LEBANON, Mo. - With over 75 race teams in the pits and a smooth fast racing surface the Midway Speedway presented a regular points show and the race for the Purple Crown as Relay For Life teams sold tickets and well represented the upcoming Walk as Lebanon's Jamie Ragland overcame early adversity to come from behind in capturing the USRA Modified feature win and protecting his points lead.

The cars rolled out for the 20-lap feature and Ragland had a tire go down on the opening pace lap. He ducked into the pits to change the tire and started 13th on the field as Justin Neuman jumped to the early lead with Rusty Dukes following.

Outside front row starter Kris Jackson looped his car in turn 4 and collected Steve Martin on lap 2. Martin's night ended early as Jackson went to the rear of the field.

On the restart, Neuman jumped to the top groove with Dukes applying pressure on the botton lane as defending champion Eric Hudson, along with Steve Muilenburg and former points leader Jimmy Willis, who started 12th, were battling.

Side-by-side action was the call with Neuman keeping the top spot, with Dukes and Hudson applying pressure. On lap 10, runner-up Dukes looped it in turn 2, bringing out the yellow flag.

On the restart, Neuman kept in front with Hudson now applying pressure as Ragland had charged up to third place and was gaining.

The final yellow waved on lap 15 as Kris Jackson's car came to a halt in turn 1, bunching up the field. On the restart, Neuman was withstanding the charges of Hudson as Ragland and Muilenburg, along with Willis, were swapping spots.

On lap 17, Ragland found some bite on the bottom and moved around Hudson to take second and closed up to the leader.

Heading for the white flag, Ragland pulled to the outside then shot down low to grab the lead and claim the victory with Neuman holding on to second followed by Hudson, Willis and a hard-charging Dukes.

Next Friday night, the Midway Speedway will be running the Season Championships for the Super Stocks, Factory Stocks, USRA Modifieds, Bombers, B-Mods and 305 Winged Sprints. The track has also announced a special Saturday night, Sept. 13 racing prgram under the lights.

USRA MODIFIEDS

Feature: 1. Jamie Ragland, Lebanon; 2. Justin Neuman, Crocker; 3. Eric Hudson, Rolla; 4. Jimmy Willis, Macks Creek; 5. Rusty Dukes, Fair Grove; 6. Steve Muilenburg, Sparta; 7. Sam Petty, Niangua; 8. Don Luna, St. James; 9. Kris Jackson, Lebanon; 10. Jamie Petty, Niangua; 11. Tim Ballinger, Fair Grove; 12. Steve Martin, Ozark; 13. Danny Atkinson, Lebanon.

Heat #1: 1. Neuman; 2. Dukes; 3. Muilenburg; 4. Ragland; 5. J. Petty; 6. Ballinger; 7. S. Petty.

Heat #2: 1. Jackson; 2. Hudson; 3. Martin; 4. Luna; 5. Atkinson; 6. Willis.