Countdown to Las Vegas 2009-02-17

Countdown to the World of Outlaws Return to Las Vegas: 9 Days

Concord, NC-- February 17, 2009--The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, February 26. The series has competed at the half-mile in 11 different seasons dating back to 1996. For 11 consecutive days the events from each of those years will be highlighted in chronological order, continuing today with the series four races at the half-mile in 1998.

Mark Kinser picked up the preliminary feature win in the first visit to Las Vegas of the 1998 season on February 27. The two-time series champion took the lead on the 15th lap and would lead the remainder of the 30 lap contest which went green to checker without a single caution. Jac Haudenschild finished second, with three-time series champion Sammy Swindell fifth, 20-time series titlist Steve Kinser sixth and Danny Lasoski who would win a World of Outlaws title a few years later was ninth. Other current World of Outlaws drivers that competed in the race included now three-time and defending series champion Donny Schatz, Craig Dollansky and Jason Meyers.

Mark Kinser completed a sweep of the spring event at the half-mile, picking up the win in the 30-lap finale the following night. Steve Kinser was fourth with Craig Dollansky ninth. Also in action were Swindell, Lasoski, Schatz, Haudenschild and Meyers.

For the third consecutive season, the World of Outlaws wrapped up the year at Las Vegas in November, with Mark Kinser extending his win streak at the half-mile to three, as he claimed the preliminary feature over Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell and Donny Schatz. Jac Haudenschild was fifth, with Joey Saldana seventh. Other current World of Outlaws drivers that competed in the event included: Craig Dollansky, Danny Lasoski, and Jason Meyers. Kasey Kahne, who currently owns two cars on the World of Outlaws trail also, competed in the event.

Mark Kinser remained undefeated at Las Vegas in 1998, winning the season finale, after trading the lead a couple of times with Australian Peter Murphy and picking up the $10,000 top prize. Swindell was third, with Lasoski fourth and Steve Kinser used a fifth place finish to wrap up his 15th World of Outlaws title. Schatz was 10th in the event. Also in action was: Haudenschild, Saldana, Dollansky, Meyers and Kahne.

For tickets for the World of Outlaws return to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday, February 26 visit www.lvms.com or call 1-800-644-4444.

-credit: woo