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Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Heads to Batesville for the Inaugural Bad Boy 98 This Weekend
WAYCROSS, GA (May 16, 2012) - The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be sanctioning a unique event this upcoming weekend at Batesville Motor Speedway in Locust Grove, AR. The Inaugural "Bad Boy 98" will be a 98-lap feature event paying $10,000 to win and as a trophy, the feature winner will receive a 2012 Chevy Camaro. The second place finisher in the LOLMDS main event will take home $20,000. As an added bonus, Mark Martin Ford, in association with Batesville Motor Speedway, has put together a special promotion for the fans that attend the event. A special drawing before the feature event will match one fan with each driver in the main event and the fan that is matched with the feature winner will win a 2012 Ford Mustang. The victory lane celebration and photo shoot will include the presentation of both cars to the lucky fan and the feature winner.
The activities will get underway with a practice session on Thursday night, May 17th from 7-9:30pm. On Friday night, May 18th the "Bad Boy 98" will begin with Red Buck Cigar Time Trials and Heat Races for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. On Saturday May 19th there will be a special driver autograph session at 6pm, followed by Hot Laps and two B-mains for the LOLMDS. Following the B-mains, the special draw matching the fans with each driver in the feature will take place and the green flag will wave on the Inaugural "Bad Boy 98" feature event, which pays $1,200 to start.
"This weekend's events will be exciting, not only the for the series, but also for the many great fans that attend this weekend. Batesville Speedway has put together a great promotion for this weekend and we're looking forward to going to Batesville, Arkansas and seeing all the great fans and racers in that part of the country. This event is shaping up to be a great week of racing leading into the Dart Show-Me 100 presented by ProtectTheHarvest.com", stated Ritchie Lewis, Series Director.
Defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion, Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN, currently leads the championship points standings heading into the "Bad Boy 98." Owens has yet to reach Lucas Oil Victory Lane in 2012. He again has shown remarkable consistency just as he did a year ago on his way to his first-career LOLMDS title. Owens has recorded 7-second place finishes this year and leads the hottest driver on the tour, Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN by 145-points.
O'Neal has won three out of the last four LOLMDS events and currently sits in second place in the points followed by 2-time champion, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN, 4-time champion, Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL and Steve Francis of Ashland, KY.
Also competing at Batesville this weekend will be series regulars Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA, 16-year-old phenom Tyler Reddick of Corning, CA, Jared Landers of Batesville, AR, Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL, Austin Hubbard of Seaford, DE, Eric Wells of Hazard, KY, and John Blankenship of Williamson, WV.
Joining the stars of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series this weekend at Batesville Motor Speedway will be several of the top national and regional drivers from that part of the country. The strong field of drivers that normally converge on the track in August for the COMP Cams Topless 100 should make for an exciting event this weekend.
For more information about the "Bad Boy 98" this weekend at Batesville Motor Speedway log onto the track's website at www.batesvillemotorspeedway.net. For info on tickets call (870) 613-1337. The track office number is (870) 251-0011.
For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, visit the series' website at www.lucasdirt.com.
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The Stars of NASCAR, NHRA, INDYCAR and the World of Outlaws Race Under the Lights in
All-Star Event at Eldora Speedway in Support of Feed The Children
Wednesday, June 6 Presented Live on HBO Pay-Per-View®
CONCORD, N.C. (May 15, 2012) – On Wednesday, June 6 in tiny Rossburg, Ohio, stars representing NASCAR, NHRA, INDYCAR and the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series align in a big way with the Prelude To The Dream.
Eldora Speedway will once again play host to the all-star dirt Late Model race featuring more than 25 world renowned drivers as they battle for dirt supremacy on the half-mile clay oval where HBO Pay-Per-View® will present the event LIVE in high-definition to the entire nation. Net proceeds from the telecast will support Feed The Children, a U.S.-based charity that domestically has helped more than 365,000 families since 2009 through its Americans Feeding Americans Caravan.
The eighth annual Prelude To The Dream joins racing luminaries from all disciplines at one track, on one night as they pilot 2,300-pound dirt Late Model stock cars capable of putting out more than 800 horsepower. It is One Perfect Night.
Tony Kanaan of the IZOD IndyCar Series will again compete against Danica Patrick, who in 2012 has made the full transition from IndyCar to NASCAR. They’ll rub fenders with straight-liners Ron Capps and Cruz Pedregon of the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. Dirt regulars Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz, who have collectively won 24 World of Outlaws championships, will race for the first time in dirt Late Models. All will join NASCAR stars such as Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson, Clint Bowyer, Ryan Newman, Kasey Kahne, Bobby Labonte and many others, including a band of brothers: the Busch brothers – Kurt and Kyle – and the Dillon brothers – Austin and Ty.
The live, commercial-free, high-definition broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. EDT (5 p.m. PDT) with an immediate replay. The Prelude To The Dream has a suggested retail price of $24.95 and is available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming in the pay-per-view industry. Ordering information and up-to-the minute racing information is available at either www.PreludeToTheDream.org or www.HBO.com. Updates can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PreludeToDream and on Twitter at twitter.com/PreludeToDream (@PreludeToDream).
The 2012 edition of the Prelude To The Dream includes hot laps, qualifying, heat races and a 40-lap feature with double-file “shootout style” restarts. New participants include Patrick, Kinser, Schatz and Ty Dillon, who will join Stewart, Capps, Kenny Wallace and Kenny Schrader as drivers who have participated in every Prelude To The Dream since 2005, where Wallace was the inaugural winner.
