TDN Roundtable- Floridadays Are Upon Us, It's Speed Weeks Time!

Ah Florida, it's that time of year. Time for beaches, beer, bikini's and fresh oranges out of one of those machines that squeezes it fresh into your glass for $10 a glass, just so you can say you've had "fresh squeezed orange juice" once in your life!

Daylon Barr Photo

Oh...and also, DIRT!! (Yes, it's about damn time for some of that since most of us are having withdrawal symptoms!)

Hopefully fans and drivers that go down to attend the festivities don't meet up with this guy..



Anyhow, there's a lot to look forward to, this is the start of a years long journey and we've been chomping at the bit here at TDN to watch and see what happens, to find the stories we'll be reading about for years.  The Kenny Pettyjohn or Davey Johnson or Neal Williams upsets, the budding rivalries....remember Richards versus Casey Roberts? And the moments than can get a season off to a a championship start.  So here's some things to chew on before the action begins! And after your done chewing, wash it down with somefinesh squeezed oj......or a beer! Yes...a beer!

The driver changes are winding down, plans are being fortified as we speak. So, which driver in new surroundings do you expect to come out of the gate and put up eye opening results in Florida and why?

Obviously, Brandon Sheppard and Josh Richards will pull some wins, but eye opening to me screams Devin Moran. New team, new chassis, and new opportunity to shine. The 99m gets my vote here.  - Dobie Compton

If Dale Blaney and the 1z travel to Florida they will be a sprint team to keep eyes on.
Rachel Wynkoop

After notching his first win of 2017 at Bubba Raceway Park this past weekend, Brandon Sheppard is fitting in just fine with his new surroundings as the Rocket house car pilot. I expect to see at least three more wins during Florida's speedweeks. - Frank Iudiciani

I'm "going out on a limb" when I say that I'll have my eyes on "B-Shepp" Brandon Sheppard, in Florida.  Obviously, he's going to be dangerous all year, wheeling the #1 Rocket House Car, plus he already got some seat time in a Crate Late Model Rocket Chassis, at Bubba!  Not new seats, but fresh starts for "Pauls To The Wall" Paul McMahan and Brent Marks.  McMahan is still with Destiny Motorsports, re-branded #4 this year.  2017 is a "make or break" for Destiny, after struggling much of 2016.  I think that I speak for most Dirt Racing fans, when I say that we hope they find improved performance in '17!  Brent Marks is also not in a new seat, but he will be competing on the full WoO tour for the first time.  Look for Marks to get a "jump" on 2017 and perform surprisingly well in Florida! - Aaron Clay

Pat Miller Photo

Josh Richards is going to have the most success with a new team in my opinion.  He's gotten a bad rep in the past for the team he was with and people saying that if he wasn't driving his Dad's car he wouldn't win as much as he did.  Richards is going to prove just how good he is this season on the Lucas Oil tour and win many features.  Also I think the Blaney/Zemco combination is going to be stout.  Don't be surprised to see him in victory lane in Central Pennsylvania quite a bit during time trial shows this season. - Kyle Symons

The guy I see making a big splash through speedweeks in a new ride is Steve Francis. He's always been at his best in his own stuff, and he's back in his own stuff. after a handful of years driving for other folks. I also think the switch to Capital race cars was a solid move and I believe he''l be motivated. He'll also get the chance to race a bunch of times in Florida  and Georgia with the Capital Race Cars brain trust of Shane Clanton and Marshall Green. - Josh Bayko

From National SpeedSport News

The All Stars open up in Ocala to start off the 410 winged sprint action this year. And they've undergone a metamorphosis of sorts with regard to the roster. Name one driver on the new roster that will show some immediate flashes of potential at Bubba Raceway Park and Volusia....

TJ Michael has one year with the All Stars under his belt and I think with that experience he will be one to watch on the road. I think he will start off very strong in Florida this year.
Rachel Wynkoop

Although Ryan Linder is skipping the Volusia Speedway Park portion of Speedweeks next month, I believe Ryan will show some potential with the All Stars at Bubba Raceway Park and he will be a strong competitor to battle with all season long. - Frank Iudiciani

In Ryan Smith we trust!  Speaking for a number of Dirt Racing fans, we hope Ryan Smith can contend for wins and possibly contend for the 2017 Championship, but speaking as a West Coast guy, I hope he can share knowledge, resources and advice to RoTY contender, Ryan Linder! - Aaron Clay

I also have to go with Ryan Smith.  With some new backing from the Leidig clan, he will have a good season.  He was fast a couple years ago the last time he followed the All Stars, and with Dale Blaney not running the series, and possibly Sheldon Haudenschild doing other things as well, I think that Smith will have a good season on the tour. - Kyle Symons


Last one here on Sprints. Tell us every non WoO or ASCoC full time driver that wins a feature in Florida, and where and when. Guess the correct driver, track and date and win a free beer from the TDN administrator and a hand shake and maybe one of those elephant ears at the concession stand, or at the very least some steak on a stick at Lernerville.

Wow this is harder than the SAT's were for me!  Cap Henry wins on 2/10/2017 at Bubba's raceway.  - Dobie Compton

I'm going to bet that Greg Hodnett takes at least one night in Florida. 2/16 at Volusia.
Rachel Wynkoop

Since he is supposed to run more mid-week sprint car races in 2017, I will pick Kyle Larson to get a W at Volusia Speedway Park on February 17th - Frank Iudiciani

Umm, Donny Schatz.  Where are they racing and when?  It doesn't matter, Schatz is the man to beat!  Don't get me wrong, I prefer SHOTS over Schatz, but you have to give the man the respect he is due.  I'm saying Donny wins the majority in Florida, getting a "head start" on the 2017 crown! - Aaron Clay

Greg Hodnett has been fast the past several years at Volusia, he gets the job done against the WoO on night two. - Kyle Symons

I'll go with Dale Blaney taking one at Volusia if the Zemco team makes the trip. Their equipment is always top notch and Dale is always a threat, no matter where he races. - Josh Bayko

Dave Blaney will squeak one out at Volusia. -- Daylon Barr

Pat Miller Photo

How long will it take for Bloomquist and Richards to have an on track altercation during speedweeks? Or do you think they'll start off being fairly civil? Do you expect any rivalry to develop between the two at all during the year?

Rivalry, yes please! Its the perfect storm for a good vs evil scenario. The first race at Eastbay where Richards shows Bloomer the nose or a little fender bump, its on! I don't see Josh feeding into anything because thats not his style, but Scott has enough ammo to start said battles all season. It seems Bloomquist feeds off these "rivalries" each year with a new competitor and it feeds his fire to do better. And he gets better each season it seems. - Dobie Compton

I would love to see a rivalry between the "Dirt Trax Dominator" and "Kid Rocket".  Only time will tell.  I'm thinking they will keep it (mostly) clean in Florida, but look I forward to these two Heavyweights "slugging it out" during most of the 2017 season! - Aaron Clay

I would expect a rivalry to develop naturally between the two, as they should be the favorites to win the Lucas Oil championship.  Perhaps the addition of Richards to the series will force Bloomquist to show up to the track on time and not skip time trials on certain occasions. Not much on track though I wouldn't think. - Kyle Symons

Bloomer and Richards have really always run each other pretty cleanly. I think there's a lot of respect between those two, especially now. They're the two best dirt late model drivers in the country and almost all of the races they raced against each other ended up coming down to one of them winning.   I wouldn't look or the rivalry to get all that physical, because  they both understand you're not going to win if you're tearing your stuff up. That's not that it won't get heated sometimes. There will be questionable sliders and the like, but none of it will end up with trashed equipment. - Josh Bayko

We'll see good hard clean battles. Two seasoned vets that know better than to tear up equipment. -- Daylon Barr


World of Outlaws begin a new era in Florida (actually in Georgia, but we digress). Who comes out of speedweeks with the points lead and why, and will they have so much of a point lead that they won't be able to be caught?

