Sam Stoecklin
ULMA Public Relations
June 19, 2013
Wet weather and race cancellations again plagued the Lucas Cattle Company ULMA drivers last weekend as the group only added one additional race night for the 2013 season. However, the relentless rains held off just long enough for Friday racing at Callaway Raceway in Fulton, Missouri, as 14 drivers made their way to the track for a night of competition.
The evening began with two qualifying heat races and it didn’t take long for Jason Russell to find himself in familiar territory as he advanced from his third starting position to grab the victory. Chris Lapp and Chris Cox followed Russell to the finish in second and third. Vance Wilson vaulted to the front of the second heat race all the way from his sixth starting position to take the win in heat race two. Pole-starting Justin Russell finished in the second spot followed by Earl Roark.
Once the heat races were complete, the lineup was set for the 20-lap main as drivers made their way to the three-eighth mile oval for the featured race of the night. Jason Russell and Vance Wilson started up front with Lapp and Justin Russell close behind. Two-time feature race winner Payton Looney started the event on the outside of row four as he was on a quest to pull off a rare three-peat.
Earlier in the season Jason Russell clicked off four victories right out of the gate and although he’s had solid performances since those wins, his fifth victory had been eluding him. Wilson and Looney had also previously tasted victory and they had but one thing in mind, to keep Russell out of victory lane once again.
From the onset, it was evident Russell was determined to drive his machine back into victory lane as Wilson settled into second position behind him. Looney put on the best charge of the night and eventually made his way to the top five while Roark and Lapp also settled into a top-five racing groove.
When the final checkered flag of the night fell, Russell had claimed his association-leading fifth victory of the year in his quest to become the first-ever Lucas Cattle Company ULMA repeat champion. Wilson turned in another solid performance in the runner-up position, one rung ahead of Looney, who also continued his string of recent strong runs. Earl Roark and Chris Lapp found themselves inside the top five again by bringing their cars home in fourth and fifth. Sixth through tenth were Cox, Justin Russell, Bobby Penney, Todd McCoin, and Zeke Langley.
Racing resumes Friday night at Callaway Raceways as the track hosts another weekly racing program. The track is currently experiencing website troubles; however, information is available by contacting track owner and promoter Betty Atterberry at (573) 220-1751.
Racing at Randolph County Raceway (RCR) in Moberly, Missouri, fell to rains last week just as the track was set to host its largest contingent of drivers of the year in all classes. RCR will try once again this weekend to open up for another night of action as it is set for an expected stacked field of competition. RCR is the only Saturday night ULMA track hosting late model racing this weekend. Find out more about RCR by visiting the track’s website at www.randolphcountyraceway.com.
Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri hosts a special event this coming weekend; however, ULMA drivers and the track’s strong contingent of weekly race program drivers will return on Saturday, June 29 when the late models will be the featured class of the night during a $1,000-to-win, 25-lap track special event. Be sure to log onto their website at www.lucasoilspeedway.com for a complete schedule of events for both Lake Lucas and the dirt track.
The first of three events at the beloved Double XX Speedway in California, Missouri, also fell to rain last weekend. However, ULMA drivers have two more chances later this season to compete on the track with the first opportunity taking place on Sunday, June 30. Visit www.xxspeedway.com, locate the track on Facebook, or call 573.796.4694 for further details.
ULMA licensing is mandatory at all sanctioned tracks. Drivers must present their license on arrival when checking in at all tracks. Visit www.ulmaracing.com for scheduling full results, information, stats, rules, and to print and complete the 2013 form prior to competing. Drivers should be prepared for technical inspection at all tracks at all times!
This season marks the first year for ULMA to partner with Hoosier Tire Midwest. Drivers may purchase tires from ULMA throughout the season by contacting ULMA officials, the program benefits drivers at the end of the season during the October 19 championship banquet, which takes place in California, Missouri. Please visit www.racetires.com for additional information.
Drivers earn championship points from their 15 best race appearances throughout the season of the more than 50 possible scheduled race nights. Visit ULMA’s title sponsor at www.lucascattlecompany.com. ULMA sincerely thanks Hoosier Tire Midwest, FastShafts, Rod End Supply, RacingJunk.com, and PhotoGraphics by Shelly Payne for their support this season.
ULMA Schedule at a Glance
Friday, June 21st – Callaway Raceway
Saturday, June 22nd – Randolph County Raceway
Friday, June 28th – Callaway raceway
Saturday, June 29th – Lucas Oil Speedway, $1,000-to-win track special
Sunday, June 30th – Double XX Speedway
Friday, July 5th – Callaway Raceway
Saturday, July 6th – Lucas Oil Speedway
Saturday, July 6th – Randolph County Raceway
Friday, July 12th – Callaway Raceway
Saturday, July 13th – Randolph County Raceway
Sunday, July 14th – Double XX Speedway
Friday, July 19th – Callaway Raceway
Saturday, July 20th – Lucas Oil Speedway
Friday, July 26th – Callaway Raceway
Saturday, July 27th – Randolph County Raceway, $1,000 to win track special