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from Jeff Nunn
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 16, 2009
TOPLESS MODIFIED NATIONALS KICKS OFF USMTS SOUTHERN SERIES SLATE MARCH 20-21
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 16) – The USMTS Southern Series will scream back into action for a third season this Friday and Saturday, March 20-21, for the 10th Annual GRT Race Cars Topless Modified Nationals at the I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Ark.
Postponed back in October, the doubleheader carries a $7,000 winner's share of the purse over the two days and is expected to draw dozens of big guns from north, south, east and west.
Defending event champion Mike Bowers of North Little Rock, Ark., captured the opening night win on Oct. 3, but Mother Nature swooped in to rain out Saturday's show and shorten the weekend. Seventy-two cars and drivers were checked into the pit area, and officials decided to stage a complete two-day program for this coming weekend's do-over.
Two-time race winner (2005-06) Tim Crawley of Benton, Ark., drew the pole position for the 25-lap main event and paced the first 14 laps before his mechanical problems forced him out of the race and gave way to Bowers, who led the final 11 laps. Jason Hughes of Westville, Okla., started seventh but was up to third and battling with the leaders late in the race when he suffered a flat tire and had to dive into the pits for repairs. Hughes comes into this weekend's event as the defending USMTS Southern Series champion.
Friday's show will pay $2,000 to win and Saturday's finale carries a $5,000 top prize. Drivers who were entered in the October event do not have to enter again for this weekend's show. New entries are invited to participate as well. Entry forms are available on the USMTS website at www.usmts.com/entry.asp.
On both nights, pit gates will open at 5 p.m., grandstand gates will open at 5:30, hot laps will begin at 7 and racing starts at 7:30. Stock Cars complete the racing card on Friday and Mini-Sprints will be part of the program Saturday. The track will also host a test ’n’ tune practice session on Thursday night. Admission to the grandstands is free, with pit passes just $10.
Past winners of the prestigious event include Charlie Armstrong (1999-2000), Jack Sullivan (2001), Skeet Amason (2002), Wayne Brooks (2003), Kevin Salter (2004), Tim Crawley (2005-06) and Mike Bowers (2007).
Super Stocks run Friday for $500 to win. On Saturday, Mini-Sprints will run for $500 to win.
The I-30 Speedway is a 1/4-mile high-banked clay oval located 7.0 miles southwest of Little Rock on I-30 to County Line Rd. (Exit 126), then south to frontage road, then east (SSR). For more information, call 501-455-4567 or check out www.i-30speedway.com on the World Wide Web.
RULES & PROCEDURES: All USMTS rules apply. The American Racer KK704 is the Official Tire of the USMTS; however drivers may use the Hoosier G60 but will not earn points or be eligible for contingency awards. Qualifying will be done by heat race passing points and "B" Mains. Draw for heat race starting spot ends 15 minutes before hot laps start. As the "Topless" name implies, all racecars must have their roof and sail panels removed. Mufflers are required for this event.
LICENSES: There is no requirement to purchase a license to compete in any USMTS event. However, benefits enjoyed by licensed drivers includes higher event purses and bonus payouts, increased tow money, discounted entry fees, points funds, provisional starting spots, increased media recognition, a personalized driver profile page at www.usmts.com and more. The cost of a license is $200 for the USMTS Southern Series.
ENTRY FEES: Pre-entry is $150 for all drivers. Entry fee at the gate is $250. To pre-enter, call the USMTS headquarters at 515-832-7944 or fax your completed entry to 515-832-7958 by Wednesday, March 18.
FRIDAY PAYOFF: 1. $2000, 2. $1000, 3. $750, 4. $600, 5. $500, 6. $475, 7. $450, 8. $425, 9. $400, 10. $350, 11. $325, 12. $300, 13. $275, 14. $250, 15. $200, 16. $200, 17. $200, 18. $200, 19. $200, 20. $200, 21. $200, 22. $200, 23. $200, 24. $200.
SATURDAY PAYOFF: 1. $5000, 2. $2500, 3. $2000, 4. $1500, 5. $1000, 6. $900, 7. $800, 8. $750, 9. $700, 10. $600, 11. $575, 12. $550, 13. $525, 14. $500, 15. $500, 16. $500, 17. $500, 18. $500, 19. $500, 20. $500, 21. $500, 22. $500, 23. $500, 24. $500; Tow $250.
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