Steve Francis Weekend at Eldora Dream XVII; Two Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Races Upcoming at Cherokee and Wythe

ASHLAND, KY – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series driver, Steve Francis of Ashland, KY competed at Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH this past weekend for the Dream XVII. Steve was piloting the Tim Logan-owned Rocket Chassis in what would turn out to be a disappointing Saturday evening.

Steve timed in seventh fastest among the 91 entries on Friday Night with a time of 15.145 seconds as Steve was among eleven drivers below Rick Eckert’s previous track record of 15.215 seconds. However with the invert Steve would start alongside new track record holder Jared Landers in row number three in the first heat on Saturday Night.

Steve would finish eighth in his heat and transfer to the B-Main. Steve’s frustrating night at Eldora would end on lap 13 of the B-Main as he would get into the turn three wall ending his night. Unfortunately Steve would not transfer to the 100-lap main event, a race he had started 14 times previously.

A total of seven Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regulars would make the starting grid for the Dream XVII with series driver, Don O’Neal of Martinsville, IN taking home the $100,000 first place prize. It was his first crown-jewel victory. Other LOLMDS drivers in the event were; Scott Bloomquist, Jared Landers, Jimmy Owens, Dale McDowell, Bub McCool and Frank Heckenast, Jr.

A reminder to all race fans to tune into the broadcast of the 19th Annual DART Show-Me 100 from Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO on Sunday, June 19th at 5 PM Eastern Time on the CBS Sports Spectacular.

Steve and the rest of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regulars will be in action this weekend with a doubleheader of racing action. On Friday Night, June 17th the series will venture to Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC for the “Grassy Smith Memorial” followed by a trip Saturday Night, June 18th to Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, VA. Both events will pay $10,000 to win.

Steve would like to thank his 2011 sponsors including; Valvoline, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Estes Racing Engines, PRC, Keyser Mfg., Harbaugh Amusement Machine Inc., VP Racing Fuels, JFRgraphics.com, Tim Logan Racing and Bobst Auto Parts.

Current Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship Points Standings

1. Jimmy Owens (Newport, TN) – 2310
2. Scott Bloomquist (Mooresburg, TN) – 2250
3. Don O’Neal (Martinsville, IN) – 2150
4. Steve Francis (Ashland, KY) – 1930
5. Jared Landers (Batesville, AR) - 1895