CASA GRANDE, Ariz. — Reigning Lucas Oil Late Model Champion and Arizona native Ricky Thornton Jr. will compete as a rookie in the 58th Annual Western World Championships at Casa Grande’s Central Arizona Raceway on October 24-25.
The event features two nights of USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship and the Avanti Windows & Doors USAC CRA Sprint Car Series action with $20,000 to win on Saturday night.
Thornton, a native of Chandler, Arizona and now living in Indianola Iowa, was thrilled when team owner Jerry Petty approached him about the opportunity to run one of his Petty Performance Racing entries during the prestigious event.
“I’ve always wanted to run the Western World Championships and just never had the opportunity,” Thornton said. “When Jerry offered a car, I knew I had to accept.”
Thornton, who will pilot the No. 20rt Petty Performance Racing entry sponsored by Avanti Windows & Doors, will be teamed up with the current USAC National Sprint Car points leader Kyle Cummins and current USAC CRA points leader R.J. Johnson for the event.
“I am really looking forward to racing back in Arizona in front of family, friends and fans.” Thornton mentioned.
