ANDERSON, Ind. — The third edition of the National Pavement Sprint Car Rankings has been revealed as Aaron Willison continues to hold the top spot.
The latest rankings come less than a week before the BITNILE.com Open Wheel Showdown Nov. 14-16 at the “Bullring” at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Willison has held the lead since the first edition was announced in August. But Kody Swanson has closed the gap to within two points. The Open Wheel Showdown will play a huge part in determining who the National Pavement Sprint Car Rankings champion will be. Both drivers are expected to compete in the Open Wheel Showdown.
Bobby Santos III currently sits in third place in the current rankings, but there is no mathematical way he can finish any better than third. The title will be decided between Willison and Swanson.
Thirteen of the top 20 in the most recent poll are expected to compete in this weekend’s $50,000-to-win event in Las Vegas. Due to this, there could be some movement among the top 20. The final poll will be released after Dec. 7. The final pavement sprint car race will take place that night when the Southern Sprint Car Shootout Series visits Auburndale, Fla.
Swanson has gained ground on Willison due to several strong outings in the month of October. Swanson was crowned the 500 Sprint Car Tour champion on Oct. 19.
Willison has won 12 times this year with seven different series racing coast-to-coast. Willison is also the defending Open Wheel Showdown champion.
Drivers of note in the top 20 include 15-year-old Southern Sprint Car Shootout Series points leader Colton Bettis who is currently fourth. C.J. Leary who has only made seven pavement starts is 11th.
PAVEMENT RANKINGS No. 3 (As of 10/10/24)
1. 56 – Aaron Willison
2. 54 – Kody Swanson
3. 43 – Bobby Santos III
4. 29 – Colton Bettis
5. 28 – Dakoda Armstrong
6. 21.5 – Dave Hamilton Jr.
7. 20 – Tyler Roahrig
8. 13 – Kyle O’Gara
9. 11 – Ryan Litt
10. 10.5 – Casey Tillman
11. 10 – CJ Leary
Jeff Montgomery
Evan Margeson
14. 9.5 – Joe Liguori
15. 8 – Taylor Ferns
16. 7 – Jake Trainor
17. 6.5 – Sport Allen
18. 6 – James Miller
Mike Murgoitio
20. 5.5 – Colton Nelson