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Help Needed For Tornado Victims.... PLEASE READ!
Tulsa Oklahoma (May 20, 2013) - Attention Everyone.............
Whit and Steve Gastineau have each lost their homes in the Moore, Oklahoma tornado Monday afternoon. The race shop is also gone but the homes are the major concern.
Likewise, Dan Schnackenberg lost his home in the tornado that hit Shawnee, Oklahoma on Sunday. Donations to help the Gastineau's and the Schnackenberg's in their recovery are being accepted at this time. Cash is of keen interest as are clothing, furniture, appliances, food, water (and other beverages), blankets, coats and any additional items that you may be able to donate.
Send cash donations to:
Triad Bank
c/o: Gastineau Recovery Fund
7666 East 61st St, Suite 150
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
OR.................
Triad Bank
c/o: Schnackenberg Recovery Fund
7666 East 61st St, Suite 150
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133
For all other items to be donated, contact OCRS at:
Barry Grabel: (918) 260-3899 or sprint24@cox.net
John Lemon: (918) 850-5341 or ocrsracing.pr@gmail.com
Special thanks goes out to 3-time OCRS champion Mike Goodman for everything he did in working to set up the program with Triad Bank. Thank you for your humanitarian support Mike!
Give all you can folks. everything will help..................EVERYTHING!
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NCRA 360 “Sprint Car Mania” $2000 to win This Friday Night!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Park City, Kansas – May 20, 2013 - Former series champion Mike Peters of Wichita, Kansas will lead the National Championship Racing Association of Park City, Kansas presented by Precise Racing Products 360-ci sprint car division back into action this coming Friday night as the tour will once again take part in the third annual “Sprint Car Mania” at RPM Speedway in Hays, Kansas.
After two events Peters holds a slim ten point lead over fellow Wichita resident Jeremy Campbell, who picked up his first victory of the season a couple of weeks ago at 81 Speedway. New Mexico traveler Joshua Hodges currently sits third in the point standings followed by Danny Wood and former three-time and defending tour champion C.J. Johnson.
Sitting sixth through tenth in the point standings are; Jeff Stasa, Jon Freeman, Luke Cranston, Marc Robe and Danny Jennings.
Other drivers expected include: Forrest Southerland, Adam Gullion, Wyatt Burks, Don Droud, Jr. and Jason Martin.
Now retired Garry Lee Maier won the inaugural “Sprint Car Mania” back in 2011 while severe weather cancelled last years running as cars were on the track for wheel pack. Close to thirty cars are expected for this event that pays $2000 to win and $300 to start the nights feature finale.
Pit gates at RPM Speedway on Friday night will open at 4:00 pm with grandstand admission gates opening at 6:00 PM. Racing action is slated for a 7:00 PMs tart time.
RPM Speedway is located off of I-70 at exit 157 (U.S. Alt 183) at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. For race information call (785) 639-7223.
For more information on the 43rd anniversary season for the National Championship Racing Association of Park City, Kansas, find them at their online address www.racencra.com or call the series office (316) 755-1781. There you will find complete race schedules for all five divisions for the 2013 race season as well as race stories, current point standings, driver profiles and history information of series’ divisions of the past.
Current 2013 NCRA 360 Sprint Car Point Standings: 1) Mike Peters 565, 2) Jeremy Campbell 555, 3) Joshua Hodges, Danny Wood 545, 5) C.J. Johnson 475, 6) Jeff Stasa 450, 7) Jon Freeman, Luke Cranston 410, 9) Marc Robe 385, 10) Danny Jennings 375.
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RISLONE URC SPRINT POINT LEADER DAVIE FRANEK LEADS URC COMPETITORS TO NEW EGYPT SPEEDWAY SATURDAY NIGHT JUNE 1
MACH 1 CHASSIS NIGHT SET AS URC SPRINTS INVADE WILLIAMS GROVE SPEEDWAY FRIDAY NIGHT, JUNE 7
Davie Franek of Wantage, NJ, the current Rislone URC Sprint Series point leader will be one of many competitors heading to the New Egypt Speedway in New Egypt, NJ on Saturday night, June 1. This will mark the first of three Rislone URC Sprint shows at New Egypt in 2013. Following New Egypt, the URC Sprints will make their first appearance of the year at the Williams Grove Speedway on Friday night, June 7 in an event sponsored by MACH 1 Chassis, located at 10 North Frederick Street in Mechanicsburg, PA. MACH 1 engineers and builds race car chassis that have a reputation for safety, strength, durability and performance. In addition to chassis fabrication and repair, MACH 1 Chassis also manufactures front and rear bumpers, nerf bars, front axles, wing post and wing trees. Brian Scandle, President of MACH 1 Chassis, INC commented, “We are pleased to be part of the URC schedule, especially the Friday, June 7 at Williams Grove, which is always a big event”.
URC’s season opened on April 26 at the Big Diamond Speedway where Robbie Stillwaggon took the win then on Saturday night, May 11, JJ Grasso brought the fans to their feet at the Selinsgrove Speedway, taking the victory in the $3,500 to win Jack Gunn Memorial. Rain postponed the Bedford URC on May 10 with that event now reschedule for Friday night, June 21. Just this past weekend, URC was scheduled to be in action at the Delaware International Speedway until rain brought a stop to that program. At this time, URC owners and Delaware International Speedway Promoter Charlie Cathell and looking at options to re-schedule this event.
After just two races, Davie Franek leads the URC point chase over Robbie Stillwaggon. Both drivers were in a fierce battle in 2012 with Stillwaggon winning the title at the last race of the season.
Going into the New Egypt Speedway URC event, JJ Grasso was the feature winner at the New Egypt Speedway in their only URC event of 2012. Grasso is always exciting at New Egypt and he’s expected to be a contender for the win as well. Josh Weller, Kramer Williamson, Kevin Darling, Bren Gohn, Randy West, Chad Trout and Dave Ely are a few of the expected contenders to be at New Egypt Speedway.
For more information, please visit our website at: www.urcsprints.com
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STYRES GRAB OPENING NIGHT WINS AT OHSWEKEN
by Tommy Goudge (May 17, 2013) - Ohsweken Speedway's 18th season of competition began on Friday night with Glenn Styres (Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars), Cory Turner (Affordable Towing & Recovery Thunder Stocks), Davey Boughton (HRW Automotive Mini Stocks), and Jesse McDonald (Gale's Auto Aftermarket Bombers) visiting Klotz Canada Synthetic Lubricants Victory Lane.
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS
Styres started the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car feature on the inside of the second row, and quickly took the lead from Derek Jonathan. The race was halted once for a red flag, after Todd Hoddick took a wild tumble in turn one. Styres overcame nose wing damage to take the win, his 17th career feature victory at Ohsweken. Chris Steele, Mitch Brown, Mikey Kruchka, and Dave Dykstra rounded out the top five.
Glenn Styres, Travis Cunningham, and Mitch Brown claimed heat race wins, while Dain Naida won the B-Main, and Mikey Kruchka received the Nathan Ackland State Farm Insurance "Top Gun" award for accruing the most heat race passing points.
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS (26 entries)
HEAT RACES (8 laps each – Top 16 in passing points transferred to A-Feature):
Finish. [Starting Position] Number Name (Hometown)
RENWAY HEATING & COOLING HEAT RACE #1
1. [1] 0 Glenn Styres (Ohsweken), 2. [4] 7x Jamie Collard (Burford), 3. [6] 80 Chris Steele (Fenwick), 4. [5] 33k Kyle Patrick (Tilbury), 5. [7] 35 Jared Zimbardi (Little Valley, NY), 6. [9] 14h Jim Huppunen (Fenwick), 7. [2] 07x Dain Naida (Tecumseh, MI), 8. [8] 43 Scott Sherk (Port Colborne), 9. [3] 11z Zach Zumpe (St. Catharines).
GRISDALE RACING PRODUCTS HEAT RACE #2
1. [2] 71 Travis Cunningham (Grimsby), 2. [8] 01 Mikey Kruchka (Hamilton), 3. [9] 5d Dave Dykstra (Port Colborne), 4. [4] 3r Shane Ross (Thedford), 5. [6] 49 Todd Hoddick (Cheektowaga, NY), 6. [5] 11 Jamie Turner (Caistor Centre), 7. [3] 31 John Burbridge, Jr. (St. Williams), 8. [7] 4z Joel Lehman (Elora), 9. [1] 5 Keith Dempster (Alton).
O'NEIL'S FARM EQUIPMENT HEAT RACE #3
1. [1] 10 Mitch Brown (Brantford), 2. [3] 81 Derek Jonathan (Lewiston, NY), 3. [5] 5c Conor Mahoney (Waterdown), 4. [2] 21j John Burbridge, Sr. (Simcoe), 5. [7] 30g Stevin Goldner (Aylmer), 6. [8] 9nz Havard Daniels (Coatesville, NZ), 7. [6] 90 James Evans (Beamsville), 8. [4] 27h Tom Huppunen (Fenwick).
WOODSTOCK FORD B-MAIN
(10 laps - Top 6 finishers transfer to A-Feature)
1. 07x Dain Naida, 2. 5 Keith Dempster, 3. 31 John Burbridge, Jr., 4. 43 Scott Sherk, 5. 4z Joel Lehman, 6. 90 James Evans, DNS. 27h Tom Huppunen, DNS. 11z Zach Zumpe.
CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING
SPRINT CAR FEATURE (25 laps)
Position. # Name (Starting Position)
1. 0 Glenn Styres (3)
2. 80 Chris Steele (5)
3. 10 Mitch Brown (2)
4. 01 Mikey Kruchka (6)
5. 5d Dave Dykstra (8)
6. 35 Jared Zimbardi (11)
7. 14h Jim Huppunen (13)
8. 71 Travis Cunningham (10)
9. 7x Jamie Collard (7)
10. 5 Keith Dempster (20)
11. 9nz Havard Daniels (17)
12. 3r Shane Ross (14)
13. 81 Derek Jonathan (1)
14. 07x Dain Naida (19)
15. 5c Conor Mahoney (4)
16. 11 Jamie Turner (18)
17. 43 Scott Sherk (22)
18. 33k Kyle Patrick (9)
19. 49 Todd Hoddick (15)
20. 31 John Burbridge, Jr. (21)
21. 21j John Burbridge, Sr. (16)
22. 30g Stevin Goldner (12)
23. 90 James Evans (24)
24. 4z Joel Lehman (23)
TOP 5 IN POINTS AFTER ROUND #1
Rank. Number Name Total (positions gained/lost)
1. 0 Glenn Styres 70 (--)
2. 80 Chris Steele 65 (--)
3. 10 Mitch Brown 61 (--)
4. 01 Mikey Kruchka 59 (--)
5. 5d Dave Dykstra 57 (--)
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RAIN STOP URC RUN SATURDAY NIGHT AT DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
The forecast of 50% steady rain throughout Saturday night, forced the cancellation of the Rislone URC Sprint Series event at the Delaware International Speedway. The decision to cancel was made at 1:15 PM by Charlie Cathell. URC and Cathell are currently reviewing the schedule to re-schedule the event.
URC’s next event is set for Saturday night, June 1 at the New Egypt Speedway in New Egypt, NJ. The following week, URC will be in action at the Williams Grove Speedway on Friday night, June 7 and on Saturday night, June 15, URC will be in action at the Grandview Speedway.
For more information, please visit our website at www.urcsprints.com
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EIGHT TIME URC CHAMPION CURT MICHAEL PLANS RETURN WITH STOP AT DELAWARE INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY SATURDAY NIGHT
The third race of the 2013 Rislone URC Sprint Series will take place at the Delaware International Speedway on Saturday night, May 18 with race time set for 7 PM.
Robbie Stillwaggon and JJ Grasso were the victors at the at Big Diamond and Selinsgrove Speedway and both will be gunning for the win at Delaware International Speedway this Saturday night. Making his return to URC is eight time champion Curt Michael of Ocean View, DE. Along with his eight titles, Michael also owns forty-six URC career feature wins and he'll be returning Saturday night, driving the Bill Gallagher owned Valley Forge INC 5G.
The familiar 5G will again be green and white but carry a different design scheme. Mark Madonna has rejoined the team of the 5G. He was a crew member when the Michael/Gallagher Team won the URC Championship in 2010 and 2011. The team will also include Chad Long, Larry and Jan Gilbert and Curt's father, Al Michael. The 5G sprinter will be a Triple X Chassis with a Rider Motor. Sponsors include GEI Enterprises, Valley Forge INC, Lealands.com, Heffner Racing Enterprises, Kruger Trailers, Triple X, K&N Air Filters, Keizer Wheels and Harley Davidson of Seaford, DE.
Following the Delaware International Speedway event, the Rislone URC Sprint Series will head to the New Egypt Speedway on Saturday night, June 1 followed by a visit at the Williams Grove Speedway on Friday night, June 7.
Davie Franek of Wantage, NJ is URC's current point leader holding a fifteen point advantage over 2012 URC Champion Robbie Stillwaggon of Burlington, NJ. Brian Carber, Josh Weller and JJ Grasso make up the top five in the point chase. Pennsylvania driver Ryan Wilson is also expected to be in action at Delaware International Speedway.
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URSS returns to Lamar Speedway this weekend
By the URSS
OBERLIN, Kan. — The excitement is building in southeast Colorado as the Rebels of the United Rebel Sprint Series prepare to make a return trip to Lamar Speedway in Lamar, Colo.
Track President Kelley Morris was looking forward to the Rebels taking on the 3/8-mile dirt oval at 7 p.m. Mountain time Saturday night.
“They were here the very first show when we reopened Lamar Speedway three years ago,” Morris said. “We had a good number of Kansas cars come out, about 20 of them. The Colorado cars all got snowed in that time. Hopefully we'll have a fairly large group of Colorado cars this time.”
The Rebels have raced only two times in Lamar. In 2007, Ken Lutters won the feature at Prowers County Motorsports Park. In 2010, the last time the URSS competed in Lamar, Ty Williams won at the newly named Lamar Speedway.
“We had them here three years ago, and I hope we have a good number of them this year,” Morris said.
Morris said the URSS offers his track something out of the norm for fans in the area.
“It's something different, and something they don't see every day,” he said.
The cars will be a part of the Lamar Days weekend, and Morris said a few of the drivers even will haul their cars through the parade Saturday morning in town.
The 3/8-mile track offers a wide racing surface, with longer straight-a-ways and tighter corners, according to Morris.
Pit passes are $25, and those 5 and younger will get into the pits for $10. Grandstand admission will be $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $4 for those ages 5 to 12 and free for children younger than 5.
For more information about Lamar Speedway, visit lamarracingclub.com.
For more information about the United Rebel Sprint Series, visit www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com.
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Campbell Cruises for NCRA Sprint Victory!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Park City, Kansas – May 11, 2013 - Jeremy Campbell took the lead at the start and never looked back as he dominated action as the National Championship Racing Association of Park City, Kansas presented by Precise Racing Products 360-ci sprint car division made their second appearance of the season at 81 Speedway in Park City.
Luke Cranston started on the S&S Trailer Sales pole for the thirty lap feature but it was Campbell who jumped out into the lead as the green flag fell. Joshua Hodges, Cranston, Wyatt Burks and Jon Freeman gave chase but Campbell would quickly open a ten car length lead by lap two.
The first of four cautions would wave on lap four when Burks would relinquish his fourth place position as he spun at the top of turns one and two. The attempted restart was aborted when Michelle Decker spun to a stop at the bottom of turns one and two.
Campbell, aboard his familiar Schroeder/Campbell owned #10c, wasted little time on the restart as his Schroeder powered Maxim chassis once again opened a ten car length lead.
The leader would encounter lapped traffic for the first time on lap nine while behind him, Hodges was having his hands full holding on to the runner up position as veteran Peters worked his way up from his fifth starting position.
At the races midway point it was all Campbell by a full straight away as lapped traffic never slowed the sprint car veteran. Meanwhile Hodges had his hands full with Peters and Johnson for the runner up position while behind them, Jonathan Cornell made his way into fifth after starting thirteenth.
The caution would wave on lap seventeen, once again for Burks as he slowed on the front stretch. This allowed Cornell to pass Johnson and Peters on the restart and take over the third position.
The restart didn’t slow the leader down as Campbell once again powered away from the rest of the field, entering lapped traffic again on lap twenty-two and holding a half stretch lead. His pace was slowed one last time as Ricky Stangl coasted down the front stretch to bring out the final caution.
With three laps remaining on the final restart, Campbell again powered away from the field while behind him, Hodges and Cornell battled for the runner up position as Cornell got by the New Mexico traveler for second in turns one and two, only to have Hodges regain the spot entering turns three and four.
But back up front there was no catching Campbell as he would go the final laps unchallenged to take the victory. Cornell got back by Hodges on the last lap to finish second, a half stretch behind the leader with Hodges settling for third. Peters came home fourth while ninth starting Danny Wood, who informed series officials his plans to compete full-time on the tour this year, rounded out the top five.
The eight lap heat races for the twenty car field were won by Freeman, Peters and Cranston.
The next event for the NCRA 360-ci sprint car tour will take place on Friday night, May 24th at RPM Speedway in Hays, Kansas for the third annual “Sprint Car Mania.”
