MAVTV Championship night at Madera Speedway

The ninth and final race of the 2020 Nut Up Pro Late Models and 51FIFTY Jr. Late Models will commence on tonight at Madera Speedway, as drivers complete their battles towards MAVTV-televised championships.

Buddy Shepherd will close out his third Nut Up Pro Late Model title in the 80-lap feature.

On the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model side, a special 70-lap finale will include cash bonuses, courtesy of Frank’s Radio and Mission Foods, that make it the most lucrative race in series history. Mini Cups vs. Bandoleros will also wrap up their championship fights with a combined 30-lap affair.

Race fans around the world can continue to enjoy the stock car action from Central California for free on Short Track TV on YouTube. Mission Foods, 51FIFTY, and Nut Up Industries present the full card of racing action with the stream beginning at 5:45 pm at: https://youtu.be/xK0uo_hSuVM.

Both Shepherd and 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model points leader Bradley Erickson will aim to equal the largest number of wins in a single season in their respective divisions. Both drivers also enter the weekend with the track record lap in time trials after they each shattered the records on Oct. 3.

Shepherd will look for his fifth win of the year, equaling a mark he set during his 2017 championship run while Matt Erickson did the same in 2016. Shepherd will also become the first three-time champion during the television era since 2015, with Erickson enjoying two televised titles along with three Open Late Model championships before that. Shepherd leads the standings by 76 points with four wins, five fast-times, and a runner-up finish in the Nut Up Short Track Shootout two weeks ago.

Second in the standings is 2007 Altamont champion Ryan Philpott. Philpott will not be able to close on Shepherd for the title, but can still aim for his second victory of the season. Ross Strmiska and Blaine Rocha are separated by just 16 points in the duel for third in the championship.

Shelden Cooper leads Dylan Zampa by just two markers in a battle for fifth with 2019 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model champion Joey Iest within striking distance, as well. 2019 Pro Late Model champion Austin Herzog, Glen Cook, and Race 2B Drug Free Big3 champion Jeremy Doss round out the top 10 in the standings.

The Nut Up Pro Late Model finale is an 80-lap race with a 50-lap opening segment, followed by MAVTV interviews and adjustments on the front stretch. A 30-lap run to the finish will decide the winner.

The most lucrative 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series race in series history sees nearly $10,000 in posted awards. Each of the top-five finishers will receive $1,000, while sixth through 10th each receive $500. Tenth through 15th will earn $250, as well. Among the special prizes offered is a $500 hard charger, along with longest tow, best interview, cleanest driver, and hard luck awards.

Bradley Erickson lowered the track record to a remarkable 14.928 second lap around the one-third mile oval. He was topped by Cole Brown for the feature win, however. Erickson leads Brown by 64 points in the championship entering the ninth and final 70-lap race of the year. Jake Bollman hopes to end a dry spell for Naake-Klauer Motorsports from the win column in 2020. Mike Naake’s squad has 14 wins and three championships on their Jr. Late Model resume, but has not yet triumphed this year. Bollman ranks third in the standings with over 100 laps led and will continue to be a challenger for a win on Saturday.

Kercie Jung, Kabe McClenny, and Kale McClenny round out a fast six looking for a series win. 2019 Roseville champion Brody Armtrout, Kasey Kleyn, Robbie Kennealy, and Cassidy Hinds round out the top 10 in the standings.

Forty laps of racing will open the feature, followed by the Mission Racing Style Tortilla Chips halfway show. A 30-lap final segment wraps up the 2020 season for the drivers ages 10-16 years old.

Jeffrey Erickson hopes to give his family two championships at Madera as the 11-year-old will try to continue an undefeated season in the Bandolero division. Erickson has won all eight main events, so far, to lead Caden Cordova in the standings. 2019 Mini Cup champion Joey Kennealy ranks third. In the Mini Cup portion of the field, Rebecca Dubie has won six features for the championship lead. The combined Mini Cup vs. Bandolero main event will be a 30-lap race.

Pit gates open at 11:30 a.m. today with practice beginning at 1:30 p.m. Qualifying will be at 3 p.m. with the Mini Cup and Bandolero heat races to follow. Opening Ceremonies and live racing on YouTube is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. with all three features afterwards.

For information about Madera Speedway, visit www.RaceMadera.com The 2020 season would not be possible without the support of Nut Up Industries, 51FIFTY LTM, Mission Foods, Race 2B Drug Free, Competition Carburetion, Hoosier Tires, and Sunoco Race Fuel.

Madera Racing on MAVTV airs Monday nights at 4 p.m. with new 2020 episodes now airing. Round No. 3 of the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series airs on Oct. 12.