinger flipped during the feature.

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

May 18, 2013 – Tulare, California – Thunderbowl Raceway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Damion Gardner, 4a, Alexander-14.853; 2. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-15.015; 3. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-15.283; 4. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-15.329; 5. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-15.350; 6. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-15.378; 7. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-15.440; 8. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-15.468; 9. Danny Faria Jr., 17v, Faria-15.491; 10. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-15.519; 11. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-15.534; 12. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-15.858; 13. Seth Wilson, 1x, Wilson-15.974; 14. D.J. Johnson, 33, Johnson-16.072; 15. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.201; 16. Marty Hawkins, 3m, Hawkins-16.448; 17. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.906.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Faria, 2. Faas, 3. Gardner, 4. A.Williams, 5. Mitchell, 6. R.Vander Weerd, 7. Carlile, 8. Wilson, 9. C.Williams. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. J.Vander Weerd, 2. R.Williams, 3. Spencer, 4. Kaeding, 5. Bernal, 6. Roa, 7. Hawkins, 8. Johnson. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Faria, 2. Faas, 3. Spencer, 4. J.Vander Weerd, 5. Kaeding, 6. Gardner. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Mike Spencer, 2. Ryan Bernal, 3. Danny Faria Jr., 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Matt Mitchell, 6. Damion Gardner, 7. Austin Williams, 8. Nic Faas, 9. Richard Vander Weerd, 10. Brody Roa, 11. Cody Williams, 12. Jace Vander Weerd, 13. Rip Williams, 14. Seth Wilson, 15. D.J. Johnson, 16. Rusty Carlile, 17. Marty Hawkins. NT ---------------------------- **Gardner flipped during the dash.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-5 Faas, Laps 6-16 Kaeding, Lap 17 Spencer, Laps 18-26 Bernal, Laps 27-30 Spencer.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Gardner-528, 2-Faas-507, 3-Spencer-434, 4-Kaeding-415, 5-C.Williams-331, 6-A.Williams-323, 7-R.J. Johnson-300, 8-Mitchell-287, 9-A.Williams-287, 10-Bernal-242.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: May 25, 2013 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway – “Salute to Indy”

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

May 17, 2013 – Bloomington, Indiana – Bloomington Speedway – “Larry Rice Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Brady Bacon, 69, Dynamics-11.597; 2. Bryan Clauson, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-11.604; 3. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-11.740; 4. Dave Darland, 71P, Phillips-11.744; 5. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-11.793; 6. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 17RW, Dutcher/RW/TriStar-11.807; 7. Chase Briscoe, 5B, Briscoe-11.826; 8. Matt Westfall, 54, Best Performance-11.878; 9. Bobby East, 5E, East-11.888; 10. Levi Jones, 39, Walker-11.899; 11. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-11.907; 12. Chris Windom, 11, Walker-11.910; 13. Logan Hupp, 9H, Hupp-11.963; 14. Robert Ballou, 5, Baldwin-11.965; 15. Brady Short, 11p, Pottorff-11.973; 16. Jordan Kinser, 5k, JKR-11.999; 17. Dakota Jackson, 3, Jackson-12.002; 18. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney-12.027; 19. Landon Simon, 41, SST-12.047; 20. Jon Stanbrough, 66, Tate/Wade-12.051; 21. Danny Holtsclaw, 3H, Holtsclaw-12.057; 22. Nick Drake, 55, Cline-12.123; 23. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-12.161; 24. Chris Babcock, 35x, Babcock-12.180; 25. Josh Burton, 04, Burton-12.22 4; 26. Casey Shuman, 21k, Krockenberger-12.233; 27. Bub Cummins, 71, Cummins-12.408; 28. Kurt Gross, 1x, Gross-12.427; 29. Daylan Chambers, 4c, Chambers-12.809; 30. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-NT; 31. Kent Christian, 1c, Christian-NT; 32. Jon Sciscoe, 7s, Sciscoe-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Holtsclaw, 2. Bacon, 3. Jackson, 4. East, 5. Schuerenberg, 6. Hupp, 7. Chambers, 8. Burton.

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Ballou, 2. Jones, 3. Clauson, 4. Thomas, 5. Shuman, 6. Courtney, 7. Drake, 8. Cottle.

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Short, 2. Stockon, 3. Simon, 4. Leary, 5. Hines, 6. Briscoe, 7. Cummings.

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Stanbrough, 2. Darland, 3. Windom, 4. Kinser, 5. Babcock, 6. Westfall, 7. Gross.

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Schuerenberg, 2. Shuman, 3. Briscoe, 4. Hines, 5. Courtney, 6. Westfall, 7. Drake, 8. Hupp, 9. Cummings, 10. Cottle, 11. Chambers, 12. Babcock, 13. Burton, 14. Gross. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Dave Darland, 2. Kevin Thomas, 3. Brady Short, 4. Chase Stockon, 5. Brady Bacon, 6. Robert Ballou, 7. Bryan Clauson, 8. Levi Jones, 9. Hunter Schuerenberg, 10. Matt Westfall, 11. C.J. Leary, 12. Tracy Hines, 13. Chris Windom, 14. Jon Stanbrough, 15. Jordan Kinser, 16. Casey Shuman, 17. Tyler Courtney, 18. Nick Drake, 19. Chase Briscoe, 20. Bobby East, 21. Dakota Jackson, 22. Landon Simon, 23. Danny Holtsclaw. NT ----------------------------------------------- **East flipped on lap 14 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-18 Thomas, Laps 19-30 Darland.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Stockon-466, 2-Darland-452, 3-Thomas-440, 4-Bacon-439, 5-Schuerenberg-422, 6-Clauson-417, 7-Ballou-406, 8-Hines-381, 9-Leary-275, 10-Courtney-254.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: May 22 – Terre Haute (IN) Action Track – 43rd “Tony Hulman Classic”

DARR LAWSON NAMED NEW USAC COMPETITION DIRECTOR

Darr Lawson, whose mechanical expertise contributed to last year’s phenomenal USAC Traxxas Silver Crown success for RW/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports, has been named USAC’s Director of Competition and Technical Director.

Lawson, 33, hails from Kokomo, Ind., and in his new role with USAC he will oversee all competition and rules applications.

A tool maker with a degree from Vincennes University in Indiana, Darr assisted sprint car driver Tim Cox in the early 1990s amd raced mini-sprints and sprint cars in central Indiana. In 2007 he worked with driver Brady Short and car owner Scott Benic, then joined the RW Motorsports team of Lederach, Pa. in 2008.

As general manager for the RW/Curb-Agajanian team, he orchestrated last season’s USAC Traxxas Silver Crown Car Owner Championship as drivers Bryan Clauson, Bobby Santos and Jerry Coons Jr. swept five of the eight series races!

“I look forward to this new challenge,” says Lawson. “I feel my expertise provides a good fit for this area of the sport and I am excited about the season ahead and the future of USAC and its participants.”

“We are fortunate to have Darr’s knowledge of our operations,” adds USAC’s Jason McCord. “His track record speaks for itself and I know our participants will be in good hands with his guidance.”

EXTRA USAC/CRA BONUSES AVAILABLE THIS SATURDAY AT TULARE
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MAY 14, 2013… When the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars battle at Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway, several bonuses will be available. The bonuses, issued by USAC, USAC/CRA, and series sponsors are set to encourage more racer participation and a larger fan base to the May 18th event.

The United States Auto Club (USAC) will pay $200 for the longest tow to Thunderbowl Raceway. Given the current costs of diesel fuel and travel, this will help to offset some of the expenses.

Hoosier Tire West is offering a brand new HTW Right Rear Tire to the highest finishing 360 powered car. The HTW is the legal tire for USAC/CRA, USAC Western Classic, and the USAC National Sprint Car Series.

Out of state cars will not have to pay an entry fee at Saturday’s event. The USAC/CRA purse is $2,500-to-win and $300-to-start.

Local 360 iron-block powered Sprint Cars are welcome to race with USAC/CRA. Per series rules, 360 iron-block powered Sprint Cars can run their local track or series approved Hoosier tires on all four corners. Cars must pass a tech inspection, meet race track muffler rules, and one-way radios are mandatory for drivers. USAC/CRA charges a $25 entry fee to all competitors, which includes a transponder rental. Aluminum block 410 powered cars must run either a Hoosier HT2, HTW (105x18x15), DT3, or F55 Right Rear tire. Visiting cars are also eligible to participate in USAC/CRA's Contingency Program that awards sponsor certificates to fast time, heat race winners, semi-main winner, hard charger, and positions in the main event.

“The Demon” Damion Gardner leads the point chase and will battle a talented roster of drivers including Nic Faas, 5-time Champion Mike Spencer, Bud Kaeding, “The Cadillac” Cody Williams, Austin Williams, Brody Roa, Matt Mitchell, “The Ripper” Rip Williams, Ryan Bernal, “Super” Rickie Gaunt, “Dynamite” David Cardey, Seth Wilson, Richard Vander Weerd, Jace Vander Weerd, “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr., “The Bakersfield Bullet” Rusty Carlile, and more.

Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets. The action packed card will also feature the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars. The Front Gates will open at 5:00pm, Hotlaps is 6:00pm followed by time trials, and Racing at the lightning fast 1/3-mile clay oval is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm. Advance tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the track office at (559) 688-0909. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.tularethunderbowl.com.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rugged Radios, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)
June 14: **Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)
August 9: **Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)
October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS BATTLE AT TULARE THIS SATURDAY!
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MAY 14, 2013... This Saturday, May 18th, the cars and stars of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will clash at Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway. Joining the powerful 410 cubic-inch non-winged sprints will be the IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars. The Front Gates will open at 5:00pm, Hotlaps is 6:00pm followed by time trials, and Racing at the lightning fast 1/3-mile clay oval is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm.

The USAC/CRA Sprint Cars last visited the Tulare clay oval on November 13, 2010 and Bud Kaeding won the Pacific Coast Nationals. “The Kruser” Cory Kruseman, Matt Mitchell, Garrett Hansen, Jon Stanbrough, and “The Bullet” Blake Miller have also claimed feature wins in Tulare.

After winning the last three races, Concord’s “The Demon” Damion Gardner is the hottest driver on the circuit. Piloting Mark Alexander's #4A Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Gardner holds a 12-point advantage over the competition. Entering Saturday’s race, “The Demon” has one Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, one dash win, seven top-5 finishes, and 76 feature laps led to his credit. The 2005 Champion will have his sights on his 45th career USAC/CRA victory at the Thunderbowl Raceway.

Gardner’s teammate, Nic Faas of Huntington Beach is second in the point standings. Racing Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Faas ran third in the May 4th “Don Flanders Classic” at Perris. To date, the former USAC Western Midget Champion has one feature win, two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, one heat race victory, seven top-5 finishes, and 7 feature laps led. Nic will be looking for his eighth series main event win this Saturday night.

Temecula’s Mike Spencer has climbed to third in the point chase. Driving Ron Chaffin’s #50 Grubstake Mini Storage / Madera Produce Maxim, Spencer finished second in the “Don Flanders Classic.” Currently, the five-time champion has two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, three heat race victories, four top-5 finishes, and 12 feature laps led on the season. Mike has 33 USAC/CRA wins to his credit and will be looking to add Tulare to his win list.

Bud Kaeding of Campbell is fourth in the championship points. Piloting Junior Bowman’s #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Bud claimed eighth after starting thirteenth at Perris Auto Speedway. The 3-time USAC Silver Crown Champion has one dash win, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Rod End Supply Semi-Main win, three top-5 finishes, and 6 feature laps led on the year. On Saturday, Kaeding will have his sights on the 30-lap feature victory at Tulare.

Phoenix, Arizona’s R.J. Johnson is tied for fifth in the point standings. Racing Bobby Martin’s #51 Weiler Farms / Pecon Builders Maxim, Johnson finished twelfth in the “Don Flanders Classic.” To date, the former Arizona Midget Champion has one feature win, four heat race victories, three top-10 finishes, and 29 feature laps led on the season. At press time, Johnson may miss Saturday’s action at Tulare.

“The Cadillac” Cody Williams of Yorba Linda is tied with Johnson for fifth in the standings. Driving Jack Jory’s #44 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams claimed fourth at Perris. Currently, the former National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year has one Keizer Wheels / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award, five top-10 finishes, and 3 feature laps led in the campaign. Cody will be looking to claim his first USAC/CRA victory at Thunderbowl Raceway.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Austin Williams, Brody Roa, Matt Mitchell, “The Ripper” Rip Williams, Ryan Bernal, “Super” Rickie Gaunt, “Dynamite” David Cardey, Seth Wilson, Richard Vander Weerd, Jace Vander Weerd, “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr., “The Bakersfield Bullet” Rusty Carlile, and more.

Local 360 iron-block powered Sprint Cars are welcome to race with USAC/CRA. The 360s can run their local approved Hoosier tires, but must meet series tech standards and race track muffler rules. The United States Auto Club (USAC) will pay $200 for the longest tow and Hoosier Tire West is offering a new HTW Right Rear Tire to the highest finishing 360. Out of state cars will not have to pay an entry fee at the Tulare event.

Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets. Advance tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the track office at (559) 688-0909. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.tularethunderbowl.com.

BERNAL WINS HANFORD “BILLET CUP” FEATURE; FARIA WINS POINT BATTLE
by Lance Jennings

HANFORD, CA – MAY 12, 2013... Starting fourteenth, Hollister’s Ryan Bernal grabbed the lead from Dennis Howell on lap 37 to claim the “2nd Annual Southwest Contractors Billet Cup” at Kings Speedway. Bernal earned $2,300 for scoring his fifth USAC West Coast Sprint Car victory and “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr. won the night’s point chase by a narrow margin. Bud Kaeding, Dennis Howell, Faria, and Landon Hurst followed rounded out the top-five drivers in the nonstop race.

Racing the Keith Ford owned #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Ryan Bernal ranked fourth entering the 40-lap main event. The 2-time Santa Maria track champion qualified eighth overall, ran second in his heat race, and won the SBI Fuel Systems Qualifier #2. With the night’s full inversion format, Bernal started deep in the field and charged to fifth by the fifth lap. Running the outside line and gaining momentum, Ryan continued his forward march and was not to be denied on this night. Finishing second in the “Billet Cup” standings, the series point leader has four heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, one BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award, nine top-5 finishes, and 85 feature laps led. Bernal holds a thirty point lead over the competition heading to Hanford on June 8th.

Campbell’s Bud Kaeding started tenth in the feature and took the lead from Hurst on lap fourteen. Unfortunately, Kaeding’s lead was brief after an incident with traffic sent the last year’s champion into the infield. Junior Bowman’s #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet recovered in fourth and Bud raced to second at the checkered flags. Scoring third in the “Billet Cup” points, the 3-time Oval Nationals Champion was ninth fast in time trials, second in his heat race, and fourth in his qualifying race. To date, Kaeding is fifth in the point standings with two heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, and six top-5 finishes to his credit.

Dennis Howell of Rancho Palos Verdes inherited the lead after Kaeding’s visit to the infield. Driving the family owned #62 San Pedro Auto Body / Howell-Meyer Racing Maxim, Howell led twenty laps before settling for third at the checkered flags. The USAC Midget graduate placed fourth in the “Billet Cup” points after qualifying fourth, running fourth in his heat race, and finishing fifth in his qualifier. Dennis is currently fifteenth in the standings with one Weld Racing Fast Time Award and four top-10 finishes on the year.

Tipton’s “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr. had a night to remember at Kings Speedway. Piloting his #17V Johnston Calf Pens / DeBoer & Sons Trucking Spike, Faria was fourth in the feature and won the $2,000 “Billet Cup” title after a tangle on the initial start. “Hollywood” earned the program’s Weld Racing Fast Time Award, won the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1, won the Keizer Wheels Qualifier #1, and scored the BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award. To date, Danny is third in the point chase with four heat race victories, seven top-10 finishes, and 4 feature laps led in the campaign.

Rookie contender Landon Hurst of Riverdale claimed fifth after leading the first thirteen laps. Racing the family owned #179 Kings River Commodities / Duinkerken Farms Maxim, Hurst ranked eighth in the “Billet Cup” after qualifying fifteenth, placing third in his heat race, and running sixth in the qualifier. Currently, Landon sits twelfth in points with one BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award and two top-10 finishes in the campaign.

Tracy’s Austin Liggett won the program’s 10-lap DJ Safety Heat Race #2. Driving the family owned #83 Excel Environmental Services / Home Connections Inc. Maxim, Liggett scored fifteenth in the main event and twelfth in points after a flat tire ended his night. Earlier in the program, last season’s Rookie of the Year was eleventh quick in time trials and placed third in his qualifier. To date, Austin is eleventh in the point standings with one top-5 finish on the season.

Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia won the night’s 10-lap Saldana Racing Products Heat Race #3. Piloting the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard qualified third overall and was second in his qualifier. Entering the main event second in points, Vander Weerd was caught in a tangle on the initial start that sent his machine airborne. The crew made some quick repairs, but last year’s Billet Cup winner was unable to continue. Scoring eighteenth in the main event and eleventh in the “Billet Cup,” Richard is second in series points with two feature wins, two Weld Racing Fast Time Awards, three heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc., / Rod End Supply Semi-Main win, two BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Awards, seven top-5 finishes, and 59 feature laps led.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will be back in action on Saturday, June 8th, at Hanford’s Kings Speedway. The action packed showcase will also feature the winged Rebel Cup Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCS Stock Cars, and Hobby Stocks. Located on the Kings County Fairgrounds at 801 South 10th Avenue, more event information can be found at www.kingsspeedway.net or calling (559) 584-RACE (7223).

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, Rugged Radios, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

WELD RACING TIME TRIALS:
1. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-16.100; 2. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-16.198; 3. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.301; 4. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-16.361; 5. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.369; 6. Mike Spencer, 7m, Priestley-16.440; 7. Andy Ferris, 4J, Ferris-16.499; 8. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-16.514; 9. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-16.541; 10. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.624; 11. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-16.818; 12. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter-16.880; 13. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-16.949; 14. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-17.052; 15. Landon Hurst, 179, Hurst-17.230; 16. Kolby Araki, 30k, Araki-17.555; 17. Matt Day, 97, Day-17.796; 18. Garrett Long, 38, Long-18.085.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps)
1. Danny Faria Jr., 2. Kevin Barnes, 3. Rusty Carlile, 4. Dennis Howell, 5. Andy Ferris, 6. Kolby Araki. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps)
1. Austin Liggett, 2. Ryan Bernal, 3. Jace Vander Weerd, 4. Matt Day, 5. Jeff Sibley, 6. Markus Niemela. NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS HEAT RACE 3: (10 laps)
1. Richard Vander Weerd, 2. Bud Kaeding, 3. Landon Hurst, 4. Ricky Kirkbride, 5. Mike Spencer, 6. Garrett Long. NT

KEIZER WHEELS FIRST QUALIFYING RACE: (12 laps)
1. Danny Faria Jr., 2. Jace Vander Weerd, 3. Markus Niemela, 4. Ricky Kirkbride, 5. Rusty Carlile, 6. Jeff Sibley, 7. Andy Ferris, 8. Kolby Araki, 9. Mike Spencer. NT

SBI FUEL SYSTEMS SECOND QUALIFYING RACE: (12 laps)
1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Austin Liggett, 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Dennis Howell, 6. Landon Hurst, 7. Matt Day, 8. Kevin Barnes, 9. Garrett Long. NT

FEATURE: (40 laps – With Starting Positions)
1. Ryan Bernal (14th), 2. Bud Kaeding (10th), 3. Dennis Howell (12th), 4. Danny Faria Jr. (17th), 5. Landon Hurst (4th), 6. Rusty Carlile (9th), 7. Andy Ferris (7th), 8. Markus Niemela (13th), 9. Kolby Araki (1st), 10. Ricky Kirkbride (8th), 11. Jeff Sibley (3rd), 12. Kevin Barnes (5th), 13. Jace Vander Weerd (15th), 14. Matt Day (2nd), 15. Austin Liggett (11th), 16. Mike Spencer (6th), 17. Garrett Long (18th), 18. Richard Vander Weerd (16th). NT
----------------------------
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-13 Landon Hurst, Laps 14-15 Bud Kaeding, Laps 16-36 Dennis Howell, Laps 37-40 Ryan Bernal.
BR MOTORSPORTS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Danny Faria Jr. (17th to 4th)

FINAL BILLET CUP STANDINGS / TOTAL PAYOUT:
1. Danny Faria Jr.-435 ($2,500); 2. Ryan Bernal-434 ($2,300); 3. Bud Kaeding-418 ($1,450); 4. Dennis Howell-416 ($1,150); 5. Markus Niemela-397 ($700); 6. Rusty Carlile-391 ($750); 7. Landon Hurst-383 ($750); 8. Andy Ferris-382 ($600); 9. Jace Vander Weerd-375 ($450); 10. Ricky Kirkbride-368 ($400); 11. Richard Vander Weerd-358 ($400); 12. Austin Liggett-354 ($400); 13. Jeff Sibley-351 ($400); 14. Kolby Araki-349 ($425); 15. Kevin Barnes-348 ($400); 16. Mike Spencer-333 ($400); 17. Matt Day-329 ($400); 18. Garrett Long-302 ($400).

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1-Ryan Bernal-454, 2-Richard Vander Weerd-424, 3-Danny Faria Jr.-377, 4-Jace Vander Weerd-356, 5-Bud Kaeding-355, 6-Markus Niemela-344, 7-Rusty Carlile-314, 8- Ricky Kirkbride-276, 9-Austin Liggett-208, 10-Landon Hurst-201.

2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 22: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)
September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)
September 21: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (John Anthony Sharp Memorial)
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

BACK TO KINGS JUNE 8 FOR WEST COAST SPRINTS; BERNAL SCORES 7TH USAC VICTORY OF 2013 AT HANFORD

Ryan Bernal of Hollister, Calif. appears to be the man to beat this year as the 2013 USAC West Coast Sprint cars return to Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif. June 8. He leads the series standings after taking Saturday night’s 30-lap “Spring Showdown” at Hanford.

Bernal’s 30-point lead over Richard Vander Weerd doesn’t truly show his domination so far this year. In seven West Coast starts so far, he has five wins and two seconds! Saturday’s win was his third in a row.

The Hanford win also gives Bernal a total of seven USAC wins this year, including his two in the Western Classic Sprint cars!

Bernal wheeled the Keith Ford-owned King Racing Products/A & A Precision Machine Spike/Raney to the 40-lap win in the “Billet Cup” main event at Kings. He was the last of four race leaders, pacing the final four laps after passing Dennis Howell on lap 37. Bud Kaeding took second ahead of Howell, Danny Faria Jr. and Landon Hurst.

Fast qualifier Faria emerged as the “Billet Cup” points champion by one point!

2013 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Standings: 1-Ryan Bernal-454, 2-Richard Vander Weerd-424, 3-Danny Faria Jr.-377, 4-Jace Vander Weerd-356, 5-Bud Kaeding-355, 6-Markus Niemela-344, 7-Rusty Carlile-314, 8-Ricky Kirkbride-276, 9-Austin Liggett-208, 10-Landon Hurst-201.

SANTOS GOES FOR 3-IN-A-ROW AT “HALL OF FAME CLASSIC”

Bobby Santos of Franklin, Mass. will try to score an unprecedented third consecutive Traxxas USAC Silver Crown victory at Lucas Oil Raceway Saturday in the second USAC “Hall of Fame Classic.”

Saturday’s event salutes USAC’s 57-year heritage as twelve individuals will be inducted into the USAC Hall of Fame during ceremonies prior to the 100-lap feature event. They include Henry Banks, Tony Bettenhausen, Tom Bigelow, Pancho Carter, Earl Baltes, Jack Hewitt, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby and Al Unser, A.J. Watson, Don White and Bob Wilke.

The opening race of the 2013 Silver Crown series features former Lucas Oil Raceway Silver Crown race winners Santos, East (3), Tracy Hines, Brian Tyler, Kody Swanson and Russ Gamester. East is the defending series champion, while Hines’ 13 victories in various series leads all USAC drivers at the .686-mile paved oval.

Jason Leffler holds the one-lap LOR track record of 121.667 mph. from 2000, while Mike Bliss set the 100-lap record of 104.306 mph in 2001.

Tyler, East and Levi Jones will each try to give their car owners the all-time lead in terms of career series victories. Tyler pilots a car fielded by Six-R Racing, while East and Jones team up in cars fielded by Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing. Each have 27 series wins.

In the 37 previous LOR Silver Crown races, 25 drivers have tasted victory lane, with only seven scoring multiple wins.

Grandstand ticket holders at LOR will have all-access pit passes to enjoy the evening’s activities and a special Hall of Fame autograph session is planned from 6:30-7:30 pm.

“LARRY RICE CLASSIC” FRIDAY AT BLOOMINGTON; 3RD STRAIGHT FOR THOMAS COMES AT TRI-STATE

Friday night’s “Larry Rice Classic” at the Bloomington (Ind.) Speedway salutes the 1978 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year who earned the respect of the auto racing community both in and out of the cockpit. He won both a Silver Crown and National Midget Championship during his USAC driving career.

Eight drivers will continue to battle for the AMSOIL National Sprint Car series point lead, separated by just 53 points with 74 available at the quarter-mile dirt Bloomington oval.

Kevin Thomas Jr. of Cullman, Ala., winner of last year’s “Indiana Sprint Week” feature at Bloomington, is among those eight, standing fifth in the current standings after recording his third consecutive series victory last Saturday night at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind. He led the first 19 and last six laps of the 30-lap “Spring Showdown” co-sanctioned by MSCS to put his Rotondo Weirich/Black Jack Oil Maxim/Fisher in victory lane.

Robert Ballou, who led five laps, finished second at Tri-State ahead of series leader Chase Stockon, Brady Short and Dave Darland.

Darland’s finish vaulted him to second in the new standings, 22 back of Stockon going into Friday’s race.

The last time a driver won four straight USAC National Sprint features was 1985 when Rick Hood did it. The consecutive win record is six by Larry Dickson in 1968.

2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Point Standings: 1-Chase Stockon-404, 2-Dave Darland-382, 3-Hunter Schuerenberg-380, 4-Brady Bacon-378, 5-Kevin Thomas Jr.-375, 6-Bryan Clauson-364, 7-Robert Ballou-353, 8-Tracy Hines-351, 9-Shane Cottle-245, 10-C.J. Leary-239.

THUNDERBOWL HOSTS USAC/CRA SPRINTS SATURDAY

Teammates Damion Gardner and Nic Faas once again face off for the 2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car point lead this Saturday when the series returns to Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif.

Gardner has a 12-point lead over Faas after seven series races in which they both finished in the top-four spots in all seven! Gardner has won the last three races, while Faas has one win and three seconds so far this year.

The last USAC/CRA race held at Tulare in 2010 saw Faas and Gardner finish 19th and 23rd respectively. That race was won by Bud Kaeding, who has three “top-five” finishes at the track in West Coast Sprint action this year.

Gardner stands at 44 total career wins in the USAC/CRA series, compared to Cory Kruseman’s 34 and Mike Spencer’s 33. Spencer, the defending five-time AMSOIL USAC/CRA champion, stands third in the latest 2013 points.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Damion Gardner-471, 2-Nic Faas-459, 3-Mike Spencer-363, 4-Bud Kaeding-356, 5-R.J. Johnson-300, 6-Cody Williams-300, 7-Austin Williams-276, 8-Brody Roa-250, 9-Charles Davis Jr.-232, 10-Matt Mitchell-231.

SOUTHWEST SPRINTS AT CANYON MAY 25-26; R.J. STILL #1 WITH ARIZONA SPEEDWAY VICTORY

The USAC Southwest Sprint Cars return to Canyon Speedway in Peoria, Ariz. May 25-26. Series point leader R.J. Johnson already has two victories there in 2013 and hopes to remain undefeated in the upcoming events.

Johnson, of Phoenix, Ariz., stayed atop the points Saturday after winning the 30-lap feature at Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek, Ariz. Johnson passed Chris Bonneau on lap 20 and led to the checkered flag to beat Bonneau, Bruce St. James, Mike Martin and Shon Deskins. St. James led the first seven laps and Bonneau led the next 12.

Ronnie Clark is second in the current standings, one point ahead of Charles Davis, Jr.

2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Standings: 1-R.J. Johnson-297, 2-Ronnie Clark-255, 3-Charles Davis Jr.-254, 4-Mike Martin-228, 5-Bryan Swinehart-225, 6-Josh Pelkey-220, 7-Chris Bonneau-214, 8-Justin Quinn-209, 9-Shon Deskins-209, 10-Stevie Sussex-192.

VENTURA WELCOMES WESTERN MIDGETS SATURDAY; JAKE SWANSON TAKES SANTA MARIA FEATURE

The “Battle at the Beach” returns to Ventura (Calif.) Raceway Saturday night and Ronnie Gardner will lead the USAC Western Midgets back to the one-fifth mile dirt oval overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Gardner finished second to Jake Swanson in last Saturday’s 30-lap race at the Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway and he and Swanson enter Saturday’s race in a virtual tie for the Western Midget Dirt point lead.

Swanson, of Anaheim, Calif., scored his first USAC Western Midget feature victory at Santa Maria, leading all 25 laps in the process. Gardner took second ahead of T.J. Smith, Cody Swanson and David Prickett. Nic Faas was the fastest qualifier.

Gardner and Swanson finished 1-2 in the April 6 race at Ventura and Saturday’s race should provide for a spectacular rematch.

2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-284, 2-Jake Swanson-284, 3-David Prickett-235, 4-Cody Swanson-156, 5-Bryan Clauson-143, 6-Kody Swanson-140, 7-Shannon McQueen-139, 8-Scott Pierovich-138, 9-Rico Abreu-128, 10-Christopher Bell-125.

2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINTS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-284, 2-Jake Swanson-284, 3-David Prickett-235, 4-Kody Swanson-212; 5-Scott Pierovich-200, 6-Cody Swanson-156, 7-Frankie Guerrini-151, 8-Bryan Clauson-143, 9-Shannon McQueen-139, 10-Rico Abreu-128.

LMVS, ROCHESTER, BANKS FOR IGNITES THIS WEEK; LAMB, GOETZ, PANKRATZ SCORE FEATURE WINS

USAC Ignite Midget racing finds three fronts this week. The Western Pavement series visits the Bullring at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Saturday. The inaugural race in the new Oregon Dirt series is also slated Saturday at Sunset Speedway Park in Banks, while the Washington Pavement series is set to kick off Saturday at South Sound Speedway in Rochester.

Chris Lamb of Colfax, N.C. earned his sixth USAC Ignite Midget feature victory of the season last Saturday night at Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway. He led all 30 laps to win the Eastern/Midwest race to beat Natasha Cox, Cooper Clouse, Ryan Krachun and Ricky Bowers. Joey Greening, who won the DRC “hard luck” award, flipped during the feature and was treated at a local hospital for a concussion. The Eastern series resumes May 24 at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. and the Midwest pavement cars gear up for a June 14 race at Kil-Kare Speedway in Xenia, Ohio.

Wally Pankratz extended his lead in the USAC Western Ignite Dirt standings Saturday night, winning the 20-lap feature at Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway. He passed his daughter Randi on lap three and led the rest of the way to beat Cory Elliott, Randi, Jarid Blondel and fast qualifier Parker Colston.

Chase Goetz of Snohomish, Wash. remained undefeated in the 2013 USAC Washington Ignite Dirt Midget series Saturday night, winning the 20-lap feature at Skagit Speedway. He caught Dougie James on lap nine and led the rest of the way to beat Robby Vaughn, Ariel Gibbs, James and Garrett Thomas, who claimed the Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame Fast Time Award. Goetz was the Speedmart Hard Charger and James the NWSprintCar History.com Rookie of the Race winner.

2013 MIDWEST IGNITE PAVEMENT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chris Lamb-74, 2-Cooper Clouse-65, 3-Natasha Cox-58, 4-Ryan Krachun-57, 5-Ricky Bowers-52, 6-Wil Raber-48, 7-Calvin Carroll-44, 8-Adam Thomason-41, 9-Nikki Carroll-37, 10-Tyler Corriher-37.

2013 EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chris Lamb-569, 2-Wil Raber-424, 3-Tyler Corriher-402, 4-Nic Davidson-398, 5-Calvin Carroll-380, 6-Billy Gaule-371, 7-Nikki Carroll-323, 8-Ryan Krachun-306, 9-Blaine Leydig-278, 10-Justin Whittall-237.

2013 WESTERN IGNITE PAVEMENT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Bryant Dawson-147, 2-Michael Fanelli-131, 3-Jarid Blondel-130, 4-Shawn Buckley-117, 5-Christine Breckenridge-113, 6-Marina Turner-92, 7-George Blacker-89, 8-Marc Jessop-53, 9-Ariel Biggs-47, 10-Tom Tombarello-40

2013 WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Wally Pankratz-201, 2-Cory Elliott-198, 3-Parker Colston-188, 4-Jarid Blondel-175, 5-Clayton Ruston-159, 6-Christine Breckenridge-131, 7-Ariel Biggs-112, 8-Michael Steele-100, 9-Ashley Hazelton-95, 10-Randi Pankratz-60.

2013 WASHINGTON IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chase Goetz-204, 2-Robby Vaughn-181, 3-Dougie James-172, 4-Garrett Thomas-165, 5-Chance Crum-149, 6-Jeremy Miller-118,7-Ariel Biggs-108, 8-Todd Hartman-105, 9-Rene Angel-89, 10-Annika Johanson-44.

CAN MILLER REPEAT AT BEAR RIDGE?

Ray Miller’s victory in the 2013 USAC DMA Midget opener at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, Vt. marked a signature moment in USAC’s 57-year history. His win at age 72 makes him one of the more experienced USAC winners of all time.

The win left him with an eight-point lead over Scott Viets entering this coming Saturday night’s series resumption at the quarter-mile dirt oval.

He became the seventh different race winner in the series’ three-year history. Inaugural champion Joe Krawiec has seven series wins, compared to 2012 champion Kevin Chaffee’s three. Scott Holcomb also has three, while Dana Shaw, Dean Christensen and Jeff Champagne also have one each.

2013 USAC DMA MIDGET POINTS: 1-Ray Miller-136, 2-Scott Veits-128, 3-Kevin Chaffee-120, 4-Joe Krawiec-112, 5-Dean Christensen-106, 6-Adam Whitney-92, 7-Josh Sunn-90, 8-Jamie Spaulding-84, 9-Dylan Duhaime-76, 10-Mike Chaffee-72.

]USAC SOUTHWESTERN SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

May 11, 2013 – Queen Creek, Arizona – Arizona Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 2. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 3. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 4. Stephen Harms (#60 Harms), 5. Justin Quinn (#93 Quinn), 6. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson), 7. Michael Curtis (Turner/Wheeler). NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 2. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 3. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ High), 4. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 5. Bran Swinehart (#68 Beal), 6. James Aragon (#94 Aragon), 7. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau). NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 2. Charles Davis Jr., (#50 Massey), 3. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 4. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 5. Nick Aiuto (#27 Aiuto), 6. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber). NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. St. James, 2. Pelkey, 3. Bonneau, 4. Martin , 5. Reinbold, 6. Johnson, 7. Davis, 8. Wirth. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson, 2. Chris Bonneau, 3. Bruce St. James, 4. Mike Martin, 5. Shon Deskins, 6. Andy Reinbold, 7. Ronnie Clark, 8. Stevie Sussex, 9. Brian Hosford, 10. Bryan Swinehart, 11. Charles Davis Jr., 12. Mike Bonneau, 13. Michael Curtis, 14. Jody Wirth, 15. Stephen Harms, 16. Kyle Danielson, 17. Justin Quinn, 18. Josh Pelkey, 19. Nick Aiuto, 20. James Aragon. NT ---------------------------- **Aiuto flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-7 St. James, Laps 8-19 C. Bonneau, Laps 20-30 Johnson.

NEW USAC SOUTHWESTERN SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Johnson-297, 2-Clark-255, 3-Davis-254, 4-Martin-228, 5-Swinehart-225, 6-Pelkey-220, 7-C.Bonneau-214, 8-Quinn-209, 9-Deskins-209, 10-Sussex-192.

NEXT USAC SOUTHWESTERN SPRINT CAR RACE: May 25 – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park

USAC WASHINGTON IGNITE DIRT MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 11, 2013 – Alger, Washington – Skagit Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Ariel Biggs (#11e Emery), 2. Dougie James (#29 James), 3. Chase Goetz (#91 Goetz), 4. Robby Vaughn (#3s Stewart), 5. Steve Hughes (#12 Hughes). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Garrett Thomas (#14 Thomas), 2. Todd Hartman (#21 Hartman), 3. Chance Crum (#91s Stewart), 4. Renee Angel (#2a Angel). NT

ALSO AT THE TRACK: Robby Price

FEATURE: (20 Laps) 1. Chase Goetz, 2. Robby Vaughn, 3. Ariel Biggs, 4. Dougie James, 5. Garrett Thomas, 6. Todd Hartman, 7. Chance Crum, 8. Renee Angel. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-8 James, Laps 9-20 Goetz.

NEW WASHINGTON IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Goetz-204, 2-Vaughn-181, 3-James-172, 4-Thomas-165, 5-Crum-149, 6-Jeremy Miller-118,7-Biggs-108, 8-Hartman-105, 9-Angel-89, 10-Annika Johanson-44.

NEXT WASHINGTON IGNITE DIRT MIDGET RACE: May 25 – Alger, WA – Skagit Speedway

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

May 11, 2013 – Hanford, California – Kings Speedway – “Billet Cup”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-16.100; 2. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-16.198; 3. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.301; 4. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-16.361; 5. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.369; 6. Mike Spencer, 7m, Priestley-16.440; 7. Andy Ferris, 4J, Ferris-16.499; 8. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-16.514; 9. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-16.541; 10. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.624; 11. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-16.818; 12. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter-16.880; 13. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-16.949; 14. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-17.052; 15. Landon Hurst, 179, Hurst-17.230; 16. Kolby Araki, 30k, Araki-17.555; 17. Matt Day, 97, Day-17.796; 18. Garrett Long, 38, Long-18.085.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Faria, 2. Barnes, 3. Carlile, 4. Howell, 5. Ferris, 6. Araki. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Liggett, 2. Bernal, 3. J.Vander Weerd, 4. Day, 5. Sibley, 6. Niemela. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. R.Vander Weerd, 2. Kaeding, 3. Hurst, 4. Kirkbride, 5. Spencer, 6. Long. NT

FIRST QUALIFIER: (10 laps) 1. Faria, 2. J.Vander Weerd, 3. Niemela, 4. Kirkbride, 5. Carlile, 6. Sibley, 7. Ferris, 8. Araki, 9. Spencer. NT

SECOND QUALIFIER: (10 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. R.Vander Weerd, 3. Liggett, 4. Kaeding, 5. Howell, 6. Hurst, 7. Day, 8. Barnes, 9. Long. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Bud Kaeding, 3. Dennis Howell, 4. Danny Faria Jr., 5. Landon Hurst, 6. Rusty Carlile, 7. Andy Ferris, 8. Markus Niemela, 9. Kolby Araki, 10. Ricky Kirkbride, 11. Jeff Sibley, 12. Kevin Barnes, 13. Jace Vander Weerd, 14. Matt Day, 15. Austin Liggett, 16. Mike Spencer, 17. Garrett Long, 18. Richard Vander Weerd. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-13 Hurst, Laps 14-15 Kaeding, Laps 16-36 Howell, Laps 37-40 Bernal.

NEW USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Bernal-454, 2-R.Vander Weers-424, 3-Faria-377, 4-Kirkbride-376, 5-J.Vander Weerd-356, 6-Kaeding-355, 7-Niemela-344, 8-Carlile-314, 9-Liggett-208, 10-Hurst-201.

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: June 8 – Hanford, CA - Kings Speedway

USAC EASTERN/MIDWEST PAVEMENT IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 11, 2013 – Columbus, Ohio – Columbus Motor Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Chris Lamb, 9, Lamb-14.076; 2. Billy Gaule, 22, Gaule-14.219; 3. Cooper Clouse, 14, Clouse-14.237; 4. Austin Nemire, 91, Nemire-14.260; 5. Tyler Corriher, 12, Corriher-14.261; 6. Ryan Krachun, 29, Krachun-14.286; 7. Toby Alfrey, 39, Radical-14.343; 8. Gage Walker, 7, Walker-14.374; 9. Natasha Cox, 19, Cox-14.397; 10. Nick Hamilton, 1, Steele-14.405; 11. Ricky Bowers, 42, Bowers-14.416; 12. Wil Raber, 3, Hocevar-14.542; 13. Joey Greening, 17G, Greening-14.684; 14. Adam Thomason, 74, Thomason-14,712; 15. Calvin Carroll, 24, Carroll-14.849; 16. Nikki Carroll, 124, Carroll-15.232.

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Lamb, 2. Clouse, 3. Corriher, 4. Greening, 5. Bowers, 6. Alfrey, 7. C.Carroll, 8. Cox. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Walker, 2. Hamilton, 3. Gaule, 4. Krachun, 5. Nemire, 6. Raber, 7. Thomason, 8. N.Carroll. NT

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Chris Lamb, 2. Natasha Cox, 3. Cooper Clouse, 4. Ryan Krachun, 5. Ricky Bowers, 6. Wil Raber, 7. Calvin Carroll, 8. Adam Thomason, 9. Nikki Carroll, 10. Toby Alfrey, 11. Joey Greening, 12. Tyler Corriher, 13. Austin Nemire, 14. Billy Gaule, 15. Nick Hamilton, 16. Gage Walker. NT -------------------------------------------------- **Greening flipped during the feature and was transported to a local hospital and treated for a concussion.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Lamb.

NEW EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Lamb-569, 2-Raber-424, 3-Corriher-402, 4-Nic Davidson-398, 5-C,Carroll-380, 6-Gaule-371, 7-N.Carroll-323, 8-Krachun-306, 9-Blaine Leydig-278, 10-Justin Whittall-237. NEW MIDWEST IGNITE PAVEMENT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Lamb-74, 2-Clouse-65, 3-Cox-58, 4-Krachun-57, 5-Bowers-52, 6-Raber-48, 7-C.Carroll-44, 8-Thomason-41, 9-N.Carroll-37, 10-Corriher-37.

NEXT EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: May 24 – Altamahaw, NC – Ace Speedway NEXT MIDWEST IGNITE PAVEMENT MIDGET RACE: June 14 – Xenia, Ohio – Kil-Kare Speedway

USAC WESTERN IGNITE (DIRT) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 11, 2013 – Santa Maria, California– Santa Maria Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Parker Colston, 64, Colston-16.073; 2. Christine Breckenridge, 26, Breckenridge-16.223; 3. Cory Elliott, 11E, Elliott-16.264; 4. Jarid Blondel, 98, Blondel-16.321; 5. Clayton Ruston, 55k, Custer-16.454; 6. Wally Pankratz, 37, Pankratz-16.556; 7. Randi Pankratz, 32, Pankratz-16.685; 8. George Blacker, 88, Blacker-18.172.

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Blondel, 2. Elliott, 3. R.Pankratz, 4. Colston. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Ruston, 2. W.Pankratz, 3. Breckenridge, 4. Blacker. NT

FEATURE: (20 Laps) 1. Wally Pankratz, 2. Cory Elliott, 3. Randi Pankratz, 4. Jarid Blondel, 5. Parker Colston, 6. Clayton Ruston, 7. Christine Breckenridge, 8. George Blacker. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 R.Pankratz, Laps 3-20 W.Pankratz.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE (DIRT) MIDGET POINTS: 1-W.Pankratz-201, 2-Elliott-198, 3-Colston-188, 4-Blondel-175, 5-Ruston-159, 6-Breckenridge-131, 7-Ariel Biggs-112, 8-Michael Steele-100, 9-Ashley Hazelton-95, 10-R.Pankratz-60. NEW WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Blondel-305, 2-Breckenridge-244, 3-W.Pankratz-201, 4-Elliott-198, 5-Colston-188, 6-Ariel Biggs-159, 7-Ruston-159, 8-Bryant Dawson-147, 9-Blacker-133, 10-Michael Fanelli-131.

NEXT WESTERN IGNITE (DIRT) MIDGET RACE: June 1 – Bakersfield (CA) Speedway NEXT WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET RACE: May 18 – Las Vegas (NV) Motor Speedway Bullring

USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS:

May 11, 2013 – Santa Maria, California – Santa Maria Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Nic Faas, 25, Rodela-14.666; 2. T.J. Smith, 55, Smith-14.865; 3. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-14.894; 4. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen-15.018; 5. David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-15.048; 6. Jake Swanson, 05, Swanson-15.063; 7. Cody Swanson, 71, Swanson-15.087; 8. Terry Nichols, 45, Neverlift-15.088; 9. Frankie Guerrini, 63, Guerrini-15.343; 10. Jimmy Voitel, 21, Voitel-15.895; 11. Randi Pankratz, 8, Pankratz-15.951; 12. Britton Bock, 67, Bock-16.004; 13. Trey Marcham, 37, McQueen-16.106.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Prickett, 2. C.Swanson, 3. Gardner, 4. Faas, 5. Guerrini, 6. R.Pankratz, 7. Marcham. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. J.Swanson, 2. Nichols, 3. Smith, 4. Bock, 5. Voitel, 6. McQueen. NT

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Jake Swanson, 2. Ronnie Gardner, 3. T.J. Smith, 4. Cody Swanson, 5. David Prickett, 6. Nic Faas, 7. Shannon McQueen, 8. Frankie Guerrini, 9. Randi Pankratz, 10. Trey Marcham, 11. Jimmy Voitel, 12. Britton Bock, 13. Terry Nichols. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-25 J.Swanson.

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINTS: 1-Gardner-284, 2-J.Swanson-284, 3-Prickett-235, 4-Kody Swanson-212; 5-Scott Pierovich-200, 6-C.Swanson-156, 7-Guerrini-151, 8-Bryan Clauson-143, 9-McQueen-139, 10-Rico Abreu-128. NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Gardner-284, 2-J.Swanson-284, 3-Prickett-235, 4-C.Swanson-156, 5-Bryan Clauson-143, 6-Kody Swanson-140, 7-McQueen-139, 8-Scott Pierovich-138, 9-Rico Abreu-128, 10-Christopher Bell-125.

NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE: May 18 – Ventura (CA) Raceway

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

May 11, 2013 – Haubstadt, Indiana – Tri-State Speedway – “Spring Showdown” – Co-Sanctioned by Midwest Sprint Car Series

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Wes McIntyre, 83, McIntyre-13.182; 2. Dave Darland, 71P, Phillips-13.283; 3. Bryan Clauson, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-13.303; 4. Robert Ballou, 5, Baldwin-13.311; 5. Seth Parker, 38P, Parker-13.347; 6. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-13.349; 7. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-13.374; 8. Brady Short, 11P, Pottorff-13.417; 9. Brady Bacon, 69, Dynamics-13.445; 10. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 17RW, Dutcher/RW/Tri-Star-13.450; 11. Justin Grant, 21x, Pollock-13.458; 12. Chase Stockon, 32, 32/TBI-13.481; 13. Kyle Cummins, 3c, Cummins-13.490; 14. Levi Jones, 12, Rogers-13.558; 15. Casey Shuman, 21K, Krockenberger-13.582; 16. Jon Stanbrough, 56, Fox-13.623; 17. Dakota Jackson, 3, Jackson-13.630; 18. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-13.654; 19. Daron Clayton, 92, Clayton-13.654; 20. Bradley Sterrett, 90, Leer-13.691; 21. Danny Holtsclaw, 3H, Holtsclaw-13.710; 22. Landon Simon, 41, Stensland-13.781; 23. Josh Burton, 04, Burton-13.827; 24. Nick Drake, 55, Cline-13.854; 25. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-13.857; 26. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney/Anderson-13.991; 27. Chris Babcock, 35x, Babcock-14.221; 28. Parker Price-Miller, 9P, Ronk-14.282; 29. Chase Briscoe, 5B, Briscoe-14.398; 30. Kurt Gross, 1x, Gross-14.416; 31. Patrick Budde, 90x, Budde-14.573; 32. Kevin Chambers, 18, DC-14.637; 33. Jake Simmons, 3x, Simmons-14.963; 34. Chet Williams, 38, Williams-15.165.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Jackson, 2. Cummins, 3. Bacon, 4. Holtsclaw, 5. Hines, 6. Parker, 7. McIntyre, 8. Briscoe, 9. Simmons. 2:15.78

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Thomas, 2. Darland, 3. Simon, 4. Jones, 5. Cottle, 6. Courtney, 7. Gross, 8. Leary, 9. Williams. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Clayton, 2. Clauson, 3. Burton, 4. Shuman, 5. Babcock, 6. Budde, 7. Schuerenberg, 8. Grant. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Ballou, 2. Stockon, 3. Drake, 4. Short, 5. Stanbrough, 6. Sterrett, 7. Price-Miller, 8. Chambers. 2:20.51

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Parker, 2. Leary, 3. McIntyre, 4. Schuerenberg, 5. Stanbrough, 6. Hines, 7. Grant, 8. Cottle, 9. Sterrett, 10. Courtney, 11. Briscoe, 12. Price-Miller, 13. Babcock, 14. Gross, 15. Chambers, 16. Budde, 17. Williams, 18. Simmons. 2:53.78

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 2. Robert Ballou, 3. Chase Stockon, 4. Brady Short, 5. Dave Darland, 6. Levi Jones, 7. Wes McIntyre, 8. Landon Simon, 9. Hunter Schuerenberg, 10. Brady Bacon, 11. Casey Shuman, 12. Kyle Cummins, 13. Tracy Hines, 14. Nick Drake, 15. Chase Briscoe, 16. Danny Holtsclaw, 17. Shane Cottle, 18. Dakota Jackson, 19. Josh Burton, 20. Daron Clayton, 21. Seth Parker, 22. C.J. Leary, 23. Tyler Courtney, 24. Bryan Clauson, 25. Jon Stanbrough. NT ----------------------------------------------- **Leary flipped on lap 15 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-19 Thomas, Laps 20-24 Ballou, Laps 25-30 Thomas.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Stockon-404; 2-Darland-382; 3-Schuerenberg-380; 4-Bacon-378; 5-Thomas-375; 6-Clauson-364; 7-Ballou-353; 8-Hines-351; 9-Cottle-245; 10-Leary-239.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: May 17 – Bloomington, IN – Bloomington Speedway – “Larry Rice Classic”

“HALL OF FAMERS” HEADED FOR INDY MAY 18

Numerous USAC “Hall of Fame” inductees are heading for Indianapolis, Ind. May 18 to participate in formal ceremonies prior to the second annual “Hall of Fame Classic” USAC Traxxas Silver Crown race at Lucas Oil Raceway.

The 2013 class of inductees include drivers, car owners, race organizers, officials and mechanics and most are expected to be on hand or be represented by family members in the case of those now deceased.

Living inductees include Bobby and Al Unser, Johnny Rutherford, Jack Hewitt, Tom Bigelow, Pancho Carter, Earl Baltes, A.J. Watson and Don White. Tony Bettenhausen, Henry Banks and Bob Wilke are those being honored who have passed.

It all leads up to the night’s 100-lap race which features the opening pavement race in the 2013 series.

Defending race winner Bobby Santos is expected to return to the .686-mile paved oval, along with former Lucas Oil Raceway Silver Crown winners Bobby East, Brian Tyler, Tracy Hines, Kody Swanson and Russ Gamester.

It’ll be a festive atmosphere as the Indianapolis community gears up for the fast-approaching May 26 Indianapolis 500. Coupled with the previous night’s “Larry Rice Classic” AMSOIL USAC Sprint race at Bloomington (Ind.) Speedway and Saturday afternoon’s “Pole Day” activities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it’ll be a weekend for race fans to long remember.

Swanson won the pole for last year’s “Hall of Fame Classic” and led the first 13 laps before surrendering to Santos. Swanson eventually claimed second ahead of Bud Kaeding at the checkered flag.

Tickets are priced at $20 for adults and $5 for kids and adult tickets will admit holder to pit access starting at 5 pm.

COONS EYES “HAT TRICK” IN MAY 23 HOOSIER HUNDRED

Only twice in 63 years has a driver been able to string together three consecutive victories in the prestigious “Hoosier Hundred,” the USAC Traxxas Silver Crown race slated May 23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Jimmy Bryan won in 1954, 1955 and 1956 and Al Unser scored a remarkable four in a row from 1970-1973 before taking second behind Jackie Howerton in 1974.

Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. has a chance to join that exclusive company when this year’s race is held on a new date – Thursday night – during the world’s biggest motorsports week.

The Hoosier Hundred joins Wednesday night’s (May 22) “Tony Hulman Classic” AMSOIL USAC Sprint race at Terre Haute, Ind. and Saturday night’s (May 25) “Night Before the 500” USAC Midget race at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, all leading up to the May 26 Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Coons won the 2011 and 2012 classics at the Fairgrounds and returns this year to again drive the RW/Curb-Agajanian Rotondo Weirich/Curb Records Beast/Wallace Toiyota.

One of only five USAC “Triple Crown” champions, Coons looks forward to the challenge: “I didn’t qualify very well in 2011,” he adds, “but we were able to get through traffic and be in the right place when we needed to. The track changes during the event and you have to make sure you protect your tires. Our car is good on restarts and the double-file restarts seem to favor us.” Jerry will pilot the same car he drove to last year’s win. “I’m pretty confident in my team and the car they give me, so we should be right there.”

This year marks Coons’ 11th Hoosier Hundred appearance. He was second in 2001 and fourth in 2003, but he knows he has plenty of competition May 23.

Three-time winner Dave Darland and 2009 winner Shane Hollingsworth are expected to be in the hunt, along with defending series champion Bobby East and others.

Coons’ task is more taunting when one considers that A.J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, Chuck Gurney, Jack Hewitt, Darland and Tony Elliott all had back-to-back Hoosier Hundred wins but were unable to grab that elusive third in a row.

RONNIE GARDNER LEADS USAC WESTERN MIDGETS TO SANTA MARIA

by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MAY 7, 2013... This Saturday, May 11th, the cars and stars of the USAC Western Midget Series will make their only appearance at Ruben & Katy Munoz’s Santa Maria Speedway. The action packed showcase will also feature the Papich Construction IMCA Modifieds, NMRA TQ Midgets, USAC Ignite Midgets, and the Toste Construction Mini Stocks. The Front Gates will open at 4:30pm and Racing at "The West Coast's Best Short Track" is set to begin at 6:00pm.

Since May 1985, the Santa Maria clay oval has featured twenty-nine USAC Western Midget events. The legendary Sleepy Tripp leads all drivers with six victories as Rusty Rasmussen (3), and Billy Boat (2) have claimed multiple wins. Other drivers to have won at Santa Maria are Mario Bringetto Jr., Tyler Brown, Johnny Cofer, Tommie Estes Jr., Nic Faas, Terry Farrar, Robby Flock, Frankie Guerrini, Garrett Hansen, Johnathon Henry, Cory Kruseman, Brad Kuhn, Jeff Meyer, Wally Pankratz, Bryan Stanfill, Danny Stratton, Tommy White, and Josh Wise.

After winning the April 6th “Battle at the Beach” at Ventura Raceway, Ronnie Gardner of Norco leads both the overall and dirt series point standings. Piloting the Six8 Motorsports’ #68 Baldozier Racing / Esslinger Engineering Stewart, Gardner has three top-five finishes and 18 feature laps led to his credit. The 2011 USAC/CRA Sprint Car Most Improved Driver will be looking to add a Santa Maria victory to his resume.

Anaheim’s Jake Swanson is second in both the overall and dirt series point chase. Racing the Swanson Motorsports' #05 Honda Racing / Goodwine Glass Stealth, Jake claimed second at Ventura Raceway. To date, the 2012 USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year has two heat race victories, two top-5 finishes, and 18 feature laps led on the season. Swanson will have his sights on a feature win at Santa Maria and becoming the new point leader.

Kody Swanson of Kingsburg sits third in the overall points, fifth in the dirt series, and fifth in the pavement standings. Driving the Neverlift Motorsports' #55 Crysalli Water / Mt. Rose Cocktail Mixes Spike, Swanson ran fifth in Ventura’s “Battle at the Beach.” Currently, the 2005 USAC Western Sprint Car Champion has one feature win, three top-10 finishes, and 41 feature laps led on the year. Kody will be looking to add Saturday’s 30-lap main event to his win list.

Alamo’s Scott Pierovich is fourth in the overall standings, sixth in the dirt series, and seventh in the pavement points. Piloting the family owned #35 Mid-Coast Trans / Good Guys Spike, Pierovich did not race at Ventura, but finished third at Madera on May 4th. To date, the veteran driver has two heat race victories and four top-10 finishes in the campaign. On Saturday, Scott will be looking add the Santa Maria feature to his resume.

David Prickett of Fresno has climbed to fifth in the overall points and third in the dirt series. Racing the Neverlift Motorsports' #15 Crysalli Water / Mt. Rose Cocktail Mixes Spike, Prickett claimed fourth at Ventura Raceway. Currently, the veteran driver has one heat race victory, one semi-main win, and three top-10 finishes on the season. David will have his sights on winning the 30-lap feature on Saturday night.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Frankie Guerrini, Cody Swanson, Tanner Swanson, Trey Marcham, Shannon McQueen, Kyle Edwards, Troy Rutherford, Robby Josett, Randi Pankratz, Terry Nichols, Alex Schutte, Britton Bock, Jimmy Voitel, and more.

Santa Maria Speedway is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange at 1900 Hutton Road in Nipomo, California. Adult tickets are $14, Senior, Military, and Student tickets (13-17) are $12, Kids tickets (6-12) are $6, and Children’s tickets (5 and under) are FREE. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.racesantamariaspeedway.com or call (805) 315-2023.

The USAC Western Midget Series would like to thank Amsoil, Hoosier Tire, and Western Performance Parts for their support. For more information on the group, visit www.usacracing.com or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets). ----------------------------------------------- USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-217, 2-Jake Swanson-215, 3-Kody Swanson-212; 4-Scott Pierovich-200, 5-David Prickett-177, 6-Bryan Clauson-143, 7-Rico Abreu-128, 8-Christopher Bell-125, 9-Frankie Guerrini-108, 10-Chad Nichols-101.

USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET POINT STANDINGS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-217, 2-Jake Swanson-215, 3-David Prickett-177, 4-Bryan Clauson-143, 5-Kody Swanson-140, 6-Scott Pierovich-138, 7-Rico Abreu-128, 8-Christopher Bell-125, 9-Cody Swanson-98, 10-Shannon McQueen-91.

USAC WESTERN PAVEMENT MIDGET POINT STANDINGS: 1-Frankie Guerrini-108, 2-Chad Nichols-101, 3-Dan Gundo-83, 4-Kenneth Nichols-74, 5-Kody Swanson-72, 6-Tanner Swanson-70, 7-Scott Pierovich-62, 8-J.R. Williams-61, 9-Nick Chivello-36.

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINTS BATTLE AT ARIZONA SPEEDWAY THIS SATURDAY

by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – MAY 7, 2013... This Saturday, May 11th, the USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series will return to Queen Creek's Arizona Speedway for a night of action packed racing. Located within the ET Motopark, the showcase will also feature Supers, Mini Sprints, and Bombers. The Front Gates will open at 5:00pm and Racing at the popular 3/8-mile facility is scheduled to begin at 7:30pm.

After winning the April 27th “Canyon Clash” at Canyon Speedway Park, R.J. Johnson of Phoenix has taken over the points lead. Piloting Bill Michaels’ #77M Kodiak Products / Beal’s Auto Body Sherman, Johnson has three feature wins, three heat race victories, one Sunoco Fuels Passing Masters Dash win, one hard charger award, six top-10 finishes, and 56 main event laps led to his credit. The second generation driver will have his sights on increasing his 13 point advantage with a feature win on Saturday.

Buckeye’s "Chargin" Charles Davis Jr. is second in the point standings. Racing the Massey Motorsports' #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply entry, Davis scored nineteenth in the “Canyon Clash” after leading twice in the feature. To date, the five-time Arizona Sprint Car Champion has one feature win, two heat race victories, one Sunoco Fuels Passing Masters Dash win, one semi-main win, one hard charger award, seven top-10 finishes, and 36 feature laps led. The veteran driver will be looking to rebound with a victory and tie Damion Gardner, Bryan Clauson, Dave Steele, and A.J. Foyt with 8 USAC wins in Arizona.

Ronnie Clark of Tucson has climbed to third in the championship points. Driving the family owned #6 RCM / Ellis Race Cars machine, Clark finished seventh at Canyon Speedway Park. As this writing goes to press, the hard charger has one heat race victory and four top-10 finishes in the campaign. Last June, Ronnie won at Arizona Speedway and he will have his sights adding this Saturday’s feature to his win list.

Peoria’s Josh Pelkey sits fourth in the USAC Southwest point standings. Piloting Robbie and Gaye Allen’s #12 ABC Body Shop / Napa Auto Parts DRC, Pelkey came home eighth in the “Canyon Clash.” Currently, the 1997 ASCA Champion has one heat race victory and six top-10 finishes to his credit. On Saturday, Josh will be looking to score a breakthrough win at Queen Creek and take home the $1,500 prize.

Bryan Swinehart of Prescott Valley has climbed to fifth in the standings. Racing Tim and Shelly Beal’s #68 Beal’s Auto Body / DNS Performance RSS, Swinehart had his best run of the year on April 27th with a second place run from twelfth. With one heat race victory and two top-10 finishes on the season, Bryan will be looking for his first win of 2013 on Saturday.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Justin Quinn, “The Magic Man” Mike Martin, Tom Ogle, Shon Deskins, Chris Bonneau, Stevie Sussex, Brian Hosford, Nick Aiuto, Mike Bonneau, Nathan High, “The Bullet" Bob Ream Jr., Bruce St. James, Andy Reinbold, James Aragon, Jody Wirth, and more.

Arizona Speedway is located at 47346 N. Ironwood Road in Queen Creek, just five miles south of Mesa. To get to the track, exit Ironwood Drive on US 60, then head four miles south. Adult Tickets are $15, Senior Tickets are $12, Kids Tickets (7-12) are $5, and Children 6 and under are FREE. For more event and ticket information, visit www.arizonaspeedway.net or call (480) 926-6688.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series would like to thank Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Tire, Racers Advantage Store, and the Hose Advantage Store for their support. For more information on the group, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SouthwestSprintCars). ----------------------------------------------- USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1-R.J. Johnson-231; 2-Charles Davis Jr.-218; 3-Ronnie Clark-207; 4-Josh Pelkey-196; 5-Bryan Swinehart-188; 6-Justin Quinn-186; 7-Mike Martin-171; 8-Thomas Ogle-162; 9-Shon Deskins-158; 10-Chris Bonneau-150; 11-Stevie Sussex-149; 12-Brian Hosford-144; 13-Nick Auito-143; 14-Mike Bonneau-128; 15-Nathan High-112; 16-Bob Ream Jr.-110; 17-Bruce St. James-99; 18-Andy Reinbold-97; 19-James Aragon-85; 20-Jody Wirth-68.

KINGS SPEEDWAY HOSTS “2ND ANNUAL SOUTHWEST CONTRACTORS BILLET CUP” $1,500-TO-WIN MAIN EVENT AND EXTRA $8,350 POINT FUND UP FOR GRABS

by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MAY 7, 2013... This Saturday, May 11th, the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will make their first of six appearances at Kings Speedway in Hanford. The “2nd Annual Southwest Contractors Billet Cup" will feature a special points format with a fully inverted 30-lap main event paying $1,500-to-win and $200-to-start. In addition, an extra $8,350 point fund with $2,000 awarded to the highest point driver will be up for grabs. With over $16,000 available in total purses and contingencies, the “Billet Cup” will have one of the biggest paydays of the season. The winged Rebel Cup 360 Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCS Stock Cars, and Vintage Cars will join the action packed card. The Spectator Gates will open at 5:00pm with racing scheduled for 6:30pm.

Showcasing a format similar to the popular "Trophy Cup," Promoters Chris Kearns and Scott Woodhouse are offering $3,500 to the driver that can win from the rear of the field. For placing last in the feature, that driver will get a minimum payout of $400. Each driver that attends the special event will earn 50 championship points and the entry fee is $50. Both the main event purse and point fund are listed at the end of this release.

Since 2009, the Hanford clay oval has showcased twenty-nine West Coast Sprint Car events. Ryan Bernal, Bud Kaeding, and Richard Vander Weerd lead all drivers with four wins each. Other drivers to have claimed victories are Danny Faria Jr. (2), Justyne Hamblin (2), Peter Murphy (2), T.J. Smith (2), Craig Stidham (2), Aaron Altaffer (1), Rusty Carlile (1), Wes Gutierrez (1), Cory Kruseman (1), Davey Pombo (1), Terry Schank Jr. (1), and Jace Vander Weerd (1).

Ryan Bernal of Hollister continues to lead the point chase with a thirty point advantage over the competition. Piloting Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal claimed his fourth win of the season at Bakersfield on April 27th. To date, the 2-time Santa Maria track champion has three heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, one BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award, eight top-5 finishes, and 81 feature laps led. Ryan and Crew Chief Jimmy May will be looking for a big payday this Saturday at Hanford.

Visalia’s Richard Vander Weerd is second in the championship points. Racing the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard claimed second at Bakersfield. The 2011 Champion has two feature wins, two Weld Racing Fast Time Awards, two heat race victories, two Woodland Auto Display Dash wins, one semi-main win, two BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Awards, seven top-5 finishes, and 59 feature laps led. At Hanford, Vander Weerd will be looking to add another “Billet Cup” victory to his resume.

"Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. of Tipton has climbed to third in the point standings. Driving his #17V Johnston Calf Pens / DeBoer & Sons Trucking Spike, Faria led three laps at Bakersfield before scoring fourth at the checkered flags. Currently, “Hollywood” has two heat race victories, two top-5 finishes, and four feature lap led to his credit. Danny and Crew Chief Vinnie Lattner will have their sights on a breakthrough victory at Kings Speedway.

Visalia’s Jace Vander Weerd of Visalia sits fourth in the points chase. Piloting the family owned #88 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Jace flipped in the April 27th feature and finished sixteenth. To date, the former USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year has two heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, and four top-5 finishes in the campaign. Vander Weerd will be looking to rebound with a $3,500 “Billet Cup” paycheck this Saturday night.

Bud Kaeding of Campbell is fifth in the USAC West Coast standing. Driving Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Kaeding scored third in the Bakersfield main event. Currently, the defending champion has two heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, and five top-5 finishes to his credit. On Saturday, Bud will be one of the favorites to claim the “Billet Cup” trophy.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Markus Niemela, “The Bakersfield Bullet” Rusty Carlile, "The Rickster" Ricky Kirkbride, Marty Hawkins, “The Wild Child” Chris Ennis, Austin Liggett, Rookie Contender Landon Hurst, Kevin Barnes, Dennis Howell, Jonathan Logan, Matt Day, Andy Ferris, and more.

Kings Speedway is located on the Kings County Fairgrounds at 801 South 10th Avenue in Hanford, California. Reserved Grandstand tickets are $15 with discounts available for Seniors (55+), Military (with I.D.), and Children 7-12. Kids 6 and under are FREE at all non-special events. Advance tickets are on sale now and camping is available on the fairgrounds. For more event information, visit www.kingsspeedway.net or call (559) 584-RACE (7223).

For more information on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/#!/pages/USAC-West-Coast-Sprint-Car-Series/369549755817). ----------------------------------------------- BILLET CUP MAIN EVENT PURSE: 1. $1,500; 2. $800; 3. $600; 4. $500; 5. $400; 6. $350; 7. $300; 8. $250; 9. $225; 10. $200; 11. $200; 12. $200; 13. $200; 14. $200; 15. $200; 16. $200; 17. $200; 18. $200; 19. $200; 20. $200; 21. $200; 22. $200. TOTAL=$7,525.

BILLET CUP POINT FUND: 1. $2,000; 2. $800; 3. $650; 4. $550; 5. $450; 6. $400; 7. $350; 8. $300, 9. $250; 10. $200; 11. $200; 12. $200; 13. $200; 14. $200; 15. $200; 16. $200; 17. $200; 18. $200; 19. $200; 20. $200; 21. $200; 22. $200. TOTAL=$8,350.

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1-Ryan Bernal-404, 2-Richard Vander Weerd-374, 3-Danny Faria Jr.-327, 4-Jace Vander Weerd-306, 5-Bud Kaeding-305, 6-Markus Niemela-294, 7-Rusty Carlile-264, 8-Ricky Kirkbride-226, 9-Marty Hawkins-200, 10-Chris Ennis-162, 11-Austin Liggett-158; 12-Landon Hurst-151; 13-Brody Roa-146; 14-Kevin Barnes-145; 15-Dennis Howell-140; 16-Jonathan Logan-136; 17-Matt Day-122; 18-Andy Ferris-115; 19-Trent Carter-111; 20-Jeff Sibley-103.

Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series

DAMION GARDNER SWEEPS “DON FLANDERS CLASSIC” AT THE PAS!
by Lance Jennings

PERRIS, CA – MAY 5, 2013... Taking the lead on lap nine, Concord’s “The Demon” Damion Gardner was on a mission to claim the “Don Flanders Classic” at Perris Auto Speedway. The point leader won his third straight $2,500 Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car main event and swept the night’s program. Five-time champion Mike Spencer, Nic Faas, “Cadillac” Cody Williams, and Austin Williams followed Gardner to the checkered flags.

Piloting Mark Alexander’s #4A Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Damion Gardner started sixth in the feature and took command from Spencer. Once out front, the 2005 champion had some tense moments, narrowly missing a spinning car and working past late race slower traffic. Gardner earned the night’s “Dean Thompson Award” by scoring his first Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award, winning the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1, and claiming his 44th career USAC/CRA main event. On May 18th, “The Demon” will be among the favorites at Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway with three heat race victories, one dash win, seven top-10 finishes, and 76 feature laps led to his credit.

Looking for his first USAC/CRA win of the year, Mike Spencer of Temecula led five laps before settling for second. Driving Ron Chaffin's #50 Grubstake Mini Storage / Madera Produce Maxim, Spencer qualified third overall and won the Saldana Racing Products / Circle Track Performance Heat Race #3. Mike has climbed to third in point chase with two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, three heat race victories, five top-10 finishes, and 12 feature laps led on the season.

Huntington Beach’s Nic Faas raced to second before bicycling off the cushion and recovering to score third in the “Don Flanders Classic.” Racing Mark Alexander’s #4A Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Faas was second fast in time trials and placed second in his heat race. Currently second in the standings, Nic has one feature win, two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, one heat race victory, seven top-10 finishes, and 7 feature laps led.

“The Cadillac” Cody Williams of Yorba Linda led the first three laps before claiming fourth at USAC/CRA’s home track. Piloting Jack Jory’s #44 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams qualified sixth and placed third in his heat race. The former National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year is currently sixth in points with one Keizer Wheels / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award and five top-10 finishes in the campaign.

Yorba Linda’s Austin Williams came home fifth after starting eighth in the Don Flanders Classic. Driving Jack Jory’s #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams was seventh fast in time trials, sixth in his heat race, and won his second Competition Suspension Inc. / Rod End Supply Semi-Main. The 2009 Rookie of the Year left Perris seventh in the standings with one heat race victory and four top-10 finishes on the season.

Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia earned the night’s Keizer Wheels / Racing Optics "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a ninth place run from sixteenth. Racing the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard was seventeenth fast and second in his heat race. Currently, the 2011 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Champion has one heat race victory and two top-10 finishes to his credit.

Las Vegas, Nevada’s Seth Wilson won the night’s 10-lap DJ Safety Heat Race #2. Piloting his #1X Racing Optics / X Stack Maxim, Wilson qualified eighteenth on the night and scored eighteenth in the “Don Flanders Classic.” As this writing goes to press, the veteran driver has one top-10 finish on the year and will be looking to bounce back with a Tulare feature win.

“Dynamite” David Cardey of Riverside won the Weld Racing / SBI Fuel Systems Heat Race #4. Driving Tom and Laurie Sertich’s #92 Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror / Victory Race Cars entry, Cardey qualified fourth and rebounded from a flat tire to score tenth in the main event. The former California Lightning Sprint Car Champion was glad to have Laurie back at the races and has two top-10 finishes and 28 feature laps led on the season.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will return to action on Saturday, May 18th, at the Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, California. Located on the Tulare County Fairgrounds, more event information can be found at www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909. To catch all of the action of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series at Perris Auto Speedway, Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, Rugged Radios, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY TIME TRIALS:
1. Damion Gardner, 4A, Alexander-16.287; 2. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.312; 3. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-16.508; 4. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.629; 5. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-16.642; 6. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.721; 7. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.759; 8. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-16.835; 9. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-16.892; 10. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-16.923; 11. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-16.961; 12. Mike Martin, 16B, Martin-16.976; 13. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-17.000; 14. Josh Pelkey, 12A, Allen-17.062; 15. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-17.091; 16. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-17.096; 17. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-17.272; 18. Seth Wilson, 1X, Wilson-17.306; 19. A.J. Bender, 21, Bender-17.310; 20. Kenny Perkins, 0K, Perkins-17.443; 21. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-17.589; 22. Billy Blinn, 26, Blinn-17.680; 23. Austin Smith, 14, Springstead-17.688; 24. Jesse Denome, 6X, Denome-17.801; 25. Johnny Bluntach, 58, Bluntach-17.863; 26. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-17.932; 27. Mike Collins, 04, Collins-18.429; 28. Gary Potter, 6, Potter-18.807; 29. Jerry Welton, 62, Welton-18.916.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps)
1. Damion Gardner, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Charles Davis Jr., 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Rip Williams, 6. Jace Vander Weerd, 7. Johnny Bluntach, 8. Jerry Welton. 2:53.12

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps)
1. Seth Wilson, 2. Nic Faas, 3. Cody Williams, 4. R.J. Johnson, 5. Josh Pelkey, 6. Billy Blinn, 7. Tony Everhart. NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / CIRCLE TRACK PERFORMANCE HEAT RACE 3: (10 laps)
1. Mike Spencer, 2. Matt Mitchell, 3. Austin Smith, 4. A.J. Bender, 5. David Bezio, 6. Austin Williams. NT

WELD RACING / SBI FUEL SYSTEMS HEAT RACE 4: (10 laps)
1. David Cardey, 2. Mike Martin, 3. Markus Niemela, 4. Jesse Denome, 5. Gary Potter, 6. Kenny Perkins, 7. Brody Roa. NT

COMPETITION SUSPENSION INC. / ROD END SUPPLY SEMI-MAIN: (12 laps)
1. Austin Williams, 2. Josh Pelkey, 3. Rip Williams, 4. Brody Roa, 5. Jace Vander Weerd, 6. Billy Blinn, 7. Johnny Bluntach, 8. Kenny Perkins, 9. Tony Everhart, 10. Mike Collins, 11. Jerry Welton, 12. Gary Potter. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps – With Starting Positions)
1. Damion Gardner (6th), 2. Mike Spencer (4th), 3. Nic Faas (5th), 4. Cody Williams (2nd), 5. Austin Williams (8th), 6. Rip Williams (7th), 7. Markus Niemela (1st), 8. Bud Kaeding (13th), 9. Richard Vander Weerd (16th), 10. David Cardey (3rd), 11. Matt Mitchell (11th), 12. R.J. Johnson (10th), 13. Mike Martin (12th), 14. Jace Vander Weerd (19th), 15. Brody Roa (15th), 16. A.J. Bender (18th), 17. Charles Davis Jr. (9th), 18. Seth Wilson (17th), 19. Jesse Denome (22nd), 20. Billy Blinn (20th), 21. Josh Pelkey (14th), 22. Austin Smith (21st). NT
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**David Bezio flipped during the third heat.
**Gary Potter flipped during the semi.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Cody Williams, Laps 4-8 Mike Spencer, Laps 9-30 Damion Gardner.
KEIZER WHEELS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Richard Vander Weerd (16th to 9th)

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINT STANDINGS:
1-Damion Gardner-471, 2-Nic Faas-459, 3-Mike Spencer-363, 4-Bud Kaeding-356, 5-R.J. Johnson-300, 6-Cody Williams-300, 7-Austin Williams-276, 8-Brody Roa-250, 9-Charles Davis Jr.-232, 10-Matt Mitchell-231.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK – LOCATION
May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)
June 14: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)
August 9: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)
October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

DMA MIDGETS RESUME MAY 18; MILLER NABS 1ST USAC VICTORY AT BEAR RIDGE

Ray Miller of East Granby, Conn. will take the 2013 USAC DMA Midget lead into the May 18 event at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, Vt.

Miller, led all 25 laps Saturday night on his birthday to beat Scott Viets, defending series champ Kevin Chaffee, Joe Krawiec and Dean Christensen. The win was Miller’s first ever in USAC competition.

The win left Miller with an eight-point lead over Viets after the race which offered “double” points.

IGNITES HEAD FOR SANTA MARIA, SKAGIT & COLUMBUS; LAMB 2, CORRIHER 1 IN EAST; GOETZ WINS AGAIN AT ELMA

Western, Washington, Midwestern and Eastern events are on tap this weekend for USAC’s Ignite Midget Series. Wally Pankratz leads the Western Dirt Series to Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway Saturday, while Chase Goetz leads the Washington Dirt Series to Skagit Speedway in Alger, also Saturday. Saturday’s Midwest/Eastern combo at the Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway features Eastern point leader Chris Lamb and serves as the 2013 Midwest Pavement opener.

Lamb, of Colfax, N.C., swept both ends of Friday night’s twin-30-lap USAC Eastern Ignite Midget features at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. In the first feature, Lamb passed Calvin Carroll on lap two and led the rest of the way to beat Scott Gordon, Nic Davidson, Blaine Leydig and Billy Gaule. Gaule led the first three laps of the closer, then Davidson led the next 18 before yielding to Lamb on lap 22. Leydig took second ahead of Mike Ward, Gaule and Wil Raber. Tyler Corriher of China Grove, N.C. led all but one lap of Saturday night’s 30-lap USAC Eastern Ignite Midget race at Caraway Speedway in Sophia, N.C. Lamb finished second ahead of Leydig, who led the opening lap. Raber was fourth and fast qualifier Davidson fifth.

Goetz, of Snohomish, Wash., remains undefeated in the 2013 USAC Washington Ignite Dirt Midget Series, but just barely! He trailed Garrett Thomas for 24 laps Saturday night at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Wash., then beat Thomas to the finish line by inches to win the 25-lap feature. Robby Vaughn was third, Jeremy Miller fourth and Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame fast qualifier Dougie James fifth.

2013 MIDWEST IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Toby Alfrey-136, 2-Gage Walker-134, 3-Stratton Briggs-127, 4-Katlynn Leer-116, 5-Jessica Bean-112, 6-Austin Nemire-86, 7-Cooper Clouse-86, 8-Kent Kriegbaum-49, 9-Joey Greening-48, 10-Emmy Gray-48. 2013 WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Wally Pankratz-133, 2-Cory Elliott-130, 3-Parker Colston-129, 4-Jarid Blondel-113, 5-Ariel Biggs-112, 6-Clayton Ruston-104, 7-Michael Steele-100, 8-Ashley Hazelton-95, 9-Christine Breckenridge-78, 10-Alexander Bissett-40. 2013 EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chris Lamb-495, 2-Nic Davidson-398, 3-Wil Raber-376, 4-Tyler Corriher-365, 5-Calvin Carroll-336, 6-Billy Gaule-335, 7-Nikki Carroll-286, 8-Blaine Leydig-278, 9-Ryan Krachun-249, 10-Justin Whittall-237. 2013 WASHINGTON IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chase Goetz-138, 2-Robby Vaughn-119, 3-Jeremy Miller-118, 4-Dougie James-114, 5-Garrett Thomas-109, 6-Chance Crum-101, 7-Todd Hartman-53, 8-Ariel Biggs-46, 9-Renee Angel-45, 10-Annika Johanson-44.

SOUTHWEST SPRINTS AT ARIZONA SPEEDWAY SATURDAY

Arizona Speedway welcomes the USAC Southwest Sprint Cars back to its 3/8-mile dirt in Queen Creek, Ariz. this Saturday. The track’s USAC debut in April found Mike Martin winning the inaugural feature event.

R.J. Johnson currently stands atop the series points, 13 ahead of Charles Davis Jr. Johnson was sixth and Davis third in the April race.

Davis can tie for the all-time Arizona lead in terms of USAC feature wins with a victory Saturday. He has seven, while drivers Damion Gardner, Bryan Clauson, Dave Steele and A.J. Foyt each have eight.

2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Standings: 1-R.J. Johnson-229, 2-Charles Davis Jr.-216, 3-Ronnie Clark-207, 4-Josh Pelkey-196, 5-Bryan Swinehart-188, 6-Justin Quinn-186, 7-Mike Martin-169, 8-Tom Ogle-162, 9-Shon Deskins-156, 10-Chris Bonneau-150.

SANTA MARIA HOSTS WESTERN DIRT MIDGETS SATURDAY; CHAD NICHOLS TAKES “VUKOVICH CLASSIC”

Ronnie Gardner of Norco, Calif. will try to protect two USAC point leads this Saturday when the USAC Western Midgets invade Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway.

Gardner is two points ahead of Jake Swanson on both the dirt and overall Western points going into the race at the one-third-mile dirt oval. In last year’s two USAC Western Midget races at Santa Maria, Gardner and Swanson each posted a second-place finish.

Chad Nichols of Colma, Calif. led all 30 laps to win Saturday night’s “Vukovich Classic” USAC/BCRA Western Pavement Midget feature at Madera (Calif.) Speedway. Driving the Paul Eskesen Rescino Motors/Matco Tools Beast/Mopar, Nichols was trailed by Tanner Swanson, Scott Pierovich, Darrin Snider and Kevin Morris. Swanson was the fastest qualifier.

The USAC Western Pavement Midget calendar resumes June 8 at Madera.

2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET PAVEMENT POINTS: 1-Frankie Guerrini-108, 2-Chad Nichols-101, 3-Dan Gundo-83, 4-Kenneth Nichols-74, 5-Kody Swanson-72, 6-Tanner Swanson-70, 7-Scott Pierovich-62, 8-J.R. Williams-61, 9-Nick Chivello-36. 2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-217, 2-Jake Swanson-215, 3-David Prickett-177, 4-Bryan Clauson-143, 5-Kody Swanson-140, 6-Scott Pierovich-138, 7-Rico Abreu-128, 8-Christopher Bell-125, 9-Cody Swanson-98, 10-Shannon McQueen-91. 2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINTS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-217, 2-Jake Swanson-215, 3-Kody Swanson-212; 4-Scott Pierovich-200, 5-David Prickett-177, 6-Bryan Clauson-143, 7-Rico Abreu-128, 8-Christopher Bell-125, 9-Frankie Guerrini-108, 10-Chad Nichols-101.

WEST COAST SPRINT “BILLET CUP” AT KINGS SATURDAY; BERNAL STILL ON TOP OF CLASSICS WITH PLACERVILLE WIN

This Saturday’s “Billet Cup” at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif. offers Ryan Bernal another change to build on his growing 2013 repertoire which already includes six USAC main event wins. He enters the event with a 30-point lead over Richard Vander Weerd in the USAC West Coast Sprint Car standings.

Bernal, of Hollister, Calif., is three wins behind Bryan Clauson in the 2013 USAC season as those two have blistered the competition so far.

Bernal remains undefeated in the 2013 USAC Western Classic Sprint Series after winning Saturday night’s 30-lap race at Placerville (Calif.) Speedway. He trailed Max Adams for four laps, then led the final 26 in his King Racing Products/A & A Precision Machine Spike/Raney. James Sweeney finished second ahead of Adams, fast qualifier D.J. Johnson and Jim Trulli.

So far this year Bernal has recorded three West Coast Sprint wins at Tulare and one at Bakersfield and will be aiming for a third consecutive series win at Hanford.

Bernal’s 26-point Western Classic Sprint point lead will carry to the next event on June 14 at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, Calif.

2013 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Standings: 1-Ryan Bernal-404, 2-Richard Vander Weerd-374, 3-Danny Faria Jr.-327, 4-Jace Vander Weerd-306, 5-Bud Kaeding-305, 6-Markus Niemela-294, 7-Rusty Carlile-264, 8-Ricky Kirkbride-226, 9-Marty Hawkins-200, 10-Chris Ennis-162.

2013 USAC Western Classic Sprint Car Standings: 1-Ryan Bernal-140, 2-D.J. Johnson-114, 3-Tony Hunt-102, 4-Colton Slack-93, 5-Matt Streeter-93, 6-Jim Richardson-81, 7-Shauna Hogg-74, 8-Gordon Rodgers-68, 9-James Sweeney-67, 10-Tanner Swanson-62.

TULARE THUNDERBOWL HOSTS CRA MAY 18; GARDNER NOTCHES 26TH PERRIS CRA VICTORY

Damion Gardner’s lead in the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint standings entering the May 18 race at the Tulare (Calif.) Thunderbowl Raceway stands at 12 points after he scored his third consecutive series victory Saturday at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Gardner, of Concord, Calif., led the final 22 laps of the 30-lap “Don Flanders Classic” in his Scott Sales Company/CSI Shocks Spike/J & D. He was the fastest qualifier and first heat winner and passed Mike Spencer on lap nine for the lead which he never relinquished. Spencer was second ahead of Nic Faas, Cody Williams, who led the first three laps, and Austin Williams.

The win was Gardner’s 26th in USAC/CRA action at Perris as he extended his all-time lead over Spencer, who has 24 career wins at the half-mile dirt oval.

USAC’s last Tulare USAC/CRA outing was in 2010, a race in which Gardner flipped and Bud Kaeding took the victory. Kaeding currently sits fourth in the latest AMSOIL USAC/CRA standings.

7-WAY POINT BATTLE SPICES HAUBSTADT SATURDAY; CAMERON, EAGLE SPRINTS “FROZEN OUT”

Saturday’s “Spring Showdown” at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind. showcases stars of the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series and the MSCS Sprints.

The seven-way battle for the 2013 USAC point lead continues after last weekend’s races at Cameron, Mo. and Eagle, Neb. were cancelled due to frigid temperatures and snow flurries.

Chase Stockon and Hunter Schuerenberg are virtually tied for the lead, while drivers Bryan Clauson, Brady Bacon, Tracy Hines, Dave Darland and Kevin Thomas Jr. are all within a 36-point span with 74 points available at Haubstadt.

Schuerenberg is the only one of the seven who won at Tri-State last year, while Clauson and Thomas each had a third in the three USAC 2012 appearances. Darland had a fourth and Stockon a pair of fifths. Hines struggled at Tri-State last year, his best finish in three starts a 17th. Bacon did not compete at Haubstadt last year.

2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Point Standings: 1-Chase Stockon-343, 2-Hunter Schuerenberg-343, 3-Bryan Clauson-340, 4-Brady Bacon-339, 5-Tracy Hines-323, 6-Dave Darland-322, 7-Kevin Thomas Jr.-307, 8-Robert Ballou-285, 9-Shane Cottle-226, 10-C.J. Leary-222.

USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series

“2ND ANNUAL SOUTHWEST CONTRACTORS BILLET CUP" AT HANFORD SET FOR MAY 11TH
MAIN EVENT WILL HAVE EXTRA $8,350 POINT FUND
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MAY 5, 2013... On Saturday, May 11th, the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will make their first of six appearances at Kings Speedway in Hanford. The “2nd Annual Southwest Contractors Billet Cup” will feature a special point’s format with a fully inverted 30-lap main event paying $1,500-to-win and $200-to-start. In addition, an extra $8,350 point fund with $2,000 awarded to the highest point driver will be up for grabs. With over $16,000 available in total purses and contingencies, the “Billet Cup” will have one of the biggest paydays of the campaign.

Race points will be earned at every race of the “Billet Cup.” The program will start off with a qualifying session as drivers record the faster of two green flag laps. Heat races will be 10-laps, inverting the top six cars in qualifying points. Qualifiers featuring 12-laps of action will follow, inverting the top eight cars in points. The top eighteen cars in points after the qualifiers are locked into the main event, with the high point driver starting twenty-second. A 15-lap semi-main will lineup the remaining cars by points for the final four transfer spots to the feature. The driver ranking twenty-second in points will start on the pole of the main event, twenty-first will start second and so forth down the line.

Last year, the “Billet Cup” and its special format provided one of the most action packed events of the season. Richard Vander Weerd won the feature after starting seventeenth at Santa Maria. 5-Time USAC/CRA Champion Mike Spencer was second after starting ninth and Ryan Bernal raced to third from thirteenth. Bud Kaeding scored fourth from eighteenth and “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr. claimed fifth after starting sixteenth. “Showtime” Danny Sheridan placed sixth in the main event after starting fifteenth.

To date, four different drivers have scored feature wins in 2013. Ryan Bernal and Bryan Clauson lead all drivers with four victories and Richard Vander Weerd has two wins. R.J. Johnson won a Winter Challenge event at Canyon Speedway Park on February 2nd.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will return to action on Saturday, May 11th, at Hanford’s Kings Speedway for the “2nd Annual Billet Cup.” The popular event will also showcase the winged Rebel Cup Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCS Stock Cars, and Vintage Cars. Located on the Kings County Fairgrounds at 801 South 10th Avenue, more event information can be found at www.kingsspeedway.net or calling (559) 584-RACE (7223).

For more information on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/#!/pages/USAC-West-Coast-Sprint-Car-Series/369549755817).
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BILLET CUP MAIN EVENT PURSE:
1. $1,500; 2. $800; 3. $600; 4. $500; 5. $400; 6. $350; 7. $300; 8. $250; 9. $225; 10. $200; 11. $200; 12. $200; 13. $200; 14. $200; 15. $200; 16. $200; 17. $200; 18. $200; 19. $200; 20. $200; 21. $200; 22. $200. TOTAL=$7,525.

BILLET CUP POINT FUND:
1. $2,000; 2. $800; 3. $650; 4. $550; 5. $450; 6. $400; 7. $350; 8. $300, 9. $250; 10. $200; 11. $200; 12. $200; 13. $200; 14. $200; 15. $200; 16. $200; 17. $200; 18. $200; 19. $200; 20. $200; 21. $200; 22. $200. TOTAL=$8,350.

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1-Ryan Bernal-404; 2-Richard Vander Weerd-374; 3-Danny Faria Jr.-327; 4-Ricky Kirkbride-326; 5-Jace Vander Weerd-306; 6-Bud Kaeding-305; 7-Markus Niemela-294; 8-Rusty Carlile-264; 9-Marty Hawkins-200; 10-Chris Ennis-162; 11-Austin Liggett-158; 12-Landon Hurst-151; 13-Brody Roa-146; 14-Kevin Barnes-145; 15-Dennis Howell-140; 16-Jonathan Logan-136; 17-Matt Day-122; 18-Andy Ferris-115; 19-Trent Carter-111; 20-Jeff Sibley-103.

2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
May 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Billet Cup)
June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 22: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)
September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)
September 21: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (John Anthony Sharp Memorial)
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC DMA MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 4, 2013 – Bradford, Vermont – Bear Ridge Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Ray Miller (#1 Miller), 2. Adam Whitney (#12 Whitney), 3. Kevin Chaffee (#5 Matczak), 4. Joe Krawiec (#4 Matczak), 5. Dean Christensen (#69 Miller), 6. Scott Holcomb (#47 Myers/Miller), 7. Denny Zimmerman (#3 Matczak), 8. Jeff Champagne (#77 Champagne). NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Timothy Gallant (#33 Gallant), 2. Scott Veits (#2 Miller), 3. Jim Mossman (#1R Mossman), 4. Dylan Duhaime (#57 Duhaime), 5. David Rose Jr, (#11 Rose), 6. Dylan Rock (#49 Rock), 7. Jamie Spaulding (#93 Tefft), 8. Mike Chaffee (#18c Chaffee).

ALSO AT THE TRACK: 1. Josh Sunn (#76 Manafort) and Anthony Nocella ® (#76M Manafort).

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Ray Miller, 2. Scott Veits, 3. Kevin Chaffee, 4. Joe Krawiec, 5. Dean Christenson, 6.Josh Sunn, 7. Jamie Spalding, 8. Adam Whitney, 9. Mike Chaffee, 10.Dylan Duhaime, 11. Denny Zimmerman, 12. Anthony Nocella , 13. Timothy Gallant, 14. Dylan Rock, 15. Jeff Champagne, 16. Scott Holcolm, 17. Jim Mossman, 18. David Rose Jr. NT --------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-25 Miller.

NEW USAC DMA MIDGET POINTS: 1-Miller-136, 2-Veits-128, 3-K.Chaffee-120, 4-Krawiec-112, 5-Christensen-106, 6- Whitney-92, 7-Sunn-90, 8-Spaulding-84, 9-Duhaime-76, 10-M.Chaffee-72.

NEXT USAC DMA MIDGET RACE: May 18 – Bradford, VT – Bear Ridge Speedway

USAC WESTERN MIDGET PAVEMENT RACE RESULTS (Co-sanctioned by BCRA):

May 4, 2013 – Madera, California – Madera Speedway – “Vukovich Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Tanner Swanson, 4, Rosen-13.866; 2. Chad Nichols, 29, Eskesen-13.874; 3. Kevin Morris, 17k, Morris-13.918; 4. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-13.969; 5. Nick Chivello, 27B, Chivello-13.992; 6. Frank Guerrini, 63, Guerrini-14.019; 7. Darrin Snider, 2k, Snider-14.021; 8. David Goodwill, 88, Arata-14.126; 9. Ken Nichols, 17n, Nichols-14.126; 10. Dan Gundo, 6x, Gundo-14.208; 11. Gary Conterno, 55, Conterno-14.366; 12. Nick Foster Jr., 09, Rosa-14.624; 13. Floyd Alvis, 1, Alvis-14.929; 14. J.R. Williams, 74, Williams-16.131; 15. Michael Snider, 11, Snider-NT.

USAC HEAT: (8 laps) 1. K.Nichols, 2. C.Nichols, 3. Chivello, 4. Pierovich, 5. Gundo, 6. Guerrini. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Chad Nichols, 2. Tanner Swanson, 3. Scott Pierovich, 4. Darrin Snider, 5. Kevin Morris, 6. Frankie Guerrini, 7. David Goodwill, 8. Ken Nichols, 9. Dan Gundo, 10. Gary Conterno, 11. Michael Snider, 12. Floyd Alvis, 13. Nick Chivello, 14. J.R. Williams. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 C.Nichols.

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET PAVEMENT POINTS: 1-Guerrini-108, 2-C.Nichols-101, 3-Gundo-83, 4-K.Nichols-74, 5-Kody Swanson-72, 6-T.Swanson-71, 7-Pierovich-62, 8-Williams-61, 9-Chivello-36. NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINTS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-217, 2-Jake Swanson-215, 3-Kody Swanson-212; 4-Pierovich-200, 5-David Prickett-177, 6-Bryan Clauson-143, 7-Rico Abreu-128, 8-Christopher Bell-125, 9-Guerrini-108, 10-C.Nichols-101.

NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET RACE (Pavement): June 8 – Madera (CA) Speedway NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET RACE (Dirt): May 11 – Santa Maria (CA) Speedway

USAC WASHINGTON IGNITE DIRT MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 4, 2013 – Elma, Washington – Grays Harbor Raceway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Dougie James, 29, James-16.944; 2. Chase Goetz, 91, Goetz-17.035; 3. Robby Vaughn, 3s, Stewart-17.068; 4. Garrett Thomas, 14, Thomas-17.070; 5. Ariel Biggs, 11e, Emery-17.152; 6. Todd Hartman, 21, Hartman-17.294; 7. Jeremy Miller, 44, Miller-17.336; 8. Chance Crum, 91s, Stewart-17.394; 9. Lee St. Paul, 2, Debakker-17.955; 10. Annika Johanson, 27, Johanson-18.498.

FIRST HEAT: (10 Laps) 1. Biggs, 2. Vaughn, 3. Miller, 4. James, 5. St. Paull. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 Laps) 1. Goetz, 2. Hartman, 3. Crum, 4. Johanson, 5. Thomas. NT

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Chase Goetz, 2. Garrett Thomas, 3. Robby Vaughn, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Dougie James, 6. Todd Hartman, 7. Chance Crum, 8. Annika Johanson, 9. Ariel Biggs, 10. Lee St. Paul. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-24 Thomas, Lap 25 Goetz.

NEW WASHINGTON IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Goetz-138, 2-Vaughn-119, 3-Miller-118, 4-James-114, 5-Thomas-109, 6-Crum-101, 7-Hartman-53, 8-Biggs-46, 9-Renee Angel-45, 10-Johanson-44.

NEXT WASHINGTON IGNITE DIRT MIDGET RACE: May 11 – Alger, WA – Skagit Speedway

USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

May 4, 2013 – Placerville, California – Placerville Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. D.J. Johnson, 33, Johnson-11.662; 2. James Sweeney, 11, Lewis-11.690; 3. Jim Trulli, 33T, Trulli-11.723; 4. Matt Streeter, 14jr, Streeter-11.794; 5. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-11.850; 6. C.J. Humphreys, 85, Happy Camper-11.942; 7. Marc Mackay, 86, Mackay-12.062; 8. Jim Richardson, 8, Richardson-12.096; 9. Tony Hunt, 56, Phulps-12.126; 10. Max Adams, 5x, Adams-12.473; 11. Colton Slack, 17, Slack-12.609; 12. Myles Bishop, 18, Bishop-12.862; 13. Gordon Rodgers, 94, Dusin-13.060; 14. Shauna Hogg, 5, Hogg-16.361; 15. Justin Johnson, 25, Johnson-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Hogg, 2. Adams, 3. Richardson, 4. Sweeney, 5. Streeter, 6. Bishop, 7. Humphreys, 8. J.Johnson. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Mackay, 2. Bernal, 3. Trulli, 4. Slack, 5. Hunt, 6. Rodgers, 7. D.J. Johnson. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. James Sweeney, 3. Max Adams, 4. D.J. Johnson, 5. Jim Trulli, 6. Marc Mackay, 7. Tony Hunt, 8. C.J. Humphreys, 9. Justin Johnson, 10. Jim Richardson, 11. Gordon Rodgers, 12. Shauna Hogg, 13. Matt Streeter, 14. Colton Slack, 15. Myles Bishop. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-4 Adams, Laps 5-30 Bernal.

NEW USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT POINTS: 1-Bernal-140, 2-D.J. Johnson-114, 3-Hunt-102, 4-Slack-93, 5-Streeter-93, 6-Richardson-81, 7-Hogg-74, 8-Rodgers-68, 9-Sweeney-67, 10-Tanner Swanson-62.

NEXT USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT RACE: June 14, 2013 – Watsonville, CA -Ocean Speedway

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

May 4, 2013 – Perris, California – Perris Auto Speedway – “Don Flanders Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Damion Gardner, 4a, Alexander-16.287; 2. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.312; 3. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-16.508; 4. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.629; 5. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-16.642; 6. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.721; 7. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.759; 8. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-16.835; 9. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-16.892; 10. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-16.923; 11. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-16.961; 12. Mike Martin, 16B, Martin-16.976; 13. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-17.000; 14. Josh Pelkey, 12a, Allen-17.062; 15. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-17.091; 16. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-17.096; 17. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-17.272; 18. Seth Wilson, 1x, Wilson-17.306; 19. A.J. Bender, 21, Bender-17.310; 20. Kenny Perkins, 0k, Perkins-17.443; 21. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-17.589; 22. Billy Blinn, 26, Blinn-17.680; 23. Austin Smith, 14, Springstead-17.688; 24. Jesse Denome, 6x, Denome-17.801; 25. Johnny Bluntach, 58, Bluntach-17.863; 26. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-17.932; 27. Mike Collins, 04, Collins-18.429; 28. Gary Potter, 6, Potter-18.807; 29. Jerry Welton, 62, Welton-18.916.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Gardner, 2. R.Vander Weerd, 3. Davis, 4. Kaeding, 5. R.Williams, 6. J. Vander Weerd, 7. Bluntach, 8. Welton. 2:53.12

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Wilson, 2. Faas, 3. C.Williams, 4. Johnson, 5. Pelkey, 6. Blinn, 7. Everhart. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Spencer, 2. Mitchell, 3. Smith, 4. A.J. Bender, 5. Bezio, 6. A.Williams, NT

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Cardey, 2. Martin, 3. Niemela, 4. Denome, 5. Potter, 6. Perkins, 7. Roa. Nt

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. A.Williams, 2. Pelkey, 3. R.Williams, 4. Roa, 5. J.Vander Weerd, 6. Blinn, 7. Bluntach, 8. Perkins, 9. Everhart, 10. Collins, 11. Welton, 12. Potter NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Damion Gardner, 2. Mike Spencer, 3. Nic Faas, 4. Cody Williams, 5. Austin Williams, 6. Rip Williams, 7. Markus Niemela, 8. Bud Kaeding, 9. Richard Vander Weerd, 10. David Cardey, 11. Matt Mitchell, 12. R.J. Johnson, 13. Mike Martin, 14. Jace Vander Weerd, 15. Brody Roa, 16. A.J. Bender, 17. Charles Davis Jr., 18. Seth Wilson, 19. Jesse Denome, 20. Billy Blinn, 21. Josh Pelkey, 22. Austin Smith. NT ---------------------------- **Potter flipped during the semi.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 C.Williams, Laps 4-8 Spencer, Laps 9-30 Gardner.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Gardner-471, 2-Faas-459, 3-Spencer-363, 4-Kaeding-356, 5-Johnson-300, 6-C.Williams-300, 7-A.Williams-276, 8-Roa-250, 9-Davis-232, 10-Mitchell-231.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: May 18, 2013 – Tulare (CA) Thunderbowl Speedway

USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 4, 2013 – Sophia, North Carolina – Caraway Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Nic Davidson, 39, Radical-17.356; 2. Chris Lamb, 9, Lamb-17.470; 3. Tyler Corriher, 12, Corriher-17.630; 4. Wil Raber, 3, Hocevar-17.949; 5. Calvin Carroll, 24, Carroll-18.137; 6. Blaine Leydig, 21, Leydig-18.142; 7. Nikki Carroll, 124, Carroll-18.350; 8. Matt Supan, 67B, Whittall-18.399; 9. Justin Whittall, 67, Whittall-18.539; 10. Billy Gaule, 22, Gaule-19.394.

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Tyler Corriher, 2. Chris Lamb, 3. Blaine Leydig, 4. Wil Raber, 5. Nic Davidson, 6. Justin Whittall, 7. Calvin Carroll, 8. Matt Supan, 9. Billy Gaule, 10. Nikki Carroll. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 Leydig, Laps 2-30 Corriher.

NEW EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Lamb-495, 2-Davidson-398, 3-Raber-376, 4-Corriher-365, 5-C.Carroll-336, 6-Gaule-335, 7-N.Carroll-286, 8-Leydig-278, 9-Ryan Krachun-249, 10-Whittall-237.

NEXT EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: May 11 – Columbus (OH) Motor Speedway (Also Midwest)

USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

May 3, 2013 – Altamahaw, North Carolina – Ace Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Nic Davidson, 39, Radical-15.765; 2. Tyler Corriher, 12, Corriher-15.946; 3. Mike Ward, 80, Ward-15.972; 4. Chris Lamb, 9, Lamb-15.990; 5. Scott Gordon, 16F, Gordon-16.020; 6. Blaine Leydig, 21, Leydig-16.057; 7. Calvin Carroll, 24, Carroll-16.384; 8. Wil Raber, 3, Hocevar-16.459; 9. Justin Whittall, 67, Whittall-16.513; 10. Billy Gaule, 22, Gaule-16.566; 11. Nikki Carroll, 124, Carroll-16.847.

FIRST FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Chris Lamb, 2. Scott Gordon, 3. Nic Davidson, 4. Blaine Leydig, 5. Billy Gaule, 6. Wil Raber, 7. Calvin Carroll, 8. Justin Whittall, 9. Nikki Carroll, 10. Mike Ward, 11. Tyler Corriher. NT

SECOND FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Chris Lamb, 2. Blaine Leydig, 3. Mike Ward, 4. Billy Gaule, 5. Wil Raber, 6. Scott Gordon, 7. Justin Whittall, 8. Calvin Carroll, 9. Nikki Carroll, 10. Nic Davidson, 11. --------------------------------------------------

FIRST FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 C.Carroll, Laps 2-30 Lamb. SECOND FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Gaule, Laps 4-21 Davidson, Laps 22-30 Lamb.

NEW EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Lamb-433, 2-Davidson-344, 3-Raber-322, 4-Corriher-301, 5-Gaule-299, 6-C.Carroll-292, 7-N.Carroll-253, 8-Ryan Krachun-249, 9-Leydig-223, 10-Matt Lundstrom-211.

NEXT EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: May 4 – Sophia, N.C. – Caraway Speedway

WEATHER HALTS CAMERON, EAGLE SPRINTS

Once again, weather has intervened and forced cancellation of AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car races this weekend at Cameron, Mo. and Eagle, Neb.

Frigid temperatures and snow flurries are forecast for mid-America this weekend, so race organizers at the two venues are attempting to reschedule their events but dates have not yet been finalized.

“It’s been a frustrating streak for all of us,” says USAC’s Jason McCord. “The weather has been unseasonably cold and while we are disappointed by the delays we appreciate the efforts of our race organizer partners in working toward the rescheduling.”

Levi Jones won last year’s race at U.S. 36 Raceway, while Bryan Clauson won last year’s inaugural USAC Sprint race in Nebraska.

The AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series resumes with an MSCS co-sanctioned race May 11 at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind.

USAC/CRA SPRINTS RETURN TO PERRIS FOR “DON FLANDERS CLASSIC”

by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA - APRIL 30, 2013... This Saturday, May 4th, the cars and stars of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will return to Perris Auto Speedway. The “Don Flanders Classic” will also showcase the PAS Senior Sprint Cars and PAS Young Gun Sprint Cars presented by The Sprint Car Driving Experience. In addition, the event is "The Power of Purple Night" benefiting the City of Perris Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm, with racing at "America's Premier Dirt Track" to begin at 7:00pm.

Saturday’s race honors Don Flanders, who supported racing for many years as a car owner, sponsor, innovator, and “super fan.” Known by many for helping underfunded teams and contributing to special events, longtime fans will remember his unique #911 Sprint Car. Driven by Gary W. Howard and Lloyd Kraft in the mid-1990s, Flanders’ car had a clear body for race fans to see the driver and engine compartment.

