It has been a few years since I went to the Trophy Cup created by my friend, Dave Pusateri. This was the ninth annual version that helps the Make A Wish Foundation each year and provides an excellent race for the fans. This years total donation to Make A Wish was $25,000 from moneys earned by Trophy Dave and his many helpers, plus they put on a two-day $80,000 race! I've missed it because it has been on Wagsdash night the last few years. We found a way not to clash this year, so I was able to attend and enjoy the race that featured the overall winner coming from 24th starting spot to 2nd, just behind his dad, to put on a great show. Tim Kaeding was the overall winner with Brent getting the A-Main win. There are points for qualifying and every event on thru the Semi main. Their total points earned up to that point will line them up inverted for the 40 laps of madness that the crowd loves. The driver who has the most points at the end of the night, gets a nice big check!

Mrs Wags has a few pics from Hanford here!

Tim Kaeding won the Friday night prelim and looked like he had no challengers, he was that dominating. On Saturday, after a wild heat race where he passed 7 cars in one lap, he started last in the big money A main right next to WOO legend Sammy Swindell. Tim then cruised thru the pack until he slipped into 2nd place. Father Brent started 13th and took the lead late in the race, then didn't let his son get near enough at the end to make a run at him. Brent won the feature, but Tim won the war. Only those farther back in the line-up had a chance for the big prize. Tim put on a show and beat runner-up Swindell by plenty. Tim's weekend total was over $10,000, not bad for a 360 sprinter. In addition to the big money, Tim received a huge eagle styled trophy that was unique in appearance and very impressive. Trophy Dave always creates great trophies, just like the Wagsdash trophy he built for us that will be unveiled at Ventura this coming Saturday night. Terry McCarl, Blake Robertson and Paul McMahon followed in that order for the point bonus money. Paul is in town looking for a ride for the WOO next year and will drive the # 94 car he ran here in the Las Vegas race.

While I was off viewing this race, the VRA was running their last event of the year at Ventura, with one added twist. Although Jimmy Crawford had already won the points championship last week, the winner of the race would get a spot in the 12th annual Wagsdash next week. Kevin Kierce made good his predicted goal and won the race, getting an automatic transfer into the Wagsdash. I understand he was so excited that I might get a bear hug on Saturday, so I'll be prepared. The other open spot was slated for the driver who passed the most cars. Steve Ostling, a regular SCRA racer visiting while the club was off, came from 19th to 2nd to make himself the hard charger of the night, but herein lies the rub. There are two reasons Steve is not eligible to run the Wagsdash, a race he won in 1992. He has 4 main event victories in SCRA and that is three above the one victory that the Wagsdash rules allow. It's true when a multiple winner hasn't won in 4 or more years, he becomes eligible again, but Steve won last year at Kansas City Lakeside. The second reason is that the two openings to the dash are meant for the VRA guys, so we will take the 2nd hardest charger on the night, Sean Buckley who came from 18th to 9th. Congratulations and good luck to Kevin and Sean.

Well, it is finally time to do it. After all the planning and hard work, the 12th annual Wagsdash is next Saturday night at Ventura Raceway. Eddie Wirth will be the Grand Marshall for the 30 lap race that is dedicated to Willie Bandy, our Wagtimer who passed away of cancer last week. Fast Eddie will be signing the great poster created by Jim Naylor for the fans who attend. The event will be another all day fun time for fans of all ages. Starting with the chili feed at noon, where you can rub elbows with the SCRA drivers and crews, and there is plenty more. The WRA old time race cars will be on display from Walt James and his gang for your enjoyment. They will be in an area right off the midway behind the main grandstands all night for your viewing pleasure. Stop and talk to these car owners who love to show of the grace and beauty of our sports history. Many former legendary drivers including Bubby Jones, Ron Shuman, Buster Venard, Jimmy Oskie, Rick Goudy, Gary G Howard, John Redican, Jeff Heywood, and many more from the Ascot days will be signing autographs. All former drivers are welcome, yet there are more that I couldn't track down. If you are out there, come join the fun! There are great auction items that include an SCRA autographed helmet, a special oval racing box featuring Cory, Richard and Damion, a racing collage by Mrs Wags, the photographers contest voted on by the fans, and some other great pics by the top photographers in sprint car racing, and much more. The new wild event t-shirt will be going fast, so plan to get yours. Also, don't forget the two-seater battle between Tony Jones and Cory Kruseman. Imagine a best two out of three for bragging rights!

Drivers who are eligible to race in the low buck race are: Danny Sheridan, Mel Murphy, Lance Gremett, Ricky Zeihl, Bobby Cody, Adam Mitchell, Jarrett Chaney, Dan Tedrick, Charlie Ekiss, Michael Hinrichsen, Tony Everhart, Brian Venard, Charles Davis Jr, Tony Lima, Gary W Howard, Jordan Hermansader, Steve Venard, David Sinsley, Kevin Keirce and Sean Buckley. Remember, the chili feed begins at noon and the afternoon activities that go on are how the purse is raised for the Wagsdash. Remember the traffic and come early. Thanks to all who have helped, it will be a good time for all. I am pooped, hope I wake up before Saturday.

The best way to show your support for Ventura Raceway is to come to the Wgasdash this Saturday night and sign the petition, and that will go a long way in making it available for racing. Remember, support is more than just a signature, you have to be there to help.

SCRA points as of 10/5/02
1. Richard Griffin 2136, 2. Damion Gardner 1752, 3. Tony Jones 1732, 4. Cory Kruseman 1675, 5. Rip Williams 1666, 6. Mike Kirby 1564, 7. Rickie Gaunt 1539, 8. Steve Ostling 1521, 9. John Scott 1502, 10. Mike English 1452, 11. Bobby Graham 1103, 12. Troy Rutherford 1064, 13. Jeremy Sherman 1032, 14. Charles Davis, Jr 913, 15. Mike Spencer 773, 16. Levi Jones 758, 17. Rodney Argo 687, 18. Adam Mitchell 678, 19. Gary W. Howard 655, 20. Bobby Cody 628.