FAIRBURY, IL (April 22, 2024) – With race season beginning to roll into high gear in the Midwest, the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends is set to do just the same. The tour will roll straight out of the gate with a Land of Lincoln triple-header for the second year in a row.
This year’s edition will kick off on Friday night, April 26, at Brownstown Bullring in Brownstown, Illinois for the Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 40 featuring $5,000-to-win MARS Late Models. This will mark the second consecutive season that the tour will open at the racy ¼ mile oval. In 2023 it was Tyler Erb victorious on opening night over Brandon Sheppard and Shannon Babb. The second stop of the season was for the Brownstown 100 in mid-September where Tanner English topped a stout 35-car field of competitors.
Saturday night, April 27, the MARS Late Model tour will return to the Peoria Speedway in Peoria, Illinois for the first time since 2021 for the 3rd annual Garry Swibold Memorial. With bonus money courtesy of the Peoria Speedway and the Swibold family, a driver could walk away with over $7,000 in winnings if their night went perfectly from start to finish. The complete list of additional prize money is listed below. Chatham, Illinois driver Brian Shirley picked up the series win at the last MARS event at the speedway.
The triple-header will conclude on Sunday, April 28, as the tour makes its debut at East Moline Speedway in East Moline, Illinois for a $5,000-to-win event. A major overhaul of the track and facilities since new promoter Chuck Hanna and team took over the reins has left a very positive impression on every driver and fan that have entered the gates since the grand reopening last season. This will mark the first Super Late Model event at the speedway since the new surface has been sculpted, and the facilities upgraded, which in-turn is expected to produce a hearty crowd for racing action on Sunday evening.
After capturing his first career MARS championship in 2023, Bloomington, Illinois driver Jason Feger has his sights set on repeating in 2024, but the competition level appears to be fierce with the drivers intending on chasing the tour this season. Approximately 18 drivers are set to begin racing at Brownstown, Illinois this Friday with intentions on chasing a series title in 2024.
The MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment tour will roll into their third consecutive weekend of action on Friday night when they head to Brownstown Bullring for race #4 of the chase for the title. On Saturday night, the MARS Modified tour will stop at Peoria Speedway for the first time in series history as they will also take part in the Garry Swibold Memorial. Special bonuses are set to be distributed to Modified drivers at the $2,098-to-win event Saturday, to where the race winner could take home upwards of $3,000 for their efforts if they led every lap of the main event.
Stellar MARS Modified fields have become the norm on the tour, and this week is no exception to that. After 3 events, 20 drivers still hold perfect attendance on the tour, with many other of the most talented drivers in the region planning to add to that field this weekend.
With 3 events complete it is defending champion Michael Long holding the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment points lead by a narrow 10-point margin over Plainfield, Illinois driver Mike McKinney. Ray Bollinger, Zeke McKenzie, and Cole Falloway round out the current top-5 in championship standings.
Kyle Hammer currently leads the way in Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year standings by 23 points over Hillsboro, Missouri driver Trey Harris. Lyndon Whitfill, Treb Jacoby, and Mason Duncan currently round out the top-5 in rookie standings.
Brownstown Bullring
Brownstown, IL
Friday, April 26
$5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 40
$2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 30
$750-to-win B Mods
$500-to-win DIRTcar Factory Stocks
$300-to-win DIRTcar 4-Cylinders
Pits open at 4:00 p.m.
Grandstands open at 5:00 p.m.
Drivers Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Hot Laps at 6:30 p.m.
