Cocopah Speedway on deck for Lucas Oil ASCS

TULSA, Okla. (February 24, 2013) With the season opening events at the Tucson International Raceway complete, the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV American Real moves to the Cocopah Speedway in Yuma, Ariz. for the first two rounds of the Cocopah Cup Challenge presented by the Cocopah Casino. 

Making their first visit to the Arizona oval in 2012, the wide, slick surface made for a memorable weekend as Dustin Morgan grabbed his first Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV American Real victory on the series opening night at the three-eights mile oval followed by what some have called the “pass of the season” when Danny Wood worked by Jason Johnson for the win on the closing lap.

Paying $3,000 and $4,000 to win in 2012, the series second visit to the Cocopah Speedway will feature a $3,000 pay day on Friday, March 1 before giving way to Saturday’s $10,000 winner’s share.

With newly rebuilt grandstands, expanded pit area, and improved amenities, Director of Operations Greg Burgess said in an interview on Jan. 21, 2013 that the Cocopah Tribe, who owns the Cocopah Speedway and Cocopah Casino, believe events at the Cocopah Speedway can evolve into a major event for Sprint Car racing, “The Tribe in really behind the Speedway. We live in a real motorsports oriented community and we want to build a signature event that can grow year after year. Something similar to events like the Short Track Nationals and Knoxville Nationals.”

Coming out of the 2013 season opener, defending National Champion Jason Johnson finds himself playing catch up, after engine woes put the Stenhouse / JJR Motorsports No. 41 seventh in points, directly behind 2012 season rival Wayne Johnson who recorded a pair of top ten finishes in the Oil Medics / Williams Motorsports No. 77x Maxim. 

Currently Brian Brown leads the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV American Real driver points with Roger Crockett trailing by seven. Returning to full time competition in 2013, Jeff Swindell currently holds the highest position of the National Tour regulars in third with Johnny Herrera and Tony Bruce, Jr. making up the top five. 

Events at the Cocopah Speedway will be preceded by a press conference and Fanfest that will be happening Thursday, Feb. 28 on the lawn of the Cocopah Casino. Fanfest will include meet and greet with the drivers as well as live music and drinks. Fanfest is scheduled to begin at 4pm and will extend through 8pm. 

Events at the Cocopah Speedway will be paired with the Racer's Advantage Store ASCS Southwest Region. 

Series:Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV

When:

March 1 - Cocopah Speedway - Somerton, Arizona - Cocopah Cup Challenge (Round 1)

March 2 - Cocopah Speedway - Somerton, Arizona - Cocopah Cup Challenge (Round 2)

November 8 - Cocopah Speedway - Somerton, Arizona - Cocopah Cup Challenge (Round 3)

November 9 - Cocopah Speedway - Somerton, Arizona - Cocopah Cup Challenge (Round 4)

Track Information: Cocopah Speedway

Address: County 15th Street & US 95 Somerton, AZ 85350

Phone #: 928-344-1563

Website: www.cocopahspeedway.com

Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV - A Look Ahead:

March 1 - Cocopah Speedway - Cocopah Cup Challenge - Somerton, AZ

March 2 - Cocopah Speedway - Cocopah Cup Challenge - Somerton, AZ

March 22 - Devil’s Bowl Speedway - Matt Clevenger Memorial - Mesquite, TX

March 23 - Devil’s Bowl Speedway - Matt Clevenger Memorial - Mesquite, TX