Meet Perris Auto Speedway New Race Director Steve Russell By Scott Daloisio Perris, California — February 9, 2026 — When Perris Auto Speedway kicks off its historic 30th Diamond Anniversary season this Saturday, February 14, there will be a new race director for the PASSCAR classes and subsequent Nights of Destruction beginning on February 21. Taking over for longtime race director Steve Aldis is past Southern California First Division Speedway Motorcycle racer Steve Russell. Russell first came to the track, affectionately known to fans as “The PAS,” before COVID, when he took over as the scoreboard operator. Unfortunately, due to his commitment to his day job, he had to step aside. Three years ago, when track starter Kevin Winters moved to Minnesota, the famous Riverside County speed plant put out the word that it was looking to hire a starter. Russell, who lives in Temecula, California, said his day job had changed and he would like to apply for the job. As soon as promoter Don Kazarian got word that Russell wanted to apply, the search was over. He said the job was his. Steve Russell in his days as the starter at Perris Auto Speedway. Kenny Lonngren photo. The past motorcycle racer excelled in the new post. In addition to flagging PASSCAR Stock Car Races and the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars, he also flagged World of Outlaws and High Limit Sprint Cars at the track. Once again, he took to the job immediately and did an impressive job. That brought us to 2025 and Aldis' decision to step aside from his long-time race director position. This time, there was not a hunt to hire someone. Kazarian immediately wanted Russell to fill the role. When the promoter asked him if he wanted the job, Russell quickly accepted. “Steve has the demeanor I was looking for,” Kazarian said. “He has experience. He spent enough time last year to be seasoned in that job and do it like a pro in 2026. Steve Aldiss did a great job training him.” Steve Russell ready for a Speedway race 40 years ago at Ascot South Bay Stadium. Scott Daloisio photo. On Monday night, Russell took some time to talk about his racing background and the new position. PAS: Race Director is another new job for you at Perris Auto Speedway. How excited are you about this? Russell: I am really excited. I am looking forward to it, with it being the 30th year for Perris Auto Speedway. It is going to be some great racing and fun for the fans. I like the position, and I like working with all of the drivers and the team at Perris Auto Speedway. Being able to work with Don is exciting as well. PAS: After such a long time being involved in Speedway Motorcycle racing, did you ever think you would be working in auto racing? Russell: I did not think I would work in auto racing. That is a funny question. I always liked going (to auto races) but I did not see myself working in it. I kind of got the bug when I was doing the scoreboard. Then it was exciting being the starter. Now I am looking forward to this new adventure. PAS: Let's talk about your grandpa, Warren Russell. He was big into racing, including Indy Cars. Russell: Yes, my grandpa was big into Indy Cars. He had some friends who ran the Indy 500 and actually won the Indy 500 (Jim Rathmann in 1960). Grandpa would go every year and spend some time back at Indy. He had a drag race funny car, a couple of top fuel hydros. He had a land speed record for a while. I have always been around some form of racing. PAS: Your grandpa had a company name Russell and Russell. One of my favorite stories about him is that his company put in the initial grandstands at Ascot in the 1950s, and about 38 years later, it put the initial grandstands in at Perris Auto Speedway. He also put grandstands in at the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles and every year at the Rose Parade. Russell: Yes, he did have a construction company. Looking back, I started working there at a really young age. Before that, I would go in and hang out with him during the day. Working there taught me a lot. A little about everything. Driving a forklift, towing a forklift, loading trucks, and doing some construction stuff. Looking back, it was a great learning experience and taught me a lot. PSA: He also got you started in racing. How did that come about, and what persuaded you to race Speedway? Russell: I was at the office one day with him. I had been doing some motocross riding for fun. I asked him what he thought about going motocross racing. He thought that was kind of dangerous and said let’s look at Speedway. I kind of laughed as we were going to do Speedway with no brakes. He got me a bike and the stuff I needed to go with it. We started going every weekend to Ken Maely’s place in Corona. We would go there and ride every weekend. PAS: If I remember correctly, that was the mid-80s, correct? Russell: That was probably 1985, and I started competing in Speedway in 1986. That was in Third Division. I moved all the way up to First Division with him. He sponsored me in my time doing that. I rode First Division for a lot of years in So Cal. We had a great time doing it together. I ended up getting hurt in 1991 or 1992. I had reconstructive knee surgery and stepped away from racing for a really long time. We actually moved out of state for a bit, but we came back in 2010. My grandpa and I were having lunch together again. I looked at him and said, ‘What do you think about going Speedway racing again?’ So we started racing again from 2010 to 2015. PAS: Your grandpa not only sponsored you, but he sponsored and helped a lot of the top riders in So Cal. That exposed you to some other riders. Which of those guys helped you? Russell: Bobby Schwartz was a big help to me. My grandpa started sponsoring him right when I was moving into Second Division. My grandpa helped him, and Bobby helped me. Steve Lucero was a big help. Kelly Inman was a big help, too. Actually, for a season or two, we actually worked together. He sponsored me, built a bike for me, and I rode for him. PAS: Lets go back to your new job at Perris. Is there anything you can think of that may be a challenge for you? Russell: I think there is going to be a learning curve for sure at the beginning. I was directing the races for the last couple of months at the end of 2025. Steve (Aldis) was a huge help in transitioning and getting me into that role, and learning. I think the biggest part will be knowing the rules right away when they happen. I have had the whole off-season to brush up on that. When I am up in the press box, I will have my notebook and everything to help. What I hope to do is run fair racing for everybody. Keep it safe and keep the program moving along. Being there to listen to the drivers, but also keep a firm hand on what is going on as well. It is really fast-paced, and there is a lot going on in the press box that you have to block out because there are so many of us up there. I think it is going to be a good season. PAS: Anything else to add about your new gig? Russell: I am thankful to Don for the opportunity to be the race director. I am also thankful for Steve spending that extra time working with me and helping me move into this position. Also, the whole Perris Auto Speedway team. It is a great group of guys that work really well together. I am thankful for that as well. When Russell moved up to the press box, Chris Fulton, whose father is track man Rick “Coach” Fulton, immediately took over as the starter at the track. Saturday’s triple header season opener will featurethe Avantia Windows and Doors USAC/CRA Sprint Cars, and the PASSCAR Street Stocks and American Factory Stocks. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and the first race will be at 7:05. Adult tickets are $30.00. For seniors 65 and over it is $25.00. Teens 13-17 with their school id will get in for $15.00. Children 6-12 are $10.00 and active military with proper id are $5.00. Children 5 and under are free. The only authorized site to buy advance tickets for Saturday’s race is tix.com. For fans who do not wish to purchase advance tickets, there will be plenty available for everyone at the ticket window on Saturday. Perris Auto Speedway 30th Diamond Anniversary 2026 Event Schedule February 14th AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR STREET AND FACTORY STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com February 21st NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com March 14th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05. Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com March 21st AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR SUPER, STREET AND FACTORY STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com April 11th AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR SUPER, STREET AND FACTORYSTOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com April 25th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com May 16th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com May 23rd 73rd Running of the “SALUTE TO INDY” AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR SUPER AND STREET STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com June 6th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com June 20th AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR SUPER AND FACTORY STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com June 27th “FIREWORKS SPECTACULARY AND SKY CONCERT” NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com July 11th AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR STREET AND FACTORY STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com  July 18th PAS 600CC Winged Restricted and Winged A-Class Micro Sprints (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com July 25th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05). Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com August 15th AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR SUPER AND FACTORY STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com August 22nd NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com August 29th PAS 600CC Winged Restricted and Winged A-Class Micro Sprints (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com September 12th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com September 19th AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR SUPER AND STREET STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com  September 26th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com October 3rd AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, PASSCAR SUPER, STREET AND FACTORY STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com October 24th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com November 7th AVANTI USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS, “JERRY DODD CHAMPIONS NIGHT” PASSCAR SUPER, STREET AND FACTORY STOCKS (Front Gates open at 5:00 Racing at 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com November 14th NIGHT OF DESTRUCTION DEMO CROSS, FIGURE 8’S, TRIALER FIGURE 8’S, MINI STOCKS AND DOUBLE DECKERS (Front Gates open at 5:00 – CRASHING AT 7:05) Advance tickets available at tix.com January 1st at tix.com Note; Schedule subject to change. For more information, visit perrisautospeedway.com or call (951) 940-0134. Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, 18700 Lake Perris Drive, Perris, California. For more information, visit perrisautospeedway.com or call (951) 940-0134. To keep up with everything happening at The PAS, please visit the track’s social media efforts on Facebook and Instagram and visit the website at perrisautospeedway.com. The PAS would like to thank all of its 2025 marketing partners. Budweiser- https://us.budweiser.com/ Chick-Fil-A Perris – Hwy 215 & Nuevo Road Location | Chick-fil-A Chris’s Hauling Ed Pink Racing Engines – edpink.com Heimark Distributors - https://heimark.com/ Hoosier Tire - https://www.hoosiertire.com/ Living Waters Hospice - https://livingwatershospice.com/ Marjon RV’s - https://marjonrvs.com/ Performance Online - https://www.performanceonline.com/ Perris Valley Auto Center - https://www.perrisvalleyautocenter.com/ Pick Your Part Premier Medical Transportation - https://pmtpremier.com/ Rapid Tire and Automotive – https://rapidtireauto.com/  Rapid Wraps - https://www.rapidwrapsandtint.com/ Sunoco Race Fuels - https://www.sunocoracefuels.com/ Symbiosis - https://symbiosiscare.com/ Trench Shoring - https://www.trenchshoring.com/ Team Stites - https://teamstites.com/ Vista Paint - https://www.vistapaint.com/ Weathertight Roofing - https://weathertightroofing.com/ Wind N Sea Towing - https://windnseatowing.com/ For information on 2025 billboard advertising at The PAS, please call 951-940-0134. Fans can stay up to date on track and driver news on The PAS social media efforts at the links below. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Perris-Auto-Speedway/113876798686480?ref=hl  Twitter: Perris Auto Speedway on Twitter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perrisautospeedway/  Website: http://perrisautospeedway.com/  The PAS has a segment on Dave Stall’s Racer Radio Show every Sunday afternoon. The show airs from 3:00-5:00 p.m. PST and The PAS segment comes on at 3:30. Fans can listen live online at kcbq.com or 1170 AM on the radio if they are in the San Diego area. Replays are available at http://www.perrisautospeedway.com/radioshow.html. mailto:perrisautospeedway1@gmail.com is the only authorized Internet address to issue official media news released from The Perris Auto Speedway or Oval Entertainment