Racing News - Race Teams - Tracks

USA #7 Takes Runner-Up at Warrnambool

By Reid VanEck

Craig Dollansky and the D&B Goodyer Development USA #7 team headed to Sungold Stadium Premier Speedway on January 1st to kick off the 2011 racing season in Round 9 of the World Series Sprintcar Championship.

No stranger to the track in Warrnambool, Australia where Dollansky picked up his first win of 2010 exactly one year ago, Dollansky posted the 3rd fastest time of the night among the 55 entries with a time of 11.915 seconds. In the first round of heat race action, the USA #7 started tenth and finished 8th. The second round of heat races saw Dollansky start nineth and finish 7th. Starting from inside row four in the pole shootout, 'The Crowd Pleaser' made quick work of the field as he motored to victory and claimed the pole for the main event.

In the 35-lap A-feature, Dollansky would shoot out to the lead and battle with fellow American Jason Johnson and Max Dumesny on a track that started to take rubber in the late stages and finished 2nd when the checkers flew.

Up next, a trip back to Sydney Speedway tonight for the opener of the two night, $50,000 to win Scott Darley Sprintcar Classic.

Quick Stats:
FIELD: 55 CARS
QUALIFYING: 11.915 (3rd)
HEAT RACE 3: 8th, start (10)
HEAT RACE 7: 7th, start (9)
POLE SHOOTOUT: 1st, start (7)
A-MAIN: 2nd, start (1)
 

Elite Racing is ready for 2011
A look back at 2010: Elite Racing Remembers a Championship Season

As the year 2010 nears its end, we will all have different memories that we take away from this year. For some it may be an event of a lifetime like having a child or getting married, for others it may be a national story like the devastation of the earthquake in Haiti, but for every member of the Elite Racing team it will be remembered as a break through year. It was a year of highs and lows, but at the end all the downs will be forgotten and the moment they wore the series crown will prevail.

After twelve wins, ten quick time awards, victories in the Ironman 55 and Gold Cup, and becoming only the 8th driver to win the World of Outlaws title, Jason Meyers and his Elite Racing team have a lot of memories that will stand out when they remember 2010. When asked what their top memories of 2010 were this is how each member of the Elite Racing team responded:

Brian Bloomfield - Crew Member

"Winning the Gold Cup at Chico was my favorite moment. It is a huge race to win and it was the turning point of our season. We got ahead in points that weekend and really never looked back. It was a big confidence builder for the whole race team. We had lost DJ before then and it was a real boost that we could do this on our own. I think a lot of people were unsure of how we would do without him, but I think we cleared it up by winning that race."

Glen Beaton - Crew Member

"The best moment for me was definitely winning the first race in Charlotte and knowing that we had finally achieved the ultimate feat in our sport after all the hard work everyone has put in over the years. Coming back to the trailer after the race and seeing friends, family, sponsors and supporters celebrating is a moment that I will never forget.

Another huge milestone for our team was winning the Gold Cup in Chico. Having a lot of people there that were close to our team and being able to enjoy it with them in Jason's home state was awesome."

Sam Mathews - Crew Member

"We've had a lot of fun in 2010, but my best moment was the day that I found out that I was going to be a full-time part of this team. At Chico, I asked Jason if I could go to the T-shirt trailer to get a sweatshirt. I thought it would only take me ten minutes, but because I kept running into people I knew, I ended up being gone for an hour. When I got back to the rig, Chris (Luck) called me inside and I thought I was in trouble for being gone for so long. That is when he invited me into the lounge area and asked me to be a part of the team full-time. I thought he was going to yell at me for being gone for so long and it was the total opposite of what I was thinking. It was a total honor. Then when we went on to win the Gold Cup that weekend, it was a big moment for me. "

Charlie Garrett - Head Engine Builder

"My favorite moment of 2010 happened at Charlotte Motor Speedway when Jason won both A-Feature events and the Championship. That will be a moment that is in my mind forever. It was quite a feeling to be able to accomplish all that on one day. It was a thrill for sure and a dream come true. We set a goal a few years ago to win the championship and we missed it by 19 points last year. To go in there and win two races in one day is something that is not going to be done very often. To clinch the Championship on top of it was like icing on the cake. It was all very special."

Scott Hoofnagle - Charlie Garrett Engines

"The best highlight was winning at Charlotte. That was something that was unbelievable. If you tried to script it, I do not think you could. I am sure it is the biggest moment of the season in everyone's mind. I think during the season the next biggest highlight was how well the team responded to the crew change and stepped up to be as dominant as they were the rest of the season. Just the way everyone came together, the teamwork, communication and everything, to me that was a high spot of the season. To go through what they did and respond that way was unforgettable.

Being involved in this team is actually a big moment and a highlight for me. It is one of those things that if you stand back and look at it, how many people get to do something like this? There is a minute percentage of people that have the opportunity to be involved in something this great. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Hopefully we are able to repeat as champions next season, but that weekend will be hard to duplicate."

Rene North - CoO

"My favorite moment of the 2010 season was the championship clinching win at the World Finals in Charlotte. After the lengthy delay of the Friday night program due to rain, we were all gathered on top of the trailer to finally participate in the A Main, knowing that a good result would clinch our first World of Outlaws championship. Although we were starting outside the front row, we were all nervous; anything can happen during a race. When Jason crossed the finish line, his 11th win of the season and becoming the season champion, the entire team was jumping up and down celebrating the accomplishment. I'm sure everyone in that area of the pits heard us over the roar of the motors, as we exchanged high fives, congratulatory hugs and generally made a lot of noise!"

Guy Stockbridge - Team Co-Owner

"I'll never forget Jason's face and comment he made when he was asked how he felt after he won the second race in North Carolina. He said, 'This is what heaven must feel like' and his face showed he meant it. There's only a hand full of times in ones life that they can feel internal peace, for example, at the birth of a child, a wedding, and achieving a life time goal. For Jason it was winning the World of Outlaws championship in dominating fashion. I was there to see his face while trying to describe his emotions, and I'll never forget it!"

Chris Luck - Team Co-Owner

"I have two memorable moments and they are winning the Gold Cup and sweeping the races in Charlotte. I can remember watching the Gold Cup the first time in 1975 at West Capitol Speedway when Terry Crousore won. It has always been a big race and being raised in California, it was a race that I always wanted to win.

Winning the title and sweeping Charlotte was nothing short of remarkable. A lot of forces have to come together in order to win a single race, but to win two races in the same day was big. The fact that it was the final race of the season and to take the championship in that manner was huge."

Jason Meyers - Team Co-Owner and Driver

"There are two moments that stand out to me. I will never forget standing in victory lane at Lowes Motor Speedway with my family and team in front of over 12,000 fans as not only the World of Outlaw champion, but a two-time feature winner in one evening. What a night...what a year...what a team!

I will also never forget winning the Gold Cup Race of Champions in my home state at the track where I won my first sprint car race 11 years ago.

 

DDR Motorsports and David Gravel now on board with Ideas & Images, Inc.

By Paul Joiner

(12/28/2010 Spring,TX) DDR Motorsports and young hot shoe driver David Gravel have signed with Ideas & Images, Inc for representation in the 2011 season. The team and their young gun finished off the 2010 season by claiming rookie of the year honors with the O'Reilly All Star Cicuit of Champions. Gravel also opened a lot of eyes when he claimed the 2010 Ohio Speedweeks Title by just 3 points over series Champion Tim Shaffer.

The team had many great runs in 2010 and looks forward to competing for the series title in 2011. With Rob Hart back turning the wrenches the team is looking to kick things off in Florida in mid-February.

"We are glad to have a company like Paul's on board with us for 2011." said DDR owner Ray Copella. "There is no doubt we have a team that can do more than just contend each week, we want to win and win often. Ideas & Images, Inc has a proven track record of getting results for their clients. I have complete confidence in Paul and his expertise to bring us additional sponsorship dollars that will allow us to compete at an even higher level."

There are plans for a new team website and social media presence including frequent updates on both twitter and facebook. Watch for upcoming announcements soon about fan contests and promotions.

100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 To Be Honored On 2011 U.S. Stamp

By Paul Kelly

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 will be honored on a United States Postal Service commemorative stamp that will go on sale in May 2011.

The Indianapolis 500 is one of 25 subjects highlighted in the USPS 2011 Commemorative Stamp Program, which was unveiled Dec. 28. The stamp will be a “Forever Stamp,” always equal in value to the current First Class Mail 1-ounce letter regardless of price changes in the future.

