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USRA Nationals Spotlight: Tyler Davis continues search of Modified championship this week

WHEATLAND, MO. (Oct. 3, 2022) - Whether it’s motorsports or any venture in life, there is no substitute for dedication and hard work. The USRA Modified national points leader is a great example of that.

Tyler Davis looks to use this week’s 9th annual Summit USRA Nationals as another step toward his stated goal of a national championship. He's 39 points in front of Dillon McCowan at the five-night racing extravaganza begins on Tuesday night.

The road began on cold nights last winter inside his Haysville, Kansas shop.

“I was bound and determined to be better,” Davis said. “We teamed up with Bobby Bills, a local chassis builder, and said we wanted to win the national points championship. We decided to back up a hair from the USMTS, which we ran the last two years and try to use the knowledge we gained from those two seasons.

“I spent a lot of nights to make the car run good. I remember being down at the shop on Christmas night, until 4 in the morning. Just a lot of time and dedication, I think, has been the key.”

Davis has 22 feature victories and 39 top-five finishes in 60 races. Eight of the wins have been at his home track of 81 Speedway with six more at Humboldt Speedway.

“I didn’t even think it was possible until about midseason to be in this position," he said of the points title. "I knew it was gonna take 20 wins, looking at past years. If we get could get to 20 wins, we would have a shot. We’ve got to 22, though only 20 are USRA.”

Teamed up with 81 Speedway owner J.R. Sartain, whom he worked with prior to going on the USMTS circuit, Davis began racing at 81 Speedway in Wichita in 2007 or ’08. The track is about 20 minutes from his home and he’s made a lot of laps there, and at Humboldt Speedway, over the years.

This after he chose racing over another sport he loved growing up, baseball.

“I played baseball every summer, with fall ball and all that,” he said. “I was heavy in that, but I also went to the race track since I was born. When I got to be 16, I was like, ‘I think I want to race.’ Of course, I didn’t understand the financial part of it back then. But I decided to quit playing baseball and start racing and we really haven’t slowed down since.”

“I drove mini-stocks for half season and the next year we got a Modified and went straight into A Mods,” he added. “In Wichita they have what they call a rookie class which they still do and regular mod class. I raced rookie class, which is the same car, same rules, just different skill levels.

“We started racing that and pretty much just raced local, 15-18 times a year, until about 2017.”

Davis said he started racing 40-50 times a year at that point and saw the learning curve quickly gain speed. He had a couple of solid seasons on the USMTS circuit with car owner Dave Gaggero, but said he needed a change after last season.

“Dave did great things for me and gave me stuff I never had before,” he said. “But I was struggling, kind of at a dead end. I wanted to try a different chassis. Me and J.R. started our own team again.”

The opportunity to work with Bills was a good one as Davis got to give his input.

“Now we’re a dealer and have sold three already after starting that about midseason,” Davis said.

Mindful that the USRA Nationals might go a long way toward deciding the USRA points championship, Davis made a point to make three trips to Lucas Oil Speedway this season. He had finishes of second and third in Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series features and was fourth in the USMTS Show-Me Shootout in August.

“We came over and I took a lot of notes,” Davis said. “Dillon McCowan, he races there every week and he’s very good there - and everywhere he goes. We’re really gonna have to figure a few things out. We were close. Just a little bit off and we’ve made some adjustments since then. The USMTS weekend gave me a lot of confidence over there, coming back for this event.

“A lot of it is gonna be good luck. There are gonna be a lot of good cars there. We just hope to come out of the box good there and not be behind.”

Asked if the points battle is fun or stressful, Davis said it’s never fun unless he’s winning or running up front.

“I try not to think about the points,” he said. “I figure if I can win races, the points will follow and so far that’s been the case. But you get down to the wire here and anything can happen.

“If we win it, that’s awesome. If we don’t, I’ll go home saying I gave it my all without any regrets.”

Team sponsors include Gerber Collision & Glass, F.O.E. Racing, BillsBuilt Race Cars & Components, Allen’s Automotive, Autotech Service, BSB Manufacturing, Diva Dogs Spa, The Glassman and Midwest Wraps.

For more information on Davis, check out his website at TylerDavis65racing.com.

The Summit USRA Nationals will feature action in eight different divisions under the United States Racing Association banner. The marathon event begins its six-night run on Monday with a practice night from 6-10 p.m. Racing in some, but not all of the classes, will begin the following night and go through the big finale on the final night.

The Summit Shootout also returns this year and will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and feature USRA track champions and Summit Shootout qualifying race winners to compete in this one-of-a-kind battle for Modified, Stock Car, B-Mod and Hobby Stock competitors.

