Driver, two spectators suspended by Orange
Show Speedway after extensive review of controversial Late Model main
event
SAN BERNARDINO (May 15, 2007) –
Orange Show Speedway director of motorsports Joe Ganino Jr. on Tuesday
(May 15) announced the suspensions of a BSR West Late Model driver and
two spectators for their actions during and after the Late Model main
event Saturday, May 12.
Driver
Richard Hooper, 52, of Rosamond, who officials found responsible for
causing a multi-car accident that left several cars damaged beyond repair
and made a lengthy delay of the event necessary, has been fined $500
and suspended for two Late Model races.
Spectators Chris Hayes and Loren Hill, whose language
and behavior in the pit area in the aftermath of the accident were deemed
to be inappropriate, have been suspended from Orange Show Speedway for
two months, from May 12 to July 12, and will not be permitted on the
premises at any time during their suspensions.
Ganino said the fine and suspensions were assessed
after a lengthy review of the race video and all available data. He
also said longer suspensions were considered, but that he believes the
penalties assessed are appropriate given the actions of the individuals.
The incident occurred on what would have been lap
17 of the 35-lap event, when the cars driven by Hooper and Jim Conklin
made contact while they were racing for the lead. Conklin took the lead
from Hooper in Turn 2 on the quarter-mile oval, but in the apex between
Turns 3 and 4 Hooper ran into Conklin. Both cars spun and triggered
a chain reaction in which several other cars spun or were hit and the
car of eventual winner Dave Arce became momentarily airborne before
landing on and rolling over the front of Hooper’s car.
The cars of Brian Malone, Justin DeJaynes, Josh Green
and Hooper were too extensively damaged to continue and Hooper was ordered
to load his car onto its transporter. Contrary to initial reports, however,
Hooper was not disqualified and will be given credit for a finish.
Hooper has been found in violation of rules 6-1.2
and 6-1.3 of the section of the Orange Show Speedway rules governing
Conduct at Events, which are available for review on the Internet at
www.nosevents.com. Rule 6-1.2 states that “fighting, rough driving
or other acts of violence will not be tolerated,” and penalties
may include, but are not limited to, fines, suspension and probation.
Rule 6-1.3 states that “ OSS will not tolerate profanity, discourteous
gestures or behavior deemed detrimental to the betterment of the sport”
and includes a prescribed list of penalties ranging from a fine to a
lifetime suspension.
Hooper must sit out the Late Model races of May 26
and June 9, and may not race in another division during his suspension.
Hayes and Hill were cited for violating section 6-1.3
of the rules governing Conduct at Events. During their suspensions they
may not be at the speedway or any portion of the National Orange Show
Events Center that is being used in conjunction with a speedway-supported
event.
This and other official rulings will be posted on
a separate page of the speedway web site.
Racing at Orange Show Speedway is sponsored by Lucas
Oil, Blackhawk Protection, Hype Manufacturing, Del Taco, Aflac Insurance,
KTTD radio (AM 1350), Leno’s Rico Taco, Soboba Casino, Budweiser,
Hoosier Racing Tires, Frank’s Radio Service, Torco Racing Fuels,
Parker Pumper/BSR West, Eibach Springs, JP Striping, Center Chevrolet,
Pepsi, Matich Coporation, La Salle Medical Associates, L. Curti Truck
and Equipment, One Stop Landscape Supply, Extreme Exhibits & Logistics,
Little Green Onions and the San Bernardino County Sun.
For further information, contact Jim Short at 951-203-2649
or jimshort65@sbcglobal.net, call Orange Show Speedway at 909-888-6788,
X438, or visit the web site at www.nosevents.com.
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