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Aug.31, 2009
Doug Gabbard Opens the Door Wider for Sprint Cars at Canyon Speedway!!!
Many have wondered about the future of sprint car racing in Arizona. With the split up of the 360 division two years ago, the closing of Manzy, then the tanking of the economy, some have not held out much hope. Promoters like Kevin Montgomery of USA Raceway, and Doug Gabbard of Canyon Speedway had to step up to try to preserve our sport and give these racers a home.
Back only a few years ago ASCA could brag of car counts reaching into the high 30's on any given Saturday night. The pits buzzing with racers and fans. Sponsors supported the purses making 360 sprint car racing in Arizona the place to be. Some have asked if we will ever see those days again?
This week Doug Gabbard, owner of Canyon Speedway Park made an announcement that will assure fans and racers alike that Sprint Car Racing is alive and well in the Phoenix area. Mr. Gabbard rolled out a new ASCA purse that will pay $1000.00 to win and pays more back than ASCA has seen in the last two years. "We have averaged more than 19 cars this year for ASCA, and with that kind of a car count, we can substantially increase the purse for the three remaining shows on Canyon Speedway's schedule." stated Gabbard. He went on to say, "I actually feel relieved that it is going in this direction. This should really help with 360 non-wing morale at CSP." ALLSCAPES, a valley company specializing in landscape design, installation & renovation services has teamed up with Canyon to fill the gap in the purse. If you need a good landscaping company anywhere in the valley you can call them for a free estimate at 623-205-9313. A special thanks goes to ALLSCAPES for making this purse possible. Gabbard asked that the following be announced ………
Effective immediately the following changes will take place:
FOR REMAINING 2009 ASCA POINT RACES
on the following dates: Sept.19th, Oct.3rd and Oct.17th
NEW PURSE STRUCTURE IS AS FOLLOWS:
17 to 20 cars will pay $1000.00 to WIN & $150.00 to START the "A" Main
13 to 16 cars will pay $750.00 to WIN & $150.00 to START the "A" Main
Less than 13 cars will still pay $500.00 to WIN & $150.00 to START the "A" Main
Canyon Speedway will also pay $100.00 to anyone who takes a green flag, even those who cannot make the Main Event. Gabbard is concerned that every racer at least gets something to help with his expenses.
Next year Canyon Speedway hopes to attain series sponsors to enhance the purse even further. There is already interest on behalf of potential sponsors. Gabbard stated that he has already made space available for bill boards and other advertisement media to help out. This is a viable resource to help fund racing teams that are struggling with today's economy, while giving exposure to businesses wanting to optimize their advertising dollars. Racers are very loyal patrons of those who support them. Historically, this arrangement has had good support. It is not uncommon to see sponsorship money enhance a purse by $1000.00 or more in a given night.
Pertaining to the Southwest Championship Doug stated, "We are working on restructuring the event to a new date and are looking at making it a 2-day show with a guaranteed purse each night." He urged us to "Stay tuned for more to come!!!"
These changes are a large investment in the future of Sprint Car Racing in Arizona. When Manzanita Speedway closed, it left many divisions with potentially no place to race. Both USA in Tucson and Canyon Speedway had a full schedule of races already at the start of the racing season, but at great risk, they made room and did their best to give these racers a home. "Some nights the track is stretched to its limits. It is not the way we want to run a show, and it's no secret that we simply have too many cars running on that track in a race night" said Gabbard. Then he asked the question, "But what was the alternative? We had to do something, or there would have been a lot of parked cars." This is the kind of spirit we all like to see in a racetrack owner. With the help of Arizona racers, Gabbard's investment will pay off. Racers can rest assured, with the efforts of all involved, Sprint Car Racing IS alive and well in Arizona!
ABC Motorsports
www.abcmotorsports.com
(The Arizona 12 cars)
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