“Lightning” McQueen Hoping for Strong Showing at 5th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic

Bakersfield, CA – August 29, 2012

By Robert Haugh

Currently leading the USAC-Western States Midget points by 88 points, Bakersfield’s Shannon “Lightning” McQueen will be gunning for her first win of the 2012 season this weekend, chauffeuring the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger in the Fifth Annual Louie Vermeil Classic at the fabled ½-mile Calistoga Speedway.

McQueen, who holds the Calistoga Speedway Midget track record (20.470) set in 2009, will be vying for her first victory of the year while also hoping to grind away at David Prickett’s 29-point Western-States Dirt Midget lead.

“We would love to pick up a win at this legendary race facility and we have a car that is capable of doing so, though there will be tough competition. Maintaining our overall points lead and gaining on David’s Dirt lead are goals we need to accomplish this weekend,” states McQueen.

The two-day Labor Day weekend event, held September 1 and 2 will feature a full racing program each day, with several non-racing events throughout the weekend. The USAC-WS Midgets share the bill with the USAC/CRA and USAC Western Classic Sprint Cars in what has become one of the most anticipated races of the year on the West Coast.

Calistoga Speedway is one of the oldest, continuously operated racetracks in the nation is referred to as the fastest dirt track in the western United States – the only ½-mile Dirt track in Northern California, and the only ½-mile track on the Western States Midget schedule besides Perris Auto Speedway, which hosts the 72^nd Annual Turkey Night Midget Grand Prix on Thanksgiving Day.

In addition to holding Calistoga’s track record, McQueen also owns track records at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, Petaluma Speedway and Orange Show Speedway.

McQueen has amassed three Heat race wins, seven Top 5 runs and nine Top 10s on the year. McQueen Racing also boasts a feature win with Michelle Decker in April at Bakersfield Speedway. McQueen was the 2011 BCRA Dirt Midget champion.

McQueen Racing would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors: Lucas Oil Products, K&N Filters, Simpson Race Products, JE Piston Company, Rod End Supply, Advanced Racing Suspensions, Eibach Springs, Ruth Engineering, Jet-Hot Performance Coatings, Butler Built Seating Systems, Schoenfeld Headers, American Fabrication, West Evans Motorsports and Esslinger Racing Engines by Duane McQueen.

Visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.

RMMRA Midgets Final Points

2012 Rocky Mountain Midget Racing Association
Driver Point Standings
Final

1. Keith Rauch - 791
2. Tony Rossi - 693
3. Bob Harr - 636
4. Chris Sheil - 613
5. Chris DeShon - 601
6. Jay Sant - 597
7. Dustin Weland - 350
8. Cory Mallo - 246
9. Justin Mallo - 228
10. Luke Icke - 225
 

2012 Feature Winners  

03-16-12 (Cowtown Speedway; Kennedale, TX.) - Brady Bacon
03-17-12 (Cowtown Speedway; Kennedale, TX.) - Dave Darland
05-12-12 (I-76 Speedway, Ft. Morgan, CO.) - Chris DeShon
05-16-12 (El Paso County Fairgrounds; Calhan, CO.) - Chris DeShon
06-09-12 (I-76 Speedway; Ft. Morgan, CO.) - Luke Icke
06-16-12 (El Paso County Fairgrounds; Calhan, CO.) - Keith Rauch
07-21-12 (El Paso County Fairgrounds; Calhan, CO.) - Keith Rauch
07-27-12 (Phillips County Raceway; Holyoke, CO.) - Keith Rauch
07-28-12 (I-76 Speedway; Ft. Morgan, CO.) - Keith Rauch
08-17-12 (Sweetwater Event Complex; Sweetwater, WY.) - Keith Rauch
08-18-12 (Sweetwater Event Complex; Sweetwater, WY.) - Tony Rossi
08-25-12 (El Paso County Fairgrounds; Calhan, CO.) - Tony Rossi

RYAN BERNAL BREAKS THROUGH AT VICTORVILLE

By Lance Jennings

VICTORVILLE, CA – AUGUST 20, 2012… Taking the lead from Brody Roa on lap fifteen, Hollister's Ryan Bernal led the rest of the way to score his first career Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series victory. Last Sunday's $2,500 triumph at Route 66 Motorplex in Victorville marked the opening night for the Scott Burns' promoted facility as "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman, Roa, point leader Mike Spencer, and Shane Golobic rounded out the top five drivers.

In a drive similar to his victory at Yuma's Cocopah Speedway, Brody Roa patiently hit his marks on the Victorville oval. The former Wagsdash Champion managed to hold off the Josh Ford Motorsports teammates of Shane Golobic and Bernal for many laps, but could not maintain the lead. Using a strong power move, Ryan sliced his way to the front and Kruseman, who won the previous night at Perris, slipped into second. From there, the young driver took the checkered flags in front of a large Sunday night crowd in Southern California.

Competing in his first full season with USAC/CRA, Ryan Bernal claimed the third series main event win for car owner Keith Ford. Piloting the #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, Bernal qualified eighth fast on the night and ran fourth in his heat race. As this writing goes to press, the Santa Maria track champion has climbed to fourth in the standings with two heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, 76 feature laps led, and seven top-5 finishes on the season.

