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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series

#50 Mike Spencer. 2nd in 2013 Amsoil USAC/CRA point standings. Photo by Doug Allen.

2014 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR PREVIEW & SCHEDULE
By Lance Jennings
 
SANTA MARIA, CA - DECEMBER 19, 2013... USAC Western Operations Director Chris Kearns has released the upcoming 2014 schedule for the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series. Entering their eleventh season, the traditional 410s will have twenty-four events, starting with the "Copper on Dirt" and closing with the "Hall of Fame Classic" at Canyon Speedway. The regional group will battle on the clay ovals of Perris, Watsonville, Santa Maria, and Calistoga, while returning to Ventura, Petaluma, Chico, and Hanford. In addition, the USAC/CRA Sprints will be featured in their first “California Sprint Week,” a five-race showcase in eight nights at four tracks. As this writing goes to press, Kearns is looking for sponsors to build a point fund for the special mini-series.

Kevin Montgomery's Canyon Speedway in Peoria, Arizona will host four dates on the schedule. Starting February 28th, the season opening “Copper on Dirt” has two nights of action with the Honda USAC Western Midgets, IMCA Modifieds, and West Coast Late Models. The “Copper on Dirt” will pay $2,500-to-win on Friday and $3,000-to-win the Saturday finale. USAC/CRA will return to the fast 1/3-mile oval on November 14th and a champion will be crowned at the two-day “Hall of Fame Classic.” Co-sanctioned with the USAC National Sprints, the popular event also honors legendary racers from the “Copper State.” Last season, Bryan Clauson scored two victories, while R.J. Johnson and Chase Stockon also won at Canyon. For more details on the Peoria, Arizona shows, visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com.

Don Kazarian's Perris Auto Speedway will showcase ten races on the 2014 calendar. USAC/CRA’s "home track" will continue to feature special events like the “Sokola Shootout” on March 15th and the “So Cal Sprint Car Spectacular” on April 12th with the World of Outlaws. The 40-lap “Salute to Indy” on May 24th and the July 4th “Firecracker 40” will have an increased purse. The "California Racers Hall of Fame Night" is August 16th and the "Glenn Howard Classic" will be held September 13th. Beginning November 7th, the USAC/CRA and USAC National Sprints will clash for two nights at the prestigious “19th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals.” Last season, Nic Faas led all drivers with four “home track” wins, as Bryan Clauson, Damion Gardner, Matt Mitchell, and Cory Kruseman earned Perris victories. “The People’s Champion” Dave Darland tied Bud Kaeding by scoring his third “Oval Nationals” triumph at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds. For more information on the Perris events, visit www.perrisautospeedway.com.

The traditional 410 sprint cars will return to Jim Naylor’s Ventura Raceway on May 10th. Paying $2,750-to-win and $350-to-start, the 1/5-mile oval at the Ventura County Fairgrounds last hosted USAC/CRA on September 25, 2010. On that night, “The Kruser” Cory Kruseman earned his series leading sixth win at his hometown track. For more information on the Ventura race, visit www.venturaraceway.com.

John Prentice's Ocean Speedway in Watsonville will showcase two dates on the schedule. The Friday night shows at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds on June 27th and September 5th will pay $2,750-to-win and $350-to-start. The June show will open a doubleheader with Petaluma, while the September race will be fourth leg of the inaugural “California Sprint Week.” Last season, “The Demon” Damion Gardner claimed a dramatic last lap victory and Marty Hawkins earned his first win at the popular 1/4-mile oval. For more details on the Watsonville shows, visit www.oceanspeedway.com.

Promoted by Jim Soares and managed by Rick Faeth, Petaluma Speedway will feature USAC/CRA on June 28th. Paying $2,750-to-win and $350-to-start, “The Fastest 3/8-mile Dirt Oval in Northern California,” last hosted the powerful 410s on June 19, 2010. At that race, Mike Spencer set a new 1-lap track record at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds and won the 30-lap main event. For more information on the Petaluma show, check out www.petaluma-speedway.com.  

Leased by the United States Auto Club (USAC), Santa Maria Speedway will feature two dates on the calendar. Paying $2,750-to-win and $350-to-start, the 1/3-mile facility will host races on July 5th and September 6th. The July date will also showcase the Honda USAC Western Midgets and the September show will be the “Championship Night” of the “California Sprint Week.” Last season, “The Demon” Damion Gardner and Ryan Bernal celebrated their victories at “The West’s Best Short Track.” For more details on the Santa Maria races, visit www.racesantamariaspeedway.com.

