Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals for UMP Late Models and Modifieds Set for September 17 at Springfield
by: Jay Hardin

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (Sept. 7, 2006) - A large purse and a win on the historic Springfield Mile awaits two racing drivers on Sunday, September 17 as Track Enterprises presents the l5th annual Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals for UMP Late Models and Modifieds on the Illinois State Fairgrounds one mile dirt oval. A total purse of $60,000 has been posted for the day of racing which features the ultra fast late model stock cars and the close racing action of the open wheel modifieds.

The Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals represents the largest purse and the third day of a big money mid-September weekend for the UMP Late Models with a $5000 to win payday at the Paducah International Raceway for the Bob Memmer World 50 on Friday, September 15th and a $10,000 to win pay day at I-55 Raceway for the Pepsi Nationals on Saturday September 16th.

A paycheck of $12,000 is up for grabs for the winner of the UMP Late Model feature on September 17th and another stellar field is expected at Springfield. Early entries include three-time Illinois Fall Nationals winner Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, current Springfield late model track record holder Darren “the Thriller” Miller of Chadwick, Illinois, two-time late model fast qualifier Joe Ross Jr. of Springfield, Brian Shirley of Chatham and former ARCA competitor Mark Voight of Marine. A number of additional late model entries are expected to be announced in the week leading up to the Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals.

Last year Rick Eckert and Scott Bloomquist thrilled a large Springfield crowd by running nose to tail for all 30 laps with Bloomquist taking his second Fall Nationals win and setting a 30 mile late model track record in the process.

A $2000 first prize is available for the winner of the UMP Modified feature which will see Taylorville’s Curt Rhodes on hand to defend his emotional 2005 win. Other pre-entered modified drivers include DuQuoin winner Brian Shaw of Robinson, Wes O’Dell of Springfield, Steve Adams of Humboldt and Gabe Regot of St. Charles, Missouri. Brian Shirley of Chatham is also entered in the modified event and will be pulling double duty at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Last year’s modified main event was a true barn burner, with Brian Shirley leading the first 15 laps before being passed by two time Fall Nationals modified winner Jeff Leka. Leka led three laps before being overtaken by Rhodes.

Practice for the 2006 Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals is slated to begin at 10 a.m. on September 17, with qualifications at 11 and racing at 1 p.m. Tickets can be obtained by calling Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200, Ticketmaster or at the Illinois State Fair Box Office on race day. Additional information can be found at www.trackenterprises.com or www.umpracing.com.