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(MAY 20, 2008, PERRIS, CA) This Saturday night, May 24th, there will be a familiar name in the field when Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply presents the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and the PASSCAR Modifieds in the Annual Salute to Indy at Don Kazarian's famous Perris Auto Speedway. That name is Williams and it has been a part of the Salute to Indy dating back to the days of J.C. Agajanian's legendary Ascot Park in Gardena. However, this Williams is different. Instead of being legendary driver Rip Williams, it is his son, 18-year old Cody. Spectator gates to watch the show, which will include a 40-lap main for the sprint cars, will open at 5:00 PM with racing at 7:00.
No matter how big this race may be, the young driver has a bigger day on his horizon on June 10th. On that day he graduates from El Dorado High School in Yorba Linda. PAS promoter Don Kazarian thought it would be a good idea to have an early graduation party for Williams and some of his fellow classmates so he gave the young driver 500 tickets to pass out at school.
When asked what his fellow classmates thought of him racing an 800 horsepower racecar on a half-mile dirt oval against some of the best drivers in the business, the well-mannered Williams shrugged and said, "They really do not know about it. I am hoping the thing we are doing here with the tickets will get them out here and keep them coming to the races."
Williams, who is also known to fans as "Cadillac Cody," a moniker he picked up when he scored a touchdown for his High School football team, is very modest about the success he has achieved thus far. To make a long story short, he jumped into the famous black #3 after his father suffered a broken foot at The PAS season opener in February. When asked if he thought he would have the success he has had when he first jumped into the car, he said, "No, I really didn't. I am just glad it did happen. I am sad that my Dad got hurt, but it did kind of helped me out." When asked what happens when his dad is ready to return to the driver's seat the teenager laughed and said, "Hopefully Jack (car owner Jack Jory) will bring out two cars."
Cody has a career high 10th place finish in a main event, but, as he points out, that has not been the highlight thus far. About a month ago the youngster had a half straight lead in the B main when his tire blew. After it was changed he had to restart at the back. On the last lap he had to pass two cars to get to sixth place, which is the final transfer spot into the main. He passed both cars including the second one as they raced under the Eddie Ramirez checkered flag. The late race effort sent the crowd into a roar that is usually only heard for the main event winning driver.
Even though high school is almost behind him, Williams said he would be hitting the books again come September when he starts college. "I am going to go to Junior College and take some welding and metal classes. And, just race," he said with a grin.
For an 18-year old, Williams is well grounded and has a level head. Unlike some kids, he is not into predicting that he is going to be Richard Petty, Mario Andretti and A.J. Foyt all rolled into one. Instead, when the modest driver is asked what his racing future holds, he said, "I am just going to go as far as my talent will take me. For now I want to thank Jack and Sharon Jory for letting me drive the car. Also, John Jory Corporation, AMA Plastics and the whole crew for helping me out."
When asked about his part in giving Williams 500 tickets for his fellow classmates, Kazarian said, "He is a great kid and has a bright future in the sport. In less than three months, he has become one of the most popular drivers at the track. It is our honor to let so many of his classmates see what he does on a Saturday night and expose them to racing. Hopefully a lot of them will become regulars at The PAS."
Riverside's Johnny Lathrop, a longtime ago Figure 8 champion at Corona and Orange Show, has a five-point lead in the PASSCAR Modified standings over Hemet's Kevin Busher heading into Saturday's race. Two-time IMCA State champion Clay Daly of Watsonville, who won the last Modified race at The PAS, is third.
Any adult fan that wears a purple shirt will save $6.00 off their admission price as The PAS raises funds for the Power of Purple month in honor of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
Saturday's open wheel doubleheader will include qualifying, ten lap heat races, a 12-lap B main event and a 10 laps longer 40-lap A main event for the sprint cars. The Modifieds will contest heats and a 20-lap main event. And, for the kids, there will be a Big Wheel heat race during one of the breaks in the action and, of course, the popular PAS Dance Contest at intermission.
Advance tickets for Saturday's USAC/CRA race and night of family fun are available now by calling (800) 595-4849 or (951) 940-0134. You can also order tickets on the Internet at tix.com or perrisautospeedway.com.
Anyone wishing more information could contact Perris Auto Speedway at (951) 940-0134.
Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, home of the Southern California Fair. The track is approximately one hour east of Los Angeles and one hour North of San Diego. To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, exit at the Ramona Expressway and go two miles east to the fairgrounds.
Video and DVD productions for all USAC/CRA at races Perris Auto Speedway are available from North Hollywood, California's Raceway Video. For more information on these shows call Jeff Kristensen at (818) 618-9764 or visit the website at www.racewayvideo.com
racesatthepas@aol.com is the only authorized Internet address to issue official media news released from The Perris Auto Speedway or Oval Entertainment
USAC/CRA Point Standings
1. Cory Kruseman – Ventura, CA – 591
2. Mike Spencer – Temecula, CA – 569
3. Blake Miller – Yorba Linda, CA – 522
4. Garrett Hansen – Manhattan Beach, CA – 496
5. Danny Sheridan – Santa Maria, CA – 493
6. Tyler Brown – Norco, CA – 393
7. Levi Jones – Olney, IL – 350
8. Tony Jones – Norco, CA – 349
9. David Cardey – Riverside, CA 319
10. Josh Ford – Camarillo, CA - 308
PASSCAR MODIFIEDS
1. Johnny Lathrop – Corona, CA – 195
2. Kevin Busher – Hemet, CA – 190
3. Clay Daly – Watsonville, CA – 150
4. Scott Calvin – Moreno Valley, CA – 140
5. Middy Boggio – Riverside, CA – 134
6. Joe Shuagis – Norco, CA – 124
7. Toby Sampson – Torrance, CA – 114
8. Travis Gorsuch – Corona, CA – 99
9. Tony Ferris – Hemet, CA – 99
10. George Bouldon – Lake Elsinore, CA - 87
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