2007msra

2007msra.htm

September 25, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Names Champion, MidSouth Dirt Track Championship Results

MSRA wrapped up their inaugural season over the weekend, crowning Joey Mack as champion, and seeing Kyle Beard pick up his first series win while capturing the MidSouth Dirt Track Championship.

Thirty-one cars converged upon Poinsett County Raceway in Harrisburg, Arkansas for the two night show, and the fans were in for a treat. Night one utilized a two heat qualifying format, where competitors ran a heat race accumulating passing points, had their starting positions inverted, and ran a second heat.

At the end of the night, veteran Mike Bowers picked up the JFR Graphics pole award for the upcoming Saturday night feature. He was joined in the starting ten by Dane Dacus, Kyle Beard, Carl Thomas, Billy Moyer, Jr., Dusty Johnston, Jeff Floyd, Jeff Wells, Dewaine Hottinger, and Enik Sanders.

The multiple heat format kept the first night's events interesting, as some notable series regulars failed to lock in. While leading his second heat race, Joey Mack's car came to a stop, and he was knocked out of one of the ten feature spots. Mack had installed a new fuel pump the previous week on his car while changing engines, and the precautionary method backfired as the pump failed and damaged it and the power steering pump. After staying up most of the night attempting repair, they were able to find a machine shop early Saturday morning to fix the pieces, so they could make the qualifiers on Saturday night. In other Friday heat race action, series regular Billy Peden, who looked like well on his way to a qualifying spot, had the torque arm on his race car break, and he damaged his entire drive line (breaking the rear end, driveshaft, splitting the transmission in half, and breaking lifters on his engine). After attempting to repair it, he decided to skip the last chance qualifiers, borrow a car and take a provisional into the field.

On Saturday evening, in the first last chance race, Joey Mack charged from the outside pole to take the win, even though his repairs were not complete and he had to race without power steering. Mack decided to race instead of taking a provisional, knowing a win would start him in the eleventh position instead of nineteenth. In the second final qualifier, Robert Lovette led until the final corner, when Jordan Jones used lap traffic to dive under him for the win. Series provisionals went to Peden and Jon Kirby.

With the A Main set, Bowers led the field in a four wide salute, and then to the green for forty laps of action. After the first three laps, Kyle Beard had moved into the lead, with Bowers and Dane Dacus racing side by side, and at times three wide for the lead. After an early race incident damaged the spoiler of Dusty Johnston, the race went several laps green, until a mechanical failure on Jeff Wells car caused him to push up the track and collect Shane Essary. The race went without caution again from lap 28 to 35, when heavy contact between Bowers and Dacus resulted in Dacus retiring his car for the evening. Jordan Jones, who had moved from his twelfth starting spot to third, joined Bowers and Beard up front, but Beard seemed to have the field covered. Jones was able maneuver around Bowers, and chased Beard, with Jones on the bottom and Beard on the high side, closing up enough to show his nose under Beard's door on lap 37, but a late race caution allowed a strong restarting Beard to pull away for the win. Beard, who collected a big $5,000 check for the win, stated, "First, I want to thank the Lord, then all my friends and family for helping on the car this week, and especially my Dad. The car was really good early on the top, and Bowers and Dacus raced me clean. When Jones got up underneath me near the end, I got a little worried, but he raced me clean, too, and the top held and we made it." Jones added, "My car was good on the long runs, but I figured my only chance, as good as Kyle ran, was for him to get hung up by lap traffic. He ran a great race. I want to thank Racewrapz, RiceTec, Kuntz, and all my family for helping out on the car this season."

The Larry Shaw Hard Charger award was captured by Charlie Cole, who raced from 18th all the way up to fourth. Cole stated, "We changed everything on the car before the feature, Dad, Brian and Jeremy were really hustling. We went back to an old set up from about three years ago, and it just worked out." The Weld Forge Ahead Hard Luck Award went to series regular Billy Peden for all of his misfortune over the weekend.

The fifth place finish by Joey Mack cemented the first ever MSRA Championship. Mack stated, "This was the best I have ever seen the racetrack at PCR. There was a time that I could have made it five wide while we were all racing, but I settled down and fell in line. Coming out with a top five and the championship were my goals for the weekend, and with everything we had happen, we couldn't be happier." Series runner-up Jeff Floyd stated,"I am happy I was in a place at the last race of the season to compete for the championship, and since I didn't win it, glad another Kuntz powered GRT did. MSRA has done a great job for a first season deal, and I look forward to next year."

MSRA would like to thank all the racers, crews, sponsors, and fans for helping make their first season a success.

