O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions to Reschedule Williams Grove Event
CAMARGO, IL (05-09-08) by Robert Cortum - O'Reilly All Star Public Relations
Officials with the O’Reilly Circuit of Champions have made a decision to postpone the May 9th events at the famed Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Inclement weather has become a familiar story across the racing scene for 2008 and once again, a high powered, star studded event will fall victim to Mother Nature.
Details on the rescheduled date will be forth-coming as series and track officials work closely to bring “America’s Series” back to “The Grove”. O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champion racing scheduled for May 10th at Port Royal is still on schedule as it looks that the weather system invading Williams Grove will not affect Port Royal Speedway.
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World of Outlaws Event at Tri-City Speedway Postponed Until June 8 by Rain
Pontoon Beach, IL— May 9, 2008—Record rainfall over the last week has left Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Illinois flooded, forcing the postponed of the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event scheduled for Friday, May 9.
Over six inches of rain has fallen over the last couple of days, with persistent rain continuing throughout the day today. The event has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 8.
After a sixth-place finish last weekend at Knoxville Raceway, Craig Dollansky continues to lead the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series championship standings. The native of Elk River, Minnesota has won twice this season and has finished sixth or better in every race this season.
Jason Meyers is second in points, just 12 markers behind. He leads the series with three A-Feature wins and has finished in Top-10 in each race this season.
Donny Schatz, the two-time defending series champion is third, and closed to within 20 points after his win at Knoxville last weekend. Joey Saldana is fourth, with reigning Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Kerry Madsen rounding out the Top-Five.
Steve Kinser, the 20-time defending series champion is sixth in points, after a fourth-place finish last weekend, with Jac Haudenschild in seventh, Terry McCarl eighth, Chad Kemenah ninth and Daryn Pittman 10th.
The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to action on Saturday, May 10 at Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, Kentucky.
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Returning to a Familiar Place: Tri-City Speedway a Home Track for Lasoski
Pontoon Beach, IL— May 8, 2008-- Every win is special to Danny Lasoski, but his victory at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Illinois last season holds extra significance and will always be near and dear to him, because it was the first Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event that his friend Kevin Gundaker and his wife Tammy promoted at the track.
Lasoski made history as well last season becoming the first Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series driver to win at Tri-City Speedway after it was reconfigured from a half-mile to a very racy 3/8-mile. The 2001 series champion will return to the track just outside of St. Louis on Friday, May 9 in search of the fourth win of his career at the facility
“Kevin (Gundaker) and I have been good friend for quite a long time, and to win the first World of Outlaws race that he had put on was pretty special,” shared Lasoski. “I know that I will never forget it and hopefully he won’t either.”
Lasoski had a great deal of success at Tri-City over the years when it was a half-mile, winning twice and racking up 21 Top-Five finishes. In his first start at the track in 1982, he finished second, and in his last seven starts at Tri-City with the old configuration, he finished seventh or better in each race. He quickly got up to speed on the smaller design of the track last year, turning the seventh fastest lap in time trials, finishing second in the third heat race, and following that up with a fourth-place run in the Crane Cams Dash to earn a second-row starting position for the 35-lap A-Feature.
“We are very excited to head back there,” he said. “Kevin Gundaker and his whole family have done such a great job down there. I was really partial to the big half-mile and when he told me he was going to shorten it up, I was really skeptical. He did a great job with it. We went down there last year and won and hopefully we can win again. There is a lot of competition this year, and we’ll go there and do the best that we can.”
Lasoski battled Jason Sides lap after lap in the early portions of the 35-lap contest last season, thrilling the crowd with the constant side-by-side racing. The pair continued to jockey for the lead until the 10th lap when Sides had a tire go down, and Lasoski inherited the lead. He would remain on the point for the rest of the way, fighting off a hard charging Daryn Pittman at the end to earn the $10,000 top prize by just one-tenth of a second.
“It was a welcome relief,” Lasoski said with a smile of the reconfiguration of the track. “It was actually the first time I had ever been to Granite City (Tri-City Speedway) and I could see where I was going, because the lighting was so good. They have made a really good race track and its three lanes wide. You can run on the top, middle and bottom. We are looking forward to heading back there.”
A busy month of May began last weekend for the World of Outlaws and Lasoski is ready to hit the road in the next couple weeks, including a trip to Pennsylvania next week. He has spent countless hours in the shop over the last few months, and while it has helped him to get caught up on things, he also points out that all of the time spent working on the race car can lead to unnecessary changes. Beginning this weekend at Tri-City Speedway, the series will kick off a stretch of 11 events in the next three weeks.
“It gets tough and you always think you need time off to build parts, but you catch yourself wearing bolts out, because you take stuff off so much and keep putting it back on,” he explained of the recent breaks in the schedule. “I think now the weather has changed and we should be able to race hard for the next month. When that happens, everyone will need a break with the next month of racing that we will do, especially in Pennsylvania.”
While Mother Nature has interrupted a large portion of the early season for the World of Outlaws, Lasoski found a few other races to stop at along the way, in order to stay sharp. He won an event with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) at State Fair Speedway in Oklahoma City at the end of March and recently competed at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri, where the World of Outlaws will make their debut in September, along with competing at Sedalia’s State Fair Speedway last Sunday night, where he earned a Top-Five finish.
“It sure helped me eat,” he deadpanned of finding races to go to during the breaks in the schedule. “I don’t make any money unless I race, so I had to find somewhere to race.”
With one of the strongest batches of cars ever assembled, following the World of Outlaws this season, time trials continue to play a very large role in determining how the night will unfold for the drivers. Last weekend at Knoxville Raceway, Lasoski was third quickest with a very strong 47-car on-hand, which helped put him in a good position all night. He wound ninth in the A-Feature to earn his third Top-10 finish of the season. He was victorious earlier this season during the Alltel DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida.
“Those first two laps are essential,” said the native of Dover, Missouri. “You have to go out and a lay a lap down and you can’t have any faults.”
Lasoski will look to turn a quick lap in time trials on Friday night at Tri-City Speedway, a track he has been visiting for nearly 30 years. He has gained a loyal legion of fans at the suburban St. Louis track over the years, which is just a few hours from his home in Missouri. He looks to have another strong run at the track this weekend, as the World of Outlaws will hold their 51st race at the facility dating back to 1979.
“If I had to call a place home, along with Knoxville, Tri-City (Speedway) would be another one,” he said. “We always enjoy racing there and are looking forward to it.”
On Friday, May 9 at Tri-City Speedway, Reserved tickets in the Top-Five rows will be $32, with General Admission tickets $30. Children 12-under will be admitted free to the general admission seating area with a paying adult. The Grandstand gates will open at 12:00 p.m. Central on Friday, May 9. For tickets call 1-800-617-9077. There will be autograph session at the track featuring Craig Dollansky, Chad Hillier, Terry McCarl, Jason Sides and Shane Stewart at 5:30 p.m. prior to the event.
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Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Preview: Paducah International Raceway
Paducah, KY— May 7, 2008-- The 2008 Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in the history of the series, which was founded in 1978 and is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary. The series will make a stop at the state-of-the-art Paducah International Raceway in Kentucky on Saturday, May 10 for a showdown in the Bluegrass State.
With 19 drivers and teams following the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series full-time this season, a very strong field will be assembled for the series lone visit of 2008 to Kentucky at the high-banked 3/8-mile.
Last season, the series competed 20 times on 3/8-mile tracks with ten different drivers picking up win on tracks of that configuration, with thrilling two and three-wide racing being the norm.
Last season at Paducah, Danny Lasoski came from the 15th starting spot to win, while six of the drivers that finished in the Top-10 started outside of the Top-10. Leading the way was Terry McCarl who charged from 22nd to seventh along with Jason Meyers who came from the 23rd starting spot to eighth. Two-time defending series champion Donny Schatz finished sixth after lining up 18th.
Craig Dollansky currently leads the standings by just 12 markers over Jason Meyers. Donny Schatz is third, 20 points and has seven Top-10 finishes in seven starts, as does Dollansky and Meyers. Joey Saldana is fourth in the standings, with Kerry Madsen, a native of Australia rounding out the Top-Five.
Meyers leads the series with three A-Feature wins, while Dollansky has won twice. Donny Schatz, the two-time defending series champion added his name to the win list last Saturday night as he scored his first win of the season. Danny Lasoski, the 2001 series champion also has been victorious this season.
Dollansky has finished sixth or better in each and every event, and also leads the Qwik Liner Cup standings, which awards points to the Top-Five qualifiers each night. All the drivers will be shooting for the track record of 13.357 seconds at Paducah International Raceway which was set by Jac Haudenschild in 1998.
In seven events this season, seven different drivers have led laps in A-Feature racing competition, led by Craig Dollansky who has paced 71 circuits. Also, seven drivers have won the Crane Cams Dash to earn pole positions in main events, with five drivers being fastest in time trials.
The series has competed three times at Paducah International Raceway dating back to 1998, with three different drivers having scored A-Feature wins. The winner of the main event on Saturday night will pocket $10,000.
Other drivers that will be chasing the top-prize who are in the Top-10 in points include: Steve Kinser, the 20-time series champion, who led a number of laps last weekend with the series, veteran and fan favorite Jac Haudenschild who holds the track record at Paducah, as well as Terry McCarl who has run strong at the track in the past, Chad Kemenah, the series top rookie in 2006, and Daryn Pittman.
Lucas Wolfe, who currently the leads the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year standings will make his first start at Paducah this weekend, as he continues his assault on the rookie title.
Also in action will be: second-year driver Tony Bruce Jr. of Kansas, Sam Hafertepe Jr. of Texas, Chad Hillier of Washington who set fast time at the time track last season, Kraig Kinser, son of Steve Kinser and the series top rookie in 2004, Tim Shaffer, who was the series top rookie in 1999, Jason Sides, who won the rookie crown in 2003 and Shane Stewart, the series top rookie in 2005.
2007 Race Recap: Danny Lasoski charged from the 15th starting spot to take the win on a very chilly evening. In the process he earned the designation of starting the furthest back of any A-Feature winner in 2007.
Lasoski methodically worked his way to the front. He gained four spots on the opening lap, and by the halfway point of the 35-lap event, he broke into the Top-Five. He made the pass for the win on the 33rd lap, as he charged to the low side of Joey Saldana to pick up the $10,000 winner's check. The pair raced side by side for several laps with each inching ahead, but each time at the line it was Saldana being officially scored the leader. With Saldana using the high side of the track, the bottom groove was just the opening that Lasoski needed.
Saldana led from the outset of the race, and built several large advantages that were negated each time by cautions. After a lap 26 yellow flag, Lasoski lined up right behind Saldana, and when the latter made contact with the turn four wall with less than five laps to go, Lasoski was there to pounce on the top spot.
Chad Kemenah earned a season-best third-place finish in own machine. Jason Martin earned a career-best fourth-place finish, with Jason Solwold rounding out the Top-Five.
