By David Smith, Jr., OKTidbits
OBERLIN, Kan. – Two of the premier IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car groups in the nation face off during the Memorial Weekend as the POWRi United Rebel Sprint Series presented by Mel Hambelton Ford Racing and the Sprint Series of Oklahoma presented by Smiley’s Racing Products are geared for a weekend double-header.
It all starts on Saturday night, May 25 at Longdale Speedway in Longdale, Okla., before heading to 81 Speedway in Wichita, Kan., for a special Sunday night event.
Saturday will be the only 2019 appearance between the two series at Longdale, where the track has hosted two previous events. Both tours got rained out in 2018 but it was 2017 when the URSS and SSO met and it was three-time and defending SSO champion Andy Shouse of Oklahoma City getting the best of a 20-car field.
In 2016, 26 cars were pit side and it was Ness City, Kan., driver Luke Cranston picking up the victory. This will be the first time the two series have come together for a doubleheader weekend with Longdale Speedway involved so a solid car count is expected.
Then on Sunday night, both series head to 81 Speedway and become part of the track’s Sprint Car Maynia III. URSS was the lone 305 series in 2018 and it was Jason Martin of Lincoln, Neb., picking up the victory over a 21-car field. In 2017 it was Chris Kelly from Moore, Okla., picking up his first career series victory with 34 drivers from five states represented.
Both Longdale and 81 Speedway events will pay $1,000 to win.
Saturday’s start of the URSS/SSO Sprint Car Challenge will see gates open at 5 p.m. with race action set for a 7 p.m. start time. Adult grandstand general admission is $20 while military and senior grandstand general admission tickets are $15. Kids ages 12 and under will be admitted free into the grandstands.
For Sunday’s Sprint Car Maynia III at 81 Speedway, gates will open at 4 p.m. with race time slated for a 7 p.m. start. Grandstand general admission is $15 for adults with kids ages 11 and under admitted free into the grandstands. All pit passes are just $30.