SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. – In January of 2001 a series featuring super late models was created at the track known then as Central Arizona Raceway at the fairgrounds east of Casa Grande, Ariz.

The modest start held two races that initial year, doubled that the following year and continued to grow in 2003 with six races in the series.

Now approaching the 14th year of the event being called the Wild West Shootout, the series continues to grow with additional sponsorship and increased purses and large bonus opportunities for multiple wins. What began as a local event is now a major series with nationwide recognition, drawing fans and competitors from from all over the country.

First labeled the Early Thaw at Central Arizona Raceway, promoter Ernie Mincy started the series with that 2001 effort and continued to spearhead the event until his retirement.  When the Casa Grande track closed in 2008, the event missed a year before returning in 2010 at the track in Tucson.

Along the way the name became Winter Extreme before eventually becoming the Wild West Shootout. In 2017 the event moved to Arizona Speedway in San Tan Valley, located at the southeast edge of the Phoenix metropolitian area.  Chris Kearns is the promoter of the series and has been the person behind the huge growth both in payout and stature.

The Wild West Shootout will race six times in nine days from Jan. 11-19, with the first five races paying the super late models $5,000 to win, soaring to $15,000 to win on the final day. Also in action will be USRA modifieds and X mods, with both divisions enjoying double the amount to win on both Sunday races.

Officially known as the Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout Presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts, more than $200,000 will be awarded. A large group of 29 sponsors are supporting the event and helping it to continue its growth.

A unique bonus opportunity in super late models, the Keyser Quarter-Million Challenge will offer a $250,000 bonus to win all six late model mains, $100,000 to win five, $25,000 if four wins and $10,000 to win three.

Last year Bobby Pierce earned the $10,000 bonus for three wins by claiming the trophy in the first three events.  Additional wins for Pierce looked likely but mechanical misfortune kept him from collecting a much higher bonus.