by Jeff Adams
The 16th version of the UMP “Summernationals are set to kick off this Monday night, and will run for 24 consecutive nights over 4-week span in 9 different states.
The series will consist of 26 races total, with only 1 night off scheduled. The first event locally will be next Wednesday at LaSalle, followed by a Friday, June 27 race at Kankakee, with Fairbury next Saturday night.
Peoria Speedway will not host a UMP “Summernationals” event in 2003, but the series will make its’ annual appearance at Spoon River Speedway on Wednesday, July 9. The 1st Annual “Robert James Gift of Hope” UMP Summernationals looks to be the biggest ever at the Banner oval, with a winners’ share of $6,000 on the line, and an extra $1,100 in prize money courtesy of James and Luanna Fuchs. One driver could win $6,700 if they
were to sweep the evenings’ events. Scott Bloomquist is the defending event champion.
The Fuchs lost their son, Robert James, on December 14, 1997 after a bicycle accident, and donated their childs’ organs. A child in Utah was given Robert’s liver, saving his life. The youngster will be in attendance at SRS, along with Gift of Hope CEO Jerry Anderson.
“We are putting up $500 for the Dash winner, and each heat winner for the late models will get $100”, said James Fuchs. “We will also be giving Gift of Hope stickers to the drivers, and the highest finishing driver with that sticker on his car will get $200. All of this is to make people more aware of the importance of organ donation, and to honor our son. Robert loved racing.”
Every fan entering the gates for the race will get a free souvenir, courtesy of the Gift of Hope. The organization will have a booth set up at the track, and there will be raffles and giveaways held throughout the night. Special T-shirts are being printed for the event as well. Remote control cars will also be available for the children to play with.
In addition, retired late model driver Tom Rients, who was Robert’s favorite, will be competing in promoter Jay Sparks’ late model in his honor. Sparks has built a show car for the event as well.
Local merchants wishing to donate to this very worthy cause can contact James or Luanna at (309) 635-3138, or can contact promoters Jay Sparks (309) 367-2955 or Scott May (309) 699-8717.
The 16th version of the UMP “Summernationals are set to kick off this Monday night, and will run for 24 consecutive nights over 4-week span in 9 different states.
The series will consist of 26 races total, with only 1 night off scheduled. The first event locally will be next Wednesday at LaSalle, followed by a Friday, June 27 race at Kankakee, with Fairbury next Saturday night.
Peoria Speedway will not host a UMP “Summernationals” event in 2003, but the series will make its’ annual appearance at Spoon River Speedway on Wednesday, July 9. The 1st Annual “Robert James Gift of Hope” UMP Summernationals looks to be the biggest ever at the Banner oval, with a winners’ share of $6,000 on the line, and an extra $1,100 in prize money courtesy of James and Luanna Fuchs. One driver could win $6,700 if they
were to sweep the evenings’ events. Scott Bloomquist is the defending event champion.
The Fuchs lost their son, Robert James, on December 14, 1997 after a bicycle accident, and donated their childs’ organs. A child in Utah was given Robert’s liver, saving his life. The youngster will be in attendance at SRS, along with Gift of Hope CEO Jerry Anderson.
“We are putting up $500 for the Dash winner, and each heat winner for the late models will get $100”, said James Fuchs. “We will also be giving Gift of Hope stickers to the drivers, and the highest finishing driver with that sticker on his car will get $200. All of this is to make people more aware of the importance of organ donation, and to honor our son. Robert loved racing.”
Every fan entering the gates for the race will get a free souvenir, courtesy of the Gift of Hope. The organization will have a booth set up at the track, and there will be raffles and giveaways held throughout the night. Special T-shirts are being printed for the event as well. Remote control cars will also be available for the children to play with.
In addition, retired late model driver Tom Rients, who was Robert’s favorite, will be competing in promoter Jay Sparks’ late model in his honor. Sparks has built a show car for the event as well.
Local merchants wishing to donate to this very worthy cause can contact James or Luanna at (309) 635-3138, or can contact promoters Jay Sparks (309) 367-2955 or Scott May (309) 699-8717.
