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 

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

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.

2018 USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE HAS 26 DATES AT 11 TRACKS

By Lance Jennings

DECEMBER 26, 2017... Heading to their fifteenth campaign, the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will feature twenty-six events at eleven racetracks in 2018. Starting with the March 3rd "So Cal Showdown" and closing with the November 10th "Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction” at Perris, the traditional 410s are poised for another competitive season. The popular “5th Annual California Sprint Week” remains a highlight on the calendar with six races in eight nights at five speedways.

Located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds, Perris Auto Speedway will host ten races on the schedule. Promoted by Don Kazarian, “America’s Premier Dirt Track” continues to showcase events like the “So Cal Showdown” with the World of Outlaws on March 3rd and the “Sokola Shootout” on April 21st. The “Salute to Indy” on May 26th, the August 18th “California Racers Hall of Fame Night," and the "Glenn Howard Classic" on September 22nd are “must see events.” Starting November 8th, the AMSOIL USAC/CRA and USAC National Sprints will clash for three nights at the prestigious “23rd Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction.” Last season, “The Demon” Damion Gardner and R.J. Johnson tied with three “home track” wins and other victories were claimed by Richard Vander Weerd, Justin Grant, Chase Stockon, Brody Roa, and Kevin Thomas Jr. By adding his name to the Oval Nationals winner’s list, Thomas earned $25,000 for his efforts. Perris Auto Speedway is located at 18700 Lake Perris Drive in Perris, California and for more information, visit www.perrisautospeedway.com or call 951.940.0134.

Canyon Speedway Park returns to the AMSOIL USAC/CRA calendar with the 2-day “Spring Showcase” starting on March 9th. Promoted by Doug Gabbard, the Peoria, Arizona oval last featured the non-winged 410s on October 1, 2016 and R.J. Johnson took the checkered flags. Canyon Speedway Park is located at 9777 West Carefree Highway and for more details, visit www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or call 602.258.RACE (7223).

The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare will host USAC/CRA Sprint Cars on April 14th along the USAC Western States Midgets. Promoted by Steve Faria, last April’s event at the lightning fast 1/3-mile oval was rained out. The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California. For more information, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.

Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Jim Naylor’s Ventura Raceway will feature the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars on May 7th. Last season, five-time champion Mike Spencer raced to the 38th series win of his career at “The Best Little Dirt Track in America.” Ventura Raceway is located at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura, California and for more details, visit www.venturaraceway.com or call 805.648.RACE. 

The popular Santa Maria Raceway will host two nights on the schedule. The traditional 410 sprints will headline the action at the July 7th “Doug Fort Memorial” and August 4th. Max Adams earned his first series win last July and Brody Roa topped the August main event. Santa Maria Raceway is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange at 1900 Hutton Road in Nipomo, California and for more information, visit www.santamariaraceway.com or call 805.922.2232.

The scenic Calistoga Speedway will open the “5th Annual California Sprint Week” on September 1st with two nights of action. Promoted by Tommy Hunt and HMC Promotions, "11th Annual Louie Vermeil Classic" will also feature the USAC Western States Midgets, vintage cars, an autograph session, auctions, wine tasting, and more. Last season, Kevin Thomas Jr. and Rico Abreu took the checkered flags at the Napa County Fairgrounds. Calistoga Speedway is located at 1435 North Oak Street in Calistoga, California and for more information, visit www.calistogaspeedway.org, or call 916.773.7225.

On Monday, September 3rd, Petaluma Speedway will host the third round of “California Sprint Week.” Promoted by Rick Faeth, “The Fastest 3/8-mile Dirt Oval in Northern California” has become a popular stop on the schedule. Last season, Indiana’s “Sunshine” Tyler Courtney added his name to the record books at the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds. Petaluma Speedway is located at 100 Fairgrounds Drive in Petaluma, California and for more details, visit www.petaluma-speedway.com or call 707.763.7223.

On Thursday, September 6th, the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars are back at Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway. Promoted by Dennis Gage, the fourth round of “California Sprint Week” is held during the "Gold Cup Race of Champions." Last September, “The Demon” Damion Gardner” scored his fourth win of the season on his way to his sixth championship. Silver Dollar Speedway is located at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds at 2357 Fair Street in Chico, California and for more information, visit www.silverdollarspeedway.com or call 530.350.7275.

Watsonville’s Ocean Speedway will host the fifth round of “California Sprint Week” on Friday, September 7th. Promoted by John Prentice, the 1/4-mile oval at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds is a fan favorite. Last year, Kevin Thomas Jr. earned a hard fought victory for his second “Sprint Week” win. Ocean Speedway is located at 2601 E. Lake Avenue in Watsonville, California and for more details, visit www.racepmg.com or call 855.410.7223.

The USAC/CRA Sprint Cars will invade the Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds in Hanford on September 8th. Promoted by Bubby Morse, the 3/8-mile Central Valley oval will host the sixth and final round of “California Sprint Week.” Last September, Alabama’s Kevin Thomas Jr. won the 30-lap feature and Damion Gardner earned his third “Sprint Week” crown. Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds is located at 801 South 10th Avenue in Hanford, California and for more information, visit www.kellerautospeedway.com or call 559.651.1990.

