Over 30 Late Model Super Stock teams from throughout the Northwest region are expected to do battle at the Late Model Challenge Series’ championship event scheduled Saturday, September 16th at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Wash. The teams are busy preparing for the 75-lap season finale, each with hopes of bringing home a big piece of the nearly $9,000 in cash and bonus awards offered.
This event is the only visit of the Late Model Challenge Series this season to the nostalgic 5/8th mile oval track, dubbed the “Super Speedway of the West”. Of special interest, will be to see how these LMCS drivers and teams adapt to the largest track on this season’s schedule. This unique 5/8-mile track is only opened on a very limited basis each season, usually reserved for the local super stocks and NASCAR sanctioned divisions. Three divisions will be holding championship races on the ‘Big Track’ this Saturday: the LMCS Late Models, the local NASCAR Super Stocks, and the NW Pro 4 Trucks.
The Late Model Challenge Series’ top contenders are chasing valuable points toward the series’ season championship. Going into this event, the current top five are: Troy Conrad of Tacoma Wash, Shelby Thompson of Spokane Wash, Jason Hedrick of Spanaway Wash, Wes Rhodes of Yelm Wash, and Billy Coates of Bothell Wash. In the nine races already completed this season, there have been seven different winners, many of whom will be competing for a prime starting position in this 75-lap event. Troy Con rad and Kevin Richards of Spokane Wash, stand as the only two LMCS drivers to have scored two victories each this season to date.
Troy Conrad, the series current points leader, last ran on Evergreen’s 5/8th oval back in 2002 while competing with the NASCAR NW Tour. “We are definitely looking forward to running again on the big oval, and hopefully we can grab the season championship without incident. We know some of the locals will be hard to beat at their home track, but our main focus will be to run a smooth race as Shelby (Thompson) is still in the points battle. Of course, it would be great to finish the season with a win on the 5/8th while securing the 2006 LMCS Championship.” Shelby Thompson currently sits only 14 points behind Conrad.
The Late Model Challenge Series has continued to grow in popularity over seven seasons and has become one of the most competitive programs in the Northwest. This season, the series has maintained the region’s highest average car count per event (27+) and also hosted record setting events at WVSO & Yakima Speedway. Spectators are sure to witness one of the largest gatherings of many of the Northwest’s finest stock car teams.
Raceday schedule: Hot lap sessions begin at 1:00pm, qualifying for all classes begin at 4:30pm, Racing begins at 7:00pm. Large crowds are expected, arrive early for best seating and time trials. Front Gate opens at 4:30pm. Ticket prices: Adults $20, Juniors/Seniors/Military $9.50, Child (6-11) $4.50, and under 6 - free. Family passes - $40.
For additional race information contact: Jerry Losch, LMCS Series Director at 253-312-1080.
Contact Evergreen Speedway at 360-805-6100
