See the picture above? This is who everyone in the late model division will be chasing Saturday night. Gene Ross now has a bullseye centered directly on his back, but that's the price for being such a dominant force at Needmore Speedway. If anyone can beat him in the next three weeks they get to pocket an extra $500 on top of the regular pay out. If not, he gets to pocket it himself. Needmore already has more excitement than you can shake a stick at, but this has created a whole new level of anticipation that is so potent it's gotten even the Needmore critics talking and coming out to the race track.
Gunning for the top spot will be some popular names in the area like, Tyler Ivey, who is one of the favorites to take the extra $500 home but in our poll on the website the front runner so far seems to be Russell Brown Jr. He had an excellent showing at the last race at Needmore in the Limited Sportsman division by winning the race in truly dominant fashion. Russell Brown Jr. is never one to ride in the back of the pack and will definitely be charging the field if he isn't already on the pole. Brandon Dewitt is another driver who is expected to be in attendance and has two straight wins in the NLMSS series this year. Kelly Walker will be there also and is coming off of a win last week that has him primed and ready for another one this week.
Steven Roberts is a Needmore regular and is always the closest competition to Ross by finishing second to him and giving him a run for his money every race. Roberts is a seriously likely candidate to beat Ross this weekend and I'm sure he'll keep us on the edge of our seats. The key to this race is qualifying. If you can qualify on the pole, which hasn't been given up by Ross this year, you have the best odds to win this race. Starting on the poll is the main key but it isn't everything. You still have to keep the car in front and ahead of everyone else, which, if you're in front of Gene Ross means you better be one heck of a wheel man because he's going to be right there with you.
Two other divisions have seen repeat winners and they are the mini stocks and superstreet divisions. Michael Ford is the driver to beat in superstreet and was torn down last race by the track to check for an illegal engine but was found to be legal. He is always entertaining on and off the track and a favorite of fans. Tyler Boyette is the dominant car in the mini stock division and had serious competion from Canady last race but pulled out the win. It was a battle till the checkered flag dropped and had fans gripping their seats. Last race winner in the hobby division, Ronnie Newsome is looking to start a winning streak and will have serious competion this week from Leon Childs, VJ McDonald, and Randy Merwin.
E mods will also be coming in to Needmore this weekend for a chance to show some fans that may not have ever seen them race what kind of action and passion they can bring to the track. E mods and mini stock will both have hot laps but will not have any heat races and will just have features. They will both be races to get the blood pumping. Needmore has had more talk this week because of all the racing action planned and if I had a dollar for everytime someone talked about it I could be a rich girl. I can dream can't I? All the winners from the last race had better be ready because there's a field of guys and gals gunning for them with Ross being the driver most in the hot seat but like I said, that's what happens when you're a top gun. Saying people are looking forward to this Saturday would be an understatement and wouldn't do Needmore justice so you'll have to come out and see for yourself what everyone is so pumped for and when you realize I was right, you can just thank me. Gates open at 3pm and hot laps begin at 6 pm. For more information you can check their website for payouts, directions, prices and rules.
