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The O'Reilly/National Championship Racing Association has a full agenda of racing in store for all types of race fans and drivers over the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend. The NCRA late model division will kick off their 26th season with a pair of annual races while the NCRA modifieds will see action for the second time this 2009 season. The NCRA sprints and NCRA 305 sprinters will close out the weekend with a Monday night to remember. Keep it viewed to the official NCRA message board at http://www.ncraracing.org/ and to the main page throughout the weekend for official race results and stories for all divisions that are NCRA.

The O'Reilly/NCRA late model division is set to kick off their 26th season of racing with a pair of annual Memorial Day weekend events that is sure to satisfy the hunger of all late model fans. It all starts on Friday night (May 22) at Mid-Nebraska Speedway in Doniphan, Nebraska before heading to I-80 Speedway @ Nebraska Raceway Park in Greenwood, Nebraska on Sunday night (May 24) for the annual running of the Alphabet Soup. The Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA) and the World Dirt Racing League (WDRL) are the other two sanctioning bodies to make up the alphabet soup.

For the sixth year in a row, Mid-Nebraska Speedway is scheduled to be the season opening venue for the late model series, which has seen five different Cherokee Casino-Resort feature winners in five opening night events. Mother nature won the 2008 season opener while Delbert Smith, Steve Kosiski, Kelly Boen and Kyle Berck previous events.

After taking their traditional Saturday night off, drivers, fans and officials will head to I-80 Speedway @ Nebraska Raceway Park with the eighth annual running of the Alphabet Soup. This years rendition will also include the MLRA and WDRL sanctioning bodies where an average of 66 drivers from no less than seven states have competed. $5000 will be up for grabs to the Cherokee Casino-Resort 50 lap "A" feature.

There has been six different feature winners in the past seven events that have been held, with only one repeat winner (Berck) in 2002 and 2003. With 72 cars on hand, Terry Phillips won the 2008 version of Soup, which was delayed a month and a half by rain. Al Purkey best a field of 66 entries to take the 2007 event while hometown hero Steve Kosiski topped 79 drivers in 2006. Darren Miller won the 2005 race with John Hampel (2004) also taking victories.

Boen of Henderson, Colorado, who leads the series in career victories (33) is looking to become the first five-time consecutive series champion since Larry McDaniels accomplished the feat from 1995-1999. However, Kyle Berck hopes to change that outlook this season. Last year saw the Nebraska veteran come to within thirty points of his second career series championship, losing out in the final race of 2008.

Series regulars expected to compete both days during holiday weekend include Delbert Smith, John Anderson, Bryant Goldsmith, Mike Wiarda, Shawn Harker, Jason Friesen, Kelly Dunn, Mike Collins, Wylan Petrie, Joe Kosiski, Greg Larsen, Marty Doner and Ted Martin.

Nebraska drivers Jay Stewart and Jace Kaser are just two drivers who have indicated their intentions to compete for series rookie of the year honors with the strong possibility of a couple more drivers also announcing their intentions.

Other drivers expected to compete at one or both venues include Al Purkey, Bill Koons, Terry Phillips, Jeremy Payne, Eric Turner, David Turner, Alan Vaughn, Denny Woodworth, Jason Bodenhamer, Chad Simpson, Denny and Dave Eckrich, John Kaanta and Chris Simpson. Close to seventy drivers are expected.

Mid-Nebraska Speedway is located 1.3 miles south of I-80 (exit 312) on US 281, then 2 miles east, then 0.5 mile south on Old US 281. For race information contact the track (402) 845-2988.

I-80 Speedway @ Nebraska Raceway Park is located off of I-80 to exit 420 (Ashland/Greenwood Exit), then 0.4 mile north on SR 63. Information on the Alphabet Soup can be found on their website http://www.neracewaypark.com/ or by calling the track office (402) 944-2233.

For information on the NCRA late model division, contact NCRA late model steward Chris Smith (918) 625-6200. To schedule an event, climb aboard as contingency sponsor or presenting sponsor, call the series office (316) 755-1781. To find out more on the history stats of NCRA, current point standings, schedules, driver profiles and the like, log on to them on the world wide web at http://www.ncraracing.org/.