The National Championship Racing Association would like to thank the following for their involvement with the series sprint car division for the 2013 race season:
Park City, Kansas, Precise Racing Products, Hoosier Racing Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, S&S Trailer Sales, Inc
NCRA 360 Sprints
81 Speedway/Park City, Kansas
5/11/2013
20 cars
1st Heat:1) Jon Freeman (Salina, Ks), 2) Jeremy Campbell (Wichita, Ks), 3) CJ Johnson (Quinter, Ks), 4) A.J. Selenke (Wichita, Ks), 5) Jonathon Cornell (Sedalia, Mo), 6) Forest Sutherland (Cherryvale, KS), 7) Justin Schwien (Russell, Ks)
2nd Heat: 1) Mike Peters, 2) Josh Hodges (Tijeras, NM), 3) Marc Robe (Wichita , Ks), 4) Michelle Decker (Guthrie, Ok), 5) Brad Graham (Springfield, Mo), 6) Jeff Stasa (Kingman, Ks), 7) Rick Wright Jr. (Ponca City, Ok)
3rd Heat: 1) Luke Cranston (Ness City, Ks), 2) Wyatt Burks (Topeka, Ks), 3) Danny Wood (Norman, Ok), 4) Adam Gullion (Lincoln, Ne), 5) Ricky Stangl (Lee Summit, Mo), 6) Danny Jennings (Norman, Ok)
A Feature: 1) 10c Jeremy Campbell (Wichita, Ks), 2) 28 Jonathon Cornell (Sedalia, Mo), 3) 74x Josh Hodges (Tijeras, NM), 4) 51 Mike Peters, 5) 81w Danny Wood (Norman, Ok), 6) e85 CJ Johnson (Quinter, Ks), 7) 20 Luke Cranston (Ness City, Ks), 8) 1 Danny Jennings (Norman, Ok), 9) 21 Marc Robe (Wichita , Ks), 10) 81 Jon Freeman (Salina, Ks), 11) 91 Jeff Stasa (Kingman, Ks), 12) 04 Brad Graham (Springfield, Mo), 13) 7 Michelle Decker (Guthrie, Ok), 14) 85 Forest Sutherland (Cherryvale, KS), 15) 76 Justin Schwien (Russell, Ks), 16) 24 Ricky Stangl (Lee Summit, Mo), 17) 35 Rick Wright Jr. (Ponca City, Ok), 18) 11w Wyatt Burks (Topeka, Ks), 19) 43 A.J. Selenke (Wichita, Ks), 20) 32 Adam Gullion (Lincoln, Ne)
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URSS Rebels return to DCRP on Saturday night
By the URSS
OBERLIN, Kan. — The United Rebel Sprint Series has a storied history at Dodge City Raceway Park.
Richie Dewell hopes he's able to add his name to the long list of drivers who have won on the 3/8-mile dirt oval after Saturday night. Dewell hasn't had a lot of seat time the last few years, so the early portion of this season has seen him getting readjusted to the car. Still, he is hoping for great things as the Rebels try to tame the track at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
“It's kind of what I call my hometown track,” said Dewell, from Fowler. Dewell is coming off a pair of solid outings last weekend. He was eighth at Oberlin and sixth at Lexington, Neb., in a heavily contested field of drivers. “Being two years off and getting going again, there's some new stuff we're trying,” Dewell said. “We're in the trial-and-error stage. But I'm happy with the way the weekend went.”
Dewell is in search of his first URSS career victory, and he'd like nothing more than for that to happen Saturday night. “That would be great,” he said. “But we're hoping for a top-five, to be honest. That's our goal while we try to learn about the new stuff.”
DCRP has hosted the Rebels several times since 2006. In fact, in 28 URSS events at the track, there have been 15 different winners reach victory lane. The track is a fast, 3/8-mile oval, but the unique aspect of it is a wall that runs all the way around the outside of the track.
“In Dodge, it changes so much,” Dewell said about the track. “There's dry spots here and there, and you never know when they will change or where they will be. … That makes it a new challenge every time out.”
More URSS drivers will be in action Saturday at Elmwood Park Speedway in Norton as the URSS-sanctioned Heartland Sprint Series hits the 1/2-mile track. It will be the fourth HSS event this season. Darren Berry, Luke Cranston and Jeff Radcliffe all have claimed wins this year.
For more information about the United Rebel Sprint Series, visit www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com.
For more information about Dodge City Raceway Park, visit www.dodgecityraceway.com.
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Patriot Sprint Tour Wings into Woodhull this Weekend
Rich Vleck, ROCHESTER, NY, (May 7, 2013)- The traditional early-season events for the Patriot Sprint Tour continue this weekend with a popular return to most banked track on the circuit.
The Woodhull Raceway will play host to the Patriot Sprint Tour America series for the 10th time this Saturday, the third PST-sanctioned event of this 10th Anniversary season.
Since the first appearance of the series at the Steuben County oval in 2007, each event has been met with wild popularity; and in five of the six seasons the PST was at Woodhull, a certain driver went to Victory Lane.
Chuck Hebing, has won over half of the PST events at Woodhull, including four of the five races in May in his No. 45. Hebing will certainly be a contender again this weekend, but there are some other top names that will not make it easy for him.
Justin Barger is the most recent winner on the PST Tour after his dominating performance last Friday Night at Black Rock Speedway. Barger, the defending PST Canada Champion, also is the most-recent winner at Woodhull after he rim-rode his way to the win last July after starting in eighth.
Defending PST America Champion Scott Kreutter has been strong at Woodhull dating back to his micro sprint days, but has yet to score a win on the highbanks in his 360 sprint. Kreutter was runner-up to Hebing in the spring event last year.
Four-time champion Bryan Howland scored a win at Woodhull in 2011, while 2004 champ George Suprick won there twice in the 90’s. Conversely, 2011 PST Champion Jared Zimbardi has struggled at Woodhull, despite recording three top-five finishes in 11 starts.
A host of drivers with more limited experience at Woodhull include Tommy Wickham, Kevin Ward Jr,. Brad Knab, Derek Jonathan, Clint Ide, Steve Collins, Bruce DeWick, Geoff Quackenbush, Scott Just and Brandan Warner, all of whom look to chase the PST America Championship.
Weekend invaders might include Mitch Brown, Jamie Collard, Shawn Donath, Joe Trenca, Cory Sparks, Tracy Potter, Bob Howard Jr., Jamie Bodo, Tyler Graves and Parker Evans
Racing action gets underway at 6:30 on Saturday Night. For more information, visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com and follow the series all night on Facebook and Twitter.
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Patriot History at Woodhull
Races: 9
9/1/2007 Chuck Hebing
5/24/2008 Chuck Hebing
5/30/2009 Bobby Breen
7/31/2010 Chuck Hebing
7/31/2010 Dan Shetler
5/21/2011 Chuck Hebing
7/30/2011 Bryan Howland
5/19/2012 Chuck Hebing
7/21/2012 Justin Barger
Radcliffe motors to URSS win at Lexington
By the URSS
LEXINGTON, Neb. — This time, lap traffic wasn't going to stop Jeff Radcliffe. The Hill City Hotshoe made his way through the traffic and grabbed the win at Dawson County Raceway on Sunday night in Lexington, Neb.
A night earlier, Radcliffe got passed by Luke Cranston in lap traffic, but this time Radcliffe picked and chose his passing lanes perfectly en route to the win.
“When I got into lap traffic, it was a lot easier than the night before,” Radcliffe said. “I could pass them one at a time.”
Radcliffe started sixth while Mark Walinder held the lead during the early portion of the race before the Hill City driver made his way to the front. But after taking the top spot, the field started to narrow the gap until a caution. Then, Radcliffe never looked back and pulled away for the win.
“I don't have a rear-view mirror,” Radcliffe joked. “I was a scared rabbit. I was trying to go as fast as I could.”
Cranston, who started eighth, finished second after taking the win a night earlier in Oberlin.
“Two years ago, I probably would have held them off for a few laps,” Radcliffe said. “Now, I have enough experience to help get the job done.”
Ray Seemann had another impressive run, finishing third, and Jake Bubak was fourth. Walinder rounded out the top five.
“Cranston was all over Jeff until the yellow, then Jeff realized Cranston was behind him and took off,” said URSS founder Rick Salem. “He let him and Seemann fight it out then.”
Radcliffe and Greg Reiners won the heat races, while Bubak grabbed the Keizer Aluminum Racing Wheels Hard-Charger Award by starting 14th and finishing fourth.
Feature results 1. Jeff Radcliffe, 2. Luke Cranston, 3. Ray Seemann, 4. Jake Bubak, 5. Mark Walinder, 6. Richie Dewell, 7. Greg Reiners, 8. John Webster, 9. Judd Sheaffer, 10. Doug Roth, 11. Mike Madden. 12. Keefe Hemel (DNF), 13. Zac Taylor (DNF), 14. Tom Belsky (DNF), 15. Shawn Radcliffe (DNF), 16. Nate Berry (DNS).
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Dazzling move helps Cranston win URSS John Keenan Memorial
By the URSS
OBERLIN, Kan. — It was a move people were talking about after the race and even a day later.
And the move Luke Cranston put on Jeff Radcliffe and lap traffic propelled him to another United Rebel Sprint Series victory Saturday night at the John Keenan Memorial race at Decatur County Speedway in Oberlin.
Radcliffe had the top spot as he and Cranston entered lap traffic. But when the front-runners approached three lap cars, Cranston made a nifty move to take the lead.
“I dove under him and a lap car, and I made it work somehow,” Cranston said. “It was one of those things where I wasn't sure it was going to work.”
The move helped seal the win for Cranston.
“I was leading it when we came upon lap traffic three-wide,” Radcliffe said. “I picked wrong, and Cranston got around me.”
“You just have to take a chance and hope it works out,” Cranston said. “I wasn't for sure if I could get it to play out, and it did. You just have to do what you do and hope for the best.”
While Cranston took over the lead, the action intensified behind him between Radcliffe, Ray Seemann, Jake Bubak and C.J. Johnson
“It was one hell of a race,” said series founder Rick Salem. “Cranston caught little Radcliffe, then put on a Bonzai move to get the lead. Then Radcliffe, Jake Bubak, Ray Seemann and C.J. but on a battle that I had never seen before.”
That foursome battle until the checkered flag, with Seemann taking second and Radcliffe finishing third. Bubak was fourth, with Johnson in fifth.
“It's always awesome to get a win,” Cranston said. “Dad and I talked about how hard it is to get a win anytime, no matter what series it is. With the points system, it's tough in the URSS. You put any of those guys up front, and it's tough to win it.”
The start of the race was halted twice due to red flag situations for drivers. But once the field got going, it was smooth sailing.
“It was one of the best shows, and the race track was just perfect,” Salem said. “It was fun to watch.”
Cranston said he was breathing a sigh of relief after taking the win.
“Kirk (Reinert) had the thing dialed in,” Cranston said. “At first, I wasn't sure if I could get it going. Then I found a groove and got going. I was able to survive lap traffic. I said a prayer afterward for helping us get through it.”
John Webster was the B-main winner, while Seemann, Bubak and Richie Dewell won the heat races.
Darren Bowman won the Keizer Aluminum Wheels Hard-Charger Award, going from 19th to ninth.
Feature results 1. Luke Cranston, 2. Ray Seemann, 3. Jeff Radcliffe, 4. Jake Bubak, 5. C.J. Johnson, 6. Keefe Hemel, 7. Zac Taylor, 8. Richie Dewell, 9. Darren Bowman, 10. Mark Walinder, 11. Brian Hardman, 12. John Webster, 13. Nate Berry, 14. Aaron Ploussard, 15. Judd Sheaffer (DNF), 16. Butch Hardman (DNF), 17. Tommy Williams (DNF), 18. Darren Berry (DNF), 19. Reed Bernbeck (DNF).
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URC RETURNS TO THE FAIRGROUNDS OF BEDFORD SPEEDWAY ON FRIDAY, MAY 10 WITH JACK GUNN MEMORIAL SET FOR SELINSGROVE SPEEDWAY ON SATURDAY NIGHT, MAY 11
The 66th season for the United Racing Company sprint cars has officially begun with defending champion Robbie Stillwaggon of Burlington, NJ winning the opener at the Big Diamond Speedway. Stillwaggon mastered the field in true championship style, starting fourteenth and patiently working his way to the lead.
The Rislone URC Sprint Series will continue with the next stop set for a return to the Fairgrounds of the Bedford Speedway in Bedford, PA. This track is rich in history and first opened in 1936. Many of the greatest names in dirt track racing at one time or another, circling the big half-mile Bedford Speedway oval. The Friday night, May 10 event will showcase the URC sprint cars joined by the Late Models, Late Model Sportsman, Semi Late Models, Pure Stocks and 4 Cylinders. Gates will open at 5 PM, warm-ups at 7 PM with racing getting underway at 7:30 PM. Admission is $12, children 12 & under will be admitted free. The GPS Address for Bedford Speedway is 702 West Pitt Street, Bedford, PA 15522. Track Promoter Joe Padula welcomes you to his Western Pennsylvania speed plant.
URC will have a second night of racing on Saturday night, May 11 when they invade the Selinsgrove Speedway for the Jack Gunn Memorial. This will mark the eighth time the URC Sprints and 358 Sprints have joined forces for this event and to honor, one of the greatest racing promoters in the Northeast. The main event will pay $3,500 to the winner and past winners include Blane Heimbach (2012, 2008, 2006), Shane Stewart (2011), Trevor Lewis (2010, 2009) and Dave Calaman (2007). The Selinsgrove Speedway, under the promotion of Charlie Paige remains one of the most well prepared track surfaces on the URC schedule.
For the traveling URC sprints, this two race weekend will offer two point race events towards the season long Rislone URC Championship Title. Friday night at Bedford will be a regular point race for URC. On Saturday night at Selinsgrove Speedway, it will be a regular or full point race plus an incentive fifty appearance points.
For more information on the URC sprints, please visit our website at: www.urcsprints.com
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With Mother Nature’s Help, NCRA Sprints Back in Action This Saturday Night!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Park City, Kansas - Just as she has with much of the race nation thus far in 2013, Mother Nature has put a delay to the second race of the season for the National Championship Racing Association of Park City, Kansas presented by Precise Racing Products 360 sprint car division as she has twice delayed racing action. The tour looks for cooperation from Mother Nature this coming Saturday night as they once again attempt to get the second race of the season in at 81 Speedway in Park City.
Leading the point standings after his victory in the $5000 to win season opener back on March 30th and not expected to be in the field this coming weekend is Jason Johnson of Eunice, Louisiana. Don Droud, Jr., Seth Bergman, Mike Peters and Danny Wood round out the top five in the point standings with Johnny Herrera, Jeremy Campbell, Josh Hodges, Lucas Wolfe and Dustin Morgan round out positions six through tenth.
This event will be the second of four scheduled appearances at 81 Speedway and will pay the standard $2000 to win, $300 to start for the nights feature finale.
Tour regulars expected include the above mentioned Peters and Campbell as well as three-time and defending tour champion C.J. Johnson, Jason Martin, J.D. Johnson, Kirby Robe, Luke Cranston, Jon Freeman, Jeff Stasa and Jake Martens. Close to thirty cars are expected.
Gates open at 5:00 PM with racing action set for a 7:00 PM start time.
81 Speedway is located north of Wichita on I-135 to exit 16, then .7 mile west on 77th St. in Park City. For more race and ticket information contact the 81 Speedway office (316) 755-1781.
Since 1971 the NCRA has sanctioned dirt track races across the Great Plains with the series currently sanctioning five other divisions. They include modifieds, southern sport modifieds, late models, 360 sprint cars, 305 sprint cars and new mod lites. The 2013 season for the National Championship Racing Association is the 43rd anniversary season with races scheduled at sixteen different race tracks across Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas and Missouri.
2013 Current NCRA 360 Sprint Point Standings: 1) Jason Johnson, 300, 2) Don Droud, Jr. 295, 3) Seth Bergman 290, 4) Mike Peters 280, 5) Danny Wood 275, 6) Johnny Herrera 270, 7) Jeremy Campbell, Joshua Hodges, Lucas Wolfe, Dustin Morgan 260.
2013 NCRA 360 Sprint Schedule:
March 30 81 Speedway/Park City, Kansas Jason Johnson
May 11 81 Speedway/Park City, Kansas
May 24 RPM Speedway/Hays, Kansas
June 16 81 Speedway/Park City, Kansas
June 4 Great American Dirt Track/Jetmore, Kansas
July 13 Kansas State Fairgrounds/Hutchinson, Kansas
Aug 17 Mid-Nebraska Speedway/Doniphan, Nebraska
Sept 1 Belleville High Banks/Belleville, Kansas
Sept 7 Junction Motor Speedway/McCool, Nebraska
Sept 8 Eagle Raceway/Eagle, Nebraska
Sept 28 Kansas State Fairgrounds/Hutchinson, Kansas
Sept 29 81 Speedway/Park City, Kansas
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Blair Bests SOD / NRA Challenge Field at I-96 Speedway
Lake Odessa, MI – (May 4, 2013) – Ron Blair used multiple restarts to his advantage to win Saturday night’s Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt presented by ARP event co-sanctioned with the K&L Ready Mix National Racing Alliance. The box score shows Blair leading every lap from the front row, but had to hold off multiple challenges from Ryan Ruhl on the way to winning the feature.
“The car was great in clean air, and I knew if we were out by ourselves we were good,” said Blair. “I couldn’t get the car to maneuver in the lapped traffic, and I saw Ryan (Ruhl) underneath me. (Ruhl) ran a great race.”
Blair and Andy Teunessen started on the front row for the 25-lap feature event. Blair took the lead at the start with Ruhl moving into second around Teunessen. Behind them Dustin Daggett moved up from eighth starting spot after a slide job on Brett Mann to take the fifth spot. Kyle Sauder followed Daggett by Mann two laps later.
Up front Ruhl caught Blair and kept looking on the bottom for the lead through turns three and four. After multiple attempts Ruhl got a run into turns one and two and took the lead, but before the duo crossed the finish line Todd Heureman flipped in turn four. Heureman exited the car under his own power.
Blair retained the lead for the restart with Ruhl and Teunessen behind him. Daggett moved around Tuenessen on the restart as the top three cars pulled away from the rest of the field. Behind them Sauder and Tim Allison, who moved up to fifth, began to run down the top three.
As the lead trio began to encounter slower traffic, Shawn Dancer spun and hit a light pole in the infield to bring out the caution flag. Dancer’s car was pushed back into the pit area and remarkably repairs made for him to join the restart.
On the restart Sauder dove inside of Dustin Daggett in turn two and took over the third spot. Shortly after Daggett slowed with a flat left rear tire to bring out the caution flag in turn three, and J.R. Stewart also slid off the backstretch, and also has a flat right rear tire. Both drivers were able to restart.
