Barona Sets Seven Dates For Full-Size Sprint Cars
by Johnny McDonald

Barona Speedway steps up to the bigger leagues of auto racing with the announcement that it has scheduled seven full-size sprint car races, sanctioned by the nationally recognized Sprint Car Racing Association.

Media day is set for April 16, followed the next night by the initial program. The quarter-mile track will maintain its yearly schedule with speedway midgets, California Lightning sprints, Dwarf Cars and Street Stocks.

The SCRA’s NAPA Auto Parts/Auto Trader Magazine schedule includes May 1 and 29, June 26, July 24, Sept. 18, Oct. 16 and Nov. 13.

The SCRA no longer utilizes Perris Auto Speedway as its base and has branched out in Southern California and the Midwest this year.

The Past: When the professional golfers teed off at the Buick Open on the Torrey Pines golf course last month, few fans would remember that in the 1950s it was the site of a 1.9-mile road course. Future world champion Phil Hill and Carroll Shelby won races. Shelby, of course, is noted for producing the highly successful Cobra sports car, which has been beautifully modified for public consumption in today’s auto shows.

More Racing: Cajon Speedway will open its 2004 campaign with the Coors Light 125 Southwest Series Cars, April 3. Signup and practice for all regular-season divisions is set for March 20 and 27... Barona Drag Strip is expected to have a fully sanctioned National Hot Rod Association meet later this year.

Concept Cars: Hyundai has earned quite a reputation for coming up with interesting concept vehicles, allowing the carmaker to show its progress in design and technology.

It’s the first vehicle to come out of the company’s new Design and Technical Center in Irvine, Calif: The company describes it as a sporty coupe that’s flexible enough to accommodate life-size passengers and cargo...Mitsubishi has a tough-looking concept truck that combines an eccentric brand of styling with a pickup body that’s anything but your average work-site hauler with oversize fenders, 22-inch wheels and wraparound glass.

Collections: The San Diego Auto Museum will feature the "Evolution of Porsche" show, through May 24. Next up will be the "Fabulous Fifties: Hot Rods, Fins & Drive-Ins," May 27-Aug. 30. The "Rolls Royce Centennial Show" will run Sept. 2-Oct. 25.