Lanigan Outduels Owens & Birkhofer To Capture DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH Opener For UMP Late Models
BARBERVILLE, FL - Feb. 8, 2010 - Darrell Lanigan won't be a bridesmaid during the 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals by University of Northwestern Ohio.
The standout racer from Union, Ky., made sure of that on Monday night, scoring a hard-fought victory in the 30-lap UMP Late Model A-Main that opened the meet's full-fender action at Volusia Speedway Park.
Lanigan, 39, outdueled Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn., and Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, to pocket a $7,000 top prize -- almost exactly one year after finishing second in the first event of the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH. He went on to record two more runner-up finishes in the remaining five nights of the 2009 series.
"It feels good to get a win right out of the box this year," said Lanigan, the 2008 World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion. "But we didn't do anything real different from last year. We just made some little tweaks and got some breaks."
Driving a Rocket Chassis car he debuted late in the 2009 season, Lanigan used the inside lane to move forward from the fifth starting spot and grab the lead from Birkhofer on lap 14. Birkhofer regained command on lap 16, but Lanigan surged ahead on lap 19 and repelled late-race challenges in lapped traffic from Owens and Birkhofer to emerge victorious.
Owens settled for second place, 0.582 of a second behind Lanigan after his high-side bid rounding turns three and four on the final lap fell short. He started seventh in his Team Zero by Bloomquist machine.
Birkhofer finished third in his MB Customs car after leading laps 1, 3-13 and 16-18 in the wildly competitive affair, which included five lead changes among three drivers.
Completing the top five was 17th-starter Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., and eighth-starter Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, Wis.
"The car was awesome and the track was perfect tonight," said Lanigan, who made his first start of 2010 in preparation for his seventh consecutive season as a WoO LMS regular. "You could race all over it -- so hat's off to the Volusia Speedway track crew, and hat's off to my crew too."
Owens, a four-time DIRTcar UMP Modified national champion, wasn't disappointed with his second-place finish.
"To race like that with Lanigan and Birkhofer -- man, that was fun," said Owens. "It was a great race."
Birkhofer, meanwhile, came through his first appearance of the season with a good idea of what he should have done to his machine.
"We thought one thing and should've done the other," said Birkhofer, who didn't plan to enter the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH until less than two weeks ago. "I'm looking forward to the rest of the week. It's an awesome racetrack, and you're gonna have to get your car right if you want to win."
Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., finished sixth after starting 20th, followed by Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., Jack Sullivan of Greenbrier, Ark., who started from the pole position and led lap two, Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., and Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y.
Two cautions flags slowed the feature -- on lap five for a spin by Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga., and lap 10 for the slow car driven by Tommy Kerr of Maryville, Tenn.
Sixty-seven cars entered the evening's action.
Owens turned the best overall lap of the evening's group time-trial session, blistering the sweeping track in 15.962 seconds.
Other group fast-timers included Kyle Berck of Marquette, Neb. (16.360), Erb (16.268), McCreadie (16.347), Will Vaught of Crane, Mo. (16.328) and Jared Landers of Batesville, Ark. (16.704).
Heat winners were Sullivan, Birkhofer, Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Lanigan and Ross Camponovo of Clarksdale, Miss., who pulled off an impressive prelim triumph in his first-ever start at Volusia. The B-Mains were captured by Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., Pearson and Rick 'Boom' Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa.
The 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH continue on Tuesday (Feb. 9) with a DIRTcar UMP Late Model/Modified doubleheader. Race time is 7:30 p.m.
For more information visit www.dirtcar.com, www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com or www.dirtcarnationals.com.
DIRTcar UMP Late Model A-Main Finish (30 laps):
1. Darrell Lanigan
2. Jimmy Owens
3. Brian Birkhofer
4. Billy Moyer
5. Dan Schlieper
6. Earl Pearson Jr.
7. Tim McCreadie
8. Jack Sullivan
9. Dennis Erb Jr.
10. Tim Fuller
11. Dale McDowell
12. Josh Richards
13. Jason Feger
14. Vic Coffey
15. Rick Eckert
16. Rick Briggs
17. Brady Smith
18. Clint Smith
19. Steve Francis
20. Tommy Kerr
21. Jordan Bland
22. Tyler Ivey
23. Eric Jacobsen
24. Ross Camponovo
Lap Leaders: Birkhofer (1); Sullivan (2); Birkhofer (3-13); Lanigan (14-15); Birkhofer (16-18); Lanigan (19-30)
Heat No. 1 (8 laps -- Top 3 Transfer): 1. Jack Sullivan, 2. Jimmy Owens, 3. Rick Eckert, 4. Jason Feger, 5. Jason McBride, 6. John Blankenship, 7. Dan Stone, 8. Mike Knight, 9. Ronnie Rihn, 10. Chuck Julien, 11. Steve Sheppard Jr. (DNS) Brandon Kinzer
Heat No. 2 (8 laps -- Top 3 Transfer): 1. Brian Birkhofer, 2. Dan Schlieper, 3. Tim Fuller, 4. Justin Rattliff, 5. Dale McDowell, 6. Eric Wells, 7. Kyle Berck, 8. Dave Zona, 9. Dillan White, 10. Danny Mitchell (DNS) Brent Robinson
Heat No. 3 (8 laps -- Top 3 Transfer): 1. Vic Coffey, 2. Dennis Erb Jr., 3. Josh Richards, 4. Brady Smith, 5. Ricky Weiss, 6. Bub McCool, 7. Russell King, 8. Chub Frank, 9. Tim Dohm, 10. Brandon Sheppard, 11. Mason Ziegler
Heat No. 4 (8 laps -- Top 3 Transfer): 1. Jordan Bland, 2. Tim McCreadie, 3. Steve Francis, 4. Earl Pearson Jr., 5. Eddie Carrier Jr., 6. Brad Neat, 7. Austin Hubbard, 8. Dwight Falcon, 9. Jonathan DeHaven, 10. Darren Peters (DNS) Jeff Phipps
Heat No. 5 (8 laps -- Top 3 Transfer): 1. Darrell Lanigan, 2. Billy Moyer, 3. Tyler Ivey, 4. Clint Smith, 5. Ronnie DeHaven Jr., 6. Randy Korte, 7. Whitney McQueary, 8. Will Vaught, 9. Tyler Bruening, 10. Stacy Boles, 11. Wendell Wallace
Heat No. 6 (8 laps -- Top 3 Transfer): 1. Ross Camponovo, 2. Eric Jacobsen, 3. Tommy Kerr, 4. Rick Briggs, 5. Jared Landers, 6. Jeff Beyers, 7. Joe Callahan, 8. Kevin Colston, 9. Donald Beyers, 10. Mike Hammerle (DNS) Tyler Reddick
B-Main No. 1 (10 laps -- Top 2 Transfer): Feger, McDowell, Stone, Rattliff, Blankenship, Berck, Wells, Knight, Zona, S. Sheppard, McBride, Kinzer, White, Rihn, Julien, Mitchell (DNS) Robinson
B-Main No. 2 (10 laps -- Top 2 Transfer): Pearson, B. Smith, Neat, Carrier, McCool, Dohm, Hubbard, Frank, B. Sheppard, Peters, Ziegler, J. DeHaven, Falcon, Weiss, King (DNS) Phipps
B-Main No. 3 (10 laps -- Top 2 Transfer): Briggs, C. Smith, Korte, R. DeHaven, Wallace, J. Beyers, Bruening, Boles, Callahan, McQueary, D. Beyers, Colston, Reddick, Hammerle, Vaught (DNS) Landers
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Dart Dirt Black Rock - Canandaigua Late Model Challenge Set
St. Catharines, ON…Dart Machinery has teamed with Black Rock Speedway and Canandaigua Speedway to offer BRP CanAm late model teams a $3000 point fund for a six event mini series. Three back-to-back Friday Saturday programs inside the standard weekly programs at each of these New York tracks will be packaged for the challenge.
“This is a win–win for everybody. The dates were already on the track schedules we have simply joined with Cory (Reed) and Dean (Hoag) to provide some addition incentive for the BRP CanAm late model teams,” reports Bud Keating from his Dart Machinery office in Troy, Michigan. “Dart has been involved with the BRP CanAm Late Model Series for seven years and this is simply an extension of that program. We at Dart are excited that the BRP CanAm late model program has been expanded to include several programs at Canandaigua Speedway for 2010. Black Rock has been part of the BRP CanAm program for several years. The geographic proximity of these two fine race tracks makes a perfect setup for this challenge program. We are expanding our Dart Dirt Racing Series program in several areas of the country. This is a perfect next step for us in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.”
As previously announced Canandaigua Speedway has joined the BRP CanAm Late Model Series with seven late model events on the 2010 schedule. All seven are part of the Series via the home track bonus program. A Series tour event will be held at the track known as the Land of Legends on September 17.
Black Rock Speedway includes the BRP CanAm late models for all of its racing programs. Black Rock will host Series tour events on July 2, August 6, and October 23.
The Dart Dirt Black Rock-Canandaigua Late Model Challenge dates are May 7-8, June 18-19, and August 20-21
Dart Machinery information at www.DartHeads.com; Black Rock Speedway information at www.BlackRockSpeedway.com; Canandaigua Speedway information at www.CanandaiguaSpeedway.com; BRP CanAm Series information at www.BRPCanAmSeries.com
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Don O'Neal Rallies for Victory in the Final Night of the 34th annual DART Winternationals at East Bay
TAMPA, FL (February 6, 2010) - Taking the lead on lap 40 when race leader Scott Bloomquist jumped the cushion in turn one, Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN led the remaining 35 circuits to win the final night of the 34th Annual DART Winternationals for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at East Bay Raceway Park. He earned $12,000 for the win. Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI finished second, followed by Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN; Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL; and Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, WI. Erb tallied the most DART Winternationals Championship Points for the week to earn a $5,000 bonus from DART Machinery.
Red Buck Cigar Fast Qualifier and new track record holder, Chris Wall earned the pole starting position. Alongside Wall was the Zero machine of Scott Bloomquist, who was coming off a win in the afternoon event that preceded the night's finale. Bloomquist stormed to the point from the drop of the green over Wall, O'Neal and Schlieper. By the seventh lap Bloomquist had opened up a straightaway lead over the field and he began approaching the tail end of the field.
Bloomquist moved into traffic by lap nine. O'Neal was hounding Wall for second as the two went go side-by-side for a lap until O'Neal made the pass on Wall for second on the tenth circuit. Justin Rattliff remained in the thick of things holding the fourth spot followed by tenth place starter, Mike Marlar; who was on the move as a caution came out for debris on the track with 14 laps complete. O'Neal got sideways coming out of turn two on lap 20 as well as Wall, who spun to avoid running into O'Neal. Wall lost five spots in the running order. Mark Andersen slowed on the frontstretch with 21 laps complete to bring out caution number three.
Bloomquist remained in front, followed by O'Neal, Schlieper, Erb and Jimmy Mars. The top five remained the same until Erb got by Schlieper for third on lap 28. Erb then slip out of the groove allowing both top five newcomer Ray Cook and Mars to get by him with 30 laps down. O'Neal was dancing a treacherous top line around the track and on lap 31 he lost three spots, falling from second to fifth in a matter of one lap. Up front, Bloomquist was almost a straightaway ahead of Schlieper, who was now second with Cook running in third followed by Mars and O'Neal. A red flag came out with 39 laps complete for a multi-car pileup on the frontstretch. The incident eliminated the cars of Brady Smith and Ricky Weiss.
On the fateful lap 40 restart, Bloomquist headed into turn one and jump the cushion. Both O'Neal and Schlieper went by him as Bloomquist was relegated to third place. O'Neal pounded the gas with Schlieper in tow. Another caution waived, this time for Justin Rattliff, who pulled out of the race. O'Neal jumped at the chance to lead the race; Bloomquist and Schlieper went at it for second. Bloomquist moved back into the runnerup slot on lap 44.
O'Neal stretched his lead to ten car lengths over Bloomquist and Schlieper. Steve Francis was now in the hunt for the first time in the race. He finally climbed from his 19th starting spot to run fourth by lap 46. Cook then rebounded; passed Francis for fourth. O'Neal was looking solid and was comfortably in front of Bloomquist when the caution came out for Francis on lap 57. The top five stayed in that running order as O'Neal looked to be on cruise control. Following O'Neal was a terrific battle for second between the cars of Bloomquist, Schlieper and Erb. Bloomquist jumped the cushion in turns one and two again. Schlieper slipped by him on lap 64. Schlieper then started to track down O'Neal who had no traffic in front of him, but Schlieper slowly closed the gap with five laps to go. O'Neal sped on to pick the big check for his not only his 13th career win at East Bay, but his 13th career win on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series tour.
In the Lucas Oil Victory Lane the 45-year-old racer who has twice finished runner-up in the Lucas Oil Series; was happy to be there. He thought he had thrown the chance away when he jumped the cushion back on lap 31. "I thought I had really messed up there, we had a really good car from the start and I thought I had lost my chance to win. 75 laps is a lot of laps here, things can happen so quick here; people come and go to the front so often that you lose and gain track position all the time. When I saw Scott jump the cushion up there on that restart, I thought this was my chance to redeem myself," said O'Neal.
