Check Out These Other Pages At Hoseheads
Bill W's Knoxville News Bill Wright
KO's Indiana Bullring Scene Kevin Oldham
From the Grandstand Ron Rodda
Wagsworld Ken Wagner
Sooner Circles Don Hubbard
View From the Pressbox Stacy Ervin
Keeping Track Dino Oberto
Tri-State Outlook Duane Hancock
Western PA News Rick Rarer
Interrogation Gary Costa
Hawkeye Ovals Eric Arnold
Runnin The High Groove Paul Kuyawa
Hoosier Race Report Danny BurtonI Just Wanna Race Brad Vores
Butts In The Bleachers Rusty Rogerson
Broadsliding The Ovals Bob AltmanNot Just Another Racing Column Pastor Dudley Balmer
Dirt Divas Camisha Miller
the PITS 2010
Central PA
by Ken & Terry Wagner
CHILI BOWL 26 - ANOTHER YEAR OF TRYING FOR A DRILLER FOR MANY AND JUST TRYING FOR OTHERS.
PREVIEW OF COMING ATTRACTIONS - WAG$CA$H – THE RACE WITHIN A RACE!!!
January 22, 2012
My annual trek to Tulsa for the 26th annual edition of the famed Chili Bowl started off in Springfield, MO of all places. Why you ask, because my son and daughter live there and the flight cost was cheaper than Tulsa for me, so I got to do the family visit and go to the race like I always do. There isn’t any one race anymore that is more fun than this one. The numbers of genuine heroes under one roof in the chilly winter is unbeatable for entertainment. The ability for fans to interact with these heroes is real easy, except everyone has to wait for Saturday night to get Smoke’s autograph, but he stays until everyone is taken care of. I can’t imagine a better setting for race fans, but many don’t get the chance because it is sold out year after year. The only thing that doesn’t make the Chili Bowl the best of all midget races is that the payout is so small for the record crowds and cars. I am sure it could pay the winner a lot more than it does, but that is not my call. We all go anyway just to see what happens. This wasn’t the best ever, but then, it was still worth the expense and time taken. Everyone should go at least once!
The pics from Tulsa click here to view. For the never ending stats of who did what to who Click to read them.
My time in Springfield included a visit with my daughter Jill and my grandkids Zoie and Logan. Also my time with my son Kevin and his wife Angie included their 3 dogs and 4 cats. Naturally Kevin and I saw 4 High School B-ball games and two college games during my 10 days in the cold Midwest. It was sunny and a little chilly as nighttime temps hovered around freezing, but it wasn’t all that different from my abode in Las Vegas. Only the long walks have began to take the toll on these tired old knees. My son even brought me a walker, but I made it thru this year without using it, next year maybe a motorized vehicle for me as there is so much ground to cover once you are inside the place, anything on wheels would easier for me these days. That’s why my mule is so good for me at the PAS and a few other tracks, those long walks aren’t fun anymore. Enough about my knarly knees and how about this trip?
Kevin and I left for Tulsa Monday about noon and drove straight to the Expo center in Tulsa and checked it out on a practice night. After getting our press stuff in the VIP office we wandered the trade show area and found out they were charging to watch practice? First of all the racers are the only ones that really want to watch practice, but the fans use to stream in for the preview they could see on practice night, and tonight was a ghost grandstand look. It was good to talk with some around the area and after that we were off to my old friend Tony Mishler’s house where home would be until Sunday morning. As most know Tony and I were roommates when I met my bride Terry some 38 years ago. We got our bags moved in and he noted we wouldn’t be parking Kevin’s car in the garage like past years. Tony lives in a nice roomy home with an attached two car garage that use to have only a Harley parked on one side of it. Now he has added a 2002 Corvette parked in the other side, so we will be relegated outside with his normal mode of transportation, a pickup truck that he drives everywhere.
Kevin’s lifetime friend Tom met us at the Expo Center and would be staying for the first night of racing. I procured a top row seat for the first night from Ben Woodsen from Texas, so the boys could sit together. We hit Ted’s Mexican restaurant for dinner and to say there was too much good food on that table that would be an understatement! Add a margarita and life was all good that night as we readied ourselves for five nights of racing ahead.
Tuesday morning the three of us headed off to eat at the Twin Peaks Restaurant and I don’t have to tell you their girls are prettier than the Hooters girls. Good food, good views and a pleasant time before they dropped me off at the track to visit some more. I spent the afternoon walking the huge pit area and reacquainting myself with cars, drivers and friends as I walked around by myself as Kevin was off shopping for lures. He’s a bass fisherman and is always looking for that perfect fake bait. I checked out paint jobs and visited with many in my walk. It was the only long one I took as the rest of the week I would just go in and settle down and visit with several and just enjoyed myself. I didn’t take the volumes of pics this year because of that. I didn’t bring my long lens because the position of my grandstand seat doesn’t allow much track action due to people standing up when I might want a pic of something. Also I had dropped my camera at the Ovals and even though it took a real man to adjust the zoom, it still worked. Before the trip I took the sticky lens in to have that fixed and get it cleaned. When I went to check on it after returning home, it was in pieces in a box with sad news from my repair man, it couldn’t be fixed cheaply, better to find a new or used one! So now I am looking for another one on E-bay. Too bad because I really liked that one! Anyway not nearly as many pics and I am OK with that. I actually took a few in the stands, but wasn’t happy with the fence ruining them, so didn’t post many.
I met up with Kevin in the grandstands and the night began with the opening night racing. The track looked the same but with only (?) 260 entries we would have but 8 heats each night with 8 cars except for Friday, when a few 6 and 7 car heats happened. A lot of racers I didn’t recognize out there, but I had a list and could figure them out. There were a lot of California drivers, but again, many names I didn’t recognize.
The very first heat race was won by Justine Grantfrom Ione, CA. And it was started again and you can’t help but love it. Floyd Alvis from San Carlos, CA ran 3rd in the next heat. That cagy veteran once offered me a few laps in his winged TQ/Midget at Bakersfield after I had done some track packing laps in Tom Downing’s 410 sprinter the night before. I declined to be seen in a wing car, what would people think? But I know it would have been fun.
R J Johnson, Johnathon Henry and Thomas Meseraull, all west coast heroes, won their heats that night, so half the heat wins were by “our” western guys. They had a Race of Champions event with Sammy on the pole, and as you could have predicted when that one started, goodbye Sammy. He got the last number drawn, imagine that, and it was the pole position. Sammy’s two cars seem to have something all others don’t, but then maybe he is just a better driver and his son is a chip off the old block? I wanted a model of his car, but the premium put on the die-cast model was just too much for me.
The feature was dominated by our own California boy Kyle Larson who looks like he can win anywhere but Perris, but don’t let that worry you, the young man is very talented as he continues to win all over the land in any type of car, and Perris will happen, if he stays with us that long. A pretty good race and we were done for the night. I went in to the interview room and took a few pics and chatted with some of the photog’s before heading out with Tom and Kevin. We had a Jack in the box late night snack and took it back to the house. Tony waited up for us and he introduced us to Tequila Rose, a little tasty strawberry milk kinda drink. The boys had some whisky they brought and it was a wrap.
I can’t tell you how much fun I have at this place. Many of my friends are only seen at this race so it is a reunion of sorts. Anyone that has been there goes back for the visitin’ and the racin’! I checked in with Danny Pressnall of PHD (Pro Helmet Designs) and he had scored me two tickets to the Tulsa University basket ball game that night, wahoo. You know how I like my B ball! Tanks to Danny, I had to call Kevin to get him in gear. We had already given a ticket to my old roommie Tony who always goes one night while we are in town. Kevin had planned to hit the infield to take some pics and I was to sit with Tony. New game plan as Tony found a friend to go with and we headed to the B ball game.
It had been a warm 65 degrees during the day, but in Oklahoma if you don’t like the weather, just hang around, it will change. We arrived at the game and a cool breeze was going on. After watching Tulsa beat UTEP, we walked outside to a white out! I am not kidding, it was blowing big flakes of the white stuff and the ground was wet and getting a little slippery. The plan was to hit the race and watch the feature, but it was getting late as we left the game and instead a Jack in the box stop was followed by the warm confines of Tony’s living room and some talkin’ and drinkin’ until it was time to go read before sleep. It got down to the low 20’s as the near 50 degree slide was just another fun thing about Oklahoma. Bye the way Sammy won with Danny Stratton from Riverside 2nd and Smoke Johnson 3rd. They would all transfer to the Saturday night main!
Thursday would be Julie Shiosaki’s Key lime pie Tini annual afternoon gathering at PF Changs, so Kevin and I went to Chick Filet for breakfast to hold us over. We did some shopping as the day went on. Kevin was looking for some old time fishing bait places like before Bass Pro invaded the city. He found something like a dozen listed, but most were not there anymore, kinda like the Walmart syndrome. When the big stores come to town, all the mom and pop stores go away. Dinner and some martini’s with some good people including Julie, her mom Joyce, Dick and Sue and Michelle, Fran and Jim, Mike Clark and Bill and Reene all had a few cocktails and some good food. It was time for more racing.
Thursday night was to be young Ryan Bernal’s first trip to the Chili Bowl. His talent is obvious in a sprint car as he gets better with each race and now let’s try the midgets! He was 2nd in his heat and won his A qualifier to start about 7th in the main event. He got bumped off his line and before he could get back in line he was in the back. That’s how it goes there, one little problem and you get a close look at the back. The rest of the race he ran with the leaders, but couldn’t unlap himself from the them and finished 21st running about as fast as the top five, except for winner Kevin Swindell. Shane Cottle and Brad Sweet were on the podium going directly to the feature on Saturday night.
Another Californian who is big in the saddle is Rico Abreu as he was third in his heat, 2nd in his A qualifier and 7th in the main. He runs out of the Kaeding stable and is pretty talented. Richard VanderWeerd, the West Coast 360 Champion last year, did well himself. He was 4th in his heat, 2nd in his A Qualifier and 4th in the main on a good job by the twin who is getting better and better. Damion Gardner won his heat, was 6th in his A qualifier and ran 16th in the main after some typical problems with “incidents” not of his causing. Back at Tony’s we had some of Ike’s Chili restaurant’s peach cobbler (the only real cobbler I have found anywhere these days outside of my grandmother’s kitchen back in the day, and she passed away 15 years ago!) and boy was it good!
Friday was time for Charlestons, a mid priced classy restaurant that has great food in a nice atmosphere. The salads and bread are great and Kevin says the fried chicken is unreal. Then we had stuff to shop for again and eventually I was dropped off for more visitin’ and gabbin’. The racing started and away we go. I had an enjoyable calm day as I sat around and watched people, oh what fun. I sat with Danny along at the entrance to the trade shoe in his booth and lordie, lordie, lordie it was like watching a contest of who could troll along the longest. Everyone goes by, so I had a few chats and just relaxed until it was after the hot laps and time for racing again.
