MARS/UMP Challenge to take place at I-44 Speedway
By Dusty Luthy

LEBANON, Mo. (April 12, 2006) - The Lebanon I-44 Speedway will host one of its largest races of the entire season on Saturday with the MARS/UMP Challenge.

The Mid America Racing Series and the United Midwestern Promoters Late Model series will square off at the high banks of I-44 Speedway with some of the biggest names to appear all season.

Many fans at the speedway have experienced the thrilling racing styles of MARS drivers Terry Phillips, Wendell Wallace and Bill Frye, but have yet to have a taste of UMP fame. UMP drivers Terry English, Shannon Babb and Randy Korte will be on hand, as well as the 2005 UMP Defending National Champion Rodney Melvin.

According to UMP points status as of April 3, local driver Will Vaught was placed fourth in the points race. After several good runs this past weekend, local driver Brad Looney will be a top points competitor as well.

The Challenge is the first time both series will meet at the speedway. Track promoter Randy Mooneyham has high expectations for the weekend, anticipating a field of 35-40 Late Models.

"This should be one of the best fields of Late Models we will have all season. If you want to experience racing, there's no better place to see it than here on Saturday night."

Modifieds, Factory Stocks, Bombers and Mini Stocks will be racing as well on Saturday night. Super Stocks and Rookies will not be racing.

Grandstand and tier parking adult admission is $20 for the Challenge. Juniors are $5 and children 12 and under are always free.