August 10, 2010
"Demon" Damion Gardner and Robert "Wildman" Ballou have announced that they will compete in the 2010 Louie Vermeil Classic. Both drivers have been furious competitors for over the last three seasons on the National USAC tour as well as in other Midwest sprint car races. Gardner and Ballou have had some tremendous battles and heated confrontations. They are both seeking to continue their rivalry on the long straightaways of Wine Country's Calistoga Speedway. Both Gardner and Ballou will be driving for successful Northern California car owners. Gardner will be teamed up with Rod Tiner, while Ballou will steer Ted Finkenbinder's sprinter. They will be shooting to pocket the $5000 to win each night.
The Saturday night portion of the Louie Vermeil Classic (LVC) will pay Tribute to the late famed car owner Walter T. Ross. The race will pay $3500 to win with an additional $1500 in lap money. Sunday's race will pay tribute to another famed car owner DuWayne Starr, which will pay a cool $5000 to win. Both car owners successfully competed at Calistoga Speedway during the Louie Vermeil lead era of the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) and were instrumental in building the rich tradition of Sprint Car racing in Northern California.
Race teams will also have the opportunity to receive cash from the proceeds of the pre-race events, which includes the always popular wine tasting and silent auction. This year's LVC will include for the first time a Beer Garden that will highlight over a dozen breweries pouring selected brands of beer. Both wine and beer glasses are $10 each for unlimited tasting. For more information go to www.louievermeilclassic.net
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