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The CASA Chronicles (No. 12) |
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Keeping
up with the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association |
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February 9, 2005…San Jose, CA. The California Asphalt Sprintcar Association held their annual general membership meeting at RPM Indoor Karting Center on Saturday, February 5th. CASA President/CEO Scott Clough introduced all the CASA board members to the assembled group; Carla McCreary, Vice President of Operations/Secretary/Treasurer, Ronnie LaManna, Director of Competition, Carl Branco, Chief Pit Steward, Robin Branco Chief Scorer, and Glenn Hopper, Director of Marketing, Publicity and Media Relations welcomed all in attendance. Clough’s agenda began with recognizing all returning
drivers and a trophy presentation to 2004 CASA champion Nick Rescino, Jr. Clough
also thanked Mike Coy of Coy Concrete Construction for his sponsorship support
of 2004. Clough gave a brief history of CASA’s beginnings and
recapped the 2004 season’s purse structure, participating partner racetracks,
and the 43 different drivers who participated in CASA events last year before
addressing the upcoming 2005 season. He reviewed how and why each partner track
was selected, their 150-mile proximity to the Sacramento hub of CASA teams, and
specifics about Carson City’s Champion Speedway second Nevada State Sprint Car
Championship. Altamont’s General manager, Dennis Ortolan informed the group
that on top of the $6000 guaranteed CASA purse, Altamont would guarantee each
CASA race at Altamont would pay $1000 to win. Ortolan’s information segued nicely into Clough’s next
subject, the 2005 purse structure where last place pays a minimum of $200 to
start and each progressive position pays more than the one behind it with a
minimum $750 to win. Clough also outlined the new CASA point funds, the tire
fund provided by American Racer Tires and another fuel fund provided by C.L
Bryant Racing Fuels. Clough began a detailed account of the thought process and
details of how the switch to American Racer tires was made, and a set of the new
tires was prominently displayed next to the podium. Clough covered all the tire
specifications, availability and costs, as well as introduce the tire change
compliance program whereby the first CASA race of 2005 will require an American
Racer right rear tire, the second CASA event, a second American Racer tire
(choice of position), a third American Racer tire (choice of position) for race
number three, and by CASA race number four all competitors will have the
required CASA-specified American Racer tires on all for corners of each car.
This allows CASA teams to use existing tire inventories as they see fit. There are no engine, weight or major car construction
changes however CASA officials will increase the number of technical inspections
over last season to insure complete compliance with all engine, fuel and safety
rules. CASA inspectors have taken off-season courses in fuel sample analysis and
procedures on finding illegal traction control systems. Any violation of CASA
rules will be met with severe penalties. The only significant rule change includes the use of
two-way radios. Two-way radio use will be restricted to hot-lap/practice
sessions and qualifying. Two-way radio communication is not allowed under racing
conditions. The board is investigating the feasibility of one-way tower
communication systems and will keep open to membership interests in this regard. Race formats for 2005 remain similar to 2004 noting each
partner tracks wishes for their situation. At this time all Altamont and Madera
shows are scheduled for qualifying, heat races, a trophy dash and a 50-lap
feature event. Ukiah will host 75-lap features and Champion Speedway will
maintain a trophy dash and 100-lap CASA features. The CASA point structure was revised to better maintain
season-long balance and reward consistency of finishes and CASA support. Clough presented the need to re-elect a new Member-at-Large
to represent the general membership at all board meetings throughout the 2005
campaign. Members were encouraged to nominate and elect someone from their ranks
to be in place prior to the first CASA event in April. Glenn Hopper presented the need for continued, expanded driver participation in keeping CASA’s website driver profiles up to date and he hopes to post more details to the site in the near future. Before adjourning to the go-kart track for some off-season shenanigans, CASA awarded magnums of vintage wine, 1997 “CASA Reserve” Zinfandel donated by Chateau Plaisant Vineyards of Prunedale, California to Carla McCreary for her tireless efforts in keeping much of the CASA contingent fed on race days, Dennis Ortolan for his belief in CASA and efforts to help get CASA a place to start, Carl and Robin Branco for their selfless volunteer contributions, Nick Rescino, Sr. for fielding the 2004 CASA championship car, and Stacy of RPM Indoor Karting Center for her gracious hospitality hosting the CASA meeting. The sixth and final bottle was to be fought for on the kart circuit; and the nudging, rubbing, bumping stylings of none other than Rescino, Jr. saw him lay claim to the big bottle of red. Keep in touch with all CASA activity through the CASA website: www.casaracing.com |
