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California Asphalt Sprintcar Association Folds Operation |
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NOTE FROM CASA PRESIDENT SCOTT CLOUGH
The 2008 race season is just around the corner, and I look forward to seeing everyone again. I’m sure most of you have wondered what happened to the banquet this year. Normally we have the banquet after the first of the year usually in February along with a preseason meeting. As January rolled around I became quite busy with some health issues in my family that took most of my time until mid February. Dates then conflicted with the Super Bowl, and later dates then brought us to that time of the year when most people are getting ready for the season. So I regret that CASA will not have a 2007 Banquet. Point Fund checks have been sent out, and trophies will be distributed either at future races or by mail. I’d like to take a moment to recap some of the history and accomplishments of our club since our humble beginnings in 2001. CASA came together to fill the void that was left as USAC was riding a wave of success across the Western States and fewer USAC races were being held in Northern CA. Mike McCreary and myself started the club with the intent of running races within a 150 mile radius of the greater Sacramento region to fill that void. The intent of CASA was to become a “feeder” series for the USAC Western States program. We would have never got the club off the ground had it not been for the help of Tommy Hunt and Les Kinett of USAC. Les helped us with our proposals and purse schedules, and gave us the confidence to meet with the promoters. Our first race brought nine cars, and we ran for the back gate at Altamont. Over the next six years we grew to a high of twenty three cars and six tracks in two states. We were able to increase our car counts and purse each year, and were fielding calls to race from as far away as Montana, Idaho, and Arizona. We signed a tire deal that provided a very cost effective tire program with a small point fund, and were the first to host 100 lap Main Events at Champion Motor Speedway. But most of all we established ourselves as a club that valued all of our racers. An understanding that the guys running in the back are just as important as the guys running up front, and without each other there wouldn’t be any racing. In 2006 we began a co-sanctioning program with USAC that became the “BEST in the WEST” series, and brought many of us back together with our USAC roots. I for one started off as a USAC driver and they are the only other club I have belonged to. With this new relationship we were able to negotiate a program that lead to a more cost effective tire rule, and better car counts for both clubs. But, what I am most proud of was being able to bring the sprint cars back to Roseville after a nearly 40 year absence. As 2008 approaches we are faced with significant challenges in the racing industry. Loss of cars and tracks, increased operating expenses, decreased purses, diminishing fan attendance, and competition with other venues for the entertainment dollar just to name a few. It is important that we keep our eye on the ball and as our Vice President, Carla McCreary, says “keep the pavement sprint cars alive and well”. With so few cars, and so few tracks, it’s time to ponder whether there is a need to continue with two clubs. So with that, I’m sorry to say that CASA will no longer continue as an operating club beginning with the 2008 season. It is my hope that all of our members will throw their support to USAC to keep these cars going. I will be the first to admit that I have had my differences with Tommy Hunt. However, I can tell you that Tommy is dedicated our sport, and its drivers and car owners. I have had the privilege to get to know Tommy, and can tell you that he is a good person, and has become a good friend as well. I ask each and every CASA member to support him and the program to make 2008 a successful year of racing. I will always remember our club with the fondest of memories, the wonderful people, the thrills and spills, the laughter and yelling, the drivers, owners, fans and officials that made our club so fun. I look forward to seeing my fellow USAC drivers and wish all of you the best in 2008. Sincerely, Scott A. Clough |
