(Editor’s note: media release by Bryan Hulbert)
BILLINGS – Returning to Billings for the first time since 2015, the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by the MAVTV Motorsports Network will join with the Brodix ASCS Frontier Region at Big Sky Speedway on Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20.
The first two-night affair at the Montana oval for the series, the Battle at Big Sky Speedway is promoted by Track Enterprises. Formally known as Billings Motorsports Park, the track was purchased near the start of 2018 by Jerry Brey and Shane Liebig. The pair is the third set of owners since the Speedway opened in 2003 and since their purchase, have made major capital improvements to the facility.
Getting behind the wheel a couple of weeks ago with the Brodix ASCS Frontier Region, ASCS National Director, Matt Ward, stated the improvements made for a facility that was very inviting and clean.
“The facility was ok before, but what Jerry and Shane have done has really lifted it to a premier facility. The overall feel was inviting, and the track was in great shape. I’m looking forward to being on the other side of the fence as an official to see more of what they did and be able to watch.”
Three previous visits to the three-eighths-mile oval have just as many winners with the late Jason Johnson picking up the inaugural visit on July 9, 2013. Jeff Swindell followed on July 12, 2014, with Johnny Herrera finding Victory Lane on July 18, 2015.
Going into the two-night affair, Sam Hafertepe, Jr. is on a hot streak with his sixth victory of the season this past weekend at the NAPA of Montana Grizzly Nationals. Padding his point’s lead to 64 markers over John Carney II, the El Paso native has matched Hafertepe in top-five and top-ten appearances this season keep in the hunt for the season-ending $50,000 prize. Carny is also the leading Brodix National Rookie of the Year contender.
Trying to overcome a hiccup at the Brownfield Classic that set him back in the points, Blake Hahn sits third with 84 points to makeup. Matt Covington’s podium run this past weekend put him back to fourth with Scott Bogucki dropping to fifth after getting tangled up at Gallatin Speedway, but is still within striking distance at 118 points back. Roger Crockett holds sixth in tour standings with Robbie Price in tow. Harli White, Jordon Mallett, and Alex Hill make up the top ten with Tucker Doughty making up ground this past weekend on Hill to close within 18 points of cracking the top ten.
Friday, July 19 and Saturday, July 20 at Big Sky Speedway open at 5:00 P.M. with Racing at 7:25 P.M. (MT). Admission each night is $25 with kids 12 and under admitted free of change into the Grandstands. Fans can save $10 on two-day passes by purchasing in advance here. Pit Passes are $35 per night and are sold at the event only.
Big Sky Speedway is located at mile marker 16 on Hwy 87 North to Roundup.
Quick View:
Who: Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series and ASCS Frontier Region
What: Battle at Big Sky Speedway
Where: Big Sky Speedway (Billings, Mont.)
When: July 19-20, 2019
Muffler: Open Headers
RACEceiver: 454.000
Times (all times listed are MDT)
Front Gate: 5 P.M.
Driver’s Meeting: 5:30 P.M.
Racing: 7:25 P.M.
Prices:
Grandstands: $25/day, Kids 12 and under free
Pits: $35/day
