DeBenedetti Returns Just In Time For Wild West Modified Shootout
By Ben Deatherage
One of the iconic drivers to ever come out of the Pacific Northwest region is coming out of retirement to dazzle fans in this year's Wild West Modified Shootout, his name Jon DeBenedetti. DeBenedetti, who will chauffeur the Sir Lawrence Motorsports/Wyatt Timber/Ron Martin Wholesale/Bowman Motorsports/Bracelin Trucking #0D Loose Gruff, has not raced since a open competition Late Model event in 2012 at Coos Bay Speedway. It was a race that he won.
“It's exciting to get behind the wheel again,” said Jon, “this is going to be a lot of fun.”
The last time he was in a Modified was over three years ago. But what he brings to the table as far as credentials is quite incredible. The Rogue River pilot is a four-time, in a row, winner of the Cottage Grove Speedway Modified Nationals, has won the Shipwreck Beads Northwest Modified Nationals at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Washington three times, is a former winner of the Lon Skinner Memorial at White City’s Southern Oregon Speedway, and also is a former winner of the Dirt Track Shootout at the Chowchilla Speedway in California.
“I'm really looking forward to the good competition,” continued DeBenedetti, “my goals are pretty straight forward and that is to put up some consistent top fives, win two races, and win the points championship.”
The 2015 Wild West Modified Shootout kicks off at Southern Oregon Speedway on Saturday June 13th. The tour will wrap things up at Willamette Speedway on the 19th and 20th to close the speedweek out for the second straight year. Teams from Oregon, Washington, California, North Dakota, Montana, and British Columbia Canada are expected to make the journey.
All races will be broadcasted through Speed Shift TV and you can either purchase each race for $19.95 or buy the whole week for $99.95. Orders can be made onhttp://www.speedshifttv.com. Be sure and don't miss out on these great races featuring the best Modified drivers in the Pacific Northwest region.
2015 Wild West Modified Shootout Schedule:
Saturday June 13th Southern Oregon Speedway White City, OR
Sunday June 14th Siskiyou Motor Speedway Yreka, CA
Monday June 15th Coos Bay Speedway Coos Bay, OR
Tuesday June 16th Cottage Grove Speedway Cottage Grove, OR
Wednesday June 17th Sunset Speedway Park Banks, OR
Thursday June 18th Travel Day
Friday June 19th Willamette Speedway Lebanon, OR
Saturday June 20th Willamette Speedway Lebanon, OR
Former Wild West Modified Shootout Champions:
2014- Alex Stanford
2013- Jesse Williamson
2012- Jesse Williamson
2011- Brian Poppa
Wild West Modified Shootout All-Time Win List (2011-14):
Jesse Williamson- 6
Alex Stanford- 5
Brian Poppa- 4
Ken Schrader- 2
Mark Carrell- 1
Braedon Hand
Scott Lenz
Travis Peery
Nick Trenchard
Mark Wauge