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Chronicle #1
Keeping up with the California Asphalt
Sprintcar Association
By Glenn Hopper
As the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association (CASA) winds down
its
impressive inaugural season, some noteworthy things have happened
to date.
In the beginning...
Last winter a small group of sprint car racers, discussed the state
of
California pavement racing, from its rich history, to its future
possibilities. Most of the discussion emanated from Mike McCreary¹s
Oval
Chassis Research shop in Placerville, California and the racers
involved
ranged from 20-plus year veterans to eager rookies - yet a common
thread was
discovered. All participants were concerned with establishing a
central
locale which would minimize excessive, expensive travel and bring
back a
fun, "home track" weekly show atmosphere. Many participants fondly
remembered the weekly tracks that made up so much of their lives.
The
legendary San Jose Speedway, West Capital Raceway, and NARC¹s
long-lost
pavement action were constantly referenced during the
conversations. Many
had just completed the 2002 season running a variety of shows and
tracks
with USAC and at Carson City¹s Champion Speedway.
Another common thread was also noted. There were roughly 35
pavement cars
based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sacramento/Upper San
Joaquin Valley
and the Gold Country/Carson Valley. While some of them occasionally
traveled
to far off venues in Washington, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and others,
continued
long-tow racing was just not feasible from a financial or time
standpoint.
An extensive phone campaign was launched by Scott Clough and
McCreary to see
what kind of support could be generated for a central California
based
pavement series. The results were encouraging and the duo headed to
the
Racing Promotion Workshop meetings in Reno, Nevada armed only with
a
detailed database of interested racers and the fledgling club¹s,
home-oriented name, CASA.
Willing to negotiate nearly any kind of deal to get things rolling,
they did
find a few interested promoters. However, Dennis Ortolan and Andy
Herbst of
Altamont Raceway Park were most intrigued by the idea of hosting
sprint cars
on their big, fast half-mile. Within 100 miles of most everyone on
CASA¹s
list, Altamont could be reached by most competitors in just a
couple hours.
A February meeting was hosted in the Altamont VIP suite with nearly
every
likely racer in attendance. Base issues were discussed, formats
established
and USAC 360 specs were adopted to qualify the largest number of
available
cars. Eleven races were placed on the schedule, generally spaced in
a
bi-weekly manor. Options of running other tracks were shelved until
later as
the members decided it best to concentrate on the opportunities
provided by
Altamont and grow the organization carefully.
Determined to make good on a worthy car count, McCreary¹s OCR shop
became
"race central" in the days leading up to the March 22nd opener. No
fewer
than 7 cars were prepared at OCR. Much of the progress was
overlapping and
much of the work done on one car was completed by the drivers and
crews of
another competitor. Engines were installed, body work completed,
and set-ups
shared; all with a common goal and spirit.
Eleven cars represented CASA in the inaugural event. Any questions
as to
CASA's legitimacy were immediately and soundly answered. Kenny
Rines posted
fast time at 17.762, a scant half-second off reigning Winston Cup
Champion
Tony Stewart¹s track record. The CASA cars were fast, professional,
and
raced an entirely caution-free evening. Green-to-checkered flag
events were
run in the 2 heats, the dash and in the exciting 30 lap main event,
won by
Brian Bullard, in which all racers seemed to be engaged in passing,
challenging for position, or lapping another car throughout the
entire
distance. CASA and Altamont were off and running!
Future CASA Chronicles will review the growth of the club,
including series
sponsorship updates, driver roster expansion, insight into
operations, and
driver/member profiles.
Stay tuned to the future of West Coast pavement sprint car action,
the
California Asphalt Sprintcar Association!
Chronicle #2
Keeping up with the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association
By Glenn Hopper
Throughout the spring and summer months California Asphalt
Sprintcar
Association, CASA, has now run 10 of its 11 scheduled dates (with
one date
lost to rain) at Altamont Raceway Park. The growing pains of a new
club and
a track unfamiliar with sprint car racing and its unique needs,
have been
bridged - and together the club and the track promotion team can
look back
with great pride at what they have accomplished. Many observers
doubted that
a new club could be created, a track deal struck, and a successful
series
promoted in such a short period of time. After all it had never
been done
before. But perseverance, hard work, intestinal fortitude and a
true belief
in the cause, enabled what was a simple list of interested racers
back in
November 2002 to band together and make for a unprecedented
inaugural season
of first-rate sprint car competition.
Naysayers said it could not be done without a series sponsor. That
there
wouldn¹t be enough cars readied in such a short time frame. That
without a
guaranteed purse it wouldn¹t be financially possible to sustain car
counts.
Wrong on all counts! CASA never lost sight of its mission to
promote
pavement sprint car racing in California over the long haul. CASA
recognized
that while promoting and competing in 2003, focus was to remain on
long-term
goals. The happenings of 2003 were to be used primarily as a
springboard to
the future. Club president Scott Clough, stressed at each meeting
that this
season was a foundation for seasons to come. With an eye on the
future, CASA
would work hand in hand with Altamont Raceway and its own
membership to do
what ever was required to make this work.