Award-winning illustrator John Mattos created the stylized, art deco illustration of Ray Harroun driving the Marmon “Wasp,” winner of the inaugural Indianapolis 500 in 1911, on the Indianapolis 500 Forever Stamp. Text along the bottom of the stamp reads “Indianapolis 500,” with small type along the bottom of the stamp opposite the year 2011 reads “100 YEARS OF RACING.”

“It’s a great honor for the Indianapolis 500 to be featured on a United States Postal Service stamp,” said Jeff Belskus, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation president and chief executive officer. “The stamp recognizes the “500” as a vital part of American culture and is a wonderful addition to our celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the race in 2011.”

The USPS receives thousands of suggestions annually to honor various subjects on postage stamps, with the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee recommending 20 to 25 subjects for final approval by the Postmaster General. Stamp subjects must stand the test of time, reflect the cultural diversity of the United States and have broad national appeal.

This is the second time the Marmon “Wasp” has been featured on a U.S. postage stamp. The car also was highlighted as a 17.5-cent stamp in the Transportation series in 1987.

The 2011 Indianapolis 500, “The Most Important Race in History,” is scheduled for Sunday, May 29, 2011 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

***
2011 Indy 500 tickets: Tickets are on sale for the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500, “The Most Important Race in History,” on Sunday, May 29, 2011 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Race Day ticket prices start at just $20. Fans can buy tickets online at www.imstix.com, by calling the IMS ticket office at (317) 492-6700, or (800) 822-INDY outside the Indianapolis area, or by visiting the ticket office at the IMS Administration Building at the corner of Georgetown Road and 16th Street between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (ET) Monday-Friday.

Children 12 and under will be receive free general admission to any IMS event in 2011 when accompanied by an adult general admission ticket holder.

Tickets for groups of 20 or more also are on sale. Contact the IMS Group Sales Department at (866) 221-8775 for more information.

 

Kicking off 2011 Aussie Style: Jason Meyers Announces plans to race "down under"

After taking a year hiatus from racing in Australia, Jason Meyers is returning in 2011. In a year not much has changed except this time as he races in front of his Australian fans, he will be racing as the reigning World of Outlaws champion.

Today Meyers announced that he will be joining Steve Caunt Racing for some notable sprint car events next month. He will kick off his Australian tour at the President's Cup at Avalon Raceway before moving on to the King's Challenge at Borderline Speedway and The Classic at Premier Speedway. All these events promise to be thrilling as Meyers takes on both Australian Champions and some familiar World of Outlaw drivers.

"This is a great opportunity and I am looking forward to racing in Australia again after taking the last two seasons off. I have only been able to race the Classic one other time in my career and I am looking forward to having the opportunity to try and win this race for the first time. I can't think of a better way to start the 2011 season after the amazing 2010 season we had, winning our first World of Outlaw title."

In addition, The Classic will qualify Meyers for the World Challenge at the 2011 Knoxville Nationals. This will give Elite Racing a chance to win not only one race Nationals weekend, but a second one as he takes on the best drivers in the World.

Meyers has two victories on the Australian dirt. His first came in 2001 at Perth. The Californian's last victory came in 2007 at Parramatta City Raceway when he beat Kerry Madsen, Donny Schatz and Steve Kinser to the finish line.

Joining Meyers in Australia will be a familiar face turning the wrenches. His Elite Racing teammate and Australian native Glen Beaton will be looking to bring a taste of their 2010 season success overseas as they face some of the best drivers on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

 

Lowes Foods World of Outlaws World Finals Postponed; Friday’s Portion Of Event To Be Held Saturday

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 5, 2010 - Friday night’s portion of the Lowes Foods World of Outlaws World Finals presented by Bimbo Bakeries and Tom's Snacks scheduled for The Dirt Track at Charlotte has been postponed until Saturday due to inclement weather.

“We have been monitoring the weather forecast and all indications are calling for rain throughout the evening hours,” said Christian Byrd, general manager of The Dirt Track at Charlotte. “With a weather forecast of this nature we feel the track surface would not be fit to race on until tomorrow morning. This decision has been made in the best interests of our fans and competitors. We appreciate our fans’ patience and look forward to a full day of racing tomorrow.”

The Dirt Track at Charlotte and World Racing Group officials will make every effort to make sure all scheduled racing events are fully completed so the fans will have the best possible racing experience this weekend.

The pit gate will open on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. and spectator gates will open at 10 a.m. Racing is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m.

Tickets purchased for Friday night’s action will be honored Saturday morning. Upon the completion of Friday’s scheduled portion of the event, there will be a break in racing action and the grandstand and pit area will be cleared to make room for those fans that have purchased Saturday-night tickets.

The only on-track action completed on Friday night between the periodic periods of rain was the C-Main and first B-Main for the Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modifieds. The heaviest burst of rain struck midway through the first B-Main, forcing officials to postpone the remainder of the program.

Action will pick up on Saturday morning with the second big-block Modified B-Main, followed by the complete programs for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and Late Models.

Saturday's A-Mains will be run over the 50-lap distance for the Late Models, 40 laps for the big-block Modifieds and 30 laps for the Sprint Cars.

Fans with further questions should contact the Charlotte Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

Tickets for Saturday night's racing program are sold out, but standing-room-only tickets are still available for the nightcap and can be purchased for just $25. Tickets are still available for the postponed program that will kick off the busy Saturday at the four-tenths-mile oval.

Saturday night's racing program will be televised live in a four-hour special on the SPEED cable network starting at 8 p.m. ET.

For more information or to purchase tickets call the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or go online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

 

Lowes Foods World of Outlaws World Finals Featured On Sirius Channel 98 ‘RaceTime Radio’ Show Tonight (Nov. 2)

CONCORD, NC – Nov. 2, 2010 – The Lowes Foods World of Outlaws World Finals Presented by Bimbo Bakeries and Tom’s Snacks will be the big topic of discussion tonight (Nov. 2) at 8 p.m. ET on the ‘Race Time Radio’ show on Sirius Satellite Radio Channel 98.

Race Time Radio host Joe Chisholm will provide Sirius Channel 98 ‘The Score’ listeners an in-depth preview of the blockbuster fourth annual Lowes Foods World Finals scheduled for Nov. 4-6 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, N.C., filling much of the show’s hour with interviews of star drivers from the World of Outlaws Sprint Car and Late Model series and the Super DIRTcar Series for big-block Modifieds. The three headline divisions will be part of the season-ending spectacular at the four-tenths-mile oval.

The points leaders of the three tours – Jason Meyers (WoO Sprint Car Series), Josh Richards (WoO Late Model Series) and Matt Sheppard (Super DIRTcar Series) – will be featured on the show, which originates from a studio in the Canadian city of Toronto.

Meyers will chat with Chisholm about closing in on his first-ever WoO Sprint Car Series title – a goal he fell short of realizing at last year’s Lowes Food World Finals. He carries a 96-point lead over Donny Schatz into this year’s edition of the tour’s season-ending events.

Richards, meanwhile, will talk about his dramatic battle for the WoO LMS crown. He leads Darrell Lanigan by just 22 points entering the Lowes Foods World Finals as the 22-year-old defending tour champion bids to become the first driver to win the series title twice since it was re-launched in 2004 under the World Racing Group banner.

Sheppard will head the conversation with Chisholm on the addition of the Super DIRTcar Series for big-block Modifieds to this year’s Lowes Foods World Finals agenda. The 28-year-old driver holds a 74-point lead in the tour’s standings as his chases his first career overall Mr. DIRTcar Modified championship.

Chisholm also will broadcast interviews with former WoO LMS champions Lanigan and Tim McCreadie, who are second and third, respectively, in the tour’s points standings; Canadian big-block Modified star Stewart Friesen, who enters the Lowes Foods World Finals just four weeks after winning the prestigious SEF Small Engine Fuels 200 at the famed Syracuse (N.Y.) Mile; and World Racing Group Executive Vice President of Events Roger Slack, who will discuss the company’s preparations for the huge season finale at The Dirt Track.

Chisholm plans to invite the drivers who win the WoO Sprint Car, WoO LMS and Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modified championships back on Race Time Radio for live interviews on the Tues., Nov. 9, show. Phone lines will be opened up that evening for fans across North America to call in with questions for the champs.

For more information on Race Time Radio and a complete broadcast schedule, visit www.racetimeradio.com. 

The Lowes Food World of Outlaws World Finals begin on Thurs., Nov. 4, with a big qualifying night that includes two rounds of Late Model and Sprint Car time trials and two sets of big-block Modified heats. The Fri., Nov. 5, and Sat., Nov. 6, program will feature A-Mains for the Late Models (50 laps), big-block Modifieds (40 laps) and Sprint Cars (30 laps).

Saturday’s racing program will also be broadcast live on SPEED starting at 8 p.m. ET.

