August in Arizona, the heat gets real. But some slightly intense heat can’t dampen the spirits of countless racers and fans that are chomping at the bit for Saturday night’s Fourth Annual Summer Slam atop the 1/3-mile Canyon Speedway Park clay oval.
Following an open practice on Friday night from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the winged Sprint Cars of the ASCS Southwest Region will stir up a chilling breeze at the popular racetrack in the Phoenix metro with the IMCA Modifieds, Pure Stocks, Renegades and Micro Sprints in action as well.
Saturday’s Summer Slam marks the first appearance for the ASCS Southwest Sprint Cars since the April 4 Easter Eggstravaganza event topped by current points leader and seven-time series champion Rick Ziehl of Las Cruces, NM.
Ziehl leads the way into Saturday’s action with a 122 point advantage in series points over Lance Norick with Ryan Linder, Bob Ream, Jr., and Kaylene Verville also among the top five.
While Ziehl topped the April 4 ASCS Southwest stop at CSP, the first winged Sprint Car stop of the season at Canyon Speedway Park was won by South Dakota’s Dusty Zomer on March 14.
Reigning track champion Ricky Thornton, Jr., has reached victory lane in three of the last five 9th World Vapor IMCA Modified features but it’s Garrett Funk in the driver’s seat in the championship point chase with an 18 point advantage over Shawn Zelenka. George Fronsman, Bo Partain and Bubba Stafford are among those aiming to stay in the title mix.
After stopping Matt Martinez’ three-race win streak in Arizona Differential Pure Stock action on July 11, Zack Madrid will try to match it after knocking off a second consecutive win on August 1 to close to within three points of Martinez in the title chase.
With seven different winners in the seven most recent Scottsdale Muffler & Automotive Renegades, May 9 victor Daniel Romero holds a 24 point advantage over Mike Hartsock in the chase for the crown.
In Micro Sprint action, Colton Hardy ended a run of seven consecutive different winners by topping the most recent event on August 1 after capturing a previous win on March 28.
Tickets for Saturday’s Fourth Annual Summer Slam are just $16, with a $3 discount for Military, Seniors and Students. Children ages 7-12 are $6, with children 6 and under admitted free. VIP passes are available for $20.
Hotel Information can be found at http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.com/fan-info/lodging/ or by calling the Courtyard by Marriott at 623-580-8844.
To keep up on all the latest news and happenings, sign up for Canyon Speedway E-News. The track update registration can be found at the top of the www.canyonspeedwaypark.com home page.
The entire 2015 Canyon Schedule can be previewed online at http://www.canyonspeedwaypark.com/schedule/.
Canyon Speedway Park is located in north Peoria, AZ, off Lake Pleasant Parkway, then 1.3 miles west on Carefree Highway. For more information, contact the track at 602-258-RACE (7223) or check online at www.canyonspeedwaypark.com.
- administrator on Aug 14, 2015
- Article Date: 8/12/2015 by Lonnie Wheatley