Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29
presented by Rudeen Racing
Fast Approaching at Thunderbowl Raceway

By Gary Thomas

(Tulare, CA – September 20, 2023) The most anticipated period of the season at Thunderbowl Raceway is fast approaching with the Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing ready to invade Tulare on October 19th, 20^th and 21^st.

Something sure to add intrigue once again this year will be the “Trophy Cup Tune-Up” featuring the Kings of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars on Saturday October 14^th. The event held on the weekend before Trophy Cup is guaranteed to fill the pit area as drivers get one final stab at the track prior to the big show.

It’s sure to be a classic lead-in for the Trophy Cup, as teams and fans get to enjoy back-to-back weeks of racing at the Thunderbowl.

The Trophy Cup continues to be one of the premier Winged Sprint Car showcases in the country and the 2023 version is sure to be one of the biggest and best yet. The 29th edition of the Trophy Cup boasts a record $225,000 overall purse for the three nights, with 90 cars entered for competition.

The event originally started at San Jose Speedway in 1994 and was held at the track until its closing in ‘99. It then moved to Ocean Speedway for one year, before heading to the Kings Speedway in Hanford from 2001-2004. In ‘05 the Trophy Cup was moved to Thunderbowl Raceway, where it has been held ever since.

With its unique format the Trophy Cup regularly produces some of the best Winged Sprint Car racing fans will witness all season. Each time a driver hits the speedway for competitive racing there are points on the line. It’s all a lead-up to the 50-lap feature on Saturday night, which features the top-20 in overall points inverted, plus the four transfers out of the B-main comprising the final four spots.

All cars that start the Saturday A-main are guaranteed at least $6,000 in weekend winnings and the overall champion is guaranteed a record $29,000 in weekend winnings. The Trophy Cup is always an all-star showcase in California, with champions and winners from all over the state and beyond in action.

Tickets and Details:

Adult grandstand tickets for the 29th Trophy Cup cost $50 on Thursday and Friday and $55 on Saturday. Bleacher tickets are $45 on Thursday and Friday and $50 on Saturday. Kids pricing and senior pricing is also available.

Tickets can be acquired by calling 559-688-0909 or at the gate. Pre-sale tickets will be available until two weeks prior to the event, as all track staff will be at the raceway daily and not in the office, in preparation to make sure everything goes as well as possible. The event has never sold out and tickets will be available if you choose to purchase at the gate.

If you are unable to buy pre-sale tickets please do not worry, as you’ll be able to purchase them at the gate. We are aware of the kinks with the new phone system and are still attempting to get them sorted out.

Something new this year as well, on Wednesday October 18^th (day before the race) Thunderbowl GM Josh Miller will be around the campground if you’d like to obtain your Will Call Tickets, or if you need to purchase additional tickets. By handing out will call tickets on Wednesday, this will help alleviate the line at the box office on race day.

The pit gate opens at 10am on Thursday October 19th, with the drivers meeting around 3:20pm. Wheel packing, hot laps, qualifying and heat races will follow.

The special events that have become so popular are also returning. Following the races on Thursday will be BBQ Night sponsored by High 5 Pizza and Catering, while Friday after the races will be Taco Bravo Fiesta Night featuring Tacos. On Saturday afternoon from 11am-2pm Steve Faria and Thunderbowl Raceway will present the annual Spaghetti Feed.

The post-race parties start 20 minutes after the checkered flag with beer, water and soft drinks also available for purchase inside. A donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the door during all these events is appreciated.

Over the last 28-years Dave Pusateri and the Trophy Cup team have helped gather more than 2.5 million dollars in donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Fans and teams are all encouraged to attend the special eating events. More info on the Trophy Cup, as well as an entry list can be found at www.trophycup.org

Special thanks to Promoter Steve Faria with System 1 and System 1 Pro Ignition, General Manager Josh Miller, along with all our partners for making things happen at Thunderbowl Raceway including Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, Budweiser, Roth Motorsports, KRC Safety, General Manager Craig Borba at Garton Tractor, Double “D” Towing and JD Heiskel & Company.

For more info on the Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway visit www.ThunderbowlRaceway.com and like our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com.

The Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets at 620 South K Street Tulare, California 93274. From the junction of SR 99 and SR 137, go west on SR 137. At South K go south one-half mile to the Fairgrounds. Camping is available for fans off turns three and four.

Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway Remaining Schedule

Saturday October 14^th: Kings of Thunder Winged 360 Sprint Cars, Western RaceSaver Sprints, West Coast Sport Compacts and Legends of Kearney Bowl (Trophy Cup Tune-Up)

• Thursday October 19th: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing
• Friday October 20th: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing
• Saturday October 21st: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 29 presented by Rudeen Racing

Author

Gary Thomas
Posted September 21, 2023

Motorsports Public Relations Director/ Announcer from the Golden State of California. Business Manager of the The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford & Abreu Vineyards competes in California. A premier Winged 360 Sprint Car series on the West Coast.