Finishing Order:
1. Kyle Beard
2. Jordan Jones
3. Mike Bowers
4. Charlie Cole
5. Joey Mack
6. Jeff Floyd
7. Carl Thomas
8. Billy Moyer, Jr.
9. Billy Peden
10. Jared Landers
11. Enik Sanders
12. Robert Lovette
13. Justin Alstin
14. Dusty Johnston
15. Shane Essary
16. Dane Dacus
17. Dewaine Hottinger
18. Jeff Wells
19. Jon Kirby
20. Stacy Taylor

Last Chance 1 Winner: Joey Mack
Last Chance 2 Winner: Jordan Jones
JFR Pole Award: Mike Bowers
Provisionals: Billy Peden, Jon Kirby
Weld Forge Ahead Hard Luck: Billy Peden
Larry Shaw Hard Charger: Charlie Cole

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

September 18, 2007

Beebe, Arkansas

MSRA Season Finale at Midsouth Dirt Track Championships

MSRA is looking forward to a great car and fan turnout this weekend at Poinsett County Raceway. When rain postponed the original date at PCR, Series Director Chris Ellis hoped the make-up event wouldn't be like a string of races earlier in the season; where rain-out on top of rain-out forced several schedule changes. Ellis stated, "the track is in great condition, and the extended forecast is stating we will have dry weather, with a high in the upper eighties on Friday. With it cooling down at night, we should have some great weather for the fans. "

The layoff has given the racers time to think about the points chase. With the series idle since a late August swing through South Arkansas, point leader Joey Mack has had the time to both enjoy and worry about his new points lead. Mack stated, "It would be an honor to wrap up the first ever MSRA championship. With the quality of the racers we have had this year; it's great to have the lead going into the last race. I know Jeff Floyd will show up and race hard, and it should be quite a show." While Mack is focusing on Floyd chasing him in the points, every point position from first through seventh is still subject to change. In addition to the two battling for the championship, series regulars Dusty Johnston, Billy Moyer, Jr., Billy Peden, Jordan Jones, and Carl Thomas can all shuffle in the final standings.

While the points are tight, two of the series awards are all but locked up. Dusty Johnston has captured the JFR Graphics Pole Award, and will pick up a complete wrap job from JFR for capturing the most poles. Jeff Floyd of JFR stated, "since Dusty has already won the Pole Award for the season, we wanted to make the pole for the Mid-South Dirt Track Championships a little different. We got with Duralite Racing Wheels, and they are giving a wheel away to the pole sitter for the weekend. I appreciate Shawn Brassfield at Duralite coming along and helping make the pole interesting." In the Kuntz and Company Rookie of the Year battle, Billy Moyer, Jr. needs only to show up, and he locks up the $1,000 bonus to the highest finishing rookie.

The season finale at PCR, dubbed the Midsouth Dirt Track Championship, is a two night show with the first half of the field set Friday night and the second night set Saturday (September 21 and 22). It will pay $5,000 to win and $500 to start, with the "B" mains paying $150. Information on the track can be found at www.poinsettcountyraceway.com

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

September 6, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Mid-South Dirt Track Championship Postponed Due to Rain

MSRA series Director Chris Ellis has just informed us that the MSRA Mid-South Dirt Track Championship has been postponed due to rain. Ellis stated, "on Wednesday, we received a couple of inches of rain at the track, and that amount alone would have helped while working the track. However, this morning, we got almost another three inches, and the pit area is currently flooded, and the track itself is saturated. We can't get in to work the track like our racers deserve, so I am postponing the race." Ellis added, "we were excited about the format, and don't want to try and rush the track and race two days worth of action on Saturday, so we will reschedule the entire weekend. Hopefully, by calling it on Thursday, our racers can make other plans and try and find somewhere dry enough to run."

The season finale at PCR, dubbed the Mid-South Dirt Track Championships, is a two night show with the first half of the field set Friday night and the second night set Saturday. It will pay $5,000 to win and $500 to start, with the "B" mains paying $150. More information on the track can be found at www.poinsettcountyraceway.com

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

September 4, 2007

Beebe, Arkansas

MSRA Points Chase Heats Up, Season Finale at Mid-South Dirt Track Championships

Two weekends ago, MSRA made a swing into Southwest Arkansas, and a pair of strong finishes by late model driver Joey Mack shook up the points standings. Mack was able to take over the points lead from Jeff Floyd by combining a runner up finish at 67 Speedway in Texarkana with a win at Arkansas Motor Speedway in Nashville. Floyd, who had led the MSRA points race since the third event in early May, finished seventh both nights, and now trails Mack by twenty-two points. If Mack is able to finish seventh or better at the two night finale at Poinsett County Raceway, he will lock up the championship, so Floyd will need a strong run and a little luck to get the top spot back. Although the top two positions have come down to Floyd and Mack, there is still potential for movement in the field. Dusty Johnston, who has utilized a late season charge to move from fifth to third in the standings, leads Billy Moyer, Jr. by eighteen points for the third spot. With the field earning 75 points to start and 125 for the win, every feature position will matter at the season finale. In other point battles, Billy Peden moved in to the Top Five for the first time this season over the last race weekend, and leads Jordan Jones going into PCR by two points. Carl Thomas, who will end up as runner up to Billy Moyer, Jr. in the Kuntz Rookie of the Year battle, can still climb into the Top Five in series points by finishing strong and overtaking Peden and Jones.

