Tight Southern All Stars Points Battle Continues at Talladega Short Track Halloween Night
Eastaboga, AL - The ever tightening Southern All Stars points chase will yet again be at the forefront whne the series returns to action this Saturday night at Talladega Short Track. Current leader Ronny Lee Hollingsworth of Northport, Alabama sits just 36 markers ahead of Crossville, Tennessee racer Randy Weaver. Hollingsworth is fresh off his biggest career victory in this past weekend's Coors Light Fall Classic at Whynot Motorsports Complex in Meridian, Mississippi and he has visited victory lane at TST in Southern All Stars competition. However Weaver has made a steady march forward to challenge for the title. "If it all ended tomorrow and we didn't win the points deal we could live with because we have had a blast." said Hollingsworth.
The normally raucous NASCAR Weekend crowd at Talladega Short Track should be extra energized given Saturday's event will take place on Halloween night. "There is always a buzz in the air on NASCAR weekends and the place is usually packed so I am sure with it being Halloween we will be in for some wild sights. But all that can never overshadow the fanatasic racing that Talladega always seems to provide. And you know there will be a lot of the folks from across the street there watching so I believe that makes some of these guys race that much harder. I guess you never know when you might be auditioning for a ride. So we are all very excited about the weekend." said SAS General Manager Kelley Carlton.
Hollingsworth and Weaver will lead series other regulars like Todd Morrow and Ethan Hunter into the facility deemed "The Hornet's Nest". Several other national and regional drivers are expected including Clint Smith, Shane Clanton, Chris Madden and Tony Knowles. Talladega also boasts some of the strongest weekly competition in the Country. Drivers like Tim Busha, who picked up the last Southern All Stars win at TST, as well as Dingus Griffin, Terry Smith and Danny Peoples have proved time and again that a driver has to be on his game to beat the locals at Talladega.
For more information on Talladega Short Track visit www.talladegashorttrack.com or call (256) 831-1413. For Series info visit www.southern-allstars.com or call (864) 871-1442
Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series banquet held at Camp Barnabas
The Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series closed out the 2009 season with the banquet on Sunday Oct 25, 2009 at Camp Barnabas. A great afternoon started with a blessing by Mark Penticuff for the nearly 100 guests that gathered to honor the sponsors, staff & drivers of the Show-Me Series.
After a great meal prepared by Billie Walters, Camp Barnabas Food Service Coordinator, the first presentation went to Camp Barnabas. The Race Brothers Show-Me Racin Series presented Camp Barnabas with a $1000 donation which was raised over the summer at each Show-Me Series event in memory of Kody Essary.
Tracks where series events were held were recognized next including: Springfield Raceway, West Plains Speedway, Nevada Raceway, West Siloam Speedway, Tri-State Speedway, Monett Speedway, Outlaw Motor Speedway, & Lucas Oil Speedway.
Sponsors who support the series were next on the list, including: Race Brothers Farm and Home Supply, Hoosier Tire Midwest, Custom Cams, Brodix Heads, DuraLite Racing Wheels, Schoenfeld Headers, Performance Bodies, HyperCoils, BsB Manufacturing, Peterson Fluid Systems, GRT race cars, Greenlawn Funeral Homes, Frankland Rear Ends, Gary’s Used Engine Parts, Midwest Sheet Metal, Ron’s Racing Collectibles, Talon Broadcasting, Morelock Racing, B & P Discount Grocery, Auto Express, & JOCK 98.7. Sponsors who attended the banquet were recognized with a plaque and included: Country Dodge, Kluhsman Race Components, Bilstein Shocks, Powertrain Industries, and R & R Graphics.
Race Brothers Show-Me Series staff were recognized and thanked including: Jimmy Hilton, Marvin Forest & Judy Wilkerson, Linda Lebow, Bill Basnett, Mike Hudson, Linna Essary, Donna Todd, Clarissa Essary, & Garrett Essary. Bonnie Essary, Jeannie & Lynnette Tindle & Kelsey Basnett were thanked for helping out when needed.
Pictures for the video shown during the banquet were taken by Clarissa Essary, Rick & Wendy Bohonek from Reporting the Dirt, and Mike Musslin of Checkered Flag Photography. Wendy Bohonek prepared a photo for each driver’s points finishing position that were presented to the drivers.
A few special awards were given to the drivers including a “Perfect attendance award” to driver, Kevin Henson & crew chief Johnny Henson for attending every Show-Me event between 2004-2009.
Jim Fulp, Leslie Essary, & Ken Essary were recognized for winning a race every season since 2004.
