BALLOU MAKES IT TWO NATIONALS IN A ROW AT LAWRENCEBURG
By Eldon Butcher
Lawrenceburg, In - Oct 4, 2008. Robert Ballou was once again the big winner at the City of Lawrenceburg Nationals for sprint cars. Ballou's victory was the second in as many years at this special event and it presented him with a $10,000 pay day. Ballou was in the now familiar red MPHG Promotions Maxim sponsored by Behavior Consultants, JC. Plew Inc., and Builders Solutions Alliance. The win was Ballou's sixth in Hoosier Tire MSCS Sprint Car competition.
It was a fast, hard fought race to gain a place in victory lane with the race in doubt all the way. Ballou explained to the crowd just how difficult it became for him. "About 15 laps in we blew a brake line." It was a tough feature! The Camby, IN, driver reminded fans that the runner-up Jon Stanbrough ran a clean race. He continued, " I also want to thank MSCS and Dave Rudusell from the track . Jimmy Jones gave me a good car tonight." Jones serves as the crew chief for Ballou.
This year's Nationals once again served as the final event on the MSCS schedule. The promotion and timing of the event provided a large field of 57 non-wing sprint cars and drivers that could make them perform. The immediate result was a need for six heat races, a C Main, and two B Mains to set the field for the evening's feature.
Jeff Bland Jr., Ricky Williams, Hunter Schuerenberg, Dave Darland, J.J. Yeley, and Robert Ballou won those 10 lap opening rounds. Runner-ups in each heat also transferred to the feature. J. R. Douglas won the C Main. Daron Clayton and Joshua Clemons won the two B-mains which sent 8 more cars to the finale. The last 4 spots were then filled by an equal number of MSCS and track provisional starters including Kyle Cummins, John Memmer, Logan Hupp, and Kyle Robbins.
The feature this year was for forty very competitive laps. The second pill draw put Robert Ballou and Ricky Williams on the front row for the start. The lineup paired the 2007 Lawrenceburg National's winner and the newly named 2008 MSCS Rookie of the Year. The green flag waved and Williams won the race back to the starting line. He continued to lead while Dave Darland slipped in and out of second for laps 6 thru 11. Ballou took second back on lap 12 and closed back in on Williams to make another race of it.
Robert Ballou moved up higher on the track and swept by Williams at the line on lap 19. On lap 21 the top running trio changed as Jon Stanbrough passed Dave Darland for third and then passed Williams for second on the next circuit. Stanbrough set his sights higher! Williams slipped back and Darland moved up to third within reach of the leaders. The race encountered only two yellow flags. On lap 35 Stanbrough made his move and found the lead briefly for a 2 lap interval. But it would be Ballou who would once again battle back to lead the final 4 laps and claim the victory over Stanbrough.
Darland finished third in the feature, Daron Clayton was fourth, and Joss Moffatt fifth. The second five consisted of Ricky Williams, Chris Windom, Damion Gardner, Jeff Bland Jr., and J.J. Yeley. Lance Grimes was the Wilwood Tuff Brakes Award recipient with an 11th place finish. Jon Stanbrough was the MSCS Keizer Aluminum Wheels Hardcharger of the Race in a bolt from seventeenth on the starting grid to second place in a short span of 22 laps.
In a post race presentation Kyle Cummins of Princeton, IN, was presented with the 2008 Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series Championship trophy. This year's MSCS Car Owner's Championship trophy went to Mark Cummins. Cummins' Motorsports is sponsored by Trusses by Hobgood, ReMax Midwest, Vincennes University, and Wolf Motorsports. The Rookie of the Year trophy was presented to Ricky Williams of Clinton, OH. The primary sponsor for the Richard Williams owned car is Benic Enterprises.
The 2008 Midwest Sprint Car Series season is over! Plans are already underway for an exciting 2009 season beginning in about six months. Stay in touch over the winter months by visiting www.mscssprints.com.
Feature (40 Laps) - Robert Ballou, Jon Stanbrough, Dave Darland, Daron Clayton, Joss Moffatt, Ricky Williams, Chris Windom, Damion Gardner, Jeff Bland Jr., J.J. Yeley, Lance Grimes, Logan Hupp, Ryan Pace, Chris Malone, John Memmer, Dickie Gaines, Bobby Stines, Kyle Cummins, Kurt Gross, Kevin Thomas Jr., Hunter Schuerenberg, Brett Burdette, Kyle Robbins, Joshua Clemons
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FINAL STOP IS THE LAWRENCEBURG NATIONALS
Haubstadt, IN - SEPT. 30, 2008. The final event for 2008 to be held for the Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series will be contested at the Lawrenceburg Speedway this Saturday night October 4th. Lawrenceburg Speedway is located along U.S. Highway 50 East of the city of Lawrenceburg at the fairgrounds.
The non-wing sprint cars of MSCS made their first appearance in a Nationals' setting at the former quarter mile facility at Lawrenceburg back in 2006. Shane Cottle was the best of a 70 car field that night! The tradition of a $10,000 to win season finale for the non-wing sprint cars here in the Midwest was born. At last year's event Robert Ballou took the title. For many fans this event now marks the approach to winter and the end of the sprint car racing season. The season at Lawrenceburg however isn't over until the next weekend's annual Funfest has been held. However the City of Lawrenceburg Nationals remains as the race place to be this weekend!
Advance weather forecasts indicate that Saturday evening will be pleasant. The race card will also include the AMSA Mini Sprints to add to the open wheel excitement. The Nationals has always been a true spectacle. No other MSCS shows have produced the turn-out in manpower or horsepower that this race has in the past.
Both prior Lawrenceburg events have produced the need for 6 heat races, a part of the MSCS format book that remains unopened during most of the season. It takes a 51 car field to produce a program with 6 heat races. The first ever Haubstadt Hustler Sprint 50 held last weekend across on the S.W. side of Indiana brought forth 45 competitors. It was a tough field. Eighteen of the Top 20 MSCS competitors were on hand. Actually 24 of the Top 30 were in the house in a big bucks, full points shootout won by Jeff Bland Jr. Bland has already won twice at the Burg this season. All but one of the Lawrenceburg feature winners were in the field at Tri-State and are likely entrants October 4th as well.
This year's City of Lawrenceburg Nationals will be for a 40 lap distance. That is due to the speedway being enlarged to its present 3/8 mile layout. The new configuration has produced at least 7 different sprint car feature winners since the track reopened back in June. The feature will be an absolute sprint to the finish! The 410 cubic inch MSCS Sprints always add wide open excitement wherever they race and now there are new straight-aways and turns to conquer at Lawrenceburg. Legendary has always accurately described this track's history and reputation as a sprint car facility. A new generation of fans and drivers will soon look back on these very days as another great era of top notch racing competition.
This season the Hoosier Tire Sprint Car Series has attracted some 120 different cars and drivers. The winner's purse is 5 times the MSCS norm with $10,000 going to the winner. The heat races should be ultra competitive with a starting spot for the feature in the offering. Twenty-four cars are projected to start the feature including both MSCS and track provisional opportunities.
The MSCS Season title is on the line! After last week's action Kyle Cummins and Hud Cone were still at a 16 points spread in the standings. Both finished in the top ten in the feature with Hud a position higher in the heat races and Kyle Cummins making a late race pass to finish one up on Cone in the feature.
If they are both in competition this weekend Kyle Cummins will have the advantage in that he will have not missed any shows and be due a 50 point bonus for supporting the series with perfect attendance. Hud Cone missed the opener at Terre Haute! A 66 point edge cannot be made up when 63 points is a perfect night at the wheel. So Hud Cone will likely be concentrating on preserving second place honors with as good a finish as possible and looking for a big share of the purse which tops out at $10,000 to win.
The top twelve finishers in points are in line for MSCS provisional starting spots next season. Top Ten status and the potential to finish well in the Top Ten in Points are also strong possibilities for some 14 drivers.
Thomas Meseraull has a 43 point cushion with his third place spot in the standings. The next five drivers are all within a 44 point span. John Memmer, Ricky Williams, Kevin Thomas Jr., Brady Short, and Robert Ballou rank 4th through 8th with Jeff Bland Jr. and Hunter Schuerenberg closing in with strong late season performances. Three time champion Alex Shanks is just outside the top ten after making a mid season start to the campaign. Blake Fitzpatrick, Daron Clayton, and A.J. Anderson currently enjoy the best odds in earning the 12th spot. Chase Stockon is in the 15th spot.
It will all unfold in a terrific night of racing at the Lawrenceburg Speedway on October 4th. The track is in the Eastern Time Zone which means that travelers from Illinois and points west need to head out an hour earlier. The stands are set to open at 4:30 P.M.
