Carlos Vieira To Make Lone ’22 Start in the Wild West Shootout presented by 51 FIFTY

Bakersfield, CA – Carlos Vieira has been a long-time supporter of the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series, racking up 112 career starts, dating back to 2008, when he made his first series start at Irwindale Speedway. 111 starts later, Vieira will make his 16th career SRL appearance at The New Stockton 99 Speedway in the “JM Environmental Inc. Wild West Shootout Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 127 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM.” He will be the presenting sponsor of the event, through his 51 FIFTY brands, which have become well known throughout the central valley of California.

Vieira will be making his first SRL start of an abbreviated 2022 campaign. Over the last 12 seasons, Vieira had missed only four events, but is concentrating on races near his Livingston, CA home this season.

“This year I have limited my racing to only a handful of weekends”, Vieira commented about his limited schedule. “I am concentrating on running the family sweet potato business and I continue to help the (Carlos Vieira) Foundation do all the great things that we have done over the years. I also continue to promote the 51 FIFTY lifestyle. I have kept my racing close to home, racing only at Madera and Stockton Speedways.”

With his family, businesses, and charitable organizations with the Carlos Vieira Foundation taking a larger role in 2022, Vieira would still love to attend more SRL events this season, with a more centralized schedule. But this season’s schedule would have seen Vieira travelling greater distances from his home, and that option was not in the cards for 2022.

“To be completely open, I would’ve raced more SRL races if they would come to Madera Speedway”, Vieira expressed. “I’m not sure why the SRL and Madera Speedway couldn’t make that happen this year. I would have also raced in Stockton a second time if there was another race. I love racing these types of cars, but again, I am keeping my racing close to home. So, I’ve chosen to race a few races in the local Pro Late Model deal at Madera, and with the SRL at Stockton.”

Vieira will be looking for his first series victory after 16 top-five finishes, including a second at Kern County Raceway Park. Four of those top-fives where at Stockton, where he also has seven top-10’s. His career numbers include 55 top-10’s, one behind Jim Pettit II for fourth all-time. With half the SRL season completed to this point, Vieira hopes to have a strong effort, and have a little fun this weekend, putting himself in contention for the win.

“The SRL always has tough competition”, Vieira stated. “My goal would be to have fun, be competitive, finish the race, and hopefully be there for a chance to bring home a win.”

Vieira earned his first Late Model victory back in 2007, at Altamont Raceway Park. He has earned three Pacific Challenge Series wins, in only six starts. He has a $5,000 win at Madera Speedway, in their MAVTV televised Pro Late Model Series, last season. He was also their championship runner-up in 2019. This year he has scored top fives in his two starts, finishing third the last time out. The 2020 SRL Championship Runner-up has four finishes in the top-five in the series final standings. He also has the distinction of completing every lap during the 2018 season, where he finished third in those standings.

The businessman, and charitable entrepreneur, is himself thankful for the opportunity to compete at Stockton 99 Speedway, in a sport that he loves. He would like to express his gratitude for that chance to compete, and to God for helping him overcome the challenges in his life, that led to his book “Knockin’ Doorz Down”.

“I honestly want to thank God for all that he has done for me and for the blessings I have in my life”, Vieira expressed. “I have been spending more weekends with my family, and at the same time I have been able to participate in a sport that I believe has been a big part of my recovery from addiction. I continue to promote my book “Knockin’ Doorz Down” as a way to help others. The book also talks about how racing saved my life. In addition, I want to say a big thank you to all the race fans, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all at Stockton!”

For those in attendance on the 16th, buy a copy of Carlos’ book at his trailer, or bring a copy to be signed after the races. The man with the million-dollar smile would be happy to meet the fans and share the experiences of what has made him the man he is today.

Admission Gates open at 5:00 pm. Qualifying for the SPEARS SRL Pro Late Model Series presented by Sigma Performance Services will begin at 5:15 pm with the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series following. Opening Ceremonies are up next with racing starting at 6:00 pm. Main Events begin with the Jr. B4 Cylinders, Bombers, SPEARS SRL Pro Late Model Series – “51FIFTY 60 presented by SPS”, B4 Cylinders and wrap up the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series – JM Environmental Inc. Wild West Shootout “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap 127 presented by 51 FIFTY LTM”.

For those unable to attend, catch all the action LIVE at www.SpearsRacing.TV. The event will also air on MAVTV at a time and date to be announced later.

Celebrating its twenty-second season in 2022, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.