Are they at Bubba's Mercy?  

Southern Star, Bubba Pollard Joins Mercy Masters of the Pros 144 Field (Special from Lebanon I-44 Speedway)

May 16, 2013

Lebanon, Missouri (May 16, 2013) – The JEGS/CRA All-Stars' Mercy 'Masters of the Pros' 144 added a little bit more Southern flavor on this week. Lebanon I-44 Speedway track officials were excited to announce that Georgia hotshoe and short track racing star Bubba Pollard has committed to drive in the inaugural event scheduled for Saturday, May 18.

Pollard's commitment ensures that the biggest Pro Late Model showcase of the season will have three of the last four Speed51.com annual short track racing top draft picks when he joins a pair of drivers with strong NASCAR roots, Ross Kenseth and Chase Elliott, in the event. The touring series visits Missouri's only asphalt oval for an incredible minimum $8,000 to win, $600 to start event highlighted by the winner receiving a signature green jacket similar to the one donned by the champion of golf's The Masters event held in the home state of Pollard.

"When you put together an event, you have a best case scenario and a worst case scenario," Lebanon I-44 Speedway promoter Kevin Greven said. "As of today, we have surpassed our best case scenario and there's still room for this amazing event to grow. With a proven star like Bubba joining the field, we've now received 41 entries for this Saturday night showcase and fans are going to be treated to a racing event the likes of which has been rarely seen in this region."

Pollard's entry was filed just days after Bill Elliott made the decision to be Grand Marshal, adding even more prestige to an event that's packing a lot of driving punch. Pollard, the 2011 Speed51.com Driver of the Year, has numerous titles to his credit, including the 2012 'Rattler 250', 2012 Gulf Coast Championship, 2012 Blizzard Series crown at Five Flags Speedway in Florida, and the 2012 Miller Lite Championship at Mobile Speedway in Alabama.

The 26-year-old Peach State native will be racing against fellow Georgian and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series driver Chase Elliott, along with rising star Ross Kenseth. 2010 and 2012 Lebanon I-44 Speedway Pro Late Models champion Mike Slone will look to defend his territory at his home track against the visiting touring stars, along with a host of other local drivers.

JEGS/CRA All-Stars' touring stars expected to compete include Chicagoland hotshoes Trent Snyder and former National Short Track Champion Eddie Hoffman, former ASA National star Robbie Pyle, Ohio native Cody Coughlin, Indiana drivers Wes Griffith Jr. and Mark Downey, and Bluegrass State driver Chuck Barnes, Jr.

I-44 regulars and area stars that have already filed their entries include last season's runner-up, Matt Wallace, rising star Cole Williams, young gun Corey Dueser and teenager Blake Sanford. Veterans Brennon Willard, Tucker Cory, Brian Brown, Grant Sharp, Tony Jackson, Jr., and Terry Smith are all preparing cars for the event.

London, Ontario natives Jaxson and Marc Jacobs are making the longest haul along with fellow Canadians Dominique Van Wieringen and Brad Corcoran will be making the trek south of the border with the goal of proving themselves in the Show-Me State. East Coast specialist Daniel Hemric is headed up from Kannapolis, North Carolina to chase the top prize and 2010 National Short Track Champion Josh Nelms will throw his hat in the ring for another huge short track racing triumph along with Arkansas star Landon Cling.

"There are so many great drivers entered, that several are going to get lost in the shuffle," Greven said. "When you have guys capable of winning on any given night trying race their way into the field like we will, that's when the depth and quality of a field stands out. We're really excited to have this kind of field for our inaugural event and everyone at I-44 is excited to see some of the best of the best put on a show for some of the greatest fans in short track racing."

The special event will be run in conjunction with the top two Lebanon I-44 Speedway NASCAR Whelen All-American Series classes: The O'Reilly Auto Parts NASCAR Pro Late Models and the Budweiser Modifieds.