After winning both main events at Yuma, Arizona’s Cocopah Speedway, Concord’s “The Demon” Damion Gardner is the new point leader. Racing Mark Alexander's #4A Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Gardner has two heat race victories, one dash win, six top-5 finishes, and 54 feature laps led to his credit. The 2005 Champion will be looking for his series leading 44th career victory and increasing his point lead.

Four points behind Gardner is his teammate, Nic Faas of Huntington Beach. Piloting Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Faas set a new 1-lap track record and ran second and fourth at Yuma. The former USAC Western Midget Champion won at Perris on April 6th and has two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, one heat race victory, six top-5 finishes, and 7 feature laps led on the year. Nic will have his sights on reclaiming the point lead with another victory at Perris Auto Speedway.

Sitting third in the championship points is Campbell’s Bud Kaeding. Driving Junior Bowman’s #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Bud scored fourth and second at Cocopah Speedway. Currently, the 3-time Oval Nationals Champion has one dash win, one semi-main win, three top-5 finishes, and six feature laps led on the season. Kaeding will be looking to score his first win of the year on Saturday.

Mike Spencer of Temecula is fourth in the point standings. Racing Ron Chaffin’s #50 Grubstake Mini Storage / Madera Produce Maxim, Spencer claimed two third place finishes at Yuma. To date, the five-time champion has two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, two heat race victories, three top-5 finishes, and 7 feature laps led. On Saturday, Mike will have his sights on tying Gardner’s 25th USAC/CRA feature win at Perris and continuing his run to a sixth title.

Phoenix, Arizona’s R.J. Johnson is fifth in the point chase. Piloting Bobby Martin’s #51 Weiler Farms / Pecon Builders Maxim, Johnson ran sixth and fifth at Cocopah Speedway. Currently, the former Arizona Midget Champion has one feature win, four heat race victories, two top-5 finishes, and 29 feature laps led to his credit. This Saturday, R.J. will be looking to add the “Don Flanders Classic” to his resume.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are “The Cadillac” Cody Williams, Brody Roa, Austin Williams, Matt Mitchell, Ryan Bernal, “Super” Rickie Gaunt, “The Magic Man” Mike Martin, “The Ripper” Rip Williams, Seth Wilson, “Dynamite” David Cardey, Richard Vander Weerd, Markus Niemela, Jace Vander Weerd, and many more.

Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds at 18700 Lake Perris Drive in Perris, California. Adult tickets are $25, Senior tickets are $20, Active Military, Students (13-18), and Kids tickets (6-12) are $5. Children’s tickets (5 and under) are FREE. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.perrisautospeedway.com or call (951) 940-0134.

To catch all of the action of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series at Perris Auto Speedway, Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com. In addition, Perris Auto Speedway offers a pay per view feed of every event at www.circletracknetwork.com.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rugged Radios, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

36TH “VUKOVICH CLASSIC” SATURDAY AT MADERA

The 26th running of this Saturday’s “Vukovich Classic” salutes one of auto racing’s most celebrated families as the USAC Western Midgets and BCRA Midgets combine on the one-third mile paved Madera (Calif.) Speedway oval.

Chad Nichols of Colma, Calif., the defending winner of the race, currently stands fifth in the standings, trailing point leader Kody Swanson by 43 points.

Swanson, of Kingsburg, Calif., won this year’s USAC Western Midget Pavement opener, held March 23 at Madera.

2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET PAVEMENT POINTS: 1-Kody Swanson-72, 2-Frankie Guerrini-59, 3-Dan Gundo-43, 4-J.R. Williams-36, 5-Chad Nichols-29, 6-Ken Nichols-27, 7-Nick Chivello-1.

SILVER CROWN EYES MAY 18 “HALL OF FAME CLASSIC;” WEATHER CANCELS TERRE HAUTE’S “SUMAR CLASSIC”

The Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Championship Series will open May 18 in the USAC “Hall of Fame Classic” at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Ind. after weather concerns forced cancellation of last Sunday’s “Sumar Classic” at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track.

Persistent rains and inclement weather forced Sunday’s cancellation and USAC and track officials are exploring options regarding a possible rescheduling of the event.

The May 18 race at Indianapolis includes the annual induction for USAC’s Hall of Fame. Twelve persons will receive distinctive plaques during ceremonies held prior to the night’s 100-lap feature event. They are Henry Banks, Tony Bettenhausen, Tom Bigelow, Pancho Carter, Earl Baltes, Jack Hewitt, Johnny Rutherford, Bobby and Al Unser, A.J. Watson, Don White and Bob Wilke.

LINCOLN PARK SPRINTS RESCHEDULED JULY 4

The AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars will return to Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Ind. July 4, replacing the event interrupted by rain last Saturday night.

The July 4 event will be a “complete” program, including qualifications, heats, semi and feature.

Rain halted last Saturday night’s program at the 5/16-mile dirt oval during the second heat race. Bryan Clauson had posted the B & W Auto Mart fastest qualifying time and Landon Simon won the first heat prior to the weather.

Race organizer Joe Spiker has announced tickets from last Saturday night will be honored for the July 4 race, or for that matter any one of the remaining USAC races at Lincoln Park. “Indiana Midget Week” visits Lincoln Park June 13 and “Indiana Sprint Week” stops there July 18.

DMA MIDGETS OPEN AT BEAR RIDGE SATURDAY

The 2013 USAC DMA Midget Series gets under way Saturday at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, Vt.

Kevin Chaffee of East Orange, Vt. won last year’s DMA title and Joe Krawiec of Bristol, Conn., was the 2011 champion.

Krawiec leads the list of series feature winners with seven, while Krawiec and Scott Holcomb each have three. Dana Shaw, Jeff Champagne and Dean Christensen have also found victory lane.

A total of 12 events are on the 2013 calendar at the quarter-mile dirt oval, concluding with a September 28 race.

ELMA, ACE & CARAWAY HOST IGNITES THIS WEEKEND; ALFREY, WALKER CAPTURE MIDWEST IGNITE FEATURES

USAC’s Washington and Eastern Ignite Midgets are in action this weekend. Chris Lamb leads the Eastern series to Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. Friday and Caraway Speedway in Sophia, N.C. Saturday, while Chase Goetz leads the Washington Dirt series to Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Wash. Saturday. The Eastern race originally slated Saturday at Callaway, Va. was switched to Caraway.

Toby Alfrey and Gage Walker earned USAC Midwest Ignite Dirt feature wins last weekend, while Saturday’s scheduled Washington Pavement event at Monroe, Wash. was cancelled.

Alfrey is the Midwest series point leader after winning Friday’s 20-lap race at Gas City (Ind.) I-69 Speedway and finishing second in Saturday’s 20-lapper at Montpelier (Ind.) Motor Speedway. Alfrey has a two point lead in the dirt standings over Gage Walker, Saturday’s Montpelier winner. The dirt series resumes June 7 at Gas City, while the Midwest Pavement Ignites debut May 11 at Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway.

Alfrey, of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed Cooper Clouse on lap four at Gas City and led the final 17 laps of the race which opened the 2013 season, driving his Alfrey Motorsports Beast. Walker took second at the checkered flag, ahead of Stratton Briggs, Katlynn Leer and Jessica Bean.

Walker, of Indianapolis, Ind., led all 20 laps to win Saturday’s Montpelier race. Walker was trailed at the finish by Alfrey, Briggs, Bean and Leer.

SOUTHWEST SPRINTS RESUME MAY 11 AT ARIZONA SPEEDWAY; JOHNSON #1 IN CANYON 30-LAPPER

R.J. Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz. vaulted into the lead in the USAC Southwest Sprint Car series points following Saturday night’s 30-lap victory at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Johnson passed Charles Davis Jr. on the 17th lap of the “Canyon Clash” and led the final 14 laps in his Weiler Farms/Pecon Builders Maxim/Pro-Flyer. Bryan Swinehart took second ahead of Chris Bonneau, Nathan High and Justin Quinn.

Charles Davis Jr., who trails Johnson by 13 points in the new standings, led 10 of the first 16 laps, while Mike Martin led five.

The series resumes May 11 as it returns to Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek, Ariz. where Martin was the winner April 13.

CLASSICS AT PLACERVILLE SATURDAY; HANFORD NEXT FOR WCSP; BERNAL GETS #4 AT HANFORD

Ryan Bernal of Hollister, Calif. enters this Saturday’s USAC Western Classic Sprint race at Placerville (Calif.) Speedway as the 2013 point leader. Last Saturday he remained atop USAC’s West Coast Sprint Car series standings after scoring a 30-lap victory at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway.

Bernal, who now has five USAC victories in the past six weeks, led the final 14 laps at Bakersfield in his King Racing Products/A & A Precision Machine Spike/Raney. He led laps 1-13, then yielded to Danny Faria Jr. for three laps before taking back the top spot. Richard Vander Weerd finished second ahead of Bud Kaeding, Faria and Markus Niemela.

Bernal’s lead in the Western Classics stands at eight over Colton Slack. Last year’s Placerville Western Classic outing went to Kyle Hirst.

The West Coast Sprint cars are idle this week but resume May 11 at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif.

2013 USAC Western Classic Sprint Car Standings: 1-Ryan Bernal-71, 2-Colton Slack-63, 3-Tanner Swanson-62, 4-Matt Streeter-59, 5-Tony Hunt-56, 6-D.J. Johnson-55, 7-Nathan Washam-52, 8-Jim Richardson-42, 9-Klint Simpson-40, 10-Scott Hall-40.

“DON FLANDERS CLASSIC” SATURDAY AT PERRIS

Saturday night’s “Don Flanders Classic” pays tribute to one of the sport’s most ardent supporters as the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars roar back to life at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Alexander Racing teammates Damion Gardner and Nic Faas enter Saturday’s race separated by just four points in the latest standings. They have two 1-2 finishes already this season, including the last Perris race, and neither has finished worse than fourth in any race this year!

Gardner has a pair of seconds in this year’s Perris outings as he tries to protect the all-time lead in terms of Perris USAC/CRA feature wins. He enters Saturday’s race with 25 career Perris wins, one more than defending five-time series champion Mike Spencer, who has yet to win this year.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Damion Gardner-397, 2-Nic Faas-393, 3-Bud Kaeding-312, 4-Mike Spencer-294, 5-R.J. Johnson-266, 6-Cody Williams-242, 7-Brody Roa-226, 8-Austin Williams-224, 9-Bryan Clauson-210, 10-Charles Davis Jr.-207.

CAMERON, EAGLE ON TAP FOR AMSOIL SPRINTS; THOMAS TAKES GAS CITY, RAIN INTERRUPTS LINCOLN PARK

The AMSOIL USAC National Sprint cars head for mid-America this weekend to compete Friday at US 36 Raceway in Cameron, Mo. and Saturday in the “Rumble in the Bull Ring” at Eagle (Neb.) Raceway.

Chase Stockon of Sullivan, Ind. leads seven drivers separated by just 36 points going into the two races. Stockon finished 12th last Friday at Gas City, Ind. and technically shares the point lead with Hunter Schuerenberg, who was ninth at Gas City.

Kevin Thomas Jr. of Cullman, Ala. recorded his second consecutive series feature win Friday at Gas City I-69 Speedway. Driving the Rotondo Weirich/Black Jack Oil Maxim/Fisher, Thomas caught Robert Ballou on lap 23 and led the last eight laps for the win over fast qualifier and new track record holder Thomas Meseraull. Ballou took third ahead of Jerry Coons Jr. and Dave Darland.

Saturday night’s race at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Ind. was interrupted by rain during the second heat race. Bryan Clauson was the night’s fastest qualifier.

Trailing Stockon and Schuerenberg in the standings are Clauson (three back), Brady Bacon (four back), Tracy Hines (10 back), Darland (21 back) and Thomas (36 behind).

Clauson won last year’s race at Eagle, while Levi Jones was the 2012 winner at Cameron.

2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Point Standings: 1 Chase Stockon-343, 2-Hunter Schuerenberg-343, 3-Bryan Clauson-340, 4-Brady Bacon-339, 5-Tracy Hines-323, 6-Dave Darland-322, 7-Kevin Thomas Jr.-307, 8-Robert Ballou-285, 9-Shane Cottle-226, 10-C.J. Leary-222.

USAC SOUTHWESTERN SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

April 27, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – “Canyon Clash”

QUALIFICATIONS: Mike Martin, 16, Martin-14.082; 2. Charles Davis Jr., 50, Massey-14.126; 3. Stevie Sussex, 1AZ, Sussex-14.184; 4. R.J. Johnson, 77M, Michaels-14.219; 5. Shon Deskins, 20, Deskins-14.263; 6. Mike Bonneau, 29, Bonneau-14.274; 7. Bruce St. James, 7K, St. James-14.304; 8. Chris Bonneau, 78, Bonneau-14.353; 9. Josh Pelkey, 12, Allen-14.463; 10. Justin Quinn, 93, Quinn-14.499; 11. Ronnie Clark, 6, Clark-14.506; 12. Tom Ogle, 48, Ogle-14.507; 13. Jason Grady, 45, Grady-14.515; 14. Bob Ream Jr., 8, BRAT-14.530; 15. Bryan Swinehart, 68, Beal-14.546; 16. Andy Reinbold, 19, Underwood-14.562; 17. Michael Curtis, 11C, Turner/Wheeler-14.583; 18. Nick Auito, 27, Aiuto-14.592; 19. Nathan High, 1A, High-14.609; 20. James Aragon, 94, Aragon-14.610; 21. Brian Hosford, 32B, Weber-14.676; 22. Jody Wirth, 5X, Wirth-14.711; 23. Stephen Harms, 60, Harms-14.868; 24. Tye Mihocko, 5, Mihocko-14.908; 25. Kyle Danielson, 17K, Danielson-15.218; 26. Darrell Sickles, 29S, Sickles-16.192; 27 . Mark Morin, 28, Morin-16.878; 28. Johnny Shelton, 9, Shelton-18.438.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Pelkey, 2. Deskins, 3. Martin, 4. Hosford, 5. Grady, 6. Curtis, 7. Danielson. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Aiuto, 2. Quinn, 3. Davis, 4. Ream, 5. M. Bonneau, 6. Wirth, 7. Sickles. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. High, 2. Clark, 3. Swinehart, 4. St. James, 5. Sussex, 6. Harms, 7. Morin. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Johnson, 2. Ogle, 3. Aragon, 4. C. Bonneau, 5. Reinbold, 6. Mihocko, 7. Shelton. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Davis, 2. Martin, 3. Pelkey, 4. Deskins, 5. C. Bonneau, 6. St. James, 7. Johnson, 8. Quinn. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Reinbold, 2. Grady, 3. Harms, 4. M. Bonneau, 5. Mihocko, 6. Sussex, 7. Wirth, 8. Sickles, 9. Danielson, 10. Curtis, 11. Shelton, 12. Morin. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson, 2. Bryan Swinehart, 3. Chris Bonneau, 4. Nathan High, 5. Justin Quinn, 6. Brian Hosford, 7. Ronnie Clark, 8. Josh Pelkey, 9. Mike Bonneau, 10. Shon Deskins, 11. Stevie Sussex, 12. Bruce St. James, 13. Mike Martin, 14. Tom Ogle, 15. Andy Reinbold, 16. James Aragon, 17. Stephen Harms, 18. Ty Mihocko, 19. Charles Davis, Jr., 20. Nick Aiuto, 21. Jason Grady, 22. Bob Ream Jr. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-5 Davis, Laps 6-11 Martin, Laps 12-16 Davis, Laps 17-30 Johnson.

NEW USAC SOUTHWESTERN SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Johnson-229, 2-Davis-216, 3-Clark-207, 4-Pelkey-196, 5-Swinehart-188, 6-Quinn-186, 7-Martin-169, 8-Ogle-162, 9-Deskins-156, 10-C.Bonneau-150.

NEXT USAC SOUTHWESTERN SPRINT CAR RACE: May 11 – Queen Creek, AZ – Arizona Speedway

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

April 27, 2013 – Bakersfield, California – Bakersfield Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-14.560; 2. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-14.650; 3. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-14.730; 4. Brody Roa, 91R, Roa-14.875; 5. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-14.975; 6. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-15.046; 7. Derek Buckley, 76, Buckley-15.046; 8. Matt Day, 97, Day-15.055; 9. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-15.115; 10. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-15.258; 11. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-15.396; 12. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter-15.482; 13. Marty Hawkins, 3M, Hawkins-15.530; 14. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-15.570; 15. Chris Ennis, 86, Ennis-15.779; 16. Mike Broome, 43B, Broome-15.932; 17. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-16.094.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. J.Vander Weerd, 2. Kaeding, 3. Niemela, 4. Faria, 5. Buckley, 6. Hawkins, 7. Howell, 8. Ennis, 9. Liggett. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. R. Vander Weerd, 2. Bernal, 3. Day, 4. Kirkbride, 5. Roa, 6. Broome, 7. Barnes, 8. Carlile. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. R. Vander Weerd, 2. Bernal, 3. Kaeding, 4. Faria, 5. J. Vander Weerd, 6. Niemela, 7. Day, 8. Kirkbride. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Bud Kaeding, 4. Danny Faria Jr., 5. Markus Niemela, 6. Rusty Carlile, 7. Brody Roa, 8. Dennis Howell, 9. Ricky Kirkbride, 10. Derek Buckley, 11. Chris Ennis, 12. Marty Hawkins, 13. Kevin Barnes, 14. Mike Broome, 15. Matt Day, 16. Jace Vander Weerd, 17. Austin Liggett. NT

----------------------------

**J. Vander Weerd flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-13 Bernal, Laps 14-16 Faria, Laps 17-30 Bernal.

NEW USAC WEST COAST SPRINT POINTS:

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: May 11 – Hanford, CA - Kings Speedway - "Billet Cup"

USAC MIDWEST IGNITE (Dirt) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

April 27, 2013 – Montpelier, Indiana – Montpelier Motor Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Cooper Clouse (#14 Clouse), 2. Gage Walker (#7 Walker), 3. Katlynn Leer (#77x Leer), 4. Jessica Bean (#9 Bean), 5. Emmy Gray (#77 Gray). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Stratton Briggs (#2 Alfrey), 2. Adam Thomason (#74 Thomason), 3. Toby Alfrey (#5 Alfrey), 4. Austin Nemire (#91 Nemire-Yager), 5. Kent Kriegbaum (#12 Kriegbaum), 6. Sam McGhee (#11 Alfrey). NT

FEATURE: (20 Laps) 1. Gage Walker, 2. Toby Alfrey, 3. Stratton Briggs, 4. Jessica Bean, 5. Katlynn Leer, 6. Kent Kriegbaum, 7. Austin Nemire, 8. Cooper Clouse, 9. Adam Thomason. NT -------------------------------------------------- **Gray flipped during the first heat. Clouse flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-20 Walker.

NEW MIDWEST IGNITE (Dirt) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Alfrey-136, 2-Walker-134, 3-Briggs-127, 4-Leer-116, 5-Bean-112, 6-Nemire-86, 7-Clouse-86, 8-K.Kriegbaum-49, 9-Joey Greening-48, 10-Gray-48.

NEXT MIDWEST IGNITE (Dirt) MIDGET RACE: June 7 – Gas City (IN) I-69 Speedway NEXT MIDWEST IGNITE (Paved) MIDGET RACE: May 11 – Columbus (OH) Motor Speedway

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

April 27, 2013 – Bakersfield, California – Bakersfield Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. J.Vander Weerd, 2. Kaeding, 3. Niemela, 4. Faria, 5. Buckley, 6. Hawkins, 7. Howell, 8. Ennis, 9. Liggett. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. R. Vander Weerd, 2. Bernal, 3. Day, 4. Kirkbride, 5. Roa, 6. Broome, 7. Barnes, 8. Carlile. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. R. Vander Weerd, 2. Bernal, 3. Kaeding, 4. Faria, 5. J. Vander Weerd, 6. Niemela, 7. Day, 8. Kirkbride. NT

----------------------------

**J. Vander Weerd flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-13 Bernal, Laps 14-16 Faria, Laps 17-30 Bernal.

NEW USAC WEST COAST SPRINT POINTS:

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: May 11 – Hanford, CA - Kings Speedway - "Billet Cup"

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 27, 2013 – Putnamville, Indiana – Lincoln Park Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bryan Clauson, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-12.865; 2. Dave Darland, 71p, Phillips-12.892; 3. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-12.914; 4. Robert Ballou, 5, Baldwin-12.951; 5. Brady Bacon, 69, Dynamics-12.982; 6. Chase Stockon, 32, 31 TBI Racing-12.993; 7. Brent Beauchamp, 34, Olson-13.005; 8. Thomas Meseraull, 17T, McGhee-13.012; 9. Chris Windom, 39, Walker-13.100; 10. Nick Drake, 55, Cline-13.125; 11. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-13.125; 12. Kurt Gross, 1x, Gross-13.126; 13. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney-13.152; 14. Max McGhee, 17, McGhee-13.230; 15. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-13.241; 16. Chad Boespflug, 57, Hazen-13.251; 17. Josh Burton, 04, Burton-13.291; 18. Jerry Coons Jr., 10E, Edison-13.321; 19. Kevin Thomas Jr., 17RW, Dutcher/RW/Tri-Star-13.325; 20. Casey Shuman, 21k, Krockenberger-13.345; 21. Landon Simon, 41, SST-13.352; 22. Kyle Robbins, 17R, Robbins-13.360; 23. Logan Jarrett, 29, Jarrett-13.362; 24. Brady Short, 11p, Pottorff-13.401; 25. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-13.423; 26. Justin Grant, 11, Walker-13.435; 27. Seth Parker, 38p, Parker-13.462; 28. Chris Gurley, 12G, Team Automotive-13.524; 29. A.J. Martin, 70, TMR-13.525; 30. Daylon Chambers, 4c, Chambers-13.592; 31. Bradley Sterrett, 90, Leer-13.723; 32. Brian Hayden, 77, Wingo-13.895; 33. Anthony Nicholson, 16, Nicholson-14.120; 34. A.J. Hopkins, 14H, Hopkins-NT; 35. Dakota Jackson, 3, Jackson-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Simon, 2. Burton, 3. Windom, 4. Leary, 5. Nicholson, 6. Martin, 7. Bacon, 8. Courtney, 9. Clauson. 2:09.22

RACING PROGRAM INTERRUPTED BY RAIN DURING SECOND HEAT – RESCHEDULED DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED MONDAY

----------------------------

**Parker flipped during qualifying. Jackson flipped during qualifying. Hopkins flipped during the second heat.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Schuerenberg-343, 2-Stockon-343, 3-Clauson-340, 4-Bacon-339, 5-Hines-323, 6-Darland-322, 7-Thomas-307, 8-Ballou-285, 9-Cottle-226, 10-Leary-222.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: May 3 – Cameron, MO – US 36 Raceway

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 26, 2013 – Gas City, Indiana – Gas City I-69 Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Thomas Meseraull, 17T, McGhee-11.441; 2. Bryan Clauson, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-11.601; 3. Dave Darland, 71p, Phillips-11.615; 4. Jerry Coons Jr., 10E, Edison-11.620; 5. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-11.684; 6. Brady Bacon, 69, Dynamics-11.7037. Coleman Gulick, 14, Gulick-11.706; 8. Kevin Thomas Jr., 17RW, Dutcher/RW/Tri-Star-11.719; 9. Robert Ballou, 5, Baldwin-11.738; 10. Scotty Weir, 18, Keen-11.788; 11. Chase Stockon, 32, 31 TBI Racing-11.811; 12. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-11.827; 13. Justin Grant, 11, Walker-11.836; 14. Chad Boespflug, 57, Hazen-11.841; 15. Chris Windom, 39, Walker-11.861; 16. Nick Drake, 55, Cline-11.899; 17. Gary Taylor, 40, Hery-11.925; 18. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-11.937; 19. Landon Simon, 41, SST-11.972; 20. A.J. Hopkins, 42G, Jackson-12.151; 21. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney-12.160; 22. Ted Hines, 12, Hines-12.167; 23. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-12.170; 24. Max McGhee, 17, McGhee-12.235; 25. Logan Jarrett, 29, Jarrett-12.262; 26. Travis Welpott, 18x, Gorman-12.286; 27. Chris Gurley, 12G, Team Automotive-12.444; 28. Tyler, Hewitt, 97x, Hewitt-12.467; 29. Anthony Nicholson, 16, Nicholson-12.796.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Grant, 2. Courtney, 3. Meseraull, 4. Ballou, 5. Cottle, 6. Taylor, 7. Jarrett, 8. Nicholson. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Schuerenberg, 2. Weir, 3. Clauson, 4. Boespflug, 5. Ted Hines, 6. Bacon, 7. Welpott. 2:03.48

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Leary, 2. Windom, 3. Stockon, 4. Darland, 5. Simon, 6. Gurley, 7. Gulick. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Tracy Hines, 2. McGhee, 3. Hopkins, 4. Coons, 5. Drake, 6. Hewitt, 7. Thomas. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Cottle, 2. Bacon, 3. Thomas, 4. Taylor, 5. Gulick, 6. Jarrett, 7. Ted Hines, 8. Gurley. 9. Nicholson, 10. Simon, 11. Welpott, 12. Drake, 13. Hewitt. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Kevin Thomas Jr., 2. Thomas Meseraull, 3. Robert Ballou, 4. Jerry Coons Jr., 5. Dave Darland, 6. Brady Bacon, 7. Gary Taylor, 8. Tracy Hines, 9. Hunter Schuerenberg, 10. Bryan Clauson, 11. Shane Cottle, 12. Chase Stockon, 13. Chris Windom, 14. Chad Boespflug, 15. C.J. Leary, 16. Tyler Courtney, 17. Max McGhee, 18. Logan Jarrett, 19. Scotty Weir, 20. Justin Grant, 21. Landon Simon, 22. Coleman Gulick, 23. A.J. Hopkins. NT ---------------------------- **Thomas flipped during the fourth heat. Drake flipped during the semi. Simon flipped during the semi. Hopkins flipped on lap 1 of the feature.Gulick flipped on lap 2 of the feature. Weir flipped on the 22nd lap of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-22 Ballou, Laps 23-30 Thomas.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Schuerenberg-283, 2-Stockon-282, 3-Bacon-277, 4-Clauson-274, 5-Tracy Hines-262, 6-Darland-257, 7-Thomas-247, 8-Ballou-222, 9-Cottle-162, 10-Leary-162.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: April 27 – Putnamville, IN – Lincoln Park Speedway

USAC MIDWEST IGNITE (Dirt) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

April 26, 2013 – Gas City, Indiana – Gas City I-69 Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Katlynn Leer, 77x, Leer-13.225; 2. Toby Alfrey, 5, Alfrey-13.333; 3. Stratton Briggs, 2, Alfrey-13.525; 4. Gage Walker, 7, Walker-13.611; 5. Jessica Bean, 9, Bean-13.630; 6. Emmy Gray, 77, Gray-14.043; 7. Cooper Clouse, 14, Clouse-14.153; 8. Austin Nemire, 91, Nemire/Yager-14.770; 9. Bill Kriegbaum, 12, Kriegbaum-15.279; 10. Chris Phillips, 71, Gormly-NT (time of 13.718 disallowed); 11. Joey Greening, 17G, Greening-NT (time of 14.291 disallowed); 12. Sam McGhee, 11, Alfrey-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. . 2. Briggs, 3. Bean, 4. Leer, 5. B.Kriegbaum, 6. Greening. 1:49.51

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Alfrey, 2. Walker, 3. Nemire, 4. Phillips, 5. Gray, 6. McGhee. 1:53.57

FEATURE: (20 Laps) 1. Toby Alfrey, 2. Gage Walker, 3. Stratton Briggs, 4. Katlynn Leer, 5. Jessica Bean, 6. Joey Greening, 7. Chris Phillips, 8. Emmy Gray, 9. Bill Kriegbaum, 10. Austin Nemire, 11. Cooper Clouse, 12. Sam McGhee. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Clouse, Laps 4-20 Alfrey.

NEW MIDWEST IGNITE (Dirt) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Alfrey-73, 2-Walker-67, 3-Briggs-65, 4-Leer-62, 5-Bean-56, 6-Greening-48, 7-Phillips-47, 8-Gray-44, 9-B.Kriegbaum-40, 10-Nemire-39.

NEXT MIDWEST IGNITE (Dirt) MIDGET RACE: April 27 – Montpelier (IN) Motor Speedway

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINTS RETURN TO CSP FOR “CANYON CLASH”

by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – APRIL 23, 2013... The cars and stars of the USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series will return to Canyon Speedway Park this Saturday, April 27th, for the “3rd Annual Canyon Clash.” Joining the action packed card will be the LoanMart Challenge Cup Sprint Cars, Mini Sprints, and AMA Modlites. The Front Gates will open at 5:00pm with Racing scheduled to begin at 7:00pm. In addition, the track will also host an open practice session on Wednesday night from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Five-time Arizona Sprint Car Champion “The Shermanator” Jeremy Sherman has dominated the “Canyon Clash” with back-to-back victories. This Saturday, a talented roster of drivers will battle for the $1,500 top prize and adding their name to racing history in the “Copper State.”

Buckeye’s “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. leads the championship standings with a thirty-two point advantage. Piloting the Massey Motorsports' #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply entry, Davis claimed third at Queen Creek’s Arizona Speedway on April 13th. Currently, the five-time Arizona Champion has one feature win, two heat race victories, one semi-main win, one hard charger award, seven top-10 finishes, and 26 feature laps led on the season. Davis will have his sights on winning the “Canyon Clash” and extending his point lead.

After running fourth at Queen Creek, Ronnie Clark of Tucson is tied for second in the point chase. Racing the family owned #6 RCM / Ellis Race Cars machine, Clark has one heat race victory and three top-10 finishes on the season. On Saturday, Ronnie will be looking to surprise the field and claim the feature win at Canyon Speedway Park.

Phoenix's R.J. Johnson is tied with Clark for second in the point standings. Driving the Bill Michaels owned #77M Beal's Auto Body / Sherman Race Cars entry, Johnson earned the "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors on April 13th with sixth place finish after starting thirteenth. The former Arizona Midget Champion has two feature wins, two heat race victories, one Passing Masters Dash win, five top-10 finishes, and 26 main event laps led on the year. R.J. will be one of the favorites to watch at the “Canyon Clash.”

Josh Pelkey of Peoria sits fourth in the championship points. Piloting the Robbie and Gaye Allen owned #12 ABC Body Shop / Napa Auto Parts DRC, Pelkey was eighth at Arizona Speedway after starting fourteenth. As this writing goes to press, the 1997 ASCA Champion has five top-10 finishes to his credit. This Saturday, Josh will be looking to score the win in front of his hometown fans.

Phoenix’s Justin Quinn is fifth in the USAC Southwest standings. Racing the family owned #93 Four Peaks Hardwood Flooring / Lasting Impressions Ellis, Quinn charged to eleventh from seventeenth at Queen Creek. Currently, the young driver has one semi-main win and two top-10 finishes on the season. Justin will have his sights on claiming the checkered flags this Saturday night.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Tom Ogle, “The Magic Man” Mike Martin, Bryan Swinehart, Nick Aiuto, Shon Deskins, Stevie Sussex, Brian Hosford, “The Bullet” Bob Ream Jr., Chris Bonneau, Mike Bonneau, Andy Reinbold, Bruce St. James, and more.

Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona. To get to the track, take Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles west on Carefree Highway. Adult Tickets are $15 with $2 discounts available for Seniors, Military, and Students. Kids Tickets (7-12) are $6 and Children (6 and under) are FREE. VIP passes are available for $20 and Advance tickets are on sale now. For more event information, visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or call (602) 258-7223 (RACE).

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1-Charles Davis Jr.-190; 2-Ronnie Clark-158; --RJ Johnson-158; 4-Josh Pelkey-149; 5-Justin Quinn-131; 6-Thomas Ogle-130; --Mike Martin-130; 8-Bryan Swinehart-125; 9-Nick Auito-122; 10-Shon Deskins-114; 11-Stevie Sussex-111; 12-Brian Hosford-94; 13-Bob Ream Jr.-92; 14-Chris Bonneau-91; 15-Mike Bonneau-88; 16-Andy Reinbold-70; 17-Jody Wirth-67; 18-Tom Lee-65; ---Bruce St. James-65; 20-Michael Curtis-58.

RYAN BERNAL WINS TULARE SHOOTOUT

by Lance Jennings

TULARE, CA – APRIL 21, 2013... After winning Friday’s USAC Western Classic race at Watsonville, Ryan Bernal of Hollister claimed Tulare’s USAC West Coast feature on Saturday. Starting fifth and taking the lead from Markus Niemela on lap sixteen, Bernal fought off repeated challenges by Danny Faria Jr. and Niemela for his series leading twelfth victory and third of the campaign. Richard Vander Weerd, Niemela, Marty Hawkins, and Rusty Carlile followed Ryan to the checkered flags.

Piloting the Keith Ford owned #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Ryan Bernal was fourth quick overall, third in his heat race, and fifth in the dash. To date, the USAC West Coast point leader has three heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, one BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award, seven top-5 finishes, and 54 feature laps led.

Visalia’s Richard Vander Weerd rebounded from a mid-race tangle to score second at the finish line. Racing the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard earned his second Weld Racing Fast Time Award, ran second in his heat race, and was sixth in the dash. The 2011 Champion left Tulare second in points with two feature wins, one heat race victory, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, one semi-main win, two BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Awards, six top-5 finishes, and 59 feature laps led.

After winning his first Woodland Auto Display Dash and leading the first fifteen laps, Markus Niemela of Rauma, Finland had to settle for third. Driving Steve Watt's #81 Christian Stover Foundation / Steve Watt Enterprises Maxim, Niemela qualified sixth and won the 10-lap DJ Safety Heat Race #2. The hard charging driver is currently sixth in the standings with two heat race victories, three top-5 finishes, and 25 feature laps led to his credit.

Santa Rosa’s Marty Hawkins had his best run of the season with a fourth place finish after starting seventh. Piloting his #3M Blakeley Landscaping / Toiyabe Group Eagle, Hawkins qualified ninth, won the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1, and was seventh in the dash. Currently, the young driver sits ninth in the point standings with one top-5 finish on the season.

“The Bakersfield Bullet” Rusty Carlile came home fifth at the checkered flags. Racing his #51 Southwest Contractors / N.T.S. Incorporated Bullet, Carlile was eleventh fast, third in his heat race, and fourth in the dash. The veteran driver is seventh in points with three top-5 finishes and 13 feature laps led on the year. Rusty will be ready to compete in front of his hometown fans on Saturday.

Trent Carter of Terra Bella earned his first BR Motorsports / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award with a sixth place run after starting fifteenth. Driving the family owned #13 Porterville Lock & Safe / Porterville Collision Center KB entry, Carter qualified fifteenth and was eighth in his heat race. The Rookie of the Year candidate is sixteenth in the standings with two top-10 finishes in the campaign.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will return to action this Saturday, April 27th, at Bakersfield Speedway. The popular Sport Mods, Mini Stocks, and CDCRA Dwarf Cars will join the night’s showcase. Advance tickets are on sale and for more information, visit www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 661.393.3373.

WELD RACING TIME TRIALS: 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-15.329; 2. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-15.367; 3. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-15.453; 4. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-15.499; 5. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-15.570; 6. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-15.716; 7. Greg Alexander, 13a, Rickard-15.882; 8. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-16.046; 9. Marty Hawkins, 3M, Hawkins-16.063; 10. Landon Hurst, 179, Hurst-16.130; 11. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.228; 12. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter- 16.332; 13. Jonathan Logan, 32, Evett/Logan-16.356; 14. Seth Hancock, 51s, Hancock-16.597; 15. Trent Carter, 13, Carter-16.649; 16. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-16.661; 17. Jim Richardson, 8, Richardson-16.891.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps) 1. Marty Hawkins, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Rusty Carlile, 4. Jace Vander Weerd, 5. Greg Alexander, 6. Dennis Howell, 7. Jonathan Logan, 8. Trent Carter, 9. Jim Richardson. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps) 1. Markus Niemela, 2. Danny Faria Jr., 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. Landon Hurst, 5. Ricky Kirkbride, 6. Kevin Barnes, 7. Seth Hancock, 8. Jeff Sibley. NT

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY DASH: (6 laps) 1. Markus Niemela, 2. Landon Hurst, 3. Jace Vander Weerd, 4. Rusty Carlile, 5. Ryan Bernal, 6. Richard Vander Weerd, 7. Marty Hawkins, 8. Danny Faria Jr. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Ryan Bernal (5th), 2. Richard Vander Weerd (6th), 3. Markus Niemela (1st), 4. Marty Hawkins (7th), 5. Rusty Carlile (4th), 6. Trent Carter (15th), 7. Dennis Howell (9th), 8. Danny Faria Jr. (8th), 9. Jace Vander Weerd (3rd), 10. Landon Hurst (2nd), 11. Greg Alexander (10th), 12. Ricky Kirkbride (12th), 13. Jonathan Logan (13th), 14. Jim Richardson (17th), 15. Seth Hancock (14th), 16. Kevin Barnes (16th). NT ---------------------------- **Jeff Sibley flipped during the second heat. Did not start feature, slated to start 11th. **Seth Hancock, Landon Hurst, Greg Alexander and Danny Faria Jr. flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-15 Markus Niemela, Laps 16-30 Ryan Bernal. BR MOTORSPORTS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Trent Carter (15th to 6th)

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1. Ryan Bernal-332; 2. Richard Vander Weerd-308; 3. Jace Vander Weerd-277; 4. Danny Faria Jr.-267; 5. Bud Kaeding-242; 6. Markus Niemela-240; 7. Rusty Carlile-218; 8. Ricky Kirkbride-185; 9. Marty Hawkins-168; 10. Landon Hurst-151; 11. Austin Liggett-139; 12. Jonathan Logan-136; 13. Chris Ennis-130; 14. Kevin Barnes-116; 15. Andy Ferris-115; 16. Trent Carter-111; 17. Jeff Sibley-103; 18. Brody Roa-97; 19. Dennis Howell-93; ---.Matt Day-93.

IGNITES AT GAS CITY, MONTPELIER & MONROE;
ELLIOTT, COLSTON, GOETZ, LAMB EARN VICTORIES

Midwest and Washington USAC Ignite racing unfolds this weekend as the 2013 calendar swings into full song.

The Midwest calendar opens with Indiana events Friday night at Gas City I-69 Speedway and Saturday night at Montpelier Motor Speedway. Saturday’s Washington pavement opener is slated at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Wash.

Cory Elliott, Parker Colston, Chase Goetz and Chris Lamb earned USAC Ignite victories in last week’s racing.

USAC California North Ignite Midget Champion Elliott, of Bakersfield, Calif., won Friday night’s victory in the series opener at Plaza Park Raceway in Visalia, Calif. Elliott led the last 27 laps of the 30-lapper after passing Parker Colston on lap four. Fast qualifier Wally Pankratz finished second ahead of Colston, Clayton Ruston and Jarid Blondel

Colston, of Lake Elsinore, Calif., won Saturday night’s 20-lap Western race at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway, leading the final 12 laps after an early-race battle between drivers Jarid Blondel and Ariel Biggs. Wally Pankratz took second ahead of Biggs, Elliott and Blondel.

Goetz. of Snohomish, Wash., won Saturday night’s 25-lap USAC Washington Ignite Midget opener at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Wash., leading the final nine laps after passing early leader Jeremy Miller. Miller took second ahead of Dougie James, Chance Crum and Elma Auto Racing Hall of Fame fast qualifier Robby Vaughn. Goetz earned the SpeedMart Hard Charger and James was the NW Sprint Car History.com rookie of the race

Chris Lamb of Colfax, N.C. extended his USAC Eastern Ignite Midget point lead Saturday night, winning the 35-lap feature at Shenandoah (Va.) Speedway. Lamb passed Nic Davidson on lap seven and led the rest of the way to beat fast qualifier Ryan Krachun, Tyler Corriher, Davidson and Wil Raber

2013 EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chris Lamb-310, 2-Tyler Corriher-265, 3-Nic Davidson-251, 4-Ryan Krachun-249, 5-Wil Raber-229, 6-Matt Lundstrom-211, 7-Calvin Carroll-211, 8-Billy Gaule-200, 9-Nikki Carroll-181, 10-Jessica Bean-118.
2013 WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Jarid Blondel-243, 2-Christine Breckenridge-191, 3-Ariel Biggs-159, 4-Bryant Dawson-147, 5-Wally Pankratz-133, 6-Michael Fanelli-131, 7-Cory Elliott-130, 8-Parker Colston-129, 9-Shawn Buckley-117, 10-Clayton Ruston-104.
2013 WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Wally Pankratz-133, 2-Cory Elliott-130, 3-Parker Colston-129, 4-Jarid Blondel-113, 5-Ariel Biggs-112; 6-Clayton Ruston-104, 7-Michael Steele-100, 8-Ashley Hazelton-95, 9-Christine Breckenridge-78, 10-Alexander Bissett-40.
2013 WASHINGTON IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chase Goetz-65, 2-Jeremy Miller-61, 3-Dougie James-55, 4-Robby Vaughn-54, 5-Chance Crum-53, 6-Renee Angel-45, 7-Garrett Thomas-45, 8-Hannah Lindquist-1.

“THE DEMON” DAMION GARDNER GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE AT YUMA!
by Lance Jennings

YUMA, AZ – APRIL 21, 2013... In his first start at Yuma’s Cocopah Speedway, “The Demon” Damion Gardner of Concord, California won Friday's Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car main event. Gardner led all 30-laps to claim his series leading 42nd victory ahead of Nic Faas, Mike Spencer, Bud Kaeding, and “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr.

Piloting Mark Alexander’s #4A Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Damion Gardner was second fast in time trials, fourth in his heat race, and won the 6-lap dash. Starting from the pole position, the 2005 Champion powered to his first win of the year and first with Alexander. To date, Damion has one heat race victory, five top-5 finishes, and 30 feature laps led to his credit.

Gardner’s teammate, Huntington Beach, California’s Nic Faas ran second after starting fifth at Cocopah Speedway. Racing Mark Alexander’s #4 Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Faas earned his first Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award of the year and broke his 1-lap track record. From there, the point leader was second in his heat race and claimed fifth in the 6-lap dash. Entering Saturday’s race, Nic has one feature win, one heat race victory, five top-5 finishes, and 7 feature laps led on the year.

Mike Spencer of Temecula, California finished third in the Friday Yuma feature. Driving Ron Chaffin's #50 Grubstake Mini Storage / Madera Produce Maxim, Spencer qualified fourth, won the DJ Safety Heat Race #2, and scored third in the dash. The five-time champion has two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, two heat race victories, two top-5 finishes, and 7 feature laps led on the season.

Campbell, California’s Bud Kaeding took fourth at the checkered flags. Piloting the Junior Bowman owned #29 Ultimate Offroad / Buster & Ziggy Enterprises Maxim, Kaeding was third quick in time trials, fourth in his heat race, and fourth in the dash. The 3-time Oval Nationals Champion has two top-5 finishes in the campaign.

“Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. of Buckeye earned his second Keizer Wheels / Racing Optics "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with an fifth place run from fourteenth. Racing the Gerry Cook owned #4G Lucas Oil / RSS Industries entry, Davis qualified fourteenth and placed second in his heat race. Currently, the five-time Arizona Champion has two heat race victories and one top-5 finish on the season.

R.J. Johnson of Phoenix won his series leading fourth heat race by claiming the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1. Driving Bobby Martin’s #51 Weiler Farms / Pecon Builders Maxim, Johnson was fifth quick on the night and placed second in the dash. The second generation driver won the “Copper on Dirt” at Canyon Speedway Park and has 29 feature laps led on the year.

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY TIME TRIALS:
1. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.451 (New Track Record); 2. Damion Gardner, 4A, Alexander-16.673; 3. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-17.008; 4. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-17.058; 5. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-17.189; 6. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-17.269; 7. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-17.283; 8. Mike Martin, 16B, Marftin-17.340; 9. Seth Wilson, 1X, Wilson-17.348; 10. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-17.366; 11. Bob Ream, 8, BRAT-17.415; 12. Matt Rossi, 02, Rossi-17.430; 13. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-17.516; 14. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-17.549; 15. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-17.596; 16. A.J. Bender, 21, Bender-17.658; 17. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-NT; 18. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-NT.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (8 laps)
1. R.J. Johnson, 2. Nic Faas, 3. Cody Williams, 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Austin Williams, 6. David Bezio, 7. Bob Ream Jr., 8. Seth Wilson. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (8 laps)
1. Mike Spencer, 2. Charles Davis Jr., 3. Matt Rossi, 4. Damion Gardner, 5. Mike Martin, 6. Brody Roa, 7. Matt Mitchell, 8. A.J. Bender. NT

DASH: (6 laps)
1. Damion Gardner, 2. R.J. Johnson, 3. Mike Spencer, 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Nic Faas, 6. Cody Williams. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps – With Starting Positions)
1. Damion Gardner (1st), 2. Nic Faas (5th), 3. Mike Spencer (3rd), 4. Bud Kaeding (4th), 5. Charles Davis Jr. (14th), 6. R.J. Johnson (2nd), 7. Cody Williams (6th), 8. Brody Roa (7th), 9. Mike Martin (8th), 10. Matt Mitchell (10th), 11. Austin Williams (13th), 12. Bob Ream Jr. (11th), 13. David Bezio (15th), 14. Matt Rossi (12th), 15. A.J. Bender (#12 – 16th), 16. Seth Wilson (9th). NT
----------------------------
**A.J. Bender flipped during the second heat.
**Matt Rossi flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Damion Gardner.
KEIZER WHEELS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Charles Davis Jr. (14th to 5th)

“SUMAR CLASSIC” SILVER CROWN OPENER AT TERRE HAUTE

Only one defending Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Champion has ever won the “Sumar Classic” at the Terre Haute Action Track. Bobby East hopes to become the second when the 2013 series debuts Sunday at the half-mile dirt oval in Terre Haute, Ind.

J.J. Yeley turned the trick in 2003 after winning the 2002 title. He’s the only defending series king to win the race in its 13 previous runnings.

East led all 100 laps enroute to clinching the 2013 series crown. He returns as part of the potent Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing team for this Sunday’s event, which concludes with a 50-lap feature.

The “Sumar Classic” was East’s 10th Silver Crown win and gave the Stewart/Curb-Agajanian team an all-time record 27th series win, tying them with Team 6R. East’s teammate Sunday will be two-time Silver Crown Champ and 2010 “Sumar Classic” winner Levi Jones, while the Team 6R camp will field 2004 “Sumar Classic” winner Brian Tyler.

Practice Sunday is scheduled at 5 pm, followed by qualifications at 6. Josh Wise, the 2005 “Sumar Classic” winner, holds the 1-lap track qualifying record of 20.139 seconds. No record has yet been established for the 50-lap distance.

Donnie Beechler won the inaugural race in 1995 and repeated in 1997, Other winners have been Kevin Thomas (1996), Tony Elliott (1998 and 2002), Jack Hewitt (1999), Yeley (2003), Tyler (2004), Wise (2005), Bud Kaeding (2006), Dave Darland (2008), Jones (2010) and East.

“We are excited to kick-start the 2013 Traxxas Silver Crown Series at Terre Haute with fans getting pit access starting at 3 pm,” states series director James Spink. “This is going to be a great season for the series and we think the fans will especially like the double-file restarts.”

Adult race fans purchasing front-gate tickets after the 3 pm opening will be able to access the pit area. Front-gate adult tickets are $25. Infield tickets are $15 and children 5-12 are $5 each. A 15-lap modified feature precedes the “Sumar Classic” main event.

SOUTHWEST SPRINTS IN “CANYON CLASH” SATURDAY

Charles Davis Jr. resumes his quest for the 2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Championship this Saturday when the series returns to Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. for the 3rd Annual “Canyon Clash.”

Davis has a 32-point lead over Ronnie Clark in the standings and hopes to tie four other drivers in the race to become USAC’s all-time Arizona feature victory leader. At present A.J. Foyt, Bryan Clauson, Damion Gardner and Dave Steele have eight career Arizona wins, while Davis has seven.

Davis recorded his seventh Arizona USAC win in March at Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande. So far this year at Peoria, Davis has posted a second, third, fourth, fifth, two sixths and a ninth.

2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Standings: 1-Charles Davis Jr.-190, 2-Ronnie Clark-158, 3-R.J. Johnson-158, 4-Josh Pelkey-149, 5-Mike Martin-130, 6-Tom Ogle-130, 7-Justin Quinn-130, 8-Bryan Swinehart-125, 9-Nick Aiuto, 10-Shon Deskins-114.

WC SPRINTS AT BAKERSFIELD, CLASSICS EYE 5/4 PLACERVILLE; BERNAL POSTS WEST COAST & CLASSIC VICTORIES

Ryan Bernal holds the lead in two USAC Western Sprint Car series after sweeping a pair of wins last weekend in California.

The Hollister, Calif. driver piloted his King Racing Products/A & A Precision Machine Spike/Raney to Friday night’s 30-lap USAC Western Classic opener at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, then came back to take Saturday’s 30-lap USAC West Coast Sprint feature at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare.

He takes a 24-point lead over Richard Vander Weerd into this Saturday’s West Coast event at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway, while the Western Classics return to action May 4 at Placerville (Calif.) Speedway.

Bernal passed Tanner Swanson on lap four and led the rest of the way at Watsonville. Colton Slack took second ahead of Swanson, Matt Streeter and D.J. Johnson. Defending series king Tony Hunt finished sixth.

Markus Niemela led the first 15 laps at Tulare, then Bernal led the rest to beat fast qualifier Richard Vander Weerd, Niemela, Marty Hawkins and Rusty Carlile.

2013 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Standings: 1-Ryan Bernal-332, 2-Richard Vander Weerd-308, 3-Jace Vander Weerd-277, 4-Danny Faria Jr.-267, 5-Bud Kaeding-242, 6-Markus Niemela-240, 7-Rusty Carlile-218, 8-Ricky Kirkbride-185, 9-Marty Hawkins-168, 10-Landon Hurst-151.

USAC/CRA SPRINTS BACK AT THE PAS MAY 4; GARDNER SWEEPS YUMA 30-LAPPERS

The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars are idle this week and resume action May 4 at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. When they do, former series champ Damion Gardner will try to protect the four-point lead he enjoys over teammate Nic Faas as a result of two victories last weekend.

Gardner, of Concord, Calif., tied A.J. Foyt, Dave Steele and Bryan Clauson as the winningest USAC drivers in Arizona history with his seventh and eighth wins in the Grand Canyon State this past weekend. He won both Friday and Saturday night at Cocopah Speedway in Yuma in his Scott Sales Company/CSI Shocks Spike/J & D.

Friday found Gardner leading Team Alexander to a 1-2 finish, beating Faas to the checkered flag. He led all 30 laps to beat Faas, defending series king Mike Spencer, Bud Kaeding and Charles Davis, Jr.

On Saturday Gardner caught Kaeding on lap seven and led the final 24 laps to beat Kaeding, Spencer, Faas and R.J. Johnson.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Damion Gardner-397, 2-Nic Faas-393, 3-Bud Kaeding-312, 4-Mike Spencer-294, 5-R.J. Johnson-266, 6-Cody Williams-242, 7-Austin Williams-224, 8-Brody Roa-226, 9-Bryan Clauson-210, 10-Charles Davis Jr.-207.

SPRINTS AT GAS CITY FRIDAY, PUTNAMVILLE SATURDAY; ELDORA’S “BRANSON/LARSON” WEATHERED OUT

Chase Stockon leads the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars to a pair of Indiana races this weekend, holding an eight-point lead over Hunter Schuerenberg in the latest standings.

Last Saturday’s “Don Branson/Jud Larson Classic” at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio fell victim to inclement weather, with freezing temperatures forcing the cancellation.

This Friday night’s race is at Gas City I-69 Speedway and Saturday’s race is at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville.

Last year’s results would favor Schuerenberg at this weekend’s two tracks. He won at Gas City and had an eighth at Putnamville in 2012 while Stockon’s best finish in three starts at the two tracks in 2012 was a 10th at Gas City.

Lurking in the wings is three-time USAC National Drivers Champion Bryan Clauson, just 17 points behind Stockon. Clauson has racked up an amazing nine USAC feature victories in various series this year. In 2012 he had a victory and a fifth at Gas City and a third at Putnamville.

Brady Bacon is only 19 points behind the leader and Tracy Hines 31, with a total of 148 points available in the two events.

2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Point Standings: 1-Chase Stockon-247, 2-Hunter Schuerenberg-239, 3-Bryan Clauson-230, 4-Brady Bacon-228, 5-Tracy Hines-216, 6-Dave Darland-200, 7-Kevin Thomas-185. 8-Robert Ballou-163, 9-Tyler Courtney-133, 10-C.J. Leary-131.

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 20, 2013 – Yuma, Arizona – Cocopah Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-17.030; 2. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-17.094; 3. Damion Gardner, 4a, Alexander-17.339; 4. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-17.420; 5. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-17.523; 6. Mike Martin, 16B, Martin-17.602; 7. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-17.725; 8. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-17.779; 9. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-17.828; 10. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-17.897; 11. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-18.023; 12. Seth Wilson, 1x, Wilson-18.046; 13. Bob Ream, 8, BRAT-18.163; 14. Matt Rossi, 02, Rossi-18.327; 15. David Bezio, 37x, Bezio-18.332; 16. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-18.950; 17. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Gardner, 2. Faas, 3. Kaeding, 4. Davis, 5. Bezio, 6. R.Williams, 7. Ream, 8. C.Williams. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Martin, 2. Spencer, 3. Johnson, 4. A.Williams, 5. Mitchell, 6. Rossi, 7. Bender, 8. Wilson. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Kaeding, 2. Gardner, 3. Johnson, 4. Spencer, 5. Martin, 6. Faas. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Damion Gardner, 2. Bud Kaeding, 3. Mike Spencer, 4. Nic Faas, 5. R.J. Johnson, 6. Charles Davis Jr., 7. Matt Mitchell, 8. Austin Williams, 9. Rip Williams, 10. Brody Roa, 11. Matt Rossi, 12. Bob Ream Jr., 13. Cody Williams, 14. Mike Martin, 15. Seth Wilson, 16. David Bezio, 17. A.J. Bender. NT ---------------------------- **Bender flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-6 Kaeding, Laps 7-30 Gardner.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Gardnre-397, 2-Faas-393, 3-Kaeding-312, 4-Spencer-294, 5-Johnson-266, 6-C.Williams-242, 7-A.Williams-224, 8-Roa-224, 9-Bryan Clauson-210, 10-Davis-207.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: May 4, 2013 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 20, 2013 – Tulare, California – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-15.329; 2. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-15.367; 3. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-15.453; 4. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-15.499; 5. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-15.570; 6. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-15.716; 7. Greg Alexander, 13a, Rickard-15.882; 8. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-16.046; 9. Marty Hawkins, 3M, Hawkins-16.063; 10. Landon Hurst, 179, Hurst-16.130; 11. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.228; 12. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter- 16.332; 13. Jonathan Logan, 32, Evett/Logan-16.356; 14. Seth Hancock, 51s, Hancock-16.597; 15. Trent Carter, 13, Carter-16.649; 16. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-16.661; 17. Jim Richardson, 8, Richardson-16.891.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Hawkins, 2. R.Vanderweerd, 3. Carlile, 4. J.Vander Weerd, 5. Alexander, 6. Howell, 7. Logan, 8. Carter. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Niemela, 2. Faria, 3. Bernal, 4. Hurst, 5. Kirkbride, 6. Barnes, 7. Hancock, 8. Sibley. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Niemela, 2. Hurst, 3. J. Vanderweerd, 4. Carlile, 5. Bernal, 6. R.Vander Weerd, 7. Hawkins, 8. Faria. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Markus Niemela, 4. Marty Hawkins, 5. Rusty Carlile, 6. Trent Carter, 7. Dennis Howell, 8. Danny Faria Jr., 9. Jace Vander Weerd, 10. Landon Hurst, 11. Greg Alexander, 12. Ricky Kirkbride, 13. Jonathan Logan, 14. Jim Richardson, 15. Seth Hancock, 16. Kevin Barnes. NT ---------------------------- **Sibley flipped during the second heat. Hancock, Hurst, Alexander and Faria all flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-15 Niemela, Laps 16-30 Bernal.

NEW USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Bernal-332, 2-R.Vander Weerd-308, 3-J.Vander Weerd-277, 4-Faria-267, 5-Bud Kaeding-242, 6-Niemela-240, 7-Carlile-218, 8-Kirkbride-185, 9-Hawkins-168, 10-Hurst-151.

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: April 27 – Bakersfield (CA) Speedway

USAC WESTERN IGNITE (DIRT) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

April 19, 2013 – Visalia, California– Plaza Park Raceway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Wally Pankratz, 37., Pankratz-12.176; 2. Michael Steele, 92, Steele-12.254; 3. Jarid Blondel, 98, Blondel-12.321; 4. Cory Elliott, 1, Elliott-12.409; 5. Clayton Ruston, 55k, Custer-12.429; 6. Ariel Biggs, 11E, Biggs-12.445; 7. Ashley Hazelton, 59, Hazelton-12.659; 8. Parker Colston, 64, Colston-12.784; 9. Christine Breckenridge, 26, Breckenridge-12.898.

FIRST HEAT: (10 Laps) 1. Pankratz, 2. Ruston, 3. Blondel, 4. Breckenridge, 5. Hazelton. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 Laps) 1. Elliott, 2. Colston, 3. Biggs, 4. Steele. NT

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Cory Elliott, 2. Wally Pankratz, 3. Parker Colston, 4. Clayton Ruston, 5. Jarid Blondel, 6. Ariel Biggs, 7. Ashley Hazelton, 8. Michael Steele, 9. Christine Breckenridge. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Colston, Laps 4-30 Elliott.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE (DIRT) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Elliott-71, 2-Pankratz-71, 3-Colston-61, 4-Ruston-60, 5-Blondel-58, 6-Biggs-52, 7-Hazelton-46, 8-Steele-49, 9-Breckenridge-41.

NEXT WESTERN IGNITE (DIRT) MIDGET RACE: April 20 – Bakersfield (CA) Speedway

USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 19, 2013 – Watsonville, California – Ocean Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Nathan Washam, 33x, Hood-14.814; 2. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-14.837; 3. Tony Hunt, 56, Phulps-15.030; 4. Matt Streeter, 14jr, Streeter-15.101; 5. D.J. Johnson, 33, Johnson-15.129; 6. Joe Stornetta, 3F, Finkenbinder-15.249; 7. Tanner Swanson, 69, Kaiser-15.355; 8. Klint Simpson, 84, Simpson-15.482; 9. Colton Slack, 17, Slack-15.485; 10. Gordon Rodgers, 94, Dusin-15.949; 11. Jim Richardson, 8, Richardson-16.152; 12. Shauna Hogg, 5, Hogg-16.191; 13 Tom Baker, 3T, Baker-16.389; 14. Scott Hall, 56x, Hall-18.921; 15. A.J. Kirkpatrick, 12k, Kirkpatrick-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Swanson, 2. Hunt, 3. Slack, 4. Johnson, 5. Washam, 6. Richardson, 7. Kirkpatrick, 8. Baker. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Hogg, 2. Hall, 3. Bernal, 4. Streeter, 5. Simpson, 6. Rodgers, 7, Stornetta. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Colton Slack, 3. Tanner Swanson, 4. Matt Streeter, 5. D.J. Johnson, 6. Tony Hunt, 7. Nathan Washam, 8. Jim Richardson, 9. Klint Simpson, 10. Scott Hall, 11. Gordon Rodgers, 12. Shauna Hogg, 13, Tom Baker, 14. A.J. Kirkpatrick. NT ---------------------------- **Stornetta flipped during the second heat. Rodgers flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 T.Swanson, Laps 4-30 Bernal.

NEW USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT POINTS: 1-Bernal-71, 2-Slack-63, 3-T.Swanson-62, 4-Streeter-59, 5-Hunt-56, 6-Johnson-55, 7-Washam-52, 8-Richardson-42, 9-Simpson-40, 10-Hall-40.

NEXT USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT RACE: May 4, 2013 – Placerville (CA) Speedway

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 19, 2013 – Yuma, Arizona – Cocopah Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.451; 2. Damion Gardner, 4a, Alexander-16.673; 3. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-17.008; 4. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-17.058; 5. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-17.189; 6. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-17.269; 7. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-17.283; 8. Mike Martin, 16B, Marftin-17.340; 9. Seth Wilson, 1x, Wilson-17.348; 10. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-17.366; 11. Bob Ream, 8, BRAT-17.415; 12. Matt Rossi, 02, Rossi-17.430; 13. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-17.516; 14. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-17.549; 15. David Bezio, 37x, Bezio-17.596; 16. A.J. Bender, 21, Bender-17.658; 17. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-NT; 18. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Johnson, 2. Faas, 3. C.Williams, 4. Kaeding, 5. A.Williams, 6. Bezio, 7. Ream, 8. Wilson. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Spencer, 2. Davis, 3. Rossi, 4. Gardner, 5. Martin, 6. Roa, 7. Mitchell, 8. Bender. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Gardner, 2. Johnson, 3. Spencer, 4. Kaeding, 5. Faas, 6. C.Williams. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Damion Gardner, 2. Nic Faas, 3. Mike Spencer, 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Charles Davis Jr., 6. R.J. Johnson, 7. Cody Williams, 8. Brody Roa, 9. Mike Martin, 10. Matt Mitchell, 11. Austin Williams, 12. Bob Ream, 13. David Bezio, 14. Matt Rossi, 15. A.J. Bender (#12), 16. Seth Wilson. NT ---------------------------- **Bender flipped during the second heat. Rossi flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Gardner.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Faas-329, 2-Gardner-325, 3-Kaeding-247, 4-Spencer-228, 5-C.Williams-214, 6-Bryan Clauson-210, 7-Johnson-209, 8-Roa-191, 9-Ryan Bernal-181, 10-A.Willams-180.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: April 20, 2013 – Yuma, AZ – Cocopah Speedway

SUMAR CLASSIC TIMETABLE REVISED, PIT ACCESS FOR FANS!

Tickets for the April 28 “Sumar Classic” Traxxas USAC Silver Crown race at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track will go on sale at 3 pm race day and fans purchasing front-gate tickets that day will also receive pit access.

Pit gates open at noon for participants and spectator gates open at 3 pm. An adult front gate ticket is priced at $25, while infield tickets are $15 and kids 5-12 are $5.

The opening race of the 2013 Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series renews a tradition dating back to 1995 when Donnie Beechler was the first winner. One previous Silver Crown race pre-dated the “Sumar Classic” when Gary Bettenhausen was the 1980 winner.

The April 28 timetable finds a 4:30 drivers meeting, followed by practice at 5. Silver Crown qualifying is scheduled at 6, followed by modified heats. Opening ceremonies are slated at 7. A 15-lap modified feature precedes the 50-lap “Sumar Classic” main event.

Defending Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Champion Bobby East won last year’s “Sumar Classic.” Previous winners have included Levi Jones, Dave Darland, Bud Kaeding, Josh Wise, Brian Tyler, J.J. Yeley, Tony Elliott, Jack Hewitt and Kevin Thomas.

MIKE MARTIN WINS ARIZONA SPEEDWAY “SPRING FLING”

by Lance Jennings

QUEEN CREEK, AZ – APRIL 14, 2013... Starting sixth, Yuma’s Mike Martin led the final eighteen laps to claim the “Spring Fling” at Arizona Speedway. With the $1,500 USAC Southwest Sprint Car victory, Martin becomes the fourth driver to score a victory in the campaign. Stevie Sussex, Charles Davis Jr., Ronnie Clark, and Shon Deskins rounded out the top five drivers.

Racing his #16 Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, “The Magic Man” Mike Martin was not to be denied after grabbing the lead on this night. Earlier in the program, Martin was second in his heat race, tied Sussex for the night’s lead in passing points, and placed sixth in the Passing Masters Dash. Mike sits fifth in championship points with one heat race victory, three top-10 finishes, and 18 feature laps led to his credit. Martin will be looking for another victory when the series returns to Peoria’s Canyon Speedway Park on April 27th.

Stevie Sussex of Tempe charged from eighth to finish second in the 30-lap “Spring Fling.” Driving his #1AZ Pro Tech Coatings / KSE Custom Drywall J&J, Sussex claimed second in his heat race, tied Martin as the high point driver, and ran eighth in the dash. Stevie had his best night of the season with two hard charger awards and two top-10 finishes on the year.

After scoring third at Arizona Speedway, Buckeye’s “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. holds a 32 point lead heading to the “Canyon Clash.” Piloting the #50 Massey Motorsports' #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply RSS, Davis was third in his heat race and claimed third in the dash. The five-time Arizona Champion has one feature win, two heat race victories, one semi-main win, seven top-10 finishes, and 26 feature laps led on the season.

Ronnie Clark of Tucson came home fourth in the “Spring Fling” at Queen Creek. Racing the family owned #6 RCM / Ellis Race Cars entry, Clark scored third in his heat race and ran second in the Passing Masters Dash. Currently tied with R.J. Johnson for second in the points, Ronnie has one heat race victory and three top-10 finishes in the campaign.

Phoenix's Shon Deskins was fifth at the checkered flags after starting seventh. Driving his #20 Performance Plus / Ellis Race Cars entry, Deskins won the 10-lap Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #1 and was seventh in the dash. The veteran driver left Queen Creek tenth in the point chase with three heat race wins and two top-10 finishes on the season

R.J. Johnson of Phoenix earned the night's "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a sixth place run after starting thirteenth. Piloting the Bill Michaels owned #77M Beal’s Auto Body / Sherman Race Cars entry, the USAC/CRA “Copper On Dirt” winner finished sixth in his heat race. Now tied for second in the standings with Ronnie Clark, Johnson has two feature wins, two heat race victories, one Passing Masters Dash win, five top-10 finishes, and 26 main event laps led.

Glendale’s “The Bullet” Bob Ream Jr. won the night’s 10-lap Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #2. Driving the BRAT Racing #8 Hose Advantage Store / Racers Advantage Store Viper, Ream finished seventh in the main event after starting ninth. As this writing goes to press, the former ASCA Champion has two top-10 finishes in limited starts. Nick Aiuto of Camp Verde took the checkered flags in the Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #3. Racing his #27 Bondurant School of High Performance Driving / ABC Motorsports DRC, Aiuto was fourth in the Passing Masters Dash and thirteenth in the main event. Heading to Canyon, Nick is ninth in points with two heat race victories, one top-10 finish, and 4 feature laps led on the year.

Piloting his #29 Priced Right Auto Sales Triple X, Phoenix’s Mike Bonneau won the 6-lap Sunoco Fuels Passing Masters Dash. Claiming third in his heat race, Bonneau lead the first twelve laps of the main event before scoring twenty-first after an early exit. In limited action, Mike has one top-10 finish during the campaign.

Justin Quinn of Phoenix won the 12-lap semi-main at Arizona Speedway. Driving the family owned #93 Four Peaks Hardwood Flooring / Lasting Impressions Ellis, Quinn was sixth in his heat race and scored eleventh in the main event from seventeenth. Currently, Justin is seventh in the point standings with two top-10 finishes to his credit.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series will be back in action on Saturday, April 27th at Peoria’s Canyon Speedway Park. The “3rd Annual Canyon Clash” will also feature Mini Sprints, the LoanMart Challenge Cup Sprint Cars and AMA Modlites. Advance tickets are on sale and for more information, visit www.canyonspeedway.com or call 602.258.7223.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series would like to thank Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Tire, Hose Advantage Store, and the Racers Advantage Store for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SouthwestSprintCars). -------------------------------------------------------------- USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT RACE RESULTS: April 13, 2013 – Queen Creek, Arizona –Arizona Speedway

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #1: (10 laps) 1. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 2. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 3. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 4. Bruce St. James (#7K St James), 5. Nathan High (#97 High), 6. R.J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 7. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 8. Stephen Harms (#60 Harms), 9. Mark Morin (#28 Morin). NT

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #2: (10 laps) 1. Bob Ream Jr. (#8 BRAT), 2. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 3. Charles Davis Jr., (#50 Massey), 4. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 5. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 6. Jason Grady (#45 Grady), 7. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 8. Lealand Fuller (#3 Fuller), 9. Michael Dayney (#36D Dayney). NT

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #3: (10 laps) 1. Nick Aiuto (#27 Aiuto), 2. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex), 3. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau), 4. Tom Lee (#53 Lee), 5. Bryan Swinehart (#68 Beal), 6. Justin Quinn (#93 Quinn), 7. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 8. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 9. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson). NT

SUNOCO RACE FUELS PASSING MASTERS DASH: (6 laps) 1. Mike Bonneau, 2. Ronnie Clark, 3. Charles Davis Jr., 4. Nick Aiuto, 5. Chris Bonneau, 6. Mike Martin, 7. Shon Deskins, 8. Stevie Sussex. NT

SEMI-MAIN: (12 laps) 1. Justin Quinn, 2. Jody Wirth, 3. Michael Curtis, 4. Lealand Fuller, 5. Michael Dayney, 6. Mark Morin, 7. Stephen Harms, 8. Jason Grady, 9. Brian Hosford, 10. Nathan High, 11. Kyle Danielson. NT

HOSE ADVANTAGE STORE FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Mike Martin (6th), 2. Stevie Sussex (8th), 3. Charles Davis Jr. (3rd), 4. Ronnie Clark (2nd), 5. Shon Deskins (7th), 6. R.J. Johnson (13th), 7. Bob Ream Jr. (9th), 8. Josh Pelkey (14th), 9. Tom Ogle (10th), 10. Chris Bonneau (5th), 11. Justin Quinn (17th), 12. Bryan Swinehart (12th), 13. Nick Aiuto (4th), 14. Jody Wirth (18th), 15. Michael Dayney (21st), 16. Michael Curtis (19th), 17. Lealand Fuller (20th), 18. Tom Lee (15th), 19. Bruce St. James (11th), 20. Andy Reinbold (16th), 21. Mike Bonneau (1st), 22. Mark Morin (22nd). NT ---------------------------- **Kyle Danielson flipped during the third heat.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-12 Mike Bonneau, Laps 13-30 Mike Martin. HARD CHARGER: R.J. Johnson (13th to 6th)

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Charles Davis Jr.-190, 2-Ronnie Clark-158, 3-R.J. Johnson-158, 4-Josh Pelkey-149, 5-Mike Martin-130, 6-Tom Ogle-130, 7-Justin Quinn-130, 8-Bryan Swinehart-125, 9-Nick Aiuto, 10-Shon Deskins-114.

HINES SEEKS 4TH “BRANSON-LARSON” SPRINT AT ELDORA

Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. seeks a record fourth “Don Branson/Jud Larson Classic” victory this Saturday when the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint cars visit Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Last year he became the second three-time race winner (Jay Drake also won three) and his 85 total USAC National race victories are tops among “active” USAC drivers.

Hines is also chasing Tom Bigelow’s all-time career leading 52 series victories and stands at 45, just one back of Jack Hewitt after winning twice at Ocala, Fla. in February. He’s fifth in the current series points, 31 behind point leader Chase Stockon. Hines’ three “Branson/Larson” wins came in 2001, 2008 and last year.

Robert Ballou and Jerry Coons Jr. also have two previous “Branson/Larson” wins and could join the three-time winners list Saturday.

Third-ranking Bryan Clauson (Ocala) and seventh-ranking Kevin Thomas Jr. (Lawrenceburg) also have 2013 series victories and will be among challengers Saturday.

The Eldora race salutes the late drivers who lost their lives in 1966 USAC Sprint racing accidents. Branson, USAC’s 1959 Midwest and 1964 National Sprint Car Champion, scored 13 victories in the Sprint cars. Larson earned 15 USAC Sprint wins. Both were veterans of the Indianapolis 500. Larson won three times in USAC Sprint competition at Eldora and Branson won twice.

Chase Stockon stands eight points ahead of Hunter Schuerenberg entering the Eldora race. Both drivers have “top-ten” finishes in all four races held this season.

2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Point Standings: 1-Chase Stockon-247, 2-Hunter Schuerenberg-239, 3-Bryan Clauson-230, 4-Brady Bacon-228, 5-Tracy Hines-216, 6-Dave Darland-200, 7-Kevin Thomas Jr.-185, 8-Ballou-163, 9-Tyler Courtney-133, 10-C.J. Leary-131.

VISALIA, BAKERSFIELD, ELMA & SHENANDOAH HOST IGNITES; WEATHER FORCES KOKOMO CANCELLATIONS

Eastern, Western and Washington USAC Ignite participants all spring into action this week as the 2013 calendar accelerates with four events in California, Washington and Virginia.

The 2013 USAC Midwest Ignite campaign openers were delayed this past weekend as weather forced cancellation of the “Kokomo Grand Prix” at Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway. Heavy rain and cold temperatures conspired to force the cancellation and the series now prepares for its 2013 openers at Gas City and Montpelier, Ind. April 26 and 27 respectively.

Chris Lamb of Colfax, N.C. leads the Eastern series to Shenandoah (Va.) Speedway Saturday night, holding a 26-point lead over Matt Lundstrom in the current standings. Saturday’s race is the first in five years at the 3/8-mile paved oval which hosted the USAC cars between 2005 and 2008.

Bryan Dawson of Phoenix, Ariz. leads the Western Ignite standings due to his pavement results so far, but this week’s Western events are the first this year on the dirt. Friday’s race is at Plaza Park in Visalia, Calf., and Saturday’s race is at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway. Friday’s race will be USAC’s first at the one-fifth mile Visalia oval in 10 years, while Bakersfield hosted a pair of races last year, both won by 2012 USAC Western Dirt Ignite Champion Cory Elliott.

Saturday’s race at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Wash. opens the 2013 Washington Dirt Ignite calendar. Jared Peterson, winner of last year’s Washington title, won five races at Elma. Other 2012 Elma winners were Jeremy Miller and Garret Johnson.

2013 EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chris Lamb-237, 2-Matt Lundstrom-211, 3-Tyler Corriher-201, 4-Nic Davidson-194, 5-Ryan Krachun-178, 6-Wil Raber-170, 7-Calvin Carroll-162, 8-Billy Gaule-149, 9-Nikki Carroll-141, 10-Jessica Bean-118. 2013 WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Bryant Dawson-147, 2-Michael Fanelli-131; 3-Jarid Blondel-130, 4-Shawn Buckley-117, 5-Christine Breckenridge-113, 6-Marina Turner-92, 7-George Blacker-89, 8-Marc Jessop-53, 9-Ariel Biggs-47, 10-Tom Tombarello-40.

PEORIA NEXT FOR SOUTHWEST SPRINTS; MARTIN TAKES ARIZONA SPEEDWAY 30-LAPPER

Thirty-two points separate USAC Southwest Sprint point leaders Charles Davis Jr. and drivers Ronnie Clark and R.J. Johnson (tied for second) entering an April 27 race at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Davis finished third in last Saturday night’s 30-lapper at Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek, Ariz. as Yuma, Ariz. driver Mike Martin swept to victory in his Ultimate Offroad/Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim/Shaver.

Martin led the final 18 laps after passing Mike Bonneau on lap 13. Stevie Sussex took second ahead of Davis, Clark and Shon Deskins.

Johnson won the series opener at Peoria in March. Davis was second and Clark third!

2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Standings: 1-Charles Davis Jr.-190, 2-Ronnie Clark-158, 3-R.J. Johnson-158, 4-Josh Pelkey-149, 5-Justin Quinn-131, 6-Mike Martin-130, 7-Tom Ogle-130, 8-Bryan Swinehart-125, 9-Nick Aiuto, 10-Shon Deskins-114.

TULARE WEST COAST REPEAT & WATSONVILLE CLASSICS; TULARE GIVES RICHARD VANDER WEERD 2 STRAIGHT

Two USAC western sprint car series compete in California this weekend as the West Coast Sprints return to the Tulare Thunderbowl Saturday and the Western Classics open their 2013 series Friday at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville.

Ryan Bernal continues to pace the West Coast Sprint standings while Tony Hunt is the defending king of the Western Classics.

Bernal finished second in Saturday night’s 30-lap race at Tulare, trailing fast qualifier Richard Vander Weerd, the Visalia, Calif. driver who posted his second straight series win.

Vander Weerd led all 30 laps in his Vander Weerd Construction/Battery Worx Maxim/Shark. Jace Vander Weerd followed Bernal in third, ahead of Markus Niemela and Bud Kaeding.

Bernal, who recovered from a qualifying flip, holds a 21-point lead over Kaeding in the new standings going into this Saturday’s race at Tulare.

Bernal won last year’s Watsonville opener and other 2012 Ocean Speedway winners were Mike Spencer (twice) and Brent Kaeding.

2013 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Standings: 1-Ryan Bernal-263, 2-Bud Kaeding-242, 3-Richard Vander Weerd-238, 4-Jace Vander Weerd-232, 5-Danny Faria Jr.-216, 6-Markus Niemela-177, 7-Rusty Carlile-164, 8-Ricky Kirkbride-152, 9-Austin Liggett-139, 10-Chris Ennis-130.

FAAS-GARDNER SHOOTOUT AT COCOPAH THIS WEEKEND

The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series makes its second appearance at Cocopah Speedway in Yuma, Ariz. this weekend and Mark Alexander teammates Nic Faas and Damion Gardner are ready to square off for the series point lead.

Races at the 3/8-mile dirt oval are set for Friday and Saturday nights and the two point leaders are separated by just four points after the first four races.

Faas, the winner at Perris, Calif. April 6, also has a pair of seconds and a third, while Gardner, seeking to increase his all-time series victory lead which stands at 41, has a pair of seconds and a pair of fourths so far this year.

Brody Roa captured last year’s USAC CRA debut at Yuma where Faas was the fastest qualifier and finished sixth. Gardner did not compete in the 2012 Yuma race but after competing full-time in USAC National racing last year he has returned to compete full-time in the 2013 USAC/CRA series.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Nic Faas-259, 2-Damion Gardner-255, 3-Bryan Clauson-210, 4-Bud Kaeding-187, 5-Ryan Bernal-181, 6-Rickie Gaunt-167, 7-Cody Williams-166, 8-Mike Spencer-163, 9-R.J. Johnson-154, 10-Brody Roa-148.

NATIONAL MIDGETS EYE INDIANAPOLIS, PONTOON BEACH EVENTS; WEATHER CANCELS KOKOMO GRAND PRIX

USAC’s National Midget Series are idle until late-May, with the pavement series resuming May 25 at Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis, Ind. and the dirt series resuming May 31 at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill.

Last weekend’s “Kokomo Grand Prix” at Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway was washed out by weather. The O’Connor Family, race organizers at the third-mile dirt oval, has vowed to reinstitute the inaugural event in 2014 after discussions with both USAC and Powri, the co-sanctions, indicated that a suitable 2013 replacement date was unavailable.

Heavy rains on Thursday and sub-normal temperatures throughout the late week led USAC, Powri and track officials to postpone the Friday-Saturday events to Saturday-Sunday, but flooding intervened and forced the cancellation of the program.

The Kokomo events were scheduled as the opening dirt events of 2013 so the May 31 Pontoon Beach race will now serve as the first dirt race of the season.

RICHARD VANDER WEERD TAMES THE THUNDERBOWL

by Lance Jennings

TULARE, CA – APRIL 14, 2013... Visalia’s Richard Vander Weerd continued his recent string of success by claiming his tenth career USAC West Coast Sprint Car victory. The 2011 Champion led all 30-laps at Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway for his second win of the campaign. Ryan Bernal, Jace Vander Weerd, Markus Niemela, and Bud Kaeding followed Vander Weerd to the checkered flags.

Piloting the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard Vander Weerd shook free from twin brother Jace, Niemela, and mid race pressure from Danny Faria Jr. Unfazed after several red and caution flags, Richard ran strong all night and earned the Tulare victory. Earlier in the program, Vander Weerd scored his ninth career Weld Racing Fast Time Award, ran third in his heat race, and placed second in the dash. To date, Richard has one heat race victory, one semi-main win, eight top-10 finishes, two hard charger awards, and 59 feature laps led. Richard has climbed to third in points as the series returns to Tulare on Saturday.

Ryan Bernal of Hollister earned the BR Motorsports / Racing Optics "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a second place run after starting fifteenth. Racing Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal flipped in time trials and dominated the Saldana Racing Products / Keizer Wheels Heat Race #3. Starting near the back, the former Rookie of the Year valiantly charged to the front and claimed second in a hard fought main event. Heading to next weekend’s action, Ryan holds a 21 point lead with two feature wins, three heat race victories, one dash win, seven top-10 finishes, and 39 feature laps led.

After winning his first 6-lap Woodland Auto Display Dash, Visalia's Jace Vander Weerd came home third in the Tulare feature. Driving the family owned #88 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Jace was third fast in time trials and fourth in his heat race. The former USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year battled hard to stay up front and fell back to sixth before making a late surge forward. Vander Weerd is currently fourth in the standings with one heat race victory and four top-10 finishes to his credit.

Markus Niemela of Rauma, Finland scored fourth after running second for the majority of the feature. Piloting Steve Watt’s Steve Watt's #81 Christian Stover Foundation / Steve Watt Enterprises Maxim, Niemela qualified second, ran fifth in his heat race, and claimed third in the dash. The hard charging driver challenged Vander Weerd for the lead after several restarts before fading back in the closing laps. As this writing goes to press, Markus has moved to sixth in the championship points with one heat race victory, two top-10 finishes, and 10 feature laps led on the year.

Campbell’s Bud Kaeding battled back from ninth to claim fifth at the checkered flags. Racing Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Kaeding was fifth quick, second in his heat race, and fifth in the dash. The defending champion was battling for third in the main event before falling back in the closing laps. Currently, Bud is second in the point chase with two heat race victories, one dash win, and six top-10 finishes on the season.

“Hollywood” Danny Faria of Tipton won the program's 10-lap Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1. Driving his #17V DeBoer & Sons Trucking / Johnston Calf Pens Spike, Faria qualified seventh and ran fourth in the dash. “Hollywood” made a three-wide battle for the lead with Niemela and Vander Weerd before a flat left rear tire on lap 16 knocked him out of contention. With fresh rubber, Danny charged from the back to take sixth at the checkered flags. Heading to Saturday, Faria is fifth in the point standings with four top-10 finishes and 1 feature lap led.

San Diego’s “The Wild Child” Chris Ennis claimed his first heat race victory of the year in the program’s DJ Safety Heat Race #2. Piloting his #86 Spy Optics / Bell Helmets 777 entry, Ennis qualified fourteenth overall and scored sixteenth in the feature after a flip ended his night. Uninjured, the future college graduate has climbed to tenth in points heading to Saturday’s action.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will return to action this Saturday, April 20th, at Tulare's Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway. The popular IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars will join the night’s showcase. Advance tickets are on sale and for more information, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, Rugged Radios, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series in 2013, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

WELD RACING TIME TRIALS: 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-15.484; 2. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-15.526; 3. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-15.626; 4. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-15.814; 5. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-15.885; 6. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-16.057; 7. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-16.069; 8. Andy Ferris, 4J, Ferris-16.179; 9. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter- 16.200; 10. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-16.451; 11. Tom Hendricks, 14K, Kruseman-16.456; 12. Marty Hawkins, 3M, Hawkins-16.490; 13. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.637; 14. Chris Ennis, 86, Ennis-16.752; 15. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-17.008; 16. Trent Carter, 13, Carter-17.019; 17. Matt Day, 97, Day-17.282; 18. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-NT.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps) 1. Danny Faria Jr., 2. Rusty Carlile, 3. Richard Vander Weerd, 4. Austin Liggett, 5. Kevin Barnes, 6. Trent Carter. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps) 1. Chris Ennis, 2. Bud Kaeding, 3. Andy Ferris, 4. Tom Hendricks, 5. Markus Niemela, 6. Matt Day. NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / KEIZER WHEELS HEAT RACE 3: (10 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Marty Hawkins, 3. Ricky Kirkbride, 4. Jace Vander Weerd, 5. Jeff Sibley, 6. Dennis Howell. NT.

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY DASH: (6 laps) 1. Jace Vander Weerd, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Markus Niemela, 4. Danny Faria Jr., 5. Bud Kaeding, 6. Austin Liggett, 7. Ricky Kirkbride, 8. Andy Ferris. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Richard Vander Weerd (2nd), 2. Ryan Bernal (15th), 3. Jace Vander Weerd (1st), 4. Markus Niemela (3rd), 5. Bud Kaeding (5th), 6. Danny Faria Jr. (4th), 7. Dennis Howell (16th), 8. Rusty Carlile (12th), 9. Trent Carter (17th), 10. Andy Ferris (8th), 11. Tom Hendricks (10th), 12. Jeff Sibley (14th), 13. Kevin Barnes (9th), 14. Matt Day (18th), 15. Marty Hawkins (11th), 16. Chris Ennis (13th), 17. Ricky Kirkbride (7th), 18. Austin Liggett (6th). NT ---------------------------- **Ryan Bernal flipped during qualifications. **Austin Liggett and Chris Ennis flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Richard Vander Weerd. BR MOTORSPORTS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Ryan Bernal (15th to 2nd)

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1-Ryan Bernal-263, 2-Bud Kaeding-242, 3-Richard Vander Weerd-238, 4-Jace Vander Weerd-232, 5-Danny Faria Jr.-216, 6-Markus Niemela-177, 7-Rusty Carlile-164, 8-Ricky Kirkbride-152, 9-Austin Liggett-139, 10-Chris Ennis-130.

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 13, 2013 – Tulare, California – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-15.484; 2. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-15.526; 3. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-15.626; 4. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-15.814; 5. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-15.885; 6. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-16.057; 7. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-16.069; 8. Andy Ferris, 4J, Ferris-16.179; 9. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter- 16.200; 10. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-16.451; 11. Tom Hendricks, 14K, Kruseman-16.456; 12. Marty Hawkins, 3M, Hawkins-16.490; 13. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.637; 14. Chris Ennis, 86, Ennis-16.752; 15. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-17.008; 16. Trent Carter, 13, Carter-17.019; 17. Matt Day, 97, Day-17.282; 18. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Faria, 2. Carlile, 3. R.Vander Weerd, 4. Liggett, 5. Barnes, 6. Carter. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Ennis, 2. Kaeding, 3. Ferris, 4. Hendricks, 5. Niemela, 6. Day. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. Hawkins, 3. Kirkbride, 4. J.Vander Weerd, 5. Sibley, 6. Howell. NT.

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 2. Ryan Bernal, 3. Jace Vander Weerd, 4. Markus Niemela, 5. Bud Kaeding, 6. Danny Faria Jr., 7. Dennis Howell, 8. Rusty Carlile, 9. Trent Carter, 10. Andy Ferris, 11. Tom Hendricks, 12. Jeff Sibley, 13. Kevin Barnes, 14. Matt Day, 15. Marty Hawkins, 16. Chris Ennis, 17. Ricky Kirkbride, 18. Austin Liggett. NT ---------------------------- **Bernal flipped during qualifications. Liggett and Ennis flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 R. Vander Weerd.

NEW USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Bernal-263, 2-Kaeding-242, 3-R.Vander Weerd-238, 4-J.Vander Weerd-232, 5-Faria-216, 6-Niemela-177, 7-Carlile-164, 8-Kirkbride-152, 9-Liggett-139, 10-Ennis-130.

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: April 20 – Tulare (CA) Thunderbowl Raceway

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

April 13, 2013 – Queen Creek, Arizona – Arizona Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 2. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 3. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 4. Bruce St. James (#7K St James), 5. Nathan High (#97 High), 6. R.J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 7. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 8. Stephen Harms (#60 Harms), 9. Mark Morin (#28 Morin). NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Bob Ream Jr. (#8 BRAT), 2. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 3. Charles Davis Jr., (#50 Massey), 4. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 5. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 6. Jason Grady (#45 Grady), 7. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 8. Lealand Fuller (#3 Fuller), 9. Michael Dayney (#36D Dayney). NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Nick Aiuto (#27 Aiuto), 2. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex), 3. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau), 4. Tom Lee (#53 Lee), 5. Bryan Swinehart (#68 Beal), 6. Justin Quinn (#93 Quinn), 7. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 8. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 9. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson). NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. M. Bonneau, 2. Clark, 3. Davis, 4. Aiuto, 5. C. Bonneau, 6. Martin, 7. Deskins, 8. Sussex. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Quinn, 2. Wirth, 3. Curtis, 4. Fuller, 5. Dayney, 6. Morin, 7. Harms, 8. Grady, 9. Hosford, 10. High, 11. Danielson. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Mike Martin, 2. Stevie Sussex, 3. Charles Davis Jr., 4. Ronnie Clark, 5. Shon Deskins, 6. R.J. Johnson, 7. Bob Ream Jr., 8. Josh Pelkey, 9. Tom Ogle, 10. Chris Bonneau, 11. Justin Quinn, 12. Bryan Swinehart, 13. Nick Aiuto, 15. Jody Wirth, 16. Michael Curtis, 17. Lealand Fuller, 18. Tom Lee, 19. Bruce St. James, 20. Andy Reinbold, 21. Mike Bonneau, 22. Mark Morin. NT

----------------------------

**Danielson flipped during the third heat.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-12 M. Bonneau, Laps 13-30 Martin.

NEW SOUTHWEST SPRINT POINTS:

NEXT SOUTHWEST SPRINT RACE: April 27 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park

"KOKOMO GRAND PRIX" CANCELLED, FALLS VICTIM TO THE WEATHER!

Kokomo, IN......This weekend's "Kokomo Grand Prix" has been cancelled. Torrential rains and consequential flooding have conspired to force cancellation of the USAC and Powri Midget, USAC Midwest Ignite and Powri 600cc Outlaw Micro Series "tripleheaders" slated for Saturday and Sunday nights. at the third-mile dirt oval.

The facility has been inundated with water, rendering the buildings, pits and parking not conducive to hosting the event.

"We hate to pull the plug," the race organizer O'Connor family admits, "but we have absolutely no choice under the circumstances. We appreciate the effort extended by USAC, Powri and all other parties in trying to reschedule this event but the 2013 calendars simply do not offer any options, therefore we will direct our efforts toward 2014 to inaugurate this sensational racing concept."

USAC's next National event is the April 20 "Don Branson-Jud Larson Classic" AMSOIL Sprint race at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

USAC ADDS CHAD McDANIEL MEMORIAL TO MIDGET SKED; MILWAUKEE DATE REMOVED, PIKES PEAK TICKETS ON SALE

One brand new date has been added to the 2013 USAC racing calendar while another has been removed.

The 4th “Chad McDaniel Memorial” Midget race at Solomon Valley Raceway in Beloit, Kans. joins the USAC National Dirt Midget calendar on Tuesday night, July 30. The Beloit Midget race joins a week of activity filled with USAC National Midget racing, preceding the August 1-3 “Belleville Midget Nationals” at the half-mile North Central Kansas Free Fair oval.

The July 7 Traxxas USAC Silver Crown race at the Milwaukee (Wisc.) Mile has been removed due to scheduling conflicts at the facility. Tickets for the June 29 “Rocky Mountain Classic” Traxxas Silver Crown race at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo. are now on sale and can be ordered through http://pikespeakjune29th.eventbrite.com.

The race at the quarter-mile dirt Beloit oval honors the memory of the late Concordia, Kansas driver who lost his life while competing in a 2009 USAC National Midget race at Knoxville, Iowa.

The race will be the first for USAC at the Beloit oval, where past “Chad McDaniel Memorial” winners have included Brad Kuhn (2010) and Scott Hatton (2012). Rain forced the 2011 cancellation.

KOKOMO GRAND PRIX CHANGES TO SATURDAY, SUNDAY!

KOKOMO, Ind. (April 10, 2013)--The “Kokomo Grand Prix” has been switched to Saturday and Sunday at the Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway.

Track, USAC and POWRi officials have agreed to move the two-night USAC/POWRi National Midget event back one day to create a more acceptable weather scenario, based on expected heavy rains and cold temperatures on Thursday and Friday nights. Rain is forecast for 100 percent Thursday and the night-time temperatures Thursday and Friday are projected near freezing, while Saturday and Sunday temperatures are expected to rise.

“We want to create the most enjoyable experience for our participants and race fans,” say the O’Connor Family, Kokomo’s race organizers, who felt announcing this at the earliest possible moment would provide the ample time for all to adjust their calendars.

The USAC Mopar Dirt Midgets and POWRi Lucas Oil National Midgets, USAC Midwest Dirt Ignite Midgets and POWRi Speedway Motors 600cc Outlaw Micros will share the two-night “tripleheader” at the one-third mile dirt oval.

Times for Saturday remain as originally announced, with pit gates open at 2 p.m., spectator gates at 4 and practice at 6, while Sunday’s timetable will be announced soon.

Saturday’s Midget feature will be a 30-lapper, while a 40-lapper caps Sunday’s Midget action.

TULARE HOSTS USAC WEST COAST SPRINTS THIS SATURDAY
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – APRIL 10, 2013... This Saturday, April 13th, the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will make their third of five appearances at Tulare’s Thunderbowl Raceway. The lightning fast 1/3-mile clay oval will also showcase the winged Rebel Cup 360 Sprints and popular IMCA Modifieds. The Front Gates will open at 5:00pm, Hotlaps is 6:00pm followed by time trials, and Racing is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm.

Since March 2010, fourteen USAC West Coast Sprint Car races have been held at Thunderbowl Raceway. With four main event wins, Bud Kaeding has enjoyed the most success and can claim the point lead with a victory on Saturday. Dean Alexander, Craig Stidham, Richard Vander Weerd, Peter Murphy, Ryan Bernal, and Kyle Larson have also scored feature wins at Tulare.

Hollister’s Ryan Bernal holds a fourteen point advantage heading into Saturday’s action. Driving Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal swept Tulare’s March doubleheader and was second at Bakersfield on March 23rd. To date, the former Rookie of the Year has two heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, five top-5 finishes, and 39 feature laps led. Ryan will be one of the favorites to watch on Saturday.

Bud Kaeding of Campbell is second in the championship standings. Racing Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Kaeding scored third in the Bakersfield main event. The 3-time USAC Silver Crown Champion has two heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, and five top-10 finishes on the year. Bud will be looking to claim his first victory of the season at Thunderbowl Raceway.

Sitting third in the point chase is Visalia’s Jace Vander Weerd. Driving the family owned #88 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the former USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year was fourth in his first Bakersfield start. With one heat race victory and three top-5 finishes on the season, Vander Weerd will have his sights on adding a Tulare feature win to his resume.

After claiming the Bakersfield victory, Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia is fourth in the standings. Piloting the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard has one heat race victory, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, two hard charger awards, four top-5 finishes, and 29 feature laps led. Vander Weed will be looking for his second Tulare USAC West Coast feature win on Saturday.

Tipton's "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. is fifth in the point standings. Driving his #17V Johnston Calf Pens / DeBoer & Sons Trucking Spike, "Hollywood" rebounded to claim seventh in the Bakersfield main event. To date, Faria has one heat race victory, three top-10 finishes, and one feature lap led on the season. With veteran Crew Chief Vinnie Lattner, Danny will have his sights a Tulare win and making a bid for the championship.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are "The Rickster" Ricky Kirkbride, “The Bakersfield Bullet” Rusty Carlile, Markus Niemela, Austin Liggett, Rookie Contender Landon Hurst, Jonathan Logan, "The Wild Child" Chris Ennis, Marty Hawkins, Andy Ferris, Jeff Sibley, Matt Day, and many more.

Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets. Advance tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the track office at (559) 688-0909. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.tularethunderbowl.com.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, Rugged Radios, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series in 2013, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

For more information on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/#!/pages/USAC-West-Coast-Sprint-Car-Series/369549755817).
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USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1. Ryan Bernal-198; 2. Bud Kaeding-185; 3. Jace Vander Weerd-169; 4. Richard Vander Weerd-166; 5. Danny Faria Jr.-163; 6. Ricky Kirkbride-127; 7. Rusty Carlile-118; 8. Markus Niemela-117; 9. Austin Liggett-114; 10. Landon Hurst-113; 11. Jonathan Logan-107; 12. Chris Ennis-101; 13. Brody Roa-97; 14. Marty Hawkins-79; 15. Andy Ferris-76; 16. Jeff Sibley-69; 17. Matt Day-65; 18. Jim Richardson-61; Kevin Barnes-61; 20. Joe Stornetta-39.

2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
April 13: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 20: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 27: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
May 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Billet Cup)
June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 22: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)
September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)
September 21: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (John Anthony Sharp Memorial)
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

RONNIE GARDNER WINS “BATTLE AT THE BEACH” AT VENTURA

by Lance Jennings

VENTURA, CA – APRIL 8, 2013... Taking the lead from Jake Swanson on lap nineteen, Norco’s Ronnie Gardner of Norco won Saturday’s “Battle at the Beach” at Ventura Raceway. The 30-lap VRA co-sanctioned victory marked Gardner’s first career USAC Western Midget Series triumph as the group heads to the Madera pavement on May 4th. Swanson, Johnathon Henry, David Prickett, and Kody Swanson followed Gardner to the checkered flags.

Driving Mitchell Johnson’s #68 Baldozier Racing / Esslinger Engineering Stewart, Ronnie Gardner left Ventura with both the overall and dirt series point lead. The 2011 Most Improved Driver with USAC/CRA ran second in his heat race, with three top-five finishes and 18 feature laps led to his credit. During the break in the schedule, Gardner might return to USAC/CRA Sprint Car action.

After running a strong race, Jake Swanson of Anaheim had to settle for second at Ventura. Racing the family owned #05 Honda Racing / Goodwine Glass Stealth, Swanson won the night’s second 8-lap heat race and is second in both the overall and dirt series points. Last year’s USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year will be looking for his first USAC dirt midget win at Santa Maria on May 11th.

Stockton’s Johnathon Henry claimed third in the “Battle at the Beach” after starting sixth. Piloting the Ken Graunstadt owned #88 Ellis, Henry placed third in his heat race and is tied for sixteenth in both the overall and dirt standings. With one top-five finish on the year, the hard charging driver will have his sights on the May 11th victory at Santa Maria Speedway.

David Prickett of Fresno came home fourth at the checkered flags. Driving his Neverlift Motorsports’ #15 Motorsports’ #15 Crysalli Water / Mt. Rose Cocktail Mixes Spike, Prickett won the night’s first 8-lap heat race. Currently fourth in the overall and third in the dirt points, the veteran driver will be looking to breakthrough with a Santa Maria victory.

Fresno’s Kody Swanson scored fifth in the 30-lap main event. Racing the Neverlift Motorsports’ #55X Crysalli Water / Mt. Rose Cocktail Mixes Spike, Swanson claimed second in his heat race. To date, the March 23rd feature winner at Madera sits third in the overall points and fifth in the dirt standings. Kody will have his sights on claiming another Madera Speedway victory on May 4th.

Shannon McQueen of Tehachapi earned the night's "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a seventh place run after starting fifteenth. Driving the McQueen Racing #7 Lucas Oil / Simpson Race Products Spike, last year’s champion scored fifth in her heat race. Currently tenth in both the overall and dirt championship points, Shannon will compete with BCRA during the break in the schedule.

Piloting Calvin Martens’ #11 Woodworks Unlimited / Ryno Fabrication TCR, Ojai’s Troy Rutherford won the program’s third 8-lap heat race. Claiming twelfth in the main event, the former VRA Sprint Car Champion will be looking to rebound with a Santa Maria victory on May 11th.

The USAC Western Midget Series will be back in action on Saturday, May 4th at Kenny Shephard’s Madera Speedway. Co-sanctioned with the BCRA Midget Series, the “Vukovich Classic” will also feature Super Modifieds vs. Winged Sprints, NCMA Sprint Cars, Vintage Super Modifieds, Valley Sportsman, and BCRA Vintage Cars. For more event and ticket information, visit www.racemadera.com or call 559.673.RACE.

The USAC Western Midget Series would like to thank Amsoil, Hoosier Tire, Rugged Radios, and Western Performance Parts for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets). -------------------------------------------------------------- USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS (Co-sanctioned by VRA): April 6, 2013 – Ventura, California – Ventura Raceway – “Battle at the Beach”

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. David Prickett (#15 Neverlift), 2. Kody Swanson (#55x Neverlift), 3. Johnathon Henry (#88 Graunstadt), 4. Kyle Edwards (#39 Edwards), 5. Randi Pankratz (#8 Pankratz), 6. Steve Davis (#2D Davis). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jake Swanson (#05 Swanson), 2. Ronnie Gardner (#68 Johnson), 3. Sean Dodenhoff (#9d Dodenhoff), 4. Kyle Smith (#55 Smith), 5. Shannon McQueen (#7 McQueen), 6. Jimmy Voitel (#21 Voitel). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Troy Rutherford (#11 Martens), 2. Cody Swanson (#71 Swanson), 3. Danny Ebberts (#5x Van Dyne), 4. Jim Donley (#89k Kruseman), 5. Kyle Cline (#2 Cline), 6. Terry Nichols (#45 Neverlift). NT

FEATURE: (30 laps – With Starting Positions) 1. Ronnie Gardner (2nd), 2. Jake Swanson (3rd), 3. Johnathon Henry (6th), 4. David Prickett (1st), 5. Kody Swanson (5th), 6. Sean Dodenhoff (8th), 7. Shannon McQueen (15th), 8. Danny Ebberts (9th), 9. Kyle Edwards (11th), 10. Jim Donley (10th), 11. Terry Nichols (18th), 12. Troy Rutherford (4th), 13. Kyle Smith (13th), 14. Randi Pankratz (14th), 15. Cody Swanson (7th), 16. Jimmy Voitel (17th), 17. Kyle Cline (12th), 18. Steve Davis (16th). NT ---------------------------- FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-18 Jake Swanson, Laps 19-30 Ronnie Gardner. HARD CHARGER: Shannon McQueen (15th to 7th)

USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS: 1. Ronnie Gardner-217; 2. Jake Swanson-215; 3. Kody Swanson-212; 4. David Prickett-177; 5. Bryan Clauson-143; 6. Scott Pierovich-138; 7. Rico Abreu-128; 8. Christopher Bell-125; 9. Cody Swanson-98; 10. Shannon McQueen-91; 11. Trey Marcham-90; 12. Tanner Thorson-72; 13. Dillon Welch-71; 14. Kyle Edwards-65; 15. Ryan Bernal-63; 16. Riley Emmel-61; --. Johnathon Henry-61; 18. Frankie Guerrini-59; 19. Randi Pankratz-57; 20. Rick Shuman-54.

USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS: 1. Ronnie Gardner-217; 2. Jake Swanson-215; 3. David Prickett-177; 4. Bryan Clauson-143; 5. Kody Swanson-140; 6. Scott Pierovich-138; 7. Rico Abreu-128; 8. Christopher Bell-125; 9. Cody Swanson-98; 10. Shannon McQueen-91; 11. Trey Marcham-90; 12. Tanner Thorson-72; 13. Dillon Welch-71; 14. Kyle Edwards-65; 15. Ryan Bernal-63; 16. Riley Emmel-61; --. Johnathon Henry-61; 18. Randi Pankratz-57; 19. Rick Shuman-54; 20. Terry Goodwin-50; --. Terry Nichols-50.

MIDWEST IGNITES PART OF KOKOMO’S “GRAND PRIX” DAWSON WINS AGAIN AT THE LVMS BULLRING

Bryant Dawson, USAC’s 2012 Las Vegas Ignite Midget champion, is again the man to beat in the 2013 USAC Western Ignite Pavement Midgets.

Dawson will carry a 16-point lead into a May 18 race at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Bullring.

The Phoenix, Ariz. driver returned to the winner’s circle at the LVMS oval Saturday night, out-dueling Jarid Blondel in a 30-lap tussle. Six lead changes ended with Dawson leading the final three laps, with Blondel, Michael Fanelli, Christine Breckenridge and Shawn Buckley rounding out the “top-five.”

USAC’s Midwest Ignite Dirt Series debuts this week with Friday and Saturday night races as part of Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway’s inaugural “Kokomo Grand Prix,” which feature the USAC and Powri National Midgets. Ross Rankine earned USAC’s 2012 Midwest Ignite Dirt title.

2013 WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Bryant Dawson-147, 2-Michael Fanelli-131; 3-Jarid Blondel-130, 4-Shawn Buckley-117, 5-Christine Breckenridge-113, 6-Marina Turner-92, 7-George Blacker-89, 8-Marc Jessop-53, 9-Ariel Biggs-47, 10-Tom Tombarello-40.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Bryant Dawson-147, 2-Michael Fanelli-131; 3-Jarid Blondel-130, 4-Shawn Buckley-117, 5-Christine Breckenridge-113, 6-Marina Turner-92, 7-George Blacker-89, 8-Marc Jessop-53, 9-Ariel Biggs-47, 10-Tom Tombarello-40.

“BRANSON/LARSON SPRINTS AT ELDORA APRIL 20; THOMAS GRABS 30-LAP LAWRENCEBURG THRILLER

Chase Stockon of Sullivan, Ind. earned his initial AMSOIL USAC National Sprint victories last year and carries the series point lead into the April 20 “Don Branson/Jud Larson Classic” at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

Stockon finished second to Kevin Thomas Jr. in last Saturday’s 30-lap feature at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway and stands eight points ahead of Hunter Schuerenberg in the new standings. Schuerenberg was fourth at “The Burg.”

Stockon posted a pair of fourths and an eighth in three 2012 Eldora starts on his way to last year’s USAC “Most Improved Driver” honors.

Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind., who ranks fifth in the standings despite his disappointing 12th-place Lawrenceburg finish, hopes to resume his pursuit of Tom Bigelow in the battle for all-time supremacy in the series. Bigelow amassed 52 total wins during his career, while Hines’ two this year have him at 45, just one behind second-ranking Jack Hewitt, who won 46.

Thomas, following his spectacular last-lap Lawrenceburg victory, hopes to improve in his 2012 Eldora performance which produced two 20th-place finishes and a 21st. In 2012 Thomas recorded his first USAC victory in the “Indiana Sprint Week” feature at Bloomington, Ind.

Thomas emerged from a three-way battle for the lead exiting the final turn of Saturday’s race to win the 30-lapper in his Mike Dutcher-RW-Tri-Star Motorsports Rotondo Weirich/Black Jack Oil Maxim/Fisher. Stockon, who led nine laps of the race, held on for second ahead of Brady Bacon, Schuerenberg and Bryan Clauson. Coleman Gulick paced 20 laps of the race but slipped to sixth at the finish.

2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Point Standings: 1-Chase Stockon-247, 2-Hunter Schuerenberg-239, 3-Bryan Clauson-230, 4-Brady Bacon-228, 5-Tracy Hines-216, 6-Dave Darland-200, 7-Kevin Thomas Jr.-185, 8-Ballou-163, 9-Tyler Courtney-133, 10-C.J. Leary-131.

