WEBSTER CITY, Iowa (Aug. 5) – Promoter Bob Harris has found a new twist for one of the longest running specials for Xtreme Motor Sports IMCA Modifieds.
Drivers from eight states are now pre-entered for the 25th annual Harris Clash, which will pay $2,000 to win next Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Hamilton County Speedway in Webster City.
The Clash is the second nightly installment of IMCA Speedweek and a qualifying event for the 2017 Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational.
What’s new this year is a 10-lap dash that pays $500 to win and $100 to start.
The drivers who will start that event – Chris Abelson, Ethan Dotson, Scott Hogan, Luke Lemmens, John Logue, Jeremy Mills, Josh Ruby, Kelly Shryock, Ricky Thornton Jr. and Rob VanMil – won or finished second on designated race nights at 10 area tracks.
“Years and years ago, before the (Clash) was at Knoxville, there were about eight tracks where drivers had to have won a weekly feature at to be able to race at what was then called the Modified Race of Champions,” Harris explained.
“We talked about doing something similar this year, like a race within a race,” he continued. “I talked to promoters at the 10 tracks and they thought it was a pretty good idea.”
Dash qualifiers Abelson, Dotson, Logue and Shryock are also former Harris Clash main event winners. Another former winner, 1993 king Denny Hovinga, will serve as grand marshal next Tuesday and ride in the Fast Shafts pace truck.
“Those are pretty neat deals. I think it’s going to be an awesome night,” Harris said. “I’ve been impressed with how well everything is going together.”
Shryock won the inaugural and 1997 events while Abelson topped the 2014 race. Dotson was the winner last year when the Clash returned to Webster City.
The Clash winner also takes home a $500 bonus if their chassis builder has signed on as a Harris Clash Manufacturers’ Cup sponsor.
Tuesday’s 25-lap feature pays a minimum of $250 to start while Karl Chevrolet Northern SportMods race for $1,000 to win their 20-lapper.
IMCA Speedway Motors Weekly Racing National and Allstar Performance State points will be awarded in both divisions. Modified drivers earn BMS North Central Region points.
Pit gates open at 3 p.m. and racing starts at 7:15 p.m. Grandstand admission is $15 for adults, $8 for students, $4 for kids ages 6-12 and free for children five and under.
Pit passes are $30. Anyone between the ages of 12 and 17 must have a waiver, signed by a parent or guardian, to get into the pit area.
More information is available from Harris at 515 231-1748.
The Clash will be broadcast on IMCA.TV.