NCRA: Late Models, Modifieds Return to Belleville High Banks This Sunday

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

BELLEVILLE, Kan. - The hottest drivers in the Midwest converge on the "World's Fastest Half-Mile Dirt Track" this Sunday, July 22, as the Belleville High Banks presents the second visit by the O'Reilly Auto Parts National Championship Racing Association (NCRA) Late Model and Modified Series to the steep bankings of the historical Sunflower State clay oval.

A huge field of cars were on hand, with several Late Models being clocked at over 120 mph as they streaked in front of the packed grandstands during heat race action. More of the same is expected this Sunday on the always-perfectly-prepeared Belleville soil.

Leading the Late Models' charge into Belleville is Terry Phillips of Springfield, Mo., who thrilled the fans with a charge from the back of the pack to win the main event on July 1 at "The World's Fastest Half-Mile Dirt Track."

Kyle Berck of Marquette, Neb., finished second second to Phillips in the first Belleville meeting. Both drivers were forced to qualify through the B feature to earn the right to start the feature race from the rear of the field.

Ironically, this past Friday and Saturday saw each of them win on the tough NCRA Late Model Series tour. Berck won Friday's main event at his hometrack of Mid-Nebraska Speedway in Doniphan, Neb., while Phillips continued his mastery of the 81 Speedway in Wichita, Kan., on Saturday night.

David Lahey of Moscow, Kan., won the NCRA Modified Series feature on July 1 when the tour visited Belleville, continuing his mastery of the half-mile tracks. He held off Oklahoma's Greg Skaggs -- the most recent NCRA Modified winner -- for the victory.

Hot laps begin Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and the green flag will unfurl for the first heat race at 7:30.

The wild-and-crazy Cruiser cars will also be in action, trading paint on Belleville's inner short track.

Adult admission is just $15.00, children ages 10-14 are $5.00 and kids under 10 are admitted free.

NOTE: Tickets for the 24th Annual Belleville Midget Nationals presented by WhoWon.com, Aug. 2-4, are going fast. Reserved tickets are available by calling (785) 527-5179, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Belleville High Banks, located in Belleville, Kan., is managed by a volunteer racing committee that host 10-12 racing events annually. "The World's Fastest Half-Mile Dirt Track" allows drivers the rare opportunity to run "wide open" the entire track, and the sweeping oval is one of the most demanding test of endurance and skill for drivers. The track's mainstay is the annual Belleville Midget Nationals, held every year during the first weekend in August. As the nation's most prestigious midget car race of the year, the best equipment, owners and drivers flock to the small rural community of 3,500, which is transformed into a racing Mecca of more than 30,000 people each August.

For more information on the Belleville High Banks, write to: Belleville High Banks, P.O. Box 349, Belleville, KS 66935, or call (785) 527-6050. Sponsorship inquiries may call or fax (402) 761-3676 or via e-mail at wdake@alltel.net.

Reserved tickets for the 24th Annual Belleville Midget Nationals presented by WhoWon.com are available by calling (785) 527-5179, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Text provided by Jeff Nun

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.