MSCS Points
1. Kyle Cummins 653
2. Hud Cone 637
3. Thomas Meseraull 584
4. John Memmer 541
5. Ricky Williams 538 (R)
6. Kevin Thomas Jr. 537
7. Brady Short 515
8. Robert Ballou 497
9. Jeff Bland Jr. 425
10. Hunter Schuerenberg 406
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SATURDAY’S SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA FAIR TICKETS GETS FANS INTO SPRINT CAR RACES FOR FREE!
SEPTEMBER 30, 2008, PERRIS, CALIFORNIA--Racing fans will get extra bang for their bucks this Saturday night, October 4th, when the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars race under Perris Auto Speedway's bright lights on the opening night of the Southern California Fair. A ticket to the fair on Saturday will fans into the races free. Adult tickets to the fair are $8.00 at the gate or $5.00 if you purchase online at socalfair.com. Qualifying will begin at 6:00 PM with racing at 7:00. Gates for the fair will open at 11:00 AM.
Racing during a fair started nearly 100 years ago. The races were always the biggest show at the fair, but things began to change in the 1960s. Fairs began replacing the races with musical entertainment. Now days very few fairs around the country host races, but the tradition continues at some fairgrounds that have purpose built racetracks like Perris Auto Speedway on the Lake Perris Fairgrounds.
"It is great that the Southern California Fair continues to have us as part of the show every October," Perris Auto Speedway promoter Don Kazarian said. "Lots of new fans come into the races for the first time for free and become regulars.”
In addition to the races at night, fans can enjoy a plethora of fun and entertainment all day Saturday. "There will be so much for people to do at the fair on Saturday, we hope they come out and spend the entire day before the Sprint Car races," Kazarian smiled. "Monster Trucks will be on the track during the day and they have proved to be extremely popular every year. In addition there will be music, livestock, rides, games and lots and lots of tasty food. It is a great fair every year."
One person looking forward to Saturday’s fair date is 2007 USAC/CRA champion Tony Jones of Norco. The exuberant 38-year old has dominated the action at The PAS since late August and has won the last three mains events at the track. His latest win came last Saturday night when he scored a hard fought victory over Santa Maria’s “Showtime” Danny Sheridan and “The Bullet” Blake Miller of Yorba Linda. Jones recent hot streak and win last Saturday catapulted him from seventh to fifth in the championship standings despite the fact that he is not running the full schedule in 2008.
The Southern California Fair will run from October 4th through the 12th. Anyone wishing more information on the fair can visit their website at: .socalfair.com. They can also call the fair office at: (951) 657-4221.
Anyone wishing more information on Saturday’s race could contact Perris Auto Speedway at (951) 940-0134.
USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS
1. Mike Spencer - Temecula, CA - 1,227
2. Blake Miller - Yorba Linda, CA - 1,118
3. Danny Sheridan - Santa Maria, CA - 1,098
4. Garrett Hansen - Manhattan Beach, CA - 1,039
5. Tony Jones - Norco, CA , CA - 859
6. Cory Kruseman - Ventura, CA - 858
7. Tyler Brown - Norco, CA - 856
8. David Cardey - Riverside, CA - 737
9. Josh Ford - Camarillo, CA - 646
10. Nic Faas - Huntington Beach, CA - 471
10. Alan Ballard - Bakersfield, CA - 471
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Bland First to Take the Haubstadt Hustler Sprint 50
By Eldon Butcher
Haubstadt, IN - September 27, 2008 "It's the biggest win I've ever had!" The win Saturday night at the Tri-State Speedway was worth $10,000. That is a big win in anyone's career. It was also twenty year old Jeff Bland Jr. 's first MSCS feature win. The Springville, IN, driver piloted a DRC Chassis powered by a Tate Racing engine. Sponsors amongst those thanked in the post race interview include Auto Credit, Service Drywall, Serv Pro, Dr Luke Eades, & Belcher Motors. Last year's H.A.R.F. and National Sprint Car Pole Rookie of the Year added the Haubstadt Hustler Sprint 50 title to his resume' with another strong performance at Tri-State Speedway.
The first ever Haubstadt Hustler Sprint 50 lived up to its expectations in excitement alone. Forty-five entrants was a season high for the series and for MSCS races held at Tri-State Speedway this year. The initial result was five of the most competitive heat races ever conceived. The top three finishers moved to the A, the next three to the B, and the final three drivers to the C. The heat race winners were Thomas Meseraull, Jeff Bland Jr., Blake Fitzpatrick, Hunter Schuerenberg, and Brady Short. Dave Darland won the C Main after repairs were made to the car following a flip in the heat race. Levi Jones took the B Main.
The front of the feature field was set with Brady Short's second pill draw giving him the pole position. Fans watched as three different drivers took the lead in the 50 lap feature race. Thomas Meseraull used the outside pole to an advantage and assumed the lead at the start. His hard, high line around the quarter mile oval brought him into close proximity and contact with the walls more than once in exiting the turns. Contact on lap 21 cost him the lead and dropped him back to fifth after he had led for 20 laps.
Daron Clayton sped by and set a torid pace. Smoke began appearing from beneath Clayton's hood and on lap 44 the cockpit
filled with heavy engine smoke and Clayton's hope for a victory was gone. Bland was running second and would inherit the lead. Brady Short would finish behind him as the runner-up. Meseraull moved back up to finish third which has been his station in MSCS points recently. Levi Jones finished fourth and Hunter Schuerenberg fifth. Jones had started 16th and progressed up through the field to take the MSCS-Keizer Aluminum Wheels Hard Charger Award.
Thirteen cars finished the event. The remainder of the top ten included Darren Hagen, Chad Boat, Jon Stanbrough, Kyle Cummins, and Hud Cone. Cone's car displayed smoke and recurrent flames throughout the final laps. A.J. Anderson was eleventh in collecting the Wilwood Tuff Brakes Award.
The feature was red flagged once on a 22nd lap restart when Ricky Williams' car overturned in turn four. In all four cautions came out. Those were for Jon Stanbrough, Alex Shanks, Chris Windom, and Clayton. All were tire or mechanical related problems.
The next and final MSCS event scheduled for this season will be the Lawrenceburg Nationals on October 4th at Lawrenceburg Speedway. It also pays $10,000 to win. That night the MSCS points Championship will also be decided. Tri-State Speedway has completed the 2008 season now that the Haubstadt Hustler Sprint 50 is in the record book.
A-Main (50 Laps): Jeff Bland Jr., Brady Short, Thomas Meseraull, Levi Jones, Hunter Schuerenberg, Darren Hagen,Chad Boat,Jon Stanbrough, Kyle Cummins, Hud Cone, A.J. Anderson, Robert Ballou, Blake Fitzpatrick, Daron Clayton, Chris Windom, Shawn Krockenberger, John Memmer, Shane Cottle, J.J. Yeley, Alex Shanks, Ricky Williams.
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Shuman takes non-wing Fremont victory
FREMONT, Ohio - Casey Shuman might just have to move to Ohio. The Tempe, Arizona driver has struggled racing in Indiana throughout the summer, but visited Fremont Speedway Saturday and took home the $3,000 prize for the non-wing sprints to close out the 2008 season at "The Track That Action Built."
Shuman led all 30 laps as his nearest challengers kept having problems throughout the feature event. Shuman survived several late race cautions for his first career win at Fremont.
"We got our best motor back this week from Mike Kercher and it made a huge difference. I didn't do such a good job hitting my marks the last 10 laps, but it seemed everyone behind me was having problems," said Shuman. "We left some big paying races to come here and it was well worth it. This track was fast...nothing like the old videos I've watched. And the fans here are great."
For the first time ever, the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints also ran without the top wing and Fremont's Brad eckler held on to a badly vibrating car to score his first career feature win.
"I packed the right rear wheel with mud on the second lap and it vibrated the fillings out of my teeth. I have to thank Donny and Dustin Keegan for giving me the chance to drive this thing and all my sponsors, JLH Construction, Tiffany's Furniture, Jimmy's Bucket....they have stuck with me through thick and thin," said Keckler in the Engine Pro Victory Lane.
Shuman took the lead at the drop of the green in the 410 sprint feature with Critter Malone, Jimmy Light, Bryan Sebetto and Matt Westfall in tow. The leaders hit lapped traffic by lap nine with Malone and Light battling for second while Westfall moved into fourth. Shuman averted disaster on lap 18 when Tony Beaber spun right in front of him for the first caution.
