By Ken Wagner
December 28, 2008

I hope the holidays are as good for you as they are for me so far. Although six inches of snow wasn’t in my plans, it was fun to watch the desert drivers become crazy in the few days of white out we experienced here in Las Vegas. It is still quite cool and I am waiting for 65 degrees to put one of my Xmas presents on my red Vette. My new mini bra has instructions to not install under that temp. Whatever, my stash from Santa included a lot of things that this grandpa really will enjoy. I stayed home for the holidays instead of attending my usual B-ball tourneys in LA. There were some here, so I didn’t miss out as I am already up to over 40 games attended with more to come like usual.

The new USAC/CRA schedule is nearly done and some things do change as Perris Auto Speedway will have only 12 race days in the coming season, including the three day Oval Nationals in November, cutting back nine events. Manzanita has five race days with three trips across the desert. Santa Maria and Calistoga have two dates with Las Vegas, Petaluma, Hanford (don’t know who will promote?) and Tulare one each. Also on the one list are Oskaloosa and Knoxville, a somewhat long tow for those two. That’s 27 dates with one TBA if that happens. Going monthly, March, July and October have only one race and April and June just two, so it will be some time off for many, especially those who do not travel. Is that all? I doubt it, but the thing we need to key on is getting more fans in the stands next year!

Rumors are fun to observe as they take shape and explode like skeet in the top competition shooting events. I am always trying to find out the latest bit-o-honey when it comes to what’s coming down the pike in racing, but sometimes even the horse’s mouth gives off crooked whinnies. I heard some dozies recently with some even like these, but of course not exactly: did you know John Glenn will be the next astronaut on the moon, or John Madden will fly to the super bowl this year, and did you hear Tony Stewart will drive for DXL in Florida, or Bruce Bromme Jr will take over the reins for Rickie Gaunt’s new super team etc, etc, etc. And my personal favorite that message boards will control racing in 2009 giving all the truth it can reveal. Be careful what you believe, good or bad, it might come back to bite!

Tony Jones was fifth on the final National Hall of Fame poll for 2008. The leader is Jerry Coons Jr, with Dave Darland, Levi Jones, Cole Whitt, Tony, Mike Spencer, Jon Stanbrough, Jesse Hockett and Blake Miller following in the top 10. Damion Gardner was 11th, Danny Sheridan 14th and Jeremy Sherman 19th on the annual list. For the complete list Click here to view.

As for the Wagsdash in 2009, don’t count out Ventura as the site, but I am flattered by the interest in the event that my Wagtimers have worked hard for 18 years on. I plan on running it as usual, so just have patience until I announce the date for the 19th annual Wagsdash. I have to do it, I have over $1000 collected already, so remember: you can help and it’s never too soon.

I’ll be heading to Tulsa for the 23rd annual midget adventure inside the big pavilion. I’ll also be attending some B-ball while I am in the area with Kansas, Oklahoma State, ORU and Tulsa on my schedule if the promised tickets appear. My son and I will be doing this trip together again, so I should have him there to watch over me.

The CRA banquet is January 24th. The following is from Julie Shiosaki: it will be at Best Western Inn Suites, 3400 Shelby Street, Ontario CA 91764, (909) 466-9600. Group Rate is $92 per night for Studio Kings or Studio Queens (room with 2 queen beds) Ask for US Auto Club rate. Must book at least 72 hrs prior to event date. This is an all-suites hotel, rate includes breakfast buffet and social cocktail hour. There is a restaurant and bar on the property. They will provide shuttle service to and from "Imagine That" banquet facility. When making your hotel reservation you will need to let them know if you want the shuttle service provided, so they can have a head count. They also provide shuttle service to and from Ontario Airport. Julie Tanaka@aol.com for more info.

TA TA!