This will not be decided until the last 4 races in my opinion,  Bshepp will be out front early on. The team has the experience and equipment, and Brandon has the driving skill and youth to go balls to the wall in Florida. - Dobie Compton

I am banking on Shane Clanton to have a strong trip down south, Clanton usually has success down there and he should have the WoO points lead coming out of Florida, but I do not think his points lead will be enough to keep him up there all season long. - Frank Iudiciani

Daylon Barr Photo

Billy Moyer Jr Not sure how, but he strings together a bunch of top 5s. But, he'll be caught. -- Daylon Barr

I'm not really sure why, but I'm feeling "Squirrley" Brian Shirley!  With a WoO Late Model season under his belt, look for him to be a "dark horse" and get an early jump on the 2017 season.  I would also love to see "Kid Smooth" Billy Moyer Jr get started-off on the right foot in Florida, after skipping Arizona! - Aaron Clay

Shane Clanton has ran very well at Volusia in the past and I would expect that trend to continue.  Clanton will leave Florida with the points lead, but he won't win the championship. - Kyle Symons

 And again, a challenge set forth from the administrator! Tell us every non Lucas or WoO full time driver that wins a feature in speedweeks and where and when!

Dale McDowell wins the opener at Volusia, and Gregg Satterlee notches a Friday victory at Volusia! Dobie Compton

These administrator challenges are tough haha, I'll go with Austin Hubbard with a win at East Bay raceway Park on Thursday February 16th - Frank Iudiciani

I have to second Dobie's thoughts, with "The Truth" Gregg Satterlee competing for wins early in 2017, in Florida!  #FreeTheTruth - Aaron Clay

Dale McDowell will pick up at win at Volusia, and I'm going out on a limb and saying Dale Hollidge wins at Screven - Kyle Symons

I think Richards will come out of Speedweeks with the Lucas lead, and I think Sheppard comes out with the WoO points lead. With that, I predict that Rocket will sell a sh*tload of new XR1s and 4M will reach levels of salt never seen before. - Josh Bayko

Daylon Barr Photo

Brett Hearn went without a win last year in SDS action! Still can't believe I typed that, but it's true.  What went wrong with him, and will he get on the win list in Florida?

I don't see him getting a win at Florida. And I have no idea how he missed SDS victory lane last year! - Dobie Compton

No Super Dirt Series wins and only 10 wins in 76 races entered in 2016, I am sure the Hearn camp went home for Christmas break scratching their heads, however I do not see the Corporate Jet repeating that performance in 2017, I think he will get another gator trophy at Volusia next month. - Frank Iudiciani

Hearn will rebound this year and win two features at Volusia - Kyle Symons

I doubt Brett gets a win in Florida. Just like last year, he will struggle unless it's Malta or LV. -- Daylon Barr

Daylon Barr Photo

Matt Sheppard steps in as the unquestioned favorite to win it all in 2017 with Friesen not able to compete full time, not that he could get the job done full time last year, but anyhow. Is there any driver that may be able to at least provide a reasonably stiff challenge for him this year?

 Larry Wight? I am not sure really, just think he has good cars and backing. I don't see anyone challenging Matt for the title as he will have it wrapped up 3 races before Charlotte. - Dobie Compton

Larry Wight hands down, I hope to see Larry in a tight points battle with Super Matt on the SDS tour. - Frank Iudiciani

Larry Wight will be his toughest competitor, but Sheppard is the man and he will finish off the season in Charlotte with the championship once again. - Kyle Symons

Daylon Barr Photo

Brett is getting old, and he has a really bad back. He'll always be competitive, but I'm not sure if any wins in Florida are in the cards for him. I do think he'll win an SDS race this year, and that the win should be celebrated in a big way, because it very may well be the last one he has. I've heard from a very good source that retirement isn't as far away as you might think. - Josh Bayko

Only driver that comes to mind for me is Tim Fuller. But, if the rumors I have heard come true, we will be missing a few of the "expected" regulars on the tour. -- Daylon Barr


We love seeing the big blocks at Volusia. But should they be on the card at East Bay, or Bubba for at least two shows as well as Volusia? They could fill up the racing budget a little bit more before heading home. What are your thoughts?

Maybe to help fill in a full week I would not mind seeing the SDS make a two day stop at Bubba Raceway Park, that would give teams six nights of racing in the Sunshine State, however we seem to forget that this is the Super Dirt Series, what's their payouts again? - Frank Iudiciani

Daylon Barr Photo

Too expensive for too little pay and not enough of a market in Florida. It's unfortunate, but true. -- Daylon Barr

I'm not sure that East Bay, Screven or Bubba's would be good tracks for big blocks based on the configuration for each. Golden Isles is a defnitely good track for em, but they have a relationship with Lucas, so that makes it unlikely that we'd ever see the SDS there. - Dobie Compton


 We once again extend the administrator's challenge here. Name one non SDS touring regular that comes home with a feature win at Volusia and where and when do they get the win. Get them all correct, and win a free horses head from TDN home office!

Neal Williams wins the opener at Volusia! - Dobie Compton

Mat Williamson at Volusia on Saturday February 25th - Frank Iudiciani

Rick Laubach wins two at Volusia. - Josh Bayko

Maybe Pauch? Is he going? -- Daylon Barr

 Last question here: Design your own Speedweeks schedule as a fan. Where would you go? What would you see.  Assume you've got money coming out your backside and could potentially do two weeks in the sunshine state!

I would hit the Thursday thru Saturday deal at Eastbay  and the opening night at Volusia. East Bay usually has more passing and a great atmosphere,  so i would head there for the majority of the races. - Dobie Compton

I would hit all five nights of winged sprints at Volusia (which I've done and highly recommend) then on to Bubba for a good dose of USAC non wing sprints.
Rachel Wynkoop

I would hit Volusia for the WoO Sprints shows, and also hit Bubba for the Lucas Oil show.  Hit East Bay early in the week, and finish up with all the Late Model shows at Volusia - Kyle Symons

I'd hit Golden Isles, Some East Bay, then Screven and Volusia for the late model stuff. I've never heard anything positive about Bubbas, so I'd leave that one off. - Josh Bayko

Using the 2017 speedweek schedule, as a fan and assuming I have money coming from my backside, especially American greenbacks, seeing as our Canadian dollar sucks right now in comparison lol.
I would head down to Georgia for Lucas Oil Late Models @ Golden Isles then drive to Ocala, Florida for some Arctic Cat All Star Circuit Of Champions @ Bubba Raceway Park, from there, spend four days in Tampa, Florida @ East Bay Raceway for some more Lucas Oil Latemodel series, head back up North to Volusia Raceway Park for three days of Craftsman World Of Outlaws Sprint Car series racing, have two days off to be a Canadian tourist abroad (usually Cocoa Beach, love the pier) then head back to Volusia County for three more days of Super Dirt Series big block modified action, then, just for the heck of it head back to Ocala, Florida to watch the last night of wingless USAC sprint car racing.What a blast that would be, now wake up Frank. - Frank Iudiciani

I should admit that I'm not entirely familiar with the full Florida schedule, being a "Left Coast guy".  However, I know one thing: I would see A LOT of racing!  Definitely have to catch the action at Volusia, Ocala and Golden Isles!  Call me crazy, but I gotta see the "big dry slick track" at Daytona, as well.  All I know is there is plenty of racing in Florida and I would see as much as I can! - Aaron Clay

Speed Shift Preview: Stout Field Assembles for Winter Nationals

Let the season begin! It's time to kick tires and light fires in sunny Florida...

