DEMPSTER, MCPHERSON, CASTELEIN, AND HILS HONOURED AS 2008 OHSWEKEN CHAMPIONS

By Tommy Goudge (November 15, 2008) – The 2008 Ohsweken Speedway season was capped off in fine fashion on Saturday night with the annual awards banquet at the Marritt Hall in Ancaster.  Keith Dempster was honoured as the inaugural champion of the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division, while Cody McPherson was crowned ESSO Thunder Stocks champion, Abel Castelein claimed the ESSO Mini-Stock title for the second year in a row, and Lee Hils was honoured as the first champion of the Friday Night Fun Stocks.

CORR/PAK MERCHANDISING SPRINT CARS - AWARDS
HARD CHARGER AWARD
Kevin Job (passed 38 cars)

“HARD LUCK” AWARD
Dave Dykstra

DEDICATION AND DETERMINATION AWARD
Bobby Crawford

BEST APPEARING CAR AWARD
John Riegling

MECHANIC OF THE YEAR AWARD
Steve Moulton and crew of Styres Racing team 0, 5, and 77x

MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD
Mikey Kruchka

SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Brad Malloy

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Ryan Hunsinger

The Top 10 in the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Cars were:

1st - Keith Dempster, Alton...In his 2nd year driving for the Styres team, Dempster competed in all 13 sprint car events run at Ohsweken, including the 7 Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division events.  While he did not claim a feature win in 2008, Dempster’s consistency kept him at the top of the standings as he finished no worse than 8th in the Corr/Pak events, with an average feature finish of 4.57.

2nd - Jared Zimbardi, Salamanca, NY…Zimbardi competed in 11 of the 13 sprint car events run at Ohsweken this season, including 6 of the 7 Corr/Pak races.  Zimbardi also raced on the Patriot trail full time, which forced him to miss Mid-Season Championship night at Ohsweken, but “The Juice” took advantage of the mulligan rule to stay in the title hunt.  Zimbardi won the feature on June 6th and his average feature finish was 4.33.

3rd - Ryan Hunsinger, Brantford…Hunsinger parlayed a last-minute opportunity to drive Miles Hill’s #77x into a very successful season.  “The Gunslinger” claimed feature wins on May 30 and July 11 on his way to the Rookie of the Year award in the Corr/Pak Merchandising Sprint Car division in 2008, with an average feature finish of 6.29.

4th - Kevin Job, Campbellville…Job competed in all 13 sprint car events held at Ohsweken this season, finishing out of the top 10 only twice, and claimed the Southern Ontario Sprints tour feature win on July 18.  In Corr/Pak action, he finished out of the top 10 just once, and compiled an average feature finish of 5.86.

5th - Glenn Styres, Ohsweken…”The Ohsweken Flyer” book-ended the Corr/Pak season by winning the feature on opening night, and holding off Dave Dykstra for another victory on August 29.  Styres’ average finish in the Corr/Pak events was 8.14.

6th - Rob Pietz, Port Colborne…Pietz competed in 11 of the 13 sprint car events run at Ohsweken this season, including 6 of the 7 Corr/Pak races.  Pietz recorded 4 top 5’s in the Corr/Pak events with a best finish of 2nd on May 30 and an average feature finish of 6.5.

7th - Dave Dykstra, Port Colborne…Dykstra showed lots of promise during his first season in a sprint car, during which he competed in 12 of the 13 sprint car events held at Ohsweken, recording his best finish on August 29 when he nearly got past Glenn Styres in the last corner of the last lap but settled for 2nd.  Dykstra recorded 2 top 10 finishes in Corr/Pak action, with an average feature finish of 11.0.

8th - Brad Malloy, Niagara Falls…Malloy competed in 12 of 13 sprint car events at Ohsweken in 2008, including 6 of the 7 Corr/Pak events.  Malloy celebrated his first ever sprint car feature win on August 22 after a hard fought battle with Glenn Styres in what will go down as one of the best races of the 2008 season.  Malloy recorded 2 Top 5’s and an average feature finish of 8.8 this season.

9th - Mikey Kruchka, Hamilton…Yet another rookie competitor finishing in the top 10 in points, Kruchka showed rapid improvement over the course of the season.  Kruchka competed in all 7 Corr/Pak events, recording 3 straight top 10 finishes in the last 3 events, including a 3rd place on August 29 for his best finish of the season.  Kruchka’s average feature finish this season was 9.7.

