Hoseheads Sprint Car Photos & News

It was a site for sore eyes for this long time Wag, being part of a packed house, watching a thrilling 30 lap USAC/CRA non-stop feature, with four official and dramatic lead changes, plus many more tantalizing moves than you could watch throughout the field. On this holiday race it was one night where we saw the real 410 sprint car racing at it’s best that was showcased for the demonstrative crowd! Not only did the main event feature some close quarter action on a well prepared track, but the moves that winner David Cardey put on the “teacher” Cory Kruseman makes you wonder where this guy would be if he had more sponsorship! He was the fuse lighting the fireworks tonight!

For my PAS pics Click here. For Doug Allen's work Click here.

Not only did Crafty Cardey make the pass of the year for his first lead early in the race, when he was sideways throwing a slide job thru several lap cars, and still slung on by a fast Kruser, but he kept it up as the feature played out. This makes him leading every race at the PAS this season with only equipment problems keeping him from a clean sweep at his home track for the year. He says he owes it all to “Camp Snoopy”? Not really, as announcer Chris Holt blindsided him with stories about his son Drake. Yet what is he doing right to keep this heady stream of driving going? Great job in the Circle Track sponsored, red # 59 Viper chassied car as he won his 8th lifetime 410 sprint race and is looking for more.

Perhaps the biggest positive side of the night for young Nic Faas was that he finished a race, finally, and grabbed 2nd place from the Kruser late in the event besides. After breaking a rear-end early in the night, it was another of a long line of equipment failure problems that has bothered this low buck team all year. Never fear as his # 17 steed was rock solid in the feature and he battled with the front running heroes until he snatched his highest podium finish since he won his only feature with CRA in August of 2008. When his car is on, he can run with the best of them. Nic later said “it felt like a win to me!”

Starting on the front row with the eventual winner, Cory Kruseman had the best shot to be a repeat Firecracker winner, and standing on the podium in third was quite an accomplishment when the race ended. It was a non-stop, 30 laps of scintillating action, and Cory was in there fighting until the end. Driving his “new” car he looked like the Kruser of his SCRA championship year of 2001. He never gave up in his black # 21 Agromin, Lucas Oil sponsored car, moving in and out of traffic trying to retake the lead.

Point leader Mike Spencer had the best seat in the house for watching a great race as he followed the podium threesome most of the race, getting a close up view from right behind them as they all danced thru the field. Mike had come from his 4th row starting spot to get up there to push those three, but never was able to get into the act as he fought lapped traffic along the way just to be in position to move up if, an opening happened and it never did. He was 3rd quick on the night and won his heat before finishing in 4th in the little red sucker and still leads the points over Danny Sheridan by 51.

The pageantry presented by The PAS added something special to the night as not only were all former and current military people in the crowd invited down to stand on the front stretch while they play several patriotic songs, punctuated rightfully by our National Anthem. That special song was sung by Bobby Burke who does her own moving rendition here often, and with great pride and excellence. The crowd standing with the American flags flying and her voice was another of those moments in our traditional and sometimes forgotten memory of love for our country. The fly over wasn’t the usual supersonic smoker or even a massive military airplane roaring overhead. In fact, I don’t know what “air ship” it was that buzzed the crowd, but it flew low over the grandstands just the same, creating a wave of applause from the crowd. Add the annual fireworks presentation sponsored by Budweiser and the city of Perris to the evening, and it was one of the most memorable nights in Perris racing history. If I heard Scott Daloisio correctly, it was the fastest 30 lap event in history at the track!

It was also a day for the kids to touch and feel their favorite drivers and their cars. The spectator gates opened at 3 PM and the weather wasn’t the normal desert hot, it was almost cool! The cars were all lined up on the front stretch of the racetrack in front of the grandstands as the fans were allowed down on the dirt to inspect the splendid machinery and get autographs and enjoy some friendly competitions. The kids got to share drivers and officials in a three legged race that had a few endo’s, including one by the Cowboy who couldn’t stop laughing, and his partner. Plus they had some fun in tossing balloons in what turned out to be a wet T-shirt contest. Add to that the hot dog and watermelon eating contests and you had a full afternoon of giggles and fun for everyone who participated! I wondered why PAS games organizer Tanner Watson was sticking close to me after the events were over, until she said “they wouldn’t throw water balloons around you with your camera, would they? It was chaotic as what was left of the balloons were grabbed up and sent flying all around as everyone was in attack mode.

Chris Holt interviewed, and I use that term loosely, four former PAS Firecracker night winners during the downtime wait for the timely fireworks at 9 PM. Super Rickie, The Cowboy, Showtime and the Kruser grabbed all the airtime as they battered and threatened each other with humor and frivolity like we have come to know from this frantic foursome of hilarious hecklers! As they hammered each other a little, a serious lunch bet came out of it all as Danny and Tony declared Rickie, who started in front of the two in the main event, would never be ahead of them at the end. Danny at least was right as Tony’s motor gave up on him as he was flying up front early in the race! If the lunch ever happens, it would be a lunch we all would like to attend. There is nothing more fun than watching some of the best drivers on the planet egg each other on.

