February 24
Canyon Speedway Park,
Peoria, AZ
Sanction: FK Rod Ends Southwest Dirt Racing Association - $700
Information provided by: Series reports (last updated February 27, 8:54 pm)
Ortega dominates Canyon for first SWDRA victory
- Jon Ortega
- John Cornell
- Craig Parker
- Bruce Duckett
- Jerry Fincher
- Doug Paxson
- Brad Williams
- Donald Curtis
- John Brinkley
- Paul Rios
- James Laing
- Brett Hegeman
presented by
Ken Stuecklen
Jon Ortega picks up his first Southwest Dirt Racing Association trophy.
What won the race: Jon Ortega of Las Cruces, N.M., won his first Southwest Dirt Racing Association feature Saturday at Canyon Speedway Park, starting outside the front row and leading every lap. Reigning SWDRA champ John Cornell, who won the previous Saturday's tour opener in Casa Grande, finished second.
Key notes: Ortega made the tow north because his wife Athena is due to deliver their first child in April and he wanted to get one more out-of-town-race in before the baby boy comes. ... The former champion at Southern New Mexico Speedway also won his eight-lap heat race after starting last among six cars. ... In the heat race, Ortega made a third-to-first move on the final lap to get around Bruce Duckett and Jerry Fincher. ... Duckett received Jankey Motorsports Hard Charger honors for starting sixth and finishing fourth. ... Runner-up John Cornell was a three-time series winner last season at Canyon.
On the move: John Cornell of Phoenix, Ariz., started fourth and finished second.
Winner's sponsors: Ortega's GRT Race Car is sponsored by Corner Deli, Carl Topley/Steinborn & Associates Real Estate and J&H Paint and Body.
Points chase: John Cornell unofficially leads tour points after two races.
Car count: 12
Polesitter: Jerry Fincher
Dash winner: Donald Curtis
Heat race winners: John Cornell, Jon Ortega
Next series race: March 17, Canyon Speedway Park (Peoria, AZ) $700
Editor's note: Corrects winning purse to $700 sted $1,000.
