by Ron Rodda
(Tulare, CA – March 29, 2022) In October the Abreu Vineyards 28th Annual Trophy Cup Presented by Rudeen Racing will be held at Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway and this year offers an opportunity for a quartet of drivers to receive a record check by claiming the Cup championship, the result of earning the most points over the three nights of racing. Since this is the 28th year of the event, the champion receives $28.000 total for the three days. All drivers in the 24-car Saturday finale are guaranteed $5000 for their three day total.
But this year it could be a substantially increased payout for the champion.
A sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous is making the bonus possible and the four drivers who start the 50-lap Saturday night finale in rows nine and ten will be eligible to collect the bonus if they win both the main event and the Trophy Cup title.
With 20 cars inverted by points, the two rows eligible means they are the top four in points entering the extra length main. If the high point car entering the main wins the race and championship, the total winnings for the three days will be a guaranteed $50,000. Second in points wins the main and title and the check will be for $40,000. If third in points is both the main event winner and high point car the reward will be $35,000 and if it is fourth in points able to win both race and points the total will be $30,000. All others in the 24-car field will receive the regular $28,000 to win the title.
In the 27 years the Trophy Cup has been held, only once did the high point car entering the Saturday main win both the race and the title. Tim Kaeding won the title and came from 24th starting to claim the Saturday main event also. The 2009 accomplishment at Tulare featured TK bouncing off the cushion and sometimes the wall in his sterling drive to the front to be the only driver to win the Saturday main from last starting.
A couple years ago the format was adjusted to the high point car now starts 20th, so Kaeding’s feat will never be matched. A change for this year is no limit on the number of entries. Those who raced last year will have their entry forms mailed on May 1 and the only restriction is entries must be received by September 15.