ORLANDO, Fla. — Grass-roots racers are getting a new event in which to showcase their wares.
The World Racing Group and its UMP DIRTcar brand have joined with I-55 Raceway promoters Ken Schrader and Ray Marler to introduce the UMP DIRTcar Roundup.
The inaugural event will be held Oct. 15-18 at the 11/32-mile dirt track in Pevely, Mo. The event will feature all eight classes of UMP cars — super late models, open-wheel modifieds, pro modifieds, pro late models, sportsman, street stocks, factory stocks and four cylinders.
The format for the four-day event, that officials expect to draw more than 500 cars, has not yet been determined.
In many ways, the event should be similar to the IMCA Supernationals, which are held each September in Boone, Iowa, drawing short-track dirt-track racers from across the country.
“We’re honored to bring all the UMP divisions together,” said Schrader at the announcement Friday at the Orange County Convention Center. “This is definitely for the weekly hobby racer. It is going to be a party. It is going to be a big deal. It is the party in Pevely.”
The World Racing Group owns and operates the World of Outlaws, UMP, DIRT and several race tracks across the country.
According to World Racing Group President Jody Deery, the company now has a signature event for its grass-roots racers.
“One of the things missing was one event that brought together all of the divisions of UMP DIRTCar,” Deery said.