7/1/2021
RacinBoys
Independence Weekend Action Set for 300 Raceway & 34 Raceway
By Billy Rock (Wheatland, MO) -- The Lucas Oil MLRA returns to action this weekend, with a pair of Independence weekend showdowns in Eastern Iowa. After a weekend washout one week ago at the annual Gopher 50, the MLRA season is down to just 12 events on the 2021 series schedule, with multiple drivers still trying to work their way into, or in some cases back into, Cedar Creek Beef Jerky Victory Lane before seasons end.
The "Independence Day Shootout", Presented by DiscountShopTowels.com will launch the weekend into high gear with $5,000 on the line to the winner on Friday night July, 2nd at the 300 Raceway in Farley, IA. This will mark just the fourth time in MLRA history that the series has made a stop at the now 3/8 mile dirt track. Former series champion Jesse Stovall scored the inaugural win in 2015 followed by Oxford, Iowa’s Chris Simpson just one year later.
In 2021 Payton Looney led wire-to-wire for the win in front of a packed house, collecting his second career MLRA win over the likes of Bobby Pierce and eventual series champion Jeremiah Hurst.
Saturday night July, 3rd will take the Lucas Oil MLRA back to "Southeast Iowa’s premier place to race", the 34 Raceway in West Burlington, IA. This stop will mark the first time that 34 Raceway has hosted a second MLRA event in the same year. Originally slated to host two events in 2020, COVID forced the cancellation of the spring Slocum 50 date, which in turn replaced the scheduled July date.
Shannon Babb collected the first MLRA win at the 3/8 mile facility in 2018, before Bobby Pierce went back-to-back with wins in 2019 and 2020. Earlier this year Jason Papich scored his first career MLRA win in a big way by claiming victory in the 13th Annual Slocum 50. A huge fireworks display is planned following the conclusion of Saturday nights on track action.
Tony Jackson Jr. continues his stranglehold on the point lead as he continues to show the way in the Midwest Sheet Metal Point Leader Spoiler Challenge Standings. Jackson owns a massive 270 point lead over Garrett Alberson with Jason Papich maintaining the third spot. Leading Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie candidate Mason Oberkramer is fourth while Happy Valley, Oregon driver Justin Duty holds down the fifth spot.
CASEY’S HARD CHARGER STANDINGS: Garrett Alberson comes into the weekend with a sizable advantage in the season long battle for the Casey’s Hard Charger Award. The second year driver of the Robert’s Motorsports # 59 has managed to pass 74 cars to date in “A” Feature action, 21 positions better than current second place man Tony Jackson Jr. Alberson has six top five’s on the season, including three podium finishes.
QUICK QUALIFIER: Jason Papich continues to be a dominate force each week during Illini Racing & Supply Qualifying. The Arroyo Grande, California driver has racked up a series best four Fast Time Awards on the season to go along with being a four time DirtonDirt.com Pole winner.
DRIVER ON THE MOVE: Brennon Willard is in just his second full season of Dirt Late Model Racing, after making the transition from the asphalt world. The Lebanon, MO driver is coming off back-to-back top ten finishes for the first time with the MLRA after finishing 8th & 7th respecivelly at the Salina Highbanks two weeks ago. Willard recorded his best MLRA finish one year ago of 9th at the 300 Raceway, giving another reason to keep an eye on the 3W this weekend.
300 Raceway: Farley, IA—“Independence Day Shootout” Friday 7/2/21
Gates: 5:00 PM
Racing: Hot Laps - 6:30 PM, Racing to follow
Admission: Adults $25, Students 13–17 $20, Military/Veterans $20, Kids 12 & Under FREE, Seniors 70 & Over FREE
Support Classes: IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars
Website: http://www.300Raceway.com
34 Raceway: West Burlington, IA— Saturday 7/3//21
Gates: 4:00 PM
Racing: Time Trials 6:15 PM, Racing to Follow
Admission: Adult GS: $20, Student/Senior GS: $18, Kids 10 & Under GS: FREE
Support Classes: IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Sport Compacts
Website: www.34raceway.com
For all of the latest news and information fans are encouraged to visit the series website:
Submitted By: Kirk Elliott