The field assembling at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, FL this weekend for the annual Bubba Army Winter Nationals is as stout as it's ever been, and then some!  Fans from all over will be able to catch an early glimpse of not only some of their weekly and regional crate late model heroes, a collection of drivers from all over the east coast, but also will get to catch a few national drivers in the mix this weekend.

Pat Mille Photo

Three nights of racing are on tap with $2,000 to win, 40 lap main events on tap for Thursday and Friday and a 100-Lap $10,000 prize up for grabs on Saturday!  2016's final night winner, Dennis "Rambo" Franklin returns to the scene this week where he'll be met with stiff resistance. We'll break down what to expect in terms of contenders and what to look for...


Strong Northeast Contingent:

Expect a strong field of drivers from RUSH Late Model territory, maybe not a huge chunk of total cars for the week, but there's no weak links among anybody coming down.

Max Blair: One of the best in regional Crate and Super Late Model racing in Western, PA, Blair has won his fair share of high profile crate races in the past few years and also weekly at Eriez Speedway in Super Lates.  Winner of TDN's Pennsylvania Weekly Super Late Model Championship as determined by top five finishes in the state, Blair has to be considered a favorite to finish on the podium on any or all of the three nights of action:

Mike Pegher Jr.: Former Fastrak Champion in 2011 where he won $30,000 in the final three day championships, Pegher Jr. has been almost as good as Blair in Crates in the Western, PA territory. He's turned his attention more towards Super Lates in recent years where he's had some success, but nonetheless will be force to be reckoned with here.

Will Thomas: Thomas has been one of the best and consistent weekly drivers in RUSH history and has won his fair share of touring races to boot. A strong driver that actually wheels an asphalt modified when he's not on dirt in his spare time. A podium finish for him here would surprise nobody.

Also expect Logan Roberson, Ryan Scott, Jamie Wrightsman and Morgantown, Wv pilot Brian Swank.

Always In The Hunt: 

These guys always seem to be there, and seem to be in the hunt, no matter where they race in Fastrak/Nesmith/SECA action

Dennis "Rambo" Franklin: South Carolina Crate and Super Late Model legend Rambo Franklin has been taking home large novelty checks at these events for years and is the defending champion. He'll be tough to keep off the podium.

Mark Whitener: He's picked up wins here in the past, and looks ready as ever to take one or two more this year, a great dark horse pic for the $10,000 prize on Saturday night!

Ronnie Johnson: Veteran Tennessee wheelman can never be counted out anywhere he goes.

Walker Arthur: He's further proof that green cars are no bad luck charm at all. The Virginia native can get it done in both Supers and Crates.

Trent Ivey: He's a sleeper, but a real up and comer. Ivey contends in the Charlotte metro area where the competition is tough, and he's come out a SECA champion before in 2015.

Pat Miller Photo

Keep An Eye On These Guys: 

National touring drivers have been known to make a stop here to shake down their cars before their regular seasons begin, and to try to take home some extra cash on the side. This year is no exception.

Josh Richards: It won't be the familiar #1 Valvoline Rocket House Car, it'll be the #17 and he won a preliminary night feature last year. He'll be tough to keep out of victory lane at least once again this year.

Brandon Sheppard: BShepp makes an appearance.  We have round one of Richards vs. Sheppard...what more could you ask for?

Hudson O'Neal: Son of Indiana legend Don O'Neal, Hudson makes a visit here after having turned heads in Super Late Model Action in 2016 with a tremendous performance at the World 100

Home Cooking: 

Defending home turf this week....

Kyle Bronson: It doesn't matter if he's in a Super Late, Crate Late or UMP Modified, Bronson can get it done just about anywhere against anybody. He's won here in the past, knows the terrain, and will be as fast as any car out there.

Keith Nobisch: He's as good as Bronson can be in this event, enough said.

Ivedent Lloyd: Legendary pilot would love to win one in front of the home crowd, and can get the job done.

Schedule:

Thursday, January 26- 7:15 PM
Friday, January 27- 7:15 PM
Saturday, January 28-7:15 PM

SpeedShift TV Order Information: 

All three nights of racing will be available at Speed Shift TV, a worldwide leader in pay per view racing and our official partner in bringing you the action across DIRT nation!

This week, there's a great deal on the three day pass. You can see every night of the Bubba Army Winter Nationals for just $49.95! To order your events CLICK HERE!

History: (Feature Winners) 

2016:
Josh Richards
Dennis Franklin
Kyle Bronson

2015:

Mark Whitener
Max Blair
Keith Nobisch
Walker Arthur

2013:
Ronny Lee Hollingsworth
Ronny Lee Hollingsworth
Kyle Bronson

Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic Pick-Em - Final Standings

Before we get started, thanks in advance to all 315 contestants that entered into one of our largest Pick-Em contests ever.

Shenae Hyder claims the top spot overall and wins the Australian contest, while 2nd place goes to Mike Holder (@MikeHolder15) who claims the top spot in our American contest.

Here are the final results. All names highlighted in blue within the Top 30 are Australian contests, the others are Americans. The 3rd Australian spot will be determined by one of our tiebreakers.

Please keep in mind that the Top 3 Australian and American players will each receive a prize!

Pos. 1-60

Pos. 61-120

Pos. 121-180

Pos. 181-240

Pos. 241-300

Pos. 301-315

Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic Pick-Em - Night 2 Standings

Here are your up-to-date Pick-Em standings heading into tonight's finale at the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic. In an extremely tight race at the top, you'll find the Top 20 contestants within ten points of each other. Good luck tonight to everyone entered!

Pos. 1-60

Pos. 61-120

Pos. 121-180

Pos. 181-240

Pos. 241-300

Pos. 301-315

Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic Pick-Em - Night 1 Standings

Hot off the press, here are the fantasy pickem standings for our Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic contest. Please keep in mind that all entrants have had different numbers of drivers compete thus far. The field is split for the first two preliminary nights, so we'll have a much better idea of who has the advantage after preliminary night #2.

Without further adieu, here are all 315 positions!

Pos. 1-60

Pos. 61-120

Pos. 121-180

Pos. 181-240

Pos. 241-300

Pos. 301-315

Next On Speed Shift: Thornton Jr Hopes to Keep Momentum Rolling at Canyon's Winter Challenge

Aaron Clay Photo

Looking for a night of dirt racing action while in the comfort of your own home these next two weekends? Look no further than Speed Shift TV as the Winter Challenge at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, AZ plays host to the IMCA Modifieds plus support divisions in four nights of action both this weekend and next.

