<B>MEMPHIS, Mo. --</B> The stars and cars of the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series invade the Bentz GM Country Scotland County Speedway in Memphis, Mo., this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22, for the Pepsi/Mountain Dew Mid-America Nationals -- the final battle of the 2005 racing season.

While Kelly Shryock has locked up his seventh straight O’Reilly USMTS national championship, several battles remain with big prize money and titles up for grabs in other categories.

Dean Mahlstedt, who is fresh off a win this past weekend in the $5,000-to-win Memphis Nationals, holds the points lead in the AFCO Challenge -- a $3,000-to-win "mini-series" comprised of the final 10 points events for the O’Reilly USMTS. Mahlstedt holds a slim 13-point advantage (698 to 685) over Tommy Myer heading into the final points races of the season. Shryock sits third in the AFCO Challenge standings with 675 points, followed by Al Hejna (667) and Zack Vanderbeek (585).

In the season-long Home Pride Passing Points championship, Tommy Myer holds an insurmountable lead with 190.5 points to Shryock's 153. Brad McEwan sits third with 126 points, followed by Jason Hughes (114) and Jon Tesch (111).

Friday night's Pepsi/Mountain Dew Mid-America Nationals main event winner will earn $2,000 while Saturday's victor will pocket $3,000.

In addition to the powerful O’Reilly USMTS Modifieds, the regular Bentz GM Country Scotland County Speedway weekly classes will be in action, including USRA Stock Cars, USRA Hobby Stocks, USRA B-Modifieds, Hornets/Pony Stocks and Cruisers.

For more information, call the USMTS headquarters at 515-297-3870, or visit www.USMTS.com online.

<B>PEPSI/MOUNTAIN DEW MID-AMERICA NATIONALS FAST FACTS</B>

<B>WHAT:</B> Pepsi/Mountain Dew Mid-America Nationals -- races #55 and 56 of the 2005 O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series; races #9 and 10 of the AFCO Challenge.

<B>WHEN:</B> Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22, 2005.

<B>TRACK:</B> Bentz GM Country Scotland County Speedway, 4/10-mile semi-banked dirt oval.

<B>LOCATION:</B> Memphis, Mo.

<B>DIRECTIONS:</B> 1.0 mile west of Memphis on US 136 to SR 15, then east (at the Scotland County Fairgrounds).

<B>STARTING FIELD:</B> A field of 24 cars will start the Holley "A" main each night, with qualifying through heat races and "B" mains. The top-12 drivers in Home Pride Passing Points accumulated in the heat races will be locked into the Holley "A" main, with the top-8 drivers re-drawing for starting positions 1-8. An additional 10 cars will qualify from the "B" mains, with two provisional starters added to the Holley "A" main to create the 24-car starting field. Additional sponsor and/or track provisional(s) may be awarded.

<B>PURSE:</B> Friday - $2,000 to win, $200 to start; Saturday - $3,000 to win, $300 to start.

<B>PROMOTER:</B> Todd Staley, United States Modified Touring Series, Inc., 608 Des Moines St., Webster City, IA 50595; Tel: 515-832-7944; Email: todd@usmts.com; Website: http://www.usmts.com; Track phone (day-of-race): 660-465-8948.

<B>SCHEDULE:</B>

Friday, Oct. 21

4:00 p.m. - Pit gates open

5:00 p.m. - Grandstand gates open

6:20 p.m. - Draw ends for heat race line-ups

6:30 p.m. - Hot laps begin

7:00 p.m. - Heat races begin

Saturday, Oct. 22

12:00 p.m. - Pit gates open

1:00 p.m. - Grandstand gates open

2:20 p.m. - Draw ends for heat race line-ups

2:30 p.m. - Hot laps begin

3:00 p.m. - Heat races begin

<B>PAST WINNERS AT BENTZ GM COUNTRY SCOTLAND COUNTY SPEEDWAY:</B>

Aug. 4, 2001 - Mike Spaulding

June 15, 2002 - Scott Megonigle

Aug. 3, 2002 - Scott Megonigle

April 26, 2003 - Al Hejna

June 14, 2003 - Jason Hughes

Aug. 2, 2003 - Kelly Shryock

April 23, 2004 - Kelly Shryock

April 24, 2004 - Johnny Bone Jr.

