I know that I always heard they stopped running there because of the bad non-wing crashes, but I guess I never heard much about Patterson's crash, or that it may have been the last straw for the non-wing cars. I knew Patterson was killed there, but that's about it. Should be a cool show, hope someone gets video.

[D.O.]

Subject: Calistoga Speedway to host first non-wing sprint car race in over 22 years!


Wings off for Calistoga sprint cars at Vermeil Classic – By Bobby Gerould – Calistoga, CA. August 22, 2008. …For the first time in nearly 23 years – sprint car racing without wings will return to Calistoga Speedway with the running of the Louie Vermeil Classic August 30-31, 2008. Sanctioned and promoted by the United States Auto Club (USAC) the event features two nights of CRA Sprint Cars, and Western Midgets doing battle on the historic half-mile dirt track.



It was September 28th, 1985 when the last non-wing sprint car meeting was held at the track which is known for its long straight-aways and tight turns. Depending on which expert’s brain you pick – non-winged sprint car racing at Calistoga vanished due to a combination of safety concerns, ********, public relations issues, and a trend toward winged sprint car racing in the region.



In the late 1970’s, there may not have been a bigger hotbed for non-wing sprint car racing than the Napa County Fairgrounds which houses Calistoga Speedway (70 cars jammed the pits for the final race of the 1978 season). National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductees Leroy Van Conett, and the late Gary Patterson are drivers who furthered their legend with their mix of skill and bravery in Calistoga Speedway exploits.



While not all veteran railbirds think safety was the key issue in the demise of the non-wing car at Calistoga, it is undeniable that the 1983 racing death of the iconic Patterson at Calistoga shook many racers to their core. Patterson died in a violent non-wing crash directly in front of the main grandstand.



But with time comes change. Tommy Hunt, Vice President of Western Operations for USAC says, “A modern sprint car is better and safer than it was over twenty years ago. The (roll) cage structure, full containment seats, the Hans Device, all help keep the driver in a better situation in case of an accident.”



Plus, says Hunt, the cars handle better in the turns. “The shock packages on the sprint cars of today coupled with wider tires and wheels make the car more stable than it was when they last raced at Calistoga in the mid eighties.”



USAC has, in recent years, successfully campaigned non-wing sprint cars at half-mile tracks across the United States such as Terre Haute (IN.), Williams Grove (Mechanicsburg, PA.), and Manzanita (Phoenix, AZ.). The USAC CRA series uses the half-mile Perris Auto Speedway in Southern California as a home base.



As a former driver, Hunt also knows that despite any and all gains in safety, racing a sprint car is inherently dangerous. “A sprint car is a serious racecar that can bite you. Winged, without wings, it doesn’t matter. “



So who will be brave enough to strap in without a wing on Labor Day weekend?



A new generation and a few from the ‘old guard’ are ready to test the wicked half-mile in the 21st century. Leading the entries for the extravaganza are Tim Kaeding, Hall of Fame driver Brent Kaeding, Damion Gardner and current USAC-CRA points leader Mike Spencer.



Both Kaeding men run without a wing only a handful of times per season. Tim is entered in the very potent Roth Motorsports #83 jr. Brent Kaeding is the second ranked driver on the Calistoga Speedway all-time feature win list. “BK” of Campbell, CA has 21 victories on the half-mile, eight of them coming without a wing during the glory days of the now defunct Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC). Brent will drive his own #69 Maxim.



Gardner is towing his own #71 from Indiana while Spencer, from Temecula, CA. will drive the Ron Chaffin #50. Other sprint car competitors anticipated include: Garrett Hansen, Kevin Swindell, Blake Miller, Danny Sheridan, Shane Golobic, Daron Clayton, Andy Forsberg, Jesse Hockett, Rip Williams, David Cardey, Tyler Brown, Mike Benson, and many more. Peter Murphy of Australia is expected to compete Sunday night.



The confirmed midget drivers generating a buzz include Robby Flock, 16 year-old Kyle Larson, Johnny “Lightning” Rodriguez, Shannon McQueen, Travis Berryhill, Justin Grant, Scott Pierovich, Nic Faas, Michael Faccinto, and ‘double duty drivers’ Golobic and Hansen.



The fun starts at 1pm Saturday August 30th with a wine tasting event featuring live music and a display of WRA Vintage Sprint Cars and Midgets. Super Bowl winning coach Dick Vermeil will greet race fans at the wine tasting event. ($8 per person. 21 and over only).



Cars are scheduled to be on the track by 5:30 PM each night. Tickets for each race night are $25 (General Admission). Call (916) 863-7223.

[SpfldMile]

If I were anywhere close, I'd go see this race. Check out the photos of this track, it looks like a beautiful place.

[Flatrightrear]

Trust me. It IS a beautiful place. And a $10,000.00 bottle of wine can be purchased just down the street. Wineries are everywhere.

[Motormasher]

Yeah, sprint cars without wings on a track like this, ....... noboby ever learns.... it won't happen to me:icon_smile_blackeye

[JstAbvVMC]

The very first sprint car race I ever saw was at Calistoga in 1978. I was hooked for life. I spent many many nights there as a crew member. Wins with guys like Tim Green, Chuck Gurney and Jimmy Sills. Eventually I was luckly enough to get to race there for one season. And then there were the very sad nights the nights when we lost friends at Calistoga. I'll never forget the night we lost "GP" Gary Patterson and the nights we lost too many others like Lloyd Beard. I was also there when Tony Stewart beat Billy Boat with a last lap pass to secure his triple crown. That was magic. And yes I will be there this weekend to add to these memories. Yes, I agree Tom, Calistoga is a beatiful place and for me a very magical place with a life time of memories both wonderful and sad.

[Gasman fan 50]

The GP crash had noting to do with WINGS! It was a heat race or B and a car turned left right in front of him! He could had driven right through the drivers side, but he turned right at speed! He took the fence instead! It lanched him into the air! All most over the flag stand! That RF sucked him right in! Now, the pits at the time one had to do a left turn from the track to head into it. Not a very smart thing! After that they cut the west pit wall and made the cars come straight in from turn 4. Don't know if that one car had stopped, if he could had missed it.

Now there were drivers that forced the wing thing! Then went racing at Baylands instead! A 3/8 dirty wing track. Man was it dirty there. After ten years going there you could still smell the dirt in the AC!
If you want names just see who won there and stayed away!

If any one is reading this that is going to race, Prep a tire real good, the track could wear them out! Plus, don't put on your best hood! Plenty of stones! I'll be there!:greenflag: Started my racing there will maybe end it there!

By the way I have bought tires and wheels for the back markers! Someone that needed some help! That raced for fun and had no money! Let see who done that! We all can :applaud:

Joe

I will certainly be thinking of the great Gary Patterson this weekend. It's been some 30+ years since I have been back. I've been waiting all year for this race. Both Daron Clayton and Kevin Swindell are scheduled to renew their friendship there. :checkered:

[Dwight Clock]

I hope that Raceway Video will be recording that. That is one video I will want.

[Jerry Spencer]

The Preacher (G.P.) was fun to watch do his magic. Hope everyone has fun and stays safe. Take a moment and enjoy the area as it is beutiful.

Jerry #66j
www.joshspencer.com