By Tony Veneziano
SAUK RAPIDS, Minn. — June 7, 2016 — The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series returns to Granite City Speedway in Sauk Rapids, Minn., for the second consecutive year on Tuesday, June 14, in an event presented by Marthaler Chevrolet of Glennwood. A full night of racing is on tap and a solid field of cars is expected for what is one of only two visits all season to the state of Minnesota for the series.
Leading the way this season is Brad Sweet, who has won five races and sits atop the point standings, as he chases his first title and the second for Kasey Kahne Racing, for whom he drives. Sweet is followed by seven-time and defending series champion Donny Schatz, who won the inaugural World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series event at Granite City Speedway last year. Schatz has won five races as well this year and is currently second in points. Shane Stewart, who finished second at Granite City Speedway in 2015, sits third in the standings, followed by Daryn Pittman and Joey Saldana.
Also in action will be David Gravel who is sixth in points and has won three races thus far in 2016. Jason Johnson, who has one victory thus far this season, holds down the seventh spot in points. Jason Sides, who sits eighth in the standings, also has a win this season. Logan Schuchart is currently ninth in the standings, with Paul McMahan rounding out the top-10. Greg Wilson, the leading contender for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award this season, is also slated for action as well as young driver Jacob Allen from Pennsylvania.
In the series debut at Granite City Speedway last year, Schatz, took the lead with just three laps remaining in the 30-lap main event from Shane Stewart to pick up the win. Danny Lasoski, the 2001 World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series champion, led the first 26 laps and ended up third. Joey Saldana crossed the line fourth with Logan Schuchart rounding out the top-five.
The night began with three-time World of Outlaws champion and Hall of Famer, Sammy Swindell, setting a new track record in time trials, as he circles the three-eights-mile in 10.720-seconds. A total of six drivers were in the 10-second bracket in time trials.
Along with the full-time World of Outlaws competitors, the event last year drew a handful of National Sprint League drivers including Lasoski, Tim Kaeding, Bill Balog, Davey Heskin and Brooke Tatnell. A pair of NOSA (Northern Outlaw Sprint Association) drivers, Jordan Adams and Mitch Mack also made the tow from North Dakota.
Tickets for the Craftsman World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series presented by Marthaler Chevrolet at Granite City Speedway on Tuesday, June 14 can be purchased online at https://slspromotions.ticketforce.com or by phone at 815-344-2023. The ticket booth will open at the track on race day at 3 p.m.
For more information on tickets, visit http://slspromotions.ticketforce.com.
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