FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 22, 2011
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Steve Francis Finishes Eighth at Cherokee; Wythe Rained Out

ASHLAND, KY – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series driver, Steve Francis of Ashland, KY paid a visit to Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC for the first time since 1998 this past Friday Night, June 17th for the LOLMDS $10,000 to win Grassy Smith Memorial.

Steve would finish sixth in his heat race after poor starting spot do to a run-in with the turn two wall during time trials as he was able to record only one qualifying lap. Steve would go on to finish third in one of the B-Mains to advance to the 50-lap feature event.

Steve would start 22nd on the grid and steadily work his way up through the field to gain an eighth place finish to maintain fourth in the series championship points standings. Steve was also running Ohlins Shocks for the first time in several seasons. Steve Shaver of Vienna, WV won the race which was held before a standing-room only crowd.

Steve was looking forward to Saturday Night’s Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event wt Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, VA. Wythe was the place that Steve scored his first Late Model victory back in 1984. He had not raced there since, but unfortunately afternoon rains would cancel the event. A make-up date has not been set.

Steve will be in action this weekend for the “Firecracker 100” at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, PA. There will be a complete show each night starting on Thursday, June 23rd, and again on Friday, June 24th and the $30,000 to win finale will be contested on Saturday Night, June 25th.

Steve and the rest of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regulars will return to action during the Fourth of July Weekend. On Saturday Night, July 2nd the series visits Portsmouth Raceway Park in Portsmouth, OH and on Sunday, Night, July 3rd it will be a trip to Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, OH. Both events will pay $10,000 to win.

Steve would like to thank his 2011 sponsors including; Valvoline, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Estes Racing Engines, Ohlins, PRC, Keyser Mfg., Harbaugh Amusement Machine Inc., VP Racing Fuels, JFRgraphics.com, Tim Logan Racing and Bobst Auto Parts.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings
Jimmy Owens (Newport, TN) – 2530
Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN) – 2410
Don O’Neal (Martinsville, IN) – 2360
Steve Francis (Ashland, KY) – 2120
Jared Landers (Batesville, AR) - 2030