MADERA, CA :: A move several years in the making, Kenny Shepherd’s LoanMart Madera Speedway will usher in a new era in 2016 with the ground-breaking Jr. Late Model division for drivers ages 10-16. The eight race super series will model the highly successful LoanMart Open Late Models rules but allow young drivers a chance to hone their skills in a full-bodied stock car.

Drivers will be in action starting in 2016 on the one-third mile asphalt oval in one of the nation’s only youth development series of its kind.

Modeling after the Open Late Model rules will mean drivers can use economical cars with steel stocks, 602 or 604 crate motors or even built motors, on a Hoosier 970 treaded tire. A restrictor plate and RPM rule will be included to limit the performance of the cars within the abilities of the participating drivers. The series has already attracted the attention of regional racers from Quarter Midgets, Micro Sprints, Midgets, Bandoleros, and Mini Cups.

Series races will be 50 laps with a pair of 25 lap segments with a break in between. The races are tentatively planned to be televised much in the same way the eight race LoanMart Open Late Models have been in 2015 as well.

“We have been talking about this since 2007, and have been working on it since 2009 and it is now going to happen. This will give our racing youth a solid path that will provide major media coverage in motorsports,” said promoter Kenny Shepherd.

For more information on the Madera Jr. Late Model Series go to http://www.racemadera.com/JrLateModels.html or call Kenny Shepherd at 209-769-9581.

The LoanMart Madera Speedway hosts the LoanMart Open Late Models again with a 100 lap contest on September 26th, before the giant October Gold Classic on October 10th. That event will include a $10,000 to win 125 lap Late Model race and a $5,000 to win Lucas Oil Modified event as well to make one of the largest short track races in the West Coast.

For more information on Madera Speedway, race over to www.RaceMadera.com or follow them on Facebook.