DART MACHINERY VICTORIA 200 SET TO GO THIS WEEKEND AT UTICA-ROME SPEEDWAY
VERNON, NY- The first big Dirt Modified event of the young 2008 season is set to go off this Sunday May 11 when Dart Machinery presents the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Series Victoria 200 for the Big Block/Small Block Modifieds at the Utica-Rome Speedway. Also in action at the “Action Track of the East” will be the Pro Stocks, who will compete for a huge $1,200 payday. Pit gates are set to open at 10 a.m. with grandstands opening at 11 a.m. Qualifying events for the two classes will begin at 2 p.m.
Neshanic Station, NJ, resident and former ARCA race winner Jimmy Horton is just one of the many stars that have sent entries in for the Dart Machinery Victoria 200. The former Super DIRT Week champion entered the Lincoln Auto Body number 5 for this weekend’s event. Fellow New Jersey resident Brett Hearn also submitted entry this past week with his Wentworth Construction sponsored machine. Other recently received entries Ted Lamb, Jeff Rudalavage, Danny Varin, Selinsgrove RoC winner and guaranteed starter Rick Laubach, Kevin Bates, Mike Ricci, and Jimmy Johnson, Jr. Add these drivers to the previously received entries of Billy Decker, Pat Ward, Larry Wight, AJ Romano, Alan Barker, Gus Schmidt, Paul Kinney, Bobby Varin, and many more and you have a talent laden field.
Bonuses from Dart Machinery for Best Appearing Car and Team, Best Crew Chief, Hard Luck Driver, and Hard Charger Award were recently added, making the Victoria 200 the event to attend in the early part of 2008. As with the New Yorker 200, $1,000 will be randomly given away to a driver who finishes 12th on back that finishes the event.
The Pro Stocks will also be in action, competing for a $1,200 payday for 25 laps of competition. Will a track regular take home the win, or will an outsider come in and steal the victory like Louie Jackson did last year on the New Yorker 200 Weekend?
Competitors in both the Modified and Pro Stock divisions will receive 25 points towards the track titles in their respective class for attempting to qualify this weekend.
For more information including an up to date entry list, please log on to www.uticaromespeedway.com or call the speedway office at (315) 829-4557.
ENTRY LIST AS OF MAY 4
09 Kyle Lewis Pennellville, NY
1r Mike Ricci Tillson, NY
1j Bobby Varin Sharon Springs, NY
1x Willy Decker Vernon, NY
3 Jeff Kotary Rome, NY
4 Andy Bachetti Sheffield, MA
5 David Orr Oneida, NY
5h Jimmy Horton Middlesex, NJ
6h Josh Hohenforst Gloversville,NY
13 Tony Steiner Jamesville, NY
14 Rick Laubach Quakertown, PA
15 A.J. Romano Johnstown, NY
16 Lance Willix Theresa, NY
m16 Kevin Bates Lake Ariel, PA
18j Jason Rood Oneida, NY
19k Paul Kinney Vernon, NY
20 Brett Hearn Sussex, NJ
20c Craig Hanson Tribes Hill, NY
22b Alan Barker Norwich, NY
22j Jeremy Wilder Fort Plain, NY
25r John Ramsey Floyd, NY
30 Gus Schmidt Jr. Liverpool, NY
42p Pat Ward Genoa, NY
52 Tim Nye Oneida, NY
53 Ric Hill Lafayette, NJ
57 Paul Jensen Edmeston, NY
61 Jamie Christian West Winfield, NY
71 David Vanhorn Jr. Harmony, NJ
L82 Ted Lamb Jr. Clay, NY
77 Jimmy Johnson Jr. Bloomingburg, NY
91 Billy Decker Unadilla , NY
93 Danny Varin Sharon Springs, NY
97 Jerry Higbie Jr. Slate Hill, NY
99 Jim Davis Ballston Spa, NY
99L Larry Wight Phoenix, NY
100 Michael Trautschold Parksville, NY
112 Jeff Rudalavage Olyphant, PA
197 Billy Shantel Jr. Canastota, NY
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RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT MODIFIED TOUR SWINGS BACK INTO ACTION THIS SUNDAY AT THE UTICA - ROME SPEEDWAY FOR THE VICTORIA 200
Binghamton, NY … After a very successful opening race back on March 15th at the Selinsgrove Speedway. The Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour gets back in the groove this Sunday afternoon. The stage is the Utica – Rome Speedway in Vernon, NY with the running of the prestigious Victoria 200.
This will be the first Victoria 200 run at Utica – Rome since Utica – Rome owner Gene Cole purchased the naming rights to this marquee event from Eric Kingsley during the off season. Cole is doing his best to keep the Victoria 200 an open event where anyone who wishes to race, can race their car as is.
Plenty of pre race promotional work has been taking place as track representatives have been making the rounds spreading the word. The results of the hard work have seen a much renewed interest by racers to make the show this Sunday afternoon.
