O'Reilly MLRA Closes out 2006 Thunder Tour
by: Clint Brown


BOLIVAR, MO. (Oct. 4, 2006) - For the first time in O'Reilly MLRA history the series will make a visit to Bolivar, MO and the lightning fast Bolivar Speedway USA on Friday and Saturday, October 6 & 7. The two night stand will also serve as the curtain call on the 2006 Thunder Tour.

Friday night, October 6, will see the combatants from the O'Reilly MLRA, O'Reilly NCRA, and O'Reilly TORA square off to see who can come out on top and take home the $2000 pot of gold awaiting them in the winner's circle. Drivers from the three series set to do battle include Al Purkey, Kelly Boen, Larry McDaniels, Alan Vaughn, Steve Kosiski, Delbert Smith, David Turner, Jason Bodenhamer. Not to be outdone the local contingent of drivers including 2006 Bolivar Speedway USA champion Brad Looney, Brandon Maggard, Larry Jones and Dave Ware will be out to show the traveling band the quick way around the high banks.

The following night, Saturday, October 7, the three series from Friday night will once again return to action, but will also be joined by MARS and their drivers to add even more competition to the already tough field. Look for Springfield's Terry Phillips to lead the charge of MARS participants including Bill Frye, Jeff Floyd, Jeff Taylor, Jack Sullivan, and Wendell Wallace as they attempt to garner top dog status.

Friday night will also see the Factory Stock and Bomber classes take part in the action while the Rookies and Super Stocks will have their go on Saturday night.

Gates open at Bolivar Speedway USA on Friday night at 5:00 pm with hot laps set to take to the track at 6:45 pm for the first night of action. Saturday night the action moves up an hour with gates opening at 4:00 pm and hot laps rolling of at 5:45 pm.

Tickets prices for each night see adult admission at only $20.00 with children 6-12 $5.00 and those 5 & under free. Pit passes for the evening are $25.00 per person.

For more information about Bolivar Speedway USA contact the track at (417)326-3966 or visit them on the web at www.bolivarspeedwayusa.com.

Coming into the event Coffeyville, KS driver Al Purkey holds down the top spot with a 114 point advantage over Alan Vaughn of Belton, MO. Purkey and Vaughn have waged a battle all season long to see who would be the first five-time champion in O'Reilly MLRA history. Purkey rolls in with four 2006 Thunder Tour victories while Vaughn has shown deadly consistency while looking for his first win of the year.

David Turner, of Adrian, MO, sits behind the front pair in the third spot with Jason Bodenhamer in the fourth slot. David Barker currently resides in fifth, but only one point separate he and sixth place CJ Lyle. Shad Badder, Larry Clawson, Brett LaFollette, and Scott Drake round out the top ten heading into the finale.

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.

2006 Thunder Tour Sponsors: O'Reilly Auto Parts, Hoosier Race Tire, Hatfield Racing Engines, Larry Shaw Race Cars, Afco, GRT Race Cars, The Driveline Shop, Sunoco Race Fuels, Weld Wheels, Chase Race Decals, Gameday Trophy, Bodee's Race Bodies, Smitty's Racing Engines, Duralite, Holley, Lunati, Rod End Supply, Schoenfeld Headers, Kluhsman Racing Components, Performance Race Bodies, ATL Fuel Cells, Sports Nutz, Sports Radio 610, Shepherd of the Hills Entertainment