JEFFERSON, S.D. — Park Jefferson Speedway will crown its first-ever IMCA Sunoco Late Model track champion this season.
Sanctioned late models join five other IMCA divisions at Park Jefferson and run on six select nights this year.
The class will also crown its first state champion in South Dakota.
“We wanted to add a division that was maybe a little different than anything that was running around here,” explained promoter Wayne Becker. “I have a soft spot in my heart for the late models. They ran here back in the day and were very entertaining.
“We’re trying to bring a little bit of the 1990s back, and all the feedback we’ve received so far has been positive.”
IMCA Late Models made their last and what was believed only previous appearance at Park Jefferson as part of the Summer Series in June of 2007.
They’re on the schedule for April 25, May 16, May 23, June 6, Aug. 15 and Aug. 29, all nights the division is not running at U.S. 30 Speedway in Columbus, Neb.
April 25, May 23 and Aug. 15 Titan Clash shows each pay $1,000 to win.
A former Saturday night venue, Park Jefferson also features Friesen Performance IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sunoco Stock Cars, IMCA Sunoco Hobby Stocks, Friesen Performance IMCA Northern SportMods and Mach-1 IMCA Sport Compacts during an IMCA Speedway Motors Weekly point season that runs from April 18 to Aug. 19.
“People have so many things going on on the weekends, everything from high school graduations and weddings to family trips to Lake Okoboji,” said Becker. “Our strategy is to go to Thursdays and drivers and fans can do more of the other weekend activities.”
The Spring Kickoff Classic is March 2 and the Midwest Madness Tour comes to Park Jefferson for a Tuesday night show on June 25.
Final IMCA points of the season will be awarded at the Sept. 27-28 Iron Cup special.