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(Photo courtesy Jon Paquet Photography www.paquetphotography.com)
West Coast Sprint Cars Invade Santa Maria Speedway for Bud Stanfield Memorial
By Gary Costa
Santa Maria, CA - October 5, 2009…The Non-Wing West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series will invade Chris Kearns' Santa Maria Speedway for the prestigious 24th Annual Bud Stanfield Memorial this Saturday. It will be the last race at the 1/3-mile speedway for the Non-Wing Sprint Cars that will conclude an exciting first year of promoting Sprint Car races for the hardworking promoter.
The Bakersfield based Southwest Contractors, a premier commercial construction General Contractor and a valued friend to motorsports, has helped make this event even bigger by posting a $2,500 prize to the winner, $1,250 for second, $1,000 for third, and $250 to start the 30-lap feature event.
"I can't thank Southwest Contractors enough for all of their generosity," Kearns said. "We have had a great year. The racing has been exciting, and all of the racers have been a joy to work with."
Santa Maria Speedway has played host to the West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series schedule eight times this season with the finale sure to be a sight to behold as the drivers will be "backin' them in" on the racy surface gunning for bragging rights as the season comes to a close.
"The racing has been fantastic this year. I'm really honored that we have had good car counts, and the fans have been happy – that's my job as a promoter and I take that seriously," Kearns continued. "That's my job as a promoter. I want the racers, car owners, sponsors and fans to be happy – that's my ultimate goal each and every night that we put on a show."
The West Coast 360 Series point battle is going down to the wire, and there are only two events left that will decide the 2009 champion. Bakersfield's Rusty Carlile is coming off of a win at Kings Speedway and has emerged as the point leader, but Hanford's Justyne Hamblin is hot on his heels, however, as the two have battled all season long for the top-spot.
"This should be a great race. These drivers are so talented – they keep me on the edge of my seat. I have a lot to learn…but I'm learning as I go. I'm already looking forward to next year, and I would like to personally thank everyone for all of their help and input this year – I sincerely mean that," Kearns concluded.
Other drivers looking to steal the prize include 2008 Bud Stanfield Memorial winner, Danny Faria, Jr., Clovis veteran Peter Murphy, Kerman's Davey Pombo, the brother duo from Visalia Richard and Jace Vanderweerd, Atascadero's Greg Porte, Fresno's Albert Pombo and a host of other drivers.
Admission prices will be $16.00 for adults, $14.00 for seniors and military and their spouses, and $5.00 for children six to twelve. Kids five and under are free. Gates open at the 4:00 p.m., with qualifying at 5:00 p.m. and racing at 6:00 p.m. Parking and camping are always free. The 1/3-mile oval is located 1/4-mile north of the US 101/166 interchange on Hutton Road.
For more information regarding "The West Coast's Best Short Track", be sure to log onto www.RaceSantaMariaSpeedway.com
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