By Bryan Gapinski
Belleville, Kan., July 20— Former Belleville Midget Nationals Champions Bryan Clauson and Jerry Coons Jr. head the list of drivers competing in the upcoming “39th annual Belleville Midget Nationals” on August 5-6 at the Belleville High Banks. Both drivers have three career victories in the famed event.
Clauson returns as the defending champion driving the Joe Dooling owned No. 63 Spike/Stanton SR 11. Clauson also won the event in 2009-10. Clauson’s season has been highlighted by competing in over one hundred race events already, including leading three laps in the 100th annual Indianapolis 500-mile race in May.
Coons the events first three-time winner (2005, ’07, ’12) will be driving for the new team formed by Rusty Kunz. The team will utilize a Spike/Stanton SR 11 combination in the No. 1K car. Kunz has two previous wins as a car owner and three as chief mechanic/team manager.
Thursday Night August 4 will feature a Tim Dugger Concert in the infield. Admission is $10 per person, under 14-years old free. Also a free BBQ meal will be provided while supplies last.
On track action kicks off on Friday night for the The USAC National Midget Championship Series with qualifications, preliminary races and a 25-lap midget feature race. The popular two-person cruiser stock car division will race on the track’s infield quarter-mile track.
Saturday night will feature last chance races for participants to make the 40-lap feature. A check of $12,500 awaits the winner. The United Rebel Sprint Car Series again returns for the “4th annual 305 Sprint Nationals”.
General Admission tickets for all events are sold first-come first-served on race day at the ticket gate. Reserved seating tickets are available for the event. General admission available only if the event is not sold out, and available only on the day of the race at the track ticket office. Special children ticket pricing is being offered this year. Link to order tickets from Ticket Force can be found by logging onto the tracks website www.highbanks.org.