USAC LIGHTNING SPRINTS UPDATE: 9/8/2017
Three groups added to their race count last weekend. The Midwest Lightning Sprints, California Lightning Sprints, and the Rocky Mountain Lightning Sprint Association. The MLS held a car count of 9, while the CLS and RMLSA earned a higher weighted points count in the next tier with 19 and 14 respectively.
Both Tom Brown and Ryan Secrest of the MLS have reached their 12 race count so their points are now locked as we move to the end of the season. Last week’s race(s) moved Tom Brown up one spot to the second-place position as the MMSA had a non-points weekend. Rod Henning still leads with one more race left to better his total. Andy Bradley’s race count stands at 10 allowing two early season woes to be replaced by stronger finishes as the Lightning Sprint Nationals are just around the corner. Those attending may have an advantage by earning higher points if 41 or more cars are in attendance - a points scale yet to be awarded at any race this season.
The CLS and RMLSA are nearing their 10-race minimum. This is visible in the points climb by many of their competitors. The CLS now has three members inside the top 10. Those being Jarrett Kramer, Aiden Lange, and Bobby Michnowicz. Steve Becker joins fellow RMLSA member Johnny Boos inside the top ten. Both with 8 races to their credit. Total race counts by club stand at:
MLS 14 races
MMSA 11 races
CLS 9 races
RMLSA 8 races
Cody Nigh and Kyle Lewis are the biggest movers this week, jumping two or more spots. The rundown of the top 20 positions are:
RANK / DRIVER / POINTS
1. Rod Henning – 2710
2. Tom Brown - 2380
3. Andy Bradley - 2335
4. Justin Lewis – 2130
5. Jarrett Kramer - 2110
6. Aiden Lange - 2020
7. Bobby Michnowicz - 2020
8. Ryan Secrest - 1900
9. Johnny Boos - 1870
10. Steve Becker - 1570
11. Cody Nigh - 1540
12. Frank Martinez - 1500
13. Brandon Smith - 1490
14. Troy Ullery – 1210
15. Kyle Lewis – 1170
16. Brent Sexton – 1160
17. Jon Robertson – 1150
18. Richard Marchbank – 1135
19. Jason Billups - 1110
20. Andy Flood – 1000
A complete list of points standings as of 9/6/17 can be viewed at: http://usacracing.com/standings/lightning-sprints
The National rule book has been posted on the USAC website at: http://usacracing.com/assets/files/rules/2017/2017_USAC_Rule_Book_Lightning_Sprints.pdf
Hoosier Tire is one of the many sponsors who have pledged support for this new series through a multi-year relationship. Cars are required to use Hoosier tires on all four corners during USAC-sanctioned Lightning Sprint events. Speedway Motors—America’s oldest speed shop—is the title sponsor with a myriad of other sponsoring companies, including AFCO, CSI, PRO Shocks, My Race Pass, Saldana Race Products, Aeromotive, Weld, Rod End Supply, Hoosier Speed, Outlaw Wings, Racing Optics, and EMi.