The scenic Calistoga Speedway will open the “California Sprint Week” with two nights of action at the Napa County Fairgrounds. Starting August 30th during Labor Day weekend, the "7th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic" will also host the Honda USAC Western Midgets, vintage cars, an autograph session, auctions, wine tasting, and more. Last August, Bud Kaeding and Kyle Larson earned hard fought victories at the famed 1/2-mile oval. For more information on the Calistoga shows, visit www.calistogaspeedway.org or www.louievermeilclassic.net.

On Thursday, September 4th, the powerful 410s will return to Dennis Gage's Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico. Held during the "Gold Cup Race of Champions," the third race of the “California Sprint Week” will pay $2,750-to-win and $350-to-start. On September 8, 2011, Kyle Larson won USAC/CRA’s only appearance at the 1/4-mile oval on the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds. For more details on the Chico event, visit www.silverdollarspeedway.com.

The USAC/CRA Sprint Cars will return to Scott Woodhouse’s Kings Speedway in Hanford on October 11th. Paying $2,750-to-win and $350-to-start, the “29th Annual Cotton Classic” will also feature the winged 410 King of the West Sprints. In their last visit to the 3/8-mile oval on May 19, 2012, “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr. earned his first series win from twelfth. For more information on the Hanford show, visit www.kingsspeedway.net.

The USAC Western Awards Banquet will be February 8th at the Chumash Casino Resort Hotel in Santa Ynez. More details and ticket information will be released as soon as possible. To catch all of the action of the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, Loudpedal Productions has DVD videos available for purchase. For more information, call (805) 407-7229 or visit www.loudpedalvideo.com.

The Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series would like to thank Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror Inc., Kaeding Performance, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, Rugged Radios, SBI Fuel Systems, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Racing, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series in 2014, email PR Director Lance Jennings at [email protected].

For more information on the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, visit www.usacracing.com or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/USAC-CRA-Sprint-Car-Series/167535183297971) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/#!/USAC_CRA).
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2014 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
February 28: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ (Copper on Dirt)
March 1: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ (Copper on Dirt)
March 15: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)
April 12: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (So Cal Sprint Car Spectacular)
May 3: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
May 10: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA
May 24: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute to Indy)
June 14: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
June 27: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
June 28: Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma, CA
July 4: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Firecracker 40)
July 5: Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
August 16: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
August 30: #Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
August 31: #Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 4: #Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA (Gold Cup Race of Champions)
September 5: #Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA
September 6: #Santa Maria Speedway - Santa Maria, CA
September 13: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
October 11: Kings Speedway - Hanford, CA (Cotton Classic)
November 7: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 8: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)
November 14: *Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
November 15: *Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with USAC National Sprints.
# = California Sprint Week.
This schedule is subject to change.

Santa Maria CRA races leased to USAC ? & I do not see any WC360 races in the other sked pages @ SM ? (last year there were quite a few ) 

The above Comments are satire & for entertainment
purposes only

I just finished reviewing the newly-posted 2014 USAC-CRA schedule above.  There are some very exciting things planned for next year for sure.  As a fan, I welcome some of the changes and applaude the effort to add new venues to the racing calendar.  However, for the car owners and the drivers that are considering chasing the 2014 championship, and for the fans that plan to follow them in love and support of the sport, I do have some concerns.  Those of you that know me, whether personally or on this message board know that, although my opinions most likely won’t make a bit of difference, when I feel compelled to share them with you I'm gonna do it anyway...but I do make an effort to refrain from posting threads or replies with a "negative vibe" to them.  Please understand that, from the bottom of my heart, I only say these things because I care about the sport of grass roots, short-track, dirt sprint car racing and everyone involved in making it happen each year.  I am just a passionate fan.  Today's message isn't all roses.  Feel free to opt out now. 

The first thing that stands out is the number of races “out on the road".  Only ten (10) nights of CRA racing will be held at Perris Auto Speedway in 2014.  That is okay.  What is harder to comprehend is the fact that the remaining fourteen (14) events will be spread out over nine (9) different venues…up and down the California Coast and out in Arizona too.   At first glance, I thought to myself that this latest schedule just might be a good thing.  Our CRA show will gain exposure to new venues, and fans in other areas will be exposed to the CRA shows…some for the first time.  In theory, new fans could be gained.  Also, it gives our boys the chance to race against local teams at other tracks.  That, combined with the challenges of racing on different surfaces and shapes gives the teams more variety and keeps them sharp.  Drivers learn to adapt to change…and that is good.   

