• dirt track racing news

"SHUGAH" SHANE SEXTON CONTESTS PERRIS USAC/CRA RACE ON SATURDAY

2025-04-05 13:13

(Warner Springs, CA, April 3, 2025) After a very pleasing return in his own car at Perris Auto Speedway, "Shuga" Shane Sexton is poised and ready to return to the famous Riverside County half-mile clay oval when the Avanti Windows and Doors USAC/CRA Sprint Cars come to town this Saturday night. Spectator gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and racing will begin at 7:00.

Sexton's last appearance in his own car at the track came in 2023. Unfortunately, he set a track altitude record for a 410 sprint car when he nearly sailed over the back straight billboards in a main event. Fortunately, he was driving one of the family-made GAS Chassis Cars that held up well in the spectacular crash. While he did suffer a back injury in the wicked accident, he was well protected in the car that suffered minimal damage.

Last year, Sexton, who lives in Warner Springs, California, brought his gorgeous #74 car to The PAS a few times, and each time, engine issues sent the team home before they got to race. Over the winter, with help from fellow racer Austin Grabowski, they solved the problem and the car ran well at The PAS season opener in March.

The friendly driver started eighth and placed seventh in the first 10-lap heat race, having missed the setup slightly. However, he was still happy with the car's performance at its first race of the 2025 season.

"We rolled out of the gate and the car was perfect," Sexton offered after the race. "I kind of messed up in qualifying. I didn't free the car up enough in qualifying and the heat race. It was really, really tight. So, I could not go forward too much, but the power was there."

Unfortunately, Sexton had to start 21st in the 23-car field for the main. While the car was still tight, he became embroiled in the typical Perris Auto Speedway sprint car war. Despite the intense competition on his first night back, Sexton kept his cool throughout the race and brought his car home in 17th.

"It was kind of the same story in the main," Sexton shared about the car being tight. "I started at the back and moved forward without incident. I would have liked to start a little higher up in the main. I can't complain. I was able to roll the car into the trailer in one piece and go forward."

"I cannot really say from last year, but from two years ago, competition wise, it was completely different," he enthusiastically added. "It seemed the guys were more intense. That was kind of nerve wracking being back in the seat for the first time in a while. It was a wake-up call to show me that these guys are not here to mess around. Everybody has the same job to do and everybody wants it."

While he wanted to finish 15th or better, Sexton was still happy with the outcome and looks forward to racing the #74 again this Saturday.

"Yeah, I am satisfied," he said when asked about his finish. "Of course, everybody wants to finish a couple spots better. I did not get my top 15 goal. I would rather be 17th going forward than 15th going backward. Any day we go forward, whether it is one spot or 10 spots, I am happy with it."

Spectator gates at Perris will open at 5:00 p.m. and the racing will get underway at 7:00. Tickets for Saturday's race are $35.00 for those ages 13 and over. Seniors 65 and over get in for $30.00. For kids 6-12, it is $10.00, and children five and under are free. With a small convenience fee, advance tickets are available online at tix.com or by calling 1-800-595-4849. For fans who do not want to purchase advance tickets, plenty will be available at the ticket window on Saturday night. The fairgrounds charge $20.00 for parking.

The PAS is conveniently located on the freeway close Lake Perris Fairgrounds, home of the Southern California Fair, in nearby Riverside County. Take the 215 freeway. Exit at the Ramona Expressway and go three miles east to the fairgrounds. For directions online, the address to enter is 18700 Lake Perris Drive, and the zip code is 92571. The track's website is www.perrisautospeedway.com and the office phone number is 951-940-0134.

Sexton and his #74 team wish to extend their thanks to the following 2025 racing season partners. Gas Chassis, Mike Pridgeon Race Engines, Savage Racing, and Elite Powder Coating. If you would like to be a part of this fun, upcoming team and gain exposure in 2025, please contact Shane Sexton at mailto:Shanesexton7@gmail.com or (619) 362-5921.

Shane Sexton 2025 Race Results

3/1/25 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 17th A Main

This release was produced by Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 or mailto:sdaloisiosprts@gmail.com