Midget racing and UMP Modifieds set for Belle-Clair Speedway finale on Friday

The POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series, POWRi Speedway Motors 600cc Outlaw Micro Series and UMP Modifieds will visit Belle-Clair Speedway in Belleville on Friday for the 11th Annual Charlene Meents Memorial.

The final visit of the 2015 season at Belle-Clair Speedway for both POWRi divisions, the Meents Memorial is one of the most highly anticipated events since its inception in 2005, for both POWRi and Belle-Clair Speedway.

Pit gates open at 3 p.m. and spectator gates open at 5 p.m. Pit passes are $30; general admission is $15 with children 12-under admitted free with an adult. Hot laps at 6:30 p.m. with racing to follow.

The event is held in honor of former Midwest Auto Racing Association President Charlene Meents. During her years with MARA, Meents was instrumental in keeping midget racing alive in the Midwest, especially the St. Louis area. She also played an important role in maintaining MARA’s presence in some of the country’s largest and most notable races, including the Belleville Nationals and the Chili Bowl Nationals.

Though shedied in 2003, Meents is remembered by many as the friendly face who welcomed them to each MARA event. Along with her friends and family, the Charlene Meents Memorial keeps her racing legacy alive.

Previous Meents Memorial winners were:

2005 -Matt Sandy; 2006 - Mike Hess; 2007 - Brad Loyet; 2008 - Brett Anderson; 2009 - Brad Loyet; 2010 - Brad Loyet; 2011 - Brett Anderson; 2012 - Austin Brown; 2013 - Zach Daum; 2014 - Bryan Clauson.

This story was originally published September 30, 2015 at 11:43 AM with the headline "Midget racing and UMP Modifieds set for Belle-Clair Speedway finale on Friday."