Marietta is Lockard Memorial Champion

Marietta is a winner

September 5, 2010
By LARRY LINDHOLM For Sun-Times Media
MORRIS -- The 29th annual Bob Lockard Memorial at the Grundy County Speedway started later than expected on Saturday.
There were several pileups in preliminary races leading up to the Lockard Memorial.
Then when the Lockard got the go-ahead to take off, there were two wrecks during the opening laps of the 30-lap Memorial feature.
When all the racing had concluded, however, Mario Marietta from Clinton, Ind., was the winner of the checkered flag.
It was the first time that Marietta had ever run in the Lockard Memorial.
The 13-year racing veteran has been running in the UMARA for the last three years.
Marietta, who gained the lead on the final lap, is the current point leader.
"This was a special night," Marietta said moments after grabbing checkered flag. "I love this track and enjoy running my cars here."
Marietta has been around the sport for a long time.
And, he would have it no other way.
"I have been around the sport all my life," he said. "My father was an auto driver and loved this as much as I do.
"I'm happy to win this race. Bob Lockard was a special person and beloved by many."
The Bob Lockard Memorial, first run in 1981 at Joliet Memorial Stadium, is in memory to a man who loved auto racing.
He spent countless hours trying to help numerous auto drivers along the way.
Lockard was well known for driving his No. 69 midget cars to much success during a brilliant racing career.

2010 United States Speed Association & 2010 Untited Midget Racing Association CHAMPION

Mario has locked up the point in USSA and UMARA for the 2010 season.

Marietta THRILLS fans with last lap last corner pass to win! 7th of the season!

Mario Marietta thrilled fans at Grundy County Speedway. Mario went quickly from the inside third row starting position to 3rd while passing for 2nd was spun and restarted at the tale. Mario went through the field as he took 2nd position he was the white flag. Going into turn 3 Mario dove to the bottom and passed coming off turn 4 to claim win #7 of the season!

Marietta Brings A game to Illiana and takes win #6

Mario won the feature by over 7 seconds after setting Quick time and starting 4th in the feature.

New Track Record

Wild night for Mario he set a new track record qualifying at the Anderson Speedway. When the heat race started Mario surged to the 2nd place spot behind Jim Anderson. Mario moved to the 2nd groove to try a outside run and made contact resulting in a tore up car in the turn four wall. Being points leader Mario asked friend Travis Young to run his #11 car. Mario started last in the #11 car and ended up 3rd.

Wild Night at Morris.

Mario Marietta had a very wild night at the Grundy County Speedway. He set Quick time started 10th in the feature and was quickly passing for the lead when the leader spun Marietta coming off of turn 2. Marietta restarted at the tail and quickly jumped back up to the runner up spot narrowley missing the win.

Race UPDATES

A 2nd place finish at Morris ILL. keeps Marietta points lead high. Mario set quick time and would come home 2nd in main event almost capturing win number 6.

Mario sets quick time at Anderson Speedway and finished 2nd due to a shortned race because of a threat of rain in the area.


Mario took the Beach Boys Motorsports Silver Crown Car home in a respectable 11th place finish at Oreiley Raceway Park.