For all of us that are avid sprint car fans, it is our desire and wish that we introduce as many people as we can to the sport that we are so passionate about. With that in mind every year we at Moose Racing host a " Huntington Beach Glass/Moose Night at Perris Auto Speedway. We contact friends that have shown an interest in attending, but never had and organize a night of fun, celebration and support for our driver and team.
This year the interest in the team and Jake's spectacular progress we felt the need to really reach out and make this Moose Night " A Night To Remember", so, going out of the "box" there was even more effort put into introducing newbies to sprint car racing!! Guests were greated with beads - purple, teal & black ( of coarse) purple pom poms, which were personalized with Go Jake Go, their own private "moose" program, raffle prizes and hopefully a night of action that will leave them wanting for more!! It was exciting looking from the pits to the stands to see over 100 pom poms being shaken when ever announcer Chris, mentioned Jake's name!
The day kicked off early as the rig was the first to pull into the pits - and rushed over to make sure that the normal pit area for the 50 car rig was reserved in memory and respect for Bruce Bromme, who was called to heaven so unexpectedly. Lucky for us, Coach & Donnie at the track had already blocked the area with cones and fellow racers were gracious enough to respect the request.
Up in the main walkway for a few hours setting up the Welcome area and reserving basically the entire "F" section in over 100 degree weather was a challenge to say the least - but when the checkered flag fell on the evening, the hard work appreared to have been worth it!!
A uncomman vantage point for me, the grandstands, where I was able to dash away from the table and catch Jake's qualifying attempt. That over 100 degree weather effected the track too, and a surface that was a tad abnormal had the some of the drivers a bit miffed. After the 23 cars took their time against the clock, Jake was 8th.
Back in the pits,where I belong - a touching tribute to Bruce was on the track with Oskie in the seat of the car once driven by Dean Thompson, and wrenched by award winning crew chief, Bruce and 50 car that was currently under Bruce's command. There were only a few of us that noticed, but as soon as the green flag fell for the tribute, one of the checkered balloons that we had set up in the stands for Moose Night broke loose and headed towards Our Lord.
Heat races posted and Jake will line up Heat 2 outside the 2nd row in 4th. Wasting no time, he made it past the 3 cars and took off lead and finish Heat race 2 in 1st!!!
The smaller field accounted for no semi- so as the Main Event was lined up and Jake, starting in 8th was focused on the changeling track before home. Dried from the heat and wind, the track was gonna be tricky. A not so pleasant start saw Jake dropping back... 10th or 11th. After a dodging a nasty situation coming off of 2 -- ( trust me, we have no clue how he got around the mess ) it was elbows up for Jake. Moving cautiously up in the field and bringing the Moosemobile home in 5th!! Great run for Jake!!!
We would like to thank everyone that helped in all the prep for Moosenight... Eileen, Michelle, Tammy, Haley, and her gal friend ( sorry, can't place her name), Chris for printing all the banners, coloring books and programs,
George and Luk for cooking a yummie dinner for the Moose crew, of coarse, the incredible Moose Crew ( Tom, Dave, Jimmy, Jim, Chris, Don,Gunk) and the fantastic sponsors that support Moose racing: Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror, Ram Bull Racing, Circle Track, Advanced Shocks, Phil & Eileen King, Specialized Powdercoating, RC Performance, JC, Trackside Racing, Lucas Oil, K & N, CRC, Kreizer Wheels, Saldana Racing Products, Krietz Racing.