USAC WESTERN RACERS TO BE HONORED AT JANUARY 27TH LAS VEGAS AWARDS BANQUET
By Lance Jennings
DECEMBER 27, 2017... On Saturday, January 27th, the United States Auto Club’s Western Racing Divisions will celebrate their 2017 season at the annual Awards Banquet and Roast. Hosted by the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, racers with the CRA Sprint Car, West Coast Sprint Car, SouthWest Sprint Car, Western States Midget, Speed 2 Western Midget, and National Micro Sprint Series will be honored.
The festivities will begin the previous night at 8:00pm with the USAC Western Bowling Tournament. Voted “Best of Las Vegas Bowling Alley” by the Las Vegas Review Journal, the Bowling Center in the Orleans Hotel features 70 lanes, a full service pro shop, and more. Tickets are $25 per person and includes 3 games with shoe rental. Teams can be made in advance and should have six bowlers.
Starting at 12:00pm on Saturday, the Awards Banquet will honor the top-10 and Rookie of the Year drivers with the CRA Sprint Car, West Coast Sprint Car, SouthWest Sprint Car, and Western States Midget series. The top-5 drivers in the three Speed 2 Western Midget divisions and top-3 in the six National Micro Sprint groups will also be recognized. In addition, several honorees will be given special awards for their contribution and dedication to racing. Tickets are $75 per person.
Both events are open to all drivers, crews, family, and friends. The ticket order form for both the Awards Banquet and Bowling Tournament can be downloaded at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/2017/banquet2017.docx and must be received by January 20th.
Champion drivers being honored include “The Demon” Damion Gardner (CRA Sprint Car), Jake Swanson (West Coast Sprint Car), R.J. Johnson (SouthWest Sprint Car), Ronnie Gardner (Western States Midget), and Jesse Love IV (Western Overall Speed 2 Midget, Western Dirt Speed 2 Midget, and Western Pavement Speed 2 Midget).
After another successful season, champions in the National Micro Sprint divisions are Jimmy Leal (Coastal Clash), Dex Morris (Coastal Clash Restricted), Josh Ames (Non Wing 600), Trevor Years (Wing 600), Daison Pursley (Restricted 600), and Jade Avedisian (Junior Sprint),
These drivers were also honored at the USAC “Night of Champions” in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 8th.
Drivers that earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2017 are Matt McCarthy (CRA Sprint Car), Brandon Wiley (West Coast Sprint Car), Matt Lundy (SouthWest Sprint Car), and Mason Daniel (Western States Midget).
The Orleans Hotel and Casino is located at 4500 West Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas Nevada and for more hotel information, visit www.orleanscasino.com or call 800.675.3267.
2018 USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE HAS 26 DATES AT 11 TRACKS
By Lance Jennings
DECEMBER 26, 2017... Heading to their fifteenth campaign, the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will feature twenty-six events at eleven racetracks in 2018. Starting with the March 3rd "So Cal Showdown" and closing with the November 10th "Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction” at Perris, the traditional 410s are poised for another competitive season. The popular “5th Annual California Sprint Week” remains a highlight on the calendar with six races in eight nights at five speedways.
Located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, Perris Auto Speedway will host ten races on the schedule. Promoted by Don Kazarian, “America’s Premier Dirt Track” continues to showcase events like the “So Cal Showdown” with the World of Outlaws on March 3rd and the “Sokola Shootout” on April 21st. The “Salute to Indy” on May 26th, the August 18th “California Racers Hall of Fame Night," and the "Glenn Howard Classic" on September 22nd are “must see events.” Starting November 8th, the AMSOIL USAC/CRA and USAC National Sprints will clash for three nights at the prestigious “23rd Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction.” Last season, “The Demon” Damion Gardner and R.J. Johnson tied with three “home track” wins and other victories were claimed by Richard Vander Weerd, Justin Grant, Chase Stockon, Brody Roa, and Kevin Thomas Jr. By adding his name to the Oval Nationals winner’s list, Thomas earned $25,000 for his efforts. Perris Auto Speedway is located at 18700 Lake Perris Drive in Perris, California and for more information, visit www.perrisautospeedway.com or call 951.940.0134.
