By Colton Wood

The best dirt late model racers on the East Coast are set to make the trek to Virginia Motor Speedway in Jamaica, VA, for the 42nd annual USA 100 presented by WhosYourDriver.org on Saturday.

The A-Main of the Ultimate Super Late Model Series event will consist of 60 laps around VMS’ 1/2-mile dirt oval, with the winner taking home $20,000.

The event will also feature a 40-lap FASTRAK Racing Series powered by Chevrolet Performance race, with the winner securing a $3,000 check. 

Scott Bloomquist won last year’s USA 100 but will not defend his title Saturday, choosing instead to race at the “Clash at the Mag” at Magnolia Speedway in Mississippi. Meanwhile, Kyle Hardy, who sits atop the points standings heading into this weekend, will look to increase his overall lead.

Ultimate Super Late Model Series point leader Kyle Hardy heads to Virginia Motor Speedway this Saturday June 16 for the Ultimate Super Late Model Series sanctioned $20,000 to win 42nd Annual USA 100 presented by https://t.co/ROryVkR6lN. #usa100 #vmsracing #racingvirginia pic.twitter.com/6KJD9uYZnG

— VA Motor Speedway (@vamotorspeedway) June 12, 2018

“It’s not like any other place,” Hardy said of VMS. “It’s a little different. It’s got different characteristics just like any other place. We enjoy going. It’s definitely fun. We run good there, and I’m excited to go back.”

Hardy has yet to win this season but has strung together several second-place finishes. 

“Haven’t picked up any wins yet, but we’re leading the points,” he said. “Just looking to come down to the race in Virginia and get a good run.”

In order to secure his first victory this season, Hardy said choosing the right tires for Saturday is vital to finding success at VMS. 

“You just got to get qualified like any other place,” he said. “Throughout the night, you can tighten your car up. The biggest thing is you got to put your right tire on and take care of your tires so you can be there in the end. The track’s pretty hard on tires, so you got to take care of them.”

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