Tickets for the Lowes Foods World of Outlaws World Finals can be obtained by logging on to www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or calling 1-800-455-FANS. Three-day packages are available for the bargain price of $69.

 

Lowes Foods World Finals Presented by Bimbo Bakeries & Tom's Snacks Marks First World of Outlaws Broadcast in High Definition
Four hours of coverage on SPEED begins 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Nov. 6

CONCORD, N.C. - Oct. 31, 2010 - The Lowes Foods World of Outlaws World Finals Presented by Bimbo Bakeries and Tom's Snacks is the year's most anticipated dirt track racing event featuring the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws Late Models and Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds Nov. 4-6 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. Now, for those watching the four-hour spectacle at 8 p.m. ET Saturday on SPEED, the event will become the first World of Outlaws race broadcast in high definition.

Led by popular SPEED personality Dave Despain serving as host for the fourth consecutive year, the broadcast team also includes Bobby Gerould and hall-of-famer Brad Doty calling the Sprint Car action with Shane Andrews and Dr. Dick Berggren covering the Late Models and Big-Blocks. With more than 150 cars expected to compete for a spot in one of the three A-mains, Sarah Jane Hunt and Tony Bokhoven will be busy uncovering all of the stories in the pits.

The three-day Lowes Foods World Finals Presented by Bimbo and Tom's kicks off on Thursday. Fans from 48 states plus Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom are already making their way toward The Dirt Track at Charlotte to see the exciting event where champions for the three top dirt track series in the world will be crowned after the final races of the season on Saturday, Nov. 6.

The event will also mark the third consecutive Saturday night DIRTcar Racing has taken over SPEED's national airwaves at 8 p.m., following the Williams Grove National Open and Super DIRT Week broadcasts. But for the first time, the Greatest Show on Dirt will be shown in HD.

Tickets for the Lowes Foods World Finals Presented by Bimbo and Tom's can be purchased online at http://www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267).

For more information on the World of Outlaws and DIRTcar Racing go to WorldofOutlaws.com and DIRTcar.com. For broadcast dates, rebroadcast dates and air times, visit SPEED.com.
 

Blaney, Miley and Homan Buckle Up at Stampede
Kelley, Force and Ruhlman Round Up $1,000
Sholtis, Hay, Weaver and Noland win too

Eric Westendorf / Lernerville Speedway PR

Sarver, PA (October 24, 2010) The 2010 Season at Lernerville Season has come to a close as another successful DIRTcar Round Up Steel City Stampede is in the books! If you’re a friend of ours on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, you know that over 220 cars packed the pits on Friday Night. As a result, the pits had to be expanded into the infield for the first time in the 43 year history of Lernerville Speedway! That car count ballooned to over 300 Saturday Night as 90 Enduros joined the high speed rodeo to cap off an amazing weekend and season of racing!

The Steel City Stampede weekend got under way on Thursday night with open practice for all divisions. Over 75 cars were on hand to shake it down and get ready for the final weekend of racing in Western PA. Heat races were completed on Friday Night under chilly conditions, setting the table for a fantastic show Saturday Night under considerably warmer conditions!

After four B-Mains were contested, the Ti22 Performance DIRTcar Challenge Sprint Series finale pushed off as the first of 10 feature races. Last year’s upset specialist Cole Duncan brought the field to the green flag flanked by Cory Good. Duncan led the first five laps, but as he entered lapped traffic he was caught and passed by 2010 Lernerville Speedway/Budweiser Track Champion Danny Holtgraver.

Once at the point, Holtgraver began lapping cars like they had bounties attached to them! By lap 12, he essentially clinched the DIRTcar Challenge Sprint Series when he lapped series points leader Bob Felmlee. Three laps later he passed Rod George to put him a lap down. With Ed Lynch Jr. in the pits after mechanical issues on lap eight, Danny cruised to the DIRTcar CSS Championship, but he couldn’t hold off Dale Blaney on the track.

Blaney has been nearly unstoppable at Lernerville Speedway this season winning four races, including an All Star Feature win on June 4. He ran well enough to win the first 30-lap feature of the Silver Cup but ran short of fuel. He finished second to Tim Shaffer at the September 3 All Star Show, then fourth in the World of Outlaws Commonwealth Clash on September 25.

Blaney reeled in Holtgraver who had stretched his lead to a full straightaway at one point, and used a powerslide through three & four to take the lead on the lap 17 restart. But Holtgraver didn’t put his tail between his legs and settle for second. He slide back under Dale Blaney in turns one & two, only to see Blaney blast past him on the backstretch to take the lead for good. Blaney’s fourth Lernerville feature win of the season earned him $3,000 and a big, shiny Steel City Stampede belt buckle and plate.

Danny Holtgraver finished second behind Blaney, and as mentioned above, clinched the 2010 DIRTcar Challenge Sprint Series Championship over the future Hall of Fame trio of Bob Felmlee, Ed Lynch Jr. and Rod George. Dale Blaney’s Ti22 Performance stable mate Brian Ellenberger continues to ride the wave of success since jumping into the brand new GF1 Chassis. Last year’s Stampede winner Cole Duncan held on to finish fourth ahead of Carl Bowser who capped off a solid 2010 campaign with his ninth top five finish at Lernerville Speedway. The rest of the Ti22/DIRTcar CSS top ten rounded out with Brandon Spithaler (the last driver on the lead lap), Rod George, Bob Felmlee, Gale Ruth and Cory Good. Friday Night heat races were claimed by Dale Blaney and Ed Lynch Jr.

The DIRTcar Late Models were up next and it was the Jared Miley Show! Miley started alongside Michigan traveler Brian Ruhlan on the front row. Miley jumped out to a quick lead as Gregg Satterlee came from fifth on the starting grid to second on lap two. Satterlee challenged Miley the whole way to the checkered flag, but was never able to take the lead away from him. Miley’s $3,000 payday was his third win in the last four races at Lernerville Speedway.

2010 Track Champion Dave Hess Jr. made a late charge and nipped Satterlee at the checkered flag after a big run off the top of turns three & four. Satterlee had to settle for third after battling most of the race for the lead. 2010 Pittsburgh PA’s Motor Speedway Track Champion Brandon Burgoon made his Lernerville debut with an impressive fourth place run, while 2009 Stampede winner Matt Lux finished fifth. The rest of the top ten shook out with Russell King, Brian Ruhlman, John Garvin Jr., Dave Murdick and Denton Boyer. Friday Night race victors were Lux, Hess and Boyer.

The most exciting finish of the night came in the Diehl Auto Group DIRTcar Modifieds, which was also the series finale for the BRP Tour. Rex King Sr. clinched the 2010 BRP Tour Championship by starting his heat race Friday Night, and then he almost stole the Stampede feature win away from New York traveler Chad Homan at the checkered flag Saturday Night.

Homan started seventh, but quickly made his way to the front to challenge fellow upstate New Yorker Brian Weaver who took the lead early from polesitter Tom Winkle. Weaver appeared to have the race in the bag, but Homan drew even at the white flag. King made it a three car battle in turns one & two. Entering turn three, Homan went low, King rocketed around the top. Homan appeared to have the advantage exiting turn four, but King was flying off the top and Homan had to nearly take him to the wall to hold him off for the win by 0.019 seconds. Homan and King made significant contact after the checkers and the local crowd expressed their displeasure as Homan got out of his car in Sheetz Victory Lane. King took it all in stride; going pitside with his second consecutive BRP Championship in hand. Weaver had to settle for third after leading the first 24 laps of the feature.

Del Rougeux Jr. found more bad luck in his heat race Friday Night, as he has for much of the 2010 season. He started Saturday Night running the B-Main and had to use a provisional to start the A-Main saddled 24th on the starting grid. Over the course of the 25 lap feature, Rougeux had quite possibly his best run since last year’s Stampede victory by finishing fourth in a deep, talented field. Jeremiah Shingledecker came from 12th to finish fifth. The Diehl/BRP top ten rounded out with “Double Duty” Dave Murdick, Brad Rapp, Chris Haines, Brian Swartzlander and Kevin Hoffman. Friday Night heat races went to Swartzlander, Homan, Kevin Bolland and Shingledecker. J.R. McGinley won the B-Main.

Lernerville Speedway Track Champion Joe Kelley ended the 2010 campaign as he started it; in Sheetz Victory Lane! His 10th win of the season came in dramatic fashion as the Charapp Route 28 Sportsman/Stock feature was a race that didn’t want to end! It took seven Green-White-Checker (GWC) restarts to finally end the 20-lapper.

