Wheatshocker Nationals provides big names, big thrills, big payout
By NICK SCHWIEN
The plan for Randy Bantam is simple -- and it's logical.
"Foot to the floor and go," the Norton racer said. "And maybe stay out of the crashes."
It sounds easy enough, but Bantam knows it will take a little more than just that to pull off a win at the inaugural Wheatshocker Rebel Nationals at RPM Speedway on Saturday and Sunday in Hays. Races both nights are set for 7:30 p.m.
The event is expected to be the largest 305 sprint car show in the nation, courtesy of the United Rebel Sprint Series.
This weekend's races are special for many reasons. Series promoter and founder Rick Salem said approximately 50 drivers could grace the dirt oval of RPM, and he hopes it's the start of an every-year occurrence at one of the fastest growing tracks in Kansas.
Oh yeah, and there's the little payout incentive, too. The winner of Sunday night's feature will pocket $2,000, with second place taking home $1,500 and third-place pocketing $1,000. Saturday night's feature winner will receive $500, and the top 10 from Saturday night's A-main automatically will qualify for Sunday's feature.
The normal payout for a feature win is $400.
"There's going to be a lot of guys going for that," Bantam said. "The heavy-hitters are going to be out and going -- and there's going to be a lot of them. The audience is going to see thrills and spills. There's going to be a lot of exciting action."
That's what Salem wants.
"We're trying to have the biggest and best 305 show in the nation," he said. "That's my goal and my passion. We want to put these guys on an even level and let them drive their butts off to get to the front."
The URSS has featured 26 races so far this year before Friday's races at Jetmore and Junction City. And 18 different drivers have taken the checkered flag. Only Brian Herbert (4), Patrick Bourke (3), Brandon Fisher (2), Taylor Milton (2) and C.J. Johnson (2) have multiple wins.
That parity could make things interesting this weekend. It also leaves the window wide open as to who might take the victory Sunday night.
"There isn't (a clear-cut favorite)," Salem said.
"Everyone is going for that $2,000," Bantam added. "We're going to let everyone weed themselves out and see what happens."
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