Canyon Speedway Park returns to the AMSOIL USAC/CRA calendar with the 2-day “Spring Showcase” starting on March 9th. Promoted by Doug Gabbard, the Peoria, Arizona oval last featured the non-winged 410s on October 1, 2016 and R.J. Johnson took the checkered flags. Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway and for more details, visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or call 602.258.RACE (7223).
The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare will host USAC/CRA Sprint Cars on April 14th along the USAC Western States Midgets. Promoted by Steve Faria, last April’s event at the lightning fast 1/3-mile oval was rained out. The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California. For more information, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.
Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Jim Naylor’s Ventura Raceway will feature the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars on May 7th. Last season, five-time champion Mike Spencer raced to the 38th series win of his career at “The Best Little Dirt Track in America.” Ventura Raceway is located at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura, California and for more details, visit www.venturaraceway.com or call 805.648.RACE.
The popular Santa Maria Raceway will host two nights on the schedule. The traditional 410 sprints will headline the action at the July 7th “Doug Fort Memorial” and August 4th. Max Adams earned his first series win last July and Brody Roa topped the August main event. Santa Maria Raceway is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange at 1900 Hutton Road in Nipomo, California and for more information, visit www.santamariaraceway.com or call 805.922.2232.
The scenic Calistoga Speedway will open the “5th Annual California Sprint Week” on September 1st with two nights of action. Promoted by Tommy Hunt and HMC Promotions, "11th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic" will also feature the USAC Western States Midgets, vintage cars, an autograph session, auctions, wine tasting, and more. Last season, Kevin Thomas Jr. and Rico Abreu took the checkered flags at the Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga Speedway is located at 1435 North Oak Street in Calistoga, California and for more information, visit www.calistogaspeedway.org, or call 916.773.7225.
On Monday, September 3rd, Petaluma Speedway will host the third round of “California Sprint Week.” Promoted by Rick Faeth, “The Fastest 3/8-mile Dirt Oval in Northern California” has become a popular stop on the schedule. Last season, Indiana’s “Sunshine” Tyler Courtney added his name to the record books at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Petaluma Speedway is located at 100 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma, California and for more details, visit www.petaluma-speedway.com or call 707.763.7223.
On Thursday, September 6th, the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars are back at Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway. Promoted by Dennis Gage, the fourth round of “California Sprint Week” is held during the "Gold Cup Race of Champions." Last September, “The Demon” Damion Gardner” scored his fourth win of the season on his way to his sixth championship. Silver Dollar Speedway is located at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds at 2357 Fair Street in Chico, California and for more information, visit www.silverdollarspeedway.com or call 530.350.7275.
Watsonville’s Ocean Speedway will host the fifth round of “California Sprint Week” on Friday, September 7th. Promoted by John Prentice, the 1/4-mile oval at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is a fan favorite. Last year, Kevin Thomas Jr. earned a hard fought victory for his second “Sprint Week” win. Ocean Speedway is located at 2601 E. Lake Avenue in Watsonville, California and for more details, visit www.racepmg.com or call 855.410.7223.
The USAC/CRA Sprint Cars will invade the Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds in Hanford on September 8th. Promoted by Bubby Morse, the 3/8-mile Central Valley oval will host the sixth and final round of “California Sprint Week.” Last September, Alabama’s Kevin Thomas Jr. won the 30-lap feature and Damion Gardner earned his third “Sprint Week” crown. Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds is located at 801 South 10th Avenue in Hanford, California and for more information, visit www.kellerautospeedway.com or call 559.651.1990.
Arizona Speedway in San Tan Valley, Arizona will host four nights on the 2018 schedule. Promoted by Jonah Trussel, the 2-day “Hall of Fame Classic” will begin on October 28th. The USAC National co-sanctioned “51st Annual Western World Championships” will also feature the Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Cars. Last year, Thomas Meseraull and Chase Stockon raced to victory at the fast 1/3-mile oval. Arizona Speedway is located at 47800 N. Ironwood Road in San Tan Valley, Arizona and for more details, visit www.arizonaspeedway.net or call 480.926.6688.
