Humboldt, 81 Speedway up next for Sooner Late Model Series

By John Rittenoure - TULSA, Okla. (May 20, 2025) - The Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation Sooner Late Model Series returns to competition with two nights of racing in Kansas on May 30-31.

For the first time since 2023 the Sooner Late Models visit Humboldt Speedway to fire off the weekend on Friday May 30.

On June 9, 2023 four-time champion Kip Hughes topped a 24-car field at the Humboldt quarter-mile oval. A full field is expected when racing gets underway at 8 p.m. Visit HumboldtSpeedway.com for more information.

Saturday, May 31, racing moves to 81 Speedway in Park City, Kansas for the Lonnie Smith Memorial in what is a co-sanctioned event with the United Rebel Series.

Lonnie Smith passed away in 2015. During his 40 year racing career Smith was a regular competitor at 81 Speedway and with the National Championship Racing Association.

Saturday’s race will honor Lonnie’s memory. it will be a points race for the Sooner Series and the Rebel Late Models and over $2,300 in lap money has been added to the A-feature purse. This will be a topless late model event allowing the fans to get a better view of the drivers behind the wheel.

Last season Brandon Conkwright won the main event when the Sooner Series visited 81 Speedway on May 31.

Race time Saturday is 7 p.m. For more information visit 81Speedway.com.

2025 Winners: 3/28 - Eli Ross, Enid Speedway; 4/11 - Eli Ross, Thunderbird Speedway; 4/12 -  Bryan Glaze.

2025 Top 10: 1.Dan Smith 1252; 2. Delbert Smith 1250; 3. Gary Lowe 1105; 4. Colby Moore 1085; 5. Eric Brill 970; 6. Eli Ross 960; 7. Kip Hughes 890; 8. Steve Hewitt, Sr. 760; 9. Heath Stephens 735; 10. Jeff Cloninger 715.

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.