"That cushion was tough, but after we got out in front I tried to avoid as many of the rough spots as possible and keep the car straight so we wouldn't lose a tire out there. Man it feels good to get back to victory lane here at East Bay, we've always run well here and I have to thank my crew, Tader, Doug, Mark and Tim for all their help. It's a good win for MasterSbilt and Jay Dickens," said O'Neal who won before the cameras of SPEED Channel. SPEED was on hand to film the event to be shown at a later date.
The rest of the sponsors on O'Neal's car include; Superior Cleaning, O'Neal Mulch, Independence Lumber, Jones Core, Hanzo Logistics, Sunoco Race Fuels, Ohlins Shocks, Budda Bert Transmissions and Brownstown Speedway and Hoosier Racing Tires.
Schlieper came across the line in second his Rockstar Energy Drink/DART Machinery/Bloomquist Race Cars Ford Fusion; followed by Bloomquist in his miller Brothers Construction/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Monte Carlo SS. The rest of the top finishers were Erb in his Thomason Express LLC/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Rayburn Impala SS and Mars in the Ernie and Connie Davis/Ernie D's/Rocket Impala SS.
Completing the top ten were Jason Feger of Bloomington, IL who pitted for a flat tire and returned to finish sixth followed by Steve Francis of Ashland, KY; Rick Eckert of York, Pa; Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC; and Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL.
By virtue of his fourth place finish, Erb captured the 2010 34th Annual DART Winternationals Championship. Erb took home a $5,000 check for his efforts during the week as won by a 55-point margin over O'Neal.
For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Saturday Night, February 6th, 2010
"34th Annual DART Winternationals"
East Bay Raceway Park - Tampa, FL
Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Chris Wall / 14.022 seconds ***New Track Record***
Wiles Driveshaft's First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Chris Wall, Ray Cook, Dennis Erb, Jr., Tim McCreadie, Jimmy Owens, Matt Miller, Shannon Babb, Austin Hubbard, Dale McDowell, Kyle Berck, Robert Geiger, Earl Pearson, Jr., Shan Smith
AFCO Racing Products Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advances): Don O'Neal, John Blankenship, Rick Eckert, Jason Feger, Steve Francis, Dillan White, Eric Jacobsen, Billy Moyer, Steve Casebolt, Travis Varnadore, Tim Dohm, Lee Thomason
Allstar Performance Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Dan Schlieper, Mike Marlar, Ricky Weiss, Jason McBride, Brad Neat, Tim Fuller, Tim Isenberg, Bub McCool, Jordan Bland, Mike Collins, Leon Henderson
Wrisco Aluminum Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Justin Rattliff, Brady Smith, Jimmy Mars, Mark Andersen, Eric Wells, Daniel Stone, Russ King, Tyler Reddick, Danny Mitchell, Michael Walker, James O'Hara, Tommy Kerr
Hawk Brake First B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): Matt Miller, Steve Francis, Shannon Babb, Dillan White, Eric Jacobsen, Billy Moyer, Austin Hubbard, Tim Dohm, Dale McDowell, Travis Varnadore, Steve Casebolt, Robert Geiger, Earl Pearson, Jr., DNS Kyle Berck, Shan Smith
Performance Rod and Custom (PRC) Second B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): Daniel Stone, Eric Wells, Tim Fuller, Bub McCool, Michael Walker, Leon Henderson, Mike Collins, Russ King, Tim Isenberg, Jason McBride, Danny Mitchell, James O'Hara, Lee Thomason, Brad Neat, Tyler Reddick, DNS Jordan Bland, Tommy Kerr
PRC Strawberry Dash (Track Provisional Winner Transfers):, Steve Casebolt, Tim Dohm, Tim Isenberg, Travis Varnadore, DNS Jason McBride, Eric Jacobsen, Dale McDowell, Billy Moyer
34th Annual DART Winternationals Saturday (Night) Feature Finish (75 Laps): Don O'Neal, Dan Schlieper, Scott Bloomquist, Dennis Erb, Jr., Jimmy Mars, Jason Feger, Steve Francis, Rick Eckert, Ray Cook, Earl Pearson, Jr., Chris Wall, John Blankenship, Tim Fuller, Eric Wells, Eric Jacobsen, Tim McCreadie, Justin Rattliff, Brady Smith, Matt Miller, Ricky Weiss, Daniel Stone, Shannon Babb, Mark Andersen, Mike Marlar, Steve Casebolt, Jimmy Owens, Dillan White,
Finish (Start) Car Number Driver Name - Hometown
1. (3) Don O'Neal - Martinsville, IN
2. (6) Dan Schlieper - Sullivan, WI
3. (2) Scott Bloomquist - Mooresburg, TN
4. (9) Dennis Erb, Jr. - Carpentersville, IL
5. (12) Jimmy Mars - Menomonie, WI
6. (15) Jason Feger - Bloomington, IL
7. (19) Steve Francis - Ashland, KY
8. (11) Rick Eckert - York, PA
9. (5) Ray Cook - Brasstown, NC
10. (24) Earl Pearson, Jr. - Jacksonville, FL
11. (1) Chris Wall - Holden, LA
12. (7) John Blankenship - Williamson, WV
13. (22) Tim Fuller - Watertown, NY
14. (20) Eric Wells - Hazard, KY
15. (27) Eric Jacobsen - Seacliffe Beach, CA
16. (13) Tim McCreadie - Watertown, NY
17. (4) Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY
18. (8) Brady Smith - Solon Springs, WI
19. (17) Matt Miller - Waterville, OH
20. (14) Ricky Weiss - Winnipeg, Manitoba
21. (18) Daniel Stone - Thompson, PA
22. (21) Shannon Babb - Moweaqua, IL
23. (16) Mark Andersen - Blanchard, MI
24. (10) Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN
25. (26) Steve Casebolt - Richmond, IN
26. (23) Jimmy Owens - Newport, TN
27. (25) Dillan White - Crofton, KY
Race Statistics
Entrants: 49
Lap Leaders: 1-39 Scott Bloomquist, 40-75 Don O'Neal
Caution Flags: (Lap 18) Mike Marlar; (Lap 28) Debris; (Lap 29) Daniel Stone;
(Lap 38) Eric Wells; (Lap 39) Brady Smith, Ricky Weiss, Earl Pearson, Jr.; (Lap 43) Justin Rattliff; (Lap 57) Steve Francis; (Lap 63) Jason Feger
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Jimmy Owens, Earl Pearson, Jr.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisional: Eric Jacobsen
Time of Race: 52 minutes, 43 seconds
34th Annual DART Winternationals Final Championship Point Standings:
1. Dennis Erb, Jr. 1205
2. Don O'Neal 1155
3. Ray Cook 1045
4. Matt Miller 1035
5. Scott Bloomquist 1010
5. Eric Jacobsen 1010
5. Shannon Babb 1010
8. Dan Schlieper 1005
9. Billy Moyer 1000
10. Chris Wall
Scott Bloomquist Leads Team Zero Sweep on Saturday Afternoon at East Bay DART Winternationals
TAMPA, FL (February 6, 2010) - Leading all 50 laps, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN held off Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN by two car lengths to win Saturday afternoon's Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event at East Bay Raceway Park. The $10,000 to win race was washed out on Friday and rescheduled as part of a day-night doubleheader of action during the 34th Annual DART Winternationals. Trailing Bloomquist and Owens to the finish was Eric Jacobsen of Seacliffe Beach, CA; Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR; and Rick Eckert of York, PA.
Bloomquist and Owens started on the front row of the 26 car starting field. Bloomquist quickly opened up a three-car length advantage over Owens, current DART Winternationals point's leader Dennis Erb Jr., Shannon Babb, and Eric Jacobsen. Jacobsen then dueled side-by-side with Babb for two laps before finally clearing the veteran racer to take over the fourth position. Just as Bloomquist was picking up the tail end of the field on the track. The first caution came out for Jimmy Mars, who came to a halt in the middle of backstretch. Mars was pushed off the track, becoming the first car out of the event.
On the restart, Bloomquist held the point as the race went green for a lap until the next caution came out for Tyler Reddick. The third restart still had Bloomquist in front, just ahead of Owens, Erb, Jacobsen and Babb.
The top five remained the same until Jacobsen was able to make a pass on Erb for third on lap 21. Owens was able to chase down Bloomquist as the race for the lead was getting interesting. He pulled even with Bloomquist on a couple of occasions after lap 23. All that seemed to accomplish was wake Bloomquist up as he started to open up some distance between himself and Owens.
On lap 29, the third and final caution flew for Michael Walker who stopped in turn one. The final restart had the field line up single file behind Bloomquist who had led every lap until this point of the race. The trio of Bloomquist, Owens and Jacobsen continued to show their superiority pulling away from the rest of the running order with 20 laps to go.
The distance between the top three was basically even with four-to-five car lengths separating the trio of Bloomquist, Owens and Jacobsen. Behind those three was an excellent battle between several drivers as Erb, Babb, Billy Moyer and Earl Pearson, Jr. were jockeying for a spot in the top five.
With ten laps to go, things were looking good for Bloomquist as he was comfortably out in front of Owens and Jacobsen. With 44 laps down Moyer charged to fourth in front of Erb, but he was running out of time to catch the cars in front of him. With five laps remaining, Owens started to pick up the pace closing the gap on Bloomquist as the fans were anticipating another close finish like the Wednesday and Thursday Night had provided as Owens closed to within four lengths of Bloomquist with two to go.
Owens then reduced the lead to two lengths on the white flag lap as another last lap charge looked imminent, but Bloomquist got into and out of turn four with no problems. He held off Owens by two lengths to record his second victory of the week and his fourth ever at the one-third mile oval.
In the Lucas Oil Victory Lane for 19th time in his Hall of Fame career, the 2009 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion Bloomquist commented that the track was a lot racier than he thought it would be, "for a daytime race it was good, we knew tire selection was going to be critical. I was just hoping we had made the right choice, Jimmy, I figured was right there and I guess Eric ended up third, so that makes us feel good, to win here twice in one week is something we've never done before an it's a great way to get the season started," said the 46-year-old driver who has seven national touring titles to his credit.
"I have to thank Bob and Barb Miller for all their support through the years and my crew did a great job preparing this car we've come awfully close to winning a third time this week so we'll give it a shot tonight and try to end the week on a solid note," said Bloomquist, who drives his own Bloomquist Race Cars Monte Carlo SS powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Miller Brothers Construction, Hawkeye Trucking, Sweet Mfg, Ohlins, VP Racing Fuels, Arizona Sport Shirts, Lane Automotive and Hoosier Racing Tires.
Owens, in the Reece Monument Company/Cornett Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Ford Fusion finished second followed by Jacobsen in his VP Racing Fuels/Bell Helmets/Bloomquist Race Cars Monte Carlo SS. Completing the top five in the finishing order were 13th starting Billy Moyer in the Henderson Motorsports/Cornett Racing Engines/Moyer Victory Circle M1 Ford Mustang GT and Eckert in the J&K Salvage/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Corvette to give Bloomquist built-cars four of the top five spots.
Completing the top ten were Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL. Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL, Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI and Tim McCreadie of Watertown, NY.
