By Tony Veneziano
JACKSON, Minn. — June 15, 2016 — Quite a bit has changed since the last time the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series raced in Jackson, Minnesota in 2014. First and foremost was the re-naming of the venue to the Jackson Motorplex. Numerous upgrades to the facility have been made, including the installation of brand new bleachers. The half-mile surface has also been re-worked.
The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series returns to the historic track in Southern Minnesota on Friday, June 24 for Mayhem at the Motorplex, a co-sanctioned event with National Sprint League, presented by Billion Ford.
Joey Saldana was victorious over seven-time and defending series champion Donny Schatz in the series last visit to the half-mile a couple of years ago. Schatz does have a pair of wins with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series at Jackson Motorplex in his career, which makes him one of only two drivers with multiple wins with the series at the venue, along with 20-time series champion Steve Kinser.
The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series made their debut at the then-Jackson Speedway in 1987, with Bobby Davis Jr. picking up the win. In 1988, three-time series champion, Sammy Swindell, and Kinser, split a pair of features at the half-time.
In 2004, Kinser picked up his second-career win at the track. Daryn Pittman, who claimed the 2013 World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series championship, won at Jackson in 2005. Schatz picked up his first victory at the track in 2006 and scored a second win in 2013. Kinser was triumphant at the half-mile in 2010 for the third time in his career, which is the most of any driver with the series at the track.
Leading the way this year is Schatz, who sits atop the series standings with nine wins for his Tony Stewart Racing team. Brad Sweet, who has six wins, is currently second in points, with his Kasey Kahne Racing teammate Pittman third in points. Shane Stewart is currently fourth in points on the strength of three wins, while David Gravel is fifth and also has three victories.
Also on tour this season with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series is Saldana, who is sixth in points, Jason Johnson, who sits seventh, Jason Sides in eighth, Logan Schuchart in ninth and Paul McMahan, who rounds out the top-10. Greg Wilson and Clyde Knipp are contending for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award. Wilson raced with the Outlaws at Jackson in 2006. Second-generation driver Jacob Allen, the son of Hall of Famer Bobby Allen, is back for his third year with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series as well.
Tickets for Mayhem at the Motorplex, presented by Billion Ford, featuring the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series and National Sprint League at the Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, Minnesota, on Friday, June 24 and can be purchased online at slspromotions.ticketforce.com or at the track on race day.
Discount General Admission tickets are also available for purchase at O’Reilly Auto Parts stores. Each General Admission ticket purchased at an O’Reilly Auto Parts location will feature a special $5 discount. Tickets buyers will exchange their O’Reilly receipt for tickets at the Main Grandstand ticket booth on race day.
For more information on tickets, visit slspromotions.ticketforce.com.
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