Happy, Texas (01/15/15) – Rodney Sanders scored an impressive triumph in his young Dirt Late Model career on Wednesday night by outrunning a talented field of competitors in his Swan Energy #20 Wichita Tank/Black Diamond by Club 29/Clements Racing Engine entry to score the $3,000 triumph in the third round of the 9th Annual Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout at USA Raceway (Tucson, Arizona).
The $3,000-to-win program drew a field of forty-six entries to the 3/8 mile oval. With passing points determining heat race transfers, Rodney mounted an impressive charge from sixth to second in his heat to lock into the fifth starting position for the 30 lap finale. At the drop of the green, Sanders rocketed from his fifth starting spot to second place in just three laps and began to stalk race leader, Don Shaw.
Rodney made his move just before the halfway mark, taking control on lap fourteen and immediately opening up a healthy advantage on his nearest competitor. Fourth starting, Darrell Lanigan made a charge in the closing laps but his momentum was erased when he slid high in turn four with five laps remaining. From there, Sanders went on to take the checkered flag ahead of Lanigan by just over one second, earning his second career Super Late Model victory. Jason Papich finished third, while Don Shaw and Tony Toste completed the remainder of the top five.
“I knew we had a good car from the drop of the green flag, and I just wanted to bide my time,” said Sanders. “Once we got to the lead I saw the #5 on the scoreboard, and I know Lanigan was coming so I dropped the hammer. This is a huge win for our team!”
Complete results from the event are available at http://www.stlracing.com/2015/01/15/rodney-sanders-captures-first-ever-shootout-win-at-tucson/ .
Earlier in the week Sanders competed in two additional Super Late Model events in the miniseries. He came away with a fifth place finish in the opener on Saturday before seeing radiator issues end his outing on Sunday. He also entered a single Modified event on Sunday and jumped to the lead before fuel pressure issues sidelined him.
Action resumes in the 9th Annual Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout on Friday and Saturday, January 16th-17th with a pair of $3,000-to-win, Super Late Model events before concluding with a $10,000-to-win finale on Sunday evening. Rodney will also likely enter his Modified in at least one of the accompanying programs.
Rodney Sanders would like to thank all of his sponsors including Swan Energy, Kimrad Transport, S&S Fishing and Rental, 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, Wehrs Machine, All-Star Performance, Wilwood Breaks, Driven Race Oils, CMD Race Shocks, and MSRMafia.com Marketing Services.
For more information on Rodney Sanders, please visit www.RodneySandersRacing.net .
Thanks!
Ben Shelton, Owner
MSR Mafia Marketing & Website Services – www.MSRMafia.com
The Midsouth Racing Scene – www.MidSouthRacing.com