To find out more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Saturday Day, February 6th, 2010
"34th Annual DART Winternationals"
East Bay Raceway Park - Tampa, FL
Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Steve Francis / 14.403 seconds
Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Dennis Erb, Jr., Steve Francis, Billy Moyer, Jimmy Mars, Ray Cook, Travis Varnadore, Jason McBride, Tim Isenberg, Jordan Bland, Leon Henderson, Danny Mitchell, Brandon Thirlby
AFCO Racing Products Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Shannon Babb, Rick Eckert, Jason Feger, Justin Rattliff, Tim fuller, Tyler Reddick, Russ King, Dillan White, Brad Neat, Mark Andersen, James O'Hara, Chad Hollenbeck
Allstar Performance Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Eric Jacobsen, Don O'Neal, Earl Pearson Jr., Brady Smith, Mike Marlar, Daniel Stone, Dale McDowell, Steve Casebolt, Lee Thomason, Tim Dohm, DNS Mike Collins
Wrisco Aluminum Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Dan Schlieper, Austin Hubbard, Tim McCreadie, Chris Wall, John Blankenship, Eric Wells, Matt Miller, Tommy Kerr, Kyle Berck, Bub McCool, Shan Smith, Michael Walker
Hawk Brake First B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): Tim Fuller, Jimmy Mars, Tyler Reddick, Ray Cook, Tim Isenberg, Dillan White, Russ King, Jordan Bland, Danny Mitchell, Brad Neat, Travis Varnadore, Leon Henderson, Mark Andersen, James O'Hara, DNS Jason McBride, Chad Hollenbeck, Brandon Thirlby
Performance Rod and Custom (PRC) Second B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): John Blankenship, Brady Smith, Mike Marlar, Daniel Stone, Eric Wells, Matt Miller, Tim Dohm, Bub McCool, Steve Casebolt, Tommy Kerr, Michael Walker, Lee Thomason, Shan Smith, Kyle Berck, DNS Dale McDowell, Ricky Weiss, Mike Collins
PRC Strawberry Dash (NO DASH- Random Draw): Michael Walker
34th Annual DART Winternationals Saturday (Day) Feature Finish (50 Laps): Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, Eric Jacobsen, Billy Moyer, Rick Eckert, Dennis Erb Jr., Shannon Babb, Earl Pearson Jr., Brady Smith, Tim McCreadie, Chris Wall, Dan Schlieper, Steve Francis, Don O'Neal, John Blankenship, Ray Cook, Justin Rattliff, Austin Hubbard, Jason Feger, Dillan White, Dale McDowell, Michael Walker, Mike Marlar, Tyler Reddick, Tim Fuller, Jimmy Mars
Finish (Start) Car Number Driver Name - Hometown
1. (1) 0 Scott Bloomquist - Mooresburg, TN
2. (2) 20 Jimmy Owens - Newport, TN
3. (6) 5 Eric Jacobsen - Seacliffe Beach, CA
4. (13) 21 Billy Moyer - Batesville, AR
5. (7) 24 Rick Eckert - York, PA
6. (5) 28e Dennis Erb Jr. - Carpentersville, IL
7. (3) 18 Shannon Babb - Moweaqua, IL
8. (14) 44 Earl Pearson Jr. - Jacksonville, FL
9. (20) 2 Brady Smith - Solon Springs, WI
10. (12) 39 Tim McCreadie - Watertown, NY
11. (16) 71w Chris Wall - Holden, LA
12. (4) s9 Dan Schlieper - Sullivan, WI
13. (9) 15 Steve Francis - Ashland, KY
14 (10) 71 Don O'Neal - Martinsville, IN
15. (18) 23 John Blankenship - Williamson, WV
16. (24) 53 Ray Cook - Brasstown, NC
17. (15) 16 Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY
18. (8) 11 Austin Hubbard - Laurel, DE
19. (11) 25f Jason Feger - Bloomington, IL
20. (25) 54w Dillan White - Crofton, KY
21. (23) 71m Dale McDowell - Chickamauga - GA
22. (26) 64 Michael Walker, Franklin, TN
23. (22) 34 Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN
24. (21) 11t Tyler Reddick - Corning, CA
25. (17) 19t Tim Fuller - Watertown, NY
26. (19) 25 Jimmy Mars - Menomonie, WI
Race Statistics
Entrants: 50
Lap Leaders: 1-50 Scott Bloomquist
Caution Flags: (Lap 9) Jimmy Mars; (Lap 10) Tyler Reddick; (Lap 29) Michael Walker
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Dale McDowell, Ray Cook
DART Fast Pass Provisional: Dillan White
PBM/Erson Cams Hard Charger of the Race: Brady Smith (Started 20th; Finished 9th; Advanced 11 positions)
Ohlins Shocks Performer of the Race: Eric Jacobsen
K&N Filters Clean Pass of the Race: Billy Moyer
Quarter Master Rookie of the Race: None
Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Vic Hill Racing Engines
Dominator Race Products Hard Luck Award: Brandon Thirlby
DirtonDirt.com Crew Chief of the Race: Tommy Hicks (Scott Bloomquist)
Time of Race: 25 minutes, 22 seconds
34th Annual DART Winternationals Championship Points:
1. Dennis Erb, Jr. 995
2. Don O'Neal 905
3. Matt Miller 900
4. Shannon Babb 885
5. Billy Moyer 880
6. Ray Cook 860
7. Eric Jacobsen 855
8. Tim McCreadie 805
9. Chris Wall 800
10. Scott Bloomquist 790
WORLD DIRT RACING LEAGUE ANNOUNCES IT’S SHUTTING DOWN
Series president Jim Wilson thanks everyone for eight years of loyal support
By Phil Roberts
Media Coordinator
WORLD Dirt Racing League
Gilman City, Mo. (Feb. 5, 2010) -- The WORLD Dirt Racing League (WDRL) is sorry to announce that its Late Model touring series is discontinuing business operations, effective at once. Series president Jim Wilson made the announcement today.
"We hated to have to make this announcement because of the loyalty of the race fans, race teams and racetracks that we have been fortunate to race at each year," he said. "We have a lot of friends out there who will be missed tremendously, and we wish them all the best of luck. For all of these reasons, shutting down the series was a very hard decision to make."
The idea for WDRL was developed in late 2001 by Wilson and his wife Nancy after NASCAR made the decision to discontinue its All-Star Series, which Jim Wilson directed, after 17 years of operation. WDRL began its eight-year run in 2002.
"I had many drivers and promoters come to me after the word was out that the All-Star Series would no longer be in existence," said Wilson. "They asked me to start my own touring series to keep a Dirt Late Model tour going in the Midwest. I decided to resign from NASCAR at that time and do it.
"After working for NASCAR for 20 years, the only way that I knew or even wanted to run a racing program, was to run it professionally and with professionally trained officials. We hired the best officials we could find to run the race programs at the WDRL races. I thank Mark Ludwig, Ron Streger, Art Daufeldt, Rusty Daufeldt, Phil Roberts, Chris Hansen, Dean and Shirley Howe, Mable McCuen, Eldon Wilson, Tom Lathen, Steve Pauley, Cheryl Hutchinson, Bucky Doren and others for their part of making the WDRL a professionally run series. These officials didn't all work with us at the same time but were all instrumental in making the WDRL the best-run short track series in the United States."
Wilson adds: "In the eight years that we operated WDRL, we never had one complaint of unfair treatment and never had one injury that was serious enough to turn in for insurance. That tells me the officials were doing their jobs in treating all teams the same and making sure the race cars were as safe as possible.
"We lost our title sponsor, PolyDome, in 2008 due to circumstances beyond their control, and we were never able to pick up another. I thank Dick and Karla and Dan and Pam Johanneck of PolyDome for their six years of sponsorship and for all they have done for us and for short track racing through their sponsorship.
"I thank Jim Groves of Iowa-Illinois Taylor Insulation for his sponsorship for each year of the WDRL. Jim and Julie Groves supported WDRL from Day One and are great friends as well as being great supporting sponsors.
"I want to say thanks to Lee Havlik and Josh Anderson of Chase Signs and Graphics for their sponsorship from the beginning of the WORLD Dirt Racing League and for all they have done for us and for racing. They are the ones who designed the WDRL logo for us.
"I thank Hoosier Racing Tires for their continued sponsorship," Wilson said. "I realize that our competitors are spending money with them, but they have been willing to put something back in. They have also been with us from the beginning.
"We thank all of the sponsors of WDRL. They have all been generous to our racing teams, and we appreciate that. I want to thank the fans of WDRL. We have received a lot of supportive e-mails and letters over the years and a lot of nice things were said to us after races, and we appreciate each and every one of those comments. We have some great fans."
Wilson also thanked members of the media for their dedicated coverage of the series.
"We want to thank the racing teams who have supported the WORLD Dirt Racing League and have traveled all over the Midwest with us for the last eight years. These guys have all been a pleasure to work with and have been willing to work with us in any way we asked them to.
"Last but not least I want to thank the promoters and the race tracks who have supported WDRL by promoting WDRL races. We have been able to meet some new faces as well as work with some we've known for years, and it has been quite a ride," Wilson said.
Wilson concluded, "What Nancy and I are going to do in the future is up in the air right now. I am too young to retire and am not even thinking about doing that. We have some irons in the fire, and we will keep everyone posted. Again thanks to everyone who has been involved in the WORLD Dirt Racing League. We hope you enjoyed this series as much as we enjoyed doing it."
-end-
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Event on Friday Night at East Bay Postponed
TAMPA, FL (February 5, 2010) - The fifth night of the 2010 DART Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has been postponed due to heavy rain on Friday afternoon. A decision will made at 8 AM on Saturday morning whether the Friday program will be ran Saturday or Sunday depending on the track conditions Saturday morning. The $12,000 event scheduled for Saturday Night is still scheduled as planned with hotlaps starting at 5:00pm. If Friday's event is scheduled for Saturday, thing will begin at noon.
There have been four different winners in the first four nights with Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN, Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR and Earl Pearson Jr.. of Jacksonville, FL.
Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL currently leads the DART Winternationals points by five points over Matt Miller of Waterville, OH. The overall points champion will receive $5,000.
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UFo Soars to Thunder Valley Raceway in 2010!
(Mars, PA) - A 14th event has been added to the 2010 UFo Race Championship Tour Schedule. Thunder Valley Raceway in Central, City PA will host its first-ever UFo event and become the 8th supertrack of the unified alliance.
The "Highlander" will take place on Saturday night, May 22. The event will be highlighted by a 38 lap UFo Super Late Model championship race paying $2,500 to the winner. TVR is a wide, fast half-mile that has been under the management of Joe Padula and his family since they re-opened the track in 2006. They have brought a high-quality racing program to TVR and will turn up the power in 2010 with their first UFo Race Championship event.
Scott Rhodes of Somerset PA leads the Super Late Model champion list with 7 track championships in the 12 years of operation of TVR. Rhodes also leads the all-time feature win list at the track. Steve Everhart of Hollidaysburg, PA claimed the track championship in 2007. Scott Haus, Randy Kimmel, Robby Garlock and Scott Brode were the first four Super Late Model track champions.
TVR is located in the spectacular Laurel Highland area of Somerset County, Pennsylvania. The track's park-like environment blends well with its surroundings, with a backdrop of giant windmills in the mountains. The fan friendly facility offers several seating options including concrete grandstands, lawn chair seating and drive-in parking for tailgating.
The "Highlander" will feature a full UFo Pass-Maximum racing program including extended-lap heat races, consolations and the feature event. TVR's central location and key scheduling of this event will provide the stage for a strong field of UFo Super Late Models.
The UFo Race Championship is an alliance among tracks in the Pennova region (Western PA-Northern WV-Northeastern OH). Participating speedway present championship Super Late Model events throughout the season using common tech and procedure rules and offer a year-end point bonus for the top finishing drivers on the tour. Eligible tracks are within the 3 hour travel distance of the central point of Washington, PA.
The UFo Race Championship Tour is proudly sponsored by Lias Tire/American Racer of Indiana, PA, Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic with distributors in Saxonburg, PA, Roaring Springs PA and Finksburg, MD and Townsend Gas and Oil at Homer City, PA. 100% of their points fund sponsorship will be given to the top point standing drivers in prize money and awards. More information on these sponsors may be found at http://hoosiermidatlantic.com , http://americanraceronline.com, and http://townsendgasoil.com ..
2010 Contingency awards are provided by Bernheisel Race Components and Lazer Chassis. Information on their products may be found at http://bernheiselracecars.com .
Complete information on the UFo Race Championship may be found at http://uforacechampionship.com . Thunder Valley Raceway is located off PA 160 and US 30 at Central City, PA on Shade Church Road. The track website is www.thundervalleyraceway.com , race day phone 814-754-8090 and office phone 301-733-3688.
The Pittsburgh's PA Motor Speedway is located just west of Pittsburgh off US 22/30 at Imperial, PA off the Noblestown exit. The track website is http://ppms.com , office phone 412-279-7223 and race day phone 724-695-3363 or 724-695-0393. Tyler County Speedway is located south of Middlebourne, WV on SR 18 at the Tyler County Fairgrounds. Tyler County Speedway is located south of Middlebourne, WV on SR 18 at the Tyler County Fairgrounds. The track website is http://tylercountyspeedwaywv.net with race day phone 304-758-2660 and office phone for Circle Track Management Group 304-483-2536.
The Elkins Speedway is located north of Elkins, WV off US 219 at the town of Kerens. WV Motorsports Promotions may be contacted at 304-842-6003 with track phones of 304-363-3339, 304-636-0880 and 304-636-0881. The track website is http://elkinsspeedway.com . Mercer Raceway Park is located just north of Mercer, PA off US 19 on Fairground Road. The track website is www.mercerracewaypark.com , race day phone 724-662-1310 and office phone 724-964-9300.
Hesston Speedway is located south of Huntingdon, PA off PA 26 off of Race Track Road then Sawmill Road. The track website is http://hesstonspeedway.com , promoter phone 717-582-8337 and race day phone 814-658-2823. Lernerville Speedway is located at Sarver, PA off SR 356. Track website is http://lernerville.com with office and track phone 724-353-1511.
2010 UFo Race Championship Schedule
Subject to additions and modifications
RACEceviers required at PPMS, Elkins, Lernerville and WVMS. Transponders Required at Lernerville. Rentals available at the tracks.
Saturday, March 27 / Mercer Raceway Park / Chiller Thriller / 41 laps / $2,500
Saturday, April 17 / Tyler County Speedway / Topless 51 / 51 laps / $5,000
Saturday, May 15 / PPMS / F-2 Shockwave / 2-22 laps / $3,000
Saturday, May 22 / Thunder Valley Raceway / The Highlander / 38 laps / $2,500
Saturday, June 19 / Elkins Speedway / Chuck Gear Memorial / 51 laps / $5,000
Friday, July 2 / Bedford Speedway / The Battle of Bedford / 38 laps / $3,000
Saturday, July 3 / Tyler County Speedway / Earl Hill Championship / 51 laps / $5,000
Sunday, July 4 / Hesston Speedway / Thunder by the Lake / TBA laps / $3,000
Saturday, July 24 / PPMS / Red Miley Rumble / 41 laps / $3,053 total
Saturday, August 7 / Elkins Speedway / RH Armstrong Classic / 51 laps / $5,000
Friday, August 13 / Lernerville Speedway / Lunarville 33 v2.0 / 33 laps / $2,000
Saturday, August 28 / PPMS / PENNational / 2-22 laps / $3,000 total
Friday, September 10 / Bedford Speedway / StarDirt / 38 laps / $3,000
Thursday-Friday-Saturday, September 16-17-18 / PPMS / The Pittsburgher
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FASTRAK NORTHEAST LATE MODEL TOURING SERIES SET FOR RECORD 20-EVENT 2010 SLATE; AT LEAST 16 WEEKLY-SANCTIONED TRACKS SET FOR ACTION
By Mike Leone
February 5, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pulaski, PA…The FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series is set to embark on its fourth season of action and co-directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone have announced the tentative 2010 schedule of events.
