World of Outlaws

Contact: Cristina Cordova
World of Outlaws PR
704-7070236 | ccordova@dirtcar.com

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David Gravel Holds Off a Closing Rico Abreu and Promoter Brad Sweet to Claim World of Outlaws Victory at Placerville Speedway

by Gary Thomas

PLACERVILLE, CA — March 29, 2017 — Taking the lead just after the halfway point in the feature, Watertown, Connecticut’s David Gravel hung tough through multiple restarts and eventually held off a fast moving Rico Abreu to pick up his second World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series win of the season Wednesday night.

The victory at Brad Sweet’s Placerville Short Track Showdown was the first of Gravel’s career at the tight high-banked quarter-mile and came aboard the familiar CJB Motorsports/ Go Muddy No. 2 Sprinter. He now joins Donny Schatz as the second repeat winner with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series in 2017.

Gravel had taken the lead at the original start of the 40-lap race, but a yellow flag before one lap could be completed made for a complete restart. On the ensuing green flag Bixby, Oklahoma’s Shane Stewart rocketed out to the top-spot. The driver of the Larson/Marks Racing No. 2 held command over the early stages and fended off Gravel as he looked for season win number one.

Racing through heavy traffic just past the midway point, however, Stewart’s bid at victory fell through when contact with the front stretch wall left him with a reported broken shock. Gravel and Rutherford’s Rico Abreu were both able to get by prior to Stewart slowing on lap 25 to bring out a caution. Back to green, Grass Valley racer and event promoter Brad Sweet went to work on Greg Wilson for the third spot. After battling for a couple laps Sweet assumed the position and attempted to move in on the top duo.

With just six laps left Australian traveler James McFadden climbed the back stretch hill and got upside down to cause a red flag. He emerged okay but was done for the night. The green flag then waved for the final time, and Abreu committed to the bottom side of the speedway, while Gravel railed the top.

Abreu was able to get to his inside going into turn one on lap 38, but Gravel got better drive off the corner and dove to the bottom in turn three. The move broke all the momentum Abreu had built up, and that was all she wrote as Gravel took the checkered flag by 1.147 seconds.

“We haven’t really had much luck here at Placerville the last two years, so it feels fantastic to come out of here with a victory,” Gravel commented on the front stretch. “Shane Stewart set a torrid pace there at the beginning, and when he made that mistake I knew that I had to capitalize. I saw Rico poke his nose in there late in the race as well, so I moved down to run the bottom coming down for the white flag. It takes an army to win these races, and I have one heck of a team behind me. I can’t thank CJB Motorsports, Barry Jackson and this whole team enough.”

The runner up finish capped a great night for Abreu in front of his home state fans. “I really tried to be patient there at the end running the bottom, but it was really hard to judge your speed out there,” said the driver of the Abreu Vineyards No. 24 machine. “After that red flag we were really good, and even though I wanted to win, we’ll take a second with these guys. It was really an electric atmosphere tonight and a lot of fun, so I want to thank all the fans for coming out and supporting this deal.”

Sweet capped a solid run in the feature with a third place effort aboard the Kasey Kahne Racing/ NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 Sprinter. “I definitely didn’t want to see that red near the end because I felt we had really got rolling at that point. It was another good night for the 49 team though, so we’re happy. It was great to see so many people here at Placerville Speedway tonight, and I hope we put on a good show for everyone. Big thanks to my guys for all their hard work on the race car and all the people that helped put this event on.”

Greg Wilson put together an impressive night and crossed the stripe in fourth to earn his best finish of the season, while California driver Kyle Hirst tallied his first top-five of the 2017 campaign as well finishing fifth. The remainder of the top-10 was filled out by Owasso, Oklahoma’s Daryn Pittman; Wooster, Ohio’s Sheldon Haudenschild; Campbell’s Bud Kaeding; Bartlett, Tennessee’s Jason Sides and Eunice, Louisiana’s Jason Johnson. Brownsburg, Indiana’s Joey Saldana earned the KSE Hard Charger Award coming from 26th to 11th in the feature.

Current NASCAR Monster Energy Cup point leader Kyle Larson also competed during the night and was moving forward in the feature, until he clipped a spinning car. After going to the back he then got forced off the track in turn two, which ultimately ended his night.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will return to action this Friday night at the Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, CA. The following night finds the series in action at Perris Auto Speedway in Lake Perris, CA.

PLACERVILLE SPEEDWAY NOTEBOOK

RACE NOTES: David Gravel takes the lead from Shane Stewart during lap 22 and staves Rico Abreu off for the second half of the race. Brad Sweet comes in third, with World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series points leader Donny Schatz and NASCAR Monster Energy Cup points leader Kyle Larson in 12 and 24 respectively.

CONTINGENCY WINNERS - MSD Ignitions ($25 cash): Shane Stewart; MSD Ignitions ($50 cash): David Gravel; Penske Shocks ($50 cash): Greg Wilson; JE Pistons ($50 cash): Daryn Pittman; VP Racing Fuels ($50 cash): Bud Kaeding; Edelbrock ($50 cash): Jason Sides; Comp Cams ($50 cash): Jason Johnson; Cometic Gasket ($50 cash): Brent Makrs; Super Flow ($50 cash): Logan Schuchart; Craftsman Club ($100 cash each): Shane Stewart, David Gravel, Daryn Pittman, Greg Wilson, Brad Sweet; Craftsman/Sears ($100 cash): Bud Kaeding; KSE Racing Products ($100 product certificate): Joey Saldana; Comp Cams ($50 product certificate): David Gravel; JE Pistons (Set of Rings each): Paul McMahan, Shane Stewart.

