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MARS Late Models and MARS Modifieds to Round out the Month of April with Land of Lincoln Twin Bill

MARS Late Models and MARS Modifieds to Round out the Month of April with Land of Lincoln Twin Bill

FAIRBURY, IL (April 22, 2025) – Approximately a month ago the MARS Championship tours began the chase for the 2025 season titles. Since, the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends have completed five out of seven events while the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment have completed two out of the four scheduled events to-date. Many of the best in the country have hit the assortment of speedways with the MARS tours so far this season, with this weekend being the first that both series will come together to compete on the same weekend.

After the second weekend of the season slated for Paducah International Raceway and Charleston Speedway were washed out, it makes this weekend at Brownstown Bullring and Peoria Speedway even more of a marquee weekend as this will be the first time both series will compete alongside one another. With the Late Model tour averaging 42 cars per event, and the Modified tour averaging 34 cars per event, expect full pit areas both nights to round out the month of April.

Action gets underway on Friday, April 25 as the MARS tours head to the Brownstown Bullring in Brownstown, Illinois for a night of action presented by Sievers JCB. Friday will mark the first of two visits for the MARS Late Model tour, while it is the lone stop of the season for the MARS Modifieds. In 2023 the rebirth of the MARS Late Models and the inaugural race for the MARS Modifieds took place at this event with Tyler Erb being victorious in Late Model action, over a 37-car field while Tyler Nicely picked up the first ever MARS Modified checkered flag over an impressive 43-car field. The event was rained out in 2024.

On Saturday, April 26 the tours make the short three-hour interstate drive north to the Peoria Speedway in Peoria, Illinois for the 4th annual Garry Swibold Memorial. Last season was the first time for the event to be MARS sanctioned and saw Ryan Unzicker take home the feature win for the MARS Late Models after starting 12th in the 40-lapper. Michael Long continued his winning ways by picking up the rain-shortened MARS Modified feature event at this event last year. With the multitude of bonus money injected into the event, the eventual winner for the Late Models could take home over $7,000 while the Modified winner could win over $3,000 for their efforts on the evening.

With 5 races down for the MARS Late Model tour, it’s World of Outlaws series regular Bobby Pierce with a commanding lead in the points standings after claiming four feature wins on the tour. Brian Shirley resides second in series standings followed by Brandon Sheppard, Dennis Erb Jr, and MARS series regular, Tony Jackson Jr.

After Illini 100 weekend, Michael Ledford leads the current MARS Modified standings over Michael Long, Cole Falloway, and Chase Holland, while Mike McKinney and Ray Bollinger left Farmer City tied for fifth.

Daryn Klein and Damian Kiefer lead their respective divisions in Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year standings with each race looking like it will be highly contested throughout the 2025 schedule.

Event Info

Friday, April 25

Brownstown Bullring
Brownstown, IL

Sievers JCB Diggin’ Dirt 40/30

$5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends
$2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
B-Mods
DIRTcar Factory Stocks
DIRTcar Hornets

Pits open at 4:00 P.M.
Grandstands open at 5:00 P.M.
Drivers Meeting at 6:00 P.M.
Hot Laps at 6:30 P.M.

Adult General Admission $30
General Admission for Kids 10 and under FREE

Pit Pass $40
Pit Pass for Kids 6-12 $25
Pit Pass for Kids 5 and under FREE

Saturday, April 26

Peoria Speedway
Peoria, IL

Garry Swibold Memorial

$5,098-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends
$2,098-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment
B-Mods
DIRTcar Hornets
DIRTcar Kids Mods

Pits open at 2:00 P.M.
Grandstands open at 4:30 P.M.
Drivers Meeting at 5:00 P.M.
Hot Laps at 5:30 P.M.

Adult General Admission $25
General Admission for Kids 10 and under FREE

Pit Pass $40
Pit Pass for Kids 10 and under $20

Garry Swibold Memorial Added Money

$500 Late Model Fast Qualifier award
$298 Late Model Hard Charger award
$100 to the Late Model Feature winner if running the Peoria Heights VFW post 2602 Honor to the Military decal

MARS Late Model Feature Event lap sponsors ($50 per lap led)

