O'Reilly MLRA 2007 Season Closes with a Bang

BUCKNER, MO (September 25, 2007) - The 2007 O'Reilly MLRA season will close out with a bang this coming weekend with three races in three nights to crown the champ.

Action kicks off Thursday, September 27, at the bullring Adrian Speedway, in Adrian, MO with the annual Al Bodenhamer Memorial. This will be fourth time in five years that the event has drawn some of the best late model racers in the Midwest to the tight confines of Glen and Colleen Portzen's racy facility. Current O'Reilly MLRA point leader Alan Vaughn picked up the win in 2003 while second place in points David Turner grabbed the victory in 2004. These two drivers cut their teeth at Adrian Speedway and both will be on the wheel looking to bring home a win at their home track. Springfield, MO's Terry Phillips notched the win in 2006 after rain washed out the event in 2005. Fans will also want to be on hand for the Night of Stars Charity Races put on by Glen and Colleen Portzen along with Arvis Zimbelman of Chip Ganassi Racing. See the likes Nascar stars Kenny Wallace, Jeremy Mayfield, David Stremme and David Reutimann take on crew chiefs Brian Pattie and Jimmy Elledge in this special event.

Friday night will see the O'Reilly MLRA head to the north a bit for night one of the Capital Federal Savings & Loan Late Model Showdown and Modified Shootout at Lakeside Speedway. The Kansas City, KS facility will test both drivers and equipment as they take to the high banks looking to make their way to the front and capture the checkered flag. Saturday night will see action resume for the final night of action at Lakeside Speedway as well as the crowning of the 2007 O'Reilly MLRA champion. Previous winner's of the Lakeside Speedway events have included such great racers as Terry Phillips, Kelly Boen, Steve Kosiski, Kyle Berck, Denny Eckrich, Brady Smith, and Chad Lyle.

Thursday nights action at Adrian Speedway will see the gates open at 4:00 pm with racing set to roll of at 7:00 pm. Adult admission for the evening is $15.00 with children 6-12 admitted for only $5.00 while those 5 and under are free. Pit passes for the evening will be $25.00. Modifieds and street stock will also see action at Adrian Speedway on the evening. For track information contact Adrian Speedway at 816-297-440 or visit them on the web at www.adrianspdwy.com.

Friday and Saturday will see the gates open at 5:00 pm both nights at Lakeside Speedway with racing action set to start at 7:30 pm. Adult advance tickets are available for $20.00 and are $25.00 at the gate. Children 8-14 are only $8.00 while those 7 and under are free. Pit passes are set at $35.00 for one day or $60.00 for a two day pass. Track information is available at www.lakesidespeedway.net or by contacting them at 913-299-2040.

For all the latest news and information on the O'Reilly MLRA visit us on the web at www.mlraracing.com or by calling (816) 650-5063 or (816) 305-6572.

The O'Reilly MLRA would like to thank the sponsors of the 2007 Thunder Tour including O'Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Race Tire, Midwest Walnut, Hatfield Racing Engines, Larry Shaw Race Cars, Taylor Cable Products, Afco, GRT Race Cars, The Driveline Shop, Sunoco Race Fuels, Weld Wheels, Chase Race Decals, Gameday Trophy, Bodee's Race Bodies, Duralite, Holley Race Products, Rod End Supply, Schoenfeld Headers, Kluhsman Racing Components, Performance Race Bodies, ATL Fuel Cells, Shepherd of the Hills Entertainment, Racing Optics, Impact Sign & Lighting

Current 2007 O'Reilly MLRA Top 10 Points

1. Alan Vaughn (1438)
2. David Turner (1288)
3. Al Purkey (1272)
4. Gary Stolba (1256)
5. Jeremy Payne (1254)
6. Terry Phillips (1061)
7. Denny Woodworth (905)
8. John Anderson (865)
9. Jason Bodenhamer (845)
10. Larry Clawson (842)