VICTORY!

CAMARGO, IL (05-23-08) by Robert Cortum - Midwest All Star Series Image

Benton Race Park in Benton, Missouri is crucial for the O’Reilly Midwest All Star Series in 2008 as it plays host for a total of 5 events. The second of those event was held Friday night May 23, and Steve Short proved why he is always a contender when racing with the group.

Short, would take the lead over Tom Dickerman and not let go as he piloted his family owned 8S to his first victory of the season. Short found the inside groove to his liking as he took the lead, an area of the track that started coming in towards the middle of the event for a few of the superstars. The team performed solid over the night as they qualified 4th and then ran 4th in their heat race, placing them on the outside of row 2 for the feature.

“I like racing with these guys, and have raced with most of them over my career. I’d like to get out to more Midwest All Star Shows, but my schedule doesn’t allow it a lot of times,” stated Short.

In qualifying action, Tiffany Wyzard made O’Reilly Midwest All Star history, becoming the first female to record quick time for the series. A pair of “Doc” Sloan cars would take the 2nd and 3rd positions with “Sparky” Pate besting his boss by one position. The before mentioned Short qualified 4th and Jason Evans from nearby Sikeston, Missouri would make the top 5 comfortably.
Heat races were a hard fought follow the leader affair. Those who found themselves gaining position were few, but proved that track prep and adjustments were going to be key for the evening’s events. First Heat went to Jimmy Hurley, second was taken home by Mark Shirshikan, and the third heat by 2007 series Rookie of the Year Brad Greer.

The Dash event for the night marked the arrival of Kody Kinser as a top competitor. The youngster from Indiana showed the way of the “Members Only” event leading Sparky Pate, Doc Sloan, Ryan Bunton, AJ Bruns, and Jerrod Hull.

The O’Reilly Midwest All Star Series will make their 2nd of 3 stops this weekend, Saturday May 24th at Mount Vernon Speedway in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Visit http://www.midwestallstarseries.com for more info.