By Trenton Berry
(February 12, 2013) Wheatland, MO – The Lucas Oil MLRA Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year chase is starting to take shape, as the first three rookies have committed to following the tour. Competitors include; Tommy Weder Jr., Chase Junghans and Joe Walkenhorst. The program will pay $2,500 to the winner, plus six barrels of Sunoco Race Fuel. This is in addition to a minimum of $1,000 guaranteed in the Championship Point Fund, making the 2013 Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Program, one of the most lucrative in the series twenty-five year history.

Chase Junghans, 20, hails from Manhattan, KS, and will add to the incredibly strong Shop Quik Racing Program in Lucas Oil MLRA competition this season. Junghans drives a MasterSbilt Race Car with Jay Dickens power. For the past two seasons, Junghans traveled with the USMTS, driving a modified across the Midwest. Racing has always been in the forefront for Chase. “I’ve grown up in the race shop watching and helping my dad’s team,” commented Junghans, who will be going into his fifth season behind the wheel. “The main thing I’ve noticed about the Late Models is their ability to turn. The steering is so good on these cars, I really enjoy racing them.” The competition will be tough, but Junghans knows with teammate John Anderson’s help, his learning curve can be quickly shortened. Chase is sponsored by; Shop Quik Convenience Stores, Sunoco Race Fuels, Eibach Springs and Circle Wheels.

Tommy Weder Jr., 27, has been racing out of his Woodward, OK shop for a while now. Another transplant form the Modified world, Weder was a mainstay on the USMTS circuit four of the past six seasons, and brings in quite a bit of experience. He pilots Moyer Victory Circle Race Cars with Clements Racing Engines. Weder estimates he has between 50-60 wins throughout his career. Last year he captured the NCRA Late Model Title on the strength of three wins. “My greatest racing influence has to be my dad,” commented the second generation ace. “For me a good season would be the Rookie of the Year title and a top three finish in the points. If we stay consistent all year, I think we have a shot to do even better.” Weder’s key supporters include; Edge Services, TARA Apartments, T&C Energy, Pistol Drilling and Edge Wireline Services.

Joe Walkenhorst, 44, is the veteran of the group, and spent the majority of 2012 competing with the Lucas Cattle Company ULMA. Hailing from Lee’s Summit, MO, Walkenhorst finished second in the overall series standings, while competing regularly at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. Walkenhorst drives a Swartz Race Car, with a Richmont Racing Engine providing the horsepower. “I’m really hoping we can build off last year,” said Walkenhorst. “We won four races and had sixteen top five’s.” He too credits his dad, who raced, with being instrumental in his career. Walkehorst receives sponsorship from; Swartz Race Cars, Richmont Racing Engines and BSB Manufacturing.

“I’m so excited to see such a stellar group of drivers battling for our Sunoco Rookie of the Year Title,” commented Series Director Dan Robinson.”The credit goes to Sunoco and Lucas Oil for putting this program in place for these talented racers. These drivers will no doubt face challenges this year, but I bet we will see them up front and contending for wins from time to time.” The first weekend of competition takes place at I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, NE, April 5th and 6th.

The Lucas Oil MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) sanctions regional Super Dirt Late Model touring series events in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Iowa.

For all the latest news and information on the Lucas Oil MLRA please visit us on the web at MLRARacing.com or by calling the series office at (417) 282 5984.

The Lucas Oil MLRA would like to thank their marketing partners; Lucas Oil Products, MAV TV, Protect the Harvest, Lucas Cattle Company, Hoosier Racing Tires, Geico, E3 Spark Plugs, CANIDAE, Optima Batteries, Speedco, Sunoco Race Fuels, Marriott Properties, Impact Signs, Awnings, and Wraps, Casey’s General Stores, JRI Shocks, Bodee’s Race Bodies, Afco Racing Products, Peterson Fluid Systems, KRC, AAA Missouri, Midwest Sheet Metal, Fast Track Photos, RacinDirt.com, BSB Manufacturing, Racing Optics, Outpace Racing Products, ATL Fuel Cells, Schoenfeld Headers, Weld Wheels, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Powertrain Industries, Performance Bodies, Wilwood Engineering, R2C Performance Products, Keizer Wheels.