The memory of Gary Sokola & his son Mark, live on in Southern California with the traditional Sokola Shootout. Gary former CRA President, and his son Mark, a former driver are each honored for their rich contribution to racing in Southern California. We are sure they were both with the nights on track action as they looked on from heaven above.
Before we get on with a recap of Moose Racing's adventures, we ask that all reading this say a prayer for Steve Alexander, owner, wrench for the 4 car of Damion Gardner, Alexander Racing. Steve was seriously injured early on Saturday morning when unloading the 4 machine from the trailer. The hook that operates the cable that releases the rear door apparently snapped, resulting in the door falling on Steve. He is currently on ICU being monitored and recovering from his injuries. Prayers for Steve & The Alexander family.
Arriving at the track were 28 fire breathing 410 sprinters. The switch made over the winter of the Arizona Southwest series from a 360 association to a 410 club has seen the entries at USAC/CRA's hometrack of Perris Auto Speedway grow in a steady pace. Combined with the talented California locals, are the talents of RJ Johnson, Stevie Sussex, Charlie Davis, Mike Martin, making the field more competitive week in and week out.
Right out of the box in a brand new car RJ was the first out to qualify and he set a blistering time (16.573 ) for the other 27 cars to try to beat. Damion did top that, getting himself yet another Woodland Auto Display Quick Time Award. Austin rolled out about mid pack in qualifying and posted a 16.894, sitting him in 6th, ( which if everyone in the top 6 transfers from their heats, would put him on the pole for the 30 laps Main )
With 28 cars, the show was scheduled to have 4, 7 car heat races, but when Steve Sussex took a wild ride in qualifying and the field reducing to 7 cars, the lineups were revamped to have only 3 heat races .Line up for Heat 3 saw Austin dicing through traffic and getting the direct transfer to The Main with a 2nd place finish. Unfortunately, 2 other drivers did not make the direct transfer, which moved the starting line up for Main to the car that was 8th starting on the pole & Austin inside row 2. It was refreshing to see the 22 Main Event cars take position on the front straight way, with drivers beside their cars, waving and welcming the fans. A gesture that in many options, makes the fans feel just a tad more connected with their favorite drivers, or maybe trade alliances and cheer for someone else this night.
Brody starting from outside the front row set the pace - Austin running 3rd the 1st couple laps amde the pass for 2nd and for 14 laps it was Brody/Austin show as they put on a great show. Coming out of turn 4 Austin spun and was hit in the right front by a lap car, breaking the right front torsion arm. A huge thank you to the many that jumped in to get Austin back on the track. Joining the field 17th, Austin had elbows up and raced his way up to a top 10, taking the checkers in 9th.
Kudos to the Moose Crew, Paul Dean, Jim Powers, Logan Jory, Roger Eiiliot, Cole Nance, Dan Grunkemeyer & Gary Lyons.
Moose Racing would like to thank for all their support : Huntington Beach Glass & MIrror, Lucas OIl, Phil & Eileen King, CSI Construction, Lucas OIl Centers Of Evansville, Indiana , AMPCO/SPG, Offroad Loans.com, CATT Plumbing, Circle Track, Wilwood, Keizer Wheels, RC Performance, Kistler Engines, DRC, FK Trackside, Freeway Auto, Rod End Supply.
If you or your company would like to join Moose Racing in their quest for a 2019 championship please contact Lauri and Lauri@sprintcars.com
Check out this awesome centerfold spread in this weeks Perris Program: photos by Mike Arthur and edited by Chris Holt