LAKESIDE, California -- After two recent test sessions at Mesa Marin Raceway, 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion Auggie Vidovich II feels he will be a prominent factor in this weekend’s upcoming HPS/Victory Circle “150" race at the 1/2-mile oval in Bakersfield, California.
A confident Vidovich took part in the open test sessions along with several of his NASCAR Southwest Series competitors plus a handful of NASCAR Grand National, West Series drivers in preparation for this Saturday night’s race. For the first time in the history of NASCAR racing at Mesa Marin, a change in the regular Mesa Marin race format schedules both the Southwest and West Series’ racing the same day creating an exciting doubleheader night of racing for fans.
Mesa Marin, where Vidovich finished 4th and 22nd (accident) last year, is one of Vidovich’s favorite tracks while competing in the popular Southwest Series.
Vidovich is back in the seat of the No. 11 Centrifugal Technologies, Ultra Custom Boats, Ransom Brothers True Value Lumber Chevrolet in 2005, owned by Rich Fountain, and again guided by crew chief, Mike Harvick. Harvick, an expert in chassis and on track setups, has been a plus for the young Vidovich. “Mike Harvick has been very instrumental in my racing lately and I am looking to have a great finish in Saturday’s race,” said Vidovich. This year’s schedule will bring the series to the high-banked 1/2-mile track three times (April 9, May 14 and October 15) where Vidovich posted Mesa Marin wins June 30, 2001 and October 21, 2000.
Saturday’s race will be Round Two of the 13-race season. Round One (January 30) featured the series at Phoenix International Raceway (Avondale, Arizona) where Vidovich started 14th and was up to 7th place before a mechanical issue forced Vidovich to the pits. He returned to the track and salvaged a 14th place finish.
A scheduled race, April 2, at Vidovich’s hometown track, Cajon Speedway (El Cajon, California), was canceled after the track failed to finalize a lease with the city for the 2005 racing season. “I was looking forward to racing for a final time there when the Southwest Series returned to Cajon this year, but I guess that wasn’t possible,” quoted the Lakeside, California driver.
For more information on 2003 NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series Champion Auggie Vidovich, click on www.vidovichracing.com or RacingWest.com.
