By: Jon Wyler

One way or another, one Stanley Steemer NASCAR Late Model racer is going to cash-in this Saturday night at Rockford Speedway!

All summer long, the three fastest qualifiers in NASCAR Late Model qualifying have been offered the Rockford Hard Rock ‘Ultimate Challenge.’ Accepting that challenge has meant starting in the back of the field and trying to finish first in the division’s feature race. The race distances have varied from 30 to 40 and even 76 laps…and even though more drivers than ever have taken the challenge in 2022, NO ONE has claimed the cash.

What kind of cash? Each week the Challenge Bonus goes up $100. As the page turns to Night of Champions, the Ultimate Challenge Bonus stands at $1700! It is still possible that one driver could win it all for themselves this weekend and finally break the bank. HOWEVER, if the 30-lap feature comes and goes and the big money remains unclaimed…an “Ultimate Shootout” looms on the horizon.

As of this writing, seven drivers are currently eligible for the newly created ‘Rockford Hard Rock Ultimate Shootout!’ The race is set as the final event of “Night of Champions” but will only take place if no one claims the $1700 bonus during the 30-lap championship Feature earlier in the night.

The seven drivers currently eligible for the Rockford Hard Rock Ultimate Shootout are Jon Reynolds Jr, Jake Gille, Max Kahler, Johnny Robinson II, Dennis Smith Jr, Jeremy Miller and Austin Nason.

An eighth driver could be eligible if they accept the ‘Challenge’ this Saturday night and fail to win the bonus during the Feature race.

10 SIMPLE RULES FOR THE “HARD ROCK ULTIMATE SHOOTOUT” 

1. Only drivers who accepted the ‘Ultimate Challenge’ in 2022 are eligible

2. Must meet NASCAR Weekly requirements

3. Must use four (4) used & stamped tires

4. If you wreck or break your car in the 30-lap feature earlier in the evening, you must transfer your wheels and tires to the car you borrow.

5. Lineup is set by a blind draw.

6. Race is 17 laps. Each lap led is $50 with an $850 first prize.

7. NO Substitutions! If you turn down your spot in the Ultimate Shootout, your spot is simply gone.

8. Must cross scale before race to meet weight requirements.

9. MUST race as part of ‘Night of Champions.’

10. No Start & Park in the 30 lap Feature.

The possibility for excitement and a big payday is guaranteed this Saturday night, make sure you come and witness it for yourself!

NASCAR “Night of Champions” is this Saturday night September 10 at Rockford Speedway, with champions crowned for each of Rockford Speedway’s premiere divisions as part of the continuing 75^th Anniversary Celebration. Racing includes the Stanley Steemer NASCAR Late Models, Bargain Hunter Sportsmen, Miller Lite American Short Trackers, Kickstart Bandits and the Windsor Pizza Parlor Roadrunners plus the return of the Outhouse Race! The night also features a large gathering of past champions from all divisions, with a post-race Meet & Greet on the front stretch as part of the full Champions Celebration.

Gates open at 5 PM this Saturday night with racing set to kick off at 7:07 PM. For more information on Rockford Speedway and Night of Champions, please visit rockfordspeedway.com or call 815-633-1500.