The USAC Western Awards Banquet (and Roast) will be held Saturday, January 27th at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hotel will also host a Bowling Tournament the previous night at 8:00pm. Tickets for both the Awards Banquet and Bowling Tournament can be downloaded at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/2017/banquet2017.docx and orders must be received by January 20th. The Orleans Hotel and Casino is located at 4500 West Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas Nevada and for more hotel information, visit www.orleanscasino.com or call 800.675.3267.
The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series thanks Hoosier Tire, All Coast Construction, BR Motorsports, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, King Racing Products, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, surfNsprint.com, Ultra Shield Race Products, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. Series officials are looking for associate and contingency sponsors for the upcoming season. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
For more information on USAC/CRA, visit the United States Auto Club (USAC) website at www.usacracing.com. You can also find exclusive content on the USAC/CRA Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat pages.
Loudpedal Productions has USAC/CRA DVDs and videos on demand available for purchase at www.loudpedal.tv and 805.407.7229.
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AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS: 2004-Rip Williams, 2005-Damion Gardner, 2006-Cory Kruseman, 2007-Tony Jones, 2008-Mike Spencer, 2009-Mike Spencer, 2010-Mike Spencer, 2011-Mike Spencer, 2012-Mike Spencer, 2013-Damion Gardner, 2014-Damion Gardner, 2015-Damion Gardner, 2016-Damion Gardner, 2017-Damion Gardner.
CALIFORNIA SPRINT WEEK CHAMPIONS: 2014-Damion Gardner, 2015-Ryan Bernal, 2016-Damion Gardner, 2017-Damion Gardner.
2017 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR WINS: 5-Damion Gardner, 4-Kevin Thomas Jr., 3-R.J. Johnson, 2-Brody Roa, 2-Chase Stockon, 1-Rico Abreu, 1-Max Adams, 1-Tyler Courtney, 1-Justin Grant, 1-Thomas Meseraull, 1-Mike Spencer, 1-Richard Vander Weerd.
2018 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE-TRACK-LOCATION
January 26: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (Bowling Tournament / 8pm)
January 27: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (USAC Western Awards Banquet / 12pm)
March 3: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (So-Cal Showdown)
March 9: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Spring Showcase)
March 10: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Spring Showcase)
April 14: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
April 21: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)
May 5: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA
May 26: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute to Indy)
June 23: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
July 7: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)
August 4: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA
August 18: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)
September 1: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic / California Sprint Week)
September 2: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic / California Sprint Week)
September 3: Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma CA (California Sprint Week)
September 6: Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA (Gold Cup Race of Champions / California Sprint Week)
September 7: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA (California Sprint Week)
September 8: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds - Hanford, CA (California Sprint Week)
September 22: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)
September 28: Arizona Speedway - San Tan Valley, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
September 29: Arizona Speedway - San Tan Valley, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)
October 20: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA
November 2: *Arizona Speedway - San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 3: *Arizona Speedway - San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 8: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction)
November 9: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction)
November 10: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with AMSOIL USAC National Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.
2018 USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGET SCHEDULE HAS 15 DATES AT 7 TRACKS
By Lance Jennings
DECEMBER 21, 2017... Entering their 36th official season, the Light Up The World Beverages USAC Western States Midgets are poised for fifteen races at seven racetracks. Starting March 17th at Bakersfield, the “mighty midgets” will close out the schedule with Ventura’s “78th Running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix” on November 22nd.
Promoted by Scott Schweitzer, Bakersfield Speedway will host three dates on the calendar. The March 17th season opener will be co-sanctioned with the Bay Cities Racing Association (BCRA). The Western States Midgets will return on June 16th and the “November Classic” with the USAC National Midgets on November 17th. Last year, Ronnie Gardner (twice) and Brady Bacon claimed victories at "The West’s Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval." Bakersfield Speedway is located at 5001 North Chester Extension in Bakersfield, California and for more information, visit www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 661.393.3373.
