SouthWest
LAS VEGAS SHOWDOWN ON TAP FOR USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINTS
LAS VEGAS SHOWDOWN ON TAP FOR USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINTS
By Lance Jennings
FEBRUARY 22, 2018… On Wednesday, February 28th and Thursday, March 1st, the Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Cars will invade The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Co-sanctioned with the USAC West Coast Sprints, the non-point "7th Annual FVP Sin City Showdown" will pay a stout $3,000-to-win and $300-to-start the feature on BOTH NIGHTS. In addition, the famed World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Cars and IMCA Modifieds will join the action packed card. The pit gates will open at 2:00pm, the spectator gates open at 5:00pm, with racing set for 7:30pm on Wednesday and 8:00pm on Thursday. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.lvms.com/dirt, call 702.644.4444, or visit www.dirtcar.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=258 for advance tickets. A schedule for both nights is at the end of this release.
NOTICE TO RACERS: MUFFLERS ARE NOT REQUIRED AT LAS VEGAS. The Hoosier 105/16 Medium is the ONLY legal right rear tire and cockpit adjustable shocks are NOT allowed. The 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 and the USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Rule Book can be found online at www.southwestsprintcars.com or www.usacracing.com. USAC MEMBERSHIPS can be purchased at the track or online at https://usacracing.redpodium.com/2018-usac-sprint-midget-sc
Held during NASCAR weekend, the "FVP Outlaw Showdown" has become one of the most popular dates on both the USAC SouthWest and West Coast schedules. A talented roster of drivers from Arizona, California, and the Midwest will battle on the large half-mile clay oval to win the prestigious event. Also known as the “Sin City Showdown,” Bud Kaeding (California) won the inaugural race in 2012 and Bryan Clauson (Indiana) won in 2013. Austin Liggett (California) took the 2014 event and Stevie Sussex (Arizona) topped the field in 2015. Clauson returned to victory circle in 2016 and Ryan Bernal won last year’s jackpot from twenty-second ahead of Brady Bacon (Oklahoma), Brody Roa (California), Jace Vander Weerd (California), and Stevie Sussex (Arizona). Landon Cling (Arizona) set fast time both nights and established a new track record of 17.470. A complete series win list at Las Vegas is at the bottom of this release.
Entering the Las Vegas doubleheader, five-time champion R.J. Johnson (Laveen, Arizona) sits atop the point standings. Piloting Bobby Martin’s #51 Martin Family Auto Museum / Pecon Builders Sherman, Johnson won the February 3rd “Steve Stroud Memorial” at Canyon Speedway Park. To date, the second generation driver leads the series with fifty-two career victories.
Just two points behind Johnson is veteran “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. (Buckeye, Arizona). Driving the Massey Motorsports’ #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply RSS, Davis claimed third in the “Steve Stroud Memorial” after starting fifth. At press time, the five-time Arizona sprint car champion has twenty-one SouthWest wins and will be looking to sweep the “Outlaw Showdown.”
Stevie Sussex (Tempe, Arizona) ranks third in the point chase. Racing John Grau’s #34 Western Premier Hauling / KSE Custom Drywall Maxim, Sussex led the first three laps at Canyon before taking second at the checkered flags. Stevie has twelve SouthWest wins to his credit and will have his sights on his second jackpot at Las Vegas.
Michael Curtis (Cottonwood, Arizona) sits fourth in the chase for the championship. Piloting Kevin Turner & Greg Wheeler’s #11C DAR Racing / JT Engineering Maxim, Curtis ran fourth in the Canyon Speedway Park main event. The young driver will be looking to earn his first career triumph at Las Vegas.
Veteran Josh Pelkey (Peoria, Arizona) is fifth in the point standings. Driving Robbie and Gaye Allen’s #12 ABC Body Shop / PPG Automotive Finishes Maxim, Pelkey took sixth in the February 3rd main event. The 1997 ASCA Champion has five USAC SouthWest wins and will have his sights on the $3,000 paydays.
“The Bull” Tye Mihocko, “The Magic Man” Mike Martin, Landon Cling, Dennis Gile, Matt Lundy, Johnny Shelton, Colton Moroney, Larry Kesterson, Tyler Adams, Mason Keefer, and Wayne Siddle round out the USAC SouthWest standings.
