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MARS Championship Tours Return to Action for the Second Half of the 2025 Season

MARS Championship Tours Return to Action for the Second Half of the 2025 Season

FAIRBURY, IL (July 15, 2025) – Half of the season down… Half of the season remains… The first half of the season for both the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment were both filled with great racing, memorable moments, and numerous first-time winners. 14 feature events have been contested for the MARS Late Models (with 3 rainouts), while the MARS Modifieds have completed 8 events (with 4 rainouts). 16 MARS Late Model events and 10 MARS Modified events remain on the docket for 2025 as we get back to action beginning this weekend.

Friday, July 18, the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment return to action for the first time since the month of May. The first of 3 nights of action for the weekend kicks off at the Farmer City Raceway in Farmer City, Illinois. Friday will be a night of special moments, and special presentations, as the MARS Late Models will compete for the title of the 15th annual Jr. Kimler Memorial, and the MARS Modifieds will race as part of the 2nd annual Bill Marietta Memorial. Both Kimler and Marietta are dearly missed by the community, and we look forward to carrying on their legacy in life this Friday night.

An additional treat for Friday’s program will be the 2025 Farmer City Raceway Wall of Fame inductions. The ceremony will be held during opening ceremonies in front of the main grandstand. 2025 Wall of Fame additions include Roben Huffman, Darrell Dick, Jay Ledford, Jim Harter, Bennie Nettleton, Dan Mehrkens, Becky & Kenny Haller, Maria Griffin, and Kendra Milliken.

Jr. Kimler Memorial Past Winners

2011 - Jason Feger
2012 - Jeff Leka (Modified event)
2013 - Scott Bull
2014 - Bobby Pierce
2015 - Shannon Babb
2016 - Jason Feger
2017 - Mike Spatola
2018 - Ryan Unzicker
2019 - Mike Spatola
2020 - McKay Wenger
2021 - McKay Wenger
2022 - Jason Feger
2023 - Frank Heckenast Jr
2024 - Brian Shirley

Bill Marietta Memorial Past Winners

2024 - Michael Long

On Saturday, July 19, both tours will make the 3-hour tow down Interstate 55 to the beautiful Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, Missouri for another night of racing action. The MARS Late Models will once again compete in a 40-lap main event for $5,000-to-win while the MARS Modifieds will race 30 laps for $2,000-to-win. Last winter, Brownstown Bullring promoter Josh Carroll completed the purchase of the ¼ mile bullring in Pevely, Missouri and has since worked non-stop on improvements at the historic facility. A new catch fence, reconstructed pit parking, updated suites, and a new beer garden are just a few of the improvements already completed, with more planned for in the future. Jason Feger and Michael Long are the defending race winners of this event.

Both the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends and the MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment will wrap up the weekend, and the racing schedule for the month of July, with a trip on July 20 to the Quincy Raceways in Quincy, Illinois for the Gem City Jamboree Presented by Be Dry Roofing and Dennis Woodworth Attorney & Law. The night will feature a 30-lap MARS Late Model main event and a 25-lap MARS Modified main event paying $5,000 and $2,000-to-win respectfully. This will mark the second time this season that the tours will invade the “Bullring on Broadway.” Back in the month of May, it was Jason Feger and Josh Harris picking up series victories.

Following the Illinois Valley Showdown at the end of the month of May, Ryan Unzicker found his way to the Midwest Sheet Metal point lead for the MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends by a single point over defending series champion Jason Feger. Shannon Babb, Tony Jackson Jr, and McKay Wenger round out the top 5. Daryn Klein continues to try to increase his lead in Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year standings as Jake Little, Brennon Willard, Jeff Herzog, and Steve Stultz continue to try to reel the #10 in.

Cole Falloway holds a healthy 75-point Midwest Sheet Metal point lead over Trevor Neville in MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment competition. Beau DeYoung, Ray Bollinger, and Michael Ledford complete the top 5.

Speaking of Beau DeYoung, he continues to pull away in Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Year standings over Damian Kiefer, Alan Stipp, Zach Taylor, and Ryan Hamilton.

