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Traditional Sprint Car FanSite |
See You At The Races!!! |
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YOUNGSTERS GAIN FOOTHOLD AT VENTURA RACEWAY FOR 2006 by Norm Bogan |
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Since Jim Naylor took over management of
Ventura Raceway, the focus on competitors has been mostly young
adults, twenties thru forties, racing in Street Stocks, Mini Stocks,
Modifieds, Dwarf Cars and eventually Sprint Cars.
With strong participation in the Dwarf and Sprint classes and
a growing number of older drivers, senior classes were created to
split the fields into under and over forty-five years of age.
Participation in these senior groups has proven successful
and given many a chance to invest their Social Security money into
racing. Not only have
the racers been enthusiastic, but also the fans have gotten behind
the drivers and encouraged them.
Its not lawn bowling, but it keeps these elders off the
streets on Saturday night. During the past few seasons, more and more
young drivers are stepping up to race in the powerful sprint cars,
some having been emancipated so they can race below the minimum age
restrictions. This movement started with some of today’s big name drivers
like Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne, who became
the All-Stars in auto racing’s version of Little League.
Many more are standing in the wings looking for opportunity.
Realizing this youthful surge is a real challenge, Ventura
Raceway looked to create additional classes that will offer the
youngsters an opportunity to race in an organized arena with
racecars utilizing lesser power.
For the 2006 season, three new groups have been created to
allow youngsters to race against their peers.
Each class will have specific rules to encourage safety and
maintain strict guidelines for competition, while also providing an
arena for the young drivers to hone their skills. The new racecar classes will be known as Junior
Focus Midgets for children from thirteen through sixteen.
These are full-fledged racecars, which meet the USAC Rules
and are sanctioned by Ventura Racing Association (VRA).
They are fitted with easily removable horsepower restriction
devices, allowing the same car to be raced as both a Junior and a
regular Ford Focus racer. The second new class is the Junior Midget
division, designed as a stepping-stone to the Junior Focus division
and is open to drivers from eleven to sixteen.
These cars are special built chassis fitted with a World
Formula Briggs and Stratton engine, allowing for replacement with
original factory parts and no modification of engine parts.
Spec tires are required. The third class is the Mini Dwarf division for children five through twelve. Five to five and one-half horsepower Briggs & Stratton, Tecumseh or Power Train engines power these cars. Spring suspension may be incorporated into the chassis, however no shocks or independent suspension are allowed. Weight jacks may be used to adjust chassis handling. In all classes, safety equipment like arm
restraints, five point seat belts, fire retardant driving suits,
gloves and approved helmets are required.
Complete rules can be requested for any of the new divisions
in addition to the continuing race classes of VRA Pony Stock, VRA
Dwarf and VRA Sprints, plus the IMCA Modifieds by contacting the
Ventura Raceway office at (805) 985-5433. Nationally recognized racer, Cory Kruseman
operates a driving school at the Ventura Raceway and is offering
classes for the younger drivers, who may want to accelerate their
learning curve with some professional training on and off the
racetrack before entering competition.
There are classes for various levels of competency and are
offered for all divisions operating at Ventura Raceway.
You can reach Cory’s school by calling (805) 649-1243 to
arrange for a class. Interest in these new divisions is expected to grow and offer a great alternative to the stick and ball sports. Not only will another generation of racers evolve, but also the fan base will grow, as kids will want to see their classmates compete. |
