Sam Stoecklin
ULMA Public Relations
December 10, 2012

The 2012 ULMA race season is officially in the record books in more ways than one. Jason Russell, who finished the year as ULMA champion, the sixth different champion in as many years in fact, re-wrote much of the association’s records during his 11-win race year. Russell set the bar high for his fellow competitors but records are made to be broken and the level of competition in ULMA continues to grow each year, so anything is possible. There are 57 tentatively scheduled points-earning opportunities on the 2013 schedule compared to 45 races sanctioned in 2012. Drivers will once again earn points from their 15 best points-earning nights throughout the season.

Over the years, ULMA has sanctioned 306 late model events with nearly 250 different drivers participating in the races and although ULMA has a successful history, it is time now to look to year number seven in 2013. Will there be a seventh different champion crowned? Given the competition in past seasons, nothing would come as a surprise if a seventh different driver claimed the championship. Although the Russell camp has not given an official indication of their race plans for 2013 to ULMA, it’s a safe bet that if they do compete in ULMA events they will be a threat to win and have a shot at becoming the first repeat champion.

In recent weeks, ULMA has been busy putting together its roster of affiliated tracks for the upcoming season. Both Callaway Raceways and Lucas Oil Speedway will return with ULMA to sanction there late model racing for the seventh-consecutive season at each of the venues. Callaway Raceway, which is located in Fulton, Missouri, will tentatively begin their season the first Friday in April and end the first Friday in September. As of this writing, Callaway Raceway is the only Friday night affiliated track for 2013. There are 23 planned Friday races scheduled at the track in 2013. Visit them at www.callawayraceways.com for updated information.

Racing at Lucas Oil Speedway for ULMA drivers resumes on Saturday, April 20. All total, there are 14 scheduled appearances at the track located in Wheatland, Missouri. ULMA is extremely pleased that management decided to add additional races for weekly racers for this coming season. Lucas Oil Speedway recently released information regarding season passes, which, if purchased before January 1, 2013 are being offered at a discounted price. The venue offers a state-of-the-art race experience for attendees and hosts multiple disciplines of racing both on the dirt track and on Lake Lucas. Visit www.lucasoilspeedway.com for season passes information and track event schedule.

The third affiliated track for ULMA in 2013 is Randolph County Raceway, formerly known as 24 Raceway in Moberly, Missouri. New owners David and Janelle Claypoole have plans to run on Saturday evenings at the high-banked facility with the first race weekend tentatively scheduled for the second weekend in May. The Claypoole’s have plans to upgrade the facility throughout the off season prior to reopening the facility, including the removal of asphalt from under the dirt surface. The track is also working on a brand-new website but until then, they do have a presence on Facebook for those wishing to follow the current progress, simply search Randolph County Raceway.

ULMA feels the new partnership at Randolph County Raceway is an important piece in the success of the season. The new addition of Randolph County Raceway provides a race location for drivers from areas north of and along the I-70 corridor. The Claypoole’s have expressed they are “looking forward to their new adventure and welcoming ULMA with open arms.” Likewise, ULMA is thankful to return to Moberly, a track where it has sanctioned some very close races in past seasons, including the championship-deciding race for the 2011 season in which Rylan Long outraced Jason Bodenhamer and young Jake Griffin for the crown.

Unfortunately, ULMA will not be returning to Valley Speedway in Grain Valley in 2013. The track recently notified in ULMA that it would not be hosting late model racing for the coming season. Although very disappointed, ULMA understands and respects the track’s decision and the split was amicable. ULMA was informed by owner Dennis Shrout that if circumstances were to change, the door would be open for ULMA to someday return. For now, ULMA does not have a track in the greater Kansas City metro area for the first time since its inception but is exploring ways to keep late model fans in the area pleased. Even more importantly, there is a strong contingent of drivers from that general area who need a place to race close to home for not only themselves but their sponsors and ULMA will continue seeking alternatives to fill the void.

ULMA has updated its web page at www.ulmaracing.com with this year’s tentative schedule. In addition, ULMA recently prepared the results from its recently conducted survey and has made the results available on the main page of its website. Additionally, as a way to communicate with drivers and fans, ULMA officials also created a question and answer document originating from survey questions, comments, and responses and this document is also available on the website. The 2013 membership form is now available for printing from the website. Drivers are encouraged to send in their 2013 membership in before April 1, 2013. By taking care of membership early, drivers save $25. ULMA officials plan to be on hand for the annual Bodee’s Racer’s Auction and Trade Show in Sedalia during the last weekend in January and membership forms will be readily available at the auction.

From ULMA, thank you for supporting the association. We hope that you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in 2013! Our 2012 season would not have been possible without the support of our business partners, including title sponsor Lucas Cattle Company, Contingency Sponsors Rod End Supply and Buyraceparts.com, affiliate sponsors PhotoGraphics by Shelly Payne, General Fence LLC, Midland Printing, Bone Cutter Body Shop, and Taylor Tire Distribution.