10th - John Riegling, Chatham…One of the most experienced drivers in the field, Riegling was able to claim the 10th spot in the standings by just 2 points over Bob Crawford and Jim Price, who finished tied for 11th.  “J.R.” competed in 10 sprint car events at Ohsweken in 2008, including all 7 Corr/Pak events.  His best finish was a 10th place on August 22.

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Lucas Oil Returns to the Sponsor the Empire Super Sprint Tour for Two More Years

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The biggest sponsorship announcement in Empire Super Sprint (ESS) history came at the 25th anniversary awards banquet from Lucas Oil Canada’s Steve Snowden himself.  Lucas Oil has signed on to be the tour sponsor for the 2009 and 2010 seasons with the title officially being the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints.

Steve along with his son attended the awards banquet at the Holiday Inn at Carrier Circle in Syracuse, N.Y. to make the special announcement.  For one of the busiest men in Canada, it was his first time greeting many of the stars from the 360 organization.

“I along with Lucas Oil really enjoy sponsoring many types of grass roots racing and sprint cars are a part of that group.  ESS travels to both US and Canada which is big for Lucas, but we were just thrilled for what they did for us in return over the past year.” said Snowden in front of a packed house.  “We are honored to come back for two more years and support all these great competitors.  I didn’t get to a race last year and everyone tells me I’m missing a great show.  I will make sure I do get to a race in 2009.”

“The real winners in having Steve and Lucas Oil back are the competitors.  With the economy unstable, tracks just can’t afford to raise purses anymore.  To get your drivers more money is thru your point funds.” noted ESS President Chuck Miller. “When you have a good point fund waiting the teams at seasons end it will entice more to follow the tour.  We had a very successful 25th anniversary tour and we look to build going into 2009”

In addition to being the official tour sponsor, fans at each Lucas Oil ESS event will see many special promotions and giveaways.  The new logo which made its debut last year will be the official ESS logo minus the 25th anniversary slogan.   

The announcement of Lucas Oil is the first of many to come as ESS gets ready for the 2009 season in bringing you some of the most exciting winged sprint car action.  For the latest up to date information from the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints you can visit www.empiresupersprints.com.  Where the tradition of excitement guaranteed will continue for over 25 years!

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Andy Forsberg looking for 360 ride for 2009 season

By Gary Thomas

Auburn, CA – November 13, 2008…Four-time Civil War Series champion and two-time defending Silver Dollar Speedway track titlist Andy Forsberg is searching for a 360 sprint car ride for the upcoming 2009 racing season, due to the fact that the A&A Motorsports No. 92 team will be running a shorter schedule next season, primarily focusing on 410 events centered around the Chico area. 

This past season saw Forsberg have a bit of an up and down year, but even despite that fact he was still able to pick up his second career 410 sprint car driving championship at the Silver Dollar Speedway, finish third in the California Civil War 360 Series points despite missing one event, as well as score eight main event victories during the season. 

Throughout the decade Forsberg has been one of the top drivers within the Northern California sprint car scene and has performed well with virtually any series or track he has competed at. In addition to his third place finish this year, the Auburn veteran has won four California Sprint Car Civil War Series championships in his previous five campaigns with the traveling 360 club. 

Forsberg also had the chance to travel full-time with the Golden State Challenge Series for three seasons from 2003 to ’05 and those netted point finishes of fifth, second, and sixth respectively while driving the Family Auto Service No. 98x. The ’04 year saw him win three main events with the series and miss out on the King of California title by just 12 points in a hard fought battle with veteran driver Jason Statler. 

“Mr. Excitement” has also been a very consistent performer at the Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico during the last number of seasons having won the track championship now twice in his career, in addition to finishing runner-up in 2005 and ’01, third in ’03, fourth in ’02 and fifth in ’00. Forsberg’s highlight of the season this year at the track included a pair of weekly victories, as well as a seventh place finish at the Pacific Sprint Fall Nationals in which he ran the high-scary side, bouncing through ruts and charged around a number of competitors in the later stages of the race. 

Other big moments at the Silver Dollar Speedway bullring in the past for Forsberg have been winning the Pacific Sprint Fall Nationals in 2006 and finishing third at the event in ’07 & ‘05, capturing the Pacific Sprint Cup Invitational twice, finishing third during a Gold Cup Race of Champions prelim feature in ’06 and tallying an eighth place finish on the final night of the Gold Cup in ’03. The Chico based track was also the site of his very first Golden State Challenge Series victory, which came in April of 2003 when he held off the strong challenges of Brad Furr and Tim Kaeding in the main event.

