Back on Track: Steve Kinser Wins Finale of DIRTcar Nationals

By Tony Veneziano

Barberville, FL- February 7, 2010-Heading into the 2010 season, 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser said that he felt better than he had in two or three years, after having off-season surgery to fix a bulging disc in his neck. He started the season off very strong and was in contention for wins in each of the first three races of the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio at Volusia Speedway. Kinser sealed the deal on Sunday night, picking up his first win of the season and his first victory since joining Tony Stewart Racing.

Kinser battled Tim Kaeding for most of the 30-lap contest and had Joey Saldana challenging him in the late going. For the Hall of Famer, it was his third career World of Outlaws A-Feature win at Volusia Speedway Park and his fifth overall triumph at the half-mile. Kinser now has 553 career A-Feature wins with the World of Outlaws.

"It feels good to get the first win of the year early on," Kinser said. "The car got better as the race went on and I had to let it come to me. I was able to run low and also up top. I'm just glad to be in Victory Lane. That s what we want to do, win races with this car."

Kinser lined up second in the Bass Pro Shops Maxim and took the lead for the first time on the 12th lap from Tim Kaeding in traffic. Kaeding took the top spot back on the 16th lap using the high side of turn four. Just two laps later, Kinser was able to dive under Kaeding in turn one to take the lead and would pace the field for the rest of the way. On the second and final double file restart of the night, Kinser had Joey Saldana to contend with, who was using the extreme high side of the track to get a run on the leader. Kinser used strong restarts each time to hold down the top spot.

"The car was good on the restarts," shard the native of Bloomington, Ind. "We have been trying some different things here lately and I think we found a few that seem to work."

Kinser had a very strong week at the DIRTcar Nationals, finishing fourth or better in all four events he competed in, with three of those being podium runs. He leaves the Sunshine State second in points, just three markers behind his teammate Donny Schatz as he chases his record 21st series title.

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Saldana Leads Kinser, Dollansky & Schatz in Battle for Overall DIRTcar Nationals Title: One Race Remains Tonight

By Tony Veneziano
Barberville, FL-February 7, 2010-Joey Saldana has had nearly a perfect week at the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio, winning once and finishing second twice, to lead the overall standings for the sprint car portion of the season opening event at Volusia Speedway Park. Just one more night of racing remains for the World of Outlaws tonight as Saldana looks for his first event title at the half-mile.

Saldana currently leads 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser, Craig Dollansky, who won during the DIRTcar Nationals back on Wednesday and four-time and defending World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz, who was victorious on Saturday night.

Drivers earn event points each time they take to the track for time trials, heat races and feature events during the DIRTcar Nationals. Saldana opened the DIRTcar Nationals on Wednesday by finishing second in an event under the All Star Circuit of Champions banner. He followed that up on Thursday night with a win and was second quick in time trials. In the World of Outlaws season opener on Saturday night, Saldana finished second in the main event, won a heat race and was second quick in qualifying.

Kinser jumped into the second spot in the overall standings after a third-place run on Saturday night, after turning in the fourth fastest lap in time trials, while finishing second in a heat race. He opened the DIRTcar Nationals with a fourth-place finish on Wednesday in the main event and was third on Thursday night in the A-Feature.

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Austin Dillon Drives Away From Star-Studded DIRTcar UMP Modified Field to Claim Night 2 of 'The Gator Championship'

By Kellen Burns

BARBERVILLE, FL - February 7, 2010 - Austin Dillon has been one of the toughest DIRTcar UMP Modified competitors at Volusia Speedway Park during the past two years of the DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio events.

The teenager from Welcome, N.C., lived up to his reputation on Sunday night, capturing the division's second 20-lap qualifying feature for Monday's big 'The Gator Championship' event.

"It was awesome tonight," Dillon said after steering his black No. 3 DIRTcar UMP Modified to a $700 triumph that was his first of the 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH. "Shane (McDowell, his crew chief) did a great job putting our final adjustments in the car. It drove so much better tonight than the other night."