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Trophy Cup 29 has 90 Entries

The Abreu Vineyards 29th Annual Trophy Cup Presented By Rudeen Racing has it’s usual lengthy entry list for October’s record purse at Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway. 

The 90 entered cars have 14 showing TBA for driver name, which makes it interesting with the usual speculation of who will fill those seats.

This being the 29th year of the unique event, the champion will be earn $29,000 for accumulating the most points over the three-day period.  A record purse of $225,000 will be paid out this year over the three days of racing. 

The Saturday main event pays $6,000 guaranteed to start. The $6,000 guarantee is the total over the three-day event.

Last year, $25,200 was added to the payout for the Saturday main event to reach the 2022 guarantee of $5,000 as 15 of 24 teams had not reached $5,000 total.

Also increased this year is the payout for both B and C mains on Saturday.

Entry List Highlights

Entered this year are six prior Trophy Cup champions with TIm Kaeding being the veteran of the group. Kaeding’s wins came in 2002, 2006 and 2009 and one more would tie his father, Brent Kaeding, with his wins coming in 1996, 1998, 1999 and 2005. 

Another driver that could reach the four championship level is Shane Golobic. The wins for the Fremont, Calif. driver scored wins in 2016, 2017 and last year. One-time champions entered this year include Jonathan Allard, Willie Croft, Bud Kaeding and 2019 winner, Rico Abreu. 

Four years ago Abreu accomplished something that was considered impossible when he won all three main events. One feat that will never be matched was champion Tim Kaeding winning the Saturday main event from 24th position. Now the Saturday main event inverts the top 20 in points, so matching Kaeding’s stellar drive is not possible.

One driver who is not yet entered but likely will be on hand owns two Trophy Cup records which are the most difficult to match. Buddy Kofoid is the youngest to win a Trophy Cup main event, accomplishing the remarkable win at age 14. 

Then five years later he became the youngest Trophy Cup champion, winning the point battle at age 19. Kofoid may wind up driving one of the TBA cars.

See the Complete list: Trophy Cup Car Entries

Author

Ron Rodda
Posted August 16, 2023

Ron Rodda is a contributor to Hoseheads Sprint Car News and Speed Sport News.

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by Ron Rodda

(TULARE, California) — The Abreu Vineyards 28th Trophy Cup presented By Rudeen Racing had 75 cars return to Thunderbowl Raceway for the final night with Shane Golobic crowned champion for the third time.

One driver was to be named champion and earn a guaranteed $28,000 for accumulating the most points.

But four drivers had a chance for a bonus ranging from $22,000 to $2,000 dependent on starting in rows nine or 10 for the 50-lap finale. If any of those four won the race and title, the bonus earned was based on starting position.

No qualifying was needed as the better of the two preliminary race nights points determined lineups. A trio of D mains moved a dozen to the straight up C main. Four from the C moved to the invert six B main which added four to the invert 20 A main.

After the D mains the top 48 in points competed in six heat races fully inverted by points. These heats were 36 points to win with a three point drop per position.

With heats adding points to the preliminary night points, the top 20 in points moved directly to the A main, 21 through 40 went to the B main, and 41 to 48 were C main bound.

Starting in the A main guarantees $5,000 minimum payout for all three nights.

Shane Golobic had the best heat race with a third-place finish moving him from third to first in points, making him the driver eligible for a $50,000 payout to win. Tyler Courtney finished fourth in his heat to maintain second in points and eligible for a $40,000 check to win the main and title.

Kyle Hirst dropped to third in points by finishing sixth in a heat and would collect $35,000 for winning the main and championship. Corey Day and Ryan Timms remained in fourth and fifth.

The big finale had Tony Gomes and Zeb Wise on the front row for the 150 points main with a three point drop per position.

Wise led initially with Gomes and Kalib Henry in pursuit. Henry passed Wise on the front stretch on lap 14 and led five laps before Wise used a turn two slider to regain the lead. Chase Randall got third with a low line turn one pass on lap 26.

The planned fuel stop came after 29 non-stop laps and Golobic was 10th and Courtney 14th but the point battle doesn’t become clear until the lap count gets into the final 10. If the title battle came down to those two whoever was ahead of the other would win.

Wise continued leading while Henry held off pressure from Randall for second until Gomes took third back before a red flew for a Tim Kaeding and Kyle Hirst tangle that eliminated both.

As the lap count approached 50, Wise clicked off the laps smoothly and kept a late-charging Rico Abreu in second at the finish.

The drama centered around Golobic as he was in control of the championship but needed to pass four cars in six laps to collect the bonus.

Golobic got past two on a restart but Wise and Abreu were too far ahead to catch and no yellow to help saw Golobic finish third 20th starting spot.