Blair was able to pull away on the restart with Ruhl catching him as the laps wore on. On lap 20 Ruhl mad another challenge for the lead, but Joe Geibe slid off the race track to bring out the caution flag.
During the final restart Blair pulled away and opened up enough of an advantage to hold Ruhl at bay. Mann made a last ditch effort to race around the top and get up to the final podium position. Sauder and Gregg Dalman rounded out the top five.
In hot laps Mann tagged an inside marker tire and turned over in turn two. Mann made repairs and went on to win the first heat race. In heat race #3 D.J. Lamance slammed the wall in turn four and turned over hard. Lamance was uninjured.
A-Main (25 Laps): 1. 35 – Ron Blair, 2. 16 – Ryan Ruhl, 3. 19 – Brett Mann, 4. 2 – Kyle Sauder, 5. 49t – Gregg Dalman, 6. 11 – Tim Allison, 7. 17 – Jared Horstman, 8. 22d – Dennis Yoakam, 9. 7 – Darren Long, 10. 20B – Butch Schroeder, 11. 2m – Dustin Daggett, 12. 49 - Shawn Dancer, 13. 27 – Beau Stewart, 14. 6s – J.R. Stewart, 15. 3w – Ryan Grubuagh, 16. 10s – Jay Steinbach, 17. 31 – Andy Teunessen, 18. 23 – Devon Dobbie, 19. 23G – Joe Geibe , 20. Todd Heuerman.
Lap Leaders: Blair 1-25
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Tough Sledding Getting The 2013 UMSS Season Underway
By: Greg Parent, UMSS Media Director (5-3-13)
With winter weather still persisting, the first four shows on the 2013 Upper Midwest Sprint Car Series (UMSS) winged sprint schedule have fallen victim to rain, snow and cold that has plagued the Midwest area during the past month. The popular winged sprint car series will now attempt to kick off their season with a double header weekend on Friday May 24 for the running of the 2nd Annual Davey Tabor Memorial at the St. Croix Valley Raceway and on Saturday May 25 at the Rice Lake Speedway. The UMSS Traditional non-winged sprints will also be part of each program, as they make their first-ever appearance at the Rice Lake Speedway.
Following a weekend off for the much-anticipated IRA Sprint Tour at St. Croix Valley Raceway on Friday May 31, Cedar Lake Speedway on Saturday June 1, and at the Eagle Valley Raceway on Sunday June 2, the UMSS winged sprints will be back in action again on Friday June 7 at the Princeton Speedway for the 12th Annual Billy Anderson Memorial paying the winner $1,200 courtesy of some sponsorship help from GRP Motorsports. The lone appearance of the season at the Ogilvie Raceway will see the winged warriors at the fast 3/8 mile track on Saturday June 8 for the Big O Sprint Showdown. The month of June will round out action for the UMSS sprints with the two-day Open Wheel Nationals at St. Croix Valley Raceway. The Friday night preliminary feature will pay $1,000 to win, and if 40 or more cars are on hand there will be two features each paying $1,000 to win. The Saturday night championship feature will pay a whopping $5,000 to win and $500 to start. This will be the largest payout at a UMSS race so far, as the 2nd Annual Open Wheel Nationals will be one of the premier races on the UMSS schedule as well as one of the top shows here in our area along with other long-standing and traditionally great events like the Kouba Memorial and Richert Memorial.
"Last year we got off to a tough start as well, as we were only able to complete two full shows by the end of May," stated UMSS President Ron Bernhagen. "The weather straightened out rather nicely after that and we went on a run of eighteen straight races to finish out our season, so I am hopeful we will see a similar type of streak put together this year," concluded Bernhagen. So far, no additional races have been added to the schedule. The UMSS schedules about two dozen shows knowing that some will fall victim to the weather. If the weather woes continue, one or two additional shows may have to be added to the schedule, as the series would like to race about 20 events during the season. Fans can always keep track of the UMSS on their website at www.umsprints.com or by becoming a friend of their Facebook page.
2013 UMSS Winged Sprint Schedule (as updated 5-1-13)
Friday, May 24 St. Croix Valley Raceway - 2nd Annual Davey Tabor Memorial*
Saturday, May 25 Rice Lake Speedway - Double Dare Sprint Special
Friday, June 7 Princeton Speedway - 12th Annual Billy Anderson Memorial*
Saturday, June 8 Ogilvie Raceway - Big O Sprint Showdown
Friday, June 28 St. Croix Valley Raceway - 2nd Annual Open Wheel Nationals
Saturday, June 29 St. Croix Valley Raceway - 2nd Annual Open Wheel Nationals*
Saturday, July 6 Hibbing Raceway - 3rd Annual Rumble on the Range
Sunday, July 7 Proctor Speedway - 2nd Annual Twin Ports Sprint Special
Friday, July 26 St. Croix Valley Raceway - Thunder in the Valley
Saturday, July 27 Cedar Lake Speedway - Summer Sprint Special
Thursday, August 15 KRA Speedway - King of KRA Sprint Challenge
Friday, August 16 Princeton Speedway - Kouba Memorial Night 1*
Saturday, August 17 St. Croix Valley Raceway - 21st Annual Kouba Memorial*
Saturday, August 24 Viking Speedway - Viking Sprint Special
Saturday, August 31 North Central Speedway - 12th Annual Mighty Axe Nationals
Sunday, September 1 North Central Speedway - 12th Annual Mighty Axe Nationals
Monday, September 2 Granite City Speedway - 2nd Annual Granite City Sprintacular
Saturday, September 7 Cedar Lake Speedway - 13th Annual Richert Memorial with IRA Sprints*
Friday, October 4 Elko Speedway - 3rd Annual Fall Dirt Nationals
Saturday, October 5 Elko Speedway - 3rd Annual Fall Dirt Nationals*
*UMSS Six Pack Series Race.
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Preview for Month of May for NCRA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Park City, Kansas – May 2, 2013 - If you are a race fan then you know the “month of May” means it is the “month of racing” and that is true pertaining to all six divisions for the National Championship Racing Association of Park City, Kansas presented by Precise Racing Products racing series. Below are the “Month of May” highlights for each of the series divisions consisting of 360 sprints, 305 sprints, late models.
360 Sprint Car Division: Two events are slated for the “Thunder and Lightening” division of the 360 sprint cars. First up will be the twice rescheduled event at 81 Speedway in Park City on Saturday night, May 11th. This event was postponed from April 27th and moved again from the May 4th makeup date. This will be the second race on the 2013 race season and second out of four at the home of the series, 81 Speedway.
Then on Friday night, May 24th it will be the 3rd annual “Sprint Car Mania” at RPM Speedway in Hays, Kansas. Now retired Garry Lee Maier won the inaugural event back in 2011 while last year’s version was cancelled due to rain during hot laps.
305 Sprint Car Division: The NCRA 305 sprint car division will open their second season on Saturday night, May 26th for their first of three appearances at the Great American Dirt Track in Jetmore, Kansas.
Late Model Division: “The gladiators” of the series late model tour will kick off their 30th season with two events slated over the Memorial Day weekend. As is customary for the tour, the 2013 season will kick off on Saturday night, May 25th at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool, Nebraska before heading south to Park City and 81 Speedway on Sunday night, May 26th.
More detailed race information for each event will be released the week before each slated event. The above May preview for all things NCRA will give all fans and drivers of the series a chance to mark their calendar and ready themselves for series action. The 2013 race season is the 43rd consecutive year the series has sanctioned dirt track races throughout the Midwest. More race series information, including rules for all divisions, schedules, point standings and more can be found on the series official website www.racencra.com. For more information on the NCRA you can also contact them (316) 755-1781.
May 11 NCRA 360 Sprints 81 Speedway/Park City, Kansas
May 24 NCRA 360 Sprints RPM Speedway/Hays, Kansas
May 25 NCRA 305 Sprints Great American Dirt Track/Jetmore, Kansas
May 25 NCRA Late Models Junction Motor Speedway/McCool, Nebraska
May 26 NCRA Late Models 81 Speedway/Park City, Kansas
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2nd Annual Open Wheel Nationals Grabs Spotlight
By: Greg Parent, UMSS Media Director (5-1-13)
With the first edition of the Open Wheel Nationals last year at the St. Croix Valley Raceway a huge success, the event returns in 2013 for two nights of fast-paced racing action at the ¼ mile dirt oval located near St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin on June 28-29. Expanded purses and an XSAN.tv internet video broadcast will make the second edition another must-see event, as a record crowd filed into the track last year to be part of the inaugural Open Wheel Nationals.
The four classes of cars that provided some great racing at the first annual event will return again in 2013 with the popular open wheel modifieds taking center stage on Friday night. The UMSS winged sprints, the UMSS Traditional sprints, and the Midwest Modifieds will race on Friday and Saturday with complete programs each night. The Friday night show for Midwest mods will be WISSOTA sanctioned while the Saturday show will be unsanctioned, allowing for other B-mods to participate. The UMSS winged sprints will be gunning for their largest purse ever, as the Saturday night feature will pay the winner $5,000 while the Friday night preliminary program will pay $1,000 to win. If 40 or more cars are on hand for this event, the UMSS winged sprints will run two features on Friday night each paying $1,000 to win. The modifieds will race for $1,500 to win on Friday night while the Midwest mods will pay $500 to win Friday and $750 to win on Saturday. The UMSS non-winged Traditional sprints will race for $500 to win each night thanks to some sponsorship help from GRP Motorsports.
The UMSS winged sprint portion of the 2nd Annual Open Wheel Nationals immediately places this event amongst the elite events on the UMSS schedule and should certainly grab the attention of upper Midwest sprint car drivers and fans with a strong purse paying $5,000 to win and $500 to start the Saturday championship feature. The race format, based on the number of cars on hand, has been established and will be discussed in a separate press release. “This event will put St. Croix Valley Raceway along with the UMSS on the map,” stated track co-owner Ron Bernhagen. With one of the premier video internet broadcasting companies, XSAN.tv, bringing the event to the country via the internet, exposure of this race will be widespread.
Defending champions of the Open Wheel Nationals include Lou Kennedy, Jr. in the UMSS winged sprints (also Kouba Memorial last year), Dave Cain in the modifieds, Jason Vandekamp in the WISSOTA Midwest mods and Johnny Parsons III in the UMSS Traditional sprints. With full racing programs on tap each night, the 2013 edition will continue to be a fan favorite with plenty of exciting racing at the little bullring nestled in the countryside of western Wisconsin.
Further information on the Open Wheel Nationals can be obtained by calling Ron Bernhagen at 612-363-5302 or by email at mastellracing@yahoo.com. Be sure and check out the St. Croix Valley Raceway website at www.scvraceway.com or their Facebook page for news and info regarding this event and many others throughout the course of the 2013 racing season. The feature race purses for the 2nd Annual Open Wheel Nationals are listed below.
UMSS Winged Sprints:
Friday Qualifying Feature – 1st $1,000; 2nd $625; 3rd $500; 4th $400; 5th $325; 6th $285; 7th $250; 8th $215; 9th $200; 10th $150; 11th-20th $125.
Saturday Championship Feature – 1st $5,000; 2nd $3,000; 3rd $1,500; 4th $1,250; 5th $1,000; 6th $800; 7th $850; 8th $800; 9th $775; 10th $750; 11th $725; 12th $700; 13th $600; 14th-20th $500.
UMSS Traditional Sprints:
Friday Feature – 1st $500; 2nd $300; 3rd $250; 4th $200; 5th $175; 6th $150; 7th $125; 8th $100; 9th $100; 10th $80; 11th-20th $75.
Saturday Feature – 1st $500; 2nd $375; 3rd $275; 4th $225; 5th $175; 6th $165; 7th $150; 8th 135; 9th $125; 10th $115; 11th-20th $100.
WISSOTA Midwest Modified Friday Feature – 1st $500; 2nd $350; 3rd $250; 4th $200; 5th $190; 6th $180; 7th $170; 8th $160; 9th $150; 10th $125; 11th $100; 12th $90; 13th $80; 14th $75; 15th $70; 16th $65; 17th $60; 18th $60; 19th-24th $50.
Unsanctioned Midwest Mod Saturday Feature - $750: 2nd $500; 3rd $400; 4th $300; 5th $200; 6th $190; 7th $180; 8th $170; 9th $160; 10th $155; 11th $150; 12th $145; 13th $140; 14th $130; 15th $120; 16th $110; 17th $100; 18th $90; 19th-24th $75.
Modified Friday Feature – 1st $1,500; 2nd $1,200; 3rd $1,000; 4th $800; 5th $700; 6th $600; 7th $500; 8th $400; 9th $300; 10th $275; 11th $250; 12th $225; 13th $200; 14th $175; 15th $150; 16th $125; 17th-24th $100.
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New Schedule for Minnesota Mafia Point Fund
With a great amount of disappointment we’re announcing that the Upper Midwest SprintCar Series (UMSS) portion of our schedule is being replaced.
The Minnesota Mafia worked for six months trying to create a series of races that would benefit both sprint car fans and the drivers/teams competing in our area. To their credit, Ron Bernhagen of the UMSS and Jon McCorkell of the Jackson Speedway Touring Series (JSTS) worked towards that goal as well.
In the end, all parties involved couldn’t find a resolution or a compromise to deal with the different tire rules in each series.
Due to not finding a workable solution, the UMSS decided it was in their (and their drivers) best interest to withdraw support. We fully respect their decision and The Minnesota Mafia still hopes to contribute to drivers competing in UMSS races this season. Look for those announcements in the months ahead.
We have replaced the UMSS portion of our schedule with shows at Husets Speedway (3), Rapid Speedway (2) and Jackson Speedway (1).
We have added shows that don’t conflict with any UMSS races directly. We want to make sure the most number of drivers/teams will be able to participate if they so choose.
We will look to add an additional race in the near future to make a total of twelve shows for the Minnesota Mafia Point Fund. We will count a driver/teams top 10 points nights. Drivers/teams will need to run 8 of our shows to be eligible. Nightly race format will dictate all rules.
There will be nightly Tough Luck and Hard Charger awards. The same $15,000 will be distributed to the top 15 in points at the end of the season. Full schedule is as follows:
May 18th Jackson Speedway-Spring Nationals, Jackson, MN
May 31st Rapid Speedway-360 Sprint Special, Rock Rapids, IA
June 16th Husets Speedway-Fathers Day Special ($1000 to win), Brandon, SD
July 5th Rapid Speedway-360 Sprint Special, Rock Rapids, IA
July 17th Sioux Speedway-JSTS Speedweek, Sioux Center, IA
July 18th, Rapid Speedway-JSTS Speedweek, Rock Rapids, IA
July 19th Fairmont Speedway-JSTS Speedweek, Fairmont, MN
July 20th Jackson Speedway-JSTS Speedweek, Jackson, MN
August 18th Husets Speedway-$1000 to win, Brandon, SD
September 2nd Husets Speedway-Labor Day Special ($1000 to win) , Brandon, SD
September 28th Jackson Speedway-Loren Barstad Memorial, Jackson, MN
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UMSS Announces "Six Pack Series" of Races For Added Money
By: Greg Parent, UMSS Media Director (4-30-13)
With the original proposed series of Minnesota Mafia Point Fund races unable to take place because of a disagreement on the tire rule between the Upper Midwest Sprintcar Series (UMSS) and the Jackson Speedway Touring Series (JSTS), the UMSS is pleased to announce that a portion of their 2013 schedule will still see some increased money going to the drivers through a best six out of seven series of races. The mini-series will be termed the UMSS "Six Pack Series" and will involve taking a driver's best six point races out of a proposed seven race series using the regular UMSS feature race point system in place. The events are already part of the 2013 UMSS schedule, so no additional races have been added to the schedule at this time.
The UMSS "Six Pack Series" will consist of the following races.
May 24 St. Croix Valley Raceway - Davey Tabor Memorial
June 7 Princeton Speedway - Billy Anderson Memorial
June 29 St. Croix Valley Raceway - Open Wheel Nationals Night 2
August 16 Princeton Speedway - Kouba Memorial Night 1
August 17 St. Croix Valley Raceway - Kouba Memorial Night 2
September 7 Cedar Lake Speedway - Jerry Richert Sr Memorial
October 5 Elko Speedway - Fall Dirt Nationals Night 2
If one or more shows fall victim to the weather, the first alternate will be the July 26 race at St. Croix Valley Raceway. If a second alternate is necessary due to weather woes, the Sunday night Mighty Axe Nationals at North Central Speedway on September 1 will be used. Should the need arise for a third alternate based on weather cancellations at previous events, the Friday night October 4 show at the Fall Dirt Nationals at Elko Speedway would be utilized in the "Six Pack Series" in order to allow every opportunity to get in the full number of shows.
After recently contacting several UMSS car owners, it was unanimous that the 2013 Driver Participation Fund money be put toward the "Six Pack Series" along with additional funds that were scheduled to be raised through a planned fund raiser during the 2013 season. GRP Motorsports is also on board, as GRP was planning on adding about $1,000 to the original MN Mafia Point Fund series through a number of bonuses at the various events. GRP told UMSS President Ron Bernhagen that this money will now be channeled to the "Six Pack Series" point fund, as it is always his desire to see the money go to the drivers whether that be in a point fund, adding to the purses or through other bonuses at the events. GRP Motorsports is the primary UMSS sponsor and series point fund contributor. With these commitments in place, the initial UMSS "Six Pack Series" point fund will start at $3,000 and grow from there throughout the season. Plans call for paying the top ten positions in the "Six Pack Series" point standings. Additional sponsors who would like to come on board and benefit from this exposure are encouraged to contact UMSS President Ron Bernhagen at 612-363-5302.
"We are disappointed that the original MN Mafia Point Fund Series involving the UMSS and JSTS cars could not work out due to a tire disagreement, but I am extremely proud of our efforts from all those involved to put together this Six Pack Series in order to benefit our drivers," stated Bernhagen. "It is our sincere hope that in the future we can work together with all parties involved to benefit sprint car racing and drivers here in our state and surrounding areas," concluded Bernhagen.
Fans are encouraged to keep track of the 2013 season on the UMSS website at www.umsprints.com or by becoming a friend of the UMSS on their Facebook page.
