Tony Jackson Jr. Secures MLRA Victory at Lucas Oil Speedway
Wheatland, MO – August 31, 2024 – Tony Jackson Jr. Claimed a thrilling victory in the 10th Annual Ron Jenkins Memorial at Lucas Oil Speedway, earning a $12,000 payday and his 16th career Lucas Oil MLRA late model win. The event drew a field of 29 competitors.
Race Recap
Dillon McCowan set the fastest qualifying time and won his heat race, positioning himself on the outside front row for the 40-lap main event alongside point leader Chad Simpson. However, drama unfolded before the green flag when Chris Simpson, the Friday night winner, was forced to withdraw due to mechanical issues, resulting in a 24th-place finish.
McCowan quickly took the lead on lap three, establishing a comfortable cushion. The first caution flag waved at the halfway point, followed by another on lap 20. As McCowan appeared poised for victory, a late-race caution on lap 32, caused by Scott Crigler’s flat left rear tire, set up a tense finish.
Heat Race Results and Notable Moments
Tony Jackson Jr. Also secured a win in his heat race. Other heat race winners included Derrick Stewart, Billy Moyer, and Tyler Kuykendall. During the heat races, several incidents occurred: Scott Crigler and Glen Powell made contact, and Dillon McCowan and Daniel Adam experienced issues, impacting their races.
Looking Ahead
The Midwest LateModel Racing Association (MLRA) season continues with a March Madness doubleheader at Springfield Raceway on March 14, 2026, featuring $5,000-to-win Late Model features each night. This marks the first MLRA event since October 11, 2024, at Tri-City Speedway.
Previous Winners
Dillon McCowan won last fall’s Rex McCroskey Memorial, worth $6,064 in Comp Cams Super Dirt Series action. He also won the 2024 Turkey Bowl, worth $6,064. Sawyer Crigler won last fall’s Turkey Bowl XIX, worth $6,000, while his father, Scott Crigler, won a $2,500 Revival Series stop. Timothy Culp earned $5,000 after winning last year’s Comp Cams-sanctioned March Madness, and Clay Stuckey added last March’s MLRA Tribute finale after winning a Comp Cams race in 2024.
Event Details
Fast Qualifier: Mike Spatola (12.049 seconds)
Polesitter: Tony Jackson Jr.
Heat Race Winners: Tony Jackson Jr., Derrick Stewart, Billy Moyer, Tyler Kuykendall
Consolation Race Winners: Sawyer Crigler, Clay Stuckey
Provisional Starters: Dillon McCowan, Steve Stultz, Dayton Pursley
The race will be broadcast live on RaceON.