News

Articles by Pit Pass Racing News

Feb
7
2011

New B.O.S.S. Series Brings Non-Wing Sprint Car Action to Ohio

by Chris McWilliams on February 7, 2011 - www.onedirt.com New for the 2011 racing season, the Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series (B.O.S.S.) brings traditional non wing sprint car racing in and around Ohio. Drivers from 4 states and a few races have been confirmed with an official schedule to be released soon. The idea behind the series is to provide competitive racing for fans and promoters, with excellent purses for the drivers brave enough to run without the wing. The series will be “outlaw” without membership fees or a specific brand tire rule. For more information on the Buckeye Outlaw Sprint Series make sure you visit their home on the web at www.buckeyesprints.com . 2011 BOSS Series Driver Michael Fischesser Teams can choose to run any tires that they want as long as they are commercially available to the public. The only tire rule is that drivers must run the same right rear tire in the heat and feature. The BOSS series will be the only group in the...

Feb
7
2011

Al Hejna Joins Koster Racing To Attack 2011 USMTS Championship

by Chris McWilliams on February 5, 2011 - www.onedirt.com Dirt Modified veteran Al Hejna of Clear Lake, Iowa, has announced that he will be behind the wheel of a new Big Cock Chassis for Koster Racing in 2011. Hejna joins fellow competitor and friend Corey Dripps of Waterloo, Iowa, and 2010 WISSOTA Midwest Modified National Champion Brandon Davis of Medford, Minn., on the 2011 Koster Racing roster. Dripps has owned and operated Big Cock Chassis since its inception in 2004. “Koster Racing is proud to have somebody with the experience and talent of Al behind the wheel of one of our cars,” said Jon Koster. “Al and Corey work very well together and have already been traveling together, so it made a lot of sense. We can’t wait to get on the track in 2011.” Al Hejna in Victory Lane (Image Credit: Cody Papke) For more information on Al Hejna visit www.alhejna.com Hejna brings 28 years of motorsports experience and an impressive career...

Feb
7
2011

Mesilla Valley Transportation Delivers for USMTS drivers

by John Gibson on February 4, 2011 In the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) drivers will now have even more incentive to work their way to the front. Mesilla Valley Transportation, one of the largest locally-owned transportation providers in Western Texas and Southern New Mexico, has signed on as a sponsor of the Hard Charger award for 2011. The driver that passes the most cars during the A main at every USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Tour event will receive a $100 bonus for being the hard charger. But it doesn’t stop there.. For more information on Mesilla Valley Transportation visit their homepage, also check out the home of the USMTS at www.usmts.com/ The 2011 season will kick off on February 17th in Baytown Texas. (photo courtesy of USMTS.com) There will also be a season championship bonus, drivers will rack up points throughout the season by passing as many cars as possible. For every position gained from their starting spot,...

Feb
7
2011

Kyle Larson to sign autographs from 6pm to 9pm in King of the West Sprints booth at Sacramento Autorama this Friday night February 11

By Gary Thomas Sacramento, CA – February 7, 2011…Reigning Golden State 410 Series champion Kyle Larson of Elk Grove, CA will be on hand signing autographs at the King of the West Sprints booth this Friday night during the annual Sacramento Autorama. The Golden State KWS booth will be located in Building C at the 61 st Sacramento Autorama and Larson will be signing autographs from 6pm to 9pm on Friday night. The series show car will be located in the booth and fans are invited to sit in the car and take pictures if wanted. The KWS booth will be part of a Northern California motorsports display that also includes Calistoga Speedway, which will feature the famed Walt Ross No. 56 Special on hand. In addition to that, USAC will also have a booth as part of the display and will have Tony Hunt’s Western States championship winning car in attendance. The Sacramento Autorama runs this Friday through Sunday February 11-13, with the Golden State King of the...

Feb
7
2011

ASCS Sprints to Make First Ever Visit to California on February 9th

by Chris McWilliams on February 4, 2011 The Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by K&N Filters will make their first appearance ever in the state of California on Wednesday February 9, 2011 at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare.  The ASCS will push off for their 20 th season after their 2010 tour averaged about 60 sprint cars a race and saw a total of 19 different drivers in victory lane. The points fund for the 2011 ASCS season is a staggering $250,000 with the series champion taking home $60,000 for their efforts.  The race at the Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway will be the first of the season for the ASCS and is expected to bring out a strong field of racers including several Californian drivers.  San Jose’s Tim Kaeding will be a strong favorite at Thunderbowl Raceway along with Elk Grove’s Kyle Larson and Easton’s Tommy Tarlton who have all seen a lot of laps at the track. For more information on the American Sprint...

Feb
8
2011

Want to Win An Official Camaro Pace Car?

by Lauren Hargrove Normally when a sponsorship program gives away a car, it is to the winner of the series, not a fan. PRNewswire released information regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and ApplianceZone.com sponsorship geared toward fans. One lucky fan will win a special 2011 Chevy RS Camaro and an all expenses paid trip to the season finale of the ApplianceZone.com Dirt Track World Championship. ApplianceZone.com signed on as the “Official Appliance Parts Retailer” for the next three years of the series.  Fans can enter to win the 2011 Chevy RS Camaro (which will also serve as the official pace car for the series) through the AppiianceZone website with no purchase necessary for the initial entry starting on February 7, 2011. Additional entries for the giveaway will be awarded to those making purchases through ApplianceZone.com. This Camaro will serve as the official pace car for the series this year and will be on display to fans...

Feb
8
2011

The NCRA Releases 2011 Schedules For Their Five Touring Divisions

by Chris McWilliams The National Championship Racing Association (NCRA) is proud to announce the 2011 schedules for their five touring series.  Late Models and Sprints will once again headline the series. The Modified North Series returns but will be known under the name of modifieds, as the North designation has been dropped. The Modified South Series has been dropped for the 2011 season. The Southern Modified Series also returns and will be called NCRA Sport Mods in 2011.  New for 2011 is the Great Plains Late Model Series. This is a regional late model series under the NCRA banner that will run a limited number of shows for smaller purses. For more information on the National Championship Racing Association and to view the full schedules for all five of their divisions visit their website at www.ncraracing.org . 2010 NCRA 360 Sprint Series Champion Jeremy Campbell (Image Credit: hutchnews.com) The NCRA 360 Sprints will kick off their 17 race 2011...

Feb
8
2011

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Season to Fire Off Friday February 11th

by John Gibson The off-season was short for reigning champ of the World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series Jason Myers, after he claimed the 2010 season championship at the Dirt Track in Charlotte last November. The 2011 season opener is only four days away! The season opener will kick off on Friday February 11th at Volusia Speedway Park, all of which is a part of the DIRTCar Nationals which feature 12 straight days of racing. For more information on the World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series please visit www.woosprint.com The 2011 World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series will kick off this friday at Volusia Speedway Park. (photo courtesy of World of Outlaws) Myers ended last year on a high note sweeping the World Finals at Charlotte and being the first California native to win the series championship. His 2010 run seems even more impressive when you consider that his team is a single car operation. But will Myers be able to find the magic that enabled him to capture 12...

Feb
8
2011

Alissa Geving welcomes Golden Gate Meat Company as newest sponsor

Photo by Steve Lamothe By Bill Sullivan for Chicko Motorsports PENNGROVE, CA (2-3-11 ) –  Alissa Geving and her Chicko Motorsports Sprint Car Team are proud to welcome new members to their family of proud sponsors for the 2011 racing season. The famed Golden Gate Meat Company is the newest marketing partner to show their support for the third generation lady driver of the North Bay. "We have had a great group of sponsors over the past few seasons and the Golden Gate Meat Company is a perfect addition to our racing family as an associate sponsor," said Geving. "They are a very well respected, family owned company and I'm excited that they will be joining us for the upcoming racing season." The Golden Gate Meat Company was established in 1977 by James and Patricia Offenbach as a continuation of the Offenbach's rich family history in the restaurant and food supply industry. The Golden Gate Meat Company has long been located in San Francisco and...

Feb
10
2011

USAC National Sprint Car Series Returns to Missouri in 2011

by Chris McWilliams on February 10, 2011 On August 14 th the Amsoil USAC National Sprint Car Series will hit the track at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Missouri.  This will be the first appearance of the USAC Sprint Cars in Missouri since 2006 and the first appearance in the Kansas City area since 2001 when two races were held at Lakeside Speedway which were won by Tony Elliott and J.J. Yeley.  In 2009, the USAC/SMRS Midget Series made a visit to the one-third mile dirt oval in Grain Valley where Brad Loyet took home the victory.  However, the last time the USAC National Sprints saw action in Missouri was five years ago at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon and Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland. For more information on the United States Auto Club (USAC) check out their homepage at www.usacracing.com 2010 USAC National Sprint Car Champion Levi Jones (Image Credit: Chris Pedersen) Missouri sprint car fans will get their chance to see the exciting...

Feb
10
2011

The California Kid Shocks East Bay. Reddick Earns First Win

by Bobby Kimbrough on February 10, 2011 An unlikely victor emerged from East Bay Raceway Park on Wednesday night as the California Kid Tyler Reddick finished the last eight laps of the feature in front of the biggest names in dirt late model racing.  Reddick, at 15 years of age, isn’t even old enough to legally drive a car on the street.  He surely doesn’t have the experience of Scott Bloomquist, Don O’Neal, Jimmy Owens or any of the others racers on the track that evening, yet he wrestled the lead from Dan Schlieper and held off the Bloomquist and O’Neal for the win. Reddick and Bloomquist after the race. (All photos by R.E. Wing) The official Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Press release below details Reddick’s victory: Tyler Reddick Takes First Career Win on Wednesday Night at East Bay by James Essex, Public Relations Coordinator, jessex@lucasdirt.com TAMPA, FL (February 9, 2011)-The “California Kid”,...

Feb
11
2011

Big Names Dominate the Early Days of the 2011 DIRTcar Nationals

by Adam Wall on February 11, 2011 Austin Dillon was able to capture the checkered flag on the opening night of the 2011 DIRTcar Nationals. (image credit: dirtcarnationals.com) The DIRTcar Nationals kicked off Tuesday with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds. Austin Dillon, grandson of the famed Richard Childress, topped the 73 entries in Tuesday night’s competition in Barberville, FL. Dillon was able to top the other big names of Clint Bowyer, Ken Schrader, Kenny Wallace, and younger brother Ty Dillon. For more information on the remainder of the DIRTcar Nationals visit  http://www.DIRTcarNationals.com Clint Bowyer has made it back to back wins, by winning on Wednesday and Thursday night of the 2011 DIRTcar Nationals. (image credit: Dirtcarnationals.com) The following night it was Bowyer’s turn. Starting on the outside pole, he was able to hold off the rest of the field in DIRTcar UMP Modified feature on the second night of action. Wednesday...

Feb
14
2011

Jeff Swindell Heads for “Copper on Dirt” With Help From Carl Edwards

by Chris McWilliams on February 12, 2011 Jeff Swindell's 2011 ASCS Sprint Car (Image Credit: usaraceway.net) Jeff Swindell has had a very successful and storied sprint car racing career that has lasted for more than 30 years and he shows no signs of slowing down.  He has just turned 50 years old and will hit the road once again to show everyone he still has what it takes.  This is a sort of second coming for Swindell who has enjoyed many great racing moments and is about to be reinvented to the benefit of race fans all over. He will soon head out on the road to go on tour against some of the best Wing Sprint car racers in the country with one of the first stops being the 5th Annual Copper on Dirt at Tucson’s USA Raceway. For more information on the “Copper on Dirt” visit  www.usaraceway.net . Jeff Swindell is certainly excited about his opportunity as he said, “I’ve been racing around home for the last few years...

Feb
14
2011

World of Outlaws Late Models Return to Michigan After 3 Year Absence

by Chris McWilliams on February 14, 2011 Clint Smith #44, Rick Eckert #24, and Chub Frank #1 (Image Credit: stockcarracing.com) Michigan will once again be a hotbed for World of Outlaws Late Model Series racing in 2011.  Ending a three-season absence from the Wolverine State, the national tour is set to contest three big events there this season. The full-fender World of Outlaws stars will invade for a springtime date at Hartford Motor Speedway on Fri., April 29, and return for a late-summer doubleheader at Winston Speedway in Rothbury on Fri., Aug. 19, and Merritt Speedway in Lake City on Sat., Aug. 20.  Each track will host the WoO LMS for the first time – and each 50-lap, $10,000-to-win program will represent the richest dirt Late Model race ever held at the three speedways.  “We’re excited to have the opportunity to once again showcase the World of Outlaws Late Model Series in front of Michigan’s race fans,” said...

Feb
16
2011

Top Young Drivers Win K&N Filters Sponsorships in Shoot-Out

by Chris McWilliams on February 15, 2011 The national talent search conducted by Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle has concluded with 14 talented drivers being awarded spots in the NASCAR focused driver development program along with sponsorships from K&N Filters to assist their 2011 racing efforts.  The Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle (RSWC) annual Shoot-Out is designed to identify talented, young up-and-coming drivers from across the United States, and worldwide, with the potential and commitment to achieve a driving career in NASCAR. Following an application process in which 933 hopefuls submitted their racing resumes, 163 proven winners and champions were interviewed, prior to the top 40 racers being selected to take part in the 2010 Shoot-Out.  Recent RSWC accomplishments include Jessica Brunelli earning her way into NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, then winning two NASCAR Rookie of the year honors, and Joey Licata Jr. testing and...

Feb
16
2011

Dirt Track Veterans Having A Very Successful Speedweeks

by John Gibson on February 15, 2011 Don O'Neal took home the checkered flag at Ocala Speedway on Sunday. Image Credit: R.E. Wing Photo The races during the Florida Speedweeks bring out the best dirt track racers in the country, and huge car counts! Yesterday’s dirt late model event at Volusia speedway Park had over 70 entries! East Bay Speedway recorded car counts over 60, and Ocala’s “Battle Between the Coasts” event on Sunday which was won by Don O’Neal had 35 entries. All of these entries make it even more impressive that so many dirt late model veterans are capturing wins in 2011. Late model veterans like Moyer, Bloomquist, and O’Neal have already taken home a checkered flag in 2011. for more information on the remaining schedules for Florida speedweeks make sure you visit each track’s website. Ocala Speedway , Volusia Speedway Park , and East Bay Raceway Park . Billy Moyer bested a 71 car field...

Feb
16
2011

Bowyer Takes Overall UMP Modified DIRTcar Nationals Championship

by John Gibson on February 16, 2011 Clint Bowyer pulled off the Overall UMP Modified DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH championship on Tuesday by finishing 2nd to Austin Dillon. (Image Credit: DIRTcarNationals.com) On a night that saw three modified feature winners, Clint Bowyer came out on top after finishing second to Austin Dillon in the Triple 25 Feature #1. Bowyer wrapped up the eight nights of competition with three victories and three other top 5 finishes, including finishing 2nd to Ty Dillon in the UMP Gator Championship on Monday. For the remaining Schedule of the 2011 DIRTcar Nationals visit www.DIRTcarNationals.com The last night of competition saw three winners pull into victory lane at Volusia Speedway Park. First was Austin Dillon who dominated the first 25 lap feature. “I really feel like we had the team to beat this week,” said Dillon, of Welcome, N.C.  “Things just got away from us earlier in the week after we blew an...

Feb
18
2011

USAC “Night Before the 500″ Midget Race Offers Record $20,000 Payday

by Chris McWilliams on February 18, 2011 A $20,000 paycheck awaits the winner of the May 29 “Night Before the 500” USAC Mopar Midget race at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. The prize is the second-largest single race payday in Midget racing history and is a result of an endowment left by long-time Midget racing scribe and historian Crocky Wright, who passed away in December of 2009 at age 90.  The “Night Before the 500” Classic, was among beneficiaries of Mr. Wright’s last will and testament and the winner’s share matches the $20,000 claimed by Jason Leffler for his victory at the 1999 “Summer Sizzle” at Indianapolis’ 16th Street Speedway. Tracy Hines claimed the largest single-race winner’s prize of $25,000 when he captured the 25th anniversary “4-Crown Nationals” Midget race at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio in 2006. This race will create the largest single-race winners purse for pavement...

Feb
21
2011

Damion Gardner wins USAC opener for 2nd straight year

by John Gibson on February 18, 2011 Damion Gardner would steal the victory in the closing laps of the USAC 2011 Season Opener. (Image Credit: R.E. Wing Photo) Thursday night kicked off the 2011 season for the USAC Amsoil National Sprint Car Series, and it did not disappoint. Damion Gardner and Jon Stanbrough would put on an amazing race for the Ocala fans, with Gardner eventually ending up on top. Lapped cars proved to be the deciding factor as Gardner was able to use the slower cars to his advantage. This was the 2nd year in a row for Gardner to win the season opener. For more information on the USAC Amsoin National Sprint Car Series visit their homepage at usacracing.com, also visit OcalaSpeedway.com for the remaining Winter Nationals schedule. The fans had a perfect night for racing, and the Ocala track crew did a fantastic job providing the USAC drivers with a smooth racing surface. Qualifying saw Hunter Schuerenberg end up on the pole with a time of...

Feb
21
2011

MSRA Honors Champions and Becomes COMP Cams Super Dirt Series for 2011

by Chris McWilliams on February 21, 2011 The COMP Cams Super Dirt Series held its 2010 Night of Champions banquet on Saturday night at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.  The night was full of special honors as well as big announcements.  The biggest announcement of the evening involved the renaming of the tour from the COMP Cams MSRA to the COMP Cams Super Dirt Series. Memphis, Tennessee-based COMP Cams has increased their involvement with the tour for 2011 and beyond, and with the new name comes a new era for the tour.  Series CEO, Chris Ellis, addressed the crowd in regards to the big announcement by commenting, “the series is honored to have such a well-respected and quality company, such as COMP Cams, making the decision to increase their involvement with our tour.  This is a mutually-benefitting partnership, and as a series we couldn’t be more excited and determined to properly represent the COMP Cams...

Feb
21
2011

Trevor Bayne Becomes Youngest Daytona 500 Winner

by Ed Coughenour, Pit Pass Racing News, February 21, 2011 (AP Photo/David Graham) Trevor Bayne proved to the racing world why he got the nod to drive the Wood Brothers Motorcraft Ford in 2011, and collected himself quite a nice birthday gift along the way: A victory at the Daytona 500. Bayne held off a hard charging Carl Edwards by 0.118 seconds and became the youngest winner in the history of the Daytona 500, just a day after his 20th birthday. Quite an accomplishment considering it was Bayne's second NASCAR Sprint Cup race giving NASCAR pioneers Leonard and Glen Wood an end to their 10-year long drought from visiting Victory Lane as car owners. While the race was thought by most racing insiders to lack the excitement typical of most restrictor plate races due to changes to the NASCAR Sprint Cup cars and the ultra smooth new pavement at Daytona International Speedway, the event did produce a record 74 lead changes among 22 drivers. The new two car...

Feb
22
2011

Lucas Oil POWRi Midget Series Releases Exciting 2011 Schedule

by Chris McWilliams on February 22, 2011 The Lucas Oil POWRi National Midget Series presented by Speedway Motors unveiled its 2011 schedule which includes 26 dates throughout the Midwest including IL, IN, KS, MO, NE and WI. The season kicks off with its annual Dean King Memorial at the Southern Illinois Centers Mini Magic Mile in Duquoin, IL.  The outdoor season kicks off at the Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, IL and Macon Speedway in Macon, IL on April 22 nd and 23 rd .  Jacksonville will host two POWRi events this season.  Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, MO will host the POWRi midgets this year on Friday April 29 th as a prelim to the “Missouri Mid-State Midget Nationals” to be held on Saturday April 30 th at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO and will be co-sanctioned with the ASCS Midget Series.  Valley Speedway and Lucas Oil last held POWRi events in 2008.  POWRi and ASCS will also match up for an event on Saturday...

Feb
24
2011

Larry Shaw Race Cars Dominate Open Wheel Modified Florida Speedweeks

by John Gibson on February 23, 2011 Clint Bowyer notched three wins and the overall modified championship in his Larry Shaw race chassis at the Winternationals at Volusia. (Image Credit: DIRTcarNationals.com Some people would be content with having 13 wins in an entire season. Well with almost 2 months gone in 2011 Larry Shaw Race Cars have already notched more then 20 victories. During the Florida Speedweeks the Larry Shaw open wheel modified chassis’ were almost unbeatable, winning 13 of the 16 events at four different tracks. Jeff Mathews kicked off the impressive performance by winning both events at Lake City Florida on January 28-29. For more information on Larry Shaw Race Cars visit their homepage at larryshaw.com . Also make sure you check out MidSouthRacing.com for news and results. The domination really took place though at the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park. The Larry Shaw race cars would capture the wins at 8 events...

Feb
24
2011

Late Model Ace Ray Cook to Lease Tri-County Race Track for 2011

by Chris McWilliams  on February 24, 2011 Ray Cook After His 2010 Show-Me 100 Victory (Image Credit: Rick Schwallie) Dirt Late Model veteran Ray Cook already has a busy 2011 season on the horizon as he plans to run with the Lucas Oil Late Model Series and promote the successful Southern Nationals Series.  However, his 2011 just got a lot busier as he has announced that he will be leasing the Tri-County Race Track in Brasstown, North Carolina for the 2011 season. There was a chance that the historic 1/4-mile, dirt oval may not open this season and with the help of a lot of other people, Ray and crew will do their best to keep the track going.  Ray Cook had this to say of his new venture, “I grew up going to Tri-County every Friday night when I was about ten years old and ran my first race there when I was fifteen in a Pony car.  There are a lot of racers in this area that need Tri-County to thrive in order to have somewhere to race and hone...

Feb
24
2011

IMCA Racing Bans Modified Drivers From Southern SportMods

by Bobby Kimbrough on February 24, 2011 Taking a note from NASCAR, who decided to have their drivers declare which series they would compete for a championship, IMCA Racing has banned Modified drivers from racing in the Southern SportMod series. Previously, Modified drivers were able to race in the Southern SportMod series and “Cherry-pick” the higher paying SportMod events.  IMCA’s latest rule would prevent drivers from a different series taking prize money away from the regulars in the SportMod series. While it may appear that IMCA Racing followed NASCAR’s lead, and went them one better, IMCA Racing actually planned and announced a rule change over a year ago. Drivers were told last January that they would not be able to compete in both divisions. This gave the racers a chance to evaluate which division they wanted to participate in, and get their racing program ready for the season.  For more information on this rule, see...

Mar
3
2011

Ventura Sprint Car Season Opener this Saturday

by Stephanie Odom on March 3, 2011 Troy Rutherford aboard his #11 Trench Shoring / State Ready Mix VRA Sprint Car. Rutherford won the 2010 title and will be in action this weekend. (Photo by surfnsprint.com) Ojai’s Troy Rutherford was crowned the King of the VRA Sprints in 2010 at Ventura Raceway. This weekend Rutherford will return and look to defend his title as the series hits “The Best Little Dirt Track in America” for the first time in 2011. Rutherford held off Camarillo’s No. 73 of Josh Ford.  While Ford did not take home the VRA title, he did however win the All Coast Construction 360 Challenge and two feature events. Rutherford ended the season with five feature victories and eighteen top five finishes. Accompanying the VRA Sprints will be IMCA Modifeds, Dwarf Cars, Mod Lites, Mod Lite Juniors, Junior Midgets and Mini Dwarf Cars. For those that cannot make it to Jim Naylor’s Central California track can tune into Ventura...

