CRA: Perris preview

"LEGENDS OF ASCOT NIGHT" SATURDAY AT PERRIS

This Saturday night's "Legends of Ascot Night" events at Perris Auto Speedway will again feature the ongoing battle between USAC/CRA Sprint Car point leaders Damion Gardner and Cory Kruseman which has captivated Western race fans most of this season.

Gardner holds a slim nine-point lead going into Saturday night's program on the half-mile dirt oval. His prowess there this year would favor him to extend his lead.

In 17 meetings at The PAS this season, Gardner has emerged with a better finish than Kruseman a dozen times. It's ironic that they have not finished 1-2 since March. Gardner has also posted the fastest qualifying time at Perris 12 times, while Kruseman is still seeking his first.

Both will have no farther to look over their shoulder than third-ranking Tony Jones for primary competition. Jones has "owned" the half-mile recently, posting four wins, two thirds, a fourth, three fifths and two sevenths in his last 12 starts!

Danny Sheridan, who scored four thirds, a fourth and a fifth, plus six other "top-10" finishes in the first 16 races this year at the track, is the defending Perris race winner, recording his first USAC/CRA feature win there Oct. 7. He's currently fifth in the standings.

-credit: usac