SEASON WINNERS: Donny Schatz - 6 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 19, LoneStar Speedway on March 3, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 9, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 10, Thunderbowl Raceway on March 18 ); David Gravel - 2 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 17, Placerville Speedway on March 29); Jason Johnson - 1 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 17); Brad Sweet - 1 (Stockton Dirt Track on March 25).

World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Statistical Report; Placerville Speedway, CA; March 29, 2017

Feature - (40 Laps) 1. 5-David Gravel[2][$10,000]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu[5][$5,500]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet[7][$3,200]; 4. W20-Greg Wilson[6][$2,800]; 5. 83-Kyle Hirst[10][$2,500]; 6. 9-Daryn Pittman[4][$2,300]; 7. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild[11][$2,200]; 8. O-Bud Kaeding[3][$2,100]; 9. 7S-Jason Sides[9][$2,050]; 10. 41-Jason Johnson[8][$2,000]; 11. 17-Joey Saldana[26][$1,500]; 12. 15-Donny Schatz[25][$1,200]; 13. 19-Brent Marks[12][$1,100]; 14. 92-Andy Forsberg[14][$1,050]; 15. 1S-Logan Schuchart[21][$1,000]; 16. 83JR-Tim Kaeding[18][$900]; 17. 21X-Carson Macedo[22][$800]; 18. 18-Ian Madsen[20][$800]; 19. 4-Paul McMahan[19][$800]; 20. 11K-Kraig Kinser[15][$800]; 21. 51-James McFadden[23][$800]; 22. 2-Shane Stewart[1][$800]; 23. 21-Brian Brown[13][$800]; 24. 57-Kyle Larson[16][$800]; 25. 22-Shane Golobic[24][$800]; 26. 73-Brady Bacon[17][$800]; Lap Leaders: Shane Stewart 1-21, David Gravel 22-40; KSE Hard Charger Award: 17-Joey Saldana[+15]

Qualifying - 1. 5-David Gravel, 10.467; 2. 2-Shane Stewart, 10.565; 3. O-Bud Kaeding, 10.608; 4. W20-Greg Wilson, 10.682; 5. 7S-Jason Sides, 10.757; 6. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild, 10.762; 7. 73-Brady Bacon, 10.798; 8. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 10.877; 9. 21X-Carson Macedo, 10.907; 10. 4-Paul McMahan, 10.908; 11. 21-Brian Brown, 10.912; 12. 22M-Mason Moore, 10.917; 13. 31C-Justyn Cox, 10.932; 14. 68-Chase Johnson, 10.934; 15. 15-Donny Schatz, 10.952; 16. 13-Clyde Knipp, 11.166; 17. 26-Tayler Malsam, 11.178; 18. 93K-Kalib Henry, 11.188; 19. 41-Jason Johnson, 10.492; 20. 49-Brad Sweet, 10.527; 21. 24-Rico Abreu, 10.551; 22. 9-Daryn Pittman, 10.567; 23. 83JR-Tim Kaeding, 10.626; 24. 57-Kyle Larson, 10.657; 25. 92-Andy Forsberg, 10.669; 26. 19-Brent Marks, 10.684; 27. 83-Kyle Hirst, 10.692; 28. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 10.724; 29. 22-Shane Golobic, 10.734; 30. 18-Ian Madsen, 10.771; 31. 51-James McFadden, 10.772; 32. 2X-Parker Price-Miller, 10.792; 33. 29-Willie Croft, 10.803; 34. 17-Joey Saldana, 10.818; 35. 7C-Sean Becker, 10.828; 36. 1A-Jacob Allen, 10.840; 37. 3C-DJ Netto, 11.096

Heat 1 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 5-David Gravel[1] ; 2. O-Bud Kaeding[2] ; 3. 7S-Jason Sides[3] ; 4. 21-Brian Brown[6] ; 5. 73-Brady Bacon[4] ; 6. 15-Donny Schatz[8] ; 7. 31C-Justyn Cox[7] ; 8. 26-Tayler Malsam[9] ; 9. 21X-Carson Macedo[5]

Heat 2 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 2-Shane Stewart[1] ; 2. W20-Greg Wilson[2] ; 3. 93-Sheldon Haudenschild[3] ; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser[4] ; 5. 4-Paul McMahan[5] ; 6. 93K-Kalib Henry[9] ; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp[8] ; 8. 68-Chase Johnson[7] ; 9. 22M-Mason Moore[6]

Heat 3 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 41-Jason Johnson[1] ; 2. 24-Rico Abreu[2] ; 3. 83-Kyle Hirst[5] ; 4. 92-Andy Forsberg[4] ; 5. 83JR-Tim Kaeding[3] ; 6. 3C-DJ Netto[10] ; 7. 7C-Sean Becker[9] ; 8. 22-Shane Golobic[6] ; 9. 29-Willie Croft[8] ; 10. 51-James McFadden[7]