Danny Sheridan ran 6th on the night as he was one of the fastest cars on the track during the last half of the race and had to reel in the five ahead of him from his 5th row starting spot, and without any yellows to bunch up the field. He did a monster job getting to the rear bumper of the double MMatt Mitchell at the end of the race. The little blue sucker was working hard as Showtime was on the gas and praying for a yellow to get back in the thing. More importantly for the team, since they didn’t become a repeat Firecracker winner this night, was that Danny announced a new agreement had been reached with Pace Lighting for some much needed sponsorship to help them finish out the year. It couldn’t have come at a better time as the Kittle Motorsports # 18 was about out of gas literally and figuratively. Danny and his crew have been consistent this year and it has put them 2nd in points. Now they have a chance to compete to the end of the season and battle for a much wanted Championship.

The night was not without problems for some. Young Heidi Tresler was doing just fine in a transfer spot in the Semi when along came trouble. She got upside down with some scattered action of three cars and the report on her was fine, but the car might need serious work or replacement. Randy Waitman was the first to pull off in the main, but I didn’t see anything bad on his car. Tony Jones was running strong heading to the front when his motor let him down. Cal Smith and Ludwig Solberg IV got into each other in their heat with Cal ending upside down, but Ludwig repaired and ran 16th in the main. Cal was done for the night. Jonny Bates was part of that clash and was also out for the night.

Some of the good stuff was Matt Mitchell setting fast time and running a strong 5th in the main. Greg Bragg had 7th in the Moosemobile with no problems. Visitor Rusty Carlile ran 14th in the main after taking his helmet into the turn 4 grandstands and making new friends with his likeable personality while collecting money for the Cancer drive like most of the drivers did. Cody Williams ran 9th, two spots ahead of his brother, Austin, with Super Rickie in between them looking forward to a lunch date with Danny! You can expect he’ll treat Showtime with a tube steak and some aqua for a chaser.Maybe they will invite the Cowboy along for a few laughs.

Gentleman John Redican had nice guy Gale Forester in tow this week. John of course was a notable driver with CRA with 22 lifetime victories, the last of which was at Ascot Raceway in 1990. He comes racing pretty often, but Gale has had some tiring physical problems that leaves him quietly at home when he wants to go racing. He said he decided it was time to see a race this week. He was a man with a good wrench working on many Billy Wilkerson sprinters in his racing days and is very well liked and respected in the racing world, so it’s good to see him again. I hope he can get a kitchen pass to come again.

If what we saw of the second generation driver Kevin Michnowicz in his Lightning Sprinter, he could be a good one when he gets strapped into a sprint car very soon. The young 16 year old, started at the back of his heat and won going away, then came back to run 3rd in the main event from the rear. His father Bobby and mom Wendy have nothing but smiles on their face when Kevin is racing.

I collected $80 towards the Wagsdash this week and am looking for more. Only 7 race weekends left before the 2010 Wagsdash, so I guess I better get moving. Keep the auction and other fund raisers in mind as the countdown shortens up a bit. Look for me at Victorville, probably, this coming weekend as rumor that David Cardey will try to put another notch on his racing belt in the Don Blair car. It was a great weekend and luckily none of the dozens of Chippies that were out this weekend noticed me cruising down the 15 highway as I kept the pedal up around 70!

7/03/10 FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. David Cardey, 2. Nic Faas, 3. Cory Kruseman, 4. Mike Spencer, 5. Matt Mitchell, 6. Danny Sheridan, 7. Greg Bragg, 8. Blake Miller, 9. Cody Williams, 10. Rickie Gaunt, 11. Austin Williams, 12. Jimmy Crawford, 13. Greg Alexander, 14. Rusty Carlile, 15. Mathew Shedarowich, 16. Ludvig Solberg IV, 17. Ronnie Gardner, 18. Royal Adderson, 19. Tony Jones, 20. Jerry Welton, 21. Tony Everhart, 22. Randy Waitman. 8:58.32

**Smith, Tressler & Bates flipped during the semi.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-13 Kruseman, Laps 14-15 Cardey, Laps 16-20 Kruseman, Laps 21-30 Cardey.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-606; 2-Sheridan-555; 3-Kruseman-461; 4-Miller-437; 5-Mitchell-428; 6-Bragg-370; 7-Crawford-326; 8-Cardey-308; 9-C.Williams-293; 10-Jones-286.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: July 31 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway

MIKE SPENCER SHINES AT PETALUMA AND GETS 4TH FEATURE WIN OF THE YEAR.

CORY KRUSEMAN WINS AT WATSONVILLE FOR A RETURN TO THE WINNERS CIRCLE.

June 20, 2010

By Ken Wagner

The traveling USAC/CRA mini-circus took but 10 cars to Northern California for a Father’s day weekend at Watsonville and Petaluma. In a road trip similar to what the outlaws have done forever, the mighty band of travelers were joined by locals to provide a good show. Both little quarter mile bowls gave us exciting racing and some cool weather besides. Cory Kruseman a and Mike Spencer came away with the big bucks after all the smoke had cleared from some great racing at the two fairground tracks.

For my Ocean Speedway pics Click here. For my Petaluma pics Click here.For Doug Allen's work Click here. For Steve Lafond's Petaluma work Click here . For Steve Lombardo's Ocean Speedway work Click here.

On Friday night the action started with Danny Sheridan’s new track record at Ocean Speedway. His 12.913 was the only 12 second pass from the field. He started 8th in his heat and moved swiftly to a win sorting swiftly thru traffic. The main started off with Nic Faas taking the early lead from the green flag start and moving out for 6 laps. Cory Kruseman came on by to pass him on lap 7 and disappeared until “Showtime” Sheridan appeared on his bumper late in the race. A yellow flag flew with 5 laps to go with Danny pulling up on the leader looking for his first win of the year. On the last restart, Danny couldn’t make the pass and dropped back to be nipped by Mike Spencer at the checkered flag while Cory grabbed a win.