Three laps later, Malone and Light spun battling for second, moving Westfall into the runner-up position with Rob Chaney now to third and 11th starter Dustin Smith into fourth.Chaney would tangle with another car on lap 24, moving Smith now into third with Sebetto fourth and Mike Burkin into the top five.
As Shuman bounced off the huge cushion, Westfall had his hands full with Smith as they traded the runner-up position for several laps. Smith would finally take second on lap 17 and was closing on Shuman when the final caution flew for Light on lap 28. Shuman would pull away for the win with Smith, Westfall, Sebetto and Burkin rounding out the top five.
It seemed no one wanted to lead the 305 sprint feature as first Josh Muntz spun after leading the opening lap and then Duane Zablocki jumped the cushion in turn two while leading on lap four. Keckler then inherited the lead with Brad Haudenschild, Chad Wilson, Jeremy Shambaugh and Jamie Miller battling for second.
On lap seven, Haudenschild would jump the cushion, moving Wilson into second and Miller to third. Miller would exit two laps later with Keckler leading Wilson, Shambaugh, Jimmy Colvin and Sebetto.
Keckler continued to hit his marks and would pull away from Wilson who had his hands full with Shambaugh and Colvin. hambaugh would get sideways on lap 15, losing four position. The final caution would fly on lap 19 with Keckler leading Wilson, Colvin, Sebetto and Shawn Valenti. Keckler would pull away for the win, with Wilson taking second while Sebetto would drive
around Colvin for third and Dustin Dinan would round out the top five.
A-main (30 laps) 1. Casey Shuman, 2. Dustin Smith, 3. Matt Westfall, 4. Brian Sebetto, 5. Mike Burkin, 6. Mark Clark, 7. Brian Smith, 8. Critter Malone, 9. Tony Beaber, 10. Rob Chaney, 11. Steve Irwin, 12. Dallas Hewitt, 13. Mike Galajda,14. Mike Miller, 15. Bill Rose, 16. Jimmy Light, 17. Todd Kane, 18. Mike Brecht, 19. Luke Hall, 20. Cody White.
305 Sprints A-main (25 laps)1. Brad Keckler, 2. Chad Wilson, 3. Brian Sebetto, 4. Jimmy Colvin, 5. Dustin Dinan, 6. Duane Zablocki, 7. Shaun Valenti, 8. Mike Burkin, 9. Dustin Stroup, 10. Josh Muntz, 11. Mitch Harble, 12. Bill Kraylek, 13. Dustin Keegan, 14. Brian Neeb, 15. Jeremy Shambaugh, 16. Jamie Miller, 17. Brad Haudenschild, 18. Matt Merrill, 19. A.J. Sleek, 20. Coty Runion.
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Cole Whitt, driving the family owned 29W, outdistanced the field Friday night winning the Sprint Car feature at Gas City I-69 Speedway. Photo © Dave Merritt.
Gas City/I-69 Speedway
Friday
1. Cole Whitt
2. Billy Puterbaugh Jr.
3. Kent Christian
4. Matt Westfall
5. Mark Clark
6. Shane Cottle
7. Corey Smith
8. Sammy Imel
9. Kyle Robbins
10. Travis Welpott
11. Cole Carter
12. Chris Gurley
13. Josh Spencer
14. Kurt Gross
15. Jamie Fredrickson
16. Cody White
17. Tony Sessions
18. Jeff Wimmenauer
19. Landon Simon
20. Todd Gnat
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GATES TO OPEN EARLY FOR THE HAUBSTADT HUSTLER
Haubstadt, IN - September 24th. The final call went out from the MSCS office today in the form of a FYI to the sprint car drivers so they are well informed in making plans to race at Tri-State Speedway September 27th. The scheduled Haubstadt Hustler Sprint 50 will pay $10,000 to win and $250 to start the feature.
The pit gate at Tri-State Speedway will open earlier than usual.
The Helfrich's have set the time for 2:30 P.M. in anticipation of the arrival of traveling teams and every possibility of a large car count. Hopefully the sprint car teams will take advantage of the opportunity to arrive as early as possible Saturday afternoon and get set up in the pits.
Hot Laps should be at 6:30 P.M. with racing as usual by 7:30 P.M. The MSCS race format requires drivers to draw a number to
establish the line ups for the heat races. The pill draw ends at 5:30 and that task must be completed before the required driver's meeting. Cars could be warming engines as early as 6 o'clock. It will be the last time that engines fire at Tri-State Speedway this season.
Fans should consider arriving early also. Long time race fans have learned that in arriving early they can avoid being in a ticket line with action on the track. Fans who do come to the track early enough for hot laps have an added opportunity to get acquainted with car and driver combinations as the cars circle the speedway. Big money events in the fall sometimes produce new combinations.
As the excitement unfolds during the heats and drivers battle to get into the 20 car feature with the huge $10,000 top prize, a number of regular MSCS competitors will be racing with added bucks in mind.
Those bucks await the outcome of the season points standings. The MSCS Point Fund is sponsored by Hoosier Tire Midwest.
The two remaining events offer a maximum of 126 MSCS points to all contenders.The top six drivers are currently in that range. Rookie Ricky Williams is sixth and 103 points behind. Defending Champion Kyle Cummins and former champion Hud Cone are just 16 points apart! Cone moved into the runner-up spot on August 16th and was 26 points off the leader's pace then. He has shaved just 10 points off that lead since then with both in competition at each event and doing some hard racing! This weekend's racing could further reduce the field of hopeful drivers looking to earn a top 5 finish, a top 10 finish, or top 12 provisional status for next season.
Ricky Williams leads the Rookie of the Year standings. John Irvin and Jesse Cramer are next in those standings. In MSCS the
Rookie of the Year is awarded to the rookie driver earning the most MSCS points. The award is not voted on. The title is earned in competition with all drivers and not just other rookies. Williams has held the lead since the second race in May. Although the season is not over the young Ohio driver has accumulated enough points that he could miss the last two events and still earn the title. He has a 208 point lead over the nearest rookie contender. He actually sealed his Rookie of the Year bid and a place in MSCS history on Labor Day weekend. Williams can concentrate now on earning a solid top 5 points finish to go with the Rookie Crown. He will be the 2008 Hoosier Tire MSCS Rookie of the Year!
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RIP WILLIAMS AND CAR OWNER JACK JORY NAMED OVAL NATIONALS GRAND MARSHALS!
SEPTEMBER 16, 2008, PERRIS, CA--Promoter Don Kazarian announced that superstar Sprint Car driver Rip Williams and his longtime car owner Jack Jory will be the Grand Marshals for the 13th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals, presented by Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply, on October 30th, 31st and November 1st at Southern California‘s Perris Auto Speedway.
“It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce Rip Williams and his car owner Jack Jory as Grand Marshals for the Budweiser Oval Nationals,” Kazarian said. “They have been together for what seems like forever and they are great ambassadors for racing on and off the track. I am looking forward to it being a special weekend for them.”
Williams has fashioned one of the longest and greatest careers in West Coast Sprint Car racing history. He began his career 30 years ago and was co-Rookie of the Year (with Ric Paronelli) in the original CRA in 1978. Since then he has amassed many victories and awards including 104 lifetimes wins, the 2004 USAC/CRA Sprint Car championship and the 1997 Oval Nationals title. And, now he races against his 19-year old son Cody in the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Series.
“It is honor to be grand marshal for the Oval Nationals because it is such a great race,” Williams said with a smile. “It is a different honor, too. Usually the honors come from driving. This one is extra special because Jack and I are sharing it because of our long relationship, which is very rare in racing these days.”
Posed a teasing question, Williams smiled when he was told he would have to throw the green flag for the start of the A Main for the Oval Nationals. “That will be fine,” he laughed. “Guess I will have to build a robot or something, because I am going to be in the car for the main.“
The Budweiser Oval Nationals is known as the toughest race in traditional Sprint Car racing with all drivers racing all three-nights. The race is a full points paying race for the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and the USAC National Sprint Cars.
Advance tickets for the 13th Annual Budweiser Oval Nationals, presented by Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply, are available now by calling (800) 595-4849 or (951) 940-0134. You can also order tickets on the Internet at tix.com or perrisautospeedway.com.
Anyone wishing more information could contact Perris Auto Speedway at (951) 940-0134.
