December 1, 2023 | By USRA

Heartland Modified Tour formed, American Racer USRA Modified Series acquired

Austin Krueger and Trenton Berry, owners of RacinDirt.com, in partnership with USRA Track Operations Director and “Voice of the USMTS” Erick Chesterman, are excited to announce their purchase of the USRA American Racer Modified Series from Todd and Janet Staley, and the formation of the USRA Heartland Modified Tour.

“This all came together pretty quickly,” said Berry. “We have been getting deeper in the operations side of the sport the past few years and have formed some great friendships that evolved into partnerships. Todd talked to us about the ARMS Series during the past season. We felt if we were going to do it, we should take care of our home area too with the formation of the new Heartland Modified Tour.”

There is still a lot to figure out. While some event dates have already been confirmed for 2024, much leg work remains, to bring the ARMS Series back to action and get the Heartland Modified Tour off the ground.

A marquee event for both the ARMS and Heartland Tour that is booked and series officials are ready to announce is the 2024 edition of Joe Duvall’s Funkadelic Dirt Track & Honky Tonk Extravaganza.

Featuring a head-to-head battle with the stars of each series eying regional touring supremacy, this year’s event expands to two nights taking place on Memorial Day Weekend. Friday, May 24, will be at Arrowhead Speedway in Colcord, Okla., and Saturday, May 25, at the Salina Highbanks Speedway near Salina, Okla.

Chesterman just wrapped up his first year overseeing the ARMS and traveling the country for the USRA and USMTS. He will continue those duties while also serving as the day-to-day contact for both modified series.

“It’s almost unbelievable to get this deal done,” said Chesterman. “Ever since Todd spoke to us about the ARMS series earlier this year, the thought process about what this could be, has been constantly on my mind. To partner with Trenton and Austin with RacinDirt.com is an honor, and I can’t wait to get to work with these guys.”

“The Heartland Modified Tour will cover Eastern Kansas, Western Missouri and Northern Oklahoma,” Chesterman added. “Seeing firsthand how vital the ARMS Series has become to the USRA Modified scene in Texas, Louisiana and southern Oklahoma, we had a desire to bring that into the central part of the American Heartland as well (hence the name). Our sole desire in owning and operating both regional touring series is to promote the overall growth of USRA and USMTS modified racing.”

Both series will utilize the USRA rulebook and not run in conflict with the USMTS schedule. Both series will feature their own points funds and championship chase, with overall amounts and payback still being finalized.

The goal is for both series to exist in unison and support those racers wishing to compete in the USRA Modified division. Equally important is also allowing individual racetracks to bring in a quality special event at an affordable price point.

For partnership and scheduling information, call Erick Chesterman at (832) 206-9316 or email erick@usraracing.com.

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USRA awards banquet Jan. 27 in Kansas City: The United States Racing Association (USRA) will host a joint awards banquet with the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Harrah's Kansas City Hotel & Casino to celebrate the 2023 racing season for both organizations. Click here for more information.

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