For Cory Kruseman it was his first win since the 4th of July race last year. His new Maxim chassis seems to be a rejuvenating deal for him and his team as he was fast. He was 5th in qualifying and ran 4th in his heat to get the fifth starting spot in the third row of the feature. It didn’t take long for him to get in position to take the lead, and when he got it, he never looked back as he stayed up top and motored away. His challenge from Showtime late in the race was from the low groove, but he hung on to the top and garnered the win, his 93rd lifetime putting him alone in 4th place on the all time CRA bragging list.

Mike Spencer had a solid weekend with a 2nd the opening night and a big win on Saturday. His late push at Ocean Speedway pulled him from 4th to 2nd in the last 5 laps as he was charging all night. At Petaluma he came from the 4th row to get into second behind Kruseman as they put a brief show on for the fans until Cory spun and was done for the night. Mike then motored to the checkers for his 4th win of the year. as a three car battle with Cody, Blake and Danny tried to reel him in to no avail. Mike had fast time, won his heat and the feature for his 2nd Dean Thompson Award if we have a road award?

The local cars supported the CRA at both tracks and after they were all sorted out, a young 16 year old in a two barrel carb, 1700 pound 360 spec sprinter showed he is ready to move up to the big 410’s. Look for Ryan Bernal in the years to come as his 13th and 5th place finishes in his heavy # 87 car was pretty impressive. The first night finish was after running right behind Sheridan for many laps then pulling off with a problem.

Cody Williams made his first ever podium appearance with a strong showing on Saturday night with no mistakes and Blake Miller on his bumper the last two thirds of the 30 lapper. He ran a strong 2nd and came home with something to crow about. Good job for the youngster who does his own work on the car just like his brother Austin does. Cody was 15th the opening night. He is the first Williams on the podium this season.

Both nights were cool with jackets a priority, but the racing was well worth it. The crowds looked good and the shows ran smoothly. Too many “companion” cars for my needs at Ocean, but it’s the way it is and at least they were open wheel. Petaluma only had a 9 car modified field extra, so it was mostly sprints and the crowd appreciated the fast paced night.

Showtime Sheridan had another great weekend scoring his 7th straight top 5 finish, with five of them on the podium. He looked like he had a win coming on Friday when he was reeling in the leader running a fast low groove and a yellow flew with 5 laps to go. On the restart, he suddenly wasn’t quite as fast, and dropped back instead of challenging for the win like everyone expected. On Saturday he followed Bullet Blake Miller most of the race as they played follow the leader behind Cody, and neither could mount a charge forward any further, and they finished 3rd and 4th. The little blue bugger is still in dire need for some more sponsorship bucks to finish the season out with. It’s surprising they have made it this far on their depleted budget.

At Ocean Speedway on Friday, a number of the “Spec Sprints” came to play and a few 410’s of note showed up. With 26 cars in the pits, there were 3 heats and a semi before they started the main with 22 cars. Locals Alec Rossi and Shane Golobic ran 4th and 6th for the best of the locals with Shane a strong 2nd at one point. Even Floyd Alvis, long time racer and former BCRA champion, came with his own Spec Sprint and ran 17th. He’s no youngster, but appeared to have some fun with the young guns. Most of the night they used the top groove, but when Danny went down low, that was the fastest way around to the end.

Saturday at Petaluma there were 23 cars and a different format was used. They ran 3 heats and then two dashes. The first dash ran 6 laps and had the top 8 that transferred thru the heats plus the 2 fastest cars that didn’t transfer in the back behind them. Their finish was the way they lined up in the main as Matt Mitchell earned the pole with the win. Then the rest of the field ran a separate 8 lap dash straight up with their finish becoming their starting spots behind the first ten. This was to give the fans more racing with the shorter field. It worked out good as it was competitive all night with some racy action. It’s all good as even though they weren’t all 410’s, sprint cars look like sprint cars to the average fan and that’s always great.

For the locals, Ryan Bernel in his sled was the best of the lot in 5th. Tyler Schmidt was 9th both nights with Local lady driver Alissa Geving 14th and 10th without a wing. Matt Streeter was 10th and 11th as he travels around and runs with us occasionally. The Soares owned house car with Brian Azevedo driving was 12th.

Only five of the traveling CRA finished the Saturday race with various maladies taking the others out. Cory Krusemanwas leading when he spun up next to the wall and I suspect equipment failure was the cause. Matt Mitchell charged into another car giving him a right front flat tire and he limped off done for the night. Nic Faas was the first car out with another brake problem I heard, Austin Williams dropped out as did Jay Waugh in one of Kruseman’s school cars.

I sat in the grandstands both nights with my Petaluma Posse friends and their leader Don “The” Barber and enjoyed the action. It was a tad cool near the end both nights, but it was a welcome change from my 100 degree home now. Both grandstands looked full to my eyes and most stayed to the end, so it was another success up North. One hopes more cars will make the trek, IF we get to go again next year. The economy has to improve, doesn’t it?