WESTERN MIDGETS AT MADERA MAY 4; GARDNER GETS 1ST USAC WIN IN VENTURA USAC/VRA MIDGETS

Ronnie Gardner of Norco, Calif. stands atop the standings in the USAC Western Midget and Dirt standings after recording his initial USAC feature victory in the 30-lap USAC/VRA main event Saturday night at Ventura (Calif.) Raceway.

The Western Dirt Midgets resume action May 11 at the Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway, while the Western Pavement Midgets are set to return to the Madera (Calif.) Speedway May 4.

Gardner led the final 12 laps of Saturday’s “Battle at the Beach” at Ventura after passing Jake Swanson on lap 19. Swanson took second behind Gardner’s Mitchell Johnson Frank Baldozier Racing/Schroeder Engineering Stewart/Esslinger. Swanson led the first 18 laps of the race and was trailed in the “top-five” at the finish by Johnathon Henry, David Prickett and Kody Swanson.

Gardner’s lead over Jake Swanson is two points as the dirt series prepares for its May Santa Maria date.

2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINTS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-217, 2-Jake Swanson-215, 3-Kody Swanson-212, 4-David Prickett-177, 5-Bryan Clauson-143, 6-Scott Pierovich-138, 7-Rico Abreu-128, 8-Christopher Bell-125, 9-Cody Swanson-98, 10-Shannon McQueen-91.

2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Ronnie Gardner-217, 2-Jake Swanson-215, 3-David Prickett-177, 4-Bryan Clauson-143, 5-Kody Swanson-140, 6-Scott Pierovich-138, 7-Rico Abreu-128, 8-Christopher Bell-125, 9-Cody Swanson-98, 10-Shannon McQueen-91.

CRA SPRINTS HEAD FOR YUMA APRIL 19-20; FAAS, GARDNER TEAM 1-2 IN PAS 30-LAPPER

Nic Faas and Damion Gardner will lead the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint cars to Cocopah Speedway in Yuma, Arizona for back-to-back races April 19-20. The two Mark Alexander team drivers completed a 1-2 “sweep” of last Saturday night’s 30-lap feature at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway and Faas emerged with a four-point lead over the 2005 champion.

Faas trailed David Cardey for the first 28 laps in the “Power of Purple Night” race at the half-mile dirt oval, then took the lead exiting turn four on the white flag lap in his Scott Sales Company/CSI Shocks Spike/J & D. Trailing the Huntington Beach, Calif. driver at the finish were Gardner, Cardey, who ran short on fuel in the closing laps, Ryan Bernal and Cody Williams.

The Cocopah races will be the second for AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprints at the 3/8-mile dirt track. Brody Roa won last year’s debut.

Saturday’s win was Faas’ seventh in series competition. Gardner holds the all-time lead with 41, compared to Cory Kruseman’s 34. Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif., seeking a record sixth consecutive USAC/CRA title this year, has 33 career wins and finished sixth in Saturday’s Perris feature after posting the fastest qualifying time.

INAUGURAL “KOKOMO GRAND PRIX” FRIDAY & SATURDAY

This weekend’s inaugural USAC/Powri “Kokomo Grand Prix” at the Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway is expected to generate a battle for the early USAC National Dirt Midget point lead. The 3/8-mile dirt oval hosts complete racing programs Friday and Saturday which also feature the USAC Midwest Ignite Midgets and Powri 600cc Outlaw Micro Series.

The events kick off the 2013 USAC National Midget Dirt campaign after the USAC National Pavement campaign opened at New Smyrna Beach, Fla. in February.

Defending USAC National Midget Champion Darren Hagen of Riverside, Calif. finished sixth in last year’s Indiana Midget Week feature at Kokomo and faces a formidable field at Kokomo which will include 2012 Powri Midget Champ Andrew Felker.

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. will seek his 10th and 11th USAC feature event victories on the season in the Kokomo races. His nine wins so far are two months ahead of J.J. Yeley’s record of nine wins in 2003, which he achieved in June on his way to an all-time USAC victory record of 24 for the year. Clauson returns this year to the familiar #39 Tucker/BCI/Curb Agajanian entry.

A 30-lap feature will complete Friday night’s program, while a 40-lapper is on tap Saturday.

USAC Midget racing at the Kokomo oval, which underwent reconfiguration several years ago, dates back to USAC’s debut season with Forrest Parker winning a 100-lapper in 1956. A total of 69 USAC Midget races have been conducted there with Rich Vogler scoring seven wins and Mel Kenyon six.

Dave Darland, who trails Tracy Hines by just three wins in their battle for the all-time USAC lead in terms of “active” drivers, owns the Kokomo Midget track record of 13.149 second, set in 2010.

USAC WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

April 6, 2013 – Las Vegas Nevada – Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Jarid Blondel, 98, Blondel-15.300; 2. Bryant Dawson, 99, Dawson-15.392; 3. Christine Breckenridge, 26, Breckenridge-15.602; 4. Michael Fanelli, 19, Fanelli-15.630; 5. George Blacker, 9, Blacker-15.833; 6. Cody Jessop, 9, Jessop-15.877; 7. Shawn Buckley, 7, Buckley-15.905; 8. Marina Turner, 98T, Turner-15.986; 9. Tom Tombarello, 98, Tombarello-16.353; 10. Ariel Biggs, 11E, Biggs-16.467.

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Dawson, 2. Blondel, 3. Breckenridge, 4. Fanelli, 5. Blacker. 2:40.53

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Buckley, 2. Jessop, 3. Turner, 4. Biggs, 5. Tombarello. 2:11.47

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Bryant Dawson, 2. Jarid Blondel, 3. Michael Fanelli, 4. Christine Breckenridge, 5. Shawn Buckley, 6. Cody Jessop, 7. Ariel Biggs, 8. Marina Turner, 9. Tom Tombarello, 10. George Blacker. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-4 Dawson, Laps 5-10 Blondel, Lap 11 Dawson, Laps 12-17 Blondel, Lap 18 Dawson, Laps 19-27 Blondel, Laps 28-30 Dawson.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Dawson-147, 2-Fanelli-131; 3-Blondel-130, 4-Buckley-117, 5-Breckenridge-113, 6-Turner-92, 7-Blacker-89, 8-Jessop-53, 9-Biggs-47, 10-Tombarello-40. NEW WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Dawson-147, 2-Fanelli-131; 3-Blondel-130, 4-Buckley-117, 5-Breckenridge-113, 6-Turner-92, 7-Blacker-89, 8-Jessop-53, 9-Biggs-47, 10-Tombarello-40.

NEXT WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET RACE: May 18 – Las Vegas (NV) Motor Speedway Bullring

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 6, 2013 – Perris, California – Perris Auto Speedway – “Power of Purple Night”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-16.095; 2. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-16.256; 3. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.276; 4. Damion Gardner, 4a, Alexander-16.314; 5. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-16.382; 6. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-16.399; 7. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-16.423; 8. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.429; 9. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-16.534; 10. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.572; 11. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-16.666; 12. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.673; 13. Greg Alexander, 72, Ford-16.709; 14. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.731; 15. John Aden, 7a, Aden-16.742; 16. Mike Martin, 16B, Martin-16.776; 17. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-16.835; 18. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.876; 19. Seth Wilson, 1x, Wilson-16.899; 20. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-16.994; 21. A.J. Bender, 21, Bender-17.068; 22. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-17.089; 23. Billy Blinn, 26, Blinn-17.254; 24. Kenny Perkins, 0k, Perkins-17.275; 25. Cal Smith, 39, CalSun-17.403; 26. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-17.536; 27. Corey Ballard, 20, Ballard-17.553; 28. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-17.595; 29. Austin Smith, 14, Springstead-17.841; 30. Matt Stewart, 27, Stewart-17.884; 31. Mike Collins, 04, Collins-17.890; 32. Royal Adderson, 40, Adderson-18.004; 33. Brandon Thomosn, 12x, Blair-18.075; 34. Gary Potter, 6, Potter-18.113; 35. Jerry Welton, 62, Welton-18.292; 36. J.J. Ercse, 36, Springstead-NT; 37. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Spencer, 2. R.Williams, 3. Bezio, 4. Alexander, 5. Gaunt, 6. A.Smith, 7. C.Smith, 8. Bender. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Johnson, 2. C.Williams, 3. A.Williams, 4. Bernal, 5. J.Vander Weerd, 6. Roa, 7. Sibley, 8. Potter, 9. Stewart. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Faas, 2. Mitchell, 3. Niemela, 4. Kaeding, 5. Blinn, 6. Ballard, 7. Aden, 8. Welton. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. D.Gardner, 2. Cardey, 3. Wilson, 4. J.Vander Weerd, 5. Perkins, 6. Martin, 7. Everhart, 8. Adderson. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Gaunt, 2. Aden, 3. Roa, 4. Perkins, 5. Bender (#12), 6. Everhart, 7. A.Smith, 8. J.Vander Weerd, 9. Thomson, 10. C.Smith, 11. Blinn, 12. Sibley, 13. Potter, 14. Welton, 15. Adderson, 16. Martin, 17. Ballard. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Nic Faas, 2. Damion Gardner, 3. David Cardey, 4. Ryan Bernal, 5. Cody Williams, 6. Mike Spencer, 7. Brody Roa, 8. Austin Williams, 9. Bud Kaeding, 10. Seth Wilson, 11. Mike Martin, 12. A.J. Bender, 13. Rickie Gaunt, 14. Richard Vander Weerd, 15. Markus Niemela, 16. Matt Mitchell, 17. R.J. Johnson, 18. Tony Everhart, 19. Greg Alexander, 20. David Bezio, 21. Kenny Perkins, 22. John Aden, 23. Rip Williams. NT ---------------------------- **Adderson flipped during the semi. Martin flipped during the semi. R.Williams flipped during the feature. Aden flipped during the feature. Alexander flipped during the feature. Wilson flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-28 Cardey, Laps 29-30 Faas.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Faas-259, 2-D.Gardner-255, 3-Bryan Clauson-210, 4-Kaeding-187, 5-Bernal-181, 6-Gaunt-167, 7-C.Williams-166, 8-Spencer-163, 9-Johnson-154, 10-Roa-148.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: April 19, 2013 – Yuma, AZ – Cocopah Speedway

USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS (Co-sanctioned by VRA):

April 6, 2013 – Ventura, California – Ventura Raceway – “Battle at the Beach”

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Troy Rutherford (#11 Martens), 2. Cody Swanson (#71 Swanson), 3. Danny Ebberts (#5x VanDyne), 4. Jim Donley (#89k Kruseman), 5. Kyle Cline (#2 Cline), 6. Terry Nichols (#45 Neverlift). NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Ronnie Gardner, 2. Jake Swanson, 3. Johnathon Henry, 4. David Prickett, 5. Kody Swanson, 6. Sean Dodenhoff, 7. Shannon McQueen, 8. Danny Ebberts, 9. Kyle Edwards, 10. Jim Donley, 11. Terry Nichols, 12. Troy Rutherford, 13. Kyle Smith, 14. Randi Pankratz, 15. Cody Swanson, 16. Jimmy Voitel, 17. Kyle Cline, 18. Steve Davis. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-18 J.Swanson, Laps 19-30 Gardner.

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Gardner-217, 2-J.Swanson-215, 3-K.Swanson-212, 4-Prickett-177, 5-Bryan Clauson-143, 6-Scott Pierovich-138, 7-Rico Abreu-128, 8-Christopher Bell-125, 9-C.Swanson-98, 10-McQueen-91.

NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET RACE (Paved): May 4, 2013 – Madera (CA) Speedway NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE: May 11, 2013 – Santa Maria (CA) Speedway

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

April 6, 2013 – Lawrenceburg, Indiana – Lawrenceburg Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-13.966; 2. Thomas Meseraull, 17, McGhee-13.978; 3. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-14.015; 4. Jerry Coons Jr., 10E, Edison-14.099; 5. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-14.130; 6. Dave Darland, 71P, Phillips-14.209;7. Coleman Gulick, 14, Gulick-14.215; 8. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-14.248; 9. Chris Windom, 21x, Pollock-14.257; 10. Logan Jarrett, 29, Jarrett-14.280; 11. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 17RW, Dutcher/RW/TriStar-14.285; 12. Brady Bacon, 69, Dynamics-14.337; 13. Bryan Clauson, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-14.347; 14. Ted Hines, 12, Hines-14.381; 15. Landon Simon, 41, SST-14.415; 16. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney-14.498; 17. Kyle Robbins, 17R, Dutcher/RW/Tri-Star-14.549; 18. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-14.602; 19. Justin Grant, 11, Walker-14.608; 20. Christopher Bell, 67, Kunz-14.637; 21. Nick Drake, 55, Cline-14.741; 22. Dallas Hewitt, 2m, Marshall-14.746; 23. Matt Westfall, 54, Best Performance-14.756; 24. Robert Ballou, 5, Baldwin-14.761; 25. Scotty Weir, 18, Keen-14.777; 26. Dakota Jackson, 3, Jackson-14.865; 27. David Applegate, 11x, Applegate-14.925; 28. Joss Moffatt, 5J, Moffatt-14.967; 29. Drew Abel, 04, Abel-15.033; 30. Pat Giddens, 2G, Giddens-15.156; 31. Gary Taylor, 40, Hery-15.255; 32. Derek Hastings, 32m, Marshall-15.375; 33. Mike Weber, 22w, Weber-15.527; 34. Cody Gardner, 46, Gardner-15.748; 35. Travis Hery, 21H, Hery-15.942; 36. Anthony Nicholson, 16, Nicholson-15.957; 37. Adam Cruea, 83, Cruea-16.214; 38. John Race, 42, Race-16.415; 39. Justin Owen, 26, Owen-NT (time of 14.965 disallowed); 40. Logan Hupp, 9H, Hupp-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Drake, 2. Clauson, 3. Tracy Hines, 4. Robbins, 5. Windom, 6. Cottle, 7. Weir, 8. Abel, 9. Cruea, 10. Weber. 2:01.32

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Darland, 2. Meseraull, 3. Leary, 4. Ted Hines, 5. Jarrett, 6. Hewitt, 7. Jackson, 8. Giddens, 9. Gardner, 10. Race. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Stockon, 2. Thomas, 3. Gulick, 4. Simon, 5. Grant, 6. Taylor, 7. Westfall, 8. Hery, 9. Applegate. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ballou, 2. Bacon, 3. Schuerenberg, 4. Bell, 5. Hupp, 6. Coons, 7. Moffatt, 8. Courtney, 9. Hastings, 10. Nicholson. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Cottle, 2. Grant, 3. Coons, 4. Windom, 5. Westfall, 6. Hupp, 7. Hewitt, 8. Courtney, 9. Hastings, 10. Nicholson, 11. Jackson, 12. Giddens, 13. Abel, 14. Hery, 15. Weir, 16. Gardner, 17. Applegate, 18. Taylor, 19. Moffatt, 20. Cruea, 21. Race, 22. Jarrett, 23. Weber. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Kevin Thomas Jr., 2. Chase Stockon, 3. Brady Bacon, 4. Hunter Schuerenberg, 5. Bryan Clauson, 6. Coleman Gulick, 7. Thomas Meseraull, 8. Shane Cottle, 9. Landon Simon, 10. Jerry Coons Jr., 11. Dave Darland, 12. Tracy Hines, 13. Justin Grant, 14. Tyler Courtney, 15. Logan Hupp, 16. Ted Hines, 17. Nick Drake, 18. Kyle Robbins, 19. Christopher Bell, 20. Robert Ballou, 21. C.J. Leary, 22. Matt Westfall, 23. Chris Windom. NT ---------------------------- **Windom flipped on lap 8 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-11 Gulick, Lap 12 Stockon, Laps 13-21 Gulick, Laps 22-29 Stockon, Lap 30 Thomas.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Stockon-247, 2-Schuerenberg-239, 3-Clauson-230, 4-Bacon-228, 5-Hines-216, 6-Ballou-200, 7-Thomas-185, 8-Ballou-163, 9-Courtney-134, 10-Leary-131.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: April 20 – Rossburg, OH – Eldora Speedway – “Don Branson/Jud Larson Classic”

SATURDAY’S “BATTLE AT THE BEACH” INFORMATION
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – APRIL 5, 2013... When the USAC Western and VRA Midgets clash this Saturday at Ventura Raceway, the “Battle at the Beach” winner will take home $1,500. The first of four events sponsored by Automotive Racing Products will also feature Dwarf Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mod Lites, Focus Midgets, Go-Karts, and Quads. The Pit Gates will open at Noon, the Front Gates will open at 3:00pm, with Racing set for 5:30pm at "The Best Little Dirt Track In America."

Competitors must run the approved track mufflers:
A. Schoenfeld, 1. Part #14272735
B. Extreme Muffler, 1. Part #3512-3030, 2. Part #3512-3030SS
3. Both mufflers must be used in conjunction with insert 2312-30
D. Coast Fabrication
1. Part #300x625x17-2xVRA, 2. Part #400x625x17-2sVRA

In addition, Saturday’s purse at Ventura will be based on car count.

“BATTLE AT THE BEACH” PURSE: (20 CARS OR MORE)
1. $1,500; 2. $600; 3. $450; 4. $400; 5. $300; 6. $275; 7. $250; 8. $225; 9. $200; 10. $175; 11. $175; 12. $175; 13. $175; 14. $175; 15. $175; 16. $175; 17. $175; 18. $175; 19. $175; 20. $175. Total: $6,125. Non-Qual 1-4: $50. Non-Qual 5-Back: $25.

“BATTLE AT THE BEACH” PURSE: (19 CARS OR LESS)
1. $1,500; 2. $600; 3. $425; 4. $350; 5. $300; 6. $250; 7. $210; 8. $185; 9. $165; 10. $160; 11. $155; 12. $150; 13. $150; 14. $150; 15. $150; 16. $150; 17. $150; 18. $150; 19. $150; 20. $150. Total $5,650.

Among the drivers expected to be in action are Kody Swanson, Ronnie Gardner, Jake Swanson, Scott Pierovich, Trey Marcham, Cody Swanson, Nick Chivello, Shannon McQueen, Troy Rutherford, Robby Josett, Randi Pankratz, Jimmy Voitel, and many more.

Ventura Raceway is located at 10 West Harbor Blvd in Ventura, California. Adult tickets are $15, Seniors, Military, and Student tickets (with ID) are $11, and Children’s tickets (12 and under) are FREE. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.venturaraceway.com or call (805) 648-RACE.

The USAC Western Midget Series would like to thank Amsoil, Hoosier Tire, McQueen Racing, Rugged Radios, and Western Performance Parts for their support. For more information on the group, visit www.usacracing.com or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets).
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USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS:
1. Kody Swanson-157; 2. Ronnie Gardner-150; 3. Jake Swanson-150; 4. Bryan Clauson-143; 5. Scott Pierovich-138; 6. Rico Abreu-128; 7. Christopher Bell-125; 8. David Prickett-118; 9. Trey Marcham-90; 10. Tanner Thorson-72; 11. Dillon Welch-71; 12. Cody Swanson-68; 13. Ryan Bernal-63; 14. Riley Emmel-61; 15. Frankie Guerrini-59; 16. Rick Shuman-54; 17. Terry Goodwin-50; 18. Shannon McQueen-45; 19. Dan Gundo-43; 20. J.R. Williams-36.

USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET POINT STANDINGS:
1. Ronnie Gardner-150; 2. Jake Swanson-150; 3. Bryan Clauson-143; 4. Scott Pierovich-138; 5. Rico Abreu-128; 6. Christopher Bell-125; 7. David Prickett-118; 8. Trey Marcham-90; 9. Kody Swanson-85; 10. Tanner Thorson-72; 11. Dillon Welch-71; 12. Cody Swanson-68; 13. Ryan Bernal-63; 14. Riley Emmel-61; 15. Rick Shuman-54; 16. Terry Goodwin-50; 17. Shannon McQueen-45; 18. Tanner Swanson-33; 19. Alex Schutte-32; 20. Randi Pankratz-28.

2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
April 6: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle At The Beach)
May 4: **Madera Speedway - Madera, CA (Vukovich Classic)
May 11: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
May 18: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle At The Beach)
June 1: **Placerville Speedway - Placerville, CA
June 8: **Madera Speedway - Madera, CA (Al Pombo Classic)
June 15: **Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma, CA
June 22: Thunderbowl Speedway - Tulare, CA
June 29: Plaza Park Raceway - Visalia, CA
July 12: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA (Howard Kaeding Classic)
July 13: **Madera Speedway - Madera, CA (Gerhardt Classic)
July 20: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle At The Beach)
August 1: ***Belleville High Banks - Belleville, KS (Belleville Midget Nationals / Non-Points)
August 3: ***Belleville High Banks - Belleville, KS (Belleville Midget Nationals / Non-Points)
August 10: Madera Speedway - Madera, CA
August 31: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 5: **Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA (Gold Cup Race of Champions)
September 14: **Madera Speedway - Madera, CA (Harvest Classic)
September 21: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 28: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle At The Beach)
October 5: **Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma, CA (Soares Classic)
November 14: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 15: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 16: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 22: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
November 23: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
November 28: ***Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Turkey Night Grand Prix)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With VRA Midget Series.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With BCRA Midget Series.
*** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Midget Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR JUNE 1 USAC SILVER CROWN SERIES RETURN TO GATEWAY

One of the fastest tracks in “traditional” USAC Silver Crown history returns to the series June 1 when the TRAXXAS series returns to Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Ill.

Dave Steele’s 2001 Gateway record of 143.967 mph. is eclipsed only by Kody Swanson’s 146.212 mph at Iowa Speedway last year, discounting the “next-generation” cars which competed for several years.

The June 1 “Gateway 100” will mark the sixth appearance of the series at the 1.25-mile paved oval near St. Louis and the first event of any kind on the oval since the 2010 season. Previous Gateway Silver Crown races were won by Pat Abold (1997), J.J. Yeley (1998), Ryan Newman (1999), Tracy Hines (2000) and Steele (2001).

The race is round four of the 2012 TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Series and will be the second on pavement, following the May 18 USAC “Hall of Fame Classic” in Indianapolis, Ind.

“The Silver Crown series has a tremendous tradition in this region and we’re extremely excited to have them re-open the Superspeedway in this historic event,’ said Chris Blair, Gateway Motorsports Park Senior Vice-President. “The stars of USAC produced some incredible events here between 1997 and 2001 that were some of the most talked about in the long history of this incredible series.”

The Gateway 100 caps off a spectacular weekend of USAC national events in the St Louis Metro Area. On Friday, May 31, the USAC National Midget Series will compete at nearby Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill.

“Gateway is truly a driver’s track and this series is known for producing the stars of tomorrow,’ continued Blair. “Thanks to USAC and TRAXXAS, the excitement is building and the series is growing. This event could go down in the books as one of the greatest in the long history of asphalt champ car racing.”

Gateway Motorsports Park produces a tremendous challenge for drivers with it’s long straightaways, sweeping high banks through turns 1 and 2 and a tight configuration through turns 3 and 4. The cars will be capable of circling the track at over 180 miles per hour. It’s anticipated that all-time USAC speed records will be shattered.

In addition to the modern, high-speed marvels of the Silver Crown Series, the event will also feature historical racing from Can-Am Limited of St. Louis. The group will feature classic Indy cars on display and exhibition racing throughout the afternoon.

“The Gateway 100 will become a must attend event for race fans of all generations,” continued Blair. “We want the older fans to relive the glory of seeing former USAC champions such as Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman as they became champions behind the wheel of these beautiful machines. At the same time, we are working with the historical groups to provide younger fans with the opportunity to marvel at the machines from the past and see how the sport has evolved.”

Tickets are now on sale by calling the Gateway Motorsports Park ticket office at 618-215-8888 or by visiting www.gatewaymsp.com. Advance adult tickets are only $25 and kids 6-12 are just $5. All tickets are $5 more day of show. Children 5 and under are free.

“We look forward to our return to the St. Louis metro area,” adds USAC’s James Spink. The race at Gateway returns the series to one of the venues that contributed to its successful. “Gateway has always presented a unique challenge for our participants and coupled with out “Hut Hundred” at nearby Tri-City, race fans will surely target this weekend as a destination in 2013.”

EAST OPENS TITLE DEFENSE IN APRIL 28 “SUMAR CLASSIC” TIMETABLE HAS PRACTICE AT 3 AND THE FEATURE AT 6

Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Champion Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. is set to open defense of his 2012 title April 28 when the series returns to the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track, site of its 2012 season finale.

The “Sumar Classic” serves as the first of 10 rounds in this year’s series and continues a tradition dating back to 1995 when Donnie Beechler won the inaugural at the half-mile dirt oval.

East’s wire-to-wire victory in last year’s race contributed to the 12-point margin of victory he enjoyed over Jerry Coons Jr. at season’s end. He is expected to return at the wheel of the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing/Chevrolet Performance – Curb Records/Maxim/Kistler.

East is one of 11 drivers who have won the Terre Haute race. Beechler and Tony Elliott are two-time winners, while Kevin Thomas, Jack Hewitt, J.J. Yeley, Brian Tyler, Josh Wise, Bud Kaeding, Dave Darland and Levi Jones also are former winners.

Terre Haute’s rich history actually includes one other Silver Crown appearance. Gary Bettenhausen won the 1980 running before the race was christened the “Sumar Classic” 15 years later.

The April 28 schedule sees gates opening at noon, followed by the drivers meeting at 2:30 pm. Practice commences at 3, with heats for modified races at 4. Silver Crown qualifying starts at 4:30 and a modified feature is planned at 5. Pre-race begins at 5:45 and the 50-lap “Sumar Classic” feature is slated to get under way at 6 pm.

An interesting sideline will be the ongoing struggle for supremacy between Tony Stewart Racing and Six-6 Motorsports in their battle to become the winningest car owner in series history. Each has 27 victories to their credit.

East will team with Levi Jones in the Tony Stewart Racing/Curb-Agajanian entries while Brian Tyler will pilot the Six-R entry.

USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS CLASH AT PERRIS THIS SATURDAY
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA - APRIL 1, 2013... After a break in the schedule, the cars and stars of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will return to Perris Auto Speedway this Saturday, April 6th. "The Power of Purple Night" benefiting the City of Perris Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society will also feature the PAS Young Gun Sprints, PAS Senior Sprints and WRA Vintage Cars. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm, with racing at "America's Premier Dirt Track" to begin at 7:00pm.

After winning two out of the three races in the campaign, Noblesville, Indiana's Bryan Clauson sits atop the point standings. Piloting Mike Martin's #16B Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, Clauson also has two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, one heat race victory, three top-5 finishes, and 39 feature laps led. The USAC National Sprint Car Champion has returned to the Midwest and will miss Saturday's action at Perris.

"The Demon" Damion Gardner of Concord is tied for second in the championship points. Racing Mark Alexander's #4A Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Gardner ran second in the March 9th "Sokola Shootout" at Perris. As this writing goes to press, the 2005 Champion has three top-5 finishes on the year and will be looking for his series leading 42nd win on Saturday.

Gardner's teammate, Huntington Beach's Nic Faas is tied for second in the point chase. Driving Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Faas scored third in the "Sokola Shootout." The 1-lap track record holder at Perris has three top-5 finishes and 5 feature laps led on the season. On Saturday, Nic will have his sights on winning the 30-lap main event and taking over the points lead.

Sitting fourth in the point standings is Bud Kaeding of Campbell. Piloting Junior Bowman's #29 Ultimate Offroad / Buster & Ziggy Enterprises Bullet, Kaeding ran twelfth at Perris after starting seventeenth. In 2013, the 3-time Oval Nationals Champion has recorded two top-10 finishes and will be looking to score the $2,500 victory at Perris.

Torrance's "Super" Rickie Gaunt is fifth in the USAC/CRA points. Racing David Miller's #66 Tom Roberts Design / Barnes Systems Inc. Eagle, Gaunt was fourth in the "Sokola Shootout" after starting ninth. To date, the 2004 SCRA Champion has two top-10 finishes on the season and will be looking to claim the feature win at Perris Auto Speedway.

Among the other top contenders expected to be in action are R.J. Johnson, Ryan Bernal, "Cadillac" Cody Williams, 5-time Champion Mike Spencer, Austin Williams, Brody Roa, "The Ripper" Rip Williams, Matt Mitchell, Richard Vander Weerd, "Dynamite" David Cardey, "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman, Seth Wilson, Jace Vander Weerd, and many more.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series in 2013, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
April 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
April 19: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
April 20: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
May 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Don Flanders Classic)
May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)
June 14: **Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)
August 9: **Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)
October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC Western Midget Series

APPROVED MIDGET MUFFLERS FOR VENTURA'S "BATTLE AT THE BEACH" by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – APRIL 1, 2013... When the USAC Western and VRA Midgets clash this Saturday at Ventura, there is a list of approved track mufflers that are required:

A. Schoenfeld 1. Part #14272735 B. Extreme Muffler 1. Part #3512-3030 2. Part #3512-3030SS 3. Both mufflers must be used in conjunction with insert 2312-30 D. Coast Fabrication 1. Part #300x625x17-2xVRA 2. Part #400x625x17-2sVRA

The co-sanctioned "Battle at the Beach" will be also feature Dwarf Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mod Lites, Focus Midgets, Go-Karts, and Quads. The Pit Gates will open at Noon, the Front Gates will open at 3:00pm, with Racing set for 5:30pm at "The Best Little Dirt Track In America."

Kody Swanson, Ronnie Gardner, Jake Swanson, Scott Pierovich, Trey Marcham, Cody Swanson, Shannon McQueen, Troy Rutherford, Robby Josett, Randi Pankratz, Rick Hendrix, Jimmy Voitel, and many more drivers are expected to be in action.

The USAC Western Midget Series would like to thank Amsoil, Hoosier Tire, and Western Performance Parts for their support. For more information on the group, visit www.usacracing.com or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets). ----------------------------------------------- USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS: 1. Kody Swanson-157; 2. Ronnie Gardner-150; 3. Jake Swanson-150; 4. Bryan Clauson-143; 5. Scott Pierovich-138; 6. Rico Abreu-128; 7. Christopher Bell-125; 8. David Prickett-124; 9. Trey Marcham-90; 10. Tanner Thorson-72; 11. Dillon Welch-71; 12. Cody Swanson-68; 13. Riley Emmel-61; 14. Ryan Bernal-60; 15. Frankie Guerrini-59; 16. Rick Shuman-54; 17. Terry Goodwin-50; 18. Shannon McQueen-45; 19. Dan Gundo-43; 20. J.R. Williams-36.

USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET POINT STANDINGS: 1. Ronnie Gardner-150; 2. Jake Swanson-150; 3. Bryan Clauson-143; 4. Scott Pierovich-138; 5. Rico Abreu-128; 6. Christopher Bell-125; 7. David Prickett-124; 8. Trey Marcham-90; 9. Kody Swanson-85; 10. Tanner Thorson-72; 11. Dillon Welch-71; 12. Cody Swanson-68; 13. Riley Emmel-61; 14. Ryan Bernal-60; 15. Rick Shuman-54; 16. Terry Goodwin-50; 17. Shannon McQueen-45; 18. Tanner Swanson-33; 19. Alex Schutte-32; 20. Randi Pankratz-28.

4 ADDITIONAL USAC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES FINALIZED; BETTENHAUSEN, RUTHERFORD, HEWITT & BIGELOW GET NOD

Tony Bettenhausen, Tom Bigelow, Jack Hewitt and Johnny Rutherford emerged the winners in USAC’s recent social media poll to complete the 2013 list of inductees into the USAC Hall of Fame.

The four drivers received the most votes from a select list of 16 candidates and will join eight previously-announced inductees in the ceremony which accompanies USAC’s May 18 “Hall of Fame Classic” Traxxas Silver Crown Championship race at Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Ind.

Previously-announced inductees include Earl Baltes, Henry Banks, Pancho Carter, Al Unser, Bobby Unser, A.J. Watson, Don White, and Bob Wilke.

Tony Bettenhausen of Tinley Park, Ill. joins his son Gary, a 2012 USAC Hall of Fame inductee. The 1951 AAA and 1958 USAC National Driving Champion competed in 14 Indianapolis 500s and finished second to Bob Sweikert in 1955. He was also fourth in 1958 and 1959. Already a member of numerous motorsports Halls of Fame, Bettenhausen is a former winner of the prestigious “Turkey Night Grand Prix” and “Hut Hundred” Midget races. In 1961 he was fatally injured in a practice crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Tom Bigelow of Winchester, Ind. owns 81 career USAC National feature victories. The winningest driver in USAC Sprint car history has 52 total wins, plus 23 Midget wins and six in the Silver Crown cars. He won the 1978 USAC National Sprint car title and added the 1984 USAC National Midget crown and in 1982 was USAC’s Indianapolis Speedrome Midget king. A member of both the National Sprint Car and Midget Halls of Fame, he started nine Indianapolis 500s and finished sixth in 1977. In 1969 he emerged as the overall champion of the inaugural USAC Midget event at the Houston (Tex.) Astrodome.

Troy, Ohio’s Jack Hewitt is the winningest driver in USAC Silver Crown history, with 23 total victories to his credit. He also owns 46 USAC Sprint wins and seven in the Midgets. The 1986 and 1987 USAC Silver Crown driving champion achieved a life-long goal in 1998 by competing in the Indianapolis 500 where he finished 12th. In 1998 he achieved what many believe to be one of motorsports’ most incredible feats – a clean sweep of the “4-Crown Nationals” at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. His wins in USAC Silver Crown, USAC Sprint, USAC Midget and modified competition came with four different teams!

“Lone Star J.R.,” as Fort Worth, Tex. driver Johnny Rutherford is affectionately known, is a three-time Indianapolis 500 champion (1974, 1976 and 1980) and won USAC’s National Sprint Car title in 1965 and added the USAC Indy Car crown in 1980. A multiple Hall of Fame member, he also won three Indianapolis 500 poles and scored 20 Championship car wins and eight in USAC Sprints. In 1986 he added the Michigan 500 to his resume and he’s also a five-time IROC veteran. USAC’s 2000 Roger McCluskey Award winner has had heavy involvement as a driver coach and pace car driver for Indy Car events and in 1963 set a world qualifying record during NASCAR stock car competition at Daytona Beach, Fla. He followed that by winning his initial NASCAR start – a 100-miler at Daytona!

WESTERN MIDGETS PART OF VENTURA’S “BATTLE AT THE BEACH;” CODY SWANSON GETS 1ST MIDGET WIN AT BAKERSFIELD

Ronnie Gardner and Kody Swanson enter this Saturday night’s “Battle at the Beach” at the Ventura (Calif.) Raceway as 2013 USAC Western Midget point leaders. Gardner, of Corona, Calif., already has a second and a third in this year’s Western dirt events and Swanson, of Kingsburg, Calif., won the 2013 pavement opener at Madera, Calif.

Gardner was second to Cody Swanson in Saturday night’s 30-lapper at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway, while Swanson was 20th.

Cody Swanson of Norco, Calif. led all 30 laps at Bakersfield piloting his Edmunds Autoresearch/K & N Filters machine. Trailing Gardner in third was Ryan Bernal, Jake Swanson and David Prickett rounding out the top-five.

Gardner trails Kody Swanson by just seven points in the “overall” standings and has a three-point lead over Jake Swanson in the Western Midget dirt points.

Johnathon Henry of Stockton, Calif., despite not making the feature at Bakersfield Saturday, might be among favorites at Ventura after winning two of the 2011 series races at the fifth-mile dirt oval.

2013 USAC WESTERN OVERALL MIDGET STANDINGS: 1-K.Swanson-157, 2-R.Gardner-150, 3-J.Swanson-150, 4-Bryan Clauson-143, 5-Pierovich-138, 6-Rico Abreu-128, 7-Christopher Bell-125, 8-Prickett-118, 9-Marcham-90, 10-Tanner Thorson-72.

2013 USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET STANDINGS: 1-R.Gardner-150, 2-J.Swanson-147, 3-Bryan Clauson-143, 4-Pierovich-138, 5-Rico Abreu-128, 6-Christopher Bell-125, 7-Prickett-118, 8-Marcham-90, 9-K.Swanson-85, 10-Tanner Thorson-72.

“POWER OF PURPLE NIGHT” FOR CRA SPRINTS AT THE PAS

Damion Gardner of Concord, Calif. hopes to hold onto an all-time lead while trying to vault to the 2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint point lead Saturday night when the series competes in the “Power of Purple Night” benefitting the City of Perris Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society at the Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Gardner, who will focus on the USAC/CRA campaign this season, has 25 career wins at Perris, one more than five-time series titlist Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. Spencer has won seven of the past 11 races at the PAS, all since Gardner’s last Perris win in 2011.

Gardner trails Bryan Clauson by 23 points in the latest AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint standings. He is tied in the current points with Nic Faas of Huntington Beach, Calif., who scored three Perris wins in 2011 and one last year.

Clauson scored a Perris win last year and the 2013 opener over Gardner and Faas this season.

Cory Kruseman is the only other 2012 winner at the half-mile dirt oval and he has 16 career wins there. His 2013 Perris debut resulted in a flip during a heat race.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Bryan Clauson-210, 2-Damion Gardner-187, 3-Nic Faas-187, 4-Bud Kaeding-146, 5-Rickie Gaunt-134, 6-R.J. Johnson-127, 7-Ryan Bernal-124, 8-Cody Williams-111, 9-Mike Spencer-104, 10-Charles Davis Jr.-102.

AMSOIL SPRINTS HEAD FOR THE “BURG” SATURDAY

Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. continues his pursuit of the all-time record for AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car wins this Saturday when the series visits Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway. None of his 45 wins to date have come at the 3/8-mile dirt oval, although he did win a 2010 USAC National Midget race there.

Hines ranks third in the current standings and a win Saturday would tie him with Jack Hewitt on the all-time list at 46, six behind the leader Tom Bigelow. He trails series leader Hunter Schuerenberg by just seven points in the 2013 standings after winning a pair of races in February at Ocala, Fla.

Schuerenberg, of Sikeston, Mo., posted fourth and fifth-place finishes in last year’s Lawrenceburg races and had a third and two fifths in the three Ocala openers.

Chase Stockon of Sullivan, Ind. is second in the current standings, just four behind Schuerenberg going into Saturday’s race. Stockon and Justin Grant were the first-time winners in 2012 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint racing at Lawrenceburg.

Dave Darland of Lincoln, Ind., however, holds the title of winningest USAC Sprint driver at the southeastern Indiana track. He has six victories there and his 82 total USAC National wins in three categories trail only Hines’ 85 among “active” USAC drivers.

Fourth ranking Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. is tied with Hines, seven points back of Schuerenberg. Clauson is having a record-breaking USAC season so far and will seek his 10th USAC feature win Saturday at Lawrenceburg, which includes the 2013 Sprint opener at Ocala.

2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Point Standings: 1-Hunter Schuerenberg-182; 2-Chase Stockon-178; 3-Tracy Hines175, 4-Bryan Clauson-175; 5-Brady Bacon-167; 6-Dave Darland-160; 7-Robert Ballou-142; 8-Kevin Thomas Jr.-118; 9-C.J. Leary-112; 10-Scotty Weir-110.

ALICE HANKS NAMED GOLF TOURNEY HONORARY CHAIRPERSON

Alice Hanks of Pacific Palisades, Calif., whose husband Sam Hanks won the 1957 Indianapolis 500, has agreed to serve as the honorary chairperson for USAC’s 18th Annual Women’s Charity Golf Tournament. The announcement was made today by Golf Committee Chairperson Marie Hall.

The tourney, sponsored by Reed Financial, Raymond James and the Tony Stewart Foundation, benefits the USAC Benevolent Foundation, which provides financial assistance to injured or needy auto racing participants and their families who have ties to the United States Auto Club or Indy Car.

The tournament which honors the generosity of the late Mary Fendrich Hulman, is scheduled May 21 at the Eagle Creek Golf Course on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Ind. and opens with registration and a continental breakfast at 7:30 am. The competition is held under a nine-hole “scramble” format.

Prizes will be distributed to participants and Bill Estes and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will again sponsor beverage carts. Dean Crandall returns to sponsor the luncheon, catered by The Olive Garden, which follows the golfing. Distinctive awards will also be distributed to the most proficient golfers.

Since the inception of the tournament in 1995 nearly a quarter of a million dollars has been generated for the Benevolent Foundation.

Information regarding the tourney and entries can be directed to Bill Marvel at 859-749-0646, Marie Hall at 317-432-7624 or Wanda Devin at 317-273-9558.

WESTERN IGNITES SATURDAY AT LVMS BULLRING; LAMB GRABS 3, DAVIDSON 1 AT ACE

Bryan Dawson of Phoenix, Ariz., USAC’s 2012 Las Vegas Ignite Midget Champion, leads the 2013 Western Ignite Pavement series to the Las Vegas (Nev.) Bullring this Saturday. He won the recent Western pavement opener at Lake Havasu, Ariz.

Dawson’s 12 LVMS appearances in last year stamp him as the overwhelming favorite Saturday. In 2012 he posted five wins, four seconds and three thirds!

Chris Lamb of Colfax, N.C. will lead the USAC Eastern Ignite Midgets to an April 20 race at Shenandoah, Va. After sweeping three of four feature events last weekend at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. He scored two feature wins Friday and one Saturday and is 26 points ahead of Matt Lundstrom in the standings.

Lamb opened the 2013 USAC Eastern series with a pair of 25-lap feature victories Friday night at Ace. Lundstrom, was second and third in the two races. Lundstrom was second in the opener ahead of Tyler Corriher, Wil Raber and Billy Gaule. In the closer Lamb was trailed by Nic Davidson, Lundstrom, Ryan Krachun and Matt Supan. Supan led the first eight laps in the first race before Lamb took over. Lamb passed Davidson on the 16th lap of the finale.

Lamb and Davidson were 25-lap winners Saturday. Lamb passed Corriher on lap 11 of the first 25, then led the last 15 laps to beat Corriher, Gaule, Krachun and Mike Ward. In the nightcap, Raber led the first three laps and Lamb the next 20 before Davidson, of Greensboro, N.C., paced the final two laps for the win. Lundstrom finished second ahead of Corriher, Ward and Lamb.

2013 USAC Eastern Ignite Standings: 1-Lamb-237, 2-Lundstrom-211, 3-Corriher-201, 4-Davidson-194, 5-Krachun-178, 6-Raber-170, 7-C.Carroll-162, 8-Gaule-149, 9-N.Carroll-141, 10-Bean-118.

2013 USAC Western Ignite Pavement Standings: 1-Bryant Dawson-74, 2-Michael Fanelli-69, 3-Shawn Buckley-61, 4-Jarid Blondel-60, 5-Christine Breckenridge-52, 6-George Blacker-50, 7-Marina Turner-47.

USAC Western Midget Series

VENTURA HOSTS "BATTLE AT THE BEACH" THIS SATURDAY
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – APRIL 1, 2013... This Saturday, April 6th, the USAC Western Midget Series will travel to Jim Naylor's Ventura Raceway for the first round of the "Battle at the Beach." The co-sanctioned event with the VRA Midget Series will also feature Dwarf Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mod Lites, Focus Midgets, Go-Karts, and Quads. The Pit Gates will open at Noon, the Front Gates will open at 3:00pm, with Racing set for 5:30pm at "The Best Little Dirt Track In America."

Leading the overall "mighty midget" point chase is Kody Swanson of Kingsburg. Racing the Neverlift Motorsports' #55 Crysalli Water / Mt. Rose Cocktail Mixes Spike, Swanson placed twentieth last Saturday after an early exit at Bakersfield. The 2005 USAC Western Sprint Car Champion won at Madera on March 23rd and has two top-10 finishes with 41 feature laps led to his credit. Kody sits ninth in the dirt standings and will have his sights on winning Saturday's "Battle at the Beach."

After running second at Bakersfield, Norco's Ronnie Gardner is tied for second in the championship points. Piloting Mitchell Johnson's #68 Baldozier Racing / Esslinger Engineering Stewart, Gardner is also tied for the Dirt Series point lead. With two top-5 finishes and 6 feature laps led on the season, the young driver also won the VRA Midget show on March 23rd. Ronnie will be among the favorites to watch at Ventura Raceway.

Jake Swanson of Anaheim is tied with Gardner for second in the overall points and the Dirt Series lead. Driving the Swanson Motorsports' #05 Honda Racing / Goodwine Glass Stealth, Jake claimed fourth in last Saturday's main event. As this writing goes to press, last year's USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year has one heat race victory and two top-10 finishes on the year. Swanson will be looking to claim the point lead with a main event win on Saturday.

Noblesville, Indiana's Bryan Clauson sits fourth in the overall standings and third in the Dirt Series. Racing the #39 CTR/BCI/Curb/Agajanian Spike, Clauson won both nights of the "Copper On Dirt" at Canyon Speedway Park. Bryan has five career series wins with two heat race victories and 31 feature laps led on the year. The USAC National Sprint Car Champion has returned to the Midwest and will miss the action at Ventura.

Currently fifth in the overall point chase is Scott Pierovich of Alamo. Piloting the family owned #35 Mid-Coast Trans / Good Guys Spike, Pierovich ran eighth in the Bakersfield feature after starting thirteenth. The veteran driver is currently fourth in the Dirt Series with two heat race victories and three top-10 finishes on the season. Scott will be looking for his fourth USAC Western Midget win at the "Battle at the Beach."

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Trey Marcham, Cody Swanson, Nick Chivello, Shannon McQueen, Troy Rutherford, Robby Josett, Randi Pankratz, Rick Hendrix, Jimmy Voitel, and many more.

The USAC Western Midget Series would like to thank Amsoil, Hoosier Tire, and Western Performance Parts for their support. For more information on the group, visit www.usacracing.com or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets).
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USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS:
1-Kody Swanson-157, 2-Ronnie Gardner-150, 3-Jake Swanson-150, 4-Bryan Clauson-143, 5-Scott Pierovich-138, 6-Rico Abreu-128, 7-Christopher Bell-125, 8-David Prickett-118, 9-Trey Marcham-90, 10-Tanner Thorson-72.

USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET POINT STANDINGS:
1-Ronnie Gardner-150, 2-Jake Swanson-150, 3-Bryan Clauson-143, 4-Scott Pierovich-138, 5-Rico Abreu-128, 6-Christopher Bell-125, 7-David Prickett-118, 8-Trey Marcham-90, 9-Kody Swanson-85, 10-Tanner Thorson-72.

USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS:

March 30, 2013 – Bakersfield, California – Bakersfield Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen-13.393; 2. Jake Swanson, 05, Swanson-13.617; 3. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-13.617; 4. Jace Vander Weerd, 8v, Vander Weerd-13.664; 5. David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-13.670; 6. Troy Rutherford, 11, Martens-13.680; 7. Cody Swanson, 71, Swanson-13.702; 8. Ryan Bernal, 72, Ford-13.715; 9. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-13.751; 10. Randi Pankratz, 8, Pankratz-13.767; 11. Kody Swanson, 55, Neverlift-13.801; 12. Richard Vander Weerd, 19F, Sala-13.815; 13. Johnathon Henry, 88, Graunstadt-13.854; 14. Alex Schutte, 9E, Dodenhof-13.889; 15. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-13.914; 16. Trey Marcham, 37, McQueen-13.943; 17. Kyle Edwards, 39, Edwards-13.952; 18. Tanner Swanson, 27B, Blackwell-14.015; 19. Britton Bock, 67, Bock-14.080; 20. Rick Shuman, 22a, Shuman-14.178; 21. Robby Josett, 2, Josett-14.191; 22. Nick Chivello, 27N, Chivello-14.192; 23. Sean Dodenhof, 9d, Dodenhof-14.194; 24. Terry Nichols, 45, Neverlift-14.222; 25. Greg Edenholm, 73, Ford-14.341; 26. Jimmy Voitel, 21, Voitel-14.405.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. C.Swanson, 2. Pankratz, 3. McQueen, 4. Marcham, 5. J.Vander Weerd, 6. Chivello, 7. Edenholm, 8. Bock, 9. Henry. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. J.Swanson, 2. Bernal, 3. K.Swanson, 4. Edwards, 5. Shuman, 6. Dodenhof, 7. Prickett, 8. Voitel. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Pierovich, 2. R.Vander Weerd, 3. T.Swanson, 4. Gardner, 5. Niemela, 6. Josett, 7. Rutherford, 8. Nichols. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Prickett, 2. Schutte, 3. Dodenhof, 4. Josett, 5. Voitel, 6. Nichols, 7. Edenholm, 8. Henry, 9. Rutherford, 10. Bock, 11. Chivello. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Cody Swanson, 2. Ronnie Gardner, 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. Jake Swanson, 5. David Prickett, 6. Scott Pierovich, 7. Richard Vander Weerd, 8. Jace Vander Weerd, 9. Markus Niemela, 10. Shannon McQueen, 11. Trey Marcham, 12. Alex Schutte, 13. Jimmy Voitel, 14. Greg Edenholm, 15. Randi Pankratz, 16. Kyle Edwards, 17. Robby Josett, 18. Tanner Swanson, 19. Terry Nichols, 20. Kody Swanson, 21. Sean Dodenhof, 22. Rick Shuman. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 C.Swanson.

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-R.Gardner-150, 2-J.Swanson-150, 3-Pierovich-144, 4-Bryan Clauson-143, 5-Rico Abreu-128, 6-Christopher Bell-125, 7-Prickett-118, 8-Marcham-90, 9-K.Swanson-85, 10-Tanner Thorson-72. NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET OVERALL POINTS: 1-K.Swanson-157, 2-R.Gardner-150, 3-J.Swanson-150, 4-Pierovich-144, 5-Bryan Clauson-143, 6-Rico Abreu-128, 7-Christopher Bell-125, 8-Prickett-118, 9-Marcham-90, 10-Tanner Thorson-72.

NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE: April 6, 2013 – Ventura (CA) Raceway

USAC Western Midget Series

CODY SWANSON GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE AT BAKERSFIELD
by Lance Jennings

BAKERSFIELD, CA – MARCH 30, 2013... Norco’s Cody Swanson added his name to the record books by leading all thirty laps at Bakersfield Speedway. The Saturday night feature victory was Swanson’s first career USAC Western Midget Series triumph as the group heads to Ventura on April 6th. Ronnie Gardner, Jake Swanson, Ryan Bernal, and David Prickett rounded out the top-five drivers.

While the stat sheet may read as an easy victory for Swanson, that was hardly the case. At the drop of the green flag, Cody powered ahead of pole-sitter Bernal to take command. As Ryan looked to regroup, fourth starting Gardner slipped into second and set after the leader. With the majority of the drivers preferring the bottom groove of the Bakersfield clay, Gardner chased down Swanson and looked for an opening. Third, fourth, and fifth place became a torrid battle between Jake Swanson, Bernal and Prickett.

Despite several cautions, Cody Swanson remained unfazed and continued to hit his marks. Ronnie challenged throughout the event and a late yellow flag for a tangled Robby Josett and Kyle Edwards gave him one last shot. With a three-lap dash to the finish remaining, Swanson had an excellent restart and sped away to the checkered flag. Gardner took second and the intense battle for third went to Jake.

Piloting the family owned #71 Edmunds Auto Research / K&N Filters machine, Kody Swanson was seventh fast out of the twenty-six cars in the pit area. The VRA Midget Champion was also victorious in the night’s first 8-lap heat race. In the post-race interview, Swanson explained that his car had lost the front sway bar and this problem was not going to stop his drive to victory.

Ronnie Gardner of Norco challenged for the lead, but had to settle for second on this night. Racing Mitchell Johnson’s #68 Baldozier Racing / Esslinger Engineering Stewart, Gardner qualified third and ran fourth in his heat race. The young driver left Bakersfield leading the Dirt Series points and second in the overall standings.

Anaheim’s Jake Swanson battled hard with Prickett and Bernal before taking third at the checkered flag. Racing the Swanson Motorsports’ #05 Honda Racing / Goodwine Glass Stealth, Swanson qualified second and won the night’s second heat race. Last year’s USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year is currently second in the dirt standings and third in the overall points.

Ryan Bernal of Hollister came home fourth in the Bakersfield feature. Piloting Keith Ford’s #72 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal was eighth fast and placed second in his heat race. As this writing goes to press, Bernal will miss Ventura to compete in Saturday’s USAC/CRA Sprint Car race at Perris Auto Speedway.

Fresno’s David Prickett started seventh in the main event and wrestled his way forward to claim fifth. Driving the Neverlift Motorsports’ #15 Crysalli Water / Mt. Rose Cocktail Mixes Spike, Prickett was fifth quick and claimed seventh in his heat after an early flip. Rebounding to win the 12-lap semi-main, last year’s Dirt Series Champion sits eighth in the overall standings and seventh in the dirt points.

Greg Edenholm of Monterey earned the night's "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a fourteenth place run from twenty-second. Driving Keith Ford’s #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine TCR, Edenholm was twenty-fifth quick and seventh in his heat race. The veteran driver claimed seventh in the semi-main to earn his transfer to the main event.

Tehachapi’s Shannon McQueen earned her first fast time award of the campaign. Piloting the McQueen Racing #7 Lucas Oil / Simpson Race Products Spike, the defending champion ran third in her heat race and scored tenth in the feature. McQueen is among the drivers scheduled to compete at Ventura’s “Battle at the Beach” this Saturday night.

Scott Pierovich of Alamo won the night’s third 8-lap heat race. Racing the family owned #35 Mid-Coast Trans / Good Guys Spike, Pierovich was fifteenth in qualifications. The veteran driver raced to sixth in the Bakersfield main event after starting thirteenth.

The USAC Western Midget Series will be back in action on Saturday, April 6th at Jim Naylor’s Ventura Raceway. The first round of the co-sanctioned “Battle at the Beach” with the VRA Midget Series will also feature Dwarf Cars, IMCA Modifieds, Mod Lites, Focus Midgets, Go Karts, and Quads. For more event and ticket information, visit www.venturaraceway.com or call 805.648.RACE.

The USAC Western Midget Series would like to thank Amsoil, Hoosier Tire, and Western Performance Parts for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets).
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USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS:
March 30, 2013 – Bakersfield, California – Bakersfield Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen-13.393; 2. Jake Swanson, 05, Swanson-13.617; 3. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-13.617; 4. Jace Vander Weerd, 8V, Vander Weerd-13.664; 5. David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-13.670; 6. Troy Rutherford, 11, Martens-13.680; 7. Cody Swanson, 71, Swanson-13.702; 8. Ryan Bernal, 72, Ford-13.715; 9. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-13.751; 10. Randi Pankratz, 8, Pankratz-13.767; 11. Kody Swanson, 55, Neverlift-13.801; 12. Richard Vander Weerd, 19S, Sala-13.815; 13. Johnathon Henry, 88, Graunstadt-13.854; 14. Alex Schutte, 9E, Dodenhof-13.889; 15. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-13.914; 16. Trey Marcham, 37, McQueen-13.943; 17. Kyle Edwards, 39, Edwards-13.952; 18. Tanner Swanson, 27B, Blackwell-14.015; 19. Britton Bock, 67, Bock-14.080; 20. Rick Shuman, 22A, Shuman-14.178; 21. Robby Josett, 02, Josett-14.191; 22. Nick Chivello, 27, Chivello-14.192; 23. Sean Dodenhof, 9D, Dodenhof-14.194; 24. Terry Nichols, 45, Neverlift-14.222; 25. Greg Edenholm, 73, Ford-14.341; 26. Jimmy Voitel, 21, Voitel-14.405.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps)
1. Cody Swanson, 2. Randi Pankratz, 3. Shannon McQueen, 4. Trey Marcham, 5. Jace Vander Weerd, 6. Nick Chivello, 7. Greg Edenholm, 8. Britton Bock, 9. Johnathon Henry. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps)
1. Jake Swanson, 2. Ryan Bernal, 3. Kody Swanson, 4. Kyle Edwards, 5. Rick Shuman, 6. Sean Dodenhof, 7. David Prickett, 8. Jimmy Voitel. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps)
1. Scott Pierovich, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Tanner Swanson, 4. Ronnie Gardner, 5. Markus Niemela, 6. Robby Josett, 7. Troy Rutherford, 8. Terry Nichols. NT

SEMI: (12 laps)
1. David Prickett, 2. Alex Schutte, 3. Sean Dodenhof, 4. Robby Josett, 5. Jimmy Voitel, 6. Terry Nichols, 7. Greg Edenholm, 8. Johnathon Henry, 9. Troy Rutherford, 10. Britton Bock, 11. Nick Chivello. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps- With Starting Positions)
1. Cody Swanson (2nd), 2. Ronnie Gardner (4th), 3. Jake Swanson (5th), 4. Ryan Bernal (1st), 5. David Prickett (7th), 6. Scott Pierovich (13th), 7. Richard Vander Weerd (11th), 8. Jace Vander Weerd (3rd), 9. Markus Niemela (8th), 10. Shannon McQueen (6th), 11. Trey Marcham (14th), 12. Alex Schutte (12th), 13. Jimmy Voitel (20th), 14. Greg Edenholm (22nd), 15. Randi Pankratz (9th), 16. Kyle Edwards (15th), 17. Robby Josett (19th), 18. Tanner Swanson (16th), 19. Terry Nichols (21st), 20. Kody Swanson (10th), 21. Sean Dodenhof (18th), 22. Rick Shuman (17th). NT
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**David Prickett flipped in the second heat race.
**Troy Rutherford flipped in the semi-main,

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Cody Swanson.
HARD CHARGER: Greg Edenholm (22nd to 14th)

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS:
1-Ronnie Gardner-150, 2-Jake Swanson-147, 3-Scott Pierovich-144, 4-Bryan Clauson-143, 5-Rico Abreu-128, 6-Christopher Bell-125, 7-David Prickett-124, 8-Trey Marcham-90, 9-Kody Swanson-85, 10-Tanner Thorson-72.

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET OVERALL POINTS:
1-Kody Swanson-157, 2-Ronnie Gardner-150, 3-Jake Swanson-147, 4-Scott Pierovich-144, 5-Bryan Clauson-143, 6-Rico Abreu-128, 7-Christopher Bell-125, 8-David Prickett-124, 9-Trey Marcham-90, 10-Tanner Thorson-72.
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2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
April 6: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle At The Beach)
May 4: **Madera Speedway - Madera, CA (Vukovich Classic)
May 11: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
May 18: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle At The Beach)
June 1: **Placerville Speedway - Placerville, CA
June 8: **Madera Speedway - Madera, CA (Al Pombo Classic)
June 15: **Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma, CA
June 22: Thunderbowl Speedway - Tulare, CA
June 29: Plaza Park Raceway - Visalia, CA
July 12: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA (Howard Kaeding Classic)
July 13: **Madera Speedway - Madera, CA (Gerhardt Classic)
July 20: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle At The Beach)
August 1: ***Belleville High Banks - Belleville, KS (Belleville Midget Nationals / Non-Points)
August 3: ***Belleville High Banks - Belleville, KS (Belleville Midget Nationals / Non-Points)
August 10: Madera Speedway - Madera, CA
August 31: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 5: **Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA (Gold Cup Race of Champions)
September 14: **Madera Speedway - Madera, CA (Harvest Classic)
September 21: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 28: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle At The Beach)
October 5: **Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma, CA (Soares Classic)
November 14: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 15: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 16: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 22: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
November 23: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
November 28: ***Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Turkey Night Grand Prix)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With VRA Midget Series.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With BCRA Midget Series.
*** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Midget Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS:

March 30, 2013 – Bakersfield, California – Bakersfield Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. C.Swanson, 2. Pankratz, 3. McQueen, 4. Marcham, 5. J.Vander Weerd, 6. Chivello, 7. Edenholm, 8. Bock, 9. Henry. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. J.Swanson, 2. Bernal, 3. K.Swanson, 4. Edwards, 5. Shuman, 6. Dodenhof, 7. Prickett, 8. Voitel. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Pierovich, 2. R.Vander Weerd, 3. T.Swanson, 4. Gardner, 5. Niemela, 6. Josett, 7. Rutherford, 8. Nichols. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Prickett, 2. Schutte, 3. Dodenhof, 4. Josett, 5. Voitel, 6. Nichols, 7. Edenholm, 8. Henry, 9. Rutherford, 10. Bock, 11. Chivello. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Cody Swanson, 2. Ronnie Gardner, 3. David Prickett, 4. Ryan Bernal, 5. Jake Swanson, 6. Scott Pierovich, 7. Richard Vander Weerd, 8. Jace Vander Weerd, 9. Markus Niemela, 10. Shannon McQueen, 11. Trey Marcham, 12. Alex Schutte, 13. Jimmy Voitel, 14. Greg Edenholm, 15. Randi Pankratz,16. Kyle Edwards, 17. Robby Josett, 18. Tanner Swanson, 19. Terry Nichols, 20. Kody Swanson, 21. Sean Dodenhof, 22. Rick Shuman. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 C.Swanson.

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-R.Gardner-150, 2-J.Swanson-147, 3-Pierovich-144, 4-Bryan Clauson-143, 5-Rico Abreu-128, 6-Christopher Bell-125, 7-Prickett-124, 8-Marcham-90, 9-K.Swanson-85, 10-Tanner Thorson-72. NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET OVERALL POINTS: 1-K.Swanson-157, 2-R.Gardner-150, 3-J.Swanson-147, 4-Pierovich-144, 5-Bryan Clauson-143, 6-Rico Abreu-128, 7-Christopher Bell-125, 8-Prickett-124, 9-Marcham-90, 10-Tanner Thorson-72.

NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE: April 6, 2013 – Ventura (CA) Raceway

USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

March 30, 2013 – Altamahaw, North Carolina – Ace Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Ryan Krachun, 29, Krachun-15.590; 2. Chris Lamb, 9, Lamb-15.639; 3. Matt Lundstrom, 5, Lundstrom-15.754; 4. Tyler Corriher, 12, Corriher-15.863; 5. Billy Gaule, 22, Gaule-15.883; 6. Wil Raber, 3, Hocevar-15.968; 7. Calvin Carroll, 24, Carroll-16.020; 8. Nic Davidson, 39, Radical-16.174; 9. Baline Leydig, 21, Leydig-16.353; 10. Nikki Carroll, 124, Carroll-16.501; 11. Gage Walker, 7, Walker-NT; 12. Mike Ward, 80, Ward-NT; 13. Jessica Bean, 9x, Bean-NT.

FEATURE #1: (25 Laps) 1. Chris Lamb, 2. Tyler Corriher, 3. Billy Gaule, 4. Ryan Krachun, 5. Mike Ward, 6. Wil Raber, 7. Blaine Leydig, 8. Calvin Carroll, 9. Matt Lundstrom, 10. Nikki Carroll, 11. Nic Davidson, 12. Jessica Bean. NT

FEATURE #2: (25 Laps) 1. Nic Davidson, 2. Matt Lundstrom, 3. Tyler Corriher, 4. Mike Ward, 5. Chris Lamb, 6. Ryan Krachun, 7. Wil Raber, 8. Nikki Carroll, 9. Calvin Carroll, 10. Blaine Leydig, 11. Jessica Bean. NT --------------------------------------------------

FIRST FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-10 Corriher, Laps 11-25 Lamb. SECOND FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Raber, Laps 4-23 Lamb, Laps 24-25 Davidson.

NEW EASTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Lamb-237, 2-Lundstrom-211, 3-Corriher-201, 4-Davidson-194, 5-Krachun-178, 6-Raber-170, 7-C.Carroll-159, 8-Gaule-149, 9-N.Carroll-144, 10-Bean-118.

NEXT EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: April 20 – Shenandoah (VA) Speedway

USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

March 29, 2013 – Altamahaw, North Carolina – Ace Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Gage Walker, 7, Walker-15.549; 2. Scott Gordon, F16, Gordon-15.583; 3. Chris Lamb, 9, Lamb-15.647; 4. Matt Lundstrom, 5, Lundstrom-15.673; 5. Matt Supan, 51, Supan-15.689; 6. Nic Davidson, 39, Radical-15.731; 7. Billy Gaule, 22, Gaule-15.744; 8. Wil Raber, 3, Raber-15.891; 9. Ryan Krachun, 29, Krachun-15.896; 10. Tyler Corriher, 12, Corriher-16.024; 11. Calvin Carroll, 24, Carroll-16.072; 12. Justin Whittall, 67, Whittall-16.593; 13. Nikki Carroll, 124, Carroll-16.820; 14. Jessica Bean, 9x, Bean-17.634.

FEATURE #1: (25 Laps) 1. Chris Lamb, 2. Matt Lundstrom, 3. Tyler Corriher, 4. Wil Raber, 5. Billy Gaule, 6, Nic Davidson, 7. Calvin Carroll, 8. Justin Whittall, 9. Scott Gordon, 10. Nikki Carroll, 11. Jessica Bean, 12. Matt Supan, 13. Gage Walker, 14. Ryan Krachun. NT

FEATURE #2: (25 Laps) 1. Chris Lamb, 2. Nic Davidson, 3. Matt Lundstrom, 4. Ryan Krachun, 5. Matt Supan, 6. Billy Gaule, 7. Calvin Carroll, 8. Nikki Carroll, 9. Scott Gordon, 10. Tyler Corriher, 11. Wil Raber, 12. Justin Whittall, 13. Jessica Bean. NT --------------------------------------------------

FIRST FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-8 Supan, Laps 9-25 Lamb. SECOND FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-15 Davidson, Laps 16-25 Lamb.

NEW EASTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Lamb-124, 2-Lundstrom-114, 3-Davidson-103, 4-Gaule-93, 5-Corriher-87, 6-C.Carroll-84, 7-Raber-82, 8-Supan-79, 9-Gordon-77, 10-Krachun-76.

NEXT EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: March 30 – Altamahaw, NC – Ace Speedway

USAC Western Midget Series

USAC WESTERN MIDGETS INVADE BAKERSFIELD SATURDAY

by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MARCH 27, 2013... This Saturday, March 30th, the USAC Western Midget Series will make their first appearance of the year at Scott Schweitzer's Bakersfield Speedway. The "Jack FM Night at the Races" will also feature the popular Sport Mods, Mini Stocks and NMRA TQ Midgets. The Front Gates will open at 4:00pm with Racing set for 6:00pm at "The West's Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval."

After winning both nights of the "Copper On Dirt" at Canyon Speedway Park, Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Indiana leads the point standings. Piloting the #39 CTR/BCI/Curb/Agajanian Spike, Clauson has five career series wins with two heat race victories and 31 feature laps led in the campaign. The USAC National Sprint Car Champion has returned to the Midwest and will miss Saturday's action.

Kingsburg's Kody Swanson is second in the point chase. Driving Bob Rosen's #4 Espresso Beast, Swanson claimed last Saturday's pavement victory at Madera. With seven career feature wins, Kody has two top-10 finishes and 41 feature laps led on the season. Swanson will be looking to score the Bakersfield triumph on Saturday.

Rico Abreu of Rutherford sits third in the championship points. The pilot of the Keith Kunz Motorsports' #67 Toyota TRD Bullet did not compete at Madera, but scored fifth and second at Canyon. Abreu has one career USAC Western Midget victory to his credit with one fast time award in 2013. Rico is scheduled to miss Bakersfield to race a winged 360 Sprint Car in Northern California.

Norman, Oklahoma's Christopher Bell is fourth in the standings. Like Abreu, the driver of the Keith Kunz Motorsports' #71K Toyota TRD Bullet did not compete at Madera, but had a fast time award and claimed fourth and third at the "Copper On Dirt." Bell will skip Bakersfield to race a non-wing Sprint Car in Brownstown, Indiana.

Scott Pierovich of Alamo is fifth in the points. Racing the family owned #35 Mid-Coast Trans / Good Guys Spike, Pierovich was not at Madera, but scored eighth and seventh at Canyon. The veteran driver has three career feature wins to go with one heat race victory in the campaign. Scott will have his sights on the Bakersfield main event win on Saturday.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Jake Swanson, Ronnie Gardner, David Prickett, Ryan Bernal, Nick Chivello, Shannon McQueen, Troy Rutherford, Robby Josett, Randi Pankratz, Cody Swanson, Rick Hendrix, Richard Vander Weerd, and many more.

Bakersfield Speedway is located at 5001 North Chester Extension in Bakersfield, California. Adult tickets are $15, Kids tickets are $5, and Children’s tickets (5 and under) are FREE. The Pit Gate will open at 2:00pm and for event information, visit the track’s website at www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call (661) 393-3373.

For more information on the USAC Western Midget Series, visit www.usacracing.com or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets). ----------------------------------------------- USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS: 1. Bryan Clauson-143; 2. Kody Swanson-138; 3. Rico Abreu-128; 4. Christopher Bell-125; 5. Scott Pierovich-91; 6. Jake Swanson-86; 7. Ronnie Gardner-84; 8. Tanner Thorson-72; 9. Dillon Welch-71; 10. David Prickett-64; 11. Riley Emmel-61; 12. Frankie Guerrini-59; 13. Trey Marcham-54; 14. Terry Goodwin-50; 15. Dan Gundo-43; 16. Rick Shuman-37; 17. J.R. Williams-36; 18. Chad Nichols-29; 19. Ken Nichols-27; 20. Ryan Bernal-2.

USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET POINT STANDINGS: 1. Bryan Clauson-143; 2. Rico Abreu-128; 3. Christopher Bell-125; 4. Scott Pierovich-91; 5. Jake Swanson-86; 6. Ronnie Gardner-84; 7. Tanner Thorson-72; 8. Dillon Welch-71; 9. Kody Swanson-66; 10. David Prickett-64; 11. Riley Emmel-61; 12. Trey Marcham-54; 13. Terry Goodwin-50; 14. Rick Shuman-37; 15. Ryan Bernal-2.

CHARLES DAVIS JR. SPRINTS TO CASA GRANDE VICTORY

by Lance Jennings

CASA GRANDE, AZ – MARCH 24, 2013... Taking the lead from Nick Aiuto on lap twenty-three, Buckeye's Charles Davis Jr. scored his first $1,500 USAC Southwest Sprint Car victory of 2013. It was not an easy win at Central Arizona Raceway for Davis, who charged from ninth to claim the checkered flags. The five-time Arizona Sprint Car Champion was followed by Aiuto, Brian Hosford, Josh Pelkey, and Bryan Swinehart.

Piloting the #50 Massey Motorsports' #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply RSS, Charles Davis Jr. ran fourth in his heat race and narrowly missed the dash. Starting ninth in the 30-lap feature, Davis sliced his way to the front to claim victory at the fast 3/8-mile facility. To date, the veteran driver holds a twenty point advantage with two heat race victories, one semi-main win, one hard charger award, five top-5 finishes, and 26 feature laps led.

Nick Aiuto of Camp Verde was looking for his first victory of 2013, but had to settle for second at Casa Grande. Racing the Aiuto & Allen #27N ABC Body Shop / Camp Verde Auto Parts DRC, the young driver powered to the lead on lap nineteen before falling to Davis. Earlier in the program, Auito won the Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #1 and placed second in the dash. Nick left Central Arizona Raceway ninth in points.

Gilbert's Brian Hosford claimed third at the checkered flags after leading the first eighteen laps. Driving Bernie Weber's #32B Coffin & Trout Fine Jewelers / Bondurant Driving School Maxim, Hosford was second in his heat race and won the 6-lap Sunoco Fuels Passing Masters Dash. Brian is currently sixth in the point chase heading to Queen Creek on April 13th.

Josh Pelkey of Peoria raced to fourth after starting tenth in the 30-lap main event. Piloting Robbie & Gaye Allen's #12 ABC Body Shop / Napa Auto Parts DRC, the former Arizona State Champion scored fourth in his heat race. To date, Pelkey sits third in the championship points with four top-10 finishes to his credit.

Prescott Valley's Bryan Swinehart came home fifth at Central Arizona Raceway. Racing Tim and Shelly Beal's #68 Beal's Auto Body / DNS Performance RSS, Swinehart was second in his heat race and placed fourth in the dash. Bryan is currently seventh in the point chase with one heat race victory on the season.

Driving his #1A Pro Tech Coatings / KSE Custom Drywall Maxim, Tempe's Stevie Sussex earned the night's "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a sixth place run from twenty-second. the young hard charger claimed eighth in his heat race and left Casa Grande seventeenth in the point standings.

Jody Wirth of Apache Junction won the Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #2 and was the program's high point driver. Piloting his #5X entry, Wirth placed sixth in the dash and scored twenty-second in the feature after an early exit. As this writing goes to press, Jody sits twenty-second in the point standings.

Phoenix's Shon Deskins claimed victory in the 8-lap Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #3. Racing his #20 Performance Plus / Ellis Race Cars entry, Deskins ran third in the dash and claimed seventeenth in the 30- lap main event. The veteran driver is twelfth in points heading to the next race at Arizona Speedway.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series will be back in action on Saturday, April 13th at Queen Creek's Arizona Speedway for the "Spring Fling." The action packed card will also feature Pure Stocks, Mod Lites, and Bombers. For more event and ticket information, visit www.arizonaspeedway.net or call 480.926.6688.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series would like to thank Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Tire, and the Hose Advantage Store for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SouthwestSprintCars). -------------------------------------------------------------- USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT RACE RESULTS: March 23, 2013 – Casa Grande, Arizona – Central Arizona Raceway

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #1: (8 laps) 1. Nick Auito (#27 Aiuto/Allen), 2. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 3. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 4. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 5. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 6. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau) 7. R.J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 8. Tom Lee (#53 Lee). NT

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #2: (8 laps) 1. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 2. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 3. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 4. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 5. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 6. James Aragon (#94 Aragon), 7. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson), 8. Stevie Sussex (#1A Sussex). NT

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #3: (8 laps) 1. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 2. Bryan Swinehart (#68 Beal), 3. Justin Quinn (#93 Quinn), 4. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 5. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 6. Stephen Harms (#60 Harms), 7. Mark Morin (#28 Morin). NT

SUNOCO RACE FUELS PASSING MASTERS DASH: (6 laps) 1. Brian Hosford, 2. Nick Aiuto, 3. Shon Deskins, 4. Bryan Swinehart, 5. Justin Quinn, 6. Jody Wirth, 7. Andy Reinbold, 8. Ronnie Clark. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Charles Davis Jr. (9th), 2. Nick Aiuto (2nd), 3. Brian Hosford (1st), 4. Josh Pelkey (10th), 5. Bryan Swinehart (4th), 6. Stevie Sussex (22nd), 7. R.J. Johnson (19th), 8. Tom Ogle (13th), 9. Justin Quinn (5th), 10. Ronnie Clark (8th), 11. Mike Martin (11th), 12. Mike Bonneau (14th), 13. James Aragon (15th), 14. Chris Bonneau (16th), 15. Kyle Danielson (20th), 16. Bruce St. James (12th), 17. Shon Deskins (3rd), 18. Stephen Harms (18th), 19. Mark Morin (23rd), 20. Andy Reinbold (7th), 21. Tom Lee (21st), 22. Jody Wirth (6th), 23. Michael Curtis (17th). ---------------------------- **Andy Reinbold flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-18 Brian Hosford, Laps 19-22 Nick Aiuto, Lap 23-30 Charles Davis Jr. HARD CHARGER: Stevie Sussex (22nd to 6th)

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1. Charles Davis Jr.-130; 2. R.J. Johnson-110; 3. Josh Pelkey-105; 4. Ronnie Clark-101; 5. Justin Quinn-96; 6. Brian Hosford-93; 7. Bryan Swinehart-92; 8. Tom Ogle-90; 9. Nick Aiuto-87; 10. Mike Bonneau-69; 11. Mike Martin-63; 12. Shon Deskins-58; James Aragon-58; 14. Andy Reinbold-55; 15. Nathan High-52; 16. Chris Bonneau-51; 17. Stevie Sussex-47; 18. Bruce St. James-45; 19. Stephen Harms-44; 20. Tom Lee-43.

USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series

RICHARD VANDER WEERD SCORES 30-LAP BAKERSFIELD VICTORY

by Lance Jennings

BAKERSFIELD, CA – MARCH 24, 2013... In his first start at the historic Bakersfield Speedway, Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia won Saturday's USAC West Coast Sprint Car main event. Vander Weerd had lost the lead to Danny Faria Jr., only to regain command after Faria clipped an infield tire. From there, the 2011 Champion fought off the challenges from Bud Kaeding and Austin Liggett to claim his ninth series victory ahead of Ryan Bernal, Kaeding, Jace Vander Weerd, and Rusty Carlile.

Racing the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard Vander Weerd was third quick in time trials, second in his heat race, and won the 6-lap Woodland Auto Display Dash. To date, Vander Weerd has one heat race victory, one semi-main win, seven top-10 finishes, two hard charger awards, and 29 feature laps led. Richard sits fourth in points as the series will invade Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway on April 13th.

Hollister's Ryan Bernal charged to second after starting eighth in the Bakersfield feature. Driving Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal qualified eighth, ran second in his heat race, and scored eighth in the dash. The former Rookie of the Year holds an eighteen point lead with two feature wins, two heat race victories, one dash win, five top-5 finishes, and 39 feature laps led.

Bud Kaeding of Campbell challenged Vander Weerd for the top spot before scoring third at the checkered flags. Piloting Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Kaeding was fourth quick, fifth in his heat race, and third in the dash. The defending champion is second in the standings with two heat race victories, one dash win, and five top-10 finishes on the season.

Visalia's Jace Vander Weerd claimed fourth in his first Bakersfield appearance. Driving the family owned #88 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Jace qualified sixth, placed third in his heat race, and ran sixth in the dash. The former USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year sits third in points with one heat race victory and three top-5 finishes on the year.

"The Bakersfield Bullet" Rusty Carlile raced to fifth from ninth in front of his hometown fans. Piloting his #51 Southwest Contractors / N.T.S. Incorporated Bullet, Carlile was tenth fast in time trials and second in his heat race. The former Cotton Classic winner is seventh in the point standings with two top-five finishes and 13 feature laps led to his credit.

Rauma, Finland's Markus Niemela earned his first Weld Racing Fast Time Award of the season and broke Tracy Hines' 1-lap track record. Racing Steve Watt's #81 Lost Reality / Steve Watt Enterprises Maxim, Niemela claimed fourth in his heat race, fourth in the dash, and scored twenty-first in the main event after an early exit. The young hard charger sits eighth in the point chase with one heat race victory, one top-5 finish, and 10 feature laps led in 2013.

Jonathan Logan of Hanford earned the BR Motorsports / Racing Optics "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a ninth place run after starting nineteenth. Driving the Evett/Logan #32 Mike Downing Racing Engines / Logan Lawn-Garden & Auto Detailing Eagle, the former SCRA 360 Champion qualified sixteenth and was seventh in his heat race. Logan is currently eleventh in championship points with two top-10 finishes on the season.

Bakersfield's "The Rickster" Ricky Kirkbride won the program's 10-lap Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1. Piloting Bob and Toni Van Meter's #87 Fred Cummings Motorsports / American Fabrication Maxim, Kirkbride was thirteenth fast and claimed tenth in the main event. The USAC Ford Focus Midget graduate is sixth in the standings with two top-10 finishes to his credit.

"Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. of Tipton took the lead from Vander Weerd before contact with an infield tire knocked him out of contention. Racing his #17V Johnston Calf Pens / DeBoer and Sons Trucking Spike, Faria rebounded to claim seventh in the main event. Earlier in the program, "Hollywood" was second quick in time trials, won the DJ Safety Heat Race #2, and placed second in the dash. Danny is currently fifth in points with three top-10 finishes and 1 feature lap led.

Bakersfield's Matt Day held off Richard Vander Weerd to win the 10-lap Saldana Racing Products / Keizer Wheels Heat Race #3. Driving his #97 Coffey Manufacturing / Undercover Innovations Stinger, Day qualified eighteenth overall and scored eleventh in the main event. The veteran driver is seventeenth in the point chase heading to Thunderbowl Raceway.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will return to action on Saturday, April 13th, at Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway. The action packed showcase will also feature the winged Rebel Cup 360 Sprint Cars and IMCA Modifieds. Advance tickets are on sale and for more information, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series in 2013, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

WELD RACING TIME TRIALS: 1. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-12.890 (New Track Record); 2. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-13.005; 3. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-13.030; 4. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-13.091; 5. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-13.161; 6. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-13.176; 7. Trent Carter, 13, Carter-13.197; 8. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-13.200; 9. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-13.410; 10. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-13.462; 11. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-13.478; 12. Chris Ennis, 86, Ennis-13.481; 13. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter-13.510; 14. Austin DeBlauw, 65, DeBlauw-13.801; 15. Landon Hurst, 179, Hurst-13.803; 16. Mike Broome, 43B, Broome-13.935; 17. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-13.962; 18. Matt Day, 97, Day-13.974; 19. Jonathan Logan, 32, Evett/Logan-14.040; 20. Adam Frith-Smith, 62, Frith-Smith-14.422; 21. Seth Hancock, 51S, Hancock-20.203.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps) 1. Ricky Kirkbride, 2. Rusty Carlile, 3. Mike Broome, 4. Markus Niemela, 5. Bud Kaeding, 6. Trent Carter, 7. Jonathan Logan. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps) 1. Danny Faria Jr., 2. Ryan Bernal, 3. Brody Roa, 4. Austin Liggett, 5. Austin DeBlauw, 6. Jeff Sibley, 7. Adam Frith-Smith. NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / KEIZER WHEELS HEAT RACE 3: (10 laps) 1. Matt Day, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Jace Vander Weerd, 4. Landon Hurst, 5. Kevin Barnes, 6. Chris Ennis, 7. Seth Hancock. NT

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY DASH: (6 laps) 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 2. Danny Faria Jr., 3. Bud Kaeding, 4. Markus Niemela, 5. Austin Liggett, 6. Jace Vander Weerd, 7. Kevin Barnes, 8. Ryan Bernal. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Richard Vander Weerd (1st), 2. Ryan Bernal (8th), 3. Bud Kaeding (3rd), 4. Jace Vander Weerd (6th), 5. Rusty Carlile (9th), 6. Brody Roa (10th), 7. Danny Faria Jr. (2nd), 8. Chris Ennis (17th), 9. Jonathan Logan (19th), 10. Ricky Kirkbride (11th), 11. Matt Day (15th), 12. Kevin Barnes (7th),13. Austin Liggett (5th), 14. Landon Hurst (13th), 15. Trent Carter (16th), 16. Mike Broome (14th), 17. Austin DeBlauw (12th), 18. Seth Hancock (21st), 19. Jeff Sibley (18th), 20. Adam Frith-Smith (20th), 21. Markus Niemela (4th). NT ---------------------------- FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Richard Vander Weerd, Lap 4 Danny Faria Jr., Laps 5-30 Richard Vander Weerd. BR MOTORSPORTS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Jonathan Logan (19th to 9th)

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1. Ryan Bernal-198; 2. Bud Kaeding-185; 3. Jace Vander Weerd-169; 4. Richard Vander Weerd-166; 5. Danny Faria Jr.-163; 6. Ricky Kirkbride-127; 7. Rusty Carlile-118; 8. Markus Niemela-117; 9. Austin Liggett-114; 10. Landon Hurst-113; 11. Jonathan Logan-107; 12. Chris Ennis-101; 13. Brody Roa-97; 14. Marty Hawkins-79; 15. Andy Ferris-76; 16. Jeff Sibley-69; 17. Matt Day-65; 18. Jim Richardson-61; Kevin Barnes-61; 20. Joe Stornetta-39.

SOUTHWEST SPRINTS AT QUEEN CREEK APRIL 13; CASA GRANDE WIN GIVES DAVIS POINT LEAD

Charles Davis of Buckeye, Ariz. will take a 20-point lead over R.J. Johnson into the April 13 race at Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek, Ariz. The race will be USAC’s first at the new 3/8-mile dirt oval.

Davis piloted Jim Massey’s car to victory in Saturday night’s 30-lap race at Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande, Ariz. Davis passed Nick Aiuto on lap 23 and led the final eight laps for the win over Aiuto, Brian Hosford, Josh Pelkey and Bryan Swinehart. Hosford led the first 18 laps of the race. Johnson was seventh in Saturday’s race.

The win was Davis’ seventh in USAC competition in Arizona, second only to Dave Steele and A.J. Foyt, who have eight. Davis has a chance to tie for the all-time lead with a win at Queen Creek.

2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Standings: 1-Charles Davis Jr.-130, 2-R.J. Johnson-110; 3-Josh Pelkey-103, 4-Ronnie Clark-101, 5-Justin Quinn-96, 6-Brian Hosford-93, 7-Bryan Swinehart-92, 8-Tom Ogle-90, 9-Mike Bonneau-69, 10-Nick Aiuto-67.

WEST COAST SPRINTS EYE THUNDERBOWL APRIL 13; RICHARD VANDER WEERD TOPS BAKERSFIELD 30-LAPPER

Ryan Bernal will lead the USAC West Coast Sprint Series to its next race April 13 at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., holding a 13-point lead over Bud Kaeding in the new standings. Bernal finished second and Kaeding third in last Saturday night’s race at Bakersfield, Calif.

Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia, Calif. led all but one lap at Bakersfield Speedway in his Vander Weerd Construction/Battery Worx Maxim/Shark. Jace Vander Weerd and Rusty Carlile trailed the top trio, taking fourth and fifth respectively.

Danny Faria Jr. was seventh and led lap 4 of the feature. Markus Niemela was the fastest qualifier with a new track record. Faria and Niemela rank fourth and eighth in the new standings.

Bernal also has a pair of Tulare victories under his belt this season, winning back-to-back features March 15-16.

2013 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Standings: 1-Ryan Bernal-198, 2-Bud Kaeding-185, 3-Richard Vander Weerd-166, 4-Danny Faria Jr.-163, 5-Jace Vander Weerd-159, 6-Ricky Kirkbride-127, 7-Rusty Carlile-120, 8-Markus Niemela-117, 8-Austin Liggett-114, 10-Landon Hurst-113.

EASTERN IGNITES DEBUT AT ACE THIS WEEKEND

The 2013 USAC Eastern Ignite Midget campaign kicks off its 19-race calendar this weekend with back-to-back races Friday and Saturday at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C.

The series travels to 10 different venues in five states and concludes with an October race also offering Midwestern Ignite points, the fourth of those races offering both points.

Last year’s Eastern Ignite champion Jared Irvan scored five wins in the seven Ace events. Nic Davidson and Chris Lamb were the others.

2013 USAC Western Ignite Pavement Standings: 1-Bryant Dawson-74, 2-Michael Fanelli-69, 3-Shawn Buckley-61, 4-Jarid Blondel-60, 5-Christine Breckenridge-52, 6-George Blacker-50, 7-Marina Turner-47.

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

March 23, 2013 – Casa Grande, Arizona – Central Arizona Raceway

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Nick Auito (#27 Aiuto/Allen), 2. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 3. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 4. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 5. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 6. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau) 7. R.J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 8. Tom Lee (#53 Lee). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 2. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 3. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 4. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 5. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 6. James Aragon (#94 Aragon), 7. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson), 8. Stevie Sussex (#1A Sussex). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 2. Bryan Swinehart (#68 Beal), 3. Justin Quinn (#93 Quinn), 4. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 5. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 6. Stephen Harms (#60 Harms), 7. Mark Morin (#28 Morin). NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Hosford, 2. Aiuto, 3. Deskins, 4. Harms, 5. Quinn, 6. Wirth, 7. Reinbold, 8. Clark. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Charles Davis Jr., 2. Nick Aiuto, 3. Brian Hosford, 4. Josh Pelkey, 5. Bryan Swinehart, 6. Stevie Sussex, 7. R.J. Johnson, 8. Tom Ogle, 9. Justin Quinn, 10. Ronnie Clark, 11. Mike Martin, 12. Mike Bonneau, 13. James Aragon, 14. Chris Bonneau, 15. Kyle Danielson, 16. Bruce St. James, 17. Shon Deskins, 18. Stephen Harms, 19. Mark Morin, 20. Andy Reinbold, 21. Tom Lee, 22. Jody Wirth, 23. Michael Curtis. NT

----------------------------

**Reinbold flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-18 Hosford, Laps 19-22 Aiuto, Lap 23-30 Davis.

NEW SOUTHWEST SPRINT POINTS:

NEXT SOUTHWEST SPRINT RACE: April 13 – Queen Creek, Arizona – Arizona Speedway

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 23, 2013 – Bakersfield, California – Bakersfield Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-12.890; 2. Danny Faria Jr., 17v, Faria-13.005; 3. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-13.030; 4. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-13.091; 5. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-13.161; 6. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-13.176; 7. Trent Carter, 13, Carter-13.197; 8. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-13.200; 9. Kevin Barmes, 36B, Barnes-13.410; 10. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-13.462; 11. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-13.478; 12. Chris Ennis, 86, Ennis-13.481; 13. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter-13.510; 14. Austin DeBlauw, 65, DeBlauw-13.801; 15. Landon Hurst, 179, Hurst-13.803; 16. Mike Broome, 43B, Broome-13.935; 17. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-13.962; 18. Matt Day, 97, Day-13.974; 19. Jonathan Logan, 32, Evett/Logan-14.040; 20. Adam Frith-Smith, 62, Frith-Smith-14.422; 21. Seth Hancock, 51s, Hancock-20.203.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Kirkbride, 2. Carlile, 3. Broome, 4. Niemela, 5. Kaeding, 6. Carter, 7. Logan. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Faria, 2. Bernal, 3. Roa, 4. Liggett, 5. DeBlauw, 6. Sibley, 7. Frith-Smith. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Day, 2. R.Vander Weerd, 3. J.Vander Weerd, 4. Hurst, 5. Barnes, 6. Ennis, 7. Hancock. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. R.Vander Weerd, 2. Faria, 3. Kaeding, 4. Niemela, 5. Liggett, 6. J.Vander Weerd, 7. Barnes, 8. Bernal. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 2. Ryan Bernal, 3. Bud Kaeding, 4. Jace Vander Weerd, 5. Rusty Carlile, 6. Brody Roa, 7. Danny Faria Jr., 8. Chris Ennis, 9. Jonathan Logan, 10. Ricky Kirkbride, 11. Matt Day, 12. Kevin Barmes,13. Austin Liggett, 14. Landon Hurst, 15. Trent Carter, 16. Mike Broome, 17. Austin DeBlauw, 18. Seth Hancock, 19. Jeff Sibley, 20. Adam Frith-Smith, 21. Markus Niemela. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 R.Vander Weerd, Lap 4 Faria, Laps 5-30 R.Vander Weerd.

NEW USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Bernal-198, 2-Kaeding-185, 3-R.Vander Weerd-166, 4-Faria-163, 5-J.Vander Weerd-159, 6- Kirkbride-127, 7-Carlile-120, 8-Niemela-117, 8-Liggett-114, 10-Hurst-113.

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: April 13 – Tulare, CA – Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway

USAC WEST COAST SPRINTS CLASH AT BAKERSFIELD SATURDAY
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MARCH 19, 2013... This Saturday, March 23rd, the cars and stars of the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will battle at Scott Schweitzer's Bakersfield Speedway. The action packed "KUZZ Night at the Races" will also feature the popular Hobby Stocks and American Stocks. The Front Gates will open at 4:00pm with Racing set for 6:00pm at "The West's Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval."

Since 2009, the Bakersfield oval has featured seven West Coast Sprint Car races and Davey Pombo has enjoyed the most success with three victories. Last March, Bud Kaeding joined Peter Murphy, Craig Stidham, and Ricky Kirkbride as main event winners at the 1/3-mile facility.

Heading into Saturday's showcase, Ryan Bernal of Hollister sits atop the point standings. Racing Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Ryan scored both main event wins at Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway. The former Rookie of the Year swept the Saturday program and has two heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, four top-five finishes, and 72 feature laps led on the year. Bernal will have his sights on adding Bakersfield to his win list on Saturday.

Campbell's Bud Kaeding is second in the championship points. Piloting Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Kaeding earned two third place finishes at Tulare. To date, the defending series champion has two heat race victories, one Woodland Auto Display Dash win, and four top-10 finishes on the year. Bud will be looking to gain valuable points with a Bakersfield triumph.

After two fifth place runs at Tulare, Jace Vander Weerd of Visalia is third in the point chase. Driving the family owned #88 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the former USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year has one heat race victory in 2013. On Saturday, Vander Weerd will be making his first Bakersfield start and will be looking to claim the billet trophy.

Tipton's "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. is currently fourth in the standings. Racing a brand new #17V Johnston Calf Pens / DeBoer & Sons Trucking Spike, "Hollywood" claimed a fourth and sixth place finish at Tulare. With veteran Crew Chief Vinnie Lattner turning the wrenches, Faria has his sights on a championship run and Saturday's victory at Bakersfield.

Sitting fifth in the points is Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia. Piloting the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard scored fifteenth and second at Thunderbowl Raceway. To date, Vander Weerd has one heat race victory, one semi-main win, two hard charger awards, and six top-10 finishes in the campaign. Like his twin brother Jace, the 2011 Champion will make his first Bakersfield start and will be looking to claim the $1,500 victory.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Markus Niemela, "The Rickster" Ricky Kirkbride, Rookie Contender Landon Hurst, Austin Liggett, Marty Hawkins, Andy Ferris, Jonathan Logan, "The Bakersfield Bullet" Rusty Carlile, Jim Richardson, "The Wild Child" Chris Ennis, Brody Roa, and many more.

Bakersfield Speedway is located at 5001 North Chester Extension in Bakersfield, California. Adult tickets are $15, Kids tickets are $5, and Children’s tickets (5 and under) are FREE. The Pit Gate will open at 1:00pm and for event information, visit the track’s website at www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call (661) 393-3373.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series in 2013, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

For more information on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/#!/pages/USAC-West-Coast-Sprint-Car-Series/369549755817).
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USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS:
1-Ryan Bernal-134, 2-Bud Kaeding-124, 3-Jace Vander Weerd-111, 4-Danny Faria Jr.-108, 5-Richard Vander Weerd-95, 6-Markus Niemela-93, 7-Ricky Kirkbride-86, 8-Landon Hurst-83, 9-Austin Liggett-80, 10-Marty Hawkins-79, 11-Andy Ferris-76, 12-Jonathan Logan-69, 13-Rusty Carlile-65, 14-Jim Richardson-61, 15-Chris Ennis-59, 16-Jeff Sibley-51, 17-Brody Roa-46, 18-Joe Stornetta-39, 19-Kolby Araki-30, 20-Kevin Barnes-28.

2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 23: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
April 13: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 20: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 27: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
May 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Billet Cup)
June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 22: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)
September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)
September 21: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (John Anthony Sharp Memorial)
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

SOUTHWEST SPRINTS AT CASA GRANDE SATURDAY; JOHNSON TAKES SERIES POINTS OPENER AT CANYON

R.J. Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz. has a slim one-point lead over Charles Davis Jr. in the USAC Southwest Sprint Car standings entering this Saturday’s race at Central Arizona Speedway in Casa Grande, Ariz.

Johnson outduelled Davis in last Saturday’s 30-lap series opener at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz., leading the final two laps in the Bill Michaels entry. Davis finished second after leading 18 laps, followed by Ronnie Clark, Justin Quinn and Nathan High.

Saturday’s race will mark the debut of USAC Sprint racing at the 3/8-mile dirt oval.

2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Standings: 1-R.J. Johnson-66, 2-Charles Davis Jr.-65, 3-Ronnie Clark-62, 4-Nathan High-55, 5-Justin Quinn-54, 6-Josh Pelkey-49, 7-Tom Ogle-46, 8-Bob Ream Jr.-43, 9-Mike Bonneau-39, 10-Bryan Swinehart-37.

USAC HALL OF FAME EXPANDS BY 8; 4 MORE TO GO; 4 DRIVERS, 1 CAR OWNER, 1 MECHANIC, 1 OFFICIAL & 1 RACE ORGANIZER

Eight additional inductees into the USAC Hall of Fame have been announced, joining the 12 inaugural inductees announced in 2012. The new class includes four drivers, one car owner, one mechanic, one official and one race organizer. An additional four inductees will be selected by popular vote from a list of 16 eligibles released this week through social mediums.

The second annual USAC Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be held May 18 at Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Ind. in conjunction with the annual USAC “Hall of Fame Classic” Traxxas Silver Crown Championship race.

The eight-member class of inductees announced today include (alphabetically) Earl Baltes, Henry Banks, Pancho Carter, Al and Bobby Unser, A.J. Watson, Don White and Bob Wilke.

Earl Baltes built the famed Eldora Speedway in 1954 and in 2003 hosted the richest Sprint car race in the world – the “Mopar Million” – the USAC event which offered a total purse of one million dollars. Serving as a race organizer at seven different race tracks in Ohio and Indiana, Baltes presented a remarkable 287 USAC races and was twice honored as the USAC “Race Organizer of the Year.”

Henry Banks, who passed away in 1994, left a significant legacy with the United States Auto Club. He served as USAC’s Competition Director during the formative years between 1959 and 1969. His driving career began in 1932 and he earned the 1941 ARDC Midget title before winning the 1950 AAA National Driving Championships. He was a six-time starter in the Indianapolis 500 and the 1962 winner of the prestigious Eddie Edenburn Award made a cameo appearance in the racing classic Roar of the Crowd. He is also a member of the National Midget Auto Racing Hall of Fame.

Pancho Carter, the son of 2012 USAC Hall of Fame inductee Duane Carter, earned 70 USAC National feature victories in various series and became USAC’s inaugural Triple Crown Champion, winning the 1972 Midget, 1974 and 1976 Sprint Car and 1978 Silver Crown titles. The 1974 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year posted 17 Indianapolis 500 starts, winning the pole in 1985 and finishing third in 1982. A member of both the National Sprint Car and Midget Halls of Fame, he won the 1981 Michigan 500 at Michigan International Speedway.

Al Unser, one of only three four-time winners of the Indianapolis 500 (1970-71-78-87), posted a total of 48 wins in USAC National competition. A three-time USAC National Driving Champion, he also won the 1973 Silver Crown title and strung together a remarkable four consecutive Hoosier Hundred wins between 1970 and 1973. The 1978 International Race of Champions king, Al continues to lead all drivers in terms of Indianapolis 500 laps led at 612. He also won races in the USAC Stock Car and Formula 5000 Championship.

Bobby Unser is the only driver to win USAC feature events in five different decades! He capped his career with the 1993 title in the USAC Fast Masters after scoring three wins in the Indianapolis 500 (1968, 1975 and 1981). A two-time USAC National Driving Champ, he also won the 1975 IROC title and totaled 43 USAC feature wins in a variety of categories during his career. Part of his legend includes a sensational 13 victories in the prestigious Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Colorado.

A.J. Watson’s expertise as a car builder and mechanic earned his cars seven victories at the Indianapolis 500. Drivers Bob Sweikert, Pat Flaherty, Rodger Ward, Jim Rathmann, Parnelli Jones and A.J. Foyt all piloted Watson creations to victory lane. A member of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, Watson scored 27 wins as a USAC Sprint Car owner and is also a member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. In 1958 Rathmann piloted a Watson-built car to victory in the “Race of Two Worlds” 500-mile event at Monza, Italy. A.J. was awarded USAC’s Eddie Edenburn Award in 1983 and Lincoln Electric Mechanical Achievement Award in 2006. Between 1961 and 1969 A.J. participated as a member of the USAC Board of Directors.

Don White is the winningest USAC Stock Car driver of all time. Known as the “Richard Petty of the North,” White earned 53 victories in the USAC ranks and posted a remarkable 14 wins at the famed Milwaukee Mile. The iconic leader of the Keokuk, Iowa racing clan, he competed in NASCAR races between 1950 and 1972 and in 1966 finished third in a 100-miler behind Paul Goldsmith and Richard Petty at Daytona Beach, Fla.

Patriarch of the famed Wilke Racing family, Bob was Rodger Ward’s car owner at the 1959 Indianapolis 500 and returned with Ward to win in 1962. He also added a 1968 victory at Indy with Bobby Unser. The Wilke family holds the all-time lead in terms of USAC feature race wins – 145 – with 31 different drivers earning National wins in their cars, which also earned numerous USAC car owner championships. In 2003 the family was awarded USAC’s Jim Blunk Award in recognition of their contributions to Midget auto racing.

The inaugural 12 inductees announced in 2012 included (alphabetically) J.C. Agajanian, Mario Andretti, Gary Bettenhausen, Tom Binford, Jimmy Bryan, Duane Carter, A.J. Foyt, Tony Hulman, Parnelli Jones, Mel Kenyon, Roger McCluskey and Rich Vogler.

Online voting for the final four inductees is now available by accessing the following link: http://apps.facebook.com/my-polls/erwcl.

R.J. JOHNSON WINS USAC SOUTHWEST "CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER" AT CANYON

by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – MARCH 17, 2013... After a furious battle with Charles Davis Jr., R.J. Johnson of Phoenix claimed Saturday's $1,500 victory at Kevin Montgomery's Canyon Speedway Park. The 30-lap "Championship Opener" marked the first official point race with the new USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series as twenty-five cars were in attendance. Johnson was followed to the checkered flags by Davis, Ronnie Clark, fifteenth starting Justin Quinn, and Nathan High who raced from seventeenth.

Starting third in the main event, Charles Davis Jr. was looking for his first victory of the 2013 campaign. The five-time Arizona Sprint Car Champion led the first seventeen laps before pole-sitter R.J. Johnson took command. The March 2nd "Copper On Dirt" winner set a fast pace for the next ten circuits before Davis fought back to regain the top spot. The lead was short-lived, as R.J. mounted a charge to retake the lead on lap twenty-nine. Davis challenged again, but Johnson was not to be denied and claimed his second USAC Southwest victory of the season.

Driving Bill Michael's #77M Beal's Auto Body / Sherman Race Cars entry, R.J. Johnson is ready to make a championship bid. The former Arizona Midget Champion ran third in his heat race and won the 6-lap Sunoco Fuels Passing Masters Dash. To date, Johnson has two heat race victories, 3 top-5 finishes, and 42 feature laps led on the year. The second generation driver holds a slim point lead as the series heads to Casa Grande this Saturday.

Buckeye's Charles Davis Jr. had to settle for second after a had fought battle with Johnson. Piloting the Massey Motorsports' #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply RSS, Davis won the Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #1 and placed third in the new 6-lap dash. The veteran driver left CSP second in points with two heat race victories, one semi-main win, one hard charger award, four top-5 finishes, and 18 main event laps led.

Ronnie Clark of Tucson raced to third after starting sixth in the feature. Driving the family owned #6 RCM / Ellis Race Cars entry, Clark won the Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #3 and was the night's high point driver entering the main event. Ronnie claimed sixth in the Passing Masters Dash and currently sits third in championship points.

Phoenix's Justin Quinn put on a show and claimed fourth after starting fifteenth. Racing the family owned #93 Four Peaks Hardwood Flooring / Lasting Impressions Ellis, Quinn placed sixth in his heat race and sits fifth in the point chase heading to Casa Grande.

Nathan High of Goodyear earned the night's "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a fifth place run from seventeenth. Piloting his #1A machine, High was sixth in his heat race and won the 12-lap semi-main event. For his efforts, the veteran driver is fourth in the standings when action resumes this Saturday night.

Prescott Valley's Bryan Swinehart won the program's 8-lap Racers Advantage Store Heat Race #2. Driving Tim and Shelly Beal's #68 Beal's Auto Body / DNS Performance RSS, Swinehart claimed fourth in the Passing Masters Dash and twelfth in the main event. Bryan is currently tenth in points heading to Central Arizona Raceway. The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series will return to action this Saturday, March 23rd at Casa Grande's Central Arizona Raceway. The action packed card will also feature Mini Sprints, Pure Stocks, and the AMA Modlites. For more event and ticket information, visit www.centralazraceway.net or call 520.574.8515.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series would like to thank Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Tire, and the Hose Advantage Store for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SouthwestSprintCars). -------------------------------------------------------------- USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS: March 16, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park - "Championship Opener"

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #1: (8 laps) 1. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 2. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 3. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 4. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 5. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 6. Justin Quinn (#93 Quinn), 7. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau), 8. Bob Ream Jr. (#8 BRAT), 9. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood). NT

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #2: (8 laps) 1. Bryan Swinehart (#68 Beal), 2. Nick Auito (#27 Aiuto/Allen), 3. Tom Lee (#53 Lee), 4. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 5. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 6. Nathan High (#1A High), 7. James Aragon (#94 Aragon), 8. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber). NT

RACERS ADVANTAGE STORE HEAT RACE #3: (8 laps) 1. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 2. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 3. R. J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 4. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 5. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson), 6. Stephen Harms (#60 Harms), 7. Mark Morin (#28 Morin), 8. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex). NT

SUNOCO RACE FUELS PASSING MASTERS DASH: (6 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson, 2. Bruce St. James, 3. Charles Davis Jr., 4. Bryan Swinehart, 5. Mike Martin, 6. Ronnie Clark, 7. Nick Aiuto, 8. Shon Deskins. NT

SEMI-MAIN: (12 laps) 1. Nathan High, 2. Bob Ream Jr., 3. Andy Reinbold, 4. Mike Bonneau, 5. Brian Hosford, 6. James Aragon, 7. Kyle Danielson, 8. Mark Morin, 9. Stevie Sussex. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. R.J. Johnson (1st), 2. Charles Davis Jr. (3rd), 3. Ronnie Clark (6th), 4. Justin Quinn (15th), 5. Nathan High (17th), 6. Josh Pelkey (9th), 7. Tom Ogle (12th), 8. Bob Ream Jr. (16th), 9. Mike Bonneau (18th), 10. Andy Reinbold (19th), 11. Brian Hosford (21st), 12. Bryan Swinehart (4th), 13. James Aragon (20th), 14. Shon Deskins (8th), 15. Tom Lee (10th), 16. Stephen Harms (22nd), 17. Mike Martin (5th), 18. Chris Bonneau (11th), 19. Nick Aiuto (7th), 20. Bruce St. James (2nd), 21. Michael Curtis (13th), 22. Jody Wirth (14th). NT ---------------------------- **Jody Wirth flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-17 Charles Davis Jr., Laps 18-27 R.J. Johnson, Lap 28 Charles Davis, Laps 29-30 R.J. Johnson. HARD CHARGER: Nathan High (17th to 5th)

NEW USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-R.J. Johnson-66, 2-Charles Davis Jr.-65, 3-Ronnie Clark-62, 4-Nathan High-55, 5-Justin Quinn-54, 6-Josh Pelkey-49, 7-Tom Ogle-46, 8-Bob Ream Jr.-43, 9-Mike Bonneau-39, 10-Bryan Swinehart-37.

USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series

RYAN BERNAL SCORES POINT OPENER AT TULARE by Lance Jennings

TULARE, CA – MARCH 16, 2013... Taking the lead from Markus Niemela on lap eleven, Hollister's Ryan Bernal claimed the Friday night feature at Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway. Due to time constraints, the shortened main event marked Bernal's tenth career USAC West Coast Sprint Car victory and ties Bud Kaeding for the series lead. Niemela, Kaeding, "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr., and Jace Vander Weerd rounded out the top-five drivers.

From the outside of the front row, Markus Niemela powered by Kaeding to grab the early lead. Looking for his first series triumph, the Finland native began to run away as Kaeding, Bernal, and Richard Vander Weerd fought hard for second. With every corner, Niemela increased his advantage until young Austin Liggett caught a rut and flipped on the fourth lap. Last year's Rookie of the Year walked away uninjured, but his family owned machine was done for the night.

Niemela had a brilliant restart and went to work on rebuilding his lead. Bernal and Vander Weerd were falling behind until a red flag halted the action five laps later. Terry Nichols, the 2009 Rookie of the Year, flipped hard in the third turn and lost his tail tank. With the safety crew on the scene, Nichols took a moment to gather himself and climbed out of his battered race car. A lengthy delay was needed to clear the speedway and clean up the spilled methanol.

On the following restart, Niemela could not shake free from the field. Bernal stayed close and began to challenge for the top spot. Searching for an opening, Ryan slipped into the lead on lap eleven. Now, Markus was under attack from both Vander Weerd and Kaeding. The trio swapped positions, but more caution flags would plague the main event. The last yellow was for Vander Weerd who spun to a stop and track officials called the event after fifteen laps to start the World of Outlaw feature.

Driving Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Ryan Bernal won the first point race of the season. The two-time Santa Maria Champion placed third in his heat race and third in the new 6-lap dash. To date, Bernal has one heat race victory, three top-5 finishes, and 14 feature laps led on the season.

After a great run early in the main event, Rauma, Finland's Markus Niemela had to settle for second at Tulare. The pilot of Steve Watt's #81 Lost Reality / SWE Maxim made his first start of the season and won the 8-lap DJ Safety Heat Race #2. Earning the night's high point honors, Niemela raced to second in the Dash after starting sixth.

Bud Kaeding of Campbell scored third at the checkered flags. Driving Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprise / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Kaeding won the Extreme Muffler's Heat Race #1 and the Woodland Auto Display Dash. The defending champion had a good night and has three top-10 finishes on the year.

Debuting his new #17V Johnston Calf Pens / DeBoer & Sons Trucking Spike, Tipton's "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. ran fourth in the Friday night feature. "Hollywood" placed second in his heat race and ran sixth in the dash.

Visalia's Jace Vander Weerd came home fifth in the main event. Piloting the family owned #88 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the former USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year was second in his heat race and fifth in the dash.

Rookie of the Year candidate Landon Hurst of Riverdale earned the night's BR Motorsports / Racing Optics "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a sixth place run after starting nineteenth. Making his first career sprint car start in the family owned #179 Kings River Commodities / Duinkerken Farms Maxim, Hurst was seventh in his heat race before his impressive drive.

Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia won the night's Saldana Racing Products / Keizer Wheels Heat Race #3. Driving the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the former champion ran fourth in the dash and scored fifteenth after a late spin. To date, Vander Weerd has five top-10 finishes on the year.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (8 laps) 1. Bud Kaeding (#29 Bowman), 2. Danny Faria Jr. (#17V Faria), 3. Austin Liggett (#83 Liggett), 4. Jeff Sibley (#18 Watt), 5. Marty Hawkins (#3M Hawkins), 6. Kolby Araki (#30K Araki), 7. Landon Hurst (#179 Hurst). NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (8 laps) 1. Markus Niemela (#81 Watt), 2. Ricky Kirkbride (#87 Van Meter), 3. Rusty Carlile (#51 Carlile), 4. Chris Ennis (#86 Ennis), 5. Jim Richardson (#8 Richardson), 6. Joe Stornetta (#3F Finkenbinder). NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / KEIZER WHEELS HEAT RACE 3 : (8 laps) 1. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd), 2. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd), 3. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 4. Andy Ferris (#4J Ferris), 5. Jonathan Logan (#32 Evett/Logan), 6. Terry Nichols (#33 Nichols). NT

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY DASH: (6 laps) 1. Bud Kaeding, 2. Markus Niemela, 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. Richard Vander Weerd, 5. Jace Vander Weerd, 6. Danny Faria Jr., 7. Ricky Kirkbride, 8. Rusty Carlile. NT

FEATURE: (15 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Ryan Bernal (3rd), 2. Markus Niemela (2nd), 3. Bud Kaeding (1st), 4. Danny Faria Jr. (6th), 5. Jace Vander Weerd (5th), 6. Landon Hurst (19th), 7. Ricky Kirkbride (7th), 8. Marty Hawkins (11th), 9. Rusty Carlile (8th), 10. Andy Ferris (14th), 11. Jeff Sibley (13th), 12. Chris Ennis (10th), 13. Jim Richardson (12th), 14. Kolby Araki (16th), 15. Richard Vander Weerd (4th), 16. Jonathan Logan (15th), 17. Terry Nichols (18th), 18. Austin Liggett (9th), 19. Joe Stornetta (17th). NT ---------------------------- **Austin Liggett and Terry Nichols flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-10 Markus Niemela, Laps 11-15 Ryan Bernal. BR MOTORSPORTS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Landon Hurst (19th to 6th)

WEST COAST SPRINTS HEAD FOR BAKERSFIELD; BERNAL SWEEPS 2 TULARE THUNDERBOWL FEATURES

Ryan Bernal of Hollister, Calif. leads the 2013 USAC West Coast Sprint Cars to Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway this Saturday night after sweeping a pair of series openers last weekend at the Tulare (Calif.) Thunderbowl Raceway.

Bernal finished third in last year’s Bakersfield outing behind winner Bud Kaeding, who trails by 10 points in the standings after a pair of thirds at Tulare.

Bernal piloted the Keith Ford King Racing Products/A & A Precision Machine Spike/Mopar in a wire-to-wire win Saturday and led the final five laps of an abbreviated 15-lapper Friday after time constraints interrupted the scheduled 25-lapper.

Markus Niemela led the first 10 laps and finished second Saturday ahead of Kaeding, Danny Faria Jr. and Jace Vander Weerd. On Friday, Richard Vander Weerd was second ahead of Kaeding, Austin Liggett and Jace Vander Weerd.

2013 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Standings: 1-Ryan Bernal-134, 2-Bud Kaeding-124, 3-Jace Vander Weerd-111, 4-Danny Faria Jr.-108, 5-Richard Vander Weerd-95, 6-Markus Niemela-93, 7-Ricky Kirkbride-86, 8-Landon Hurst-83, 9-Austin Liggett-80, 10-Marty Hawkins-79.

LVMS BULLRING HOSTS APRIL 6 WESTERN IGNITES; DAWSON TAKES LAKE HAVASU OPENER

Bryant Dawson of Phoenix, Ariz. led the final 20 laps to win Saturday night’s 30-lap USAC Western Ignite Pavement Midget opener at Havasu 95 Speedway.

Dawson passed Michael Fanelli on lap 11 and led the rest of the way. Fanelli led the first 10 laps and finished second ahead of Shawn Buckley, Jarid Blondel and George Blacker.

The series resumes April 6 at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Bullring where Dawson captured the 2012 USAC Las Vegas Ignite title. Dawson scored five features at the LVMS oval last year.

2013 USAC Western Ignite Pavement Standings: 1-Bryant Dawson-74, 2-Michael Fanelli-69, 3-Shawn Buckley-61, 4-Jarid Blondel-60, 5-Christine Breckenridge-52, 6-George Blacker-50, 7-Marina Turner-47.

WESTERN MIDGETS OPEN PAVED SLATE SATURDAY AT MADERA

The 2013 USAC Western Midget Series makes its pavement debut this Saturday at Madera (Calif.) Speedway after the dirt calendar opened two weeks ago in Arizona.

The USAC and BCRA Midgets combine for Saturday’s event and defending USAC Western Midget pavement champion Chad Nichols is expected to be among top threats for victory.

Nichols won two of last year’s Madera outings, while Scott Pierovich and Michael Snyder were the other winners. Pierovich currently sits fourth in the standings after a seventh and an eighth in the series openers.

Others expected to challenge at Madera are 2012 USAC Western Midget Champ Shannon McQueen and 8-time BCRA king Floyd Alvis.

2013 USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET STANDINGS: 1-Bryan Clauson-143, 2-Rico Abreu-128, 3-Christopher Bell-125, 4-Scott Pierovich-91, 5-Jake Swanson-86, 6-Ronnie Gardner-84, 7-Dillon Welch-71, 8-Kody Swanson-66, 9-David Prickett-64, 10-Riley Emmel-61.

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 16, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 2. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 3. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 4. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 5. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 6. Justin Quinn (#93 Quinn), 7. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau), 8. Bob Ream Jr. (#8 BRAT), 9. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bryan Swinehart (#68 Beal), 2. Nick Auito (#27 Aiuto/Allen), 3. Tom Lee (#53 Lee), 4. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 5. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 6. Nathan High (#1A High), 7. James Aragon (#94 Aragon), 8. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 2. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 3. R. J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 4. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 5. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson), 6. Stephen Harms (#60 Harms), 7. Mark Morin (#28 Morin), 8. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex). NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Johnson, 2. St. James, 3. Davis, 4. Swinehart, 5. Martin, 6. Clark, 7. Aiuto, 8. Deskins. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. High, 2. Ream, 3. Reinbold, 4. M. Bonneau, 5. Hosford, 6. Aragon, 7. Danielson, 8. Morin, 9. Sussex. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson, 2. Charles Davis Jr., 3. Ronnie Clark, 4. Justin Quinn, 5. Nathan High, 6. Josh Pelkey, 7. Tom Ogle, 8. Bob Ream Jr., 9. Mike Bonneau, 10. Andy Reinbold, 11. Brian Hosford, 12. Bryan Swinehart, 13. James Aragon, 14. Shon Deskins, 15. Tom Lee, 16. Stephen Harms, 17. Mike Martin, 18. Chris Bonneau, 19. Nick Aiuto, 20. Bruce St. James, 21. Michael Curtis, 22. Jody Wirth. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-17 Davis, Laps 18-27 Johnson, Lap 28 Davis, Laps 29-30 Johnson.

NEW USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Johnson-66, 2-Davis-65, 3-Clark-62, 4-High-55, 5-Quinn-54, 6-Pelkey-49, 7-Ogle-46, 8-Ream-43, 9-M.Bonneau-39, 10-Swinehart-37.

NEXT USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT RACE: March 23 – Casa Grande, AZ – Central Arizona Raceway

USAC WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

March 16, 2013 – Lake Havasu City, Arizona – Havasu 95 Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bryant Dawson, 99, Dawson-15.029; 2. Michael Fanelli, 19, Fanelli-15.141; 3. Jarid Blondel, 98, Blondel-15.431; 4. Christine Breckenridge, 26, Breckenridge-15.436; 5. Marina Turner, 98T, Turner-15.509; 6. Shawn Buckley, 7, Buckley-15.967; 7. George Blacker, 9, Blacker-16.492.

DASH: (4 Laps) 1. Dawson, 2. Fanelli, 3. Blondel, 4. Breckenridge. NT

HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Dawson, 2. Fanelli, 3. Buckley, 4. Blondel, 5. Breckenridge, 6. Turner, 7. Blacker. NT

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Bryant Dawson, 2. Michael Fanelli, 3. Shawn Buckley, 4. Jarid Blondel, 5. George Blacker, 6. Christine Breckenridge, 7. Marina Turner. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-10 Fanelli, Laps 11-30 Dawson.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET POINTS: 1-Dawson-74, 2-Fanelli-69, 3-Buckley-61, 4-Blondel-60, 5-Breckenridge-52, 6-Blacker-50, 7-Turner-47.

NEXT WESTERN IGNITE (PAVEMENT) MIDGET RACE: April 6 – Las Vegas (NV) Motor Speedway Bullring

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 16, 2013 – Tulare, California – Thunderbowl Raceway

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd), 2. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd), 3. Chris Ennis (#86 Ennis), 4. Marty Hawkins (#3M Hawkins), 5. Joe Stornetta (#3F Finkenbinder), 6. Jim Richardson (#8 Richardson), 7. Kolby Araki (#30K Araki). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bud Kaeding (#29 Bowman), 2. Landon Hurst (#179 Hurst), 3. Rusty Carlile (#51 Carlile), 4. Jonathan Logan (#32 Evett/Logan), 5. Brody Roa (#91R BR), 6. Matt Day (#97 Day), 7. Andy Ferris (#4J Ferris). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 2. Markus Niemela (#81 Watt), 3. Austin Liggett (#83 Liggett), 4. Danny Faria Jr. (#17V Faria), 5. Ricky Kirkbride (#87 Van Meter), 6. Kevin Barmes (#36B Barnes), 7. Jeff Sibley (#18 Watt). NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. Carlile, 3. Kaeding, 4. R.Vander Weerd, 5. Niemela, 6. J.Vander Weerd, 7. Ennis, 8. Hurst. NT

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Bud Kaeding, 4. Austin Liggett, 5. Jace Vander Weerd, 6. Danny Faria Jr., 7. Brody Roa, 8. Jonathan Logan, 9. Andy Ferris, 10. Ricky Kirkbride, 11. Marty Hawkins, 12. Landon Hurst, 13. Jim Richardson, 14. Kevin Barmes, 15. Matt Day, 16. Markus Niemela, 17. Chris Ennis, 18. Joe Stornetta, 19. Rusty Carlile, 20. Jeff Sibley. NT ---------------------------- **Araki flipped during the first heat.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-25 Bernal.

NEW USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Bernal-134, 2-Kaeding-124, 3-J.Vander Weerd-111, 4-Faria-108, 5-R.Vander Weerd-95, 6-Niemela-93, 7-Kirkbride-86, 8-Hurst-83, 9-Liggett-80, 10-Hawkins-79.

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: March 23 – Bakersfield (CA) Speedway

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 15, 2013 – Tulare, California – Thunderbowl Raceway

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bud Kaeding (#29 Bowman), 2. Danny Faria Jr. (#17V Faria), 3. Austin Liggett (#83 Liggett), 4. Jeff Sibley (#18 Watt), 5. Marty Hawkins (#3M Hawkins), 6. Kolby Araki (#30K Araki), 7. Landon Hurst (#179 Hurst). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Markus Niemela (#81 Watt), 2. Ricky Kirkbride (#87 Van Meter), 3. Rusty Carlile (#51 Carlile), 4. Chris Ennis (#86 Ennis), 5. Jim Richardson (#8 Richardson), 6. Joe Stornetta (#3F Finkenbinder). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd), 2. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd), 3. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 4. Andy Ferris (#4J Ferris), 5. Jonathan Logan (#32 Evett/Logan), 6. Terry Nichols (#33 Nichols). NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Kaeding, 2. Niemela, 3. Bernal, 4. R. Vander Weerd, 5. J. Vander Weerd, 6. Faria, 7. Kirkbride, 8. Carlile. NT

FEATURE: (15 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Markus Niemela, 3. Bud Kaeding, 4. Danny Faria Jr., 5. Jace Vander Weerd, 6. Landon Hurst, 7. Ricky Kirkbride, 8. Marty Hawkins, 9. Rusty Carlile, 10. Andy Ferris, 11. Jeff Sibley, 12. Chris Ennis, 13. Jim Richardson, 14. Kolby Araki, 15. Richard Vander Weerd, 16. Jonathan Logan, 17. Terry Nichols, 18. Austin Liggett, 19. Joe Stornetta. NT ---------------------------- **Liggett flipped during the feature. Nichols flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-10 Niemela, Laps 11-15 Bernal.

NEW USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Bernal-66, 2-Niemela-65, 3-Kaeding-62, 4-Faria-58, 5-J.Vander Weerd-55, 6-Kirkbride-49, 7-Hurst-47, 8-Hawkins-43, 9-Carlile-42, 10-Ferris-38.

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: March 16 – Tulare, CA – Thunderbowl Raceway

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT "CHAMPIONSHIP OPENER" AT PEORIA SATURDAY

by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – MARCH 11, 2013... This Saturday, March 16th, the USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series will open their 2013 point season at Peoria's Canyon Speedway Park. Joining the action packed "Championship Opener" will be the Challenge Cup Sprint Cars, Micro Sprints, and Southwest Modlites. The Front Gates will open at 5:00pm with Racing scheduled to begin at 7:00pm. The track will also host an open practice session on Wednesday night from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Buckeye's "Chargin'" Charles Davis Jr. will lead a talented roster of drivers to Kevin Montgomery's fast 1/3-mile facility. Piloting the Massey Motorsports' #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply RSS, Davis raced to sixth from eleventh in the March 7th "Sin City Showdown" at Las Vegas. To date, the five-time Arizona Champion has one heat race victory, one semi-main win, one hard charger award, and three top-5 finishes on the year. Charles will be looking to start the point season with a 30-lap feature win on Saturday.

R.J. Johnson of Phoenix was second in last year's ASCS Canyon points. Driving the Michaels Racing #77M Dan Goodman Enterprises / Beal's Auto Body Sherman, Johnson claimed second in the Las Vegas "Sin City Showdown." The second generation driver won a "Winter Challenge" feature and scored the USAC/CRA "Copper On Dirt" on March 2nd. In addition, R.J. has two heat race victories, two top-5 finishes, and 30 feature laps led. Johnson will have his sights on taking the checkered flags at Canyon Speedway Park.

Las Cruces, New Mexico's "The Real Deal" Rick Ziehl scored third in the ASCS Canyon championship points. Splitting time between Gary Williams' #41W Diamond Mechanical Maxim and John Ziehl's #20 Lucas Oil Maxim, the veteran driver did not compete at Las Vegas. The multi-time ASCS Southwest Champion is a threat to win on any given night and scored a Canyon Speedway Park feature on October 20th.

Bruce St. James of Phoenix placed fourth in last season's ASCS Canyon point standings. Piloting his #7K Woodland Auto Display / Weld Racing Maxim, St. James raced to eighth after starting thirteenth in the "Sin City Showdown." Currently, the local radio talk show host has one top-5 finish and 10 feature laps led on the season. Bruce is continuing to improve and could take Saturday's "Championship Opener."

Glendale's Dalten Gabbard placed fifth in the ASCS Canyon standings. Driving the family owned #77 BG Chemicals / AZ Heat Trucking Maxim, Gabbard did not compete in the Las Vegas "Sin City Showdown." The young hard charger scored a victory at Canyon Speedway Park on May 26th and has shown the ability to compete with the front runners.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are "The Magic Man" Mike Martin, Brian Hosford, Josh Pelkey, Andy Reinbold, Justin Quinn, "Bullet" Bob Ream Jr., Shon Deskins, Tom Ogle, and many more.

Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona. To get to the track, take Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles west on Carefree Highway. Adult Tickets are $15 with $2 discounts available for Seniors, Military, and Students. Kids Tickets (7-12) are $6 and Children (6 and under) are FREE. VIP passes are available and Advance tickets are on sale now. For more event information, visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or call (602) 258-7223 (RACE).

“KT” CAPTAINS “FUN AT FASTIMES” WINNING TEAM

AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car veteran Kevin Thomas of Cullman, Ala. captained Saturday’s winning team in the 16th Annual 3-hour karting enduro benefitting the USAC Benevolent Foundation and sponsored by the Tony Stewart Foundation. The race featuring 10 teams of USAC veteran drivers and others was held at the “Fun at Fastimes” karting center on the northwest side of Indianapolis, Ind.

The Thomas-led Hinchman Uniforms team completed 386 laps of the twisting two-tiered facility and finished a lap ahead of the runner-up Burco Molding team captained by Nick Richards. A team sponsored by Eddie Gilstrap Ford and mylocalfordstore.com and Hinchman Uniforms and led by Hunter Schuerenberg took third, three laps in arrears.

The event raised over $10,000 for the USAC Benevolent Foundation, which assist needy participants in the USAC and IndyCar community.

Carl McIntire emerged the winner of a special “race of champions” among members of the winning team, which also included Thomas, USAC drivers Wes McIntire, Tyler Courtney, Brian Karraker and Caleb Armstrong, plus Taylor Courtney.

Saturday’s race was split into two segments, with a half-way break after the first 90 minutes. Each team was required to execute four pit stops (driver changes) during each segment.

The fastest lap of the competition was posted by the Burco Molding team.

TULARE USAC WEST COAST SPRINT DOUBLEHEADER STARTS THIS FRIDAY

by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MARCH 11, 2013... This Friday, March 15th, the point season with the USAC West Coast Sprint Cars will open with a special doubleheader at Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway. Joining the action will be the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars and IMCA Modifieds (Friday only). The Front Gates will open at 4:00pm with Racing at the lightning fast 1/3-mile to start at 7:00pm.

Campbell's Bud Kaeding will lead a talented roster of drivers to Steve Faria's Thunderbowl Raceway. Piloting Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Kaeding ran ninth in the Las Vegas "Sin City Showdown" on March 7th. To date, last year's champion has two top-10 finishes on the year and will be looking to sweep the doubleheader.

For the second straight season, Ryan Bernal finished second in the championship points. Racing Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal had control of the Las Vegas feature until a late heartbreaking spin knocked him out of contention. Scoring twelfth, the two-time Santa Maria track champion enters Tulare with one heat race victory, two top-5 finishes, and 9 feature laps led. Ryan will be looking to rebound with a pair of Tulare main event wins

Rauma, Finland's Markus Niemela put together a solid 2012 campaign and finished third in the point chase. Driving Steve Watt's #81 Lost Reality / SWE Maxim, Niemela did not race at Las Vegas but is a threat to win on any given night. Scoring his best finish at Kings Speedway on April 7th, the star of his own reality show had one fast time award, three heat race victories, seven top-10 finishes, and 17 feature laps led to his credit.

"Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. of Tipton had a tough season and claimed fourth in the championship standings. The local favorite did not race in the "Sin City Showdown" and will pilot a brand new #17V Johnston Calf Pens / DeBoer & Sons Trucking Spike. The hard charger posted a season best third place finish on May 5th at Santa Maria and had one fast time award, four heat race victories, one hard charger award, and nine top-10 finishes. Look for Faria to put on a show at the Thunderbowl Raceway.

Scoring fifth in the point chase was Visalia's Richard Vander Weerd. Driving the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the former champion scored third in his first Las Vegas appearance. To date, Vander Weerd has one semi-main win, two hard charger awards, and five top-10 finishes on the season. Richard will have his sights on taking the checkered flags at Tulare.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are "The Rickster" Ricky Kirkbride, "The Bakersfield Bullet" Rusty Carlile, 2012 Rookie of the Year Austin Liggett, Chris Gansen, Kevin Barnes, "The Wild Child" Chris Ennis, Don Gansen, Jace Vander Weerd, Tyler Dolacki, and many more.

Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets. Reserved Grandstand Tickets are $45 and Reserved Bleacher Tickets are $40. Advance tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the track office at (559) 688-0909. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.tularethunderbowl.com.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

CRA SPRINTS BACK TO PERRIS APRIL 6; “SOKOLA SHOOTOUT” IS #9 FOR CLAUSON!

Damion Gardner and Nic Faas are expected to shoot it out for the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint car point lead April 6 when the series resumes at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. They are tied for the runner-up position in the standings behind Bryan Clauson, who won Saturday night’s “Sokola Shootout” at the Pas.

Clauson is expected to compete in the April 6 AMSOIL National Sprint Car race at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway after scoring his ninth victory of 2013 in last Saturday’s Perris main event.

Clauson, of Noblesville, Ind., led the final 23 laps in his Mike Martin Ultimate Offroad/Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim after early leader Mike Spencer blew an engine. Gardner and Faas finished second and third, followed by Rickie Gaunt and Cody Williams.

Clauson, also the fastest qualifier, has now won nine USAC features this year, three months ahead of the earliest previous driver to achieve nine in a single season!

WEST COAST, SOUTHWEST SPRINTS VISIT TULARE, PEORIA; CLAUSON TAKES LAS VEGAS “GRUDGE SERIES” FEATURE

USAC’s West Coast and Southwest Sprint Car Series compete this weekend as the Western Sprint landscape bursts into action at dirt ovals in California and Arizona.

The West Coast Sprint cars officially open their 2013 calendar at Tulare, Calif.’s Thunderbowl Raceway Friday and Saturday while the Southwest Sprints open their 2013 point campaign Saturday at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Last Thursday night was the first race of the 2013 "Grudge Series,” a special “non-points” race for both the West Coast and Southwest competitors, but USAC National Drivers Champion Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. walked off with the “Sin City Showdown” feature hardware at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway dirt track.

Clauson wheeled the Mike Martin Ultimate Offroad/Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim to the victory, grabbing the lead after Ryan Bernal’s spin on lap 23. Clauson led the final three laps to beat R.J. Johnson, Richard Vander Weerd, Rusty Carlile and Shon Deskins. Carlile led the first 13 laps and Bernal the next 10 before Clauson took over.

Last year’s two West Coast Sprint features at Tulare were won by Kyle Larson.

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 9, 2013 – Perris, California – Perris Auto Speedway – “Sokola Shootout”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bryan Clauson, 16B, Martin-16.392; 2. Damion Gardner, 4a, Alexander-16.604; 3. Ronnie Gardner, 18, Kittle-16.694; 4. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.712; 5. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-16.748; 6. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-16.750; 7. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.756; 8. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.767; 9. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-16.768; 10. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-16.782; 11. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.802; 12. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.815; 13. Cory Kruseman, 7, Priestley-16.878; 14. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-17.015; 15. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-17.044; 16. J.J. Ercse, 14, Springstead-17.070; 17. John Aden, 7a, Aden-17.076; 18. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-17.089; 19. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-17.103; 20. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-17.173; 21. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-17.226; 22. Markus Niemela, 81, Watt-17.230; 23. Cody Kershaw, 27, Kershaw-17.244; 24. Mike Martin, 16, Martin-17.315; 25. A.J. Bender, 12B, Bender-17.443; 26. Seth Wilson, 1x, Wilson-17.482 ; 27. Johnny Bluntach, 58, Bluntach-17.676; 28. Kenny Perkins, 0k, Perkins-17.727; 29. Cal Smith, 39, CalSun-17.986; 30. Billy Blinn, 26, Blinn-17.989; 31. Jon Kairot, 18w, Watt-18.262; 32. Gary Potter, 6, 18.494; 33. Austin Smith, 36, Springstead-18.604; 34. Mike Collins, 04, Perkins-18.771; 35. Jerry Welton, 62, Welton-19.129; 36. Trevor Cooper, 21k, Kruseman-NT; 37. Justin Grant, 01, Grant-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Mitchell, 2. Bernal, 3. Clauson, 4. Spencer, 5. Aden, 6. A.J. Bender, 7. A.Smith, 8. C.Smith, 9. Kruseman. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Johnson, 2. Niemela, 3. D.Gardner, 4. Gaunt, 5. R.Williams, 6. Bezio, 7. Wilson, 8. Blinn, 9. Collins. 2:53.80

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. R.Vander Weerd, 2. R.Gardner, 3. Kershaw, 4. Bluntach, 5. Roa, 6. J.Vander Weerd, 7. Kairot, 8. Welton, 9. A.Williams. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Martin, 2. Kaeding, 3. Faas, 4. C.Williams, 5. Cardey, 6. Ercse, 7. Perkins, 8. G.Potter, 9. Cooper. 2:57.97

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. A.Williams, 2. Bezio, 3. R.Williams, 4. Roa, 5. Ercse, 6. J.Vander Weerd, 7. Aden, 8. A.J. Bender, 9. Wilson, 10. Perkins, 11. C.Smith, 13. A.Smith, 13. Cooper, 14. G.Potter, 15. Kairot, 16. Collins, 17. Welton. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Damion Gardner, 3. Nic Faas, 4. Rickie Gaunt, 5. Cody Williams, 6. Ronnie Gardner, 7. Richard Vander Weerd, 8. Rip Williams, 9. Austin Williams, 10. Jace Vander Weerd, 11. R.J. Johnson, 12. Bud Kaeding, 13. Brody Roa, 14. Mike Martin, 15. Markus Niemela, 16. David Bezio, 17. Ryan Bernal, 18. Mike Spencer, 19. J.J. Ercse, 20. Matt Mitchell, 21. Seth Wilson, 22. Johnny Bluntach, 23. Cody Kershaw. NT ---------------------------- ** Kruseman flipped during the first heat. Mitchell and Bezio flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-7 Spencer, Laps 8-30 Clauson.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Clauson-210, 2-D.Gardner-187, 3-Faas-187, 4-Kaeding-146, 5-Gaunt-134, 6-Johnson-127, 7-Bernal-124, 8-C.Williams-111, 9-Spencer-104, 10-Charles Davis Jr.-102.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: April 6, 2013 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway

USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series

BRYAN CLAUSON WINS $2,500 "SIN CITY SHOWDOWN" AT LAS VEGAS

by Lance Jennings

LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 8, 2013... Noblesville, Indiana's Bryan Clauson continued his hot streak by leading the final three laps to claim the "Sin City Showdown" at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. The $2,500 "Grudge Series" victory was Clauson's fourth triumph in five starts with the USAC West Coast and Southwest Sprint Cars. R.J. Johnson, Richard Vander Weerd, Rusty Carlile, and Shon Deskins rounded out the top-five finishers.

From the pole position, Carlile fought off early challenges from Johnson and Clauson to take command of the race. Looking for his first main event win since October 2009, the veteran driver set a fast pace as the other eighteen cars battled for position. With track conditions changing and drivers searching for racing room, Rusty was inching away from the field.

By the fifth circuit, Ryan Bernal had slipped into second from his sixth starting spot. The former Rookie of the Year was running strong and began to reel in the leader. Close behind, third and fourth running Johnson and Clauson were looking to join the fray. Driving through some ruts, Carlile continued to hit his marks as Bernal was within striking distance. Two laps later, Clauson had dropped Johnson to fourth and prepared to attack Bernal.

With the laps counting down, Rusty held tough but a lap twelve miscue opened the door for Bernal and Clauson. Streaking down the front straightaway, both drivers motored past Carlile and they battled for the lead. Reaching slower traffic, Bernal emerged with the top spot and began to stretch his advantage. The battle for sixth was heating up between Vander Weerd and Deskins with Charles Davis Jr. in close pursuit.

Bernal sliced through traffic at will and earned a sizable lead until a lap twenty-two heartbreak. While making a move past a slower car, Ryan's machine spun around to a stop and brought out a caution flag. Bernal was able to restart and Clauson inherited the lead. The defending USAC National Sprint Car Champion set the pace, but second running Johnson had other ideas. R.J.'s move did not work as Clauson maintained the point. On the white flag lap, Clauson bobbled in the west turns and Johnson had one last shot. Coming for the checkered flags, the move fell short and the night belonged to Bryan Clauson.

Driving Mike Martin's #16B Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, Bryan Clauson is making the best of his early season "western swing." In addition to his fourth 360 powered win, the Winter Challenge Champion has already scored two USAC Western Midget victories and one USAC/CRA main event. At Las Vegas, Clauson placed third in his heat race and currently leads the "Grudge Series" point chase. To date, Bryan has three heat race victories and 72 feature laps led.

Phoenix, Arizona's R.J. Johnson finished second at Las Vegas and is enjoying a great start to his 2013 campaign. Piloting the Michaels Racing #77M Dan Goodman Enterprises / Beal's Auto Body Sherman, the second generation driver has one West Coast/Southwest victory and won last Saturday's USAC/CRA "Copper On Dirt" at Canyon Speedway Park. Johnson won the night's Saldana Racing Products / Keizer Wheels Heat Race #3 and ranks second in the "Grudge Series."

Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia, California earned the night's BR Motorsports / Racing Optics "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a third place finish after starting ninth. Making his first Las Vegas start in the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the former USAC West Coast Champion claimed fourth in his heat race. Vander Weerd has five top-10 finishes in the young season and sits third in "Grudge Series" standings.

After leading the first thirteen laps, Bakersfield, California's Rusty Carlile scored fourth at the checkered flags. Racing his brand new #51 Southwest Contractors / NTS Incorporated Bullet, Carlile ran second in his heat race and is currently fourth in the 3-race mini-series. The former Cotton Classic winner will have his sights on claiming next week's West Coast doubleheader at Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway.

Claiming fifth after starting eighth in the "Sin City Showdown" was Shon Deskins of Phoenix, Arizona. Making his first Las Vegas start behind the wheel of his #20 Performance Plus / Ellis Race Cars entry, Deskins won the program's Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1. Now fifth in the "Grudge Series" points, Shon will race in the March 16th Southwest "Championship Opener" at Canyon Speedway Park.

Hollister, California's Ryan Bernal won the night's 8-lap DJ Safety Heat Race #2. Piloting Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal was on his way to victory until late race problems took him out of contention. Scoring twelfth in the feature, the 2-time Santa Maria Champion will also compete with the USAC/CRA Sprints in the Josh Ford Motorsports entry.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will be ready for two nights of action starting next Friday, March 15th, at Tulare, California's Thunderbowl Raceway. The action packed card will also showcase the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars and IMCA Modifieds (Friday only). Advance tickets are on sale and for more information, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

USAC WEST COAST & SOUTHWEST SPRINT (SPECIAL EVENT) RACE RESULTS: March 7, 2013 – Las Vegas, Nevada – Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track – “Sin City Showdown”

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (8 laps) 1. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 2. Rusty Carlile (#51 Carlile), 3. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 4. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 5. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 6. Colby Copeland (#74 Williams), 7. James Aragon (#94 Aragon). NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (8 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 2. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex), 3. Bud Kaeding (#29 Bowman), 4. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd), 5. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd), 6. Trevor Cooper (#89K Kruseman). NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / KEIZER WHEELS HEAT RACE 3 : (8 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 2. Mike Spencer (#7M Priestley), 3. Bryan Clauson (#16B Martin), 4. Cory Kruseman (#21K Kruseman), 5. Brody Roa (#91 BR), 6. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood). NT

FEATURE: (25 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Bryan Clauson (3rd), 2. R.J. Johnson (2nd), 3. Richard Vander Weerd (9th), 4. Rusty Carlile (1st), 5. Shon Deskins (8th), 6. Charles Davis Jr. (11th), 7. Cory Kruseman (12th), 8. Bruce St. James (13th), 9. Bud Kaeding (10th), 10. Mike Martin (5th), 11. Brody Roa (15th), 12. Ryan Bernal (6th), 13. Jace Vander Weerd (14th), 14. Mike Spencer (4th), 15. Andy Reinbold (17th), 16. Trevor Cooper (16th), 17. Colby Copeland (18th), 18. James Aragon (19th), 19. Stevie Sussex (7th). NT ---------------------------- FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-13 Rusty Carlile, Laps 14-22 Ryan Bernal, Laps 23-25 Bryan Clauson. BR MOTORSPORTS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Richard Vander Weerd (9th to 3rd)

HENRY RYDER RETIRES FROM USAC’S BENEVOLENT FOUNDATION

Long-time USAC board member and USAC Benevolent Foundation President Henry C. Ryder of Indianapolis, Ind. was honored March 6 on the occasion of his retirement from the foundation. A special commemorative plaque was presented to Mr. Ryder following the group’s annual board meeting.

In additional board action former USAC President Rollie Helmling assumed Presidency of the Foundation while former USAC, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar Medical Director Henry Bock cited health concerns as the reason for his resignation from the board.

Long-time photographer Dr. Harlen Hunter of Bedford, Ind. was also elected to a position as a member of the foundation board and was introduced to those gathered at the meeting. An additional board member is expected to be added later in 2013.

Executive Director/Secretary William Marvel, entering his 30th year with the Benevolent Foundation, also announced that Ron Green was named Vice-President and Josh Laycock was added to the Executive Committee. Ray Linton has also returned to his position as Treasurer.

The USAC Benevolent Foundation has administered for the past two decades a woman’s golf tourney and a go-kart race which have generated funds for the organization. The “Fun at Fastimes” annual go-kart endure is scheduled for this Saturday, March 9, in Indianapolis, Ind.

USAC SOUTHWEST & WEST COAST (SE) SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 7, 2013 – Las Vegas, Nevada – Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track – “Sin City Showdown”

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Shon Deskins (#20 Deskins), 2. Rusty Carlile (#51 Carlile), 3. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 4. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 5. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 6. Colby Copeland (#74 Williams), 7. James Aragon (#94 Aragon). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 2. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex), 3. Bud Kaeding (#29 Bowman), 4. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd), 5. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd), 6. Trevor Cooper (#89K Kruseman). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson (#77M Michaels), 2. Mike Spencer (#7M Priestley), 3. Bryan Clauson (#16B Martin), 4. Cory Kruseman (#21K Kruseman), 5. Brody Roa (#91 BR), 6. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood). NT

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. R.J. Johnson, 3. Richard Vander Weerd, 4. Rusty Carlile, 5. Shon Deskins, 6. Charles Davis Jr., 7. Cory Kruseman, 8. Bruce St. James, 9. Bud Kaeding, 10. Mike Martin, 11. Brody Roa, 12. Ryan Bernal, 13. Jace Vander Weerd, 14. Mike Spencer, 15. Andy Reinbold, 16. Trevor Cooper, 17. Colby Copeland, 18. James Aragon, 19. Stevie Sussex. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-13 Carlile, Laps 14-22 Bernal, Laps 23-25 Clauson.

NEW USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1-Clauson-66, 2-Johnson-65, 3-R.Vander Weerd-59, 4-Carlile-58, 5-Deskins-56, 6-Davis-50, 7-Kruseman-47, 8-St. James-43, 9-Kaeding-42, 10-Martin-39.

NEXT USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT RACE: March 16 – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park

USAC/CRA SPRINTS INVADE PERRIS SATURDAY FOR "SOKOLA SHOOTOUT"
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA - MARCH 5, 2013... This Saturday, March 9th, the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will return to Perris Auto Speedway for the 11th Annual "Sokola Shootout." Joining the traditional 410 cubic-inch powered machines will be the winged California Lightning Sprints and popular PAS Senior 360 Sprint Cars. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm, with racing at "America's Premier Dirt Track" to begin at 7:00pm.

The "Sokola Shootout" has been a popular West Coast event since March 17, 2001 when "The Cowboy" Tony Jones won the inaugural race at Manzanita Speedway. Originally called the "Sokola Classic" to honor past CRA President and USAC Sprint Supervisor Gary Sokola, the event has grown to also recognize his family and their contributions to racing. This Saturday night, Cory Kruseman, Rickie Gaunt, Damion Gardner, Mike Spencer, and Nic Faas will be looking to join Jeremy Sherman and Mike Kirby as the only two-time winners of the "Sokola Shootout."

After scoring a win and a third place finish at Canyon, Noblesville, Indiana's Bryan Clauson sits atop the point standings. Piloting Mike Martin's #16B Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, Clauson also has a Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award and a heat race victory to his credit. The defending USAC Sprint Car Champion has three Perris feature wins in his career and will be looking to add the "Sokola Shootout" to his resume.

Nic Faas of Huntington Beach is second in the USAC/CRA point chase. Driving Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Faas claimed two second place finishes at the "Copper On Dirt." Nic swept last year's "Sokola Shootout" and broke current teammate Damion Gardner's nine year old track record in qualifying. The former Rookie of the Year will have his sights on another victory at Perris Auto Speedway.

Concord's "The Demon" Damion Gardner is third in the championship points. Piloting Mark Alexander's #4A Scott Sales / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Gardner earned two fourth place finishes at Canyon Speedway Park. The 2005 Champion has returned to the West Coast and will be looking to score his 42nd career USAC/CRA main event this Saturday at the "Sokola Shootout."

Sitting fourth in the point standings is Bud Kaeding of Campbell. Driving Junior Bowman's #29 Ultimate Offroad / Buster & Ziggy Enterprises Maxim, Kaeding placed third and sixth at the "Copper On Dirt." The 3-time Oval Nationals Champion is no stranger the Perris victory circle and will have his sights on his sixth career USAC/CRA feature win.

After placing sixth and ninth at the "Copper On Dirt," Buckeye, Arizona's Charles Davis Jr. ranks fifth in points. Piloting the Gerry Cook owned #4G Lucas Oil RSS, Davis has two heat race victories and one Keizer Wheels / Racing Optics Hard Charger Award on the year. The five-time Arizona Champion is an infrequent competitor with USAC/CRA and three series wins to his credit.

Among the other top contenders expected to be in action are Ryan Bernal, R.J. Johnson, Mike Spencer, "Super" Rickie Gaunt, Brody Roa, Matt Mitchell, "Dynamite" David Cardey, Austin Williams, Cody Williams, "The Ripper" Rip Williams, "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman, Seth Wilson, and many more.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINT STANDINGS:
1. Bryan Clauson-138; 2. Nic Faas-124; 3. Damion Gardner-119; 4. Bud Kaeding-110; 5. Charles Davis Jr.-102; 6. Ryan Bernal-98; 7. Hunter Schuerenberg-91; 8. R.J. Johnson-88; 9. Mike Spencer-80; 10. Rickie Gaunt-78; 11. Brody Roa-71; 12. Matt Mitchell-63; 13. Josh Hodges-62; 14. David Cardey-60; --. Austin Williams-60; 16. Cody Williams-58; 17. Rip Williams-49; 18. Cory Kruseman-48; 19. Bruce St. James-39; 20. David Bezio-32.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 9: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)
April 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
April 19: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
April 20: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
May 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Don Flanders Classic)
May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)
June 14: **Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)
August 9: **Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)
October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINTS READY FOR THURSDAY'S "SIN CITY SHOWDOWN" AT LAS VEGAS
by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – MARCH 4, 2013... The Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Dirt Track will host the USAC Southwest and USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series this Thursday, March 7th. Sponsored by Hoosier Tire, Southwest Contractors, and the Hose Advantage Store, the "Sin City Showdown" will kickoff the popular 3-race "Grudge Series" and will also showcase the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, Modifieds, and Street Stocks. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm with racing scheduled for 6:00pm.

Held during NASCAR weekend, the non-point "Sin City Showdown" will feature drivers from Arizona, California, and New Mexico as they battle on the large 1/2-mile oval. Last year, Bud Kaeding won the $2,500 Las Vegas jackpot and Ryan Bernal claimed the inaugural $5,000 "Grudge Series" championship. Over $15,000 was distributed from the point fund and promoters Kevin Montgomery and Chris Kearns are looking for more prize money in 2013.

Leading the charge for the USAC Southwest Sprints is Buckeye's Charles Davis Jr. Piloting the Massey Motorsports' #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply RSS, Davis earned his third ASCS Canyon crown in four years. The veteran driver led all drivers with six feature wins last season and will be a favorite to claim the "Sin City Showdown" victory.

Fresh off winning last Saturday's "Copper On Dirt" with USAC/CRA at Canyon Speedway Park, R.J. Johnson of Phoenix was second in last year's ASCS Canyon points. Driving Bobby Martin's #51 Weiler Farms / Pecon Builders Maxim, Johnson won at Queen Creek's Arizona Speedway on November 3rd and scored a victory during this year's Winter Challenge. The second generation driver will have his sights on the Las Vegas winner's circle.

Finishing third in ASCS Canyon points was Las Cruces, New Mexico's "The Real Deal" Rick Ziehl. Splitting last year between Gary Williams' #41W Diamond Mechanical Maxim and John Ziehl's #20 Lucas Oil Maxim, the multi-time ASCS Southwest Champion won at Canyon Speedway Park on October 20th. The veteran driver will be looking to score the $2,500 Las Vegas jackpot.

Piloting his #7K Woodland Auto Display / Weld Racing Maxim, Bruce St. James of Phoenix was fourth in ASCS Canyon standings. The local talk show host did not win an ASCS main event last season, but continues to improve and lead feature laps. St. James could surprise the field and walk away with Thursday's "Sin City Showdown" victory.

Glendale's Dalten Gabbard placed fifth in ASCS points. Driving the family owned #77 BG Chemicals / AZ Heat Trucking Maxim, Gabbard won at Canyon Speedway Park on May 26th. The young driver has shown the ability to compete with the front runners and could score the win at Las Vegas.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Mike Martin, Brian Hosford, Josh Pelkey, Andy Reinbold, Justin Quinn, Bob Ream Jr., Shon Deskins, Tom Ogle, and many more. Bud Kaeding and Ryan Bernal will join a strong USAC West Coast roster including "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr., Richard Vander Weerd, Ricky Kirkbride, "Showtime" Danny Sheridan, Rusty Carlile, and Jace Vander Weerd. From USAC/CRA, Five-time Champion Mike Spencer and last year's Most Improved Driver Brody Roa will also be in action. The "Sin City Showdown" featured 33 drivers last March and more are expected this year.

The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located twelve miles north of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada off Interstate 15 at Exit 54 (Speedway Blvd). Adult tickets are $39 and children (12 & under) are FREE. The pit gate will open at 2:00pm and USAC memberships will be honored. Pit passes are $35 for members and $50 for non-members. For more event information, visit www.lvms.com/dirt or call (702) 644-4444.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series would like to thank Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Tire, and the Hose Advantage Store for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SouthwestSprintCars).
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2013 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
March 16: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Championship Opener)
March 23: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
April 13: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ (Spring Fling)
April 27: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Canyon Clash)
May 11: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
May 25: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Salute To Indy)
May 26: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Salute To Indy)
June 8: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
June 22: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
June 29: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Summer Sizzle)
July 13: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
July 19: **El Paso Speedway Park - El Paso, TX
July 20: **Southern New Mexico Speedway - Las Cruces, NM
July 27: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Summer Slam)
August 21: Mid America Speedway - South Coffeyville, OK (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 22: 81 Speedway - Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 23: Dodge City Raceway Park - Dodge City, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 24: Dodge City Raceway Park - Dodge City, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
September 7: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
September 14: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series)
October 12: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
October 19: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC West Coast Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With NMMRA Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series

USAC WEST COAST SPRINTS HEAD TO LAS VEGAS "SIN CITY SHOWDOWN" ON THURSDAY

by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – MARCH 4, 2013... This Thursday, March 7th, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track will host the opening round of the "Grudge Series" between the USAC West Coast and USAC Southwest Sprint Cars. Sponsored by Hoosier Tire, Southwest Contractors, and the Hose Advantage Store, the action packed "Sin City Showdown" will also showcase the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, Modifieds, and Street Stocks. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm with racing scheduled for 6:00pm.

Held during NASCAR weekend, the non-point "Sin City Showdown" will feature drivers from California, Arizona, and New Mexico as they battle on the large 1/2-mile oval. Last year, Bud Kaeding served notice to the competition and began his championship season by winning the $2,500 jackpot. Ryan Bernal claimed the inaugural $5,000 "Grudge Series" championship and over $15,000 was distributed from the point fund.

Piloting the Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, the 3-time Oval Nationals Winner earned the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Championship. Kaeding had an outstanding season and led the series with four feature wins (tied), seven heat race victories, two hard charger awards (tied), and eleven top-5 finishes. In addition, Kaeding led 47 feature laps with twelve starts in the campaign.

For the second straight season, Ryan Bernal finished second in the championship points. Moving to Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal nearly stole the opening night feature from Kaeding in a close finish. The two-time Santa Maria track champion led the series with four feature wins (tied), three fast time awards, two semi-main wins (tied), two hard charger awards (tied), eleven top-10 finishes (tied), and 91 feature laps led. Bernal closed out his season with four heat race victories and will be looking to make a run at the championship.

Rauma, Finland's Markus Niemela put together a solid season and finished third in the point chase. Driving Steve Watt's #81 Lost Reality / SWE Maxim, Niemela did not win a main event but was a force to be reckoned with throughout the year. Getting adjusted to the larger tracks in Central California, Markus' best finish was a third at Kings Speedway on April 7th. The star of his own reality show had one fast time award, three heat race victories, seven top-10 finishes, and 17 feature laps led to his credit.

"Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. of Tipton had a tough season and claimed fourth in the point standings. Piloting his #17V Johnston Calf Pens / Buster & Ziggy Enterprises Bullet, "Hollywood" was another fast driver that did not score a feature win. The all-time leader in fast time awards posted a season best third place finish on May 5th at Santa Maria, where he claimed second in track points. At season's end, Faria earned one fast time award, four heat race victories, one hard charger award, and nine top-10 finishes.

Scoring fifth in the point chase was Visalia's Richard Vander Weerd. Driving the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the defending series champion won $5,000 at the Santa Maria "John Jewett Memorial / Billet Cup" on September 29th. Also claiming the "Jim Evett Memorial" at Hanford on August 4th, Vander Weerd had one fast time award, three heat race victories, one hard charger award, eight top-10 finishes, and 72 feature laps led to his credit. The former series champion is a treat to win on any given night.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Ricky Kirkbride, "Showtime" Danny Sheridan, Rusty Carlile, and Jace Vander Weerd. "Chargin'" Charles Davis Jr. will lead a strong USAC Southwest roster that includes R.J. Johnson, "The Real Deal" Rick Ziehl, Bruce St. James, Mike Martin, Brian Hosford, and Josh Pelkey. Last year's "Sin City Showdown" featured 33 drivers and more are expected this year.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, BR Motorsports, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

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2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION

March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)

March 15: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA

March 16: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA

March 23: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA

April 13: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA

April 20: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA

April 27: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA

May 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Billet Cup)

June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA

June 22: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)

July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)

July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA

August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)

September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA

September 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)

September 21: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (John Anthony Sharp Memorial)

September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)

October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)

October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)

November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)

November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)

November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win / Non-Points)

-----------------------------------------------

* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.

This schedule is subject to change.

R.J. JOHNSON WINS "COPPER ON DIRT" AT CANYON

by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ - MARCH 3, 2013... Last Saturday night, R.J. Johnson of Phoenix took the lead from Bruce St. James on the second lap and fought off Nic Faas to win the "6th Annual Copper On Dirt." After starting third, the second generation driver claimed his second career Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car victory in front of a packed house at Canyon Speedway Park. Faas, Bryan Clauson, "The Demon" Damion Gardner, and Ryan Bernal followed Johnson to the checkered flags.

Piloting his 360 powered #7K Woodland Auto Display / Weld Racing Maxim, Bruce St. James took command from the pole position. Johnson immediately slipped past Faas to take second, as Charles Davis Jr., Clauson, and Rip Williams looked to move forward. Johnson powered by St. James on the next circuit before a caution flag for a stalled Austin Williams halted the action.

After the restart, five-time champion Mike Spencer had tire problems going into turn one and slowed his machine to a stop in the third turn. Matt Mitchell collected Spencer, and flipped his machine, bringing out a red flag. Both drivers were uninjured in the incident, but were done for the night.

Johnson set the pace with Faas in close pursuit. Clauson looked to chase down the leaders and sweep the weekend as Gardner charged into fourth from the twelfth spot. Changing track conditions made for tight racing and three wide action on the 1/3-mile oval. Eleventh starting "Super" Rickie Gaunt made an early charge to sixth and had a furious battle with Bud Kaeding for position.

Reaching lapped traffic on lap thirteen, Faas remained within striking distance of the leader. With the laps counting down, Faas took several shots for the lead that fell short. While Johnson and Faas fought for the top spot, Ryan Bernal threatened for a podium finish from nineteenth. The night belonged to R.J. Johnson, leading the final twenty-nine laps and scoring the $3,000 victory at his home track.

Piloting Bobby Martin's #51 Weiler Farms / Pecon Builders Maxim, R.J. Johnson last visited USAC/CRA's victory circle at Perris Auto Speedway on March 24, 2007. The 2005 Rookie of the Year qualified fourth quick in time trials and ran fifth in his heat race. Now sixth in USAC/CRA points, Johnson will compete in Thursday's USAC West Coast / Southwest action at Las Vegas and then travel to Perris for Saturday's "Sokola Shootout."

For the second night in a row, Nic Faas of Huntington Beach, California ran second at Canyon Speedway Park. Driving Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Faas timed in seventh quick on the night and finished second in his heat race. The 2008 Rookie of the Year is second in championship points heading to Perris on March 9th.

Noblesville, Indiana's Bryan Clauson had a great weekend at the "Copper On Dirt." The defending USAC National Sprint Car Champion won the Friday USAC/CRA main, won both Midget features, and claimed third in Saturday's Sprint Car finale. Piloting Mike Martin's #16B Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, Clauson qualified third and won the Saldana Racing Products / Circle Track Performance Heat Race #3. Word is that the current USAC/CRA point leader will be in action at Perris' "Sokola Shootout" on Saturday.

"The Demon" Damion Gardner of Concord, California charged from twelfth to fourth in last Saturday's main event. Driving Mark Alexander's #4A Scott Sales / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, Gardner qualified twelfth and finished second to Clauson in his heat race. Now third in points, "The Demon" will return to Perris Auto Speedway, where he leads all USAC/CRA drivers with twenty-five feature wins.

Hollister, California's Ryan Bernal earned the night's Keizer Wheels / Racing Optics "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a fifth place run after starting nineteenth. Piloting Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal qualified nineteenth and finished third in his heat race. The two-time Santa Maria track champion is currently sixth in the point standings after the opening weekend.

Mike Spencer of Temecula, California earned the Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award and nearly set a track record by out-qualifying the other twenty-five cars in the pit area. Racing the famed Ron Chaffin owned #50 Grubstake Mini Storage / Madera Produce Maxim, Spencer was fourth in his heat race before problems in the feature and collecting Matt Mitchell resulted in a twenty-third place finish. The five-time champion is currently ninth in points heading to Perris.

Austin Williams of Yorba Linda won the night's Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1. Driving Jack Jory's #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams qualified thirteenth and scored eighteenth in the "Copper On Dirt." The 2009 Rookie of the Year is tied with David Cardey for fourteenth in points and will be looking to rebound at Perris.

Buckeye's Charles Davis Jr. won the program's DJ Safety Heat Race #2. Piloting the Gerry Cook owned #4G Lucas Oil RSS, Davis was second quick in time trials and finished ninth in the main event.

The Arizona Champion is fifth in USAC/CRA points as he heads to Thursday's USAC West Coast / Southwest action at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Dirt Track.

Bud Kaeding of Campbell, California's Bud Kaeding won the 12-lap Competition Suspension Inc / Rod End Supply Semi-Main. Driving Junior Bowman's #29 Ultimate Offroad / Buster & Ziggy Enterprises Maxim, Kaeding qualified sixth, placed sixth in his heat race, and ran sixth in the main event. Last year's USAC West Coast Champion is fourth in USAC/CRA points and will be in action at Las Vegas before racing at Perris on Saturday.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 2, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – 6th “Copper on Dirt”

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY TIME TRIALS:

1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-13.588; 2. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-13.712; 3. Bryan Clauson, 16B, Martin-13.729; 4. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-13.784; 5. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-13.829; 6. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-13.970; 7. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-13.972; 8. Bruce St. James, 7K, St. James-14.029; 9. Brody Roa, 91, BR-14.033; 10. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-14.127; 11. Cory Kruseman, 7, Priestley-14.175; 12. Damion Gardner, 4A, Alexander-14.199; 13. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-14.222; 14. Seth Wilson, 1X, Wilson-14.251; 15. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-14.254; 16. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-14.267; 17. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-14.309; 18. Hunter Schuerenberg, 8, BRAT-14.332; 19. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-14.441; 20. J.J. Yeley, 11, Yeley-14.521; 21. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-14.626; 22. Andy Reinbold, 19, Underwood-14.634; 23. Michael Curtis, 11C, Turner/Wheeler-14.643; 24. Josh Hodges, 74X, Hodges-14.654; 25. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-14.771; 26. Mike Martin, 16, Martin-NT.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (8 laps)

1. Austin Williams, 2. Nic Faas, 3. Matt Mitchell, 4. Mike Spencer, 5. R.J. Johnson, 6. Ryan Bernal, 7. Cody Williams, 8. Andy Reinbold, 9. Tony Everhart. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 2: (8 laps)

1. Charles Davis Jr., 2. Seth Wilson, 3. Cory Kruseman, 4. Rickie Gaunt, 5. Bruce St. James, 6. J.J. Yeley, 7. Mike Martin, 8. Rip Williams, 9. Michael Curtis. NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / CIRCLE TRACK PERFORMANCE HEAT RACE 3 : (8 laps)

1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Damion Gardner, 3. Hunter Schuerenberg, 4. David Cardey, 5. Josh Hodges, 6. Bud Kaeding, 7. Brody Roa, 8. David Bezio. NT

COMPETITION SUSPENSION INC. / ROD END SUPPLY SEMI-MAIN: (12 laps)

1. Bud Kaeding, 2. Rip Williams, 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. Brody Roa, 5. J.J. Yeley, 6. Cody Williams, 7. Andy Reinbold, 8. Mike Martin, 9. David Bezio, 10. Tony Everhart, 11. Michael Curtis. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions)

1. R.J. Johnson (3rd), 2. Nic Faas (2nd), 3. Bryan Clauson (4th), 4. Damion Gardner (12th), 5. Ryan Bernal (19th), 6. Bud Kaeding (8th), 7. Hunter Schuerenberg (18th), 8. Rickie Gaunt (17th), 9. Charles Davis Jr. (5th), 10. Brody Roa (9th), 11. Josh Hodges (22nd), 12. David Cardey (15th), 13. J.J. Yeley (20th), 14. Rip Williams (7th), 15. Cody Williams (10th), 16. Seth Wilson (14th), 17. Andrew Reinbold (21st), 18. Austin Williams (13th), 19. David Bezio (23rd), 20. Cory Kruseman (11th), 21. Bruce St. James (1st), 22. Matt Mitchell (16th), 23. Mike Spencer (6th). NT

----------------------------

**Matt Mitchell flipped on lap 3 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 St. James, Laps 2-30 Johnson.

KEIZER WHEELS / RACING OPTICS HARD CHARGER: Ryan Bernal (19th to 5th)

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS:

1. Bryan Clauson-138; 2. Nic Faas-124; 3. Damion Gardner-119; 4. Bud Kaeding-110; 5. Charles Davis Jr.-102; 6. Ryan Bernal-98; 7. Hunter Schuerenberg-91; 8. R.J. Johnson-88; 9. Mike Spencer-80;

10. Rickie Gaunt-78; 11. Brody Roa-71; 12. Matt Mitchell-63; 13. Josh Hodges-62; 14. David Cardey-60; --. Austin Williams-60; 16. Cody Williams-58; 17. Rip Williams-49; 18. Cory Kruseman-48; 19 Bruce St. James-39; 20. David Bezio-32.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION

March 9: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)

April 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA

April 19: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ

April 20: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ

May 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA

May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA

May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)

June 14: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA

June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA

July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)

August 9: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA

August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA

August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)

August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)

September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)

September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)

October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)

October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)

November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)

-----------------------------------------------

* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.

** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.

This schedule is subject to change.

---------------------------------------------

ATTACHED PHOTOS/IMAGES:

- R.J. Johnson & Crew In Victory Lane. Photo by SurfnSprint.com.

SOUTHWEST/WEST COAST SPRINTS HEAD FOR LVMS THURSDAY

Participants in USAC’s brand-new Southwest Sprint Car Series head to Las Vegas, Nev. this Thursday for the 2013 series opener on the facility’s half-mile dirt track. The event also carries West Coast Sprint Car co-sanctioning as a “special” non-points race.

USAC conducted a Southwest Sprint Series in 2003 and 2004, with Rick Ziehl and Beau Binder grabbing championships, and the 2013 calendar includes 28 races in six states.

Bud Kaeding of Campbell, Calif., USAC’s 2012 West Coast Sprint Car Champion, won the last USAC Sprint race at LVMS, last year. Of the 24 previous USAC appearances at the LVMS half-mile, 14 have involved the Sprint cars.

Bryan Clauson and R.J. Johnson scored “special” non-point Southwest Sprint wins a month ago at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Thursday’s race coincides with NASCAR Week in Las Vegas, with the Nationwide Series Saturday and the Sprint Cup Series Sunday on the big LVMS paved oval.

USAC/CRA “SOKOLA SHOOTOUT” SATURDAY AT PERRIS; CLAUSON, JOHNSON SPLIT “COPPER ON DIRT” WINS

This Saturday night’s “Sokola Shootout” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway salutes the memory of the Sokola family, whose impact on Sprint Car racing in Southern California was profound. Gary Sokola piloted the CRA Sprint Series for 13 years before becoming the USAC National Sprint Car Supervisor, a post he held for 10 years prior to his passing in 2000.

Saturday’s race marks the 150th for AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars at the half-mile dirt oval and drivers Mike Spencer and Damion Gardner will square off for the all-time lead in terms of feature victories in the series.

Spencer, who became the first driver in USAC history to win five straight series titles with last year’s USAC/CRA crown, has 24 Perris wins, while Gardner, who has switched back to USAC/CRA full-time this year, owns 25.

Spencer and Gardner met with mediocre success in last weekend’s “Copper on Dirt” events at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. Spencer had a fifth and a 23rd, while Gardner was fourth and sixth in the two races. Spencer was Saturday’s fastest qualifier.

R.J Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz. wheeled the Weiler Farms/Pecon Builders Maxim to victory in Saturday night’s 30-lapper at Peoria. Johnson passed Bruce St. James on the second lap and led the rest of the way for the win over Nic Faas, Bryan Clauson, Gardner and Ryan Bernal. The win stopped Clauson’s “sweep” of the weekend races after he had won both Friday and Saturday’s Midgets and Friday’s Sprint. Spencer was forced out of the feature early with a tire issue.

Clauson, of Noblesville, Ind., completed a clean sweep of Friday night’s “Copper on Dirt” USAC features as he won the 30-lap AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint main event after winning the 25-lap USAC Western Midget race. In the Sprints he passed Faas on lap 15 and led the final 16 laps in his Mike Martin Ultimate Offroad/Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim. Faas took second ahead of Bud Kaeding, Gardner and Spencer. Hunter Schuerenberg led the first nine laps and Faas led the next five before Clauson, who was also the fastest qualifier, took over.

Clauson’s three USAC victories over the weekend have tied him for the all-time Arizona USAC lead matching the eight wins by A.J. Foyt and Dave Steele.

2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Bryan Clauson-138, 2-Nic Faas-124, 3-Damion Gardner-119, 4-Bud Kaeding-110, 5-Ryan Bernal-98, 6-Hunter Schuerenberg-91, 7-Mike Spencer-80, 8-Brody Roa-71, 9-Matt Mitchell-63, 10-David Cardey-60.

SOUTHWEST SPRINTS OPEN AT LVMS DIRT TRACK THURSDAY

Participants in USAC’s brand-new Southwest Sprint Car Series head to Las Vegas, Nev. this Thursday for the 2013 series opener on the facility’s half-mile dirt track.

USAC conducted a Southwest Sprint Series in 2003 and 2004, with Rick Ziehl and Beau Binder grabbing championships, and the 2013 calendar includes 28 races in six states.

Bryan Clauson and R.J. Johnson scored “special” non-point Southwest Sprint wins a month ago at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Thursday’s race coincides with NASCAR Week in Las Vegas, with the Nationwide Series Saturday and the Sprint Cup Series Sunday on the big LVMS paved oval.

WESTERN MIDGET DIRT AT BAKERSFIELD MARCH 30; CLAUSON SWEEPS 2 “COPPER ON DIRT” FEATURES

USAC’s Western Midget Series heads for Madera and Bakersfield, Calif. ovals in late-March. The pavement series debuts March 23 at Madera Speedway and the dirt series resumes March 30 at Bakersfield Speedway.

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. stands atop the dirt standings after winning the first two features of the season last weekend at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Driving the Curb Records Spike/Esslinger, Clauson passed Ronnie Gardner on lap seven and led the final 19 laps to win Friday’s 25-lapper over Kyle Larson, Gardner, Christopher Bell and fast qualifier Rico Abreu. On Saturday Clauson took the lead on lap 19 and led the last 12 laps to win the 30-lapper over Abreu, fast qualifier Bell, R.J. Johnson and Larson. Kody Swanson led the first 18 laps.

The wins left Clauson with a 15-point margin over Abreu in the standings entering Bakersfield.

2013 USAC WESTERN MIDGET STANDINGS: 1-Bryan Clauson-143, 2-Rico Abreu-128, 3-Christopher Bell-125, 4-Scott Pierovich-91, 5-Jake Swanson-86, 6-Ronnie Gardner-84, 7-Dillon Welch-71, 8-Kody Swanson-66, 9-David Prickett-64, 10-Riley Emmel-61.

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 2, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – 6th “Copper on Dirt”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-13.588; 2. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-13.712; 3. Bryan Clauson, 16B, Martin-13.729; 4. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-13.784; 5. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-13.829; 6. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-13.970; 7. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-13.972; 8. Bruce St. James, 7K, St. James-14.029; 9. Brody Roa, 91, BR-14.033; 10. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-14.127; 11. Cory Kruseman, 7, Priestley-14.175; 12. Damion Gardner, 4a, Alexander-14.199; 13. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-14.222; 14. Seth Wilson, 1x, Wilson-14.251; 15. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-14.254; 16. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-14.267; 17. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-14.309; 18. Hunter Schuerenberg, 8, Ream-14.332; 19. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-14.441; 20. J.J. Yeley, 11, Yeley-14.521; 21. David Bezio, 37x, Bezio-14.626; 22. Andy Reinbold, 19, Underwood-14.634; 23. Michael Curtis, 11c, Brett-14.643; 24. Josh Hodges, 74X, Hodges-14.654; 25. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-14.771; 26. Mike Martin, 16, Martin-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. A.Williams, 2. Faas, 3. Mitchell, 4. Spencer, 5. Johnson, 6. Bernal, 7. C.Williams, 8. Reinbold, 9. Everhart. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Davis, 2. Wilson, 3. Kruseman, 4. Gaunt, 5. St. James, 6. Yeley, 7. Martin, 8. R.Williams, 9. Curtis. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Clauson, 2. Gardner, 3. Schuerenberg, 4. Cardey, 5. Hodges, 6. Kaeding, 7. Roa, 8. Bezio. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Kaeding, 2. R.Williams, 3. Bernal, 4. Roa, 5. Yeley, 6. C.Williams, 7. Reinbold, 8. Martin, 9. Bezio, 10. Everhart, 11. Curtis. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson, 2. Nic Faas, 3. Bryan Clauson, 4. Damion Gardner, 5. Ryan Bernal, 6. Bud Kaeding, 7. Hunter Schuerenberg, 8. Rickie Gaunt, 9. Charles Davis Jr., 10. Brody Roa, 11. Josh Hodges, 12. David Cardey, 13. J.J. Yeley, 14. Rip Williams, 15. Cody Williams, 16. Seth Wilson, 17. Andrew Reinbold, 18. Austin Williams, 19. David Bezio, 20. Cory Kruseman, 21. Bruce St. James, 22. Matt Mitchell, 23. Mike Spencer. NT ---------------------------- **Mitchell flipped on lap 3 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 St. James, Laps 2-30 Johnson.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Clauson-138, 2-Faas-124, 3-Gardner-119, 4-Kaeding-110, 5-Bernal-98, 6-Schuerenberg-91, 7-Spencer-80, 8-Roa-71, 9-Mitchell-63, 10-Cardey-60.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: March 9, 2013 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway

USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS:

March 2, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – 6th “Copper on Dirt”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Christopher Bell, 71k, Kunz-14.297; 2. Rico Abreu, 67, Kunz-14.376; 3. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-14,422; 4. Kody Swanson, 45, Neverlift-14.454; 5. Bryan Clauson, 39, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-14.588; 6. Stevie Sussex, 1az, Sussex-14.650; 7. Johnathon Henry, 88, Graunstad-14.657; 8. Dillon Welch, 39c, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-14.664; 9. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-14.681;10. Jake Swanson, 05, Swanson-14.700; 11. Tyler Thomas, 91T, Thomas-14.704; 12. David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-14.727; 13. Tanner Thorson, 67w, Kunz-14.818; 14. Riley Emmel, 67k, Kunz-14.848; 15. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-14.849; 16. Alex Sewell, 7, McQueen-14.934; 17. Troy Rutherford, 11, Martens-15.053; 18. Trey Marcham, 37, McQueen-15.142; 19. Rick Shuman, 22a, Baxter-15.214; 20. Terry Goodwin, 2G, Goodwin-15.427; 21. Kyle Larson, 71, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bell, 2. Thorson, 3. J.Swanson, 4. K/.Swanson, 5. Henry, 6. Sewell, 7. R.Shuman. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Clauson, 2. Emmel, 3. Abreu, 4. Welch, 5. Rutherford, 6. Thomas, 7. Goodwin. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Pierovich, 2. Johnson, 3. Gardner, 4. Sussex, 5. Marcham, 6. Prickett. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Rico Abreu, 3. Christopher Bell, 4. R.J. Johnson, 5. Kyle Larson, 6. Jake Swanson, 7. Scott Pierovich, 8. David Prickett, 9. Tanner Thorson, 10. Dillon Welch, 11. Stevie Sussex, 12. Johnathon Henry, 13. Troy Rutherford, 14. Riley Emmel, 15. Terry Goodwin, 16. Tyler Thomas, 17. Kody Swanson, 18. Trey Marcham, 19. Rick Shuman, 20. Alex Sewell, 21. Ronnie Gardner. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-18 K.Swanson, Laps 19-30 Clauson.

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Clauson-143, 2-Abreu-128, 3-Bell-125, 4-Pierovich-91, 5-J.Swanson-86, 6-Gardner-84, 7-Welch-71, 8-K.Swanson-66, 9-Prickett-64, 10-Emmel-61.

NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE: March 30, 2013 – Bakersfield (CA) Speedway

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

March 1, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – 6th “Copper on Dirt”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bryan Clauson, 16B, Martin-13.728; 2. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-14.030; 3. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-14.074; 4. Damion Gardner, 4a, Alexander-14.145; 5. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-14.194; 6. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-14.223; 7. Josh Hodges, 74X, Hodges-14.224; 8. Hunter Schuerenberg, 8, Ream-14.224; 8. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-14.274; 10. Mike Martin, 16, Martin-14.330; 11. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-14.384; 12. Matt Mitchell, 37, Mitchell-14.418; 13. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-14.420; 14. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-14.425; 15. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-14.503; 16. Brody Roa, 91, BR-14.594; 17. Bruce St. James, 7K, St. James-14.598; 18. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-14.601; 19. J.J. Yeley, 11, Yeley-14.632; 20. Cory Kruseman, 7, Priestley-14.675; 21. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-14.790; 22. Seth Wilson, 1x, Wilson-14.793; 23. James Aragon, 94, Aragon-14.829; 24. David Bezio, 37x, Bezio-14.904; 25. Andy Reinbold, 19, Underwood-14.936; 26. Michael Curtis, 11c, Brett-15.244; 27. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-15.330.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Roa, 2. Gardner, 3. Clauson, 4. Martin, 5. R.Williams, 6. Wilson, 7. Yeley, 8. Reinbold, 9. Hodges. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Johnson, 2. Schuerenberg, 3. A.Williams, 4. Gaunt, 5. Kruseman, 6. Kaeding, 7. St. James, 8. Curtis, 9. Aragon. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Davis, 2. Cardey, 3. Bernal, 4. Mitchell, 5. Spencer, 6. Faas, 7. C.Williams, 8. Everhart, 9. Bezio. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Hodges, 2. Yeley, 2. Faas, 4. Kaeding, 5. St. James, 6. Reinbold, 7. C.Williams, 8. Everhart, 9. Wilson, 10. Curtis, 11. Aragon, 12. Bezio. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Nic Faas, 3. Bud Kaeding, 4. Damion Gardner, 5. Mike Spencer, 6. Charles Davis Jr., 7. Ryan Bernal, 8. Matt Mitchell, 9. Hunter Schuerenberg, 10. Cody Williams, 11. Brody Roa, 12. Rickie Gaunt, 13. Austin Williams, 14. Cory Kruseman, 15. Josh Hodges, 16. Bruce St. James, 17. David Cardey, 18. David Bezio, 19. Rip Williams, 20. Mike Martin, 21. J.J. Yeley, 22. R.J. Johnson, 23. Andrew Reinbold. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-9 Schuerenberg, Laps 10-14 Faas, Laps 15-30 Clauson.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Clauson-72, 2-Gardner-61, 3-Faas-60, 4-Kaeding-59, 5-Spencer-56, 6-Bernal-48, 7-Schuerenberg-43, 8-A.Williams-35, 9-C.Williams-34, 10-Roa-31.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: March 2, 2013 – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park – 6th “Copper on Dirt”

USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE RESULTS:

March 1, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – 6th “Copper on Dirt”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Rico Abreu, 67, Kunz-14.097; 2. Bryan Clauson, 39, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-14.178; 3. Kyle Larson, 71, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-14.251; 4. Alex Sewell, 7, McQueen-14.308; 5. Casey Shuman, 12, Dunlap-14.337; 6. Tyler Thorson, 67w, Kunz-14.396; 7. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-14.400; 8. Dillon Welch, 39x, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-14.402; 9. Tyler Thomas, 91T, Thomas-14.406; 10. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-14.460; 11. Kody Swanson, 45, Neverlift-14.462; 12. Christopher Bell, 71k, Kunz-14.474; 13. Riley Emmel, 67k, Kunz-14.498; 14. David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-14.559; 15. Ryan Bernal, 72, Ford-14.591; 16. Troy Rutherford, 11, Martens-14.608; 17. Trey Marcham, 37, McQueen-14.654; 18. Rick Shuman, 2, Baxter-14.656; 19. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-14.685; 20. Jake Swanson, 05, Swanson-14.722; 21. Terry Goodwin, 22a, Goodwin-15.095; 22. Stevie Sussex, 1az, Sussex-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Rutherford, 2. Gardner, 3. Abreu, 4. Johnson, 5. Emmel, 6. Sewell, 7. Pierovich. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Clauson, 2. Prickett, 3. Welch, 4. Marcham, 5. C.Shuman, 6. K.Swanson, 7. J.Swanson. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Thomas, 2. Larson, 3. Bell, 4. Thorson, 5. R.Shuman, 6. Goodwin, 7. Bernal. NT

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Kyle Larson, 3. Ronnie Gardner, 4. Christopher Bell, 5. Rico Abreu, 6. Tyler Thomas, 7. Casey Shuman, 8. Scott Pierovich, 9. Kody Swanson, 10. Jake Swanson, 11. R.J. Johnson, 12. Trey Marcham, 13. Dillon Welch, 14. Riley Emmel, 15. Tyler Thorson, 16. Rick Shuman, 17. Troy Rutherford, 18. Terry Goodwin, 19. David Prickett, 20. Stevie Sussex, 21. Alex Sewell. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-6 Gardner, Laps 7-25 Clauson.

NEW USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Clauson-73, 2-Gardner-61, 3-Abreu-60, 4-Bell-57, 5-C.Shuman-48, 6-Pierovich-41, 7-K.Swanson-39, 8-J.Swanson-35, 9-Marcham-34, 10-Welch-33.

NEXT USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT RACE: March 2, 2013 – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park – 6th “Copper on Dirt”

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY SPONSORS USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR DASH
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – FEBRUARY 26, 2013... Officials with the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series have announced a change to their regular format in 2013. Sponsored by the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles, the winner of the new six-lap, eight-car dash will earn an extra $100.

The Dash will showcase the top-8 drivers in qualifications (or top-8 in passing points) that transfer from the heat races. The eligible drivers will start with a full 8-car invert, earn championship points, and the finish will set the first four rows of the main event. In case the dash is not used, those drivers will redraw for starting position.

Located at the Municipal Airport in Paso Robles, California, the Woodland Auto Display opened on July 19, 2009. The facility houses a rotating series of racing history, including Sprint Cars, NASCAR Stock Cars, Modifieds, Super Modifieds, and Midgets. In addition, many exotic, classic, and muscle cars are available for viewing. As part of the Estrella Warbirds Museum, the Woodland Auto Display is at 4251 Dry Creek Road, Paso Robles, California, 93443. For more information, visit www.ewarbirds.org/automotive/woodland.shtml.

Perhaps best known in Sprint Cars for sponsoring the Billy and Anne Wilkerson team with CRA, SCRA, USAC, and USAC/CRA, Dick Woodland and family have supported racing for many years. Piloting the famed Wilkerson #11,"The Flying Shoe" Ron Shuman won the inaugural SCRA Championship in 1994. Danny Lewis, Rip Williams, Tim Green, Mike Sweeney, Jeremy Sherman, Damion Gardner, Mike Kirby, and Brad Noffsinger have also raced for the Wilkerson team.

On Thursday, March 7th, the USAC West Coast and USAC Southwest Sprint Cars will battle at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. Sponsored by Hoosier Tire and ParkerStores, the action packed "Sin City Showdown" will also feature the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, Modifieds, and Street Stocks. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm with racing scheduled for 6:00pm. Adult tickets are $39 and children (12 & under) are FREE. The pit gate will open at 2:00pm and USAC memberships will be honored. Pit passes are $35 for members and $50 for non-members. For more event information, visit www.lvms.com/dirt or call (702) 644-4444.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Keizer Wheels, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
March 15: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 16: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 23: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
April 13: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 20: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 27: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
May 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Billet Cup)
June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 22: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)
September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)
September 21: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (John Anthony Sharp Memorial)
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

WOODLAND AUTO DISPLAY TO SPONSOR USAC/CRA FAST TIME AWARD

by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA - FEBRUARY 26, 2013... Officials with the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series are proud to announce that Woodland Auto Display will sponsor the Fast Time Award in 2013. Starting this Friday night at Canyon Speedway Park, drivers that set fast time in qualifications will earn an extra $100.

Perhaps best known in Sprint Cars for sponsoring the Billy and Anne Wilkerson owned team, Dick Woodland and family have supported racing for many years. Piloting the famed Wilkerson #11,"The Flying Shoe" Ron Shuman won the inaugural SCRA Championship in 1994. Danny Lewis, Rip Williams, Tim Green, Mike Sweeney, Jeremy Sherman, Damion Gardner, Mike Kirby, and Brad Noffsinger have also raced for Wilkerson.

In 22 races, five-time USAC/CRA Champion Mike Spencer earned 13 Fast Time Awards last year for an amazing 59 percent. Currently, Spencer ranks second overall in USAC/CRA with 45 Fast Times, trailing "The Demon" Damion Gardner who has 49.

The tenth season for the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will kickoff on Friday, March 1st with the two day "Copper On Dirt" at Canyon Speedway Park. The Peoria, Arizona facility will also host the USAC Western Midgets, West Coast Shootout Late Models, and IMCA Modifieds. Two-day advance tickets are on sale now through Thursday for $40. On race day, tickets will be $20 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. VIP Suite tickets are also available and more event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-7223 (RACE).

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Wheels, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVDs available for purchase that feature the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

6TH ANNUAL "COPPER ON DIRT" AT CANYON OPENS TENTH USAC/CRA SEASON
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA - FEBRUARY 26, 2013... This Friday, March 1st, the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will open their tenth season at Peoria, Arizona's Canyon Speedway Park. The 6th Annual "Copper On Dirt" will also showcase the USAC Western Midgets, West Coast Shootout Late Models, and IMCA Modifieds in two action packed nights of racing. Promoter Kevin Montgomery is offering more than $100,000 in prize money as all four divisions will take to the 1/3-mile oval for two complete shows. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm with racing set to begin at 7:00pm.

The 6th Annual "Copper On Dirt" will mark the return of traditional 410 sprint cars to the prestigious event. Founded in 2007, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Shane Cottle, and Darren Hagen claimed the checkered flags at the legendary Manzanita Speedway. Levi Jones raced the Tony Stewart Racing car to victory at Tucson's USA Race Park in 2010. The festivities will begin on Thursday night with an open practice session from 6-9pm.

After winning his fifth straight championship, Temecula's Mike Spencer is back at the helm of Ron Chaffin's famed #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim. Last season was perhaps the most dominant campaign for Spencer, earning 9 main events wins, 13 fast time awards, 5 heat race wins, 20 top-5 finishes, and 167 feature laps led. For Chaffin, the 2012 USAC/CRA Championship was his sixth owner's title in nine years.

For the past two seasons, Nic Faas of Huntington Beach has finished second in the point standings. Piloting Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Incorporated Spike, Faas had 2 main event wins, 3 fast time awards, 6 heat race victories, 2 hard charger awards, 16 top-10 finishes, and 43 feature laps led. The 2008 USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year will be looking to break though with a strong championship bid.

Buena Park's Brody Roa put together a solid campaign, earning Most Improved Driver honors and finishing third in points. Driving the BR Performance owned #91R HD Industries / Burris Racing Spike, Roa won his first main event at Yuma's Cocopah Speedway on June 2nd. The former USAC Ford Focus Midget Champion had 2 heat race victories, 1 semi-main win, 1 hard charger award, 16 top-10 finishes, and 47 feature laps led to his credit. Brody will have his sights on more feature wins and a championship run in 2013.

"The Ripper" Rip Williams of Yorba Linda claimed fourth in the championship points. Piloting Jack Jory's famed black #3 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams still a force to be reckoned with and earned 1 fast time award, 2 heat race victories, 1 semi-main win, 13 top-10 finishes, and led 13 main event laps. The 2004 Champion and National Hall of Fame driver has over 100 main event wins during his career and will be in the hunt for the title.

Austin Williams of Yorba Linda scored fifth in the USAC/CRA standings. Driving Jack Jory's #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams won at Santa Maria Speedway on June 16th. The 2009 Rookie of the Year also claimed 5 heat race victories, 1 semi-main win, 2 hard charger awards, 11 top-10 finishes, and led 29 feature laps on the year. Austin will have his sights on the championship.

Among the other top contenders expected to be in action are Hollister's Ryan Bernal, "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman of Ventura, Yorba Linda's "Cadillac" Cody Williams, "Dynamite" David Cardey of Riverside, Yorba Linda's Matt Mitchell, Seth Wilson of Las Vegas, Concord's "The Demon" Damion Gardner, and many more.

Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona. To get to the track, take Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles West on Carefree Highway. Two-day advance tickets are on sale now through Thursday for $40. On race day, tickets will be $20 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. VIP Suite tickets are also available and more event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-7223 (RACE).

Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVDs available for purchase that feature the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

For more information on the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, visit www.usacracing.com/cra or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/USAC-CRA-Sprint-Car-Series/167535183297971) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/#!/USAC_CRA).
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2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 1: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 2: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 9: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)
April 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
April 19: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
April 20: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
May 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)
June 14: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)
August 9: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)
October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

SCHUERENBERG VAULTS TO AMSOIL POINT LEAD; HINES TAKES 2, CLAUSON 1 IN “WINTER DIRT GAMES IV”

Hunter Schuerenberg of Sikeston, Mo. sits atop the 2013 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series standings after the opening events of the year at Ocala, Fla. last week.

Schuerenberg finished third, fourth and fifth in the three 30-lap “Winter Dirt Games IV” features at Bubba Raceway Park and has a four-point lead over Chase Stockon going into an April 6 race at Lawrenceburg, Ind. Stockon posted the fastest qualifying time both Thursday and Saturday.

Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. earned his 44th and 45th career USAC Sprint victories at Ocala, taking Friday and Saturday night features in his Hansen’s Welding/Motor City Auto Transport DRC/Stanton Mopar. The wins brought his all-time USAC National feature total to 85 and his 45 wins in the National Sprint Cars now tie him with Larry Dickson for third all-time behind Tom Bigelow (52) and Jack Hewitt (46).

Hines led all 30 laps Saturday to beat rookie hopeful Tyler Courtney, Stockon, Robert Ballou and Schuerenberg. On Friday, Hines passed Ballou on the final lap when Ballou had a tire go down after leading the first 29 laps. Bryan Clauson finished second ahead of Schuerenberg, Stockon and Dave Darland.

Defending series champion Clauson emerged victorious Thursday after a race-long battle with Darland. Darland led 27 of the first 28 laps before Clauson went to the front on lap 29 in his Chevrolet Performance/Curb Records Beast/Kistler Chevy. Brady Bacon took third ahead of Schuerenberg and Ballou.

2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Point Standings: 1-Hunter Schuerenberg-182; 2-Chase Stockon-178; 3-Tracy Hines, 4-Bryan Clauson-175; 5-Brady Bacon-167; 6-Dave Darland-160; 7-Robert Ballou-142; 8-Kevin Thomas Jr.-118; 9-C.J. Leary-112; 10-Scotty Weir-110.

USAC’S TRUE SPEED “TRIPLE CROWN” GUIDELINES ANNOUNCED

Due to the unique USAC National Championship structure in 2013, with separate USAC National Midget Pavement and Dirt Champions to be crowned, guidelines regarding the USAC True Speed Triple Crown Championship have been restructured and announced. The career achievement is acknowledged with a specially-crafted championship ring courtesy of True Speed Enterprises and USAC Triple Crown Champion Tony Stewart, who became the first to “sweep” the honors in a single year in 1995.

To enter the exclusive club of USAC Triple Crown Champions, a driver during his career must possess an overall championship in the three National categories, Silver Crown, Sprint and Midget.

Maintaining the integrity of the prestige of the USAC Triple Crown, which has only been achieved by five drivers in USAC‘s history, drivers in the 2013 National Midget series will earn eligibility meeting two criteria.

First, a driver must win either the dirt or pavement championship. In addition, the driver must compile the most points in total Midget competition. For the sole purpose of establishing this Triple Crown criteria, an overall National Midget Championship points tally will be maintained, utilizing total points combined on dirt and pavement.

Pancho Carter became the first driver to earn the Triple Crown designation, winning the Midget title in 1972, the Sprint in 1974 and 1976 and the Silver Crown in 1978. Tony Stewart won the 1994 Midget title and added all three championships in 1995. Dave Darland followed, winning the Silver Crown in 1997, Sprint in 1999 and Midget in 2001 and 2002. In 2001 J.J. Yeley won the Sprint title, came back in 2002 with the Silver Crown championship and then won all three in 2003. Jerry Coons Jr. joined the illustrious list with the 2006 and 2007 Midget titles and the 2008 Sprint and Silver Crown championships.

Currently active USAC drivers with two of the three Triple Crown legs to their credit include Tracy Hines (Silver Crown and Sprint), Levi Jones (Silver Crown and Sprint), Bryan Clauson (Sprint and Midget), Bobby East (Silver Crown and Midget) and Jason Leffler (Silver Crown and Midget).

6TH “COPPER ON DIRT” SHOWCASES SPRINTS & MIDGETS FRIDAY, SATURDAY AT CANYON SPEEDWAY PARK

The AMSOIL USAC CRA Sprint Cars and USAC Western Midgets open their 2013 campaigns in this weekend’s 6th “Copper on Dirt” events at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Defending USAC National Drivers Champion Bryan Clauson and five-time consecutive USAC/CRA Sprint Car king Mike Spencer, plus Western Midget Champion Shannon McQueen are all gearing up for the 1/3-mile dirt oval, which also sports West Coast Late Model and IMCA Modified competition.

Clauson is expected to compete in both events of the USAC “doubleheader” after posting an AMSOIL USAC National Sprint win at Ocala, Fla. last Thursday night. Hunter Schuerenberg, USAC’s brand-new AMSOIL National Sprint Car leader after three “top-four” finishes at Ocala, also is expected to compete at Peoria.

Clauson has now won at least one USAC National victory every year since his debut in 2005. McQueen posted more than a dozen “top-10” finishes on her way to the 2012 Western Midget crown. She also was the recipient of the prestigious “Kara Hendrick Award” from Lyn St. James’ Women in the Winners Circle last year. Spencer became the first USAC driver in history to win five consecutive series titles with his 2012 championship. He scored nine victories during the 2012 CRA campaign.

Clauson owns five USAC victories at Canyon Speedway Park, including three already this year! He also scored two USAC National wins in 2011.

Last November’s USAC Midget feature at Canyon Speedway Park went to Kyle Larson.

Canyon Speedway Park is located in North Peoria off Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles West on Carefree Highway. For more information, please contact the track at 602-258-RACE(7223) or additional information regarding Canyon Speedway Park can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com

AMSOIL USAC SPRINT CAR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RACE RESULTS:

February 23, 2013 – Ocala, Florida – Bubba Raceway Park – “Winter Dirt Games IV”

QUALIFYING: 1. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-13.936; 2. Levi Jones, 39, Walker-14.158; 3. Justin Grant, 11, Walker-14.164; 4. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-14.216; 5. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-14.221; 6. Robert Ballou, 5, Baldwin-14.230; 7. Dave Darland, 71P, Phillips-14.283; 8. Bryan Clauson, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-14.286; 9. Nick Drake, 55, Cline-14.290; 10. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney-14.325; 11. Mark Smith, 1M, Smith-14.330; 12. Brady Bacon, 69, Dynamics-14.359; 13. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-14.438; 14. Chris Gurley, 12, Team Automotive-14.462; 15. Scotty Weir, 40, Hery-14.467; 16. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 17RW, Dutcher/RW/TriStar-14.497; 17. A.J. Hopkins, 42G, Jackson-14.516; 18. Chris Windom, 21x, Pollock-14.554; 19. Landon Simon, 41, Stensland-14.560; 20. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-14.699; 21. Dallas Hewitt, 2M, Marshall-14.774; 22. Brady Short, 11P, Pottorff-14.915; 23. Kurt Gross, 1x, Gross-14.954; 24. Brian Paulus, 28, Paulus-15.034; 25. Brian Hayden, 77, Wingo-15.126; 26. Tra vis Hery , 21H, Hery-15.617; 27. Dan Statter, 59, Statter-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Stockon, 2. Hines, 3. Hopkins, 4. Leary, 5. Drake, 6. Hewitt, 7. Hayden. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Windom, 2. Courtney, 3. Short, 4. Jones, 5. Ballou, 6. Gurley, 7. Hery. 1:56.73

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Simon, 2. Gross, 3. Grant, 4. Smith, 5. Darland, 6. Weir, 7. Statter. 1:55.62

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Bacon, 2. Cottle, 3. Schuerenberg, 4. Thomas, 5. Clauson, 6. Paulus. 1:55.88

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Ballou, 2. Clauson, 3. Darland, 4. Drake, 5. Weir, 6. Hewitt, 7. Gurley, 8. Paulus, 9. Hayden, 10. Hery, 11. Statter. 2:52.77

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Tracy Hines, 2. Tyler Courtney, 3. Chase Stockon, 4. Robert Ballou, 5. Hunter Schuerenberg, 6. Levi Jones, 7. Brady Bacon, 8. Dave Darland, 9. C.J. Leary, 10. Bryan Clauson, 11. Chris Windom, 12. Scotty Weir, 13. Justin Grant, 14. Chris Gurley, 15. Landon Simon, 16. Brady Short, 17. Nick Drake, 18. A.J. Hopkins, 19. Shane Cottle, 20. Kurt Gross, 21. Mark Smith, 22. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 23. Dallas Hewitt.NT

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FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Hines.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Schuerenberg-182; 2-Stockon-178; 3-Hines/Clauson-175; 5-Bacon-167; 6-Darland-160; 7-Ballou-142; 8-Thomas-118; 9-Leary-112; 10-Weir-110.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: April 6 – Lawrenceburg, Indiana – Lawrenceburg Speedway

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

February 22, 2013 – Ocala, Florida – Bubba Raceway Park – “Winter Dirt Games IV”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bryan Clauson, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-13.819; 2. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-13.931; 3. Scotty Weir, 40, Hery-14.063; 4. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-14.079; 5. Dave Darland, 71P, Phillips-14.110; 6. Robert Ballou, 5, Baldwin-14.191; 7. Levi Jones, 39, Walker-14.311; 8. Nick Drake, 55, Cline-14.362; 9. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-14.371; 10. Chris Windom, 21x, Pollock-14.517; 11. Justin Grant, 11, Walker-14.525; 12. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-14.548; 13. Mark Smith, 1M, Smith-14.548; 14. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney-14.562; 15. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 17RW, Dutcher/RW/TriStar-14.571; 16. Coleman Gulick, 14, Gulick-14.672; 17. A.J. Hopkins, 42G, Jackson-14.746; 18. Brady Short, 11P, Pottorff-14.752; 19. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-14.808; 20. Brady Bacon, 69, Dynamics-14.822; 21. Collin Cabre, 12x, Cabre-14.971; 22. Dallas Hewitt, 2M, Marshall-15.301; 23. Jac Haudenschild, 41, Stensland-15.389; 24. Chris Gurley, 12, Team Automotive-15.424; 25. Brian Hayden, 77, Wingo-15.489; 26. Kurt Gross, 1x, Gross-15.663; 27. Brian Paulus, 28, Paulus-15.777; 28. Travis Hery, 21H, Hery-16.766; 29. Dan Statter, 59, Statter-18.275; 30. Landon Simon, 41s, Stensland-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Stockon, 2. Clauson, 3. Darland, 4. Smith, 5. Hopkins, 6. Cabre, 7. Hayden, 8. Statter. 1:54.16

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Short, 2. Windom, 3. Schuerenberg, 4. Ballou, 5. Courtney, 6. Hewitt, 7. Gross. 1:56.82

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Cottle, 2. Grant, 3. Thomas, 4. Jones, 5. Weir, 6. Paulus, 7. Haudenschild. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bacon, 2. Gulick, 3. Hines, 4. Leary, 5. Gurley, 6. Drake, 7. Hery. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Drake, 2. Weir, 3. Courtney, 4. Hewitt, 5. Hopkins, 6. Hayden, 7. Paulus, 8. Gurley, 9. Hery, 10. Gross, 11. Cabre, 12. Statter. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Tracy Hines, 2. Bryan Clauson, 3. Hunter Schuerenberg, 4. Chase Stockon, 5. Dave Darland, 6. Brady Bacon, 7. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 8. Mark Smith, 9. C.J. Leary, 10. Brady Short, 11. Scotty Weir, 12. Shane Cottle, 13. A.J. Hopkins, 14. Robert Ballou, 15. Dallas Hewitt, 16. Brian Hayden, 17. Chris Gurley, 18. Coleman Gulick, 19. Chris Windom, 20. Levi Jones, 21. Justin Grant, 22. Nick Drake, 23. Tyler Courtney. NT ---------------------------- **Cabre flipped during the semi. Windom flipped on Lap 11 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-29 Ballou, Lap 30 Hines.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Clauson-139; 2-Schuerenberg-125; 3-Darland-119; 4-Bacon-117; 5-Stockon-110; 6-Hines-106; 7-Thomas-100; 8-Ballou-86; 9-Weir-80; 10-Leary-71.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: February 23 – Ocala, FL – Bubba Raceway Park – “Winter Dirt Games IV”

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

February 21, 2013 – Ocala, Florida – Bubba Raceway Park – “Winter Dirt Games IV”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-14.150; 2. Brady Bacon, 69, Dynamics-14.204; 3. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-14.259; 4. Bryan Clauson, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-14.302; 5. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 17RW, Dutcher-RW-TriStar-14.398; 6. Chris Windom, 21x, Pollock-14.413; 7. Dave Darland, 71P, Phillips-14.433; 8. Coleman Gulick, 14, Gulick-14.505; 9. Mark Smith, 1M, Smith-14.512; 10. Justin Grant, 11, Walker-14.567; 11. Robert Ballou, 5, Baldwin-14.568; 12. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-14.576; 13. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-14.577; 14. Scotty Weir, 40, Hery-14.628; 15. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney-14.629; 16. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-14.694; 17. Nick Drake, 55, Cline-14.783; 18. Brady Short, 11P, Pottorff-14.797; 19. Jac Haudenschild, 41, Stensland-14.811; 20. Landon Simon, 41s, Stensland-15.032; 21. Brian Hayden, 77, Wingo-15.162; 22. Collin Cabre, 12x, Cabre-15.195; 23. Kurt Gross, 1x, Gross-15.237; 24. Chris Gurley, 12, Team Automotive-15.294; 25. Kyle Simon, 21H, Hery-15.317 ; 26. Derek Hastings, 32M, Marshall-15.490; 27. Dallas Hewitt, 2M, Marshall-15.692; 28. Brian Paulus, 28, Paulus-15.892; 29. Dan Statter, 59, Statter-18.997; 30. A.J. Hopkins, 42G, Jackson-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Drake, 2, Smith, 3. Hines, 4. Thomas, 5. Stockon, 6. Hayden, 7. K.Simon, 8. Statter. 1:59.97

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Short, 2. Grant, 3. Weir, 4. Bacon, 5. Windom, 6. Cabre, 7. Hastings. 1:59.16

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Haudenschild, 2. Ballou, 3. Darland, 4. Schuerenberg, 5. Gross, 6. Courtney, 7. Hewitt. 1:59.08

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Cottle, 2. Gulick, 3. Clauson, 4. Leary, 5. Gurley, 6. Paulus, 7. L.Simon. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Windom, 2. Stockon, 3. Courtney, 4. Gurley, 5. L.Simon, 6. Gross, 7. Hewitt, 8. K.Simon, 9. Cabre, 10. Paulus, 11. Statter, 12. Hastings, 13. Hayden. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Dave Darland, 3. Brady Bacon, 4. Hunter Schuerenberg, 5. Robert Ballou, 6. Kevin Thomas, 7. Chase Stockon, 8. Chris Windom, 9. Scotty Weir, 10. Jac Haudendchild, 11. Tracy Hines, 12. Brady Short, 13. Tyler Courtney, 14. C.J. Leary, 15. Mark Smith, 16. Justin Grant, 17. Chris Gurley, 18. Landon Simon, 19. Kurt Gross, 20. Nick Drake, 21. Coleman Gulick, 22. Shane Cottle. NT ---------------------------- **Hastings flipped during the semi. Cottle flipped on Lap 4 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-19 Darland, Lap 20 Clauson, Laps 21-28 Darland, Laps 29-30 Clauson.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Clauson-69; 2-Bacon-64; 3-Darland-63; 4-Schuerenberg-60; 5-Ballou-55; 6-Thomas-52; 7-Stockon-51; 8-Windom-44; 9-Weir-42; 10-Hines-37.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: February 22 – Ocala, FL – Bubba Raceway Park – “Winter Dirt Games IV”

LARSON, SANTOS GRAB NEW SMYRNA MIDGET OPENERS

Caleb Armstrong of New Castle, Ind. is the early leader in the 2013 USAC National Midget Pavement Series and will take a six-point lead over Bobby Santos into the May 25 “Night Before the 500” classic in Indianapolis, Ind.

Armstrong recorded sixth and third-place finishes in Sunday and Monday’s series openers at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach. Fla.

RW Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson of Elk Grove, Calif. and Bobby Santos of Franklin, Mass. emerged with feature wins in the two New Smyrna Beach races. Larson won Sunday’s 30-lap race in the Rotondo Weirich/Fontana Automotive Beast and Santos was Monday’s 30-lap winner in a similar car.

Larson passed Caleb Armstrong on lap 15 Sunday and led the final 15 laps to beat Darren Hagen, Tracy Hines, Tanner Swanson and Dalton Armstrong. Santos, who led the first five laps Sunday, led the final 26 laps Monday after passing Dave Steele on lap five. Kyle O’Gara took second ahead of Caleb Armstrong, Steele and Swanson.

The New Smyrna races were the first for USAC’s National Midget Series in Florida since 2005.

2013 USAC National Midget Point Standings: 1-Caleb Armstrong-124, 2-Bobby Santos-118, 3-Tanner Swanson-114, 4-Darren Hagen-112, 5-Kyle O’Gara-107, 6-Dalton Armstrong-107, 7-Tracy Hines-104, 8-Christopher-88, 9-Cole Carter-73, 10-David Byrne-62.

AMSOIL SPRINTS OPEN 2013 CALENDAR AT BUBBA RACEWAY PARK THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY

Defending AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Champion Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. leads the series to its 2013 debut this week, with races Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla.

Clauson is the two-time defending USAC National Drivers Champion and has won at least one USAC National race every year since his debut in 2005. His 45 USAC National feature wins in just eight years already rank him 24th all-time in USAC’s 57-year history. Four more wins will vault him into the “top-20> all-time!

In 2011 Clauson won one of USAC’s three Ocala features but this year brings a change for last year’s seven-time winner. He will pilot a Tony Stewart Racing/Curb-Agajanian entry in 2013.

Clauson will face a formidable field in this week’s Ocala races, including Indiana drivers Tracy Hines, C.J. Leary, Chase Stockon and Dave Darland, Illinois drivers Chris Windom and Levi Jones, Ohio driver Jac Haudenschild, Oklahoma driver Brady Bacon, New York driver Coleman Gulick, Alabama driver Kevin Thomas Jr., Missouri driver Hunter Schuerenberg and North Carolina driver Nick Drake.

Stockon was USAC’s Most Improved 2012 driver, while Leary was the 2012 USAC National Sprint Car “Rookie of the Year.” Drake is a former National Ford Focus Champion.

Hines and Clauson are both former Florida winners, Clauson winning the aforementioned Ocala Sprint race and Hines winning a 2007 Silver Crown race at Homestead-Miami.

All three nights at Ocala will be streamed live via usacracing.tv for the price of $9.95 per night. The stream is offered as part of paid subscriptions to usacracing.tv.

RUGGED RADIOS NAMED OFFICIAL RADIOS FOR USAC, TORC

Rugged Radios of San Luis Obispo, Calif. has been named the Official Radio supplier for USAC and The Off-Road Championship (TORC).

Geared for individuals with heart, passion and a desire to win, Rugged Radios is the #1 choice for racing communications, serving as pioneers, innovating and developing premium product for years.

“Obviously we are excited,” says Rugged’s Greg Cottrell about the new affiliation with USAC, “The thrill of quality communications is exciting, and whether you’re an offroad enthusiast or a police officer, our communication lineup is unmatched. The 2013 USAC racing season is upon us and we are looking forward to be a big part of it. USAC’s historical significance is well documented and we are proud to be involved with them.”

USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller echoes the excitement of partnering with Rugged Radios. “I am pleased that their excellent product line will be our official communication supplier for our participants and officials. As we continue to refine our operations, I am confident in the quality and workmanship of Rugged’s radios and in the expert assistance they will provide.”

“If this is your first time exploring our communications, by all means give us a call, adds Cottrell. “We’ll be glad to give you an overview of options, what to look for and how all this magic comes together to make your racing experience unforgettable. Be sure to note our Rugged Reference section at www.ruggedradios.com where you can download instructions, frequency lists, and watch informational videos to see and hear what communications from Rugged Radios can do for you.”

Questions regarding the world of Rugged Radios can be answered toll free at (888) 541-7223.

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

February 18, 2013 – New Smyrna Beach, FL – New Smyrna Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Caleb Armstrong, 7c, C & A-16.783; 2. Bobby Santos, 17, RW-16.809; 3. Tanner Swanson, 67, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-16.824; 4. Darren Hagen, 3, RFMS-16.974; 5. Tracy Hines, 24, Parker-16.975; 6. Dalton Armstrong, 7a, C & A-16.995; 7. Dave Steele, 17B, RW-17.059; 8. Christopher Bell, 71, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-17.310; 9. Cole Carter, 5, Bertrand-17.345; 10. Taylor Ferns, 55, Ferns-17.387; 11. Kyle O;Gara, 27, RW-17.432; 12. David Byrne, 20, Bryne-17.739; 13. Riley Emmel, 67k, Kunz-17.844; 14. Randy Cabral, 47, Bertrand-18.234; 15. Aaron Pierce, 6, East-NT.

SCRAMBLE #1: (12 laps) 1. Steele, 2. O’Gara, 3. C.Armstrong, 4. T.Swanson, 5. Hines, 6. Carter, 7. Emmel. 3:25.22

SCRAMBLE #2: (12 laps) 1. Santos, 2. D.Armstrong, 3. Hagen, 4. Ferns, 5. Bell, 6. Byrne, 7. Cabral. 3:26.95

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bobby Santos, 2. Kyle O;Gara, 3. Caleb Armstrong, 4. Dave Steele, 5. Tanner Swanson, 6. Dalton Armstrong, 7. Darren Hagen, 8. Tracy Hines, 9. Christopher Bell, 10. Cole Carter, 11. Taylor Ferns, 12. Riley Emmel, 13. Randy Cabral, 14. David Byrne. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-4 Steele, Laps 5-30 Santos.

NEW NATIONAL MIDGET POINTS: 1-C.Armstrong-124, 2-Santos-118, 3-T.Swanson-114, 4-Hagen-112, 5-O’Gara-107, 6-Hines-104, 7-D.Armstrong-100, 8-Bell-88, 9-Byrne-62, 10-Ferns-60.

NEXT NATIONAL MIDGET RACE (dirt): April 12-13 – Kokomo (IN) Speedway – “Kokomo Grand Prix” NEXT NATIONAL MIDGET RACE (pavement): May 25 – Indianapolis, IN – Raceway Park at Indianapolis – “Night Before the 500”

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR TITLE CHASE HEATS UP IN 2013
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA - FEBRUARY 18, 2013... For the past five seasons, Mike Spencer of Temecula has taken on all challengers and claimed the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Championship. Making USAC history in the process, Spencer, Bruce Bromme Jr., and the Ron Chaffin Motorsports Team will be back to defend their crown. However, as this writing goes to press, more teams have announced their intention to run the full schedule and challenge for the title. This will make 2013 one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.

Piloting Ron Chaffin's famed #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage, Spencer had one of his most dominant seasons to date. Winning nine main events, including the Oval Nationals, Mike also had 13 fast time awards, 5 heat race wins, 20 top-5 finishes, and led 167 main event laps. For Chaffin, the 2012 USAC/CRA Championship was his sixth owner's title in nine years.

For the second straight season, Huntington Beach's Nic Faas was second in the point chase. Returning behind the wheel of Mark Alexander's silver #4 Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Incorporated Spike, Faas will be looking to break though with a championship year. Recently, the Alexander Team announced that they will run a second car with "The Demon" Damion Gardner of Concord at the helm. The 2005 Champion is back from the Midwest and leads all drivers with 41 USAC/CRA main event victories.

Buena Park's Brody Roa had a solid campaign, earning Most Improved Driver honors and finishing third in the standings. Driving the BR Performance owned #91R HD Industries / Burris Racing Spike, Roa scored his first series victory on June 2nd at Yuma's Cocopah Speedway. Brody will have his sights on more feature wins and running for the title in 2013.

"The Ripper" Rip Williams of Yorba Linda placed fourth in the final standings. Piloting Jack Jory's famed black #3 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, the 2004 Champion continues to thrill his many fans. "The Ripper" has over 100 main event wins with CRA, SCRA, and USAC/CRA during his career and will be in the hunt for the championship.

Scoring fifth in the USAC/CRA point chase was Yorba Linda's Austin Williams. Driving Jack Jory's #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams claimed his second feature win at Santa Maria Speedway on June 16th. The 2009 Rookie of the Year had a tough season and will be looking to challenge for the crown.