Coming into the weekend, there may not be a hotter driver in the country than Ricky Thornton Jr. (Save for some guy named Pierce). The Arizona driver managed to take three out of four wins in the recently completed Wild West Shootout, against some very stout competition from the USRA ranks including Dustin Strand, RC Whitwell, Jake and Fito Gallardo.  Thornton Jr will be taking to the clay at Canyon, and will be looking for similar results against another good field of cars that will include TIm Ward, Chaz Baca Jr., North Dakota's Tyler Peterson and Medicine Hat, Alberta native Ross Straham.

Each of the night's will be LIVE on Speed Shift TV, who had a great package deal for this four race series that includes one free night with the purchase of the entire series!  Also on the card will be IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stocks, Hobby Stocks and Dwarf Cars. There'll be plenty of action to help keep you warm as we dirt nation bridges the winter gap.

To see more ordering information: CLICK HERE; 

Schedule: Action Starts at 3 PM Eastern! 

Saturday, January 28
Sunday,   January 29

Shetler and McGinley Would Make Deserving Winners in "Search for a Champion"

The Annual Champion Spark Plug "Search for a Champion" contest is now underway and you have your chance to vote on which drivers you'd like to see receive. It's a lengthy list of worthy drivers from all over the place, and in all types of racing too. However, two Western Pennsylvania drivers are in the mix this year for potential sponsorship awards, and either would make a great choice to receive the top $50,000 prize in 2017.

The sponsor gift for either one of these competitors, whom both have shown flashes of really good things in recent years, could go a long way towards necessary equipment which can turn those flashes into consistent wins. But what makes it even more special, is when those drivers are active in their communities. The ones that help others by their efforts. It's relationships like that which keep the racing community alive and thriving.  So now we present two very worthy candidates for your vote!

Pat Miller Photo

Dan Shetler:

Johnstown, Pennsylvania's Dan Shetler makes a great candidate for a 2017 award for several great reasons. Without coming from a racing background, Shetler has amassed seven wins in four tracks in three states in his career to date, and at age 36, appears to be taking another step forward.

"Coming from a blue collar family with no racing background, funding was going to be the major issue, Shetler said. "I take great pride in being professional and presenting our sport to new fans of all ages."

Pat Miller Photo

He finished sixth in points at Lernerville Speedway in 2016, and was on the verge of a couple of wins at different times throughout the campaign, and outside of his weekly home track, traveled around when he could with some eye opening results, including some promising starts on the World of Outlaws northern swing in the fall which included a 13th place finish at Fulton Speedway in October with a field of 32 cars in the pits.

Shetler has also been involved various anti drug and anti drunk driving campaigns, donating time and energy to both causes at the local and state level through his racing.  He's a driver on the move, and looking to make great things happen in 2017.

To take a closer look at Dan's campaign, check out his entry page here: 

Pat Miller Photo

J.R McGinley:

McGinley, a native of Fairmount City, Pennsylvania, has spent the last 21 seasons behind the wheel of a modified, and has shown a steady progression of improvement over the course of that time span, when the resources dictate so.  He's spent most of those seasons piloting his familiar #66 small block modified in the Western, PA-Eastern, OH area at Mercer Raceway Park, Tri-City Speedway, Lernerville Speedway and also on the area's only dedicated northeastern modified series, the BRP Modified Tour.

Pat Miller Photo

McGinley recently upped the competition level by purchasing a big block, which enables him to compete with the area's top competition on a more regular basis in 2016, and after some time for adjusting, McGinley found himself on the verge on the top five in a highly competitive field of big block modifieds at Lernerville.

He's had several wins with his small block over the years at Mercer, and in 2017 would love to do more traveling perhaps, as he hauled significant distances to partake in several Super DIRTCar Series events in 2016, the top level big block modified series in the country, where he made his way into the field at Sharon Speedway, finishing 27th with close to 50 cars in the pits.

McGinley makes a great choice, simply because with just a few more resources, he could take his game to another level in 2017, travel more, and fulfill his dreams of doing what he loves to do, at a higher level.


To find out more about J.R, check out his entry page here.

2017 Wild West Shootout - Recap of the First 3 Races

2017 Wild West Shootout - Recap of the First 3 Races

Saturday, January 7th

It was a mid-60 degree day in Southeast Arizona, as over 130+ of the best Late Models, USRA Modifieds and X-Mods gathered to compete on Night 1 of the 2017 Wild West Shootout!  I arrived to Arizona Speedway around 3:30pm local time, to discover the track was damp and appeared to have been well-prepped.  You could feel a hint of anxiousness and anticipation, as hundreds of racers, family and crew gathered from all over the country, including Canada, to race at the small 3/8ths high-banked dirt oval, located between Queen Creek and San Tan Valley.  No one quite knew what the night would bring, but that simply added to the excitement!

Arizona Speedway offered mid-60 degree weather on Saturday, January 7th

Qualifying & Heat Races

It appears the X-Mods will regularly be the first division to hit the track each night, as they will be asked to begin the packing process, with their hot lap sessions.  USRA Modifieds followed, as they completed their hot lap sessions as well.  Late Models are following a slightly different format this year, as they are being split-up into groups, based on pill draws.  These groups not only identify who they will be competing with in heat race action, but also during group qualifying, which serves as the hot lap sessions.  Hot Laps and Qualifying went-off without a hitch on Saturday, seeing Iowa's Jason Rauen turn the quickest overall lap at a blistering 15.013 seconds around the small 3/8ths mile, out of the 2nd group of cars to hit the track.

Iowa's Jason Rauen went overall Quick Time on Saturday, turning a 15.013 second lap!

USRA Modified heat races opened the night's racing action, as the track was already starting to dry and show a hint of rubber, following hot laps and group qualifying.  There was some bent sheet metal in heat racing action, but a majority of the racing was clean.  The track had enough moisture on the top and bottom, allowing for plenty of side-by-side racing and giving drivers room to pass.  This was especially important, since the Modifieds are following the "traditional" passing points structure.  Cody Laney, David McDonald, Fito Gallardo, Ricky Thornton Jr and Dustin Strand were all Heat Race winners on Saturday.  Arizona native, Ricky Thornton Jr proved to be the "high point man" on the night and would start the 25-lap main event from the pole position!

USRA Modifed heat races took place while the sun was still out.  Notice the hint of rubber already on-track.

Late Model heat races were later in the evening, following X-Mod heats, as the sun had almost completely set and the track's lighting system was in full-force.  There was quite a bit more rubber applied to the surface at that time, as the bottom half of the track had completely slicked-off and taken that familiar black "shine".  Moisture remained in the high groove, however and would prove to be the fastest line.  David Breazeale took advantage of his outside pole starting position and powered to win Heat Race 1 over "The Hurricane" Earl Pearson Jr and Jason Krohn.  Ricky Thornton Jr flex his muscle in Heat Race 2, as he executed a perfect slide job on Jason Rauen in the final turn of the last lap, to win.  Rauen settled for 2nd in his heat, followed by "Mr. Smooth" Billy Moyer Sr.  "The Smooth Operator" Bobby Pierce handily won Heat Race 3, over "The Sandman" Rodney Sanders and Tyler Erb.  North Dakota's Dustin Strand backed-up his USRA Modified heat race win by winning Late Model heat race 4.  Kyle Beard showed smoke on exit of turn 4, but he was able to coast across the finish line in 2nd, as Chad Mahder barely nipped Justin Kay at the line for the 3rd and final transfer spot.  Heat Race 5 provided a great battle between Brandon Overton and "The Iceman" Jimmy Mars, as they finished 1st and 2nd, respectively.  Bobby Hogge was able to hold-off a charging RC Whitwell for 3rd.  Chris Simpson won Heat Race 6 handily over Mike Marlar and Oregon's John Duty.

