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Chuckwagon Food Services 40, FALS Triple Down Shootout, Plowboy Nationals Next for MARS Championship Tours

Chuckwagon Food Services 40, FALS Triple Down Shootout, Plowboy Nationals Next for MARS Championship Tours

FAIRBURY, IL (August 27, 2024) – After two nights of action-packed racing last weekend, the grind continues for the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends this weekend as we close out the month of August and ring in September with three nights of competition right here in Central Illinois. Last weekend saw Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year contender, Daniel Adam, pick up his first career MARS victory at Tri-City Speedway, while Ryan Unzicker looks to stay in the title hunt with a victory at Red Hill Raceway.

Labor Day weekend has always been one circled on the calendar for many the region as it traditionally has held a strong MARS presence while unofficially marking the end of the regular racing season in Central Illinois. This weekend is much of the same as Friday marks the final night of racing in 2024 at Farmer City Raceway, Saturday is the final night of racing at Fairbury Speedway (with the exception of the Edelman – Heating, Cooling, Plumbing, Electric & Solar FALS Frenzy MARS Championship weekend in October), while Spoon River Speedway looks to capitalize on others slowing down as a full slate of action is still to come in the remaining month of September.

Friday, August 30, the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends will head to Farmer City Raceway in Farmer City, Illinois for the Chuckwagon Food Services 40 paying $5,000-to-win. This will mark the second and final stop of the season for the tour as it was Chatham, Illinois driver Brian Shirley topping a 35-car field back in July. Donny Walden wrapped up the 2024 Farmer City Raceway track championship last weekend and is always one of the strongest threats when the MARS tour rolls into town. A special three-division program is on tap for Friday night that is sure to have fans out and on the road at an early hour.

Following Farmer City, drivers will make the short 45-minute trip north and roll into the Fairbury Speedway in Fairbury, Illinois for the FALS Triple Down Shootout Presented by First Student & Livingston Stone Company on Saturday, August 31. MARS Late Models will once again be on the card for their second visit of the season. Jason Feger took home the victory during the Illinois Dirt Shootout over Allen Weisser, and Ryan Unzicker with 31 cars checked in for battle that evening. For the first time since mid-July, the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment tour will be back in action with us as well. Modified drivers are hungry and ready for battle, as only six events remain on the schedule for 2024. Saturday will mark a special night for those drivers as they will be gunning for a $3,000 top prize.

On Sunday, September 1, the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment will take the mainstage as Spoon River Speedway in Lewistown, Illinois hosts the 34th annual Plowboy Nationals paying $5,000 to win for the MARS Modifieds. Ethan Dotson took home the win last season in the Longhorn House Car over Michael Ledford and Michael Long. The MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends will also be a part of the Plowboy Nationals with their own $5,000 to win feature event that evening that marks the only visit of the season for the tour after the May 26 event was taken by mother nature.
Plowboy Nationals Past Winners

1991 – Scott May
1992 – Randy Mahring
1993 – Jim Hibser
1994 – Scott May
1995 – Jim Hibser
1996 – Bryan Clendenen
1997 – Billy Tuckwell
1998 – Randy Mahring
1999 – Jeff Leka
2000 – Gary Cook Jr
2001 – Gary Cook Jr
2002 – Jim Hibser
2003 – Gary Cook Jr
2004 – Chad Kinder
2005 – Gary Cook Jr
2006 – Jim Hibser
2007 – Butch Weisser
2008 – Kevin Weaver
2009 – Allen Weisser
2010 – Mike Spatola
2011 – Brian Harris
2012 – Matt Mevert
2013 – Jeff Curl
2014 – Jacob Poel
2015 – Chad Kinder
2016 – Kenny Wallace
2017 – David Stremme
2018 – Mike Chasteen Jr
2019 – Nick Hoffman
2020 – Nick Hoffman
2021 – Nick Hoffman
2022 – Tyler Nicely
2023 – Ethan Dotson

Jason Feger still leads the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends points standings over a hard-charging Ryan Unzicker. With Unzicker’s win at Red Hill last Saturday, he and Feger both have 4 wins on the series. Bob Gardner holds down third position with only a 7-point lead over Justin Duty. Kye Blight currently resides in fifth. Justin Duty has distanced himself from the rest of his competitors in Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year standings, but Daniel Adam will be looking to shrink the gap this weekend after picking up his first career victory at Tri-City last weekend.