Mar
3
2011

Holley offers options for IMCA award recipients

by John Gibson on March 3, 2011 Based on recent changes for engine options for IMCA drivers, have resulted in new contingency award programs from Holley Performance. The top three eligible drivers in each of the IMCA Sunoco Stock Car region will receive either a 350 or 500 cfm carburetor from Holley. The fourth and fifth place finishers will receive product certificates in the amount of $100 and the sixth through tenth finishers will receive $50 product certificates. For more information on Holley visit their homepage at Holley.com , and for more news on the IMCA check out their home on the web at IMCA.com IMCA drivers will have more reasons to race now thanks to Holley. (image credit: IMCA.com)   The new rules were outlined in the official release – Stock Car drivers can run an unlimited cubic inch engine with a 350 Holley or a limited cubic engine with a 500 Holley beginning this season. The crate engine option that has been in place...

Mar
5
2011

“The Real Deal” Don O’Neal Looks Tough After Strong 2011 Speedweeks

by Chris McWilliams on March 4, 2011 Don O'Neal After a 2010 Victory (Image Credit: Rick Schwallie) Martinsville, Indiana’s Don O’Neal returned back to the Hoosier State recently following a very successful “Speedweeks 2011″ in Florida from February 7-19.  Don was behind the wheel of the Magnaflow Exhaust Products #71 MasterSbilt House Car at the East Bay Raceway Park in Gibsonton, Florida and the Moring Motorsports #1 MasterSbilt by Stuckey at the Ocala Speedway in Ocala, Florida and the Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida.  In all, Don accumulated two victories, seven Top Five finishes, and eleven Top Ten performances in the thirteen “Speedweeks” races that he entered. Don O’Neal has also launched a new website at www.dononeal71.com .  The new website has all of the latest news and information concerning the #71 team and will be kept maintained all year long with schedule changes, results,...

Mar
7
2011

$20,000 to win Illini 100 and Cash Cow 100 tickets available online

by John Gibson on March 6, 2011 The World of Outlaw Late Model Series always draws an outstanding car count to its events. The series is one of the most popular Late Model series in the country, and because of this at certain events tickets can be hard to come by. So I wanted to make all of the visitors to this site aware that tickets to two of the big events coming up on the schedule. Tickets are available online for the Illini 100 and the Cash Cow 100. For more information on the World of Outlaw Late Models visit their homepage at woolms.com Up first is the inaugural Cash Cow 100 at Columbus Speedway in Columbus Mississippi on March 18-19. The event will mark the series first return to the bullring in Mississippi since March of 2007. Fans will watch the best drivers in Late Model racing battle for the $20,000 winners check. image credit woolms.com The Illini 100 was previously held the last three years at Farmer City Raceway, for 2011 it will...

Mar
7
2011

Lucas Oil Sprint Cars in the Wild West!

by Stephanie Odom on March 7, 2011 King of California Kyle Larson celebrating his first ASCS Victory aboard Jason Johnson Racing and Finley Farms No. 41 at Giant Chevrolet Speedway. (Photo courtesy of Steve Curtis at RaceImages.net) The ASCS National Tour invaded California for the first time not long ago and prolonged their visit to the West Coast for the 5th Annual Copper on Dirt at USA Raceway in Tucson, Arizona. With California drivers Tim Kaeding and Kyle Larson defending their home court they left their competition with nothing more to enjoy than the California weather. Johnny Herrera scored a preliminary win for the Copper on Dirt with Shane Stewart bringing home the $6,000 on the final night of racing. The first four races saw fifty-six drivers with sixteen checking in every night. The stage is set for the 20th season of ASCS racing with action resuming on March 25th for the Devil’s Bowl Spring Nationals in Mesquite, TX. Official Release...

Mar
8
2011

WoO champ Jason Meyers Takes Flight With The U.S. Navy Blue Angels

by Chris McWilliams on March 8, 2011 Jason Meyers and Lt. Dave Tickle (Image Credit: U.S. Blue Angels) Jason Meyers fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2010 when he clinched his first World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series championship by dominating the World Finals in Charlotte.  Last week in a southern desert in his native California, Meyers turned another dream into reality by taking flight with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.  Following a briefing by crew chief David Pascual, pilot Lt. Dave Tickle took Meyers through a series of maneuvers at unimaginable speed during a 45-minute flight in an F/A-18 Hornet above Naval Air Facility El Centro, the winter training home for the Blue Angels. They shot nearly straight up in the air at takeoff, performed a number of rolls, flew threw a canyon and made turns that generated nearly 7.5 G’s. For more information on the U.S. Navy Blue Angels check out their website at http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/ and fans can...

Mar
9
2011

Faas’ First Outing In The Silver Bullet This Saturday

by Bobby Kimbrough on March 8, 2011 Nic Faas steps into the legendary #4 Silver Bullet this Saturday at Perris Auto Speedway. Replacing a Champion and fan favorite driver can be daunting, but Southern California boy Nic Faas is looking forward to stepping into the hot shoes of Tony Jones. Affectionately known by his legion of fans, “The open wheel Cowboy” Tony Jones is rumored to be taking the year off. Jones is coming off a difficult year where bad luck seemed to be lurking around every corner on the track. In addition to wrecking three different chassis within a four race period, Jones lost a very close friend and longtime racecar sponsor last December when Bob Davidson passed away.  No one could fault the Cowboy for taking a year off to regroup. This opened the door for a talented young driver to join the Alexander brothers crew and drive the famed #4 Silver Bullet Sprinter. Enter 21 year old Nic Faas whose resume already includes the USAC...

Mar
9
2011

CT525 Crate Engine Banned From COMP Cams SMP Tour This Year

by Bobby Kimbrough on March 9, 2011 According to the official press release circulating yesterday, Officials of the COMP Cams Southern Modified Promotions (SMP) Series Presented by Racing Head Service will not allow the GM CT525 crate engine during either of the two scheduled speedweeks. According to officials of the series, the decision to not allow the CT525 engine was based on the ability to tech these engines during the events. Lack of expertise and specialized tools were cited as being the key issues in making the decision. Series officials told us that the sanctioning body will evaluate allowing the CT-525 crate engines again at the beginning of next season for the 2012 SMP Speedweek events. For more information on the COMP Cams SMP Series presented by Racing Head Service, see the official press release below. OFFICIAL COMP CAMS SMP PRESS RELEASE: COMP Cams SMP Tour to Not Allow CT525 Engine Sparta, Tennessee (03/08/11) – With...

Mar
9
2011

Dr. Jamie Meyer: The Heart Doctor of GM Performance Parts

by Robert Kibbe on March 9, 2011 Dr. Jamie Meyer could be considered the heart and soul of GM Performance Parts. His tireless effort to promote and develop new speed parts direct from GM are done out of a far greater desire than just that of a paycheck; this guy actually loves cars! That being said, calling him the “heart and soul” of GM Performance Parts is not all that far off base. His Doctoral degree is actually a medical one, meaning Dr. Jamie is actually a doctor! He earned a Ph.D. with honors in Anatomy and Cell Biology from the SUNY Upstate Medical University, the medical school in Syracuse, NY. His doctoral thesis there was titled “The Anatomical and Biochemical Analysis of NADPH Oxidase in Human Endothelial Cells: Possible Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis.”We can’t say we entirely understand what that means either, but it does not take a lot of brains to deduce that Jamie is a smart guy, indeed. After completing...

Mar
9
2011

Bryan Clauson Scheduled to Return Home for John Padjen Classic

by Stephanie Odom on March 9, 2011 Bryan Clauson aborad his No. 39 machine at Gas Cities I-69 Speedway in Indiana. (Photo by Dave Heithaus) Bryan Clauson will be piloting his NOS Energy Drink/Curb Records/Corey Tucker Racing/Spike/Esslinger Midget #39 around the famed Silver Dollar Speedway on March 11th for the John Padjen Classic. The twenty-one year old has never raced on the quarter-mile and will be in competition in both the USAC Western Classic Racing Series as well as the USAC/BCRA Midget Series. While Bryan hasn’t had the opportunity to race at Chico in the past he has many memories of the Northern California track watching his father compete. “Bryan grew up in the grandstands at Chico, Placerville and Grass Valley,” said Tim Clauson. “When we moved back to Indiana Bryan was too young to race in California and it’s always been one of his dreams to race at Chico.” Clauson concluded stating, “I’ve known John...

Mar
10
2011

Tony Stewart Brings Sprint Car To Bristol For Speed Record Attempt

by Bobby Kimbrough on March 10, 2011 Bristol Motor Speedway (image credit: NASCAR.com) We know that this is not your typical dirt track news story but with familiar dirt track names like Tony Stewart, Bryan Clauson and Sammy Swindell being tossed around, this story is too good to pass up. In an all out assault on the half-mile closed course record, several drivers are geared up to attack Bristol’s high banks. Among those attempting to break the records is Tony Stewart’s sprint car driver Bryan Clauson in one of the Stewart Team pavement sprint cars. Bristol Motor Speedway is celebrating it’s 50th anniversary by inviting several motorsports champions to set half-mile closed course records in several classes. Said Bristol Vice President and General Manager Jerry Caldwell, “For the first time in years, fans will witness an all-out attack for speed. This challenge ignites new creativity in the racing world to stretch speed boundaries in...

Mar
14
2011

Missouri’s Lake Ozark Speedway Ceases Operations For 2011 Season

by Chris McWilliams on March 11, 2011

Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri has announced that it will be ceasing operations for the 2011 racing season.  G&G Ozark Motorsports Inc. released a statement saying that, “After much consideration, analysis and heartfelt deliberation, we have decided to cease operations at the dirt track at Lake Ozark Speedway, effective March 1, 2011.”

http://www.onedirt.com/news/missouri%e2%80%99s-lake-ozark-speedway-ceases-operations-for-2011-season/


Mar
14
2011

Beatrice Speedway Gearing up for 2011 Spring Nationals

by John Gibson on March 11, 2011 The Spring Nationals will kick off March 17th at the Nebraska track (image credit: BeatriceSpeedway.com)    Each track has it’s marquee event to kick off the season, For the Nebraska based Beatrice Speedway it is the 18th annual Spring Nationals. The Spring Nationals are set to kick off on Mach 17th with practice and run through March 19th. Friday, March 18th will see the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, and the  IMCA Sport Compacts compete for the first day of the two day show. Racing will continue on Saturday, March 19th with the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Hobby Stocks, and the IMCA Factory Stocks finishing out two days of racing. Official release: Early entries from more than 90 drivers are in hand and track prep is well under way for the March 18-19 Spring Nationals at Beatrice Speedway. IMCA Modifieds headline Friday and Saturday night programs, running in...

Mar
14
2011

2011 Sokola Shootout: Winning…Duh!

by Bobby Kimbrough on March 13, 2011 What was Mike Spencer doing on March 13 at the Sokola Shootout in Perris, California? WINNING, DUH. We caught up to the young engineer in the pit area prior to the race where he explained that their goal this year “was to win as many races this season as we can, and take our fourth USAC/CRA Championship. Anything less will be disappointing.” Spencer wasn’t disappointed at the end of the evening. The Sokola Shootout opened up the racing season at Perris Auto Speedway and the AMSOIL USAC/CRA season. Named for longtime president of the CRA, Gary Sokola, the shootout represents what is right with short track racing on dirt. Promoter Don Kazarian acknowledged the passion that dirt track racers and fans have with the sport’s past. “The Sokola Shootout actually started years ago at Manzanita Speedway, and when they could no longer hold the event, I was asked if we could host the event. It was a “no...

Mar
15
2011

WoO Late Model Cash Cow 100 Hits the ‘Baddest Bullring in the South’

by Chris McWilliams on March 14, 2011 The Inaugural Cash Cow 100 featuring the World of Outlaws Late Model Series at Columbus Speedway should be an action packed event that fans will remember for some time.  The high-banked 1/3 mile tack in Columbus, Mississippi is indeed a bullring as it has gained quite a reputation among fans. Former racer and current Columbus promoter Johnny Stokes summed up the racetrack in his own words saying, “It’s very wild.  It’s high-banked, intense, right-rear-up-against-the-wall, sparks-flying, hammer-down racing.  They don’t call it the ‘Baddest Bullring in the South’ for nothing.  I didn’t give it that name. The fans did.”  Dirt late model veteran Shane Clanton summed up the action at Columbus in one word when asked, “Fierce.” For more information on the Cash Cow 100 fans can visit www.woolms.com and www.columbusspeedway.net . That unique,...

Mar
15
2011

Dollansky Dominates at Silver Dollar Speedway

by Stephanie Odom on March 15, 2011 Craig Dollansky in victory lane at Silver Dollar Speedway. (Photo by Steven Cox)    Craig Dollansky picked up his first World of Outlaw victory of 2011 at Chico, California’s Silver Dollar Speedway for the Mini Gold Cup on Saturday night. Dollansky led all thirty-five laps aboard his Big Game Treestands/Aggressive Hydraulics Maxim. With heavy rain in the area the track benefited those with patience on the high banked quarter-mile oval. Dollansky previously led the most lap in two main events however fell up short at the finish line. “We had a few of them get away from us in Florida at the DIRTcar Nationals but we were able to put together the whole deal here tonight,” said Dollansky. Donny Schatz was awarded the pole position after an impressive dash victory in his STP/Armor All/Chevrolet/J&J No. 15. With the crowd on their feet Dollansky leaped ahead of his competition from the outside...

Mar
15
2011

USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series To Kickoff Friday March 18th

By  John Gibson  March 15, 2011 O n the west coast sprint car racing is king, You can show up at almost any track and watch some amazing racing from the sprinters. This coming weekend the USAC West Coast 360 sprints will be kicking off their 2011 campaign at Hanford’s Giant King Speedway, and then the following night at Tulare’s Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway. You can read the official release below. For more information on the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series, please visit www.westcoastsprintcars.com , www.usacracing.com , www.racesantamariaspeedway.com , or follow the series on facebook. Photo Courtesy of USACRacing.com Official Release This Friday, March 18th, the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series will kickoff their 2011 campaign at Hanford’s Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway. The following night, the traditional 360 sprints will travel to Tulare’s Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway. Joining...

Mar
17
2011

The Midwest Sprint Car Series Releases 12 Race 2011 Schedule

by Chris McWilliams on March 16, 2011 The Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series will offer a full schedule of twelve non-wing 410 sprint car races beginning with the series opener at Lawrenceburg Speedway on Saturday , May 14 th .  The 2011 MSCS schedule will include stops at Lawrenceburg Speedway, Tri-State Speedway, Paragon Speedway, Lincoln Park Speedway, and Bloomington Speedway.  All the tracks involved are located in Indiana. Fans get find more information on the MSCS Sprint Car Series at www.mscssprints.com . 2010 MSCS Champ Blake Fitzpatrick #10 Battles Damion Gardner #71 (Image Credit: Manvel Motorsports) This season’s MSCS appearance at Paragon Speedway will be for the running of the second annual Chuck Amati Classic 68 on Saturday, June 18 th .  The 68 lap distance makes this feature the longest sprint car race of the season for the series and it will pay $3,000 to win.  Racing for MSCS at Tri-State Speedway on May...

Mar
17
2011

Kentucky’s Soggy Bottom Speedway Gets New Owner and Name for 2011

by Chris McWilliams on March 17, 2011 A new name and owner is now in place for the former Soggy Bottom Raceway in Morgantown, KY. The track was purchased by Caneyville, KY’s Richard Ashby along with Suburban Carpets.  The first step to a fresh new start for the 3/8 mile speedway is a brand new name. The track will now be known as Cedar Ridge Speedway. The new ownership feels that the new name will help ease some minds and let everyone know that this is a new beginning for the speedway. For information on sponsorship opportunities people can contact: Billy Egeler at suitcase_94@yahoo.com or call 270-302-8882. UMP Modified Action At Cedar Ridge Speedway (Image Credit: Kohl's Racing Photos) Johnny Hines will be on board continuing the track prep for the 2011 season which will see action slated to start on Saturday night, April 2nd.  Classes that are on the weekly agenda for the Cedar Ridge Speedway are as follows: UMP Modifieds, UMP...

Mar
18
2011

Lance Jennings Named USAC/CRA PR Director

by Stephanie Odom on March 18, 2011 Lance Jennings is one of the most involved individuals in Sprint Car racing on the West Coast. He is the founder of scrafan.com, a popular message board for the latest news and gossip involving non-winged traditional sprint cars and maintains various other websites for tracks and drivers. In 2010 he was appointed as the publicist for the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series lead by Chris Kearns. With Chris Kearns being named the USAC/CRA Series Coordinator not long ago, he brought Lance Jennings on as the publicist for the 410 series. “Chris is great to work with and I thank him for the opportunity with USAC/CRA,” says Lance. “I have a lot of friends with the series and want to do a good job for them.” For more information on the USAC/CRA Sprint Car Series, please visit www.usacracing.com or follow the series on facebook. Official Release: Lance Jennings of Carson, Calif....

Mar
22
2011

2011 Pennsylvania Posse Sprint Car Season Preview

by Chris McWilliams on March 21, 2011 Brian Montieth After His Season Opening Win At Lincoln Speedway (Image Credit: paposseracing.com)    The “Icebreaker 30” at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania marked the beginning of another exciting season of winged 410 sprint car racing with the Pennsylvania Posse.  The season opener at Lincoln was dominated by Brian Montieth who started on the pole and led every lap of the feature in dominating fashion.  This was just the first of many sprint car shows in Pennsylvania which is home to some of the toughest local competitors that touring drivers with the World of Outlaws will face all season.  There aren’t many places where local drivers have a legitimate chance to beat the Outlaws but Pennsylvania is one of those place as the Posse drivers always show up to win.  Weekly shows at Williams Grove, Lincoln, Port Royal, and Selinsgrove regularly get 20+ sprint cars every...

Mar
22
2011

Records Set at Bristol Motor Speedway Not Even Close to Volusia

by John Gibson on March 22, 2011 Bryan Clauson lapped the half-mile Bristol at 13.672, but does that make Bristol Motor Speedway the fastest half-mile in the world? Photo Courtesy of TonyStewartRacing.com This past weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, drivers attempted to break the Bristol track record that had stood since 2000 when Sammy Swindell lapped the half-mile in 13.860 at 138 mph. Three drivers were able to break the record: Bryan Clauson took his Tony Stewart Racing USAC pavement sprint car and lapped the track at 13.672. Jason Blonde and Mike Lichty were both able to go faster then that with both drivers lapping the high banks at 13.2 seconds in their modifieds, with Blonde taking the new record at 13.245 at 144.871 mph. Which makes Bristol Motor Speedway the fastest 1/2 mile paved speedway in the world. Unless I am forgetting a track, it should barely edge out tracks like Salem Speedway and Winchester Speedway which see USAC and winged sprint cars...

Mar
24
2011

Bobby Kimbrough: What’s In A Name?

by Bobby Kimbrough on March 22, 2011 Perris Auto Speedway recently opened their racing season with the Sokola Shootout. When you look at the track’s racing schedule, there are a couple of other races that are named after people. It struck me that these races were honoring our dirt track heritage those that came before us and left a mark on the sport. At the same time I remembered that one of the publications covering NASCAR did an informal poll on the current crop of racers in “the Cup” series. According to the poll, very few of the drivers knew who Rex White was. Rex White driving a Modified Sportsman race in 1958. White was NASCAR's Grand National Champion in 1960. For the record, White was the 1960 NASCAR Champion with an impressive resume of accomplishments to boot. From 1959 through 1963, Rex White won more races than any other driver, including Lee and Richard Petty, Ned Jarrett, “Fireball” Roberts, Junior Johnson,...

Mar
24
2011

National Speed Sport News Ceases Publication

by John Gibson on March 22, 2011 Sad news out of Harrisbug, North Carolina today: National Speed Sport News (NSSN) will be printing their last issue on March 23, 2011. The 76 year old publication will remain alive online via its website to provide fans of every type of racing with the latest news and rumors. image credit NationalSpeedSportNews.com   The once wildly popular newspaper cited the state of the economy for the reason and the Publisher Corinne Economaki was quoted as saying “This is one of the saddest days of my life,” said Corinne. “The sluggish economy has made it too difficult to continue publication and no matter how I try to make the numbers work — and believe me I have tried — it is just not feasible to keep the business going.”NSSN was brought into the households of motorsports fans by Chris Economaki. Economaki literally sold the first issues in 1934 at Ho-Ho-Kus Speedway in northern New...

Mar
24
2011

Mother Nature and Bud Kaeding Win USAC West Coast 360 Season Openers

by Stephanie Odom on March 24, 2011 Top three finishers from Saturday's West Coast 360 Sprint Car action at Tulare's Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl. (L-R) Ryan Bernal (2nd), Bud Kaeding (1st), Greg Alexander (3rd). (Photo by Paul Trevino Racing Photos) The USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car series kicked off their third season this past weekend with a double header at Hanford’s Giant Chevrolet Speedway and Tulare’s Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl. However, with threatening weather conditions both shows were rushed along to run a full race program. Friday night’s action got underway with Campbell’s Bud Kaeding picking up the first heat race victory aboard his Buster and Ziggy Enterprises/Kaeding Performance No. 29. The veteran driver started the eight lap heat race in eighth slicing and dicing his way into the lead with a slide job past T.J. Smith and “Hollywood” Dan Faria in turns three and four. In the second heat race...

Mar
29
2011

Lucas Oil Late Models Ready For “Indiana Icebreaker” on April 9th

by Chris McWilliams on March 25, 2011 For the sixth consecutive year, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction the $10,000 to win 14th Annual Indiana Icebreaker originally scheduled for Saturday, March 26th at the Brownstown (IN) Speedway. However the event like many others across the country had to be rescheduled due to very cold conditions. The event was going to mark the first stop after the DART Winternationals on the Sunoco Race Fuels Road to Wheatland in 2011 as 15 drivers with perfect attendance will be eligible for the $700 winners circle money once again as they make their way across America, heading to the 19th Annual DART Show-Me 100 at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. For more information on the Brownstown Speedway and the Indiana Icebreaker, go to www.brownstownspeedway.com .  For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log onto www.lucasdirt.com . There will be a complete show for the Lucas Oil Late Model...

Mar
29
2011

Seth Wilson out for 3 months due to injury sustained at Victorville

by John Gibson on March 28, 2011 image credit: Lance Jennings This past weekend the USAC/CRA sprints were in action at Victorville Raceway Park in Victorville, California. Unlike some of the other California tracks, the rains held off and it made for a very competitive race. However in qualifying two cars would find out how dangerous the track really could be. The first was Danny Sheridan who would walk away from the accident however wouldn’t continue in the event due to the accident. However according to a track official, Las Vegas’s Seth Wilson would hook the cushion and flip violently. Wilson who is always a threat to win, would lay on the track for 15 minutes before being taken out of the track by ambulance and transferred to his local Las Vegas Hospital. What’s incredible is even with the accident Wilson’s first lap was fast enough for 5th out of the 30 car field. The accident has left Wilson with a broken kneecap that has required...