Thus far a record 20 events make up the Touring Series slate, which will occur at 12 speedways throughout western and central Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, and western New York. Currently there are 12 $1,200 to-win shows, three $1,500 to-win mains, two $2,000 to-win events, and one $3,000, $5,000, and $6,000 to-win features. This is in addition to Night 1 of the Grand Nationals at Mercer Raceway Park on October 2.
"We can't express how excited we are about the upcoming season," stated Emig. "The schedule has just come together wonderfully and we really have to thank the tracks and racers for believing in this concept. All of our weekly-sanctioned tracks have just been super to work and coordinating these dates so we can maximize car counts. The growth of this Series annually is just astounding. In 2007 we started with four weekly tracks and 12 Touring events. That number grew to five weekly tracks and 15 Touring events in 2008, and then last year to nine weekly tracks and 17 Touring shows. Now here we are at 16 weekly tracks and 20 Touring events and as we speak there is still more interest out there!"
The FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series is coming off a record-breaking season where 15 of the 17 events were completed in 2009. A total of 138 cars competed in these events with an average car count of 32 per event. David Scott became the third Series champion joining Alan Dellinger and Max Blair.
The 2010 champion will again receive a minimum of $5,000. In 2007, an approximate $10,000 point fund was paid. That number rose 50% in 2008 to an approximate $15,000 point fund. This past season, the amount grew to $17,200 in cash with near $19,000 including contingencies. In 2009, the top 12 racers received cash with contingencies going to 13-15. If the support is there, the points paying positions could grow to 15 in 2010.
Due to a scheduling conflict in the summer, the season will open up with back-to-back appearances at Tyler County Speedway on Saturday, April 17 and May 1 for $1,500 to-win each. The first will be part of the track's topless event.
The first of two straight events in the Buckeye State begins at Raceway 7 on Friday, May 21 then the following weekend, Sharon Speedway will host their first of three events on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend on May 29. Last year's race was a stellar one with Mike Pegher, Jr. capturing the win over a 37-car field.
The first of two National FASTRAK events for the Northeast Region will take place on Saturday, June 19, as longtime FASTRAK supporter, McKean County Raceway, will hold their largest event ever for the division with $5,000 up for grabs.
The following day, the cars and stars of FASTRAK will head south to Clearfield County for the first time ever at "The Big Track"- Central PA Speedway on June 20. The event will be an interesting one on neutral ground and should draw a strong field of cars, as no other FASTRAK event will be held this night.
New track owner Rick Jones will bring in the FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series to Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex on Saturday, June 26 for the first of two events. Last year's first ever Touring Series event at Roaring Knob was won by Bobby Powell as 17 invaders made the trek down to take on Roaring Knob's regulars at the scenic facility.
For the second straight year, FASTRAK played to a huge packed grandstands at Expo Speedway at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds. Past winners include Powell and Blair. This year's event is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, June 30.
The richest event in the history of FASTRAK Northeast will come to Mercer Raceway Park on Saturday, July 3 for the "Summer Nationals". This National FASTRAK event will pay a cool $6,000 to the winner and will also be the richest Late Model event in the history of Mercer! Mercer hosted a $5,000 National FASTRAK event back on July 4, 2007, which was won by Dick Barton. The 2010 season will be the 40th anniversary since the Late Models first appeared at Mercer in 1970.
Tri-City Speedway will mark the halfway point of the season with race #10 of 20 when they host a Touring Series at their Venango County oval for their first of two appearances on Sunday, July 18.
Ohio's Raceway 7 and Sharon Speedway again host back-to-back events with Raceway 7's on Friday, July 23 and less than a week later back to Sharon for a special midweek show on July 28. Sharon's second event will be a Late Model fan's dream as FASTRAK joins with the World of Outlaws.
Everyone heads east for a two-day weekend at Dog Hollow and Hesston Speedways on Friday and Saturday, August 6-7. Friday's show at Dog Hollow always brings out a large field of cars with the Northeast Touring Series regulars joining the track's strong weekly field. The next day will mark the furthest east a Northeast Touring Series event has ever been held as new promoter Dusty Hertzler welcomes the Touring Series.
Two weeks later another first will take place as the FASTRAK Late Models head to Modified country at Woodhull Raceway in Woodhull, New York on Saturday, August 21 for $1,500 to-win. This event should draw an interesting mix of cars, as neither Mercer, McKean, Hesston nor Fulton Speedways will have FASTRAK as part of their schedule this night. It'll also give the central New York FASTRAK racers possibly their first chance to take part in a Touring Series event.
A busy Labor Day Weekend will find the Touring Series competing at Tyler County Speedway on Friday, September 3 for $3,000 to-win as part of their Black Diamond Weekend then two days later at Tri-City Speedway as part of their annual Oil Region Labor Day Classic Weekend. Last year's Tri-City event drew an all-time Northeast record 43 cars and was won by Jim Frank for the first time!
Sharon Speedway and McKean County Raceway will host their final appearances by the FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series on consecutive weekends Saturday, September 18 and Friday, September 24 respectively.
A new season ending event will take place at Roaring Knob as part of the track's "Spectacular Fall Fest on October 8-9. The two-day event will feature heat races on Friday night followed by the $2,000 Northeast Touring Championship on Saturday. An open practice is scheduled for Thursday night.
In the previous three seasons, a total of 34 Northeast Touring Series events have been contested. Blair is the all-time winner with five victories followed by Powell, Barton, and John Lacki with four wins. Scott's three checkered flags in 2009 moved him into fifth place in a tie with Pegher. Dellinger is the only other driver to score multiple wins at two. Todd Andrews, Kyle Drum, Frank Guidace, Butch Lambert, Carl McKinney, Chris Meadows, Dennis Lunger, Jr., Jim Frank, and Tom Snyder, Jr. all have single victories.
Membership to join the Touring Series is again $100 for the season. Though membership is not required, it does make one eligible for the point fund. Each event has a $50-$150 entry fee depending on the payoff.
The FASTRAK Northeast Region boasts 16 confirmed weekly-sanctioned tracks for 2010 with Beckley Motorsports Park, Brewerton Speedway, Elkins Speedway, Dog Hollow Speedway, Fulton Speedway, Hesston Speedway, Mercer Raceway Park, McKean County Raceway, New Egypt Speedway, Princeton Speedway, Raceway 7, Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex, Sharon Speedway, Tri-City Speedway, Tyler County Speedway, & West Virginia Motor Speedway. There are three other speedways in neogotiations to become weekly-sanctioned.
Anyone interested in joining the Series, hosting a Northeast Touring event, or sponsoring the Series either as a tile, associate, or contingency can contact the FASTRAK Northeast office at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. For more information, check out the FASTRAK Northeast website at www.fastraknortheast.com. Become our fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fastraknortheast.
2010 FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series
• Saturday, April 17 Tyler County Speedway Middlebourne, WV
($1,500 to-win Topless)
• Saturday, May 1 Tyler County Speedway Middlebourne, WV
($1,500 to-win)
• Friday, May 21 Raceway 7 Conneaut, OH
($1,200 to-win)
• Saturday, May 29 Sharon Speedway Hartford, OH
($1,200 to-win)
• Saturday, June 19 McKean County Raceway East Smethport, PA
(National Event for $5,000 to-win)
• Sunday, June 20 Central PA Speedway Clearfield, PA
($1,200 to-win)
• Saturday, June 26 Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex Markleysburg, PA
($1,200 to-win)
• Wednesday, June 30 Expo Speedway Cortland, OH
(TENTATIVE for $2,000 to-win Trumbull County Fair)
• Saturday, July 3 Mercer Raceway Park Mercer, PA
(Summer Nationals National Event for $6,000 to-win)
• Sunday, July 18 Tri-City Speedway Franklin, PA
($1,200 to-win)
• Friday, July 23 Raceway 7 Conneaut, OH
($1,200 to-win)
• Wednesday, July 28 Sharon Speedway Hartford, OH
($1,200 to-win with World of Outlaw Late Models)
• Friday, August 6 Dog Hollow Speedway Strongstown, PA
($1,200 to-win)
• Saturday, August 7 Hesston Speedway Hesston, PA
($1,200 to-win)
• Saturday, August 21 Woodhull Raceway Woodhull, NY
($1,500 to-win)
• Friday, September 3 Tyler County Speedway Middlebourne, WV
(Black Diamond Weekend for $3,000 to-win)
• Sunday, September 5 Tri-City Speedway Franklin, PA
(Labor Day Oil Region Classic for $1,200 to-win)
• Saturday, September 18 Sharon Speedway Hartford, OH
("Apple Festival Nationals" for $1,200 to-win)
• Friday, September 24 McKean County Raceway East Smethport, PA
("Fall Classic" for $1,200 to-win)
• Fri & Sat, October 8-9 Roaring Knob Motorsports Complex Markleysburg, PA
("Spectacular Fall Fest" with heats Friday & $2,000 to-win Saturday)
-end-
Earl Pearson Jr. passes Scott Bloomquist to Win DART Winternationals Event at East Bay on Thursday Night
TAMPA, FL (February 4, 2010) - Taking the lead as he headed to the white flag, Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL passed race-long leader Scott Bloomquist.The duo battled side-by side, but it was Pearson who went to win a heart-pounding 40 lap main event. The event marked night four of the 34th Annual DART Winternationals on Thursday Night at East Bay Raceway Park. The four-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion earned $10,000 for the win for car owner Bobby Labonte. Bloomquist finished second followed by Pearson's teammate, Brad Neat of Dunnville, KY; Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN; and Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL.C
O'Neal and Bloomquist started on the front row the main event. The event was also taped before the cameras of the VERSUS Network. Bloomquist took an eight car length advantage early on over O'Neal and Dennis Erb Jr. The race was going along smoothly until a multi-car accident in turn four on lap three slowed the field. On the restart, Bloomquist continued his assault on the field, as Tuesday Night's winner was looking for his fourth ever win at the third-mile oval. Bloomquist started to enter lap-traffic by the tenth lap. Second place running O'Neal could not gain any ground on the race leader, Bloomquist, who made a swift move in traffic; splitting three cars; and opened up a straightaway lead over O'Neal by lap 15.
A tight battle for third was going on at the same time between Schlieper, Erb, and Jimmy Mars. The top five remained the same in the running order until Pearson climbed into the top five for the first time on lap 20. With Bloomquist comfortably in control of the race at the halfway mark of the race, O'Neal continued to run in second as a three-car battle between Schlieper, Erb and Pearson ensued. Erb and Pearson went side-by-side for two laps until Pearson cleared him for fourth on lap 278. Two laps later, Pearson overtook Schlieper for third.
Pearson then had O'Neal in his sights making a pass on lap 30 to grab second. Pearson was looking unstoppable at this point of the race, with ten laps to go, but he had a lot of work to do as Bloomquist was still well out in front. Pearson caught a break on lap 31 when Dillan White slowed in turn two bringing out the final caution of the race. The incident allowed Pearson to restart right on the bumper of Bloomquist. The two Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series champions had only nine laps to decide the outcome of the race.
Bloomquist, on the restart, maintained the pace he had set for the entire race. Pearson began to challenge two laps later, pulling even with the Hall of Famer. Pearson caught Bloomquist and the two set up a heart-pounding ending, going side-by-side for most of the final seven laps. Heading to the white flag lap Pearson went underneath of Bloomquist and took over the lead as the crowd rose to its feet. Pearson took over the lead in a smooth move around Bloomquist on the inside. Pearson led Bloomquist out of turn two down the back stretch as he kept his low line on the track. Bloomquist made a last-ditch attempt on the outside as the two came to the checkers. Pearson held off Bloomquist by a mere car length for the win.
Bloomquist, the 2009 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, finished second in his Miller Brothers Construction/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Monte Carlo SS; followed by Neat in the Bobby Labonte Racing/Red Buck Cigars/MasterSbilt Cadillac; O'Neal in the Superior Cleaning/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo SS; and Schlieper in the Rockstar Energy Drink/Pro Power Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Ford Fusion.
Completing the top ten were Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL; Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC; Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL; Matt Miller of Waterville, OH; and Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, WI.
In the Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the 18th time in his career, the former series champion talked about his win against the reigning series champ. "Man the car was outstanding tonight, it's great to win here in front of my homestate fans in Florida. I hoped they enjoyed that race, Scott (Bloomquist) raced me clean the whole time we were side-by-side. I wasn't sure if I could have gotten to him without that last caution flag. We restarted real good and I just drove into the corners as hard as I could to catch up to him," said the 38-year-old driver.
"I was able to get under him coming to the white and I just held him off on the final lap. I have to thank Bobby (Labonte) he has put a great team around me and Brad (Neat) and it paid off tonight, he got third and we got the win. Thanks to Jason Fitzgerald he's back onboard this year as the team manager and Matt and Devine for their help it was total team effort."