Golobic became a three-time Trophy Cup champion. Corey Day was fourth in points, Courtney third. Wise fourth and Abreu was fifth.

The Trophy Cup continues to support the Make-A-Wish Foundation with a $321,000 donation to raise the total to $2,671,000. This is made possible by many contributors and activities as well as all entry fees going to support the Foundation.

The finish:

Feature (50 laps): 1. 26-Zeb Wise[2]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu[9]; 3. 17W-Shane Golobic[20]; 4. 5J-Kalib Henry[3]; 5. 14-Corey Day[17]; 6. 83T-Tanner Carrick[11]; 7. 18-Cole Macedo[6]; 8. 57W-Tyler Courtney[19]; 9. 2X-Justin Sanders[8]; 10. 94TH-Landon Brooks[7]; 11. 5T-Ryan Timms[16]; 12. 18T-Tanner Holmes[12]; 13. 9R-Chase Randall[10]; 14. 88-Austin McCarl[4]; 15. 5V-Colby Copeland[13]; 16. 7B-Sean Becker[21]; 17. 41X-Colton Hardy[14]; 18. 7C-Tony Gomes[1]; 19. 94-Kyle Hirst[18]; 20. 83-Tim Kaeding[15]; 21. 22-Ryan Bernal[23]; 22. 41-Dominic Scelzi[24]; 23. 73-Hunter Schuerenberg[22]; 24. 21-Mitchell Faccinto[5]

Author

Ron Rodda
Posted October 22, 2022

Ron Rodda is a contributor to Hoseheads Sprint Car News and Speed Sport News.

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by Ron Rodda

(TULARE, California) — The second preliminary night of the Abreu Vineyards 28th annual Trophy Cup presented by Rudeen Racing had 84 winged 360s in action at Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway Friday night with Tyler Courtney standing in victory lane.

Thursday’s format was repeated and drivers raced hard to win a heat or be the highest point car following eight intense laps.

The A main inverted 12 by points putting 21-year-old Kalib Henry and 16-year-old Chase Randall in row six for the 30-lap, $4,000-to-win race, adding 100 points to the night’s total for the win with a two point drop per position.

Justin Sanders wasted no time, blasting out of turn two to lead initially from fourth starting. Colton Hardy was second for a lap before Tanner Holmes took the spot to chase Sanders.

Courtney used the bottom of turn two to take third on lap 10 and by mid-race the fast lane moved up to the wall, a Tulare tradition that leaves no room for error. Kyle Hirst, Thursday’s point leader, dropped out with engine issues.

Tanner Holmes dove low into turn three and got under Sanders to take the lead on lap 16, Courtney grabbed second two laps later, and Sanders found the turn-two wall and was able to continue.

Tim Kaeding moved up to third on the restart and immediately pressured Courtney for second. Corey Day used a low turn two pass to run third on lap 29 before Kalib Henry brought out a red.

It was now a 31-lap main and Holmes, a 19-year old from Jacksonville, Ore., had to keep Courtney behind him for a pair of laps.

Courtney used a turn-one slider to take the lead on the restart, lost the spot a lap later in turn two, but raced out of turn two to gain the win over Holmes. Corey Day, Tim Kaeding, Shane Golobic finished the top five.

Drivers will use the better point total from each preliminary night to determine the heat race lineups on Saturday.

The top 48 in points will race six heats, fully inverted, for points and the top 20 in points after the heats go to the A main. Preliminary mains will follow, leading to the 50-lap championship main which inverts 20 by points.

Hirst and Courtney are tied with 278 points after two nights of racing.

The finish:

Feature (30 laps): 1. 57W-Tyler Courtney[9]; 2. 18T-Tanner Holmes[2]; 3. 14-Corey Day[8]; 4. 83-Tim Kaeding[5]; 5. 17W-Shane Golobic[14]; 6. 69-Bud Kaeding[24]; 7. 7P-Jake Andreotti[17]; 8. 41X-Colton Hardy[1]; 9. 9R-Chase Randall[11]; 10. 18-Cole Macedo[20]; 11. 46JR-Joel Myers[19]; 12. 94TH-Landon Brooks[3]; 13. 5V-Colby Copeland[6]; 14. 88-Austin McCarl[15]; 15. 98H-Tyler Thompson[21]; 16. 2X-Justin Sanders[4]; 17. 2K-Kaleb Montgomery[16]; 18. 5T-Ryan Timms[22]; 19. 5J-Kalib Henry[12]; 20. 7C-Tony Gomes[10]; 21. 24-Rico Abreu[13]; 22. 94-Kyle Hirst[7]; 23. 52-Blake Hahn[23]; 24. (DNS) 88N-DJ Netto

Author

Ron Rodda
Posted October 21, 2022

Ron Rodda is a contributor to Hoseheads Sprint Car News and Speed Sport News.

