Long-time USMTS competitor Al Hejna will receive a brand new Chevrolet Performance CT525 crate engine when the USMTS/USRA awards banquet is held at Harrah's Kansas City Casino & Hotel on Jan. 27.

“Thank you to USMTS and GM,” Hejna said. “I've been running these engines for five years now. I run them for two years at about forty shows a year between USRA and USMTS. Just change oil and check the water and go. I sold the first two and they're still running. It comes to less than $5,000 a year for engine expense.”

In 2023, “The A-Train” competed in 25 of the 34 events with the Summit USMTS National Championship presented by RacinDirt where he ranks 14th on the all-time wins list with 23 victories.

He captured the USRA Modified track championship this season at the Mason City Motor Speedway near his hometown of Clear Lake, Iowa.

“For 2024, I'll bow out of trying to win one since I'll run a spec engine also. I just checked at Karl (Chevrolet) and they're $9,700 retail out of the crate. You'll need headers, ignition and carburetor too. If you're looking for a less expensive way to get into USRA and USMTS that's still a fun race engine, it's the way to go. Any questions about, it contact me and I'll be glad to talk about it.”

The deep-breathing, high-revving CT525 6.2L crate engine (Part No. 19418211) is upgraded with forged aluminum pistons designed to support its performance and enhance its durability. It is based on the LS engine family and delivers serious power for serious racing series.

The CT525 is based on the 6.2L LS3 and adapted to circle track racing with a carbureted intake manifold, a high-lift roller camshaft, six-quart racing oil pan and more.

About Chevrolet Performance: Chevrolet Performance has fueled the passion of automotive enthusiasts for over 60 years. Engine blocks, engines, transmissions, connect-and-cruise systems and other Chevrolet Performance parts are designed, engineered and tested by Chevrolet.

Chevrolet Performance factory-sealed circle track crate engines are built from all-new components. With no modifications needed, you're on equal ground from the first turn, and their circle track crate engines are designed for no-fuss winning endurance, season after season.

Located in Grand Blanc, Mich., Chevrolet Performance is the "Official Crate Engine" of the United States Modified Touring Series. For more information check out chevrolet.com/performance or call (810) 606-3655. You can also follow Chevrolet Performance on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

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Awards Banquet set for Jan. 27 in Kansas City: The USMTS will host a joint awards banquet with the USRA on Saturday, Jan. 27, at Harrah's Kansas City Hotel & Casino to celebrate the 2023 champions and more. Headlining the honorees will be 2023 USMTS National Champion Rodney Sanders, Grant Junghans USMTS Rookie of the Year Tom Berry Jr., plus other top performers and special award winners.

Harrah's Kansas City offers one of the most exciting hotels and casinos in the heart of America, blending small-town charm with big-city amenities with over 390+ luxurious rooms, a collection of gourmet dining experiences and the area's hottest gaming and entertainment. Tickets will go on sale soon.

USMTS OFFICIAL SPONSORS: American Racer Racing Tires, Beyea Headers, Callies Performance Products, Chevrolet Performance, Fast Shafts, FK Rod Ends, KSE Racing Products, Malvern Bank, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Nitroquest Media, PEM Racing Gears & Drivetrain, RacinDirt, Summit Racing Equipment, Super Clean, VP Racing, Wieland.

USMTS PARTICIPATING SPONSORS: ARMI Contractors, Boomtest Well Service, Boubin Tire & Automotive, Brodix Cylinder Heads, Collins Brothers Towing, D&T Marriott Enterprise, LLC, DAY Motorsports, Duvall Electric, Gunshepherd.com, Hacienda Mechanical, Kenny's Tile, Mel Hambelton Racing, Midwest Wrap Co., Miller Welders, PBM Performance Products, Rancho Milagro Racing, S&S Fishing & Rental, Salty's BBQ & Catering, Shocker Hitch, Shop Quik Stores, YouDirt.com.

USMTS CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: AERO Race Wheels, AFCO Racing Products, Allstar Performance, BigDeal Car Care, Bryke Racing, BSB Manufacturing, Champ Pans, Deatherage Opticians, Edelbrock, Hooker Harness, Hyperco, Integra Racing Shocks and Springs, JE Pistons, K1 RaceGear by Ryan Bowers Motorsports, Keyser Manufacturing, MD3, MSD Performance, Penske Racing Shocks, Performance Bodies & Parts, QA1, Quarter Master, RacerWebsite.com, Real Racing Wheels, Simpson Performance Products, Swift Springs, Sybesma Graphics, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Willy's Carb & Dyno Shop, Wilwood Racing.

USMTS RACETRACKS: 81 Speedway, Arrowhead Speedway, Beatrice Speedway, Boothill Speedway, Casino Speedway, Cedar Lake Speedway, Deer Creek Speedway, Fairmont Raceway, Fayette County Speedway, Granite City Motor Park, Hamilton County Speedway, Heart O' Texas Speedway, Humboldt Speedway, Hunt County Raceway, Lucas Oil Speedway, Mason City Motor Speedway, Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Off Road Speedway, Ogilvie Raceway, Park Jefferson Speedway, Rocket Raceway Park, Route 66 Motor Speedway, Tri-State Speedway.