After long discussions on what is the best course of action was to improve car count and the opportunities for Lightning Sprints in middle America, two active Lightning Sprints drivers Phil Heavelow and Mark Billings have formed a new Lightning Sprint association. The new Mid-America Lightning Sprints presented by Jayhawk Millwright was formed late last season. The purpose of this new lightning sprint association is to create awareness for the auto sport racing class of Winged Lightning Sprint cars through renewed venues and higher purses
.
Phil Heavelow has racing in his blood from the time he was born. The passion for racing still burns a desire to compete and contribute back to the sport that has been so good to him and his family for so many years. Phil’s words to me were “this sport has been very good to me and maybe its time I put something back in to it!” Phil is also a successful businessman who owns and operates Jayhawk Millwright.
Our first year’s goals are simple. We want to start off small with a four race circuit on four different tracks. We chose to not hang a “point’s fund carrot” in front of the racers, but increase their weekly purse so they receive as much, if not more should they simply attend all of our races. We are simply trying to create a racing environment that Lightning Sprint racers can show up with no concerns about “points” and race for a larger purse.” Take the “obligation attitude” out and put the “fun attitude” back into our racing.
We have worked hard not to conflict any of our race dates with existing lightning sprint groups in the area. Therefore I am please to announce with the help of Jayhawk Millwright each Mid-America Lightning Sprints presented by Jayhawk Millwright is guaranteeing $500 to win MINIMUM!
Other Great Sponsors that are helping out with this new series are, Kent Transportations, Midwest Speed shop, Speedway Motors, Speed Partz, Jack93 FM, Lincoln Heating and Air.
With Kent Transportation sponsorship we have created the Kent Transportation Hard Charger Award. This is a CASH award of $75, which will be given out to the driver who advances his or her position the greatest in each Mid-America Lightning Sprints presented by Jayhawk Millwright feature event. Other sponsorship give a ways are shock rebuild certificates to each heat race winner provide by Midwest Speed Shop in Holt Summit MO, Speedway Motors $50 gift certificates to be given out to this season hard luck candidates.
With the new Mid-America Lightning Sprints first year goals of higher pay and renewed venues creating greater awareness being met, we are please to announce our schedule. Our season will begin on Saturday April 13th at L.A. raceway in LaMonte, MO. Owner and operates Mike and Carolyn White have been great supporters over the years of Lightning Sprint racing and it only seems fitting that we kick off the year with them for there all open wheel show. This will include Mid-America Lighting Sprints, WAR non winged sprints and the 360 winged sprint cars. As with any all open wheel show we expect it to be packed with open wheel fans from all around cheering on there favorite drivers in each class. The second race in our schedule will be at the New Atchison County Raceway in Atchison, KS. on Saturday May the 4th. We are very excited to see how our cars perform on the track dubbed the ULTIMATE CAGE MATCH! We feel our name of being lightning quick will be suited great for this track! The third race on our schedule is at Double-X speedway in California MO. on Sunday May 26th which is not only memorial weekend but also Jesse Hockett night at Double-X speedway. We are honored to have this opportunity to race in front of a great open wheel crowd that will be remembering our great Military Veterans who served this great country and a great racer who called this track home on this weekend. The fourth race will be at a track that has been a main stay on the Lightning Sprint circuit for many years and has become a favorite for drivers and fans a like. Nevada Speedway will host our last event of the year on Saturday, June 29th.
To round out our team I am very pleased long time Lightning Sprint racer and former Midwest Lightning Sprint Club President from 2000 to 2006, Bob Franklin will be acting as Mid-America Lightning Sprints presented by Jayhawk Millwright race director. Bob will bring a wealth of knowledge and practical lightning sprint racing experiences to our series. As the season progresses there may be opportunities to add more venues to our circuit. For complete payout, rules, schedule, forum and contact information go to our web site at www.midamericalightningsprints.com