Heat 4 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 9-Daryn Pittman[2] ; 2. 49-Brad Sweet[1] ; 3. 19-Brent Marks[4] ; 4. 57-Kyle Larson[3] ; 5. 18-Ian Madsen[6] ; 6. 2X-Parker Price-Miller[7] ; 7. 17-Joey Saldana[8] ; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen[9] ; 9. 1S-Logan Schuchart[5]

Craftsman Club Dash - (8 Laps, finishing order determined first 8 starting positions of Feature) 1. 2-Shane Stewart[3] ; 2. 5-David Gravel[1] ; 3. O-Bud Kaeding[5] ; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman[4] ; 5. 24-Rico Abreu[6] ; 6. W20-Greg Wilson[7] ; 7. 49-Brad Sweet[8] ; 8. 41-Jason Johnson[2]

C-Main - (10 Laps - Top 2 finishers transfer to the Last Chance Showdown) 1. 17-Joey Saldana[2] [-]; 2. 3C-DJ Netto[7] [-]; 3. 7C-Sean Becker[4] [$150]; 4. 1A-Jacob Allen[6] [$150]; 5. 26-Tayler Malsam[3] [$150]; 6. 93K-Kalib Henry[5] [$125]; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp[1] [$125]

Last Chance Showdown - (12 Laps - Top 4 finishers transfer to the Feature) 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart[2] [-]; 2. 21X-Carson Macedo[1] [-]; 3. 51-James McFadden[6] [-]; 4. 22-Shane Golobic[4] [-]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz[9] [$300]; 6. 68-Chase Johnson[7] [$250]; 7. 22M-Mason Moore[3] [$225]; 8. 17-Joey Saldana[11] [$200]; 9. 29-Willie Croft[10] [$200]; 10. 3C-DJ Netto[12] [$200]; 11. 2X-Parker Price-Miller[8] [$200]; 12. 31C-Justyn Cox[5] [$200]

World of Outlaws

Story by Gary Thomas
Contact: Cristina Córdova
World of Outlaws PR
704-707-0236 | ccordova@dirtcar.com

California Native Rico Abreu Wins a Wild Gold Cup Race of Champions Finale at Silver Dollar Speedway

CHICO, Calif. - Sept. 10, 2016 - For the sixth time in seven years the Gold Cup Race of Champions trophy is staying in the Golden State after Rutherford, California's Rico Abreu dominated much of the feature on Saturday, before holding off a late charge from Daryn Pittman to score his first career win in the 63rd running of the prestigious event.

A wild and intense 40-lap Gold Cup finale was presented to fans on Saturday night in Chico. The victory marked Abreu's fifth career World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series triumph aboard the Abreu Vineyards No. 24 machine. It was his second win of the season to go along with his victory at the Ironman 55 in Pevely during the month of August.

"This is pretty awesome and a special feeling to win the Gold Cup," Abreu commented with a big smile after the race. "Hats off to my guys for all their hard work and for giving me a great car tonight. The track changed a lot over the course of the race and the cautions definitely fell our way. Daryn [Pittman] was fast and gave me a good run there at the end. Moving up top on those later restarts helped us win this race. I'm glad to be back home racing in California and excited we could park it tonight in Chico."

The main event started out with pole sitter and dash winner Paul McMahan of Nashville, Tennessee jumping into the lead of the race. Abreu showed his muscle early on however, by moving into second on lap-two and then claimed the top-spot on a lap five restart. Pittman battled his way forward at the same time to overtake McMahan for the runner up position on lap 12, before setting his sights on the leader. The track had widened out nicely for the main event and featured multi-groove racing throughout the field.

Pittman would challenge Abreu for the lead on lap 17, prior to a caution waving, which took the leaders out of traffic.

A number of stoppages plagued the flow of the feature, but through it all Abreu kept his composure out front. Towards the end of the race Pittman did find new life though and made a few bids at the lead, only to have the yellow flag wave on three separate occasions. Abreu wisely moved up to run the high-line on the final two restarts, giving him the chance to pull out to a large enough lead, ultimately coming out on top by just under half a second for the victory.

Dating back to 2010, he becomes the fourth different driver from California to win the Gold Cup Race of Champions.

Pittman crossed the stripe in second to cap a solid night for the Kasey Kahne Racing No. 9 team. The 2006 Gold Cup winner came close to adding a second victory at the event. The finish also moved him to third in the World of Outlaws standings and he now sits just three-points out of second.
"We kept making gains on those restarts, but the cautions just didn't fall my way tonight. Rico [Abreu] did a great job on the restarts though throughout the race so I have to congratulate him on the win. My guys gave me a great car tonight ,and I gave it my all in the feature, but just came up a little short. We've been working hard all year, and I'm just trying to keep up with these kids out here. Huge thanks to everyone with KKR for allowing me to drive this car."

Auburn, California's Andy Forsberg had a tremendous run in the main event to round out the podium at the helm of the A&A Stepping Stone No. 92 mount. The former Silver Dollar Speedway track champ pressured Pittman at one point for second, before claiming third at the finish. It marked his second career podium result at the Gold Cup.