I enjoyed another “trip with the Kittles” this weekend traveling in the hauler and doing nothing whatsoever to help other than encouraging them. It is pretty tiring for the Kittle Motorsports Team, or any race team for that matter, to make these trips, what with the long tow, racing two nights, doing the maintenance, trying to get back to the hotel in a timely manner and getting back home to rest up when it was all over. I was worn out and did nothing more than hang out and take a few pictures, but had a ball. The Thursday night trip North featured watching the Lakers win their second World Championship in a row while tooling down the highway, although it was a nervous time watching, that was a kick! Thanks again to the Kittle Motorsports Team for allowing this Wag to do the trip in style. I don’t think I want to be a racer type when I grow up, it’s too hard a life.

My son Kevin went to the Lucas Oil Speedway this past week in Wheatland, Mo and saw Robert Ballou win the feature and was once again impressed with the facility. He mentioned Jesse Hockett’s brother Rob drove his car in his honor at the race. He was 17th in the main.

I collected nearly $200 on the trip for the Wagsdash and spread the word about the event on September 25th. Thanks to all the donors, it is appreciated! I got a look at the real Lafond Jar of Change as I visited with Steve Lafond and his lovely bride Kim in Petaluma. The jar is full, but there is plenty of room for more, so start collecting your change!

The next race is the annual 4th of July Firecracker event at Perris Auto Speedway. The place is pretty packed every year, so get your reserved seats now! It should be a hot one! Keep Kenzo Okubo in your prayers as he recovers from his 4 way bypass surgery recently. Also a note to Don Blair to get back on his feet so he can go racing!

Watsonville 06/18/10 - Feature: (30 laps) 1.Cory Kruseman, 2. Mike Spencer, 3. Danny Sheridan, 4. Eric Rossi, 5. Nic Faas, 6. Shane Golobic, 7. Matt Mitchell, 8. Greg Bragg, 9. Tyler Schmidt, 10. Matt Streeter, 11. Blake Miller, 12. Mark Chaves Jr, 13. Ryan Bernal, 14. Alissa Geving, 15. Cody Williams, 16. Daniel Hood, 17. Floyd Alvis, 18. Carter Train, 19. Danny Faria Jr, 20. Howard Ferguson Jr., 21. Jim Christian, 22. Austin Williams. NT

Petaluma 6/19/10 – Feature (30 laps) 1. Mike Spencer, 2. Cody Williams, 3. Blake Miller, 4. Danny Sheridan, 5. Ryan Bernal, 6. Greg Bragg, 7. Eric Rossi, 8. Geoff Ensign, 9. Tyler Schmidt, 10. Allissa Geving, 11. Matt Streeter, 12. Brian Azevedo, 13. Jason McIntosh, 14. Matt Mitchell, 15. Cory Kruseman, 16. Austin Williams 17. Scotty Dupont, 18. Jay Waugh, 19. David Press, 20. Mike Mossi, 21. Marty Hawkins, 22. Dustin Baxter, 23. Nic Faas. NT

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Kruseman, Laps 4-30 Spencer.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-543; 2-Sheridan-503; 3-Kruseman-399; 4-Miller-392; 5-Mitchell-368; 6-Bragg-321; 7-Jimmy Crawford-291; 8-Tony Jones-264; 9-C.Williams-253; 10-David Cardey-240.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: July 3 - Perris (CA) Auto Speedway

DAVID CARDEY WINS FOR THE 3RD WEEK IN A ROW – 2 AT PERIS AND ONE AT VICTORVILLE.

PERRIS RACETRACK GIVES FANS A GREAT NIGHT OF RACING AND PLEASANT WEATHER, TOO!

June 12, 2010

By Ken Wagner

With just a few weeks away from the annual packed house Firecracker event at the PAS, the warm-up race this week was pretty outstanding. A lot of great racing action and a late race pass for the win by one Dynomite David Cardey that will stand out in the minds of fans for a long time. David took the 30 lapper for his third race win in a row and 2nd at the PAS. David started on the second row behind pole sitter Danny Sheridan and toiled along until he landed in second behind a very fast Mike Spencer. Mike had separated himself from the field after he took the lead from the speedy Showtime Sheridan, but a late race yellow changed everything.

For my pics Click here. For Mrs Wags pics Click here.For Doug Allen's work Click here.

Amazingly the first 25 laps of the main went non-stop and featured all out “gas it up” action with drivers clawing their way forward for a better payday. Because the fast timer Spencer pretty well had it under control from lap 11 on, when he slipped by Sheridan, it looked like a foregone conclusion the point leader was set to score again, but NO! On that last restart Mild Mannered Mike was passed by a determined Cardey with a bold move down the front stretch and the Cardeyman just pulled away for his 7th all time CRA win and left Spencer and Sheridan to battle for 2nd place. David was 7th quick in qualifying and ran second in his heat to Greg Bragg. He has led 4 of the 5 Perris races this year and the two he dropped out of could have swelled his budget cache substantially for his team. David is on the throttle running up front in the Perris races this year, even with his limited schedule.

Mike Spencer looked really fast tonight as he set quick time at 16.927 and won his heat race from the back to start in the 8th inverted spot on the main event grid. A great track this week seemed to be made for him as he went high and low to seemingly dominate the action up until the late race restart move by Cardey. The little red sucker was workin’ great as he just ran it out to a big lead. Biy, it looks like the season is heating up with several others trying to knock the defending champ off the block!