Located at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds, Placerville Speedway has one race on the schedule. Promoted by Scott Russell and Kami Arnold, the 1/4-mile oval is hosting the Wednesday, March 24th “Placerville Short Track Outlaw Showdown” along with the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars. Last season, Shane Golobic outdueled Ronnie Gardner and Alex Schutte to take the Placerville checkered flags. Placerville Speedway is located at 100 Placerville Drive in Placerville, California and for more details, visit www.placervillespeedway.com or call 530.344.7592.
The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare will host the “mighty midgets” on April 14th. Promoted by Steve Faria, the lightning fast 1/3-mile oval will also showcase the USAC/CRA 410 Sprint Cars. The highly anticipated race at the Tulare County Fairgrounds was rained out last year and this will be a “must see” event for race fans in the Central Valley. The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California and for more information, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.
Santa Maria Raceway will host three nights on the schedule. The USAC Western States Midgets will battle at “The West’s Best Short Track” on April 28th, August 11th’s “Bud Stanfield Memorial,” and October 6th. Last August, Cory Elliott added his name to the winner’s list at the Central Coast 1/3-mile clay oval. As a bonus, the USAC West Coast Sprint Cars will join the card for all three shows in 2018. Santa Maria Raceway is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange at 1900 Hutton Road in Nipomo, California and for more information, visit www.santamariaraceway.com or call 805.922.2232.
Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura Raceway has four events on the schedule. Promoted by Jim Naylor, “The Best Little Dirt Track in America” will host the June 30th, September 15th, October 27th, and November 22nd events. Co-sanctioned with the USAC National Midgets, November’s “78th Running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix” will also feature the USAC West Coast Sprint Cars. Last year, Ronnie Gardner, Chad Boat, Carson Macedo, and Christopher Bell won at the seaside 1/5-mile oval. Ventura Raceway is located at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura, California and for more details, visit www.venturaraceway.com or call 805.648.RACE.
Petaluma Speedway will host the BCRA co-sanctioned “Jack London Hall of Fame Picnic Event” on July 21st. Promoted by Rick Faeth, “The Fastest 3/8-mile Dirt Oval in Northern California” has become a popular stop and Michael Faccinto scored last season’s victory at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Petaluma Speedway is located at 100 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma, California and for more information, visit www.petaluma-speedway.com or call 707.763.7223.
The scenic Calistoga Speedway will showcase two nights of action, starting on September 1st. Promoted by Tommy Hunt and HMC Promotions, the two-day "11th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic" will also feature the USAC/CRA 410 Sprints, vintage cars, an autograph session, wine tasting, and more. Last year, Tanner Thorson and Rico Abreu earned $10,000 victories at the Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga Speedway is located at 1435 North Oak Street in Calistoga, California and for more information, visit www.calistogaspeedway.org, or call 916.773.7225.
The USAC Western Awards Banquet (and Roast) will be held Saturday, January 27th at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hotel will also host a Bowling Tournament the previous night at 8:00pm. Tickets for both the Awards Banquet and Bowling Tournament can be downloaded at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/2017/banquet2017.docx and orders must be received by January 20th. The Orleans Hotel and Casino is located at 4500 West Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas Nevada. Online room reservations can be made at www.orleanscasino.com/groups for a special block rate (Group Code: A8SAC01) of $50 for Thursday, $117 for Friday, $117 for Saturday, and $50 for Sunday. For more room reservation information, call 800.675.3267.
The Light Up The World Beverages USAC Western States Midget Series thanks Hoosier Tire, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Esslinger Engineering, Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, Ultra Shield Race Products, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. Series officials are looking for associate and contingency sponsors for the upcoming season. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
For more information on the series, visit the United States Auto Club (USAC) website at www.usacracing.com. You can also find exclusive content on the Light Up The World Beverages USAC Western States Midget Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Loudpedal Productions has USAC Western States Midget DVDs and videos on demand available for purchase at www.loudpedal.tv and 805.407.7229.
