Lonnie Wheatley
PEORIA, Ariz. (May 19, 2014) – Two big nights of racing action featuring the USAC Southwest Sprint Cars are set to unfold atop the 1/3-mile Canyon Speedway Park clay oval with the Third Annual Salute to Indy this Saturday and Sunday.
While the wingless forces of the USAC Southwest Sprint Cars battle it for two nights at the popular track near Phoenix, heated action is in store as well for the Challenge Cup Sprint Cars, Micro Sprints, AMA Mod Lites and the North vs. South Dwarf Car Shootout.
Racing gets under way at 7:00 p.m. on both nights.
While reigning USAC Southwest Sprint Car champion R.J. Johnson defends his Salute to Indy sweep of one year ago, there will be a variety of Memorial Day festivities accompanying the two-day tilt.
This weekend’s festivities will include an autograph challenge and party in the pit area. Additionally, a total of 1,000 American flags will be handed out courtesy of E&K of Phoenix to present a 1,000 Flag Salute to fallen soldiers.
While R.J. Johnson enters the defending race champion after topping both nights of last year’s Salute to Indy, it’s Charles Davis, Jr., entering the weekend atop the USAC Southwest Sprint Car point charts.
Davis, Jr., is just 5 points ahead of Josh Pelkey in the title chase with Shon Deskins, Johnson and Matt Rossi rounding out the current top five. The balance of the current top ten includes Andrew Reinbold, Tye Mihocko, Josh Shipley, Nick Aiuto and Mike Martin.
Johnson swept last year’s Salute to Indy after winning both previous USAC Southwest events at CSP. This year’s series winners atop the racy 1/3-mile clay oval have been Pelkey on March 29 and “Chargin’ Charles” Davis, Jr., on April 26.
Dalten Gabbard and Colby Copeland split Salute to Indy honors in the Inaugural edition that took place in 2012.
Matt Lundy raced from seventh to claim victory honors in the only previous Challenge Cup Sprint Car outing of the season thus far on April 12 while Dennis Carrier topped the most recent Micro Sprint Car feature on April 26.
Brenden Priest has been on a tear in the Mod Lite ranks by topping the most recent pair of events after taking two of three Winter Challenge wins.
Steve Kapaun enters as the weekend as the most recent winner as the Dwarf Cars are set for the North vs. South Shootout.
Tickets for this weekend’s Third Annual Salute to Indy are just $15 on both Saturday and Sunday, with a $2 discount for Military, Seniors and Students. Children ages 7-12 are $6, with children 6 and under admitted free. VIP passes are available for $20.
Hotel Information can be found at http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.
To keep up on all the latest news and happenings, sign up for Canyon Speedway E-News. The track update registration can be found at the top of the www.canyonspeedwaypark.com home page.
The entire 2014 Canyon Schedule can be previewed online at http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.
Discounted CSP season passes are also available by calling the track office. Season ticket packages can be viewed at http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.
Canyon Speedway Park is located in north Peoria, AZ, off Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles west on Carefree Highway. For more information, contact the track at 602-258-RACE (7223) or check online at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com.