Bryan Hulbert – Tulsa, OK (April 9, 2012) – New and returning tracks is a common theme for the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV in 2012. Returning from a two week break in competition, the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV ventures into the Gulf South region of Texas for a pair of nights in familiar yet unfamiliar territory.  

Beginning Friday April 13th, the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV will make their long awaited return to Beaumont, Texas.  Absent since 2002, Golden Triangle Raceway Park last saw the ASCS National Tour under the name Speedway 90 when a trio of events saw victory going to Zach Chappell (4/5/02), Tim Crawley (9/27/02), and Michael Dupuy (9/28/02). Races at Golden Triangle Raceway Park will also include a test and tune on Thursday April 12th from 6pm until 10pm.

After Friday night’s race is recorded the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV heads next to Battleground Speedway near  Highlands, Texas on Saturday April 14th. Frequented by the Griffith Truck and Equipment Gulf South Region, this Saturday’s race marks the first time the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV has appeared at the high banked 3/8 mile clay oval, making it the 120th different track to host a national event since 1992.

Jason Johnson enters this weekend as the series point’s leader. After besting a field of 39 cars at the Devil’s Bowl Speedway on March 24th, the “Ragin Cajun” holds a 39 point advantage over Wayne Johnson who has finished no worse than fifth since the season began for the national tour.

Over the past two weeks, the driver of the City Vending 77 has had great success in the Gulf South and Lone Star regions, claiming a victory in the Griffith Truck and Equipment Gulf South Region at Golden Triangle Raceway Park and Heart ‘O Texas. Johnson’s most recent triumph came this past weekend at the Oil Medics Lone Star Region opener at the Lone Star Speedway.

Brady Bacon holds the show position with 52 markers separating the driver of the Fatheadz Eyewear 99 from Johnson’s Roush/Yates 41. Sitting fourth is the Oil Medics 18 piloted by Tony Bruce Jr. who is currently 79 points out of the lead with the Ark Wrecking 2 of Dustin Morgan rounding out the top five 107 points out of the top spot.

Sixth in points is Johnny Herrera with Gary Wright seventh. Danny Wood, after suffering a massive crash at the Devil’s Bowl, sits eighth in the championship standings with Matt Covington and Jack Dover rounding out the top ten. 

Both nights of racing this weekend will be paired with the Griffith Truck and Equipment Gulf South Region. With the two week break in national competition, the region has played host to several national tour drivers with a trio of national drivers sitting atop the standings. Tony Bruce Jr. leads the regional standings with Seth Bergman and Aaron Reutzel rounding out the podium.

Reigning Griffith Truck and Equipment Gulf South regional champion Ray Allen Kulhanek currently sits fourth with Michael McNeil currently rounding out the top five.

The Series: Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MAVTV

When and Where: Thursday April 12th – Test and Tune: Gates open at 2pm / Practice: 6pm – 10pm / Cost: $20 per person Friday April 13th – Golden Triangle Raceway Park – Beaumont, TX – Pit open @ Noon / Racing @ 7:45pm

Saturday April 14th – Battleground Speedway – Highlands, TX – Pits open @ 4pm / Racing begins @ 7pm

Track Information: Golden Triangle Speedway Park – Located 9.5 miles east of I-10 on US 90. Address: 16583 Hwy 90 Beaumont, TX 77713. Phone #: 409-752-7200 Website:  www.motoramaspeedway.com

Battle Ground Speedway – Located east of Houston on I-10to exit 787, then head north 4 miles. Address: 10625 Crosby Lynchburg Rd. Crosby, TX 77532 (near Highlands)  Phone #: 832-421-7223 Website: www.battlegroundspeedway.net

Current Points: Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MAVTV Driver Points (top 15): 1. Jason Johnson 696; 2. Wayne Johnson 657; 3. Brady Bacon 644; 4. Tony Bruce Jr. 617; 5. Dustin Morgan 589; 6. Johnny Herrera 577; 7. Gary Wright 567; 8. Danny Wood 549; 9. Matt Covington 516; 10. Jack Dover 509; 11. Brad Loyet 501; 12. Joshua Hodges 488; 13. Seth Bergman 484; 14. Aaron Reutzel 483; 15. Roger Crockett 413