Jake Swanson will lead a strong USAC West Coast roster including Austin Liggett, Tristan Guardino, “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr., Max Adams, Ryan Bernal, Richard Vander Weerd, Ryan Timmons, Brandon Wiley, Jace Vander Weerd, and more.
Two-day Pit Passes are $100 and single-day Pit Passes are $50.
The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located twelve miles north of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada off Interstate 15 at Exit 54 (Speedway Blvd). The pit gate will open at 2:00pm and more event information can be found at www.lvms.com/dirt or calling (702) 644-4444. Two-day Reserved and General Admission tickets are on sale for $80 (with fan pit pass). Single-day Reserved tickets are $40, General Admission tickets are $39, and Children (12 and Under) are FREE. For more ticket information, visit www.dirtcar.ticketforce.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=258 or call 844-DIRT-TIX (844-347-8849).
The Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series thanks AMSOIL, Hoosier Tire, and Beaver Stripes for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook.
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SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS: 2013-R.J. Johnson, 2014-R.J. Johnson, 2015-R.J. Johnson, 2016-R.J. Johnson, 2017-R.J. Johnson.
LAS VEGAS OUTLAW / SIN CITY SHOWDOWN WINNERS: 2012-Bud Kaeding, 2013-Bryan Clauson, 2014-Austin Liggett, 2015-Stevie Sussex, 2016-Bryan Clauson, 2017-Ryan Bernal.
LAS VEGAS SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR WINS: 2-Ryan Bernal, 2-Bryan Clauson, 1-Austin Liggett, 1-Stevie Sussex.
SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1-R.J. Johnson-79, 2-Charles Davis Jr.-77, 3-Stevie Sussex-76, 4-Michael Curtis-67, 5-Josh Pelkey-66, 6-Tye Mihocko-63, 7-Mike Martin-60, 8-Landon Cling-56, 9-Dennis Gile-50, 10-Matt Lundy-47, 11-Johnny Shelton-45, 12-Colton Moroney-44, 13-Larry Kesterson-38, --Tyler Adams-38, 15. Mason Keefer-35, 16-Wayne Siddle-33.
USAC LAS VEGAS FVP OUTLAW SHOWDOWN SCHEDULE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH:
Tickets & Will Call: 2:00pm
Pit Gate: 2:00pm
USAC Drivers Meeting: 4:00pm
Grandstands: 5:00pm
Wheel Pack: 5:45pm
USAC Hot Laps: 7:00pm
Opening Ceremonies: 7:30pm
Racing to Follow
THURSDAY, MARCH 1ST:
Tickets & Will Call: 2:00pm
Pit Gate: 2:00pm
USAC Drivers Meeting: 5:00pm
Grandstands: 5:00pm
Wheel Pack: 6:30pm
USAC Hot Laps/Qualifying: 7:45pm
Opening Ceremonies: 8:00pm
Racing to Follow
2018 SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE
DATE – TRACK – LOCATION
February 28: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV (FVP Outlaw Showdown / $3,000-to-win / Non-Points)
March 1: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV (FVP Outlaw Showdown / $3,000-to-win / Non-Points)
March 17: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
March 24: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ
March 31: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Easter Eggstravaganza)
April 14: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Cotton Classic)
April 28: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
May 19: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
May 26: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Salute to Indy)
May 27: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Salute to Indy)
June 9: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
August 15: I-30 Speedway – Little Rock, AR (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 16: Creek County Speedway – Sapulpa, OK (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 17: 81 Speedway – Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 18: 81 Speedway – Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
September 1: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Hank Arnold Memorial)
September 2: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Hank Arnold Memorial)
September 8: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Lealand McSpadden Tribute)
September 21: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Sands Chevrolet Southwest Championships)
September 22: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Sands Chevrolet Southwest Championships)
October 20: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Race For The Cure)
October 27: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Howl-O-Ween Bash)
November 2: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 3: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with USAC West Coast Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.
R.J. JOHNSON WINS CANYON SPEEDWAY PARK’S “STEVE STROUD MEMORIAL”
R.J. JOHNSON WINS CANYON SPEEDWAY PARK’S “STEVE STROUD MEMORIAL”
By Lance Jennings
FEBRUARY 5, 2018... Fresh off his fifth consecutive Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Car championship, R.J. Johnson (Laveen, Arizona) continued his winning ways last Saturday night. Racing past Stevie Sussex on the fourth lap, Johnson led the rest of the way to claim the “2nd Annual Steve Stroud Memorial” at Canyon Speedway Park. Sussex, “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr., Michael Curtis, and “The Bull” Tye Mihocko rounded out the top-five drivers.
