Covington Wins Arizona ASCS Race

Oklahoma driver Matt Covington takes the checkered flag in the American Sprint Car Series Sonoran Clash event.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Matt Covington, a 36-year-old driver from Glenpool, Oklahoma, won the second night of the American Sprint Car Series' inaugural Sonoran Clash event at Central Arizona Raceway on Sunday. Covington made a late pass on Kyler Johnson to claim the $6,000 prize, his 23rd career ASCS victory.

Why it matters

Covington's win continues his strong start to the 2026 ASCS season, as he looks to build on his success from last year. The Sonoran Clash event marks the series' first visit to Central Arizona Raceway, providing an opportunity for new drivers to emerge and challenge the series veterans.

The details

Covington started sixth on the grid but methodically worked his way forward, passing Whit Gastineau and then catching and passing race leader Kyler Johnson in the closing laps. Johnson had taken the lead after early leader Justin Peck suffered a flat tire while leading. Covington was able to use the high line around the three-eighths-mile oval to his advantage, making the winning pass on Johnson as they came to the start/finish line on Lap 25.

  • Peck led the early laps from the pole position until a caution on Lap 14.
  • On the restart, Johnson took the lead with Covington and Gastineau in pursuit.
  • Covington caught and passed Johnson for the lead on Lap 25.
  • Covington led the final five laps to claim the $6,000 top prize.

The players

Matt Covington

A 36-year-old driver from Glenpool, Oklahoma who won the second night of the ASCS Sonoran Clash event at Central Arizona Raceway.

Kyler Johnson

The driver who led much of the race before being passed by Covington late.

Justin Peck

The driver who led the early laps from the pole position before suffering a flat tire.

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What they’re saying

“I really can't believe we won this thing tonight. The car was great.”

— Matt Covington (speedsport.com)

“I feel like we've really got things figured out right now. We've been off. We kinda got our butts kicked at Volusia — it's a different track, a tough track. But we got a good rebound, and the rest of the year is looking up for us.”

— Matt Covington (speedsport.com)

What’s next

The ASCS Sonoran Clash will conclude on Monday night with the third and final night of competition at Central Arizona Raceway.

The takeaway

Covington's victory showcases his skill in finding the fastest line around a dirt track, as he was able to chase down and pass the race leader late. This win puts him in a strong position as the ASCS season continues.