(Perris, CA, May 17, 2021) This Saturday night, May 22^nd, Perris Auto Speedway will host one of the nation’s oldest sprint car races when the 70^th running of the Salute to Indy returns after a year in hiatus due to the COVID crisis.

Headlining the racing card on the famous Riverside County half-mile clay oval will be the popular 410 cubic inch Amsoil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars.  The PAS Senior Sprints will also be in action.  Spectator gates will open at 5:00 P.M. with racing at 7:00.  Due to COVID mandates, tickets must be purchased online at the following link  https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/pas/7/event/1219096.  There will be no walk-up ticket sales for this race.

The “Salute to Indy,” which is a tip of the hat to the Indianapolis 500, dates back to 1948 when Dempsey Wilson captured the inaugural running of the now prestigious event. From 1948 through 1990, the race was contested in all but five years.  After legendary Ascot Park closed in 1990, it was put on ice until The PAS hosted it in 1996.   Since its rebirth in the Inland Empire, the famed race has taken place each year with the exception of 2008 when it was canceled by rain, and 2020 when it was wiped out by COVID.

While this weekend’s affair comes 73-years after the race was initially held, it will be the 70^th running.  You may be wondering how that can be as the race did not take place 12-times since its introduction.  The answer is a simple one.  Some years in the 1970s and 1980s, Ascot held multiple races over Memorial Day weekend and each race was called the Salute to Indy.  In 1971, 1978, 1981, 1982 and 1983, there was two Salute to Indy races.  In 1980, three editions of the race took place on the revered grounds located at 190^th and Vermont in Gardena, California. 

Over the years, National Sprint Car Hall of Famers Dean Thompson and Bubby Jones recorded the most Salute to Indy wins with five victories each.  However, all of Thompson’s wins came in years when the race was held multiple times.  In addition, three of Jones five triumphs took place when the race was held more than one time per year. 

Only two drivers have won the race four times.  One is National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Billy Wilkerson and the other is eight-time USAC/CRA Sprint Car champion Damion Gardner of Concord, California. Unlike Thompson and Jones, Wilkerson and Gardner’s triumphs all came when the race was only run one time per year.  Wilkerson’s victories came at Ascot in 1968, 69,’ 72’ and 73.’ Gardner’s triumphs came in 2003, 04,’ 14,’ and 17’ and all were at The PAS.  A win on Saturday by Gardner would tie him with Thompson and Jones for the most wins in Salute to Indy history.  In addition, if Gardner wins on Saturday, it will be his 98^th victory in combined SCRA, and USAC/CRA competition.  That would tie him with racing great Cory Kruseman.  In the all-time history of the original CRA, SCRA and the Current USAC/CRA dating back to 1946, only Thompson with 105 wins, and Rip Williams with 104, have more victories than Kruseman and Gardner.

“Had Damion Gardner not spent six years racing with the USAC National Series in the Midwest, he probably would have more wins than any other driver in the Salute to Indy,” PAS promoter Don Kazarian said.  “He will have a lot of extra incentives to win on Saturday.  In addition to tying for the lead in all-time wins for the Salute, and tying Cory Kruseman for third on the all-time West Coast victory list, he also has new sponsor Performance Online on board.  He wants to get a first win for them.”

In addition to Gardner, two other past winners of the Salute to Indy will be in action on Saturday.  One is Yorba Linda’s Matt Mitchell and the other is “The Big Game Hunter,” Austin Williams, of Corona.  Mitchell sipped the traditional chocolate milk that PAS winners get at the Salute to Indy, in 2011 and 2013.   Williams did likewise when he crossed the finish line first in 2016 and 2018.

Saturday will be the 24^th edition of the Salute to Indy at The PAS.  As mentioned earlier, it was not held in 2008 due to rain, and in 2020 when COVID intervened.   Other years in the race’s history that it did not take place were 1950, 1951, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995.

Saturday’s show will include qualifying, 10-lap heat races, a 12-lap B Main event and a 30-lap A Main for the USAC/CRA drivers.  The Senior Sprint Cars, for drivers 40-years-old and over, will contest an eight-lap heat race and a 20-lap main event. 

COVID rules will still be intact on Saturday. In addition to no walk-up ticket sales, all fans will have to wear face coverings and distance from others not in their group in the grandstands.  PAS concessions will only be available via the “FanFood” app.  The app is a free download from the App Store.  Fans will order and pay for their food order from their seats.  When the order is ready, they will receive a text to pick up the order at the designated station nearest where they are sitting in the grandstands.

Online tickets for 2021 Perris Auto Speedway races are on sale at  https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/pas/7.   Fans will be able to purchase tickets online at the above tix link up until 7:00 p.m. each race night.  The entire 2021 schedule is available at the bottom of this release.