The grandson of legendary NASCAR owner Richard Childress, Dillon's expertise on dirt guided him to the checkered flag over a field that also featured NASCAR stars Clint Bowyer, Kenny Wallace and Ken Schrader, ageless veteran Buzzie Reutimann, former DIRTcar UMP Modified national champion Denny Schwartz and Dillon's younger brother, Ty.

"I think we have a good as shot as anybody," Dillon said of his chances of winning the $5,000 top prize up for grabs in Monday night's 'The Gator Championship' event. "I think we want to win it just as much as anybody too."

Dillon started outside the front row and quickly put distance between himself and Ashmore, Ill.'s Schwartz. Dillon withstood multiple restarts, including the final one in which he caught the field sleeping, putting nearly five car-lengths between himself and Schwartz entering turn one.

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On Top Again: Donny Schatz Wins 2010 World of Outlaws Season Opener

By Tony Veneziano
Barberville, FL -February 6, 2010-Donny Schatz wrapped up 2009 standing on top of the podium after claiming his fourth consecutive World of Outlaws title, and he began the 2010 season on top again taking the win on Saturday night in the season opening 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio at Volusia Speedway Park.

Schatz lined up third in the Armor All J&J and quickly moved into second and then battled Tim Shaffer and led the first lap, before the latter retook the top spot on the second circuit. Schatz tracked Shaffer back down in lapped traffic and drove under him on the 12th lap in turn one to take the lead. He would lead the remainder of the 30-lapper, including after two double file restarts to score the win over Joey Saldana and Steve Kinser.

"That's the way to start, that s awesome," said Schatz. "Everyone has their cars stuck so hard that it puts it more on the drivers and that's what I like to see. I'm glad to get the win. Normally I don't run well on the top when its fast, but I could go all over. The guys have been working pretty hard and we have been playing since we got to Ocala. We learned a lot of things and I think we have five or six nights ahead of everyone, hopefully."

For Schatz, the $10,000 victory was his fourth World of Outlaws A-Feature win at Volusia Speedway Park and his ninth career victory at the track. He has claimed the season opener in three of the four years. The North Dakota native has finished eighth or better in eight straight events with the series at the half-mile.

"This place is so much different than it used to be," explained Schatz. "It used to have sand on it and now it has more clay and it changed the surface a little bit. It's great to see the races when you get two grooves and you can run the bottom and the top. That is all you can ask for in a race track."

Saldana, who won earlier in the week in the DIRTcar Nationals in an event under the All Star Circuit of Champions banner, finished second aboard the Budweiser Maxim on Saturday night to earn his third straight podium at the half-mile. He lined up eighth and steadily worked his way to the front.

"We've had a good car these last three races and the cool part is that we have been passing cars to get to first and second," shared Saldana. "We're doing everything right. We're learning our race cars with these new tires. We'll come back tomorrow and try to get a win."

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What a Team: Steve Kinser & Donny Schatz Begin First Year Together at Tony Stewart Racing in the DIRTcar Nationals

By Tony Veneziano

Barberville, FL-February 4, 2010-Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz have combined to win each of the last eight World of Outlaws championships and nine of the last 10. The pair has won a total of 213 World of Outlaws A-Feature events over the last decade, with Kinser taking 117 of those checkered flags and Schatz 96. The duo will begin a new chapter as teammates at Tony Stewart Racing, in 2010 beginning with the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio at Volusia Speedway Park to kick off the World of Outlaws season.

Schatz, the four-time and defending series champion will begin his third season aboard the No. 15 Armor All J&J for Tony Stewart Racing with Ricky Warner as crew chief, while Kinser, the 20-time series titlist, will pilot the No. 11 Bass Pro Shops Maxim, with longtime crew chief Scott Gerkin turning the wrenches.

"I've always enjoyed racing with Donny," shared Kinser. "He has always raced me as clean as anyone has out there. Probably if anyone has leaned harder, it was probably me on my side."

Schatz, who readily admits he was a Steve Kinser fan growing up, would always cheer for the native of Bloomington, Ind. when the World of Outlaws would visit Red River Valley Speedway in his home state of North Dakota each year. Since hitting the road full-time with the World of Outlaws in 1997, Schatz has had the chance to race against Kinser night in and night out, learning from him both on and off the track.