Mar
29
2011

“No Way Out 40″ Kicks Off Indiana’s Non-Wing Sprint Season April 2nd

by Chris McWilliams on March 29, 2011 Casey Shuman #4 and Hunter Schuerenberg #2C at Last Year's "No Way Out 40" (Image Credit: racephoto1) The racing will get underway on Friday night April 1 st as the sprints and late models will compete for $1,500 to win in each division and will also be joined by super stocks and hornets.  Then on Saturday, April 2 nd the sprints will return for the “No Way Out 40” which will pay a whopping $6,000 to the winner.  Also, in competition on Saturday will be the super stocks, pure stocks, and mini stocks. 2010 "No Way Out 40" Champ the Late Jesse Hockett (Image Credit: racephoto1) This year’s “No Way Out 40” will be a tribute to the 2010 winner Jesse “The Rocket” Hockett who lost his life last season in a tragic home accident.  The best of the best non-wing drivers should be on hand as the USAC Sprints do not have a conflicting date with this race.  Fans...

Mar
29
2011

King of the West Tonight debuts this Wednesday at 7pm with guests Dan Simpson and Evan Suggs

Closing in on the season opener for the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series a new internet video web show known as “King of the West Tonight” will debut this Wednesday March 30 at 7pm West Coast time. The show will be hosted by Gary Thomas and George Hague and will air on Wednesday night’s at 7 throughout the season at http://www.kwssprints.com/webcast   Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series Managing Director Dan Simpson will be the first guest on “King of the West Tonight” and will be discussing his plans for the series and the various special promotions that are going on for the season. After Simpson we will bring in Scotts Valley, California driver Evan Suggs, who finished third in the Golden State 410 Series standings last season and will be searching for his first career victory with the tour this year. Suggs is a former preliminary night winner at the Dirt Cup and an engineering graduate from San Jose...

Mar
29
2011

Geving invites race fans to join the movement as she prepares for MS Walk

By Bill Sullivan for Chicko Motorsports Photo by Steve Lamothe PENNGROVE, CA (3-26-11 ) –  Typically, Alissa Geving strives to get ahead of the pack and be the first to the finish line in every event in which she competes. However, on April 17 th Geving will join thousands of individuals in Northern California for one united cause, to bring awareness and funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. On this upcoming Sunday morning in the spring, Geving will participate in the Walk MS 2011 in Santa Rosa. The event is a 5K route with a one mile option that begins at Howarth Park. Walk MS is the rallying point of the MS movement, a community coming together to raise funds and celebrate hope for the future. Everyone who participates in Walk MS moves the National Multiple Sclerosis Society one step closer to a world free of MS. "Life isn't always about competition and finishing first," said Geving. "When it comes to a common cause...

Mar
31
2011

WoO Late Model Series “Illini 100″ Falls Victim to More Bad Weather

by Chris McWilliams on March 30, 2011 A bad weather forecast for the weekend has claimed another race.  With rain, snow, and cold temperatures in the forecast the organizers of the 4 th Annual World of Outlaws Late Model Series “Illini 100” at LaSalle Speedway have been forced to cancel this weekend’s action.  The “Illini 100” had been a collaborative effort between Tru-Speed Enterprises promoter Don Hammer, the World Racing Group, and the Izzo family who owns the ¼ mile LaSalle Speedway which was to take place March 31 st – April 2 nd and offered a big $20,000 payday to the winner of the 100 lap A-Main.  The 2011 edition of the “Illini 100” was to be the first time that the race was held at LaSalle Speedway after the first three races were held at Farmer City Raceway. For more information of the WoO Late Models fans can check out http://woolms.com/ and fans can visit LaSalle Speedway at...

Mar
31
2011

Big Weekend On The West Coast For DIRTcar West UMP Mods

by Bobby Kimbrough on March 31, 2011 Merced Speedway will open the weekend's DIRTcar UMP West Modified action. (Photo by Mike Adaskaveg) Armed with a new Technical Director, the DIRTcar UMP West Modifieds roll into Merced Speedway with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars for the opening day of a big weekend in California. The DIRTcar Western UMP Modified series gets underway on April Fool’s day when the Modifieds visit the quarter mile oval, where warm temperatures and golden California sunshine will greet the spectators. On Saturday, April 2nd, the Modifieds travel to Calistoga Speedway for a $1000 to win (based on a 20 car A main event ).  Once again the UMP DIRTcar Modifieds will team up with the World of Outlaws Sprint cars in the warm California sun for race fans in the region. This will mark the first appearance of the national sprint car tour in California’s Napa Valley in four years and the return of an annual tradition that dates back...

Apr
4
2011

Would You Gamble Your Winnings?

by John Gibson on March 31, 2011 The IMCA modifieds are invading the desert this weekend, when they visit Arizona’s Canyon Speedway. Canyon Speedway recently went through a management change and a new track configuration. The track is now expecting to see 3 and 4 wide racing easily. But what I found more interesting then that is what they are doing to entice drivers: The winner of the IMCA, Pro Stock, and Bomber classes will have the opportunity to forfeit the winner’s cash and return at the next event for a chance at tripling their money. Let me make this clear, the track is not forcing the drivers or teams that win to do this. But if the winner wants to they can leave with just the trophy and a smile this weekend, then return on April 16th, and if they take home the checkered flag the speedway will triple the $777 winners check. Which would put them leaving with a cool $2331 check. Is it worth it? Would you do it? Regardless of whether you would do it...

Apr
4
2011

One on One Interview With 2010 WoO Sprint Car Champion Jason Meyers

by John Gibson on April 1, 2011

Recently Kyle Leutters of the World of Outlaws got to sit down with 2010 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Champion Jason Meyers. Meyers currently sits 3rd in the 2011 point standings with 3 top fives and 7 top tens. He has yet to pick up his first win of 2011 but he has been in contention almost every race. The World of Outlaws pick up their 2011 campaign tonight at the very fast Merced Speedway in Merced, California.

Steve Kinser and Joey Saldana are currently tied atop the standings as they head in to tonight’s race. For more information check out the World of Outlaws home on the web by visiting www.woosprint.com

One on One with Jason Meyers from World of Outlaws Sprint Cars on Vimeo.

http://www.onedirt.com/news/one-on-one-interview-with-2010-woo-sprint-car-champion-jason-meyers/


Apr
4
2011

Spencer Remains on top with Perris Auto Speedway Victory

by Stephanie Odom on April 4, 2011 Mike Spencer won Saturday's AMSOIL USAC/CRA race remaining undefeated this season with three victories. The AMSOIL USAC/CRA Sprint Cars returned to Perris Auto Speedway Saturday night for their third round of competition with the California Lightning Sprints on the score card as well. Going into the event Temecula’s Mike Spencer was undefeated in the 410 non-winged series winning the Sokola Shootout at Perris earlier in the season and the inaugural race last weekend at Victorville Raceway Park. The twenty-nine year old engineer and three time series champion started off the night on the right foot qualifying second to Gavilan Hills David Cardey. Cardey set a lap time of 16.791 around the Southern California half mile. In heat race action “The Cadillac” Cody Williams held off a charging Cardey, who came from a sixth place starting position to finish second. While one Williams finished strong Rip Williams...

Apr
4
2011

Video: Larson’s Incredible Run From 21st to 3rd at Calistoga

by John Gibson on April 4, 2011 image credit: KyleLarsonRacing.com    A young and determined Kyle Larson made an incredible run to the front this past weekend at the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event at the legendary Calistoga Speedway. Larson would start the A-main in 21st and would charge through the field throughout the event and finish 3rd. Everyone in racing knows it takes a little luck to finish good in the highly competitive series, and Larson wasn’t without his fair share of close calls. However you can watch the video and watch Larson pull amazing passes on “The King” Steve Kinser, and Joey Saldana. “If I could ever qualify, I might have a shot at winning one of these things,” Said the 18 year old Larson. “I think I get hard charger every-time I’m out here. This is the greatest feeling I have ever had, to finish on the podium with these World of Outlaw guys.” The race would also have...

Apr
4
2011

John Gibson: Is Sponsorship Still Attainable For The Local Racer?

by John Gibson on April 4, 2011 Throughout the last three to four years we have seen an economic downfall that hasn’t been seen since the great depression, some have been without jobs for years. I believe it is safe to say that there is not a family that has not been affected by the economy in some way. Companies have been affected also; you know things are getting tough when Jeff Gordon is having problems finding sponsorship. But what is the status of sponsorship for the local dirt racer? Is it even still attainable? I might be in the minority, but I truly believe that for the local Saturday night racer, the opportunity for sponsorship has never been greater. Before you comment or send me an email saying otherwise, let me make my point. Ken Schrader one year at PRI said it best, “Racers will find a way to race,” that has never been more true then now. Things are tough right now, but some tracks are still knocking it out of the park when it comes to...

Apr
7
2011

Bloomquist Wins Inaugural Lucas Oil Late Model Event at Lonestar

by Stephanie Odom on April 5, 2011 Scott Bloomquist standing in victory lane at Lonestar Speedway. It was the series first event in Texas and Bloomquist's first feature event in the state as well. Photo source: www.lucasdirt.com The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series ventured to Lonestar Speedway on Saturday night. It was the series first ever visit to Texas with two-time and defending series champion Scott Bloomquist took home the top spot and $20,000. Bloomquist started the feature event in tenth and moved into the lead with nine laps to go picking up his second series win of the season. Carpentersville, Illinois’ Dennis Erb Jr. finished in second place coming from seventeenth place with pole-sitter Don O’Neal rounding out the top three. Photo by Jeff Huneycutt Shannon Babb took the lead on the eighth lap and pulled away from the field until a caution was brought out on lap eighteen. Bloomquist was able to pass O’Neal for second place...

Apr
7
2011

Santa Maria Nationals To Pay $1,500 To Win for IMCA Modified Winners

by Bobby Kimbrough on April 5, 2011 Santa Maria Speedway is turning into a hotbed of IMCA Modified racers with the likes of Brad Pounds, Larry Hood, Doug Thornton, Mike Kirby and Bobby Hogge all turning laps on the third mile oval last year. Promoter Chris Kearns knows when he has a good thing going on, so to increase the car count, draw the best Modified drivers from the surrounding area and reward the drivers with much needed cash, Kearns is posting a $1,500 to win the features during the Santa Maria Nationals on May 28th and 29th. In addition to the purse, the races are qualifying events for the Fast Shafts All-Star Invitational ballot. For more information on the Santa Maria Nationals, please see the Official Press Release below. Official Press Release: Santa Maria Nationals pay $1,500 to Modified winners SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Two $1,500 to win features for IMCA Modifieds are planned for Santa Maria Speedway’s Saturday and Sunday,...

Apr
7
2011

“The Reaper” Scores Fifth USMTS Victory at I-35 Speedway

by Stephanie Odom on April 5, 2011 Photo credit: www.usmts.com This past weekend the USMTS Casey’s General Stores National Store powered by Swan Energy returned to Winston, Montana’s I-35 Speedway for the first time since 2003. Sixty-four cars were in attendance with twenty year old “The Reaper” Ryan Gustin piloting his machine into victory lane around the high-banked 1/3 mile oval. Mark Dotson set the pace for the forty lap feature event grabbing the lead when the green flag dropped. Dotson remained in control the first half of the race until Gustin and Jason Hughes began their march to the front. Approaching lapped traffic Gustin and Hughes applied heavy pressure until a group of cars brought out the yellow flag on lap twenty-one. Former USMTS Series Champion Hughes was able to move through without making contact as well as Dotson. Gustin wasn’t as fortunate however took back his second place starting position on the restart....

Apr
7
2011

“Commonwealth 100″ Promoter Bill Sawyer Extends Great Deal for Fans

by Chris McWilliams on April 6, 2011 There are many reasons why Virginia Motor Speedway’s owner, Bill Sawyer was selected as the 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Promoter of the Year.  First of all, his racetrack is a showplace ½ mile oval that he has built into one of the best short-track facilities in the country.  Then there is Sawyer’s creation of the Commonwealth 100, a $25,000 to win WoO LMS race that he launched in 2010 and now returns in 2011 for a 2 nd annual race on April 15-16.  Finally, there is the enormous dedication to the fans which he possesses.  Sawyer offers fans a track with unmatched amenities and fantastic ticket deals like the one he has created for this year’s Commonwealth 100. Virginia Motor Speedway Owner/Promoter Bill Sawyer (Image Credit: Barry Lenhart)   With Sawyer’s direction Virginia Motor Speedway and the Commonwealth 100 have made their mark on the dirt Late...

Apr
7
2011

California Spring Break Ends; Midwest Up Next for World of Outlaws

by Stephanie Odom on April 7, 2011 Craig Dollansky in victory lane after winning Mini Gold Cup at Chico's Silver Dollar Speedway. (Photo by Steves Racing Photos)   The World of Outlaws Western swing came to a conclusion this past weekend at historical Calistoga Speedway. The California Spring Break tour didn’t exactly have the ideal Golden State weather with wet conditions leading to a rain out at Giant Chevrolet Speedway. However, the rain did not take away from the excitement with four different drivers claiming a California victory. Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway started things off with the Mini Gold Cup and would see Elk River, Minnesota’s Craig Dollansky standing in victory lane. Dollansky had his share of opportunities at the DIRTcar Nationals in Florida but came up short. He currently leads the series with the most laps led at 89. The following weekend the Outlaws made their return to Hanford’s Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway....

Apr
8
2011

What to Watch This Weekend: April 8-10

by Chris McWilliams on April 7, 2011 It’s always a tough decision on where to watch a race on any given weekend. Our great country is so saturated with dirt tracks that you can basically show up at any one of them and be guaranteed a great race. This coming weekend has some big events across the country as well. Both the World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series and Late Model Series have the weekend off, so you can bet that a lot of the big names will be at the Indiana Ice Breaker and the USAC National Sprint Car event at Eldora. The One to Watch :  If I could attend only one event this weekend (not to mention had the gas money and time) I would be at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH to catch the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Cars in action. They always put on a good show and are really exciting to watch on the high banks of Eldora.  The wheel to wheel action is only multiplied when you add in the speed that these non-wing sprints reach at Eldora. It should be...

Apr
8
2011

King of the West Invades Antioch for Season Opener Saturday Night

by Stephanie Odom on April 8, 2011 Tim Kaeding piloting his Roth Motorsports No. 83JR earlier this season. (Photo by RaceImages.net) This weekend the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series will open up their much anticipated season at Antioch Speedway. The series underwent a lot of changes during the off season with Dan Simpson taking over. Race format, purse structure and contingency awards are just a few of the many upgrades. Some of California’s biggest names will be in competition on the one-third mile clay oval including 2010 King of California Champion Kyle Larson. The Elk Grove native will make scattered appearances with the rejuvenated series after landing a ride with Columbus, Indiana based Keith Kunz Motorsports piloting the Toyota Racing Development Mopar USAC National Midget.   Jonathan "JA" Allard will be looking to be crowned the King of California in 2011. (Photo source: ascsracing.com) While the eighteen year old...

Apr
8
2011

Joe Helberg kicks off the 2011 Season with Pit Stop USA

April 8, 2011 - Petaluma, CA.

Joe Helberg in the Pit Stop USA, ADTS sponsored Beast

Joe Helberg in the Pit Stop USA, ADTS, Allstar Performance sponsored Beast testing at Indiana's Salem Speedway.

Joe Helberg kicked off the 2011 season last weekend in Anderson, Indiana and will be running a full schedule of the Must See Extreme Sprint Car Series and the USAC National Sprint Car Series.  Joe was the 2007 California Asphalt Sprint Car Association Champion, 2008 USAC Rocky Mountain Sprint Car Champion, 2007 USAC Sprint Car Most Improved Driver, 2008 USAC Rocky Mountain Sprint Car Champion, 2009 Payless Little 500 Rockie Of The Year, and 2010 USAC National Asphalt Sprint Car Rookie Of The Year. Joe will pilot the Pit Stop USA, ADTS, Allstar Performance sponsored Beast number 7 Sprint Car throughout the 2011 season.


Apr
8
2011

Geving comes home 14th in World of Outlaws feature at Calistoga

By Bill Sullivan for Chicko Motorsports PENNGROVE, CA (4-2-11 ) –  Two time Petaluma Speedway champion Alissa Geving of Penngrove, California began her 2011 racing season with a pair of events this past weekend spanning the North State to the scenic Napa Wine Country.  With the 360 cubic inch sprint car season still on hold due to the recent rains, Geving took to the track for two different events featuring 410 cubic inch powered sprint cars.             On Friday night, Geving returned to one of her favorite area tracks when she took to the track aboard her Tilllet Tool, Pit Stop USA, Matt Cordiero Enterprises #3x sprint car at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico. The event was a last minute decision by the team following the cancellation of the Petaluma Speedway opener that was due to take place the same night.             "We were ready to...

Apr
11
2011

Legendary Modified Driver Rex Merritt Shares His Driving Secrets

by Bobby Kimbrough on April 8, 2011 Dirt Modifieds are one of the most popular classes in weekly dirt track racing series, largely due to the relatively low expense. Many drivers move into this class after a season or two in the bomber stock classes as a stepping stone to dirt late models or sprint cars. Other racers either move into or begin their racing career in dirt modifieds with no intention of racing in another class for the rest of their career. What attracts most of these weekly racers to the dirt modified classes is not only the affordability but the fact that these cars generate more power than the tires can handle. A driver must master car control in order to do well in dirt modified racing. One of the most prolific dirt modified racers, Rex Merritt, has spent over 30 years in racing, many of them in dirt modifieds. Merritt was instrumental in helping develop several of the dirt modified chassis manufactured by Dirt Works Race Cars over the years. With...

Apr
11
2011

Bloomquist Dominates Indiana Icebreaker For $10,000 Payday

by John Gibson on April 10, 2011 image credit KRCracing.com    The early season success of Scott Bloomquist continued Saturday night with a dominating performance at the Indiana Icebreaker. Scott Bloomquist would capture the lead from Scott Francis on lap 8 in front of the packed crowd at Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana and would lead the remainder of the 42 laps capturing his second straight win the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model Series . It would be Bloomquist’s third win of 2011 in the series. “The car was superb out there tonight, you could run anywhere. We went with the Chevrolet powered Roush-Yates engine tonight and it didn’t miss a beat, and this was a brand new car. We’ve always enjoyed coming up here to race, and with all the rain they had I didn’t know how it would turn out, but it was racy all night. We had a good race there with Francis for a while, and I was hoping there wouldn’t be any cautions...

Apr
11
2011

Lernerville Speedway’s 4th Try For Opening Night This Friday

by John Gibson on April 11, 2011

Has there been any track out there that has been more affected by the weather then Lernerville Speedway in 2011? For three consecutive weekends fans have been disappointed as mother nature has forced the cancellation of each “opening night” race. Originally scheduled for March 25th, three straight weekend storms have pushed back the opening night racing to it’s fourth attempt on April 15th. But look at it this way, after all the taxes are filed you have something to look forward to!

image credit: JNJ photos

Based on their track record of weather in 2011, I shouldn’t even publish this story until the green flag drops on April 15th. But I am hopeful that the weather will cooperate this time for the Lernerville Speedway fans. But as always make sure you check out the weather before heading to the track this weekend, as rain is in the forecast for this weekend.

For more information on Lernerville speedway visit their home on the web at Lernerville.com

 http://www.onedirt.com/news/lernerville-speedways-4th-try-for-opening-night-this-friday/


Apr
12
2011

Jonathan Allard kicks off King of the West season in victory lane

Back and forth Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series opener goes to Jonathan Allard at Antioch Speedway on Saturday By Gary Thomas   Photo by http://www.mmracingphotos.com Antioch, CA – April 9, 2011…There was no shortage of excitement during Saturday’s season opener for the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series and when all was said and done it was Chico’s Jonathan Allard standing in victory lane at the Antioch Speedway. A huge crowd was on hand to witness the inaugural King of the West Series event and they also saw a bit more history, as the triumph marked Allard’s 25 th career Golden State 410 win, making him the fourth driver to reach that mark. “It’s great to come out here and win the first King of the West race tonight and I just can’t thank my guys enough,” said Allard, who joins Brent Kaeding, Tim Kaeding & Steve Kent as drivers who have won at least 25 races with...

Apr
12
2011

Big Block Modifieds Race For Big Paydays In DIRTcar NorthEast Series

by Bobby Kimbrough on April 12, 2011 Racers in Super DIRTcar Series will be rewarded with big purses for the season point fund in the four DIRTcar Northeast Region Touring Series with the Mr. DIRTcar weekly racing program also receiving a boost in prize fund for the season as well. The high profile Big Block Super DIRTcar series competes for the heftiest purses with the season Champion earning $35K in cash with $3K in fuel rewards from VP Racing Fuel as a kicker.  In order to be eligible for the season awards, drivers must compete in 75% of the events at DIRTcar sanctioned facilities to obtain the minimum bonus points to qualify. The DIRTcar 358 Modified Series drivers will be competing for $10K while the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series will be racing for $3,500. The DIRTcar Pro Stock Series Champion will take home $2K. For more information concerning DIRTcar huge point fund for the 2011 season, see the official press release below. DIRTcar...

Apr
13
2011

Forsberg wrangles first Civil War victory over the Petaluma Posse

Media Release from Handy Racing Promotions Inc.   Photo by Steve La Mothe   PETALUMA, CA (4-9-11) - The long awaited opener for the traveling Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series became reality in California's North Bay Saturday night. It was the Petaluma Posse up against the Winged Warriors of the Civil War brigade and when the dust settled on the battle field it was veteran solider Andy Forsberg of Auburn who emerged as the victor at the lighting fast Petaluma Speedway. Even in tough economic times, the Civil War Series proved it is still very much alive and well as 37 cars packed the pit area of Jim Soares' 3.8 mile oval on the Sonoma Marin County Fairgrounds nestled within the California wine country and the scenic Northern California coast. Despite a weekend offering numerous forms of entertainment in then area, it was a successful night for the facility in its 50th year of operation and the traveling series alike. In...

Apr
13
2011

How To Maximize “Street Tire” Grip on Dirt

  No matter what type of racing you are involved in, tires play a huge role in the overall handling of the car. The tread of the tire is the only part of the car that touches the track. Tires act as part of the suspension and absorb many irregularities that the typical dirt track has to offer. They are relied upon to keep the car traveling in the direction it is pointed and are the only means to transfer power to the track. Anyone who finds victory lane has understood how important it is to maximize the amount of grip they get from their tires. A lot of assumptions are made about tires, but are they really true? At the beginning of the 2010 season I was in search of a new “race” tire. The tire I had been using was discontinued in 2009 and I needed a replacement. My friends at Rubidoux Tire made a recommendation and after a little research I decided it was a good choice. I have been using the MasterCraft Avenger GT ever since and I am satisfied...

Apr
13
2011

Austin Rettig Scores Emotional First Win at Riverside Speedway

by Chris McWilliams on April 13, 2011 Austin Rettig Celebrates His First Win With His Father Alan (Image Credit: Woody Hampton) The COMP Cams Super Dirt Series saw a first time winner for the second night in a row on Saturday at Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis, Arkansas.  The young gun, 16 year-old, Austin Rettig of Sikeston, Missouri just edged Billy Moyer Jr. by 0.040 seconds to grab an emotional $2,000 win.  This victory was made special to Rettig as it came exactly seven years to the day after he lost his older brother, Nathan Rettig, who was only 13 years old to a tragic four wheeler accident.  So, he raced with a heavy heart on Saturday with his brother at his side as he narrowly won his first Super Late Model win.  In victory lane Rettig remembered his brother, “I just know that Nathan was just there with me the whole way, and this win is for him.  Dad told me yesterday that I was going to win on Saturday...