Polesitter Bob Egley jumped out to a quick lead at the drop of the initial green flag, but Kelley took the lead on lap four only to see Sportsman/Stock Spectacular winner Chris Schneider take the lead away on a lap five restart. Schneider led three laps, then Kelley got by him to lead the next three laps before giving way to Schneider again on lap 11.

Schneider led the rest of the way until a caution slowed the field on lap 19. Kelley and Schneider made contact in turn two of the fifth GWC restart, Schneider spun and collected Bobby Whitling, but the caution was thrown for a backmarker in turn four. The caution allowed Schneider to retain the lead on the sixth restart, but he spun in turns one & two with apparent suspension damage from the previous wreck. With Schneider out of the picture, Kelley rolled to his 10th win of the season and a $1,000 payday to cap off a fantastic 2010 campaign.

Bob Egley held off PPMS star Pat Weldon to finish second. Behind Weldon in third was Jeff Walters who came the whole way from 24th on the starting grid to finish fifth. Ryan Moyer also came from the back of the field racing from 20th to round out the top five. Pat Hanley returned to the dirt of Lernerville Speedway, (after racing a Modified on the asphalt at Motordrome this summer), with a solid seventh place finish. Early leader Chris Schneider finished 15th. Chris Withers, Joe Kelley, Rusty Martz and Chris Schneider won Friday Night heat races.

Speaking of heat races, Joe Kelley was also awarded his second consecutive National Guard Heat Race Challenge Boot Trophy during pre-race festivities Saturday Night. By virtue of his seven heat race wins during Fab Four Racing this season, then via tiebreaker over Danny Holtgraver and Wayne Carbo.

Bryan Force dominated the UMP Pro Late Model feature, leading all 20 laps. He was challenged late in the race by Josh Double, but held on for his first career Lernerville Speedway feature win. Double finished second ahead of Sean Puz, Chris Schneider and Andrew Satterlee. Friday Night heat races went to Ken Herman and Bryan Force.

Most in attendance will agree that the most exciting feature of the night played out in the UMP Modifieds feature as local EMod (as they are more commonly referred to in Western PA) stars Dave Hess Jr. and Brent Rhebergen came from the back half of the starting grid to finish second and third respectively. Both drivers are also both stars on the regional Super Late Model scene. Hess, of course, is the 2010 Lernerville Speedway Late Model Track Champion. He started 21st after winning the B-Main, while Rhebergen came from 15th.

Watching these two guys come through the field was truly a sight to behold. But by the time they came to the front, leader and eventual winner Brian Ruhlman had put too much real estate between himself and the rest of the field and he cruised virtually unchallenged to Sheetz Victory Lane. Ruhlman made the tow from Clarklake, MI for the first time since 1994! Russ Coyne and Carl McKinney rounded out the top five. Friday Night heat races were checkered by Randy Hall, Brian Ruhlman, Kevin Buff and Russ Coyne.

Somebody forgot to tell the 4 cylinder drivers that they were not competing in the Enduro! The 15 lap feature was riddled with cautions with very short segments of green flag racing. By the time the checkered flag waved for feature winner Brent Sholtis, just eight cars (of 24 that took the green flag) remained in competition. But despite the carnage and short segments of green flag racing, they were quite entertaining!

Inaugural Steel City Stampede STARS Mod Lites feature winner Mikey Hay is the only driver in any division to defend his event win. After starting 11th, Hay masterfully made his way to the front and took the lead on lap 11 from his brother Matt, who finished second for the second straight year. Fifth place finisher Rick Ament was crowned as the 2010 STARS Mod Lites Champion.

Kenny Meadows drove Doug Peterman’s #67 to the win in the Mini Late Models exhibition.

Former Sportsman/Stock and Sprint Car driver Glenn Noland dominated the Enduro 100, winning by over five laps ahead of second place Dan Zimmerman. Joe Yakich, Joe Petyak and John Bigley rounded out the top five.

The Action Track will sit dark and dormant for the next few months until Opening Night 2011. Please stay tuned for exciting announcements about the 2011 season including dates for the 2011 editions of the Firecracker 100, Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup, Commonwealth Clash and DIRTcar Round Up Steel City Stampede!
 

Shaffer wins dramatic 50th Annual Knoxville Nationals

8/15/2010 - By Stacy Ervin

Tim Shaffer of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, won an epic 50th Annual Goodyear Knoxville Nationals presented by Lucas Oil at the Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa, on Saturday, August 14. The win was worth $150,000 and was the first time a brand-new winner was crowned since 2006.

This year’s championship main was historic because it was the first time in history that 50 laps were run and the race included an all-inclusive pit stop. Nationals championships in previous years had been 30 laps until 2009 when the race was 40 laps and included a stop for fuel only. This race was the longest in the history of this race track.

It was likely to be remembered as one of the most dramatic races in this track’s history too. Shaffer started seventh on the grid and was relatively quiet through much of the race.

Outside front-row starter Sammy Swindell grabbed the early lead from polesitter Brian Brown on the first lap. Brown stayed with the 1983 Nationals champion though and the pair nearly came together as they crossed the line at lap three.

Joey Saldana’s machine went up in a puff of smoke at lap seven. The lead pair was just about to come to traffic when the yellow flag came out a lap later as Saldana was limping to the pits.

On the restart, fourth starter and four-time defending champion Donny Schatz grabbed second from Brown and immediately tried to pull a slide job on Swindell. Skip Jackson became the next to fall from the main event as he pulled in at this time.

Swindell came back to traffic at lap 14 and used it to his advantage as much as possible. By the 20th lap, 12-time Nationals champion Steve Kinser had come from fifth starting spot to third. Just before the halfway point, Schatz tried to make a move for the lead but Swindell cut him off as they rocketed to the line.

The much-anticipated competition yellow came at the halfway point and allowed the drivers five minutes to change anything they wanted on their cars. It was at this time that Schatz noted he was ready to get back to lapped traffic to work on Swindell.

When the race went back to green, Swindell continued to lead. Kinser slowed dramatically on the 31st lap and pulled in the pits with a puff of smoke, giving Brown back the third spot.

The leaders came back to traffic at lap 33 and Schatz tried a slide job in turn four coming to the 35th lap, but jumped the cushion and lost momentum. Lynton Jeffrey pulled into the pits at lap 37. Dale Blaney pulled into the pits at lap 41.

At lap 43, Shaffer got by Brown for third spot and those two waged a torrid battle until Brown’s right-rear tire blew and the yellow flag came out at lap 44.

Schatz shocked Swindell on the restart with a big slide job in turn three to take the lead on lap 45 and the pair raced side by side all the way around, with Swindell in the lead the next time. Schatz tried a slide job again in turn four and jumped the cushion.

With only three laps remaining, it looked like Swindell might end a 27-year Nationals drought. But his left-rear tire blew in turn four and he flipped over backwards to bring out a red flag.

That gave Schatz the lead for the 48th lap but his machine began to smoke and sputter. Shaffer used a slide job, took the lead on the white-flag lap and sped away to the checkered flags.

Schatz was able to keep his car going to finish second right ahead of a surging Shane Stewart in third. Craig Dollansky was the hard charger of the race, coming from the final transfer spot of the B-Main, 24th to fourth.

The 22-lap B-Main was won by Stevie Smith of New Oxford, Pennsylvania. Smith, who finished third in the 2009 Knoxville Nationals championship, started outside the front row. The original start of this race was called back by flagman Doug Clark when Tyler Walker jumped from the back. As the yellow was being called, Walker bicycled over the cushion in turn one and hit the wall. After that, Smith led the distance in the race that went green to checkered and set a new track record for 22 laps. Paul McMahan, Josh Schneiderman and Craig Dollansky took the other transfer spots to the night’s A-Main.

The 15-lap C-Main was won by outside front-row starter and four-time Knoxville Nationals champion Danny Lasoski of Dover, Missouri. The first red flag of the night came at the start of this race when Brooke Tatnell flipped in the first corner. After that, the race went green to checkered with Lasoski leading the distance. There was a torrid battle for the final transfer spot at the end of this race as the leaders came to traffic. Tyler Walker had run second most of the race when Scott Winters pulled up in traffic and took the spot on the 12th lap. Traffic held up Winters on the last lap, however, and Walker took the spot back by a very small margin at the checkered flag.

The 12-lap D-Main was won by outside front-row starter Jonathan Cornell of Sedalia, Missouri. He followed polesitter Trevor Green as the Aussie led the first seven laps of a race that went green to checkered. When Green came to traffic at lap eight, Cornell made the pass in the first turn and led the rest of the way. Green finished in the second and final transfer spot.

