MERIDIAN, Idaho — It’s odd to say that a man who has won 12 consecutive ASA Modifieds features at ASA-sanctioned Meridian Speedway and leads the sanctioning body’s national championship standings is looking for redemption.
"The ASA Modifieds are only one of the highlights of the racing card at Meridian."
But that’s exactly what Meridian, Idaho racer Shelby Stroebel may be stalking Saturday during Boys and Girls Club Night at the quarter-mile paved oval.
The ASA Modifieds are only one of the highlights of the racing card at Meridian.
The SPI Super Sixes tour drivers return for their second Meridian show of 2012, while the Pit Stop Drive Thru Mini Stocks, the Project Filter Pro-4s and the Jr. Stingers round out the local divisions.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $7.50 for military personnel with ID and senior citizens, $6 for children ages 7-11, and free for children 6 and younger. A family of two adults and up to four children ages 7-11 can see the races for $30.
Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. with qualifying at 5 p.m. and racing at 6:30 p.m.
For more information about the races or to buy tickets, visit www.meridianspeedway.com or call (208) 888-2813.
Stroebel had one of the best seats in the house for Wednesday’s Fourth of July fireworks show presented by the City of Meridian. The problem was: He was in the pits much earlier than he wanted to be after he had to pull his B Modified racecar off the track while leading the 25-lap feature.
It marked the first time in 2012 that Meridian Speedway’s reigning ASA Modifieds division champion hadn’t finished a race, although he has finished in the middle of the pack in other B Modifieds races this season.
But he still has his streak in the ASA Modifieds class, in which he has won every main event staged at Meridian stretching back to last summer — a run of 10 straight victories, including eight this season. He hasn’t been an also-ran in the ASA Modifieds since finishing second to Mike Reid on Aug. 20.
The winning streak, which could grow to 12 consecutive checkereds if he sweeps the double 40-lap main events Saturday, has helped Stroebel extend his lead in the ASA Member Track National Championship standings.
Heading into the Fourth of July week of racing, Stroebel owned a 2.8309 average in the national standings, putting him a nearly a half-point in front of Mike Slone, who has piled up a 2.3560 average at Lebanon I-44 Speedway. Slone, who races Late Models at the Missouri track, finished 13th in Wednesday’s Firecracker 50. That result could mar his chances to keep pace with Stroebel.
Reigning ASA Member Track National Champion Barry Beggarly is third in the 2012 standings with a 2.3163 average after his second feature victory of the season at Ace Speedway in Altamahaw, N.C. He also is a Late Model driver.
ASA Member Track National Championship Standings
Through June 30 — 1. Shelby Stroebel (Meridian Speedway), 2.8309 points; 2. Mike Slone (Lebanon I-44 Speedway, Mo.), 2.3560; 3. Barry Beggarly (Ace Speedway, N.C.), 2.3163; 4. Wayne Webb (Newport Motor Speedway, Tenn.), 1.9053; 5. Michael Hale (Rocky Mountain Raceways, Utah), 1.7488; 6. Mark Eswein (State Park Speedway, Wis.), 1.5177; 7. Kyle Borden (Shasta Speedway, Calif.), 1.3704; 8. Lance Gatlin (Lonesome Pine Raceway, Va.), 0.8359
