In 2006, "Rookie of the Year" candidate, Mike Hailmann in the #85 GRT moved from his 17th starting position in the season opener for the Show-Me Racin Series at the Springfield Raceway to 9th by the time the checkered flag fell in the main feature. Quite an accomplishment for a guy's first ever race in a Late Model. He said, "I was surprised that the racing back in the pack was as intense as it was. We were 2 and 3 wide and I just focused on driving everybody clean, tried not to wreck the car and get what I could."

Mike came up a little short in his heat race to qualify for the 'A' Main, which meant he had to race his way in by running a 'B' feature qualifier. He started mid-pack, but moved quickly to the front and took the victory over the other 8 cars in the event and made it to the 'A'.

He was awarded the "Babe's Hot Dog" award in the A feature for advancing the most positions, which includes $25 cash and a nicely engraved trophy with a "Hot Dog" symbol on it. Babe's Drive-In in Joplin, MO Sponsors this award at each of the Show-Me races throughout the season. The Pushrod Factory Racing powered #85 machine will be one to watch as the Series travels to Tri-State Speedway April 22nd.  - By Gary Woodall