By Dick Jordan
Seven California ovals are listed on the preliminary 2011 USAC Mopar Western Midget calendar released today.
The “John Padjen Classic” will serve as the opener March 11 at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, co-sanctioned by USAC/BCRA, an event also featuring the new USAC Western Classic Racing Series Sprint Cars. A similar USAC/BCRA event will augment the track’s Gold Cup racing program September 8.
Five races are on tap at the Ventura Raceway, showcasing USAC and VRA Midget stars, beginning with the All Coast Challenges #1 and 2 March 19 and June 25. Additional races are August 3, September 17 and the “J.W. Mitchell Classic” November 19.
Santa Maria Speedway hosts a July 2 race, while Stockton 99 Speedway hosts a July 9 race.
The 3rd Annual “Louie Vermeil Classic” unfolds at the Calistoga Speedway September 3 and 4, also featuring the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint cars. A September 10 race follows at the Bakersfield Speedway.
Four events, in April, July, August and October, remain to be finalized and are listed at TBA, while the series will conclude with the “Turkey Night Grand Prix” National/Western Midget showdown on Thanksgiving, November 24.
2011 USAC Mopar Western Midget calendar:
3/11 – Chico, CA/Silver Dollar Speedway
3/19 – Ventura, CA/Ventura Raceway
April – TBA
6/25 – Ventura, CA/Ventura Raceway
7/2 – Santa Maria, CA/Santa Maria Speedway
7/9 – Stockton, CA/Stockton 99 Speedway
7/23 – TBA
8/3 – Ventura, CA/Ventura Raceway
8/5 – TBA
9/3 – Calistoga, CA/Calistoga Speedway
9/4 – Calistoga, CA/Calistoga Speedway
9/8 – Chico, CA/Silver Dollar Speedway
9/10 – Bakersfield, CA/Bakersfield Speedway
9/17 – Ventura, CA/Ventura Raceway
October – TBA
11/19 – Ventura, CA/Ventura Raceway
11/24 – Irwindale, CA/Toyota Speedway at Irwindale
TBAs and additional dates will be published when firm.