[Avon Open Wheel fan]

July 4th at the Bartholomew County Fairgrounds was the setting for the much anticipated first Non Wing MMSA Lightning Sprint Car race of the season. There was a record setting field of 32 cars signed in for the racing action.

First on tap and also a first for this season was single car qualifying where Collin Ambrose from Owensboro, Kentucky set the fast time.

The first race of the night was the four lap trophy dash which was won by Drew Dorsett from Monrovia, Indiana.

There was a full night of racing with four heat races taking the top four from each heat race into the A Main. Heat race winners were Collin Ambrose, Andy Bradley, Doug Jones and Drew Dorsett.

The B Main was without a doubt the most exciting race of the night. Former USAC and POWRI midget driver AJ Felker came from the back of the 15 car field to finish first place followed by Colin Parker, Howard McCormick and Scotty Orme for fourth and final transfer position.

After the B Main the drivers took some time to have a meet and greet with the fans. There was a long line of fans to meet the drivers and to get autographs and pictures of their favorite drivers.


The 25 lap A Main got off to a rocky start when one of the cars up front slowed down causing a chain reaction accident on the first lap. As a result Andy Bradley ended up collecting a tire on the inside of turn one causing his car to flip several times and bringing out the red flag. Andy was able to climb out of his car but, he was done for the night. On the restart Jim Gardner was able to set the pace for the feature. Jim went on to take the checker flag and never looked back but, unfortunately Jim Garnder fell victim to a technical rules infraction. The eventual winner was Collin Ambrose of Owensville, KY taking his third victory of the season. Second place went to Nathan Mensendiek from Columbus, Indiana and third place was AJ Felker from Charlestown, Indiana who also was awarded the hard charger award.

Next event for the MMSA Lighting Sprints will also be a “non wing” race taking place on July 12th at Twin Cities Raceway Park in North Vernon, Indiana. For additional schedule information please check out our web site at www.midwestminisprints.com.