31st Budweiser Nationals this Friday and Saturday October 7th & 8th
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA (October 5, 2016) – More than $60,000 in prizes will be awarded in the West Coast’s premier dirt open show with the 31st Budweiser Nationals at Bakersfield Speedway October 7th and 8th. Race fans will be treated to complete shows each night with gates opening at 4 p.m. and racing at 5 p.m.
The Late Models and IMCA Modifieds will run complete features each night as part of a busy weekend that includes over 200 cars expected and 500 laps of competition. The Late Model features will carry the same weight behind them on each night, with BOTH nights of competition paying $2000 to win and $250 to take the green flag. Similarly, IMCA Modifieds will battle for $1500 to win and $100 to start each night as well. Late Models will be the only division to time trial all weekend while all others will use a pill draw for heat race lineups with heat races transferring drivers into the main events.
Tony Toste and Steve Drake split the Late Model main events in the 2015 Budweiser Nationals. Drake has had a phenomenal season with winning the last five main events for Late Models at Bakersfield while Don Shaw won the season opener in March.
Brad Pounds and Kyle Heckman are the defending IMCA Modified winners while Ricky Childress, Jr. won the track championship this season and ranked fifth in the California state points as well.
IMCA Sport Mods and Hobby Stocks will run heat races and qualifier races on Friday night before A, B, and C features on Saturday night. Saturday’s Sport Mod main pays $1500 to win while Hobby Stocks will be $1200 to win and American Stocks $600 to win. The Western Pro Stocks program will be a Saturday-night only show for $1000 and the IMCA Stockcars will run a Saturday-only show as well. the American Stocks will be Friday only with their Friday feature for $600 to win.
Dakota Brown won last year’s American Stock race and is this year’s track champion as well. Nick Spainhoward will try to defend his IMCA Sport Mod nationals win from a year ago against track champion Chris McKellar. Mike Johnson is the defending Pro Stock winner while Michael Scruggs won Hobby Stock last season. This is the first year for IMCA Stock Cars at the Budweiser Nationals with 2016 champion Steven Johnson arguably the odds on favorite.
Friday tickets are just $14 General Admission with Seniors/Military $12, Kids 6-12 $7, and Kids 5 and under FREE! On Saturday prices increase to $18 General Admission with Seniors/Military $16, Kids 6-12 $9, and Kids 5 and under FREE! Camping and parking are free both days!
Bakersfield Speedway does not slow down after the Budweiser Nationals either, with the USAC Western States Midgets hosting their “Prelude to the Turkey Night” on Saturday November 19th. Many national USAC talents are expected to compete in the event just a few days before the Turkey Night at nearby Ventura Raceway.
Complete entry information for the 31st Budweiser Nationals is available at www.BakersfieldSpeedway.com
Bakersfield Speedway would like to thank its major marketing partners: Budweiser, Advance Beverage, Coca-Cola, Monster Energy, Motor City GMC, Melo’s Gas and Gear, West Air Gases, H&S Body Works, Diamond IT, Central Valley Tanks, RealFast.tv, Mid-Cal Fabrication, Hungry Hunter Restaurant, Del Taco and Cowboy Bail Bonds.
For more information, you can visit Bakersfield speedway online at www.bakersfieldspeedway.com or call the event info line at (661) 393-3373. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instgram for race updates all season.
