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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series
USAC West Coast Sprint Car Series
- #16B Bryan Clauson. 2013 Winter Challenge Champion. Photo by Lance Jennings.
CANYON SPEEDWAY’S “3RD ANNUAL WINTER CHALLENGE” BEGINS FRIDAY
By Lance Jennings
PEORIA, AZ - JANUARY 20, 2014… The new season for the USAC SouthWest and West Coast Sprint Cars will get underway this Friday, January 24th, at Canyon Speedway in Peoria. Featuring six races in nine nights, the “3rd Annual Winter Challenge” will draw many talented drivers from across the country in the non-point "Arizona Speed Week." In addition to the races, there will be an open practice on Thursday night from 6pm to 9pm and the annual “Winter Challenge Bowling Tournament” will be on January 28th. Racing will start at 5:00pm on weekends and 7:00pm on weekdays.
Promoted by Kevin Montgomery, the special mini-series will pay at least $2,000-to-win each night. The Sunday, January 26th victory will earn $3,000 and the winner of the February 1st finale will take home $5,000. Also showcasing IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Mini Sprints, Modlites, and Renegades on various nights, the “Winter Challenge” is offering more than $100,000 in total prize money. It should be noted that Montgomery has continued to make improvements to the fast 1/3-mile facility, including an outer wall to the first and second turns. USAC SouthWest and West Coast Sprint Car Series rules will be followed.
On the strength of three victories, Wilkinson, Indiana’s Tracy Hines claimed the inaugural “Winter Challenge” crown in 2012. 2-time USAC National Champion Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, Indiana dominated last year’s action by scoring three feature wins and winning the title. Phoenix’s R.J. Johnson broke Clauson’s hot streak and would earn the USAC SouthWest Championship in November.
Clauson, who just won the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, will be back to defend his crown in a potent Mike Martin entry. Fresh off winning the Oval Nationals and the Turkey Night Grand Prix, “The People’s Champion” Dave Darland of Lincoln, Indiana will drive for veteran car owner Casey Minks.
Ryan Bernal, Nic Faas, and Colby Copeland will lead a strong contingent from California. Bernal, the defending USAC Western Classic Champion from Hollister, will drive a second Minks machine. Third in the USAC/CRA standings, Faas of Huntington Beach will pilot a Keith Ford sprinter while Roseville’s Copeland will drive for Ted Williams.
ASCS SouthWest Champion “The Real Deal” Rick Ziehl of Las Cruces and Tijeras’ Josh Hodges will make the trek from New Mexico. Former Western World Champion Brady Bacon of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma will also have his sights on winning the "Winter Challenge."
Johnson and five-time Arizona champion “Chargin” Charles Davis Jr. will be among the drivers representing the “Copper State.” They will be joined by “The Magic Man” Mike Martin, Ronnie Clark, Shon Deskins, Josh Pelkey, Andy Reinbold, Brian Hosford, “The Radio Flyer” Bruce St. James, “The Bullet” Bob Ream Jr., Tom Ogle, Michael Curtis, and many more.
Brunswick Lanes in Glendale will host the 2014 Winter Challenge Bowling Tournament on Thursday, January 28th. Located at 17210 North 59th Avenue, warm-ups will start at 6:30pm and the tournament will begin at 7:00pm.
Canyon Speedway 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. Discounted six day passes for VIP Suite, Reserved, and General seats are available. Advance tickets are on sale now and more event information can be found at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com or calling (602) 258-7223 (RACE).
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WINTER CHALLENGE CHAMPIONS:
2012-Tracy Hines, 2013- Bryan Clauson.
WINTER CHALLENGE MAIN EVENT WINS:
3-Bryan Clauson, 3-Tracy Hines, 2-Charles Davis Jr., 1-R.J. Johnson, 1-Jon Stanbrough.
2014 WINTER CHALLENGE SCHEDULE:
DATE - TRACK - LOCATION
January 23: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ (Open Practice, 6-9pm)
January 24: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ ($2,000-to-Win)
January 25: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ ($2,000-to-Win)
January 26: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ ($3,000-to-Win)
January 28: Brunswick Lanes - Glendale, AZ (Bowling Tournament, 7pm)
January 30: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ ($2,000-to-Win)
January 31: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ ($2,000-to-Win)
February 1: Canyon Speedway - Peoria, AZ ($5,000-to-Win)
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This schedule is subject to change.
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