In his first full season with USAC/CRA, Ryan Bernal of Hollister claimed sixth in points. Racing Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal won at Victorville and Calistoga's opening night of the "Louie Vermeil Classic." The two-time Santa Maria track champion will have his sights adding the 2013 title to his resume.

Finishing eighth in points was "The Cadillac" Cody Williams of Yorba Linda. Piloting Jack Jory's #44 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams set a new 1-lap track record at Watsonville on August 10th. The former National Rookie of the Year will be looking to make a strong bid for the USAC/CRA championship.

Riverside's "Dynamite" David Cardey placed ninth in the final points. Driving Tom and Laurie Sertich's #92 Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror / Victory Race Cars entry, Cardey and the Moose Racing Team are planning to run the full schedule. The former California Lightning Sprint Champion has nine feature wins to his credit and will be a threat to claim the title.

Matt Mitchell of Yorba Linda scored tenth in the point standings. The pilot of the J.W. Mitchell Motorsports' #37 J.M. Mancha Realtors / Sierra Springs Water Maxim had championship aspirations until a Terre Haute crash during Indiana Sprint Week ended his season. The former USAC Western Midget Rookie of the Year has fully recovered and plans on battling for the championship.

Another title contender is Campbell's Bud Kaeding. Driving Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, Kaeding won last year's USAC West Coast Sprint Car Championship. The three-time USAC Silver Crown Champion has five series wins to his credit and is a threat to win on any given night.

The tenth season for the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will kickoff March 1st with the two day "Copper On Dirt" at Canyon Speedway Park. The Peoria, Arizona facility will also host the USAC Western Midgets, West Coast Shootout Late Models, and IMCA Modifieds. Advance tickets are on sale and for more information, call (602) 258-7223 or visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVDs available for purchase that feature the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 1: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 2: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 9: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)
April 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
April 19: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
April 20: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
May 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)
June 14: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)
August 9: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)
October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series

LAS VEGAS "SIN CITY SHOWDOWN" OPENS USAC "GRUDGE SERIES" ON MARCH 7TH
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – FEBRUARY 18, 2013... On Thursday, March 7th, the "Grudge Series" between the USAC West Coast and USAC Southwest Sprint Cars will kickoff at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. Sponsored by Hoosier Tire and ParkerStores, the action packed "Sin City Showdown" will also showcase the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, Modifieds, and Street Stocks. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm with racing scheduled for 6:00pm.

The 3-race "Grudge Series" will resume at Canyon Speedway Park on September 28th for the "Brawl For It All." Perris Auto Speedway will host the finale on October 31st during the first night of the "Oval Nationals." Each race of the mini-series will carry a $2,500-to-win and $300-to-start purse, with a $50 entry fee. As this writing goes to press, series promoters Chris Kearns and Kevin Montgomery are looking for additional sponsorship to build a large point fund and eligible racers must attend all three shows.

Held during NASCAR weekend, the non-point "Sin City Showdown" will feature drivers from California, Arizona, and New Mexico as they battle on the large 1/2-mile oval. Last year, Bud Kaeding served notice to the competition and began his championship season by winning the $2,500 jackpot. Ryan Bernal claimed the inaugural $5,000 championship and over $15,000 was raised for the point fund.

Kaeding and Bernal will lead the USAC West Coast Series and other top contenders expected to be in action are "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr., Richard Vander Weerd, Ricky Kirkbride, "Showtime" Danny Sheridan, Rusty Carlile, and Jace Vander Weerd. "Chargin'" Charles Davis Jr. will lead a strong USAC Southwest roster that includes R.J. Johnson, "The Real Deal" Rick Ziehl, Bruce St. James, Mike Martin, Brian Hosford, and Josh Pelkey. Last year's "Sin City Showdown" featured 33 drivers and more are expected this year.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Five Star Grafix, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

LARSON KICKS OFF SEASON WITH NEW SMYRNA WIN

New Smyrna, Florida.…..Elk Grove, California driver Kyle Larson picked up in 2013 just as he left off last season, scoring the season-opening victory in Sunday’s 30-lapper at New Smyrna Speedway. The 11th USAC National Midget win of Larson’s career was the fourth in a row with the series.

Bobby Santos jumped to the lead at the outset after utilizing a new format to capture the pole. After Larson set Fast Time while establishing the Track Record, he spun the Oakley Fast Qualifier wheel, inverting the night’s two “Scrambles” by six. Santos passed Larson in their Scramble to grab the pole and eventually lead the opening five laps.

Caleb Armstrong started alongside and assaulted Santos early in the race before moving underneath in turn-one on lap six. Larson followed suit and a race was on up-front for the win. After sixth-running Kyle Hamilton lost brakes and hit the wall on lap 15, a race-deciding restart saw Larson jump underneath Armstrong and complete the pass before getting to turn-one.

Armstrong fought back, moving in on Larson before hitting fluid and spinning on lap 22. From there, Larson was unchallenged and scored the win in his first night aboard the Rotondo Weirich – Fontana Automotive #17B Beast/Fontana.

“I didn’t expect to take off that well on the restart, but it did and I had him cleared easily. From there, I just tried to stay low and make him go around me because I thought he was better than me. RW showed last year that their pavement midgets are really strong, so I was really happy to get to run for them, and New Smyrna is a really fast, tricky place that’s a lot of fun,” Larson said.

After qualifying 13th to begin the night, defending USAC National Midget champion Darren Hagen rebounded to pass two cars in his Scramble. He lined up ninth in the feature and came on strong towards the end, grabbing the runner-up spot to begin his title defense in the RFMS Racing – Liberty Village #3 Beast/Esslinger.

“After the Scramble, we put some stagger to it and threw something at it that worked for us a little last year. It woke up the car, and helped us turn the middle better. We were really good on restarts tonight, and there was plenty of room out there to get around guys. It’s a really racy place, and we got a pretty good start to the season,” Hagen said.

Tracy Hines also came from behind over the course of the night, starting the feature in seventh and dropping back over the first half of the race. In standard Hines fashion, the Parker Machinery – Turbines, Inc. #24 Spike/Stanton Toyota was on the move late in the race to grab the final podium spot.

“I fell back early on and we weren’t very good. We handled great, especially towards the end. I just want to thank everybody helping this Toyota-powered car, especially Parker Machinery, Turbines, Incorporated & Hansen’s Welding. I think we’ve got a better engine to run tomorrow, so I’m looking forward to it,” Hines said.

Tanner Swanson climbed as high as second before settling for fourth in the Keith Kunz Motorsports – Toyota TRD #67 Beast/Speedway Toyota, and Dalton Armstrong rebounded from trouble in practice earlier in the day to pilot a back-up C&A Motorsports – Winfield #7A Beast/Stanton Toyota.

USAC NATIONAL PAVEMENT MIDGET RACE RESULTS: February 17, 2013 – New Smyrna Beach, FL – New Smyrna Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Kyle Larson, 17B, RW-16.726; 2. Caleb Armstrong, 7c, C&A-16.797; 3. Bobby Santos, 17, RW-16.862; 4. Kyle Hamilton, 56, Hmiel-17.201; 5. Kyle O’Gara, 27, RW-17.228; 6. Christopher Bell, 71, Kunz-17.251; 7. Tanner Swanson, 67, Kunz-17.263; 8. Taylor Ferns, 55, Ferns-17.333; 9. Tracy Hines, 24, Parker-17.343; 10. Dalton Armstrong, 7A, C&A-17.373; 11. David Byrne, 20, Byrne-17.404; 12. Aaron Pierce, 6, East-17.410; 13. Darren Hagen, 3, RFMS-17.444; 14. Dave Steele, 17R, RW-17.465; 15. Bryan Clauson, 4, Klatt-17.469; 16. Cole Carter, 5, Bertrand-17.528; 17. Riley Emmel, 67K, Kunz-18.647; 18. Randy Cabral, 47, Bertrand-NT.

FIRST SCRAMBLE: (12 laps) 1. Santos, 2. Larson, 3. Swanson, 4. Hines, 5. Hagen, 6. Byrne, 7. O’Gara, 8. Clauson. 3:26.51

SECOND SCRAMBLE: (12 laps) 1. C. Armstrong, 2. Hamilton, 3. D. Armstrong, 4. Bell, 5. Pierce, 6. Ferns, 7. Steele, 8. Carter, 9. Cabral. 3:24.98

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Kyle Larson, 2. Darren Hagen, 3. Tracy Hines, 4. Tanner Swanson, 5. Dalton Armstrong, 6. Caleb Armstrong, 7. Christopher Bell, 8. Kyle O’Gara, 9. Cole Carter, 10. Bobby Santos, 11. David Byrne, 12. Aaron Pierce, 13. Randy Cabral, 14. Dave Steele, 15. Kyle Hamilton, 16. Taylor Ferns, 17. Bryan Clauson, 18. Riley Emmel. NT

--------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-5 Santos, Laps 6-14 C. Armstrong, Laps 15-30 Larson.

NATIONAL PAVEMENT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Hagen-61; 2-Hines-59; 3-C.Armstrong-58; 4-Swanson-57; 5-D.Armstrong-54; 6-Bell-48; 7-Santos-45; 8-O’Gara-43; 9-Byrne-34; 10-Hamilton-33.

NEXT NATIONAL PAVEMENT MIDGET RACE: February 18 – New Smyrna Beach, FL – New Smyrna Speedway

LARSON EYES SUNDAY MIDGETS AT NEW SMYRNA

Racing phenom Kyle Larson of Elk Grove, Calif. is planning to compete in Sunday’s USAC National Midget race at the New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. It’ll be part of a busy week of activity for the 21-year-old who has compiled 10 USAC National Midget victories in his first two seasons.

Larson will pilot one of four RW Motorsports entries in Sunday’s event, the first of two at the half-mile Smyrna oval which also hosts Monday USAC Midget racing. He’ll join teammates Bobby Santos, Dave Steele, Ross Rankine and Kyle O’Gara in the New Smyrna program, the first ever for USAC at the oval.

Larson plans to compete in Saturday’s ARCA Stock Car race at Daytona Beach and in Monday and Tuesday’s “Battle at the Beach” stock car and modified events on Daytona’s backstretch. He’ll return to Daytona the following Saturday for his NASCAR Nationwide debut.

Larson captured last year’s “Turkey Night Grand Prix” USAC Midget finale at Perris, Calif. and added wins at Rossburg, Ohio, Pontoon Beach, Ill., Peoria, Ariz., Kokomo, Ind. and Dodge City, Kans.

A revised format for USAC’s 2012 pavement Midget events will greet New Smyrna participants. Two “scrambles” will follow qualifications, with positions in the scrambles determining feature starting positions. The fastest qualifier will spin a specially-designed Oakley Invert Wheel which will determine the inversion number for the scrambles. The scramble winners will then share the front row for the feature event.

USAC Silver Crown Rookie of the Year Kyle Hamilton of Danville, Ind. is also expected to compete at New Smyrna, in his debut for car owner Shane Hmiel. Among Hamilton’s resume is a victory in the Alex Pruett Memorial race which honored the son of Steve Pruett, who owns Three Wide Life, Hmiel’s sponsor.

STEELE MAKES USAC RETURN AT NEW SMYRNA

Dave Steele of Tampa, Fla. will seek his first ever official USAC National feature victory in his home state this weekend when the USAC National Midgets compete at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach.

Dave’s only previous USAC win in Florida came in a “non-points” USAC Sprint race at Orlando in 2005 and he will be part of an RW Motorsports quartet of drivers slated to compete at the half-mile paved oval located just 10 minutes south of Daytona Beach.

Steele will be joined by Bobby Santos of Franklin, Mass., Ross Rankine of New London, Ohio and Kyle O’Gara of Beech Grove, Ind. in the RW stable for the Sunday and Monday night races.

“New Smyrna is one of the best tracks in Florida,” says Steele, who has had much success there in the past. “I won the only non-wing race I ever drove there, about 12 years ago, and have had several winged wins there too. It should be pretty fast, with good banking in the corners. The turns are tight but the straightaways are true straightaways, not like some of the arced ovals I’ve raced on.”

Sixty times Steve has graced victory lane after a USAC National event, 26 times in Sprints, 18 in Midgets and 16 in Silver Crown. In five straight years (2001-2005) Dave remarkably won at least one feature in each of USAC’s three National Series (Silver Crown, Sprint and Midget), a unique achievement.

In 2004 and 2005 he won USAC’s Silver Crown National driving title. His last USAC feature start came in a 2011 Silver Crown race in Indianapolis but his last USAC National Midget appearance came in the 2008 Turkey Night Grand Prix at Irwindale, Calif. His last USAC Midget victory came at Phoenix International Raceway in 2007.

Steele’s teammates are seasoned USAC drivers, with Santos having won 10 times in the USAC National Midget Series and Rankine claiming both the 2012 USAC Midwest pavement and dirt Midget titles. O’Gara finished third in last year’s USAC D1 Midget Series, earning feature wins at Morris, Ill. and Kalamazoo, Mich.

USAC WESTERN CHAMPS FETED IN PASO ROBLES

USAC's 2012 Western Champions and special award winners were honored Saturday night at the Estrella Warbirds Museum and Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles, Calif. Competitors in the Ignite Midgets, Western Midgets, Western Classic Sprints, West Coast Sprints, USAC/CRA Sprints, and more were celebrated as a large crowd was in attendance.

Perris Auto Speedway Announcer Chris Holt served as master of ceremonies and before the festivities began, Anne Wilkerson honored Dick Woodland with the "Billy Wilkerson Award." Western Region Director Chris Kearns addressed the crowd and celebrated Clay Daly and Steve Drake for winning their Dirt Late Model Championships at Santa Maria Speedway. Kearns also announced that the Woodland Auto Display will sponsor both the West Coast and AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars during the 2013 campaign.

USAC/CRA Sprint Champion Mike Spencer was honored by USAC Vice President Dick Jordan for making history with his fifth consecutive title. Bud Kaeding (West Coast Sprint), Tony Hunt (Western Classic Sprint), and Ryan Bernal (Santa Maria Sprint) were also celebrated for their championships. Shannon McQueen was noted for becoming the fifth female champion driver in USAC history by claiming the Western Midget crown. David Prickett (Western Dirt Midget), Chad Nichols (Western Pavement Midget), along with Ignite Midget champions Garrett Peterson (Northern Pavement), Cory Elliott (Western Dirt), and Bryant Dawson (Las Vegas Pavement) were also recognized.

Ron Chaffin (USAC/CRA Sprint) and Junior Bowman (West Coast Sprint) were celebrated for winning their respective Car Owner Championships.

Rookie of the Year honors were awarded to Jake Swanson (USAC/CRA Sprint), Austin Liggett (West Coast Sprint), and Nick Chivello (Western Midget). Brody Roa earned the title of USAC/CRA's Most Improved Driver and Mechanic of the Year Awards went to Bruce Bromme Jr. (USAC/CRA Sprint), and Brian Matherly (West Coast Sprint). Jimmy May earned the Western All Out Mechanic Award for the JFM team's success with the USAC/CRA Sprints, West Coast Sprints, and Western Midget Series.

Veteran driver Wally Pankratz presented the Joe Lynch Mechanical Achievement Award to Kirk Swanson.

A good time was had by all in attendance and visitors had free access to the exhibits at the Estrellla Warbird Museum and Woodland Auto Display.

MIDGETS, SPRINTS HEAD FOR FLORIDA OPENERS

USAC racing has a storied past in Florida and enters its future in the coming two weeks with National events at two ovals during the state’s biggest racing motorsports period.

The National Midgets, returning to Florida for the first time in eight years, visit New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach February 17 and 18 (Sunday and Monday) during the final buildup to the famed Daytona 500, slated at Daytona Beach February 24 just to the north of New Smyrna Beach.

The following Thursday, Friday and Saturday (February 21-22-23) finds the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars competing at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala.

Josh Wise won USAC’s last Florida Midget race at Orlando in 2005, while the Sprint Cars are returning to Ocala for the third consecutive year.

Race fans will be treated to both pavement and dirt racing, with the Midgets on New Smyrna’s half-mile paved oval and the Sprints pounding the 3/8-mile dirt at Ocala.

Drivers Tracy Hines and Bryan Clauson are expected to be among those competing in all five races. Hines is a former USAC Silver Crown and Sprint Champion, while Hagen earned his initial Midget crown last year. Both Hagen and Hines are former USAC winners in the state. Hagen won a Sprint race at Ocala last year and Hines won a Silver Crown race at Homestead-Miami in 2007.

Race fans unable to make the journey from the north will also be able to catch all the non-stop Sprint car action from Ocala by accessing the USAC website, usacracing.tv, where those events will be streamed live on a pay-per-view basis.

Florida USAC racing debuted in 1956 with the first-ever USAC Sprint races at West Palm Beach, Jacksonville and Miami. The USAC Midgets made their Florida debut the following year with the popular “Tangerine Tournament” at eight different venues.

OCALA SPRINTS TO BE STREAMED VIA PPV FEB. 21-23

USAC race fans unable to make the trek south for the upcoming AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car openers at Ocala, Fla. February 21-23 will be glad to learn that the events will be streamed live on the USAC website at usacracing.tv on a pay-per-view basis, which is included with paid subscriptions to usacracing.tv.

The cost will be $9,95 per night and will cover racing Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the 3/8-mile dirt Bubba Raceway Park oval.

“We are again delighted to be able to bring this spectacular form of racing to those fans unable to make the trip to the southeast,” adds USAC’s James Spink. “The past three years have produced some great racing and we look forward to the three-night extravaganza as a great kick-start to the 2013 season.”

USAC Sprint racing on dirt in Florida after a 23-year hiatus resumes at East Bay Raceway Park in 2010 and continued at Ocala the past two years. The last previous Florida dirt outing was in 1987 when Rich Vogler was victorious at the Florida State Fairgrounds.

Defending AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Champion Bryan Clauson and defending USAC National Midget Champion Tracy Hines are among drivers expected to compete at Ocala. Clauson has never won a USAC race in Florida, while Hines won a Silver Crown race at Homestead-Miami in 2007.

HAGEN, HINES HAVE LEG UP ON NEW SMYRNA ENTRIES

Defending USAC National Midget Champion Darren Hagen and five-time series runner-up Tracy Hines have something unique among drivers expected to compete in the February 17-18 USAC National Midget openers at New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Both have previous USAC wins in the Sunshine State.

Hagen won last year during the USAC Sprint Car events at Ocala and Hines won the 2007 USAC Silver Crown Championship race in Homestead-Miami.

Hagen scored four victories on his way to last year’s USAC title, while Hines’ 32 career USAC National Midget wins are part of his all-time leading total of USAC National wins among active USAC drivers, 83 at the close of the 2012 season!

Hines would like nothing better than to kick-start the 2013 campaign with Florida victories. His one-point deficit to Cole Whitt in the 2008 USAC National Midget points kept him from becoming USAC’s sixth “Triple Crown Champion.” Last year he again finished second in the series points to champion Hagen.

He needs to add the Midgets to his previous Silver Crown and Sprint car titles to join Pancho Carter, Dave Darland, Tony Stewart, J.J. Yeley and Jerry Coons Jr. in that elusive list.

Only once in the last half-century have the USAC Midgets raced in Florida, with Josh Wise winning at Orlando in 2005. Before that, the state hosted an 11-race “Tangerine Tournament” and added four more races in 1963.

The two-night program at New Smyrna Speedway will be the first for USAC at the half-mile paved oval located about 10 miles south of Daytona Beach.

HAUDENSCHILD LATEST TO THROW HAT IN OCALA RING!

Jac Haudenschild of Wooster, Ohio, who earned the richest payday in the history of Sprint racing when he grabbed the “Mopar Million” at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio in 2003, has joined the field for USAC’s 2013 AMSOIL National Sprint Car openers February 21-23 at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla.

Haudenschild will team with fellow Ohio driver and potential USAC “Rookie of the Year” candidate Landon Simon of Tipp City.

“The Wild Child’s” last USAC appearance came in a non-points event at Oskaloosa, Iowa last year. His last points appearance in a USAC National event came at Lawrenceburg, Ind. in 2011.

In 2003, Jac polished off the largest field of drivers in USAC history when he took the $200,000 winner’s share at Eldora. A total of 138 cars competed in that event and Haudenschild led the final 12 laps of the 40-lap classic after passing Dickie Gaines, who finished third behind runner-up Stevie Smith.

Haudenschild has a half-dozen previous USAC Sprint car wins to his credit, all in his home state of Ohio. Four of those six came at Eldora Speedway in 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1988. His other wins were at Findlay in 1982 and Attica in 1990.

Defending USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Champion Bryan Clauson is also among pre-race favorites, along with former series champions Tracy Hines and Levi Jones, 2012 “Rookie of the Year” C.J. Leary and 2012 USAC “Most Improved Driver” Chase Stockon.

BRYAN CLAUSON SCORES $5,000 WINTER CHALLENGE FINALE & CROWN

By Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – FEBRUARY 4, 2013... After tire problems erased hopes for a third straight "Winter Challenge" victory, Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Indiana claimed Saturday night's $5,000-to-win finale. Leading all 30-laps, the USAC Southwest vs. West Coast Sprint Car victory at Canyon Speedway Park also earned Clauson the mini-series championship. Jeremy Sherman, Charles Davis Jr., Colby Copeland, and Jon Stanbrough rounded out the top-five finishers.

After drawing the pole position, Bryan Clauson seized command of the Winter Challenge finale. While several caution flags would plague the event, the Western World Champion remained unfazed. Problems would later sideline front row starter R.J. Johnson, as Sherman and Davis waged war for the runner-up spot. The five-time Arizona Champions looked to chase down Clauson and Jon Stanbrough made a late charge from tenth to fourth.

While the feature was dominated by Clauson, the championship of the Winter Challenge was up for grabs. Heading into the main event, Jon maintained a six-point lead over Bryan. Needing to finish one spot behind his rival to claim the title, Stanbrough's move to the front kept things interesting. It was not to be on this night, as Clauson sailed to the checkered flags and Colby Copeland dropped Stanbrough to fifth.

Piloting Mike Martin’s #16B Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, Bryan Clauson won three of the four Winter Challenge races. After running second in his heat race, Clauson won the mini-series title and led all drivers with 69 feature laps led and three heat race victories (tied).

"The Shermanator" Jeremy Sherman of Surprise came home second after starting fifth in the Saturday night feature. Driving Bill Michael's #77M Mammoth Sound / Beal's Auto Body Sherman, Jeremy won the program's second heat race. Placing fourth in points, Sherman had three heat race victories and recorded two top-five finishes in the four race Winter Challenge.

Buckeye’s Charles Davis Jr. raced to third from sixth in the Winter Challenge finale. Piloting the Massey Motorsports #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply entry, last year's ASCS Canyon Champion scored third in his heat race. Claiming third in mini-series points, Davis had one heat race victory, one semi-main win, one hard charger award, and three top-five finishes.

Roseville, California's Colby Copeland had his best run of the Winter Challenge and earned “Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors. Scoring fourth from seventeenth, the driver of Ted Williams' #74 Bandit Racing / Marks Bolts Ellis was also eighth in his heat race. Copeland won the 10-lap semi-main and finished the Winter Challenge with three top-10 finishes.

Jon Stanbrough of Avon, Indiana scored fifth at the checkered flags after starting tenth. Racing Shon Deskins' #20 Performance Plus / Ellis Race Cars entry, the veteran driver was second in his heat to R.J. Johnson. Running second in points, Stanbrough had one heat race victory, three top-five finishes, and nine feature laps led to his credit.

Phoenix's R.J. Johnson won the night's first heat race and scored nineteenth in the main event. The pilot of Bobby Martin's #51 Weiler Farms / Pecon Builders Maxim won the early Saturday feature and broke Clauson's string of victories. In addition, Johnson recorded one top-five finish and 30 feature laps led at Canyon Speedway Park.

Josh Hodges of Tijeras, New Mexico won the night's third heat race. Racing the family owned #74X Napa Auto Parts / Mesilla Valley Transportation Maxim, Hodges scored twenty-first in the main event after an early exit. The young driver closed out the Winter Challenge with one top-10 finish.

The USAC Southwest and West Coast Sprint Cars will return to action on Thursday, March 7th at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Dirt Track. The non-point, $2,500-to-win "Sin City Showdown" is the first round of the Grudge Series and will showcase the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, Modifieds, and Street Stocks. More event information can be found at www.lvms.com/dirt or calling (702) 644-4444.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson (#51 Martin), 2. Jon Stanbrough (#20 Deskins), 3. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 4. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 5. Jimmy Crawford (#3X Crawford), 6. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd), 7. Matt Lundy (#20L Reinbold), 8. Colby Copeland (#74 Williams), 9. Tom Lee (#53 Lee). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jeremy Sherman (#77M Michaels), 2. Bryan Clauson (#16B Martin), 3. Robert Ballou (#77 Hockett), 4. Rick Ziehl (#20Z Ziehl), 5. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd), 6. Mike Martin (#97 Colcord/Norman), 7. Lonnie Oliver (#11T Oliver), 8. Kevin Thomas Jr. (#21 Ellis), 9. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Josh Hodges (#74X Hodges), 2. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 3. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 4. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 5. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 6. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 7. Tony Everhart (#55 Everhart), 8. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex), 9. Jason Grady (#45 Grady). NT

SEMI-MAIN: (10 laps) 1. Colby Copeland, 2. Josh Pelkey, 3. Tom Ogle, 4. Stevie Sussex, 5. Kevin Thomas Jr., 6. Bruce St. James, 7. Lonnie Oliver, 8. Tom Lee, 9. Matt Lundy, 10. Tony Everhart. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson (1st), 2. Jeremy Sherman (5th), 3. Charles Davis Jr. (6th), 4. Colby Copeland (17th), 5. Jon Stanbrough (10th), 6. Richard Vander Weerd (16th), 7. Josh Pelkey (18th), 8. Kevin Thomas Jr. (21st), 9. Andy Reinbold (3rd), 10. Ryan Bernal (4th), 11. Mike Martin (12th), 12. Jace Vander Weerd (15th), 13. Stevie Sussex (20th), 14. Jimmy Crawford (14th), 15. Bruce St. James (22nd), 16. Brian Hosford (13th), 17. Robert Ballou (11th), 18. Tom Ogle (19th), 19. R.J. Johnson (2nd), 20. Ronnie Clark (9th), 21. Josh Hodges (7th), 22. Rick Ziehl (8th). NT ---------------------------- FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Bryan Clauson. HARD CHARGER: Colby Copeland (17th to 4th)

FINAL WINTER CHALLENGE POINT STANDINGS: 1-Bryan Clauson-232, 2-Jon Stanbrough-226, 3-Charles Davis Jr.-215, 4-Jeremy Sherman-186, 5-Richard Vander Weerd-180.

NEXT SOUTHWEST & WEST COAST SPRINT SPECIAL EVENT: March 7 – Las Vegas (NV) Motor Speedway Dirt Track – "Sin City Showdown" / Grudge Series.

LVMS HOSTS NEXT WEST COAST SPRINT – MARCH 7; CLAUSON TAKES 3, JOHNSON 1 IN “WINTER CHALLENGE”

USAC National Drivers Champion Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. emerged as the winner of the “Winter Challenge” at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. this past week. Driving the Mike Martin Ultimate Offroad/Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, he scored Wednesday, Friday and Saturday feature wins at the 3/8-mile dirt oval.

R.J. Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz. kept Clauson from recording a “clean sweep” with his Saturday win in the Bobby Martin Weiler Farms/Pecon Builders Maxim.

The USAC West Coast and Southwest Sprint Cars now gear up for another “special event” March 7 in the “Sin City Showdown” at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Dirt Track.

Clauson passed Bruce St. James on the 11th lap of Wednesday night’s 30-lapper and led the final 20 laps to beat Jeremy Sherman, St. James, Richard Vander Weerd and Mike Martin. On Friday, Clauson passed Jon Stanbrough on lap 12 and led the final 19 laps to beat Stanbrough, Robert Ballou, Ryan Bernal and Charles Davis Jr.

Saturday’s day-night “doubleheader” was created by the previous weekend’s triple rainout. Johnson paced all 30 laps of Saturday’s daytime event to beat Stanbrough, Bernal, Davis and Josh Pelkey.

Clauson led all 30 laps of Saturday night’s 30-lapper, leading Sherman, Davis, Colby Copeland and Stanbrough to the checkered flag.

Final 2013 “Winter Challenge” Points

1-Bryan Clauson-232, 2-Jon Stanbrough-226, 3-Charles Davis Jr.-215, 4-Jeremy Sherman-186, 5-Richard Vander Weerd-180.

KUNZ TEAM TARGETING “100” AS USAC’S 2013 SEASON OPENS IN FLORIDA MIDGETS

Car owner Keith Kunz and mechanic Pete Willoughby of Columbus, Ind. have sights set on a USAC milestone in 2013, beginning with USAC’s upcoming Florida Midget events at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach. They hope to reach the century plateau (100) in terms of USAC National wins.

Kunz and Willoughby will campaign drivers Tanner Swanson, plus rookies Riley Emmel and Chris Bell at New Smyrna. Both Emmel and Bell competed at the recent Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Okla. Emmel, from Saskatchewan, Canada, started three Indiana Midget Week races last year and was eighth in one of the Pontoon Beach, Ill. prelims in 2011. Bell also competed in a trio of USAC races in 2012. Swanson stands alone as the only driver in USAC history with only three National wins to own one in each of the three series – Silver Crown, Sprint and Midget.

The owner combo of Kunz and Willoughby have combined for 97 USAC National victories (55 in Midgets, 40 in Sprints and two in Silver Crown). Although they have wins in 16 different states, Florida isn’t one of them. Adding in their six USAC Regional wins, they have a total of 103 USAC triumphs.

The first USAC Midget races in Florida since Josh Wise’s victory at Orlando eight years ago will offer plenty of challenges for the Kunz team. Expected to be among the entered drivers are defending champion Darren Hagen and former champion Bobby East, who won last year’s USAC Traxxas Silver Crown title.

“We look forward to being part of the New Smyrna Speedway activities for the first time,” says USAC’s James Spink. “New Smyrna has built a rich tradition in February and we are glad to be involved.”

Other top threats for victory are Kyle Hamilton, Caleb Armstrong, Bobby Santos and Tracy Hines, all winners in 2012 USAC National Midget competition. Jim Anderson, USAC’s 2012 D1 Midget Champ and Randy Cabral, the 2012 NEMA Midget king, are also expected to compete.

The Kunz legacy began with Page Jones’ victory at Kokomo, Ind. in 1992 and has also included drivers Henry Clarke, Bryan Clauson, Jerry Coons Jr., Dave Darland, Jay Drake, Darren Hagen, Tracy Hines, Page Jones, Cory Kruseman, Kyle Larson, Jason Leffler, Marc Jessup, Davey Ray, Ricky Shelton, Kevin Swindell, Brian Tyler, Cole Whitt and Josh Wise.

R.J. JOHNSON WINS THRILLER AT CANYON

By Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – FEBRUARY 4, 2013... In the most dramatic finish of the new season, R.J. Johnson of Phoenix claimed Saturday's "Winter Challenge" daytime main event. Narrowly holding off a last corner surge to the finish by Jon Stanbrough, the $2,000 victory snapped Bryan Clauson's four race win streak at Canyon Speedway Park. Following Johnson to the checkered flags were Stanbrough, Ryan Bernal, Charles Davis Jr., and Josh Pelkey.

Officially leading all 30-laps, Johnson's wire-to-wire victory does not tell the whole story. Rescheduled from the January 26th rainout, 30 drivers signed in to battle at Kevin Montgomery's 1/3-mile facility. With five-time Arizona Champion Jeremy Sherman and Johnson pacing the 22 car main event, it was R.J. that grabbed the early lead. Also looking for his first "Winter Challenge" triumph, fourth starting Davis charged past Sherman to claim second on the opening lap.

As drivers searched for racing room on the tricky surface, Johnson reached slower traffic at the halfway point. Clauson was on the move from sixth, taking third from Sherman and giving chase after Davis. Two laps later, Bryan powered to second and was looking for more. Johnson continued to lead the way as track conditions were changing and tire management would become a factor.

Within a few laps, the battle for the lead began to heat up. Clauson drove deep into the turns as R.J.'s machine rocketed off the corners. Both drivers were on the throttle, racing harder with every turn and smoke peeling off the right rear tires. Clauson managed a great drive and shot past Johnson for the lead. It was not to be as caution lights flashed over the speedway for debris.

Back to lap twenty-one, Johnson set the pace on the restart with Clauson on his rear bumper. Resuming his bid for the lead, Bryan was all over former Arizona Midget Champion. R.J. held tough and began to inch away from the USAC National Champion. Fighting through the lapped cars, Sherman had reclaimed third and Stanbrough was up to fourth. Four laps later, a flip by Bud Kaeding brought out a red flag and stopped the action. After battling for seventh, Bud walked away uninjured and was done for the race.

Johnson had a great restart and opened up his lead as Clauson was in pursuit. Coming to the white flag, Bryan's right rear tire popped and Sherman pulled off the speedway. Now in second, Stanbrough closed the gap and had one last shot at Johnson. With checkered flags waving, Jon dove to the inside and blasted off the final corner to a photo finish at the line. Track officials had confirmed that Johnson had held on by a narrow margin and scored the victory.

Piloting Bobby Martin's #51 Weiler Farms / Pecon Builders Maxim, R.J. Johnson won his first main event of 2013. After running fourteenth the previous night, the second generation driver ran third in his heat race and would have his sights on the night's $5,000-to-win finale.

Avon, Indiana's Jon Stanbrough made a valiant charge behind the wheel of Shon Deskins' #20 Performance Plus / Ellis Race Cars entry. After claiming second in his heat race, the controversial ending was the veteran's second straight runner-up finish of the Winter Challenge. With extra prize money on the line, Stanbrough would be a favorite in the night finale at CSP.

After scoring fourth on Friday, Ryan Bernal of Hollister, California came home third from eleventh. Driving Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal was second to Clauson in his heat race. Bernal won last year's Grudge Series title at Canyon and could be in the mix for the $5,000 victory.

Buckeye’s Charles Davis Jr. ran fourth in Saturday's early main event. Piloting the Massey Motorsports #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply entry, the five-time Arizona Champion won the first 8-lap heat race of the program. Davis scored fifth the previous night and leads a strong Arizona roster chasing the Winter Challenge crown.

Josh Pelkey of Peoria had his best run of the Winter Challenge with a fifth place showing. After crashing the Reagles #4JR on Friday, the former "Copper State" Champion returned to Robbie & Gaye Allen's #12 ABC Body Shop / Napa Auto Parts DRC. Pelkey claimed fourth in his heat race and could challenge in the night time main event.

Tempe's Stevie Sussex earned the program’s “Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a twelfth place run after starting twenty-first. Driving his #1AZ Pro Tech Coatings / KSE Custom Drywall Maxim, the young driver has struggled in Winter Challenge and claimed fifth in his heat race. Sussex is another hard charger looking to battle for a Canyon feature win.

Surprise's Jeremy Sherman won his second heat race of the Winter Challenge and ran up front before dropping out of the feature. Racing Bill Michael's #77M Mammoth Sound / Beal's Auto Body Sherman, Jeremy scored seventeenth in the day race. "The Shermanator" will be looking to rebound and claim the $5,000 main event.

Rocklin, California’s “The Madman” Robert Ballou won the show's third 8-lap heat race. Piloting Jack Hockett’s #77 Lucas Oil / ParkerStore of Phoenix DRC, USAC National driver finished sixth in the main event. With Jack Yeley turning the wrenches, Ballou is among the drivers in the mix for the Winter Challenge crown.

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Indiana leads all drivers with his third heat race in as many shows. Driving Mike Martin’s #16B Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, the Western World Champion battled for the lead before losing a tire. With two Winter Challenge victories under his belt, Clauson is the heavy favorite to score the Winter Challenge title and the $5,000 feature.

Visalia, California's Richard Vander Weerd won the first 10-lap semi-main. Piloting the family's #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the former USAC West Coast Champion was eighth in the feature after starting thirteenth. Vander Weerd was third in his heat race and has three top-10 finishes on the season.

Jason Grady of Farmington, New Mexico claimed the second 10-lap semi-main of the program. Racing his #45 RSS Industries / Revis Auto Finish entry, Grady placed thirteenth in the main event and ran fifth in his heat race.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 2. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 3. Mike Martin (#97 Colcord/Norman), 4. Bud Kaeding (#29 Bowman), 5. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 6. Ronnie Clark (#6 Clark), 7. Glen Brace (#13 Brace), 8. Colby Copeland (#74 Williams). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jeremy Sherman (#77M Michaels), 2. Josh Hodges (#74X Hodges), 3. R.J. Johnson (#51 Martin), 4. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 5. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex), 6. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 7. Tony Everhart (#55 Everhart), 8. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Robert Ballou (#77 Hockett), 2. Jon Stanbrough (#20 Deskins), 3. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 4. Kevin Thomas Jr. (#21 Ellis), 5. Jason Grady (#45 Grady), 6. Tom Lee (#53 Lee), 7. Mike Visser (#16X Visser). NT

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson (#16B Martin), 2. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 3. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd), 4. Jimmy Crawford (#3X Crawford), 5. Rick Ziehl (#20Z Ziehl), 6. Matt Lundy (#20L Reinbold), 7. Mark Morin (#28 Morin). NT

FIRST SEMI: (10 laps) 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 2. Rick Ziehl, 3. Colby Copeland, 4. Jimmy Crawford, 5. Stevie Sussex, 6. Ronnie Clark, 7. Matt Lundy, 8. Tony Everhart, 9. Tom Lee. NT

SECOND SEMI: (10 laps) 1. Jason Grady, 2. Jace Vander Weerd, 3. Brian Hosford, 4. Mike Martin, 5. Tom Ogle, 6. Mike Visser, 7. Glen Brace, 8. Mark Morin. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. R.J. Johnson (2nd), 2. Jon Stanbrough (3rd), 3. Ryan Bernal (11th), 4. Charles Davis Jr. (4th), 5. Josh Pelkey (5th), 6. Robert Ballou (7th), 7. Rick Ziehl (15th), 8. Richard Vander Weerd (13th), 9. Kevin Thomas Jr. (10th), 10. Colby Copeland (17th), 11. Bruce St. James (12th), 12. Stevie Sussex (21st), 13. Jason Grady (14th), 14. Mike Martin (20th), 15. Brian Hosford (18th), 16. Bryan Clauson (6th), 17. Jeremy Sherman (1st), 18. Bud Kaeding (9th), 19. Josh Hodges (8th), 20. Jace Vander Weerd (16th), 21. Jimmy Crawford (19th), 22. Tom Ogle (22nd). NT ---------------------------- **Morin flipped during the second semi. Kaeding flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Johnson. HARD CHARGER: Steve Sussex (21st to 12th)

USAC SOUTHWEST/WEST COAST “Speical Event” SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

February 2, 2013 (night) – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park – “2013 Winter Challenge”

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Copeland, 2. Pelkey, 3. Ogle, 4. Sussex, 5. Thomas, 6. St. James, 7. Oliver, 8. Lee, 9. Lundy, 10. Everhart. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Jeremy Sherman, 3. Charles Davis Jr., 4. Colby Copeland, 5. Jon Stanbrough, 6. Richard Vander Weerd, 7. Josh Pelkey, 8. Kevin Thomas Jr., 9. Andy Reinbold, 10. Ryan Bernal, 11. Mike Martin, 12. Jace Vander Weerd, 13. Stevie Sussex, 14. Jimmy Crawford, 15. Bruce St. James, 16. Brian Hosford, 17. Robert Ballou, 18. Tom Ogle, 19. R.J. Johnson, 20. Ronnie Clark, 21. Josh Hodges, 22. Rick Ziehl. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Clauson.

FINAL “Winter Challenge” POINTS: 1-Clauson-232, 2-Stanbrough-226, 3-Davis-215, 4-Sherman-186, 5-R.Vander Weerd-180.

NEXT SOUTHWEST/WEST COAST “Special Event” SPRINT RACE: March 7 – Las Vegas (NV) Motor Speedway Dirt Track – “Sin City Showdown”

USAC SOUTHWEST/WEST COAST “Speical Event” SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS: February 2, 2013 (day) – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park – “2013 Winter Challenge”

FIRST SEMI: (10 laps) 1. R.Vander Weerd, 2. Ziehl, 3. Copeland, 4. Crawford, 5. Sussex, 6. Clark, 7. Lundy, 8. Everhart, 9. Lee. NT

SECOND SEMI: (10 laps) 1. Grady, 2. J.Vander Weerd, 3. Hosford, 4. Martin, 5. Ogle, 6. Visser, 7. Brace, 8. Morin. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson, 2. Jon Stanbrough, 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. Charles Davis Jr., 5. Josh Pelkey, 6. Robert Ballou, 7. Rick Ziehl, 8. Richard Vander Weerd, 9. Kevin Thomas Jr., 10. Colby Copeland, 11. Bruce St. James, 12. Stevie Sussex, 13. Jason Grady, 14. Mike Martin, 15. Brian Hosford, 16. Bryan Clauson, 17. Jeremy Sherman, 18. Bud Kaeding, 19. Josh Hodges, 20. Jace Vander Weerd, 21. Jimmy Crawford, 22. Tom Ogle. NT ---------------------------- **Morin flipped during the second semi. Kaeding flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Johnson.

NEW “Winter Challenge” POINTS: 1-Stanbrough-171, 2-Clauson-165, 3-Davis-155, 4-Ballou-138, 5-St. James-134.

NEXT SOUTHWEST/WEST COAST “Special Event” SPRINT RACE: February 2 (night) – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park – “2013 Winter Challenge”

CLAUSON STRIKES AGAIN AT CANYON’S WINTER CHALLENGE!

By Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – FEBRUARY 2, 2013... Taking the lead from Jon Stanbrough on lap twelve, Noblesville, Indiana’s Bryan Clauson scored his second “Winter Challenge” victory at Canyon Speedway Park. Going back to last year’s Western World Championships, the $2,000 triumph was Clauson’s fourth straight win at Kevin Montgomery’s 1/3-mile oval. Stanbrough, Robert Ballou, Ryan Bernal, and Charles Davis Jr. rounded out the top five in the USAC Southwest vs. USAC West Coast special event.

At the drop of the green flag, Ventura, California’s Jimmy Crawford grabbed the early lead from pole sitter Bud Kaeding. Before the first lap was completed, Stanbrough closed in and began to pressure Crawford. The battle for the lead was taking shape, but two caution flags halted the action. A spin by Josh Pelkey brought out a yellow that was soon followed by a red for a Bud Kaeding flip. Kaeding was uninjured and as racing resumed, Stanbrough was back on the attack. Crawford officially led the first two circuits as Jon took over with a strong outside power move.

Two laps later, the fifth starting Clauson slid past Crawford for second and gave chase after Stanbrough. The leader reached slower cars on the eighth lap and began to pick them off. Also unfazed with the back markers, Bryan sliced through the pack as Jon had to contend with heavy traffic. Clauson closed to within striking distance and made his bid for the lead on lap twelve. The move worked to perfection and the new leader began to run away from the field.

A yellow flag was displayed on lap twenty-two for a stalled Bruce St. James. With one lapped car between the lead duo, Stanbrough had one more shot to reclaim the lead. It was not to be on this night, as Clauson had an excellent restart and sailed to his second checkered flag of the year.

Driving Mike Martin’s #16B Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, Bryan Clauson also won his second heat race of the Winter Challenge. The USAC National Champion continued his hot streak at Canyon and is one of the favorites in Saturday’s doubleheader.

After a tough Wednesday night, Avon, Indiana’s Jon Stanbrough had to settle for second. Piloting the Shon Deskins Racing #20 Performance Plus / Ellis Race Cars entry, Stanbrough won the second heat race of the night. With two Saturday races and extra prize money up for grabs at the finale, look for Jon to be in the mix.

Rocklin, California’s “The Madman” Robert Ballou rebounded to claim third in an unfamiliar car. After a Wednesday crash wiped out Jack Hockett’s #77 Lucas Oil / ParkerStore of Phoenix entry, the team scrambled to race on Friday. Preparing an ex-Massey Motorsports DRC, Ballou made the most of the night and could challenge for the Saturday main event wins.

Ryan Bernal of Hollister, California made his first Winter Challenge start and raced to fourth from ninth. Piloting Keith Ford’s #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal scored third in his 8-lap heat race. The two time Santa Maria track champion could be a factor in Saturday’s doubleheader.

Buckeye’s Charles Davis Jr. earned the night’s “Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a fifth place run from seventeenth. Driving the Massey Motorsports #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply entry, Davis was seventh in his heat race and won the 12-lap semi-main. The five-time Arizona Champion has had a tough Winter Challenge, but will look to claim both winners’ checks on Saturday.

Racing his #3X Twister-X / Steve Gresham Racing Engines XXX, Jimmy Crawford won the third 8-lap heat race of the night. After leading the opening laps, the former VRA Champion struggled in the main event and scored eleventh. Crawford is no stranger to Canyon Speedway Park and could surprise the field with a victory.

The USAC Southwest and West Coast Sprint Cars will return to action on Saturday, February 2nd at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria. Action will get underway at Noon for the second round makeup race of the Winter Challenge. The $5,000-to-win sixth and final round will follow at 7:00pm. Located at 9777 West Carefree Highway, more event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-RACE (7223).

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USAC SOUTHWEST & WEST COAST SPRINT SPECIAL EVENT RACE RESULTS:

February 1, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – "Winter Challenge"

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps)

1. Bryan Clauson (#16B Martin), 2. Rick Ziehl (#20Z Ziehl), 3. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex), 4. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd), 5. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd), 6. Tom Lee (#53 Lee), 7. Glen Brace (#13 Brace), 8. Jeremy Sherman (#77M Michaels), 9. Colby Copeland (#74 Williams). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps)

1. Jon Stanbrough (#20 Deskins), 2. Josh Pelkey (#4JR Reagles), 3. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 4. Robert Ballou (#77 Hockett), 5. Bud Kaeding (#29 Bowman), 6. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 7. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 8. Kevin Thomas Jr. (#21 Ellis), 9. Jason Grady (#45 Grady). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps)

1. Jimmy Crawford (#3X Crawford), 2. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 3. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 4. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 5. Josh Hodges (#74X Hodges), 6. R.J. Johnson (#51 Martin), 7. Mark Morin (#28 Morin), 8. Tony Everhart (#55 Everhart), 9. Mike Martin (#16 Martin). NT

SEMI-MAIN: (12 laps)

1. Charles Davis Jr., 2. R.J. Johnson, 3. Brian Hosford, 4. Jeremy Sherman, 5. Colby Copeland, 6. Kevin Thomas Jr., 7. Tony Everhart, 8. Tom Lee, 9. Jason Grady, 10. Mike Martin, 11. Mark Morin. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps – With Starting Positions)

1. Bryan Clauson (5th), 2. Jon Stanbrough (3rd), 3. Robert Ballou (7th), 4. Ryan Bernal (9th), 5. Charles Davis Jr. (17th), 6. Andy Reinbold (11th), 7. Tom Ogle (14th), 8. Jeremy Sherman (20th), 9. Josh Hodges (10th), 10. Richard Vander Weerd (15th), 11. Jimmy Crawford (2nd), 12. Bruce St. James (8th), 13. Stevie Sussex (12th), 14. R.J. Johnson (18th), 15. Colby Copeland (21st), 16. Josh Pelkey (6th), 17. Glen Brace (16th), 18. Kevin Thomas Jr. (22nd), 19. Brian Hosford (19th), 20. Jace Vander Weerd (13th), 21. Rick Ziehl (4th), 22. Bud Kaeding (1st). NT

----------------------------

**Colby Copeland flipped during the first heat.

**Bud Kaeding flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Jimmy Crawford, Laps 3-11 Jon Stanbrough, Laps 12-30 Bryan Clauson.

HARD CHARGER: Charles Davis Jr. (17th to 5th)

2013 WINTER CHALLENGE SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION

February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Round #2 Makeup / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)

February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Round #6 / $5,000-to-Win / Non-Points)

-----------------------------------------------

* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest & West Coast Sprints.

This schedule is subject to change.

TOYOTA CONTINGENCY GROWS IN 2013

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and Toyota Motor Sales, USA have announced an enhanced contingency program for USAC participants in 2013, with bonuses awarded to Toyota-powered teams who win specified USAC driving champions.

Over $15,000 of the expected potential payout of over $150,000 has been earmarked for 2013 series champions in the USAC Traxxas Silver Crown, National Dirt and Pavement Midgets and Western Midgets.

Contributing to the high percentage of race payouts is Toyota’s unique policy of awarding the two highest-finishing Toyotas in each event, contingent on their inclusion in the “top-five.”

“We are once again delighted to be able to offer these incentives to Toyota-powered USAC participants in 2013,” says Gary Reed, manager of TRD’s USAC racing program. “We’ve had a great relationship with USAC and its competitors over the past seven years and we look forward to a very productive 2013 campaign.”

The 2013 Silver Crown and National Dirt Midget Driver’s Championship teams receive $5,000 each under the newly-announced structure, while the National Pavement Midget Driver’s Championship ream receives $3,000 and the Western Midget Driver’s Championship team will receive $2,500. Posted individual event contingency awards include $4,500 for Silver Crown, $2,000 for Dirt and Pavement Midgets and $1,000 for Western States Midgets. To be eligible, teams must register in advance with TRD.

“Once again we are fortunate to have Toyota as a partner offering incentives to our teams,” says USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller. “We welcome their participation and appreciate the impetus they provide.”

In 2012 Toyota powerplants produced 16 National Midget victories in 23 starts and five Silver Crown wins in eight attempts.

BRYAN CLAUSON STAYS HOT AT CANYON WINTER CHALLENGE

By Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ – JANUARY 31, 2013... After rain washed away the first three rounds of Canyon Speedway Park’s Winter Challenge, Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Indiana stormed to the 30-lap feature win. Last November’s Western World Champion took the lead from Bruce St. James on lap eleven and ran away with the $2,000 USAC Southwest vs. USAC West Coast Sprint Car victory. Clauson was followed by 5-time Arizona Champion Jeremy Sherman, St. James, Richard Vander Weerd, and Mike Martin.

Starting on the pole position, St. James got the jump on Clauson to grab the early lead. Looking to start 2013 with a victory, the radio talk show host set a torrid pace and inched away from the field. By the seventh lap, Clauson stayed in sight of the leader, but was gaining ground as Bruce reached slower traffic. As Bryan stalked St. James for the top spot, an intense nine car battle royal from fifth was underway. Fifteenth starting Charles Davis Jr. and Richard Vander Weerd from twentieth were surging forward as Sherman, Tom Ogle, Josh Pelkey, Andy Reinbold, Rick Ziehl, Jace Vander Weerd, Colby Copeland, and Jon Stanbrough raced in close quarters.

After a St. James miscue two laps later, Clauson took advantage and began to apply heavy pressure. Using a strong power move, Bryan wrestled away the lead as Bruce looked to counter. The USAC National Sprint Car Champion was too strong and began to run away from the field. Two red flags would halt the action; first for a lap sixteen double flip by Jace Vander Weerd and Michael Curtis. Four laps later, third running Robert Ballou bicycled and flipped the Hockett Racing #77 in the first corner. All of the drivers walked away uninjured, but were done for the night. On the following restarts, Clauson fought off St. James’ bid for the lead and raced to the first checkered flag of the campaign.

Piloting Mike Martin’s #16B Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim, Bryan Clauson won the program’s first 8-lap heat race. Starting on the outside of the front row, the veteran driver served notice to the competition and continued his winning ways at Kevin Montgomery’s 1/3-mile facility.

After starting eighth, “The Shermanator” Jeremy Sherman of Surprise slipped past St. James on lap twenty-one to claim second. Driving Bill Michaels’ #77M Mammoth Sound / Beal’s Auto Body Sherman, Jeremy raced his own creation to the second heat race victory. The Ford power plant was running strong and Sherman will be a force to be reckoned with during the Winter Challenge.

Phoenix’s Bruce St. James had to settle for third after a solid performance on Wednesday night. Piloting his #7K Woodland Auto Display / Weld Racing Maxim, Bruce scored third in his heat race after starting seventh. St. James could play spoiler during the Winter Challenge and earn a visit to victory circle.

Visalia, California's Richard Vander Weerd earned the night’s “Hard Charger / Best Passing Job” honors with a fourth place run from twentieth. Driving the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, Richard struggled early in the night and claimed seventh in his heat race. The former USAC West Coast Series Champion made first start at Canyon Speedway Park and is looking for a better things to come.

“The Magic Man” Mike Martin of Yuma came home fifth at the checkered flags and was ready to celebrate. Not only did Clauson score another main event in his team car, Martin raced his #16 Ultimate Offroad / Naquin Precision Earth Moving Maxim to victory in the third heat race. Mike won last October’s Hall of Fame Classic at Canyon and will be in the mix during the Winter Challenge.

The USAC Southwest and West Coast Sprint Cars will return to action this Friday, February 1st at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria. Round #5 of the “Winter Challenge” will also feature IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, and Mini Sprints. Located at 9777 West Carefree Highway, more event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-RACE (7223).

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson (#16B Martin), 2. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 3. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 4. Stevie Sussex (#1AZ Sussex), 5. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 6. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 7. Kevin Thomas Jr. (#21 Ellis). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jeremy Sherman (#77M Michaels), 2. Josh Pelkey (#4JR Reagles), 3. Rick Ziehl (#20Z Ziehl), 4. Jace Vander Weerd (#88 Vander Weerd), 5. Colby Copeland (#74 Williams), 6. Jon Stanbrough (#20 Deskins), 7. Richard Vander Weerd (#10 Vander Weerd). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 2. Bud Kaeding (#29 Bowman), 3. Tom Ogle (#48 Ogle), 4. Robert Ballou (#77 Hockett), 5. Lonnie Oliver (#11T Oliver), 6. Tom Lee (#53 Lee), 7. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber). NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Bryan Clauson (2nd), 2. Jeremy Sherman (8th), 3. Bruce St. James (1st), 4. Richard Vander Weerd (20th), 5. Mike Martin (6th), 6. Charles Davis Jr. (17th), 7. Colby Copeland (13th), 8. Jon Stanbrough (14th), 9. Andy Reinbold (9th), 10. Bud Kaeding (5th), 11. Tom Ogle (3rd), 12. Lonnie Oliver (16th), 13. Tom Lee (18th), 14. Rick Ziehl (11th), 15. Stevie Sussex (10th), 16. Robert Ballou (4th), 17. Josh Pelkey (7th), 18. Jace Vander Weerd (12th), 19. Michael Curtis (15th), 20. Mike Morin (22nd - #28 Morin), 21. Kevin Thomas Jr. (21st), 22. Brian Hosford (19th). NT ---------------------------- **Brian Hosford flipped during the third heat **Jace Vander Weerd, Michael Curtis, and Robert Ballou flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-10 Bruce St. James, Laps 11-30 Bryan Clauson. HARD CHARGER: Richard Vander Weerd (20th to 4th)

2013 WINTER CHALLENGE SCHEDULE DATE - TRACK - LOCATION February 1: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Round #5 / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points) February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Round #2 Makeup / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points) February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Round #6 / $5,000-to-Win / Non-Points) ----------------------------------------------- * = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest & West Coast Sprints. This schedule is subject to change.

USAC SOUTHWEST & WEST COAST SPRINT SPECIAL EVENT RACE RESULTS:

January 30, 2013 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – "Winter Challenge"

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Jeremy Sherman, 3. Bruce St. James, 4. Richard Vander Weerd, 5. Mike Martin, 6. Charles Davis Jr., 7. Colby Copeland, 8. Jon Stanbrough, 9. Andy Reinbold, 10. Bud Kaeding, 11. Tom Ogle, 12. Lonnie Oliver, 13. Tom Lee, 14. Rick Ziehl, 15. Stevie Sussex, 16. Robert Ballou, 17. Josh Pelkey, 18. Jace Vander Weerd, 19. Michael Curtis, 20. Mike Morin (#28 Morin), 21. Kevin Thomas Jr., 22. Brian Hosford. NT

----------------------------

**Hosford flipped during the third heat. J. Vander Weerd, Curtis, and Ballou flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-10 St. James, Laps 11-30 Clauson.

NEXT SOUTHWEST & WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: February 1 – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park – "Winter Challenge"

PEORIA’S “WINTER CHALLENGE” RESUMES WED.-FRI.-SAT.; RAIN & WET GROUNDS FORCE “TRIPLE” CANCELLATION

Persistent rains in central Arizona this past weekend forced cancellation of all three nights of the opening weekend of Canyon Speedway Park’s “Winter Challenge.” The event continues this coming week at the 3/8-mile dirt oval in Peoria, Ariz.

Involving USAC West Coast and Southwest Sprint cars, the series return to Peoria Wednesday night, then faces Friday and Saturday races, with Saturday’s finale offering both afternoon and evening events to conclude with a unique “doubleheader.”

Following Friday and Saturday rains, the wet grounds left the oval un-raceable, forcing Sunday’s cancellation.

Defending USAC National Drivers Champion and defending AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Champion Bryan Clauson was in the field for the weekend’s events at Peoria, as were defending USAC West Coast Champion Bud Kaeding and Charles Davis Jr., who needs two victories to catch Dave Stele and A.J. Foyt as the winningest drivers in Arizona’s USAC history.

16TH FUN AT FASTIMES MARCH 9 IN INDY

USAC’s annual “Fun at Fastimes” three-hour karting enduro in Indianapolis, Ind. is scheduled for Saturday, March 9. Teams are being formulated, with USAC veteran drivers again scheduled to anchor the teams participating for prizes in the event which is organized by the USAC Benevolent Foundation and benefits injured or needy participants and their families with ties to USAC and the Indy Racing League.

Changes in the format have been executed to provide for a more competitive atmosphere, with 10 teams again facing the green flag. Unlike in the past, however, a maximum of eight team members are required, with no less than five serving as drivers. A total of $800 is the mandatory donation for inclusion as a participating team, with additional donations encouraged and appreciated.

“This is our 16th year for this worthwhile event,” says USAC Benevolent Foundation Executive Director Bill Marvel. “It’s helped the foundation generate over $700,000 in total grants since its inception.”

Former team captain or co-captain champions of this event include: Tracy Hines (1997, 2001, 2003, 2006 and 2008), Ted Hines (1998, 2001, 2003 and 2004), Kent Christian (2004 and 2007), Kevin Besecker (1997), Tony Elliott (1998), Johnny Parsons III and Stevie Reeves (1999), Dave Darland (2000), Dickie Gaines and Bobby East (2002), J.T. Stapp (2005), Levi Jones (2006), and Billy Puterbaugh Jr. (2007). Jerry Coons Jr. and Shannon McIntosh (2010), Bobby Santos III (2011) and Nick Richards (2012). The event was not held in 2009. Last year’s championship team also included USAC drivers Mario Clouser, Billy Wease and Donnie Adams.

Individual and team entries are available by contacting Bill Marvel, event coordinator, at 606-787-0243 or 859-749-0646 or billmarvel@gmail.com. Individual entry fees are $100 per driver, with the entrant being assigned to a team of his/her choice.

Entries will be available at the USAC offices in Speedway, Ind. and brochures are being mailed to over 200 potential participants. Entries must be mailed to Fun at Fastimes, c/o Bill Marvel, 4966 KY 49, Liberty, KY 42539.

A drivers meeting and team pictures precede the 12:30 pm green flag on March 9. Registration is scheduled from 11 to 11:45 am and the mandatory drivers meeting is at 12 noon. The minimum age for competitors is 16 and drivers 16 and 17 must have liability waivers signed by parents to compete.

Medals will be awarded for championship performances and a special team award is also planned for the winning team. Entries officially close at noon on Wednesday, March 6, so those wishing to participate are urged to call the numbers listed here.

Fun at Fastimes is located on the southeast corner of 96th Street and North Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis, Ind., one block north of the North Keystone exit from I-465, next to Woodland Bowl.

DAVIS CHASING FOYT & STEELE FOR ARIZONA SUPREMACY

Charles Davis Jr. of Buckeye, Ariz. continues to chase A.J. Foyt and Dave Steele for the all-time lead in terms of USAC feature victories in the state of Arizona. He’ll have a great chance to do that the next two weeks as Canyon Raceway Park in Peoria hosts the “Winter Challenge” for the USAC Southwest Sprint Cars. The January 25-27 and January 30, February 1-2 races also are considered “special events” for USAC’s West Coast Sprint cars.

Davis has six career USAC wins in the Grand Canyon State, two behind Foyt and Steele, who have eight each. Drivers Jerry Coons Jr. and Mel Kenyon each have seven, while Damion Gardner, Sleepy Tripp and Bobby East also have six.

Davis, though, triumphed just last September at Canyon and could be among top threats in the upcoming races. Davis earned his initial USAC wins at Show Low and Phoenix in 2002, followed by wins at Canyon in 2003 and in Phoenix and Tucson in 2007.

In all, 80 total USAC Sprint races have been contested in Arizona, dating back to the twin-50s posted by Don Branson and Foyt at the Arizona State Fair mile in Phoenix in 1964.

For history’s sake, Foyt’s wins came at the Arizona State Fairgrounds (1960 Champ Cars and 1964 Sprints), Phoenix International Raceway 1965, 1971 and 1975 Champ and 1970 Stock) and Manzanita Park Speedway (1965). Steele scored all eight of his wins at Phoenix International Raceway (Midgets in 2002, 2006 and 2007 and Silver Crown in 2002-03-04-05-06).

“Kevin Montgomery has created a more racey oval for us this year and I’m excited about going back there,” says Davis, who won twice and had two seconds in last year’s Winter Challenge. “To join the list with Foyt and Steele would be huge for all of us here,” adds the Arizona native. “I finished second to Tracy Hines in last year’s Challenge and would like to move up one spot this time around.”

EASTERN IGNITE MIDGETS VISIT 12 VENUES IN 2013

The 10th installment of the USAC Eastern Ignite Midget Series opens March 29-30 at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. and concludes with the October 12 event at the Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway, in between, ten other venues will dot the 19-race calendar.

Jared Irvan, son of NASCAR veteran and Daytona 500 Champion Ernie Irvan, captured last year’s Eastern title in a series which produced a half-dozen different winners. The 2013 campaign is expected to be just as competitive and includes a three-race “Eastern Midget Week” as well as four events which join the Midwest Ignite competitiors.

The “Eastern Midget Week” opens June 19 at Concord (N.C.) Speedway and continues with June 21 and 22 races at Ace and Orange County Speedway in Durham, N.C. respectively.

The showdowns with the Midwest series participants unfold June 14-15 at Kil Kare Raceway in Xenia, Ohio and Columbus respectively, September 14 at Midvale (Ohio) Speedway, and return at Columbus for the finale in October.

Long-time series supporter and car owner Wade Brown, who with 2013 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee Brad Noffsinger has been involved in a number of cars, has glowing praise for the Eastern Ignite Series. “We are looking forward to the 2013 Ignite Midget Series,” he says. “In 2012, we were surprised at the quality of the drivers coming out of the .25 midgets. They are young, competitive and more talented than I had ever expected. 2013 is going to be tough, and it is only going to get tougher as more of these kids move up to midgets. They have given the series regulars a serious run for their money. We plan to run multiple cars for the entire Eastern series and as many Midwest races as we can. We hope to run out west if possible also. The competition is fantastic when you combine both regions. Those are always big wins.”

“Our Eastern Ignite operations have produced some memorable racing in its first nine years,” says USAC’s James Spink. “It’s great to feature them in our East-Midwest showdowns and this year’s second annual Eastern Midget Week is sure to be well-received by participants and fans alike. We have seen a strong rise of competitors in the north east so we tried to include venues close to them for this year’s calendar.”

Other venues already posted as hosts for 2013 are Shenandoah (Va.) Speedway, which has a practice slated April 19 prior to its April 20 race; Franklin County Speedway in Callaway, Va. May 4; Chemung (N.Y.) Speedrome July 26; Mountain Speedway in St. John’s, Pa. July 27; Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway August 17; and an August 24 “special event” with Midwest competitors at Lake Erie Speedway in North East, Pa.

“It’s a great learning curve for a driver as he pursues his career,” says Irvan. “It was a big step for Jared from quarter midgets on his way up the ladder and the car counts and competition were perfect for what he needed. It certainly is a great way to prepare for bigger things in our sport.”

2013 USAC Eastern Ignite Midget Calendar

3/29 - Altamahaw, NC/Ace Speedway
3/30 - Altamahaw, NC/Ace Speedway
4/20 - Shenandoah, VA/Shenandoah Speedway
5/3 - Altamahaw, NC/Ace Speedway
5/4 - Callaway, VA/Franklin County Speedway
5/24 - Altamahaw, NC/Ace Speedway
5/25 - Durham, NC/Orange County Speedway
6/14 - @Xenia, OH/Kil-Kare Raceway
6/15 - @Columbus, OH/Columbus Motor Speedway
6/19 - #Concord, NC/Concord Speedway
6/21 - #Altamahaw, NC/Ace Speedway
6/22 - #Durham, NC/Orange County Speedway
7/26 - Chemung, NY/Chemung Speedrome
7/27 – St. John’s, PA/Mountain Speedway
8/16 - Altamahaw, NC/Ace Speedway
8/17 - Hickory, NC/Hickory Motor Speedway
8/24 - North East, PA (SE)/Lake Erie Speedway
9/14 – @Midvale, OH/Midvale Speedway
10/12 - @Columbus, OH/Columbus Motor Speedway

@=Also Awards Midwest Points
#=Eastern Midget Week
(SE)=Special Event

SCHEDULE CHANGE FOR JUNE USAC/CRA WATSONVILLE-SANTA MARIA SHOWS
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA - JANUARY 15, 2013... Western Region Director Chris Kearns has announced a change in the upcoming Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Schedule. The popular Watsonville and Santa Maria doubleheader scheduled in June has been moved to one week earlier.

Originally scheduled for June 21st, the traditional 410s will clash at John Prentice's Ocean Speedway on Friday the 14th. Last season, Mike Spencer won both events at the Watsonville 1/4-mile oval and "Cadillac" Cody Williams set a new 1-lap track record. For more details on the Watsonville shows, visit www.oceanspeedway.com.

The following night, the USAC/CRA Sprints will compete at Santa Maria Speedway for the "28th Bud Stanfield Memorial." Last June, Austin Williams returned to the winner's circle and "Showtime" Danny Sheridan scored a dramatic last corner victory at the August show. As this writing goes to press, new promoters Ruben and Katy Munoz are working on a website for track information.

The USAC Western Awards Banquet will be held on February 9th at the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles. In addition to USAC/CRA, the West Coast Sprints, Western Classic Sprints, Western Midgets, and Ignite Midgets will be honored. Tickets are $40 and everyone attending will get free admission to the Auto Collection Museum. Entries must be received by January 29th and forms can be found online at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/images/fpposter/121220banqet.jpg

Officials with the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series are looking for marketing partners and associate sponsors to join the Racer Contingency Program. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVDs available for purchase that feature the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 1: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 2: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 9: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)
April 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
April 19: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
April 20: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
May 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)
June 14: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)
August 9: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)
October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

SW SPRINTS DEBUT IN PEORIA’S “WINTER CHALLENGE”

The 2013 USAC racing calendar begins in two weeks, with the 2nd “Winter Challenge” at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. serving as the opening event of the brand-new USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series.

More than $100,000 in total prizes and up for grabs in the six-race event, featuring at Peoria January 25-27 and January 30-February 2.

Among the early entries are five-time Arizona Champions Charles Davis Jr. and Jeremy Sherman. Both drivers could match Ricky Johnson's six "Copper State" titles with the USAC Southwest crown. Tracy Hines, who won last year's "Winter Challenge," USAC National Champion Bryan Clauson, and Robert Ballou are scheduled to lead a strong Midwest contingent. Bud Kaeding, the defending USAC West Coast Champion, is expected make the trip from California to the "Valley of the Sun."

Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, northwest of Phoenix. Tickets for the event can be found at www.canyonspeedway park.com or by calling 602-258-7223.

IN 2012, Charles Davis Jr., Dave Darland and Mike Martin posted USAC Sprint car victories at Canyon. Clauson swept a pair of USAC Sprint races at Canyon in 2011.

4 USAC EASTERN STORM DATES ANNOUNCED

The AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars have announced their 2013 “Eastern Storm” schedule which includes two repeat engagements and a pair of races at venues which will host their inaugural USAC events.

Joining the swing this year will be Path Valley Speedway Park in Spring Run, Pa. and Susquehanna Speedway Park in Newberrytown, Pa. Path Valley is a quarter-mile dirt oval, while Susquehanna is a 4/10-mile dirt.

Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville and Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal return for 2013 as the four-race series will all unfold in Pennsylvania.

“We’re looking forward to the fourth installment of what has become a signature series for our participants and for Eastern race fans,” says USAC’s Jason McCord. “The racing has been fantastic so far and we anticipate no less this coming summer.” The annual USAC Eastern trek actually was revived in 2006 although the “Eastern Storm” points championship was created in 2010.

Levi Jones won the 2010 and 2011 Eastern Storm titles, while 2012 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car king Bryan Clauson won last year’s championship. Clauson won last year’s Grandview race and Damion Gardner was the 2012 winner at Port Royal.

The “Eastern Storm” calendar opens at Grandview on Wednesday night, June 5, followed by a Thursday, June 6 appearance at Path Valley. Port Royal welcomes the Saturday, June 8 event, while the series concludes Sunday night, June 9 at Susquehanna.

“It’s always fun to race against the Eastern drivers,” says Clauson. “When they take off the wings and get competitive with us it makes it a challenge for us. The tradition of USAC in the East is great and it’s nice to be part of it. Grandview is one of my favorite Eastern tracks and I like the fact that it’s not only like a bullring but it also has some characteristics of a longer oval too. It gets wide by feature time and there’s never a bad race there. The tribute to Jesse Hockett is always a special part of our schedule and it was fun to win it last year.”

USAC’s Eastern Sprint Car history dates all the way back to April, 1956 events at the Reading (Pa.) Fairgrounds and from 1956-1960 USAC Eastern Sprint Car Championships were awarded to drivers Tommy Hinnershitz (1956), Bill Randall (1957), Johnny Thomson (1958), Hinnershitz again (1959) and A.J. Foyt (1960).

2013 AMSOIL USAC “EASTERN STORM” SPRINT SCHEDULE

June 5 - Bechtelsville, PA/Grandview Speedway
June 6 - Spring Run, PA/Path Valley Speedway
June 8 – Port Royal, PA/Port Royal Speedway
June 9 – Newberrytown, PA/Susquehanna Speedway

MID AMERICA SPEEDWAY RACE TO OPEN USAC SOUTHWEST "FREEDOM TOUR"
by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ - JANUARY 14, 2013... Series Director Kevin Montgomery has announced an addition to the 2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Schedule. On August 21st, the traditional sprints will compete at Mid America Speedway in South Coffeyville, Oklahoma. The non-point $2,500-to-win main event will open the four-race "Freedom Tour" joining dates at Wichita and Dodge City, Kansas.

Promoted by Kenny Gariss, the 3/10-mile facility is located two miles south of the Oklahoma and Kansas state line on Highway 169. Regularly showcasing Modifieds, Stock Cars, Dwarf Cars, and Micro Sprints, the "Freedom Tour" race will be one of the track's premier events of 2013. A new website for Mid America Speedway is under construction at www.midamericaspeedway.com.

A general meeting for the USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series is scheduled for Tuesday, January 15th at the Racers Advantage Store. Located at 3534 E. Broadway in Phoenix, the meeting will begin at 6:30pm and is open to anyone. USAC membership packets will be available and questions will be answered.

Starting on January 25th, Montgomery's Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria will host the "2nd Annual Winter Challenge." More than $100,000 in total purses will be up for grabs for the non-point "Arizona Speed Week" with IMCA Modifieds. The co-sanctioned main events with the USAC West Coast Sprint Cars will pay at least $2,000-to-win, while the winner of the February 2nd finale will take home $5,000.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series would like to thank Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Tire, and the Hose Advantage Store for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SouthwestSprintCars).
-----------------------------------------------
2013 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
January 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $3,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 30: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
February 1: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $5,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
March 16: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Championship Opener)
March 23: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
April 13: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ (Spring Fling)
April 27: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Canyon Clash)
May 11: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
May 25: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Salute To Indy)
May 26: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Salute To Indy)
June 8: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
June 22: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
June 29: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Summer Sizzle)
July 13: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
July 19: **El Paso Speedway Park - El Paso, TX
July 20: **Southern New Mexico Speedway - Las Cruces, NM
July 27: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Summer Slam)
August 21: Mid America Speedway - South Coffeyville, OK (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 22: 81 Speedway - Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 23: Dodge City Raceway Park - Dodge City, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 24: Dodge City Raceway Park - Dodge City, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
September 7: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
September 14: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series)
October 12: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
October 19: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC West Coast Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With NMMRA Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

SCHEDULE CHANGES ANNOUNCED FOR USAC WEST COAST SPRINTS;
HANFORD & TULARE TO HOST DOUBLEHEADER IN SEPTEMBER
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – JANUARY 11, 2013... USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series Director Chris Kearns has announced a couple of changes to the upcoming schedule. Hanford's Kings Speedway and Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare will now host a special doubleheader in September, making a total of 28 races on the calendar.

Originally set for September 21st, the "6th Annual Jim Turner Memorial" at Hanford has been moved one day earlier for a special Friday night race. The action packed card will also feature the winged Rebel Cup Sprints, IMCA Sport Mods, Super Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Vintage Cars. For more details on the September 20th date, visit kingsspeedway.net.

The following night, an additional race has been scheduled at Tulare's lightning fast 1/3-mile oval. The Saturday night showcase will be the fifth appearance of the year at Thunderbowl Raceway and could play a key role in the championship. For more information on the September 21st event, visit tularethunderbowl.com.

Starting on January 25th, Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona will host the "2nd Annual Winter Challenge." Also featuring IMCA Modifieds, more than $100,000 in total purses will be up for grabs at the non-point "Arizona Speed Week." The co-sanctioned main events with the USAC Southwest Sprint Cars will pay at least $2,000-to-win, while the winner of the February 2nd finale will take home $5,000. For more details on the "Winter Challenge," visit canyonspeedwaypark.com.

Series officials have announced that the USAC Western Awards Banquet will be held on February 9th at the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles. In addition to the West Coast Sprints, the USAC/CRA Sprints, Western Classic Sprints, Western Midgets, and Ignite Midgets will be honored. Tickets are $40 and everyone attending will get free admission to the Auto Collection Museum. Entries must be received by January 29th and forms can be found online at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/images/fpposter/121220banqet.jpg

Officials with the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series are looking for marketing partners and associate sponsors to join the Racer Contingency Program. If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
January 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $3,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 30: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
February 1: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $5,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
March 15: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 16: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 23: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
April 13: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 20: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 27: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
May 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Billet Cup)
June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)
September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)
September 21: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

WINTER CHALLENGE OPENS 2013 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SEASON
by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ - JANUARY 11, 2013... In just two weeks, the 2013 season for the USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series will open at Peoria's Canyon Speedway Park. Starting on January 25th, the "2nd Annual Winter Challenge" will feature six races in nine days that will draw many talented drivers from across the country.

Promoted by Kevin Montgomery, the 1/3-mile facility is offering more than $100,000 in total purses for the non-point "Arizona Speed Week" with IMCA Modifieds. The co-sanctioned main events with the USAC West Coast Sprint Cars will pay at least $2,000-to-win, while the winner of the February 2nd finale will take home $5,000.

Among the early entries are five-time Arizona Champions Charles Davis Jr. and Jeremy Sherman. Both drivers could match could match Ricky Johnson's six "Copper State" titles with the USAC Southwest crown. Tracy Hines, who won last year's "Winter Challenge," USAC National Champion Bryan Clauson, and Robert Ballou will lead a strong Midwest contingent. Bud Kaeding, the defending USAC West Coast Champion, will make the trip from California to the "Valley of the Sun."

USAC Southwest and West Coast Series rules will be followed, including the tire rule. The pit gate will open on 2:00pm on weekends and 4:00pm on weekdays. Racing will start on 5:00pm on weekends and 7:00pm on weekdays.

Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona. To get to the track, take Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles west on Carefree Highway. Discounted six day passes for VIP Suite, Reserved, and General seats are available until January 24th. Advance tickets are on sale now and more event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-7223 (RACE).

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series would like to thank Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Tire, and the Hose Advantage Store for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SouthwestSprintCars).
-----------------------------------------------
2013 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
January 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $3,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 30: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
February 1: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $5,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
March 16: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Championship Opener)
March 23: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
April 13: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ (Spring Fling)
April 27: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Canyon Clash)
May 11: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
May 25: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Salute To Indy)
May 26: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Salute To Indy)
June 8: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
June 22: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
June 29: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Summer Sizzle)
July 13: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
July 19: **El Paso Speedway Park - El Paso, TX
July 20: **Southern New Mexico Speedway - Las Cruces, NM
July 27: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Summer Slam)
August 21: TBA (Freedom Tour / Non-Points)
August 22: 81 Speedway - Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 23: Dodge City Raceway Park - Dodge City, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 24: Dodge City Raceway Park - Dodge City, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
September 7: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
September 14: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series)
October 12: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
October 19: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC West Coast Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With NMMRA Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

CANYON'S WINTER CHALLENGE SET TO BEGIN JANUARY 25TH
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – JANUARY 10, 2013... In just over two weeks, the 2013 season for the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will begin at Peoria, Arizona's Canyon Speedway Park. Starting on January 25th, the "2nd Annual Winter Challenge" will feature six races in nine days that will draw many talented drivers from across the country.

Promoted by Kevin Montgomery, the 1/3-mile facility is offering more than $100,000 in total purses for the non-point "Arizona Speed Week" with IMCA Modifieds. The co-sanctioned main events with the newly formed USAC Southwest Sprint Cars will pay at least $2,000-to-win, while the winner of the February 2nd finale will take home $5,000.

Among the early entries is Campbell, California's Bud Kaeding. The defending USAC West Coast Sprint Car Champion will battle 5-time Arizona Champions Charles Davis Jr. and Jeremy Sherman. Tracy Hines, who won last year's "Winter Challenge," USAC National Champion Bryan Clauson, and Robert Ballou will lead a strong Midwest contingent.

USAC West Coast and Southwest Series rules will be followed, including the tire rule. The pit gate will open on 2:00pm on weekends and 4:00pm on weekdays. Racing will start on 5:00pm on weekends and 7:00pm on weekdays.

Series officials have announced that the USAC Western Awards Banquet will be held on February 9th at the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles. In addition to the West Coast group, the USAC/CRA Sprints, Western Classic Sprints, Western Midgets, and Ignite Midgets will be honored. Tickets are $40 and everyone attending will get free admission to the Auto Collection Museum. Entries must be received by January 29th and forms can be found online at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/images/fpposter/121220banqet.jpg

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
January 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $3,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
January 30: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
February 1: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $2,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / $5,000-to-Win / Non-Points)
March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
March 15: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 16: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 23: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
April 13: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 20: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 27: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
May 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Billet Cup)
June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)
September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 21: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / $2,500-to-Win / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / $7,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
-----------------------------------------------
* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC’S NORTHWEST EXPANSION IN 2013; 55-RACE CALENDAR INCLUDES 15 USAC-WMRA MIDGETS

The USAC Pacific Northwest operations are expanding in 2013, in part thanks to a new association forged between USAC and the Washington Midget Racing Association (WMRA) which will find the two sanctioning bodies competing in 15 co-sanctioned events.

A 55-race calendar has been established which includes the USAC Washington Ignite Midget Dirt Series expand their visits to Skagit Speedway from four to eight including a two day stop with the World of Outlaws over Labor Day weekend. Grays Harbor Raceway will host the series nine times including the annual Grays Harbor County Fair race on August 10, 2013.

Included in the USAC-WMRA association are eight pavement and seven dirt races as the USAC Northwest Ignite Midgets compete for separate pavement and dirt championships in 2013. The dirt races are incorporated in the newly-formed USAC-WRMA Oregon Dirt Challenge Series.

“Bringing the WMRA and USAC together for these races makes a great deal of sense,” says Mike McCluney - USAC Manager, Western States Midgets & Ignite Midget Series. “Both organizations have unique strengths and assets that complement each other. Working together will produce a great experience for our competitors and an enhanced product for our fans and promoters.”

After a long absence USAC actively returned to the Northwest in 2012 with a very successful 17 race Ignite Midget Dirt Series that concentrated its races at Steve Beitler’s famed Skagit Speedway in Alger, WA and Jerry Schram’s nationally recognized Grays Harbor Raceway, in Elma WA.

Only one USAC Midget event occurred in the states of Washington, Oregon or Idaho in the past 35 years until the recent Ignite races. The last Midget race in Washington before 2012 was the 1977 race at the Kingdome in Seattle. The USAC Midgets competed at Meridian, Idaho before 2011 Ignite races there and Robby Flock’s 2001 Western Midget victory at Portland was the last USAC Oregon Midget race before last year’s Ignite events there.

"The WMRA is excited to be working with USAC in 2013, says Tony Seidelman, Business Manager for the WMRA. “Bringing the two clubs together was the smart thing to do to improve overall car count and the health of midget racing in the northwest on the dirt and the pavement. This is a great accomplishment for the WMRA and USAC and it’s sure to be an exciting year.

After staging a pair of exhibition USAC Ignite Midget races on the pavement at Evergreen Speedway in 2012, Monroe, Wash. promoter Doug Hobbs has returned in 2013 to become the anchor for the inaugural USAC Northwest Ignite Pavement Series with four races scheduled, including the Fourth of July, the August 3rd Roy Price Memorial and the Sept 1st Washington State Fair race. The pavement series will also stop three times at Butch Behn’s South Sound Speedway in Rochester, Wash., and venture north of the border twice to visit Agassiz Speedway in Agassiz, British Columbia. Eight of the nine races will be run as co-sanctioned events with the Washington Midget Racing Association (WMRA) and the ninth will be run in conjunction with the Agassiz Club. USAC members will compete with USAC legal Ignite Midgets for the USAC Championship and will battle the WMRA for race prizes.

WMRA and USAC have also joined forces to co-sanction the brand new for 2013 USAC/WMRA Oregon Dirt Challenge Series. This will be a seven race series for USAC and an eight race series for WMRA and will visit Sunset Speedway in Banks, Cottage Grove Speedway in Cottage Grove, and make one stop at the completely remodeled Willamette Speedway in Lebanon. As with the pavement series, USAC legal Ignite cars will compete for their own championship points. All cars will compete on USAC Ignite Hoosier tires and at USAC Ignite Series weight.

SOUTHERN STATES DIVISION II MIDGETS SUPPORT OCALA USAC SPRINT RACES

Organized in 2010 to establish non-winged Midget racing in the south, the Southern States Division II Midget Series (SSMS) will compete as a support series at the upcoming February 21-23 AMSOIL USAC Sprint Car events at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla.

Headquartered at Marion County Speedway, a short distance south of Ocala’s Bubba Raceway Park, the series incorporates a variety of machines as it begins its third Winternationals calendar.

The opening races of the 2013 AMSOIL USAC Sprint series at the 3/8-mile dirt oval mark USAC’s third consecutive year there. It continues a tradition of Florida racing which began when USAC’s inaugural Sprint race ever was contested at West Palm Beach in 1956.

Defending Champion Rob Feeney and 2011 titlist Darrin Davis are expected to compete in the Southern States Division II Midget program, along with Winternationals kings Mike Kiser (2011) and Canada’s Daniel Nadeau (2012).

“We are excited to partner with USAC in the February races at Ocala,” says Wayne Davis, owner and promoter of the series. “I look forward to the challenge our teams will face on the 3/8-mile oval and the exciting competition we expect to generate. “With passion, drive and determination we have produced midget racing at the truest form of auto racing with so much power with a short wheel base they provide the intense racing the fans crave for when they pay their hard earned dollars to come to a race track."

SSMS sported over 50 drivers from a dozen states and two countries last year.

“The SSMS will create for our fans a stellar double-header at Ocala,” says USAC’s James Spink. “It’s two open wheel series and one big weekend in the Florida sun!”

NEW THURSDAY DATE SET FOR 2013 HOOSIER HUNDRED

Crowds are expected to climb in 2013 for one of America’s most prestigious dirt-track motorsports events – the “Hoosier Hundred,” scheduled for May 23.

Race organizer Bob Sargent, who also organizes Traxxas USAC Silver Crown races at Terre Haute, Ind. plus Springfield and DuQuoin, Ill., is making the major change for the 100-mile race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The change from the previous Friday schedule should allow more race fans to attend the race, minimizing conflicts with May-time activities surrounding the Indianapolis 500, which include numerous Midwestern Sprint car events.

One conflict which will be avoided is the traditional Friday “carburetion day” activity at IMS, which also involves the Freedom 100 for the Indy Lights.

“We’ve thought about this for several years,” says Sargent. “The schedule now dictates that a Thursday night Hoosier Hundred will best serve the participants and race fans and we look forward to augmenting the tradition of this spectacular event.”

The Hoosier Hundred dates back to 1953 and began in September. It moved to May and has been a Friday fixture for many years. This year it’s part of the 11-race Traxxas Silver Crown Championship Series which starts in May and ends in September.

“The 2013 Traxxas Silver Crown Series will include a number of new innovations and events,” adds series director James Spink. “The move to the Thursday slot for the Hoosier Hundred make perfect sense and we welcome it as we continue the great tradition this series has built. The Hoosier Hundred has a rich history and its place in the week prior to the Indianapolis 500 gives it the chance to attract an international audience.”

Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. is the defending winner of the Hoosier Hundred and hopes to be the third driver to win three in a row. Coons won in 2011 and 2012, while Al Unser won four straight from 1970-1973 and Jimmy Brywn won from 1954-1956.

BOB JENKINS BECOMES USAC’S “SILVER VOICE”

Bob Jenkins of Carmel, Ind. has accepted the role of chief broadcaster for the TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Series for 2013. He will orchestrate the announcing duties for 11 events, beginning with the April 28 “Sumar Classic 100” at Terre Haute, Ind. and ending with the September 21 “4-Crown Nationals” at Rossburg, Ohio.

Events Jenkins will announce also are scheduled at Indianapolis, Ind. (3), Madison, Ill., Fountain, Colo., Milwaukee, Wisc., Belleville, Kans., Springfield and DuQuoin, Ill.

"Getting a chance to work in the USAC Silver Crown series will take me back to my roots of racing’” says Jenkins. “My first exposure to racing in the early 60's was sprint cars and what are now Silver Crown cars. It has always been an exciting form of competition and I look forward to working with the drivers, car owners, crew members, track owners and officials this coming season."

Jenkins, with Hollywood credits on movies like Days of Thunder and Talladega Nights, is a graduate of Indiana University and Short High School in Liberty, Ind. and served as a cornerstone anchor on ESPN when it debuted in 1979.

Most recently Bob was the lead commentator for the IndyCar Series on NBC Sports Network.

His motorsports expertise with ABC and NBC and his long tenure with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway have solidified his position as one of America’s most respected and knowledgeable motorsports aficionados.

At IMS, Bob’s voice has graced the Indianapolis 500, NASCAR’s Brickyard 400, the Formula One United States Grand Prix and the Red Bull MotoGP, among others.

“Obviously, we are beyond delighted that Bob will join our team in 2013,” offers TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Director James Spink. “His expertise and knowledge of our participants, plus the intense appreciation of this type of motorsports, makes him the obvious choice to fill this post. We are indeed fortunate to have his services.”

The 2013 TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Series schedule and related series information can be found at USAC’s website: www.usacracing.com.

Western World Champion Sets His Sights on The Winter Challenge

Kevin Montgomery, PEORIA, Ariz. (January 7, 2013) - 2012 USAC Driver of the Year and Western World Champion, Bryan Clauson, sets his sites on Winter Challenge 2013 at Peoria, Arizona's Canyon Speedway. The Winter Challenge will mark the first traditional sprint car event of the year with six complete nights of racing in just nine days as the best of the best kick off 2013.

Clauson made his USAC National Sprint Series debut just two days after his 16th birthday on June 17, 2005 and has since recorded more than 60 victories in Sprint Car and Midget competition which ultimately led him to become the 46th Annual Western World Champion.

Aboard the Mike Martin owned Ultimate Offroad Maxim/Shaver, Clauson will return to CSP just a little more than two months after his "Magical" Western World Sweep. The duo have compiled several wins at CSP with Clauson sweeping the 2011 Hose Advantage USAC Hall of Fame Classic and The "Magic Man" topping the 2012 edition of the Hall of Fame prior to Clauson's Sand Chevrolet Western World feet.

The 2013 Winter Challenge will feature top traditional Sprint Car drivers from around the country as the USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series faces off with the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series while IMCA Modified aces converge in the valley of the sun for what is anticipated to be one of the largest racing events of 2013. More than $100,000 in "A" Feature money alone will be distributed over the course of the blockbuster event that kicks off with the $2,000 to win Winter Challenge opener and will conclude with the $5,000 to win finale on February 2nd.

Nearly 100 drivers from across America will be expected to take part in what will be one of the must see events of 2013 and will feature the Nations top teams all gunning for one of the richest payouts in the west.

Six day discounted tickets may be purchased in advance and ticket pricing/purchasing information can be found online at: http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.com/?page_id=12 or by calling the Canyon Speedway office at 602-258-7223

Complete Payout and race information can be found at: http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Winter-Challenge-Flyer-Web3.pdf

Hotel Information can be found at: http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.com/fan-info/lodging/ or by calling the Holiday Inn Express at 623-853-1313

To keep up on all the latest news and happenings please sign up for Canyon Speedway E-News. The track update registration can be found at the top of the home page: www.canyonspeedwaypark.com

The 2013 Canyon Speedway Winter Challenge Schedule can be previewed online at: http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.com/?page_id=6

Canyon Speedway Park is located in North Peoria off Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles West on Carefree Highway. For more information please, contact the track at 602-258-RACE(7223) or additional information regarding Canyon Speedway Park can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com.

NEMA CHAMPS CABRAL, BERTRAND LEAD EASTERN INVASION AT NEW SMYRNA’S 2013 USAC NATIONAL MIDGET OPENER

Four-time Northeastern Midget Association Champion Randy Cabral of Plymouth, Mass. will lead a contingent of drivers expected to challenge the USAC National Midget regulars in the 2103 series debut February 17-18 at New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

Cabral has won four of the past five NEMA titles (2008-09-11-12) and will pilot one of two cars entered by Tim Bertrand of Sturbridge, Conn., whose cars have been among the most proficient in Eastern midget racing history. The second car is targeted for Cole Carter of Brownsburg, Ind. Carter, a frequent USAC National Midget veteran, spent the 2012 season on the west coast, scoring two seconds and two thirds in the USAC Western Midget Series. Cole is the son of USAC Triple Crown Champion Pancho Carter.

Cabral earned four wins, four seconds and a third during the 2012 NEMA campaign. His wins came at Epping, N.H., Scarborough, Maine, Thompson, Conn. and Lee, N.H. He answers to the nickname “The Opportunity.”

When the snow is flying in New England we look forward to warmer weather and Florida is a great place to go in the wintertime,” says Bertrand. “My first non-wing appearance came this year at the Night Before the 500 and Randy has run the non-wings on three occasions. I’ve been to New Smyrna with the modifieds and it’s an awesome, super-fast, banked oval. The great racing there is always top-notch.” Cabral’s 35 career NEMA wins rank fifth all-time. Carter will pilot a car recently purchased by Bertarnd from Brad Loyet.

NEMA drivers Greg Stoehr of Bridgewater, Mass. and Seth Carlson of Brimfield, Mass. are also expected to compete at New Smyrna Beach. Stoehr, a former Johnny Thomson Award Winner and Mechanic of the Year, earned a 2012 victory win at Waterford, CT. Carlson, a 2012 NEMA rookie, surprised many with his victory at Seekonk, Mass.

The New Smyrna races usher in a new era of USAC National Midget racing which features separate National titles for pavement and dirt surfaces in 2013.

2013 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR PREVIEW & SCHEDULE
by Lance Jennings

PEORIA, AZ - JANUARY 4, 2013... The newly formed USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series is preparing for action and Series Promoter Kevin Montgomery has announced the 2013 schedule. The traditional sprint cars will showcase thirty-four events, starting with the "Winter Challenge" and closing with the $7,500-to-win "Western World Championships" at Canyon Speedway Park. In addition, the Arizona based group will travel to Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and California to settle the championship.

2013 is shaping up to be a historic season for Arizona Sprint Car Racing. After winning three of the last four Arizona sprint car titles, Charles Davis Jr. has tied Jeremy Sherman with five state championships. The veteran driver is among the favorites to claim the USAC Southwest crown, matching Ricky Johnson who has six "Copper State" championships to his credit.

Starting on January 25th, Montgomery's Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria will host the "2nd Annual Winter Challenge." Featuring six races in nine days and co-sanctioned with the USAC West Coast Sprints, the non-point "Arizona Speed Week" will showcase many talented drivers from across the country. With more than $100,000 up for grabs, each main event will pay at least $2,000-to-win, while the winner of the February 2nd finale will take home $5,000. On the strength of three victories, Indiana's Tracy Hines won last year's "Winter Challenge" ahead of Davis who won twice and January 28th winner Jon Stanbrough.

The popular three-race "Grudge Series" has returned with the USAC West Coast Sprints. The "Sin City Showdown" at Las Vegas, Canyon Speedway Park's "Brawl For It All," and the opening night of the "Oval Nationals" at Perris are non-point races that will feature $2500-to-win and $300-to-start main events. Last season, Ryan Bernal claimed the $5,000 championship and the point fund paid over $15,000 to racers that competed in every event. Officials with both groups are looking for additional sponsorship to build an even larger point fund in 2013.

In August, the Southwest Series will compete in the inaugural four-race "Freedom Tour." Showcasing races in Wichita and Dodge City, Kansas, the non-point $2,500-to-win and $250-to-start main events are some of the "must see" dates of the season. As this writing goes to press, officials are looking to book the August 21st tour opener and raise tow money for series regulars.

Noted as the "home track" for the USAC Southwest Sprint Cars, Canyon Speedway Park will host sixteen races of the campaign. In addition to the "Winter Challenge" and "Grudge Series" dates, the 1/3-mile facility will feature many other special events like the "Championship Opener" on March 16th and the "Canyon Clash" on April 27th. The popular two-day "Salute To Indy" begins on May 25th and the "Summer Sizzle" is set for June 29th. The "Summer Slam" will be held on July 27th and the champion will be crowned at the three-night "46th Annual Western World Championships" starting on November 14th. For more information on the Canyon events and the "Winter Challenge" series, visit canyonspeedwaypark.com.

The March 7th "Sin City Showdown" at The Las Vegas Motor Speedway will kickoff the "Grudge Series" with a special Thursday night program. Held during NASCAR weekend and showcased with the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, the non-point event will feature drivers from California, Arizona, and New Mexico as they battle on the large 1/2-mile oval. Last season, Bud Kaeding scored the $2,500 jackpot over a surging Ryan Bernal at the checkered flags. For more details on the Las Vegas race, check out lvms.com.

Located on the Pinal County Fairgrounds, Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande has four events on the schedule. Re-opened by promoter Benji Lyons after a four year absence, the 3/8-mile clay oval will feature the USAC Southwest Sprints on March 23rd, June 22nd, September 14th, and October 12th. For more information on the Casa Grande events, visit usaraceway.net.

Beginning with the "Spring Fling" on April 13th, Jonah Trussel's Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek has six races on the calendar. The powerful sprint card will also invade the 3/8-mile facility on May 11th, June 8th, July 13th, September 7th, and October 19th. In last year's action, Davis claimed two victories on his way to the title and other victories were scored by Josh Pelkey, Ronnie Clark, Shon Deskins, and R.J. Johnson. For more details on the Queen Creek dates, check out arizonaspeedway.net.

Royal Jones' El Paso Speedway Park has one event on the 2013 schedule. The Friday, July 19th event is the group's only appearance in the "Lone Star State" and opens a special doubleheader with the New Mexico Racing Association (NMMRA). When the 3/8-mile oval hosted the Arizona-New Mexico "clash" last June, it was veteran driver Rickey Hood that scored the 30-lap feature triumph. For more information on the El Paso, Texas race, visit epspeedway.com.

Also promoted by Royal Jones, Southern New Mexico Speedway in Las Cruces will host one date on the calendar. On Saturday, July 20th, the 5/16-mile facility will close out the special Arizona-New Mexico doubleheader with the NMMRA. Last season, Rickey Hood followed up his El Paso victory with a victory at the popular racetrack. For more details on the Las Cruces, New Mexico event, check out snmspeedway.com.

On Thursday, August 22nd, the USAC Southwest Series will travel to C. Ray Hall's 81 Speedway in Wichita, Kansas. The 3/8-mile clay oval will host the second night of the "Freedom Tour" in one of the most anticipated dates of the schedule. For more information on the Wichita, Kansas race, visit 81speedway.org.

Promoted by former racer Tommie Estes Jr., Dodge City Raceway Park in southwest Kansas will showcase two nights of action. Starting August 23rd, the Friday and Saturday events at the large 3/8-mile facility will close out the "Freedom Tour." For more details on the Dodge City, Kansas races, check out dodgecityraceway.com.

On Thursday, October 31st, the USAC Southwest Sprints will compete at Don Kazarian's Perris Auto Speedway. Co-sanctioned with the USAC West Coast group, the finale of the "Grudge Series" will kickoff the "18th Annual Oval Nationals." With drivers from USAC/CRA and the USAC National Sprints in town, many surprise guests will join the battle at the 1/2-mile facility. For more information on the Perris date, visit perrisautospeedway.com.

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series would like to thank Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Tire, and the Hose Advantage Store for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (facebook.com/SouthwestSprintCars).
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2013 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
January 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
January 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
January 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
January 30: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
February 1: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
March 16: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Championship Opener)
March 23: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
April 13: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ (Spring Fling)
April 27: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Canyon Clash)
May 11: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
May 25: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Salute To Indy)
May 26: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Salute To Indy)
June 8: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
June 22: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
June 29: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Summer Sizzle)
July 13: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
July 19: **El Paso Speedway Park - El Paso, TX
July 20: **Southern New Mexico Speedway - Las Cruces, NM
July 27: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Summer Slam)
August 21: TBA (Freedom Tour / Non-Points)
August 22: 81 Speedway - Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / Non-Points)
August 23: Dodge City Raceway Park - Dodge City, KS (Freedom Tour / Non-Points)
August 24: Dodge City Raceway Park - Dodge City, KS (Freedom Tour / Non-Points)
September 7: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
September 14: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / Grudge Series)
October 12: Central Arizona Raceway - Casa Grande, AZ
October 19: Arizona Speedway - Queen Creek, AZ
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / Grudge Series / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC West Coast Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With NMMRA Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.

2013 USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET PREVIEW & SCHEDULE
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – DECEMBER 28, 2012... Officials with the United States Auto Club (USAC) have released the 2013 schedule for the Western Dirt Midget Series. Showcasing 25 nights of action, "The Mighty Midgets" will travel to fourteen different tracks, starting March 1st with the "Copper On Dirt" at Canyon Speedway Park. Co-sanctioned events with VRA, BCRA, and the USAC National Series will also highlight the campaign with the finale set for the "73rd Turkey Night Grand Prix" at Perris Auto Speedway.

Kevin Montgomery's Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona will host five dates on the calendar. Opening with the prestigious two-day "Copper on Dirt," the events also feature the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars, Late Models, and IMCA Modifieds. The series will return to the 1/3-mile facility on November 14th for the three-night "46th Western World Championships." Co-sanctioned with the USAC National Series, the winner of the final night will take home $7,500 for their efforts, plus a $5,000 bonus if that driver can also win the USAC 360 Sprint Car feature. Last November, Kyle Larson scored the 30-lap "Western Classic" victory aboard the Kunz/Curb/Agajanian entry. For more details on the Canyon shows, visit canyonspeedwaypark.com.

Scott Schweitzer's Bakersfield Speedway has two events on the schedule. The Western Midgets will invade "The West’s Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval" on March 30th and September 21st. Last season, Michelle Decker raced to a popular victory in April and Troy Rutherford claimed a thrilling main event win in September. For more information on the Bakersfield shows, visit bakersfieldspeedway.com.

Starting on April 13th, Jim Naylor's Ventura Raceway will showcase four nights of action. Co-sanctioned with the Ventura Racing Association (VRA), "The Battle of the Beach" mini-series at the 1/5-mile track will continue on May 18th, July 20th, and September 28th. For more details on the races at "The Best Little Dirt Track In America," check out venturaraceway.com

Ruben and Katy Munoz have taken over the promotions at Santa Maria Speedway and will host one date on the calendar. On May 11th, the series will headline an action packed card with IMCA Modifieds, NMRA TQ Midgets, USAC Ignite Midgets, and Mini Stocks. Last season, Brad Kuhn stormed to a May triumph and Frankie Guerrini won the August feature at "The West's Best Short Track." Currently, the new promoters are working on a website for track information.

On June 1st, the Western Midgets will clash with the Bay Cities Racing Association (BCRA) at Placerville Speedway. Promoted by Handy Racing Promotions, the 1/4-mile track at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds' will host the first of four "Grudge Races" with BCRA in 2013. For more information on the Placerville date, visit placervillespeedway.com.

Located on the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, Petaluma Speedway has two dates on the schedule. Promoter Jim Soares and General Manager Rick Faeth will host the "Grudge Races" with BCRA on June 15th and the October 5th "Soares Classic." Last season, Shane Golobic claimed the inaugural "101-lap Classic" at the 3/8-mile facility after starting eleventh. For more details on the Petaluma shows, check out petaluma-speedway.com.

The traveling series will return to Steve Faria's Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare on June 22nd. The lightning fast 1/3-mile facility last hosted the "Mighty Midgets" on November 13, 2010, where Tracy Hines won the Pacific Coast Nationals. For more information on the Tulare event, visit tularethunderbowl.com.

On June 29th, the USAC Western Midgets will make their debut at Visalia's Plaza Park Raceway. Promoted by Scott Woodhouse, the Central Valley 1/5-mile facility has showcased Micro Sprints for over twenty-five years. Fans will want to mark this date on their calendar to witness racing history. For more details on the Plaza Park show, check out plazaparkraceway.com.

John Prentice's Ocean Speedway in Watsonville has one event on the schedule. The "3rd Annual Howard Kaeding Classic" on Friday, July 12th will be another "must see race" at the popular 1/4-mile oval. Last July, "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman won the group's only appearance at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. For more information on the Watsonville date, visit oceanspeedway.com.

The "36th Annual Belleville Midget Nationals" in Belleville, Kansas is scheduled for August 3rd. While not an official point race, the event at the famed Belleville High Banks will also showcase the Traxxas USAC Silver Crown Series. Noted as one of the most historic races in the country, last season's feature went to Jerry Coons Jr., who scored his third career victory. For more details on the Belleville event, visit highbanks.org.

Starting August 31st, the scenic Calistoga Speedway will showcase the two-day "Louie Vermeil Classic."
Also featuring the USAC/CRA and Western Classic Sprints, the popular event will also host vintage cars, autograph sessions, auctions, wine tasting, and more. Last season, Evan Margeson and Rico Abreu claimed victories at the famed Napa County Fairgrounds' 1/2-mile track. For more information on the Calistoga shows, visit calistogaspeedway.org or louivermeilclassic.net.

On Thursday, September 5th, Dennis Gage's Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico will host the third "Grudge Race" with BCRA. Held during the famed "Gold Cup Race of Champions," this is a "must see event" for many race fans in Northern California. Last March, Ryan Bernal raced to the 30-lap victory at the 1/4-mile facility. For more details on the Chico event, visit silverdollarspeedway.com.

Yuma, Arizona's Cocopah Speedway will host two nights of action starting on November 22nd. Sandwiched between Canyon's "Western World" and "Turkey Night" at Perris, the events at the fast 3/8-mile track will showcase a talented roster of drivers. Owned by the Cocopah Indian Tribe, many improvements have been made to the facility, including a larger grandstand for spectators. For more information on the Yuma races, visit cocopahspeedway.com.

After a successful return to dirt, the "73rd Turkey Night Grand Prix" will be held at Don Kazarian's Perris Auto Speedway. Co-sanctioned with the USAC National Series, the Thanksgiving event will close out the racing season and the champion will be crowned. Last November, fifty-nine cars signed in at the popular 1/2-mile facility and Kyle Larson won the special 98-lap main event. For more information on the Perris date, visit perrisautospeedway.com.

Series officials have announced that the USAC Western Awards Banquet will be held on February 9th at the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles. In addition to the Western Midget Series, the USAC/CRA Sprints, West Coast Sprints, Western Classic Sprints, and Ignite Midgets will be honored.

For more information on the USAC Western Midget Series, visit www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/usacwsmidgets).
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2013 USAC WESTERN DIRT MIDGET SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 1: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 2: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 30: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
April 13: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle On The Beach)
May 11: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
May 18: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle On The Beach)
June 1: **Placerville Speedway - Placerville, CA
June 15: **Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma, CA
June 22: Thunderbowl Speedway - Tulare, CA
June 29: Plaza Park Raceway - Visalia, CA
July 12: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA (Howard Kaeding Classic)
July 20: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle On The Beach)
August 3: ***Belleville High Banks - Belleville, KS (Belleville Midget Nationals / Non-Points)
August 31: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 5: **Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA (Gold Cup Race of Champions)
September 21: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 28: *Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle On The Beach)
October 5: **Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma, CA (Soares Classic)
November 14: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 15: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 16: ***Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 22: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
November 23: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
November 28: ***Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Turkey Night Grand Prix)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With VRA Midget Series.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With BCRA Midget Series.
*** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Midget Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

Amsoil USAC/CRA Race Director Named!

(December 27, 2012) – While race fans patiently wait for the offseason to come to close, USAC Officials are busy making plans for the new year, a year that will be full of excitement and spectacular racing encompassing 23 nights of traditional Sprint Car action that will campaign at six different tracks with the title chase kicking off March 1st at the “Copper on Dirt” and the crowning of the USAC/CRA champion at the series finale “Oval Nationals” in November at Perris Auto Speedway.

Embarking on its 10th year of existence the USAC/CRA series has been a hub for traditional 410 sprint car racing in the West. While the roots of the CRA will stay well planted, some new faces will be added to the dynamic of the USAC Western Region. Chris Kearns, Western Region Director, will take charge of USAC operations in the west while Kevin Montgomery will head up race director operations for the USAC/CRA series.