2007 A-Feature Results
Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series; Paducah International Raceway; June 14, 2007
A-main (35 laps) - Starting Position [#]
1) 83-Danny Lasoski[15] [$10,000]
2) 9-Joey Saldana[2] [$5,500]
3) 3X-Chad Kemenah[11] [$3,200]
4) 36-Jason Martin[4] [$2,800]
5) R19-Jason Solwold[10] [$2,500]
6) 15-Donny Schatz[18] [$2,300]
7) 24-Terry McCarl[22] [$2,200]
8) 14-Jason Meyers[23] [$2,100]
9) 21-Daryn Pittman[8] [$2,050]
10) 7S-Jason Sides[12] [$2,000]
11) 4-Danny Smith[1] [$1,500]
12) 1x-Randy Hannagan[20] [$1,200]
13) 5C-Chad Hillier[6] [$1,100]
14) 7-Craig Dollansky[5] [$1,050]
15) 35-Jac Haudenschild[7] [$1,000]
16) 2-Brooke Tatnell[17] [$900]
17) 6-Tim Shaffer[25] [$0]
18) 11K-Tim Kaeding[21] [$800]
19) 18T-Tony Bruce Jr[24] [$800]
20) 1Z-Dusty Zomer[13] [$800]
21) D1-Justin Henderson[16] [$800]
22) 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[26] [$0]
23) 11H-Kerry Madsen[3] [$800]
24) 11-Steve Kinser[14] [$800]
25) 11D-Dion Hindi[9] [$800]
26) 20-Paul McMahan[19] [$800]
Lap Leaders: Joey Saldana 1-32; Danny Lasoski 33-35
Previous Winners
World of Outlaws Sprint Series A-Feature winners at Paducah International Raceway include:
2007- Danny Lasoski on April 6
2001 - Andy Hillenburg on June 12
1998 - Jeff Swindell on April 17
Current Top-10 in Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Points
Top-10 in Championship Points
1. Craig Dollansky 1032
2. Jason Meyers 1020
3. Donny Schatz 1012
4. Joey Saldana 971
5. Kerry Madsen 916
6. Steve Kinser 911
7. Jac Haudenschild 885
8. Terry McCarl 876
9. Chad Kemenah 875
10. Daryn Pittman 867
What to look for this year at Paducah International Raceway:
* Three different drivers have won with the series in three visits to the 3/8-mile facility, including 2001 series champion Danny Lasoski, who charged from the 15th starting spot last season to win.
* There are five drivers that have competed in all three events with the series at the track dating back to 1998: Craig Dollansky, Jac Haudenschild Steve Kinser, Danny Lasoski and Donny Schatz). Of the five, Danny Lasoski has finished in the Top-10 in all three starts.
* Danny Lasoski has finished sixth or better in his three starts with the series at the track. He was sixth in 1998, fourth in 2001 and won last season.
* Steve Kinser, the 20-time series champion has two finishes of third or better in his career at the track, He was third in 1998 and the runner-up in 2001.
* Chad Hillier earned his first career quick time honor last season with the series at Paducah International Raceway, stopping the clocks at 13.737 seconds. He bested a very strong 39-car field in qualifying.
* Jac Haudenschild set the track record of 13.357 seconds in time trials in 1998. The native of Wooster, Ohio finished a season-best third last Saturday night at Knoxville Raceway.
* Chad Kemenah finished a season-best third at Paducah last season, and is currently eighth in championship points on the strength of three Top-10 finishes.
* Daryn Pittman finished in the Top-10 at Paducah last season and used his fourth Top-10 finish of the season last Saturday night to move into the Top-10 in championship points entering this weekend’s pair of events.
* Terry McCarl earned the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Award last season at the track, coming from the 22nd starting spot to finish seventh. Right behind him was Jason Meyers who came from 23rd to finish eighth.
By the Numbers- Paducah International Raceway:
0.375- Miles around Paducah International Raceway
1- Race in the state of Kentucky this season for the World of Outlaws
3- Drivers that have won with the World of Outlaws at the track; Number of A-Feature events contested by the series at the 3/8-mile dating back to 1998; Laps led by Danny Lasoski en route to the win last season
4- Drivers that have won A-Feature events with the series this season
5- Drivers that have competed in all three of the previous series events at Paducah: (Craig Dollansky, Jac Haudenschild Steve Kinser, Danny Lasoski and Donny Schatz)
6- Drivers that have earned the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger Award this season
7- Drivers that have led laps in A-Feature competition this season; Drivers that have won the Crane Cams Dash to earn pole positions; Top-10 finishes for Craig Dollansky, Jason
Meyers and Donny Schatz this season in the same number of races
8- Drivers competing on Saturday, May 10 that are former Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award winners with the series
12- Points that separate Craig Dollansky and Jason Meyers atop the World of Outlaws standings
13.357- Track record established in time trials by Jac Haudenschild in 1998
17- Drivers competing full-time with the series this season that competed at the track in 2007
19- Drivers that are currently competing full-time with the series
23- Series championships that will be accounted for by drivers in attendance on May 10
32- Laps led by Joey Saldana at the track last season
71- Laps led by Craig Dollansky this season to lead the series
215- Laps that have been completed this season in A-Feature events through May 3
490- Miles from Knoxville Raceway in Iowa where the World of Outlaws competed on May 3 to Paducah International Raceway in Kentucky
1972- Year that Paducah International Raceway was built
1998-Year the World of Outlaws first competed at the track
10,000- Dollars the winner will receive on May 9
40,100- Dollars earned by Jason Meyers this season to lead the series
Tickets: On Saturday, May 10 at Paducah International Raceway, adult grandstand tickets will be $30, with tickets for children 12-under just $5. Reserved seats are available by calling (270) 898-7469 during regular business hours. There will be an autograph session prior to the race featuring 20-time series champion Steve Kinser, along with Jac Haudenschild, Tony Bruce Jr. and Sam Hafertepe Jr.
Next Up: The first East Coast swing of the season kicks off at Lernerville Speedway in Pennsylvania on Tuesday, May 13, followed by two nights of racing at the famed Williams Grove Speedway, on May 15 and 16.
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Thunderbowl Raceway hosts Chris & Brian Faria Memorial this Saturday May 10
By Gary Thomas
Tulare, CA – May 6, 2008…When the Golden State Challenge 410 Sprint Car Series makes their way to the Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway this Mother’s Day weekend we will be honoring the memory of brothers Chris & Brian Faria. The night of competition will be the 11th race of the year for the traveling series and will also mark the halfway point of the 22 race season.
This will be second season in a row that the event, which started out as the Chris Faria Memorial, pays tribute to both brothers who lost their lives far too early. Running alongside the GSC sprinters this weekend will be the mighty warriors of the Western States Modifieds as they compete in their third race of the season.
Chris Faria was an up and coming driver who was the youngest of five children to Danny Sr. & Arlet Faria. Chris grew up on their farm in Tipton and was known as the prankster of the family. He unfortunately lost his life at the age of 21 during a farming accident and his memory has been kept alive with a memorial race at the Thunderbowl Raceway ever since. Brian was the oldest of the five Faria children and was taken from us in January of 2006 when a fallen tree hit his truck while driving on a highway. Brian enjoyed helping out with the track preparation at the Thunderbowl Raceway as he drove the water truck and the grader among other things.
Current Golden State Challenge Series point leader Jonathan Allard will lead the charge into the Chris & Brian Faria Memorial after picking up his first win of the season last weekend in Quincy. The Chico driver has raced his Williams Motorsports machine to top 10 finishes in all but one event and has scored top five’s in all but two. The ’06 King of California also leads the series with four heat race victories and will bring a 52 point lead into Tulare this Saturday. Allard was the winner of the Chris Faria Memorial in ’03.
San Jose’s Tim Kaeding will look to make it back to back wins at the Thunderbowl after picking up his first GSC win of the season at the track less than two weeks ago. The former King of California won a thrilling main event in Tulare driving his Tom Rolfe Racing No. 10 on April 26 and is coming off a runner-up finish with the traveling 410 series last Saturday. Kaeding has finished among the top five in all but one of his GSC starts this year and always runs well at the Thunderbowl.
Continuing to run second in the point standings is Sacramento’s Mike Henry who drives the HMH Motorsports No. 93. Henry has been running full-time with the Golden State Challenge Series for the first time in his career this season and has done a solid job competing against a number of 410 veterans. The former Civil War and Placerville Speedway champion has tallied finishes of sixth and ninth during the previous two GSC stops at the Thunderbowl this season.
Thirteen-time and defending King of California Brent Kaeding has used much consistency over the last month to close in on Henry, despite not yet picking up a win this year. The driver of the Al’s Roofing Supply No. 69 has picked up podium finishes in four of the last six series events, but hasn’t quite yet shown the strength he possessed last season when he won eight GSC main events during the year. BK is the defending champ of the Chris & Brian Faria Memorial however, and has also won the event once before this decade.
The battle for fourth in the GSC standings continues to heat up with Los Angeles’ Tyler Walker leading Campbell’s Bud Kaeding by just two points. Walker has shown much speed this season aboard the SC Motorsports No. 24 and was part of a great battle for the lead during the GSC stop at the Thunderbowl a couple weeks back. The exciting driver had taken the lead with a couple laps left in the feature, before settling for a second place finish behind T. Kaeding. Walker has been the quick qualifier three straight weeks with GSC and has turned the fastest lap in qualifying four times overall this year.
Two-time & defending USAC Silver Crown champ Bud Kaeding has been very consistent over the last handful of weeks, which includes a win in Petaluma a few weeks back. He and his BK Motorsports team have finished in the top five during four of the last five GSC events, but have yet to crack that stat at the Thunderbowl Raceway. The 28 year-old veteran will look to change that at the Chris and Brian Faria Memorial on Saturday as well as move himself up in the series standings.
Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs has also been extremely consistent over the last month and like Bud Kaeding, has also been in the top five during four of the last five races. Suggs in fact has finished in the fourth spot on three different occasions since early April and continues to show more improvement on the track in his sophomore year of racing a winged sprint car. The driver of GLR Investments sponsored machine hasn’t had the greatest success at the Thunderbowl the past two seasons though, and will be looking for better things this weekend.
Former King of California Jason Statler is another driver who will be looking for a better outing at the Thunderbowl this time out, following a tough one on April 26. The Los Gatos charger became a dad last Tuesday and then went out and finished sixth during the feature on Saturday in Quincy aboard the DF Rios Construction No. 00. Statler won the Chris Faria Memorial in ’05, which also marked his first career win at the 1/3 mile clay oval.
Other 410 winged sprint car drivers expected for the Chris & Brian Faria Memorial on Saturday will include Easton’s Tommy Tarlton, Loomis’ Kyle Hirst, Caruthers Garrett Ishii, Fresno’s Craig Stidham & Mark Workentine, Tipton’s Danny Faria Jr, Fremont’s Brent Bjork, Gilroy’s Ken Fredenburg, Rio Vista’s Dan Simpson and more.
Brian Cass currently leads the Western States Modifieds point standings after picking up back to back wins to start the season, but is followed closely by Paul Stone who finished runner-up last season in the standings. Drivers continue to gear up for the big $20,000 to win U.S. Western Modified Nationals on September 25, 26 & 27 at the Thunderbowl Raceway.
The front gate at the Chris & Brian Faria Memorial will open up at 5 pm this Saturday with reserved grandstand tickets costing only $18 and general admission bleacher tickets just $15.
Log onto http://www.thunderbowlraceway.com/ to view a seating chart and then call (559) 688-0909 to get the seats you want. The Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare.
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O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions to Make Personal Appearances
Some of the top names on the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions tour will be up close and personal with fans at four locations in the Pennsylvania area on May 8^th , prior to two “Posse-land” stops. Fans will have an opportunity to meet series points leader Lance Dewease, two-time defending champion Greg Wilson, Rookie of the Year candidate Lee Stark, and the ever popular Randy “The Hurricane” Hannagan.