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by Ron Rodda

TULARE, Calif. — Ryan Timms took the lead on lap one of the 30-lap main event on Thursday and claimed a $4,000 victory on the opening night of the 28^th Trophy Cup at Thunderbowl Raceway.

Points earned in qualifying and heat races added to main event points put Timms in fifth place in points out of the 86-car field.

The field was split into two groups for qualifying and heat races and then combined for main event lineups. Qualifying gives 150 points to the quickest lap with a one point drop per position. Heat races offer 36 points for a win with a three point drop per position.

Each group ran four heats and the winner and highest point car from each moved directly to the A main while each of a pair of B mains elevated four additional drivers to the night’s finale. Heats and B mains inverted six and the main event had a 12-car inversion, all by points.

The A main is 100 points for a win with a two point drop per position. A sweep would be 286 points.

Entering the main Carson Macedo, Shane Golobic and Kyle Hirst we’re the top three in points. Since Macedo will be in Pennsylvania Saturday, he will not be finishing the Trophy Cup.

Timms and Landon Brooks filled the front row it was a short time in front for Brooks as a snapped axle left him sitting after one quarter of a lap. Tony Gomes inherited the outside front row spot

Timms edged Gomes at the line on lap one and pulled away. Justin Sanders took second using the bottom of turns three and four to claim second on lap three. Hunter Scheurenburg slowed after six laps with engine issues and Tyler Courtney took third out of turn four before a multi-car tangle in turn one drew a yellow.

Trophy Cup restarts are all single file and Timms maintained his lead and 14 non-stop laps saw Sanders close on Timms but then drop back.

Sanders got into the turn-two wall and flipped to promote Courtney to second and Kyle Hirst into third with six laps remaining.

With clear air Timms controlled the final laps to win over Courtney, Hirst, Golobic and Macedo.

Friday’s action will mirror the opening night’s format except the second group from Thursday qualifying will go first and the order within each group is reversed.

The finish:

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 5T-Ryan Timms[1]; 2. 57W-Tyler Courtney[8]; 3. 94-Kyle Hirst[10]; 4. 17W-Shane Golobic[11]; 5. 21T-Carson Macedo[12]; 6. 18T-Tanner Holmes[3]; 7. 24-Rico Abreu[14]; 8. 5J-Kalib Henry[18]; 9. 21-Mitchell Faccinto[5]; 10. 83T-Tanner Carrick[15]; 11. 9R-Chase Randall[7]; 12. 7C-Tony Gomes[4]; 13. 26-Zeb Wise[23]; 14. 7B-Sean Becker[16]; 15. 14-Corey Day[19]; 16. 88N-DJ Netto[20]; 17. 22-Ryan Bernal[17]; 18. 5V-Colby Copeland[21]; 19. 2XM-Max Mittry[22]; 20. 2X-Justin Sanders[6]; 21. 28-Chase Johnson[24]; 22. 83-Tim Kaeding[13]; 23. 73-Hunter Schuerenberg[9]; 24. 94TH-Landon Brooks[2]

Author

Ron Rodda
Posted October 20, 2022

Ron Rodda is a contributor to Hoseheads Sprint Car News and Speed Sport News.

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Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing Kicks-off Thursday at Thunderbowl Raceway

By Gary Thomas

(Tulare, CA – October 17, 2022)   Electricity is drifting through the air as one of the biggest weeks in California Sprint Car racing has arrived, which means only one thing, it’s time for Trophy Cup 28 at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare.

The Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup presented by Rudeen Racing is not just known for featuring some of the best racing seen all year long, but it’s also well regarded for being held to benefit one of the truly great organizations around, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. With the Trophy Cup’s donation last year, it brought the total amount of contributions to $2,350,000 since the event was created back in 1994.

This weekend marks the 17th occasion that the Trophy Cup will be held at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare. All cars that start the Saturday A-main are guaranteed at least $5,000 in weekend winnings and the overall champion is guaranteed a stout $28,000 in weekend winnings. The three-day extravaganza on October 20th, 21st and 22nd features a $200,000 overall purse.

Past Trophy Cup champs set to compete this weekend include three-time winner Tim Kaeding of San Jose; two-time champion Shane Golobic of Fremont, along with single-time winners Rico Abreu of Rutherford, Bud Kaeding from Campbell, Willie Croft of Colfax, Chico’s Jonathan Allard and Fresno’s Craig Stidham.

“It’s been great to see the fan and team support continue to be outstanding at the Trophy Cup year after year, which has simply been amazing to watch,” said Thunderbowl Raceway Promoter Steve Faria. “The extra functions on the fairgrounds continue to create a happening at the event and one that people mark down on their calendar every season. I know we are looking forward to it and hope everyone else is too. Dave Pusateri and his entire team do an exceptional job with everything. I know we’re honored to host the Trophy Cup for the 17th straight year.”

