PEVELY, Missouri — The Champ is ready to help get the 2010 party started on DIRTcar Racing's UMP circuit.
Defending DIRTcar UMP Late Model national titlist Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., heads a long list of Midwestern drivers who are expected to invade I-55 Raceway from March 18-20 for the DIRTcar UMP Roundup, an early-season showcase of UMP's eight sanctioned divisions that's also known as the 'Party in Pevely.'
Rescheduled for the spring after poor weather forced the postponement of the original date last fall, the second edition of the DIRTcar UMP Roundup promises to provide fans an interesting mix of down-home dirt-tracking. The two full evenings of racing will feature everything from UMP's marquee Late Model and Modified divisions to wild action in the entry-level classes that are the backbone of the country's short-track scene.
Feger, of course, stands as the shining star of the diverse group of drivers set to converge on the high-banked, one-third-mile oval operated by NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader and Ray Marler. The 31-year-old is coming off a spectacular, break-out 2009 campaign (23 feature wins and his first-ever UMP national points crown), positioning him as a favorite to capture the 30-lap, $5,000-to-win UMP Late Model A-Main that headlines the weekend's activities.
And make no mistake -- Feger dearly wants a triumph at I-55 Raceway. He's never won at the popular track outside St. Louis, putting the facility at the top of his hit list.
"I'd love for our first win of the season to come at Pevely," said Feger, who reached Victory Lane at 13 different tracks in four states last year. "I really like the place and we usually run good there, but it seems like I never get that starting spot I need to be in the best possible position to go for a win. I think the best finish I've had there is a third."
Back driving his family-owned Pierce Chassis machine this season, Feger is looking forward to his initial appearance of 2009 in the heart of DIRTcar UMP country.
"I always like going to Pevely," said Feger, who finished fifth in the inaugural DIRTcar UMP Roundup Late Model A-Main in October 2008. "It's only a couple hours away from home, and it's a track that usually has an inside, a middle and top groove. I think (the Roundup) will be another great show."
It's going to be fun, too. While Feger's primary focus will be on defeating such expected standouts as two-time UMP national champion Randy Korte of Highland, Ill. (runner-up in the 2008 Roundup), Will Vaught of Crane, Mo. (third-place finisher in '08 event), former UMP national titlist Kevin Weaver of Gibson City, Ill., and a host of other entrants, the outgoing racer will also enjoy the festive post-race atmosphere that is a big part of the 'Party in Pevely.'
After action is completed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, the Roundup Tent in the pit area will offer entertainment that brings racers and fans together for some camaraderie.
"We'll have a good time," said Feger, one of the most approachable drivers in any pit area. "We have a lot of friends down in that area and we always enjoy meeting new people."
The UMP Modifieds will also receive plenty of attention during the Roundup, competing in a 25-lap championship feature paying $2,000 to win. Former national champion Jeff Leka of Buffalo, Ill., is among the drivers with plans to compete in the Modified activities.
Other DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned divisions on the Roundup card are the Pro Late Models (20 laps/$2,000 to win), Sportsman (20 laps/$1,000), Limited Modifieds (15 laps/$750), Stock Cars (20 laps/$750), Factory Stocks (15 laps/$400) and 4-Cylinders (15 laps/$400).
The DIRTcar UMP Roundup -- the only event featuring all eight of the organization's sanctioned divisions -- kicks off on Thurs., March 18, with an open practice session from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Registration and inspection begin at 3 p.m.
On Fri., March 19, registration begins at 2 p.m. and inspection commences at 3 p.m. Racing gets the green flag at 7 p.m. and will include all heat races and any necessary D- and E-Mains for the eight classes in action.
The finale on Sat., March 20, features C- and B-Mains as well as the championship features for all divisions. Registration begins at 12 noon, inspection at 1 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.
Grandstand admission is free on Thursday, $20 on Friday and $25 on Saturday, with kids 12-and-under admitted free each evening. Pit passes are $15 on Thursday, $30 on Friday and $30 on Saturday.
Reserved camping spots are available for $20 by calling Laura at 314-602-5530.
I-55 Raceway is located 30 minutes south of downtown St. Louis, off Pevely exits 180 and 178 of Interstate 55.
DIRTcar UMP Roundup Daily Schedule
Thursday, March 18
9 a.m. - Campground Opens
3 p.m. - Registration Opens, Inspection Begins
5 p.m. - Open Practice
10 p.m. - PITS CLOSED
Roundup Tent – Party
Friday, March 19
10 a.m. - Roundup Tent - Breakfast
2 p.m. - Registration Opens
3 p.m. - Inspection Begins
7 p.m. - RACING!
Late Models - Heats
UMP Mods - Heats, D, E Qualifiers
Pro Late Models - Heats
Sportsman - Heats & D-Main
Limited Mods - Heats
4-Cylinders - Heats
Stock Cars - Heats
Factory Stocks - Heats
10 p.m. - Roundup Tent - LIVE Music
Saturday, March 20
10 a.m. - Roundup Tent - Breakfast
12 noon - Registration Opens
1 p.m. - Inspection Begin
3 p.m. - Charity Weenie Roast
6 p.m. - RACING!
Late Models - C & B Qualifiers, 30-lap Championship Feature
UMP Mods - C & B Mains, 25-lap Championship Feature
Pro Late Models - C & B Qualifiers, 20-lap Championship Feature
Sportsman - C & B Qualifiers, 20-lap Championship Feature
Limited Mods - C & B Qualifiers, 15-lap Championship Feature
Stock Car - C & B Qualifiers, 20-lap Championship Feature
Factory Stocks - C & B Qualifiers, 15-lap Championship Feature
4-Cylinders - C & B Qualifiers, 15-lap Championship Feature
10 p.m. - Roundup Tent - LIVE Music/Trophy Party/Payoff