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Lincoln Park Speedway
Non-wing sprint cars
Saturday
Sprint Cars A-MAIN
1. Dickie Gaines
2. Billy Puterbaugh
3. Todd Kimmell
4. Brent Beauchamp
5. Ryan Kaplan
6. Jesse Cramer
7. Jon Siscoe
8. Danny Holtsclaw
9. Blake Fitzpatrick
10. Casey Shuman
11. Marc Arnold
12. Kurt Gross
13. Dylan Burge
14. Coleman Gulick
15. Troy Link
16. James Bradshaw
17. Kent Christian
18. Bobby Stines
19. Kenny Carmichael Sr.
20. Andrew Prather
Points
1. Billy Puterbaugh 781
2. Todd Kimmell 647
3. Kenny Carmichael Sr. 631
4. Dickie Gaines 629
5. Kenny Carmichael Jr. 577
6. Stephanie Tuttle 560
7. Troy Link 498
8. Shane Hollingsworth 472
9. Kent Christian 406
10. Aaron Mosley 376
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MTS Championship cancelled due to rain
Michigian Traditional Sprints will run one more non-points event at Merritt Speedway, Friday and Saturday September 19th and 20th.
www.merritt-speedway.com
www.mtsprints.com
2008 MTS Final Point Standings
(R) = rookie
1. Mike Galadja 1365
2. Bill Griffith (R) 1202
3. Nick Landon 1194
4. Mark Irwin 1127
5. Joe Irwin 1034
6. Mark Strpko 1003
7. Tim Evilsizer 935
8. Justin Martin (R) 815
9. Steve Irwin 795
10. Mike Astrauskas 735
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Eldora's Four Crown Hits Mage With All Open Wheel Weekend
ROSSBURG, OH (Sept. 12) -- Over the past 27 years, Eldora Speedway's Four Crown Nationals has undergone a few tweaks and endured fine tuning, but it appears that the current menu, as introduced last year, is magic. Set for the weekend of September 19 and 20, the Chevrolet sponsored American Revolution Four Crown Nationals will again showcase four National open wheel divisions. And, as has been the case many times over for this premier event, it could prove to be a pivotal point for several championship chases.
Kicking off the weekend on Friday night (Sept. 19) will be the World of Outlaw Sprints (WoO) in their final Midwestern appearance of 2008, while the United States Auto Club (USAC) will showcase their non-winged Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown divisions on Saturday (Sept. 20).
Defending WoO champion Donny Schatz has been on the top of his game all season long, enroute to yet another title, but as the season begins to wind down, Jason Meyers has begun to narrow the gap. Eldora's high speed palace is a toss up for the pair. Both have adapted quite well to the high-banked one-half mile clay oval in recent years, with each driver have a pair of Eldora wins on their resume. Meyers' wins came in 2003 and 2007, while Schatz has been more productive of late, with a 2007 Kings Royal triumph on his plate, along with a victory in May of this year.
Neither can rest on those credits, though, as Eldora's WoO racing scene has become one of parity. There have been no duplicate winners in each of the past two years.
From the winged WoO Sprints on Friday night, the scene shifts to no wings on Saturday, with all three of the divisions in a hotly contested chase for title supremacy.
Entering the fray as point leaders are Tracy Hines (Midget), Levi Jones (Sprint) and Jerry Coons, Jr. (Silver Crown), while none have insurmountable leads.
Each of them are familiair with Eldora and Four Crown territory. Hines hopes to protect his Midget division edge with the experience of two previous Four Crown Midget wins behind him, while runner-up in that class, Cole Whitt has no Eldora triumph to his credit. The could spread the 65 point difference between the two.
Meanwhile, Jones has a 2005 Four Crown Sprint win under his belt and hopes that confidence level propels him ahead of his year-long nemesis Jerry Coons, Jr. Coons, best know for his Midget exploits, also has one USAC Sprint win recorded at Eldora. The pair enter the National Sprint event only 13 points apart.
Coons will be among the multitude of drivers doing double and triple duty that night, but will most anxiously await the closing main event; that of the Sivler Crown division. He sits atop the heap in that division, by a 26-point margin, but he has yet to land a Silver Crown car into victory lane at Eldora.
The driver running behind him in the cumulative points chase, Dave Darland, has accomplished the fete twice before and is always a threat when it comes to non-winged racing at Eldora. He is currently ranked second in the all-time Four Crown win list, with five wins to his credit.
Race fans have shown their liking to the all open-wheel weekend, as evidenced by last year's huge throng of attendees. Complete information on the Chevrolet American Revolution Four Crown Nationals may be obtained by viewing www.eldoraspeedway.com or by calling the speedway office at (937) 338-3815, where advanced reserved seat requests are being taken during normal business hours.
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SEPTEMBER'S HERE WITH MSCS EVENTS TO REMEMBER!
Haubstadt, IN - Sept. 3, 2008. This Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Racing Season is entering the final weeks. Three key races to be held in less than 5 weeks will produce the last spell bounding excitement of open wheel racing in 2008. Results forthcoming from those races in combination with those from throughout the season will allow a champion to be crowned. Only seventeen points separate drivers Kyle Cummins and Hud Cone who now head the MSCS Championship chase. Cummins has an ace up his sleeve in that he is currently one of the drivers with perfect race attendance who can collect valuable bonus points for not missing any of the races held. Both are former champions and know how to run up front and finish races.
The first of the three races is set for Saturday night September 6th at the third mile Clay County Speedway. An appearance by the series there in August provided Brady Short with an opportunity for his first ever MSCS win. It also brought forth a field of 32 sprints. A dozen Illinois drivers with lots of experience on the prairie dirt took advantage of the westward trek by MSCS and competed. Illinois drivers Mike Hess and Bret Tripplett both finished in the top five that night.
A check in the MSCS Record book revealed that MSCS competed at the speedway back in the 2001 inaugural season for the series. Three races were held at what was then a relatively new track. Feature wins were recorded by Hud Cone, Terry Babb, and Donnie Gentry. Gentry's win came on this very weekend of that season and helped propel him to the MSCS Championship that season.
Features this year have been very competitive. Although names on the list of potential winners varies from race date to race date, that list is extensive. In the 11 races held thus far 15 different drivers have finished in the top threes spots. Multiple winners include Robert Ballou, Hunter Schuerenberg, Brady Short, and Jon Stanbrough. Daron Clayton also has a win. Others have been close but missed by a spot or two. Kyle Cummins has been in the top three 4 times, Jeff Bland Jr. 3 times, and Hud Cone twice. The checkered flag has been waving overhead on some outstanding drives that just fell short of victory.
Three races remain for yet another and 6th different winner to emerge. This Saturday night the purse pays $2,000 to win. Wins this season seem to have come along in short streaks. Three drivers have put together back to back winning performances. Hunter Schuerenberg now has his chance to be the first to win three in a row. The Clay County race is also the last chance for sprint car racing teams to test the MSCS competition before the big ones arrive to the close out the season. On September 27th at Haubstadt and October 4th at
Lawrenceburg the victory prize is $10,000. Those two races in Indiana have the potential to attract lots of teams as well as high dollar teams!
Clay County Speedway is located at Flora, IL, along U.S. 45 about 2 miles North of U.S. 50. The phone number at the track is 618-682-6825 to call for race day information. Hot laps are at 6:30 P.M. and racing follows at 7:30. UMP Modifieds, Stocks, and Hornets will also appear on the program.
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The MTS inc Sprint Series Season Championship is set for Sept. 13th at Crystal Speedway. Also on the 13th Crystal Speedway's Great Lakes Nationals.
MTS top 10 points
(R) = rookie
1. Mike Galadja 1365
2. Bill Griffith (R) 1202
3. Nick Landon 1194
4. Mark Irwin 1127
5. Joe Irwin 1034
6. Mark Strpko 1003
7.Tim Evilsizer 935
8. Justin Martin (R) 815
9. Steve Irwin 795
10. Mike Astrauskas 735
www.mtsprints.com
www.crystalmotorspeedway.com
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Race Summary
Tri-State Speedway
Haubstadt, IN
MSCS A-Main (30 Laps) - Hunter Schuerenberg, Jeff Bland Jr., Blake Fitzpatrick, Brady Short, Robert Ballou, Thomas Meseraull, Hud Cone, Alex Shanks, Kyle Cummins, Shawn Krockenberger, John Memmer, A.J. Anderson, Brandon Mattox, Bret Mellenberndt, Lance Grimes, Donny Brackett, Bobby Stines, Tim Spindler, Arin McIntosh, Kevin Thomas Jr., RickyWilliams, Mitch Wissmiller DNS
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Lincoln Park Speedway
410 non-wing sprint car
A-MAIN
1. Bobby Stines
2. Billy Puterbaugh
3. Todd Kimmell
4. Stephanie Tuttle
5. Kenny Carmichael Sr.
6. Ty Deckard
7. Broc Burton
8. Kenny Carmichael Jr.
9. Tyler Reddick
10. Troy Link
11. Andrew Prather
12. Chad Davenport
13. Ryan Kaplan
14. Jon Siscoe
15. Jared Harris
16. Brandon Mattox
17. Michael Bridges
18. Casey Shuman
Sprint Cars 08 Points
1. Billy Puterbaugh 716
2. Kenny Carmichael Sr. 599
3. Todd Kimmell 585
4. Dickie Gaines 562
5. Kenny Carmichael Jr. 547
6. Stephanie Tuttle 530
7. Shane Hollingsworth 472
8. Troy Link 460
9. Aaron Mosley 376
10. Jonathan Hendrick 374
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Jon Stanbrough Presented With 2008 KISS Champion’s Helmet
Lawrenceburg, IN, August 30, 2008 –- The 2008 King of Indiana Sprint Series Champion’s Helmet was presented to four-time series champion Jon Stanbrough at Lawrenceburg Speedway, Saturday night. Lawrenceburg’s promoter Dave Rudisell represented the KISS series tracks as Doug Auld, publisher of Sprint Car & Midget Magazine, made the presentation.