Greg Wilson will be appearing in York from 11am to 1pm at 192 Memory Lane Wilson will be in attendance with a live radio remote, drinks, hotdogs, and $2 off coupons for the May 9th event to be held at the historic Williams Grove Speedway.
Rookie of the Year contender Lee Stark and the legendary Jack Hewitt (who mentors Stark and provides crew support) will be on hand at Geico in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania from 2-5pm. Stark and Hewitt have paired up with Geico and will be providing beverages and hotdogs and will be live on ESPN Radio offering up insight and lore about sprint car racing. Geico will be giving away a much needed $250.00 gas card to one lucky fan. Geico is located at 3350B Paxton St. in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
A local hero and current points leader with the All Stars, Lance Dewease will be in attendance at Sutliff Hummer from 11am to 1pm. Sutliff Hummer is the Central Pennsylvania authority in the Hummer market and has partnered with Dewease who some would say is the authority in Pennsylvania sprint car scene. Sutliff Hummer is located at 6462 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Rounding out the appearances will be “The Hurricane” Randy Hannagan. Hannagan who brings excitement to the track each time his Hoosier’s hit the dirt, will be on hand at the Route 15 Beverage Express from 3-5pm. One of the most celebrated drivers in sprint car racing, Hannagan will be available for autographs and meet and greets with fans. Route 15 Beverage Express is located at 9 Tristan Drive, in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.
The O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions would like to thank all of the hosts for their continued support of the series and sprint car racing. Be sure to hit one or all of these exciting events, Thursday, May 8th . For up to the minute news about “America’s Series” log onto http://www.allstarsprint.com/
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Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series At a Glance: Tri-City Speedway & Paducah International Raceway
Concord, NC— May 5, 2008
WHAT
• The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series schedule begins to pick up steam this week with a pair of events, beginning at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Illinois on Friday, May 9, followed by a visit to Paducah International Raceway in Paducah, Kentucky on Saturday, May 10. This will be the series first visit this season to 3/8-mile tracks. Last season, 10 different drivers won in 20 events on tracks that size, led by two-time defending series champion Donny Schatz, who had five wins. Danny Lasoski, the 2001 World of Outlaws champion won at both Tri-City Speedway and Paducah International Raceway. This season, four drivers have picked up wins in the first seven events of the season, led by Jason Meyers who has three wins and current championship point leader Craig Dollansky who has two triumphs.
WHEN
• On Friday, May 9 at Tri-City Speedway, the Pit Gates will open 2:00 p.m. Central, while the Grandstand Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. Central and Hot Laps are tentatively set for 6:30 p.m. Central.
• On Saturday, May 10, at Paducah International Raceway the Pit Gates will open 3:00 p.m. Central, while the Grandstand Gates will also open at 3:00 p.m. Central and time trials are tentatively set for 6:00 p.m. Central.
WHERE
• Tri-City Speedway is located in Pontoon Beach, Illinois. Take I-270 to exit 4, then travel ½-mile south on SR 203, then head east.
• Paducah International Raceway is located in Paducah, Kentucky. Take I-24 to exit 11, then go 0.4 miles south on Husband Road (SR 1954), then head 1.9 miles east on Lyndon Road (SR 3075). Then travel 1.3 miles south on Oaks (SR 450), and then 0.9 miles west on Shemwell Lane (near airport).
TICKETS
• On Friday, May 9 at Tri-City Speedway, Reserved tickets in the Top-Five rows will be $32, with General Admission tickets $30. Children 12-under will be admitted free to the general admission seating area with a paying adult.
• On Saturday, May 10 at Paducah International Raceway, adult grandstand tickets will be $30, with tickets for children 12-under just $5. Reserved seats are available by calling (270) 898-7469 during regular business hours.
ABOUT THE TRACKS
• Tri-City Speedway is a semi-banked 3/8-mile oval. The track record of 12.174 seconds at 110.892 mph was established by Zach Chappell on June 14, 2007.
• Paducah International Raceway is a high-banked 3/8-mile oval. The track record of 13.357 seconds was established by Jac Haudenschild on April 17, 1998.
PREVIOUS WINNERS
World of Outlaws Sprint Series A-Feature winners at Tri-City Speedway include:
2007- Danny Lasoski on June 14
2005- Jason Meyers on May 7
2004- Joey Saldana on May 16, Steve Kinser on October 10
2003- Paul McMahan on June 22
2002 - Steve Kinser on May 11
2001 - Dale Blaney on May 12
2000 - Steve Kinser on April 15
1999 - Tyler Walker on May 15, Mark Kinser on June 16
1998 - Sammy Swindell on May 9, Jac Haudenschild on June 20
1997 - Dave Blaney on May 10, Steve Kinser on June 21
1996 - Steve Kinser on May 11, Steve Kinser on July 13
1995 - Jac Haudenschild on May 13, Steve Kinser on June 16, Dave Blaney on July 15 1994 - Sammy Swindell on May 18, Steve Kinser on June 22, Steve Kinser on July 16 1993 - Kenny Jacobs on May 13, Steve Kinser on July 17, Steve Kinser on August 16 1992 - Steve Kinser on May 6, Steve Kinser on July 25, Sammy Swindell on August 10 1991 - Steve Kinser on May 8, Doug Wolfgang on July 13, Sammy Swindell on August 12
1990 - Steve Kinser on July 14, Steve Kinser on August 13
1986 - Steve Kinser on April 12
1985 - Dave Blaney on April 5, Steve Kinser on May 10
1984 - Sammy Swindell on May 16
1981 - Steve Kinser on April 11, Doug Wolfgang on May 20, Doug Wolfgang on July 26, Sammy Swindell on August 22, Steve Kinser on August 23
1980 - Steve Kinser on April 12, Sammy Swindell on May 28, Tim Green on July 9, Doug Wolfgang on August 23
1979 - Steve Kinser on May 23, Steve Kinser on July 11, Sammy Swindell on August 22, Doug Wolfgang on October 18
World of Outlaws Sprint Series A-Feature winners at Paducah International Raceway include:
2007- Danny Lasoski on April 6
2001 - Andy Hillenburg on June 12
1998 - Jeff Swindell on April 17
• FEATURE WINNERS: There have been seven Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-Feature events held in 2008. The winners include: Jason Meyers (Volusia Speedway Park, Manzanita Speedway and I-55 Raceway), Craig Dollansky (Volusia Speedway Park and Eldora Speedway), Danny Lasoski (Volusia Speedway Park) and Donny Schatz (Knoxville Raceway).
• 3/8-MILE WINNERS: Tri-City Speedway and Paducah International Raceway are both 3/8-mile oval. The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series raced 20 times on a track that size in 2007. The winners included: Donny Schatz (Black Hills Speedway, Huset’s Speedway, Castrol Raceway, Clay County Fair Speedway and Heartland Park Topeka), Steve Kinser (USA Race Park, Sharon Speedway and Castrol Raceway), Jason Meyers (U.S. 36 Raceway and Dodge City Raceway Park), Danny Lasoski (Paducah International Raceway and Tri-City Speedway), Joey Saldana (Pike County Speedway and Dixie Speedway, Daryn Pittman (Dodge City Raceway Park and Nodak Speedway), Terry McCarl (K-C Raceway), Paul McMahan (Cedar Lake Speedway), Jason Sides (Ohsweken Speedway) and Shane Stewart (Grays Harbor Raceway).
WoO points through May 3
1. Craig Dollansky 1032
2. Jason Meyers 1020
3. Donny Schatz 1012
4. Joey Saldana 971
5. Kerry Madsen 916
6. Steve Kinser 911
7. Jac Haudenschild 885
8. Terry McCarl 876
9. Chad Kemenah 875
10. Daryn Pittman 867
O’Reilly Midwest All Star Series Revises “Tennessee Stampede” Dates
CAMARGO, IL(05-03-08) by Robert Cortum - Midwest All Star Series
The O’Reilly Midwest All Star Series will be making their debut at two high banked facilities in Tennessee in 2008. Previously slated for May 9th and 10th , the 2008 "Tennessee Stampede" has been rescheduled to July 18^th and 19^th . Postponement of the events came in light of concerns for the track’s preparedness to put on a sprint car show with a safe racing surface with heavy rains soaking the area much of the month of April.
First up will be the high banked Western Tennessee Motorspeedway near Jackson, Tennessee. WTMS promoter and event coordinator, Scott Ross is
excited about bringing the hard hitting 850 horsepower machines to his backyard.
“We really wanted to bring these cars into Tennessee. The Midwest All Stars are a unique bunch of drivers that fight every lap for that checkered flag,” Ross stated. “They are really going to be able to put on a great show for the fans on these high banks.”
From there, the O’Reilly Midwest All Star Series will travel east to the famed Thunderhill Raceway in Summertown, Tennessee. Traditionally a modified and late model facility, Thunderhill is most known for its wide surface and high banks. Track promoter Wayne Burns is equally excited in anticipation for a great event.
“We typically get some great action here at Thunderhill. As a former driver of this track, I can recall being 4 abreast while in the turns at speed,” Burns exclaimed. “I am hoping to see, and I think these guys will, defiantly break the track record when they qualify, it should be a great show for everyone.”
On board for the “Tennessee Stampede” in the form of hotel support is the Days Inn in Holladay, Tennessee, just a few short miles from WTMS. For reservations, call the front desk at 731-847-2278 and ask for the Midwest All Star Series special.
For more information, stop by http://www.midwestallstarseries.com/
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Jonathan Allard becomes 9th different winner in first 10 races with victory in Quincy
By Gary Thomas
Quincy, CA – May 3, 2008…Current Golden State Challenge Series point leader Jonathan Allard of Chico utilized a beautiful late race move in traffic to get by last Saturday’s winner Tim Kaeding and pick up his first series victory of the ’08 season this past Saturday night at the American Valley Speedway in Quincy. With the win Allard becomes the ninth different winner in the first 10 races of the GSC season and it came on a night when the final checkered flag fell just before midnight.
Arriving to the American Valley Speedway found beautiful weather in the mid 70’s, but just about an hour before cars were set to hit the track the skies opened up and started dumping rain in the Quincy area. The moisture subsided, but returned again right before qualifying was set to get underway which delayed the action for some time. Thankfully for everyone in attendance the rain stopped once again, the track was worked back in and we were able to get the entire program of racing completed, albeit a little later than usual.
The 30 lap Golden State Challenge Series main event began with a scary accident on the start that saw Chico’s Brett Miller get upside down and flip wildly into the infield. The youngster was a little shaken up, but was otherwise okay as he walked back to the pits under his own power. The next start saw San Jose’s T. Kaeding power his way into the lead aboard the Tom Rolfe Racing, J.F. McCray Plastering No. 10. In the open track Kaeding was a rocket ship, but when slower traffic came into play it allowed Allard to close up to his rear bumper.
As Kaeding was dealing with traffic Allard was able to get side by side with him in turns one and two, but the ’02 King of California was able to keep the ’06 King of California at bay. Right as the action was heating up a caution came out on lap nine, which created a single file restart that saw Kaeding motor away from the rest of the field once again. Just as soon as traffic appeared ahead, however, Allard immediately began to close in and the pair proceeded to put on a terrific show running amongst the slower cars.