Forsberg was also the 2000 Placerville Speedway 360 sprint car track champion and has long been one of the drivers to beat at the high-banked quarter-mile throughout his career. This season Forsberg picked up five main event victories in 11 starts with the weekly 360 series at the track, tying him for most wins with eventual Placerville champion Colby Wiesz. Two season’s ago Forsberg was also victorious in the $3,000 to win Tribute to Al Hinds at the red-clay bullring and is also part of the special 9-second club at Placerville, being one of just four drivers including Tim Kaeding, Dennis Moore Jr. and Sean Becker, to clock a sub 10 second lap at the lightning fast speedway. 

Forsberg is basically open to any and all possible 360 opportunities available to compete with the California Civil War Series once again next season, as well at the Placerville Speedway and has stuff to bring to a team such as several product sponsors. He has always been a great speaker and is exceptional with the fans, which would make him an outstanding representative for any potential team out there. For any possible 360 opportunities please contact crew chief Brian Cannon by phone at (530) 514-4735 or by e-mail bcracing47@aol.com 

Forsberg would also like to thank all of the sponsors and supporters from this past season who made everything possible. For a sponsor list, pictures and more information on four-time Civil War Series champion Andy Forsberg log onto http://www.aamotorsports.net 

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STYRES CROWNED 2008 SOS CHAMPION

Glenn Styres, 2008 SOS champion in action at South Buxton Speedway. Photo © Dale Calnan/ImageFactor.ca

By Tommy Goudge (November 8, 2008) – The 13th season of Southern Ontario Sprints competition came to a conclusion on Saturday, November 8 as the club honoured 2008 champion Glenn Styres at the annual SOS awards banquet.  Held once again this season at the Best Western Cairn Croft Hotel in Niagara Falls, the banquet featured guest speaker Jack Hewitt, and the sprint car legend and co-author of “Hewitt’s Law” regaled the crowd with hilarious anecdotes from his storied career.

The top 13 in 2008 SOS points took home point fund money, while awards were presented to:

Founders Rookie of the Year Award - Ryan Hunsinger,
ImageFactor.ca Best Appearing Car Award - Bob Crawford,
Dave MacLeod Mechanic of the Year award - Steve Moulton,
Kenetic Photos Hard Charger Award - Glenn Styres,
SOS Points Championship – Glenn Styres

The Top 10 in 2008 Southern Ontario Sprints Points were:

1st – Glenn Styres, Ohsweken, Ontario…Also the SOS Champion in 2003 and 2007, Styres became the first 3-time SOS champ by taking the title this season.  Styres competed in all 9 SOS events, winning 3 features (Brighton June 14, Humberstone June 29, and Brighton August 30), with 5 “Top 5’s”, and 8 “Top 10’s”.  Styres’ only finish outside the top 10 in SOS competition this season was an 11th place at Brockville on May 31.

2nd – Warren Mahoney, Lefroy, Ontario…The 2001 and 2006 SOS Champion competed in all 9 SOS events, winning 1 feature (South Buxton August 2), with 5 “Top 5’s” and 8 “Top 10’s”.  His only finish outside the top 10 came in the opening event at Brighton when he finished 15th while battling mechanical issues.  Mahoney’s feature win at South Buxton was his first since 2003.

3rd – Keith Dempster, Alton, Ontario…The 2000 and 2002 SOS Champion competed in all 9 SOS events, with 4 “Top 5’s” and 7 “Top 10’s”.  The best finish for Dempster in his 2nd year with the Styres team was a runner-up at Ohsweken on July 18.

4th – Adam West, Ridgetown, Ontario – Back on the tour full time in 2008, the 2005 SOS Champion recorded 5 “Top 5’s” and 8 “Top 10’s” in another of his trademark consistent seasons.  Engine problems on July 18 at Ohsweken resulted in a 20th place finish - “Batman’s” only finish outside the top 10 this season.

5th – Bob Crawford, Sutton, Ontario – A mainstay on the SOS tour, Crawford once again competed in all 9 SOS events in 2008, with 3 “Top 5’s” and 6 “Top 10’s”.  "The One Man Army" saved his best finish of the season for the last race as he took home a 3rd place paycheque from Brighton on August 31st.

6th – Dick Mahoney, Newmarket, Ontario – Mahoney competed in all 9 SOS events in 2008 to run his total to 140, which leads the all-time SOS list.  “The Pig” accrued 1 “Top 5” – a 3rd place finish at South Buxton on August 2 – and 5 “Top 10’s” in 2008.

