King of the West Series Awards Banquet honors champions Tim Kaeding & Roth Motorsports and hands out $300,000 in cash and prizes during the night

By Gary Thomas

Rio Vista, CA – January 31, 2012…The King of the West Sprint Car Series presented its championship Awards Banquet on Saturday night at the Hilton Garden Inn Fairfield, where series champion Tim Kaeding of San Jose & Fresno’s Roth Motorsports were honored for winning the $20,000 title.

The team also made the announcement during the night that they will be returning to KWS in 2012 to defend their championship, which is great news for all the fans in the Golden State. Roth Motorsports also brought the immaculate HR Cattle No. 83 sprint car to the banquet on Saturday and had it on display in the room.

“I really have to thank Dennis & Teresa Roth and my whole team for a great season,” said Kaeding on stage. “I also can’t thank Dan Simpson and KWS enough for all the work they put in. It really made everyone step up their game and was a lot of fun all year. We are coming back this season and going to try and make it back to back.”

Car owner Dennis Roth also shared much of the same sentiment. “I want to thank Tim Kaeding for a great season and of course our team and my wife Teresa for all the support over the years. Dan Simpson and KWS did a wonderful job in stepping up and bringing back 410 sprint car racing after it looked like it was going down out here.”

The $116,000 total cash point fund was handed out to the top-15 drivers that made the cut and along with Roth Motorsports taking home $20,000, runner up Suggs Racing were awarded with $15,000, third place Brent Kaeding went home with $12,000, fourth place Jonathan Allard/Williams Motorsports scored $10,000 and rounding out the top-five was Jason Statler, who claimed $9,000.

Sixth place Willie Croft picked up a check worth $8,000, seventh place Andy Gregg got $7,000, eighth place Bobby McMahan was awarded with $6,000, ninth place Kenny Allen took home $5,550 and Brad Furr, who finished 10th claimed $5,250. 11th through 15th were Brent Bjork ($4,500), Danielle Simpson (4,000), Pat Harvey ($3,500), Eli Deshaies ($3,250) and Doug Gandy ($3,000).

“Grant’s Fine Art/ Hoseheads.com Rookie of the Year” Kenny Allen was also honored during the night. For the award the 16-year-old captured $1,000 cash, a custom framed picture drawing courtesy Tim Grant of Grant’s Fine Art and a custom made trophy. The Chico native has now won Rookie of the Year four times in his young sprint car career, as he’s also won it at Silver Dollar Speedway, Placerville Speedway and the Civil War Series.

The top-15 KWS “members in good standing” also went home with a Goodyear Right Rear tire and two Front Goodyear tires. The drivers 16 through 20, who were on hand at the banquet (Mark Barroso & Dan Simpson), also went home with two Goodyear Front tires and plaques. The top-20 teams also were awarded with a Contingency Connection packet worth $1,000.

Each of the top-15 teams also received a Bob Olson custom painted die cast replica of their own sprint car, along with a unique steering wheel trophy.

Other special awards during the night included the JE Pistons Sportsman of the Year, which went to Suggs Family Racing. Most Improved Driver was given to Eli Deshaies, Crew Chief of the Year went to Roth Motorsports tuner Dean “Bonzai” Bruns and KWS Managing Director Dan Simpson was given a set of custom flags that were signed by all the series winners in 2011 from flagman Ryan Riley.

The evening was capped with the “Last Man Standing” drawing that included roughly $140,000 worth or prizes, with the ultimate awards being a complete 410 Sprint Car and an S&S 410 Engine. The 15 drivers/teams eligible (those that didn’t miss more than two races throughout the season) pulled a pill when they registered at the beginning of the night and then those 15 pills went back into the tumbler. One by one a pill was rolled out of the tumbler, until there were just two drivers left, which happened to be Pat Harvey and Danielle Simpson.

As it turned out Harvey’s pill was the next to roll out of the tumbler and that meant he would claim the S&S 410 Engine and Simpson would go home with the complete 410 Sprint Car. The interesting aspect about Harvey winning the engine is the fact that he has campaigned the 410 trail with a home built 360 over the last few years.

