By Dick Jordan
R.J. Johnson of Phoenix, Ariz. vaulted into the lead in the USAC Southwest Sprint Car series points following Saturday night’s 30-lap victory at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz.
Johnson passed Charles Davis Jr. on the 17th lap of the “Canyon Clash” and led the final 14 laps in his Weiler Farms/Pecon Builders Maxim/Pro-Flyer. Bryan Swinehart took second ahead of Chris Bonneau, Nathan High and Justin Quinn.
Charles Davis Jr., who trails Johnson by 13 points in the new standings, led 10 of the first 16 laps, while Mike Martin led five.
The series resumes May 11 as it returns to Arizona Speedway in Queen Creek, Ariz. where Martin was the winner April 13.
2013 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Standings: 1-R.J. Johnson-229, 2-Charles Davis Jr.-216, 3-Ronnie Clark-207, 4-Josh Pelkey-196, 5-Bryan Swinehart-188, 6-Justin Quinn-186, 7-Mike Martin-169, 8-Tom Ogle-162, 9-Shon Deskins-156, 10-Chris Bonneau-150.