“It is really special, especially for me this year,” Stanbrough acknowledged. “We’ve not had quite the stellar year that we’ve had the last couple years. To be able to win three of those races and win the championship, that’s obviously nice to do that this year. I thought last year’s helmet was really nice looking and this year’s is even nicer looking. It’s something that I can set up on my shelf and keep with me for the rest of my life and look back on it. It will be a great memory for me.”
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Gas City Speedway
Friday, Aug. 29
Sprint car feature
1. Dave Darland
2. Hunter Schuerenberg
3. Scotty Weir
4. Billy Puterbaugh Jr.
5. A.J. Anderson
6. Josh Spencer
7. Casey Shuman
8. Critter Malone
9. Jonathan Hendrick
10. Brett Burdette
11. Kyle Robbins
12 Ted Hines
13. Steve Barth
14. Mar k Clark
15. Cole Carter
16. Chris Gurley
17. Travis Welpott
18. Sammy Imel
19. Shane Hollingsworth
20. Matt Goodnight
21. Jamie Fredrickson
22. Ryan Kaplan
23. Ryan Pace
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Anticipation of Calistoga weekend almost too much for some to handle
By Bobby Gerould – August 29, 2008. Calistoga, CA. … “I can’t wait. I think its going to be the best thing ever.” Words spoken by Johnny Rodriguez, two-time United States Auto Club (USAC) Western Midget Champion, as he looks forward to the Louie Vermeil Classic this Saturday and Sunday at Calistoga Speedway. The event features both non-wing sprint cars and midgets.
Rodriguez was racing at Calistoga in 1996 as a winged sprint car driver when the midgets last made an appearance as part of a double-header show. “I remember seeing Tony Stewart in a midget but honestly I don’t recall that much because it was, like, only my second race at Calistoga – and I was ready to throw up.”
But now “J-Rod” is an experienced veteran at age 32 and his comfort level on the half-mile dirt track is a far cry from his younger days. “I’m fired up to run a midget because Calistoga reminds me of Terre Haute.” (Rodriguez is a former winner of the prestigious Hut Hundred at The Terre Haute Action Track in Indiana). “I hope the track is slick and ‘on the fence’. I don’t want a one-groove, on the bottom, type track.”
Figuring as one of the favorites to win a midget feature this weekend, Rodriguez says he expects to be challenged by a minimum of three top racers. “Garrett Hansen will be fast. Robby Flock is going to be good, and that Nic Faas kid – he has a Toyota engine that pounds!”
Other midget contenders expected include: Josh Ford, Matt Mitchell, Michael Faccinto, Scott Pierovich, Shannon McQueen, Shane Golobic, Kyle Larson, Ryan Kaplan, Ernie Bartley III, Quintin Crye, Matt Streeter, Travis Berryhill, and many more.
The sprint car division is highlighted by entries from Calistoga Speedway track champions Brent Kaeding (1985, 1988, 2007), Jason Statler (2006), and Sparky Howard (2004). Past track or series champs from outside Calistoga that are entered include Cory Kruseman, Tim Kaeding, Damion Gardner, Jesse Hockett, Mike Spencer, Rip Williams, Darrell Hanestad, Jason York, Andy Forsberg, and Danny Sheridan. Exciting youngsters Hansen, Daron Clayton, Blake Miller, Tyler Brown, Shain Matthews and Kevin Swindell will add spice to the show. Ford, Golobic, and Faas are expected to pull a ‘double-shift’ and race in both classes of cars.
The 2008 Calistoga Speedway track championship will be decided Sunday night. Each midget and sprint car feature will count toward the title. Statler leads Brent Kaeding by a scant two points entering the weekend. Other drivers ‘in the hunt’ that are entered this weekend include Calistoga’s own Mike Benson, as well as Forsberg, and Larson.
As an added attraction Sheila Ross-Fasig is bringing her late father Walter’s famous #56 sprint car as part of the WRA Vintage Car exhibit. Hall of Fame driver Leroy VanConett of Galt, CA. will take some laps in the car. VanConett is the winningest driver in the history of Calistoga Speedway with 31 career feature event wins on the half-mile. He also owns seven track championships.
Past Vermeil (Calistoga) Classic non-wing sprint car winners: 1975 – Terry Crousore, 1976 – 1977 - Gary Patterson, 1978 – Johnny Anderson, 1980 – Leroy VanConett, 1981 – Chuck Gurney, 1982 – Johnny Pearson, 1983 – Ron Shuman, 1984 – Lealand McSpadden.
Tickets are still available. They may be purchased in advance by calling (916) 863-7223. Cars are scheduled to be on the track each night by 5:30 PM.
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TRI-STATE FEATURES MSCS SPRINTS THIS SUNDAY
Haubstadt, IN - August 27, 2008. The Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series will be making an appearance at Tri-State Speedway Sunday night August 31st to headline the special event being held to celebrate Labor Day Weekend.
The feature event for the sprint cars will be 30 laps. The holiday eve race has always been rated as one of the favorite attractions, a classic, each season on the Speedway's schedule.
A lot can happen in 30 laps! The added distance provides fans with more action and the $3,000 to win offers drivers a greater reward. This is the third time in 2008 that a Tri-State MSCS feature will pay $3,000 to win. Both of those which were early in the season were won by Jon Stanbrough of Brownsburg, IN. Other drivers with feature wins this season include Robert Ballou, Brady Short, Daron
Clayon, and Hunter Schuerenberg.
MSCS drivers always arrive primed to compete at Tri-State Speedway. The track has long been noted in racing circles as a first rate operation. The combination of immaculate track preparation and the brand of outright, hard-nosed competition delivered by the Midwest sprint car drivers is a winning ombination.
Pit gates will open at 3:00 P.M. for the convenience of the racing teams expected to arrive early from across the Midwest. The grandstands open at 5:30 with hot laps about 6:30 and racing at 7:30.
The Speedway happens to be located in Gibson County. And two local drivers are currently locked in a battle for the MSCS points lead. Both are also former Champions. Defending Series Champion Kyle Cummins of Princeton leads 2003 Champion Hud Cone of Oakland City by just 22 points. Kevin Thomas Jr. of Cullman, AL, has been moving up through the standings and is currently ranked third just ahead of Thomas Meseraull and Ricky Williams.
Ricky Williams also leads the Rookie Point Standings. Williams is one of the drivers that has pulled to every show this season. The 15 year old speedster hails from Clinton, OH, and the Tri-State events are amongst the teams' longest tows. He was the 2007 Lawrenceburg Speedway Rookie of the Year. The white and flame blaze colored sprinter is owned by Richard Williams and sponsored by Benic Enterprises.
Fourteen rookie drivers have already made appearances with MSCS this season. After last weekend's event at Twin Cities, Coleman Gulick moved back into second in the rookie standings. Gulick is from Binghamton, NY. Third is John Irvin of Harrisburg, IL. Irvin switched from the micro sprints to the 410 sprints this season and is currently in a tight race for the Rookie Runner-up spot with Gulick.
Thirteen points separate the two drivers. Both are in the top twenty with over 100 drivers active in the series this season!
Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series
Point Standings include the August 23rd race.
1. Kyle Cummins 494
2. Hud Cone 472
3. Kevin Thomas Jr. 423
4. Thomas Meseraull 419
5. Ricky Williams 417 R/Top Rookie
6. John Memmer 410
7. Robert Ballou 392
8. Brady Short 342
9. Daron Clayton 324
10. Jeff Bland Jr. 303
One Hundred Three (103) drivers have earned points to date!