Adult grandstand tickets for the 28th Trophy Cup cost $50 on Thursday and Friday and $55 on Saturday. Bleacher tickets are $45 on Thursday and Friday and $50 on Saturday. Kids pricing and senior pricing is also available.

Tickets can be purchased starting at approximately 10am-10:30 each race day behind the stands at the box office. The event has never sold out and plenty of tickets will be available. The pit gate opens at 10am on Thursday October 20th, with the drivers meeting just after 3pm. Wheel packing, hot laps, qualifying and heat races will follow.

The special events that have become so popular are also returning with a slight twist. Following the races on Thursday will be BBQ Night sponsored by High 5 Pizza and Catering, while Friday after the races will be Taco Bravo Fiesta Night featuring Tacos. On Saturday afternoon from 11am-2pm Steve Faria and Thunderbowl Raceway will present the annual Spaghetti Feed.

Both Thursday and Friday nights will showcase Razor Bike Races plus RC car racing for children, while a brand-new function on Saturday includes the Driver Dunk Tank. The post-race parties start 20 minutes after the checkered flag with beer, water and soft drinks also available for purchase inside.

A donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the door during all these events is appreciated. Fans and teams are all encouraged to attend the special eating events. More info on the Trophy Cup, as well as an entry list can be found at www.trophycup.org

Special thanks to Promoter Steve Faria with System 1 and System 1 Pro Ignition, General Manager Josh Miller, along with all our partners for making things happen at Thunderbowl Raceway including Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, Budweiser, Roth Motorsports, KRC Safety, George at Garton Tractor, Double “D” Towing and JD Heiskel & Company.

For more info on the Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway visit www.thunderbowlraceway.com and like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Tulare-Thunderbowl-Raceway-392991907541396

The Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets at 620 South K Street Tulare, California 93274. From the junction of SR 99 and SR 137, go west on SR 137. At South K go south one-half mile to the Fairgrounds. Camping is available for fans off turns three and four.

Author

Gary Thomas
Posted October 18, 2022

Motorsports Public Relations Director/ Announcer from the Golden State of California. Business Manager of the The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford & Abreu Vineyards competes in California. A premier Winged 360 Sprint Car series on the West Coast.

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By Gary Thomas

(Tulare, CA – October 10, 2022) With the 28th Trophy Cup ready to tackle Thunderbowl Raceway next week Promoter Steve Faria has announced an extra special perk that will go to the overall point champion at the event.

The driver who wins the overall title at the Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup presented by Rudeen Racing already goes home with $28,000 in weekend earnings. Thanks to Steve Faria, they will also take home a commemorative 14k solid gold ring engraved with the 28th annual Trophy Cup logo.

Trophy Cup 28 Winner’s Ring

Not only will the Trophy Cup champ take home the prize, Faria has also offered up another 14k solid gold ring to be auctioned off at the event to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The 28th Trophy Cup occurs on October 20th, 21st and 22nd at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway.

“The Trophy Cup is such a great event for an outstanding cause, and we are really ramping up for it,” commented Faria. “I wanted to do something special for the champion this year, so felt that offering up this 14k solid gold ring with the Trophy Cup logo on it was just that. The event is all about raising money for Make-A-Wish and doing another ring for the auction was a no brainer for us a well.”

Buddy Kofoid Trophy Cup 27 Winner in 2021
Image courtesy of Devin M Photography

Adult grandstand tickets for the 28th Trophy Cup cost $50 on Thursday and Friday and $55 on Saturday. Bleacher tickets are $45 on Thursday and Friday and $50 on Saturday. Kids pricing and senior pricing is also available.

Tickets can be purchased starting at approximately 10am-10:30 each race day behind the stands at the box office. The event has never sold out and plenty of tickets will be available. The pit gate opens at 10am on Thursday October 20th, with the drivers meeting just after 3pm. Wheel packing, hot laps, qualifying and heat races will follow.

The special events that have become so popular are also returning with a slight twist. Following the races on Thursday will be BBQ Night sponsored by High 5 Pizza and Catering, while Friday after the races will be Taco Bravo Fiesta Night featuring Tacos. On Saturday afternoon from 11am-2pm Steve Faria and Thunderbowl Raceway will present the annual Spaghetti Feed.

Both Thursday and Friday nights will showcase Razor Bike Races plus RC car racing for children, while a brand-new function on Saturday includes the Driver Dunk Tank. The post-race parties start 20 minutes after the checkered flag with beer, water and soft drinks also available for purchase inside.

A donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the door during all these events is appreciated. Fans and teams are all encouraged to attend the special eating events. More info on the Trophy Cup, as well as an entry list can be found at www.trophycup.org

Special thanks to Promoter Steve Faria with System 1 and System 1 Pro Ignition, General Manager Josh Miller, along with all our partners for making things happen at Thunderbowl Raceway including Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, Budweiser, Roth Motorsports, KRC Safety, George at Garton Tractor, Double “D” Towing and JD Heiskel & Company.