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Past NCRA feature winners at I-80 Speedway @ Nebraska Raceway Park

Official 2009 NCRA Sprint Car Series Sponsors: O'Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Cherokee Casino-Resort

2009 NCRA late model contingencies: Brodix Cylinder Heads, Schoenfeld Headers, Maxim Chassis, Lazer Chassis, KSE Racing Products, QA1 Motorsports, The Brake Man, Rod End Supply, Outerwears Racing Accessories, Ultra-Shield Race Products, Racing Optics, Design 500, Taylor Cable Products, Vertex Magnetos, Design 500, Keizer Wheels, Arizona Sports Shirts, Winters Racing Products and Just Plugs

Brian Franz of Halstad, Kansas leads the O'Reilly/NCRA modifieds into 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas this coming Saturday night, May 23 for their second appearance for 2009.

Franz won the season opening Cherokee Casino-Resort feature at the track back on April 11, besting a field of forty-four drivers. He will come into the event with a slim ten point lead over Greg Stephens and Dan Daniels. Other regulars scheduled to compete include, defending series champion Marc Hurd, Brian Powers, Mike Jarvis, Grant Junghans, Casey McClaskey, Randy Woodside and Ryan McAnich. Once again over forty drivers are expected for this Saturday night, Memorial Day weekend night of action.

Gates open at 5:00 PM with racing set to begin at 7:00 PM. For more information on the NCRA modifieds, to schedule an event or to climb aboard as contingency or presenting sponsor, contact the office (316) 755-1781. To find out more on the history stats of NCRA, current point standings, schedules, driver profiles and the like, log on to them on the world wide web at www.ncraracing.org.

SPONSORS: O'Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Race Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Cherokee Casino-Resort

CONTINGENCY: Design 500, Hoffman Race Cars, Billsbuilt Chassis, Racing Optics, BSB Manufacturing, Belleville Motor Sports, Schoenfeld Headers, Hatfield Racing Engines, Taylor Cable Products, Bassett Wheels, Pro Shocks, Ultra Shield, Pro Motor Sports, AFCO Race Products, The Brake Man, Rod End Supply, Keizer Wheels and Arizona Sport Shirts.

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1) Brian Franz 300, 2) Greg Stephens, Dan Daniels and Brian Powers 290 5) Mike Jarvis 285 6) Marc Hurd and Grant Junghans 280 8) Casey McClaskey 270 9) Randy Woodside and Ryan McAnich 265

WHAT: 12th consecutive season opener for the O'Reilly/NCRA modifieds

WHERE: 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas

WHEN: Saturday night, May 23, 2009

ADMISSION: Grandstand admission is $8.00, just $5.00 for children

SERIES CHAMPIONS:
2008 - Marc Hurd
2003-2007 - Brian Franz
2002 - Greg Skaggs
1999-2001 - Johnny Allen
2000 - Don Renfro

2008 Track NCRA Winners: Jeremy Massey, Brian Franz, Jason Hughes

DIRECTIONS: North of Wichita on I-135 to exit 16, then 0.7 miles west on 77th. For more track information, check out their website www.81speedway.org or call the track (316) 755-1781.

A big weekend for sprint car drivers and fans will come to a climax on Monday night, May 25, as the O'Reilly/NCRA sprint car series will compete in their third points race of the season at 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas to wrap up the Memorial Day weekend.

With a non-NCRA sanctioned, $10,000 to win Steve King Memorial event scheduled for Jetmore Motorplex in Jetmore, Kansas on Saturday and Sunday night, the O'Reilly/NCRA Monday night sprint car event should see a field of over forty drivers from eight states compete for the $2000 to win Cherokee Casino-Resort feature finale.

After two events and fresh off his victory last weekend at 81 Speedway, Tony Bruce, Jr. of Liberal will come into the night with a 35 point advantage over Talala, Oklahomas Zach Chappell. Former series champion Mike Chadd of Lincoln, Nebraska currently sits third in points while defending sprint car champion Mike Peters is fourth in points. Peters won the season opener at Dodge City Raceway Park back on May 8.

Other series regulars expected to compete include Garry Lee Maier, Jon Freeman, Stuart Snyder, J.D. Johnson, Gavin Punch, C.J. Johnson, Andy Shouse, Marc Robe, Patrick and Jeff Stasa, Kris Miller, Bob Schaffer, Koby Barksdale, Jake Martens and Kyle Merriman.

Drivers expected to drop in for this event include Jason Johnson, Brian Brown, Chad Humston, Gary Wright, Danny Wood, Nick Smith and Paul McMahan.

