This Saturday night, when Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply presents the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars at Perris Auto Speedway, it will be “Oldtimers Night. ” Any fan age 70 or older, who shows a valid id at the ticket window this Saturday, will be admitted free. In addition to the stars and cars of today, the Western Racing Association will be on hand with gorgeous, vintage Sprint Cars, Midgets and a few Jalopies dating back as far as the 1930s. Spectator gates will open at 5:00 PM with racing at 7:00.
“We started with naming June “Kid s Month” in 2000 or 2001, ” promoter Don Kazarian said from behind his desk on Monday afternoon. “Kids are free throughout the month of June. We added 1950 s Night and then 1960 s Night for fans born in those decades. They proved to be very popular. So, we added 70 s and 40 s Nights for fans born in those decades and now Oldtimers Night to honor any fans who are age 70 or older. It is always a lot of fun. ”
Speaking of fun, the USAC/CRA Series is off to an incredible start in 2007. Through the first ten races, the series has produced ten different winners. “How often have you seen any short track series produce ten different winners to open a season, ” Kazarian asked? “The level of competition in the USAC/CRA Series is fantastic! And, do not forget that Rip Williams, Rickie Gaunt and Danny Sheridan, just to name a few, have not won yet! This is truly some great racing. ”
Heading the list of entries for the Western Racing Association is 84 year-old Walt James of Acton, California. The former 21-year president of the original CRA has an unmistakable twinkle in his eye and an enthusiasm for racing that is second to none. Elected to the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1993, James will be competing in the WRA Sprint Car division. He will be challenged by among others, 83-year old Bill Gerard of Santa Ana, California and Paso Robles, California s 75-year old Kenny Van Blargen who is a former Santa Maria Speedway Champion. 81-year old West Covina, California resident Dick Hughes heads the list of entries for the WRA Midgets. There will be several Offenhauser powered Midgets in action and the nostalgic sound of those cars is worth the price of admission alone.
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