Fans can stay up to date on track and driver news on The PAS social media efforts at the links below.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Perris-Auto-Speedway/113876798686480?ref=hl

Twitter: Perris Auto Speedway on Twitter.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perrisautospeedway/

Website: http://perrisautospeedway.com/

Perris Auto Speedway is conveniently located on the SoCal Fair and Event Center (home of October’s Southern California Fair), approximately one-hour east of Los Angeles and one-hour North of San Diego. To get to the track, take the 215 freeway, on the Ramona Expressway and go three miles east to the fairgrounds. For directions on MapQuest, the address to enter is: 18700 Lake Perris Drive and the zip code is 92571.

Perris Auto Speedway wants to thank the following corporate partners.  Ahern Equipment Rentals, All Coast Construction, Anderson Chevrolet, Battery Systems, Budweiser, Bud’s Tire Pro, Chris’ Hauling, City of Perris, Communication Innovations, Daytona Boat & RV Storage, Ed Moore Bullet Proof Driveshaft, Flowdynamics, HD Industries, Hoosier Tires, Inland Rigging, Living Water’s Hospice, LKQ Pick Your Part, Luke’s Transmission, Moose Racing, Pepsi-Cola, Pole Position, PrintItNow.com,  Rainbow Bolt & Supply, Rugged Radios, Shaver Specialties, Square H, Sunoco Race Fuels, Trench Shoring, Upland Rock, Varner Construction and Vista Paint.

Video and DVD productions of all racing sprint cars events at Perris Auto Speedway are available from Loudpedal Productions. For more information on these productions you can contact them by calling (805) 844-3854, E-mailing mailto:trtruex@gmail.com or you can visit the website LoudPedal Productions.

DVDs of all the PASSCAR/IMCA racing and Nights of Destruction at The PAS are available from Fourvideos.  For more information call (714) 225-9500. 

2021 EVENT SCHEDULE

May 22nd                “SALUTE TO INDY” AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PAS Senior Sprints

June 5th                LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION IV – Demo Cross, Figure 8’s, Trailer Figure 8’s, Mini Stocks and Double Deckers 

June 12th               PASSCAR SERIES – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks and IMCA Modifieds

June 19th               AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PAS Senior Sprints

June 26th               PASSCAR SERIES – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks and IMCA Modifieds

July 4th                   FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION V – Demo Cross, Figure 8’s, Trailer Figure 8’s, Mini Stocks and Double Deckers        

July 10th                 PASSCAR SERIES – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks and IMCA Modifieds

July 16^th                  “SUMMER CAMPFEST” AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PAS Senior Sprints and RUSH Western Sprint Car Series

July 17th                 “SUMMER CAMPFEST” AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PAS Senior Sprints and RUSH Western Sprint Car Series

July 24th                 PASSCAR SERIES – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks and IMCA Modifieds

July 31st                 LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION VI – Demo Cross, Figure 8’s, Trailer Figure 8’s, Mini Stocks and Double Deckers 

August 14th            PASSCAR SERIES – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks and IMCA Modifieds

August 21st            CALIFORNIA RACERS HALL OF FAME NIGHT” AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PAS Senior Sprints and RUSH Western Sprint Car Series

August 28th            LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION VII – Demo Cross, Figure 8’s, Trailer Figure 8’s, Mini Stocks and Double Deckers     

September 4th        “SUMMER CAMPFEST II” PASSCAR SERIES – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks, IMCA Modifieds and RUSH Western Sprint Car Series

September 5th        “SUMMER CAMPFEST II” PASSCAR SERIES – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks, IMCA Modifieds and RUSH Western Sprint Car Series

September 11th      LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTIONVIII – Demo Cross, Figure 8’s, Trailer Figure 8’s, Mini Stocks and Double Deckers     

September 18th      PASSCAR SERIES – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks and IMCA Modifieds

September 25th      “GLENN HOWARD CLASSIC” AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PAS Senior Sprints, and RUSH Western Sprint Car Series

October 16th           PASSCAR SERIES – “FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT” Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks and IMCA Modifieds

October 23rd           AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PAS Senior Sprints, and RUSH Western Sprint Car Series

October 30th           LKQ Pick Your Part Presents NIGHT OF DESTRUCTIONVIIII – Demo Cross, Figure 8’s, Trailer Figure 8’s, Mini Stocks and Double Deckers     

November 3rd         25^TH ANNUAL OVAL NATIONALS Presented by ALL COAST CONSTRUCTION – Practice Night

November 4th         25^TH ANNUAL OVAL NATIONALS Presented by ALL COAST CONSTRUCTION AMSOIL USAC National and USAC/CRA Sprint Cars   

November 5th         25^TH ANNUAL OVAL NATIONALS Presented by ALL COAST CONSTRUCTION AMSOIL USAC National and USAC/CRA Sprint Cars

November 6th         25^TH ANNUAL OVAL NATIONALS Presented by ALL COAST CONSTRUCTION AMSOIL USAC National and USAC/CRA Sprint Cars   

November 13th       PASSCAR “CHAMPION’S NIGHT” – Super Stocks, Street Stocks, American Factory Stocks, IMCA Modifieds and RUSH Western Sprint Car Series

NOTE: SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE COVID 19 LEVELS AND MODIFICATIONS REQUIRED REOPENING.

