ESS Extra....
Ohsweken Speedway, Ohsweken, Ontario
Talk about a track that has come so far in just a very short amount of time. The Ohsweken Speedway has gone from a simple hobby for one Glenn Styres who decided to build a dirt track in his own back yard back in 1996…Literally! To one of Canada’s most successful facilities and now is also Canada’s home of sprint car racing.
The wide, fast and multi-grooved 3/8ths mile oval started out showcasing DIRT Sportsman with several visits from the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) so the fans can get their winged fix. As the track grew, Styres’ started bringing in other sanctions of sprints which included the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) for the first time on July of 2003 where eight-time champion Mike Woodring picked up the historic victory.
Now, a mid-September weekend has been set aside to be the Mecca of 360 sprint cars, called the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. Annually over 70 sprints from some six states and two Canadian provinces have made their way to Ohsweken for one of the largest 360 purses ever offered.
ESS will again make their annual full point stop on June 20th, the night after the first ever visit of the World of Outlaw (WoO) Late Models. Then the stars and cars from the Lucas Oil Tour will be in force in hopes of taking home the Nationals crown which ESS regular and now champion Steve Poirier has done the past two years.
Local drivers of interest are Styres himself along with his teammate Keith Dempster and a slew of regulars from the SOS/Western Ontario circuit such as Kevin Job, Daryl Turford, Jamie Collard, Fred Cade, and Tom Huppunen along with many others.
Improvements continue every year and its mind boggling at what has taken place at the dirt track on the Six Nations Reservation. While Ken and Cheryl Pelkie do a great job at marketing, scheduling and just the tiresome part of customer relations which is such a vital part of Ohsweken’s success, Styres continues to put money back into the facility. Over the years there has been new pit bathrooms, concession and tech building built, new walls, fencing and this year fans will see new seating and Musco lighting as the 2008 racing season will be action packed!
The track showcases a tire wear friendly surface with as much as four grooves. The grandstands run the entire length of the front stretch with another set running almost the entire back stretch. The pits are located behind the back stretch so the fans have a clear view of the entire track. Ohsweken also has a practice/heat in engine track in the pit area which is handy if sprint cars need to be fired up.
Not only is the visit by ESS a highlight, but the aforementioned WoO Late Models and also the WoO Sprints will be showcasing a two-day show after last years smash hit inaugural visit. To cap off the season is the highly successful ’08 schedule is the fourth annual Arrow Express Canadian Sprint Car Nationals.
ESS Facts – Ohsweken Speedway:
ESS Events Run: 10
Different Winners: 7
Most Wins: Dan Kaszubinski, Jeff VanDusen and Steve Poirier (2) Each.
Last Event Run: 9/15/07
Most Recent Winner: Steve Poirier (Canadian Sprint Car Nationals)
Ohsweken Speedway Facts:
Location: Chiefswood Rd., off Route 54 on the Six Nations Reservation
ESS Date(s): June 20th, Sept. 12 & 13 – Canadian Sprint Car Nationals
Dash Sponsor: Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel
A-Main Sponsor: Arrow Express
Promoter(s): Glenn Styres, Ken and Cheryl Pelkie
Track Phone: (519) 445-0937
Website: www.ohswekenspeedway.com
Sites of Interest:
Six Nations Reservation
Brantford, Ontario is 20 Minutes Away, home of NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.
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13th Southern Ontario Sprints Season Kicks Off Saturday at Brighton
By Tommy Goudge – www.SouthernOntarioSprints.com
On July 19, 1997, John Brutcher won the first Southern Ontario Sprints event at Brighton Speedway and the track, located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Northumberland County, has been a mainstay on the SOS tour ever since. This year 6 events are scheduled at Brighton’s 1/3 mile clay oval, including the SOS season opener for the 9th year in succession, which goes this Saturday, May 10th. In the previous 8 season opening events held at the Speedway, there have been 7 different winners. Joyceville, Ontario’s Rick Wilson won the opening event last season, becoming the first driver to win 2 season-opening events at Brighton, as he also won the opening race in 2002.
In all, 51 SOS events have been held at Brighton, with Wilson leading the way on the win list with 11. “The Joyceville Jet” leads Keith Dempster who is next on the list with 6 wins, while 18 other drivers have taken at least 1 checkered flag at Brighton in 11 seasons of competition there. Wilson, who also leads the SOS all time feature win list with 21, took home his first career sprint car feature win at Brighton on August 7th, 1999. Last season’s winners at Brighton included Rick Wilson (May 12 and June 9), Joe Middlemiss (July 7 and September 2), Kevin Job (August 11), and Dick Mahoney (September 1).
Presented by Rock 107 and Watson Building Supplies, Saturday’s SOS event will be accompanied by 3 of Brighton’s competitive weekly divisions – the Bainer’s Radiators Canadian Modifieds, Brighton Automotive Pro Stocks, and the Bill’s Johns Comp 4 division. There will also be a pre-race SOS drivers autograph session, one lucky fan will win a “Have Bus, Will Travel” (www.havebus.com) package for 2 to Ohsweken Speedway’s World of Outlaws Sprint Car events coming up in July, and Brighton Speedway will be giving away a trip to a NASCAR event at Michigan International Speedway. With a great card of racing on tap and the opportunity to win these great prizes, make sure you’re at Brighton Speedway this Saturday night!
WHAT:
Southern Ontario Sprints 2008 Round #1
www.SouthernOntarioSprints.com
WHERE:Brighton Speedway
775 County Road 64
Brighton, Ontario
K0K 1H0
Phone: (613)-475-1102 or toll free 1-(866)-681-1102
E-Mail: info@brightonspeedway.com
On the Web: www.BrightonSpeedway.com
WHEN:Saturday, May 10th, 2008
Pit Gates open @ 2:00p.m., Spectator Gates open @ 5:00p.m., Racing @ 7:00p.m.
Tickets: $18 Adults, $14 Youth/Seniors, $4 Children, $45 Family
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OLLIE’S 360 CHALLENGE TICKET SALES ANNOUNCED
ROSSBURG, OH (May 8) – Advance tickets, reserved and general, for the July 8 Eldora Speedway stop of the recently announced Ollie’s 360 Challenge are now available online at www.eldoraspeedway.com or by calling the track office at (937) 338.3815.
The unprecedented three-leg tour, involving Sharon Speedway (June 17), Eldora (July 8) and Williams Grove Speedway (August 19), couples the $6,000 to win contests with a potential $50,000 bonus to any driver capable of winning 2 of the three featured events. That buzz has not only rocked the 360 Sprint world, but has attracted the attention of NASCAR Cup drivers Dave Blaney, Kasey Kahen and Tony Stewart. Each of the trio used their dirt track open wheel wars as a catapult into NASCAR and welcome the challenge of not only competing for the lucrative prize money, but corralling the $50,000 being put up by Ollie’s Bargain Outlet.
“Taking part in the Ollie’s 360 Challenge, with confirmed entries already from drivers like Kasey, Dave and Tony, is a thrill for the entire Ollie’s family”, said Mark Butler, president and CEO of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. The Ollie’s 360 Challenge will give us another opportunity to offer our motto ‘Good Stuff,Cheap’ – top quality racing at a great value to fans across several states this summer.”
Keeping in tune with that thought, Eldora’s affordable pricing offers advance general admission for Adults (ages 16 & up) priced at $20.00, while Teens (12-15) will be $10 and Children (0-11) will be $6. Reserved seating in the specially designated areas is only $2 additional per seat.
Complete information on Eldora’s leg of the Ollie’s 360 Challenge and online ticketing is available 24/7 at www.eldoraspeedway.com.
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Brian Herbert Scores the URSS Victory at 81 Speedway
Dodge City’s Brian Herbert ended the URSS Triple Header Weekend the same way he started it picking up his second URSS win at the venerable high banks at 81 Speedway in Wichita, Kansas. It wasn’t an easy as Herbert had to battle URSS veterans as well as a talented Rookie to take the victory.
St. Joseph Missouri’s Cody Salem led the field to the green flag Smokey Fairbank grabbed the top spot followed by Cody Salem, Brian Herbert, Greg Thyfault and Taylor Milton rounding out the top five. Lap three saw the red flag fly as Thyfault made contact with Corey Lutters send Thyfault on a wild ride on the front stretch as he tumbled several times before coming to a stop. On the restart Fairbank held off Fargo Oklahoma’s Taylor “Tay Rocket” Milton for several laps until he took the lead on lap seven. The talented 14 year old took of as he lengthened his lead. Lap ten saw Herbert take the runner up spot from Fairbank followed by Mike Woodruff and Nick King in the top five.
Milton built a sizeable lead over the next few laps at times as much as a straightaway on runner up Herbert. But as Milton started to come up on traffic, Herbert closed in. The pair battled for the led and Herbert took the position on lap 21. Back in the field, the battles continued for the 4 through 7th positions as Woodruff, Berry, B-Main winner Kris Miller and Taylor Velasquez all jockeyed for positions often changing several times a lap.
Herbert held on for the win followed by Milton, Smokey Fairbank, Berry and Miller rounding out the top five.
The Weld Racing “Hard Charger Award” went to Kris Miller who charged from his 11th stating position to grab the 5th spot in the A-Main.
Kris Miller also won the B-main award.
During the B-Main, Kinsley, Kansas driver Justin Chaffin suffered burns when his engine caught fire. Justin was taken to the St. Francis Hospital Burn Center will undergo skin grafts Tuesday and should be home Thursday.
A-Main: 1-Brian Herbert (97), 2- Taylor Milton (91X), 3-Smokey Fairbank (2), 4-Darren Berry (12), 5-Kris Miller (33), 6-Taylor Velasquez (21), 7-Nick King (83), 8-Mike Woodruff (83X), 9-John Colbert (79C), 10-Cody Salem (23), 11-Randy Bantam (5R), 12-Mike Spear (54), 13-Kasey Beckham (25), 14-Lance Davis (9dj), 15-Corey Lutters (07), 16-Dennis Fair (74), 17-Greg Thyfault (27G), 18-Steve Dalton (12D), 19-Josh Fairbank (51)Justin Schwien (76J) DNS
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Schwien Picks Up The Win URSS At Beloit Debut
The United rebel Sprint Series made it debut at Solomon Valley Speedway in Beloit Kansas Saturday night and when the racing action was over, Russell Kansas native Justin Schwien came out the Winner. Nicknamed the “Beloit Bullring” the fast and tacky ¼ oval lived up to its name as the Rebels battled three wide throughout he night.
Goddard Kansas’ Josh Fairbank led the field to the green and took the early lead followed by Bill Hays, Smokey Fairbank, Ken Lutters and Ray Seemann to round out the top five. Josh Fairbank held the lead as Smokey Fairbank challenged Josh for the lead, the duo battled for the spot until lap nine when Smokey took the position. Quietly the “Kansas Tornado” Jon Johnson wove his way to the third position bringing Justin Schwien and Darren Berry along through the field.
Lap ten saw Johnson and Schwien take the top two spots as Smokey Fairbank, Josh Fairbank and Darren Berry fought for positions three through five. Further back in the pack, Ray Seemann, Cody Salem and Willie Wynn battled for positions 6th through 8th, putting on a show for the fans in the stands. Schwien dogged Johnson for the top spot until lap 20 when Schwien used the backside of the bank on the backstretch to pass Johnson for the lead and never looked back.
The final laps saw Smokey Fairbank challenge Johnson for the runner up spot as Berry, Salem, Seemann and Josh Fairbank all fought for positions four through seven. When the checkers fell, it was Schwien taking the win with Johnson, Smokey Fairbank, Berry and Josh Fairbank rounding out he top five.