Apr
13
2011

Geving rounds up a top five finish in Hoosier Tires Civil War at Petaluma

Two time Petaluma Speedway champion urges fans to join with her in the upcoming MS Walk   By Bill Sullivan for Chicko Motorsports PENNGROVE, CA (4-9 -11 ) –  Two time Petaluma Speedway champion and former Civil War Series Rookie of the Year Alissa Geving of Penngrove, California began her quest for the 2011 Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series Championship this past weekend at the track she calls home,  Petaluma Speedway.  When the final checkered flag  flew on the grand opening of the competitive series, Geving capped her first race of the series with a top five finish and a strong start to the 14 race series that competes at six different tracks. "It was great to come back and race at home again with the Civil War Series," said Geving, driver of the Chicko Motorsports #3x sprint car that carries the support of Tillett Tool, Pit Stop USA and Matt Cordeiro Enterprises. "I've always loved racing with this series and we worked...

Apr
15
2011

Ray Evernham And Erin Crocker To Race USCS Doubleheader This Weekend

by John Gibson on April 14, 2011 This coming weekend April15-16 is a double header for the United Sprint Car Series . The action will kick off April 15th at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia N.C. and then continue the following day at Traveler’s Rest Speedway near Greenville, SC. We have just learned that Ray Evernham and Erin Crocker will be competing at both events this weekend. The team was on hand last weekend according to Carolina Speedway testing both sprinters to get ready for the event on Friday night. You might remember a few years back that Erin Crocker became the first and still the only woman ever to win a World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-main event. She bested the World of Outlaws regulars in 2004, when she won at Thunderbowl Raceway. There’s no denying the competition she outran on that day, the top 5 were: Crocker, Paul McMahan, Jac Haudenschild, Steve Kinser, Brian Paulus, and Donny Schatz would come home 6th. There’s no denying...

Apr
15
2011

What to Watch This Weekend: April 15-17

by Chris McWilliams on April 14, 2011 It’s always a tough decision on where to watch a race on any given weekend. Our great country is so saturated with dirt tracks that you can basically show up at any one of them and be guaranteed a great race. This coming weekend has some big events across the country as well. The World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series has two Midwest races on tap and World of Outlaws Late Model Series has the “Commonwealth 100” at Virginia Motor Speedway.  The USAC Sprint Cars have an Indiana triple-header this weekend that should prove to be very exciting as well. Weather looks like it could possibly be an issue on the east coast as a storm front is expected to drop rain throughout the east coast. The One to Watch :  If I could attend only one event this weekend (not to mention had the gas money and time) it would be the World of Outlaws Late Model Series “Commonwealth 100” at Virginia Motor Speedway. ...

Apr
15
2011

Former VMS Track Champ Austin Hubbard Ready for “Commonwealth 100″

by Chris McWilliams on April 15, 2011   Austin Hubbard Hard on the Gas (Image Credit: thesportswire.net) Austin Hubbard is preparing for what will be a homecoming of sorts this weekend, April 15-16, as he prepares to take his best shot at conquering the 2nd Annual NAPA of King William Commonwealth 100 at Virginia Motor Speedway.  Austin, who was the 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Rookie of the Year, spent many of the early years of his young career competing on the 1/2 mile oval at Virginia Motor Speedway, he is a former track champion, and multi-time feature winner. Given his history at the track, it’s obviously a sentimental favorite for him, so it’s no secret that he would like nothing more than to claim the biggest win of his career at the facility in the upcoming weekend’s 2nd Annual NAPA of King William Commonwealth 100. In addition to chasing the big win, Hubbard will be looking to reclaim the points lead in the World of...

Apr
15
2011

Bubba The Love Sponge Buys Ocala Speedway

by Bobby Kimbrough on April 15, 2011 Todd "Bubba the Love Sponge" Clem. (Photo from orbitcast.com) Longtime dirt track racing fanatic and driver, Bubba “The Love Sponge” Clem, and a group of investors closed a deal on the purchase of “Florida’s oldest track.” Ocala Speedway opened in 1952 as a clay/dirt oval and ran for 45 as a dirt track venue. The track was converted to asphalt for a brief 10 year period before it was returned to the clay surface in 2008. USAC, World of Outlaws, ASCS and UDLMS are a few of the sanctioning bodies that routinely make stops at the track annually. After the Monster truck show scheduled for this weekend, the track will shut down for some minor changes and relaunch with a grand opening. The first race will be a $5,000 to win late model race named for the shock jock’s following; The First Annual Bubba Army Open. “I obviously bought this place as an investment, but also want to give...

Apr
19
2011

Historic Night: Crocker Wins at Carolina, Females Take Top 2 Spots

by John Gibson on April 18, 2011 You would think after a certain point that we would stop being impressed by Erin Crocker. She has proven time and time again that she can get the job done in a Sprint Car. She added to her resume this past weekend by winning the United Sprint Car Series event at Carolina Speedway. She would take the lead with under ten to go from another female driver Morgan Turpen who would eventually finish second. It would mark the first time that a woman would ever win a USCS event. Details are still coming in about what happened after the checkered flag though. Erin would take the checkered flag and then would run into a lapped car and would flip outside of the track. This is why her car is not featured in the winner’s circle photos. But what could be a interesting story is who she was passing. Erin's winning ride from Carolina Speedway. Image Credit: Erin Crocker's twitter page Let me explain, last week we published a news...

Apr
19
2011

Tim Kaeding Wins King of the West at the Thunderbowl

by Stephanie Odom on April 19, 2011 Tim Kaeding in victory lane at the Thunderbowl with car owner Dennis Roth. (Photo by Paul Trevino Racing Photos)    Tim Kaeding has an impressive resume when taking the high banked track at Tulare’s Thunderbowl Raceway. The San Jose native made an early pass by Tommy Tarlton for the lead and held off last week’s winner Jonathan Allard winning the Chris and Brian Faria Memorial this past Saturday night. Kaeding is a favorite for this years King of the West Championship aboard his Roth Motorsports, HR Cattle No. 83. The win was his 49th in series competition. “I just love racing at this place and it was fun there for a while racing with Tommy and then Jonathan came out nowhere too,” stated “TK”. “We’re racing back home this year with the King of the West Series and I have to thank Dennis & Teresa Roth for giving me the opportunity and my whole team for...

Apr
19
2011

Thorn Wins SRL Roseville Event

Bakersfield, CA – Derek Thorn won Saturday night’s SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series WORLD’S CHAMPION HAND CLEANER 140 at All-American Speedway in Roseville.  “It was one of the best turning cars I have ever driven,” Thorn said after the race.  “Junior (Joiner) lost his Grandmother last week, so we were racing in her honor, so it was really cool to get the win tonight.  I have to thank my sponsors SP Crankshaft, Sigma Engineering and Joiner Motorsports.” The afternoon began with Jacob Gomes setting the best lap in qualifying with a time of 13.26 seconds.  Following qualifying, Gomes drew a seven for the invert which set the field for the WORLD’S CHAMPION HAND CLEANER 140 presented by AmeriPride Uniform Services. Starting inside row two for the 140-lap event, Thorn followed early leader Zane Lovelace, until moving by for the lead on lap 13 and never looked back as his competitors battled hard for the...

Apr
21
2011

Skagit Speedway’s 57th Season Opener This Weekend

by John Gibson on April 21, 2011 Racefans in Washington have been ready for the 2011 season to kick off all winter. The 57th season for Skagit Speedway will be kicking off this week for dirt track fans in or near Alger, Washington. Even this week the track reported that Monday morning they saw snow on the track, and snowflakes falling that were the size of silver dollars. But the weather looks great for this coming weekend. “I will be ready for some dry warm weather as soon as it gets here” said promoter Steve Beitler, “Every so often we get a late and cold spring, this year is our year. But the forecast looks pretty good for the next few weeks. I know The whole team up here is ready to hear the roar of the engines. Several new teams are ready to go so I am excited to get things started!” The season opener will feature numerous divisions for fans. Headlined by the Outlaw 410 Sprint’s, fans will have a lot to look forward to....

Apr
25
2011

CBS Sports To Cover Dirt Late Model Racing From The Dart Show Me 100

by Bobby Kimbrough on April 25, 2011 2010 Show-Me 100 Winner Ray Cook (Image Credit: Thomas Hendrickson) Last year history was made when the Dart Show Me 100 moved from West Plains Motor Speedway to Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri. The Show Me 100 has long been one of the Late Model series prized events, and the list of winners is a who’s who of dirt late model racing. With a list that includes five time winner Scott Bloomquist, defending champion and two time winner Ray Cook, Three time champion Wendell Wallace and winner of the first two Show Me events, Billy Moyer, it is little wonder that CBS TV selected to show this race on tape delay. The 19th annual Dart Show Me 100 will be held over May 27th-28th, 2011. CBS has picked up the rights to air the tape delayed broadcast on Sunday, June 19, 2011. The broadcast schedule for CBS Sports lists only one dirt circle track race this season, with the Show Me 100 being the single event. The...

Apr
26
2011

Placerville hosts Civil War and Wingless Sprint thriller Saturday

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, APRIL 25, 2011 MEDIA CONTACT: bsullivan@handyracingpromotions.com         WEBSITE:www.placervillespeedway.com / www.civilwarsprints.com   Media Release from Handy Racing Promotions PLACERVILLE, CA -   It's undoubtedly one of the most thrilling racing campaigns in the region and it is finally set to put the fans on the edge of their seats at Northern California's most exciting dirt track. War has been declared in El Dorado County and the battle field is the quarter-mile bullring known as Placerville Speedway this Saturday, April 30 th . The 2011 Red Hawk Casino-Hoosier Racing Tires Fast and Furious Dirt Track Racing season resumes with a long awaited visit by the  Hoosier Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series. When it comes to speed thrills in the sport of sprint car racing locally, the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series will never let an open wheel race fan down...

Apr
26
2011

Tim Kaeding blazes to 50th career Golden State 410 victory with King of the West Sprints on Saturday night at Ocean Speedway

By Gary Thomas Photo from Ocean Speedway Watsonville, CA – April 23, 2011…Milestone victories only come around every so often and on Saturday night San Jose, California’s Tim Kaeding accomplished a special one at the Ocean Speedway with the Golden State King of the West Sprints. The man simply known as “TK” made an early pass of father Brent Kaeding and then held off a fast-moving and hard-charging Justin Sanders to score his 50 th career Golden State 410 Series win. The 32-year-old wheel-man becomes just the second driver to reach that mark in series history. “It’s an awesome feeling to get that 50 th win and I can’t say enough about Dennis & Teresa Roth and my whole team, because Bonzai and the guys gave me an awesome car,” said Kaeding. “That was some great racing right there and Justin Sanders did a heck of a job to finish second so I want to congratulate him as well.” Tim...

Apr
26
2011

AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series Ready For IN Tripleheader

by John Gibson  on April 26, 2011 After being rained out last weekend the AMSOIL USAC National Sprint Car Series is ready for a return to the historic speedway’s in Indiana this coming weekend. Indiana sprint car fans will be treated to some of the best open wheel racing in the country when the national tour invades three great speedways over this weekend. image credit kokomospeedway.net The action will kick off on Friday, April 29th at Gas City Speedway in Gas City, Indiana. The tour will then make the drive to Lawrenceburg speedway in Lawrenceburg, Indiana for its event on Saturday April 30th. The series will close out its Indiana weekend on Sunday May 1st with a event at Kokomo Speedway in Kokomo, Indiana. The racing action will play a huge impact on the early points battle as Damion Gardner currently only leads Levi Jones by 21 points in the hunt for the 2011 championship. Fans should expect some great racing as these three tracks held...

Apr
28
2011

West Coast Late Models Invade Bakersfield this Saturday Night!

by Stephanie Odom on April 27, 2011 Watsonville's Clay Daly at USA Racweay in February. (Photo by Steve Curtis of RaceImages.Net) The West Coast Shootout Late Model Series is set to return to action this Saturday night, April 30th, at Bakersfield Speedway. Also on the scorecard will be Mini Stocks, California Lightning Sprints and the Youth Racing Series. The West Coast Shootout opened their season in February at Tucson, Arizona’s USA Raceway for the Copper on Dirt battling against the competitive Total Seal Late Model Series. California was represented well bringing home five out of six podium finishes during the two nights of racing. “I am excited that the series will begin here in California,” stated series promoter Chris Kearns,”The talent that runs within the West Coast Shootout produced great racing in Arizona against a tough field, I expect the same here.” Bakersfield Speedway and the West Coast Shootout have come...

Apr
28
2011

Eldora Speedway Founder, Earl Baltes, Celebrates 90th Birthday

by Bobby Kimbrough on April 27, 2011 Earl Baltes. “If I sell one more hotdog I might break even” - Earl Baltes. What can be said about Earl Baltes that hasn’t been said in the past 90 years? Born April 27, 1921, Baltes had the ability to re-invent himself and work in some self promotion to become a master at the art of promoting races. Working as a local bandleader at the end of the ballroom dance era, Baltes switched hats and became a race promoter with no previous racing experience to his credit. Seemingly taking notes from another promoting expert, Bill Veeck, who once owned the Ohio based Cleveland Indians baseball team and was known for his outlandish promotions, Baltes tried his own wild promotional deals. Building Eldora Speedway in 1943, Baltes claimed that he had “stumbled onto a race at New Bremen Speedway and was impressed by the big, enthusiastic crowd.” He decided to build his own track. Earl was no...

Apr
28
2011

King of Motocross Racing This Saturday Night At Ventura Raceway

by Stephanie Odom  on April 28, 2011 (Photo Source: AlpineStarsInc.com) Ventura Raceway plays host to Cory Kruseman’s driving school that had a student last season that drew quite a bit of attention. Metal Mulisha star Brian Deegan ventured into the dirt track scene piloting a 360 sprint car and midget around the “Best Little Dirt Track in America” in a practice session before entering the Chili Bowl. Deegan getting a few pointers at his practice session at Ventura Raceway last season. (Phot source: Cory Kruseman)    This weekend Ventura Raceway fans will get to see Deegan in action in a Kruseman Racing VRA Midget entry. Deegan was the first rider to successfully do a 360 backflip in competition, the “Mulisha Twist,” as he calls it. He has won three gold and seven bronze medals in X-Games competition. His professional career began in 1997 at the LA Coliseum. In 2009 he entered the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series...

May
2
2011

Willie Croft scores big victory with KWS at Marysville Raceway Park

By Gary Thomas Photo courtesy Steven Cox of http://www.sprintcarphotos.com Marysville, CA – April 30, 2011…After opening the night with a bang on Saturday at the Marysville Raceway Park Willie Croft ended the evening in that same fashion, making a pass of Jonathan Allard early in the feature and then cruising to his first Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series victory of 2011. Previously in his career Croft had picked up Golden State 410 wins at Chico’s Mini Gold Cup in 2004 and at the American Valley Speedway in Quincy during the ’07 year. On Saturday the Sacramento gasser also set a new track record in qualifying at Marysville Raceway Park aboard his Holey Smokes BBQ, AIC Powder Coating, MRO Inc. No. 29 mount. “Wow it’s just great to come here and put this car in victory lane at Marysville tonight,” Croft commented. “We’ve always ran pretty good here and I have to thank everyone that helps...

May
2
2011

Sammy Swindell Rolls to WoO Victory at Tri-State Speedway

by Chris McWilliams on May 1, 2011 Sammy Swindell Celebrates his Win (Image Credit: Mark Funderburk) Steve Kinser and Craig Dollansky have dominated the last six World of Outlaws races at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, IN as they have each picked up three victories at the 1/4 bullring.  On Saturday night Sammy Swindell ended their streak and put his Big Game Treestands #1 sprinter into victory lane.  From the drop of the green Joey Saldana jumped to the lead and pulled away.  A great battle between Sammy Swindell and Paul McMahan raged on for the second spot as they each swapped the spot back and forth.  Jason Sides brought out the red flag early when he flipped violently at the end of the front stretch but he emerged from the wreckage okay. The field was reset for a double-file restart and Saldana chose the outside line with Swindell lining up to the inside. Saldana charged out front. By Lap 15 he was in heavy traffic with Swindell...

May
4
2011

Bobby Hogge IV Claims West Coast Shootout Late Model Victory

by Stephanie Odom on May 2, 2011 Photo by Steve Curtis of RaceImages.net Bobby Hogge IV celebrated his Saturday night in Bakersfield Speedway’s Victory Lane after a pass by San Luis Obispo’s Steve Drake for the West Coast Shootout Late Model season opener in California. Eighteen cars started the feature event with Torrance’s Mike Kirby and Steve Drake leading the field to green. Kirby jumped to the front when the green flag dropped with Drake filing into second place. Corona’s Tommy Malcolm moved into fifth place after starting eleventh on the first lap. Approaching lapped traffic on the sixth lap the battles throughout the field were heated. Lompoc’s Mike Johnson raced door to door with Bakersfield’s Rob Sanders for third place while Watsonville’s Clay Daly challenged Malcolm for fifth place. Cody Barnett brought out the first caution of the night on lap twelve after losing control and spinning out on the front...

May
4
2011

Josh Hodges Picks Up First Career Win, And Maintains 4.0 GPA To Race

by John Gibson   on May 3, 2011 High school is always tough for teenagers. Never mind the fact that if you love to race, things get a little more complicated. Racing usually takes young drivers away from their school work. But for Josh Hodges of New Mexico, he has a set of parents that won’t allow that to happen. Josh’s family understands how important a good education is for their son and have given him the permission to drive as long as he maintains a 4.0 GPA throughout high school. Before you make any judgments, he’s maintained it! “I get all my schoolwork done before I go work on the car, and I have to talk with my teachers often to get work for when I’m gone on Fridays and some Thursdays for racing. When you put all this work into it, though, and you do have a good run, it makes it that much sweeter,” Hodges said. “I think it is important to get a good education so I will be able to race in the...

May
4
2011

Smith Back In Victory Lane After Breaking Back Less Than A Year Ago

by Katie Boyer on May 3, 2011 Image Credit: Rasmithphoto Danny Smith came into Saturday night’s event at KC Raceway in Chillicothe, OH with a win under his belt from Attica on Friday night. But it was a bittersweet return for Smith, an Indiana native who now resides in Chillicothe, after missing the biggest part of last season due to a back injury he sustained racing at Attica last June. It was a welcome home like no other at KC the following night. After a tenth place qualifying run out of a 30-car field, Smith dominated heat one, clenching the win. The feature went much the same. Smith started outside the fifth row, making his way quickly toward the front of the field. Rob Chaney was leading the field, quickly setting the pace and checking out. However, a caution mid-race brought the field back nose to tail for a 15 lap shoot-out to the finish. Within only a handful of laps after the restart, Smith took his #4 machine and made his move under Chaney in...

May
4
2011

Breaking News: Jerry Coons Jr. Replaced at Hoffman Auto Racing

by Chris McWilliams on May 3, 2011

The Famous Hoffman Auto Racing #69 With Jerry Coons Jr. Behind the Wheel (Image Credit: R.E. Wing)

 

The Hoffman Auto Racing team has announced that Daron Clayton will be the new driver of the Hoffman Mean Green MOPAR Machine effective immediately at the USAC National Sprint Car event at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Indiana on May 7, 2011.  This means that their current driver Jerry Coons Jr. is out of a ride for the time being.  Coons had won the USAC National Sprint Car Championship with the Hoffman team in 2008 and picked up 13 USAC National wins for the team.  “The Modern Day Cowboy” Daron Clayton comes into the Hoffman ride with an impressive resume of his own.  Clayton has claimed several USAC National Sprint Car wins and recently spent a year with the All-Star Circuit of Champions winning the 2009 Knoxville Nationals Rookie of the Year Award.

http://www.onedirt.com/news/breaking-news-jerry-coons-jr-replaced-at-hoffman-auto-racing/


May
4
2011

Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour Presented By K&N set for Rock’N Roll 50

by Stephanie Odom  on May 4, 2011 Tim Crawley has gone undefeated when it comes to the Rock 'N Roll 50 and will look to break through for his first win of the seasont his weekend. (Photo Source: AMCPlumbing.com) The Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour presented by K&N Filters will take the track this weekend for the Third Annual Rock ‘N Roll 50 at Riverside Speedway’s ¼-mile clay oval. It will be the only stop at the West Memphis, Arkansas track this season as well as the only fifty-lap feature event on the schedule. The previous two Rock ‘N Roll 50 races are the only two in the history of ASCS Racing (614 races) that have gone the distance of fifty laps. With those two races came the same winner, Tim Crawley. Crawley will be one of numerous fierce competitors that will take the track. Four out of forty-two series victories have come at Riverside Speedway for Crawley. He’ll be looking to carry momentum from his season high...

May
4
2011

Heat win and 13th place finish at Placerville keep Geving Civil War strong

Former series Rookie of the Year and 2-time Petaluma champ enjoying fulltime return to series   By Bill Sullivan for Chicko Motorsports PENNGROVE, CA (4-9 -11 ) –  Two time Petaluma Speedway champion and former Civil War Series Rookie of the Year Alissa Geving of Penngrove, California returned to battle in the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Race Series last Saturday night at one of the tour’s toughest tracks to tame, the fast and furious bullring at Placerville Speedway. Saturday’s event marked the second round of the traveling Civil War Sprint Car Series that competes in a total of 14 events between the months of March and October for over $250,000 and a championship title worth $10,000 alone this year. With two events in the history book, Geving is already among the top five contenders in the chase for the coveted series championship. “It’s great to be back with the Civil War Series, I love racing with this group...

May
4
2011

Stephen Allard overtakes Tiner to steal big Civil War win at Placerville

Photo by Donna Peter PLACERVILLE, CA (4-30-11) - The 2011 Fast and Furious Dirt Track Racing Season began to live up to its name Saturday night at Placerville Speedway in a very big way. Last night brought the biggest race of the season to the 46 year old quarter mile dirt track and along with it came its largest crowd, one which was standing room only early into the night. When the checkered flag waved, veteran driver Stephen Allard of Chico took home a hard earned $2000 victory Saturday night in a race that kept the fans back and forth from being on the edge of their seats or on their feet from start to finish. Allard was aboard the #77f Sprint Car fielded by Finely Farms for Saturday's event. He shared the glory in victory lane with Mason Myers of Browns Valley, winner of the Hunt Magnetos Wingless Sprint Car Division. "I can't thank this team enough for giving me the opportunity to drive for them," said Allard. "We're not really sure what the future plans are...

May
5
2011

Outlaws Set To Invade The Big E This Weekend

by Katie Boyer on May 5, 2011 Steve Kinser looks to add another win to his impressive 35 victories at Eldora. (Photo Source: Paul Arch Photo ) As the World of Outlaws teams set their sites on the famed Eldora Speedway, some drivers come in hotter than ever. Craig Dollansky is coming off a win just this past Tuesday night at Salina Highbanks Speedway, while Sammy Swindell took the win last Saturday night at Tri-State Speedway in Oklahoma. However, the Big E holds a special place in the hearts of drivers like Steve Kinser, who leads the ranks of the all-time WoO win list at Eldora, winning 35 times at the half-mile in a 34 year racing career. Not only does Kinser hold the most wins, he also holds the most recent, coveted sprint car event win, the 2010 Kings Royal. Swindell is also up there in the rankings, with 18 wins in his career, with the last one coming in 2006. But no one comes in with more to prove then Kasey Kahne Racing driver Joey Saldana,...

