9/30/2017
Salina Highbanks Speedway
Stovall secures pole for 5th Annual Sooner Showdown; Jolly, Davis, Shive also top point earners
Jesse Stovall debuted a new MB Custom Modified during this year’s rendition of the Sooner Showdown and has been fast right out of the gate. Qualifying fourth best in passing points after two rounds of heat races, Stovall took the track in the eighth round of the Modified Bracket Race Pole Dash to set up Saturday’s A-Main. Stovall defeated Chad Wheeler, and went on to hold off challenges from 2017 Track Champion Mitch Keeter and Lobo Racing Teammates RC Whitwell and Tyler Wolff to earn the pole position in the $3,000 to win A-Main that will start three-wide.
In addition to Stovall, Wolff and Whitwell will make up the first row, at second and third, respectively. Keeter, Wheeler, and 2011 Track Champion Joe Duvall will make up the second row, while Logan Robertson, Justin Rexwinkle, and Jared Russell start on row three. The fourth and final full row that is officially determined will include Mike Striegel, Mickey Lassiter, and Nathan Hagar. Jonothan Beyer who tied with Hagar in combined passing points is also guaranteed a spot in the show after competing in the Pole Dash. Remaining competitors who failed to make the Top 13 as well as new entries are tentatively scheduled to race in a B-Main that will set the rest of the field.
In B-Mod competition Cody Jolly proved to be the class of the field at the Highbanks once again. Jolly won heat races in both rounds to nab the pole in the Pole Dash. Jolly will start alongside Highbanks newcomer, Mike Hailmann. Shawn Strong and John Allen locked in on the second row, Tyler Kidwell and Matt Collins will make up row three, while Brady Walsh and Justin Shoemaker made the final cut to lock into the Pole Dash and A-Main. The balance of the field will be decided by a pair of B-Mains.
A lean but competitive field of Super Stocks checked in to qualify for a $1,500 top prize. After two rounds of heat races featuring two heat races in each, Kyle Davis ended up atop the heap in passing points. Davis will start alongside 2017 Track Champion Dale Richardson on the front row in the Pole Dash. Other drivers locked in include: Nick Artherton and Jeff Metcalf on row two, Darin Rigney and Ted Holt, Jr. on row three, and Tyler Hopson and Andy Davis on row four. Kyle Slader narrowly missed the Top 8, and will join a handful of others in a tentatively schedule B-Main.
Jordon Shive continues to have a successful rookie campaign, as he is the high point earner in the Pure Stock division. The 2017 Rookie of the Year will fire off on the front row of the Pole Dash with veteran Wade Palmer to his outside. Nathan Campbell who has tallied six wins this season will start third with Steve Freeman to his outside. The second half locked in to the Pole Dash and A-Main is Tommy Cantwell and Jack Kirby on row three and Mark Martin and Mike Moschak on row four. There will be a B-Main to determine the next dozen drivers that will compete in the 5th Annual Sooner Showdown as well as one provisional starter courtesy of Gordon’s Detail.
Complete lineups for Saturday’s finale of the 5th Annual Sooner Showdown are available at the following link: http://www.salinahighbanksspeedway.com/profile/schedule/results.aspx?r=203580&rt=sch. Late entries are welcome, and will start at the back of the B-Main in their respective division. However, the driver must pay Friday's pit pass in addition to the entry fee and Saturday pit pass.
Hot laps are at 6:30 with racing at 7:00. The evening’s festivities will also include a complimentary pre-race meal at 4:00 on pit side courtesy of ARMI Contractors and Wheeler Metals.
Submitted By: Elizabeth Davis