Driving Mark Priestley's #7 Roy Miller Freightlines / Sander Engineering Bullet, Ventura's Cory Kruseman had an excellent weekend with a first and second place performance. The 2006 Champion was fifth quick in time trials and claimed second in his heat race at Victorville. Cory is seventh in points heading to Calistoga on Labor Day Weekend and has five heat race victories (series leader), five top-5 finishes, and 40 feature laps led in 2012.

Brody Roa of Buena Park scored third at Victorville and earned the night's LRB Inc. Race Products Award. Piloting the BR Performance #91R HD Industries / Burris Racing Spike with a borrowed engine, Roa timed in tenth fast and ran second in his heat race. The former Wagsdash Champion leaves the "Freeway Series" third in the point chase with one feature win, two heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, 47 feature laps led, and four top-five finishes on the year.

Temecula's Mike Spencer ran fourth in the Route 66 Motorplex debut and holds a commanding lead in the standings. Driving Ron Chaffin's famed #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim, the 4-time defending champion scored his ninth Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award of the Year and won the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1. Last year's Vermeil Classic winner has four heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, fourteen top-5 finishes, and 139 feature laps led to his credit.

Scoring fifth in the Victorville 30-lap feature was Shane Golobic of Fremont. Piloting Keith Ford's #73X King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, the versatile driver qualified eleventh and won the DJ Safety Heat Race #3. In limited appearances with USAC/CRA, Golobic has two heat race victories and two top-five finishes on the season.

Norco's Ronnie Gardner earned the night's Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a sixth place run after starting seventeenth. Driving the Kittle Motorsports' #18 Pace Lighting / PJ1 Products Sherman, Gardner qualified twenty-third and won the Saldana Racing Products / Circle Track Performance Heat Race #2. It was the first 10-lap victory of 2012 for the young driver who also has four top-ten finishes on the year.

"Super" Rickie Gaunt of Torrance won the night's SBI Fuel Systems / Integra Racing Shocks Heat Race #4. Piloting David Miller's #66 Tom Roberts Designs / Barnes Systems Inc. Eagle, the 2004 SCRA Champion qualified twenty-first and claimed twelfth in the feature after starting sixteenth. In limited appearances, the  popular driver has one top-5 finish in 2012.

Anaheim's Jake Swanson won the 12-lap Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main Event. Driving the Larry Henry / Tony Jones owned #41 VGI Graphics / Berg-Nelson Company DRC, the USAC Midget standout claimed his best finish of the year with a ninth place run after starting fourteenth. Earlier in the program, Swanson was seventeenth quick on the night and placed seventh in his heat race.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will travel to the famed Calistoga Speedway on September 1st & 2nd for the 5th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic. Located at the Napa County Fairgrounds, more event information can be found at www.louievermeilclassic.net or calling (916) 773-7223.

To catch the action of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Integra Racing Shocks, Keizer Wheels, LRB Inc. Race Products, Ringers Gloves, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, and Sander Engineering for their support.

For more information on the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, visit www.usacracing.com/cra or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/USAC-CRA-Sprint-Car-Series/167535183297971) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/#!/USAC_CRA).

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AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

August 19, 2012 – Victorville, California – Route 66 Motorplex

SANDER ENGINEERING / ROD END SUPPLY TIME TRIALS:

1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-14.710; 2. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-15.025; 3. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-15.196; 4. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-15.245; 5. Cory Kruseman, 7, Priestley-15.253; 6. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-15.256; 7. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-15.257; 8. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-15.317; 9. Seth Wilson, 1X, Wilson-15.348; 10. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-15.389; 11. Shane Golobic, 73X, Ford-15.416; 12. Josh Pelkey, 12, Allen-15.428; 13. R.J. Johnson, 51A, Martin-15.445; 14. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-15.481; 15. John Aden, 7A, Aden-15.485; 16. Brandon Thomson, 16, Jones-15.529; 17. Jake Swanson, 41, Henry/Jones-15.746; 18. Johnny McCall, 44J, Morbitzer-15.755; 19. J.J. Ercse, 36, Springstead-15.810; 20. Adam Frith-Smith, 62A, Frith-Smith-15.890; 21. Rickie Gaunt, 66, Miller-15.970; 22. Trevor Cooper, 21K, Kruseman-15.976; 23. Ronnie Gardner, 18, Kittle-15.996; 24. Patrick Clark, 71K, Kruseman-16.107; 25. Kenny Perkins, 0K, Perkins-16.135; 26. A.J. Bender, 12B, Bender-16.292; 27. Tom Hendricks, 14K, Kruseman-16.365; 28. Cal Smith, 39, Cal Sun-16.371; 29. Jeremy Ellertson, 23, Ellertson-16.585; 30. Mike Collins, 04, Perkins-16.739; 31. Corey Ballard, 20, Ballard-16.771; 32. Ed Schwarz, 47, Perkins-17.074; 33. Jon Kairot, 35, Perkins-17.498.

