Officials, fans, drivers and crews are anxiously looking forward to the big July 4th race at Perris Auto Speedway this Saturday. After all, it is an annual affair that is one of the famous Riverside County clay oval’s signature events. However, in another way, it is a night they wish would never come. Yes, it will be filled with great racing in the “Budweiser Firecracker 40” and the beautiful “We the People” fireworks sky concert presented by The City of Perris will light up the summer sky, but it will end with a sad twinge that is going to bring a tear or more from many in the crowd and in the pits. When the checkered flag ends the 40-lap main event, it will also signal the end of Rickie Gaunt’s sprint car racing career. […]