LUCAS OIL I 10 SPEEDWAY TO OPEN WINTER BLAST SERIES THIS SATURDAY

Source: Dave Grayson
Date: 09/24/2008

The arrival of the fall season means something very important to southern California race fans: it's time for stock car racing at its very best to return to the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway. The quarter mile paved oval, located at the Colorado River Fair Grounds in Blythe-California, will officially kick off the 2008-2009 Winter Blast Racing Series this Saturday night, September 27th. The speedway has a strong opening night this year featuring the ASA Speed Truck Challenge Series, who will run a 100 lap feature, along with the return of their Late Model, Street Stock and Factory Stock divisions.

After taking a vacation period during the month of August, the ASA Speed Truck Challenge Series-ASA STC is coming back strong to complete the final three races of their 2008 season with a new economic stimulus program and a championship points race that is still too close to call. This outstanding racing series, for mid sized trucks, recently announced a new full fledged partnership with Verve Energy Drink which is being touted nationwide as a healthy alternative to the influx of so called sports energy drinks that has flooded the market in recent years. Verve has put up an additional $50,000 to the ASA STC's purse fund for their final three races. The truck count is expected to be very healthy Saturday night with a lot of teams racing hard for that pay increase.

The other exciting aspect of the ASA STC is their still too close to call battle for the 2008 points championship. Gilbert-Arizona's Darren Young goes into Saturday night with the points lead in a quest to win his third series title. However he only has a 46 lead over Todd McLauchlan who's expected to do everything he can to overtake Young during these final three events. McLauchlan will be trying to win his first ASA STC championship. But this is a veteran driver who has won championships in nearly every form of four wheel racing that you could name and he understands the pressure of winning a points title at the tail end of a racing season. As seen from past ASA STC seasons, it would not be the first time that something like a 46 point cushion became a skin tight, winner take all, run for the title during the final event.

The Late Models are another division that combines speed with driver finesse at the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway and a good field of drivers are expected for opening night this Saturday night. Bobby Keirns, who won a combined title hosted by the Lucas Oil I 10 and Havasu 95 Speedways last year, is expected back this year on a part time basis. Last year he announced plans to run a limited Late Model schedule in 2008-2009 in order to devote more time to his son's racing debut in the Bandolero Division.

However there are plenty of quality Late Model drivers who will planning on becoming the new Winter Blast Champion. They include the likes of Kevin James, who finished a close second to Kierns last year, and Mark Schriner who already knows how to win a Late Model title at the I 10 Speedway. Also on hand will be the Lancaster based After Hours Racing featuring "Awesome" Austin Murphy who is always a threat to win a Late Model race. Also noteworthy is the official debut of his younger brother in the Late Model division. Broc Murphy will be driving a Late Model, recently purchased by his family racing operation, that was built by famed driver and car builder Richard Hooper.

The Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway always features an outstanding Street Stock program and the 2008-2009 Winter Blast Series is expected to be no exception. Danny Dill is expected to return to defend his Street Stock title. He also expected to have a mirror full of competition from Bryant Sutterfield, Richard Selph and Brian Crawford who knows the fast way around the quarter mile track.

The always fun Factory Stocks will be returning this year to an ever growing legion of fans because of their racing is rubbing on track nature. Expect strong runs from the likes of Dean Lester, Jim Burrow, Gabe Carter and Kenny Foster who will want to establish an early dominance in the points standings over defending champion John Lowrence.

The weekend at the Lucas Oil I 10 Speedway actually begins Friday, September 26th, with a test and tune session which is free to spectators. This practice session will give drivers and their teams an opportunity to adapt to the new sealer that was recently placed on the track's surface. That sealer is expected to produce some very fast lap times this weekend.

On Saturday race day the spectator gates will open at 5pm with the green flag falling at 7 pm. The racing will be preceded by an on track autograph and photo session. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for Seniors 55 plus, the military and the handicapped. Kids tickets are $5 for teens 13 to 17 and $3 for kids 6 to 12 with kids five and under admitted free. The speedway also offers a special family package which admits two adults and two kids, 17 and under, for only $20. For more information dial up the official website at www.i10speedway.com.

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