No California heat race winners this night and only Bud Kaeding could win an A Qualifier, but there was some good action along the way. Ronnie Gardner had scored a ride in an old beat up chassis that laid around the shop for a while and with some fixin’ and borrowed parts he was in the Josh Ford camp and immediately had his problems in his heat right out of the box. You could tell he had a shock problem as he couldn’t get it to turn left as the car was headed down on the right front, and amazingly finished 5th! He was 8th in the A Qualifier and ended up in the 1st B Main. After two stops due to the crazies around him, he surged to get the last transfer to the main event! Quite a job for the young driver! Starting in the back, he moved from there to 10th at the checkers, a proud guy he was passing 14 cars. This year passing wasn’t as noted as in the past as many didn’t make the runs like in the past. Maybe the dirt that gets moved in from another area on the fairgrounds is worn out, who knows?
Cory Kruseman ran 2nd in his heat and his A Qualifier and started up front to power his way to the win ahead of Levi Jones and Bryan Clauson putting those three in the top 12 at the front of Saturday nights main event that turned out to be a 55 lapper. So far they had not had to redo the track each night as I guess the two grooves were fast enough without change. I will note here that the huge air handling fans that use to be in the ceiling taking the fumes outside were gone. I personally only had a problem on Wednesday night when the extra dusty track got in my nostrils, so I don’t know if they have new and better hidden fans that work? The outside doors out the turn 3 exit were open every night from a 3 feet span to way wide, and so maybe that was the answer.
Saturday came and we had a few errands to do, as well as eat at the Ron’s hamburger place. I had Okra instead of fries with my burger and it was good. The racing starts before noon with the K features and winds down all day towards the finale. We got there watching a G feature in time to see Bobby Michnowicz transfer up with some good driving. In the F main he was going forward to a transfer spot when another car said “oh no you don’t” and banged him into the wall and his night was done.
Ryan Bernal ran 2nd in the D main and looked for more ahead of him. Unfortunately in the C main he had no luck and did not transfer, but did very well for his first time at the chili bowl. News on his 2012 season will be announced soon and I hope we see a lot of him with the CRA this year. J J Yeley, P J Jones and Jace VanderWeerd all failed to transfer from the C main as did a few others from out west, but they all did their best
Richard VanderWeerd and Rico Abreu both won B mains to transfer to the big show. It should have been a barnburner, but when Kevin and Sammy line up in front, you figure it out. Kevin was gone at the drop of the green and Sammy slid right in behind him for 55 laps. IT was 55 because Donny Ray Crawford was killed by his grandpa’s hand and the family car number was 55. Read the line-up results and you’ll see how the race went. Jerry Coons Jr came from 23rd to 8th for the best passing job. I was looking in the back to see any action because up front, there was no suspense at all. Congrats to Kevin winning his 3rd in a row, a feat I would have bet no one could accomplish with all the heroes running here. He has become a master at this little car game and beating his dad is pretty amazing.
After the race the goodbyes in the pits were many and soon it was back to the house for some rest. A few words and thanks to Tony before hitting the sack. Morning brought breakfast by our host before we got on the road back to Springfield. As soon as we hit town, Kevin and I went to his alma mater and watched them lose in OT. Dinner was ribeye, corn and baked potato fixed by my son and a quiet evening of football and B ball before turning in. after lunch with Kevin and Angie, I got on the plane and was off to Las Vegas again where Mrs Wags met me at the airport and took me to dinner at the Claimjumper. Home at last.
Things I remember most: losing my solar powered Mickey watch on the airplane trip there, one that had a lot of sentimental value for me. Some worker probably found it in the overhead bin where it fell out of my bag, and I will look on E-Bay to see if it went up for sale? More mosts: Jake Swanson’s long long crash, the Key Lime pie martini time, peach cobbler from Ike’s Chili, Kyle Larson’s win on opening night, Sammy getting the pole in the race of champions, with the last number drawn, getting my picture taken with the MAV TV lady, Getting kicked out of a popular pit for distracting them, Tequila Rose time in the grandstands, cars crashing on their own, Twin Peaks, 65 degree sunshine by day and heavy snow by night, J J Yeley launched by another car, Sammy cheering to the crowd(?), the crowds in the grandstands, the long walks in the pits and worst of all, hearing Donny Ray Crawfordwas shot by his grandpa. There were many more and to the Chili Bowl creators, keep it up and see you next year.
WAG$CA$H – THE RACE WITHIN A RACE!!! WAG$CA$H II will be at Santa Maria this year on August 11 and will be a” race within the race”. WAG$CA$H is a change from the 20 years of Wagsdash’s where every year a special race was run after the USAC/CRA main event. It always consisted of “low buck“drivers who earned Wagsbucks with the winner usually getting $2500 of an annual average purse of $18,000. The 20 years of collecting "Wagsbucks" has resulted in nearly $600,000 going to the low buck car owners, so I guess we should keep it going as long as it works.
WAG$CA$H is a new concept to continue this quest with two major changes. The first change is everyone that runs half the 6 USAC/CRA Perris races and at least one other USAC/CRA race prior to WAG$CA$H day, is eligible with one stipulation: the driver cannot have more than one USAC/CRA win! No longer do I have to figure out who has money and who is really low buck! The second change is that there will be no additional race after the feature, instead the eligible drivers/cars will sport red & white polka dot ribbons and thru out the night will earn points and the fans can be in on the race within a race format. The driver with the polka dots who finishes the highest on the night of racing, gets the WAG$CA$H trophy and the $2500 cash. All drivers in the WAG$CA$H event will run the whole show. There will be many more payouts as all drivers will receive at least $500 as in the past Wagsdash events. The number of drivers in the event will depend on how much cash is collected thruout the year. Last year’s first attempt at this format resulted in 7 cars running for the $6000 we collected. If we have $10,000 there will be about 10 cars and so on. If there are more eligible drivers than the $1000 line I’ll work with, we will draw for the cars to wear the polka dots and compete for the extra money. The eligible drivers/cars will be listed in the Wagsworld prior to the race. Money for the WAG$CA$H event will be collected thru sale of calendars, T-shirts, and other ways I come up with, and will include the regular collections from fans at tracks along the way.
On race day there will be some of the usual “Wagsdash” like events that will include an auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a tire changing event and possibly a sexy driver contest and maybe more. I will be collecting from the start of the year for this event. Probably the biggest change will be that the car owners won’t have to run an additional race and use up more tires and fuel and risk the inevitable crash that dotted past Wagsdash’s. WAG$CA$H II is on it’s way, so get involved now!
Dave Pusiteri has announced he is adding a Thursday night 360 non-wing race before the annual Trophy Cup scheduled for October 18/20. Many of the regular wing drivers will take their wing off on Thursday to run this event prior to his now famous come from the back event that pays big bucks to the overall winner. All drivers should enter the event soon, as Trophy Dave’s looking to have only about 50 cars in the one day event. The rules are just like the West Coast 360’s, so no special changes need to be made for the cars. I hope the CRA drivers are paying attention, because it is a $21,000 one day purse and you are off that weekend.
I forgot to send out invites to the first Las Vegas Wagsbash, so make you plans for Feb 11/12 weekend and come join us. Saturday night will be the Wagsbash get together and Sunday will be bowling, or casino fun or maybe a movie. Plan to stay Sunday night because the nightmare highway 15 to LA is packed, and go home Monday morning. I am looking for all the Wagtimer’s and past attendee’s to make this little trip and join us, it will be fun. RSVP 949-981-5497, text or call or e-mail me at winglesswarriors@aol.com to warn me.
The opening race for USAC/CRA is February 25 at Perris, but not before a So Cal party on February 11 for the CRA racers and fans.
It’s been a short, but long wait over the winter, so look at the schedule and support the USAC/CRA in the 2012 season. It will be a good one!
A TRAVELIN’ WE WILL GO AFTER THE SEASON ENDS, AND BOY DID WE!
2012 LOOKS GOOD FROM HERE AS CHANGE BACKS OFF AND PEOPLE HAVE HOPE FOR BETTER DAYS!!
December 19, 2011
By Ken Wagner
It was a long year and it was a short year, depending on your point of view. For some it drug on as expenses exploded budgets, while for others, it was same old same old getting ready for the next race. The majority of the racing world in So Cal had to endure the former while those at the top of the CRA standings enjoyed the later.
We now have a 4 time champion in Mike Spencer who enjoys the brilliance of Bruce Bromme Jr to keep him there. As usual Bruce and his band of merry men continue to continually put the best piece out there and the results speak for themselves. Bruce had the luck to be born to Marge and Bruce SR, who had his father Louis start this line back before USAC. Bruce Jr learned his skills in the family garage what he pulls the magic from today and his list of accomplishments are BIG.
There are no racing pics this time, so check out Doug Allens work which is here as usual click here to view.
It all started ffor Bruce Jr with his friend Dean Thompson who drove his home built “stroller” made by grandpa in Quarter Midget races as Bruce Jr quickly found out he loved working on cars more than driving. That progressed to the ho,e built Bromme Chassis that started Dean on his way to win over 100 races and 3 CRA championships. After a brief experience with Bullet Bob Walker and some wing experience, he got involved with Gene Manhire and eventually showed up at Manzy in 1994 with Lealand McSpadden in the seat of the now Ron Chafin owned, red # 50. Championship! I later coined the car "the little red sucker" from a comment made by Bruce SR back when Billy Boat drove for them.
Since his 1994 SCRA championship with the Tempe Tornado besting the competition, Bruce Jr has won 5 championships with Richard Griffin, 1 with Damion Gardner and now 4 with Mike Spencer. Let’s see now; that is 11 together with Chaffin and 3 with his dad for 14 championships and a lot of Mechanic of the year awards for his race car excellence. Bruce is always disappointed when he doesn’t win and confirms he doesn’t go racing to run second. You might call him the Mechanic of the last 2 decades, he has won so much!
Mike Spencer won 6 races this year on his way to his 4th Championship in a row. He had 5 fast times, was in the top five 15 of the 21 races and on the podium 10 times. That is consistency which speaks to the Bromme legend. They have to go into 2012 the favorite.
Nic Faas really came a long way in the Alexander’s Silver Bullet car # 4 this year. He had 3 big wins, one night of which he turned a “Dean Thompson” sweep on September 24 at Perris. That means he was fast time, won his heat and the main event, what aperformance. On the year he had 3 fast times, 8 podiums and 13 top five finishes. From the way he drove the second half of the year, he looks good to unseat the champion in 2012. He finished 2nd this year and was in the run for his first championship up until the last race.
