REMINDER From New EGypt Speedway!!
Racing will begin this Saturday night at 5:30pm!!
This Sat. May 10th, it will be Mother's Day night, featuring the Big-block Modifieds, A-1 Performance Sportsman, Super Stocks, SS Sprints, Crate-1 Sportsman and the Advantage Financial/Cradle Rock Developers Rookie Series. In addition we will run the conclusion of last week's SS Sprint Feature event, which was stopped due to Heavy Fog/Mist with just 2 laps complete. And if that is not enough, we will also run the postponed 20 lap Sportsman feature from last week as well. All of this for the Regular admission price!!
With the extra events scheduled, all start times have been moved up one half hour. The gates will now open at 3:30p.m. with the first green at 5:30p.m. Adult admission is STILL $17, children 7-12 are $6, and kids 6 and under are always free. For further details about New Egypt Speedway's upcoming events, call the track office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net.
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MODIFIED TOUR OPENS ’08 SEASON WITH RUNNING OF FIFTH ANNUAL DICK RANKIN MEMORIAL
May 7, 2008
By Marcie L. Barlow, BRP Tour Media Relations
The BRP/Hoosier Race Tires/Sunoco Race Fuels Modified Tour 08 will kick off their 11th season of DIRT Modified racing action with the running of the Fifth Annual Dick Rankin Memorial 30 at the Tri-City Speedway on Sunday, May 25th. The event is run at the Franklin, PA oval each year to honor Rankin, a former DIRT Modified competitor in Western PA and Eastern OH who tragically lost his life in a construction accident.
Unfortunately Russell King, who is a two-time winner and defending victor of the race as well as the Mod Tour’s 2007 Champion, will not return to make it three in a row, as he now competes in the Late Model Division.
King’s departure from the division and weekly competition at the speedway would probably make Kevin Bolland, the three time and defending Tri-City Speedway DIRT Modified Points Champion, the leading contender to capture the 2008 version of the Dick Rankin Memorial. Bolland rebounded from a bad crash at the Super DIRTcar Series event at the Virginia Motor Speedway to pick up his first feature victory of 2008 on Sunday, May 4th, at the Franklin, PA oval.
Bolland will face stiff competition from Russell’s father, Rex King Sr., who has finished in the runner-up position in the final point standings at the Venango County speedway for four consecutive years (2003-2007). King will be looking to keep the family name in the winner’s circle for the third straight year when the BRP/Hoosier Race Tires/Sunoco Race Fuels take to the track on Memorial Day weekend.
“Hometown Hero” Jeremiah Shingledecker, of Polk, PA is just one of the drivers looking to garner his first ever Modified Tour feature win in 2008. Shingledecker picked up the season opening victory at Tri-City on April 27th and is one of the strongest runners on the Western PA/Eastern OH circuit.
In addition to Bolland, King and Shingledecker race fans can expect 2006 and 2007 Lernerville Speedway Modified Champion Brian Swartzlander to do battle for the win. Swartzlander, a three time Tri-City Speedway Champion, recently captured a feature victory at the Lernerville Speedway and will definitely be a contender for the 2008 version of the Dick Rankin Memorial. Mod Tour drivers Joe Crawford and Jim Rasey have also looked strong in their early season runs at the Tri-City Speedway this year and will certainly be looking to add the prestigious event to their racing resumes.
Will a new name be entered into the Modified Tour record book or will the veteran drivers of the Western PA/Eastern OH Modified circuit prevail? To find out join us at the Tri-City Speedway on Sunday, May 25th, as the BRP/Hoosier Race Tires/Sunoco Race Fuels Modified Tour 08 kicks off their 11th season with the running of the Fifth Annual Dick Rankin Memorial!!
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FONDA SPEEDWAY READY TO GIVE IT ANOTHER TRY THIS SATURDAY
By: Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – After two consecutive rainouts on April 26 and May 3, the Track of Champions Fonda Speedway will try again on Saturday, May 10 to get another action packed racing program in.
On Saturday, April 26 the IMCA and Street Stock divisions were the only two classes that were able to get in their feature events while last Saturday, May 3 was a total washout as management decided to cancel shortly before noon due to the pending weather forecast.
Looking ahead to the May 10 racing program there will be double features in the Modified, Sportsman, and Pro Stock divisions (due to the rainout on April 26) along with single feature events in the IMCA, Street Stock, and Budget Sportsman divisions. There will also be Kiddie Rides for the kids. Starting time for the racing program will be 6:00 p.m. with pit gates opening at 3:00 p.m. and front gates opening at 4:00 p.m.
For a special deal on family four packs to the Fonda Speedway (general admission for two adults and two children) you can go to www.wten.com and once you get onto the WTEN website click on promotions/contests on the left of the screen. Click on half off the Capital Region and then scroll down to the Fonda Speedway featured offer and follow the instructions to purchase. The regular price for this package is $26 but with this offer it will only cost you $13!
Be sure to come to the Track of Champions in 2008 to “Feel the Thunder”. Fonda Speedway is located off of exit 28 of the New York State Thruway. For more information you can call (518) 382-3115 Monday through Friday, (518) 853-4235 on race day or you can go to their website at www.fondaspeedway.com
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Truckers Night at Fulton
Fulton, NY - By Dave Medler - This Saturday night May 10th the Big Block Modifieds make their return to the banks of the Fulton Speedway on Truckers night. Truckers show your CDL License and get half off the grandstand price.
The night will start off with the feature for the DIRTcar Crate Sportsman Modified that were on the track when the heavy rains hit last Saturday. From there it will be a regular show of Big Block Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, Street Stocks, Rookie Crate Sportsman, Mod-Lites and the Enduros.
Look for a tough and competitive Modified field through out the 2008 season led by defending track champion Jimmy Phelps in the family owned J&B Installations, No. 99j. Looking to dethrone Phelps will be top runners, Alan Johnson, Ryan Phelps, Steve Hulsizer, Kevin Bates, Jim Witko, Mike Bowman and rookie Tony Steiner. Look for Jeff Rudalavage to make some noise when he comes to the speedway.
Jeremy Pitcher will be back to try and repeat his 2007 title in the Sportsman Modifieds in the MDV Construction, No.14. Look for tough competition from Sammy Reakes IV, John Pietrowicz and A.J Kingsley. Already making strong runs as rookies at other tracks are the top two in the 2007 Pro Stock ranks, Bill Clark Jr. And Jason Parkhurst plus Jim Evans looks to make their mark.
Rookie Crate Sportsman Champion Timmy Sears Jr. Has his sights set on the same success he had in 2007.
In the UMP Street Stocks Jordan,NY pilot Ron Hawker will be back to give a run at another track championship. Jim Wallace, Steve Woodworth, Dan Hoffman Sr, Nick Rizzo, Steve Crouse and others will be right there to try and stake their claim to the 2008 title.
In the Rookie Crate Sportsman Modifieds you never know who is going to show up. After the first race John Wilber parked the Sammy Reakes III, 17b in victory lane. Katelyn Kane, Scott Fowler, Chris Pullen, fromer 4 cylinder Super Stock runner Claude Hutchings Jr will be looking for victory lane.
The gates will open Saturday night at 5pm with the first green set to go at 7pm. Adults 15 and over are $12.00, Children 10-14 - $5 and Children 9 and under are free. Pit Passes are DIRT Members- $20 with non-Members - $25. Any questions please feel free to call the Speedway office at 315-593-6531.
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Rain, Rain, Go-Away; Canandaigua Speedway Tries Again This Saturday
Weedsport, NY – May 7, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Canandaigua Speedway PR and Promotions Coordinator
WNYR 98.5 FM presents ‘Distracted Housewife Night at the Races’ this Saturday, May 10 at Canandaigua Speedway. All Housewives in attendance enter for FREE until 6:30pm. The DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and PureStox take the green at 7pm.
Pit windows will open at 4pm, with grandstand admission beginning at 5pm.
Personal Seat Licenses continue to be available. Along with your personalized seat, you will also receive four DIRTcar “5-Packs.” Each 5pak coupon is good for (1) admission to all regular season events. For special events, each coupon can be used as a $12 credit towards admission.
Providing another great deal for fans, single purchases of “5-Pack” tickets can be purchased for $48.
Tickets for all regular season events will be made available at the gate. Adult general admission is set at $12, $10 for Seniors (Age 65+), $5 for children (Ages 10-14), and those under the age of 9 are FREE.
Pit admission for DIRTcar Northeast members will be $20, while non-members will be admitted for $25.
For the second consecutive weekend wet weather forced the ‘Land of Legends’ to remain silent on Saturday, May 3. Despite back-to-back cancellations the month of May still looks strong with four solid weekends on deck.
Saturday, May 17 is Race Against Drugs/Fireman Appreciation Night, with all regular divisions in competition. The following weekend, May 24, is Petrol-Palooza Night which provides a discount on your second grandstand admission. Buy your first admission at the regular rate, and the second will be priced the same as the current national gas pump price.
Then on Saturday, May 31 it is Coca-Cola $20 Carload Night. Carloads of fans enter for just $20 until 6:45pm. The WNYR 98.5 Crazy Chicks-n-Cars will also be on tap. Race time for the rest of the season is set for 7pm.
For more information call the DIRTcar Northeast headquarters at 315-834-6606 or log on to www.canandaiguaspeedway.com.
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Pratt scores big block modifed win at Bridgeport
Richie Pratt in the Sal De Bruno Overhead Doors #0 Rockets from deep in the field to win the Bridgeport Speedway Big Block Modified Feature for the 2nd week in a row. The Bridgeport 5/8ths clay was fast for the Big Block Mod feature with Richie Pratt chasing down Ryan Watt from his 17th starting spot for the 25-lap feature win. Chad James matches his best ever finish as he inches closer to his first Big Block win. Chris Knopp, Mike Franz and Ray Swinehart deliver strong top 5 finishes.
