(Photo by Justin Brester)
Inside Line Promotions – SOMERTON, Ariz. (Jan. 11, 2016) – Chase Johnson is off to a solid start to the new year.
Johnson wrapped up the 2nd annual Winter Heat Sprint Car Showdown on Saturday by advancing into his second feature during the five-race marquee 410ci winged sprint car event at Cocopah Speedway, where more than 45 drivers from across the country and Canada competed.
“Our goals were met and we accomplished what we set out to do,” he said. “It was a great week in the desert and hopefully we can go back next year.”
Johnson, who was driving for Shawn and Cyndi Thomas, opened last week’s competition on Wednesday by placing seventh in a heat race, a qualifier and a B Main on the fast track during a show that was delayed at one point by rain.
“Unfortunately, we drew a high number and started in the back all night and that’s not the place you want to be on a fast track like we had,” he said. “But we rolled the car into the trailer in one piece and we learned a couple of things so it was a good night.”
Action resumed at the 3/8-mile oval on Friday. However, Johnson started at the back of a heat race, which was a trend for the night. He placed eighth in both a heat race and a qualifier before ending ninth in a B Main.
The event wrapped up on Saturday with Johnson’s best performance. He finished fourth in a heat race and second in a qualifier to lock into the 15th starting position for the 30-lap main event.
“It’s a big accomplishment to make the main event let alone to lock in through the heats and qualifiers,” he said. “That was a big boost for our team and gives us some momentum heading into the spring.”
Johnson posted a 17th-place result, which marked his second top 20 of the event.
His focus now shifts to the Midwest and the 30th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Presented by General Tire. Johnson is set to pilot a midget for Matt Wood Motorsports this week at Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Okla.
“This is my third year racing at the Chili Bowl for Matt Wood Motorsports and I think we’ve improved each year,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and hope we can continue to get better each time we hit the track.”
Johnson is scheduled to partake in Monday’s practice before his preliminary night on Tuesday. The event wraps up on Saturday.
QUICK RESULTS –
Jan. 6 – Cocopah Speedway in Somerton, Ariz. – Heat race: 7 (8); Qualifier: 7 (7); B Main: 7 (8).
Jan. 8 – Cocopah Speedway in Somerton, Ariz. – Heat race: 8 (9); Qualifier: 8 (8); B Main: 9 (9).
Jan. 9 – Cocopah Speedway in Somerton, Ariz. – Heat race: 4 (4); Qualifier: 2 (2); Feature: 17 (15).
SEASON STATS –
5 races, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 top 10s, 0 top 15s, 2 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Tuesday and Saturday at Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Okla., for the 30th annual Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals Presented by General Tire
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.ChaseJohnsonRacing.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChaseJohnson24
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chase.Johnson.Racing1
APPAREL –
Johnson has new red, black or gray t-shirts and hoodies for sale at his race trailer at every race he competes in this season. T-shirts are $25 each and hoodies are $35 apiece.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT – Shifty Illusions
Shifty Illusions is a custom paint business based in Bakersfield, Calif. Shifty Illusions specializes in helmets and goalie masks. For more information, visit http://www.ShiftyIll.com.
“I can’t thank Shifty Illusions enough for giving me a great looking helmet that is a tribute to Marcus Johnson and Dale Wondergem,” Johnson said. “I’m really thankful for all that he’s helped us with. Shifty Illusions isn’t expensive and makes everything look great. He’s very talented.”
Johnson would also like to thank Johnny Franklin’s Mufflers, Newman Freeman Racing, PitStopUSA.com, Napa Auto Parts, Flowmaster, Don’s Truck Repair, VSR, Oroville Cycle, I-Wear Graphix, Driven Raceway, Nor-Cal Transmission and Chevron Pro-Gas for their continued support.
INSIDE LINE PROMOTIONS –
Inside Line Promotions specializes in affordable public relations and media management for motor sports drivers, teams, sponsors, tracks, series, events, organizations and manufacturers. ILP Founder Shawn Miller leverages professional journalism with new media technologies and social networking to improve your exposure and the return on investment for your sponsors.
To meet the media relations needs of your program by joining Team ILP, contact Shawn at 541-510-3663 or Shawn@InsideLinePromotions.com. For more information on Inside Line Promotions, visit http://www.InsideLinePromotions.com.
- Shawn Miller on Jan 11, 2016
- Article Date: 1/11/2016 by Inside Line Promotions