However, I fear that making the CRA series more challenging for teams and racers to attend may have a very serious impact...in the wrong direction...on the future of the CRA.  If you haven’t already done so already, take a moment and check out the final point standings of for the USAC-CRA series in 2013.  You can find the results at the following link:

http://usacracing.com/standings/sprint/cra

I don’t have the complete statistics from 2013, so someone can correct me on this, but I believe that maybe four (4) of the above cars entered every CRA race last season.  Lance Jennings would know for sure...he is the man when it comes to having this information down and easily accessible.  (By the way, thank you Lance, for your efforts and for letting us ramble on this message board).  Nic Faas was 3rd in points in 2013, yet didn't have perfect attendance.  What does that tell you about teams aiming to hit all the stops?  In his defense, Faas was absent only due to medical reasons.  Only three (3) teams towed to each event on the schedule…one single-car effort and two multi-car groups.  Of the teams in the Top 20 in points, half of them were “part-time” CRA racers.  Heck, the team that placed 10^th in points for the California series is based out of Indiana. That tells me that we’re losing our regulars.  No one can deny that. 

No matter what name you give the series, the majority of the teams that will compete on a semi-regular basis are still SoCal locals that will race when it is close to home and within their budget to do so.  We’ve all discussed the current state of 410 Sprint Car Racing in SoCal, debated what the issues are that have led to what it is now, and given our opinions as to how we all think it could be fixed.  However, the economy it is what it is…and will most likely remain that way for a very long time to come.

I assume that each of the teams were contacted over the last month, during the off-season, and asked their opinions on traveling up North for 14 of the 24 race dates.  I wonder if the majority of them got what they wanted...or what they were told they were going to get.  I did notice that there are purse increases for “Away” shows, which USAC is using as an incentive for the teams to take their rigs up and down Interstate 5 and Highway 99, and back and forth along the 10 Freeway out of state.  I wonder how the folks at Perris Auto Speedway feel about that.  After all, they have been the series’ “Home” track since the inception of the series and have hosted the majority of the races.  How do they feel about the “dangling carrot” to entice the teams to use up their equipment, their vacation days, and their expendable cash taking their haulers out on the road?  Maybe it works for their business model.  I’m sure there is much more to the story behind-the –scenes that you and I will never know….or need to know.  But I do know that an increased traveling schedule will affect the race teams, their budgets, and their racing plans in 2014.  I don’t see how taking our boys on tour and turning them into a traveling show in this economy could possibly do anything but hurt the longevity of the sport we love.

In my humble opinion, this series needs to pay a bit more attention to the teams that support it by allowing them to compete in more of the shows, build their inventory of parts, and not beat their stuff up out on the road.  In this economy, the teams cannot afford the expenses that go with traveling to race.  That has been proven over the last several years.  Each year, it seems fewer and fewer of the teams are contesting for the championship trophy.   

The series also needs to focus on the fans that support it, which will in turn allow the promoters a fighting chance to survive.  In addition to having fewer cars show up each race, having fewer races also hurts our local, SoCal fan base as well.  When the series cuts back on the amount of events held at the “local track”, the routine attendance is killed.  I understand that PAS cannot keep the doors open by hosting a race each Saturday night.  The glory days of Ascot are over.  Times have changed.  Reducing the number of events by a certain amount actually does the front gate well, as people don’t want to miss the shows as much, knowing that they will have to wait that much longer to see the next one.  This also slightly helps the back gate, as it gives teams more time to re-build between races.  However, at some point, when you reduce the frequency of the events as much as we have, you start to lose the families that plan their weekends around racing.  There isn’t enough regularity to keep them interested and keep them coming back to root on their heroes.  They simply find other stuff to do on weekends…and we rarely get them back. 

Additionally, folks like me of average income cannot attend the full schedule.  I consider myself a hardcore fan, but I won’t be trekking up and down the state to watch my guys this year.  I can’t afford the time off or the money that it takes to do so.   It is bad enough that the tracks have been trying to recover lost potential income from the reduced number of events by raising the prices of admissions, parking and concessions.  Tracks appear to be of the mindset that they need only to cater to the hardcore fans that will show up regardless.  Hardcore fans like us are a dying breed.  We need new blood in those seats.  Unfortunately for our sport, Southern California’s beaches, mountains and amusement parks offer far too many options for the consumer to consider when they have some free time and a little cash in their pocket.    

I want my kids to continue to go with me to Sprint Car races in SoCal.   I hope they grow up with racing in their blood and bring their friends…and later their own kids…to the races.  It’s what we hardcore fans do…it’s what we know…it’s what we love!  I’m just scared of what the future holds for our sport when I look back at the point standings each December and see the lack of full-time support…and then I see new schedules with a growing number of traveling races and a dwindling number of entries at each.