Fawn Grove PA’s Chris Knopp sat one the pole for the 25 lap Fawn Grove PA’s Chris Knopp sat one the pole for the 25 lap Modified feature event on Tacky & Fast Bridgeport Clay Oval. Things got heated right away as 3 wide racing erupted exiting turn 2 after the drop of the green. Heading into turn three, still 3 wide, things quickly went wrong as several cars got together with the #19B of Brian Kressley, 7A of Cassabone and the #47 of Bob Sarkisian tangling in turns 3-4. Sarkisian got the bad end of the deal and had the leave on the hook. On the restart, Knopp charges out to a lead heading into the corners but #24 of Steven Durand takes Knopp hi and wide exiting in the corners heading down the backstretch follow by #61m of Anthony Moran, Chad James and #14 of Ryan Watt in 4th. As the top 4 complete the 1st lap several cars pack’em up 4 wide exiting four with Jimmy Chester putting on a fireworks show of sparks below the flag stand runnin the rail and #92 of Scott Irwin limping to the corners with a flat to bring out the first yellow of the event. As the field lines up two abreast Durand is your leader on the inside with Knopp, Watt, James, Mike Frantz, and Jimmy Horton, in the new Gino Postorivo #7, in the top six as the green flies. Watt gets a great restart and passes James and then Knopp on the high side in turns one and two to move into the 2nd spot. Frantz, 44H Gary Hager begin a battle with James for the top 4. Watt quickly runs down Durand and is all over his bumper before the yellow flies again for a spinning Brian Kressley on the backstretch. Pratt has now made his move from his 17th starting spot into 7th with only 3 laps completed. As the green drops Watt quickly takes Durand two wide around the corners but cant make the pass. James moves into the 3rd spot as Pratt gets a great restart passing Gary Hager for the 5th heading down the backstretch. Pratt quickly races by Frantz bringing with him Hager and Iles down the front stretch to the corners with Wade Hendrickson, Horton, Rick Laubach and Steve Bottcher in hot pursuit to the front. Pratt is now in the 4th spot as he passes Knopp and sets his sight on Chad James. Exiting turn four, the "Medford Mad Dog" breaks an axle and takes a hard spin into the front stretch to bring out a yellow. As Iles leaves on the hook, the field lines up for the restart with Watt looking to get a great jump on the inside of the leader Durand. On the start, Pratt continues his charge as he takes Watt and James 3-wide through the corners passing James and nearly passing Watt to move into third. Watt and Pratt slug it out for the next few laps, often tradin paint exiting the corners, as they chase down the leader of Durand. Heading down the back stretch with Watt and Pratt all over Durand’s bumper they go 3 wide with Pratt Hi and Wide, Watt in the middle through the corners with Watt exiting as the new leader and Pratt right on his tail. Pratt works all over Watt for the lead for the next two laps as Durand breaks and limps off track putting James back into 3rd Hendrickson now 4th followed by Knopp and Horton. There are now three different side-by-side two cars battles up front between Watt/Pratt, James/Hendrickson and Knopp/Horton. Watt now begins to hit lapped track allowing Pratt once again to get back on his rear bumper. Pratt sets up Watt heading down the backstretch as they hit the corners, taking Watt 2-wide around lapped traffic through the corners. Pratt inches out ahead on the turn four exit to become the new leader heading into turn 1. As the leaders head down the backstretch, Horton gets a run on Hendrickson and Knopp to move into fourth. James stays all over Horton bumper before Hendrickson’s motor explodes into a mass of smoke as he pulls off into the infield, bringing out a safety caution on lap 18. As Pratt jumps back out to his lead, Watt does all he can to get a run on Pratt, goes into turn three hard, spins towards the guard rail, hooks the cushion and flips. Horton also gets a flat as the yellow then red stops the action. Watt is OK but his strong night is now over as he leaves on the hook and a hard charging Horton has to join the rear of the field. Pratt goes on the take the checker for the second consecutive week for his 2nd feature win of the season. Chad James finishes a real strong 2nd, Chris Knopp a top 3, Mike Franz and Ray Swinehart finishing out the top 5. Horton manages to recover from his late race flat to finish a respectable 6th
Jimmy Horton IV gets his first 358 Sportsman Feature Win of the season on the tacky fast Bridgeport Clay. The 358’s were a plenty as over 30 cars showed up to put on one a heck show. There was plenty excitement with lots of passing and 3 wide racing as the Top 5 battled to the front from the rear of the field during 358 Sportsman feature.
#707 of Ron Wyant sat on the pole and jumped out to an early lead followed by John Scarpati as the 358 Sportsman feature got under way. A yellow quickly flew as Scarpati loops it exiting the turns and nearly collects the field as cars scramble everywhere to avoid Scarpati. Scarpati was able to rejoin at the rear of the field for the restart. On the restart, several drivers took advantage, quickly moving up several positions with several drivers making it 3 wide down the front stretch and through the corners. The #75 of James Morris wins big on the restart as he quickly assumes the lead from Wyant heading into turn three. Yellows flies again for a multi car scramble entering the front stretch as two stop with locked bumpers just under the flag stand. As the field lines back up for the green, Randy Yaple, Bob Lineman Jr, Dan Cogdill and Kevin Collins again take advantage of the restart and pick up several spots as they work their way to the front. Morris jumps out to a strong lead followed by Wyant, Lineman with Horton passing Don Bogey to move into the top 5. Morris starts to open up some daylight as the leader with Collins and Yaple moving into the top ten from way back in the field. Horton IV and Lineman Jr. are now the big battle on the track as they fight for the third spot for several laps. Yaple has now raced into the top six from his 16th starting spot looking to chase down the leaders to contend for the lead. Yellow flies with 9 laps in for a top 10 running #31 of Frank Dorry Jr. for a RR flat. As the field lines up for the restart, Morris is still your leader, Wyant is second, Horton 3rd, Lineman 4th and Cogdill round out the top 5. As the leaders take the green, 3wide forms starts as Horton moves into 2nd, Cogdill takes 4th from Lineman. Horton doesn’t stop there, as he and Morris hit the corners, Horton goes hi and wide to snatch the lead away as the two exit the turns. Lineman gets a flat and heads off track on the follow lap bringing out the yellow. The race resumes with Lineman back at the rear of the field, Horton jumps back out to the lead, Morris second with Cogdill and Yaple now in the top 5 at the half way mark. Cogdill and Yaple are now in a slug fest for the forth spot with Yaple finally gaining the position from Cogdill. Yaple doesn’t stop there as he easily motors by Wyant to take 3rd. Yaple now becomes a man on a mission as he chases down the 2nd spot of Morris who now appears to be getting loose exiting the corners. Yaple is now all over Morris bumper to bumper entering and exiting the corners for the next few laps. Tom Miller now spins on the backstretch bringing out a needed caution for not only Yaple but for Kevin Collins who has charged up into the 6th spot. On the restart, Horton IV resumes the nice lead leaving Yaple and Morris to continue their fight for 2nd. Collins gets a great start and quickly passes Wyant and Cogdill hi and wide for 4th. Jess Hill comes from out of nowhere on the restart and rockets into the top 5 bringing with him Lineman Jr who had to earlier restart at the rear of the field from a flat. With 2 laps remaining Yaple is now all over Morris’s bumper as Morris is still loose exiting the corners and the two touch with Yaple spinning out of contention exiting four bringing out the final yellow. On the restart, Horton gasses back out to the lead as Hill, Collins and Morris battle 3 wide nearing the final lap. Collins wins the 3 wide battle taking second, Jesse Hill takes 3rd and Morris spins exiting turn 4 as the checker waves moving Lineman and Cogdill into the top 5. Horton IV gets his first Feature win of the season. The hard charger award goes to both Collins and Hill who started 19th and 20th to race into the top 3.
Mantua, NJ’s Gino Postorivo gets his 2nd ever and first of the season win in the always exciting GM Sunoco Sportsman feature event at Bridgeport on Saturday Night.
Gino started on the pole and fought off several challenges to go ahead and win the GM Sunoco Feature. Things got scary right from the beginning as two spin on the backstretch causing a mad scramble to avoid #724 of Joey Milza and 91A of John Micek. Postorivo jumped to the lead as the rookie Neil Williams picked up several spots as things got back under way before another caution for a multi car tangle in turn 4. On the restart, Postorivo quickly resumed his led as Chuck Buchman made a early charge for the top spot but Gino shut him down. Mike Barone, Corey Anderson and Travis Hill soon jumped into the mix to shake it up with Buchman. Travis Hill sits up on the wheel and makes passes on both Anderson and Barone before setting his sights on Buchman. On lap 8 the yellow flies again for a spinning #77 of Brandon Guyer to bring out a single file restart. Buchman makes a bid on the lead on the restart but Travis Hill takes Buchman high to snatch the second spot away. Jon Haegele sneaks into the action from his 14th starting spot to battle for the top 5 with Barone, Anderson and Bob Bartleson. With 5 to go, Chuck Buchman’s bad luck continues as he breaks and has to limp off track. Travis Hill does all he can to get a run on Gino Postorivo but Gino wont be denied as he races on for the win. Hill takes second, Barone third, Anderson 4th and Jon Haegele a top 5. Haegele gets the hard charger award for missing several mishaps to race hard into the 5th spot form a 14th starting position.
Delaware’s Kevin Darling blows away the field to win by a half track in the Bridgeport Limited Sprint Feature Event Saturday night. Darling, who clearly had the strongest sprint in the field on Saturday, did not take long to get to the front using the high side around the Speedway to get his first feature win of the season.
Jonathon Swanson started on the pole but was quickly passes by #e45 of Jonathon Baker as the two raced down the backstretch into turns 3-4. Baker held the lead for the next two laps with the #8s of Tim Iulg racing into second. Last week’s winner, #88 of Andy Best and Darling were soon in a chase to the leaders. Darling quickly made a hi side pass on Best to move into 3rd and set his sights on the leader. It didn’t take long for Darling to start applying pressure on Iulg and take his second spot away. Darling was throwin it hi at both ends of the Speedway has he chased down and passed Baker for the lead. Darling never looked back has he opened up a huge lead on the field leaving Baker, Iulg and Best to battle it out for the top 4. Iulg makes his pass on Baker to take over second bringing with him the 88 of Best. Baker settles in for third as Andy Best eventually gets the BEST of Iulg and takes his second spot away. Darling takes the checkered flag alone with Andy Best second, Iulg third, Bakers holds on to fourth and Hank Trum rounds out the top 5.
