ALLSTAR: MW: Benton preview

O'Reilly Midwest All Star Series Set to Kick Off 2007 Season in Missouri

CAMARGO, IL (5-11-07) -- The O'Reilly Midwest All Stars are gearing up for the 2007 season opener on Friday, May 25^th at Auto Tire and Parts Race Park in Benton, MO. The teams have spent the winter months preparing for the inaugural season of racing that will cover approximately 22 races between the months of May and October throughout the Midwest. The new owners of Auto Tire and Parts Race Park, Kevin Armstrong and Billy Clayton, are excited about the new season at the track. With the many improvements they have made over the winter such as the new clay brought in, fresh paint, and the many other improvements around the facility, they are excited and looking forward to the MASS season opener.

With 30+ cars expected to compete on opening day for the first points race of the season, drivers like Robbie Standridge from Springfield, IL along with nephew and 3^rd generation driver Jeremy Standridge, plus Joey and Tim Montgomery from Fredericktown, MO and Jimmy Hurley, Jason Keith, Jerrod Hull, and several other from around the area, there will be some stout competition which will make for some great side by side racing action on this high banked 3/8 mile track.

After the conclusion of the opening night at Auto Tire and Parts Race Park, the MASS series will be heading back to Illinois for another exciting night of wheel to wheel action on Saturday night at the fast ¼ mile semi banked track at Lincoln Speedway in Lincoln, IL. After all the changes promoter Don Hammer has made to the track over the winter such as a new outside retaining wall and catch fence, there should be a lot better side by side racing action. Cars should now be able to build a cushion and run the top of the track allowing for multiple grooves all night long . Keep these dates open as the O'Reilly Midwest All Star Series invades Illinois and Missouri on this special Memorial Day weekend.

The MASS Series will also be implementing the new right rear tire rule starting opening day at Benton, MO. This new 105/18-15 tire will feature a stiffer construction and be available in three compounds (SC12, SC15, and SC25). It will utilize the same tread design and tire dimensions as the open competition right rear. Goals of this national sprint car tire program are to reduce cost and create better side by side racing. By minimizing the compound offerings there should be a significant reduction in overall tire expenses. Testing has indicated that this stiffer tire construction creates more opportunity for passing and better side by side racing action for the fans.

-credit: allstarsprint