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From The Grandstand
by Ron Rodda
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October 18th is a long way off, but the interest is building for the 19th Annual Trophy Cup which opens on that night with the first ever Nonwing Trophy Cup. Thursday will be a one night event for nonwing 360 sprints, racing for a $21,000 purse, before the winged 360s take over the next two nights, competing for approximately $88,000. It will all take place, of course, at the Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, a venue that has proven to be an excellent home for the Cup.
The approximate two day purse is because the exact amount paid won’t be known until after the last lap has been raced. The completely guaranteed purse is paying a minimum of $2000 to each driver that makes the Saturday A main for the two day total. Last year half of the 24 drivers that split the $40,175 point fund part of the purse received less than the now guaranteed $2000 for all racing. The same results as last year would now add an additional $8250 for a total payout of $88,250 for a two day event.
As well as the increased payout for 2012, it is also important because the last Trophy Cup under the leadership of its founder, Dave Pusateri, will be held in 2013. That one has already been determined to pay $50,000 to the champion. Drivers that race in the 2012 event will be guaranteed entry in the 20th annual a year later. Since it is a safe assumption that this year will sell out for entries, then that means the 2013 version paying 50K to win will also be sold out if all entrants return.
Technically, this year’s Cup race has no openings for entries. Last year’s full field has first option to enter this year, and if all cars take advantage of the opportunity to enter, then there is no space left, based on the 80 car maximum entry level. No entries will be accepted from anyone until after May 1st when the guaranteed entry forms are mailed to last year’s entrants. They have until May 31st to confirm their entry, after that any available spots are available to new entrants. Any entries received before June 1st from cars that did not enter last year will be returned.
To be guaranteed a chance to race in the 2013 event, a team must attempt to race this year. Only the teams that attempt to race in 2012 will receive the guaranteed entry for the 20th annual in 2013. In other words, entering but not showing up this year won’t work for getting into the following year’s finale.
The first time nonwing Cup on Thursday is already drawing entries despite the event being more than six months away. Just like the winged portion, all entry fees are donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Entry level will be limited to 60 teams and approximately 20 verbal commitments have been received as of Feb. 13.
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