4TH “SIN CITY SHOWDOWN” SPRINT AT LVMS THURSDAY

This Thursday night’s 4th “Sin City Showdown” figures to be just that as USAC’s West Coast and Southwest Sprint Car veterans convene at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Dirt Track for the opening point-paying rounds of each 2015 series and the first “Grudge Series” event. The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and IMCA Modifieds share Thursday’s bill.

Matt Mitchell of Yorba Linda, Calif. (West Coast) and R.J. Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz. (Southwest) are the defending series champions entering the Las Vegas event.

Last year’s Las Vegas race produced a surprise winner – Austin Liggett, while pre-race favorites Bud Kaeding and Bryan Clauson scored 2012 and 2013 Las Vegas wins respectively.

USAC, NASCAR and Indy 500 veteran J.J. Yeley finished second to Liggett in last year’s race, ahead of five-time AMSOIL USAC/CRA Champion Mike Spencer.

After winning his second Grudge Series championship, Mike Spencer of Temecula, California leads a strong contingent from the Golden State. The five-time USAC/CRA champion leads all drivers with two Grudge Series wins. Defending USAC West Coast Champion Matt Mitchell, Richard Vander Weerd, “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr., USAC Western Classic Champion Ryan Bernal, Jace Vander Weerd, Troy Rutherford, Austin Liggett, “Shifter” Landon Hurst, Colby Copeland, and more are expected as racing gets under way at 7 pm.

Phoenix, Arizona’s R.J. Johnson had a stellar 2014 campaign and earned his second USAC Southwest title. Johnson heads a tough Copper State roster including “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr., Josh Pelkey, Matt Rossi, Shon Deskins, “The Magic Man” Mike Martin, “The Kid” Tye Mihocko, Brian Hosford, Michael Curtis, Nick Aiuto, and more.

At press time, Missouri’s Hunter Schuerenberg, Chris Windom of Illinois, and Oklahoma’s Trey Marcham will also race in the “Sin City Showdown.”