“We have the most diverse group of drivers we’ve ever had for the Prelude, and for the first time, the Prelude will be broadcast in high-definition,” said Stewart, owner of Eldora Speedway and a three-time winner of the Prelude To The Dream. “This year’s event is going to be a can’t-miss show. We’ve added 10 laps to the feature and partnered with a great charity in Feed The Children. You’re going to see some intense racing by everyone, including some drivers completely out of their comfort zone. We’ll all be racing for a trophy, but also to make an impact with the more than 16 million children who are at risk of going hungry right here in America.”
For the top-10 finishers in the Prelude To The Dream, Feed The Children will send a food truck to each driver’s hometown or city of their choice.
“This is an excellent opportunity to bring attention to the nationwide problem of child hunger by working with these world-class drivers,” said Rick England, chairman, Feed The Children board of directors. “Their efforts will allow more families to put food on the table and help us provide a solution to those hard hit by the current economy.”
The seven previous Prelude To The Dream events have collectively raised more than $3.5 million. With each year’s event gaining significant stature and mainstream interest, Stewart’s ultimate goal is to have the 2012 Prelude To The Dream raise $1 million, with the proceeds benefitting Feed The Children.
“It’s an ambitious goal,” admits Stewart, “but if we don’t set the bar high, we’re not pushing ourselves the way we should. That’s our goal, and me and everybody else associated with this event is going to do everything we can to meet that goal. Now, we just need everyone out there to purchase the event, enjoy all the action going on at Eldora, and know that their dollars are going to a very worthy cause.”
“Each year we are thrilled to bring the exciting live action from Eldora into living rooms across the country,” said Tammy Ross, Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View & Sports. “This year’s benefitting organization, Feed The Children charities’ mission is that no child should go to bed hungry, and the HBO Pay-Per-View team is thrilled to bring the Prelude To The Dream to fans everywhere to help further that mission.”
With no points and no pressure, the Prelude To The Dream is a throwback race, allowing drivers to step back in time and compete for the reasons they all went racing in the first place – pride and a trophy. And they’ll do it on the same surface racing legends A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti competed on nearly 50 years ago.
For those who want to see the Prelude To The Dream in person, tickets are available online at www.EldoraSpeedway.com or by calling the track office (937) 338-3815. Act fast – the race has sold out in previous years.
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Don O'Neal Takes Lane Automotive 48 at Hartford Motor Speedway
HARTFORD, MI (May 11, 2012) - Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN won his sixth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event of the season on Friday Night at Hartford Motor Speedway. O'Neal grabbed the lead at the start and was unchallenged almost the entire distance until Tyler Reddick closed in on him with two laps to go. Reddick met misfortune as he cut down a tire while trying to get around a lapped car. O'Neal went on to score the win in the MasterSbilt house-car.
O'Neal earned $10,000 for winning the Lane Automotive 48 Presented by Allstar Performance. It was also the first race in the state of Michigan for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. O'Neal marked his 25th career win in LOLMDS competition. The victory vaulted him back into second place in Lucas Oil Championship Points.
Eric Wells of Hazard, KY recorded his best career LOLMDS finish by taking home second. Austin Hubbard of Seaford, DE finished third, followed by Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, and Jared Landers of Batesville, AR.
O'Neal has now won twice in the last three LOLMDS events. His appearance in Lucas Oil Victory Lane at Hartford completed the night's sweep as he set fast time and won his heat race. "The car was perfect all night long," said the 47-year old driver. "I have to thank Tader Masters, Cody Mahoney, and the whole crew. After wrecking at Paducah last week, they worked hard to get the car ready for tonight. "They (the crew) make my job look easy, this is a big race track, they made us second-guess on tires after they watered the track, but we decided to stay with what we were originally thinking and it paid off."
"I have to thank all my sponsors, Optima Batteries, Independence Lumber, Tarpy Trucking, Seubert Calf Ranches, Superior Cleaning Services, Jones Core, Budda Bert Transmissions, Dragon Race Fuels, and Ohlins Shocks."
O'Neal went almost the entire distance unchallenged until Reddick closed on him in traffic with two laps to go. O'Neal went to the outside of Curt Spalding and slid up in turn two while Reddick tried to go to the bottom and pass Spalding. He made contact with the back of Spalding's car, which cut down the right front tire on Reddick's car. Reddick started 11th on the grid slowed and stopped. This brought out the final caution of the race. The racing behind O'Neal was extraordinary all race long as Wells fought back to get second. Hubbard recorded his best series finish since a second at East Bay in February with his third place run.
Completing the top ten were Steve Francis of Ashland, KY; Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN; Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA; Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN; and John Blankenship of Williamson, WV.
In preliminary action, O'Neal was the Red Buck Cigars Fast Qualifier among the 37 entrants. Heat races were won by O'Neal, Wells, Landers, and Hubbard. Mike Spatola and Curt Spalding took the B-Mains.
Coming up on Saturday Night, May 12th the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be back in action at La Salle Speedway in La Salle, IL for the "Spring Shootout" paying $10,000 to win. For more information visit www.lasallespeedway.com.
Feature Finish - 48 Laps 1. Don O'Neal, 2. Eric Wells, 3. Austin Hubbard, 4. Earl Pearson, Jr., 5. Jared Landers, 6. Steve Francis, 7. Jimmy Owens, 8. Jonathan Davenport, 9. Scott Bloomquist, 10. John Blankenship, 11. Jeep VanWormer, 12. Alan Vochaska, 13. Mike Spatola, 14. Terry Casey, 15. Tyler Reddick, 16. Dennis Erb, Jr., 17. Brian Ruhlman, 18. Phil Ausra, 19. Curt Spalding, 20. JR Hotovy, 21. Ryan VanderVeen, 22. Shannon Babb, 23. Matt Miller, 24. Guy Volk.
