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Sam Stoecklin
WARRENSBURG, Mo. (March 21) - Ready to roll into its second year, the ULMA championship battle is set to kick off next Saturday, March 29th, at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. The association's goal of playing its part in returning weekly late model racing to the headlines at its affiliated tracks remains a high priority. ULMA received several new membership applications in the last few weeks, pushing the number of member drivers to over 60 and doubling the membership totals from this time last year! The excitement is definitely in the air for ULMA's sophomore year. There should be no problem in keeping late models in the headlines all season long!
For 2008, ULMA drivers earn their points from Callaway Raceway in Fulton, Missouri and LA Raceway in LaMonte, Missouri on Friday nights and Central Missouri Speedway in Warrensburg, Missouri and Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri on Saturday nights. In addition to the four weekly tracks, points are awarded at several specials throughout the season. Drivers will keep their 15 best overall finishes throughout the year. Each affiliated track has their own separate points system to determine their track champion that is separate from the ULMA point's championship. Last year's champion Brett Rollert edged out Jeff Schlup for the inaugural title in the final weeks of competition. Once a driver earns 15 starts, he or she will then discard lower points-earning nights for improved performances.
All of the association's affiliated tracks have put together spectacular schedules for their fans and ULMA is very fortunate to be a part of all the weekly excitement. Callaway Raceway has 22 weekly programs scheduled with specials included. Central Missouri Speedway has 20 weekly programs planned including a special event in June. LA Raceway's schedule has 21 weekly programs, which includes the second annual season-ending Missouri State Championships. Lucas Oil Speedway has 15 weekly programs for ULMA drivers plus one non-points end-of-season special in October and several bonus money nights for ULMA competitors. Upcoming practice dates for affiliated tracks include Thursday March 27th at LA Raceway from 6 to 9 p.m; Central Missouri Speedway on April 5th and 12th beginning at 1 p.m. and April 19th beginning at 3 p.m.; and April 6th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Callaway Raceway. Be sure to contact each track for more specific information.
The first special event of the year is also fast-approaching. ULMA makes its first-ever appearance at the lightning quick 4/10th mile high-banked 24 Raceway in Moberly, Missouri, on Saturday, April 19th. Drivers will compete for a $1,000-to-win first-place prize in the feature event, which pays $200 to start! Additional specials include two stops at the Historic Half Mile on the Missouri State Fair Grounds in Sedalia, Missouri, the first of which takes place on Sunday May 4th as part of the annual Bob Ramey Memorial special. The second appearance comes later in the year on Thursday August 14th during the State Fair. The points-earning season comes to a dramatic close on Saturday September 13th at LA Raceway for the 2nd Annual ULMA LA Raceway Missouri State Championships. Then, the race season officially ends on Saturday October 4th for the Mid Missouri Late Model Championships at Lucas Oil Speedway.
For more information on becoming a ULMA member and the complete schedule of events visit the association's Website at www.ulmaracing.com. Driver membership remains at just $50 while affiliate membership is available for fans at just $10. Questions regarding ULMA may be sent to unitedlatemodelassociation@hotmail.com. We look forward to seeing all the great sponsors, track personnel and race fans throughout 2008. Remember, don't get left behind in the dust … racing with ULMA is a must!
When you visit our great sponsors thank them for supporting local dirt-track racing and tell them where you heard about them. Official Sponsors: King's Small Engine Repair LLC, All American Redi-Mix, Imhoff Construction. Contingency Sponsors: Impact Racing, Wineland Enterprises, Mike Crump Racing & Supply, J&T Racing Supply, Monroe's Signs & Graphics, Nevels Sign Graphics. Affiliate Sponsors: Photography by Shelly Payne, and Ken Dake Attorney at Law.
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