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps)

1. Mike Spencer, 2. Cory Kruseman, 3. Seth Wilson, 4. Trevor Cooper, 5. A.J. Bender, 6. Johnny McCall. NT

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / CIRCLE TRACK PERFORMANCE HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps)

1. Ronnie Gardner, 2. Brody Roa, 3. Rip Williams, 4. Corey Ballard, 5. J.J. Ercse, 6. Nic Faas, 7. John Aden, 8. Tom Hendricks. NT

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 3: (10 laps)

1. Shane Golobic, 2. David Cardey, 3. Brandon Thomson, 4. Patrick Clark, 5. Ed Schwarz, 6. Cal Smith, 7. Adam Frith-Smith, 8. Austin Williams. NT

SBI FUEL SYSTEMS / INTEGRA RACING SHOCKS HEAT RACE 4: (10 laps)

1. Rickie Gaunt, 2. R.J. Johnson, 3. Kenny Perkins, 4. Ryan Bernal, 5. David Bezio, 6. Mike Collins, 7. Jake Swanson, 8. Jeremy Ellertson. NT

COMPETITION SUSPENSION INC. / DIVERSIFIED MACHINE INC. SEMI-MAIN: (12 laps)

1. Jake Swanson, 2. Nic Faas, 3. Austin Williams, 4. David Bezio, 5. Adam Frith-Smith, 6. Tom Hendricks, 7. Jeremy Ellertson, 8. Mike Collins, 9. A.J. Bender, 10. Cal Smith, 11. J.J. Ercse, 12. Ed Schwarz, 13. John Aden, 14. Jon Kairot. NT

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions)

1. Ryan Bernal (4th), 2. Cory Kruseman (6th), 3. Brody Roa (2nd), 4. Mike Spencer (8th), 5. Shane Golobic (1st), 6. Ronnie Gardner (17th), 7. Austin Williams (11th), 8. Brandon Thomson (13th), 9. Jake Swanson (14th), 10. Seth Wilson (3rd), 11. Corey Ballard (21st), 12. Rickie Gaunt (16th), 13. Tom Hendricks (20th), 14. Rip Williams (5th), 15. R.J. Johnson (12th), 16. Patrick Clark (18th), 17. David Bezio (10th), 18. Adam Frith-Smith (15th), 19. David Cardey (7th), 20. Kenny Perkins (19th), 21. Cody Williams (23rd), 22. Trevor Cooper (22nd). NT

----------------------------

**David Cardey flipped during the feature.

**Cody Williams used a provisional. Nic Faas did not start.

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-14 Brody Roa, Laps 15-30 Ryan Bernal.

RINGERS GLOVES / KEIZER WHEELS HARD CHARGER: Ronnie Gardner (17th to 6th)

LRB INC. RACE PRODUCTS AWARD: Brody Roa

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS:

1-Spencer-955, 2-Faas-769, 3-Roa-674, 4-Bernal-667, 5-A.Williams-664, 6-R.Williams-625, 7-Kruseman-613, 8-Matt Mitchell-461, 9-C.Williams-450, 10-Wilson-431.

2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION

September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)

September 2: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)

September 5: **Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA (Non-Points)

September 15: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Memorial)

October 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair)

October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

October 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals)

November 3: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals)

-----------------------------------------------

* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.

** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.

This schedule is subject to change.

CORY KRUSEMAN GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE AT PERRIS

By Lance Jennings

 

PERRIS, CA – AUGUST 20, 2012… Leading every lap, "The Kruser" Cory Kruseman of Ventura won last Saturday's Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car feature at Perris Auto Speedway. For the 2006 series champion, the $2,500 victory was his first triumph with car owner Mark Priestley and his first Perris win since November 27, 2010. Following Kruseman across the finish line were point leader Mike Spencer, "Dynamite" David Cardey, Nic Faas, and Ryan Bernal.

 

Starting on the outside of the front row, the Kruseman raced past pole-sitter Jace Vander Weerd to take the early command. Primarily running the outside line of the Perris clay oval, the veteran driver managed to build a comfortable lead over the competition. Surviving some tense moments while dealing with slower traffic and bicycling his machine on lap 24, Kruseman's lead was in jeopardy. As Cardey and Bernal quickly closed the gap, Cory recovered in time to save his lead. A caution-then-red on lap 27 for Austin Williams gave his pursuers another shot at the lead. With a hard-charging Spencer holding down second, Kruseman executed a brilliant restart and led the rest of the way to take his first Amsoil USAC/CRA checkered flags of 2012.

 

Driving Priestley's #7 Roy Miller Freightlines / Sander Engineering Bullet, Kruseman scored his 34th career series main event win. Earlier in the program, Cory timed in seventh quick on the night and won the 10-lap DJ Safety Heat Race #3. Currently seventh in the point chase, Cory has five heat race victories (series leader), four top-5 finishes, and 40 feature laps led to his credit.

 

Piloting Ron Chaffin's famed #50 Madera Produce / Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim, Temecula's Mike Spencer ran second at Perris after starting eighth. Earning his eighth Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award of the Year, the 4-time defending champion won the Extreme Mufflers Heat Race #1. To date, Mike has three heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, thirteen top-5 finishes, and 139 feature laps led on the year.

 

"Dynamite" David Cardey of Riverside claimed third and earned the night's LRB Inc. Race Products Award. Driving Tom & Laurie Sertich's #92 Moose Racing, Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror / Victory Race Cars entry, Cardey qualified sixth and won the Saldana Racing Products / Circle Track Performance Heat Race #2. In 2012, the former California Lightning Sprint Champion has three heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, and three top-5 finishes.

 

Huntington Beach's Nic Faas had a late race charge and scored fourth in Mark Alexander's #4 Scott Sales Company / Competition Suspension Inc. Spike. The 2008 Rookie of the Year was second fast in time trials and third in his heat race. Currently second in points, Faas has one feature win, two Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Awards, four heat race victories, two Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Awards, 26 feature laps led, and eight top-5 finishes on the season.