Race Statistics
Entrants: 37
Lap Leaders: Don O'Neal (Laps 1 - 48)
Caution Flags: Guy Volk (Lap 13); Debris (Lap 34); Tyler Reddick (Lap 46)
Time of Race: 27 minutes 08 seconds
Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:
1. Jimmy Owens 2180
2. Don O'Neal 2005
3. Earl Pearson, Jr. 1975
4. Scott Bloomquist 1965
5. Steve Francis 1905
6. Jonathan Davenport 1880
7. Tyler Reddick 1825
8. Jared Landers 1815
9. Dennis Erb, Jr. 1780
10. John Blankenship 1730
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Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set for Hartford and LaSalle This Weekend
WAYCROSS, GA (May 8, 2012) - The stars and cars of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be in action this weekend with a first time trip to Hartford (MI) Motor Speedway on Friday Night, May 11th. Then on Saturday Night May 12th the series will travel to the LaSalle Speedway in LaSalle, IL for the second exciting race of the weekend in the upper Midwest. Each event will pay $10,000 to the winner and $800 to start.
The Lane Automotive 48 Presented by Allstar Performance will highlight the Michigan ½ mile at Hartford Motor Speedway this Friday night. Hartford will become the 61st track the series has sanctioned since its inception. John Berglund and everyone at Lane Automotive have been strong supporters of this Hartford Speedway. Lane Automotive is honored to celebrate 48 years of business by sponsoring this event. As special part of their sponsorship, Lane Automotive will host an open house at their beautiful facility on Friday May 11th from 9am till 4pm. Both fans and racers are invited to the open house at their place of business located close to Hartford Motor Speedway just off of I-94 exit 41. For more information about the open house contact John Berglund at (269) 463-4113
The LOLMDS will race at LaSalle Speedway for the ninth time in its history, as the Spring Shootout will take place this Saturday night May 12th. The LaSalle Speedway has been owned and operated by the famed Izzo family since 1992. Over the years they have made numerous improvements and renovations to the ¼ mile speed plant making it one of the most exciting bullrings in the country! For more information on these LOLMDS sanctioned events this weekend, you can visit each tracks official website at www.hartfordmotorspeedway.net and www.lasallespeedway.com.
"We are very excited to take the LOLMDS to the state of Michigan for the first time this weekend. Hartford Speedway has a rich racing history and support from Lane Automotive who will be in attendance this weekend. It should be an amazing night of racing at Hartford and we look forward to entertaining all of the great race fans from the area on Friday night", stated Ritchie Lewis, Series Director. "Then on Saturday night, we visit the the fans at LaSalle Speedway, who have always been very welcoming to the LOLMDS and the drivers. The Izzo family does an outstanding job and we look forward to yet another successful event at their venue. These should be fun-filled events for the fans of the LOLMDS this weekend", Ritchie Lewis went on to say. Further, we continue to pray for Mr. Jim Borden and his family.
Among the entrants this weekend for the Lucas Oil late Model Dirt Series will be the defending series champion, Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN, 4-time series champion, Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, 2-time series champ, Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN, Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN and Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA.
Also on hand will be series regulars Steve Francis of Ashland, KY, Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, IL, Tyler Reddick of Corning, CA, Jared Landers of Batesville, AR, John Blankenship Williamson, WV, Austin Hubbard of Seaford, DE, and Eric Wells of Hazard, KY. Numerous other stars in dirt late model racing will also be on hand as many of the top regional and local racers will be competing as well.
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HAGERSTOWN FIRSTS TO DICKSON AND
Hagerstown, Md. – The son of veteran Kenny Dickson, Lewistown, Pa.’s Nick Dickson put it all together Saturday night at Hagerstown Speedway on Fire and Rescue (EMS) Appreciation and ARCH (Auto Racing Club of Hagerstown) Nights to capture his career first triumph in the Buchanan Auto Stores Late Model Championship Series, a goal he set for this season.
“Our to do list for this year was to win one at Winchester and here and we did it the last two times out,” Dickson said. “We’re thrilled. To win here is so awesome. I’ve struggled here a lot but I knew I was going to get it.”
Dickson started sixth after a redraw by kids from the stands for each of the top nine qualifiers. He was into second on the ninth lap, charged past Gary Stuhler for the lead on lap 13 and later beat him to the finish by 5.28 seconds.
“Tonight is our first win here and this is the place to win. Here is where the cars are. You get a lot of recognition, “Dickson said. “Gary Stuhler, I’ve been watching him since I was born. He’s my hero. To get past him, it’s a tough deal.”
Needmore, Pa.’s Chris Ebersole previously won in the enduro dash races but Saturday’s race was only his third in the Ernie D’s pure stocks and he drove like a veteran to win by a length in a final lap shootout.
“I knew Tony would be all over my bumper,” Ebersole said. “I’m in complete shock that ‘I’m even here this early in the game. It’s amazing.”
Gary Proctor of Big Pool, Md. scored both the make-up D & D Auto Recycling hobby stock feature from the previous week, leading three laps and again in the scheduled event, leading the final ten laps, both coming from 12th place.
Proctor said, “I saw a hole on the inside. I thought to myself. ‘I better take it.’ Sometimes you have to push the limit. I guess I made it four wide.”