Adult General Admission $30
General Admission ages 10 and under are FREE of charge
Pit Pass $40
Pit Pass ages 6-12 $25
Pit Pass ages 5 and under FREE
Peoria Speedway
Peoria, IL
Saturday, April 27
Garry Swibold Memorial
$5,098-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends
$2,098-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
B-Mods
Kidz Mods
DIRTcar 4-Cylinders
MARS LATE MODEL BONUS MONEY
$100 – Fastest Hot Lap Time
$500 – Fast Qualifier
$100 – Each Heat Race Winner
At Least $30 – Each Lap Led in the Feature
$100 – Hard Charger for the Feature
MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Lap Sponsors
1. Out-Pace Racing Products
2. Austin Archdale Racing
3. Sharwarko Family
4. Greg Crow Racing
5. Butler Repair
6. Larry Bantz and Bantz Racing
7. In Memory of Garry
8. “Tara Best” Shear Magic Beauty Salon
9. Gettin' Dirty TV
10. In Memory of Karen Thurman
11. Greg Crow Racing
12. In Memory of Richard Craven
13. In Memory of Garry Swibold
14. In Memory of Glen Thompson
15. Nigel Shannon for Matt Shannon Racing
16. Blue Butts
17. Blue Butts
18. Lincoln and Nash Decker
19. In Memory of Jacey Endres
20. In Memory of Bill Hall Sr
21. Crosier Family
22. Central Illinois Trailer Rental, LLC
23. In Memory of Jerry Bagby Sr
24. In Memory of Kathy Adams
25. Jason Feger Racing
26. In Memory of Dana Bauman
27. In Memory of Larry Yard National Speedway Directory
28. Rick & Joe’s Semi Detailing
29. In Memory of Sharon Bauman
30. Bauman Motorsports
31. In Memory of Billie Schmitz
32. In Memory of Leroy Bauman
33. In Memory of Uncle Dave McClelland
34. Tim Wells & Family
35. In Memory of Darryl DeVito
36. Amber Crouch Racing
37. Rick & Joe’s Semi Detailing
38. In Memory of Lyle Bauman
39. In Memory of Linda Mottaz
40. UAMP Motorsports
MARS MODIFIED BONUS MONEY
At least $30 per Lap Led in the Feature
MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Lap Sponsors
1. Out-Pace Racing Products
2. Central Illinois Trailer Rental, LLC
3. Steak N Shake University
4. Steak N Shake University
5. Steak N Shake University
6. Steak N Shake University
7. Blue Butts
8. Blue Butts
9. Gettin' Dirty TV
10. In Memory of Bob Hall
11. In Memory of M1 Dale Munson
12. In Memory of Richard Craven
13. In Memory of Garry Swibold
14. In Memory of Glen Thompson
15. Kelley Towing and Auto Recycling
16. Kelley Towing and Auto Recycling
17. Kelley Towing and Auto Recycling
18. Kelley Towing and Auto Recycling
19. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
20. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
21. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
22. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
23. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
24. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
25. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
26. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
27. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
28. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
29. Reeser Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc.
30. UAMP Motorsports
Pits open at 3:00 p.m.
Grandstands open at 4:00 p.m.
Drivers Meeting at 5:00 p.m.
Hot Laps at 5:30 p.m.
Adult General Admission $25
General Admission ages 10 and under are FREE of charge
Pit Pass $40
Pit Pass ages 10 and under $20
East Moline Speedway
East Moline, IL
Sunday, April 28
$5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends
IMCA Modlites
IMCA Sport Mods
Street Stocks
IMCA Hobby Stocks
4-Cylinders
Pits open at 1:00 p.m.
Grandstands open at 2:00 p.m.
Drivers Meeting at 4:00 p.m.
Hot Laps at 4:30 p.m.
Adult General Admission $25
Adult Reserved Seat $28
General Admission ages 12 and under $10
Pit Pass $40
Pit Pass ages 12 and under $20
MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Tire Rule for each night:
LF: Any (90) Hoosier
RF: Hoosier NLMT2 (90) or Hoosier NLMT3 (90)
LR: Hoosier NLMT2 (90) or Hoosier NLMT3 (90)
RR: Hoosier NLMT3 (92) or Hoosier NLMT4 (92)
Grooving and Siping will be permitted.
MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Feature purse for Friday & Sunday: 1) $5,000 2) $2,500 3) $2,000 4) $1,600 5) $1,400 6) $1,200 7) $1,000 8) $800 9) $700 10) $600 11) $500 12) $500 13) $500 14) $500 15) $500 16) $500 17) $500 18) $500 19) $500 20) $500 21) $500 22) $500. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $90
MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Feature purse for Saturday: 1) $5,098 2) $2,500 3) $2,000 4) $1,600 5) $1,400 6) $1,200 7) $1,000 8) $800 9) $700 10) $600 11) $500 12) $500 13) $500 14) $500 15) $500 16) $500 17) $500 18) $500 19) $500 20) $500 21) $500 22) $500. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $90
MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Feature purse for Friday: 1) $2,000 2) $1,500 3) $1,200 4) $1,000 5) $800 6) $600 7) $500 8) $400 9) $300 10) $275 11) $250 12) $250 13) $250 14) $250 15) $250 16) $250 17) $250 18) $250 19) $250 20) $250 21) $250 22) $250. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $65
MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Feature purse for Saturday: 1) $2,098 2) $1,500 3) $1,200 4) $1,000 5) $800 6) $600 7) $500 8) $400 9) $300 10) $275 11) $250 12) $250 13) $250 14) $250 15) $250 16) $250 17) $250 18) $250 19) $250 20) $250 21) $250 22) $250. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $65
MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Point Standings
1. Michael Long – Fowler, IL – 220 points
2. Mike McKinney – Plainfield, IL – 210 points
3. Ray Bollinger – Kewanee, IL – 154 points
4. Zeke McKenzie – Claypool, IN – 153 points
5. Cole Falloway – Owensboro, KY – 149 points
6. Kyle Hammer – Clinton, IL – 137 points
7. Josh Harris – Utica, KY – 131 points
8. Michael Ledford – Pontiac, IL – 128 points
9. Dylan Woodling – Warsaw, IN – 126 points
10. Danny Schwartz – Ashmore, IL – 120 points
11. Kyle Steffens – St. Charles, MO – 119 points
12. Trey Harris – Hillsboro, MO – 114 points
13. Dave Wietholder – Liberty, IL – 105 points
14. Lyndon Whitfill – Fairbury, IL – 100 points
15. Treb Jacoby – O’Fallon, MO – 97 points
16. Allen Weisser – Peoria, IL – 90 points
17. Rick Frasure – Lawrenceville, IL – 88 points
18. Lucas Lee – Paris, TN – 86 points
19. Mike Chasteen Jr – Peoria, IL – 84 points
19. Trevor Neville – Mackinaw, IL – 84 points
MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Top-10 Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Standings
1. Kyle Hammer – 137 points
2. Trey Harris – 114 points
3. Lyndon Whitfill – 100 points
4. Treb Jacoby – 97 points
5. Mason Duncan – 83 points
6. Jesse Dill – 81 points
7. Jarrett Stryker – 80 points
8. JD Laster – 68 points
9. Deece Schwartz – 51 points
10. Evan Fink – 50 points
2024 MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Statistics
Multi Fire X Fast Time Award Winners
Austin Friedman – 1
Michael Long – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Willy’s Carb & Dyno Heat Race #1 Winners
Michael Long – 1
Charlie Mefford – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Lethal Chassis Heat Race #2 Winners
Josh Harris – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Michael Long – 1
Summit Racing Equipment 1st Place Finisher
Michael Long – 2
Mike McKinney – 1
Fast Shafts 3rd place Finisher
Michael Ledford – 1
Kyle Steffens – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Keyser Manufacturing 7th Place Finisher
Allen Weisser – 1
Ray Bollinger – 1
Dylan Woodling – 1
MD3 Hard Charger Award Winners
Cole Falloway – 1
Lucas Lee – 1
Dylan Woodling – 1
Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winners
Ryan Thomas – 1
Rick Frasure – 1
CJ Springer – 1
Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winners
Kyle Hammer – 2
Trey Harris – 1
FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR:
· MARS LATE MODEL CHAMPIONSHIP HOPEFULS: With this weekend being opening weekend for the tour, it is a welcomed restart for many, and the beginning of a season long grind for the first time for others. Defending champion Jason Feger is set to return to defend his title, but a host of others have verbally committed on their intentions to follow the tour in 2024. A total of approximately 18 drivers are set to battle it out for the series title.