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UMSS & JSTS Unable To Agree On Tire Rule, Nix MN Mafia Point Fund Series
By: Greg Parent, UMSS Media Director (4-30-13)
Unable to come to an agreement on the right rear tire rule for the planned Minnesota Mafia Point Fund series of races involving the Upper Midwest Sprintcar Series (UMSS) and the Jackson Speedway Touring Series (JSTS) cars, the proposed eleven race series had to be nixed. The Minnesota Mafia is working on putting together a series of races down in their part of the state while the UMSS is also working on a mini-series of races that are part of their current schedule for some added point fund money. Both groups will announce their revised plans in separate press releases.
The UMSS contract for their series is a three year deal from 2011-2013 calling for an SC25 Hoosier on the right rear. The JSTS has adopted the new Hoosier tire for 2013 which basically is a 16-medium or 18-hard. The UMSS received permission under their contract to allow either tire at the six UMSS races that were part of the original Minnesota Mafia Point Fund deal. The JSTS was unable to allow either tire at their events. "We tried to make it work, but we just could not come to an agreement on the tire rule for this series of races," stated UMSS President/CDO Ron Bernhagen. "We were flexible enough under our contract to try and make it work, but Jackson could not. I'm disappointed that the UMSS won't be able to participate in the Minnesota Mafia series of races, as the MN Mafia is comprised of a great group of sprint car fans who are working hard to help promote sprint car racing here in Minnesota," continued Bernhagen. Hopefully in the future, the groups can work together to come up with a more uniform set of rules especially involving tires.
The UMSS tire contract will be up after this season, so drivers and car owners will approve a new tire rule for 2014. "The current UMSS tire contract has worked very well for our drivers and for Hoosier Racing Tire. With one year left on our contract, I did not want to change it for 2013 unless I could obtain a better deal for our drivers," added Bernhagen. Since it's inception, one of the guiding principles for the UMSS has been to strive, wherever possible, to save the drivers money and also allow the drivers and car owners to have significant input in the rules process.
Fans will still see some great sprint car racing at UMSS events as well as at JSTS events in 2013. Several drivers should benefit with each group in earning some additional bonus money for the mini-series of races each group will have in place. The UMSS encourages all sprint car drivers to participate in as many races as possible with each group. Look for several more exciting announcements from the UMSS in separate press releases. Fans can follow the 2013 UMSS season on their website at www.umsprints.com or their Facebook page. We also need some cooperation from the weather in order to get the 2013 season underway.
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Black Rock to Host Patriot Sprint Tour for Series’ 10th Birthday Party
2013 PST America Series Kicks Off Friday
Rich Vleck, ROCHESTER, NY, (April 30, 2013)- This Friday will mark the 10-year anniversary of the first Patriot Sprint event, so perhaps it is only that the series will be in action at Black Rock Speedway, the facility that has hosted by far the most events in series history.
The 2013 Patriot Sprint Tour America Series gets underway this Friday with what is sure to be a highly-contested event. This is the seventh consecutive year that the Dundee, NY oval has hosted an early-spring sprint show, with each producing a different winner.
Tom Taber won the inaugural Patriot event back in 2003, and is likely to be in attendance in the pits Friday aiding both Steve Collins as well as 2012 PST Canada Champion Justin Barger; both are expected to be quick but there are a host of other names that could factor in this Friday.
Almost every PST Champion has visited Victory Lane, including George Suprick, who won their last June for the sixth time in PST competition; his eighth time overall, the most in track history. Suprick, along with his teammate Clint Ide, will be making the trip up from Pennsylvania.
Chuck Hebing, the winningest PST driver in series history, has scored six wins at the 4/10-mile oval and should be a threat once again. The same can be said for four-time PST Champion Bryan Howland garnered a lone win in Yates County, while 2011 title holder Jared Zimbardi has a pair, will all of those wins coming with substantial payouts.
One PST Champion that has yet to capture the double-checkered flags at BRS is Scott Kreutter, who was the PST America Champion last year. Kreutter has been very quick at Dean Hoag’s facility over the years though and definitely could break through Friday as his begins his title defense.
Tommy Wickham, Kevin Ward Jr., Jason Barney, Alain Bergeron, Brad Knab and Derek Jonathan will get their PST America seasons started after running the PST Canada event at Merrittville. Among the drivers to run their first PST race of the year are Brandan Warner, Steven Hutchinson Jr., Dave Wickham, Geoff Quackenbush, Charlie Donk, Paul Habeck and Bruce DeWick.
The field will undoubtedly be stout, especially if names such as Lance Yonge, Tim Kelly, Jessica Zemken, Dave Just or Scott Just are on hand. Racing will begin at 6:45 P.M. on Friday. For more information, visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com.
Patriot Sprint Tour History at Black Rock
Races: 34
9/6/2003- Scott Bonnell
4/24/2004- Rich Swarthout
5/22/2004- Lance Yonge
6/5/2004- George Suprick
6/12/2004- George Suprick
6/19/2004- George Suprick
6/26/2004- Bobby Breen
7/2/2004- Rick Wilson
7/10/2004- Chuck Hebing
7/17/2004- George Suprick
8/7/2004- Blake Breen
8/14/2004- Blake Breen
9/4/2004- Chuck Hebing
9/11/2004- Trevor Lewis
8/13/2005- George Suprick
9/10/2005- Trevor Lewis
8/12/2006- Chuck Hebing
9/9/2006- Curt Michael
5/18/2007- Chuck Hebing
5/19/2007- Travis Rilat
8/11/2007- Jared Zimbardi
8/8/2008- Justin Barger
5/15/2009- Bobby Breen
8/7/2009- Trevor Lewis
4/30/2010- Chuck Hebing
8/6/2010- Bryan Howland
9/10/2010- Bobby Breen and Alain Bergeron (Preliminary Events)
9/11/2010- Justin Barger
5/7/2011- J.J. Grasso
7/8/2011- Chuck Hebing
8/12/2011- Jared Zimbardi
5/4/2012- Bobby Breen
6/29/2012- George Suprick
8/10/2012- Tony Stewart
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URSS John Keenan Memorial set for May 4 in Oberlin
By the URSS
OBERLIN, Kan. — Racing was in his blood, and John Keenan couldn't get enough of dirt track racing.
He also had a strong love for his family. So it seems right the two would be brought together to honor the life of Keenan, who died in November at age 64.
Rick Salem and Beaver Valley Supply Co. Inc. in Atwood have teamed up to host the John Keenan Memorial Spring Sizzler on May 4 at Decatur County Speedway in Oberlin. The night will feature the 305 sprint cars of the United Rebel Sprint Series, which was founded by Salem.
Gates open at 5 p.m., with races starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for those age 6 to 12. Those younger than 6 are free.
“He never missed a race anywhere around here,” Salem said. “We has a great race fan and family man. He was just a super, super guy.”
Keenan died Nov. 11. He was a 1966 graduate of Jennings High School and eventually graduated from Fort Hays State University. He served in the U.S. Navy.
He was a truck driver for Halliburton prior to moving on to work at Beaver Valley Supply.
“John was a very loyal employee to Beaver Valley. The only time he would take off from work was to be with his kids or grandkids and races,” according to a statement from the company.
The May 4 event will include bike races for children, and children bringing a bike to the track will get free admission.
The night also will feature a chicken chase for URSS drivers. It's sure to provide great entertainment for the fans and a little fun for the drivers competing, Salem said. The race will be a two lap timed event with the drivers stopping on the front straight before the end of their second lap. They will then get out, remove their helmet and then run into a pen where 3 chickens await. They must catch one chicken and then run to the finish line to complete their time, Salem said “You’ll laugh until you have tears in your eyes with this. This was a deal John and I talked about that would really be entertaining for the whole family and I thought it fitting we include it in this special night for John”. I can assure you every fan in the stands will have their favorite driver to root for after this.
Salem expects a good contingent of drivers to compete at the memorial show, including racers from Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Oklahoma.
The weekend also offers the Rebels a chance to compete two nights during the weekend. On May 5, the URSS heads to Dawson County Raceway in Lexington, Neb.
For more information about the URSS, visit www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com .
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Crane wins first URSS feature
By the URSS
LIBERAL, Kan. — For a few seconds, there was a feeling of deja vu for Barry Crane.
The race was shaping up like the early season race a year earlier. He was leading the pack and coming up on lap traffic. That night ended with a vicious wreck that destroyed his sprint car and ended his 2012 season. On Saturday night, though, things went differently, and Crane piloted his United Rebel Sprint Series sprint car into victory lane — capturing his first URSS career victory. “It was a nice way to start off, especially with the way we started off last year,” Crane said.
Crane was leading the second night of the Cow Chip Nationals last year in Beaver, Okla, when he tangled with a lap car, ending his chances at his first victory — and eventually his season. “It was the horribly longest off season of my life,” Crane said. “I was more than ready, but I was really nervous, too.”
Crane started on the pole, but the win didn't come easy. He battled side-by-side with Taylor Velasquez early, then had to hold off a hard-charging Luke Cranston for the win. He even had to work his way through lap traffic. “I gave them a little bit extra space until I could make my move,” Crane said. “That wall comes up fast. I didn't want to pin myself between the wall and the other car. It taught me some patience.”
Crane was the class of the field last year while leading the race at Beaver before the accident. On Saturday, he was the class of the field again by holding on for the win. “There's none of these guys who are going to just give you a race,” Crane said. When he saw there was only one lap remaining in the feature, he knew the end was near.
“I just thanked God it was over,” Crane said. “I stood up on the tank, and I was pretty happy. We ran 25 laps, and it seemed like 100. I've never been so happy to see that white flag.”
Cranston finished second, followed by Velasquez in third and Ray Seemann in fourth. Herbert, last year's URSS national champ, was fifth.
Heat race winners were Kaden Taylor, Herbert and Ty Williams.
Feature results: 1. Barry Crane, 2. Luke Cranston, 3. Taylor Velasquez, 4. Ray Seemann, 5. Brian Herbert, 6. Richie Dewell, 7. Kris Miller, 8. Koby Walters, 9. Kris Moore, 10. Jerry Caldwell, 11. Zac Taylor, 12. Cody Caldwell, 13. Ty Williams (DNF), 14. Tyler Knight (DNF), 15. Kaden Taylor (DNF).
The next race on tap for the Rebels will be this Weekend when they visit Decatur County Speedway in Oberlin, KS on Saturday and then finish a two day weekend at Dawson County Raceway in Lexington, NE on Sunday
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Kinney First Official Entrant in Utica-Rome Speedway’s Cole Cup
VERNON, NY - The First Annual Cole Cup for the 360 Sprint Cars at the Utica-Rome Speedway is still many months away but interest is rapidly growing for the event. Scheduled for Saturday, September 7th, with a rain-date of the following day (Sunday, September 8), the event promises to one of the largest is track history. It will pay $7,000 to the winner with $500 go any driver that qualifies for the A-Main.
This past week Paul Kinney became the first official entrant for the prestigious event. Kinney, a three-time winner at the Vernon, N.Y., track in Sportsman and Modified competition made the jump to Sprint Car competition last season. Kinney’s last win at Utica-Rome came in July of 2011 and last season he secured his first ever Sprint Car win at the Le RPM Speedway in Quebec with the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints.
Kinney will prepare for the Cole Cup on three different occasions as the Empire Super Sprints make three stops at the speedway. The first appearance comes on May 26 as part of Memorial Day weekend. The series returns on July 7th as part of the first ever SUNY Canton Speedweek. The final event for the Empire Super Sprints comes just one week prior to the Cole Cup as part of New Yorker weekend on Sunday September 1.
The Cole Cup will feature drivers from all of the major Sprint Car sanctioning bodies including United Racing Company, Patriot Sprint Group, the Empire Super Sprints and more. For more information about the event including rules and entry forms visit the speedway website at www.uticaromespeedway.com
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STILLWAGGON TOPS RISLONE URC POINT CHASE, BEDFORD & SELINSGROVE ARE NEXT STOPS ON THE SCHEDULE
Defending Rislone URC Champion Robbie Stillwaggon was quick to establish himself as the man to beat on Friday night when URC opened their sixty-sixth season at the Big Diamond Raceway.
Stillwaggon started fourteenth in the twenty-five lap feature, but that did not slow down his charge to the front. After a fierce point battle in 2012 between Stillwaggon and Davie Franek, the battle for the win on Friday night came down to these two drivers. Franek was leading the URC feature when Stillwaggon made his way to the front and took the lead. Franek of Wantage, NJ looked to be well on his way to the win but did admit, he lost his brakes over the final seven laps. For Stillwaggon of Burlington, NJ and driver of the Fred Kennedy owned #89, the Big Diamond win was his fourth career URC victory.
The Rislone URC Sprints will find their next stop at the Bedford Speedway in Bedford, PA on Friday night, May 10 followed by the Jack Gunn Memorial at the Selinsgrove Speedway on Saturday night May 11. URC’s prior visit to the Bedford Speedway was August 20, 2010 and Bill Unglert was the winner. Bedford Speedway is a huge half-mile oval and without a doubt, one of the fastest tracks on the Rislone URC Sprint Series this year. Track Promoter Joe Padula is looking forward to the return of URC to the Bedford Speedway. This event will mark the twenty-fourth visit by URC to the Western Pennsylvania oval.
The following night, Saturday, May 11, URC will return to Selinsgrove Speedway for the eighth running the Jack Gunn Memorial, a combination show between the URC sprints and the 358 sprints of Central Pennsylvania. The feature event will pay $3,500 to the winner. Past winners include Blane Heimbach (2012, 2008, 2006), Shane Stewart (2011), Trevor Lewis (2010, 2009) and Dave Calaman (2007). The Selinsgrove Speedway, under the promotion of Charlie Paige remains one of the most well prepared track surfaces on the URC schedule.
Some outstanding performances on Friday night at Big Diamond include Billy Pauch Jr, in his first URC event and in a new car. Pauch missed qualifying in the heat race but did qualify through the “B” main and rallied on to deliver a strong eight place finish. Piperville, PA driver Brian Carber delivered a knockout performance as well in his first run with URC, finishing fourth in the main event. Always a tough contender, Bryn Gohn was the early race leader and finished a strong third. Last year’s storybook driver Kevin Darling finished fifth. When it came to the draw, the unlucky driver was Josh Weller. With just forty pills in the draw, Weller, drew pill forty. From the outset, it was an uphill battler for Weller. But as history shows, Josh delivers his best results when he starts at a disadvantage. Weller finished seventh in his first ride with car owner Chris Weiss. Nice to see Chad Trout start the season with a solid tenth place finish as well. Thirty-two cars turned out for the opener. Hard luck mentions go out to Tim Kelly, the New York based sprint car driver who took a wild flip in turn one. Kelly was not injured, however the car was badly damaged. JJ Grasso, a former URC Champion also known for his exciting driving style took a tumble just past the flag stand. Grasso was not injured in the crash and at the time, was in the thick of the battle at the front of the pack.
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United Sprint Car Series rolls into Smoky Mountain May 4th as part of double-header weekend
By Chris Tilley
MARYVILLE, TN (April 28, 2013)—The Fayetteville, GA-based United Sprint Car Series (USCS) rolls back into Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, TN on Saturday Night May 4th as the ‘Thunder in the Smokies’ weekend presented by UJUNKDIT.COM will be the second night of a double-header weekend with 411 Motor Speedway in Seymour, TN who will be competing on Friday Night.
UJUNKDIT.COM is an Automotive Core Recycling Company and is a proud supporter of Smoky Mountain Speedway. For further information contact them at (865) 679-6420.
Along with the winged Sprints, the Limited Late Models will race for $1,500 to win, the Midget Sprints and the Southern Lite Mod Series ($400 to win) all will be on the racing card during the May 4th event. This will be the fourth of the 13 scheduled ground-pounding events on the Smoky Mountain Speedway schedule as previous visits by the Southern All Stars (March 23rd), Ray Cook’s Spring Nationals (April 13th) and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series (April 26th) have been held before the USCS event.
Expected from the USCS stable of Outlaw Thunder cars include: The #9JR of Derek Hagar from Marion, AR, the #88 of Tim Crawley from Benton, AR, the #10 of Terry Gray of Bartlett, TN, the #47 of Eric Riggins Jr. of Charlotte, NC, the female sensation and 2010 Series Rookie of the Year #80 of Morgan Turpen from Oakland, TN , the #12D of Dalton Davis from Millington, TN, the #23 of Lance Moss from Cherryville, NC, the 2008 Series Rookie of the Year #16 of Anthony Nicholson from Bartlett, TN, the #89 of Robbie Stillwagon from Burlington, NJ, the #39 of Brad Bowden from Hernando, MS along with the rest of the National touring stars. There will be a complete show of the Dash, Heat Races and the 25-lap main event.
The Pit Gates will open at 3:00 pm with Tier Parking and Grandstand Gates swinging open at 5:00 pm and the Driver’s Meeting is slated for 7:00 pm. Adult Grandstand Admission is $15.00, while Adult Tier Parking Admission is $20.00 and Adult Pit Passes are $35.00.
During last year’s visit to Smoky Mountain Speedway, Derek Hagar of Marion, AR claimed the 25-lap USCS Thunder in the Smokies event win over Morgan Turpen, Anthony Nicholson, Tim Crawley and Justin Carver. In the RockAuto.com USCS 600 Sprint 20-lap main from last year it was Chris Openshaw of Bessemer, AL taking the event win May 4, 2012 over Sean Hosey, Mike Magic, Bobby Zaiontz and Cassie Klenke.
Racing action for Smoky Mountain Speedway includes the hosting of other special events throughout the 2013 season including: Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series, Ray Cook’s Spring Nationals Series, Ray Cook’s Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series, American Modified Series, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, United Sprint Car Series, Southern Regional Racing Series and the Ultimate Late Models.
For further information on the United Sprint Car Series (United Speed Contest Sanction), visit www.uscsracing.com or Call (770) 560-7223 or Series Founder Pete Walton at (770) 865-6097.