May
5
2011

Carson McCarl Becomes Youngest Sprint Car Winner Ever at Knoxville

by Chris McWilliams  on May 5, 2011 Carson McCarl Celebrates his Win at Knoxville (Photo Source: CarsonMcCarl.com ) Carson McCarl made his father Terry McCarl very proud on Saturday night when he made history by becoming the youngest driver to win a sprint car feature at Knoxville Raceway at just 16 years old.  The young gun from Altoona, Iowa picked up the win in the 305 feature at Knoxville in his first ever race there which is an impressive feat in itself.  Before the race there had been some very bold predictions made as Friday’s practice night at Knoxville approached. Carson said, “I had been saying I was going to win.  Really, I was just saying it as a joke. I never thought it was going to happen. In fact, Steve (Fitzpatrick) laughed in my face one day last week in the shop when I said it.”  Carson’s dad Terry has had a great deal of success at Knoxville and Carson had some good help on his side. ...

May
5
2011

Double Header This Weekend For World Of Outlaws Late Model Series

by Stephanie Odom  on May 5, 2011   The World of Outlaws Late Model Series will take on Georgia’s Swainsboro Raceway and Needmore Speedway for a double header beginning this Friday. Originally the series was going to invade Fayetteville Motor Speedway in North Carolina on May 6th. Unfortunately World of Outlaws Officials had to cancel the event leaving Sainsboro on the May 7th and Needmore on May 8th. “We were looking forward to racing at Fayetteville Motor Speedway for the fourth year in a row but unfortunately have had to remove the event from our schedule,” stated WoO LMS director Tim Christman . “I have tried to reach Larry Norris for the last two weeks to talk about the event but haven’t received a response. As a result, with the date approaching and so much uncertainty about the status of the event still running through the local racing community, we felt it was in the best interests of the race teams and...

May
9
2011

Dove's can fly with broken wings; Geving scores feature win in Petaluma opener

  By Bill Sullivan/ Sullivan Images Media Photo by Ken Stanfel PENNGROVE, CA (5-7-11 ) –  Two- time Petaluma Speedway champion Alissa Geving of Penngrove, California returned to the title bearing track she calls home Saturday night in spectacular fashion. Despite a close call in the opening laps of the race, Geving returned to her winning ways aboard her Tillett Tool, Pit Stop USA, Matt Cordeiro Enterprises  #3x sprint car. “It’s always great to come back to this place where my Dad and my Grandfather raced successfully,” said 19-year-old Geving. “It’s even better when we are able to come back and get a win, especially this early in the year. I really want to thank all my sponsors and my crew for all their hard work. They put together this brand new A.R.T sprint car and I love it. This was a real team effort tonight.” In qualifying, Geving scored the fastest lap of the night with a 12:912 on the...

May
9
2011

Saldana Gets Redemption From September Crash: Wins At Eldora

by Katie Boyer on May 6, 2011 Image Credit: Katie Boyer After a crash at Eldora in the series’ last visit to the high banks in 2010, Joey Saldana came in to Friday night’s Outlaw Thunder event with a vengeance. The crash in turn three last season sent Saldana to the hospital, giving him a concussion and keeping him from competing in the following night’s event. The sit out took Saldana out of championship contention, finishing the season with  a fourth place finish when the championship was just within reach.   But that wasn’t the case Friday night at Eldora Speedway. In hot laps, the top five runners were the 63 of Chad Kemenah, the 11 of Steve Kinser, the 83 of Paul McMahan, the 15H of Sam Hafertepe Jr. and the 14 of Jason Meyers. In time trials, Kemenah set the pace once again, laying down a lap of 13.138. Saldana was second fast with a lap of 13.307. The remaining top five qualifiers were Jason Meyers with a...

May
9
2011

Georgia Double-Header: World Of Outlaws Late Model Weekend Recap

by Chris McWilliams  on May 9, 2011 The World of Outlaws Late Model Series was in action for a Georgia double-header this weekend.  On Saturday, May 7 th they were at the Swainsboro Raceway and on Sunday, May 8 th they hit the Needmore Speedway. Rick Eckert Celebrates his Victory at Swainsboro Raceway (Photo Source: World of Outlaws Late Model Series ) Swainsboro Raceway On Saturday night it was Rick Eckert who won in dominating fashion as he led from start to finish picking up the win in the “Pine Tree 50” at Swainsboro Raceway a month after a tornado rolled through the area and caused some significant damage to the track.  The veteran from York, Pa, Eckert had to miss his daughter’s college graduation ceremony on Saturday but was able to give her a memorable present.  The $10,775 win was the first of the year for Eckert behind the wheel of his #24 Team Zero by Bloomquist late...

May
12
2011

Chris Wall Grabs $3,000 Win Then Donates Winnings to Tornado Victims

by Chris McWilliams on May 10, 2011 Chris Wall Gives Winnings to the Morris Family and is Joined by Other Drivers who Donated Their Winnings (Photo Source: Cleveland Speedway ) The “Tennessee Spring Fling” late model race at Cleveland Speedway was originally scheduled for April 30 but after a series of tornadoes ravaged the area promoters postponed the race until May 7.  When the dust settled it was “The Intimagator” Chris Wall in victory lane earning a $3,000 payday for his efforts.  Wall then stunned the crowd as he turned around and donated the entire $3,000 that he had just won to a local family who lost everything in one of the tornadoes that hit the Cleveland area.  Before the feature the drivers also passed their helmets around the grandstands for donations to raise a total of $6,800 as fellow drivers Brian Reese, Michael Arp, and Daniel Burnett joined Wall in donating their winnings. At the drop of the green flag...

May
12
2011

Breaking News: Chili Bowl Winner Swindell To Fill-in For ill Bayne

by Katie Boyeron May 11, 2011

According to a Twitter posting this afternoon, Trevor Bayne will be replaced this weekend by back-to-back champion of the Chili Bowl Kevin Swindell. Son of World of Outlaws driver Sammy Swindell, Kevin will be in the Roush-Fenway number 16 for this weekend’s race at Dover International Speedway.

An announcement is expected by Roush Fenway executives on Wednesday, and the official entry list will be updated once the official announcement has been made. It is speculated that Bayne will be back in action for next weekend’s Nationwide Series race.

Bayne was originally hospitalized on April 10 in Charlotte, N.C., for what was suspected reaction to an insect bite. He has recently gone through numerous tests at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for symptoms that included fatigue, numbness in his arm and double vision. He returned to North Carolina last Thursday. Chris Buescher has been the pilot of Bayne’s car in the last two Nationwide Series races.

Bayne opened the season with a win in the Wood Brothers Racing Sprint Cup Ford in the Daytona 500. He is still scheduled to drive for them in the upcoming NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race.


May
12
2011

Outlaws and Posse Set To Battle At The Grove

by Katie Boyer on May 12, 2011 Image Credit: The Pennsylvania Dirt Report   This Friday and Saturday, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania’s Williams Grove Speedway will once again bring one of the longest rivalries in racing history face to face as the World of Outlaws takes on the Pennsylvania Posse. This year’s event will be different than those of the past. Saturday night’s will be topped off with the Morgan Cup Challenge. The challenge is a new race where the competitors are the top-five finishing Pennsylvania Posse racers from last fall’s National Open against the top-five finishing World of Outlaws finishers from that event in a 12-lap dash. The Posse will line up in one row, the Outlaws in the other. The winner of the A-main on Saturday night will determine lane choice. Of course, there’s cash at stake, $11,000 is on the line, but this event is more about the bragging rights and claiming the inaugural sterling silver...

May
12
2011

Monster Energy Sprint Series Adds Four Races After Successful Opener

by Chris McWilliamson May 12, 2011 The Monster Energy Sprint Series had a very successful opening with its first race at 34 Raceway in Burlington, Iowa.  Now they are proud to announce that they have added four races to their 2011 schedule.  The series has added dates at Tri-City Speedway, St. Francois County Raceway, Macon Speedway, and a co-sanctioned race with the IRA Sprints at LaSalle Speedway. On Friday, June 17, the series will hit the Tri-City Speedway. The always entertaining 3/8 mile oval in Pontoon Beach, Illinois will play host to a feature paying $2,000 to the winner. The following night completes an exciting weekend, as the best of the Monster Energy series will take on the regulars at the St. Francois County Raceway in Farmington, Missouri.  On Saturday, July 30, a “Bullring Weekend” will be underway when the Macon Speedway in Macon, Illinois will join the already scheduled event on Sunday, July 31, at Shepp’s Speedway in...

May
13
2011

Kahne To Run Roth Motorsports #83 At Lincoln Speedway On Sunday

by Katie Boyer on May 12, 2011

Image Credit: Eutechnyx forums

NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne released yesterday via Twitter that he will be piloting the number 83 Roth Motorsports sprint car this Sunday at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania. Lincoln Speedway which usually races on Saturday Nights, will move the action to Sunday night May 15th. The Sunday event is dubbed The Sprint Car Spectacular Night in conjunction with the Eastern Museum of Motor Racing (EMMR) Benefit race, featuring the Lawrence Chevrolet 410 Sprints and Keizer Aluminum Wheels 358 Sprints.

In addition to Kahne, World of Outlaws young guns, and Pennsylvania natives Cody Darrah and Lucas Wolfe will be in attendance, and 2010 Knoxville Nationals Champion Tim Shaffer will also be competing in the Sprint Car Spectacular. For more information on the race, visit www.lincolnspeedway.com.

http://www.onedirt.com/news/kahne-to-run-roth-motorsports-83-at-lincoln-speedway-on-sunday/


May
13
2011

USAC Joins Indycar For “IndyCar Open Wheel Weekly” On VERSUS

by Katie Boyer on May 13, 2011 Image Credit: POWRi Racing   USAC National Drivers Champion Bryan Clauson, will make his Indy Lights debut May 27 in the “Freedom 100″ at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. However, Clauson was also a guest on the new VERSUS show, “IndyCar Open Wheel Weekly,” that was hosted by Kevin Lee with broadcasters Robin Miller and Lindy Thackston, on May 3rd. The show is live at 4pm EST every Tuesday and then rebroadcasts at 11pm EST. The show is produced in an hour-long format, including in-depth coverage of IndyCar open wheel racing activities each week. The USAC series is scheduled to be featured weekly on the new show which will air during the next 30 weeks. Also included will be weekly updates, highlights and driver interviews covering USAC’s Traxxas Silver Crown, AMSOIL National Sprint Car and Mopar National Midget series, plus USAC’s Mopar .25 Midget series. The show is presented in a...

May
17
2011

Pittman Wins For Pennsylvania Posse At The Grove

by Katie Boyer on May 14, 2011 As people make their way into the Williams Grove Speedway, they are greeted by hundreds of fans tailgating in the parking lot. But the first thing they notice is the signs, the Posse shirts and the evidence that it is indeed “Posse Nation.” One of the biggest rivalries in dirt track racing is on display as the World of Outlaws, in this case outsiders, come in to challenge the Pennsylvania Posse in their own back yard. There was a lot of momentum going into the night of racing. Saldana had just come off a win last Friday night at Eldora Speedway. Fred Rahmer holds the most wins at the Grove. Drivers like Brian Leppo and Lance Dewease are always front runners at the half mile. Donny Schatz had also experienced some success in his career at the speedway. However, it was a night of surprises for some, but the racing itself was intense! Image Credit: Katie Boyer Photo In hot laps, the fastest drivers of the...

May
17
2011

Brett “The Corporate Jet” Hearn Closes In On Major Milestone

by Bobby Kimbrough  on May 14, 2011 There’s not much that can be said about Big Block Modified racer Brett Hearn that hasn’t been said already, but you can expect that a lot more will be said in the near future when Hearn passes the 800 career wins mark. Hearn’s career record currently stands at 793 wins (as of 5/13/2011) which can change daily with races schedule tonight at Accord and Saturday night at Lebanon Valley Speedway. Very few get the chance to rewrite history every time they go to the track but Hearn is clearly comfortable redefining what greatness is. In a sport where many racer’s goals are to win just one race, Hearn has accomplished that feat 793 times with 467 wins in Big Block Modifieds, 325 in Small Block Modifieds and 2 wins in Sprint Cars. Looking at the numbers there is no clear favorite condition or track that has helped build this impressive number of victories. Hearn simply wins everywhere, on any track...

May
17
2011

Bubba Raceway Park Opens With Inaugural Mike Peters Open

by Bobby Kimbrough on May 16, 2011 Track owner Bubba Clem checking the track surface. (All photos courtesy of R.E. Wing Photos)    Bubba “the Love Sponge” Clem opened the newly renamed Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Florida, with a race that he plans on making an annual event. The Mike Peters Open was named after the previous owner of the track, then named Ocala Speedway, in honor of the innovations Peters brought to the track during his ownership. Peters, a former racer at Ocala Speedway, purchased the track in order to keep the racetrack operating during a difficult time. Wanting to see the racetrack continue as part of the Florida racing scene, Peters made the move to cover the track’s surface with dirt and hold dirt track racing. Peters proved to be a very good promoter with fans filling the stands every race weekend. “I try to stick to the basics, don’t live out of the drivers wallets,  and try my best to keep...

May
17
2011

Bobby Kimbrough: Inversions Are A Three Sided Topic

by Bobby Kimbrough on May 17, 2011 We’ve all been there, a fast car that sets a fast lap or wins a heat race gets moved to the back, or at least several rows behind the pole. This happens routinely in dirt track racing. You don’t usually see inversions in asphalt circle track or road racing. You don’t even see it in the off road stuff. It’s pretty much a dirt track phenomenon. Whether it’s fair to take the fastest qualifier or heat race winner and move them to the back or not is a matter of opinion. You can look at it from three different sides, each with a perspective of what’s good for them. I promise you, the driver doesn’t see things exactly the same way as the promoter or the fans. Sometimes the fans don’t see things the same way as the promoter does. Having said that, let’s examine each one of these groups and how they feel about race inversions. The Driver and Crew Are we punishing drivers by...

May
17
2011

Doug Esh Flips Into the Spectator Bridge at Williams Grove

by Chris McWilliams on May 17, 2011 The Remains of Doug Esh's Sprint Car (Photo Source: World of Outlaws )   There are not many tracks on the World of Outlaws schedule with as much history as Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA.  The Outlaws versus Pennsylvania Posse battle at Williams Grove are always some of the best races of the season as drivers put on a great show for the fans.  Last Friday was another great race where Posse driver Daryn Pittman took home the win.  Part of the great history and character of Williams Grove is the big blue pedestrian bridge on the back stretch.  However, the bridge has a low clearance for the winged sprint cars as the fly underneath it. The Damage Sustained by the Williams Grove Bridge (Photo Source: Williams Grove Speedway )   In the Outlaws A-Main on Friday night Steve Kinser made contact with Doug Esh on the backstretch which sent Esh into a wild series of flips ending...

May
17
2011

Geving takes home second top five of the season in Chico Civil War #3

By Bill Sullivan for Chicko Motorsports   CHICO, CA (5-13-11 ) –  Two time Petaluma Speedway champion and former Civil War Series Rookie of the Year Alissa Geving of Penngrove, California continued her quest towards the 2011 Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Series Championship last Friday night with stellar run in the third round of 14 race series. The battle field was one of Geving’s favorite tracks on the tour, the famed quarter-mile Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico where she has had several top runs in both 410 cubic inch and 360 cubic inch sprint cars in her racing career. Friday night, Geving added another notch in the successful run at Chico column as she powered her #3x Chicko Motorsports/A.R.T Sprint car to a top five finish among Northern Calfornia’s best 360 drivers. “I love racing at Chico whenever I can and I love being back with the Civil War Series, when I get both of them together it makes for a really good...

May
17
2011

Tommy Tarlton gets first KWS win of season at Pombo/Sargent Classic

By Gary Thomas Photo by Steven Cox of http://www.sprintcarphotos.com Tommy Tarlton becomes a three-time Pombo/Sargent Classic champ with Golden State King of the West 410 victory at Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway Saturday By Gary Thomas Tulare, CA – May 14, 2011…Already a two-time winner of the Pombo/Sargent Classic in his career Easton, California’s Tommy Tarlton added his name to the prestigious list one more time on Saturday night, picking up an entertaining Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series feature event at the Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway. Tarlton was part of a back and forth battle with Sacramento’s Willie Croft early in the main event, before grabbing the lead for good halfway through and then cruising to his eighth career Golden State 410 Series win. It now puts him into a tie with Jason Statler and Bud Kaeding for 11 th on the all-time list. “It has been a long time since I won a 410 race in...

May
17
2011

Shark Attack in Chico; Becker backs recent Civil War point lead with win

By Bill Sullivan /Civil War Series Media Relations     Photo by Stevem Cox {sprintcarphotos.com}   CHICO, CA (5-13-11) - The fire breathing sprint cars of the Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series made their first appearance of 2011 Friday night at the famed Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California. The event marked round three of the 14 race series that visits six California tracks and when the final checkered flag flew of the night The Shark, Sean Becker of Antelope had claimed his first victory of the season. "This series has gotten so tough this past year, it's hard to win one of these races," said Becker, a former Silver Dollar Speedway Champion and a two time Civil War Series Champion. "Everyone has stepped it up and is competitive so it's not a deal where anyone can come out here and dominate this deal anymore. Scott Miller and the crew gave me a great track tonight and I can't thank them enough."...

May
20
2011

Jack Hewitt Gives Tomas Scheckter Ride of Lifetime in 2 Seat Sprint

  Ken Schrader, Tomas Scheckter, and Jack Hewitt (Photo Source: Ken Schrader Racing) Many dirt racing legends from the past and present gathered at The Mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the Hoosier Hundred Media Day.  Dirt legends Jack Hewitt and Ken Schrader were joined by Bryan Clauson and Tomas Scheckter to turn some laps in some race cars and speak with the media.  NASCAR and dirt racing veteran Ken Schrader brought his UMP modified to turn some laps around the Indy Mile. After Schrader was finished he gave INDYCAR driver Tomas Scheckter some pointers and let him take his modified out for a few laps around the track. Scheckter then got into the two-seat sprint car with Jack Hewitt behind the wheel and got a ride that he won’t soon forget.  In pure Jack Hewitt style he held nothing back and gave that two-seat sprint all it could handle around the track.  When it was all over Tomas Scheckter posted a series of messages on...

May
23
2011

Andy Gregg scores first career Golden State King of the West win

By Gary Thomas Santa Maria, CA – May 21, 2011…Placerville’s Andy Gregg has been trying hard for years to win a traveling 410 sprint car series main event. On two separate occasions in the past he had led until the final lap of a Golden State 410 feature, but each time it ended in disappointment. Having come that close before it made him even hungrier entering the 2011 season full-time with KWS and on Saturday night in Santa Maria, Gregg accomplished that goal by racing to his first ever Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series victory. “It’s awesome to come out here and win our first KWS race tonight and just being up here with guys like Tim Kaeding and Jonathan Allard is an honor,” said an emotional Gregg in victory lane. “I have about a million people to thank for helping me get to this point, but have to definitely give big thanks to Bret Ervin and this whole team.” When the 30-lapper...

May
24
2011

Geving powers to her second top three finish of the year at Petaluma

By Bill Sullivan/ Sullivan Images Media PENNGROVE, CA (5-21-11 ) –  Penngrove’s Alissa Geving returned to her home track of Petaluma Speedway Saturday night to continue her quest towards a third championship title in the competitive All Pro Sprint Car Series at the 3/8 mile track on the Sonoma Marin County Fairgrounds. After some trying moments early in the night, Geving rallied to an impressive third place finish in the second point race of the season. “It was a good night for the Chicko Motorsports Team,” said Geving. “ We had some trouble before the night really got started and everybody pitched in to get the car ready in time for qualifying. This new car and the great teamwork we have this season is really making us strong early in the season, I couldn’t be happier with the way things are going.” When Geving refers to trouble before the night began, it was the type of trouble that many drivers would...

May
24
2011

Outlaws Kick Off Speed Week with Showdown at the Dirt Track

By Katie Boyer As Speed Week hits the Charlotte, NC area this week, the World of Outlaws will kick off the Coca Cola 600 with the Circle K Nos Energy Outlaw Showdown on Friday night. The Outlaws will be bringing their A game as the series takes on the four-tenths mile clay oval in the heart of Racing City USA. Last year’s winner and past champion of the series Donny Schatz will be among the stars of the series who will be out battling for the win in front of a big crowd of fans gearing up for a weekend jam packed with racing action. Image Credit: Katie Boyer Photo   Second place finisher in last year’s event and current points leader Joey Saldana is another WoO frontrunner who plans on adding another W to the win column, hoping to tie Steve Kinser for the most wins so far this season with four. Drivers from the Kasey Kahne Racing camp and the Tony Stewart Racing group will be featured around the city, participating in Speed...

May
25
2011

T-MAC Gets First Win of 2011 With Monster Energy Sprints

by Chris McWilliams The second race of the season for the Monster Energy Sprint Series ended with a familiar face in victory lane as World of Outlaw veteran Terry McCarl picked up the $2,600 win.  The win was McCarl’s first of 2011 and first win since injuries put an end to a large part of his 2010 season.  The feature started with Jimmy Hurley taking the lead but was soon halted by caution with Mike Hess spinning his machine after only a lap.  On the following restart Jerrod Hull brought out the yellow flag with a flat right rear after making contact with Terry Babb.  Hurley was able to build a good lead when racing continued but a fierce battle for second ensued between Brian Brown, Robbie Standridge, McCarl, and Jeremy Standridge. By the tenth lap McCarl put the pass on Brown for second and then a caution for a spun Ben Wagoner on lap 13 bunched the field back...

May
26
2011

The Hell Tour 2011: The Most Grueling Month In Dirt Track Racing

I have to admit, anyone who wants to drive a 800 horsepower dirt late model, has to be a little bit crazy. I mean I wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to drive it, but I know I’m crazy.  The drivers that contend in the U.M.P. Summer Nationals have to be borderline psychotic. There’s a reason why the shorter name of the U.M.P. Summer Nationals is “The Hell Tour”. To show you just how crazy the Hell Tour is, let’s first take a look at another popular dirt late model series. image credit: The Hell Tour The World of Outlaw Late Model schedule is considered to be very grueling. And make no bones about it; it is a very tough schedule. 45 races or events over 52 weeks. But let’s break it down further. There are 45 A-mains scheduled from when the season kicks off on February 17th through November 5th at the World Finals. This means they will race 45 A-mains in 261 days. Now let’s...

Jun
1
2011

Fuller Ends Winless Streak at Rolling Wheels

The Super DIRTcar series invaded Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in Elbridge, NY to kick off their 2011 season with the third annual DIRTcar All-Star Weekend on Sunday. It was the first race of the season, but it was a night of redemption for one driver who had went the entire 2010 season without a win.  image credit: TimFullerRacingInc.com The track known to the racing community as “The Fast Track” featured a night jam-packed with racing action. The Big-Block Modified Super DIRTcar Series and the DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds took to the track to put on a show for fans. In addition, the track also hosted two unique events, the Pro Stock/Stock Car Challenge and the Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Safety-Kleen Shootout. The 21a of Peter Britten led the field to the green in the Super DIRTcar Series season opening 60-lap feature event. Britten did not hold onto the lead over the 30-car field for long before Chuck Bower took the...

