WHEATLAND, MO (April 8th, 2015) – Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri kicks off its 10th Anniversary season this weekend with the 2nd Annual Spring Nationals Presented by RacingJunk.com. A strong field of cars is expected in all divisions, headlined by the stars of the Lucas Oil MLRA and an appearance by Ken Schrader in the Pitts Homes USRA Modified division.
A completely new track surface is among the improvements made by speedway officials over the off-season. There were approximately 200 new loads of red clay hauled onto the track and worked diligently over the past few months. The turns have also been reshaped, with the bottom of the turns lower than before and more banking on the high side. The track is 67 feet wide all the way around, with a concrete marker around the bottom of the turns to keep the shape consistent.
“There has been extensive work to the racing surface itself over the winter,” said Lucas Oil MLRA Series Director and Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Dan Robinson. “We are really hoping these changes will benefit the fans and races alike. However, those changes are just a small part of the overall facility improvements we have made. ”
Upon entering the facility, one of the first things fans will notice is a green grass infield. There is also a concrete infield road which will help with track support vehicles, and race cars for time trials along with ones who have dropped out of competition.
“The Spring MLRA event has always been a great show for our fans here in Wheatland, and the two-day format worked so well last year that we decided to make that an annual tradition. We’re very proud to partner with RacingJunk.com again for 2015.”
Stormy Scott narrowly leads in the championship standings. Jeremy Payne and Terry Phillips are tied for second. Tad Pospisil and Ryan Gustin sit fourth and fifth. All five are expected at Lucas Oil Speedway this weekend.
Last Saturday’s feature at I-80 Speedway was won by St. Charles, Missouri’s Jim Shereck. Shereck is a true rookie in the sport and his win caught several people by surprise, including himself to a certain degree.
“I don’t win races like that,” commented Shereck early this week from his race shop. “I haven’t won races like that before. Saturday’s win was by far the biggest thing I have ever won. The phone calls I’ve received from people I’ve raced with in the past, has been really neat. My Facebook page blew up with new friend requests too!”
Shereck, who sits seventh in the standings, was also quick to credit those around him for their help.
“To get car owner John Kuebler a win like that is pretty cool. My family really helps with all this too. Barry Wright Race Cars had an open line for me to communicate with them all weekend on shock information too. To succeed for all of those people is really special to me.”
Thursday evening from 6-9 PM is an opportunity for many drivers to get their first crack at the new surface and configuration of Lucas Oil Speedway. For fans wanting to get an early start to the weekend, grandstand admission is free, with plenty of on-site camping available.
Lucas Oil Speedway Information 4/10/15 & 4/11/15
Gates: 5 PM Grandstand
Racing: Hot Laps 7 PM, Racing 7:30 PM
Admission: Friday – $15 Adults, Seniors (62 and up) $12, Youth (6-15) $5, Kids (5 and under) FREE, Saturday – $20 Adults, Seniors (62 and up) $15, Youth (6-15) $5, Kids (5 and under) FREE
Support Classes: USRA Modifieds ($500 and $1,000 to win). Factory Stocks ($300 and $750 to win)
Website: LucasOilSpeedway.com
For all of the latest news and information fans are encouraged to visit the series website at www.MLRARacing.com.
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