The number 44 MasterSbilt Dodge Charger is powered by a Larry Wallace Racing Engine and sponsored by Lucas Oil Products/Red Buck Cigars/PRC/Sunoco Race Fuels/Hoosier Racing Tires and ASI Racewear.
For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Thursday Night, February 4th, 2010
"34th Annual DART Winternationals"
East Bay Raceway Park - Tampa, FL
Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Chris Wall / 14.189 seconds
Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Don O'Neal, Jimmy Mars, Shannon Babb, Steve Francis, Chris Wall, Jason Feger, Jimmy Owens, Bub McCool, Shan Smith, Leon Henderson
AFCO Racing Products Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Kyle Berck, Mike Marlar, Dillan White, Brady Smith, Rick Eckert, John Blankenship, Tyler Reddick, Russ King, Brandon Thirlby, Doug Blashe
Allstar Performance Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Earl Pearson Jr., Eric Jacobsen, Billy Moyer, Tim Dohm, Austin Hubbard, Justin Rattliff, Tim McCreadie, Jason McBride, Danny Mitchell
Wrisco Aluminum Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Tim Isenberg, Brad Neat, Ray Cook, Travis Varnadore, Robert Geiger, James O'Hara, Tim Fuller, Michael Walker, DNS Wade Davis
Wiles Driveshafts Fifth Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Dennis Erb, Jr, Matt Miller, Ricky Weiss, Dale McDowell, Ross Camponovo, Steve Casebolt, Tommy Kerr, Mike Collins, DNS Steve Shaver
AFCO Racing Products Sixth Heat (10 Laps-Top 3 Advance): Dan Schlieper, Eric Wells, Jordan bland, Mark Andersen, Chad Hollenbeck, Daniel Stone, Chad Stapleton, Lee Thomason, DNS Brent Robinson
Hawk Brake First B-Main (12 Laps- Top 2 Transfers): Steve Francis, Tim
Dohm, Brady Smith, Rick Eckert, Austin Hubbard, Justin Rattliff, Tyler Reddick, John Blankenship, Jason Feger, Chris Wall, Russ King, Danny Mitchell, Jason McBride, Leon Henderson, Brandon Thirlby, Shan Smith, Bub McCool, Doug Blashe, Jimmy Owens, DNS Tim McCreadie
Performance Rod and Custom (PRC) Second B-Main (12 Laps- Top 2 Transfers): Ray Cook, Dale McDowell, Steve Casebolt, Ross Camponovo, Tim Fuller, Mark Andersen, Travis Varnadore, Michael Walker, Tommy Kerr, James O'Hara, Lee Thomason, Robert Geiger, Chad Hollenbeck, DNS Daniel Stone, Chad Stapleton, Mike Collins, Wade Davis, Steve Shaver, Brent Robinson PRC Strawberry Dash (8 Laps - Winner Transfers): Austin Hubbard, Russ King, Rick Eckert, Tyler Reddick, Brandon Thirlby, Leon Henderson, Ross Camponovo, Tommy Kerr, DNS Michael Walker, John Blankenship
34th Annual DART Winternationals Thursday Night Feature Finish (40 Laps): Earl Pearson Jr., Scott Bloomquist, Brad Neat, Don O'Neal, Dan Schlieper, Shannon Babb, Ray Cook, Dennis Erb Jr., Matt Miller, Jimmy Mars, Kyle Berck, Tim Dohm, Steve Casebolt, Billy Moyer, Chris Wall, Austin Hubbard, Dale McDowell, Eric Wells, Ricky Weiss, Mike Marlar, Tim Isenberg, Dillan White, Jimmy Owens, Steve Francis, Jordan Bland, Eric Jacobsen
Finish (Start) Car Number Driver Name - Hometown
1. (5) 44 Earl Pearson, Jr. - Jacksonville, FL
2. (2) 0 Scott Bloomquist - Mooresburg, TN
3. (14) 41n Brad Neat - Dunnville, KY
4. (1) 71 Don O'Neal - Martinsville, IN
5. (6) s9 Dan Schlieper - Sullivan, WI
6. (13) 18 Shannon Babb - Moweaqua, IL
7. (20) 53 Ray Cook - Brasstown, NC
8. (4) 28e Dennis Erb, Jr. - Carpentersville, IL
9. (10) 7 Matt Miller - Watertown, OH
10. (7) 25 Jimmy Mars - Menomonie, WI
11. (3) 14 Kyle Berck - Marquette, NE
12. (21) 17t Tim Dohm - Cross Lanes, WV
13. (24) c9 Steve Casebolt - Richmond, KY
14. (17) 21 Billy Moyer - Batesville, AR
15. (25) 71w Chris Wall - Holden, LA
16. (26) 11 Austin Hubbard - Laurel. DE
17. (22) 17m Dale McDowell - Chickamauga, GA
18. (12) 18e Eric Wells - Hazard, KY
19. (16) 7w Ricky Weiss - Winnipeg, Manitoba
20. (9) 34 Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN
21. (8) 9t Tim Isenberg - Marshfield, WI
22. (15) 54w Dillan White - Crofton, KY
23. (23) 20 Jimmy Owens - Newport, TN
24. (19) 15 Steve Francis - Ashland, KY
25. (18) 12x Jordan Bland - Charlotte, NC
26. (11) 5 Eric Jacobsen - Seacliffe Beach, CA
Entrants: 57
Lap Leaders: 1-38 Scott Bloomquist, 39-40 Earl Pearson Jr.
Caution Flags: (Lap 3) Austin Hubbard; (Lap 3) Chris Wall, Austin Hubbard, Ricky Weiss (Lap 31) Dillan White
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Jimmy Owens, Steve Casebolt
DART Fast Pass Provisional: Chris Wall
PBM/Erson Cams Hard Charger of the Race: Ray Cook (Started 20th; Finished 7th; Advanced 13 positions)
Ohlins Shocks Performer of the Race: Brad Neat
K&N Filters Clean Pass of the Race: Earl Pearson Jr.
Quarter Master Rookie of the Race: None
Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Larry Wallace Racing Engines
Dominator Race Products Hard Luck Award: Jimmy Owens
DirtonDirt.com Crew Chief of the Race: Jason Fitzgerald (Earl Pearson Jr.)
E3 Spark Plugs TV Challenge: Earl Pearson, Jr.
Time of Race: 41 minutes, 40 seconds
34th Annual DART Winternationals Championship Points:
1. Dennis Erb, Jr. 795
2. Matt Miller 790
3. Don O'Neal 745
4. Ray Cook 710
5. Shannon Babb 690
6. Billy Moyer 670
7. Tim Dohm 665
8. Steve Casebolt 645
9. Eric Jacobsen 635
10. Kyle Berck 630
10. Tim Isenberg 630
-end-
Billy Moyer takes 20th Career Win at East Bay Raceway Park on Wednesday Night
CORONA, CA (February 3, 2010) - Hall of Famer Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR claimed his 20th career win at East Bay Raceway Park on Wednesday Night during the 34th Annual DART Winternationals. Moyer and Josh Richards of Shinnston, WV exchanged the lead four times in the final six laps in a stirring race that had the fans on their feet. Moyer's win was the 718th of his illustrious career. Moyer managed to hold off Richards with some of the smoothest driving of his career for the $5,000 win. Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL finished third, followed by Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN and Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN.
Moyer and Richards started on the front row of the 30 lap main event. A multi-car pileup took place in turn two on the initial lap, delaying the green and ending the night for Chris Wall. On the restart Richards took the lead followed by Moyer, Babb, Owens, and O'Neal.
Richards stretched his lead to five-car lengths by the fourth lap. Moyer and Babb raced side-by-side for two laps with Moyer vying to hold off the high-side charging Babb. Moyer pulled to within a half a car length at the start-finish line of Richards on lap ten. At the time, Owens managed to displace Babb for third at the same time. The race for the lead continued to be heated between Richards and Moyer as they lapped Brandon Thirlby. Thirlby lost a right front wheel, bringing out the next caution. The race restarted with Richards in front, with Moyer and Babb restarting side-by-side.
The race went green for two laps until Tim Isenberg spun in turn two, bringing out the final caution on lap 17. This set up a 13 lap final run for the drivers; Richards led the pack to green for the restart. Babb jumped back to the topside, squeezing by Moyer to take second place away from him. Moyer fought back two circuits later to regain the runner-up spot. Moyer then picked up the pace and began to challenge Richards in the battle for the lead. Moyer gained ground each lap on Richards and with six laps to go, the two were dead even for the lead.
Moyer got by Richards for the lead with five laps to go. However, Richards was not done; he went to the outside of Moyer to regain the point on lap 27. The duo went at it tooth-and-nail in a clean battle for the lead. Moyer went underneath Richards and barely got a nose on him as the duo took the white flag lap.
Moyer held the lead heading into turn three. Richards made a wide sweep to the outside and gave it everything his Rocket Chassis had to earn the win, but Moyer had the momentum off of turn four as the two headed to the finish line. Moyer won the event by one car length over Richards in an exciting finish.
Richards was driving the Ernie and Connie Davis/Ernie D's/Rocket Impala SS; followed by Babb in the Sheltra and Sons Construction/Clements Racing Engines/Rocket Chassis. Fourth went to O'Neal in Superior Cleaning/Jay Dickens Racing Engines/MasterSbilt; with Jimmy Owens winding up fifth in the Reece Monument Company/Cornett Racing Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Ford.
In the Lucas Oil Victory Lane, Moyer had a wide smile as he exited his car to the cheering fans that quite possibly saw one of his last appearances in victory lane at East Bay. Moyer picked up his 20th career win at the "Clay by the Bay". "Retirement is a lot closer than people think, "said the 52-year-old dirt racing superstar. "That was a heck of a good race out there with Josh, he raced me clean and I gave him room as well, the track was excellent tonight as I had said earlier. I've got to thank Leon Henderson for getting me down here, we weren't going to come as of the first of the year, but he called and we got this deal together and I am glad to get this win for him. also thanks to the fans for coming out here tonight I am sure that was exciting for them to watch," said Moyer who recorded his 13th career win on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series tour.
Moyer's Henderson Motorsports entry is sponsored by L&D Trucking/Cooley Transport/Banner Valley Hauling/Sunoco Race Fuels/Redline Oil/PRC/New Vision Graphics and Watters Auto Land. The Moyer Victory Circle M1 Chassis Ford Mustang GT is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine.
For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Wednesday Night, February 3rd, 2010
"34th Annual DART Winternationals"
East Bay Raceway Park - Tampa, FL
Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Billy Moyer / 14.281 seconds
Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Billy Moyer, Don O'Neal, Steve Francis, Justin Rattliff, Austin Hubbard, Steve Casebolt, Jason Feger, Bub McCool, Brandon Thirlby, Chad Hollenbeck, Travis Varnadore, DNS Scott Bloomquist
AFCO Racing Products Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Jimmy Owens, Eric Jacobsen, John Blankenship, Tim Dohm, Terry Casey, Shan Smith, Doug Blashe, Leon Henderson, Eric Wells, Daniel Stone, Dale McDowell, Ross Camponovo
Allstar Performance Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Josh Richards, Chris Wall, Tim McCreadie, Jason McBride, Steve Shaver, Tim Isenberg, Dillan White, Brad Neat, Tyler Reddick, James O'Hara, Robert Geiger
Wrisco Aluminum Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Shannon Babb, Matt Miller, Dennis Erb, Jr, Brady Smith, Earl Pearson, Jr, Ray Cook, Kyle Berck, Chad Stapleton, Danny Mitchell, Mark Andersen, Mike Marlar, Mike Collins
Hawk Brake First B-Main (12 Laps- Top 4 Transfers): Steve Casebolt, Austin Hubbard, Jason Feger, Brandon Thirlby, Doug Blashe, Shan Smith, Travis Varnadore, Leon Henderson, Terry Casey, Chad Hollenbeck, Daniel Stone, DNS Eric Wells, Dale McDowell. Dan Schlieper, Ross Camponovo, Scott Bloomquist
Performance Rod and Custom (PRC) Second B-Main (12 Laps- Top 4 Transfers): Earl Pearson, Jr, Dillan White, Tim Isenberg, Tyler Reddick, Chad Stapleton, Mark Andersen, James O'Hara, Mike Marlar, Kyle Berck, Steve Shaver, Ray Cook, Brad Neat, Robert Geiger, Danny Mitchell, DNS John Kellum, Mike Collins
PRC Strawberry Dash (5 Laps - Winner Transfers): Bub McCool, Shan Smith, Doug Blashe, Terry Casey, Brad Neat, DNS Travis Varnadore, Leon Henderson, Mark Andersen, Daniel Stone, Steve Shaver
34th Annual DART Winternationals Tuesday Night Feature Finish (30 Laps):
Finish (Start) Car Number Driver Name - Hometown
1. (1) 21 Billy Moyer - Batesville, AK
2. (2) 25 Josh Richards - Shinnston,
3. (4) 18 Shannon Babb - Mowequea, IL
4. (5) 71 Don O'Neal - Martinsville, IN
5. (3) 20 Jimmy Owens - Newport, TN
6. (13) 17t Tim Dohm - Crosslanes, WV
7. (8) 7 Matt Miller - Waterville, OH
8. (12) 28e Dennis Erb, Jr. - Carpentersville, IL
9. (16) 44 Earl Pearson, Jr. - Jacksonville, FL
10. (10) 39 Tim McCreadie - Watertown, NY
11. (7) 5 Eric Jacobsen - Sea Cliff Beach, CA
12. (25) 15 Steve Francis - Ashland, KY
13. (24) 57j Bub McCool - Vicksburg, MI
14. (26) 2 Brady Smith - Solon Spring, WI
15. (20) 9t Tim Isenberg - Marshfield, WI
16. (17) 19 Austin Hubbard - Laurel, DE
17. (9) 23 John Blankenship - Williamson, WV
18. (19) 25f Jason Feger - Bloomington, IL
19. (15) c9 Steve Casebolt - Richmond, IN
20. (14) 77m Jason McBride - Carbondale, IL
21. (18) 54w Dillon White - Crofton, KY
22. (22) 11t Tyler Reddick - Corning, CA
23. (21) m14 Brandon Thirlby - Traverse City, MI
24. (11) 16 Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY
25. (23) 18e Eric Wells - Hazard, KY
26. (6) 71w Chris Wall - Holden, LA
Race Statistics
Entrants: 49
Lap Leaders: 1-30 Scott Bloomquist
Caution Flags: (Lap 0) Chris Wall, Justin Rattliff, Steve Casebolt, Tim Isenberg, (Lap 7) Justin Rattliff, (Lap 17) Tim Isenberg
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: None
DART Fast Pass Provisional: Eric Wells
PBM/Erson Cams Hard Charger of the Race: Bub McCool (Started 24th , Finished 13th , Advanced 11 positions)
Ohlins Shocks Performer of the Race: Shannon Babb
K&N Filters Clean Pass of the Race: Billy Moyer
Quarter Master Rookie of the Race: None
Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Racing Engines
Dominator Race Products Hard Luck Award: Chris Wall
DirtonDirt.com Crew Chief of the Race: Steve Norris (Billy Moyer)
Time of Race: 22 minutes, 21 seconds
34th Annual DART Winternationals Championship Points:
1. Josh Richards 625
2. Matt Miller 605
2. Dennis Erb, Jr. 605
4. Tim McCreadie 575
5. Don O'Neal 535
6. Ray Cook 515
7. Billy Moyer
7. Eric Jacobson 510
9. Tim Isenberg 505
10. Tim Dohm 495
-end-
Scott Bloomquist Takes Second Night of DART Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park
TAMPA, FL (February 2, 2010)- Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN put on a clinic Tuesday Night at East Bay Raceway Park. It was the second night of the 34th Annual DART Winternationals and he led from flag-to-flag for his third win of his career at East Bay and his 18th career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory. Bloomquist, the defending series champion, dominated the main event earning $5,000. Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL finished second followed by Matt Miller of Waterville, OH; Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI; and Ray Cook of Brasstown, NC.
