PEORIA SPEEDWAY PR
Media Contact: Jeff Adams (309) 265-3133
March 4, 2012
“Bohlander Tribute” kicks off 10 race Bud Late Model Series April 14 with $4,000 top prize
(Peoria, IL) Excitement is building for the season-opening event at Peoria Speedway, the 5th Annual “Don Bohlander Tribute” for UMP Late Models. The race will be a benefit for the “Don Bohlander Parkinson’s FundRACERS” charity, and will kick off the 10 race “Budweiser UMP Super Late Model Series” at the Farmington Road high banks. The”Budweiser Super Series” will pay $5,000 to the winner, with over $129,000 in total prize money paid out.
The “Budweiser UMP Super Late Model Series” features 3 of the signature events at the track- the $4,000 to-win “Don Bohlander Tribute”on Saturday, April 14; $5,000 to-win UMP Summernationals “Hell Tour” on Monday, July 2; and $5,000 to-win “Illinois State Championship” on Saturday, September 22. Seven races paying $2,000 to-win round out the schedule on Saturday, April 28; Sunday May 13; Sunday, May 27; Saturday, June 9; Saturday, July 21: Saturday, August 4 and Saturday, August 18.
The $5,000 Budweiser points championship will be decided by the top 9 finishes from the 10 race series, with the worst finish thrown out. The points will pay back 10 spots, with the remainder of the points fund to be announced at a later date. Each “Budweiser Super Series” event will feature a 6-lap“Dash for Cash”, which will determine the first 3 rows in the feature. The top 2 from each heat race will comprise the “Dash for Cash” with the exception of the “Bohlander Tribute”, which will feature the “Quick Six Dash” under Corn Belt Clash rules.
CORN BELT CLASH SERIES TO CO-SANCTION “BOHLANDER TRIBUTE”
For the first time ever, the Iowa-based Corn Belt Clash Late Model Series, presented by Cen-Pe-Co Lubricants, will join UMP in co-sanctioning the “Don Bohlander Tribute” on April 14. In an effort to accommodate both series, D55 Hoosier tires will be allowed along with the tracks’ weekly D20 and D40 Hoosier tire. The race will be run under CBC rules and format, and will follow a Friday, April 13 $3,000 to-win series event at Davenport Speedway
Nearly every type of Late Model is welcome, as CBC rules allow for a 50 pound weight break (2250 lbs.) for WISSOTA Late Models and cars with Steel Block engines. There is no weight limit for IMCA cars, but engines must be no more than 364 CID Ford, 364 Chevy or 370 CID Dodge, with compression not to exceed 10.5-1.
The race is shaping up as a “border war” between drivers from Iowa and Illinois. 2011 UMP National Champion and defending “Bohlander Tribute” winner Ryan Unzicker from El Paso will try to defend his title against 2-time Corn Belt Clash Champion Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, IA, and Peoria Speedway Track Champion Steve Lance, Jr., among others. A field of over 40 Late Models is expected, with last years’ event drawing 31 cars. The rain date for the “Bohlander Tribute” is Sunday, April 15.
UMP Modifieds, Limited Late Models, and Illinois Lightning Mini-Sprints will join the UMP Late Models for the “Bohlander Tribute”. Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for Senior Citizens, $5 for kids 8-16 years old and kids under 8 $1. Pit passes are $25. Pit gates open at 3 PM, with grandstands opening at 4. Hot laps will begin at 5 PM. For more information, fans can log onto www.peoriaspeedway.com or www.cornbeltclash.com.
Saturday, April 7 will be an open practice session for all classes from 4-9 PM. Pit passes are $20 and grandstand admission is free.