CLASSIC SPRINTS DEBUT THIS WEEKEND AT CALISTOGA

USAC’s Western Classic Sprint Cars open their 2014 season this weekend at Calistoga (Calif.) Speedway. Races are scheduled Saturday and Sunday at the half-mile dirt northern California oval.

Bud Kaeding and Kyle Larson captured victories in last year’s Calistoga Sprint races, which offered both CRA and Classic points. This weekend’s races will be the first at Calistoga strictly for Classic points.

Ryan Bernal of Hollister, Calif, winner of one of two 2012 Calistoga races, is the defending Western Classic champion. He opened last year’s series with back-to-back wins, then added a fourth later in the campaign at Calistoga.