PEVELY, Mo. — A new event that showcases all forms of dirt racing is coming to the Federated Auto Parts Raceway in St. Louis on June 24-25: the St. Louis Firecracker Faceoff.
St. Louis is one of the biggest sports cities in the country, with some of the most ardent fans anywhere. The Blues are once again skating toward another the Stanley Cup and the Cardinals are seeking a 13th World Series title, but this summer in the “Gateway to the West,” motorsports is playing a huge part in the region’s sports landscape.
The faceoff event in June will feature a $10,000-to-win showdown with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models and the $20,000-to-win DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models the following day.
In addition, the new Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Cars and the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modifieds will be in action with their unique styles of racing on the high-banked, one-third-mile oval down Interstate 55.
Current World of Outlaws CASE Late Models championship leader and three-time DIRTcar Summer Nationals champion Dennis Erb Jr. aims to capture the magic again, having won there in 2012.
Plus, a couple of other drivers with roots in the DIRTcar Summer Nationals who are now competing on the World of Outlaws tour — Gordy Gundaker and Kyle Hammer — hope to score their first wins at the track and their first with the World of Outlaws. They will battle DIRTcar Summer Nationals stars past and present, which are expected to include Shannon Babb, Brian Shirley and Frank Heckenast Jr.
While the late model showdown will be in the spotlight, the Xtreme Outlaw Sprints will make its debut at the iconic track with two chances for drivers to etch their names in the record book.
The non-wing sprint car drivers will battle for a potential $11,000 payday.
After three races in the series’ inaugural season, C.J. Leary has a leg up on the competition, scoring two Xtreme wins and three top-five finishes. The Greenfield, Ind., driver hopes to keep that momentum rolling in Pevely.
Then, the most popular racers in Illinois will hit the track as the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals stars complete the four series extravaganza in Pevely.
Modified drivers throughout the Midwest will attempt to end defending champion Nick Hoffman’s reign.