From the World of Outlaws
CHICO, Calif. – March 8, 2011 – After two electrifying nights in Las Vegas, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series makes its way to California for a month of exciting racing in the Golden State.
“There’s a ton of different tracks out west and Chico (Silver Dollar Speedway) has to be one of the most unique,” said Joey Saldana, driver of the Kasey Kahne Racing Red Bull Maxim.
Saldana registered his first victory of the season during the World of Outlaws Las Vegas Nationals Presented By J.D. Byrider at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Saldana is no stranger to Victory Lane at Silver Dollar Speedway, having picked up three victories on the high-banked, quarter-mile oval, the most recent coming in March 2009.
(Click here for a full recap from Las Vegas in the latest edition of ‘Outlaws Unleashed’, the all new World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series podcast)
Saldana almost swept the Las Vegas doubleheader, but Steve Kinser is having an incredible start to the year and held off Saldana’s last lap bid for back-to-back checkered flags. Kinser is riding a huge wave of momentum in his Tony Stewart Racing Bass Pro Shops/J.D. Byrider/Chevrolet after picking up his fourth victory in the seven races.
“This is probably the best start to a season I have ever had,” Kinser said after earning the 565th A-main victory of his career Thursday night. “Chico is a bit of a bull ring so it will be a challenge, but it seems like every time we’ve unloaded this year, the car has been on a rail.”
The Mini Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway kicks off the exciting month of action in the Golden State for the Outlaws. Drivers and teams will use the race to prepare for a return visit to the legendary track in September for the $50,000-to-win Gold Cup Race of Champions. Sammy Swindell, who already has a win this season, scored a victory at the track last fall along with fellow World of Outlaws champions Donny Schatz and Jason Meyers. The Gold Cup is one of the most prestigious events on the World of Outlaws tour each year and will once again be one of the key events on the road to the World of Outlaws World Finals at the Dirt Track at Charlotte in November.
“What we learn on this West Coast swing could be the difference on whether we win the championship or not,” Saldana said.
Can Kinser keep the rest of the Outlaws in his rearview mirror at Silver Dollar Speedway? Will Meyers, the California native, be able to defend his home turf? Or can Saldana, Schatz or another driver claim the checkersTickets for the Mini Gold Cup are available now by calling the World Racing Group Box Office at 877-395-8606 or by going to www.WorldofOutlaws.com/tickets. Adult reserved tickets are $45 and include a FREE fan pit pass when purchased by Friday, March 11. Adult general admission seating is $39. Kids general admission (12 and under) is $19.