The Iowa based United State Modified Touring Series is set to get their 2012 season underway this weekend at the Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas. The 2012 season, features 84 dates at 38 dirt tracks across the United States.
Here is a look at my top 10 preseason USMTS power rankings:
1) Ryan Gustin – The 21 year old broke through with his 1st USMTS National Championship last season. He will be tough to beat again in 2012. 2) Kelley Shryock – The nine time USMTS National Champion finished the 2011 season off with a bang winning the $15,000 to win King of America Nationals at Humboldt Speedway. The 2012 season has six early dates at Humboldt Speedway including the King of America II. Look for Shryock to take advantage of this opportunity. 3) Jason Hughes – Finished 3rd in the 2011 USMTS Standings. Always strong at Humboldt, and like Shryock, Hughes will look to take full advantage of the early Humboldt dates. Already has one win on the season at the Wild West Shootout in January. 4) Johnny Scott – Had a strong showing at the King of America by winning one of the preliminary nights. The New Mexico driver has been strong early in the 2012 season by picking up to top 5 finishes at the Wild West Shootout in January. 5) Jon Tesch – Finished 4th at the King of America to end the 2011 season; Finished 4th in the 2011 USMTS Hunt. 6) Dereck Ramirez – 3 top 10’s at the Wild West Shootout; Finished 10th in the USMTS Hunt in 2011 7) Zack Vanderbeek – 6th in the 2011 USMTS Hunt 8) Rodney Sanders – Finished 8th in the 2011 Hunt; 2 top 10’s at the Wild West Shootout 9) Jason Krohn – 1 Hunt win and 8 top 10’s in 2011; Did not fair well in the Wild West Shootout 10) Al Henja – 11th in 2011 USMTS Hunt points; 5 top 10’s in the Hunt.