Event Info

Friday, July 18

Farmer City Raceway
Farmer City, IL

Jr. Kimler Memorial / Bill Marietta Memorial / Farmer City Raceway Hall of Fame night

$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
DIRTcar Pro Late Models
DIRTcar Pro Modifieds
DIRTcar Stock Cars

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

Adult General Admission $30
General Admission for Kids 12 and under FREE

Pit Pass $40
Pit Pass for Kids ages 5-12 $20
Pit Pass for Kids ages 4 and under FREE

Saturday, July 19

Federated Auto Parts Raceway @ I-55
Pevely, MO

$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-Modifieds
DIRTcar Sportsman
DIRTcar Hornets

Pits open at 12:00 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 12 and under FREE

Pit Pass $45
Pit Pass for Kids ages 6-12 $25
Pit Pass for Kids ages 5 and under FREE

Sunday, July 20

Quincy Raceways
Quincy, IL

Gem City Jamboree Presented by Be Dry Roofing and Dennis Woodworth Attorney & Law

$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-Modifieds
Crown Vics

Pits open at 12:00 P.M.
Grandstands open at 4:00 P.M.
Drivers Meeting at 5:00 P.M.
Hot Laps at 5:30 P.M.

Adult General Admission $30
General Admission for Seniors ages 65+ $20
General Admission for Students ages 11-16 $20
General Admission for Kids 10 and under FREE

Pit Pass $45
Pit Pass for Kids ages 10 and under $20

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 nightly 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 Saturday $120 Sunday $120

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Nightly 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 – Friday $65 Saturday $70 Sunday $70

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

1. Ryan Unzicker – El Paso, IL – 621 Points
2. Jason Feger – Bloomington, IL – 620 Points
3. Shannon Babb – Moweaqua, IL – 571 Points
4. Tony Jackson Jr – Lebanon, MO – 565 Points
5. McKay Wenger – Fairbury, IL – 506 Points
6. Justin Duty – Molalla, OR – 500 Points
7. Dennis Erb Jr – Carpentersville, IL – 487 Points
8. Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 465 Points
9. Daryn Klein – Fairview Heights, IL – 460 Points
10. Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – 445 Points
11. Bob Gardner – Washington, IL – 441 Points
12. Jake Little – Springfield, IL – 379 Points
13. Brennon Willard – Lebanon, MO – 377 Points
14. Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 365 Points
15. Jeff Herzog – Festus, MO – 341 Points
16. Steve Stultz – Peoria, AZ – 302 Points
17. Chris Simpson – Oxford, IA – 271 Points
18. Austin Howes – Lewistown, MO – 258 Points
19. Mark Voigt – Marine, IL – 254 Points
20. Guy Taylor – Springfield, IL – 240 Points

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

1. Daryn Klein – Fairview Heights – 460 Points
2. Jake Little – Springfield, IL – 379 Points
3. Brennon Willard – Lebanon, MO – 377 Points
4. Jeff Herzog – Festus, MO – 341 Points
5. Steve Stultz – Peoria, AZ – 302 Points

MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Point Standings (Top 15)

1. Cole Falloway – Owensboro, KY – 515 Points
2. Trevor Neville – Mackinaw, IL – 440 Points
3. Beau DeYoung – DeMotte, IN – 415 Points
4. Ray Bollinger – Kewanee, IL – 410 Points
5. Michael Ledford – Pontiac, IL – 403 Points
6. Damian Kiefer – Ste. Genevieve, MO – 330 Points
7. Chase Holland – Success, MS – 318 Points
8. Kyle Hammer – Clinton, IL – 317 Points
9. Alan Stipp – Chatsworth, IL – 292 Points
10. Michael Long – Fowler, IL – 286 Points
11. Zach Taylor – Springfield, IL – 271 Points
12. Austin Friedman – Fairbury, IL – 237 Points
13. Ryan Hamilton – Fairview Heights, IL – 226 Points
14. Jeff Curl – Fairbury, IL – 204 Points
15. Mark Rhoades – West Chicago, IL – 204 Points

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

1. Beau DeYoung – DeMotte, IN – 415 Points
2. Damian Kiefer – Ste. Genevieve, MO – 330 Points
3. Alan Stipp – Chatsworth, IL – 292 Points
4. Zach Taylor – Springfield, IL – 271 Points
5. Ryan Hamilton – Fairview Heights, IL – 226 Points

2025 MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends Statistics

Pontiac RV Heat Race #1 Winner

Shannon Babb – 3
Brian Shirley – 2
Bobby Pierce – 2
Ricky Thornton Jr – 1
Carson Ferguson – 1
Drake Troutman – 1
Allen Weisser – 1
Jason Feger – 1
Ashton Winger – 1