Piloting Bobby Martin’s #51 Martin Family Auto Museum / Pecon Builders Sherman, Johnson opened the season by finishing second in his heat race to Davis and ranking fifth in passing points. Starting on the outside of the front row, R.J. added the “Steve Stroud Memorial” to his resume and scored his series leading fifty-second feature. The second generation driver left Canyon with a two-point lead over the competition.
After starting third and leading the first three laps, Stevie Sussex (Tempe, Arizona) had to settle for second at Canyon Speedway Park. Racing John Grau’s #34 Western Premier Hauling / KSE Custom Drywall Maxim, Sussex placed third in his heat race and was fourth in passing points. Last season’s USAC National Sprint Car Rookie of the Year heads to Las Vegas ranked third in the point chase.
“Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. (Buckeye, Arizona) had a solid night in the season opener with a third place finish after starting fifth. Driving the Massey Motorsports’ #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply RSS, Davis won the second 8-lap heat race and placed second in the night’s passing points. The five-time Arizona sprint car champion left the “Stroud Memorial” ranked second in the standings.
Michael Curtis (Cottonwood, Arizona) scored fourth at the “Steve Stroud Memorial.” Piloting Kevin Turner & Greg Wheeler’s #11C DAR Racing / JT Engineering Maxim, Curtis ran fourth in his 8-lap heat race and placed sixth in the program’s passing points. Michael left the Peoria 1/3-mile oval ranked fourth in the series point standings.
“The Bull” Tye Mihocko (Peoria, Arizona) raced from seventh to fifth in front of his hometown fans. Driving the family owned #5 Property Solutions by Dave Wilson / Futuristic Designs Spike, Mihocko took fourth in his heat race and placed seventh in passing points. The young driver left the “Steve Stroud Memorial” ranked sixth in championship points.
Dennis Gile (Phoenix, Arizona) earned the night’s hard charger award with an eighth place run at the “Steve Stroud Memorial” after starting fourteenth. Racing Gene Gile’s #13 Quarterback Academy / Bobby Q Ellis, Gile scored eight in his heat race and placed fourteenth in passing points. Dennis heads to Las Vegas sitting ninth in the chase for the championship.
“The Magic Man” Mike Martin (Yuma, Arizona) earned the night’s Beaver Stripes Passing Master Award over the sixteen car field. Piloting his #16 Sherwin-Williams / Ultimate Offroad Maxim, Martin won the season’s first 8-lap heat race and finished ninth at the checkered flags. The former Hall of Fame Classic winner left Canyon Speedway Park ranked seventh in the point chase.
After a break in the schedule, the Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Cars will travel to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 28th and March 1st. Co-sanctioned with the USAC West Coast Sprints, the non-point “Outlaw Showdown” will pay $3,000-to-win each night and also features the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and IMCA Modifieds. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.lvms.com/dirt or call 702.644.4444.
The Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series thanks AMSOIL, Hoosier Tire, and Beaver Stripes for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook.
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SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS: February 3, 2018 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – “2nd Annual Steve Stroud Memorial”
FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 2. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 3. Johnny Shelton (#9 Shelton), 4. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 5. Landon Cling (#54 Cling), 6. Larry Kesterson (#F2 Kesterson), 7. Wayne Siddle (#7 Siddle), 8. Dennis Gile (#13 Gile). NT
SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Davis), 2. R.J. Johnson (#51 Martin), 3. Stevie Sussex (#34 Grau), 4. Tye Mihocko (#5 Mihocko), 5. Matt Lundy (#98 Lundy), 6. Colton Maroney (#66 Maroney), 7. Mason Keefer (#7K Keefer), 8. Tyler Adams (#9G Adams). NT
FEATURE: (30 laps – With Starting Positions) 1. R.J. Johnson (2nd), 2. Stevie Sussex (3rd), 3. Charles Davis Jr. (5th), 4. Michael Curtis (1st), 5. Tye Mihocko (7th), 6. Josh Pelkey (4th), 7. Landon Cling (11th), 8. Dennis Gile (14th), 9. Mike Martin (6th), 10. Matt Lundy (10th), 11. Colton Maroney (12th), 12. Johnny Shelton (8th), 13. Tyler Adams (15th), 14. Larry Kesterson (9th), 15. Mason Keefer (16th), 16. Wayne Siddle (13th). NT
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FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Sussex, Laps 4-30 Johnson.