The race at PCR, dubbed the Midsouth Dirt Track Championships, is a two night show, with the first half of the field set Friday night and the second night set Saturday. It uses a unique double heat format to set the feature field, and will pay $5,000 to win and $500 to start, with the "B" mains paying $150. Scheduled for September 7 and 8, the race occurs on the date of the legendary 'Cow Patty' race at PCR. More information on the track can be found at www.poinsettcountyraceway.com

August 19, 2007

Beebe, Arkansas

MSRA Congratulates Billy Peden, 67 Speedway and Arkansas Motor Speedway Up Next

MSRA took a weekend off while some of the biggest names in dirt racing converged upon Arkansas for the running of the Topless 100. Several mid-south racers attempted to make the field, including MSRA regular Billy Peden, who qualified for his first Topless 100 and finished twelfth. Peden stated, "a few years ago, I came over one night to the Topless, and got hooked on dirt late models. It has been my goal to make this race ever since. It's tough for a guy who doesn't race full time to make a crown jewel, and it was an honor to get to race the feature. I think the 'tune-up' races here with MSRA here have helped my program, as we have raced Batesville several times this year and had some different track conditions." The MSRA staff and racers would like to congratulate Billy on his run.

Peden and the other MSRA regulars will be in action twice this weekend. Up first on Friday is a $1500 to win, $300 to start race at 67 Speedway in Texarkana, Arkansas. Information on the track can be found at www.67speedway.net.

Night two will be at Arkansas Motor Speedway in Nashville, Arkansas. This will be the second trip for MSRA to the recently renamed speedway, which is under new ownership. The race will pay $2000 to win and $300 to start. Information on the track can be found at www.arkansasmotorspeedway.com

August 15, 2007

Beebe, Arkansas

MSRA Tri-State Update

MSRA traveled this past weekend to the Arkansas- Oklahoma border for a double header weekend at Tri-State Speedway. Night one saw Dusty Johnston continued his roll through MSRA, picking up his third consecutive win. On night two, Johnston's streak was stopped by Joey Mack, who out-dueled Johnston for the win. The win allowed Mack to close within twelve points of series point leader Jeff Floyd, and the strong showing by Johnston moved him past Billy Moyer, Jr. and into third in the series standings.

Series Director Ellis stated, "We appreciated the chance to headline the Coca-Cola Summertime Classic and get to race in front of so many great fans. The crowds got to see good racing, and I was impressed with the fans and drivers enduring temperatures of over 100 degrees each day to support the track."

Night One Results:

Dusty Johnston
Jack Sullivan
Joey Mack
Jeff Floyd
Kyle Beard
Billy Peden
Billy Moyer, Jr.
Carl Thomas
Dustin Mooneyham
Daryl Mooneyham
Jon Kirby
Gary Scott Christian
Jordan Jones
Randy Mitchell (DQ)

JFR Pole Award: Johnston

Shaw Hard Charger: Beard

Weld Forge Ahead: Jones

Night Two Results:

Joey Mack
Dusty Johnston
Jeff Floyd
Carl Thomas
Billy Moyer, Jr.
Jon Kirby
Billy Peden
Daryl Mooneyham
Dustin Mooneyham
Gary Scott Christian
Jordan Jones
Randy Mitchell

JFR Pole Award: Mack

Shaw Hard Charger: Floyd

Weld Forge Ahead: Jones

August 5, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
Johnston Sweeps Weekend, Coca-Cola Summertime Classic Twin 30's Next

MSRA was able to make up a pair of previous rain-outs over the weekend, and series regular Dusty Johnston couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Johnston became the first three time winner in MSRA by sweeping the races over the weekend. On night one at Batesville Motor Speedway, Johnston bested a stout field including veteran Bill Frye for the win, and on night two at PCR he was able to pass points leader Jeff Floyd for the lead, and hold off Joey Mack for his second consecutive victory. Series Director Ellis stated, "We were glad to get the races made up, even if they were on short notice. Both nights were good racing, and the last two times at PCR the feature has gone 35 laps caution free."

MSRA is also pleased to announce they are the headline attraction for the 29th Coca-Cola Summertime Classic at Tri-State Speedway in Pocola, Oklahoma on August 10th and 11th. The weekend will feature two separate nights of late model racing and features, and will be the series first visit to the track. Each night will pay $2,000 to win for a 30 lap feature race. Information on Tri-State can be found at www.tri-statespeedway.com

MSRA results from PCR:
1. Dusty Johnston
2. Joey Mack
3. Billy Moyer, Jr.
4. Jeff Floyd
5. Billy Peden
6. Justin Alspin
7. Brian Ritchie
8. Carl Thomas
9. Billy James, Jr.
10. Chris Hall
11. Scott Tracer
12. Blake Lane
13. Enik Sanders
14. Robert Lovette
15. Kevin Fike
16. Billy Hopkins
17. John Hill
18. Kevin Roselyn
19. Terry Johnson
20. Jordan Jones
JFR Pole Award: Lane
Shaw Hard Charger: Peden
Weld Forge Ahead Award: Lane

MSRA results from Batesville:
1. Dusty Johnston
2. Bill Frye
3. Kyle Beard
4. Jeff Floyd
5. Joey Mack
6. Billy James, Jr.
7. Stacy Taylor
8. Jack Sullivan
9. Billy Peden
10. Carl Thomas
11. Billy Moyer, Jr.
12. Brian Ritchie
13. Jon Mitchell
14. Jordan Jones
15. Ronny Adams
JFR Pole Award: Frye
Shaw Hard Charger: Beard
Weld Forge Ahead Award: Jones

