Once again we see the hard work and sacrifice of one individual stolen away by a couple of people who want to steal the hard work and success and profit from it, for themselves. Unable to do it on their own they steal it from someone who could.

It wasn't to long ago that Susie Drake was calling tracks behind the scenes trying to steal the organization away a year or more ago. I wrote about it then.

I'm sorry for Chris Kearns and his bold work to make the WAS an outstanding success and I will not support Steve or Susie Drake or Dick Shepard for what they have done.  I hope, for the record, that you who feel the same way, stand up for your sport and show others that this sort of bad business is not how it should be done.  I support Chris Kearns and his effort, which by the way, was stolen from no one!  This site supports Kerns and will do what it can to help correct an injustice done to him by a very shameful group of people.

Well, guys all I can do is apologize. I was called last week by another series official that said Chris Blair wanted to talk to me. I called him on Tuesday. He asked what happened with the WAS. I explained that, I had paid MY attorney to draw up the contract to purchase the WAS with the first payment due in NOV of 2007. I verbally was being given 2/3 of the series by Bill Bartels and Steve Drake. Bartels has always said that I was doing a great job and that he never was doing this for the money and that I could have his share. On Sept 1st, Steve Drake told me I was doing a great job and he was giving me his share and to give him some time to work on Dick Sheppard and the would give it all to me. One week later, on Sept 8th, I received a call saying that they sold it out from under me. Blair said that in mid December he was contacted by a guy that said he was now the owner of the WAS. He told Blair that Chris Kearns was going to be running his races and that he wanted the March race. Blair agreed and said , send me a sanction agreement. Until yesterday that was the last time Chris Blair had any contact with the WAS. When I spoke with Blair, he said it was 3 weeks before his race, he had seen no promotion, nothing on the WAS website and never received a sanction agreement. He said he needed someone he could count on to run the show. I told him I wanted it and would handle everything. He said "its yours" In 24 hours, I had an E-Flyer ready to go out, was working with Scott Jackson on a banner ad, made calls to 2 different internet sites for interviews and had secured $10,000 in sponsorship to raise the purse substantially. I had called all the drivers on my list up to the H's that I had phone numbers for. Basically I was just doing my job. Well last night Chris Blair called and said I am sorry, Roy Piker was finally calling back and he, Steve Drake and Susie Drake were lighting up his phones. He apologized for jumping the gun and said his hands were kind of tied and he had to give the race back to the WAS. I have kept quiet on here out of respect for West Coast Late Model racing but I am tired of getting screwed. I lost $25,000 of my own money last year building that series. I was treating it like a business, spending money to make money. I feel that in 2 years we had brought Late Model racing to where it had never been in 2 years. Well unfortunately Steve Drake, Susie Drake and Dick Shepard, decided that $ was the real motive behind starting this series. and not the future of Late Model racing.
 
 
On top of that, Roy Piker, Susie Drake and I have a signed agreement that the WAS would pay me $1000 a month for 5 months in the off season to be a consultant. I received the first 2 payments and nothing since. Roy really didn't listen to what I had to say anyway, but it was a signed agreement. For example I put a schedule together for him of 20 races, with a week off between each race. Then I see the schedule with 5 races in May. He claims he is not paying me the other 3 months because I was calling the tracks and trying to steal his races. I DID NOT CONTACT ANY TRACKS. But I explained to Roy that they did contact me. If any tracks dispute that please come on here and let everyone know. I was even approached by someone working with a series back east about doing something this year. My exact words to him were " if all the stuff Roy Piker is saying is true about big sponsors etc, then I don't want to cause turmoil in racing on the west coast. I worked to hard to get it to this point.
 
Guys I am sorry this stuff keeps happening. It is unfortunate that greed has gotten in the way of building our sport out here. I wish all my racers (yes I still feel loyal to you guys and call you my racers because YOU ARE THE SHOW) the best year possible. Keep your heads up and I will do the same.
 
and don't worry "CHRIS KEARNS PRESENTS" WILL BE BACK !!!  
 
Thank you for the support I receive on here and on the phone, Chris Kearns

GREED BY THE DRAKES AND SHEPARD-STEAL W.A.S.

Western Racing:  Feb 10th:   See Editorial ! 

I will be promoting the Dirt Late Model portion of the Las Vegas Dirt Classic on Feb 28th & 29th. I will have a press release out with more information as soon as I can.  Will know the format as soon as I work out the schedule with Chris Blair (NASCAR) and purse info as soon as I here back from sponsors. INFO WILL BE OUT THIS WEEK. I will be working on things and spreading the word from East Bay and Volusia. If anyone has any questions, please give me a call anytime or post your question on here, so everyone can see the answer.
 
Thank you,
Chris Kearns
805-714-8538
chriskearns@verizon.net  

  Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen Named Grand Marshals of Legendary March Meet Drag Race!

Don “The Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen Named Grand Marshals of
Legendary March Meet Drag Race

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Jan. 31, 2008) – Two of drag racing’s greatest rivals, partners and friends – Don “the Snake” Prudhomme and Tom “the Mongoose” McEwen – have been named Grand Marshals for the upcoming March Meet (Mar. 7-9) at Auto Club Famoso Raceway, outside of Bakersfield, Calif.