Last year Utica – Rome Speedway track regular Willy Decker swept the two Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour events. Decker will be on hand on Sunday afternoon with his Tom Cullen owned small block powered car.
Leading the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour into Utica – Rome will be Selinsgrove winner and current Tour point leader Rick Laubach of Hellertown, Pa. Laubach earned a guaranteed starting spot for the Victoria 200 with his $7,200 win at Selinsgrove back on March 15th.
Defending RoC Dart Dirt Modified Tour champion Pat Ward is entered and being a weekly Utica – Rome regular Ward is considered one of the drivers to beat come Sunday afternoon.
Laubach and Ward are just two of the many star studded drivers that will make their way to the Utica – Rome Speedway this Sunday afternoon for the Victoria 200.
The time schedule for this Sunday sees gates opening at 11 Sunday morning with racing beginning at two in the afternoon.
The big / small block event will feature an open 92 x 13 Modified tire rule and no Late Model tires will be allowed. Drivers are required to have a one way radio and a transponder; both are available for rent at the track on race day.
All big blocks must weigh 2,500 pounds with no tolerance and sail panels will be allowed for this race.
The sail panel rule will follow the sail panel rule that is currently in effect at fellow RoC track the Penn – Can Speedway.
Any engine 361 cubic inches or less and uses racing gasoline can weigh 2,400 pounds. Any cars that race at Big Diamond and Grandview are allowed to use a maximum of 750 cfm carburetor and weigh 2,400 pounds and use racing methanol. No fuel injection will be allowed and all other rules will follow the Utica – Rome Speedway track rules.
The feature will be 200 laps with a break occurring after 100 laps with all cars going back to the pit area to be worked on. The winner will receive a minimum of $10,000 and the Victoria 200 will pay a hefty $1,000 to start.
The Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour is sponsored by; Dart Machinery, American Racer Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, PBM Performance Products, Total Seal Piston Rings, Dura – Bond, Competition Engineering by Moroso, Dynatech, Xceldyne, Afco, CV Products, and LA Sleeve.
Any questions regarding the Victoria 200 this Sunday at the Utica – Rome Speedway please contact RoC at 607 – 775 – 5555 or Utica – Rome at 315 – 829 – 4557. Information can also be found on the World Wide Web at; www.rocdirt.com or www.uticaromespeedway.com.
In case of inclement weather a rain date of Monday May 26th with the same starting times has been set by RoC and Utica – Rome officials.
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POINT STANDINGS
AFTER 1 OF 9 RACES
1. Rick Laubach 65
2. Pat Ward 60
3. Jeff Rudalavage 50
4. David Van Horn 48
5. Mike Colsten 46
6. Billy Decker 44
7. Butch Tittle 42
8. Billy Van Pelt 40
9. Michael Storms 38
10. Steve Paine 36
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LAUBACH FROM THE REAR BANKS 7 GRAND RoC SELINSGROVE PAYDAY
Selinsgrove, Pa... Rick Laubach of Quakertown, Pa. thought his chances at winning the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 were over with as he suffered a flat tire on lap one of the 50 lap event on Saturday evening at the Selinsgrove Speedway.
Laubach who was running in sixth at the time pitted to change the tire during the yellow which came out for the spun car of Jerry Higbie, Jr. in turn one. Restarting in the 30th and last position in the talented field Laubach started an impressive march toward the front of the field. On a lap 13 restart Laubach now in eighth vaulted into third with a sweeping turns one and two outside pass. Laubach moved into second on a lap 18 restart and started pressuring leader Billy Pauch over the next 16 circuits.
On lap 35 the left rear axle on the Will Brown Truck Parts car that Pauch was driving broke and this handed the lead to Laubach. The driver known as “Scooby “ led the final 15 laps to record his first career Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour victory by 3. 430 seconds.
Defending RoC Dart Dirt Modified Tour champion Pat Ward of Genoa, NY finished second after pitting for a flat tire on lap three. Jeff Rudalavage of Olyphant, Pa. stayed within striking distance all evening long to finish a strong third. David Van Horn of Harmony, NJ also pitted for a flat tire on lap three and raced his way back to fourth at the checkers. Mike Colsten of Binghamton, NY who started 26th drove a steady patient race to end up fifth at the checkers.
“I did think my chance to win the race was over when I got the flat “ said Rick Laubach. “ I knew that by starting eighth it was going to be tough trying to pass seven guys in front of me. Then when I got the flat I thought it was going to be impossible to pass 29 guys in front of me, but it all worked out. “
After restarting last in the field of 30 cars Laubach drove like a man on a mission. Early race yellow flag periods due to flat tires which sent a few cars in front of him into the pit area helped Laubach out. But Rick still had to pass many strong running cars on his way to the front.
When Laubach got to second on lap 19 he showed just how strong his car was as he immediately applied pressure to leader Billy Pauch who seemed unstoppable up until this point.
