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Traditional Sprint Car FanSite |
See You At The Races!!! |
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ARIZONA REVISITED by Norm Bogan |
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Two days of racing at two different tracks is something of a rarity for the USAC/CRA cars in recent years. Friday, the journey took us to the United Sports Arizona Race Park in Tucson. Thirty-one cars were on hand and Cory Kruseman posted the quick time of 16.383 Since this was my first visit at this venue, I
surveyed a few of the amenities.
This family friendly facility has grassy knoll near turn four
next to the grandstands, where spectators lay out blankets and lawn
chairs to watch the race. Just
behind this area is a playground for the younger children to burn
off some energy. The
concession prices for both food and merchandise looked to be quite
reasonable. The
lighting and sound systems are on a par with most of the newer
tracks throughout the west. Aluminum
grandstands offer stable seating, with announcing and scoring
occupying an enclosed tower atop the grandstand.
The racing surface could use a little more preparation,
however on this afternoon, there was a steady wind siphoning
moisture from the track. I
would rate the facility as good for both the fans and racers and if
events can be scheduled in conjunction with Manzanita Speedway in
Phoenix, as it was this weekend, the trip from southern California
is more economically feasible. Several cars were damaged in qualifying and
scratched for the night. Evan
Suggs had a nasty flip and suffered impaired vision, so the team
packed it in and headed home to see an eye specialist. The heats were racy with Danny Sheridan, R.J.
Johnson, Nadine Keller and Mike Martin taking the wins.
Tony Jones claimed the Semi over Rip Williams, Blake Miller
and Ronnie Clark. As the green flag waved for the feature, there
was a stuttering start and Mike Spencer rode up Rip Williams’s
tail tank and dropped a front wheel inside the cage, forcing Rip’s
neck to the side. Once
Spencer’s car was removed, Rip climbed out and noted a back
strain. This gritty
racer decided to head for home and have his Doc take a look. Jeremy Sherman and Seth Wilson led the initial charge, but were soon challenged by Jesse Hockett advancing from sixth starting position to claim the lead. Damion Gardner charged to the front, but was sidelined by a broken birdcage. Brad Sweet came forward to challenge Hockett and eventually passed him to take the lead. Suddenly Sweet’s engine expired and he dropped out with three laps to go as Hockett went on to victory, with Kruseman in second and team mate Casey Shuman clinching third. Mike Spencer and Blake Miller completed the top five. Saturday was Arizona Motorsports Hall of Fame
induction at Manzanita. Many
vintage cars were on hand along with a number of heroes that plied
their trade in past years. Signing
autographs and posing for pictures were Bob Cleberg, Jerry McClung,
Dee Jones, Billy & Ronnie Shuman, Lealand McSpadden, John
Redican, Jimmy Oskie, Dennis Wood, Buzz Rose, Jimmy Wood, Art Mankle
and Larry Ragland. Twenty-nine sprinters were in the pits, most of
the Tucson cast, plus a couple of locals filling in for cars that
suffered dilemmas on Friday. Again
the fans enjoyed great competition and one scary altercation
involving Damion Gardner and Cory Kruseman.
These two competitors have been in a season long duel for the
championship. With the Demon running hard on the top, Cory made a move from
the bottom around a lapped car as they entered turn four coming to
the checkers, but slid up the track collecting Gardner and causing
both to flip. Neither
was injured, but the “Little Red Sucker” was destroyed.
Ironically, Cory was able to upright his racer and return for
the green-white-checker finish.
Jeremy Sherman, who has been the Master of Manzy for several
years, collected the victory, with a strong surge from Danny
Sheridan for second. Rickie
Gaunt, Blake Miller and Mike Spencer filled out the top five. After previous trips during the summer with
temperatures above 110 degrees, this weekend’s balmy 90s during
the day and pleasant 70s in the evening was a welcome relief.
The racing was good both nights with the teams savoring two
paydays in one trip. With
transportation costs skyrocketing, I am sure the teams from
California, find these two-day programs more popular.
Fans also, relished the idea of an extra track offering a
night of racing for their enjoyment. Further reports on driver injuries are that they were mostly bumps and bruises and the teams plan to be at Perris for the next event. USAC/CRA will again visit Arizona for the Western World Nationals in November. |