Arizona Speedway track crew allowed the Heat Race winners to "draw" for their main event starting positions by firing a cap gun with numbered blanks.  Essentially, the driver would spin the revolver, then fire a blank.  That blank was then identified with their numbered starting position.  Mississippi's David Breazeale continued to impress, after firing the #1 blank, signifying that he would start on pole for the 30-lap main event, while Bobby Pierce would start alongside him on the front row.

This setup 3 B-mains for the Late Models, with the top-2 finishers getting their "ticket" to the main event.  Terry Phillips easily won B-main 1 while "The Wild Child" Scott Ward held-off Arizona's Jake O'Neil and transferred to the feature.  Justin Kay sought the revenge he was after, following his heat race, as he won B-main 2 handily over Garrett Alberson.  RC Whitwell cruised to win Late Model B-main 3, punching his ticket to the main event, along with Collen Winebarger.

Track surface was dry and slicked-off following Heat Race and B-main action, with the only moisture remaining up high 

Main Events

USRA Modifieds

Arizona natives Ricky Thornton Jr & RC Whitwell shared the front row for the 25-lap Modified feature

As previously stated, Ricky Thornton Jr earned the most passing points on the evening, awarding him the luxury of starting on pole for the 25-lap, $1,000-to-win main event, with fellow Arizona native, RC Whitwell accompanying him on the front row.  Thornton Jr wasted no time, firing-off from the pole position and getting the early lead, with Whitwell in hot pursuit.  Track conditions were interesting, as the bottom of turns 1 & 2 was preferred, while it was the high side of turns 3 & 4 that was the fast line.  Thornton Jr proved why he is one of the best Dirt Modified drivers in the country, as he expertly ran the ever-changing groove and negotiated lapped traffic to perfection.  RC Whitwell had his hands full with 9th place starting Dustin Strand, who had moved-up to challenge for 2nd place.  The race was ran well, with only a few minor cautions slowing the pace.  However, a major turn of events occurred with 2 laps remaining, as 2nd place RC Whitwell slowed abruptly on the entrance of turn 3, forcing 3rd place Dustin Strand to avoid contact by spinning and bringing out another caution.  3rd place running Philip Houston also suffered a flat right front tire around the same time, shuffling the running order late in the race.  Whitwell later explained that he suddenly lost power, though the exact cause was never revealed.  This allowed 7th place starter Fito Gallardo to lineup directly behind Ricky Thornton Jr on the ensuring green-white-checkered restart, but Gallardo had nothing for the 20RT.  Ricky Thornton Jr led all 25 laps on Saturday, cruising to his first feature win of 2017 and collecting the $1,000 payday!  Fito Gallardo ran a clean race and settled for 2nd, while Shane Sabraski, Shawn Fletcher and Justin Kay rounded-out the top-5!

Ricky Thornton Jr claimed his first feature win of 2017 on Saturday, leading all 25 laps!

Fito Gallardo got his 2017 USRA season off on the "right foot" on Saturday, finishing in the runner-up spot!

Shane Sabraski "survived" the late race attrition and claimed 3rd place

Shawn Fletcher also displayed efficiency, surviving the attrition and finishing a solid 4th

Late Models

Saturday's Late Model feature offered somewhat of a "David vs. Goliath" feel, as David Breazeale started on the front row, alongside "The Smooth Operator" Bobby Pierce.  Anticipation soon turned into reality, however, as Pierce enjoyed his outside front-row starting spot, firing off to the early lead on the high-line dominant surface.  Breazeale settled into 2nd place with Chris Simpson, Brandon Overton and Ricky Thornton Jr in-tow.  Caution was displayed on lap 7, as Terry Phillips slowed.  The ensuring restart saw Bobby Pierce continue to flex his muscle, as he quickly dashed to a comfortable lead.  All the action was behind Pierce, as Simpson, Overton and Thornton Jr got the better of Breazeale.  The race was slowed only 1 additional time, when Bobby Hogge spun after being lapped.  Bobby Pierce displayed his excellent driving abilities, as he negotiated restarts and lapped traffic with relative ease.  "The Smooth Operator" was never really challenged on Saturday, as he cruised to his first victory of 2017, collecting the $5,000 payday!  Brandon Overton was able to get around Chris Simpson on the late-race restart, as they finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.  Ricky Thornton Jr backed-up his USRA Modified feature win with a 4th place finish in the Late Model, just ahead of "The Hurricane" Earl Pearson Jr, who rounded-out the top-5!

"The Smooth Operator" Bobby Pierce dominated the 30-lap Late Model feature on Saturday!

Brandon Overton ran a solid race, but had nothing for Pierce, settling for the runner-up spot on Saturday

Chris Simpson also ran a solid race and finished 3rd on Saturday

Ricky Thornton Jr backed-up his Modified win with a 4th place finish in the Late Model, on Saturday

Track conditions were good on Saturday, with the outside line proving to be dominant

Track Conditions

Overall, track conditions were good on Saturday, as the outside line was quickest.  As most fans know, there are plenty of slide jobs, when the outside line is fast, as it is basically a "race" to see who can get their right rear tire into the moisture, first.  The Arizona Speedway racing surface really "slicked-off" in the middle-to-bottom groove, but it never really took rubber, making it difficult for drivers to gain forward drive on exit of the turns.  That, coupled with several bumps in the racing surface on the exit of turn 2, made it especially interesting.  Some drivers voiced their displeasure with the bumps and that the track was "one groove" on the outside.  However, I believe the surface was very competitive and allowed for a good show!  As most fans can confirm, the racing surface typically only gets better, as the week/races continue.

Results

Late Models

1. Bobby Pierce, 2. Brandon Overton, 3. Chris Simpson, 4. Ricky Thornton Jr, 5. Earl Pearson Jr, 6. David Breazeale, 7. Jason Krohn, 8. Rodney Sanders, 9. Mike Marlar, 10. Dustin Strand, 11. Jimmy Mars, 12. Billy Moyer Sr, 13. Chad Mahder, 14. Jason Rauen, 15. Justin Kay, 16. Tyler Erb, 17. RC Whitwell, 18. Garrett Alberson, 19. Bobby Hogge, 20. Scott Ward, 21. John Duty, 22. Kyle Beard, 23. Terry Phillips, 24. Collen Winebarger

USRA Modifieds

1. Ricky Thornton Jr, 2. Fito Gallardo, 3. Shane Sabraski, 4. Shawn Fletcher, 5. Justin Kay, 6. Jay Richardson, 7. Mickey Lassiter, 8. Phil Dixon, 9. Matt Leer, 10. Bumper Jones, 11. Casey Skyberg, 12. Brad Dierks, 13. Tyler McDonald, 14. Philip Houston, 15. Jesse Hoskins, 16. Dustin Strand, 17. RC Whitwell, 18. Jake Gallardo, 19. Tripp Gaylord, 20. Johnny Scott, 21. Rich Loftus, 22. Ryan Gaylord, 23. Cody Laney, 24. David McDonald

Sunday, January 8th

Temperatures were a bit warmer in Arizona on Sunday, reaching the low-70's

Sunday offered slightly warmer weather and less cloud-cover, making it seem that the track would be drier.  However, when I arrived to the track around 12:30pm local time, I discovered that the Arizona Speedway track crew was already hard at work and it was obvious that a lot of moisture had already been applied to the surface.  I would have been nervous that the track would become dry, if it were a summer race in Arizona, but with temperatures in the low-70's, you could tell that it was going to be a beautiful, cool day in the desert!