Arizona Speedway in San Tan Valley, Arizona will host four nights on the 2018 schedule. Promoted by Jonah Trussel, the 2-day “Hall of Fame Classic” will begin on October 28th. The USAC National co-sanctioned “51st Annual Western World Championships” will also feature the Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Cars. Last year, Thomas Meseraull and Chase Stockon raced to victory at the fast 1/3-mile oval. 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.

The USAC Western Awards Banquet (and Roast) will be held Saturday, January 27th at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hotel will also host a Bowling Tournament the previous night at 8:00pm. Tickets for both the Awards Banquet and Bowling Tournament can be downloaded at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/2017/banquet2017.docx and orders must be received by January 20th. The Orleans Hotel and Casino is located at 4500 West Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas Nevada and for more hotel information, visit www.orleanscasino.com or call 800.675.3267.

The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series thanks Hoosier Tire, All Coast Construction, BR Motorsports, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, King Racing Products, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, surfNsprint.com, Ultra Shield Race Products, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. Series officials are looking for associate and contingency sponsors for the upcoming season. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For more information on USAC/CRA, visit the United States Auto Club (USAC) website at www.usacracing.com. You can also find exclusive content on the USAC/CRA Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat pages. 

Loudpedal Productions has USAC/CRA DVDs and videos on demand available for purchase at www.loudpedal.tv and 805.407.7229.

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AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS: 2004-Rip Williams, 2005-Damion Gardner, 2006-Cory Kruseman, 2007-Tony Jones, 2008-Mike Spencer, 2009-Mike Spencer, 2010-Mike Spencer, 2011-Mike Spencer, 2012-Mike Spencer, 2013-Damion Gardner, 2014-Damion Gardner, 2015-Damion Gardner, 2016-Damion Gardner, 2017-Damion Gardner.

CALIFORNIA SPRINT WEEK CHAMPIONS: 2014-Damion Gardner, 2015-Ryan Bernal, 2016-Damion Gardner, 2017-Damion Gardner.

2017 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR WINS: 5-Damion Gardner, 4-Kevin Thomas Jr., 3-R.J. Johnson, 2-Brody Roa, 2-Chase Stockon, 1-Rico Abreu, 1-Max Adams, 1-Tyler Courtney, 1-Justin Grant, 1-Thomas Meseraull, 1-Mike Spencer, 1-Richard Vander Weerd.

2018 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE-TRACK-LOCATION

January 26: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (Bowling Tournament / 8pm)

January 27: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (USAC Western Awards Banquet / 12pm)

March 3: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (So-Cal Showdown)

March 9: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Spring Showcase)

March 10: Canyon Speedway Park - Peoria, AZ (Spring Showcase)

April 14: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA

April 21: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Sokola Shootout)

May 5: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA

May 26: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Salute to Indy)

June 23: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA

July 7: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA (Doug Fort Memorial)

August 4: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA

August 18: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (California Racers Hall of Fame Night)

September 1: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic / California Sprint Week)

September 2: Calistoga Speedway - Calistoga, CA (Louie Vermeil Classic / California Sprint Week)

September 3: Petaluma Speedway - Petaluma CA (California Sprint Week) 

September 6: Silver Dollar Speedway - Chico, CA (Gold Cup Race of Champions / California Sprint Week)

September 7: Ocean Speedway - Watsonville, CA (California Sprint Week)

September 8: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds - Hanford, CA (California Sprint Week)

September 22: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Glenn Howard Classic)

September 28: Arizona Speedway - San Tan Valley, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

September 29: Arizona Speedway - San Tan Valley, AZ (Hall of Fame Classic)

October 20: Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA 

November 2: *Arizona Speedway - San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)

November 3: *Arizona Speedway - San Tan Valley, AZ (Western World Championships)

November 8: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction)

November 9: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction)

November 10: *Perris Auto Speedway - Perris, CA (Budweiser Oval Nationals presented by All Coast Construction)

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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with AMSOIL USAC National Sprints.

This schedule is subject to change.

2018 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE HAS 19 DATES AT 6 TRACKS

By Lance Jennings

DECEMBER 19, 2017... Entering their tenth campaign, the cars and stars of the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series are set for nineteen events at six racetracks. Opening with the two-day, non-point  “Outlaw Showdown” at Las Vegas on February 28th, the traditional 360s will close out the schedule with Ventura’s two-day (non-points) “78th Running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix” on November 22nd.

The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will host the season openers on February 28th and March 1st. Held during NASCAR weekend, the non-point events will also showcase 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.

Tulare’s Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway has five dates on the schedule. Promoted by Steve Faria, the lightning fast 1/3-mile oval will feature the USAC 360s and World of Outlaws Sprint Cars on March 9th and 10th. The popular two-day “Peter Murphy Classic” will open on May 18th, and the “Chris and Brian Faria Memorial” is scheduled for June 2nd. Last season, Jake Swanson, Ryan Bernal (twice), and Kyle Hirst scored victories at the Tulare County Fairgrounds. The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California and for more details, visit www.tularethunderbowl.com or call 559.688.0909.

