CRA: Perris recap, Ventura preview

CRA SPRINTS RETURN TO VENTURA SATURDAY
GARDNER'S PERRIS VICTORY A "TREAT" FOR FANS

The Valvoline USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series returns to the Ventura (Calif.) Raceway this Saturday night hot on the heels of one of its most memorable races!

Damion Gardner's victory in Saturday night's 30-lapper at the Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway was one which left fans stunned as he was forced to take a provisional starting spot (23rd and last), then came through the field to score the win! It left him fourth in the new series standings going in to the Ventura program.

Gardner, of Concord, Calif., led the final three laps around the 1/2-mile dirt oval after chasing down leader Cory Kruseman on lap 28. Trailing Gardner's Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply/Arizona Race Mart Eagle/Shaver at the finish were Kruseman, Tony Jones, Mike Kirby and Charles Davis, Jr.

Series point leader Rip Williams takes a 25-point lead over Davis into the Ventura race after finishing sixth at Perris. Gardner would have to rate the favorite's role in Ventura qualifying after recording his seventh FQ effort of the season Saturday at Perris.

Rodney Argo and Kirby led the Perris race before Kruseman and Gardner paced the final laps.

VALVOLINE USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS
1.-Rip Williams-517
2.-Charles Davis, Jr.-492
3.-Mike Kirby-476
4.-Damion Gardner-451
5.-Cory Kruseman-441
6.-Rickie Gaunt-354
7.-Josh Ford-310
8.-Tony Jones-268
9.-Seth Wilson-267
10.-Alan Ballard-246

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