As I sit here (im)patiently waiting to see if I can squeeze in one more race this season, those eager to put 2020 in the rear view mirror have begun offering teasers for what lies ahead.
Perhaps the most dramatic news thus far, at least for those of us in the Iowa, Illinois, Missouri Tri State area is the announcement that Jim Lieurance, the former race director at Quincy Raceways and in 2020 at the Randolph County Raceway has, along with his wife Tammy, signed a two year lease to promote the high banked track near Moberly, Missouri from owners David and Janelle Claypoole. The Lieurance family are familiar figures to racers and fans around the area, as Jimmy has worn many hats at QR over the years while Tammy and their daughter Michelle operated the pit shack at both facilities. Jim was often seen cruising the pit and parking area on his 4 wheeler with a grandkid or two in tow, visiting with drivers and fans alike. The family will be hosting an informational meeting on Sunday, November 29 after which details for 2021 will be announced. One major change, however, will see the track move back to Friday night racing after a season of Sunday action. As of now, there has been no word on the status of Quincy Raceways for next season with Illinois currently in heavy lockdown mode.
Meanwhile, 34 Raceway owners Brad Stevens and Jessi Mynatt shared big news as well, with the announcement that the Slocum 50 will expand to a two race weekend. Racing under the MLRA sanction, the late models will run two separate shows, with $5,000 up for grabs on Friday, April 16 followed by the fifty lap $10,555 headliner on Saturday. These races are scheduled to be part of a four night series swing through the state of Iowa. Although they are waiting to firm up some other dates before releasing a full schedule, it looks like the Lucas Oil late models will hit the high banks on Saturday, May 22, with the MLRA making another appearance on Saturday July 3. And as always, we can expect multiple visits by the sprint cars to the legendary 3/8 mile. In addition, Brad and Jessi are in the process of extensive track work while also reworking the infield alignment.
Not to be outdone, Brian and Marcie Gaylord have released a tentative schedule for the Lee County Speedway in Donnellson, with a kick off date of Friday, April 2. They will hit the ground running, with the Sprint Invaders featured along with the first of seven Drive for Five events. After a successful first season for the IMCA late model Drive for Five, IMCA modifieds will also be participating in the special mini series in 2021. As of press time, sponsors were being sought to add to the modified purse. The modified finale is set for August 20 with the late model showdown on September 11. The LCS season finale will once again be the highly anticipated Shiverfest on October 30.
As things stand now, the first racing of 2021in the Tri State area will take place the final weekend in March when Mike VanGenderen brings his expertise to the Scotland County Speedway in Memphis, Mo. So keep an eye peeled for more info.
One other note of interest is the scheduling of the NASCAR truck series at the Knoxville Raceway on Friday July 9. While the heavier trucks will fall well short of the sprint cars or even the late models in speed and handling, this event will no doubt capture the attention of the dirt and pavement crowd alike.
As mentioned, I still have hopes of adding one more race to the book this season, and that would be the now rescheduled Turkey Bowl at the Springfield, Missouri quarter mile. Weather permitting, what is now a two night show will host partial qualifying events this Friday, November 27, and I hope to join the action on Saturday, with a $4,000 to win late model shootout topping the bill. We shall see...
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