Bloomquist started on the front row alongside of 12-time East Bay winner, Don O'Neal. Bloomquist jumped to the point, with O'Neal running second, followed by Eric Jacobsen, and Tim Isenberg. By the fourth lap, Bloomquist was already up to a six-car length advantage over the field as he made quick work of the field early on. Jacobsen maintained his second spot until lap eight when he and O'Neal go together after both had slowed.
Jacobsen was forced to leave the race with a damaged car; O'Neal continued in the second spot. O'Neal managed only one green flag until he drifted up the race track in turn two, ultimately ending his night. On the restart Bloomquist remained strong as he now had Erb behind him in second followed by Isenberg who was enjoying a solid performance.
Miller started to make his way towards the front, gaining the third spot on lap ten as he brought Josh Richards and Austin Hubbard with him into the top five. Richards stayed in front until he had problems in turn two, forcing him to slow. Richards restarted on the tail of the field.
Again Bloomquist flexed his muscle on the restart, pulling away from Erb when the final caution flew for Tim McCreadie on lap 20. With ten green flag laps awaiting the field, there would be no more cautions the remainder of the way. Bloomquist continued to dominate just as he had done the entire race.
Erb finished second in his Thomason Express LLC/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Rayburn Impala SS; followed by Miller in the Moring Motorsports/Freeport Recycling/MasterSbilt. Completing the top five were 18th starting Dan Schlieper in the Rockstar Energy Drink/Pro Power Engines/Bloomquist Race Cars Ford Fusion; and Ray Cook in the Hicks and Ingle Co. General Contracting/Race Engine Design/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo SS.
In the Lucas Oil Victory Lane, Bloomquist talked about his dominating performance on Tuesday Night. "We just kicked everybody's butt tonight, we are on top of our game right now, and we are looking forward to a big year, we ran well at Golden Isles and to come here a track we have struggled at in the past it feels real good to out there and do what we did tonight," said the 46 year old Bloomquist who owns seven national touring titles in his career including last years' Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship.
"I wish my family was here to see this, Bob and Barb Miller they will be down later in the week, the car was outstanding and we had no problems," said Bloomquist who set fast time in the Red Buck Cigar Time Trials despite being the final qualifier.
Bloomquist drives his own self-designed Bloomquist Race Cars Monte Carlo SS powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine. His sponsors include Miller Brothers Construction/Hawkeye Trucking/Sweet Manufacturing/Hoosier Tires/VP Racing Fuels/Lane Automotive and Arizona Sport Shirts.
For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Tuesday Night, February 2nd, 2010
"34th Annual DART Winternationals"
East Bay Raceway Park - Tampa, FL
Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Scott Bloomquist / 14.875 seconds
Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Don O'Neal, Jason Feger, Austin Hubbard, Billy Moyer, Steve Shaver, Brandon Thirlby, Steve Casebolt, Travis Varnadore, Mike Collins, Danny Mitchell, Tim Dohm
AFCO Racing Products Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Eric Jacobson, Dennis Erb, Jr, Josh Richards, Jason McBride, Ray Cook, Tyler Reddick, Shannon Babb, Chad Stapleton, Shan Smith, Doug Blashe, Robert Geiger
Allstar Performance Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Scott Bloomquist, Matt Miller, John Blankenship, Terry Casey, Dan Schlieper, Eric Wells, Mark Andersen, Dillan White, James O'Hara, Dale McDowell, Chad Hollenbeck
Wrisco Aluminum Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Tim Isenberg, Chris Wall, Kyle Berck, Tim McCreadie, Daniel Stone, Justin Rattliff, Bub McCool, John Kellum, Leon Henderson, DNS Mike Marlar
Hawk Brake First B-Main (12 Laps- Top 4 Transfers): Ray Cook, Steve Shaver, Brandon Thirlby, Steve Casebolt, Tyler Reddick, Travis Varnadore, Mike Collins, Chad Stapleton, Shan Smith, Doug Blashe, Danny Mitchell, Shannon Babb, Tim Dohm, Bob Geiger
Performance Rod and Custom (PRC) Second B-Main (12 Laps- Top 4 Transfers): Dan Schlieper, Daniel Stone, Dillan White, Eric Wells, Mark Andersen, Bub McCool, John Kellum, James O'Hara, Chad Hollenbeck, Leon Henderson, Dale McDowell, Mike Marlar, Justin Rattliff
PRC Strawberry Dash (8 Laps - Winner Transfers): Danny Mitchell, Chad Hollenbeck, Shannon Babb, Chad Stapleton, Robert Geiger, Mike Collins, James O'Hara, Mike Marlar
34th Annual DART Winternationals Tuesday Night Feature Finish (30 Laps):
Finish (Start) Car Number Driver Name
1. (2) 0 Scott Bloomquist - Mooresburg, TN
2. (7) 28e Dennis Erb, Jr. - Carpentersville, IL
3. (6) 7 Matt Miller - Waterville, OH
4. (16) s9 Dan Schlieper - Sullivan, WI
5. (17) 53 Ray Cook - Brasstown, NC
6. (8) 71w Chris Wall - Holden, LA
7. (4) 9t Tim Isenberg - Marshfield, WI
8. (11) 25 Josh Richards, Shinnston, WV
9. (10) 14 Kyle Berck - Marquette, NE
10. (5) 25f Jason Feger - Bloomington, IL
11. (15) 77m Jason McBride - Carbondale, IL
12. (23) c9 Steve Casebolt - Richmond, IN
13. (14) 39 Tim McCreadie - Watertown, NY
14. (9) 11 Austin Hubbard - Laurel, DE
15. (21) m14 Brandon Thirlby - Traverse City, MI
16. (26) 23 John Blankenship - Williamson, WV
17. (19) 30 Steve Shaver - Vienna, WV
18. (20) 54w Dillon White - Crofton, KY
19. (3) 5 Eric Jacobsen - Sea Cliff Beach, CA
20. (1) 71 Don O'Neal - Martinsville, IN
21. (22) 18e Eric Wells - Hazard, KY
22. (13) 21 Billy Moyer - Batesville, AK
23. (25) 16 Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY
24. (18) 21d Daniel Stone - Thompson, PA
25. (12) 42 Terry Casey - New London, WI
26. (24) 18d Danny Mitchell - Clarksburg, WV
Race Statistics
Entrants: 43
Lap Leaders: 1-30 Scott Bloomquist
Caution Flags: (Lap 1) Terry Casey, (Lap 2) Danny Mitchell, (Lap 7) Eric Jacobsen, (Lap 7 ) Don O'Neal, (Lap 8) Jason Feger, (Lap 9) Chris Wall, (Lap 14) Steve Shaver, (Lap 15) Josh Richards, (Lap 16) Austin Hubbard, (Lap 20) Tim McCreadie
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: None
DART Fast Pass Provisional: Justin Rattliff
PBM/Erson Cams Hard Charger of the Race: Dan Schlieper (Started 16th , Finished 4th , Advanced 12 positions)
Ohlins Shocks Performer of the Race: Dennis Erb, Jr.
K&N Filters Clean Pass of the Race: Ray Cook
Quarter Master Rookie of the Race: None
Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Vic Hill Racing Engines
Dominator Race Products Hard Luck Award: Eric Jacobson
DirtonDirt.com Crew Chief of the Race: Tommy Hicks (Scott Bloomquist)
Time of Race: 39 minutes, 10 seconds
34th Annual DART Winternationals Championship Points:
1. 53 Ray Cook 425
2. 28e Dennis Erb, Jr. 415
3. 7 Matt Miller 410
4. 39 Tim McCreadie 395
4. 25 Josh Richards 395
6. 14 Kyle Berck 355
7. 9t Tim Isenberg 350
7. 9 Dan Schlieper 350
9. c9 Steve Casebolt 345
10. 5 Eric Jacobson 335
10. 34 Mike Marlar 335
10. 71w Chris Wall 335
-end-
Mike Marlar Wins First Ever East Bay Raceway Park on Opening Night of DART Winternationals
TAMPA, FL (February 1, 2010) - Driving a car that had not been on the race track in over a year, Mike Marlar of Winfield, TN led all 30 laps on the opening night of the 34th Annual DART Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park. Marlar's storybook win was worth $5,000 for his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory since 2004. Trailing Marlar to the finish line was polesitter Tim McCreadie of Watertown, NY; Ray Cook of Brasstown ,NC; Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV; and Josh Richards of Shinnston, WV.
Marlar started alongside McCreadie on the front row of the 30 lap main event. He got the jump on McCreadie, beating him into the first turn to take the lead. While the drivers were setting a rapid pace around the "Clay by the Bay" Jason Feger; in his first ever appearance at East Bay; came to a halt on the backstretch for the first caution of the race.
On the restart, Marlar was still showing the way followed by McCreadie, Cook, Eric Jacobsen and Chris Wall. Marlar quickly built his lead over McCreadie, opening up a four-car length advantage with eight laps scored. The second caution of the new came out for a slowing Tyler Reddick on lap nine.
After the yellow for Reddick, Marlar again opened his lead on the restart as Josh Richards moved into the top five for the first time on lap ten. Richards, who won three times a year ago, was making his way from the eighth starting spot. With 15 laps to go, Marlar was still in front holding his line around the track as McCreadie was slowly but surely cutting down his lead with ten to go. With nine laps to go the third and final caution came out for a slowing Justin Rattliff who had a flat tire. Rattliff headed to the pits out of the race. Along with Rattliff, Dan Stone suffered the same fate with a flat tire which knocked him out of contention.
On the final restart of the race, with nine laps to go, Marlar led the field to the green flag with McCreadie hot on his heels. McCreadie dove down low heading into the fourth turn as he kept a close grip on Marlar's #34. Marlar never slipped up in the final circuits as he held off McCreadie to the checkers to score his first ever win at East Bay and his first Lucas Oil Series since winning the Hillbilly 100 at Tyler County Speedway in West Virginia in 2004.
McCreadie; who missed last year's Winternationals due to his injuries at the Chili Bowl a year ago; crossed the line in second in the Sweeteners Plus/pro Power Engines/Rocket followed Cook in the D&R Racing/Race Engine Design/MasterSbilt Monte Carlo SS. Dohm took fourth in the Seymour Motorsports/Vic Hill Racing Engines/Rocket Impala SS with Richards taking fifth in the Ernie and Connie Davis/Cornett Engines/Rocket Impala SS.
Completing the top ten were Eric Jacobsen of Seacliffe Beach, CA, Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN, Matt Miller of Waterville, OH, Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL and Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL.
