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Southwest Sprints Break Away For Freedom Tour; ROA Takes West Coast Title, Vander Weerds Sweep The Weekend

The USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series heads for mid-America this week for four races at four different venues comprising the “Freedom Tour.”

Southwest series point leader R.J. Johnson will be among favorites for victory, as will Southwest runner-up Charles Davis Jr. Both won races during last year’s “Freedom Tour.” The series opens Wednesday at Lawton (Okla.) Speedway and continues Thursday at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, Okla. Friday’s race is at 81 Speedway in Wichita, Kans. and Saturday’s finale unfolds at Dodge City (Kans.) Raceway Park.

Brody Roa of Buena Park, Calif. is the 2016 USAC West Coast Sprint Car Champion, emerging from a pair of races last week with a 69-point margin of victory over series runner-up Jace Vander Weerd.

Jace Vander Weerd of Visalia, Calif. led the final five laps of Friday night’s race at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, Calif. after passing Geoff Ensign for the lead on lap 29 of the 33-lap race. Ensign, the fastest qualifier, was second ahead of Stevie Sussex, Austin Liggett and Roa.

Richard Vander Weerd of Visalia, Calif. captured Saturday night’s 33-lap series finale at Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds in Hanford, Calif., leading all but the first three laps after passing Roa on lap four. Danny Faria Jr. took second ahead of Sussex, Tristan Guardino and Jace Vander Weerd.

The West Coast Sprints will compete in a “special” non-points event in November as part of the 76th “Turkey Night Grand Prix” at Ventura (Calif.) Raceway.

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