Matt Mitchell had some up and downs this year as he was a force to the very end of the season where he slowed down his results the last few weeks. Maybe building a wing car took his concentration off, but he was not focused as much as earlier in the season. His 8 podiums were strong and his 2 wins put him third in the CRA points. Look for more out of him in 2012 if he runs the full CRA schedule.
It was another short year with the 21 races, but there was some good racing. We had 12 different winners this season and that is always good. Without a clear field of heroes like in the past, the races had a push pull effect as only Spencer was consistent while the rest had some streaks with some longer than others. Clearly Nic Faas was emerging as the new fastest gun in town type driver as he was really hot the last part of the year and that bodes well for our future. It has always been sad when one hero would retire, but new ones always came along. In our racing world most of the new young guns have left for Indiana with the hope to run several times a week instead of once or twice a month.
Of course, the economy has played a part in this CHANGE, as most of us know. I don’t have to tell you teams lost sponsors and jobs trying to keep up and many race cars were left in their garage more often than not. It’s hard to have competition when many of the good guys are broke and MIA. David Cardey, Ronnie Gardner and Greg Alexander are just three who have less than they need to move to the front as well as attend all the races. Add Danny Sheridan whose struggle with the Kittle Motorsports Team budget is not a new one and you see the point. Only Jack Jory’s trio of cars has q team with more than one car running. With the Kruseman experience staying home more often and the multiple Gardner teams of the past gone, we come up a little short with the 30 plus car average we maintained this year at Perris, with less on the road. I think 2012 might surprise some as I have a feeling it will be good!
At least one new car combo is coming for 2012. Larry Henry and Tony Jones are putting together a car for Jake Swanson to drive. Jake comes from over 10 years of open wheel racing starting in Quarter midgets and up thru Ford Focus to Western States Midgets last year where he ran in the top five in points. He is 18 years old and will run the rookie flag with CRA in 2012. Tony will be the crew chief and do a lot of the work on the car. Plans are to take it easy and bring Jake along and run as many races as the sponsorships they can acquire make it possible. Good luck to them. It’s good to see both Larry and Tony back in our racing world.
The Perris schedule this year is almost a mirror copy of last year with much the same weekends. Starting off with the Sokola Shootout opener on February 25th, followed by March 31, April 28, May 26 Labor day event, July 4th Firecracker 30, July 28 with the California Racers Hall of fame, August 18, September 15 Glenn Howard Classic, October 6th the Fair race, and the Oval Nationals November 1/3. All dates except the Fair date will have the Senior PAS sprints and the Lightning Sprints as companion features. This is ten racing weekends with 2 racing dates and is what constitutes our home track schedule. The rest of the CRA/USAC schedule should be out soon.
Well it has been a bit of a travelogue for me since the WAG$CA$H night in Hanford on November 2. As soon as I got home from that I started looking at my winter B Ball schedule. That started the week of Thanksgiving as I went to my first ever UNLV game with my grandson Christopher. I followed that up with the Turkey classic at the Orleans on Friday and Saturday where I saw UNLV upset number 1North Carolina to win that tourney, wow, 8 games and it ended with that one! Sunday at the Anaheim 76 tourney where ST Louis was a winner over Oklahoma. Monday and Tuesday was high school stuff before I went home to get ready to go see the light in San Jose.
Mrs Wags and I left on Friday from lost wages to head up to Minden, Nevada for a brief visit with Stubby and Darleen Dils in their home. Stubby has gone thru hell with his cancer stuff the last number of years and was declared free of the horrid stuff recently, so we wanted to go see him on our way to San Jose. A good visit with them overnight and then off to the pier in San Francisco for our next adventure on Saturday. You can see our Dils experience by Clicking here to view
We drove around the city that is a magnificent place to be and see, until we found the Q, a restaurant that was touted by Dinners and Dives by our friends from the Lafond world. Good food and we had more fun as we looky loo’s then headed south to San Jose. I have always lamented I never tried to live in a row house up there when I was younger. I lived across the bay in Orinda Village and worked downtown in my early 20’s, but never made that dream happen. Oh well, there is still time, right?
On Sunday we arrived at the home of Muriel and Dave Pusateri. Trophy Dave has made all of our Wags trophies over the 20 plus years of our race. Now it was time to check out the lights. We went early in the afternoon and sawt the 66,000 lights all over their large corner lot home. All the lights were hand tied and I was anxious to see the lighting moment! So was Dave as he as always inside pulling the breaker, but not this night as he got his first ever view of that magical moment. They were hosting a bunch of racing friends that included famous people from the area like Brent Kaeding and his dad Howard, and may more. It was fun rubbing shoulders with them, many of who I knew but don’t get to see much. When that lighting happened, I just was amazed, it was awesome. For over 18 years Trophy Dave has held the Trophy Cup event with totally inverted racing and paid Make A Wish over $ 770.000 in the process, while the racers have made out as well. The Make A Wish total in October this year was $50,000!! Their lighting display goes on every night from Thanksgiving until Xmas and last year nearly $10,000 was in the donation boxes. You too can make a donation to Make a wish by sending it to Trophy City, 273 Willow Street in San Jose, CA. 95110. Check out the lights as I saw them Click here to view. Trust me when I say it was worth the long trip to be there. We didn’t get to stay long as it was back home on this 1800 mile trip on Monday
A note here about the 2012 Trophy Cup. It will be expanded one night to make it a three day experience. And what is the reason? Trophy Dave announced that Thursday will be a non-wing 360 night with a $25,000 purse. He will be mailing out invites, so I hope our So Cal boys can get involved in the October event. I know I am planning on checking it out!
When we got home from our trip, Big Steve Kimmel was in town dropping off a load in nearby Henderson, so we picked him up and spent some time with him before he headed to LA with the rest of his load. He is the owner/operator of his rig now, but he still is a truck driver … no check that, he is a relocation expert. I have experienced seeing him over the years around the country at different tracks where I was watching racing when he would pull in and watch, then blast off to deliver something as quick as he came.
A few days off before time to head off to Phoenix for Joe Ellis 80th birthday party surprise. We have stayed at the Ellis Hacienda for many years on trips to go racing at Manzanita. Now that it is closed, we can still go to visit once in a while and hoping Canyon is a regular stop on the CRA schedule in the future. This party was at a local Mexican restaurant called Rosita’s and many of his friends who came to share the time were there to surprise him. It was fun visiting, eating and having a libation or two and then goodbye's. You can go there by clicking here it was fun.
When we left on Sunday morning, the end of the trip would signal that I had drifted over 3000 miles for fun and more in three weekends. Now I have to get serious about my winter plans and that includes the Chili Bowl and a lot of basketball before the February opener of the 2012 season. Let er’ rip!
NEWS FLASH!! The 2012 Wagsbash will be at our home here in Las Vegas on the weekend of February 11 and 12. Saturday will be held at the house with the usual Wagsbash things like the good old days in Mission Viejo before we moved. The Wagtimer's tell me the cheapest rooms are at The Orleans for about $50 a night. Sunday is under construction with maybe bowling, casinoing, cards or maybe a show. The LA crowd won't go home on Sunday night because of the traffic, sooooo bad!! Let me know if your coming and I'll update any news on that when it happens. If you have ever been invited, come on up! If not, talk to me as we hope to get some drivers to go along with the fans who make the trip.
Bob Olson has pewter sprint car key rings for $10 available now. He also can personalize pins and diecast cars for you. C U Racin' Sprint Stuff - Bob Olson, 336 Bartlett Ave, Hayward, Ca 94541. Call 510-415-1157 to order.
Let’s communicate this winter about whatever. I am on Facebook, text or call me at 949-981-5497, or e-mail at winglesswarriors@aol.com. Let me know stuff I can pass on, or not. Give me ideas about the 2012 WAG$CA$H and more in our racing. I am looking forward to Xmas getting gone and the New Year getting started. Hope all your changes are good ones and you have a prosperous new year! Happy Holidays and I have more exciting news soon!
BRODY ROA WINS WAG$CA$H $ 2000 RACE OF THE MAGNIFICENT 7 DOTHEADS!
MIKE SPENCER WINS 4TH USAC/CRA CHAMPIONSHIP IN A ROW IN RON CHAFFIN MACHINE.
LEVI JONES WINS 30 LAPPER AND USAC NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FOR 2ND YEAR IN A ROW.
November 12, 2011
By Ken Wagner
Cold nights are tough, but it didn’t stop the Mid West invasion from dominating the front of the main at Giant Speedway in Hanford with Levi Jones looking like he was on a walk in the park as he led 30 laps with no one to challenge him. The fast track made everyone fast and little passing marked the season ending affair with 32 cars in the house. Of the few notable battles and doing some passing, was young Ryan Bernal when he got the local crowd going as he passed a few Mid West heroes near the end to get 3rd place. And of course there was the Dothead race of the polka dots that saw WAG$CA$H winner Brody Roa hold off a determined Greg Bragg in the Moosemobile for the $2000 pot for the low buck heroes. Brody was running his trusty 360 motor after breaking his new 410 at the Ovals.
For Gerry Johnson's pics Click here to view. For Korie Lafond click here to view. For Steve Lafond click here to view. For Chuck Fry coming soon? Doug Allens work is here as usual click here to view.
Levi had already sewn up his 2nd USAC championship in a row as his closest challenger Chris Windom launched his # 5 orange car very high in the air in his heat and was done for the night. Along the way, Mike Spencer won his 4th CRA championship in a row as the little red sucker just keeps on rolling thru the CRA field. Mike was 10th in the main. The track was heavy and a few had their problems out there. Nic Faas was looking to win his first championship this year but he crashed in the feature and finished a close second in the points. Bud Kaeding set a new track record of 14.793, but got on his head in the feature to end his run. Cory Kruseman got on a wild toad ride in his heat fighting for 5th place. And finally, to finish the Oh No’s, Cody Williams, who had taken a provisional in the main, stuffed his car into the fence on the second restart and we lost one of our 3 dotheads who made the main.
Danny Sheridan was the highest finishing CRA guy finishing in 9th place after winning his heat running away from the pack in the Pace Lighting sponsored little blue bugger. Kyle Larson also won his heat, but that was the last blast we saw of him when he left the feature early in the race on a red flag stop and didn’t return. Jon Stanbrough smoked heavily late and slowed down from his 2nd running spot to finish 4th, and I wonder how that motor was. Most of the heroes just ran in place, so to speak, and there wasn’t much to titillate the crowd besides the fast “stringing em’ out nicely” action on the track.
