JANUARY 8, 2024 - - - Sammy Mars and Mars Racing made their 2024 debut over the January 6-7 weekend in the first two events of the 18th Annual ‘Wild West Shootout’ at Vado Speedway Park in Vado, New Mexico. On Saturday evening in the $11,000 to win Super Late Model opener, Sammy laid down the thirteenth quickest time in Group A during the qualifying session prior to placing seventh in his loaded heat race. After grabbing the fourth and final transfer spot through his B-Main, Sammy started the 40-lap main event from the inside of the twelfth row. Unfortunately, he lost brakes on the opening circuit and was forced to retire from the contest in the twenty-fifth position.
At Vado on Sunday night, another $11,000 payday was up for grabs in round two of the miniseries. Sammy once again posted the thirteenth fastest lap in Group A during time trials, but later nabbed the fourth transfer position through his heat race. The Menomonie, Wisconsin ace then rolled off from the inside of the seventh row in the 40-lapper, went for a spin on lap twelve, and was ultimately paid for a twenty-third place performance. Complete results from the unsanctioned ‘Wild West Shootout’ can be located online by pointing your web browser to www.vadospeedwaypark.com.
