ULMA - United Late Model Association
ULMA encourages late model racing by utilizing a unified set of rules, which racing venues, track owners/promoters, and special-event organizers may use for late model racing.
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ULMA - United Late Model Association Dirt Track Organization Contacts
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ULMA - United Late Model Association Dirt Track Racing News
- WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS--CORNELL EYES MLRA'S SUNOCO ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Wheatland, Missouri (January 26, 2023) - When the Lucas Oil Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA) Series kicks off season number 35 in just over two months-time, another talented group of drivers are expected at the starting line to contend for the series coveted Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Championship. Driven with a lifelong passion to race, 22 year-old Kaeden Cornell is no stranger to racing, in fact the Willard, Missouri driver has been behind the wheel in one form or another since he was just five years old. Following a steady progression through the ranks from Go-Karts to Midwest Mods, and eventually B-Mods, Cornell's breakthrough opportunity into Late Model racing came as a surprise for the then 16 year-old. Growing up in southern Missouri at tracks like Springfield Raceway and Lucas Oil Speedway he recalls, "When I was 16 we were running pretty good at the time. It was just our family program with our little crate motor. Back then at Lucas they had 60 cars every night and we were normally top five about every night. I never could win, but I think I ran second to about everybody there. About mid-season we had just a terrible night, and Rick Hoover ended up messaging my Facebook Page and asked if I would be interested in driving his late model for him, and that's pretty much how it all started. At first dad and I thought he was joking because of the bad night we just had, but we went out to his place and looked it over and off we went." After a number of years gaining experience and recording numerous victories competing primarily under the ULMA Late Model Series banner, the Hoover Motorsports team began to branch out more into Open Late Model events in recent years, including last year where they made 10 starts with the MLRA. Three of those nights netted the team top ten finishes, led by a strong 6th place run at the Off Road Speedway in Norfolk, Nebraska. Cornell is confident that his MLRA experiences from 2022 will be a benefit to his entire team when they hit the road this season. "It's great experience anytime you can run against those guys—that's one thing you can't buy and it's experience. Anytime you can go out and race it's what you've got to do. I tell dad all the time, if I could run the whole Hell Tour deal it would make me so much better. It's just the more you race the better you will be." A four time Lucas Oil Speedway "Most Popular Driver of the Year" award recipient, Cornell is excited knowing he will have eight opportunities with the MLRA this season to compete at the Lucas Oil Speedway, but he is quick to acknowledge that there is no real home field advantage. "The hard deal about that place is normally it ain't the same but once. Everybody says it's a home track, but it ain't much of a home track because they keep you on your toes pretty good. It could be rough or smooth and fast, it's just kind of all over the place, but I like it that way." Outside of being able to notch his name in the records books as the newest Sunoco Race Fuel Rookie of the Year at seasons end, many of Cornell's goals for the season focus around running good in the Show-Me 100 and the Diamond Nationals. "A big goal of mine is the Show-Me, to be able to lock in and not have to use a provisional. I feel like that's the best measuring stick for where we are at with our program. That race brings the best of the best, so if we can run good there, man that would make me really happy. Pretty much all of my sponsors and fans and family will be there—that is our World 100." Cornell is a two-time winner with the former Southern Outlaw Late Model Series, with those wins coming in 2017 and 2018 at the Batesville Motor Speedway. However, tracing back to his Lucas Oil Speedway roots, he notes one of his biggest accomplishments was qualifying for the Diamond Nationals. "We made the Diamond back in 2019, and I think I ran right behind Rick Eckert pretty much the whole race. I'm racing with people that I literally looked up to my whole life. I mean I've got