USMTS title chase kicks off in Missouri

The Hunt for the USMTS Casey’s Cup powered by S&S Fishing & Rental opend up on Thursday, Aug. 4, at the Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Mo., with Cade sitting second in points behind defending series champ Jason Hughes. Cade started and finished first in his heat, and then redrew the third starting spot for the main event. After a spirited race-long battle with Rodney Sanders, Cade wound up with the runner-up paycheck in the 42-lap "A" and took over the Hunt points lead.

On Friday, the series visited the Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, Kan., despite an unlucky fourth-row heat race draw, Cade started eighth and finished third in his heat race to make the redraw. He started second and finished 18th in the "A" Main after being taken out while leading.

On Saturday, the Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Mo., hosted the 7th Annual Lucas Slick Mist Show-Me Shootout. Cade started and finished first in his heat race, and in the "A" Main, he started and finished fourth.

Sunday's event at the Monett Speedway in Monett, Mo., was rained out. After three events, 'The Thriller' sits third in the Hunt points standings.

Up next, The Hunt embarks on a five-night, five-track swing through Wisconsin, Minnesota and Northern Iowa this Wednesday-Sunday, Aug. 10-14. All three events will carry a $3,000 top prize with a minimum of $250 to start the Casey’s General Stores “A” Main each night.