The WAG$DA$H event was a sea of polka dots as the “Magnificent 7” mighty low buckers took on the challenge during the night when they allowed me to put the red and white polka dot streamers on their cage. The rules were simple, run hard like normal and the car with polka dots running in the highest position at the end would be the 2011 WAG$CA$H Champion. Brody Roa came out on top for the $ 2000 payday of the $6000 added purse, with Greg Bragg the runner-up receiving $700 and he also received the Mark Spivey Hard Charger Award jars of Change that held $610. Brody also got an additional $25 for leading the 5th lap and $25 for leading the 7th lap (57 get it? Ron Didonato’s car number as he was the one who requested it). The 91 car was also voted the shiny tire award from the Wagtimer’s! The rest of the finishing order was Cody Williams, Cory Ballard, Jerry Welton, Cal Smith and Marty Hawkins all low buck racers who did us proud. We had three dotheads in the feature, but lost one early when Cody crashed and it left Brody and Greg to fight it out for the new WAG$CA$H trophy from Trophy City in San Jose, CA. It was polka dottish as well this year with the new look provided by my friend Trophy Dave. It was by the way the first time ever I was able to pay everyone on race night!
DA DA DA DAHHHH! Next year NEW WAG$CA$H rules! Everyone is eligible for the event with a few stipulations. The driver can have won only 1 CRA main event or less; he has to be a local CRA racer and must race at least half the races at Perris to be eligible. I might add a few more to that, but I think that should keep the money in the family. I can’t, nor could I ever really figure out who was low buck or not, so this new plan gives all the “not so experienced” drivers and their car owners a chance at the money we collect. The format of running a separate “Wagsdash” after the main event is done, gone, finished. The fact that they can just run the regular event and be part of the WAG$CA$H event is seamless for everyone. The way the fans can see who is the eligible out there is easy; they will be the cars with red and white polka dot streamers on their cage. Dothead racing, why didn’t I think of this a long time ago? Now there can be no crash and bang Wagsdash’s any more, thus saving those car owners the additional cost of one more race that night, not to mention the billboards we use to destroy at Ventura regularly. Plans right now are to run at Santa Maria next year in August with the full chili feed, or maybe a different menu, and other entertaining old Wagsdash features back, unlike this year’s skinnied down version, that is if the Wagtimer’s and I do it, Hah! This year’s mini-event was still a big success for those drivers involved, and after all that is what this Wags collection for the racers is all about, free money for the racers. In the 20 years Wagtimes Has hustled money for the low buck racers, that total is about $550,000.00. You add a few other collections I was involved in that was not part of the Wagsbucks, and the total is nearer $600,000.00!
I said early in the year I would not ask for money this year and I stuck to it, but that did affect the final purse significantly. All due to the economical bad times, I wanted to insure that those who donated did it because they wanted to, not because I ask. Next year, I will go back to asking and will have a few new wrinkles to help raise the money, so my Wagtimer’s told me this weekend. Next year’s WAG$CA$H event should be entertaining and add to the pocketbook of the racers as we have fun at the races and pass out money! If everybody will get involved “THE race within a race, polka dot style” could turn out to be real helpful to the CRA racers and fun for us all.
There are so many people on my list to say thank you to! The donators were mighty as Don Flanders, The Lafond’s, Spintech’s Ron Didonato, The Normoyle’s, CRA official Beezer, Philip Patton, The Lovgren Family (in honor of Walt James), Doug Allen, Mike Fink, Joe & Ellen Ellis, Fran and Jim Herdrich, Mike Clark (who also donated most of the framed items to the auction), The Duffy’s and their large family, Greg Kaz, A & A Machine (AKA Walt Stevens) Hubcap Mike, others who handed me money and the many who bought calendars, 50/50 tickets and auction items. Thanks to Scott & Lisa Woodhouse for hosting the event, Julie Shiosaki for helping make it happen, plus those who encouraged me to keep it going after losing Ventura, and the Wagtimer’s who came to work as usual. Sonia, Tracie, Gerry (who was my photographer for the event), Kari, Krista, Mallory and Mrs Wags kept the dark booth alive. The 50/50 winner was Chuck Fry who had a pit ticket (for those who say they never win out there) and he promptly donated $100 of his $437 to next year’s race! Thank you to all and if I forgot anyone, please forgive me!
Weather, BAH! The last two CRA race weekends were littered with rainfall and no doubt hurt the fan participation, what a shame. After a storm interrupting the Oval Nationals, the final CRA race was a victim of rain until Saturday morning and surely kept many home not wanting to waste the gas on the long trip from their home to the track. Nevertheless, arrival on Friday saw things looking shaky, but we had a good forecast for Saturday and the show, thank goodness went on. Promoter Scott Woodhouse had a smile on his face when I checked out the muddy infield early on Saturday and said no rain and we were a go! Talk about confidence, it didn’t look so dry to me, but the blue skies prevailed and we never got a drop of wet all evening. It didn’t work out as well for our collections as the later arriving fans that came after dark didn’t stream by us like we are used to. Our location was without light and I didn’t bring my portables, so many didn’t see us over in the corner or knew what we were up to partly because it was not our normal crowd. Thanks to Bobby G for announcing the details and letting the fans know something special was happening besides three USAC champions getting their laurels. I missed my mule, but was able to sneak in my car a time or two without plodding thru the muddy infield. I did get physically stuck on the track after the race when we were presenting Brody’s trophy to him, but didn’t hit a rut or get on my head like the week before! I am unhappy with the official who said the heavy gate leading to the track wouldn’t open and we all climbed over the thing with challenging results. On our way out it was magically open? Hmmmmmmmm it figures!
The year ends with a lot of positives for many. The PAS had more cars weekly than the other CRA locations except for Chico which blew me away with 49 cars! Perris averaged 34 cars per race and the road average was 29 in a total of 21 races on the year. The overall average was nearly 32 cars and that is very acceptable in this economy. Last year’s numbers were 31 cars per race at Perris and a road average of 30 with the overall car count at 26 per race over 24 Races. In 2009 it was 38 cars per race at Perris and the road average was the same with 38 the overall average for 21 races. In 2008 it was about a 32 car average overall. That all said, we actually are actually keeping up with the last 4 years as the average around 32 is still lookin’ pretty good! The 410’s are not dead and mark my words, help is on the way!
For me, it was a pretty long year with some highs and some lows. I enjoyed Calistoga’s zest, Chico was a shock and a good race with Kyle Larson’s win, Perris 4th of July race was good to see a big crowd, I was so surprised that Canyon racing was boss, the annual Chili Bowl outrageous, I enjoyed the trips with the Danny Sheridan bunch, my Mule on the road with Beezer was often a lifesaver, Bud Kaeding’s win at Hanford impressive, Matt Mitchell slide jobs, some of Indiana Sprint Week was fun, but a dusty Lawrenceburg wasn’t, Austin Williams first big win, Nic Faas Dean Thompson sweep at the PAS, Brian Caluson’s sweep of Canyon Raceway, Nic Faas domination on the opening night of the Ovals, watching Ryan Bernal and seeing the car counts stay steady as we climb out of this economic crunch. I can’t wait until next year, but my retired budget is smashed!
Just so you know, old folks are regularly challenged and often losing things. The guy who asked where his glasses were and then someone points to the top of his head, is always shocked. Well I had one of those incidents this week as my losing track of things continues to amaze me, once I find the missing item. This time it was my comb. I have sooo much hair that I need to keep combed, so it was disturbing when I thought I had lost it, again. I always carry a spare in my travel bag, so I whipped that one out and put it in my front pocket where I always keep my comb, without fail. When I got home from Hanford eureka, I found it! It was in my back pocket where I never put it. Hmmmm, am I losing it? Always a matter of opinion.
To all have a great thanksgiving and Xmas Holidays as we wind down 2011. Keep yourself together and think 2012 CRA racing! It’s the best thing going, so let’s make it better. Help someone next year! A tire, a part, a $20 bill, it all helps! Sweet dreams as I now go off to my winter B Ball fun, I love it! I might show at the Ventura Midget race this weekend, you never know where I will turn up.
11/12/11 FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Levi Jones, 2. Keith Bloom Jr., 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. Jon Stanbrough, 5. Tracy Hines, 6. Bryan Clauson, 7. Damion Gardner, 8. Peter Murphy, 9. Danny Sheridan, 10. Mike Spencer, 11. Danny Faria Jr., 12. Rip Williams, 13. Bobby East, 14. Robert Ballou, 15. Hunter Schuerenberg, 16. Brody Roa, 17. Greg Bragg, 18. Geoff Ensign, 19. Bud Kaeding, 20. Richard VanderWeerd, 21. Kyle Larson, 22. Nic Faas, 23. Troy Rutherford, 24. Cody Williams. NT
**Kruseman flipped during the first heat. Windom flipped during the third heat. C.Williams flipped at the start of the feature. Faas flipped on lap 1 of the feature. Kaeding flipped on lap 15 of the feature.
FINAL AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-1,253; 2-Faas-1,178; 3-Matt Mitchell-1,073; 4-Austin Williams-741; 5-Bragg-651; 6-C.Williams-646; 7-Sheridan-614; 8-R.Williams-588; 9-Rickie Gaunt-520; 10-D.Gardner-507.
FINAL AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Jones-1,668; 2-Windom-1,569; 3-Stanbrough-1,434; 4-Schuerenberg-1,408; 5-Hines-1,303; 6-Gardner-1,296; 7-Ballou-1,269; 8-Clauson-1,237; 9-Dave Darland-1,119; 10-East-1,028.
Next CRA race February 25 @ Perris - Chili Bowl January 10-14.
CLAUSON CLOBBERS CANYON COMPETITORS SWEEPING THE PARKER STORES HALL OF FAME CLASSIC!!
MATT MITCHELL AND NIC FAAS BATTLE MIKE SPENCER FOR HIS USAC/CRA CHAMPIONSHIP THRONE.
October 29, 2011
By Ken Wagner
With 35 cars chomping at the bit to get their share of the $3000 and $5000 to win features in the two nights of racing at Canyon Speedway Park, Brian Clauson made winning look easy on a well prepared 3/8 mile track that showcased some great racing. Brian ran the semi both nights and admitted it gave him an advantage, but when the features started, he was on the gas and going forward fast. The first night required a late race yellow flag to put him in position to win as Mike Spencer was way out in front and cruising up to that point. Brian had come from way back in the field, picking off cars every lap as he mastered the track on his way to the front. That last restart allowed Brian to jump by several cars and claim the win as a lot of late race passing was fun to watch.
For my pics Click here to view. Mrs Wags work Click here to view. Steve Lafond's work Click here to view. Doug Allens work is here as usual click here to view.