The two hard chargers excited the crowd by going side by side on a few different occasions until Allard got the opening he needed on lap 21. The driver of the Williams Motorsports, K & N Filters No. 0 cut to the inside off the fourth corner and out dragged Kaeding and a lapped car into turn one to take the lead of the race. Kaeding stayed close to him over the final nine laps, but wasn’t able to get back by as Allard drove flawlessly the rest of the race and crossed the stripe about a car length ahead of the No. 10 car to pick up his 18th career Golden State Challenge Series main event win.
Allard jumped from the car and showed much emotion after finally winning his first GSC feature of the season. “Man we needed this win big time and I just can’t thank my guys enough for all their hard work this weekend,” Allard said. “I have to thank Morrie and Katie Williams and everyone who works on and supports this team.” Allard’s crew also wanted to give special thanks to Todd Ventura of Roth Motorsports for his support.
T. Kaeding’s runner-up finish marked his second straight podium in GSC competition after getting his first season win last weekend in Tulare. “TK” and Allard continue to be the two most consistent front runners on a weekly basis. Campbell’s Brent Kaeding made headway in the main event to carve his way forward and complete the podium in his Al’s Roofing Supply No. 69. “BK” closed in on the two front runners during a couple separate occasions but had to settle for a third place finish at the checkered flag.
Scott’s Valley’s Evan Suggs continued his consistency over the last month and brought home a fourth place finish aboard the Suggs Racing No. 33e. The finish marked Suggs fourth top five finish in the past five Golden State Challenge Series races. Rounding out the top five was Campbell’s Bud Kaeding who has also been a very consistent runner over the previous month in his BK Motorsports No. 29. Drivers finishing out the top 10 were Jason Statler, Tyler Walker, Mike Henry, Roger Crockett and Matt Shelton.
Although it was a long and chilly night, many of the fans stayed and were treated to some very good racing during the main event. The track surface was extremely fast following the rain and was apparent with Tyler Walker obliterating the track record in qualifying with a lap of 14.537.
------------
American Valley Speedway – Golden State Challenge Series Results May 3, 2008
23 cars
Fast time- Tyler Walker 14.537
Heat 1: Mark Hall, Brent Kaeding, Tim Kaeding, Bud Kaeding, Ken Fredenburg, Pat Harvey, Tyler Walker
Heat 2: Brett Miller, Mark Tabor Jr, Jonathan Allard, Roger Crockett, Robby Whitchurch, Brent Bjork, Mike Mossi
Heat 3: Mike Monahan, Matt Shelton, Jason Statler, Evan Suggs, Mike Henry, Dan Simpson, Jim Richardson
Dash: Tim Kaeding, Jonathan Allard, Evan Suggs, Jason Statler, Mike Henry, Brent Kaeding, Bud Kaeding, Roger Crockett
A-main: Jonathan Allard, Tim Kaeding, Brent Kaeding, Evan Suggs, Bud Kaeding, Jason Statler, Tyler Walker, Mike Henry, Roger Crockett, Matt Shelton, Robby Whitchurch, Mark Tabor Jr, Mark Hall, Brent Bjork, Dan Simpson, Pat Harvey, Ken Fredenburg, Mike Monahan, Mike Mossi, Mark Workentine, Brett Miller, Jim Richardson(dns)
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Historic Night for Schatz at Knoxville: Sets New Track Record & Wins for Tony Stewart Racing
Knoxville, IA— May 3, 2008— Donny Schatz knows the history of Knoxville Raceway very well and he added his name to that history in couple of different ways on Saturday night. First he put himself in elite company of drivers that have won on opening night at the famed half-mile in Iowa. On top of that, the two-time defending Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion and two-time defending Knoxville Nationals winner, picked up his first A-Feature triumph with the series, driving for Tony Stewart Racing.
Schatz took the lead on the 18th lap, powering his way past Steve Kinser on the high-side of the track exiting the fourth turn. One lap earlier he nearly took the lead at the same spot on the track with a similar move. He quickly opened an advantage aboard the Armor All J&J en route to his 71st career Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-Feature win, which moved him into the fifth spot on the all-time win list ahead of 1995 series champion Dave Blaney. He pocketed $10,000 for the win, which was the eighth of his career at Knoxville Raceway.
“It feels good to get that out of the way,” said Schatz from Victory Lane. “We knew it was coming. It feels good to do it passing ‘The King.’ That’s awesome. It was a great night. We had quick time and were able to win the heat and just had an awesome race car. The guys have worked so hard, and they needed this and I needed this. Everybody needed it. We can now breath a sigh of relieve and go on to next weekend and try to win races again.”
Schatz lined up third for the 25-lap event which took three full starts to get going due to a yellow flag and then a red flag for a Tim Shaffer flip. On the third start, Schatz quickly challenged Jac Haudenschild for the runner-up spot, passing him a couple of time coming off the fourth corner, only to have Haudenschild win a drag race down the front stretch. This allowed Kinser to open a sizeable lead. Schatz ran third for the first five laps, before getting around Haudenschild and setting his sights on Kinser. He used lapped traffic to his advantage as he chased down the 20-time series champion as the laps wound down.
“You always have to be patient, but tonight I was not,” Schatz said. “I kept pushing and pushing and pushing. When you are as hungry to win a race as we have been, you just have to go and I went. It could have cost, but that’s all part of it. If you sit back and slack, you start to do that on a regular basis and I don’t want to do that. I want to get myself back on top of the ladder and start winning races. Next week we start racing hard and when the going gets tough, the tough get going and we are ready.”
While Mother Nature has wreaked havoc on the World of Outlaws this spring, Schatz has kept busy back home in North Dakota, working on a number of different projects. After an extensive off-season run in Australia that netted him six wins, he used the break in the schedule to relax and enjoy some time away from the track for the first time in many years.
“We haven’t been racing, but I have been doing other things,” said the two-time defending series champion. “I have had a lot of things business-wise and everyday life-wise to focus on, that I actually forgot for a bit what the task at hand was to do. We did a little bit of testing, though not nearly enough. We had fun in the off-time. This is the most off-time that I have had in several years. It felt good to have that.”
After Schatz took the lead, Kinser had his hands full with a hard charging Joey Saldana, as the pair battled for the second position for five laps. At the same time, Haudenschild closed back in and slipped into the second spot with just two laps remaining. On the last lap, Saldana, driving the Budweiser/Open Joist Mopar powered around him exiting the fourth turn to snare the runner-up spot.
“We had a good car and came home second,” said Saldana. “We tried to tighten the car up for the dash and cost ourselves a front row starting spot. We were good halfway through the feature.”
Haudenschild ran in the Top-three all night long, en route to a season-best third-place performance aboard the Owens-Corning Fiberglass Maxim. He climbed into the seventh position in championship points with the podium finish.
“The car felt very good,” said Haudenschild. “Everything was going pretty smooth. The track was in nice shape tonight and we are glad to have a third-place run.”
Kinser, who led the first 18 laps of the event, came home fourth aboard the Q Oil Maxim. He began the night by turning the third quickest lap in time trials and followed that up with a strong run in the fourth heat and a win in the Crane Cams Dash to earn the pole position for the 25-lap contest.
Jason Meyers finished fifth aboard the GLR Investments KPC to earn his sixth Top-Five finish of the season in seven events. He moved to within 12 points of Craig Dollansky in the World of Outlaws championship points.
Dollansky was sixth on Saturday night in the Auto Value Parts Stores Maxim, to earn his seventh finish of sixth or better this season in the same number of races. The native of Elk River, Minnesota remains atop the standings and continues to lead the Qwik Liner Cup, which awards points to the Top-Five in time trials at each of the first 13 events of the 2008 season.
Daryn Pittman was seventh in the Titan Garages Maxim, with Kerry Madsen in eighth driving the TK Concrete Maxim. Danny Lasoski came home ninth piloting the American Compressed Steel JEI, and Stevie Smith rounded out the Top-10 aboard the R.A.C.E Foundation JEI.
Late in the race Saldana had one of the fastest cars on the track, but had too much ground to make up. He had a strong start on the first start of the event, which was negated by a caution. He then fell back to fifth early in the race once a lap was in the books, before a steady charge over the last 15 laps of the event helped him to score his sixth Top-10 finish of the season.
“The first one I got a really good start and (Donny) Schatz and (Steve) Kinser actually got bad starts,” said the native of Brownsburg, Indiana. “After that, those guys weren’t going to make the same mistake twice. I think we fell back to fifth or sixth, but then my car came around and we ran them down. We though we had something for them.”
With the World of Outlaws schedule picking up in the month of May, Saldana is very pleased with the performance of his team over the course of the last few races. He dominated the event at Eldora Speedway on April 11, before a tire shredded on him with just nine laps to go. He and his team returned to the Ohio half-mile last week and won in a tune-up for the series return to the track at the end of the month.
“It’s so tough to win one of these races,” he said. “When you come home second, it is gratifying, because you know you are there. It would have been nice to have won on Budweiser night in the Budweiser car, that would have been huge. We had a good solid run and the crew is going back Charlotte so that will make the drive a little bit better.”
Haudenschild jumped to an early lead on the first start of the race, before the initial caution flag flew, prompting a complete restart. After a red flag on the second start, the rest of the event went non-stop for 25 circuits.
“When you get a good start and it gets called back, you just have to try and get another good start the next round,” said the veteran driver.
The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to action on Friday, May 9 at Tri-City Speedway in Illinois, followed by a visit to Paducah International Raceway in Kentucky on Saturday, May 10.
KNOXVILLE RACEWAY NOTEBOOK
FAST QUALIFIER: Donny Schatz paced the 45 cars that took time with an AMB i.t. timed lap around the semi-banked 1/2-mile oval at 14.778 seconds at 121.803 mph. For his qualifying effort, Schatz earned five bonus points. The next four fastest qualifiers also earned bonus points, including: Jason Meyers (4), Danny Lasoski (3), Steve Kinser (2), and Craig Dollansky (1).
QUALIFYING WINNERS: Donny Schatz, Joey Saldana, Jac Haudenschild and Chad Kemenah won heat races… Brandon Wimmer won the C-Main… Steve Kinser won the Crane Cams Dash… Terry McCarl won the B-Main.
FEATURE WINNERS: There have been seven Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-Feature events held in 2008. The winners include: Jason Meyers (Volusia Speedway Park, Manzanita Speedway and I-55 Raceway), Craig Dollansky (Volusia Speedway Park and Eldora Speedway), Danny Lasoski (Volusia Speedway Park) and Donny Schatz (Knoxville Raceway).
1/2-WINNERS: Knoxville Raceway is a semi-banked 1/2-mile oval. The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series have raced six times this season on a track that size. The winners include: Jason Meyers (Volusia Speedway Park and Manzanita Speedway), Craig Dollansky (Volusia Speedway Park and Eldora Speedway), Danny Lasoski (Volusia Speedway Park) and Donny Schatz (Knoxville Raceway).
UP NEXT: A visit to Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, Illinois on May 9, followed by a stop at Paducah International Raceway in Kentucky on May 10.
UPCOMING EVENTS: The first East Coast swing of the season, which will encompass events at Lernerville Speedway, Williams Grove Speedway, Orange County Fair Speedway, The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the inaugural race at Virginia Motor Speedway and Rolling Wheels Raceway Park.
Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Statistical Report; Knoxville Raceway; Knoxville, IA; May 3, 2008
A-main (25 laps) - Starting Position [#]
1) 15-Donny Schatz[3] [$10,000]
2) 9-Joey Saldana[4] [$5,500]
3) R19-Jac Haudenschild[2] [$3,200]
4) 11-Steve Kinser[1] [$2,800]
5) 14-Jason Meyers[8] [$2,500]
6) 2-Craig Dollansky[6] [$2,300]
7) 21-Daryn Pittman[5] [$2,200]
8) 55-Kerry Madsen[11] [$2,100]
9) 5-Danny Lasoski[9] [$2,050]
10) 19-Stevie Smith[12] [$2,000]
11) 8K-Chad Kemenah[7] [$1,500]
12) 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr.[13] [$1,200]
13) 83-Shane Stewart[19] [$1,100]
14) 20-Kraig Kinser[25] [$250]
15) 5W-Lucas Wolfe[15] [$1,000]
16) 7S-Jason Sides[23] [$900]
17) 5Z-Dusty Zomer[14] [$800]
18) 2X-Skip Jackson[17] [$800]
19) 18-Tony Bruce Jr.[10] [$800]
20) 5C-Chad Hillier[24] [$800]
21) 22-Billy Alley[21] [$800]
22) D1-Justin Henderson[22] [$800]
23) 70-Calvin Landis[26] [$]
24) 24-Terry McCarl[18] [$800]
25) 6-Tim Shaffer[16] [$800]
26) 21X-Brian Brown[20] [$800]
Note: Kraig Kinser used a World of Outlaws provisional to start the A-Feature, and Calvin Landis used a Knoxville Raceway provisional to start the A-Feature.
Lap Leaders: Steve Kinser 1-17, Donny Schatz 18-25
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MERCER CANCELS RACING FOR SATURDAY DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER; FREE BEAVER COUNTY MOVED TO MAY 10; PRACTICE NIGHT WEDNESDAY
By Mike Leone
May 3, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Mercer, PA)…Racing action scheduled for Saturday night, May 3 at Mercer Raceway Park has been cancelled for the third time this season due to rain and the 80% forecast of additional rain throughout the afternoon and evening.
The Free Beaver County Night presented by Image Factory Signs & Graphics has been postponed until next Saturday, May 10 with the Heating & Cooling Sprint Cars, Tire Express Modifieds, McElwain Motors FASTRAK Late Models, Big Daddy's Speed Center Mod Lites, & the M&D Paving Mini Stocks along with kids bike races and $10 Family Night presented by Auto Service Express & Armstrong.
Mercer Raceway Park will also host its second practice of the year this Wednesday, May 7. Pit gates open at 4 p.m. with practice from 5 p.m. until dark. Pit passes are $20. The rain date is Thursday, May 8.
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5.2.08 Quick Results Ferree, Swartzlander, George & Schreckengost Victorious!
Eric J. Westendorf, Public Relations Director
Sarver, PA (May 2, 2008) Alex Ferree got the A-Train back on track picking up his first feature win of the season in the Friedman’s Freshmarkets UMP DIRTcar Super Late Models. With the winds whipping and weather fast approaching, Ferree came from his standard sixth row starting spot with John Flinner in tow. The two gas mashers moved through the pack again tonight just like they did last week. Ferree got by early leader Matt Lux on lap 18 and never looked back. Lux held on to finish second. Meanwhile, Flinner bobbled in turn two, losing third place to Lynn Geisler. Keith Barbara rounded out the top five. Dave Murdick, Bob Wearing Jr. and Alan Dellinger.
Flyin’ Brian Swartzlander made it two for two for reigning Track Champions with a wire-to-wire victory in the Ferrante Motor Cars DIRTcar Modifieds. “Double Duty” Dave Murdick got by Jeremiah Shingledecker on lap 18 for second place. Tom Winkle got by Shingledecker for third. Shingledecker was followed across the stripe by Del Rougeux Jr. to round out the top five. Del Rougeux Jr. and Mark Flick won heat races.
Rod George put an end to the “Reign of Terror” with a thrilling win in the Commercial Truck & Trailer Sprint Cars. George put a monster slide job on early leader Bob Felmlee in turn four on lap 15 and survived a handful of cautions to capture his first win of the season. Felmlee gave George one last challenger on a green/white/checker restart, but bobbled in turn two on the last lap, allowing “The Kittanning Comet” to cruise into Sheetz Victory Lane. Scott Priester was all over Felmlee for second in the closing laps and almost got by him on the final lap, but lifted instead of risking contact. Felmlee and Priester were followed to the checkers by Ed Lynch Jr. and Brian Ellenberger. Priester, Lynch and Ellenberger won their respective heat races.
Paul Schreckengost matched Brian Swartzlanders wire-to-wire win, leading every lap of the Advance Auto Parts UMP DIRTcar Street Stock feature. Schreck came under heavy fire from Bob Lipinski, Greg Beach and Jason Fosnaught. The four car battle was slowed with three laps to go. On the lap 13 restart Schreck pulled away and eased on into Sheetz Victory Lane. Beach won the three car battle behind Schreck to finish second, Lipinski settled for third. Paul Petrovich got past Jason Fosnaught at the stripe. Fosnaught, Beach and Joe Kelley claimed checkers in heat race action
5.2.2008
Sprints Feature
(4) Rod George, Kittanning
(6F) Bob Felmlee, Seneca
(11) Scott Priester, Rimersburg
(2L) Ed Lynch Jr., Apollo
(20E) Brian Ellenberger, Butler
(98) Dan Shetler, Johnstown
(9) Kevin Schaeffer, Kittanning
(33) Brent Matus, Wampum
(3B) Scott Bonnell, Fairview
(D4) Danny Holtgraver, Pittsburgh
Heat Race Winners: Scott Priester, Ed Lynch Jr., Brian Ellenberger
DIRTcar Super Late Models Feature
(4) Alex Ferree, Saxonburg
(21) Matt Lux, Franklin
(1C) Lynn Geisler, Cranberry Twp.
(48) John Flinner, Zelienople
(17) Keith Barbara, South Park
(4J) John Mollick, Toronto OH
(6A) Chuck Kennedy, Mars
(3) Dan Swartzlander, Freeport
(H1) Jared Miley, South Park
(11W) Bob Wearing Jr., Renfrew
Heat Race Winners: Dave Murdick, Bob Wearing Jr., Alan Dellinger
Modifieds Feature
(83) Brian Swartzlander, Leechburg
(61) Dave Murdick, Slippery Rock
(28) Tom Winkle, Mars
(37MD) Jeremiah Shingledecker, Polk
(20D) Del Rougeux Jr., Frenchville
(29) Garrett Krummert, New Castle
(2) Mark Flick, Apollo
(8J) Dean Pearson, Harrisville
(6) Carl Murdick, Butler
(12T) Tim Doran, New Castle
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KNOXVILLE FORECAST FOR SATURDAY NIGHT IS NO RAIN, COOL TEMPERATURES & HOT OUTLAW RACING
KNOXVILLE, IOWA (May 2, 2008) - The weather forecast for Knoxville, Iowa, tomorrow calls for early morning rain, then clearing skies with cool evening temperatures and hot World of Outlaws (WoO) racing. According to Ralph Capitani, “Gang, we are going to do everything in our powers to get the Budweiser-sponsored World of Outlaws show in tomorrow night, as we’re as tired of these rainouts as everyone else. Let’s bundle up and go racin’!”
Due to a pair of early season rainouts, the Saturday, May 3, show at Knoxville Raceway will be the season opener for both the Knoxville Championship Cup Series’ 410-cubic-inch and the 360 c.i. winged sprint car divisions. The 410 main event will be sanctioned by the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Car Series and include such hotshoes as Craig Dollansky, Jason Meyers, Donny Schatz, Joey Saldana, Kerry Madsen, Terry McCarl, Steve Kinser, Tim Shaffer, Chad Kemenah, Jason Sides, Jac Haudenschild, Daryn Pittman, Danny Lasoski, Kraig Kinser and Lucas Wolfe. The list of former season opener winners at Knoxville Raceway is as follows:
Winners of Knoxville Raceway Season Openers (410s)
1954 Kenny Crook……….Oskaloosa, IA……..Stock Car
1955 Johnny Shipler……..Batavia, IA………...Semi-Modified
1956 Dean Sylvester……..Hedrick, IA
1957 Angelo Mascaro……Des Moines, IA
1958 Dean Sylvester (2)….Hedrick, IA
1959 Earl Wagner………...Pleasantville, IA…..Super-Modified
1960 Jerry Hayes…………Topeka, KS
1961 Thad Dosher………...Topeka, KS
1962 Bud McCune………..Brookfield, MO
1963 Bob Williams………..Kansas City, MO
1964 Jerry Blundy………...Galesburg, IL
1965 Ken Harper………….Carollton, MO
1966 Bill Utz……………...Sedalia, MO
1967 Earl Wagner (2)……..Pleasantville, IA.....Sprint Car (non-winged)
1968 Jerry Blundy (2)…….Galesburg, IL
1969 Bob Williams (2)……Independence, MO
1970 Joe Saldana………….Lincoln, NE
1971 Jerry Blundy (3)…….Galesburg, IL
1972 Roger Rager………...Lincoln, NE
1973 Eddie Leavitt………..Kearney, MO
1974 Earl Wagner (4)……..Pleasantville, IA
1975 Edd French………….El Paso, TX
1976 Doug Wolfgang……..Des Moines, IA
1977 Doug Wolfgang (2)…Des Moines, IA
1978 Lonnie Jensen……….Lincoln, NE
1979 Sammy Swindell…….Memphis, TN
1980 Steve Kinser…………Bloomington, IN
1981 Steve Kinser (2)……...Bloomington, IN
1982 Doug Wolfgang (3)…..Sioux Falls, SD…..Sprint Car (winged)
1983 Sammy Swindell (2)…Memphis, TN
1984 Bobby Davis Jr………Memphis, TN
1985 Sammy Swindell (3)….Bartlett, TN
1986 Sammy Swindell (4)….Bartlett, TN
1987 Brad Doty……………..Fredericksburg, OH
1988 Mark Kinser…………..Oolitic, IN
1989 Jerry Richert Jr……….Forest Lake, MN
1990 Jeff Swindell………….Memphis, TN
1991 Doug Wolfgang (4)…...Sioux Falls, SD
1992 Steve Kinser (3)………Bloomington, IN
1993 Danny Lasoski……......Dover, MO
1994 Danny Lasoski (2)……Dover, MO
1995 Jerry Richert Jr. (2)…..Forest Lake, MN
1996 Danny Lasoski (3)……Dover, MO
1997 Dennis Moore Jr……..Grinnell, IA
1998 Skip Jackson………….Sydney, NSW, AUST
1999 Skip Jackson (2)……...Sydney, NSW, AUST
2000 Terry McCarl…………Pleasant Hill, IA
2001 Terry McCarl (2)……..Pleasant Hill, IA
2002 Steve Kinser (4)……....Bloomington, IN
2003 Danny Lasoski (4)……Dover, MO
2004 Mark Kinser (2)………Oolitic, IN
2005 Wayne Johnson……....Mustang, OK
2006 Terry McCarl (3)..........Altoona, IA
2007 Brian Brown................Grain Valley, MO
Winners of Knoxville Raceway Season Openers (360s)
1983 Dean Chadd…………..Lincoln, NE..........Modified
1984 Dean Chadd (2)………Lincoln, NE..........Modified Sprint
1985 Mike Houseman……...Des Moines, IA
1986 Ray Lipsey……………Lincoln, NE
1987 Dean Chadd (3)……….Lincoln, NE..........Limited Sprint
1988 Mike Twedt…………...Huxley, IA
1989 Mike Twedt (2)……….Huxley, IA
1990 Bob Thompson………..Des Moines, IA
1991 Mark Wilson………….Des Moines, IA
1992 Danny Young…………Des Moines, IA
1993 Danny Young (2)……...Des Moines, IA.....360 Sprint
1994 Duane Van Heukelom…Colfax, IA
1995 Larry Pinegar II……….Des Moines, IA
1996 Randy Martin………….California, MO
1997 Larry Weeks…………..Montezuma, IA
1998 Doran Doty……………Des Moines, IA
1999 David Hesmer…………Marshalltown, IA
2000 John Kearney………….Ozawkie, KS
2001 Tony Norem…………..Dassel, MN
2002 Jesse Giannetto………..Palo, IA
2003 David Hesmer (2)……..Marshalltown, IA
2004 David Hesmer (3)……..Marshalltown, IA
2005 John Kearney (2)…..….Valley Falls, KS
2006 Chuck Swenson...........Watertown, SD
2007 Josh Higday.................Des Moines, IA
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MIKE PETERS, TIM GEE & BOB THOMPSON ADD NAMES TO KNOXVILLE MASTERS CLASSIC ENTRY LIST
KNOXVILLE, IOWA (May 2, 2008) - 2002 Knoxville Masters Classic winner and former National Championship Racing Association (NCRA) champion Mike Peters of Kansas, past Alberta Sprint Tour (AST) champion Tim Gee of Alberta, Canada, and 9-time Knoxville Raceway feature winner Bob Thompson of Iowa have all officially entered the sixteenth annual Knoxville Masters Classic to be run on Friday, May 30, at Knoxville Raceway. In addition, Indy 500 veteran Johnny Parsons, Jr., 1983 Eldora Nationals winner Gary Lynch, Ricky Weld of the famed Weld racing family, and 2006 Knoxville Masters Classic winner Shane Carson are all seeking quality rides in the winged 360-cubic-inch sprint car race for drivers age fifty and over.