 

Claiming fifth in the Perris 30-lap feature was Ryan Bernal of Hollister. Piloting Keith Ford's #73 King Racing Products / A&A Precision Machine Spike, the Santa Maria track champion qualified third and placed third in his heat race. Bernal is fifth in points and has two heat race victories, one Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves Hard Charger Award, 60 feature laps led, and 6 top-5 finishes on the campaign.

 

Buena Park's Brody Roa earned the night's Keizer Wheels / Ringers Gloves "Hard Charger / Best Passing Job" honors with a sixth place run after starting thirteenth. Driving the BR Performance #91R HD Industries / Burris Racing Spike, Roa borrowed a Shaver engine from Lee & Norma Leonard, qualified thirteenth and ran second in his heat race. Currently fourth in points, the former Wagsdash Champion has one feature win, two heat race victories, one Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main win, 33 feature laps led, and three top-five finishes on the year.

 

David Bezio of El Cajon won the night's SBI Fuel Systems / Integra Racing Shocks Heat Race #4. It was the first 10-lap victory of the campaign for the driver of the #37X Inga Bezio Salon / Everhart Construction DRC. The California Lightning Sprint graduate was sixteenth fast on the night and ran ninth in the feature after starting sixteenth. To date, Bezio has five top-10 finishes on the season and has been steadily moving up the ranks with USAC/CRA.

 

Yorba Linda's "The Cadillac" Cody Williams won his second 12-lap Competition Suspension Inc. / Diversified Machine Inc. Semi-Main of the year. Piloting Jack Jory's #44 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams qualified ninth, placed sixth in his heat race, and scored thirteenth in the main event. Currently ninth in the point chase, the Watsonville track record holder has one Sander Engineering / Rod End Supply Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, and one top-5 finish in 2012.

 

To catch the action of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, Mike Truex's Loudpedal Productions has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

 

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Diversified Machine Inc., Extreme Mufflers, Hilborn Fuel Injection, Integra Racing Shocks, Keizer Wheels, LRB Inc. Race Products, Ringers Gloves, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, and Sander Engineering for their support.

 

For more information on the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, visit www.usacracing.com/cra or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/USAC-CRA-Sprint-Car-Series/167535183297971) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/#!/USAC_CRA).

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AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT RACE RESULTS:

August 18, 2012 – Perris, California – Perris Auto Speedway

 

SANDER ENGINEERING / ROD END SUPPLY TIME TRIALS:

1. Mike Spencer, 50, Chaffin-16.348; 2. Nic Faas, 4, Alexander-16.577; 3. Ryan Bernal, 73, Ford-17.601; 4. Austin Williams, 2, Jory-16.675; 5. Ronnie Gardner, 18, Kittle-16.796; 6. David Cardey, 92, Sertich-16.892; 7. Cory Kruseman, 7, Priestley-16.909; 8. Jace Vander Weerd, 88, Vander Weerd-16.927; 9. Cody Williams, 44, Jory-16.998; 10. Rip Williams, 3, Jory-17.010; 11. R.J. Johnson, 51A, Martin-17.027; 12. Shane Golobic, 73X, Ford-17.033; 13. Brody Roa, 91R, BR-17.082; 14. Seth Wilson, 1X, Wilson-17.151; 15. Richard Vander Weerd, 10, Vander Weerd-17.197; 16. David Bezio, 37X, Bezio-17.206; 17. Josh Pelkey, 12A, Allen-17.282; 18. Jake Swanson, 41, Henry/Jones-17.329; 19. Stevie Sussex, 1A, Sussex-17.410; 20. Patrick Clark, 71K, Kruseman-17.416; 21. Rusty Carlile, 51, Carlile-17.482; 22. J.J. Ercse, 36, Springstead-17.532; 23. Bobby Bender, 11, Bender-17.666; 24. Kenny Perkins, 0K, Perkins-17.676; 25. Gavin Matlock, 25, Williams-17.689; 26. Corey Ballard, 20, Ballard-17.792; 27. A.J. Bender, 12, Bender-17.799; 28. Jeremy Ellertson, 23, Ellertson-18.091; 29. Johnny McCall, 44J, Morbitzer-18.093; 30. Billy Blinn, 26, Blinn-18.119; 31. Ton Hendricks, 14K, Kruseman-18.275; 32. John Aden, 12X, Blair-18.297; 33. Jerry Welton, 62, Welton-18.302; 34. Trevor Cooper, 21K, Kruseman-18.419; 35. Mike Collins, 04, Perkins-18.487; 36. Kyle Cline, 35, Perkins-18.710; 37. Verne Sweeney, 98, Tracy-NT.