Yamaha’s Proven CP2 Engine Joins the Next Generation of R World

MARIETTA, Ga., May 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, today introduced the all-new 2022 YZF-R7 as the latest model in the company’s Supersport motorcycle segment. Built from the ground up with a sleek ultra-thin lightweight chassis powered by Yamaha’s proven 700cc-class CP2 engine, and enhanced with track-focused supersport features, the R7 embodies the R-Series’ rich history of aggressive performance and racing dominance.

R World is Calling
Yamaha has a rich heritage of building the most sought after Supersport motorcycles designed to deliver the pinnacle of performance on and off the track. From the rider-friendly YZF-R3 to the exclusive and track-focused YZF-R1M, the Yamaha R-series model lineup provides options for riders of all skill levels to experience the pure exhilaration of R World.

The all-new 2022 YZF-R7 bridges the gap between the entry-level YZF-R3 and the prestigious YZF-R1, offering a midlevel option for both new riders looking to grow into a more powerful motorcycle, as well as experienced riders seeking a fully-faired motorcycle with Supersport performance that fits within their budget. With a unique package of performance, price and sporty styling, the R7 is true to its R-Series DNA and the lineup’s aspirational history of racing success.

All-New YZF-R7
The all-new 2022 YZF-R7 delivers proven power, a narrow chassis, and new styling that reflects the exhilarating next-generation of R World. It is packed with a range of features that include an engaging 689cc CP2 engine, a slim and lightweight frame with excellent aerodynamics, an inverted front fork with excellent front-end feel, and a racing-inspired cockpit with a supersport rider position.

689cc CP2 Engine
YZF-R7 uses Yamaha’s proven 689cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line two-cylinder, DOHC CP2 engine, giving the rider a feeling of a direct connection from the throttle to the rear wheel. Forged aluminum pistons with direct-plated cylinders integrated with the crankcase makes for lighter weight and excellent strength at higher temperatures, ensuring reliability at higher rpm. The crossplane engine’s 270-degree crank provides an uneven firing sequence with a more characterful exhaust note that emphasizes torquey acceleration and linear power delivery for outstanding response at all engine speeds. Additionally, the R7 has an optimized secondary gear ratio that creates an exhilarating ride and a sporty feel.

Ultra-Narrow Lightweight Chassis
The YZF-R7’s ultra-narrow, high-strength steel frame provides excellent rigidity for a sporty and responsive ride by mounting aluminum center braces near the swingarm pivot which improve torsional rigidity. Rake, trail, and wheelbase dimensions have also been optimized for superb handling while cornering on a racetrack or a twisty section of pavement. The narrow, lightweight frame design has resulted in the slimmest bodywork found in Yamaha’s Supersport lineup and reduces air resistance while incorporating the rider’s body into its design.

Sporty New Suspension
The 2022 YZF-R7 features an inverted KYB 41mm front fork with optimized spring rate and damping settings for an excellent front-end feel during cornering and braking. The product-specific settings make for easy and predictable behavior, with a stiff feel for twisty roads and racetracks. The fork is fully adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping force. The inverted KYB front forks are mounted to the steering tube via a forged aluminum lower triple clamp, and a gravity-cast aluminum upper triple clamp.

A linked-type Monocross single-shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping strikes a balance between ride comfort and sporty performance for capability across a wide range of uses, from urban commuting to track days. The rear shock unit is mounted horizontally, fastened to the crankcase for efficient use of space and weight, contributing to mass centralization and further enhancing the bike’s compact size.

Potent Braking Power
The 2022 YZF-R7 is equipped with a new radial brake master cylinder from Brembo. This new Brembo radial master cylinder provides a more linear supply of hydraulic pressure to the radial mounted-mounted, 4 POT front brake calipers creating excellent controllability and stopping power through dual 298mm front brake rotors.

Comfort-Focused Racing-Inspired Cockpit
The YZF-R7’s new racing-inspired cockpit puts the rider in a comfortable and confidence-inspiring position that evokes an eagerness to ride. A comfortable new seat with material and cushioning used in the YZF-R1, combined with new low-profile fuel tank covers with deep knee pockets for optimal hip and knee positioning gives the rider freedom to adjust positions while also providing a firmly planted feel when leaned over and a sturdy body hold under braking. Separate clip-on handlebars are set in relation to the rider’s hips and footpeg positions for an aggressive position allowing the rider to naturally grip the machine with confidence, especially when tucking behind the windscreen on twisty roads or on the racetrack.

