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Traditional Sprint Car FanSite |
See You At The Races!!! |
| MEMORIAL WEEKEND AT BARONA by Norm Bogan |
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Tradition has made Memorial weekend one of the most revered in the auto-racing world. With the 88th running of the Indy 500, plus the NASCAR extravaganza at Charlotte, motoracing moved ahead of baseball and basketball in the sports pages this weekend. Additionally nearly every short track in America has a holiday program to remember the sacrifices of American servicemen from the trials and tribulations of the past century. Arriving in the early afternoon, I noticed that many motor homes, campers and trailers securing camping spots just outside the pits and behind the turn 2 grandstands. Some of the heartier souls had pitched tents in this scenic area that once served as hideouts for desperados preying on passing stagecoaches. The Barona Speedway grounds indeed appears as an old movie setting for Hopalong Cassidy, Hoot Gibson and other heroes of yesteryear, but in fact this is part of the sprawling Barona Indian Reservation, which includes a lavish hotel and casino down Wildcat Canyon Road about five miles. Barona Speedway subscribed to this Memorial tribute with their Saturday evening program featuring the SCRA Sprint Cars along with support from the Dwarf Cars. Twenty-five sprinters and thirty-five Dwarfs were in the pits for the entertainment of the race fans, many from the greater San Diego area, who have thirsted for open wheel racing since the closing of Speedway 117 in Chula Vista nearly two decades ago. The free camping opportunity, plus being able to bring in food and drinks makes this venue attractive to families on limited budgets. As a reward for the fans support, racers provide some exciting racing on the track and the word is getting out as the crowds continue to grow at each event. One of the most often heard comments from the spectators is “Fan Friendly”. Qualifying found “Super-Rickie” Gaunt setting a new track record at 13.728 seconds, erasing Ronnie Clark’s standard set on SCRA’s last appearance. Front-Runner, Charles Davis Jr., currently second in points broke something on the car during the qualifying effort between turn1 and 2. After repairs, Davis would tag the back of the Semi in his quest to run tonight’s feature. A number of 360 racers are finding it advantageous to attend these shows, gaining experience with the more skilled racers, running better equipment. Many of these newcomers come from the not so distant San Diego/Orange County areas. Although Gaunt and Davis have dominated early in the season, many other racers are exhibiting improved skills, moving into roles of up and coming heroes. Seth Wilson and his team came up with their “WARBIRD” concept this season, making them a fan favorite. Wilson switched to a new Twister chassis and with Jimmy “Neutron” Crawford, operator of Twister-West in the pits turning some wrenches, Wilson looked as if he might capture his first feature, nipping at the tail tank of Gaunt’s chariot. Veteran Kevin Urton journeyed all the way from his Sacramento area home to try out this new track. Leaving with third place money and leading for part of the feature, found Urton enthusiastic about this venue. Youngsters, Alan Ballard and Alex Pruett, continue to improve as they become regulars in the Passing Masters Dashes and accumulate top ten finishes in the features. Sentimental favorite, Dan “The One-Man Band” Tedrick made an appearance for this show. As many know, he often qualifies, runs the consolation race and goes home. This trip found him timing at 19th, finishing fourth in his heat and gaining eleventh in “A” Main. For a guy like Dan, he must have felt like he won. Keep an eye on some of these newcomers that have the skills and now an opportunity to race on a regular basis at the highest level. Tomorrow’s heroes are racing at Barona. Mel Murphy held off a charging Gaunt to win Heat #1. Jeremy Ellertson claimed his first SCRA heat win over Pruett and Urton in #2 and Mike Whitcomb skipped Ventura for a shot with the SCRA and gained his first heat win in #3. Verne Sweeney claimed the Passing Masters Dash and also led the first seven laps of the feature. Could it be that Verne is hearing footsteps as his son, Andrew has become a power in the Quarter-Midgets and might be trying to convince Mom to give him a shot in a sprinter. Ronnie Clark gathered in the Semi victory over Mark Nation, Charles Davis Jr., Josh Pelkey, Casey Shuman Tony Everhart and Brian Schuler. Gaunt racked up another victory in the feature, but it wasn’t easy, first running neck and neck with Urton for several laps before moving in front. Seth Wilson had the “War Bird” in attack mode and was right on Rickie’s heels, slipping under Gaunt on a couple of occasions, then did a 360 spin in turn 2, but kept going to do another 360 pirouette in turn 3, dropping himself back to a fourteenth place finish. Seth looked very strong and hooked up on this evening and it appears that the “War Bird” is going to log another “kill” soon. Charles Davis put on the drive of the night, running up on top and passing a number of cars coming from his 22nd starting spot to finish runner-up to his teammate. Urton held on for third, with Ballard claiming fourth and Mike English driving the Moose-mobile, completing the top five. So, after a pleasant afternoon and cool evening, the fans were once again treated to a very competitive race by the SCRA sprints. For those of you who haven’t yet witnessed an event at Barona, there are a number of additional SCRA races scheduled through the end of the season. Plan to make one of the shows and bring your ice chest, lawn chairs, etc. If the stands are full as they were this evening, you can always perch atop the boulder overlooking the track from turn 4 to the starter’s stand. Even the track food is reasonable as I paid $4.50 for a hamburger and a Gatorade. Plans are being made to cut down some of the boulders along the main straightaway and install additional grandstands. Barona is a diamond in the rough and the secret is out now. Just remember, “Fan Friendly”! |