Qualifying & Heat Races

X-Mods again led on-track festivities on Sunday, with their regularly scheduled hot lap sessions.  USRA Modifieds also held their hot lap sessions, followed by Late Models, with group qualifying utilized as their hot lap sessions.  The Late Model format was slightly different from Saturday night, as there were only 5 groups/heat races scheduled and the top-4 finishers in each heat race would earn their "ticket" to the $5,000 to win feature!  Qualifying again went-off without any incident on Sunday, as Happy, Texas native, "The Sandman" Rodney Sanders blistered the small 3/8ths-mile racing surface in 14.830 seconds, setting Quick Time overall.

Rodney Sanders was overall Quick Time on Sunday, ripping-off a 14.830 lap time!

USRA Modified heat racing action offered considerably more drama on Sunday, as there was plenty of action and bent sheet metal!  Sanders hopped out of his Late Model and into a Modified, immediately making him a favorite to win.  However, he suffered engine problems in Heat Race 1, ending his night considerably early.  Dustin Bluhm made the highlight reel in a way that no driver wants to, as he flipped during Modified Heat Race 2.  Bluhm made slight contact with another driver, entering turn 1, causing his right front wheel to "dig into" the racing surface.  This caused his car to abruptly turn sideways, pivot and complete one revolution, before landing on its wheels.  Overall, it was not hard contact, but certainly no driver ever wants to get upside down.  This would ultimately end Bluhm's night, though we are happy to report that the driver was okay!  Matt Gilbertson turned his luck around from Saturday night, as he cruised to win Heat Race 1.  Dustin Strand dominated Heat Race 2, while Matt Leer and Fito Gallardo won Heat Races 3 and 4, respectively.  South Dakota's David McDonald was "high point man" on Sunday night, earning himself the pole position for the 25-lap, $2,000 to win feature!

The track surface held considerably more moisture on Sunday, which was evident during Heat Race action.  This may seem a bit dramatic, but I believe Sunday's Heat Races may have been the best we have ever seen!  Brandon Overton narrowly held-off a charging Jimmy Mars in Heat Race 1, nipping "The Iceman" at the line by .020 seconds, with Tyler Erb and Jake O'Neil transferring behind them.  Somehow, Heat Race 2 offered an even closer finish, as Garrett Alberson was able to just sneak past "The Hurricane" Earl Pearson Jr, beating him to the line by .088 seconds!  "Mr. Smooth" Billy Moyer Sr ran a close 3rd place in Heat Race 2, as the three drivers were nearly 3-wide on several occasions.  Mike Marlar also transferred from Heat 2, finishing 4th.  "The Smooth Operator" Bobby Pierce executed a perfect slide job on "The Sandman" Rodney Sanders, giving him the victory in Heat Race 3!  Sanders held-on to finish 2nd, followed by David Breazeale and Bobby Hogge, who also transferred to the feature.  Arizona's Ricky Thornton Jr claimed his 2nd Heat Race victory of the weekend, on Sunday, as he also executed a perfect slide job on Jason Rauen, entering turn 3 of the final lap!  Rauen was forced to settle for 2nd place in the Heat Race, followed by AJ Diemel and Chad Mahder.  The 5th and final Heat Race saw Chris Simpson win over Dustin Strand, Justin Kay and Justin Duty.

Two Late Model B-mains followed Heat Racing action, allowing for 2 additional drivers to make the feature show, out of each race.  RC Whitwell dominated B-main 1, transferring into the main event, along with fellow Arizona-native, Joey Moriarty.  Jason Krohn also made easy work of his B-main, as he won handily over Terry Phillips, who also transferred into the feature!

The track surface retained moisture well on Sunday, offering multiple grooves of racing action!

Main Events

USRA Modifieds

David McDonald and Dustin Strand shared the front row for Sunday's 25-lap, $2,000 to win feature!

As previously mentioned, South Dakota's David McDonald had earned the most passing points on Sunday, allowing him to start from the pole position!  Fellow Dakota-native, Dustin Strand, of Minot, North Dakota joined McDonald on the front row.  McDonald led the first few laps of the 25-lap main event, but it became immediately apparent that Strand had the better car.  Strand is no stranger to using the topside at Arizona Speedway, letting his right rear tire find the moisture and keeping his foot in the gas!  Strand ran the high line to perfection and did not receive any challenge for the rest of the night, easily cruising to win the feature by nearly 2 seconds!  David McDonald did all he could and tried to keep pace with Strand, but he just didn't have enough.  McDonald ran a clean race and finished 2nd, followed by Matt Leer, who charged from deep in the field.  Matt Gilbertson and Shane Sabraski rounded-out the top-5 on Sunday!

North Dakota's Dustin Strand earned his first victory in Arizona on Sunday!

South Dakota's David McDonald ran a clean race, but settled for the runner-up spot on Sunday

Matt Leer charged from deep in the field on Sunday, finishing an impressive 3rd place

Late Models

Bobby Pierce and Garrett Alberson shared the front row for Sunday's $5,000 to-win feature!

Late Model heat race winners again drew for their starting positions on Sunday, as "The Smooth Operator" Bobby Pierce received the pole position.  There was an immediate sense of "you know what's coming next", after Pierce dominated the main event on Saturday night.  However, Sunday night was extremely unpredictable, as New Mexico's Garrett Alberson fired-off from the outside pole and led laps early.  Arizona's Ricky Thornton Jr saw his night end early, as he broke a left front shock while running 4th.  This caused Thornton to immediately spin around in front of the field, tagging the wall with his nose, before getting slammed-into by Jason Rauen, who had nowhere to go.  Unfortunately, this ended Thornton Jr and Rauen's nights.

What was left of Ricky Thornton Jr's Late Model, following a crash on Sunday

A fierce battle for 2nd place occurred on the ensuing restart, as Bobby Pierce and Brandon Overton exchanged slide jobs, behind Garrett Alberson.  Unfortunately, the race would be red-flagged just shy of halfway, following a multi-car crash that saw Oregon's Justin Duty get upside down.  AJ Diemel, Billy Moyer Sr, Mike Marlar and Bobby Hogge had nowhere to go, with all of them coming to stop on the racing surface.  Thankfully, all drivers were okay and some were even able to continue.