Jun
1
2011

Memorial Day Weekend Roundup

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series The Dirt Track at Charlotte – May 28 The fans at Charlotte were treated to some great dirt racing action as the World of Outlaws Sprint Series put on a great show for all the fans in town for the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race.  Rain once again pushed the show back a day but the race ended with Paul McMahan taking his first race win of 2011.  Sammy Swindell started on the pole of the feature and led the first 14 laps of green flag action.  Then after a yellow bunched the field back up it was fast qualifier McMahan who grabbed the top spot after a tough wheel to wheel battle with Swindell.  A few laps later a flat left rear tire sent Swindell pitside and erased his great run.  The top-five on the night were rounded out by Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz, Jason Meyers, and Lucas Wolfe. Jason Sides Celebrates His I-96 Outlaws Victory Photo Source: http://www.woosprint.com I-96...

Jun
1
2011

Tim Kaeding wins KWS feature at Calistoga Speedway Sunday night

By Gary Thomas Calistoga, CA – May 29, 2011…Current Golden State King of the West Sprint Car point leader Tim Kaeding of San Jose was able to add to his advantage in the series standings on Sunday night, racing to his third victory of the season in the annual Salute to Walt Ross at the famed Calistoga Speedway. Kaeding’s win came during a curfew shortened race, as the 11pm state mandated curfew forced the feature to a conclusion with 13-laps down. An excessive amount of reds and yellows were seen in the main event, which took multiple attempts to get a lap completed at the start.   “We’ve been having a pretty good season and I have to thank Dennis & Teresa Roth, ‘Bonzai’ Bruns, Todd Ventura and this whole team,” Kaeding said in victory lane. “We’re fortunate to be standing up here right now, because Kyle Larson was coming fast and I was doing everything I could to hold him back.”   The scheduled...

Jun
2
2011

Video Highlights Of Johnny Appleseed Classic At Eldora

Sunday night the battle was on at Eldora Speedway as the track hosted it’s annual Johnny Appleseed Classic, with four series ready to battle on the high banked half mile. This video is directly from the Big E, with Dustin Jarrett breaking down the night of racing action. In the ALMS race, Ohio native Matt Miller dominated the event, leading from the green to the checkers. Miller hopes to use that momentum and what he learned from this trip to the Big E to give him an advantage at the Dream next week. Video Courtesy of Big E Broadcasting In the NRA Sprint Invaders feature event, it was Butch Schroeder who took the top spot, again trying to use his Eldora win as a tool to prepare him for July when the series will be back for a doubleheader as they run with the World of Outlaws for the Kings Royal. In the UMP Modified feature, Brian Ruhlman, who pulled double duty with both the late model class and the UMP series, was able to...

Jun
3
2011

Brake failure mars top ten run for Geving in Chico; Placerville up next

By Bill Sullivan/ Sullivan Images Media   PENNGROVE, CA (5-21-11 ) –  Penngrove’s Alissa Geving returned to one of her favorite tracks over the Memorial Day weekend as Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California played host to the competitive Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series. The event was round four of the 14 race tour and Geving was well on her way to a top ten finish in the 30-lap feature event until brake failure forced her to retire the Tillet Tool- A1A Performance-Pit Stop USA from the race far too early.             “There’s some things that can go wrong with the car and you are able to continue until the checkered flag fairly well, the loss of brakes in a race like this wasn’t one of them,” said Geving. “The car was great all night, we did ok in qualifying considering the number of entries and being...

Jun
6
2011

Video: Lights Go Out During A-Feature At The Belleville High Banks

This past weekend the sprint car fans of Kansas got to feed their addiction when the World of Outlaw Sprint Car series visited the Belleville High Banks of Belleville, Kansas. A support series was on hand also, the United Rebel Sprint Series (URSS). The 19 cars in the A-main were putting on a show for the fans, when all of a sudden the entire track went completely black. We’ve found the video and it is pretty scary. You can watch the video below. The drivers did an absolute amazing job, no drivers made contact and the race was resumed once the track was well lit again. Eventual 2nd place finisher Zach Blurton told the speedway after the race, “When the lights went out, I didn’t know what was going to happen,” Blurton said. “I just tried to get it slowed down as fast as I could and kinda go towards the bottom.” Apparently, what happened according to the poster of the video was the town of Belleville experienced...

Jun
7
2011

Casey Riggs Scores His 1st Sprint Car Win Ever at Tri-State Speedway

Casey Riggs Celebrates His First Sprint Car Feature Win (Photo Source: Midwest Sprint Car Series The Midwest Sprint Car Series always puts on a good show for the fans and that was certainly the case at Tri-State Speedway over the weekend.  Some of the best non-wing sprint car drivers in the Midwest lined up for the 25-lap feature event with Seth Parker leading them to the green flag.  Parker would look strong early as he led the first 15 laps of the event while the contenders sorted themselves out behind him.  Parker was dealing with some heavy lap traffic when he had problems and nearly spun out in turn two and then more problems in turn four as the car got way sideways on him.  This opened the door for Casey Riggs to grab the lead from Parker who would fade to a fourth place finish.  Riggs would hold off runner-up Brady Short and third place Critter Malone to claim the $3,000 payday. The win for the 22-year-old Riggs...

Jun
8
2011

Video: Mod-Lite Flips 8 Times In Violent Crash At Brewerton Speedway

There’s a reason why Brewerton Speedway in Brewerton, New York has been nicknamed “the D-Shaped Dirt Demon”. The track always produces great racing for the fans, and because of this it is a favorite of fans in the North East. For Mod-Lite driver Josh Prentice, his opinion of the D-Shaped Dirt Demon might have changed a little bit. During the 2nd heat race for the Mod-Lite Division, Prentice was coming to the green flag starting 2nd row outside. Unfortunately, he would become victim to a “racing deal” and flip his mod lite 8 times before it was all over. When Prentice was taking the green, a driver behind him tried to make it three wide coming to the green and the hole closed before the driver could in Josh’s line of vision. Prentice didn’t even have time to step out of the gas before the car entered into the flips. You can hear the announcer say it best “……..Wow.” This is another...

Jun
8
2011

Neighbors Threaten Legal Action Against California’s Ocean Speedway

Ocean Speedway in Watsonville, California has been in operation since 1957. Since that time the speedway has given race fans a place to see great action and raised a great deal of money for local charities.  Recently the track on the grounds of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds has come under fire by a select group of neighbors. This group of about twenty people led by Mr. Max Kelley calls itself the Community Alliance for Fairgrounds Accountability and is seeking to silence racing and other events at the fairgrounds. Kelley’s home where he has lived for over a decade lies only a few hundred yards from the racetrack and he says that he will take legal action against the Speedway if they are unable to cut the noise levels down as he suggests environmental damage is taking place.   image credit: Ocean Speedway Photo Page We all know that a racetrack is loud but that is just part of the experience you get when you see a race. The only...

Jun
8
2011

KWS Tonight at PitStopUSA this Thursday evening

 

“King of the West Tonight” for this Thursday evening June 9 will feature the KWS crew going off-site to Pit Stop USA in Petaluma, California for a special edition previewing the upcoming 410 sprint car "Western Swing."

Guests for the show will include owner Ed Coughenour, as well as sprint car drivers Alissa Geving of Penngrove and Evan Suggs of Scotts Valley.

Geving is the reigning Golden State 410 Sprints Rookie of the Year and is a two-time Petaluma Speedway track champion. Suggs this season has had a strong start to the campaign and ranks second in the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series standings.

PitStopUSA.com is the "Official Online Motorsports Superstore" for the Golden State King of the West Sprints and is also sponsoring the nightly hard charger award for the series in 2011.

To view the show log onto http://www.kwssprints.com/webcast at 7pm pst this Thursday night June 9.


Jun
9
2011

Bowyer Wins Seventh Annual Prelude to the Dream

The seventh annual Prelude to the Dream Wednesday night was one of the first events of the season at Eldora Speedway that went off without the threat of bad weather. A beautiful day with temperatures in the high nineties set the stage for drivers and fans as the Big E filled up to capacity with more than 20,000 people coming out to see some of NASCAR’s, NHRA’s and IndyCar’s best battle it out on the high banked half mile. When asked about the hype of the event and what it means to them, drivers had very similar things to say. Image Credit: Katie Boyer Photo “It’s just a great opportunity for all of us to get away from the big time of NASCAR and just get back to where we all came from,” said Carl Edwards. “Up until 2001, dirt is all I’d ever raced on. Winning this race before only makes me want to win it again even more.” Image Credit: Katie Boyer Photo “It’s awesome...

Jun
13
2011

Drake Makes History with Calistoga Speedway Victory

Opening their doors in 1937 Calistoga Speedway is a track full of history promoting open wheeled racing on the fairground’s horse track. This past Saturday night San Luis Obispo’s Steve Drake added his name to Calistoga Speedway’s history book winning the first ever Super Late Model feature event on the big scenic half-mile. The West Coast Shootout Late Model Series joined forces with the DIRTcar Western All-Star Series and All Pro Series to turn what was once talk of Late Models hitting the track into reality. Salinas’ Bobby Hogge IV and Torrance’s Mike Kirby led the field to the green flag for thirty laps of continuous action. Hogge jumped to the point with Kirby, Drake and Clay Daly filling in the top four. Corona’s Tommy Malcolm made a move past Nick Bartels to complete the top but wouldn’t hold the spot for long. Charging forward was Lompoc’s Mike Johnson moving past modified winner Richard Papenhausen...

Jun
13
2011

Landers Sets 14.922 Track Record for Dirt Late Model Dream at Eldora

Ninety-one cars made the trek from every corner of the country to head to the Midwest to run one of the most prestigious races in dirt track racing, the Dirt Late Model Dream. This year marks the seventeenth annual event at the Big E. Among those 91 drivers was the man with the most wins in the Dream, Scott Bloomquist, who is seeking his sixth win in the event. Last year’s main event winner Billy Moyer was also looking to secure the win and become a back-to-back Dream winner. Ohio native, Matt Miller, most recent winner at the speedway in the Johnny Appleseed Classic, has already turned some laps at the track this season, that he hopes will lead him to a victory in the esteemed race. Ten different drivers have won the main event and have added their names to the history books, so who will it be this year? Image Credit: Jim Boyer Photography If you ask the drivers in any series of late model racing what their biggest...

Jun
14
2011

Peter Murphy claims huge victory with KWS at Tribute to GP/ Bradway Memorial

Photo's courtesy Steven Cox of http://www.sprintcarphotos.com By Gary Thomas Chico, CA – June 12, 2011…Whenever you mix in 410 sprint cars, a tight quarter-mile bullring and tons of money on the line it will make things interesting and on Friday night at the Silver Dollar Speedway that certainly came true. With the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series sanctioning the “Tribute to Gary Patterson/ Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial” the action continued to be intense for the tour and in the end it was the "Awesome Aussi" Peter Murphy bringing home the checkered flag for victory. “This is just so amazing I don’t know what to say and I’m almost tearing up a bit,” said an emotional Murphy in victory lane. “I’ve never had a bigger win in my career and to come out on top with the King of the West Series is a great feeling.” A very strong field of 38-sprint cars...

Jun
15
2011

Jonathan Allard wins 2nd KWS main event of 2011 on Saturday

By Gary Thomas Medford, OR – June 13, 2011…Despite various tough finishes recently Chico, California's Jonathan Allard put that all behind him on Saturday night at the Southern Oregon Speedway and scored his second Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series victory of the season in front of an overflowing crowd of 4,000 people. Allard was able to make a beautiful move to get under San Jose's Tim Kaeding with just eight-laps left in the race and tally his first ever Southern Oregon Speedway 410 sprint car win. It was a nice rebound for Allard, who had led the first 19-laps in the feature the night before at Silver Dollar Speedway, until contact took him out of the top-spot. "Lately we haven't been having the greatest luck so to come out here tonight and win in Medford is pretty special," said Allard in victory lane. "I have to really thank my car owners Morrie & Katie Williams and this whole team for sticking with me. We...

Jun
20
2011

USMTS Driver Zack Vanderbeek “Goes Pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness

(Photo Source: Zack VanderBeek Racing ) During the USMTS Summer Speedweeks fans may be surprised by the new paint scheme on Zack Vanderbeek’s Casey’s General Store Skyrocket Chassis #33Z modified.  For the entire Speedweeks tour Vanderbeek has went pink in support of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure to help fight and find a cure for breast cancer.  The pink and black “Tour for a Cure ” modified made its debut at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota on June 7th and will make its last appearance on the track at North Central Speedway in Brainerd, Minnesota on June 25th for the finale of Summer Speedweeks.  Over the last several years Chris Brown from Minneapolis has led the special-edition car effort for the USMTS.  Mark Noble pinked his car out for Susan G. Komen in 2009 and then in 2010 Vanderbeek put on a special scheme for the Victory Junction children’s camp.  Now, in 2011 Vanderbeek...

Jun
21
2011

King of the West 410 drivers Jonathan Allard and Tim Kaeding finish one-two at the 40th annual Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup

By Gary Thomas Alger, Washington – June 20, 2011…The Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series would like to give congratulations to Chico’s Jonathan Allard and San Jose’s Tim Kaeding for finishing first and second at the 40th annual Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup this past weekend. The prestigious event at the Skagit Speedway paid $40,000-to-win and saw Allard lead all 40-laps on Saturday night, holding off Oklahoma's Shane Stewart and then a late-race challenge from KWS point leader T. Kaeding. The two-time Golden State 410 champion never faltered and crossed the checkered flag to score his third career Dirt Cup victory aboard the Morrie & Katie Williams No. 0 sprint car. Allard came into the night second in points and took full advantage of his front row starting spot to claim the huge payday. "It's unbelievable to win another Dirt Cup,” said Allard. “I want to thank my car owners Katie and Morrie...

Jun
23
2011

Iron Man Challenge Racing With USMTS Mods Thursday and Friday

The USRA Karl Chevrolet Stock Cars and USRA Karl Performance Parts B-Mods roll toward the weekend with two scheduled events where the USMTS Modified Touring Series join the program. On Thursday, June 23, USRA Stock Cars and B-Mods join the USMTS Modified road warriors at Park Jefferson Speedway in Jefferson, South Dakota. The following night, June 24, they follow up with another night of combined USRA and USMTS events on the same card at Rapid Speedway in Rock Rapids, Iowa. These tracks are both first time stops for the Iron Man Challenge as the tough-as-nails tour begins it’s summer grind for the Iron Man Challenge Title. Gates open at 5 p.m., hot laps start at 7 and races begin at 7:30 both days. The Park Jefferson Speedway is a 4/10-mile semi-banked clay oval located just north of Sioux City off of I-29 at exit 4, then 2 blocks east to SR 105, then 1.8 miles north. For more information, call 515-832-7944....

Jun
24
2011

The Top Ten Tips For Buying A Used Dirt Car

1. Pick a Class Where are you going to race? What are the popular tracks in your area? What classes do they run? Before you can buy a used race car, you need to put some serious thought into what you are looking for and what you will do with it once you make a purchase. It sounds trivial, but there are plenty of racers that buy a car only to find out that the class is being phased out or that it was actually raced at a track several hundred miles away and that the owner just moved into the area. image credit: Steven Gibson When picking a class, consider your skill level. If you’ve never raced before, a Super Late Model or a 410 Sprint Car probably aren’t the cars you should pick to get your feet wet in. Don’t pick a class based on the class or event’s purse. Dirt racing has not been known to be a highly profitable venture at any level. Never assume that a division will be “easy”...

Jun
24
2011

SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series “Children’s Hunger Fund 125” at

SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series “Children’s Hunger Fund 125”   Madera Speedway   Saturday, June 25th, 2011   This Saturday’s SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series “Children’s Hunger Fund 125” at Madera Speedway is the half-way point of the ten-race SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series 2011 championship season.  Saturday’s race line up at Madera Speedway will also feature a Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, and Stunt Show, the SRL Legends Tour, Late Models, and more.   SRL NOTES OF INTEREST FOR MADERA SPEEDWAY :   CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE:  Just 100 points separate the top five drivers in the current 2011 SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series championship standings; Jacob Gomes (676), M.K. Kanke (670), Jim Pettit (632), Ross Strmiska (616) and Eric Holmes...

Jun
27
2011

Ocean Speedway Friday July 1 and Saturday July 2 “Howard Kaeding Classic”

What: The Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series will get set for a big double-header weekend coming up on July 1 and 2 at the Ocean Speedway in Watsonville. The event will be billed as the “Howard Kaeding Classic” paying honor to the legendary racer from the San Jose area. “HK” was a multiple-time California state super-modified champion, a four-time Johnny Key Classic winner and once captured 17-straight races at the San Jose Speedway. The driver known as the “Campbell Comet” claimed over 300 main event victories in his career. When: On Friday July 1 the front grandstand gate will open at 4:30pm with racing scheduled to start around 6. On Saturday July 2 there will be an earlier start with the front grandstand gate opening at 3:30pm, wheel packing at 4, qualifying around 4:45 and racing to follow. Where: The Ocean Speedway is located on the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, two miles east of...

Jun
27
2011

Patton takes POWRi Micros victory at SIR, ready to race for $10,000 in 66 Mike Phillips Memorial grand finale

Patton takes POWRi Micros victory at SIR, ready to race for $10,000 in 66 Mike Phillips Memorial grand finale MARION, Ill. (June 24, 2011)—Jacob Patton drove to the third POWRi Speedway Motors 600cc Outlaw Micro Series feature victory of his career Friday in the opening round of the 66 Mike Phillips Memorial at Southern Illinois Raceway. “It’s definitely the biggest win of my career. I’m still shaking if that’s any indication,” Patton said 20 minutes after the race. “Words can’t describe it. Excited just doesn’t do it.” Patton’s victory, his first in POWRi this season, secured a top-six starting position for Saturday’s Phillips Memorial grand finale, a 40-lap race that will pay $10,000 to the winner. It’s the largest winner’s share in a Micro Sprint race in the United States this year. “It takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders not to have to run the heats and...

Jun
27
2011

Bell Takes Home $10,000 For POWRi Speedway Motors 600cc Micro Win

The richest POWRi Speedway Motors 600cc Outlaw Micro Sprint race of the year was held at Southern Illinois Raceway in Marion over the weekend and saw 113 drivers show up for a chance at the $10,000 payday.  The drivers were thinned down to 24 of the best micro sprint drivers in the country for the A-Main which payed $500 just to start.  The 40 lap feature saw Trent Beckinger of Evansville, Indiana jump out to an early lead from his front row starting spot and lead the first 30 laps.  Christopher Bell was charging hard from his sixth place starting spot as he was in third by the end of the first lap and moved around Ryan Guyett for second on lap 15. Christopher Bell #21 Battles Trent Beckinger #75 For The Win (Photo Source: POWRi Racing ) Bell set his sights on Beckinger and  got to him on lap 28 where the two drivers would swap the spot back and forth several times over the next three laps with Bell finally taking the spot for good on lap...

Jun
28
2011

Thorn sets new track record at Madera and then wins

Bakersfield, CA – Derek Thorn set a new track record in qualifying at Madera Speedway on Saturday night, and then lined up sixth on the grid to win the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series “Children’s Hunger Fund 125”.  It was Thorn’s second SRL win of 2011.   When inside front row starter Joe Farre’ spun his tires at the drop of the green, it was Eric Holmes who jumped to the lead.  Holmes, who competed at Infineon Raceway earlier in the day, made it to Madera Speedway just in time to qualify the Moeller Bros. Chevrolet in fifth position.   The first caution of the race came at the end of lap 1, when Farre’ slipped up in turn 3, and the field took evasive action to miss the Sigma Engineering #54, resulting in the second fastest qualifier on the day, Jared Vorse spinning and having to restart at the rear.   On lap 12, Thorn displaced Ross Strmiska for second, the top five was now Holmes, Thorn,...

Jul
5
2011

Evan Suggs scores 1st career KWS 410 Series win at HK Classic

By Gary Thomas Watsonville, CA – July 2, 2011…At the end of last year one of the hottest drivers on tour with the Golden State 410 Series was Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs, which has carried over into this season with the Golden State King of the West Sprints. Despite running up front all year long and ranking 2 nd in the series standings going into the weekend however, Suggs had been unable to find victory lane. That all changed on Saturday night though when the 24-year-old put on a thrilling display to pass both Tim Kaeding and Tommy Tarlton over the final half of the race to become the inaugural winner of the “Howard Kaeding Classic.” The only thing keeping Suggs from a clean sweep for the night was the fact that he qualified second fastest, before winning his heat race, the dash and then the 30-lap feature. Suggs also became the seventh different winner in 11 KWS events so far this season and kept up the streak of...

Jul
6
2011

Track Conditions At Terre Haute Cause Big Crash And Postpone Event

Jeff Swindell coming out of turn two in qualifying with an impressive dust tail. The Terre Haute Action Track was scheduled to host USAC’s Traxxas Silver Crown Series on Sunday July the 3 rd for the First Financial Bank “Sumar Classic 100”.  At first it looked unlikely the track would be able to even start the race after heavy rains on Sunday morning, but the track crew worked hard and got the track prepped for practice and qualifying after a two hour delay. The back straight after lap one. Levi Jones and Bryan Clauson, each behind the wheel of a Tony Stewart racing silver crown entry led the field to the green flag.  After the field entered turn one Levi Jones led Clauson, with Shane Hollingsworth on the outside of Kyle Larson, after that, however, not even the racers know.  All the cars made it through one and two safely, though many were at no more than an idle. Then on the back stretch after the cloud of brown...

Jul
7
2011

Santa Maria Speedway Doug Fort Memorial preview

By Gary Thomas Santa Maria, CA – July 6, 2011…Following an entertaining double-header of racing over 4 th of July weekend the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series will continue its trek around California this Saturday July 9 with the third annual “Doug Fort Memorial” at the Santa Maria Speedway. The event will mark the 12 th round of action for KWS and including this weekend, eight races remain in the fight to see who will become the first “King of the West.” Doug Fort built the Santa Maria Speedway in 1964 and helped mold it into one of the top dirt tracks in the country as the owner/promoter until his passing in 1999. The one-third mile clay oval has been named "Best Short Track Operation West of the Mississippi" on two separate occasions and is nestled in a semi amphitheater of natural terrain, sheltered by dense eucalyptus trees at the top and to the back of the bleacher area. So far this season there...

Jul
11
2011

Jonathan Allard races to 3rd KWS victory of the season at Doug Fort Memorial

Photo by Paul Trevino of http://www.paultrevinoracingphotos.com By Gary Thomas Santa Maria, CA – July 9, 2011…After making a thrilling move to get around Elk Grove’s Bobby McMahan on lap-10 in the main event, former two-time Golden State 410 champion Jonathan Allard proceeded to put on a clinic and dominate the final 20-circuits to tally his third King of the West Sprint Car Series victory of the season. The triumph ties Allard with San Jose’s Tim Kaeding for the most wins this season in Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series competition. It was also Allard’s 27 th career Golden State 410 victory, putting him just one shy of tying fellow two-time champion Steve Kent on the all-time win list. “I really have to thank my guys for giving me such a great car tonight and it’s nice to finally get a win here in Santa Maria,” Allard commented....