"To have a teammate like Steve Kinser, what else could you ask for," said Schatz. "He is 'The King.' There are no if's and's or but's about it. To have him under the Tony Stewart Racing banner is pretty cool. We're glad to have him. I'm glad to get to race along with him."

Kinser looks forward to racing Schatz again in 2010 and battling him for the World of Outlaws championship. Kinser, who has won 20 titles with the series, will be looking for his first crown since 2005, which is the longest he has gone between titles in his legendary career.

"Donny is a good racer and he will be one those drivers that you have to contend with all year to win races and the championship," said Kinser. "He's one of the cars that has proved over the last three or four years that he is a car to beat."

Schatz will be chasing his fifth consecutive World of Outlaws title this season beginning at the DIRTcar Nationals. Kinser is the only driver in the 30-plus year history of the series to win five consecutive championships, which he did from 1990-1994 and he also is the only driver to win six consecutive titles, accomplishing that feat between 1983-1988. Schatz is the only driver other than Kinser to win at least four titles.

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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.”

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2010 World of Outlaws Schedule Released at Performance Racing Industry Trade Show

By Tony Veneziano
Orlando, FL—December 11, 2009—After the closest three-way points race in World of Outlaws history in 2009, the 2010 season is shaping up to be another of the most competitive in series history.

Drivers will compete nearly 80 times from coast-to-coast as well as in Canada in the coming year, as the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series 2010 schedule was released at the annual Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show in Orlando, Florida on Friday. The nine-plus month tour kicks off at Volusia Speedway Park with the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH, February 5-7 and wraps up with the 4th Annual World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway, November 4-6.

Among the multi-day marquee events that dot the 2010 calendar include the Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup at Lernerville Speedway, the 2nd Annual Ironman 55 at I-55 Raceway, along with the tradition rich Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway, the Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway, the National Open at Williams Grove Speedway, as well as the Summer Nationals at Williams Grove, the World Finals and Mini Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway, in addition to the inaugural Hall of Fame Classic at Knoxville Raceway.

After a very successful debut in 2009, the Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup at Lernerville Speedway will again feature Twin 30-lap races in 2010, with the driver scoring the best average finish of the two races earning the overall Silver Cup Title, one of the crown jewels of the sport.

The 2nd Annual Ironman 55 at I-55 Raceway in Missouri is scheduled for August 6-7 at the always racy high-banked bullring, with $20,000 awaiting the winner after the 55-lap finale.

The World of Outlaws will make their first of two trips to California in early March, for a two-day event at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare on March 5-6, followed by the Mini Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway on March 12-13, before a return to the Golden State in September for the 57th Annual Gold Cup Race of Champions.

The inaugural three-day Hall of Fame Classic at the legendary Knoxville Raceway will be contested on June 3-5 in conjunction with the annual National Sprint Car Hall of Fame induction ceremonies that same weekend.

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 in the desert. The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway will host the World of Outlaws on May 28 as part of their spring NASCAR event. Also back on the schedule is the ultra-high-banked and blazing fast Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tennessee on March 19-20 which is just a stone's throw from Bristol Motor Speedway where NASCAR will be racing that same weekend.

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2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Schedule Released At Performance Racing Industry Trade Show

By Kevin Kovac

CONCORD, NC - Dec. 10, 2009 - The 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Series promises to be a true test of drivers' versatility.

A record number of racetracks – including nearly a dozen speedways that have never before hosted a tour event – appear on the 2010 WoO LMS schedule, which was released on Thursday during the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show in Orlando, Fla.

Forty-seven events at 40 tracks in 19 states and two Canadian provinces are currently confirmed as part of the national tour's 2010 slate, including 10 previously-announced multi-day programs highlighted by the $50,000-to-win USA Nationals on Aug. 6-7 at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., and the expanded Firecracker 100 on June 24-26 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa.

