4/12/2011
Sprint Source
TACO BRAVO SPRINTS READY TO FIRE OFF FRIDAY AFTER DELAYED START
WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA (April 12, 2011) – After record rainfall throughout March that cancelled the March 25 opener, the Taco Bravo Ocean Sprint Car Series will finally get underway at the Santa Cruz Fairgrounds dirt oval with a stellar field of cars expected to challenge 2010 champion Tommy Tarlton.
Drivers will be competing for the coveted Ocean Sprints championship ring and a variety of price awards throughout the season. Ray Scheidt’s Electric will pay $75 to the fast-qualifier while DDNi will pay $100 to the hard charger at each feature in 2011.
The pool of drivers running for the championship is large and is one of the deepest fields in any sprint car series in California. Newcomer and former motorcycle ace Jeremy Chisum will join Ronnie Day to form a two-car effort out of Salinas. Other newcomers include Tommy Laliberate, St. Helena’s Rico Abreu, James Bondurant (grandson of Bob Bondurant), and San Jose’s Nick Green (son of Tim Green).
18 year-old Justin Sanders of Prunedale, Visalia’s Cory Eliason, and “Cowboy” Craig Smith are all drivers who finished in the top-ten in last year’s standings that are looking to improve their status in 2011.
Orval Zane Burke, Jr., Nick Ringo, Jr., and Steve Osborne have also announced plans to return to Ocean Speedway while Bud Kaeding and Brent Kaeding are expected to compete in part-time schedules.
Tarlton will face stiff competition from both Ocean regulars and a host of drivers who plan to compete at the track on a limited schedule. One of those is the red-hot Kyle Larson. The 18 year-old finished in the runner-up spot in the 2010 points and will be on hand for the opener on Friday. Larson’s main focus in 2011 will be the USAC National Midgets for car owner Keith Kunz.
Fremont, California gasser Shane Golobic will also be in attendance on Friday after scoring a win last Friday night at Placerville.
Countless other drivers are expected to be in attendance for this kick-off to the winged 360 series.
“I can’t thank our sponsors and competitors enough for their commitment to this series,” Promoter John Prentice said. “I am looking forward to yet another year of growth as we continue to offer a great weekly program for the fans!”
The Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo will race this Friday night with American Stocks, Wingless Sprints, and Four-Bangers also on the card. 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. Racing 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
Submitted By: Steven Blakesley
