West Valley City, Utah -- #80 Mike Murgoitio, of Meridian Idaho, amazed fans at ASA-sanctioned Rocky Mountain Raceways on Monday, May 28; running at record breaking speeds and winning the main event for the Salt Lake leg of the Northwest Asphalt Speedweek featuring the Western Winged Sprint Car Series.
Murgoitio laid down the rubber during a trophy dash running 12.469. This is the fastest time ever recorded on Rocky Mountain Raceways America First Credit Union Super Oval. “This is pretty big when you are running up against the times of Super Modifieds. It was really cool,” says Murgoitio of his fast lap. #76 Andy Alberding officially set the track record during qualifying running 12.507. The previous record of 12.654 was set by Murgoitio on Saturday, May 12.
Murgoitio kept up the momentum into the main event making quick work of the field moving from the ninth position to the top 3 by lap 5. The first caution of the night in lap 23 gave Murgoitio the perfect opportunity to overtake race leader #88 Wyatt King. On the double-file restart, King went inside and Murgoitio took to the outside.
By turn 3, Murgoitio was able to shoot around King for the lead. Murgoitio led the remainder of the 50-lap race, taking the checkered flag ahead of #12 Johnny Giesler in second, #25 Sierra Jackson in third, #24 Jim Waters in fourth and #91 Bryan Warf in fifth.
The Northwest Asphalt Speedweek will culminate at the quarter-mile, ASA-sanctioned Meridian Speedway with the Tom Naylor Memorial on Wednesday, May 30 and Diamond Cup on Friday-Saturday, June 1-2. “The rest of the week will be a challenge because the shorter track will equalize the cars, but we are going to bring our “A” game,” says Murgoitio. Meridian Speedway is Murgoitio’s home track where he currently sits atop the point standings.
The Winged Sprints are the fastest race cars to hit the America First Credit Union Super Oval; traveling at speeds of more than 110 miles per hour. Winged Sprint Cars are high-powered; open-wheel machines that combined with a light chassis and alcohol injected engines create enormous amounts of horsepower. The addition of wings on the top and front of the car create greater down force; resulting in better traction around the course and higher speeds.
ASA Weekly Racing will continue at Rocky Mountain Raceways on Saturday, June 2 featuring the Rocky Mountain Challenge Series Late Models, Maverik Modifieds, Super Stocks and Mini Cups. Gates open at 4:00pm, racing starts at 6:00pm.
For more information:
Meridian Speedway: http://www.meridianspeedway.com
Western-Winged Sprint Series: www.wingedsprintcars.com
About Rocky Mountain Raceways
Celebrating its 16th season of racing, Rocky Mountain Raceways is Utah’s premiere motorsports venue for short-track oval racing, drag racing and motocross racing. For more information about Rocky Mountain Raceways visit www.rmrracing.com.
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Rocky Mountain Raceways ASA Weekly Race Results
Monday, May 28
Winged Sprints (50 Laps)
1. #80 Mike Murgoitio, 2. #12 Johnny Giesler, 3. #25 Sierra Jackson, 4. #24 Jim Waters, 5. #91 Bryan Warf
Focus Midgets (25 Laps)
1. #24 Chuck Groat, 2. #4 Ron Duncombe, 3. #89 Eric Barlow, 4. #55 Jeff Kelly, 5. #15 Gregg Fuette
Hornets (20 Laps)
1. #16 David Baity, 2. #88 Braxton Sainsbury, 3. #18 Daniel Calligaro, 4. #8 DeWayne Holyman, 5. #31 Dana Combs
Figure-8 Cars (15 Laps)
1. #13 Tim Fahrner, 2. #4 Trevor Solomon, 3. #09 Cory Hutchings, 4. #22 Corey Walker, 5. #33 Mike Thompson
HR-Equipment Figure-8 Trains
1. #44 Plum Crazy, 2. #20 Shake Rattle & Roll, 3. #33 Intimidator, 4. #21 Tokyo to USA, 5. #13 Six Feet Under
Western-Winged Sprint Cars-May 28, 2012.JPG
#80 Mike Murgoitio.JPG