FK Rod Ends 1st Place Finisher

Bobby Pierce – 6
Jason Feger – 2
Brandon Sheppard – 1
Ryan Unzicker – 1
Shannon Babb – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Dennis Erb Jr – 1
Tyler Erb – 1

FK Rod Ends 5th Place Finisher

Tony Jackson Jr – 2
Garrett Alberson – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Brian Shirley – 1
Shannon Babb – 1
Allen Weisser – 1
Austin Howes – 1
Jordan Bauer – 1
Guy Taylor – 1
McKay Wenger – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Ryan Unzicker – 1
Chris Simpson – 1

Fairbury Fasteners 7th Place Finisher

McKay Wenger – 2
Jason Feger – 2
Daryn Klein – 2
Ryan Gustin – 1
Dennis Erb Jr – 1
Daniel Adam – 1
Garrett Alberson – 1
Ryan Unzicker – 1
Bob Gardner – 1
Shannon Babb – 1
Justin Duty – 1

Budda by Bert Transmission 9th Place Finisher

Jason Feger – 4
Brian Shirley – 2
Dylan Thornton – 1
Jake Little – 1
Brennon Willard – 1
Mike Harrison – 1
Jordan Bauer – 1
Justin Duty – 1
Tyler Erb – 1
Shannon Babb – 1

Hooker Harness 11th Place Finisher

Shannon Babb – 1
Bob Gardner – 1
Derrick Stewart – 1
Chris Simpson – 1
Garrett Alberson – 1
Tony Jackson Jr – 1
Justin Duty – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Blaze Burwell – 1
Jeffrey Ledford – 1
Trevor Gundaker – 1
McKay Wenger – 1
Dennis Erb Jr – 1
Jeff Herzog – 1

Keyser Manufacturing 13th Place Finisher

Bob Gardner – 2
Chris Simpson – 1
Ryan Unzicker – 1
McKay Wenger – 1
Trevor Gundaker – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Daryn Klein – 1
Guy Taylor – 1
Reid Millard – 1
Mike Provenzano – 1
Mike Spatola – 1
Brian Shirley – 1
Shannon Babb – 1

Fast Shafts 15th Place Finisher

Justin Duty – 2
McKay Wenger – 2
Mike Spatola – 1
Chad Simpson – 1
Andy Clark – 1
Mark Voigt – 1
Jake Little – 1
Austin Howes – 1
Myles Moos – 1
Aaron Marrant – 1
Rich Bell – 1
Daryn Klein – 1

MD3 Hard Charger Award Winner

Tony Jackson Jr – 3
Ryan Unzicker – 3
Jason Feger – 1
Dennis Erb Jr – 1
Daryn Klein – 1
Bob Gardner – 1
Trevor Gundaker – 1
Mike Provenzano – 1
Brennon Willard – 1
Bobby Pierce – 1

Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winner

Bob Gardner – 3
Ryan Unzicker – 2
Gordy Gundaker – 1
Dylan Thornton – 1
Frank Heckenast Jr – 1
Kayden Clatt – 1
Cody Maguire – 1
Guy Taylor – 1
Rodney Melvin – 1
Brian Shirley – 1
Thomas Hunziker – 1

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winner

Daryn Klein – 8
Jeff Herzog – 3
Jake Little – 2
Austin Howes – 1

2025 MARS Modified Championship Powered by Summit Racing Equipment Statistics

Multi Fire X Fast Time Award Winner

Cole Falloway – 2
Chase Holland – 1
Michael Long – 1
Dave Wietholder – 1
Ray Bollinger – 1
Derek Losh – 1
Will Krup – 1

Willy’s Carb & Dyno Heat Race #1 Winner

Chase Holland – 2
Cole Falloway – 1
Michael Long – 1
Trevor Neville – 1
Kyle Hammer – 1
Landen Miller – 1
Will Krup – 1

Lethal Chassis Heat Race #2 Winner

Kyle Hammer – 2
Mike McKinney – 1
Michael Ledford – 1
Ray Bollinger – 1
Trevor Neville – 1
Carson Friedman – 1
Cole Falloway – 1

Allgaier Performance Heat Race #3 Winner

Cole Falloway – 3
Michael Long – 1
Beau DeYoung – 1
Adam Pockrus – 1
Derek Losh – 1
Trevor Neville – 1

Shepard Synthetics 1st Place Finisher

Michael Ledford – 2
Mike McKinney – 1
Michael Long – 1
Josh Harris – 1
Trevor Neville – 1
Derek Losh – 1
Tyler Nicely – 1

