BREAKING: Excitement Builds as 72nd Season Opener Set to Roar to Life Tomorrow Featuring the American Late Model Iron-Man Series Alongside Action-Packed Modifieds and Super Stocks — But Fans Saddened as Racing Veteran Jonathan Davenport Confirms Absence Due to Family Emergency**
*April 18, 2025 | By [Your Name], Motorsports News Network*
Anticipation is at a fever pitch as one of the region’s most beloved racing traditions returns this weekend — the **72nd Season Opener** of the **American Late Model Iron-Man Series**. Fans from across the country are packing the stands, campers are lined up at the gates, and the roar of engines is already echoing through the hills. But amid the excitement, a shadow of sadness has settled over the fanbase as news broke this morning that **Jonathan Davenport**, one of dirt track racing’s most iconic and successful veterans, will **not be competing** in the opener due to a personal family emergency.
### A Historic Weekend of Racing
This season opener is expected to be **one of the largest in series history**, featuring an electrifying lineup that includes:
– The **American Late Model Iron-Man Series** headliner event
– High-speed **Modified racing**, with over 40 cars registered
– Hard-hitting, side-by-side battles in the **Super Stocks division**
– Local legends and rising stars across multiple divisions
Fans will be treated to **two full nights** of racing under the lights, with live music, fireworks, and even a fan appreciation pit party scheduled for Saturday night.
> “This event has grown into something special,” said promoter Jason Wilburn. “We’re looking at a record crowd, and the energy is already off the charts.”
But the absence of one name has tempered the mood.
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### Jonathan Davenport Confirms Absence in Emotional Video: “I Need to Be With My Family”
Known affectionately as “Superman” in the dirt racing world, **Jonathan Davenport** posted a heartfelt video to social media this morning confirming the rumors that he would not be participating in this weekend’s Iron-Man Series opener.
> “To all my fans, my team, and the promoters — I hate to miss this weekend more than you know,” Davenport said, visibly emotional. “But right now, my place is at home. A member of my immediate family is going through a health crisis, and I need to be with them.”
He did not disclose further details, requesting privacy for his loved ones, but added:
> “Racing means everything to me, but family always comes first. I’ll be back soon. I promise.”
The announcement prompted a wave of support across social media, with fellow drivers, fans, and officials flooding his page with well-wishes and messages of understanding.
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### What His Absence Means for the Weekend
Davenport’s withdrawal leaves a massive hole in the starting grid. A multi-time winner of the Iron-Man Series and Dirt Late Model Dream, his presence has long been a pillar of the series and a fan favorite moment each spring.
> “There’s no one like JD,” said competitor and friend Ricky Thornton Jr. “His style, his consistency, and his intensity — when he’s in the field, everyone steps up.”
With the defending champion out, the field opens wide for:
– **Michael Chilton**, coming off a strong 2024 campaign
– **Hudson O’Neal**, looking to dominate in his new Rocket chassis
– **Devin Moran**, always a threat on high-speed bullrings
– **Tyler Erb**, bringing raw aggression and hunger to the track
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### Fans React: “We’ll Miss You, Superman”
The atmosphere among the fan base is a mix of excitement and heartfelt concern. Longtime fans of Davenport, many of whom made the trip specifically to see him race, expressed nothing but support.
> “I’ve followed JD for 10 years. It hurts to not see him out there, but I’d rather him be with his family than anywhere else,” said Michelle Lawson, a fan who drove 8 hours from Ohio.
>
> “He’s the class act of this sport,” added local racing photographer Brian Wells. “No doubt he’ll come back stronger.”
A large group of fans is reportedly organizing a **“#SupermanStrong” tribute lap** in the grandstands during Saturday’s main event. Many will wear red and blue, waving signs of support.
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### What to Expect This Weekend
Despite Davenport’s absence, the lineup for the opener remains stacked. Saturday night’s Iron-Man Series feature is expected to have a **starting field of 24**, and officials have promised a **record purse** of $25,000 to win.
Track officials have invested in:
– Upgraded lighting and sound systems
– A fresh track surface designed for multi-lane racing
– New fan zone areas, including a dedicated kids’ racing challenge
The **Modified and Super Stock races** will also feature some of the most competitive fields in years, with regional stars colliding in what many expect to be barn-burner finishes.
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### Looking Ahead: Will JD Return for Eldora?
Fans are already wondering whether Davenport will return in time for next month’s **Eldora Million Warm-Up**. No word has been given, but his team, Double L Motorsports, issued a short statement:
> “JD’s priorities are with his family at this time. We’ll support him in every way. Racing will always be here — but he only gets one family.”
If he misses Eldora, it could shift the power dynamics in the early part of the dirt late model season — giving other drivers a rare chance to build a lead in the points standings while one of the sport’s giants is sidelined.
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### Final Thoughts
As the engines prepare to fire up for another thrilling season of racing, fans will no doubt be on their feet, cheering for the stars who take the track. But there will also be a quiet moment — when the absence of the No. 49 car is felt.
Jonathan Davenport may not be in the pits this weekend, but his presence will loom large — in every roar of the engine, in every battle for the lead, and in every fan who wears his colors.
> “We’ll miss you this weekend, JD,” said series announcer Rick Eshelman. “But family comes first. The dirt world has your back.”
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