"This is almost unreal to be up here on the podium again at the Gold Cup Race of Champions," Forsberg said. "To do this with the World of Outlaws is a big deal. I can't thank my car owners enough for letting me come out and have fun with these guys. Thanks also to the fans that came out and supported this event."

Bixby, Oklahoma's Shane Stewart earned the KSE Hard Charger Award with a fine run from 16th to fourth in the feature, while Washington driver Austen Wheatley recorded his best career World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series finish in fifth. The top-10 was rounded out by Watertown, Connecticut's David Gravel; Wooster, Ohio's Jac Haudenschild; St. Mary's NSW, Australia's Kerry Madsen; Hanover, Pennsylvania's Logan Schuchart and Hanford, California's DJ Netto.

The most serious incident during the feature occurred on lap 35 when McMahan got upside down in turn one after contact from another competitor. He emerged from the car alert, but complaining of neck pain. McMahan was then transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Paradise, California's Kyle Hirst won the night's Last chance Showdown, with British Columbia driver Robbie Price bringing home the win in the C-main. Four 10-lap heat races were held during the night and claimed by Rico Abreu, Brad Sweet, Paul McMahan and Austen Wheatley. Sweet's night would come to a premature end when he lost a motor while battling in the top-five during the feature. Abreu started out the night by setting fast time with a blistering lap of 11.150 around the quarter-mile.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will return to action this coming Wednesday night at the El Paso County Raceway in Calhan, Colorado.

Silver Dollar Speedway Notebook - Gold Cup Race of Champions, Night Two

RACE NOTES:
California native Rico Abreu added his name to the list of Gold Cup Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway Saturday night after a long, collision-filled race. Daryn Pittman, all over Abreu for much of the 40-lap feature, finished second, bringing him back up to third in points standings. Local driver Andy Forsberg finished third.

CONTINGENCY WINNERS: MSD Ignitions ($25 cash): Bud Kaeding; MSD Ignitions ($50 cash): Daryn Pittman; Penske Shocks ($50 cash): Donny Schatz; JE Pistons ($50 cash): Logan Schuchart; VP Racing Fuels ($50 cash): Logan Schuchart; Edelbrock ($50 cash): Logan Schuchart; Comp Cams ($50 cash): Joey Saldana; Morton Buildings ($50 cash): Joey Saldana; Cometic Gasket ($50 cash): Kalib Henry; Super Flow ($50 cash): Jason Sides, Justyn Cox; Craftsman Club Fast Five ($100 cash): Paul McMahan, Daryn Pittman, Brad Sweet, Jacob Allen; Craftsman/Sears: Austen Wheatley; KSE Hard Charger: Shane Stewart; Comp Cams ($50 product certificate): Daryn Pittman; JE Pistons (Set of Rings): Paul McMahan; JE Pistons (Set of Rings): Brad Sweet.

SEASON WINNERS: Donny Schatz - 21 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 14, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 4, Stockton Dirt Track on March 18, Stockton Dirt Track on March 19, Silver Dollar Speedway on April 2, Lincoln Speedway on May 19, Weedsport Speedway on May 22, Lincoln Park Speedway on June 8, Knoxville Raceway on June 11, River Cities Speedway on June 17, Rockford Speedway on June 29, Badlands Motor Speedway on July 3, Cedar Lake Speedway on July 9, Attica Raceway Park on July 12, Eldora Speedway on July 16, Ohsweken Speedway on July 26, Junction Motor Speedway on August 16, Angell Park Speedway on August 21, River Cities Speedway on August 26, Nodak Speedway on August 28, Willamette Speedway on September 7); David Gravel - 9 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 12, Tri-State Speedway on May 14, I-96 Speedway on June 6, Eldora Speedway on July 14, Lernerville Speedway on July 19, Wilmot Raceway on July 30, Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on Aug. 5, Skagit Speedway on Sept 2 and 3); Daryn Pittman - 7 (Royal Purple Raceway on Feb. 27, Perris Auto Speedway on April 16, USA Raceway on April 18, New Egypt Speedway on May 24, Jackson Motorplex on June 24, Eldora Speedway on July 15, Williams Grove Speedway on July 22); Brad Sweet - 7 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 13, Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 14, Cotton Bowl Speedway on Feb. 26, Ocean Speedway on April 1, Bakersfield Speedway on April 15, Plymouth Speedway on May 13, Badlands Motor Speedway on July 2); Shane Stewart - 6 (Arizona Speedway on March 6, Devil's Bowl Speedway on April 23, Lawrenceburg Speedway on May 30, Granite City Speedway on June 15, Brown County Speedway on June 19, Silver Dollar Speedway on September 9); Joey Saldana - 4 (The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 3, Devil's Bowl Speedway on April 22, Jacksonville Speedway on May 4, I-80 Speedway on June 22); Lance Dewease - 2 (Williams Grove Speedway on May 20, Williams Grove Speedway on July 23); Kerry Madsen - 2 (Eldora Speedway on May 6 and 7); Rico Abreu - 2 (Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on Aug. 6, Silver Dollar Speedway on September 10); Bill Balog - 1 (Beaver Dam Raceway on June 25); Chad Kemenah - 1 (Fremont Speedway on June 3); Jason Johnson - 2 (Placerville Speedway on March 24, Knoxville Nationals on August 13);Terry McCarl - 1 (Knoxville Raceway on June 10); Logan Schuchart - 1 (Cedar Lake Speedway on July 9); Jason Sides - 1 (I-30 Speedway on April 26); Greg Wilson - 1 (The Dirt Track at Charlotte on May 27).

