Springfield,Mo.POWRi Midget and Springfield Raceway officials today have found out that the ever growing list of entries for the Saturday June 9th event at the Springfield Raceway will add some International flavor along with one of the Toyota Factory Backed teams set to compete at the “Quick-Quarter”
New Zealand 4 time midget National Champion Michael Pickens is expected to be one of the many entries for this weekends feature event along with “Speed” Rico Abreu in one of the Toyota backed Midget cars.
Pickens considered the King of midgets and open-wheeled cars in New Zealand has also shown his skills here in the United States as he has recorded two USAC National Midget Wins along with being a top contender in the Chili Bowl.He started his Midget Career at a very young age and won his first 2 times coming from the back of the field both times.
“Speed” Rico Abreu at the age of 20 years old could be considered the “California Kid” as 2011 saw this youngster compete in 360 and 410 Winged Sprint Cars after racing in the winged 250 and 500 Sprint Karts.
Abreu in his first time in a Midget won a B feature in the 2011 Chili Bowl and is currently 14th in the USAC National point standings running for Keith Kunz Motorsports with Toyota Factory Backing behind him.
Officials expect 25-30 entries at the Springfield Raceway for the Midget Madness presented by Green Lawn Funeral Homes and Jake Diemer and his staff.
This expects to be a don’t miss event as local flavor and talent including Carl Junction’s Andrew Felker who currently is second in the POWRi Points standings and leads the POWRi Western States points chase,Springfield’s Pat Schudy and many other local area drivers in addition to drivers from Eastern Missouri,Oklahoma,Kansas,Illinios and the Midwest.
Springfield’s quarter-mile is a hometown track for Felker, who lives an hour away and is expected to have a large contingent of family and friends on hand. Felker finished third, Thomas was fourth and Gehrke sixth at Springfield last year. Brad Loyet, who is not racing regularly in POWRi this season, won.
This is also a co-sanctioned event for both the National Series and Western States Series
Action will also include USRA Modifieds,USRA B-Mods,Legends,Pure Stocks,Street Stocks and Midwest Modz competing in the Transport Graphics Championship Chase.
Adult Admission is only $17 with kids 6-12 only $5 and under 6 Free.
Grandstand Gates open at 5 with hotlaps at 6 and Racing at 7PM.
Pit gates open at 3:30 and pit passes are $30.
For more information visit the website at WWW.SpringfieldRaceway.Com or contact Jerry Hoffman during the week at 417-673-7426 or visit the facebook page.
POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series top-10 points standings (after 10 of 31 events); 1. Brett Anderson 1,330, 2. Andrew Felker 1,130, 3. Chett Gehrke 875, 4. Tyler Thomas 820, 5. Jake Blackhurst 800, 6. Chris Bell 710, 7. Austin Brown 700, 8. Garrett Aitken 695, 9. Zach Daum 620, 10. Daniel Robinson 575
POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series 2012 race winners: Kennedale, Texas—Brady Bacon; Kennedale, Texas—Dave Darland; Jacksonville, Ill.—Mario Clouser; Grain Valley, Mo.—Brett Anderson; Wheatland, Mo.—Jake Blackhurst; Macon, Ill.—Zach Daum; Belleville, Ill.—Danny Stratton; Peoria, Ill.—Andrew Felker; Brownstown, Ill.–Brett Anderson; Haubstadt, Ind.—Brady Bacon.
POWRi Lucas Oil West Midget Series top-10 points standings (after six of 14 events): 1. Andrew Felker 640, 2. Chris Bell 630, 3. Chett Gehrke 580, 4. Tyler Thomas 520, 5. (tie) Matt Sherrell, Garrett Aitken 355, 7. Cameron Hagin 185, 8. Darren Kingston 65, 9. Cody Ledger, 50, 10. Garrett Hood.