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Another
CASA Notch for Gardner at Madera |
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7-23-05
– Madera, CA...On
yet another 100-plus degree day in central California, Madera Speedway hosted
the California Asphalt Sprintcar Association at their immaculate one-third mile
oval and for the third time in as many Madera dates, local star Jeff Gardner
notched the victory in defense of his home turf. Three
consecutive weeks of 100-degree days made for a somewhat tricky track surface as
the CASA contingent found qualifying times just a hint off what can be normally
be expected, however Gardner, and his experience in such conditions, seemed
unfazed as he cranked out a fast time lap of 14.14 to best the 14 car field in
time trials. Opening
ceremonies revolved around the 80th birthday celebration for racing
superstar Al Pombo as he was recognized for his many achievements and
contributions to west coast racing. The familiar voice of none other than Kenny
Takeuchi presided over a testimonial in which many of Pombo’s fellow
competitors, supporters and friends recalled the impact Pombo had on racing
throughout the many years he was a fixture in victory lane. A champions
champion, Pombo was praised for his achievements by such stars as Frank Secrest,
Nick Rescino, Sr., Bob Cetti, Dewayne Woodward and many more as fans old and
young honored the first Gold Cup Race of Champions winner and legendary 7-time
California State Champion. The
CASA trophy dash field was unfortunately reduced to three, as leading rookie of
the year candidate Nick Green encountered brake problems in the warm up and was
forced to watch from the infield as Gardner took the win over reigning CASA
champion Nick Rescino, Jr. and rookie contender Jessica Helberg making her
second consecutive dash appearance. Heat
race number one got off to a rough start as veteran driver Earle Stanton’s
beautiful #8 machine pounded the turn two crash wall in heavy first lap traffic
and was finished for the evening. Upon restarting, Gardner quickly worked his
way forward and won the eight-lapper over fellow Fresno driver and crowd
favorite Anthony Simone, Green whose crew executed a quick repair from the brake
troubles encountered in the dash, Joe Hauck, Ryan Baumgartner back from his
rollover crash last visit to Madera, and Marvin Mitchell. Heat number two found
Matt DeMartini, aboard Ric Carr’s sparkling new #6, returning to CASA action
as he powered to the win ahead of Tony Iacobitti, “Cowboy” Craig Smith,
Helberg, Rescino, Glenn Hopper and Scott Clough. As
the feature event contestants prepared to take to the track, race officials,
concerned about curfew limitations shortened the scheduled 50-lap event to 40
laps. The field was assembled and Glenn Hopper and Ryan Baumgartner brought the
pack of 700 horsepower sprinters to full song as the green flag waved. Hopper
pounced to the early lead until a lap four caution flag was displayed for 2003
CASA champion Tony Iacobitti who ended up in the turn two infield grass. On the
ensuing restart Hopper maintained his lead as the battle for positions
intensified behind him. The constant heat that made track conditions so tricky
during the daylight hours, made for a still difficult to negotiate track even as
the feature event unfolded, and the low line seemed to become the preferred way
around as Hopper ran off many laps, never wavering from the low groove. Despite
the difficulty in finding room to pass, CASA drivers, as they are known to do,
still managed to stage some great side-by-side racing. Helberg held fast to
second despite Gardner’s efforts to pass high and Green’s constant pressure
from behind. Ever fast, Rescino pressured all as he made his presence known to
the leaders. Despite
the action to his rear, Hopper continued to lead as the green flag laps added up
quickly. Hopper worked his way through lapped traffic and despite a slight tight
condition in the center of the corners that allowed the field to close up, he
continually out accelerated the field off each turn to maintain his advantage
until lap 35 when Helberg banged Hopper in the left rear wheel entering turn one
and pushed him out of the groove taking the lead and allowing room for Gardner
to slip past as well. With
Helberg now at the point and laps quickly running out, Gardner continued to
apply pressure for the lead as Green forced his way past Hopper to chase the top
two, enabling Rescino to drop Hopper to fifth. Gardner made several attempts to
displace Helberg in the final few corners and it looked as though Helberg might
take her first CASA victory when after receiving the white flag she spun out in
turn two handing the lead and the win to Gardner who took the yellow/checkered
flag seconds later. The
cheering fans were treated to a highly entertaining race with more than a few
plot twists at the end - an end, which found Gardner in familiar territory,
Madera’s victory lane. Green shared the podium in second and Rescino in third,
Hopper came home a disappointed fourth and Smith ran a solid fifth. Sixth
place went to Anthony Simone from deep in the field, heat winner DeMartini came
home in seventh, Iacobitti recovered form his early mishap to finish eighth,
Baumgartner was ninth and Helberg was credited with tenth after her spin. Scott
Clough was 11th, Joe Hauck 12th and Marvin Mitchell 13th
to complete the field. Next
weekend the CASA cars and stars return to Carson City’s Champion Speedway for
the third round of the Nevada State Championship Series this Saturday July 30th
where the “Tire Burning Thunder” of the California Sprint Cars will resume
action on the high-banked quarter mile. Please visit www.casaracing.com for more information on
all CASA activities. 7-23-05 CASA Results QUALIFYING TROPHY
DASH 40
LAP MAIN EVENT POINT STANDINGS 7-23-05
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