The Louisiana-based touring group offers area racers an affordable alternative to high-cost traveling circuits.

Started in 1990 by racer and promoter Donald Watson, and by former owner of Boothill Speedway, Roxy Dancy.  SUPR has grown from the initial campaign of 15 races at five tracks in two states to 2001's schedule of 34 races at 16 facilities in seven states. Most of the series growth came after introduction of economical spec engine in 1993.  SUPR celebrated it's tenth year anniversary in1999 with the addition of O'Reilly Auto Parts as title sponsor for the series and in 2007 the O'Reilly SUPR Series has expanded to include a Modified Series.

SUPR is primarily geared toward tracks in Louisiana and Texas, but has expanded into Mississippi,  Tennessee and Arkansas over the years.

Baton Rouge (La.) Raceway is the home track for the series, but Pike County Speedway in Magnolia, Miss., Houston Raceway Park in Baytown, Texas and I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, Ark. are key fixtures on the series schedule in 2008.

The Mardi Gras Nationals serve as the traditional early season kick off event to the O'Reilly SUPR Late Model tour with the Pro-Cuts Texas World Dirt track Championships at Texas Motor Speedway serving as major highlight.  The Louisiana State Championships at Baton Rouge Raceway then cap the season. 

Most events pay $2,500 to win and $400 to start. The season-ending points fund pays $10,000 to the champion, $5,000 for second and $3,500 for third, paying through 20 places (finishers 16 through 20 get $500 apiece). To be eligible for post-season awards, driver must compete in 80 percent of series races.

Late Model Series    AFCO   Barber Specialties, Inc.   Bert Transmission   Brodix   BSB Manufacturing    Dura-Lite Racing Wheels   Goodridge USA   GRT Race Cars   Hinchman Uniforms    Hoosier Tire Southwest   J & J Motorsports    Keith Craft Race Engines    Larry Shaw Race Cars   Master Vac    O'Reilly Auto Parts    PBM Performance Products    Peterson Aluminum    Trick Wild    Triple A Diesel Service    Wall 2 Wall Performance    Xtreme Graphics

Executive Officer: Greg Holmes

Officials:
Greg Holmes, President & race director
David Corbello, flagman
Suzie Ingalls, admin. director
Virginia Riley, admin. director
Michael Donahoe, tech inspector
Steve Molnar, public relations

Media contact:
Greg Holmes,
(225) 275-5040; (225) 273-3166 fax.
Steve Molnar,
(504) 452-1466

Mailing address:
Southern United Professional Racing, 12561 South Choctaw, Baton Rouge, LA 70815.

'I'VE DONE WHAT I SET OUT TO DO ... TO PRESERVE THE SPORT I ENJOY' 
Discover the whole story behind the conception of SUPR, why is has been so successful and the drive force behind it, Donald Watson.
Click to continue

Written By Billy Gibson
Baton Rouge Business Report, Sept.17, 1996