 

EXTREME MUFFLERS HEAT RACE 1: (10 laps)

1. Mike Spencer, 2. Brody Roa, 3. Ronnie Gardner, 4. Josh Pelkey, 5. Rusty Carlile, 6. Cody Williams, 7. Johnny McCall, 8. Gavin Matlock, 9. Jerry Welton. 2:51.41

 

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS / CIRCLE TRACK PERFORMANCE HEAT RACE 2: (10 laps)

1. David Cardey, 2. Rip Williams, 3. Nic Faas, 4. J.J. Ercse, 5. Jake Swanson, 6. Seth Wilson, 7. Corey Ballard, 8. Billy Blinn, 9. Trevor Cooper. 2:53.85

 

DJ SAFETY HEAT RACE 3: (10 laps)

1. Cory Kruseman, 2. Richard Vander Weerd, 3. Ryan Bernal, 4. R.J. Johnson, 5. Stevie Sussex, 6. A.J. Bender, 7. Tom Hendricks, 8. Bobby Bender, 9. Mike Collins. NT

 

SBI FUEL SYSTEMS / INTEGRA RACING SHOCKS HEAT RACE 4: (10 laps)

1. David Bezio, 2. Shane Golobic, 3. Austin Williams, 4. Jace Vander Weerd, 5. Patrick Clark, 6. Kenny Perkins, 7. Jeremy Ellertson, 8. John Aden, 9. Kyle Cline. 2:58.94

 

COMPETITION SUSPENSION INC. / DIVERSIFIED MACHINE INC. SEMI-MAIN: (12 laps)

1. Cody Williams, 2. Jake Swanson, 3. Rusty Carlile, 4. Seth Wilson, 5. Stevie Sussex, 6. Kenny Perkins, 7. Corey Ballard, 8. Patrick Clark, 9. Johnny McCall, 10. A.J. Bender, 11. John Aden, 12. Billy Blinn, 13. Jeremy Ellertson, 14. Tom Hendricks, 15. Patrick Cooper, 16. Gavin Matlock, 17. Mike Collins, 18. Jerry Welton, 19. Kyle Cline. NT

 

FEATURE: (30 laps - With Starting Positions)

1. Cory Kruseman (2nd), 2. Mike Spencer (8th), 3. David Cardey (3rd), 4. Nic Faas (7th), 5. Ryan Bernal (6th), 6. Brody Roa (13th), 7. Rip Williams (10th), 8. Ronnie Gardner (4th), 9. David Bezio (16th), 10. Richard Vander Weerd (15th), 11. R.J. Johnson (11th), 12. Jace Vander Weerd (1st), 13. Cody Williams (9th), 14. Josh Pelkey (17th), 15. Rusty Carlile (20th), 16. Seth Wilson (14th), 17. J.J. Ercse (21st), 18. Austin Williams (5th), 19. Jake Swanson (18th), 20. Shane Golobic (12th), 21. Stevie Sussex (19th), 22. Kenny Perkins (22nd). NT

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**Bobby Bender flipped during the third heat. Austin Williams flipped during the feature.

 

FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-30 Cory Kruseman

RINGERS GLOVES / KEIZER WHEELS HARD CHARGER: Brody Roa (13th to 6th)

LRB INC. RACE PRODUCTS AWARD: David Cardey

 

NEW AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT POINTS:

1-Spencer-890, 2-Faas-761, 3-A.Williams-620, 4-Roa-613, 5-Bernal-602, 6-R.Williams-593, 7-Kruseman-547, 8-Matt Mitchell-461, 9-C.Williams-437, 10-Wilson-392.

 

2012 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION

September 1: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)

September 2: **Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)

September 5: **Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA (Non-Points)

September 15: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Memorial)

October 6: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Southern California Fair)

October 26: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

October 27: *Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

November 2: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals)

November 3: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals)

-----------------------------------------------

* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC National Sprints.

** = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC Western Classic Racing Series.

This schedule is subject to change.

Welcome Back

Sorry everyone for the tardiness in posting - I've been busy with so many things - work, family and work. Please pardon the dust and the belated posts - working on the launch of the premiere issue of Western Open Wheel Racing News in October!

You can now bookmark this site at http://www.wowracingnews.com

I'll be posting press releases from several race tracks and race series, all leading into the launch of the premiere issue of Western Open Wheel Racing News in October!

Stay posted as MANY more stories and results will be posted here!!!

Remember, bookmark Western Open Wheel Racing News at http://www.wowracingnews.com

McQueen Racing Chili Bowl Nationals Midget Rental Opportunity

By Robert Haugh

Competing against the World’s best racers over five days in early January, with approximately 250 racers competing, including reigning and three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion and two-time Chili Bowl winner Tony Stewart and a plethora of the most talented racers from an array of racing backgrounds and disciplines, McQueen Racing is excited to announce they will be renting one of their potent 2012 Spike/Esslinger for the 2013 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“I am very excited to again have a three car team for the 2013 Chili Bowl and we are currently looking for a third driver.  Due to the fact that we are a small team, we cannot afford to put someone in the car without a fee.  I really wish that I could give someone that opportunity, as I know there are many deserving drivers out there, but that is just not in the budget, as I finance a large portion of this on my own,” says McQueen.

McQueen Racing is currently accepting resumes/applications for the 2013 Chili Bowl. Those interested will need to send an E-mail with racing resume and background information to team owner Shannon McQueen at racechic37@yahoo.com. Rental fees and deposit are dependent on racing experience and will be discussed within receipt of application.

The McQueen Racing team will consist of Bakersfield, California’s Shannon McQueen and Guthrie, Oklahoma’s Michelle Decker.

McQueen has amassed three Heat race wins, seven Top 5 runs and eight Top 10s thus far in 2012 and leads the USAC-Western States Midget points. McQueen Racing also boasts a feature win with Decker at Bakersfield Speedway in April.

In 2011, McQueen clinched a highly competitive Bay Cities Racing Association Dirt championship prior to the final BCRA Dirt race, becoming the first female to win a major Midget championship. In addition, McQueen claimed the BCRA Dirt driver and Dirt car owner’s titles, while also claiming fourth overall in driver’s points on a limited schedule, and sixth overall in owner’s points, as well as receiving the best appearing car award.