The Sportsmanship award was presented to Bill McMurtrie. James Tindle designed an etched mirror as the award. The Auto Xpress Rookie was presented to Larry Campbell, along with a 5 foot tall trophy and $1000.
The Midwest Sheet Metal Hard Luck award went to Phil Edmondson. Phil received a gift certificate for 5 sheets of metal from Midwest Sheet Metal.
Finishing order of drivers: (contingency prize values & total winnings are approximate.)
22. Chris Lapp* - $500 cash
Attended 10 of 13 events – Rookie of the Year contender
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
$50 gift certificate to Ron’s Racing Collectibles
Total of $575
21. Kevin Brown - $525 cash
Attended 9 of 13 events – 1 top 5, 1 top 10
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
½ off a driveshaft from Powertrain Industries $100
Total of $600
20. Ron Johnson - $550
Attended all events
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
½ off a driveshaft from Powertrain Industries $100
Total of $600
19. Scott Fry - $ 575 cash
Attended all events
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
½ off a driveshaft from Powertrain Industries $100
Total $ 700
18. Jordan Holloway - $600 cash
Attended 11 of 13 events – 1 top 10
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
Total of $725
17. Chris Morelock - $ 625 cash
Attended 11 of 13 events with 1 top 5’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
Total of $750
16. Tim Adams - $ 650 cash
Attended 10 of 13 events with 3 top 10
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
Total of $800
15. Mark Penticuff - $ 675 cash
Attended all 13 events
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
$100 Custom Cams GC
Total of $850
14. Phil Edmondson - $700 cash
Attended 10 of 13 events with 1 top 5 and 3 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
$100 Custom Cams GC
Hard Luck Award from Midwest Sheet Metal $400
Total of $1325
13. Randy Galloway - $725 cash
Attended all events
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
$50 Ron’s Racing Collectibles GC
$100 Custom Cams GC
½ off GRT Chassis $2000
Total of $ 2900
11. Kathy Tonoli - $812.50
Attended all events with 2 top 10’s
Nosepiece & headlight decal kit from Performance Bodies $150
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
$100 Custom Cams GC
Total of $1162.50
11. Chris Deaton - $ 1050 cash
Attended all events with 1 top 5’s, 3 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
$100 Custom Cams GC
Free Driveshaft from Powertrain Industries $150.00
Total of $ 1162.50
10. Bill McMurtrie - $1000 cash
Attended all events with 3 top 5’s, 4 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
$100 Custom Cams GC
Nosepiece & Headlight decal kit from Performance Bodies $150
Total of $ 1400
9. Jarrod Hilton - $1125 cash
Attended all races with 1 top 5’s, 3 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
$100 Custom Cams GC
Set of Birdcages from BsB $850
Total - $2200
7. Rick Lebow - $ 1312.50 cash
Attended all races with 3 top 5’s, 5 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
$100 Custom Cams GC
Valve Covers from Gary’s Used Engine Parts $285
Total - $1800
7. Kevin Henson - $ 1312.50 cash
Attended all races with 1 top 5’s, 5 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
25% off purchase of DuraLite Wheels
$100 Custom Cams GC
Free Driveshaft from Powertrain Industries $150.00
Total $ 1650
6. Jim Fulp - $1500 cash
Attended all races with 1 wins, 2 top 5, 6 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
$100 Custom Cams GC
Nosepiece & Headlight decal kit from Performance Bodies $150
$50 Gift Certificate to Ron’s Racing Collectibles
Total - $1825
5. Rex Merritt - $ 1625 cash
Attended all races with 4 top 5’s, 7 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
$100 Custom Cams GC
Free Driveshaft from Powertrain Industries $150
$50 Gift Certificate to Ron’s Racing Collectibles
Total - $ 1975
4. Larry Campbell - $ 1750 cash
Attended all races with 1 win, 6 top 5’s, 3 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
Auto Xpress Rookie of the Year $1000
Nosepiece & Headlight decal kit from Performance Bodies $150
$100 Custom Cams GC
Hoosier Racing Tires Rookie of the year jacket $60
5 Sheets of Sheet Metal from Midwest Sheet Metal $400
Set of Headers from Schoenfeld $200
$50 gift certificate to Ron’s Racing Collectibles
Set of Lug Nuts from KRC $40
Total of $ 3600
3. Ken Essary - $2000 cash
Attended all races with 1 win, 9 top 5’s, 2 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
Free Driveshaft from Powertrain Industries $150
Set of HyperCoil Springs $300
Total of $2675
2. Leslie Essary - $2250 cash
Attended all races with 2 wins, 8 top 5’s, 1 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
$600 Bilstein Shocks
Oil tank from Peterson Fluid System - $550
Total of $3425
1. Justin Wells – $ 3125 cash
Attended all races with 6 wins, 5 top 5’s, 2 top 10’s
B & J Speed Specialties Carburetor cap & air cleaner nut $25
Set of Schoenfeld Headers – $200
5 sheets of metal Midwest Sheet Metal - $400
Set of Heads from Brodix - $1050
Custom Cams gift certificate for $100
$60 Hoosier Racing tires jacket
Nosepiece & headlight decal kit from Performance Bodies $150.00
$50 gift certificate to Ron’s Racing Collectibles
Set of Lug Nuts from KRC $40
Total $5200
Grand total of $51,000 point fund
$ 25,000 in cash
$ 15,000 in prizes
Karen Fulp (417)723-1035 home (417)880-9693 cell www.Show-MeRacinSeries.com
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Congratulations to 2009 Champion Al Purkey
and 2009 Rookie of the Year Matt Johnson |
Buckner, MO (October 25th, 2009) - The MLRA congratulates Coffeyville, Kansas' Al Purkey for capturing the 2009 MLRA Championship and Archie, Missouri's Matt Johnson for taking home Top Rookie honors in 2009. The title was Al's Sixth MLRA Championship of his career breaking a tie for the most all time as Belton, Missouri's Alan Vaughn has five to his credit. Purkey topped defending MLRA Champion John Anderson by just 10 points in the season long battle.
