Donny Schatz, winner of the 2011 Western World Championships, pictured in action earlier this year with the World of Outlaws at Lernerville Speedway – Rick Rarer Photo
Donny Schatz and Tracy Hines each picked up a Western World Championship this weekend at USA Raceway in Tuscon, Arizona. The 44th Annual Kronik Energy Drinks Western World Championships kicked off Wednesday night with practice; and ended last night with the crowning of three champions.
Donny Schatz took home a $15,000 top prize after winning the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour portion of the event. Former ASCS National Champion, Jason Johnson, finished second; while Thursday night preliminary winner, Sammy Swindell, finished third. Swindell and Schatz traded the lead 4 times in the 30 lap Western World finale. Schatz took the lead on lap 26 for the final time, and held on to capture his second consecutive Western World Championship. Friday night preliminary winner, Brad Sweet, finished 5th.
Tracy Hines, pictured above earlier this season in USAC competition, competes regularly with the USAC National Sprint Cars. He was the non-wing portion winner at the Western Worlds – Rick Rarer Photo
In the non-wing Canyon Region portion of the Western World Championships, Tracy Hines edged Broken Arrow, Oklahoma native, Brady Bacon, for the $5,000 win. Hines held off the defending Western World champion by leading the last 9 laps of the 30 lap contest. Bacon held on for 2nd; followed by Bud Kaeding, Jerry Coons Jr., and Casey Shuman.
Shane Stewart: 2011 Lucas Oil ASCS National Champion – Tim Aylwin Photo
The third champion of the night was crowned when Shane Stewart clinched his 2nd Lucas Oil ASCS presented by K&N Filters national championship. Stewart barely held off New Mexico native, Johnny Herrera, for the title; as only 1 point separated them in the championship chase when the evening was complete. Stewart’s wild crash on Thursday night, combined with his 14th place finish last night, was just enough to edge Herrera for the title. Brady Bacon finished the season third in the national standings; with Jeff Swindell, and Gary Wright, rounding out the top 5!
Stay tuned..much, much, more!