Media Contact: Trenton Berry
Wheatland, Missouri (May 2, 2017) – The state of Iowa has become a hotbed of activity for the Lucas Oil MLRA in previous seasons. With each ensuing event in the Hawkeye state, fan interest seems to be on the rise. This weekend will be no different, with a trio of events on the docket.
“Man, I just love showcasing the Lucas Oil MLRA,” commented Assistant Series Director Ernie Leftwich. “It’s no secret that Iowa is one of the top states in the entire country for dirt racing. It’s a very important state for our tour and valued marketing partners alike. We have three great shows this weekend. I can’t wait to hit the road.”
With just two races in books thus far, there is not a ton of clarity in regards to the top 10 drivers, who will vie for the championship and so on. This weekend will be pivotal towards early season tour success. Plus there are those two extremely valuable Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 provisionals up for grabs, based on point standings.
Rodney Sanders will unload his MB Customs Race Car carrying the Midwest Sheet Metal fluorescent yellow points leader spoiler. Will Vaught, Jesse Stovall, Terry Phillips and Tony Jackson Jr. complete the very early top five, in current championship standings.
One driver who will certainly be on the radar this weekend is Oxford, Iowa’s Chris Simpson. Off to the best start in his career, Simpson enters the weekend with two Late Model wins in nine starts. His most recent triumph was a $10,555 score in West Burlington, Iowa in Mid-April. It also marked the richest payday of his career.
“We were so prepared to start the year,” said Simpson. “From equipment to sponsorship and everything in between, it really made a big difference, just being ready to go. Every time we’ve unloaded and every track condition we’ve faced, our car has been pretty good. Since Cedar Lake’s USA Nationals last August, I have made virtually no changes to the car. This Longhorn, on Allgaier Shocks by JRi, and our Andy Durham power plant has provided a great combination.”
Simpson is the most recent MLRA winner at the first two tracks on the schedule, Thursday’s Lee County Speedway and Friday’s Davenport Speedway. He has also run a Modified the past two weekends at Independence Motor Speedway, where the tour ends the weekend on Saturday.
“I really have had good luck at the first two tracks, and found quite a bit of success. Independence is the closest track to me, and I have been ok there. It’s a little different surface wise, but I’m glad we have made some laps there recently. I’m really looking forward to racing in front of our home state fans this weekend. They should all three be great shows with big crowds. The field will be loaded too.”
All three shows will pay $3,000 to win. Thursday marks the fifth visit to Lee County Speedway. Previous winners include; Terry Phillips, Jesse Stovall, Brandon Sheppard and Chris Simpson. Friday will be the third series race at Davenport Speedway. Chris Simpson has won both. A 2015 scheduled event was lost due to unfavorable weather. Saturday’s visit to Independence Motor Speedway is the first ever for the series.
Lee County Speedway Information 5/4/17
Gates: 5PM
Racing: Hot Laps 6:45PM
Admission: Adults $20, Seniors $18, Age 11-17 $12, Pit Pass $30
Support Classes: IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Compacts
Website: LeeCountySpeedway.com
Davenport Speedway Information 5/5/17
Gates: 5PM
Racing: Hot Laps 6:15PM
Admission: Adults $18, Seniors $16, 12 & Under FREE, Pit Pass $30
Support Classes: IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Street Stocks
Website: DavenportSpeedway.com
Independence Motor Speedway Information 5/6/17
Gates: 4:30PM
Racing: Hot Laps 6:30PM
Admission: Adults $18, Seniors $16, 12 & Under FREE, Pit Pass $30
Support Classes: IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Mod, IMCA Hobby Stock
Website: IndependenceMotorSpeedway.MyRacePass.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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