“ I knew we had a strong car and we could run with Billy from the Cash Dash result where we held him off “ said Rick. “ I knew it was going to be a good race between us as both of our cars were good. “
Rick spoke about his winning car. “ We kept making changes to the car all day long and the car responded to every change like we figured it would. Everything worked out today as we’re getting smarter the more we race and we’re getting better equipment and that means a lot. “
When being asked where this win ranks on his resume Laubach quickly answered. “ By far this is my biggest career win, I’ve won 50 lap features before but I have never won a race this prestigious in my career. “
If the win wasn’t exciting enough for Laubach one of the perks from winning was receiving a guaranteed starting spot in the May 11th Victoria 200 which takes place at the Utica – Rome Speedway that pays $1,000 to start. “ I can’t wait to go there “ said the excited driver when talking about the race. “ That’s the big thing too is that I’m guaranteed and plus I get a chance to run 200 laps on a track I’ve never raced at before. Plus with a grand to start that will pay the bills to get to and from the track. “
Rick spoke about the tough track conditions. “ It was definitely tough for everybody; I wished they wouldn’t have graded it to be honest with you as I think they made it worse. Before they graded only the middle was rough and you could run down low or up top. After they graded they made the whole thing rough all the way across. I said after the cash dash that I like racing on tracks like this because it defines the line on where everybody is running. But like a majority of the other drivers said its spring conditions and you have to make the best of it. “
Laubach then explained what many people thought was going to be impossible on this day a charge from the rear to winning the race. “ In the beginning I passed a few guys on the top and then when guys started to get faster. I waited for them to bobble off the bottom and when they did that I got under them and stayed on the bottom. “
Rick ended up by saying this. “ I have to thank everyone at Selinsgrove and RoC for having us here today. My dad always use to take me to the races on Memorial and Labor Day in this area as we got to see two races in one day. By going to Port Royal during the day and here at Selinsgrove at night and I really dreamed about racing here. I can’t thank Selinsgrove and RoC enough for giving me the opportunity to race here and hopefully we’ll be back in 2009. I know I would love to come back and I’m sure most of the other guys would like to come back too. “
“ Yea I’ll take a second “ said defending RoC champ and second place finisher Pat Ward. “ I was pretty nervous there after getting back out there because I didn’t want to get another flat tire so I took it easy for a little bit. I raced easy until I got to Steve ( Paine ) and that is when I started to race hard again. “
Ward who started third pitted on lap three got back into the top five on lap 19 and then methodically raced his way to fourth at the halfway point and into third on a lap 36 restart. Ward raced side by side with Paine for second for quite a few laps before finally getting past when the left rear axle broke on Paine’s machine with less than two laps remaining.
Pat spoke about racing at Selinsgrove for the first time. “Seems like a really nice place and I would like to come back and run here when they get the track packed in as I think it will be good racing as it seems to have a good top and a good bottom. “
Seventh place starting Jeff Rudalavage ended up with a solid third place finish. “ I’ll take a third place any day “ said Jeff. “ I had a good car but I’m a little rusty on these big tracks as I don’t run them all the time. I liked racing here especially with the caliber of cars we had here today. As you didn’t have to worry about anybody driving over your nose or running into the side of you. It was a good night, I’m happy, the crew is excited. “
Qualifying events for the 43 car field saw Shiley Fabrication / Zemco Headers heat wins go to Brett Hearn, Jeff Strunk, Laubach, Ward, and Pauch. Laubach claimed the Middleswarth Potato Chips Cash Dash while Joey Grammes and Larry Wight won the Corky’s Fourth Street Station B Mains.
NOTES: this was the first Modified race at the Synder County oval since 1982. The uniqueness and freshness of the event brought out many long time Modified fans to the modern facility promoted by Charlie Paige. Despite the spring conditions of the track surface most drivers enjoyed racing here and look forward to coming back in 2009. Selinsgrove and RoC Dart officials are already discussing a later 2009 date for the next show. New RoC Dart Tour regular Steve Paine saw a certain second place finish go away as the left rear axle broke a lap and a half from the end. Duane Howard who raced side by side with Pauch for the lead in the early portion of the event had a shock tower break off ending his strong run. Motor woes in hot laps ended the day for Jesse Kline, Dave Zona, and Les Gillette. Stewart Friesen drove the Butch Getz entry on the day missed hot laps as the car kept shutting off due to the fuel filter being installed improperly. Four drivers who pre – entered failed to show up due to a variety of problems. Larry Wight made plenty of new fans with his driving exploits on the day as he drove the track like he was in a Sprint Car. The new rear suspension setup in the Brett Hearn car drew plenty of attention all day long. Chad Phelps crossed the line in fifth but was disqualified as the car failed to meet the weight requirement after the feature.
