"Shugah" Shane Sexton Makes First Lightning Sprint Start of 2025 at Barona this Saturday
2025-06-08 00:51
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Warner Springs, CA — Warner Springs racer "Shugah" Shane Sexton will return to his racing roots this Saturday night, June 7th, when he straps back into a SoCal Lightning Sprint Car for the first time in 2025 at Barona Speedway. Sexton, who honed his skills racing mini dwarfs and Pintos on the San Diego County clay oval, will be making his season debut in a division he's long been competitive in.
"Barona is where it all started for me," Sexton said. "Every time I go back, it feels like home. I'm really looking forward to getting back in a lightning sprint and seeing what we can do."
Saturday's event marks Sexton's return to the quarter-mile oval where he competed five times in Lightning Sprints in 2024. Despite racing in less than half the SoCal Lightning Sprint Car Series (SCLS) schedule, he finished an impressive ninth in the championship standings. In those five starts, he never finished outside the top 10 and secured four top five results, including a pair of runner-up finishes to close out the season.
"We had a strong finish to last year," Sexton said. "The car was really good, and I felt more comfortable every time out. Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off."
A proven talent in Lightning Sprints, Sexton's standout year came in 2022. He captured preliminary wins at two of the division's marquee events—the Clay Cup in Deming, Washington, and the Cal Cup at Lemoore Raceway in Central California. That same season, he also placed second in a feature at Central Missouri Speedway.
"Those wins in 2022 were a huge confidence boost," he reflected. "Lightning sprints are super competitive, and when you win at races like the Clay Cup or Cal Cup, it really means something."
Saturday will be Sexton's fourth overall race of the 2025 season. His previous three outings have come in the Avanti Windows and Doors USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series at Perris Auto Speedway. Each time, the 20-something wheelman has improved on his starting position in the 30-lap mains. Most recently, he charged from 21st to 15th in the prestigious Salute to Indy on May 24th—his best finish so far this year in 410 sprint car competition.
"Running with USAC/CRA is helping me grow as a driver," Sexton stated. "It's tough competition every night, and that kind of seat time helps me no matter what kind of car I'm in."
Event Information:
Location: Barona Speedway
5.8 miles north of Barona Casino on Wildcat Canyon Road, between mile markers 11.0 and 11.5
Gates Open: 2:00 p.m.
Racing Begins: 6:00 p.m.
Adult Admission: $20.00
Kids (7-17): $10.00
Seniors, Military, EMTs: $10.00
Kids 6 & Under: FREE
Family Pack (2 Adults, 2 Kids): $50.00
Parking: FREE
Up next for Sexton after this weekend, there will be a return to USAC/CRA competition at Perris Auto Speedway on June 21st.
Sexton and the #74 team would like to thank their 2025 season partners: Gas Chassis, Mike Pridgeon Race Engines, Savage Racing, and Elite Powder Coating. Businesses interested in joining this exciting and growing team for the 2025 season are encouraged to reach out to Shane Sexton at ShaneSexton7@gmail.com or call (619) 362-5921.
Shane Sexton 2025 Race Results
3/1/25 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 17th A Main
4/5/25 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 18th A Main
5/24/25 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 15th A Main
This release was produced by Scott Daloisio (909) 226-7768 or mailto:sdaloisiosprts@gmail.com