7th – Derek Jonathan, Lewiston, NY – One of the busiest drivers in the area, Jonathan entered 34 total events in 2008, including all 9 of the SOS events.  The lone American in the top 10, Jonathan showed a lot of promise and improvement in 2008, claiming 1 “Top 5” and 5 “Top 10’s”.  His best SOS finish this season was a 3rd place at Brighton on August 30th, a new career best in SOS competition.

8th – Ryan Hunsinger, Brantford, Ontario – Hunsinger, a competitor in a few events in 2001, returned to sprint car competition in 2008 behind the wheel of Miles Hill’s #77x.  After missing the first event of the season at Brighton and suffering mechanical problems at Brockville, Hunsinger came on strong, recording 2 feature wins, 2 “Top 5’s”, and 5 “Top 10’s” on his way to the Rookie of the Year award.  The feature wins both came at Brighton during Labour Day Classic weekend and included the $1,200 winner’s cheque in the season finale.

9th – Rick Wilson, Joyceville, Ontario – Wilson competed in 6 SOS events in 2008, claiming the feature win on opening night at Brighton on May 10th, along with 4 runner-up finishes, all of which came at Brighton.  With the lone feature win in 2008, The Joyceville Jet failed to record multiple SOS feature wins for the first time since 2004, but he does lead the all-time SOS feature win list with 23, and has won at least 1 SOS feature each season since 2001, the longest streak of any SOS driver.

10th – Mike Ferrell, London, Ontario – Ferrell competed in all 9 SOS events in 2008, his sophomore season, with his best result a 12th place, where he finished 3 times this year.  Ferrell suffered engine problems at South Buxton which looked to end his season, but he was able to combine his efforts with the Turford #29 team to finish the season.

Also recognized for their contributions to the Southern Ontario Sprints in 2008 on Saturday night were:

Competition Director - Randa Vandertuin,
Scoring - Rose Northcott,
Car Shows - Al Gaukel,
Push Trucks - Terry Watts,
All of the volunteers who sold 50/50 tickets,
Pit Tent - Terri Watson,
Announcer/Webmaster - Greg Calnan,
Pit Reporter - Dale Calnan,
Media Officer - Tommy Goudge,
Souvenir Program - Mike Ferrell and Mike Dougherty,
Firemen/Inspectors/Corner Workers - Warren Lindsay and Ron Sparks,
Tech Inspector - Tim Phillips,
Sponsors - Wiseco Piston, Pennzoil, ImageFactor.ca, and Kenetic Photos,
Merchandise Tent - Loree, Judy, and Ron Ferrell, and Betty Calnan

2008 SOS race venues - Brighton Speedway, Brockville Ontario Speedway, Humberstone Speedway, Ohsweken Speedway, and South Buxton Raceway,
2008 Board of Directors - Mike Ferrell, Warren Lindsay, John Watson, and Bob Martin,
2008 Executives - Terri Watson, Helen Brown, Dick Mahoney, and Peter Turford

2008 saw 47 different drivers competing in at least 1 SOS event, with an average of just over 19 per event.  A big highlight of the season was a successful first visit by the club to the Brockville Ontario Speedway on May 31, an event which saw Steve Poirier claim the feature win while also competing in the first full-points SOS event of his career.  Along with Poirier, other drivers competing in their first SOS full-points events in 2008 included Dave Dykstra, Rob Ledingham, Tom MacLeod, Michael Parent, John Burbridge, Jr., Lee Ladouceur, Kris Root, James Evans, and Nick Cupolo.  In October, the club also participated in the first ever Can-Am Challenge at Brockville, co-sanctioned with the Empire Super Sprints. The SOS looks forward to continued partnership with ESS in the future.

The annual SOS meeting was held on Saturday afternoon before the banquet, where club president Peter Turford outlined plans for next season, which will include a similar schedule to 2008, to be announced in the new year. One rule change was passed, as the rule regarding top wing sideboard dimensions was clarified to match that of other area sprint car groups (30 inches by 72 inches), while ideas were also discussed for making nightly entry fees more financially viable to occasional competitors from outside the region.  Also taking place at the meeting were the annual elections, during which Adam West and Tommy Goudge were elected to the board of directors. 

The Southern Ontario Sprints will be taking part in many of the car shows and motorsports expos coming up in the area during this offseason, and will be releasing the 2009 schedule in the new year as well.  The SOS club would like to thank the competitors, fans, and everyone else involved for making 2008 a great season, and we hope to see you again in 2009!