June 17, 2004 - Jason Hughes

July 9, 2004 - Tommy Myer

July 31, 2004 - Jason Hughes

Oct. 2, 2004 - Kelly Shryock

Aug. 6, 2005 - Kelly Shryock

<B>NOTES OF INTEREST:</B> The Pepsi/Mountain Dew Mid-America Nationals will be the 55th and 56th races of the season for the O’Reilly USMTS, as well as the ninth and 10th events comprising the AFCO Challenge .... A big field of cars is expected for this event, including O’Reilly National Drivers Kelly Shryock, Tommy Myer, Brad McEwan, Corey Dripps, Jon Tesch, Al Hejna, Zack Vanderbeek, Ryan Ruter, Jason Hughes, Jason Krohn, Mark Noble, Alan Mondus, Mike Hejna, Bruce Hanford, Mike Sorensen, Brad Bakken, Dean Mahlstedt, Willy Kraft, Jake Neal, Jay Poidinger, Roger Hadan, Mike Wedelstadt, Jeremy Keller, Julie McDermid, Jeff Schluetter, Mike Spaulding, Tommy Weder Jr., Brian Mullen, Jodi Olson, Gary March, Gary Clark, Dustin Boney, Mike Chasteen, Lynn Nillson, Greg Metz, Steve Wetzstein, Scott Drake, Martin Bennett, Doug Hillson, Jesse Frericks, Dan Fetters, Tony Fraise, Steve Holzkamper, Bub Lerette, Justin Cooper, Bob Timm, Neil Eckhart, Matt McDermid, Jordy Nelson, Brandon Morton, Jeremy Payne, Steve Stewart, Mark Eliott, Scott Mullen, Ray Guss Jr., Kevin Stoa, Jeff James, Sean Jerovetz, Matt Gilbertson, Darin Duffy, Brent Bohmont, Nate Wasmund, Ryan Meyer, Russell Stewart, Brad Waits, Mark Burgtorf, Johnny Bone Jr., Steve Arpin, Joe McBirnie, Mark Dotson, Todd Dart, Tim Vogt, Danny Concelman, Mike Bennett, David Murray, Dan Daniels, Danny McKeighan and John Vandenberg .... USRA Stock Cars ($300 to win Friday, $1,200 to win Saturday), USRA Hobby Stocks ($200 to win Friday, $500 to win Saturday), USRA B-Modifieds ($200 to win Friday, $800 to win Saturday), Hornets/Pony Stocks ($100 to win Friday, $200 to win Saturday) and Cruisers ($100 to win Friday, $250 to win Saturday) will also be on the racing card both nights.

<B>USMTS TITLE SPONSOR:</B> O’Reilly Auto Parts.

<B>USMTS OFFICIAL SPONSORS:</B> AFCO Racing Products, Home Pride Companies, Olympic Fire Protection, Pro Environmental Abatement, Inc., Pro-Line Buildings, Aero Race Wheels, R.A. Benson Motorsports, Holley Performance Products, Intercomp, Rookie’s Rockin’ Sports Bar, Shryock Racing Components, Wanders Automotive & Machine, Greiner Buildings, Dirt Works Race Cars, J & J Ag, Travel Connection, Memphis Auto & Truck Parts.

<B>USMTS CONTINGENCY SPONSORS:</B> Harris Auto Racing, Kraft Kars, KEVKO Oil Pans & Components, ISKY Racing Cams, Wayne Larson Racing Specialists, RJR Motorsports, U.S. Brake, GRT Race Cars, TCI Automotive, Quarter Master, Edelbrock, Dynatech Racing Exhaust, KSE Racing Products, Hypercoils, Fuel Safe Racing Cells, B&K Sportswear, Intensitee Custom Clothing, QuickTime Performance Parts, Images on Metal, B & B Racing Chassis, Extreme Powder Coating, Karl Chevrolet.