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Steve Poirier Survives Multiple Challenges to Score Patriot Sprint Tour Season Opener at Merrittville
Rich Vleck, THOROLD, Ont., (April 27, 2013)- Steve Poirier has been arguably the hottest sprint car driver in the northeast over the last seven months, so when he drew the pole for the feature Saturday Night at Merrittville many would assume he would easily claim the win; while he would indeed win, it was far from a runaway.
Poirier, of St. Mathieu de Bolelil, QC, claimed the Patriot Sprint Tour season opener for the second-straight year, his ninth career win under PST sanctioning. Poirier led all 25 laps of the A-Main at the line but on three separate occasions, there was a different leader at other points on the track.
“We are on a super good roll,” declared Poirier in Victory Lane. “When you have luck on your side you are happy and you just continue racing.”
The three-time Canadian Sprint Car Nationals Champion started the feature by rolling the top of the track, which allowed defending PST America Champion Scott Kreutter to sneak underneath the No. 28FM. Sensing that the quick line was on the bottom, Poirier moved his line down, which, in turn, opened up the door for outside polesitter Glenn Styres to wind up his Ohsweken No. 0 on the top. As the top two hit lapped traffic on lap 11, Styres appeared poised to take the lead, but Poirier cut off the hi line down the middle of the back stretch to kill the momentum of the “Ohsweken Flyer” and allow Poirier some breathing room.
“To be in front was really the key. My car was really loose, I was waiting for someone to come catch me,” admitted Poirier afterwards. “Maybe I got a break in traffic because I got to go to the bottom.”
Styres had to reset for the next few laps, but was having trouble getting through lapped traffic. Just after the completion of lap 20, he tried to clear his teammates Dain Naida and Keith Dempster, who had been lapped by Poirier, but missed his mark and spun around, drawing what would be the only caution of the night.
With under five laps remaining in the event, lapped cars were moved to the back and taken out of the equation, which put Mitch Brown, who had inherited second and who had raced up from ninth after winning the Original Pizza Logs Four Laps of Fame Dash, right on the back bumper of Poirier. Poirier decided to run the top line on the restart to build momentum, giving Brown a look to the inside. Momentum on the high side would indeed win out, not only for Poirier, but Justin Barger as well, as he rode the rim into second and then went after the leader in the waning laps.
“After (the caution), I slid the wing to the back, I went to the outside and tried that, I was slow, I was lucky I was up front.”
As Poirier remained committed to the top line, carefully commissioning his No. 28FM into the corners, Barger was all-out going for the win. With three laps to go, he got within shouting distance of the leader, but after missing his mark entering turn one on lap 24, Poirier still held a six car-length advantage entering the final lap, it did not deter the defending PST Canada Series Champion though.
Entering the final set of corners, Barger still trailed by five car lengths. Poirier once again slowly entered turn three on the top of the track with very little pitch to the car, which allowed Barger to make one all-out bid for the lead. Barger was able to inch ahead in the middle of the corner as the packed house at Merrittville held their collective breaths, but realized he could not clear the leader, and had to back out just enough to allow Poirier to hold on for the win.
“I saw Justin coming and I was like ‘oh here we go’. He gave me just enough room so I could clear him in turn four.”
After the race, Barger quickly hustled over to Poirier and stated that with one more lap it may have been a different story. In his post-race interview, he stated that he raced Poirier the way he would be raced if the rolls were reversed. It was a clear case of racing at 100%, and not a percentage more.
While Poirier had been fortunate to draw the pole for the A-Main, Barger was the unlucky recipient of the eighth starting position. After starting off the feature slow, he got going late in the race, finally cracking into the top five and then rocketing around the outside into second.
Jason Barney also got his car going in the late stages. After starting in 12th, the Constantia, NY driver was able to use the bottom to get inside the top five. On the final lap, he moved around Mitch Brown to land on the podium in his first sprint car start at Merrittville.
While Mitch Brown lost two spots in the closing laps, his fourth place showing was still a fine way for the youngster to start of his 2013 at one of his local tracks. Tommy Wickham accumulated the most passing points on the night and finished in the top five in the PST season opener for the second straight year.
Michael Parent, who was quickest in hot laps, got around Scott Kreutter for sixth. Kreutter, who was battling for the lead early on, fought tire and engine issues but was still able to record a solid finish.
Kevin Ward Jr. drove up to eighth after starting in 20th, a quiet but stout effort for the youngster. 2011 PST Champion Jared Zimbardi was ninth while Alain Bergeron rounded out the top 10.
The night was rather free of incident, with Travis Cunningham suffering the worst damage of the 28 cars in attendance when, on the first lap of heat race one, when he took the brunt of a domino effect and crashed hard into the frontstretch wall and was done for the night. Only Jessica Zemken and Martin Roy were unable to finish the feature.
Next up for the Patriot Sprint Tour is the PST America Season Opener next Friday at Black Rock Speedway in Dundee, NY. This event will be held on the 10-year anniversary of the first Patriot race. For more information, visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com.
Patriot Sprint Tour Canada Series Results: 4/27/13, Merrittville Speedway, Thorold, Ontario.
A-Main (25 Laps)- 1. Steve Poirier (28FM), 2. Justin Barger (5), 3. Jason Barney (87), 4. Mitch Brown (10), 5. Tommy Wickham (75), 6. Michael Parent (25), 7. Scott Kreutter (52), 8. Kevin Ward Jr. (13), 9. Jared Zimbardi (35), 10. Alain Bergeron (8B), 11. Jamie Collard (7x), 12. Glenn Styres (0), 13. Kyle Patrick (33k), 14. Todd Hoddick (49), 15. Brad Knab (38), 16. Dain Naida (07x), 17. Keith Dempster (5k), 18. Jim Huppunen (14H), 19. Steve Collins (67), 20. Patrick Vigneault (55), 21. Martin Roy (90), 22. Jessica Zemken (1z).
Lap Leaders- Poirier 1-25.
B-Mains (Top 4 Transfer to A-Main)- 1. Steve Collins (67), 2. Kevin Ward Jr. (13), 3. Martin Roy (90), 4. Todd Hoddick (49), 5. Jamie Turner (11), 6. Derek Jonathan (81), 7. Conor Mahoney (5c), 8. Dave Dykstra (96), 9. Darren Zumpe (11z), 10. Travis Cunningham (71).
Four Laps of Fame Dash (4 Laps)- 1. Mitch Brown (10), 2. Keith Dempster (5k), 3. Jessica Zemken (1z), 4. Jason Barney (87), 5. Jared Zimbardi (35), 6. Dain Naida (07x).
Heats (8 Laps Each, Top 6 Transfer to A-Main)-
Race 1: 1. Steve Poirier (28FM), 2. Tommy Wickham (75), 3. Scott Kreutter (52), 4. Patrick Vigneault (55), 5. Kyle Patrick (33k), 6. Jessica Zemken (1z), 7. Todd Hoddick (49), 8. Dave Dykstra (96), 9. Travis Cunningham (71).
Race 2: 1. Alain Bergeron (8B), 2. Glenn Styres (0), 3. Brad Knab (38), 4. Dain Naida (07x), 5. Keith Dempster (5k), 6. Jim Huppunen (14H), 7. Steve Collins (67), 8. Conor Mahoney (5c), 9. Derek Jonathan (81).
Race 3: 1. Justin Barger (5), 2. Michael Parent (25), 3. Jason Barney (87), 4. Mitch Brown (10), 5. Jared Zimbardi (35), 6. Jamie Collard (7x), 7. Kevin Ward Jr. (13), 8. Martin Roy (90), 9. Jamie Turner (11), 10. Darren Zumpe (11z).
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NCRA Sprint Show at 81 Speedway PPD!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Park City, Kansas – April 27, 2013 - Due to no sunshine to help dry out the wet conditions due to last night’s rain, the National Championship Racing Association of Park City, Kansas presented by Precise Racing Products sprint car event scheduled for tonight at 81 Speedway in Park City has been rescheduled. This show will be made up next Saturday night, May 4th.
Gates open at 5:00 PM with racing action set for a 7:00 PM start time.
81 Speedway is located north of Wichita on I-135 to exit 16, then .7 mile west on 77th St. in Park City. For more race and ticket information contact the 81 Speedway office (316) 755-1781.
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DEFENDING CHAMPION ROBBIE STILLWAGGON CHARGES FROM FOURTEENTH TO WIN THE PIONEER POLE BUILDINGS 25 LAP URC SPRINT FEATURE FRIDAY NIGHT AT BIG DIAMOND
The sixty-sixth season of the Nation’s oldest traveling sprint car organization, the URC Sprint Series, officially opened on Friday night at the Big Diamond Speedway with defending champion Robbie Stillwaggon taking the lead in the late stages of the event. After starting fourteenth, the Burlington, NJ racer took the lead on lap twenty-two of the twenty-five lap feature and went on to win his fourth career URC win. The Rislone URC Sprint Series event was sponsored by Pioneer Pole Buildings and Stillwaggon earned $2,000 for the victory. Stillwaggon earned a $50 bonus for passing the most cars, advancing thirteen spots in the feature event.
A field of thirty cars turned out for a chilly night of racing. Troy Betts was the winner of the Engler Machine & Tool heat race as Bryn Gohn won the Brad Penn Oil heat race with Davie Franek winning the Pioneer Pole Buildings third heat race of the night. The Bar’s Leaks “B” winner was Dave Ely.
Twenty-four cars answered the call for the 25 lap Pioneer Pole Buildings feature event. At the start of the feature, Bryn Gohn established himself as the race leader, holding off a determined Davie Franek with Tim Kelly close in the chase. Franek continued to pressure Gohn for the lead then on lap five, the yellow was displayed for Dave Ely who spun exiting turn two. On the restart, Gohn and Franek continued their battle for the lead and as the leader entered turn one, Kelly took a wild flip, displaying the red flag. Kelly walked away uninjured.
On the restart, Gohn and Franek resumed their battler with JJ Grasso racing in third with Brian Carber (in his first URC start) racing in fourth with Robbie Stillwaggon in fifth by lap six. One lap later, Jonathan Swanson came to a stop displaying the caution flag once again.
Gohn continued to be the front runner with Franek in the chase, then on lap thirteen, Franek powered into the lead position, and at the same time, JJ Grasso moved into second. Following in the top five was Bryn Gohn, Robbie Stillwaggon and Brian Carber.
As the field was completing lap fourteen, Franek was the leader with Grasso trying to close the gap. Grasso, tapped the inside fourth turn tire. After passing the flag stand, Grasso’s car headed to the infield out of control, before hitting another tire and wildly flipping while entering turn one. Grasso walked away uninjured.
On the restart, Franek set the pace followed by Gohn with Stillwaggon now in third. On lap twenty-one, Stillwaggon made a move and powered into second. And now, the two drivers that were battling over the Rislone URC Championship in 2012, are now battling for a win in 2013. On lap twenty-two, Stillwaggon powered by Franek to take the lead and he managed to stay the front runner until the drop of the checker flag. Stillwaggon took the win followed by Davie Franek with Bryn Gohn third, Brian Carber fourth and fifth place finisher Kevin Darling.
Brian Carber in his first URC start delivered a solid fourth place finish. Billy Pauch Jr was also very impressive, after finishing second in the “B” Main, Pauch returned to deliver an impressive eighth place finish in the feature.
25 LAP FEATURE FINISH: Robbie Stillwaggon, Davie Franek, Bryn Gohn, Brian Carber, Kevin Darling, Joey Biasi, Josh Weller, Billy Pauch Jr., Kramer Williamson, Chad Trout, Randy West, Joe Zuczek, Troy Betts, Dan Mazy, Andy Best, Jimmy Stitzel, Duane Mausteller, Mark Bitner, Eddie Wagner, JJ Grasso, Jimmy Reppert, Jonathan Swanson, Tim Kelly, Dave Ely, DNQ- - Art Liedl, David Swanson, Scott Lutz, JR Berry, Daniel Cogeill, Will Eggiman, Aaron Ott, Steve Downs
NEXT Events: Friday, May 10 Bedford Speedway; Saturday, May 11 Selinsgrove Speedway Jack Gunn Memorial $3,500 to win
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Steve Poirier Opens 30th Anniversary Season for Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints with Can-Am Win
By MIKE MALLETT
LAFARGEVILLE, NY - Steve Poirier said numerous times over the off-season he was coming back full-time in 2013 and was looking to regain the form that won him three prior Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint Championships. Poirier was limited in 2012 due to a knee injury and missed much of the season rehabbing from that.
On Friday night at the Can-Am Motorsports Park Speedway the full point season kicked off for the series and Poirier wasted little time asserting himself as a title contender. Poirier led all 25-laps of the SUNY Canton Series, Today’s Options Stars and Stripes Tour A-Main event for his 40th career series win.
“This is a super good start to the season,” said Poirier who collected $1,800 on the night. “Being away last year made us work a little more on our stuff. We were searching more for a victory and we started super good tonight.”
Matt Tanner and Michael Parent started on the pole after qualifying for the 38 car field was complete. Parent got the jump on Tanner and beat him into the first turn at the green. Poirier was able to advance to second in turns one and two and then he used a slide job in turns three and four to drive by Parent for the lead from his fourth starting position.
One lap was in the books when caution slowed the field as Jared Zimbardi slowed with mechanical issues and Jason Barney skated off the top-side of turn one. On the double-file restart Poirier elected for the outside and he easily held onto the lead as he pulled away from Parent.
“My car was super good.” said Poirier. “I don’t think anyone could have beat me on turn three entry.”
Traffic was an issue for Poirier by the sixth circuit which kept Parent and company close to his back bumper. Poirier was struggling a little bit with the traffic allowing the field to creep closer to him.
The final caution flag of the event was shown on lap 12 as Bryan Howland slowed with an issue in the rear-suspension. On the ensuing restart, Parent got the edge on Poirier coming down the front straightaway. He was almost a full car length in front as they entered turn one. Poirier dove to the bottom of the turn one and once again pulled the slide job to regain the lead.
“The engine wasn’t quite as good on restarts and starting on the outside made it interesting because the guy on the bottom could take your line,” stated the Quebec driver. “I slid Michael (Parent) there a little bit because he jumped the start there a bit. My car was very good on turn entry and I had enough to get him back.”
A new challenger emerged late in the race as Poirier entered traffic for a second time. Dylan Swiernik, who had started 12th, worked his way to second and began closing in on Poirier. As Poirier struggled Swiernik took the straightaway lead that Poirier had amassed and brought it down to just a few car lengths.
In the end though Poirier was just too strong and was the first to the checkered flag. Swiernik was all smiles after his second place finish. It was the second consecutive race that the Port Leyden, N.Y., driver had passed numerous cars and end with the solid finish.
“We started off strong a few weeks ago at Selinsgrove with a ninth and it is nice to come out with a good run,” commented Swiernik. “We came out here with our new engine, a Kriner. It was the best thing we’ve ever done and it was worth the expense.”
Swiernik had something for Poirier but in the final few laps Swiernik was forced to alternate his line as he entered into the slower traffic at the tail end of the field.
“I got stuck in traffic there for a bit,” said Swiernik. “I thought I was going to get him but that is racing and it happens. We’ll come out and get him next time.”
Kevin Ward, another Port Leyden, N.Y., driver, came home third. Ward battled for much of the race with Sammy Reakes IV and then Parent in the closing laps for the third place finish.
“I had some good battles out there,” commented Ward. “I was hoping to race up with leaders there at the end of the race. We were able to make it up to third so I guess we are happy with this.”
Parent eventually crossed the line in fourth while Reakes, the defending race winner, came home in the fifth position. Rounding out the top ten were Jessica Zemken, past ESS champions Justin Barger and Lance Yonge, Shawn Donath, who earned the hard charger bonus after starting 24th and Cory Sparks.
ESS/Cam-Am Notes – The 38 car field was the largest opening night field since 2006…Making first ever ESS starts were, Vinnie Vitale, Dave Axton and Clint Ide…Doug Emery had the fourth heat won when a fuel pick up problem forced him pit side, he was a DNQ,…Billy Dunn blew a motor in his heat ending his night early…Despite the very cold temperatures, a good crowd came out and not one sprint found itself on its wing…Next up will be the Mach 1 Spectacular at the Selinsgrove Speedway, ESS’ first full point show since 1996 which will pay $3,000 to win and $300 to start.
Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints - Can-Am Motorsports Park - 38 cars.
Luacs Oil A-Main - Steve Poirier ($1,825), Dylan Swiernik, Kevin Ward Jr., Michael Parent, Sammy Reakes IV, Jessica Zemken, Justin Barger, Lance Yonge, Shawn Donath, Cort Sparks, Paul Kinney, George Suprick, Dale Gosselin, Alain Bergeron, Martin Roy, Jeff Cook, Etienne Girard, Kyle Dutcher, Mike Stelter, Matt Tanner, Jared Zimbardi, Bryan Howland, Jason Barney, Chuck Hebing, Patrick Vigneault.
DNQ - Charlie Donk, Joe Trenca, Paul Habeck, Paul Pekkonen, Clint Ide, Dave Axton, Vinnie Vitale, Zach Weigand, Doug Emery, Billy Dunn, Tyler Rice, Chris Jones, James Hanson.
Heat 1 - Tanner, Sparks, Parent, Stelter, Zemken.
Heat 2 - Hebing, Suprick, Swiernik, Vigneault, Kinney.
Heat 3 - Poirier, Gosselin, Reakes IV, Barger, Yonge.
Heat 4 - Howland, Zimbardi, Ward Jr., Roy, Barney.
Dash - Hebing, Tanner, Poirier, Howland.
B-Main - Bergeron, Cook, Girard, Donath.
Provisional - Dutcher
Lap Leader - Poirier 1-25
Next Event - May 18 - Selinsgrove Speedway - Mach 1 Spectacular $3,000 to win, $300 to start
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URSS ready to kick off season Saturday in Liberal
By the URSS
OBERLIN, Kan. — Southwest Kansas has been known for wild weather throughout the years. And that wild weather forced the first official event of the 2013 United Rebel Sprint Series season to be postponed last weekend at Liberal County Fairgrounds.
