4/12/2018
RacinBoys
Lucas Oil MLRA round two on tap this weekend
By Billy Rock (Wheatland, MO) -- Following a very successful season opening double header at the LaSalle Speedway, Lucas Oil MLRA drivers and teams are headed to the series home base, Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri for the 5th Annual running of the RacingJunk.com Spring Nationals. The two-day event, April 13th - 14th will be the first of five series visits to the "Diamond of Dirt Tracks" in 2018.
PHOTO CREDIT: Lucas Oil SPeedway
Both nights will feature complete shows for the Lucas Oil MLRA Late Model competitors, each offering up a cool $3,000 payday to the feature winners. Saturday's payout will include a $500 winner's bonus in memory of Ron Jenkins, the original builder of Wheatland Raceway.
Will Vaught along with Rodney Sanders of Happy, Texas each claimed victories a year ago in the annual spring opener in Wheatland.
One driver looking to ignite his season is defending Spring Nationals race winner Will Vaught. The Crane, MO native is looking to return full time this season to the MLRA tour. The last time he completed a full season run with the Lucas Oil MLRA was in 2013, a campaign which end just 39 points shy of a series championship as he finished as the series runner-up to eventual champion Tony Jackson, Jr.
A busy off season for Vaught and team has them ready to once again make a run to the top of the series standings. Vaught commented, "We are more prepared for a full season than in recent years, from the hauler all the way to the car and motors. We are prepared for the long run and not just hit and miss like the past few seasons."
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Vaught's high expectations for the upcoming season will find him behind the wheel of a newly prepared Rocket Chassis. "We just have to keep everything together and have some luck along the way, but our goal is to run the entire MLRA season," said Vaught. Adding to the team's arsenal they have made the move to Scott Bailey Racing Engines for this season. "This new Rocket and the Scott Bailey motor program is the best package we have had to start a season out in a long time," said the 7-time MLRA series feature winner.
For the 31 year-old Vaught, getting the season off to a quick start will be key, but he is quick to point out how challenging the Lucas Oil Speedway can be. "Wheatland is tricky. I have been successful there in the past but it's hard to say what will happen on a given weekend there. I really like the tire package we run there with the harder tire on the front because it can often make it more of a challenge for drivers in the slick."
Joining the Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models both nights will be the Pitts Homes USRA Modifieds featuring NASCAR Star Kenny Schrader, along with complete shows for the Big O Tires Street Stocks.
Lucas Oil Speedway Information 4/13/18 & 4/14/18--
Gates: (Both Days) 4:00 PM
Racing: (Both Days) Hot Laps - 6:30 PM, Racing - 7:05 PM
Admission: (Friday) Adults $15, Seniors/Military $12, Kids (6-15) $5, Kids (5 and Under) FREE, Family Pass $30-(Saturday) Adults $20, Seniors/Military $17, Kids (6-15) $10, (Kids 5 and Under) FREE, Family Pass $40
Support Classes: USRA Modifieds, Street Stocks
Website: LucasOilSpeedway.com
For all of the latest news and information fans are encouraged to visit the series website at http://www.MLRARacing.com.
Submitted By: Kirk Elliott