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Elbridge, NY – May 4, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Billy Decker successfully defended his title for a second straight year and Dale Planck scored his first-ever victory at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park as they each captured a leg of the Dig Safely New York 28th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series event presented by Ferris Mowers on Sunday evening at the ‘Fast Track.’ The twin 50-lap Big-Block Modified feature races awarded the winners $3,000 each as well as valuable points in the 25-race Advance Auto Parts Series that culminates with the crowning of the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Champion for a 33rd straight year in October.
Brett Hearn was the best on the day, securing runner-up honors in the first round then placing fourth in the nightcap to overtake opening day winner Matt Sheppard atop the Advance Series point standings through three races.
Decker started on the outside-pole in the LJL Racing no. 91 Gypsum Wholesalers-Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell entry and led the entire distance to score the convincing win in Rolling Wheels’ 40th season opener on a sunny but cool day in Central New York. Only three caution periods slowed the race with the 1998 Mr. DIRTcar titlist building up a comfortable 10 car-length margin over Hearn under the checkered flag, followed by Jimmy Phelps, Gary Tomkins and Sheppard.
“We did have a good starting spot, I think that the outside was a preferred line today,” remarked Decker, 43, following his sixth Advance Series triumph at Rolling Wheels. We just got a good run off turn four then just carried the momentum a little bit. Feel like we got away with one.”
Decker and front row partner Hearn led a strong field of 30 racers to the line with Decker out-dragging the ‘Corporate Jet’ by three car-lengths to begin his victory march. It took the ‘Franklin Flyer’ just eight laps to track down the back of the field and the following circuit his first victim, Shannon Whaley, slid around high in turn three to force out the initial yellow flag.
An early 1.4-second advantage was quickly erased and Hearn moved back alongside Decker on the restart with Sheppard, Jimmy Phelps, Frankie Caprara and Ryan Phelps the closest in pursuit. Moving as high as third in the early stages, Gary Tomkins returned to the top-five on lap 20 although Decker was still more than a straightaway ahead and at the halfway mark only 20 cars remained on the lead lap.
Caught in the thick of the battle for the fourth slot between Jimmy Phelps and Tomkins, Decker’s Gypsum Express teammate Larry Wight looped his mount high at the end of the back chute to incur a second caution period on lap 31. Phelps needed just one more lap under green to sprint past Sheppard and set his sights on runner-up Hearn.
Decker had built up a 10 car-length margin when the third and final slowdown bunched the frontrunners on lap 42. Steve Hulsizer spun off the track in turn one while second-year tour traveler Billy Dunn had his Number One Speed-American Traditions-Fast Lube Watertown/Bicknell machine stop in the third corner billowing a cloud of smoke. The set back did little to hold back Decker as he sped under the checkers 1.6-seconds ahead of reigning Mr. DIRTcar points king Hearn for his 10th career win at The Wheels.
“We’re gonna make some small changes, obviously you need to try and improve each and every time out,” said Decker from victory lane, with his eyes already focused on sweeping the opening day card in Elbridge. It seemed hardly a stretch considering the Unadilla, New York pilot had won the previous night at Can-Am and his recent romp extended his DIRTcar Racing NorthEast total to a division-high count of five feature wins at four different tracks.
“The Sportsman cars will probably slow the track just a little bit more. I think we’ve got some places for improvement but I just don’t quite know how to go about it but we’ll throw something at it. We’re going to try like mad (to double), although these twin 50s ….. its gonna be tough. I’m proud to be a part of this Gypsum family so we’ll go out there and give it our best shot,” added Decker, after wrapping up his 40th career Advance Series win (5th all-time) with his last scored at Rolling Wheels in September.
Decker re-drew and the top-12 positions were inverted to start the second 50-lapper. Outside pole-sitter Steve Paine quickly took advantage of his front row spot to jump ahead of point man Alan Johnson on the initial circuit. Paine ran untouched ahead of the pack until Planck finally tracked him down aboard Carey Terrance’s RezX Racing no. 77x Grow It Hydroseeding/TEO machine to forge the final lead change on lap 33.
The second-generation driver from Cortland, New York pulled out to over a three second lead at the stripe chased by Paine, Danny Johnson, Hearn and Jimmy Phelps.
“Wow, I just can’t believe it. This place, every time its dry and slick I just seem to go backwards and just can’t seem to get going,” noted Planck, 37, who was fast all night, touring the spacious 5/8-mile Elbridge oval in a time of 20.094 seconds for an average speed of 111.974 mph to earn the Integra Shocks Fast Timer award in qualifications. “I’m ecstatic, I think I’m gonna wake up here and it was all just a dream.”
“The first race we were pretty decent, probably better than I’ve ever been here. Then we got the tire situation under control and made a gear change and a shock change. And I’ll tell you what, the car just about drove itself. It’s the best I’ve ever felt here,” said Planck, who’s late father Denny Planck won his only Big-Block feature at Rolling Wheels in July of 1979, with a Small-Block triumph logged there three years earlier.
Mirroring the opening lap move made by Decker in round one, Paine rolled around pole-sitter Alan Johnson in similar fashion to easily gain command at the outset. Justin Haers, Danny Johnson and fifth-place starter Planck followed in line with the inversion forcing Decker and Hearn to battle further back looking for room in the top-10.
Constant green flag action allowed Paine to extend his advantage over the field and it took the ‘Hurricane’ a dozen circuits to reach traffic. Planck dove past a fading Haers machine on lap four, then ducked under Danny Johnson down the front straightaway on lap 16 with only leaders Paine and Alan Johnson standing in his way of the elusive victory by the halfway point.
A.J. Slideways wasn’t as stubborn as his younger brother, as Planck sped underneath DIRTcar NorthEast’s all-time Big-Block winner on lap 27 and offered a carbon-copy of the move low in turns one and two as he authored the final lead exchange.
It wasn’t until lap 37 when Tom Sears Jr. slowed high in turns three and four that the field could take a breath after the first of just two yellow flags flew. Jeff Brownell Jr. looped his Advanced Lubrication Specialties/Bicknell entry in the same spot as Sears just handful of laps later yet this only afforded Planck a clear track ahead for the final five-mile dash.
While Planck sprinted ahead unchallenged, the Madsen Motorsports no. 20 Wentworth Construction/TEO machine of Hearn charged toward the front just as fast in the closing stages. Sandwiched in seventh between Haers and Tomkins with 10 laps to go, the Sussex, New Jersey speedster maneuvered both high and low charting a course into the front-five.
Hearn went by Haers high on the back chute on lap 42, needed two more circuits to move around Jimmy Phelps for fifth-place, then blasted by Danny Johnson to secure fourth with three laps to go. Amidst a wild scramble up front at the end, Alan Johnson suddenly dropped back opening up a hole for Danny to fill past Hearn for third at the wire while Phelps edged Alan to finally settle the score.
“Winning here was probably the most important,” figured Planck, following his third Advance Series victory in the past three seasons. Sunday marked his first-ever tour-top-five at RWR. “I remember my first year racing I came here …. it was Sept. 23, 1989. I took a wild ride and got knocked out, was unconscious. Don’t know if that had anything to do with this or what. I just can’t thank everybody on the team enough. Also my family for their support with me being gone all the time, this makes it all worthwhile.”
Harboring three Advance Series wins of his own at the ‘Fast Track,’ Paine was more than content with his runner-up tally in the second race after a dismal start in the first 50-lapper.
“Along with Billy Colton, my dad and Lee (Osborne) made some changes for the second feature, we were way off in the first one,” admitted Paine, following his second top-five finish in the opening three Advance Series stops, including fourth on Thursday at Virginia Motor Speedway. “I was really surprised how two or three little things could make it that much better. I hope we can work off of that and make it a little more better.”
“We’ve just got good information, we’ll keep working with these (Troyer) cars. I had a real good driving car for the first time here in probably 3-4 years. After the first race we were really depressed and just wanted to go home, then when they draw you the front row you think it’ll be okay. So working on the car made it better and it was a lot of fun leading. I saw 2nd-place changing on the scoreboard and I knew (Planck) was coming. When he got by and we stayed green I stayed right with him. But then after the cautions I just couldn’t get it going again. Second is still pretty good,” said Paine, who registered his last top-five in a tour race at Rolling Wheels on Labor Day in 2004.
Success at Rolling Wheels has also eluded third-place finisher Danny Johnson, himself a five-time points champion at The Wheels. Prior to posting just one top-five tally in seven Advance Series races staged at RWR last season, the ‘Doctor’ last cracked the front-five at the ‘Fast Track’ in September of 2003 and last won there in 2000.
“I had a great working car, its just lacking only a little bit,” noted Johnson, who won four Advance Series races last season and finished eighth on the final overall Mr. DIRTcar points chart. “Its probably not just one thing, maybe a combination of a couple different things. But every day the sun still comes up and it’s a new day. Just try to get faster every day. Have to thank Jeff Isabell for enabling me to get on the podium tonight. Hopefully, we’ll continue to get things turned around.”
Big-Block Modified race teams following the Advance Auto Parts Series get a three-week break from tour action before returning to Central New York for the traditional Memorial Day Weekend stop across town at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport. On tap Sunday, May 25 is the 17th Annual Northeast Modified Hall of Fame Classic, this year highlighted by a 76-lap main event offering a $6,000 winner’s share plus valuable points towards the 33rd Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Championship.
