SWS: New Mexico/Arizona race notes

Ziehl sweeps Southwest Sprints in New Mexico, Arizona

USAC Southwest Sprint Car Series point leader Rick Ziehl of Las Cruces, N.M. stamped himself as the odds-on favorite for this year's championship with his back-to-back 30-lap feature victories Friday and Saturday nights in New Mexico and Arizona.

Ziehl led the final 15 laps of Friday night's race at Hollywood Hills Speedway in San Felipe Pueblo, N.M. and the last five laps of Saturday night's race at Thunder Raceway in Show Low, Ariz. and now holds a 31-point lead over Brandon Lane in the series standings. Lane posted a third and fifth in the two races.

Trailing Ziehl's Lucas Oil Avenger Chevy at Hollywood Hills were Steve Nix, who led the first 15 laps, fast qualifier Lane, Kaylene Verville and Robert Hall, Jr. Charles Davis, Jr. led the first 25 laps but finished second in Saturday night's race at Show Low and was followed by Jeff Branagan, Hall and Lane, who again posted the fastest time trial.

Ziehl, who now has three consecutive series victories, and Lane will continue their championship point battle on September 27 when the series returns to Show Low for its penultimate event.

USAC SOUTHWEST SPRINT CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1. Rick Ziehl 582
2. Brandon Lane 551
3. Robert Hall, Jr. 496
4. Ronnie Clark 487
5. Kaylene Verville 482
6. Beau Binder 471
7. Mike Martin 441
8. Shon Deskins 408
9. Bruce St. James 351
10. Matt Rossi 349