According to Knoxville’s director of racing Ralph Capitani, “This may be the biggest Masters field since 2001, when we had thirty competitors seeking twenty A-Main starting spots. Already we have sixteen cars entered, with another four drivers looking. And we haven’t even heard from drivers like A.J. Weaver, Kenny Jacobs, Ron Rosenboom, Terry Alexander, Lonnie Jensen, Roy Jo Peltz, Roger Rager, Bob Houseman, Don Stoutner, Joe Kouba, Chris Maurer, and Tony Moro yet. As Tony Bokhoven has been known to say, ‘this is going to be a Jim Dandy’ this year!”
The sixteen official entrants to date are: Rev. Mark Amenda (Streator, IL), Carl "Midge" Miller (Willingboro, NJ), Bobby Becker, Jr. (Denton, NE), Tim Gee (LeDuc, AB, CAN), “Butch” Hanssen (Sioux Falls, SD), Dale McCarty (Eldorado Springs, MO), Joe McCarthy (Broomfield, CO), Randy Droescher (Larchwood, IA), Bill Smith (Worthington, MN), Greg Rilat (Texas City, TX), Bob Thompson (Des Moines, IA), David Brown (Marshall, MO), Mike Peters (Wichita, KS), Kramer Williamson (Palmyra, PA), Arnie Vink (Luverne, MN), Judi Bates (Barto, PA).
Knoxville Raceway will host an open track practice for the Masters Classic competitors on Thursday, May 29, from 7 until 9 p.m. The Knoxville Masters Classic & 305 Shootout will take place on Friday, May 30, starting at 6:45 p.m. The Carquest Night of 360- and 410-cubic-inch sprinters will conclude the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame induction weekend of racing on Saturday, May 31, also starting at 6:45 p.m.
For information on the Knoxville Masters Classic & 305 Shootout on Friday, May 30, and the Carquest Night of winged 360- and 410 c.i. sprint car racing on Saturday, May 31, at the Knoxville Raceway, individuals are urged to visit the track’s web site at http://www.knoxvilleraceway.com/. For tickets to the nineteenth National Sprint Car Hall of Fame induction banquet, to take place in the Dyer-Hudson Building on the Marion County Fairgrounds on Saturday afternoon, May 31, individuals are urged to call Lori DeMoss at 1-800-874-4488 or e-mail her at ldemoss@sprintcarhof.com. The banquet will be co-emceed by Dr. Pat Sullivan and Tom Savage. Tickets are just twenty dollars each, but they need to be reserved in advance.
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Missouri High-Banked Nationals Postponed Until September by Severe Weather
Osborn, MO— May 2, 2008— Severe storms and tornadoes ripped through Western Missouri on Thursday night and early Friday morning, dumping inches of rain that flooded the pit area and parking lots at U.S. 36 Raceway in Osborn, Missouri, forcing the postponement of the third annual Missouri High-Banked Nationals for the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
The event has been rescheduled for Friday, September 12, which will make for a thrilling week of action that will see the series compete four times in a five day period at four bullrings.
The Missouri High-Banked Nationals will follow a stop Clay County Fair Speedway in Spencer, Iowa, and will precede the event Heartland Park Topeka. The four-race swing through the Heartland will wrap-up at the state-of-the-art Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, Missouri on Sunday, September 14.
The Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to action on Saturday, May 3 at the famed Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa. It will be the first of three events at the half-mile for the series this season.
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Attica rained out
ATTICA, Ohio - Thunderstorms and a forecast for more of the same prompted Attica Raceway Park officials to pull the plug on racing for Ohio Cat Night,
Friday, May 2.
"Ohio's Finest Racing" speedplant will be back in action Friday, May 9, for American Power Sports of Findlay Night featuring the 410 sprints, 305
sprints, Service Drive Solutions UMP Attica Late Models and the dirt trucks. Gates will open at 5 p.m. with racing heating up at 8 p.m.
Coming Friday, May 16, the first ever appearance of the World of Outlaw Late Models. See stars Billy Moyer, Josh "Kid Rocket" Richards, Steve Francis,
Shannon Babb, Rick Eckert, Chub Frank and many more battle for 50 laps paying $10,000 to win. Also, see the Attica 410 sprints in action. Racing
begins at 8 p.m.
And coming Friday, May 30, the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaw Springs.
For more information call (419) 680-5606 or visit atticaracewaypark.com for reserved ticket information.
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Limaland Cancels May 2 Race Event
After persistent heavy rain showers Friday morning, Limaland Motorsports Park has cancelled the Run for the Rabbit race scheduled for Friday, May 2. The memorial race honoring former sprint car driver Travis Miller will be rescheduled for Friday, June 13.
Next week's race event is the Late Model Mania. The ALMS Late Models will be making their first and only appearance at Limaland in 2008 on Friday, May 9.
Joining the late models will be the Professional Computer Company UMP Modifieds and Bud Thunderstocks on the famed high-banked bullring.
Pit gates will open at 4:00 pm followed by the grandstand gates at 5:00 pm.
Hot laps are scheduled for 6:30 with racing action to begin at 7:30.
The 2008 season schedule, news and additional updates can all be found at http://www.limaland.com/.
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Hafertepe Looks to Fly High at U.S. 36 Raceway in Missouri High Banked Nationals
Osborn, MO— May 1, 2008— Sam Hafertepe Jr. has raced on his fair share of bullrings over the last couple of years as he has climbed the sprint car racing ladder, but he never saw a track quite like U.S. 36 Raceway in Osborn, Missouri until last season, when he made his first start at the ultra-high-banked and blazing fast 3/8-mile with the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. The track is one of just three on the 2008 schedule that sees the drivers turn single digit laps.
Hafertepe will have an opportunity to return to U.S. 36 Raceway this weekend as the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series will contest a full night of racing at the bullring in Western Missouri on Friday, May 2 with the third annual Missouri High Banked Nationals.
“It’s a really fun place to race,” said Hafertepe, driver of the G.H. Plumbing J&J. “You have to really get up on the wheel. For the size of the track, a lot of things happen real fast there.”
Hafertepe competed twice at the track last season, and was victorious in the annual Bud Shoot-out for 360-sprint cars in June. In his first stop at the track with the World of Outlaws last May, he was sixth fastest in time trials, after having just a handful of laps in practice to get acclimated with the unique configuration of U.S. 36 Raceway. The track record of 9.846 seconds which was set in 2006 will again be challenged on Friday, May 2 by Hafertepe and the rest of the World of Outlaws competitors.
“We’ve had good experience at the track and it’s been a good place for us to race at,” said the native of Sunnyvale, Texas. “It’s not very similar to anywhere else we race. It is pretty unique. It has its own shape and design and of course the high banks.”
Hafertepe and his team have a good baseline to refer to from last season at U.S. 36 Raceway as far as set-up, with the speed that he showed in both events he competed in at the track. He has raced on a couple of bullrings already this season and has tried a number of different combinations in search of the perfect balance as the World of Outlaws schedule begins to pick up this week.
“There are a few things we will look back at,” he noted of what he learned at U.S. 36 Raceway in 2007. “We’re trying a new deal this year and I want to put some of my new ideas to work as well. At the same time though, we’ll use some of the old things we ran there last year and try to apply it to the 410-car and see if we can win another race there.”
Hafertepe is confident heading into the Missouri High Banked Nationals, after his win at the track last June. In the previous two World of Outlaws events at the track, there have been two winners and several drivers have been able to work their way up through the field, especially using the high line around the track.
“You know what it takes to get around the track, because you have won there before,” shared the 2006 American Sprint Car Series Sooner Region champion. “Running with the Outlaws it is a lot harder to win, but it definitely can be done.”
The event at U.S. 36 Raceway will be the second short track race of the season for the World of Outlaws. Five of the first six races this season have been contested on half-mile tracks, including the series most recent race on April 11 at the famed Eldora Speedway. There will be a slight transition, heading to one of the tightest tracks on the schedule, but after competing nearly 80 times last season in his rookie year with the World of Outlaws, Hafertepe feels confident on any size track he races on that he and his team will have a well-balanced and fast machine.
“You have to have a different mindset for every race track that you go to,” he explained. “You have to be prepared and also have to be ready for anything that can happen.”
While Hafertepe competes against the best sprint car drivers in the world on a nightly basis with the World of Outlaws, his biggest opponent this season has been Mother Nature, who has wreaked havoc on the early portion of the schedule. Despite rain, cold and even snow, Hafertepe and his team have competed a total of 16 times this season. He won in his 2008 debut at North Florida Speedway with the All Star Circuit of Champions back in early February and has five Top-five finishes to-date.
“It’s been really tough,” explained Hafertepe of the weather this spring. “We try to catch some races when we get rained out, but it’s hard at this time. I’m running my own program and we have used a lot of diesel fuel and not gotten a lot of track time. It is difficult to stay focused, but the crew and myself are trying to stay as focused as we can. I think we are doing pretty good at it.”
After the Missouri High Banked Nationals on Friday, May 2, Hafertepe and his team will pack up and head north to the famed Knoxville Raceway in Iowa for the completion of the doubleheader weekend for the World of Outlaws. After some bad luck at Eldora Speedway a couple of weeks ago, Hafertepe is looking to get back on track on two extremely different tracks that will test his versatility.