RACE REPORT RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT MODIFIED TOUR RACE # 1
INSINGER RACE FUELS RoC ICEBREAKER 50 FINISH; Rick Laubach, Pat Ward, Jeff Rudalavage, David Van Horn, Mike Colsten, Billy Decker, Butch Tittle, Billy Van Pelt, Michael Storms, Steve Paine, Larry Wight, Stewart Friesen, Billy Pauch, Jimmy Davis, Jimmy Horton, Jr., Chad Brachmann, Joey Grammes, Mark Forte, Jr., Duane Howard, Jerry Higbie, Jr., Doug Manmiller, Ric Hill, Willy Decker, Brian Weaver, Tommy Scheetz, Jr., Ricky Rutt, Jeff Strunk, Brett Hearn, Bruce Kline, Chad Phelps ( DQ – Light ) .
DNQ’S; Chris Weaver, Rick Wegner, Les Gillette, Ray Bliss, Jr., Don Hallowell, Darwin R. Greene, Brent Boyer, Jesse Kline, Dale Welty, John Pursell, Dave Zona, Ricky Yetter, Danny Creeden.
LAP LEADERS; Pauch ( 1 – 35 ), Laubach ( 36 – 50 ) .
NEXT RACE OF CHAMPIONS DART DIRT MODIFIED TOUR EVENT: SUNDAY MAY 11TH – UTICA ROME SPEEDWAY – VICTORIA 200 – 200 LAPS $10,000 TO WIN $1,000 TO START.
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WINNERS PURSE GROWS BY AN ADDITIONAL $1,000 FOR INSINGER RACE FUELS RoC ICEBREAKER 50 THIS SATURDAY AT SELINSGROVE
Selinsgrove, Pa. … The biggest race in the early part of the 2008 racing season just got bigger Tuesday afternoon. The Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 that takes place at the Selinsgrove Speedway this Saturday afternoon just received an additional $1,000 first place award.
The money comes from Gene Cole who owns and promotes the Utica – Rome Speedway in Vernon, NY. Cole has informed RoC and Selinsgrove officials that the winner on Saturday will receive a guaranteed starting spot in the Sunday May 11th Victoria 200 that takes place at the Utica – Rome Speedway.
The Victoria 200 moved from Fulton to Utica – Rome for this year and the event will be race two in the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour. The race will be 200 laps in length with $10,000 going to the winner and an unheard of $1,000 to start.
“I’m speechless “ said Joe Kaminski Tuesday evening when informed of the announcement. “ Really all that I can say is wow ! This additional money just makes the race even more special. “
With the additional $1,000 being added it is now possible that the winner could receive $8,200 on Saturday. If the winning driver doesn’t win any of the special awards that driver will still walk out of Selinsgrove with $6,400.
"This race is becoming the marquee event of the early portion of the racing season “ said Gene Cole. “ The more I got thinking about I said to myself that to continue the excitement of this race and to build the excitement for the next RoC Tour race at Utica –Rome on May 11th. I would add to the winners share at Selinsgrove a guaranteed starting spot for the Victoria 200 at Utica – Rome on Sunday May 11th. “
Race of Champions Series Director Andrew Harpell said. “ I’m excited for this race before this announcement and now I’m even more excited. You have to give Gene plenty of credit as he just gave away $1,000 of his hard earned money. But I’m glad to see this event just keeps getting bigger and that falls in line with the idea of RoC in 2008 being called “ The Less is More Tour “ . I don’t think there are many short track Modified events in the country that has this much money on the line for only 50 laps of work. “
The Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour is sponsored by; Dart Machinery, American Racer Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, PBM Performance Products, Total Seal Piston Rings, Dura – Bond, Competition Engineering by Moroso, Dynatech, Afco, Xceldyne, CV Products, LA Sleeve.
The Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 is sponsored by; Insinger Race Fuels, Middleswarth Potato Chips, Shiley Fabrication, Zemco Headers, Art Bair Racing Wheels, Selinsgrove Comfort Inn, Litech Race Systems, Paul Stine Chevrolet, Weikel Racewear, Dart Machinery, Corky’s Fourth Street Station, Penn – Can Speedway, Jim Collier Paving & Excavating, Reaction Graffix, Dunkin’ Donuts, Applebee’s, Garfield’s, Middleburg IGA, Selinsgrove Ford, Accord Speedway, T 3 All Star Series, Big Diamond Raceway, Foss Jewelers, Penske Racing Shocks, Selinsgrove Speedway, and Utica – Rome Speedway.
For more information on the show that takes place this Saturday with hot laps on Friday night and a rain date of Sunday. Please call RoC at 607 – 775 – 5555 or Selinsgrove Speedway at 570 – 374 – 2999 or log on to the World Wide Web at; http://www.rocdirt.com/ or http://www.selinsgrovespeedway.com/.
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TIRES AND WEIGHTS ANNOUNCED FOR INSINGER RACE FUELS RoC ICEBREAKER 50 …. MORE SPONSORSHIP DOLLARS … STARTING FIELD TO INCREASE
Selinsgrove, Pa.… With less than two weeks before the most talked about racing event in the early portion of the 2008 racing season the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 at the Selinsgrove Speedway on Saturday afternoon March 15th.