It’s no surprise that the March Meet, nostalgia drag racing’s premier event – and celebrating its 50th year of racing – is honoring Prudhomme and McEwen. “Both are former March Meet winners and part our rich racing lore and drag racing history,” said Blake Bowser, vice president and general manager of the Kern County Racing Association, operators of Auto Club Famoso and producers of the March Meet. “It’s an unbelievable honor to have them here as Grand Marshals. What a treat for the fans.”

“The March Meet really means a lot to me,” said Prudhomme, who was named the No. 3 driver on the NHRA’s top 50 drivers list. “The 1962 Smokers March Meet was my first race driving a fuel car for Kent Fuller and Dave Zueschel. It was THE race to win back then and I still have my March Meet trophy, which is one of my most prized possessions. Winning that race really kick-started my driving career, so to go from an unknown racer back then to being named a Grand Marshal this year along with Tom McEwen is something that I never thought would happen. But then again, Grand Marshals are usually old, so I guess it makes sense!”

McEwen, listed at No. 16 on the NHRA’s driver’s list, added, “This is a big thrill for me. I grew up on the March Meet. It’s always been a big race and I can remember winning it back in ’72. I’m really looking forward to being there with Prudhomme. It’ll be a lot of fun.”

Now celebrating 50 years of racing, the March Meet is a three-day speedfest that enthusiasts call ‘the jewel of Nostalgia Racing.’ It attracts drag racers and spectators from around the world and also includes a hot rod car show, swap meet and vendors’ midway. Tickets: Super 3-Day Passes are now on sale at www.famosoraceway.com for $75. Individual day tickets for the event will go on sale Mar.3, but will only be available at the track. Ticket prices are $25 for Fri., Mar. 7; $30 for Sat., Mar. 8; and $30 for Sun., Mar. 9.

Auto Club members also receive a $ 2 discount off daily admission tickets by showing their cards when they purchase tickets at the track. Daily tickets for children ages 7 to 12 are $10 and kids 6 and under are free when accompanied by an adult with paid admission.

The 2008 March Meet is also the inaugural race of the Hot Rod Heritage Series, the NHRA’s new 7-race nostalgia racing series.

The Kern County Racing Association (KCRA) operates historic Auto Club Famoso Raceway (just north of Bakersfield, Calif.) and promotes a full schedule of races year round, including the world famous March Meet. Now celebrating 50 years of racing, the March Meet, Mar. 7-9, 2008, is the recognized Mecca of nostalgia drag racing. For more details, visit www.famosoraceway.com.

BOB RAINEY RETIRES by Mike Mock

Visalia, ca. . . Bob Rainey, better known as Rainey Motorsports Images is retiring after decades of wonderful pictures produced for Plaza Park Raceway, now called Giant Chevrolet Raceway at Plaza Park.  Bob has produced thousands of memories over the years and has provided countless pictures that record the beginnings of many racing carriers.  Some drivers have asked that Bob begin work on a history of Plaza Park Raceway.  That would be the best possible cap on a historical carrier with years of dedication given to Racing.  I know I would have to have a copy.  We wish you the best of life and all that it brings Bob.  You don't replace a photographer like Bob Rainey you just begin anew.  Warm colors, giving way to the power of the track. You can always tell if it's a Rainey print.  Bob caught a moment in time and yet the story behind those moments could keep you talking for an hour. Their was always something more to a Rainey shot.  A smoothness, a sweeping motion, sharpness and yet you just kept looking at it for more.  MORE.  That's what a Rainey print made me do.  Rainey was indeed an artist who used the camera as his brush.  Years later you will look at a Rainey print and it will pull from your soul those same feelings you had at that very moment in your life.  Bob Rainey was more than a fan.  He was more than just a photographer.  Bob Rainey is a piece of racing history that will be talked about and looked at long after we are all a memory.  Bob Rainey is that special sort of man who provided us with the memories we will enjoy for a lifetime.  Without a Rainey print, something will indeed be missing and we all know why.  Bob Rainey has left us all with a window in which we can relive our lives over and over again.

Bob Rainey:  A class act we all have enjoyed.  And since he isn't gone (wink), we have the unique opportunity to remind this man just what he has met to us all.

Boswell, Indiana

Kamp Motor Speedway 2008 Payout

UMP Modified

Full field Purse / Under 20 car field

1. $600 / $500

2. $450 / $300

3. $350 / $250

4. $300 / $200

5. $250 / $175

6. $225 / $150

7. $200 / $125

8. $175 / $100

9. $150 / $90

10. $125 / $80

11.-20. $100 / $60

PERRIS AUTO SPEEDWAY...

18700 Lake Perris Drive...

Perris, CA 92571

(951) 940-0134

www.perrisautospeedway.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 or racesatthepas@aol.com or Kim Donner (951) 940-0134

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

REMINDER - PERRIS AUTO SPEEDWAY PRE SEASON PRACTICE AND SPECTATOR OPEN HOUSE THIS SATURDAY! 