Series sponsorship: While negotiations continue for future series
sponsorship, ACME and Sons Sanitation stepped up to sponsor one
race this
season. CASA recognizes it must walk before it can run, and support
will be
available if the club stays the course.
Car counts: The spring opener saw 11 cars entered. CASA has
averaged 12 cars
for most of this first season. Twice CASA has provided the largest
contingent of cars of any group supporting Altamont Raceway for
that
particular event. To date, twenty three drivers have competed this
inaugural
season. Kenny Rines, Ivan Warden and Tony Iacobitti have staged a
torrid
battle in lowering the 1-lap qualifying track record at nearly
every event.
Point leader Iacobitti currently owns the E.T. record at 17.485 and
has
designs on displacing Tony Stewart from the top of the speed charts
while
enroute to his first championship. But opening night winner Bullard
has
equaled Iacobitti¹s feature win total of three, and isn¹t likely to
concede
anything until the last checkered flag of the season. Two time NARC
champion
Mike McCreary, in his Oval Chassis Research Special holds a slim 2
point
advantage over his protégé, 2002 Carson City champion Glenn Hopper,
for
third place in the championship fight. Ultra-fast Ivan Warden has
the
opportunity, and the speed, to advance his #63 beyond his current
fifth
place standing.
In all, there have been five different feature winners in nine
races.
Iacobitti and Bullard have three each, and single wins have been
posted by
Brad Bumgarner, Chad Ede, and Brian McClish. Dash wins have been
recorded
by McCreary and Rines (1 each), Warden (2), and Bullard (5), while
heat
races have gone to Iacobitti (4), Bullard and Warden (3 each),
Hopper and
Rines (2 each) and single heat wins have been captured by McCreary,
Bumgarner, McClish and Don Hicks.
Guaranteed purses: While it was initially hoped that CASA and
Altamont could
agree on a figure to guarantee prize money for 2003, the reality of
the
situation and the uncharted territory both partners were facing in
this
inaugural effort, required some creative alternatives. Altamont
offered its
entire officiating and scoring support to CASA, eliminating CASA¹s
need to
hire it¹s own officials. Altamont also offered to provide all
trophies and
plaques including the year-end banquet hardware. Furthermore, since
the
unproven club did not have any history or yet-established fan-base,
track
management agreed to monitor front gate results, reaction, and
response to
help verify CASA¹s new status. A great deal of trust was shared by
both
track management and CASA as both parties were taking new risks
together.
And a unique deal was developed.
Altamont offered a separate pit gate sign in for CASA competitors,
members,
and guests. All CASA-based pit revenue would be returned to the
club as
prize money to be distributed as CASA saw fit. The initial race saw
CASA
management anxiously counting the receipts and hoping the faith
placed in
them by the membership would be warranted. When the checks went out
to the
competitors, the winner was paid $500 and $100 dollars was earned
for taking
the green flag. Considering the minimal travel and the fact that
many
competitors raced on used tires, the first purse had established
that this
program could continue and grow. Future purse agreements between
Altamont
and CASA are to be reviewed in the off season after all the data is
processed.
The stage is set to close out this thrilling first season of CASA
racing at
Altamont on October 4th. A champion will be crowned and will
forever hold
bragging rights as the first ever CASA champ! The future of
California
sprint car pavement racing has just begun...
Chronicle #3
Keeping up with the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association
By Glenn Hopper
CASA congratulates Tony Iacobitti, crowned the
inaugural champion of the California Asphalt
Sprintcar Association at Altamont Raceway Park,
Saturday night October 4th. Iacobitti needed only to
take the green flag in the season finale to clinch
the championship, yet he rebounded from an
unfortunate mid-race shunt with points runner-up,
Bryan Bullard, to storm to his fourth feature win of
the season. The “Yak-Attack” number 31 had the
champagne corks popping well after the checkers flew
in celebration of their first championship.
While the champagne occasionally sprayed past the confines of the
31 pit, it might just as well have covered the entire CASA
contingent. CASA, in proving the steady growth of the organization,
presented its largest car count to date and showed the promise of
several new members who expect to compete with CASA next season.
Alan Kaiser, Nick Rescino, Jr. Paul Worden, and Dave Swatsendarg
were first time competitors and expect to run CASA races again in
2004.
CASA
also debuted to their membership, the final cut of the video
produced by Murphy Film Productions. Members were highly impressed
not only with the professionalism of the production, but with how
well CASA members represented the club and with the awesome footage
captured. In-depth interviews were cleverly woven into images of
racecar preparation and track action, which included a nifty, tire
smoke-inducing spin, in-car camera action, and some pyrotechnic
spark-filled night action. The video will be used to market the
CASA series to a growing list of potential series sponsors and will
be presented at promotional opportunities throughout the off
season.