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SCHUERENBERG AT THE LINE IN MSCS!
By Eldon Butcher
North Vernon, IN - August 23, 2008. Hunter Schuerenberg of Sikeston, MO, picked up his first MSCS victory this season Saturday night at Twin Cities Raceway Park. Schuerenberg edged Brady Short in a dash to the finish line set up on the 25th and final lap as the two drivers diced to find an advantage through turns three and four. Short had started eighth, three rows behind Schuerenberg.
Hunter Schuerenberg actually took the lead on lap 12 after pressuring pole setter and leader Hud Cone for the first 11 laps. Behind him Brady Short passed Cone to take second on lap 19. He then went to work to catch Schuerenberg and made a move to pass him in turn three. The two crossed the line side by side with Schuerenberg's surge back to the inside off turn four producing an
exciting and close finsh. Short just missed earning a third consecutive MSCS victory.
Schuerenberg's victory was his eighth of the season in competition at tracks across the region. It was his third career victory in the Midwest Sprint Car Series. The Missouri driver was in the Jeff Walker owned DRC sponsored by Jam It In Storage.
Jeff Bland Jr. was third in the main event. He was followed by Jesse Cramer and John Memmer, with both claiming their highest finishes of the '08 MSCS campaign. Veteran Hud Cone finished at the head of the second five which included Bret Burdette, Kyle Cummins, Lance Grimes, and Thomas Meseraull. Ryan Kaplan picked up the Wilwood Tuff Brakes Award for finishing 11th. It was Kaplan's first appearance with the MSCS series.
The three heat races were won by Hunter Schuerenberg, Hud Cone, and Jeff Bland Jr. Robert Ballou made a nice recovery after bounding up in the air twice and landing on his wheels during the third heat and moved back up to finish second to Bland. In the main event Ballou was running third when a wheel came off the front of his car.
Lance Grimes of Bedford, IN, won the B-Main followed by Coleman Gulick and J.T. Stapp. Bret Burdette placed fifth in the B to earn the last transfer spot to the A. Burdette was on the move during the feature advancing 11 spots to earn the MSCS - Keizer Aluminum Wheels Hard Charger Award. In the 10 MSCS races this season, Burdette becomes the 10th different driver to earn the award.
The next event on the MSCS Schedule is set for Sunday night August 31st at Tri-State Speedway in Haubstadt, IN. The feature will pay $3,000 to win and the Labor Day Weekend special events there over the years have always produced classic battles. Clay County Speedway's second MSCS event is the next weekend on Saturday September 6th. The track is located in Flora, IL.
August 23, 2008
Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series A-Main: Hunter Schuerenberg, Brady Short, Jeff Bland Jr.,Jesse Cramer, John Memmer,
Hud Cone, Bret Burdette, Kyle Cummins, Lance Grimes, Thomas Meseraull, Ryan Kaplan, Coleman Gulick, Logan Hupp,
Kevin Thomas Jr., Casey Riggs, Kyle Robbins, Ricky Williams, Kurt Gross, Robert Ballou, J.T. Stapp.
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Lincoln Park Speedway
Sprint Cars 08 - A-MAIN
Pos Driver Car #
1. Billy Puterbaugh
2. Bobby Stines
3. Todd Kimmell
4. Dickie Gaines
5. Joss Moffatt
6. Jonathan Hendrick
7. Stephanie Tuttle
8. Kenny Carmichael Jr.
9. Kenny Carmichael Sr.
10. Aaron Mosley
11. Travis Thompson
12. Tyler Reddick
13. Andrew Prather
14. Erik Folger
15. Casey Shuman
16. Derek Williams
17. Caleb Armstrong
18. Troy Link
19. Blake Fitzpatrick
20. Dan Clodfelter
Sprint Cars 08 points
1. Billy Puterbaugh 652
2. Dickie Gaines 562
3. Kenny Carmichael Sr. 541
4. Todd Kimmell 523
5. Kenny Carmichael Jr. 494
6. Stephanie Tuttle 480
7. Shane Hollingsworth 472
8. Troy Link 411
9. Aaron Mosley 376
10. Jonathan Hendrick 374
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Calistoga Speedway to host first non-wing sprint car race in over 22 years!
Wings off for Calistoga sprint cars at Vermeil Classic – By Bobby Gerould – Calistoga, CA. August 22, 2008. …For the first time in nearly 23 years – sprint car racing without wings will return to Calistoga Speedway with the running of the Louie Vermeil Classic August 30-31, 2008. Sanctioned and promoted by the United States Auto Club (USAC) the event features two nights of CRA Sprint Cars, and Western Midgets doing battle on the historic half-mile dirt track.
It was September 28th, 1985 when the last non-wing sprint car meeting was held at the track which is known for its long straight-aways and tight turns. Depending on which expert’s brain you pick – non-winged sprint car racing at Calistoga vanished due to a combination of safety concerns, politics, public relations issues, and a trend toward winged sprint car racing in the region.
In the late 1970’s, there may not have been a bigger hotbed for non-wing sprint car racing than the Napa County Fairgrounds which houses Calistoga Speedway (70 cars jammed the pits for the final race of the 1978 season). National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductees Leroy Van Conett, and the late Gary Patterson are drivers who furthered their legend with their mix of skill and bravery in Calistoga Speedway exploits.
While not all veteran railbirds think safety was the key issue in the demise of the non-wing car at Calistoga, it is undeniable that the 1983 racing death of the iconic Patterson at Calistoga shook many racers to their core. Patterson died in a violent non-wing crash directly in front of the main grandstand.
But with time comes change. Tommy Hunt, Vice President of Western Operations for USAC says, “A modern sprint car is better and safer than it was over twenty years ago. The (roll) cage structure, full containment seats, the Hans Device, all help keep the driver in a better situation in case of an accident.”
Plus, says Hunt, the cars handle better in the turns. “The shock packages on the sprint cars of today coupled with wider tires and wheels make the car more stable than it was when they last raced at Calistoga in the mid eighties.”
USAC has, in recent years, successfully campaigned non-wing sprint cars at half-mile tracks across the United States such as Terre Haute (IN.), Williams Grove (Mechanicsburg, PA.), and Manzanita (Phoenix, AZ.). The USAC CRA series uses the half-mile Perris Auto Speedway in Southern California as a home base.
As a former driver, Hunt also knows that despite any and all gains in safety, racing a sprint car is inherently dangerous. “A sprint car is a serious racecar that can bite you. Winged, without wings, it doesn’t matter. “
So who will be brave enough to strap in without a wing on Labor Day weekend?
A new generation and a few from the ‘old guard’ are ready to test the wicked half-mile in the 21st century. Leading the entries for the extravaganza are Tim Kaeding, Hall of Fame driver Brent Kaeding, Damion Gardner and current USAC-CRA points leader Mike Spencer.
Both Kaeding men run without a wing only a handful of times per season. Tim is entered in the very potent Roth Motorsports #83 jr. Brent Kaeding is the second ranked driver on the Calistoga Speedway all-time feature win list. “BK” of Campbell, CA has 21 victories on the half-mile, eight of them coming without a wing during the glory days of the now defunct Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC). Brent will drive his own #69 Maxim.
Gardner is towing his own #71 from Indiana while Spencer, from Temecula, CA. will drive the Ron Chaffin #50. Other sprint car competitors anticipated include: Garrett Hansen, Kevin Swindell, Blake Miller, Danny Sheridan, Shane Golobic, Daron Clayton, Andy Forsberg, Jesse Hockett, Rip Williams, David Cardey, Tyler Brown, Mike Benson, and many more. Peter Murphy of Australia is expected to compete Sunday night.
The confirmed midget drivers generating a buzz include Robby Flock, 16 year-old Kyle Larson, Johnny “Lightning” Rodriguez, Shannon McQueen, Travis Berryhill, Justin Grant, Scott Pierovich, Nic Faas, Michael Faccinto, and ‘double duty drivers’ Golobic and Hansen.
The fun starts at 1pm Saturday August 30th with a wine tasting event featuring live music and a display of WRA Vintage Sprint Cars and Midgets. Super Bowl winning coach Dick Vermeil will greet race fans at the wine tasting event. ($8 per person. 21 and over only).
Cars are scheduled to be on the track by 5:30 PM each night. Tickets for each race night are $25 (General Admission). Call (916) 863-7223.