The 10-lap E-Main was won by Greg Nikitenko of Minot, North Dakota. He started on the pole and led the distance in a race that went green to checkered. Philip Mock made a last corner pass of his father, Kim, to take the second and final transfer spot.

The award for Best Dressed Crew went to Jason Meyers’ team. Second place was Jason Johnson’s crew and third place was Daryn Pittman’s crew.

David Gravel was named Rookie of the Nationals. Sammy Swindell won the Jesse Hockett Mr. Sprint Car title for amassing enough points through all the nights of racing in the past two weeks.
 

Tony Stewart Racing Shines in North Dakota
Kinser picks up another victory, Schatz Roars to Podium Finish

Steve Kinser

Dates: Saturday-Sunday, June 19-20, 2010
Series: World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Car Series
Location: River Cities Speedway (Grand Forks, N.D.)
Winners: Saturday – Steve Kinser of Tony Stewart Racing
Sunday - Joey Saldana of Kasey Kahne Racing
TSR Results: Saturday - Steve Kinser (Started 2nd, Finished 1st)
- Donny Schatz (Started 1st, Finished 7th)
Sunday - Donny Schatz (Started 9th, Finished 3rd)
- Steve Kinser (Started 2nd, Finished 4th)

The World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Car Series’ return to River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., proved to be a prosperous one for Tony Stewart Racing’s (TSR) Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz. Kinser picked up his third A-Feature triumph of the season behind the wheel of the TSR No. 11 Bass Pro Shops/J.D. Byrider/Maxim in Saturday’s opener, while Schatz mounted a thrilling charge in Sunday night’s finale racing the TSR No. 15 Armor All/STP/ParkerStore/J&J racing from ninth to third.

Kinser entered the weekend searching for his first victory at the high-banked quarter-mile dirt oval. He qualified 10th in Saturday’s program and won the second heat race. His second-place finish in the dash earned him a front-row starting spot for the 40-lap A-Feature. Kinser took the lead on the start and paced the field for the first 20 laps before Kerry Madsen surged ahead. Kinser regained the lead following a restart on lap 36 and led the final four circuits to capture his first win at River Cities and his 555th career A-Feature triumph. The 20-time champion dedicated the victory to his wife, Dana, who is recovering at their home in Bloomington, Ind., following recent heart surgery.

Schatz, who won two of the previous three WoO races at the track, started the A-Feature on the pole after qualifying ninth and winning the dash. Early in the A-Feature, he followed Kinser closely before engaging in a good battle for the runner-up spot with Madsen. After Madsen took the spot on lap 11, Schatz regained the position five laps later. Entering turn one on lap 19, Schatz’s machine bicycled in the middle of the corner and, when the car came down, it made contact with Madsen. It forced the four-time and reigning WoO champion to stop in turn two and relinquish his spot. He rejoined the field in 16th position and charged back during the second half of the race to finish seventh.

The following night, Schatz again was strong in qualifying, turning the fourth-best lap in the field of 36 cars. He finished second in the fourth heat, but an extremely abrasive racing surface claimed nearly all of the tread on his right-rear tire. Without the drive from his right rear tire, he fell from fifth to ninth in the six-lap dash. In the 35-lap A-Feature, Schatz raced from the ninth position and steadily surged forward. A red flag on lap 11 regrouped the field and Schatz was up to fourth. Halfway through the race, the hard surface began taking rubber, making passing more difficult. He passed his TSR teammate with nine laps to go to move into third and set his sights on the leaders. With the white flag waving, the top three cars were all battling for the win heading into the final corner. Joey Saldana came out on top, narrowly ahead of Jac Haudenschild and Schatz.

Kinser followed up Saturday’s victory with another solid outing on Sunday night. He won the fourth heat race and the dash to earn the pole position for the 35-lap A-Feature. He raced into the lead at the start and paced the field for the first 19 laps until Saldana got by while the leaders worked lapped traffic. Kinser remained a factor during the next five laps before settling into fourth place. Ultimately, he finished fourth to capture his series-leading 25th top-10 finish of the season.

The weekend’s results moved Kinser into second in the 2010 WoO championship standings. Kinser now trails leader Saldana by 56 points, while Schatz remains in fifth, 218 markers out of first.

The Outlaws tour through the Plains rolls on this coming weekend. On Friday night, they’ll make their debut at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Neb., and the following night, the WoO stars return to Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., for the first time since 2003.
 

"ELBOWS UP". . . . .
USAC EASTERN STORM SWING TO OPEN AT GRANDVIEW, TUESDAY, JUNE 1, PA POSSE DRIVER ADDED TO ENTRY LIST

BOB MILLER

Four nights of exciting, wheel banging, wall bumping and slide jobs, USAC wingless sprint car style, will open at the Grandview Speedway on Tuesday night, June 1 when the USAC Eastern Storm Racer's Challenge heads east. Grandview Speedway will open the series followed by Lincoln on Wednesday night, June 2, New Egypt Speedway on Thursday night, June 3 and the Big Diamond Raceway on Friday night, June 4. PA Posse driver Johnny Mackison of York, PA will be an entry in the $6,000 to win USAC wingless sprint car feature at Grandview.

Mackison was a Thunder on the Hill feature winner back in June of 1992, racing that night with a top wing. On Tuesday night, June 1, the wing will come off and Mackison is excited about the change. "I love wingless sprint cars, where motor has little to do with your success, it's all up to the driver", commented Mackison.

The Eastern Storm Racer's Challenge presented by RS, EH&D and DHA with Sherwin Williams will make their fourth visit to Grandview. Levi Jones was the feature winner in 2007 as Jesse Hockett won the twin features in 2009.

The Tuesday, June 1 event at the Grandview Speedway will be race #93 of the wildly popular NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series, promoted by track owner Bruce Rogers and special events promoter Bob Miller. The USAC Wingless Sprints will take part in time trials, a series of qualifying events all leading up to the 40 lap "Elbows UP" feature event. Also on the program, just to give you a full dose of wingless racing, will be the exciting ARDC Wingless Midgets. A series of qualifying events will lead up to their 25 lap feature event.

Current AMSOIL National Sprint Tour point leader Damion Gardner of Concord, CA will lead all competitors to the "hill" for this "wild and wooly" event. Other expected entries include Jerry Coons Jr. of Tucson, AZ, Levi Jones of Olney, IL, Bryan Clauson of Noblesville, IN, Tracy Hines New Castle, IN, Robert Ballou, Rocklin, CA, Dave Darland, Lincoln, IN, Shane Cottle, Kokomo, IN, Ricky Williams, Canton, OH and Brady Short of Bedford, IN. Local URC feature winners Josh Weller and Mark Bitner are signed up for Grandview as well as URC racer Jonathan Swanson.

One of the biggest events in New Egypt Speedway history will take place on Thursday night, June 3rd when the National touring USAC Wingless Sprints invade this popular three-eighth mile, for their first return visit to the state of New Jersey in 32 years. The USAC wingless sprints are known around the country for their "bring you to the edge of your seat" three wide racing excitement.

Without the top wing that is sported today by most sprint cars, the wingless sprints allow race fans a clear view of the driver as they fight the wheel in fierce competition. The USAC wingless sprints, also known for their "slide jobs", a racing slang descriptor of an on the track pass. . . . . . with just a touch of attitude. If you've never seen wingless sprint car racing, you don't know what you're missing.

Along with the USAC wingless sprints, the powerful New Egypt Big Block Modifieds will join this gate-buster Double Header on Thursday night, June 3rd. Both divisions will compete in a series of qualifying events all leading up to the $6,000 to win 40 lap USAC wingless sprint feature and a $3,000 to win Big Block Modified 30 lap main event. This event is a joint promotion between New Egypt Speedway, Special events Promoter Bob Miller and Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers.


Coming Events:
When: Tuesday night, June 1 7:30 PM Gates open at 5:00 PM
Where: Grandview Speedway 43 Passmore Road, Route 100 Bechtelsville, PA 19505, ten mile north of Pottstown, PA
What: USAC Wingless Sprints "Eastern Storm Racers Challenge" $6,000 to Win. . . . Plus ARDC Wingless Midgets
Admission: $25 Adults, $10 Children 6-11, Children under 6 Free
Pit Fee: $30, license is not required
Track #: 610-754-7688
Website: www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com or www.grandviewspeedway.com

Special Attraction at Grandview: Round of Wedge Productions is proud to present local guitarist, Greg Ort, in concert on Tuesday June 1st at the Grandview Speedway, beginning his performance at 5 PM. Greg will also perform the National Anthem at the start of the evening's event.
Guitarist Greg Ort "Goes to Eleven" in the hard rock/heavy metal world. He brings rock guitar back to its roots by way of modern technique. In a computer generated world, Greg gives recorded and live music the soul that it truly takes to draw the listener in. Drawing from influences such as Ted Nugent, Steve Vai, Greg Howe and Paul Gilbert (think '80's shred kings) to Blues masters like Albert Collins, Albert King, and Johnny Winter. His live sets include
songs from rock to blues to country along with his own powerhouse originals, all set in a classic "Power Trio" rock format. One fan said "He's a natural".Greg's played many area bars, clubs and music halls including BB King's Blues Club in New York City, L'Amours in Brooklyn, The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ and Crocodile Rock in Allentown, PA.