A big mess occurred on Sunday night, bringing out the red flag around halfway of the 30-lap feature

This red flag was truly the "turning point" of the race, as Brandon Overton and Bobby Pierce slipped past Garrett Alberson on the ensuing restart.  I believe something may have happened to Alberson's car during the red flag, as it clearly was not the same and he lost positions for the remainder of the night.  Overton and Pierce waged an epic battle for the race lead, exchanging slide jobs, with each appearing like they would refuse to back-down!  It was reported that one of Brandon Overton's tires "sealed-over" during the red flag, so he simply did not have enough for Bobby Pierce, on Sunday.  "The Smooth Operator" claimed his 2nd $5,000 payday of 2017, winning his 2nd feature in as many nights!  Chris Simpson and "The Iceman" Jimmy Mars were able to pass Overton before the checkered flag, as they finished 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.  Brandon Overton settled for 4th place on Sunday night, with "The Hurricane" Earl Pearson Jr rounding out the top-5!

Bobby Pierce made it 2-for-2 on Sunday, adding another $5,000 check to his collection!

Chris Simpson improved his finishing position by 1 spot on Sunday, settling for 2nd

"The Iceman" Jimmy Mars finished a solid 3rd place on Sunday night

Track conditions improved on Sunday night, as the bottom groove held moisture well

Track Conditions

Sunday's track conditions were an improvement over Saturday, as the bottom line retained moisture well, ensuring that the top-line was less dominant.  However, for the Late Models, you had to run the outside, if you were going to be fast!  Large bumps continued to plague the outside groove on Sunday, especially in turns 3 and 4, with the exit of turn 2 being slightly less-treacherous than it was on Saturday.  Overall though, the Arizona Speedway track crew did another excellent job of providing a racing surface that offered options and put-on a good show!

Results

Late Models

1. Bobby Pierce, 2. Chris Simpson, 3. Jimmy Mars, 4. Brandon Overton, 5. Earl Pearson Jr, 6. RC Whitwell, 7. David Breazeale, 8. Garrett Alberson, 9. Rodney Sanders, 10. Tyler Erb, 11. Bobby Hogge, 12. Billy Moyer Sr, 13. Chad Mahder, 14. Terry Phillips, 15. Joey Moriarty, 16. Jake O'Neil, 17. AJ Diemel, 18. Justin Duty, 19. Mike Marlar, 20. Ricky Thornton Jr, 21. Jason Rauen, 22. Justin Kay, 23. Jason Krohn, 24. Dustin Strand

USRA Modifieds

1. Dustin Strand, 2. David McDonald, 3. Matt Leer, 4. Matt Gilbertson, 5. Shane Sabraski, 6. Ricky Thornton Jr, 7. Jake Gallardo, 8. Chad Olsen, 9. Justin Kay, 10. Brad Dierks, 11. Blake Jegtvig, 12. Fito Gallardo, 13. Mickey Lassiter, 14. Tyler McDonald, 15. Jay Richardson, 16. Shawn Fletcher, 17. Cody Laney, 18. Royal Jones, 19. Philip Houston, 20. Casey Skyberg, 21. Carlos Ahumada Jr, 22. Tripp Gaylord, 23. Justin Rexwinkle, 24. RC Whitwell

Wednesday, January 11th

Wednesday's track conditions were the tackiest of the week so far, in Arizona

The Wednesday night feature of the Wild West Shootout has regularly offered some of the best finishes and most unpredictable moments.  This happens for a variety of reasons.  Usually, there is a slightly smaller car-count, as many of the "regulars" cannot race on Wednesday night, having to work the following morning.  Less cars, combined with a later start time (and cooler temperatures) leads to the track retaining more moisture.  This year's Wednesday night feature was no different, as it offered considerably different track conditions than were experienced on Saturday and Sunday, from the previous weekend.

Qualifying & Heat Races

X-Mods continued to be first group of cars to hit the racing surface on Wednesday, as they were tasked with the difficult job of packing the track surface, following heavy moisture.  USRA Modifieds followed, as usual, with Late Models being the final group to hit the track.  Wednesday, again, offered a slightly different format for the Late Models, as the cars would be split into only 4 groups and the top-5 finishers from each Heat Race would transfer into the main event.  Mike Marlar set overall Quick Time on Wednesday, negotiating the very wet and slick surface to the tune of 15.221 seconds, around the small 3/8ths-mile track!

Mike Marlar was overall Quick Time on Wednesday, running a 15.221 on the moist and tacky surface!

USRA Modified heat racing action was clean-and-green on Wednesday, as the track was hammer-down.  Speeds were high and the groove was narrow, offering limited room for passing.  "The Jet" Blake Jegtvig, Mickey Lassiter, Carlos Ahumada Jr and Dustin Strand each won Modified Heat Races on Wednesday night.  Justin Rexwinkle was "high point man" on the night, allowing him to start the 25-lap, $1,000 to-win feature from the pole!

Late Model heat racing action also offered a bit less drama and excitement on Wednesday night, than it had on the previous 2 nights of the Wild West Shootout.  "Mr. Smooth" Billy Moyer Sr cruised to win Heat Race 1, with Chris Simpson, Kyle Beard, Steve Drake and RC Whitwell transferring behind him.  Heat Race 2 saw Garrett Alberson experience mechanical issues and pull into the infield, prior to completing the full 8 laps.  Meanwhile, Dustin Strand enjoyed another Heat Race victory, followed by David Breazeale, Tyler Erb, Earl Pearson Jr and Cole Schill.  Heat Race 3 also provided a little bit of drama, as Brandon Overton suffered engine problems.  This is unfortunate, as it not only ended Overton's night early, but possibly ended his Wild West Shootout, as well.  Overton was enjoying a great amount of success in the 2017 Wild West Shootout and seemed to be a major contender to end Bobby Pierce's domination.  Terry Phillips was able to hold-off the aforementioned Pierce, narrowly winning Heat Race 3.  Tony Toste followed Phillips and Pierce, to finish 3rd, with Justin Kay and Scott Ward rounding-out the top-5.  "The Sandman" Rodney Sanders cruised to win Heat Race 4 over "The Iceman" Jimmy Mars, Mike Marlar and Jason Rauen.

Terry Phillips drew the "#1 hat" on Wednesday night, giving him the pole position for the feature!

Late Model heat race winners were asked to return to the front stretch, allowing them to "draw" for their starting positions.  Wednesday night's edition saw 4 cowboy hats lined-up on the front stretch wall, each having a number underneath it.  Terry Phillips drew the #1 hat, allowing him to start the main event from the pole position!  Rodney Sanders drew the #2 hat, while Dustin Strand and Billy Moyer Sr would start 3rd and 4th in Wednesday night's main event.  There was also one Late Model B-main on Wednesday, which Garrett Alberson charged to win over Billy Franklin, AJ Diemel and Andrew Kosiski.  All 4 drivers punched their "tickets" to the main event!

Main Events

USRA Modifieds

Justin Rexwinkle and Ryan Gaylord shared the front row on Wednesday's 25-lap, $1,000 to-win feature!

