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CRA Sprint Car
Thursday, 15 September 2022

PERRIS “GLENN HOWARD CLASSIC” ON TAP FOR USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS

#37 Matt Mitchell #37 Matt Mitchell Photo by Lance Jennings

PERRIS “GLENN HOWARD CLASSIC” ON TAP FOR USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS

By Lance Jennings

SEPTEMBER 14, 2022... This Saturday, September 17th, the cars and stars of the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will return to Perris Auto Speedway. Promoted by Don Kazarian, the "Glenn Howard Classic" will also feature the PAS Senior Sprints, PAS Young Guns Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprints, and the Western Racing Association Vintage Cars (on display). Located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds in Perris, California, the spectator gates at "America's Premier Dirt Track" will open at 5:00pm and racing is scheduled for 7:00pm. For more event information or advance tickets, visit perrisautospeedway.com or call 951.940.0134. 

For those that cannot be at the races, floracing.com will broadcast a live stream of the night’s action over the internet.

NOTICE TO RACERS: 

- ALL RACERS MUST PURCHASE THEIR USAC LICENSE / MEMBERSHIPS ONLINE PRIOR TO THE EVENT AT USACRACING.COM OR USACLICENSE.COM. (If racers have a membership question, contact Julie Tanaka at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .)

- APPROVED/LEGAL TIRES: Due to the current tire shortages, ANY Hoosier Right Rear Tire is legal for competition until further notice. All four corners must be Hoosier.

- APPROVED/LEGAL MUFFLERS: EXTREME: 6014-3535, 3615-3535; SCHOENFELD: 14272535, 14272735-78; FLOWMASTER: 53545-10, 13516100, 13516101; COAST FABRICATION: 350x625x17-2S; B&B: FRAC-0375S; SPINTECH: 1545P SUPER STOCK

*Failure to comply with the muffler rule will risk disqualification from the event.

- ENTRY FEE: There is an entry fee due at registration / pill pick.

- TRANSPONDERS: Transponders ARE MANDATORY and will be available to rent.

- ONE WAY RADIOS / RACECEIVERS: One way radios ARE MANDATORY.

- FRONT AXLE TETHER SYSTEMS: Front axle tether systems (2-Chassis, 1-King Pin to King Pin) ARE MANDATORY.

- FULL CONTAINMENT SEATS: Full containment seats ARE MANDATORY.

- COCKPIT ADJUSTABLE SHOCKS: Cockpit adjustable shocks ARE ALLOWED.

- RULE BOOK: The USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series Rule Book can be found online at usacracing.com.

-  Protocol calls for competitors, crews, officials, and anyone on the grounds to practice safe social distancing, proper sanitizing, and follow local regulations regarding the COVID-19 Coronavirus.

Saturday's event honors Glenn Howard who is considered by many in the industry as a "racer's racer." Throughout his involvement in the sport, Glenn had served as a crew member, driver, car owner, sponsor, official, and businessman. Howard's So-Cal Performance was recognized as a major parts supplier to racers across the globe for many years. In 1993, Glenn became the first president of the Sprint Car Racing Association (SCRA) and helped to build the foundation of the nationally respected club. After his term was over, Howard remained active in motorsports until his passing in September 2007. Kazarian, Perris Auto Speedway, and the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series are proud to honor Glenn's memory with the annual event and the winner’s list is at the end of the release.

Since March 6, 2004, the Lake Perris Fairgrounds has held 238 AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car events and forty-two different drivers have claimed victory. “The Demon” Damion Gardner leads all drivers with 50 “home track” wins, including the “So-Cal Showdown” on March 26th. The April 30th “Sokola Shootout” was won by Matt Mitchell and “The Cadillac” Cody Williams topped the May 28th “Salute to Indy.” “The Pride of Garden Grove” Brody Roa topped the June 25th “Bubby Jones and Ray Scheetz Memorial” and “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. raced to victory at the August 20th “California Racers Hall of Fame Night.” Nic Faas set the 1-lap track record of 15.833 on February 25, 2012 and a complete USAC/CRA win list at Perris is at the end of this release.