AND

When: Thursday night, June 3 7:30 PM Gates open at 5:00 PM
Where: New Egypt Speedway 720 Route 539 New Egypt, NJ 08533 (GPS Friendly address 702 Pinehurst Road)
What: USAC Wingless Sprints "Eastern Storm Racers Challenge" $6,000 To Win. . . . Plus BIG Block Modifieds $3,000 To Win!
Admission: $30 Adults, $10 Children 6-11, Children under 6 Free
Pit Fee: $35, license is not required
Track #: 609-578-1900
Website: www.newegyptspeedway.net or www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com

Special Happenings: Meet the Specialty Bethel, PA and Joe Adams Lettering Sportsman Young Guns, Meet Ms. Thunder on the Hill Cassi Pinder, See JOE the Pizza Dude, The Round Table Girls. Fan Giveaways and Rhyme Time. The popular Inside/Out Promotion, Grandview Thunder Program Book, 21st Anniversary Thunder on the Hill Racing Series t-shirts, Fireworks on feature parade lap, Fans invited to take part in the joyous victory lane ceremonies and meet the drivers in the pit area following the races.


2010 NAPA Auto Parts Thunder on the Hill Racing Series Schedule

Tuesday, June 1 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- - Grandview Speedway
USAC National Wingless Sprint Tour 40 laps & ARDC Wingless Midgets
ARDC Non-Winner's Race 12 laps
Checkered Flag Fan Club Night

Thursday, June 3 NEW EGYPT SPEEDWAY
USAC NATIONAL WINGLESS SPRINT TOUR 40 laps & BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS 30 laps

Tuesday, June 15 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- - -Grandview Speedway
Super DIRT Series TRAFFIC JAM 100. . It's ROAD RAGE, WITH 800 HP BIG BLOCK WEAPONS
Plus Sportsman Invitational & Garden State Vintage Stock Cars

Tuesday, June 29 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- - - -Grandview Speedway
Pennsylvania Sprint Speed Week Series 410 Sprints & 358 ModifiedsNAPA Auto Parts Night

Wednesday, July 14 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- - - Grandview Speedway
ROC on the Hill Race of Champions Modifieds 60 Laps & Sportsman 40 Laps

Wednesday, August 18 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES- - - Grandview Speedway
World of Outlaws Late Models & 358 Modifieds

Saturday, October 16 THUNDER ON THE HILL RACING SERIES Halloween Party 6 PM -- Grandview Speedway
Grandview Thunder 5-25's 358 Modifieds, URC Sprints, ARDC Midgets, Sportsman,Legends. Monster Smash Demo Derby Garden State Vintage Stock Cars (Rain Date Sunday 4 PM)
 

Open Test Weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway

By: Steven B. Wilson
May 27, 2010 - North Wilkesboro, NC

In the second official open test weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway on June 5th, the super late models of the PASS series will bring their machines to the Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway in preparations for their September 3rd 200 lap event.

In addition to the PASS Super Late Models, the speedway is inviting all teams in the area to bring their cars and test throughout the day, there is no cost per car to test, just a pit entrance fee of $20 per person on the team. Fuel will not be provided on site and the public is welcome to come watch the test for free in the grandstands on the front stretch.

This test is also a very special event that will help out the community at 11am the Wilkes Amazing Race presented by GoWilkes.com has selected the Historic North Wilkesboro Speedway as their starting point for teams to begin the race with a lap around the track before tackling their first challenge. All proceeds from the Wilkes Amazing race will benefit local charity Samaritan's Christian Ministry of Wilkes and their mission to feeding the hungry of Wilkes and the surrounding areas.
 

Fifty Years Ago Foyt Won Hoosier Hundred

By Jay Hardin
Fifty years ago America was just getting started in the ‘space race’ with the Soviet Union, John Kennedy was in a political battle that would see him elected to the White House in November, the New York Yankees were marching toward the last World Championship of legendary manager Casey Stengel’s career and Elvis was just a few months removed from his Army hitch. Rodger Ward and Jim Rathmann staged the greatest 2 man duel in the history of the Indianapolis 500 in May and by the time late September rolled around Ward was still in contention for a national championship but a young Texan was close by waiting to dethrone Ward at the top of American championship racing.

September 17, 1960 was a somewhat overcast day in central Indiana. Jo Quinn had the Indiana State Fairgrounds ready to go for the ninth edition of his Hoosier Hundred, the race he and the late Roger Wolcott had worked so hard to make a success. And what a success it was, quickly becoming the richest dirt track race in the entire country and arguable the second most prestigious race on the championship trail, second only to the big one across town. Over 20,000 paying spectators would be on hand and a purse of $39,000 was posted for the 9th race on the 1960 USAC National Championship schedule.

The 1960 season started out on a high note as Ward won at Trenton , took second at Indy and then won at Milwaukee as Rathmann missed the show. The season took a tragic turn as Jimmy Bryan was killed at Langhorne substituting for Ward in the Leader Card entry when Rodger decided to pass on the treacherous mile oval. Jim Hurtubise asserted himself into the championship picture as he won at the Home. Youthful Jim Packard was the surprise winner at Springfield as Ward missed the show, Rodger made the 200-mile race at Milwaukee but the car failed before halfway and Len Sutton won. A.J. Foyt scored his first ever national championship win at DuQuoin on Labor Day as Ward finished 16th on one of his favorite tracks. Bobby Grim took the next event, a 1 00-miler on the shale at Syracuse as magnetio problems plagued Ward and he finished last.

Foyt’s DuQuoin win and consistent finishes, combined with Ward’s poor results had launched the Texan closer to his chief rival in a battle for a national championship heading into the 1960 Hoosier Hundred. A/J/’s run at DuQuoin had convinced chief wrench George Bignotti and owner Bob Bowes they had made the right choice in hiring the burly Texan away from Al Dean and George had the Bowes Seal Fast Meskowski/Offy ready to go this September morning.

The sight of thirty-seven machines thrilled Jo Quinn on race morning and entries from Foyt, Ward, spectacular Jim Hurtubise, 1952 national champ Chuck Stevenson, two time national champ Tony Bettenhausen, Johnny Thomson and rookies Roger McCluskey and Pamelli Jones not to mention Indy pole sitter Eddie Sachs meant an overflow crowd in the stands. Practice was rather uneventful, qualifying was not as Ward let everyone know he wasn’t ready to roll over and play dead as the Leader Card dirt car turned a lap of 35.43 (10 1.609) good enough for the pole and certainly good enough to break Jud Larson’s two year old track record by a mile and a half an hour.

Cotton Farmer was a shock on the outside of the front row in the Glessner while Springfield winner Packard put Doug Stearley’s machine inside the second row alongside another surprise, Gene Force. Parnelli made quite an impression qualifying fifth ahead of perennial good qualifier Don Branson. Foyt would start eighth, Tony Bettenhausen ninth, Sachs tenth with Syracuse winner Grim thirteenth and Herk fourteenth. Johnny Thomson would start nineteenth as the field had an unusual extra starter.

A number of notables missed the show including Elmer George, Lloyd Ruby in the Agajanian, Johnny Boyd in a second Bowes entry, Bill Cheesbourg, Ralph Ligouri, Bud Tinglestad and Dick Rathmann.

Ward got the jump at the drop of the flag on Farmer and took off in the pearl white Leader Card with the big red 1 on the tail, emblematic of his defense of the 1959 national crown. For a while it looked as if he would run away. The field ran to just past halfway before slowing down for wrecked vehicles in the third turn which took out Packard and Wayne Weiler. Jones went out with mechanical failure on lap 64 while a rock got Farmer two laps later and in the spin Farmer took out Grim. There was a collective gasp in the massive crowd as the Leader Card began to slow on lap 69, the victim of yet another magneto failure. Foyt had moved up to second and when Ward went out sailed into the lead.

The Texan would not be headed the last thirty two circuits though the field would be slowed at the end as Herk lost a wheel on lap 94 bringing out the final yellow flag period of the day. A.J. cruised home ahead of Bettenhausen who posted yet another second place finish for the 1960 campaign. After a protest Force was given third after starting seventeenth with Branson in fourth and Thomson rounding out the top five. Eleven of the nineteen cars were still running at the end.