While Justin Rexwinkle and Ryan Gaylord shared the front row of Wednesday's 25-lap, $1,000 to-win, USRA Modified feature, the story was all about the 3rd place starter, Ricky Thornton Jr.  It only took Thornton Jr a couple of laps to sneak by Rexwinkle on low side, giving him the lead.  Dustin Strand followed Thornton Jr and worked his way to 2nd place around lap 10, as he seemed to close-in on the 20RT.  However, a late-race spin by 2nd place Strand, ended his hopes of winning, as it did not bring out a caution and he fell 1 lap down.  Ricky Thornton Jr never received any real threat, as he cruised to win his 2nd 25-lap, $1,000 to-win feature of 2017 and his 2nd win in 3 nights at the Wild West Shootout!  Mickey Lassiter and "The Jet" Blake Jegtvig both enjoyed really clean nights, as they finished 2nd and 3rd after winning their respective Heat Races, earlier in the night.  David McDonald backed-up his 2nd place finish on Sunday, by finishing 4th on Wednesday night, while RC Whitwell rounded-out the top-5!

Ricky Thornton Jr dominated Wednesday night's 25-lap, $1,000 feature, earning his 2nd win of 2017!

Mickey Lassiter ran a really clean race on Wednesday, finishing 2nd after winning his Heat Race

"The Jet" Blake Jegtvig also ran a clean race on Wednesday, finishing 3rd after winning his Heat Race, as well

Late Models

Terry Phillips and Rodney Sanders lead the field to green on Wednesday night!

Terry Phillips and Rodney Sanders led the field to green on Wednesday night's 30-lap, $5,000 to-win feature!  Unfortunately, the green did not stay out for long, as 3rd place starter, Dustin Strand spun entering turn 1.  "The Hurricane" Earl Pearson Jr had nowhere to go, slamming into Strand and ending his night prematurely.  Terry Phillips enjoyed an early race lead, following the complete restart that ensued.  However, Phillips did not stay up-front for long, as "The Sandman" Rodney Sanders and "Mr. Smooth" Billy Moyer Sr. both slipped-by him around lap 5.  While this was happening, Chris Simpson and "The Iceman" Jimmy Mars were waging a huge battle for 4th and Bobby Pierce was mired back in 7th.  It didn't take "Mr. Smooth" very long to gain the lead, as he slipped-past Rodney Sanders on the bottom, around lap 10!  Chad Mahder spun on lap 15, bringing-out the race's only caution at the halfway mark.  Simpson and Mars had gotten-by Sanders at that time, with Phillips, David Breazeale and Pierce following.  The ensuring restart was pivotal for "The Smooth Operator" Bobby Pierce, seeing him charge from 7th, into 4th.  Meanwhile, Simpson and Mars continued their fierce battle for 2nd place, as they ran side-by-side for many laps.  However, all the while, "Mr. Smooth" Billy Moyer Sr. continued to lead, as he pulled-away in lapped traffic.  Ultimately, no one had anything for Moyer, as he went-on to claim the $5,000 payday, marking his first feature win in Arizona since 2014!  Chris Simpson settled for 2nd place, which marked the second consecutive time he finished 2nd.  "The Smooth Operator" Bobby Pierce charged to finish 3rd on Wednesday, but he didn't quite have enough for Moyer and Simpson.  Pierce and Simpson are the only 2 Late Model drivers who have finished in the top-3 on all 3 nights and they will enter Friday as 1st and 2nd in the overall standings.  "The Iceman" Jimmy Mars settled for 4th on Wednesday, with Terry Phillips finishing 5th, after leading laps early.

"Mr. Smooth" Billy Moyer Sr won the $5,000 feature on Wednesday night, his first win in Arizona since 2014!

Chris Simpson settled for 2nd place again on Wednesday, his 3rd top-3 in all 3 nights!

Bobby Pierce charged to 3rd on Wednesday, as he is the only other driver to finish in the top-3 all 3 nights!

Track conditions were nearly perfect on Wednesday night!

Track Conditions

Arizona Speedway track conditions were nearly perfect on Wednesday night!  There was plenty of moisture early, but the surface slicked-off nicely and allowed for side-by-side racing.  For the first time in 3 nights, the high line was not the fastest, as the bottom groove proved to be quicker.  Next race is this Friday, January 13th and you expect similar track conditions for that event!

Results

Late Models

1. Billy Moyer Sr, 2. Chris Simpson, 3. Bobby Pierce, 4. Jimmy Mars, 5. Terry Phillips, 6. Kyle Beard, 7. Rodney Sanders, 8. David Breazeale, 9. Justin Kay, 10. Dustin Strand, 11. Tyler Erb, 12. Jason Rauen, 13. Tony Toste, 14. RC Whitwell, 15. Garrett Alberson, 16. Mike Marlar, 17. Scott Ward, 18. Steve Drake, 19. Billy Franklin, 20. Cole Schill, 21. Chad Mahder, 22. Andrew Kosiski, 23. AJ Diemel, 24. Earl Pearson Jr

Modifieds

1. Ricky Thornton Jr, 2. Mickey Lassiter, 3. Blake Jegtvig, 4. David McDonald, 5. RC Whitwell, 6. Justin Rexwinkle, 7. Alex Stanford, 8. Carlos Ahumada Jr, 9. Fito Gallardo, 10. Dustin Strand, 11. Scott Greer, 12. Bumper Jones, 13. Ryan Gaylord, 14. Matt Leer, 15. Jake Gallardo, 16. Rodney Sanders, 17. Matt Gilbertson, 18. Alex Guthmiller, 19. Logan Drake, 20. Cory Wier, 21. Shane Sabraski, 22. Casey Skyberg, 23. Tim Ward, 24. Phil Dixon

Key Takeaways

Overall, Arizona Speedway has offered a great place to race, so far!  For those who may have been concerned about the 6 race mini-series transferring to a different track, let us be the first to assure you that it is putting-on some exciting racing!  There certainly has been some bent sheet metal, as Arizona Speedway has narrow, high-banked corners, but nothing more than should be expected on a short track.

To the surprise of few, Bobby Pierce has been dominating!  What could be most surprising though, is that he is doing it on restarts. Very few times have I seen a driver pass 2+ cars each restart, making bold slide jobs, or slamming the cushion to perfection.  Pierce has already proven that he is the "driver to beat" in the 2017 Wild West Shootout and everyone will be gunning for him.  While Chris Simpson has not won yet, he has been equally impressive.  Simpson has two runner-up finishes in the last 2 races, after finishing 3rd on the opening night.  It appears it will be him and Pierce slugging-it-out for the overall points lead in Late Model competition.  David Breazeale has also been impressive, as he has made the feature and finished inside the top-10 all 3 nights!

Ricky Thornton Jr has been absolutely dominant in USRA Modified competition.  This is not too surprising, given Thornton's talent and combined with his experience at Arizona Speedway.  This truly is a "home game" for him, as he lives approximately :20 minutes from the track.  Dustin Strand has been Thornton's biggest competition, so look for him to continue contending for wins in Arizona!  RC Whitwell has ran competitively in his Modified, but has experienced some of the worst luck.  He broke while running inside the top-3 on the first 2 nights, before finally seeing a checkered flag on Wednesday, in 5th place.

Bottom line, it is difficult to predict exactly what will happen during the last 3 nights of the Wild West Shootout, but the "key players" have been identified.  However, the format and high level of competition make it extremely difficult to predict.  Next race is this Friday, January 13th at 7:00pm local Arizona time (9:00pm Eastern), with Saturday, January 14th and Sunday, January 15th's shows each starting at 5:00pm.  We highly recommend that you tune-in to Dirt on Dirt's live broadcast, if you cannot make it!

Overhead view of Arizona Speedway's packed pit area, during the 2017 Wild West Shootout!