Showtime Sheridan had the pole this week after qualifying 9th and getting a gift when Bullet Blake Miller didn’t transfer directly to the main from his heat. Showtime led the first 10 laps running strong on the top groove until Spencer reeled him in. From there he got squeezed on a back stretch melee when a slower car blocked his path and he dropped to fifth. Ah Mrs Calabash, it ain’t over until……., as they say, until it’s over! Danny’s late race moves this season have now put him on the podium for the 4th race in a row at the PAS. This time he made several passes including one going by Cory Kruseman and then almost zapped Spencer on the last lap. His consistency this season doesn’t hide the fact that their racing budget is almost busted. Showtime vows to get his next win soon in the little blue bugger.

It was a well prepared track, they all are except when mother nature blows away the moisture, and the resulting racing put on by 30, count em’ 30 sprint cars was exceptional. Surprisingly the racers seem to realize they need to step it up so the fans will do likewise and come out to see what is still the best racing in the land.

The “Aw shucks” gang had its usual unhappy candidates this week. Probably the worst of the lot was Ronnie Gardner’s plight when he spit out a rod in their motor in his heat. The patchwork car from out back in the weeds, was required after the last race crash destroyed the pretty blue one. Ronnie was lookin’ fast until the smoke poured out behind him and he slowed to a stop. They need a little help as their budget is toast as well. The first car out of the main was Nic Fass in his fast hot rod as he pulled off early after experiencing some problems. Last race it was an overheating problem that he worked hard to eliminate during the past two weeks, but I didn’t hear what it was this week. Kenny Perkins had his problems and was also out early. Ludwig Solberg IV spun after contact and was wreckered off. Super Rickie Gaunt also slowed and pulled off early. Steve Conrad in Bobby Ferro’s # 91 car didn’t turn a wheel in racing this week after towing 250 miles. Randy Waitman and Cody Kershaw both got upside down in the semi and were done for the night. Tony Jones was in the mix early, but a flat tire sent him to the back where he recovered to run 7th as he Cowboy’d it up from back there.

Greg Bragg started in the back of the feature and rolled up to 6th for the best passing job after winning his heat. They also had very shiney tires in the main as did David Cardey’s # 59 and Ludwig Solberg IV’s # 13. Good job to those three for showing off for the fans.

I talked with Toby “Okie” Sampson this week about his record altitude setting ride he took in a Lightning Sprint two weeks ago. He had a bad concussion from the landing, but like the macho man he is, didn’t manage to get to the hospital to get checked out until the next day. He suffered some dizzying effects, but was walking around fine in the pits this week with some bruises and a sore head. He destroyed the little car and will think about his future driving experiences when he is fully recovered. He also drives a modified and says that is a kick, so he’ll be back one way or the other. In the meantime, his race car building nighttime business will be busy catching up.

Many of you know Mark Spivey and his sweetheart Marcie who had a baby boy last year that is thrilling them both. Mark works on David Miller’s # 66 driven by Super Rickie, And Marcie is always in the grandstands watching the racing. Unfortunately recently Mark has experienced some bad stuff that has knocked him back a bit. He had a large tumor removed from under his arm in a lymph node that was cancerous. He was back this week working in the pits like normal and awaits some Kemo to ferret out any other bad stuff as soon as his body can handle it. A little prayer here for man would be helpful.

I had a little talk with the Vander Weerd twins Jace, Richard and their dad Ron this week and was surprised to learn that they had no racing background when several years ago they moved up north and found the little Plaza Park track outside of Visalia. It looked cool to the family and they started going to watch the races. It wasn’t long until they had one 600 CC racer, but not only did both boys want their own car, their attractive sister wanted in on the action, too. It wasn’t long before the boys had 360’s and now 410’s grace their trailer as these two youngsters are improving every race. Glad to see more new blood in our ranks!

It was nice to see some new faces out there as the car count was up from the last race. Kenny Perkins and Cal Smith came down from the high desert and Mad Dog Shedarowich got his broken motor problem solved with help from their sponsor and returned to action. Troy Rutherford showed up in the Josh Ford # 73 car this week. He was 12th after experiencing some “unluck” at times. Jonny Bates returned after a long pause and missed the main by one spot. David Bezio showed up, but I didn’t get to talk with him. He ran 14th in the main. Greg Alexander drove the Bellegante # 23 this week and had some good moments. He was 15th in the feature. John Aden said this might be his last trip for a while as his business is just too busy to keep coming down from Victorville to race. He runs the little dirt track next to the sprint oval at the Victorville Fairgrounds that runs speedway bikes, those little tiny baby sprint cars and much more. Ronnie Case made a rare appearance and looked strong in his # 8 car. And last, but not least, Tony Everhart continues to love racing his sprint car and returned for another experience this week.

In order to ward off this persistent “410’s are dead” rumor that spills out every time we go under 20 cars in our beloved racing, we must continue to find ways to promote our stuff and get cars to come and race with us. As the economy seems to be coming back a little for some, hopefully we can get more cars and fans and the growth will push the direction to the positive. This die hard Wag wants to help to make it grow back to what it was and can be in the future. Yes you can get involved. Every race team out there needs help and we can all do what we can do and it will go greener!