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Gas City/I-69 Speedway
Friday, Aug. 22
Lewis Morgan Memorial Race
Finish
1. Darren Hagen
2. Dave Darland
3. Cole Whitt
4. Brett Burdette
5. Hunter Schuerenberg
6. Dustin Morgan
7. Thomas Meseraull
8. Matt Westfall
9. Levi Jones
10. Shane Cottle
11. Scotty Weir
12. Brady Bacon
13. Jonathan Hendrick
14. Steve Barth
15. Cole Carter
16. Joshua Clemons
17. Steve Ott
18. Jon Stanbrough
19. Casey Shuman
20. Ryan Kaplan
21. Russ Gamester
22. Kyle Robbins
23. Brent Beauchamp
FANS BORN IN 1970S GET IN FOR $5.00 THIS SATURDAY AT THE PAS
AUGUST 19, 2008, PERRIS, CA-This Saturday night, August 23rd, Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply will present the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars and PASSCAR Modfieds on Hot August 70’s Night at Don Kazarian’s famous Perris Auto Speedway. Any fan who shows a valid id at the ticket window showing that they were born in the 1970s will get in for just $5.00. Spectator gates will open at 5:00 PM with racing at 7:00 PM.
At intermission one lucky child will win a free bicycle courtesy of Gardner Motorsports and Temecula Valley Pipe & Supply will give away a free $25.00 gas card to a fan in the grandstands and another one to a winner in the pits.
Saturday’s race will be the first for the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Series at its home track since July 19th. After three straight weekends off, the series got back in action last Saturday night at Santa Maria Speedway. Huntington Beach, California teenage sensation Nic Faas edged Manhattan Beach racer Garrett Hansen and series point leader Mike Spencer of Temecula for his first win in the five year-old series.
Hansen, who hit’s the books at college when he is not on the race track, parlayed his second place finish combined with the hard luck of Santa Maria’s “Showtime” Danny Sheridan and Yorba Linda’s Blake Miller to jump from fourth to second in the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA championship standings. Sheridan, who was third in points heading into last Saturday’s race, flipped in the main event and ended up 18th. Miller, who was second, missed the main due to car problems.
While Hansen has leap frogged over Miller and Sheridan and into second, he has a steep hill to climb to catch series leader Spencer. When the cars arrive at the track for Saturday’s event, Spencer will hold a 92 point lead over Hansen. Even though he leads in the standings, Spencer, who pilots the famous Ron Chaffin red #50 car, has one win this season. That victory came at The PAS on March 29th.
Saturday’s disco themed That 70s Show in the dirt will include qualifying, ten lap heat races, a 12-lap B main event and a wild 30-Lap A main event for the Lucas Oil USAC/CRA Sprint Cars. The Modifieds will contest heats and a 20-lap main event. And, for the kids, there will be a Big Wheel heat race during one of the breaks in the action and, of course, the popular PAS Dance Contest at intermission.
Advance tickets for Saturday’s Lucas Oil USAC/CRA race and night of family fun are available now by calling (800) 595-4849 or (951) 940-0134. You can also order tickets on the Internet at tix.com or perrisautospeedway.com.
Anyone wishing more information could contact Perris Auto Speedway at (951) 940-0134.
USAC/CRA SPRINT CARS
1. Mike Spencer - Temecula, CA - 934
2. Garrett Hansen - Manhattan Beach, CA - 842
3. Blake Miller - Yorba Linda, CA - 813
4. Danny Sheridan - Santa Maria, CA - 802
5. Cory Kruseman - Ventura, CA - 691
6. Tyler Brown - Norco, CA - 656
7. Tony Jones - Norco, CA - 586
8. Josh Ford - Camarillo, CA - 506
9. David Cardey - Riverside, CA - 492
10. Nic Faas - Huntington Beach, CA - 405
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Indiana Sprint Week was a Learning Experience for Zach Martini
By Dino Oberto ….. “Keeping Track”
Zach Martini cranks it sideways in turn one at Gas City/I-69 Speedway in Indiana during Indiana Sprint Week.
Summer for most teens is a time to kick back, chill and enjoy the downtime from school. But, for 19-year old Zach Martini of Hazleton, he has been doing just the opposite.
All summer Martini has been spending his time strapped into a variety of high powered race cars from Midgets to TQ Midgets and recently he got the opportunity to wheel a 410 Sprint car at the nation’s hot bed of sprint car racing, Indiana.
Martini competed in the week long Indiana Sprint Week which was sanctioned by the USAC National Sprint Car Series and although he only qualified for two of six races, it was a great schooling for this rising star who has been racing since the age of 5.
“It was a real experience for me. It’s a whole different world out there, it’s very competitive. Those guys aren’t afraid to rough you up a little bit to get a position,” said Martini who is a regular with the ARDC Midgets and ATQMRA ¾-Midgets.
“But I liked it. It was a little nerve racking competing against nearly 50 cars each night. I only made two shows out of the six I tried for but despite that I was pretty happy with myself.”
The Indiana Sprint Week, which wrapped up its 21st year, brings out the best of the best not just from USAC but throughout the mid west where Sprint cars rule.
“There were guys like Brady Bacon who drives for Kasey Kahne and Levi Jones who is with Tony Stewart and some other top guys who had trouble making some of the shows. The B-mains were amazing. The names that were in them were like a feature in itself,” said Martini.
“The fans were incredible too. People followed the whole week and if you were a race car driver they just loved you. A World of Outlaws (WoO) show at Williams Grove always draws a great crowd but compared to out there, every night at every track it was standing room only. I always heard about it but never believed it until I went out there.”
Martini has had limited seat time with the Sprints. He did a season with the 305 class and last year went out to Indiana to experiment with 410 Sprints. But as he notes this time was an eye opener.
“I was in a much better car this year and I had a great crew too. I was hooked up with Bill Rose and he was very good at setting up the car. He knew how to communicate with me and get me ready for the race at every track we went to.
“I’ve had experience in the past with a Sprint car but that was probably the best motor and car I every drove. I was very comfortable in his (Rose’s) car. He was always on me to run it harder and harder through the turns and be more aggressive.”
Rose is a veteran Sprint racer. He’s run and won with USAC, the WoO and the All-Stars. Martini got hooked up with him last December when he was in Florida racing at Orlando Speed World. In June of this year Rose put Martini in his car when USAC raced in Pennsylvania during its eastern swing at Grandview and Big Diamond. Afterwards they put the deal together for the Indiana Sprint Week.
Martini traveled to Lawrenceburg, Gas City I-69, Kokomo, Kamp, Bloomington and Lincoln Park Speedways.
“I would say Lawrenceburg was my favorite track out there. They redid it completely and invested a lot of money in it. I think it actually has more banking then Eldora. It’s a very intimidating place. It was one of the two tracks I qualified at and finished 17th.
“It was a battle to get in too. I made it through my heat race which wasn’t very easy to do. Just to get to a heat race you had to time really good.”
Martini also qualified at Bloomington where he placed 15th and was ahead of USAC national champion Tracy Hines.
Since returning back home Martini got back into the midget and TQ and thanks to the learning curve from his Indiana experience, he feels he has developed better skills.
“I feel as though I’m a lot more aggressive since I came back. I like to throw the car into the turns a lot harder now. I think it also helped me with the TQ. Instead of dabbling around, the moves I want to make I now just go for it and don’t even think twice about it. So my aggression level is a lot higher then it use to be.”
Martini will focus the remainder of the year with ARDC and run the TQ whenever possible. He’ll also be heading back to school where he’ll be entering his second year in the Motorsports Technology class at Luzerne County Community College.
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MSCS UNION COUNTY DATES ARE CANCELLED
Haubstadt, IN - August 11, 2008. Two dates on the 2008 Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series schedule were cancelled today and those races will not be held. The newly updated schedule no longer includes the races that were to be held at the Union County Speedway in Liberty, IN. MSCS will not be racing at Union County Speedway on August 22nd or September 12th. Both dates were to have been Friday night shows.
The decision to cancel these two events came about after a top level discussion between MSCS Owner Tom Helfrich and Union County Speedway promoter Tom Wieck on Monday.
These discussions came about after reports surfaced on safety concerns at the track in relation to running sprint cars. These concerns coupled with the very short time frame within which everyone would have to work to correct safety concerns before these shows came up on the schedule led to a final decision to pull the plug.
With both events cancelled and in sufficient time to advise teams and fans, both MSCS and Union County Speedway will be able to move on with their respective 2008 seasons.
Union County Speedway will be running their regularly scheduled classes on those nights. MSCS has offered to be open to further discussions in reviewing the circumstances at the track again during the scheduling process for 2009.