Justin Schwien picked up the Weld Racing Wheels “Hard Charger Award” coming from his eighth place starting spot to pick up the win.
The B-Main was won by Cody Salem.
Heat Race winners were Darrin Berry, Justin Schwien and Mike Spear.
A-Main: 1-Justin Schwien (76J), 2- Jon Johnson (86), 3-Smokey Fairbank (2), 4-Darren Berry (12), 5-Josh Fairbank (51), 6-Cody Salem (23), 7-Ray Seemann (72), 8-Willie Wynn (36W), 9-Ken Lutters (79), 10-Randy Bantam (5R), 11-Mike Spears (54), 12-Bill Hays (2H), 13-Greg Thyfault (27G), 14-Corey Lutters (07), 15-Tom Vacura (777), 16-Dennis Fair (74)
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Herbert Duels His Way To URSS Win at Dodge City
Despite chilly and windy conditions, those who braved the elements where treated to a whale of a race. Track conditions where fast, smooth and tacky, which made for some good old fashioned petal to the metal feature which kept the fans on their feet.
Leading the field the green flag was Dodge City’s Keefe Hemel and Brian Herbert who started their battle for the drop of the green. Following closely was Brandon Fisher, Kris Miller and Nick King rounding out the top five. Herbert was in Hemel’s tire tracks as they made lap after lap. The top five stayed the same as by lap six the leaders started to come up on lap traffic. Herbert tried to use lapped cars as picks but Hemel kept the lead as the pair continued to dice their way through the field.
Back in the pack Taylor Velasquez, Ray Seemann and Darren Bowman put on a show battled for the 7th through 9th spots. The positions swapped back and forth lap after lap as the trio exchanged positions, but at the flag stand Velasquez prevailed to hold on to the 7th spot.
Herbert continued to mirror Hemel as they battled lap traffic until lap 13 when Herbert took the top spot away from Hemel. Herbert continued to keep Hemel at bay until lap 18 when Hemel got by Herbert on the back stretch, but it was to be short lived as Kris Moore spun in turn three giving the lead back to Herbert. On the restart, the pair stayed glued together until lap 19 when Herbert bicycled in turn one but saved it as Hemel drove around Herbert to claim the top spot. Herbert got a run down the back stretch and dove under Hemel in turn three to take the spot away for good.
After the white flag fell for the leaders, Darren Bowman made contact with another car and took a wild ride in turn one catch fence to bring out the red flag. Bowman was taken to a local Hospital to be checked out and was released according to information from the Bowman Racing Team. Herbert took the win with Hemel, Fisher, Miller and King rounding out the top five.
The “Weld Racing Wheels Hard Charger Award” went to Mike Woodruff who came from his 12th place starting position to finish in 7th for the evening.
Heat race winners were Darren Bowman, Brian Herbert and Ray Seemann.
A-Main: 1-Brian Herbert (97), 2-Keefe Hemel (11), 3-Brandon Fisher (14), 4-Kris Miller (33),
5-Taylor Velasquez (21), 6-Nick King (83), 7-Mike Woodruff (83X), 8-Ray Seemann (72), 9-Darren Bowman (9B), 10-Taylor Milton (91X), 11- John Colbert (79C), 12- Smokey Fairbank (2) 13- Steve Dalton (12D), 14- Kris Moore (49), 15-Justin Chaffin (69),
C J Johnson (45X) DNS, Ty Williams (1X) DNS
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Branes takes 360 feature at Grays Harbor
Elma, WA.-- Eighteen-year old Miller, last year’s limited sprints champion at the track in Cottage Grove,OR. Was making his first appearance at the track in Elma and let it be known that he will be a force to be reckoned with.
Miller had the pole with veteran driver Henry VanDam of Enumclaw on the outside at the start of the race.
VanDam held the lead for four-laps when he got by Miller on lap-11 but Miller took it back after a caution flag restart on lap-15.
While everybody was racing in front of Barns, he methodically was picking of cars in front of him on his way to the front. Picking off Jay Cole of Shelton on lap-9 to put Cole into the fifth spot, Rice and VanDam both after the restart on lap-15.
Barnes took over the lead when he went low in turn-4 on lap-20 putting Miller into the second spot.
Barnes took the checkered flag, followed by Cole, Steve Vague had moved up to the third spot, Glenn Borden Jr. of Raymond nabbed fourth and TJ Hartman of Puyallup rounded out the top five.
The Midgets and Hornets return next Saturday night along with the Sprints, Modifieds and Hobby Stocks. Gates open at 4:30 with racing around 6:30.
Top Finishers/Top Points
360 Sprints A Main. 1. Jayme Barnes, Everett. 2. Jay Cole, Shelton. 3. Steve Vague, Kirkland. 4. Glenn Borden Jr., Raymond. 5. TJ Hartman, Puyallup. 6. Travis Rutz, Langley, B.C. 7. Kyle Miller, Eugene, OR. 8. Dan Dunlap, Renton. 9. Henry VanDam, Enumclaw. 10. Mitch Olson, Tacoma. Heat 1. 1. Miller. 2. Cole. 3. VanDam. 4. Dunlap. 5. Kelly Mayer, Covington. Heat 2. 1. Shawn rice, Tacoma. 2. Hartman. 3. Rutz. 4. Olson. 5. Barnes. Dash. Cole.
Points. Barnes-300. Borden Jr.-284. Hartman-278. Olson-276. VanDam-276. Cole-274. Dunlap-270. Rice-268. Vague-144. Ruta-138.
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URC RETURNS TO DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL ON SATURDAY, MAY 10
DARYN PITTMAN A POSSIBLE ENTRY FOR THE MAY 17 JACK GUNN MEMORIAL
The fourth race of the Rislone URC Sprint Series will storm the Delaware International Speedway on Saturday night, May 10. This event will also
mark the second race of the Taylor & Messick Delaware State Sprint Series. Just three races into the season, URC has delivered three different winners with Dave Ely, Curt Michael and JJ Grasso each dominating their victories. Curt Michael of Ocean View, DE currently leads the URC Rislone point battle in chase of his sixth URC title and his fifth consecutive URC championship.
The following week, the stakes rise when URC and the Selinsgrove Speedway 358 Sprints join forces for the 3rd Annual Jack Gunn Memorial at Selinsgrove Speedway. $3,500 will go to the winner of the 30 lap main event that is dedicated to the memory of Jack Gunn, one of the top promoters in the East. Along with URC's top talent and the best of the 358 sprints, World of Outlaws driver Daryn Pittman of Owasso, Oklahoma just could be an entry for this event. URC car owner Gene Franckowiak stated late in the day on Saturday, that he will provide a 360 engine to the popular 28 year old Pittman, who will be racing here in the East the weekend of the May 17 Jack Gunn Memorial.
The credits of Daryn Pittman include his career best fourth place finish in the World of Outlaws point chase in 2003. In that same year, Pittman won the Historical Big One at the Eldora Speedway. Pittman was the Australian Sprint Car Driver of the Year in 2003-2004 and the first American to win the World Series Sprint Car Title (in Australia) in 2002-2003.
The plan is, Pittman will be driving his own Titan Racing #21 powered by the Franckowiak power plant. Over the years, Gene Franckowiak has helped URC as an organization in many ways. For the URC drivers, he has been called upon numerous times to help with parts and even loan engines to his fellow competitors. Once again, Franckowiak has come to the support of not only URC, but his efforts towards the May 17th Selinsgrove event, should make the Jack Gunn Memorial even more prestigious for the competitors and adding some new excitement for the fans.
2008 will mark the third year of the Jack Gunn Memorial with Blane Heimbach winning in 2006 as Dave Calaman took the victory in 2007.
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MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!! All Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Events to be at Least $2,000 to win!
SYARCUSE, N.Y. – It was a goal during the off-season and now it can be announced. All full point events on the 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) will now be at least $2,000 to win! To go along with many of the other special events dotting the schedule, the teams will be vying for more dollars than ever before.
“This was something that we had in the works since we concluded last season, we had many of the events last year at $2,000 to win and now with some great help from sponsors we can announce that all of them from here on are at the amount and more.” said ESS President Chuck Miller. “With the state of racing as it is today, we just want to get all the teams that come and race ESS the most money possible. With all of our events $2,000 to win and $250 to start it will help them financially. What makes us proud is that we will pay out more money for all our A-Mains for the sixth year in a row and that is without an increase from the tracks that book ESS.”
With the added sponsors, all A-Mains will have a purse of $10,550 or more, the largest of any 360 sprint car organization this side of the Mississippi. Not to mention, many of the events up in Canada having considerably larger purses to be offered.
Several companies have picked up more than one A-Main with SUNY Canton heading the list. The beautiful campus in upstate, NY is sponsoring all three A-Mains at Utica-Rome Speedway, the two at Mohawk International and the single event at Can-Am Motorsports Park.
Lori and Mike Lasalle and their business Northwood 2 Construction will back all three A-Mains at Autodrome Edelweiss Speedway and the two full point events at the Brockville Ontario Speedway. The Lasalle’s have been a key fixture behind Brian McDonald and will be setting up a new endeavor with female star Jessica Zemken.
WestFront Construction, which is owned by the McDonald’s, is located in the shadows of the Cornwall Motor Speedway and they are sponsoring both events at the famed quarter-mile. The first visit is in conjunction with the World of Outlaw Late Models on June 22nd and this 25 lap A-Main will be the richest full point feature event in ESS history as it will pay $2,500 to win and $1,500 for second.
Fondations 4 Saisons will again be the title sponsor of the three events at both Autodrome’s Granby and Drummond. The company owned by the Poirier family is doing this program for the second year in a row and last season they actually kept some of the funding at home with Steve winning the final race of the season at Granby.
Single event sponsors are: Earl Halaquist Memorial, Arrow Express, Woodhull Raceway, Dick Carbery and Dick Spadaro Early Ford Reproductions.
After a successful opening event at the Black Rock Speedway, the Lucas Oil Series will kick into full gear on Sunday, May 25th where Utica-Rome will showcase first of three visits by the winged warriors. For the latest up to date information, log on to www.empiresupersprints.com where for over 25 years it’s been excitement guaranteed!
A-Main Sponsors for the 2008 Season:
May 25 – SUNY Canton
May 31 – Earl Halaquist Memorial
June 7 – SUNY Canton
June 13 – Fondations 4 Saisons
June 14 – Fondations 4 Saisons
June 20 – Arrow Express
June 22 – WestFront Construction
July 5 – SUNY Canton
July 6 – SUNY Canton
July 11 – Woodhull Raceway
July 12 – Dick Carbery
July 18 – Northwood 2 Construction
July 19 – Northwood 2 Construction
Aug. 1 – Fondations 4 Saisons
Aug. 2 – Fondations 4 Saisons
Aug. 15 – Northwood 2 Construction
Aug. 16 – Northwood 2 Construction
Aug. 17 – WestFront Construction
Aug. 29 – Fondations 4 Saisons
Aug. 30 – Fondations 4 Saisons
Aug. 31 – SUNY Canton
Sept. 5 – Dick Spadaro Early Ford Reproductions
Sept. 19 – Northwood 2 Construction
Sept. 20 – SUNY Canton
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ASCS Patriots the Official Sanction of Ollie’s 360 Challenge at Sharon
Rich Vleck, TULSA, Okla. (April 27, 2008)- In what expects to be some of the most exciting sprint car races of the year, the ASCS Patriots are pleased to announce that they will be the sanctioning body for the first leg of the Ollie’s 360 Challenge Series.