Advance Auto Parts Series Point Standings (Through May 4, 2008)
1. Brett Hearn 206
2. Matt Sheppard 186
3. Billy Decker 184
4. Steve Paine 181
5. Jimmy Phelps 173
6. Gary Tomkins 171
7. Dale Planck 163
8. Danny Johnson 155
9. Frankie Caprara 144
10. Justin Haers 137
SKIDMARKS
Rolling Wheels Rookie Round-Up: Helping make up a solid field of 39 racers at Rolling Wheels were seven rookie drivers on the DIRTcar Big-Block circuit. Alan Fink, Eric Fisher, Paul Guererri, Chris Higgins and Tony Steiner were looking for starting spots in their first Advance Series shows while Mike Storms and Larry Wight qualified in their tour debuts on Thursday at Virginia Motor Speedway where Wight finished eighth and Storms settled for 21st in the Sawyer Memorial. Along with their Advance Series stints, regular Saturday stops in ’08 include Can-Am Motorsports for Wight and Orange County Fair Speedway for Storms. Higgins also frequents Can-Am while Fisher and Guererri call Canandaigua Speedway home on the weekend. Central New York circuit followers Fink and Steiner plan to spend most of the summer gaining valuable track time at sister tracks in Brewerton and Fulton.
Planck Off To Fast Start: For the second straight Advance Series outing, Dale Planck posted the fastest time in practice but at Rolling Wheels on Sunday the Cortland, New York standout went on to set fast time. He helped his own cause by grabbing the zero-numbered ping pong ball out of the Advance Auto Parts cap negating any inversion for the heat race line-ups. Planck went on to win his qualifier yet selected the highest number (12) possible to start the first 50-lapper outside row six and went on to finish eighth. The ‘Natural’ proved it was certainly no fluke in the nightcap as he charged from fifth to first in 32 laps under green flag conditions and opened up nearly a 3.5-second margin of victory at the stripe.
Timely Tour Event: The 40th Season-Opener at Rolling Wheels was run off at a steady pace with 34 DIRTcar Sportsman Modified teams joining the nearly 40 drivers participating in Big-Block activity. Integra Shocks Time Trials required just 18 minutes to clock all 39 Advance Series entries, with less than an hour needed to run off 100 laps of tour race action. The opener was slowed by three yellow flags and round two required just two slowdowns with only green flag laps counting in both main events. Sunny, windy conditions did their best to tarnish the track surface, but the professional race teams on hand put forth a superb effort to keep the show rolling, with the final checkered flag falling well before 9pm.
Pot Holes: In the customary pre-race drivers meeting pre-empted by an invocation from Pastor David Wells, a prayer was sent along to Modified pilot Brett Tonkin who was involved in a serious highway accident on his way home Thursday from Virginia Motor Speedway…..LJL Racing mainstay John Wight provided $100 bonuses on behalf of Gypsum Wholesalers, Inc. & Gypsum Express Ltd. with Pat O’Brien (race 1, 14th) and Rob Bellinger (race 2, 19th) receiving awards in the random pre-race drawing for payoff positions…..Additional random drawings will be made before every Advance Series race to determine the Penske Power Positions. A $100 Penske Shock certificate will be the reward in this unique product promotion, with Steve Hulsizer (25th) and Kevin Bates (22nd) among the first recipients. David VanHorn (13th) collected the initial award at Virginia Motor Speedway on May 1…..Matt Sheppard was hoping his fifth-place draw at Rolling Wheels would result in the same success enjoyed at VMS where he pocketed the $10,000 top prize after also starting fifth. He finished in the same position in the first 50-lapper before fading to 13th in round two…..Sean Beardsley kicked off the ’08 Advance Series in Virginia steering Alan Fink’s no. 11j JIR Motorsports/Troyer and finished up in it Sunday at Rolling Wheels. In between, Beardsley ran his own no 18 Town Mechanical- State Water Heaters/Troyer machine in the RWR opener before suffering mechanical problems to finish 27th and earn a Holley Hard Luck Award in the aftermath…..Continuing to follow a specials-only format, Rolling Wheels hosts the second of its three tour events on Labor Day with a 110-lap feature on September 1 commemorating the 10th successive season of support from the nationally recognized Advance Auto Parts chain.
UPCOMING EVENT
Competition in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series closes out the month of May with the first of two events slated to run at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport this season as the 17th Annual Hall of Fame 76 takes center stage at The Port on May 25 of Memorial Day Weekend.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Billy Decker
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Dale Planck
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway Fulton,NY
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway Ransomville,NY
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway Brockville,ONT
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Granby,QUE
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville,QUE
Sun-Jul 13 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway Bechtelsville,PA
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Thorold,ONT
Fri-Aug 8 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton,NY
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
ALAN DELLINGER DOUBLES DOWN AT TRI-CITY WINNING FASTRAK LATE MODEL AND E MOD FEATURES; KEVIN BOLLAND SCORES MOD WIN
by Brian Spaid
May 4, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FRANKLIN, PA ... Tri-City Speedway hosted its second show of the 2008 racing season on Sunday night with 106 cars in the pit area, and the night proved to be historical as Alan Dellinger captured two feature wins in the FASTRAK Late Models and E Mods. This was the first time the feat was achieved in the track's modern era, which began in 1996. The last time it occurred was in the 1970s when the legendary Ed Lynch pulled the trick several times while racing Super Sprints and DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds.
On a sunny and cool night, the feature winners included Kevin Bolland (Engles Trucking DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds), Alan Dellinger (4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models and RPM Auto Sales/Sherry Shawgo Real Estate E Mods), Jason Reagle (E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks) and Chadd Uber (Klapec Auto Body Thundercars).
Kevin Bolland of New Brighton, Pa., started his weekend by crashing his car heavily on Thursday night in an Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series race at Virginia Motor Speedway. Bolland and his crew toiled throughout the weekend to get their Northland Ford/Cintas Uniform Bicknell No. 777 ready to race. Their hard work paid off in spades as Bolland rolled to his first win of the season and his 30th career win at Tri-City.
"I'd like to thank my crew," said Bolland, who is a three-time track champion. "Without their hard work, we wouldn't be here tonight. This win means a lot to our team after our crash in Virginia. We spent a lot of time on the road and in the shop."
After early leader Jim Rasey crashed into the end of the third turn wall at the entrance to the pit area, Dave Schrader took command of the race. He only led one circuit before Bolland took the outside lane past Schrader for the lead on the third lap. Once out front, Bolland was peerless. He pulled out to a large advantage over Rex King. Towards the end of the race, lapped traffic caused some havoc for Bolland, but he was able to maintain his lead with no difficulties. King finished second over Joe Crawford, who finished third for the second week in a row. Del Rougeux Jr. and Schrader rounded out the top five. Jeremiah Shingledecker and Andy Priest won the DIRTcar Big Block Modified heats for the 21-car field.
Alan Dellinger of Hermitage, Pa., started the night with his first win at Tri-City in the FASTRAK Late Model 20-lap main. With the win, Dellinger became the first driver in the modern era to win in three different divisions at the track. His other victories came in the DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds and the E Mods. This night, Dellinger drove the Bob Williams Motorsports Bullitt No. 8 to victory by leading every circuit from the outside pole position. It was the first race this season for the chassis, which Dellinger and Williams won for their 2007 FASTRAK Northeast Touring Series championship.
"I like this track," said Dellinger in victory lane. "Bob put a great car together. This was the first night out with it, so we did pretty good. I love to run any car with tires and a racing engine in it."
Two crashes slowed the start of the race, but failed to stop Dellinger's dominance. Tom Snyder Jr. gave chase after Dellinger over the first five circuits. Third generation star Max Blair moved into second on the sixth circuit. At first, it appeared as if Blair had the horses to challenge Dellinger. However, Blair seemed to fade over the final half of the race. In the end, Dellinger topped Blair. Mike Pegher Jr. finished third in a car owned by Late Model legend Lynn Geisler. Pegher made a three-wide move at the halfway mark of the race to take the show position, which he held to the end of the race. Butch Lambert and former E Mod track champion Bobby Powell rounded out the top five. Powell took fifth from Snyder with four laps remaining in the event. Former Thundercar champion Chad Myers and Snyder won the FASTRAK Late Model heat races for the 21-car field.
Dellinger continued his historical night in the 15-lap E Mod feature also leading every circuit, this time driving Dwayne Clay's Clay Trucking Jetcar No. 008. Similar to the FASTRAK Late Model main, Dellinger started on the outside pole position. Taking the lead at the start, Dellinger held off local favorite Shawn Shingledecker through three late-race restarts to win his ninth career E Mod feature at Tri-City. It was Dellinger's first win in the class at the track since September 21, 2002.
"I'd like to thank Dwayne for giving me a chance to race his car this year," said Dellinger. "This car has the same rear tires and wheels on it that I ran in the CSOnline Applefest 100 two years ago (when Dellinger was disqualified after a win for an engine violation). It was fun tonight. We had a good run."
For the entire race, Dellinger and Shingledecker were the class of the field. The 12th lap was about all Shingledecker had to work with to try to defeat Dellinger. Three cautions slowed the race for that single circuit starting with debris and followed by two multi-car crashes. On the final restart, Shingledecker had his best chance of the race to catch Dellinger. He drove his car to the inside lane at each end of the half-mile, but Dellinger was undaunted on the high side. At the finish, Dellinger topped Shingledecker, Jim Frontz, Mike Potosky and Evan Taylor. Frontz and Mike Potosky captured the E Mod heats over the 19-car field.
On Sunday May 11th, Tri-City Speedway celebrates Mother's Day as Red Express Presents Five-Star Racing that features the Engles Trucking DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds, 4 Your Car Connection FASTRAK Late Models, RPM Auto Sales/Sherry Shawgo Real Estate E Mods, E.F. Rogers Plumbing & Heating Pro Stocks and Klapec Auto Body Thundercars on the half-mile dirt track. The annual Mother's Day Powder Puff Race will also be run featuring a combined class of Pro Stocks and Thundercars. Gates open at 4 p.m. and racing starts at 6 p.m. Adult grandstand admission will be a family friendly $11.
DIRTcar BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS (20 Laps): 1. KEVIN BOLLAND, 2. Rex King, 3. Joe Crawford, 4. Del Rougeux Jr., 5. Dave Schrader, 6. Andy Priest, 7. Jeremiah Shingledecker, 8. Eric Gabany, 9. Kevin Hoffman, 10. Brad Rapp, 11. Skip Moore, 12. Carl Murdick, 13. Jim Rasey, 14. Dean Pearson, 15. Mike Turner, 16. Tommy Kristyak, 17. Kyle Fink, 18. Brian Sadler, 19. Steve Feder, 20. Dave Murdick. DISQ: Rex King Jr. (failed to weigh after race).
