Fresh off the National Tour swing through Montana, fans will get one last shot at seeing Sprint Cars on track in “Big Sky Country” as the ASCS Frontier Region wraps up its 2024 campaign this Friday, Sep. 6, at Gallatin Speedway in Belgrade, and Saturday, Sep. 7 at Big Sky Speedway in Billings.
A race within a race over the last four events, everyone received points like normal on the National Tour, but the regional drivers were awarded points differently.
As has been done for years with the American Sprint Car Series, the race within a race setup takes out National touring teams from the finish and moves everyone else up. For example, if the highest-finishing regional driver finished seventh, they would receive first-place points, and so on.
Mathematically, three drivers stand a chance at the championship, with 100 points being the maximum a driver can make up in a single night in a worst-case scenario, meaning the hunter wins (150 points), and the hunted never takes a competitive lap (50 points).
Phil Dietz, who led by 32 points over Trever Kirkland, and Kelly Miller, who were tied for second going into the National Tour’s visit, has slipped to second by 46 points, with Kirkland 94 points back in third.
Points-wise, Miller averaged a second-place finish with his performances. Deitz averaged fifth-place points, and Kirkland averaged around sixth. If Miller can hold on, it will mark his second title in as many years. Phil Dietz is a two-time Series champion (2013 and 2015), with Kirkland topping the tour in 2022.
ASCS Frontier Region Champions:
2013 – Phil Dietz
2014 – Joe Ramaker
2015 – Phil Dietz
2016 – Skylar Gee
2017 – David Hoiness
2018 – David Hoiness
2019 – Jeremy McCune
2020 – Jeremy McCune
2021 – Logan Forler
2022 – Trever Kirkland
2023 – Kelly Miller
Part of the annual Big Sky Super Nationals at Gallatin Speedway on Friday night, gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and racing will start at 7:00 p.m. (MDT). Tickets are $20 for adults, with kids 12 and under free. IMCA Modifieds, WISSOTA Super Stocks, and WISSOTA Street Stocks will also be on hand.
Last on track at Gallatin Speedway on Aug. 2, victory went to Phil Dietz.
Gallatin Speedway is located at 2290 Tubb Rd. in Belgrade, MT. Information on the track is on their Facebook page, or by calling (406) 388-9666.
Joined by the JJM Performance Wingless Sprint Cars, Paws & Claws IMCA Sport Compacts, and the Spiffy’s Mobil 1 Lube Express & Wash INEX Legends presented by Heiser’s Bar, racing at Big Sky Speedway goes green at 7:00 p.m. (MDT). Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for veterans and seniors (65+), and free for kids 60 inches tall or shorter.
Seth Bergman and Jake Bubak won the Havey Ostermiller Memorial at Big Sky Speedway on Aug. 23 and 24. The last regional visit on Aug. 3 was the final stroke of the weekend sweep for Phil Dietz.
Big Sky Speedway is located at Hwy. 87 North, Mile Marker 16, just outside Billings, MT. For more information on the 3/8-mile oval, log onto the track’s website or call (406) 696-8661.
The 2024 season marks the 33rd season of competition for the American Sprint Car Series. Spearheaded by the American Sprint Car Series National Tour, the ASCS Nation includes Regional Tours encompassing Wing and Non-Wing competition.
For other news, notes, and information on any of the tours under the ASCS banner, log onto http://www.ascsracing.com, follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@ascsracing).
