Auburn, MI (Friday, July 2, 2021) - The Allstar Performance Late Model Challenge Series Supported by Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort is back in action this weekend. Should one driver find the perfect key to success all weekend, they’ll walk away with a total of $20,000 in first-place prize money. In addition to all the money up for grabs, The Sunoco American Late Model Series (ALMS) is co-sanctioning the races, which is sure to bring in some extra competition.
Friday night is the first night of racing for the Challenge Series/ALMS combo. Crews will head to Auburn, Michigan and take on Tri City Motor Speedway for the first $10,000 to win race. So far this season, the Challenge Series hasn’t necessarily been dominated by one driver. Eric Spangler won the Series Season Opener at Tri City back on May 14th, dominating the race and holding off Logan Nickerson and Travis Stemler after a late-race caution. Since then, mother nature has wreaked havoc on the Challenge Series dates at Tri City.
Coming into the night, Houghton Lake, Michigan’s Dona Marcoullier holds a 33 point advantage over Nickerson and Brandon Thirlby sits just 39 points out of the top spot. This season, the Challenge Series is utilizing the former American Ethanol Late Model Tour points structure, one that both Marcoullier and Thirlby found success in.
On the ALMS side of things, fans can expect to see Sheffield, Illinois driver Rich Bell over the weekend. After the last pair of ALMS races, Bell leads the series standings over Devin Shiels and Curtis Roberts. With the exception of a return to Oakshade Raceway on August 28th and Eldora Speedway on September 5th, the remainder of the ALMS schedule will be contested at Tri City and Merritt Speedways.
Saturday night will feature a regular racing program at Merritt Speedway to fill the gap between massive Challenge Series events. On Sunday, July 4th, Challenge Series teams will unload again for a shot at taking home $10,000. In addition to the show on the speedway, fans will also be treated to a massive fireworks display during Sunday night’s festivities.
Racing on Friday at Tri City begins at 7:30 PM and Gates open at 4:30 PM. On Saturday, catch the action at Merritt Speedway beginning at 6:30 PM with Gates opening at 4:00 PM. Then, the Sunday special will begin at 5:30 PM with gates opening at 3:00 PM. For more information, log onto www.TriCityRaceTrack.com or www.MerrittSpeedwayMI.com. Find and follow each track on Facebook.
Story - Zach Hiser, Horsepower Happenings
Photo - Randy Ellen