All Star Sprints Set To Invade I-96 & Route 66 For $16,500 Potential Payday To Victor
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Story By: TYLER ALTMEYER / ALL STAR CIRCUIT OF CHAMPIONS – BROWNSBURG, IN – For the first time in 2021, the FloRacing All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 will take their talents to Michigan and Illinois, set to invade a pair of ovals over two days while battling for a total winner’s share equaling $16,500.
In addition, the Bumper-to-Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series will join the traveling All Stars during their visit to the Land of Lincoln on Saturday; the first of five head-to-head battles between the All Star Circuit of Champions and the Wisconsin-based IRA this season.
The Mace Thomas Classic will be the first event on the weekend agenda, highlighting competition at the I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan, on Friday, May 14. The event, the first All Star visit to I-96 Speedway – the first All Star visit to Michigan, period – since August 16, 2019, will award a $8,500 top prize. Three-year All Star competitor, Cory Eliason, was the last to earn a Series victory in the Wolverine State, scoring the win over Dale Blaney and Justin Peck.
The All Star Circuit of Champions will continue their weekend sweep with a visit to the Dirt Oval at Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, on Saturday, May 15. As mentioned, the IRA Outlaw Sprint Series will be joining the All Star Circuit of Champions for the one-night takeover, accompanied by a loaded roster including the likes of Scotty Thiel, Jake Blackhurst, Scott Neitzel, Jeremy Schultz, and Russ Borland. Dubbed the Open Wheel Slam, Saturday’s All Stars vs IRA showcase will award an $8,000 top prize; the first All Star visit to the Chicagoland venue since June 29, 2019.
Three-time Series champion, Aaron Reutzel, was the last to park in All Star victory lane at Route 66, charging ahead from ninth while holding back a pair of open wheel veterans in Dale Blaney and Paul McMahan.
Sam McGhee Motorsports, with Ian Madsen at the helm, will enter the weekend as the current All Star Circuit of Champions point leader, holding a ten-point margin over two-time Series winner, Justin Peck.
Although Madsen has yet to score a victory thus far in 2021, his consistency has been the key, earning six top-ten finishes in his first seven point-earning starts. Madsen acquired the point lead at the conclusion of last Sunday’s visit to Tri-City Raceway Park in Franklin, Pennsylvania. Peck, who held the championship lead to that point, suffered from a “DNF” allowing Madsen to capitalize.
“Sunshine” Tyler Courtney is currently third in the All Star championship standings, followed by second-year All Star Zeb Wise and Rudeen Racing’s Cory Eliason.
Hunter Schuerenberg is sixth in the title chase, followed by ten-time IRA Outlaw Sprint Series champion, Bill Balog, Republic, Ohio’s Cap Henry, All Star veteran and CJB Motorsports pilot, Paul McMahan, and Rookie of the Year Contender, Kyle Reinhardt.