World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series Statistical Report; Silver Dollar Speedway, Calif.; Sept 10, 2016

Feature - (40 Laps) - 1. 24-Rico Abreu [4] [$12,000]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [3] [$5,700]; 3. 92-Andy Forsberg [6] [$3,500]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [16] [$3,000]; 5. 44W-Austen Wheatley [2] [$2,600]; 6. 5-David Gravel [10] [$2,400]; 7. 57-Jac Haudenschild [9] [$2,300]; 8. 83JR-Kerry Madsen [15] [$2,200]; 9. 1S-Logan Schuchart [11] [$2,150]; 10. 3C-DJ Netto [20] [$2,100]; 11. 83-Joey Saldana [19] [$1,600]; 12. M21-Kalib Henry [22] [$1,350]; 13. 29-Willie Croft [7] [$1,300]; 14. 31BC-Justyn Cox [12] [$1,200]; 15. 7S-Jason Sides [13] [$1,100]; 16. OO-Cory Eliason [24] [$1,000]; 17. 77-Kyle Hirst [21] [$900]; 18. 15-Donny Schatz [17] [$850]; 19. 7-Paul McMahan [1] [$800]; 20. 49-Brad Sweet [5] [$800]; 21. 41-Jason Johnson [14] [$800]; 22. OOX-Jason Statler [18] [$800]; 23. 1A-Jacob Allen [8] [$800]; 24. O-Bud Kaeding [23] [$800];

Lap Leaders: Paul McMahan 1-5, Rico Abreu 6-40;
KSE Hard Charger Award: 2-Shane Stewart [+12]

Qualifying - 1. 24-Rico Abreu, 11.150; 2. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.393; 3. 77-Kyle Hirst, 11.467; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.477; 5. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.486; 6. 92-Andy Forsberg, 11.487; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 11.495; 8. 44W-Austen Wheatley, 11.504; 9. 57-Jac Haudenschild, 11.578; 10. 5-David Gravel, 11.579; 11. 7-Paul McMahan, 11.635; 12. 3C-DJ Netto, 11.648; 13. M21-Kalib Henry, 11.676; 14. OO-Cory Eliason, 11.683; 15. 83JR-Kerry Madsen, 11.688; 16. O-Bud Kaeding, 11.689; 17. 7S-Jason Sides, 11.729; 18. 41-Jason Johnson, 11.741; 19. 29-Willie Croft, 11.749; 20. 2-Shane Stewart, 11.780; 21. 15-Donny Schatz, 11.822; 22. 13-Clyde Knipp, 11.842; 23. 83-Joey Saldana, 11.853; 24. 31BC-Justyn Cox, 11.880; 25. 41X-Dominic Scelzi, 11.893; 26. 11AU-Toby Bell Bowen, 11.952; 27. 12C-Brian Mcgahan, 11.998; 28. 75-Sean Becker, 12.001; 29. 22-Shane Golobic, 12.016; 30. OOX-Jason Statler, 12.025; 31. 19-Chase Majdic, 12.034; 32. 21-Robbie Price, 12.140; 33. 12-Jarrett Soares, 12.152; 34. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.188; 35. 1H-Billy Wallace, 12.348; 36. 98-Sean Watts, 12.569; 37. 22A-Cori Andrews, 13.444

Heat 1 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 24-Rico Abreu [1]; 2. 1A-Jacob Allen [2]; 3. 57-Jac Haudenschild [3]; 4. 7S-Jason Sides [5]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz [6]; 6. M21-Kalib Henry [4]; 7. 22-Shane Golobic [8]; 8. 12-Jarrett Soares [9]; 9. 22A-Cori Andrews [10]; 10. 41X-Dominic Scelzi [7]

Heat 2 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 92-Andy Forsberg [2]; 3. 5-David Gravel [3]; 4. 41-Jason Johnson [5]; 5. OOX-Jason Statler [8]; 6. 13-Clyde Knipp [6]; 7. W20-Greg Wilson [9]; 8. OO-Cory Eliason [4]; 9. 11AU-Toby Bell Bowen [7]

Heat 3 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 7-Paul McMahan [3]; 2. 29-Willie Croft [5]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 4. 83JR-Kerry Madsen [4]; 5. 83-Joey Saldana [6]; 6. 77-Kyle Hirst [1]; 7. 19-Chase Majdic [8]; 8. 1H-Billy Wallace [9]; 9. 12C-Brian Mcgahan [7]

Heat 4 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 44W-Austen Wheatley [2]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [1]; 3. 31BC-Justyn Cox [6]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [5]; 5. 3C-DJ Netto [3]; 6. 21-Robbie Price [8]; 7. 75-Sean Becker [7]; 8. O-Bud Kaeding [4]; 9. 98-Sean Watts [9]

Craftsman Club Dash - (8 Laps, finishing order determined first 8 starting positions of A-feature) - 1. 7-Paul McMahan [2]; 2. 44W-Austen Wheatley [1]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [8]; 4. 24-Rico Abreu [4]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [3]; 6. 92-Andy Forsberg [6]; 7. 29-Willie Croft [7]; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen [5]