The seventh consecutive WoO LMS season under the World Racing Group banner kicks off on Feb. 11 and 13 with a pair of 50-lap A-Mains during the 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. It will end for the fourth straight year with the World Finals on Nov. 4-6 at The Dirt Track @ Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

“We're very excited about the schedule we've put together for the 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Series,” said series director Tim Christman. “The series continues to grow stronger and stronger. In 2010, we will provide fans and race teams more big-money special events and visit more racetracks across the country than in any previous season in the history of the series.

“The number of tracks that will host World of Outlaws Late Model Series shows in 2010 is a true testament to the demand for races from track promoters – and, of course, it exposes the stars of our series to more fans and creates a battle for the championship that will be won by the driver who demonstrates the best ability to adapt to different tracks and surfaces.”

Christman said he expects to add up to five more events to the schedule released on Thursday, pushing the total number of races in 2010 to what Christman called “our magic number of 50 races.” That would put the 2010 season in position to establish new records for the WoO LMS, which currently boasts alltime single-season highs of 44 A-Mains (2007) and 36 different tracks (2007 and 2008).

The centerpiece of the WoO LMS's attractive special-event schedule, which was unveiled earlier this week, will be Cedar Lake Speedway's 100-lap USA Nationals on Aug. 6-7. Back on the WoO LMS itinerary for the first time since 2005 and fourth time overall in its 23-year history, the crown jewel stands as the richest race on the '10 sked with a purse of nearly a quarter-million dollars.

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Lucky USAR Pro Cup Fan Gets $10,000 Prize

ORLANDO, Fla. (December 10, 2009) - The USARacing Pro Cup Series has partnered with Crane Cams and S&S Cycle to create the 2010 USAR Pro Cup champion's custom motorcycle, featuring the new "X-Wedge" engine.

Even though the 2010 champion may get the motorcycle, fans won't miss out on the action with a chance to win an "X-Wedge" engine of their own.

The engine, worth over $10,000, is only part of the prize package the lucky fan will receive. The winner will also be given an all-access pass to the 2010 USAR Pro Cup Series banquet, including hotel and travel accommodations, where they will be awarded their prize.

"We are especially excited about the opportunity for our champion to win a one-of-a-kind S&S Cycle," said Series Managing Partner Larry Camp. "But the opportunity for one of our loyal fans to also win an X-Wedge engine and be able to attend our banquet to claim the prize should build fan excitement throughout the year."

"We are appreciative of the support of Crane Cams and the foresight of S&S Cycle expanding their programs through sponsorship of the Pro Cup Series," he added.

Fans can register at the Crane Cams/S&S Cycle displays featured at each of the 16 USAR Pro Cup events. The registration booths will be located in the midway section of each track.

Entries will also be received by sending a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the words "USAR Pro Cup Series X-Wedge" printed on the back to the USARacing Administrative Offices at 78 Buffalo Avenue, NW., Suite 200, Concord, NC 28025. Entries should include name, mailing address and daytime phone number.

Employees of Crane Cams, S&S Cycle and the USAR Pro Cup Series employees, drivers, owners and teams are not eligible for the fan promotion.

The USARacing Pro Cup Series, formerly Hooters Pro Cup, is owned by Interstate Investment Group (IIG) and is based in Concord, N.C. IIG is comprised of Jack McNelly, Gary Kale, Carl Hubbard, Chip Lofton and Larry Camp, who serves as the managing partner. For more information on the USARacing Pro Cup Series, go to www.usarprocup.com. 

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Dollansky Continues Hot Streak: Wins at River Cities Speedway on Friday Night

Craig Dollansky got the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series win at River Cities Speedway on Friday night. Dollansky finished the last few laps of the race with no brakes on his #19   (Photo by Tim Johnson)

By Tony Veneziano
Grand Forks, ND— August 21, 2009—Ever since winning his first race of the season on July 26 at Lebanon Valley Speedway in New York, Craig Dollansky has been on a roll, finishing in the Top-Three in five of the next six races. He added to this hot streak on Friday night at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, North Dakota picking up his third win of the 2009 campaign. The victory was his sixth podium finish in the last seven races.

