Forum: Northern California Sprint Car (go)
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FOURTH ANNUAL BRANCO MEMORIAL SET TO PAY $2121 TO WIN

WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA (September 29, 2011) –The fourth annual “Walt Branco Memorial” for Wingless Sprint Cars on Friday October 7 will pay $2121 to win with generous purse enhancements courtesy of Ocean Sprints car owner Joe Vonschriltz.The race will honor the late and famed car owner Walt Branco and will be one of the highest paying spec sprint races in Northern California.

In his memory the Branco will pay out bonuses to the top-six finishers in addition to the regular purse at Ocean Speedway.Bonuses of $1521, $821, $621, $421, $221, and $121 have been posted.The leader on lap six of the feature will also receive a $121 bonus.

“The wing drivers have the Johnny Key race so we decided to have a big race for the spec sprint drivers,” Vonschriltz said.

A big fan of drag racing, Walt was first introduced to sprint cars by co-worker C.J. Stubbles in the early 90’s.Walt worked as a crew member on Stubbles’ car for a few years learning the ins-and-outs of sprint car racing.

Walt became a car owner in the early 90’s and over a dozen year period he won main events with Ricky Williams, Chuck Gurney, Jr., and Randy Hannagan piloting his cars.He also took on ownership of a spec sprint with Doug Brewer winning several main events a year despite schedules of six to ten races a season.

Walt was also an important part of the development of Fremont’s Shane Golobic, who drives for Vonschriltz in the Ocean Sprints and Civil War.The last race that Branco attended was April 12, 2008 when Golobic won the Golden State Challenge main event at Ocean Speedway.

A heart condition forced Branco to the hospital just a week later before he passed away in July of 2008.

“Walt loved every aspect of sprint car racing,” Vonschriltz said, “from figuring out what equipment to buy, assembling the car, hanging out at the track before and after the races, and most of all watching his 6x sprint car on the track.”

Previous winners of the Branco include Ryan Bernal in 2008 and 2010, and Devon Ostheimer in 2009.Although all three Brancos have gone to local Ocean Speedway talents, a large contingent of regional spec sprint racers are expected to compete for the $2121 to win prize in 2011.

Friday October 7 will be a special night not only with the Branco on tap but the penultimate race for the Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo.The excellent night of open wheel racing will also include Micro 600s and American Stocks rounding out the program.

Adult tickets are just $17 with seniors 65+ $15 and kids ages 6-12 are $12.The family pass for two adults and two children is value priced at just $50.Qualifying will get underway at 6 p.m. with fan gates opening at 4:30 p.m.

For more information on the Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo log onto http://www.oceansprints.com and for more on the Ocean Speedway visit http://www.oceanspeedway.com

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Jim Christian leads the Ocean Speedway wingless points as they get ready to square off with the region's best wingless racers in the "Branco Memorial". Chris Cleveland photo.

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Glad to see this race getting the notoriety it deserves and the honor of Walt Branco, a great man, not to mention the generosity of Joe VonSchriltz and his admiration he has for Walt. I know this race has gone on the past 3 years without any publicity and even a few drivers had no idea about it until Joe showed up after the race to hand them cash for placing in the top 6. I hope this event becomes a huge success and continues to give back to a class of sprint cars many of us grass roots racers really appreciate. I know Walt appreciated the spec sprint class.

Cant wait to see who shows up for this event. Im already hearing of a few of the Hunt drivers planning on making it.

Everyone involved would be happy if we have enough cars for a b-main. That is a realistic goal I think in the first year of really getting the word out. This race definitely has potential.

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Possible drivers who are not Ocean spec sprint regulars:

Sparky Howard, Scott Hall, Shane Golobic, Taylor Simas, Ryan Bernal, & Terry Schank.

Any idea how many drivers are expecting to be there for the Branco? You would think more than the usual with that kind of a payout. Should be a great race for the Specs.

My bet is that the Branco Cup will stay with a Oceans regular this Friday night. Jimmy Christian has been very fast there this season. Ryan Bernal has been fast just about everywhere he shows up. I would hope some of the Chico regulars want a shot of revenge at Ryan Bernal after he walked away with the Friday night Fall Nationals $$$ last week. Mark Chaves jr and Adam Kaeding have picked off wins there this season. Terry Schank, Scott Hall and Taylor Simas have put on some great shows on the Hunt series, and I expect nothing less this Friday. Hope they all make the tow. Aside from Shane Golobic, will any other winged drivers pick up a ride for a shot at the big $$$? Bud Kaeding maybe? Cant wait to find out. I know Walt will be smiling big Friday night.

Who is Golobic driving for in the Branco?

Dave Johnson #32

Taylor Simas is one of the "ringers" who will be making the trip

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