Via Madera Speedway PR

MADERA, CALIFORNIA (June 14, 2017) – As temperatures rise, so will the battles at the top of the points standings at Madera Speedway. Both the RPM Mortgage Pro Late Models and 51FIFTY Energy Drink Jr. Late Models will be in action for their fourth races of the year. Both features will be televised for MAVTV with Toyota Sedans and Modified Super Toyotas also on the busy card.

The fastest one-third mile in the west has seen the best stock car competition in central California in decades with routinely more than 50 combined Late Model entries on the grounds. The groundbreaking Jr. Late Model division for drivers ages 10-16 has blossomed into arguably the toughest Late Model class in California. Race fans from all over the country have marveled at the competition during the MAVTV-televised broadcasts.

Despite the strong fields, 12 year-old Jesse Love IV of Menlo Park has started off his stock car career a perfect 3-0. The former USAC HPD Midget champion has won all three of the 75 lap Jr. Late Model races this year and aims to do so again on Saturday night. His female teammate Hailie Deegan is also in her rookie Late Model campaign yet ranks second in the standings with a pair of third place finishes.

Redwood Valley's Kolby Berry has topped qualifying in all three races but an engine failure during the Military Tribute Night knocked him back to third in the points. 2016 race winner Austin Edwards of Mentone and Las Vegas' Kyle Keller round out the top-five. The Jr. Late Model action sees drivers compete in a 50 lap first segment, before a break for adjustments and TV interviews on the front stretch. A 25 lap segment rounds out the 75 lap combined race. Bonus points are offered for qualifying and for the lead at the end of the first segment.

2015 RPM Mortgage Pro Late Model Series champion Buddy Shepherd of Bakersfield is atop the 2017 standings on the strength of back-to-back victories. Shepherd has earned the fast-time in all three races this year and has easily passed the most cars as well in his typical come from behind fashion. A narrow loss to Matt Erickson in the season opener for $5,000 to win in March is the only blemish on an otherwise dominant season.

Erickson, the 2016 champion, ranks second but faces stiff competition from sophomore drivers Logan Zampa of Napa, CA and Madera Ranchos' Dillon Tucker. Sandwiched between them in the points is Modesto's Garland Tyler. The trio has collectively sat on the podium five times this year but none has yet to have a career victory in the division. Despite the pound for pound competition at Madera, no drivers outside the top-five in the standings have earned a podium finish yet this year.

Bert Stephens and Mike Marley have anchored the points standings for the Modified Super Toyotas and Toyota Sedans respectively all year long and intend to maintain their leads in Saturday's undercard as well.

An open practice kicks off the weekend on Friday before a full day of action on Saturday. Friday practice runs from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. On Saturday, pit gates open at 12 with practice from 1 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Qualifying will follow with heat races at 5:15 p.m. The B Main events are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. with Opening ceremonies and the main events beginning after that.

Tickets for this great night of racing are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $7 for youth ages 6-12, and kids five and under are free! All Military are admitted free this weekend and are encouraged to arrive early to see the special Military tribute during opening ceremonies.

For more information about Madera Racing on MAVTV please visit www.racemadera.com or www.mavtv.com. For more information about RPM Mortgage and to obtain loan information please visit www.rpmwins.com and for more information about 51FIFTY Energy Drink visit www.51fiftyenergydrink.com

Madera Racing on MAVTV airs again Thursday June 15th with coverage of the season opener from March 11th for the 51FIFTY Jr. Late Model Series. The broadcast beings at 8 p.m. Eastern / 5 p.m. Pacific. Madera Speedway racing is also available on the LucasOilRacing.TV app