Local Mod-Lite Drivers Set to Tackle the Boone Nationals

Dylan Ellis
Aug 28
3 min read

Austin Park and Corey Stephenson at SIR 5/17/2025

Written by Dylan Ellis

Boone, IA — The Boone Nationals in Boone, Iowa, is described by DRN as the Tulsa Shootout of IMCA racing. With more than 1,000 entries expected this year, it stands as one of the largest and most prestigious events in grassroots dirt racing. For many drivers, simply competing at Boone is a dream come true — making the main show is the ultimate goal, but the experience itself is what makes the trip unforgettable.

This year, two Mod-Lite drivers from Southern Illinois are representing the region on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Corey Stephenson: Returning with Experience

Corey Stephenson (Marion, IL) is no stranger to Boone Speedway. After making his debut in last year’s Boone Nationals, the young driver managed to advance into the B-Main on both nights. Although issues forced a DNF on night one, Stephenson bounced back with a 9th-place finish in night two’s B-Main.

Now in his sophomore Mod-Lite season, Stephenson has proven to be one of the most consistent competitors in the region. His 2025 campaign already boasts 8 top fives and 24 top tens, showing the kind of steady performance that could pay off under Boone’s high-pressure spotlight.

Austin Park: Making His Boone Nationals Debut

Austin Park (Steeleville, IL) is set to make his first appearance at the Boone Nationals, fulfilling a goal he’s talked about since early in the season. Back in February, during an interview alongside fellow driver Kaeleb Pedigo, Park shared that racing at Boone was a dream. Now, he’s getting his chance.

"Got to have a lot of luck and race hard! Thanks to my mom and dad for giving me this opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to do!" Park said ahead of the event on Facebook

Park and Suzuki side by side at Coles County 7/26/2025; Scott Leeman photo credit

His 2025 results back up the excitement. Park has already claimed 3 wins, 14 top fives, and 19 top tens this season. Recently, he’s shown blistering pace, running toe-to-toe with Harrisburg’s Matt Suzuki, a nine-time feature winner in 2025. In late July at Coles County, Park battled Suzuki side-by-side for nearly half the feature before ultimately settling for second.

Just a week later, Park delivered another eye-catching performance at Coles County. In his heat race, he spun while battling for the lead coming to the white flag, forcing him to restart at the tail of a four-car field. Undeterred, Park charged back through the pack in a single lap, nearly edging Corey Stephenson at the line. The effort earned him an eighth-place starting position in the feature, where he methodically worked his way forward to capture the victory. Following the win, Park credited his sponsors, family, and supporters for helping make his success possible.

Video credit: Hulett PubliPro LLC

The Big Question

Stephenson brings experience at the Boone Speedway, while Park brings raw speed and momentum. Both drivers have proven they can run with — and beat — the best in the region here in DRN's coverage area. But Boone is a different animal, with the nation’s top talent converging for one of the toughest weeks in dirt racing.

The question now is simple: Can Stephenson and Park translate their local success onto a national stage at Boone?