HARD CHARGER: Dennis Gile (14th to 8th)
BEAVER STRIPES TOP QUALIFIER: Mike Martin
SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINT STANDINGS: 1-R.J. Johnson-79, 2-Charles Davis Jr.-77, 3-Stevie Sussex-76, 4-Michael Curtis-67, 5-Josh Pelkey-66, 6-Tye Mihocko-63, 7-Mike Martin-60, 8-Landon Cling-56, 9-Dennis Gile-50, 10-Matt Lundy-47.
2018 SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE
DATE – TRACK – LOCATION
February 28: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV (FVP Outlaw Showdown / $3,000-to-win / Non-Points)
March 1: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV (FVP Outlaw Showdown / $3,000-to-win / Non-Points)
March 17: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
March 24: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ
March 31: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Easter Eggstravaganza)
April 14: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Cotton Classic)
April 28: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
May 19: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
May 26: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Salute to Indy)
May 27: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Salute to Indy)
June 9: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
August 15: I-30 Speedway – Little Rock, AR (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 16: Creek County Speedway – Sapulpa, OK (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 17: 81 Speedway – Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 18: 81 Speedway – Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
September 1: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Hank Arnold Memorial)
September 2: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Hank Arnold Memorial)
September 8: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Lealand McSpadden Tribute)
September 21: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Sands Chevrolet Southwest Championships)
September 22: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Sands Chevrolet Southwest Championships)
October 20: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Race For The Cure)
October 27: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Howl-O-Ween Bash)
November 2: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 3: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with USAC West Coast Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.
R.J. JOHNSON TOPS CANYON'S STROUD MEMORIAL
SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SERIES RACE RESULTS: February 3, 2018 – Peoria, Arizona – Canyon Speedway Park – “2nd Annual Steve Stroud Memorial”
FIRST HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Mike Martin (#16 Martin), 2. Josh Pelkey (#12 Allen), 3. Johnny Shelton (#9 Shelton), 4. Michael Curtis (#11C Turner/Wheeler), 5. Landon Cling (#54 Cling), 6. Larry Kesterson (#F2 Kesterson), 7. Wayne Siddle (#7 Siddle), 8. Dennis Gile (#13 Gile). NT
SECOND HEAT: (8 laps) 1. Charles Davis Jr. (#50 Massey), 2. R.J. Johnson (#51 Martin), 3. Stevie Sussex (#34 Grau), 4. Tye Mihocko (#5 Mihocko), 5. Matt Lundy (#98 Lundy), 6. Colton Moroney (#66 Maroney), 7. Mason Keefer (#7K Keefer), 8. Tyler Adams (#9G Adams). NT
FEATURE: (30 laps) 1. R.J. Johnson, 2. Stevie Sussex, 3. Charles Davis Jr., 4. Michael Curtis, 5. Tye Mihocko, 6. Josh Pelkey, 7. Landon Cling, 8. Dennis Gile, 9. Mike Martin, 10. Matt Lundy, 11. Colton Moroney, 12. Johnny Shelton, 13. Tyler Adams, 14. Larry Kesterson, 15. Mason Keefer, 16. Wayne Siddle. NT
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FEATURE LAP LEADERS: Laps 1-3 Sussex, Laps 4-30 Johnson.
HARD CHARGER: Dennis Gile (14th to 8th)
BEAVER STRIPES TOP QUALIFIER: Mike Martin
NEW SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR POINTS: 1.
NEXT SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SPECIAL EVENTS: February 28 & March 1 – Las Vegas, NV – The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – “Outlaw Showdown” – co-sanctioned with USAC West Coast Sprint Cars
SATURDAY’S “STEVE STROUD MEMORIAL” AT CANYON OPENS USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SEASON
SATURDAY’S “STEVE STROUD MEMORIAL” AT CANYON OPENS USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SEASON
By Lance Jennings
JANUARY 30, 2018... This Saturday, February 3rd, the Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series will open their sixth season at Peoria, Arizona’s Canyon Speedway Park. Promoted by Doug Gabbard, the second annual “Steve Stroud Memorial” will also feature IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks, Modlites, and Dwarf Cars. The spectator gates will open at 5:00pm with racing scheduled to begin at 7:00pm. For more event and ticket information, visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or call 602.258.RACE (7223).
