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Jones in Lakewood this Saturday
Lakewood, CA. – Sprint car fans that plan to stay home this weekend rather than make the drive to Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix for the "Copper on Dirt" or who are visiting the Los Angeles area can do some bench racing this Saturday (February 16) at the Zanzabuku Sports Lounge in Lakewood.
On hand will be the 2007 USAC/CRA Champion Tony Jones, the Mark Alexander Race Team and last year's championship sprint car known to many as the "Silver Bullet." It is the second year that the team has made an appearance at the Lakewood lounge. Jones has a legion of race fans called the "Jones Nation" and Perris Auto Speedway track announcer Scott Daloisio has called Jones the series' most popular driver. His authentic and friendly demeanor has made him a fan favorite at all of the race tracks on the USAC/CRA tour.
Jones, who is also known to sprint car fans as the "Cowboy" for his rim riding style, is the son of retired sprint car Hall of Fame driver Bubby Jones. He won five times last year and was involved in a tight point battle for the championship with rival Mike Spencer. Jones missed a race at Ventura Raceway following a flip at Perris Auto Speedway that resulted in a broken collarbone. The injury kept him out of the car for the one race and he was back in the Alexander sprinter following Ventura.
The Alexander team began auto racing in 1990 and raced at the historic Ascot Park in Gardenia until it closed in 1994. In 1995 the team bought a sprint car and through the years they have had several top drivers compete for them including Corey Kruseman, Rickie Gaunt, Mike Kirby, J.J. Yeley and Jeremy Sherman. Last year's championship for the team and car owner Mark Alexander was their first. Brother Steve Alexander serves as the crew chief and was recognized at USAC's annual year-ending banquet, held in Indianapolis on January 19, when he received the USAC/CRA Lincoln Electric Mechanical Achievement Award. The team plans to run a limited schedule in 2008.
Plans for this Saturday's event include a raffle, 50/50 draw, televised racing action provided by Lance Jennings from SCRAFAN.COM and Raceway Video, and plenty of delicious Mexican food made available and generously provided by John and Maria Barnes of the La Villa Restaurant in Gardenia. Tacos Coco's in Los Angeles will also be on hand with their Taco bar. The La Villa is a long-time team sponsor. Donations will be gladly accepted in support of the Alexander team. In addition, the Lakewood bar features its regular Saturday night Karaoke beginning at 8 p.m.
In honor of the team's "Silver Bullet" sprint car, the bar will have a special price for Coors Light 12 ounce bottles. The Zanzabuku has also dedicated one wall of pictures featuring Jones and the "Silver Bullet" team and is a must see. Last year's event was a success with lots of race fans turning out to talk racing with Jones and the Alexander team.
Saturday's event is designed to generate support for Jones and the team in 2008. Everything gets under way at 1 p.m. on Saturday with the sprint car parked in front of the Zanzabuku. The bar is located at 4825 Paramount Blvd. in Lakewood. The bar can be reached by calling 562.423.9872.
"Ralphie, Senor, muchas gracias por una mas cerveza" -
Scott Daloisio @ the PAS
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