From Dick Jordan
Nik Romano of Pleasanton, Calif. completed his drive to the 2009 USAC California Pavement Ford Focus championship Thursday night, finishing fourth in the series finale at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale, Calif. The title is his first in USAC competition.
Garrett Peterson of West Sacramento, Calif. led all 40 laps to win Thursday night’s race at Irwindale, part of the track’s 69th Lucas Oil Turkey Night Grand Prix program. Peterson started on the pole in his Sacramento Theatrical Lighting/College Cyclery Stewart and held off the late-race challenge of Taylor Ferns to post the win. Michael J. Lewis took third ahead of Romano and Shawn Buckley.
Western Speed Racing of Fresno, Calif. emerged as the 2009 California Pavement Ford Focus car owner champions.
Romano and Western Speed Racing will be among USAC champions who will be honored at USAC’s annual “Night of Champions” National Awards Banquet January 8 in Indianapolis, Ind. Tickets for the banquet may be ordered by calling USAC at 317-247-5151 or by e-mailing heidi@usacracing.com.
FINAL USAC CALIFORNIA PAVEMENT FORD FOCUS SERIES POINT STANDINGS
1-Nik Romano-1,050; 2-Cody Gerhardt-967; 3-Zach Stout-758; 4-Michael J. Lewis-564; 5-Jeff Oleen-541; 6-Eric Gunderson-481; 7-Garrett Peterson-478; 8-Connor Kassik-441; 9-J.R. Williams-437; 10-Keegan Walmer-360.