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Traditional Sprint Car FanSite |
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| The CASA Chronicles (No. 4) By Glenn Hopper |
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KEEPING UP WITH THE CALIFORNIA ASPHALT SPRINTCAR ASSOCIATION |
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November
1, 2003 Awards
banquets generally establish the finality of the racing season but in the case
of the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association, Saturday evenings festivities
at the Tracy Community Center still carried the feeling of a new beginning.
Invited to attend Altamont Raceway Parks 2003 awards dinner, the top 10 sprint
car pilots were honored for their achievements alongside their counterparts from
the AC Delco Late Model, Super Stock, Spec Modified, Pro and Super Mini Truck,
and Mini Cup Junior Star divisions. The
evening suffered a difficult start as it was announced co-promoter Dennis
Ortolan’s trackside home was completely destroyed by fire earlier that
afternoon. Colorful Super Stock driver Jerod Popejoy volunteered his bright
orange top hat (yes, bright orange - one had to see the whole outfit to
appreciate it...) to start a collection to help Dennis in a real time of need.
No total was announced but it looked substantial as the last table of attendees
had to cram in their donations. Despite
Dennis’ misfortune, the usual beverages were consumed and bench racing
commenced until dinner was served. “Chief Steward Sonny” presented the CASA
awards starting with tenth place Allen Harney, ninth place C.J. Humphries,
eighth place Earle Stanton, seventh place Marvin Mitchell, and club president
Scott Clough’s sixth place finish. The loud ovation for Clough from the CASA
faithful was indicative of their appreciation for all his hard work in leading
CASA’s inaugural effort. Ivan Worden was presented his fifth place plaque;
Glenn Hopper accepted his fourth place award and thanked Altamont for welcoming
CASA and providing the new club a place to race. Third place Mike McCreary noted
CASA’s bright future with Altamont in adding to his extensive collection of
racing awards, and Bryan Bullard accepted his second place hardware. Newly
crowned and inaugural champion Tony Iacobitti accepted his championship plaque,
featuring a full color photo of he and his beautifully crafted and prepared
sprinter, by thanking his family, many sponsors, crew, and those who helped make
CASA at Altamont a reality. CASA
club president Scott Clough then announced the presentation of a special,
“Drivers Choice Award”. A sealed vote was conducted at the last race where
drivers and crew chiefs each cast a single ballot to recognize the driver who
best exemplified CASA and it’s mission. A thoroughly surprised Glenn Hopper
was called to the podium to accept the award of his peers. Dessert
was served and co-promoter Andy Herbst handed out prearranged tickets to a
nearby dance hall where folks could continue the festivities. Many headed off to
continue the party and a great time was had by all. CASA
now begins preparations for the 2004 season. Races date will be secured shortly
and board members will meet in the coming weeks to assess and evaluate the
successes and challenges of 2003, and ensure an even more successful second
season of ground shaking asphalt sprint car action. Stay tuned for off-season updates over the next several weeks!
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