A
great deal of gratitude must be extended to everyone who helped
make this inaugural CASA season possible. Co-founder and club
president Scott Clough put in untold hours of behind the scenes
work to make sure this season was successful. Working with
Altamont’s Dennis Ortolan and Andy Herbst and their entire staff,
Clough represented the club in a very professional manor ensuring a
lasting relationship with Altamont Raceway Park and paving the way
for future improvements the club will experience.
Co-founding CASA members, Mike and Carla McCreary’s efforts were
instrumental in making this season happen. Mike had a hand in
building, preparing, and repairing about half of CASA’s field. And
Carla not only skillfully handled all the legal paperwork, books,
pay-outs, statistics and the like, she was thoughtful enough to
bring enough food to feed this growing army of racers! Appetizers,
entrees, drinks, desserts and snacks, most homemade, were offered
to all hungry racers and crews at every race.
Many
others contributed to various facets of the season. Iaocobitti
provided successful contacts that resulted in two race sponsors,
ACME and Sons Sanitation and Kenko Utility Supply, and
attorney/racer Tim Hamilton provided some legal advise as well. But
the biggest thanks must go to the other core members who supported
the series. Drivers like Allen Harney, Marvin Mitchell, Glenn
Hopper, Ivan Worden, and Earle Stanton supported the club with
their presence at nearly every event. This kind of dedication was
essential to the success of the series, as everything requires a
nucleus. Knowing CASA could count on a reliable, predictable car
count was paramount to validating this new endeavor.
With
a sensational 2003 season establishing a springboard to future
success, CASA will officially close out the season on November 1st
as guests of Altamont Raceway Parks Championship Banquet.
This
column will continue to provide highlights and insight into the
exciting growth of CASA during the off-season. Stay tuned!
Chronicle #4
Keeping up with the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association
By Glenn Hopper
|
2003 CASA Awards Banquet |
 |
|
From Left: Scott Clough-6th place,
Bryan Bullard-2nd place, Glenn Hopper-4th place, Tony Iacobitti-2003 CASA
Champion, Carla McCreary-CASA Secretary/Treasurer, Mike
McCreary-3rd place Ivan Worden-5th place. |
Awards banquets generally establish the
finality of the racing season but in the case of the California
Asphalt Sprintcar Association, Saturday evenings festivities at the
Tracy Community Center still
carried the feeling of a new beginning. Invited to attend Altamont
Raceway Parks 2003 awards dinner, the top 10 sprint car pilots were
honored for their achievements alongside their counterparts from the
AC Delco Late Model, Super Stock, Spec Modified, Pro and Super Mini
Truck, and Mini Cup Junior Star divisions.
The evening suffered a difficult start as it was announced co-promoter
Dennis Ortolan's trackside home was completely destroyed by fire
earlier that afternoon. Colorful Super Stock driver Jerod Popejoy
volunteered his bright orange top hat (yes, bright orange - one had to
see the whole outfit to appreciate it...) to start a collection to
help Dennis in a real time of need. No total was announced but it
looked substantial as the last table of attendees had to cram in their
donations.
Despite Dennis' misfortune, the usual beverages were consumed and
bench racing commenced until dinner was served. "Chief Steward Sonny"
presented the CASA awards starting with tenth place Allen Harney,
ninth place C.J. Humphries, eighth place Earle Stanton, seventh place
Marvin Mitchell, and club president Scott Clough's sixth place finish.
The loud ovation for Clough from the CASA faithful was indicative of
their appreciation for all his hard work in leading CASA's inaugural
effort. Ivan Worden was presented his fifth place plaque, Glenn Hopper
accepted his fourth place award and thanked Altamont for welcoming
CASA and providing the new club a place to race. Third place Mike
McCreary noted CASA's bright future with Altamont in adding to his
extensive collection of racing awards, and Bryan Bullard accepted his
second place hardware. Newly crowned and inaugural champion Tony
Iacobitti accepted his championship plaque, featuring a full color
photo of he and his beautifully crafted and prepared sprinter, by
thanking his family, many sponsors, crew, and those who helped make
CASA at Altamont a reality.
CASA club president Scott Clough then announced the presentation of a
special, "Drivers Choice Award". A sealed vote was conducted at the
last race where drivers and crew chiefs each cast a single ballot to
recognize the driver who best exemplified CASA and it's mission. A
thoroughly surprised Glenn Hopper was called to the podium to accept
the award of his peers.
Dessert was served and co-promoter Andy Herbst handed out prearranged
tickets to a nearby dance hall where folks could continue the
festivities. Many headed off to continue the party and a great time
was had by all.
CASA now begins preparations for the 2004 season. Races date will be
secured shortly and board members will meet in the coming weeks to
assess and evaluate the successes and challenges of 2003, and ensure
an even more successful second season of ground shaking asphalt sprint
car action.
Stay tuned for off-season updates over the next several weeks!
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