On Saturday there was no doubt that Clauson was the chosen one this week as he came from 9th starting spot to 3rd really quick and jumped into the lead on lap 9 as he ran away with his 2nd win in two days and doubled his CRA win total to 4. Nobody could catch him, but Keith Bloom gave it a mighty shot on the last lap. He was laboring back in about 6thor 7th to the best of my ability, and rolled it up top where nobody was workin’ it, and passed everyone but the winner. He looked precarious up there, but made it to 2nd with a flourish!
I didn’t know what to expect as we headed across the Hoover dam and over another desert to attend the Parker Stores Hall of Fame Classic at Canyon Speedway Park, just a hair North of Phoenix, Arizona. I had seen some races there with the old CRA back in the early 90’s, and I remembered enough to make me nervous. For most it was a new track and some concerns were in the air. I had forgotten how it really looked, but being it is kind of out in the middle of nowhere, it all came back to me when I arrived. The promoter, Kevin Montgomery, has certainly done a lot at a track that has no running water and until recently had a road leading into it that was a real “rocky road” that made cars and trucks alike in trouble going over it. The road is now paved to within 100 yards or so and is way better.
The lighting out there is as I remembered and a bit dark in spots, but they brought out two portables that really helped. One got repositioned for Saturday and suddenly turn one was much better. This place is getting some attention with Manzanita gone, but without the big crowds every week, they can’t just throw money at it. I wonder if there couldn’t be a way that fans could get involved with raising money to help get er’ done? It can be a worthy replacement for Manzy.
My only problem, as I wandered around taking pics, was a very hard packed and major bumpy pit surface made walking for these challenged old legs a real chore. When they watered the lanes, it got slick and mushy and my little wheeled cart became a box that I dragged around after the wheels froze up? Most had no trouble but I know I looked like a gimpy Charlie Chaplain trying to negotiate my way over it! I missed my Mule. Never the less, there were 10 drivers that came from the Midwest USAC world, plus 15 local Arizona drivers and the 10 west coast CRA boys all there to compete. It was a scintillating two days as the track had two grooves both nights and plenty of racing for all. Remarkably, fast time for the weekend was by Nic Faas in the Alexander Silver Bullet car, not only because the second day track prep was awesome for a two day deal and a west coast driver did it!
The racing was all positive and yet there were some down sides for some. The grandstands are only 13 rows high and I don’t know what capacity is, but the place was packed with bodies and so seating the same. It was hard for the racers to see as the pit grandstands weren’t high enough to see over the berm and the reserved seating in the small grandstands kept them out of there, too.It makes it hard to evaluate the track and make changes for the crews,
I am glad to have another track for the CRA to run at. It looks like the folks there tried awful hard to pony up money for a National show on a hope and a prayer. I hope they made out, and it looked pretty good to me. You might say the place is a diamond in the rough and yet a lot of positives were there for this far off located track for their future. And, the weather was perfect, with only a small breeze on Saturday that really never got going, which just made sweatshirts and light jackets pop on in the crowd.
They held the Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame inductions for this year’s crop going in to it, and had Lealand McSpadden, Richard Griffin, Ron Shuman and a few more of our racing stars from the past signing autographs for the crowd. I don’t know where the actual Hall of Fame location is these days, but I seem to remember Keith Hall use to keep all that stuff in a closet somewhere. The Toops Family and Ricky Johnson were two that I know personally going in, and it is always nice to see someone get rewarded for their racing memories they created.
The first night two brand new cars went flying high in the air only to tumble to the ground mangled up. When these crashes happen, you kinda choke up a little until you see them crawl out of the wreck. Personally knowing the drivers makes it even harder to not get that painful feeling in the pit of your stomach. Arrrrgh! The just completed Kittle Motorsports # 18 driven by Danny Sheridan got a love tap to send him going end over end off turn one and off in the dark area out there. The car looked remarkably straight, even though it was a little tweaked for sure. The was a new front end, rear end and various bolt-on’s to replace the ones that went into the dumpster. Danny banged his right knee hard, but the team put the little blue sucker back together for Saturday and he was sore but able to get in and drive. The Chassis builder, Jeremy Sherman, stayed late and got involved to bless the rebuild, and that’s probably rare in this day and age. The second new car to go flying was that of Stevie Sussex, a local driver that many have been telling me about. He was running 3rd in the feature when it got 3 wide down the front stretch and he was forced into the wall where his car set the altitude record for the weekend. The report on the new sprint car, that Stevie actually built for this race, was that it was too banged up to repair, for now, and he ended up in another car for Saturday.
There were some positive stories likeDavid Bezio ran the feature both nights on his way to claim the rookie of the year title with USAC/CRA. Oh yeah, it’s still a 360! Matt Mitchell didn’t get a time on Friday after qualifying when he missed the scales to weigh in, so he started at the back of everything. He finished 6th both nights for some good work against the invaders from the Midwest. Rumor has it a wing will go on a new car for the Western World in Tucson later this month where they will run both wing and non wing. Hunter Schuerenberg ran 7th the first night and came from a restart at the back to get 10th the next night on a good run.
Would I go back, yes, who wouldn’t with the hopes that lighting and more bleachers might get some attention. I know a lot of work has gone into the place since I last saw it and it is a racy place. Will we go back, only the powers to be know for sure.
The Wagtimes online auction hasn’t been doing well with only a few bidders on some great items. Get your bids in! http://www.wagtimes.com/wagsauction2011.html If things don’t pick up I’ll take it down next week and bring a few things to Hanford for a raffle ticket auction. Still looking for change for the Lafond Jar of Change that will now be called the Mark Spivey hard charger award this year. Bring your pocket change to Perris and let’s fill it up!!!!
I told you I wasn’t going to go asking for money with the thought that those who could, would. Here is a list of many who have sponsored us in the past and some of these have already donated this year: Ron Didonato of Spin Tech, Jack Jory, Mike Clark, Mike Truex, R & R Blankets, Joseph’s Men’s Wear, Kittle Motorsports, Ron Chafin Motorsports, Hoseheads, The PAS, Big Steve and Maggie, Thunderhead, LaVilla Mexican Restaurant, Tom &Laurie Motorsports, The Darlin’ Dils, Alexander Racing, Doug Allen Photos, Jim Fargo Photos, Tear Off Heaven Fotos, Roy Kischell, Agromin, Pat & Leeann Normoyle, Raceway Video, Timeless, ITI Performance Racing, Trophy City, Hondo500.com, Black Widow Racing, Gardner Mechanical Pipe and Supply, Ventura Raceway, Dick and Sue Fry, John Soares, Don Flanders, Joe & Ellen Ellis, Sonia and John Duffy, Tracey and Gerry Johnson, Julie and Randy Shiosaki, Tanaka Dental Labs, Fran & Jim Herdrich, DJ Everett, Lois Ward, Don Read, Braden Wasson, The Thrasher’s, John and Marie Gardner, Leroy Beddingfield, Jim Thurman, Ron Bruce Douglas, Marty and Diane, Ron Schwarz, Rich Chesavage, and many more that have helped to make the nearly $600,000 collected for the low buck drivers since 1989. The high water year was 2001 when over $ 47,000 of Wagsbucks was collected. The 911 disaster signaled an end to the growth of our Wagtimes efforts to where 2010 was down around $13,000. Thanks to you all and as I said some 20 years ago, as long as you continue to support the low buck racer cause we have followed, I will continue to find ways to give it to them. WAG$CA$H is on the move, get involved. E-mail me at winglesswariors@aol.com or call 949-981-5497 to get involved. November 12 at Hanford, be there!
Oval Nationals this week and I will have a few calendars, so either get on my list for me to save one or maybe miss out as I sell them. Bring your change, your checkbook, your best wishes and intentions to go to Hanford next week. See ya.
10/28/11 FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Bryan Clauson, 2. Chris Windom, 3. Damion Gardner, 4. Levi Jones, 5. Mike Spencer, 6. Matt Mitchell, 7. Hunter Schuerenburg, 8. Jon Stanbrough, 9. Robert Ballou, 10. Keith Bloom, 11. Bobby East, 12. Nic Faas, 13. Tracy Hines, 14. Rip Williams, 15. R.J. Johnson, 16. Mike Martin, 17. David Bezio, 18. Cody Williams, 19. Austin Williams, 20. Stevie Sussex, 21. Casey Shuman, 22. Rickie Gaunt, 23. Josh Pelkey, 24. Danny Sheridan. NT
10/29/11 FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Brian Clauson, 2. Keith Bloom Jr., 3. Levi Jones, 4. Chris Windom, 5. Nic Faas, 6. Matt Mitchell, 7. Damion Gardner, 8. R.J. Johnson, 9. Mike Spencer, 10. Hunter Schuerenberg, 11. Jon Stanbrough, 12. Robert Ballou (#73), 13. Tracy Hines, 14. Bobby East, 15. Cody Williams, 16. Rickie Gaunt, 17. Austin Williams, 18. Danny Sheridan, 19. Mike Martin, 20. Rip Williams, 21. Bruce St. James, 22. Dalton Gabbard, 23. David Bezio, 24. Stevie Sussex. NT
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-8 Johnson, Laps 9-30 Clauson.
NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-1,028; 2-Mitchell-994; 3-Faas-993; 4-A.Willams-720; 5-Greg Bragg-615; 6-C.Williams-590; 7-R.Williams-514; 8-Sheridan-512; 9-Gaunt-499; 10-David Cardey-443.
NEW AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL SPRINT POINTS: 1-Jones-1,449; 2-Windom-1,406; 3-Stanbrough-1,319; 4-Schuerenberg-1,260; 5-Ballou-1,158; 6-Hines-1,127; 7-D.Gardner-1,089; 8-Clauson-1,085; 9-Dave Darland-1,054; 10-East-889.
NEW USAC NATIONAL DRIVERS CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: 1-Clauson-1,056; 2-Kyle Larson-1,016; 3-Windom-991; 4-Jones-991; 5-Hines-989; 6-East-942; 7-Jerry Coons Jr.-921; 8-Stanbrough-834; 9-Schuerenberg-832; 10-Darren Hagen-824.
NEXT AMSOIL USAC NATIONAL & USAC/CRA SPRINT RACES: November 3-4-5 – Perris, CA – Perris Auto Speedway – 16th
Would you believe that 1) Wags went to a wing show? 2) that Kyle Larson blew away the 24 car field at the 18th Annual Trophy Cup, but didn’t win, 3) that Jac Haudenschild came from out of nowhere to get the big bucks from Trophy Dave, 4) that Make a Wish foundation received $50,000 from Dave Pusateri and his band of Trophy Cup Wonder Workers, 5) that the drag racing super stars from the 60’s and their hot girls were at Famosa, but they sure don’t look the same as back in their day, 6) that next year the trophy cup will add a night for non-wing racers (360 style that is), 7) and 2 years from now the Trophy Cup will pay $50,000 to win, it’s a secret!
