From John Lemon
Tulsa OK — (March 16, 2015) — The Oil Capital Racing Series is loading up the racing gear and getting ready for the 2015 sprint car tour that will see the series hit 12 tracks for 25 events encompassing four states. This coming year will see one large significant change to the popular sprint car series…… A new title sponsor!
The Supporters
AmeriFlex Hose & Accessories, a Tulsa OK based company, has signed on to become the new title sponsor for OCRS beginning in 2015. Company owner Corvan Robison along with his son Logan, participated in the formal announcement at the 2014 awards banquet. The AmeriFlex / OCRS competitors will see an abundance of events paying extra cash throughout the course of the season. The 2015 overall purse (less year end point fund money) will be the largest paying “in-season purse” in the history of series, which dates back to 2002.
” Our staff has put in a lot of time and extremely hard work into making this series one that competitors and fans can be proud of,” said OCRS president Barry Grabel. “They continue to come up with more positive production for the good of the series and the support we get from their efforts is awesome.”
As for AmeriFlex, “We cannot even begin to express enough gratitude to Corvan and Debbie Robison and their AmeriFlex staff for supporting us as well as they are. Sponsorships are hard to come by and rock solid ones like AmeriFlex are even harder to obtain. We are blessed to have them as partners, no doubt about that.”
The AmeriFlex / OCRS series has retained the majority of sponsors from last season while some new names have pledged their support. Hoosier Tire Southwest will once again be the major contributor into the series points fund. Hoosier Tires has been a proven winner over the past several years and it is with a great honor that the AmeriFlex / OCRS series receives continued loyal backing from Hoosier Tires Southwest.
D&E Supply is renewing their commitment while stepping up their involvement by doubling the cash payout for the “Hard Luck” driver of the event in 2015. The hard luck driver will collect $100 in cash for their evening’s misfortune(s).
Boyd’s Racing Engines is now the sponsor of the event’s first heat race. Boyd’s Racing Engines will also pay a driver an additional $50 should they win their sponsored heat utilizing a Boyd’s Racing Engine. If a feature winner has a Boyd’s power plant, that driver will collect and additional $100.
The second heat race at each venue is now being sponsored by the ‘Shock Doc’. A division of A-1 Machine in Tulsa, ‘The Shock Doc’ is also increasing their participation having supported other areas of the series the past two seasons.
Drive Shafts Inc. has re-signed as the third heat race sponsor as has Car & Fleet Parts as the fourth heat race backer. Each of these great sponsors have been in their respective categories for the past couple of seasons.
The Tire Factory will once again sponsor the season ending awards banquet for the series. In addition to an awards ceremony, the Tire Factory has developed a sound reputation for providing good food and excellent entertainment talent.
Additional sponsorship support will be provided by the following sponsors:
Bob Hurley Ford, Dyno Services of Oklahoma, Amsoil, Brodix, R&M Race Trailers, Finishline Restaurant, M&W Aluminum, Wesmar, Schoenfeld Headers, Lightning Wings, Rod End Supply, Sprintdudes.com and Speedwaynews.net
The Performing Cast Members
A collection of quality proven feature winners are expected to compete with the AmeriFlex / OCRS at various times throughout the racing season. Former victory lane visitors expected to see 2015 action include:
Danny Smith, Whit Gastineau, Brian McClelland, Alex DeCamp, Shayla Waddell, Chance Morton, Kade Morton, Kyle Clark, Michael Bookout, Shane Sellers, Casey Wills, Gary Owens, Fred Mattox, Frank Dittman, Mickey Walker, Kenneth Walker, Andy Shouse and Jamie Passmore.
A few of the drivers expected to see action with the series include:
Johnny ‘Hotrod’ Kent, David Stephenson, Brett Wilson, Cameron Hagin, Nigel Calvert, Brian Gramm, Perry Pickard, Blake Edwards, Glen Passmore, Frank Taft, Sheldon Barksdale, Koby Barksdale, Mike Huard, Dan Schnackenberg, Chuck Bellefeuille, Morgan Fletcher, Chad Koch, Kyle Ezell and former AmeriFlex / OCRS contender and multi-time Creek County Speedway champion Brent Bates.
