By Anvil Welch
awelch@joplinglobe.com
Kenny Wallace is expected to compete in the modified class on Thursday at Springfield Raceway during its “NASCAR Night.”
The late model Race Brothers Show-Me Racin’ Series will headline the show on the quarter-mile dirt track. Modified and bomber classes will complete the program.
Wallace, who lives in Concord, N.C., is a native of St. Louis and has a couple of older brothers named Rusty and Mike. Kenny Wallace turned 45 on Aug. 23.
Said Springfield Raceway co-owner Doug Bland: “We’re trying to build our NASCAR Night as an annual event and it’s something we’ve been working on for the last year. Jerry (co-owner Jerry Hoffman) and I believe this weekend is perfect for the event since NASCAR drivers will be competing at the Kansas Speedway on Friday through Sunday.
“We’ve limited the show to just three classes in an effort to get everyone home early because the races are being held on a week night,” Bland said.
Springfield Raceway officials are attempting to secure a second NASCAR driver to attend this year.
Kenny Wallace, who’ll be driving his usual No. 36 JEG’s-sponsored modified, will sign autographs between 5:15 p.m. and 6:15 on Thursday.
Kenny Wallace, who finished 29th in Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway, entered 17th in points.
“We’re thrilled to have Kenny racing against our local stars as well as signing autographs,” Springfield’s Bland, who once was associated with the defunct Joplin Speedway, said.
Pit gates will open at 4 p.m. and the grandstand at 5 on Thursday. Tickets are $15 and $5 (ages 6-12). A pit pass is $30.
Show-Me Racin’ Series
Series founder Ken Essary won the main event on Friday night at the North Central Arkansas Speedway.
Ken Essary, from Cape Fair, headed a strong contingent of drivers from southwest Missouri.
Placing second through sixth were Leslie Essary, Crane; Kevin Henson, Marionville; Darrin Barton, Aurora; Shane Essary, Aurora, and Rick Lebow, Galena.
Leslie Essary, Ken’s son, is the series points leader and defending champion.
Heat winners were Monett’s Jordan Holloway, Shane Essary and Crane’s Jarrod Hilton.
Jesse Stovall triumphs
Stovall, West Branson, won the DLRA/MARS main event at Lebanon I-44 Speedway on Friday during the first night of the Fall Shootout.
Springfield drivers Jeremy Payne and Terry Phillips finished 2-3 in the late model A feature.
Billings’ Rex Merritt beat Lebanon’s Kris Jackson in the modified main event.
Kenny Potter, Harrisonville, and Shawn Price, Aurora, won the A features in winged sprint and rookie classes.
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