Saturday’s event honors Steve Stroud, a respected sponsor and friend of the racing community. Known for owning Parker Store, Hose Advantage Store, and the Racers Advantage Store, the avid race fan backed several racers in Arizona and the Midwest. In addition, he supported the USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series, Canyon Speedway Park, and special events in Arizona. To share his love for racing, Stroud founded the Arizona Open Wheel Racing Museum in Phoenix and it has become a popular destination for racers and fans alike. Steve’s passing was a great loss and Gabbard, Canyon Speedway Park, and the Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series are proud to honor his memory with the annual event.
Starting eleventh, “The People’s Champion” Dave Darland (Lincoln, Indiana) raced Charlotte Aragon’s #99 Yelp / Beaver Stripes J&J to victory at the inaugural “Steve Stroud Memorial.” Taking the lead from polesitter Stevie Sussex on the twenty-first lap, the veteran driver took the checkered flags in honor of his friend and sponsor, Steve Stroud.
Since January 26, 2013, Canyon Speedway Park has hosted fifty-eight USAC SouthWest Sprint Car events. R.J. Johnson leads all drivers with seventeen victories followed by Bryan Clauson (8), “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. (4), Ryan Bernal (4), Dave Darland (4), and Stevie Sussex (4). A complete series win list at Canyon is at the end of this release.
Coming off his fifth consecutive Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest championship, R.J. Johnson (Laveen, Arizona) leads all drivers with 51 series wins. Primarily racing Bobby Martin’s #51 Martin Family Auto Museum / Pecon Builders Sherman, Johnson posted seven feature wins, twelve heat race victories, five passing master awards, one semi-main win, three hard charger awards, twenty-two top-10 finishes, and 220 feature laps led in 2017. The second generation driver will be looking to add the “Steve Stroud Memorial” to his resume and earn another title.
“Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. (Buckeye, Arizona) ran second in last year’s point standings. Driving the Massey Motorsports’ #50 RSS Industries / Rod End Supply RSS, Davis had seven feature wins, ten heat race victories, six passing master awards, two hard charger awards, twenty-one top-10 finishes, and 165 feature laps led on the year. The five-time Arizona sprint car champion has 21 career SouthWest wins and will have his sights on another victory at Canyon Speedway Park.
Shon Deskins (Waddell, Arizona) finished third in the championship point chase. Mainly piloting his #20 Spike Chassis / Simpson Racing entry, the veteran racer had two heat race victories, one passing master award, two hard charger awards, nineteen top-10 finishes, and 26 feature laps led to his credit. The newly crowned NMMRA Sprint Car Champion has 1 career SouthWest win and may miss Saturday’s event as he prepares for the upcoming season.
“The Bull” Tye Mihocko (Peoria, Arizona) ranked fourth in the chase for the championship. Driving the family owned #5 Property Solutions by Dave Wilson / Futuristic Designs Spike, Mihocko claimed six heat race victories, two passing master awards, one semi-main win, two hard charger awards, fifteen top-10 finishes, and 19 feature laps led in 2017. The young driver will be looking to earn his first USAC SouthWest win at the “Steve Stroud Memorial.”
“The Magic Man” Mike Martin (Yuma, Arizona) placed fifth in the USAC SouthWest point chase. Racing his #16 Sherwin-Williams / Boulevard Truck Maxim, Martin posted four heat race victories, seventeen top-10 finishes, and 3 feature laps led on the season. “The Magic Man” is tied with Josh Pelkey and Brady Bacon for sixth on the series win list and will have his sights on making the “Steve Stroud Memorial” his sixth victory.
Among the other drivers expected to be in action are Chris Bonneau, Nick Aiuto, Michael Curtis, Landon Cling, Stevie Sussex, Matt Lundy, Jeff Lowery, Andy Reinbold, “The Radio Flyer” Bruce St. James, Brent Yarnal, Cody Sickles, “The Real American” Matt Rossi, Dennis Gile, and more.
Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona. To get to the track, take Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles west on Carefree Highway. Adult Tickets are $20, Seniors (60 and over) and Military Tickets are $15, and Children (11 and under) are FREE. For more event information, visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or call 602.258.RACE (7223).
The Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series thanks AMSOIL, Hoosier Tire, and Beaver Stripes for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook.
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SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS: 2013-R.J. Johnson, 2014-R.J. Johnson, 2015-R.J. Johnson, 2016-R.J. Johnson, 2017-R.J. Johnson.
STEVE STROUD MEMORIAL WINNER: 2017-Dave Darland.
PEORIA SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR WINS: 17-R.J. Johnson, 8-Bryan Clauson, 7-Charles Davis Jr., 4-Ryan Bernal, 4-Dave Darland, 4-Stevie Sussex, 3-Matt Rossi, 2-Brady Bacon, 2-Josh Hodges, 2-Josh Pelkey, 1-Colby Copeland, 1-Mike Martin, 1-Mike Spencer, 1-Richard Vander Weerd.
2018 SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE
DATE – TRACK – LOCATION
February 3: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Steve Stroud Memorial)
February 28: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV (FVP Outlaw Showdown / $3,000-to-win / Non-Points)
March 1: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV (FVP Outlaw Showdown / $3,000-to-win / Non-Points)
March 17: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
March 24: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ
March 31: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Easter Eggstravaganza)
April 14: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Cotton Classic)
April 28: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
May 19: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
May 26: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Salute to Indy)
May 27: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Salute to Indy)
June 9: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
August 15: I-30 Speedway – Little Rock, AR (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 16: Creek County Speedway – Sapulpa, OK (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 17: 81 Speedway – Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 18: 81 Speedway – Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
September 1: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Hank Arnold Memorial)
September 2: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Hank Arnold Memorial)
September 8: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Lealand McSpadden Tribute)
September 21: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Sands Chevrolet Southwest Championships)
September 22: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Sands Chevrolet Southwest Championships)
October 20: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Race For The Cure)
October 27: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Howl-O-Ween Bash)
November 2: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 3: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with USAC West Coast Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.
2018 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE HAS 25 DATES AT 7 TRACKS
2018 USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE HAS 25 DATES AT 7 TRACKS
By Lance Jennings
JANUARY 29, 2018... Entering their sixth season, the cars and stars of the Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series are set for twenty-five events at seven racetracks. Opening with the February 3rd “Steve Stroud Memorial” at Canyon Speedway Park, the traditional 360s will close out their schedule with Arizona Speedway’s 2-day “51st Western World Championships” on November 3rd. The popular non-point 4-race “Freedom Tour” remains a highlight on the calendar with shows in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Promoted by Doug Gabbard, Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona will host seven dates on the calendar. Starting with February 3rd’s “Steve Stroud Memorial,” the 1/3-mile oval will also host the March 31st “Easter Eggstravaganza,” May 26th & 27th “Salute to Indy,” September 21st & 22nd “Sands Chevrolet SouthWest Championships,” and the October 20th “Race For The Cure.” Last season, “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. (3), R.J. Johnson (2), Dave Darland (1), and Matt Rossi (1), took the checkered flags at CSP. Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway in Peoria, Arizona and for more details, visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or call 602.258.RACE (7223).
The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, Nevada will host the “Outlaw Showdown” on February 28th and March 1st. Held during NASCAR weekend, the non-point events with the USAC West Coast Sprints will pay $3,000-to-win each night and will also feature the famed World of Outlaws Sprint Cars. Last March, Ryan Bernal claimed both main events at the fast 1/2-mile oval in front of a packed grandstand. The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is located twelve miles north of downtown Las Vegas, Nevada off Interstate 15 at Exit 54 (Speedway Blvd). For more information, visit www.lvms.com/dirt or call 800.644-4444.
Arizona Speedway in San Tan Valley, Arizona will host seven nights on the 2018 schedule. Promoted by Jonah Trussel, the fast 1/3-mile oval will feature the USAC SouthWest Sprints on March 17th, April 28th, May 19th, June 9th, September 8th’s “Lealand McSpadden Tribute,” and the 2-day “Western World Championships” with the USAC National and USAC/CRA Sprints starting November 2nd. Last year, R.J. Johnson (2), Stevie Sussex (2), Brady Bacon (1), “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. (1), and Chris Windom (1), won at the ET Motopark. Arizona Speedway is located at 47800 N. Ironwood Road in San Tan Valley, Arizona and for more details, visit www.arizonaspeedway.net or call 480.926.6688.