FASTRAK LATE MODELS (20 Laps): 1. ALAN DELLINGER, 2. Max Blair, 3. Mike Pegher Jr., 4. Butch Lambert, 5. Bobby Powell, 6. Tom Snyder Jr., 7. Carl McKinney, 8. Jim Frank, 9. Chad Myers, 10. Justin Kann, 11. Dave Lyon, 12. Scott Myers, 13. Bobby Whitling, 14. Dereck Frank, 15. Dave Airgood Jr., 16. Wayne Mohawk, 17. Chris Haines, 18. Steve Hollabaugh, 19. Rick Robinson, 20. Tyler Dietz, 21. Drew Koteles.
-end-
Decker & Planck Drink From DIRT Cup After Advance Series Wins At The Wheels
Elbridge, NY – May 4, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
Billy Decker successfully defended his title for a second straight year and Dale Planck scored his first-ever victory at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park as they each captured a leg of the Dig Safely New York 28th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup Advance Auto Parts Super DIRT Series event presented by Ferris Mowers on Sunday evening at the ‘Fast Track.’ The twin 50-lap Big-Block Modified feature races awarded the winners $3,000 each as well as valuable points in the 25-race Advance Auto Parts Series that culminates with the crowning of the overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Champion for a 33rd straight year in October.
Brett Hearn was the best on the day, securing runner-up honors in the first round then placing fourth in the nightcap to overtake opening day winner Matt Sheppard atop the Advance Series point standings through three races.
Decker started on the pole in John Wight’s Gypsum Wholesalers no. 91 Stadium Int'l-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell entry and led the entire distance to score the convincing win in Rolling Wheels’ 40th season opener on a sunny but cool day in Central New York. Only three caution periods slowed the race with the 1998 Mr. DIRTcar titlist building up a comfortable 10 car-length margin over Hearn under the checkered flag, followed by Jimmy Phelps, Gary Tomkins and Sheppard.
The top-12 were positions were inverted to start the second 50-lapper and outside pole-sitter Steve Paine took advantage of his front row spot to jump ahead of point man Alan Johnson on the initial circuit. Paine ran untouched ahead of the pack until Planck finally tracked him down aboard Carey Terrance’s RezX Racing no. 77x Grow It Hydroseeding/TEO machine to forge the final lead change on lap 33.
The second-generation driver from Cortland, New York pulled out to over a three second lead at the stripe chased by Paine, Danny Johnson, Hearn and Phelps. Planck was also the Integra Shocks fast timer in qualifications, touring the spacious 5/8-mile Elbridge oval in a time of 20.094 seconds for an average speed of 111.974 mph.
Big-Block Modified race teams following the Advance Auto Parts Series get a three-week break from tour action before returning to the home of DIRTcar Racing NorthEast for the traditional Memorial Day Weekend stop across town at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport. On tap Sunday, May 25 is the 17th Annual Northeast Modified Hall of Fame Classic, this year highlighted by a 76-lap main event offering a $6,000 winner’s share.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Races #2 & #3 – Rolling Wheels Raceway Park, May 4, 2008 Ferris Mowers presents ‘28th DIRT Challenge Cup Twin 50s’ Big-Block Modified Event Summary
Feature #1
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 2 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY($3,000)
2 1 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
3 6 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
4 4 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
5 5 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
6 3 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
7 8 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
8 12 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
9 13 27j Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
10 7 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
11 11 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
12 25 10 Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
13 9 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
14 15 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
15 10 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel,PA
16 21 56 Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
17 19 99b Chuck Bower/Lansing,NY
18 20 16 Mike Bowman/Baldwinsville,NY
19 26 21 Derrick Podsiadlo/Penn Yan,NY
20 22 79 Mike Storms/Wantage,NJ®
21 23 8 Rob Bellinger/Dexter,NY
22 28 43 Keith Flach/Ravena,NY
23 27 5 Jason Potter/Pulaski,NY
24 16 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
25 18 88 Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
26 14 62s Tom Sears Jr./Clay,NY
27 24 18 Sean Beardsley/Central Square,NY
28 29 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
29 30 44 Shannon Whaley/Pavilion,NY
30 17 48too Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY
LAP LEADER: Decker (1-50).
CAUTIONS: 3 (lap 9, lap 31, lap 42).
HEAT WINNERS: Planck, Decker, Hearn, Tomkins.
INTEGRA SHOCKS FAST TIME AWARD: Dale Planck (20.094sec/111.974mph).
CARS ENTERED: 39.
Feature #2
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 5 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
2 2 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
3 4 27j Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
4 11 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
5 10 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
6 1 10 Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
7 3 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
8 7 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
9 9 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
10 12 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
11 6 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
12 24 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
13 8 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
14 16 56 Vince Vitale/Phoenix,NY
15 13 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
16 17 99b Chuck Bower/Lansing,NY
17 20 79 Mike Storms/Wantage,NJ®
18 28 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY®
19 21 8 Rob Bellinger/Dexter,NY
20 23 5 Jason Potter/Pulaski,NY
21 22 43 Keith Flach/Ravena,NY
22 15 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel,PA
23 19 21 Derrick Podsiadlo/Penn Yan,NY
24 18 16 Mike Bowman/Baldwinsville,NY
25 26 62s Tom Sears Jr./Clay,NY
26 29 44 Shannon Whaley/Pavilion,NY
27 *27 18 Sean Beardsley/Central Square,NY
28 14 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
DNS 25 88 Steve Hulsizer/Bridgeport,NY
DNS 30 48too Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY
*#18 Beardsley started rear in #11j Alan Fink car.
LAP LEADERS: Paine (1-31), Planck (32-50).
CAUTIONS: 2 (lap 37, lap 42).
NEXT EVENT: Cayuga County Fair Speedway "Hall of Fame 76" - May 25, 2008.
DID NOT QUALIFY(9)
Heat Races (10 laps, top 5 finishers transferred to feature, top 3 went to re-draw)
#1: Planck, Paine, Bates, D.Johnson, Rauscher, Bellinger, Higgins, Wight, Lewis, Fisher.
#2: Decker, R.Phelps, Brownell, Sears, Hulsizer, Potter, Odasz, Steiner, A.Johnson, Vitale.
#3: Hearn, Haers, Caprara, O’Brien, Bower, Beardsley, Podsiadlo, Fink, Greene, Guererri.
#4: Tomkins, Sheppard, J.Phelps, Dunn, Bowman, Storms, Flach, Isabell, Whaley.
Dig Safely New York Last Chance Races: (10 laps, top 5 finishers transferred to feature)
#1: Vitale, Bellinger, A.Johnson, Potter, Wight, Higgins, Steiner, Fisher, Lewis, Odasz.
#2: Storms, Beardsley, Podsiadlo, Flach, Whaley, Isabell, Fink, Guererri, Greene.
-end-
DIRTcar NE weekend winners
BLACK ROCK (Fri): -rain-
BREWERTON (Fri): -rain-
BROCKVILLE (Sat): Opens May 17
CAN-AM (Sat): Billy Decker, Larry Wight, Jeff Stevenson.
CANANDAIGUA (Sat): -rain-
CAYUGA COUNTY (Sun): Re-Opens May 18
CORNWALL (Sun): Opens May 18
DRUMMOND (Sat): Opens May 17
EDELWEISS (Fri): Opens May 16
FULTON (Sat): SPORTSMAN Rain-Delayed to 5/10
GENESEE (Sat): *Season Opener
GRANBY (Fri): Opens May 16
HUMBERSTONE (Sun): Rob Pratt
LEBANON VALLEY (Sat): -rain-
LERNERVILLE (Fri): Brian Swartzlander
MERRITTVILLE (Sat): -rain-
MOHAWK (Sat): Kyle Jacobs (*Season Opener)
ORANGE COUNTY (Sat): -rain-
RANSOMVILLE (Fri): -rain-
ROLLING WHEELS (Spl): Billy Decker -50L, *Season Opener
28th BIG BLOCK MODIFIED Dale Planck-50L DIRT Challenge Cup
SPORTSMAN James Friesen-25L
THUNDER ALLEY (Fri): -rain-
TRI-CITY (Sun): Kevin Bolland
-end-
MATT JESTER ENDS MILLMAN’S STREAK AT THREE IN DELAWARE MODIFIEDS
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE – Matt Jester likes seeing different winners in the NAPA Big Block Modified division especially when one of those winners is him. Saturday night, Jester hovered in the top five until late in the 25-lap feature before making a charge for the win and ending Tim Millman’s streak at three at the Delaware International Speedway.
George Richardson controlled the first three laps after starting on the pole before a determined Ricky Johnson moved on top. Donnie Radd followed into second with Tim Millman riding in third. Jamie Mills marched through the top five taking fourth.
With Johnson comfortably out front, first Millman, then Mills gave chase from second. At the halfway sign the top five were Johnson, Mills, Jester, Millman and Radd. Mills became the third different leader on the next circuit. The caution was out one lap later as Glenn Richards and Norman Short came to a stop. Under the yellow, the leader Mills headed to the pits with engine problems.
Johnson was now back on top with Jester breathing down his neck. Jester used the quick outside groove to take the lead on lap 17. The race remained green the rest of the distance and Jester, in the Clearview Farms/Smith Concrete/Teo crossed under the checkered for his first win of the season.
“The car was definitely tight tonight,” said Jester. “I had to wait until we opened up a little bit so that I could get on the gas quick. It was definitely good to end that streak.”
Johnson ended a good run in second with Millman third. Fourth went to H.J. Bunting and Robert Dutton secured a solid top five. Heats were won by Bunting and Jester.
This Saturday night the United Racing Company Sprints make their second stop if the season along with the five weekly divisions. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with hot laps at 7 p.m.