 The final thought has to do mostly with us fans.  I am curious:  Why is the racing season for the California Racing Association “book-ended” by shows held in another state?  Don’t get me wrong, I do not believe the CRA should be exclusive to racing in California.  Arizona teams are awesome.  Some of the best racers in the world have come from the clay bullrings in the desert.  However, in my opinion, the SoCal fans deserve to see the season opener at their “Home” track, and likewise the PAS deserves the opportunity to crown the CRA Champion in front of the hometown crowd…on home turf.    

Just my two cents worth…I appreciate you reading this far. 

I wish all the race teams, drivers, sponsors, officials, track personnel and race fans a very successful and safe 2014 racing season and I look forward to supporting every show that I can.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 Sincerely,

Doug Bushey

Passionate Fan / Announcer / Media & Public Relations 
Agent 

Half the lies they tell about me aren't true. 

Good point Kenny.  I'm not one that knocks history and wants to change it.  But selfishly, I would like to see the first race close to home.  I will concede that one to tradition, but at least crown the champion at home. 

Oh well, opinions are like....uhhh...well, you know.

Doug Bushey

Passionate Fan / Announcer / Media & Public Relations 
Agent 

It's also a good 20 to 25 degrees warmer at Canyon for the opener with the average at the pass at about that time, end of Feb, first of March, at around 55.... A daytime high of 55 at the PAS, makes for a damn cold night!

 Perris year temperature in average

Half the lies they tell about me aren't true. 

Yup!!..well said guys!..I'll also agree to most all covered above making good points/sense!!...especially when the economy is being mentioned!!..it has been and will continue to be,for yrs to come,the reason that continually puts big ($$$$)pressure on the Sport we all love and support, as our budgets allow!!....only reason for me relocating here to the 'Valley of the Sun'...theres more than a few doz. N.Wing races @ 4 tracks within 2hrs of Phx.!!...good enough reason!!...Eh Kenny!!..........

Brucer'(Brewskis')   

Half the lies they tell about me aren't true. 

10-4 Kenny!!....also you did ur best to make/talk up the shows they had over there in San Berdo!!.......

____________________

Brucer'(Brewskis')

Posted By: BIGFISH on December 19 2013 at 06:24:08 PM It's also a good 20 to 25 degrees warmer at Canyon for the opener with the average at the pass at about that time, end of Feb, first of March, at around 55.... A daytime high of 55 at the PAS, makes for a damn cold night!  Perris year temperature in average

Actually, I think a five degree difference at that time of year is more accurate. However, if you are suffering from a winter flu or a cold in California, a few days of dry warm racing in the Canyon will dry out and cure just about anything. Worked for me this year!

Good Posts Doug....

   I myself cannot afford to travel all of the time...My business would suffer from it...I built my car for the fun of racing it but also from the standpoint of an owner of a business for advertisement....Not many people in Arizona are going to want to call me for my services.  I do not want to do business in Arizona at this time so racing the car there does me little good from the business aspect...Again the question of Santa Maria....Not a mention on the West Coast 360's.....By the way why do they call them the West Coast 360's?...When basically there is nothing "Coast" about them anymore......My car will continue to sit until something happens with Santa Maria.....And I know of at least three others that are sitting as well...IMO I would like to see track championships come back.....which at Santa Maria has not happened for a few years for the WC360's...Please correct me if I'm wrong...

Jeff

Santa Maria did not have a sprint car champion in 2013. Here is a list from the last few years under the West Coast sanction:

2009- Peter Murphy

2010- T.J. Smith

2011- Ryan Bernal

2012- Ryan Bernal

After reading all of this I'm still not sure if you think the schedule is a good thing or a bad thing?? I guess it does not really matter since you don't own a race car. As far as the fans go, I have not seen the grandstands full anywhere this year and I can't imagine it's going to get any better as long as the promoters continue to target the back gate for income. We have a schedule that allows us to race more than last year for more money so why would that be bad? Some guys are going to do the whole thing and some are not. At least we know we will get paid!!

Lightnin...

After reading your post, I'm not sure what the intent of your reply is.  It sounds like a couple of jabs at me...(1) for having an opinion without being a car owner myself and (2) for being formerly associated with the URA.  If so, I apologize if my posts offend you in any way. shape or form.  Am I opinionated?  Yes.  Never deny that.  Am I correct about everything that I try to defend?  Heck no.  Never claimed to be.  I should possibly try harder to represent myself in a more positive manner.  Regardless, the intention of my posts are to get people on here thinking, with the sake of the sport in mind.  Those that know me personally know that.  I still respect you and your opinion.  Heck, that is what this message board is for, right?!