Dollansky started on the pole and was challenged late in the going by his teammate Joey Saldana as the pair encountered heavy lapped traffic over the last five laps of the 30-lap contest. For Dollansky, it was his second career victory at River Cities Speedway and the 31st of his World of Outlaws career.

“I got kind of nervous there toward the end,” shared Dollansky in Victory Lane. “I lost my brakes with probably three or four laps to go and it was getting a little hairy there in lapped traffic. This Kasey Kahne Racing team has been getting stronger as we go. To get another win is great. I’m proud of this entire team and it feels good to get our third win.”

Dollansky started on the pole and got the jump on Tim Kaeding heading into turn one at the drop of the green, though the first red flag of the night would be displayed before the lap was competed for an incident involving Mark Dobmeier who was in the third spot and got upside down, collecting fourth-place running Jason Meyers, who had nowhere to go.

On the complete restart Dollansky again jumped out to a quick lead only to have another red on the second lap. He would endure three red flags and three yellows over the course of the 30-lap event. Down the stretch, Saldana closed in on leader who had some trouble clearing a couple of lapped cars and with two laps to go was right on his tail tank in heavy traffic. Dollansky held on to nip Saldana by just 0.131 seconds at the line aboard the DirecTV Maxim.

“The track just kept getting tighter and tighter and our car was getting tighter and tighter as well,” he said. “I was just trying to get through lapped cars as best as I could and it was a long race as well. We were able to get to the finish line first and I am happy for all of my fans here and my Canadian friends that were here. There are a lot of great fans that come here to Grand Forks and I appreciate all of you.”

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McCaughan's wild ride

Mike McCaughan #77x barrel rolled his WISSOTA Late Model during the feature race at River Cities Speedway on Friday night. After this "Wild Ride", the 77x crew changed a flat rear tire and Mike was good to go, finishing the race with minimal damage to his car. (Photos by Tim Johnson)

RRCS Action

Super finish in the Super Truck Feature race saw Tayvia Dorge #17 and Lee McRae #9 cross the finish line side by side with the win going to McRae. (Photo by Tim Johnson)

Derek Pollock #2T, Donnell Desrosiers #05, Rick Fawcette #71 and Colin Kendall #k9 race 4-wide down the front straight at Winnipeg's Red River Co-op Speedway on August 13th during the 20 lap Super Stock Special. The Feature win went to Kevin Penner in the # 20. (Photo by Tim Johnson)

Red River Co-op Speedway

Troy Schill #11 won the Late Model Feature race at Winnipeg's Red River Co-op Speedway on Thursday night. Troy was followed across the by Steve Anderson #9 in second and Howard Schill #4 finished third.

Super Stock Feature win went to Mike Martin #55 shown here at RRCS along with Colin Kendall #k9 and #33 Lawrence Enns.

Rick Lowey #19 was the winner in the Super Truck feature at RRCS Thursday. Lee McRae #9 was a very close second finishing the race along side of the #19 truck. (Photos by Tim Johnson)

Razor-Close 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Points Battle Heads Down Homestretch After Mid-Summer Break

Top three in points as of July 25, 2009 - Josh Richards #1, Steve Francis #19, Darrell Lanigan #29

By Kevin Kovac / Photos by Tim Johnson

CONCORD, NC - July 30, 2009 - The three headliners in the titanic battle for the 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship reflexively say after each race that they're not counting points.

But the truth is, Josh Richards, Darrell Lanigan and Steve Francis definitely have points on their minds. How can they not when the standings are so razor-close, every finishing position could be critical in determining a prestigious title worth $100,000?

The hot-running trio – all WoO LMS stalwarts who are as close off the track as they have been on it this year – find themselves at the center of what is shaping up to be arguably the tightest points race in tour history. With the series now quiet for a mid-summer break until making a first-ever visit to Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., on Thurs., Aug. 13, they sit in a near dead-heat atop the standings.

Through 27 of a scheduled 43 events, Richards holds a two-point edge over both Lanigan and Francis, who are tied for second. That's one position in the WoO LMS points breakdown, which awards 150 points for a win, 146 points for second, and then drops two points per spot.

