In the world of sprint car racing an A-main event that features more than 40 laps is almost unheard of, but this weekend this is a challenge that will be staring the O’Reilly Midwest All Star Series directly in the face. As the series takes on some of the best in sprint car racing at I-55 Raceway this weekend, Friday night August 7th will be a typical 30 lap feature. It is when the series returns Saturday night that the tables will be turned.
On Saturday night August 8th the drivers of the Midwest Series will be ready for a grueling 55 lap showdown known as the Ironman 55 at I-55 Raceway. In its inaugural running the Ironman 55 will present a new challenge to drivers and teams alike as they see who can go the distance around the 1/3-mile bullring for a $20,000 payday at the end of the night. This will be the second time that the Midwest All Stars have run at I-55 Raceway. The last time the Midwest Series visited the high banked track Jerrod Hull claimed the victory from the pole position after battling Joey Montgomery and Joey Moughan for the win.
Currently Jerrod Hull holds a slim lead over Bill Rose in the point standings. Hull has a great record on the 1/3-mile bullring with two wins and he has finished in the top-ten in 12 of his 24 starts. Rose on the other hand has only one A-main start on the Pevely, Missouri track. Third place in the points AJ Bruns has six starts on the I-55 high banks. His best finish came in 2007 when he finished fourth. Alex Shanks who currently sits fourth in points has three starts at I-55 with his best finish being sixth.
For some of the Midwest All Stars this will be their first time trying to tame the high banks at I-55 Raceway. This weekend Kody Kinser and Miranda Throckmorton will be facing the track the first time. While drivers like Brad Greer and Rookie-of-the-Year point leader Jim Davies each have a single start to their credit. Which of the Midwest All Stars will be still standing at the end of the 55 lap marathon?
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