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RTJ Wraps Up Wild West Shootout with Trio of Podium Finishes

Returning to FK Rod Ends Arizona Speedway on Friday against a stout field of 62 Late Models, Ricky laid down the fastest lap in his time trial group before picking up a heat race victory.

Drawing the third starting spot for the 30-lap feature, Ricky quickly jumped into the second position behind leader Jason Papich. The duo battled for the top spot until lap 12 when Tyler Erb made a three-wide pass for the lead.

Thornton was able to keep pace with Erb through a number of restarts. The two exchanged several slide jobs throughout the second half of the race before Ricky faded a bit in the closing laps and would ultimately take the checkers in second behind Erb. Jonathan Davenport, Bobby Pierce, and Stormy Scott rounded out the Top-5.

On Saturday, Thornton once again grabbed a heat race, which would position in starting third on the grid after the redraw. Holding the position for the entire 40-lap distance, Thornton crossed the finish line in third behind Erb and Davenport with Jimmy Mars and Jason Papich completing the Top-5 finishers.

For the final round of the 15th Annual Wild West Shootout, Ricky posted the fastest lap in his time trial group and won his heat race to earn the third-starting position for the $25,000-to-win finale.

After battling for the top spot early, Thornton settled to a third-place finish behind Jonathan Davenport and Tyler Erb at the checkers. Rounding out the Top-5 finishers were Brian Shirley and Bobby Pierce.

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