Sharon Speedway, who will also play host to a pair of ASCS Patriot races September 20-21, will host the first of three, $6,000-to-win, $500-to-start, Tuesday night specials with their June 17 event. This highly anticipated race will feature premier talents such as Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Sharon Speedway Part Owner Dave Blaney. With this announcement, names such as Chuck Hebing, Bryan Howland, Jared Zimbardi, and dozens of other ASCS Patriot competitors will also make the tow to Eastern Ohio to kick off the summer.
The ASCS Patriots bring with it a set of quality rules established and refined under the American Sprint Car Series banner. The New York based sprint car tour will also staff the event with years of knowledge and experience in 360 sprint races.
“We are very excited to be the sanctioning body for the first leg of this great series,” noted Patriot Regional Director Mike Emhof. “Since the first day we started working with Sharon it has been a great partnership and this will only continue to build on that relationship, along with ensuring top-notch competition.”
Not only will the winner of this event receive a cool $6,000 and all the accolades that go along with it, they will also have the opportunity to pick up a $50,000 bonus if they can win one of the other two races in this series held at Eldora or Williams Grove.
“The money up for grabs in these races is just phenomenal,” added Emhof. “Whoever wins on the first night will have all the eyes on them over the next two events because they could pick up the $50,000 bonus.”
The NASCAR personalities that are already confirmed for these races will likely ensure one of the largest crowds in ASCS Patriot History. Add to it some other details still being crafted and this has all the makings of this being a must-see event.
Qualifying format will be run under the 2008 ASCS Patriot standard with an open draw for heat race starting spots, passing points and the top-8 in combined heat and passing points redrawing for their starting spot, and a dash for those 9th-14th. While this race will not be counted towards the ASCS Patriot Series Championship, it will count toward the career wins total and count heavily in the winning driver’s bank account.
For more information about this event, please visit www.SharonSpeedway.com, www.ASCSpatriotsprints.com or www.ASCSracing.com.
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ESS EXTRA!!
Autodrome Drummond, Drummondville, Quebec
Autodrome Drummond is about 45 minutes North of Montreal and this dirt track can boast the history of being Quebec’s longest running dirt facility. For well over 50 years, Drummond has been playing host to some of the finest racing Quebec fans have known and since 1984, the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) have been a part of that history.
Modifieds have been the main class for most of the years like its Friday night partner Granby. But, in the 70’s and early 80’s full blown late models used the trek these parts as well and for the past two seasons the management of Drummond has brought back some history with the booking of the World of Outlaw Late Models. The trek up north by WoO comes one week after ESS’ first visit in June.
The Lucas Oil Series will again make three stops and all three are the day after events at Granby making for three of the most look forward to weekends on the tour. These six events also bring the biggest purses on the trail with each event paying $2,000 to win and also $450 just to take the green. All non-qualifiers will also take home at least $225 on each night.
Some of the local drivers of interest all come from the French speaking province. That includes probably the best to ever come from Quebec modifieds and defending ESS champion Steve Poirier, 2006 ESS champion Alain Bergeron, 2006 rookie of the year Michael Parent, who hails from Granby, 2007 rookie of the year Normand Beaudreault, Daniel Lampron and Quebec City’s Jake Langlois. As you can see, the last two champions and last two rookies of the year have come from Quebec making ESS a true tour of two nations.
Drummond had gone through many changes and facelifts to the track surface and size in the past 6 or so years. It went from one of the biggest 5/8ths mile ovals that you would ever see with frightening speeds to a small 1/3rd mile oval for two years before finally settling in on its current 3/8ths mile size. It has fairly long straits with tight turns and makes for a tricky oval. The grandstands run the entire length of the front stretch and can hold upwards of 5,000 people. The pits used to be in the infield with the original size, but now are located off turns three and four. Ironically, they would still be INSIDE the original track! One of the most unique aspects of Drummond is their sound system with actual stereo speakers that cost plenty making for a wild atmosphere. The speakers have to be taken down after each event and stored. Drummond also has a mascot that is very popular with the kids along with a special victory lane that is on the grandstand side of the front stretch wall.
ESS Facts – Autodrome Drummond:
ESS Events Run: 25
Different Winners: 15
Most Wins: Mike Woodring (5)
Last Event Run: 9/1/07
Most Recent Winner: Bubby Kerrick
Autodrome Drummond Facts:
Location: Exit 177 off of Rte. 20, Head west for one kilometer.
ESS Date(s): June 14th, August 2nd and August 30th
Dash Sponsor(s): June 14 – Normand Beaudreault Construction, Aug. 2 and 30 – TBA.
A-Main Sponsor: Fondations 4 Saisons
Promoter: Yan Bussiere
Track Phone: (819) 474-2222
Website: www.autodrome-drummond.com
Sites of Interest:
Montreal 45 minutes away.
Popular Photography Museum
Village Québécois d'Antan
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NRA Set to Kick Off 2008 Season
The EFI-NRA Sprint Invaders will kick off the 2008 racing season Friday, May 2 at Limaland Motorsports Park. A special $2000 to win top prize will be up for grabs as Limaland honors and remembers Travis Miller with the running of The Run For The Rabbit IX Memorial Race.
The NRA will return to Limaland on Friday, May 23 to compete in the $2000 to win Memorial Cup. On Saturday, May 24 the action continues at Waynesfield Motorsports Park and then on to Eldora Speedway on Sunday, May 25. A stellar field of drivers will be on hand as the Sprint Invaders prepare to do battle at three of Ohio's premier racing venues.
Additional information and a complete schedule can be found at www.nrainvaders.com
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Mike Woodruff Claims Victory In 2008 URSS Season Opener
Despite cold temperatures, the fans that came out and braved the elements were treated to a classic old-fashioned shootout at the Jetmore Motorplex Saturday night as Mike Woodruff claimed the victory. Twenty three teams pulled through the pit gate to start the Season long battle to determine both the Regional and National Titles, and if tonight’s race is any indication of how the 2008 URSS Season will be, you won’t want to miss a single race.
Lacrosse, Kansas’s Kirby Hagans and Jetmore’s Ray Seemann led the field do the green flag, but it was to be short lived as the caution flew for an incident in turn two which sent Keefe Hemel back to the pits on the hook. On the restart Seemann jumped to the lead, flowed closely by Hagans, Nick King, Kris Miller and Tyler Knight rounding out the top five. Tenth place starter, Brian Herbert started his charge to the front taking the fifth position from Knight on lap five. King, Miller and Herbert battled for the runner up spot for several laps with Herbert taking the spot for good on lap nine.
Turpin Oklahoma’s Taylor Velasquez methodically moved his way through the field to grab the fourth spot away from Miller and set his sights on King only to suffer a spin in turn two. Seemann and Herbert would put on a show for the fans as they sliced and diced their way through traffic lap after lap as they battled for the lead. Lap thirteen, Herbert had something break on his car, which caused him to brush the front-stretch wall coming off of turn four and ended his night as he pulled off the track. Lap fourteen saw twelfth place starter, Satanta’s Mike Woodruff break into the top five and battle Kris Miller for the fourth spot.
Lap seventeen saw the battle for the fifth position heat up as Brooke Boyd worked her way up to battle Tyler Knight for the spot. Boyd took the spot and joined the fight for the third spot with Miller. Seemann’s car was worked well on the top side and Woodruff’s hugged the bottom as they wove their way through traffic followed closely by Miller, Boyd and Knight. Lap twenty-three saw Boyd take the third position away from Miller and Velasquez who had worked his back through the field take the fifth spot away from Knight.
As the white flag flew, Seemann held his line on the cushion into turn one as Woodruff dove to the bottom and took the position coming off of turn two to take the victory, followed by Seemann, Boyd, Miller and Velasquez rounding out the top five. The victory was a vindication for Woodruff and his team, as the evening didn’t go quite as planned. Mike got upside down in his heat before reaching the flag stand, the damage was minimal and the team had the car repaired. Woodruff started last in the B-Main to race to a Second place finish.
The “Weld Racing Wheels Hard Charger Award” went to Mike Woodruff who came from his twelfth place starting position to pick up the win.
The “Keizer Aluminum Wheels B-Main” winner was Dodge City’s Kris Moore.
Heat Race winners were Brian Herbert, Brooke Boyd and Taylor Velasquez.
A-Main: 1) Mike Woodruff – 83X - 2) Ray Seemann – 72 - 3) Brooke Boyd – B2 - 4) Kris Miller – 33 - 5) Taylor Velasquez – 21 - 6) Tyler Knight – 11K - 7) Justin Chaffin – 69 - 8) Kris Moore – 49 - 9) Brian May – 8 - 10) Randy Bantam – 5R - 11) Nick King – 83 - 12) Brandon Fisher – 14 - 13) Craig Jecha – 17X - 14) John Colbert – 79C - 15) Brian Herbert – 97 - 16) Lance Davis – 9DJ - 17) Kirby Hagans – 1B - 18) Keefe Hemel – 11 - 19) Willie Wynn – 36W (DNS) - 20) Smokey Fairbank – 2 (DNS)
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Mark Bitner Dis-qualified for motor infraction
JJ GRASSO WINS BATTLE OVER DAVEY SAMMONS & BECCA ANDERSON FOR SECOND CAREER URC WIN SATURDAY NIGHT AT NEW EGYPT SPEEDWAY
The New Egypt Speedway beat all odds with bad weather moving into the area but still completed a big night of racing on Saturday night. For the Rislone URC Sprint Series, thirty-one cars took part in the program with JJ Grasso of Pedricktown, NJ scoring his first win of the season and second career URC victory. His first win also came at the New Egypt Speedway in the fall of 2007. Grasso led the entire twenty-five lap distance although there were numerous challenges from runner-up finisher Davey Sammons driving the Palladino #99. Becca Anderson, driving the Bar's Leaks sprint car #17, put on a show the entire night to finish a strong third.
Three heat race events were necessary to qualify the field of URC sprint cars on a night sponsored by Fred's Trailer Parts Center. Heat race victories went to Tim Hogue (who turned in a strong run to win the first heat over Davey Sammons), JJ Grasso and Kevin Welsh. In the twelve lap "B" Main sponsored by Don Ott, Todd Rittenhouse was the winner.
The Rislone URC sprint feature got off to a wild start when Jason Clauss and Kyle Purks tangled on the homestretch with Billy Pauch (driving a second Fred Kennedy entry) getting caught up and flipping down the homestretch. All drivers walked away uninjured. On the restart, Todd Rittenhouse and Mares Stellfox tangled in turn two displaying the caution once again.
The third restart was the charm with JJ Grasso passing Tim Hogue going into turn one to set the early pace. Kevin Welsh followed moving into second with Davey Sammons third. Also on a charge was Houston, DE's Becca Anderson who was in the top five before lap four. Davey Sammons was not about to waste any time and he quickly moved into second by lap three.
A caution flag was displayed on lap six when Brett Schonely spun. On the next restart, Dave Ely and rookie driver Chuck Palmucci tangled in turn two with Palmucci taking a slow role, displaying the red flag. When green flag racing resumed, Grasso had a solid lead with Brian Seidel now on a strong run. With ten laps complete, Grasso was the leader followed by Sammons, Seidel, Robbie Stillwaggon and Becca Anderson all close in the chase.
With the field passing for the halfway sign, the top five remained unchanged as Grasso set a commanding pace and now racing with lapped traffic. The caution flag was again displayed on lap sixteen for Todd Rittenhouse who came to a stop in turn four. On the restart, Grasso now had to contend with Sammons and Brian Seidel who were applying the pressure. Mark Bitner, who started twenty-third, moved into the top five on lap seventeen and two laps later, Anderson was back in fourth.