these peoples die cast and here I am now racing against them." Now as the team embarks on their sixth season together in 2023, Cornell is confident that the resources are now there to be a regular contender with the series. "I can't thank Rick enough, he just keeps believing in me and getting me all of the equipment we need to go fast. He has given me opportunities that I can promise you I would've never had if we were just on our own budget. We are probably one of the smallest and lowest funded teams in the pits, but I think this year we are going to have just as good of shot as anybody. Will Vaught told me one time, we all strap on our helmets just the same way so, I've kinda took that and rode with it." The team will enter the season with a 2022 Black Diamond Chassis that they debuted last July, along with a new Scott Bailey Racing Engine. "I feel like this year is going to be the first time for us to really be on an even playing field with these guys, so it's really exciting." Hoover Motorsports Partners: Cloverleaf Auto Repair, Asphalt Sealcoating & Striping LLC., Scott Bailey Racing Engines, Black Diamond Chassis, Oil & Octane, Midwest Sheet Metal, Choate Farms, Swift Springs, Truform Racing Products, Dynamic Drivelines, & Simpson Racing Products. Car Owner: Rick Hoover, Hoover Motorsports Crew: Aaron Cornell, Tracy Cornell, Dave, Ruby, & Rick Hoover For all of the latest news and information fans are encouraged to visit the series website: Explore MLRARACING.COM Fans may also "like" the Lucas Oil MLRA Facebook page or follow us on Twitter: CONTACT: Ernie Leftwich Lucas Oil MLRA Series Director Mobile: (417) 309-3509 Email Ernie Leftwich 2023 Official Lucas Oil MLRA Marketing Partners Arizona Sport Shirts "The Official Merchandise Provider" of Lucas Oil MLRA Cedar Creek Beef Jerky "The Official Beef Jerky" of Lucas Oil MLRA General Tire "The Official Tire" of Lucas Oil MLRA Hoosier Race Tires "The Official Race Tire" of Lucas Oil MLRA K&N "The Official Filter" of Lucas Oil MLRA Lucas Oil Products "The Official Oil" of Lucas Oil MLRA MAVTV Motorsports Network "The Official Television Network" of Lucas Oil MLRA Optima Batteries "The Official Battery" of Lucas Oil MLRA RacingJunk.com "The Official Classifieds" of Lucas Oil MLRA Rugged Radios "The Official Radio" of Lucas Oil MLRA Sunoco Race Fuels "The Official Fuel" of Lucas Oil MLRA Super Clean "The Official Cleaner-Degreaser" of Lucas Oil MLRA 2023 MLRA Supporters Include: Arizona Sport Shirts, Allgaier Performance Parts, Cedar Creek Beef Jerky, Hoosier Race Tires, Hooker Harness, Lucas Cattle Co., MyRacePass, Sunoco Race Fuels, Whelen, Dirt On Dirt, Midwest Sheet Metal, Protect The Harvest, MSD Performance, Rugged Radios, Dirt Car Lift Behrents Performance Warehouse, Earnhardt Technologies, Fast Shafts, Fast Track Photos, Fox Shocks, Outerwears, Performance Bodies, Vahlco Wheels, Swift Springs, Strange Oval, Xceldyne
- Lucas Oil Speedway Preseason Spotlight: USRA Modified runner-up Hodges preps for double duty
WHEATLAND, MO. (Jan. 17, 2023) - Dustin Hodges is eager to see some double duty in 2023, adding a Super Late Model to his USRA Modified stable. After finishing a close second to Dillon McCowan in the Lucas Oil Speedway Cedar Creek Beef Jerky USRA Modified division last season, plans came together this offseason for Hodges to drive a Rocket XR1. "I'm really excited to get to try something that's been an ultimate dream," Hodges said. The specifics of Hodges' schedule remains uncertain, though the driver from Centralia does plan to make his debut in the Late Model at the 10th annual MLRA Spring Nationals at Lucas Oil Speedway, March 31 and April 1. "We hope to do some MLRA stuff and some regional stuff, just to kind of get our feet wet and try to create as much of a notebook as we can this year," Hodges said. "The plan is to kind of see how things go with it. "I think our main focus will be the Modified, but our main goal with it would be to hit a half-dozen to a dozen races with the Late Model." While stepping into the open Late Model world will be new, driving Late Models is not foreign to Hodges. He won ULMA national championships in 2016 and 2018 and was a series rookie of the year in 2015. In recent years, Hodges settled into the Modified division and has been a consistent contender. He raced regularly at Lucas Oil Speedway for the first time in 2022 and got better as the year went on, finishing with two wins in the second half of the season to go with 12 top-five finishes in 14 events. Hodges wound up only 22 points behind McCowan in the points chase. He also picked up six feature wins