(November 22, 2011) Buckner, MO – With the conclusion of the Lucas Oil MLRA season, the championship banquet was the final order of business for the season. Over one hundred people were in attendance at the annual celebration held at Harrah’s Casino, in Kansas City, last Friday evening. $50,000 was distributed in the season ending point fund, along with numerous product awards and certificates.
John Anderson topped the season long standings by ten points and received $10,000 in cash and numerous product certificates, including half off of a new frame from MasterSbilt Race Cars. During his acceptance speech, John thanked his family for all of their support. He was also appreciative of the opportunity to race for Greg and Pat Junghans. He told a story about how he and Crew Chief Vinny Guiliani, got to know each other and gel this season. Anderson won three Lucas Oil MLRA features and had an average finish of 6.6 for the season. This is his second series championship, with his first coming in 2008.
Dustin Walker was the season’s Rookie of the Year. Overall he finished 6th in points. In addition to his point fund check, Walker received an additional $2,500 for claiming the rookie title. He also received some help on a new Moyer Victory Circle Chassis. He thanked his family and everyone who helped him out over the course of the season.
The Lucas Oil MLRA contingency partners rolled out the goods for the competitors. BSB Manufacturing gave away $1,000 in certificates, in addition to $100 certificates per race. Powertrain Industries supplied $2,625 worth of drive shafts. Weld Wheels brought four wheels to the banquet, totaling $800. They also gave away $75 certificates each race. Afco Racing Products contributed $2,100 in product certificates. ATL Fuel Cells supplied certificates totaling $1,750. The year’s hard charger and hard luck awards were backed by KRC. They also brought $1,500 in products to distribute. Roush Yates Engines knocked $500 off of a brand new late model engine. Bodee’s Race Bodies offered 1/2 price body sides. Peterson Fluid Systems, new to the series this season, donated $1,000 in certificates too. Performance Bodies gave Rookie of the Year Dustin Walker a new nose for his car. They also supplied a new nose for one racer at every event this season. Schoenfeld Headers also supplied a $250 product award. They took part in the weekly contingency program too.
David Goodson and Evan Stratton form Impact Signs, Awnings and Wraps were in attendance. They supplied custom trophies to both John Anderson and car owner Greg Junghans. The top twenty in points walked away with a top performer’s banner. The top ten also received one set of hero cards. Impact Signs, Awnings and Wraps also supplies all of the victory lane checks and banners during the season.
Huey Anthony, with Day Automotive, spoke about his new Racegator transmission, available at his Day Automotive speed shop. He talked of the product’s durability and economical pricing. He brought a new transmission to be given away to one of the series competitors. Eric Turner held the winning ticket. Huey then sweetened the pot by offering $100 to the first driver to win a Lucas Oil MLRA heat, with his transmission, next season. $250 to the first driver to win a series sanctioned feature with his product. If a driver is able to win the 2012 title with a Racegator, Huey offered up a $1,000 bonus. He also wanted the racers to know if they brought in there working Bert or Brinn transmission, along with $500, they could have a brand new Racegator.
Harriett and Cowboy would like to thank all of the product sponsors and marketing partners who made the 2011 season possible. A huge thanks is in order for Lucas Oil Products and Lucas Cattle Company for all they do for the series too. Dates are constantly being added to the upcoming season schedule. The 24th year for the Lucas Oil MLRA promises to be good.
The Lucas Oil MLRA (Midwest Latemodel Racing Association) sanctions regional Super Dirt Late Model touring series events in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.
For all the latest news and information on the Lucas Oil MLRA please visit us on the web at www.MLRAracing.com or by calling the series office at (816) 650-5063 or (816) 305-6572.
The Lucas Oil MLRA would like to thank the sponsors of the 2011 Tour including Lucas Oil Products, AAA Missouri, Hoosier Race Tires, Lucas Cattle Company, Hatfield Racing Engines, Larry Shaw Race Cars, AFCO Racing Products, GRT Race Cars, Powertrain Industries, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bodee’s Race Bodies, Outpace Racing Products,Fast Track Photos, Weld Racing Wheels, Impact Signs and Lighting, Rod End Supply, Racing Optics, Schoenfeld Headers, Kluhsman Racing Components, Performance Bodies, RacinDirt.com, ATL Fuel Cells, Bilstein Shocks, BSB Manufacturing , Keizer Wheels, MasterSbilt, R2C Performance Products