6/27/2019
RacinBoys
Tri-City and Spoon River await POWRi WAR
By Brian Walker (Belleville, IL) -- A pair of $2,000 to win, $200 to start events await the POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League this weekend with an Illinois doubleheader on tap, and Speed Shift TV will be on the scene to broadcast it live. Beginning with the league’s first-ever visit to Tri-City Speedway on Friday, June 28, the weekend wraps up on Saturday, June 29 at the always-exciting Spoon River Speedway.
In an early-season stretch hampered by Mother Nature’s relentless rain outs, the parity of the POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprints has still been on full display. With six events in the books, six different drivers have found victory lane and the points battle has been full of constant lead changes.
PHOTO CREDIT: Brendan Bauman Photos
When the WAR Sprints visit Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, Ill. on Friday night, not only will a potential seventh winner in seven nights be on the line, but the right to be called for the first-ever WAR winner at Tri-City is up for grabs. Tackling the 3/8th-mile for the first time in the eight-year history of WAR, someone will have the opportunity to walk away with their name added to the record books.
Saturday’s show at Spoon River Speedway in Canton, Ill. will mark the third appearance in league history, with two thrilling bouts in the books and behind us. Chris Windom of Canton, Ill. won the inaugural WAR race at his home track in July of 2017, outdueling Landon Simon and Mitch Wissmiller. Thomas Meseraull of San Jose, Calif. most recently topped the April event at Spoon River, winning an instant classic over Jarett Andretti, Colten Cottle and Korey Weyant.
Heading into the summer swing, the point standings situation is as hot as ever with the top five drivers separated by just 78 markers. Kory Schudy of Springfield, Mo. has racked up four top-five finishes in six events and leads the way with 764 points. Defending WAR Sprints champion Riley Kreisel of Warsaw, Mo. closely trails behind only back 28 points. Rounding out the top five is Jack Wagner (-40), Korey Weyant (-45) and Wesley Smith (-78).
With a potential $4,000 on the line for any driver who could pull off a weekend sweep and $400 heading to anyone who qualifies for both features, this weekend marks a big one in the monetary department for the WAR Sprints. Along with the boosted purse, the longest tow award will receive an extra $100.
Partnering with a world-class streaming service in Speed Shift TV, fans who cannot be in attendance can catch all of the action on a LIVE pay-per-view broadcast from the comfort of their home. Single-race passes are available at http://www.speedshifttv.com for $20/Night, but if you already obtain the Speed Shift VIP Subscription then you are covered for the weekend.
On Friday at Tri-City, the gates are set to open at 5:30 PM with hot laps at 6:30 PM and racing at 7:15 PM. Pit passes are $35, general admission is $20, and kids 12 & under get in FREE.
On Saturday at Spoon River, the gates will open at 4:00 PM followed by hot laps at 6:00 PM with racing at 7:00 PM. Pit passes are $40, general admission is $20, and ages 10 & under are $5.
For more information on the POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League, visit http://www.powri.com online, follow @WARSprints on Twitter, or like POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprints on Facebook.
Remaining 2019 POWRi Lucas Oil WAR Sprint League Schedule:
Friday, June 28 – Tri-City Speedway (Granite City, Ill.)
Saturday, June 29 – Spoon River Speedway (Canton, Ill.)
Friday, July 5 – Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, Iowa)
Saturday, July 6 – Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, Iowa)
Friday, July 26 – Belle-Clair Speedway (Belleville, Ill.)
Saturday, July 27 – St. Francois County Raceway (Farmington, Mo.)
Tuesday, August 6 – Southern Iowa Speedway (Oskaloosa, Iowa)
Friday, August 16 – Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, Mo.)
Saturday, August 17 – Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, Mo.)
Saturday, August 31 – 34 Raceway (Burlington, Iowa)
Sunday, September 1 – Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, Ill.)
Thursday, September 19 – Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, Mo.)
Friday, September 20 – Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, Mo.)
Saturday, September 21 – Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, Mo.)
Submitted By: Kirk Elliott
