Cocopah Speedway on deck for Lucas Oil ASCS

Bryan Hulbert - 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

Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV on the web:

All Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series national events are broadcast live on www.racinboys.com for anyone who is unable to attend the races live. Official results, points, and race notes are posted at www.ascsracing.com. The Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV can also be found on Facebook and Twitter @LucasOilASCS.

2013 “A” Feature Winners: Brian Brown-1, Roger Crockett-1,

Lucas Oil ASCS Driver Points (Top 10): 1. Brian Brown 292; 2. Roger Crockett 285; 3. Jeff Swindell 265; 4. Johnny Herrera 264; 5. Tony Bruce, Jr. 247; 6. Wayne Johnson 238; 7. Jason Johnson 224; 8. Lucas Wolfe 220; 9. Danny Wood 220; 10. Christopher Bell 219.

The 2013 season marks the twenty-second year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing for the American Sprint Car Series, which brings the best of Sprint Car racing to dozens of different tracks throughout the nation and into Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series, ASCS also consists of nine different Regions throughout the nation.

Lucas Oil Products is the title sponsor of the American Sprint Car Series. More information can be found on Lucas Oil Products at www.lucasoil.com. MAVTV is the presenting sponsor of the American Sprint Car Series. Log onto www.mavtv.com for information regarding availability and listings in your area.

Associate sponsors for the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV include: Hoosier Racing Tire and Brodix

Team Lucas Sponsors for the American Sprint Car Series consist of Protect the Harvest, Geico, E3 Spark Plugs, and General Tire.

Product and Contingency Sponsorship provided by: K&N Filters, PitstopUSA.com, Engler Machine and Tool, Roush Yates Racing Engines, FSR Radiator and Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Driverwebsites.com, Weld Wheels, Fuel Safe, Saldana Racing Products, SBI Fuel Bladders, Maxwell Industries, Print Place, Xtreme Accu-Tach, Simpson, LeJoie Seating, Ti 22 Performance, Wesmar Racing Engines, Hinchman Indy Racewear, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions, DMI Rear Ends, Rod End Supply, Smiley’s Racing Products, Speedway Motors, and Hilborn Injection Systems.nd Hilborn Injection Systems.