<B>2005 SEASON STATISTICS:</B>

O’Reilly National Driver Standings:

1. 3 Kelly Shryock .... 4347

2. 65 Tommy Myer .... 3867

3. 26 Brad McEwan .... 3710

4. 7 Al Hejna .... 3293

5. 31 Corey Dripps .... 3238

6. 33z Zack VanderBeek .... 3126

7. 555 Ryan Ruter .... 2995

8. 14 Jon Tesch .... 2712

9. 12 Jason Hughes .... 2293

10. 7K Jason Krohn .... 1908

Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar Rookie of the Year Standings:

1. 26 Brad McEwan .... 464

2. 555 Ryan Ruter .... 321

3. 33z Zack VanderBeek .... 315

4. 19 Mike Sorensen .... 163

5. 7ii Mike Hejna .... 161

Home Pride Companies Passing Points Standings:

1. 65 Tommy Myer .... 190.5

2. 3 Kelly Shryock .... 153.0

3. 26 Brad McEwan .... 126.0

4. 12 Jason Hughes .... 114.0

5. 14 Jon Tesch .... 111.0

AFCO Challenge Standings (after 8 of 10 events):

1. 21M Dean Mahlstedt .... 698

2. 65 Tommy Myer .... 685

3. 3 Kelly Shryock .... 675

4. 7 Al Hejna .... 667

5. 33z Zack VanderBeek .... 585

6. 26 Brad McEwan .... 554

7. 555 Ryan Ruter .... 526

8. 7II Mike Hejna .... 382

9. 31 Corey Dripps .... 361

10. 35 Jeff Schluetter .... 298

Holley "A" Main Winners:

1. 3 Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa, 17

2. 7 Al Hejna, Clear Lake, Iowa, 7

3. 65 Tommy Myer, Blooming Prairie, Minn., 5

4. 12 Jason Hughes, Colcord, Okla., 4

5. 31 Corey Dripps, Waterloo, Iowa, 2

5. 14 Jon Tesch, Watertown, S.D., 2

5. 19 Mike Sorensen, Rochester, Minn., 2

8. 96 Johnny Saathoff, Beatrice, Neb., 1

8. 22s Chad Kinder, Newton, Ill., 1

8. 75 Terry Phillips, Springfield, Mo., 1

8. 7n Jay Noteboom, Orange City, Iowa, 1

8. 45 Tony Fraise, Donnellson, Iowa, 1

8. 33z Zack VanderBeek, New Sharon, Iowa, 1

8. 17p Brad Pinkerton, New Sharon, Iowa, 1

8. 555 Ryan Ruter, Kanawha, Iowa, 1

8. 17s Mike Spaulding, Bemidji, Minn., 1

8. 00 Jesse Stovall, Galena, Mo., 1

8. 12 Johnny Bone Jr., Pea Ridge, Ark., 1

8. 26 Brad McEwan, Storm Lake, Iowa, 1

8. 21M Dean Mahlstedt, Barner, Iowa, 1

<B>2005 SCHEDULE:</B>

Wanders Automotive & Machine Swing #1:

March 11 - Junction Motor Speedway, McCool Junction, Neb. (winner: Corey Dripps)

March 12 - Junction Motor Speedway, McCool Junction, Neb. (winner: Johnny Saathoff)

March 18 - Thunderhill Speedway, Mayetta, Kan. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

March 19 - Thunderhill Speedway, Mayetta, Kan. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

April 1 - Hancock County Speedway, Britt, Iowa (winner: Corey Dripps)

April 2 - Hancock County Speedway, Britt, Iowa (winner: Jon Tesch)

April 8 - Southern Iowa Speedway, Oskaloosa, Iowa (winner: Kelly Shryock)

April 9 - Southern Iowa Speedway, Oskaloosa, Iowa (winner: Kelly Shryock)

May 14 - Lebanon I-44 Speedway, Lebanon, Mo. (winner: Chad Kinder)

May 15 - Monett Speedway, Monett, Mo. (winner: Terry Phillips)

Swing Champion: Kelly Shryock

Pro-Line Buildings Swing #2:

May 26 - Park Jefferson Speedway, Jefferson, S.D. (winner: Jay Noteboom)

May 27 - Murray County Speedway, Slayton, Minn. (winner: Mike Sorensen)

May 28 - Deer Creek Speedway, Spring Valley, Minn. (canceled)

May 29 - Dodge County Speedway, Kasson, Minn. (winner: Mike Sorensen)

