Past CRA Super Series Champion Wins NASCAR Opener
Lebanon, Mo. / Some information contributed by Ronnie Williams
For Immediate Release 4/6/2016 –
Lebanon, MO –
The “High-Banks” of Missouri’s only NASCAR Sanctioned facility and the only weekly asphalt track in the region is ready to begin the 2016 racing season this Saturday night April 2nd.
Entering its 21st season as an asphalt oval, speedway officials expect this to be the most competitive season since the early 2000’s especially in the Pro Late Model class.
Since going back to NASCAR sanctioning, the young guns of regional racing have been head-lining the main event division. In 2013, it was Indiana speedster Cole Williams edging North Carolina’s Matt Wallace for the title. In 2014, the second year 15 year old from Mexico, Mo. Claimed the top spot and last season a local in JC Newell took home the NASCAR State Championship.
“This season we will be looking for our 4th different Lebanon I-44 Track Champion and Missouri State Champion” said general manager Kevin Greven. “Both Newell and Allison will be competing here on limited schedules. We have so many veterans that are capable of wins every week and know how to put on extremely exciting races and there are plenty more young up and comers that want to have a great NASCAR season at I-44 that may take them in the same direction as some of their heroes racing on Sunday that started here.”
Some of the veteran drivers on the list to chase down that 2016 championship will be 3rd place in points last season, Brennon Willard, Strafford hard-chargers Steve Holt and Brian Brown, Springfield’s Jammin Jimmy Vanzandt, 2012 Charger Champion as well as 2014 Sportsman Champion and 2015 Missouri State Rookie of the Year Paul Jepsen of Rolla. Urbana’s Scotty Allen, who is well known for his dirt and asphalt modified career. Terry Limberopolus of Cuba, Mo. and Veterans Joe Ross and Ronnie Hartford of Kansas City. On top of that racers Josh Woody, David Wood, John O’Neal Jr, Jake Griffin, Richard Lewis, JJ Sonneveldt, Chad Walter, Mike Slone, Cole Williams and Brian Woods plan to have something to say about race wins throughout the season.
Pre-season young guns include 2014 Missouri State Rookie of the Year Kyle Donahue of Wildwood who took home the Salute To 75 victory along with his older brother Kevin, Fair Grove’s Peyton Lucas. There are a couple of hard chargers running for the 2016 ROY in 2014 Modified Champion Stephen Counterman and the 14 year old young lady that is a dirt racer from Kansas City, Mandy Chick.
Springfield’s Tim Swearengin will be looking to tie a record with total number of I-44 Track Championships. The 2015 modified champion took his 4th career title adding to his three Pro Late Model titles captured in 2000-2002. Currently, Springfield’s NASCAR Hall of Fame nominated Larry Phillips and Dirt Hall Of Famer Ken Essary are the only two drivers with 5 I-44 Championships.
Saturday nights racing action will include the Pro Late Models, Ground Pounding Modifieds, Street Stocks, Chargers and Sportsman with the first race scheduled to roll off at 6PM. Grandstand Gates and The popular Wild side Tier parking will open at 5PM with cars already on the track testing.
For more information visit the website at www.i44speedway.net and be sure to like us at Lebanon I-44 Speedway on Facebook for updated information on Missouri’s only NASCAR sanction facility and the only weekly asphalt track within 300 miles.
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