C-Main - (10 Laps - Top 2 finishers transfer to the Last Chance Showdown) - 1. 21-Robbie Price [1] [-]; 2. 12-Jarrett Soares [2] [-]; 3. W20-Greg Wilson [3] [$150]; 4. 1H-Billy Wallace [4] [$150]; 5. 22A-Cori Andrews [6] [$150]; 6. 98-Sean Watts [5] [$125]; 7. 41X-Dominic Scelzi [7] [$125]

Last Chance Showdown - (12 Laps - Top 4 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 77-Kyle Hirst [1] [-]; 2. M21-Kalib Henry [2] [-]; 3. O-Bud Kaeding [4] [-]; 4. OO-Cory Eliason [3] [-]; 5. 22-Shane Golobic [9] [$300]; 6. 13-Clyde Knipp [5] [$250]; 7. 75-Sean Becker [8] [$225]; 8. 21-Robbie Price [11] [$200]; 9. 19-Chase Majdic [10] [$200]; 10. 12C-Brian Mcgahan [7] [$200]; 11. 11AU-Toby Bell Bowen [6] [$200]; 12. 12-Jarrett Soares [12] [$200]

World of Outlaws

Story by Gary Thomas
Contact: Cristina Córdova
World of Outlaws PR
704-707-0236 | ccordova@dirtcar.com

Bixby, Oklahoma's Shane Stewart Kicks Off Gold Cup Race of Champions in Victory Lane at Silver Dollar Speedway

CHICO, Calif. - Sept. 9, 2016 - Putting a recent string of bad luck behind him Bixby, Oklahoma's Shane Stewart proceeded to score an emphatic victory on opening night of the World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series sanctioned Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway on Friday.

Stewart has shown immense speed during the Western Swing, and it paid off with his sixth victory of the 2016 season aboard the Larson Marks Racing No. 2 machine. It was also the second straight season he opened the Gold Cup Race of Champions in victory lane.

"This has always been one of those events that I've wanted to win, so hopefully we can come back tomorrow and do the same," Stewart commented following the race. "We've had some tough luck, but have gained a lot of speed lately, which has given me a lot of confidence. These races are so hard to win with the competition that it's always a big deal when you can do it. My guys have worked really hard so I can't thank them enough. We got through traffic pretty well in the main event, and the cautions fell our way. We'll now try and do it again tomorrow."

Stewart took the lead from Brownsburg, Indiana's Joey Saldana on lap 11 in traffic and led the remaining distance without worries, except for one slight moment with a couple laps left when he got over the back stretch. It allowed Saldana to close, but Stewart was able to hang on and take the checkered flag by 0.680 seconds.

Saldana himself was locked in a closely fought battle with Wooster, Ohio's Jac Haudenschild. The two former Gold Cup champions ran closely together the final half of the race, which ended with Saldana claiming second at the stripe.

Saldana had taken the lead at the waving of the green flag over pole sitter Mason Moore of Princeton, California. "My guys worked really hard tonight and it's nice to be back up here on the front stretch," said the driver of the Roth Motorsports No. 83 mount.

"Having a shot to win is all you can ask for and we were right there tonight. Shane [Stewart] did a good job in traffic and he had some really nice restarts. We'll come back tomorrow and try to get one spot better."

Haudenschild came home in third to continue what has been a solid week driving for California car owner Paul Silva. He hounded Saldana's rear bumper for a number of laps, but couldn't quite find a way by.

"Paul Silva gave me a great car again, so I want to give him a huge thanks. It's nice to be back at the Gold Cup. I've always loved coming here to Chico over the years. It would mean a lot if we can get another one tomorrow."

Owasso, Oklahoma's Daryn Pittman claimed a fourth place finish for the second race in a row, with Fargo North, Dakota's Donny Schatz rounding out the top-five. The remainder of the top-10 was completed by Grass Valley, California's Brad Sweet; Fremont, California's Shane Golobic; St. Mary's NSW, Australia's Kerry Madsen; Eunice, Louisiana's Jason Johnson and Watertown, Connecticut's David Gravel.

One red flag period occurred during the feature when a multi-car pileup was seen in turn three on lap 12. Rutherford, California's Rico Abreu and Nashville, Tennessee's Paul McMahan both got upside down during the melee, but were okay. Also involved were Jacob Allen, Logan Schuchart, Kyle Hirst and Jason Johnson.

As noted, Mason Moore won the Craftsman Club® Dash, while Hanford, California's DJ Netto captured the C-main and Clarksburg, California's Justyn Cox claimed the Last Chance Showdown. Four 10-lap heat races were held during the night, with victories going to Joey Saldana, Mason Moore, Jac Haudenschild and Shane Stewart.

With 38 cars signing in for opening night of the Gold Cup, split qualifying was used. Daryn Pittman set fast time in the opening group, while Rico Abreu set fast time in group two. Abreu's lap of 11.652 was the overall quick time for the night.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will return to action tomorrow night for the finale of the 63rd annual Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico.
Silver Dollar Speedway Notebook

RACE NOTES: Shane Stewart scored his sixth win of the season on the first night of the Gold Cup Race of Champions at the Silver Dollar Speedway. The battle with Joey Saldana was on from the getgo, with Stewart taking the lead on lap 11 and holding it for the remaining 19 laps with numerous cautions throughout. "Wild Child" Jac Haudenschild takes third.