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URC WING RULE OF 2008 WILL REMAIN THE SAME FOR 2009

Throughout the 2008 season, there was much discussion among URC competitors and URC Managing Members on a possible top wing specification change.  Needless to say, the 2008 Rislone URC Sprint Series ran off trouble free from a wing perspective, really sending the message that there is no need for a wing rule change.  

So for 2009, the URC top wing rule will remain as currently written in the URC Rule Book, now posted on the web site on the Competitors Page. The top wing rule will not change in 2009.

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OHSWEKEN SPEEDWAY ANNOUNCES MAJOR DATES FOR 2009

Reserved Seating Renewals Available During November

Ohsweken Speedway is please to announce the gates will once again swing open to greet race fans on May 15th for “Friday Night Thunder”. 360 Sprint Cars will headline the weekly program for the second year with the backing of Corr/Pak Merchandising Inc. Also returning to the regular program will be the Thunder Stocks and Mini Stocks on a weekly basis along with our entry level “BOMBERS” (formerly Fun Stocks) who will compete on the smaller inside oval.

Several major events appear on the 2009 schedule which is being prepared for release in its entirety early in the New Year.

Among them will be the return visit of the World of Outlaws Late Models on June 18th for a 50 lap, $10,000 to win program.

The World of Outlaw Sprint series will also make its way back to Ohsweken on Tuesday and Wednesday, July 28th and 29th for a pair of complete programs including qualifying, heats, dash, and main events also paying the winner $10,000 each night.

And closing out the season will be the 5th edition of the “Canadian Sprint Car Nationals” to be contested on the weekend on September 18th and 19th. This year $9,000 of a posted $60,000 plus purse awaits the winner of the 30 lap main that will feature 28 of the finest 360 sprint cars in the north east.

Please take note that fans who held reserved seat tickets for any or all of the above four races in 2008 will have until December 1st to renew the same seats for 2009. PLEASE CALL (1-888) 720-7223 or email Cheryl at  pelkiekj@ebtech.net"  FOR ASSISTANCE.

If you have “Rolled over” your seats from the “Rained Out” World of Outlaw Sprint races in 2008 you do not need to do anything else regarding these two shows as your tickets are locked in. NO TICKETS WILL BE HANDLED FROM DECEMBER 2nd THROUGH JANUARY 4, 2009. Remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public January 5th on a first come, first serve basis.

Several other specials including the second annual “Summer Nationals” on July 3rd dot the calendar. This year’s edition of the Summer Nationals will feature a one day format using a passing point system through a series of qualifying events. Other sanctioned sprint car races for the Southern Ontario Sprints, the Empire Super Sprints, ASCS Sprints On Dirt, and the ASCS Patriots will also be featured during the summer along with the return of the popular Dwarf Cars. 2008 rules for all classes will be posted on the official Ohsweken Speedway website at http://www.ohswekenspeedway.com in the near future. Ohsweken Speedway will also be participating in several off season shows including the CPT Racing Expo in London January 24 / 25 and Performance World in Toronto March 12 / 13 / 14. Be sure to visit the website often for all of the latest news on these and other happenings as work continues toward opening day on May 15th. Any questions should be directed to Ken Pelkie at (1-888) 720-7223 or email to pelkiekj@ebtech.net.

And finally, everyone is reminded that the annual awards banquet will take place on Saturday night, November 15th in Ancaster at the Merritt Hall located at the fairgrounds. Accomplishments of the 2008 season will be recognized with champions in all 4 divisions being crowned. Ticket information is available on the speedway website.

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CURT MICHAEL CLAIMS SIXTH URC CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE

Curt Michael of Ocean View, DE is very comfortable in the seat of a 360 sprint car and he has proven once again, that he is the one to beat on the United Racing Company Rislone sprint car series. At age thirty-six, Curt Michael has captured his sixth URC sprint car championship to became the first driver in the sixty-one year history of URC to deliver such an accomplishment. Only one other driver, that being Earl Halaquist has won six prestigious URC championships.  

Michael owns thirty-nine URC victories with four of those wins coming in 2008. So how comfortable is Curt Michael in the seat of a 360 sprint car? The equipment, owner, color or even car number has not been a contributor to his success. Just this year, Michael slipped into the seat of the Bill Gallagher owned/Valley Forge INC sponsored 5G and won the championship. On his way to winning all those features and the six championship, Curt Michael has earned URC Owner Championship Titles for Kathy Palladino, Mike Bostic and Frank Davis.

