Night one of the Louie Vermeil Classic and how "Coach almost wasnt a coach"

Last night I atteneded the first night of the Louie Vermeil classic.In case you dont know Louie is Dicks dad and had passed away in 1986.Louie opened up Calistoga Speedway in 1937.The speedway is located on the fairgrounds of the Napa County Fairgrounds.Louie owned race cars up until the late 70s.Louie was also intrumental in keeping the track open when facing strong opposition frome the neighborhood.Yes this is another track that was there before houses.As the years of progressed and with out Louies involvement the races have dwindle down from 12 to 3 this year.While Louie was involved in the track the Napa County Fairgrounds was one of only three in the state of Ca that was more than self sufficent.So as you can see the Vermeil family has had a long and lasting heritage in the Calistoga Ca area.
Coach as they call him restored the Walter T Ross #56 sprint car in the last year and a half.This car was owned by Louie Vermeil and was made famous by the late Gary Patterson.As a tribute to his dad,Coach took some laps in the #56 car and actually jumped on the throttle a couple of times.Coach said if he could have gotten into the pits when he was 14,15,16 he would of become a race car driver.After Coach drove the car they paid tribute to Louie.Present were coach and his family as well as coach's brother and family.Yes Coach did get emotional talking about his dad.There have not been wingless sprints at Calistoga Speedway since 1985.As you can see this was a very special night.The stands were feeled to capacity and I expect they will be tonight as well.
They held a raffle and Coach autographed 6 special footballs to be raffled off among many other cool prizes.I tried to win one but to no avail.All the money raised from the raffle was donated to the purse for the racers as well.
There you have a little history about the Coach and racing in Northern Ca.
Before the night events took place.They held a barbacue and wine tasting.All the money raised went into the purse for the race.There was wine from 8 different winieries.They were many different drivers from days gone by bench racing while eating and drinking wine.A good time was had by all.There were also several cars from days gone by on display.
The USAC/CRA 410 non wing race was won by Tim Keading driving the 83Jr owned Teresa and Dennis Roth of Outlaw fame.
The USAC Western States Midget race was won by Johnny Rodriguez.Johnny has won two Western States Midget titles in years past.Johnny has also won the Hut 100.
Both Johnny and Tim are Northern Ca drivers.