By Dick Jordan
Mike Spencer of Temecula, Calif. continues his quest for a record third consecutive AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint car championship this weekend in the 3rd Annual “Louie Vermiel Classic” at the Napa County Fairgrounds in Calistoga, Calif. The Saturday and Sunday racing programs at the half-mile oval salute the life-long commitment of Vermeil to the sport and to Calistoga’s picturesque racetrack.
Spencer was victorious in one of two features at Calistoga a year ago and will be trying to enhance his 129-point cushion over runner-up Danny Sheridan in the latest CRA standings.
Spencer won Saturday night’s 30-lap AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint race at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway, halting the four-race Perris winning streak of David Cardey, who was the first driver to retire from Saturday’s feature. Spencer took the lead from Matt Mitchell on lap 15 and led the rest of the way in his Madera Produce/Grubstake Mini Storage Maxim/Shaver. Cory Kruseman led the first two laps and finished second, ahead of Tony Jones, Rickie Gaunt and Ronnie Gardner. Spencer also was Saturday’s fastest qualifier.
Last year’s Calistoga Sprint races nearly produced completely different “top-five” finishes. Kevin Swindell was the only driver to crack the “top-five” both nights, winning the first race and taking second in the closer.
The Calistoga race program also features the USAC Mopar Western Midgets with complete racing programs for each series each night.
AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT SERIES POINT STANDINGS
1-Mike Spencer-803, 2-Danny Sheridan-674, 3-Cory Kruseman-636, 4-Blake Miller-607, 5-Matt Mitchell-523, 6-Jimmy Crawford-422, 7-Levi Jones-421, 8-Greg Bragg-409, 9-David Cardey-395, 10-Cody Williams-393.