The annual Harold Hardgrove Memorial is one of the biggest races held each racing season at the Lake Cumberland Speedway. But this year, the 10th annual version of this Valvoline Iron-Man Late Model Series-sanctioned event will have added significance as it will honor track’s race director, Allen Tilley, who was badly injured in an accident at the Burnside, Kentucky facility this past weekend. A Special Prayer Ceremony is planned and fans are urged to bring signs expressing support for the longtime supporter of racing in the Bluegrass State.
Tilley is the father of Iron-Man Series promoter Chris Tilley. Earlier this week, the son tweeted that the $10,022-to-win event would go on as planned as a way of honoring his dad who is recovering in a Lexington hospital.
To honor my Dad, race director of Lake Cumberland Spdw we have decided to go ahead with the Harold Hardgrove Memorial this Saturday $10,022 to win Valvoline Iron-Man Series. This will also be a tribute for Allen Tilley. Thank you everyone for the continued prayers & support ❤️
— Chris Tilley (@tilleyracing) August 23, 2021
This race also serves to honor the memory of Harold Hardgrove who owned and operated Lake Cumberland Speedway from 1997 until his death in 2009. His son, Brandon Hardgrove, now operates the track.
This event will feature both the Valvoline Iron-Man Late Model Northern & Southern Series in a 50-lap showdown. Devin Gilpin and Jimmy Owens were the winners in the tour’s previous ventures to Lake Cumberland.
Dustin Nobbe currently leads the Iron-Man Late Model Northern Series standings over Tristan Chamberlain, Michael Chilton, Ted Nobbe and Jared Hawkins while Jensen Ford is the points leader for the Iron-Man Late Model Series Southern Series ahead of Michael Chilton, Donald McIntosh, Hudson O’Neal and Mike Marlar.
The Harold Hardgrove Memorial will be contested at Lake Cumberland Speedway on Saturday night August 28, 2021.
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