CORNING, Iowa -- It may be the first week of October, but the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series will turn up the heat this weekend as the rugged road warriors reach a pivotal stage in ‘The Hunt’ for the O’Reilly USMTS National Championship.

The "best of the best" in dirt Modified racing invade the Adams County Speedway in Corning, Iowa, this Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6-7, for the 2nd Annual Hawkeye Clash as they crank out their unique version of global warming on the lightning-fast half-mile clay oval.

The 2nd Annual Hawkeye Clash will be the 54th and 55th of 59 races on the 2006 schedule for the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series -- the 11th and 12th of 16 scheduled events comprising ‘The Hunt’ for the O’Reilly USMTS National Championship. While seven-time defending O’Reilly USMTS national champion Kelly Shryock has dominated this season with a record 29 wins, the second-generation veteran from Fertile, Iowa, will need to be on his game in order to set up a run for ‘The Hunt’ hardware.

On the strength of eight top-10 finishes since ‘The Hunt’  began, Zack VanderBeek of New Sharon, Iowa, currently leads Shryock in points (762 to 721) as the two drivers eye a $10,000 prize at season's end. To keep his advantage, however, the 2004 O’Reilly USMTS Rookie of the Year will need to summon his best performances this weekend as they venture to a place where Shryock dominated this past June. How they come out of this weekend will set up the fight to the finish with just four points races at two tracks remaining on the schedule.

Not far behind the lead pair is Jon Tesch of Watertown, S.D., who sits just 10 points behind Shryock. Tommy Myer of Blooming Prairie, Minn., remains a factor with 697 points, as does fifth-ranked Jason Friesen of Sutton, Neb., with 679 points.

Friday's main event winner will earn $2,000 while Saturday's winner will earn $3,000.

On Friday, pit gates open at 5 p.m. with grandstands opening up at 5:30. Hot laps begin at 7 with racing at 7:30. On Saturday, the pit gate opens at 3 p.m.. grandstands open at 4, with hot laps at 6. The mud starts flying at 6:30.

Friday general admission tickets are just $13 for adults and $3 for youth (ages 6 to 14). Saturday's ticket prices are $15 for adults and $5 for youth. Children under 6 get in free of charge both days!

A minimum of 24 cars will start the Holley “A” Main each night, with qualifying through Heat races and Real Racing Wheels “B” Mains. The top 12 cars in Home Pride Passing Points accumulated in the Heat races will be locked into the Holley “A” Main. An additional 10 cars will qualify from the Real Racing Wheels “B” Mains, with two provisional starters (based on USMTS regional and national points) added to the Holley “A” Main. Additional sponsor and/or track provisional(s) may be awarded.

Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks will also be on the racing card both days, featuring the best of the Adams County Speedway regulars vs. invading USRA competitors. Friday's Hobby Stock feature winner will earn $200, with $400 going to the Stock Car winner. Saturday's main event winners will pocket $300 and $700, respectively.

More information about the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series is available by calling (515) 832-7944 or online at www.usmts.com. The Adams County Speedway is located 1 mile north of US 34 on SR 148, then east on 12th (at the Adams County Fairgrounds).

FAST FACTS

WHEN: Friday and Saturday, October 6-7, 2006.

TRACK: Adams County Speedway, 1/2-mile slightly-banked clay oval.

LOCATION: Corning, Iowa.

DIRECTIONS: Located 1 mile north of US 34 on SR 148, then east on 12th (at the Adams County Fairgrounds).

STARTING FIELD: 24 cars will start the Holley “A” Main each night, with qualifying through Heat races and Real Racing Wheels “B” Mains. The top 12 cars in Home Pride Passing Points accumulated in the Heat races will be locked into the Holley “A” Main. An additional 10 cars will qualify from the Real Racing Wheels “B” Mains, with two provisional starters (based on USMTS regional and national points) added to the Holley “A” Main. Additional sponsor and/or track provisional(s) may be awarded.

PURSE: $2,000 to win Friday, $3,000 to win Saturday.

SCHEDULE:

Friday, October 6
5:00 p.m. - Pit gate opens.
5:30 p.m. - Grandstand opens.
6:45 p.m. - Draw ends for heat race line-ups.
7:00 p.m. - Hot laps begin.
7:30 p.m. - Heat races begin.

Saturday, October 7
3:00 p.m. - Pit gate opens.
4:00 p.m. - Grandstand opens.
5:45 p.m. - Draw ends for heat race line-ups.
6:00 p.m. - Hot laps begin.
6:30 p.m. - Heat races begin.

TICKETS:
Friday: General Admission - Adults $13, Youth (6-14) $3, Under 6 FREE, Pit Pass $25; Saturday: General Admission - Adults $15, Youth (6-14) $5, Under 6 FREE, Pit Pass $30.

