3/7/2018
RacinBoys
Domer eyes the next step at Lucas Oil Speedway
By Lyndal Scranton (Wheatland, MO) -- Whether it's working evenings in the shop or applying elbow grease in the pits on race nights, racing is a family effort for Chase Domer and Company.
Chase Domer's dad, Berry Domer, drove Modifieds for many years on area ovals. Grandpa Kenny Rains bought Chase his first race car about 10 years ago. And now, father-in-law Kerry Schulze is a big part of the motor program for Domer's No. 227 USRA Modified.
PHOTO CREDIT: Kenny Shaw
"We were all good family friends even before he became my father-in-law," Chase Domer said of Schulze. "He's always helped me out and now we definitely all spend more time together."
Team Domer has a definite goal in 2018 and that's to finally celebrate in victory lane at Lucas Oil Speedway. Chase Domer, of Nevada, Mo., has done just about everything but that the last two seasons, often running near the front and finishing fourth in Pitts Homes USRA Modified points in both 2016 and 2017.
"We would really like to get our first win at Lucas," Chase Domer said. "We came close last year. We got a second and had some really consistent finishes without any real bad ones. But we would really like to be a little better and win one."
It won't be easy. The USRA Modified division is rugged, with the likes of four-time reigning Lucas Oil Speedway track champion Jeff Cutshaw leading the way.
"It's getting harder and harder all the time," Domer said. "Over there at Lucas with Cutshaw and (Eric) Turner, (Johnny) Fennewald, Terry Schultz when he pops in. They all raced with my Dad back in the day.
"There's a lot of good experience and great equipment to compete with. It's a lot of work, especially trying to run two nights a week. It's a full-time job outside of a real full-time job."
Domer plans to race his GRT at Humboldt Speedway in Kansas on Fridays this year and at Lucas Oil Speedway on Saturdays. He doesn't envision tying himself to chasing points at either track.
"It's just too hard to make it every week," he said. "There's always something that comes up. This year, I have one wedding where I know I won't be there for a weekend. There's just always something going on."
Domer hopes to take the key first step toward victory lane at Lucas Oil Speedway's Open Test and Tune on March 31. Some people call it a "Play Day" but it's anything but play for Domer.
"That's a big deal for us," Domer said. "We really need it. Over there, we're constantly trying something because we haven't quite been able to do what it takes to win. We need to try some stuff and not waste a night of racing trying some stuff."
He also pointed out that winning could be more meaningful than ever, in terms of exposure for himself and sponsors. More of Lucas Oil Speedway's races are set to be televised on the MAVTV Motorsports Network and LucasOilRacing.TV.
"It's pretty cool," Domer said of the television coverage. He noted that friends are telling him about seeing him on past Lucas Oil Speedway races from 2017 that have aired this winter.
"I'm at work or out and about all the time and people are texting me that they see me on TV," Domer said. "I got quite a bit of exposure last year. I wish I had some better runs when we are on TV. Maybe those will come" this year.
Domer's sponsors include Schulze Racing Engines, Wheeler Metals, Allen's Automotive, Troop 4 Motorsports, True Commodities, Crosstown Vending, Ashley Fabrication, The Hair Handlers and GRT Race Cars.
The Lucas Oil Speedway dirt track roars to life on March 31 with an open test and tune from 2-6 p.m. The season begins on April 7 with the Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series opener with action in the Pitts Homes USRA Modifieds, Warsaw Auto Marine & RV ULMA Late Models, Big O Tires Street Stocks and Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods.
For ticket information for any event in 2018, including season passes for all events plus three-day passes for the 26th annual Show-Me 100 Presented by ProtecttheHarvest.com, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or via email at Nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com.
Complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived stories, ticket information and tentative 2018 schedule can be found by visiting http://www.LucasOilSpeedway.com.
Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With its entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.
Click http://www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984.
In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking "Like" at http://www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on http://www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway
Submitted By: Kirk Elliott
