By Lance Jennings
SANTA MARIA, CA – AUGUST 16, 2013… As one of the most anticipated dates on the schedule, the “6th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic” at Calistoga Speedway will also have one of the richest purses of 2013. Starting Saturday, August 31st, the popular 2-day event will showcase the Amsoil USAC/CRA and Western Classic Sprint Cars, along with the Honda USAC Western Midgets at the scenic Napa County Fairgrounds. Track promoter Tommy Hunt and his staff have raised an impressive purse and are continuing to search for additional sponsorship and prize money before race day.
The Honda USAC Western Midget Series will battle for an unprecedented $10,000-to-win each night. With one of the richest purses in the history of midget racing, the event has drawn interest from drivers across the country. At press time, NASCAR Nationwide Series standout Kyle Larson, and USAC Champion Bryan Clauson have committed to Sunday’s finale. On Saturday, Larson will race with NASCAR in Atlanta, Georgia and Clauson will compete in Terre Haute, Indiana with the USAC National Sprint Cars.
The Amsoil USAC/CRA and Western Classic Sprint Cars will tackle the half-mile oval for $3,000-to-win and $325 to start on Saturday. Sunday’s finale of the “Louie Vermeil Classic” will pay $5,000-to-win and $500-to-start. Larson will join an impressive roster of Sprint Car drivers at the historic Napa County Fairgrounds.
In addition, Hunt has raised a bonus for the top seven 360 cubic-inch powered Sprint Cars in attendance. Thanks to Jerry Crowell Racing Shocks and USAC, the highest finishing 360 will be awarded $1,000 and the seventh 360 will earn $200 each night at the “Louie Vermeil Classic.” The current Sprint Car and Midget purse, along with the 360 Sprint Car bonus are listed at the end of this release.
The festivities will begin on August 30th with the Calistoga Speedway Hall of Fame Dinner. National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Driver Brad Doty will serve as Grand Marshall and Bobby Gerould will host the ceremony. This year’s inductees are Johnny Anderson, Mike Andreetta, Hank Butcher, Mel Fernandez, Hank Hanestad, George Hawkins, Mike McGreevy, Walt Ross and Lem Tolliver. On race day, there will also be a vintage car show, raffles, wine tasting, silent auctions, and beer garden events for fans to enjoy. More event and ticket information can be found at www.louievermeilclassic.net or calling (916) 773-7223.
Competitors should note that Calistoga Speedway is located on a California State Fairgrounds and has a mandatory 95db at 100ft muffler rule. Knoxville type mufflers are not allowed and series rules apply. Local 360 powered Sprint Cars can run their approved Hoosier Tires on all four corners, but must meet series tech standards and race track muffler rules.
For more information on the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Car, USAC Western Classic Sprint Car, and Honda USAC Western Midget Series, visit www.usacracing.com or follow each group on Facebook. The Amsoil USAC/CRA and Western Classic Sprint Cars can also be followed on Twitter.
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SATURDAY SPRINT CAR PURSE:
1) $3,000, 2) $1,525, 3) $1,125, 4) $875, 5) $750, 6) $650, 7) $600, 8) $550, 9) $500, 10) $450, 11) $425, 12) $400, 13) $375, 14) $350, 15) $325, 15) $325, 17) $325, 18) $325, 19) $325, 20) $325, 21) $325, 22) $325.
SUNDAY SPRINT CAR PURSE:
1) $5,000, 2) $2,500, 3) $1,500, 4) 1,000, 5) $810, 6) $730, 7) $675, 8) $625, 9) $525, 10) $550, 11) $525, 12) $500, 13) $500, 14) $500, 15) $500, 16) $500, 17) $500, 18) $500, 19) $500, 20) $500, 21) $500, 22) $500.
SATURDAY MIDGET PURSE:
1) $10,000, 2) $2,000, 3) $1,000, 4) $800, 5) $600, 6) $500, 7) $450, 8) $400, 9) $375, 10) $350, 11) $325, 12) $300, 13) $280, 14) $265, 15) $250, 16) $250, 17) $250, 18) $250, 19) $250, 20) $250.
SUNDAY MIDGET PURSE:
1) $10,000, 2) $3,000, 3) $1,350, 4) $1,000, 5) $700, 6) $575, 7) $475, 8) $425, 9) $400, 10) $375, 11) $350, 12) $330, 13) $310, 14) $300, 15) $300, 16) $300, 17) $300, 18) $300, 19) $300, 20) $300.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY 360 SPRINT CAR BONUS:
1) $1,000, 2) $650, 3) $500, 4) $350, 5) $300, 6) $250, 7) $200.