But Saturday, the temperatures are expected to be pleasant and nearly 80 degrees in southwest Kansas, and that means the Rebels of the URSS should have a great atmosphere to finally kick off the season.
The Rebels will begin the 2013 season at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Liberal. Pits open at 4:30, and grandstands open at 5:30 p.m. Support classes will be modifieds, stocks, sport mods and hobby stocks. Tickets for adults at $12, and children age 6 to 11 are $5. Those 5 and younger are free. Pit passes are $30 for adults and $10 for those 11 and younger.
It will be the first time since 2010 the Rebels have competed on the 3/8-mile D-shaped dirt track in Liberal.
Jetmore's Ray Seemann won the last URSS race in Liberal on Aug. 3, 2010. The Rebels have competed nine times on the track.
The winner of Saturday's race will get an early jump on the rest of the field in the URSS points standings.
For more about the United Rebel Sprint Series, visit www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com
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10th Anniversary Patriot Sprint Tour Season Starts Saturday at Merrittville
Spring Sizzler Kicks Off 2nd PST Canada Season
Rich Vleck, ROCHESTER, NY, (April 23, 2013)- Mother Nature has postponed the start of the 2013 Patriot Sprint Tour opener, but in doing so she has set the stage for a new event that is sure to heat up things.
This Saturday, April 27, the Merrittville Speedway plays host to the Patriot Sprint Tour for the “Spring Sizzler”, an event that will start the 10th Anniversary Season of action for the Patriots, it will also begin the second season of the PST Canada Series. The Southern Ontario facility has played host to three prior Patriot races in the past, with the checkered flag on each occasion going to drivers that now have series championships.
Scott Kreutter, the defending PST America Series Champion from Alden, NY, scored his first career PST win at the d-shaped oval back in 2009. After pulling off the shocking upset to claim the title last season, and the $10,000 that went along with it, Kreutter will have a target on his No. 52 all season in both series.
Bryan Howland, the four-time Patriot Champion from Auburn, NY, won the first Patriot race at Merrittville in 2006, as well as the most recent winner there when the PST last visited the Bicknell/Williamson-Owned facility in 2011. On that night, Howland had to hold off a hard-charging Jared Zimbardi, another former series champion looking to get 2013 starting off on the correct foot.
PST America regulars that will be traveling north include George Suprick, Clint Ide, Brandan Warner, Don Adamczyk, Steve Collins, Steven Hutchinson Jr., Tommy Wickham, Todd Hoddick and Kevin Ward Jr. PST Canada regulars Glenn Styres, Keith Dempster, Jamie Collard, Alain Bergeron, Steve Poirier, Lee Ladouceur, Patrick Vigneault, Jason Barney, Chris Jones and Michael Parent are also names expected to be on hand.
Of course a race at Merrittville would not be complete without the groundswell of local teams that circled this date on their schedule early on. Travis Cunningham, Mikey Kruchka, Chris Steele, Tom and Jim Huppunen, Stan Zanchin, Zach Zumpe, Conor Mahoney, Jamie Turner and Brad Malloy just scratch the surface of names that could be present this weekend.
Pit gates for this special event will swing open at 3:00 P.M., with heat racing getting underway at 7:00 P.M. Stay up-to-speed with all that his happening this Saturday by following the Patriot Sprint Tour on Twitter or liking the Patriots Tour on Facebook. For additional information, visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com.
Patriot Sprint Tour History at Merrittville
Races: 3
June 24, 2006- Bryan Howland
August 1, 2009- Scott Kreutter
June 18, 2011- Bryan Howland
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OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY PR: TICKETS FOR 2013 SPECIAL EVENTS NOW AVAILABLE
Ohsweken, Ontario – April 16, 2013 – The renewal period has ended, and tickets for Ohsweken Speedway's 2013 special events are now available for sale to the general public, beginning at 10:00am today.
Events with reserved seating at Ohsweken in 2013 include the North Summer Nationals featuring Tony Stewart on Monday, July 29, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car series "Six Nations Showdown" on Tuesday, July 30, and the 9th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals on Friday, September 13, and Saturday, September 14. Tickets for the Bryan Baeumler Meet & Greet BBQ coming up on Friday, May 31 are also available for advance purchase.
Ticket orders can be made 24/7 online at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com, or by phone Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm at 1-519-717-0023 . Please note - orders done by telephone will be subject to a $2 surcharge.
Ohsweken Speedway’s 18th season of racing begins on Friday, March 17 with 2013 Opening Night, including 25 lap features for the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars, and Affordable Towing & Recovery Thunder Stocks, a 20 lap feature for the HRW Automotive Mini Stocks, and a 15 lap feature for the Gale’s Auto Aftermarket Bombers.
About Ohsweken Speedway: Founded in 1996, Ohsweken Speedway is a motorsports complex which includes a 3/8 (0.375) mile clay oval track. The facility is owned by the Styres family, and located in the village of Ohsweken, Ontario, Canada. Ohsweken's weekly Friday night racing program runs from May to September each year, featuring Sprint Cars, Thunder Stocks, Mini Stocks, and Bombers, while the season finishes each year with the annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals. Ohsweken Speedway also hosts weekly Micro Sprint racing on Thursday nights, and has been a yearly stop on the World of Outlaws Sprint Car series schedule since 2007.
Visit the official Ohsweken Speedway website at www.OhswekenSpeedway.com, like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/OHSWEKENSPEEDWAY, follow us on Twitter @OhswekenSpdway, and subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.YouTube.com/user/OhswekenSpdway
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DOUBLE FILE RESTARTS RETURN TO URC IN 2013, RANDY WEST LOOKS FORWARD TO SEASON OPENER APRIL 26 AT BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY
In 2012, URC Managing Members announced plans to introduce double-file restarts for the URC feature events. There were mixed emotions from the URC competitors, but by the end of the season, the concerns have diminished, the concerns never did materialize. Forty-three year old Randy West of Boyertown, PA was on driver who was not keen on the idea last year. West, a strong contender for the 2012 Rislone URC Championship now takes a different new. “I was not sure about the double file restarts at the beginning of 2012, but looking back on last year, we gained more spots then we lost”. West continued to say, “I think it helps you to pass cars when you have a good car”. The format for URC is that heat race events will remain single file after the original start. In the URC feature events, the field will go double file from lap 13 to lap 23. One twist for the new season is, the leader will have lane choice during the double file restarts. So strategy will be key on each and every double file restart.
By profession, Randy West is the shop foreman at DG March & Associates where they fabricate and repair fire trucks. Randy also owns the well respect West Fabrication Inc. West Fabrications does any kind of repairs and modifications to all types of race cars from ¼ midgets to sprint cars. Top drivers from all divisions frequent West Fabrication and over the years, Randy has developed an outstanding reputation especially with set-up and driving micro sprints.
In 2013, Randy has set some expectations and once again, he’ll be driving for URC most respected car owner, Fred Kennedy. In 2012, Kennedy won his first URC Owner Championship with Robbie Stillwaggon at the wheel. Stillwaggon, just this past weekend, won the 360 sprint car feature event at the Toccoa Speedway in Toccoa, GA. The crew that constantly preps the Kennedy #56 for Randy West includes Fred Kennedy, Randy Wilbert, Johnny Griffiths, Alonzo Morales and his son, Cody West. The crew has burned the midnight-oil in preparation to chase the 2013 Rislone URC Championship title.
“Not too much went our way in 2012, it seemed like we just didn’t get any breaks”, commented West who was in the thick of championship title chase for the first one-third of the season. “We didn’t qualify well a lot and we were buried in the feature line-up”. West owns five career URC victories but missed visiting the URC victory lane in 2012, he did finish the season with a well-respected fifth place finish in the season long Rislone URC Sprint Championship chase.
For the new and coming season, West will compete on the entire Rislone URC schedule with one brand new car and two back-up cars parked in the garage. 2013 may very well be this team’s most serious threat at chasing the coveted URC Championship ring.. For West, he likes the Grandview Speedway, a track that sits on top of the hill just five minutes from his home. He also like the Delaware International Speedway, the track where he has the most seat time and he seems to run well there.
URC is looking at one of the strongest competitor rosters in years. Team mate Robbie Stillwaggon and defending URC Champion is at the top of the list along with Davie Franek, who challenge Stillwaggon for the title right down to the last race of the season. Other top stars include Josh Weller, JJ Grasso, Aaron Ott, Dave Ely, Kramer Williamson, Kevin Darling, Joe Biasi, Art Liedl, Chad Trout, Andy Best, Scott Lutz, Mark Bitner, Ed Aikin, Billy Pauch Jr. and on occasions, expect the return of eight time URC Champion Curt Michael driving the Bill Gallagher owned 5G. If you’re a 360 sprint car driver, your names needs to be on the URC roster. “I think the URC roster looks strong”, said West. “I like competition so the more the merrier”.
“I really expect Robbie (Stillwaggon) to be tough again and I look forward to racing again with Curt Michael, we really race each other clean and hard”. West added, “You just never know who will break out and be the new front-runner”.
The sixty-sixth season for the United Racing Company will kick-off at the Big Diamond Speedway on Friday night, April 26 followed by race two, that will take place at the Bedford Speedway on Friday night, May 10. The following night, Saturday, May 11, URC will be in action at the Selinsgrove Speedway for the $3,500 to win Jack Gunn Memorial.
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No Water, No Worries: URSS heads to $1,000 payout in Liberal
By The URSS
LIBERAL, Kan. — A lack of water in the water table from the city of Beaver wasn't about to dry up the hopes of promoter Glen Thompson.
So Thompson kept his nose to the grindstone and found a new home to provide sprint car fans in southwest Kansas and the Oklahoma panhandle region with a place to race.
Now, that upheaval has spawned life into the inaugural URSS Spring Thaw 305 Shootout on April 19 at Liberal Fairgrounds Speedway.
Due to ongoing drought conditions, Beaver officials informed Thompson the racetrack wouldn't be able to water the surface due to lack of water. That put the two-day Cow Chip Nationals that were wildly popular last year in Beaver in jeopardy.
So Thompson worked his magic and decided to move the show approximately 30 miles away in Liberal. The show has been trimmed down to one day, April 19, but Thompson couldn't be more pleased about what the Friday night show will offer — the winged warriors of the United Rebel Sprint Series.
Friday night's races, set for 7 p.m. with pit gates opening at 4:30 p.m., will headline the Rebels of the URSS. Rick Salem's sprint car series has competed six times at Beaver County Raceway, including three times last year.
At Liberal, the Rebels have a storied history. The URSS has competed nine times at the track, but not since 2010. That's when Ray Seemann, the 2011 URSS national champ, claimed the feature win.
Jason Martin won the first day of the Cow Chip Nationals last year in Beaver, followed by a breakout performance by Hill City's Jeff Radcliffe the next night. Martin also won the final race last year at Beaver in late July
The Spring Thaw 305 Shootout will feature a $1,000 payout to the winner, with a $200 payout to drivers who make the A-main. “It’s a great race to start our 2013 season with and I have to thank Glen Thompson for all the hard work he has put into it to keep it alive “ URSS promoter Rick Salem said.
“We're going to kick it off, blow it out,” Thompson said.
The night will have a monster truck as the pace car, and monster trucks will compete the next night.
Liberal Fairgrounds Speedway is a 3/8-mile reverse D-shaped track, with a long sweep on the backstretch.
The April 19 event is the “official” start of the URSS portion of the season. The Rebels return a week later on April 27 to Liberal to compete.
For more information about the United Rebel Sprint Series, visit www.unitedrebelsprintseries.com. For more information about Liberal Fairgrounds Speedway or Beaver County Raceway, visit beavercountyraceway.com.
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Patriot Sprint Tour Season Starts Up Saturday at Fulton
Pursuit for Potential $15,000 Championship Payout Begins
Rich Vleck, ROCHESTER, NY, (April 7, 2013)- In the first 10 seasons of Patriot Sprint competition, a myriad of traditions and annual stops have come and gone, but a new growing tradition has just about every sprint car team in the Northeast salivating at the start of race season.
This Satruday, April 13, the second annual A-Verdi Storage Containers Methanol Meltdown will take place at the Fulton Speedway. This race will once again be the first Patriot Sprint Tour race of the year. In the inaugural event last season, 41 teams invaded the Oswego County oval for a thrilling afternoon extravaganza. This year, the feature will be run in the dark, but the stars in the field are sure to shine brightly throughout.
The Patriot Sprint Tour is once again splitting up points between American and Canadian races, but if a driver runs all 26 PST races and wins both championships, they will claim a total of $15,000 in point fund cash. The answer to whether a driver will claim this bonus is still months away, but it is certain they will be at Fulton on Saturday.
Steve Poirier took the lead from Tommy Wickham just before the halfway point of last year’s event and went on to claim the victory. Scott Kreutter had a modest run, placing 15th, but it kept him in the hunt to heat up over the summer and win the PST America Championship. Getting off to a good start at Fulton is critical, as 2011 PST Champion Jared Zimbardi can attest to; Zimbardi flipped in heat race action last year and could never make up the lost ground in the points.
Justin Barger, the 2012 PST Canada Champion, did not even make it to the B-Main last year but in his last feature start at the 4/10-mile, Barger went to Victory Lane in the 2007 PST Season Finale.
Chuck Hebing, Rick Wilson and Bryan Howland, the three winningest drivers in series history, have all won at Fulton in their careers, but there are more than a dozen other drivers that could come out on top at the end of the night.
Local favorites include defending Rookie of the Year Steven Hutchinson Jr., Brandan Warner, Dave Wickham, Kevin Ward Jr., Dylan Swiernik, Jason Barney, Larry Wight, Sammy Reakes IV and Joe Trenca. Tim Kelly, George Suprick, Steve Collins, Clint Ide and Don Adamczyk headline some of the top drivers in 2012 PST America points that are expected for Saturday.
The list of names that are expected is wide-ranging, but perhaps the list of surprises that could invade is larger. One thing is for sure: it is a show that should not be missed.
A-Verdi Storage Containers has been involved with the Patriot Sprint Tour since the beginning of the 2007 season when the series opened up at Fulton Speedway that year as well. They have been a leader in New York State for more than 30 years in providing storage and office solutions. For more information, visit www.Averdi.com.
Please remember that gates will open at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday while racing gets underway at the special time of 7:00 P.M. For more information, visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com.
Patriot History at Fulton:
Races: 6
7/26/2003- Rick Wilson
7/24/2004- Rick Wilson
5/5/2007- Chuck Hebing
9/8/2007- Justin Barger
8/8/2009- Dan Kaszubinski
4/14/2012- Steve Poirier
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2013 Patriot Sprint Tour Schedule and Point Fund Announced
10th Anniversary Season Highlighted by 26 Events
Rich Vleck, ROCHESTER, NY, (April 4, 2013)- It may be hard to believe, but in less than a month, the Patriot Sprint Tour will surpass the 10-year anniversary. As the PST moves into its second decade, the same great competitors and events continue, as does impressive announced point funds that have been confirmed.
A 26-race schedule is in place for 2013, which will begin next Saturday, April 13, at the Fulton Speedway. This is the second-consecutive year that Fulton’s A-Verdi Methanol Meltdown kicks off the tour; also for the second-straight season, the Patriot Sprint Tour has secured separate point funds for the races in America and Canada.
The PST America Tour will feature 17 races while the PST Canada Tour will have nine races. Separate points will be tabulated, with the champion of each series claiming $5,000. Last season, in the first year with separate point funds, Scott Kreutter claimed the American Crown while Justin Barger made the long trips north to dominate the Canadian tour. In 2013, if one driver wins both tours, they will score an additional $5,000 for a total point fund payout of at least $15,000. Expect this incentive to lure a host of drivers into being at each PST-sanctioned race.
A potential series record of 17 different tracks are on the 2013 schedule, of those, only one track will be visited for the first time. Raceway 7 in Conneaut, Ohio will become the 33rd facility to host a points-paying PST race in series history. Other tracks return to the tour for the first time since 2006, including Utica-Rome Speedway, which will host the Cole Cup in September. Bradford Speedway, in Rew, PA, will host their first PST races since 2006, when it was known as “The Hill”. Bradford will host a pair of events, now on the Saturdays of Memorial and Labor Day Weekends, followed each time by annual trips to Eriez on Sunday.
A group of races will have extra significance. Merrittville Speedway will kick off the PST Canada Tour on April 27. The following week, Friday, May 3, Black Rock Speedway, the most-visited track in series history, will host the first of three series races on the 10-year anniversary of the first Patriot series race. The series has come a long way since 2003, and one way to prove that will take place in the fifth race of the year, when the 200th Feature in series history will be held.
Trips throughout the summer to Woodhull, Mercer, Ohsweken, South Buxton, Brockville, Cornwall, Ransomville and Clinton County will bring the season into September for challenge races before the final race in each series takes place in October. The PST America season will conclude with a highly-anticipated race at Brewerton Speedway on Friday, October 11, while the PST Canada tour will once again wrap-up at Brockville at the Northeast Fall Nationals, this year on Saturday, October 19.
It has been a long winter, but a huge season is ahead, so make sure are connected with the Patriot Sprint Tour on Facebook, Twitter, and of course on www.PatriotSprintTour.com.
2013 Patriot Sprint Tour Schedule
Sat. Apr 13 Fulton Speedway America
Sat. Apr 27 Merrittville Speedway Canada
Fri. May 3 Black Rock Speedway America
Sat. May 11 Woodhull Raceway America
Sat. May 25 Bradford Speedway America
Sun. May 26 Eriez Speedway America
Fri. May 31 Raceway 7America
Sat. June 1 Mercer Raceway Park America
Fri. June 21 Ohsweken Speedway Canada
Sat. June 22 South Buxton Raceway Canada
Fri. June 28 Black Rock Speedway America
Sat. July 20 Brockville Ontario Speedway Canada
Fri. July 26 Clinton County Raceway America
Sat. July 27 Woodhull Raceway America
Fri. Aug 2 Ransomville Speedway America
Fri. Aug 9 Black Rock Speedway America
Sat. Aug 24 Brockville Ontario Speedway Canada
Sun. Aug 25 Cornwall Motor Speedway Canada
Sat. Aug 31 Bradford Speedway America
Sun. Sept 1 Eriez Speedway America
Sat. Sept 7 Utica-Rome Speedway America
Thur. Sept 12 Ohsweken Speedway Canada
Fri. Sept 13 Ohsweken Speedway Canada
Sat. Sept 14 Ohsweken Speedway Canada
Fri. Oct 11 Brewerton Speedway America
Sat. Oct 19 Brockville Ontario Speedway Canada
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Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt Signs Agreement with Hoosier
The Michigan based Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP is excited to announce a new tire agreement with Hoosier Racing Tire. The 360 winged sprint car sanctioning body has come to an agreement to allow Hoosier to provide tires for the 2013-2015 racing seasons.
