| East Bay Gears Up for Winter Nationals | By Larry Jewett
The entries continue to pour in for the 30th annual Winter Nationals at East Bay Raceway Park. Top names in open wheel racing will lead off the show, which stretches from January 26 through February 18.
The winged 360 Sprints will open the program with three nights of action January 26-28. This year’s events will kick off the 2006 O’Reilly American Sprint Cars on Tour series, part of the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS). The final event of the three days is the 40-lap Ronald Laney Memorial, paying $10,000 to the winner. On that night, the king of the 360s will be crowned. Defending king Chad Kemenah is expected to defend his 2005 title.
Kemenah will face some stiff competition from rivals from top racers throughout the nation as 48 drivers have filed entries two weeks before the first green flag. The 2005 ASC S champion, Gary Wright of Hooks, Texas, a winner of one leg of the 2005 Winter Nationals, heads the list of travelers to invade east. A strong contingent of local racers will attempt to show its muscle. Last year, the first two races were won by Florida standouts Danny “The Hammer” Martin Jr. and Greg Leonard and these drivers are expected to put on a strong effort in 2006.
Following a vintage racing outing on Sunday, January 29, the non-wing racers make a return to the Winter Nationals with the arrival of the ASCS Tour ‘N Topless 410 class. An entry list of 30 drivers has stated their intention to race with the ultimate prize coming on February 1 with 40 laps paying $10,000. Entries include National Non-Wing Rookie of the Year Brady Short, Pennsylvania standout John Heydenreich, Bloomington (Indiana) Speedway track champion Kevin Briscoe, Californian Cory Kruseman, and the versatile Terry McCarl.
The final leg of the Sprint Car portion will offer the fire breathing 410 cubic inch monsters in open competition. The early entry list stood at 25 names with more arriving daily. The 410s will run features on February 2 and 3 before embarking on the finale, a 40-lap main with $10,000 on top on February 4. Roger Rager, who competed in the first Winter Nationals, has entered the competition in the 410s. Rager will be joined by top stars from across the country in the quest for the Winter Nationals title, won in 2005 by Danny Lasoski.
In addition to the Sprints, the USAC Ford Focus Midgets will make their Florida debut with the running of the Tangerine Tournament. The first legs will be held at East Bay in conjunction with the ASCS O’Reilly Tour ‘N Topless series.
The rich payoffs have been supplemented by a special program in the 2006 Winter Nationals. Fast Lane Apparel has tossed out the “Triple Crown Challenge” to drivers in the three Sprint classes. If one driver can win any two of the 40-lap features, that driver will pick up an additional $5,000. If a driver can win all three 40-lap features, the bonus increases to $50,000. A driver could win $85,000 by winning just three races. The incentive has led some drivers to enter for all three classes while many have signed up for at least two.
The 2006 Winter Nationals continues in the month of February with the Lucas Oil Late Models (February 6-11), Team USA Mod Lites (February 12-14), and open wheel Modifieds (February 15-18). Last year, car counts exceeded 100 in Late Models and Modifieds.
Tickets for the 2006 Winter Nationals at East Bay Raceway Park are available by calling (813) 677-7223. Complete information can be found at the track website, www.eastbayracewaypark.com.
Have an opinion on
this story? Post a message on
our Message Board! or Email KARNACto send a letter to the editor!
|
