Championship chases heating up as Lucas Oil Speedway Weekly Racing Series approaches home stretch

Jason Pursley (38) has taken over the USRA Modified points lead by just eight points over Jeff Cutshaw with Eric Turner (99) third.

Jason Pursley (38) has taken over the USRA Modified points lead by just eight points over Jeff Cutshaw with Eric Turner (99) third.


It's an opportunity to catch a night at the races for free—and help an outstanding cause—this Saturday at Lucas Oil Speedway.

KOLR 10 and Z27 Presents the 10th annual Ozarks Food Harvest Night at the Races. Fans bringing four non-perishable food items to the main gate will receive one free admission to the Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series program.

"We're honored to again partner with KOLR 10 and Z27 to help out our friends at Ozarks Food Harvest," Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Dan Robinson said. "We thank our fans for their willingness to help out so many in need. We're eager to try and break the record for food collected that was set in 2016."

Fans donated 9,825 pounds of food last year at the speedway to feed hungry families in southwest Missouri. Since the yearly event began in 2008, nearly 46,400 pounds of food has been collected at Lucas Oil Speedway, providing 38,600 meals to those in need.

"This is our largest one-day food drive of the year," said Bart Brown, President/CEO of Ozarks Food Harvest. It's a fun opportunity for families that also gives back. We're grateful for our partnership with Lucas Oil Speedway."

Ozarks Food Harvest serves approximately 30,000 individuals per week, distributing 17 million meals annually through its network of 270 organizations and programs in 28 counties. Hickory County C.A.R.E.S. Food Pantry in Wheatland benefits from weekly deliveries by Ozarks Food Harvest.

More information about the Ozarks Food Harvest can be found at OzarksFoodHarvest.org.

On the track, USRA Modifieds and the Out-Pace USRA B-Mods will be in action, along with the the Big O Tires Street Stocks and Warsaw Auto Marine & RV ULMA Late Models.

Things are heating up in each division with only three Weekly Racing Series events remaining, including the Season Championships on Aug. 26.

The USRA Modified championship chase finds a new leader this week. Jason Pursley has gone in front of three-time reigning track champ Jeff Cutshaw by eight points with Eric Turner just 36 points behind Pursley.

In the Out-Pace USRA B-Mods, Andy Bryant is riding a two-race winning streak and is 61 clear of Shawn Strong.

Free tickets for drivers: Looking ahead to Season Championship night, drivers attending this Saturday's races will receive 50 complimentary general admission tickets to hand out to family, friends, sponsors and fans for the Aug. 26 races. The driver that has the most tickets redeemed that night will receive one free annual crew member pit pass for the 2018 season.

The drivers will need to pick up their Aug. 26 tickets at driver payout following this Saturday's program.

Gates open on Saturday at 5 p.m. with hot laps at 7 and racing at 7:35.

Admission prices:
(One FREE admission for four non-perishable food items)
Adults (16 and up) $12
Seniors/Military (62 and up) $9
Youth (6-15) $5
Kids (5-and-under) FREE
Family Pass $25
Pit Pass $30

For complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived stories, ticket info and schedules, visit www.LucasOilSpeedway.com.

To get ticket information on any event this season at Lucas Oil Speedway, contact admissions director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or via email at nichole@LucasOilSpeedway.com for further information.

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 www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984. 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.

Last year, fans entering Lucas Oil Speedway donated a record 9,825 pounds to Ozarks Food Harvest.

The 8th annual USMTS Slick Mist Show-Me Shootout presented by Foley Equipment rolls into Lucas Oil Speedway on Aug. 5.