“If we can have two really solid Top-10 finishes it would be a good weekend,” he said. “With the long break that we have had, it would be nice to get two Top-10 finishes. We have to make sure that we finish both nights and finish strong.”
On Friday, May 2 at U.S. 36 Raceway, seats in the Main grandstand - Sections A-B-C-D, Rows - 20 & 21, will be $40 (Includes pit pass/combo), with seats in Rows - 6 thru 19 $35 and seats in Rows - 1 thru 5 $30. Reserved tickets for children 12-under will be $15. Tickets in the Top Bleachers- Sections AA - BB – CC will be $32 for adults and $15 for kids 12-under. Pit Pass combos will also be available for $38 in advance and $40 the day of the race.
Tickets can be purchased by calling SLS Promotions at: 815-344-2023 or visiting http://www.slspromotions.com/ as well as at US 36 Raceway by calling: 816-675-2279 and at St. Joe Harley Davidson located at 4020 S. 169 Highway in St. Joseph, Missouri.
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California Sprint Car Racer Jason Meyers Rides Wave of Momentum into May 23 Rite Aid Outlaw Showdown
CONCORD, N.C. (May 1, 2008) - Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series competitor Jason Meyers thinks he learned something last year about The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway that will help him win the Rite Aid Outlaw Showdown on Friday night, May 23.
"Even though these are dirt tracks and they are a little different each time, the shape and the basic idea, set-up wise, is the same," said the Clovis, Calif., driver. "We found something that worked well at The Dirt Track last year and we will come back with that same set-up."
Meyers won't reveal what he and the Elite Racing Team discovered about the high-speed, four-tenths-mile oval, but it helped carry the No.14 GLR Investments/Elite Landscaping Maxim to victory in one of the two World
of Outlaws World Finals features here in November.
Meyers, who ended up fifth in the 2007 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series points standings, has parlayed his late-season success into a strong start to the current campaign. He won three of the first six races and was second in the championship chase when the calendar turned to May.
"We've been able to take the momentum we started in Charlotte and keep it going at other tracks," Meyers explained. "We've had a great start, but we are well aware that we have to keep digging and working hard at it every day. Our goal this year is to win the championship, which we know we can do, but there is an incredible group of cars this year and the competition is the best it's ever been."
Meyers' Elite Racing Team is guided by D.J. Lindsey, the 2007 World of Outlaws crew chief of the year, and tire specialist Brian Bloomfield. "We wake up every day, go to the shop and continue to work on stuff," Meyers said. "And when I say 'we,' I mean everybody from our sponsors to our team. D.J. Lindsey and Brian Bloomfield are two of the greatest guys on the tour.
"When you reach this level of sprint-car racing, it isn't one thing that will help you improve. It's lots of little things here and there," Meyers noted. "We pick an area of the car and work on it for a while, and once we feel we've achieved what we need to in that area, we pick another area to work on. We keep working and innovating, trying to lead the pack with new ideas and new innovations."
Meyers launched his racing career in micro-midgets and worked his way up to winged sprint cars. By the late 1990s, he was a regular with the Golden State Challenge Series and Northern Auto Racing Club in California. Meyers began to travel in 2000 and was named rookie of the year in the World of Outlaws' junior circuit, then known as the Gumout Series. He added the Western Australia Speedweek title to his resumé in 2001 and has claimed multiple World of Outlaws feature victories in four of the past five seasons.
The Rite Aid Outlaw Showdown on Friday night, May 23, at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway is part of Coca-Cola 600 Week and gives the World of Outlaws competitors a chance to shine in front of large audience of race fans from around the world.
"We are excited about going back down there, it's a great place to race," Meyers said. "We are really happy that Lowe's Motor Speedway has stepped up and taken the lead on doing new formats and trying new ideas for the World of Outlaws.
"They do a great job with Rite Aid and getting them involved. It is a lot of fun to go down there and race because 'Humpy" Wheeler and Roger Slack know how to put on an event. We really appreciate the opportunity to race there."
The Rite Aid Outlaw Showdown schedule includes a full slate of qualifying and preliminary events for the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and culminates with a 30-lap main event paying $12,000 to the winner.
The late model stock cars of the Goodyear FASTRAK Challenge will join the sprint cars during the action-packed program when racing starts at 7:30 p.m.
Reserved seats for the Rite Aid Outlaw Showdown on Friday night, May 23, are just $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. They can be purchased by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or
online at http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/.
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Gearing up for the Missouri High-Banked Nationals: World of Outlaws Drivers to Make Appearances
Osborn, MO— April 30, 2008— In preparation for the third annual Missouri High-Banked Nationals at U.S. 36 Raceway in Osborn, Missouri on Friday, May 2, Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series drivers will be making appearances on Thursday, May 1.
Shane Stewart, Daryn Pittman and Lucas Wolfe will all be at Citizens Bank & Trust in Chillicothe, Missouri from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Stewart’s No. 83 Roth Motorsports car will be on display for fans to get up close and personal with an 850-horsepower World of Outlaws machine. Also, there will be hot dogs and soda available, along with raffles throughout the event for driver merchandise and prizes. Citizens Bank & Trust is located at 515 Washington Street in Chillicothe, Missouri.
Terry McCarl will be at St. Joseph Harley-Davidson also on Thursday from 2-6 p.m. Central. He will have the Big Game Treestands No. 24 on display, and will be signing autographs for the duration of the appearance, as he meets with fans. The dealership is located at 4020 South 169 Highway.
Tickets for the third annual Missouri High-Banked Nationals can be purchased at St. Joseph Harley-Davidson, along with at U.S 36 Raceway or by calling SLS Promotions at: 815-344-2023.
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Golden State Challenge Series set for Quincy getaway
By Gary Thomas
Quincy, CA – April 29, 2008…The beautiful Sierra Mountain town of Quincy will be the destination for the Golden State Challenge King of California Series this Saturday May 3 as teams and drivers make their way to the American Valley Speedway. The night of action will be the 10th race of the GSC season and will also mark the second straight season that the traveling 410 sprint car series competes at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds track.
With the absence of Calistoga on the Golden State Challenge Series schedule this year, the American Valley Speedway will take over the distinction of being the most picturesque track on the circuit, as it is surrounded by a number of trees and beautiful mountain ranges. The 3/8 mile dirt oval is now also possibly the track that features the longest straight-aways on tour, but the narrow/flat corners are reminiscent of Calistoga and it takes a good deal of finesse to get around the Quincy track.
Last season’s inaugural Golden State Challenge Series visit to the American Valley Speedway was a bit of a unique experience and the racing during the main event was much better than some had predicted earlier in the afternoon. Competitors were able to use the high side of the track and it made for a rather entertaining 30 laps of racing. The 3/8 mile speedway is promoted by Curt Nieman with much help from event planner and race coordinator Jim Richardson of Graeagle. Announcing the event for the second straight year will be Chico’s Troy Hennig, who is also known as an avid fisherman and hunter in the Plumas County area.
San Jose’s Tim Kaeding became the eighth different winner in the first nine GSC Series races this season with his victory last weekend in Tulare. Overall this year Kaeding has won three main events in California and will also be looking to make it back to back wins for the Tom Rolfe Trucking, J.F. McCray Plastering sponsored sprinter at the American Valley Speedway. Last June Sacramento driver Willie Croft drove the No. 10 machine to his second career series victory when GSC made its inaugural visit to the track.
Current Golden State Challenge Series point leader Jonathan Allard is coming into Quincy off a third place finish and will be looking for his first series win of the season this Saturday. The Chico driver brings a 40 point lead in the standings to the American Valley Speedway and will look to add to that total as he attempts to become just the third driver in the 22 year history of the series to win multiple titles. Last season Allard drove the K & N Filters, Williams Motorsports No. 0 to a fifth place finish in Quincy.
The point’s battle has begun to heat up with the Northern California weather as the drivers sitting second through fifth are separated by just 20 points. Sacramento’s Mike Henry continues to sit in the runner-up spot in the points during his inaugural campaign with the Golden State Challenge Series. Henry has driven the newly formed HMH Motorsports, Royal Lagoon Pools No. 93 to one victory and five top 10 finishes this season. It has been great having the exciting driver touring on a regular basis this year.
Sitting third in the points and just 11 digits back of Henry is 13-time and defending King of California Brent Kaeding. The Campbell veteran has six top 10’s this year but has yet to crack into victory lane aboard his Al’s Roofing Supply, Kaeding Performance No. 69 and he would certainly like to change that this weekend. Last season BK finished third at the American Valley Speedway and also won at the track during an open comp race in August of ’06.
The always entertaining Tyler Walker from Los Angeles is fourth in the standings, but just a scant three points behind Kaeding for third. The driver of the SC Motorsports, NMI Industrial Contractors No. 24 had a great run last weekend in Tulare that saw him charge from ninth to finish second. Walker had the lead near the end of the feature last Saturday, but was re-passed by T. Kaeding right as the white flag was getting ready to be shown. Walker also leads the Golden State Challenge Series with three fast time efforts this season aboard the potent No. 24 machine.
Rounding out the top five in the current GSC point standings is two-time and defending USAC Silver Crown champ Bud Kaeding. The Campbell racer is just six points back of Walker for fourth and goes into Quincy having finished eighth or better during four straight events, including a victory less than two weeks back, which came in Petaluma. Kaeding seems to be improving on a weekly basis in the BK Motorsports, Alviso Rock No. 29, in what is his first season back running his own winged sprinter on a regular basis in California.
Scotts Valley’s Evan Suggs sits sixth in the standings as he gets set to make his inaugural visit to the American Valley Speedway. The second year winged sprint car driver has finished in the top five during three of the last four GSC events aboard the Suggs Racing, Lucas Oil Products No. 33e. Another driver who didn’t compete with the series last June in Quincy is Los Gatos’ Jason Statler who became a dad early this week when wife Stephanie had the couple's first child early Tuesday morning. “The Big Guy” recently finished second in Petaluma driving his DF Rios Construction, D & D Roofing No. 00 and currently sits seventh in points.
Expected to make his first GSC start since winning in March at the Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway is Creswell, Oregon’s Roger Crockett. The 26 year-old is back for a second straight season behind the wheel of the Henderson Motorsports, Omlid & Swinney No. 7n and kicked it off in style by leading all 30 laps in Tulare during the team’s first event of the season.
Crockett is coming off a stout year in which he won the Northwest 360 title, finished runner-up during a feature with the World of Outlaws in Calistoga, scored a third place result at Skagit’s Dirt Cup and also finished fourth in overall points at the Trophy Cup. In addition to those accomplishments he was also one of the west coast’s best qualifiers in ‘07 as he set the fastest mark more than 12 times during the season, including both night’s of the Dirt Cup, as well as beating out 82 entrants for quick time at the Trophy Cup.
Defending Golden State Challenge Rookie of the Year Brett Miller of Chico will make his first series start since the Mini Gold Cup aboard the Care Free Pools, Platinum Powder Coating No. 1x. Miller last season finished seventh in the GSC standings and also brought home a fourth place finish in Silver Dollar Speedway points. Other GSC drivers expected for this weekend in Quincy will be Fremont’s Brent Bjork, Gilroy’s Ken Fredenburg, Rio Vista’s Dan Simpson, Fresno’s Mark Worketine, Petaluma’s Mike Mossi and more.
Many of the Golden State Challenge Series regulars will also be in action Friday night during a regular Feather Falls Casino point event at the Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico.