Third generation driver Trey Lambert has submitted his 2015 team entry to take a few swipes at some of the events posted on the docket. In contrast, the wiley and cagey veteran of Robert Sellers, a former Lawton Speedway champion, is also slated to join the traveling vagabonds for a handful of trips. Arkansas pilot Joseph Miller, who ran with OCRS last summer while on leave for a spell from the Air Force, is looking forward to opening night and plans on running several more events in 2015. In all, each night will be full of action packed drama as these brave drivers will take to the oval bullrings for the utmost in racing competition.
The Playgrounds
Here are the racetracks that are scheduled to host the AmeriFlex / OCRS sprint cars (in alphabetical order):
Flint Creek Speedway / West Siloam Springs OK:
Formerly known as the ‘West Siloam Speedway’ this racy little ¼-mile joint can sure make a driver keep their elbows up as any hesitation will be the result of negative positioning. Sophomore promoter Jacob Frese is making a better showing of Flint Creek than some before him. Best the facility has looked in quite sometime.
AmeriFlex / OCRS dates are: May 15th & September 4th.
Humboldt Speedway Humboldt KS:
One of the nicest surprises for a track you will find anywhere. “The Hummer” is one of the favorite traveling destinations for teams of the series. Most local fans only see these sprinters once a year and our teams come with their guns loaded for Hummer action. Never been to the Hummer? Correct that issue by joining us. You will leave knowing you saw something very special.
AmeriFlex / OCRS date is: July 17th.
Lawton Speedway / Lawton OK:
There isn’t anyone who cant say that the Lawton Speedway hasn’t lasted the test of time and then some. The place just oozes history and when one is there, you feel like you are on some kind of sacred soil. You know you have achieved something when one of the smartest racing promoters to have ever lived wants you 3-times a year. Losing money isn’t in his book of rules. Get ready Lawtonites, here we come.
AmeriFlex / OCRS dates are: April 25th, May 30th & August 1st.
Longdale Speedway / Longdale OK:
2015 will be the second year for the new facility and the AmeriFlex / OCRS series came calling with a strong 32-car field in their maiden voyage to “Jessie’s House”. This time around, the series will bring their i-notes for another crack at the track. The aluminum stands once had cheerleaders running all around them. Now its gearheads yelling and screaming at metal speed bullets.
AmeriFlex / OCRS date is: August 29th.
Monett Speedway / Monett MO:
Known as the “Grand ‘Ol Lady”, the 46-year young facility will be hosting the sprints for the fourth consecutive season. Whit Gastineau won in a thrilling last lap pass in the first trip to Monett in 2012. Kacee Frazier (2013) and Michael Bookout (2014) scored initial AmeriFlex / OCRS career victories on the red clay. Here we come young lady.
AmeriFlex / OCRS date is: June 12th.
Osage Casino Caney Valley Speedway / Caney KS:
Just a stones throw from the Oklahoma / Kansas state line, there is typically always ‘Thunder in the Valley’ when the wild sprint cars take on Kerry Gorby’s ¼-mile gem. Take a spot and steal a spot is how you win at Caney. Rubbin’ isn’t racing, it’s a requirement to go forward. There will be plenty of chances to park in victory lane as the series makes four tour stops this season including the “Dirty 30” on Independents Day so leave the $110 Nike shirts at home.
AmeriFlex / OCRS dates are: April 18th, May 23rd, July 4th and September 5th.
Oklahoma Sports Park / Ada OK:
Always one of the fastest tracks on the schedule, special racing events will include the 7th Annual Harold Leep Jr. Memorial event on May 9th. Then, on September 12th, it’s the 9th running of the Oklahoma State Championship presented by Dooling Machine Products. $2000 is up for grabs to the victor along with the coveted acrylic trophy. The series will also waltz into town in June and July making for a 4-packer at The Land of Sand.
AmeriFlex / OCRS dates are: May 9th, June 20th, July 25th & September 12th.
