From Dick Jordan
This week’s 8th Annual “Copper on Dirt” showcases the AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars on the exciting 3/8-mile dirt USA Raceway in Tucson, Ariz.
The “Southwest Center of Speed” hosts the second and third rounds of the 2015 series, with races both Friday and Saturday nights. Up for grabs will be the point lead as the 2015 series gets into full swing.
Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia, Calif. holds a six-point lead over five-time champion Mike Spencer as a result of his victory at Perris (Calif.) Auto Speedway March 7. The win was only Vander Weerd’s second in USAC/CRA competition, compared with Spencer’s 35, who is tied with Cory Kruseman for second in the all-time listing.
Three-time defending USAC/CRA champion Damion Gardner stands atop the all-time winners list with 57 total wins as he tries for a third consecutive title. Gardner won last year’s “Copper on Dirt” prelim, while the scheduled main event at Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Ariz. was rained out.
The races are the first for USAC Sprint cars at USA Raceway since Levi Jones’ victory in 2010. Former “Copper on Dirt” Sprint champions in Arizona include R.J. Johnson (2013 in Peoria), Shane Stewart (2011 in Tucson), Levi Jones (2010 in Tucson), Darren Hagen (2009 in Phoenix), Shane Cottle (2008 in Phoenix) and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2007 in Phoenix).