VRA Perris August 2nd preview

(JULY 29, 2003) The VRA Sprint Cars will return to Perris Auto Speedway this Saturday night for their first of three appearances during the month of August. Joining them on the brightly lit clay oval will be the California Champ Trucks and the VRA Dwarfs Cars.

The driver to beat heading into Saturday's action is third generation star Tom Stansberry. The 27 year-old Bakersfield driver has won three VRA main events in a row including last Saturday night at the local (to him) Bakersfield Speedway.

Stanberry's Grandfather, Ken, began racing Sprint Cars in the 1940s around Southern California. Tom's Father also raced Sprint Cars and was a crew member for the late Dempsey Wilson's Indy car efforts.

Heading into Saturday's race, Stansberry is ranked third in VRA (Ventura Racing Association) points. Simi Valley's Chris Wakim, who won the first ever VRA race at The PAS last August, holds a slim 50 point lead over Agoura's Rob Kershaw. Colorful Mike Knopf of Santa Maria, Stansberry and Ojai's Greg Taylor round out the top five in the standings.

The entire VRA field will face a stiff challenge from SCRA regulars Mike Kirby of Torrance and Corona's Steve Ostling. On July 12th, Kirby led every single lap at The PAS to win his 43rd lifetime SCRA main event. Last Saturday night, Kirby placed third in a Late Model race at Nevada's Reno-Fernley Raceway. While Kirby was away racing his Late Model, Ostling, who is currently fifth in SCRA points, finished second and third in the SCRA main events at The PAS.

Cathedral City's Art Peterson leads Cassidy Bean, Jeff Dunham, Mike Hixson and Mark Anderson in a tight battle for the California Champ Truck Series title. Heading into Saturday's action, the top five are only separated by 16 points.

Rounding out Saturday's show will be the VRA Dwarfs. They are colorful scaled down versions of 1940 cars powered by motorcycle engines.

Spectator gates will open at 4:00 PM this Saturday.

Don't forget that at intermission the entire family can dance in The PAS Dance Contest with prizes for the winning dancers ages 12 and under.

Perris Auto Speedway is the world's premiere clay oval stadium. The fan friendly track features an amazing 60,000-watt digital sound system, daytime bright lighting, a wide variety of delicious food, clean restrooms and paved spectator parking. Best of all, the track supplies clean, wholesome family entertainment every Saturday night.

Advance tickets for Saturday's race are on sale now by calling 1-800-595-4849 or on the Internet at www.tix.com or www.perrisautospeedway.com.

Perris Auto Speedway is conveniently located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, home of the Southern California Fair, approximately one hour east of Los Angeles. Take the 215 Freeway, exit at the Ramona Expressway and go east two and a half miles to the fairgrounds.

VRA SPRINT CARS
1. Chris Wakim - Simi Valley - 10600
2. Rob Kershaw - Agoura - 10550
3. Mike Knopf - Santa Maria - 9310
4. Tom Stansberry - Bakersfield - 9170
5. Greg Taylor - Ojai - 8955
6. Luis Espinoza - Woodland Hills - 8950
7. Chris Tramel - Ventura - 8660
8. Kevin Kierce - Tarzana - 8330
9. Clark Templeman III - Santa Clarita - 7290
10. Steve Conrad - Aqua Dulce - 6410
11. Kyle Hancock - Ventura - 5480
12. Bill Welch - Ojai - 5390
13. Mike Davis - Oxnard - 4920
14. Jake Ford - Camarillo - 4445
15. Tony Dighera - Thousand Oaks - 4145
16. Will Perkins - Hesperia - 3965
17. Ryan Devitt - San Diego - 3715
18. Steve Chulahoff - Camarillo - 3270
19. Brett Butler - Goleta - 3265
20. Ron DiDinato - Riverside - 3235