NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES TITLEIST
TONY SCHUMACHER PRESENTS CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY TO FORT HOOD TROOPS
NHRA president Tom Compton on
hand to support the presentation
GLENDORA, Calif. (Dec. 11, 2009) — The first
thing U.S. Army driver Tony Schumacher said when he claimed his sixth
straight and seventh overall NHRA Full Throttle Series championship title
was that the trophy would be heading to Fort Hood.
Schumacher won the championship just days after the Nov. 5 shooting at Fort
Hood that claimed 12 lives and left 31 injured and today he will be
presenting the trophy during the “Fort Hood Community Strong” event that
will feature a number of formal presentations followed by a series of
musical acts.
“This trophy will go to Fort Hood,” Schumacher said after winning the
championship Nov. 14, just nine days after the Fort Hood shootings. “I don’t
think there’s any question in the world where it belongs. We’re going to
give this trophy to the families of the victims. Hopefully they’ll know how
much we’re thinking of them when they see it on display. Our thoughts and
prayers continue to be with them.”
Schumacher will make the presentation at approximately 1 p.m. local time
today and NHRA president Tom Compton will be on hand to offer the full
support of the sanctioning body.
NHRA Drag Racing Photo Greats Volume
2: Wild Rides II book now available
A perfect drag racing pass is a thing of beauty
– the engine roaring on all cylinders, the rear tires digging and churning,
the front end dancing lightly on the racing surface – but things aren’t
always perfect in the world of drag racing. Sometimes the ride turns out a
little on the wild side, and when that happens, a vigilant photographer is
always ready to capture the chaos.
Just in time for the holidays, NHRA is proud to present NHRA Drag Racing
Photo Greats Volume 2: Wild Rides II, the latest in a collection of
specialty books for the NHRA Drag Racing fan. Featuring 70 historic photos
in color and black-and-white snapped by the veteran photographers of
National DRAGSTER, Wild Rides 2 highlights some of the most memorable
on-track moments in NHRA history. Despite the extreme nature of the images,
no racers were seriously injured in any of the incidents pictured.
You don’t have to love drag racing to enjoy Wild Rides 2, but if you like
action and sports photography, you’ll get a thrill from the images on its
pages. Longtime fans and newcomers alike will be floored by photo after
photo of wild blowovers, dragstrip tumbles, and even a Funny Car flambé or
two spanning the decades from the 1970s to the 2000s.
Priced at $23.99 plus shipping, the 70-page softcover volume, the second in
a series of NHRA Drag Racing Photo Greats, is available exclusively online
at Amazon.com, the world’s leading online bookseller. A portion of the
proceeds will benefit NHRA in the Community charities.
Amazon.com accepts online orders only. Phone or mail order is not available.
Jeg Coughlin, Morgan Lucas, Shawn Langdon and a
few yet-to-be-named NHRA drivers will once again head to Lake Placid Jan.
8-10 for the upcoming fifth annual Lucas Oil Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge
presented by Whelen Engineering. This yearly event on Mount Van Hoevenberg
creates awareness and needed funding for the continuing evolution of the
made-in-America Bo-Dyn sleds, now recognized among the world’s fastest. Each
year, Coughlin and a team of NHRA drivers take on a group of NASCAR stars in
the Lucas Oil Bobsled Challenge to raise money to support the Bo-Dyn Bobsled
Project. Last year, Top Fuel pilot Lucas won the NHRA versus NASCAR portion
of the event, posting the best time of the event, while Coughlin posted some
of the quickest times during the practice sessions and finished fifth in the
timed race and in the quarterfinal round of the NHRA versus NASCAR tilt.
“Racing bobsleds is one of the most unique experiences I’ve ever had,” said
Coughlin. “In drag racing, we’re cinched in our cars as tight as can be, and
we go straight down the track. It’s something I’ve done thousands of times.
