This was an open show, non-sanctioned, dubbed the Midwinter Sprint Car Championships. Actually from February 18, 1979. Warm day (70's), beating down sun caused the track to dry out and tire wear the biggest issue. Several drivers had tires actually explode in the race. Buster Venard pitted with a worn tire on lap 36, re-started in the back (14th) and passed Doug Wolfgang on the 50th and final lap. Buster had won the previous year's Pacific Coast Open and the Don Peabody Classic at Ascot in October and November of 1978. ABC Wide World of Sports taped the event for later airing. For a day race, it was pretty entertaining

Mickey Dale