by Lance Jennings
SANTA MARIA, CA – APRIL 3, 2013… On Friday, April 19th, the third season for the USAC Western Classic Racing Series (WCRS) will open at John Prentice’s Ocean Speedway in Watsonville. The action packed showcase will also feature American Stocks, 4-Bangers, BAD Dwarf Cars, and Sport Mods. The Spectator Gates at the popular 1/4-mile oval will open at 4:30pm with Racing set to begin at 6:00pm.
The traditional 410 and 360 sprint cars are set to compete in an 11-race, all-dirt schedule for the 2013 campaign. In addition to the four races at Watsonville, the series will travel to Placerville, Chico, Stockton, Calistoga, and the reopened facility in Fernley, Nevada.
After winning last year’s overall and dirt series championships, Lincoln’s Tony Hunt is back at the helm of the Mike Phulps owned #56 Metal Works / Red Line Oil Maxim. The multi-time USAC Champion scored two feature wins with two fast times, four heat race victories, and ten top-10 finishes last season. Hunt will be looking to start off his championship bid with a main event win at Watsonville.
Shauna Hogg of Fair Oaks put together a solid year by finishing second in the overall and dirt series point chase. Racing the family owned #5 Borello Racing Engines / Jerry Crowell Racing Shocks Eagle, Hogg registered two main event wins, one heat race victory, and ten top-10 finishes in 2012. On April 19th, Shauna will have her sights on claiming the checkered flag at Ocean Speedway.
Winton’s Gordon Rodgers claimed third in the overall points and fifth in the dirt standings. Driving Gary Dusin’s #94 Atwater Tire Dynamite, Rodgers claimed a season best fifth place on May 5th at Madera Speedway. The veteran driver had four top-10 finishes in the campaign and will be looking to start his season with victory on April 19th.
Scoring fourth in the overall and dirt championship points is Tom Baker of Carmichael. Piloting his #3T Baker Fabrication / Christensen Heating and Air Triple X, Baker claimed a seventh place finish at Madera on May 5th and June 9th. With two heat race victories and four top-10 finishes, Tom will have his sights on starting 2013 with a Watsonville main event win.
Alamo’s Scott Pierovich was fifth in the overall standings and seventh in the dirt points. Racing Ken Pierson and Dave Vertullo’s #14 Starr Prop. Mng. / A.R.T. Enterprises Eagle, Pierovich scored two wins in 2012. In addition, the veteran driver had two fast times, one heat race victory, and four top-10 finishes. Scott will be among the favorites to take home the trophy at Ocean Speedway.
Among the other top contenders expected to be in action are Santa Rosa’s Marty Hawkins, Taylor Simas of Orland, Rancho Cordova’s Jerry Cisco, Matt Streeter of Galt, Roseville’s Scott Hall, Shane Golobic of Fremont, and many more.
Ocean Speedway is located on the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville, California at 2601 E. Lake Avenue. Adult Tickets are $20, Senior Tickets (over 65) are $16, Kid Tickets (12-6) are $13, and Family Passes (2 Adults & 2 Kids) are $55. For more information, visit the track’s website at www.oceanspeedway.com or call (831) 662-9466 (WINN).
The USAC Western Classic Racing Series would like to thank Amsoil, Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Competition Suspension Inc., DJ Safety, Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Wheels, King Racing Products, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, SBI Fuel Systems, and Saldana Racing Products for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series in 2013, email PR Director Lance Jennings at lwjennings@earthlink.net.
For more information on the USAC Western Classic Racing Series, visit www.usacracing.com or follow the series on Facebook (www.facebook.com/
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2013 USAC WESTERN CLASSIC RACING SERIES SCHEDULE
DATE – TRACK – LOCATION
April 19: Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA
May 4: Placerville Speedway – Placerville, CA
June 14: *Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA
June 21: Stockton 99 Dirt Track – Stockton, CA
July 12: Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA (Howard Kaeding Classic)
August 9: *Ocean Speedway – Watsonville, CA
August 17: Reno Tahoe Fernley Speedway – Fernley, NV
August 31: *Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 1: *Calistoga Speedway – Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic)
September 5: Silver Dollar Speedway – Chico, CA (Gold Cup Race of Champions)
TBA: Reno Tahoe Fernley Speedway – Fernley, NV
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event With USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series.
This schedule is subject to change.