Contributors for the King of the West giveaway car included Kaeding Performance, S&S Automotive, Maxim Chassis, Guts Racing Graphics, Amerikote, Vortex Wings, Saldana Racing Products, Weld Wheels, SCI, Santo Mauro Racing Products, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Pro Shocks, Butler Built Performance, Goodyear, DES Inc., Dryvac and Simpson Percherons.

Additional prizes in the “Last Man Standing” drawing included a Bell Dominator 2 helmet that was graciously donated by Ed Coughenour of Pit Stop USA, a Bully Dog $4,000 prize package, a $1000 certificate for Bully Dog, a $1000 package from Red Horse Performance, five $200 certificates from Auto Meter Products Inc., a $200 certificate for Scorpion Racing Products, a $100 certificate for Performance Parts.com, a $100 gift package for Mallory Ignition and a number of cases of Pennzoil Motor Oil.

“I think there was a lot of energy and excitement in the room all night,” said King of the West Operations Manager George Hague. “It was definitely a successful night overall and we can’t thank everyone enough for coming and being a part of the banquet. We want to congratulate all of the winners during the evening, especially Tim Kaeding and the whole Roth Motorsports team for the championship.”

King of the West Series sponsors, officials and staff were also recognized during the night for their support of the KWS season. Other highlights included a tribute portion that paid respects to Anita Zwern, Chuck Stickley and “Carwash” Mike Avilla, who all passed away over the last half a year.

King of the West Managing Director Dan Simpson also introduced Cancen Oil Company as the new title sponsor for the series, which is some very exciting news for the tour. Cancen Oil founder and CEO Rick Moraski was invited up to the podium to say some words and share how excited he is for the company to become a part of the King of the West Sprint Car Series. More details will follow soon.

The event was emceed by George Hague, Gary Thomas and Dan Simpson, with live entertainment by the Sterling Silver Band on stage. Simpson spoke highly of all the teams, officials, sponsors and fans on hand, thanking them for their support during the inaugural King of the West season. The people in attendance also gave Simpson a standing ovation for his efforts this past season.

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UNOH All Stars continue to bring excitement to more fans in 2012

CAMARGO, IL (1-30-12) By Brian Liskai – A new sponsor, television, new tracks and more excitement await sprint car fans and teams in 2012 as the University of Northwestern Ohio All Star Circuit of Champions get ready to embark on a truly historic season.

The UNOH All Star Circuit of Champions – the university in Lima, Ohio recently announced their partnership with “America’s Series” – will compete in 50-52 events in 2012.

“This will be a true partnership. We will sell this college to prospective students all over the Midwest. This is a great place and we are going to be a good recruiting partner. We are working with great people through the University of Northwestern Ohio,” stated Guy Webb of All Star Championship Racing.

Following the successful regionalization plan the UNOH All Stars incorporated in 2011 – Ohio Region, Eastern Region, Great Plains Region and National – the series is looking to build on that momentum in 2012.

“We added $27,000 to the series’ point fund…more teams competed with us and more teams earned more money. The interest from tracks with our series is up…we will be at seven to eight news places in 2012. The regional idea did what we hoped…we didn’t force teams to go to places they didn’t want to go and more teams made more money,” said Webb.

The 2012 season kicks off with seven events in Georgia and Florida as part of the Eastern Region points battle. It begins Feb. 10-11 at Screven Motor Speedway in Georgia, moves to Volusia Speedway Park on Feb. 15-16, and wraps up with a three day extravaganza at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla. 23-25.
The series’ traditional Midwest opener will be held at the Spring Nationals at Attica Raceway Park on April 6-7 to kick off the Ohio Region series. Then it’s a three-race weekend in Pennsylvania Posse country for the Eastern Region battle April 27-19 at Williams Grove, Port Royal and Clinton County. The Port Royal event is a huge $15,000-to-win affair!

May will feature three Ohio region events – May 12 at Mercer Raceway Park and a Memorial Day double-header at Fremont Speedway in Fremont, Ohio May 26-27, including a $10,000-to-win wrap-up.