Foyt and Bignotti were all smiles in victory lane as A.J. got his first of what would be six Wolcott cups and the $10,225 top prize. The win also inched him closer to Rodger Ward who had to be cursing the manufacturer of the magnetos for his Offenhauser engine.

Later in life Foyt would tell everyone that it was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway that made A.J. Foyt. However, one cannot overlook the influence that the one mile dirt tracks had in making A.J. Foyt an American racing hero. Foyt routinely raced in front of paying fair crowds of 25,000 or more with perhaps double or triple that number on the grounds listening to the cars and occasionally peeking through the fences. Of Foyt’s sixty seven national championship victories, twenty four of those came on the mile dirt tracks. Throw in two more in USAC’s dirt track (Silver Crown) division, six in sprint cars and nine in stock cars and A.J. has forty-one triumphs on America’s one mile dirt ovals.

A.J.’s first Hoosier Hundred win came fifty years ago and was the first of a record six wins in America’s premiere national championship dirt track race. He went on to become the all-time lap leader in the Hoosier Hundred with 592, third in miles completed with 1763 and first in money won with $161,732.

While the cars have changed slightly, different men have taken on the promotion of the event and even the date has changed, a whole host of drivers still compete for a chance to put their name next to A.J.’s as a Hoosier Hundred winner.
 

Exciting Changes to Seitz Memorial Event at River Cities

Grand Forks, North Dakota – March 15th 2010
When fans and drivers flock to the River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, North Dakota for the 4th annual John Seitz Memorial Late Model Invitational in early September of this year, they will notice several sizeable changes to this year’s event, which should enhance the overall experience for the thousands of loyal fans as well as the group of hearty drivers that compete for the prestigious invitational win each year.

The first change that fans and drivers will notice is that Chris Stepan and his promotions company FYE Motorsports have taken over the marketing and promotions aspects of the event. Stepan has served as the event announcer of the three previous Seitz Memorial Events and served as the race director during the ’09 event. Chris will serve both as the race director and announcer for the 4th annual event as well, but in addition will handle the promotions and advertising duties as well.

Secondly, Stepan, along with the staff and management of the River Cities Speedway, has decided to shake things up a bit when it comes to the Late Model portion of the weekend. The event has always paid a whopping $9,200 to win, so to justifiably live up to John Seitz’ #92 that he ran throughout his entire career, the 2010 edition of the Seitz Memorial will now pay $920 just to start the a-main, an increase from the $500 that the event has paid during the first three seasons!

And a final change to the event will see the Late Model drivers racing for a season-long 92-laps in the main event, a change from the previous years where the event has been 50 laps. Stepan said of the changes, ‘The John Seitz Memorial should be $9,200 to win, but it should also be $920 to start and 92 laps. I am very thankful that Josh (Hills) and the ownership group at River Cities agree with me on these things and I truly think these changes will make this event the premier event that it is meant to be!’

One year ago, New Richmond, Wisconsin’s Pat Doar led all 50 non-stop laps, lapping up to the 8th place car in a very exciting race in and out of lapped traffic on the 1/4mile bullring. 2008 saw Mound, Minnesota’s Justin Fegers win a thriller and Hickson, North Dakota’s Mitch Johnson won the inaugural title back in 2007.

Hills was quoted as saying ‘The first three years this race had been great in memory of John, but with these few changes, the weekend should really be something special now. Hopefully we can get 60 or more cars here and can put on a show for the fans, who normally don’t get to see races over 50-laps in this area.’

The 4th edition of the John Seitz Memorial Late Model Invitational is set to take place on Friday and Saturday, September 10th and 11th 2010 with an open practice set for Thursday night, September 9th from 7pm to 10pm with a post-practice party set to kick off shortly after 10pm.

Friday night, September 10th will see action kick off at 7:30pm and will feature a complete $500 to win program for the WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds; a separate $500 to win complete program for the WISSOTA Street Stocks along with heat races and the Go Hard Or Go Home Pole Dash for the WISSOTA Late Models, paying $920 to the winner and lining up the first few rows of Saturday’s main event.

Saturday night, September 11th will then see action get underway at 7:00pm with another complete $500 to win event for the WISSOTA Street Stocks and a second complete $500 to win show for the WISSOTA Midwest Modifieds. The WISSOTA Late Models will run their b-features and the 92-lap, $9,200 to win John Seitz Memorial Invitational a-main. A complete program for the NOSA 410 Outlaw Sprint Cars will be on tap on Saturday night as well.

Sunday, September 12th will be reserved as an inclement weather day if necessary.

Additionally, the Street Stocks and Midwest Modifieds will be racing for a point fund after the 2-day event, with the top five in the combined 2-day point standings in each division taking home some extra cash for their efforts. The Street Stock and Midwest Modified entry fee will be $60 each day or $100 for the weekend.

Thanks to the following event sponsors for making the 4th annual John Seitz Memorial a reality: Valley Oral & Facial Surgery, Shaw Trucking, S & S Transport, Right Choice Electric, North Dakota Eye Clinic, Northern Plumbing, Wes’ Plumbing & Heating and 71 Bar.

Check out www.rivercitiesspeedway.com, www.johnseitz92.com and www.fyemotorsports.com for ticket pricing, event schedule and any other details that fans and racers may be interested in.

With almost exactly six months prior to the running of 4th annual Seitz Memorial, we hope that you all mark River Cities Speedway on your calendar as your destination for September 10th and 11th 2010 to be a part of this enormous event to honor a champion!
 

Deadline For 2010 Humpy's Heroes Class Approaching

By Deb Williams

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 8, 2010) -- Only a few days remain before the 2010 Humpy's Heroes class will be decided and 10 up-and-coming drivers will have the opportunity to receive an educational experience from an esteemed panel of racing industry experts.

The deadline for entering this year's program is April 10. Those chosen to participate in the four-month program will be notified by April 15. An entry form can be downloaded from www.humpysheroes.com.

"The program is a comprehensive educational experience preparing young drivers to make the transition from local short-track racing to NASCAR's big three series," H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler said. "During the program, the participants will be given instruction, counseled, engage in dialog, then judged on their driving ability, interviewing skills, public speaking, and marketability."

Each driver will spend personal time with Wheeler -- legendary Hall of Fame promoter, former president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, and co-author of the book "Growing Up NASCAR".

Andrew Smith's victory in last year's Humpy's Heroes competition led to a ride in NASCAR's K&N Pro Series East for the Pooler, Ga., native.

"I think it helped me a lot," Smith said about Humpy's Heroes. "It helped me in that it allowed me to show them what I can do. Ken (Ragan) helped us get hooked up with Spraker Racing and having a good word come from Humpy, Ken and Andy (Hillenburg) made a big difference. It helped him [Spraker] open up to us."

Smith said if he had not participated in Humpy's Heroes his career progression "would definitely have been slower."

"So many people are now trying to advance in racing," Smith continued. "Without knowing the right people, it's almost impossible. It sped up for me because last year I was racing Saturday night in Legends cars. We may run some ARCA at the end of the year and some Late Model. All of this came from Ken saying, 'Hey. This is Andrew Smith and this is what he did with Humpy's Heroes.' I would recommend it for anyone, whether you win or lose, it helps. If I could do it again, I would. There is no way you wouldn't benefit from being involved with it."

Smith's father, Edwin, said he'd been racing for a long time and he thought Humpy's Heroes was a "first-class operation ... from the different venues from media coverage, to on the track and off the track."

"I was very highly impressed," he continued. "It was an excellent opportunity for Andrew to advance his career and get folks to look at him and know him a little better. It put more maturity in him as a driver. It was awesome for Andrew. This opened a lot of doors. He's got a chance of being a future star in some series. He's now living in Concord in one of David Ragan's places. He is working in a race shop full time and running in a NASCAR series."

Edwin Smith said even the drivers who didn't finish in the top three last year received a great deal of experience and future insight into what they might be able to do with their racing careers.

The four-month Humpy's Heroes program consists of a three-day boot camp in May at Rockingham Speedway, one-on-one's with Wheeler in July as well as a tour of the Roush Fenway Racing shop and NASCAR's R&D center, a home track evaluation of each driver, mid-term meetings with Wheeler and NASCAR Sprint Cup driver David Ragan, a July lunch at the Childress winery, a tour of Richard Childress Racing, and a night of dirt at Carolina Speedway. The final competition is in August at Rockingham Speedway. The winner's grand prize includes a fully-funded, competitive car and an experienced crew for the ARCA race in Toledo, Ohio.

