Western Speed Racing's Cody Gerhardt Takes 2nd at 2012 Al Pombo Classic
- Sep 7, 2012
Pombo, who launched his career in the jalopy class in 1948, went on to compete in dirt cars, hardtops, Sprint Cars and Super Modifieds, winning more than 500 main events, seven NASCAR Super Modifieds titles and numerous championships at short tracks throughout California before retiring in 1971. He was inducted into the Fresno Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. "It was an honor paying tribute to one of the greatest racing legends from California, and it is always a great accomplishment for our team to receive a podium finish," remarked Western Speed Racing's and Madera native, Cody Gerhardt. "Congratulations to Brian McClish on his first win of the 2012 season," added the magnanimous team owner and Cody's dad, Kevin Gerhardt. "Brian was also a past driver of Western Speed Racing in 2005." Western Speed Racing brought home a second place finish at the Al Pombo Classic in the Western Sprint Car Series with K&N's Cody Gerhardt. The team's other driver, Tim Skoglund from Fresno, California delivered with a solid fifth place finish in his Western Sprint. Skoglund was the second top qualifier with 13.503, and Gerhardt's qualifying time was 14.100, and because of the inversion Gerhardt started on the pole. His car proved to be ideally set up for the long 50 laps, as reflected by his time on lap 44, a 13.364 lap and the third fastest on the track that day. In order for Gerhardt to claim the second tier on the podium he needed to get around multi-time champion Tony Hunt, series champion Scott Pierovich, as well as veteran driver Shauna Hogg. This was clearly a stellar achievement for the talented teenager. Skoglund and Gerhardt currently sit in second and third place respectively in the USAC Western States Pavement Sprint Car Series. Following the Al Pombo Classic, on July 14th the team took part in the 9th Annual Gerhardt Classic, an event very near and dear to their hearts. "This race is in memory of my great grandfather Fred Gerhardt," said Cody. Western Speed Racing finished 3rd and 4th place in the event. "We've had a great year so far, both Sprints finished in top five and we've had a couple of second place finishes in the 2012 season. It would be real nice to have a feature win though," admits Cody. "We are already planning our 2013 season with some Pavement Wing Sprint races in Canada, and Idaho. Also, I want to add that my success this year couldn't have happened without the help we get from K&N Filters and Lucas Oil." Find K&N products for your vehicle using the K&N application search then use the K&N dealer search to find a K&N dealer in your part of the world. |