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

July 30, 2007

Beebe, Arkansas

MSRA Action at I-30, Schedule Change for Upcoming Weekend

MSRA made their first visit to I-30 Speedway on July 28th, and the feature race at the speed plant brought out the best in some racers with long histories at the track. Current series points leader Jeff Floyd was the JFR Graphics feature pole sitter, and battled for several laps for the lead with late model veteran Mike Bowers. Bowers has moved back into a late model for selected races this season, and it was obvious he has not missed a beat, as he, Floyd, Jody Prince, Ronny Adams, and Jack Sullivan put on quite a show racing for position up front. At the checkers, it was the Floyd taking the win, his second MSRA victory of the season. Jeff stated, "I really appreciate the Clay's for having us here at I-30. With the battle among the top five for position, it was a great show for the fans. I am sure some fans enjoyed the knocking and banging going on through the field, but in the end, it was good, clean racing up front that decided the race. I appreciate Bowers racing me and the other series regulars so clean." The Larry Shaw Hard Charger award was captured by Jordan Jones, who advanced from seventeenth position up to eighth. The Weld Forge Ahead Award went to driver Dusty Johnston, who was caught up in a couple of hard wrecks before retiring for the evening. Billy Moyer Jr. was able to increase his Kuntz and Company Rookie of the Year lead with a solid seventh place finish, and currently leads Carl Thomas by nine points. The series top five in points remained the same, with the win slightly adding to Floyd's points lead over Joey Mack.

MSRA also announced the rescheduling the rainout from Batesville earlier in the season for Friday August 3^rd. This will be the third attempt at racing the Friday night race, which was originally slated on June 15^th, and was also rained out July 3^rd. The event will pay $1500 to win and $300 to start. Information on BMS can be found at www.batesvillemotorspeedway.com

Night two of the weekend will move up the road to PCR in Harrisburg, Arkansas, for a regular $2,000 to win and $400 to start race. Series Director Chris Ellis stated, "We had a great turnout with the late models the first night PCR switched to Saturday night. We hope to have a good turnout and another great race at the track for the fans on August 4th." Information on PCR can be found at www.poinsettcountyraceway.com

MSRA results from Little Rock:

Jeff Floyd
Mike Bowers
Ronny Adams
Jody Prince
Joey Mack
Allen Tippen
Billy Moyer, Jr.
Jordan Jones
Billy Peden
Shane Diamante
Jack Sullivan
Carl Thomas
Gary Scott Christian
Enik Sanders
John Kirby
Clay Fisher
Dusty Johnston
Jon Mitchell
Kyle Beard
Ross Campanova

Provisionals: Johnston, Sanders

DNQ: Keith Craft, Mike McNay, Jeff Cole, Cody Chisolm

July 16, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Weekend Recap- Frye and Taylor Pick up Wins

MSRA was able to avoid rain that had plagued most of the season and get in two races over the weekend. Night one was at Batesville Motor Speedway, and night two at Poinsett County Raceway.

Batesville Recap: On Friday night, twenty five racers signed in for the action at BMS. Series Director Chris Ellis stated, "Once again we had a chance of rain, and I think it may have hurt the car count. But any time you have our regulars, some of the top guys from SUPR and MARS, and add in Billy Moyer and Jeff Taylor, you know it is going to be a great show for the fans."
When the green flag dropped for the feature, JFR Pole Award Winner Steve Rushin was immediately challenged by outside pole sitter Jeff Taylor, who took the lead, and went on to become the first repeat winner in the MSRA. He was followed by Bill Frye, Terry Phillips, and Jeremy Payne. Series Points Leader Jeff Floyd picked up the Larry Shaw Hard Charger Award after advancing seven spots in the feature. Cody Chisolm received the Weld Forge Ahead Hard Luck Award after twice having mechanical failures.

Finishing Order:
1. Jeff Taylor
2. Bill Frye
3. Terry Phillips
4. Jeremy Payne
5. Steve Rushin
6. Billy Peden
7. Billy Moyer, Jr.
8. Kyle Beard
9. Ray Moore
10. Jack Sullivan
11. Joey Mack
12. Jeff Floyd
13. Jordan Jones
14. Dusty Johnston
15. Stacy Taylor
16. Kenny Merchant
17. Carl Thomas
18. Dane Dacus
19. Billy Moyer
20. Jon Mitchell
Heat Winners: Moyer, Jr., Rushin, J. Taylor
B Winner: Moyer
Provisionals: Floyd, Mitchell

PCR Recap: Night two of the weekend saw the series swing east to Poinsett County Raceway. Thirty-one racers signed in for action, which was divided into four heats. The top two finishers were a repeat of the previous night, but this time Bill Frye was able to outmaneuver Jeff Taylor for the win. After a caution on the initial start, the race went green for the distance, with JFR Pole Sitter Frye racing several laps side by side with Taylor before solidly overtaking the lead, working lap traffic, and taking the win. He was followed by Kyle Beard, Billy Moyer, and Dane Dacus. Jordan Jones picked up the Larry Shaw Hard Charger Award for advancing the most positions in the feature, and series regular Carl Thomas picked up the Weld Forge Ahead Hard Luck Award, for finishing one position out of qualifying for the race.

