PERRIS “SO-CAL SHOWDOWN” OPENS 15TH USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SEASON

By Lance Jennings

FEBRUARY 27, 2018... This Saturday, March 3rd, the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series will open their historic fifteenth season at Perris Auto Speedway. The “5th Annual So-Cal Showdown” will also feature the famed World of Outlaw Craftsman Sprint Cars, PAS Senior Sprint Cars and the PAS Young Gun Sprint Cars. In addition, the event is “American Cancer Society Night Benefitting the Up, Down ‘n Dirty 4 a Cure Mud Run.” Advance tickets with a FREE World of Outlaws “Fan Pit Pass” are available online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=52711&agency=WRG_SNG&pid=8525909. The spectator gates will open at 4:00pm and racing at "America's Premier Dirt Track" will start at 7:00pm. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.perrisautospeedway.com or call 951.940.0134.

NOTICE TO USAC/CRA COMPETITORS: The Hoosier 105/16 Medium is the ONLY legal right rear tire and all four corners must be Hoosier tires. The Hoosier 105/16 Medium is also the current legal tire with the USAC West Coast, USAC SouthWest, and VRA Sprint Cars. Cars must pass a tech inspection and one-way radios are mandatory for drivers. USAC/CRA charges a $25 entry fee to all competitors and the series rule book can be found online at www.usacracing.com. USAC MEMBERSHIPS can be purchased at the track or online at https://usacracing.redpodium.com/2018-usac-sprint-midget-sc

The "So-Cal Showdown" has become one of the “must see” races on the AMSOIL USAC/CRA schedule. Featuring both non-winged and winged 410 cubic inch powered sprint cars, fans can enjoy both styles of racing at one of the finest dirt tracks in the country. “The Demon” Damion Gardner won the inaugural event in 2014 and Richard Vander Weerd dominated the following year. Josh Hodges scored the 2016 win with a dramatic last corner pass and Gardner stood atop the podium last season. At press time, “The Demon” leads all drivers with 43 Perris USAC/CRA victories and Nic Faas set the 1-lap qualifying record of 15.833 on February 25, 2012. A complete series win list at Perris Auto Speedway is at the end of this release.

Armed with a new sponsor, “The Demon” Damion Gardner (Concord, California) will be going for his sixth consecutive (7th overall) USAC/CRA Championship. Last season, the pilot of Mark Alexander's #4 Trench Shoring / Weld Racing Spike posted five feature wins, seven Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, eleven heat race victories, one semi-main win, eighteen top-10 finishes, and 150 feature laps led. “The Demon” has seventy-five USAC/CRA victories to his credit and will be looking to win his third “So-Cal Showdown.” 

Brody Roa (Garden Grove, California) had a breakout year and finished second in the point standings. Racing the BR Performance #91R HD Industries / Burris Racing Maxim, Roa had two feature wins, one Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Award, three heat race victories, one dash win, one semi-main win, one hard charger award, twenty top-10 finishes, and 91 feature laps led in 2017. The second generation driver has three career wins and will have his sights on adding the “So-Cal Showdown” to his resume.

Jake Swanson (Anaheim, California) ranked third in the chase for the championship. Driving Tom and Laurie Sertich’s #92 Huntington Beach Glass & Mirror / Phil and Eileen King Triple X, Swanson had five Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, five heat race victories, one semi-main win, one hard charger award, seventeen top-10 finishes, and 13 feature laps led in the campaign. Jake has one career USAC/CRA win and will be looking to earn the $2,500 victory. 

Mike Spencer (Temecula, California) finished fourth in his last year of sprint car racing. Piloting the Gansen Engineering Motorsports #4S Trench Shoring / Ram-Bull Racing Maxim, Spencer had one feature win, five heat race victories, thirteen top-10 finishes, and 45 feature laps led on the season. The five-time champion retires with sixty-three USAC/CRA fast time awards and thirty-eight main event wins.

“The Big Game Hunter” Austin Williams (Yorba Linda, California) sat fifth in the championship point chase. Driving Jack Jory’s #2 John Jory Corporation / AMA Plastics Spike, Williams posted four heat race victories, two hard charger awards, eleven top-10 finishes, and 10 feature laps led in 2017. The 2009 Rookie of the Year has five career USAC/CRA triumphs and will be looking to join the winner’s list of the “So-Cal Showdown.”

Among the other drivers expected to be in action are “The Cadillac” Cody Williams, Logan Williams, Max Adams, Chris Gansen, Richard Vander Weerd, Matt McCarthy, “The Bear” Jeremy Ellertson, R.J. Johnson, “Thunder” Tommy Malcolm, Jace Vander Weerd, Brady Short, Logan Seavey, rookie contender Gary Paulson, and more.

Perris Auto Speedway is located on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds at 18700 Lake Perris Drive in Perris, California. For more event information, visit the track’s website at www.perrisautospeedway.com or call 951.940.0134. Advance tickets with a FREE World of Outlaws “Fan Pit Pass” are available online at http://purchase.tickets.com/buy/TicketPurchase?orgid=52711&agency=WRG_SNG&pid=8525909.

The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series thanks Hoosier Tire, All Coast Construction, BR Motorsports, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Circle Track Performance, Competition Suspension Incorporated, Extreme Mufflers, Keizer Aluminum Wheels, King Racing Products, Pyrotect Racing Cells, Racing Optics, Rod End Supply, Saldana Racing Products, surfNsprint.com, Ultra Shield Race Products, and Woodland Auto Display for their support. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, contact 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, and Instagram 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.

SO-CAL SHOWDOWN WINNERS: 2014-Damion Gardner, 2015-Richard Vander Weerd, 2016-Josh Hodges, 2017-Damion Gardner.