RESULTS: 25-lap NAPA Big Block Modified Feature: 1. MATT JESTER; 2. Ricky Johnson; 3. Tim Millman; 4. HJ Bunting; 5. Robert Dutton; 6. Scott Van Gorder; 7. Howard ONeal; 8. Dana Walker;; 9. Judd Mills; 10. Jordan Watson; 11. Dale Hawkins; 12. Glenn Reed; 13. Craig Ott; 14. George Richardson; 15. Chad Clark; 16. Jamie Mills; 17. Donny Radd; 18. Norman Short; 19. Glenn Richards; 20. Joseph Watson; 21. Steve Downs II; DNS: Jeff Brown.
-end-
RANSOMVILLE SPEEDWAY FALLS TO MOTHER NATURE
Ransomville, NY - Friday, May 2nd, 2008 - Mother Nature 1, Drivers 0 at Ransomville Speedway as afternoon rain showers forced officials to pull the plug at 3 pm at the big R. The season opener has been moved one week to Friday, May 9th when Johnston's Restaurant and WJJL 1440 am will present a Full Card of Mighty Taco Modifieds, Original Pizza Logs Sportsman, Ki-Po Chevrolet Streetstocks, and Bobcat of Buffalo Firehall Enduros. Gates will open at 5 pm in the pit area, 6 pm in the grandstands with racing slated for 7:15 pm.
On Friday, May 16th Justin Tyme on the River and Wrate Constructiion Services presents a Full Card plus the Bobcat of Buffalo Firehall Enduro Series.
The first extra distance event will take place on Friday, May 23rd when National Maintenance Contracting Corporation presents the Lucas Oil Modified Shoot-out 50 lap main for the Mighty Taco Modifieds. A Full Card of Racing plus Fireworks fills the card.
For a full schedule log onto www.ransomvillespeedway.com or call the office at 716-791-3602.
-end-
Rain Ends Friday Night Program
By: Joseph Achzet
Fultonville, NY - After a brief rain storm wetted the Glen Ridge grounds, the track crew worked to regain the racing surface and cars took to the track. As the first heat race hit the speedway forcing the calling of the racing action for the evening.
The 2008 season continues next Friday, May 9th with a Mother's Day Special. Gates open at 5pm with racing scheduled for 7:30pm. For more information visit the Glen Ridge web site at http://www.thenewglenridgemotorsportspark.com.
-end-
Sheppard Super In Advance Series Sawyer Memorial Showdown In Virginia
Jamaica, VA – May 1, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
‘Super’ Matt Sheppard was just that Thursday night at Virginia Motor Speedway as the Central New York standout opened the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series with a narrow victory worth a whopping $10,000 in the 2nd Annual Paul Sawyer Memorial presented by Thurston Spring Service, Inc.
The second-generation driver from Waterloo, New York started fifth in the 30-car field, reeled in early pace-setter Duane Howard on lap 39, then held off the popular Pennsylvanian to capture the 60-lap ‘Thursday Thunder’ for Big-Block Modifieds at the immaculate Sawyer Family oval.
The 30-mile Modified main was slowed by eight caution periods with Sheppard outlasting Integra Shocks Fast Timer Howard by .83-seconds to claim his fifth career Advance Series triumph in dramatic fashion. Defending overall Hoosier Tire Mr. DIRTcar Champion Brett Hearn and tour regulars Steve Paine and Billy Decker filled out the front-five ahead of top-10 contenders Gary Tomkins, Jimmy Phelps, Larry Wight, Billy Pauch and Wade Hendrickson.
In just three more days the Advance Auto Parts Big-Block Modifieds are back in action at DIRTcar Racing NorthEast charter member Rolling Wheels Raceway Park with the running of the 28th DIRT Challenge Cup set for Sunday, May 4. Each 50-lap main event pays $3,000 to win and offers valuable points towards the 33rd Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Championship.
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Race #1 – Virginia Motor Speedway, May 1, 2008 Big Block Modified Event Summary
FIN STR CAR# DRIVER
1 5 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY ($10,000)
2 6 4 Duane Howard/Oley,PA
3 9 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
4 13 7x Steve Paine/Waterloo,NY
5 *12 91 Billy Decker/Unadilla,NY
6 24 84 Gary Tomkins/Clifton Springs,NY
7 17 98h Jimmy Phelps/Baldwinsville,NY
8 10 99L Larry Wight/Phoenix,NY
9 14 1w Billy Pauch/Frenchtown,NJ
10 22 85 Wade Hendrickson/Lawrenceville,NJ
11 7 27j Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
12 2 15x Billy Pauch Jr./Frenchtown,NJ
13 4 71 David VanHorn/Phillipsburg,NJ
14 25 14 Rick Laubach/Quakertown,PA
15 18 3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
16 3 fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
17 27 14j Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
18 8 77x Dale Planck/Cortland,NY
19 1 20r Josh Richards/Shinnston,WV
20 29 99 Ryan Phelps/Fulton,NY
21 26 79 Mike Storms/Wantage,NJ
22 28 39w Steve Downs/Georgetown,DE
23 20 357 Stewart Friesen/Niagara-o-t-Lake,ONT
24 30 49 Billy Dunn/Watertown,NY
25 16 19 Tim Fuller/Edwards, NY
26 11 6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
27 23 43 Jim Horton IV/Neshanic Station,NJ
28 15 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel,PA
29 21 777 Kevin Bolland/New Brighton,PA
30 19 29 Jeff Brownell Jr./Waterloo,NY
DNS 31 29h Kenny Wallace/St.Louis,MO
*#91 Decker started in rear with back-up car.
EVENT SUMMARY:
LAP LEADERS: Richards (1-8), Howard (9-38), Sheppard (39-60).
CAUTIONS: 8 (lap 4, lap 12, lap 13, lap 13, lap 28, lap 29, lap 31, lap 56).
TOTAL PURSE: $48,560.
CARS ENTERED: 48.
NEXT EVENT: Rolling Wheels Raceway Park "28th DIRT Challenge Cup" - May 4, 2008.
QUALIFYING
*1 18.056 99.690 4 Duane Howard/Oley,PA
*NEW TRACK RECORD.
Heat Races (10 laps, top 4 finishers transferred to feature, top 2 went to re-draw)
#1: Howard, Wight, O’Brien, Fuller, Horton IV, Beardsley, Scheetz, Isabell, Horton, A.Johnson.
#2: Caprara, D.Johnson, Decker, J.Phelps, Bolland, Dunn, Vitale, Wallace, Greene, Wegner.
#3: Planck, Sheppard, Paine, Haers, Laubach, Tomkins, R.Phelps, Tonkin, Scagliotta, Mills (DNS).
#4: Hearn, Richards, Pauch, Brownell, Hendrickson, Storms, Forte Jr., Downs, Smith.
#5: Pauch Jr., VanHorn, Bates, Friesen, Forte, Rauscher, Monica, Cossaboone, Strickler (DNS).
Dig Safely New York Last Chance Races: (10 laps, top 4 finishers transferred to feature)
#1: Bolland, Horton IV, Laubach, A.Johnson, Beardsley, R.Phelps, Scheetz, Vitale, Horton, Dunn, Wegner, Wallace, Greene, Isabell (DNS).
#2: Hendrickson, Tomkins, Storms, Downs, Tonkin, Forte Jr., Rauscher, Cossaboone, Smith, Scagliotta, Monica, Forte, Strickler (DNS), Mills (DNS).
Provisonals: R.Phelps, Dunn.
Promoter’s Option: Wallace.
Point Standings (Through May 1, 2008)
1. Duane Howard 105
2. Matt Sheppard 103
3. Brett Hearn 95
4. Steve Paine 86
5. Billy Decker 81
6. Gary Tomkins 76
7. Jimmy Phelps 72
8. Larry Wight 71
9. Billy Pauch 66
10. Danny Johnson 63
UPCOMING EVENTS
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series race chasers are back in action closer to home at charter member tracks Rolling Wheels Raceway Park and Cayuga County Fair Speedway. Rolling Wheels hosts the 28th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup on May 4 before the month closes out at Cayuga County with the 17th Annual Hall of Fame 76 on May 25 of Memorial Day Weekend.
2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Schedule
NP=Non-Point event.
*All events subject to change.
DAY-DATE TRACK WINNER/RITE AID 200 QUALIFIER
Wed-Feb 13 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Billy Pauch
Thr-Feb 14 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Brett Hearn
Fri-Feb 15 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Dale Planck
Sat-Feb 16 Volusia Speedway Park-NP Jimmy Horton
Sat-Mar 22 Hagerstown Speedway Weather-Cancelled
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway Matt Sheppard
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Sat-Jun 7 Fulton Speedway Fulton,NY
Thr-Jul 3 Ransomville Speedway Ransomville,NY
Thr-Jul 10 Brockville Ont Speedway Brockville,ONT
Fri-Jul 11 Autodrome Granby Granby,QUE
Sat-Jul 12 Autodrome Drummond Drummondville,QUE
Sun-Jul 13 Cornwall Motor Speedway Cornwall,ONT
Wed-Jul 16 Grandview Speedway Bechtelsville,PA
Thr-Jul 31 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
Mon-Aug 4 Merrittville Speedway Thorold,ONT
Fri-Aug 8 Brewerton Speedway Brewerton,NY
Sat-Aug 9 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Aug 16 Can-Am Motorsports Park LaFargeville,NY
Sun-Aug 31 Cayuga Co Fair Speedway Weedsport,NY
Mon-Sep 1 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sat-Sep 6 Lebanon Valley Speedway West Lebanon,NY
Fri-Sep 12 Lernerville Speedway Sarver,PA
Sat-Sep 20 Canandaigua Speedway Canandaigua,NY
Sat-Sep 27 Rolling Wheels Raceway Elbridge,NY
Sun-Oct 12 New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse,NY
Sun-Oct 19 Orange Co Fair Speedway Middletown,NY
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Super DIRTcar Series Storms into Rolling Wheels Raceway Park for 28th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup
Weedsport, NY – May 1, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Rolling Wheels Raceway Park PR and Promotions Coordinator
Rolling Wheels Raceway Park will swing open its gates for the first time in 2008 on Sunday, May 4 for the 28th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup. The event will mark the first Super DIRTcar Series race of the season in the state of New York, and will also feature the DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds.
Pit gates will open at 2pm on Sunday with grandstand admission beginning at 3pm, and the green flag waving at 5pm.
