By Bill Sullivan, Handy Racing Promotions Media Relations
PETALUMA, CA – After a thrilling opener last month in Placerville, California the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series heads to the California coastal range this weekend for the second segment of the 15 race campaign at Petaluma Speedway on the Sonoma-Marin County Fairgrounds. The lighting fast 3/8 mile oval in the heart of the Sonoma wine country is sure to produce high speed thrills as more than 30 of Northern California’s top drivers are expected .
When it comes to high action thrills, the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series will never let an avid open wheel race fan down and is sure to bring a new fan back to the track once they witness the spectacle. The latest version of California’s premier series for 360 cubic inch powered winged sprint cars has already begun to produce a stellar chase for the coveted statewide championship title.
This year, the Hoosier Tires sponsored series will compete for more than $240,000 over the year and nearly $25,000 in championship funds, barring any rained out events during the year. Additional contingency sponsors throughout the year are expected to exceed $30,000 in product awards as well. Next Saturday’s event will pay $2000 to win and $300 to start the A-feature and each Civil War event during the year will follow suit in such numbers.
Entering Saturday’s second event, Sacramento resident Herman Klein is the early series point leader. In the series opener last month, Klein dominated the top position from flag to flag at Placerville Speedway to post the first victory of 2010. The second generation competitor drives the Dale Wondergem #91 sprint car and will look to carry his momentum to the North Bay this Saturday night
After finishing in second place at the opener, Pleasanton driver Brad Furr is currently second in the standings just five points behind Klein. The former World of Outlaws runner is focusing on a number of Civil War events in 2010 as he hopes to qualify for the Pacific Sprint Cup Invitational in September, a Civil War Series event that opens the annual Gold Cup Race of Champions and features the top 32-drivers in the Civil War point standings prior to the event.
Sacramento’s Willie Croft is expected in Petaluma Saturday. Croft is currently third in the Civil War standings, trailing Furr by a single digit and sitting two points ahead of Antelope’s Sean Becker, the defending two time Civil War Series champion.
After winning five events last year, Becker is setting his sights on a record third consecutive title but is well aware the feat will take a lot of hard work to accomplish. With returning former champions such as Andy Forsberg and Mike Henry, Becker has his work cut out for him but is headed in the right direction after a podium finish in the March opener at Placerville.
“We got a podium finish but it will take a lot of these during the year for another championship,” said Becker. “With drivers like Forsberg and Henry running this series fulltime again and the talented field of drivers we have to bring our A-game to each and every race.”
For Becker, the Petaluma Speedway has been a sight of much, including victories, in recent seasons. Becker will be aboard his Scott Miller #2sb for the event, he also drives on occasion for the Sacramento based Racing for the Troops team in select 410 sprint car events.
Colfax driver and recent Marysville Raceway Park winner Colby Wiesz is fifth in the point standings while Placerville resident Jimmy Trulli rounds out the top five. Entering Saturday’s program Kenny Allen of Chico, the 2009 Series Rookie of the Year is in sixth place followed by Bobby McMahan of Elk Grove, Roger Crockett of Medford, Oregon, Steven Tiner of Visalia and Placerville’s James Sweeney. Former champion Mike Henry is 13th in the standings, tied with four time champion Andy Forsberg, Billy Butler and Camron Mendes.
As the series makes it’s Petaluma Speedway debut look for track regulars such as Bradley Terrell to be on hand along with Roberto Kirby, Brandon Davis and more.
The grandstands are set to open at Petaluma Speedway at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. For additional information on this event that opens Petaluma Speedway’s 50th Anniversary season visit www.civilwarsprints.com or www.petaluma-speedway.com.