1. In Memory of Bill Hall Sr.
2. Boone Racing 04c
3. In Memory of Bill Francis
4. Racing 4 Sr
5. Butler Repair
6. Hardees in Pekin
7. In Memory of Dave McClelland
8. Fighting for Breast Cancer
9. Special Thanks Tim Wells
10. Full Cole’s Loving Wife
11. Blue Butts for Colon Cancer
12. Tom Casey
13. In Memory of Garry Swibold
14. LNP Powder Coating
15. Nigel for Matt Shannon Racing
16. In Memory of Karen Thurman
17. Cornwell Tools by Nate Davis
18. The Decker Family
19. Lil Crew Chief Kingsley Garrison
20. Blue Butts for Colon Cancer
21. The Copenhagen Bandit
22. In Memory of Keith Siegel from 5P Racing
23. In Memory of Jerry Bagby Sr
24. In Memory of Aunt Cella from Clarice and Keith
25. Feger Racing
26. Dependable Towing & Recovery
27. T-Shirt House in Pekin
28. Blue Butts for Colon Cancer
29. In Memory of Keith Siegel
30. Bauman Motorsports
31. The Decker Family
32. Jen and Jordan - Push the Cush
33. Dawg and Jessica Danley
34. In Memory of Dave McClelland
35. Blue Butts for Colon Cancer
36. In Memory of Karen Thurman
37. LNP Powder Coating
38. In Memory of Lyle and Sharon Bauman
39. In Memory of Keith Siegel
40. Fate Racing

$250 Modified Fast Qualifier award
$100 to the Modified Feature winner if running the Peoria Heights VFW post 2602 Honor to the Military decal

MARS Modified Feature Event lap sponsors ($30 per lap led)

1. In Memory of Bill Hall Sr.
2. Boone Racing 04c
3. Reeser Landscaping
4. Racing 4 Sr
5. 5P Porter Racing
6. HUAMP Motorsports
7. UAMP Motorsports
8. Boone Racing 04c
9. Special Thanks Tim Wells
10. Reeser Landscaping
11. Jeff Faw
12. HGS
13. Heilman Family
14. Seaton Landstorm
15. LNP Powder Coating
16. Fire For Effect Customs
17. Fire For Effect Customs
18. Special Thanks Tim Wells
19. Boone Racing 04c
20. Dependable Towing & Recovery
21. The Copenhagen Bandit
22. Porters Painting & Handyman Service
23. Jonnies Equipment Department
24. Brian Hamilton
25. Trackside Racewear
26. Base Towing - Aimee Kalb
27. Aunt Bees Backyard Blooms
28. Rick & Joe's Big Rig Detailing and Polishing
29. LNP Powder Coating
30. Bauman Motorsports

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Tire Rule for each night:

LF: Any (90) Hoosier
RF: Hoosier NLMT2 (90)
LR: Hoosier NLMT2 (90)
RR: Hoosier NLMT3 (92) or Hoosier NLMT4 (92)

Grooving and Siping will be permitted.

Event Purses

MARS Late Model Friday A-Main payout: 1) $5,000 2) $2,500 3) $2,000 4) $1,600 5) $1,400 6) $1,200 7) $1,000 8) $800 9) $700 10) $600 11) $500 12) $500 13) $500 14) $500 15) $500 16) $500 17) $500 18) $500 19) $500 20) $500 21) $500 22) $500. Non-Transfer Tow Money - Friday $115

MARS Late Model Saturday A-Main payout: 1) $5,098 2) $2,500 3) $2,000 4) $1,600 5) $1,400 6) $1,200 7) $1,000 8) $800 9) $700 10) $600 11) $500 12) $500 13) $500 14) $500 15) $500 16) $500 17) $500 18) $500 19) $500 20) $500 21) $500 22) $500. Non-Transfer Tow Money - Saturday $115

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Friday A-Main payout: 1) $2,000 2) $1,500 3) $1,200 4) $1,000 5) $800 6) $600 7) $500 8) $400 9) $300 10) $275 11) $250 12) $250 13) $250 14) $250 15) $250 16) $250 17) $250 18) $250 19) $250 20) $250 21) $250 22) $250. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $65 Friday

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Saturday A-Main payout: 1) $2,098 2) $1,500 3) $1,200 4) $1,000 5) $800 6) $600 7) $500 8) $400 9) $300 10) $275 11) $250 12) $250 13) $250 14) $250 15) $250 16) $250 17) $250 18) $250 19) $250 20) $250 21) $250 22) $250. Non-Transfer Tow Money - $65 Saturday

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Point Standings (Top 20)

1. Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 370 Points
2. Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – 292 Points
3. Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 280 Points
4. Dennis Erb Jr. – Carpentersville, IL – 273 Points
5. Tony Jackson Jr. – Lebanon, MO – 228 Points
6. Tanner English – Benton, KY – 217 Points
7. Shannon Babb – Moweaqua, IL – 210 Points
8. Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – 209 Points
9. Jason Feger – Bloomington, IL – 207 Points
10. Chris Simpson – Oxford, IA – 194 Points
11. Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – 190 Points
12. Ryan Gustin – Marshalltown, IA – 190 Points
13. Justin Duty – Molalla, OR – 187 Points
14. Dylan Thornton – Orcutt, CA – 183 Points
15. McKay Wenger – Fairbury, IL – 178 Points
16. Bob Gardner – Washington, IL – 178 Points
17. Ryan Unzicker – El Paso, IL – 176 Points
18. Chad Simpson – Mt. Vernon, IA – 167 Points
19. Gordy Gundaker – St. Charles, MO – 166 Points
20. Daniel Adam – Peru, IL – 162 Points

