By David Smith, Jr., OKTidbits PR (Oklahoma City, OK) -- We are less than one week away from the 2018 season opener for the Sprint Series of Oklahoma IMCA RaceSaver Sprint Car Series presented by Smiley’s Racing Products/Hoosier Tires Southwest and the “Pole Position Spring Nationals” at Red Dirt Raceway in Meeker, Oklahoma.
Drivers from across the state of Oklahoma and north Texas have expressed their intentions on competing in Saturday afternoons, March 3, season opener for the SSO, with a special start time of 4:00 PM. Gates will open at 11:00 PM.
Two-time and defending series champion Andy Shouse of Oklahoma City will be back and looking for a three-peat.
Touring regulars Joe Wood, Jr., Cody Whitworth, Loyd Clevenger, Chris Kelly, Josh Toho, Mike Scott, Blake Scott, Eric Matthews, Jerry Jumper, Dillon Laden, Justin Mowery, defending series rookie of the year Tristian Oakes and Tanner Conn are all expected to be on hand.
Several drivers from the North Texas area have indicated their intentions on making the trip to Meeker for the $750 to win; $250 to start season opener. They include Chad Koch, Robert Vetter, Michelle and Justin Melton and Sterling Hoff with several more expected.
Making their full-time appearance aboard the 305-ci motors in 2018 are Brian Harvey, Cody Jarvis, Alison Slaton, Duane Baker, Shayla Waddell and Brandon Jennings.
Mustang, Oklahoma’s Shane Sellers will be aboard the Pete Haskins owned #16s, vacated by Steven Shebester – who will be piloting the Lubbock Wrecker #11x in 2018.
Jake Martens of Farview, who finished a close second in series points last year, will only compete in selected SSO events this season and will not be at the season opener.
About Sprint Nationals sponsor, Pole Position Raceway:
Pole Position Raceway in Oklahoma City offers world-class indoor go kart racing, with speeds approaching 45mph. We have both adult, youth and kids karts, and a wide variety of packages for birthdays, corporate events, and team building. Located at NW36th and May Ave. Check out polepositionraceway.com for more information. Pole Position Raceway, let’s race!
Grandstand general admission is $15 for adults; people 5’4” and lower admitted into the grandstands for free.
Red Dirt Raceway is located off I-40 to exit 186 then sixteen miles north on State Hwy 18.
If coming from the Tulsa area take the Turner Turnpike (I-44) to the Chandler exit, then ten miles south of Hwy 66 on State Hwy 18. More information on Brill Motor Speedway can be found on the tracks official website www.reddirtraceway.com or call (405) 318-0198.
As mentioned, this will be the third season for the Sprint Series of Oklahoma IMCA Racesaver Sprint Series presented by Smiley’s Racing Products/Hoosier Tires Southwest and currently has an eighteen-race schedule. For more information on the SSO check out their official facebook page: Sprint Series of Oklahoma or call competition director Jim Messmer (405) 417-2202.
Officials with the SSO would like to thank Smiley’s Racing Products for once again becoming series presenting partner and will again award the 2018 series point champion $1000 cash. Also, would like to welcome Hoosier Racing Tires Southwest as a series presenting partner as they will award a set of Hoosier Racing tires to one lucky driver at the year-end points banquet in a random draw. Drivers must finish in positions second through tenth in the final point standings to be eligible.
Contingency and event partners for 2018 include Rod End Supply; Saldana Racing Products; Pyrotech Fuel Cells, Keizer Wheels, Super Shox, Bishop Racing Components, Martens Machine Shop, Young Tool Company, Pole Position Raceway, Carter-Maxwell Goodyear, David Grace and Lynda Maxwell.
In the staging area: After next Saturday afternoons (March 3) event at Red Dirt Raceway in Meeker, it will be a double-header weekend for the series as they head to Southern Oklahoma Speedway in Ardmore for two complete events on Friday and Saturday night, March 9-10.