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2005 USAC/CRA CHAMPION DAMION GARDNER FETED AT BANQUET
by Ken Wagner

January 10, 2006....The annual USAC/CRA banquet showcased the 50th anniversary of USAC’s existence and was well attended by fans and racers alike. Crowned were champions from five Western divisions with CRA sprint cars the elite group headed by Damion Gardner’s outstanding season. An unusual ice sculpture, created in the likeness of the USAC 50 year anniversary logo, spun near the podium all night and was eventually raffled off to some lucky winner who better have a big freezer.

The annual time to see the hero’s get their just rewards was set up in the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel next to the Farm’s playground in a huge room dressed up nicely with gold the theme for the dozens of round tables plus one long table for the champions located in front of the podium. In attendance were many dignitaries including USAC president Rollie Helmling, 5 time CRA champion Jimmy Oskie, retiring Wally Pankratz, long time BCRA driver Floyd Alvis, Perris promoter Don Kazarian, J.C. Agajanian Jr and many more to celebrate the winners. The food was good with the many presentations a bit long for some, but there were 50 plus driver awards and a few more special ones to go thru

Damion Gardner had an outstanding season with 22 fast times and 15 feature victories, but that doesn’t cover it all by any means. His fast times earned him the $5,000 bonus from Earl’s deal. He was a force every time he hit the track and figures to be in the middle of the race for the gold in 2006. One of the most amazing accomplishments this season by the Demon was his run from 23rd starting spot at the PAS in April. It was an awesome feat after he failed to transfer to the feature and took a provisional opportunity at the back. On the podium, among his many thanks to those who got him there, he said he is ready to do it again!

Bruce Bromme Jr, was awarded the Western Mechanical achievement award for his outstanding work on the Ron Chaffin owned # 50 little red sucker. Bruce was unable to make it due to his wife’s serious illness. She is battling cancer and our prayers are with them both. Ron was awarded the CRA car owner's championship and was enjoying the night. The Hard Charger Award winner for CRA was Danny Sheridan, driver of the Kittle Motorsports blue # 18. He said it means his qualifying sucked, but he’ll be better this year!

Scott Deloisio interviewed the CRA winners on the podium and asked some interesting questions of the winners to make it fun. Don Kazarian was awarded the promoter of the year by USAC and sported a beard he said would be gone by opening day. Julie Shiosaki and Terri Bliss got involved and sold raffle tickets that allowed winners to score the table decorating candle centerpieces, some t-shirts, and other USAC memorabilia.

Kody Swanson, Jerome Rodela, Alex Harris, Chase Barber and Jimmy Wysong also were champions on this night as the Western USAC divisions celebrated their hard work. Wally Pankratz of Orange, Calif., the 2000 Western Midget champion, who will retire after the Chili Bowl this week, was awarded the Curly Merrill "Let's Going Racing" Award for dedication and spirit. Pankratz subsequently received a yellow walker with his famous No. 8 attached as a funny addition to the night. The "Joe Lynch Memorial" Award, announced by Pankratz for a driver for contributions to the Western States organization, was given to Garrett Hansen who was on Tulsa.

The podium dance allowed the top ten to get in their thanks for sponsors and others, but only Damion, Danny Sheridan, Seth Wilson and car owners, Sharon and Jack Jory, were there to give voice for the top ten finishers of 2005. Rookie of the year R.J. Johnson, Joshua Williams and Matt Stewart also attended for a rather poor turnout of CRA competitors. Rumor has it next year there will be something special to get them all there to celebrate together.

There has been some trickling of news of the racers coming my way, and things will look pretty much the same for 2006. The schedule is very nearly identical to last year with the hope of dates at Tulare, Hanford and El Centro to be added later. Only two dates for the Skagit trip listed so far, so more is needed there for that long trip.

Tony Jones move to the Alexander Motorsports team is probably the biggest bit of news on changes, and maybe Tony will benefit with this move and get back in the winner’s circle. Sometimes change is the answer and Tony has worked very hard to be a winner. It looks like Jeremy Sherman will replace Tony in the Vermeer/ Ferreira # 87 car. Jordan Hermansader will be in the Ben and Linda Lancaster # 14 this year. R.J. Johnson will stay with Bobby Martin. Joshua Williams will start his sophomore season with high hopes.Seth Wilson is set on winning this season in the Warbird. With everything about ready, he headed off early in the evening to run the Chili Bowl in Tulsa, Oklahoma this week. Danny Sheridan is still in the Kittle Motorsports car, with two new cars being readied as quick as they can get parts. That seems to be a problem many teams are having? Verne Sweeney reports he will be running about 15 races this year in both a 360 and 410. His son Andrew’s schedule might take preference as the young Quarter Midget champion steps up to a bigger open wheel car this season.

The season promises to be great as Rip Williams will be back to try to wrest the crown back from Damion. Add strong veteran’s Cory Kruseman, Mike Kirby, Rickie Gaunt and now Tony Jones going for the top ring. Others like Danny Sheridan, Alan Ballard, R.J. Johnson, Mike Spencer, Josh Ford, Charles Davis Jr, Steve Ostling (if he gets a ride), and many more will perhaps surprise with big wins this coming season.

Even though we are now in the process of moving to Las Vegas, racing is still a big part of our life, only the travel will be a little farther. I plan to hustle the Wagsdash purse sooner this year and with help, it should be substantial. Without me off “working” in the booth, I can now enjoy the racing and good things will surely happen. There is something about deadlines that eventually can drive some people nuts. I have had my own deadlines for the last 16 years, so I know of which I speak, and it is much more fun setting my own goals.

Sadly I attended the funeral for Bill Hicks, father of driver J Hicks, this past week and the man born in 1940 will truly be missed. A large crowd listened to some stories about the man who loved life and showed it. His family and friends will miss him, as will I.

I will miss the first two races for weddings and stuff, but don’t worry, I won’t miss many more! Good luck to all at Manzy and the Perris opener.

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