Story Lines And “MEGA Moments” Build Hype For One Of Modified Racing’s Biggest Events, The “MEGA 100”

(Middlebourne, WV) – Anticipation is already in overdrive for the largest Modified event ever on the East Coast and the summers biggest event at the Tyler County Speedway. The ¼ mile ‘Bullring’ once again plays host to the worlds best open wheel modifieds as they battle for the prestigious prize of “MEGA 100” champion. Over $70,000 dollars is up for grabs to teams, June 28th – 30th including $15,000 to the winner of Saturday nights finale. One doesn’t have to search hard to find over a dozen story lines heading into the Easts biggest event.

1. UMP DirtCar and the American Modified Series join the event for the first time in its history to run along side the Renegades of Dirt who have never missed the ‘MEGA 100’. The combo sets up a no spoiler event which unhooks the race car slightly from the surface and should increase the chance of side by side racing which “The Bullring” is already famous for, its also a curve ball for all race teams as its a first for the speedway. However, Taylor Cook, last years defending champion was able to claim the Dickson Classic two weeks ago even though he opted to remove the spoiler for a glorified test session.

2. A rained out June 1st & 2nd date sets up ‘MEGA’ weekend featuring both of the biggest modified shows in the region during the same weekend. Some may even say it’s more prestigious and definitely a cooler trophy but of course it doesn’t pay $15,000 like the Mega. The 7th Annual “Let It Ride 55” will roll off on Friday night, June 29th paying $3,055 to win while there will also be a newly added $555 to win Dickson Racing Shocks “Non-Qualifiers Race”. The highly coveted ‘Slot Machine’ is now also up for grabs during Mega Weekend. Past winners include; Rick Aukland, Nick Hoffman, Tyler Nicely, Tanner Wilson, Jesse Wisecarver, and rain in 2017.

3. The reschedule date works with Mansfield Motor Speedway to set up huge triple header weekend allowing the AMS series modifieds to run for $3,055 / $15,000 / $5,000 – June 29th – July 1st. The addition also has created a ‘Gray & Gold’ Bonus for any driver who can win two or three shows during the weekend. $2,000 extra to win any two or $5,000 extra to sweep the weekend.

4. A $600 to win Contenders Race presented by Carson Motorsports has been added to Thursday night June 28th to award a first time Modified winner. Any driver who has never won a Modified or Super Late Model event is eligible to compete in the event with a total winners value over $1,100 thanks to Carson Motorsports who will also award the winner two new M30 tires to continue their weekend racing the MEGA. Additionally, a provisional for the “LET IT RIDE 55” is also on the line.

5. Taylor Cook has dominated “The Bullring” in his last four trips. Starting back in 2016 at the “Hillbilly 100”, Cook would pick up his long awaited major win at the speedway. His return bagged him the biggest win of his career with two wins during the 2017 ‘MEGA 100’ weekend including the $10,000 to win finale. Then two weeks ago Cook was able to once again continue his streak pushing it to four in a row for the Stanley, NC native. Will anyone be able to stop Cook’s current reign of terror on the Bullring?

6. Shawn Jett of Salem, WV & Daniel Hill of Greenwood, WV have shown they are more than cabable of winning the MEGA 100 over the last month. The tandem are nearly teammates and are both winners at the speedway already in 2018. ‘The Jett’ has put the division on notice over the last two weeks with easy wins. If either of the duo was to pull off the upset in front of the local crowd for their biggest career win a large ovation would just be the beginning of the post race celebration.

7. UEMS contingent coming out in full force for the 4th Annual “Modified MEGA 100” to try and take the title back to the Northeast. Events like the Mega and Let It Ride 55 have been won by Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and West Virginia but never has anyone from the (PA, NY, etc) Northeast been able to grab the lucrative win. However, that all could change as a strong contingent is bearing down on the ‘Bullring’ this season like never before including Joel Watson, Mike Altobelli, Gary Eicher, Michael McGee, Rich Michael, Dan Davies, Ken Zimmer, and many more.

8. The Midwests best plan a full on assault of the speedway as the MEGA 100 has expanded to the UMP rules package. The result includes dozens of UMP regulars ready for action for the first time in Middlebourne, WV. Drivers like Trent Young, Mike McKinney, Josh Harris, Lucas Lee, Jacob Poel, and others are ready to show the nation the Midwest is ‘king of modified racing’ in their first attempt at the 1/4 mile oval. Can a first time visitor claim a major modified win at Americas Baddest Bullring?

