News

by Stephanie Odom on March 4, 2011

Steve Kinser would take home the victory on Thursday night, and Saldana (not shown here) would capture his first victory of 2011 with a win Wednesday night. (image credit woosprint.com)

Joey Saldana held off former series champion Jason Meyers and Donny Schatz Wednesday night for his first victory in World of Outlaws Sprint Car action this season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track.

Not only was it Saldana’s first win of the new season, it was also his first victory with new crew chief Kale Kahne and sponsor Red Bull.

Saldana started the feature event outside second row with teammate Cody Darrah inside. In front of them was pole sitter Terry McCarl and outside pole sitter and four time champion Donny Schatz.

Joey Saldana in victory lane Wednesday night at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's Dirt Track. Action will resume tonight. (Photo by Marc Sanchez)

When the green flag dropped it was Darrah who moved into the lead making a pass by McCarl. Saldana put his machine into first place the following lap and controlled the remainder of the race with Schatz in striking distance. Meyers, who started the featured in sixth place, made his charge to the front with the laps winding down and was able to outrun Schatz for a second place finish. Behind them was Darrah and Craig Dollansky rounding out the top five.

Thursday night would again see Saldana charging to victory, but coming up just one position short after putting on a epic battle in the closing laps with Steve Kinser. Kinser would cross the line first followed by Saldana and Donny Schatz.

“This is traditionally not one of my best race tracks,” said Saldana, of Pittsboro, Ind., who moved into second-place in the standings behind Kinser with his strong Las Vegas run. “To come out of here with a win and second-place finish is huge for us and gives us a lot of momentum heading into the California races that begin next week.”
For a complete race recap and full results click here.

http://www.onedirt.com/news/saldana-and-kinser-scores-world-of-outlaws-victories-in-vegas/