In 2011, McQueen finished in the Top 10 every race, with 12 Top five runs, including a feature victory at Marysville Raceway Park, five Heat race wins, Trophy Dash win and two fast time awards, including a new track record at Silver Dollar Speedway (August 5). McQueen amassed six second-place finishes and nine Top 3 runs.

You may also visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.

           

“Lightning” McQueen Claims Another Top 10 Run

Bakersfield, CA – August 20, 2012

By Robert Haugh

Piloting the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger, Bakersfield’s Shannon McQueen remained poised, undeterred by less-than-stellar track conditions to claim her ninth top 10 run of the season in the August 19 USAC-Western States Midget feature at the 3/8-mile Route 66 Motorplex in Victorville.

Lining up on the pole for 20-lap race, McQueen had an excellent start, pulling away to lead the opening four laps before getting shuffled back on the deteriorating track. After leading early, McQueen came home eighth in the 21-car field.

During her Heat race, an over aggressive competitor drove over the right side of McQueen’s mount, collecting the McQueen Racing #7. “We got collected by a crazy person who spun out and stood on the gas and then landed on the hood of our car and stayed on the gas,” says McQueen, who despite a severely damaged car, with next to no tire left on the right rear, finished fifth in the Heat, transferring to the main.

Citing little time to work on the chassis set up, due to having to repair damage from the Heat race incident, “it was not as terrible as it can always be worse, but it was most definitely not what we were looking for,” said McQueen. “What a rough night.  We qualified well and then it went downhill from there thanks to someone else,” says McQueen.

 Though qualifying on a very slick track, McQueen was the sixth fastest in qualifications, with a 15.853 mark, within a tenth of fast timer Ronnie Gardner.

McQueen extended her USAC-Western States points lead to 88 points heading into Labor Day weekend’s fifth Annual Louie Vermeil Classic, held Saturday and Sunday, September 1-2 at the ½-mile Calistoga Speedway where she will be piloting the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger. McQueen trails David Prickett by 29 points in the Western-States Dirt standings.

McQueen has amassed three Heat race wins, seven Top 5 runs and nine Top 10s on the year. McQueen Racing also boasts a feature win with Michelle Decker in April at Bakersfield Speedway.

McQueen Racing would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors: Lucas Oil Products, K&N Filters, Simpson Race Products, JE Piston Company, Rod End Supply, Advanced Racing Suspensions, Eibach Springs, Ruth Engineering, Jet-Hot Performance Coatings, Butler Built Seating Systems, Schoenfeld Headers, American Fabrication, West Evans Motorsports and Esslinger Racing Engines by Duane McQueen.

SUMMARY:

QUALIFICATIONS: 6. McQueen, 15.853

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 5. McQueen

FEATURE: (20 laps) 8. McQueen

Visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.

           

“Lightning” McQueen Overcomes Adversity to Claim Another Top 5 Run

Bakersfield, CA – August 6, 2012

By Robert Haugh

Piloting the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger, Bakersfield’s Shannon McQueen encountered several incidents throughout the evening to claim her seventh Top 5 and eighth top 10 run of the season in the August 4 USAC-Western States Midget feature at the 1/3-mile Santa Maria Speedway.

Lining up sixth for 30-lap Don Roberts Memorial race, McQueen had an excellent initial start, to which was called back. On the full restart, McQueen was shuffled back to seventh, with most cars running the faster bottom groove.

With most cars were hugging the bottom cushion, McQueen began working the high side, moving up to fourth. On a late restart, McQueen passed a car down the front stretch when two cars checked up in front of her, leaving her to make contact with David Prickett, who spun. “I felt terrible to run into David, but I had nowhere to go.  I know he was disappointed which if the situation was reversed I would have been too.  I don’t race that way and don’t ever want to race that way so I definitely felt bad,” says McQueen.

“We had a great car, capable of winning it was just a really long way around on the top,” added McQueen, who was happy with her Top 5 run after the crew scrambled to repair the car from Heat race damage.

On the start of the her Heat race, the car immediately in front of McQueen slid to the bottom and slowed suddenly, leaving McQueen to make contact with that car, bending the lower right front radius rod. Later in the Heat, McQueen and Cody Swanson were fighting hard for fourth place, when with two laps to go, they made contact, with Cody flipping hard down the front stretch and McQueen bending the rear axel. The McQueen racing crew swiftly swapped rear ends and repaired the front end in time for the Feature.

Though qualifying last on a deteriorating slick track, McQueen was the second fastest in qualifications, with a 15.220.

McQueen extended her USAC-Western States points lead to 73 heading into the Sunday, August 19 race at the 3/8-mile Route 66 Motorplex in Victorville, CA where she will be piloting the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger.

McQueen has amassed three Heat race wins, seven Top 5 runs and eight Top 10s on the year. McQueen Racing also boasts a feature win with Michelle Decker in April at Bakersfield Speedway.

McQueen Racing would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors: Lucas Oil Products, K&N Filters, Simpson Race Products, JE Piston Company, Rod End Supply, Advanced Racing Suspensions, Eibach Springs, Ruth Engineering, Jet-Hot Performance Coatings, Butler Built Seating Systems, Schoenfeld Headers, American Fabrication, West Evans Motorsports and Esslinger Racing Engines by Duane McQueen.

