SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- The Springfield Raceway is preparing for another of the can't-miss special events as the running of the Summer Perry Memorial presented by the “Courage After Silence” foundation will be held on Thursday night, July 25, featuring the stars of the MARS Late Model Series. Also competing on the card will be a National points race for the USRA Modified and USRA B-Mod divisions.

The Perry family operated the Springfield Raceway (then called Airport Speedway) for several seasons and Summer was a former Miss I-44 Speedway. She lost her life to early in life at the age of 29 in a car accident on Dec. 12, 2009. Summer was a school teacher that instructed the ALERT gifted program at Inman School in Nixa and was well respected in the community.

"With Summer being a School Teacher we thought it would be a great tribute to her be combining the MARS Series event with Back 2 School Night. The Raceway will be giving away a plethora of school supplies to all the kids in attendance” said Raceway co-owner Jerry Hoffman.

Lebanon driver Tony Jackson Jr. comes into the Thursday night event with the MARS Series point lead, with 4 wins on the season. Local standouts Jesse Stovall and Terry Phillips follow in second and third respectively.

Pit gates will open at 4:30 p.m. while the drivers meeting will be at 6:30. Hot laps will start at 6:45 and Racing to begin at 7:30. Pit Passes will be $35 for this event. Drivers cut-off time is set for 7:00.

Grandstand gates will open at 5:30 with General Admission only $20 for this heart warming special night. Kids prices are only $5 for kids 6-12 and under 6 Free.

USRA A-Mods will race for $700 to win and $90 to start and the B-Mods will run for $500 to win and $60 to start. Both classes will draw for heat race starting position and features will be lined up based on passing points. A $20 entry fee for A-Mods and $15 entry fee for B-Mods, National points will be awarded for this event.

Courage After Silence title sponsors for the Summer Perry Memorial race was founded in June of 2013 by Carrie Watkins. Courage After Silence is an organization that provides hope and healing to domestic violence victims and people that have suffered abuse in the military from Southwest Missouri. For Springfield Raceway information visit the website at SpringfieldRaceway.com or call Jerry Hoffman at 417-673-7426.