“It doesn't look like anyone's running away with this deal this year,” bottom-lined Francis, a 41-year-old star from Ashland, Ky., whose 25 career WoO LMS wins (including five this season) leads the tour's alltime victory chart since 2004. “This one's going right down to the end (the World Finals on Nov. 5-7 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.).”

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Jimmy Mars Tops Field at 2009 USA Nationals!

Courtesy of DirtonDirt.com
Photos: Stan Meissner

NEW RICHMOND, Wis. (Aug. 1) — For Jimmy Mars, the 13 years of dust on his 1996 USA Nationals trophy from Cedar Lake Speedway was a bit much.

The 37-year-old driver from Menomonie, Wis., took care of that bit out housekeeping on Saturday by dominating the second half of the Upper Midwest's richest Dirt Late Model event to earn $50,000.

The victory left Mars on the verge of tears with a victory at a home- state track against an impressive 26-car field representing 15 states.

"I'm still kind of trying not to be choked up here," Mars said in an interview following his sixth victory of the season at Cedar Lake.

"People just don't know how tough this race is to win. We've been close before where I thought maybe we'd have a chance and break or something like that. We're always like, 'Maybe next year we'll get it.

Next year we'll get it. Next year we'll get it. Then all of the sudden it's 13 years later."

Outside front-row starter Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who led most of the first 56 laps, ended up second in trying to duplicate Thursday's feature victory in a WDRL-sanctioned tuneup while polesitter and fellow Watertown driver Tim McCreadie was third. Eighth- starting Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, a two-time USA Nationals winner, ran as high as second but settled for fourth while tail- starting Chris Madden of Gray Court, S.C., rounded out the top five.

The ninth-starting Mars got a quick start, moving up to second in the first 20 laps to put the heat on Fuller. Twice Mars nosed ahead to lead laps, but both times, cautions helped relieve the pressure for Fuller, who was still out front following the last of six yellow flags on the 46th lap.

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Schatz Continues His Dominance of K-C Raceway: Wins for 4th Time on Saturday Night

By Tony Veneziano
Alma, OH— August 1 2009—Every single time that Donny Schatz has competed at K-C Raceway in Ohio with the World of Outlaws, he has been in contention for the win. After finishing fourth in his debut at the track in 2004, he picked up his first victory at the track the following season. He followed that up with two more triumphs including a victory last season and the three-time and defending series champion made it two wins in a row at the high-banked bullring on Saturday night.

For Schatz, it was his 11th A-Feature win of the season aboard the Armor All J&J and the 99th of his World of Outlaws career, as he looks to become just the fifth driver in 31-plus year history of the series to accomplish that feat.

He started on the pole and paced the field for the entire distance, withstanding an early challenge from Dale Blaney followed by a late race battle with 20-time series champion Steve Kinser.

“I always look forward to coming here,” said Schatz. “This has been a good track to me. We’ve managed to get some wins here fighting hard and tonight we had a fading race car there at the end, but it was enough to get the job done I guess. It’s always fun here. It’s always slick and hard to get your race car stuck, but we seem to be a little bit above what everyone else has, so that is a good thing.”

The race began with Schatz leading from the pole, with Kinser and Blaney in tow. Blaney shot around Kinser to move into second coming off turn four on the opening lap. The first caution of the night came out on the fourth lap. Schatz led on the restart, with Blaney keeping pace with him as they neared lapped traffic on the eighth lap. The caution flew again on the 12th lap as the leaders were in very heavy traffic.

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Late Models Next Up @ Red River Co-op Speedway

Kevin Sexton #57 & Mike Balcaen #10

Leo Feeleus #71 & Shawn Holden #11SR

Winnipeg's Red River Co-op Speedway will host the Northern Late Model Racing Association (NLRA) on Thursday August 6, 2009. This will be the final visit to RRCS this season for the hi-powered NLRA Late Model Stock Cars. Modified, Super Stock, Super Truck and Street Stock divisions will also be racing. Contact the Speedway for more information. (Photos by Tim Johnson)

 

 

 

 

Updated - 1/29/09

 

Dirt From The Stands

 

 

World of Outlaws Championship Standings through February 7