SUMMARY:

QUALIFICATIONS: 2. McQueen, 15.220

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 5. McQueen

FEATURE: (30 laps) 5. McQueen

Visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.

           

Greg Bragg Scores Placerville Gold

By Robert Haugh

 After leading several laps and ending up on the tow hook after suffering a late race flat tire the week before in Antioch, Visalia's Greg Bragg masterfully chauffeured Dave & Wendy Thurston's #11 TNT RaceSports Spike/Esslinger to the win on the red clay of Placerville Speedway on Saturday, August 4.

Lining up third on the grid in the BCRA Hall of Famer Thurston's mount, Bragg waited patiently before getting by Alamo's Scott Pierovich on Lap 14. With thunder in the background and light drizzle hitting the track, Bragg turned on the lightning, taking

 the one second win over Pierovich in Mike Sala's #19s Spike/Wirth Mopar, former BCRA champion Matt Streeter in his #14jr Spike/Chevy, Bakersfield's Sean Dodenhoff in his #9d Spike/Fontana and Pleasanton's Pete Davis in the HotHead Heaters #00 Stealth/Esslinger rounding out the Top five on the "totally wingless" night, of which was preceded in the day by BCRA's 25th Annual Jack London Bash Picnic and Hall of Fame at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds.

Oakdale's Danny Parker claimed sixth in Bob Roza's #21 Spike/Esslinger followed by Oregon's Rob Lindsey in the Lindsey Motorsports #23 Ellis/Pontiac, 7-time BCRA champion "Ageless Wonder" Floyd Alvis in his #18 Stealth/Esslinger, Bill Lindsey in Stu Donaldson's #8 Stealth/Pontiac and Carson City, Nevada's J.R. Williams in his #74 Spike/Brayton Chevy finalizing the Top 10 positions. Seventh through tenth were one lap down at the finish.

Stockton's Johnathan Henry absolutely dominated Heat 1 in Mike Sala's #19w Spike/Wirth Chevy, moving from eighth starting spot to the lead within a lap and a half en rote to a nearly five-second win over Bill Lindsey, Gary Conterno, Alvis and Davis.

Streeter claimed Heat 2 over Dodenhoff, Bragg and Pierovich.

“Lightning” McQueen Soars to Podium Finish in Antioch

Bakersfield, CA – July 30, 2012

By Robert Haugh

Patiently piloting the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger, Bakersfield’s Shannon avoided several incidents amongst early leaders to claim her sixth Top 5 and seventh top 10 run of the season in the July 28 Bay Cities Racing Association Midget feature at the ¼-mile Antioch Speedway.

Though having lost brakes on Lap 5 of the Feature, McQueen remained in the Top 5 from the initial start up through the finish, having cautiously worked her way from her outside-third row starting position to claim third in the 30-lap race.

“I think we could have contended for the win … but losing brakes early made racing difficult. We were fortunate to salvage a podium finish,” stated Shannon McQueen.

McQueen claimed third in Heat 1 from sixth, even with a flat right front tire and having lost stagger. During hot laps, McQueen lost a power steering line, losing valuable lap time.

There were no qualifications.

McQueen carries a 55-point USAC-Western States points lead into her next event, Saturday, August 4 at the 1/3-mile Santa Maria Speedway in Santa Maria, CA where she will be piloting the always-potent McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger that she claimed a third-place run with at Santa Maria in May.

McQueen has amassed three Heat race wins, six Top 5 runs and seven Top 10s on the year. McQueen Racing also boasts a feature win with Michelle Decker in April at Bakersfield Speedway.

McQueen Racing would like to thank all of our wonderful sponsors: Lucas Oil Products, K&N Filters, Simpson Race Products, JE Piston Company, Rod End Supply, Advanced Racing Suspensions, Eibach Springs, Ruth Engineering, Jet-Hot Performance Coatings, Butler Built Seating Systems, Schoenfeld Headers, American Fabrication, West Evans Motorsports and Esslinger Racing Engines by Duane McQueen.

SUMMARY:

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 3. McQueen

FEATURE: (30 laps) 3. McQueen

Visit www.shannonmcqueen.com for more information on McQueen Racing.

Kruseman Scores Coastal Midget Triumph in Watsonville

By Robert Haugh

After overtaking Alamo's Scott Pierovich on Lap 16, 2011 USAC Western States Midget champion Cory Kruseman of Ventura cruised to victory in the Josh Ford Racing #73x Ellis/Fontana at the tacky ¼-mile Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, CA on Friday, July 6 as part of night one of the annual Howard Kaeding Classic event.

After a number of incidents in the first half of the 30-lap feature, including flips by Kruseman’s teammate Ryan Bernal of Hollister in the Josh Ford Racing #72 Ellis/Bob Wirth Chevy and San Rafael’s Frankie Guerrini III in the F&F Racing #63 Stealth/Gaerte, Kruseman cruised to the win by a second over USAC-Western States points leader Shannon McQueen of Bakersfield in the McQueen Racing #7 Spike/Esslinger.

Fremont’s Shane Golobic claimed a close third in Doug Bock’s #26 Spike/Esslinger, followed by Danny Ebberts in the Van Dyne Racing #5 Ellis/Van Dyne and Ronnie Gardner in Mitchell Johnson’s #68 Six-8 Motorsports Ellis/Fontana rounding out the Top five.

