IRVINGTON, Ala. (June 4, 2014) – To say that the last two features for the modified division at Mobile International Speedway were anything less than spectacular would be an understatement. Two weeks ago, race fans at Alabama’s fastest half-mile observed a spirited charge by Donnie Hamrac from the rear of the field all the way to the front to win the 20-lap feature.
In the race before that, fans were treated to an epic battle between Hamrac and Donald Crocker- who battled nose-to-tail for nearly the entire race before Crocker made the winning pass late in the race.
Now, after two consecutive races that were absolutely spectacular, the drivers of the Modified division will take center stage at MIS this coming Saturday night for a special 40-lap feature with $1200 to be granted to the winner after the checkered flag waves. Not only will the ground-pounders be the center of attention, but they will also be battling in their longest event of the season at the track.
Showing great speed the last two races, Hamrac will more than likely be the favorite leading into the weekend’s festivities. His remarkable charge from worst to first last time out certainly proves that the Semmes (Alabama) based driver will be a contender on Saturday night.
Finishing first and last respectively in his last two races, Crocker, who calls Citronelle (Alabama) home, has proven that he has what it takes to capture the checkers at Mobile. At the same time, however; he has proven that he and his No. 5 are vulnerable. With Saturday night’s race being one of the biggest of the year for the Modifieds; it will be fascinating to see what he brings the track.
Lost in the buzz of the last two races is Okie Mason, who enters Saturday night’s race as the points leader—and has a sizeable cushion in terms of his points lead. With 97 points between himself and second-place driver, Hamrac, Mason has room to be aggressive and do what it takes to be the driver in victory lane at feature’s end. With results of fourth and fifth in his last two races out, the driver who calls Kushla (Alabama) home has proven that he is a consistent threat and will be a contender on the big stage Saturday night.
With so much on the line, and keeping the division’s last two races in mind, Saturday night’s special 40-lap feature for the Modified division at MIS is sure to be can’t-miss event. Considering that $1200 is on the line for the winner, the driver who captures the checkered flag will more than likely have had to earn it in a big way.
Pro Truck
One month removed from a race that saw Jay Jay Day set a new track record and win his feature race, but suffer from an equipment failure while leading in the closing laps; Saturday night is all about redemption for the driver of the No. 98 truck.
Sitting second in points and 19 markers behind Okie Mason who went on to win the feature one month ago, Day, who calls Theodore (Alabama) home, has Saturday night’s 25-lap feature circled on his calendar.
With just five races remaining for the division this team, the time is now for the drivers of the Pro Trucks at Alabama’s fastest half-mile. With a scant 24 points separating the top four in points, each passing race weekend is an opportunity passed to make up valuable points to potentially parlay into a championship season.
Super Stock
It has also been nearly a month since the drivers of the Super Stock division was last on track at Mobile—and it proved to be a dramatic outing.
Most race fans left the track thinking that Dave Mader III had won the 25-lap feature following a dominant performance. Leading the division’s point standings by a scant five markers leading into the weekend, it appeared that the Irvington (Alabama) driver had stretched his lead, but then a dramatic set of circumstances changed everything.
In post-race technical inspection, the top-three finishing cars, including Mader’s, were thrown out- handing the win over to Joey Moxley. For Mader and the rest of the top-three, they were awarded no points for their efforts—which completely changed the complexion of the championship picture.
Following the infractions, Mader now sits third in the point standings and trails Bobby Baria by a mammoth 89 points. With only four races left for he and the rest of the Super Stock drivers, Saturday night offers a chance to make up crucial points as the season begins its final stretch.
Sportsmen
Two weeks ago, Sportsmen division points leader Brannon Fowler parlayed a late-race pass on Lee “Red Dog” Reynolds into yet another feature win at MIS.
In what has become one of the most stimulating divisions to watch at Alabama’s fastest half-mile, the last three races have seen each of the top three drivers in points make a visit to victory lane—which has made the point standings close.
If the cycle continues, Reynolds, who sits second in points would be the driver to win on Saturday night, but Fowler’s stranglehold on the division can’t be disregarded. Just like the other divisions at MIS, the season for Sportsman drivers is also winding down—and it’s go time for those wanting to call themselves “champion” at season’s end.
Bombers
The past two months at MIS have been dominated by one man: BJ Leytham. Winning his seventh consecutive feature win and batting a perfect average on the season, the Mobile (Alabama) based driver collected his own bounty money two weeks ago.
Despite Leytham’s bounty being over, however; that doesn’t mean that his absolute dominance of the division is too.
Making a one-off start last weekend at 5 Five Flags Speedway in nearby Pensacola, Florida, Leytham dominated the caution-filled event that had 19 cars take the green flag. Not only did the win add to what has been a dream season for the driver, but it proved just how stout he and his car are.
Heading back to his home track this weekend at MIS, Leytham enters Saturday night’s race with a massive 131-point lead in hand as he looks to close on the division championship, but a target remains on his back.
About Mobile International Speedway: Mobile International Speedway is the longest continuously operating sports facility in Mobile County. It was built in 1964 and has presented weekly motorsports events every year since then. As an indication of increasing community acceptance and enthusiasm, both the Mobile Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Mobile Sports Authority became MIS partners beginning in 2013.
Family attendance and participation have been the keys to the track’s continued success. Kids five and under are always admitted free to the grandstands. Family nights and family-oriented shows have always been staples of the annual MIS schedules. Over 30,000 people will attend the 14 scheduled MIS events in 2014.