The front gate at the American Valley Speedway will open up at 5pm this Saturday with adult tickets costing $20, juniors $15 and kids 5 to 12 $10. The track is located at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy. More info at http://web.mac.com/curtnieman/Site/Welcome.html
Up next- The Golden State Challenge King of California 410 Winged Sprint Car Series will head right back to the Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway next Saturday night May 10 for the running of the annual Chris & Brian Faria Memorial. Reserved tickets are on sale and can be acquired by calling (559) 688-0909. For a rundown of the GSC standings log onto http://www.johnpadjenmotorsports.com/
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Fremont Speedway Shuffle adds incentive for front row starters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
By Brian Liskai
liskai2x@cros.net
FREMONT, Ohio - Many veterans of dirt track racing can remember the days when the previous week's feature winner had to start last in the next week's event. Coming from the back of the pack created daring moves by the drivers, and excitement for the fans.
Fremont Speedway Promoters Rich Farmer and Andy James want to create that excitement again with a similar program. Called the "Fremont Speedway Shuffle," the program offers financial incentives for front row starters to move back in the pack to start the A-main. Each week, the pole-sitter for each of the three feature events - the 30-lap main for the Fortball Pizza Palace 410 Sprints; the 25-lap main for the Fremont Federal Credit Union 305 Sprints; and the 20-lap main for the Fremont Fence & Guardrail Dirt Trucks - will be given the option of moving back in the pack. If the pole-sitter turns down the challenge, the "shuffle" option is presented to the outside front row starter.
For the 410 sprints, the front row starter would have to move back to the 10th starting spot, and if he or she should win, would take home an additional $1,000 for a possible $3,500 payday! For the 305 sprints and the dirt trucks, the front row starter would have to move to the row behind the inversion for that night's feature event, and should he or she win, would earn an extra $500.
"It's not impossible to do, but it is challenging," noted Farmer. "Look at last week in the 305 feature, Bobby Clark came from 16th to second, so it can be done. Racing is passing people, and we hope we have some drivers that will accept the challenge. It's all about giving the fans fun and excitement...it's about entertainment."
Farmer and James note the Fremont Speedway Shuffle is in effect for all regular season shows and will not be in place for special events such as the O'Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions shows.
For more information contact Farmer at 419-307-4241 or log onto http://www.fremontohspeedway.com/
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World of Outlaws Commonwealth Clash Countdown
Eric J. Westendorf, Public Relations Director
Sarver, PA (April 29, 2008) The taillights of the All Stars’ haulers are barely out of sight and one can already see the headlights of the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series coming over the horizon. In just two short weeks, the Legendary World of Outlaws will come to town for their first of two assaults on the 40th Anniversary Season of the Lernerville Speedway.
The Outlaws have long been the highlight of the Lernerville schedule. For years the names of Kinser, Swindell, Doty, Wolfgang, Blaney, Lasoski, Haudenschild, Schatz and Saldana have evoked the passion of what is best described in their well known slogan, “The Greatest Show on Dirt!”
On Tuesday May 13, some of those familiar names will once again ring over the PA system and their familiar winged chariots will sling clay around the Action Track in pursuit of $10,000 in the First Commonwealth Bank Clash.
Like Lernerville Speedway, the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series has endured a bitter battle with Mother Nature to start the season. Seven of the first 13 scheduled events on the Outlaw schedule have been canceled or postponed due to rain, including both of last weekend’s events; at Huset’s Speedway on Friday Night and at Knoxville Raceway Saturday Night.
In the six races they have run, Craig Dollanksy has won two races, finished each race in the top five and is the current series points leader. Jason Meyers has three feature wins and has only finished out of the top five once. The only other driver to win a race on tour this season is Danny Lasoski who picked up a win on the final night at Volusia Speedway Park during the 37th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals.
Back-to-back, reigning Outlaw Champion Donny Schatz has not won a race on the tour yet, but sits third in points with four top-five finishes and a top ten in each of the six races. Schatz is driving his familiar #15, but the car is now owned by Tony Stewart and sponsored by Armor All.
Meanwhile, Joey Saldana sits familiarly right behind Schatz in points at fourth. Saldana is still behind the wheel of the Kasey Kahne-owned #9, but is sporting a new Budweiser themed, red paint scheme to match Kahne’s new NASCAR Sprint Cup sponsor.
The Madman Kerry Madsen has had an impressive start to the 2008 season and currently sits fifth in points. Right behind him in sixth is Terry McCarl. The King Steve Kinser is off to a sluggish start with just one top five finish, he sits seventh in points.
Local favorite and former Lernerville Track Champion Tim Shaffer is eighth in points with two top five finishes in the early season behind the wheel of the Parsons Motorsports/Casey’s General Stores #6. Shaffer got some seat time this past Friday Night at Lernerville behind the wheel of the Holtgraver #D4.
Chad Kemenah and Jason Sides round out the top ten in Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Championship Standings.
Fresh off of top five finishes in the All Star Feature this past Friday, both Rod George and Ed Lynch Jr. will be eager to spring the upset against the nationally touring Outlaws. Look for both drivers to continue their preparation this Friday during Fab Four Racing in Commercial Truck & Trailer Sprint competition.
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Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Preview: Missouri High-Banked Nationals at U.S. 36 Raceway
Osborn, MO— April 29, 2008— There are not too many tracks that the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series visits where the drivers turn laps in less than 10 seconds. In fact, there are only three such facilities on the 2008 schedule, with one being U.S. 36 Raceway, where the series will compete on Friday, May 2 in the third annual Missouri High Banked Nationals.
After Mother Nature interrupted the series last weekend, the drivers and teams are anxious to return to the track at U.S. 36 Raceway for a full night of racing on the ultra-high-banked and blazing fast 3/8-mile, where everything happens in a hurry.
In the first two events at the track for the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, Jac Haudenschild and Jason Meyers were victorious, each won in their debut at U.S. 36 Raceway. Haudenschild has the best average finish of the drivers that have competed with the series at the track, after charging to a third-place showing last season, after lining up on the second to last row for the 40-lap event.
The track record 9.846 second at 135.36 mph. was set by Paul McMahan during time trials in 2006, with seven drivers stopping the clock with single digit laps in the series debut at the track that same season. Last year, two-time defending series champion Donny Schatz was quickest in time trials.
Heading into the event on Friday, May 2, the Top-10 in the World of Outlaws championship standings are separated by just 147 points. Craig Dollansky, who leads the series standings by 17 markers, is the only driver that has finished in the Top-Five in all six events this season. Jason Meyers, who is second in points, leads the series with three A-Feature wins and Donny Schatz who is third in points, has four runner-up finishes. They both have each finished in the Top-10 in all six races this season.
Joey Saldana is fourth in points, driving for NASCAR star Kasey Kahne, with reigning Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Kerry Madsen just behind him.
Terry McCarl, who is a former winner at U.S. 36 Raceway is sixth in points, followed by 20-time series champion Steve Kinser, 1999 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Tim Shaffer, Chad Kemenah, the series top rookie in 2006, and Jason Sides, who won the rookie crown in 2003.
2007 Race Recap: Jason Meyers was victorious in the Missouri High-Banked Nationals in his debut at the track. After winning the Crane Cams Dash, he lined up on the pole for the A-Feature.
The California native led wire-to-wire in the 40-lap A-Feature, enduring a number of late cautions in the process, including one with two laps to go that allowed Tim Kaeding to close up on him. A strong restart gave Meyers the advantage he needed to pull away as he charged into the first turn and pulled away to win by more than a second.
Jac Haudenschild, who the inaugural Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series event at U.S. 36 Raceway in 2006, finished third after lining up in the 24th starting position. Paul McMahan and Donny Schatz rounded out the Top-Five.
2007 A-Feature Results
Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series; U.S. 36 Raceway; May 11, 2007
A-main (40 laps) - Starting Position [#]
1) 14-Jason Meyers[1] [$10,000]
2) 2-Tim Kaeding[8] [$5,500]
3) 35-Jac Haudenschild[24] [$3,200]
4) 20-Paul McMahan[2] [$2,800]
5) 15-Donny Schatz[9] [$2,500]
6) 21-Daryn Pittman[5] [$2,300]
7) 1X-Randy Hannagan[3] [$2,200]
8) 9-Joey Saldana[17] [$2,100]
9) 24-Terry McCarl[4] [$2,050]
10) 7-Craig Dollansky[25] [$1,200]
11) 8K-Zach Chappell[11] [$1,500]
12) 11-Steve Kinser[13] [$1,200]
13) 18T-Tony Bruce Jr.[7] [$1,100]
14) 11H-Kerry Madsen[20] [$1,050]
15) 10C-Jeremy Campbell[21] [$1,000]
16) 7S-Jason Sides[10] [$900]
17) 83-Danny Lasoski[18] [$800]
18) 6-Tim Shaffer[22] [$800]
19) 55-Billy Alley[16] [$800]
20) 96C-Jim Cameron[23] [$800]
21) R19-Jason Solwold[6] [$800]
22) 3X-Chad Kemenah[14] [$800]
23) 5C-Chad Hillier[15] [$800]
24) 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr.[12] [$800]
25) D1-Justin Henderson[19] [$800]
Lap Leader: Jason Meyers: 1-40
Previous Winners
World of Outlaws Sprint Series A-Feature winners at U.S. 36 Raceway include:
2007- Jason Meyers on May 11
2006- Jac Haudenschild on May 5
Current Top-10 in Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Points
1. Craig Dollansky 893
2. Jason Meyers 876
3. Donny Schatz 857
4. Joey Saldana 825
5. Kerry Madsen 782
6. Terry McCarl 774
7. Steve Kinser 767
8. Tim Shaffer 762
9. Chad Kemenah 747
10. Jason Sides 746
What to look for this year at U.S. 36 Raceway:
* Some of the quickest laps all season in time trials, as the cars will be near the 10-second mark. In 2006, seven drivers turned laps in time trials that were under 10 seconds, led by Paul McMahan who set a new track record of 9.846 seconds at 135.36 mph.
* Craig Dollansky, who leads the World of Outlaws championships standings this season, finished second at U.S. 36 Raceway in 2006 and was 10th last year after lining up 25th for the main event. The Minnesota native is the only driver that has finished in the Top-Five of each World of Outlaws race this season.
* Jason Meyers, who leads the World of Outlaws with three A-Feature wins this season won in his debut at the track last year, leading all 40 laps from the pole. He is just 17 markers behind Dollansky in the current standings.
* Jac Haudenschild has an average finish of second in two starts at the track. He won in 2006 and was third last season, after lining up in the 24th starting spot.
* There are four drivers that have earned Top-10 finishes in both of the series starts at the high-banked 3/8-mile: Craig Dollansky, Terry McCarl, Jac Haudenschild and Daryn Pittman
* Terry McCarl is a former winner at the track, taking the checkered flag first in 2002. He has two Top-10 finishes in the two World of Outlaws events at the track, including a third-place performance in 2006.
* Sam Hafertepe Jr. won at U.S. 36 Raceway last season in the annul Bud Shoot-out for 360 sprint cars.
* Three drivers will be making their debut at the track on May 2 including: Kraig Kinser, the 2004 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year, Shane Stewart, the series top rookie in 2005 and current rookie contender Lucas Wolfe of Pennsylvania.
By the Numbers- U.S. 36 Raceway:
0.375- Miles around U.S. 36 Raceway