HUMBOLDT — Hot, dry, cool.
Action is going to be hot on Humboldt Speedway’s track. The weather forecast is dry and cool for the four-night King of America Modified Nationals this week.
Starting tonight, one of the biggest dirt track modified stock car racing events of the season is right here in Allen County. Humboldt Speedway is host to the King of America Modified Nationals sanctioned by the United States Modified Touring Series.
Drivers are qualifying tonight, Thursday and Friday for the main feature race Saturday night. On the line is a $15,000 first place prize. The total payout for the main race is over $80,000.
Drivers will be racing to qualify in group time trials tonight, Thursday and Friday earning points for their performance in heat races and main events.
Each day the six drivers earning the most points will be allowed to occupy one of the 18 guaranteed starting spots in the championship race on Saturday. The driver with the most overall points will start at the pole.
Several main events will take place on Saturday finishing with a 30-car start for the championship, featuring only the modifieds.
Tonight’s action will have the reigning USMTS national champion Ryan Gustin racing along with Humboldt Speedway regulars Jess Folk Jr., Justin Folk and John Allen.
B-Modified racers will also compete each night of the King of America Modified Nationals event.
Tickets are available each night at the gate. The grandstand at the Speedway holds 2,500 but there’s seating capacity for 4,000 at the facility. That includes lawn chair seating areas.
Rhenda Whitworth, who with her husband, Ron, own and operate Humboldt Speedway, said fans should bring coats and blankets to be comfortable.
“There’s no rain in the forecast for the event but it will be cool here,” Whitworth said.
During the days, special events are planning such as a fishing tournament Thursday, a horseshoe contest Friday along with an outside concert following the races Friday.
“Elvis will be here Saturday to crown the King at the end of the main feature. We’ve also built a big throne chair for the winner,” Whitworth said.
