Noffsinger Tries to Maintain Big Lead in Ascot Sprint Race

Although next Saturday night’s program at Ascot Park will be only the sixth in the 42-event California Racing Assn. sprint car series, Brad Noffsinger is already pulling away in the point standings.

After winning his first main event of the year (his eighth lifetime), Noffsinger, the 1979 CRA rookie of the year, now has a 77-point advantage over Mike Sweeney, 545-468.

It was Sweeney, who took over the Bromme sprinter formerly driven by retired Dean Thompson and Bubby Jones, who has replaced Jeff Heywood at the wheel of the Morales Brothers “Tamale Wagon,” that Noffsinger turned back in posting his victory. Jones took second and Sweeney third.

“All I can say is that Jimmy’s got the chassis perfect,” Noffsinger said after his victory. “And I am glad they didn’t change the engine this week. And I also want to thank Mike Curb for all his help.”

Noffsinger, who drive a Shrike chassis owned by Jack Gardner, was referring to Gardner’s son Jim and a new 402-cubic inch Rodek engine that is expected to make its debut for this program and former Lt. Gov. Mike Curb, who sponsors the car.

To give you an idea of Noffsinger’s lead this year, last season after six events he led Eddie Wirth by one point. He held the No. 1 sport until June 29, the 11th program before Wirth took the No. 1 sport and went on to win the season championship with Noffsinger dropping back to third.

The 25-year-old Noffsinger, who lives in Huntington Beach, has another reason for wanting to win this year’s CRA championship. Curb has said it would be a good credit for Noffsinger, who hopes to move up to Indy cars next year.

Noffsinger hope that toward the end of the season, Curb, who has interests in Indy cars, Super Vee and NASCAR Winston Cup cars, might give him a ride in an Indy car or a Super Vee, possibly at Phoenix International Raceway next October. Curb confirmed that there is a good chance of that happening.