Russell’s M-40: Hufford, Sumerix, Sullins Victorious
JONES, MI — Opening Day for the Russell’s M-40 Speedway arrived in early April, and the weather gods provided a picture perfect day for racing at the speed factory in Jones, Michigan.
The Midwest Dirt Compact Touring Series, Ohio Wheelman Super Stocks, Crown Vics, Juice Boxes, and Wheel Horse Modified Lawnmowers all had their chance to put on a show in front of nearly one thousand fans Saturday evening, and from start to finish, the excitement delivered.
The Midwest Dirt Compacts started things off as they recognized Bill Russell as their HomeTown Hero and presented him with a trophy as a part of his recognition. Russell has dedicated many decades to short track racing, and he formerly served in the military as well.
Although the Ohio Wheelman Super Stocks were light on car count with eight cars in the field, both their Heat race and Feature demonstrated tight racing action. In the Feature event, the race went green flag to checkered flag without a caution, and it was Michigan’s Tyler Hufford who came out on top with series champion Jeff Kuykendall in second.
Click the image to watch Tyler Hufford win on April 11, 2026 at the Russell’s M-40 Speedway during the Ohio Wheelman Super Stock Feature. He is pictured with his wife, Kaylee. (Sabrina Beebe Photography)
The Crown Vics showed up in full force for the opening leg of the Royal Pursuit: Triple Crown sponsored by Top Row Racing Media, and there was action everywhere across the 17 car field. Drivers from the Mt. Lawn and Anderson, Indiana area made the trip with frontrunners like Chuck Cook on the property. Mixed in were local warriors such as Michael Sullins, Aaron Flora, Charles Anderson III, and Jesse Terry. Michael Sullins pulled away from the field, but as the laps counted down in the closing moments, he had competition all over him. Zackery Courson and defending Russell’s M-40 Champion, Jesse Terry, challenged for the lead, and a late caution reset the field which brought everyone together again. Sullins was able to hold off everyone and earned his first victory of the season.
The Midwest Dirt Compacts invaded the asphalt of M-40, and with them, traditional paved warriors joined in on the fun with a few modifications to meet the rules which included the tires used. Fans were treated to a competitive race as Scott Gates and James Sumerix battled for several laps, and Austin McKee was right in the mix. Many drivers who may not race against each other often made for action all around the Russell’s M-40 Speedway, and the mix of drivers also provided for a contrast in presentation with many of the dirt cars missing windshields while most of the asphalt cars sported them. Sumerix, who had three wins on his resume from last season on dirt between now closed Thunderbird Raceway and Crystal Motor Speedway, added his first of 2026 after he held off Scott Gates. Gates, a frontrunner at Springport and Kalamazoo, finished second with McKee third, Drew Phillips fourth, and Mike Ely fifth.
Click the image to watch James Sumerix win the Midwest Dirt Compact Feature at the Russell’s M-40 Speedway on April 11, 2026.
The full program from Russell’s M-40 Speedway can be viewed on Top Row Racing Media’s YouTube Channel start to finish (https://youtu.be/nuGnPRRR0I4), and Top Row Racing Media had 16 onboard camera views from the event which includes race winners Tyler Hufford and James Sumerix.
Top Row Racing Media returns to the Kalamazoo Speedway this Friday Night for the Intimidator 100 and will be at the New Paris Speedway on Saturday for their Night of Destruction Season Opener. On Sunday, the Kalamazoo Speedway Mini Wedges start their season as well.