Jul
11
2011

Tim Kaeding drives to victory in Taco Bravo vs. Civil War rumble at Ocean

By Bill Sullivan /Civil War Series Media Relations WATSONVILLE, CA (7-8-11) – The Hoosier Racing Tires Civil War Sprint Car Series launched two consecutive days of competition at two different tracks in two different coastal regions on Friday night. When the checkered flag waved at Ocean Speedway a new face was added to the 2010 Civil War Series list of victors as San Jose's Tim Kaeding charged to victory in the 30-lap feature that slated the Taco Bravo Sprint Car Series up against the Civil War Winged Warriors at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds.             A total of 36 cars formed the field Friday night, the first of two season visits at the quarter-mile dirt oval in Watsonville. Throughout the evening the Taco Bravo regulars that compete on a weekly basis at the popular track held the upper hand against the Civil War travelers....

Jul
12
2011

CRA Super Series to Join Local Divisions in Nashville's All-American 400 Weekend

(Salem, IN & Nashville, TN) - Champion Racing Association (CRA) and Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway officials announced today the CRA Super Series Late Models will be joining local divisions as part of the legendary All-American 400 Weekend in Nashville.  The Super Late Models of CRA will run a 200-lap feature on Sunday, October 30th. In addition to the CRA Super Late Models, local divisions will be included in the weekend's activities, ensuring that racers from the Nashville area and other parts of the country play a big part in one of short track racing's most signature events. Complete details about the event will be announced at a later date, but officials from the track and series wanted to make sure this initial news was released immediately.  Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway promoter Bobby Hamilton Jr. noted, "We wanted the teams and fans alike to be sure to get this date on their schedule as soon as possible and make plans to come to Nashville for great...

Jul
13
2011

Two top fives in two days advances Geving three spots in Civil War Series

By Bill Sullivan/ Sullivan Images Media   PETALUMA, CA (7-9-11 ) –  A skill that any professional athlete must posses if they are serious about their career is the ability to put a set back behind them and do whatever it takes to get back into the game. Penngrove's Alissa Geving clearly illustrated she possess such abilities this weekend as she rallied back to championship form in the Hoosier Racing Tires California Sprint Car Civil War Race Series.             Behind the wheel of her Chicko Motorsports #3x ART sprint car that carries the title sponsorship of Tillett Tool, A1A Performance Muffler and Pit Stop USA, Geving drove her way to two top five finishes in as many days at two different race tracks. The stellar performances launched Geving back into the top five of the series point standings in one weekend alone after slipping back to the seventh position following a tough...

Jul
13
2011

Blake Koch brings hot Rookie of the Year race to the New Hampshire "Magic Mile"

By Bill Sullivan for Blake Koch Inc./Daystar Racing Media   LOUDON, NH (7-16-11) –  Since the beginning of the season Blake Koch has had his sights set on the 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Rookie of the Year title. Now, the 25-year-old Florida native is turning heads in the NASCAR Community as he has closed the battle for the title to single digits in the point standings. This Saturday, Koch could very well pull another rabbit out of his hat in the form of a top rookie performance aboard the Daystar Television Network  #81 Dodge as he competes on  "The Magic Mile" at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway.               "It's been an up and down season for us for sure," said Koch. "I'd really like to make a few strong runs in a row for Daystar and all of the guys at the shop that work so hard on this team. This weekend we're in a good position to do that."  ...

Jul
15
2011

Despite late race collision Self and the GGRT enter top three of NASCAR West standings at Evergreen

MONROE, WA   (7-17-11)  Despite a late race collision that cost them a handful of positions, Utah's Michael Self and the Richard Childress Racing Driver Development supported Golden Gate Racing Team still managed to classify their return to Evergreen Speedway a success in round eight of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West last weekend. After salvaging an 11 th place finish in the Evergreen 200, the popular San Francisco based team has emerged into the top three of the series point standings.                 "We were on our way to a top three finish in this one and some bad luck took it away late in the race," said Jim Offenbach , owner of the Golden Gate Racing Team. "In the end we still moved ahead in the point standings. I'm proud of this whole team; they have had their share of tough luck this season and have fought their way back into the hunt."...

Jul
19
2011

Indy Car driver Tomas Scheckter slings some dirt at KWS test facility

Photo by KWS Production Unit Tomas Scheckter gets first-hand feel of sprint car racing at KWS test facility on Sunday By Gary Thomas Rio Vista, CA – July 18, 2011…Many young short track drivers dream about competing at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where speeds can reach upwards of 225 mph and has a history as rich as any in all of motorsports. For Indy Car veteran Tomas Scheckter however, he had been looking to go in a slightly different direction. The driver who finished eighth at this year’s Indy 500 had been wanting to get into a 900hp fire-breathing 410 Sprint Car and on Sunday that became a reality for the South African. After watching the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series event at the Antioch Speedway on Saturday night, Scheckter suited up on Sunday and got his first laps in a Winged 410 Sprint Car, which took place at the KWS test facility in Rio Vista, California. Sitting behind the wheel of...

Jul
19
2011

TK passes BK to score 4th King of the West victory of the season and Video

By Gary Thomas Antioch, CA – July 16, 2011…Whenever you have Tim and Brent Kaeding fighting for the lead of a race it almost guarantees to make for an incredible show. That was evident once again on Saturday night at the Antioch Speedway, as the younger Kaeding got the best of the battle to claim his fourth Golden State King of the West victory of the year. “TK” stalked the Al’s Roofing Supply No. 69 sprint car for a number of laps while riding the high scary side, before scooping up the lead on lap 12 en route to his 52nd career Golden State 410 triumph, in front of a packed and very vocal house at the Antioch Speedway. “I’m really excited to finally get another win with the King of the West, because it seems like it’s been a while,” said a pumped up T. Kaeding, whose last KWS win came in Calistoga over Memorial Day weekend. “We were only running on seven cylinders there at the end and I think...

Jul
27
2011

GOMES ON ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH AFTER THIRD WIN OF THE SEASON

Bakersfield, CA – Manteca’s Jacob Gomes reclaimed the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series championship lead with his win Saturday night in the “Century Boatland 115” in front of a capacity crowd at Rocky Mountain Raceways just outside of Salt Lake City, Utah.    Gomes, started outside of the front row, after fast qualifier Derek Thorn drew a seven-car invert, but that did not mean it was an easy drive to victory for last year’s SRL Rookie-of-the-Year.   After the 2010 SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series champion Jonathon Gomez gave the command of “Gentlemen Start Your Engines” and John Gomez dropped the green flag to start the 115 lap race, Brennan Newberry jumped to the early lead from the pole position, followed closely by Gomes, Joe Farre’, David Ross and Ross Strmiska.   By the time the field began to sort itself out on lap 10 on the high banked 3/8 mile, Newberry still led with Farre’...

Jul
27
2011

Golobic scores victory in Petaluma Civil War; Forsberg maintains point lead

PETALUMA, CA (7-23-11) - Fremont's Shane Golobic grabbed the lead from Steven Tiner of Elverta with just three laps remaining, in a race that began with a series of crashes before developing into a thrilling high-speed charge to the finish, and held on for the victory in last Saturday's 30-lap California Sprint Car Civil War Series feature at Petaluma Speedway. Golobic's $2000 victory marked the third and final appearance of the season for the premier traveling sprint car series and the second straight year the talented 19-year-old has prevailed against some of the best sprint car drivers in Northern California. Twenty-nine Civil War Series drivers competed for the 22 spots in the feature, with Tiner, second-ranked in the point standings, earning a front row start next to eighth-ranked Herman Klein of Sacramento. Golobic started third and five-time series champion and current points leader Andy Forsberg, of Auburn, who was gunning for his third straight series win at...

Aug
8
2011

Patton takes 2nd POWRi 600cc Micros victory of season at Washington Town and Country Fair

WASHINGTON, Mo. (Aug. 6, 2011)—Jacob Patton drove from eighth starting position into the lead halfway through the feature Saturday and went on to take a runaway victory in the POWRi Speedway Motors 600cc Outlaw Micros Series at the Washington Town and Country Fair Motor Sports Arena.   Patton’s win was his second of the season and fourth of his POWRi career. The 20-year-old from Bethalto, Ill., gained ground in two bursts, eighth to third on the opening lap and third to first on a restart on lap 13 of 30 on the 1/5-mile track.   “I started on the outside (of the fourth row) and everybody went inside,” Patton said. “I never lifted in the first two corners and I went sailing around.”   Leader Paul Nienhiser and Dereck King were in front of Patton for the decisive restart. Nienhiser missed a shift and forced King to slow. Patton’s Suzuki-powered Brodrix darted inside and streaked past both into the...

Aug
8
2011

“TK Express” continues to roll on with weekend sweep of Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series events at Ocean Speedway and Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway

By Gary Thomas Hanford, CA – August 6, 2011…Drivers and teams always strive to get stronger as the season goes on and that has certainly been the case for San Jose’s Tim Kaeding, after completing a two-night sweep to make it three consecutive wins with the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series. The victories at Ocean Speedway and Giant Chevrolet Kings Speedway this past weekend marked Kaeding’s 53 rd and 54 th career Golden State 410 wins and rolled his total up to a KWS leading six in 2011 aboard the Roth Motorsports, HR Cattle No. 83 Maxim. “I really have to thank Dennis & Teresa Roth and my whole team for giving me such a great car as always,” commented Kaeding. “We are doing what we need to build some momentum with Knoxville coming up next week and we are definitely looking forward to getting back there. I also want to thank all you fans for coming out and supporting 410 sprint car racing because we really...

Aug
8
2011

Forsberg earns second Calistoga Cup victory and first for F&F Racing

CALISTOGA, CA (8-6-11) - To win a race at Calistoga Speedway is an honor for any driver, in fact it is something that most California sprint car drivers dream of one day accomplishing in their career. Some do, some don't and then there are others who have the golden opportunity to do it more than once in their lifetime. Saturday night, Auburn's Andy Forsberg joined the elite list of repeat winners at Calistoga Speedway as he scored his second Calistoga Cup victory of his racing career. This win was by far more meaningful then the first victory was as Forsberg took his F&F Racing team owned by Steve Tuscola and Alan Bradway to their first ever Calistoga win. Calistoga Speedway was always a favorite track to the late Dave Bradway Jr. during his short career and bringing the Bradway family back to victory lane at the famed half mile dirt track definitely will be long remembered by many. "This is really a special place and this is a very special night for everyone,"...

Aug
9
2011

HELBERG WINS AT SALEM

SALEM, Ind. – JoJo Helberg scored an emotional and exciting breakthrough win at Salem Speedway on Saturday night, surviving a late-race challenge to capture the 52nd annual Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial. The event was the first career Xtreme Sprint Series (XSS) victory for the 21-year-old driver. Helberg, hailing from Santa Rosa, Calif., roared from the fifth starting position to chase down race leader Mike Larrison in the early stages of the 30-lap feature, taking the lead when he caught Larrison in dense traffic. Helberg began to pull away from the field when Larrison cut a tire and spun on lap 13, triggering a multi-car melee that left Jimmy McCune parked on his side. McCune was okay but unable to rejoin the field.   Brian Gerster, seeking to score his third consecutive XSS victory, began closing on Helberg in the waning laps. The race was interrupted by a caution with less than 10 laps remaining for Jerry Caryer’s stalled machine, and on...

Aug
10
2011

NASCAR Approves New Sport II HANS Device

For Immediate Release Atlanta, Ga. (Aug. 10, 2011) – The Sport II HANS Device has been approved for use in competition by NASCAR. The Sport II is the latest safety innovation from HANS Performance Products, inventors of the head and neck restraint. The new HANS Device provides the same protection enjoyed by champions in major series around the world at a reasonable price. Featuring a lower rounded collar, the Sport II’s new design makes fitting easier for drivers. The lightest device in the Sport Series, the Sport II delivers industry-leading performance. It has  also been approved for competition under the criteria established by SFI and the FIA. “We take pride in our innovative efforts to make the HANS Device not only cost-effective but user friendly for all racers without sacrificing our award-winning performance,” said Gary Milgrom, vice president of HANS Performance Products. "We receive testimonials on a weekly basis about the...

Aug
18
2011

Season review, Knoxville Nationals recap & Gold Cup preview on KWS Tonight

With the Golden State King of the West Sprints having some time off “KWS Tonight” returns this Thursday at 7pm with an update & review of the season, as well as a recap of the Knoxville Nationals and a preview of the 58 th Gold Cup Race of Champions at the Silver Dollar Speedway. Gary Thomas and George Hague will discuss how the KWS season has gone from the series operations standpoint, where the tour is at during its inaugural year and the challenges of trying to put on “shows” rather than standard racing events. We will also give an update on the year-end awards banquet and talk about the many lucrative prizes that KWS full-time drivers will have a chance at winning, or have already won this season. A full rundown of the week at the 51 st annual Goodyear Knoxville Nationals will also be given, with Thomas sharing his experiences during the week of racing that also included the Challenges at Oskaloosa. Finally, we will preview the last...

Aug
18
2011

Knepper holds 80-point lead in POWRi Midgeets heading into Macon Aug. 17

Nick Knepper holds 80-point lead in POWRi Midgets heading into Dana Godfrey Memorial at Macon Aug. 19   POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series leader Nick Knepper holds an 80-point lead over Brad Loyet going into the eighth annual Dana Godfrey Memorial on Friday (Aug. 19) at Macon (Ill.) Speedway.   POWRi’s Speedway Motors 600cc Outlaw Micro Series also race on Friday at Macon and both series are at Lincoln (Ill.) Speedway on Saturday (Aug. 20). Trent Beckinger has a 520-point lead over Andrew Felker for the championship in the Micros.   Macon and Lincoln are the start of the stretch run for POWRi, which has six events scheduled to run in the Midgets and Micros. Knepper, a 24-year-old from Belleville, Ill., has led the points the entire season. He has 11 top-fives in 17 events including a hometown win at Belle-Clair Speedway in Belleville on July 1. Knepper was third in the previous POWRi Midget race this season at Macon on July...

Aug
18
2011

The Scott Performance Wire Five Race Challenge Continues at Dixie Motor Speedway Friday

Salem, IN (August 16, 2011) – The third event with the Scott Performance Wire Five Race Challenge for the CRA Super Series will take place this Friday with the Dixie by Draper 125 at Dixie Motor Speedway in Birch Run, Michigan. That event will be the first ever CRA Super Series event held at Dixie Motor Speedway. The Scott Performance Wire Five Race Challenge is a performance award program based upon five selected CRA Super Series point’s events during the 2011 season.   Kenny Tweedy, the 1997 CRA Super Series Champion, comes into Friday’s event as the leader in the Scott Performance Wire Five Race Challenge points after two events with 186 points earned in those two events. Tweedy got a fourth place finish in the first race of the Scott Performance Wire Five Race Challenge at Columbus Motor Speedway on May 30 th . Tweedy followed that up with an eighth place finish at the second event in the Scott Performance Wire Five Race Challenge at...

Aug
22
2011

HELBERG SCORES ANDERSON XTREME SPRINT SERIES VICTORY

SALEM, Ind. – JoJo Helberg scored his second consecutive win in Xtreme Sprint Series competition on Saturday night, capturing the “MustSeeRacing 60” at Anderson Speedway. The victory allowed Helberg to retain his place atop the series point standings.  Jimmy McCune led in the opening laps from the pole position, trailed by Ryan Litt and Aaron Pierce. As the leaders caught lapped traffic on lap 10 Pierce suddenly slowed when a power steering hose failed, eliminating him from competition. Helberg took advantage of Pierce’s misfortune to move into third.  On lap 24 Helberg slipped past Litt to take second, and six laps later McCune suddenly slowed when his car lost oil pressure. That left Helberg out front, and the caution waved one lap later for Tom Tolbert’s spin in turn two.  Throughout the second half of the race Helberg managed to keep Litt at bay, although in the waning laps Litt found some additional speed and...

Aug
22
2011

Bryan Clauson wins POWRi Midgets, Trent Beckinger takes 2nd straight in Outlaw Micros at Lincoln

  LINCOLN, Ill. (Aug. 20, 2011)—Bryan Clauson led all 30 laps to win the feature in the POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series and Trent Beckinger led only the final lap for his second straight victory in the POWRi Speedway Motors 600cc Outlaw Micro Series on Saturday night at Lincoln Speedway.   It was the second triumph in five starts this season in POWRi events for Clauson, the National Midget Driver of the Year the past two years. The 22-year-old from Noblesville, Ind., was driving for the first time on Lincoln’s ¼-mile track.   “We had the advantage of starting on the pole,” Clauson said. “Jerry (Coons Jr.) made some runs at me and I moved my line and went up top. The top seemed like the place to be. It seems like lately just getting to the last laps has been the biggest challenge for us. Luck runs in cycles and we’ve had our share of bad luck lately, but tonight we ran 30.”  ...

Aug
25
2011

PETTIT WINS WILD STOCKTON 99

Bakersfield, CA – Jim Pettit II picked up his first SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series win of 2011, Saturday night at Stockton 99 Speedway.  Pettit, the winningest driver in SRL history, took over the lead on lap 107 and held off a late race challenge by Keith Spangler to win the “Jackson Rancheria 135”.   “We didn’t have the fastest car tonight, but that’s not always the case to get the win,” stated Pettit from the Stockton 99 winner’s circle.  “It’s an emotional win for us tonight, as it’s the first win since my Mom’s passing, so this will be a win we will cherish forever. We struggled all weekend but we weren’t as fast as we wanted to be. We didn’t have the best racecar, but we won the race, for which I am very thankful. But we won it because of certain situations that occurred on the track.”   “For the first time in my racing career, the officials...

Sep
1
2011

CRA to Take on the High Banks of Winchester Speedway in the Labor Day Weekend World Stock Car Festival

Salem, IN (August 31, 2011) – Champion Racing Association will be taking on the famous High Banks of historic Winchester Speedway this weekend with the  famous Labor Day Weekend World Stock Car Festival, one of the biggest stock car events held each year in Central Indiana. The weekend will feature exciting racing action from the CRA Super Series, USA Modifieds, Sullivan RV CRA Late Model Sportsman, EDCO Welding CRA Street Stocks and the Vore’s Welding & Steel CRA FWD Compacts. Camping will be available all weekend and there will also be the annual Sunday night party in the pavilion featuring live music.   The CRA Super Series has had 31 events to date at Winchester Speedway. Scott Hantz, a three time winner at Winchester and current series point’s leader, is currently tied with Bull Baker and Brian Ross with the most series victories at Winchester with three apiece, he heads the list of entries for Monday’s Winchester 100. Other...

Sep
7
2011

Jacob Patton confident of contending in POWRi 600cc Outlaw Micros at Wayne County, Coles County Friday and Saturday

Patton has been a serious threat in the past five POWRi Micro features. He won at Washington, Mo., on Aug. 6, was passed for the lead on the final lap by Joe B. Miller at Belleville, Ill., on Aug. 10 and finished second to Andrew Felker at Macon on July 23. Patton led the opening 19 laps and had a 10-car length lead on the 20 th and final lap at Lincoln, Ill., in the most recent event on Aug. 20 when a mechanical failure stopped him and he finished 15 th . Patton was running second on the previous night at Macon when the same problem, a broken chain, took him out and he finished 22 nd .   “We had an awesome car,” Patton said at Lincoln. “Our master link on the chain broke for the second night in a row. We’ll find a new supplier and get that part fixed. We’ve found the setup and with the way our car is handling, we’ll be in victory circle a couple of more times this season. We’ve got things rolling.”  ...

Sep
15
2011

Northern California 410 drivers show well with World of Outlaws

By Gary Thomas September 12, 20ll...With the World of Outlaws invading the Golden State for three nights of racing this past week, Northern California 410 sprint car drivers were up to the challenge and put together a great showing during each event of the swing. Golden State King of the West Series point leader Tim Kaeding & 2010 Golden State 410 champion Kyle Larson had impressive efforts to finish on the podium Monday night in Antioch with 20-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser. Larson tallied the KSE hard charger award by carving his way from 14th to 2nd in the main event on Monday. It was the second race in row that the 19-year-old reigning Golden State champ had a strong run with WOO, after claiming the Gold Cup this past Saturday in Chico. The Elk Grove native led all 40-laps at Silver Dollar Speedway to pick up his biggest career victory at the quarter-mile bullring, while driving the Stadelhofer Construction No. 99 mount. We’d like to...

Sep
29
2011

Koch to resume heated Rookie title run with 30th career start in Dover

By Bill Sullivan, Blake Koch Inc. Media DOVER, DE  – After a week off from competition, the battle resumes this Saturday afternoon in Dover Delaware as Blake Koch returns to the track aboard the Daystar Television Network #81 Dodge to continue his quest for the coveted 2011 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year title. Saturday’s One Main Financial 200 at Dover International Speedway will mark the 30 th career start for Koch in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.               “I did enjoy having a week off and spending time with my wife Shannon but now I am ready to get back in the Daystar #81,” said Koch. “In our earlier race at Dover the car was really fast going into the race and I don’t see any reason why we won’t be quick again. The key will be staying out of trouble earlier in the race. That last race here was my first DNF in the Nationwide...

Oct
3
2011

Brian Gerster captured the inaugural TruFuel Xtreme Speed Classic Saturday evening at Bristol Motor Speedway

Gerster earlier in the day set a new track record when he posted a lap of 12.742 seconds. The new Bristol track record is also a new World's record for a half-mile speedway. The new mark breaks the existing mark of 13.245 seconds previously established by Jason Blonde in March during the " Speed Trials " promotion. Eight drivers were under the new record during time trials. The average speed was 150.585 mph and was worth an additional $1,000 for Gerster.   A blind draw was held for the top eight qualifiers and Gerster drew the pole position. The win was anything but a cake walk as Gerster was challenged several times early in the race by first Todd Fayard and then Travis Miniea.   Gerster got the jump and lead the first two circuits before Fayard dove low going down the main straightaway in an attempt to get under Gerster. Fayard momentarily lost control and was forced to let off the gas to straighten the car up. Fayard then slipped to third...

Oct
6
2011

Spaghetti feed to be held for breast cancer awareness at Cotton Classic

By Gary Thomas Hanford, CA – October 3, 2011….The 2011 season for the Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series will conclude in a big way on Saturday October 15 at the Cotton Classic in Hanford and will feature some special activities during the weekend.   The Cotton Classic will mark the 16 th and final event of the year for the Golden State King of the West Series and wraps up the inaugural season under the leadership of Rio Vista resident Dan Simpson. The weekend will kick off on Thursday night October 13 with the Downtown Hanford Farmers Market from 6pm to 9pm. Live bands and fun will be had by all so stop on by the Farmers Market and enjoy the festivities. On Friday night October 14 the “Race for the Cure” will then be held at the Plaza Park Raceway in Visalia with adult tickets $8, students $3 and kids six and under free. On Saturday afternoon a spaghetti feed will be offered in the patio area of the grandstands at Giant...

Oct
13
2011

Tim Kaeding looks to wrap up first California title for Roth Motorsports this Saturday at King of the West "Cotton Classic" in Hanford

By Gary Thomas Hanford, CA – October 12, 2011…For as many years that Fresno, California’s Dennis Roth has owned a 410 Winged Sprint Car, he had never had the opportunity to win a title in his home state of California. Coming into this season though he made the commitment to keep a car in the Golden State full-time and this Saturday night in Hanford, his driver Tim Kaeding looks to be crowned as the very first King of the West Series champion. “We’ve had a great season overall and I’m really excited that it appears I’ll get the title for Dennis and Teresa Roth this weekend,” said Kaeding. “They’ve given me a great chance the last few years and coming into the season our number one goal was to get the King of the West championship.” Kaeding has certainly done everything he can to reach that goal, winning a total of six races thus far and has finished among the top-five in all but one event aboard the HR...