The Lakeville, IN based racing tire manufacturer has a long tradition in supplying quality tires for sprint cars throughout the country. The three year program will be a four corner commitment to Hoosier, meaning that both front tires and both rears will be Hoosier tires exclusively.
The Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt founded by veteran racer John Naida in 1980 will be beginning its 34th season of competition on April 27 at Crystal Motor Speedway in Crystal, MI. The series races primarily in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Ontario.
Series Director for Sprints on Dirt Mike Strevel was quoted, “I appreciate everyone involved at Hoosier and Hoosier Tire Midwest in helping to put this great opportunity together.” “The SOD group has a long time history with Hoosier and it made total sense to continue this relationship.”
“On behalf of everyone at Hoosier Racing Tire we are extremely pleased to continue this long-standing relationship with SOD,” commented Neil Cowman, Hoosier Product Manager.
“Under the new agreement, SOD will continue to run the 105/16-15 Medium on the right rear and now any Hoosier tire will be required on the left rear and fronts at all events,” said Craig Cowan, Hoosier Tire Midwest-Plymouth Store Manager.
More information regarding the Engine Pro Sprints on Dirt Presented by ARP can be found at the official website of SOD at www.sprintsondirt.com.
For more information or to place an order, contact your nearest Hoosier Racing Tire Distributor. A complete list of locations can be found on our website, www.hoosiertire.com.
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SCOTT LUTZ AWAITS FRIDAY, APRIL 26 RISLONE URC SPRINT SERES OPENER AT BIG DIAMOND SPEEDWAY
Scott Lutz of Jonestown, PA is excited about the 2013 Rislone URC Sprint Series set to open their sixty-sixth season on Friday night, April 26 at the Big Diamond Speedway.
“We’re starting the season with a new motor and a goal to finish in the top ten in points and honestly, we would be disappointed if don’t take a win this year. After all, you do go to races to win”, commented the forty-four year old Lutz. Scott is well versed in the sport, visiting many of the area race tracks over the years to watch his father, Carl Lutz race his Super Sportsman. Scott is married with three children and two grandchildren and along with car owner Dave McGuire of Lebanon, PA, will manage this newly formed team in the coming year.
Scott’s URC sprint car will sport the #33 (the same car number his father once used) and the familiar blue and black color combination. Sponsors include Speedway Car Wash and Sleazy Signs and Designs.
“We did some 410 sprint car racing prior to 2012 and then took a look at URC”. Lutz continued, “We had fun racing URC and in fact, really enjoyed it mainly because everyone gets along they are always so willing to help”.
At this point, Lutz and Car Owner Dave McGuire plan to run the entire URC Rislone Sprint Series schedule. For Scott, his two favorite tracks are the Big Diamond and Grandview Speedway’s.
“We feel we accomplished a lot with the equipment we had last year, so with the pre-season prep and the equipment we now have in the garage, we are looking for a real good season”, said Lutz.
URC moved to double-file restarts in 2012 and will continue that process again in 2013. How does Scott Lutz feel about the double-file restarts? “Well, I have mixed feeling about it. Last year it didn’t hurt me but on the other hand, it didn’t work to my advantage as yet. . . .We will see this year”.
Lutz will have his hands full as he chases that first career URC win. Robbie Stillwaggon, Josh Weller, Dave Ely, Kramer Williamson, Randy West, Art Liedl, Andy Best, Kevin Darling, Tim Kelly, Ed Aikin, Troy Betts, JJ Grasso and Joey Biasi are just a few of the top contenders for 2013.
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Johnson Picks Up $5000 in NCRA Sprint Opener
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Park City, Kansas – March 30, 2013 - Jason Johnson measured each and every move race long leader Don Droud, Jr. made and then found the perfect opportunity to execute a slide job with eleven laps remaining to claim the season opener for the National Championship Racing Association of Park City, Kansas presented by Precise Racing Products 360 sprint car feature victory during the third annual “Air Capital Shootout” at 81 Speedway in Park City on Saturday night.
Droud, aboard the familiar Ochs Brothers #1x, started on the S&S Trailer Sales pole for the thirty-five lap feature and quickly used his Don Ott powered Maxim chassis to power into the lead over fourth starting Johnson, Mike Peters and Seth Bergman.
Droud kept out front while Johnson stayed glued to his rear bumper as the two front runners began to pull away from the rest of the field before the first caution of the feature fell on lap six when Tony Bruce, Jr. came to a stop on the front stretch.
The Lincoln, Nebraska sprint car veteran got a good jump on the restart and pulled away to an eight car length lead over Johnson and was set on cruise before the red flag would fly on lap ten when Tim Crawley, driving his own #87 sprinter, had the power plant expire with a brief burst of flames that quickly dissipated.
While Droud once again pulled away from Johnson on the restart, Bergman, who had been battling with Peters for fourth for several laps, executed a slide job in turns three and four to take over that position.
At the races midway point it was Droud still your leader followed by Johnson, Bergman, Peters and tenth starting Danny Wood the top five before the leaders began to approach lapped traffic before Jeff Stasa brought out the caution flag on lap nineteen as he rolled to a stop on the front stretch.
The attempted restart quickly went yellow as two-time and defending tour champion C.J. Johnson, his first night aboard the Danny King owned #e85 sprinter, slid to a stop up against the concrete wall exiting turn two.
That proved to be the final caution and on the final restart, Johnson made the most of the opportunity as he stayed glued to the leaders rear bumper and after measuring Droud for several laps, finally executed a slide job entering turns one and two to take the lead entering the back straight away on lap twenty-five.
From then on not even late race lapped traffic could slow the Stenhouse, Jr. owned #41 RouschYates Ford powered Maxim chassis as Johnson would cruise the final eleven laps to claim the $5000 first place prize.
“First I want to thank C Ray and his whole crew for working their butts off to get the track into race shape after all the rain they got,” said Johnson who was referring to the nearly two inches of rain that occurred earlier in the morning. “I tried him (Droud) once and I figured I would just pace him for awhile to get a judge on how fast he was going on different parts of the track. I knew turns one and two were good and I found my opportunity and made the move then.”
Droud would go on to claim the runner up position while Bergman finished third. Wood got around Peters late to finish in the fourth position.
Pennsylvania driver Lucas Wolfe started last in the twenty car feature and drove the #82 Buffalo Wild Wings sponsored sprinter up through the field to a ninth place finish.
The four, ten lap heat races for the thirty-eight car field were won by Droud, Jr., Johnson, Peters and Bergman while Joshua Hodges and Stasa claimed the two, twelve lap “B” features.
The next scheduled event for the NCRA 360 sprinters will be held on Saturday night, April 27th once again at 81 Speedway.
During intermission it was announced by speedway owner and promoter C Ray Hall that next year’s 4th annual “Air Capital Shootout” will see$5000 added to the existing $20,000 purse.
The National Championship Racing Association would like to thank the following for their involvement with the series sprint car division for the 2013 race season:
Park City, Kansas, Precise Racing Products, Hoosier Racing Tires, Sunoco Race Fuels, S&S Trailer Sales, Inc.
1st Heat: 1) 1x Don Droud Jr. (Lincoln, Ne), 2) 24a Jordan Boston (Lincoln, Ne), 3) 18 Tony Bruce Jr. (Owasso, Ok), 4) 4j John James (Iowa Park, Tx), 5) 29 Brandon Hahn, 6) 98 J.D. Johnson (Wichita, Ks), 7) 3 Billy Alley (Bennet, Ne), 8) 32 Adam Gullion (Lincoln, Ne), 9) 16k Kaden Taylor (Forgan, Ok), 10) 52 Blake Hahn
2nd heat: 1) 41 Jason Johnson (Rocky Mount, Mo), 2) 82x Jason Danley (Lincoln, Ne), 3) 81 Tim Crawley, 4) e85 CJ Johnson (Quinter, Ks), 5) 8 Danny Lasoski (Higginsville, Mo), 6) 82 Lucas Wolfe, 7) 4am Mike Goodman, 8) 48 Jake Martens (Fairview, Ok), 9) 19 Marc Robe ( Wichita, Ks), 10) 36 Jason Martin (Lincoln, Ne)
3rd Heat: 1) 21 Mike Peters (Wichita, Ks), 2) 93 Dustin Morgan, 3) 81w Danny Wood (Norman, Ok), 4) 21 Brian Brown (Grain Valley, Mo), 5) 81 Jon Freeman (Salina, Ks), 6) 85 Forest Sutherland (Cherryvale, KS), 7) 21x Taylor Velasquez (Turpin, Ok), 8) 20 Luke Cranston (Plains, Ks), 9) 05 Justin Medlock (Colorado Springs, CO)
4th Heat: 1) 23 Seth Bergman (Snohomish, Wa), 2) 45x Johnny Herrera, 3) 10c Jeremy Campbell (Wichita, Ks), 4) 74x Josh Hodges (Tijeras, NM), 5) 19 Jeff Stasa (Kingman, Ks), 6) 4x Shawn Peterson (Irving, Tx), 7) 51w Matt Ward, 8) 97 Brian Herbert (Dodge City, Ks), 9) 1j Danny Jennings (Norman, Ok)
1st B Feature: 1) Josh Hodges (Tijeras, NM), 2) Brandon Hahn, 3) J.D. Johnson (Wichita, Ks), 4) Billy Alley (Bennet, Ne), 5) Luke Cranston (Plains, Ks), 6) Shawn Peterson (Irving, Tx), 7) Blake Hahn, 8) Mike Goodman, 9) Jon Freeman (Salina, Ks), 10) Kaden Taylor (Forgan, Ok), 11) Adam Gullion (Lincoln, Ne), 12) Justin Medlock (Colorado Springs, CO)
2nd B Feature: 1) Jeff Stasa (Kingman, Ks), 2) John James (Iowa Park, Tx), 3) Lucas Wolfe, 4) Danny Lasoski (Higginsville, Mo), 5) Jason Martin (Liberal, Ks), 6) Danny Jennings (Norman, Ok), 7) Taylor Velasquez (Turpin, Ok), 8) Marc Robe ( , Ks), 9) Forest Sutherland (Cherryvale, KS), 10) Jake Martens (Fairview, Ok), 11) Brian Herbert (Dodge City, Ks), 12) Matt Ward (Sapulpa, Ok)
A Feature: 1) Jason Johnson (Rocky Mount, Mo), 2) Don Droud Jr. (Lincoln, Ne), 3) Seth Bergman (Snohomish, Wa), 4) Danny Wood (Norman, Ok), 5) Mike Peters (Wichita, Ks), 6) Johnny Herrera, 7) Jeremy Campbell (Wichita, Ks), 8) Dustin Morgan, (Tulsa, Ok) 9) Lucas Wolfe (Lemoyne, Pa), 10) Jordan Boston (Lincoln, Ne), 11) Josh Hodges (Tijeras, NM), 12) Tony Bruce Jr. (Owasso, Ok), 13) Jason Danley (Lincoln, Ne), 14) J.D. Johnson (Wichita, Ks), 15) John James (Iowa Park, Tx), 16) CJ Johnson (Quinter, Ks), 17) Jeff Stasa (Kingman, Ks), 18) Brian Brown (Grain Valley, Mo), 19) Brandon Hahn, 20) Tim Crawley (Little Rock, Ar)
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Patriot Sprint Group Ready To Melt Away Winter At The Fulton Speedway Saturday April 13th; Test And Tune Cancelled
FULTON, NY – MARCH 29, 2013 (By Dave Medler) – Due the stubbornness of the last blast of winter from mother nature that has made drying conditions tough in Oswego county, the April 6 Test Tune at the Fulton Speedway has been cancelled. The season opener will see all systems go to kick off the 2013 season.
The fire breathing, methanol burning Sprint cars are ready to burn away and kick out the remains of winter and the long off-season. On Saturday, April 13 the Patriot Sprint Tour and A-Verdi Storage Containers presents the “Methanol Melt Down” as the high flying winged warriors invade the Route 57 oval.
The action doesn’t stop with the Sprint Cars as the always exciting SUNY Canton Sportsman, NAPA Late Models and Mod Lites will be vying for qualifying spots for the Outlaw 200 weekend.
At the 2012 Methanol Meltdown Steve Poirier outran over 40 of the best 360 Sprint Car drivers in the Northeast. Look for a strong car count once again with the event being the first 360 race in the region. In the SUNY Canton Sportsman and NAPA Late Models Tim Sears Jr. won both features. Look for different winners on the 13th as Sears is concentrating his efforts with his Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modified in 2013.
SUNY Canton Sportsman teams, even though this carries a guaranteed spot for the October 4-5 Industrial Tire Of CNY Sportsman Shootout on Outlaw 200 weekend, it's not part of the five-race shootout Series that puts qualified drivers in a top-twelve redraw spot. The Fulton Speedway shootout series event will be Wednesday night, July 17 when Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne compete against the UNOH All-Star Sprints presented by Tracey Road Equipment.
Tracey Road Equipment and Four-Cylinder Stock teams, with the Test & Tune canceled on the 6th you are invited to come practice on April 13.
A-Verdi Storage Containers out of Savannah, NY has been locally owned and operated in New York for over 30 years and is the premier provider of Storage and office solutions throughout New York. They have built many solid relationships with customers and suppliers throughout the years. It is their belief that it takes great customers, suppliers and employees to operate a successful business.
Their mission is to provide the best solution for your storage and site office needs with the highest quality product & award winning customer service. They offer a full line of equipment to solve your storage problems, but their greatest asset is the team of great people that work together at A-Verdi to accomplish that mission. It is through the owner's belief T.E.A.M. (Together Each Achieves More) mentality that blends together employees of 30 years with new younger employees in one strong environment. Each and every one of their employees has a part and takes ownership in making the order, delivery and product itself the best that it is.
For more information on what A-Verdi can do for you, please visit www.averdi.com or call 800-248-3734. Don’t forget to support those who support racing.
Gates will open on Saturday, April 13 at 5:00 with racing to start at 7:00.
The full points season will start Saturday, May 4 with the Tracey Road Equipment Big Block Modifieds, SUNY Canton Sportsman, NAPA Late Models, E&V Energy Novice Sportsman and Four-Cylinder Stocks.
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Pat Santello’s “City of Syracuse” Colors to Fly Again in 2013.
SYRACUSE, NY - Every now and then there comes a car in our racing circles that is special, has a nitch, something that makes it stand out from the rest. While they were of different makes over the years, when you simply mention Pat Santello and his “City of Syracuse” cars, the conversation takes a pause and then you just want to sit back and listen.
Pat Santello is a racing legend and even though he is on the other side of 87 years young, he still enjoys the sport even as a spectator. Pat owned USAC Sprint Cars, Silver Crown, and Indy Cars for decades. Bettenhausen, Richmond, Kunzman, Dickson, Opperman and the list goes on. Hall of Fames are filled with names that wheel his “City of Syracuse” mounts.
Santello had success in the Silver Crown division although you might rank Kunzman’s finish of seventh in the ’77 Indy 500 the largest feat.
For 2013, the color of powder blue and number of 65 will race on. Gene Franckowiak and Dave Ely will be racing at many different tracks in the Northeast. The team has committed to run running several shows with ESS to showcase the car and team in the New York area in honor of Pat.
Gene is a mentor and friend of Santello, he wanted to do something to carry on the tradition and he felt this would be the best way to do it.
“This year I decided to pay tribute to a great racer who consistently gave to the sport and took nothing back!” exclaimed Gene on his close friend. “Pat was the kind of owner and person that this sport is all about and he was there for all the great drivers. They all came through his cars. He gave many young talented drivers their shot at the big time. Pat didn't have a rent-a-car, he had a race car for race drivers! The way it should be.”
Pat still keeps up on his racing, he is actively on Facebook, Twitter, all the social networks. He was born and raised in the city that proudly displays the car’s name, Syracuse, NY.
While the 2013 is starting to get revved up to a higher gear, when you see the powder blue #65 at your track. Just take a minute, a minute to reflect on some true history of our sport.
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$5000 to win NCRA Sprint Opener This Saturday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Park City, Kansas – March 26, 2013 - The huge sprint car event that was announced back in late January and that has been updated several times since then is now finally upon us as the 24th consecutive year for the National Championship Racing Association of Park City, Kansas presented by Precise Racing Products 360 sprinters will kick off their 2013 race season this coming Saturday night at 81 Speedway in Park City. And as you may or may not know, it is not just another season opener as the track will presented the 3rd annual “Air Capital Shootout” which will pay that nights feature winner $5000 to w in. Just starting the twenty car championship finale will pay $400.
An open practice session for all sprint car drivers competing will be held on Friday night and is limited to sprint cars only.
Back to defend his championship will be three-time defending series champion (45x) C.J. Johnson of Quinter, Kansas. C.J. has won the past two seasons and his primed and ready to become a three-peat champion.
2010 division champion Jeremy Campbell of Wichita looks to get started on the right foot for the 2013 race season and is poised to become a threat to Johnson’s championship. Last year started with several bad finishes but the sprint car veteran rebounded to finish in the runner up position in the final point standings. Campbell will be back in his familiar #10c.
The #20 of Luke Cranston of Plains had his best season yet with the series as he came home third in the final point standings and is also expected back to compete for the championship.
When you talk NCRA sprints one of the first names that come to mind is veteran Mike Peters of Wichita. “MP” Was up in contention for most of the season but motor gremlins late in the year had taken him out of the running for the championship.