Five laps remained in the feature event with Grasso, Sammons, Seidel, Anderson and Bitner making up the top five with Chris Coyle and his BPG sponsored sprint car racing in sixth.
The caution flag was again waiving, this time on lap twenty-two for Scott Pursell who stopped in turn three. With just three laps remaining, Sammons again took another run at taking the lead from Grasso but at the same time, Becca Anderson went to the far outside lane and made a strong run as well. Grasso settled back into the lead as Sammons had to hold off Anderson in the closing laps.
With just one lap remaining, the caution flag was displayed for Ed Aikin who hit the wall but actually kept moving. The field quickly regrouped and took the green flag for the final lap and run to the checker flag. Grasso, Sammons and Anderson held their line as did fourth place runner Brian Seidel. On the run down the backstretch, Coyle did pass Mark Bitner to finish fifth.
Grasso turned in an outstanding run along with Sammons and Anderson. In
post race teching, a motor infraction was found on the Mark Bitner sprinter, disqualifying him from the event. Making up the top ten were Curt Michael, Randy West, Dave Betts, Robbie Stillwaggon and Jason
Clauss.
FEATURE FINISH: JJ Grasso, Davey Sammons, Becca Anderson, Brian Seidel,
Chris Coyle, Curt Michael, Randy West, Dave Betts, Robbie Stillwaggon,Jason Clauss, Tim Hogue, Ed Aikin, Joe Zuczek, Adam Gordon, Brett Schonely, Jimmy Reppert, Mares Stellfox, Scott Pursell, Todd Rittenhouse, Dave Ely, Chuck Palmucci, Kevin Welsh, Kyle Purks, Billy Pauch.
DQ - -Mark Bitner.
-end-
ESS EXTRA!!
Autodrome Granby, Granby, Quebec
The half-mile located southeast of Montreal has now been a mainstay for dirt racing in Quebec on Friday nights. Starting out with small block modifieds in the late 70’s, moving to big blocks for two decades where names like Bob Gatien (who now promotes the track), Jacques Lalancette, Luke Plante, Marco Potvin and Steve Poirier became honored in these parts.
Autodrome Granby (in English means Granby Speedway) also has seen its share of drivers come from the United States and make this their Friday night home. Drivers such as Steve Paine, Dave Camara and Mike Romano took on the best from Quebec making for an unique rivalry back a few years ago. The switch has now been back to more cost effective small blocks where stars of the future are being born which includes 2007 Mr. DIRTCar 358 Mario Clair.
Since 1994, the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) has been scheduled to make at least two appearances to Granby each year and since 2005 it now has been increased to three visits per year. The winged machines always bring some of the biggest crowds to Granby but none is bigger than the annual June event. The benefit for Foundation Mira is a local charity that helps out the blind and more than 30 people that are hearing impaired run a 10 lap event with their co-drivers being local celebrities. Each year all 8,000 plus seats are filled and then some.
Some of the local drivers of interest all come from the French speaking province. That includes probably the best to ever come from Quebec modifieds and defending ESS champion Steve Poirier, 2006 ESS champion Alain Bergeron, 2006 rookie of the year Michael Parent, who hails from Granby, 2007 rookie of the year Normand Beaudreault and Daniel Lampron. As you can see, the last two champions and last two rookies of the year have come from Quebec making ESS a true tour of two nations.
Granby is a wide half mile and has a tricky, circular shape with walls both inside and out. The surface is usually easy on rubber and produces two solid grooves, either way down low or right up against the outside wall are the choices. The pits are located in the infield but with the main grandstand and bleachers sitting up high, you have a good view of the compete track. The main grandstand is what you would call a high rise with the three story VIP/Officials tower (complete with a bar) sitting atop of the grandstand. A beautiful, five position scoreboard with lighted sponsor billboards runs along the backstretch towards turn three. An unique policy in all of Quebec is that for a few more bucks, anyone can enter the pits regardless of age…and yes, your favorite beverage will be served in the pits as well.
ESS Facts – Autodrome Granby:
ESS Events Run: 26
Different Winners: 17
Most Wins: Mike Woodring (8)
Last Event Run: 8/31/07
Most Recent Winner: Steve Poirier
Autodrome Granby Facts:
Location: Off Exit 68 on Route 10, North on Rte. 139 to Rue Cowie and then west.
ESS Date(s): June 13th, August 1st and August 29th
Dash Sponsor(s): None
A-Main Sponsor: Fondations 4 Saisons
Promoter: Bob Gatien
Track Phone: (450) 375-3055
Website: www.autodrome-granby.qc.ca
Sites of Interest:
Montreal 45 minutes away.
Granby Zoo
Amazoo Waterpark
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Jetmore Motorplex Opens For The 2008 Season
The high banks of the Jetmore Motorplex will roar to life Saturday April 25th as the United Rebel Sprint Series hits the track to open its Third Season. The Series has grown from its humble beginnings with 15 cars in its first year, to 65 cars last season. With the beginning of the 2008 Season, the URSS boasts 100 cars and counting will be racing in the four newly formed Regions, all-vying for Regional Championships and a shot at the National Crown. 2007 URSS Champion Smokey Fairbank will return to defend his title with a stiff group of veteran drivers along with a boisterous crop of first year drivers; the URSS Series is poised to be a slugfest.
Joining the URSS Sprint Cars in the season opener will be the BST Modified Touring Series. The BST Series is sanctioned by IMCA and will bring a host of area drivers as well as driver from Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas to the Motorplex. The first two BST races have produced two and three wide racing and close finishes and is sure to bring the crowd to their feet. This will be the first of two appearances for the BST Modifieds at the Motorplex in 2008.
Filling the evenings Racing Card will be the Stock Cars. Always a crowd pleaser the best of the area drivers will join the chase for the checkers.
Friday night there will be an open test and tune night beginning at 7:00 pm for all classes.
For more information contact Rick Salem at 785-475-7010 or at rksalem@eaglecom.net. You can also visit the URSS website at www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com or the BST website at www.bstracing.com
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URC Sprints
points as of 4/20
1 Curt Michael 250
2. Dave Ely 241
3. Mark Bitner 204
4. Chris Coyle 201
5. Robbie Stillwaggon 199
6. Kyle Purks 195
7. Randy West 189
8. Brian Seidel 182
9. Ed Aikin 181
10. Joey Biasi 178
-end-
Collett Disqualified in Post Race Teching. . . . .
CURT MICHAEL RETURNS TO URC WINNING WAYS IN BILL GALLAGHER OWNED SPRINT CAR SATURDAY NIGHT AT DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL
Five time defending URC Champion Curt Michael of Ocean View, DE was on a mission Saturday night as Taylor & Messick presented the Rislone URC Sprint Series at the Delaware International Speedway.
Michael, driving the Valley Forge INC/Bill Gallagher owner 5g took the win in the
twenty-five lap feature event to earn the $2,000 first prize money. This is just the second night for Michael in the 5g and without a doubt, he was quite impressive. Michael started tenth in the twenty-five car starting field, taking the lead on lap eleven. Once at the head of the pack, Michael was never challenged as he scored his first win of the new season for URC and his thirty-sixth career win. Randy West finished second followed by Joey Biasi, Brian Seidel and Robbie Stillwaggon. Justin Collett finished the race in fifth but was dis-qualified in post
race teching due to an engine infraction.
A field of thirty-three URC Sprints turned out for the second event of 2008 with heat race victories going to Randy West, Joey Biasi and Mares Stellfox as JJ Grasso was the winner of the Don Ott "B" Main.
In the feature event, Randy West charged from his front row starting position to set the early pace with Joey Biasi and Seidel in the chase. By the second circuit, tenth place starter Curt Michael was already racing in fifth. One lap later, Michael moved into fourth, then on lap four the caution was displayed when Dave Betts came to a stop in turn three.
On the restart, West set the pace with Michael now in second. The battle between West and Michael went back-and-forth with Michael taking the lead on lap seven only to give the top spot back to West before crossing the line.
The second caution of the night was displayed when Davey Sammons spun (but continue to keeping running) on lap ten. However, the caution was thrown as a result of the spin. On the restart, Michael used the outside line to pass West for the final time in this event.
Curt Michael took the lead on lap eleven followed by West, Biasi, Justin Collett and Brian Seidel. The top five remained the same as the field cross the wire at the halfway point of the race. Also on the move was Robbie Stillwaggon, Chris Coyle and Ed Aikin as these three drivers were racing through heavy traffic and now in the top ten.
On lap eighteen, Seidel past Collett for the fourth spot. Chris Coyle, driving the BPG sprinter moved into fourth with just two laps remaining. As the field passed to take the white flag, Kramer Williamson and Mares Stellfox tangled in turn four with Stellfox flipping and coming to stop in the middle of the turn. Both drivers walked away uninjured and with badly damaged sprint cars.
The race resumed with just one to go and Michael bolted when the green flag was displayed. Coyle actually lost two spots on the final lap as Collett and Stillwaggon made a pass in turn two.
Coming down for the checker flag, Michael was all alone followed by Randy West, Joey Biasi, Brian Seidel (Justin Collett crossed the line in fifth but was later disqualified) with Robbie Stillwaggon earning the fifth spot. Making up the top ten were, Chris Coyle, Dave Ely, Kyle Purks, Ed Aikin and Kevin Welsh.
FEATURE FINISH: Curt Michael, Randy West, Joey Biasi, Brian Seidel, Robbie Stillwaggon, Chris Coyle, Dave Ely, Kyle Purks, Ed Aikin, Kevin Welsh, Joe Zuczek, Mark Bitner, Becca Anderson, Davey Sammons, Jason Clauss, Jamie Bodo, Adam Gordon, Brandon Weibley, Mares Stellfox, Kramer Williamson, JJ Grasso, Scott McClaren, Scott Pursell, Dave Betts. Disqualified- -Justin Collett.
Fred's Trailer Parts Hard Charger Award- - Ed Aikin
LikeWise Construction Fast Time of the Night--JJ Grasso
Don Ott "B" Main Winner- - JJ Grasso
COMING EVENTS FOR THE MONTHS OF APRIL/MAY
Saturday, April 26 New Egypt Speedway
Saturday, May 10 Delaware International Speedway
Saturday, May 17 Selinsgrove Speedway $3,500 to win Jack Gunn Memorial
Saturday, May 24 Bridgeport Speedway
Saturday, May 31 Delaware International Speedway
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DAVE ELY BLISTERS EVERYTHING IN SIGHT TO WIN URC RISLONE SPRINT SERIES OPENER SATURDAY NIGHT AT BRIDGEPORT
Dave Ely of West Lawn, PA was perfect on Saturday night when the United Racing Company opened their sixty-first season as the Nation's Oldest Traveling Sprint Car Organization at the Bridgeport Speedway. Ely, driving the Gene Franckowiak owned URC sprinter, was dominant in warm-ups, flawless on his way to winning his qualifying heat race then blistered all competitors to collect the $2,000 first place prize in the 25 lap URC feature event. Ely led all twenty-five laps and was pretty much uncontested for the entire distance. Ely now finds himself on top of the point chase in his quest to winning the URC Rislone Sprint Car Championship.
An outstanding field of thirty-five URC sprints turned out for the Bridgeport Speedway URC sprint series opener with a count of seven "rookie drivers" taking part in the show. The entire rookie field did an outstanding job with special recognition going to Brett Schoenly and Chuck Palmucci who qualified for the feature event. Schonely finished 14th in the feature and earned the Fred's Trailer Parts Hard Charger Award for advancing nine spots in the main event.