The mighty Big-Block Modifieds of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series will run Twin 50 feature events. Dig Safely New York and Ferris Mowers will present the two 50-lap features.
Last season the 27th edition of the DIRT Challenge Cup featured a 60-lap affair with Billy Decker claiming top honors. Decker dominated the last half of the event, running away from Brett Hearn by over a full straight away for the win. Jimmy Phelps, Tim Fuller, and Matt Sheppard rounded out the top five finishers.
The ‘Fast Track’ in Elbridge, NY is one of the founding Speedways of the DIRTcar banner, and has hosted the most Super DIRTcar Series events of any other Speedway (76). Many of the top teams and drivers throughout the history of DIRTcar Modified racing have graced victory lane, and 2008 should be no different.
Look for Decker and Hearn to battle at the top once again with Jimmy and Ryan Phelps, Sheppard, Alan Johnson, Gary Tomkins, and the rest of the gang tight on their heels.
Joining the Big-Block Modifieds will be the DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds. The GM Crate engine class has been the toast of the early 2008 season, with tremendous racing and car counts across the state.
Chris Hile, Paul Guererri, Todd Henderson, Chris Higgins, and Joe Williams picked up wins last year at the ‘Fast Track’. However, all but Henderson have moved up to the 358 or Modified divisions. As a result look for Henderson to be one of the favorites, but drivers like Tim Currier, Dan Wiesner, Eric Giguere and recent first time feature winner Dave Marcuccilli will have something to say about that in the running of the ‘Westbury Lumber 25.’
Tickets for the 28th Annual DIRT Challenge Cup will be made available at the gate. Adult general admission is set at $20, $18 for Seniors (Age 65+), $5 for children (Ages 10-14), and those under the age of 9 are FREE.
For more information phone the DIRTcar Northeast headquarters during regular business hours at 315-834-6606, or visit www.rollingwheelsraceway.com
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Ready, Set, Go, it’s Autograph Night Friday at Brewerton
Brewerton, NY (4-31-08) Fans of all ages always look forward to meeting their favorite driver, well this Friday the fans will get their first opportunity of 2008. Besides an autograph, the fans may get that special picture taken, with their favorite pilot. You can either have the picture taken with your camera or get it done professionally by the track photographer for a fee.
Now some are under the impression that this only includes the Modified drivers, but that not true because every driver has been asked to participate.
Brenda Rice, driver of the #77 ESDCA Mod Lite states, "it's a ball, I enjoy the time with the fans. After the races, sometimes your busy and can't see everyone you want to, but on the front stretch, it's a great atmosphere and just for autographs."
"I'm a little shy, but I enjoy the fans a bunch, so I'm looking forward to it," 15 yr old Larry Wight said. What about having all the young girls wanting your time? "It's not a bad thing, I like talking with everybody, especially the girls," Wight said.
Veteran Modified driver Alan Johnson say's, "I have done hundreds of these and they never get boring. We are because of the fans and signing autographs is just part of our obligation of giving back to them."
If your unfamiliar with the Brewerton Speedway it is located between the Village of Central Square and the Village of Brewerton on Route 11. You can visit www.brewertonspeedway.com for directions and all related track info or call (315)668-2526.
Besides the DIRTCar Big Block Modifieds, IMCA Mods, ESDCA Mod Lites, $ Cylinder Super Stocks and a $ Cylinder Enduro are all on the evenings race schedule.
Gates open at 5:30, Pit Passes for Members are $20.00 and $25.00 for non members. General Admission prices are $12:00 for adults 15and older. Children ages 10 -14 are $5.00 and kids 9 and under are free.
For more information, please contact the speedway office at (315) 668-2526 or visit the official website at www.brewertonspeedway.com
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Fulton Speedway To Open In Big Fashion For 2008
Fulton, NY- Dave Medler/ Rich Vleck (April 30th) - Last Saturday night cars were rolling into Fulton speedway at 5pm when the gates were set to open for the first race of the 2008 season when the skies opened up and put an end to the season opener.
"When we looked at the radar and other tracks already cancelling we knew it was the right thing to do," said track promoter Art Halliday. "With the price of gas now we didn't want our racers and fans have to come to the track for no reason."
This Saturday night, May 3rd the season will kick off in big fashion as the ASCS - Patriot Sprints will kick off their 2008 season. Also on the card will be the DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds and the popular Street Stocks.
In last year's season opener, Chuck Hebing survived a major scare in the closing laps, catching the inside berm and at one point having all four wheels clear off the ground, to win his second-straight season opener.
This race might be of larger significance as the winner of the first ASCS Patriot race of the season has gone on to win the series championship each of the last three years. Drivers like Hebing, Howland, Jared Zimbardi, Don Adamczyk and more hope to set themselves up to become the fourth this weekend.
This will also be the first race with the all-new race format; taking the top eight cars in passing points and having them redraw for the feature. The six cars behind them in passing points will now have the opportunity to run the Riverside Bar and Grill Four Laps of Fame Race, which will help them get ready to charge forward in the first 25-lap feature of the year.
The ASCS Patriots have the best rookie class assembled in recent memory as no fewer than five drivers will vie for the Insinger Race Fuels Rookie of the Year Title. Robbie Shuttleworth and Jimmy Broderick move up from mini and micro sprint ranks this year while Brewerton residents Joe August Jr. and Tim Devendorf have short travel to run their first sprint races. Rounding out the known class of 2008 is T.J. Newton, who will split time between his own 360 Late Model and the Eric and Eileen Smith No. 57 Sprint this year.
This will also be the first race of the A-Verdi Storage Containers King of Central New York Series, which began and ended at the 3/8-mile Oswego County clay oval last season. The brand new ASI Racewear t-shirts highlighting that series, along with hoodies, hats, magnets and more will help to fill the Ohsweken Speedway sponsored merchandise trailer that will be on hand.
Early indications are for one of the most impressive car counts of the season, with drivers from both Southern and Northern Ontario, Western New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Connecticut already confirmed for this superstar event.
The Sportsman Modifieds look to have a banner year going by car counts at area speedways in the first year of crate only engines. Defending track champion Jeremy Pitcher in the MDV Construction, No.14 looks to defend his title.
The UMP Street Stocks will also thrill the fans with Ron Hawker 2007 track champion looking to hold off all competition. Last season most of their races came down to the last lap to have a winner.
Saturday night general admission is $14 for adults, kids 10 to 14 years of age $7 and 9 years old and under as free. Gates open at 5pm with the first green flag at 7pm.
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Trio Of Mr. DIRTcar Modified Championship Series Events Highlight May Agenda
Weedsport, NY – April 30, 2008 – By Tom Skibinski, DIRTcar Racing NorthEast PR Director
May marks the second month of Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series competition in 2008 with the opening three events scheduled all part of the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds.
The second Mr. DIRTcar Sportsman Championship Series race closes out the month in Central New York.
Overall Mr. DIRTcar Champions will once again be determined by tabulating points earned in the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series for Big-Block Modifieds and the Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series for 358-Modified, Sportsman, Pro Stock and Street Stock teams along with bonuses collected in each divisional DIRTcar Regional Racing Series. This year the track bonus formula is identical for all five touring classes.
To gain access to DIRTcar Racing Series headline stories during the upcoming season, log into http://www.dirtcar.com and select ‘Series’ at the top then choose Mr. DIRTcar Series (#7) and hit ‘GO’ on right. Specific information about the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series can be found at www.superdirtcarseries.com. Bookmark each selection for quick review at a later time.
Mr. DIRTcar Championship Series Schedule of Events: MAY
DAY-DATE TRACK/LOCATION CLASS
Thr-May 1 Virginia Motor Speedway/Jamaica,VA MOD
Sun-May 4 Rolling Wheels Raceway/Elbridge,NY MOD
Sun-May 25 Cayuga Co. Fair Speedway/Weedsport,NY MOD
Mon-May 26 Rolling Wheels Raceway/Elbridge,NY SPT
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DOUBLE FEATURES HIGHLIGHT THE RACING CARD AT FONDA THIS SATURDAY
By: Ron Szczerba
FONDA, NY – Because of a rain out last Saturday evening (April 26) the month of May at the Track of Champions Fonda Speedway will start out with the excitement of double features in the Modified, Sportsman, and Pro Stock divisions on Saturday, May 3.
Also on the racing card will be the IMCA, Street Stock, and Budget Sportsman divisions with a starting time of 6:00 p.m. for all events in the month of May.
On Saturday, May 10 there will be a regular show in all divisions along with Kiddie Rides followed by a regular show in all divisions on Saturday, May 17 which will be Student Night.
Then on Saturday, May 24 the first event of the five race Go Green NMX Fonda Thunder Series for Modifieds will be run consisting of a 40-lap $4000 to win event along with a regular show in all other divisions to start off the Memorial Day weekend.
The Empire Super Sprint (ESS) tour closes out the month on Saturday, May 31 with the running of the 5th Annual Earl Halaquist Memorial event paying $2000 to the winner. There will also be a Dash for Cash for the Sprint cars sponsored by Gabriel’s IGA Market of Scotia, NY.
Last year Justin Barger was the winner of the Halaquist Memorial event at Fonda with other winners from previous years (races which were run at different tracks other than Fonda) including Blake Breen (2004), George Suprick (2005), Chuck Hebing (2006), and Barger (2007).
Also on the racing card on Saturday, May 31 will be the continuation of the 360 Sprint Open that was rained out on Saturday, April 26 after four laps were completed (Barger was in the lead at that point with Dan Kaszubinski second) along with all of the other regular divisions.
Last May drivers at Fonda were winning features in pairs as Bobby Varin (Modified), John Scarborough (Sportsman), defending Pro Stock Track Champion Kenny Gates (Pro Stock), defending IMCA Track Champion Jeremy Cramer (IMCA), and John Babcock (Street Stock) all accomplished the feat with single feature victories last May going to defending Modified Track Champion Matt DeLorenzo (Modified), defending Sportsman Track Champion David Towns (Sportsman), Nick Stone (Pro Stock), Aaron Jacobs (IMCA), and Rocky Warner (Street Stock).
