Event Preview: Drivers gearing up for Wes Grigsby Memorial
GREENWOOD, Louisiana (June 13, 2024)— While it may be only the second year of this particular event, it’s already one they all want to win. When a name synonymous with racing success is in its name, you circle it on your calendar. Add a huge purse, and drivers starting loading up the haulers.
Bubba Jones and Ralo Pilkington will host the second annual Wes Grigsby Memorial this weekend, June 13-15, at historic Boothill Speedway, with USRA Limited Modified/B-Mods taking center stage. An open practice session and Time Trials are set for tonight (Thursday), with qualifying Heats Friday.
Drivers from all over Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma are gearing up for this prestigious event. Colby Williams, of Sibley, is busy preparing his machine for battle, and says he expects a tough fight ahead.
“There will be some heavy hitters coming down from up North for this one,” Williams said Wednesday evening as he worked on his car. “With $6,969 to win on the line in our division, you know most of the top-tier Limited/B-Mod guys will be there. It’ll take a big effort and a little luck just to make the show.
“We’ve had a pretty decent season so far; we picked up a win and seven top-fives in 22 starts. Boothill is my home track, and we’ve run strong there the past few times out. So I guess you’d say I’m confident about our chances, yet still cautious. All of those big guns will have their eyes on the prize, as well.”
Colby Mewborn, of Texarkana, is another of the top runners at Boothill and is also preparing his machine for battle. He’s having a strong year, as well, with one win and three top-fives in five starts.
“We just ran a race this past Tuesday night at 67 Speedway,”Mewborn said. “We were able to win it, so that was a pretty good feeling. We had right about 20 Limiteds, 26 Sprint cars and a packed grandstand, so Tim Crawley did really well with that show for a weeknight. He’s turned that place around, for sure.
“I think we’ll definitely have a shot at it this weekend. I feel like we’ll have a top-five car, and maybe better, I don’t know. I guess we’ll find out here pretty quick. I don’t want to sound over-confident. If I get inside the top five, I’ll be tickled. We’ll go give it our best shot, and see what we can accomplish.”
Friday night will see two rounds of Heats for Limited Modified/B-Mod teams, with passing points being awarded. You’ll need to have a stellar night on Friday to avoid one of several B-Mains that’ll kick off Saturday night’s program. Those races are sure to be worth the price of admission alone.
Saturday night’s card will be capped by a 40-lap A Main for the mighty Limiteds/B-Mods, along with a full show for USRA Factory Stocks ($1,500 to win); USRA Tuners and Sportsters (both $300 to win). Friday night’s card will also present Factory Stock and Sportsters, along with the racy Pro Mods.
If you can’t make it out to Boothill this weekend, you can catch every lap Live with a Membership at RaceON.com. With over 450 events on the schedule this year from several states, it’s home to some of the best short track racing entertainment available online.
When you become a member, select your favorite or hometown track and start enjoying great content while supporting the sport even when you can’t attend in person through our unique revenue sharing. It’s our way of giving back to a sport that’s been good to us since our inception.
Tonight’s practice session is set to run from 7 to 10 p.m., with Time Trials for Limited Mods to follow.
By Phil Whipple, RaceON.com Staff Writer