Three heat race events were presented with victories going to Mark Bitner, Dave Ely and Brian Seidel as Davey Sammons, driving the Palladino #99 won the Don Ott "B" Main.
In the twenty-five lap URC Rislone Sprint feature, Dave Ely earned the pole for winning the opening heat race of the night. At the drop of the green, Ely quickly established a commanding lead as Mark Bitner followed in second. Jason Clauss was holding down third as defending URC Champion Curt Michael (driving the Bill Gallagher owned 5G) was on a charge and racing in fourth by lap four.
The first caution of the race was displayed on lap seven when Adam Gordon and Jamie Bodo tangled in turn two. On the restart, Ely again ran to hide from the field with Bitner in a solid second as Curt Michael tried to reel in the leaders. Jason Clauss and Kyle Purks made up the top five as BPG sponsored sprint car of Chris Coyle was on a charge as well.
At the halfway point, Ely was on point followed by Bitner, Michaels, Jason Clauss and Coyle. The top three remained unchanged in the second half of the race. Then on lap twenty-one, the yellow was displayed when Randy West spun and came to a stop in turn three. On the restart, Tim Hogue came to a stop in turn four and the yellow flag was out again.
With just three laps remaining, Bitner and Michael had their last shot to take the wheel from Ely, but when the green flag fell, Ely was off like a flash. With the checker flag waiving, Ely took the win, his first of 2008 and ninth career URC victory. Bitner delivered a solid second place finish followed by Curt Michael, Chris Coyle and Jason Clauss.
FEATURE FINISH: Dave Ely, Mark Bitner, Curt Michael, Chris Coyle, Jason Clauss, Kyle Purks, Ed Aikin, Becca Anderson, Robbie Stillwaggon, Justin
Collett, Kevin Welsh, Davey Sammons, Scott Pursell, Brett Schoenly, Chuck Palmucci, Dave Betts, Randy West, Gary Gollub, JJ Grasso, Brian
Seidel, Tim Hogue, Gary Joey Biasi, , Scott McClaren, Adam Gordon, Jamie Bodo.
DNQ- - Brandon Weibley, Rory Janne, Dave Gable, Jimmy Reppert,Dom Buffalino, Art Liedl, Joe Zuczek, Mares Stellfox, Mike Kostic, Andy Best.
LikeWise Construction Fast Time of the Night- - -Davey Sammons
Don Ott "B" Main Winner- - -Davey Sammons
Fred's Trailer Repair Hard Charger - - - Brett Schoenly
COMING EVENTS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL/MAY
Saturday, April 19 Delaware International Speedway
Saturday, April 26 New Egypt Speedway
Saturday, May 10 Delaware International Speedway
Saturday, May 17 Selinsgrove Speedway $3,500 to win Jack Gunn
Memorial.
For more information, please visit www.urcsprints.com
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Barger Gets Clean Sweep in Empire Super Sprint Opener at Black Rock
By MIKE MALLETT
DUNDEE, N.Y. – Justin Barger had the Sprint Car racing equivalent of a perfect game on Saturday night. Barger won his heat, captured the dash and then proceeded to claim his 11th career win in the 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint 25-lap A-Main season opener at the Black Rock Speedway.
“This is a good way to start the season,” stated the 24-year-old Barger. “We won last year’s opener and hopefully we can keep picking them off as the season goes on.”
Barger, of Montrose, N.Y., started the event on the outside of the front row and took the lead at the drop of Danny Mulligan’s green flag.
Barger pulled away from Brian McDonald, who had started on the pole, until the first caution of the event came out on lap three when Scott Bonnell, Tommy Wickham and George Suprick tangled in turn four.
On the restart, Barger again opened up an advantage over McDonald. Just before he reached the slower traffic at the tail of the field the caution came out once again on the sixth circuit when Anthony Cain and Michael Parent tangled in turn one.
Barger, who was extremely good on restarts in his AEM Dryflow Air Filters/Ohsweken Speedway sponsored ride, easily retained the lead when racing action resumed.
“Those cautions seemed to fall at just the right time for me,” stated Barger. “The cautions opened up the track and I was happy because the car was really good on restarts. The only problem that I had was that it took a couple of laps to get my rhythm back.”
Barger held on for two more cautions with the final caution being displayed on lap 16 when McDonald got sideways and almost into the wall off of turn four. This bunched up the field and placed the second place car of Bryan Howland right on the tail of Barger’s Rider powered Maxim.
When the green flag came back out, Barger pulled away momentarily but was unable to shake Howland as he made several attempts to take the top position away.
On the final circuit, Barger led with Howland able to pull alongside in turn two. As the pair raced into turns three and four for the final time, Barger went high with Howland sliding to his inside. Barger, forced to avoid the slower car of Normand Beaudreault, came down the speedway and held on to win by half a car length over Howland.
“I saw him (Howland) get to my inside when we raced into three,” stated Barger. “The slower cars were side-by-side and I couldn’t get through so I had to come down and block him (Howland) a little bit.”
Howland, of Auburn, N.Y., had to settle for a runner-up finish after starting from the inside of the second row.
“I had to check up so I didn’t get into him (Barger),” said Howland. “I didn’t want to drive into him. His car was on rails all night and he earned the win.”
Lance Yonge, from nearby Penn Yan, N.Y., had a hard fought third place finish after battling for much of the event with South Onondaga, N.Y. driver, Doug Emery. Yonge started fourth and grabbed third for the final time on lap 16.
“Doug (Emery) and I have been at this a longtime,” commented Yonge. “We gave each other enough room but it was hard racing.”
Chuck Hebing, of Ontario, N.Y., came from the 11th starting position to finish in fourth while Emery had a shock bracket break in the closing laps causing him to finish fifth.
ESS/Black Rock Notes: A field of 28 sprints were on hand for ESS’ earliest opener since 2003…With the threat of rain all day, the Black Rock staff did a great job getting the show completed in just three hours…The early opener did see some teams not ready: Both Andy Noto and James Hanson were spectators while Gordy Button, Brandon Warner and Bobby Magner just couldn’t get their mounts ready in time…Both Jeff Cook and rookie Robbie Shuttleworth didn’t attend due to sprint break vacation…Making his first ever ESS full point show appearance was Josh Weller…Next up for the Lucas Oil tour will be a May 25th visit to the Utica-Rome Speedway for a $2,000 to win event. This race will also be the first part of the GSSI I-90 Challenge where there will be a $1,000 point fund being offered.
RACE RESULTS (4/12/08)
Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Feature A-Main (25 laps): Justin Barger, Bryan Howland, Lance Yonge, Chuck Hebing, Doug Emery, Steve Poirier, Blake Breen, Josh Weller, Alain Bergeron, Jeff VanDusen, Dan Kaszubinski, Geoff Quackenbush, Jared Zimbardi, Normand Beaudreault, Brian McDonald, Bobby Breen, Gary Troutman, Scott Bonnell, Bubby Kerrick, Tim Kelly, Anthony Cain, Michael Parent, George Suprick, Tommy Wickham
KSE Racing Products B-Main (10 laps): Norman Beaudreault, George Suprick, Tommy Wickham, Gary Troutman
Did Not Qualify – Cory Sparks, Mike Stelter, Chris Muhleisen, Lee Ladouceur
Lane’s Yamaha Walt’s Hobby Dash (4 laps): Justin Barger
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 1 (10 laps): Jared Zimbardi, Doug Emery, Scott Bonnell, Lance Yonge, Blake Breen, Geoff Quackenbush
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 2 (10 laps): Michael Parent, Josh Weller, Brian McDonald, Anthony Cain, Tim Kelly, Dan Kaszubinski
Car Mate Custom Built Trailers Heat 3 (10 laps): Justin Barger, Chuck Hebing, Bobby Breen, Bryan Howland, Steve Poirier, Alain Bergeron
2008 URSS Schedule Changes Announced
Due to the recent poor weather conditions, The URSS Eastern Region Season opener at Whiskey Lake Raceway has been pushed back to the weekend of May 9th. Whiskey Lake Raceway will also have a Practice and Registration Day to be held on Sunday April 20th starting at 2:00 pm. For further information you can visit the Whiskey Lake Raceway website at www.whiskeylakeraceway.net
The Friday April 25th Test n’ Tune at the Jetmore Motorplex will go on as planned, giving all the URSS teams a chance to work out any bugs before the 2008 Season opener Saturday April 26th at the Motorplex. The “Spring Sizzler” Sponsored by D&S Machine promises to be a great night of racing as the BST Modified Series takes to the track along with the Stock Cars to fill out the evenings racing program.
Dodge City Raceway Park has also announced a Schedule change moving the URSS Sanctioned event originally scheduled for Sunday May 4th to Friday May 2nd at 7:30 pm. This change will allow URSS Series Drivers to race at the Solomon Valley Speedway in Beloit on Saturday May 3rd on their ¼ mile bullring and then continue on the May 4th date at 81 Speedway in Wichita Sunday night. It will make for an exciting three days of racing at three very different facilities.
For more information on the United Rebel Sprint Series visit their website at www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com or contact Rick Salem at 785-475-7010 or e-mail at rksalem@eaglecom.net
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URC SEASON OPENER TO STORM BRIDGEPORT SPEEDWAY SATURDAY, APRIL 12
Curt Michael, Chris Coyle, Becca Anderson, Brian Seidel, Davey Sammons,Ed Aikin, Dave Ely, Randy West, Kramer Williamson and Kyle Purks are just a few of the top contenders that will chase the $2,000 first place prize money when the United Racing Company kicks off its sixty-first season of professional sprint car racing at the Bridgeport Speedway in Bridgeport, NJ.
The spacious five-eights mile Bridgeport Speedway produces some of the fastest laps recorded by the URC Sprints and is always a thrilling facility to the popular sprinters.
URC offers the richest weekly payoff with numerous higher paying special events sprinkled throughout the season. This all leads up to the season long title chase that offers the URC Champion a $10,000 plus payoff for the accomplishment.
Pit gates will open at 2 PM with practice getting underway at 5:15 PM. Qualifying will begin at 6 PM. Bridgeport Speedway is located on Floodgate Road off Exit 14 of Route 295 in Bridgeport, NJ.
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The 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Kicks off at the Black Rock Speedway on April 12th
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – In what typically is a long winter in Upstate New York and Canada, the start of a new season is now here! The 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) is ready to embark on their 31 date tour for 2008 with the first event on Saturday night, April 12th at the Black Rock Speedway in Dundee, N.Y.
The stars and cars of ESS makes their return to the Yates County oval for a full point show for the first time since Aug. of 2003. It will be a historic night as not only will the successful 360 sprint organization be starting their 25th anniversary season, Black Rock is celebrating their 50th anniversary. Fans can expect and action packed evening on the 4/10ths mile oval as ESS will share the pits with 358 Modifieds, who will be racing for $3,000 to win, the New York Modified Midgets and the Central New York Mini-Sprints.
Heading the list of winged machines in the pits will be defending champion Steve Poirier looking to make it two championships in a row. The top drivers looking to dethrone the Quebec native champ will be three time in a row runner-up in points Jeff VanDusen, two-time ESS champion and former Black Rock modified champ Lance Yonge, 2006 champion Alain Bergeron along with Michael Parent, Tommy Wickham, Bubby Kerrick, Mike Stelter and Justin Barger.
