Kruseman Cruises at Oval Nationals

Cory Kruseman of Ventura started the ninth Budweiser Oval Nationals by outrunning the 57-car qualifying field in his Tony Stewart-owned sprint car at the Perris Auto Speedway on Thursday night.

Kevin Urton, Troy Rutherford, Ronnie Case, Tom Hessert and 25-time Northern California sprint car champion Brent Kaeding won heats.

United States Auto Club national points leader Jay Drake and 2001 and 2002 Oval Nationals champion Bud Kaeding were among 24 drivers transferring directly to the 25-lap preliminary main event.

Torrance’s Mike Kirby, who has won four main events this year at Perris, is scheduled to start on the front row next to Josh Ford of Camarillo. Tonight will feature another 25-lap preliminary race leading up to Saturday night’s 50-lap finale, which will pay $30,000 to the race winner.