Special events dot area late-season schedules

The point seasons that aren't over are at least winding down, but the lineup of special events has never been more competitive than it will be over the next month.

Tracks across theMidwest will try to gain an upper hand in a busy late-season schedule beginning this weekend when I-55 Raceway near Pevely, Mo., hosts the rescheduled Pepsi Nationals for late models. The event is a $10,000-to-win event with bonus money also planned in the modified class.

After this weekend, there's plenty on the horizon:

Sprints will race for $2,000 to win Sept. 26 at Malden (Mo.) Speedway.

Late models will go for $2,000 to win Sept. 26 at Memphis (Tenn.) Motorsports Park.

All Star Circuit of Champions sprints will race on the first day of a two-day card Sept. 27 at Auto Tire and Parts Racepark near Benton, Mo. Mini sprints will race in the USOMSA National Championships Sept. 27 and 28, and modifieds will join them in Sunday's program.

The O'Reilly 100 for karts was rained out Saturday and rescheduled for Sept. 27 at SEMO Raceway near Blodgett, Mo.

Late models return to I-55 Raceway for $15,000 to win Oct. 4.

Late models will compete in the Cotton Bowl Cup at Malden Speedway from Oct. 23 to 25. The finale will pay $5,000 to win.

Late models taken out of weekly Fredericktown plan

Late models won't return to Fredericktown (Mo.) Raceway on a weekly basis.

"We tried all kinds of things to avoid this, but there is no other alternative,"track manager Terry Flanagan said. "In order for the track to survive, this was just a move we had to make."

The late model class was added as the track's top class in mid-2002. Modifieds and sportsmen will become the track's premier classes.

The track's special event for modifieds was rained out last week and will be made up Friday night. That event pays $1,000 to win. The program also features a $1,000-to-win event for hobby stock and sportsmen cars.

Points titles are decided

Weather helped determine season track champions at ATPR after the final points event of the season was rained out Saturday.

Season champs are Robbie Standridge of Springfield, Ill., in sprints, Joe Morris of Galatia, Ill., in late models, Leo Kiefer of Perryville, Mo., in modifieds, Greg Casey of Sikeston in pure streets and Jason Guardian and Daniel Hancock in cruisers.

Fredericktown champions are Kenny Rumble of House Springs, Mo., in late models, Joe Giesler of St. Mary, Mo., in modifieds, Chris Boyd of Park Hills, Mo., in hobby stocks and Theran Pearl of Bismarck, Mo., in pure streets.