With this being the first event of the new year a big field will be on hand. Other drivers expected to be in the pit area will be Cory Sparks, Brian McDonald, Dan Kaszubinski, Doug Emery, Jared Zimbardi, Tim Kelly, Chuck Hebing, former Bully Hill Nationals champ Scott Bonnell, 2007 rookie of the year Normand Beaudreault, three-time champion Gordy Button, Jason Barney, Bryan Howland, two-time Bully Hill champ. George Suprick, Russ Bennett, Lee Ladouceur, Gary Troutman, along with rookie hopefuls Andy Noto, Brandon Warner and Bobby Magner.
Three or four Car Mate Custom Built Trailer heats will start off the action followed by the Lane’s Yamaha/Walt’s Hobby Dash and the KSE Racing Products B-Main all leading up to the….. This will kick off the race to the 2008 Lucas Oil Championship. A special note to fans and competitors, a special practice session has been set up on Friday night where many of the sprint teams will be on hand.
For more information, please log on www.empiresupersprints.com and for the latest info for Black Rock, you can hit www.blackrockspeedway.com . Saturday night April 12th is the date, Black Rock Speedway is the place…The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints for over 25 years and it will be excitement guaranteed!
Past Empire Super Sprint Winners at Black Rock Speedway.
Aug. 3, 1984: Lenny Krautheim III
May 5, 1985: Gordy Button
July 17, 1987: Mal Lane
Sept. 11, 1987: John Zentner
July 22, 1988: Mal Lane
Aug. 19, 1988: Gordy Button
Sept. 9, 1988: John Brutcher
June 2, 1989: Rick Crane
July 14, 1989: Tom Taber
Aug. 11, 1989: Rob Hart
Sept. 8, 1989: Mal Lane
May 6, 1990: Mal Lane
July 29, 1990: Jeff Thomas
July 5, 1991: Mal Lane
Aug. 9, 1991: Kim Gagliardi
Aug. 30, 1991: Tom Taber
Sept. 20, 1991: Jeff Thomas
May 10, 1992: Jeff Thomas
July 3, 1992: Bobby Parrow
Aug. 7, 1992: Bobby Parrow
Sept. 4, 1992: Bobby Parrow
May 9, 1993: Mal Lane
July 2, 1993: Tom Taber
Aug. 6, 1993: Craig Lane
May 30, 1994: Kramer Williamson
July 3, 1994: Craig Lane
Sept. 4, 1994: Craig Keel
Sept. 8, 1995: Craig Lane
April 20, 1996: Craig Lane
Sept. 6, 1996: Scott Holcomb
Sept. 5, 1997: Tim Kelly
April 18, 1998: Mike Woodring
Sept. 11, 1998: Bobby Parrow
April 30, 1999: Mike Woodring
July 14, 1999: Bobby Parrow
Sept. 10, 1999: Greg Coverdale
Rob Dietrick
Dan Kaszubinski
Sept. 11, 1999: Craig Keel
April 15, 2000: Dan Kaszubinski
July 3, 2000: Mike Woodring
Sept. 8, 2000: Scott Holcomb
Tom Taber
George Suprick
Sept. 9, 2000: George Suprick
July 6, 2001: John Karklin Jr.
Aug. 10, 2001: Randy Years
Sept. 7, 2001: Phil Mott
Sept. 8, 2001: George Suprick
July 5, 2002: Brian Dumigan
Aug. 9, 2002: Mike Lutz
Sept. 6, 2002: Chris Coyle
Dave McGough
Erin Crocker
Sept. 7, 2002: Mike Woodring
April 12, 2003: Mike Lutz
July 4, 2003: John Karklin Jr.
Aug. 8, 2003: Lance Yonge
Sept. 5, 2003: Mike Lutz
Kevin Welsh
Chris Coyle
Sept. 6, 2003: Scott Bonnell
Aug. 14, 2004: Blake Breen
Sept. 10, 2004: Midge Miller
Dave McGough
Curt Michael
Sept. 11, 2004: Trevor Lewis
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Nightly Cash Sponsors Sweeten the Pot at Each Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Event
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As the 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) gets ready to roll out the 2008 racing season this Saturday night at the Black Rock Speedway, nightly cash sponsors have added to what is already a very healthy cash purse that is offered at each ESS full point event. With the help of these great companies, ESS offers more cash at each event than any other 360 sprint car organization this side of the Mississippi.
Making a return for the fourth consecutive season is Glenn Styres and his very successful and popular Ohsweken Speedway. Ohsweken Speedway will again provide the nightly A-Main winners bonus of $100 which is on top of ESS’ base of $1,500. To go along with the nightly A-Main sponsors, each ESS full point event will now pay $2,000 to win for the 2008 season.
ESS will make its annual stop at Ohsweken on Friday night, June 20th and then will be back as a part of the Arrow Express Canadian Sprint Car Nationals on Sept. 12 & 13th. It will be banner year at Styres’ facility with the World of Outlaw Late Models on hand the night before ESS’ event and now a big two-day show for the World of Outlaw Sprints on July 22 & 23. This event will also be taped and broadcasted on the Speed Channel.
Back for the third year in a row will be the halfway bonus of $100 backed by Corky Stockham’s National Parts Peddler Newspaper. The leader of the 13th lap in every ESS A-Main will get a little extra in their pay envelope. The Parts Peddler has over 30 years of service helping all in the racing community with Stockham a big supporter of winged sprints.
For the second year in a row, Les Constructions Ultra will sponsor the “Blue Collar” Award of $100. Owned and operated by the Parent family the successful construction company is located in Granby, Quebec and the award will go to the driver that stood out with his or her effort during the night. The “Blue Collar” award proved very popular last year with all ESS teams.
In one of the longest cash sponsorships over the years with ESS has been Car Mate Custom Built Trailers and sponsoring every heat event during the season. The winner of each, what is now 10 lap event, will get $25 from Car Mate. It has been a partnership that has gone over very well over the years with many ESS teams bringing their sprint cars to the events loaded in trailers built by the Leeper, Pa.company.
The hard charger award was handed over from Walt Throne to Mal Lane several years ago and Lane’s Yamaha is back for another tour at providing $50 to the driver that passes the most cars in the 25 lap A-Main. For the second year in a row, Lane’s Yamaha will also sponsor the Hard Charger points with the sponsorship package totaling $2,000.
Top ESS competitor Jeff Cook and his business of Cook’s Contracting Services will take on the sponsorship of the “Bridesmaid Bonus” which is also worth $50. It goes to the driver that finishes in second place in each A-Main. While that person might be a dejected runner-up, they will see another $50 on top of their $1,000 that they already received.
HG Associates is back for their second season of sponsoring the pole award. It’s by the luck of the draw, but the driver that starts each A-Main on the pole will see an extra $50 from HG. A popular motor builder from Limerick Township in Pa., his engines as seen ESS championships from Lance Yonge and also point runner-up finishes from Jeff VanDusen.
New for 2008 is Granby, Quebec’s AMB Moteurs with the fastest lap of the A-Main award. The driver that turns the quickest lap during the 25 lap affair will receive an additional $50 from AMB which builds the motors for defending ESS champion Steve Poirier.
Eight great companies helping out some of the best race teams to wheel 360 winged sprint cars. It’s a time of celebration, the 25th Anniversary for the Lucas Oil backed tour and now with more money being offered than ever before! For the latest information on the series that kicks off this Saturday, April 12th please log on to www.empiresupersprints.com where its excitement guaranteed!
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Tim Kaeding Wins Opening Night at Silver Dollar Speedway
by Troy Hennig
Friday, April 4, 2008 Results
CHICO, CA (4-4-08) - Tim Kaeding picked up his 46th career victory at Silver Dollar Speedway Friday night during the first point show of the year. The Feather Falls Casino championship series was scheduled to begin last Friday night, but persistent rain canceled the event. Kaeding will receive the $2,000 winners pay check on GP Development night at the speedway. Other winners during the night included Ryan McDaniel, street stocks, Terry Schank Jr., wingless sprints, and Patrick Weger, dwarf cars. Another staggering amount of cars opened up the point season with 88 drivers on hand.
Chico's Jason York is coming back to his home track for the 2008 season and things started off great for our former champ. He started on the pole of the 20-car starting feature event and at the drop of the green flag he was the leader. Charging into the second spot was Andy Gregg from Placerville. Gregg is a top competitor who earlier in heat race action, wowed the crowd with a move around the extreme top of the race track in three and four to get the win. Now he was chasing York for the lead. Trouble found Kyle Hirst early in the event when he spun in turn four and was hit by Brett Miller. Also involved at the end of the mishap was Matt Shelton. Miller and his crew made quick repairs and returned but would pull off the track later in the race. Shelton continued but Hirst was done for the night. While this wreck was taking place in turn four, Gregg's night ended in turn two. Gregg also had a collapsed front end and was towed to the pit area and done for the night.
Racing resumed with York as the leader and Roger Crockett in second. Jon Allard was third and Tim Kaeding fourth. Kaeding made a brilliant charge on the top to pass Allard and Crockett in one lap. It seemed only a matter of time before he passed York for the lead. But things were not going to be easy for Kaeding and he hit a rut and fell back to fourth. Lap nine Kaeding and Allard hooked up once again and raced side by side for position. On lap ten Allard and Kaeding raced down the back straight side by side. With neither one lifting going into turn three there was contact between the two and a slower car. Allard spun off the track as did Kaeding, but Kaeding was able to keep his motor alive, while doing 360 spins, and keep going. Allard sat helpless in turn three and the yellow was needed. Right after the yellow was waved Zack Mason flipped in turn one to bring out a red. Allard would continue after the red at the rear of the field but just a few laps later he spun again and was finished for the night. He was one of the fastest cars but luck was not with him on this night.
York continued to lead until lap twelve. Kaeding moved around Crockett and then powered by York for the lead. Crockett was then able to get by York for second. On lap 18 disaster struck for York and the rear-end broke causing him to stop in turn one. Kaeding led the final two laps to get the win. Crockett finished a solid second in the Henderson Motorsports #7n. According to Gary Thomas, it was the first time since 1999 that the Henderson car raced at Chico. Sean Becker finished third in Rod Fauver's #64. Fourth place went to Auburn's Andy Forsberg. It was the first time in four nights of racing that Forsberg did not flip and finished with the same top wing he started the night with. The driver of the night, the hard charger of the night, the most cars passed award went to Matt Mitchell. Starting in the 19th spot is usually not a place to be in a sprint car main event. However, Mitchell, in only his fourth start in a winged car at Chico, passed and survived 14 over drivers to finish fifth. Great result from a kid who is known as a midget driver.
Terry Schank Jr. and his team are some of the best in the business when it comes to wingless racing in Northern California. Tonight the combination was unbeatable as Schank Jr. cruised led the final half of the race to get the win. Schank Jr. drove the Pro-Nol Racing Fuel/Circle Race Wheels/Pt.Shocks/Bergum Fabrication #2x into victory lane with a one second advantage at the checkered over Keith Bloom. Bloom is a youngster and continues to improve inside the race car at Chico. Paradise gasser Justin Funkhouser finished a solid third in tonights race. Funkhouser is always solid at Chico. Grass Valley's Billy Wallace passed the most cars in the 20 laps of racing. Wallace originally started in the back and moved around 14 cars to finish fourth. Cody Myers finished a strong fifth. Twenty wingless sprints showed up for the opening point night.
Tyler Walker started the night off with a quick lap of 11.947. Alissa Geving won the 12-lap B main event for the winged sprint cars. Heat race winners were Danny Ochs, Andy Gregg, Kyle Hirst and Jonathan Allard. A total of 29 drivers entered night one of the points chase.
Taylor Simas won heat race one for the wingless sprints and Cody Myers got the win in heat two.
Racing resumes next Friday night with the Bill Brownell Memorial Race, sponsored by Chico Custom Cycles, Pro Pool Tile Cleaning and John and Robbie Padjen. The winner of the sprint car main event will win $3,000 next Friday night.
