Racers in Saugus Start Their Engines

For Tim Kimmel of San Fernando, it’s cheaper than booze.

“I’ve gotten into enough trouble with that,” said Kimmel, 31, a grin emerging from his face. “This keeps me out of trouble.”

What keeps Kimmel happy--and out of trouble--these days is stock car racing.

And tonight at 8, Kimmel will get a chance to continue on the race circuit. That’s when the Saugus Speedway opens for its 27th season of racing.

The season, which runs through October 6, will also feature first-time Friday night racing for professional go-carts and claimer cars.

In claimer races, losing cars can be “claimed” for $500.

“If they don’t sell it, they don’t race any more,” track spokesman Lyn Pherigo said. “It’s sort of a quarter man’s racing machine.”

While the claimers compete only for trophies, racers in the street stock, sportsman and modified divisions compete for cash. Modified drivers can win $1,100 in main event prize money. Last year’s modified champion was Ken Sapper.

The La Crescenta resident is expected to be a top contender for the title again this season.

Sportsman cars are faster than the street stocks, but not as quick as the modified vehicles. Sportsman winners receive $450.

“You can’t get rich off this,” said Kimmel, who is now competing in the sportsman class after a four-year stint as a street stock racer. Reseda’s Dave Phipps is the defending sportsman champion.

The street stock class is open to any American-made hardtop with originally equipped 1955-68 engines and chassis. They also must have a minimum wheelbase of 112 inches.

The winner of this division receives $130 per race.

Street stocks not only have to endure 25 laps of oval racing, but also compete in 15 laps of figure-eight competition, with $155 going to the first-place finisher.

Thurlow Rogers Competes in Road Race

Thurlow Rogers of Van Nuys, who finished sixth in the Olympic men’s cycling road race last summer, heads the field for the Nest Mountain road race, which will be run Sunday morning in the Santa Monica Mountains above Malibu.

The races, including men’s, women’s and junior competition, will start at 8 a.m. The featured men’s race will include four laps over a 15-mile circuit on Stunt and Piuma roads.

The Highway Patrol plans to restrict traffic in the area. Spectators are asked to arrive early.

Information: (213) 393-5976 or (213) 474-4076

Logsdon Signs With Cal Lutheran

Jeff Logsdon, an All-Southern Section guard from Santa Ynez High, has signed a letter of intent to play for Cal Luthern College’s basketball team next season, coach Ed Anderson announced.

Logsdon, a 6-0, 175-pound guard, led his team to the Tri-Valley League championship this season, averaging 22.3 points a game and earning league MVP honors.