Montgomery, who also operates the USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series, will be at the fore front when the stars of the Amsoil USAC/CRA series take to the track in March.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the CRA series,” commented Montgomery. “There is a lot of prestige that comes with USAC/CRA and I look forward to being a part of it and having the chance to work with some of the great drivers and car owners that make this series what it is.”

For more information on the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, visit www.usacracing.com/cra or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/USAC-CRA-Sprint-Car-Series/167535183297971) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/#!/USAC_CRA). If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

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2013 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE – TRACK – LOCATION

March 1: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)

March 2: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)

March 9: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)

April 6: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA

April 19: Cocopah Speedway – Yuma, AZ

April 20: Cocopah Speedway – Yuma, AZ

May 4: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA

May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, CA

May 25: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)

June 21: Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA

June 22: Santa Maria Speedway – Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)

July 4: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)

August 9: Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA

August 10: Santa Maria Speedway – Santa Maria, CA

August 17: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)

August 31: **Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)

September 1: **Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)

September 14: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)

October 5: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)

October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)

November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)

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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.

** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.

This schedule is subject to change.

2013 WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE
ENCOMPASSES 26 DATES AT 6 OVALS IN 3 STATES

Bud Kaeding of Campbell, Calif. is the defending champion of the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, which opens its 2013 campaign with a half-dozen races in January and February at Canyon Raceway Park in Peoria, Ariz. The 26-race calendar also concludes its run with three events at Peoria in November.

The “Winter Challenge” offers six “special events” offering USAC Southwest Sprint points at the Arizona oval and the “Western World Championships” will present similar Southwest Sprint point races at season’s end.

The slate also includes races at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Dirt Track, Thunderbowl Speedway in Tulare, Calif., Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway, Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif. and the Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway.

The West Coast “point” season officially opens with a March 15-16 event at Tulare and the champion is expected to be crowned October 12 at Hanford.

Six different drivers, led by Bud Kaeding and Ryan Bernal with four each, posted feature wins during the 2012 West Coast Sprint Car Series.

Kaeding, who was honored December 7 at USAC’s National “Night of Champions” Banquet in Indianapolis, Ind., is among 2012 USAC Champions slated for additional recognition at the USAC Western Awards Banquet February 9 in Paso Robles, Calif.

2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE

Date Location/Track

1/25 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
1/26 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
1/27 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
1/30 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
2/1 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
2/2 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
3/7 Las Vegas, NV (SE)/The Dirt Track @ LVMS
3/15-16 Tulare, CA/Thunderbowl Speedway
3/23 Bakersfield, CA/Bakersfield Speedway
4/13 Tulare, CA/Thunderbowl Speedway
4/20 Tulare, CA/Thunderbowl Speedway
4/27 Bakersfield, CA/Bakersfield Speedway
5/1 Hanford, CA/Kings Speedway
6/8 Hanford, CA/Kings Speedway
6/15 Santa Maria, CA/Santa Maria Speedway
7/6 Santa Maria, CA/Santa Maria Speedway
7/20 Hanford, CA/Kings Speedway
8/3 Hanford, CA/Kings Speedway
9/7 Bakersfield, CA/Bakersfield Speedway
9/21 Hanford, CA/Kings Speedway
9/28 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
10/12 Hanford, CA/Kings Speedway
10/31 Perris, CA (SE)/Perris Auto Speedway
11/14 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
11/15 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park
11/16 Peoria, AZ (SE)/Canyon Speedway Park

(SE)=Special Events – No Points

PRO-SOURCE FAST TIME AWARDS POSTED FOR DIRT MIDGETS

Defending USAC National Midget Champion Darren Hagen posted four fast qualifying times during the 2012 calendar. Three of those were on dirt tracks. In 2013 that kind of performance will lead to cash bonuses!

Buck and Betty Rice of Pro Source, Inc. in Grand Saline, Texas, backers of USAC motorsports for the past two decades, have announced they will post $100 cash prizes for all 2013 USAC National Midget dirt fast qualifiers. In addition, a special $500 cash bonus awaits at season’s end to the driver amassing the most fast qualifying times in USAC’s 2013 National Midget dirt events.

“We enjoy USAC’s National races so much,” say Buck and Betty, who have continually supported USAC’s participants with cash bonuses since the 1990s. “We look forward to helping the dirt Midget people with this incentive in 2013.”

The 2013 USAC National Dirt Midget campaign kicks off with a brand-new two-night Kokomo (Ind.) Grand Prix and the 20-race stretch concludes on Thanksgiving night with the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris, Calif. In between, traditional events include the “Hut Hundred” at Pontoon Beach, Ill. May 31, a five-race “Indiana Midget Week” in June, a two-night co-sanctioned program with Powri and BMARA at Belleville, Ill., the return to the Belleville (Kans.) Midget Nationals, the “4-Crown Nationals” at Rossburg, Ohio, the “Gold Crown Nationals” at Pontoon Beach, Ill. and the “Western World Championships” at Peoria, Ariz. A pair of races are also on tap at Angell Park Speedway in Sun Prairie, Wisc.

Buck and Betty Rice were honored December 7 at USAC’s “Night of Champions” National Awards Banquet in Indianapolis, receiving USAC’s Individual Special Appreciation Award.

2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR PREVIEW & SCHEDULE
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – DECEMBER 19, 2012... USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series Promoter Chris Kearns has announced the schedule for the 2013 campaign. The Central California based group is poised for twenty-seven nights of action, starting with the "2nd Annual Winter Challenge" and closing with the "46th Western World Championships" at Canyon Speedway Park. In addition to returning to the clay ovals of Las Vegas, Tulare, Bakersfield, Hanford, and Santa Maria, the series will make their debut at Perris Auto Speedway during the prestigious "18th Annual Oval Nationals."

The popular three race "Grudge Series" has returned with the newly formed USAC Southwest Series. The "Sin City Showdown" at Las Vegas, Canyon Speedway Park's "Brawl For It All," and the opening night of the "Oval Nationals" at Perris are non-point races that will feature $2500-to-win and $300-to-start main events. Last season, Ryan Bernal claimed the $5,000 mini-series championship and the point fund paid over $15,000 to racers that competed in every event. As this writing goes to press, officials with both the USAC West Coast and Southwest Series are looking for additional sponsorship to build an even larger point fund.

Kevin Montgomery's Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona will host ten dates on the calendar. Starting on January 25th, the non-point "Winter Challenge" will feature six races in nine nights with the Arizona based group. The "Brawl for it All" on September 28th is the second night of the "Grudge Series" and the three night "Western World Championship" will close out the action packed season. Last September, Charles Davis Jr. won a tough 30-lap main event that was pivotal in winning his ASCS crown. For more information on the Canyon events and the "Winter Challenge" series, visit canyonspeedwaypark.com.

The March 7th "Sin City Showdown" at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will kickoff the "Grudge Series" with a special Thursday night program. Held during NASCAR weekend and showcased with the famed World of Outlaw Sprint Cars, the non-point event will feature drivers from California, Arizona, and New Mexico as they battle on the large 1/2-mile oval. Last March, Bud Kaeding served notice to the competition and began his championship run by winning the $2,500 jackpot. For more details on the Las Vegas race, visit lvms.com.

Steve Faria's Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare has four dates on the schedule. Opening the point season on March 15th with a special doubleheader, the lightning fast 1/3-mile will host two more nights of action in April. Last May, Kyle Larson won both nights of the Faria Memorial and claimed Saturday's finale from 20th in an unfamiliar JFM team car. For more information on the Tulare events, visit tularethunderbowl.com.

Starting on March 23rd, Scott Schweitzer's Bakersfield Speedway has three events on the schedule. The traditional 360s will also invade "The West’s Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval" on April 27th and September 7th. Last March, Kaeding won the successful return to Oildale and continued his march to the championship. For more information on the Bakersfield shows, visit bakersfieldspeedway.com.

Scott Woodhouse's Kings Speedway in Hanford has six races on the calendar. Beginning on May 11th, the 3/8-mile facility will host the popular "Billet Cup" and special events like the "Jim Evett Memorial" on August 3rd and September 21st "Jim Turner Memorial." The "28th Annual Cotton Classic" on October 12th will close out the 15-race point season and the series champion will be crowned. Last season, Bernal and Kaeding scored two victories at Hanford, while Richard Vander Weerd won the August 4th feature. For more details on the Hanford events, visit kingsspeedway.net.

Ruben and Katy Munoz have taken over the promotions at Santa Maria Speedway and will host two dates on the schedule. The powerful 360s will battle at the 1/3-mile facility on June 15th and the "Doug Fort Memorial" on July 6th. Last season, Bernal won two main events on his way to his second track championship and Cory Kruseman won the "War at the Shore." Vander Weerd scored the "Billet Cup" victory and earned $5,000 after starting seventeenth. Currently, the new promoters are working on a website for track information.

On Thursday, October 31st, the USAC West Coast Sprints will make their debut at Don Kazarian's Perris Auto Speedway. Co-sanctioned with the Arizona based Southwest group, the finale of the "Grudge Series" will kickoff the "18th Annual Oval Nationals." With USAC/CRA and the USAC National Series in town, many talented drivers from across the country are expected to compete. For more information on the Perris date, visit perrisautospeedway.com.

Series officials have announced that the USAC Western Awards Banquet will be held on February 9th at the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles. In addition to the West Coast group, the USAC/CRA Sprints, Western Classic Sprints, Western Midgets, and Ignite Midgets will be honored. More details will be released as soon as possible. Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVDs available for purchase that feature the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

The USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, ButlerBuilt, Competition Suspension Inc., Cory Kruseman's Sprint Car & Midget Driving School, Crow Enterprizes, DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Hinchman-Indy Racing Uniforms, Integra Shocks, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, LRB Inc. Race Products, ParkerStore of Phoenix, Ringers Gloves, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saferacer.com, Saldana Racing Products, Sander Engineering, and Weld Racing for their support.

For more information on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/#!/pages/USAC-West-Coast-Sprint-Car-Series/369549755817). If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.
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2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
January 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
January 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
January 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
January 30: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
February 1: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
February 2: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Winter Challenge / Non-Points)
March 7: *Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Sin City Showdown / Non-Points)
March 15: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 16: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 23: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
April 13: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 20: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 27: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
May 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Billet Cup)
June 8: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
June 15: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
July 6: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
July 20: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA
August 3: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Evett Memorial)
September 7: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
September 21: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Jim Turner Memorial)
September 28: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Brawl For It All / Non-Points)
October 12: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
October 31: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals / Non-Points)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
November 16: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Western World Championships / Non-Points)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Southwest Sprints.
Point Races In Bold.
This schedule is subject to change.

ATTACHED PHOTOS/IMAGES:
#17V "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. 4th in 2012 USAC West Coast Points. Photo by Tear-Off Heaven Fotos.

INITIAL NEW SMYRNA MIDGET ENTRIES ARRIVE

Bobby Santos III, Kyle O’Gara, Ross Rankine and David Byrne comprise the first four entries for USAC’s 2013 season-opening USAC National Pavement races February 17-18 at New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

The debut of USAC racing at the half-mile paved oval located just west of the Atlantic Ocean opens USAC’s 2013 calendar and begins a week which also includes USAC AMSOIL National Sprint racing at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla. February 21-23.

Rankine, of Willard, Ohio, was among 2012 USAC Champions saluted at the recent December 7 “Night of Champions” in Indianapolis, Ind. He captured the USAC Midwest Pavement and Dirt Ignite Midget titles, winning six times on the dirt and three on the pavement. He is among a three-car contingent fielded for New Smyrna by RW Motorsports of Lederach, Pa.

Rankine, who will make his first USAC National Midget start at New Smyrna, also is a three-time USAC .25 Midget Champion, winning the 2009 Senior Honda and 2010 Light 160 and Senior Animal titles. “I ran with the USAC .25s in 2009 and won one of the inaugural races at Tampa but the full Midget will be a new experience,” says Ross. “I had a chance to test it recently at Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway and the test went really well. I’m looking forward to the half-mile. The biggest oval I’ve been on previously was at Ace Speedway in North Carolina.”

RW, which earned the 2012 USAC Traxxas Silver Crown Car Owner title with five feature wins in eight outings, also has Santos and O’Gara on its Florida team. Santos, of Franklin, Mass., scored two Silver Crown wins and an Iowa Speedway Midget win in 2012. O’Gara, of Beech Grove, Ind., won D1 Midget features in 2012 at Morris, Ill. and Kalamazoo, Mich.

“We’re very excited about the 2013 season,” says RW’s Steve Weirich. “We had an impressive run on the big pavement at Iowa Speedway last year and would like nothing better than a similar repeat at New Smyrna. (RW cars ran 1-2-3 with their Midgets at Iowa in 2012 with drivers Santos, Mario Clouser and Brad Kuhn). We’ve got a great team and as far as the bigger tracks, I say the bigger the better. Our team is intact from last year and our engine package should give us a great result.”

Byrne, of Shullsburg, Wisc., competed in selected 2012 events in USAC’s National and D1 Midget series. In addition to plans to compete in all the 2013 USAC National Pavement races, Byrne will also continue his pursuit of USAC’s Traxxas Silver Crown pavement events.

The Sunday and Monday Midget races at New Smyrna are the first for USAC’s National Midget Series in the Sunshine State since a 2005 race at Orlando’s Speedworld won by Josh Wise.

2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE
ENCOMPASSES 26 DATES AT 6 OVALS IN 3 STATES

The West Coast “point” season officially opens with a March 15-16 event at Tulare and the champion is expected to be crowned October 12 at Hanford.

Six different drivers, led by Bud Kaeding and Ryan Bernal with four each, posted feature wins during the 2012 West Coast Sprint Car Series.

2013 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE

Date Location/Track

(SE)=Special Events – No Points

34-RACE SOUTHWESTERN SPRINT SLATE
JOINS USAC & ARIZONA TRADITIONAL SPRINT CARS

A 34-race slate of events has been announced for the 2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series which will visit a half-dozen dirt ovals in Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

The series debuts with a six-race “Winter Challenge” at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. in January and February and closes in mid-November with the 46th “Western World Championships” at the same track.

In between, races will be held at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Dirt Track, Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande, Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek, El Paso Speedway Park in Texas and Southern New Mexico Speedway in Las Cruces.

The 34-race schedule also contains a four-night August swing with venues yet to be announced.

USAC Sprint racing in the Southwest has a rich tradition, dating all the way back to Don Branson’s 1964 victory at the now-defunct Arizona State Fairgrounds one-mile oval in Phoenix. In the ensuing half-century, numerous events have been held in the area, including the 2003 and 2004 Southwest Sprint Car Series which crowned driver champions Rick Ziehl and Beau Binder respectively.

While USAC Sprint cars have previously competed at Peoria, Las Vegas and Las Cruces, the 2013 races at Casa Grande, Queen Creek and El Paso will be the first at those venues for USAC Sprints.

Defending Arizona Sprint Car Champion Charles Davis Jr. has been a frequent USAC participant and won a USAC feature last September at Peoria.

The announcement of the 2013 Southwest Sprint Series completes a triple-header of Western racing for race fans, coupled with the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and the West Coast Sprint Cars. Mike Spencer (USAC/CRA) and Bud Kaeding (West Coast) captured 2012 titles in the other two disciplines.

The 2013 Winter Challenge will feature top traditional Sprint Car drivers from around the country as the USAC Southwest Sprint Cars face off with the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series in the valley of the sun for what is anticipated to be one of the largest racing events of 2013. More than $100,000 in "A" Feature money alone will be distributed over the course of the blockbuster event that kicks off with the $2,000 to win Winter Challenge opener and will conclude with the $5,000 to win finale on February 2nd.

2013 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SERIES

January 25 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
January 26 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
January 27 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
January 30 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
February 1 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
February 2 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
March 7 Las Vegas, NV/The Dirt Track @ LVMS
March 16 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
March 23 Casa Grande, AZ/Central Arizona Raceway
April 13 Queen Creek, AZ/Arizona Speedway
April 27 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
May 11 Queen Creek, AZ/Arizona Speedway
May 25 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
May 26 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
June 8 Queen Creek, AZ/Arizona Speedway
June 22 Casa Grande, AZ/Central Arizona Raceway
June 29 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
July 13 Queen Creek, AZ/Arizona Speedway
July 19 El Paso, TX/El Paso Speedway Park
July 20 Las Cruces, NM/Southern New Mexico Speedway
July 27 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
August 21 Tour Dates TBA
August 22 Tour Dates TBA
August 23 Tour Dates TBA
August 24 Tour Dates TBA
September 7 Queen Creek, AZ/Arizona Speedway
September 14 Casa Grande, AZ/Central Arizona Raceway
September 28 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
October 12 Casa Grande, AZ/Central Arizona Raceway
October 19 Queen Creek, AZ/Arizona Speedway
October 31 Grudge Series Finale TBA
November 14 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
November 15 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
November 16 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park

USAC OPENS 2013 SCHEDULE WITH FLORIDA MIDGETS, SPRINTS

The Sunshine State opens USAC’s 2013 racing calendar with the National Midgets and AMSOIL National Sprints competing during the week leading up to the famed Daytona 500.

New Smyrna Speedway in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. welcomes the debut of the 2013 National Midgets February 17 and 18, with Sunday and Monday night races on its half-mile banked paved oval. It’ll mark the first appearance of USAC at the New Smyrna facility.

Three nights later, February 21-23, the AMSOIL National Sprints kick off three consecutive nights of racing at the 3/8-mile dirt Bubba Raceway Park oval in Ocala. This marks the third consecutive appearance at the Ocala track. Damion Gardner and Darren Hagen won last year’s AMSOIL Sprint races at Ocala.

Race fans planning to attend these February races in Florida will continue a tradition which began with USAC’s inaugural Sprint races at West Palm Beach, Jacksonville and Miami in 1956. Bob Sweikert won USAC’s first Sprint feature at West Palm Beach.

The following year, the popular 1957 “Tangerine Tournament” featured USAC Midgets in 11 appearances at eight venues during February and March. Subsequent February races in Florida included 1985, 1987 and 1988 races at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, a Ford Focus series in 2006 and Sprint races at Gibsonton in 2010. The state has also hosted December and January events for USAC participants as the winter season halts Midwestern racing.

In addition to the myriad of fan-friendly vacation destinations in the state, race fans attending the USAC races that week are also expected to be offered a 2013 “kick-off” party, an event held the past two years prior to the Ocala Sprint races. Details regarding that event are expected to be released shortly.

The Midget races at New Smyrna will end a Florida hiatus of seven years for the USAC series. Josh Wise won the last USAC Midget race there, held at Speedworld in Orlando in 2005.

Stay tuned for late-breaking news regarding these Florida races and surrounding events at USAC’s website: www.usacracing.com.

MAY 18TH TULARE RACE ADDED TO AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE
by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA - DECEMBER 13, 2012... Series Director Chris Kearns has announced an addition to the 2013 Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Schedule. On May 18th, the traditional 410 sprints will compete at Tulare's Thunderbowl Raceway, making a total of 23 events on the calendar. The tenth USAC/CRA season will kickoff on March 1st with the two day "Copper On Dirt" at Canyon Speedway Park.

Steve Faria's lightning fast 1/3-mile facility last showcased the regional series in 2010. On May 30th, "The Bullet" Blake Miller claimed the "Salute To Indy" victory in Mark Priestley's #7 Bullet. Piloting his #29 BK Motorsports Maxim, Bud Kaeding won the November 13th co-sanctioned Pacific Coast Nationals. Since 2007, "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman, Matt Mitchell, Garrett Hansen, and Jon Stanbrough have also scored USAC/CRA victories at Thunderbowl Raceway. For more details on the May 18th event, visit tularethunderbowl.com.

Series officials have announced that the USAC Western Awards Banquet will be held on February 9th at the Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles. In addition to USAC/CRA, the West Coast Sprints, Western Classic Sprints, Western Midgets, and Ignite Midgets will be honored. More details will be released as soon as possible.

Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVDs available for purchase that feature the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Integra Racing Shocks, Keizer Wheels, LRB Inc. Race Products, Ringers Gloves, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, 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 season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
March 1: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 2: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Copper On Dirt)
March 9: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)
April 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
April 19: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
April 20: Cocopah Speedway - Yuma, AZ
May 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
May 18: Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
May 25: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute To Indy)
June 21: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 22: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 30)
August 9: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
August 10: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 17: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 31: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 5: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair Race)
October 25: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 1: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.
** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.
This schedule is subject to change.

USAC HEADS FOR THE ROCKIES JUNE 29 AS SILVER CROWN, MIDGETS RETURN TO PIKES PEAK

The famed “Race to the Clouds” has been a fixture on the Pikes Peak slopes for 97 years and the shadows of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado will once again welcome USAC participants as part of the annual festivities surrounding the Pike Peak extravaganza.

On Saturday, June 29, Pikes Peak International Raceway will once again reverberate to the sounds of USAC racing engines as they challenge the one-mile paved oval which last hosted USAC racing in 2005.

Race five of the 2013 TRAXXAS Silver Crown calendar will feature a 100-mile race expected to produce the same type of spectacular competition for which the track has been known since its opening in 1997 when Kenny Irwin and Ryan Newman swept to victories in the USAC “doubleheader.” The USAC National Midgets will join the day’s “doubleheader.”

Coupled with one of America’s most revered motorsports weekends, the event will serve to open the 2013 “Pikes Peak International Hill Climb” activities which will stretch from June 30-August 15.

Nine years of USAC racing at PPIR included victories by current stars Tracy Hines and Brian Tyler, plus the late Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon, veteran Jason Leffler and five-time PPIR winner Dave Steele, who won the last USAC Silver Crown race in 2005. Hines continues to hold the one-lap track record speed of 143.227 mph, set in 2005, which could be challenged in June.

Hines’ record stands among the fastest in series history utilizing the “traditional” Silver Crown machines. It is currently eclipsed only by the 143.967 set by Steele at Madison, Ill. in 2001. Newman holds the Midget record of 139.265 mph set in 1997.

“Adding Pikes Peak to the Traxxas Silver Crown schedule is something we have been working on for a while,” states Silver Crown Director James Spink. “We are excited to have this pavement to solidify a reinvigorated schedule for 2013.”

Defending series champion Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. remembers PPIR where he finished eighth in the 2005 Silver Crown race and seventh in the Midgets. The winner of last year’s finale at Terre Haute, Ind. and a 100-miler on the paved Iowa Speedway in 2012, East ranks eighth all-time with 10 series wins in his 11-year USAC Silver Crown career. “I’d like nothing more than to win at PPIR,” says East. “I’ve had some great runs there in Midgets but never could do well in the Silver Crown. It’ll be interesting to see what the years (since 2005) have done to the surface. I expect the grip will be different. It’s a little like Iowa Speedway but the track has its own idiosyncrasies. The thinner air has a little effect on engines but not as much as with the Midgets. I’m excited to get back.”

CLAUSON TOPS LIST OF USAC CHAMPIONS “AGAIN”
AT FRIDAY’S 57th “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” CELEBRATION

Friday night’s 57th USAC “Night of Champions” National Awards Dinner held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. sported a somewhat familiar theme to the previous two functions. Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. once again headlined the list of award recipients after claiming his third consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship. Clauson also earned a $300,000 scholarship from INDYCAR and won USAC’s 2012 AMSOIL National Sprint Car title.
Also accepting checks as top drivers in the National Drivers Championship were runner-up Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. and third-place Dave Darland of Lincoln, Ind.
Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. celebrated his 2012 USAC Traxxas Silver Crown title, while Darren Hagen of Riverside, Calif. was hailed as the 2012 Mopar National Midget champion.
Car owner champions for 2012 celebrated Friday were Rotondo Weirich/Curb-Agajanian for the 2012 USAC Traxxas Silver Crown title, Corey Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian as the AMSOIL Sprint Car crown and Keith Kunz Motorsports/Curb-Agajanian as the Mopar National Midget kings. Accepting special trophies as the club’s first-ever National “Triple Crown” car owners were Mike Curb and Cary Agajanian.
Champions of USAC’s 2012 The Off Road Championship (TORC) series honored Friday included Ricky Johnson of Trabuco Canyon, Calif. (Pro 4x4), Bryce Menzies of Las Vegas, Nev. (Pro 2WD), Brad Lovell of Colorado Springs, Colo. (Pro Light 2WD) and Mitchell DeJong of Temecula, Calif. (Pro Buggy).
Keys to the City of Indianapolis from Mayor Gregory A. Ballard, who was in attendance, were presented to East, Clauson and Hagen in recognition of their 2012 National Championships.
Emcees Jim Tretow and Pat Sullivan orchestrated the presentations, which included driver and car entrant champions, Rookies of the Year, Most Improved Drivers and special award recipients.
Among items presented to the 2012 champions were trophies, plaques, Oakley timepieces, Hoosier jackets, medallions, Briggs & Stratton power washers and personalized remote-control TRAXXAS Trucks.
Driving champions in addition to the aforementioned included Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. (AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprints), who established an all-time USAC record of five consecutive series titles. Tony Hunt of Lincoln, Calif. (Western Classic Sprints and Western Classic Dirt Sprints) accepted his ninth and 10th USAC titles, second all-time in USAC’s 57-year history.
Other 2012 champions included Shannon McQueen of Tehachapi, Calif. (Mopar Western Midgets), Chad Nichols of Colma, Calif. (Western Pavement Midget), David Prickett of Fresno, Calif. (Western Dirt Midget), Bud Kaeding of Campbell, Calif. (West Coast Sprint), Brian McClish of Santa Rosa, Calif. (Western Classic Pavement Sprint), Jim Anderson of Joliet, Ill. (STARS D1 Midget), Kevin Chaffee of East Orange, Vt. (DMA Midget), Ross Rankine of Willard, Ohio (Midwest Pavement and Dirt Ignite Midget), Garret Peterson of West Sacramento, Calif. (Western North Ignite Midget), Cory Elliott of Bakersfield, Calif. (Western Dirt Ignite Midget), Jared Irvan of Midland, N.C. (Eastern Ignite Midget), Jared Peterson of Stanwood, Wash. (Northwest Ignite Midget) and Bryant Dawson of Phoenix, Ariz. (Las Vegas Ignite Midget). Darren Hagen was also honored as the National Midget Pavement and Dirt champion.
Honored as USAC .25 Midget National Champions as a result of their “Generation Next Tour” titles were Neal Allison of Greensboro, N.C. (Junior Honda), Tyler Ankrum of Yucaipa, Calif. (Light Mod), Harrison Burton of Huntersville, NC (Light World Formula and Light 160), Connor Gross of Middleton, Mass. (Junior Animal), Carson Hocevar of Portage, Wisc. (Senior Honda, Senior Animal and Light AA), Kyle Lee of Mercersburg, Pa. (Heavy AA), Mark Miller of Mooresville, N.C. (Heavy World Formula and Heavy 160), Collin Olson of Maplewood, Minn. (Heavy Mod) and Wil Raber of Allegan, Mich. (Heavy Honda and Unrestricted Animal).
Nissan received the TORC Manufacturer of the Year honors and B.F. Goodrich earned the TORC Tire Manufacturer of the Year award.
Andrew Caddell of Graham, Wash. accepted the TORC TRAXXAS MAXX Award for posting the most “fastest laps” during the 2011 Pro Light 2WD campaign.
Nick Baumgartner of Iron River, Mich.., also a Pro Light 2WD participant, was named TORC “Rookie of the Year,” and Luke Johnson of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., also a Pro Light 2WD participant, was named the “Most Improved” TORC driver.
TORC Oakley Bomb awards went to Rob MacCachren of Las Vegas, Nev. (Pro 2WD) and Ricky Johnson (Pro 4x4).
The third annual “Jack Flannery Award” recognizing determination and perseverance went to Scott Douglas of El Cajon, Calif. The TORC “Crew Chief of the Year” honors went to Charlie Schlieve of Antigo, Wisc. of Team Red Bull.
A special USAC “Spirit of Youth Award” was presented to Aaron Likens of Maryland Heights, Md. for his many contributions to the sport of quarter-midget racing.
USAC President Kevin Miller presented USAC Special Appreciation Awards to IndyCar (corporate) and Buck and Betty Rice of Grand Saline, Texas (individual) for their contributions and dedicated service to the racing community. An additional USAC Special Appreciation Award was presented posthumously to Bob Newton of Hoosier Racing Tires.
Chris Economaki, who passed away September 28, was named as the recipient of USAC’s prestigious Roger McCluskey Award of Excellence, recognizing his commitment to the overall sport of auto racing and his numerous contributions to USAC and grass-roots racing.
USAC’s 2012 National “Race Organizer of the Year” award was presented to The O’Connor Family of Kokomo Speedway.
Kyle Hamilton of Danville, Ind. earned the 2012 USAC Silver Crown “Rookie of the Year” honor. C.J. Leary was honored as the National Sprint Car “Rookie of the Year” and the Bob Stroud Memorial National Midget “Rookie of the Year” Award for the National Midget Series went to Rico Abreu of Rutherford, Calif.
Chase Stockon of Sullivan, Ind. was named USAC “Most Improved” National Driver of 2012.
USAC’s 2012 “Mechanical Achievement of the Year” award went to Mike Dutcher of Cicero, Ind. of RW Motorsports.
Long-time USAC Executive and Western Operations Director Tommy Hunt was honored for his long service to the club and presented with the Henry Ford Sweepstakes Award, emblematic of the National Ford Focus Championship which he was instrumental in founding.
Attendees were able to view a replica of the Poteet and Main Speed Demon Streamliner which established World Speed Records in September during runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah,
Second and third-place drivers and car entrants in USAC’s National racing series also received their year-end recognition and awards.
All USAC driving champions were also presented one-year memberships by the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa.
Floral decorations were provided by Jockish Flowers of Indianapolis. Tim Spillman of Auto Racing Ministries delivered the invocation.

SHANNON McQUEEN RECEIVES KARA HENDRICK SPIRIT AWARD

Shannon McQueen of Tehachapi, Calif. is the 2012 recipient of USAC’s prestigious Kara Hendrick Spirit Award. The award was presented today at Lyn St. James’ “Women in the Winners Circle” gala, held at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. in conjunction with the Indianapolis Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS).

The 34-year-old McQueen won USAC’s 2012 Mopar Western Midget Series championship, outpointing runner-up David Prickett of Fresno, Calif. by 149 points. Her championship makes her only the fifth female driving champion in USAC’s 57-year history! Previous USAC female driving champs were Sondi Eden (2004 Speedrome Midgets), Christine Beavis (2006 International Rally), Jessica Clark (2011 Ford Focus Midget) and Taylor Ferns (2011 D1 Midget).

A veteran of USAC Midget racing for the past 10 years, McQueen competed in 16 events during 2012 and recorded nine “top-five” finishes on her way to the championship. Her title marked her seventh “top-10” ranking and in 2007 she posted a USAC Western Midget feature victory at Madera, Calif., a victory which stood alone in the 30-year history of the series until Michelle Decker’s victory at Bakersfield this year – DRIVING FOR SHANNON!

Shannon’s award honors the memory of one of USAC’s most accomplished female drivers, Kara Hendrick, who posted a pair of USAC TQ Midget feature wins before tragically losing her life during a USAC Western Midget event at El Cajon, Calif. in 1991. In 1994 a scholarship was established in Kara’s memory and is awarded to a female driver in the Lyn St. James Driver Development Program.

Previous winners of the Kara Hendrick Award, established in 2003, are Jessica Bean, Taylor Ferns, Lynsey Tilton, Alison MacLeod, Stephanie Mockler, Melanie Troxel, Sondi Eden, Erin Crocker and Sarah McCune.

USAC NATIONAL MIDGET SERIES
ANNOUNCES HISTORIC SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR 2013

Major events signal the release of USAC’s 2013 National Midget calendar as the slate includes a historic number of signature races. The series also includes the return of the “Belleville (Kans.) Midget Nationals in August, a brand-new two-night Kokomo “Grand Prix” at the Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway, a two-night “Florida Speedweeks” visit to New Smyrna Beach , Fla. in February, a two-night USAC/Powri spectacular at the Belle Clair (Ill.) Speedway and a change of venue for the traditional “Hut Hundred” to Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill. are among the list of events announced today.

Other major events include the season-ending 73rd “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. The five-race “Indiana Midget Week” unfolds at tracks in Gas City, Putnamville, Bloomington, Lawrenceburg and Kokomo, the “4-Crown Nationals” is scheduled at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, the “Gold Crown Midget Nationals” present their three-night extravaganza at Pontoon Beach, Ill. and the “Western Classic” returns at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

The pavement slate for 2013, while showcasing high-speed, high-profile venues such as the aforementioned races at Pikes Peak and New Smyrna, includes races at Raceway Park in Indianapolis, Ind. in May (“Night Before the 500”) and July, a National return after 12 years for an August 9 race at Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville, Ind., an October 12 race at Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway and an appearance with the STARS series at Grundy County Speedway in Morris, Ill.

Emphasis in 2013 will focus on National Championships for both dirt and pavement racing showcasing the diversity of competition which has long been the trademark of USAC activity.

Defending Champion Darren Hagen of Riverside, Calif. captured both the Dirt and Pavement titles in 2012 on his way to the National crown.

2013 USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT SCHEDULES

Date Location/Track

April 12 *Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway
April 13 *Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway
May 31 *Pontoon Beach, IL/Tri-City Speedway
June 12 @Gas City, IN/Gas City I-69 Speedway
June 13 @Putnamville, IN/Lincoln Park Speedway
June 14 @Bloomington, IN/Bloomington Speedway
June 15 @Lawrenceburg, IN/Lawrenceburg Speedway
June 16 @Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway
June 23 *Sun Prairie, WI/Angell Park Speedway
July 5 *Belleville, IL/Belle-Clair Speedway
July 6 *Belleville, IL/Belle-Clair Speedway
August 1 Belleville, KS/Belleville High Banks
August 3 Belleville, KS/Belleville High Banks
August 18 *Sun Prairie, WI/Angell Park Speedway
September 21 Rossburg, OH/Eldora Speedway
October 3 *Pontoon Beach, IL/Tri-City Speedway
October 4 *Pontoon Beach, IL/Tri-City Speedway
October 5 *Pontoon Beach, IL/Tri-City Speedway
November 14 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
November 15 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
November 16 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
November 28 Perris, CA/Perris Auto Speedway

2013 USAC NATIONAL MIDGET PAVEMENT SCHEDULES

Date Location/Track

February 17 New Smyrna Beach, FL/New Smyrna Speedway
February 18 New Smyrna Beach, FL/New Smyrna Speedway
May 25 Indianapolis, IN/Raceway Park @ Indianapolis
June 29 Fountain, CO/Pikes Peak International Raceway
July 27 Indianapolis, IN/Raceway Park @ Indianapolis
August 9 Schererville, IN/Illiana Motor Speedway
August 10 #Morris, IL/Grundy County Speedway
October 12 #Columbus, OH/Columbus Motor Speedway

@=Indiana Midget Week
#=Co-sanctioned by STARS
*=Co-sanctioned by Powri

AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT SERIES ANNOUNCES 40-RACE 2013 SCHEDULE

The preliminary 2013 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car schedule reflects 40 dates, including the extremely popular “Indiana Sprint Week” and “Eastern Storm” events.

Opening with three back-to-back events at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla., the series is slated to conclude with the traditional “Budweiser Oval Nationals” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. In between, “traditional” stops include the Don Branson/Jud Larson and “4-Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, the Tony Hulman Classic and Jim Hurtubise Classic races at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track, the “Ultimate Challenge” at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa and the second annual “Sprint Car Smackdown” at Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway.

“Indiana Sprint Week” mirrors its 2012 calendar from July 12-20 at seven Hoosier ovals, while the five “Eastern Storm” events in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are being finalized in June. Missouri and Nebraska return to the 2013 schedule with races at Cameron, Mo. and Eagle, Neb. May 3-4 and Arkansas tracks at Little Rock and West Memphis return on September 6-7. Arizona again hosts a pair of races at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria October 25-26.

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. is the defending AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Champion, edging former champion Dave Darland by a scant eight points in one of the most hotly-contested series battles in history.

2013 USAC AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE

Date Location/Track

February 21 Ocala, FL/Bubba Raceway Park
February 22 Ocala, FL/Bubba Raceway Park
February 23 Ocala, FL/Bubba Raceway Park
April 6 Lawrenceburg, IN/Lawrenceburg Speedway
April 20 Rossburg, OH/Eldora Speedway
April 26 Gas City, IN/Gas City I-69 Speedway
April 27 Putnamville, IN/Lincoln Park Speedway
May 3 Cameron, MO/US 36 Raceway
May 4 Eagle, NE/Eagle Raceway
May 11 Haubstadt, IN/Tri-State Speedway
May 17 Bloomington, IN/Bloomington Speedway
May 22 Terre Haute, IN/Terre Haute Action Track
June 4 #Eastern Storm TBA
June 5 #Eastern Storm TBA
June 6 #Eastern Storm TBA
June 7 #Eastern Storm TBA
June 8 #Eastern Storm TBA
June 22 Lake Odessa, MI/I-96 Speedway
July 12 @Gas City, IN/Gas City I-69 Speedway
July 13 @Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway
July 14 @Lawrenceburg, IN/Lawrenceburg Speedway
July 17 @Terre Haute, IN/Terre Haute Action Track
July 18 @Putnamville, IN/Lincoln Park Speedway
July 19 @Bloomington, IN/Bloomington, IN
July 20 @Haubstadt, IN/Tri-State Speedway
August 6 Oskaloosa, IA/Southern Iowa Speedway (SE)
August 22 Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway
August 23 Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway
August 24 Kokomo, IN/Kokomo Speedway
August 30 West Burlington, IA/34 Raceway
August 31 Terre Haute, IN/Terre Haute Action Track
September 6 Little Rock, AR/I-30 Speedway
September 7 West Memphis, AR/Riverside International Speedway
September 14 Haubstadt, IN/Tri-State Speedway
September 21 Rossburg, OH/Eldora Speedway
September 28 Lawrenceburg, IN/Lawrenceburg Speedway
October 25 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
October 26 Peoria, AZ/Canyon Speedway Park
November 1 Perris, CA/Perris Auto Speedway
November 2 Perris, CA/Perris Auto Speedway

#=Eastern Storm
@=Indiana Sprint Week
(SE)=Non-points event

2013 TRAXXAS SILVER CROWN SERIES
MAKES BELLEVILLE DEBUT, PIKES PEAK RETURN

The addition of the historic Belleville (Kans.) High Banks and returns to paved ovals at Pikes Peak International Raceway and Gateway Motorsports Park enhance the expanded slate of 2013 TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Championship events announced today.

A total of 11 events comprise the preliminary schedule, opening with the “Sumar Classic 100” at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track on April 28 and again concludes with the annual “4-Crown Nationals” at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio September 21.

The storied Belleville (Kans.) High Banks, already announced as an August 2 date, will host its inaugural Silver Crown event as part of this year’s “Belleville Nationals.”

Returning to the series in 2013 are events at Gateway Motorsports Park in Madison, Ill. and Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo. and the famed Milwaukee (Wisc.) Mile is targeted for a July race yet to be announced. Gateway hosts the series June 1 and the Pikes Peak race is June 29. The Silver Crown cars last competed at Gateway in 2001 and the race Silver Crown race at Pikes Peak occurred in 2005. Milwaukee last hosted a 2011 race.

The “USAC Hall of Fame” race May 18 and “J.D. Byrider 100” July 27 are on the slate at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis, while the traditional one-mile dirt races return at Springfield and DuQuoin, Ill. and Indianapolis, Ind. The “Hoosier Hundred” In Indianapolis is May 23, “Tony Bettenhausen 100” at Springfield is August 17 and the “Ted Horn 100” at DuQuoin is September 1.

2013 USAC TRAXXAS SILVER CROWN SCHEDULE

Date Location/Track

April 28 Terre Haute, IN/Terre Haute Action Track
May 18 Indianapolis, IN/Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis
May 23 Indianapolis, IN/Indiana State Fairgrounds
June 1 Madison, IL/Gateway Motorsports Park
June 29 Fountain, CO/Pikes Peak International Raceway
July TBA Milwaukee, WI/Milwaukee Mile
July 27 Indianapolis, IN/Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis
August 2 Belleville, KS/Belleville High Banks
August 17 Springfield, IL/Illinois State Fairgrounds
September 1 DuQuoin, IL/DuQuoin State Fairgrounds
September 21 Rossburg, OH/Eldora Speedway

BUD KAEDING SCORES USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR TITLE

By Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – NOVEMBER 27, 2012... For the fourth straight season, car counts and the level of competition has continued to rise for the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series. With 105 drivers taking the green flag, six claimed feature wins in the 14 race schedule and Campbell's Bud Kaeding added his name to the champion's list. Hollister's Ryan Bernal won the inaugural USAC vs. ASCS Grudge Series and Austin Liggett of Tracy earned Rookie of the Year honors. In all, the average car count for the traditional 360 sprint car series was twenty-six, up thirteen percent from last year.

Committed to making a charge for the championship, Bud Kaeding served notice to the competition by winning the March 8th season opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Piloting Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, the 3-time USAC Silver Crown Champion won three more main events and became the all-time leader in that category. Kaeding had an outstanding season and led the series with four feature wins (tied), seven heat race victories, two Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Awards (tied), and eleven top-5 finishes. In addition, the newly crowned champion led 47 feature laps with twelve starts in the campaign.

For the second straight season, Ryan Bernal finished second in the championship points. Moving to Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal nearly stole the opening night feature from Kaeding in a close finish. Last year's Rookie of the Year rallied to score four main events, including Santa Maria's "Bud Stanfield Memorial" on June 23rd and the season ending "Cotton Classic" at Hanford. Ryan led the series with four feature wins (tied), three Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Awards, two Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main wins (tied), two Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Awards (tied), eleven top-10 finishes (tied), and 91 feature laps led. Bernal closed out his season with four heat race victories and won his second straight Santa Maria track title.

Rauma, Finland's Markus Niemela put together a solid season and finished third in the point chase. Driving Steve Watt's #81 Lost Reality / SWE Maxim, Niemela did not win a main event but was a force to be reckoned with throughout the year. Getting adjusted to the larger tracks in Central California, Markus' best finish was a third at Kings Speedway on April 7th. The star of his own reality show had one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, seven top-10 finishes, and 17 feature laps led to his credit.

"Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. of Tipton had a tough season and claimed fourth in the point standings. Piloting his #17V Johnston Calf Pens / Buster & Ziggy Enterprises Bullet, "Hollywood" was another fast driver that did not score a feature win. The all-time leader in fast time awards posted a season best third place finish on May 5th at Santa Maria, where he claimed second in track points. At season's end, Faria earned one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, four heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, and nine top-10 finishes.

Scoring fifth in the point chase was Visalia's Richard Vander Weerd. Driving the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim, the defending series champion won $5,000 at the Santa Maria "John Jewett Memorial / Billet Cup" on September 29th. Also claiming the "Jim Evett Memorial" at Hanford on August 4th, Vander Weerd had one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, eight top-10 finishes, and 72 feature laps led to his credit.

"The Rickster" Ricky Kirkbride of Bakersfield had a solid season and claimed sixth in the final standings. The pilot of the Bob & Toni Van Meter's #87 Fred Cummings Motorsports Maxim did not win a main event, but posted a season best fifth place finish at Santa Maria on May 5th. With veteran mechanic Moose Lacy turning the wrenches, Kirkbride raced to one heat race victory, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, eight top-10 finishes, and 9 feature laps led during the campaign.

Santa Maria's "Showtime" Danny Sheridan finished seventh in the point chase and claimed second in the USAC vs. ASCS Grudge Series. Closing the year out in Keith Ford's #73X King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Sheridan did not win a feature but had three runner-up finishes. Also driving the Kittle Motorsports' #18K Sherman and Warren Dorathy's #21 KPC, the veteran driver had one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, five heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, nine top-10 finishes, and 10 feature laps led.

Matt Mitchell of Yorba Linda placed eighth in the point standings. The pilot of Steve Watt's #18 Christian Stover Foundation / SWE Maxim had championship aspirations until a Terre Haute crash during Indiana Sprint Week ended his season. Mitchell did not score a feature win during the campaign, but ran second to Bud Kaeding at Bakersfield on March 24th. The USAC/CRA standout earned one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, four heat race victories, seven top-10 finishes, and 19 feature laps led. Mitchell is still on the mend from his eye injury and everyone with the USAC West Coast Series wishes him a complete and speedy recovery.

Bakersfield's Rusty Carlile scored ninth in the championship points. Driving his #51 SouthWest Contractors / N.T.S. Incorporated Bullet, Carlile was another fast driver that did not win a main event in 2012. At Hanford's "Jim Turner Memorial" on September 8th, "The Bakersfield Bullet" had his best performance of the year with a third place run after starting fifteenth. To his credit, Carlile recorded one heat race victory, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, and six top-10 finishes on the year.

Finishing tenth in the point chase was Justyne Hamblin of Hanford. Driving the JH Motorsports' #8 Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino / Kings River Commodities SpeedTech, Hamblin had a tough season and did not win a main event. Like Carlile, the former series champion posted her best finish at Hanford's "Jim Turner Memorial," recording a fifth place run after starting thirteenth. Justyne closed out 2012 with one heat race victory, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, and three top-10 finishes. Before the final checkered flag of the season, the popular driver announced her retirement from sprint car racing and will be missed at the races.

Elk Grove's Kyle Larson, "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman of Ventura, and Buckeye, Arizona's Charles Davis Jr. also claimed feature wins in 2012. Driving for Keith Ford, Larson won both nights of Tulare's Faria Memorial and scored the Saturday finale from 20th in an unfamiliar team car. On July 7th, Kruseman raced the Ford #73X to victory at Santa Maria's "Doug Fort Memorial / War at the Shore." Davis, the ASCS Canyon Region Champion, piloted the Massey Motorsports #50 to the September 22nd "Brawl For It All" triumph at Canyon Speedway Park. It should be noted that Ford, Crew Chief Jimmy May, and the JFM team made series history with seven wins (4: Bernal, 2: Larson, 1: Kruseman) on the season.

Austin Liggett finished eleventh in points and earned Rookie of the Year honors after a tough battle with Verdemont Heights' Chris Gansen. Driving the family owned #83 Excel Environmental Services / Home Connections Inc. Maxim, Liggett showed improvement after teaming with Crew Chief Vinnie Lattner to score his best finish, a third at Hanford on August 4th. The Wingless Spec Sprint graduate had one heat race victory, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, seven top-10 finishes, and 1 feature lap led.

As this writing goes to press, Series Promoter Chris Kearns is working on the upcoming 2013 schedule and USAC officials are looking at options for the annual awards banquet. Details for both items will be released as soon as possible. Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVDs available for purchase that feature the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series and videos can be ordered by calling (805) 407-7229 or visiting www.loudpedalvideo.com.

For more information on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, www.racesantamariaspeedway.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/#!/pages/USAC-West-Coast-Sprint-Car-Series/369549755817). If you or your company would like to become part of the series for the upcoming season, please email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.

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2012 USAC WEST COAST FEATURE WINNERS:

March 8*: Las Vegas, NV (np) - Bud Kaeding March 17: Tulare, CA - RAIN March 24: Bakersfield, CA - Bud Kaeding April 7: Hanford, CA - Ryan Bernal April 14: Tulare, CA - RAIN April 21: Santa Maria, CA - RAIN May 5: Santa Maria, CA - Ryan Bernal May 11: Tulare, CA - Kyle Larson May 12: Tulare, CA - Kyle Larson June 9: Hanford, CA - Bud Kaeding June 23: Santa Maria, CA - Ryan Bernal July 7*: Santa Maria, CA - Cory Kruseman

July 14: Tulare, CA - CANCELLED August 4: Hanford, CA - Richard Vander Weerd September 8: Hanford, CA - Bud Kaeding September 22*: Peoria, AZ (np)- Charles Davis Jr.

September 29: Santa Maria, CA (np)- Richard Vander Weerd October 13: Hanford, CA - Ryan Bernal

-----------------------------------------------

* = USAC vs. ASCS Grudge Series

np = Non-point event.

FINAL USAC WEST COAST SPRINT STANDINGS: 1. Bud Kaeding 615; 2. Ryan Bernal 563; 3. Markus Niemela 484; 4. Danny Faria Jr. 483; 5. Richard Vander Weerd 460; 6. Ricky Kirkbride 401; 7. Danny Sheridan 398; 8. Matt Mitchell 391; 9. Rusty Carlile 389; 10. Justyne Hamblin 354; 11. Austin Liggett 353; 12. Chris Gansen 306; 13. Kevin Barnes 287; 14. Chris Ennis 238; 15. Don Gansen 238; 16. Jace Vander Weerd 226; 17. Tyler Dolacki 184; 18. Steve Conrad 181; 19. Jared Little 158; 20. Matt Day 156.

FINAL USAC vs. ASCS GRUDGE SERIES STANDINGS:

1. Ryan Bernal 468; 2. Danny Sheridan 453; 3. R.J. Johnson 441; 4. Rick Ziehl 411; 5. Brody Roa 389; 6. Mike Spencer 379; 7. Mike Martin 370; 8. Charles Davis Jr. 295; 9. Troy Rutherford 293; 10. Bud Kaeding 290; 11. Cory Kruseman 286; 12. Danny Faria Jr. 271; 13. Brian Hosford 250; 14. Josh Pelkey 249; 15. Tom Hendricks 236; 16. Andy Reinbold 228; 17. Ricky Kirkbride 189; 18. Bruce St. James 184; 19. Rusty Carlile 172; 20. Justin Quinn 170.

LARSON CAPS 2012 WITH “TURKEY” DRESSING; HAGEN, McQUEEN, PRICKETT CELEBRATE USAC CHAMPIONSHIPS

Kyle Larson won Thursday night’s 72nd “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. The victory capped a stellar USAC campaign for the Elk Grove, Calif. youngster who piloted the Keith Kunz Motorsports/Curb-Agajanian Toyota TRD Bullet.

Larson’s victory completed a five-race streak which included four wins and a second and also included wins in the “4-Crown Nationals” and “Gold Crown Nationals.”

Sharing Larson’s spotlight at Perris were 2012 USAC Champions Darren Hagen, Shannon McQueen, David Prickett, Mason Cook and the Kunz/Curb-Agajanian team. Hagen, who won the Turkey Night pole with a track record and led 17 laps early in the race, is the 2012 USAC Mopar National Midget Champ. McQueen emerged as the USAC Mopar Western Midget champ, while Prickett is the 2012 Western Midget Dirt titlist. Cook snatched the Western car owner title as a result of driver Brad Kuhn’s sixth-place finish, while the Kunz/Curb-Agajanian team completed a USAC National car owner “sweep” for Curb-Agajanian.

Larson passed Hagen on the 23rd lap and was never headed the rest of the way despite late-race pressure from Tracy Hines, who unfortunately suffered a flat tire just one lap from the 98-lap checkered flag. Former race winner Jason Leffler also led four early laps but the night belonged to Larson.

Jerry Coons Jr. charged to second in the closing laps, while Don Basile “Rookie of the Race” winner Ryan Bernal took third ahead of Nic Faas and Shane Golobic.

FINAL 2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

Darren Hagen-1,312, 2-Tracy Hines-1,111, 3-Bryan Clauson-1,051, 4-Caleb Armstrong-955, 5-Kyle Larson-927, 6-Brad Kuhn-867, 7-Rico Abreu-829, 8-Jerry Coons Jr.-794, 9-Bobby East-745, 10-Dalton Armstrong-695.

FINAL 2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

Darren Hagen-879, 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-794, 4-Brad Kuhn-760, 4-Bryan Clauson-728, 5-Tracy Hines-727, 6-Kyle Larson-691, 7-Chris Windom-670, 8-Rico Abreu-592, 9-Caleb Armstrong-547, 10-Davey Ray-512.

FINAL 2012 MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

Shannon McQueen-778, 2-David Prickett-629, 3-Nick Chivello-591, 4-Scott Pierovich-497, 5-Alex Schutte-449, 6-Frankie Guerrini-431, 7-Cole Carter-412, 8-Connor Kassik-380, 9-Jake Swanson-359, 10-Randi Pankratz-352.

FINAL 2012 MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

David Prickett-598, 2-Shannon McQueen-567, 3-Alex Schutte-397, 4-Connor Kassik-380, 5-Randi Pankratz-352, 6-Nick Chivello-335, 7-Cody Swanson-329, 8-Cole Carter-283, 9-Jake Swanson-275, 10-Scott Pierovich-273.

ROOKIES HAMILTON, LEARY & ABREU & MOST IMPROVED STOCKON SHARE USAC SPOTLIGHT DECEMBER 7 IN INDIANAPOLIS

Champions of USAC’s 2012 racing season will be honored on Friday night, December 7, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. as the 57th “Night of Champions” coincides again this year with the 4th Annual International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), being held at the nearby Indiana Convention Center.

USAC “Rookies of the Year” for 2012 include Kyle Hamilton of Danville, Ind. (Traxxas Silver Crown), C.J. Leary of Greenfield, Ind. (AMSOIL National Sprint) and Rico Abreu of Rutherford, Calif. (Mopar National Midget), while the “Most Improved Driver” for 2012 is Chase Stockon of Sullivan, Ind. Hamilton recorded a sixth-place finish at Toledo was his best in four starts as he took 14th in the final standings. Leary, the son of former Hoosier Hundred Winner Chuck Leary, started 20 features this year and notched four “top10s.” Abreu, steadily improving during the season, posted four straight “top-10s” late in the year, including a third at Peoria, Ariz. In addition he added his first USAC feature win in the Western Midget series at Calistoga. Stockon finished seventh in the final AMSOIL National Sprint Car standings and scored impressive back-to-back feature wins at Lawrenceburg, Ind. and Terre Haute, Ind. late in the series.

In addition to the various series championship awards, numerous other performance awards are part of the ceremonies as well as special recognition awards.

USAC’s Traxxas Off-Road Truck Championships (TORC) will also be featured at the banquet, which gets under way with a cocktail hour at 6 pm and dinner to follow at 7.

USAC National Racing Champions to be honored include Bryan Clauson, the repeat three-time winner of USAC’s National Drivers Championship and AMSOIL National Sprint title. The National Drivers Championship again carries a 2013 scholarship from INDYCAR. Other National Champions are Bobby East (TRAXXAS Silver Crown) and Darren Hagen (Mopar National Midget). TORC Champions include Ricky Johnson (Pro 4x4), Bryce Menzies (Pro 2WD), Brad Lovell (Pro Light 2WD) and Mitchell DeJong (Pro Buggy).

The Indiana Roof Ballroom is located at 140 W. Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis.

CLAUSON, EAST, HAGEN TOP DECEMBER 7 “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” JOHNSON, MENZIES, LOVELL & DeJONG TOP TORC HONOREES

The “Night of Champions” USAC National Awards Dinner is scheduled for Friday night, December 7, at the Indiana Roof Ballroom in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. Champions of USAC’s 2012 racing series will be honored during the gala evening.

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. has locked up his third consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship and among his championship awards are a scholarship from INDYCAR. Clauson also secured USAC’s 2012 AMSOIL National Sprint Car title.

Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. will be celebrated as USAC’s Traxxas Silver Crown and Darren Hagen of Riverside, Calif. emerged as the 2012 Mopar National Midget Car Champion.

Ricky Johnson of Trabuco Canyon, Calif., Bryce Menzies of Las Vegas, Nev., Brad Lovell of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Mitchell DeJong of Temecula, Calif. will be honored as 2012 USAC TRAXXAS TORC Off-Road Truck Champions presented by AMSOIL. Johnson claimed the Pro 4x4 title, while Menzies won the Pro 2WD crown, Lovell is the Pro Light 2WD titlist and DeJong won the inaugural Pro Buggy championship..

The affair will be held again this year in conjunction with the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), which will be held December 6-8 at the Indiana Convention Center, located just one block south of the banquet facility.

In addition to the various series championship awards, numerous other performance awards are part of the ceremonies as well as special recognition awards.

USAC’s Mopar .25 Midget “Generation Next” Champions will also be featured at the banquet, which gets under way with a cocktail hour at 6 pm and dinner to follow at 7.

Reservations for this special evening are being accepted until November 30 by Nikki Wilke at the USAC headquarters at nikki@usacracing.com or by calling 317-247-5151 (Ext. 214). Tickets for the banquet are priced at $60 each.

Emcees for the affair are renowned broadcasters Jim Tretow and Pat Sullivan.

The Indiana Roof Ballroom is located at 140 W. Washington Street in downtown Indianapolis.

LARSON OUTLASTS ALL TO WIN "TURKEY NIGHT GRAND PRIX"

Perris, California.…..Kyle Larson finished off another spectacular year and added a feather to his cap by winning Thursday night’s 72nd “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris Auto Speedway. The Elk Grove, California driver picked up his sixth win of the year in the first edition of the famed race run on dirt since 1998.

Newly-crowned 2012 Mopar National Midget champion driver Darren Hagen set a New Track Record in qualifying and led the field to the green, pacing the opening three laps of the 98-lapper. Two-time “Turkey Night” winner Jason Leffler roared by for the lead on lap four, but he encountered problems and faded, returning the lead to Hagen on lap eight.

Larson tracked down Hagen and took the lead on lap 22. Shortly after, Larson’s teammate Bryan Clauson also made his way by Hagen as the leaders worked through heavy traffic. Clauson caught his teammate quickly and slid under Larson for the lead, but Larson countered every time to retain command.

The first caution finally flew for Chad Boat on lap 32, as he shredded a left-rear tire while running seventh. Clauson dogged his teammate after the restart, as Tracy Hines was moving to the front after starting 12th. Just after Hines moved to third, Clauson caught the turn-one wall and flipped on lap 79 while running second.

The final twenty laps became a war of conservation as tires came into play. Hines continuously pressured Larson but never could solidify the top spot. On multiple occasions, Hines slid up in front of Larson only to see the 20-year old driver right back under him. Just after making a massive move to the outside of Larson, Hines came off turn-four to the white flag with a flat right-rear tire.

With race rookie Ryan Bernal behind him, Larson restarted without issue and completed the final circuit to notch the huge victory while locking up the 2012 Mopar National Midget owner’s championship for the Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports – Toyota TRD #71 Bullet/Speedway Toyota.

“I was really trying to be patient early in the race. I was worried about blistering my tires early, so I rode the bottom a little bit early. I followed Hagen for a bit before I got by him, but I was still kinda riding. Then, Bryan (Clauson) came and threw some sliders at me in the middle part of the race. I had to change my line up a little bit as the rubber came in, and I really did not want Tracy (Hines) to beat me again this year. I was looking at all the people who have won this race, A.J., Parnelli, Brent Kaeding, and it’s cool to add my name to that trophy,” Larson said.

Jerry Coons, Jr., who started 17th after qualifying 31st to begin the night, snuck under Bernal on the final corner to come home second in the Dooling Machine Products – Impact by MasterCraft #63 Spike/Esslinger.

“Rusty (Kunz) gave me a good car every time we went on the track. I was trying to go forward early, and really didn’t think the track would take rubber, but once it did I really just got in cruise mode after I got into seventh or eighth. I could see the tires of the guys in front of me and knew they were racing pretty hard. I ran real straight and got pretty conservative, and found ourselves in a good spot at the end, so I ran hard to get second there at the end,” Coons said.

Bernal came home third while wrapping up the “Don Basile Rookie of the Race” award in the King Racing Products – A&A Precision Machine #73 Ellis/Wirth Fontana.

“We started really deep, but it was a long race. I slowly picked cars off, and just had to be smooth towards the end. It was a crazy race. I had to keep it straight and actually drove it like a quarter-midget once it took rubber. It’s really cool to win the rookie award, though. Some really great race car drivers have won it before me, and it’s great to run so well in my first Turkey Night,” Bernal said.

Former Western States Midget champion Nic Faas finished fourth in the King Racing Products – A&A Precision Machine #72 Spike/Wirth Fontana, while Shane Golobic rounded out the top-five in the Carson R&D – Astro Titanium #26 Spike/Esslinger.

Brad Kuhn finished sixth to secure the Western States Midget owner’s championship for Mason Cook, while Shannon McQueen wrapped up her Western States Midget driver championship by finishing 18th.

MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET RACE RESULTS: November 22, 2012 – Perris, CA – Perris Auto Speedway – 72nd “Turkey Night Grand Prix”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Darren Hagen, 3, RFMS-17.025; 2. Michael Pickens, 73x, Ford-17.104; 3. Kyle Larson, 71, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-17.110; 4. Jason Leffler, 56, Hmiel-17.119; 5. Caleb Armstrong, 7c, C&A-17.150; 6. Chad Boat, 12, Allen-17.214; 7. Bryan Clauson, 67, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-17.287; 8. Brad Sweet, 67x, Kahne-17.321; 9. Casey Shuman, 86, Martens-17.333; 10. Dave Darland, 3F, RFMS-17.337; 11. Dalton Armstrong, 7A, C&A-17.360; 12. Tracy Hines, 24, Parker-17.393; 13. Troy Rutherford, 11R, Martens-17.442; 14. Danny Stratton, 25, Rodela-17.444; 15. Brady Bacon, 11, Wilke-17.455; 16. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-17.472; 17. Evan Margeson, 50, Margeson-17.493; 18. Dillon Welch, 39, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-17.571; 19. Nic Faas, 72, Ford-17.644; 20. Davey Ray, 33, RayPro-17.673; 21. Cory Kruseman, 21K, Kruseman-17.722; 22. Robby Josett, 02, Josett-17.729; 23. Jake Swanson, 05, Swanson-17.743; 24. Bobby East, 4, Klatt-17.743; 25. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen/Eskesen/Rescino-17.778; 26. Shane Golobic, 26, Bock-17.788; 27. David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-17.798; 28. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-17.802; 29. Terry Goodwin, 2G, Goodwin-17.804; 30. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-17.806; 31. Jerry Coons, Jr., 63, Dooling-17.811; 32. Rico Abreu, 67K, Kunz-17.824; 33. Rick Hendrix, 12x, Hendrix-17.825; 34. Levi Roberts, 2, Roberts-17.930; 35. Richard Vander Weerd, 19, Sala-17.937; 36. Brad Kuhn, 10, Cook-17.941; 37. Damion Gardner, 47, Bondio-17.963; 38. Mike Spencer, 51s, Fly-18.015; 39. Connor Kassik, 115, Neverlift-18.065; 40. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-18.078; 41. Alex Bowman, 5, Van Dyne-18.093; 42. Nathan Smee, 12K, Kruseman-18.143; 43. Nick Chivello, 27, Chivello-18.236; 44. Dennis Howell, 81, Watt-18.276; 45. Kyle Edwards, 39K, Edwards-18.282; 46. Cody Swanson, 71x, Swanson-18.283; 47. Andrew Felker, 57, Ecker-18.296; 48. Johnathon Henry, 19w, Sala-18.311; 49. Randi Pankratz, 8, Pankratz-18.353; 50. Taylor Ferns, 55, Ferns-18.530; 51. Josh Pelkey, 12JR, Allen-18.541; 52. Jim Waters, 151, Neverlift-18.645; 53. Trevor Cooper, 17K, Kruseman-18.826; 54. Brody Roa, 0, Lamott-18.834; 55. Jimmy Voitel, 21, Voitel-18.913; 56. Joey Fabozzi, 84, Fabozzi-20.902; 57. Zach Daum, 5D, Daum-NT (time of 17.533 disallowed); 58. Rick Shuman, 22AZ, Shuman-NT; 59. Britton Bock, 62, Bock-NT.

QUALIFYING RACE 1: (12 laps) 1. Bacon, 2. Coons, 3. Faas, 4. Kruseman, 5. Margeson, 6. Vander Weerd, 7. Daum, 8. J. Swanson, 9. Bowman, 10. Chivello, 11. Pelkey, 12. Hendrix, 13. Edwards, 14. McQueen, 15. Prickett, 16. Kassik, 17. Cooper, 18. Pankratz, 19. Felker, 20. Goodwin, 21. D. Gardner, 22. Voitel. NT

QUALIFYING RACE 2: (12 laps) 1. Ray, 2. Golobic, 3. Henry, 4. Bernal, 5. Welch, 6. Kuhn, 7. Spencer, 8. R. Gardner, 9. Abreu, 10. Johnson, 11. C. Swanson, 12. Pierovich, 13. Roberts, 14. Smee, 15. Ferns, 16. Roa, 17. Howell, 18. Josett, 19. Waters, 20. Fabozzi, 21. East. NT

FEATURE: (98 laps) 1. Kyle Larson, 2. Jerry Coons, Jr., 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. Nic Faas, 5. Shane Golobic, 6. Brad Kuhn, 7. Brady Bacon, 8. Casey Shuman, 9. Zach Daum, 10. Dalton Armstrong, 11. Johnathon Henry, 12. Caleb Armstrong, 13. Tracy Hines, 14. Dillon Welch, 15. Darren Hagen, 16. Michael Pickens, 17. David Prickett, 18. Shannon McQueen, 19. Jake Swanson, 20. Davey Ray, 21. Troy Rutherford, 22. Brad Sweet, 23. Danny Stratton, 24. Dave Darland, 25. Rico Abreu, 26. Bryan Clauson, 27. Evan Margeson, 28. Richard Vander Weerd, 29. Bobby East, 30. Mike Spencer, 31. Ronnie Gardner, 32. Jason Leffler, 33. Chad Boat, 34. Cory Kruseman. NT

--------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Hagen, Laps 4-7 Leffler, Laps 8-21 Hagen, Laps 22-98 Larson.

**D. Gardner flipped in Qualifying Race 1. Goodwin flipped in Qualifying Race 1. Clauson flipped on Lap 79 of the Feature.

MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET POINTS: 1-Hagen-1,312; 2-Hines-1,111; 3-Clauson-1,051; 4-C.Armstrong-955; 5-Larson-927; 6-Kuhn-867; 7-Abreu-829; 8- Coons-794; 9-East-745; 10-D.Armstrong-695.

DAWSON, SWANSON SHARE SPOTLIGHT IN LAS VEGAS FINALE!

Bryant Dawson of Phoenix, Ariz. closed out his first USAC professional driving title Saturday at the Las Vegas (Nev. Motor Speedway Bullring.

By finishing second to Jake Swanson in Saturday’s 30-lap feature, the 2010 USAC .25 Midget B Class Champ and 2011 Mod and Heavy AA titles emerged as this year’s USAC Las Vegas Ignite Midget crown.

Swanson, of Anaheim, Calif., won Saturday’s race over Dawson, Jimmy Waters Michael Fanelli and Riley Emmel. Fanelli concluded the season 54 points behind Dawson as the series runner-up.

Swanson passed Dawson on lap nine of Saturday’s race and led the last 22 laps for the victory. Dawson had earlier wrested the lead from Christine Breckenridge, who led the first three laps of the race.

NEW USAC LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS

1-Bryant Dawson-768, 2-Michael Fanelli-714, 3-Marina Turner-534, 4-George Blacker-533, 5-Christine Breckenridge-489, 6-Austin Blair-479, 7-Winn Frazin-383, 8-Chris Lamb-258, 9-Jake Swanson-195, 10-Cody Mansfield-154.

HAGEN, McQUEEN, PRICKETT EYE 2012 USAC TITLES

Darren Hagen, Shannon McQueen and David Prickett are all eyeing USAC driving championships this Thursday as the 72nd “Turkey Night Grand Prix” unfolds at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. Car owners Keith Kunz Motorsports/Curb-Agajanian and McQueen/Eskesen/Rescino Racing are targeting 2012 USAC car owner titles as well.

Hagen and McQueen have wrapped up the 2012 USAC Mopar National and Western Midget crowns respectively, while Prickett sits 29 points ahead of McQueen in the Western Dirt standings with 66 points up for grabs Thursday. Kunz/Curb-Agajanian have a 40-point margin over RFMS Racing in the National Midget owner points, while McQueen/Eskesen/Rescino Racing has a more tenuous 17-point lead over Mason Cook in the Western car owner listing.

Hagen’s first-ever full USAC National Championship Series title will come in front of his home-town crowd, hailing from nearby Riverside. McQueen, from Tehachapi, Calif., will become USAC’s fifth female driving champion in its 57-year history! Prickett, of Fresno, Calif., is seeking his initial USAC title.

In addition to the regular USAC Mopar National and Western stars, drivers will have to contend with a bevy of infrequent Midget challengers as well. They include 2012 Hut Hundred winner Brady Bacon, 2011 West Coast Sprint Champ Richard Vander Weerd, 5-time USAC/CRA Sprint Car Champ Mike Spencer, 2006 USAC/CRA Sprint Champ Cory Kruseman, 26-time Perris USAC/CRA Sprint winner Damion Gardner, 2012 Victorville Western Midget winner R.J. Johnson, 2008 Belleville Midget Nationals winner Brad Sweet, three-time USAC National Midget Champ and two-time Turkey Night winner Jason Leffler, 2012 USAC/CRA Sprint runner-up Nic Faas, four-time New Zealand Midget Champ Michael Pickens and 2008 USAC Midget Rookie of the Year Chad Boat, whose dad Billy strung together three straight Turkey Night wins at three different tracks in the 1990s.

Thursday’s race could include five former race winners: Jason Leffler (1999 and 2005), Bryan Clauson (2009, 2010), Bobby East (2004), Dave Darland (2007) and defending winner Caleb Armstrong (2011).

Following qualifications, two 12-lap “qualifying races” will precede the 98-lap feature event, the distance honoring the late J.C. Agajanian, whose famous race cars bore the number 98 and whose sons carry on the tradition of this great race as the race organizers.

2012 MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Shannon McQueen-761, 2-David Prickett-610, 3-Nick Chivello-591, 4-Scott Pierovich-497, 5-Alex Schutte-449, 6-Frankie Guerrini-431, 7-Cole Carter-412, 8-Connor Kassik-380, 9-Randi Pankratz-352, 10-Jake Swanson-344.

2012 MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-David Prickett-579, 2-Shannon McQueen-550, 3-Alex Schutte-397, 4-Connor Kassik-380, 5-Randi Pankratz-352, 6-Nick Chivello-335, 7-Cody Swanson-329, 8-Cole Carter-283, 9-Scott Pierovich-273, 10-Jake Swanson-260.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-1,283, 2-Tracy Hines-1,084, 3-Bryan Clauson-1,038, 4-Caleb Armstrong-924, 5-Kyle Larson-863, 6-Brad Kuhn-822, 7-Rico Abreu-816, 8-Jerry Coons Jr.-737, 9-Bobby East-732, 10-Chris Windom-670.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-850, 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-737, 3-Bryan Clauson-715, 4-Brad Kuhn-715, 5-Tracy Hines-700, 6-Chris Windom-670, 7-Kyle Larson-627, 8-Rico Abreu-579, 9-Caleb Armstrong-516, 10-Davey Ray-499.

USAC LAS VEGAS IGNITE FUELS MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

November 17, 2012 – Las Vegas, Nevada – Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring

QUALIFYING: 1. Jake Swanson, 59, Frazin-15.309; 2. Bryant Dawson, 99, Clark-15.346; 3. Michael Fanelli, 19, Fanelli-15.386; 4. Jimmy Waters, 28, Waters-15.455; 5. Eric Barlow, 89, Waters-15.487; 6. Riley Emmel, 12, Ray-15.525; 7. Christine Breckenridge, 26, Breckenridge-15.571; 8. Cody Mansfield, 2, Fanelli-15.755; 9. Jeff Kelley, 55x, Kelley-15.799; 10. George Blacker, 9B, Blacker-16.254; 11. Marina Turner, 98T, Turner-16.277; 12. Ashley Hazelton, 32, Pankratz-16.571; 13. Kody Jessop, 00, Jessop-17.159, 14. Gregg Fuette, 15, Strickland-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Swanson, 2. Fanelli, 3. Barlow, 4. Breckenridge, 5. Kelley, 6. Turner, 7. Jessop. 2:04.98

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Waters, 2. Dawson, 3. Emmel, 4. Mansfield, 5. Fuette, 6. Blacker, 7. Hazelton. NT

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Jake Swanson, 2. Bryant Dawson, 3. Jimmy Waters, 4. Michael Fanelli, 5. Riley Emmel, 6. Cody Mansfield, 7. Gregg Fuette, 8. Christine Breckenridge, 9. Jeff Kelley, 10. George Blacker, 11. Ashley Hazelton, 12. Marina Turner, 13. Kody Jessop, 14. Eric Barlow. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Breckenridge, Laps 4-8 Dawson, Laps 5-30 Swanson.

FINAL LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Dawson-768, 2-Fanelli-714, 3-Turner-534, 4-Blacker-533, 5-Breckenridge-489, 6-Austin Blair-479, 7-Winn Frazin-383, 8-Chris Lamb-258, 9-Swanson-195, 10-Mansfield-154.

SILVER CROWN COMMITTEE EYES BANNER 2013 YEAR

One of the more ambitious schedules is recent TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Series history was presented to enthusiastic participants gather at the USAC Headquarters yesterday.

Discussion included a wide range of topics as the 2013 calendar offers both new and renewed venues as well as purse structure incentives. In attendance were more than 25 car owners, drivers and crew members.

The race slate, scheduled to be released at next month’s Indianapolis Motorsports Industry Show in the Hoosier capital, spans approximately a dozen events, including the recently-released debut at the Belleville High Banks in Kansas.

Also adopted during the meeting were “Delaware Double File” restarts for all races in the series in 2013. In addition, all races conducted on half-mile ovals will constitute 50 laps with yellow-flag laps not counted.

"An open invitation was extended to all Traxxas Silver Crown teams to discuss the upcoming season,” said USAC’s Silver Crown Director James Spink. “I was very happy to see some new car owners, those who have been on the sidelines, and our staunch series supporters attend to discuss the upcoming season in a positive manner. The schedule offers to be one of our most entertaining in years and it was met with positive feedback from all involved."

Defending Series Champion Bobby East, who won races on the pavement at Newton, Iowa and on the dirt at Terre Haute, Ind., was delighted at the proposed schedule and is ready for a repeat championship. “It’s great that USAC has taken the initiative to move this series forward and everything I’ve heard has been positive. The title in 2012 was huge and I’d like nothing more than to do it again. Belleville has always been a favorite for me and that race is going to be fun and the fans should see a great race. My focus is on repeating as the champion next year!”

Daryl Guiducci, whose cars are tied for the most ever in Silver Crown competition with Stewart at 27, said, despite his retirement from the series as an owner after a long tenure: “I’m pleased at James’ direction and the fact the series is receiving the most attention it’s had in years. People will make this work, obviously, and just because I’ve taken a back seat doesn’t mean I’m not 150 percent behind this. This year should be a turning point for the series and everything right now points in the right direction. The negative feedback certainly does not help the situation so I hope everybody continues on this recent positive track. My cars should all be continuing in the series even though my name won’t be affixed. At present Brian Tyler doesn’t have a solid ride but he hopes to compete in 2013.”

Long-time car owner Galen Fox who competed only in this year’s Hoosier Hundred, commented: “This was the most productive meeting in years. There were a lot of participants and 2013 sounds exciting. I’m really looking forward to Belleville. In all the years I’ve been in this game I’ve never been there!”

Gene Nolen, who has fielded cars for many years and most recently fielded driver Shane Hollingsworth, noted: “The positive atmosphere was refreshing. The interest in the series among the participants seems to be at a high and if things that came from the meeting come together it should be a great year. Like Galen, I’ve never been to Belleville before and I can’t wait to get there.”

Indianapolis 500 veteran Davey Hamilton, whose son Davey Jr. is among USAC’s new talent pool, is also excited about the direction of the series. “I feel that USAC is on track to bring back the series we all dearly love with bigger fields and the right cars under a stable rules package. The mix of pavement and dirt with the expansion of premier venues will obviously create an interest in series investment and I hope to be involved with one or two cars myself in 2013. The true test of a champion is to have a split between dirt and pavement and it appears that has been achieved.”

CURB, AGAJANIAN HOPE TO CELEBRATE USAC HISTORY WITH NATIONAL SERIES “SWEEP” AT “TURKEY NIGHT”

Curb-Agajanian Motorsports is on the verge on an unprecedented “triple” as it attempts to be part of all three USAC National Racing Championship entrant combinations.

Already hoisting the Traxxas Silver Crown title in concert with car owner RW Motorsports and the AMSOIL National Sprint Car title in concert with CTR/BCI Motorsports, the duo of Mike Curb and Cary Agajanian hope to secure the Mopar National Midget crown in conjunction with Keith Kunz Motorsports next Thursday at the 72nd “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris, Calif.

At present, they have a 40-point edge over runner-up Don Fike’s RFMS Racing entry with 66 points available in next Thursday’s race at Perris Auto Speedway. Fike’s driver, Darren Hagen, has a spacious 199-point lead over Tracy Hines in the driver standings.

To date, no entity has ever claimed part of a single-season USAC “triple crown” car entrant sweep, although drivers Tony Stewart and J.J. Yeley did it in 1995 and 2003 respectively.

Driver Kyle Larson, winner of last Saturday’s “Western Classic” feature at Peoria, Ariz., will wheel the Kunz/Curb-Agajanian #71 entry in Thursday’s race. Larson’s five feature wins are the most for any driver this year in Mopar National Midget competition.

The achievement will be especially sweet for Agajanian if it happens Thursday, since his family has hosted the annual “Turkey Night Grand Prix” tradition for more than a half-century. In his father’s memory, the “Turkey Night” feature boasts a 98-lap distance, the number affectionately used by J.C. Agajanian throughout his car owner racing career.

CLAUSON EYES TURKEY “TRIPLE” AT PERRIS NOVEMBER 22

In the past 78 years only two drivers have been able to win at least three “Turkey Night Grand Prix” victories. On November 22 three-time USAC National Drivers Champion Bryan Clauson could join that list!

Clauson, the Noblesville, Ind. driver who has already locked up his third consecutive USAC National Drivers title, won the 2010 and 2011 classics at Irwindale, Calif. If he wins the November 22 race at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway he’ll become only the third driver in history to win the race on pavement and dirt. Mel Kenyon won the 1963 race at the Ascot Park dirt in Gardena, Calif. and the 1975 race on the pavement at 605 Speedway in Irwindale, Calif. Stan Fox won 1990 and 1991 back-to-back wins in the Ascot Park finale and at the paved Saugus (Calif.) Speedway.

Ron Shuman owns the all-time Turkey Night records with an incredible eight wins, while Boat’s three wins in 1995-1996-1997 also established a Turkey Night record with wins in three consecutive races at different tracks.

Clauson ranks third in the 2012 Mopar National Midget standings and recently wrapped up the 2012 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car crown. In the USAC Traxxas Silver Crown Series he ranked 12th.

Clauson and Bobby East are the only drivers to win in all three USAC National Series this year. Clauson, who has two Midget wins this year, has seven Sprint wins and a Silver Crown victory. He also accomplished the three-peat in 2010.

Clauson and East are expected to be joined at Perris by former Turkey Night champions Dave Darland, Jason Leffler and defending winner Caleb Armstrong. Any one of the three would qualify as Turkey Night pavement-dirt winners if they were victorious Thursday.

CLAUSON CLOSES OUT 3RD NDC TITLE AT PERRIS; NDC “TOP-10” UNCHANGED AFTER “WESTERN CLASSIC”

No changes were effected in the “top-10” positions in USAC’s National Driving Championship as a result of Saturday night’s “Western Classic” Mopar Midget race at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Defending two-time titlist Bryan Clauson enjoys a 70-point lead over Tracy Hines entering the November 22 “Turkey Night Grand Prix” Midget USAC finale at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Dave Darland continues to hold down third in the standings, followed by the idle Levi Jones and Darren Hagen.

2012 USAC National Drivers Championship Standings

1-Bryan Clauson-1,102, 2-Tracy Hines-1,032, 3-Dave Darland-1,016, 4-Levi Jones-974, 5-Darren Hagen-971, 6-Jon Stanbrough-956, 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-932, 8- Chris Windom-916, 9-Damion Gardner-866, 20-Robert Ballou-843.

BRYANT, FANELLI BATTLE FOR LAS VEGAS TITLE SATURDAY

USAC’s 2012 Las Vegas Ignite Midget Series concludes Saturday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring in Nevada and 47 points separate the top two drivers in the standings.

Phoenix, Ariz. driver Bryant Dawson has had an impeccable record at the LVMS oval this year. In 11 starts he’s had five wins, three seconds and three thirds! By contrast, Rio Rancho, N.M. driver Michael Fanelli has had three wins, two seconds and a third, but he won the last two features.

Dawson and Fanelli are both seeking repeat USAC driving titles. Dawson won the 2010 B and 2011 Mod and Heavy AA Mopar .25 Midget titles, while Fanelli won the 2010 Unrestricted Animal and 2011 Heavy World Family and Heavy 160 Mopar .25 Midget titles.

USAC LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS

1-Bryant Dawson-699, 2-Michael Fanelli-652, 3-Marina Turner-502, 4-George Blacker-497, 5-Austin Blair-479, 6-Christine Breckenridge-445, 7-Winn Frazin-383, 8-Chris Lamb-258, 9-Jake Swanson-121, 10-Cody Mansfield-104.

MIDGETS CONCLUDE NOV. 22 AT “TURKEY NIGHT” LARSON WINS “WESTERN CLASSIC;” RAIN TAKES FRIDAY

Darren Hagen will take an unsurmountable 199-point USAC Mopar National Midget lead into the November 22 “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris, Calif. as the 2012 USAC racing season concludes at Perris Auto Speedway.

Hagen emerged from Saturday’s “Western Classic” at Peoria, Ariz. with a second-place finish behind Kyle Larson, while series runner-up Tracy Hines was fourth in the 30-lapper at Canyon Speedway Park.

Larson, of Elk Grove, Calif., became the winningest driver in 2012 Mopar National Midget racing with his fifth feature win Saturday, leading the final 25 laps in his Toyota TRD Bullet after passing Zach Daum on lap six. Hagen was second ahead of Rico Abreu, Hines and Bryan Clauson.

Friday’s “Western Classic” event at Peoria was cancelled after persistent rains fell on the 3/8-mile dirt oval.

Hagen also has an unsurmountable 113-point lead over Jerry Coons Jr. in the current Mopar National Midget Dirt standings.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-850, 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-737, 3-Bryan Clauson-715, 4-Brad Kuhn-715, 5-Tracy Hines-700, 6-Chris Windom-670, 7-Kyle Larson-627, 8-Rico Abreu-579, 9-Caleb Armstrong-516, 10-Davey Ray-499.

USAC MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS:

November 10, 2012 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – “The Western Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Darren Hagen, 3, RFMS-14.090; 2. Rico Abreu, 67K, Kunz-14.145; 3. Kyle Larson, 71, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-14.178; 4. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-14.194; 5. Zach Daum, 5D, Daum-14.227; 6. Dave Darland, 72, Ford-14.269; 7. Tracy Hines, 24, Parker-14.349; 8. Bryan Clauson, 67, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-14.398; 9. Brad Sweet, 56, Hmiel-14.419; 10. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-14.460; 11. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-14.479; 12. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-14.565; 13. Caleb Armstrong, 7c, C&A-14.567; 14. Shane Golobic, 5, Wilke-14.599; 15. Taylor Ferns, 55, Ferns-14.601; 16. Dalton Armstrong, 7A, C&A-14.708; 17. Dillon Welch, 39, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-14.709; 18. Josh Pelkey, 12JR, Allen-14.764; 19. Connor Kassik,115, Neverlift-14.773; 20. Jerry Coons, Jr., 63, Dooling-14.811; 21. J.J. Yeley, 12, Allen-14.871; 22. Levi Roberts, 2, Roberts-14.928; 23. Terry Goodwin, 2G, Goodwin-14.977; 24. Bob Harr, 2H, Halarr-15.141; 25. Riley Emmel, 12EH, RayPro-15.193; 26. Kyle Edwards, 39K, Edwards-15.347; 27. Robert Marfia, 38, McGerigle-15.478; 28. Kenny Warren, 78, Warren-15.532; 29. Brad Kuhn, 11, Wilke-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Hagen, 2. Welch, 3. C.Armstrong, 4. Daum, 5. Emmel, 6. Yeley, 7. Sweet. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Roberts, 2. Golobic, 3. Abreu, 4. Darland, 5. Pelkey, 6. Pierovich, 7. Edwards. 1:55.22

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Larson, 2. Ferns, 3. Kassik, 4. Hines, 5. Gardner, 6. Goodwin, 7. Marfia. 1:53.67

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Coons, 2. Bernal, 3. Clauson, 4. Johnson, 5. D.Armstrong, 6. Haar, 7. Warren. 1:55.07

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Sweet, 2. Gardner, 3. Pierovich, 4. Yeley, 5. D.Armstrong, 6. Emmel, 7. Goodwin, 8. Pelkey, 9. Haar, 10. Kuhn, 11. Edwards, 12. Warrren, 13. Marfia. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Kyle Larson, 2. Darren Hagen, 3. Rico Abreu, 4. Tracy Hines, 5. Bryan Clauson, 6. Ryan Bernal, 7. Ronnie Gardner, 8. Scott Pierovich, 9. R.J. Johnson, 10. Jerry Coons, Jr., 11. J.J. Yeley, 12. Shane Golobic, 13. Caleb Armstrong, 14. Dalton Armstrong, 15. Levi Roberts, 16. Brad Kuhn, 17. Riley Emmel, 18. Connor Kassik, 19. Zach Daum, 20. Brad Sweet, 21. Dillon Welch, 22. Taylor Ferns, 23. Dave Darland. NT -------------------------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-5 Daum, Laps 6-30 Larson.

NEW MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET POINTS: 1-Hagen-1,283, 2-Hines-1,084, 3-Clauson-1,038, 4-C.Armstrong-924, 5-Larson-863, 6-Kuhn-822, 7-Abreu-816, 8-Coons-737, 9-Bobby East-732, 10-Chris Windom-670. NEW MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Hagen-850, 2-Coons-737, 3-Clauson-715, 4-Kuhn-715, 5-Hines-700, 6-Chris Windom-670, 7-Larson-627, 8-Abreu-579, 9-C.Armstrong-516, 10-Davey Ray-499.

NEXT MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET RACE: November 22 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway – 72nd “Turkey Night Grand Prix”

MIKE SPENCER WINS 17TH ANNUAL OVAL NATIONALS AT THE PAS!

By Lance Jennings

PERRIS, CA – NOVEMBER 7, 2012… In perhaps his best season to date, Temecula, California's Mike Spencer capped off his fifth straight Amsoil USAC/CRA Championship by winning the "17th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals." Thanks to additional sponsorship from John Jory Motorsports, last Saturday's $12,500 victory was the ninth feature win for the popular driver and the first Oval Nationals triumph for Car Owner Ron Chaffin and Crew Chief Bruce Bromme Jr. Tracy Hines, Jon Stanbrough, Damion Gardner, and Dave Darland rounded out the top five drivers.

After finishing sixth in Oval National points on Friday, the pilot of Ron Chaffin's #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim was locked into the 40-lap finale. By virtue of winning the Keizer Wheels "Super 6 Dash," Spencer had earned the pole position, but would have to battle a talented field of drivers to claim the victory.

Fellow front row starter Tracy Hines grabbed the early lead and looked for his first Perris victory. USAC National Championship contenders Dave Darland and Bryan Clauson had other plans and quickly dropped Spencer to fourth. As racers battled for position throughout the field, Hines set a fast pace that would be halted for a flip involving teammates Troy Rutherford and visiting driver C.J. Leary. Both drivers walked away uninjured, but were done for the night.

Hines had brilliant restarts throughout the event and continued to run strong. Getting excellent drives off the corners, Spencer rebounded past Clauson, Darland, and Hines to take for the lead. However, those efforts were erased by a yellow flag and Hines was back out front. Making the best of his second chance, Hines looked to inch away from the field, but Spencer managed to stay close. With the laps counting down, the pair raced hard and Mike took command on lap thirty-eight. One lap later, seventh running Nic Faas flipped his machine and this set up a 2-lap dash for the win. With the remaining field running nose to tail, Spencer got the jump and claimed the Oval Nationals win in front of the large Perris crowd.

Tracy Hines of Wilkinson, Indiana ran second in the Oval Nationals and led the first thirty-seven laps before falling to Spencer. Piloting his #4 MP Environmental Services / Schoenfeld Headers DRC, the former USAC Champion ran second in the Dash and finished fourth in USAC National points.

Avon, Indiana's Jon Stanbrough earned the program's LRB Inc. Race Products Award and scored third in the 40-lap feature. Driving the Leer Racing #21X DRC, Stanbrough claimed sixth in the Dash and finished third in the National point chase.

"The Demon" Damion Gardner of Pittsboro, Indiana ran fourth in the feature after starting twelfth. Piloting his #71 Pace Lighting Eagle, the former USAC/CRA Champion qualified sixth and won the Saldana Racing Products / Circle Track Performance Heat Race #2. Gardner claimed fifth in the USAC National standings.

Scoring fifth in the Oval Nationals was "The People's Champion" Dave Darland of Lincoln, Indiana. Driving Jeff Walker's #11 Jeff's Jam-It-In Storage / Hoosier Tire Maxim, Darland ran third in the Dash and finished second in the USAC National Series.

"The Madman" Robert Ballou of Rocklin, California earned the night's Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with an eighth place run after starting twenty-fourth. Piloting the MPHG Promotions #81 Rossie Feed & Grain / Maxim Chassis entry, Ballou qualified eighteenth and ran third in his heat race. The former Sprint Bandits TnT Champion finished 2012 tied for sixth in USAC National points.

Sikeston, Missouri's Hunter Schuerenberg earned his first Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award. Driving Hank Byram's #35 Fatheadz Eyewear / R&B Trucker's Mach 1, Schuerenberg won the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1 and claimed sixteenth in the Oval Nationals. For his efforts, Hunter finished eighth in USAC National points.

"T-Mez" Thomas Meseraull of San Jose, California won the night's DJ Safety Heat Race #3. Piloting the Baldwin Brothers Racing #5X Fox Paving / Claxton Racing Engines Maxim, "T-Mez" qualified seventh and scored twenty-first in the main event after a flip ended his night.

Campbell, California's Bud Kaeding drove to victory in the SBI Fuel Systems / Integra Racing Shocks Heat Race #4. Racing Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Bullet, the newly crowned USAC West Coast Sprint Champion was thirteenth quick and finished seventeenth in the Oval Nationals.

"The Bear" Chris Windom of Canton, Illinois won the first 12-lap Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main. Piloting the Tony Stewart/Curb/Agajanian #20 Chevy Performance Maxim, Windom was second quick in time trials, fourth in his heat race, and finished twelfth in the main event.

Torrance, California's "Super" Rickie Gaunt claimed victory in the second 12-lap Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main. Driving David Miller's #66 Tom Roberts Designs / Barnes Systems Inc. Eagle, the former SCRA Champion qualified eighth, ran fourth in his heat race, and placed seventh in the feature after starting sixteenth.

SANDER ENGINEERING / ROD END SUPPLY TIME TRIALS: (Minus top-6 Friday points – no points) 1. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byrum-16.020; 2. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.150; 3. Ronnie Gardner, 18, Kittle-16.189; 4. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-16.205; 5. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.218; 6. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-16.229; 7. Thomas Meseraull, 5x, Baldwin-16.276; 8. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-16.305; 9. Wes McIntyre, 5, Baldwin-16.324; 10. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-16.332; 11. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.353; 12. C.J. Leary, 42x, Cheney-16.440; 13. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-16.452; 14. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.483; 15. Troy Rutherford, 42, Cheney-16.510; 16. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-16.516; 17. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.534; 18. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-16.537; 19. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 9k, Black Jack-16.539; 20. Greg Alexander, 72x, Tyler-16.546; 21. Jake Swanson, 41, Henry/Jones-16.704; 22. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.750; 23. John Aden, 7A, Aden-16.902; 24. Ronnie Case, 8x, Case-17.030; 25. Trevor Cooper, 71k, Kruseman-17.074; 26. Bobby Bender, 21, Bender-17.092; 27. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-17.118; 28. Johnathon Henry, 17, Lathrop-17.157; 29. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-17.159; 30. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-17.195; 31. Tom Hendricks, 14k, Kruserman-17.207; 32. Jesse Denome, 6, Denome-17.307; 33. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-17.460; 34. Ed Schwarz, 47, Perkins-17.863; 35. Mike Collins, 04, Collins-18.673; 36. Kenny Perkins, 0K, Perkins-NT.

EXTREME MUFFLERS FIRST HEAT RACE: (10 laps-no points) 1. Hunter Schuerenberg, 2. Wes McIntyre, 3. Robert Ballou, 4. Austin Williams, 5. Cody Williams, 6. Jace Vander Weerd, 7. Trevor Cooper, 8. A.J. Bender, 9. Ed Schwarz. 2:46.75

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / CIRCLE TRACK PERFORMANCE SECOND HEAT RACE: (10 laps-no points) 1. Damion Gardner, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Troy Rutherford, 4. Chris Windom, 5. David Bezio, 6. John Aden, 7. Tom Hendricks, 8. Kevin Thomas Jr. 2:48.78

DJ SAFETY THIRD HEAT RACE: (10 laps-no points) 1. Thomas Meseraull, 2. Ronnie Gardner, 3. Rip Williams, 4. Greg Alexander, 5. C.J. Leary, 6. Johnathon Henry, 7. Ronnie Case, 8. Jesse Denome. 2:47.48

SBI FUEL SYSTEMS / INTEGRA RACING SHOCKS FOURTH HEAT RACE: (10 laps-no points) 1. Bud Kaeding, 2. Chase Stockon, 3. Brody Roa, 4. Rickie Gaunt, 5. Jake Swanson, 6. Trevor Cooper, 7. Tony Everhart, 8. David Cardey. NT

KEIZER WHEELS “SUPER-6 DASH”: (6 laps-no points) 1. Mike Spencer (#50 Chaffin), 2. Tracy Hines (#4 Hines), 3. Dave Darland (#11 Walker), 4. Bryan Clauson (#7 Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian), 5. Nic Faas (#4x Alexander), 6. Jon Stanbrough (#21x Leer). 1:39.42

COMPETITION SUSPENSION INC. / DIVERSIFIED MACHINE INC. B MAIN #1: (12 laps-no points) 1. Chris Windom, 2. Robert Ballou, 3. Austin Williams, 4. David Cardey, 5. Brody Roa, 6. David Bezio, 7. Jake Swanson, 8. Greg Alexander, 9. Trevor Cooper, 10. Cody Williams, 11. Ronnie Case. NT

COMPETITION SUSPENSION INC. / DIVERSIFIED MACHINE INC. B MAIN #2: (12 laps-no points) 1. Rickie Gaunt, 2. Rip Williams, 3. Troy Rutherford, 4. Johnathon Henry, 5. C.J. Leary, 6. John Aden, 7. Jace Vander Weerd, 8. A.J. Bender, 9. Tony Everhart, 10. Tom Hendricks, 11. Bobby Bender. 3:28.71

FEATURE: (40 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Mike Spencer (1st), 2. Tracy Hines (2nd), 3. Jon Stanbrough (6th), 4. Damion Gardner (12th), 5. Dave Darland (3rd), 6. Bryan Clauson (4th), 7. Rickie Gaunt (16th), 8. Robert Ballou (24th), 9. Chase Stockon (13th), 10. Ronnie Gardner (9th), 11. Austin Williams (17th), 12. Chris Windom (15th), 13. Brody Roa (19th), 14. Rip Williams (23rd), 15. Wes McIntyre (14th), 16. Hunter Schuerenberg (8th), 17. Bud Kaeding (11th), 18. David Bezio (26th), 19. Cody Williams (25th), 20. Nic Faas (5th), 21. Thomas Meseraull (7th), 22. Johnathon Henry (20th), 23. Richard Vander Weerd (10th), 24. Troy Rutherford (18th), 25. C.J. Leary (21st), 26. David Cardey (22nd). NT ---------------------------------------- **Cody Williams & Case flipped during the first B Main. **C.J. Leary, Troy Rutherford, Thomas Meseraull, and Nic Faas flipped during the feature. **Cody Williams and David Bezio used provisionals.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-37 Tracy Hines, Laps 38-40 Mike Spencer. RINGERS GLOVES / KEIZER WHEELS HARD CHARGER: Robert Ballou (24th to 8th) LRB INC. RACE PRODUCTS AWARD: Jon Stanbrough.

FINAL AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Mike Spencer-1,407, 2-Nic Faas-1,032, 3-Brody Roa-983, 4-Rip Williams-906, 5-Austin Williams-863, 6-Ryan Bernal-837, 7-Cory Kruseman-725, 8-Cody Williams-675, 9-David Cardey-500, 10-Matt Mitchell-461.

FINAL USAC AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Bryan Clauson-2,087, 2-Dave Darland-2,082, 3-Jon Stanbrough-2,019, 4-Tracy Hines-1,891, 5-Damion Gardner-1,802, 6-Robert Ballou-1,723, 7-Chase Stockon-1,723, 8-Hunter Schuerenberg-1,671, 9-Levi Jones-1,615, 10-Chris Windom-1,559.

WIRE TO WIRE FOR BRYAN CLAUSON AT PERRIS

By Lance Jennings

PERRIS, CA – NOVEMBER 7, 2012… Starting on the outside of the front row, Noblesville, Indiana's Bryan Clauson led all 30-laps to claim last Friday's main event at Perris Auto Speedway. The $5,000 "Budweiser Oval Nationals" opening night triumph was the fifth career Amsoil USAC/CRA victory for the USAC National point leader as Jon Stanbrough, Dave Darland, Tracy Hines, and Nic Faas followed Clauson to the checkered flag.

Piloting the #7 CTR/BCI/Curb/Agajanian Maxim, Bryan Clauson not only scored the victory but earned valuable points towards the USAC National championship. While the box score may read that the Friday feature was dominated by Clauson, it was not an easy victory by any means. After taking command from pole sitter Thomas Meseraull, Bryan managed to shake free from Nic Faas, make his way through slower traffic, and fight off late challenges from Dave Darland and Jon Stanbrough.

As an added wrinkle to the Oval Nationals, the top six in points were locked into Saturday's 40-lap finale. With the victory, Clauson left Friday's action as the point leader and would start sixth in a special dash that set the first three rows of the finale. Earlier in the program, Bryan qualified fifth out of the forty-four cars in attendance and scored third in his heat race.

Avon, Indiana's Jon Stanbrough mounted a late race charge and had to settle for second on this night after starting eighth. Driving the Leer Racing #21X DRC, Stanbrough timed in eighth quick overall and placed second in his heat race. Running fourth in Oval Nationals points, Jon set himself up to contend for Saturday's 40-lap victory.

Piloting Jeff Walker's #11 Jeff's Jam-It-In Storage / Hoosier Tire Maxim, "The People's Champion" Dave Darland of Lincoln, Indiana scored third and earned the program's LRB Inc. Race Products Award. Qualifying second and becoming the fourth driver to join the "15 Second Club" at Perris Auto Speedway, the veteran driver was second in event points and also won the Saldana Racing Products Heat Race #2.

Wilkinson, Indiana's Tracy Hines raced to fourth in the 30-lap feature after starting seventh. Driving his #4 MP Environmental Services / Schoenfeld Headers DRC, the former USAC Champion was seventh quick in time trials, fourth in his heat race, and ended his night fifth in the Oval Nationals point chase.

After running second for many laps, Nic Faas of Huntington Beach, California claimed fifth at the checkered flag. The pilot of Mark Alexander's #4X Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike qualified third overall, won the DJ Safety Heat Race #3, and claimed fourth in event standings.

Yorba Linda, California's Austin Williams earned the night's Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a thirteenth place run after starting twenty-third. Driving Jack Jory's #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams qualified twenty-fifth and ran fourth in his heat race.

Mike Spencer of Temecula, California earned his thirteenth Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award of the Year. Piloting Ron Chaffin's #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim, the USAC/CRA point leader was third in his heat race, ran seventh in the feature, and earned sixth in event points.

Sullivan, Indiana's Chase Stockon drove the family owned #32 Terre Haute First National Bank / Superior Tank & Trailer DRC to victory in the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race. The young driver qualified sixteenth in his first Perris start and ran tenth in the main event after starting fifteenth.

"Super" Rickie Gaunt of Torrance, California won the SBI Fuel Systems / Integra Racing Shocks Heat Race #4. Driving David Miller's #66 Tom Roberts Designs / Barnes Systems Inc. Eagle, the former SCRA Champion was fourteenth quick and scored ninth in the feature after starting thirteenth.

Hollister, California's Ryan Bernal claimed the Circle Track Performance Heat Race #5. Piloting Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, the Santa Maria track champion timed in fifteenth fast overall and scored twenty-fourth in the main event after a flip ended his night.

Troy Rutherford of Ojai, California raced Dwight Cheney's #42 ParkerStore of Phoenix / Sander Engineering DRC to the 12-lap Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win. The former VRA Sprint Car Champion qualified twelfth, placed fifth in his heat race, and scored twelfth in the main event.

SANDER ENGINEERING / ROD END SUPPLY TIME TRIALS: 1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-15.891; 2. Dave Darland, 11, Walker-15.933; 3. Nic Faas, 4x, Alexander-16.025; 4. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.112; 5. Bryan Clauson, 7, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-16.164; 6. Thomas Meseraull, 5x, Baldwin-16.172; 7. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-16.174; 8. Jon Stanbrough, 21x, Leer-16.222; 9. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.229; 10. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-16.254; 11. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byrum-16.265; 12. Troy Rutherford, 42, Cheney-16.283; 13. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-16.292; 14. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-16.303; 15. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-16.344; 16. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-16.345; 17. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-16.408; 18. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.433; 19. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.446; 20. Ronnie Gardner, 18, Kittle-16.448; 21. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-16.456; 22. C.J. Leary, 42x, Cheney-16.576; 23. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.635; 24. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-16.690; 25. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.699; 26. Wes McIntyre, 5, Baldwin-16.703; 27. Greg Alexander, 72x, Tyler-16.719; 28. Jake Swanson, 41, Henry/Jones-16.783; 29. Tom Hendricks, 14k, Kruserman-16.947; 30. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.951; 31. Johnathon Henry, 17, Lathrop-17.020; 32. John Aden, 7A, Aden-17.114; 33. Jesse Denome, 6, Denome-17.192; 34. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-17.198; 35. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-17.223; 36. Bobby Bender, 21, Bender-17.233; 37. Trevor Cooper, 21k, Bender-17.562; 38. Kyle LeDuc, 23, Bellegante-17.703; 39. Ronnie Case, 8x, Case-17.920; 40. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-18.345; 41. Ed Schwarz, 47, Perkins-18.922; 42. Kenny Perkins, 0K, Perkins-19.010; 43. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 9k, Black Jack-28.880; 44. Kyle Hirst, 73x, Ford-NT

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps) 1. Chase Stockon, 2. Hunter Schuerenberg, 3. Mike Spencer, 4. Thomas Meseraull, 5. Rip Williams, 6. Johnathon Henry, 7. Bobby Bender, 8. Ed Schwarz, 9. Wes McIntyre. 2:48.35

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps) 1. Dave Darland, 2. C.J. Leary, 3. Damion Gardner, 4. Tracy Hines, 5. Troy Rutherford, 6. John Aden, 7. Trevor Cooper, 8. Greg Alexander. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 3: (10 laps) 1. Nic Faas, 2. Jon Stanbrough, 3. Cody Williams, 4. Brody Roa, 5. Jake Swanson, 6. Jace Vander Weerd, 7. Kyle LeDuc, 8. Jesse Denome. 2:51.47

SBI FUEL SYSTEMS / INTEGRA RACING SHOCKS HEAT RACE 4: (10 laps) 1. Rickie Gaunt, 2. David Cardey, 3. Chris Windom, 4. Richard Vander Weerd, 5. Bud Kaeding, 6. Kyle Hirst, 7. Tom Hendricks, 8. David Bezio, 9. Ronnie Case. 2:50.46

CIRCLE TRACK PERFORMANCE HEAT RACE 5: (10 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Ronnie Gardner, 3. Bryan Clauson, 4. Austin Williams, 5. Rusty Carlile, 6. Robert Ballou, 7. A.J. Bender, 8. Tony Everhart. 2:47.35

COMPETITION SUSPENSION INC. / DIVERSIFIED MACHINE INC. SEMI-MAIN: (12 laps) 1. Troy Rutherford, 2. Rip Williams, 3. Johnathon Henry, 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Robert Ballou, 6. Jace Vander Weerd, 7. Greg Alexander, 8. John Aden, 9. David Bezio, 10. Wes McIntyre, 11. Tom Hendricks, 12. Jake Swanson, 13. A.J. Bender, 14. Trevor Copper, 15. Bobby Bender, 16. Ronnie Case, 17. Kenny Perkins, 18. Tony Everhart, 19. Kyle Hirst, 20. Kyle Leduc, 21. Rusty Carlile. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Bryan Clauson (2nd), 2. Jon Stanbrough (8th), 3. Dave Darland (5th), 4. Tracy Hines (7th), 5. Nic Faas (4th), 6. Thomas Meseraull (1st), 7. Mike Spencer (6th), 8. Chris Windom (9th), 9. Rickie Gaunt (13th), 10. Chase Stockon (15th), 11. Hunter Schuerenberg (10th), 12. Troy Rutherford (11th), 13. Austin Williams (23rd), 14. Johnathon Henry (24th), 15. Ronnie Gardner (19th), 16. Robert Ballou (25th), 17. Brody Roa (12th), 18. Bud Kaeding (22nd), 19. Cody Williams (17th), 20. David Bezio (27th), 21. Richard Vander Weerd (3rd), 22. C.J. Leary (21st), 23. David Cardey (18th), 24. Ryan Bernal (14th), 25. Damion Gardner (16th), 26. Jace Vander Weerd (26th), 27. Rip Williams (20th), 28. Kevin Thomas Jr. (28th). NT ---------------------------------------- **Kyle Leduc flips during the semi. **Ryan Bernal flipped on lap 21 of the feature. **Richard Vander Weerd flipped on the final lap of the feature. **Robert Ballou, Jace Vander Weerd, David Bezio, and Kevin Thomas Jr. used provisionals.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Bryan Clauson. RINGERS GLOVES / KEIZER WHEELS HARD CHARGER: Austin Williams (23rd to 13th) LRB INC. RACE PRODUCTS AWARD: Dave Darland.

HAGEN’S BEAT GOES ON AS MIDGETS CONVENE AT CANYON!

Darren Hagen’s path to the 2012 USAC Mopar National Midget Championship winds through Arizona this weekend as Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria hosts the “Western Classic” Friday and Saturday.

