By Sam Stoecklin
CMS Public Relations Director
April 12, 2011
(Warrensburg, MO) – Central Missouri Speedway (CMS) has long been recognized as the ‘Home of the Mighty Modifieds’ and this statement will never ring more true than this Saturday, April 16th when the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) makes its first-ever appearance at the “Fastest High-Banked Clay Oval in the Midwest.” Fans can expect to see drivers such as Ryan Gustin, Kelly Shryock, Jason Hughes, Zack Vanderbeek, and Tommy Myer along with many others featured on the reality TV show Dirt Knights, battling for the coveted CMS victory. According to USMTS.com, the series is the fastest growing and most popular Dirt Modified touring series in the country. When it comes to a touring series featuring the Best of the Best in Modified racing, USMTS has no equal.
During the first eight seasons of the USMTS, one driver emerged as the national champion of the series: Kelly Shryock of Fertile, Iowa. Shryock, who has registered a big-money win at CMS, has more than 120 USMTS victories and an unprecedented nine USMTS crowns. In 2007, Jason Krohn of Slayton, MN, captured his first USMTS National Championship. In 2008, it was Tim Donlinger of Rochester, MN, taking the crown with Shryock bouncing back in 2009 to capture his ninth USMTS National crown. Jason Hughes (also a previous CMS winner), of Westville, OK, captured his first USMTS National Championship in 2010. In 2011, Ryan Gustin has been impressive and currently leads the MO-KAN Region standing.
Anyone familiar with the caliber of local drivers at CMS will confidently tell you it’s not going to be a walk in the park for the touring drivers this weekend by any stretch of the imagination. Last year, Dustin Boney dominated CMS with multiple feature wins including a $5,000 payday last July. Rick Beebe, who has traveled great distances in the early 2011 season competing with the USMTS is another local driver expected to give the touring drivers a run for their money. Boney and Beebe are currently sitting inside the top ten MO-KAN region point standings. Additional “locals” to watch for include CMS 2010 Champion Jason Thompson, Chad Lyle, Terry Schultz, Jason Bodenhamer, Mark Dotson, and past CMS champion Aaron Marrant. Note, mention of driver name does not guarantee appearance at Central Missouri Speedway.
This weekend’s action also features the always exciting street stocks. “Start money” for the street stock main event has been increased to $60 and there will is no track registration fee for street stock drivers competing. CMS wants to remind fans and drivers traveling to the track via Hwy 13 about the bypass currently in effect. Those who normally exit I-70 at the Higginsville Exit for Hwy 13 South will need to make alternate route plans when heading to the track this weekend. The detour is clearly marked; additional information may be found at www.modot.org/tim.
Pricing for this weekend is $20 for adult general admission, $15 for senior citizens 65 years and over and active duty military with I.D. card. Kids 6 to 12 years of age are just $5. Children five and under are free in the grandstands. All pit passes for April 16th are $35. For details regarding the USMTS and street stock event and the entire 2011 CMS race schedule, visit www.centralmissourispeedway.net. Fans and drivers looking for overnight lodging in Warrensburg are urged to contact Comfort Inn Warrensburg Station at 660-429-4848. Be sure to tell them CMS sent you and ask for the special racer’s discount. For up-to-the minute race status call the Track Report line at 660-747-2166. We look forward to seeing you IN PERSON this Saturday at the one and only Central Missouri Speedway!