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A Fantastic USAC/CRA Ron Otto Memorial Show at Santa Maria
By Pete Curto 06/16/08
On an absolutely blazing fast new clay the long standing 410 track record was lowered to 13.320 by "Blazing" Blake Miller and his number 93 Gardner Racing ride. That was the proof of the sticky clay scenario. During hot laps the clay line that stuck on the front straight walls began before the flag stand indicating famous sprint car four wheeled slides were beginning early and often as the heavy track nestled the racers in a traction security blanket. All through the night walls had to be scraped for the racers to recognize their boundaries. The great cushion that Santa Maria was legendary for was back thanks to a long awaited clay repavement job that saw push trucks rolling down at every opportunity to provide the great side by side racing fans were treated to. As many racers complimented the track the credit goes to Dave Swindell and his hard working band of merry men, Dave Sneed and "Big" John Hansen. They mined the clay and over the past weeks worked it into the surface that everyone praised.
Seventeen 410 cubic inch sprint cars were supported three 360's which led to the fast and furious racing. Young Bandit Series star "Fast" Albert Pombo backed up his 7th fast time by dominating the first heat race in his Extreme Pizza Special. He was followed by hard working and part-time racing "Hollywood" Danny Faria and USAC regulators Miller, Eric "the Red (48)" Severson, former Bandit ace Aaron Altaffer, USAC rookie sensation Cody Williams and local Nipomo racer Mike Larson. The Second heat saw Tyler Brown jump to a quick lead that even when Santa Maria's pride Danny "Showtime" Sheridan made his way through traffic into 2nd was long gone. Close enough to taste Kittle Brothers Blue 18 strewn clay was Jimmy "Neutron" Crawford, Ronnie Case and "the Kingsburg Cowboy" Austin Mero. Steve Demott and USAC rookie John Butler had their own race in the 360 group as they tailed the higher powered group. The third and final heat Garret Hansen was up on the wheel and crossed the checkered flag ahead of Chaffin chauffer Mike Spencer, Davey Pombo in the McGowen racing 11, and Henry Clark's Kruseman cruiser. Billy Blinn and journeyman Santa Cruz mountain racer Daniel Hood testing the new built Jaime Hood 410 motor rounded out the final heat.
The feature saw "Fast" Albert lead his first USAC feature for the first couple of laps before being passed by the charging Jimmy Crawford all the while Spenser, Brown, "Big Daddy" Davey Pombo and "Showtime" worked traffic in hot pursuit. Lap 10 saw the final pass for the lead as Brown used lapped traffic to pick off Spencer and overtake Crawford. Brown had to fend off the charges and maneuvers of Spenser and Sheridan to the delight of a huge and loyal Santa Maria crowd for the balance of the 30 lap feature. Through lapped cars and in between red flags the war raged with Brown getting the glory and Spencer and Sheridan climbing from their cars less than satisfied with the result. No bitter emotions just the clenched jaws of serious competitors who feel that they had the stuff to be victorious but it was the crash and burn mojo that propelled Brown to the pinnacle. "Big Daddy" Davey Pombo was overtaken in the late stages by Blazing Blake and trailed by "Hollywood" Faria, "Neutron" Crawford. The entire feature event was characterized by close racing and lots of passing and maneuvering and even though the surface was heavy it was very racy.
There were many good efforts and although some were disappointed with less than satisfactory efforts (such is racing) the show put on was top notch as close and competitive racing is what fans crave and pay for. As many criticisms were heard about a poor 410 turnout and USAC's lack of bringing regulars proved unfounded as many 360 regular teams pumped up with 410 power plants saved the car count portion and added credibility to the show. The aforementioned track preparation in conjunction with the adequate USAC/CRA 410 turnout, a wild and wooley NMRA T.Q. show and a crowd pleasing IMCA Modified race made the Ron Otto Memorial event one for the record books.
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