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LIGHT UP THE WORLD BEVERAGES USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGET CHAMPIONS: 1982-*Jeff Heywood, 1983-Sleepy Tripp, 1984-Tommy White, 1985-Sleepy Tripp, 1986-Robby Flock, 1987-Sleepy Tripp, 1988-Sleepy Tripp, 1989-Robby Flock, 1990-Sleepy Tripp, 1991-Sleepy Tripp, 1992-Sleepy Tripp, 1993-Robby Flock, 1994-Johnny Cofer, 1995-Billy Boat, 1996-Jay Drake, 1997-Ricky Shelton, 1998-Rick Hendrix, 1999-Marc DeBeaumont, 2000-Wally Pankratz, 2001-Danny Ebberts, 2002-Robby Flock, 2003-Steve Paden, 2004-Johnny Rodriguez, 2005-Jerome Rodela, 2006-Jerome Rodela, 2007-Johnny Rodriguez, 2008-Nic Faas, 2009-Garrett Hansen, 2010-Alex Schutte, 2011-Cory Kruseman, 2012-Shannon McQueen, 2013-Ronnie Gardner, 2014- Ronnie Gardner, 2015-Ronnie Gardner, 2016-Ronnie Gardner, 2017-Ronnie Gardner.
2017 LIGHT UP THE WORLD BEVERAGES USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGET WINS: 3-Ronnie Gardner, 1-Rico Abreu, 1-Brady Bacon, 1-Christopher Bell, 1-Chad Boat, 1-Cory Elliott, 1-Michael Faccinto, 1-Shane Golobic, 1-Carson Macedo, 1-Alex Schutte, 1-Tanner Thorson.
2018 LIGHT UP THE WORLD BEVERAGES USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGET SCHEDULE
DATE-TRACK-LOCATION
January 26: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (Bowling Tournament / 8pm)
January 27: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (USAC Western Awards Banquet / 12pm)
March 17: *Bakersfield Speedway – Bakersfield, CA
March 21: Placerville Speedway – Placerville, CA (Placerville Short Track Outlaw Showdown)
April 14: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, CA
April 28: Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, CA
June 16: Bakersfield Speedway – Bakersfield, CA
June 30: Ventura Raceway – Ventura, CA
July 21: *Petaluma Speedway – Petaluma, CA (Jack London Hall of Fame Picnic Event)
August 11: Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
September 1: Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 2: Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 15: Ventura Raceway – Ventura, CA
October 6: Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, CA
October 27: Ventura Raceway – Ventura, CA
November 17: #Bakersfield Speedway – Bakersfield, CA (November Classic)
November 22: #Ventura Raceway – Ventura, CA (Turkey Night Grand Prix)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with BCRA Midgets.
# = Co-Sanctioned Event with USAC National Midgets.
This schedule is subject to change.
2018 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE HAS 19 DATES AT 6 TRACKS
By Lance Jennings
DECEMBER 19, 2017... Entering their tenth campaign, the cars and stars of the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series are set for nineteen events at six racetracks. Opening with the two-day, non-point “Outlaw Showdown” at Las Vegas on February 28th, the traditional 360s will close out the schedule with Ventura’s two-day (non-points) “78th Running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix” on November 22nd.
The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the season openers on February 28th and March 1st. Held during NASCAR weekend, the non-point events will also showcase the famed World of Outlaws Sprint Cars. Last March, Ryan Bernal claimed both main events at the fast 1/2-mile oval in front of a packed grandstand. The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located twelve miles north of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada off Interstate 15 at Exit 54 (Speedway Blvd). For more information, visit www.lvms.com/dirt or call 800.644-4444.
Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway has five dates on the schedule. Promoted by Steve Faria, the lightning fast 1/3-mile oval will feature the USAC 360s and World of Outlaws Sprint Cars on March 9th and 10th. The popular two-day “Peter Murphy Classic” will open on May 18th, and the “Chris and Brian Faria Memorial” is scheduled for June 2nd. Last season, Jake Swanson, Ryan Bernal (twice), and Kyle Hirst scored victories at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California and for more details, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.
Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura Raceway will host five dates on the calendar. Promoted by Jim Naylor, “The Best Little Dirt Track in America” will host the “Battle of the Beach” races on March 31st, July 14th, August 25th, along with the non-point “78th Running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix” on November 21st and 22nd. The November 22nd “Battle of the Beach” finale will also showcase the USAC National and Western States Midgets. Last season, Ryan Bernal, Jake Swanson, Brady Bacon, and “Sunshine” Tyler Courtney earned victories at the seaside 1/5-mile oval. Ventura Raceway is located at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura, California and for more details, visit www.venturaraceway.com or call 805.648.RACE.
