(October 12, 2011) Buckner, MO – The 2011 Lucas Oil MLRA Champion will be crowned this weekend, as one of the most anticipated events on the season schedule takes place at West Plains Motor Speedway. It’s the return of the Fall Nationals after a nearly 12 year hiatus from the 3/8 mile red clay oval located just outside of West Plains, MO.
The point battle has become a topic of discussion, as John Anderson got together with a lapped car near the end of last Friday’s feature. He went sailing off into the infield, and his 11th place finish wiped out his 16 point lead over Al Purkey. Anderson had made up ground and then some, in the title chase over the last two months. He won races at the State Fair Speedway, I-80 Speedway and Springfield Raceway. He took over the points lead at I-80 Speedway in late September and had slowly been extending it until Friday’s turn for the worse. Anderson won the Lucas Oil MLRA Series Championship in 2008 and is tied for 6th all time in the series with 24 wins.
Purkey, has been up and down this season and is gunning for his 8th Lucas Oil MLRA Championship. Interestingly, of the 7 previous titles he’s amassed, never have three in a row been won by the Coffeyville, KS veteran. He’ll be looking to rewrite the record books once again this weekend. Purkey has been out front the majority of the year, on the heels of an extremely strong beginning to the season. He scored $10,000 by winning the Sunflower State Showdown near the end of April. Purkey backed up the Jetmore win with a triumph at Springfield Raceway the next time out. Al ranks 2nd on the all time Lucas Oil MLRA wins list with 49 victories.
Both drivers have 9 top 5 finishes, and 12 top 10 finishes. Their average finish for the season is 6.7. Anderson holds the first tiebreaker, should one be necessary, with his three wins to Purkey’s two.
Billy Moyer, Wendell Wallace and Will Vaught among others, have intentions of racing with the Lucas Oil MLRA this weekend, according to their respective websites. Please note, mention of drivers name does not guarantee drivers appearance. The tire rule for this weekend is Hoosier WRS-D55 and LM-40 only.
Action will get under way on Thursday evening with a practice session taking place from 7-10 PM. Grandstand admission is free and pit passes are $20. Friday and Saturday, the grandstands will open at 5:30 PM. Hot laps are scheduled for 7:00 PM and racing at 7:30PM. The pits open at 4 PM each day. General admission is $15 on both Friday and Saturday, with a two day ticket available for $25. Pit passes are $30 each night.
The Lucas Oil MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) sanctions regional Super Dirt Late Model touring series events in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.
For all the latest news and information on the Lucas Oil MLRA please visit us on the web at www.MLRAracing.com or by calling the series office at (816) 650-5063 or (816) 305-6572.
The Lucas Oil MLRA would like to thank the sponsors of the 2011 Tour including Lucas Oil Products, AAA Missouri, Hoosier Race Tires, Lucas Cattle Company, Hatfield Racing Engines, Larry Shaw Race Cars, AFCO Racing Products, GRT Race Cars, Powertrain Industries, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bodee’s Race Bodies, Outpace Racing Products,Fast Track Photos, Weld Racing Wheels, Impact Signs and Lighting, Rod End Supply, Racing Optics, Schoenfeld Headers, Kluhsman Racing Components, Performance Bodies, RacinDirt.com, ATL Fuel Cells, Bilstein Shocks, BSB Manufacturing , Keizer Wheels, MasterSbilt, R2C Performance Products