By Sam Stoecklin
Public Relations/Announcer
July 13, 2011
In just over a month, drivers and fans will gather on the hallowed grounds of the Historic Half Mile that is Missouri State Fair Speedway in Sedalia when engines roar back to life for the annual Missouri State Fair Championships! This year’s event takes place on Sunday, August 21 with ASCS Warrior Region 360 Sprint Cars, MLRA Super Late Models, and the best of the best in area open-wheel “A” Modified competition.
Last year, Austin Alumbaugh took the 360 Sprint Car title while Kelly Boen claimed the MLRA Late Model win with Dustin Boney driving to victory lane in the Modifieds. This year, all three divisions race on one speed-filled night of racing and it is anyone’s guess as to who will be crowned 2011 champions. One thing is for certain and that is drivers and fans alike are thrilled to see the return of three premiere race divisions all competing on one night to close out the 2011 Missouri State Fair!
The Speedway Motors ASCS Warrior Region drivers have battled all season long in pursuit of the first-ever Warrior Region championship and so far Bad Loyet leads the way with Randy Martin and Kyle Bellm close behind. The rest of the Warrior Region top ten drivers include Mark Shirshekan, Jonathan Cornell, Cody Baker, Josh Stephens, Tyler Blank, Alumbaugh, and Evan Martin. Additional drivers on the Warrior Region standings sheet include a trio of led-foot ladies with Dakota Carroll and Haley and Miranda Arnold along with Bryan Grimes, Mike Trent, Rusty Potter, and Curtis Boyer. While it is not a guarantee, it would not be surprising to see Brian Brown compete as well as drivers from the nearby Sooner and Midwest Regions for ASCS.
The Lucas Oil MLRA super late model events this year produced some exciting races and new faces running near the front; however, it is a familiar face leading the tour so far as Al Purkey is in position to bring home yet another MLRA title. Kyle Berck, John Anderson, Chad Simpson, and Terry Phillips make up the rest of the top five. Other stand-out drivers on the MLRA sheet include Alan Vaughn, David Turner, Brad Looney, Jeremy Payne, and Denny Eckrich. For last year’s event along with Boen, other drivers who made their way to the track included Randy McGraw, Bill Koons, Joe Kosiski, Brandon McCormick, Jack Sullivan, J.D. Hubert, Dave Eckrich, Matt Johnson and Chris Smyser, who is a former late model track champion at the speedway.
The most wide-open championship crown up for grabs will likely come from the modified division with a talent-filled roster of drivers who will make their way to the competition. If Dustin Boney returns to defend his crown, he will certainly be a favorite but will have a bucket list of modified aces on hand all trying to prevent him from claiming his second championship. Some drivers thought to be attending include past champion Jim Moody, Jason Bodenhamer, Jim Moody, Jason Thompson, Terry Schultz, Austin Siebert, and multiple 2010 feature winner Chad Lyle. Note, mention of drivers in any aforementioned divisions does not guarantee their appearance at the Missouri State Fair Championships!
For track information and modified car class rules you may call 660-221-0275 or visit us on the web at www.missouristatefairspeedway.com. For Lucas Oil MLRA information, call 816-650-5063 or 816-305-6572 or visit them on the web by pointing your browser to www.mlraracing.com. For ASCS Speedway Motors Warrior Region information, call 573-375-0085 or visit them on the web at www.ascsracing.com. On race night, pit gates will open at 3 p.m. with admission gates opening at 4:30; hot laps take place at 5:30 with racing getting underway at 6 p.m. General Admission – $18, Senior & Military – $15, Kids 6-12 – $8, Five & under free; all pit passes are $25. We’ll see you in August for the Missouri State Fair Championships!