Ocean locals watch other racers claim top spots

WATSONVILLE — Mike Spencer of Temecula led a contingent of USAC/CRA and Western Classic drivers to his seventh overall win of the season at Ocean Speedway at Watsonville on Friday.

The series has made four appearances in Watsonville, with Spencer winning for the second time.

"We had a good race car all night but it was tough to pass," Spencer said. "The track kind of widened out in the later laps and that helped a lot. It was unfortunate with what ever happened to Ryan. It would have been nice to fight it out the entire race but we'll take the win any way we can get it."

Unfortunately for Ocean Speedway’s local standouts, they were shut out of a top-10 finish for the first time in the four starts with the series.

Hollister’s Ryan Bernal took the lead on the fourth lap. He controlled the top spot for 10 rounds when San Jose’s Tommy LaLiberte spun his car out of control. The caution flag slowed the field and Bernal stopped on track near the flag stand.

Without an official’s request, stopping on the race track during a caution period requires the driver to restart at the rear of the field. With only 15 laps remaining, Bernal’s efforts netted him an 11th place finish with LaLiberte following in 12th. Bernal won the first USAC race in April and finished second to Spencer in June.

Prunedale’s Justin Sanders struggled with flat tires and mechanical issues and Taco Bravo series leader Shane Golobic only completed two laps when a torsion bar broke on the chassis of his ride.



For the complete article see the 08-14-2012 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 08-14-2012 paper.

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