By Ronnie Williams
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The “Quick-Quarter” of the Springfield Raceway is getting ready for another of their signature special events as the 6th Annual John Kuntz Memorial presented by Andy’s Frozen Custard will be held on Sat. May 12th featuring the MARS DIRTcar Series and the MLRA Super Late Models.
John Kuntz the founder of Andy’s Frozen Custard was a long-time race fan and strong supporter of Springfield area activities. Kuntz who opened the first Andy’s in Osage Beach, Mo in 1986 was a true salesman as his strong personal skills drew people to him and his friendly manners had people wanting to do business with him. John and wife Carol then embarked to Springfield, Mo and opened their first Andy’s(named after their son) and it took off like a storm. Springfield was where they called home and a tradition was born and Andy has carried that tradition to new highs with several new stores and franchises in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas.
The 6th Annual Kuntz Memorial will not only feature a 40 lap Late Model feature with the top regional Late Model drivers, but also action will see the Budweiser USRA Modifieds, Reliable Chevrolet USRA B-Mods, Casey’s General Stores Midwest Modz, Pepsi Pure Stocks, Wheeler Metals Legends and the Young Lions Legend drivers (kids 12-16) and Williams Lawn and Preservation Street Stocks doing battle on the racy high-banked Quarter Mile Dirt Oval competing for track and National Points.
The USRA Modifieds will go for a $600 to win and $90 to start feature with The Dark Side Tanning Salon in Joplin adding money to their purse as all classes will have added money that night.
The MARS/MLRA Late Model Challenges have been nothing but outstanding for both the two Missouri Series, but also the race fans as side-by-side action highlights each event. UMP National Points will be awarded to the Late Models for this event and the tire rule will be Hoosier WRS D55’s or Hoosier LM 40’s. Brad Looney won the last meeting in the speedway’s March Madness Challenge event in March.
Grandstand gates will open at 5PM with hot laps starting at 6PM. Grandstand Admission will be $20 for Adults while Kids 6-12 are $5 and kids under 6 are Free. Racing will begin at 7PM.
Pit Gates will open at 3:30PM with the local drivers meeting slated for 5:30PM. Driver’s check-in cut-off is 6:15PM as Springfield line-up procedures will apply for this Transport Graphics Championship Point Event.
For more information on the track please visit www.springfieldraceway.com
Additional information regarding the MARS DIRTcar Series can be found at www.marsracingseries.com.
The MARS DIRTcar Series would like to thank their sponsors for the 2012 season. Hoosier Racing Tire, Libscomb Auto Group, Powertrain Industries, VP Race Fuels, Wrisco Aluminum, GRT Race Cars, Hatfield Racing Engines, Race Brothers Farm & Home Supply, Supermoon Graphics, Don Babb Motorsports, Comp Cams, Rod End Supply and Vicci.