From The Grandstand

by Ron Rodda
January 27, 2008

Lincoln, CA -After 4 weeks in sunny Arizona, it was back to rainy Northern California as January neared its end.  Prior to settling in Casa Grande for a 10 day stretch, we visited Parker Store in Phoenix to see the display of racing related items.  An 8 billion dollar company, the Phoenix branch is led by Steve Stroud and his interest in racing is displayed throughout the store.

            In the late 70's Stroud was a big fan of racing at Manzanita before business time constraints lessened his time for follow racing.  He was able to rekindle his interest a few years back and the result is a Parker Store branch that supports the local track as well as some local drivers.

            The Broadway Street facility houses the Arizona Hall of Fame plaques a myriad of photos, mostly from Manzanita, and has a retired sprint car on display in the product showroom.  Besides an associate sponsorship of traveler Donny Schatz this season, the store will also sponsor Chad and Billy Boat and primarily Bob Ream on the local level. 

Steve Dunn (L) and Steve Stroud (R) guard the decorative door to Parker Store storage

 The store also sponsors a huge end of season fireworks spectacular at Manzanita, a preferred time for that special night as the traditional July 4^th date is far from the coolest time in Phoenix.  Parker Store has also been sponsoring a former outlaw kart driver and now entering his 2^nd year in sprints, Kyle Larson from Elk Grove, CA.   Stroud stated the home office has followed Larson's career and recognizes his talent, potentially leading to a long term involvement.

Many framed photos fill the store's walls

            A few miles west on Broadway from the Parker Store address is Manzanita Speedway, one of the busiest tracks in the country.  With 83 race events planned for 2008, general manager and promoter, Steve Dunn, will have plenty to do over the long season.  Having spent the two prior years as assistant manager, Dunn has been busy since taking over the leadership of the facility that boasts both a half and third mile clay ovals.

 The entire crash wall has been replaced and the front stretch catch fence has been entirely rebuilt.  Underway on the day I visited was the rebuilding of the concession stand while upcoming projects include paving the parking lot, a new deck for VIPs, and new bleachers to raise the seating capacity to 6200.

Additional concrete will be poured in the pit area, accompanied by additional air and electrical outlets.  The future will bring more events of a national focus and a scoreboard with the dream of a jumbotron type addition something to work towards.   Clay will be added to the tracks to add more banking.

 Dunn has deeply planted racing roots, having spent 12 years driving a sprint around the Southwest.  He raced about 90% of the time with a wing, starting at the now closed Yuma Speedway and ending his career at a 2003 event at Casa Grande.  Prior to Manzanita becoming a full time venture, Dunn managed auto parts stores and body shops.

 
A former Bob Ream driven car adorns the showroom at Parker Store

 He noted how the area surrounding the track has improved over the years and believes the track will be in its current location for a long time.  Owners have spent $400,000 in improvements for the coming season for the busy facility that hosts many sanctioning groups.

 Dunn was enthusiastic about next month's Copper on Dirt event that will feature USAC Silver Crown, USAC/CRA sprints, and USAC midgets.  The two day race on February 15 and 16 is preceded by a practice night on Thursday and a golf tournament on Wednesday, the 13^th.   Proceeds from the tournament will go to the Drivers Fund of Arizona, a new venture to help drivers in times of financial need. 

Central Arizona Raceway's five race series for late models and modifieds was very successful this year, benefiting from much better weather than the cold that dominated the 3/8 mile’s effort in 2007.  Still very young for a track promoter, 27 year old Benji Lyons has also continued making improvements at the fairgrounds track located about 7 miles east of the city.

A very sturdy redesigned catch fence at Manzanita awaits the 2008 season

A new PA system and guardrail surrounding the entire facility are new this year with the never ending adding of clay to the surface also an improvement.  The restrooms will be remodeled before the regular season starts and new sponsors have come on board to assist in the track’s makeover.

 Casa Grande will run sprints twice this year when the nonwing ASCS teams test the high banks.   A new venture planned will be off road events and the hope for some CORR racing this year is still quite possible.

 On February's last weekend, a big modified show will involve the entire fairgrounds and benefit the veterans.  Working with Mike Klier from the governor's veteran affairs office, the track will donate part of each three day pass purchased.  Additionally, the Auto Trader publication in conjunction with the track is hosting a car show at the fairgrounds with all proceeds going to the veterans.

With only half of one day showing clouds, the time spent in the Grand Canyon state filled our time with excellent weather racing, a great way to start the year.