Champions Justin Ward and Max Stambaugh Team Up for Stambaugh's Lightning Sprints Debut

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Merrill, MI - Two of the most dominant drivers in their respective divisions are pairing up for one race on Thursday, July 23rd at the Ionia Fairgrounds. Three-time and defending Great Lakes Lightning Sprints Presented by MacAllister Rentals Champion, Justin Ward, has tabbed four-time and defending Great Lakes Super Sprints Presented by PERFIT & ARP Champion, Max Stambaugh, to race in the return to the Fairgrounds.

Tied for second all-time on the Great Lakes Super Sprints wins list with 27, Stambaugh will make his Great Lakes Lightning Sprints debut Thursday night with a $1,000 payday on the line. The four-time champion will face familiar foes in his debut on Thursday.

Last week, officials announced that fellow GLSS Champion, Dustin Daggett will race on Thursday as well with the Great Lakes Lightning Sprints. The Portland, Michigan native was slated to make his racing debut Friday at Tri City Motor Speedway, but the event was cancelled, putting Stambaugh and Daggett on even playing terms on Thursday.

Ironically enough, Daggett is the other driver tied for second on the GLSS all-time wins list, putting even more bragging rights on the line Thursday night.

Stambaugh will join Ward Racing for the first time on Thursday night. A three-time series champion, Ward took the top spot on the all-time GLLS wins list earlier this season. His four wins so far this year give him 20 career trips to victory lane with the Great Lakes Lightning Sprints. Brendon Cascadden and Jacob Sabaj trail Ward, each with double-digit wins.

The Great Lakes Lightning Sprints will bring Sprint Car Racing back for the second consecutive year on Thursday, July 23rd. Thanks to CL Trucking & Excavating, the race will pay $1,000 to win, with an additional $500 being distributed throughout the field. Advanced tickets are available at IoniaFreeFair.com or at the gate on race day.