Finishing Order:
1. Bill Frye
2. Jeff Taylor
3. Kyle Beard
4. Billy Moyer
5. Dane Dacus
6. Dusty Johnston
7. Ray Moore
8. Dewaine Hottinger
9. Jon Mitchell
10. Billy Peden
11. Billy Moyer, Jr.
12. Enik Sanders
13. Jordan Jones
14. Joey Mack
15. Steve Rushin
16. Blake Lane
17. John Kirby
18. Jeff Floyd
19. Jeremy Payne
20. Terry Phillips
Heat Winners: Beard, Dacus, Floyd, Johnston
B Winner: Phillips
Provisionals: Mack, Jones

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

July 10, 2007

Beebe, Arkansas

MSRA Set to Return to Action with Weekend Double Header

MSRA is set to return to action this weekend with a double header at Batesville and PCR. The first night of the double header will be back at Batesville Motor Speedway. Series Director Chris Ellis stated, "We have had six races this year and six rainouts. Two of those rainouts have been at Batesville, so I would really like to get this one in. I look for a good crowd at the track, as this race will be the last chance for some guys to tune up for the Topless." As an added bonus, MSRA and Batesville have increased the payout for the race. The $300 to start event will now pay $2,000 to win, $1,200 for second, and $800 for third. Information on BMS can be found at www.batesvillemotorspeedway.net

Night two will move up the road to PCR in Harrisburg, Arkansas, for a regular $2,000 to win and $400 to start race. Ellis added, "This will be a little different for us up there, with the race being on a Saturday night. In addition to the MSRA late models, the regular classes will feature a $1,000 to win modified show, the Jody Christianson Memorial." Information on PCR can be found at www.poinsettcountyraceway.com

July 1, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Weekend Update, PCR Results and Batesville up Next

MSRA completed the first race of its Fourth of July Week activities on Friday night, and is looking forward to the Tuesday July 3 showdown at Batesville Motor Speedway. The return trip to Batesville will be a $2,000 to win, $300 to start event. Information on BMS can be found at www.batesvillemotorspeedway.net

At Poinsett County on Friday night, twenty-three late models braved the weather for the MSRA event. Racers from three states drove through thunderstorms, heavy rain, and occasional hail, to safely arrive at a track that had not had any rainfall all day. Series Director Chris Ellis stated, "I received several phone calls today from racers who could not believe that it was not flooded here. Some said it rained until they were a few minutes from the track. With the rain outs we have had this season, I really wanted to get this one in for the fans at PCR. Considering no one thought we would race, I am real happy with the car count, and we had a record turnout for us this year in the stands."

The twenty three cars were divided into three heats. Heat one saw MSRA points leader Jeff Floyd jump out to a lead from the outside pole and not look back. He was followed across the checkers by Jon Kirby. Heat two saw Dane Dacus and Billy Moyer, Jr. battle side by side for the lead for eight laps before Dacus captured the spot for the heat win. The third heat showcased Dusty Johnston, who made a charge to the front for the win, followed by Blake Lane. In the "B", Kuntz Rookie of the Year Contender Carl Thomas picked up the win, followed by Enik Sanders, Brian Ritchie, and Billy James, Jr.

The 25 lap feature was set with Dusty Johnston earning the JFR Pole Award and starting up front. He did not hold the lead for long, as he was challenged and passed by points leader Jeff Floyd and previous PCR race winner Dane Dacus. However, Johnston was not ready to give up the fight. Opportunity presented itself when race leader Floyd and Dacus made contact on a restart, and Johnston found a new line around the track and was able to get by for the lead. Once back in command, he never looked back and took the win. Stated Johnston, "I have to thank Bill Frye for all the help in getting this car to turn, and thank Brian Voiles here at PCR for preparing such a racy track ". Johnston became the sixth different MSRA winner in as many nights, and picked up valuable points in the championship chase. Third and Fourth place went to current points leader Floyd and second points man Joey Mack. Fifth place finisher Jordan Jones was the Larry Shaw Hard Charger, advancing eight positions from thirteenth. The Weld Wheel Forge Ahead award for having the roughest luck on the evening went to Dewaine Hottinger, who sustained heavy damage to his car after being caught in a pair of wrecks in which he was not initially involved.

Finishing Order:
1. Dusty Johnston
2. Dane Dacus
3. Jeff Floyd
4. Joey Mack
5. Jordan Jones
6. Jon Kirby
7, John Mitchell
8. Charlie Cole
9. Carl Thomas
10. Kyle Beard
11. Billy James, Jr.
12. Enik Sanders
13. Billy Peden, Jr.
14. Kevin Fike
15. Billy Moyer, Jr.
16. Dalton Alexander
17. Dewaine Hottinger
18. Gary Beard
19. Brian Ritchie
20. Blake Lane

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

June 27, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Announces Schedule Change, Increased Purse

MSRA is announcing a schedule change for the upcoming race weekend. Due to heavy rains over the last few days at 67 Speedway, the event has been postponed, while the other two races are scheduled as planned. Series Director Chris Ellis stated, "no one wants to get down to Texarkana and race more than I do. We have been down and looked at the track, and the pits were under water today. With the upcoming weather forecast, 67 Speedway and I did not want to have our drivers make the long tow, or even prepare for it, when it looked like we were not going to get our race in."