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Standings (Top 5)

1. Daryn Klein – Fairview Heights, IL – 139 Points
2. Jake Little – Springfield, IL – 129 Points
3. Steve Stultz – Peoria, AZ – 122 Points
4. Brennon Willard – Lebanon, MO – 121 Points
5. Jeff Herzog – Festus, MO – 120 Points

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Point Standings (Top 20)

1. Michael Ledford – Pontiac, IL – 140 Points
2. Michael Long – Fowler, IL – 135 Points
3. Cole Falloway – Owensboro, KY – 127 Points
4. Chase Holland – Success, MS – 114 Points
5. Mike McKinney – Plainfield, IL – 105 Points
6. Ray Bollinger – Kewanee, IL – 105 Points
7. Damian Kiefer – Ste. Genevieve, MO – 102 Points
8. Beau DeYoung – DeMotte, IN – 88 Points
9. Kyle Hammer – Clinton, IL – 87 Points
10. Austin Friedman – Fairbury, IL – 87 Points
11. Tyler Nicely – Owensboro, KY – 85 Points
12. Zeke McKenzie – Claypool, IN – 82 Points
13. Trevor Neville – Mackinaw, IL – 76 Points
14. Jeff Curl – Fairbury, IL – 75 Points
15. Carson Friedman – Fairbury, IL – 74 Points
16. Jeremy Nichols – Findlay, IL – 71 Points
17. Matthew Baker – Kouts, IN – 71 Points
18. Dave Wietholder – Liberty, IL – 67 Points
19. Lyndon Whitfill – Fairbury, IL – 67 Points
20. Steven Brooks – Bourbonnais, IL – 67 Points

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Standings

1. Damian Kiefer – Ste. Genevieve, MO – 102 Points
2. Beau DeYoung – DeMotte, IN – 88 Points
3. Matthew Baker – Kouts, IN – 71 Points
4. Alan Stipp – Chatsworth, IL – 66 Points
5. Zach Taylor – Springfield, IL – 62 Points
6. Mark Rhoades – West Chicago, IL – 55 Points
7. Michael Mennel – Peoria, IL – 51 Points
8. Wes Harms – Carmi, IL – 51 Points
9. Ryan Hamilton – Fairview Heights, IL – 45 Points
10. Kyle Barker – Cooksville, IL – 37 Points
11. Austin Seets – Brighton, IL – 36 Points

2025 MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Statistics

Pontiac RV Heat Race #1 Winner

Brian Shirley – 2
Ricky Thornton Jr – 1
Carson Ferguson – 1
Drake Troutman – 1

FK Rod Ends 1st Place Finisher

Bobby Pierce – 4
Brandon Sheppard – 1

FK Rod Ends 5th Place Finisher

Garrett Alberson – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Brian Shirley – 1
Shannon Babb – 1
Tony Jackson Jr – 1

Fairbury Fasteners 7th Place Finisher

Ryan Gustin – 1
Dennis Erb Jr – 1
Daniel Adam – 1
Garrett Alberson – 1
Ryan Unzicker – 1

Budda by Bert Transmission 9th Place Finisher

Jason Feger – 3
Dylan Thornton – 1
Brian Shirley – 1

Hooker Harness 11th Place Finisher

Shannon Babb – 1
Bob Gardner – 1
Derrick Stewart – 1
Chris Simpson – 1
Garrett Alberson – 1

Keyser Manufacturing 13th Place Finisher

Chris Simpson – 1
Ryan Unzicker – 1
Bob Gardner – 1
McKay Wenger – 1
Trevor Gundaker – 1

Fast Shafts 15th Place Finisher

Justin Duty – 2
McKay Wenger – 1
Mike Spatola – 1
Chad Simpson – 1

MD3 Hard Charger Award Winner

Tony Jackson Jr – 2
Jason Feger – 1
Dennis Erb Jr – 1
Ryan Unzicker – 1

Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winner

Gordy Gundaker – 1
Dylan Thornton – 1
Ryan Unzicker – 1
Frank Heckenast Jr – 1
Kayden Clatt – 1