Hagen, of Riverside, Calif., has a 184-point lead over runner-up Tracy Hines with 222 points remaining in the remaining three races. The series concludes November 22 in the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Hagen also leads the sub-series dirt and pavement points since he has been proficient on both surfaces in his RFMS Liberty Village/McGladrey & Pullen entries. In 21 appearances so far this season he has two dirt and two pavement wins, a dirt second and thirds on both dirt and pavement. He’s only finished out of the “top-10” three times.

Hines, who now ranks fourth in USAC’s all-time National feature winner list with 83 in the three USAC National series, has three Midget wins in 2012 to go with three thirds. Third-ranking National Midget driver Bryan Clauson has won twice, added three seconds and a third.

Brad Sweet won USAC’s last National Midget race in the Grand Canyon State, in 2010 at Tucson. A victory by Tucson’s Jerry Coons Jr. at Peoria would tie A.J. Foyt and Dave Steele as USAC’s winningest driver in Arizona history. A sweep of both Peoria wins by Coons would put him with a record nine Arizona USAC victories.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS In 1-Darren Hagen-1,152; 2-Tracy Hines-968; 3-Bryan Clauson-924; 4-Caleb Armstrong-831; 5-Kyle Larson-791; 6-Brad Kuhn-741; 7-Bobby East-732; 8-Rico Abreu-691; 9-Chris Windom-670; 10-Jerry Coons Jr.-636.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-719, 2-Chris Windom-670, 3-Jerry Coons Jr.-636, 4-Brad Kuhn-634, 5-Bryan Clauson-601, 6-Tracy Hines-584, 7-Kyle Larson-555, 8-Davey Ray-499, 9-Rico Abreu-454, 10-Caleb Armstrong-423.

2 MIDGETS AT CANYON THIS WEEKEND OFFER NDC POINTS; 3 NATIONAL RACES REMAIN ON 2012 CALENDAR!

Only three USAC National races remain on the 2012 calendar and two are scheduled this weekend when the “Western Classic” unfolds for the USAC Mopar National Midget Series at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.

Newly-crowned USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Champion Bryan Clauson continues his drive to a third consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship, holding a 74-point margin over Tracy Hines entering this weekend’s races. Dave Darland, the idle Levi Jones and Darren Hagen round out the “top-5” in the latest standings.

Clauson won Friday night’s “Budweiser Oval Nationals” feature at Perris, Calif., while Hines posted a second and fourth in the two Perris races. Darland had a third and fifth, while Jon Stanbrough, who jumped from seventh to sixth in the new points had a second and third in the two Perris main events.

The 2012 USAC National calendar concludes November 22 in the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” Mopar National/Western Midget race at Perris.

2012 USAC National Drivers Championship Standings

1-Bryan Clauson-1,102, 2-Tracy Hines-1,028, 3-Dave Darland-1,016, 4-Levi Jones-974, 5-Darren Hagen-959, 6-Jon Stanbrough-956, 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-932, 8-Chris Windom-916, 9-Damion Gardner-866, 10-Robert Ballou-843.

CLAUSON BEATS DARLAND BY 5 FOR AMSOIL NATIONAL TITLE; CRA CHAMP SPENCER LANDS “BUDWEISER OVAL NATIONALS” CROWN

Bryan Clauson and Mike Spencer completed 2012 USAC driving championships Saturday night as the 17th “Budwesier Oval Nationals” concluded its two-night AMSOIL Sprint Car campaign at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Clauson, of Noblesville, became the youngest USAC National Sprint Car Champion in history at age 23, winning Friday’s 30-lap Perris prelim and finishing sixth in Saturday night’s 40-lap finale. He edged Dave Darland by just five points for the crown after Darland finished third and fifth in the two Perris features.

Spencer’s AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car title makes him the first driver in USAC history to claim five consecutive championships in a single series. He won Saturday’s “Budweiser Oval Nationals” 40-lapper for his first time and finished with a whopping 375-point cushion over runner-up Nic Faas.

Clauson led all 30 laps of Friday’s race in his Curb Records/R & B Truckers Maxim/Fisher to beat Stanbrough, Darland, Hines and Faas to the checkered flag.

Spencer trailed Hines for 37 laps Saturday, then led the final three laps in his Madera Produce/Grubstake Mini-Storage Maxim/Shaver to beat Hines, Stanbrough, Damion Gardner and Darland.

Car entrant champions for 2012 crowned Saturday night were CTR/BCI/Curb-Agajanian (USAC National) and Ron Chaffin Motorsports (USAC/CRA).

FINAL 2012 AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR POINTS

1-Bryan Clauson-2,087, 2-Dave Darland-2,082, 3-Jon Stanbrough-2,019, 4-Tracy Hines-1,891, 5-Damion Gardner-1,802, 6-Robert Ballou-1,723, 7-Chase Stockon-1,723, 8-Hunter Schuerenberg-1,671, 9-Levi Jones-1,615, 10-Chris Windom-1,559.

FINAL 2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR POINTS

1-Mike Spencer-1,407, 2-Nic Faas-1,032, 3-Brody Roa-983, 4-Rip Williams-906, 5-Austin Williams-863, 6-Ryan Bernal-837, 7-Cory Kruseman-725, 8-Cody Williams-676, 9-David Cardey-498, 10-Matt Mitchell-461.

SPENCER WINS FIRST "OVAL NATIONALS," CLAUSON IS SPRINT CAR CHAMPION

Perris, California…….Temecula, California’s Mike Spencer capped off a magical season which saw him capture his fifth-straight USAC/CRA Sprint Car championship with a monumental victory in the 17th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway. Meanwhile, Bryan Clauson overcame adversity once again to come home sixth, narrowly taking his first National Sprint Car championship along with his Corey Tucker Racing – BCI – Curb-Agajanian team.

Spencer started from the pole, but front-row mate Tracy Hines shot to the lead. The duo ran 1-2 nearly all of the event, but championship contenders Clauson and Dave Darland were slicing and dicing just behind them to run in the top-five. Darland moved to the second spot and closed on Hines, but he made no attempts for the lead. Clauson also moved by Spencer before a red-flag on lap ten.

Spencer got going after the restart and roared back to the runner-up spot. Jon Stanbrough also came calling, as he followed Spencer on the bottom line into a battle for the top-three. Spencer moved in front of Hines on lap 22, but a caution came out just before the whole field could complete a lap for the pass to stick. With a reprieve, Hines adjusted his line and was making it very tough on Spencer at the front.

After a red with seven to go, Clauson had disposed of Darland and was looking to make a run at the race win. He jumped to the top and flashed by Stanbrough and alongside Spencer for second, before bobbling on the cushion in turns three and four. Spencer took that cue and jumped to the top in turn-one, pulling alongside Hines off turn-two and beating him into turn-three, officially leading for the first time at the stripe at the conclusion of lap 38.

Just as the leaders were taking the white flag, seventh-running Nic Faas flipped in turn-four. As the leaders restarted, Clauson’s right-rear tire was visibly deflating. Spencer led without issue, while Darland and 12th-starting Damion Gardner circled Clauson. At the white flag, Clauson’s title hopes appeared to be in jeopardy, but a final lap that included a pass by Gardner on Darland, and Clauson going by Rickie Gaunt left the final margin at five points.

Spencer took the popular victory in front of a hometown crowd in the Ron Chaffin Motorsports – Madera Produce – Grubstake Mini Storage #50 Maxim/Shaver.

“This is huge for all of us from California. We’ve been getting beaten by the National guys the last few years. It’s good that the local guy won here tonight, and bring it back to the West Coast. I’m proud of that. We’ve been trying a long time, and been close, and I need to thank everybody who has helped us get here. I can’t thank my car owner Ron Chaffin and my crew chief Bruce Bromme enough, along with all of our crew. This is the goal every year, and it’s sweet to finally get it,” Spencer said.

Hines held on for second to finish off a strong year that found him finishing fourth in points with the MP Environmental Services – Support Esophagus Cancer Research #4 DRC/Shaver.

“I have to thank the whole Calderwood family. We’ve had fun, even with our patriarch Dave passing away this season. We do this as a family, and I appreciate everyone who helps us so much. Mike was a little better tonight, especially at the end. He showed us where to run the one time when he got by us and the yellow came out , but unfortunately he was just too good at the end,” Hines said.

Stanbrough completed the podium and came home third in points, just 68 points behind Clauson in the Leer Motorsports – DND Oil Company #21x DRC/Speedway.

“It’s the best finish I’ve ever had out here, and after being down in the dumps having to switch to our other car at the start of the night, it’s a great result. (Crew chief) Daryl Tate did a great job getting it ready to go. I appreciate all the fans out here – I have a great time every year out here. I have to thank all the people who helped us all year to get here, and glad we could end it well,” Stanbrough said.

Gardner finished fourth in the Honoring Pat Kehoe – Pace Lighting #71 Eagle/Shaver, while Darland completed his championship runner-up season with another top-five aboard the Jeff’s Jam-It-In Storage – Hoosier Tire #11 Maxim/Claxton.

Clauson summed up what was a crazy season that saw him win the driver’s championship despite missing four races in the Curb Records – R&B Trucker’s #7 Maxim/Fisher.

“It’s unbelieveable to have the year that we’ve had, and come back from missing some races. I can’t say enough about my team. I started to mix it up with those guys, but after that last red, the tire was going down and I just had to try to salvage. I thought I might be able to catch those guys sleeping down there, but I’m happy for Mike to win the race. I knew coming in that beating Dave was not gonna be easy, and we were gonna have to be on our game. It was a war, especially on those last two laps to finish it off. We held on, and we’re champions, and that sounds good,” Clauson said.

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL & CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS: November 3, 2012 – Perris, CA – Perris Auto Speedway – 17th Annual “Oval Nationals”

QUALIFYING: 1. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-16.020; 2. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.150; 3. Ronnie Gardner, 18, Kittle-16.189; 4. Brody Roa, 91, BR-16.205; 5. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.218; 6. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-16.229; 7. Thomas Meseraull, 5x, Baldwin-16.276; 8. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-16.305; 9. Wes McIntyre, 5, Baldwin-16.324; 10. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-16.332; 11. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.353; 12. C.J. Leary, 42x, Cheney-16.440; 13. Bud Kaeding, 29, BZE-16.456; 14. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.483; 15. Troy Rutherford, 42, Cheney-16.510; 16. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-16.516; 17. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.534; 18. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-16.537; 19. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 9K, BlackJack-16.539; 20. Greg Alexander, 72, Tyler-16.546; 21. Jake Swanson, 41, Henry-16.704; 22. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.750; 23. Jon Aden, 7A, Aden-16.902; 24. Ronnie Case, 8x, Case-17.030; 25. Trevor Cooper, 71K, Kruseman-17.074; 26. Bobby Bender, 21, Bender-17.092; 27. David Bezio, 37x, Bezio-17.118; 28. Johnathon Henry, 17, Lathrop-17.157; 29. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-17.159; 30. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-17.195; 31. Tom Hendricks, 14K, Kruseman-17.207; 32. Jesse Denome, 6, JD-17.307; 33. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-17.460; 34. Ed Schwarz, 47, Schwarz-17.863; 35. Mike Collins, 04, Collins-18.673; 36. Kenny Perkins, 0, Perkins-NT.

FIRST HEAT:: (10 laps) 1. Schuerenberg, 2. McIntyre, 3. Ballou, 4. A. Williams, 5. C. Williams, 6. J. Vander Weerd, 7. B. Bender, 8. A.J. Bender, 9. Schwarz. 2:47.35

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. D. Gardner, 2. R. Vander Weerd, 3. Rutherford, 4. Windom, 5. Bezio, 6. Aden, 7. Hendricks, 8. Thomas. 2:48.78

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Meseraull, 2. R. Gardner, 3. R. Williams, 4. Alexander, 5. Leary, 6. Henry, 7. Case, 8. Denome. 2:48.01

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Kaeding, 2. Stockon, 3. Roa, 4. Gaunt, 5. Swanson, 6. Cooper, 7. Everhart, 8. Cardey. NT

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Mike Spencer (50, Chaffin), 2. Tracy Hines (4, Hines), 3. Dave Darland (11, Walker), 4. Bryan Clauson (7, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian), 5. Nic Faas (4x, Alexander), 6. Jon Stanbrough (21x, Leer). 1:39.84

FIRST SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Windom, 2. Ballou, 3. A. Williams, 4. Cardey, 5. Roa, 6. Bezio, 7. Swanson, 8. Alexander, 9. Cooper, 10. C. Williams, 11. Case. NT

SECOND SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Gaunt, 2. R. Williams, 3. Rutherford, 4. Henry, 5. Leary, 6. Aden, 7. J. Vander Weerd, 8. A.J. Bender, 9. Everhart, 10. Hendricks, 11. B. Bender. 3:29.26

FEATURE: (40 laps) 1. Mike Spencer, 2. Tracy Hines, 3. Jon Stanbrough, 4. Damion Gardner, 5. Dave Darland, 6. Bryan Clauson, 7. Rickie Gaunt, 8. Robert Ballou, 9. Chase Stockon, 10. Ronnie Gardner, 11. Austin Williams, 12. Chris Windom, 13. Brody Roa, 14. Rip Williams, 15. Wes McIntyre, 16. Hunter Schuerenberg, 17. Bud Kaeding, 18. David Bezio, 19. Cody Williams, 20. Nic Faas, 21. Thomas Meseraull, 22. Johnathon Henry, 23. Richard Vander Weerd, 24. Troy Rutherford, 25. C.J. Leary, 26. David Cardey. NT

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FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-37 Hines, Laps 38-40 Spencer.

**C. Williams & Case flipped in Semi 1. Rutherford flipped on Lap 20 of the Feature. Meseraull flipped on Lap 34 of the Feature. Faas flipped on lap 39 of the Feature.

AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Clauson-2,087; 2-Darland-2,082; 3-Stanbrough-2,019; 4-Hines-1,891; 5-Gardner-1,802; 6-Stockon/Ballou-1,723; 8-Schuerenberg-1,671; 9-Levi Jones-1,615; 10-Windom-1,559.

CLAUSON CLUTCH IN PERRIS VICTORY

Perris, California…….Bryan Clauson came into this weekend’s 17th Annual Budweiser “Oval Nationals” at Perris Auto Speedway with a scant seven-point lead over 1999 AMSOIL National Sprint Car champion Dave Darland, but the Noblesville, Indiana driver stepped up with an impressive performance to lead from flag-to-flag for the Friday night win. It was Clauson’s seventh victory of the season, putting him ahead of Darland and into the top spot in the victory column, while tacking on a point going into Saturday’s 40-lap Feature.

Clauson started outside the front row and took row-two starter Nic Faas with him as they stretched out a large advantage over the field in the first half of the race. Darland, who began from row-three, moved by Richard Vander Weerd into the third spot before trying to track down the lead duo. With 13 to go, the first of five interruptions found those three joined by Jon Stanbrough, who had crept into the top-five.

After a red flag for Ryan Bernal, Darland used a lap-20 restart to diamond off turn-two and take the runner-up spot. Clauson, however, was stout up front as he moved to the cushion all the way around and held back Darland, until a caution appeared with six laps to go for Cody Williams.

The chance appeared for Darland to take the point from Clauson as he got a great run on the restart, attempting a slide-job into turn-one, but Clauson motored around the outside and distanced himself off turn-two to hold the lead. Stanbrough, who had found the bottom all the way around, scooted by Darland just a moment later.

A caution and a red in the final two laps forced Clauson to survive a couple more restarts, but he was up to the task as he traced the cushion perfectly to collect his 18th career National victory in the Curb Records – R&B Trucker’s #7 Maxim/Fisher.

“I knew that I had to get a good run off turn-four and get my momentum up on those restarts. I swear we won that thing twice before we actually got it, but they gave me a great car to finish it off. Coming into tonight, it was me and Dave, and he’s a guy I’ve looked up to all my life. I knew it wouldn’t be easy tonight, and it surely won’t be tomorrow night, either. We’ve got a battle on our hands, but tonight was a big step,” Clauson said.

Stanbrough hit a great restart and nearly pulled alongside Clauson on the final circuit before coming home second in the Leer Motorsports – DND Oil Company #21x DRC/Speedway.

“I wanted to win tonight, and we were close. I always enjoy coming out here at the end of the year to race. We were fast enough, especially in a longer race, to get there, but congratulations to Bryan and his guys, and it was good, clean racing with Dave all through that race. Hopefully, we can close a little more on them tomorrow,” Stanbrough said.

Darland kept his title hopes alive with a top-three finish in the Jeff’s Jam-It-In Storage – Hoosier Tire #11 Maxim/Claxton, but will have to beat Clauson by at least three positions on Saturday to have a shot at his second title.

“That time I started in second right behind Bryan, we had a good chance. We were getting really good starts off four, and had a good chance to get him into one and didn’t get it pulled off. We were just a little too tight for my liking. It was a good night, and we’re still in the hunt for the championship. Bryan and I have been racing hard all summer, and it’s coming down to one last race tomorrow night.

Tracy Hines just nipped Faas at the line for fourth in the MP Environmental Services – Support Esophagus Cancer Research #4 DRC/Shaver, while Faas closed out the top-five in the Scott Sales Company – La Villa Restaurant #4 Spike/J&D. Those five, along with fast qualifier Mike Spencer, are locked into tomorrow night’s “Super Six” Dash.

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL & CRA SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS: November 2, 2012 – Perris, CA – Perris Auto Speedway – 17th Annual Budweiser “Oval Nationals”

QUALIFYING: 1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-15.891; 2. Dave Darland, 11, Walker-15.933; 3. Nic Faas, 4x, Alexander – 16.025; 4. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.112; 5. Bryan Clauson, 7, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-16.164; 6. Thomas Meseraull, 5x, Baldwin-16.172; 7. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-16.174; 8. Jon Stanbrough, 21x, Leer-16.222; 9. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.229; 10. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-16.254; 11. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-16.265; 12. Troy Rutherford, 42, Cheney-16.283; 13. Brody Roa, 91, BR-16.292; 14. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-16.303; 15. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-16.344; 16. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-16.348; 17. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-16.408; 18. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.433; 19. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.446; 20. Ronnie Gardner, 18, Kittle-16.448; 21. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-16.456; 22. C.J. Leary, 42x, Cheney-16.576; 23. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.635; 24. Bud Kaeding, 29, BZE-16.690; 25. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.699; 26. Wes McIntyre, 5, Baldwin-16.703; 27. Greg Alexander, 72, Tyler-16.719; 28. Jake Swanson, 41, Henry-16.783; 29. Tom Hendricks, 14K, Kruseman-16.947; 30. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.951; 31. Johnathon Henry, 17, Lathrop-17.020; 32. Jon Aden, 7A, Aden-17.114; 33. Jesse Denome, 6, JD-17.192; 34. David Bezio, 37x, Bezio-17.198; 35. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-17.223; 36. Bobby Bender, 21, Bender-17.233; 37. Trevor Cooper, 71K, Kruseman-17.562; 38. Kyle LeDuc, 23, Bellegante-17.703; 39. Ronnie Case, 8x, Case-17.920; 40. Tony Everhart, 55, Everhart-18.345; 41. Ed Schwarz, 47, Schwarz-18.922; 42. Kenny Perkins, 0, Perkins-19.010; 43. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 9K, BlackJack-28.880; 44. Kyle Hirst, 73x, Ford-NT.

FIRST HEAT:: (10 laps) 1. Stockon, 2. Schuerenberg, 3. Spencer, 4. Meseraull, 5. R. Williams, 6. Henry, 7. B. Bender, 8. Schwarz, 9. McIntyre. 2:48.35

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Darland, 2. Leary, 3. D. Gardner, 4. Hines, 5. Rutherford, 6. Aden, 7. Cooper, 8. Alexander. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Faas, 2. Stanbrough, 3. C. Williams, 4. Roa, 5. Swanson, 6. J. Vander Weerd, 7. LeDuc, 8. Denome. 2:51.47

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Gaunt, 2. Cardey, 3. Windom, 4. R. Vander Weerd, 5. Kaeding, 6. Hirst, 7. Hendricks, 8. Bezio, 9. Case. 2:50.46

FIFTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. R. Gardner, 3. Clauson, 4. A. Williams, 5. Carlile, 6. Ballou, 7. A.J. Bender, 8. Everhart. 2:47.35

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Rutherford, 2. R. Williams, 3. Henry, 4. Kaeding, 5. Ballou, 6. J. Vander Weerd, 7. Alexander, 8. Aden, 9. Bezio, 10. McIntyre, 11. Hendricks, 12. Swanson, 13. A.J. Bender, 14. Cooper, 15. B. Bender, 16. Case, 17. Perkins, 18. Everhart, 19. Hirst, 20. LeDuc, 21. Carlile. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Jon Stanbrough, 3. Dave Darland, 4. Tracy Hines, 5. Nic Faas, 6. Thomas Meseraull, 7. Mike Spencer, 8. Chris Windom, 9. Rickie Gaunt, 10. Chase Stockon, 11. Hunter Schuerenberg, 12. Troy Rutherford, 13. Austin Williams, 14. Johnathon Henry, 15. Ronnie Gardner, 16. Robert Ballou, 17. Brody Roa, 18. Bud Kaeding, 19. Cody Williams, 20. David Bezio, 21. Richard Vander Weerd, 22. C.J. Leary, 23. David Cardey, 24. Ryan Bernal, 25. Damion Gardner, 26. Jace Vander Weerd, 27. Rip Williams, 28. Kevin Thomas, Jr. NT

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FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Clauson.

**LeDuc flipped in the Semi. Bernal flipped on Lap 21 of the Feature. R. Vander Weerd flipped on the final lap of the Feature.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Clauson-2,042; 2-Darland-2,034; 3-Stanbrough-1,965; 4-Hines-1,834; 5-Gardner-1,751; 6-Stockon-1,687; 7-Ballou-1,684; 8-Schuerenberg-1,650; 9-Levi Jones-1,615; 10-Thomas-1,541.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL & CRA SPRINT RACE: November 3 – Perris, CA – Perris Auto Speedway – 17th Annual Budweiser “Oval Nationals”

USAC RETURNS TO BELLEVILLE IN 2013; SILVER CROWN SERIES JOINS MIDGETS AT LEGENDARY HALF-MILE

One of America’s most revered motorsports events returns to the USAC fold in 2013 with an exciting addition to its tradition-laden program, when the 36th “Belleville Nationals” unfolds at the historic Belleville (Kansas) High Banks.

Since 1978 the spectacular high-banked dirt oval at the North Central Kansas Free Fair has thrilled fans with its annual “Belleville Midget Nationals” racing extravaganza. Next year, USAC’s vaunted TRAXXAS Silver Crown Championship Cars will make its Belleville debut in conjunction with the Mopar National Midget cars to produce a Belleville spectacle unlike any in the track’s history.

The August 1-3 schedule calls for a full program of USAC Midget racing, along with Silver Crown practice on Thursday night, Silver Crown qualifying and feature on Friday and the Midget finale on Saturday. In addition, renewing a long-standing tradition at Belleville, participants will gather Wednesday at the fairgrounds park to select opening slots for the Midget competition.

Half-mile dirt Silver Crown racing dates back to 1980 at Williams Grove, Pa. and in the ensuing 32 years other half-mile dirt ovals have included annual treks to Rossburg, Ohio and Terre Haute, Ind., plus events at Knoxville, Ia., Denver, Colo., Oklahoma City, Okla., Tampa, Fla., Parkersburg, W.Va., Hagerstown, Md., Las Vegas, Nev. and Phoenix, Ariz.

“We are looking forward to USAC’s return to the Belleville High Banks, adds USAC Silver Crown Series Director James Spink. “We expect this exciting addition at Belleville to attract new fans to the diehard-legion of race fans from American as well as Down-Under who annually target this weekend as one of their signature calendar events. We will see many drivers pulling double-duty that weekend, including many who have had their Silver Crown cars on the sideline the past year.”

“We are very happy to have USAC back on board for the 36th annual Belleville High Banks Midget Nationals, and also for the very first time bringing the USAC Silver Crown Series to the famed Belleville High Banks, says race organizer Jimmy Melton. “There will be alot of new events from autograph parties to the cars being displayed the week of the midget nationals. We really look forward to working with USAC on this historic event in 2013!”

USAC Triple Crown Champion Jerry Coons Jr. expects to be among drivers doing “double duty” in the 2013 Belleville program. He notched his third Belleville Midget Nationals championship last year and has a pair of wins on Silver Crown dirt half-miles. “I’ve been an advocate for the Silver Crown at Belleville, so I’m very excited to see this materialize,” says Jerry. The Silver Crown cars and the return of USAC’s National Midgets to Belleville should be a big step toward boosting the event for race fans. The half-mile tracks have always created great Silver Crown action and with Belleville’s different size configuration it should make for good racing.” Coons’ previous Silver Crown half-mile victories came at Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix, Ariz. and at the “4-Crown Nationals” in Rossburg, Ohio.

USAC previously sanctioned the Belleville Midget Nationals from 1996, when Robby Flock was the winner, through 2009, when USAC National Drivers Champion Bryan Clauson took home the trophy.

PERRIS’ “BUDWEISER OVAL NATIONALS” CLOSE SPRINT CAMPAIGN; DARLAND, MARTIN SHINE IN CANYON’S “HALL OF FAME” FEATURES

AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car title hopefuls Bryan Clauson, Dave Darland and Jon Stanbrough will square off this weekend for the championship in the 17th annual “Budweiser Oval Nationals” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Mike Spencer’s unprecedented fifth consecutive AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car crown is an anti-climax with his unsurmountable lead over Nic Faas going into the Friday-Saturday events at the PAS, but the three-way National point race is another issue.

Clauson’s new lead over Darland stands at just seven points, while Stanbrough is 73 in arrears, with ample points available for each. Clauson posted a second and a seventh in last weekend’s “Arizona Hall of Fame” features at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz., while Darland won Friday’s 30-lapper. Darland’s Saturday cost him the point lead as he struggled through an early-lead tangle and a late-race spin to finish 17th. Stanbrough’s two Peoria outings produced a 13th and a fifth.

Darland, of Lincoln, Ind., passed Kevin Thomas Jr. on lap 18 and led the final 13 laps of Friday’s race in his Jam-It-In Storage/Hoosier Tire Maxim/Claxton. Clauson took second ahead of Thomas, Spencer and Robert Ballou.

Yuma, Ariz.’s Mike Martin upset the series regulars Saturday, leading all 30 laps in his Ultimate Off-Road/Advanced Racing Suspension Maxim/Shaver. Ballou was second, with Damion Gardner, Hunter Schuerenberg and Stanbrough rounding out the “top-five.”

Gardner, who owns more USAC/CRA Perris victories than anybody else, is the two-time “Budweiser Oval Nationals” defending champion. He joins Darland and Cory Kruseman in the search to tie Bud Kaeding as the only “three-time event champion. Other former “Budwesier Oval Nationals” champs include Jimmy Sills, Rip Williams, Rodney Argo, Rickie Gaunt, Tony Jones, Chris Windom and the late Jesse Hockett.

Spencer, with back-to-back feature wins this weekend, would tie Gardner as the all-time USAC/CRA Perris victory leader. Gardner has 25 wins and Spencer 23.

2012 AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR POINTS

1-Bryan Clauson-1.974, 2-Dave Darland-1,967, 3-Jon Stanbrough-1,901, 4-Tracy Hines-1,778, 5-Damion Gardner-1,732, 6-Robert Ballou-1,663, 7-Chase Stockon-1,646, 8-Levi Jones-1,615, 9-Hunter Schuerenberg-1,612, 10-Kevin Thomas-1,528.

2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR POINTS

1-Mike Spencer-1,293, 2-Nic Faas-959, 3-Brody Roa-932, 4-Rip Williams-865, 5-Ryan Bernal-816, 6-Austin Williams-800, 7-Cory Kruseman-725, 8-Cody Williams-639, 9-David Cardey-465, 10-Matt Mitchell-461.

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL & USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

October 27, 2012 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – Parker Stores “Hall of Fame Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bryan Clauson, 7, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-13.418; 2. Dave Darland, 11, Walker-13.535; 3. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-13.542; 4. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byrum-13.595; 5. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-13.686; 6. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-13.736; 7. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-13.778; 8. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-13.808; 9. Kevin Thomas Jr., 9k, Black Jack-13.811; 10. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-13.861; 11. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-13.896; 12. Mike Martin, 16, Martin-13.914; 13. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-13.960; 14. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-13.976; 15. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-13.978; 16. Thomas Meseraull, 5x, Baldwin-13.995; 17. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-14.029; 18. Wes McIntyre, 5, Baldwin-14.085; 19. Cory Kruseman, 7x, Priestley-14.085; 20. Dalten Gabbard, 77, Gabbard-14.093; 21. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-14.127; 22. Nic Faas, 4x, Alexander-14.208; 23. Josh Hodges, 74x, Hodges-14.223; 24. Jeremy Sherman, 18, Kittle-14.424; 25. Tom Ogle, 48, Ogle-14.442; 26. Ronnie Clark, 6, Clark-14.464; 27. Jon Stanbrough, 21x, Leer-14.503; 28. Bruce St. James, 7k, St. James-14.614; 29. Stevie Sussex, 1, Sussex-14.712; 30. Josh Pelkey, 4jr, Regals-14.896.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. A.Williams, 2. C.Williams, 3. Clauson, 4. Johnson, 5. Roa, 6. Thomas, 7. Sussex, 8. Ogle. 1:51.72

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. McIntyre, 2. Faas, 3. R.Williams, 4. Windom, 5. Darland, 6. Clark, 7. Stockon, 8. Pelkey. 1:51.65

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Hodges, 2. Hines, 3. Ballou, 4. Gardner, 5. Davis, 6. Stanbrough, 7. Kruseman. 1:51.97

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Gabbard, 2. Sherman, 3. Meseraull, 4. Martin, 5. Schuerenberg, 6. Spencer, 7. St. James. 1:52.97

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Schuerenberg2. Stockon, 3. Thomas, 4. Darland, 5. Davis, 6. Roa, 7. Stanbrough, 8. Clark, 9. Ogle, 10. St. James, 11. Sussex, 12. Spencer, 13. Kruseman, 14. Pelkey. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Mike Martin, 2. Robert Ballou, 3. Damion Gardner, 4. Hunter Schuerenberg, 5. Jon Stanbrough, 6. Rip Williams, 7. Bryan Clauson, 8. Thomas Meseraull, 9. Tracy Hines, 10. R.J. Johnson, 11. Nic Faas, 12. Brody Roa, 13. Jeremy Sherman, 14. Wes McIntyre, 15. Josh Hodges, 16. Chris Windom, 17. Dave Darland, 18. Austin Williams, 19. Dalten Gabbard, 20. Cody Williams, 21. Chase Stockon, 22. Charles Davis Jr., 23. Kevin Thomas Jr. NT ---------------------------- **Kruseman & Pelkey flipped during the semi. Darland flopped during the feature. Davis flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Martin.

NEW AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Clauson-1.974, 2-Darland-1,967, 3-Stanbrough-1,901, 4-Hines-1,778, 5-Gardner-1,732, 6-Ballou-1,663, 7-Stockon-1,646, 8-Levi Jones-1,615, 9-Schuerenberg-1,612, 10-Thomas-1,528. NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-1,293, 2-Faas-959, 3-Roa-932, 4-R.Williams-865, 5-Ryan Bernal-816, 6-A.Williams-800, 7-Kruseman-725, 8-C.Williams-639, 9-David Cardey-465, 10-Matt Mitchell-461.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL & USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: November 2 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway – “Budweiser Oval Nationals”

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL & USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

October 26, 2012 – Peoria, Arziona – Canyon Speedway Park - Parker Stores “Hall of Fame Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-13.545; 2. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byrum-13.583; 3. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-13.703; 4. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-13.719; 5. Bryan Clauson, 7, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-13.739; 6. Dave Darland, 11, Walker-13.783; 7. Kevin Thomas Jr., 9k, Black Jack-13.854; 8. Thomas Meseraull, 5x, Baldwin-13.914; 9. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-13.931; 10. Nic Faas, 4x, Alexander-13.966; 11. Josh Hodges, 74x, Hodges-13.984; 12. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-14.007; 13. Jon Stanbrough, 21x, Leer-14.040; 14. Bruce St. James, 7k, St. James-14.042; 15. Cory Kruseman, 7x, Priestley-14.043; 16. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-14.046; 17. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-14.060; 18. Charles Davis Jr., 4G, Cook-14.111; 19. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-14.179; 20. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-14.200; 21. Ronnie Clark, 6, Clark-14.231; 22. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-14.238; 23. R.J. Johnson, 51, Martin-14.250; 24. Casey Shuman, 2a, Yeley-14.312; 25. Wes McIntyre, 5, Baldwin-14.321; 26. Jeremy Sherman, 18, Kittle-14.339; 27. Josh Pelkey, 4jr, Regals-14.405; 28. Tom Ogle, 48, Ogle-14.543; 29. Dalton Gabbard, 77, Gabbard-14.581; 30. Mike Martin, 16, Martin-14.661; 31. Stevie Sussex, 1, Sussex-14.729; 32. Michael Dayney, 3D, Dayney-15.242.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Clauson, 2. Stanbrough, 3. Hines, 4. McIntyre, 5. Spencer, 6. Clark, 7. C.Williams, 8. Gabbard. 1:53.87

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Windom, 2. Davis, 3. Schuerenberg, 4. Darland, 5. Faas, 6. St. James, 7. Martin, 8. Sherman. 1:53.54

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Thomas, 2. Johnson, 3. Gardner, 4. A.Williams, 5. Kruseman, 6. Hodges, 7. Sussex, 8. Pelkey. 1:55.52

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Meseraull, 2. Stockon, 3. Roa, 4. Ballou, 5. R.Williams, 6. Shuman, 7. Ogle, 8. Dayney. 1:55.45

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Sherman, 2. Spencer, 3. Faas, 4. Hodges, 5. R.Williams, 6. Kruseman, 7. St. James, 8. Shuman, 9. Pelkey, 10. Ogle, 11. Clark, 12. Gabbard, 13. Martin, 14. Dayney, 15. Sussex, 18. C.Williams. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Dave Darland, 2. Bryan Clauson, 3. Kevin Thomas Jr., 4. Mike Spencer, 5. Robert Ballou, 6. Tracy Hines, 7. Thomas Meseraull, 8. Chris Windom, 9. Josh Hodges, 10. Damion Gardner, 11. Cory Kruseman, 12. Chase Stockon, 13. Jon Stanbrough, 14. R.J. Johnson, 15. Charles Davis Jr., 16. Rip Williams, 17. Nic Faas, 18. Wes McIntyre, 19. Jeremy Sherman, 20. Hunter Schuerenberg, 21. Austin Williams, 22. Brody Roa, 23. Cody Williams. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-17 Thomas, Laps 18-30 Darland.

NEW AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Darland-1,942, 2-Clauson-1,920, 3-Stanbrough-1,852, 4-Hines-1,735, 5-Gardner-1,669, 6-Stockon-1,629, 7-Levi Jones-1,615, 8-Ballou-1,600, 9-Schuerenberg-1,554, 10-Thomas-1,513. NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-1,292, 2-Faas-921, 3-Roa-900, 4-Ryan Bernal-816, 5-R.Williams-814, 6-A.Williams-775, 7-Kruseman-724, 8-C.Williams-619, 9-David Cardey-465, 10-Matt Mitchell-461.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL & USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: October 27 – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park - Parker Stores “Hall of Fame Classic”

Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series

12TH ANNUAL "HALL OF FAME CLASSIC" AT CANYON BEGINS FRIDAY

By Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – OCTOBER 24, 2012… This Friday and Saturday, the cars and stars of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will return to Peoria, Arizona's Canyon Speedway Park. Co-sanctioned with the USAC National Sprints, the 12th Annual ParkerStore "Hall of Fame Classic" will feature an incredible roster of talent from California, Arizona, New Mexico, and the Midwest. The popular Challenge Cup Sprint Cars will join the showcase and the spectator gates will open at 5:00pm with racing set begin at 7:00pm.

Heading into Friday's event, Temecula's Mike Spencer has a lock on his fifth straight championship. Holding a commanding 332 point advantage, the pilot of Ron Chaffin's #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim was second at the October 6th "Fair Race" at Perris. To date, Spencer has eight feature wins, eleven Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Awards, five heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, eighteen top-5 finishes, and 164 feature laps led. Mike will be looking for his first "Copper State" victory at Canyon Speedway Park.

Nic Faas of Huntington Beach is currently second in the point chase. Driving Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike, the 1-lap track record holder at Canyon claimed his second victory of the year on October 6th. In 2012, Faas has three Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Awards, five heat race victories, two Ringers Gloves / Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Awards, eleven top-5 finishes, and 43 feature laps led to his credit. Nic will be among the favorites to watch at the "Hall of Fame Classic."

Sitting third in the point standings is Buena Park's Brody Roa. Piloting the BR Performance #91R HD Industries / Burris Racing Spike, the former Wagsdash Champion ran eighth at Perris after starting sixteenth. Roa won at Yuma on June 2nd and has two heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, six top-five finishes, and 47 feature laps led on the year. Brody will have his sights on adding the "Hall of Fame Classic" to his resume.

Ryan Bernal of Hollister is fourth in the championship points. Driving Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, the Santa Maria track champion was twelfth on October 6th after a flip ended his night. To date, Bernal has two feature wins, three heat race victories, one Ringers Gloves / Keizer Wheels Hard Charger Award, eight top-5 finishes, and 94 feature laps led. Ryan will be looking to claim victory at Canyon Speedway Park.

Yorba Linda's "The Ripper" Rip Williams sits fifth in USAC/CRA point chase. Piloting Jack Jory's #3 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, the 2004 Champion scored eleventh at the Perris "Fair Race." In 2012, "The Ripper" has one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, two heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, five top-5 finishes, and 13 feature laps led. Williams has been running strong and will be a threat to win at Canyon.

Among the other top USAC/CRA contenders expected to be in action are Austin Williams of Yorba Linda, Ventura's "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman, and Yorba Linda's "Cadillac" Cody Williams. Dave Darland will lead the challenge from USAC National drivers including last year's Hall of Fame Classic winner Bryan Clauson, Jon Stanbrough, "The Demon" Damion Gardner, Tracy Hines, Chris Windom, Robert Ballou, Casey Shuman, and Bobby East. "Chargin" Charles Davis Jr., R.J. Johnson, Mike Martin, "The Shermanator" Jeremy Sherman, Stevie Sussex, and more will represent Arizona and New Mexico's "The Real Deal" Rick Ziehl will be on hand. CSP is offering a bonus of $250 on Friday and $500 on Saturday to the highest finishing 360 and an open practice will be held Thursday at CSP from 6-9pm. Entry forms and race information can be found at www.usacracing.com/assets/files/rules/2012/October26.pdf.

This year, "The Tempe Tornado" Lealand McSpadden will serve as Grand Marshall as the "Hall of Fame Classic" will induct Billy Boat, "The Gasman" Richard Griffin, Mark Passerelli, Bob Gibson, and "Hoot" Gibson to the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame. Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona. To get to the track, take Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles West on Carefree Highway. Advance tickets are on sale now and more event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-7223 (RACE).

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Integra Racing Shocks, Keizer Wheels, LRB Inc. Race Products, Ringers Gloves, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, and Sander Engineering for their support. To catch all of the action of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Dave Darland-1876, 2-Bryan Clauson-1853, 3-Jon Stanbrough-1819, 4-Tracy Hines-1684, 5-Damion Gardner-1626, 6-Levi Jones-1615, 7-Chase Stockon-1593, 8-Robert Ballou-1544, 9-Hunter Schuerenberg-1530, 10-Kevin Thomas Jr.-1451, 11-Chris Windom-1412, 12-Jerry Coons Jr.-1316, 13-Darren Hagen-944, 14-Bobby East-937, 15-Coleman Gulick-743, 16-Jonathan Hendrick-641, 17-Justin Grant-615, 18-C.J. Leary-573, 19-Casey Shuman-506, 20-Wes McIntyre-488.

2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE DATE - TRACK - LOCATION October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic) October 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic) November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals) November 3: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals) ----------------------------------------------- * = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints. This schedule is subject to change.

SPENCER TRACING DOWN USAC HISTORY AS CRA SPRINTS JOIN NATIONALS AT CANYON

Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. is on the verge of USAC immortality. Only 14 drivers, of the 301 prior to 2012 who have won USAC driving titles, own five or more. Mike is in the stretch run of a fifth straight championship in a single series this weekend as he pursues the 2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car crown.

Nobody previoius has ever strung together five straight in a single USAC series – EVER. He holds a 323-point lead over Nic Faas in the current standings. With less than 300 points remaining in the final four races, Spencer will become the first driver to achieve the amazing five-peat!

Mike will become the ninth driver to achieve at least five titles in a single series. A.J. Foyt won seven in Indy cars and Mel Kenyon won seven in National Midgets. Rich Vogler won five in National Midgets, Levi Jones five in National Sprints, Butch Hartman five in Stock Cars, Tony Hunt five in Western Sprints, Sleepy Tripp five in Western Midgets and Michael Lang five in Speedrome Midgets.

Spencer is among top AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car drivers who will compete in this weekend’s Arizona Motorsports “Hall of Fame” events at Canyon Speedway Park at Peoria, Ariz. The events, slated Friday and Saturday night, also award AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car points.

The AMSOIL USAC National and USAC/CRA series conclude November 2-3 in the Budwesier “Oval Nationals” at the Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Spencer trails Damion Gardner by two wins n the all-time standings for USAC/CRA Sprints at Perris. He ranks third behind Gardner and Cory Kruseman on the all-time USAC/CRA list.

Faas’ hold on second in the USAC/CRA standings is tenuous at best. He is just 19 ahead of Brody Roa entering this weekend’s races at Peoria.

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR POINTS

1-Mike Spencer-1,232, 2-Nic Faas-900, 3-Brody Roa-881, 4-Ryan Bernal-816, 5-Rip Williams-792, 6-Austin Williams-757, 7-Cory Kruseman-692, 8-Cody Williams-606, 9-David Cardey-465, 10-Matt Mitchell-461.

GATEWAY SILVER CROWN TEST SUCCESSFUL

Four TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Championship cars ventured to Gateway Motorsports Park near St. Louis Wednesday for an evaluation test aimed at a possible series engagement at the 1.25-mile paved oval in 2013.

The Madison, Ill. facility last hosted the USAC series in 2001, the last of five races held between 1997 and 2001 resulting in victories for drivers Pat Abold, J.J. Yeley, Ryan Newman, Tracy Hines and Dave Steele.

Car entrants 6R Racing of Noblesville, Ind. and RW Motorsports of Lederach, Pa. participated in the test, with drivers Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, Calif. and Taylor Ferns of Shelby Township, Mich. piloting 6R cars and Bobby Santos of Franklin, Mass. and Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. in RW machines.

According to all accounts, the tests were successful, with speeds reaching 141.764 mph., near the track record of 143.967 mph achieved by Steele in 2001. The fastest speed of the session was posted by Santos, who scored two series pavement victories this year at Indianapolis, Ind.

“We were pleased with the results of the test and the enthusiasm exhibited by Gateway management and the teams involved,” said USAC’s Silver Crown Director James Spink. “We look forward to future involvement at Gateway and the excitement generated by a possible 2013 series appearance.”

6R Racing, under the tutelage of Darryl Guiducci, and RW Motorsports, guided by Steve Weirich, each own historic Silver Crown achievements. 6R shares the all-time series victory record of 27 by Tony Stewart Racing, while RW captured this year’s 2012 series car entrant championship and recorded five wins by three different drivers.

Coons participated in the 2001 Silver Crown race at Gateway, finishing 13th in the 100-mile race.

Ferns, USAC’s winningest female driver ever with eight feature victories and a 2011 USAC D1 Midget Championship on her resume, is a Silver Crown series rookie, while Coons, Santos and Swanson all have series victories.

APPEALS PANEL RESCINDS LEVI JONES PENALTIES

The Chief Judge of the USAC Court of Appeals has rescinded the penalties assessed to driver Levi Jones and car entrant Tony Stewart Racing as a result of an incident arising from the August 25 “Sprint Car Smackdown” USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car race at Kokomo, Ind. which also involved driver Jon Stanbrough.

The appeal held October 17 and chaired by Chief Appellate Judge Jeff Stoops dealt with penalties originally assessed according to guidelines of USAC competition rule 10.28 regarding unsportsmanlike conduct.

As a result of the appeal, both the 25-point National Sprint Car entrant penalty assessed to Tony Stewart Racing and the 25-point National Sprint Car driver penalty assessed to Levi Jones have been rescinded.

The panel reviewed facts and information available to them. Based on the lack of material and or video evidence to review along with statements made by USAC Officials in charge of competition for the event, the panel agreed that a penalty judging intentional driver conduct during competition could not be enforced.

RYAN BERNAL STORMS TO COTTON CLASSIC VICTORY

By Lance Jennings

HANFORD, CA - OCTOBER 15, 2012... Last Saturday night, Hollister's Ryan Bernal closed out the 2012 USAC West Coast Sprint Car season with a dominating performance at Kings Speedway. Bernal won the $1,500 "Cotton Classic" main event, scored his third Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, and claimed his fifth heat race of the year. Richard Vander Weerd, Andy Forsberg, Don Gansen, and Rookie of the Year Austin Liggett rounded out the top five.

With an six pill drawn for the main event inversion, Verdemont Heights' Don Gansen and Austin Liggett of Tracy shared the front row. With the green flag waving, twenty-two cars picked up the throttle and roared towards the first turn. Unfortunately, close racing and contact resulted in flips by Shane Golobic and Tyler Dolacki. As both machines were unable to continue, both drivers walked away uninjured as a lengthy delay was needed to repair the front straightaway fence.

Back to a complete restart, Liggett got the better of Gansen to lead his first main event lap with the series. Vander Weerd, who won Santa Maria's Billet Cup from seventeenth, was on the move and took control on the next circuit. Setting a fast pace on the Hanford clay oval, the leader would reach slower traffic on lap eight as Bernal, Liggett, Forsberg, and Gansen were in pursuit.

As Vander Weerd continued to slice through the traffic, Bernal was fighting his way forward and kept the leader in sight. By lap nineteen, Vander reached a cluster of racers battling side by side. Ryan saw his opportunity and entered the fray. With one driver choosing the high side and another diving low into the traffic, Bernal claimed the lead on lap twenty-one.

Once out front, Bernal had earned a small advantage and made his way past the traffic. Vander Weerd was on the hunt and charged after the leader. Now, the tables looked to be turned on Bernal with another thick pack of cars just ahead as Vander Weerd closed in and applied heavy pressure. Both drivers made their way through the traffic and Bernal maintained the top spot. Richard took another shot that fell short and Ryan Bernal won the green to checkered Cotton Classic in front of a large crowd.

Piloting Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Ryan Bernal scored his fourth win of the season. Currently second on the all-time list with nine victories, last year's Rookie of the Year closed out the campaign second in points with two Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main wins, two Ringers Gloves / Kaeding Performance Hard Charger Awards, ten top-5 finishes, and 91 feature laps led.

After scoring second, Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia had another solid night behind the wheel of the family owned #10 Vander Weerd Construction / Battery Worx Maxim. Qualifying second overall and placing second in his heat race, last year's champion placed fifth in the point chase. With two feature wins, Vander Weerd also had one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, one Ringers Gloves / Kaeding Performance Hard Charger Award, six top-5 finishes, and 72 feature laps led on the year.

Auburn's Andy Forsberg earned the night's LRB Inc. Race Products Award with a third place run in the Cotton Classic. Piloting his #92 Autism Awareness / Pitstop USA Triple X entry, the multi-time California Civil War Champion was third quick in time trials and placed fourth in his heat race. In limited appearances with the series, Forsberg was thirtieth in points. After falling back in the feature, Don Gansen rallied to score fourth at the checkered flags. Driving the Gansen Engineering #7G Maxim backed by Trench Shoring, the former California Lightning Sprint Champion timed in sixth fast and ran fifth in his heat race. Gansen placed fifteenth in the standings with one heat race victory and three top-10 finishes in the campaign.

By virtue of his fifth place finish, Austin Liggett secured Rookie of the Year honors in 2012. Piloting the family owned #83 Excel Environmental Services / Home Connections Inc. Maxim, the Wingless Spec Sprint graduate qualified fifth overall and placed fifth in his heat race. Claiming eleventh in points, Liggett had one heat race victory, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, three top-5 finishes, and 1 feature lap led.

Dennis Howell of Rancho Palos Verdes made his first start of the year and won the Saldana Racing Products / Keizer Wheels Heat Race #2. Driving the family owned #62 San Pedro Auto Body / Howell Meyer Racing Maxim, the USAC Western Midget graduate qualified fourteenth and finished ninth in the main event. For his efforts at the Cotton Classic, Howell claimed forty-second in championship points.

Hanford's Justyne Hamblin announced her retirement from racing and won the DJ Safety Heat Race #3. Piloting the JH Motorsports #8 Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino / Dias Law Firm Speed Tech, the 2009 Champion was fifth quick in time trials and scored twelfth in the main event. Closing out the season tenth in points, Hamblin had two heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, three top-10 finishes, and 1 feature lap led.

"The Rickster" Ricky Kirkbride of Bakersfield drove Bob and Toni Van Meter's #87 Fred Cummings Motorsports Maxim to victory in the 10-lap Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main. Qualifying eleventh on the night, the USAC Ford Focus Midget graduate ran sixth in his heat race and placed eighth in the feature. Claiming sixth in points, "The Rickster" had one heat race victory, seven top-10 finishes, and 9 feature laps led in 2012.

Verdemont Heights' Chris Gansen earned the night's Ringers Gloves / Kaeding Performance "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a thirteenth place run after starting twenty-first. Driving the Gansen Engineering #4G Trench Shoring Maxim, the Rookie of the Year candidate was nineteenth quick, seventh in his heat race, and sixth in the semi-main. Gansen placed twelfth overall in points with three top-10 finishes to his credit.

After scoring tenth in the Cotton Classic, San Diego's Chris Ennis earned the program's Weld Racing Award. Piloting his #86 B&B Transmission / Skarpohl & Associates 777 entry, the 2010 Rookie of the Year timed in twelfth fast, eighth in his heat race, and second in the semi-main. In limited starts, Ennis was fourteenth in points with three top-10 finishes on the season.

Hanford's Cotton Classic is available on DVD for purchase from Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions. In addition, the company has other videos featuring the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series that can be ordered by calling (805) 407-7229 or visiting www.loudpedalvideo.com.

For more information on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, www.racesantamariaspeedway.com, or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/#!/pages/USAC-West-Coast-Sprint-Car-Series/369549755817) -------------------------------------------------------- USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE RESULTS: October 13, 2012 – Hanford, California – Kings Speedway – “Cotton Classic”

SANDER ENGINEERING / ROD END SUPPLY TIME TRIALS: 1. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-15.528; 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-15.810; 3. Andy Forsberg, 92, Forsberg-15.939; 4. Shane Golobic, 29, Bowman-16.064; 5. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-16.155; 6. Don Gansen, 7G, Gansen-16.195; 7. Peter Murphy, 11, Iturriria-16.196; 8. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.212; 9. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.264; 10. Tyler Dolacki, 18X, Dolacki-16.337; 11. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter-16.384; 12. Chris Ennis, 87, Ennis-16.410; 13. Jesse Denome, 6, Denome-16.479; 14. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-16.554; 15. Justyne Hamblin, 8, JH-16.582; 16. Matt Day, 97, Day-16.603; 17. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-16.642; 18. Shawn Kautz, 27, Kautz-16.949; 19. Chris Gansen, 4G, Gansen-16.965; 20. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-16.968; 21. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-17.273; 22. Kolby Araki, 30K, Araki-17.353; 23. Terry Nichols, 33, Nichols-17.638; 24. Ray Knight, 6K, Knight-18.600.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Matt Day, 3. Tyler Dolacki, 4. Peter Murphy, 5. Shane Golobic, 6. Jesse Denome, 7. Chris Gansen, 8. Kolby Araki. NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / KEIZER WHEELS HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps) 1. Dennis Howell, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Danny Faria Jr., 4. Jace Vander Weerd, 5. Austin Liggett, 6. Ricky Kirkbride, 7. Jeff Sibley, 8. Terry Nichols. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 3: (10 laps) 1. Justyne Hamblin, 2. Rusty Carlile, 3. Shawn Kautz, 4. Andy Forsberg, 5. Don Gansen, 6. Kevin Barnes, 7. Ray Knight, 8. Chris Ennis. NT

COMPETITION SUSPENSION INC. / DIVERSIFIED MACHINE INC. SEMI-MAIN: (10 laps) 1. Ricky Kirkbride, 2. Chris Ennis, 3. Jesse Denome, 4. Kevin Barnes, 5. Kolby Araki, 6. Chris Gansen, 7. Jeff Sibley, 8. Terry Nichols, 9. Ray Knight. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions) 1. Ryan Bernal (6th), 2. Richard Vander Weerd (5th), 3. Andy Forsberg (4th), 4. Don Gansen (1st), 5. Austin Liggett (2nd), 6. Jace Vander Weerd (8th), 7. Peter Murphy (7th), 8. Ricky Kirkbride (11th), 9. Dennis Howell (13th), 10. Chris Ennis (12th), 11. Rusty Carlile (9th), 12. Justyne Hamblin (14th), 13. Chris Gansen (21st), 14. Kevin Barnes (19th), 15. Jesse Denome (18th), 16. Jeff Sibley (22nd), 17. Matt Day (15th), 18. Shawn Kautz (17th), 19. Kolby Araki (20th), 20. Danny Faria Jr. (16th), 21. Shane Golobic (3rd), 22. Tyler Dolacki (10th). NT ---------------------------- **Tyler Dolacki and Shane Golobic flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 Austin Liggett, Laps 2-20 Richard Vander Weerd, Laps 21-30 Ryan Bernal. KAEDING PERFORMANCE / RINGERS GLOVES HARD CHARGER: Chris Gansen (21st to 13th) LRB INC. RACE PRODUCTS AWARD: Andy Forsberg WELD RACING AWARD: Chris Ennis

$125,000 IGNITE 2013 CONTINGENCY ANNOUNCED

The largest contingency program in recent USAC racing history has been announced for participants utilizing Ignite high-performance Ethanol racing fuels in 2013. A total of more than $125,000 in year-end prizes and series race postings will be up for grabs in various USAC racing series.

Starting with the TRAXXAS Silver Crown Championship, participants will be rewarded with the preferred fuel option afforded by Ignite, with a $5,000 “powered by Ignite” bonus posted for each car entrant winning a Silver Crown feature. If the “powered by Ignite” option is not utilized in victory lane, a $2,500 bonus will be awarded to the highest finishing “powered by Ignite” competitor. With the new contingency postings for 2013, Ignite Racing Ethanol will be the preferred fuel of the TRAXXAS Silver Crown series, but not mandated. Competitors may use Ignite Ethanol or traditional methanol fuels in the series.

Other USAC racing series will also offer rewards for “powered by Ignite” usage. A $500 bonus is posted for a feature victory in the Ignite Midget series and Mopar .25 Midget Series competitors will also receive a $1,000 savings certificate for achieving a National Championship at season’s end.

“We are extremely pleased with the partnership Ignite has provided for these USAC incentives for 2013 and we look forward to the bonuses our participants will receive,” says USAC President/CEO Kevin Miller. “This is a significant step and one we embrace as we continue into USAC’s racing future.”

WEST COAST TITLE TO KAEDING; BERNAL WINS “COTTON CLASSIC”

Bud Kaeding of Campbell, Calif. is now a five-time USAC driving champion. He emerged with the 2012 USAC West Coast Sprint Car crown despite being absent from the series finale Saturday at Hanford, Calif.

The title followed Kaeding’s three Silver Crown titles and his Western Sprint title as he finished with a 51-point margin over runner-up Ryan Bernal.

Bernal, of Hollister, Calif., won Saturday’s “Cotton Classic” finale at Kings Speedway, passing Richard Vander Weerd on lap 21 and leading the last 10 laps. Vander Weerd took second in the 30-lapper ahead of Andy Forsberg, Don Gansen and Austin Liggett.

FINAL 2012 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

1-Bud Kaeding-615, 2-Ryan Bernal-564, 3-Markus Niemela-484, 4-Danny Faria Jr.-483, 5-Richard Vander Weerd-454, 6-Ricky Kirkbride-401, 7-Danny Sheridan-398, 8-Matt Mitchell-391, 9-Rusty Carlile-389, 10-Justyne Hamblin-356.

12-POINT SILVER CROWN MARGIN FOR CHAMPION EAST

New USAC TRAXXAS Silver Crown Champion Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. finished with a 12-point margin of victory over runner-up Jerry Coons Jr. as a result of Saturday night’s “Sumar Classic 100” finale at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track.

East led all 100 laps to win the event, with Coons taking second ahead of Russ Gamester, Bud Kaeding and Tracy Hines.

The victory by East in the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Maxim/Kistler left Stewart tied for the all-time lead in terms of USAC Silver Crown wins with 27.

RW Motorsports/Curb-Agajanian of Lederach, Pa., who fielded cars for Coons and sixth-place Clauson at Terre Haute, emerged with the 2012 USAC TRAXXAS Silver Crown car entrant title.

East’s margin of victory in Saturday’s 100-lapper was 12.751 seconds.

Driver Steve Adams suffered a concussion during a practice session flip and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

FINAL 2012 USAC TRAXXAS SILVER CROWN STANDINGS

1-Bobby East-412, 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-400, 3-Kody Swanson-374, 4-Bud Kaeding-358, 5-Tanner Swanson-325, 6-Tracy Hines-310, 7-Brian Tyler-276, 8-Levi Jones-270, 9-Bobby Santos-253, 10-Russ Gamester-249.

NDC POINTS EYE PEORIA SPRINTS OCTOBER 26-27; HINES CUTS CLAUSON’S LEAD TO 71

Bryan Clauson’s bid for a third consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship is on hold until the AMSOIL National Sprint Car races at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. October 26-27.

Clauson has a 71-point lead over Tracy Hines after last week’s races at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track. Hines had a fourth and fifth at Terre Haute, while Clauson had a pair of sixths. Third-ranking NDC driver Dave Darland posted a fifth and 12th in the two USAC Terre Haute outings.

Sunday’s AMSOIL National Sprint Car race at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Mich. was rained out due to rain.

2012 USAC National Drivers Championship Standings

1-Bryan Clauson-1087, 2-Tracy Hines-1016, 3-Dave Darland-985, 4-Levi Jones-974, 5-Darren Hagen-959, 6-Jerry Coons Jr.-932, 7-Jon Stanbrough-918, 8-Chris Windom-912, 9-Damion Gardner-826, 10-Chase Stockon-820.

LAS VEGAS IGNITES FRIDAY-SATURDAY; EASTERN KING IRVAN SWEEPS ACE FINALES

Phoenix, Ariz. driver Bryant Dawson leads the USAC Las Vegas Ignite Midget standings going into this weekend’s only USAC activity at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Bullring.

Jared Irvin of Midland, N.C. wrapped up his 2012 USAC Eastern Ignite championship by taking both 20-lap features at Saturday’s finales at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C.

Irvan passed Ryan Krachun on lap 15 and led the last six laps to beat Krachun, Tyler Corriher, Matt Lundstrom and Nic Davison. In the nightcap, Matt Supan led the first 12 laps before yielding to Irvan. Supan finished second ahead of Krachun, Davidson and Corriher.

FINAL 2012 USAC EASTERN IGNITE POINT STANDINGS

1-Jared Irvan-946, 2-Chris Lamb-798, 3-Ryan Krachun-769, 4-Nic Davidson-734, 5-Tyler Corriher-622, 6-Calvin Carroll-460, 7-Matt Lundstrom-404, 8-Michael Fanelli-326, 9-Ross Rankine-303, 10-Justin Whittall-279.

2012 FINAL USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE POINT STANDINGS

1-Jared Peterson-936, 2-Chase Goetz-888, 3-Garret Johnson-812, 4-Garrett Thomas-801, 5-Michael Millard-703, 6-Todd Hartman-582, 7-Zak DeBakker-439, 8-Jeremy Miller-377, 9-Ariel Biggs-350, 10-Rene Angel-329.

2012 FINAL WESTERN IGNITE NORTH MIDGET POINTS:

1-Garrett Peterson-933, 2-Ricky Bowers-895, 3-Tyler Edwards-884, 4-Sheldon Didinger-821, 5-Molly Helmuth-709, 6-Cole Glasson-350, 7-J.R. Williams-715, 8-Christine Breckenridge-246, 9-Spencer Hill-187, 10-Collin Milroy-177.

2012 NEW WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS:

1-Cory Elliott-636, 2-Jet Davison-602, 3-Parker Colston-586, 4-Michael Steele-387, 5-Ashley Hazelton-361, 6-Clayton Ruston-356, 7-Christine Breckenridge-314, 8-Austin Blair-284, 9-Katlynn Leer-275, 10-Wally Pankratz-189.

NEW USAC LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS

1-Bryant Dawson-567, 2-Michael Fanelli-509, 3-Marina Turner-424, 4-George Blacker-409, 5-Autsin Blair-387, 6-Winn Frazin-381, 7-Christine Breckenridge-328, 8-Chris Lamb-258, 9-Wally Pankratz-92, 10-Katlynn Leer-53.

2012 USAC MIDWEST IGNITE PAVEMENT POINTS

1-Ross Rankine-918, 2-Cooper Clouse-900, 3-Gage Walker-826, 4-Ryan Krachun-788, 5-Sam McGhee-770, 6-Davey Hamilton Jr.-683, 7-Tyler Shullick-603, 8-Chris Lamb-512, 9-Nic Davidson-509, 10-Austin Nemire-430.

2012 FINAL USAC MIDWEST IGNITE DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-Ross Rankine-567, 2-Cooper Clouse-511, 3-Toby Alfrey-500, 4-Katlynn Leer-457, 5-Stratton Briggs-435, 6-Sam McGhee-388, 7-Adam Thomason-301, 8-Tyler Shullick-269, 9-Joey Greening-263, 10-Bill Kriegbaum-191.

2012 LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS:

1-Bryant Dawson-369, 2-Winn Frazin-333, 3-Michael Fanelli-331, 4-Marina Turner-272, 5-George Blacker-268, 6-Chris Lamb-258, 7-Austin Blair-211, 8-Christine Breckenridge-159, 9-Wally Pankratz-92, 10-Katlynn Leer-53.

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

October 13, 2012 – Hanford, California – Kings Speedway – “Cotton Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-15.528; 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-15.810; 3. Andy Forsberg, 92, Forsberg-15.939; 4. Shane Golobic, 29, Bowman-16.064; 5. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-16.155; 6. Don Gansen, 7G, Gansen-16.195; 7. Peter Murphy, 11, Iturriria-16.196; 8. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.212; 9. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-16.264; 10. Tyler Dolacki, 18X, Dolacki-16.337; 11. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter-16.384; 12. Chris Ennis, 87, Ennis-16.410; 13. Jesse Denome, 6, Denome-16.479; 14. Dennis Howell, 62, Howell-16.554; 15. Justyne Hamblin, 8, JH-16.582; 16. Matt Day, 97, Day-16.603; 17. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-16.642; 18. Shawn Kautz, 27, Kautz-16.949; 19. Chris Gansen, 4G, Gansen-16.965; 20. Jeff Sibley, 18, Watt-16.968; 21. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-17.273; 22. Kolby Araki, 30K, Araki-17.353; 23. Terry Nichols, 33, Nichols-17.638; 24. Ray Knight, 6K, Knight-18.600.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. Day, 3. Dolacki, 4. Murphy, 5. Golobic, 6. Denome, 7. C.Gansen, 8. Araki. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Howell, 2. R.Vander Weerd, 3. Faria, 4. J.Vander Weerd, 5. Liggett, 6. Kirkbride, 7. Sibley, 8. Nichols. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Hamblin, 2. Carlile, 3. Kautz, 4. Forsberg, 5. D.Gansen, 6. Barnes, 7. Knight, 8. Ennis. NT

SEMI: (10 laps) 1. Kirkbride, 2. Ennis, 3. Denome, 4. Barnes, 5. Araki, 6. C.Gansen, 7. Sibley, 8. Nichols, 9. Knight. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Andy Forsberg, 4. Don Gansen, 5. Austin Liggett, 6. Jace Vander Weerd, 7. Peter Murphy, 8. Ricky Kirkbride, 9. Dennis Howell, 10. Chris Ennis, 11. Rusty Carlile, 12. Justyne Hamblin, 13. Chris Gansen, 14. Kevin Barnes, 15. Jesse Denome, 16. Jeff Sibley, 17. Matt Day, 18. Shawn Kautz, 19. Kolby Araki, 20. Danny Faria Jr., 21. Shane Golobic, 22. Tyler Dolacki. NT

----------------------------

**Dolacki and Golobic flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 Liggett, Laps 2-20 R.Vander Weerd, Laps 21-30 Bernal.

NEW WEST COAST SPRINT POINTS:

TRAXXAS USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RACE RESULTS:

October 13, 2012 – Terre Haute, Indiana – Terre Haute Action Track – “Sumar Classic 100”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bryan Clauson, 17, RW-20.467; 2. Bobby East, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-20.480; 3. Robert Ballou, 63, DePalma-20.799; 4. Tracy Hines, 16, Lightfoot-20.965; 5. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-20.975; 6. Kody Swanson, 33, Six-R-21.007; 7. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-21.025; 8. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-21.135; 9. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-21.376; 10. Dave Darland, 19, Six-R-21.419; 11. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-21.795; 12. Rich Tobias Jr., 39, Aqualini-NT; 13. Shane Cottle, 14, McQuinn-NT; 14. Tanner Swanson, 23, Six-R-NT; 15. Steve Adams, 500, 500 Motorsports-NT.

FEATURE: (100 laps) 1. Bobby East, 2. Jerry Coons Jr., 3. Russ Gamester, 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Tracy Hines, 6. Bryan Clauson, 7. Brian Tyler, 8. Robert Ballou, 9. Kody Swanson, 10. Tanner Swanson, 11. Rich Tobias Jr., 12. Dave Darland, 13. Shane Hollingsworth, 14. Shane Cottle. NT ------------------------------------------------------ **Adams flipped during practice and was transported for observation for a concussion. T.Swanson cleared the wall during practice.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-100 East.

FINAL SILVER CROWN SERIES STANDINGS: 1-East-412, 2-Coons-400, 3-K.Swanson-374, 4-Kaeding-358, 5-T.Swanson-325, 6-Hines-310, 7-Tyler-276, 8-Levi Jones-270, 9-Bobby Santos-253, 10-Gamester-249.

USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

October 13, 2012 – Altamahaw, North Carolina – Ace Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Jared Irvan, 28, Irvan-15.438; 2. Ryan Krachun, 29, Krachun-15.542; 3. Matt Supan, 67, Whittall-15.591; 4. Matt Lundstrom, 5, Lundstrom-15.657; 5. Nic Davidson, 39, Radical-15.678; 6. Tyler Corriher, 12, Noffsinger/Brown-15.725; 7. Chris Lamb, 2, Lamb-NT.

FIRST FEATURE: (20 laps) 1. Jared Irvan, 2. Ryan Krachun, 3. Tyler Corriher, 4. Matt Lundstrom, 5. Nic Davidson, 6. Matt Supan, 7. Chris Lamb. NT

SECOND FEATURE: (20 laps) 1. Jared Irvan, 2. Matt Supan, 3. Ryan Krachun, 4. Nic Davidson, 5. Tyler Corriher, 5. Matt Lundstrom, 7. Chris Lamb. NT --------------------------------------------

FIRST FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Lundstrom, Lap 3 Supan, Laps 4-14 Krachun, Laps 15-20 Irvan. SECOND FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-12 Supan, Laps 13-20 Irvan.

FINAL USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Irvan-946, 2-Lamb-798, 3-Krachun-769, 4-Davidson-734, 5-Corriher-622, 6-Calvin Carroll-460, 7-Lundstrom-404, 8-Michael Fanelli-326, 9-Ross Rankine-303, 10-Justin Whittall-279.

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

October 12, 2012 – Terre Haute, Indiana – Terre Haute Action Track – “Jim Hurtubise Classic”

QUALIFYING: 1. Braylon Fitzpatrick, 3, Fitzpatrick-19.280; 2. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-19.402; 3. Kurt Gross, 1x, Gross-19.535; 4. Bryan Clauson, 7, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-19.697; 5. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-19.727; 6. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-19.746; 7. Coleman Gulick, 14, Gulick-19.828; 8. Jerry Coons, Jr., 71P, Phillips-19.886; 9. Jon Stanbrough, 21x, Leer-19.887; 10. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 69, Dynamics-19.924; 11. Dave Darland, 11, Walker-19.978; 12. Blake Fitzpatrick, 10, Fitzpatrick-19.980; 13. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-20.062; 14. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-20.068; 15. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-20.109; 16. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-20.158; 17. Brandon Mattox, 28, Mattox-20.238; 18. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-20.260; 19. Kody Swanson, 19, Slinkard-20.399; 20. Tanner Swanson, 23, Walker-21.078; 21. Bobby East, 5E, East-22.090; 22. Daren Krockenberger, 42K, Krockenberger-NT (time of 21.511 disallowed).

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Schuerenberg, 2. Clauson, 3. Gulick, 4. Thomas, 5. Leary, 6. Braylon Fitzpatrick, 7. K.Swanson, 8. Krockenberger. 2:39.40

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ballou, 2. Hines, 3. Darland, 4. Coons, 5. Gardner, 6. Mattox, 7. T.Swanson. 2:43.63

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Stockon, 2. Kaeding, 3. Stanbrough, 4. Blake Fitzpatrick, 5. Gross, 6. Windom, 7. East. 2:42.94

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Chase Stockon, 2. Robert Ballou, 3. Jerry Coons, Jr., 4. Tracy Hines, 5. Dave Darland, 6. Bryan Clauson, 7. Hunter Schuerenberg, 8. Chris Windom, 9. Bobby East, 10. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 11. Bud Kaeding, 12. Damion Gardner, 13. Braylon Fitzpatrick, 14. Tanner Swanson, 15. Coleman Gulick, 16. C.J. Leary, 17. Daren Krockenberger, 18. Jon Stanbrough, 19. Kurt Gross, 20. Kody Swanson, 21. Blake Fitzpatrick, 22. Brandon Mattox. NT -------------------------------- **Mattox flipped on lap 5 of the Feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Stockon.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Darland-1,876, 2-Clauson-1,853, 3-Stanbrough-1,819, 4-Hines-1,684, 5-Gardner-1,626, 6-Levi Jones-1,615, 7-Stockon-1,593, 8-Ballou-1,544, 9-Schuerenberg-1,530, 10-Thomas-1,451.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: October 14– Lake Odessa, MI – I-96 Speedway

USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series

HANFORD'S "COTTON CLASSIC" CLOSES OUT USAC WEST COAST SEASON

by Lance Jennings

SANTA MARIA, CA – OCTOBER 10, 2012... This Saturday, October 13th, the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series will return to Kings Speedway in Hanford for the "27th Annual Cotton Classic." Also featuring the winged King of the West Sprint Cars and Vintage Racers, the popular event is the final point race of the season and a champion will be crowned. The Spectator Gates will open at 5:00pm with racing scheduled for 6:30pm.

Campbell's Bud Kaeding leads the point chase and has a lock on the championship. On September 29th, the pilot of Junior Bowman's #29 Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / Kaeding Performance Maxim ran fourth in Santa Maria's "Billet Cup" after starting eighteenth. To date, the 3-time USAC Silver Crown Champion has four main event wins, seven heat race victories, two Ringers Gloves / Kaeding Performance Hard Charger Awards, eleven top-5 finishes, and 47 feature laps led. Kaeding will be looking for the $1,500 Cotton Classic feature win on Saturday.

Ryan Bernal of Hollister is second in the point chase. Driving Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, the 2-time Santa Maria track champion ran third at Santa Maria after starting thirteenth. In 2012, Bernal has three feature wins, two Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Awards, four heat race victories, two Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main wins, two Ringers Gloves / Kaeding Performance Hard Charger Awards, nine top-5 finishes, and 81 feature laps led. As this writing goes to press, Ryan is looking for a ride at the Cotton Classic.

Sitting third in the point standings is Rauma, Finland's Markus Niemela. The pilot of Steve Watt's #81 Lost Reality / Steve Watt Enterprises Maxim missed the "Billet Cup" and has yet to win a main event. The hard charging driver has one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, four top-5 finishes, and 17 feature laps led. Niemela will miss Saturday's Cotton Classic to compete with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series.

Tipton's "Hollywood" Danny Faria Jr. is fourth in the championship points. Driving his #17V Johnston Calf Pens / Buster & Ziggy Enterprises Bullet, Faria was fifth in the "Billet Cup" after starting sixteenth. "Hollywood" has yet to score a series win but has one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, four heat race victories, one Ringers Gloves / Kaeding Performance Hard Charger Award, and five top-5 finishes. The veteran driver has had a tough season and will be looking to score the main event win on Saturday.

"Showtime" Danny Sheridan of Santa Maria is currently fifth in points. The pilot of Keith Ford's #73X King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike ran sixth in the "Billet Cup" after starting fifteenth. To date, the former Bandit Sprint Car Champion has yet to claim a series feature in 2012 but has one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, five heat race victories, one Ringers Gloves / Kaeding Performance Hard Charger Award, six top-5 finishes, and 10 feature laps led. Sheridan will be looking for Saturday's $1,500 victory.

Among the other top contenders expected to be in action are 2011 Champion Richard Vander Weerd, "The Rickster" Ricky Kirkbride, "The Bakersfield Bullet" Rusty Carlile, 2009 Champion Justyne Hamblin, Austin Liggett, Chris Gansen, Don Gansen, Jace Vander Weerd, and many more.

Kings Speedway is located on the Kings County Fairgrounds at 801 South 10th Avenue in Hanford, California. Reserved Grandstand tickets are $25, General Admission tickets are $23, Children 7-12 are $15, and Kids 6 and under are FREE. Advance tickets are on sale now and camping is available on the fairgrounds. For more event information, visit www.kingsspeedway.net or call (559) 584-RACE (7223).

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series would like to thank Southwest Contractors, Hoosier Tire, Amsoil, ButlerBuilt, Competition Suspension Inc., Cory Kruseman's Sprint Car & Midget Driving School, Crow Enterprizes, DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Hinchman-Indy Racing Uniforms, Integra Shocks, Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, LRB Inc. Race Products, ParkerStore of Phoenix, Ringers Gloves, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saferacer.com, Saldana Racing Products, Sander Engineering, and Weld Racing for their support.

COTTON CLASSIC NON-WINGED 360 SPRINT CAR WINNERS: 2009-Rusty Carlile; 2010-Terry Schank Jr.; 2011- Peter Murphy.

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT STANDINGS: 1. Bud Kaeding 615; 2. Ryan Bernal 489; 3. Markus Niemela 484; 4. Danny Faria Jr. 464; 5. Danny Sheridan 398; 6. Matt Mitchell 391; 7. Richard Vander Weerd 391; 8. Ricky Kirkbride 362; 9. Rusty Carlile 351; 10. Justyne Hamblin 317; 11. Austin Liggett 299; 12. Chris Gansen 279; 13. Kevin Barnes 272; 14. Chris Ennis 198; 15. Don Gansen 183; 16. Steve Conrad 181; 17. Jace Vander Weerd 176; 18. Tyler Dolacki 165; 19. Jared Little 158; 20. Jonathon Logan 154.

2012 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE DATE - TRACK - LOCATION October 13: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic) ----------------------------------------------- This schedule is subject to change.

6R-STEWART SILVER CROWN “SHOOTOUT” AT TERRE HAUTE

Saturday’s “Sumar Classic 100” at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track not only offers a “shootout” for the 2012 USAC TRAXXAS Silver Crown driver championship, it will also feature the all-time battle for supremacy among car entrants, with 6R Racing and Tony Stewart Racing/Curb-Agajanian separated by just one victory.

Drivers Bobby East, Jerry Coons Jr. and Kody Swanson are separated by just 11 points, while car owners RW/Curb-Agajanian, Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian and RW/Curb-Agajanian are separated in the car entrant points by just 35. Six-R Racing stands just 53 out of the lead.

The all-time leader in terms of Silver Crown victories is Six-R Racing with 27. Stewart is second at 26. Six-R will field entries for Dave Darland, Brian Tyler, Kody and Tanner Swanson and Taylor Ferns, while Stewart’s driver will be East. The RW/Curb-Agajanian drivers will be Bryan Clauson and Coons.

Six-R first burst on the victory podium in 1992 with Jim Keeker’s win at Phoenix, Ariz. In the ensuing victories they have encompassed drivers Jack Hewitt, Dave Steele, Tyler and the two Swansons. Since Jason Leffler’s initial Stewart victory at Phoenix in 2000, other drivers victories have included Kasey Kahne, J.J. Yeley, Steele, Jay Drake, Josh Wise, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Levi Jones, Clauson and East.

Coons is the latest of drivers for RW Motorsports/Curb-Agajanian, who originally fielded Rich Tobias’ first at DuQuoin, Ill. in 2003 and subsequent wins by Mat Neely, Shane Hmiel, Bobby Santos and Bryan Clauson. They have 14 total wins, including five this year.

East sits atop the driver standings eyeing his first Silver Crown crown, piloting the Stewart/Curb-Agajanian entry. Coons is second in the points in an RW/Curb-Agajanian entry and Kody Swanson ranks third in one of the Six-R Racing entries.

Stewart/Curb-Agajanian entries won at Terre Haute in 2003, 2005 and 2010, while 6R Racing entries won at Terre Haute in 1999 and 2004. A win by RW/Curb-Agajanian would be their first at the half-mile oval.

WESTERN MIDGET FINALE NOVEMBER 22 AT PERRIS; GOLOBIC NABS 101-LAP “JOHNNY SOARES CLASSIC”

USAC’s 2012 Mopar Western Midget operations conclude November 22 with the running of the 73rd “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway, a race also offering USAC Mopar National Midget points. The annual classic will close the calendar on USAC’s 2012 racing series.

A race originally scheduled at Route 66 Motorplex in Victorville, Calif. has been removed from the calendar.

Last Saturday’s “Johnny Soares Classic” at Petaluma (Calif.) Speedway virtually solidified Shannon McQueen’s overall Western Midget title and left her 29 points shy of David Prickett in the Western Midget Dirt standings. McQueen nearly won the unique 101-race feature, leading 67 laps before yielding to eventual winner Shane Golobic on lap 94.

Golobic, of Fremont, Calif., wheeled the Bock Racing entry to the win, leading the last eight laps to beat McQueen, Tanner Swanson, Prickett and Greg Bragg. Nick Chivello led two laps and Danny Parker led 24 before McQueen went to the front. McQueen was leading when the mid-race halt reset the order for the restart.

McQueen, of Tehachapi, Calif., enjoys a 151-point lead over Prickett in the overall points, but with 66 points available at Perris, the dirt title will be up for grabs.

2012 USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Shannon McQueen-761, 2-David Prickett-610, 3-Nick Chivello-591, 4-Scott Pierovich-496, 5-Alex Schutte-449, 6-Frankie Guerrini-430, 7-Cole Carter-411, 8-Connor Kassik-380, 9-Randi Pankratz-352, 10-Jake Swanson-344.

2012 USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-David Prickett-579, 2-Shannon McQueen-550, 3-Alex Schutte-397, 4-Connor Kassik-380, 5-Randi Pankratz-352, 6-Nich Chivello-335, 7-Cody Swanson-329, 8-Cole Carter-283, 9-Scott Pierovich-272, 10-Jake Swanson-260.

MIDGETS AT CANYON NOVEMBER 9-10; LARSON WINS “GOLD CROWN,” HINES TAKES PRELIM

The 2012 USAC Mopar National Midget Series has three remaining races as point leaders will head for the West Coast in November. “The Western Classic” is slated November 9-10 at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. and the 73rd “Turkey Night Grand Prix” unfolds November 22 at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Darren Hagen of Riverside, Calif. continued on his drive to the 2012 National title, emerged from last weekend’s 4th DuPont “Gold Crown Midget Nationals” at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Calif. He has a 184-point edge over Tracy Hines in the latest tally.

Hines, of New Castle, Ind., won Thursday’s 25-lap “preliminary” feature at Tri-City, but the $10,000-to-win Saturday night finale went to Kyle Larson of Elk Grove, Calif. as he paced the final eight laps of the 50-lap feature in his Keith Kunz Motorsports/Curb-Agajanian Toyota TRD/Bullet. Jerry Coons Jr. finished second in the Saturday finale after leading six late laps, while Brad Sweet, Brad Kuhn and Rico Abreu rounded out the “top-five.” Larson was second to Hines in Thursday’s 25-lap prelim as Hines led all 25 laps in his Parker Machinery/Turbines, Inc. Spike/Toyota. Sweet, Bryan Clauson and Alex Bright finished the top-five.

Driver Rich Camfield flipped during Thursday’s events and was treated for injuries at a local hospital. Weather forced cancellation of Friday’s prelims at Tri-City.

Hagen led the first three laps of Saturday’s race and also leads the 2012 USAC Mopar National Dirt Midget standings, 49 ahead of Chris Windom.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-1,152; 2-Tracy Hines-968; 3-Bryan Clauson-924; 4-Caleb Armstrong-831; 5-Kyle Larson-791; 6-Brad Kuhn-741; 7-Bobby East-732; 8-Rico Abreu-691; 9-Chris Windom-670; 10-Jerry Coons Jr.-636.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-719, 2-Chris Windom-670, 3-Jerry Coons Jr.-636, 4-Brad Kuhn-634, 5-Bryan Clauson-601, 6-Tracy Hines-584, 7-Kyle Larson-555, 8-Davey Ray-499, 9-Rico Abreu-454, 10-Caleb Armstrong-423.

2 TERRE HAUTES & A LAKE ODESSA NEXT UP; DARLAND BACK UP TO 3RD IN NDC STANDINGS

Three races will impact the 2012 USAC National Drivers Championship this weekend in the final races of the Midwestern calendar.

The Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track hosts Friday night’s “Jim Hurtubise Classic” AMSOIL National Sprint race and Saturday night’s TRAXXAS Silver Crown finale, while I-96 Speedway is Sunday’s AMSOIL National Sprint Car venue.

Bryan Clauson and Tracy Hines continue to hold down the top two spots in the NDC standings, while Dave Darland vaulted past Levi Jones into the number three spot after last weekend’s 4th DuPont “Gold Crown Midget Nationals” at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill.

Hines won Thursday’s Pontoon Beach prelim and finished ninth Saturday. Darland was eighth Thursday and sixth Saturday. Clauson was fourth Thursday and 25th Saturday.

2012 USAC National Drivers Championship Standings

1-Bryan Clauson-1,087, 2-Tracy Hines-1,006, 3-Dave Darland-979, 4-Levi Jones-974, 5-Darren Hagen-959, 6-Jon Stanbrough-918, 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-910, 8-Chris Windom-908, 9-Damion Gardner-824, 10-Chase Stockon-789.

EASTERN IGNITES CLOSE AT ACE THIS WEEKEND; IRVAN, LAMB TOPS IN EAST; GOETZ #1 IN OREGON, PETERSON CHAMP; GARRETT 11-FOR 12 AT STOCKTON, BOWERS WINS TOO

Three USAC Ignite Midget venues featured five different winners last Saturday and this week’s activity closes one of this year’s series.

The Eastern Ignite Series competed at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. Saturday and the series returns to Ace Speedway this Saturday and Sunday for its final events.

Series point leader Jared Irvan of Midland, N.C. won the first 25-lap feature Saturday, while Chris Lamb of Colfax, N.C. won the 25-lap nightcap. Expected adverse weather conditions forced cancellation of Sunday’s Ace program.

Lamb led the first 17 laps of the opener before Irvan led the final eight. Tyler Corriher led the first 19 laps of the second race, Irvan led one and Lamb the rest. Ryan Krachun finished second in the opener ahead of Nic Davidson, Corriher and Matt Lundstrom. Lamb was trailed in the finale by Irvan, Corriher, Krachun and Davidson.

Chase Goetz of Snohomish , Wash. won Saturday night’s 25-lap Northwest Ignite Midget finale at Willamette Speedway in Lebanon, Oregon. Goetz led all but two laps of the race to beat series champion Jared Peterson, Garrett Thomas, Madison Hess and Garret Johnson.

The final races of this year’s Western North Ignite Midget series unfolded Saturday at Stockton (Calif.) 99 Speedway. Ricky Bowers of Mentor, Ohio and Garrett Peterson of West Sacramento, Calif. won the 30-lap main events.

Peterson led the first 19 laps of the opener but finished second to Bowers. In the second race, Peterson led the final 25 laps for the win, his 11th in 12 Stockton races this year! Molly Helmuth, Tyler Edwards and Shawn Buckley rounded out the top-five behind Bowers and Peterson, while Edwards was second in the finale ahead of Cole Glasson, Bowers and Helmuth.

2012 USAC EASTERN IGNITE POINT STANDINGS

1-Jared Irvan-890, 2-Chris Lamb-714, 3-Ryan Krachun-653, 4-Nic Davidson-633, 5-Tyler Corriher-519, 6-Calvin Carroll-460, 7-Michael Fanelli-326, 8-Matt Lundstrom-305, 9-Ross Rankine-305, 10-Justin Whittall-279.

2012 FINAL USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE POINT STANDINGS

1-Jared Peterson-923, 2-Chase Goetz-888, 3-Garret Johnson-812, 4-Garrett Thomas-801, 5-Michael Millard-703, 6-Todd Hartman-582, 7-Zak DeBakker-439, 8-Jeremy Miller-377, 9-Ariel Biggs-350, 10-Rene Angel-329.

2012 FINAL WESTERN IGNITE NORTH MIDGET POINTS:

2012 NEW WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS:

NEW USAC LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS

2012 USAC MIDWEST IGNITE PAVEMENT POINTS

2012 FINAL USAC MIDWEST IGNITE DIRT POINT STANDINGS

2012 LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS:

“JIM HURTUBISE CLASSIC” FRIDAY AT TERRE HAUTE; SPRINTS CLOSE MIDWEST CAMPAIGN AT LAKE ODESSA SUNDAY

Only 26 points separate the top three drivers in the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car standings going into this weekend’s final Midwest outings before the series ventures West for four races to settle the championship.

Friday night’s “Jim Hurtubise Classic” begins two nights of USAC racing at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track, with the “Sumar Classic 100” USAC TRAXXAS Silver Crown finale on Saturday. Sunday’s race at I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Mich. signaled the final Midwestern appearance for the AMSOIL Sprint cars.

Dave Darland sits atop the standings, 24 ahead of Bryan Clauson and 26 ahead of Jon Stanbrough entering Friday’s Terre Haute race. The title combatants fared eighth (Darland), 13th (Stanbrough) and 21st (Clauson) in last year’s “Hurtubise,” won by Chris Windom,

In two Terre Haute appearances this year, Darland has failed to score a “top-10,” while Clauson has a ninth and Stanbrough has two seconds.

Darland won USAC’s only 2012 Michigan Sprint appearance, at Hartford, but it’s been 16 years since the last I-96 USAC Sprint race, won by Mark Cassella.

2012 AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR POINTS

1-Dave Darland-1,822; 2-Bryan Clauson-1,798; 3-Jon Stanbrough-1,796; 4-Tracy Hines-1,624; 5-Levi Jones-1,615; 6-Damion Gardner-1,588; 7-Chase Stockon-1,524; 8-Hunter Schuerenberg-1,480; 9-Robert Ballou-1,479; 10-Kevin Thomas Jr.-1,413.

“COTTON CLASSIC” WEST COAST FINALE SATURDAY AT KINGS

This Saturday’s “Cotton Classic” concludes the 2012 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series as Bud Kaeding puts the finishing touches on the championship at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif.

Kaeding, of Campbell, Calif., will land his fifth overall USAC title, holding a 125-point margin over Ryan Bernal entering the finale. Markus Niemela, however, trails Bernal by only six points in the latest tally.

Kaeding has a pair of feature wins already this year at Kings, while Bernal has a win and a second. Niemela has a third and fourth.

Kaeding’s previous USAC championships came in the 1989 Western Sprint Car Series and the 2006, 2007 and 2009 TRAXXAS Silver Crown Series.

2012 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

1-Bud Kaeding-615, 2-Ryan Bernal-490, 3-Markus Niemela-484, 4-Danny Faria Jr.-464, 5-Danny Sheridan-398, 6-Matt Mitchell-391, 7-Richard Vander Weerd-391, 8-Ricky Kirkbride-362, 9-Rusty Carlile-351, 10-Justyne Hamblin-319.

CRA JOINS NATIONAL SPRINTS AT CANYON OCTOBER 26-27; FAAS TAKES SO-CAL FAIR 30-LAPPER

The Parker Stores “Hall of Fame” race is next on the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car schedule, slated October 26-27 at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. The event also offers AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series points and will attract drivers and cars from both series.

Nic Faas of Huntington Beach, Calif. vaulted back to second in the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint points Saturday, winning the 30-lap Southern California Fair race at the Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Faas wheeled the Scott Sales Company/VP Fuels/LaVilla Restaurant special to the lead on lap eight and led the final 23 laps, despite three red-flag incidents in the closing laps for flips. Rip Williams led the first seven laps of the race.

Faas was trailed by Mike Spencer at the checkered flag, with Cody Williams third, David Bezio fourth and Austin Williams fifth.

The point race is somewhat academic with Spencer 323 points ahead of Faas, but Faas’ victory enabled him to move into a 19-point edge over Brody Roa.

2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

“SUMAR CLASSIC 100” SILVER CROWN “SHOOTOUT” WITH CHAMPIONSHIP ON THE LINE SATURDAY

Two years ago the USAC TRAXXAS Silver Crown Championship featured three drivers separated by just 11 final points. Entering this Saturday night’s “Sumar Classic 100” finale at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track, the same 11 point separation is evident among the top three drivers in the standings.

Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. is the point leader in pursuit of his first series crown, while former champion Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, Ariz. is six points back and Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, Calif. is 11 in arrears eyeing his initial series title.

Swanson ended up third in the 2010 standings behind Levi Jones and Bud Kaeding, but Tony Stewart, East’s car owner along with Curb-Agajanian, remembers the closest top-three series shootout ever when he won in 1995. Stewart edged Dave Darland by just two points and Jack Hewitt by nine on his way to the USAC “Triple Crown.”

Five drivers actually have mathematical chances for the 2012 championship, although Kaeding trails by 42 points and Tanner Swanson by 57 with 66 points available Saturday.

Kody Swanson fared the best of the title hopefuls when the series last visited Terre Haute in 2010. Swanson was fifth in the 100-lap race, compared to a seventh for East, a 15th for Tanner Swanson, a 15th for Kaeding and a 24th for Coons.

Levi Jones, the 2010 winner, will not compete at Terre Haute, recuperating from season-ending neck injuries.

The Tony Stewart Racing/Curb-Agajanian team is trying to open the way for a unique entrant “Triple Crown” of sorts, with Curb-Agajanian also currently involved in the 2012 AMSOIL National Sprint Car point leader and the Mopar National Midget point leader.

Saturday’s event completes a two-night Terre Haute USAC extravaganza, with the “Jim Hurtubise Classic” AMSOIL National Sprint Cars racing on Friday night.

2012 USAC TRAXXAS SILVER CROWN STANDINGS

1-Bobby East-349, 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-343, 3-Kody Swanson-338, 4-Bud Kaeding-307, 5-Tanner Swanson-292, 6-Levi Jones-270, 7-Tracy Hines-262, 8-Bobby Santos-253, 9-Brian Tyler-234, 10-A.J. Fike-221.

USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

October 6, 2012 – Lebanon, Oregon – Willamette Speedway

QUALIFYING: 1. Jared Peterson, 3s, Stewart-16.676; 2. Garrett Thomas, 14, Thomas-16.772; 3. Garret Johnson, 3g, Johnson-16.843; 4. Chase Goetz, 91, Goetz-16.898; 5. Michael Millard, 23, Millard-17.385; 6. Allison Journey, 4, Journey-17.475; 7. Zak Debakker, 2, Debakker-17.590; 8. Renee Angel, 2a, Angel-17.965; 9. Eddie Money, 91, Stewart-18.299; 10. Madison Hess, 5, Sherwood-NT.

DASH: (6 laps) 1. Goetz, 2. Peterson, 3. Thomas, 4. Johnson. NT

FIRST HEAT: (6 laps) 1. Peterson, 2. Johnson, 3. Journey, 4. DeBakker, 5. Money. NT

SECOND HEAT: (6 laps) 1. Thomas, 2. Goetz, 3. Millard, 4. Hess, 5. Angel. NT

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Chase Goetz, 2. Jared Peterson, 2. Garrett Thomas, 4. Madison Hess, 5. Garret Johnson, 6. Michael Millard, 7. Allison Journey, 8. Rene Angel, 9. Zak DeBakker, 10. Eddie Money. NT -------------------------------------------- **Money flipped on lap 12 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-5 Goetz, Lap 6 Johnson, Laps 7-9 Goetz, Lap 10 Johnson, Laps 11-25 Goetz.

FINAL USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Peterson-923, 2-Goetz-888, 3-Johnson-812, 4-Thomas-801, 5-Millard-703, 6-Todd Hartman-582, 7-DeBakker-439, 8-Jeremy Miller-377, 9-Ariel Biggs-350, 10-Angel-329.

USAC MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS:

October 6, 2012 – Pontoon Beach, Illinois – Tri-City Speedway – 4th DuPont “Gold Crown Midget Nationals”

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps – no points) 1. Darren Hagen (#3 RFMS), 2. Bryan Clauson (#67 Kunz/Curb-Agajanian), 3. Brady Bacon (#99 BBR), 4. Zach Daum (#5D Daum), 5. Jerry Coons, Jr. (#63 Dooling), 6. Tim Buckwalter (#52B Buckwalter), 7. Brenden Bright (#88 Bright), 8. Taylor Ferns (#55 Ferns), 9. Tyler Robbins (#35 Robbins), 10. Isaac Chapple (#52 Chapple). NT SECOND HEAT: (8 laps – no points) 1. Kyle Larson (#71 Kunz/Curb-Agajanian), 2. Brad Kuhn (#17 RW), 3. Nick Wean (#78 Wean), 4. Brad Sweet (#56 Hmiel), 5. Dalton Armstrong (#7A C&A), 6. Riley Emmel (#12 RayPro), 7. Chase Barber (#191 Barber), 8. John Campbell (#19 Campbell), 9. Daron Clayton (#10 Moore). 2:05.11 THIRD HEAT: (8 laps – no points) 1. Caleb Armstrong (#7c C&A), 2. Tracy Hines (#24 Parker), 3. Bobby East (#4 Klatt), 4. Dave Darland (#3F RFMS), 5. Rico Abreu (#67K Kunz), 6. Alex Bright (#77 Hemler), 7. Colten Cottle (#5c Cottle), 8. Kent Schmidt (#5K Schmidt), 9. Ryan Criswell (#11R Criswell), 10. Danny Frye (#5 Frye). 2:07.70 FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps – no points) 1. Davey Ray (#33 RayPro), 2. Hunter Schuerenberg (#2 Bush), 3. Chris Windom (#11 Wilke), 4. Andy Malpocker (#22 Malpocker), 5. Steve Buckwalter (#0 Buckwalter), 6. Thomas Meseraull (#57 Ecker), 7. Casey Shuman (#57K Ecker), 8. Tyler Courtney (#2A Bush), 9. Austin Burke (#54 Burke), 10. Gavin Galbraith (#98G Galbraith). 2:06.73

FIRST QUALIFIER: (8 laps – no points) 1. Clauson, 2. Hines, 3. Bacon, 4. A.Bright, 5. Darland, 6. Courtney, 7. D.Armstrong, 8. Emmel. 2:09.69 SECOND QUALIFIER: (8 laps – no points) 1. Larson, 2. Windom, 3. Kuhn, 4. Meseraull, 5. Malpocker, 6. Wean, 7. Burke, 8. Schmidt, 9. Barber, 10. Chapple. NT THIRD QUALIFIER: (8 laps – no points) 1. Coons, 2. Abreu, 3. D.Ray, 4. East, 5. S.Buckwalter, 6. Cottle, 7. B.Bright, 8. Ferns, 9. Campbell, 10. Galbraith. 2:13.41 FOURTH QUALIFIER: (8 laps – no points) 1. Sweet, 2. Hagen, 3. T.Buckwalter, 4. Daum, 5. Schuerenberg, 6. C.Armstrong, 7. Shuman, 8. Frye, 9. Robbie Ray (3R, Ray). NT

DASH: (6 laps – no points) 1. Abreu, 2. Clauson, 3. Hagen, 4. Larson, 5. Sweet, 6. Bacon, 7. Hines, 8. D.Ray. 1:40.83

B-MAIN #1: (12 laps – no points) 1. Coons, 2. Meseraull, 3. Windom, 4. C.Armstrong, 5. S.Buckwalter, 6. Schuerenberg, 7. Wean, 8. B.Bright, 9. Cottle, 10. Ferns, 11. Shuman, 12. Galbraith, 13. Frye, 14. Clayton. 3:27.20 B-MAIN #2: (12 laps – no points) 1. Darland, 2. A.Bright, 3. Daum, 4. Kuhn, 5. T.Buckwalter, 6. East, 7. Barber, 8. Malpocker, 9. Courtney, 10. Burke, 11. Emmel, 12. D.Armstrong, 13. Schmidt, 14. Chapple. 3:27.18

FEATURE: (50 laps) 1. Kyle Larson, 2. Jerry Coons, Jr., 3. Brad Sweet, 4. Brad Kuhn, 5. Rico Abreu, 6. Dave Darland, 7. Chris Windom, 8. Tim Buckwalter, 9. Tracy Hines, 10. Davey Ray, 11. Tyler Courtney, 12. Hunter Schuerenberg, 13. Colten Cottle, 14. Bobby East, 15. Andy Malpocker, 16. Brady Bacon, 17. Thomas Meseraull, 18. Steve Buckwalter, 19. Zach Daum, 20. Alex Bright, 21. Caleb Armstrong, 22. Chase Barber, 23. Darren Hagen, 24. Nick Wean, 25. Bryan Clauson, 26. Brenden Bright. NT ---------------------------------------- **B.Bright flipped on Lap 4 of the Feature. A.Bright flipped on lap 31 of the Feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Hagen, Laps 4-36 Larson, Laps 37-42 Coons, Laps 43-50 Larson.

NEW MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET POINTS: 1-Hagen-1,152; 2-Hines-968; 3-Clauson-924; 4-C.Armstrong-831; 5-Larson-791; 6-Kuhn-741; 7-East-732; 8-Abreu-691; 9-Windom-670; 10-Coons-636. NEW MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Hagen-719, 2-Windom-670, 3-Coons-636, 4-Kuhn-634, 5-Clauson-601, 6-Hines-584, 7-Larson-555, 8-D.Ray-499, 9-Abreu-454, 10-C.Armstrong-423.

NEXT MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET RACE: November 9-10 – Peoria, AZ – Canyon Speedway Park

USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

October 6, 2012 - Petaluma, California – Petaluma Speedway – Inaugural “Johnny Soares Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen-15.110; 2. Chris Ennis, 151, Neverlift-15.343; 3. Nick Chivello, 27, Chivello-15.447; 4. Danny Parker, 21, Parker-15.509; 5. Tanner Swanson, 11, Wilke-Pak-15.543; 6. Sparky Howard, 3, Howard-15.757; 7. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-15.803; 8. Frankie Guerrini, 63, Guerrini-15.822; David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-16.005; 10. Bill Lindsey, 8, Lindsey-16.010; 11. Shane Golobic, 26, Bock-16.045; 12. Rick Holbrook, 6, Holbrook-16.074; 13. Floyd Alvis, 18, Alvis-16.092; 14. Greg Bragg, 0, Lamott-16.112; 15. Britton Bock, 62, Bock-16.186; 16. Connor Kassik, 115, Neverlift-16.231; 17. Gary Conterno, 83, Conterno-16.241; 18. Alex Schutte, 10, Cook-16.309; 19. Pete Davis, 00, Davis-16.353; 20. J.R. Williams, 74, Williams-16.687.

FIRST QUALIFIER: (10 laps) 1. Golobic, 2. Alvis, 3. Bock, 4. Davis, 5. Conterno. NT

SECOND QUALIFIER: (10 laps) 1. Bragg, 2. Kassik, 3. Schutte, 4. Holbrook, 5. Williams. NT

FEATURE: (101 laps) 1. Shane Golobic, 2. Shannon McQueen, 3. Tanner Swanson, 4. David Prickett, 5. Greg Bragg, 6. Chris Ennis, 7. Rick Holbrook, 8. Gary Conterno, 9. Nick Chivello, 10. Alex Schutte, 11. Danny Parker, 12. Frankie Guerrini, 13. Scott Pierovich, 14. Britton Bock, 15. Sparky Howard, 16. Connor Kassik, 17. Floyd Alvis, 18. Pete Davis, 19. Bill Lindsey, 20. J.R. Williams. NT --------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Chivello, Laps 3-26 Parker, Laps 27-93 McQueen, Laps 94-101 Golobic.

NEW MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINTS: 1-Shannon-761, 2-Prickett-610, 3-Chivello-591, 4-Pierovich-496, 5-Schutte-449, 6-Guerrini-430, 7-Cole Carter-411, 8-Kassik-380, 9-Randi Pankratz-352, 10-Jake Swanson-344. NEW MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Prickett-579, 2-McQueen-550, 3-Schutte-397, 4-Kassik-380, 5-Randi Pankratz-352, 6-Chivello-335, 7-Cody Swanson-329, 8-Cole Carter-283, 9-Pierovich-272, 10-Jake Swanson-260.

NEXT MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET RACE: November 22 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway – 73rd “Turkey Night Grand Prix”

USAC WESTERN IGNITE FUELS (NORTH) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

October 6, 2012 – Stockton, California – Stockton 99 Speedway

QUALIFYING: 1. Garrett Peterson, 31, Peterson-13.256; 2. Tyler Edwards, 24, Sutton-13.270; 3. Cole Glasson, 11, Sutton-13.461; 4. Ricky Bowers, 42, Sutton-13.527; 5. Sheldon Didinger, 3, Sutton-13.609; 6. Molly Helmuth, 9, Sutton-13.667; 7. Shawn Buckley, 7, Buckley-13.805; 8. Christine Breckenridge, 26, Breckenridge-13.899.

DASH: (4 Laps) 1. Bowers, 2. Edwards, 3. Peterson, 4. Glasson. NT

FIRST FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Ricky Bowers, 2. Garrett Peterson, 3. Molly Helmuth, 4. Tyler Edwards, 5. Shawn Buckley, 6. Sheldon Didinger, 7. Cole Glasson, 8. Christine Breckenridge. NT

SECOND FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Garrett Peterson, 2. Tyler Edwards, 3. Cole Glasson, 4. Ricky Bowers, 5. Molly Helmuth, 6. Sheldon Didinger, 7. Christine Breckenridge, 8. Shawn Buckley. NT --------------------------------------------------

FIRST FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-19 Peterson, Laps 20-30 Bowers. SECOND FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Glasson, Laps 3-4 Didinger, Lap 5 Edwards, Laps 6-30 Peterson.

FINAL WESTERN IGNITE NORTH MIDGET POINTS: 1-Peterson-933, 2-Bowers-895, 3-Edwards-884, 4-Didinger-821, 5-Helmuth-709, 6-Glasson-350, 7-J.R. Williams-715, 8-Breckenridge-246, 9-Spencer Hill-187, 10-Collin Milroy-177.

USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

October 6, 2012 – Altamahaw, North Carolina – Ace Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Chris Lamb, 9L, Lamb-15.746; 2. Jared Irvan, 28, Irvan-15.807; 3. Ryan Krachun, 29, Krachun-15.817; 4. Tyler Corriher, 12, Noffsinger/Brown-15.920; 5. Nic Davidson, 39, Radical-15.983; 6. Matt Lundstrom, 5, Lundstrom-16.129; 7. Justin Whittall, 67, Whittall-16.333; 8. Steven Intravaia, 2, Trotter-16.496; 9. Calvin Carroll, 24 , Carroll-16.559; 10. Mike Ward, 80, Ward-NT.

FIRST FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Jared Irvan, 2. Ryan Krachun, 3. Nic Davidson, 4. Tyler Corriher, 5. Matt Lundstrom, 6. Justin Whittall, 7. Calvin Carroll, 8. Chris Lamb, 9. Steven Intravaia. NT

SECOND FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Chris Lamb, 2. Jared Irvan, 3. Tyler Corriher, 4. Ryan Krachun, 5. Nic Davidson, 6. Mike Ward, 7. Matt Lundstrom, 8. Justin Whittall, 9. Calvin Carroll, 10. Steven Intravaia. NT --------------------------------------------

FIRST FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-17 Lamb, Laps 18-25 Irvan. SECOND FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-19 Corriher, Lap 20 Irvan, Laps 21-25 Lamb.

NEW USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Irvan-890, 2-Lamb-714, 3-Krachun-653, 4-Davidson-633, 5-Corriher-519, 6-Carroll-460, 7-Michael Fanelli-326, 8-Lundstrom-305, 9-Ross Rankine-305, 10-Whittall-279.