MSRA is still scheduled to race twice over the extended July 4th weekend. This Friday, June 29th, the MSRA tour will be at Poinsett County Raceway at Harrisburg, Arkansas, for a regular $1500 to win $300 to start show. This race is a scheduled make up of a rain out at PCR earlier in the season. Information on PCR can be found at www.poinsettcountyraceway.com

MSRA will be back at Batesville Motor Speedway on Tuesday night, making up the June 15th rainout. Ellis commented on a return trip so soon, "The show and the crowd at Batesville were really good. I was disappointed with the rain out last time, and realized we could fit in a make up race on their July 3rd Special. Since I was paying an extra $500 to win on the original night, we are carrying that over for a $2,000 to win, $300 to start show on Tuesday." Information on Batesville Motor Speedway can be found at www.batesvillemotorspeedway.net

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###
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June 25, 2007

Beebe, Arkansas

MSRA Update Points and Rookie of the Year Standings

Although last week's race at Batesville Motor Speedway was highlighted by Jeff Taylor's dominant performance, MSRA point leader Jeff Floyd again proved to be the model of consistency. The series has had a different winner each week, but Floyd has very quietly finished near the top at every event. Since the opening night at PCR, where Floyd finished tenth, he has not finished outside of the top five in an MSRA race. Even with the great performance, only seventeen points separate him from the second spot, as Joey Mack finished sixth at Batesville to keep the points race close. Mack stated, "We were real happy with our car at Batesville, a place we have struggled at in the past. I feel we missed an opportunity to pick up some points on Jeff, with him starting the feature fourteenth and racing to fifth. All in all we came out of there pretty well." Mack hopes to be the sixth different MSRA winner this week, and to close the gap up on the points leader. In the Kuntz and Company Rookie of the Year Battle, Billy Moyer, Jr. continues to lead the standings, holding a five point lead over Carl Thomas. Moyer, Jr. not only leads the rookie battle, but holds the third spot in the series points, while averaging better than a seventh place finish.

The racers will have plenty of opportunity to advance in points over the next eight days, as MSRA makes up the three rained out races from earlier this year. Night one will be Friday June 29^th at Poinsett County Raceway. The next night the racers will be in action at 67 Speedway in Texarkana, and the following Tuesday (July 3), the racers will return to Batesville Speedway to make up their Friday night rainout.

Current MSRA Championship Points Standings:

Pos Car Driver Pts

1 F1 Jeff Floyd 567

2 97M Joey Mack 550

3 21jr Billy Moyer, Jr. 534

4 60 Jordan Jones 503

5 16 Dusty Johnson 471

6 187 Carl Thomas 465

7 5Jr Billy James, Jr. 449

8 121 Billy Peden 429

9 86 Kyle Beard 405

10 54 Dane Dacus 367

11 99 Todd Hall 364

12 5M Jon Mitchell 336

13 2 Brian Ritchie 322

14 14jr Steve Rushin 302

15 29 Enik Sanders 254

Current Kuntz and Company Rookie of the Year Standings:
1. Billy Moyer, Jr.                    46 points
2. Carl Thomas                      41 points
3. Kyle Beard                         35 points
4. Jon Gray                              19 points

June 13, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Announces Batesville Double Header with Increased Purse

MSRA is pleased to announce an increased purse for the races at Batesville Speedway this weekend, with Friday night now also paying $2,000 to win. Series Director Chris Ellis stated, "In the past few weeks, at different events, we have increased B money or took extra cars to the show. We decided last week to put a little more money on top for the winner at Batesville. I announced in the driver's meeting at PBS that I was working on a sponsor for the weekend to fund the increase, and I think the sponsorship will still come through. However, even if the sponsorship agreement doesn't happen in time, MSRA will be increasing the purse on our own and paying $2000 to win each night of the series."

The race format for the weekend will be the same as a normal two night MSRA show, with each night having its own features and points awarded. Ellis added, " the nice thing about this weekend for our regular racer is that it will cut down on track to track travel and save a little on fuel cost. That, along with the $500 added money Friday, should provide us a good field of cars for the fans, and an excellent test session for some teams wanting to test for the big race." Drivers expected to appear at Batesville over the weekend include Jeff Floyd, Joey Mack, Billy Moyer Jr., Jordan Jones, Carl Thomas, Dusty Johnson, Billy Peden Jr., Billy James Jr.,Jon Kirby, Dewayne Brooks, Enik Sanders, Cody Chisolm, Kyle Beard, Kevin Fike, Dewaine Hottinger, and Jack Sullivan. Information on Batesville Motor Speedway can be found at www.batesvillemotorspeedway.net

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

June 12, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Updated Points and Rookie of the Year Standings

MSRA points leader Jeff Floyd was able to pad his series lead this week, but only slightly. Floyd, the race winner at PBS, was followed in the top four at Saturday night's Poplar Bluff MSRA race by the next three participants in the series points. Joey Mack, (2nd in points) finished third; Billy Moyer, Jr., (3rd in points) finished fourth; and Jordan Jones (4th in points), finished second on the night. Going into this week at Batesville, Arkansas, only thirty-three points separate the top four in the series standings. Series Leader Floyd stated, "I am enjoying at this point in my career racing a little closer to home. It is still real early in the season, but it is an honor to be leading the points with the quality of competition we have had."