For my pics Click here to view. The Trophy Cup Wonder Workers Click here to view. Drags at Famosa Click here to view. Doug Allens work is here as usual click here to view.
Yes, I did attend the 18th annual Trophy Cup of my good friend’s Dave and Muriel Pusateri but it didn’t act like a wing race as the entire event was inverted by points earned and thus, the hot dogs had to race for it from the back! The Trophy Cup has always been an aggressive no nonsense approach to racing that is totally unheard of, except for the annual Wagsdash events of the past. This brainchild of Dave Pusateri has grown so big in stature; there is no way to describe what he has done for racing and the Make a Wish Foundation. Originally it was a 410 race the first 4 years, all of which I attended and was part of the working crew. The conflict between my race and the Trophy Cup then went on after that for years and it was rare when I was available to even go see Trophy Dave’s world. This weekend was a blur as he and his wonder workers went non-stop on their quest to put money in the Make a Wish Foundation, this year $50,000, from early morning until 2 am both days.
The free Taco Bravo feed after the first night of racing was packed as Taco Bravo owner Dennis personally served 2500 Tacos to fans, with Dave assisting right beside him. A band played throughout the feed and everyone had a good time. The Spaghetti feed from La Villa Delicatessen started Saturday off at noon with the band playing again. The Trophy Dave Wonder Workers got it all handled as Spaghetti and meatballs and bread and cake and salad and so on were served out of the kitchen. Dave’s two granddaughters, Jessica and Karlee, served the drinks for both feeds, as well as worked hard too, as this is truly a family affair. The auction went on and there were some WOO driver signed helmets as part of the money raising. Pretty amazing, but the bottom line was the Trophy Cup purse topped out over $90,000 with an additional $50,000 check for the Make a Wish Foundation presented to them on Saturday night.
Starting in 1994 with Ronnie Day the very first champion, this race has drawn all the biggie’s to try and take home the big money. The vaunted outlaw stars came to take the money most of the years, but the local stars have won 14 of these events stunning the cherry pickers. The Kaeding family has won 7 times with Brent and Tim doing the most damage under one family banner. This year’s winner is now a 2 time champion, but it’s a tough road to go to get the overall every year. Jac Haudenschild quietly surged up from 23rd starting spot to take the winners share home to Ohio, this time, barely edging Jonathan Allard and Brad Sweet. It was fun to watch!
OK, lets analyze my "would you believe" opening lines!
(1) Did I really go to a wing show, or how I was able to stay incognito
during the two days hiding behind my camera? Many fans questioned me for
being there, but my response was it wasn’t like a wing race, there was
plenty of passing and hard fought racing. It is the only wing show I
attend anymore, even though there was a time in the 80’s I went to a lot
of WOO shows, I learned my preference and have stuck to it. In those
days they were really good, but dry slick racing sealed my absence.
(2) Kyle Larson just blew away the field, but he started too far forward to have a chance to win the overall. He was really great lapping up to 4th place in the 50 lap race with 24 cars starting. His wall banging incident on Friday night sealed his fate and a make it impossible to add this one to his impressive list of wins this season. He was hooked up and flying again.
(3) Jac Haudenschild played it cool as he came from the back of the field to pass Jonathan Allard on the last lap to win the $20,000 overall championship from him. He finished in 2nd place on the grid behind the winner, but wasn’t in the same time zone to have a chance at Kool Kyle who was in charge from the start. Earlier it looked like Brad Sweet had them all covered as he marched thru the field right up to about 3rd place before banging the wall, thus losing his set-up and ended up falling back to 7th place. After a yellow with 2 laps to go, the restart looked like a motocross race to the first turn, with cars instead of bikes in every lane trying to squeeze their car to the lead.
(4) Dave Pusateri’s Trophy Cup has earned over $600,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation and this year’s check of $50,000 is pretty amazing! Dave and wife Muriel direct a very seasoned group of committed workers who make it all happen from the feeds thru the auction and the running of the race. It’s all good and they were fabulous as usual.
(5) My trip to the annual Hot Rod Reunion on Sunday at the Famosa Dragstrip had some good and some bad. The old famous cars of the 60’s with, front motored top fueler’s smokin’ down the strip, was once again magnificent! The musical sound of fuel burning Chrysler Hemi’s was ferocious like I always loved, and with the smell of nitro just adding to it! The super stars of the era were there, some with their once hot girlfriends, and time has changed the landscape there, for sure! I loved seeing the old cars of my youth, but since it was Sunday, many had already left or were loading up when I went around early after arrival. It is a serious mecca for drag race lovers of the good old days! Next year I’ll try to make at least Saturday, hopefully.
(6) Big news from Trophy Dave happened when he announced next year there will be an additional night for 360 non wing racers. I hope the CRA boys are ready for that because I am told it will have a significant purse!
(7) The final announcement from Trophy Dave was the 20th annual Trophy cup in two years will be the last for him, but will pay the winner $50,000 to win the overall championship! Imagine that, a 360 race paying big bucks to the winner! Hopefully Trophy Dave will consider continuing on, but he has earned his planned retirement. He created something that I hope his Wonder Workers will continue it on!
Of the two nights of racing, the only thing that didn’t make Saturday better than Friday was Kyle Larson started too close to the front! Seriously, if he doesn’t bang the wall Friday, he would have been in the back and that might have made the outcome a little different. It was great racing, even if it was winged! Imagine the WOO or the USAC/CRA trying this format. The Wagsdash has always done an inversion, but that is only one small event each year.
I really enjoyed my time with Trophy Dave and all his people, they made me feel at home. I sat near Grove Hill who only tapes this race now in his retirement from behind the video lens. I was able to take it all in and it was all fun. There were a lot of great racers out there among the 70 who entered and we didn’t even miss the WOO regulars who had to go to Talladega to race an added in event after being told it was OK to run the Trophy Cup. Politics? Who knows, but those who ran put on an awesome show. I am ready now to head to Canyon Raceway north of Phoenix for more great racing this weekend.
I am slowly getting in the funds for this year’s WAG$CA$H event, but thanks to a lot of folks, it is coming. Namely Doug Allen, Mike Fink, Greg Kaz, A & A Machine, Don Flanders, Steve Lafond, Hub Cap Mike, Mike Clark and a few more. The total now is $2130.00 and rising. It doesn’t include the change for the Lafond Jar of change Hard Charger Award which should be over $500 by now.
Let me make the format a little clearer for you. I call it WAG$CA$H and it is “THE Race within a race”. It all happens on November 12th at Hanford’s Giant Raceway. It is very simple! The eligible drivers low buck drivers, will race the USAC/CRA show like they would normally do. They tow up there and put on their red & white polka dot flags, (that’s how you can keep track of them) then they qualify, run the heats and run the main event like normal doing the best they can. Just another normal race night and the normal CRA payout will occur from their results, but there is the bonus WAG$CA$H money to be paid out as well. It will work just as if they had run a Wagsdash like the last 20 years, except they don’t run any extra laps. For the WAG$CA$H payoff, the highest finishing eligible driver gets the champion’s trophy and the biggest bucks and so on down thru the other eligible drivers. The biggest bonus is they don’t have to race an extra race using up gas, tires and other stuff. It’s a race within a race and you can keep track of the WAG$CA$H drivers with their red and white polka dot flags! There will be the shiny tire award and other Wags type of awards made, depending on the purse like always.
The eligible drivers so far are: Ronnie Gardner, David Bezio, Jerry Welton, Bobby Bender, Johnny Bluntach, Johnny McCall, Brody Roa, Tony Everhart and Kenny Perkins. Three more will be added to the field by the end of the Oval Nationals to make 12 seeded in for that night. Their car owners will get at least $200 for running that day. If the purse gets over $8,000, I will add additional low buck driver’s names from those who show up and pay them for their results that night.
The purse will rise thru the on-line auction, the calendar sales, the 50/50 sales, and the money still to come from more sponsors that we need! Consider getting involved. You can go to http://wagtimes.com/wagsauction2011.html and bid on an item, please. You can send a check or money order to me made out to Wagtimes, 429 Flores Circle, Las Vegas, NV 89123. You can bring me your cache of change for the hard charger and you can show up and watch two main events in one at Hanford, November 12!!!! It’s the last 410 race of the year at a great race track!
I got to go to Bakersfield and the 20th annual Hot Rod Reunion Sunday morning at Famosa Dragstrip and it was obvious I missed a lot as many were loading up while others were gone! I traversed thru the show area where the hot cars were left and then into the pits where lots of stuff was for sale. After about 3 hours of dragging my tired butt around, I found the High Speed Motorsports pit area and sat down with Walt Stevens, an NHRA hall of fame driver and visited for a long but. Their AA front motored fueler had been blowing motors earlier in the year, so they backed up and started from scratch with a new crew chief and some serious testing. So far they are on track and haven’t blown up anything. They were about to make one more pass, but I was on the long road home before they hit the staging lanes, if indeed they did. It was a short day for me with a 5 plus hour drive home, but I stayed as long as I could and watched a lot. Boy, for some of us old 60’s drag fans, this is a must see event.
I met Greg and Billy Willis wandering around the AAA booth and found out they are Danny Sheridan fans, imagine that! Billy is Greg’s father and drove sprint cars back in his day under the name of Billy Clark. His son Greg was enthusiastic about the drags as he ran off to watch while dad and I got acquainted. He said he raced against Tommy Hinnershitz back in the day. They are regular PAS attendees.
QUICK NIC MAKES IT TWO IN A ROW AT THE PAS AS HE ENJOYS FAIR DAY.
WAG$CA$H 2011 IS A RACE WITHIN A RACE AT HANFORD NOVEMBER 12.
October 10, 2011
By Ken Wagner
On a perfect day in the sun, we had a full day of racing including a 4 hour intermission for "fair play", and the evening turned out with a huge crowd watching Nic Faas make mincemeat of the 22 car field. He set quick time for the event on the early sun baked track, then started 8th in the feature and tracked down early leader Rickie Gaunt by halfway thru the 30 lap main event. After flying by Rickie on the high side, he quickly motored away, and he was running laps that included one that was the second fastest lap ever turned at Perris, the boy checked out! This win put him in 2nd place in the points, only 31 points behind the leader Mike Spencer. This also put him into the Legends of Ascot match race, worth over $8000, coming up on Friday night at the Oval Nationals 3 day event at Perris.
For my pics Click here to view. Doug Allens work is here as usual click here to view.