Heading to Perris, “The Demon” Damion Gardner (Concord, California) has a 106-point advantage over the competition. While the September 3rd Bakersfield event was cancelled, the pilot of Mark Alexander’s #1 PerformanceOnline.com / Carman Trucking Spike has posted five feature wins, four Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, seven heat race victories, eleven top-10 finishes, and 150 feature laps led to his credit. The point leader and nine-time champion has ninety-four series wins and will be looking to add another Perris triumph to his resume. 

Matt Mitchell (Yorba Linda, California) ranks second in the USAC/CRA point chase. Driving his #37 Roy Miller Freight Lines / Campbell Brothers Storage Maxim, Mitchell has one feature win, two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, three heat race victories, one semi-main win, two hard charger awards, eleven top-10 finishes, and 46 feature laps led on the season. The 2014 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Champion is tied with “The People’s Champion” Dave Darland, “Super” Rickie Gaunt, and “Showtime” Danny Sheridan with eight career USAC/CRA triumphs. Matt will have his sights on another win this Saturday night.

“The Big Game Hunter” Austin Williams (Yorba Linda, California) sits third in the chase for the championship. Racing the family owned #2 Digalert / Full Throttle Scissor Lift Rental DRC, Williams has one Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award, two heat race victories, one Wilwood Disc Brakes Lucky 13 Award, ten top-10 finishes, and 13 feature laps led in the campaign. The 2009 Co-Rookie of the Year ranks seventh with eleven wins and will be looking to score his first victory of the season.

Eddie Tafoya Jr. (Chino Hills, California) is fourth in the USAC/CRA point standings. Driving the family owned #51T Specialty Fasteners / DRC Chassis entry, Tafoya has one Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award, one semi-main win, one Wilwood Disc Brakes Lucky 13 Award, eleven top-10 finishes, and one feature lap led on the season. The 2019 USAC/CRA and USAC SouthWest Rookie of the Year will have his sights on the first win of his career at Perris.

Logan Williams (Yorba Linda, California) ranks fifth in the championship standings. Piloting John McCarthy’s #5W Flowdynamics Incorporated / Drinkpak DRC, Williams has two heat race victories and eight top-10 finishes in the campaign. The 2014 Rookie of the Year will be looking to earn the first victory of his career this Saturday night. 

Nate Schank (Santa Rosa, California) leads the chase for Rookie of the Year honors and ranks eleventh in the point chase. The pilot of the family owned #1$ Joe Hunt Magnetos / Industrial Machine entry will have his sights on his first win at the Lake Perris Fairgrounds.

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Tommy “Thunder” Malcolm, “The Cadillac” Cody Williams, “The Pride of Garden Grove” Brody Roa, “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr., Matt McCarthy, Verne Sweeney, A.J. Bender, Austin Grabowski, Chris Gansen, “T-Dub” Trent Williams, Kyle Edwards, “Sugah” Shane Sexton, Joel Rayborne, Dan Taylor, Steve Hix, “Showtime” Danny Sheridan, and more. 

Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds at 18700 Lake Perris Drive in Perris, California. Adult tickets are $30, Senior tickets (65 & over) are $25, Kids tickets (6 to 12) are $5, and Children (5 and under) are FREE. The Fairgrounds charges $10 for parking. Advance tickets are available and for more event information, visit the track’s website at perrisautospeedway.com or call 951.940.0134.

The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series thanks BillsJerky.net, Factory Wraps, Floracing.com, Flowdynamics Incorporated, The Gardner Family (In Memory of Jim and Chet Gardner), Hoosier Racing Tires, Laserworx Manufacturing, Woodland Auto Display, BR Motorsports, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Extreme Mufflers, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, Vahlco Wheels, and Wilwood Disc Brakes for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, contact Tony Jones at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or PR Director Lance Jennings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For more information on the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, visit the United States Auto Club (USAC) website at usacracing.com and the social media for USAC Racing. You can also find exclusive content on the USAC/CRA Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. 

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AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS: 2004-Rip Williams, 2005-Damion Gardner, 2006-Cory Kruseman, 2007-Tony Jones, 2008-Mike Spencer, 2009-Mike Spencer, 2010-Mike Spencer, 2011-Mike Spencer, 2012-Mike Spencer, 2013-Damion Gardner, 2014-Damion Gardner, 2015-Damion Gardner, 2016-Damion Gardner, 2017-Damion Gardner, 2018-Damion Gardner, 2019-Damion Gardner, 2020-NO AWARD, 2021-Damion Gardner.