Michael Long holds a whopping 180-point lead over the competition in MARS Modified Powered by Summit Racing Equipment standings. After missing two series events, Mike McKinney still sits in second while series regulars Ray Bollinger, Zeke McKenzie, and Lyndon Whitfill round out the top-5. Whitfill holds a 37-point advantage over Kyle Hammer in Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year standings, with the dark horse being Jarrett Stryker lurking in the shadows in third.

Friday, August 30

Farmer City Raceway
Farmer City, Illinois

Chuckwagon Food Services 40

$5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds – Richardson Memorial
DIRTcar Pro Late Models

Pits open at 4:00 P.M.
Grandstands open at 4:00 P.M.
Drivers Meeting at 6:00 P.M.
Hot Laps at 6:30 P.M.

Adult General Admission $25
General Admission for Kids 12 and under FREE
Pit Pass $40
Pit Pass for Kids ages 5-12 $20
Pit Pass for Kids 4 and under FREE

Saturday, August 31

Fairbury Speedway
Fairbury, Illinois

FALS Triple Down Shootout Presented by Livingston Stone Company & First Student

$5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends
$3,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
$4,300-to-win DIRTcar Stock Cars – Hubert Memorial

Pits open at 12:00 P.M.
Grandstands open at 12:00 P.M.
Drivers Meeting at 5:00 P.M.
Hot Laps at 5:30 P.M.

Adult General Admission $30
General Admission for Kids 12 and under FREE
Pit Pass $40
Pit Pass for Kids 12 and under $15

Sunday, September 1

Spoon River Speedway
Lewistown, Illinois

34th annual Plowboy Nationals

$5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends
$5,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
$5,000-to-win E-Mods
$1,000-to-win DIRTcar Hornets

Pits open at 2:00 P.M.
Grandstands open at 5:00 P.M.
Drivers Meeting at 6:00 P.M.
Hot Laps at 6:30 P.M.

Adult General Admission $35
General Admission for Kids 12 and under $25
Pit Pass $45
Pit Pass for Kids 12 and under $25

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Tire Rule for each night:

LF: Any (90) Hoosier
RF: Hoosier NLMT2 (90)
LR: Hoosier NLMT2 (90)
RR: Hoosier NLMT3 (92) or Hoosier NLMT4 (92)

LM tires allowed on the Left Front ONLY

Grooving and Siping will be permitted.

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Feature purse each night: 1) $5,000 2) $2,500 3) $2,000 4) $1,600 5) $1,400 6) $1,200 7) $1,000 8) $800 9) $700 10) $600 11) $500 12) $500 13) $500 14) $500 15) $500 16) $500 17) $500 18) $500 19) $500 20) $500 21) $500 22) $500. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $90 ($95 Sunday)

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Feature purse for Saturday: 1) $3,000 2) $1,500 3) $1,250 4) $1,000 5) $800 6) $600 7) $500 8) $400 9) $300 10) $275 11) $250 12) $250 13) $250 14) $250 15) $250 16) $250 17) $250 18) $250 19) $250 20) $250 21) $250 22) $250. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $65

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Feature purse for Sunday: 1) $5,000 2) $2,500 3) $1,500 4) $1,200 5) $1,000 6) $900 7) $800 8) $700 9) $600 10) $500 11) $400 12) $400 13) $400 14) $400 15) $400 16) $400 17) $400 18) $400 19) $400 20) $400 21) $400 22) $400. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $70

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Point Standings (Top 15)

