As race season 2001 begins, the
Southwest tour kicked off their first event at the Desert Jewel, Phoenix
International Raceway. As usual, the event attracted many drivers with a total
of 58 entries. Out of those 58 entries, only 42 started the main event. Last
year the race winner was RickCarelli, but this year it was Ken Schrader who
pulled off the win. By winning that race, Ken Schrader became PIR's most
winningest driver, boosting his wins to 10 at the 1 mile oval.
Through the course of the race
there were 5 cautions which was a total of 33 laps. Our own Gary Lewis, of
Bothell Washington, was involved in an accident on lap 2 when there was
contact in turn 4 involving 9 other cars besides Lewis. Gary eventually got
back on to the track but ended up with a disappointing 39th place finish. Zach
Niessner out of Royal City Washington, came home with a 14th place finish
after qualifying 12th. Ken Kaltschmidt, who qualified 6th, ended up making
contact with the #87 which sent him sliding off the track preventing him of
going on. Ken finished 27th.
The race is said to be tape
delayed, but there are no definite plans
of broadcast. Check back to this site for more news
Rebecca Chouinard