Oct
17
2011

Jon Allard wins race/ TK claims KWS title at Cotton Classic

By Gary Thomas Hanford, CA – October 15, 2011…Two of the very best sprint car drivers on the west coast celebrated on the front stretch Saturday night in Hanford, as Chico’s Jonathan Allard brought home his fourth King of the West 410 victory of the year and San Jose’s Tim Kaeding became the inaugural KWS champion. “It’s just a great feeling to bring home the first California title for Dennis and Teresa Roth,” said Kaeding after the race. “This was a great year with the King of the West Series and I owe it all to my guys. Todd, Bonzai and our whole crew busted their tails every week and gave me a great car at every race.” The 2002 Golden State 410 champion ended the year with a King of the West Series-high six victories aboard the HR Cattle, Roth Motorsports No. 83 Maxim. He also led the tour in top-five finishes, having only finished outside of the top-five on two occasions, showing the type of consistency needed to...

Oct
20
2011

20-grand awaits Trophy Cup winner this weekend

By Gary Thomas Tulare, CA – October 18, 2011…For many fans in California the one race they look forward to more than any other each season is the annual Trophy Cup and this weekend the Groppetti Automotive Thunderbowl Raceway will play host to the 18th edition of the famed Winged Sprint Car event. A talented 80-car field is set to do battle at the Tulare County Fairgrounds facility, racing for an overall payout that will be nearly $90,000 for the two-nights of competition. The high-point driver for the event will take home a guaranteed $20,000. With its unique format the Trophy Cup regularly produces some of the best racing seen all season. Each time a driver hits the raceway for competitive racing action there are points awarded, with it all being a lead-up to the 50-lap feature on Saturday night that is completely inverted based on points accumulated up to that part of the event. Fresh off his big victory last Saturday at the Cotton Classic, defending Trophy Cup...

Oct
20
2011

Jurkovic Comes Back from Two Laps Down

Winchester, IN (October 18, 2011) –  A tire problem put Boris Jurkovic two laps down in the 40 th Annual Winchester 400 at Winchester Speedway Sunday afternoon,  undeterred his crew kept him cool, and after he spun he came in changed his tire and with a couple of Lucky Dogs found himself back on the lead lap and in contention.    With only five laps to go, Jurkovic was in third behind both Chase Elliott, the defending Winchester 400 winner and Derrick Griffin.  When a late spin brought out a caution and bunched up the field, Elliott went in for tires.  On the restart Jurkovic took the lead with Elliott moving from fifth (last car on the lead lap) to third.  As Jurkovic came down the back stretch into the third turn looking for the white flag a spin in the second turn brought out the final caution.    Griffin went in for his final set of tires, coming back onto the track, Griffin charged back to the front on the...

Oct
20
2011

Sunoco Driven Challenge Offers Unique Nationwide Competition For Drivers

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (October 14, 2011) - The SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series announces its partnership with Sunoco and Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2012 Sunoco Driven Challenge.   Sunoco and Joe Gibbs Racing have partnered to develop the Sunoco Driven Challenge where drivers across the country have a chance to compete for a unique opportunity to test with one of NASCAR’s top teams.    “We are really proud that Sunoco and Joe Gibbs Racing recognized the high level of talent we have in the SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Series, and one of our drivers will have a shot at a great opportunity to further their career through this new program,” stated the SRL’s Larry Collins.  “The Sunoco Driven Challenge brings together the five top short track series in the nation to compete in a national point structure.  It will be interesting to see how the points play out during the race season, and hopefully we’ll have one of our...

Oct
27
2011

Kenzie Ruston Has Sights Set On 2012 CRA SUPER SERIES Championship

There wasn’t much that 20-year-old Kenzie Ruston didn’t accomplish in her 2011 racing campaign except a series championship and that’s what she is set out to do in 2012.  Ruston and her No.39 team have fully committed to running the entire 2012 Champion Racing Association (CRA) Super Series tour in hopes of being crowned champion at the end of the season. In 2011 the El Reno, Oklahoma native has competed in over 20 events between Super Model races and Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) races.  Ruston captured her first victory during the October 2 nd event at Lucas Oil Raceway (IN) which etched her name in the history books by becoming the first female to ever become fast qualifier for a CRA Super Series event along with the first to win a feature event. Ruston who races out of her Mooresville, NC shop focused more on gaining valuable experience this year instead of racing for a championship which many believe has made her a better...

Oct
31
2011

Evan Suggs climbs the standings to earn 2nd in KWS points

By Gary Thomas Scotts Valley, CA – October 27, 2011…Continuing to climb the ladder in Northern California 410 sprint car racing, Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs experienced a career best season in 2011, highlighted by his very first King of the West victory and a second place result in the series standings. In fact since 2008 Suggs has improved one position in the Golden State 410 points each year, with a fifth place effort seen in ’08, followed by a fourth in ’09, third in ’10 and now second in ’11. Ultimately there’s just one more spot to move up next season, but for now he is celebrating the strong campaign put together this year. “We had a great season and to finish second in the points and get a win was a really cool accomplishment for our team,” said Suggs, who concluded his fifth year of competition in a winged sprint car. “It was a fun year with the King of the West Series and probably the toughest fields...

Nov
7
2011

King of the West 410 Series prepared to give out upwards of $300,000 at championship awards banquet in January

To put in perspective, last year’s total cash point fund with the Golden State 410 Series was $47,000 and the champion took home roughly the same as this seasons fourth place finisher will in the King of the West standings. A new twist this year with KWS was that to qualify for point money a driver/team must not have missed more than two races. At the end of the season 15 teams made the cut to earn a part in the largest cash point fund for sprint car racing on the West Coast. Those 15 teams are labeled as “members in good standing,” exemplifying their strong loyalty during the inaugural campaign of racing under the leadership of Rio Vista resident and racer Dan Simpson. King of the West 410 champion Tim Kaeding and Roth Motorsports will get the biggest chunk of the point fund, taking home $20,000 for their very strong year, which included a series-high six victories in 2011. The electrifying driver from San Jose dominated the point chase this year, due...

Nov
14
2011

Loudpedal Productions: 2011 Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway

Here is the lastest video from Loudpedal Productions of the 2011 Oval Nationals at Perris Auto Speedway

 

Loudpedal Productions is the official video of the Ventura Racing Association. They also work in conjunction with Raceway Video at Perris Auto Speedway and shoot specialty events at Santa Maria Speedway, Tulare Thunderbowl, Giant Chevolet Speedway, Victorville Raceway Park, Calistoga Speedway and a number of racetracks all over the United States.


Jan
20
2012

Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series Tentative 2012 Schedule

Golden State King of the West 410 Sprint Car Series Tentative 2012 Schedule Saturday April 7: Antioch Speedway Saturday April 14: Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway (Chris & Brian Faria Memorial) Saturday April 21: Marysville Raceway Park Saturday April 28: Placerville Speedway Saturday May 5: Silver Dollar Speedway Chico, CA (Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial) Saturday May 12: Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway (Pombo/Sargent Classic) Saturday May 26: Calistoga Speedway (Salute to Walter T Ross) Sunday May 27: Calistoga Speedway (Tribute to Gary Patterson) Saturday June 2: Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway (John Anthony Sharp Memorial) Friday June 8: Silver Dollar Speedway (Road to Dirt Cup) Saturday June 9: Southern Oregon Speedway Medford, OR (Road to Dirt Cup) Saturday June 23: Antioch Speedway Saturday June 30: Placerville Speedway Friday July 6: Merced Speedway Saturday July 7: Ocean Speedway Watsonville, CA (Howard Kaeding Classic) Saturday July 14: Kings Speedway Hanford,...

Jan
23
2012

Evan Suggs keeps climbing the ladder in points

By Gary Thomas Rio Vista, CA – January 23, 2012…Continuing to climb the ladder in California 410 Sprint Car racing, Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs experienced a career best season in 2011, highlighted by his very first King of the West victory and a second place finish in the series standings. In fact since 2008 Suggs has improved one position in the Golden State 410 points each year, with a fifth place effort seen in ’08, followed by a fourth in ’09, third in ’10 and now second in ’11. “We had a great season and to finish second in the points and get a win was a really cool accomplishment for our team,” said Suggs, who concluded his fifth year of competition in a winged sprint car. “It was a fun year with the King of the West Series and probably the toughest fields we’ve had since I got into the winged ranks.” On the King of the West 410 Series season Suggs had the second most Grant’s...

Jan
27
2012

A look back at the 2011 King of the West 410 Sprints Royal Court

KWS Champion- “The TK Express” Tim Kaeding Rio Vista, CA – January 25, 2012…In the year 2002 Tim Kaeding won the Golden State 410 championship and many would agree that it created a changing of the guard so to speak. Since that season no driver has been more dominant in California than the San Jose native, but despite that, up until last season he hadn’t scored another championship since the initial title. The reason for that however, is due in large part to the fact he hadn’t competed full-time in the Golden State since 2003, as he had bounced back and forth between the World of Outlaws and California each of those seven-years in between. Included in that was a year-long stint with Steve Kinser Racing on the now defunct National Sprint Tour, where he captured a series leading 15 main event victories in 2006. Also in that time frame were a pair of Knoxville Nationals preliminary night wins and an impressive fourth place finish in...

Feb
20
2012

Lucas Oil ASCS welcomes Pit Stop USA as 2012 contingency sponsor

Bryan Hulbert - Tulsa, Okla (February 13, 2012) - The Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series is pleased to announce the inclusion of Pit Stop USA in its list of contingency sponsors for the 2012 national schedule with the formation of the Pit Stop USA Hard Charger Award. “We are proud to be associated with such an outstanding group of Sprint Car drivers and teams.” commented Ed Coughenour President of Pit Stop USA. Coughenour continued by saying,” The Pit Stop USA Hard Charger Award is a great way to reward the driver who gains the most positions in the ASCS feature at each event. All of us at PitStopUSA.com are looking forward to a long a mutually rewarding relationship with the ASCS” Pit Stop USA is “The Online Motorsports Superstore!” PitStopUSA.com is a wholly owned subsidiary of Performance Sales and Marketing Inc. The company is based in the beautiful Sonoma County wine country city of Petaluma, California. The 2012 season marks...

Mar
9
2012

Kaeding Victorious Under Bright Lights of Vegas

LAS VEGAS — March 8, 2012 — The way Tim Kaeding celebrated, it was as if he hit the jackpot. In a way, he did. The Californian outlasted a furious battle with Jason Sides and an onslaught of cautions to claim the $10,000 World of Outlaws victory at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on a windy Thursday night. It was his seventh career World of Outlaws feature win and his first since April 24, 2009, at Riverside International Speedway in West Memphis, Ark. And Kaeding celebrated in style. With fists pumping and several shouts, Kaeding drew a loud cheer from the packed crowd when he hopped out of his car on the fronstretch, hugged almost anyone in sight and climbed on the back of the high-powered race car with his arms held high. “We weren’t even expecting to come here,” the reigning King of California said. “About a week and a half ago we made the decision to come. “It’s a hard-fought battle when you can start...

Mar
12
2012

Last Lap Pass Propels Danny Wood to Lucas Oil ASCS Triumph

Bryan Hulbert - Yuma, AZ (March 10, 2012) - Jason Johnson may have shown the way on lap twenty-nine but the only lap worth leading is the last lap and Danny Wood was the man leading when the checkered flag flew on lap thirty at Cocopah Speedway in Yuma, Arizona. “I seen  him [Johnson] up there in traffic and I could see it was holding him up a little bit” commented Danny Wood in victory lane. “I was trying to be patient and not get held up by anybody, you know stay out of trouble and just run a smooth race. It’s better to be able to run second in these situations” Starting the feature from outside the front row, the 81 of Wood would settle into the runner up spot as Johnny Herrera took off into the race lead only to see the caution wave for a three car tangle on the opening lap. On the restart Herrera would again take off into the race lead as Wood was left to contend with the hard charging Jason Johnson. Wasting no time, the Roush...

Mar
13
2012

ASCS Canyon Region set to kick off 2012 season

Bryan Hulbert - Tulsa, OK (March 12, 2012) - After hosting the 2012 season opening races for the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by MavTv, Canyon Speedway Park in Peoria, Arizona prepares to kick off yet another chase for glory as the ASCS Canyon Region headlines the track’s season opener on Saturday March 17th. With 21 confirmed dates, plus an addition trio of to be determined dates, making up the 2012 ASCS Canyon Region schedule, the 2012 season marks the sixth season of competition for the American Sprint Car Series’ lone non-wing division. In 2012 the ASCS Canyon Region will see races in Arizona, New Mexico, and west Texas. The bulk of the dates will be held in the “Grand Canyon State” with single night events in El Paso, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Going into the 2012 season Jeremy Sherman and Charles Davis Jr. are the undisputed kings of Arizona non-wing racing as the only two drivers to have earned championships in...

Mar
15
2012

SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is Big at the Bullring in 2012

SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is Big at the Bullring in 2012   Bakersfield, CA – The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series will return to The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway three times in 2012, including the season finale on November 17 th .     May 12 th will be the first stop of the year for the SRL at The Bullring for the “GoLiveStream.TV ‘Blackjack’ 121”.  “Jeff Thielscher of GoLiveStream.TV has been associated with us since our days at Mesa Marin Raceway,” stated the SRL’s Brian Olsen.  “Jeff has a real passion for our sport and has been a big supporter in many ways over the years.”  The “GoLiveStream.TV ‘Blackjack’ 121” will be the third race of the 2012 SPEARS Southwest Tour Series championship season.   “GoLiveStream see's the value in advertising with the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series,” commented...

Apr
10
2012

TK Express rolls to KWS victory

Cancen Oil King of the West Series presented by Goodyear season opens in familiar fashion with the “TK Express” rolling to victory lane By Gary Thomas Antioch, CA – April 7, 2012…A packed house of rabid and vocal race fans filled the Antioch Speedway Saturday night and witnessed reigning Cancen Oil KWS Series champion Tim Kaeding charge to victory in the famed Roth Motorsports No. 83 machine. Kaeding has already had a tremendous start to the year by winning a pair of World of Outlaws main events and it was only fitting that he would kick-off the Cancen Oil King of the West Series presented by Goodyear season in that same fashion. “I have to thank all these guys that work on this car because it was a rocket ship out here tonight,” said Kaeding, who has now won the last two KWS events at the Antioch Speedway. “I also have to thank Dennis & Teresa Roth for giving me such a great opportunity and all you fans for coming out...

Apr
10
2012

Decaires, Tilford and Micheli charge to victory in Placerville opener

PLACERVILLE, CA (4-7-12) – After a weather cancellation one week ago, hundreds of eager race fans packed into Placerville Speedway Saturday on the eve of Easter Sunday to witness the opening round of the 2012 Red Hawk Casino-Hoosier Tires-Coors Light championship series opener. When the checkered flag waved on the chilly opening night, three drivers gathered in victory lane with a jump on the 2012 championship. Elk Grove's Greg DeCaires, a former Placerville, Chico and Civil War Series Champion, bested the field in the winged Sprint Car division. In the Limited Late Model class, Live Oak stock car ace Matt Micheli muscled his way to victory lane. In the Pure Stock division, Orangevale's Matt Tilford was the victor. In the winged sprint car feature event, DeCaires took to the track in the fourth position for the 25-lap feature event, starting on the outside of row two behind Dennis Harvey of Orangevale, Nicole Miller of Elk Grove and Sean Becker of Antelope. At...

Apr
10
2012

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series At a Glance

Contact: Shawn Miller World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series PR 704-467-7803 | smiller@dirtcar.com   World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series At a Glance Paducah International Raceway, Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55   PADUCAH, Ky. - April 9, 2012 - Following a month on the West Coast, where three of the last five races were rained out, the World of Outlaws head to Kentucky and Missouri for a doubleheader this weekend. On Friday, Paducah International Raceway will host Kentucky's lone race, while Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, Mo., is the site for Saturday's event. Sammy Swindell is riding his first win of the season, which catapulted him into the World of Outlaws points lead. With a top-five finish in four of the eight races this season, Donny Schatz and Jason Sides are within six and eight points, respectively. Joey Saldana - a three-time winner at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 since 2007 -...

Apr
11
2012

Aton and Johnson capture inaugural Pit Stop USA Sprint Car Series feature wins

Aton and Johnson capture inaugural Pit Stop USA Sprint Car Series feature wins PETALUMA, CA – The Pit Stop USA Sprint Car Series kicked off its inaugural season at Petaluma Speedway in dramatic fashion on Saturday night with two first-time feature winners celebrating victory at the 3/8 mile oval. With a very strong field and a rapidly changing racing surface, the Pit Stop USA Sprint Car Series Winged 360 Sprint Car division premier feature was anything but predictable. Brett Rollag started off the evening by capturing fast time. Heat race wins went to Billy Aton, Bradley Terrell and Geoff Ensign. Then it was Benicia’s Billy Aton who had the dialed-in the right setup for the hooked-up track and went on to win the 25 lap Pit Stop USA Winged 360 Sprint Car Series feature. Aton started the feature in the third position and grabbed the lead on lap 12 when leader Richard Bailey, driving a brand new and beautifully prepared A.R.T. chassis got into the wall trying...

Apr
16
2012

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series At a Glance: Missouri State Fair Speedway, Tri-State Speedway

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series At a Glance Missouri State Fair Speedway, Tri-State Speedway   SEDALIA, Mo. - April 16, 2012 - The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series will make its season debut at a pair of historical facilities in the Midwest this weekend. The Outlaws return to Missouri State Fair Speedway on Friday for the first time since 2010 and this time it's under the banner of the Kasey Kahne Challenge - a four-race series in conjunction with SLS Promotions. On Saturday, the World of Outlaws will compete at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, Ind., where Craig Dollansky has won in every even year since 2006. Sammy Swindell, who has five World of Outlaws wins at Tri-State Speedway - including last season - is the current points leader. Joey Saldana, who won the Outlaws last event, is only five points back with Donny Schatz in third - 12 points out of the lead. WHEN Friday, April 20, at Missouri State Fair Speedway in...

Apr
16
2012

ARCA CRA Super Series

Reaid Takes First at Anderson 125   Anderson, IN (April 15, 2012) – TJ Reaid made the most of his first trip to Anderson Speedway. The Acworth, Georgia native set fast time, lead 90 laps of the feature and took home the victory in the ARCA CRA Super Series Anderson 125 presented by Great Deals Savings Magazine. Kenny Tweedy took the early lead, but could not hold it as Reaid came around the outside on a restart on the 35 th lap to take a lead he would not give up. Fellow Georgian Bubba Pollard, also at Anderson Speedway for the first time, qualified second and worked his was to the front to finish second. Scott Hantz came in third, Eddie Van Meter fourth and Kenny Tweedy fifth.   "I like the track. It is good to be back in Victory Lane." Reaid commented. "I will definitely be back."   After a Friday night open practice that saw 27 late models on the track, The Anderson 125 presented by Great Deals Savings Magazine was...

Apr
23
2012

Forsberg drives to first season win; Tilford, Micheli repeat in stock cars

Forsberg drives to first season win; Tilford, Micheli repeat in stock cars   by Bill Sullivan/HRP Media Release   PLACERVILLE, CA – Clear skies and warm temperatures brought both a packed grandstand and packed pit area Saturday afternoon at Placerville Speedway for the second Red Hawk Casino-Hoosier Tires-Coors Light-Pepsi Cola point race of the 2012 Fast and Furious Championship Racing Season. When the final checkered flag of the night waved defending track champion Andy Forsberg of Auburn celebrated his first victory of the season in the winged Sprint Car division.   Forsberg was joined in celebration by two repeat winners in Placerville's stock car divisions. Matt Tilford of Orangevale muscled his way to victory in the Pure Stock division. Matt Micheli of Live Oak became a repeat winner in the Limited Late Model Class. The three track regulars were joined Saturday night by the Nor Cal Dwarf Cars in which...

Apr
23
2012

Dollansky Survives Action-Packed Feature in Haubstadt

Contact: Shawn Miller World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series PR 704-467-7803 | smiller@dirtcar.com   Dollansky Survives Action-Packed Feature in Haubstadt Swindell extends World of Outlaws championship lead to 36 points   HAUBSTADT, Ind. - April 21, 2012 - Nope, no full moon. That didn't stop the World of Outlaws drivers from taking part in a feast-or-famine feature on Saturday at Tri-City Speedway - arguably the smallest track the series has competed on this season. Craig Dollansky survived a couple of run-ins and a heavy dose of thick lapped traffic to pick up his second Outlaws victory of the season and the $10,000 prize. It also extended his streak of claiming each World of Outlaws feature at the high-banked, quarter-mile oval during even years since 2006. "I don't know what there is to that," he said. "It takes a team to win races and a great team, especially on this tour. It's not easily done. "At...

Apr
23
2012

Allard wins KWS thriller at MRP

Photo by Tarvin Images Jonathan Allard holds off late charge from Tim Kaeding to win thrilling KWS main event at Marysville Raceway Park on Saturday By Gary Thomas Marysville, CA – April 21, 2012…Lightning fast 410 Sprint Cars and hooked up bullrings have been synonymous with each other in Northern California over the years and on Saturday night at the Marysville Raceway Park, that was seen front and center by the Cancen Oil KWS Series presented by Goodyear. When everything was said and done Chico’s Jonathan Allard stood in victory lane after a thrilling duel with veterans Bobby McMahan and Jimmy Sills, before fending off a late challenge from defending KWS champ Tim Kaeding. The triumph was Allard’s 29th career win in combined King of the West and Golden State Challenge main events, which breaks a tie with Steve Kent for third on the all-time list. It was also Allard’s first ever 410 win at Marysville Raceway Park and gives him the...

May
2
2012

Schatz Slips through Melee in World of Outlaws Victory at Farmer City

Contact: Shawn Miller World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series PR 704-467-7803 | smiller@dirtcar.com   Schatz Slips through Melee in World of Outlaws Victory at Farmer City He regains the points lead as Swindell is caught in a crash that wipes out the top four   FARMER CITY, Ill. - April 25, 2012 - There were nearly a half-dozen drivers within striking distance of the lead eight laps into the World of Outlaws feature at Farmer City Raceway on Wednesday. As the competitors banged wheels and narrowly negotiated lapped traffic, the packed stands took advantage of the first World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event at the high-banked, quarter-mile oval since 2003. "When we got to lapped traffic the first go-around, there were four or five guys that could have got the lead at any point," four-time Outlaws champion Donny Schatz said. "It was like a hornets nest. We needed to stay out of that situation and that we did. When the race...

May
2
2012

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series At a Glance

Contact: Shawn Miller World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series PR 704-467-7803 | smiller@dirtcar.com   World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series At a Glance Eldora Speedway   ROSSBURG, Ohio - April 30, 2012 - The World of Outlaws make its first of two trips to the famed Eldora Speedway this weekend. The high-banked, half-mile oval has hosted 137 events since the World of Outlaws inception in 1978 with a doubleheader scheduled for this Friday and Saturday. Twenty-time Outlaws champion Steve Kinser, who is fourth in the current championship standings, has claimed a series-best 35 victories. Sammy Swindell, who leads the standings, has picked up 18 wins at Eldora Speedway. Donny Schatz, who trails Swindell by seven points, has won four races and Joey Saldana - third in the standings, 25 points behind Swindell - has been victorious in eight of the last 28 World of Outlaws events at Eldora Speedway. WHEN Friday and Saturday,...