heathlawsonphotos.com

With his recovery progressing after serious burns to his right hand, leading Lucas Oil Midwest LateModel Racing Association rookie Mason Oberkramer plans to return to full on-track competition for July 2-3 MLRA competition in Iowa races at Farley's 300 Raceway and West Burlington's 34 Raceway.

The 28-year-old Broseley, Mo., was sidelined from full-speed action since suffering burns in a June 17 gasoline fire while trickling fuel into the carburetor of his father-in-law's pickup truck in an attempt to start it.

"I’m still not healed up 100 percent but they say I’m good enough to put glove over top of dressing and race," Oberkramer told DirtonDirt.com. "I have full movement of my hand and fingers but the skin is still very fragile and sensitive, so still need to be careful about what I’m doing."

Oberkramer, who has undergone at-home physical therapy during his healing under the guidance of Poplar Bluff (Mo.) Rehabilitation and received remote assistance from a burn specialist, attended June 18-19 MLRA events at Salina (Okla.) Highbanks Speedway but retired from two events after taking the green flag. June 25-26 MLRA action at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., was rained out.

Oberkamer, a two-time series winner last season, is fourth in 2021 MLRA standings, 625 points behind leader Tony Jackson Jr. of Lebanon, Mo.

Correction: Fixes Oberkramer's age to 28 sted 30.