LAS VEGAS — Non-winged sprint cars have been added to the Open Wheel Showdown for the first time and all 50 entries were filled by the end of the day Monday (March 2).
Originally only 35 spots were initially available for the fourth annual event Nov. 5-7 at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and all 35 were filled within three hours of the entry process on Sunday afternoon. Due to an overwhelming response, Open Wheel Showdown officials added an additional 15 spots to the non-winged sprint car class and those 15 spots were filled within hours.
Tire selection will be based on the order the entries were received. Additional entries are being accepted but will be placed on a waiting list.
Idaho’s Mike Murgoitio was the first official entrant, and as such, will have the first shot at tire selection. Entries were received from 10 states and Canada.
“This is just insane honestly,” said promoter Davey Hamilton Jr. “I don’t think anyone involved with OWS was expecting this type of response and excitement on entry day. I mean a month ago we sold out of RV spaces overnight and now we are over 220 plus entries and sold out in three separate classes on the first day. I understand we have a long way before the event comes and there will be some fall off on entries beforehand, but this is just exciting for the sport and the event.
“Let’s say everyone shows up, can you imagine over 100 pavement sprint cars in the pit area? It would be insane. I just have to really give a thank you to all of the partners involved with this event and all the teams and fans who have helped this grow to what’s becoming one of the best events of the year.”
Drivers with eight Little 500 victories headline the list of entrants. The Little 500 is considered the premier non-wing pavement sprint car race annually. Three-time Little 500 champion Kody Swanson headlines the list of former Little 500 winners that also includes Tyler Roahrig, Bobby Santos III and Jake Trainor.
The winner of the non-winged sprint car feature will take home $10,000 from a $45,000 purse.
The fourth annual event will once again feature more than $250,000 in prize money highlighted by a $50,000-to-win 100-lap winged sprint car feature event. Supermodifieds will battle it out for a $10,000 winner’s share in the Larry Trigueiro Memorial. Open Wheel Modifieds, Legends, Bandoleros and non-winged sprint cars will also be a part of this year’s event.
Hamilton also announced that South Point will serve as the host hotel for the Open Wheel Showdown for the fourth consecutive year.
