Late Models to the Southern Iowa Speedway
by: Jeff Nun

OSKALOOSA, Iowa (Aug. 29) -- The long-awaited return of the mud-slinging Late Models to the Southern Iowa Speedway will have to wait two more weeks.

After surviving an early morning shower, the stage was set for an epic battle on the Oskaloosa, Iowa, clay Tuesday night. However, Mother Nature reared her ugly head again around 5 p.m., bringing more rain and even some hail to the grounds of the Mahaska County Half-Mile Monster.

Officials are hoping that the third time's the charm. The twice postponed event will now be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

The Late Models will join the regular USRA Casey's General Stores Weekly Racing Series program of Musco Lighting USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars and USRA Hobby Stocks as they compete for titles in the Coca-Cola Season Championships.

Many of the region's top Late Model pilots will be on hand to fight for a spot in $200-to-start main event, which carries a $2,000 top prize. More than 30 teams were in attendance one month ago before the event was rained out without a lap completed.

Gates open at 5 p.m. and the green flag flies at 7:30 p.m.

Line-ups will be determined using a draw/redraw format for all classes. Draw cutoff time for heat races is 7:00 p.m. Late Model entry fee is $75. There is no entry fee for Modifieds, Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks. Pit passes are $25. No USRA license or car registration is required for any class. Modifieds and Stock Cars may use American Racer KK704 or Hoosier G60 tires.

LATE MODEL RULES:
• American Racer/McCreary EC2, Hoosier WRS D55/D55-2 or lMCA-stamped Hoosier allowed.
• lMCA spec motor allowed at 2300 lbs. with 8-inch maximum spoiler.
• Open motor less than 365 c.i. with 390 carb at 2350 lbs. and 8-inch spoiler.
• Open motor more than 365 c.i. with 390 carb at 2400 lbs. and 8-inch spoiler.
• Steel head motor must weigh 2350 lbs. single Holley-type carb and 8-inch spoiler.

LATE MODEL PURSE: 1. $2000, 2. $1250, 3. $900, 4. $700, 5. $600, 6. $500, 7. $450, 8. $400, 9. $350, 10. $325, 11. $300, 12. $275, 13. $260, 14. $250, 15. $240, 16. $230, 17. $220, 18. $210, 19. $200, 20. $200, 21. $200, 22. $200, 23. $200, 24. $200, Tow $75.

The Southern Iowa Speedway is located 0.5 mile west of US 63 on SR 92, then 0.3 mile north on N. I St. (at the Southern Iowa Fairgrounds). For more information call the track hotline at (641) 673-7004 or USRA headquarters at (515) 832-6000. Visit www.sispeedway.com online for more info.