Rusty Ballenger
photo by Richard Allen
The United Championship Racing Alliance - UCRA will kick off the 2018 Championship campaign next Saturday night at the Kyle families I-75 Raceway in Sweetwater, Tn. with the 2nd annual “Spring-Loaded Easter 40” for Crate Late Models.
Rusty Ballenger of nearby Seymour, Tn. will begin vying for his third consecutive $5,000 championship reign at the recently reconfigured 1/3 mile dirt track. Ballenger sporting a “Back In Black” #29 “East Tennessee Electric, Diversified. Tennessee Metal Fabricators, Service Plus Garage Doors, Rick’s Handyman, Warrior Shock Service. Mighty Muffler” sponsored T&N powered Warrior race car will be one of many challenging Round # 1 for its $2,000 payday March 31.
Last year's runner up and $1,000 Rookie of the Year recipient Jesse Lowe of Crossville, Tn., and his 5JMotorsports.com race team should be in attendance as well as “Kidd-QuiK” Kyle Courtney of Knoxville. Dalton's “BullDawg” Chip Brindle (who garnered the most wins of the season in 2017) and “Hot” Rod Carroll of Oxford, Al. are some other top competitors expected Saturday evening.
Local hot-shoe Jason Manley, a former I-75 track champion, is expected as well. Easter tidings will be abound at I-75 early Saturday afternoon complete with egg hunt and a visit from the Easter Bunny for the kids.
Details of the UCRA are available online at www.UCRAracing.com while host track information can be visited online at www.I75raceway.com.