Wide Open USAC Western Sprint Series Invades Tucson - By Bobby Gerould, June

9, 2004. Fair Oaks, CA. …Race number four in the 15-event United States Auto

Club (USAC) Western States Sprint Car Series is ready to rumble this Saturday

at Tucson Raceway Park in Arizona. Practice will start at 4:00 PM on the 3/8's

mile paved oval. The night will be capped with a 40-lap main event for the

colorful and fast wingless sprinters.

Chico, California's Brad Bumgarner leads the point standings through the

initial three races. Bumgarner finished fifth last June at Tucson driving for his

Grandfather, Roy Bumgarner. Brad who celebrates his 22nd birthday Thursday

(June 10th) is the son of Steve Bumgarner; a respected Northern California

mechanic and 'engine man'. Growing up, Brad was able to rub elbows with some fine

talents that drove for his family as they fielded dirt sprint cars for

competition up and down the West Coast. Uncle Jerry Bumgarner also was a driver.

"I credit Bobby McMahan for helping me out", said Brad. "He drove for us the

longest and won alot of races. He gave me pointers when I started driving and

talked to me about not trying to be a hero, and really having respect for the

driving profession."

Bumgarner and his family team are not short on desire to race. From their

Chico, CA. shop to Tucson Raceway Park is a drive of 990 miles! "I'll spend my

22nd birthday in a hauler driving 18 hours to Tucson", said Bumgarner. "Tucson

is my favorite track. Bar-none. It is racy and wide, and it lets the driver

get up and going."

The fact that Bumgarner is in the points lead is viewed as a huge bonus. "We

know we are fast enough to run good but the having the early points lead isn't

something I want to get too revved up about. If it's October and we are still

in front, I'll be revved!"

Tony Hunt, who sits in the runner-up spot in points, has two quick-time

efforts already this season in the Western Speed Racing #60. Last June, Hunt

finished second to teammate Michael Lewis of Noblesville, IN. Lewis, the defending

series champion has posted two feature event wins already in 2004, while Tim

Barber of San Francisco claimed the other checkered flag. Other past Western

Sprint winners at Tucson Raceway Park include Rick Hendrix, Bobby East and Nextel

Cup star Kasey Kahne.

Also entered for this Saturday night are Michael Trimble of San Jose, and

Greg Anderson of Sacramento. The two drivers sit in third and fourth place

respectively in the driver standings. Lady racers Shauna Hogg of Rosevile, CA., and

Destiney Hays of Oroville, CA. are also expected to lend class to the field.

Also on the racing card are NASCAR Late Models, Grand American Modifieds, and

Factory Stocks.