8/31/2011
Sprint Source
USAC SPRINTS AND MIDGETS HEAD TO CALISTOGA FOR 4TH VERMEIL CLASSIC
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA (August 31, 2011) – The USAC Western Classic Racing Series will get back to the dirt this weekend with the “Louie Vermeil Classic” on Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend racing against the stars of the USAC CRA. USAC Western Midgets will compliment the program with a complete feature to be held each night.
With his victory in last Saturday night’s feature at TOYOTA Speedway in Irwindale, CA, Lincoln’s Tony Hunt has the Mike Phulps-owned #56 Metal Works Schwanke/Beast leading the points by 32 over Sebastapol’s Geoff Ensign.
The 21 year-old Ensign has made the 2011 inaugural USAC Western Classic Racing Series campaign into a classic duel between the rookie driver and veteran six-time USAC champion Hunt. Ensign has a pair of second place finishes this year and a win at Placerville driving for Ted Finkenbinder.
Drivers will be racing for a share of a healthy purse that includes $3,000 to win and $325 to start on Saturday and $5,000 to win and $500 to start the feature on Sunday. Purses are also enhanced by beer and wine tasting along with a silent auction.
Concord’s Damion Gardner will return aboard his #71 Pace Lighting mount hoping to defend his sweep of the 2010 edition of the Louie Vermeil. He pocketed more than $12,000 in last year’s edition. Joining Gardner from the USAC National Sprint Cars is Rocklin, CA driver Robert Ballou who will drive the Ford #73 car this weekend.
A bevy of special bonuses have been posted for the USAC Western Classic drivers who will be going up against the mighty 410s of the USAC CRA on the historic half-mile dirt oval. More than $6,000 in bonuses are up for grabs including $300 to the highest WCRS finishing car in each feature. USAC has also posted a $200 prize each night for the highest finishing USAC member in a 360 car and payout to the top-three 360s whether they are USAC or not.
Joining Hunt and Ensign will be USAC Western Classic championship contenders Shauna Hogg of Fair Oaks, Alamo’s Scott Pierovich, and San Francisco’s Tim Barber. The Western Classic has also had a healthy field of drivers following the series regularly on dirt with Tim Sherman leading that group. Sherman is fourth in the dirt standings ahead of Santa Rosa’s Marty Hawkins, Folsom’s Jerry Kobza, with Lafayette’s Todd Miller also in the top-ten.
The USAC CRA championship is led by Mike Spencer over Huntington Beach’s Nic Faas, Yorba Linda’s Matt Mitchell, Austin Williams, and Greg Bragg. Other CRA contenders expected to compete are Cody Williams, “Dynamite” David Cardey, Ronnie Gardner, Rip Williams, “The Kruser” Cory Kruseman, and Danny Sheridan.
A large contingent of local favorites is gearing up to challenge the USAC regulars including Hollister teen Ryan Bernal who will be making his 410 debut after winning many races in the USAC West Coast 360 division. Chico regulars Jason York and Colby Copeland are also expected with Roseville wingless standout Scott Hall a darkhorse to win it all. Auburn’s Andy Forsberg will race a points race in Placerville on Saturday night before shedding the wing for Sunday’s action.
The USAC Western Midget event should also be a barn burner with Fresno’s David Pricket and Kruseman locked in a close points battle up front. Jake and Cody Swanson will both be in attendance along with Washington long tow Evan Margeson and the return of Redding’s Alex Schutte. Pierovich is expected to attempt double-duty action both days.
There are a variety of fan activities planned each day with wine tasting on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and beer tasting on Sunday at 1 p.m. as well. A silent auction will take place throughout the weekend with autographed vintage racing wares. An autograph session with stars past and present of sprint car racing will be held on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m.
The fan gates swing open at 4 p.m. each night with the first cars hot lapping at 5. Racing is scheduled for 7 p.m. each night. Reserved tickets are available by calling (916) 864-8722 now. Last year’s Saturday night feature was a complete sell-out so fans are urged to get their tickets for the fourth Louie Vermeil Classic now.
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 Classic Racing Series is brought to you by: Amsoil, Hoosier Tires West, and Kaeding Performance.
Article Credit: Steven Blakesley / Blakesley Sports Media
Submitted By: Steven Blakesley