RoC and Selinsgrove officials have announced the tire and weight rule for the show along with two more sponsors signing up to sponsor the race. Pre – race driver entry forms are coming into RoC offices daily and by the amount that has been received a large star studded field is anticipated. With a large influx of cars expected to attend the starting field has been expanded for the race.
All tires will be American Racers with any compound 33 or harder allowed on both front tires. Tire compound 44 will be the only tire allowed on the left rear and tire compound 48 will be the only tire allowed on the right rear.
“ Like I’ve been saying there is no surprises with what tires we are going to use “ stated RoC Administrative Director Andrew Harpell. “ Everybody in my area and the area down there already have these tires as they use them weekly. So it made sense to make the tire rule a simple one. “ Tires will be available at Selinsgrove with Jason Bashore selling them.
The weights for the race are as follows; any car with a motor larger than 361 cubic inches has to weigh 2,500 pounds and use racing gasoline. Small Blocks that race Big Diamond and Grandview will have to weigh 2,400 pounds and they can use racing methanol along with a 750 cfm carburetor. Steel Head Small Blocks 361 cubic inches and under can weigh 2,400 pounds and they can use racing gasoline only.
As far as bodies go the race will see normal Modified style bodies in use, meaning no sail panels. Once again all teams are reminded that drivers must wear fireproof driving gloves at all times while racing. Also teams are reminded that transponders along with a one way radio system are mandatory. Transponders and one way radios will be available for rent at the track on Saturday.
Two more race tracks have signed on to sponsor the event. The Accord Speedway under the direction of Gary Palmer has put up $100. The Accord Speedway Bonus will see the money go to the highest finishing Accord Speedway regular in the feature.
The Big Diamond Raceway under the direction of Buddy Biever, Barry Bashore, and Dave Dissinger has also posted $100. The Big Diamond Raceway Bonus will see the money go to the highest finishing Big Diamond Raceway regular in the feature.
Entry Forms for the race are available online at http://www.rocdirt.com/. Pre – entry is only $15 and any driver pre – entered is eligible for the Weikel Racewear Bonus which is a $250 discount of a t – shirt order from Weikel. Entry forms will be available at the track on Friday March 14th during Modified hot laps which takes place during the 410 Sprint Car program.
“ I encourage all drivers to pre – enter as I anticipate long registration lines by all of the response I have received “ said Andrew Harpell. “ Also it is good to see that Charlie Paige of Selinsgrove has decided due to the large number of cars to increase the starting field to at least 28 and possibly 30 starters.
Gary Gollub who won the last Modified race at Selinsgrove in 1982 is looking for a ride. Gary informed Joe Kaminski of Selinsgrove that he would love to get a ride but if he doesn’t find one he’ll be there anyway to watch this must see racing event.
A reminder that the Selinsgrove Comfort Inn has only a few rooms left at the special racers rate. Please call 570 – 374 – 8880 and mention Selinsgrove Speedway when making your reservation. Motel rooms on this weekend are very limited in the area due to a swimming meet at the nearby Bucknell University.
The weekend schedule sees hot laps on Friday night March 14th during the 410 Sprint Car show. On Saturday March 15th the gates open at Noon with a drivers meeting scheduled for three o’clock followed by hot laps and racing starting at four in the afternoon. In case of inclement weather Sunday March 16th will be used as a rain date with starting times being moved up by two hours. The Selinsgrove Pro Stocks will join the RoC Dart Dirt Modifieds.
Sponsors of the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour are; Dart Machinery, American Racer Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Comp Cams, PBM Performance Products, Del West, Total Seal Piston Rings, Probe Forged Pistons, Dura Bond, Erson Cams, Moroso, Dyna Tech, and AFCO.
Sponsors of the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 are; Insinger Race Fuels, Middleswarth Potato Chips, Shiley Fabrication, Zemco Headers, Art Bair Racing Wheels, Selinsgrove Comfort Inn, Litech Race Systems, Paul Stine Chevrolet, Weikel Racewear, Dart Machinery, Corky’s Fourth Street Station, Penn – Can Speedway, Jim Collier Paving and Excavating, Reaction Graffix, Dunkin’ Donuts, Applebee’s, Garfield’s, Middleburg IGA, Selinsgrove Ford, Accord Speedway, T3 All Star Series, and Big Diamond Raceway.
For more information on the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 please call RoC Offices at 607 – 775 – 5555 or Selinsgrove Speedway at 570 – 374 – 2999 or log on to the World Wide Web at; http://www.rocdirt.com/ or http://www.selinsgrovespeedway.com/.
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MORE SPONSORSHIP DOLLARS INCLUDING TOW MONEY ADDED TO INSINGER RACE FUELS RoC ICEBREAKER 50 AT SELINSGROVE
Selinsgrove, Pa. … The sponsorship pot just keeps getting bigger and bigger for the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 that takes place on Saturday March 15th at the Selinsgrove Speedway.