9. “Mega Moments” have filled the headlines over the last three years which makes us ponder what crazy chapter is in store this season. In 2015 after a ultra cool driver intro it was 100 laps, three wide, and a ton of racing action that witnessed Fairmont, WV’s Jacob Hawkins claim the inaugural event. Three features took place in 2016 that featured the famous “Spin To Win” between Hawkins and Strickler as they battled back and forth through the race before Strickler was sent 360 spinning into the infield while crossing the line for the checkered flag. DJ Cline was also able to ‘upset’ the field for a very popular hometown victory on the final night. In 2017 it was Taylor Cook who dominated the weekend but in a most fulfilling and entertaining way as the youngster earned his biggest career win.

10. Off the track activity is always wild and wonderful in West Virginia and the MEGA 100 doesn’t lack for evening entertainment. After the racing action is over the ruckus pit crowd usually is a buzz with conversation and a few cold beverages as competitors kick back and have a good time. Race fans are encouraged to enjoy their weekend at the speedway but do so safely. Live DJ entertainment will be pit side on Thursday night.

11. Thursdays ‘Sanction Shootout’ stacks up the six participating organizations involved in the event as the drivers use the night as a very competitive test session. A twenty lap $1,000 to win feature will be run by invited drivers from pill draw heat races. Up to sixty drivers are eligible for the event including ten each from the following series’; the Renegades of Dirt, AMS, UEMS, Dirt Cup, AMRA, and Tyler County Speedway locals. The event is a whos who from each as they battle for bragging rights respectively.

12. Over two hundred race cars will be in attendance competing in six divisions of racing. It’s $7,000 to win for the ULMS Super Late Models Friday night and $2,000 to win for them on Saturday. Names like Max Blair, Dave Hess, Mike Wonderling, Steve Casebolt, Russell Erwin, Tyler Carpenter, Derek Doll, Mike Maresca, and more are expected to be in attendance. An overflow pit area is expected and an additioanl area has been designated for the event pits.

Bonus; Kyle Strickler hasn’t been able to break into victory lane on the biggest stage at the Bullring. Mooresville, NC’s ‘High Side Tickler’ has won some of the biggest modified events in the country including IMCA Supernationals, Clash at the Creek, $50k at Farley IA, UMP Winter and Fall Nationals, and more but has never been able to claim a major win at Tyler Co. Speedway. Prelims, yes! Smaller shows, absolutely! But a major event like the ‘Let It Ride 55’ or ‘Mega 100’, no. Still in a quest for the prestigious titles Strickler eyes both of them squeezed into one weekend to finally try and break through.

MEGA 100 HOST TRACK; TYLER COUNTY SPEEDWAY: Americas Baddest Bullring is located in Middlebourne, WV is a ¼ mile dirt oval nestled in the hills of scenic West Virginia along the historic Middle Island Creek. On site camping makes the Tyler County Speedway/Fairgrounds a race fans vacation destination year after year. Lots of great camping available including primitive or full hook ups. Ideal for a weekend getaway or a day of family fun, the fairground has shower facilities, shelters for picnicking, playground areas, and nearby fishing available. For camping info call, 304-771-5661 or the TC Fair Association at 304-771-0499. No reservations for camping are available, first come first serve but plenty of room available.

For more information on the MEGA 100 or the hosting track, Tyler County Speedway visit www.tylercountyspeedwayonline.com or follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/racethemega. You can also call 304-771-5051 for more information. Parking at the event is free daily. Tickets are on sale now by visiting the track website or contacting 304-771-5661.

Located in the scenic WV hills, the Tyler County Speedway is located just 4 miles south of Middlebourne, on State Route 18 at the Fairgrounds approximately an hour from Wheeling, Clarksburg & Parkersburg. Tyler County Speedway is considered by fans, drivers and industry insiders to be one of the raciest tracks in the nation and has been dubbed the ‘Bullring’ with three and four wide racing action being the norm not the exception. For more information visit us online at www.tylercountyspeedwayonline.com and Friend us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Special Thanks to the fine folks that Sponsor the Tyler County Speedway: J&R Excavating, Midcap Land and Timber, 2 Brothers Motorsports, Appalachian Mineral Title Company, Sigler Fabrication, Poske Performance Parts, Gear 2 Graphics, Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Pepsi, Simonton Windows, Long Reach Federal Credit Union, Holiday Inn Express, Bridgeport Equipment, Jacksons Auto Repair, Outlaw Auto, McDonalds, Tyler County Fair Association, KSD Engine Machine Shop, Glover Trucking, Corner 2 Corner Surveying, Schaeffers Oil, Chris Metz State Farm Insurance, Rock Auto, Race-1, Garrett Construction, Jenkins Auto Parts, Carl Smith Pipeline, Bayer Heritage Credit Union, Roy’s RV, Peoples Bank, Rocket Chassis, Tyler Marathon