WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA (October 6, 2011) – Salinas’ Ronnie Day will try to put the wraps on the 2011 Ocean Sprints presented by Taco Bravo championship on Friday night at Ocean Speedway with the penultimate race for the Ocean Sprints on the card. Day leads season-long rival Tommy Tarlton by 32 points going into the second-to-last round of the series.
The Ocean Sprints will be joined by the Wingless Sprint Cars with their $2121 to win “Walt Branco Memorial” to make for a great night of open-wheel competition at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds quarter-mile dirt oval.
Day’s lead over Tarlton grew after he took quick-time and a third place finish in a back-up car against the California Sprint Car Civil War on September 23. Tarlton, on the other hand, flipped in the semi and failed to make the feature.
St. Helena rookie Rico Abreu has taken the #89 Abreu Vinyards mount to within 16 points of Tarlton as well in the series standings, while Prunedale’s Justin Sanders and Tommy Laliberte round out the top-five.
September 23 feature winner Shane Golobic of Fremont is sixth followed by Kurt Nelson, September 23rd runner-up Craig Smith, Ryan Rusconi, and Jerry Bonnema the top-ten in the standings.
Former USAC Silver Crown star Bud Kaeding will return to the Ocean Sprints this Friday night. Kaeding is one of five repeat winners this year along with Golobic, Tim Kaeding, Day, and Tarlton.
The $2121 to win “Walt Branco Memorial” has attracted a strong group of drivers with Chico wingless standout Taylor Simas expected to make the trip. Also expected to join the Ocean Speedway regulars includes two-time Branco winner Ryan Bernal, Golobic, and Napa’s Joe Stornetta.
The excellent night of open wheel racing on Friday will also include Micro 600s and American Stocks rounding out the program.
Adult tickets are just $17 with seniors 65+ $15 and kids ages 6-12 are $12. The family pass for two adults and two children is value priced at just $50. Qualifying will get underway at 6 p.m. with fan gates opening at 4:30 p.m.
For more information on the Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo log onto http://www.oceansprints.com and for more on the Ocean Speedway visit http://www.oceanspeedway.com
Article Credit: Steven Blakesley / Blakesley Sports Media