Summit Racing Equipment 2nd Place Finisher

Cole Falloway – 5
Michael Long – 1
Michael Ledford – 1
Will Krup – 1

Fast Shafts 3rd Place Finisher

Trevor Neville – 2
Michael Ledford – 1
Michael Long – 1
Kyle Hammer – 1
Steven Brooks – 1
Beau DeYoung – 1
Austin Friedman – 1

Keyser Manufacturing 7th Place Finisher

Beau DeYoung – 2
Tyler Nicely – 1
Austin Friedman – 1
Mike McKinney – 1
Ray Bollinger – 1
Owen Steinkoenig – 1
Cole Falloway – 1

Hooker Harness 11th Place Finisher

Carson Friedman – 1
Trevor Neville – 1
Degan Dozard – 1
Kyle Hammer – 1
Shawn Deering – 1
Noah Sugg – 1
Trent Young – 1
Mike Chasteen Jr – 1

MD3 Hard Charger Award Winner

Dave Wietholder – 1
Damian Kiefer – 1
Degan Dozard – 1
Chase Holland – 1
Zach Taylor – 1
Cody Ventimiglia – 1
Trent Young – 1
Ryan Hamilton – 1

Wilwood Brakes Hard Luck Award Winner

Dave Wietholder – 2
Damian Kiefer – 2
Mike Chasteen Jr – 1
Matthew Baker – 1
Rick Salter – 1
Zac Oedewaldt – 1

Sunoco Race Fuels Rookie of the Race Winner

Beau DeYoung – 5
Damian Kiefer – 2
Alan Stipp – 1

Lethal Chassis Bonus Bucks Award Winner

Trevor Neville – 4
Degan Dozard – 1
Tyler Spalding – 1
Austen Becerra – 1
Zac Oedewaldt – 1

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR:

• SUMMER NATIONALS SUCCESS: Fresh off of his DIRTcar Summer Nationals Championship, can Jason Feger get back to his winning ways with the MARS tour? He holds a pair of victories through 14 events after a combined total of 12 victories over his past 2 MARS campaigns.

• SWITCHING THROUGH THE SUMMER: One driver on the move since the last MARS Late Model event is Fairbury, Illinois driver McKay Wenger. In the past few weeks, Wenger made his debut in a newly acquired car formerly driven by Drake Troutman and has shown some of his best speed of the season including picking up the past two features at Fairbury Speedway. He has since announced his departure from the Curless Motorsports #99. Wenger is currently 5th in MARS standings, collecting $200 per night + a pit pass in driver loyalty perks, and currently in line to receive $5,000 in points fund money plus other awards at seasons end. Will it be enough to keep the Fairbury, IL driver on tour?

• REFRESHED AND REGROUPED: While some drivers have ran a high volume of events over the summer, others have been enjoying time away from the track preparing to tackle the second half of the season. Names that come to mind that have raced sparingly over the break include Ryan Unzicker, Tony Jackson Jr, Justin Duty, Brennon Willard, Steve Stultz, Beau DeYoung, and Damian Kiefer to name a few. Look for these drivers to be rejuvenated and ready to roll come this weekend.

• NEW MODIFIED WINNER: The 2025 MARS Modified season has already shown more parity than ever before when it comes to being the top-dog. In 8 events, there has only been 1 repeat winner (Michael Ledford). Series point leader Cole Falloway, Farmer City Raceway point leader Carson Friedman, and Battle of the Bullring / Quincy Raceways point leader Rick Conoyer look to be towards the front of the line of contenders to make the leap onto the winners list this weekend.

• HALF OF THE SEASON REMAINS: With half of the season down, there is still a healthy number of events remaining for both tours. The MARS Late Models still have 16 events remaining while the MARS Modifieds still have 10 events to contest.

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

• July 18, 2025 – Farmer City Raceway – Farmer City, IL – Jr. Kimler Memorial / Bill Marietta Memorial - $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

• July 19, 2025 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway @ I-55 – Pevely, MO - $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

• July 20, 2025 – Quincy Raceways – Quincy, IL – Gem City Jamboree Presented by Be Dry Roofing & Dennis Woodworth Attorney & Law – $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

• August 8, 2025 – Sycamore Speedway – Maple Park, IL – MARS Sycamore Showcase – $5,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends

• August 9, 2025 – Macon Speedway – Macon, IL – KerbyStrong – $10,000-to-win MARS Late Model Championship Powered by FK Rod Ends

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