Regional series returns to California track for another 35-lap feature
The Late Model Truck Series is set for its return to Irwindale (Calif.) Speedway and Event Center for the second time in 2022 with a 35-lap feature on Saturday night.
The series’ fourth season continues with the second of three scheduled stops at the iconic California track, and drivers once again will do battle on the 1/3-mile layout. LMTS—which will return to Irwindale on Sept. 10—has had two different winners so far this season.
Two-time season points champion Mark Allison won the season-opener at Irwindale on March 12, while fellow Las Vegas veteran driver Lee Keach took the checkered flag at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on April 9. LMTS organizers expect a strong field at the iconic California track this weekend.
“We have had a great season so far and are excited to be back at Irwindale for the second time in 2022,” series co-manager Mike Riefler said. “Gary Wyatt and I love taking the series there, and we can’t wait to see if Mark can go two-for-two or if we will have a third different winner this year. It’s going to be a great weekend of racing, and we hope everyone comes out to see some great action.”
Resurrected in 2018, the LMTS has conducted 19 races throughout the Southwest region in recent years, including a six-race schedule in 2021 after a year away due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Allison won the series points championship in 2018 and 2019, and fellow Las Vegas native Stan Mullis took home last year’s series title.
The region’s truck racing lineage dates to the Speed Truck Series that originated in 1997 under the American Speed Association (ASA). MechanixWear gloves and Go Fast! energy drinks sponsored the class throughout the years, and the trucks raced at up to 10 different tracks in California, Arizona and Nevada before the ASA disbanded in 2013.
The series trucks feature a full-tube chassis, a 330-horsepower sealed V-8 spec engine and two-speed direct-drive transmission, with a clutch pedal dump valve, coupled to an aluminum quick-change rear end. The trucks sport replica fiberglass bodies of the Chevrolet S-10, Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma.
Series partners include the On Wheels Now online radio show – the longest-running motorsports radio show in Las Vegas – Campout and ReliableBanner.com.
2022 Late Model Truck Series schedule
May 14 Irwindale Speedway and Event Center Irwindale, California
June 4 The Speedway at Willow Springs Rosamond, California
July 3 Night of Fire, The Bullring at LVMS Las Vegas, Nevada
Sept. 10 Irwindale Speedway and Event Center Irwindale, California
Oct. 14 LMTS Championship Night/ARCA Menards Series West race
The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Las Vegas, Nevada
