By Gary Thomas
Tulare, CA – December 30, 2010…Following another exciting season of competition the Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway appears to be headed for more of the same during the upcoming year with the unveiling of its 2011 schedule today.
As previously mentioned the campaign of events for the Tulare, CA based 1/3 mile clay oval will open with the first ever appearance of the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour in California on Wednesday February 9.
The much anticipated event is expected to bring a number of cars to the pit area, including defending series champion Jason Johnson of Eunice, Louisiana, runner up Brady Bacon from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and former champion Shane Stewart of Bixby, Oklahoma.
If that doesn’t bring enough attention to the Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway the track will then play host to the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series on Saturday March 19. Locally based Jason Meyers from Clovis will lead the charge, fresh off making history by becoming the first California driver to claim the WOO title this past season.
Kasey Kahne Racing’s Joey Saldana of Brownsburg, Indiana is poised to make another run at his first World of Outlaw title and will be one of the favorites on hand March 19, along with 20-time series champion Steve Kinser, four-time titlist Donny Schatz, San Jose’s Tim Kaeding, California native Paul McMahan and many more.
The Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series will also be set for a pair of visits to the Thunderbowl in 2011 with the dates being Saturday April 16 and Saturday May 14. The initial event will be the Chris & Brian Faria Memorial and the second will mark the Pombo-Sargent Classic.
Now under the leadership of Rio Vista’s Dan Simpson the Golden State KWS Series is amped up to be bigger and better than ever. Expect to see the best in California winged sprint car racing including defending Golden State champ Kyle Larson of Elk Grove, San Jose’s Tim Kaeding, Chico’s Jonathan Allard, Campbell’s Brent Kaeding, Easton’s Tommy Tarlton and more.
Also new for the coming season is the ASCS Southern California Region Sprint Cars, with the series being in action at the track on April 30, June 18, July 23 and October 8. The April 30 show will be combination race with the Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo.
Other divisions having a heavy presence during many of the events at the Thunderbowl will be the USAC West Coast 360’s, as well as the IMCA Modifieds and Stock Cars.
The Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway will close the upcoming season with the 18th annual Trophy Cup on October 21 and 22. The ultra popular event seems to grow bigger and better each year and as always will be a can’t miss weekend in 2011.
All 2011 tickets for the Thunderbowl, including the season opening Lucas Oil ASCS National Sprint Car Series event are also in and can be ordered by calling (559) 688-0909. More information on the Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway can be found at http://www.thunderbowlraceway.com
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2011 Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway Schedule
Wednesday February 9- Lucas Oil ASCS National Sprint Car Series
Saturday March 19- World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and USAC West Coast 360’s
Saturday April 16- Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series, USAC West Coast 360’s and IMCA Modifieds “Chris & Brian Faria Memorial”
Saturday April 30- Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo/ ASCS Southern California Region Sprints, USAC West Coast 360’s, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stocks
Saturday May 14- Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars “Pombo-Sargent Classic”
Saturday May 28- TBA
Saturday June 18- ASCS Southern California Region Sprints, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars
Saturday July 23- ASCS Southern California Region Sprints, USAC West Coast 360’s, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars
October 8- ASCS Southern California Region Sprints, USAC West Coast 360’s, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stocks
October 21 and 22- 18th annual Trophy Cup