PERRIS, Calif. – After a break in the schedule, the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will return to Perris Auto Speedway this Saturday.
The Annual So-Cal Showdown will also feature the famed World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, PAS Senior Sprint Cars and the PAS Young Gun Sprint Cars. In addition, the event is American Cancer Society Night Benefitting the Up, Down ‘n Dirty 4 a Cure Mud Run.
Since March 6, 2004, the Lake Perris Fairgrounds has held 213 AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car events and thirty-eight different drivers have claimed victory. Damion Gardner leads all drivers with 45 home track wins and the one-lap track record of 15.833 was set by Nic Faas on Feb. 25, 2012. While rain claimed last year’s So-Cal Showdown, Gardner topped the popular event in 2014 and 2017. Richard Vander Weerd scored the victory in 2015, and Josh Hodges took the checkered flags in 2016.
Entering the third point race, Brody Roa is tied for the series point lead. Driving the BR Performance No. 91R HD Industries/Burris Racing Maxim, Roa finished second and third at Canyon Speedway Park’s two-night Spring Showcase. To date, the 2016 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Champion has also led 13 feature laps this season. The second generation driver has six career USAC/CRA wins and will be looking to add the So-Cal Showcase to his resume.
R.J. Johnson is tied with Roa at the top of the point standings. Piloting the Bobby Martin Racing No. 51 Martin Family Auto Museum / BG Chemicals Sherman, Johnson had two fourth place finishes at the Spring Showcase. The five-time USAC Southwest Sprint Car champion also has one heat race victory and one feature lap led. The second generation driver will have his sights on claiming his seventh series win this Saturday night.
Gardner ranks third in the chase for the championship. Racing Mark Alexander’s No. 4 Trench Shoring/Weld Racing Spike, Gardner posted seventh and second place finishes at Canyon Speedway Park. To date, the seven-time champion has also posted one Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award and one heat race victory in the campaign. This Saturday, Gardner will be looking to score his series leading 81st triumph.
Josh Hodges sits fourth in the USAC/CRA championship point chase. Driving the family-owned No. 74X Jackson Compaction/Parts Plus DRC, Hodges won the opening night and placed ninth in the Spring Showcase finale. The 2009 ASCS Southwest Sprint Car Rookie of the Year has one heat race victory, one Specialty Fasteners Hard Charger Award and 29 feature laps led this season.
Isaac Chapple is currently fifth in the USAC/CRA point standings. Piloting his No. 52 CFH Enterprises/Superior Consulting DRC, Chapple ran third and eighth at the Peoria, Ariz., oval. The USAC National Sprint Car Series driver has returned to the Midwest and is not expected to compete this Saturday at Perris Auto Speedway.
Currently ranked 22nd in points, Ryan Cully leads the chase for Rookie of the Year honors. Eddie Tafoya Jr., Stephen Sanchez and Jeff Dyer are also in contention.
Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Austin Williams, Stevie Sussex, Matt Rossi, Mike Martin, Charles Davis Jr., Tommy Malcolm, Jake Swanson, Chris Gansen, Matt McCarthy, Tye Mihocko, A.J. Bender, Joel Rayborne, Verne Sweeney, Kyle Edwards and more.