Thunderbird Speedway, Crawford County host Sooner Series this weekend

By John Rittenoure - After winning the Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation Sooner Late Model Series season opener at Enid Speedway on March 28, Muskogee’s Eli Ross will enjoy the comforts of racing at home this Friday at Thunderbird Speedway.

It will be the season opening Bud Morgan Memorial for Thunderbird and the second race of the season for the Sooner Late Models. A-Mods, B-Mods and Factory Stocks will be racing. Pits open at 4 p.m., Hot Laps start at 7:30 followed by racing at 8.

Saturday the Sooner Late Models travel east to Crawford County Speedway in Van Buren, Arkansas. The Legends Late Model Series is expected to race with us. Racing is expected to start at 7:30 p.m.

2025 Winners: 3/28 - Enid Speedway, Eli Ross.

2025 Top 10: 1. Eli Ross 485; 2. Charlie Olsen 460; 3. Dan Smith 452; 4. Kip Hughes 440; 5. Delbert Smith 420; 6. Chris Bragg 400; 7. Jake Nightingale 375; 8. Gary Lowe 370; 9. Denver Howard 355; 10. Eric Brill, Bob Bills 345.

Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation goal is to help grow both high school, trade school and college programs to start and or develop a motorsports program, club, or organizations at their school as well as individual motorsports programs. HRMF will provide financial grants, equipment, expertise, scholarships, and educational opportunities for these organizations and individuals. This program will allow students to overcome the hurdle of entering motorsports due to the high costs and specialized experience needed to get started. This program will allow these students the opportunity to be part of a team with one overall goal of success on the track, including budgeting, marketing, mechanical skills, logistics, and team building efforts. All while honoring the life lost to early of Hayden Diesel Ross, #forever66.

Sooner Late Model Series

The Sooner Late Model Series was formed in 2016 by Enid Speedway co-promoter Mark Brill. Brill felt there was not many opportunities for late model competitors to race in Oklahoma and the Sooner Late Model Series was formed. Now the series has grown beyond the borders of Oklahoma with events held in the neighboring states of Kansas, Texas and Arkansas.