2005 Season Preview

 

For me, as a person, I am hoping 2005 will be a healthier year for me.  My goal is to make as many races as I possibly can both here in AZ as well as making it to Calif. for some racing there.  I'm not sure what tracks I will go to, but I'm wanting to hit more than just Perris or Ventura.  I would really like to see the SCRA 360s at Chowchilla.  Chowchilla is an awesome racy track that even in the summer heat they manage to keep it wet and tacky for some great racing.  If you have a chance to go to a race there, I promise you that you wont be disappointed.  Tom and Cindy Sagmiller really have made that track awesome.  I haven't been there in a few years, but I went there after the track first opened and it was really an awesome track.  Tom and Cindy really listened to what the fans wanted and they made the changes that the fans wanted.  I think if all track owners/promotors/managers would listen to the fans, that they would have a better fan base. 

 

For the ASCA, I think its going to be a banner year.  There are so many racers that can win on any given night.  There's Jeremy Sherman who when I talked to him at the last race said he will be driving for Fred Bryan this year.  Nathan High will be back with Jerry and Susie Pritchett in the #6 car sponsored by Big Ed Motorsports, Hendrickson Construction Underground Utilities, Long Branch Saloon, All Tubes-N-Hoses, RSG Mfg. and LA Specialties.  Bernie Smith, AKA The Bern Dog, will be back in his own #14 Shelby Chassis sprinter sponsored by Favorite Systems Trucking and Total Package.  Bernie said that he will have his 2004 crew chief, Sam Peroni back doing the wrenching for him.  Jeff Henry will be back in the #12 Robbie Allen owned, ABC Body Shop, Arizona Towman, Maxima Racing Oils car for 2005.  Jeff did an awesome job at the 2005 Chili Bowl by making it into one of the B Mains from his finish in the qualifying main.  Way to go Jeff!!!  2004 ASCA Rookie of the Year Scott Pasmore will be driving for Bill and Linda Sweeney in the Checker Auto Parts, Purcell Western States Tire, Outback Steakhouse, Brown Family Communities sprint car.  The ASCA long tow driver Jay Ervine will be back in the Jimm Tuttle owned, Tutcomotorsports sprinter sponsored by The JR Tuttle Design and Construction Company, Pennzoil, MAC tools, Sport Imports of Tucson, and Performance Engines.  The Bullet, Bob Ream, Jr., be back in the familiar orange #8 car sponsored by B & R Automotive and the Parker Store.  Our other "celebrity" racer in ASCA, Bruce St. James has teamed up with Whitey Owens for the 2005 racing season.  He will be running a Stealth 2K4 car with the familiar 7K on it.  Tom Klein will be supplying his engines and he is planning to support ASCA in the 2005 season.  Make sure you listen to Bruce's radio show on KTAR radio between 1230 and 3pm Phoenix time.  If you aren't in the Phoenix area, go to www. ktar.com and listen to his broadcast via the web.

 

I was reading on the ASCA website that ASCA is going to try something new this year.  They are going to qualify the cars at some of the races rather than draw pills for starting positions.  Now, you would think that where I come from qualifying country I would think this is great.  However, I think it's going to really slow up the show.  Qualifying seems to take forever and it seems to take the scorers longer to figure out the heat races than if you draw a pill.  Maybe it will be a success?  I'm just thinking it's going to add to our racing time and make the night drag out.  Unless they are going to start qualifying like an hour before the "racing" is to start.  Plus, in the summer months think of all the extra laps on the track.  I would think it's going to make the track drier.  Again, this is just my two cents worth.  Qualifying won't keep me from the track, heck I'm dying now because there's no racing, but it's sure going to make for some serious bleacher butt-itis!!  I'm really going to have to find something to cushion the tushie.

 

I do have a challenge for all ASCA fans, car owners, drivers and families.  Let's make 2005 a banner year and show Manzanita that we appreciate them.  Remember to bring someone new out to the track this year.  I know I'm already working on people that haven't been to a sprint car race to come on out and join our fun.  The only way WE are going to have OUR sport grow is to get more people involved.  Bring someone new to the track and show them how to get the most entertainment for their money.

 

I'm very excited to see the USAC/CRA series over at Manzanita this year also.  I think the new team of Glenn Crossno and Cory Kruseman will be a hot team this year.  I'm looking for Damion Gardner to be just as awesome as he always is.  Troy Rutherford back with Gardners is sure to be exciting.  I sure hope Greg Bragg lands a ride this year.  I wonder where Steve Ostling will end up now that the Fischers have decided to hang it up.  Mike Kirby is with the Alexanders and I think that will make for an interesting season.

 

I'm looking forward to the 2005 season and the new cars, drivers and car owners.  I am really excited and itching for the season to start.  Make sure if you come to Manzanita to look me up.  I sit in turn 1, the blue bleachers about 1/2 way up on the left side.  Just ask someone to point me out. You'll find me.  Or email me. ASCAJune@aol.com.