Outlaw Motor Speedway / Oktaha OK:
Now a sister track to the Longdale Speedway, Outlaw Motor Speedway will have 2 specials involving the AmeriFlex / OCRS series. The first one will be April 11th with AmeriFlex / OCRS sprint cars headlining an event billed as “Open Wheel Saturday Night”. Powri West Midgets and the economical WOW sprint cars will be a part of this exciting program. Then in August, the ‘Harold Leep Classic’ returns to OMS with the sprints paying $2000 to win! New upgrades have been made to the facility as well and they are something special to check out.
AmeriFlex / OCRS dates are: April 11th & August 28th.
Red River Speedway / Wichita Falls TX:
Construction delays kept the now 14-year-old series from making its first start ever in Longhorn country in last season. Such is not the case this go around as the track is up and running and the AmeriFlex / OCRS warriors are game to invade foreign soil and steal the treasures that lie south of the Red River. However, Texans welcoming Okies to come play in their arena sounds like an ambush in waiting.
AmeriFlex / OCRS date is: July 31st.
Salina Highbanks Speedway / Salina OK:
The Highbanks attracts those who dare to run without fear. Gone are the days that teams would leave enough rubber to start their own tire shop. Since Dave Edwards began sitting in the Captain’s chair, nearby Hudson Lake seems to bleed on the clay banks as rubber is now for toters only. Have a well cut Rib Eye Steak from the Finishline Restaurant overlooking the track and you will know your night was special. A pairing with the USMTS mods makes its return again in August.
AmeriFlex / OCRS dates are: May 16th, July 18th & August 22nd.
Southern Oklahoma Speedway / Ardmore OK:
The destination of this years 2015 season opener, the AmeriFlex / OCRS series was immediately called upon when John & Nicky Webb took over in mid-summer of 2011. It has been a wonderful partnership since. The series has grown bigger as has SOS. The Webb’s put hard work into their new playpen and they have since become a 5-star player in the promoting game. A game many don’t master but the Webb’s cracked the code. For this year’s season opener, the odds makers have set the number of entries for the over/under line at 34. Place your bets.
2015 SEASON OPENER IS: MARCH 28th.
Tri-State Speedway / Pocola OK:
Rare is when you find a 4-leaf clover. What’s more rare is finding a track owner selling one track only to get another track within a few months and then strip it down only to have to sink some cash into it before ever selling a ticket. That’s what Carey and Nicole Menasco are doing with Tri-State Speedway. Gone are concession stands from both the grandstands side (Carey wants room for Hells Kitchen chefs) and the pit side (hut went poof). Bathrooms are being overhauled and the lower level grandstands were removed for foundation repairs. The track surface got a major facelift when a convoy of dumpers spewed new clay all over the oval. Toss your notes out teams, you will need to write up some new ones. Go checkout the new crib this season, it’s going to be cool.
AmeriFlex / OCRS dates are: June13 & September 19th.
The Mathematics
There are 5 doubleheader weekends, They are:
*Flint Creek Speedway (5/15) & Salina Highbanks Speedway (5/16)
*Monett Speedway (6/12) & Tri-State Speedway (6/13)
Humboldt Speedway (7/17) & Salina Highbanks Speedway (7/18)
*Red River Speedway (7/31) & Lawton Speedway (8/1)
Outlaw Motor Speedway (8/28) & Longdale Speedway (8/29)
Flint Creek Speedway (9/4) & Osage Casino Caney Valley Speedway (9/5)
*Bonus doubleheaders will pay a $1000 cash bonus that will be divided among the top 3 drivers in “weekend points”. First place receives $500, second place receives $300 and third place pockets $200. All bonus weekend events pay $250 to start the A Feature.
There are two $2000 to win events with $250 to start the A feature:
8/28 at the Outlaw Motor Speedway “Harold Leep Classic”
9/12 at the Oklahoma Sports Park “9th Annual Oklahoma State Championship” presented by Dooling Machine Products.
Other Bonus Events:
There will be an EXTRA $500 in cash for the feature winner at the following venues:
3/28: Southern Oklahoma Speedway
4/11: Outlaw Motor Speedway
4/18: Osage Casino Caney Valley Speedway
7/17: Humboldt Speedway
8/22: Salina Highbanks Speedway
8/29: Longdale Speedway
9/19: Tri-State Speedway
Like the other specials, these events will pay $250 to start the A-feature.