As long as I am on my soap box, let’s talk Wagsdash 2010! Last night I collected $205 for the annual race bringing my total for the event up to a whopping $1605. That’s way low so I am looking to make that total grow with everyone who believes in my low buck quest jumping in to help. There are many ways to help the purse. Donate money, or stuff for the auction, or even stuff that might go to a racer in the event. Collect your change for the Lafond Jar of Change and get it to me! Mrs Wags is working on two calendars for 2011, a sexy driver version and the more traditional top 12 cars one. Jim Fargo is financing the regular one, so we will get the full $20 from each one we sell. Tom Touts and Jimmy Crawford are working on the 2010 Wagsdash golf tourney to be held on Friday the day before the September 25th race day. Take the day off and come join us as there will be loads of fun, even if you don’t know how to play the game, and really only one of your foursome does. Come help us out as you can laugh riding around in the golf cart all afternoon, then enjoy the prize awarding night at the banquet afterwards. I keep getting items added or promised for the annual auction, so keep em’ coming.

We are going to have the very first Wagsdash Kids Challenge this year for the youngsters who have never really had a chance to get involved. I don’t know what the age limit will be, probably 12 or 14, but on Wagsdash day, whichever youngster brings the most pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters and or green stuff to Add to the purse, they will get to be in the winner’s circle and photographed with the Wagsdash Champion. They can save up ahead of time, or do some collecting from fans and family at the track that day!

Some items I have already in the house are an antique racer bell, a model car kit, a black helmet already autographed from two years ago that we never auctioned off, a number of programs and magazines, race tapes and some die-cast cars. I will have some pictures from some of the best sprint car photographers, but not an overwhelming amount like years past, so they will be good. I need more good stuff, so bring it on!

I am looking into getting some sprint car simulators for the Ventura Midway that day and will have an award for the highest scoring combatant during the afternoon. There will be a nominal entry fee, going to the dash, and you can enter as many times as you want up until intermission time with all the money going into the nights Wagsdash purse!

This year’s event will be an invitational and I will add names to the list from time to time for whatever reason seems pertinent. The first three drivers invited this year are Ronnie Gardner, Dennis Howell Jr and Randy Waitman. All are or could have been Wagsbucks recipients this year, if we had collected enough money. People will be invited in the spirit of the long time Wagsdash races and I want some Ventura drivers to be involved as well and maybe a Phoenix low bucker.

I am starting to see some changes and driver improvements as we get father into the season. I am looking forward to the Watsonville/Petaluma weekend next and hope we get good car counts. I know the racing will be good, so see you at both tracks!

6/12/10 FEATURE at Perris: (30 laps) 1. David Cardey, 2. Mike Spencer, 3. Danny Sheridan, 4. Cory Kruseman, 5. Blake Miller, 6. Greg Bragg, 7. Tony Jones, 8. Austin Williams, 9. Richard VanderWeerd, 10. Jimmy Crawford, 11. Matt Mitchell, 12. Troy Rutherford, 13. Mathew Shedarowich, 14. David Bezio, 15. Greg Alexander, 16. Cody Williams, 17. John Aden, 18. Jace VanderWeerd, 19. Rickie Gaunt, 20. Ludvig Solberg IV, 21. Kenny Perkins, 22. Nic Faas. NT

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-10 Sheridan, Laps 11-27 Spencer, Laps 28-30 Cardey.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-400; 2-Sheridan-376; 3-Kruseman-300; 4-Miller-292; 5-Crawford-291; 6-Mitchell-288; 7-Jones-264; 8-Cardey-240; 9-Bragg-231; 10-R.VanderWeerd-213.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: June 18 – Watsonville, CA – Ocean Speedway

DAVID CARDEY ROCKS SALUTE TO INDY 30 LAPPER AT THE PAS FOR 1ST WIN OF YEAR!

IT’S MILLER TIME AT TULARE AS BULLET BLAKE MILLER WINS SLICK TRACK 30 LAPPER!

May 31, 2010

By Ken Wagner

On a Memorial Day weekend USAC/CRA ran two events at two tracks 250 miles apart with only 43 total cars entered for a sure sign of the times that is a glaring stat all over the country. Yet, ”Dynamite” David Cardey and ”Bullet “Blake Miller gave the fans some great action and exciting racing and came home winners. Car counts are down all over and the sagged (!) economy is getting all the blame. Just like the Indy 500, each race had lady drivers to mix it up with the boys. A remembrance hot lap for fallen Jesse Hockett and a Kruseman crewmember started the night out.

For my pics Click here. For my pics Click here.For Doug Allen's work Click here.

Perris opened the holiday weekend with 24 sprint cars, three heats and a 30 lap feature that was action packed from the get go. Although the qualifying times were way off the track record, the racy track gave the racers two good grooves and so plenty of passing greeted the fans. There were 4 different leaders in the 30 lapper, so that should tell you something. Thanks to the Perris staff from the pit people, to the track prep, to the track officials as it was a good event worthy of seeing for the fans. We need to support the PAS in the tough times, so check out the schedule and also help any of the racers you can in any way. David Cardey started in the 6th row of the feature and fought his way to the front to get his first win in three tries here this season. He could have easily won the other two because he led both before equipment problems sent him to the pits early. It made it somewhat of a breakthrough for the young driver. David sliced his way to the front from the get go to catch and passea fast Mike Spencer and then weathered several restarts the last three laps. Being on a limited budget, David isn’t able to travel, so it was his only event on the weekend, but he made it count. The red Circle Track Performance # 59 was hard on the gas to claim his 6th all time win.