For more info on the Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway visit www.thunderbowlraceway.com and like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Tulare-Thunderbowl-Raceway-392991907541396/?fref=ts

The Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets at 620 South K Street Tulare, California 93274. From the junction of SR 99 and SR 137, go west on SR 137. At South K go south one-half mile to the Fairgrounds. Camping is available for fans off turns three and four.

Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway Remaining Schedule

Saturday October 15^th: Northern Auto Racing Club Fujitsu 410 Sprint Cars, Kings of Thunder Winged 360s and Legends of Kearney Bowl (Dennis Roth Classic)

Thursday October 20^th: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing
Friday October 21^st: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing
Saturday October 22^nd: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing

Author

Gary Thomas
Posted October 10, 2022

Motorsports Public Relations Director/ Announcer from the Golden State of California. Business Manager of the The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford & Abreu Vineyards competes in California. A premier Winged 360 Sprint Car series on the West Coast.

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by Ron Rodda

(TULARE, Calif. – 24-Aug, 2022) – Next month’s Abreu Vineyards 28th Trophy Cup Presented By Rudeen Racing has drawn a record number of entries and may pay a record purse for the three-day event at Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway.

There are 111 cars entered for the Cup, to set an all-time record and the purse has a guaranteed $200,000 payout. The regular payout has the champion receiving $28,000, while the drivers that fill the 24-car field for the final night’s 50 lap race will each receive at least $5,000.

But this year, it could be a substantially increased payout for the champion.

A sponsor is making the bonus possible and the four drivers who start the 50-lap Saturday night finale in rows nine and 10 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. If the second in points wins the main and title, 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 fourth in points is able to win both race and points, the total will be $30,000.

Another record that could be set is the youngest champion of the Cup.

Buddy Kofoid now owns that record after stealing last year’s title as a 19-year-old driver. Several challengers to that record will be racing this year, including fourth in points Corey Day, sixth-place points finishing Ryan Timms, and 19th in points from last year, Chase Randall.

Author

Ron Rodda
Posted September 24, 2022

Ron Rodda is a contributor to Hoseheads Sprint Car News and Speed Sport News.

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By Gary Thomas

(Tulare, CA – September 21, 2022) – The most anticipated period of the season at Thunderbowl Raceway is fast approaching with the Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing ready to invade Tulare on October 20th, 21st and 22nd.

Something sure to add intrigue this year will be the fresh new show one weekend prior, with the inaugural “Dennis Roth Classic” occurring on Saturday October 15^th. The event honoring newly minted National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Dennis Roth features the NARC Fujitsu 410 Sprint Car Series and the Kings of Thunder Winged 360s.

It’s sure to be an epic lead-in for the Trophy Cup, as teams and fans get to enjoy back-to-back weeks of racing at the Thunderbowl.

The Trophy Cup continues to be one of the premier Winged Sprint Car showcases in the country and the 2022 version is sure to be one of the biggest and best yet. The 28th edition of the Trophy Cup once again boasts a $200,000 overall purse for the three nights, with over 100 cars currently entered for competition.

The event originally started at San Jose Speedway in 1994 and was held at the track until its closing in ‘99. It then moved to Ocean Speedway for one year, before heading to the Kings Speedway in Hanford from 2001-2004. In ‘05 the Trophy Cup was moved to Thunderbowl Raceway, where it has been held ever since.

With its unique format the Trophy Cup regularly produces some of the best Winged Sprint Car racing fans will witness all season. Each time a driver hits the speedway for competitive racing there are points on the line. It’s all a lead-up to the 50-lap feature on Saturday night, which features the top-20 in overall points inverted, plus the four transfers out of the B-main comprising the final four spots.

All cars that start the Saturday A-main are guaranteed at least $5,000 in weekend winnings and the overall champion is guaranteed a record $28,000 in weekend winnings. The Trophy Cup is always an all-star showcase in California, with champions and winners from all over the state and beyond in action.

Tickets continue to be on sale for the Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing, with all seating in the house reserved during the weekend. Adult grandstand tickets cost $50 on Thursday and Friday and $55 on Saturday. Bleacher tickets are $45 on Thursday and Friday and $50 on Saturday. Kids pricing and senior pricing is also available.

Tickets can be acquired by calling 559-688-0909 or at the gate. Pre-sale tickets will be available until two weeks prior to the event, as all track staff will be at the raceway daily and not in the office, in preparation to make sure everything goes as well as possible. The event has never sold out and tickets will be available if you choose to purchase at the gate.

The pit gate opens at 10am on Thursday October 20th, with the drivers meeting around 3pm. Wheel packing, hot laps, qualifying and heat races will follow.

