Lebanon I-44 Speedway goes for broke Saturday with the Bomber 500 By Andrew McNaughton/Lebanon I-44 Speedway
by: Andrew McNaughton

LEBANON, MO. (Sept 05) - The drivers of the Lebanon I-44 Speedway's closest and most competitive class will compete this Saturday in the $500-to-win Bomber 500, and there are many different dramatic story lines that could play out.

Perhaps the most dramatic angle to the upcoming Bomber 500 could be between 2007 Bomber Champion Landin Johnson and Rookie JC Morton. Last Saturday night at the Lebanon I-44 Speedway during the 5th Annual Larry Phillips Memorial, Johnson and Morton came tearing off of turn four side by side on the last lap of the 15-lap $200-to-win feature race and stayed that way all the way across the finish line in the closest finish of the year.

But who had won?

The capacity crowd was stirring impatiently as the dust settled, awaiting word from the scoring tower. Then the announcement was made – Morton had edged Johnson at the line. Johnson couldn't believe it, and neither could Morton, who had just won his first Bomber race ever at the Lebanon I-44 Speedway on August 18th. While some fans in attendance doubted the call from the tower, nobody could doubt that they had witnessed about as close of a race as they could ever hope to see.

Johnson will be hungry to reclaim victory this Saturday night, but he will not be alone. Lebanon's Joe Francis finished the points championship in second place, but is still looking for that elusive first win. Shawn Winfrey came back late in the season with a fully repaired car, and found his way back in victory lane. Dean Hensler won two-in-a-row earlier this season, and has as good of a chance as anyone to take the $500 prize this Saturday night in the Bomber 500 at the Lebanon I-44 Speedway.

The Bomb Squad hits center stage for the Bomber 500 this Saturday night at the Lebanon I-44 Speedway. B-Modifieds, Pro-4's and Rookies will also race. Regular weekly admission pricing is in effect, and kids 12 and under are free as always. Gates open at 5, racing at 730, at the Lebanon I-44 Speedway, located off of interstate exit 135 on Old Route 66.