In bobsledding, you’re not strapped in at all, and when they feed you into
that ice shute, you have no choice but to take it down the mountain. It’s
going to the bottom of the hill. How it arrives is up to you.” To follow
Coughlin, Lucas, and all the NHRA stars as they compete in the Lucas Oil
Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge, visit NHRA.com.
BROWN LOOKS FOR FAMED WESTERN SWEEP AS
NHRA FULL THROTTLE SERIES HEADS TO SONOMA:
Top Fuel pilot Antron Brown is so close he can
taste it. He won in Denver. He won in Seattle. Now the points leader and
sophomore dragster driver looks to do something that only six drivers in
NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing history have ever done—sweep the Western
Swing. With a victory at this weekend’s FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals at
Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., Brown would join a list that includes
Top Fuel greats Joe Amato, Tony Schumacher, Cory McClenathan and Larry
Dixon, along with Funny Car legend John Force and three-time Pro Stock world
champion Greg Anderson. It’s a rare feat to see. Since the famed Western
Swing was introduced to the schedule in 1989, many drivers have come close
to sweeping the grueling three-races-in-three-weeks stretch through the hot
summer days of July, but only six names stand in the record books as Western
Swing Sweepers. By Sunday evening, Brown could be the seventh driver to
juggle the Wally and broom in Winner’s Circle at Infineon Raceway. Though
Brown is the only driver in the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series that
could sweep the Swing this season, many drivers are hoping to continue their
push toward a more secure spot in the Top 10 point standings before the
Countdown to 1 playoffs begin. Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson is one of
those drivers. Wilkerson is coming off his first win of the season in
Seattle, and since Norwalk, has moved from seventh to fifth in the point
standings. Mike Neff is also making a late-season move, picking up two spots
and moving to the 9th position in the point standings after a second round
finish in Seattle. In Pro Stock, Kurt and Warren Johnson hope to make up
some ground in Sonoma this week. They sit eighth and 10th in the point
standings, respectively. For tickets to the 22nd annual FRAM Autolite NHRA
Nationals, call (800) 870-RACE (7223) or online at ticketmaster.com
DRIVERS CLINCH COUNTDOWN SPOTS AS REGULAR SEASON NEARS
END:
Pro Stock driver Jason Line, Top Fuel world
champion Tony Schumacher, and two-time world champion Larry Dixon were the
latest drivers to clinch a spot in the Countdown to 1 playoffs, which will
begin Sept. 17-20 at the second annual NHRA Carolinas Nationals at zMAX
Dragway in Concord, NC, just five races away. Defending Pro Stock world
champion Jeg Coughlin was the first driver to clinch a spot in the Countdown
playoffs after his second round finish in Norwalk. Below is a list of
drivers who have secured their spot in the Countdown playoffs. The highly
competitive Funny Car category has yet to produce a clinched spot for any
driver.
Carl Spiering crashes his
Pro Mod Corvette while racing Kenny Lang at the 2006 San Antonio Nitro Jam (IHRA
Video's)
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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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.).”
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.
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.
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 - 1/29/0
9
Dirt From The Stands
World of Outlaws Championship Standings through
February 7
By Tony Veneziano
Barberville, FL-February 8, 2010-Donny Schatz, the four-time and
defending World of Outlaws champion, used a win and a fourth-place
finish along with being second quick in time trials on both nights of
racing to leave Florida as the World of Outlaws championship point
leader as he chases his fifth consecutive title, with Sunday's winner
20-time series champion Steve Kinser and Joey Saldana both tied for
second, just three markers behind.
The trio of drivers are the only three that finished in the Top-Five in
both World of Outlaws events during the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar
Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio at Volusia Speedway Park.
Kinser followed up a third-place run in the opener with a win on Sunday
night, while Saldana finished second on both nights and was second quick
in time trials on Saturday.
Jason Meyers, who was second in points last season, is currently fourth
in the standing after picking up two Top-10 finishes at Volusia. Jason
Sides leaves the Sunshine State fifth in points, after setting fast time
in both of the World of Outlaws events at the half-mile and following
that up with two Top-10 finishes.