Located on the Pinal County Fairgrounds, Central Arizona Speedway in Casa Grande, Arizona has five dates on the calendar. The traditional 360 sprints will invade the 3/8-mile clay oval on March 24th, April 14th’s “Cotton Classic,” September 1st and 2nd “Hank Arnold Memorial,” and the October 27th “Howl-O-Ween Bash.” Last season, “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. and USAC National standout Kevin Thomas Jr. earned wins at Casa Grande. Central Arizona Speedway is located at 512 N 11 Mile Corner Road in Casa Grande, Arizona and for more details, visit www.centralarizonaspeedway.com or call 520.709.07148.
For the second year in a row, the non-point “Freedom Tour” will open at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Arkansas. The August 15th event at the high banked 1/4-mile oval will pay $2,500-to-win and “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. scored last year’s victory. I-30 Speedway is located at 12297 Interstate 30 in Little Rock, Arkansas and for more information, visit www.i-30speedway.com or call 501.455.4567.
Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, Oklahoma will host the second round of the “Freedom Tour” on August 16th. The non-point show at the semi-banked 1/4-mile oval will pay $2,500-to-win and Blake Hahn claimed top honors last year. Creek County Speedway is located on the historic Route 66 at 18450 West Highway 66 in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. For more details, visit www.creekcountyspeedway.co or call 918.693.7223 (RACE).
81 Speedway in Wichita, Kansas will host the third and fourth rounds of the “Freedom Tour.” The August 17th and 18th non-point races at the 3/8-mile clay oval will pay $2,500-to-win. Last season, “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. added the Wichita facility to his win list. 81 Speedway is located at 7700 North Broadway Street in Park City, Kansas. For more information, visit www.race81speedway.com or call 316.755.1781.
The Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Car Series thanks AMSOIL, Hoosier Tire, and Beaver Stripes for their support. For more information on the series, visit www.southwestsprintcars.com, www.usacracing.com, or follow the series on Facebook.
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SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS: 2013-R.J. Johnson, 2014-R.J. Johnson, 2015-R.J. Johnson, 2016-R.J. Johnson, 2017-R.J. Johnson.
2017 SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR WINS: 7-Charles Davis Jr., 7- R.J. Johnson, 2-Ryan Bernal, 2-Stevie Sussex, 1-Brady Bacon, 1-Dave Darland, 1-Blake Hahn, 1-Matt Rossi, 1-Kevin Thomas Jr., 1-Chris Windom.
2018 SANDS CHEVROLET USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE
DATE – TRACK – LOCATION
February 3: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Steve Stroud Memorial)
February 28: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV (FVP Outlaw Showdown / $3,000-to-win / Non-Points)
March 1: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Las Vegas, NV (FVP Outlaw Showdown / $3,000-to-win / Non-Points)
March 17: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
March 24: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ
March 31: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Easter Eggstravaganza)
April 14: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Cotton Classic)
April 28: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
May 19: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
May 26: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Salute to Indy)
May 27: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Salute to Indy)
June 9: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ
August 15: I-30 Speedway – Little Rock, AR (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 16: Creek County Speedway – Sapulpa, OK (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 17: 81 Speedway – Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
August 18: 81 Speedway – Wichita, KS (Freedom Tour / $2,500-to-Win / Non-Points)
September 1: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Hank Arnold Memorial)
September 2: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Hank Arnold Memorial)
September 8: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Lealand McSpadden Tribute)
September 21: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Sands Chevrolet Southwest Championships)
September 22: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Sands Chevrolet Southwest Championships)
October 20: Canyon Speedway Park – Peoria, AZ (Race For The Cure)
October 27: Central Arizona Speedway – Casa Grande, AZ (Howl-O-Ween Bash)
November 2: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
November 3: Arizona Speedway – San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)
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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with USAC West Coast Sprints.
This schedule is subject to change.
R.J. JOHNSON LEADS USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINTS TO “50TH WESTERN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS”
KEVIN THOMAS, JR. ADDS CASA GRANDE USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINTS TO 2017 WIN LIST