1. Jason Feger – Bloomington, IL – 783 Points
2. Ryan Unzicker – El Paso, IL – 746 Points
3. Bob Gardner – Washington, IL – 597 Points
4. Justin Duty – Molalla, OR – 590 Points
5. Kye Blight – Bunbury, Western Australia – 545 Points
6. Daniel Adam – Peru, IL – 524 Points
7. Allen Weisser – Peoria, IL – 483 Points
8. Jake Little – Springfield, IL – 427 Points
9. Mark Voigt – Marine, IL – 415 Points
10. McKay Wenger – Faribury, IL – 389 Points
11. Dale Markham – Maple Park, IL – 375 Points
12. Mitch McGrath – Waukesha, WI – 351 Points
13. Frank Heckenast Jr – Frankfort, IL – 292 Points
14. Terry Bolin – Brighton, IL – 282 Points
15. Mike Spatola – Manhattan, IL – 274 Points

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Standings

1. Justin Duty – 590 Points
2. Daniel Adam – 524 Points
3. Allen Weisser – 483 Points
4. Jake Little – 427 Points
5. Dale Markham – 375 Points
6. Mitch McGrath – 351 Points
7. Terry Bolin – 282 Points

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Point Standings (Top 10)

1. Michael Long – Fowler, IL – 740 Points
2. Mike McKinney – Plainfield, IL – 560 Points
3. Ray Bollinger – Kewanee, IL – 486 Points
4. Zeke McKenzie – Claypool, IN – 431 Points
5. Lyndon Whitfiill – Fairbury, IL – 400 Points
6. Kyle Hammer – Clinton, IL – 363 Points
7. Dylan Woodling – Warsaw, IN – 356 Points
8. Jarrett Stryker – Breese, IL – 318 Points
9. Michael Ledford – Pontiac, IL – 263 Points
10. Trey Harris – Hillsboro, MO – 259 Points

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Standings

1. Lyndon Whitfill – 400 Points
2. Kyle Hammer – 363 Points
3. Jarrett Stryker – 318 Points
4. Treb Jacoby – 255 Points
5. Mason Duncan – 195 Points

2024 MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Statistics

Pontiac RV Heat Race #1 Winners

Jason Feger - 3
Colby Sheppard - 1
Mike Harrison - 1
Allen Weisser - 1
Brian Shirley - 1
Gordy Gundaker - 1
Dennis Erb Jr - 1
Garrett Alberson - 1
Shannon Babb - 1
Kye Blight - 1

FK Rod Ends 1st Place Finisher

Jason Feger - 4
Ryan Unzicker - 4
Dillon McCowan - 1
Brian Shirley - 1
Dennis Erb Jr - 1
Daniel Adam - 1

FK Rod Ends 5th Place Finisher

Bob Gardner - 2
Matt Bailey - 2
Allen Weisser - 2
Kye Blight - 2
Kevin Weaver - 1
Jake Little - 1
Chad Simpson - 1
Shannon Babb - 1

Fairbury Fasteners 7th Place Finisher

Kye Blight - 3
Mark Voigt - 2
Mike Spatola - 1
McKay Wenger - 1
Ryan Unzicker - 1
Justin Duty - 1
Mitch McGrath - 1
Rich Bell - 1
Bob Gardner - 1

Budda by Bert Transmission 9th Place Finisher

Joe Chalmers - 2
Rich Bell - 1
Turk Letizia - 1
Daniel Adam - 1
Myles Moos - 1
Donny Walden - 1
Aaron Marrant - 1
Mitch McGrath - 1
Allen Weisser - 1
Jayme Zidar - 1
Bob Gardner - 1

Hooker Harness 11th Place Finisher

Kye Blight - 1
Justin Duty - 1
Darrel Moser Jr - 1
Daniel Adam - 1
Aaron Marrant - 1
Rusty Griffaw - 1
Rickey Frankel - 1
Mike Provenzano - 1
Jake Little - 1
Shawn Mulvany - 1
Doug Tye - 1
Terry Bolin - 1

Keyser Manufacturing 13th Place Finisher

Bob Gardner - 1
Dale Markham - 1
Jason Suhre - 1
Jeffrey Ledford - 1
Allen Weisser - 1
Gordy Gundaker - 1
Jason Perry - 1
Daniel Adam - 1
Curtis Eller - 1
Gary Webb - 1
Justin Duty - 1
Kyle McMahon - 1