· MARS LATE MODEL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR CLASS BEGINS TO FORM: With drivers having until the conclusion of opening weekend to register for the Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year chase, the full class is yet to be seen. One thing that is for certain is that the class of 2024 appears to be destined for battle that will come down to Championship Weekend. Drivers that have already submitted paperwork or have verbally committed to the chase are Dale Markham, Jeffrey Ledford, David Marlow, Eddie Bolin, Colby Sheppard, Jake Little, and Daniel Adam.
· FIRST TIME IN EAST MOLINE: Sunday in East Moline is one of the most highly anticipated events on the schedule by drivers and fans alike, all thanks to new promoter Chuck Hanna. The long-time Late Model racer took over the challenge in 2023 and hit the ground running by breathing life into the place with an all-new racing surface and facility upgrades throughout. This will mark the first visit of Super Late Models to the facility in his tenure.
· TIGHT AT THE TOP: If the first 3 events are any indication of what the MARS Modified title chase will consist of fans are going to want to follow along every single night. Two juggernauts of the DIRTcar UMP Modified world, Michael Long and Mike McKinney, are separated by only 10 points heading into Brownstown Bullring on Friday.
· POWER IN NUMBERS: With 3 events in the record books for the MARS Modified tour, 20 drivers still have perfect attendance on the series. The top-10 in series standings have a guaranteed point fund that is paid at the end of the tour, but any driver that has perfect attendance, and is not top-10 in points, is guaranteed to receive a check for 10th place money.
If you are unable to make it to the track, you can catch EVERY MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends event in 2024 live at floracing.com.
For more information about the MARS Dirt Series, please contact Jonathan Clayton at 731-467- 1316, visit the tour’s webpage at marsracingseries.com, or visit @MARSDirtRacing on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment would like to thank the following sponsors and marketing partners for their support of the 2024 racing season: FK Rod Ends (MARS Late Model title sponsor), Summit Racing Equipment (MARS Modified title sponsor), Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts (Official trailer and golf cart provider of the MARS Dirt Series), Flo Racing (Official streaming provider of the MARS Late Model tour), Racing Electronics (Official communications provider of the MARS Dirt Series), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official tire manufacturer of the MARS Dirt Series), Sunoco Race Fuels (Official fuel of the MARS Dirt Series and proud sponsor of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year chase all season long on the MARS Late Model & Modified Championship tours), Illinois State Rifle Association, Pontiac RV (Official RV Dealer of the MARS Dirt Series), Allstar Performance, O’Reilly Auto Parts, DIRTcar Racing, Driscoll Motors (Official dealership of the MARS Dirt Series), Woods Basement Systems (Official Basement Contractor of the MARS Dirt Series), MD3, Josh James Artwork, MWD Signs & Graphix, Fairbury Fastener & Supply, King’s Graphix, Dirt Draft, Digital Copy Systems, Whelen, Multi Fire X, Budda Bert Transmission, Dyer’s Top Rods, Fast Shafts, Wilwood Brakes, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Keyser Manufacturing, Varsitee Screenprinting, Willy’s Carb & Dyno, Trackside Racewear, Hooker Harness, Lethal Chassis, Remtek Enterprises, and QuickCar Racing Products.
MARS Championship Upcoming Events
o April 26, 2024 – Brownstown Bullring – Brownstown, IL – Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 40 $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 30 $2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
o April 27, 2024 – Peoria Speedway – Peoria, IL – Garry Swibold Memorial $5,098-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $2,098-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
o April 28, 2024 – East Moline Speedway – East Moline, IL – MARS Invasion of East Moline – $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends
o May 17, 2024 – Kankakee County Speedway – Kankakee, IL – Richard Craven Memorial – $5,012-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $2,012-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
o May 18, 2024 – World Famous Highland Speedway – Highland, IL – $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
Story - MARS Racing Series