Forum: Northern California Sprint Car (go)
Moderators: StuDeedooo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FINAL JOHNNY KEY CLASSIC QUALIFIER ON TAP FOR FRIDAY NIGHT AT OCEAN

WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA (August 17, 2011) – In the midst of a heavy battle for the points lead in the Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo championship, drivers will also be seeking a berth in the 51st Johnny Key Classic in Friday night’s action at Ocean Speedway.

Four drivers will be locked in to the Johnny Key Classic through qualifying nights with Tim Kaeding, Kyle Larson, and Tommy Tarlton already locked in. The two highest drivers in the points after Friday night’s races will also earn berths meaning that points leader Ronnie Day of Salinas is a near lock to make the show as is rookie sensation Rico Abreu.

Day leads Tarlton by just four points after the most recent feature on July 29 with Tarlton closing down rapidly on him. Day has driven the #22 Keith Day Trucking to a consistent season with only one finish outside of fourth. Tarlton has won twice in the Ocean Sprints in 2011, with one win at Ocean Speedway and one coming at the Tulare Thunderbowl in April.

The battle for third in the points standings is getting interesting as third place running Abreu, in the #89 Abreu Vinyards mount, has seen his advantage over Prunedale’s Justin Sanders diminish to just 10 points. Tommy Laliberte runs fifth in the points and 42 points behind Abreu.

Laliberte will drive a new mount starting on Friday, taking the reigns of the TW Performance #20 and stepping out of the family-owned #20x. Young Michael Twitchell is set to make his series debut this weekend in the #37 and Eric Rossi is expected to return driving the #99 for Wayne Katen.

“Cowboy” Craig Smith, Kurt Nelson, Kevin Pylant, Fremont’s Shane Golobic, and Ryan Rusconi of San Jose round out the top-ten in the points. Golobic will remain in the Steve Osborne Motorsports #9J car for Friday but may end up back in the #121 for the Johnny Key Classic.

The highest finishing car on Friday that is not yet qualified into the Johnny Key Classic will be awarded a spot in the 50 lap marathon for Saturday August 27.

Laps are currently for sale for the Johnny Key Classic with interested parties urged to contact [email protected] Laps are $50 each to be paid out to the top-three cars each lap.

The Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo show this Friday night includes Wingless Sprints and Four Bangers along with the 2^nd annual Police N Pursuit. Adult tickets are just $17 with seniors 65+ $15 and kids ages 6-12 are $12. The family pass for two adults and two children is value priced at just $50. Qualifying will get underway at 6 p.m. with fan gates opening at 4:30 p.m.

For more information on the Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo log onto http://www.oceansprints.com and for more on the Ocean Speedway visit http://www.oceanspeedway.com

www.stevenblakesley.com

Rico Abreu is looking to get himself into the Key on Friday night. David Spencer photo.

www.stevenblakesley.com

the racers reunion BBQ (known by most as the Goulate Bros reunion) is also going to be held at ocean on aug 27. the night of the key race.

racers and fans of all ages, from the past and present will be on hand.

vintage race cars will be on display.

there is also a car show happening that day.

former san jose speedway announcer kenny takeuchi is scheduled to be the MC of the event.

from what i know it will be from 10am to 1pm and will be open to all.

it will be catered by high five catering, so you know the food will be great.

as far as i know tickets are 20 bucks. if you buy the BBQ ticket you get a discounted race ticket for only 10 bucks. a race ticket to the key for 10 bucks ain't bad. (edit, i have been informed $10 race tickets are already sold out)

i am not sure if you have to get the BBQ tickets in advance or if they will be sold that day.

(edit, closing date for advance BBQ tickets is Mon Aug 22 so they can get mailed back to you. BBQ tickets will be on sale the day of the event for $30.00)

i am sure if you contact samantha harper, you can get all the info.

this is your chance to catch up with some of your hero's of the past and the stars of the present.

don't wait, get the info soon and be a part of the event!

[email protected]

to indy and beyond!!

ok, my latest info on the racers reunion BBQ is info will be on hand at the track tonight. tickets will be available at the door the day of the event (aug 27th)

check in will begin at 10am lunch will begin at 11:30am the $30 price at the door for BBQ tix has been reduced to $25.

there has always been a great response to this event when the Goulartes were putting it on themselves.

from what i know there has been a great response so far this year. make plans to be at ocean speedway early to take part in the BBQ and the other festivities leading up to the 51st Johnny Key Classic next sat aug 27th.

to indy and beyond!!