Joey Saldana wins the World of Outlaws Showdown at the Dirt Track at Charlotte

Joey Saldana accepts the winner's trophy at Charlotte.
Credit: HHP

One of the many events during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend was the Circle K NOS Energy World of Outlaws May Showdown at the Dirt Track at Charlotte.

Perhaps the majority of the crowd was there to see NASCAR stars Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne, but it was obvious to see by the fans' reactions they were there to see the wild, exciting racing on the dirt. 

Joey Saldan's  Great Clips No.
Photo Credit: Genevieve

The series regulars dominated the race. Joey Saldana of Kasey Kahne Racing took his No. 9 Great Clip sprint car to victory lane, it marks his third victory at Charlotte and also his third win this season.

Saldana's toughest competition of the evening was Steve Kinser, who was able to make a move and pass for the lead in traffic. The lead was short-lived, Kinser blew a left rear tire the next lap. Kinser's misfortune put Saldana back into the lead, Donnie Schatz in second and Craig Dollansky in third.

“We struggled with the car all night and we’ve been struggling for about a month, so tonight is really gratifying,” said Saldana. “Just a great effort by the whole Great Clips No. 9 team and this is an awesome place to win.”

The NASCAR stars had a somewhat quiet event. Kasey Kahne finished in 7th place after an uneventful evening. On the other hand, Tony Stewart's evening was not so easy. Stewart stayed in the top 10 all night, but suffered mechanical problems early on, sending him off track for repairs. Once back on track problems once again loomed, this time breaking a piece of his suspension and ending his night in 19th.

Sagety crews attend to Cody Darrah after his crash.
Photo Credit: Genevieve

Earlier in the evening, during the first Heat race, Cody Darrah of Kasey Kahne Racing and Sammy Swindell in his own car, were caught in a wreck in Turn Four. Swindell clipped Darrah, who went airborne in his No. 4 Ollie's Bargain Outlet car. The car was wrecked and Darrah obviously wasn’t happy. He ran across the field to Swindell’s car to exchange some heated words. 

The team fixed Darrah's car quickly and got him back on the track for the A main race. Darrah finished in 5^th, Swindell in 20^th.

* You may view more pictures of the event on my facebook page, CGenevieveJ! * 

Genevieve is a freelance writer with a day job. She currently resides in the Charlotte area, not far from all the race shops, and race tracks. The Showdown was her first World of Outlaws race, and she loved it. All photos in the post were taken by her. You can follow her on twitter at @C_Genevieve and you can "LIKE" her facebook page to see racing pictures at CGenevieveJ!