Located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura Raceway will host five dates on the calendar. Promoted by Jim Naylor, “The Best Little Dirt Track in America” will host the “Battle of the Beach” races on March 31st, July 14th, August 25th, along with the non-point “78th Running of the Turkey Night Grand Prix” on November 21st and 22nd. The November 22nd “Battle of the Beach” finale will also showcase the USAC National and Western States Midgets. Last season, Ryan Bernal, Jake Swanson, Brady Bacon, and “Sunshine” Tyler Courtney earned victories at the seaside 1/5-mile oval. Ventura Raceway is located at 10 West Harbor Boulevard in Ventura, California and for more details, visit www.venturaraceway.com or call 805.648.RACE. 

The USAC West Coast Sprints will make two appearances at Hanford’s Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds. Promoted by Bubby Morse, the 3/8-mile oval will host the April 7th and May 12th dates on the schedule. Last year, Austin Liggett scored two Hanford wins and “Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr. also took the checkered flags. Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds is located at 801 South 10th Avenue in Hanford, California and for more information, visit www.kellerautospeedway.com or call 559.651.1990.

Santa Maria Raceway will host four nights on the schedule. The traditional 360 sprints will headline the action at “The West’s Best Short Track” on April 28th, June 9th “Ron Otto Memorial,” August 11th “Bud Stanfield Memorial,” and the October 6th “Championship Night.” Last season, Ryan Bernal, Max Adams, and Tristan Guardino raced to victory at the at the Central Coast 1/3-mile clay oval. As a bonus, the Light Up The World Beverages USAC Western States Midgets will join the card at the April, August, and October shows. Santa Maria Raceway is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange at 1900 Hutton Road in Nipomo, California and for more information, visit www.santamariaraceway.com or call 805.922.2232.

Bakersfield Speedway returns to the USAC West Coast Sprint calendar on July 28th. Promoted by Scott Schweitzer, “The West’s Fastest 1/3-Mile High Banked Clay Oval” last featured the non-winged 360s on March 9, 2016 and Troy Rutherford earned the main event win. Bakersfield Speedway is located at 5001 North Chester Extension in Bakersfield, California and for more information, visit www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call 661.393.3373. 

The USAC Western Awards Banquet (and Roast) will be held Saturday, January 27th at the Orleans Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The hotel will also host a Bowling Tournament the previous night at 8:00pm. Tickets for both the Awards Banquet and Bowling Tournament can be downloaded at www.westcoastsprintcars.com/2017/banquet2017.docx and orders must be received by January 20th. The Orleans Hotel and Casino is located at 4500 West Tropicana Avenue in Las Vegas Nevada. Online room reservations can be made at www.orleanscasino.com/groups for a special block rate (Group Code: A8SAC01) of $50 for Thursday, $117 for Friday, $117 for Saturday, and $50 for Sunday. For more room reservation information, call 800.675.3267.

The USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series thanks AMSOIL, Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, Chris Kearns Presents, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, King Racing Products, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, Ultra Shield Race Products, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. Series officials are looking for associate and contingency sponsors for the upcoming season. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, email PR Director Lance Jennings at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

For more information, visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com and www.usacracing.com. You can also find exclusive content on the USAC West Coast Sprint Car Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. 

Loudpedal Productions has USAC West Coast Sprint Car DVDs and videos on demand available for purchase at www.loudpedal.tv and 805.407.7229.

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USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR CHAMPIONS: 2009-Justyne Hamblin, 2010-Craig Stidham, 2011-Richard Vander Weerd, 2012-Bud Kaeding, 2013-Danny Faria Jr., 2014-Matt Mitchell, 2015-Danny Faria Jr., 2016-Brody Roa, 2017-Jake Swanson.

2017 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR WINS: 6-Ryan Bernal, 3-Austin Liggett, 2-Jake Swanson, 1-Max Adams, 1-Brady Bacon, 1-Tyler Courtney, 1-Geoff Ensign, 1-Danny Faria Jr., 1-Tristan Guardino, 1-Kyle Hirst.

2018 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE-TRACK-LOCATION

January 26: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (Bowling Tournament / 8pm)

January 27: Orleans Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV (USAC Western Awards Banquet / 12pm)

February 28: The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Outlaw Showdown / Non-Points)

March 1: The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Outlaw Showdown / Non-Points)

March 9: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA

March 10: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA 

March 31: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle at the Beach)

April 7: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds - Hanford, CA

April 28: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA

May 12: Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds - Hanford, CA

May 18: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (Peter Murphy Classic)

May 19: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (Peter Murphy Classic)

June 2: Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway - Tulare, CA (Chris & Brian Faria Memorial)

June 9: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA (Ron Otto Memorial)

July 14: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle at the Beach)

July 28: Bakersfield Speedway - Bakersfield, CA 

August 11: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA (Bud Stanfield Memorial)

August 25: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle at the Beach)

October 6: Santa Maria Raceway - Santa Maria, CA (Championship Night)

November 21: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Turkey Night Grand Prix / Non-Points)

November 22: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Turkey Night Grand Prix / Battle at the Beach / Non-Points)

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This schedule is subject to change.