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winner

Daryn Klein – 3
Jeff Herzog – 2

2025 MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Statistics

Multi Fire X Fast Time Award Winner

Cole Falloway – 1
Chase Holland – 1

Willy’s Carb & Dyno Heat Race #1 Winner

Chase Holland – 2

Lethal Chassis Heat Race #2 Winner

Mike McKinney – 1
Michael Ledford – 1

Allgaier Performance Heat Race #3 Winner

Cole Falloway – 1
Michael Long – 1

Shepard Synthetics 1st Place Finisher

Mike McKinney – 1
Michael Ledford – 1

Summit Racing Equipment 2nd Place Finisher

Michael Long – 1
Cole Falloway – 1

Fast Shafts 3rd Place Finisher

Michael Ledford – 1
Michael Long – 1

Keyser Manufacturing 7th Place Finisher

Tyler Nicely – 1
Beau DeYoung – 1

Hooker Harness 11th Place Finisher

Carson Friedman – 1
Trevor Neville – 1

MD3 Hard Charger Award Winner

Dave Wietholder – 1
Damian Kiefer – 1

Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winner

Mike Chasteen Jr – 1
Dave Wietholder – 1

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winner

Damian Kiefer – 2

Lethal Chassis Bonus Bucks Award Winner

Trevor Neville – 2

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR:

• BEGINNING WITH NATIONAL FLAVOR: The beginning of the MARS Late Model season has had more eyes than ever on it but has been extremely challenging for MARS regulars. The first five events were captured by national series drivers with drivers from the World of Outlaws and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series claiming all 15 podium finishes so far.

• POINT BATTLES RAGE ON: With MARS Late Model series points beginning to shake down over the next couple of weeks, who are the ones to watch for in series competition? After weathering the storm through the first 5 events, Tony Jackson Jr is currently the highest placing MARS regular with Shannon Babb only 18 markers behind him.

• MODIFIED RACER… MICHAEL LEDFORD: After planning to switch the focus onto his new Dynasty Chassis Super Late Model ride in 2025, will Michael Ledford still be a factor in Modified racing? Coming out of Illini 100 weekend Ledford leads the MARS Modified standings with most of the season ahead of us. Will Ledford decide to make a run for the series title?

• ROOKIES GALORE: With only a few events in the books to-date, there are still many drivers hopeful for a run with each tour for the duration of the season. Between the two tours, there are 18 drivers looking to run for Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year honors.

• BONUS MONEY: For the second straight year, supporters of the Swibold family have come out in full force by sponsoring lap money for the event on Saturday at Peoria. Every lap led in the Late Model feature is good for $50 while every lap in the Modified main event will earn a driver $30.

If you are unable to make it to the track, you can catch EVERY MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends event in 2025 live at floracing.com.

For more information about the MARS Dirt Series, please contact Jonathan Clayton at 731-467- 1316, visit the tour’s webpage at marsracingseries.com, or visit @MARSDirtRacing on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment would like to thank the following sponsors and marketing partners for their support of the 2025 racing season: FK Rod Ends (MARS Late Model title sponsor), Summit Racing Equipment (MARS Modified title sponsor), Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts (Official trailer and golf cart provider of the MARS Dirt Series), Flo Racing (Official streaming provider of the MARS Late Model tour), Racing Electronics (Official communications provider of the MARS Dirt Series), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official tire manufacturer of the MARS Dirt Series), Sunoco Race Fuels (Official fuel of the MARS Dirt Series and proud sponsor of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year chase all season long on the MARS Late Model & Modified Championship tours), Pontiac RV (Official RV Dealer of the MARS Dirt Series), Allstar Performance, O’Reilly Auto Parts, DIRTcar Racing, Driscoll Motors (Official dealership of the MARS Dirt Series), Woods Basement Systems (Official Basement Contractor of the MARS Dirt Series), MD3, Josh James Artwork, MWD Signs & Graphix, Fairbury Fastener & Supply, Dirt Draft, Digital Copy Systems, Whelen, Multi Fire X, Budda Bert Transmission, Dyer’s Top Rods, Fast Shafts, Wilwood Brakes, Wehrs Machine & Racing Products, Keyser Manufacturing, Varsitee Screenprinting, Willy’s Carb & Dyno, Trackside Racewear, Hooker Harness, Lethal Chassis, Remtek Enterprises, QuickCar Racing Products, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Midwest Sheet Metal, Shepard Synthetics, and Allgaier Performance.

MARS Championship Upcoming Events

• April 25, 2025 - Brownstown Bullring - Brownstown, IL - JCB Diggin Dirt 40 - $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & JCB Diggin Dirt 30 - $2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

• April 26, 2025 - Peoria Speedway - Peoria, IL - Garry Swibold Memorial - $5,098-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $2,098-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

• May 2, 2025 - Kankakee County Speedway - Kankakee, IL - Tom Pasek Memorial - $5,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

• May 3, 2025 - Red Hill Raceway - Sumner, IL - $2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

• May 16, 2025 - Quincy Raceways - Quincy, IL - $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends & $2,000-to-win MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment

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