By Dick Jordan
The 2014 “Freedom Tour” unfolds this week, showcasing USAC’s Southwest Sprint Car stars in four races in Oklahoma and Kansas.
Race one is Wednesday night at Lawton (Okla.) Speedway, while Thursday’s race is at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, Okla. The final two races are Friday’s event at 81 Speedway in Wichita, Kans. and Saturday’s finale at Dodge City (Kans.) Raceway Park.
All four races are considered “special events” and do not offer series points, so R.J. Johnson’s 44-point lead over Charles Davis Jr. will not be affected.
Former USAC Southwest Sprint Car champ Rick Ziehl of Las Cruces, N.M. won races last year at Wichita and Dodge City, while Danny Smith won at Sapulpa and Davis also won at Dodge City.
AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car point leader Brady Bacon of Broken Arrow, Okla. has also indicated his participation in the tour and could be a force to reckon with.
2014 USAC Southwest Sprint Car Standings: 1-R.J. Johnson-739, 2-Charles Davis Jr.-695, 3-Josh Pelkey-680, 4-Shon Deskins-607, 5-Matt Rossi-575, 6-Mike Martin-564, 7-Tye Mihocko-517, 8-Andy Reinbold-459, 9-Mike Colegrove-442. 10-Bruce St. James-436.