Sam Stoecklin
ULMA Public Relations
March 1, 2012

Hard to believe for some and not soon enough for others, whatever the case, there’s no denying another race season is nearly upon us. In just over a month, drivers will lean hard on their power plants and put their driving skills on display for fans making their way to sanctioned events during ULMA’s sixth season of competition.

The short off-season produced its share of ups and downs for ULMA but even the loss of a title sponsor has not slowed down the association and its continued determination to keep weekly late model racing alive for race enthusiasts. Once again, ULMA has another exciting season of local competition at local venues from early April through September. For the sixth-consecutive year, long-time affiliates Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri (Saturday racing) and Callaway Raceway in Fulton, Missouri (Friday racing) will feature late model racing sanctioned by ULMA.

Lucas Oil Speedway kicks things off with a test and tune session on Saturday, April 7th from Noon to Dusk. Pit passes for this practice session are $15. The first ULMA points-earning event at the speedway takes place on Saturday, April 21st where stand-out regulars such as defending track and overall ULMA champion Rylan Long and former track champion Tommy Cordray are expected to continue their successful runs at the speedway. The track recently announced that “ULMA Late Models must be registered with the sanctioning body to be eligible for point fund pay. There are no additional track imposed fees for any driver participating in the Lucas Oil Weekly Series events. In 2011, 30 local drivers received generous cash and contingency awards at the Champions’ Banquet.” The speedway has another solid points fund lined up for participating drivers in 2012 and you may find this information and the special-events schedule online at www.lucasoilspeedway.com. ULMA applauds the speedway’s backing for drivers to become members of the association and is extremely proud to be part of the action at the venue.

Callaway Raceway comes to life for the 2012 season with involvement in a racing car show on Saturday, March 17th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at C&R Market on Business Route 54 South in Fulton; a rain-out date is set for Saturday, March 24th at C&R Market. Practice at the raceway takes place on Saturday, March 31st from 2 to 5 p.m. Pit admission is $10 with general admission 2 canned goods or non-perishable food items for the food bank, the rain-out date is Sunday, April 1st same times apply. The first ULMA point’s race, which is also the first ULMA point’s race of the year, takes place on Friday, April 6th with planned competition continuing through mid-September. Last season, car counts were solid at the mid-Missouri location with several different drivers making their way to victory lane. Be sure to visit www.callawayraceways.com for events schedule, start times, and pre-season details. ULMA thanks Callaway Raceway for once again partnering with the association for another season of exciting action.

Upon learning it had lost a key connection to the Greater Kansas City area after CMS announced it would not open in 2012, ULMA contacted Valley Speedway owner and promoter Dennis Shrout and the two parties worked diligently finding selected race dates to keep late model racing on track in the shadows of the metro skyline. Mr. Shrout and ULMA fully agree the stage is set and the opportunity is there for drivers to compete and fans to the fill the stands at the speedway when late models are present. The association is thankful to be part of the events scheduled at the Grain Valley, Missouri track and as of press time a total of eleven events dot the schedule. Saturday, April 7th serves as the first point’s-earning race at the track. Drivers are reminded that on their third appearance at the track, they are required to join ULMA as a member. For additional track information, reserved pit stall info, the events schedule, and much more bookmark www.valleyspeedway.com. ULMA thanks Valley Speedway for this opportunity and for supporting driver membership. There are several opportunities to test and tune prior to regular racing getting underway, practice begins March 3rd and continues for three more sessions on March 10th, 17th, and 25th weather pending.

Another upswing to the off-season after the bad news of no title sponsor occurred when ULMA was contacted by an extension of the group promoting the World of Outlaws sprint car race at the ‘Historic Half Mile’ in Sedalia, Missouri. This will mark a rare appearance for ULMA at the speedway, which is located on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. The race takes place on Friday, April 20th where ULMA will serve as the support class to the immensely popular sprint car spectacular. This will easily be the biggest staged event ULMA drivers will have the privilege to compete in since the association began. Local businessman Barry Smith of Midland Printing Company took up the association’s invitation to support the ULMA portion of this event and share in the public relations releases and print media that will be produced and distributed by the event promoters. Smith will provide a mystery finisher in the event with an extra $100 bonus, for which the association is extremely grateful for his support. There is still plenty of time and room for additional businesses to take advantage of this fantastic offer to be a part of this hugely anticipated event. Simply contact ULMA via the association’s official website at www.ulmaracing.com.

ULMA is pleased to announce the addition of Buyraceparts.com as a new business partner for the coming season. The new business is a retailer of high-end motorsports and safety equipment whose mission is to provide its customers with the highest-quality hard parts, accessories, and protection equipment, while helping them race within a budget by providing competitive discounts. This business model allows them to live on a smaller margin than comparable retailers, and they pass the savings along to their customers. Buyraceparts.com will provide product certificates to drivers finishing in the final top 10 ULMA championship point standings at the end of the season and we are greatly appreciative of their support for local racing. You may find the retailer online at www.buyraceparts.com.

Drivers are encouraged to visit www.ulmaracing.com and to complete and send in their membership form to save time and money on the first night of racing. A membership fee paid by March 31st is $75, a membership paid April 1st or later is $100. Membership forms are easily accessible on the association’s website under the Drivers link, then Membership Form link. Forms will be available at various tracks or from on-site ULMA officials when present at affiliated tracks.

This year’s affiliated sponsorship team consists of Imhoff Construction, TCI® Automotive, Fast Shafts, Rod End Supply, Buyraceparts.com, SafeRacer.com, Kenny’s Tile, Racingjunk.com, , Kenny Johnson’s Race Replicas, D&L Motorsports, Photographics by Shelly Payne, and InsuranceSpecialists.com. ULMA is a proud supporter of Homes for Our Troops. To join the team, simply contact ULMA at unitedlatemodelassociation@hotmail.com.