PERRIS AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR WINS: 43-Damion Gardner, 24-Mike Spencer, 19-Tony Jones, 17-Cory Kruseman, 9-Nic Faas, 8-David Cardey, 7-Rip Williams, 6-Bryan Clauson, 6-Mike Kirby, 6-Matt Mitchell, 6-Danny Sheridan, 6-Richard Vander Weerd, 5-Rickie Gaunt, 4-Robert Ballou, 4-Dave Darland, 4-R.J. Johnson, 3-Garrett Hansen, 2-Darren Hagen, 2-Jesse Hockett, 2-Levi Jones, 2-Blake Miller, 2- Austin Williams, 2-Chris Windom, 1-Chad Boespflug, 1-Greg Bragg, 1-Daron Clayton, 1-Charles Davis Jr., 1-Josh Ford, 1-Justin Grant, 1-Josh Hodges, 1-Bud Kaeding, 1-Adam Mitchell, 1-Brody Roa, 1-Johnny Rodriguez, 1-Chase Stockon, 1-Kevin Thomas Jr., 1-Scotty Weir, 1-Jason York.

2018 AMSOIL USAC/CRA SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE

DATE-TRACK-LOCATION

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.

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.

USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CARS READY FOR SHOWDOWN AT LAS VEGAS

By Lance Jennings

FEBRUARY 22, 2018... The historic tenth season for the USAC West Coast Sprint Cars will kickoff on Wednesday, February 28th and Thursday, March 1st at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Co-sanctioned with the Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprint Cars, the non-point "7th Annual FVP Sin City Showdown" will pay an impressive $3,000-to-win and $300-to-start the main event 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 all four corners must be Hoosier. Cockpit adjustable shocks are NOT allowed and 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 West Coast Sprint Car Rule Book can be found online at www.westcoastsprintcars.com and 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 West Coast and SouthWest schedules. A talented roster of drivers from California, Arizona, 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 on his way to the USAC West Coast championship in 2012. Bryan Clauson (Indiana) won in 2013, followed by Austin Liggett (California) in 2014 and Stevie Sussex (Arizona) 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.

Last October, Jake Swanson (Anaheim, California) earned the USAC West Coast Sprint Car championship at Santa Maria. Starting the year in Tom and Laurie Sertich’s #92 Moose Racing Triple X, Swanson also piloted the Larry Henry / Tony Jones #41 DRC and Matt Dale’s #12 Maxim before claiming the title. In all, the 2012 USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year posted two feature wins, three Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, five heat race victories, one BR Motorsports / King Racing Products Hard Charger Award, eleven top-10 finishes, and 48 feature laps led to his credit. Jake has three career West Coast wins and will be looking to start the season with a Las Vegas triumph.

Despite missing a few races, Austin Liggett (Tracy, California) finished second in the chase for the championship. Racing the family owned #83 Excel Environmental Services / Lucas Oil Maxim, Liggett had three feature wins, two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, three heat race victories, two BR Motorsports / King Racing Products Hard Charger Awards, twelve top-10 finishes, and 64 feature laps led on the year. Austin ranks ninth on the win list and will have his sights on his sixth victory at the “Outlaw Showdown.”

Tristan Guardino (Fremont, California) ranked third in the USAC West Coast point standings. Driving the family owned #15T Dorso’s Automotive / Allied Auto Sales Maxim, Guardino scored one feature win, four heat race victories, eleven top-10 finishes, and 52 feature laps led on the season. Tristan has three career wins and will be looking to score the Las Vegas doubleheader.

“Hollywood” Danny Faria Jr. (Tipton, California) ran fourth in the championship point chase. Piloting his #17V Buster & Ziggy Enterprises / DeBoer & Sons Trucking Spike, Faria posted one feature win, eight heat race victories, one pole shuffle win, ten top-10 finishes, and 62 feature laps to his credit. The two-time (2013, 2015) champion is tied with Bryan Clauson for fourth in series wins and will have his sights on his eleventh victory.

Max Adams (Loomis, California) had a strong season and placed fifth in the West Coast point chase. Racing his #5M ART Speed Equipment / Ken Imler Diesel Performance ART, Adams had one feature win, two Woodland Auto Display Fast Time Awards, a new Santa Maria track record, one heat race victory, one Competition Suspension Incorporated / Rod End Supply Semi-Main win, ten top-10 finishes, and 26 feature laps led. The 2016 USAC/CRA Rookie of the Year has one series win and will be looking to add Las Vegas to his resume.

Ryan Bernal, Richard Vander Weerd, Ryan Timmons, Brandon Wiley, Jace Vander Weerd, Steve Hix, Cody Majors, Shannon McQueen, Ryan Stolz, “The Human Highlight Reel” Geoff Ensign, Kyle Smith, “The Milkman” Joe Stornetta Jr., Steven Garris, Jeff Sibley, and Cory Elliott rounded out the top-20 in last year’s points.

5-time champion R.J. Johnson sits atop the USAC SouthWest point chase ahead of “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr., Stevie Sussex, Michael Curtis, Josh Pelkey, “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.

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 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series thanks AMSOIL, Hoosier Tire, BR Motorsports, ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, Chris Kearns Presents, 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. 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 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.

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 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR WINS: 2-Ryan Bernal, 2-Bryan Clauson, 1-Bud Kaeding, 1-Austin Liggett, 1-Stevie Sussex.

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 USAC WEST COAST SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE

February 28: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Outlaw Showdown / Non-Points / $3,000-to-win)

March 1: *The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway - Las Vegas, NV (Outlaw Showdown / Non-Points / $3,000-to-win)

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

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

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)

June 30: Ventura Raceway - Ventura, CA (Battle at the Beach)

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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* = Co-Sanctioned Event with Sands Chevrolet USAC SouthWest Sprints.

This schedule is subject to change.