4-RACE USAC SOUTHWEST "4TH ANNUAL FREEDOM TOUR" OPENS WEDNESDAY

The Arizona based USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series are heading to “America’s Heartland” for the “4rd Annual Freedom Tour.” With each night paying $2,500-to-win, the non-point, four-race mini-series will kickoff on Wednesday, August 17th, in Lawton, Oklahoma. Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, Oklahoma will host the following night’s action and the tour continues to Wichita and Dodge City, Kansas.

NOTICE TO RACERS: The “Freedom Tour” will be run under the USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Rule Book. The Hoosier 105/16 Medium is the ONLY legal right rear tire and cockpit adjustable shocks are NOT allowed. Engine restrictor rules are 1-7/8” with open heads and 2-3/16” with ASCS cylinder heads. The weight rule is 1,475 lbs. with driver.

MUFFLER RULE: Mufflers (any type, including inserts) will be required for Lawton Speedway and Creek County Speedway, but not for 81 Speedway or Dodge City Raceway Park.

Entering Wednesday’s event, “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. (Buckeye, Arizona), R.J. Johnson (Tempe, Arizona), “The Magic Man” Mike Martin (Yuma, Arizona), and “The Real Deal” Rick Ziehl (Las Cruces, New Mexico) are tied for the Freedom Tour lead with two victories. Other past Freedom Tour winners are Danny Smith, Brady Bacon, Mike Bonneau, and Blake Hahn.

Last year, “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. won the series opener at Lawton, Oklahoma behind the wheel of the Massey Motorsports’ #50 RSS Industries entry. The following night, Blake Hahn took his #52 Lucas Oil / CSR Garage Eagle to the checkered flags. Heading to Kansas, “The Magic Man” Mike Martin returned to victory lane at Wichita in his #16 Sherwin-Williams Maxim and R.J. Johnson added Dodge City to his resume in the #77M Kodiak Products Sherman.

Looking for his fourth straight USAC SouthWest championship, R.J. Johnson has a 107-point advantage. Davis, Martin, Matt Rossi, Stevie Sussex, Nick Aiuto, “The Bull” Tye Mihocko, Dennis Gile, Andy Reinbold, and Josh Pelkey round out the top-10 drivers. Johnson leads all drivers with six victories on the year and will be going for this fourth straight triumph. Sussex (5), Bryan Clauson (4), and Josh Hodges (2) have also celebrated wins during the campaign.

The USAC SouthWest Sprints will make their third appearance at Lawton Speedway on Wednesday, August 17th. R.J. Johnson won the 2014 visit and Charles Davis Jr. scored last year’s opener. Located at 3501 South Sheridan Road in Lawton, Oklahoma, the semi-banked 1/4-mile oval regularly hosts Champ Sprints and is a featured stop for the ASCS Sooner Region Sprints. The POWRi West Midgets will share the spotlight and Johnson will be among the drivers doing double duty. For more details, visit www.lawtonspeedway.com or call 580.355.6417.

The following night, August 18th, the “Freedom Tour” will return to Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Danny Smith won the 2013 debut and other wins were scored by Brady Bacon and Blake Hahn. Located on the historic Route 66 at 18450 West Highway 66, the semi-banked 1/4-mile oval is also home to Champ Sprints, Micro Sprints, and special events with the ASCS Sooner Region. The POWRi West Midgets and Dwarf Cars will share the action packed showcase. For more information, visit www.creekcountyspeedway.co or call 918.693.7223 (RACE).

On Friday, August 19th, 81 Speedway in Wichita, Kansas will host the third night of the "Freedom Tour." “The Real Deal” Rick Ziehl claimed the 2013 debut and “The Magic Man” Mike Martin has won the last two years. Located at 100 West 77th Street North, the 3/8-mile clay oval regularly features NCRA 360 Sprints, local 360 Sprints, and 305 Sprints. The Wix Filters / Bumper to Bumper Auto Parts “Harold Leep Memorial” will also feature POWRi West Midgets. For more details, visit www.race81speedway.org or call 316.755.1781.

Dodge City Raceway Park in Dodge City, Kansas will host the “Freedom Tour” finale on Saturday, August 20th. “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. won the Dodge City debut and other wins were taken by “The Real Deal” Rick Ziehl, Mike Bonneau, and R.J. Johnson. Located at 11322 110 Road, the large 3/8-mile oval hosts URSS, NCRA, ASCS Sooner, and World of Outlaw Sprint Cars. The POWRi West Midgets will share the action packed card. For more information, visit www.dodgecityraceway.com or call 620.225.3277.

For more information on the USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook.

LANCE JENNINGS - USAC MEDIA