In a prelude to the 4th Annual Summit Racing Equipment USRA Nationals, I-35 Speedway hosted 127 competitors on the last day of September 2017. A day later and people are still talking about the Stock Car race, won by Dean Wray with Brett Heeter on his tail and current USRA Point Leader Mitch Hovden less than a car length behind Heeter. That is three of the top 4 in the Holley USRA Stock Car division in competition at the home of the 2017 USRA Summit Nationals.

This night started with opening ceremony honoring our nation, our flag, our country which is also still being discussed. Marilyn Gifford posted on Facebook, “We went to I-35 Speedway Winston last night, Opening Ceremony first Hot Lap of cars drove onto the track with flags. Parked in front of the flag pole and shut their cars off. The rest of the drivers and their family’s walked on the field carrying flags while “God Bless the USA” was playing. Very touching!” KQ2 out of St. Joseph also covered this opening.

Back to the great racing – Great race in the Vintage cars, three-way battle for the win, out of four three wide, Leroy Holler, Alan Guthrie, and Houston Johnson. Gunner Martin taking the early lead in the A Mods and then slipping up allowing Derrick Hicks to make the pass for the win. Dan Hovden claiming the win in the B Mods but Shadren Turner was on his tail and closing. All year long this track has been producing great racing with several photo finishes.

The ULMA Late Models requested a schedule change a couple of months ago so they could end their season at I-35 Speedway. Rather than displace anyone the Late Models were added to the schedule. It was a pleasure watching Aaron Marrant, the series point leader, come in and take the win and the championship. Congratulations Aaron!

Things I was told at the racetrack on Saturday. From a couple of fans, they stated they love coming to I-35 Speedway because they are greeted with a smile and they love how well the facility is maintained, grass is mowed, and the USA Flags are everywhere. Drivers from the Sport Compact class stated they loved coming to I-35 Speedway, they were impressed their first visit on how many times they were thanked for coming, and on their second visit they were called by name! To the I-35 Speedway staff thank you and keep up the great work!

Did anyone notice anything new at the track? Not going to give it away but it is located in front of the Trackside Bar and Grill, kind of resembles a space ship in a way. This next week we can expect even more drivers coming to get set up for the Summit USRA Nationals the next week. Make your plans to be here Thursday, Friday, and Saturday October 12, 13, and 14. All three nights will include the USRA Modifieds, Holley USRA Stock Cars, Out Pace USRA B-Mods, and USRA Hobby Stocks. Thursday night will also include the E Mods. We will see who is the best in the USRA and who is the best locally. Reminder to the drivers to get their registration in before the early bird date.

This week October 7 is one more chance for drivers to get their setup in preparation for the Summit USRA Nationals. See everyone Saturday if not before.