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SHUMAN ADDRESSES PAS FALLOUT |
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LAKEWOOD, CA, DECEMBER 21, 2003 - Sprint Car Racing Association President Ron
Shuman confirmed today that the Perris Auto Speedway will likely not appear on
the 2004 NAPA Auto Parts / Auto Trader Magazines SCRA schedule. According to Shuman, the final PAS proposal to keep their facility as the SCRA's "home track" would have resulted in a significant reduction in the purse paid to the SCRA. He also cited that his offer to schedule fewer SCRA races at the Perris Auto Speedway with a purse that would only cover the SCRA's basic expenses for that event was rejected. Shuman elected to come forward at this time in an attempt to stifle rumors that the 2004 SCRA season is in jeopardy. "The SCRA is alive and well," Shuman adamantly stated. "We'll have between 25 and 30 races on the schedule I plan to release early next month. Reducing the number of races we'll run will give us an opportunity to focus on getting more races on television. Currently, the SCRA has two TV dates scheduled for next year and could have as many as ten if we can secure some additional funding." Even though Shuman was quick to point out that the Non-Wing World Championship series is not more important than the overall SCRA schedule, he was pleased that all he has secured all the dates for next year's Midwestern tour. Still, Shuman expressed his disappointment upon learning of the rumors that Perris Auto Speedway and Ventura Raceway officials have approached USAC to start a 410-sprint division on the West Coast. Despite his concerns over the potential start-up of a rival racing organization, Shuman has been pleased with the support he has recently received from car owners and sponsors. "The SCRA has always welcomed and encouraged the USAC owners & drivers to come run with us, and will continue to do so in the future regardless of what direction this thing goes. I just want to assure our membership that the SCRA's Board of Directors and myself are committed to protecting the car owners in California and Arizona that support our club, and we will stand firm," Shuman said. "I have spoken with over 20 (SCRA) car owners, and all of them have backed our board's decision to not race for less money. I want to thank all the car owners for their support, and I would like to give a special thank you to all of our sponsors who have pledged to supports us next season. Thanks to our sponsors, there will be an SCRA point fund in 2004." Since the absent of a "home track" will result in some extra traveling for most of the teams, Shuman disclosed that before resigning as Car Owners' Representative, Paula Shuman secured $6,000 in tow money for the upcoming SCRA season. And, that this money is in addition to the tow money normally given to teams during the SCRA Midwest tour. Glenn Crossno has since assumed the role of Owners' Rep. Shuman concluded by adding that all member and fan comments will be read and forwarded to the appropriate people so that their voice can be heard. E-mails can be sent through the SCRA website (scra.com) and faxes may be sent directly to the SCRA office at (480) 940-5392. |