Sponsorship mentions for the Curt Michael/Bill Gallagher Team go out to GEI Enterprises, Dick Feazer Realty, Kruger Trailers, K&N Air Filters, Harley Davidson of Seaford, DE, Michael Graphics, Don Ott, Hank's Performance, WRT Web Designs, and Louie's Pizza of Rehoboth Beach, DE. Product sponsorship support was provided by  Sander Engineering, Winters Performance, GME, Pro-Shocks, Simpson, Butlerbuilt, UltraShield, Robison Racing an Top Flight Wings.

Looking at  2009, the "big green team" is in chase of more of the same. Curt Michael will return to URC with a full time attempt to go after a seventh title and a second consecutive championship for car owner Bill Gallagher.

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Wilson leads All Canadian Domination at First Can-Am Challenge
 
BROCKVILLE-They often to refer to a sprint car as the All-American race car.  The first ever Can-Am Sprint Car Challenge at Brockville Ontario Speedway came to a different conclusion, it's now North America's race car as Joyceville's Rickey Wilson led all Canadian sweep of the podium positions in the 25 lap feature on Saturday afternoon.
 
Wilson representing the Southern Ontario Sprint car group started on the pole for the main event that brought together the main sprint sanctioning bodies that compete in Ontario, Quebec and New York State.  He led every lap despite stiff challenges from both Steve Poirier and Alain Bergeron.  Wilson was his usual heads up self behind the wheel, realizing that a middle groove around the BOS was a way to ensure a good offense and good defense at the same time, leaving his rivals with very little to work with to get past him.  The new car got its first roof dance in front of the hometown faithful as Wilson and his racing family celebrated the victory.  Poirier was a strong second just in front of Bergeron. The top seven finishers were Canadian in the race.
 
It was a three car battle as well in the 25 lap Sportsman finale.  Josh Van Brocklin, making just his second appearance of the year at Brockville held off Matt Billings and Chris Herbison for the victory.  VanBrocklin was able to pass on the outside in the early going and get to the front quickly and survived restart after restart to beat Billings to the line with Herbison in tow.  Luke Whitteker and Randy Earl rounded out the fast five.
 
A near capacity crowd was on hand for the final event of the 2008 season at Brockville Ontario Speedway.  The track thanks fans, drivers, crews and staff for all their support during 2008 and looks forward to May 2009 and another campaign at the Beast of the East.
 
Sprints 25 laps: Rick Wilson ($2,000), Steve Poirier, Alain Bergeron, Kevin Job, Lee Ladouceur, Brian McDonald, Michael Parent, Tommy Wickham, Chris Jones, Kayle Robidoux, Jeff Cook, Bubby Kerrick, Tim Kelly, Kyle Wilson, April Wilson, Sylvain Eriksen, Paul Pekkonen, Tyler Rand, Bill Baldwin (DNS)

Sportsman 25 laps: Josh Van Brocklin, Matt Billings, Chris Herbison, Luke Whitteker, Randy Earl, Dylan Evoy, Sheldon Hoogwerf, Mike Mainse, Rod McDonald, Dave Wilgosh, Doug O Blenis, Brian Copp, Shane Pecore, Jessica Power, Kenny Polite, Adam Trickey, Tabatha Murphy, Roger Varacalli, Ryan Buzzell, Peter Stapper, Greg Belyea, Zeke McKeown, Jack Barbazon
 
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First Ever Can-Am Challenge Set for this Saturday at Brockville Ontario Speedway

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A little bit of sprint car history will be taking place just north of the border this Saturday in the beautiful town of Brockville, Ontario.  It’s billed as the first ever Can-Am Challenge pitting the best sprint car drivers from two nations on the fast quarter-mile known as the Brockville Ontario Speedway.

Sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Empire Super Sprints (ESS), the Southern Ontario Sprints (SOS) along with an invite to all ASCS Patriot Region competitors, the 25 lap, $2,000 to win event will bring down the 360 sprint season.  The unique event is a first joint venture between ESS and SOS and also a first for Paul Kirkland’s oval.

The afternoon starting time will provide an unique twist with track conditions but come the 18th, now two-time ESS champion Steve Poirier has to be considered the favorite.  The Quebec driver won two of the three events held at the “BOS”; he captured the lone SOS visit in May and split the ESS appearances with Justin Barger.

Many of the top Canadian drivers will be in the field such as Alain Bergeron, Michael Parent, Brian McDonald, Lee Ladouceur, the entire Wilson family, Normand Beaudreault, Chris Jones and more

Coming across the St. Lawrence Seaway expecting to take up the challenge will be Jeff Cook, Barger, Doug Emery, Anthony Cain, Jason Barney along with several surprises.  It will be Border Wars I.

