Dillard secures top-five point finish after grueling USMTS Southern Speedweek

Cade Dillard and the No. 97 Cade Dillard Racing Geddes-powered LG21 Chassis team joined the USMTS Casey’s Cup Series powered by S&S Fishing & Rental as they competed in eight events over the course ten days during the annual USMTS Southern Speedweek. Action kicked off on Thursday, June 18, at the 81 Speedway located just outside of Wichita, Kan., and wrapped up Saturday, June 27, at the Lawton Speedway in Lawton, Okla. Here's a recap of Dillard's results during the swing:

Thursday, June 18 - 81 Speedway, Park City, Kan.: Started ninth and finished sixth in the first heat race; Started sixth and finished second in the third "B" Main; Started 18th and finished 12th in the 40-lap "A" Main; Earned a contingency award from Eibach Springs.

Friday, June 19 - Red River Speedway, Wichita Falls, Texas: Started third and finished third in the first heat race; Started 12th and finished 24th (DNF) in the 40-lap "A" Main; Earned a contingency award from AERO Race Wheels.

Saturday, June 20 - Route 66 Motor Speedway, Amarillo, Texas: Started sixth and finished third in the second heat race; Started tenth and finished 12th in the 40-lap "A" Main; Earned a contingency award from Eibach Springs.

Tuesday, June 23 - Heart O’ Texas Speedway, Elm Mott, Texas: Started third and finished second in the first heat race; Started eighth and finished third in the 40-lap "A" Main; Earned contingency awards from Chix Gear Racewear, KSE Racing Products and QA1 (fastest lap of the race).

Wednesday, June 24 - Devil’s Bowl Speedway, Mesquite, Texas: Started fifth and finished second in the first heat race; Started sixth and finished 26th (DNF) in the 30-lap "A" Main.

Thursday, June 25 - East Texas Speedway, Petty, Texas: Started sixth and finished third in the fourth heat race; Started third and finished sixth in the 40-lap "A" Main; Earned a contingency award from Fuel Safe.

Friday, June 26 - Southern Oklahoma Speedway, Ardmore, Okla.: Started fourth and finished second in the third heat race; Started fourth and finished sixth in the "A" Main after leading lap 19; Earned a contingency award from Fuel Safe.

Saturday, June 27 - Lawton Speedway, Lawton, Okla.: Started on the pole and won the third heat race; Redrew the eighth starting spot and finished fifth in the "A" Main; Earned contingency awards from Beyea Custom Headers, Edelbrock and KSE Racing Products.

After eight events, Dillard finished up the Double H Bands Southern Region presented by Day Motor Sports with an fifth-place finish in the final standings, and punched his ticket to compete for the USMTS National Championship in The Hunt for the USMTS Casey’s Cup powered by S&S Fishing & Rental which begins Thursday, Aug. 6, at the 81 Speedway in Park City, Kan.