Late night call seals the deal for URSS opener at Salina

Results

By David Smith, Jr., OKTidbits 

SALINA, Kan. – It has been a bustling 24 hours for Lucas Oil POWRi United Rebel Sprint Series presented by Mel Hambelton Ford Racing president Rick Salem.

After thinking the upcoming Memorial Weekend of racing would not happen after the event at Oberlin Speedway was canceled, a late-night phone call from Salina Speedway owner Tommie Hendrickson and Chris Sutton wanting to bring in IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Cars for a Memorial Weekend special, both parties came to terms and the series will open the 2020 race season at the speedway this coming Saturday, May 23. 

Originally a $700 to-win event, contributions and support from Missouri’s Mike Sosebee, Steve Hilker of Hilker Trucking and Austin McLean Motorsports now has this event paying $1,000 to-win and $200 to start.

It will be the first time in the 14-year history that the URSS will be competing at the Salina 3/8-mile oval and more than 20 drivers from four states have already indicated they will be competing. 

There are some guidelines that we ask everyone to follow. 1. Please adhere to the 15 people per group and please stay six feet away from other groups. 2. If you feel sick or have been around anyone that is sick, please sit this one out. 3. If you don’t feel safe coming out, please by all means stay home. 4. We recommend that you wear a mask, but it is not a requirement. 

The CDC also recommends that those who are higher risk take extra precautions and consider staying at home.  

Pit gates will open at 4 p.m. with racing slated for a 7 p.m. start time. There is a $30 entry fee due at time of sign-in and all pit passes will be just $25.

IMCA Speedway Motors Weekly Racing National, state and series points will be given.

The URSS website is www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com. Questions can also be directed to Salem at 785 475-7010.

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