Within this past week six new sponsors have come on board to further bolster the money / prizes that are being handed out. Selinsgrove officials also have announced the discounted weekend ticket pricing that will be in effect on this opening weekend of racing at the Selinsgrove Speedway.
On the race sponsorship front Selinsgrove Ford has posted a $100 cash bonus to the highest finishing Ford powered Modified on this day. The T3 All Star Series has also posted a $100 cash bonus for the first T3 Series regular that crosses the finish line on this day. To be eligible for the T3 Series Award a driver must have competed in at least six T3 All Star Series events during the 2007 racing season. The Selinsgrove Speedway has also posted $25 tow money to all racers that fail to make the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 A Main field.
“I’ve met my goal of making sure that every racer who supports this show is going home with something in their pocket “ stated Selinsgrove Race Director Joe Kaminski. “ I’m still not stopping as we have a few weeks to go and I’m working on getting more money for the racers who support this show. “
Other sponsorship for the show comes from the Middleburg IGA who is sponsoring the 55 inch tall winners’ trophy on this day along with a custom made feature winner’s cake. A trio of local eateries is offering a 10% discount at their respective businesses for racers who support the show. Dunkin’ Donuts, Applebee’s, and Garfield’s are all offering the 10% discount as the coupons will be found in the Welcoming Bag that all racers will receive when entering the pit area on March 15th.
For the racers and fans Selinsgrove Speedway is offering a five dollar discount for the Saturday racing program if they attend the Friday night 410 Sprint Car / Modified hot lap show.
For grandstand admission all that the paying customer needs to do is present their Friday night rain check on Saturday to receive the discount. For pit admission anyone who is in the pit area on Friday must leave their Friday pit wristband on overnight and you will receive the discount on Saturday when signing into the pit area as the Friday wrist band will be removed.
Racers are reminded that entry forms are now available online at http://www.rocdirt.com/ or by calling 607 – 775 – 5555. Racers who do pre –enter will be eligible for the Weikel Racewear Early Entry Bonus worth $250 off a t – shirt order. Also the early entry will keep racing teams from being delayed by the expected long lines at the registration table.
The Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 is the first race in the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour South Region for 2008. The neutral race track has many racing teams excited about the chance to race for the first time ever at Selinsgrove. The big half mile track has many teams thinking which motor combination will be the hot ticket on this day.
“ The teams are really thinking on which motor they’ll be using “ stated RoC Administrative Director Andrew Harpell. “ But one thing to remember is last year a small block won all the races on the big tracks we raced at, including Willy Decker sweeping the Utica –Rome races. “
Andrew continued on, “ I’ll be announcing the tire and weight information next week. The tires like I said before will be what everyone is using so no one will have to buy additional tires as they will be able to use what American Racer brand tires they already have in their possession. I’ve been talking to many teams about the weight and I’m thinking over all of the options currently. I feel very strongly that we’ll have a fair weight rule in effect for the race that will level the playing field so everyone will be competitive. “
The excitement is building each passing day for the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50. Currently if one driver gets very lucky on the day and sweeps the racing program along with winning a majority of the special awards. That driver could leave Selinsgrove on this day with at least $7,000 in cash and prizes for only 50 laps of work.
The weekend schedule for the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 is hot laps during the 410 Sprint Car program on Friday March 14th. On Saturday March 15th pit gates open at Noon with a drivers meeting at three in the afternoon with hot laps to follow and racing starting at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. In case of inclement weather the rain date is Sunday March 16th with all times being moved forward by two hours.
All race teams are reminded that hotel rooms in Selinsgrove area are very limited on this weekend due to a swimming meet at the nearby Bucknell University. Selinsgrove Speedway did reserve a block of rooms at the Selinsgrove Comfort Inn with a special racers rate being charged for Friday and Saturday March 14th & 15th. Anyone wishing to book a room please call 570 – 374 – 8880 and mentions Selinsgrove Speedway when making reservations.
Sponsors of the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour are; Dart Machinery, American Racer Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Comp Cams, PBM Performance Products, Del West, Total Seal Piston Rings, Probe Forged Pistons, Dura Bond, Erson Cams, Moroso, Dyna Tech, and AFCO.
Additional sponsors for the show are; Insinger Race Fuels, Middleswarth Potato Chips, Shiley Fabrication, Zemco Headers, Art Bair Racing Wheels, Comfort Inn of Selinsgrove, Litech Race Systems, Paul Stine Chevrolet, Weikel Racewear, Dart Machinery, Corky’s Fourth Street Station, Penn – Can Speedway, Jim Collier Paving & Excavating, Reaction Graffix, Dunkin’ Donuts, Garfield’s, Applebee’s, Middleburg IGA, Selinsgrove Ford, T3 All Star Series, and Selinsgrove Speedway.
