By Lonnie Wheatley
, LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (September 6, 2012) – Slowly but surely, the 2012 racing season is beginning to wind down. There is an upside to that though, as some of the biggest annual events are now on the horizon.
The biggest of those is just a few short weeks away, as the 25th Annual COMP Cams Short Track Nationals presented by Hoosier Tires is set to take place October 25-27 at Little Rock’s I-30 Speedway.
Celebrating a quarter century of the most intense bullring racing action imaginable, this year’s edition of the Short Track Nationals once again offers up a whopping $15,000 winner’s share with a staggering $2,500 just to make the cut for the Saturday night STN championship feature event.
The Saturday night STN championship feature event pays out more than $79,000 in purse money alone, making it far and away the most lucrative 360-ci Sprint Car event in the country. Well over $100,000 in purse money will be distributed over the course of the weekend as 100 or so top competitors from throughout the nation vie for the coveted STN title.
Last October, Sammy Swindell became just the fourth multi-time STN winner by besting a field of 100 competitors for his first Short Track Nationals championship since 1990. Others that have claimed multiple STN honors include four-time champion Gary Wright (1995, 1999, 2003, 2004), Steve Kinser (1988, 1989, 1991) and Tony Bruce, Jr. (2008, 2009).
Other past Short Track Nationals winners include Brad Sweet (2010), Jason Meyers (2007), Jason Johnson (2006), Tim Montgomery (2005), Paul McMahan (2002), Jason Sides (2001), Mike Ward (2000), Tim Crawley (1998), Wayne Johnson (1997), Pete Butler (1996), Terry Gray (1994) and John Gerloff (1993). The 1992 edition fell victim to rain.
Drivers planning on competing in the 25th Annual COMP Cams Short Track Nationals presented by Hoosier Tires are encouraged to submit their entries as soon as possible. Entries postmarked by October 17 are $150, with entries submitted after that $250. Entry forms are available at http://www.i-30speedway.com/flyers/stn_2011.pdf or by calling 501-455-4567.
What: 25th Annual COMP Cams Short Track Nationals presented by Hoosier Tires.
Where: I-30 Speedway (Little Rock, AR). I-30 Speedway is located seven miles southwest of Little Rock off I-30 Exit 126 (Alexander Road).
When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 25-27, 2012. $15,000 to win the STN finale on October 27 with $2,500 to start the STN championship feature. Race time is 7:30 p.m. each night. Rain date is November 1-3. Test ‘N Tune session on Wednesday night, October 24.
Past Winners: Sammy Swindell (2011 and 1990), Brad Sweet (2010), Tony Bruce, Jr. (2009 and 2008), Jason Meyers (2007), Jason Johnson (2006), Tim Montgomery (2005), Gary Wright (2004, 2003, 1999 and 1995), Paul McMahan (2002), Jason Sides (2001), Mike Ward (2000), Tim Crawley (1998), Wayne Johnson (1997), Pete Butler (1996), Terry Gray (1994), John Gerloff (1993), Steve Kinser (1991, ’89 and ‘88). 1992 finale was rained out.
The Series: The event is sanctioned by the Lucas Oil ASCS presented by MavTV National Tour.
The Trade Show & Midway: This year’s rendition of the Short Track Nationals will also include the Eighth Annual Short Track Nationals Trade Show & Midway. Fans, drivers & crews will have the opportunity to visit vendor displays, which opens at noon on Thursday and then at 9 a.m. on both Friday and Saturday. The deadline for guaranteed vendor space is Monday, October 24. Inquiries regarding vendor space should be directed to dssm93@msn.com.
The Tickets: Advance tickets are on sale through Wednesday, October 24, no advance sales after that. Tickets ordered in advance are just $45 for all three nights. Day of show prices are $15 on Thursday and Friday and $25 on Saturday. To order tickets in advance or for more information, call the track at 501-455-4567 or e-mail orders to racing@I-30speedway.com. Children’s tickets will be available at the event for just $2 on both Thursday and Friday and then $5 on Saturday. There is a $1 per ticket surcharge for orders placed via credit/debit cards. Pit passes are $30 on both Thursday and Friday and $35 on Saturday.
For more information regarding the 25th Annual COMP Cams Short Track Nationals presented by Hoosier Tires, contact I-30 Speedway at 501-455-4567.