Jason Johnson Dominates World of Outlaws Event at Red River Valley Speedway
WEST FARGO – Jason Johnson of Eunice, LA claimed Saturday night’s World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series win at Red River Valley Speedway. Johnson started outside of the front row and grabbed the lead on the opening lap over polesitter, Kraig Kinser.
“It just took a lot of patience tonight and a fast race car. When you get yourself in a position to start on the front row, everything just has to go your way,” said Johnson in victory lane before an estimated 6,500 race fans. “We thought we got a bad pill draw to start the night, but with the track conditions, it actually played in our favor. We picked up a heat race win and got lucky in the dash to start on the outside pole in the feature. I just had to take advantage of every opportunity I got.”
Kinser rode in the second position behind Johnson, until Shane Stewart claimed the runner-up position on lap five. Stewart was able to reel in Johnson at the midpoint of the race in lapped traffic, but Johnson was able to maneuver his way through the slower cars and increase his advantage.
“I felt getting through lapped traffic was the key tonight,” continued Johnson. “I didn’t know how close second place was. I was just scared to move up the race track and run through rough stuff because I really wanted to protect the bottom. I felt like I got by a few lapped car pretty quickly and opened up some breathing room.”
That’s all it took for Johnson to claim his first career win at Red River Valley Speedway and third win overall on the season.
To begin the night, Shane Stewart of Bixby, Oka. set a new Red River Valley Speedway track record during time trials with a lap of 11.925, averaging 96.804mph. The lap marks the first sub-12 second lap in Red River Valley Speedway history.
Red River Valley Speedway will host two nights of racing next week, beginning with the NLRA late model special on Wednesday night, followed by season championship night on Friday. Green flag drops at 7pm both nights.