Monday nights encounter at the home of NCRA, 81 Speedway in Park City, will see pit gates open at 4:00 PM with heat races set to begin at 7:00 PM. The new NCRA 305 sprint car series will also be in competition. For more information concerning the 81 Speedway event, contact the track office (316) 755-1781 or look them up on the world wide web at http://www.81speedway.org/.

In 2009, the O'Reilly/NCRA will begin their 39th consecutive season sanctioning races across the midwest. This year will see the series once again sanction races for the 360 sprint cars, late models and modifieds and also the new Oklahoma modified, sport modified and 305 sprint car divisions. For more information on the National Championship Racing Association, contact them at (316) 755-1781. To learn more on NCRA including schedules and rules for all six divisions, current point standings, driver profiles and the history of NCRA, check them out on the world wide web at http://www.ncraracing.org/.

Official 2009 NCRA Sprint Car Series Sponsors: O'Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Racing Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Cherokee Casino-Resort

2009 NCRA Sprint Car Contingencies: Brodix Cylinder Heads, Schoenfeld Headers, Maxim Chassis, Saldana Race Products, KSE Racing Products, QA1 Motorsports, The Brake Man, Rod End Supply, Outerwears Racing Accessories, Ultra-Shield Race Products, Racing Optics, Design 500, Taylor Cable Products, Vertex Magnetos, Design 500, Triple XXX Company, Arizona Sports Shirts, Winters Racing Products and Just Plugs

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81 Speedway Past NCRA sprint car feature winners: Tony Bruce, Jr. 05/09/09, Brian Brown 09/27/08, Mike Peters 08/16/08, Derek Drown 06/14/08, Mike Chadd 06/07/08, J.D. Johnson 04/19/08, Garry Lee Maier 07/27/07, Andy Shouse 07/03/07, Garry Lee Maier 06/04/06, Preston Peebles 08/18/05, Danny Wood 05/02/05, Andy Shouse 05/09/04, Michael Woodruff 06/15/03, Steve King 05/26/02, Garry Lee Maier 09/01/01, John Blurton 09/02/00, Steve King 09/04/99, Clay Bontrager 10/11/98, Mike Peters 08/02/97, Kirby Hagens 10/06/96, Clay Bontrager 08/03/96, Garry Lee Maier 07/29/95, Mike Peters 08/13/94, Garry Lee Maier 07/09/94, Mike Peters 06/18/94, Clay Bontrager 10/02/93, Mike Peters 09/04/03, Clay Bontrager 08/14/93, Garry Lee Maier 07/03/93, Mike Chadd 06/12/93, Larry Neighbors 05/30/93, Garry Lee Maier 10/03/92, Scott Brown 07/18/92, Garry Lee Maier 07/18/92, Clay Bontrager 05/24/92, Garry Lee Maier 10/12/91, Garry Lee Maier 07/06/91, Garry Lee Maier 05/26/91, Garry Lee Maier 10/14/90, Jim Selenke 10/06/90, Jon Johnson 07/03/90, Garry Lee Maier 06/24/90

Total: Garry Lee Maier (13), Clay Bontrager, Mike Peters (5), Mike Chadd, Andy Shouse, Steve King (2), Jon Johnson, Jim Selenke, Scott Brown, Larry Neighbors, Kirby Hagens, John Blurton, Michael Woodruff, Danny Wood, Preston Peebles, J.D. Johnson, Tony Bruce, Jr., Derek Drown and Brian Brown (1).

Past NCRA 360 Sprint Car Champions:
2008 Mike Peters
2007 Garry Lee Maier
2006 Garry Lee Maier
2005 Garry Lee Maier
2004 Michael Woodruff
2003 Steve King
2002 Steve King
2001 Dennis Park
2000 C.J. Johnson
1999 Jon Johnson
1998 Jon Johnson
1997 Dennis Park
1996 Dennis Park
1995 Larry Neighbors/Kirby Hagens
1994 Kevin Ramey
1993 Mike Chadd
1992 Scott Brown
1991 Garry Lee Maier
1990 John Blurton

The new O'Reilly/NCRA 305 sprint car division will be back in action for their second points race of 2009 this coming Memorial Day Monday night, May 25 at 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas.

Picking up the inaugural 305 sprint car victory, second generation driver Tanner Mullins of Wichita, Kansas comes into the event with a 15 point lead over Smokey Fairbanks. Kirby Robe, Craig Crossette and Josh Fairbanks are the top five in the divisions point standings.

David Smith Jr.
www.oklahomatidbits.com