GLENN HOWARD CLASSIC/MEMORIAL WINNERS: 2008-Tony Jones, 2009-Bryan Clauson, 2010-Cory Kruseman, 2011-Nic Faas, 2012-Mike Spencer, 2013-Nic Faas, 2014-Damion Gardner, 2015-Damion Gardner, 2016-Austin Williams, 2017-Damion Gardner, 2018-Damion Gardner, 2019-Austin Williams, 2020-CANCELLED, 2021-Charles Davis Jr.

2022 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR WINS: 5-Damion Gardner, 2-Brody Roa, 2-Cody Williams, 1-Ryan Bernal, 1-Tanner Boul, 1-Charles Davis Jr., 1-Austin Liggett, 1-Matt Mitchell.

PERRIS AMSOIL USAC/CRA 1-LAP QUALIFYING RECORD: Nic Faas – 15.833 (02/25/12)

PERRIS AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR WINS: 50-Damion Gardner, 24-Mike Spencer, 19-Tony Jones, 17-Cory Kruseman, 9-Nic Faas, 8-David Cardey, 8-Richard Vander Weerd, 7-Matt Mitchell, 7-Rip Williams, 6-Bryan Clauson, 6-Mike Kirby, 6-Danny Sheridan, 6-Austin Williams, 5-Rickie Gaunt, 5-Justin Grant, 5-Brody Roa, 4-Robert Ballou, 4-Dave Darland, 4-R.J. Johnson, 3-Brady Bacon, 3-Charles Davis Jr., 3-Garrett Hansen, 3-Kevin Thomas Jr., 2-Darren Hagen, 2-Jesse Hockett, 2-Levi Jones, 2-Blake Miller, 2-Jake Swanson, 2-Chris Windom, 1-Chad Boespflug, 1-Greg Bragg, 1-Daron Clayton, 1-Josh Ford, 1-Josh Hodges, 1-Bud Kaeding, 1-C.J. Leary, 1-Adam Mitchell, 1-Johnny Rodriguez, 1-Hunter Schuerenberg, 1-Chase Stockon, 1-Scotty Weir, 1-Cody Williams, 1-Jason York.

2022 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1-Damion Gardner-951, 2-Matt Mitchell-845, 3-Austin Williams-810, 4-Eddie Tafoya Jr.-787, 5-Logan Williams-719, 6-Tommy Malcolm-665, 7-Cody Williams-658, 8-Brody Roa-590, 9-Charles Davis Jr.-571, 10-Matt McCarthy-205.

2022 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE:

January 27: Cocopah Speedway – Yuma, AZ (Winner: Damion Gardner)

January 28: Cocopah Speedway – Yuma, AZ (Winner: Damion Gardner)

January 29: Cocopah Speedway – Yuma, AZ (Winner: Damion Gardner)

March 4: Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, CA (Rained Out)

March 5: Keller Auto Speedway – Hanford, CA (Rained Out)

March 26: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Winner: Damion Gardner)

April 1: Keller Auto Speedway – Hanford, CA (Winner: Austin Liggett)

April 2: Thunderbowl Raceway – Tulare, CA (Winner: Ryan Bernal)

April 23: Mohave Valley Raceway – Mohave Valley, AZ (Winner: Damion Gardner)

April 30: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Winner: Matt Mitchell)

May 14: Bakersfield Speedway – Bakersfield, CA (Winner: Cody Williams)

May 28: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Winner: Cody Williams)

June 11: Ventura Raceway – Ventura, CA (Winner: Tanner Boul)

June 25: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Winner: Brody Roa)

August 6: Santa Maria Raceway – Santa Maria, CA (Winner: Brody Roa)

August 20: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Winner: Charles Davis Jr.)

September 17: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)

October 1: Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA

October 8: Mohave Valley Raceway – Mohave Valley, AZ

October 28: *Cocopah Speedway – Yuma, AZ (Western World Championships)

October 29: *Cocopah Speedway – Yuma, AZ (Western World Championships)

November 3: *Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)

November 4: *Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)

November 5: *Perris Auto Speedway – Perris, CA (Oval Nationals)

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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars.

TBA = To Be Announced.    

This schedule is subject to change.