In the Lucas Oil Victory Lane, Marlar became emotional when talking about his former car owner Owen Stephens, who passed away a few years ago. "I know he was looking down on us tonight, we all miss him and thanks to his wife Mary Lu Stephens for letting me drive the car, we just started working on this car a few weeks ago after it had been sitting around for a year since the last time we raced it here. I have to thank all the crew guys, my Crew Chief Michael Coffey, and everybody who helped on the car. It feels great to win here at East Bay and thanks to C.J. Rayburn, I know he will be happy about this and Estes Racing Engines, we had more than enough power and when you can beat someone like Tim McCreadie then you have to be pleased with that," said Marlar who will marry his long-time girlfriend Stacy at the end of the month.
The number 34 is sponsored by Stephens Trucking/S&B Cattle Company and VP Racing Fuels.
To find out more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log on to www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Monday Night, February 1st, 2010
"34th Annual DART Winternationals"
East Bay Raceway Park - Tampa, FL
Red Buck Cigars Fast Time: Chris Wall / 14.575 seconds
Wiles Driveshafts First Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Tim McCreadie,Chris Wall, Dennis Erb, Jr, Kyle Berck, Shannon Babb, Mark Andersen, Eric Wells, Justin Ratliff, Leon Henderson, Robert Geiger, DNS Danny Mitchell
AFCO Racing Products Second Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Ray cook, Dillan White, Jason Feger, Steve Shaver, Brandon Thirlby, Christain Augspurger, Jason McBride, John Kellum, Doug Blashe, Billy Moyer
Allstar Performance Third Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Mike Marlar, Eric Jacobsen, Tim Dohn, Daniel Stone, Bub McCool, Dan Schlieper, James O'Hara, Dale McDowell, Austin Hubbard, Chad Stapleton, Chad Hollenbeck
Wrisco Aluminum Fourth Heat (10 Laps-Top 4 Advance): Matt Miller, Josh Richards, Tyler Reddick, Steve Casebolt, Don O'Neal, Tim Isenberg, Travis Varnadore, Ricky Weiss, Shan Smith, Terry Casey
Hawk brake First B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): Shannon Babb, Mark Andersen, Eric Wells, Jason McBride, Brandon Thirlby, Christain Augspurger, Justin Rattliff, Danny Mitchell, Doug Blashe, Leon Henderson, Robert Geiger, Billy Moyer, DNS John Kellum
Performance Rod and Custom (PRC) Second B-Main (12 Laps- Top 3 Transfers): Bub McCool, Don O'Neal, Dan Schlieper. Tim Isenberg, Travis Varnadore, Chad Stapleton, Ricky Weiss, James O'Hara, Chad Hollenbeck, Shan Smith, Dale McDowell, DNS Terry Casey, DNS Austin Hubbard
PRC Strawberry Dash (No Dash, Fan Drew Name From Hat): Justin Rattliff
34th Annual DART Winternationals Monday Night Feature Finish (30 Laps):
Finish (Start) Car Number Driver Name
1. (2) 34 Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN
2. (1) 39 Tim McCreadie - Watertown, NY
3. (3) 53 Ray Cook - Brasstown, NC
4. (10) 17t Tim Dohm - Cross Lanes, WV
5. (8) 25 Josh Richards - Shinnston, WV
6. (6) 5 Eric Jacobsen - Sea Cliff Beach, CA
7. (20) 71 Don O'Neal - Martinsville, IN
8. (4) 7 Matt Miller, Waterville, OH
9. (9) 28e Dennis Erb, Jr. - Carpentersville, IL
10. (17) 18 Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL
11. (16) c9 Steve Casebolt - Richmond, IN
12. (13) 14 Kyle Berck - Marquette, NE
13. (18) 57j Bub McCool - Vicksburg, MS
14. (7) 54w Dillan White - Crofton, Ky
15. (24) 9t Tim Isenberg - Marshfield, WI
16. (12) 11t Tyler Reddick - Corning, CA
17. (14) 21d Daniel Stone - Thompson, PA
18. (22) s9 Dan Schlieper - Sullivan, WI
19. (26) 16 Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY
20. (23) 77m Jason McBride - Carbondale, IL
21. (5) 71w Chris Wall - Holden, LA
22. (15) 30 Steve Shaver - Vienna, WV
23. (21) 18e Eric Wells - Hazard, KY
24. (25) 21 Billy Moyer - Batesville, AR
25. (19) 85 Mark Andersen - Blanchard, MI
26. (11) 25 Jason Feger - Bloomington, IL
Race Statistics
Entrants: 42
Lap Leaders: 1-30 Mike Marlar
Caution Flags: (Lap 3) Jason Feger, (Lap 9) Tyler Reddick, (Lap 21) Justin Ratliff
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: none
DART Fast Pass Provisional: Billy Moyer
PBM/Erson Cams Hard Charger of the Race: Don O'Neal (Started 20th , Finished 7th , Advanced 13 positions)
Ohlins Shocks Performer of the Race: Mike Marlar
K&N Filters Clean Pass of the Race: Tim Dohm
Quarter Master Rookie of the Race: None
Comp Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Estes Racing Engines
Dominator Race Products Hard Luck Award: Terry Casey
DirtonDirt.com Crew Chief of the Race: Michael Coffey (Mike Marlar)
Time of Race: 16 minutes, 29 seconds
34th Annual DART Winternationals Championship Points:
1. Mike Marlar 250
2. Tim McCreadie 230
3. Ray Cook 220
4. Tim Dohm 210
5. Josh Richards 205
6. Eric Jacobsen 200
7. Don O'Neal 195
8. Matt Miller 190
9. Dennis Erb, Jr. 185
10. Shannon Babb 180
-end-
HAGERSTOWN SCHEDULE IS SHOWING A GO FOR 2010
HAGERSTOWN, MD – Less than four weeks remain for Frank Plessinger’s Hagerstown Speedway to get underway with its opening 2010 program, that is, if weather will cooperate for the scheduled date of February 27th when late models and the big block modifieds appear for their Octoberfest Qualifying events.
The speedway has already been busy so far this year with participation in the 25th Annual Motorsports Race Car and Trade Show at Oaks, Pa. for its 25th consecutive appearance and also at the 27th Annual Dirt Trackin’ 2010 show at the York (Pa) Fairgrounds the previous weekend. Heavy traffic was present at both of these events as the 2010 schedule was provided to numerous race fans looking to make plans for the season.
The first order of business will be the 25th Annual Race-A-Rama held at Hagerstown’s Valley Mall just prior to the opening date and runs February 24-26. The show will feature the speedway’s regular weekly divisions; late model, Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman and Ernie D’s pure stocks.
With Mother Nature uncertain at this time of the year the first three shows are late models and big blocks with the “try and try again” thought to get the Octoberfest Qualifier completed prior to the first special show under the lights, the Super Dirt Series 100-lap event for the big blocks on March 27th. Small blocks will accompany that event for their Octoberfest qualifier.
All championship point events will begin the following week on April 3rd.
A success last season, the first of four Three State Flyer 35-lap events for late models will take to the track on April 10th with subsequent events held on May 29th for the 15th Annual Richard “Boney” Bonebrake Tribute, on June 25th for the 3rd Annual Red Nininger Memorial and the series finale on September 11th.
The 29th Annual Schetromph Classic on April 24th is again sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series who will be revisiting the track on July 31st for another 50-lap event. The Ernie D’s pure stocks will appear for both programs.
The outsiders appear again for the 29th Annual Conococheague 50-lap event on May 15th as the drivers from the World of Outlaw Late Models take on the locals.
Special non-sanctioned late model events honoring those from the past dot the schedule and include the 45th Annual Johnny Roberts Memorial on July 3rd, the 30th Annual Shorty Bowers Bull Durham Championship on August 28th and the 25th Annual McBee/Hays Championship on September 4th that will also be the final late model point event. The Ernie D’s Special is another elite event for late models.
Special events for the accompanying classes include the Bill Bowman Special and Hoosier Daddy for the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman and the 15th Annual Cornett Tribute for the Ernie D’s pure stocks. The 24th Annual Tommy Thompson Demo Derby is set for August 21st.
Another successful late model program last season was the inaugural Appalachian Mountain Late Model Speedweek. Hagerstown will open the 2nd Annual seven night program on Saturday June 5th.
The open wheeled sprints will have special appearances beginning with the Keystone Cup 410 Sprint Car Series events on Thursday evening, May 27th. Sprints again participate in the 20th Annual Pennsylvania Sprint Car Speedweek on Wednesday, June 30th. The final appearance will be as part of the Octoberfest program.
Added to its schedule last season, the (Silver Spring) super sportsman complimented the Hub City program, their first appearance since 1999. The potent division will again appear with late models in the Three State Flyers finale event on September 11th.
The enduro cars have seven 30-lap Dash events which will then be squared off in the 75-lap Derek Riley Championship as part of the 4th Annual Small Car Nationals along with big money events for the late model sportsman, pure stocks and four cylinders. The Nationals take place September 17-18.
Non racing events include the Monster Jam Nationals for a three night show July 23-25 followed by the two-wheelers of the AMA Flat Track Championship for the 29th Annual Hub City Classic two weeks later on August 7th.
The end of the season arrives on October 30-31 with the 23rd Annual Octoberfest 350 with $10,000 going to winners in the late models, big block modifieds, super sprints and small block modifieds followed by the awards banquet set for December 4th
For further information, please contact the speedway office at (301) 582-0640 or check out the schedule on the speedway’s website: www.hagerstownspeedway.com.
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Southern All Stars
Golden Isles Speedway
Night One
Feature
1. Scott Bloomquist
2. Jonathan Davenport
3. Austin Hubbard
4. Brad Neat
5. Randy Weaver
6. Dennis Erb Jr.
7. Steve Francis
8. Earl Pearson Jr.
9. Chris Madden
10. Tim McCreadie
11. Josh Richards
12. Tim Dohm
13. Justin Ratliff
14. Vic Coffey
15. Dean Bowan
16. Steve Shaver
17. Chesley Dixon
18. Ben Faircloth
19. Dan Schlieper
20. Eric Jacobson
21. Jimmy Owens
22. John Henderson
23. Scott Creel
24. Chris Ferguson
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PRELUDE TO THE DREAM TICKET SALE DATE SET
ROSSBURG, OH (January 29) – Reserved seat tickets for Eldora Speedway’s annual Prelude to the Dream, considered to be the most sought after item in grassroots racing, will go on sale Monday, March 1 at 10:00 AM (EST), on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for the Wednesday evening, June 9, charity based event will become available online through the speedway’s website, www.eldoraspeedway.com, around the clock, or by calling the track office (937) 338-3815 during normal business hours.
Track owner, and two-time NASCAR Cup champion, Tony Stewart has remained firm on ticket pricing for the event that will again feature a multitude of his fellow NASCAR drivers, plus other top motorsports superstars in a return to their roots of short track racing. General admission tickets, regardless of age, will be $23, with the reserved seats priced at $25.
In preparation for the onslaught of ticket requests, Eldora’s ticketing team has issued a few guidelines and reminders.
All seating this year will be considered as reserved, with general admission tickets earmarked as standing room only or for the grass hillsides (lawn chairs recommended). The general admission option will not be available online; solely through the track office.
Persons wishing to purchase seats in the patio area are being reminded that this is no longer a ‘bring your own lawn chair’ area. The patio now features three-tiered bleachers, complete with back rests.
Online orders are limited to 12 tickets; groups requiring more than 12 tickets will be required to place their order through the speedway office. Checks are not accepted for payment, with the credit card usage limited to VISA or MasterCard.
Pit passes are not available, or sold, for this event.
Release of the processed tickets will not begin until approximately May 17.
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Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Ready to Unleash Their 2010 Season with 34th Annual DART Winternationals at East Bay
CORONA CA (January 28, 2010)-The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is set to get its 2010 racing season started for the sixth consecutive year at the DART Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, FL. The 34th annual event will be contested from February 1st through the 6th. There will be six straight nights of Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series racing, beginning on Monday Night, February 1st; concluding on Saturday Night, February 6th with a $12,000 to win event. Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR is the reigning DART Winternationals Champion.COR
"It's been a great relationship between East Bay Raceway Park and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and we look forward to seeing all the fans and competitors again in 2010," said East Bay Raceway Park Vice-President, Todd Hutto. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Director Ritchie Lewis is equally as excited to be heading to Florida in February. "We are looking forward to being back at East Bay in 2010, working with Todd, Al Varnadore and Jean Lynch, it is a great atmosphere to be in and around and after a long winter; it's always great to see some tremendous racing that East Bay offers."
The 2009 DART Winternationals was one for the record books as Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regular and 2007 DART Winternationals Points Champion Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, WI set a new late model track record at East Bay last February 2nd. Schlieper eclipsed the previous track record, with a blistering lap time of 14.136 second. The previous track record was set in 2003 by Jackson OH's, Jason Montgomery.
The 33rd Annual DART Winternationals also saw a record-setting performance by Josh Richards of Shinnston, WV; who not only won his first career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event; but won three main events within a 24-hour period in 2009. Other winners last year included opening night victor, Matt Miller of Waterville, OH; who took his third career win at "The Clay by the Bay". 2009 DART Winternationals Points Champion, Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR won for the 19th time at East Bay; and Dennis Erb, Jr. of Carpentersville, IL captured his first ever Lucas Oil Series win and his first ever triumph at East Bay. He won the heart-pounding finale on Saturday Night worth $12,000 before the cameras of SPEED Channel, who will be on hand again this year to tape the finale on February 6th.
