TUCSON, Ariz. (January 4)- After a season that most racers can only dream of, the Martinsville Indiana veteran late model pilot known as the “The Real Deal” is set to kick off the 2012 season in Tucson Arizona at USA Raceway! The #71 team who of course is led by driver Don O’Neal is coming off a 2011 campaign filled with extreme highs and remarkable accomplishments.
O’Neal struck gold more than a few times in 2011 including winning the Dirt Track World Championship at Atomic Speedway for $40k, the Silver Dollar Nationals at I80 Speedway for $25k, the Knoxville Late Model Nationals for another $50k, only to be topped by the night “The Dream” came reality. Don not only added his name to the most legendary race the division has to offer, he also took home a smooth $100,000 courtesy of Tony Stewart by winning the 2011 Dream 100 at the historic Eldora Speedway.
While this off-season’s headlines have been filled with news of drivers switching car builders or longtime alliances being broke, O’Neal and his Mastersbilt machines seem to be in sync and hitting on all cylinders. The #71 Masterflow Exhaust team comes into the 6th Annual Wild West Shootout with more momentum than the sport has witnessed in a great while. Enough to dethrone Moyer or Mars or……. We will have to wait and see!!
With some of the best late model and modified racers around all set for a showdown at Arizona’s premier dirt track, the fans will have the chance to see all 6 days of for an unheard of price of just $69 for seniors, military or students and just $79 for adults. Kids 7- 11 can pick up that same 6 day pass for just $20. Children 6 and under are absolutely free! Order before 5pm this Friday to take advantage of these big discounts and you will also receive a free upgrade to the all reserved section for the entire week of racing! 3 day passes are also available at a discounted rate if ordered before the deadline of January 7th. All discount info and much more can be found at USA’s website www.usaraceway.net or click here for the ticket order form. Just need one day tickets and want to beat the long lines on race day? Single day tickets are also available online or by calling the USA Raceway office at 520-574-8515.
The 6 race series kicks off on Saturday January 14th followed by round two the next day, Sunday January 15th. Gates will open at 10am each day and racing starts at 1pm sharp. Monday and Tuesday will give the pitcrews and drivers a chance to service and repair there equipment but also an opportunity to check out some of the tourist hotspots in the area like the historic town of Tombstone. Wednesday and Friday (Jan 18th & 20th) will be back to business as usual but with a 7pm start time and gates opening at 4pm. Saturday the 21st & Sunday the 22nd will mark your last chance at being a part of this annual event. Rounds 5 and 6 will revert back to the weather friendly start time of 1pm and gates opening at 10am.
To keep up on all the latest news and happenings please sign up for USA Raceway E-News. The track update registration can be found at USA’s home page which can be found by clicking on the link below. www.usaraceway.net
6th Annual Wild West Shootout
Presented by Total Seal Piston Rings
January 13 – Open Practice from 6-9pm. Gates @ 4pm.
All Divisions
January 14 – Round 1. Racing @ 1pm. Gates @ 10am.
Late Models, USRA Modifieds, Super Stocks, Western State Stock Cars
January 15 – Round 2. Racing @ 1pm. Gates @ 10am.
Late Models, USRA Modifieds, Super Stocks, Western State Stock Cars
January 18 – Round 3. Racing @ 7pm. Gates @ 4pm.
Late Models, USRA Modifieds
January 20 – Round 4. Racing @ 7pm. Gates @ 4pm.
Late Models, USRA Modifieds
January 21 – Round 5. Racing @ 1pm. Gates @ 10am.
Late Models, USRA Modifieds, Factory Stocks, X-Mods
January 22 – Round 6. Racing @ 1pm. Gates @ 10am.
Late Models, USRA Modifieds, Factory Stocks, X-Mods