PAST WINNERS AT ADAMS COUNTY SPEEDWAY:
June 7, 2004 - Jon Tesch, Watertown, S.D.
Sept. 16, 2004 - Jason Hughes, Colcord, Okla.
June 6, 2005 - Tony Fraise, Donnellson, Iowa
Sept. 15, 2005 - Al Hejna, Clear Lake, Iowa
June 22, 2006 - Kelly Shryock, Fertile, Iowa

NOTES OF INTEREST: The 2nd Annual Hawkeye Clash at the Adams County Speedway will be the 54th and 55th of 59 races on the 2006 schedule for the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series -- the 11th and 12th of 16 scheduled events comprising ‘The Hunt’ for the O’Reilly USMTS National Championship ... Friday's main event winner will earn $2,000 while Saturday's winner will earn $3,000 ... Stock Cars and Hobby Stocks will also be on the racing card both days.

USMTS NATIONAL DRIVERS: Steve Arpin, Brent Bohmont, Dan Bohr, Johnny Bone Jr., Dustin Boney, Joe Bradshaw, Mark Burgtorf, Dan Chapman, Mike Chasteen, Clayton Christensen, Gary Clark, Justin Cooper, Mookie Cunningham, Eric Dailey, Michael Darnall, Tim Donlinger, Mark Dotson, Scott Drake, Corey Dripps, Les Duellman, Mark Elliott, Tommy Elston, Tony Fraise, Jason Friesen, Matt Gilbertson, Chevy Hadan, Bruce Hanford, Al Hejna, Mike Hejna, David Holder, Steve Holzkamper, Jim Horejsi, Jason Hughes, Marlin Kracht, Tyson Kraft, Willy Kraft, Jason Krohn, Brett LaFollette, Kevin Larkins, Patrick Linn, Dean Mahlstedt, Jim Mathieson, Julie McDermid, Matt McDermid, Brad McEwan, Ben McVinua, Greg Metz, Ryan Meyer, David Mitchell, Alan Mondus, Brandon Morton, Scott Mullen, Tommy Myer, Jake Neal, Mark Noble, Garry Oskerson, Paul Parker, Tom Paulson, Brad Pinkerton, Jay Poidinger, Josh Reisch, Scott Roberts, Ryan Ruter, Mel Saffran, Joey Schaefer, Jeff Schluetter, John Schwab, Kelly Shryock, Mike Sorensen, Mike Spaulding, Chuck Stanton, Mike Steensma, Russell Stewart, Steve Stewart, Jon Tesch, Jeremy Tibben, Bob Timm, Randy Timms, John VanDenBerg, Zack VanderBeek, Ron Ver Beek, Scott Vesely, Joshua Vinnedge, Brad Waits, Nate Wasmund, Mike Wedelstadt, Tommy Weder Jr., Steve Wetzstein, Chad Wheeler, Ryan York, Randy Zimmerman.

USMTS TITLE SPONSOR: O’Reilly Auto Parts.

USMTS OFFICIAL SPONSORS: American Racer Racing Tires, AMSOIL, Dirt Works Race Cars, Holley Performance Products, Home Pride Companies, Intercomp, Marsh Racing Wheels, Nitroquest Web Solutions, Olympic Fire Protection, R.A. Benson Motorsports, Real Racing Wheels, Reich Concrete, Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar, SpeedNet Direct, UNIJIG, Yeager Machine.

USMTS CONTINGENCY SPONSORS: AFCO Racing Products, Bassett Racing Wheel, Bell Racing, Belleville Motorsports, Bert Transmission, Boyer’s Engine Development, Dynatech Racing Exhaust, Edelbrock, Fast Shafts, GRT Race Cars, Hawk Performance, Hyperco, Impact! Racing, Intensitee Custom Clothing, Isky Racing Cams, KEVKO Oil Pans & Components, KSE Racing Products, Larson Racing Specialists, Quarter Master, QuickTime Performance Race Parts, RaceQuest, RaceMN Motorsports Expo, T.A.R. Race Car Bodies, US Brake.

POINTS STANDINGS:

‘The Hunt’ for the O’Reilly National Championship:
1. 33z - Zack VanderBeek -- New Sharon, Iowa .... 762 pts.
2. 3 - Kelly Shryock -- Fertile, Iowa .... 721
3. 14 - Jon Tesch -- Watertown, S.D. .... 711
4. 65 - Tommy Myer -- Blooming Prairie, Minn. .... 697
5. 1f - Jason Friesen -- Sutton, Neb. .... 679
6. 555 - Ryan Ruter -- Forest City, Iowa .... 585
7. 26 - Brad McEwan -- Storm Lake, Iowa .... 565
8. 7 - Al Hejna -- Clear Lake, Iowa .... 503
9. 7ii - Mike Hejna -- Clear Lake, Iowa .... 489
10. 21m - Dean Mahlstedt -- Clear Lake, Iowa .... 470
11. 55 - Alan Mondus -- Lakeville, Minn. .... 445
12. 49x - Jay Poidinger -- Somerset, Wis. .... 426
13. 74 - Mark Noble -- Blooming Prairie, Minn. .... 252
14. 12 - Jason Hughes -- Colcord, Okla. .... 70
15. 72 - Mike Lineberry -- Fontanelle, Neb. .... 5

