HMT Storms in 81 Speedway Saturday Night
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Saturday night the Heartland Modified Tour presented by Real Racing Wheels treks into Kansas and JR and Kati Sartain's 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas. $2,000 will be on the line for the winner in the fifth stop on the inaugural tour schedule.
81 Speedway has long been known as a place for some of the top events in dirt racing, bringing in series and racers from all across the country. The Sartain family purchased the track in the off season, prior to the 2020 campaign, and are in their fifth season at the helm.
“For us the biggest thrill we get is when racers, crews and fans just tell us what a great time they have at our place,” said JR Sartain. “We also own Humboldt Speedway and put a lot of effort into improving both tracks and just motorsports in general.”
Sartain oversees multiple businesses day to day and notes that racing is unique and track ownership isn't for the faint of heart.
“It's like running a lot of different businesses all into one. We have all kinds of different customers and services. The racers and fans both need to be happy at the same time. The concession is a totally separate but connected deal, as is our merchandise. All of it has to flow together to keep the complex business rolling.”
Behind the scenes, over the winter, Sartain was an instrumental voice in bringing the HMT Presented by Real Racing Wheels to fruition. He took the leap right out of the gates and booked five shows at his tracks, helped with structure and planning, consulted on operations, called potential marketing partners and spoke with other track owners about the plans for the tour. With promoter John Allen beside him, the two have been invaluable and unwavering in their support.
“To say JR and John went above and beyond doesn't do justice to the sheer amount of effort they put in to help us,” said Series Director Erick Chesterman. “They are pillars in our sport and likely we never get going if not for their nudge in the right direction. We are so appreciative of the Sartain family and John Allen!”
Sartain left with this comment about the tour, “It is an easy decision to bring in a series like this when the people behind it share the same passion and vision for Modified racing now and into the future.”
Heading into the weekend, Fayetteville, Arkansas pilot Tyler Wolff leads the series standings. He's yet to win a feature but has been the most consistent finisher thus far. Tanner Mullens is sitting in second place and Darron Fuqua is holding down third.
Also in action Saturday are Super Stocks, Stock Cars and USRA B-Mods. Newton, Kansas residents will be admitted free with a photo ID and cars are slated to hit the 81 Speedway at 6:00 PM for hot laps.
Initially the series was scheduled to race Friday at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. It has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled.
The Heartland Modified Tour Presented by Real Racing Wheels would like to thank their 2024 season long partners.
Gold Partners - ARMI Contractors, Day Motorsports, Hochatown Saloon, Kenny's Tile, Midwest Sheet Metal, RacinDirt.com, Real Racing Wheels, S&S Fishing and Rental, VP Racing Fuels Heartland, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products
Silver Partners – American Racer Tires, Central Spray Foam & Cement Lifting, Duvall Electric, Fast Shafts, Freight Logistics Inc., Integra Shocks, Keyser Manufacturing, Milburn Property LLC, One4 Motorsports, Rick Beebe Heating and Air Conditioning
Bronze Partners – Charlie Williams Painting, Fowler Locomotive Sales, Lassiter Construction, Transmissions Unlimited, Victory Vault
2024 HMT Point Fund
1. $7,500
2. $4,500
3. $3,500
4. $3,000
5. $2,500
6. $2,400
7. $2,300
8. $2,200
9. $2,100
10. $2,000
*80 Percent attendance required to remain point fund eligible*