By Trenton Berry

(March 22, 2012) Buckner, MO – The Lucas Oil MLRA roars to life this Saturday night, March 24, 2012 at Springfield Raceway in Springfield, MO. Opening night will mark the beginning of the 24th season for the Midwestern tour, making it one of the oldest Dirt Late Model sanctioning bodies in the country. “March Madness” is the latest brainchild of track Co-Owner Jerry Hoffman, who has wanted to make this race a reality the past few years. However, weather has always been the hindrance. This weekend will mark the 1st Annual event. The event will not, however, be the first race at the quarter mile oval in 2012. They held a makeup of the annual “Turkey Classic” two weekends ago.

2011 series champion John Anderson is scheduled to compete, as is two time and defending Corn Belt Clash Champion Chad Simpson of Mt. Vernon, IA among many others. Three rookies, Bill Leighton Jr., Kevin Sather and Mark Dotson will duke it out to see who will have the early advantage in the Rookie of the Year standings. This race is co-sanctioned with the MARS series. Keep up with Lucas Oil MLRA point standings, schedule and more at MLRAracing.com.

The grandstand opens at 4 PM. Adult admission is $20 and kids 6-12 are $5, while kids 5 and under are free. The pit area opens at 1:30 PM, with pit passes costing $35. Hot laps begin at 5 PM with action beginning at 6 PM. For additional information, check out the tracks website at SpringfieldRaceway.com.

The Lucas Oil MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) sanctions regional Super Dirt Late Model touring series events in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.

For all the latest news and information on the Lucas Oil MLRA please visit us on the web at www.MLRAracing.com or by calling the series office at (816) 650-5063 or (816) 305-6572.