May 30 - Hancock County Speedway, Britt, Iowa (winner: Jason Hughes)

June 6 - Adams County Speedway, Corning, Iowa (winner: Tony Fraise)

June 7 - Nebraska Raceway Park, Greenwood, Neb. (winner: Tommy Myer)

June 16 - Casino Speedway, Watertown, S.D. (winner: Tommy Myer)

June 17 - Dacotah Speedway, Mandan, N.D. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

June 18 - Jamestown Speedway, Jamestown, N.D. (winner: Jason Hughes)

Swing Champion: Kelly Shryock

Pro-Environmental Abatement Swing #3:

June 21 - Langlade County Speedway, Antigo, Wis. (winner: Al Hejna)

June 22 - Thunderhill Raceway, Sturgeon Bay, Wis. (winner: Jon Tesch)

June 23 - Luxemburg Speedway, Luxemburg, Wis. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

June 24 - Fox Ridge Speedway, Arcadia, Wis. (winner: Tommy Myer)

July 12 - Mineral City Speedway, Ft. Dodge, Iowa (winner: Tommy Myer)

July 13 - Southern Iowa Speedway, Oskaloosa, Iowa (winner: Kelly Shryock)

July 16 - Jackson Speedway, Jackson, Minn. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

July 17 - Cresco Speedway, Cresco, Iowa (winner: Kelly Shryock)

July 20 - Crawford County Speedway, Denison, Iowa (winner: Kelly Shryock)

July 21 - Interstate Speedway, Jefferson, S.D. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

Swing Champion: Kelly Shryock

Dirt Works Race Cars Swing #4:

July 22 - Murray County Speedway, Slayton, Minn. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

July 23 - Upper Iowa Speedway, Decorah, Iowa (winner: Zack VanderBeek)

Aug. 3 - Southern Iowa Speedway, Oskaloosa, Iowa (winner: Brad Pinkerton)

Aug. 4 - Knox County Fairgrounds, Knoxville, Ill. (winner: Al Hejna)

Aug. 5 - Quincy Raceways, Quincy, Ill. (winner: Al Hejna)

Aug. 6 - Scotland County Speedway, Memphis, Mo. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

Aug. 18 - Highway 3 Raceway, Allison, Iowa (winner: Ryan Ruter)

Aug. 19 - Hancock County Speedway, Britt, Iowa (winner: Al Hejna)

Aug. 21 - Cresco Speedway, Cresco, Iowa (winner: Al Hejna)

Swing Champion: Al Hejna

AFCO Challenge:

Sept. 3 - Deer Creek Speedway, Spring Valley, Minn. (winner: Mike Spaulding)

Sept. 4 - Dodge County Speedway, Kasson, Minn. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

Sept. 9 - Bolivar Speedway, Bolivar, Mo. (winner: Jesse Stovall)

Sept. 10 - Lebanon I-44 Speedway, Lebanon, Mo. (winner: Al Hejna)

Sept. 11 - Monett Speedway, Monett, Mo. (winner: Johnny Bone Jr.)

Sept. 15 - Adams County Speedway, Corning, Iowa (winner: Al Hajna)

Sept. 16 - Southern Iowa Speedway, Oskaloosa, Iowa (winner: Kelly Shryock)

Sept. 17 - Southern Iowa Speedway, Oskaloosa, Iowa (winner: Tommy Myer)

Oct. 21 - Scotland County Speedway, Memphis, Mo.

Oct. 22 - Scotland County Speedway, Memphis, Mo.

Non-points special events:

May 30 - Steele County Fairgrounds, Owatonna, Minn. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

Sept. 22 - Deer Creek Speedway, Spring Valley, Minn. (winner: Brad McEwan)

Sept. 23 - Deer Creek Speedway, Spring Valley, Minn. (winner: Kelly Shryock)

Sept. 24 - Deer Creek Speedway, Spring Valley, Minn. (winner: Jason Hughes)

Sept. 29 - Hancock County Speedway, Britt, Iowa (winner: Dean Mahlstedt)

Sept. 30 - Hancock County Speedway, Britt, Iowa (winner: Kelly Shryock)

Oct. 1 - Hancock County Speedway, Britt, Iowa (winner: Jason Hughes)