By Lance Jennings
Tulare, CA – February 26, 2010…The USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series will kickoff the 2010 season at the Groppetti Automotive Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway on Saturday, March 6th. The event will mark a new chapter in the club’s history with sanctioning by the United States Auto Club (USAC). It is also the group’s first appearance at Steve Faria’s lightning fast 1/3rd mile facility.
“It is going to be awesome to have USAC’s resources available to us. Our racers deserve the National recognition they are now going to receive,” says Series Promoter Chris Kearns. “I feel we are really taking a step in the right direction for 360 Non-Wing Sprint Car Racing. We are getting tremendous support from the racers, and already have great support from SouthWest Contractors and Hoosier Tires.”
Hanford’s Justyne Hamblin, the 2009 Series Champion, will look to defend her title and score a win over a talented roster of drivers that are expected at Tulare. Hamblin’s championship run of consistency in the JH Motorsports / Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino #8 SpeedTech included 12 top-5 finishes and a victory at Hanford. That win also helped her secure the Kings Speedway title.
Rusty Carlile of Bakersfield, Clovis’ Peter Murphy, Tipton’s Danny Faria Jr., and Kerman’s Davey Pombo are just a few of the drivers that will challenge for the top spot. Also in the mix are 2007 Bandit Champion Jesse Mack and 2002 VRA Champion Jimmy Crawford.
Carlile, who finished second in the series point chase, is poised to make a run at the crown. Piloting the Southwest Contractors / NTS Incorporated #51 Bullet, Rusty battled up to the very last lap of the season to make his title claim. Carlile’s 3 fast times (tied for most on circuit), 9 top-5 finishes, and a victory at Hanford put him in the championship hunt.
Considered by many as the major contender for the 2010 title is Peter Murphy. Despite missing some key point races in the Tarlton & Son Inc. / Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino #21 Maxim, Murphy finished third in the series standings. Peter scored six wins (most on the circuit), 13 top-5 finishes, and claimed the Santa Maria track title.
The Non-Winged USAC West Coast 360 Sprints will return to the Tulare clay oval on April 3rd, April 10th, May 15th, October 1st, and October 2nd. The October races are part of the “Tulare Fall Spectacular,” featuring the popular Trophy Cup format with Dave Pusateri’s blessing.
The Saturday, March 6th showcase is part of a doubleheader program featuring the World of Outlaw Sprint Cars. The West Coast Late Models will share the card on Friday night, March 5th. Tickets for Friday are $35 bleachers and $40 grandstands. Saturday tickets are $40 bleachers and $45 grandstands. Advance tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the track office at (559) 688-0909. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.tularethunderbowl.com.
The Groppetti Automotive Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway is located on the Tulare County Fairgrounds at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California.
For more information on the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series, visit www.racesantamariaspeedway.com.