By Lance Jennings
TULARE, CA – SEPTEMBER 14, 2010… On Saturday, October 2nd, the Groppetti Automotive Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway will host the final point race of the season for the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series. The special event called “Sprinting For The Cure” will also raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Research. Joining the traditional 360 sprints on the Tulare clay oval will be the IMCA Modifieds with their annual “Fall Shoot Out.”
Originally planned as a two-day show, organizers have decided to make the “Sprinting For The Cure” race a one day event with an increased purse of $13,400. With a championship up for grabs in the $2000-to-win and $300-to-start 35-lap feature, a talented roster of drivers are expected to be on hand.
Fresno’s Craig Stidham has led the point standings since March 27th at Bakersfield. Kerman’s Davey Pombo has been cutting into Stidham’s point lead and has a shot at the title. They will have to battle with the likes of T.J. Smith, Justyne Hamblin, “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr., Rusty Carlile, Peter Murphy, Richard & Jace VanderWeerd, and many more for the top prize.
The Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino and Southwest Contractors, in partnership with the Groppetti Automotive Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway, will make a major donation to Breast Cancer Research. In recognition of the event, Clovis’ Peter Murphy will unveil a special paint scheme in the #21 Tarlton & Son Inc. / Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino entry.
For competitors with the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series, there is a $75 entry fee which includes the car and driver. Pit passes are $40 for USAC members and $45 for non-members.
The IMCA Modifieds will compete for a $12,000 purse with $2000-to-win and $250-to start the main event. The competition entry fee is $150 which includes the car and driver. Pit passes are $40 for IMCA members and $45 for non-members.
The Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway is located on the Tulare County Fairgrounds at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare. The Front Gates will open at 5:00pm, with Time Trials at 6:00pm, and Racing at 7:00pm. Reserved Grandstand Tickets are $25 and Bleacher Tickets are $20. Advance tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling the track office at (559) 688-0909.
For more event information, please visit the track’s website at www.tularethunderbowl.com.
For more information on the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series, please visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, www.racesantamariaspeedway.com, or follow the series on facebook.
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“SPRINTING FOR THE CURE” USAC WEST COAST 360 SPRINT CAR PURSE:
1st – 2000; 2nd – 1500; 3rd – 1300; 4th – 1100; 5th – 900; 6th – 700; 7th – 600; 8th – 500; 9th – 450; 10th – 400; 11th – 400; 12th – 400; 13th – 350; 14th – 350; 15th – 350; 16th – 300; 17th – 300; 18th – 300; 19th – 300; 20th – 300; 21st – 300; 22nd – 300.