New LCD Instruments
The 2022 YZF-R7 features a new full LCD instrument panel. The high-contrast negative dashboard and its compact and lightweight multifunction display with larger displays for the clock, gear, trip meters and tachometer provide clear information. The use of spot color gives an accent for the high-rpm range display – and new handlebar switches enables the rider to operate the meter more easily and efficiently.

New LED Lighting
The iconic R-Series M-shaped intake duct and twin-eye front design of the new YZF-R7 houses an adaptive bi-functional LED headlight. The R7 is also equipped with a new LED taillight and front and rear turn signals. Light and compact, the new LED lighting complements the next-generation style of the bike and reinforces the premium specification of the Supersport class. Not only do the LEDs offer long life with minimal power draw, they provide brilliant illumination for confidence and visibility day or night.

2022 YZF-R7 Key Features

• 689cc crossplane technology CP2 engine
• 270-degree crankshaft for linear power delivery
• First Assist and Slipper clutch on a CP2 model
• Optional Quick Shift System for smooth upshifts
• Comfortable rider position for excellent handling
• Lightweight frame tuned for rigidity balance
• Slim proportions for aerodynamics and control
• Inverted front fork with excellent front-end feel
• Rear shock absorber with model-specific settings
• Radial master cylinder (by Brembo) and radial-mount brake calipers
• New LED headlight, taillight and front and rear turn signals
• Next-generation colors and graphics

The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 will arrive at authorized Yamaha dealers beginning in June 2021 and will be available in Team Yamaha Blue and Performance Black color schemes for $8,999 MSRP. To learn more about the 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/supersport/models/yzf-r7.

Find a range of Genuine Yamaha Accessories, apparel and more at https://www.shopyamaha.com.

For more information related to all Yamaha products, visit https://www.yamahamotorsports.com.

Follow Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, through your favorite social media sites at www.facebook.com/yamahamotorusa, www.instagram.com/yamahamotorusa, www.twitter.com/yamahamotorusa. #Yamaha #YamahaMotor #YamahaMotorUSA

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, WaveRunner Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars, Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, two corporate offices in Georgia, facilities in Wisconsin and Alabama, and factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company (YMSC) with divisions Bennett Marine (Florida) and Kracor Systems (Wisconsin), Skeeter Boats (Texas), with division G3 Boats (Missouri), and Yamaha Precision Propeller (Indiana).

Big Soul Productions announces the May 7th premiere of Friday Night Thunder, a fast-paced docu-series following racing families at the Ohsweken Speedway—the only track on Indigenous land in Canada. Equal parts poignant and light-hearted, Friday Night Thunder challenges viewers’ perceptions of the world of dirt racing. 

Produced by Big Soul Productions, a 100% Indigenous-owned production company, and airing on APTN Fridays at 8 pm and Saturdays at 12 pm, Friday Night Thunder captures the emotions, community, and connection at the core of the dangerous sport. Spectators watch as drivers careen around a 3/8 mile track with low visibility—crashes are inevitable and devastating, while winning has little material reward. Friday Night Thunder digs deeper into what makes dirt racing at the Ohsweken Speedway a time-honoured tradition among many families in the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory in southern Ontario.

“It’s not necessarily about racing, it’s about the family dynamic of racing—both real and track families,” says Laura Milliken, producer and director. “It’s about how important living is, looking for the light in your life.”

The series follows Glenn Styres, the founder and owner of Ohsweken Speedway, in the aftermath of a career-ending crash. Styres acts as a mentor and role model to the drivers, providing support on and off the track. Styres built the track 25 years ago and it has been a staple in the region ever since. “It’s really a good thing that Glenn did, because I think it has brought the community together and gives them something to do and keep busy on Friday nights,” said driver Alex Hill in an interview with the CBC. Hill, a 21-year old sprint car racer, is currently the only Indigenous woman to compete in the American Sprint Car Series.

Friday Night Thunder focuses on the lives of these drivers first, and the high-octane world of dirt racing second. Echoing the community on the track, Friday Night Thunder invites viewers into this tight-knit and adrenaline-packed club.

ABOUT BIG SOUL PRODUCTIONS
Big Soul Productions Inc. is a Toronto-based production company owned by Anishinaabe producer/entrepreneur Laura J. Milliken. Big Soul Productions is dedicated to creating, developing, and producing films and television representing the Indigenous voice while generating much needed capacity for Indigenous creatives in the industry.

Friday Night Thunder was produced with the participation of APTN and CMF.