8/20/2025
Crate Racin' USA
Morgan Sheffield Memorial Set for This Weekend at Needmore
(Eastaboga, AL – August 20, 2025) – Needmore Speedway is set to host one of its most meaningful events of the year this Saturday night, August 23rd, as the 7th Annual Morgan Sheffield Memorial takes center stage. The program will be highlighted by the Crate Racin’ USA Late Model Sportsman (602) feature, paying $3,016-to-win, alongside a full card of racing in multiple divisions.
For Needmore Speedway Promoter Chance Smith, this event carries a significance that goes far beyond the purse or the competition. “Morgan and myself were good friends, and when his tragedy happened the only thing that came to mind was, what better way to honor him than to have an event in his memory?” Smith said. “I went to the previous owner, Kelly Walker, and after discussing it, we threw it together and ran it one month later.”
Since its inception, the Morgan Sheffield Memorial has become a cornerstone of the Needmore schedule. The track, the competitors, and the fans come together not just for the racing, but for the memory of a driver who left a lasting mark on the sport and community.
“This race will always mean a little more to this place,” Smith added. “It was the last place Morgan ever strapped in a car. This race isn’t just an event — it’s a way to honor and remember not only a great racecar driver, but an even better person that lost his life way too soon.”
Friday night will feature an open practice session for all divisions, giving competitors the chance to fine-tune their setups before Saturday’s program. On race night, Renegade by Kinco has also stepped forward with a $150 Fast Qualifier Award for the 602 Sportsman division.
CRUSA Late Model Sportsman Feature Payout:
1-$3,016
2-$1,500
3-$1,000
4-$800
5-$700
6-$600
7-$500
8-$450
9-$350
10-$300
11-$275
12-$250
13-$225
14–24: $216
(Entry Fee: $100 – includes transponder)
Divisions in Action:
CRUSA Late Model Sportsman (602): $3,016 to win
CRUSA Late Models (604): $1,516 to win
Super Street: $716 to win (+ $400 bounty on Brian Grantham)
Factory Stock: $716 to win
Crown Vics: $416 to win
Schedule & Admission:
Pit Gates Open: 2:00 PM
Grandstands Open: 5:00 PM
Driver’s Meeting: 6:30 PM
Hot Laps: 7:00 PM
Pit Admission: $35
Grandstand Admission: $15 (Kids 12 & under FREE)
Previous Morgan Sheffield Memorial Winners:
2019 – Phil Pittman
2020 – Grayson Ott
2021 – Russell Brown Jr.
2022 – Chaz Haskins
2023 – Dustin Elliott
2024 – Bubba Roling
The list of past winners shows the prestige of the event, but for the Needmore family and racing community, this weekend is about something much greater.
For updates and more information, follow Needmore Speedway on social media or visit the track’s official website.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
