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Sanders tallies first win of 2021 in Arizona; 15th annual Wild West Shootout continues Friday

Driving his Wichita Tank Racing No. 20 Kenny’s Tile/ ARMI Contractors/ MB Customs/ Hatfield Racing Engine Modified, Sanders raced to his second-straight runner-up finish. However, Sanders inherited the victory after apparent race winner, Dustin Stand was disqualified in post-race inspection. (Tyler Rinken photo)

“I hate it for Dustin and his team,” Sanders said afterwards. “They did a great job; it was an honest mistake. Although it’s not how I would have wanted it, I’m thankful to get our first win of the year. Our MB Customs Modifieds has been fast all week, hopefully we can carry this momentum into the final three nights.”

For the third round of the Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout at FK Rod Ends Arizona Speedway (Queen Creek, Ariz.), Sanders started the night off with an eight-lap heat race victory, which positioned him ninth on the starting grid for the 25-lap feature.

Stand took the early lead and appeared to have the car to beat. Sanders quickly moved into second place when Fito Gallardo suffered mechanical problems, but he just didn't have enough to keep up with Strand.

Strand crossed the finish line first, ahead of Sanders by 2.101 seconds; However, the win would be taken from Strand, when a minor rules infraction was discovered during post-race inspection. Casey Skyberg, Lucas Schott, Shane Sabraski, and Tyler Wolff rounded out the Top-5.

In the Super Late Model ranks, Rodney came one spot short of a transfer position in his heat with a fourth-place finish, sending him into the B-Main. Grabbing the third and final transfer spot, Sanders locked into the 23rd-starting position for the $5,000-to-win A-Main. Running into trouble near the halfway point of the 30-lapper, Rodney was an early retiree on lap 16.

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