November 24, 2024 | By Billy Rock

Springfield Raceway Moves Forward With MLRA Founders Tribute Race

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Springfield Raceway is excited to announce that Inaugural running of “1989…BACK-IN-TIME…”, a tribute race weekend honor the history and founding fathers of the Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA). After much discussion, track owner and promotor Jerry Hoffman, along with Justin Wells, and other event organizers are excited to move forward with their original plans for February 27th – March 1st, 2025. Not only will the event go on, but the stakes will be even higher than originally announced. A test & tune session will open the weekend on Thursday night February 27th, open to all classes. Racing action will get underway on Friday night February 28th,with a full late model program paying $5,036 to win and $536 to start.

The weekend finale on Saturday, March 1st was originally slated to pay $6,036 to win, but will now send the winner home with $10,036, while all starters are guaranteed $636. The event will be non-sanctioned, but will follow MLRA/COMP Cams Super Dirt Series type rules. Late Model tire rules along with the announcement of support classes will be made in the coming weeks. Plans are to qualify Late Models via a group time trial
format. For fans not able to make it to Springfield for the event, every lap will stream live on www.SpringfieldRaceway.tv.

“The history of the MLRA is too important to so many people to not be able to celebrate its history. The announcement earlier this week makes it more important to be able to tell the story of the early years of the series and the people that were a part of it for 36 years. Kenny Essary and Randy Mooneyham deserve to be recognized for what they started, and although the MLRA may be no longer, we are going to make this a special weekend geared at remembering the founders that left a lasting impact on racing here in the Midwest,” quoted Hoffman.

Springfield Raceway is located just off I-44 in Springfield, MO. The ¼ mile semi banked clay oval just wrapped up their 2024 season this past weekend with the running of the annual “Turkey Bowl XVIIl” which hosted 404 cars over the course of the three-night event. Saturday’s late model portion included 49 Super Late Models with Dillon McCowan capturing the win and the coveted Turkey Bowl Trophy.

MLRA THROWBACK TRIBUTES- Special throwback tributes will also be a part of the weekend festivities. Those include return of multiple former MLRA flagmen to the flag stand on Saturday with the likes of Duane Johnson (89’ – 96’), Mike Striegel (96’ – 05’), Doug Scism (05’ – 09’), and Ernie Leftwich (09’ – 12’).
“No matter if you’re here in person or watching on SpringfieldRaceway.TV this is going to be one special weekend. Our hope is to be able to get as many former MLRA champions as possible here in person along with many of those that helped out behind the scenes over the years. Former MLRA flagman and longtime series director Ernie Leftwich, along with series scorer Missy Holman have agreed to help direct the Late Model portion. Their impact on the series over the years and their relationships with the teams can’t be overlooked. They did a lot for the series and the teams that didn’t go unnoticed,” he concluded.

WANTED: MLRA CHAMPIONS-- All former MLRA Series Champions dating back to the series origin in 1989 are welcome and encouraged to attend this throwback style weekend. Each former champ will receive a free Pit Pass to attend both Friday and Saturday night, and be a part of a special group photo to commemorate the weekend and series long history.

Sponsorship Opportunities:-- “This is just year number one,” noted Hoffman. “I hope to be able to build on this and continue to grow it year after year into something really special to honor everyone involved with the MLRA over the years.” Anyone wanting to help sponsor the event should contact Hoffman via the Springfield Raceway Facebook page or by phone at 417.392.0100. “Adding payout for heat race winners, quick time, longest tow, hard charger, or anything like that will be appreciated and recognized at the track as well as through our www.SpringfieldRaceway.tv platform. Visit www.SpringfieldRaceway.com for more info on Springfield Raceway.