Going into Saturday’s race at I-44 Speedway (Mo.), 18-year-old Mills knows that he can be competitive at the fast, high-banked (0.375) 3/8-mile track. His third career JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour start will come over a month after scoring his best career finish on Memorial Day weekend at Columbus Motor Speedway in the Memorial 100 Presented by JEGS.com, a seventh. Mills moved up to sixth in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour points standings and second in the Howie Lettow Memorial Rookie of the Year Presented by Van Doorn Racing Development points standings following his impressive effort.
I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Mo., will play host to one of the most prestigious Pro Late Model events in the country. The Mercy Masters of the Pros 144, a 144-lap event, has turned into a marquee event for both race car drivers and race fans alike. With $8,000 on the line, as well as a Masters Green Jacket, drivers won’t hold anything back. Last season, Anderson Bowen went to victory lane in the event and the season before, 2014 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Chase Elliot visited victory lane. The Buckeye State teen looks to add his name to the impressive list of winners on Independence Day, Saturday, July 4th.
“I have been watching tons of videos preparing for this race,” Mills said. “I’m excited to be a part of such an awesome event at I-44 Speedway (Mo.). Rick Turner Racing is excited about this race as well. They are bringing me a great car. I’m also honored to be running such a cool roof (paint scheme) this weekend. It such a privilege to support our soldiers on Independence Day, July 4th.”
A quick turnaround is in order for Mills and the No. 5 Rick Turner Racing team. The next event in the season-long chase for the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour Presented by Chevrolet Performance Championship, as well as Howie Lettow Memorial Rookie of the Year Presented by Van Doorn Racing Development Award is Friday, July 10, 2015 at the Dixie Motor Speedway (Mich.). The (0.400) 4/10-mile Dixie Motor Speedway located in Birch Run, Michigan returns to the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour schedule after a one-year hiatus. An open practice on Thursday, July 9, 2015, will make for a very short week for both driver and team. The Dixie 100 Presented by JEGS.com will be the fourth event in the JEGS/CRA All-Stars Tour season and Mills first time racing at Dixie Motor Speedway (Mich.)