6/27/2018
RacinBoys
MLRA 'Freedom Classic' this weekend at Salina Highbanks
By Billy Rock (Wheatland, MO) -- The Lucas Oil MLRA Late Models will look to re-group from last weekends washout as they head off to the Salina Highbanks Speedway in Pryor Creek, OK. The 5th Annual "Freedom Classic" presented by ARMI, will roll off on Friday night with a complete $3,000 to win main event followed by Saturday's $5,000 to win and $500 to start finale.
This weekend's action will also be co-sanctioned for the second time this season with the Comp Cams Super Dirt Series, Presented by Lucas Oil. In late April, the two series joined forces at the Legit Speedway for an event that attracted a 40 car field of some of the best late model drivers the region has to offer.
PHOTO CREDIT: Lloyd Collins -- http://www.FastTrackPhotos.com
One driver looking to throw his name in the ring for the weekend's double header is Oklahoma native and modified ace, Jason Hughes. The defending and four-time USMTS National Champion, is no stranger to victory lane at the Salina Highbanks, having recorded multiple modified wins at the facility that he considers his home track.
Hughes last piloted a late model during the rain shortened Freedom Classic in 2016. However, it was his three race stint in 2015 that would turn heads on the late model circuit. Partnering with owner/driver Tommy Weder, Jr., Hughes would find quick success picking up a win in his first night out at the Monett Speedway. He would follow that up with another top ten at the annual Freedom Classic, ending a weekend he is hoping to repeat once again.
This time around, Shannon Scott will give up the driver's seat of the Henryetta Ford/RacinDirt.com # 4 to put Hughes on the track. The teams XR1 Rocket Chassis should provide the veteran driver with the necessary tools to be a contender out of the box this weekend. Hughes commented, "Shannon said a while back you need to drive this thing sometime, so we just kind of put this deal together and we're going to give it a shot."
Shannon Scott (4) battles Jason Hughes (02) during the 2015 Freedom Classic. This weekend they join forces putting Hughes behind the wheel of Scott's # 4. Photo- Lloyd Collins FastTrackPhotos
Hughes was the 2014 Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Rookie of the Year and said of the upcoming weekend, "I grew up there, and we've won a few races around that place (Salina). I'm looking forward to getting into the late model, a really nice piece, and going and seeing if we can't get us a win in a late model."
The Salina Highbanks Speedway, often referred to as Oklahoma's Premier Dirt Track, always brings with it the guarantee of thrilling and intense racing action. "It's a fast race track, it's one of them that is a driver deal where you've got to get up on the wheel and get after it, and I really kind of like that," said Hughes.
Chad Simpson is coming off an impressive 2nd place run at the "Cowboy Classic," the kick-off event to the annual Show Me 100, and will lead the MLRA contingent into the super-fast 3/8 mile dirt oval facility this weekend. Simpson is followed closely by Tony Jackson Jr. and Will Vaught who each have wins on the season at the Legit Speedway and LaSalle Speedway respectively.
Just as exciting is the season long battle for the Sunoco Racing Fuels Rookie of the Year. In late April it looked as if Payton Looney would distance himself from the rookie contingent, but Wisconsin's Mitch McGrath has rattled off three consecutive rookie of the race awards and now finds himself just one marker behind Looney in the season long standings. Joe Godsey, driving the Roth Motorsports # 14G, sits 3rd and is still very much within striking distance of the top two with eleven events remaining.
Friday night's card will also include B-Mods and Super Stocks, while Saturday will see the Pure Stocks and Modifieds. Saturday's Modified main event looks to bring in added depth as drivers will be battling it out for a $1,000 top prize in the 25 lap A-Main.
Fans will want to hang around after the races each night as the Salina Highbanks Speedway salutes American with a pair of fireworks shows. Saturday's display will be the weekend's grand finale and is sure to light up the night sky following the on track action.
Salina Highbanks Speedway: Pryor Creek, OK Race Day Info-- Friday 6/29
Gates: 6:00 PM
Racing: Hot Laps - 7:30 PM, Races - 8:00 pm
Admission: Adults $15, Seniors(62+) $12, Kids 6-12 yrs $5, VIP & Beer Garden $25
Support Classes: B-Mods, Super Stocks
Website: www.salinahighbanksspeedway.com
Salina Highbanks Speedway: Pryor Creek, OK Race Day Info-- Saturday 6/30
Gates: 5:00 PM
Racing: Hot Laps - 6:30 PM, Races - 7:00 pm
Admission: Adults $20, Seniors(62+) $17, Kids 6-12 yrs $10, VIP & Beer Garden $30
Support Classes: Modifieds-$1,000 to Win, Pure Stocks
For all of the latest news and information fans are encouraged to visit the series website at www.MLRARacing.com.
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Submitted By: Kirk Elliott
