Several current or aspiring NASCAR drivers can’t wait to get the 2016 racing season started.
That’s why guys like Sprint Cup stars Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson, and upcoming drivers Rico Abreu and Christopher Bell will ring in the New Year behind the wheel.
They’ll all compete in the second annual Winter Heat Sprint Car Showdown at Cocopah Speedway in Somerton, Arizona.
Showdown dates are Jan. 1, 2, 5 , 8 and 9.
“It means a lot to have Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson return to their roots at the Winter Heat Sprint Car Showdown,” speedway general manager Greg Burgess said in a media release. “Both have a World of Outlaws driver competing as well, so we really appreciate their support.
“It’s also been neat watching Rico Abreu and Christopher Bell rise throughout the ranks in racing and we’re excited to see them join a storied roster of top-notch drivers competing at the Winter Heat Sprint Car Showdown.”
Additional drivers may still enter the event. You can check out the up-to-ate roster of participants by clicking here.
Drivers will pilot 410 cubic inch winged sprint cars and are looking to earn prizes ranging from $5,000 to $12,000, as well as additional money from a $10,000 points fund.
Kahne will drive his own sprint car while Larson will drive one owned by Abreu’s crew chief, Paul Silva. Larson won one of the feature races in last year’s Showdown.
Meanwhile, back in October 2014, Abreu and Bell finished 1-2 on two successive nights at the semi-banked, 3/8-mile dirt oval.
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