By David Smith Jr.
The famed half mile oval at Thunderbird Speedway in Muskogee, Oklahoma will play host to arguably the largest racing event since new owners Dennis and Stanley Slader took over a couple years ago as the track hosts the 1st Annual “Charlie Fulton Memorial Late Model Nationals” on Thursday and Friday night, April 5-6, 2012.
Sanctioned by the Missouri based MARS DIRTcar series, Friday night’s championship finale will pay $5,555.55 to win with $5.55 in lap leader money will also be paid out. A full night of racing for the late models will take place including heat races, last chance qualifiers and the championship feature finale.
“Charlie was not only the co-owner of Thunderbird Speedway but he was, in his early years, a fierce competitor, track promoter and owner but most of all he was the most fair promoter besides Cecil Harlan at Tri State that I ever raced for,” according to track co-owner Stanley Slader. “We are honored to be able to remember Charlie with this great show in his honor. I have been friends with Charlie since the early 60’s and hope everyone understands how big a part of his life racing was. Charlie loved his family, racing and traveling and will be missed by everyone who knew him.” Charlie Fulton passed away unexpectedly this past November.
Driver’s expected include defending MARS Champion Brad Looney of Republic, MO; 6-time MARS Champion Terry Phillips; current MARS point leader Jesse Stovall of Galena, MO; Brandon McCormick of Lebanon, MO; R.C. Whitwell of Tucson, AZ; Tony Jackson Jr. of Lebanon, MO; Billy Moyer Jr. of Batesville, AR; Jon Kirby of Russellville, AR; Gary Christian of Broken Bow, OK; Leroy Johnson of Battlefield, MO; Shane Essary of Aurora, MO; Dustin Mooneyham of Aurora, MO: Justin Asplin of Birch Tree, MO and many more.
An open practice session will take place on Thursday night beginning at 6:00 PM. Friday night will see gates open at 5:00 PM with racing set to start at 7:30 PM. The tracks USRA sanctioned modified division will be competing for $1055.55 and $5.55 per lap led. Also running will be the IMCA southern modified, 360 modified, factory stock (all paying $555 to win) and pure stocks divisions.
For more information on this huge late model event or to add your name to the list of contributing sponsors, contact promoters Stanley Slader (918) 869-6883 or Dennis Slader (918) 869-6955. You can also keep track of all things Thunderbird Speedway by accessing their website located at: http://thunderbirdspeedwaymuskogee.yolasite.com.
Information on the MARS DIRTcar Series can be found at www.marsracingseries.com.
The MARS DIRTcar Series would like to thank their sponsors for the 2012 season. Hoosier Racing Tire, Libscomb Auto Group, Powertrain Industries, VP Race Fuels, Wrisco Aluminum, GRT Race Cars, Hatfield Racing Engines, Race Brothers Farm & Home Supply, Supermoon Graphics, Don Babb Motorsports, Comp Cams, Rod End Suppy and Vicci.