Remaining MSCS Dates:
Aug. 16 Clay County Speedway
Aug. 23 Twin Cities Raceway
Aug. 31 Tri-State Speedway
Sep. 06 Clay County Speedway
Sep. 27 Tri-State Speedway
Oct. 04 Lawrenceburg Speedway
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MSCS ADDS 2 DATES AT CLAY COUNTY ILLINOIS
Haubstadt, IN - August 7, 2008. The Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series is pleased to announce the addition of two more racing dates to the 2008 season schedule. MSCS Officials reached an agreement with Richard Burmeister, the promoter of Clay County Speedway, to run two events at the 1/3 mile Flora, IL, facility during the second half of this season.
The Clay County Speedway dates assure the continued presence of MSCS in the Prairie State. MSCS is pleased to have these opportunities to bring it's style of non wing sprint car racing to Illinois race fans and provide some in-state racing for all the Illinois based sprint car teams.
The first date is soon. Very Soon! The sprints will be the main attraction on Saturday night August 16th at Clay County Speedway and return for a second equally exciting engagement Saturday night September 6th. Both appearances will be highlighted by 30 lap features paying $2,000 to win.
The MSCS schedule now stands at 16 events once again. Of the original first 11 shows, the 8 completed have been very competitive. Robert Ballou and Jon Stanbrough have 3 feature wins each with Daron Clayton and Brady Short capturing one each. Rain prevented the other three programs from happening!
Defending Series Champion Kyle Cummins has now moved into the points lead after last weekend's two races. He has been methodically closing in on that first win of the season. In feature events Kyle has two thirds and two seconds in his last 4 outings with MSCS. The Princeton, IN, driver has been consistently taking his car to the front and in position to challenge for a feature win.
Clay County Speedway is located 1.9 miles North of U.S. 50 on U.S. 45 and sits on County Road 20(700N). It is visible from highway 45 and easy to find! Information for the track can be obtained by phoning 618-662-6825.
August promises to be one hot racing month for MSCS. Two races are in the books after a first busy weekend and four more now remain on the August schedule. Clay County Speedway's race on the 16th will be followed by the Union County Speedway make-up date on the 22nd, Twin Cities Raceway's event on the 23rd, and Tri-State Speedway Labor Day Weekend Special on the 31st.
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MTS non-wing sprints return to the unique shiawassee Fairgrounds Thursday August 7th and the Cherry Speedway Friday the 8th.
Last years 2 race weekend was an exciting one with John Lowe winning the Amain at cherry speedway. Shiawassee was unfortunately was called for rain just as the feature was pushed off.
This year looks to be another exiting 2 races with many MTS regular drivers and a few surprise drivers to make the trip to both shows.
The Shiawassee fair is located at 2900 E. Hibbard Road, Corunna, MI between M-71 and m-52
Cherry Speedway is located on M-113, 7 miles east of Kingsley, MI or 3 miles west of the M-113 / US 131 Intersection
More info at www.mtsprints.com
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Dalman takes MTS win at I-69 Speedway
Gregg Dalman in victory lane at I-69 Speedway in MTS action. Photo © MTS.
Dalman wins MTS stop at I-69 Speedway
For the first time in several seasons, the non wing sprint cars returned to the ½ mile I-96 Speedway on Saturday night. The Michigan Traditional Sprint Series made their only appearance of the year on a beautiful evening and Gregg Dalman drove to victory in the 20 lap feature. Dalman was followed by points leader Mike Galajda, Tim Champlin, Justin Martin and Nick Landon.
Dalman lined up in the third starting spot for the feature and before the initial lap was completed he would get by the front row cars of Tim Evilsizer and Tim Champlin. With a clear track the #49 of Dalman began to stretch out his lead and by lap five had gained half a straight lead over Champlin and the fast closing Galadja. Meanwhile Tim Evilsizer, Nick Landon , Ohio’s Kyle Simon and St Thomas, Ont. native Justin Martin were engaged in a wild battle of their own for 4th through 7th.
On the ninth circuit the yellow appeared as Landon spun in turn two and collected Simon who suffered damage to his mount and retired to the pits. Landon restarted at the rear of the field. This wiped out Dalman’s big lead and at the drop of green Galadja made a bold pass to take over 2nd from Champlin. Galadja was on Dalman’s bumper but could not get by and once again the yellow #49 pulled out to a commanding lead.
Meanwhile Tim Evilsizer was making daring passes flirting with wall several times on the frontstrecth. On lap 15 Justin Martin moved into fourth and Landon had driven back up to fifth and at the checkers it was Dalman, Galadja, Champlin, Martin and Landon.
Gregg Dalman won the first heat race while Justin Martin captured heat number two.
MTS Feature Finish 8-2-2008
I-96 Speedway
1)Gregg Dalman, 2)Mike Galadja, 3)Tim Champlin, 4)Justin Martin, 5)Nick Landon, 6)Tim Evilsizer 7)Bill Griffith,8)Mark Irwin, 9)Gary Hayward, 10)Jerry Evilsizer, 11) Mark Strpko, 12)Kyle Simon, 13)Jim Gerrard, 14)Joe Irwin, 15)Chris Bracey
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Lincoln Park Speedway
Saturday
Sprint Cars 08 - A-MAIN
Pos Driver
1. Dickie Gaines
2. Billy Puterbaugh
3. Casey Shuman
4. Kent Christian
5. Broc Burton
6. Jon Siscoe
7. Michael Bridges
8. J.T. Stapp
9. Aaron Mosley
10. Troy Link
11. Kenny Carmichael Jr.
12. Jesse Cramer
13. Mike Hagememier
14. Bill Rose
15. Chris Coers
16. Joshua Clemons
17. Lance Hayden
18. Tyler Reddick
19. Kenny Carmichael Sr.
20. Shane Hollingsworth
21. Jonathan Hendrick
Sprint car points
1. Shane Hollingsworth 472
2. Billy Puterbaugh 454
3. Dickie Gaines 384
4. Todd Kimmell 383
5. Kenny Carmichael Sr. 379
6. Kent Christian 372
7. Kenny Carmichael Jr. 358
8. Stephanie Tuttle 342
9. Troy Link 305
10. Jonathan Hendrick 268
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BALLOU TAKES PIR AGAIN
By Eldon Butcher
Paducah, KY - Aug. 1, 2008. Robert Ballou won the feature for the Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series Friday night on the 3/8's mile Paducah International Raceway. Ballou led every lap of the 20 lap feature and had the MPHG Promotions Maxim Sprinter in a comfortable lead when the checkers were waved by starter Mo Will.
The Rockland, California, driver brought his win totals up to three this season in MSCS competition. The PIR victory was Ballou's second at Paducah this season. The team sponsored by Behavior consultants, J.C. Plew, Inc., and
Builders SolutionsAlliance left no doubt as to who was the dominant force at the Kentucky racing facilitythis season.
Rookie Ricky Williams of Clinton, OH, turned in his best performance of the season with a runner-up feature finish. The youngster managed to get back past Kyle Cummins on lap 7 and hold him off until the finish. Cummins finished third earning enough points to propel him into the points lead for the series.
Hud Cone ran fourth after starting on the tail. Damage from an incident related to a false start in the second heat caused Cone to drop out of the heat early. Cone's drive towards the front in the feature earned him the Keizer Aluminum Wheels Hard Charger of the Race Award. Blake Fitzpatrick took his first top five feature finish in being the next driver to cross the line. Kevin Thomas Jr. finished sixth and was the last driver to finish on the lead lap.
Three Illinois drivers Alex Shanks, Craig Budde, and Jack Gilbert were a lap down at the conclusion of the event and finished 7th through 9th. Harrisburg, IL, rookie driver John Irvin rounded out the top ten. John Memmer was forced to retire with a flat tire but his 11th place finish was good enough for the Wilwood Tuff Brakes
Award.
The two heat races were won by Robert Ballou and John Memmer. The second heat race was red flagged due to an accident in turn three resulting in injuries to driver Kenny Biro. Biro, who was driving the Trucker's 24 Hr. Road Service number 10 sprinter, was involved in a spirited battle for a top three heat finish when his car biked and took a series of hard flips. He was transported to the local hospital in Paducah by Mercy EMS personnel and from there he was
transferred on to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, for further treatment.
Hoosier Tire Midwest Sprint Car Series Feature (20 Laps) - 81 Robert Ballou, 11w Ricky Williams, 3c Kyle Cummins,14 Hud Cone, 10f Blake Fitzpatrick,
9k Kevin Thomas Jr., 39w Alex Shanks, 59 Craig Budde, 17 Jack Gilbert,
88 John Irvin, 4m John Memmer, 10t Thomas Meseraull, 51b Randy Bateman.
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