By NICK SCHWIEN

nschwien@dailynews.net

On the infield of the track, Rick Salem clicked on the radio and gave one last message.

"I was looking at that lineup there, and I was getting ready to watch them go four-abreast," said Salem, the founder of the United Rebel Sprint Series featuring the 305 sprint cars. "Then I got on the radio and told them I was proud of them, to race smart and safe and to put on one (heck) of a show."

When Salem clicked the radio off, he turned around and walked farther into the infield. His next actions showed just how proud the Oberlin man is of the grassroots sprint car series he founded nearly three years ago.

"I turned around and said, 'Watch this,' " Salem said, wringing his hands together and letting out a hearty laugh.

The series, which started with a handful of cars in 2006, put on the showcase event -- the inaugural Wheatshocker Rebel Nationals -- of its short existence Saturday and Sunday at RPM Speedway in Hays to kick off the Ellis County Fair.

Sunday night's feature, won by Quinter's C.J. Johnson, also featured the largest purse in URSS history -- $2,000 to the winner.

"I told them we've finally come of age," Salem said. "I told them we're going to be the show before long.

"It was a great weekend. I feel like we've finally arrived. You can't ask for anything better."

It certainly was Saturday and Sunday as the fans packed the stands both nights to watch the winged warriors battle it out.

Nearly 40 drivers checked in to do battle, making it one of the largest sprint car events in northwest Kansas -- even western Kansas -- in many years.

"I don't think there's been a bigger sprint car show" in western Kansas, said Utica driver Jon Johnson, a sprint car racer for many years. "(Heck), our car count this weekend was higher than the World of Outlaws at Dodge (City) a few weeks ago."

That two-day event in Dodge City -- featuring the fastest, and most expensive, 410 sprint cars -- drew approximately 25 drivers.

That put a big smile on Salem's face.

"No doubt about it, we put on a great show both nights," he said. "The guys have supported this deal ... and I'm proud of the guys."

The groundwork Salem and his series have laid in its short tenure has been impressive. This year alone, more than 70 drivers are registered with the series.

That's a phenomenal growth from just a few drivers a couple years ago. And it also has put pressure on the more expensive sprint car series competing in the state -- the NCRA and ASCS divisions.

Even Sunday's winner knows the northwest Kansas-born URSS is gaining traction fast.

"I definitely think this is the thing right now," said C.J. Johnson, who also runs the NCRA 360 class.

"It's probably going to be the only deal in a couple of years if it keeps going like it is now."