For Immediate Release
Contact: Ben Shelton (msrmafia@gmail.com)
November 11th, 2014

Win #36 for 2014 Claimed by Rodney Sanders at Ark-La-Tex

Happy, Texas (11/11/14) – The weather may be cooling down, but Rodney Sanders isn't as he powered his Swan Energy #20 Kimrad Transport/MB Customs Open Wheel Modified to his 36th win of the 2014 campaign on Friday night.

Rodney Sanders entered the opening round of the 8th Annual Winter Nationals on Thursday night at Ark-La-Tex Speedway (Vivian, Louisiana) with the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS). The $2,000-to-win program, which was sanctioned by the United State Modified Touring Series (USMTS) drew a stout field of 66 Open Wheel Modified warriors to the 1/4 mile oval. Sanders mounted an impressive charge from his eleventh starting spot to finish fourth in his heat race, securing him the ninth starting position on the feature grid. Unfortunately, just beyond the halfway point in the 30 lapper Rodney suffered a broken driveshaft, ending his night with a disappointing 21st place finish.

Round #2 of the 8th Annual Winter Nationals saw Sanders enjoy a much better outing following mechanical issues the night before. Friday night's program boosted a $3,000 top prize, and Rodney would storm from deep in the field to claim his 27th USMTS victory of the season. In preliminary action Sanders advanced from ninth to finish fourth in his heat race, which sent him to a b-main. In the b-main Rodney recorded a second place finish, earning him the sixteenth starting spot for the 40 lap feature. "The Rocket" used the high side to make his way to the front, and was up to seventh at the halfway point.

Still sitting sixth with 11 laps to go, Sanders discovered a new line through the middle of the track and began to narrow the gap between himself and the leaders. He used the bottom groove to make his move on race-long leader, Chris Brown on lap 36. The duo fought hard for the final five laps but it was Sanders who picked up his first career victory at the 3/8 mile oval while Brown settled for second place. Kelly Shryock, Chris Henigan and Steve Whiteaker Jr. rounded out the top five finishers.

The $4,000-to-win 8th Annual Winter Nationals finale was contested on Saturday night, and 70 Open Wheel Modifieds were registered for battle. Preliminary action saw Sanders claiming a heat race win to earn a spot in the redraw, where he received the sixth starting position on the feature grid. Sanders wasted no time getting to the front, taking the advantage from early leader, David Winslett on lap thirteen. Kelly Shryock followed in second one circuit later and began hounding Sanders for the top spot. Shryock pulled along Sanders on several occasions before making the winning pass in turn two on lap sixteen. Shryock led the remaining laps while Sanders settled in second. Cade Dillard, Stormy Scott and Winslett would round out the top five finishers.

Full results from the events are available at www.USMTS.com .

The team has decided to take part in a final weekend of racing, which will be held November 21st-22nd at El Paso Speedway Park (El Paso, Texas) with the inaugural Turkey Hunt. Rodney will pull double duty in the event by competing in both the Modified and Super Late Model ranks. Late Models will battle for $2,500-to-win on Friday night and $3,000-to-win on Saturday night, while Modifieds will pay $1,000-to-win each night. For more information on the events, please visit www.EPSpeedwayPark.com .

Rodney Sanders would like to thank all of his sponsors including Swan Energy, Kimrad Transport, Special Care, Outreachers Sustainable Solutions, Swan Racing, Geddes Race Engines, MB Customs, Alaron Energy, B&L Satellite Rental, STSI, Integra Shocks, Keyser Manufacturing, C&R Radiators, Eibach Springs, Charter Oak Production Company, Palmer Painting, Beyea Headers, Five Star Shop Service, McDonald Oil Field Services, KBC Graphics, D&G Contracting, FK Rod Ends, Fike's Transmissions, Krohn Farms, Mars Race Cars, K&N Filters, Club 29 Race Cars, Real Racing Wheels, 87 Automotive, Wichita Tank Racing, CMD Race Shocks, and MSRMafia.com Marketing Services.

For more information on Rodney Sanders, please visit www.RodneySandersRacing.net .