By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Tonight’s makeup of the second Andy’s Frozen Custard John Kuntz Memorial at Springfield Raceway will launch a busy week for late model stock car drivers in Southwest Missouri.
The late model special on the quarter-mile clay oval at Springfield Raceway will be sanctioned by both the Allstate DLRA and O’Reilly Auto Parts MARS.
The winner of the late model A feature tonight earns $3,000. Making the start in the 40-lapper is worth $500.
A complete modified show will be held tonight with features only in sport mod, bomber and hornet classes.
Races start at 7 p.m. with hot laps scheduled for 6:15. Grandstand admission prices are $20 and $10 (ages 6-12). A pit pass is $30.
Springfield Raceway co-owner Jerry Hoffman said the late model contingent from Arkansas is expected to include Bill Frye, Jack Sullivan and Jack Sullivan.
Springfield standouts Terry Phillips and Jeremy Payne also are expected to compete this week.
The sixth annual Larry Phillips Memorial will be held Friday and Saturday nights at the 3/8-mile Lebanon I-44 Speedway.
The format has qualifying heats and a qualifying feature for the late model field on Friday night. Heats, a last-chance event and the main will be held on Saturday night.
The winner of the 40-lap A feature on Saturday night will pocket $7,500. Starting the feature will be worth $750.
Capping the weekend — and the third DLRA/MARS sanctioned event — will be the annual 4-State Dirt Track Championships on Sunday night at the 3/8-mile Monett Speedway.
The Monett prize money includes $3,000 to win the main event and $500 to start the 40-lapper.
The support classes at I-44 are modified, B modified, factory stock, bomber and rookie. First place in the main events of those respective classes will be worth $1,000, $500, $500, $400 and $200.
Past late model champions in the Larry Phillips Memorial include son Terry (2007), Brian Shirley (2006), Wallace (2004) and Frye (2003, 2005).
Racing will resume on Sept. 5 at the Lebanon Midway Speedway with a regular points show featuring the USRA modified, factory stock, super stock, B-modified and bomber classes. The bomber feature will pay $500.
Nevada Speedway
Saturday night’s Labor Day Special will include $1,500 to the winner of the late model main event.
Competitive points races rule at the quarter-mile track with Josh McKay leading Mike Baxter 968-911 in the mini stock class.
Completing the leaders are Jack Simmons (late model), Brian Bolin (modified), Zach Marsh (street stock) and Karl Lehmann (factory stock).
Simmons, Erie, also is runner-up in the modified division.
Show-Me Racin’
That late model series — its title sponsor is Race Brothers — resumes Saturday at the West Plains Motor Speedway.
It’s part of the 18th annual Coca-Cola Fall Nationals.
Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 7. Grandstand admission prices are $15 and $4 (ages 7-11). A pit pass is $30.
Leslie Essary is the series points leader with 744 to 700 for his father, Ken Essary. Conner Ward is third with 680.
Sports
Busy week set for late model drivers
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