NEXT USAC EASTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: October 7 – Altamahaw, N.C. - Ace Speedway

USAC MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS:

October 4, 2012 – Pontoon Beach, Illinois – Tri-City Speedway – 4th DuPont “Gold Crown Midget Nationals”

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson (67, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian), 2. Steve Buckwalter (25, Buckwalter), 3. Alex Bright (77, Hemler), 4. Dalton Armstrong (7A, C&A), 5. Andy Malpocker (22, Malpocker), 6. Nick Wean (78, Wean), 7. Robbie Ray (3R, Ray), 8. Tyler Robbins (35, Robbins), 9. Brad Kuhn (17, RW), 10. Michael Koontz (17K, Koontz). NT SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Kyle Larson (71, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian), 2. Jake Blackhurst (25B, Blackhurst), 3. Brad Sweet (56, Hmiel), 4. Darren Hagen (3, RFMS), 5. Chris Windom (11, Wilke), 6. Dave Darland (3F, RFMS), 7. Bobby East (4, Klatt), 8. Jimmy Glenn (07, JG), 9. Tyler Courtney (2A, Bush). 2:00.88 THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Tracy Hines (24, Parker), 2. Caleb Armstrong (7c, C&A), 3. Rico Abreu (67K, Kunz), 4. Jerry Coons, Jr. (63, Dooling), 5. Thomas Meseraull (57, Ecker), 6. Hunter Schuerenberg (2, Bush), 7. Chase Barber (191, Barber), 8. Taylor Ferns (55, Ferns), 9. Ryan Criswell (11R, Criswell), 10. Austin Burke (54, Burke). 2:02.44 FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Nick Knepper (55x, Knepper), 2. Colten Cottle (5c, Cottle), 3. Tim Buckwalter (52, Buckwalter), 4. John Campbell (19, Campbell), 5. Justin Grosz (99x, Grosz), 6. Riley Emmel (12, RayPro), 7. Kent Schmidt (5K, Schmidt), 8. Gavin Galbraith (98G, Galbraith), 9. Payton Pierce (2x, Murdock). NT FIFTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Zach Daum (5D, Daum), 2. Davey Ray (33, RayPro), 3. Brady Bacon (99, BBR), 4. Rich Camfield (87, Mathias), 5. Daron Clayton (10, Moore), 6. Korey Weyant (87R, Camfield), 7. Brenden Bright (88, Bright), 8. Danny Frye (5, Frye), 9. Isaac Chapple (52c, Chapple). 2:03.36

ALSO AT THE TRACK: Casey Shuman (57K, Ecker)

C-MAIN: (10 laps) 1. Robbins, 2. Kuhn, 3. Ferns, 4. B. Bright, 5. Criswell, 6. Courtney, 7. Burke, 8. Schmidt, 9. Glenn, 10. Galbraith, 11. Frye, 12. Chapple, 13. Barber, 14. Pierce. 2:47.84

SEMI: (15 laps) 1. Coons, 2. Cottle, 3. Darland, 4. C. Armstrong, 5. Windom, 6. Schuerenberg, 7. Robbins, 8. R. Ray, 9. Wean, 10. Weyant, 11. Malpocker, 12. East, 13. Camfield, 14. Grosz, 15. Clayton, 16. Kuhn, 17. B. Bright, 18. Emmel, 19. Ferns, 20. D. Armstrong. NT

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Tracy Hines, 2. Kyle Larson, 3. Brad Sweet, 4. Bryan Clauson, 5. Alex Bright, 6. Darren Hagen, 7. Rico Abreu, 8. Dave Darland, 9. Thomas Meseraull, 10. Brady Bacon, 11. Zach Daum, 12. Jerry Coons, Jr., 13. Chris Windom, 14. Bobby East, 15. Jake Blackhurst, 16. Caleb Armstrong, 17. Hunter Schuerenberg, 18. Tyler Robbins, 19. Davey Ray, 20. Colten Cottle, 21. John Campbell, 22. Robbie Ray, 23. Tim Buckwalter, 24. Steve Buckwalter, 25. Nick Knepper. NT

**Koontz flipped in Heat 1. B. Bright flipped in the Semi. Camfield flipped in the Semi and was transported for observation. Grosz flipped in the Semi.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-25 Hines

NEW MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET POINTS: 1-Hagen-1,139; 2-Hines-932; 3-Clauson-911; 4-C. Armstrong-818; 5-Larson-731; 6-East-707; 7-Kuhn-690; 8-Abreu-643; 9-Windom-628; 10-Mario Clouser-599. NEW MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Darreh-707, 2-Windom-628, 3-Clauson-588, 4-Kuhn-583, 5-Coons-579, 6-Hines-548, 7-Larson-495, 8-D.Ray-468, 9-C.Armstrong-410, 10-Abreu-406.

NEXT MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET RACE: October 5 – Pontoon Beach, IL – Tri-City Speedway – 4th DuPont “Gold Crown Midget Nationals”

3 NDC MARKERS UP FOR GRABS AT GOLD CROWN MIDGETS; CLAUSON-HINES SEPARATION NOW 96

Bryan Clauson’s pursuit of a third consecutive USAC National Drivers Championship winds its way to Pontoon Beach, Ill. this weekend as the DuPont “Gold Crown Nationals” unfold at Tri-City Speedway for the USAC Mopar National Midgets.

The Thursday-Friday and Saturday events each hold NDC points as drivers jockey for position in the standings.

Despite being idle, Levi Jones continues to hold the number three ranking, while Dave Darland and Darren Hagen are fourth and fifth respectively.

2012 USAC National Drivers Championship Standings

1-Bryan Clauson-1,085, 2-Tracy Hines-989, 3-Levi Jones-974, 4-Dave Darland-967, 5-Darren Hagen-953, 6-Jon Stanbrough-918, 7-Chris Windom-902, 8-Jerry Coons Jr.-896, 9-Damion Gardner-824, 10-Chase Stockon-783.

4th DuPONT “GOLD CROWN NATIONALS” AT PONTOON BEACH

Two years ago Darren Hagen dominated the DuPont “Gold Crown Midget Nationals” in impressive fashion, sweeping all three nights of the annual Mopar USAC National Midget extravaganza. He’d like nothing more than to do an encore this weekend at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill.

Hagen is well on his way to his first series championship, holding a 207-point edge over runner-up Tracy Hines going into this Thursday, Friday and Saturday’s events. The Riverside, Calif. driver also leads the dirt track standings by 78 markers over Chris Windom.

Hagen was unstoppable in 2010 at the 3/8-mile dirt oval. He enters this year’s “Gold Crown” in the RFMS Racing Liberty Village/McGladrey & Pullen DRC/Esslinger, already having logged in four feature wins, a second, two thirds, four fourths and a pair of fifths.

It’s been eight years since a driver won the USAC National Midget title with a larger margin of victory than Hagen’s 207-point edge. Bobby East obliterated Josh Wise by a whopping 472 points.

Hagen fell 16 points shy of Bryan Clauson last year and in 2007 fell just 71 points short of eventual titlist Jerry Coons Jr. Last year, Hagen started the “Gold Crown” by winning the 25-lap prelim, but he was seventh behind Kyle Larson in the second prelim and eighth behind “Gold Crown” champion Levi Jones. Jones will be unable to defend his title, recuperating from recent neck surgery.

Jerry Coons Jr. won the inaugural “Gold Crown Nationals” in 2008, while rain halted the 2009 event.

The three-night program offers $10,000-to-win for Saturday’s finale, with Thursday and Friday night victories worth $3,000 each.

The “Gold Crown Nationals” will also figure into the 2012 USAC National Drivers Championship standings, with each night’s program offering full points. Bryan Clauson, the 2010 and 2011 titlist, continues to lead the 2012 rankings.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-1,079, 2-Tracy Hines-872, 3-Bryan Clauson-851, 4-Caleb Armstrong-758, 5-Kyle Larson-671, 6-Bobby East-644, 7-Brad Kuhn-630, 8-Mario Clouser-599, 9-Rico Abreu-583, 10-Chris Windom-568.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-646, 2-Chris Windom-568, 3-Bryan Clauson-528, 4-Brad Kuhn-523, 5-Jerry Coons Jr.-519, 6-Tracy Hines-488, 7-Kyle Larson-435, 8-Davey Ray-403, 9-Caleb Armstrong-350, 10-Rico Abreu-346.

NO WRIST WRESTLING AT PETALUMA SATURDAY BUT WESTERN MIDGET TUSSLE WILL BE IN FORCE

Formerly the home of the World’s Wrist Wrestling Championship, Petaluma, Calif. will host a different form of tussle this Saturday when the USAC Mopar Western Midget Championship comes to town.

Petaluma Speedway, celebrating 50 years of motorsports, will welcome Western Midget point leaders Shannon McQueen and David Prickett as they continue their pursuit of 2012 championships. McQueen leads Prickett by 139 points in the overall standings, while Prickett leads McQueen by 41 in the dirt standings.

The Petaluma area has long been a magnet for Hollywood’s movie industry and the Speedway has a legacy of entertainment of its own.

At present, only five races remain on the 2012 calendar, culminating in the November 22 “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Perris, Calif.

McQueen and Prickett continue to seek their first feature events this year, but McQueen has eight “top-fives” and Prickett has six.

2012 USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Shannon McQueen-698, 2-David Prickett-559, 3-Nick Chivello-551, 4-Scott Pierovich-469, 5-Alex Schutte-416, 6-Cole Carter-411, 7-Frankie Guerrini-411, 8-Connor Kassik-359, 9-Randi Pankratz-352, 10-Jake Swanson-344.

2012 USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-David Prickett-528, 2-Shannon McQueen-487, 3-Alex Schutte-364, 4-Connor Kassik-359, 5-Randi Pankratz-352, 6-Cody Swanson-329, 7-Nick Chivello-295, 8-Cole Carter-283, 9-Jake Swanson-260, 10-Scott Pierovich-245.

TERRE HAUTE, LAKE ODESSA SPRINTS NEXT - OCTOBER 12 & 14; STOCKON LANDS 1ST WIN IN $10,000 LAWRENCEBURG “FALL NATIONALS”

USAC’s AMSOIL National Sprint Car campaign concludes its Midwestern activity October 12 and 14 with races at Terre Haute, Ind. and Lake Odessa, Mich. respectively. The “Jim Hurtubise Classic” is at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track and I-96 Speedway hists the October 14 event. Drivers Bryan Clauson and Jon Stanbrough now trail point leader Dave Darland by just 24 and 26 points respectively after last Saturday night’s race at Lawrenceburg, Ind.

Chase Stockon of Sullivan, Ind. posted a $10,000 victory in Saturday’s City of Lawrenceburg “Fall Nationals,” leading all 30 laps of the main event to post his initial series victory. Stockon piloted the First Financial Bank/Superior Tank & Trailer DRC/Fisher to the win.

Chris Windom was second ahead of Damion Gardner, Clauson and Hunter Schuerenberg.

Stanbrough was 11th and Darland 19th in the 23-car field, serving to tighten up the point chase going into the Terre Haute race.

2012 AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR POINTS

ACE, LEBANON & STOCKTON HOST RACES THIS WEEK; RANKINE, ALFREY, COLSTON & PETERSON SCORE IN IGNITES

USAC Ignite Midget activity finds three fronts this week, with races at Altamahaw, N.C., Lebanon, Ore. and Stockton, Calif. Saturday’s races are for the Eastern series at Ace Speedway, the Northwest series at Willamette Speedway and the Western series at Stockton 99 Speedway.

Four drivers earned feature wins last week in races in Indiana, Washington and California.

Ross Rankine of Willard, Ohio and Toby Alfrey of Miamisburg, Ohio scored the final two races in the Midwest Dirt Series at Gas City and Montpelier, Ind. respectively. Rankine won Friday night’s 20-lapper at Gas City I-69 Speedway after original winner Stratton Briggs suffered a car penalty, relegating him to last position. Katlynn Leer, Cooper Clouse, Adam Thomason and Sam McGhee rounded out the “top-five.” Rankine officially led the final lap of the race. Alfrey passed Clouse on lap 15 at Montpelier Motor Speedway Saturday night and led the last six laps to beat Leer, Clouse, Thomason and Cody Gardner.

Rankine ended up as the 2012 USAC Midwest Dirt Ignite Midget Champion.

Jared Peterson of Stanwood, Wash. scored another 25-lap USAC Northwest Ignite victory in Saturday night’s feature at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Wash., leading all 25 laps to beat Chase Goetz, Todd Hartman, Ariel Biggs and Hannah Lindquist.

Parker Colston of Lake Elsinore, Calif. led all but the first lap of Saturday night’s 30-lap Western Ignite feature at Route 66 Motorplex in Victorville, Calif. Cole Custer took second ahead of Cory Elliott, Jet Davison and Michael Steele.

2012 NEW WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS:

NEW USAC LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS

2012 USAC MIDWEST IGNITE PAVEMENT POINTS

2012 FINAL USAC MIDWEST IGNITE DIRT POINT STANDINGS

2012 WESTERN IGNITE NORTH MIDGET POINTS:

1-Garrett Peterson-870, 2-Ricky Bowers-781, 3-Tyler Edwards-773, 4-Sheldon Didinger-729, 5-Molly Helmuth-605, 6-J.R. Williams-315, 7-Cole Glasson-250, 8-Spencer Hill-187, 9-Collin Milroy-177, 10-Christine Breckenridge-165.

2012 LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS:

2012 USAC EASTERN IGNITE POINT STANDINGS

1-Jared Irvan-698, 2-Chris Lamb-609, 3-Ryan Krachun-541, 4-Nic Davidson-529, 5-Tyler Corriher-411, 6-Calvin Carroll-382, 7-Michael Fanelli-326, 8-Ross Rankine-303, 9-Cooper Clouse-219, 10-Matthew Lindstrom-214.

2012 USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE POINT STANDINGS

1-Jared Peterson-862, 2-Chase Goetz-818, 3-Garret Johnson-753, 4-Garrett Thomas-734, 5-Michael Millard-650, 6-Todd Hartman-582, 7-Zak DeBakker-398, 8-Jeremy Miller-377, 9-Ariel Biggs-350, 10-Renee Angel-286.

CHAFFEE PUTS FINISHING TOUCH ON DMA MIDGET SERIES

Kevin Chaffee of Fairlee, Vt. topped off the final event in the 2012 USAC DMA Midget Series Saturday night at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, Vt. He won the 25-lap “special event” no-points race to close out the season, although he had already clinched the season championship.

Chaffee passed Joe Krawiec on lap 20 and led the last six laps to beat Krawiec, Josh Sunn, Jeff Champagne and Jamie Spalding. Champagne led the first two laps.

The nine point-paying races produced six feature winners, including defending champion Joe Krawiec’s three wins. Holcomb won twice, while Chaffee, Jeff Champagne, Dean Christensen and Dana Shaw each won once.

FINAL 2012 USAC DMA MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Kevin Chaffee-523, 2-Scott Holcomb-521, 3-Joe Krawiec-476, 4-Ray Miller-451, 5-Dean Christensen-391, 6-Tim Gallant-391, 7-Jeff Champagne-375, 8-Adam Whitney-368, 9-Denny Zimmerman-323, 10-Dana Shaw-300.

COTTONGIM CLOSES OUT USAC/STARS D1 SERIES WITH 30-LAPPER

Tyler Cottongim of Avon, Ind. won Saturday night’s 30-lap USAC/STARS D1 Midget finale at Grundy County Speedway. He led the final three laps of the “Alex Pruett/Bob Lockard Memorial” after passing Grant Galloway on lap 28.

Galloway took second ahead of Brad Greenup, Bryan Nuckles and Jim Anderson, who emerged as the series champion.

Anderson flipped after the checkered flag and was transported to a local hospital for observation.

The 2012 series produced seven feature winners, with Anderson, Kyle Hamilton and Kyle O’Gara each registering two wins. Single victories went to Mario Clouser, Billy Hulbert, Bryan Nuckles, Cottongim and Kody Swanson.

The championship is Anderson’s first in USAC competition as he also posted a second, two thirds, and two fourths.

FINAL 2012 USAC/STARS D1 MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Jim Anderson-651, 2-Patrick Wilda-508, 3-Kyle O’Gara-477, 4-Austin Prock-426, 5-Tyler Trainor-413, 6-Tyler Cottongim-388, 7-Brad Greenup-376, 8-Billy Hulbert-337, 9-Grant Galloway-324, 10-James Robertson-323.

“COTTON CLASSIC” OCTOBER 13 AT KINGS SPEEDWAY; VANDER WEERD ANNEXES “JOHN JEWETT MEMORIAL BILLETT CUP”

The “Cotton Classic” is last on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car calendar, closing out the campaign at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif. October 6.

Bud Kaeding continues to pace the point standings since no points were issued for last Saturday night’s “John Jewett Memorial Billet Cup” race at the Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway.

Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia, Calif. won the Santa Maria feature, passing Mike Spencer on lap 35 and leading the final six laps. Spencer finished second ahead of Ryan Bernal, Kaeding and Danny Faria Jr. Chris Ennis led the first 18 laps and Spencer the next 16 before Vander Weerd led the rest.

2012 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

USAC/CRA SO-CAL FAIR RACES SATURDAY AT PERRIS

It’s a good bet Mike Spencer will be up front in the closing laps of this Saturday’s AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint race at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway. In 17 series races this year he’s never finished worse than fourth!

That’s an astonishing accomplishment for a driver who has a history of accomplishments. He is on track to knock down his fifth consecutive series championship, another unprecedented accomplishment, and he is challenging the all-time victory record for USAC/CRA wins at the PAS. His eight wins already this year have included six at Perris, making him 23 career wins, just two short of Damion Gardner.

Spencer’s spacious point lead over Brody Roa stands at 326, which is challenging his 2010 record margin of 335 points. Nic Faas trails Roa by only five points in the latest tally.

Spencer is all alone in the victory column this year. Ryan Bernal has a pair of wins, but the other seven winners have just one each. They include Kyle Hirst, Cory Kruseman, Danny Sheridan, Austin Williams, Roa, Dannny Faria Jr. and Faas.

Saturday’s Southern California Fair activities find the USAC/CRA Sprints starting at 1:30 pm with qualifying and heat races. The evening races begin at 7 pm.

2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

1-Mike Spencer-1,163, 2-Brody Roa-837, 3-Nic Faas-832, 4-Ryan Bernal-776, 5-Rip Williams-755, 6-Austin Williams-706, 7-Cory Kruseman-658, 8-Cody Williams-545, 9-Matt Mitchell-461, 10-Seth Wilson-431.

USAC/STARS D1 MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 29, 2012 – Morris, Illinois – Grundy County Speedway – “Alex Pruett/Bob Lockard Memorial” presented by 3 Wide Life

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Jimmy Anderson, 36, Guess-14.489; 2. Kyle O’Gara, 17B, RW-14.505; 3. Patrick Wilda Jr., 33, Wilda-14.531; 4. Bryan Nuckles, 59, Nuckles-14.557; 5. Tyler Cottongim, 28, Cottingim-14.568; 6. Kyle Hamilton, 5, Domark-14.618; 7. Brad Greenup, 4G, Greenup-14.682; 8. Grant Galloway, 16, Galloway-14.687; 9. James Robertson, 11T, Young-14.697; 10. Billy Hulbert, 88, Hulbert-14.699; 11. David Gough, 9, Fox-14.701; 12. Tyler Trainor, 25, Trainor-14.701; 13. Austin Prock, 41, Prock-14.732; 14. David Byrne, 20B, Byrne-14.750; 15. Derek Bischak, 31, Bischak-14.752; 16. Travis Young, 11, Young-14.762; 17. Bobby Guess, 36T, Guess-14.945; 18. Ryan Probst, 99, Probst-14.976; 19. Rich Corson, 15, Corson/Savage-14.979; 20. Nick Wagner, 93w, Wagner-15.076; 21. Terry Ahern, 6T6, Ahern-15.288; 22. Tom Eyman, 2, Eyman-15.406; 23. Ray Seach, 6, A & G-15.458; 24. Bret Sanderson, 66, Sanderson-15.531; 25. Tyler Baran, 14, Baran-15.891.

TROPHY DASH: (4 laps) 1. Wilda, 2. Nuckles, 3. Anderson, 4. O’Gara. NT

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Prock, 2. Greenup, 3. Young, 4. Anderson, 5. Hulbert, 6. Baran, 7. Eyman, 8. Nuckles, 9. Corson. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Gough, 2. Byrne, 3. Cottongim, 4. O’Gara, 5. Galloway, 6. Seach, 7. Wagner, 8. Guess. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Robertson, 2. Probst, 3. Hamilton, 4. Wilda, 5. Bischak, 6. Trainor, 7. Ahern, 8. Sanderson. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Tyler Cottongim, 2. Grant Galloway, 3. Brad Greenup, 4. Bryan Nuckles, 5. Jimmy Anderson, 6. Austin Prock, 7. Patrick Wilda, 8. Kyle Hamilton, 9. David Gough, 10. David Byrne, 11. James Robertson, 12. Tyler Trainor, 13. Derek Bischak, 14. Ray Seach, 15. Billy Hulbert, 16. Ryan Probst, 17. Tom Eyman, 18. Kyle O’Gara, 19. Travis Young, 20. Tyler Baran, 21. Rich Corson, 22. Nick Wagner, 23. Bobby Guess, 24. Terry Ahern, 25. Bret Sanderson. NT -------------------------------------------- **Anderson flipped at the end of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-27 Galloway, Laps 28-30 Cottongim.

FINAL USAC/STARS D1 MIDGET POINTS: 1-Anderson-651, 2-Wilda-508, 3-O’Gara-477, 4-Prock-426, 5-Trainor-413, 6-Cottongim-388, 7-Greenup-376, 8-Hulbert-337, 9-Galloway-324, 10-Robertson-323.

USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS (Points only for feature event):

September 29, 2012 – Elma, Washington – Grays Harbor Raceway

QUALIFICATIONS (Only for those not in the top-6 in points): 1. Garrett Thomas, 14, Thomas-16.151; 2. Hannah Lindquist, 3H, Lindquist-16.550; 3. Todd Hartman, 21, Hartman-16.626; 4. Ariel Biggs, 11e, Evans-16.927; 5. Liz Miller, 46j, Miller-17.249; 6. Annika Johanson, 27, Johanson-17.595, 7. Madison Hess, 5, Sherwood-NT, 8. Steven Hughes, 12, Hughes-NT.

FIRST HEAT (Only for those not in the top-6 in points): (10 laps) 1. Biggs, 2. Hess, 3. Johanson, 4. Lindquuist, 5. L.Miller, 6. Thomas, 7. Hartman, 8. Hughes. NT

DASH: (4 laps) 1. Jared Peterson (#3s Stewart), 2. Jeremy Miller (#44 Miller), 3. Chase Goetz (#91 Goetz), 4. Garret Johnson (#3g Johnson), 5. Michael Millard (#23 Millard), 6. Zak Debakker (#2 Debakker). NT

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Jared Peterson, 2. Chase Goetz, 3. Todd Hartman, 4. Ariel Biggs, 5. Hannah Lindquist, 6. Michael Millard, 7. Zak DeBakker, 8. Liz Miller, 9. Garrett Thomas, 10. Garret Johnson, 11. Annika Johanson, 12. Jeremy Miller. NT (Madison Hess car was disqualified for failure to pass technical inspection.) -------------------------------------------- **Hughes flipped during the first heat. Johanson flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-25 Peterson.

NEW USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Peterson-862, 2-Goetz-818, 3-Johnson-753, 4-Thomas-734, 5-Millard-650, 6-Hartman-582, 7-DeBakker-398, 8-J.Miller-377, 9-Biggs-350, 10-Renee Angel-286.

NEXT USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE MIDGET RACE: October 6 – Lebanon, OR – Willamette Speedway

Kevin Chaffee Ends USAC DMA Season on a High Note

BY MARK McKEON

BRADFORD, VT – “The Fairlee Flier,” Kevin Chaffee of Fairlee, VT ended his USAC Dirt Midget Association championship season on a note so high it could constitute his audition for La Scala. After a rain delay on a cold damp night at Bear Ridge Speedway, Chaffee provided one of the hottest battles of the year, emerging victorious after a four way fight for the lead with Joe Krawiec, Josh Sunn and Jeff Champagne. Close quarters racing by the quick quartet had the fans cheering.

Starting fifth and surviving a melee at the start that eliminated three cars, Chaffee worked the outside like a fighter pilot and the inside like a submariner as he fought his way to the front. Each driver had an individual incentive: Chaffee aspired to end the season with panache, Krawiec wanted to assuage his first loss of a championship in three years, Sunn sought a Midget victory to match his three Modified wins this season and high school hot shoe Champagne hoped to prove that his career first Midget win a few weeks ago was far from a fluke. Collectively, they put on a show that will give the fans something to talk about until races resume next Spring.

USAC DIRT MIDGET ASSOCIATION RACE RESULTS: September 29, 2012 – Bradford, Vermont – Bear Ridge Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Tim Gallant, 33, Gallant- 14.304; 2. Josh Sunn, 76, Manafort- 14.323; 3. Jeff Champagne ,77, Champagne- 14.439; 4. Joe Krawiec ,4, Matczak 14.450; 5. Kevin Chaffee ,23, Matczak- 14.484; 6. Scott Holcomb ,91, Holcomb-14.582; 7. Jamie Spalding ,93, Tefft-14.595; 8. Ray Miller, 1, Miller- 14.752; 9. Matt Covey, 26, Covey- 14.802; 10. Denny Zimmerman, 3, Matczak- 14.993; 11 Adam Whitney, 12, Whitney- 15.085; 12. Dean Christensen, 69, Miller- 15.090; 13. Dave Hotchkiss, 47, Miller- 15.127; 14. Connor Leighton, 84, Leighton-17.058.

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Kevin Chaffee, 2. Joe Krawiec, 3. Josh Sunn, 4. Jeff Champagne, 5. Jamie Spalding, 6. Scott Holcomb, 7. Matt Covey, 8. Ray Miller, 9. Adam Whitney, 10. Dean Christensen, 11. Dave Hotchkiss, 12. Tim Gallant, 13. Connor Leighton, 14. Denny Zimmermann. NT.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Champagne, Laps 3-19 Krawiec, Laps 20-25 Chaffee

Final USAC DMA Race of the 2012 season.

USAC WESTERN IGNITE FUELS (DIRT) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 29, 2012 – Victorville, California – Route 66 Motorplex

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Parker Colston (#64 Colston), 2. Clayton Ruston (#55k Custer), 3. Cole Custer (#37 Pankratz), 4. Christine Breckenridge (#26 Breckenridge), 5. Wally Pankratz (#32 Pankratz). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Jet Davison (#59 Davison), 2. Ashley Hazelton (#59x Hazelton), 3. Cory Elliott (#11E Elliott), 4. Michael Steele (#92 Steele). NT

FEATURE: (30 Laps) 1. Parker Colston, 2. Cole Custer, 3. Cory Elliott, 4. Jet Davison, 5. Michael Steele, 6. Clayton Ruston, 7. Christine Breckenridge, 8. Ashley Hazelton, 9. Wally Pankratz. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 Davison, Laps 2-30 Colston.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Elliott-636, 2-Davison-602, 3-Colston-586, 4-Steele-387, 5-Hazelton-361, 6-Ruston-356, 7-Breckenridge-314, 8-Austin Blair-284, 9-Katlynn Leer-275, 10-W.Pankratz-189.

NEXT WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: October 6 – Stockton (CA) 99 Speedway

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

September 29, 2012 – Lawrenceburg, Indiana – Lawrenceburg Speedway – “City of Lawrenceburg Fall Nationals” – (Co-sanctioned by MSCS)

QUALIFYING: 1. Coleman Gulick, 14, Gulick-13.685; 2. Bryan Clauson, 7, Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-13.751; 3. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-13.846; 4. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-13.855; 5. Thomas Meseraull, 17, McGhee-13.936; 6. Tyler Courtney, 23c, Courtney-13.984; 7. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-13.994; 8. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-14.020; 9. Bobby East, 5E, East-14.038; 10. Andrew Elson, 27A, Elson-14.045; 11. Shane Cottle, 2, Epperson-14.064; 12. Logan Hupp, 9H, Hupp-14.071; 13. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-14.077; 14. Jerry Coons, Jr., 21, Pollock-14.086; 15. Scotty Weir, 51, Gnat-14.096; 16. Daron Clayton, 92, Clayton-14.158; 17. Dave Darland, 11, Walker-14.204; 18. Dakota Jackson, 3, Jackson-14.205; 19. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-14.223; 20. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 69OT, Dynamics-14.248; 21. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-14.290; 22. Jonathan Hendrick, 68, Hendrick-14.310; 23. Wes McIntyre, 5, Baldwin-14.417; 24. Jon Stanbrough, 21x, Leer-14.476; 25. Logan Jarrett, 29, Jarrett-14.520 ; 26. Todd Kane, 78, Kane-14.526; 27. Chad Boespflug, 69, Dynamics-14.548; 28. Drew Abel, 04, Abel-14.553; 29. Shawn Westerfeld, 89, Westerfeld-14.591; 30. Brady Short, 36, Pottorff-14.745; 31. David Applegate, 11x, Applegate-14.916; 32. Dwayne Spille, 71s, Spille-15.072; 33. Dickie Gaines, 8G, Wood-15.191; 34. Brian Karraker, 23, Karraker/Byram-15.307; 35. Adam Cruea, 83, Cruea-15.387; 36. Travis Hery, 21H, Hery-15.605; 37. Chet Williams, 38, Williams-15.833; 38. John Race, 42, Race-16.002; 39. Mike Weber, 22w, Weber-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ballou, 2. Schuerenberg, 3. Darland, 4. Gulick, 5. Meseraull, 6. East, 7. Westerfeld, 8. Jarrett, 9. Gaines, 10. Williams. 1:57.19

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jackson, 2. Hendrick, 3. Coons, 4. Clauson, 5. Elson, 6. Courtney, 7. Short, 8. Kane, 9. Karraker, 10. Race. 1:57.59

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Leary, 2. McIntyre, 3. Gardner, 4. Stockon, 5. Cottle, 6. Weir, 7. Boespflug, 8. Cruea, 9. Applegate. 1:56.35

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Stanbrough, 2. Thomas, 3. Windom, 4. Hupp, 5. Hines, 6. Abel, 7. Spille, 8. Hery, 9. Clayton. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Clayton, 2. Meseraull, 3. Hines, 4. Cottle, 5. East, 6. Weir, 7. Westerfeld, 8. Courtney, 9. Kane, 10. Karraker, 11. Gaines, 12. Hery, 13. Williams, 14. Race, 15. Elson, 16. Spille, 17. Boespflug, 18. Jarrett, 19. Abel, 20. Short, 21. Cruea. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Chase Stockon, 2. Chris Windom, 3. Damion Gardner, 4. Bryan Clauson, 5. Hunter Schuerenberg, 6. Thomas Meseraull, 7. Shane Cottle, 8. Tracy Hines, 9. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 10. Jerry Coons, Jr., 11. Jon Stanbrough, 12. Bobby East, 13. Logan Hupp, 14. C.J. Leary, 15. Robert Ballou, 16. Scotty Weir, 17. Brady Short, 18. Wes McIntyre, 19. Dave Darland, 20. Jonathan Hendrick, 21. Dakota Jackson, 22. Daron Clayton, 23. Coleman Gulick. -------------------------------- **Applegate flipped during the third heat. Jarrett flipped during the semi. Boespflug flipped during the semi. Elson flipped during the semi.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Stockon.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Darland-1,822; 2-Clauson-1,798; 3-Stanbrough-1,796; 4-Hines-1,624; 5-Levi Jones-1,615; 6-Gardner-1,588; 7-Stockon-1,524; 8-Schuerenberg-1,480; 9-Ballou-1,479; 10-Thomas-1,413.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: October 12 – Terre Haute (IN) Action Track – “Jim Hurtubise Classic”

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SPECIAL EVENT RACE RESULTS:

September 29, 2012 – Santa Maria, California – Santa Maria Speedway – “John Jewett Memorial Billet Cup”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-14.667; 2. Ricky Kirkbride, 87, Van Meter-14.827; 3. Danny Faria Jr., 17V, Faria-14.866; 4. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-14.876; 5. Mike Spencer, 18K, Kittle-14.914; 6. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-14.930; 7. Jimmy Thompson, 3E, Eames-14.937; 8. Jesse Denome, 6, Denome-14.962; 9. Danny Sheridan, 73X, Ford-15.018; 10. Tom Hendricks, 14K, Kruseman-15.027; 11. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-15.028; 12. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-15.136; 13. Brandon Thomson, 16, Jones-15.153; 14. D.J. Netto, 7N, Netto-15.166; 15. Austin Liggett, 83, Liggett-15.266; 16. Kevin Barnes, 36B, Barnes-15.371; 17. Jeremy Ellertson, 98, Ellertson-15.391; 18. Chris Ennis, 86, Ennis-15.471; 19. Ray Knight, 6K, Knight-16.753; 20. Jeff Sibley, 42N, Sibley- NT.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Kaeding, 2. Thomson, 3. Barnes, 4. Hendricks, 5. Knight, 6. Thompson, 7. R.Vander Weerd. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. Spencer, 3. Netto, 4. Kirkbride, 5. Denome, 6. Ellertson. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Sheridan, 2. Faria, 3. J.Vander Weerd, 4. Carlile, 5. Ennis, 6. Liggett. NT

FIRST QUALIFYING HEAT: (12 laps) 1. R.Vander Weerd, 2. Thomson, 3. Sheridan, 4. Faria, 5. Hendricks, 6. Kirkbride, 7. Thompson, 8. Barnes, 9. Knight. NT

SECOND QUALIFYING HEAT: (12 laps) 1. Netto, 2. Kaeding, 3. Bernal, 4. Liggett, 5. J. Vander Weerd, 6. Carlile, 7. Ennis, 8. Denome, 9. Spencer. NT

FEATURE: (40 laps) 1. Richard Vander Weerd, 2. Mike Spencer, 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. Bud Kaeding, 5. Danny Faria Jr., 6. Danny Sheridan, 7. Rusty Carlile, 8. Austin Liggett, 9. Jimmy Thompson, 10. D.J. Netto, 11. Ricky Kirkbride, 12. Jesse Denome, 13. Kevin Barnes, 14. Tom Hendricks, 15. Chris Ennis, 16. Jeremy Ellertson, 17. Jeff Silbey, 18. Jace Vander Weerd, 19. Ray Knight, 20. Brandon Thomson. NT ----------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-18 Ennis, Laps 19-34 Spencer, Laps 35-40 R. Vander Weerd

NEXT WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: October 13 – Kings Speedway – Hanford, California - “Cotton Classic”

USAC MIDWEST IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 29, 2012 – Montpelier, Indiana– Montpelier Motor Speedway

HEAT RACE: (15 laps) 1. Katlynn Leer (#12k Kruseman), 2. Cooper Clouse (#14 Clouse), 3. Ross Rankine (#39 Rankine), 4. Stratton Briggs (#2 Briggs), 5. Toby Alfrey (#4 Walker), 6. Adam Thomason (#74 Thomason), 7. Bill Kriegbaum (#12 Kriegbaum), 8. Emmy Gray (#77 Gray), 9. Cody Gardner (#2x Briggs).

FEATURE: (20 laps) 1. Toby Alfrey, 2. Katlynn Leer, 3. Cooper Clouse, 4. Adam Thomason, 5. Cody Gardner, 6. Stratton Briggs, 7. Bill Kriegbaum, 8, Emmy Gray, 9. Ross Rankine. NT --------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-14 Clouse, Laps 15-20 Alfrey.

FINAL USAC MIDWEST IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Rankine-567, 2-Clouse-511, 3-Alfrey-500, 4-Leer-457, 5-S.Briggs-435, 6-Sam McGhee-388, 7-Thomason-301, 8-Tyler Shullick-269, 9-Joey Greening-263, 10-Bill Kriegbaum-191.

USAC MIDWEST IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 28, 2012 – Gas City, Indiana– Gas City I-69 Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Katlynn Leer (#12k Kruseman), 2. Ross Rankine (#39 Rankine), 3. Thomas Briggs (#2x Briggs), 4. Cooper Clouse (#14 Clouse), 5. Adam Thomason (#74 Thomason), 6. Toby Alfrey (#5 Alfrey). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Sam McGhee (#11M McGhee), 2. Stratton Briggs (#2 Briggs), 3. Cody Gardner (#4 Alfrey), 4. Jessica Bean (#3 Bean), 5. Bill Kriegbaum (#12 Kriegbaum). NT

FEATURE: (20 laps) 1. Ross Rankine, 2. Katlynn Leer, 3. Cooper Clouse, 4. Adam Thomason, 5. Sam McGhee, 6. Cody Gardner, 7. Thomas Briggs, 8. Bill Kriegbaum, 9. Jessica Bean,.10. Toby Alfrey, 11. Stratton Briggs. (NOTE: Stratton Briggs’ car after winning feature was penalized for failure to pass post-race technical inspection.) -------------------------------- **Bean flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Lap 1 Gardner, Laps 2-19 S.Briggs, Lap 20 Rankine.

NEW USAC MIDWEST IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Rankine-524, 2-Clouse-450, 3-Alfrey-436, 4-Leer-392, 5-McGhee-388, 6-S.Briggs-385, 7-Tyler Shullick-269, 8-Joey Greening-263, 9-Thomason-247, 10-Kent Kriegbaum-175.

NEXT USAC MIDWEST IGNITE MIDGET RACE: September 29 – Montpelier (IN) Motor Speedway

7 RACES REMAIN FOR AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT CARS

Seven races remain on the 2012 USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car calendar and they should be memorable, given the tight point race which exists in the standings to determine this year’s champions.

Only 64 points separate the “top-three” in the driver standings and 119 separate the “top-three” in the car entrant points. The remaining races, beginning with this Saturday’s full points “City of Lawrenceburg Fall Classic” event at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway, offer more than 500 total points.

Races remaining include Lawrenceburg, an October 12 race at Terre Haute, Ind., an October 14 race at Lake Odessa, Mich., plus two-race events at Peoria, Ariz. October 26-27 and Perris, Calif. November 2-3.

Despite efforts to reschedule events rained out at Pontoon Beach, Ill. and Little Rock, Ark., track and USAC officials were unable to find suitable dates for 2012 but are actively pursuing options for events at those facilities in 2013. In addition, the October 19-20 races at Dodge City (Kans.) Raceway Park have also been removed from the calendar.

Dave Darland currently leads the 2012 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car points, 44 ahead of Jon Stanbrough and 64 ahead of Bryan Clauson. On the car entrant side of the ledger, CTR/BCI/Curb-Agajanian is the leader, 80 ahead of Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing and 119 ahead of Jeff Walker Racing.

$10,000 “FALL NATIONALS” RACE SATURDAY AT LAWRENCEBURG; HINES WIRE-TO-WIRE IN “4-CROWN” SPRINT

This Saturday night’s “Fall Nationals/Pretty In Pink” Sprint race, co-sanctioned by USAC and MSCS, offers $10,000-to-win as well as USAC AMSOIL National points to all USAC competitors.

The Lawrenceburg race supports breast cancer awareness and stars from both racing series will compete on the 3/8-mile action-packed dirt oval.

Dave Darland, Jon Stanbrough and Bryan Clauson enter the event as the USAC AMSOIL point leaders, separated by 64 points. Darland’s runner-up finish in last Saturday’s 30-lap “4-Crown Nationals” feature at Rossburg, Ohio expanded his lead over Stanbrough, who finished 13th at the Eldora Speedway. Clauson was fifth in the 30-lapper.

Tracy Hines of New Castle, Ind. scored his 43rd career USAC National Sprint win at Rossburg, passing Pancho Carter for fourth in the all-time USAC list. He led all 30 laps in his MP Environmental Services DRC/Stanton to beat Darland, Chris Windom, Chase Stockon and Clauson.

Saturday’s race was halted on the seventh lap by a spectacular accident which involved Kyle Larson, who had just won the 25-lap “4-Crown” Midget race. He flipped and suffered a bruised knee and sore neck in the ensuing melee. He was unable to compete in the ensuing USAC Silver Crown feature for which he had won the pole starting position.

2012 AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR POINTS

1-Dave Darland-1,801, 2-Jon Stanbrough-1,757, 3-Bryan Clauson-1,737, 4-Levi Jones-1,615, 5-Tracy Hines-1,583, 6-Damion Gardner-1,523, 7-Chase Stockon-1,459, 8-Robert Ballou-1,448, 9-Hunter Schuerenberg-1,425, 10-Kevin Thomas-1,370.

D1 MIDGET FINALE SATURDAY AT GRUNDY COUNTY

The 2012 USAC/STARS D1 Midget Series concludes this Saturday night at Grundy County Speedway in Morris, Ill. and for Joliet, Ill. veteran Jim Anderson it will be the culmination of a year-long effort to win a championship.

Anderson leads runner-up Patrick Wilda by 135 points with only 74 available Saturday. Kyle O’Gara stands third in the current series standings, only seven behind Wilda in their battle for the final number two position.

Saturday’s race is the “Alex Pruett Memorial” honoring the memory of the late driver who passed away in 2007.

2012 USAC/STARS D1 MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Jim Anderson-592, 2-Patrick Wilda-457, 3-Kyle O’Gara-450, 4-Tyler Trainor-381, 5-Austin Prock-371, 6-Tyler Cottongim-320, 7-Brad Greenup-315, 8-Billy Hulbert-310, 9-James Robertson-284, 10-Ryan Probst-280.

“JOHN JEWETT MEMORIAL BILLETT CUP” SATURDAY AT SANTA MARIA; DAVIS TAKES CANYON’S WEST COAST “BRAWL FOR IT ALL”

This Saturday’s “John Jewett Memorial Billett Cup” race at Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway is a “special event” for USAC’s West Coast Sprint Cars, meaning no series points are being awarded.

Bud Kaeding continues to lead the series standings and last Saturday’s “Brawl For It All” at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. did nothing to change his 125-point edge over Ryan Bernal, since it also was a “special event” and offered no series points.

Charles Davis Jr. of Buckeye, Ariz. won the Peoria race, outduelling Bernal in the closing laps for the win. The 30-lap race featured five lead changes among three drivers and Davis led the final three circuits for the win over Bernal, R.J. Johnson, Rick Ziehl and Danny Sheridan. Brian Hosford led the first two laps, Davis led the next 12, Bernal took over for six and Davis led five. On lap 26 Bernal returned to the top spot, but two laps later he yielded it to Davis.

The West Coast Sprint Car Series point race concludes October 13 at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif.

2012 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

11 POINTS SEPARATE SILVER CROWN “TOP-3;” CLAUSON WINS 50-LAP “4-CROWN” FEATURE

Only 11 points separate the top three drivers in the new TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown standings going into the October 13 “Sumar Classic 100” series finale at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track.

Bobby East of Brownsburg, Ind. is the new point leader, six points ahead of Jerry Coons Jr. and 11 ahead of Kody Swanson. They finished fourth, third and ninth respectively in Saturday’s “4-Crown Nationals” at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Ind. won at Eldora, wheeling the RW Motorsports Mike Curb-Agajanian Rotondo Weirich/Curb Records Beast/Wallace Toyota to the win. He passed East on lap 11 and led the final 40 laps to win the 50-lap race over Robert Ballou, Coons, East and Bud Kaeding.

A total of 66 points are available at Terre Haute, which creates championship opportunity for the top five in the new points, which includes fourth ranking Kaeding and fifth ranking Tanner Swanson.

2012 USAC TRAXXAS SILVER CROWN STANDINGS

1-Bobby East-349, 2-Jerry Coons Jr.-343, 3-Kody Swanson-338, 4-Bud Kaeding-307, 5-Tanner Swanson-292, 6-Levi Jones-270, 7-Tracy Hines-262, 8-Bobby Santos-253, 9-Brian Tyler-234, 10-A.J. Fike-221.

“GOLD CROWN NATIONALS” OCTOBER 4-6 AT PONTOON BEACH; LARSON STUNNING IN “4-CROWN” MIDGET VICTORY

The 4th Annual “Gold Crown Midget Nationals” at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Ill. are next on the calendar for the USAC Mopar National Midgets and series point leader Darren Hagen owns four feature victories at the 3/8-mile dirt track the past two years. Hagen enters the event with a huge 207-point lead over Tracy Hines after finishing fifth in last Saturday night’s race at Rossburg, Ohio.

Kyle Larson of Elk Grove, Calif., a Gold Crown “prelim” winner last year, scored a stunning victory in Saturday’s 25-lap “4-Crown Nationals” Midget race. He started ninth in the Keith Kunz Motorsports Toyota TRD/Bullet and caught Jerry Coons Jr. on lap 16. He led the final 10 laps to beat Brad Kuhn, Coons, Bobby East and Hagen.

Hagen also leads the 2012 USAC Mopar National Midget dirt standings, 78 points ahead of Chris Windom.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-1,079, 2-Tracy Hines-872, 3-Bryan Clauson-851, 4-Caleb Armstrong-758, 5-Kyle Larson-671, 6-Bobby East-644, 7-Brad Kuhn-630, 8-Mario Clouser-599, 9-Rico Abreu-583, 10-Chris Windom-568.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-646, 2-Chris Windom-568, 3-Bryan Clauson-528, 4-Brad Kuhn-523, 5-Jerry Coons Jr.-519, 6-Tracy Hines-488, 7-Kyle Larson-435, 8-Davey Ray-403, 9-Caleb Armstrong-350, 10-Rico Abreu-346.

NDC POINTS AVAILABLE SATURDAY AT LAWRENCEBURG; HINES VAULTS TO 2ND IN NDC STANDINGS

Bryan Clauson’s victory in last Saturday’s USAC TRAXXAS Silver Crown Series “4-Crown Nationals” feature at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio leaves the defending USAC National Drivers Champion with a 94-point lead in the new standings.

Tracy Hines, who won the “4-Crown” AMSOIL National Sprint race, passed Levi Jones for second place in the new standings, while Dave Darland and Darren Hagen round out the “top-five.”

NDC points will again be available this Saturday in the “City of Lawrenceburg” Sprint race at the Lawrenceburg, Ind. Speedway.

2012 USAC National Drivers Championship Standings

1-Bryan Clauson-1,083, 2-Tracy Hines-989, 3-Levi Jones-974, 4-Dave Darland-967, 5-Darren Hagen-943, 6-Jon Stanbrough-918, 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-896, 8-Chris Windom-886, 9-Damion Gardner-802, 10-Chase Stockon-752.

IGNITES AT GAS CITY, MONTPELIER, ELMA & VICTORVILLE; ELLIOTT WINS AT BAKERSFIELD

The Midwest Ignite Midget Series concludes this weekend, while the Northwest and Western series continue with races as well.

Gas City (Ind.) I-69 Speedway hosts Friday night’s Midwest race, while the series finale is Saturday night at Montpelier (Ind.) Motor Speedway. The Northwest Ignites are at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Wash. and the Western Ignites are at Route 66 Motorplex in Victorville, Calif., both Saturday.

Ross Rankine of Willard, Ohio, this year’s Midwest Pavement Champion, also leads the Dirt standings going into this weekend’s finales. He has a 58-point lead over Toby Alfrey with more than 130 points available.

Cory Elliott of Bakersfield, Calif. scored another “home track” victory in Saturday night’s 25-lap Western dirt race at Bakersfield Speedway. He took the lead from Michael Steele on lap two and led the rest of the way to take the checkered flag ahead of Parker Colston, Christine Breckenridge, Wally Pankratz and Ashley Hazelton.

Elliott leads the Western dirt standings going into Saturday’s race at Victorville.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS:

1-Cory Elliott-576, 2-Jet Davison-543, 3-Parker Colston-518, 4-Michael Steele-334, 5-Ashley Hazelton-325, 6-Clayton Ruston-304, 7-Austin Blair-284, 8-Kaitlyn Leer-275, 9-Christine Breckenridge-267, 10-Wally Pankratz-149.

NEW USAC LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS

2012 USAC MIDWEST IGNITE PAVEMENT POINTS

2012 USAC MIDWEST IGNITE DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-Ross Rankine-458, 2-Toby Alfrey-400, 3-Cooper Clouse-391, 4-Stratton Briggs-347, 5-Sam McGhee-332, 6-Katlynn Leer-327, 7-Tyler Shullick-269, 8-Joey Greening-263, 9-Adam Thomason-192, 10-Kent Kriegbaum-175.

2012 WESTERN IGNITE NORTH MIDGET POINTS:

2012 LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS:

2012 USAC EASTERN IGNITE POINT STANDINGS

2012 USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE POINT STANDINGS

1-Garrett Peterson-802, 2-Chase Goetz-761, 3-Garret Johnson-720, 4-Garrett Thomas-698, 5-Michael Millard-605, 6-Todd Hartman-528, 7-Zak DeBakker-356, 8-Jeremy Miller-348, 9-Ariel Biggs-299, 10-Rene Angel-286.

Career First Midget Win For Christensen at Bear Ridge

BY MARK McKEON

BRADFORD, VT - Dean Christensen of Granby, CT won the 25 lap USAC Dirt Midget Association Midget feature on Saturday on New England Dirt Track Championship night at Bear Ridge Speedway. Wheeling a Triple X chassis powered by a Quad 4 Chevrolet, Christensen made his career first Midget win a decisive one, leading from flag to flag.

After Jim Mossman flipped at the start- he was uninjured- the race was slowed by a single caution flag on lap seven for a minor, though multi-car, skirmish.

The event marked the final points race of 2012 for the Dirt Midget Association. They’ll wrap up their sophomore season this Saturday September 29 with a non-points special event at Bear Ridge Speedway.

USAC DIRT MIDGET ASSOCIATION RACE RESULTS: September 22, 2012 – Bradford, Vermont – Bear Ridge Speedway

FRIST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Dave Hotchkiss (#47 Miller), 2. Dean Christensen (#69 Miller), 3. Dana Shaw (#7 Olson), 4. Joe Krawiec (#4 Matczak), 5. Tim Gallant (#33 Gallant), 6. Jim Mossman (#1 Mossman), 7. Kevin Chaffee (#23 Matczak), 8. Adam Whitney (#12 Whitney), 9. Jordan Fornwalt (#26 Covey), 10. Rob Murphy (#6x Olson). 2:35

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Scott Viets (#2 Miller), 2. Scott Holcomb (#91 Holcomb), 3. Jeff Champagne (#77 Champagne), 4. Ray Miller (#1 Miller), 5. Josh Sunn (#76 Manafort), 6. Kevin White (#0 Tefft), 7. Denny Zimmerman (#3 Matczak), 8. Jamie Spalding (#93 Tefft), 9. Jim Close (#7x Close), 10. Tyler Rivard (#37 Rivard). 2:32 FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Dean Christensen, 2. Scott Viets, 3. Scott Holcomb, 4. Jeff Champagne, 5. Kevin White, 6. Denny Zimmerman, 7. Dana Shaw, 8. Tim Gallant, 9. Dave Hotchkiss, 10. Jamie Spalding, 11. Kevin Chaffee, 12. Ray Miller, 13. Adam Whitney, 14. Jordan Fornwalt, 15. Rob Murphy, 16. Jim Close, 17. Josh Sunn, 18. Tyler Rivard, 19. Joe Krawiec, 20. Jim Mossman. ______________________________________ **Mossman flipped on lap 1 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-25 Christensen.

NEXT USAC DMA MIDGET RACE: September 29 – Bradford, Vermont – Bear Ridge Speedway

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT SPECIAL EVENT RACE RESULTS:

September 22, 2012 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – “Brawl for it All” – No Points – (co-sanctioned by ASCS Canyon Region)

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Josh Shipley (#2 Bishop), 2. Bryan Swinehart (#68 Beal), 3. Justin Quinn (#93 Quinn). 4. Andy Reinbold (#19 Underwood), 5. Ryan Bernal (#73 Ford), 6. Michael Curtis (#6JT Turner/Wheeler), 7. Bob Ream Jr. (#8 BRAT), 8. Jacob Hawkins (#74BR Williams). NT SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jeremy Sherman (#18 Kittle), 2. Charles Davis Jr., (#50 Massey), 3. Bugs Norbury (#80 Norbury), 4. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 5. Rick Ziehl (#41W Williams), 6. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 7. Mike Spencer (#7M Priestley), 8. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson). NT THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 2. Colby Copeland (#74 Williams), 3. Mike Rux Jr., (#22 Rux), 4. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 5. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau), 6. Rickie Gaunt (#44 Reagles), 7. Brody Roa (#91 BR), 8. Michael Dayley (#3D Dayley). NT FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 2. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 3. R.J. Johnson (#51 Martin), 4. Dalten Gabbard (#77 Gabbard), 5. Danny Sheridan (#73X Ford), 6. Shon Deskins (#20 SDR), 7. Tom Lee (#53 Lee). NT

FIRST QUALIFYING HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Curtis, 2. Hosford, 3. Wirth, 4. Spencer, 5. Copeland, 6. Swinehart, 7. Rux. NT SECOND QUALIFYING HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ziehl, 2. Martin, 3. Gaunt, 4. St. James, 5. C.Bonneau, 6. Roa, 7. Shipley, 8. Hawkins. NT THIRD QUALIFYING HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Deskins, 2. Bernal, 3. Davis, 4. Gabbard, 5. Reinbold, 6. Quinn, 7. Dayley, 8. Lee. NT FOURTH QUALIFYING HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Sheridan, 2. Pelkey, 3. Johnson, 4. Sherman, 5. Norbury, 6. Danielson, 7. M.Bonneau. NT

FIRST SEMI: (10 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. M.Bonneau, 3. Roa, 4. Gaunt, 5. Copeland, 6. Wirth, 7. Hawkins, 8. Norbury, 9. Quinn. NT SECOND SEMI: (10 laps) 1. Spencer, 2. C.Bonneau, 3. Shipley, 4. Pelkey, 5. Gabbard, 6. Rux, 7. Dayley, 8. Danielson. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Charles Davis Jr., 2. Ryan Bernal, 3. R.J. Johnson, 4. Rick Ziehl, 5. Danny Sheridan, 6. Shon Deskins, 7. Colby Copeland, 8. Josh Pelkey, 9. Dalten Gabbard, 10. Brody Roa, 11. Jeremy Sherman, 12. Bruce St. James, 13. Mike Martin, 14. Josh Pelkey, 15. Brian Hosford, 16. Rickie Gaunt, 17. Chris Bonneau, 18. Mike Bonneau, 19. Bryan Swinehart, 20. Andy Reinbold, 21. Michael Curtis, 22. Mike Spencer. NT ---------------------------- **Quinn flipped during the first semi. Swinehart flipped during the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Hosford, Laps 3-14 Davis, Laps 15-20 Bernal, Laps 21-25 Davis, Laps 26-27 Bernal, Laps 28-30 Davis.

NEXT USAC WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: September 29 – Santa Maria (CA) Speedway – “Special Event” – No Points

USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 22, 2012 - Bakersfield, California – Bakersfield Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen-13.022; 2. Cody Swanson, 71, Swanson-13.073; 3. Randi Pankratz, 8, Pankratz-13.190; 4. David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-13.266; 5. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-13.286; 6. Alex Schutte, 10, Cook-13.294; 7. Troy Rutherford, 86, Martens-13.318; 8. Frankie Guerrini, 63, Guerrini-13.385; 9. Kyle Edwards, 39, Edwards-13.412; 10. Robby Josett, 2, Josett-13.418; 11. Nick Chivello, 27, Chivello-13.531; 12. Chris Ennis, 151, Neverlift-13.542; 13. Connor Kassik, 115, Neverlift-13.644; 14. Sean Dodenhoff, 9D, Dodenhoff-13.670.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Chivello, 2. Rutherford, 3. Gardner, 4. McQueen, 5. Edwards, 6. R.Pankratz, 7. Kassik. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Dodenhof, 2. Swanson, 3. Josett, 4. Ennis, 5. Prickett, 6. Guerrini, 7. Schutte. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Troy Rutherford, 2. Ronnie Gardner, 3. David Prickett, 4. Cody Swanson, 5. Robby Josett, 6. Nick Chivello, 7. Frankie Guerrini, 8. Shannon McQueen, 9. Sean Dodenhof, 10. Randi Pankratz, 11. Chris Ennis, 12. Kyle Edwards, 13. Connor Kassik, 14. Alex Schutte. NT -------------------------------- **Schutte flipped during the second heat.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Rutherford.

NEW MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINTS: 1-McQueen-698, 2-Prickett-559, 3-Chivello-551, 4-Scott Pierovich-469, 5-Schutte-416, 6-Cole Carter-411, 7-Guerrini-411, 8-Kassik-359, 9-R.Pankratz-352, 10-Jake Swanson-344. NEW MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINTS: 1-Prickett-528, 2-McQueen-487, 3-Schutte-364, 4-Kassik-359, 5-R.Pankratz-352, 6-C.Swanson-329, 7-Chivello-295, 8-Cole Carter-283, 9-Jake Swanson-260, 10-Scott Pierovich-245.

NEXT MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET RACE: October 6 – Petaluma (CA) Speedway

USAC WESTERN IGNITE FUELS MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 22, 2012 – Bakersfield, California – Bakersfield Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Clayton Ruston (#55k Custer), 2. Cory Elliott (#11E Elliott), 3. Wally Pankratz (#37 Pankratz), 4. Daniel Williams (#25 Williams), 5. Jet Davison (#59 Davison). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 Laps) 1. Parker Colston (#64 Colston), 2. Christine Breckenridge (#26 Breckenridge), 3. Ashley Hazelton (#59x Hazelton), 4. Michael Steele (#92 Steele), 5. Chris Swanson (#88 Swanson). NT

FEATURE: (25 Laps) 1. Cory Elliott, 2. Parker Colston, 3. Christine Breckenridge, 4. Wally Pankratz, 5. Ashley Hazelton, 6. Clayton Ruston, 7. Jet Davison, 8. Michael Steele, 9. Chris Swanson. NT (NOTE: Daniel Williams car disqualified after finishing second). --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS; Lap 1 Steele, Laps 2-25 Elliott.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Elliott-576, 2-Davison-543, 3-Colston-518, 4-Steele-334, 5-Hazelton-325, 6-Ruston-304, 7-Austin Blair-284, 8-Kaitlyn Leer-275, 9-Breckenridge-267, 10-W.Pankratz-149.

NEXT WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: Sepetmber 29 – Victorville, CA – Route 66 Motorplex

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SPECIAL EVENT RACE RESULTS:

September 22, 2012 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – “Brawl For It All” – (Co-sanctioned by ASCS Canyon Region)

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Jeremy Sherman (#18 Kittle), 2. Charles Davis Jr., (#50 Massey), 3. Bugs Norbury (#80 Norbury), 4. Jody Wirth (#5X Wirth), 5. Rick Ziehl (#41W Williams), 6. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 7. Mike Spencer (#7M Priestley), 8. Kyle Danielson (#17K Danielson). NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Brian Hosford (#32B Weber), 2. Colby Copeland (#74 Williams), 3. Mike Rux Jr., (#22 Rux), 4. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 5. Mike Bonneau (#29 Bonneau), 6. Rickie Gaunt (#44 Reagles), 7. Brody Roa (#91 BR), 8. Michael Dayley (#3D Dayley). NT

FOURTH HEATnm: (8 laps) 1. Bruce St. James (#7K St. James), 2. Chris Bonneau (#78 Bonneau), 3. R.J. Johnson (#51 Martin), 4. Dalten Gabbard (#77 Gabbard), 5. Danny Sheridan (#73X Ford), 6. Shon Deskins (#20 SDR), 7. Tom Lee (#53 Lee). NT

FIRST QUALIFYING HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Curtis, 2. Hosford, 3. Wirth, 4. Spencer, 5. Copeland, 6. Swinehart, 7. Rux. NT

SECOND QUALIFYING HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Ziehl, 2. Martin, 3. Gaunt, 4. St. James, 5. C.Bonneau, 6. Roa, 7. Shipley, 8. Hawkins. NT

THIRD QUALIFYING HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Deskins, 2. Bernal, 3. Davis, 4. Gabbard, 5. Reinbold, 6. Quinn, 7. Dayley, 8. Lee. NT

FOURTH QUALIFYING HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Sheridan, 2. Pelkey, 3. Johnson, 4. Sherman, 5. Norbury, 6. Danielson, 7. M.Bonneau. NT

FIRST SEMI: (10 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. M.Bonneau, 3. Roa, 4. Gaunt, 5. Copeland, 6. Wirth, 7. Hawkins, 8. Norbury, 9. Quinn. NT

SECOND SEMI: (10 laps) 1. Spencer, 2. C.Bonneau, 3. Shipley, 4. Pelkey, 5. Gabbard, 6. Rux, 7. Dayley, 8. Danielson. NT

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Hosford, Laps 3-14 Davis, Laps 15-20 Bernal, Laps 21-25 Davis, Laps 26-27 Bernal, Laps 28-30 Davis

NEXT WEST COAST SPRINT RACE: September 29 – Santa Maria (CA) Speedway – “John Jewett Memorial Billet Cup”

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS:

September 22, 2012 – Rossburg, Ohio – Eldora Speedway – 31st “4-Crown Nationals”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Bobby East, 5E, East-14.908; 2. Chris Windom, 20, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-15.039; 3. Bryan Clauson, 7, CTR/BCI/Curb-Agajanian-15.164; 4. Scotty Weir, 51, Gnat-15.167; 5. Dave Darland, 11, Walker-15.306; 6. Damion Gardner, 71, DG-15.363; 7. Chase Stockon, 32, Stockon-15.371; 8. Tracy Hines, 4, Hines-15.388; 9. Brady Bacon, 99, BBR-15.416; 10. Darren Hagen, 69, Dynamics-15.500; 11. Robert Ballou, 81, MPHG-15.561; 12. Mitch Wissmiller, 1w, Wissmiller-15.576; 13. Jon Stanbrough, 21x, Leer-15.591; 14. Mike Brecht, 9x, SC-15.642; 15. Bud Kaeding, 29k, BK-15.673; 16. Hunter Schuerenberg, 35, Byram-15.705; 17. C.J. Leary, 30, Leary-15.736; 18. A.J. Hopkins, 42G, R & M-15.737; 19. Matt Westfall, 54, Westfall-15.746; 20. Jerry Coons, 21, Pollock-15.780; 21. Coleman Gulick, 14, Gulick-15.880; 22. Todd Kane, 78, Kane-15.915; 23. Steve Irwin, 1, Flying Zero-16.015; 24. Kevin Thomas, 9k, Black Jack-16.093; 25. Dallas Hewitt, 2m, Marshall-16.154; 26. Mike Miller, 82, Miller-16.172; 27. Wes McIntyre, 5, Baldwin-16.293; 28. Logan Jarrett, 29, Jarrett-16.535; 29. Chad Boesfplug, 98, Boespflug-16.537; 30. Landon Simon, 41, SST-16.748; 31. Brandon Mattox, 28, Mattox-16.938; 32. Dickie Gaines, 8G, Wood-17.282; 33. Derek Hastings, 32m, Marshall-17.287; 34. Wesley Gordon, 23H, Horner-17.293; 35. Adam Cruea, 83, Cruea-17.422; 36. Lewie Christian, 8, Christian-17.433; 37. Thomas Meseraull, 18, Keen-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Gulick, 2. Stanbrough, 3. Bacon, 4. Leary, 5. Darland, 6. East, 7. Boespflug, 8. Hewitt, 9. Hastings. 2:08.89

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Windom, 2. Gardner, 3. Kyle Larson (#69), 4. Hopkins, 5. Brecht, 6. Kane, 7. Gordon, 8. Simon, 9. Miller. 2:06.52

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Stockon, 2. Clauson, 3. Kaeding, 4. Westfall, 5. Ballou, 6. McIntyre, 7. Irwin, 8. Mattox, 9. Cruea. 2:09.33

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Hines, 2. Weir, 3. Coons, 4. Wissmiller, 5. Thomas, 6. Jarrett, 7. Gaines, 8. Christian, 9. Schuerenberg. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Darland, 2. Ballou, 3. Brecht, 4. McIntyre, 5. Thomas, 6. Irwin, 7. Hewitt, 8. Kane, 9. Gordon, 10. Jarrett, 11. Mattox, 12. Gaines, 13. Cruea, 14. Christian, 15. Hastings, 16. East, 17. Boespflug, 18. Simon. 3:19.41

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Tracy Hines, 2. Dave Darland, 3. Chris Windom, 4. Chase Stockon, 5. Bryan Clauson, 6. C.J. Leary, 7. Robert Ballou, 8. Brady Bacon, 9. Wes McIntyre, 10. Scotty Weir, 11. Matt Westfall, 12. Bud Kaeding, 13. Jon Stanbrough, 14. Dallas Hewitt, 15. Steve Irwin, 16. Jerry Coons Jr., 17. Coleman Gulick, 18. Damion Gardner, 19. A.J. Hopkins, 20. Kevin Thomas Jr., 21. Todd Kane, 22. Kyle Larson (#69), 23. Mitch Wissmiller, 24. Mike Brecht. NT ------------------------------------------------ **Miller flipped during the second heat. Larson and Brecht flipped on lap 6 of the feature. Hopkins flipped on lap 24.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Hines.

NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT CAR STANDINGS: 1-Darland-1,801, 2-Stanbrough-1,757, 3-Clauson-1,737, 4-Levi Jones-1,615, 5-Hines-1,583, 6-Gardner-1,523, 7-Stockon-1,459, 8-Ballou-1,448, 9-Schuerenberg-1,425, 10-Thomas-1,370.

NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: September 29 – Lawrenceburg (IN) Speedway

TRAXXAS USAC SILVER CROWN CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES RACE RESULTS:

September 22, 2012 – Rossburg, Ohio – Eldora Speedway – 31st “4-Crown Nationals”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Kyle Larson, 10, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.366; 2. Bobby East, 22, Stewart/Curb-Agajanian-16.528 ;3. Bryan Clauson, 17, RW-16.776; 4. Robert Ballou, 63, DePalma-16.907; 5. Tracy Hines, 16, Lightfoot-16.981; 6. Jerry Coons Jr., 27, RW-17.105; 7. Bud Kaeding, 29, BK-17.121; 8. Dave Darland, 19, Six-R-17.285; 9. Mitch Wissmiller, 7, RW-17.305; 10. Brian Tyler, 21, Six-R-17.355; 11. Russ Gamester, 51, Gamester-17.381; 12. Shane Hollingsworth, 20, Nolen-17.478; 13. Shane Cockrum, 114, Hardy-17.730; 14. Kody Swanson, 33, Six-R-17.753; 15. Tanner Swanson, 23, Six-R-17.964; 16. Rich Tobias Jr., 39, Aqualini-18.228; 17. Steve Adams, 500, 500 Motorsports-19.216.

FEATURE: (50 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Robert Ballou, 3. Jerry Coons Jr., 4. Bobby East, 5. Bud Kaeding, 6. Tracy Hines, 7. Brian Tyler, 8. Shane Hollingsworth, 9. Kody Swanson, 10. Tanner Swanson, 11. Russ Gamester, 12. Rich Tobias Jr., 13. Steve Adams, 14. Shane Cockrum, 15. Dave Darland, 16. Mitch Wissmiller. NT ------------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-10 East, Laps 11-50 Clauson.

NEW SILVER CROWN SERIES STANDINGS: 1-East-349, 2-Coons-343, 3-K.Swanson-338, 4-Kaeding-307, 5-T.Swanson-292, 6-Levi Jones-270, 7-Hines-262, 8-Bobby Santos-253, 9-Tyler-234, 10-A.J. Fike-221.

NEXT SILVER CROWN SERIES RACE: October 13 – Terre Haute (IN) Action Track – “Sumar Classic 100”

USAC MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS:

September 22, 2012– Rossburg, Ohio – Eldora Speedway – 31st “4-Crown Nationals”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Darren Hagen, 3, RFMS-16.383; 2. Tracy Hines, 24, Parker-16.427; 3. Bryan Clauson, 71, Kunz-16.527; 4. Rico Abreu, 67, Kunz/Curb-Agajanian-16.552; 5. Brady Bacon, 99, BBR-16.611; 6. Jerry Coons Jr., 63, Dooling-16.627; 7. Brad Kuhn, 17, RW-16.712; 8. Bobby East, 4, Klatt-16.784; 9. Hunter Schuerenberg, 67k, Kunz-16.941; 10. Davey Ray, 33, Ray-16.946; 11. Thomas Meseraull, 16, Sandy-16.991; 12. Dave Darland, 11w, Wilke-Pak-17.024; 13. Dalton Armstrong, 7A, C & A-17.302; 14. Chase Barber, 191, Barber-17.526; 15. Taylor Ferns, 55, Ferns-17.576; 16. Chris Windom, 11, Wilke-Pak-NT; 17. Caleb Armstrong, 7c, C & A-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bacon, 2. Clauson, 3. Kuhn, 4. Meseraull, 5. Kyle Larson (#67k), 6. Hagen, 7. Ferns, 8. D.Armstrong. 2:16.99

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Hines, 2. Coons, 3. Ray, 4. Abreu, 5. Windom, 6. East, 7. Barber, 8. Darland. 2:17.69

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Kyle Larson (#67k), 2. Brad Kuhn, 3. Jerry Coons Jr., 4. Bobby East, 5. Darren Hagen, 6. Bryan Clauson, 7. Rico Abreu, 8. Brady Bacon, 9. Davey Ray, 10. Thomas Meseraull, 11. Taylor Ferns, 12. Dalton Armstrong, 13. Chase Barber, 14. Chris Windom, 15. Tracy Hines, 16. Dave Darland. NT ---------------------------------------------------- **C.Armstrong flipped during qualifying.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-15 Coons, Laps 16-25 Larson.

NEW MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET CAR STANDINGS: 1-Hagen-1,079, 2-Hines-872, 3-Clauson-851, 4-Caleb Armstrong-758, 5-Larson-671, 6-East-644, 7-Kuhn-630, 8-Mario Clouser-599, 9-Abreu-583, 10-Windom-568. NEW MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET CAR DIRT STANDINGS: 1-Hagen-646, 2-Windom-568, 3-Clauson-528, 4-Kuhn-523, 5-Coons-519, 6-Hines-488, 7- Larson-435, 8-Ray-403, 9-Caleb Armstrong-350, 10-Abreu-346.

NEXT MOPAR NATIONAL MIDGET RACE: October 4-6 – Pontoon Beach, IL – Tri-City Speedway – “Gold Crown Midget Nationals”

LARSON SET FOR 4-CROWN REPEAT?

Kyle Larson has shown no signs of letting down after sweeping last year’s “4-Crown Nationals” at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Saturday, the Elk Grove, Calif. phenom will try to repeat his 2011 success at Tony Stewart’s half-mile dirt oval – and he’ll pilot one of Stewart’s cars in the TRAXXAS Silver Crown division!

Larson will drive the #10 Chevrolet Performance/Curb Records Maxim/Kistler entered by Stewart and Curb-Agajanian Racing and recently vacated by defending series champion Levi Jones, who had season-ending neck surgery August 28.

Larson will also pilot the #69 Mean Green/Mopar Dynamics, Inc. Chalk/Stanton Mopar in the AMSOIL Sprint race and the Toyota TRD Keith Kunz Motorsports Bullet/Speedway Toyota in the Mopar Midget race. Larson scored “4-Crown” wins in both the Dynamcs and Kunz cars last year.

Competing in a Saturday NASCAR race in New Hampshire will offer some logistical challenges for Larson, but he plans to fly to Eldora for Saturday night’s events. Other drivers are standing by to warm-up and qualify each of his three cars if needed.

The only other time a driver swept all three USAC “4-Crown” open-wheel races was in 1998 when Jack Hewitt remarkably won all four legs of the annual classic. That included a victory in the late model portion as well.

In 1999 Hewitt returned to try for a repeat but he was unsuccessful, finishing second in the Silver Crown race to Jimmy Sills and eighth in the Midget race. He failed to start the Sprint race, finishing last in the semi.

So far this season the 20-year-old Larson has 22 feature victories in various forms of motorsports. On January 10 he kicked off the season by winning the opening-night Chili Bowl Midget prelim in Tulsa, Okla. He followed with the following wins: Feb. 11 (New Smyrna, FL Super Late Models), Feb. 18 (New Smyrna World Series of Stock Car Racing), April 26 (Flora, Ill Sprints), May 4 (Dodge City, Kans. USAC Midgets), May 6 (Kokomo, IN Sprints), May 11 (Tulare, Calif. winged and non-winged Sprints), May 12 (Tulare non-winged Sprints), May 16 (Millbridge, NC Outlaw Karts), June 9 (Jefferson, Ga. K & N Pro Series East Stocks), June 17 (Kokomo, IN USAC Indiana Midget Week and non-winged Sprints), June 24 St. Clairsville, OH winged Sprints), June 25 (Orrville, Ohio winged Sprints), July 29 (Osborn, Mo. Midgets), August 6 (Oskaloosa, Ia. USAC Sprints), August 7 (Oskaloosa, Ia. USAC Sprints), August 8 (Knoxville, Ia. Winged Sprints and Knoxville Nationals “Rookie of the Year”), September 5 (Chico, Calif. 360 Sprints and USAC Western Classic Sprints) and the September 8 (Chico, Calif. World of Outlaws Gold Cup Sprints).

He also threw in a NASCAR Truck Series debut at Sparta, Ky. which resulted in a creditable 10th-place finish, then came back with a sixth at Atlanta, Ga. later.

Last year’s “4-Crown” sweep came in his first driving appearance at the Eldora oval! It remains to be seen if he can provide fans a repeat performance.

“I’m really excited about returning to Eldora,” says Larson. I think I’ve got three really good cars and if I start up front I’ll have a pretty good chance at winning. Even though I had never run Eldora before last year I had an idea I might be able to pick off a win or two with the cars I had. To win all three was a dream come true, for sure. The track is a lot of fun, being able to run right up on the wall. It’s a really racey track but it can wear on your nerves too. If the cars are good you can move up and challenge for the wins.”

“CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON” HAS ARRIVED; HUNT, McCLISH, HAGEN, NICHOLS, RANKINE “CROWNED”

Five drivers have already clinched 2012 USAC driving championships as the season begins to wind down. Heading into this weekend’s events a total of 40 races remain on USAC’s calendar and point races are being hotly contested in most series.

Tony Hunt, Brian McClish, Darren Hagen, Chad Nichols and Ross Rankine have already earned 2012 titles.

Hunt, of Lincoln, Calif., clinched the Western Classic Sprint crown Saturday at Madera, Calif. after wrapping up the Classic Dirt title the previous week at Chico, Calif. The titles are his ninth and 10th in his remarkable USAC career.

McClish, of Santa Rosa, Calif., nailed down the 2012 Western Classic Sprint Pavement crown Saturday at Madera.

Hagen, of Riverside, Calif., landed the 2012 USAC Mopar National Midget Pavement championship at Indianapolis, Ind. in July. He also currently leads the overall and dirt standings as well.

Nichols, of Colma, Calif., emerged as the Mopar Western Midget Pavement champ through a tie-breaker with Nick Chivello in the point race which ended Saturday at Madera, Calif.

Rankine, of Willard, Ohio, is the 2012 Midwest Ignite Pavement Champ, earning that title Saturday at Columbus, Ohio. He also leads the Midwest Dirt standings.

Championships will continue to be determined as the season progresses. The National series conclude at Terre Haute, Ind. (Traxxas Silver Crown October 13) and Perris, Calif. (AMSOIL Sprints November 3 and Mopar National Midgets November 22).

“4-CROWN” NEXT TARGET FOR NDC DRIVERS; CLAUSON’S LEAD UNCHANGED AFTER TRI-STATE

This week’s “4-Crown Nationals” at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio offers three opportunities for USAC National Drivers Championship contenders to improve their standings.

The Mopar National Midgets, AMSOIL National Sprints and Traxxas Silver Crown cars are all in action in Saturday’s program at the Ohio half-mile, along with USAC’s Mopar .25 Midgets, competing at the “Little E” oval.

Although Bryan Clauson’s 96-point lead over Levi Jones was not affected by last Saturday’s AMSOIL Sprint results at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind., two drivers were able to advance in the “top-10” rankings.

Dave Darland’s fourth-place Tri-State finish boosted him past Darren Hagen into fourth in the NDC standings. Chris Windom’s fifth-place finish enabled him to pass Jerry Coons Jr. for seventh in the new standings.

2012 USAC National Drivers Championship Standings

1-Bryan Clauson-1,070, 2-Levi Jones-974, 3-Tracy Hines-968, 4-Dave Darland-949, 5-Darren Hagen-943, 6-Jon Stanbrough-918, 7-Chris Windom-872, 8-Jerry Coons Jr.-870, 9-Damion Gardner-802, 10-Chase Stockon-724.

D1 MIDGETS WRAP UP 2012 SEASON AT MORRIS SEPT. 29; NUCKLES GETS “HOMETOWN” VICTORY AT CMS

Jim Anderson of Joliet, Ill. is prepared to put the finishing touches on the 2012 USAC/STARS D1 Midget Championship September 29 after finishing third in last Saturday night’s 30-lapper at Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway. Anderson has a 135-point lead over Patrick Wilda in the standings, which will become final after the September 29 race at Grundy County Speedway in Morris, Ill.

Hometown hero Bryan Nuckles paced all 30 laps in his CMS entry to win Saturday’s race at the one-third mile paved oval. Austin Prock finished second ahead of Anderson, Derek Bischak and Jarett Andretti.

The victory was the third of Nuckles’ USAC/STARS D1 Midget career.

2012 USAC/STARS D1 MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

WESTERN MIDGETS AT BAKERSFIELD SATURDAY; NICHOLS WINS “HARVEST CLASSIC” & PAVEMENT TITLE

The USAC Mopar Western Midgets return to the dirt this Saturday at Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway after closing out their 2012 pavement activity last Saturday at Madera (Calif.) Speedway.

Chad Nichols of Colma, Calif. emerged as the 2012 USAC Western Midget Pavement Champion as a result of his feature victories, which included Saturday night’s 30-lap “Harvest Classic” triumph at Madera, a race co-sanctioned with BCRA. He and Nick Chivello ended tied in the standings, with Nichols holding the tiebreaker.

Chivello finished second in Saturday’s race which Nichols led wire-to-wire. Scott Pierovich was third ahead of Western Midget point leader Shannon McQueen and Frankie Guerrini.

McQueen continues her pursuit of the 2012 overall Western Midget title at Bakersfield, while David Prickett tries to protect his Western Midget dirt lead in Saturday’s event.

2012 USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Shannon McQueen-648, 2-David Prickett-498, 3-Nick Chivello-498, 4-Scott Pierovich-469, 5-Cole Carter-411, 6-Alex Schutte-390, 7-Frankie Guerrini-356, 8-Jake Swanson-344, 9-Connor Kassik-332, 10-Randi Pankratz-312.

2012 USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET PAVEMENT POINT STANDINGS

1-Chad Nichols-256, 2-Nick Chivello-256, 3-Scott Pierovich-224, 4-Shannon McQueen-211, 5-Frankie Guerrini-187, 6-Dan Gundo-141, 7-Cole Carter-128, 8-Jake Swanson-84, 9-Alex Schutte-52, 10-David Prickett-31.

2012 USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET DIRT POINT STANDINGS

1-David Prickett-467, 2-Shannon McQueen-437, 3-Alex Schutte-338, 4-Connor Kassik-332, 5-Randi Pankratz-312, 6-Cole Carter-283, 7-Cody Swanson-266, 8-Jake Swanson-260, 9-Scott Pierovich-245, 10-Nick Chivello-242.

IGNITES AT BAKERSFIELD SATURDAY; PETERSON, ALFREY, COLSTON TOP IGNITE FEATURES

Bakersfield (Calif.) Speedway hosts this Saturday’s USAC Western Ignite dirt race, the only Ignite action on this weekend’s calendar.

Cory Elliott currently leads the Western Ignite dirt standings, 12 points ahead of Jet Davison entering the Bakersfield race.

Jared Peterson, Toby Alfrey and Parker Colston posted USAC Ignite feature wins last weekend as standings in four different series were impacted.

Peterson, of Stanwood, Wash., continued his winning ways in the Northwest series, winning Saturday’s 30-lap race at Sunset Speedway in Banks, Oregon. Garrett Thomas finished second ahead of Garret Johnson, Tony Seidelman and Lance Hallmark.

Toby Alfrey of Miamisburg, Ohio led all 30 laps to win Saturday’s Midwest Pavement/Eastern Ignite feature at Columbus (Ohio) Motor Speedway. He was trailed by Midwest Pavement Champion Ross Rankine, Eastern leader Jared Irvan, Gage Walker and Ryan Krachun.

Parker Colston of Lake Elsinore, Calif. grabbed the trophy at Saturday’s Western Dirt race at Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway, beating series leader Cory Elliott, Jet Davison, Clayton Ruston and Christine Breckenridge to the flag. Davison led the first six laps and Colston led the rest.

FINAL 2012 USAC MIDWEST IGNITE PAVEMENT POINTS

NEW WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS

1-Cory Elliott-509, 2-Jet Davison-497, 3-Parker Colston-453, 4-Michael Steele-290, 5-Austin Blair-284, 6-Kaitlyn Leer-275, 7-Ashley Hazelton-271, 8-Clayton Ruston-251, 9-Christine Breckenridge-206, 10-Wally Pankratz-92.

NEW USAC LAS VEGAS IGNITE MIDGET POINTS

2012 USAC MIDWEST IGNITE DIRT POINT STANDINGS

2012 WESTERN IGNITE NORTH MIDGET POINTS:

DMA POINT FINALE SATURDAY AT BRADFORD; BEAR RIDGE FIELD TASTES “CHAMPAGNE” 1ST TIME

The 2012 USAC Dirt Midget Association (DMA) concludes its series Saturday at Bear Ridge Speedway in Bradford, Vt. and three drivers will spar for the title.

Westfield, Mass. driver Jeff Champagne posted his initial USAC victory in last Saturday’s 20-lap feature, beating Ray Miller, Kevin Chaffee, Joe Krawiec and Josh Sunn to the flag. Champagne led the final 16 laps after passing Dave Hotchkiss on lap five.

Defending champion Krawiec trails leader Chaffee by 36 points, but ranks third in the standings. Points runner-up Scott Holcomb is 32 points behind the leader after finishing ninth in Saturday’s race.

A total of 68 points are available in the series finale.

2012 USAC DMA MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Kevin Chaffee-492, 2-Scott Holcomb-460, 3-Joe Krawiec-456, 4-Ray Miller-417, 5-Tim Gallant-348, 6-Adam Whitney-341, 7-Dean Christensen-324, 8-Jeff Champagne-318, 9-Denny Zimmerman-278, 10-Dave Hotchkiss-256.

CRA “OFF” UNTIL OCTOBER 6 AT THE PAS; SPENCER TAKES “GLENN HOWARD MEMORIAL”

The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars take the next two weeks off, awaiting an October 6 date at the Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway.

Mike Spencer’s point lead in the series expanded after his sixth PAS victory of the season Saturday night. The Temecula, Calif. driver led the final 25 laps of the “Glenn Howard Classic” to beat Richard Vander Weerd, Rip Williams, Nic Faas and David Cardey. Williams led the first five laps of the race.

Spencer is closing in on all-time Perris USAC/CRA feature winner Damion Gardner after scoring his 23rd career PAS triumph. Gardner has 25 to lead the all-time list.

Gardner holds the single-season Perris USAC/CRA victory record, winning nine features in 2005.

2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

1-Mike Spencer-1,163, 2-Brody Roa-837, 3-Nic Faas-832, 4-Ryan Bernal-776, 5-Rip Williams-755, 6-Austin Williams-706, 7-Cory Kruseman-658, 8-Cody Williams-545, 9-Matt Mitchell-461, 10-Seth Wilson-431.

SWANSON-EAST-COONS “SHOOTOUT” SPICES SATURDAY’S “4-CROWN” SILVER CROWN

Only two races remain in the 2012 TRAXXAS USAC Silver Crown Series and three drivers are separated by only 13 points entering this Saturday’s “4-Crown Nationals” at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. The season is scheduled to conclude with the October 13 “Sumar Classic 100” at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track.

Jerry Coons Jr., third in the current standings, is the only one of the three leaders with a previous “4-Crown” victory. He won the Silver Crown race in 2007, the Sprint race in 2009 and the Midget race in 2010. Coons, one of five USAC “Triple Crown” champions, won the 2008 Silver Crown title.

Kody Swanson is the point leader pursuing his initial USAC National championship, while Bobby East, the 2004 USAC National Midget king, is also seeking his first Silver Crown title.

Mathematically, Tanner Swanson, Bud Kaeding and Bobby Santos are also title threats but each needs a measure of success at Eldora to vault to the top of the heap.

Swanson has a trio of second-place finishes this season and a pair of poles in his bid for the championship. East won at Iowa Speedway and was second at Toledo and third at Raceway Park in Indianapolis, while Coons won at Toledo and at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Kyle Larson is the defending “4-Crown” champion, sweeping all three USAC features at the half-mile dirt oval last September.

2012 USAC TRAXXAS SILVER CROWN STANDINGS

1-Kody Swanson-302; 2-Bobby East-298; 3-Jerry Coons Jr.-289; 4-Levi Jones-270; 5-Tanner Swanson-259; 6-Bud Kaeding-259; 7-Bobby Santos-253; 8-A.J. Fike-221; 9-Tracy Hines-217; 10-Brian Tyler-192.

WEST COAST “SPECIAL EVENT” SATURDAY AT CANYON

USAC’s West Coast Sprint Car Series partners with ASCS for a pair of special “non-points events the next two weekends, beginning with this Saturday’s “Brawl For It All” at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. The two-race series concludes September 29 with the “John Jewett Memorial Billet Cup” at the Santa Maria (Calif.) Speedway.

Bud Kaeding continues to lead USAC’s West Coast Sprint Series standings, with the final points race slated October 13 at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif.

Kaeding’s 10 starts so far this year have produced three wins and three seconds. Points runner-up Ryan Bernal has three wins, a second and two thirds in just eight starts. Third-ranking Markus Niemela has a third and three fourths in his 10 starts.

2012 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

HUNT, McCLISH CLAIM “CLASSIC” TITLES; SASSELLI “WIRE-TO-WIRE” IN MADERA’S “HARVEST CLASSIC”

Tony Hunt and Brian McClish took home USAC Western Classic Sprint championships Saturday, but Audra Sasselli stole some of their thunder with her wire-to-wire 50-lap victory in Madera (Calif.) Speedway’s “Harvest Classic.”

Sasselli, of Visalia, Calif., became the third female to win a USAC professional feature this year, beating McClish, Tim Skoglund, Hunt and Shauna Hogg to the checkered flag. Eariler this season Michelle Decker won a USAC Western Midget race and Kaitlyn Leer won a USAC Western Ignite Midget race.

Hunt emerged as the overall Western Classic champion, his 10th USAC driving title, surpassing the nine titles posted by Rich Vogler and Mel Kenyon. Only A.J. Foyt has more, earning 23 titles during his USAC career.

McClish hung on to claim the 2012 Western Classic Pavement title, 37 points better than Skoglund in the final standings.

FINAL 2012 USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS

1-Tony Hunt-821, 2-Shauna Hogg-802, 3-Gordon Rodgers-511, 4-Tom Baker-416, 5-Scott Pierovich-388, 6-Marty Hawkins-359, 7-Taylor Simas-312, 8-Brian McClish-277, 9-Tim Skoglund-240, 10-Cody Gerhardt-224.

FINAL 2012 USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT CAR PAVEMENT POINT STANDINGS

1-Brian McClish-277, 2-Tim Skoglund-240, 3-Shauna Hogg-226, 4-Cody Gerhardt-224, 5-Tony Hunt-222, 6-Gordon Rodgers-198, 7-Scott Pierovich-174, 8-Marvin Mitchell-147, 9-Tom Baker-88, 10-Jerry Kobza-88.

HAGEN EYES “4-CROWN” STEP TOWARD NATIONAL TITLE

Darren Hagen of Riverside, Calif. appears headed for his first USAC National driving championship and hopes to take the next step toward that crown this Saturday in the annual “4-Crown Nationals” at the Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

Hagen has a comfortable 186-point lead over Tracy Hines going into Saturday’s race, one he’s never won, but one Hines won in 1996 and 2006. Hagen has four wins, a second and two thirds in 18 starts so far this year and has finished out of the “top-10” only twice. He has already clinched this year’s USAC National midget pavement title.

Kyle Larson won last year’s “4-Crown” Midget feature to start a remarkable “sweep” of the USAC events, but it’s been 26 years since a driver scored back-to-back “4-Crown” Midget wins. Rich Vogler was the last to do it, in 1985 and 1986.

Hines was the last to record back-to-back USAC National Midget wins, scoring at Dodge City, Kans. and Indianapolis, Ind. in May.

2012 MOPAR USAC NATIONAL MIDGET POINT STANDINGS

1-Darren Hagen-1,022; 2-Tracy Hines-836; 3-Bryan Clauson-795; 4-Caleb Armstrong-758; 5-Kyle Larson-607; 6-Mario Clouser-599; 7-Bobby East-593; 8-Brad Kuhn-567; 9-Chris Windom-539; 10-Rico Abreu-533.

“4-CROWN” SPRINTS FEATURE NATIONAL POINT BATTLE; CLAYTON GRABS TRI-STATE’S $10,000 PRIZE

Drivers Dave Darland, Jon Stanbrough and Bryan Clauson are prepared for an all-out assault on the Eldora Speedway Saturday as they continue their torrid battle for the 2012 AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car championship.

Darland holds a 15-point lead, while Clauson, the USAC National Drivers Championship leader for the third straight year, trails Stanbrough by 45. A total of 74 points are available at Eldora.

Daron Clayton of Sikeston, Mo. emerged from a very competitive 40-lap feature to claim the $10,000 winner’s share at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind. Saturday night. Driving the Sign Express Stickers/Ray Morgan Motorsports Spike/Chevy, he led the last five laps after a fierce duel with 2011 “4-Crown” Sprint king Kyle Larson.

Larson finished second after leading 12 laps in three stints and he was followed by Robert Ballou, Darland and Chris Windom. Six lead changes occurred during the 40 laps involving Clayton, Larson and Hunter Schuerenberg.

Darland has five feature wins this season, while Stanbrough has just two. Clauson, on the other hand, leads all drivers with six 2012 victories, including two in his last five starts.

Kyle Larson won last year’s “4-Crown” on his way to a race “sweep” of the three Eldora USAC features.

2012 AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR POINTS

1-Darland-1,738, 2-Stanbrough-1,723, 3-Clauson-1,678, 4-Levi Jones-1,615, 5-Hines-1,515, 6-Gardner-1,499, 7-Schuerenberg-1,425, 8-Ballou-1,403, 9-Stockon-1,400, 10-Thomas-1,356.

USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 15, 2012 – Banks, Oregon – Sunset Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Tony Seidelman (#98 Maples), 2. Michael Millard (#23 Millard), 3. Garret Johnson (#3g Johnson), 4. Zak Debakker (#2 Debakker), 5. Chase Goetz (#91 Goetz). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Garrett Thomas (#14 Thomas), 2. Jared Peterson (#3s Stewart), 3. Lance Hallmark (8H Hallmark), 4. Gerry Grossan (#22 Grossan), 5. Renee Angel (#2a Angel). NT

DASH: (4 laps) 1. Peterson, 2. Seidelman, 3. Millard, 4. Thomas. NT

FEATURE: (25 laps) 1. Jared Peterson, 2. Garrett Thomas, 3. Garret Johnson, 4. Tony Seidelman, 5. Lance Hallmark, 6. Michael Millard, 7. Renee Angel, 8. Gerry Grossan, 9. Chase Goetz, 10. Zak Debakker. NT --------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Peterson.

NEW USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE MIDGET POINTS: 1-Peterson-802, 2-Goetz-751, 3-Johnson-719, 4-Thomas-698, 5-Millard-598, 6-Todd Hartman-528, 7-Jeremy Miller-348, 8-DeGakker-346, 9-Ariel Biggs-299, 10-Angel-278.

NEXT USAC NORTHWEST IGNITE MIDGET RACE: September 29 – Elma, WA – Grays Harbor Raceway

USAC DMA MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 15, 2012 – Bradford, Vermont – Bear Ridge Speedway

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Scott Holcomb (#91 Holcomb), 2. Adam Whitney (#12 Whitney), 3. Dean Christensen (#69 Miller), 4. Joe Krawiec (#4 Matczak), 5. Dave Hotchkiss (#47 Miller), 6. Tim Gallant (#33 Gallant), 7. Jordan Fornwalt (#26 Covey), 8. Vince Jacobs (#0 Tefft), 9. Jim Close (#7x Close). NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Kevin Chaffee (#23 Matczak), 2. Jeff Champagne (#77 Champagne), 3. Scott Viets (#2 Miller), 4. Josh Sunn (#76 Manafort), 5. Ray Miller (#1 Miller), 6. Jim Mossman (#1 Mossman), 7. Denny Zimmerman (#3 Matczak), 8. Jim Tumel (#93 Tefft). 2:13.00

FEATURE: (20 laps) 1. Jeff Champagne, 2. Ray Miller, 3. Kevin Chaffee, 4. Joe Krawiec, 5. Josh Sunn, 6. Adam Whitney, 7. Tim Gallant, 8. Vince Jacobs, 9. Scott Holcomb, 10. Scott Viets, 11. Jordan Fornwalt, 12. Dave Hotchkiss, 13. Dean Christensen, 14. Jim Close, 15. Denny Zimmerman, 16. Jim Mossman, 17. Jim Tumel. NT --------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-4 Hotchkiss, Laps 5-20 Champagne.

NEW USAC DMA MIDGET POINTS: 1-Chaffee-492, 2-Holcomb-460, 3-Krawiec-456, 4-Miller-417, 5-Gallant-348, 6-Whitney-341, 7-Christensen-324, 8-Champagne-318, 9-Zimmerman-278, 10-Hotchkiss-256.

NEXT USAC DMA MIDGET RACE: September 22 – Bradford, VT – Bear Ridge Speedway

USAC WESTERN IGNITE FUELS (NORTH) MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 15, 2012 – Santa Maria, California – Santa Maria Speedway

HEAT RACE: (8 Laps) 1. Cory Elliott (#11E Elliott), 2. Parker Colston (#64 Colston), 3. Christine Breckenridge (#26 Breckenridge), 4. Jet Davison (#59 Davison), 5. Clayton Ruston (#55k Custer). NT

ALSO AT THE TRACK: Ashley Hazelton (#59x Hazelton).

FEATURE: (25 Laps) 1. Parker Colston, 2. Cory Elliott, 3. Jet Davison, 4. Clayton Ruston, 5. Christine Breckenridge. NT --------------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-6 Davison, Laps 7-25 Colston.

NEW WESTERN IGNITE DIRT MIDGET POINTS: 1-Elliott-509, 2-Davison-497, 3-Colston-453, 4-Michael Steele-290, 5-Austin Blair-284, 6-Kaitlyn Leer-275, 7-Hazelton-271, 8-Ruston-251, 9-Breckenridge-206, 10-Wally Pankratz-92.

NEXT WESTERN IGNITE MIDGET RACE: September 22 – Bakersfield (CA) Speedway

USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

September 15, 2012 - Madera, California – Madera Speedway – “Harvest Classic”

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Tony Hunt, 56, Phulps-13.562; 2. Brian McClish, 4B, McClish-13.636; 3. Tim Skoglund, 60, Western Speed-13.654; 4. JoJo Helberg, 69, Kaiser-13.701; 5. Shauna Hogg, 5, Hogg-13.727; 6. Audra Sasselli, 77, Sasselli-13.831; 7. Gordon Rodgers, 94, Dusin-13.969; 8. Jerry Kobza, 93, Kobza-14.085; 9. Cody Gerhardt, 40, Western Speed-14.096; 10. Greg Anderson, 50, Phulps-14.220; 11. Mark Beck, 4, Beck-14.645; 12. Justin Kawahata, 45, Kawahata-14.949; 13. Marvin Mitchell, 68, Mitchell-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Gerhardt, 2. Hogg, 3. Hunt, 4. Beck, 5. Rodgers, 6. Skoglund. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Kobza, 2. Sasselli, 3. McClish, 4. Helberg, 5. Kawahata, 6. Anderson. NT

FEATURE: (50 laps) 1. Audra Sasselli, 2. Brian McClish, 3. Tim Skoglund, 4. Tony Hunt, 5. Shauna Hogg, 6. JoJo Helberg, 7. Cody Gerhardt, 8. Gordon Rodgers, 9. Jerry Kobza, 10. Marvin Mitchell, 11. Justin Kawahata, 12. Mark Beck, 13. Greg Anderson. NT --------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-50 Sasselli.

FINAL USAC WESTERN CLASSIC SPRINT STANDINGS: 1-Hunt-821, 2-Hogg-802, 3-Rodgers-511, 4-Tom Baker-416, 5-Scott Pierovich-388, 6-Marty Hawkins-359, 7-Taylor Simas-312, 8-McClish-277, 9-Skoglund-240, 10-Gerhardt-224.

FINAL USAC WESTERN CLASSIC PAVEMENT SPRINT STANDINGS: 1-McClish-277, 2-Skoglund-240, 3-Hogg-226, 4-Gerhardt-224, 5-Hunt-222, 6-Rodgers-198, 7-Scott Pierovich-174, 8-Mitchell-147, 9-Tom Baker-88, 10-Kobza-88.

USAC MOPAR WESTERN MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 15, 2012 - Madera, California – Madera Speedway – “Harvest Classic” - (co-sanctioned by BCRA)

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Chad Nichols, 17n, Nichols-13.680; 2. Nick Chivello, 27B, Chivello-13.851; 3. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-13.854; 4. Alex Schutte, 10c, Cook-13.866; 5. Frank Guerrini, 63, Guerrini-14.162; 6. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen-14.207.

HEAT RACE: (8 laps) 1. McQueen, 2. Nichols, 3. Chivello, 4. Pierovich, 5. Schutte, 6. Guerrini. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Chad Nichols, 2. Nick Chivello, 3. Scott Pierovich, 4. Shannon McQueen, 5. Frankie Guerrini, 6. Alex Schutte. NT --------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Nichols.

NEW MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET POINTS: 1-McQueen-648, 2-David Prickett-498, 3-Chivello-498, 4-Pierovich-469, 5-Cole Carter-411, 6-Schutte-390, 7-Guerrini-356, 8-Jake Swanson-344, 9-Connor Kassik-332, 10-Randi Pankratz-312. NEW MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET PAVEMENT POINTS: 1-Nichols-256, 2-Chivello-256, 3-Pierovich-224, 4-McQueen-211, 5-Guerrini-187, 6-Dan Gundo-141, 7-Cole Carter-128, 8-Jake Sawnson-84, 9-Schutte-52, 10-David Prickett-31.

NEXT MOPAR USAC WESTERN MIDGET RACE: September 22 – Bakersfield (CA) Speedway

AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

September 15, 2012 – Perris, California – Perris Auto Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.370; 2. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-16.479; 3. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-16.796; 4. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.830; 5. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.867; 6. Rickie Gaunt, 37, Mitchell-16.879; 7. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-16.942; 8. Seth Wilson, 1X, Wilson-17.048; 9. Jake Swanson, 41, Henry/Jones-17.080; 10. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-17.209; 11. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-17.223; 12. Bobby Bender, 11, Bender-17.226; 13. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-17.244; 14. Chad Boespflug, 73, Ford-17.262; 15. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-17.333; 16. Charles Davis, 4G, Cook-17.341; 17. Billy Blinn, 26, Blinn-17.349; 18. Corey Ballard, 20, Ballard-17.368; 19. Kenny Perkins, 0K, Perkins-17.451; 20. Greg Alexander, 72, Tyler-17.531; 21. J.J. Ercse, 36, Springstead-17.584; 22. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-17.648; 23. Bud Kaeding, 29, Bowman-17.811; 24. Cal Smith, 39, CalSun-18.017; 25. Ed Schwarz, 47, Perkins-18.273; 26. Mike Collins, 04, Perkins-18.368; 27. John Aden, 12X, Blair-18.489; 28. Jerry Welton, 62, Welton-19.137; 29. Jon Kairot, 0, Perkins-19.412; 30. Kyle LeDuc, 23, Bellegante-19.556; 31. Cory Kruseman, 7, Priestley-NT; 32. Trevor Cooper, 21K, Kruseman-NT; 33. Tony Jones, 4x, Alexander-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Bezio, 2. Kaeding, 3. Faas, 4. R.Williams, 5. Cardey, 6. Aden, 7. Perkins, 8. Kruseman. NT

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Spencer, 2. Alexander, 3. Davis, 4. Gaunt, 5. Welton, 6. Cooper, 7. Smith, 8. B.Bender. NT

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Ercse, 2. J.Vander Weerd, 3. R.Vander Weerd, 4. Roa, 5. Blinn, 6. Schwarz, 7. Kairot. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Boespflug, 2. Ballard, 3. C.Williams, 4. A.J. Bender, 5. Collins, 6. LeDuc, 7. Swanson. NT

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Cardey, 2. Kruseman, 3. Perkins, 4. Blinn, 5. Cooper, 6. Smith, 7. LeDuc, 8. Collins, 9. Aden, 10. Kairot, 11. Welton. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Mike Spencer, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Rip Williams, 4. Nic Faas, 5. David Cardey, 6. Brody Roa, 7. Cory Kruseman, 8. Rickie Gaunt, 9. Charles Davis, 10. Chad Boespflug, 11. Bud Kaeding, 12. Greg Alexander, 13. David Bezio, 14. J.J. Ercse, 15. Cal Smith, 16. Trevor Copper, 17. Billy Blinn, 18. Cody Williams, 19. Kenny Perkins, 20. Jace Vander Weerd, 21. A.J. Bender, 22. Corey Ballard. NT ---------------------------- **Wilson flipped during qualifications. B.Bender flipped during the second heat. J.Vander Weerd flipped on lap 6 of the feature.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-5 R.Williams, Laps 6-30 Spencer.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-1,163, 2-Roa-837, 3-Faas-832, 4-Ryan Bernal-776, 5-R.Williams-755, 6-Austin Williams-706, 7-Kruseman-658, 8-C.Williams-545, 9-Matt Mitchell-461, 10-Seth Wilson-431.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: October 6 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway

AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT CAR RACE RESULTS:

September 15, 2012 – Haubstadt, Indiana – Tri-State Speedway –(Co-Sanctioned by Midwest Sprint Car Series)

FIRST HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Chris Windom (#20 Stewart/Curb-Agajanian), 2. Brandon Mattox (#28 Mattox), 3. Jerry Coons, Jr. (#71P Phillips), 4. Damion Gardner (#71 DG), 5. Brady Short (#36 Pottorff), 6. Jeff Bland, Jr. (#38 Bland), 7. Donny Brackett (#4B Brackett), 8. Brian Karraker (#23 Byram/Karraker). 2:16.32

SECOND HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Kyle Larson (#53 Fox), 2. Dave Darland (#11 Walker), 3. Robert Ballou (#81 MPHG), 4. Bobby East (#5E East), 5. Chase Stockon (#32 Stockon), 6. Kurt Gross (#1x Gross), 7. Kent Schmidt (#5K Schmidt), 8. Chet Williams (#38w Williams). 2:16.56

THIRD HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Thomas Meseraull (#69 Dynamics), 2. Shane Cottle (#2 Epperson), 3. Kevin Thomas, Jr. (#9K BlackJack), 4. Tracy Hines (#4 Hines), 5. Seth Parker (#38P Parker), 6. Dakota Jackson (#3 Jackson), 7. Jared Fox (#56 Fox), 8. Daron Clayton (#92 Clayton). 2:14.23

FOURTH HEAT: (10 laps) 1. Hunter Schuerenberg (#35 Byram), 2. Bryan Clauson (#7 Tucker/BCI/Curb-Agajanian), 3. Chase Briscoe (#5B Briscoe), 4. Jon Stanbrough (#21, Leer), 5. Kyle Cummins (#3c Cummins), 6. Ryan Bernal (#5x Baldwin), 7. Wes McIntyre (#5 Baldwin). 2:16.35

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Stockon, 2. Clayton, 3. Hines, 4. Jackson, 5. Gardner, 6. McIntyre, 7. Gross, 8. Cummins, 9. Brackett, 10. Karraker, 11. Fox, 12. Schmidt, 13. Bland, 14. Williams. NT

FEATURE: (40 laps) 1. Daron Clayton, 2. Kyle Larson, 3. Robert Ballou, 4. Dave Darland, 5. Chris Windom, 6. Damion Gardner, 7. Kevin Thomas, Jr., 8. Jon Stanbrough, 9. Chase Briscoe, 10. Chase Stockon, 11. Thomas Meseraull, 12. Shane Cottle, 13. Dakota Jackson, 14. Hunter Schuerenberg, 15. Bobby East, 16. Jerry Coons, Jr., 17. Tracy Hines, 18. Brady Short, 19. Seth Parker, 20. Brandon Mattox, 21. Wes McIntyre, 22. Kyle Cummins, 23. Bryan Clauson (re-positioned due to missing scales). NT ----------------------------------------------- **Williams flipped during the Semi. FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-11 Schuerenberg, Laps 12-14 Larson, Laps 15-25 Schuerenberg, Laps 26-32 Larson, Lap 33 Clayton, Laps 34-35 Larson, Laps 36-40 Clayton. NEW AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Darland-1,738, 2-Stanbrough-1,723, 3-Clauson-1,678, 4-Levi Jones-1,615, 5-Hines-1,515, 6-Gardner-1,499, 7-Schuerenberg-1,425, 8-Ballou-1,403, 9-Stockon-1,400, 10-Thomas-1,356. NEXT AMSOIL NATIONAL SPRINT RACE: September 22– Rossburg, OH – Eldora Speedway – “4-Crown Nationals”

USAC/STARS D1 MIDGET RACE RESULTS:

September 15, 2012 – Columbus, Ohio – Columbus Motor Speedway

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Kyle O’Gara, 27, RW-13.488; 2. James Robertson, 7k, Irwin-13.491; 3. Jimmy Anderson, 36, Guess-13.518; 4. Bobby Santos, 17, RW-13.565; 5. Bryan Nuckles, 59, Nuckles-13.581; 6. Jarett Andretti, 17B, RW-13.689; 7. Tyler Cottongim, 28, Cottongim-13.691; 8. Derek Bischak, 31, Bischak-13.694; 9. Tyler Trainor, 25, Trainor-13.771; 10. Nick Hamilton, 33, Hamilton-13.780; 11. Isaac Chapple, 52, Chapple-13.786; 12. Travis Young, 11, Young-13.829; 13. Andy Nock, 51, Nock-13.958; 14. Patrick Wilda Jr., 99, Wilda-14.027; 15. Austin Prock, 41, Prock-NT.

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Chapple, 2. Anderson, 3. O’Gara, 4. Nuckles, 5. Cottongim, 6. Nock, 7. Prock, 8. Trainor. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Young, 2. Andretti, 3. Robertson, 4. Santos, 5. Bischak, 6. Wilda, 7. Hamilton. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Nuckles, 2. Austin Prock, 3. Jimmy Anderson, 4. Derek Bischak, 5. Jarett Andretti, 6. Tyler Cottongim, 7. Isaac Chapple, 8. Tyler Trainor, 9. Kyle O’Gara, 10. Travis Young, 11. Bobby Santos, 12. Nick Hamilton, 13. Andy Nock, 14. Patrick Wilda Jr., 15. James Robertson. NT --------------------------------------------

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Nuckles.

NEW USAC/STARS D1 MIDGET POINTS: 1-Anderson-592, 2-Wilda-457, 3-O’Gara-450, 4-Trainor-381, 5-Prock-371, 6-Cottongim-320, 7-Brad Greenup-315, 8-Billy Hulbert-310, 9-Robertson-284, 10-Ryan Probst-280.

NEXT USAC/STARS D1 MIDGET RACE: September 29 – Morris, IL – Grundy County Speedway

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