USAC NATIONAL LIGHTNING SPRINTS CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE: OCTOBER 13, 2017
Two weekends have added to the National points tally for all groups. With only a handful of races left for the 2017 season the battle to firm up the top 10 remains. The top ten in points earns a cash reward and National accolades. Payout for those positions are: 1st $3000, 2nd $2000, 3rd $1500, 4th $800, 5th $700, 6th $600, 7th $500, 8th $400, 9th $300, and 10th is $200.
The MLS has completed their season and three of their drivers remain solid in the top 10 in National points. Tom Brown is the 2017 MLS points Champion earning 8 wins, the last one coming in the last race, and this is the most of any club thus far. The RMSLA has completed their 10th event which propels three drivers up the ladder. Johnny Boos advances two spots to tie him with Tom Brown. Tom has the highest finishing average breaking that tie. Steve Becker and Frank Martinez trade positions based off last weekend’s results at El Paso County Speedway. The RMSLA, CLS, and MMSA continue to attract car counts above the 20 mark, earning their drivers equal points to each other.
Remaining race counts by club are:
MLS: Season complete
MMSA: 1 race remaining
CLS: 2 races remaining
RMLSA: 1 race remaining
The 10 best finishes of a drivers first 12 races count toward their final points tally. Seven drivers have their points locked with twelve races completed. Final points will not be tabulated until the final race of the season is completed by the CLS in Bakersfield, California on November 18th. The current rundown of the top twenty positions are:
RANK / GROUP / RACES / DRIVER / POINTS
1. MMSA / 12 / Rod Henning / 2710
2. MMSA / 12 / Andy Bradley / 2710
3. CLS / 12 / Bobby Michnowicz / 2580
4. MLS / 12 / Tom Brown / 2380
5. RMLSA / 10 / Johnny Boos / 2380
6. CLS / 10 / Jarrett Kramer / 2250
7. CLS / 10 / Aiden Lange / 2230
8. MMSA / 12 / Justin Lewis / 2130
9. RMLSA / 10 / Steve Becker / 2010
10. RMLSA / 10 / Frank Martinez / 1940
11. CLS / 8 / Cody Nigh / 1800
12. MLS / 12 / Ryan Secrest / 1750
13. RMLSA / 7 / Troy Ullery / 1690
14. MMSA / 12 / Brandon Smith / 1540
15. MLS / 9 / Kyle Lewis / 1510
16. CLS / 8 / Eric Greco, Jr. / 1490
17. RMLSA / 8 / Andy Flood / 1470
18. RMLSA / 9 / Richard Marchbank / 1465
19. CLS / 9 / Jon Robertson / 1380
20. CLS / 7 / Wyatt Downing / 1165
A complete list of points standings as of 10/10/17 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.