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AFTER BRENT SEXTON'S CAREER BEST 410 SPRINT CAR FINISH, SEXTON GATLIN RACING HEADS TO ARIZONA

2025-04-09 20:42

(Lakeside, CA, April 7, 2025) Veteran driver Brent Sexton made the long trek to Ocean Speedway a memorable one when he recorded the best finish in his 410 sprint car career by placing fifth in the Ultimate Sprint Car Series 30-lap main event in Watsonville, California. Twenty-four hours later, he finished 12th when the second-year series made its first appearance at the Merced Speedway. This Friday and Saturday, April 11th and 12th, the veteran driver and his youngest son, Grant, are heading to the Central Arizona Raceway for two nights of racing with the Avanti Windows and Doors USAC/CRA Sprint Cars.

Sexton first raced a full-sized sprint car with the USAC/CRA Series two years ago. However, there was a huge difference between that car and the one he is driving today. For those initial races in 2023 and all of 2024, he was powered by a 360 engine. At times, that was like taking a gun to a knife fight as he was competing against full fields of 410 sprint cars. While he held his own, there was only so much he could do, and at times, that was frustrating.

Sexton, who is a three-time lightning sprint car champion, decided to up his game for 2025. He purchased a 410 engine to run with both USAC/CRA and the USCS.

"Somebody compared it to some of the motorcross stuff we used to do saying it was like comparing a two-stroke to a four stroke," the veteran driver said in mid-March. "It is definitely an eye opener and I give respect to the guys who have been driving those (410s) for so long. I love it. It takes more throttle control. Not that I had much throttle control before. It is definitely a discipline thing for sure."

For Sexton to record his best 410 finish at Ocean Speedway was kind of surprising. It was his fourth start with the more powerful engine. What was unexpected was the fact that he did it at a track he had never been on during his long racing career.

The likeable racer started the weekend by qualifying third fastest in his group at 13.375. That time was also good enough for 10th best in the 19-car field. He started fourth, and led much of his heat race before ending up second. So far, so good, but the main event on the famous Santa Cruz County oval would end up being the icing on an extremely sweet cake.

Starting seventh, he was immediately in the thick of the battle. Using the top and the bottom of the track, he actually moved all the way up to fourth at one point. Likewise, he also drifted back to eighth or ninth. Sexton kept his focus straight and by the time the race ended, he was fifth at the checkers.

"It was so much fun," he said about the race. "I loved the track, and I love my 410. I am having the time of my life. To finish fifth the first time ever at the track, that is cool. I am happy."

After Watsonville, it was on to Merced, a track Sexton is more familiar with from his lightning sprint car days. However, things did not go quite as well, and he finished 12th in the A main event.

This Friday and Saturday, the Central Arizona Speedway will be a new track for SGR drivers Brent and Grant. Recently renovated, the speedy oval is now a showpiece track that will be hosting the USAC/CRA Sprint Cars for the first time. Located in Casa Grande on the Pinal County Fairgrounds at 512 S 11 Mile Corner Road, the track is about halfway between Phoenix and Tucson. Adult tickets for the shows are $25.00 each night. Active military and seniors get in for $20.00. For young adults ages 12-17, it is $15.00. Kids 11 and under are free. Gates will open at 5:00 p.m. each night with racing at 7:00. For more information visit the track website at https://www.centralazraceway.com/ or call the track office at 602-292-7607.

Sexton Gatlin Racing would like to thank the following companies for making the 2024 season possible. East County Electric Works, Keys Brothers, BR Motorsports, Maxima Oil, Automated Interiors, Valley Lubricant Services, Sexton Fire Protection, BK Wings, and Troy Dirt.



If you or your company are interested in becoming a marketing partner with Sexton Gatlin Racing in 2024, please call (619) 454-6945 or E-mail mailto:sextonfire@cox.net or mailto:sextonfire@gmail.com.

Brent Sexton 2025 Results

3/8/25 Ventura Raceway USCS Sprint Cars 13th A Main

3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars DNS

3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 14th A Main

3/28/25 Ocean Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 5th A Main

3/29/25 Merced Speedway USCS Sprint Cars 12th A Main

Grant Sexton 2025 Results

3/15/25 Mohave Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 20th A Main

3/8/25 Ventura Raceway USCS Sprint Cars 8th A Main

3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 19th A Main

AJ Bender 2025 SGR Results

3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 23rd A Main

Braydin Collie 2025 SGR Results

3/14/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 11th A Main

3/15/25 Imperial Valley Raceway SoCal Lightning Sprints 11th A Main

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