It tries your patience when things aren’t the normal way sometimes and this week’s fair “split show” was one of them. Normally I arrive about noon and spend some relaxing time getting blankets down then watching the racers arrive while I do some visiting and some pic taking. Not this week! The pits opened at 10 so I arrived at 9:30 and made my way inside the mass of parked vehicles of various fair parkers. Campers, trucks and cars that took a lot of space, left me with trying to get parked near the office for the day. Once I accomplished that, I hot footed it down to the infield where my trusty mule was ready from Beezer, and I did my usual routine and then settled into watching the goings on.
Hot laps was fun to watch as they squirrelled around on the wet surface until the track held the big tires. One thing of interest here was Rickie Gaunt looking to all the world like a throwback to the good old days when he had an open face helmet and a blue bandana covering his nose and mouth as he rolled around the track. Later he said he was just showing some respect for the drivers of the old days.
Qualifying was interesting as the first car out was quick time, and that at 16.37, no less. Daytime usually doesn’t allow that, but Quick Nic Faas ignored all that and blasted away. We had one tipover early that put Ray Potter and his crew working hard to get it fixed. They made it back but his night was not a fun one for hi and his crew. He was pushed back to his pit when his heat took off as he didn’t have something properly fixed, but returned for the semi where he spun, then took a quick flip coming out of turn 4 for the end of his night. Kenny Perkins qualified 15th, but nailed the wall in turn 4 and had to go on the trailer for the evening.
All in all it was a very dusty track in the sun as playing follow the leader sometimes meant you couldn’t see him???
Ronnie Gardner, fresh off his win at Victorville the week before, came out to qualify early in the day and it wouldn’t fire? Some little part broke? They hustled to fix it and he got in a slow 19th quick effort. In his heat he was going great for a lap or two when he went into a corner and it died. No fuel they surmised, but they spent the intermission chasing the problem, even mounting a different fuel tank. It ran OK in the semi for a transfer to the main, but would start back a ways.
The dusty heats brought back memories of those old fair day races and yet there was plenty of action to watch as the four heats provided that. The heat winners were Cory Kruseman, David Cardey, Matt Mitchell and Austin Williams as everyone was trying to see and make the transfer. One that didn't transfer was point leader Mike Spencer as Mike got involved in a dust devil and rode the wrecker to the pits.
We got thru all that and the 4 hour wait began. Some had work to do on their car, some took off for fair fun and others like me just found a few friends to visit with. I did grab a Martha Stewart hot dog at Pinks and that was an experience? There was sooooo much “stuff” on the thing that I had to dump a bunch in the trash just to eat the dog. Wow a plain jane model would have been better, if they had such a thing. The cost of fair food was pretty high, surprise, and similar like the regular fare there, as I suspect a family of four could spend a week’s wages just to eat!
Mercifully, the sun started down and the evening action was ready. Only a semi of 13 cars then the main event meant I would be on the road home early for a change. Spencer had a heat crash and started on the pole of the 12 lap race and won going away ahead of the “tall Guy” from Phoenix, Andrew Reinbold.
It wasn’t long after the semi ended, the feature lined up with a near full house cheering them on. Rickie Gaunt on the pole with Rip Williams on his outside followed by Greg Bragg, David Cardey, Cory Kruseman, Cody Williams, Matt Mitchell, Nic Faas, Mike Spencer and so on.
Rickie took the lead and the fight was on. By half way Faas was in second and looking for a way around Super Rickie. The high grove was where it was at, so Nic was running high trying to gain momentum, but Rickie held his line until, coming out of 4 on lap 15, he dropped enough that Nic was able to slide up and around him for the lead he would not give up. Before you could say Jackie Robinson, Nic’s lead was large, real large! He just lengthened it as he flew around lap cars and Rickie kept after him.
At the end Nic won with Rickie following along in good shape. Spencer grabbed third after a dogfight with Ripper, Bragg and Mitchell. Matt had hit the front stretch wall coming out of turn 4 midway in the race when he was going forward, and the car wasn’t the same after that and he finished 7th.
It was a pretty good feature for the big crowd and as the checkers flew you could hear the loud cheers for one Nic Faas as I think the crowd has found themselves a new hero to cheer on. He was impressive for the second race in a row and don’t look for him to slow down as the motor was a brand new one just in from an Indiana motor shop, and it hit very hard. As I said earlier, he had the 2nd quickest time ever at the PAS.
Brody Roa was the highest finishing 360, again, this week and ran too fast for the fast timer to get by him in his heat. Imagine a 360 VS 410 battle that went on there under the sun. Nic got even later, didn’t he! I was pooped after all that and took out of there to be home by 12:30!!!
My trip to California started early on Thursday when I went into Montebello for a visitation for Don Blair. He had passed away the week before just a day shy of reaching his 90th birthday. The well known man who was a lot of things to many people, was laid to rest the next day in a private ceremony. He goes way back in history in racing and loved the sprint cars until the day he died. He won the car owner Championship while running CRA in 1974. Even today, Don still owned a sprint car, the most recently driven by Matthew Shedarowich.
During the visitation a large crowd of former employee’s were there to say good bye. Don was remembered by many of them and others who shared stories of life with the man who is gone from us now. He gave many of them their first job and sometimes their livelihood. He was known for his thriftiness, so it is no surprise that he left a trust that is set up to help the sprint car racers financially and details of that will be announced in the near future.
Don to me was that slow walking friendly guy who never passed me by without a quick story and handing me Wagsbucks. He also donated things to the hall of fame and often talked about how to make things better. Up until he was bedridden, he often sent money to me for some of the drivers who missed the show that night, with encouraging words for them to come back again. Not Wagsbucks, but he wouldn’t let me tell them where it came from, so I called it Goodbucks! There is a Blair reunion at the NHRA Museum in Pomona in November on the 8th. Rest in peace Don, you will be remembered for along time!
No racing this week for me as things start popping next week. It starts with the Trophy Cup in Tulare where my friend Trophy Dave puts on one of the most amazing races in the country, a race that has been singled out as one of the best in the country. It features two days of point earning for 80 winged 360’s with the finale starting the entire field inverted. The point leader starts in the back and has a lot of company! There can be two winners that night, but the feature winner doesn’t often get the big cash and overall win. The final point leader, no matter where he finishes, is the Trophy Cup Champion and it can get real fun watching the fast boys from the back try to go forward. Even though it is a wing race, it is not the outlaws, so expect so exciting action if you go see this event.
One of my favorite events of the year is on that weekend as well. The annual Reunion drags at Bakersfield, featuring front motored top fueler’s and a lot of hot cars on display and racing on the track will be there for 3 days. Unfortunately, I can only go Sunday, missing the cacklefest darn it, so that will be my ticket after the Friday and Saturday fun at nearby Tulare.
The following weekend will be the Parker Store Hall of Fame Classic at Canyon Raceway in Arizona. Two days of USAC/CRA racing at a track the CRA once visited in the early 90’s. It was a racy place and I understand some improvements have been made. We should have time for a Wagtimes luncheon on Saturday, so beware.
The Oval Nationals is the following weekend with three days of ground pounding action and I will be there for every lap and fun times. Then WAG$CA$H 2011 “THE race within a race” on November 12 and I am planning on handing a lot of money out to the low buck racers that night. Pay attention, there will be a test.
Congrats to Richard VanderWeerd for winning the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Championship last week. He made the Wind Tunnel TV show and that’s hot! Somebody from out west besides the sensational Kyle Larson is nice since we don’t see much of our stuff on there!
See ya along the way. Questions? 949-981-5497. Answers? We both have them!!
QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.370.
CRA 10/8/11 FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Nic Faas, 2. Rickie Gaunt, 3. Mike Spencer, 4. Rip Williams, 5. Greg Bragg, 6. Cory Kruseman, 7. Matt Mitchell, 8. Austin Williams, 9. R.J. Johnson, 10. Cody Williams, 11. John Aden, 12. Brody Roa, 13. Verne Sweeney, 14. Josh Pelkey, 15. David Bezio, 16. Andrew Reinbold, 17. Dakoda Kershaw, 18. Ronnie Gardner, 19. Royal Adderson, 20. Corey Ballard, 21. Cal Smith, 22. David Cardey. NT
**Perkins flipped during qualifying. R.Potter flipped during the semi.
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-14 Gaunt, Laps 15-30 Faas.
NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-930; 2-Faas-899; 2-Mitchell-891; 4-A.Williams-678; 5-Bragg-615; 6-C.Williams-545; 7-Danny Sheridan-471; 8-R.Williams-467; 9-Gaunt-451; 10-Cardey-443.
NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: October 28 – Peoria, AZ - Canyon Speedway Park
NIC FAAS DOES THE DEAN THOMPSON SWEEP DURING THE GLENN HOWARD MEMORIAL AT THE PAS!
WAG$CA$H AT $2000 AND CLIMBING FOR HANFORD EVENT AND YOU ARE INVITED!
September 24, 2011
By Ken Wagner
If you closed your eyes, as the Alexander Silver Bullet raced to another big win, it might bring back memories of a famous retired Cowboy making moves on the track from the past. But no, Nic Faas has been making his own moves while riding the range at the PAS these days in the famous silver sprinter. His first season in the Alexander Brothers car just gets better. Even though he hadn’t won yet this year, this was a surgical demonstration of the talent this young man possesses as he won his 2nd CRA main event of his short history with CRA and he did it in style, no muss – no fuss- just fast racing and a rare sweep of the night!
Mrs Wags rare photo's Click here to view. For Wags stuff Click here to view. Doug Allens work is here as usual click here to view.
Nic set fast time at 16.466, nearly a half second quicker than everyone else. Then he won the first heat from the back and lined up in the 8th spot on the main event grid. In the main it took him but 7 laps to chase down early leader Greg Bragg, swept him out of the way, and took off for his first win of the year. Nic made special to be remembered moves roaring by cars as he picked them off until he was alone in the lead. Great effort by him and his team and it looks like he is fearless out there. “Fearless Faas” has kind of a nice ring to it!
The Glenn Howard Memorial is all about honoring a man who gave his time unselfishly over the years to our racing world and lost his life to Cancer 3 years ago. His direction was to make a better world for the racers, and couldn’t we use him about now! Glenn was honored by his sons Gary and Steve, his wife Pat and more of his family on a great racing night at the PAS. Past champion Richard Griffin came all the way from his home in New Mexico to be the Grand Marshal of the day and was welcomed by his many fans and the racers. He still looks like he could climb in the little red sucker and spin a few fast laps for more victories. It was a good night for the Howard family and memories.