RCR Crewmen Recall North Wilkesboro Speedway Memories; Surprised At Track's Condition

By Deb Williams
NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. -- Kevin Harvick never battled for a NASCAR Sprint Cup victory at North Wilkesboro Speedway, but when he arrived at the historic track Thursday for a test, sweet race weekend memories were rekindled for several of the Richard Childress Racing employees who accompanied him.

Danny Lawrence, RCR's trackside manager for the engine department, was with the organization for all five of Dale Earnhardt's victories at the 0.625-mile track.

Jim Baldwin, who drove the test transporter on Thursday, was a NASCAR official for nine years before joining RCR in January 1990 as Earnhardt's transporter driver.

And Harvick's crew chief, Gil Martin, fielded Kenny Wallace's Square D-sponsored Ford in the track's final Cup race in October 1996.

“We had a lot of good races here; a lot better races here than some of the tracks that we go to now,” Baldwin said. “They were exciting, not boring like some of the tracks that we go to now.”
Lawrence described the facility as “the perfect short track.”

“The way it's laid out ... it's two or three race tracks that we run on all in one,” Lawrence explained. “Being that we've struggled a little bit on our short-track stuff, we need somewhere like this to be able to figure some of this stuff out -- on the engine side and on the car side. When they told us they were getting this place back in shape, we were chomping at the bit to come over here.”

The team used its Bristol car Thursday, but items for Martinsville and Phoenix were tested. Martin said the track didn't require the braking of Martinsville, but it had corner entries similar to Richmond and Phoenix.

“The cool thing about it is North Wilkesboro has always been a real racy race track where you have to be able to find grip because of the way the surface is, and when you find grip, you always go faster,” Lawrence said.
Even though North Wilkesboro Speedway has been dormant for 14 ½ years, the memories it created didn't disappear during that time.

“I remember Jeff Hammond [when he was a crew chief at Junior Johnson's] keeping all of his springs covered up,” Lawrence said with a smile. “They had this place figured out and you hardly ever out-ran Junior's cars up here. We never covered up any of our stuff. Jeff and I picked on each other; I told him we didn't need his secret springs.”

Martin said he always loved racing at North Wilkesboro.

“I came here in the early '90s with Mike Alexander when he first started driving some Cup races,” Martin recalled. “Walking around the track today [Thursday] I was thinking about (the last race in 1996). Thinking about the different people that were here then that aren't with us now; some of the people that are just not in the sport anymore, looking around at some of the signage that's faded away but you can still see it, it brings back a lot of memories.

“Even though it's weather beaten, they have this place in way better shape than I expected it to be in when we got here. I thought the surface of the track would be way worse than it actually is. It actually hasn't changed that much since '96. That part, I'm extremely surprised about.”

Lawrence noted that North Wilkesboro was a track in which the driver was critical to the team's success.

“It's a little bit like Rockingham where the tires go away and you have to be able to drive the car,” Lawrence said. “The sad thing is they had just got the place fixed up really nice and then we stopped racing here. This is real short-track racing here. It's a perfect race track. It's really a shame it's been sitting here this long.”

Kasey Kahne Racing Selects McMahan to Fill in For Darrah

MOORESVILLE, NC (February 19, 2010) -- Kasey Kahne Racing (KKR) announced today that Paul McMahan will pilot the #91 Great Clips entry in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series while Cody Darrah recovers from a broken leg he sustained in a street-car accident on February 6.

“Paul is a veteran driver in the World of Outlaws Series and will be a good addition to the KKR team,” said team owner Kasey Kahne. “We appreciate Paul stepping in for Cody while he recovers and look forward to giving him a competitive car to win races in.”

McMahan, who previously raced for Tony Stewart Racing, won his first World of Outlaws race at State Fair Speedway in Sedalia, Missouri in 2001 and earned the 1995 Motoring Press Association Open-Wheel Driver of the Year award. He scored 18 top-10 finishes in 2008.

“I want to thank KKR for giving me an opportunity to compete in first-class equipment,” said McMahan. “I’ve always admired what Kasey has done with his World of Outlaws program and I’m looking forward to racing with them until Cody is able to compete again.”

McMahan’s first race is scheduled for Friday, February 26 at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
 

Kasey Kahne Racing Signs Partnership with Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper

By Lisa Hemphill

MOORESVILLE, NC (February 3, 2010) -- Kasey Kahne Racing (KKR), a USAC and World of Outlaws short track team, announced today the addition of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper to their roster of corporate team sponsors. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will serve as the co-primary sponsor on the #49 car driven by Brad Sweet. The 24-year-old California native finished second in the USAC National Midget standings in 2009.

Following a five year stint as a sponsor in NASCAR, Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper joins KKR in 2010 where their sponsorship on the #49 will span across a variety of racing series including USAC and the World of Outlaws. Along with the on-track partnership at KKR, Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will utilize Kasey Kahne in retail promotions as well as other marketing initiatives.

“Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper is proud of our new partnership with Kasey Kahne Racing,” said Steve Marks, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. “We are excited about this new venture and confident that Kasey Kahne Racing and Brad Sweet will provide new opportunities for Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper to achieve their sponsorship goals.”

Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper has been a major associate sponsor with Kahne since 2005 and enjoyed the success of his 10th place finish in the 2009 Chase for Championship. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper admires Kahne’s dedication to his racing roots and is proud to be a part of Kahne’s childhood dream of owning a Sprint car team.

“The folks at Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper have been a great partner of mine for years and we look forward to continuing that relationship,” said Kasey Kahne, owner of Kasey Kahne Racing and former USAC champion. “Kasey Kahne Racing makes every effort to stay ahead of the competition so I can appreciate Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper’s dedication to delivering quality customer service as one of the largest auto parts distributors in the world.”

Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper is one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in the world. As the source for quality parts and service for over 2,300 parts stores and more than 2,800 certified service centers throughout North America.

Sweet will kick off the World of Outlaws season in Volusia, Fla. on February 5th in the #49 Bumper to Bumper entry. The #49 will travel to an estimated 65 races in over 15 states in 2010.

Among the multi-day marquee events that #49 will compete in are the prestigious Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway, the Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway, the National Open at Williams Grove Speedway, the World Finals and Mini Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway, in addition to the inaugural hall of fame Classic at Knoxville Raceway.

Also highlighting the 2010 schedule will be a number of events run in conjunction with NASCAR weekends, including at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on February 26, which will mark the second consecutive season the series had competed at the half-mile. The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway will host the World of Outlaws on May 28 as part of their spring NASCAR event. Also back on the schedule is Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tennessee on March 19-20 which is close in proximity to Bristol Motor Speedway where NASCAR will be racing that same weekend.

 

Outlaws Opening Act a Success for Tony Stewart Racing
Schatz, Kinser Sweep DIRTcar Nationals to Begin 2010 Campaign

Dates: Feb. 6-7, 2010
Event: DIRTcar Nationals
Series: World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Series
Location: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville, Fla.)
Winners: Donny Schatz of Tony Stewart Racing – Feb. 6
Steve Kinser of Tony Stewart Racing – Feb. 7
TSR Results: Donny Schatz (Started 3rd, Finished 1st) – Feb. 6
Steve Kinser (Started 4th, Finished 3rd) – Feb. 6
Steve Kinser (Started 2nd, Finished 1st) – Feb. 7
Donny Schatz (Started 6th, Finished 4th) – Feb. 7

Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) opened the 2010 World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Series campaign in winning style with a pair of victories over the weekend in the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla.

Donny Schatz, driver of the TSR No. 15 Armor All/STP/ParkerStore/J&J, was victorious in Saturday night’s WoO season opener. After starting third in the 30-lap “A” Feature, the four-time and defending series champion raced into the lead on lap 12 and led the final 18 circuits to capture his 101st career WoO feature victory.

Steve Kinser, driver of the TSR No. 11 Bass Pro Shops/J.D. Byrider/Maxim, finished third Saturday in his Outlaws debut for TSR.

In Sunday night’s finale, it was Kinser who came out on top. Kinser took command of the 30-lap feature on lap 18 and led the final 12 laps to pick up his 553rd career WoO win.

Schatz finished fourth in the Sunday feature after qualifying second in the field of 34 cars.

The TSR teammates rank one and two in the WoO championship standings, with Schatz on top by three markers over Kinser. Early season victories at Volusia have been a good sign for both drivers in years past. Kinser won at the track in 2005 and went on to capture his 20th WoO crown, while Schatz posted wins in 2007 and 2009 on the half-mile dirt oval to begin championship seasons.

Next up for TSR is a stop at Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Dirt Track for the second annual Las Vegas Super Sprint Classic on Feb. 26.

-www.TonyStewartRacing.com-
 

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