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

Not that anyone asked me to or that even that many care but I need to write this stuff down before I forget. It was great seeing everyone and I'm not going to attempt to list any names because I know I will forget somebody. Actually I do have to mention Marcel and Taco Bravo's Dennis Wuollet because no Trophy Cup would be complete without getting a chance to see and talk to those two. It was definitely a relief to hear that Marcel was OK after his fainting spell on Saturday night. The Mussel brothers Matt and Randy not being there was definitely a bit of a shocker to me as I just assumed they would be. Having not seen them since last year I was definitely looking forward to getting caught back up. In talking to Dave Pusateri I mentioned that someone should look into how many major sprint car events have been able to put together an 18 year run without any mother nature related cancellations or postponements. I'm willing to bet not that many. Obviously the event being in California helps and we all should be thankful of that but when you think of even events like the Fall Nationals at Chico which in the grand scheme of things has not been around all that long they have had a number of issues with weather over the years. And, yes, I know the weather is different in Nor-Cal than it is in central or southern California but still it is worth noting. This weekend's weather was nothing short of perfect. When it was announced that they are considering a Thursday night non-wing event next year during the Trophy Cup my immediate remark to Pusateri was "my advice – keep USAC out of it". Speaking of announcing Troy Hennig and Bobby Gerould were again the perfect combination all weekend long. Talking to Kirk and Marshal Sargent before going into the stands on Friday we all marveled at the fact that it was the 18^th annual Trophy Cup. Nobody I talked to who was at the first event had any thought back then that we would still be going to this race. It is a testament to the wise leadership of Dave Pusateri, all the members of the Trophy Cup Organization, and supporters over the years that this event has become such a gem. I missed most of qualifying so I'm pretty sure I missed Stephen Allard's flip. Word started to filter back that he had to go to the hospital because a section of the wing tree came down and pierced his helmet just above his eyebrows in the center of his forehead. Allard came back Saturday sporting stitches and even attempted to race but early car troubles had him parked the rest of the night. It was good to see him because what happened to him is very frightening to people who know just how bad something like that happening to a driver can be. Steve Faria worked until nearly 3:00 AM to get the track the way he wanted it to be on Saturday. I know this because my tent was pitched outside turn three and it was lit up like high noon because of the track lights being on until around then. Not that I am complaining because I slept just fine and Saturday night's racing surface was about as good as it gets. A definite highlight of the weekend was getting to enjoy my spaghetti lunch on Saturday with nearly lifelong hero Howard Kaeding. It shocked the shit out of me that HK remembered that I lived not in Chico but in the very small town of Dayton. I think I told him once about 4 years ago when we moved here so his memory is amazing. You definitely can't go wrong with HK that's for sure. Getting to visit with Ken Wagner during the spaghetti feed as well was definitely a treat because usually there is a non-winged race somewhere that keeps him from being able to attend the Trophy Cup. It was a nice surprise to see Netters who had made the trip down from Washington just as I was leaving breakfast at Sonic Friday morning. I did go to Nielsen's in Tulare for breakfast and it was good but after the third breakfast place in the area I'm still searching for a good Denver omelet. Every breakfast joint gets measured by the same omelet so it's a fair playing field. I must be spoiled by The Roost, Morning Thunder, and the Red Rooster up here because Neilsen's, Apple Annie's, and IHOP (which was the worst breakfast I have ever had) hasn't even come close. I got along fine with the waitresses though but I would say that the heads-up by davemahar probably helped with that. The party after the races in the campground on Friday night was epic but went on without me because I was in bed by 1:00 AM. I saw many wounded soldiers the next day as partying like a rock star until 5:00 AM will do that to a person and the proceedings Saturday evening were greatly subdued as a result. The racing wasn't all always exceptional but there were times when it was off the charts. Kyle Larsen's charge through the field on Friday would have been one for the ages had it not ended the way it did. It was impressive while it was happening as was his dominating performance on Saturday night. The two lap shoot – out for the cup on Saturday definitely added to the drama that always seems to make that part of the event just one of the best things one could hope to witness. I started to believe that Brad Sweet would win it but watched as the car seemed to tighten up in the middle of three and four before he hit the wall pretty good actually riding up on it for a good distance. One person I continually would like to see do well in the big events is Kyle Hirst but until he can slow himself down a little bit I'm afraid it may be awhile. Before anybody gets their undies in a wad please think about what I am saying. There are others I talked to who feel the same way who want nothing more than to see him rise to the top at an event but it can be tough sometimes and this weekend was no exception. The Tulare County Fairgrounds is probably one of the nicest places I have ever stayed and it's nice to relax during the day or take a walk around the place. One of the Thomas Family's campground neighbors remarked that the old dude painted on the door at the nature science and conservation education area of the fairgrounds kinda gave her the creeps. Of course to the many people who knew Carwash Mike that door has a completely different meaning as there is a picture that many have seen of him posing next to that door. It will forever be just one more thing that helps his closest friends remember him with a smile every time they visit the fairgrounds. I'm sure I'm forgetting something but for anyone who has actually made it this far I'm sure you're thinking I should wrap this up so I will. Looking very much forward to another Trophy Cup.

This was my first Trophy Cup race weekend, already making plans for next year. I highly recommend it for any racing fan, I had a great time and got to watch some great racing. They did mention that next year may be 3 nights, Wingless on Thursday, Friday and Sat. regular Trophy Cup program. I'm in.

Cornwr Cafe is great, but try Sal's Cafe in Tulare