Ricky Weiss took a trip to the outskirts of Phoenix in January.
It wasn't for a vacation, though.
The late model driver from Manitoba decided to compete against some of the top late model drivers in the country in the Wild West Shootout at the Arizona Speedway.
The results were impressive.
He won two races that featured World of Outlaw late model drivers Mike Marlar, Brandon Sheppard, David Breazeale and Chase Junghans. Marlar is the co-leader in points in the World of Outlaws circuit.
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Weiss also had a second-place finish, a third-place finish and two did-not-finishes-one occurred while he was leading a race.
That kick-started a terrific season for Weiss.
"Big time it boosted our confidence to start the season," Weiss said. "It's been great all year."
Weiss hopes that his success against the World of Outlaw late models in Arizona will carry over to tonight's event at River Cities Speedway.
The show begins at 7 p.m. and will feature only late models and sprints.
In the last decade, no local driver has finished higher than eighth against the top late model competitors at the Bullring. Joey Pederson accomplished that in 2015.
But Weiss hopes to top it, having knowledge of the track and experience against the World of Outlaw drivers.
"Hoping for a solid top five," he said.
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Last summer, Weiss was the top local finisher in 11th place.
Weiss has raced seven times at River Cities Speedway this year. He has six top-five finishes and he won one feature.
Other top local drivers have been RCS points leader Dustin Strand, Pederson, Mike Balcaen, Bill Mooney and Brad Seng.
The field won't be easy.
Marlar set the late model track record at the Bullring a year ago, turning in a lap at 11.321 seconds.
Marlar is tied with Chris Madden in points.
Shane Clanton, who is fourth in points in the circuit, won at River Cities Speedway a year ago.
And Brandon Sheppard, who is third in points, already has eight feature wins this season.
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RCS World of Outlaw Late Model winners
2017-Shane Clanton
2016-Rain
2015-Tim McCreadie
2014-Tim Fuller
2013-Rain
2012-Darrell Lanigan
2011-Tim McCreadie
2010-Austin Hubbard
2009-Josh Richards
2008-Brady Smith
Top local finishers
2017-11. Ricky Weiss
2015-8. Joey Pederson, 9. Brad Seng
2014-15. Dustin Strand
2012-12. Seng
2011-14. Seng
2010-14. Seng
2009-15. Dustin Hapka
2008-15. Seng