McQueen, Ebberts and Gardner all transferred to the feature through the Semi.

Bakersfield’s Sean Dodenhoff finished sixth in Brad Dodenhoff’s #9d Spike/Fontana ahead of hard chargers David Prickett in the David Prickett Racing/Neverlift Motorsports #15 Spike/Dyne and Manteca’s “Nitro” Nick Chivello in the Chivello Motorsports #27 Spike/Esslinger. Rounding out the top 10 were Pierovich in his #35 Spike/Bob Wirth Mopar who was battling ignition issues after setting fast time and Jimmy Christian in the Walker Racing/Bay Muffler #10 Stealth/Esslinger. Prickett started 16th while Chivello started 18th.

Anaheim’s Jake Swanson battled his way through the field in his #05 Spike/Honda, finishing 11^th followed by Pleasanton’s Pete Davis in his #00 Hothead Engine Heaters Stealth/Esslinger.

Three time BCRA champion Nick Foster, Jr. of San Jose placed 13^th, two laps down in his #1 “Blue Bayoo” Beast/Esslinger with Jimmy Voitel in his #21 Ellis/Chevy II in 14^th rounding out the cars running at the conclusion of the 30-lap feature.

Ebberts claimed the Semi over McQueen, Dodenhoff and Bakersfield’s Wink Schweitzer in Dodenhoff’s #9b EMC/Fontana. Just missing the transfer was 7-time BCRA champion “Ageless Wonder” Floyd Alvis in Bob Roza’s #21 Spike/Esslinger.

Dodenhoff claimed Heat 1 over Pierovich, Kruseman and Davis.

Christian claimed heat 2 over Cody Swanson, Jake Swanson and Guerrini.

Golobic claimed Heat 3 over Troy Rutherford in Calvin Marten’s #86 Stealth/Esslinger, Atascadero’s Randi Pankratz in her #8 Edmunds AutoResearch/Fontana and Foster.

Bernal claimed an incident-marred heat 4 over Chivello, Prickett and Voitel, with only the top three finishing the Heat.

Pierovich topped 27-car field in qualifying, posting a 13.463 lap followed closely by Cody Swanson, Golobic, Cole Carter in Mason Cook’s #10 Beast/Mopar and Ebberts. The Top 10 were separated by only two tenths of a second!

Summary:

FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. Cory Kruseman, 2. Shannon McQueen, 3. Shane Golobic, 4. Danny Ebberts, 5. Ronnie Gardner, 6. Sean Dodenhof, 7. David Prickett, 8. Nick Chivello, 9. Scott Pierovich, 10. Jimmy Christian, 11. Jake Swanson, 12. Pete Davis, 13. Nick Foster, 14. Jimmy Voitel, 15. Wink Schweitzer, 16. Randi Pankratz, 17. Frankie Guerrini, 18. Cole Carter, 19. Cody Swanson, 20. Ryan Bernal, 21. Troy Rutherford. NT

LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-2 Pankratz, Laps 3-15 Pierovich, Laps 16-30 Kruseman.

SEMI: (12 laps) 1. Ebberts, 2. McQueen, 3. Gardner, 4. Schweitzer, 5. Alvis, 6. Kaeding, 7. Wood, 8. Shupe. NT

FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Dodenhoff, 2. Pierovich, 3. Kruseman, 4. Davis, 5. Wood, 6. Ebberts. NT

SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Christian, 2. C.Swanson, 3. J.Swanson, 4. Guerrini, 5. Kaeding, 6. Shupe, 7. Gardner. NT

THIRD HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Golobic, 2. Rutherford, 3. Pankratz, 4. Foster, 5. Schweitzer, 6. Alvis. NT

FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Bernal, 2. Chivello, 3. Prickett, 4. Voitel, 5. McQueen, 6. Carter. NT

QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Scott Pierovich, 35, Pierovich-13.463; 2. Cody Swanson, 71, Swanson-13.531; 3. Shane Golobic, 26, Bock-13.614; 4. Cole Carter, 10, Cook-13.626; 5. Danny Ebberts, 5, VanDyne-13.640; 6. Frankie Guerrini III, 63, Guerrini-13.657; 7. Randi Pankratz, 8, Pankratz-13.659; 8. Shannon McQueen, 7, McQueen-13.661; 9. Cory Kruseman, 73, Ford-13.679; 10. Ronnie Gardner, 68, Johnson-13.688; 11. Troy Rutherford, 86, Martens-13.735; 12. Ryan Bernal, 72, Ford-13.861; 13. Sean Dodenhoff, 9D, Dodenhoff-14.006; 14. Jimmy Christian, 10c, Walker-14.002; 15. Wink Schweitzer, 9B, Dodenhoff-14.034; 16. David Prickett, 15, Neverlift-14.037; 17. Pete Davis, 00, Davis-14.114; 18. Jake Swanson, 05, Swanson-14.180; 19. Floyd Alvis, 21x, Roza-14.231; 20. Connor Kassik, 115, Neverlift-14.483; 21. Adam Kaeding, 27c, Blackwell-14.796; 22. Nick Foster, 1x, Foster-14.871; 23. Jimmy Voitel, 21, Voitel-15.040; 24. Cole Wood, 17w, Wood-15.308; 25. Ryan Shupe, 10x, Shupe-19.162; 26. Nick Chivello, 27, Chivello-NT; 27. Alex Schutte, 28, Martens-NT.