Frankie Plessinger charged around the outside to beat pole sitter Dan Stone off the second turn for the late model lead while Stuhler quickly dropped into the runner up position as Dickson was third by lap six.
Following a ninth lap restart, Stuhler, Plessinger and Dickson diced positions with Dickson taking charge on the 13th circuit and saying “goodbye” as he pulled away by three seconds in the next three circuits. Dickson was into rear traffic by the 19th lap but continued to surge towards the finish and stretched his lead to 5.28 seconds over Stuhler at the checkered with Plessinger holding off Stone for third at the line.
“As soon as I got this car, it’s a totally different world than I’m used to,” Dickson said. “Last year and the years before, I was doubting myself a little bit as a driver. Right now, I can’t do wrong. This Mastersbilt by Huey, it’s working well, I feel the motor is strong, the car is stronger, the tires, we’re good right now.”
Stevie Long ended fifth ahead of Alan Sagi and Jerry Bard, the Nininger Tire and Auto Hard Charge who came from 16th. George Moreland, Andy Fries and Roy Deese Jr. completed the top ten.
Stuhler, Dickson and Plessinger won the heats while Ashley Barrett was the consy winner. Tim Murphy received the Nininger Hard Luck award.
Late Model Championship Series, 25 Laps, 27 entries, (Lap leaders Frankie Plessinger 1-6, Gary Stuhler 7-12, Nick Dickson 13-25) –1.Nick Dickson, 2.Gary Stuhler, 3.Frankie Plessinger, 4.Dan Stone, 5.Stevie Long, 6.Alan Sagi, 7.Jerry Bard (Nininger Tire & Auto Hard Charger Award), 8.Kenny Moreland, 9.Andy Fries, 10.Roy Deese Jr. 11.Jamie Lathroum, 12.Ashley Barrett, 13.Duane Harbaugh, 14.Kyle Lear, 15.Tyler Hershey, 16.Glenn Elliott, 17.Ron Delano Jr., 18.Justin Kann, 19.Pancho Lawler, 20.Al Shawver Jr., 21.Al Cheney, 22.Larry Baker, 23.Tim Murphy (Nininger Tire & Auto Hard Luck Award), 24.Charlie Hageage, DNS – Matt Murphy, Rusty Sites, Ronnie DeHaven Jr.
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Moyer Marches to First Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win of the Year at Paducah
PADUCAH, KY (May 5, 2012) - Billy Moyer of Batesville, AR grabbed the lead at the start of the 50-lap Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event and never looked back. He went on to pocket $10,000 for his win on Saturday Night at Paducah International Raceway. It was Moyer's first LOLMDS win of the season and the 14th of his career.
Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN, the current series point's leader, registered yet another runner-up finish. Owens out dueled Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN after the lap 34 restart. Bloomquist finished third as he moved to second in the points. Steve Francis of Ashland, KY finished fourth, followed by Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL.
The race got off to a rocky start when Shannon Babb and last night's winner, Don O'Neal, got together triggering a huge pile-up on the initial start that eliminated several drivers.
Moyer and Bloomquist ran one-and-two for the first 34 circuits as Bloomquist tried several different lines to get around Moyer in traffic. A caution for Jason Feger's blown right rear tire was the break that Moyer was looking for. Feger was running fifth as his tire let go. Moyer benefitted from a clear racetrack in front of him as he went unchallenged by either Owens or Bloomquist. Moyer became the seventh different winner this season on the LOLMDS tour.
Moyer returned to Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the first time since of February of 2011 at East Bay Raceway Park. He was extremely happy with his car's performance tonight. "The car was just awesome all night long. I could drive it anywhere on the track. We had a rough time at Tri-City last night, and the crew had to work hard to get ready for tonight. I have to give the thanks to them," said Moyer.
"I knew starting where we did tonight that we would have an advantage here. The car really exited the corners well, but when we got in all that traffic, I saw Scott there once and I knew I had better get going. I got behind Reddick and followed him for several laps, at that point I was afraid that Scott was going to get by me, but the caution came at the right time for us," said the 54-year-old veteran.
Moyer was especially thankful to Sunoco Race Fuels for powering his way to victory lane tonight.
Owens finished second in the Mike Reece, Reece Monument Company, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bloomquist Race Cars Ford, and extended his points lead to 175-points over Bloomquist.
Completing the top ten were Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, GA; Jared Landers of Batesville, AR; Eric Wells of Hazard, KY; John Blankenship of Williamson, WV; and Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA.
In preliminary action, Jason Feger set the Red Buck Cigars Fast Time amongst the 42 entrants with a lap of 15.690 seconds. Heat races were taken by Jason Feger, Shannon Babb, Billy Moyer, and Don O'Neal. Dennis Erb Jr. and Brian Birkhofer won their respective B-Mains.
Up next for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be a pair of $10,000 to win showdowns next weekend. On Friday Night, May 11th, the series will make its first appearance at Hartford Motor Speedway in Hartford, MI. Then, on Saturday, May 12th, the series returns to LaSalle Speedway in La Salle, IL. Both events will feature Red Buck Cigars Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and 50-Lap main events. For more information on Hartford Motor Speedway or La Salle Speedway, check out the tracks' websites at www.hartfordmotorspeedway.net and www.lasallespeedway.com.
