Tracy Press

 
Tracy racer in search of victory lane

Tracy’s Rick Ruzbarsky, who was named Rookie of the Year in 2000, will race in the SRL Flashco Southwest Tour this weekend at the Altamont Motorsports Park. Photo by Bob Brownne/Tracy Press

Rick Ruzbarsky figures he’s due for another win.

His opportunity comes today at the Altamont Motorsports Park in the third race of the SRL Flashco Southwest Tour.

Ruzbarsky, a Tracy businessman and local driver, came onto the racing scene in 2000 with the Rookie of the Year title for the Flashco Supermodified Racing League. He also came within a few points of being the SRL champion in 2004, up until he was edged out in the last race of the series.

Getting back to the top won’t be easy.

“Most of the folks who have showed up are staying consistent,” he said. “If we’re going to gain some ground, we’re going to have to put a ‘W’ on the board. Right now, we’re up against some fierce competition.”

Heading into today’s race, the Tracy driver was 21st in the Flashco SRL points ranking for 2008. His first two starts this year showed the frustration that auto racers risk every time they go onto the track.

In the opening race at Roseville, a competitor’s car drove over the top of Ruzbarsky’s front end as drivers moved to the outside of the track to avoid a wreck, knocking him out of the race. The next time out in Irwindale, his car spun out, which pushed him back to 16th place.

“We’re starting off a little slow, but we’re hoping to turn that around at Altamont, because it’s our home track,” he said.

He will be up against Jim Pettit II, winner at the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale and the Flashco points leader, and Troy Ermish, winner of the most recent event at All-American Speedway in Roseville and eight points behind Pettit in the standings.

They will be on the half-mile track at Altamont for the 100-lap race. The qualifying heat is at 12:30 p.m., and the main event is at 2:30.

Saturday’s event schedule also includes the fifth race of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, American Limited Stock Car racing and the Future Champions Development Series, which features drivers between 14 and 16 years old.

Admission is $25, with active military and veterans admitted for half-price in honor of Memorial Day. Seniors and youths get in for $20, and children younger than 8 are free.

For information: www.altamontracing.com, or www.srllatemodels.com.

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