An open draw format will be used for heats so any driver regardless of where they race have a shot at the pole for the heats and then the feature with a re-draw.  A special $300 purse dash sponsored by Rust Check will also be run for the fans.

The Can-Am Challenge at Brockville, the best from the United States and the best from Canada.  This Saturday at 2PM sprints fans from all over will see some of the best 360 sprint car drivers from two Nations and it will be excitement guaranteed!!  

Past Empire Super Sprint Winners at Brockville Ontario Speedway

July 3, 1996  Roger Horvath
Aug. 27, 1997  Mike Woodring
Aug. 14, 1998  Mike Woodring
Aug. 27, 1999  R.C. Faigle
June 2, 2000  R.C. Faigle
Aug. 25, 2000  Ray Preston
June 8, 2001  Ryan Coniam
Aug. 24, 2001  Kyle Drum
June 28, 2002  Jeff VanDusen
Aug. 16, 2003 Bill Coffey
May 30, 2003 Bob Podolak
Aug. 15, 2003 Bubby Kerrick
May 28, 2004  Rick Wilson
May 27, 2005  Lance Yonge
Aug. 19, 2005  Bob Podolak
Aug. 19, 2006  Justin Barger
Aug. 18, 2007  Tommy Wickham
July 19, 2008 Justin Barger
Aug. 16, 2008 Steve Poirier

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Herbert Wins URSS National Championship

The 2008 United Rebel Sprint Series Season has come to an end and it was a battle to the wire in the National Points as well as in the Eastern Region as well. Precious points gained or lost in the course of that final night determined the outcome of finishing positions through out the standings. As it turned out with Sunday’s Finale being washed out, Saturday’s race had ramifications for the final Point Standings in several Regions.

The chase for the National Title came down to the final race as Dodge City’s Brian Herbert held a slim twenty-point lead over “The Kansas Tornado” Jon Johnson and Ray Seemann who were tied. After the five Heat Races were finished only Jon Johnson had qualified his way into the Feature. National Point contenders Herbert, Seemann, Taylor Velasquez and Smokey Fairbank as well as Eastern Region combatants Corey Lutters and Cody Salem had to race their way through the Dual Non-Qualifiers races to get their shot at Titles. 

The first Non-Qualifiers race saw Herbert battle up and comer Tanner Mullens for the right to move on. Herbert enjoyed the lead for the first ten laps of the race until Mullens passed him for the win with two laps to go leaving Herbert with the runner-up position. In that same Qualifier, Cody Salem was in a heated battle to work his way to the top five to ensure he would have a chance to claim the Eastern Region Title, when the checkered flag fell Salem finished in the fourth spot.

The second Non-Qualifiers race saw Eastern Points Leader Corey Lutters needing a top five finish to make his way into the Feature. Also in that race were 2007 URSS Champion Smokey Fairbank and Ray Seemann who would start the race in the twelfth position. Seemann was a man on a mission as he had worked his way to the sixth spot by lap seven. Lutters had been closing in on the top five until he jumped what was left of the cushion in turn three and scraped the wall and fell back several spots and saw his hopes of the Eastern Title fade. Fairbank had worked his way to the fourth spot with Seemann hot on his heels. When the checker flag fell Seemann and Fairbank had grabbed the third and fourth spots and into the Feature.

In the Feature, Herbert quickly made his way to Johnson’s bumper by lap five and the pair battled for the next four laps before Herbert made the pass. As the laps continued Johnson started to fall back in the field as Seemann set his sights on working his way to back to the front. Seemann worked his way through traffic to get within striking distance but ran out of laps. Herbert finished fourth and locked up the 2008 URSS Championship by 30 points over Johnson with Seemann finishing third, 2 points behind Johnson and 34 points behind Herbert.

Taylor Milton who held a commanding point going into the Championship weekend won the United Rebel Sprint Series National Rookie of the Year. The Fargo, Oklahoma Young Gun had an amazing Season in his first year in the Sprint Car Division. In his thirty races with the URSS this Season, Taylor had twenty-five Top Ten finishes, seven Top Fives and two Wins. Taylor picked up the 2008 Southern Region “Rookie of the Year Award” and finished in second place in the URSS Southern Regional Points this Season. You will hear more from this talented racer in the years to come and the URSS Series is proud to have Taylor as the 2008 URSS National Rookie of the Year.