Feature Finish - 50 Laps 1. Billy Moyer, 2. Jimmy Owens, 3. Scott Bloomquist, 4. Steve Francis, 5. Earl Pearson, Jr., 6. Jonathan Davenport, 7. Jared Landers, 8. Eric Wells, 9. John Blankenship, 10. Brian Birkhofer, 11. Klint Byars, 12. Eddie Carrier, Jr., 13. Dennis Erb, Jr., 14. Eric Jacobsen, 15. Austin Hubbard, 16. Tyler Reddick, 17. Jason Riggs, 18. Jason Feger, 19. Brady Smith, 20. Jeff Walston, 21. Jimmy Mars, 22. Shannon Babb, 23. Don O'Neal, 24. Brian Shirley, 25. Tim Brown, 26. Brad Neat.
Race Statistics
Entrants: 42
Lap Leaders: Billy Moyer (Laps 1 - 50)
Time of Race: 36 minutes 34 seconds
Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:
1. Jimmy Owens 1985
2. Scott Bloomquist 1780
3. Earl Pearson, Jr. 1765
4. Don O'Neal 1745
5. Steve Francis 1705
6. Jonathan Davenport 1690
7. Tyler Reddick 1670
8. Dennis Erb, Jr. 1630
9. Jared Landers1600
10. John Blankenship1550
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O'Neal is Outstanding in Winning Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at Tri-City
PONTOON BEACH, IL (May 4, 2012) - It took Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN just four laps to gain the lead as he went on to take the $10,000 to win Spring Classic 50. O'Neal knew he had a good race car when he won the first heat race to earn the pole for Friday Night's Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series event at Tri-City Speedway.
Tyler Reddick of Corning, CA tried to chase down O'Neal in the closing laps as he settled for his best LOLMDS finish of the year to place second. Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, TN held off point's leader, Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN for third. Wendell Wallace of Batesville, AR came home in fifth.
O'Neal came into the race tied for second in Lucas Oil Championship Points and made it to Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the fifth time behind the wheel of the Tader and Keith MasterSbilt house car. "The car was awesome tonight, we didn't qualify like we wanted to, but winning that first heat sure made us feel like we had a great shot at winning here tonight. (Brian) Shirley fired off real good, but our car was so good on the bottom," said O'Neal, who trailed Shirley for the first three laps of the race.
"Our last race in Pennsylvania was not good at all, I think we finished 18th. If we are going to win the championship this year, we can't have finishes like that! This is definitely a step in the right direction. I have to thank Keith, Tader, and the crew. The car was just on a rail tonight," said the 47-year-old. The victory marks the 24th career series win of O'Neal's career.
O'Neal's Jay Dickens Racing Engines powered car is sponsored by Optima Batteries, Independence Lumber, Tarpy Trucking, O'Neal Mulch, Seubert Calf Ranches, Superior Cleaning Services, Jones Core, and Budda Bert Transmission.
O'Neal had very little difficulty maintaining his lead, only once in traffic was Bloomquist able to close ground on him, but after several cautions O'Neal had the dominant car the rest of the race. Reddick was able to wrestle second away from Bloomquist with 15 laps to go.
"We had a really good car tonight, I think if we could have won that first heat we might have been the car to beat tonight. I didn't have anything for Don, but Scott and I had a really good race, we will take this finish, it was our best of the year and head to Paducah," said the driver of the Broken Bow Records, Stoney Creek Records, Bloomquist Race Cars Chevrolet.
Completing the top ten were Brad Neat of Dunnville, KY; Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, WI; Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; John Blankenship of Williamson, WV; and Austin Hubbard of Seaford, DE.
In preliminary action Tyler Reddick was the Red Buck Cigar Fastest Qualifier among the 48 entrants. Heat races were by Don O'Neal, Brad Neat, Brian Shirley, and Scott Bloomquist. Jimmy Owens and Jared Landers won the B-Mains.
Feature Finish - 50 Laps 1. Don O'Neal, 2. Tyler Reddick, 3. Scott Bloomquist, 4. Jimmy Owens, 5. Wendell Wallace, 6. Brad Neat, 7. Jimmy Mars, 8. Earl Pearson, Jr., 9. John Blankenship, 10. Austin Hubbard, 11. Brandon Sheppard, 12. Steve Francis, 13. Dennis Erb, Jr., 14. Jared Landers, 15. Jonathan Davenport, 16. Eric Wells, 17. Brian Shirley, 18. Ronny Lee Hollingsworth, 19. Brady Smith, 20. Duke Whiseant, 21. Shannon Babb, 22. Eddie Carrier, Jr., 23. Chad Zobrist, 24. Kevin Cole, 25. Brian Birkhofer, 26. Billy Moyer.
Race Statistics
Entrants: 48
Lap Leaders: Brian Shirley (Laps 1 - 3); Don O'Neal (Laps 4 - 50)
Caution Flags: Shannon Babb (Lap 1); Billy Moyer, Eric Wells, Austin Hubbard (Lap 1); Debris (Lap 22); Dennis Erb Jr. (Lap 24); Earl Pearson Jr., Jared Landers (Lap 28); Brian Shirley (Lap 38), Debris (Lap 41)
Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:
1. Jimmy Owens 1755
2. Don O'Neal 1620
3. Scott Bloomquist 1560
3. Earl Pearson, Jr. 1560
5. Tyler Reddick 1520
6. Steve Francis 1495
7. Jonathan Davenport 1490
8. Dennis Erb, Jr. 1465
9. Jared Landers 1405
10. John Blankenship 1365
*Points are unofficial until Close of Business on the Tuesday following Race Day*
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2012 Racing Season to Open at Eriez Speedway Sunday night!