For more information or race day weather updates on the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 please call Selinsgrove Speedway at 570 – 374 – 2999 or RoC Offices at 607 – 775 – 5555 or log on to the World Wide Web at; http://www.selinsgrovespeedway.com/ or http://www.rocdirt.com/.
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INSINGER RACE FUELS RoC ICEBREAKER 50 IS JUST 5 SHORT WEEKS AWAY
Selinsgrove, Pa … The anticipation and the excitement is building for the first Modified race since 1982 at the Selinsgrove Speedway when the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 takes place on Saturday March 15th.
“ The phones have been ringing off the hook as everyone that I have spoken to is really excited about racing at Selinsgrove “ said RoC Administrative Director Andrew Harpell. “ Also I have received countless numbers of e – mails asking for more information about the race. All of this coupled with the fine job being done by Joe Kaminski of Selinsgrove in acquiring additional sponsors for the event. This race is becoming a must see event of the early 2008 racing season. “
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
The pre – registration forms that each racing team needs to be filled out before they can race at Selinsgrove on March 15th are now available. Anyone wishing to pre – enter their car for $15 can go to www.rocdirt.com and download the registration form and send it in to RoC Offices. Entry forms are also available by calling RoC at 607 – 775 – 5555; Joe Kaminski will also be handing out entry forms at the local car shows too. Racers are reminded that they have until March 12th to be eligible for the pre – entry fee, after March 12th all entries will be $20.
Any racing team who pre – enters for the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 by March 12th will be eligible for a special drawing. Weikel Racewear is sponsoring the $250 Early Entry Bonus Drawing. The winner of this special drawing will receive a $250 voucher good towards a t – shirt order from the fine people at Weikel Racewear.
HAUS LANDS RIDE
Former Modified racer and current Late Model racer Scott Haus of Hamburg, Pa. who has 29 career Selinsgrove wins has found a top notch ride for the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50.
Haus who has 28 Late Model and 1 Sprint Car win at the track will be a teammate on this day to David Van Horn. In a few weeks Haus will be making a trip to Van Horn Racing to get fitted for the car.
“With Scottie landing a good ride he’s definitely been tabbed one of the favorites to win the race “ said Joe Kaminski of Selinsgrove. “ I’m not trying to put anymore pressure on him. But he has the track knowledge and that is a big key as nearly everyone who will race on this day has never raced here before. “
FRIESEN TO DEBUT HIS NEW SATURDAY NIGHT RIDE
Niagara – on - the Lake, Ontario Canada driver Stewart Friesen will be making the trip south to Selinsgrove on March 15th. Stewart will be making his maiden voyage on this day for car owner Norm Hansell. This new combination will be a weekly competitor at the Grandview Speedway on Saturday nights this year.
“Stewart is one of the top young drivers in racing today “ said Kaminski. “ It will be a pleasure to see him race at Selinsgrove for the first time in his career on this day. “
THAT’S A WRAP
More sponsorship has come on board for the race as this past week NHRA racer Max Naylor has come on board with a very unique sponsorship.
Max owns Reaction Graffix in New Buffalo, Pa. and Max being a racer himself knows how much a good looking race car rig means to a racing team as it travels down the highway.
The Reaction Graffix Award will go to the feature winning driver at Selinsgrove on March 15th. The winning driver will receive a 25% discount on a complete race car trailer wrap that is valued at $5,595, meaning that the award is a discount of nearly $1,400.
“ Being a professional drag racer myself, I know how important grass roots racing is “ said Naylor. “ Plus with this race being the first one for Modifieds at Selinsgrove in nearly 30 years I wanted to be involved because this is going to be a very special event. “
DRIVERS LOOKING FOR RIDES
RoC and Selinsgrove officials have been receiving calls from interested drivers who are actively looking for rides for the show on March 15th. Weekly Selinsgrove racers Larry Kelleher, a former Modified driver ( 4 career track wins ) and Jeff Rine ( 41 career track wins ) are looking for rides on this day.
Tom Mayberry has also told officials that he is very interested in trying to find a ride. Mayberry who hasn’t had a regular Modified ride in two years is a big track expert when it comes to Modified racing in Pennsylvania with big track wins coming at Penn National and Port Royal.
“ I would like to find all three a ride “ said Joe Kaminski. “ Mayberry is one of the best in Modified racing. Meanwhile I think Jeff Rine could do a good job in a Modified and he has the track experience from racing Late Models here to boot. Larry came from the Modifieds and now at Selinsgrove he is a consistent top five runner weekly in the 358 Sprints. If any car owners are interested in giving any of the three a ride please call me at 570 – 274 -0404 and we’ll set the deal up. “
OTHER RACE INFORMATION
The Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 will be the first race in the South Region for the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour.
