Midwest Sheet Metal Challenge Returns to Lucas Oil Speedway

For the fifth straight year, drivers failing to nail down a coveted feature starting spot in the Show-Me 100 Presented by ProtecttheHarvest.com through conventional means, will still have hope for the May 27th Dirt Crown Jewel event.

The 5th annual Midwest Sheet Metal Challenge provides a last-chance opportunity to make the field. Winner of the non-qualifiers race can take the $2,500 check - or forfeit it to start shotgun in the 100-lap feature where first prize is $30,000.

Midwest Sheet Metal owner Chris Davis said he's proud of the way the Challenge has quickly become a Show-Me 100 tradition and provided memorable moments for drivers and fans alike.

"It's really become maybe the best race of the weekend," Davis said of the last-chance qualifier, sending only the winner on to main event - if the winner wants to forfeit the prize money.

"We're proud of our affiliation with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, the Lucas Oil MLRA and Lucas Oil Speedway," Davis said. "It's really like being a part of a big family and great bunch of friends. The whole Lucas deal ... they're for real. It's a great partnership."

Last year, Bobby Pierce won the Midwest Sheet Metal Challenge and started 29th in the Show-Me 100. He was dueling for the lead late in the event, bringing fans to their feet in a duel with Scott Bloomquist and Jimmy Owens before a flat tire ruined his chances. Pierce still wound up sixth for $5,000.

Two years ago, Chris Simpson went from 31st to third and taking home $6,000.

"We got so close last year to that being an unbelievable deal with Bobby Pierce coming all the way to the front," Davis said. "That would have been quite a story and it would have been if he didn't have the flat."

Davis and Lucas Oil Speedway General Manager Dan Robinson came up with the idea for the Challenge five years ago. In the format, the top 24 drivers not already locked into the main event after heat races and B-mains are eligible for the 20-lap, $2,500-to-win race. The winner has the choice to keep the prize money - or forfeit it and start shotgun in the $30,000-to-win Show-Me 100.

In addition to the winner's share, the Midwest Sheet Metal Challenge pays a minimum of $250 to start so it gives everyone in the field a chance for additional winnings despite not making the main event.

The Show-Me 100 is co-sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the Lucas Oil MLRA.

"This is the fifth year in a row that Midwest Sheet Metal has stepped up to sponsor this race," Robinson said of the Springfield, Mo., company. "It has really become an important factor for the racers as they know it give them not only one last shot to get into the Show-Me 100 but it also gives them a chance to make a little extra money if they have had a bit of a rough weekend.

"Chris Davis (owner of Midwest Sheet Metal) is a terrific supporter of dirt-track racing and we appreciate him stepping up and making this race a key part of our biggest weekend once again."

Midwest Sheet Metal is a family owned and operated business specializing in the design and custom fabrication of carbon steel, stainless and aluminum products. Midwest Sheet Metal has one of the nation's largest in-stock inventories of steel, aluminum, stainless and structural shapes.

For more information on the company, check out www.msmfab.com or call (417) 869-1252.

Three-day passes and single-night tickets for the 25th annual Show-Me 100, May 25-27, can be purchased by calling (417) 282-5984 or visit LucasOilSpeedway.com.

The 2017 Lucas Oil Speedway season begins with the Big Adventure RV Weekly Racing Series opener on April 8, followed by the 4th annual Lucas Oil MLRA Spring Nationals on April 14-15. Here is the complete schedule for 2017.

For complete Lucas Oil Speedway event information, archived stories, ticket info and schedule information for the season, visit lucasoilspeedway.com.

Lucas Oil Speedway is located at Highways 83 and 54 in Wheatland, Missouri. A campground with shower and bathroom facilities is also available. With it's entrance located just outside the pit gate this sprawling scenic camping facility will continue to enhance the racing experience at the Diamond of Dirt Tracks.

Click www.LucasOilSpeedway.com for more information and detailed directions to the speedway or call the Track Hotline at (417) 282-5984.

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