surfnsprint

If you don’t think this weekend’s Grand Slam Final is the most exciting thing since Dale Earnhardt met Chevrolet don’t bother to read any further. If you’re still reading, you already know that Bandits, VRA and suddenly orphaned USAC drivers will be rushing Ventura’s pit row this weekend. Many of California’s very best sprint car drivers will be here for bragging rights and maybe enough prize money to take their crews down to the pier for dinner. I decided to pick through this week’s line up and make a few projections, handicaps and wisecracks. How about this………

Peter Murphy: #21 Australian Bandit Peter “No Worries” Murphy is a trip. I talked to him for a while after the Bakersfield Race but his accent is so thick I’m not really sure what he said! Claims “experience” is what puts him out front. I think it has to do with laughing at the devil, driving outside the pack and a car that wants to race the space shuttle. With two wins and a second in the first three races, maybe start him at the parking lot gate. Check him out. Drawbacks: it’s not his track

Clark Templeman III: #18t Becoming one of my favorite drivers, Clark ran into some bad news in Bakersfield and may or may not show up. He has dominated in two of the Grand Slam events. If he does show up, I expect a chip on his shoulder. He was robbed. He will be looking for what is his. Drawbacks: hasn’t had a chance to find and fix the crash bugs.

Greg Porte: #3g Fast. This guy is as freaking fast as squirrels. The 3g has got to be disappointed with his Grand Slam results so far. He is a crowd favorite in the central tracks and he is used to winning. Wants to take something home. He will be coming in with an attitude. Drawbacks: inconsistent slam results

Chris Wakim: #9w Simi local Chris “Wake Em Up” Wakim (hey, I’m trying) clearly dominated in the first half of the VRA season. His explosive style of driving has made him a Ventura favorite for years. After getting tagged in Fresno, a Ferris wheel crash in Santa Maria, and a flat tire in Bakersfield I figure the Bandits haven’t really met Chris Wakim yet. The real Chris Wakim lives high in turn two. Drawbacks: prone to incidents

Kevin Kierce: #2 Kevin “Fierce” Kierce won the inaugural race at King’s Speedway. I can still see the surprised look on Peter Murphy’s face as Kevin blew past him. Has been improving all year, he is looking for momentum, he is looking for points. I won’t have a surprised look. Drawbacks: not predictable

Cory Kruseman: TBD Cory “the Kruse” Kruseman. What can you say? Cory was born in that little shack next to the pit stands. When Cory shows up, the whole landscape tilts in his favor. He rarely loses in Ventura. He has raced the VRA three times this season, he has won three times. Watching him drive and stick his front nose under the best drivers is worth the price of admission all by itself. Make him drive the water truck! Everybody wants to beat him. Drawbacks: none detected by man

Greg Taylor: #7 Greg is dominating the second half of the VRA season. If he’s near the front at the end of the evening, nothing is certain, no one is safe. Question: Why don’t sprint cars have rear view mirrors? Answer: The other drivers don’t want to see the 7 car coming up behind them. Drawbacks: lot of car problems this year

Spoilers:
- any USAC driver with the name Damion, Mike, Josh, Danny or Rip
- Blake Miller / he will have to step up
- Steve Conrad / always in the middle of every good fight
- Rob Kershaw / natural born competitor, races in his dreams

Wildcard: Luis “Hollywood” Espinoza is crawling toward his destiny; knows that he’s not hitting his stride yet. Always swings for the fences. Dedicated driver who knows how to maintain a lead. If Luis can get out front, don’t be surprised to see him pull off a major upset.

Is that enough motivation? I can hear the teeth grinding. Anybody I left out? Fire back!

posted: 9:41 AM