Teams are reminded of the weekend schedule as hot laps will be held on Friday March 14th during the 410 Sprint Car show. On Saturday March 15th gates open at Noon with a drivers meeting being held at three o ‘clock, hot laps are at 3:30 with the first heat taking the green at four in the afternoon. It is anticipated that there will be at least four heat races and at least two B Mains to fill the starting field for the 50 lap $4,000 to win, $200 to start feature. In case of inclement weather the rain date is Sunday March 16th with racing starting at two in the afternoon.
Race teams are also reminded that transponders are mandatory for this show. Transponders will be available at the track to rent for any teams that don’t have one to use on this day.
Drivers are reminded that Selinsgrove Speedway requires all drivers to use approved fire resistant driving gloves at all times.
All race teams and race fans are reminded that the Selinsgrove Comfort Inn is offering a special “ racers rate “ for March 14th and 15th for anyone wishing to stay over. Please call 570 – 374 – 8880 and mention Selinsgrove Speedway when booking your reservation. Rooms are going quickly on this weekend in Selinsgrove due to the races and a nearby swimming meet at Bucknell University.
In the coming weeks additional race information concerning which American Racer tire compounds can be used along with car weights will be announced.
Sponsors of the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour are; Dart Machinery, American racer Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Comp Cams, PBM Performance Products, Del West, Total Seal Piston Rings, Probe Forged Pistons, Dura Bond, Erson Cams, Moroso, Dyna Tech, and AFCO.
Additional sponsors for the RoC Dart Dirt Modified Tour at Selinsgrove are; Insinger Race Fuels, Reaction Graffix, Middleswarth Potato Chips, Shiley Fabrication, Zemco Headers, Art Bair Racing Wheels, Selinsgrove Comfort Inn, Litech Race Systems, Paul Stine Chevrolet, Weikel Racewear, Dart Machinery, Corky’s Fourth Street Station, Penn – Can Speedway and Jim Collier Paving & Excavating.
For more information on the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 please contact RoC at 607 – 775 – 5555 or Selinsgrove Speedway at 570 – 374 – 2999 or log on to the World Wide Web at; www.rocdirt.com or www.selinsgrovespeedway.com.
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Insinger Performance Inc. named title sponsor for RoC Icebreaker 50 at Selinsgrove Speedway
Selinsgrove, Pa … Officials of the Selinsgrove Speedway are proud to announce that they have signed Insinger Performance, Inc. of Dushore, Pennsylvania to the title sponsorship role of the Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour Icebreaker 50 that takes place on March 15th.
With this title sponsorship role the race will now be officially known as the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50. Insinger supplies the Selinsgrove Speedway with Sunoco Racing Fuel and Methanol for the racers who compete there each and every race night.
“I have always tried to give back to the racers and the race tracks “ stated Bruce Insinger who owns the company. “ Plus with this race being a special first time event there was no better way for my company to be involved than being the title sponsor of the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50. “
“I’m very happy to have Bruce involved as he is a racer at heart and he knows how important sponsorship is to a racing event “ said Selinsgrove Race Director Joe Kaminski who negotiated the deal. “ It is also a plus that Bruce handles the best brand of racing fuel and methanol around. With Bruce being a drag racer he knows first hand how important good racing fuel and methanol is to the racer. “
Excitement is building each passing day for the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50. As many drivers are verbally committing to the show along with additional sponsorship coming on board supporting the show. “ This is going to be a fun event “ said Bruce Insinger when talking about the first ever RoC show in Central Pennsylvania.
All racers and race fans are reminded that the RoC Dart Dirt Modifieds will be running at least three hot lap sessions on Friday March 14th during the 410 Sprint Car program. On Saturday March 15th gates open at Noon with a drivers meeting at three in the afternoon and hot laps at 3:30 and the first heat being green flagged at 4 p. m. The always exciting Selinsgrove Pro Stocks will join the RoC Dart Dirt Modifieds on Saturday. In case of inclement weather Sunday March 16th has been reserved as a rain date.
Insinger Performance, Inc. joins Middleswarth Potato Chips, Shiley Fabrication, Zemco Headers, Art Bair Racing Wheels, Comfort Inn of Selinsgrove, Litech Race Systems, Paul Stine Chevrolet, Weikel Racewear, Dart Machinery, Corky’s Fourth Street Station, Jim Collier Paving & Excavating, and Penn – Can Speedway as sponsors of the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50.
The Race of Champions Dart Dirt Modified Tour is sponsored by Dart Machinery, American Racer Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, Comp Cams, PBM Performance Products, Del West, Total Seal Piston Rings, Probed Forged Pistons, Dura Bond, Erson Cams, Moroso, Dyna Tech, and AFCO.
For more information on the Insinger Race Fuels RoC Icebreaker 50 please contact RoC at 607 – 775- 5555 or Selinsgrove Speedway at 570 – 374 – 2999 or log on to the World Wide Web at; http://www.rocdirt.com/ or http://www.selinsgrovespeedway.com/. Insinger Performance Inc. can be contacted at 570 – 924 – 4323.
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