LUXEMBURG, Wis. -- Many of the top modified drivers in Wisconsin are preparing to do battle with some of the nation's top fenderless pilots when the O’Reilly Auto parts United States Modified Touring Series makes a stop at the Luxemburg (Wis.) Speedway on Thursday night, June 23.

Last season 37 modified drivers entered the inaugural event for the national touring series at the third-mile, clay oval. Multi-time series champion Kelly Shryock of Fertile, Iowa, came away with the victory. O’Reilly USMTS regulars Jason Hughes of Colcord, Okla., and Brad McEwan of Storm Lake, Iowa, placed second and third, respectively, in the 40-lap "A" main.

Local late model ace Pete Parker of Kaukauna raced to fourth, followed by five-time track champion Brian Mullen of Seymour.

"There are a handful of their series regulars who do nothing but race for a living," said track manager Rick Goral. "Last season we were the only show up in Northeastern Wisconsin that week. This year, with other area tracks running, we should be assured of a much bigger number of travelers."

In addition to the above mentioned drivers, other national stars expected include two-time IMCA Supernationals modified champion Mark Noble of Blooming Prairie, Minn. Former WISSOTA national modified champion Jon Tesch of Watertown, S.D., is also expected, along with Clear Lake, Iowa, brothers Al and Mike Hejna.

Among the local contingent ready to challenge the traveling pros are Mullen, Green Bay's Eddie and Jerry Muenster, Shawano Speedway champion Wade Schutt, Algoma's Todd Dart, Suamico's Sean Jerovetz, De Pere's Mike Mashl, hometown driver Benji LaCrosse, Fremont's Mike Wedelstadt and Oconto Falls' Julie McDermid.

Others include Green Bay drivers Jared Siefert and former track champion R.M. Van Pay, De Pere's Jay Matthias, Kewaunee's Jeremy Jacobs, Beaver Dam's Jay Schraufnagel and Oconomowoc's Mike Sandholm.

Home Pride Passing Points will be used in the heat races to determine starting spots in the main event. Consolation races will be run, along with a full program of stock cars and hobby stocks. Gates open at 4 p.m. with the first race beginning at 7. Adult admission is $14 while students 11-15 are $8. 10 and under are free with a paid adult. Seniors will pay a discounted admission of $11. There will be no racing at Luxemburg Speedway on June 24. Weekly racing will resume Friday, July 1.

Luxemburg Speedway is located 15 minutes east of Green Bay off of Hwy. 54 at the Kewaunee County Fairgrounds. For more information call 920-863-8446. The track phone is 920-845-2300. The track's website is luxemburgspeedway.com. The series website is USMTS.com.