2008 URSS National Points
1- Brian Herbert, 2-Jon Johnson, 3-Ray Seemann, 4-Smokey Fairbank, 5-Taylor Milton

2008 Northern Region Points
1-Jon Johnson, 2-Smokey Fairbank, 3-Ken Lutters, 4-Willie Wynn, 5-Darren Berry

2008 Southern Region Points
1-Brian Herbert, 2-Taylor Milton, 3-Taylor Velasquez, 4-Mike Woodruff, 5-John Colbert

2008 Eastern Region Points
1-Cody Salem, 2-Corey Lutters, 3-Smokey Fairbank, 4-Jon Johnson, 5-Ken Lutters

2008 Western Region Points
1-Tim Perkins, 2-Smokey Fairbank, 3-Jon Johnson, 4-Ken Lutters, 5-Willie Wynn

2008 URSS National Rookie of the Year - Taylor Milton
 
2008 Northern Region Rookie of the Year - Willie Wynn
 
2008 Southern Region Rookie of the Year - Taylor Milton

2008 Eastern Region Rookie of the Year - Willie Wynn

2008 Western Region Rookie of the Year – Garrett Park

-end-
 

Seventy-six Sprints Fill Rolling Wheels Pits . . . . . 
THE LAST LAP COUNTS THE MOST, CURT MICHAEL WINS SPRINT CHALLENGE AT THE WHEELS & EARNS $3,000

Elbridge, NY   . . . . . . . A field of seventy-six sprints cars took part in the URC sanctioned Rislone Sprint Challenge at the Rolling Wheels Raceway on Saturday night and there is not doubt that the race was a thriller.  URC Champion Curt Michael of Ocean View, DE demonstrated why he is URC's only six time champion.  Michael played the waiting game.  Then like a shark, on the last turn of the last lap, Michael took the lead from Trevor Lewis who led from lap three to the final run down the homestretch. Michael, driving the Bill Gallagher owned Valley Forge INC sprint car earned his fourth win of the season, with this payday worth $3,000.

Six heat race events were necessary to determine the difficult task of qualifying with heat race victories going to Curt Michael, Kramer Williamson, Trevor Lewis, Bobby Breen, Brian McDonald and Steve Porier. Three "B" Main qualifiers were next on the schedule as Kenny Adams, Blake Breen and Brett Schoenly shared the victories.

In the 25 lap Rislone URC Sprint feature,  Brian McDonald set the pace for the first two laps with the yellow being displayed on lap three when Jeff Cook stopped on the speedway.  On the restart, Trevor Lewis became the new leader and quickly ran to hide from the rest of the field. Lewis set the pace followed by McDonald, Curt Michael Doug Emery and Steve Porier.

Lewis set a blistering pace then on lap nine, Brett Schoenly brought out the yellow flag.   On the restart, Lewis was once again had the fast car on the track but by lap ten, Curt Michael was now second with  Bryan Howland also in the chase.

Lewis once again turned up the power and continued his strong hold on this race as Michael followed in second, trailing by about fifteen car lengths.

With five laps remaining  Lewis was the leader followed by Michael and Howland as Doug Emery and Jason Barney followed in the top five.

Lewis was now approaching  lapped traffic and you could watch Curt Michael reel in the leader.  With just two laps remaining, Lewis remained blocked behind lapped cars and Michael continued to make-up ground. On the final lap, Michael dove to the bottom of turn three and nosed ahead of Lewis.  At the same time, a lapped car spun tagging Lewis.  Michael found the clear lane and dashed under the checker flag with Trevor Lewis scoring second. Bryan Howland finished third followed by Doug Emery and Ed Aikin. Making up the top ten were Mark Bitner, Jason Barney, Alain Bergeron, Kenny Adams and Lance Younge. 

FEATURE FINISH:  Curt Michael, Trevor Lewis, Bryan Howland, Doug Emery, Ed Aikin, Mark Bitner, Jason Barney, Alain Bergeron, Kenny Adams, Lance Younge, Michael Parent, Blake Breen, Jeff VanDusen, Jimmy Broadrick, JJ Grasso, Brett Schoenly, Kyle Wilson, Dave Dykstra, Brian McDonald, Jared Zimbardi, Kramer Williamson, Steve Porier, Robbie Stillwaggon, Josh Weller, Michael Carber, Jeff Cook,  Bobby Breen. 

NEXT EVENT:
Saturday, October 18 Grandview Speedway- - Grandview THUNDER  5-25's 6 PM.