and the track championship at Callaway Raceway. Overall, Hodges was third in USRA National points behind Tyler Davis and McCowan. "It was a really good year," Hodges said. "The last half was really awesome once we finally got things figured out to what we were needing. Once we got the car dialed in, everything went pretty darn smooth." The success at Lucas was rewarding, especially the first trips to victory lane. "Getting to race at that premier track, knowing that it is halfway close to home … we had a blast," Hodges said. "It seems like overall track conditions have changed a little bit and it kind of fits us a little better." He's looking to continue that success at Wheatland this season, even if he doesn't run the Modified for points. "I wouldn't say we really have specific goals," Hodges said of the year ahead. "Every time we jump in the Modified, I would like to be a podium car for sure and compete for wins everywhere we go with it. The Late Model stuff, we're just trying to keep an open mind and try to learn from all those guys. "The amount of technology and, unfortunately the amount of money it takes to run a Late Model, we have to see if we can compete and keep everything well-maintained to see if we can run with those guys." If the budget allowed, Hodges said he would like to run the Late Model all season and chase the MLRA rookie title. That might not be in the cards, however, with only one motor on hand. "Our ultimate goal is to get an additional power-plant so we can look to run for the (MLRA) Rookie title," Hodges said. Hodges' crew includes his uncle John Doerr and friend Kyle Harrison. Team sponsors are Kimberling Enterprise, Danny Crane Race Engines, Foundation Recovery Systems, Mid-America Carpenters Union, Melloway Fast Traps, Iron Gate Real Estate, The Drain Doctor, Rich and Chris Mobile Home Transport, Danny Wimer Law Firm, Show-Me Heating & Air and Flood Zone Motorworks. Season openers: Lucas Oil Speedway's schedule begins with an open Test and Tune set for March 18 followed by the Big Adventure Weekly Racing Series Weekly Opener on March 25. Classes in action include the Hermitage Lumber Late Models, Cedar Creek Beef Jerky USRA Modifieds, O'Reilly Auto Parts USRA Stock Cars, and the Ozark Golf Cars USRA B-Mods. The Hermitage Lumber Late Models will be running a special 25-lap $1,000-to-win featured event. Major event ticket reminders: Fans are reminded that reserved three-day pass renewals for the 31st annual Show-Me 100 Presented by Protecttheharvest.com, May 25-27, are now available. Three-day pass renewals for the event are $115 and can be purchased through the Lucas Oil Speedway office by calling Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or email her at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com for more information. The renewals are available through Jan. 31. After that, the three-day reserved seats will be available for anyone to purchase. Each pass is for one reserved stadium-style seat, complete with high backs and armrests located in the top six rows of the main grandstand. Fans also can now purchase online tickets for general admission for the Show-Me 100 and the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) race at Lucas Oil Speedway, scheduled for Aug. 17th. The SRX Thursday Night Thunder event will be the finale in the six-race series, which features some of racing's biggest names. Show-Me 100 general admission three-day tickets through Stubwire are $100 for adults, $91 seniors/military and $30 for youth. Those can be found at https://www.stubwire.com/event/31stannuallucasoilshowme100/lucasoilspeedway/wheatland/28138/ Tickets for the SRX event will be $35 in advance and $40 at the gate (ages 16 and over). Kids (ages 6-15) will be $20 with ages 5-and-under free. Advance tickets can now be purchased via Stubwire - https://www.stubwire.com/event/srxespnthursdaynightthunder/lucasoilspeedway/wheatland/28075/ Season Passes available: Season ticket holders also can insure they have a seat for all three nights of the Show-Me 100 and the SRX event by purchasing a season pass. Those prices are: Adults (Age 16-61) - $650 (dirt-track only), $750 (all speedway events) Seniors (Age 62 and up) - $550 (dirt track only), $650 (all speedway events) Contact Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or email her at nichole@lucasoilspeedway.com for more information. CONTACT: Danny Lorton Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Office: (417) 282-5984 DLorton@lucasoilspeedway.com # # # Complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived race recaps, previews and driver features, along with ticket information and schedules can be found by visiting LucasOilSpeedway.com. Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With its entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks. Click LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984. The Lucas Oil Speedway EZ Texting number is (417) 804-4141. In addition, fans can get social with Lucas Oil Speedway by following @LucasSpeedway on Twitter, clicking "Like" at www.facebook.com/LucasOilSpeedway and on www.youtube.com/LucasOilSpeedway About Lucas Oil Speedway Lucas Oil Speedway is considered by fans, drivers and industry insiders to be one of the top five racing facilities in the nation. Located in Wheatland, Missouri, approximately an hour from Springfield, Missouri, and just an hour and a half from the Kansas City metro area, the "Diamond of Dirt Tracks" lives up to its title. Twenty-One VIP Luxury Suites, HD Jumbo-Tron Screen, Stadium Style Musco Sports Lighting, a Bose Sound System, Go-Kart Slick Track, The Diamond Bar, Track Treasures Gift Shop, the best track food in the country and paved pits are a few of the spectacular amenities setting the Diamond of Dirt apart. This year marks the 12th season for the Liquid Quarter Mile Drag Racing Lake, "Lake Lucas." New for 2017 was all-purpose built Off Road facility featuring a host of regional events. Lucas Oil Speedway's dirt oval track plays host to some of the largest and most-popular events in the Midwest with national and regional touring series appearing frequently including: The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, POWRi Midget National Series, Lucas Oil Pro Pulling League, United States Modified Touring Series, ASCS Sprint Cars and the Lucas Oil MLRA. In addition to the special events, the Lucas Oil Speedway Weekly Racing Series features the Late Models, USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars and USRA B-Mods. 2023 Official Lucas Oil Speedway Marketing Partners Arizona Sport Shirts "The Official Merchandise Provider" of Lucas Oil Speedway Bill Roberts Chevrolet-Buick "The Official Truck" of Lucas Oil Speedway Dixie Chopper "The Official Mowers of Lucas Oil Speedway" General Tire "The Official Tire" of Lucas Oil Speedway Lucas Oil Products "The Official Oil" of Lucas Oil Speedway MAVTV "The Official Television Network" of Lucas Oil Speedway Optima Batteries "The Official Battery" of Lucas Oil Speedway Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper "The Official Soft Drink" of Lucas Oil Speedway RacingJunk.com "The Official Classifieds" of Lucas Oil Speedway Rugged Radios "The Official 2-Way Communications Provider" of Lucas Oil Speedway Sunoco Race Fuels "The Official Fuel" of Lucas Oil Speedway Super Clean "The Official Sponsor" of Lucas Oil Speedway 2023 Lucas Oil Speedway Supporters Include: AM Pyrotechnics, Arizona Sport Shirts, Berry Tractor and Equipment Co., Big Adventure RV, Bill Roberts Chevrolet-Buick, Bolivar Auto Sales & Detailing, Bolivar Farmers Exchange-MFA, Boone's BBQ Barn, Boubin Tire/American Racer, Branstetter & Lightfoot LLC, Bridal Cave, BWI Sanitation, Camden on the Lake Resort, Candlelight Creations-Dick's Wild Root Horseradish, Casey's, Cedar Creek Beef Jerky, Citizens Memorial Healthcare, City Magnet, Clearlight Inn, Comfort Inn-Bolivar, DirtonDirt.com, Dixie Chopper, eBay Motors, Eibach Springs, Farmers Insurance Agent Kristy Reynolds, Fast Shafts by Axle Exchange, Foley Equipment-Cat Rental Store, Frog Signs, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Hermitage Lumber, HICKAMO Country Store, Highway 54 RV Park, Hobbytime Motorsports, Hoosier Race Tires, Impact Signs Awnings Wraps, In the Garden of Eden, Kettle Treats, Keyser Manufacturing, Kluhsman Racing Components, Kona Ice, Lucas Cattle Company, Midwest Sheet Metal, Miller Welding, Missouri Division of Tourism, MyRacePass, Nutrien Ag Solutions, OakStar Bank, O'Bannon Bank, O'Reilly Auto Parts, Ozark Golf Cars, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper, Ozarks Community Health Center, PEM, Pitts Homes, Pitts Realty, Pitts Cattle, ProThings Apparel, RACEceiver, Racinboys.com, RacinDirt.com, RacingJunk.com, Rains Ice Company, Real Racing Wheels, Rod End Supply, Ron Jenkins Accounting & Tax Service, Rugged Radios, Ryan E. Murphy Law Firm LLC, SBU Athletics, Safety Kleen, Scott Furniture, Simpson Racing Products, Southwest Electric Cooperative, Stillwater Resort, Summit Racing Equipment, Sunoco Race Fuels, US Army Corps of Engineers-Pomme de Terre, Vietti Marketing Group, Wheatland Motel, White's Marine Center, Wild Animal Safari, Woods Supermarkets, Wrisco Industries.