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Lucas Oil Speedway plays host to MLRA with hour earlier starts set, Friday and Saturday

By Lyndal Scranton (Wheatland, MO) -- Lucas Oil Speedway's first special event of the 2019 season, the 6th annual Lucas Oil MLRA Spring Nationals Presented by Racingjunk.com, is set for Friday and Saturday nights. Starting times move up one hour due to predicted cool evening temperatures.

Pit gates will open at 1 p.m., with front gates opening at 3 p.m., drivers' draw closing at 4:45 and drivers' meeting at 5. Hot laps are scheduled for 5:30 with racing at 6:05.

PHOTO: Chad Simpson (25) and Will Vaught (1) were 1-2 in the Lucas Oil MLRA championship chase in 2018. The new season opens this weekend with the Spring Nationals at Lucas Oil Speedway. Start times have been moved ahead one hour.--CREDIT: Kenny Shaw photo

"We think that by starting a little earlier, it'll make everyone a little bit more comfortable throughout the evening," Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Danny Lorton said. "We wanted to get the word out as early in the week as possible so everyone can adjust accordingly."

The opening events of the Lucas Oil MLRA season, with $3,000-to-win features both nights, also will find full programs for the Pitts Homes USRA Modifieds and O'Reilly Auto Parts Street Stocks both Friday and Saturday.

Chad Simpson of Mount Vernon, Iowa, will be back to begin defense of his MLRA championship that he nailed down with a feature win at last October's MLRA Fall Nationals at Lucas Oil Speedway. After driving for long-time car owners Bud and Denise Brinkman, Simpson will be driving his own car after the Brinkmans retired from the sport.

Others expected to be on hand will be 2018 MLRA runner-up Will Vaught of Crane, Missouri, last year's Sunoco Race Fuel Rookie of the Year Payton Looney of Republic and former MLRA champion Jesse Stovall of Billings, Missouri.

There is a practice scheduled for 6-9 p.m. Thursday. Pits will open at 3 p.m. with pit passes $25. Grandstand admission is free.

Admission prices:
(Friday)
Adults (16 and over) $15
Seniors (62 and over)/Military $12
Youth (ages 6-15) $5
Kids (5 and under) FREE
Family Pass $30
Pit Pass $35

(Saturday)
Adults (16 and over) $20
Seniors (62 and over)/Military $17
Youth (ages 6-15) $10
Kids (5 and under) FREE
Family Pass $40
Pit Pass $40

To inquire about tickets, VIP suites or camping, contact Admissions Director Nichole McMillan at (417) 282-5984 or via email at Nichole@LucasOilSpeedway.com.

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