CONTINGENCY WINNERS: MSD Ignitions ($25 cash): Paul McMahan; MSD Ignitions ($50 cash): Shane Stewart; Penske Shocks ($50 cash): Donny Schatz; JE Pistons ($50 cash): Brad Sweet; VP Racing Fuels ($50 cash): Jason Johnson; Edelbrock ($50 cash): Jason Johnson; Comp Cams ($50 cash): David Gravel; Morton Buildings ($50 cash): Dominic Scelzi; Cometic Gasket ($50 cash): Bud Kaeding; Super Flow ($50 cash): Jason Sides; Craftsman Club Fast Five ($100 cash): Joey Saldana, Shane Stewart, Daryn Pittman, Brad Sweet, David Gravel; Craftsman/Sears: Mason Moore; KSE Hard Charger: Jason Johnson; Comp Cams ($50 product certificate): Shane Stewart; JE Pistons (Set of Rings): Logan Schuchart; JE Pistons (Set of Rings): Paul McMahan.

SEASON WINNERS: Donny Schatz - 21 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 14, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 4, Stockton Dirt Track on March 18, Stockton Dirt Track on March 19, Silver Dollar Speedway on April 2, Lincoln Speedway on May 19, Weedsport Speedway on May 22, Lincoln Park Speedway on June 8, Knoxville Raceway on June 11, River Cities Speedway on June 17, Rockford Speedway on June 29, Badlands Motor Speedway on July 3, Cedar Lake Speedway on July 9, Attica Raceway Park on July 12, Eldora Speedway on July 16, Ohsweken Speedway on July 26, Junction Motor Speedway on August 16, Angell Park Speedway on August 21, River Cities Speedway on August 26, Nodak Speedway on August 28, Willamette Speedway on September 7); David Gravel - 9 (Thunderbowl Raceway on March 12, Tri-State Speedway on May 14, I-96 Speedway on June 6, Eldora Speedway on July 14, Lernerville Speedway on July 19, Wilmot Raceway on July 30, Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on Aug. 5, Skagit Speedway on Sept 2 and 3); Daryn Pittman - 7 (Royal Purple Raceway on Feb. 27, Perris Auto Speedway on April 16, USA Raceway on April 18, New Egypt Speedway on May 24, Jackson Motorplex on June 24, Eldora Speedway on July 15, Williams Grove Speedway on July 22); Brad Sweet - 7 (Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 13, Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 14, Cotton Bowl Speedway on Feb. 26, Ocean Speedway on April 1, Bakersfield Speedway on April 15, Plymouth Speedway on May 13, Badlands Motor Speedway on July 2); Shane Stewart - 6 (Arizona Speedway on March 6, Devil's Bowl Speedway on April 23, Lawrenceburg Speedway on May 30, Granite City Speedway on June 15, Brown County Speedway on June 19, Silver Dollar Speedway on September 9); Joey Saldana - 4 (The Dirt Track at Las Vegas on March 3, Devil's Bowl Speedway on April 22, Jacksonville Speedway on May 4, I-80 Speedway on June 22); Lance Dewease - 2 (Williams Grove Speedway on May 20, Williams Grove Speedway on July 23); Kerry Madsen - 2 (Eldora Speedway on May 6 and 7); Rico Abreu - 1(Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on Aug. 6); Bill Balog - 1 (Beaver Dam Raceway on June 25); Chad Kemenah - 1 (Fremont Speedway on June 3); Jason Johnson - 2 (Placerville Speedway on March 24, Knoxville Nationals on August 13);Terry McCarl - 1 (Knoxville Raceway on June 10); Logan Schuchart - 1 (Cedar Lake Speedway on July 9); Jason Sides - 1 (I-30 Speedway on April 26); Greg Wilson - 1 (The Dirt Track at Charlotte on May 27).

World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series Statistical Report; Silver Dollar Speedway, Calif.; Sept 9, 2016

Feature - (30 Laps) - 1. 2-Shane Stewart [4] [$8,000]; 2. 83-Joey Saldana [2] [$4,000]; 3. 57-Jac Haudenschild [3] [$2,500]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [5] [$2,200]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz [9] [$2,100]; 6. 49-Brad Sweet [6] [$2,000]; 7. 22-Shane Golobic [10] [$1,800]; 8. 83JR-Kerry Madsen [12] [$1,600]; 9. 41-Jason Johnson [24] [$1,500]; 10. 5-David Gravel [8] [$1,300]; 11. 41X-Dominic Scelzi [11] [$1,200]; 12. OO-Cory Eliason [13] [$1,100]; 13. O-Bud Kaeding [17] [$1,000]; 14. 7S-Jason Sides [23] [$700]; 15. 92-Andy Forsberg [15] [$600]; 16. 1S-Logan Schuchart [22] [$600]; 17. 31BC-Justyn Cox [21] [$600]; 18. 22M-Mason Moore [1] [$600]; 19. M21-Kalib Henry [20] [$600]; 20. 1A-Jacob Allen [19] [$600]; 21. 24-Rico Abreu [7] [$600]; 22. 77-Kyle Hirst [14] [$600]; 23. 7-Paul McMahan [18] [$600]; 24. 29-Willie Croft [16] [$600].

