PERRIS NEXT UP FOR CRA MARCH 15;

GARDNER WINS “COPPER ON DIRT” THRILLER; RAIN TAKES SATURDAY

The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars resume action March 15 at Perris (Auto) Speedway and defending series champion Damion Gardner carries the early point lead into that race after winning at Peoria, Ariz. Friday night.

Gardner, of Concord, Calif., led the final two laps of the opening race at the 7th “Copper on Dirt” at Canyon Speedway Park. He passed R.J. Johnson on the white flag lap and withstood the challenges of Johnson and Gary Taylor to put his Scott Sales/Advanced Racing Suspension Spike/J & D in victory lane. Johnson was second ahead of Taylor, Charles Davis Jr. and Josh Hodges. Taylor led the first 23 laps and Johnson led the next five before Gardner took over.

Rains and flooding in the Phoenix area forced cancellation of Saturday night’s “Copper on Dirt” finale.

Gardner’s Peoria victory was his 47th in USAC/CRA history. The all-time series leader also has a record 26 Perris USAC/CRA wins compared to five-time series champion Mike Spencer’s 25. Each won a race at the PAS last year.