Welcome back, race fans.
Drivers return for another season at the Missouri State Fair Speedway in Sedalia 4 p.m. Saturday, April 15.
Former World of Outlaws sprints champion Sammy Swindell races the historic half-mile for the first time since the track’s return from hiatus in August 2015, while Sedalia native Jonathan Cornell hits the dirt track for the first time in 2017.
Cornell was scheduled to race last week, but due to truck issues, stayed home and ran practice laps at the Missouri State Fair Speedway on Saturday, April 8.
Few pace faster, smoother lines at Sedalia than Cornell, but he fell on hard luck at home in 2016. Cornell won 12 races last season, but did not finish three of six events at the Missouri State Fair Speedway due to a series of car difficulties.
Driving for the first time since last season, Cornell tried to get reacquainted with with his car.
“The biggest thing was just making sure all our parts were tight, the car was handling really well, I didn’t leave any lines loose,” Cornell said. “The second-biggest thing was getting my body back up to speed. I haven’t been going that fast since we raced last year … It’s a big change, you know, being at home working and then hopping in these things going over 100 miles an hour.
“Just getting comfortable before the big races Saturday.”
Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and hot laps begin for Lucas Oil ASCS National and Warrior Region sprint cars at 3:30 p.m.
Racing begins at 4 p.m. Adult tickets are priced at $20, while children 12 and under are admitted free.