You didn't sign your name, so I am not sure who you are, but if you own a sprint car team and race with in SoCal, I'm sure we've spoken at least a few times...or at least crossed paths.  If you are a car owner, I respect you...more than you know.  I am not a car owner.  I wish I was.  I wish I was a driver to be honest.  Because I'm trying to raise a family on an average income, I cannot afford to be a car owner.  Therefore, I live vicariously through you guys.  I worship the lifestyle that is racing...that you have.  I consider all racing people my extended family.  I have ever since racing quarter midgets for 11 years in my youth.  Racing is all I've ever known.  So if you think for a second that I am not behind you, brother, you're misinformed.  But please don't tell me that my opinion doesn't matter because I don't have a sprint car sitting in my garage at home.  That is the opposite of productive when trying to build a fan base. 

To quickly summarize my post in a more direct fashion...I believe that future sprint car schedules for 410 sprint cars based in SoCal should be focused more on building a fan base close to home.  This accomplishes two (2) things:  First, more racing close to home makes it more affordable for the teams who are trying to contest for the championship, and for those who are interested in making appearances whenever they can afford to.  Second, we need to build up the local fan base.  As you touched on in your reply, promoters are focused on back-gate revenue to compensate for the lack of fans in the stands.  That is a temporary solution for keeping doors open, but without a thriving front-gate, the sport is doomed.  If we can rebuild the front gate attendance, we can reduce the amount of supporting classes and shorten up the show a bit, which also saves the track from dusting up late in the night.  All of this helps keep butts in the seats.

We need to protect the car owner's pockets a much as possible, while providing a more consistent show at home to build up the fan base and get people scheduling races on their calendars.  Dude, I am trying to help you.  I'm trying to help everyone involved here.  My post was intended to be constructive criticism...not complaining.  Negativity is when you complain and don't have any ideas for a solution. 

On a side note, I didn't have anything to do with money during my services in the URA.  I was the source of communication, sure, but I never touched any funds.  However, just so you know, I personally took a huge brunt of the backlash from the SMS deal.  Yet since August 24th I have continued to support the effort to get all of the drivers paid for that event.  If you were a participant, you should know that.  I have been cursed at in front of my kids for my involvement with the URA and yet I have spent several hours via emails, phone calls, texts, etc. trying to get some action.  The last word I heard from the SMS promoters was about a month ago and they informed me that they were going to pay each driver directly, in the order of finish from that night.  I assume by now the top 3 have checks???

Dude, I am on your side.  Don't kill the messenger!  Like I said, I will be there paying to watch your car race, and fighting for your rights to whoever will listen.  

Doug Bushey

Passionate Fan / Announcer / Media & Public Relations 
Agent 

Doug,

      You are spot on with what you are stating...Myself and others have the same thoughts in this area also...

    I have heard thru the grapevine that there are changes coming to Santa Maria again.....We are hoping.....

good job again Doug...very well stated!!....

________________

Brucer'(Brewskis')

santa maria just needs to pay for the last ura race . ruben stated he was going to get it done ( start paying the racers ) that was a month ago , as usual he wont return any calls . sounds like we need a new promoter at sms !!

Drama , Controversy , Rivalry 

Good read Doug, well written and very thought provoking.  If I had any answers to any of those concerns I would share but alas I have nothing to offer accept one small thing, I am one of those folks who can't afford to travel to race.  I will travel to go watch and drink beers but the car stays at home at least for now.  The goal we have set for our program is to compete in all the 360 events at my home track, Canyon Speedway.  There is a lot of events in 2014's USAC Southwest Sprint Car schedule so it will be difficult to even make all the shows at Canyon, but let's say we do.  Let's say we have a few top 10's in there and don't tear up a bunch of cars.  There is still no incentive for any race team committed to supporting a particular track at the end of the year and that is something no one really talks about. 

California is just tough, sorry, but it is.  I was born and raised in Chula Vista so I am not hating, I am actually fat now that I can't surf every morning at the best beach break in SoCal, Imperial Beach,but the reality is I moved to Arizona to be able to race again because even with a good income there was no way in hell we could race in CA.  We actually have enough teams and enough cars in AZ to not only put on about 30 great shows per year, but to also maybe offer some end of the year incentive for teams who make every event at a particular track.  Arizona Speeday, Canyon, Tucson if you run a wing, what ever.  It's not about the money really, let it be for a few bucks and a trophy or something; but to allign this thought with yours about supporting a home track why can't we have a track champion outside of the series champion? 

I will never contend for a series championship, but if there was a second tier goal like a local track championship It would sure make it interesting for us and keep the energy up over a long summer season.   

Happy New Year to all