Compiled by SEMA Editors
 Defending “Salute to Indy” winner Mike Spencer takes the inside against Cody Williams at the May 4 USAC/CRA race at The PAS. Photo credit: Doug Allen. | |
“Salute to Indy” Sprint Car Race at Perris Auto Speedway This Saturday
The “Salute to Indy” will take place this Saturday night, May 25, at Perris Auto Speedway (PAS). Joining the series will be the PAS Senior Sprints, PAS Young Gun Sprint Cars presented by The Sprint Car Driving Experience and the California Lightning Sprint Cars.
Dempsey Wilson, grandfather of current USAC/CRA driver Seth Wilson and a four-time participant in the Indianapolis 500, won the first “Salute to Indy” in 1948. Since the race inception, a total of 42 different drivers have won the event. The late Dean Thompson has the most “Salute to Indy” wins with six.
Five-time defending USAC/CRA champion Mike Spencer comes into Saturday’s event two wins (one non USAC/CRAS race) in the last four races, including last Saturday night’s USAC/CRA main at the Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare—a second- and a third-place finish. Damion Gardner, who also leads the USAC/CRA Series with three wins including the last one at The PAS on May 4, won the race in 2003 and 2004. In addition to Spencer and Gardner, other former winners shooting for another “Salute to Indy” victory on Saturday night are Rip Williams (1983 at Ascot), David Cardey (2010 at The PAS) and Matt Mitchell (2011 at The PAS).
Collection at Perris Auto Speedway for Oklahoma Tornado Victims
Perris Auto Speedway (PAS) promoter Don Kazarian has announced that the Riverside County clay oval will be accepting donations of clothing and toiletries for the victims of the Oklahoma tornados at this Saturday’s “Salute to Indy” race that is headlined by the Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars. Spectator gates will open at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and the first race will start at 7:00 p.m.
There will be a table/booth set up by the main spectator entrance for fans to drop off their items as soon as they enter the facility. There will also be one for the race teams near the pit gate or in the infield.
Race teams or fans who are not attending Saturday’s race, but who would like to donate products can contact Stephanie Odom, 805-268-1393, or TeeJay Crawford, 618 407-2460.