Anderson went into Lakeside Speedway in early October with a seemingly comfortable 58 point lead but mechanical difficulties allowed the tenacious Purkey to close the gap with the final showdown set for Nevada Speedway on Sunday night October 18th. Anderson went on to win the race but Purkey stayed glued to his bumper crossing the line in second wrapping up the title. Purkey was consistent all season winning the Championship despite not scoring a single MLRA feature win in 2009. Purkey did however score 13 Top-5's enroute to the Championship with a lowest finish of 22nd at the State Fair Speedway on August 23rd. Please visit www.BillKoonsRacing.com for more information on the Al Purkey racing team.
Purkey's Bill Koon's owned Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Billy's Cafes, Purkey's Auto Salvage, Taylormade Performance, Integra Racing Shocks, Duralite Racing Wheels, and VP Racing Fuel.
Archie, Missouri's Matt Johnson captured the 2009 O'Reilly MLRA Rookie of the Year by virtue of his 7th place finish in the final points standings. Matt ran like a veteran all season earning the respect of his fellow competitors and the admiration of the fans. Matt ran as high as third in the last race at Nevada and was going to be a threat for the win before mechanical gremlins intervened.
Matt began his career in 2001 running a Street Stock at the Adrian Speedway the day before his high school graduation. He quickly progressed into Open Wheel modifieds winning the Adrian Speedway Track Championship in 2004. Matt ran a GRT by Phillips in '09 with a Scott Bailey Racing Engine under the hood. Sponsors include Mazzio's Pizza in Harrisonville, Sherwood Heating and Cooling, T-Bones Car Wash, All-State Electric, and Daniel Turner Excavating. Matt is 26 years old and resides in Archie, Missouri. This was Matt's first experience in a Dirt Late Model.
The 2009 MLRA Championship Banquet will be held on Saturday night, November 21st at the beautiful Argosy Casino in Riverside, Missouri. To make reservations, please call the MLRA at (816) 650-5063 or (816) 305-6572. You can also visit http://www.MLRAracing.com for more information. There are 16 drivers currently eligible for post season awards. All MLRA members that participate in a minimum of seventy percent (70%) of scheduled MLRA races are eligible for the points fund awards
Sponsorship Opportunties are available for 2010. Please contact the series office at (816) 650-5063 or (816) 305-6572. |
The O'Reilly MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) presented by Lucas Oil Products sanctions regional Super Dirt Late Model touring series events in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa.
For all the latest news and information on the O'Reilly 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 O'Reilly MLRA would like to thank the sponsors of the 2009 Thunder Tour including O'Reilly Auto Parts, Midwest Walnut, Lucas Oil Products, Tompkins Industries, Hoosier Race Tires, Lucas Cattle Company, Hatfield Racing Engines, Country Mart, Larry Shaw Race Cars, AFCO Racing Products, GRT Race Cars, The Driveline Shop, Taylor Cable Products, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bodee's Race Bodies, Outpace Racing Products, Duralite Racing Wheels, Impact Signs and Lighting, Rod End Supply, Racing Optics, Schoenfeld Headers, Kluhsman Racing Components, Performance Bodies, ATL Fuel Cells, Bilstein Shocks, BSB Manufacturing, Tanner Racing Products by MB |
MLRA Photos are available at www.fasttrackphotos.net |
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