Ford unveils truck at race in Primm

Ford might have a better idea on how to spur sales of new vehicles.

The auto maker introduced a race-ready Mustang for the dragstrip last year and is teasing off-roaders with a race version of its 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor pickup.

A hopped-up version of the truck will be racing in the Terrible’s 250 desert race Saturday in Primm.

Ford showcased its latest involvement with the sport Thursday when NASCAR Sprint Cup star Greg Biffle traded his stock car for a Raptor to prerun the 69-mile course that will be used Saturday in the Best in the Desert event.

Another Ford-backed driver will be introduced to the Primm desert.

Linsey Weenk, a professional Ford monster truck driver from Canada, will complete one lap with veteran Rob MacCachren serving as co-driver. MacCachren and Team Ford owner Steve Olliges will split the other two laps in the race.

Racing begins at 5:40 a.m. Saturday for slower classes with the premier categories scheduled to start at 1 p.m. For more information, visit bitd.com on the Internet.

• LVMS BULLRING — Justin Johnson trails Super Late Models points leader Taylor Barton by two points heading into Saturday night’s NASCAR All-American Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Bullring.

Johnson didn’t expect to compete this year because of limited sponsorships, but plans changed when he was able to rent a car owned and formerly driven by Michael Haslam. Barton won the 100-lap opener and Johnson won the feature two weeks ago.

Also on Saturday’s card are the ASA Speed Trucks, Bombers, Chargers, Thunder Roadsters, Legends Cars and Bandoleros.

Tickets are $5 if purchased at the track or by phone (644-4444) before 5 p.m. today.

• LVMS DRAGS — Henderson’s Justin Lamb won the Comp Eliminator title Sunday in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Shootout at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Stephanie Wong of Las Vegas lost to Tom Albritton of West Jordan, Utah, in the championship round of Super Stock.

Other Division 7 winners were Shawn Cowie, Top Alcohol Dragster; Sean O’Bannon, Top Alcohol Funny Car; Scott Burton, Stock; Val Torres Jr., Super Comp; Randy Balough, Super Gas; Gary Reust, Super Street; Craig Wood, Motorcycle; Rick Takahashi, Top Sportsman; and Geoff Nelson, Top Dragster.

Contact reporter Jeff Wolf at jwolf@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0247.