Forum: Northern California Sprint Car (go)
Moderators: StuDeedooo

Taken from in the grandstands by Ron Rodd

by Ron Rodda

Lincoln, CA… Trophy Cup headquarters wants all competitors to understand that there is an absolute maximum on the number of entries that will be accepted for the 2009 event. That maximum is 65 and once that total of entries is reached, no further entrants will be accepted. Cup CEO Dave Pusateri had made it clear, when 65 is reached the event is full. Assuming the maximum is reached prior to the October 23^rd and 24^th race nights, then no entries would be accepted at the gate. 

Last year 23 race teams waited until the opening night of the Trophy Cup to officially enter. That type of plan this year would likely result in not being able to race the event. As Pusateri has stated, “We hope nobody has to be turned away at the back gate, but when we reach 65 that is it for entries.�

The reason for the strict entry maximum number is the concern over curfew problems that have occurred in the past. California fairgrounds race tracks have strict noise and curfew requirements, 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. Going past curfew will result in substantial fines and could lead to further complications.

With the full night of racing scheduled on opening night, Friday October 23, limiting the car count will help ensure the curfew is met. An early start to the evening’s proceedings will see the pit gate open at 10 am to allow the 65 teams plenty of time to get set up and prepared for the 5 pm start. The 16^th annual version of the thrilling event will pay a purse of $80,000 for two days of competition for the winged 360 sprint teams.

The first driver that submitted a 2009 entry is also one of this season’s most successful in California, Kyle Hirst. Winning 3 of the last 4 at Chico along with top finishes in other events around the northern part of the state, Hirst will look to improve on his 5^th place finish in Trophy Cup points from last year. The Loomis resident is also one of the busier drivers as he races in the 360 and 410 events as well as making occasional appearances in a nonwing spec sprint.

Kyle Hirst is the first entry for the 16^th Annual Trophy Cup

The second entry came from Brett Miller who has three rookie of the year awards in his resume. Collecting the honor from Silver Dollar Speedway, the Civil War Series, and the Golden State Challenge series, Miller just turned 20. Like so many sprint car drivers from the northern part of the state, he started his racing career in the winged outlaw kart classes.

Third to enter was veteran Tommy Tarlton, the Trophy Cup champion in 2000 in its single year at what is now named Ocean Speedway near Watsonville. Tarlton came from 9^th in points in the 2^nd night’s main event by racing to a 2^nd place finish from his 16^th starting spot. This year Tarlton has primarily been racing a 360 at Watsonville where he is 2^nd in points as of August 18^th. Last year Tarlton was 14^th in points in the Trophy Cup battle.

The 4^th driver to enter is the initial out of state entrant for this year’s big event. Calling Bend, OR home is Chad Groves. Groves primarily runs a northwest based schedule but has appeared at Silver Dollar Speedway. His racing background developed after watching his father, uncle, and grandfather race. In his 5^th year of racing, Groves is currently 4^th in ASCS Northwest points and has been on the podium in his last two events.

The 5^th driver to enter could be called Mr. Trophy Cup given his record of success in the event. Brent Kaeding will be looking for his 5^th title to easily be the most successful driver ever in the Cup. Kaeding won the 1^st Cup raced on Tulare clay after an epic battle with Mike Faria over the 40 lap distance on Saturday night. He was a very uncharacteristic 21^st in points last year after entering the final main in 7^th spot in the point totals. His 22^nd place finish in the final main was due to a DNF and spoiled his chance for a 5^th title.

As of August 18^th, there are 33 entries for the Cup race on October 23^rd and 24^th at Tulare Thunderbowl. Teams that want to be part of the 16^th annual version should enter quickly to guarantee a spot. Entry forms are available at

Since the Trophy Cup is just over 9 weeks away, at the current rate that entries are arriving, the 65 maximum entry number will be reached well before the first car qualifies at Tulare Thunderbowl.

Current Entries:

DRIVER CAR NUMBER

Kyle Hirst 6

Brett Miller 1X

Tommy Tarlton 21

Chad Groves 25C

Brent Kaeding 69

Mike Stallings 83M

Bud Kaeding 29

Jonathan Allard 0

Pat Harvey 15

Scott Kinney 25K

Craig Stidham 3

Cory Eliason 00

Andy Forsberg 92

Kyle Larson 83V

Chad Compton 69C

Tyler Walker 24

Ronnie Day 20

Brent Bjork 7B

Brock Lemley 40

Andy Ferris 4J

Colby Solomon 9S

Jim Richardson 8

Andy Gregg 53

Geoff Ensign 5

Driver TBA 83 (Rod Tiner car)

Justyn Cox 5H

Tyler Spath KR14

Jason Statler 00

Randy Hannagan 1X

Roger Crockett 11

Driver TBA 83 (Dennis Roth car)

Driver TBA 83jr “ “ “

Shane Golobic 121

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thanks for the update. Keep them coming.