Ascot to Hold ‘Salute to Indy’ Sprint Race on Saturday Night

Ascot Park will present its annual “Salute to Indy” for sprint cars next Saturday night, with many of its drivers and car owners having interests in the Indy 500, and vice versa.

First, there is Bubby Jones, 44, of Glen Avon, who will drive the Alex Morales-owned “Tamale Wagon” in the 50-lap feature on the Gardena half-mile dirt track.

Jones competed in the 1977 Indy 500, when he started 33rd, or last, in the Bruce Cogle Ford Special. He was sidelined with engine problems after 78 laps and was credited with 21st place.

Meanwhile, Morales, 78, of Anaheim, will have three-time Indy champ Johnny Rutherford start on the inside of the fifth row in one of his cars, and is trying to get Rich Vogler into the field in his second machine. Both Rutherford and Vogler are part of Ascot’s alumni.

Next, there is former Lt. Governor Mike Curb, who sponsors California Racing Assn. point leader Brad Noffsinger of Huntington Beach at Ascot. Curb has interests in the Indy cars that will be driven by former winner Tom Sneva and Ed Pimm.

Another sprint car owner, Bruce Bromme of Gardena, who will have Mike Sweeney driving his car Saturday night, entered cars in the race at the Brickyard from 1948 through 1954. Spider Webb, Bud Rose, Rodger Ward and Bob Scott were some of the men who drove for Bromme.