In the Kuntz and Company Rookie of the Year Battle, a second consecutive top 5 showing by Billy Moyer, Jr. has placed him in the lead. Carl Thomas, who has less than a dozen nights total in a late model, continues to impress the MSRA fans with another solid finish in his Billy Peden owned car, and has moved into the second spot for the rookie honors.

Current MSRA Championship Points Standings:
Pos   Driver                     Pts
1. Jeff Floyd.................     455
2. Joey Mack...............     441
3. Billy Moyer, Jr..........    437
4. Jordan Jones............     422
5. Carl Thomas.............    388
6. Dusty Johnson.........      378
7. Billy James, Jr...........    349
8. Billy Peden, Jr...........    340
9. Kyle Beard................    322
10. Steve Rushin..........      302
11. Todd Hall................    289
12. Brian Ritchie...........     247
13. Dane Dacus............     246
14. Cody Chisolm.........     243
15. Jon Mitchell.............    218

Current Kuntz and Company Rookie of the Year Standings:
1. Billy Moyer, Jr.    37 points
2. Carl Thomas        34 points
3. Kyle Beard            28 points
4. Jon Gray                19 points

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] . For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities, contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

June 11, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Late Models Poplar Bluff Recap

Twenty five late models made the trip to Poplar Bluff, Missouri, for the second and final scheduled visit for MSRA to the speed plant in 2007. PBS owner Shon Stewart stated, "We are real happy with the car turnout and the quality of the show put on by MSRA. They have had more late models here than any other series I can remember, with the exception of our UMP Summernationals date. That in itself says a lot for the quality of this new series."

The racers were divided into three heats, and in the first heat, Jordan Jones jumped out front of Carl Thomas and led seven of the first ten laps. When the heat experienced its first caution, Jeff Floyd utilized a high line restart from his third position to pass Thomas and Jones, and take the heat win. He was followed by Jones, Thomas, and Jack Sullivan. The second heat saw Poplar Bluff standout Joey Mack jump out to a lead and never look back. He was followed across the line by Enik Sanders, who had an impressive high line charge during his second MSRA start of the year. They were followed by Billy Peden, Jr. and Steve Rushin. The third heat showcased Billy Moyer Jr. in his Moyer prepared entry setting his car up high and letting it dig from lap one all the way to the checkers. Dusty Johnson, Todd Hall, and Charlie Cole rounded out the top four.

The B feature was highlighted by Billy James, Jr. recovering from his heat race performance and winning the B, and by young Kevin Fike of Memphis, Tennessee. Fike, who has just a handful of starts in a late model, drove smooth and consistent to capture the last transfer spot. Series Director Chris Ellis noted, "It is exciting to see teenagers like Moyer, Jr. and Jones running up front. Then you have a young newcomer like Fike show up and run like he did, and it is real encouraging for the future of our sport."

For the feature race, the JFR Pole Award went to Jeff Floyd, who accumulated the most points by coming from the back of his nine car heat and winning. He was joined on the front row by Billy Moyer, Jr., and followed in row two by Joey Mack and Todd Hall. On the start, Floyd jumped out to a lead, and Mack and Moyer, Jr. battled for the second position. They were joined by Jordan Jones, and the three followed Floyd battling for position. The only caution of the thirty five lap feature was on lap eight, when Charlie Cole experienced what he thought was a flat tire but later proved to be mechanical difficulties. After Cole exited, Jones was able to get around Mack for the second spot. Floyd settled in for the lead, and only occasional issues with lap traffic would allow the pack to close in on him. The second and third place cars had an impressive battle for position, as Mack's car continued to improve on the long run, but he was still unable to make the pass on Jones stick. Although the front four were holding their spots, there was plenty of action through the field. Billy James, Jr. started 15th in the feature, and advanced to the seventh position. His passes for position netted him the Larry Shaw Hard Charger award for the night. Jack Sullivan was able to advance to the sixth position in his first MSRA race, and Billy Peden and Carl Thomas, racing nearly identical cars out of the same trailer, put on an impressive side by side battle for several laps as the feature wound down. Race winner Jeff Floyd stated, "I feel like I am getting my program back on track. I want to thank MSRA and Clint Smith again. It was good to go up to Eldora this week, we tried a few things we saw on Clint's car that Jeff Gordon had some success with (Floyd's Body Shop and JFR Graphics painted and lettered Jeff Gordon's Prelude to the Dream GRT). Runner up Jordan Jones stated, "No one had anything for Jeff all night long. I appreciate Joey Mack racing me so clean at the end, his car seemed to get better at the end, and I could see him under me. I'm real happy that Kuntz GRT's finished first, second, and third."

