3/6/2016
KIck Off 2016 @ Perris Auto Speedway
Cloud filled skies threatened the opening night at Perris Auto Speedway March 5th. But Mother Nature must of realized that the Skolla Classic was an event that many race fans had anticipated for months, and she held off rain drops so the USAC/CRA could complete Opening Night.
Over the past week God had claimed 5 men that had been so active in the Southern California racing scene. For Moose Racing 30 year friend, race fan and sponsor John Carroll passing was hard felt and has left a large void in our Moose Family, Steve Stroud, founder of The Open Wheel Musuem in Arizona, business man and avid race fan, Ron Chaffin, car owner of the multi time Champion # 50 car. Proud sponsor of the # 4, Alexander Racing car and numerous Champion Damion Gardner and Jr Kurtz, whos name has been present in the race scene for decades with the Plastic Express sprint car and champ car. Jake,Mike Spencer, RJ Johnson & Cody Williams presented their cars and reved their engines before taking the checkered flag sending off our departing with Godspeed. ( unfortunately Damion had engine problems and was not able to join the quartet, as engine concerns doomed the 4 pits all evening)
Amsoil USAC 410 Sprint Cars, The Young Guns Series and The Senior Division made the pit area alive and full of activity, Joining the CRA regulars were a few of the National Series drivers, Brain Clauson, Dave Darland & Josh Hodges were on hand for the active and definately had theri A game's on.
Time trials had Jake in the Moosemoble challenging the clock towards the end of the rotation ---rolling out 24th, Jake posted at time of 16.730.. making him 3rd fastest!! Quick time was conquered by Brian Clauson with a time of 16.529 -- Austin Williams 2nd.....Unfortunately 2 of the cars that were predicted to be some of the ones to beat, Damion & Indiana's Dave Darland, had mechincal issues and didn't see any racing action.
3 Heat races -- with the winners being Tommy Malcom, Richard VanderWeerd & RJ Johnson. Lining up for the 3rd Heat race outside row 4, and needing to finish in the top 4 for a direct transfer, the narrow track was not allowing much passing and Jake came home in 5th, Time to run the Semi Main Event. Loaded for bear - Jake was on a mission, he got the jump and never looked back - taking the checkers over a 1/2 lap ahead of 2nd place!!
A Main event time - and still NO Rain!!!! The 24 -410 fire breathing sprinters
take to the track ready for 30 laps fast and furious racing. Settling into his P7 starting spot the green flag drops and the field is off. Carrying the momentum from the B Main Jake takes off like a rocket, picking off a couple cars on the 1st laps, before settling into a steady 5th. Edging in numerous times on 4th, but Brody kept him at bay. A late caution saw MIke Spencer make a pass on Jake, and Jake taking the checkers in 6th. A competitive night and the team working with a learning some of the changes they made on the chassis over thief season, Team Moose was pleased with the outcome.
Congratulations to Brian Clauson, Richard VanderWeerd & Bordy Roa on their podium finishes!!!!
Of coarse there are so many hands that make Team Moose the incredable team that it is: Chris, Jim, Rich, Nikole, Gunk, Jimmy and very missed Saturday night was Dave.
There are many companies and people that offer their support to the team... and all of their help is never taken for granted and is so appreciated !!!
Submitted By: Laurie Sertich
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