Hammet, PA (May 3, 2012) Eriez Speedway is set to throw open the gates this Sunday for the 2012 racing season. After one of the easiest winters in memory, the track is in prime shape for side-by-side fender-banging action with 7 action-packed feature races. This Sunday the Kandy’s Dinner Theater Super Challengers will take center stage for the Dan McGarvie Memorial paying the compact racers $500 to win. McGarvie was a long time competitor who passed away on opening night in 2007 after suffering a heart attack during the feature event. This race is held in his honor every year to kick off the new season and is the highest paying race for the Super Challengers during the regular season.
Jay’s Auto Wrecking is back to sponsor the headliner class of Super Late Models. Defending Champion Dave Hess Jr has had surgery during the off season and will not be able to begin his title defense until midway through the season. Expected to be in the hunt for the Championship this season are former champion Mike Knight, last year’s runner-up, Rob Blair, the always exciting Doug Eck, former champion Chris Hackett, and several others.
The Dan’s Route 8 Boardwalk Bar and Grill FASTRAK Late Models were dominated in 2011 by Max Blair, but Kyle Zimmerman prevailed for the championship due to his consistent up-front finishes. Crashes late in the season and an absence opening night prevented Blair from repeating as champion. Zimmerman ran up front every week, earning the championship. This season several drivers are expected to give Blair competition including youngsters Bobby Rohrer, Chad Wright, Damian Bidwell, and Bruce Hordusky Jr, as well as Zimmerman.
The Plyler Overhead Door E-Mods will return for another season of open-wheel competition, often the closest of the night. Mike Knight moved ahead of Joel Watson for the points championship in the final week of the 2011 season and is expected to defend his title in the Jim Clinger-owned machine. Former champion Scott Gurdak finished his season in 2011 with his first win of the season and is expected to be in the hunt for another championship this season. Chad Carlson moved into the E-Mods at the end of the season, running up front in his first start with the open-wheeled speedsters.
Conway & O’Malley Tire is the title sponsor for the Limited Late Model class this season with second generation drivers Chris McGuire and Steve Kania expected to lead the charge to unseat Chris Ottaway, the reigning class champion. The 2011 first-time champion accomplished the feat through consistent up-front finishes without scoring any feature wins. Ottaway is expected to defend his championship with multiple wins this season.
The Gannon College Super Sportsmen class will sport a new look this season – sans wings. The new rule is an effort to control escalating costs by making the cars harder to handle, thus mitigating any gains a high-powered engine might generate. Ben Burgess Jr has dominated the class for several seasons but Joey Buccola Jr came on strong last season and defeated Burgess, tying his for wins at 6 and with fewer poor finishes. Wade Watson, although winless, parlayed consistent top finishes into a runner-up position. Both will be in the hunt for the 2012 title.
Bonnell Collision is sponsoring the Street Stocks for 2012. The title in 2011 came down to the final event with the veteran Pat McGuire overtaking Chris Withers in the final week for the come-from-behind win. Withers, a former champion, is expected back to reclaim the crown this season. Also likely racing up every week will be Greg Fenno and last year’s 4th place finisher John Phelps Jr. Joe Rohrer and Brian Bush will also be at or near the front every week.
The opening night featured class will be the Kandy’s Dinner Theater Super Challengers. The Hebner family has dominated last season with champion Josh Hebner winning eight features and brother Don capturing the other three. Can anyone break the stranglehold the Hebners have on this class? Wes Stull, Khole Wanzer, Mike Swanson, and a host of others will be out to try!
The Patriot Sprints, UEMS E-Mod tour, the FASTRAK Late Model Northeast Tour, World of Outlaws Late Models and the BRP Modified Tour will have special races throughout the season. The three summer holidays, Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day, will all feature Fireworks by Gibson as well as the on-track festivities. Each class will also have extra-pay races throughout the season.
Eriez Speedway is located on Sampson Road, just off Lake Pleasant Road in the town of Hammett, PA, 3 miles south of Interstate 90. Take Route 8 South from Interstate 90 Exit 29 and follow the signs starting in Hammett. Admission for all regular racing weekends is $10.00 for Adults, $8 for seniors, children 6 - 15 $6, under 6 free. Special events (Sprints and World of Outlaws Late Models) are more.
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HAGERSTOWN SPEEDWAY ADDS A $1,000 TO WIN EVENT TO SCHEDULE
RICHARD “BONEY” BONEBRAKE TRIBUTE FEATURE RE-SCHEDULED TO JUNE 9TH
Due to the weather that postponed the Steel Block Bandit event on Saturday April 28th, Hagerstown Speedway will host two Steel Block Bandits features on Saturday June 9. This is also Dukes Family Night with just $5.00 General Admission.
That night will begin with the second 15-lap B-Main which will finalize the field, for the running of the 17th annual, 30-lap Richard “Boney” Bonebrake Tribute. At the conclusion of the Bonebrake Tribute race, the Bandits will then compete in a second fully-sanctioned event, comprised of time trials, heat races, B-Main(s) and a 20-lap A-Main Paying $1000 To Win.
To accommodate the Bandits running a second event on June 9th the Hoosier Daddy paying $1000 to win to the Late Model Sportsman event will now be re-scheduled to Saturday August 4th which is Elvis Family Night which also has just a $5.00 General Admission Price.
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HAGERSTOWN PRESENTS A VARIETY OF MAY PROGRAMS
HAGERSTOWN, MD. – With April showers arriving on two of the four race nights, Hagerstown Speedway is hoping for better weather during May as various divisions will highlight each of the programs scheduled.
