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| The CASA Chronicles (No. 3) By Glenn Hopper |
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KEEPING UP WITH THE CALIFORNIA ASPHALT SPRINTCAR ASSOCIATION |
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October
10, 2003 CASA
congratulates Tony Iacobitti, crowned the inaugural champion of the California
Asphalt Sprintcar Association at Altamont Raceway Park, Saturday night October
4th. Iacobitti needed only to take the green flag in the season finale to clinch
the championship, yet he rebounded from an unfortunate mid-race shunt with
points runner-up, Bryan Bullard, to storm to his fourth feature win of the
season. The “Yak-Attack” number 31 had the champagne corks popping well
after the checkers flew in celebration of their first championship. While
the champagne occasionally sprayed past the confines of the 31 pit, it might
just as well have covered the entire CASA contingent. CASA, in proving the
steady growth of the organization, presented its largest car count to date and
showed the promise of several new members who expect to compete with CASA next
season. Alan Kaiser, Nick Rescino, Jr. Paul Worden, and Dave Swatsendarg were
first time competitors and expect to run CASA races again in 2004. CASA
also debuted to their membership, the final cut of the video produced by Murphy
Film Productions. Members were highly impressed not only with the
professionalism of the production, but with how well CASA members represented
the club and with the awesome footage captured. In-depth interviews were
cleverly woven into images of racecar preparation and track action, which
included a nifty, tire smoke-inducing spin, in-car camera action, and some
pyrotechnic spark-filled night action. The video will be used to market the CASA
series to a growing list of potential series sponsors and will be presented at
promotional opportunities throughout the off season. A
great deal of gratitude must be extended to everyone who helped make this
inaugural CASA season possible. Co-founder and club president Scott Clough put
in untold hours of behind the scenes work to make sure this season was
successful. Working with Altamont’s Dennis Ortolan and Andy Herbst and their
entire staff, Clough represented the club in a very professional manor ensuring
a lasting relationship with Altamont Raceway Park and paving the way for future
improvements the club will experience. Co-founding
CASA members, Mike and Carla McCreary’s efforts were instrumental in making
this season happen. Mike had a hand in building, preparing, and repairing about
half of CASA’s field. And Carla not only skillfully handled all the legal
paperwork, books, pay-outs, statistics and the like, she was thoughtful enough
to bring enough food to feed this growing army of racers! Appetizers, entrees,
drinks, deserts and snacks, most homemade, were offered to all hungry racers and
crews at every race. Many
others contributed to various facets of the season. Iaocobitti provided
successful contacts that resulted in two race sponsors, ACME and Sons Sanitation
and Kenko Utility Supply, and attorney/racer Tim Hamilton provided some legal
advise as well. But the biggest thanks must go to the other core members who
supported the series. Drivers like Allen Harney, Marvin Mitchell, Glenn Hopper,
Ivan Worden, and Earle Stanton supported the club with their presence at nearly
every event. This kind of dedication was essential to the success of the series,
as everything requires a nucleus. Knowing CASA could count on a reliable,
predictable car count was paramount to validating this new endeavor. With
a sensational 2003 season establishing a springboard to future success, CASA
will officially close out the season on November 1st as guests of Altamont
Raceway Parks Championship Banquet. This
column will continue to provide highlights and insight into the exciting growth
of CASA during the off-season. Stay tuned! |