360 sprint car feature: 1. Tim Kaeding, 2. Roger Crockett, 3. Sean Becker, 4. Andy Forsberg, 5. Matt Mitchell, 6. Alissa Geving, 7. Jason Botsford , 8. Robbie Whitchurch, 9. Dan Ochs, 10. Mason Moore, 11. Colby Copeland, 12. Jason York, 13. Willie Croft, 14. Jonathan Allard, 15. Matt Shelton, 16. Zack Mason, 17. Brett Miller, 18. Tyler Walker, 19. Andy Gregg, 20.Kyle Hirst
Wingless sprint car feature: 1. Terry Schank Jr., 2. Keith Bloom, 3. Justin Funkhouser, 4. Billy Wallace, 5. Cody Myers, 6. Jimmy Pettit , 7. Reyna Krueger, 8. Jason Myers, 9. Don Emery, 10. John Irvin, 11. Heath Hall, 12. Brian Southers, 13. Rob Jones, 14. Jim Neher, 15. Travis Moore, 16. Taylor Simas, 17. Nathan Johnson
OLLIE’S HEADS BACK TO THE TRACK THIS SUMMER WITH THREE-RACE ‘OLLIE’S 360 CHALLENGE’
NASCAR Drivers Kasey Kahne, Dave Blaney and Tony Stewart to Headline 360 Sprint Car Series;Races Feature Potential Payout of More Than $130,000
Rossburg, OH. – Ollie’s Bargain Outlet today announced that it would sponsor the Ollie’s 360 Challenge, a three-race series pitting NASCAR drivers Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne and Dave Blaney against some of the nation’s top 360 sprint car drivers. And there’s nothing “cheap” about this tournament -- Ollie will dig deep into his pockets to award the winners with a potentially record-breaking purse! With race dates set for June, July and August, the Ollie’s 360 Challenge will feature a total three-event purse of more than $80,000, with $6,000 going to each A-main winner. Additionally, a bonus of $50,000 will be offered to any driver who can win two of three A-main features.
“Taking part in the Ollie’s 360 Challenge, with confirmed entries already from drivers like Kasey Kahne, Dave Blaney and Tony Stewart, is a thrill for the entire Ollie’s family,” said Mark Butler, president and CEO of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. “The Ollie’s 360 Challenge will give us another opportunity to offer “Good Stuff, Cheap” -- top-quality racing at a great value to fans across several states this summer. And I encourage people to stay tuned for news about an exciting sweepstakes all race fans will want to enter.”
The challenge will kick off with a race at the 3/8-mile Sharon (Ohio) Speedway on June 17. Owned and operated by Blaney and a group of local partners, Sharon Speedway is one of the country’s leading short tracks and hosts several 410 sprint car events throughout the season.
“I am really pleased that the Ollie’s 360 Challenge will make a stop at Sharon Speedway,” said Blaney. “My family and business partners have put a lot of time and effort into making Sharon Speedway one of the best dirt tracks in the country and it’s a privilege to welcome a marquee event such as this into our facility. I’m also looking forward to getting into a 360 sprint car again this year.”
The second round of the Ollie’s 360 Challenge will take place at Stewart’s Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, on July 8. The high-banked, half-mile oval has a storied history that spans more than 50 years and is a staple in the sprint car universe. Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Stewart competes in a handful of dirt track racing events each season.
“Any time I can race a dirt sprint car or late model I’m excited about it,” said Stewart. “I’ve always said that open-wheel racing is like a reset button for me and the fact that I’m going to get to race my 360 sprinter at least three times this summer is something I’m really looking forward to. We’re very proud to be able to offer our fans a variety of quality racing and I’m sure this event will be one of our biggest this season. It will be fun to mix it up with Kasey, Dave and the top 360 sprint car drivers in the country.”
The third and final round of the Ollie’s 360 Challenge will be hosted by Kahne and wrap up at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa., on August 19. The facility, a favorite of Kahne’s, boasts a half-mile speedplant and one of the most loyal sprint car racing fan bases in the country. In 2007, the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Shootout event hosted by Williams Grove Speedway raised more than $75,000 for the Kasey Kahne Foundation. It’s a favor that Kahne is eager to reciprocate in August.
“Williams Grove Speedway is one of my favorite tracks to race on,” Kahne said. “I grew up racing sprint cars around the country and I always enjoyed racing at ‘The Grove.’ Last year, we worked with Ollie’s and the track to help raise $75,000 for the Kasey Kahne Foundation and I really appreciated all of the effort the facility and staff put into the event. We’re looking forward to working with Ollie’s Bargain Outlet again this year and I’m happy to announce that the proceeds from the Grove event will go to support the Kasey Kahne Foundation this year as well. It will be great to get to compete in these three events with Tony and Dave, as well as race against the drivers who run 360 sprint cars each week. All three races will be great for the fans, especially if someone can pull off winning the $50,000 bonus.”
The Williams Grove race not only culminates the series, it solidifies Ollie’s Bargain Outlet’s commitment to charity.
“Having a charitable tie-in is extremely important to Ollie’s,” said Mark Butler, a newly appointed member to the Kasey Kahne Foundation Chairman’s Board. “We, as a company, strive to give back to our community in any way we can. Being able to connect with the community in an exciting way via the 360 Challenge and charitably through the Kasey Kahne Foundation gives us the best of both worlds.”
About the Ollie’s 360 Challenge
The Ollie’s 360 Challenge will begin at Sharon Speedway on June 17. The second race in the three event series will take place at Eldora Speedway on July 8 with the event finale scheduled for Williams Gove Speedway on August 19. Paying $6,000 to each winner and a minimum of $500 to each A-main competitor, the Ollie’s 360 Challenge series will rank as one of the highest paying 360 sprint car events of 2008. All drivers competing in at least two of the three events are eligible for the $50,000 bonus, which will be awarded to the driver who can win two of three A-main events.
Motorsports Media Entertainment is promoting the event in conjunction with the title sponsor, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. For more information regarding Ollie’s Bargain Outlet please visit www.olliesbargainoutlet.com. For more information regarding Sharon Speedway, Eldora Speedway or Williams Grove Speedway log on to www.sharonspeedway.com, www.eldoraspeedway.com or www.williamsgrove.com. More information regarding each event of the Ollie’s 360 Challenge will become available as event times are confirmed.
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OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY ADVANCED RESERVED SEAT TICKET SALES DELAYED UNTIL APRIL 14th
With sincere apologies and much regret, ADVANCED TICKET SALES for this summer’s special events at Ohsweken Speedway featuring the World of Outlaw Late Models; World of Outlaw Sprints; and the 4th Annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals will be delayed one more week. Sales will now open at 8:00 AM April 14th.
Ticket requests will be taken by phone only (1-888-720-7223), Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Credit card payment in full will be required at the time of purchase. Tickets will then be mailed directly to your home. NO TICKETS WILL BE HELD WITHOUT PAYMENT.
NO TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TRACK UNTIL RACE DAY.
NO OTHER OUTLETS WILL BE HANDLING OHSWEKEN TICKET SALES.
"We understand the frustration that some people may feel with yet another delay" stated ticket coordinator Cheryl Pelkie. "I urge everyone to be patient as we work through an unexpected family medical problem and we will get to each of you in due course".
PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN ORDERING YOUR TICKETS :
Check the seating chart to determine where you would like your seats located. Pick two or three options as your first choice may not be available.
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NRA Sprint Invaders Locked and Loaded for 2008
The Sprint Invaders will kick off their season in traditional style at Limaland Motorsports Park on April 11th. The Sprint Invaders will make their first of two visits to Waynesfield Motorsports Park on May 24th. The first of five dates at Eldora Speedway appears on Sunday, May 25th. The NRA Sprint Invaders will be back at the famed speed plant for the Border Wars (June 14th), Ollie's Outlet 360 Challenge (July 8th) and the Night Before the Kings Royal (July 11th). The North vs South Shootout will send the action up to Michigan as the rivalry heats up between the NRA and ASCS Sprints on Dirt at the Butler Battlegrounds and I96 Speedway in June. The NRA will battle with the All-Star Circuit of Champions during the Ohio Sprint Speedweek / NRA Challenge at Limaland on June 27th. In August, NRA Sprint Invaders head to Knoxville to compete against the best 360 drivers and sanctioning groups in the country. The NRA had a great showing in the 360 Nationals and the Tournament of Champions last year. Our drivers are prepared to return to the famous midwest track and battle for sprint car supremacy. The annual NRA versus 305 Sprint Car Challenge takes place August 10th at Limaland and August 11th at Fremont Speedway. The final points event will be hosted by Limaland on August 22nd. The NRA will also be participating in the Canadian Sprint Car Nationals on September 12th and 13th at Ohsewken Speedway as well as the Sprint Car Sprintacular on October 11th at Eldora.
The corporate support of the NRA Sprint Invaders continues to grow each year. Elwer Fence, Inc., the University of Northwestern Ohio, Hoosier, and All Pro Cylinder Heads return as series sponsors. Holley, Earl's Performance Plumbing, Comp Cams, and Mechanix Wear will be enhancing the events in 2008 as contingency sponsors by providing product certificates and incentives for the teams participating at NRA events during the racing season.
The Sprint Invaders have an action-packed season planned. With an expected strong contingent of new drivers joining the series and the return of several seasoned veteran drivers, the championship battle will be one for the record books.
For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit www.nrainvaders.com <http://www.nrainvaders.com/> .
Global Safety Sources, Inc. Joins the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints in 2008: Sets up the I-90 Challenge and Independence Holiday Clash.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As the 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints gets ready to see the first green flag of the season, the sponsorship fold continues to grow with the latest addition of Global Safety Sources, Inc. (GSSI) An affiliation with General Electric, GSSI will back two separate two race events with $1,000 point funds each.
Introducing the GSSI I-90 (for Interstate 90) Challenge and the GSSI Independence Holiday Clash. Two events each at three different tracks making up the unique promotion. The first $1,000 point fund will be for the May 25th event at the Utica-Rome Speedway followed by the May 31st date a the Fonda Speedway which is the annual Earl Halaquist Memorial. Both tracks are right off the New York State Thruway which is the well traveled I-90. The top five drivers in points from these two, $2,000 to win events will be rewarded from the hefty point fund.
The other two dates do make up a weekend, the 4th of July to be exact. On Saturday night, July 5th it’s off to the Can-Am Motorsports Park followed by another Sunday night visit to Utica-Rome. Once again, five drivers will take a share from the $1,000 point fund offered.
GSSI hails from Pasadena TX and provides personnel, safety support, training and supplies for all aspects of construction, nuclear, chemical and refinerys all over the country. Their training programs can be done from their classrooms, at your site worldwide or even on-line. Their degreed personnel are trained in all forms of construction, electrical chemical and nuclear . GSSI also has a full line supplies with fast delivery from their online ordering. For more information you can either call (281) 487-4949 or visit www.globalsafetysourcesinc.com
With these four shows in the heart of ESS country, big fields are expected not only for the $2,000 to win events but also with the added dollars offered with the contribution from GSSI. All of the bonuses are open to any driver that enters each event.
Not only will the GSSI logo be flown at all ESS events on every car but you will see GSSI backing on Andy Noto’s sprinter. A 2008 rookie of the year hopeful, Noto comes from an asphalt background running Oswego Super Modifieds and is an employee of GSSI. His sharp #19 made its debut at the Motorsports Expo in Syracuse, N.Y. just a few weeks back.
