The Midwest Lightning Sprints will begin the 32nd year of competition in 2019 making it the oldest continuous sanctioning body in the Kansas City area. The big news revealed during the off season was MLS and POWRi Racing have combined forces in an effort to unite lightning sprint groups across the country. Serving as the sanctioning body for four of the nation’s biggest lightning sprint organizations, the POWRi Lightning Sprint League will consist of California Lightning Sprints (CLS), the Rocky Mountain Lightning Sprints (RMLS), and the Midwest Lightning Sprints (MLS). Offering a point fund for each individual club, all of the leagues will have a phenomenal opportunity to grow and create enticement within their operation.
Speaking of growth, the MLS is currently experiencing a growth spurt not seen in years, if ever. A number of new drivers and cars have indicated they will be competing this year. The Rookie of the Year honors will be the largest and most competitive field of drivers we have ever seen. Some of the drivers have experience in other forms of racing while many of them have never raced before. The “race within the race” between these rookies gunning for the honor of being the top rookie will be worth the price of admission alone.
Most of the veteran drivers from last year will be back in 2019 including past champions Bobby Layne, Tom Brown, and Mark Billings. These three guys know how to get it done and will be looking to add another championship to their resume. They will face some tough competition from series regulars like Kyle Lewis, Ken Billings, and Jeff Bard. Also coming back with renewed focus is Tyler Murry, Tyler Miller, and TJ Johnson.
Joining TJ on the track this year will be his sister, Meghan. She will be running a limited schedule but it should be fun to see these siblings going wheel to wheel with older brother Travis serving as crew chief to both cars. Another newbie to the series is Kevin Gingrich out of Topeka. Kevin has raced on asphalt but this will be his first foray onto the dirt. He is putting together a 2nd car so we might see a new team mate during this season. Another family team coming in this season is Tim and Alex Davis. They come in with motocross racing backgrounds but are looking forward to racing with 4 wheels now. It will be fun to watch this uncle/nephew team to see who gets the best of who.
Another team of racers comes to us from the modlite ranks. Ed Griggs and Anthony Lane have plans to race whenever possible in whatever car possible. Both will make numerous shows with the MLS when it doesn’t conflict with their other racing schedules. Briar McGee and Frank Ikerd are both coming from the south and will trailer together whenever possible thus forming a team of convenience. Also, serving as Jeff Bard’s crew chief last year, but joining the fun this year is new driver Mike Tindell. Nick Hillberg out of Springfield is also working on a car and hopes to be ready to race in May sometime.
Racing the Rod End Supply car of our promoter, Bob Douglas, will be Kenny Bowers. Kenny has been around racing his whole life and will immediately make an impact in these cars. Bob is also working on a 2nd car and will have guest drivers wheeling it this summer. Tyler Miller is also putting together a 2nd car and should be race ready this summer also. It is possible we will see the Jayhawk Millwright cars of Beau and Dalton Heavelow back on the track this year too.
2019 is going to be a great year for the POWRi MLS. Competition has never been tougher. POWRi MLS will visit 4 different tracks this season - Nevada Speedway, I-35 Speedway, Valley Speedway, and Lake Ozark Speedway. The new season begins April 13th and continues through to the National Race on Oct. 4th and 5th. There are still good cars available both locally and across the country for anyone wanting to get in on the fun.
The POWRi MLS would like to thank our partners for their continued support in making the 2019 season a success. Rod End Supply, RacinBoys, and Oskvig Accounting.
If you or your company would like to be part of the exciting 2019 season please give Bob Douglas a call at 913-522-5378 or email to bobdouglasmls@rodendsupply.com .
By Chris Schofield (Kansas City, Mo.)