Lebanon Midway Has Very Successful Opening Practice
by: Ronnie Williams

Lebanon, Mo. (March 25, 2006) - The Lebanon Midway Speedway opened its gates for the 1st time in 2006 and over 75 race teams checked into the pits on a sunny but brisk Sat Afternoon for a 4 hour practice session to test and tune the cars before the opening of the season.

With the track hosting some high dollar special events in April, many drivers found this to be a good time to try out the new clay oval.

With the first race being Modified Madness, drivers such as Danny Crane, Rick Kimberling, defending Modified champion Jamie Ragland, Fall Brawl winner Sean Williams, Virgil Jeffries and many others tested on the Midway with many liking what they saw.

"Turn 4 is alot better than before," quoted defending track champion Jamie Ragland. "You can go higher and with the new clay there will be alot of side by side racing."

Veteran Danny Crane and Rick Kimberling had the fans shaking there heads as they showed both the high and low grooves quickly. Former pavement drivers Ken Dickinson and Brian Schutt were sharing time and ideals in Dickinson's Modified as the car had several good practice runs. Veteran Shannon Frank also looked quick today in several runs.

The New Fastrak Late Model Series had a good showing with approx.10 cars in attendance and several more being finished-up.
Veteran Racer Steve Beach and Daniel Moser seemed to be the class of the field. Local Racer Ron Myers quoted" I have alot to learn, but this will be a Late Model Class that will both grow and be affordable for the racer." Shelby Thacker looked good in several laps in his new Late Model and former Modified driver Todd McCoin turned several good consistent laps. Jim Wheat had the new car blues hit him in several runs, but the last 2 practices, he started to shake them out.

With the track also hosting a special Factory Stock Special in April, several top drivers were trying out the Midway as newcomer Bob Ketterer of New Bloomfield really hooked-up to the track and seemed to be the field of the class. Tim Brown, Eddie Brown, Justin Stoufer, Bobby Ratterree, and James Ellis all had some strong practice runs in several sessions.

"I want to make sure everything is right for that $5,000 to win Special" quoted Ketterer."This is a neat place and for the weather, the track really is in pretty good shape.

The Super Stock class had good car counts as regulars JC Newell, Donnie Gennings and Randy Hill were met by some new faces. Bradley McDowell, Ed Wilson, Travis Hill along with Bill Scharr were shaking down new cars for the season.

The Winged Sprint Cars had the Todd family all turning laps in new chassis as young Bradley Roberts turned some strong laps. Keith Breedlove debuted a beautiful paint scheme along with Matt Tatro and several others.

The Bomber class was in strong force as point contender Mike Piercey was back behind the wheel along with regulars Sheldon Stoufer, Wayne Coffman, Jack Hamer, Brian Warner and others.

The Speedway will host a special Friday Night practice on March 30th with the gates opening at 5 and practice starting around 7:30 till 9-9:30.Admission to the public is free with pit passes being $10.

The Midway season will start with the Modified Madness 2 day special on April 7th and 8th with $6000 going to the winner and 600 to start. Bombers will be racing on the Friday Night part with heats and a feature while the Modifieds will run qualifying heats, pole dash and a qualifying feature as 14 cars will lock-in Friday Night. Sat Night will feature Winged Sprints as the Modifieds will again qualify through heats and a last chance race before the 50 lapper.

The regular points battles begin on Friday April 14th with all 6 classes and a special Easter Egg hunt for the kids 10 and under at intermission.

More information on the website at www.lebanonmidwayspeedway.com