After a highly successful Mercy Masters of the Pro’s 144 event last weekend, The 2014 Monster Energy Chase for The Championship picks back-up Saturday Night at the “High-Banks” of the Lebanon I-44 Speedway as all 5 of the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series classes competing in track and State point chases as it is Budweiser Night at the Races.
A special “Kids Ride in a Race Car” program will take place at intermission for those 10 and under. This is always something special to look forward to as they will be given 1 lap around the “High-Banks” in an actual race car. Normally the Keyser Manufacturing Road Warriors and Coca-Cola Chargers get the honor of doing this as drivers get as big a thrill during the ride as the kids do.
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Pro Late Models will be looking for their 4th different feature winner in as many races as current point leader, 15 year old Kaleb Allison heads a very tight field including previous winner “The Stoutland Rocket” Little JC Newell. The current NASCAR Missouri State Point leader Austin “Grasshopper” Fullerton of Chelsea, Oklahoma along with this week’s runner-up in points, Kyle Donahue of Wildwood, MO and Brennon Willard of Lebanon are all in the top five. Quincy ILL. hard charger Jake Griffin, Springfield’s Jimmy Vanzandt and veteran drivers Jim Reaves and Steve Holt Of Strafford will be after their first wins of the season as well. Kevin Donahue of Wildwood, MO along with Joe Ross from Kansas City, Terry Limberopoulos from Cuba, MO, Josh Woody from Lacquay, MO and a host of others as a large field is expected. Also returning is Payton Lucas from Fair Grove, MO with repairs completed after his wild ride on his roof down the front stretch on opening night. Opening night winner Allison leads the track standing with a 12 point advantage over Kyle Donahue who competes in his rookie year and 14 points over Fullerton.
Budweiser Modified and most recent winner Stephen Counterman heads another talented field of drivers as 4 different winners in 4 features have highlighted the Ground Pounders of the Ozarks. Counterman, David Bates, Tim Swearengin, and Ricky Icenhower have all visited victory lane so far with Counterman leading the point standings over Lebanon’s Chris Johnson by 29 points and Veteran Terry Taylor by 38 with a lot of racing still yet this season while Richard Lewis and Tim Swearengin complete the top 5.
The Monster Energy Sportsman are back in action this week with Nixa’s Toby Harden the new point leader after stopping Paul Jepson’s 2 race win streak. The 6 point advantage keeps things interesting while veteran JC Newell completes the top 3 and is close to visiting the winners circle while the class is expecting a couple of new drivers this week.
The Keyser Manufacturing Road Warriors have had 2 different winners out of 3 features so far. Neosho’s Geoff Ledford was the most recent winner while also taking the win on opening night. Exeter’s Carl Harlow sets on top of the standings with a 45 point lead over Fair Grove’s Les Mallard. Harlow has been at the front of the pack each night keeping the tough field honest as the class keeps getting closer each race night in competition. Cassville’s Mike Funcannon is close to getting a feature win as he sets 3rd in the standings while Ledford holds 4th with Lebanon drivers Tony Johnson and Mike Juergensen completing the top 6.
Becoming a very popular class, the entry level Coca-Cola Chargers have seen plenty of great racing throughout the pack as 2 names have been taking home the trophy. Current point leader Jordan Nesbitt of Lebanon had his 2 race winning streak broke last Saturday night as opening night winner Jason Walls of St. James grabbed the checkered. Each of those drivers have 2 wins a piece and only 11 points separate the duo as 18 year old lady driver Lauren Buhr of Neosho is only 58 behind the leaders as Rolla’s Ben White and defending NASCAR Track Champion Jimmy Poindexter complete the top 5 with 3 wide excitement seems to be almost mandatory in each feature for this class.
Gates will open at 5PM for both the Budweiser “Wildside” Tier Parking area where the family can grill and chill out while enjoying the action right below them as the Monster Energy Grandstands and Budweiser Party Deck also open at 5PM with Racing to start at 6:30. The Grandstands also feature special seating where fans can stretch their legs in lawn chairs they bring from home while the Fan Deck offers specials all evening long and a self-service concession stand awaits the family always loaded with fresh food.
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