The month starts off with Fire and Rescue (EMS) Appreciation Night on Saturday May 5th with all EMS personnel admitted free to the stands with proper identification. On tap will be race #2 of the Buchanan Auto Stores Late Model Championship Series along with the Ernie D’s pure stocks and double D&D Auto Recycling hobby stock features that includes the postponed event from April 28. The KIDZ CLUB is invited to participate in a fire and safety theme.
The following weekend, May 11-13, there will be no racing as the speedway is the site of the Hagerstown Firefighter’s Bonanza Extravaganza.
Sunday, May 20 will be a long awaited program for the open wheel crowd as the World of Outlaw Sprint Series arrives to challenge the Pennsylvania Posse in Kasey Kahne Challenge Race #2, Presented by SLS Promotions, Contact www.slspromotions,com, 815-344-2023, Hot laps begin at 7:00 p.m. Sammy Swindell was the last WoO winner at Hagerstown on May 28, 2005.
The first weekend of the Winchester/Hagerstown Shootout finds Friday night racing at Hagerstown and Winchester going with Saturday. The program will be a 35-lap event with a late model open tire rule. Also included will be pure stocks and the All American Outlaw Series.
The month comes to a close on Saturday, May 26 with Student Night as all students presenting identification are admitted free to the stands. Racing features the Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic late model sportsman in the 31-lap Bill Bowman Special with $1,000 going to the winner. The hobby stocks are also on the program along with a Blue/Gray Towing & Recovery Four Cylinder Demo.
The latest news, results, photos, schedule or rule changes can be found on the speedway’s website: www.hagerstownspeedway.com. Follow the speedway on Twitter and Facebook. Also check the website for any changes in weather conditions that may delay or possibly cancel the program or contact the speedway office at 301-582-0640.
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SHOWERS CAUSE POSTPONEMENT OF SBB BONEBRAKE TRIBUTE AT HAGERSTOWN
Hagerstown, Md. – Saturday evening was leading to an almost guaranteed exciting feature in the Steel Block Bandits 17th Annual Richard “Boney” Bonebrake Tribute event when a late band of showers headed southeast took dead aim on Hagerstown Speedway resulting in the show being postponed until June 9th after it was determined the program could not be completed in a reasonable time frame.
All heats and one B Main had been completed when the second B main was preparing for a second restart to get underway. Rain checks will not be honored.
Hagerstown and SBB officials came up with a no win situation as the June 9th program will begin with the second B main to finalize the line-up for the 30-lap $2,000 to win Bonebrake Tribute which then will be completed.
That night is Dukes Family Night with a $5.00 General Admission charge and the SBB series will then compete in a second feature paying $1,000 to win while the Ernie D’s pure stocks and hobby stocks will also be in competition.
The hobby stock feature lost will be made up next Saturday, May 5th on Fire and Rescue Appreciation Night.
The night was pink as it was Breast Cancer Awareness Night and many activities were enjoyed and provided for those entering the speedway.
Glenn Elliott blistered the track with an 18.900 second lap in time trials. Elliott, Rick Hulson, Walker Arthur and Andy Fries were heat winners and will occupy the front two rows of the postponed feature. Brent Smith won the completed B main.
The latest news, results, photos, schedule or rule changes can be on the speedway’s website: www.hagerstownspeedway.com. Follow the speedway on Twitter and Facebook. Also check the website for any changes in weather conditions that may delay or cancel the program or contact the speedway office at 301-582-0640.
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BEAST Series rolls into Gordon Park Speedway for 2nd Annual Jack Starrette Memorial
For the 2nd time since 2001, super late models are set to roll into the gates of Gordon Park Speedway. On April 28th Rambo' Dennis Franklin will lead the Points of the newly formed BEAST Super Late Model Series and take aim at the $4,000 winner's prize. John Henderson looks to rebound and is ready to defend his title as the previous winner of the Jack Starette Memorial.
Promoters Brian Stewart and Lenny Hobbs, are excited about putting this show on. "If the racing is anything like what was on display at the Modoc 100, we are in for an awesome show", stated Stewart. "Mr. Starette was a pioneer of racing in our area, all over the place really. He has had his name on a lot of cars over the years and has helped this sport survive and thrive, here in the Augusta area. His name has been and can still be seen on cars in this area, and some other areas of South and North Carolina."
BEAST POINT STANDINGS after first race: 1) Dennis Franklin, 2) Johnny Pursley, 3) Casey Roberts, 4) Chris Madden, 5) Dustin Mitchell, 6) Brent Dixon, 7) Ricky Weeks, 8) Zach Mitchell, 9) John Pursley, 10) Jay Sessoms, 11) Tim Allen, 12) Doug Sanders, 13) Mike Gault, 14) Ross Bailes 15) John Henderson 16) Jeff Smith
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PRIZE MONEY INCREASE AND RESTRUCTURED RACE FORMAT FOR 2012 DREAM
Ferris Commercial Mowers Involvement Enhances June 8 & 9 Marquee Late Model Event
ROSSBURG, Ohio (April 25) -- Eldora Speedway officials announced today a restructured race format and increase in prize money for the $100,000-to-win Dirt Late Model Dream presented by Ferris Commercial Mowers on Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9.
With the support of the Briggs & Stratton Power Products Group and its Ferris brand, the commercial mower industry leader, comes a new level of excitement for the marquee event; including posted awards of nearly $210,000 and an exciting enhancement to the already competitive race format.
At $100,000-to-win, the 18th annual event still remains the richest payday of the year and a lofty goal for dirt Late Model racers nationwide. Now, through the Ferris partnership, over one-half of the starting field in the 100-lap main event will see an increase in prize money, including a hefty $1,750 for 24th position.