Blake Miller has struggled some getting used to the Mark Priestley car, but all was forgiven as he led all 30 laps of the Tulare Memorial day event in the # 7 Miller Freight Lines yellow beauty. There were enough restarts to keep him awake, but most of the race he had a commanding lead and just had to do his thing to get his 5th all time CRA victory. The young redhead was surely thrilled with his win in front of his dad and family and was beside himself on the mike afterward. Behind him Matt Mitchell made the most noise coming from the fifth row I think, and ran the Lealand route, up against the wall in turns one and two, even bouncing off it several times during his charge.

Mild Mike Spencer made some swarthy moves of his own to capture the lead in the little red sucker # 50 after setting fast time and running 2nd in his heat. He nearly got on his head late in the race when a rim riding Jimmy Crawford surprised all with a monster move up top on a restart that pulled him even with Spencer, where they touched and both had their hands full getting straightened out. Mike later said he’ll remember this 2nd place finish more than some of his victories; it has lasting memories in his mind.

Showtime Danny Sheridan waited for the PAS track to come to him as the early dust patterns made it difficult for him to see his preferred top grove and he labored back in 11th place halfway thru the race. When he got it going in the little blue bugger, the # 18 Kittle Kar was manhandled onto the podium on the last lap with a two car pass for a good finish.

Heidi Tresler came down from her home track in Victorville to try the Parris oval for her first visit away from the high desert. She was 17th on a good check out effort. Maybe she’ll come back. Several had problems like usual, but the most serious was Ronnie Gardner when someone gave him a wheel that sent him crashing hard into the wall. It hurt the car bad and he was banged up so they missed the next night. Cal Smith had a problem and didn’t start the main. Nic Faas was fast early but pulled in with an overheating problem I heard. The Cowboy Tony Jones was hooked up hard and running the top like usual when he slipped against the wall and turned over lightly. They rolled it over and sent him back out to get 10th! An owners meeting was held in the afternoon and one thing was obvious. They brought back the restarts on the back stretch rule from the SCRA days. The original 2 wide starts are still around the 4th turn at the cone like always. Also it was stated 360’s could run their own tires to encourage more cars. The club has to get active to try and get more cars racing with us until the economy improves.

It was a nice, not too warm, no breeze to speak of pleasant day at Tulare. Only 19 cars showed and it caused a little shuffling of the rules, to say the least, and I approved of it all. They decided on a pill draw and point earning format that gave the fans 3 heats, two qualifiers and a 30 lap feature. Much better than two heats and a feature! Anyway you made your own luck by passing cars and earning points that ended up with the top 6 in the nights points were inverted in the main. Promoter Steve Faria was very concerned as he heard the car counts for Calistoga, Ocean Speedway and other 410 sprint car events in California were less than his, so understood right now, but wanted to give the fans the best show possible.

Blake Miller won his heat and got 5th in his qualifier earning him the pole in the main. He didn’t disappoint as he led every lap and was in complete control until a late yellow drew the pack back together. He just pulled away for his 5th win in his young career and had fun for the first time this year. Happy smiles all around.

I don’t know Craig Stidham, but he certainly did great against the regular 410 boys. He was 2nd in his heat and qualifier and swapped 2nd place in the feature with Matt Mitchell’s high road charge before reclaiming and finishing 2nd on the night. Matt did a remarkable job to not crash in turn two every lap, he was so hooked to it every trip around as he finished 3rd. The lady Justyne Hamblin came in 11th for a good run. Rickie Gaunt used a little of the wall to get by Danny Sheridan for 4th as the top five really struggled around the tricky track.

The Williams boys, Cody and Austin somehow took each other out early in the race and were done for the night. Cody Kershaw tangled with The Cowboy Tony Jones and nailed the wall, done for the night. It didn’t help Jones as he ended up 10gth for the 2nd night in a row. Two 10’s might win a hand in poker, but…….. Danny Faria pulled off the track late in the race as he fought in the top 3 most of his time on the track. Cory Kruseman and Mike Spencer had flats in the feature with Cory coming back to 12th and Spencer to 6th.I think the crowd got a good show. In the breaks the old time Al Pombo days modified’s hit the track. It brings back some memories as they motored around the track in really good looking cars.

My trip ledger for the weekend as I sadly travelled alone was 250 miles to Perris, 260 to Tulare and 335 miles home after dark, putting me in my own bed by 3 am….pooped but happy. My little red runner just eats up the miles so effortlessly; at least I’m not in a 4 cylinder buzzard bouncing down the highway. I got to see some long missed friends around the raceway, and thanks to all for their time and catching up. Announcer George Hague made me feel right at home as usual and his love of sprint car racing makes you stand back and observe his joy! He tried to give the unknowing locals a lot of pertinent data on the CRA cars to help them understand and want to come back to see them in November when the Pacific Open is showcasing them again. Thanks also to Steve Faria for scheduling the CRA as his track is good for our boys. It’s a great venue, we just need to give it a chance.

The 2010 Wagsdash is just around the corner and I am sitting her pondering how to make it successful. With a year off for lack of location, it’s still a very doable event, but only if I get the support of those who understand and believe in the low buck racer format we’ve used for 18 years. The idea is to raise money by raffles, a racing calendar, the racing auction and any donations (money, product or any giveaways we can use) or other ways to build the purse. Over the last 15 years we have average over $16,000 a year to payout to the low buckers and it has worked well. Many of you enjoy and look forward to the annual event and I am thrilled to be back at Ventura, yet I owe Don Kazarian a bunch for his moving his schedule around to accommodate me, then not getting the event. That date by the way will be filled with the Legends of Ascot event that Don Weaver and Belita Michnowicz organize every year and they too are looking for help. I will be helping them in their October event after the Wagsdash.