The special events that have become so popular are also returning with a slight twist. Following the races on Thursday will be BBQ Night sponsored by High 5 Pizza and Catering, while Friday after the races will be Taco Bravo Fiesta Night featuring Tacos. On Saturday afternoon from 11am-2pm Steve Faria and Thunderbowl Raceway will present the annual Spaghetti Feed.

Both Thursday and Friday nights will showcase Razor Bike Races plus RC car racing for children, while a brand-new function on Saturday includes the Driver Dunk Tank. The post-race parties start 20 minutes after the checkered flag with beer, water and soft drinks also available for purchase inside.

A donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the door during all these events is appreciated.

David Pusateri Showing a Make-A-Wish Child Around

Over the last 27-years Dave Pusateri and the Trophy Cup team have helped gather more than 2 million dollars in donations for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Fans and teams are all encouraged to attend the special eating events. More info on the Trophy Cup, as well as an entry list can be found at www.trophycup.org

Special thanks to Promoter Steve Faria with System 1 and System 1 Pro Ignition, General Manager Josh Miller, along with all our partners for making things happen at Thunderbowl Raceway including Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, Budweiser, Roth Motorsports, KRC Safety, George at Garton Tractor, Double “D” Towing and JD Heiskel & Company.

For more info on the Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway visit www.tcfair.org and like our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Tulare-Thunderbowl-Raceway-392991907541396/?fref=ts

The Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets at 620 South K Street Tulare, California 93274. From the junction of SR 99 and SR 137, go west on SR 137. At South K go south one-half mile to the Fairgrounds. Camping is available for fans off turns three and four.

Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC Thunderbowl Raceway Remaining Schedule

Saturday October 15^th: Northern Auto Racing Club Fujitsu 410 Sprint Cars, Kings of Thunder Winged 360s and Legends of Kearney Bowl (Dennis Roth Classic)

Thursday October 20^th: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing
Friday October 21^st: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing
Saturday October 22^nd: Abreu Vineyards Trophy Cup 28 presented by Rudeen Racing

Author

Gary Thomas
Posted September 22, 2022

Motorsports Public Relations Director/ Announcer from the Golden State of California. Business Manager of the The Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Elk Grove Ford & Abreu Vineyards competes in California. A premier Winged 360 Sprint Car series on the West Coast.

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by Joseph Terrell
Editor of wcsprintscene.com
 
(Cannon Beach, Oregon – August 18, 2022) August is a quiet month on the west coast for sprint car racing with no major special events scheduled – Johnny Key is not a major – as most of the sprintcar world has their attention focused on some small town in Iowa called Knoxville. But the calm ends out west beginning when the World of Outlaws touch ground at Skagit Speedway Labor Day weekend. After that pretty much every weekend features a big race punctuated by 28th annual Trophy Cup in late October.
 
So as we sit a little more than two months away from the Trophy Cup it is time to analyze early contenders, the drivers registered and consider the possibilities for some of the vacant seats.
 

DEFENDING CHAMPION IN NEW RIDE

Last year Buddy Koifoid dominated the Trophy Cup in the Paul Silva prepared Works Limited sprinter and essentially had the overall points championship locked before the Saturday A pushed off. This year Koifoid will be back to defend his championship but this time he will be aboard the Crouch Motorsports sprinter he has spent most of the summer driving. Koifoid has had plenty of success in the Crouch ride in 2022 – including his first outlaw win at Huset’s, being named Knoxville Nationals rookie of the year and winning the inaugural High Limits even – so I expect Koifoid to still be a contender but this year he will be minus the secret ingredient known as Paul Silva.
 
Steering the Work Limited sprinter will be none other than Tyler Courtney whose last appearance in this car netted a $76,000 Dirt Cup payday at Skagit Speedway. Courtney, who  was originally entered in the Roth Motorsports stable when the Trophy entries first came in, made the smart decision when the Works Limited team had no driver to move his seat to the car that won last year.

TARLTON, ROTH, OTHERS SEEKING DRIVERS

Tarlton racing has four entries to date with no drivers yet named. One would expect Carson Macedo and Mitchell Faccinto to be in two of the seats but the other two…they could be filled by Gauge Garcia and Caeden Steele. Garica and Steele have shown speed all year and Steele especially has been stout of late getting his first win at Ocean and winning a NARC heat race with a 360. On the other hand Tarlton could seek some more star power especially since the World of Outlaws and All Stars have no races scheduled for Trophy Cup weekend.
 
Roth had two drivers originally – Kerry Madsen and Courtney. However, as mentioned, Courtney grabbed his seat and headed over to the Works Limited team leaving a seat open. Enter Parker Price-Miller who was tabbed to fill the seat upon Courtney’s departure but now that seems a little shaky as PPM recovers from a wicked accident from Knoxville. Early indications are he might be able to return in six weeks but back injuries are tricky so it seems plausible that PPM will not be ready for Trophy Cup. If PPM is not ready will Roth turn to his outlaw driver – James McFadden? Or will he stay on the west coast and try to find someone? Trey Starks anybody.
 
