The Pursuit of the Inaugural USRA Western Modified Championship Starts at the Copper on Dirt

Kevin Montgomery TUCSON, Ariz. (February 11^th, 2011) – In 1776, a group of leaders led by Thomas Jefferson, drafted the famous document that would forever outline the principles of the United States of America and its people. The basic idea of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness would define our country for more than 230 years and we as Americans hold this ideology close.  The same will hold true for the contenders of the Inaugural USRA Western Modified title!  Speed, Thrills and The Pursuit of Modified supremacy starts next Friday night at the 5^th running of the Copper on Dirt.

Unlike the Declaration of Independence, in the sport of auto racing not all men are created equal, there can only be one winner for every battle and when the smoke clears there will be only one champion.  The gladiators of the USRA Western Modifieds are about to enter into a heroic battle as they suit up for another tour of duty upon the battle field known as USA Raceway.  The game has changed, a new name, a new set of rules, an even playing field and a clean slate.  Who will become the first USRA Western Modified Champion?

With rumors that the four time defending champion will participate in a limited schedule of events, the crown remains open for any who dare to be on top, the gladiator that will step up and become the next champion.  The task will not be easy and the battle will be fierce but the reward will be of epic proportions and it all begins in a little more than a week when the Southwest Center of Speed hosts the 5^th Annual Copper on Dirt.

The 5^th Annual “Copper on Dirt” will feature ASCS National Wing Sprint Cars, Midgets, The West Coast Late Model Shootout vs. Total Seal Late Model Dirt Racing Series and USRA Western Modifieds all taking part in a sensational racing spectacle at Tucson’s USA Raceway’s for two nights on February 18^th and 19^th, marking USA Raceway as the only dirt track venue in the country to host all four premier divisions in one event.

Advanced tickets are on sale now.  Ticket pricing, seating charts and purchasing information can be found online at http://www.usaraceway.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/CopperOnDirtTickets.pdf or by calling the USA Raceway office at 520-574-8515

Hotel Information can be found at http://www.usaraceway.net/?page_id=43 or by calling the Tucson Airport Courtyard by Marriott at 520-573-0000

USA Raceway is located east of Tucson off I-10 exit 265, then 1.6 miles south on Craycroft Road, which turns into Los Reales.  For more information please, contact the track at 520-574-8515 or additional information regarding USA Raceway can be found at http://www.usaraceway.net

Levi Jones joined Mississippi’s Ricky Stenhouse as the only drivers to win multiple “Copper on Dirt” features in a single year.  Stenhouse set the bar high at the inaugural “Copper on Dirt” by winning back to back races in the 40-lap sprint car feature and finishing off the night by capturing the 50-lap USAC Silver Crown Feature.

Past Copper on Dirt Winners:
2007 USAC Midgets – Cory Kruseman
2007 USAC Sprint Cars – Ricky Stenhouse
2007 USAC Silver Crown – Ricky Stenhouse
2008 USAC Midgets – Darren Hagen
2008 USAC Sprint Cars – Shane Cottle
2008 USAC Silver Crown – Jerry Coons Jr.
2009 USAC Midgets – Brad Sweet
2009 USAC Sprint Cars – Darren Hagen
2009 USAC Silver Crown – Bud Kaeding
2010 USAC Midgets – Brad Sweet
2010 USAC Sprint Cars – Levi Jones
2010 USAC Silver Crown – Levi Jones