SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (June 15, 2011) – After three consecutive pavement races, the USAC Western Classic Racing Series will return to the dirt this weekend with a double-header against the stars of the USAC/CRA with shows at Ocean Speedway on Friday night and Santa Maria Speedway on Saturday night.
A large field of both 360 and 410 cubic inch traditional sprint cars from throughout California is expected to race for a purse of $2500 to win each night’s feature. Race fans can expect at least a dozen CRA cars in action including points leader Matt Mitchell of Yorba Linda and three-time feature winner Mike Spencer. Blake Miller, “Super” Ricky Gaunt, and Rip Williams are also among the CRA contingent planning to compete this weekend.
The USAC Western Classic Racing Series is being led in the overall standings by Lincoln’s Tony Hunt who is on the drive for his seventh USAC title. Hunt has taken over the points lead on the strength of two wins during the pavement swing, while second place in points Scott Pierovich had a top-ten in the dirt opener and is expected to be a strong contender on the dirt.
Over a dozen Western Classic competitors are expected at Watsonville including the Ted Finkenbinder-owned entries of Geoff Ensign and Tim Barber. Fair Oaks’ Shauna Hogg and Folsom’s Jerry Kobza round out the six teams that have competed on both surfaces full-time thus far.
The drivers competing in the dirt races includes current USAC West Coast 360 points leader Ryan Bernal of Hollister. The North Bay is well-represented with Calistoga’s Marty Hawkins and St. Helena’s Jeff Griffin. Jerry Cisco, Scott Hall, the driving team of Mark Beck and Jeff Shurley, and Alan Kaiser Motorsports are also competing with USAC in 2011.
Kaiser Motorsports had a strong showing in the season-opener at Chico with Brent Kaeding bringing home a top-five finish. Brian McClish of Santa Rosa has piloted the Kaiser car on pavement with much success including a third place effort last Saturday at Madera.
Other drivers planning to race in the Western Classic vs. CRA weekend include multi-time winged sprint car champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn, Calif. and Gilroy’s Wes Guiterrez who will drive for Moose Motorsports.
Drivers racing for USAC Western Classic Racing Series points will have the option of running either the DT3, HTW, or SC15 Hoosier right rear tires and 410 cubic inch cars will be required to run an intake restrictor.
Among the special incentives for the weekend includes a $200 prize and 20 gallons of methanol to the highest finishing 360 each night. Saturday’s show at Santa Maria will run a $1000 to win “Last Man Standing” trophy dash the will start with four cars before winding down to a two car, two lap shootout for the cash.
USAC Western Classic Racing Series cars will be ranked amongst themselves for points purposes while trying to chase the $2500 prize for the overall victory. A pair of $50 Kaeding Performance certificates will be awarded each night to WCRS cars as well.
Track location, tickets, and gate information can be found at the track websites www.oceanspeedway.com and www.racesantamariaspeedway.com
More information on the USAC Western Classic Racing Series is available on Facebook at keywords “USAC Western Classic Racing Series”. The United States Auto Club is online at www.usacracing.com The USAC Western States is available at www.usacwesternstates.com with contact information and the latest news.
The USAC Western Classic Racing Series is brought to you by: Amsoil, Hoosier Tires West, and Kaeding Performance.
- Steven Blakesley on Jun 15, 2011
- Article Date: 6/15/2011 by Steven Blakesley / Blakesley Sports Media