Clayton Snow is in the same predicament as Tarlton with cars (two be exact) entered but no driver listed. Will he put Carson Short in one of the cars? How about Justin Grant who was in it for the High Limits race?

RYAN TIMMS AND COREY DAY

This could be the rivalry that defines the next 25 years in sprint car racing. Or it could be a short moment in history before both these phenomenons move on from sprint cars and dirt to chase dreams on Sunday afternoon? Nobody knows what the future holds so we might as well enjoy it now.
 
Timms will be making his second appearance at Trophy Cup and after taking a little time to get used to the track last year he put in an exclamation point on the final night as he won the 50 lap main event after fending off numerous challenges from Tanner Carrick. If Timm can put himself in a better position in qualifying I wouldn’t be surprised if the Oklahoma driver becomes the youngest Trophy Cup champion in the race’s history. Timms, before his 16th birthday, has already become one of the best winged sprint car drivers in the country and his eight wins prove it including the impressive Jackson-Huset’s three for three he pulled off in June.
 
If Timms doesn’t become the youngest winner it could be Day. Day will also be making his second appearance at the Trophy Cup and like Timms if he can put together a solid preliminary night he has a legit chance to win the overall championship. In the west coast’s first major sprint car race of 2022 – Dirt Cup – Day was hampered by lackluster qualifying and he will need to clean this up because Trophy Cup cannot be won with subpar qualifying efforts. Day has been the talk of the nation since he scored consecutive runner-up finishes to close out the sprint west coast outlaw tour and has backed it up winning five times out west between 360 and 410 competition. He also showed he can go to new places and show speed evidenced by his speed during his summer midwest tour – specifically US 36 Raceway and Knoxville. Although his Knoxville results weren’t amazing at first glance anybody that paid attention knows how much speed Day showed.

INTRUDERS ON THE ROSTER

One the best things about the Trophy Cup is the teams and combinations on the roster. A lot of one-off and out-of-state teams that west coast fans only get to see once a year. In addition to Koifoid, Timms and  Courtney many other drivers/teams will descend upon the Thunderbowl who either are new to Trophy Cup, only combine once a year or just aren’t familiar faces on the west coast sprint car scene.
 
Amongst the registered intruders: Justin Peck makes second appearance at Trophy Cup  in the F&F Racing sprinter. Fellow All Star regular Hunter Schuerenberg is slated to drive for Josh Ford Motorsports. ASCS National regular Blake Hahn will make his annual trip to the Thunderbowl. Knoxville regular Chase Randall will be making his second appearance. California native Cole Macedo will compete, but this year it will be in the Ray Brooks sprinter that he normally wheels in Ohio. Knoxville polesitter and Iowa resident Austin McCarl will be back out west aboard the west coast based Country Builders Construction ride he has driven all season. Three Arizona drivers are entered: Nick Parker, mini sprint star Colton Hardy and teengater Logan Calderwood. Texas teenager and national midget standout Brenham Crouch will join Koifoid as a teammate in a second Crouch Motorsports entry. World of Outlaw rookie Robbie Price and Pennsylvania Posse member Devon Borden are entered in their northwest based family  cars. I would expect a few more intruders to fill some of the empty seats that are available – Scelzi Motorsports has an open seat that Gio would fit nicely in and maybe an Outlaw or two will decide they need to fill the off week on their schedule.

ONE DRIVER TWO SEATS

Justin Sanders might be the best driver on the west coast and I still think he will get  close to 20 wins in 2022 but he isn’t good enough to drive two cars at once. What that means is either Demo Mittry or Dale Miller – two of the best  sprint car rides in the state – will have a steering wheel to hold. My guess, and with Sanders it is just that, is he will be in the Mittry entry that has been his main ride in 2022. Miller has been flirting with Kaleb Montgomery in the car recently with Sanders unavailable but as of now Montgomery seems to be settling in as the full-time driver in the Keller Motorsports sprinter.  Either way Sanders will be in a top notch ride and some other driver might land themselves a contending ride they weren’t expecting.
 
That is my first look at the Trophy Cup roster for 2022. This roster is in constant flux and so what seems now may look different come October. One thing for sure though is September 15 is the deadline for car owners to register so by that date we should have a firm grasp on all the teams entered even if the driver musical chairs continue into the fall.
 

Author

Joseph Terrell
Posted August 18, 2022

Short Track Racing Junkie (Sprints or Stock Car, Dirt or Pavement - I enjoy it all). Went to the first Trophy Cup at San Jose Speedway. Check out Joseph's website: www.wcsprintscene.com Currently lives in Olympia, Washington -- Home Track: Skagit/Grays Harbor; make at least two trips to California each year including Trophy Cup - A weekly contributor to hoseheads.com (West Coast Sprint Car Scene).

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