By the URSS

OBERLIN -- The United Rebel Sprint Series and the Belleville High Banks are looking to make a true national event this year. The Rebels and series founder Rick Salem will get that opportunity Aug. 4 at the URSS Sprint Car Nationals at the Belleville High Banks, a track dubbed the world's fastest half-mile in the nation.

Salem has received contact from drivers running RaceSaver engines in the South and has decided to open the night up to URSS engines and those running a RaceSaver engines as well.

"We're just trying to make it more of a national event," Salem said.

The Thursday night event will preceded the two-day annual Belleville Midget Nationals and give the area another excellent opportunity to see what the URSS has to offer.

In two races at Belleville, the Rebels have put on a pair of amazing races on the lightning-quick surface. Ray Seemann won last year's battle, while Luke Cranston used a late pass around Zach Blurton on June 3 to grab a win in front of a full grandstand.

"In Texas and New Mexico, they have a pretty good field of cars down there," Salem said. "I'd like to compare them together with us.

The winner of the Aug. 4 feature will pocket $3,000 with $400 to start the A main, and with $200 going to all non qualifiers, it's the largest payout in series history. Races are scheduled to begin that Thursday at 7 p.m.

"We're trying to make it more of a national deal to make it the largest 305 race in the nation. This a chance for a lot of drivers to get the chance to compete on one of the most historic and fastest ½ mile tracks in the nation" Salem said.

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For more information about this event or the United Rebel Sprint Series, contact Rick Salem at (785) 475-7010 or email rksalem@eaglecom.net, or visit the URSS online at www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com.