In what has become the signature event for the UARA National Series in recent years, the Bill Bigley Memorial 128 at Freedom Factory currently boasts an entry list of Straight Rail Late Models that stands at 50 strong.
This is the 10th annual running of the event, which is now in its third season at the former Desoto Speedway in Bradenton, Florida will pay $30,000 to the winner, $10,000 for second and $5000 for third with $1200 start money.
The entry list contains defending winner Ty Majeski, who is seeking to become the fourth driver to have won this event multiple times, alongside Michael Atwell, Anthony Sergi and Jesse Dutilly. Atwell and Dutilly are on the entry list in search of a third win in the event.
Carson Hocevar has entered the event, making this his one off-season Super Late Model start, since the Snowball Derby has a Gateway Dirt Nationals conflict and will run the race with Wauters Motorsports.
Stephen Nasse, a national Super Late Model star, is entered.
Having a career season, Colin Allman has already won at Freedom Factory in the UARA Tune Up race in May and also won the inaugural Frank Grill Memorial 112 at South Alabama. Nick Neri won the Billy Joe Ingram 154 at Auburndale in August and is seeking a second tour win at Freedom Factory.
This event in the winter, combined with the UARA rule book, is always good for attracting Wisconsin drivers with Johnny Sauter, Casey Johnson, Grant Griesbach, Levon Van Der Geest and Kendrick Kreyer all joining Majeski on the entry list.
Derek Griffith, Mike Hopkins and Dave Farrington, Jr. are making the drive from New England.
The Bigley Memorial 128 is scheduled for November 29 and will air live on Racing America for those unable to attend in person.
Matt Weaver is the owner and founder of Short Track Scene. Weaver grew up in the sport, having raced himself before becoming a reporter in college at the University of South Alabama. He also has extensive experience covering NASCAR, IndyCar and Dirt Sprint Cars.