UMP DIRTcar Late Models and Modifieds Gunning for $5,000-to-win Pay Days

ROSSBURG, OH (April 10) – It’s right down to business and big money for the UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned Late Model and Modified divisions this Saturday evening (April 12) as they kick off Eldora’s 61st season of racing with the UMP DIRTcar Spring Nationals presented by Allstar Performance. Taking into consideration the recent weather trends, Eldora officials have announced an earlier than normal race starting time for the season-opening opener. Pre-race hot laps and time trials will begin at 3:30 p.m., with the first green flag of the new season dropping over the .500-mile clay oval at 6 p.m.

The event, carried over from an October 5, 2013 weather postponement, boasts of $5,000 to win A-Features for each division and will book case the season of UMP DIRTcar Late Model and Modified racing at Eldora. While the Spring Nationals will initiate their 2014 busy campaign of events at the historic speed plant, the National Championships (October 2, 3 and 4) will close it out, with UMP DIRTcar and Eldora titles determined that weekend.

A unique formula of ‘alphabet’ features for the Modifieds had been determined through finishing positions on October 3 and 4 prior to the rains moving in. After a 189 day delay, those features will finally take to the track Saturday evening based upon driver responses received by March 28, while the Late Models will compete in a full program of time trials, heats and features; utilizing the Sunoco American Late Model Series format.

Brian Ruhlman, who had a successful run going last October, with feature victories on each of the preliminary nights, will sit on the pole of the A-Feature Saturday night, while defending Eldora champion Jerry Bowersock, will line-up right behind him on the track, in third position. Each of the pair is running down Scott Orr who sits atop the Eldora all-time Modified win list with 35 victories. Ruhlman ranks second with 30 triumphs, while Bowersock is one spot back in third with his 26 wins.

It will be a busy night for the talented pair, who has each earned Modified and Late Model championship titles at Eldora, as they are expected to be doing double duty. Among their Late Model foes will be defending champion Matt Miller.

Advance ticket purchases for the UMP DIRTcar Spring Nationals presented by Allstar Performance, and the other exciting race events on the 2014 Eldora calendar are available on the track’s website www.EldoraSpeedway.com. Additionally, race fans and race teams can get behind-the-scenes access by following @EldoraSpeedway on Twitter, hitting ‘Like’ at Facebook.com/EldoraSpeedway and view video highlights at YouTube.com/EldoraSpeedwayInc. Mobile device users can access the Eldora Speedway app for the iPhone, iPad and Android which is available for download via iTunes and Goggle Play.