Be sure to come to the Track of Champions in 2008 to “Feel the Thunder”. Fonda Speedway is located off of exit 28 of the New York State Thruway. For more information you can call (518) 382-3115 Monday through Friday, (518) 853-4235 on race day or you can go to their website at www.fondaspeedway.com
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Celebrate Cinqo de Mayo This Saturday Night at Canandaigua Speedway
Weedsport, NY – April 30, 2008 – By Dan Kapuscinski, Canandaigua Speedway PR and Promotions Coordinator
Vault Energy Drink presents ‘Cinqo de Mayo 5/5/5/5 Night at the Races’ this Saturday, May 3 at Canandaigua Speedway. Fans can purchase 5 admissions/5 hot dogs/5 fries/ and 5 drinks for just $50. The DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds, DIRTcar Sportsman Modifieds, UMP Street Stocks, and PureStox take the green at 7pm.
Pit windows will open at 4pm, with grandstand admission beginning at 5pm.
Personal Seat Licenses continue to be available. Along with your personalized seat, you will also receive four DIRTcar “5-Packs.” Each 5pak coupon is good for (1) admission to all regular season events. For special events, each coupon can be used as a $12 credit towards admission.
Providing another great deal for fans, single purchases of “5-Pack” tickets can be purchased for $48.
Tickets for all regular season events will be made available at the gate. Adult general admission is set at $12, $10 for Seniors (Age 65+), $5 for children (Ages 10-14), and those under the age of 9 are FREE.
Pit admission for DIRTcar Northeast members will be $20, while non-members will be admitted for $25.
Last Saturday’s racing action was cancelled due to severe thunderstorms in the western New York area. This weekend will mark the second event of the season, coming off an outstanding opening weekend on April 19.
Billy Decker, Eric Giguere, Adam Depuy, and Jim Cronin picked up feature wins on opening night and as a result lead their respective point battles. Look for much of the same fast paced, high energy action this weekend on ‘Cinqo de Mayo Night at the Races.’
For more information call the DIRTcar Northeast headquarters at 315-834-6606 or log on to www.canandaiguaspeedway.com.
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Everything Full Speed Ahead for Historic Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series sanctioned Paul Sawyer Memorial at Virginia Motor Speedway
Jamaica, VA – Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway offices are hard at work making preparations for what is set to be a historic event for big block modifieds in the Commonwealth State this Thursday May 1st. The 2nd Annual Paul Sawyer Memorial presented by Thurston Spring Service, Inc. will mark the second visit by the Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series big block modifieds to the very fast ½ mile in Jamaica, VA. Only this time it will be for an almost $50,000 purse.
“Everything is full speed ahead for Thursday’s Paul Sawyer Memorial; we’ve had a tremendous amount of calls in reference to the tornadoes that devastated Southeastern Virginia yesterday, thank you to everyone that has checked to see if we are ok. The area where the track is located was not affected by the storm and we are hard at work getting the track ready for this historic event. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all that were affected by the storms,” commented Track owner Bill Sawyer.
The history making 60 lap, $10,000 to win affair for the northeast big block modifieds will be paired with a $5000 to win super late model event as well. The almost $50,000 purse is the largest one day pay out in the series history.
“This is easily the biggest single-day event in Advance Series history for the Big-Blocks,” declared Cory Reed, DIRTcar Northeast Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning. “Right now only Super DIRT Week at the Syracuse Mile and Eastern States Weekend at Orange County can rank ahead of this one. With $10-grand on the line for 60 laps of green flag racing it’s already attracted the top racers from up and down the coast. We can’t thank the Sawyer Family enough for giving our teams this great opportunity to participate in such a special show and kick off the tour in the most grandiose fashion.”
The event will also feature NASCAR stars Kenny Schrader and Kenny Wallace behind the wheel of a dirt car on the ultra fast ½ mile facility in Jamaica, VA. Schrader will be behind the wheel of his super late model with Wallace piloting a big block modified for only the second time in his career.
Competitor gates for Thursday, May 1st will open at 4pm with spectator gates opening at 5pm. On track activities will begin at 6:45pm with hot laps. Divisions scheduled to race on Thursday May 1st: Advance Auto Parts Super Dirtcar Series (60 Laps) and Super Late Models (40 Laps). Advance Auto Parts Super Dirtcar Series will run a complete SDS format. Super Late Models will run Hot Lap Time Trials (Top 14 set for ‘A’ Main), Heats, B Main and Feature.
All seats are general admission with adults tickets $22; Senior’s (60+) $20, military $20, Students 13 - 17 are $15, children 7 – 12 are $10 and children 6 and under are free with a paying adult.
Day of show admission will see adults tickets $25; Senior’s (60+) $23, military $23, Students 13 – 17 are $15, children 7 – 12 are $10 and children 6 and under are free with a paying adult.
Advance tickets can be purchased and held at will call by calling the Speedway at (804) 758-1867 or coming by the offices between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Mastercard and Visa accepted. To view a seating chart visit www.vamotorspeedway.com/tickets.
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Billy Decker get up on two wheels! Photo ©Boris Rudzinski
Billy Decker Fills Hot Seat For Advance Series Showdown In Virginia
Weedsport, NY – April 29, 2008 - By Tom Skibinski, Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series PR Director
The DIRTcar Racing NorthEast circuit is just getting underway and Billy Decker has already established himself as a favorite in the mighty Big-Block Modified ranks. The next test for the Unadilla, New York veteran comes this Thursday when the 2008 Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series officially opens at Virginia Motor Speedway.
The 2nd Annual Paul Sawyer Memorial is slated for May 1 with Decker ready to lead a caravan of Modified of teams into the Old Dominion State in their quest for the lucrative $10,000 top prize.
“I’ve been around long enough now to know you can go from hero to zero pretty quick, but right now we’re enjoying a nice roll on the weekend,” said Decker, 43, who doubled up recently with opening day victories at both Brewerton and Canandaigua speedways, then returned to Brewerton on Friday to score a second straight triumph. Since joining owner John Wight’s Gypsum Team in 2004, the ‘Franklin Flyer’ has now logged 38 Big-Block feature wins with 11 coming in Advance Series competition.
“The Series brings all the top teams together but there’s still good competition around here on a weekly basis. And I know Virginia will be even better with the big purse. As far as I’m concerned we race against probably the best guys week in and week out all season so we’re ready go right now,” added Decker, who registered his last opening round tour win exactly eight years ago at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park, the only time the Advance Series led off with a 200-lap main event on April 30, 2000.
Decker will have to bring his ‘A’ game to the Sawyer Family facility as nearly 50 of the top teams in Big-Block Modified racing today have already signed up. The list of Advance Auto Parts Series regulars includes defending overall Mr. DIRTcar Champion Brett Hearn, rivals Alan and Danny Johnson, Jimmy Phelps, Steve Paine, Gary Tomkins, Dale Planck, Matt Sheppard, Justin Haers, Vic Coffey and Tim Fuller.
The field will be filled by talented newcomers Ryan Phelps, Billy Dunn, Kevin Bates, Sean Beardsley, Larry Wight and Joe Isabell, as well as Canadian Pat O’Brien in his first full-fledged Series assault. February Florida tour winners Billy Pauch and Jimmy Horton will also be gunning for the lion’s share along with prominent national entries Kenny Wallace (Cup Series) and Josh Richards (WoO LM).
“You still have to prepare hard no matter who you race against if you want to win,” Decker said. “It’s always a battle trying to stay on top of this game. Win or lose, you just have to keep working at it to make any gains and try to stay ahead. When you run into trouble bad things can compound in a hurry so you can never rest. You’re always looking to find any little advantage to keep the car up front.”
Serving as Vice-President and Operations Manager of the family business Quality Hardwoods during the day, Decker spent very little time up front last May under the lights at VMS. He posted the second-fastest time trial before drawing the pole to start the 60-lap Modified main yet the Gypsum Wholesalers no. 91 Stadium International-Quality Hardwoods/Bicknell machine www.gypsumracing.com only lasted 15 laps as a front panhard bar mount broke to end his day 30th on the final scoresheet.
“We’ve raced a few times at Virginia but I’ve never come away too happy,” noted Decker, who placed 15th in his most recent trip to VMS steering a WoO LM on April 11. “We run a similar set-up at most tracks in the Advance Series but what we did everywhere else didn’t seem to apply there. Last year we always had one of the top cars, that wasn’t the case at Virginia. We just haven’t figured the place out yet.”
“The second half of last season we thought we had the best ride at almost every show, just couldn’t get the deal done. We’ll be running the same car we finished out the year so we’re more confident heading south. When you’ve got an experienced team with all the pieces in place you can’t help but expect to win. Mr. DIRT is our goal every year so we go out there wanting win every race. Everybody else is trying to do the same thing so that’s the biggest challenge. But it’s the competition that keeps us motivated to do even better the next time out,” added the four-time Syracuse Rite Aid 200 winner, who secured his lone Mr. DIRTcar Big-Block Modified Championship in 1998.
Pit gates at Virginia Motor Speedway will swing open Thursday at 4pm and grandstands are scheduled to open at 5pm. Integra Shocks Time Trials for the Big-Block Modifieds follow 6:45pm practice with qualifying heats coming immediately afterwards.
Contact Director of Competition & Track Sanctioning Cory Reed at the DIRTcar NorthEast Office (315/834-6606) or log into www.superdirtcarseries.com for additional Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series information. Virginia Motor Speedway www.vamotorspeedway.com (804/758-1867) is located on U.S. Route 17, eight miles north of Saluda and 25 miles south of Tappahannock in Jamaica, Va. The speedway is just a short drive from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Southern Maryland and the Hampton Roads areas.
2nd Annual Paul Sawyer Memorial – Virginia Motor Speedway
Advance Auto Parts Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Driver Roster (April 29)
1 Darwin Greene/Susquehanna,PA
1w Billy Pauch/Frenchtown,NJ
fx1 Frankie Caprara/Watertown,NY
r2 Rusty Smith/Bethlehem,PA
3 Justin Haers/Phelps,NY
5 Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ
6 Pat O'Brien/Kingston,ONT
6j Joe Isabell/Pennellville,NY