The USAC West Coast Sprints will make two appearances at Hanford’s Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds. Promoted by Bubby Morse, the 3/8-mile oval will host the April 7th and May 12th dates on the schedule. Last year, Austin Liggett scored two Hanford wins and “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr. also took the checkered flags. Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds is located at 801 South 10th Avenue in Hanford, California and for more information, visit www.kellerautospeedway.com or call 559.651.1990.
Santa Maria Raceway will host four nights on the schedule. The traditional 360 sprints will headline the action at “The West’s Best Short Track” on April 28th, June 9th “Ron Otto Memorial,” August 11th “Bud Stanfield Memorial,” and the October 6th “Championship Night.” Last season, Ryan Bernal, Max Adams, and Tristan Guardino raced to victory at the at the Central Coast 1/3-mile clay oval. As a bonus, the Light Up The World Beverages USAC Western States Midgets will join the card at the April, August, and October shows. Santa Maria Raceway is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange at 1900 Hutton Road in Nipomo, California and for more information, visit www.santamariaraceway.com or call 805.922.2232.
Bakersfield Speedway returns to the USAC West Coast Sprint calendar on July 28th. Promoted by Scott Schweitzer, “The West’s Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval” last featured the non-winged 360s on March 9, 2016 and Troy Rutherford earned the main event win. Bakersfield Speedway is located at 5001 North Chester Extension in Bakersfield, California and for more information, visit www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 661.393.3373.
The USAC Western Awards Banquet (and Roast) will be held Saturday, January 27th at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hotel will also host a Bowling Tournament the previous night at 8:00pm. Tickets for both the Awards Banquet and Bowling Tournament can be downloaded at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/2017/banquet2017.docx and orders must be received by January 20th. The Orleans Hotel and Casino is located at 4500 West Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas Nevada. Online room reservations can be made at www.orleanscasino.com/groups for a special block rate (Group Code: A8SAC01) of $50 for Thursday, $117 for Friday, $117 for Saturday, and $50 for Sunday. For more room reservation information, call 800.675.3267.
The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series thanks AMSOIL, Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, King Racing Products, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, Ultra Shield Race Products, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. Series officials are looking for associate and contingency sponsors for the upcoming season. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
For more information, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com and www.usacracing.com. You can also find exclusive content on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Loudpedal Productions has USAC West Coast Sprint Car DVDs and videos on demand available for purchase at www.loudpedal.tv and 805.407.7229.
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USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS: 2009-Justyne Hamblin, 2010-Craig Stidham, 2011-Richard Vander Weerd, 2012-Bud Kaeding, 2013-Danny Faria Jr., 2014-Matt Mitchell, 2015-Danny Faria Jr., 2016-Brody Roa, 2017-Jake Swanson.
2017 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR WINS: 6-Ryan Bernal, 3-Austin Liggett, 2-Jake Swanson, 1-Max Adams, 1-Brady Bacon, 1-Tyler Courtney, 1-Geoff Ensign, 1-Danny Faria Jr., 1-Tristan Guardino, 1-Kyle Hirst.
2018 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE-TRACK-LOCATION
January 26: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (Bowling Tournament / 8pm)
January 27: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (USAC Western Awards Banquet / 12pm)
February 28: The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Outlaw Showdown / Non-Points)
March 1: The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Outlaw Showdown / Non-Points)
March 9: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 10: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA
March 31: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle at the Beach)
April 7: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds - Hanford, CA
April 28: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA
May 12: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds - Hanford, CA
May 18: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (Peter Murphy Classic)
May 19: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (Peter Murphy Classic)
June 2: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (Chris & Brian Faria Memorial)
June 9: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA (Ron Otto Memorial)
July 14: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle at the Beach)
July 28: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA
August 11: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)
August 25: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle at the Beach)
October 6: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA (Championship Night)
November 21: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Turkey Night Grand Prix / Non-Points)
November 22: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Turkey Night Grand Prix / Battle at the Beach / Non-Points)
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This schedule is subject to change.