Drivers who have not yet entered can register online at MyRacePass for the 2022 event. Visit USRAracing.com for news stories, point standings and other archived information about the USRA.

9th annual Summit USRA Nationals Schedule
Monday
Classes: USRA Stock Cars, USRA Modifieds, USRA B Mods, USRA Tuners, USRA Hobby Stocks, USRA Limited Mods, USRA Late Models, USRA Factory Stocks
Pit gates open: 3 p.m.
Practice: 6-10 p.m.
Spectator grandstand admission - Free
Pit Pass: $25
6-day Pit Pass: $205

Tuesday
Classes: Modified qualifying, Stock Car Summit Shootout, B-Mod qualifying, Hobby Stock Summit Shootout
Pit gate open: 1 p.m. (cleared at 3:30)
Spectator and pit gates open: 4 p.m.
Drivers’ meeting: 5 p.m.
Racing begins: 6 p.m.
Admission:
Adults (16 and up) - $20
Seniors (62 and up)/Military - $17
Youth (6-15) - $5
Kids (5-and-under) - Free
Family Pass - $45
Pit Pass - $35
Adult 5-day GA - $110
Seniors/Military 5-day GA - $95
Youth 5-day GA - $35
5-day Pit Pass - $185

Wednesday
Classes: Modified Summit Shootout, Stock Car qualifying, B-Mod qualifying, Hobby Stock qualifying, Tuner and Late Model practice as time permits
Pit gate open: 1 p.m. (cleared at 3:30)
Spectator and pit gates open: 4 p.m.
Drivers’ meeting: 5 p.m.
Hot laps (Late Models and Tuners only) and racing - 6 p.m.
Admission:
Adults (16 and up) - $20
Seniors (62 and up)/Military - $17
Youth (6-15) - $5
Kids (5-and-under) - Free
Family Pass - $45
Pit Pass - $35
Adult 4-day GA - $90
Senior/Military 4-day GA - $78
Youth 4-day GA - $30
4-day Pit Pass - $155

Thursday
Classes: Modified qualifying, Stock Car qualifying, B-Mod Summit Shootout, Hobby Stock qualifying, Late Model full show, Tuner full show, Limited Mod and Factory Stock hot laps as time permits
Pit gate open: 1 p.m. (cleared at 3:30)
Spectator and pit gates open: 4 p.m.
Drivers’ meeting: 5 p.m.
Hot laps (Limited Mods and Factory Stocks only) - 5:30 p.m.
Racing - 6 p.m.
Admission:
Adults (16 and up) - $20
Seniors (62 and up)/Military - $17
Youth (6-15) - $5
Kids (5-and-under) - Free
Family Pass - $45
Pit Pass - $40
Adult 3-day GA - $70
Seniors/Military 3-day GA - $61
Youth 3-day GA - $25
3-day Pit Pass - $120

Friday
Classes: Modified Last-Chance races, Stock Car Last-Chance races, B-Mod Last-Chance races, Late Model B Mains and Championship Feature, Tuner B-Mains and Championship Feature, Limited Mod full show, Factory Stock full show
Pit gate open: 1 p.m. (cleared at 3:30)
Spectator and pit gates open: 4 p.m.
Drivers’ meeting: 4:30 p.m.
Racing: 5 p.m.
Admission:
Adults (16 and up) - $25
Seniors (62 and up)/Military - $22
Youth (6-15) - $10
Kids (5-and-under) - Free
Family Pass - $60
Pit Pass - $40
Adult 2-day GA - $50
Seniors/Military 2-day GA - $39
Youth 2-day GA - $20
2-day Pit Pass - $80

Saturday
Classes: Modified C-Mains, B-Mains and Championship Feature; Stock Car D-Mains, C-Mains, B-Mains and Championship Feature; B-Mod D-Mains, C-Mains, B-Mains and Championship Feature; Hobby Stock B-Mains and Championship Feature; Limited Mod B-Mains and Championship Feature; Factory Stocks B-Mains and Championship Feature.
Pit gate open: 1 p.m. (cleared at 3:30)
Spectator gates open: 3:30 p.m.
Drivers’ meeting: 4 p.m.
Racing: 5 p.m.
Admission:
Adults (16 and up) - $25
Seniors (62 and up)/Military - $22
Youth (6-15) - $10
Kids (5-and-under) - Free
Family Pass - $60
Pit Pass - $40

To purchase tickets for any event on Lucas Oil Speedway's schedule, or to inquire about camping information, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 295-6043 or via email at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com.

CONTACT:
Danny Lorton
Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager
Office: (417) 282-5984
DLorton@lucasoilspeedway.com
Complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived race recaps, previews and driver features, along with ticket information and schedules can be found by visiting LucasOilSpeedway.com.

Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With its entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.

Click LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984. The Lucas Oil Speedway EZ Texting number is (417) 804-4141.

In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking "Like" at www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway

About Lucas Oil Speedway
Lucas Oil Speedway is considered by fans, drivers and industry insiders to be one of the top five racing facilities in the nation. Located in Wheatland, Missouri, approximately an hour from Springfield, Missouri, and just an hour and a half from the Kansas City metro area, the "Diamond of Dirt Tracks" lives up to its title.

Twenty-One VIP Luxury Suites, HD Jumbo-Tron Screen, Stadium Style Musco Sports Lighting, a Bose Sound System, Go-Kart Slick Track, The Diamond Bar, Track Treasures Gift Shop, the best track food in the country and paved pits are a few of the spectacular amenities setting the Diamond of Dirt apart. This year marks the 12th season for the Liquid Quarter Mile Drag Racing Lake, "Lake Lucas." New for 2017 was all-purpose built Off Road facility featuring a host of regional events.

Lucas Oil Speedway's dirt oval track plays host to some of the largest and most-popular events in the Midwest with national and regional touring series appearing frequently including: The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, POWRi Midget National Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, United States Modified Touring Series, ASCS Sprint Cars and the Lucas Oil MLRA.

In addition to the special events, the Lucas Oil Speedway Weekly Racing Series features the Late Models, USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars and USRA B-Mods.

2022 Official Lucas Oil Speedway Marketing Partners

Arizona Sport Shirts
"The Official Merchandise Provider" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Bill Roberts Chevrolet-Buick
"The Official Truck" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Dixie Chopper
"The Official Mowers of Lucas Oil Speedway"

General Tire
"The Official Tire" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Lucas Oil Products
"The Official Oil" of Lucas Oil Speedway

MAVTV
"The Official Television Network" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Optima Batteries
"The Official Battery" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper
"The Official Soft Drink" of Lucas Oil Speedway

RacingJunk.com
"The Official Classifieds" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Rugged Radios
"The Official 2-Way Communications Provider" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Sunoco Race Fuels
"The Official Fuel" of Lucas Oil Speedway

Super Clean
"The Official Sponsor" of Lucas Oil Speedway

2022 Lucas Oil Speedway Supporters Include:
AM Pyrotechnics, Arizona Sport Shirts, Ash Grove Aggregates, Berry Tractor and Equipment Co., Big Adventure RV, Bill Roberts Chevrolet-Buick, Bolivar Auto Sales & Detailing, Bolivar Farmers Exchange-MFA, Boone's BBQ Barn, Boubin Tire/American Racer, Branstetter & Lightfoot LLC, Bridal Cave, BWI Sanitation, Camden on the Lake Resort, Candlelight Creations-Dick's Wild Root Horseradish, Casey's, Cedar Creek Beef Jerky, Citizens Memorial Healthcare, City Magnet, Clearlight Inn, Comfort Inn-Bolivar, DirtonDirt.com, Dixie Chopper, eBay Motors, Eibach Springs, Evans Pipe & Steel Co., Farmers Insurance Agent Kristy Reynolds, Fast Shafts by Axle Exchange, Foley Equipment-Cat Rental Store, Frog Signs, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Hermitage Lumber, HICKAMO Country Store, Highway 54 RV Park, Hobbytime Motorsports, Hoosier Race Tires, Impact Signs Awnings Wraps, In the Garden of Eden, Kettle Treats, Keyser Manufacturing, Kluhsman Racing Components, Kona Ice, Lucas Cattle Company, Margaritaville Lake Resort, Midwest Sheet Metal, Miller Welding, Missouri Department of Tourism, Missouri Division of Tourism, MyRacePass, Nutrien Ag Solutions, OakStar Bank, O'Bannon Bank, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Ozark Golf Cars, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper, Ozarks Community Health Center, PEM, Pitts Homes, Pitts Realty, Pitts Cattle, ProThings Apparel, RACEceiver, Racinboys.com, RacinDirt.com, RacingJunk.com, Rains Ice Company, Real Racing Wheels, Rod End Supply, Ron Jenkins Accounting & Tax Service, Rugged Radios, Ryan E. Murphy Law Firm LLC, SBU Athletics, Safety Kleen, Scott Furniture, Simpson Racing Products, Southwest Electric Cooperative, Stillwater Resort, Sunoco Race Fuels, Sunflower Resort, TA/PETRO, US Army Corps of Engineers-Pomme de Terre, Vietti Marketing Group, Wheatland Motel, White's Marine Center, Wild Animal Safari, Woods Supermarkets, Wrisco Industries.

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