CALISTOGA’S “VERMEIL CLASSIC” AGAIN PROVES TO BE A ROUSING SUCCESS!


This past weekend’s second annual “Louie Vermeil Classic” at the Calistoga (Calif.) Speedway continued to build on the success of last year’s extremely popular inaugural event at the half-mile dirt oval.


 


Located in the heart of California’s wine country, the Calistoga setting provides the perfect atmosphere for a spectacular weekend of dirt-track competition and this past week’s second annual event provided plenty of memories for the “full house” of attendees!


 


“We are extremely pleased that this event has grown so quickly into an annual destination for race fans,” said USAC’s Tommy Hunt, VP of Western Operations. “The enthusiastic crowd was treated to track records and spectacular racing all weekend and we can’t wait for the 2010 renewal.”


 


Kevin Swindell and Mike Spencer shared the honors in Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Sprint car victory lane ceremonies, while Garrett Hansen and Josh Ford sailed to wins in the Western Midget features. Spencer is the defending USAC/CRA titlist while Hansen leads the 2009 Western Midget standings.


 


Shannon McQueen and Blake Miller established brand-new track qualifying records on the expertly-prepared racing surface.


 


Fans were treated to numerous activities off-track, including wine-tasting from 19 different California wineries in the paddock area on Saturday and Vintage racecar displays and live bands were also feature attractions both Saturday and Sunday. A live auction also augmented Sunday’s program.


 


Perfect weather also prevailed to top off the weekend, a fitting tribute to the late racing great Louie Vermeil.