(JANUARY 29, 2008, PERRIS, CALIFORNIA)  Just a quick reminder!  Perris Auto Speedway’s Annual Pre Season Practice Session and Spectator Open House will be this Saturday afternoon, February 2^nd.  The practice will be open to all racecars and fans will be admitted free to the grandstands.  There will be $1.00 pizza and $2.00 beer available to the fans.  The spectator and pit gates will open at 1:00 PM.

The 13^th season of racing at Perris Auto Speedway will officially take the green flag on February 8^th and 9^th when Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply presents the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and the Perris 360 Sprint Car Championship.  One week later, on February 15^th and 16^th, the famous half-mile clay oval will host the PASSCAR season opener with the Extreme Late Models, MC Builders Super Stocks, PASSCAR Modifieds and Street Stocks.

Anyone wishing more information can contact Perris Auto Speedway at (951) 940-0134.  

Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds (home of the Southern California Fair), approximately one hour east of Los Angeles and one hour North of San Diego.  To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, exit at the Ramona Expressway and go two miles east to the fairgrounds. 

racesatthepas@aol.com is the only authorized Internet address to issue official media news released from The Perris Auto Speedway or Oval Entertainment 

Altamont announces Future Champions Development Series
for ages 14-16
Late Model program being offered on half-mile oval

Steven Blakesley / Altamont Motorsports Park

Tracy, CA Altamont Motorsports Park announced today
the formation of the Future Champions Development
Series, for the top young race car drivers ages 14,
15, and 16 years old.

Altamont Motorsports Park, a half-mile asphalt oval,
is located between San Fransisco and Stockton in
Californias central valley.

The series will utilize Late Model stockcars,
identical to those in the tracks weekly Western Late
Model class, except for a few minor restrictions.
Future Champions Development Series races will be part
of Altamonts weekly racing program.

Drivers will compete in ten championship races, with
multiple practice and testing days also included in
the program. Entry fee costs include insurance
coverage, and pr and web marketing through the series
website, coming soon.

Competitors will have the chance to compete against
the top young racing drivers in the country, earning
experience and exposure to prepare for touring Late
Model and Grand National racing.

Options available include those for drivers with their
own race car fitting into the series rule book or for
a rental option of several cars built specifically to
the series rules. Travel packages can also be arranged
in accordance with any package being purchased.

Teams interested in participating in this ground
breaking new program for motorsports development, are
urged to contact Altamont General Manager Jeff Macey
at (530) 846-4545 or by emailing to
jmacey@altamontracing.com

A meeting for all interested parties will be held soon
to organize the program.

About Future Champions Development Series:
Future Champions Development Series begins action in
2008, pitting the top drivers ages 14-16 in Late Model
competition on the Altamont Motorsports Park half-mile
in Tracy, CA. The series is operated by Altamont
General Manager Jeff Macey. A website is coming soon!

About Altamont:
Altamont Motorsports Park LLC is a multi-venue
facility located in Tracy, CA, owned by Riverside
Motorsports Park LLC. Altamont features a half-mile
NASCAR- and USAC-sanctioned asphalt oval, with an
interior quarter-mile and 1.1 mile road course. The
track hosts events from more than a dozen different
sanctioning bodies each year.

PERRIS AUTO SPEEDWAY

www.perrisautospeedway.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 or racesatthepas@aol.com or Kim Donner (951) 940-0134

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PERRIS AUTO SPEEDWAY PRE-SEASON PRACTICE SESSION FREE FOR FANS ON FEBRUARY 2^ND!

(JANUARY 16, 2008, PERRIS, CA)   With the 2008 racing season looming just around the corner, Perris Auto Speedway will hold its Annual Pre Season Practice Session and Spectator Open House on Saturday, February 2^nd.  The pit gate and the spectator gate will both open at 1:00 PM and all spectators will be admitted to the grandstands for free.  In addition to fans being admitted free, they will be able to enjoy $1.00 pizza and $2.00 beers at the concession stand.

The practice session on the Riverside county clay oval is open to all racecars.  As has been the case in previous years, track officials are expecting nearly 100 cars to participate.  Fans can look forward to seeing Sprint Cars, Late Models, Midgets, Modifieds, Super Stocks, Street Stocks, Lightning Sprints, Factory Stocks and more as drivers shake down their equipment and get ready for the fast approaching 2008 campaign.

The PAS will kick off its 13^th season when Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply presents the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and The PAS 360 Sprint Car Championship on February 8^th & 9^th.  The following weekend, February 15^th and 16^th, the PASSCAR season opener will take place on the famous oval with the Extreme Late Models, MC Builders Super Stocks, Modifieds and Street Stocks. 

The best deal in racing, Perris Auto Speedway season tickets, is on sale now.  To order yours or to get more information, call The PAS office at (951) 940-0134.  You can order advance tickets to any race of the 2008 season by calling 1-800-595-4849 or by visiting tix.com or perrisautospeedway.com in the Internet. 

Anyone wishing more information can contact Perris Auto Speedway at (951) 940-0134.

Perris Auto Speedway is on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds (home of the Southern California Fair), approximately one hour east of Los Angeles and one hour North of San Diego.  To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, exit on the Ramona Expressway and go two miles east to the fairgrounds.