Lap Leaders: Joey Saldana 1-11, Shane Stewart 12-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 41-Jason Johnson [+15].

Qualifying - 1. 24-Rico Abreu, 11.652; 2. 2-Shane Stewart, 11.699; 3. 57-Jac Haudenschild, 11.826; 4. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.885; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.928; 6. 22M-Mason Moore, 11.956; 7. 83-Joey Saldana, 11.968; 8. 77-Kyle Hirst, 12.012; 9. 5-David Gravel, 12.016; 10. 29-Willie Croft, 12.023; 11. 22-Shane Golobic, 12.056; 12-13. 83JR-Kerry Madsen and OO-Cory Eliason, 12.084; 14-15. 31BC-Justyn Cox and 7-Paul McMahan, 12.088; 16. M21-Kalib Henry, 12.099; 17. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.101; 18. 1A-Jacob Allen, 12.106; 19. 44W-Austen Wheatley, 12.114; 20. 21-Robbie Price, 12.131; 21. 92-Andy Forsberg, 12.132; 22-23. O-Bud Kaeding and 1S-Logan Schuchart, 12.141; 24. 11AU-Toby Bell Bowen, 12.142; 25. 41X-Dominic Scelzi, 12.188; 26. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.215; 27. 75-Sean Becker, 12.222; 28. 19-Chase Majdic, 12.255; 29. 41-Jason Johnson, 12.268; 30. 12-Jarrett Soares, 12.296; 31. 3C-DJ Netto, 12.318; 32. 98-Sean Watts, 12.406; 33. OOX-Jason Statler, 12.591; 34. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.645; 35. 1H-Billy Wallace, 12.740; 36. 12C-Brian Mcgahan, 12.824; 37. 22A-Cori Andrews, 13.256; 38. 13-Clyde Knipp, 13.432

Heat 1 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 83-Joey Saldana [2]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [1]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 4. OO-Cory Eliason [3]; 5. O-Bud Kaeding [6]; 6. 44W-Austen Wheatley [5]; 7. 7S-Jason Sides [7]; 8. 41-Jason Johnson [8]; 9. OOX-Jason Statler [9]; 10. 22A-Cori Andrews [10]

Heat 2 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 22M-Mason Moore [1]; 2. 5-David Gravel [2]; 3. 41X-Dominic Scelzi [6]; 4. 92-Andy Forsberg [5]; 5. 1A-Jacob Allen [4]; 6. 19-Chase Majdic [7]; 7. 98-Sean Watts [8]; 8. 12C-Brian Mcgahan [9]; 9. 31BC-Justyn Cox [3]

Heat 3 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 57-Jac Haudenschild [2]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu [1]; 3. 22-Shane Golobic [4]; 4. 77-Kyle Hirst [3]; 5. 7-Paul McMahan [5]; 6. 21-Robbie Price [6]; 7. 11AU-Toby Bell Bowen [7]; 8. 13-Clyde Knipp [10]; 9. W20-Greg Wilson [9]; 10. 12-Jarrett Soares [8]

Heat 4 - (10 Laps - Top 5 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 2-Shane Stewart [1]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 3. 83JR-Kerry Madsen [4]; 4. 29-Willie Croft [3]; 5. M21-Kalib Henry [5]; 6. 3C-DJ Netto [8]; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart [6]; 8. 75-Sean Becker [7]; 9. 1H-Billy Wallace [9]

Craftsman Club Dash - (6 Laps, finishing order determined first 8 starting positions of A-feature) - 1. 22M-Mason Moore [3]; 2. 83-Joey Saldana [1]; 3. 57-Jac Haudenschild [2]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [4]; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman [5]; 6. 49-Brad Sweet [8]; 7. 24-Rico Abreu [6]; 8. 5-David Gravel [7]

C-Main - (10 Laps - Top 2 finishers transfer to the Last Chance Showdown) - 1. 3C-DJ Netto [2] [-]; 2. 98-Sean Watts [1] [-]; 3. W20-Greg Wilson [4] [$150]; 4. OOX-Jason Statler [3] [$150]; 5. 12C-Brian Mcgahan [5] [$150]; 6. 22A-Cori Andrews [7] [$125]; 7. 13-Clyde Knipp [8] [$125]; 8. 1H-Billy Wallace [6] [$125]

Last Chance Showdown - (12 Laps - Top 4 finishers transfer to the A-feature) - 1. 31BC-Justyn Cox [1] [-]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [4] [-]; 3. 7S-Jason Sides [5] [-]; 4. 41-Jason Johnson [9] [-]; 5. 21-Robbie Price [2] [$300]; 6. 3C-DJ Netto [11] [$250]; 7. 19-Chase Majdic [7] [$225]; 8. 75-Sean Becker [8] [$200]; 9. 12-Jarrett Soares [10] [$200]; 10. 98-Sean Watts [12] [$200]; 11. 11AU-Toby Bell Bowen [6] [$200]; 12. 44W-Austen Wheatley [3] [$200]