So, it gives me great consternation to know many of my loyal supporters over the years are down in their business income and personal finances and won’t be able to help as much this year, if at all in some cases. Because of that I am thinking I will bill this event as the LAST Wagsdash of all time. If, however, I can somehow raise the $15,000 purse like always, we’ll do it again. But if the economy limits the money, it will be the signal that it’s time has come. All of you can get involved and help me do this. Call me, e-mail me, talk to me and let’s get this thing moving. There are enough other CRA events that require ”extra” money like The Vermeil Classic at Calistoga and the Glenn Howard Memorial so money is tough to get. I implore you all to support what you can, but don’t forget the little guy, he is the one we are more in danger of losing now.

What can you do? 1) Give me a few bucks for the dash when you see me or mail it to me. (Note, I won’t be collecting Wagsbucks anymore because I haven’t collected my minimum $200 per race in a long while, so I have switched to the dash purse for any money collected at the races from now on. 2) Find something to donate to the auction and then be there to bid on it and other items. 3) Buy the calendar when it is produced, (and there will be a racing and a driver version again this year.) 4) Save your change for the Wagsdash hard charger award which topped $1000 last year. 5) Talk up donations to business or friends who might have extra to give us. 6) Warn me if you plan to donate to get on the Wagsdash T-shirt so I can get that started. If you believe in the little guy and this long standing event, just get involved. Thanks for the help. Any questions just stop me, call me or e-mail me (949-981-5497 or winglesswarriors@aol.com) I always appreciate all the help I can get. We have less than $1300 in the kitty now for the race, let’s pump it up.

My heart was in my throat when I heard about Jesse Hockett’s passing last Wednesday. It is one thing to lose a racer thru a crash or racing incident. It is totally another when they get taken from us by other causes. I have heard nothing but shock from the racing community about his unfortunate accident. It is just not right.

Jesse was fast becoming the “Lealand McSpadden” of our time. He was very much like our retired Arizona hero that I still see on the track in my mind all the time. The “Tempe Tornado” was one awesome race car driver anywhere, any time with wing or non-wing, he was there. In addition to his superior on track exploits and “never slow down or look back” attitude, and he was the best with fans I ever saw. He was our racing icon!

That was what I saw in a young Jesse “The Rocket Hockett”! He was fast becoming an icon in our world. He went anywhere to race and won, also wing or non-wing! He had great fan presence and the joy of racing just flew out of him like a thunderbolt as you viewed him from near or afar. He was special and now he is gone, robbing us of one of the great talents of today. Perhaps appropriately his life ended with him sweeping 3 races over the prior weekend. We will remember him as a real “outlaw” type sprint car driver for years to come. Rest in peace Jesse, you are one for the ages and will be missed by all fans across the country who ever saw him race.

I’ve missed the racing with the 6 weeks off, but got in two grand kid’s baseball exploits, one’s school was state champion in the top classification and the other just missed the trip to the finals by one game. Also I was very busy at home with whatever. Now that Mrs Wags is back on her feet from her foot surgery, she will be around racing more often. Unfortunately she still has to schedule the other foot, but until then, she just gets better with the new ankle. I am looking forward to the June trip to Petaluma and Ocean Speedway in the San Francisco area and the September Calistoga trip so I can get some new wine. Other noteworthy PAS trips include the Firecracker 4th of July event that fills the house. There is a lot of racing ahead for us CRA fans and I plan to see it all. See ya at the PAS in two weeks!

05/29/10 Perris FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. David Cardey, 2. Mike Spencer, 3. Danny Sheridan, 4. Cory Kruseman, 5. Jimmy Crawford, 6. Richard VanderWeerd, 7. R.J. Johnson, 8. Blake Miller, 9. Austin Williams, 10. Tony Jones, 11. Casey Shuman, 12. Rickie Gaunt, 13. Greg Bragg, 14. Jace VanderWeerd, 15. Cody Kershaw, 16. Matt Mitchell, 17. Heidi Tresler, 18. Jerry Welton, 19. Nic Faas, 20. Tony Everhart, 21. Randy Waitman, 22. Cody Williams, 23. Cal Smith.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-5 Bragg, Laps 6-13 Crawford, Laps 14-27 Spencer, Laps 28-30 Cardey.

5/30/10 Tulare FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Blake Miller, 2. Craig Stidham, 3. Matt Mitchell, 4. Rickie Gaunt, 5. Danny Sheridan, 6. Mike Spencer, 7. Jimmy Crawford, 8. Rusty Carlile, 9. Richard VanderWeerd, 10. Tony Jones, 11. Justyne Hamblin, 12. Cory Kruseman, 13. Jace VanderWeerd, 14. Greg Bragg, 15. Danny Faria Jr., 16. Cody Kershaw, 17. Cody Williams, 18. Austin Williams. NT.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Miller.

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS: 1-Spencer-329; 2-Sheridan-315; 3-Mitchell-251; 4-Crawford-251; 5-Kruseman-239; 6-Miller-232; 7-Jones-213; 8-Damion Gardner-187; 9-Bragg-178; 10-David Cardey-173.

NEXT AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE: June 12 – Perris (CA) Auto Speedway

Checkout Wags Web at wagtimes.com

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