(Photo by A to Z Photography)
GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. – After a strong first season in midget competition in 2016, Overland Park, Kan. driver Luke Howard will make his foray into National midget action for the first time this weekend against the POWRi National and West Midget Leagues. Friday night, the youngster looks to be in action for his third appearance of the year at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Mo., and then may possibly add another track to his list, dependent on Friday’s result, as the pair of series make their way to Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland on Saturday.
This season, Howard and team have relegated their Chevy Ecotec-powered Stealth Chassis to backup status, while upgrading their program with a new BOSS Chassis with an Esslinger powerplant. “Lightning” Luke has transitioned well to the different chassis and engine package, posting top-ten results in each of his two races in 2017.
At Valley Speedway’s opener on April 1, Howard’s evening began with a bit of adversity, as he was unable to finish in heat race action. Regardless, he rebounded after starting near the rear of the 13-car field in the main event and picked up where he left off from his last race back in October, mirroring his fourth-place finish. Two weeks later, Howard was back at the third-mile oval for another run; 17 midgets were in attendance for the night’s event. After dropping back early in heat race action, Howard powered back to his second starting position ahead of the checkered flag. Starting from sixth on the grid on a remarkably slick racing surface for the main event, Howard was mired near his starting position for much of the 20-lap race. Ultimately, he would bring the No. 2H to the finish in the eighth position.
Howard Racing Team would like to thank Canyon Stone, Cash Kid Digital Studios, Nathan Benson Motorsports, AdvanTec Dyno Services, Schure Built Suspension, Sandberg Farms, and Shell Shock Designs for their continued support.
Quick Results
April 1 – Grain Valley, MO – Midget – Heat: 6th (3); Feature: 4th (11)
April 15 – Grain Valley, MO – Midget – Heat: 2nd (2); Feature: 8th (6)
2017 Stats
2 races, 2 features, 0 wins, 0 podiums, 1 top-five, 2 top-tens, 0 DNFs