The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series hits the road again this weekend, returning to the “Land of Lincoln” for a $12,000-to-win event on Saturday night at Macon Speedway. The nation’s top dirt late model drivers are expected to challenge a strong field of local and regional standouts.
The 1/5-mile bullring is accustomed to some of the most thrilling, door-to-door racing action of the season. The event will feature Miller Welders Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains, highlighted by a 100-lap, $12,000-to-win main event.
The defending National Champion, Jonathan Davenport continues to set the pace in the current Lucas Oil championship chase, 235-points ahead of four-time National Champion, Earl Pearson Jr. Tyler Erb is third, followed by Devin Moran and Josh Richards rounding out the top five in championship standings.
The event will be the sixth for the series at Macon Speedway. Former winners include: Bobby Pierce (2014), Jimmy Owens (2015), Bobby Pierce (2016), Josh Richards (2017), and Bobby Pierce (2018).
Two other divisions will be in action racing for extra prize money, including the BillingsleyRewards.com DIRTcar Modifieds. The class has had two exciting nights of racing and has a tie for the current point lead. Rodney Standerfer, of Summerfield, IL, was the winner on opening night at the track, exchanging the lead several times with Tommy Sheppard, Jr. from New Berlin, IL. On the second night, it was Sheppard taking the lead early and claiming the victory over Standerfer. The two are tied at 118 points each, while last year’s Pro Late Model champion, Guy Taylor is third, Jared Thomas is fourth, and Tim Hancock is fifth. The division will be racing for a little extra money this week in an event paying $1,000 to win and $100 to start.
In two weeks of racing, it’s been all Tim Hancock in the Neal Tire & Auto Pro Modified division. The former national champion of the class has won both features, though competition has kept him honest so far. Just behind him in the standings is Decatur, IL driver, Nick Justice. Justice followed him closely across the line in the season opener and had a decent run on the second night. Chad Evans, Tim Riech, and Brady Lynch round out the top five in standings.
Pit gates open this Saturday night at 3:00 with grandstand gates swinging open at 4:00. Hotlaps will begin at 6:00 with racing taking the green at 7:00 PM. Grandstand admission is $30 for adults and $5 for kids 11 and under.
For more information on the event, visit www.maconracing.com.
Macon Speedway PR
