There's always a love/hate relationship with Ventura Speedway. Being able to enjoy the beauty of the ocean, the sea breeze, the wind para sailers and just the calmness it offers -- but then the peaceful atmosphere fades as the 1st 410 USAC/CRA sprinter fires! The race was dedicated to Dave Adhair, former track flagman and friend to so many who passed suddenly, and 22 sprint car drivers participated in the 40 lap event. Quick time was set by Cody Williams, Brody Roa 2nd, RJ Johnson 3rd, Jake 4th, in the Huntington Beach Glass/Light Up The World Beverages 92. Rounding out the top 5 was Damion Gardner.
Jake lined up in the 1st heat P5 and was moving his way up when the car in front of him got a little squirrelly and unknown to several how Jake kept from spinning. He gathered it back up and was able make the top 4, which was a direct transfer to the Main, securing his starting spot of 3rd.
Here's where the love/hate situation comes in - putting 22 cars on that tiny track is when you just hold your breath and hope for the best. Running solidly in 3rd, Brody who had started 6th was on a mission, as he passed the top 5 and took the lead. Jake and Ryan Bernal battled back and forth, side by side for numerous laps and when the checkered drop, it was Roa, Damion, Ryan & Jake. Another top 5!! For us car owners, just being able to run 40 laps and coming out with driver and car in one piece, when it's such tight racing, is a sigh of relief.
Our thoughts ae with Matt McCarthy who took a nasty ride in hot laps and is still in the hospital with back injures -- Pease join us with good thoughts and prayers for Matt.
A special thank you to Big Mike from All Coast Construction who presented to each driver that completed 30 of the 40 laps in honor of Dave --- a crisp $100.00 bill.
On to the next race - May 26th at Perris Auto Speedway..