Each night of Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series action this year will again include Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, the Strawberry Dash and the Main Event.
For more information on the 34th Annual DART Winternationals, log onto the track's website at www.eastbayracewaypark.com.
For the latest news and information regarding the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, visit the Series' website at www.lucasdirt.com or call the series office at (951) 532-2503.
Previous Late Model Feature Winners at East Bay Raceway Park
(Wins include Winternationals (1978-2009) and Fall Nationals (2000)
Billy Moyer (19)
Don O'Neal (12)
Steve Francis (8)
Jimmy Mars (6)
Steve Shaver (5)
Keith Nosbisch (4)
Rick Eckert (4)
Davey Johnson (3)
Dan Schlieper (3)
Josh Richards (3)
Matt Miller (3)
Buck Simmons (2)
Kenny Brightbill (2)
Charlie Swartz (2)
Kevin Gundaker (2)
Jack Boggs (2)
Donnie Moran (2)
Scott Bloomquist (2)
Rick Aukland (2)
John Berg (1)
Doug Kenimer (1)
John Gamble (1)
Tye Long (1)
Will Cagle (1)
Ronnie Johnson (1)
Jim Dunn (1)
Freddy Smith (1)
Larry Phillips (1)
Jeff Purvis (1)
C.J. Rayburn (1)
Steve Smith (1)
Ken Nosbisch (1)
Booper Bare (1)
Skip Arp (1)
Mike Balzano (1)
Gary Stuhler (1)
Wendell Wallace (1)
Ray Cook (1)
Brian Birkhofer (1)
Jackie Boggs (1)
Chub Frank (1)
Kyle Berck (1)
John Mason (1)
Tim McCreadie (1)
Terry English (1)
Dale McDowell (1)
Earl Pearson Jr. (1)
Tim Dohm (1)
Shannon Babb (1)
Terry Casey (1)
Dennis Erb Jr. (1)
2010 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series/DART Winternationals Schedule
East Bay Raceway Park-Tampa, FL
Sunday, January 31st
Open Practice Session
6-9 PM
Monday, February 1st
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series $5,000 to win
Tuesday, February 2nd
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series $5,000 to win
Wednesday, February 3rd
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series $5,000 to win
Thursday, February 4th
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series $10,000 to win
Friday, February 5th
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series $10,000 to win
Saturday, February 6th
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series $12,000 to win
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SUPER LATE MODELS RETURN TO SEASON OPENING "CHILLER THRILLER" FOR 1ST EVER UFO EVENT MARCH 27 AT MERCER
By Mike Leone
January 19, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mercer, PA.-- Mercer Raceway Park is excited to announce that one of the richest Super Late Model events in the history of The Park will take place for the season opening "Chiller Thriller" on Saturday, March 27. On the heels of the successful "Fall Brawl," which drew 33 cars and was won by John Flinner- the Super Late Models will now open the 59th anniversary season with this inaugural UFo-sanctioned event.
This UFo Championship Super Late Models will headline this highly-anticipated event featuring the "Mach-41" with $2,500 going to the winner and $250 to-start. Also part of the show will be the United E-Mod Series (UEMS) and Open Stock Cars both competing for a cool $1,000 to-win. The M&D Paving Mini Stocks will complete the show.
"We've talked about opening our season with a big Super Late Model show in the past," stated 12th year owner Vicki Emig. "With the success of our last Super Late Model show in the fall and the momentum UFo has gained the last two seasons, we felt the time was right to give it a shot. One of the neat things about Mercer is that it's neutral ground and with the centralized location, we've always been able to attract cars from Northwest PA/western New York, eastern and central Ohio, and all over western and central Pennsylvania."
UFo will kick off its third season at Mercer led by two-time champion Alex Ferree. The Saxonburg, Pa. driver has competed in five prior Mercer events, but has never been victorious. In its two-year history, UFo has contested 22 events with an amazing 17 different winners led by three-time winners Bart Hartman and Steve Baker. Flinner is the Series' only other repeat winner at two and has already indicated and he'll look to defend his October 3 win and try to match the all-time UFo win mark.
John Mollick, who won the 2008 "Fall Brawl", was the runner-up to Ferree in the 2009 final standings and owns one career UFo win. Third place point man was one-time winner Keith Barbara, who has two career Mercer Late Model wins back in the 2003 season. Jared Miley, who finished fourth in points, is a one-time UFo victory and has only ever competed at Mercer once. Completing the top 10 in points were Mike Johnson, Mike Basich, Flinner, Lynn Geisler, Brandon Burgoon, and Gregg Satterlee.
Another driver anxious to return to Mercer will be Big-Block Modified star Dave Murdick, who expects to contend for the UFo title. The nearby Slippery Rock, Pa. resident has turned many laps at Mercer and has nine Modified wins to his credit. Murdick was very fast in the Pitkavish #1 contending for the win in the October 3 event before he got caught up in an accident.
"We are very excited to have Mercer Raceway Park as part of the UFo alliance for 2010," stated UFo Director Doug Ferrell. "Mercer has been a leader in innovative race promotions and always runs a top-quality program, which will be a great fit with UFo. This will be a superstar event on the schedule as it will kick off the 2010 Super Late Model major event season for the entire PA-OH-WV-NY region."
The E-Mods will be part of the "Chiller Thriller" for the fourth straight year and third under the UEMS banner. Richard Michael, Jr. won the $500 non-sanctioned event in 2007, while Randy Hall has been victorious in the last two seasons' $750 to-win UEMS events. This year, the pot has been upped with $1,000 going to the winner.
The Stock Cars have always come out to support the "Chiller Thriller" under the open "Little Guy Nationals" rules. This event always draws cars from all over western and central Pa., eastern Ohio, and western New York as it's not only most racers first race of the year, but one of the biggest early season events with $1,000 on the line. Past winners of this event include Andy Buckley (2005), Rusty Wheeler (2007-2008), and Tim Deutsch (2009).
Bringing down the curtain on 2010 opener will be the fast-growing Mini Stock division. This event will use the same rules as the "Warlock 30" and "Snowflake 20" to allow most area Mini Stocks to compete before Mercer's rules kick in on the first night of points on April 3. Past winners include Kevin Kilgore (2009) and Chris Myers (2008).
In the event of inclement weather, Mercer Raceway Park has reserved Saturday, April 3 as a rain date. Pits gates open at 3:30 p.m. with grandstands at 4:30. Hot laps will begin at 6:15 p.m. with the first green flag at 7.
If the "Chiller Thriller" is completed as planned, Mercer will kickoff its traditional "Saturday night Live" program of Luxaire Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Approved Toilet Rental Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, Stock Cars, and M&D Paving Mini Stocks on April 3 at 7 p.m.
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Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Heads into Decade with New Logo
CORONA, CA (January 18, 2010) - Officials of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and Lucas Oil Products have revamped the logo for the LOLMDS. As the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series becomes more of a household name each day, it has become time for the series to retire the traditional oval logo, and replace it with a logo that fits with the new image of the entire family of Lucas Oil Products and Lucas Oil Motorsports outlets.
"The new logo incorporates the traditional Lucas Oil shield element, which is consistent with our overall branding of all Lucas Oil properties and products," stated Bob Patison, Vice President of Lucas Oil Products.
The new logo will have the shape of the familiar Lucas Oil Shield design, but will garner a new color-scheme. Gone are the days of the Red, Blue, and White; and welcome the new Red, Black, and White. "I really like the new logo, we went through multiple design proposals, before finally getting one that fits the new image of the LOLMDS and Lucas Oil Products," exclaimed Ritchie Lewis, Series Director.
The new logo is available in .eps, .gif, and .jpg formats; to download the new logo, log onto www.lucasdirt.com/media.php
For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log onto www.lucasdirt.com or call the Series' office at (951) 532-2503.
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2009 BRP CanAm Late Model Series Season Wrap-Up
St Catharines, ON…2009 marked the seventh year for the BRP CanAm Late Model Series. By all metrics the 2009 Series was another very successful year. In addition to event purses a record $45,940 was paid to the drivers in point fund and bonus awards. 98 drivers earned Series points from the 12 tour events and 61 weekly events. The average car count for tour events was 33 with a high of 39 at Canandaigua and a low of 27 at Utica Rome. The Utica Rome car count would be been over 30 had the event not been rained out and rescheduled for the next day. Eight drivers won the tour events and four of them (Bryce Davis, Steve Hartman, Brian Kotarski, and Wayne Robertson) were first time Series tour winners. The 2009 Series Championship was not settled until ISKY Cams Championship Night at Black Rock Speedway in October.
The championship run started at Merrittville Speedway in mid-May when Larry Knowles edged Steve Dixon for the win. That set the stage for what turned out to be a season long slug fest between these two fine competitors. Knowles the seasoned veteran who had come so close in prior years was rebounding from a disappointing 2008 campaign. Dixon was runner-up to Jeff Chesebro for the 2008 championship and was determined that the 2009 trophy would return to Smethport, PA. However, this time he wanted it at his house and not Chesebro’s!
The final night battle for the championship did not play out as anyone would have scripted it. Dixon was suspended from competing before the program even started by track owner Dean Hoag and was forced to watch from the grandstand. Dixon watched and hoped that Knowles would have a finish that did not allow him to overtake the point lead. Dixon got lucky when Knowles’ luck went sour. Knowles was caught up in somebody else’s crash and lost laps while his crew made repairs. In the final points tally Knowles’ 17 place finish left him 36 points behind Dixon.
Jeff Chesebro, the 2007 and 2008 Series Champion, finished third in the 2009 standings. The opportunity for a three-peat suffered a major setback at Canandaigua during fourth event on the tour. Chesebro broke the engine in his Three Miles Holsteins Grand Prix during his heat race and was sidelined for the night. From that night forward it was an uphill fight against tough odds as Dixon and Knowles continued their solid marches towards the title. Chesebro’s lone win of the 2009 campaign came in the return event at Canandaigua. He remains the winningest driver in the history of the Series. He now has ten wins going back to his start in 2005.
Dave DuBois, from a point standings perspective, had his best ever season on tour ending up fourth in the final tally. Consistency is what earns points and the Corfu, NY pilot finished in the top ten on all but two occasions while on tour and recorded only one DNF. DuBois may have logged the most miles of any BRP CanAm driver with weekly trips to Black Rock on Fridays and Genesee on Saturdays plus the full tour schedule. “The Outlaw” finished second in points at both of his weekly tracks.
Wayne Robertson rounded out the top five in points and was perhaps the surprise of the 2009 Series. Robertson broke from his long standing ride in the Stan Krise cars after the 2008 season and formed his own team for the 2009 campaign. A used Rocket chassis and a used Jerry Fox built engine with family and friends for a team did not appear to be a winning recipe. The Addison, NY driver proved the railbirds wrong! Robertson won at Black Rock during NASCAR Night, his first ever on tour, and finished strong with a pair of third place finishes in the final two events.
Point standings (top 15): Steve Dixon – 1096, Larry Knowles – 1060, Jeff Chesebro – 1022, Dave DuBois – 912, Wayne Robertson – 890, John Waters – 872, Jeremy Wonderling – 860, Bryce Davis – 800, Greg Galligan (ROY) – 796, Jason Boyle – 754, Jim Johnson – 735, Jon Rivers – 730, Mikey Wonderling – 720, Brian Knowles – 697, Mike Wonderling - 685
The top five from each of the twelve Series tour events:
Merrittville (May 16) – Larry Knowles, Steve Dixon, Brady Wonderling, Jason Boyle, Jim Johnson
Little Valley (May 24) – Steve Dixon, Dave Miller, Jon Rivers, Larry Knowles, Bryce Davis
Woodhull (May 25) – Steve Hartman, Brady Wonderling, Larry Knowles, Jeff Chesebro, John Waters
Canandaigua (June 23) – Steve Dixon, Jeremy Wonderling, Mike Wonderling, Larry Knowles, Steve Hartman
Little Valley (Jul 18) – Steve Dixon, Jeff Chesebro, Scooter Pangrazio, Larry Knowles, Brian Kotarski
Utica Rome (Jul 29) – Larry Knowles, Jeff Chesebro, Dick Park, John Waters, Jason Boyle
Black Rock (Aug 7) – Wayne Robertson, Jeff Chesebro, Bruce Miller, Dave DuBois, Steve Dixon
Genesee (Aug 15) – Brian Kotarski, Larry Knowles, Steve Dixon, Dave DuBois, Wayne Robertson
McKean County (Aug 19) – Steve Dixon, Bruce Miller, Jeremy Wonderling, Jeff Chesebro, John Waters
Canandaigua (Sep 18) – Jeff Chesebro, Steve Dixon, Jeremy Wonderling, Bryce Davis, Jon Rivers
Woodhull (Sep 19) – Jeremy Wonderling, John Waters, Wayne Robertson, Steve Watson, Glenn Whritenour
Black Rock (Oct 24) – Bryce Davis, Jeff Chesebro, Wayne Robertson, John Waters, Glenn Whritenour
Watch www.BRPCanAMSeries.com for information on the 2010 BRP CanAm Late Model Series.
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