However, while the longtime Eldora staple of Friday night time trials, the Saturday 100-lap chase and the $100,000 paycheck remain constant, the pursuit towards that rewarding payday will take on a decidedly different look in 2012.
Friday night’s (June 8) time trial runs will now lock just 60 entrants into Saturday’s traditional 15-lap heat races, with the balance of those 20-car line-ups to be determined by the results of the newly designed Friday night qualifying features.
Each qualifying feature will pay $1,000-to-win and will carry full United Midwestern Promoters (UMP) DIRTcar points; one of the many opportunities throughout the weekend that entered drivers will be able to add tallies towards their 2012 UMP DIRTcar cumulative points chase.
The excitement and drama carries over to Saturday’s time honored heat races, with inversion of the heats to be determined via the fan favorite ‘Wheel of Misfortune’ by Friday’s quickest driver.
Three drivers will advance into the Dirt Late Model Dream presented by Ferris Commercial Mowers from each of the heats. Finishers 4-6 will go into the B-Feature, while heat race finishers 7-10 will be lined up into the C-Feature, with both events having advancing rights, increased purses plus yet another new innovation.
At the end of the advertised distance for the C-Feature, the top-six finishers will have earned starting slots into the B-Feature and retire to the pit area to prep. Cars not making that cut will remain on the racing surface and run a five-lap scramble for $1,000-to-win and full UMP DIRTcar points. That same concept will hold true for the B-Feature which serves as the final opportunity for six drivers to to earn a spot in the Dream line-up before another five-lap scramble also paying $1,000-to-win and full UMP DIRTcar points.
Tickets and campsites for the Dirt Late Model Dream presented by Ferris Commercial Mowers, the Feed The Children Prelude to the Dream two nights prior (June 6) and other Eldora Speedway events are available by calling the track office (937) 338-3815 or online 24 hours a day at www.EldoraSpeedway.com.
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Dennis 'Rambo' Franklin Beats the Rain & Tames the BEAST at Cherokee's Rock Gault Memorial
Gaffney, S.C- As the rainy weather played in the distance surrounding the famed Cherokee Speedway, many longtime fans new faces were spotted at the track for The BEAST season opening ROCK GAULT MEMORIAL.
As the clouds broke and the skies cleared, the race track was ready for hot laps on a track that was smooth and fast. Johnny Pursley, Dennis Franklin, Tim Allen and Chris Madden laid down the top 4 speeds of each of the sessions. Dallas N.C driver Jeff Smith got off to a terrible start as his engine went south just after two practice laps.
"It's frustrating, a real tough pill to swallow, Zach and the crew worked a lot of hours, over night, and all day to get this piece ready and all for two laps" said the pilot of the 18M.
As time trials rolled around, it was Augusta GA native John Henderson's turn for his as his 2x machine made a popping noise as he sailed into turn one. Henderson would also be a scratch for the remainder of the event even though he turned in the 9th fastest time on the night. Clover's Johnny Pursley who was sporting a new haircut and a new ride for the BEAST series, took the Bobby Wilson Owned Service Master Clean, Chris McCraw-CPA.Pa sponsored B4 to the top of the grid. With the field now set for the 40 lap feature, teams made final adjustments to their race cars, and made their way to the frontstretch.
Pole sitter Johnny Pursley opted to use the outside pole starting position, forcing Rambo down to the bottom. "That is common here, everyone wants to be on the outside coming to the green flag" Pursley later stated,
With the field in tow, the #17 MotorMaxx, Gault's Used Cars Rocket chassis of Mike Gault proudly displayed the checkered flag and moved over to form the missing man formation in honor of late father Edgar "Rock" Gault. Once the fireworks were done, and the cars were lined back up, the green flag flew, and Pursley and Rambo raced to turn one. It did not take Pursley long to know he had made the wrong choice on this night, as Rambo was able to get enough grip on the bottom to power past the B4 coming off turn two. That was the last real challenge Franklin would get. His paced over the caution free 40 lapper would only slow due to lap traffic.
Looking down in victory lane, you can bet that if his son could not be victorious only one other driver could make him smile in this event. That driver was none other than the driver of the AES #37 Barry Wright chassis, Dennis Rambo Franklin. Mike Gault got into victory lane as soon as possible, with a big smile and a huge congrats to Franklin. After securing the $4,000 pay day Franklin went on to say the track was super fast, near as perfect as he had ever seen, "It got just a bit choppy going into turn one, other than that, you can't get it any better than what we had here tonight" said Franklin of the track conditions. "We came here tonight with intentions of trying something we have never tried and it was fast right off the truck." Franklin later added.
As the race wound down, Pursley came home 2nd, Casey Roberts finished 3rd after holding off a hard charging Chris Madden, and Dustin Mitchell rounding out the top 5. Up next the BEAST tour visits Gordon Park this Saturday April 28th for the 2nd Annual Jack Starrette Memorial.
Rock Gault Memorial Finishing Positions: 1) Dennis Franklin, 2) Johnny Pursley, 3) Casey Roberts, 4) Chris Madden, 5) Dustin Mitchell, 6) Brent Dixon, 7) Ricky Weeks, 8) Zach Mitchell, 9) John Pursley, 10) Jay Sessoms, 11) Tim Allen, 12) Doug Sanders, 13) Mike Gault, 14) Ross Bailes DNS, 15) John Henderson DNS, 16) Jeff Smith DNS
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