Fast Shafts 15th Place Finisher

Brian Shirley - 1
Jake Little - 1
Jordan Bauer - 1
Timmy Dick - 1
Kye Blight - 1
Trey Mills - 1
Colby Sheppard - 1
Jeremy Spoonmore - 1
Dakota Ewing - 1
Camden Gardner - 1
Tucker Finch - 1
Lee Williams - 1

MSD Hard Charger Award Winners

Bob Gardner - 2
Dale Markham - 2
Frank Heckenast Jr - 1
Turk Letizia - 1
Kye Blight - 1
Jason Perry - 1
Mike Provenzano - 1
Allen Weisser - 1
Rich Bell - 1
Terry Bolin - 1

Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winners

Mark Voigt - 1
David Marlow - 1
Michael Kloos – 1
Frank Heckenast Jr – 1
Rich Bell - 1
Dustin Hodges - 1
Dale Markham - 1
Colby Sheppard - 1
Greg Kimmons - 1
Matt Ryan - 1
Terry Bolin - 1
Blaze Burwell - 1

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winners

Allen Weisser - 5
Jake Little - 2
Justin Duty - 2
Tommy Sheppard Jr - 1
Mitch McGrath - 1
Daniel Adam - 1

2024 MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Statistics

Multi Fire X Fast Time Award Winners

Mike McKinney - 4
Austin Friedman - 2
Michael Long - 1
Derek Losh - 1
Hunt Gossum - 1
Will Krup - 1

Willy’s Carb & Dyno Heat Race #1 Winners

Michael Long - 2
Mike McKinney - 2
Charlie Mefford - 1
Derek Losh - 1
Ray Bollinger - 1
Zeke McKenzie - 1
Dylan Woodling - 1
Will Krup - 1

Lethal Chassis Heat Race #2 Winners

Michael Long - 5
Josh Harris - 1
Mike McKinney - 1
Michael Ledford - 1
Dean Hoffman - 1
Austen Becerra - 1

Summit Racing Equipment 1st Place Finisher

Michael Long - 8
Mike Harrison - 2
Mike McKinney - 1
Will Krup - 1

Fast Shafts 3rd Place Finisher

Michael Ledford - 2
Mike McKinney - 2
Zeke McKenzie - 2
Kyle Steffens - 1
Trey Harris - 1
Dillon Nusbaum - 1
Dean Hoffman - 1
Austin Friedman - 1
Ryan Thomas - 1

Keyser Manufacturing 7th Place Finisher

Ray Bollinger - 2
Treb Jacoby - 2
Kyle Hammer - 2
Allen Weisser - 1
Dylan Woodling - 1
Chad Sellers - 1
Brad Deyoung - 1
Mason Duncan - 1
Frank Marshall - 1

Hooker Harness 11th Place Finisher

Cole Falloway - 1
Trevor Neville - 1
Rick Salter - 1
Caden McWhorter - 1
Lyndon Whitfill - 1
Jeremy Pate - 1
Lucas Lee - 1
Jason Hollon - 1
Blake Brown - 1
Dylan Woodling - 1
Jarrett Stryker - 1
Shawn Deering - 1

MD3 Hard Charger Award Winners

Cole Falloway - 1
Lucas Lee - 1
Dylan Woodling - 1
Ray Bollinger - 1
Jason Hastings - 1
Lyndon Whitfill - 1
Austen Becerra - 1
Mike Harrison - 1
Allen Weisser - 1
Kelly Kovski - 1
Treb Jacoby - 1
Dave Wietholder - 1

Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winners

Ryan Thomas - 1
Rick Frasure - 1
CJ Springer - 1
Noah Faw - 1
Mason Duncan - 1
Cody Zobrist - 1
Tim Nash - 1
Kyle Strickler - 1
Nick Allen - 1
Justin McCoy - 1
Josh Harris - 1
Justin Reed - 1

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winners

Kyle Hammer - 4
Trey Harris - 2
Mason Duncan - 2
Lyndon Whitfill - 2
Treb Jacoby - 1

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR:

• RETURN OF THE MODS: For the first time since Adams County in July, the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment return to action with the first 2 of 6 remaining events on the schedule. Of the 6 events, 4 are running with elevated purses.

• DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: As the season progresses, it is inevitable that teams run into troubles whether it be financial or lack of equipment, and the 2024 season has proved to be no different. Jake Little is down a third engine of the season and is tentatively out of competition for the remainder of 2024. MARS Late Model point leader prior to the summer break, Allen Weisser, appears to be off tour as well after missing the last 3 events and a large chunk of their racing operation up for sale.

• FEGER VS UNZICKER: As we move into the final stretch of the season, Farmer City, FALS, and Spoon River are all home tracks to both Jason Feger and Ryan Unzicker. This weekend is sure to prove crucial in the battle for the championship. In head-to-head MARS competition at each track since the beginning of last season, Feger is ahead 2-1 at Farmer City, 4-1 at Fairbury, and 1-0 at Spoon River.

• MICHAEL LONG CONTINUES TO ROLL: Can Michael Long be stopped? The last night out in MARS competition, Will Krup knocked off the defending series champion. Can Krup or any other of the invaders expected this weekend do the same when big money is on the line?

• FIRST TIME WINNER: A tip of the cap must be made to Peru, Illinois driver Daniel Adam after picking up his first career Super Late Model victory in MARS competition last Friday night at Tri-City Speedway. Can he add to his total before seasons end?

If you are unable to make it to the track, you can catch EVERY MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends event in 2024 live at floracing.com.

For more information about the MARS Dirt Series, please contact Jonathan Clayton at 731-467- 1316, visit the tour’s webpage at marsracingseries.com, or visit @MARSDirtRacing on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment would like to thank the following sponsors and marketing partners for their support of the 2024 racing season: FK Rod Ends (MARS Late Model title sponsor), Summit Racing Equipment (MARS Modified title sponsor), Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts (Official trailer and golf cart provider of the MARS Dirt Series), Flo Racing (Official streaming provider of the MARS Late Model tour), Racing Electronics (Official communications provider of the MARS Dirt Series), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official tire manufacturer of the MARS Dirt Series), Sunoco Race Fuels (Official fuel of the MARS Dirt Series and proud sponsor of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year chase all season long on the MARS Late Model & Modified Championship tours), Illinois State Rifle Association, Pontiac RV (Official RV Dealer of the MARS Dirt Series), Allstar Performance, O’Reilly Auto Parts, DIRTcar Racing, Driscoll Motors (Official dealership of the MARS Dirt Series), Woods Basement Systems (Official Basement Contractor of the MARS Dirt Series), MD3, Josh James Artwork, MWD Signs & Graphix, Fairbury Fastener & Supply, King’s Graphix, Dirt Draft, Digital Copy Systems, Whelen, Multi Fire X, Budda Bert Transmission, Dyer’s Top Rods, Fast Shafts, Wilwood Brakes, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Keyser Manufacturing, Varsitee Screenprinting, Willy’s Carb & Dyno, Trackside Racewear, Hooker Harness, Lethal Chassis, Remtek Enterprises, and QuickCar Racing Products.

MARS Championship Upcoming Events

• August 30, 2024 - Farmer City Raceway - Farmer City, IL - Chuckwagon Food Services 40 - $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends

• August 31, 2024 - Fairbury Speedway - Fairbury, IL - Triple Down Shootout Presented by First Student & Livingston Stone Company - $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $3,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

• September 1, 2024 - Spoon River Speedway - Lewistown, IL - Plowboy Nationals - $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $5,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

• September 13, 2024 - Brownstown Bullring - Brownstown, IL - Brownstown 100 Presented by McKay Napa Auto Parts - $10,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $3,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

• September 14, 2024 - Paducah International Raceway - Paducah, KY – USA World 50 - $12,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $3,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

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