Matt Mitchell continues to streak thru the crowd every race as his fast black n’ blue racer just goes forward. He had a problem on his qualifying lap and was only 9th quick, so was relegated to the 9th starting spot in the main. You can always tell when he is on, and that’s every race now, as his slide jobs come easy to him while he works to the front. He got into 2nd place after Nic had already checked out, but had one shot at the winner after a lap 27 yellow, but couldn’t get to him with the few laps remaining on the restart. In the last 5 races he has two 3rd’s, two 2nd’s and a big win, so I guess you could say he is getting very consistent with his up front antics.
Austin Williams was 5th quick this week, just a tick faster than his father Ripper and started on the 2nd row of the feature. He didn’t waver at all, just like when he won at Santa Maria a few weeks ago, so it was no surprise that he captured 3rd place this week as he continues to improve and impress everyone paying attention.
Danny “Showtime” Sheridan continued his strong string of top five finishes with a 4th this week, and he did it with a problem left rear tire leaking. He made some quick moves form his 10th starting spot as the track allowed some great passing this week. Greg Bragg took the Moosemobile to fifth on a good ride after leading the first 7 laps. Good job for the team as he is very consistently having fun.
The night started with a couple of fast laps on the track by Rickie Gaunt to honor his crewman , Mike Spivey, that passed away from cancer two weeks ago. The somber reminder of the hole he will leave for the racing community and his family.
A few no no’s along the way include flips by Randy Waitman in his heat, Matthew Shedarowich in the Semi and a real nasty looking rollover by Jay Waugh in the feature. Josh Ford brought his # 72 to the PAS tonight for his first visit in a while, and was doing fine in the main until one of those “encounters” knocked off an important bar on his front end and he was the first car out in the feature. Don’t know what happened to David Cardey but after running strong early in the front of the feature, he might have encountered something that made his front end look a little off as he raced around the ½ mile oval. His 9th place finish is not indicative to what we expect, but he held on to his trusty steed to finish.
A back to the future sighting happened when the red # 98 of Verne Sweeney showed up in the pits. The “new” never been driven 2006 DRC car is owned by Ken Tracy and Salvadore Cardenas. Verne came out and qualified 14th in the field after about 6 years of cooling his heels by driving a Lightning sprint car occasionally. Verne was happy to win the Semi on his return and running 15th in the main was probably more than he expected after all this time. No, Verne fully expected to win!
Ronnie Gardner came to the track with a refreshed motor this week and promptly went 4th quick in qualifying and won the “dash” getting $400 for his empty coffers. He came back to run 2nd in his heat and 7th in the main for a good night. Brody Roa continues to collect the $700 put up for the highest finishing 360 each race and got 11th this week as he and his dad Brett work hard to secure a 410 motor, for him as it’s time to step up, he is ready!
KYLE LARSON is already a big name, but his amazing list of major wins this year just keeps on going. There is no limit to where he will go and how soon, but I hope we get to see him around the dirt track more than just this year. His abilities remind me of Parnelli Jones who never met a race car he couldn’t win in.
Scott Burns and his wife April and family showed up for the evening. Young son A J is keeping dad’s attention with his motocross exploits and Scott says a move to open wheel cars might be in his future. Scott raced with us for a number of years and it’s nice to see him come back around. He’s not too old to drive himself, but doesn’t appear to want that as A J is getting his help.
A reminder here for you of the special Legends dash at the Ovals this year. Don Weaver with Bobby Michnowicz and his mom Belita are working diligently to collect the money to make this happen and like the many other “special” events on the USAC trail, it involves help from others who have the extra cash to make it work. Get involved and call Don Weaver to help. 310-549-3562 or e-mail him at legendsofascot@aol.com. You can sponsor a race for $1000, you can sponsor the event for $5000. And in addition, any donations will be accepted and all monies will make the purse. Don Weaver would like to thank the many people for their generous support as of today. Woodland Auto Display in Paso Robles, Ca, All Sprint Ranch, The Agajanian Family, Decore Plating, La Villa Restaurant, Tom Roberts, Sander Engineering, Bondio Fabrication, an anonymous fan, Ed Iskenderian. This race is for the fans, and for the drivers, so get everybody involved sayeth Don Weaver.
A quick note here about Don Blair who is in a recovery facility after recent re-surgery for knee replacement. Yes, he had the knee that was replaced some time ago, replaced because it wasn’t healing properly. He has not been doing well for some time and this week is his 90th birthday, so everyone sing out for him and celebrate the very special racing personality’s achievement of life to his age of 90. Don is the owner of the # 12 sprinter driven by Matthew Shedarowich most recently under Jim Blakesly’s direction. Remember him in your prayers.
There is now $2010.00 WAG$CA$H money in the till so far for our event. I am looking for more as we gear up for this unique Sudo-Wagsdash event coming up on November 12th at Hanford California. It’s going to be fun as the race is really an event within the CRA race that night. So far we have 6 eligible drivers that can participate. I will add up to 6 more by the end of the Oval Nationals. Depending on what the purse is, we will pay all of those who appear from the collected money. There will be another list for other low buck teams to be added to the eligible list if someone doesn’t show or can’t race that night. If the purse grows above what the 12 will earn, teams from a secondary list will be added after the totals are complete and paid until all money is in the hands of the low buck car owners. That night you can keep track of the drivers who are in the WAG$CA$H event as they go thru qualifying, the heats and the main. They will be paid according to how far up in the final results they achieve. There will be some additional monies to be earned by the competitors like all Wagsdash events.
The Lafond Jar of Change hard charger award will be up for grabs for everyone except the top WAG$CA$H winner. It was over $1000 last year. Other awards like the shiney tire award, the best appearing, the sexiest driver, the hard luck driver and the usual typical Wagtimes payouts. The object has always been to put as much money in their hands based on their performance and special achievements. We will have 2012 calendars for sale, there will be a 50/50 raffle, a small Wagtimes auction and some framed photo’s will be available for purchase and maybe a surprise or two. If you have supported the annual Wagsdash over the years, please consider getting involved with this event and show up to watch! Hanford is a great race track with many historical races over the years and we should all have fun. It is a regular CRA race with probably some of the Midwest visitors expected to stick around.
I had a special feeling going to the PAS this week, one that was more positive than usual. First of all my Bride made her first appearance there this year, and that was special for me. I am unaccustomed to going anywhere without her and I feel her lack of presence whenever I am without her. She works full time and it is hard to wear herself out on the road on her weekends off, so I understand. Also on my mind like normal, is the current state of affairs in our racing and for a change I had a good feeling for a good night when we arrived. With 32 cars in the pits, it was comforting and it did feel different for some reason. A returning racer in Verne Sweeney gives me hope that other drivers and cars parked might follow that example.
I also felt good even in the warm weather, that the track always has water in it and two grooves to race on, so it makes me forget about the Lawrenceburg dusty, dry slick, Indiana Speed Week experience. We are very lucky to have people who work their butt off to give us a racy track at Perris. Get well quick to Ray Sheetz as he went home not feeling well Saturday morning and he is one of those dedicated ones who does the extra out there to make it happen.
I can’t really tell you how I feel or where it is comes from, but if you have ever been at a race that lit you up inside and the feeling grew as the night went on ending in a crescendo of excitement, then maybe you can understand where I am coming from. I have been in the dumps with recent low car counts and fan attendance with my brain twisting itself all around trying to find the answer. That feeling has kept me on a downer for quite a while. It was distracting me so much, I finally settled down and realized it is what it is, and nothing I personally can do will change anything, so I say let’s get on with the show. Let’s do what we can do including attend the races, support them with what you can help with, and just be there with a positive attitude and rejoice in the racing that is all about our entertainment.
This week was eye opening as I have often said we have lost many of our heroes and are not growing them very fast. Nic Faas is one of our new heroes and his performance last night is among the best there ever. We are lucky that some generally have what they need in the trailer and can acquire what they need at the time. Others bring the best they can put together, arriving prepared to win when they can afford to show up. Some have spares and some do not. With our national economic problems, especially in the trades where many of our racers work, it is sad to know some cars are parked because they can’t afford to fill up the hauler gas tanks to go racing. Watching what the Danny Sheridan race team have accomplished with next to nothing this year, has inspired me. If they can go racing every week with that puny budget, I can surely find a way to support them all. There are way too many others who are sacrificing as we speak, just to race. WAG$CA$H 2011!
Anyway, I feel something different happening and I am willing to watch it grow. Other associations are fighting for the almighty dollar and fan support, while we have far less races than in the past and still Perris continues to draw cars. From my uneducated crowd counting skills, it looks like we are gaining crowds at the PAS and I know the racing is getting better as are the drivers. As much as I hate the Fair race next up on October 8th, uuuugggh, and even though I announced I probably wouldn’t come, I will buck up and show up, but no rides for me during the intermission. I have spent over 25 years supporting my thunder and lightning CRA cars and racers, and I won’t stop now. It is not the end of the 410’s it is only the beginning, and we are all part of it! Get off your butt and go get some caramel corn, or candied apples, a hot dog and a lemonade, and pack the grandstands because it’s the cheapest awesome show you will ever see! You pay for the fair ($5 ??) and get into the races free!!! Come on down, I’ll be waiting for you. Bring your neighbors, fill up the van, it’s all good. Whew! I am out of control!
A week off to ponder and then it’s back at it to Perris, then a trip to Canyon Raceway North of Phoenix, home to the Oval Nationals and the final race of the year on November 12th at Hanford. Jump on board, there is plenty of room! As my wife’s license plate holder says “to the track, Jack and don't Look back!”
9/24/11 FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Nic Faas, 2. Matt Mitchell, 3. Austin Williams, 4. Danny Sheridan, 5. Greg Bragg, 6. Mike Spencer, 7. Ronnie Gardner, 8. Rickie Gaunt, 9. David Cardey, 10. Cody Williams, 11. Brody Roa, 12. Kenny Perkins, 13. Donnie Gansen, 14. David Bezio, 15. Verne Sweeney, 16. Corey Ballard, 17. Jay Waugh, 18. Brandon Thompson, 19. Rip Williams, 20. John Aden, 21. Bobby Bender, 22. Josh Ford. NT
FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-7 Bragg, Laps 8-30 Faas.
NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-867; 2-Mitchell-837; 3-Faas-828; 4-A.Williams-631; 5-Bragg-562; 6-C.Williams-504; 7-Sheridan-471; 8-Gardner-422; 9-Cardey-421; 10-R.Williams-409.
NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: October 8 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway
Checkout Wags Web at wagtimes.com
A Hosehead Production
Copyright © 2011 by "Hosehead's Sprint Car Photos & News." Do not reproduce anything from these pages without the permission of the photographers, writers or webmaster.
Hosehead's Sprint Car Photos & News,PO Box 42, Drums PA 18222-0042