2013 tour rookie of the year Zach Blurton (2J) plans on making all but two of the scheduled events in 2013 as the second generation driver will do the bulk of his racing in Knoxville, Iowa this year. Zach finished a strong fifth last season in the points.
Former Hutchinson Grand Nationals sprint car champion Jon Freeman of Salina will also be back in his familiar #81 with hopes the motor gremlins that plagued him last year have been left on the trailer.
Jeff Stasa of Kingman (#91), Marc Robe of Wichita (#21) and (21x) Taylor Velasquez of Turpin, Oklahoma rounded out the top ten in the point standings last season and are also expected back on the tour.
S&S Trailer Sales of Ness City, Kansas has climbed aboard as a partner on the sprint car tour for this year and will sponsor the pole position for each nights feature finale.
With $5000 on the line, a wide variety of drivers from across the Midwest are expected to invade the home dirt of the series at 81 Speedway including Eunice, Louisiana’s Jason Johnson. Johnson won the season opener last season and that night’s $4000 first place prize.
Drivers who have indicated via phone or social networks of their intentions of competing include the following, categorized by states:
Oklahoma: Danny Jennings, Michelle Decker, Mike Goodman, Matt Ward, Blake Hahn, Brandon Hahn, Ty Williams
Nebraska: Don Droud, Jr., Ryan Roberts, Jack Dover, Trevor Grossenbacher, Tyler Drueke, Billy Alley, Austin Gullian, Ryan Kitchen, Cody Ledger
New Mexico: Josh Hodges
The above are just a sampling of drivers who have indicated their attentions of competing and over forty drivers are expected with the states of Iowa, Missouri and Colorado represented.
Friday nights open practice for the winged warriors will be from 7:00 PM until 10:00 PM and pit passes will be $10. Grandstand admission for practice is free.
Over $20,000 in prize money will be up for grabs with all drivers making the feature finale taking home $400. This purse will be one of the largest in the tours history and drivers from across the region are expected to compete.
Below is the championship feature finale payout for Saturday night’s event:
1) $ 5000, 2) $ 3000 3) $2000 4) $1500 5) $1000 6) $700 7) $600 8) $ 500 9) $500 10) $500 11) $400 12) $400 13) $400 14) $400 15) $400 16) $400 17) $400 18) $ 400 19) $400 20) $ 400
Below is the recommended lodging information:
Days Inn – (316) 832-1131 – $51 (tax included)
Comfort Inn – (316) 744-7711 - $68 (tax included)
Sleep Inn – (316) 440-5050 - $68 (tax included)
Super 8 – (316) 744-2071 - $68 (tax included)
Best Western (316) 832-9387 - $80 (tax included and breakfast for two)
Earn Free Pit Pass and Entry: This special promotion starts “now” so if any sprint car drivers come to 81 Speedway this weekend practice, the following weekend or even Friday nights sprints only practice session, you can bring your receipt and it will be kept until the draw for the Saturday night, March 30th season opener for the 360 sprinters. Then a receipt will be drawn and the lucky recipient will be awarded the two free pit passes and free car entry at time of draw.
Race day Saturday will see pit gates open at 5:00 PM with racing slated for a 7:00 PM green flag time. General admission is $15 for adults and children just $5. Pit passes will be $30. Only sprint cars will be competing on this night.
81 Speedway is located north of Wichita on I-135 to exit 16, then .7 mile west on 77th St. in Park City. If you have any questions concerning this promotion, please contact the 81 Speedway office (316) 755-1781. You can also access the official NCRA website www.racencra.com for the 2013 race schedule for not only the 360 sprints but 305 sprints, late models, modifieds, southern sport mods and new mod-lite division as well.
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Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint 30th Anniversary Tour is Filled with 28 dates at 18 Different Tracks.
First Ever Central New York Speedweek to be held.
SYRACUSE, NY – The 2013 season for the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints will turn into a celebration as it will be highlighted as the 30th Anniversary Tour. A very exciting 28 dates at some 18 different tracks will see the very best from two nations come to a track near you.
The new season will see the first ever Central New York Sprint Speedweek, the return of Selinsgrove, Ohsweken, Fulton. Albany-Saratoga and Humberstone hosting full point events, I-88 hosting its first ever full point event and on June 8th the first foray on the asphalt with a trip to Evans Mills.
Once again the backbone to the season long tour is the full point events which have been increased to 22 this year. Utica-Rome leads the way with its three traditional holiday stops, Fonda and Can-Am are back with their familiar two events with Brewerton upping its tally to two this year as well.
Returning to host single full point events will be Autodromes Granby and Drummond, Merrittville, Canandaigua, Lebanon Valley, Mohawk International and Rolling Wheels. They join the tracks mentioned earlier to fill out the docket of 22 full point shows in quest for the Lucas Oil Championship.
Many, many specials spice up in what could be the most exciting schedule in the 30 year history of the 360 sprint car organization. History will be made a few times in 2013 and the five nights in a row Central New York Speedweek brought to you by SUNY Canton has everyone talking. Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana have their speedweeks and now the Empire State can boast the same feat. All the events from July 3-7 will pay $2,000 to win and the crowning of the overall point champ of the five days will take place with a special point fund.
It’s been talked about for years but in 2013 it will finally become reality and that’s ESS’ first trek on the pavement come June 8th. SUNY Canton will also bring you this very lucrative event at the Evans Mills Speedway that pays $2,500 to win and cool $500 just to take the green flag. In the early stages on the announcement this will be an event no one will want to miss.
It’s been tradition that ESS is a part of the annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals and this year will be no different as the Lucas Oil tours best will be on hand in hopes to capture the $12,000 top prize and king of all 360 sprint car racing in the northeast. The event will be held on Sept. 13 and 14.
For the second year in a row, the stars of ESS will head south to the prestigious Selinsgrove Speedway and take part of the Mach 1 Sprint Car Nationals (Sept. 28) as well as the Mach 1 Sprint Challenge. The winner will see some $8,000 come their way in the Nationals while $2,500 has been set for the victor of the Sprint Challenge that opens the season on Apr. 6.
New for 2013 will be the first running of the Cole Cup at ESS’ mainstay, the Utica-Rome Speedway on Sept. 7. The largest event of its kind in New York will pay the winner over $7,000 and you can bet a large field of the ESS faithful will be on hand in hopes to be the first to raise the Cup.
Special paying races are also a part of the full point shows with the Mach 1 Spectacular heading the list at Selinsgrove with the winner collecting $3,000 with $300 set up just to take the green. A nice $2,000 pay day will await the winner of the annual Earl Halaquist Memorial at the Fonda Speedway. The trip up to Quebec at Granby and Drummond will reward the teams with $1,800 to win and $450 just to take the green.
Oh yea, on Saturday, August 10th a guy named Tony Stewart will invade Canandaigua Motorsports Park and take on the ESS’ gang. His record is so far 0 for 4 and you can bet that faithful will be out to keep the “o-fer” alive.
The “Cobra” Chuck Hebing is back hoping for a three-peat of his championship but the list of challengers will be a virtual who’s who. Lance Yonge, Justin Barger, Shawn Donath, Paul Kinney, Steve Poirier, Michael Parent, Jeff Cook, Cory Sparks, Matt Tanner, Mike Stelter, Jason Barney, Sammy Reakes IV, Kevin Ward Jr., Patrick Vigneault, Joe Trenca, Paul Habeck, Tyler Rice and Etienne Girard are looking to do the full tour this year.
Alain Bergeron, Charlie Donk, Kory Gurney, Kyle Dutcher, Dave Axton, James Hanson, Tyler Rand, Vinnie Vitale, Doug Emery, Larry Wight and so many others will see a lot of action in the ESS events for this year.
It all starts on April 6th and continues to Sept. 28th. The 30Th Anniversary Tour will visit New York, Pennsylvania along with Ontario and Quebec, Canada and it will be the tradition of excitement guaranteed!!
2013 Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprint 30th Anniversary Tour
Apr. 6 Selinsgrove Speedway – Mach 1 Spring Challenge $2,500 to win
Apr. 28 Can-Am Motorsports Park
May 18 Selinsgrove Speedway – Mach 1 Spectacular $3,000 to win
May 25 Fonda Speedway – Earl Halaquist Memorial $2,000 to win
May 26 Utica-Rome Speedway
May 31 Autodrome Granby $1,800 to win - $450 to start
June 1 Autodrome Drummond $1,800 to win - $450 to start
June 7 Mohawk International Raceway
June 8 Evans Mills Speedway – SUNY Canton Asphalt Assault $2,500 to win
June 15 Lebanon Valley Speedway
June 29 Merrittville Speedway – Gary Cunningham Memorial
June 30 Humberstone Speedway
July 3 Rolling Wheels Raceway – SUNY Canton Speedweek $2,000 to win
July 4 Brewerton Speedway – SUNY Canton Speedweek $2,000 to win
July 5 Can-Am Motorsports Park – SUNY Canton Speedweed $2,000 to win
July 6 Fulton Speedway – SUNY Canton Speedweek $2,000 to win
July 7 Utica-Rome Speedway – SUNY Canton Speedweek $2,000 to win
July 12 Ohsweken Speedway
Aug. 2 Albany Saratoga Speedway
Aug. 10 Canandaigua Motorsports Park – Tony Stewart Night
Aug. 16 Brewerton Speedway
Aug. 27 I-88 Speedway
Sept. 1 Utica-Rome Speedway
Sept. 7 Utica-Rome Speedway – Cole Cup $7,000 to win
Sept. 13 Ohsweken Speedway – Night Before the Nationals
Sept. 14 Ohsweken Speedway – Canadian Sprint Car Nationals $12,000 to win
Sept. 28 Selinsgrove Speedway – Mach 1 Nationals $8,000 to win
Nov. 16 Vernon Downs Resort and Casino – Awards Banquet
For more information on the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints:
Web: www.empiresupersprints.com
Twitter: @ESSprints
Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/EmpireSuperSprints
Android App: Empire Super Sprints
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URC At Big Diamond Raceway Friday, April 26. . . .
JOSH WELLER & CHRIS WEISS SET BIG PLANS TO CHASE RISLONE URC SPRINT SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE IN 2013
The Rislone URC Sprint Series season opener is fast approaching with the Pioneer Pole Buildings sponsored event at the Big Diamond Raceway on Friday night, April 26. One team counting the days to the URC Opener is driver Josh Weller and car owner Chris Weiss. After much success in URC over past years, Josh Weller of Mertztown, PA was seriously thinking about taking the season off. Driver Chris Weiss and his wife Sandy asked to meet with Weller and in just a short period of time, a deal was arranged for 2013. Weiss of East Texas, PA competed with URC for a few years and understands the level of competition and what is needed not only to win features, but to chase a championship. In 2013, look for the Weller/Weiss team to be chasing wins and a title.
Known as “The Wild Child”, Josh Weller at age twenty-seven, has enjoyed nine seasons with URC and racked up much success. Weller owns five career URC wins and finished a strong third in URC’s season long 2012 Rislone Sprint Series season long title chase. Weller is best known for his come from behind charges and strong late race challenges for the win. Although Weller adapts well at almost any track, a Josh Weller treat is watching him battle the high banks of Grandview Speedway, a track that is not a favorite to many drivers, but a track everyone wants to master.
Chris Weiss does have expectations for 2013 and they are pretty straight forward, basically, to see his car up front every week. With that said, Chris and Sandy plan to provide the best equipment available to make it all happen. Chris and Sandy plan to be at the races as often as his work schedule will allow, but have no doubt, the car and crew will be at every show.
“All of Chris' equipment is in the process of being moved to our garage because we have more room then he does. The cars will be maintained out of our garage with the help of Chris, our crew as well as my father and I”, commented Josh.
“It will be a little different driving for someone else”. Josh continue to say, “The transition from driving your own equipment should be a little easier because of the car being kept at my parents house and how close Chris and Sandy live to us. I have driven for car owners before, just not for a whole season. But I think it will work out very well. This year my dad will be my crew chief on the race car, just not the car owner like he has been for the past 18 years of my racing career. A role he is reluctantly, but willingly giving up to Chris and Sandy”.
“I don't think my driving will change now that I am driving for Chris and Sandy. They know that I try to be as easy on equipment as possible, something I have learned from running on a shoestring budget for the last four seasons in URC”. Weller added, “Chris and Sandy expect me to get all that I can out of their race car and still be able to roll the car in the trailer at the end of the night”.
In 2013, The Weller/Weiss team plan to run the Rislone URC Sprint Tour, with the possibility of a few extra special show throughout the season. Sponsors on-board for 2013 include TNT Scrap Metal in Brooklyn, NY and Assured Automation. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the coming season. The crew chief will be Rick Weller and the crew will include Bob and Spark Miller and Chris Reese.
Josh Weller will have his share of opposition with challenges coming from defending URC Champion Robbie Stillwaggon, Billy Pauch, Jr., Ed Aikin, Kramer Williamson, Chad Trout, Joey Biasi, Tim Kelly, Art Liedl, JJ Grasso, Keith Prutzman, Dave Ely, Randy West, Scott Lutz, JR Berry, Andy Best and Jonathan Swanson just to name a few. So for now, get ready for the Rislone URC Sprint Series opener at the Big Diamond Raceway on Friday, August 26.
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SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS RELEASE 2013 SCHEDULE
The schedule for the eighteenth season of competition is now set for the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS). This year will see the SOS visit 5 different tracks in 2013, returning to one for the first time in a while and competing at one for the first time ever. As well, the SOS continues the tradition as an affiliate sanctioning body for the 9th annual Canadian Sprint Car Nationals.
It all gets underway on the first long weekend of the summer, Saturday, May 18th as Brighton Speedway hosts the season opener for the travelling stars of the Southern Ontario Sprints.
Brighton Speedway, the long standing unofficial home of the Southern Ontario Sprints, will host races each month with the SOS returning in June on Saturday, June 8th and in July on Saturday, July 13th to the speedway by the lake.
August will really heat things up for the SOS with events occurring every weekend of the month leading up to the Championship finale on Labour Day weekend at Brighton Speedway.
Saturday, August 3rd will see the Southern Ontario Sprints return to South Buxton Raceway to headline the evening's events. The SOS's first race was Saturday, May 18th, 1996 at South Buxton Raceway and 2013 will see the Southern Ontario Sprints return for the 32nd time to the premiere dirt track of Western Ontario.
The SOS is Ontario's travelling sprint car series and teams will next head back down the 401 to the eastern end of the province to visit Brighton Speedway once again on Saturday August 10th.
The next three races will see the Southern Ontario Sprints racing in competition on three different tracks. First up the Southern Ontario Sprints will face off against the weekly racers of Ohsweken Speedway on their ultra fast 3/8mile home turf Friday, August 16th.
The following weekend will see the Southern Ontario Sprints in double header action against the American invader Patriot Sprint Tour group. The first night will be Saturday, August 24th at Brockville Speedway. The SOS visited Brockville Speedway for the first time in 2008 when Steve Poirier won on a rainy Saturday in the 28fm. The excitement will really pick up on Sunday, August 25th when the Southern Ontario Sprints will roll into Cornwall Motor Speedway to hold a race for the first time. Cornwall Motor Speedway is a tight ¼ mile track filled with passionate fans that backs onto the 401. The SOS and PST will jam the pits Sunday night for this action packed event!
Once again, the Southern Ontario Sprints points championship will be decided at Brighton Speedway as part of the Labour Day Classic weekend of events. A full night of racing will be run on Saturday, August 31st including the “Dream Come True” Dash where one driver will get their first ever win in a Sprint Car. Sunday with be a full day of fun including a tailgate party, race car show and autograph session before the Championship is settled Sunday night, September 1st.
The SOS was one of the original affiliate sanctioning bodies for the Canadian Sprint Car nationals and will continue that tradition for the ninth annual race at Ohsweken Speedway. The CSCN is the largest Sprint Car event in Canada. The Nationals attract some of the biggest names in 360 sprint car racing from across Canada and the United States. This year's CSCN will be held Friday, September 13th & Saturday, September 14th and will pay $13,000 to the winner.
2013 SOUTHERN ONTARIO SPRINTS SCHEDULE
May 18th - Brighton Speedway
June 8th - Brighton Speedway
July 13th - Brighton Speedway
August 3rd - South Buxton Raceway
August 10th – Brighton Speedway
August 16th – Ohsweken Speedway*
August 24th – Brockville Speedway*
August 25th – Cornwall Motor Speedway*
August 31st - Brighton Speedway
September 1st - Brighton Speedway
September 13th - Canadian Sprint Car Nationals**
September 14th - Canadian Sprint Car Nationals**
* Co-sanctioned event.
** non points
Find The Southern Ontario Sprints online at: www.southernontariosprints.com
Follow The Southern Ontario Sprints on Twitter: @sossprints
Like The Southern Ontario Sprints on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SouthernOntarioSprints
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360 Series Points
May 10
1. Davie Franek 257
2. Robbie Stillwaggon 242
3. Brian Carber 240
3. Josh Weller 240
5. J.J. Grasso 234
6. Randy West 222
7. Bryn Gohn 210
8. Joey Biasi 207
9. Kevin Darling 181
10. Chad Trout 176
May 18
1. Steve Poirier 189
2. Justin Barger 184
3. Kevin Ward Jr. 183
4. Dylan Swiernik 182
5. Jeff Cook 149
6. Michael Parent 147
7. Jessica Zemken 144
8. Sammy Reakes IV 135
9. Lance Yonge 126
10. Chuck Hebing 119
1. Mike Peters 565
2. Jeremy Campbell 555
3. Josh Hodges 545
3. Danny Wood 545
5. C.J. Johnson 475
6. Jeff Stasa 450
7. Jon Freeman 410
7. Luke Cranston 410
9. Marc Robe 385
10. Danny Jennigs 375
SOS
May 18
1. Glenn Styres 172
2. Jamie Collard 167
3. Keith Dempster 161
4. Mitch Brown 155
5. Warren Mahoney 151
6. Rick Wilson 144
7. Chris Jones 139
8. Lee Ladouceur 133
9. Bob Crawford 122
9. Chris Durand 122
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