Rookies Rockin’ Sports Bar Rookie of the Year:
1. 49x - Jay Poidinger -- Somerset, Wis. .... 781 pts.
2. 1f - Jason Friesen -- Sutton, Neb. .... 679
3. 55 - Alan Mondus -- Lakeville, Minn. .... 466
4. 18s - Brent Bohmont -- Martell, Neb. .... 416
5. 23 - Matt Gilbertson -- Montevideo, Minn. .... 357

UNIJIG Builders Championship:
1. Skyrocket Chassis .... 510 pts.
2. Hughes Racing Chassis .... 345
3. GRT Race Cars .... 311
4. Kraft Kar Race Cars .... 300
5. Bullet Chassis .... 262

Home Pride Passing Points:
1. 3 - Kelly Shryock -- Fertile, Iowa .... 219 pts.
2. 555 - Ryan Ruter -- Forest City, Iowa .... 178½
3. 7 - Al Hejna -- Clear Lake, Iowa .... 160½
4. 65 - Tommy Myer --Blooming Prairie, Minn. .... 157½
5. 33z - Zack VanderBeek -- New Sharon, Iowa .... 148½

AMSOIL Lap Leaders:
1. 3 - Kelly Shryock -- Fertile, Iowa .... 788 laps
2. 65 - Tommy Myer -- Blooming Prairie, Minn. .... 108
3. 74 - Mark Noble -- Blooming Prairie, Minn. .... 106
4. 7ii - Mike Hejna -- Clear Lake, Iowa .... 104
5. 555 - Ryan Ruter -- Forest City, Iowa .... 103

2006 MAIN EVENT WINNERS:
1. 3 - Kelly Shryock -- Fertile, Iowa .... 29 wins
2. 74 - Mark Noble -- Blooming Prairie, Minn. .... 5
3. 14 - Jon Tesch -- Watertown, S.D. .... 4
4. 555 - Ryan Ruter -- Forest City, Iowa .... 2
4. 65 - Tommy Myer -- Blooming Prairie, Minn. .... 2
4. 7ii - Mike Hejna -- Clear Lake, Iowa .... 2
7. 1f - Jason Friesen -- Sutton, Neb. .... 1
7. 21m - Dean Mahlstedt -- Clear Lake, Iowa .... 1
7. 12 - Jason Hughes -- Colcord, Okla. .... 1
7. 45 - Todd Scharkey -- Kasson, Minn. .... 1
7. 7 - Al Hejna -- Clear Lake, Iowa .... 1
7. 33z - Zack VanderBeek -- New Sharon, Iowa .... 1
7. 69m - Mark Burgtorf -- Quincy, Ill. .... 1
7. 22s - Chad Kinder -- Newton, Ill. .... 1
7. 00eh - Steve Arpin -- Fort Frances, Ont., Canada .... 1

REMAINING 2006 SCHEDULE:
[H] Fri Oct 6 - Adams County Speedway, Corning, IA ($2,000 to win)
[H] Sat Oct 7 - Adams County Speedway, Corning, IA ($3,000 to win)
[H] Fri Oct 27 - Bolivar Speedway USA, Bolivar, MO ($2,000 to win)
[H] Sat Oct 28 - Bolivar Speedway USA, Bolivar, MO ($3,000 to win)
[H] Fri Nov 3 - Pepsi Scotland County Speedway, Memphis, MO ($2,000 to win)
[H] Sat Nov 4 - Pepsi Scotland County Speedway, Memphis, MO ($3,000 to win)

‘The Hunt’ for the O’Reilly USMTS National Championship will be comprised of the final races of the season beginning August 17. The O’Reilly USMTS National Championship points system are used at all regional events, with the top-10 in the final standings for each region earning 10 points for first place, 9 points for second place and so forth, descending to 1 point for 10th place in the region. Each driver who competed at all events within a region also earns 5 bonus points. The total points earned for all regions serve as the base points that each driver will start ‘The Hunt’ with. The O’Reilly USMTS National Championship points system will be used at the remaining events for the drivers in ‘The Hunt’ to determine the 2006 O’Reilly USMTS National Champion.

ABOUT THE USMTS: To learn more about the O’Reilly Auto Parts United States Modified Touring Series, call the O’Reilly USMTS headquarters at (515) 832-7944 or visit www.USMTS.com online.

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