NASCAR is set for an All American return

Home-track advantage opened the door to a national opportunity.

Frank Jordan's Golden State Racing and Roseville driver Eric Schmidt dominated weekly racing at All American Speedway last season, winning 11 races in NASCAR's western late-model series at the Roseville track.

"We came seven races short of winning them all," said Schmidt, who also set a track lap record – 13.426 seconds or 89.378 mph – on closing night last year. "We did an outstanding job."

Now, they're stepping up to NASCAR's Grand National division in time for the biggest race in their home track's history – the Grand National Camping World West Series opener Saturday night.

Named the Toyota/NAPA Auto Care 150, the new race – which is sold out – will be shown live in high definition on national TV via HDNet, then rebroadcast on the Speed Channel. Teams from throughout the western states compete in this series, the major gateway to NASCAR's three top circuits.

Grand National racing at All American is a milestone for the track and the sport, say officials. The speedway last hosted Grand National racing in 1982, long before NASCAR's exponential growth.

"Sacramento is a great market and an important addition to the calendar for our premier developmental series," said George Silbermann, NASCAR's managing director of racing operations.

For Jordan and his team, it represents a major opportunity.

"It's amazing," Jordan said. "Never in all my years would I have believed how our track has evolved."

Coordinated by local team owner Bill McAnally, major track renovations last year opened the door to NASCAR weekly racing after a lengthy hiatus.

"Now, we're among the top tracks on the West Coast and hosting a Grand National race," Jordan said. "Without the changes, no way they could have a program like this at All American Speedway."

Schmidt, 33, plans to compete in four or five Grand National races with Eric Snyder as his crew chief on the No. 05 Chevrolet.

"It's a new challenge, and we're working our way into a full season by 2009," Schmidt said. "That's the motivation."

When he's not driving, Schmidt will work under the hood. Aside from his Grand National duties, he'll serve as late-model crew chief for John Moore, his former rival who joined Golden State Racing during the offseason.

Moore, who had his own late-model team for several seasons, sold his cars and equipment – "everything, right down to the last lug nut," he said. "I figured, if you can't beat them, join them.

"We've raced against each other so many times," Moore added. "I've always had great respect for Eric. He's kind of my mentor, my measuring stick. I'm super happy he's my crew chief at Roseville. Eric is the full deal."

Moore, 44, also recently took over as board president of the Placer County Fairgrounds, home to All American Speedway.

"It's a great honor to be part of the track's resurgence," Moore said.

In his Roseville backyard, Jordan built a 2,400-square-foot race shop for his team, which he owns with his wife, Leigh Ann. He also runs a custom cabinet company.

"I have two full-time jobs, but it's enjoyable," he said. "(Racing) is what we always wanted to do."

The jump to Grand National isn't easy.

"The cars are western late models on steroids," Moore said. "They look the same, only a lot heavier and more powerful."

Schmidt estimated the difference as almost 600 more pounds and 180 additional horsepower.

"The cars are different, but the track is the same," Schmidt said. "That should give me an edge, at least at All American. I don't know what will happen, but we'll put on a good show. It will be exciting, for sure."

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