The Weld "Forge Ahead" Hard Luck Award goes to series participant Dewayne Brooks, who blew his motor in his heat race and was unable to continue for the evening. Not making the feature cost Brooks valuable start points, and he currently sits sixteenth in the series points standings.

Poplar Bluff Speedway MSRA Results
June 9, 2007
1. F1 Jeff Floyd
2. 60 Jordan Jones
3. 97M Joey Mack
4. 21Jr Billy Moyer, Jr.
5. 99 Todd Hall
6. 18 Jack Sullivan
7. 5jr Billy James
8. 16 Dusty Johnson
9. 29 Enik Sanders
10. 66 Jim Gibson
11. 94 Scott Tracer
12. 121 Billy Peden, Jr.
13. 187 Carl Thomas
14. 11K Kevin Fike
15. 99A Chuck Adams
16. 7A Justin Alstin
17. 2 Brian Ritchie
18. 14jr Steve Rushin
19. 2c Charlie Cole
20. 00 Jon Gray
DNQ: Billy Hopkins, Kevin Roslen, Jeff Sloan, John Berlin, Dewayne Brooks

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

June 6, 2007
Beebe, Arkansas
MSRA Announces Kuntz and Company Rookie of the Year Program

MSRA is pleased to announce the addition of Kuntz and Company as title sponsor for the Rookie of the Year program. Kuntz and Company of Arkadelphia, Arkansas provides racing engines and services for a variety of motorsports. Their customers hold titles or wins in organizations including NHRA, NMRA, NMCA, IHRA, SCCA, SUPR, MARS, and TORA. Kuntz customers are currently first, second, and fifth in MSRA points (Jeff Floyd, Joey Mack, and Jordan Jones). For more information on Kuntz and Company, visit their website at www.kuntzandcompany.com

Series Director Chris Ellis stated, "We are pleased to add Kuntz and Company as an associate sponsor. Jim Kuntz has a long history of supporting racing and racing series, and we are pleased to have him on board."

MSRA has developed a unique points system for the Rookie of the Year. Instead of the regular points system used to accumulate the top fifteen in the series, the rookies will use their own separate system to calculate their finish. For feature finishing positions 1-5, Rookies will accumulate 10 points. For positions 6-10, they will earn 9 points, positions 11-15 will earn eight points, 16-20 seven points, and non qualifiers will earn six points. Explains Ellis, "Rookies will have great nights, and they will have nights where they struggle, especially on a night when they are at a series track they have never seen before. By using a points system that rewards top fives, but also rewards the driver for showing up and following the series, we hope to have a tight competitive race all year long." We allowed the rookies three nights to declare an intent to run for Rookie of the Year, and are pleased with our participants."

Current Kuntz and Company Rookie of the Year Standings:
1. Kyle Beard.......   28 points
2. Billy Moyer, Jr.......      27 points
3. Carl Thomas.......     26 points
4. Jon Gray........     12 points

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, Larry Shaw Race Cars, and Kuntz and Company. For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###

June 5, 2007
Little Rock, Arkansas
Battle on the Borders- MSRA Heads North for Two Days of Arkansas and Missouri Racing

MSRA invites the racers and fans to come out for an exciting weekend of racing this Friday and Saturday night, June 8th and 9th. Night one will be at Poinsett County Raceway in Harrisburg, Arkansas. During the inaugural event at PCR a few weeks ago, the series put on a exciting race, showcasing twenty-eight of the areas top late models. PCR is once again paired for the weekend with a show at PBS, when on Saturday night the racers will travel across the Missouri Border to Poplar Bluff Speedway in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

This time there will be an important addition to the weekend's racing. Hoosier Tire Dirt South has increased the "B" main money on Saturday night to $200 for any car which races the "B" and does not make the feature. Series Director Chris Ellis stated "there are a lot of good cars which used to run weekly at Poplar Bluff. I know some of them have switched to crate motors, but with their knowledge of the track and the one hundred pound weight break for steel blocks, it should give them a chance of racing up front and having a good payday. Ellis continued, "With $400 to make the show, and $200 for the "B", we hope to entice them to come out and give it a try. I appreciate the local racers who have switched to crates at PBS, and don't want to leave them out as they try and get the class going there."

Pit Passes Friday night will be $30, and general admission $15, and kids ten and under are free on the grandstand side. For more information on PCR, you can visit their website at www.poinsettcountyraceway.com

Pit Passes Saturday night at PBS will be $30, and grandstand prices are $15 each for adults, kids 6-12 years are $5, and kids under 5 are free with a paid adult. Visit www.poplarbluffspeedway.com for more information.

MSRA would like to thank series sponsors Hoosier Tire, GRT Race Cars, marComm101.net, Weld Racing Wheels, JFR Graphics, and Larry Shaw Race Cars.

For more information on the series, contact Chris Ellis at [email protected] For MSRA marketing and sponsorship opportunities contact Scott Williams at [email protected], or visit us on the web at www.M-S-R-A.com ###