Fresno California -- Davey Hamilton’s SRL Wild West Shootout heads to Altamont Raceway park for the fourth and final time of the 2002 Racing Season. Current Points Leader Jeff Anthony of Livermore California has swept the first three races at the ½ mile track. Anthony holds a 58-point lead over Sonora’s Nathan Tucker the 2001 SRL Wild West Shootout Champion.
Tucker coming off of a solid third place finish last Saturday at Stockton99 Speedway moved in front of Rick Ruzbarsky of Tracy who was involved in a wreck late in the race, and two time series winner Ray Lawson Jr. of Fresno. Lawson trails Tucker by ten points, while Ruzbarsky trails by 12. Tim Stratmeyer the 2001 SRL Wild West Shootout Rookie of the year sits a solid fifth. Ron Strmiska Jr. who has one win under his belt this season sits in sixth position. Joey Zampa the winner on August tenth at Madera Speedway backed up that finish with a strong second Saturday night at Stockton99 sits in seventh. Troy Ermish made his way from tenth to eight position in the series standings this week. Troy finished a respected fourth Saturday at Stockton 99 Speedway. Michael Carver sits in ninth position one point behind Ermish. Making his way into the top ten is Petaluma’s Ed Coughenour.
Last week Home track advantage paid off for Ripon’s John Gaalswyk as he picked up his first victory of the season in only his fourth start of the year. Home track advantage has paid off for Anthony as he took victory on June first, June 15th, and August third. Anthony is a former champion at Altamont. Ruzbarsky has set fast time at Altamont, his home track, three times this year.
Ruzbarsky currently leads Zampa in qualifying points (19-15) and Rookie of the year points (399-315). Ruzbarsky looks to maintain his lead in both category’s and gain on current points leader Jeff Anthony.
Grand Stands open at 2:00 PM Saturday. Opening Ceremony’s start at 5:00 PM, followed by SRL Wild West Shootout Qualifying, and the first race of the evening.
