BOONE, Iowa – The green flag flies on Labor Day for a spectacular dirt track racing event four decades in the making.
Boone Speedway is the setting for the 40th annual IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals Sept. 5-10. A record 821 drivers from 26 states and four Canadian provinces are already among the pre-entered competitors.
“We have come a long way from the first Super Nationals, at what is now the Benton County Speedway in Vinton, and have continued to see growth since Super Nationals moved to Boone in 1988,” observed IMCA President Brett Root. “The number of milestones achieved and celebrated over the years at Super Nationals has been incredible.”
“And the memories we share from Super Nationals have to do with more than drivers winning races,” he continued. “Countless friendships have been made over the years and they’re renewed every September in the pits and in the grandstand at Boone.”
The format for the week remains largely unchanged from previous Super Nationals, although Sport Compacts have been moved to the Saturday, Sept. 3 Prelude program and races of champions for Hobby Stocks and for Northern SportMods will be on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
“The slight changes we’ve made will ease some of the time concerns that affect the entire week and improve the overall Super Nationals experience,” said Root. “A lot of pieces of a giant puzzle are coming together. Unless you are a driver or fan who is completely new to the event, it shouldn’t catch you off guard.”
The list of contingency awards to be given has been posted on IMCA and Super Nationals websites. Root recommended Super Nationals competitors and fans go to those sites for information about payouts, admission and IMCA.TV viewing packages.
A purse of more than $300,000 will be paid during the week, along with $60,000 in contingencies. The Modified champion earns $7,000 with $5,000 to win in the Stock Cars, $3,000 to win in both Late Models and SportMods, $2,000 to win in the Hobby Stocks and STARS Mod Lites, and $1,000 to win in the Sport Compacts.
Many of the off-track activities will be held at the newly branded NAPA Fan Zone. Another highly visible improvement in place this year is the additional handicapped parking in the first row south of the main grandstand, designed to provide easier access to both spectator and pit sides of the track.
“We try to make improvements every year and the number of pre-entries and the number of states and provinces drivers are coming from are very positive signs,” stated Root. “However, the number of early entries means concrete pit parking stalls are sold out. Drivers who have yet to register can call (515 689-3027) to get a on a waiting list for a concrete stall or to reserve a pit stall on grass.”
STARS Mod Lites run both nights of the Sept. 3 and 4 Prelude, joined by Modifieds, Stock Cars and Sport Compacts on Saturday and by Hobby Stocks and Northern SportMods on Sunday.
Cody Hicks performs following both Saturday and Sunday Prelude programs. The Van Eaton Pork pit party is Sunday evening.
The complete Late Model program and Hobby Stock and SportMod qualifying is on Monday, the complete Sport Compact program and Stephenville Starter Race of Champions for Hobby Stocks and BSB Manufacturing Race of Champions for Northern SportMods on Tuesday.
The first night of qualifying for Modifieds and Stock Cars is Wednesday.
The B & B Racing Chassis All-Star Invitational for Stock Cars is Thursday, the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational for Modifieds on Friday. Two rounds of group time trials fill All-Star fields for the Stocks on Wednesday and for the Modifieds on Thursday.
Last-chance qualifying, the Harris Auto Racing Modified Race of Champions and the Sunoco Race Fuels Stock Car Race of Champions precede Modified, Stock Car, Hobby Stock and Northern SportMod main events on Saturday night.
IMCA.TV broadcasts both nights of the Prelude and all six nights of Super Nationals.