3/29/2011
Sprint Source
GERHARDT CLASSIC TO START USAC WESTERN CLASSIC PAVEMENT SPRINTS
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (March 29, 2011) – After a highly successful debut for the USAC Western Classic Racing Series at Silver Dollar Speedway, the series will move on to the pavement for the 100 lap “Fred Gerhardt Classic” at Madera Speedway on Saturday night.
The feature will not only be the first of eight pavement races for the series but also serve as the opener for the 14 round USAC Western Sprint Car Series. The eight pavement races for the USAC Western Classic Racing Series are all co-sanctioned by the Western Sprint Cars.
The race honors Gerhardt, who was an innovative figure in motorsports as car owner throughout much of his life. Gerhardt won many Midget races with driver Bill Vukovich, Sr. in the 40s and 50s, before moving on to campaign cars in the Indianapolis 500. His Indy ownership career was highlighted by a third place finish by Mel Kenyon in 1968. Some of his innovations include remote electric starters, four wheel jacking systems for pit stops, and development of both the supercharged and turbocharged Offenhausers.
The race will take on an extra layer of significance this year as his grandson Cody Gerhardt will make his series debut driving for his family’s Western Speed Racing team. The 17 year-old won the USAC Western Pavement Ford Focus Midget title in 2010. Cody’s teammate will be fellow Fresno resident and Ford Focus champion Tim Skoglund. Fresno’s Audra Sasselli is also slated to make her return to the driver’s seat.
The sensation of 2010 was Clovis’ Luis Ramos III who finished second in the championship standings in sophomore season. Lincoln, CA veteran Tony Hunt benefited from an electric performance in the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” to claim his sixth USAC title over Ramos.
Hunt is one of several drivers attempting to run the entire dirt and pavement USAC trails this season. Leading that contingent after Chico is Alamo’s Scott Pierovich who finished eighth in the feature ahead of San Francisco’s Tim Barber. Jerry Kobza of Folsom and Shauna Hogg of Fair Oaks are also expected to run for the combined championship.
Pavement regulars who are expected at Madera include Bill Logan, Jimmy Riddell, Gordon Rodgers, and Marvin Mitchell.
$2000 will go to the winner of Saturday night’s feature, with $275 to each main event starter. Kaeding Performance will offer a pair of $50 gift certificates to be awarded by series officials.
Saturday’s races will also see the USAC SoCal Ford Focus Midgets in action for a 50 lap contest. Ohio’s Ross Rankine will look to defend his victory at Havasu 95 Speedway against national points leader Jessica Clark.
Gates open at 4 p.m. with racing at 5 p.m. Adult tickets are $25, Youth 6-12 are $15, and Kids five and under are free! Family packs are $70, which includes two adults and two youth.
Madera Speedway is online at www.racemadera.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.
Submitted By: Steven Blakesley
