FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
IRVINGTON, Ala. (August 27, 2014) – Honoring the late Lee Fields – the man who turned the Mobile International Speedway into what it is today – the Lee Fields Memorial is the only time each year that all six of the divisions at the half-mile track compete on the same night.
With just three race weekends left before the end of the season, there will be plenty on the line during Saturday night’s festivities. Besides the opportunity to win on the very special night – a goal of all of the drivers who compete at MIS – a chance to make up ground in the championship points standings is also on the line. With limited opportunities available to do so, there will be much to watch during this packed night of racing action at Alabama’s fastest half-mile.
Pro Late Model
The main event of the Lee Fields Memorial, the drivers of the Pro Late Model division will compete in a 100 green flag lap race on Saturday night.
Known for pulling PLM drivers from throughout the southeast United States, this year’s edition continues the trend. Among those set to take to the high banks of Mobile include former NASCAR driver Mike Garvey, Southern Super Series points leader Bubba Pollard, and more.
Looking to keep these interlopers out of victory lane are the talented division drivers who compete at MIS on a regular basis. Among those is the division’s current points leader and defending champion, Josh Bragg. Leading the standings by 23 markers over Junior Niedecken, Bragg has been the model of consistency all season long.
The regulars will have their work cut out for them; however, as Garvey enters the weekend with momentum on his side. Sweeping the 20/30 split features at MIS two weeks ago, the Pensacola native has his car ready to take home the belt at race’s end.
With so much on the line, it will be interesting to see who ends the night in victory lane after 100 laps.
Modifieds
The last time the drivers of the Modifieds were on track at MIS – way back on June 21 – Donald Crocker of Citronelle (Ala.) reigned supreme by winning the special 40-lap feature for the division in dominant fashion.
Now, with just two races left for the season, including the Lee Fields Memorial, time is running out for the ground pounders to make up ground in the points standings, and visit O’Reilly Auto Parts victory lane.
Leading the charge is the division’s points leader, Okie Mason. A model of consistency all season long, Mason has firm control of the division – but a stout group of competitors are looking to tip the scales in their favor before the season comes to an end.
Besides Crocker, Donnie Hamrac of Semmes (Ala.) has appeared to have the car to beat at numerous points of the season – which came to a head on June 7 when he came from the back of the pack to win the 25-lap feature in impressive fashion.
Just like it has been all season, it is hard to pinpoint who will wind up in victory lane each time this division takes to the track. Who will it be this time around at the biggest race of the season?
Super Stocks
Besides breaking into victory lane two weeks ago following the 25-lap feature, Bobby Baria of Grand Bay (Ala.) took control of the Super Stock division’s championship points standings.
Appearing to have peaked at the right time, Baria must now maintain his lead through the Lee Fields Memorial and the division’s finale on September 13.
Behind him, however; a determined group of challengers – including Jason Johnson and Wesley Barnhill – look to steal the spotlight by taking the checkers in the biggest race of the season.
Pro Trucks
Following a drama-filled night of racing that included a trip to the pits to cool his overheating engine before coming to victory lane; Jay Jay Day of Theodore (Ala.) closed to within 1 point of championship leader Okie Mason.
Having one of the fastest trucks in the division all season, Day has had to overcome adversity multiple times throughout the season due to mechanical failures. At one point, he even had to barrow a ride just to compete – and won in it during a night that was all about damage control rather than gaining ground in the championship standings.
With just three races remaining for the division, can Day parlay his late-season momentum into a win during the Lee Fields Memorial, or will a different driver steal the spotlight?
Sportsmen
Two weeks ago, it appeared that Brannon Fowler of Molino (Fla.) was going to extend his points lead following another win at MIS. Moments later, however; his No. 00 was disqualified during post-race technical inspection.
Following the infraction, Jason Smith of Gulfport, Mississippi was named the winner of the race – and Fowler would fall all the way to third in the division’s points standings after being awarded no points for his efforts.
With three races remaining, Mark Barnhill of Irvington (Ala.) now sits atop the standings in what has been an intriguing season for the Sportsman division at MIS.
Bombers
Another race weekend, and another win for B.J. Leytham. Such was the case two weeks ago at MIS for the Bomber division’s dominant driver who added another victory to his undefeated streak at the track that dates back to 2013.
The win wasn’t easy for Leytham, however; who went up and over the hill in turn three on the opening lap. With a second chance after being given his original starting position back during a complete restart, he would capitalize on his good luck and cruise to victory lane yet again.
During the past month, though, a slew of talented drivers have appeared to close in on Leytham – and it couldn’t come at a better time. With the biggest race of the season upon us, could Leytham’s streak come to an end on Saturday night?
All of the action is set to get underway Saturday night; August 30 at 7pm. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for military and students ages 12-17, and $5 for children ages 6-11. Additionally, those five years of age or younger will be admitted to the grandstands free of charge. For more information, call the speedway at (251) 957-2026 or visit mobilespeedway.net.
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.
