WATSONVILLE, CALIFORNIA (February 2, 2011) – Ocean Speedway officials celebrated the 2010 racing season and previewed the 2011 season with a highly successful awards banquet on January 15. 2011 Ocean Sprint Car Series champion Tommy Tarlton of Easton, California was honored for his season that saw him defend the crown over 18 year-old young gun Kyle Larson.
Over 400 drivers, crew, and car owners came out for the ceremony held at the Santa Cruz Boardwalk Cocoanut Grove Ballroom with emcee Tony Karis at the helm.
The Ocean Sprints by Taco Bravo drivers were handsomely rewarded with a variety of certificates and points fund awards. But headlining the banquet was a pair of awards that are unique to Sprint Car racing.
Tarlton was given a 2010 championship ring for his efforts driving the #21 Tarlton & Son / Corporate America Lending Maxim. The championship ring was a new award for the 2010 season that Ocean Speeddway promoter John Prentice will extend to all speedeway champions at the 2011 banquet.
Gilroy’s Kurt Nelson left the banquet with the biggest trophy of all. Nelson, who finished 11th in the points standings driving for car owner Dennis Wuollet, was awarded a brand new Maxim Chassis and body to use in the 2011 season. The top 20 in the points were eligible for this award that was offered by Kaeding Performance. 2010 was the second year for this award to be offered.
The Ocean Sprints by Taco Bravo is preparing for another huge season in 2011 that will include trips to the Steve Faria’s famed Tulare Thunderbowl on April 30 and Scott Woodhouse’s Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway in Hanford on May 21. The series will also clash with the California Sprint Car Civil War July 8 and September 23, and the $5,000 to win Johnny Key Classic will return for its 51st running on August 27.
Teams planning to compete in the 2011 Ocean Sprints by Taco Bravo series are encouraged to contact PR Director & Announcer Steven Blakesley at steven@norcalmedia.com with sponsorship information and schedule intentions.
The Ocean Sprints by Taco Bravo is presented by: Chevrolet of Watsonville, Kaeding Performance, Hoosier Tires, Joe Hunt Magnetos, Weld Racing, LRB Manufacturing, CRV Carbon Solutions, FK Rod Ends, Saldana Racing Products, Racing Optics, and Thirty Five industries.
For more information on the Ocean Sprint Cars presented by Taco Bravo log onto http://www.oceansprints.com and for more on the Ocean Speedway visit http://www.oceanspeedway.com
- Steven Blakesley on Feb 02, 2011
- Article Date: 2/2/2011