A weekend without races

It's the Open Wheeled Modified Show-Me Championship. The basic IMCA rules are in effect with a few exceptions. The engine rule is relaxed, but the variations require more weight in the front. I think they also require the Hoosier IMCA tire for the event. What's at stake? Five thousand to win!!!

The event usually draws cars from seven states and runs the other track classes divided into three nights. All three nights 8 cars will be placed in the 40 lap main event Saturday night. The Super Stocks will run on Saturday, along with the Fastrac Late Models. New this year is a $1000.00 bonus for the Late Model feature winner. It should draw some extra Crate Cars. The hobbies and youth hobbies will run on Thursday night and cruisers on Friday night. If nothing big is going on in the MARS series, many of those guys will bring a modified for the extra money. Five thousand is more than many will win in a late model race.

Many times the local cars prefer not to run the out of towners, but many will and often qualify and win. A few years ago, Billy Romans did that very thing and took the $5000.00 check home.

Ash Flat racer Shawn Walsh will be a favorite to win the 2009 race, but the competition will be tough, and many full time racers will be on tap for the check and title. The toughest competitors will come from Batesville, AR, and if Zimmerman comes from Fort Scott, KS he can make it interesting.

Other States sending racers will likely be TX, TN, IA, KY, NE, OK, MS, and IL. The open wheels are not sprint cars but much of the action is similar. The major difference is the tires. A sprint car has giant wide tires on the rear and the modifieds have 9 inch wide spec tires, which challenge the driving skills. Two other local drivers, Brandon Ball of West Plains and Scott Criegler of Alton, could be in contention for leading spots in the final 40 lap race on Saturday night. Yours truly will be the announcer for all the heats and features all three nights. So come and see me and have the time of your life.!!!!

Oh, by the way, the weekend without races? I went to a horseshow in Batesville to watch my Grand Daughter, and she was Awesome of Course.