“Having GSSI come aboard just gives the teams a little more to race for. A-Main sponsors and weekend point funds have been a goal in the off season and it has taken off. We still have more in the works.” added ESS President Chuck Miller. “We just have to thank Neal Rose, the President from GSSI and GE Safety for his contribution. We’re also glad to have Andy supporting us in such a great capacity and he hasn’t even run his first sprint race with us.”
A total of 31 dates fill the Lucas Oil sponsored traveling road show, top stars such as Steve Poirier, Jeff VanDusen, Lance Yonge, Jeff Cook, Alain Bergeron and many. Many more will be coming to a dirt track near you. For over 25 years now, the Empire Super Sprints has been providing excitement guaranteed! For all the latest up do date information, please log to www.empiresupersprints.com
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ESS EXTRA!!
The Fonda Speedway, Fonda, New York.
It’s simply known as the “Track of Champions”…the Fonda Speedway. It’s one of the Empire State’s most historic tracks which located in Fonda, NY along the Mohawk River. It’s on the Montgomery County Fairgrounds where the annual fair is a main attraction in August.
Fonda hosted the NASCAR Grand National Division back in the 50’s with stars such as Richard Petty, Buck Baker and many other NASCAR legends making appearances. What is the infield pit road was also once a drag strip but now the odd shaped half-mile is for dirt racing only.
The odd shape of the oval is because of the Mohawk River, turns one and two are tighter with the back stretch as a curve which runs along the banks of the river. Three and four are fast but the outside wall coming off of four can bite you.
The Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS) made its return to Fonda last season after some 13 years and was a big hit. Some drivers of local interest are Jeff VanDusen, Cory Sparks, Jessica Zemken, Warren Alexson and Jami Russell. This year’s event will be on May 31st and will once again be the Earl Halaquist Memorial with $2,000 going to the winner.
Fonda has vast seating with bleachers all the way from turn four through to the mid portion of the front stretch. An old, historic, wooden covered grandstand goes all the way to turn one with one more small set of bleachers after that. The VIP tower overlooks turn one. The pits are located off turns three and four so the fans have an unobstructed view of the big half-mile the drag strip can be used for a pit road during long distance events. A special Fonda Speedway Hall of Fame is also located inside the nearby McDonalds which also supports the track in sponsorships.
ESS Facts – Fonda Speedway:
ESS Events Run: 5
Different Winners: 5
Most Wins: Five Drivers at 1 Each.
Last Event Run: 7/21/07
Most Recent Winner: Justin Barger.
Fonda Facts:
Location: Exit 28 off of New York State Thruway, Fonda, N.Y.
ESS Date: May 31st
Dash Sponsor: Gabriel’s IGA
A-Main Sponsor: Earl Halaquist Memorial
Promoter: Ric Lucia
Track Phone: (518) 853-4235
Website: www.fondaspeedway.com
Sites of Interest:
Mohawk River
National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. about 1 Hour Away.
Albany, N.Y., the State Capital 30 minutes East.
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The 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints Releases 31 Date 2008 Schedule
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – It’s exciting, fun-filled, lucrative and historic. With this comes the announcement of the 25th Anniversary tour for the Empire Super Sprints (ESS). It started with the announcement of Lucas Oil as the tour sponsor and is now followed up with 31 dates from April 12th to October 18th. New events, returning tracks, increased purses, weekend point funds and for the first time ever…one on the asphalt.
The 25th Anniversary celebration gets its first green flag at the Black Rock Speedway on Saturday night, April 12th. The event marks the return of the Dundee oval as a full point show for the first time since August of 2003. Also returning to the ESS schedule after 21 years to the day will be a look forward to visit to Howie Commander’s high banked Lebanon Valley Speedway to kick off Kings Weekend.
For the first time ever, ESS will trek to Pennsylvania and put on what is expected to be a wild show at the Clinton County Raceway under new promoter Vern Wasson. That will make for a new one/two weekend with Wasson’s other speedplant, the Woodhull Raceway.
The other first time ever event on the Lucas Oil sked. Is ESS’ maiden voyage on the blacktop and a June 28th event at the famed Oswego Speedway. It’s billed at the “Assault on the Asphalt” where 20 ESS stars will take their winged dirt sprinters to the 5/8ths mile asphalt oval for what is hoped to be a headline making event.
“We are very excited with our 25th Anniversary schedule.” noted by ESS President Chuck Miller. “With the state of auto racing in flux, we are proud to increase our schedule with almost all of our events now at $2,000 to win. We’re bringing in special weekend point funds that total $5,000 so far and have increased all of our sponsorships which will see the teams racing for more money than ever before.”
Familiar events make up the bulk of the 31 event schedule with Utica-Rome, Autodrome Granby, Drummond and Autodrome Edelweiss Speedway hosting three point shows each. All events are $2,000 to win as well. Mohawk International, Brockville and Cornwall hosting two full point events each with the first Cornwall event in conjunction with the World of Outlaw Late Models and also paying $2,500 to win.
For the second year in a row there will be events at Fonda and Woodhull along with traditional stops of Can-Am and Ohsweken hosting a single full point shows. This makes the total log of full point events at 25 which is an increase of last years total of 23.
Two very special sponsors are bringing in unique weekend point fund sponsorships where teams that run those events eligible to pick up extra cash. Riverside Bar and Grill brings you Racing Weekend’s I, II and III. Global Safety Sources, Inc. will be bringing the I-90 Challenge and the Independence Holiday Weekend Clash. All five of these two or three race events carry a $1,000 point fund.
Several special events dot the schedule with the stars and cars of ESS looking to wave the Lucas Oil banner proudly. On Sept. 12 & 13 will be the Arrow Express Canadian Sprint Car Nationals at the Ohsweken Speedway with Saturday’s finale paying a whopping $8,000 to win! Defending ESS champion Steve Poirier will be there in looking to make the Canadian National three-peat. On Saturday night, October 11th is the annual 360 Sprint Shootout at the Rolling Wheels Raceway Park as a part of Super DIRT Week. The $3,000 to win, 25 lap event is always an exciting part of SDW and ESS is proud to be side by side with the United Racing Company in hosting the event.
For the first time ever comes the Can-Am Challenge at the Brockville Ontario Speedway on October 18th to bring down the season with a $2,000 to win event. This will be a special cross promotion with the very popular Southern Ontario Sprints and making for an unique battle between two nations. The final special event on Tour 2008 is the 10th annual Brodix Tournament of Champions at the Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Ia. Along with the regular Knoxville 360’s, ESS is happy to be the only sanctioning body to be a part of all 10 Tournaments.
The schedule is one of the best ever, the joining of Lucas Oil brings new excitement to the tour but it’s all brought to you in the most exciting way by the ESS race teams themselves. Some of the very best to wheel winged 360 sprint cars from both he US and Canada. Steve Poirier, Jeff VanDusen, Lance Yonge, Jeff Cook, Alain Bergeron, Michael Parent, Tommy Wickham, Bubby Kerrick, Mike Stelter, Justin Barger, Cory Sparks, Brian McDonald, Russ Bennett and Normand Beaudreault. Returning to the tour will be Dan Kaszubinski, Doug Emery and the first ever ESS champion Gordy Button making it a memorable 2008. New tour travelers comes Anthony Cain, Chris Jones, Lee Ladouceur and Justin Harris with rookies coming aboard so far in Andy Noto and Brandon Warner. Look for Jared Zimbardi, Rick and April Wilson, Tim Kelly, Jason Barney, Chuck Hebing and with the new open draw format, many, many stars at several of the ESS events this coming season.
April 12th to October 18th and 29 stops in between…It’s the 25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints and it will be excitement guaranteed! For the latest up to date information, please log on to www.empiresupersprints.com .
25th Anniversary Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints 2008 Schedule.
Sat. Apr. 12th Black Rock Speedway - Dundee, NY
Sun. May 25th Utica-Rome Speedway – Vernon, NY - $2,000 to win! GSSI I-90 Challenge - $1,000 Point Fund!
Sat. May 31st Fonda Speedway – Fonda, NY – Earl Halaquist Memorial - $2,000 to win! GSSI I-90 Challenge - $1,000 Point Fund!
Sat. June 7th Mohawk International Raceway – Hogansburg, NY
Fri. June 13th Autodrome Granby – Granby QC. - $2,000 to win!
Sat. June 14th Autodrome Drummond – Drummondville, QC. - $2,000 to win!
Sun. June 15th Rain Date for Autodrome Granby
Fri. June 20th Ohsweken Speedway, Ohsweken, ON. - $2,000 to win!
Sun. June 22nd Cornwall Motor Speedway – Cornwall, ON. - $2,500 to win! With World of Outlaw Late Models!
Mon. June 23rd Rain Date for Cornwall Motor Speedway
Sat. June 28th Oswego Speedway – First Ever ESS Assault on the Asphalt.
Sat. July 5th Can-Am Motorsports Park, LaFargeville, NY - $2,000 to win! GSSI Independence Holiday Clash - $1,000 Point Fund!
Sun. July 6th Utica Rome Speedway - $2,000 to win! GSSI Independence Holiday Clash - $1,000 Point Fund!
Fri. July 11th Clinton County Raceway – Mackeyville, Pa.
Sat. July 12th Woodhull Raceway – Woodhull, N.Y.
Fri. July 18th Autodrome Edelweiss Speedway – Cantley, QC - $2,000 to win!
Riverside Bar and Grill Racing Weekend I - $1,000 Point Fund!
Sat. July 19th Brockville Ontario Speedway - Brockville, ON - $2,000 to win!
Riverside Bar and Grill Racing Weekend I - $1,000 Point Fund!
Fri. Aug. 1st Autodrome Granby - $2,000 to win!
Sat. Aug. 2nd Autodrome Drummond - $2,000 to win!
Sun. Aug. 3rd Knoxville Raceway – Knoxville, IA. – Brodix ToC - $5,000 to win!
Fri. Aug. 15th Autodrome Edelweiss Speedway - $2,000 to win!
Riverside Bar and Grill Racing Weekend II - $1,000 Point Fund!
Sat. Aug. 16th Brockville Ontario Speedway - $2,000 to win!
Riverside Bar and Grill Racing Weekend II - $1,000 Point Fund!
Sun. Aug. 17th Cornwall Motor Speedway - $2,000 to win!
Riverside Bar and Grill Racing Weekend II - $1,000 Point Fund!
Fri. Aug. 29th Autodrome Granby - $2,000 to win!
Sat. Aug. 30th Autodrome Drummond - $2,000 to win!
Sun. Aug. 31st Utica-Rome Speedway - $2,000 to win!
Fri. Sept. 5th Lebanon Valley Speedway – West Lebanon, NY
Fri. Sept 12th Ohsweken Speedway – Shootout Before the Nationals
Sat. Sept. 13th Ohsweken Speedway – Arrow Express Canadian Nationals - $8,000 to win!
Fri. Sept. 19th Autodrome Edelweiss Speedway - $2,000 to win!
Riverside Bar and Grill Racing Weekend III - $1,000 Point Fund!
Sat. Sept. 20th Mohawk International Raceway
Riverside Bar and Grill Racing Weekend III - $1,000 Point Fund!
Sat. Oct. 11th Rolling Wheels Raceway Park – Elbridge, NY – 360 Sprint Shootout - $3,000 to win!
Sat. Oct. 18th Brockville Ontario Speedway – Can-Am Challenge - $2,000 to win!
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ESS EXTRA!!
The Utica-Rome Speedway, Vernon, New York.
The Utica-Rome Speedway annually celebrates the three big racing season weekend holidays with the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints in town. Memorial Day, the 4th of July