The month of June will no doubt have everything to say about who will be crowned the UNOH All Star champion with 12 events. It kicks off with three Eastern Region events on June 8-10 at Williams Grove, Lincoln and Utica Rome tracks.

Then it’s the 30th Annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek –9 races over nine nights across the Buckeye State. It kicks off at Attica on Friday, June 22, then to the bullring of Waynesfield Raceway Park on Saturday, and then on Sunday the UNOH All Stars will stop at Cannonball Motor Speedway. Monday will be held at Wayne County Speedway, and then Tuesday the series heads to Sharon Speedway and Wednesday for the first of two shows at Fremont Speedway. Thursday night will be at Hilltop Speedway before the traditional week-ending races at Limaland Motorsports Park on Friday, June 29 and the $10,000-to-win finale at Fremont Speedway on June 30.

July finds the UNOH All Stars heading to New York for two week-day events at Brewerton Speedway and Fonda Speedway on July 16 and July 18 before heading west for the traditional “Thunder Through the Plains.”

The Thunder Through the Plains will consist of 10 races for the $10,000-to-win Great Plains Regional point fund. It begins Saturday, July 21 at Wilmot Raceway in Wisconsin followed by a July 24 event at Hibbing Raceway. The series then moves to Red River Co-Op Speedway in Winnipeg, MB, Canada on July 26 and then back across the border to Jackson Speedway in Minnesota on July 27, followed by events on July 28 and 29 at Red River Valley Speedway in Fargo, N.D. and Husets Speedway in Brandon, S.D. respectively.

The UNOH All Stars are working on an event for Sunday, Aug. 5 before once again sanctioning the “Front Row Challenge” at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa on Monday, Aug. 6. Following the Knoxville Nationals, the All Stars wrap up the Great Plains Region with a show at Husets Speedway on Aug. 12 and at Red River Valley on Aug. 15.

Then it’s back to the Ohio Region battle with the series’ only visit to Michigan on Aug. 18 at Butler Motor Speedway followed by Mercer Raceway Park in Western Pennsylvania on Aug. 25 and Lernerville Speedway on Aug. 31.

September will also be busy for the UNOH All Stars as they wrap up Attica’s season with the annual Ambush on Saturday, Sept. 1 followed by the final visit of the year to Wayne County on Sept. 2.

The Eastern Region point battle will conclude with a big weekend at Port Royal Speedway on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 7-8, which wraps up with a $10,000-to-win affair.

The All Star’s season – and that of the Ohio Region – will conclude with the two tracks that have hosted more series events then any other speed plants. Fremont Speedway will bring in the UNOH All Stars on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 14-15 for the annual Jim Ford Classic which includes a $10,000-to-win finale. Then, Tony Stewart’s Eldora Speedway will conclude the 2012 UNOH All Star Season on Oct. 13.

“We have many, many of our business partners who once again have come back on board in 2012 and have added several new businesses and we’re excited about the growth they have helped us and will continue to help us achieve,” concluded Webb.

The 2012 season also looks to have several more teams compete in the various regions. “The Steel City Outlaw” Tim Shaffer will look to win his fourth straight series championship. But three-time All Star champion Dale Blaney, along with young up-and-comers Danny Holtgraver, Cap Henry, Pete Miller and two-time series champion Greg Wilson will certainly have something to say about that possibility. Of course the tough Pennsylvania Posse members like All Star Eastern Region Champion Lance Dewease, Fred Rahmer, Daryn Pittman and more will provide plenty of excitement as teams battle for the $20,000-to-win championship.

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A look back at the 2011 King of the West 410 Sprints Royal Court

KWS Champion- “The TK Express” Tim Kaeding

Rio Vista, CA – January 25, 2012…In the year 2002 Tim Kaeding won the Golden State 410 championship and many would agree that it created a changing of the guard so to speak. Since that season no driver has been more dominant in California than the San Jose native, but despite that, up until last season he hadn’t scored another championship since the initial title.

The reason for that however, is due in large part to the fact he hadn’t competed full-time in the Golden State since 2003, as he had bounced back and forth between the World of Outlaws and California each of those seven-years in between.

Included in that was a year-long stint with Steve Kinser Racing on the now defunct National Sprint Tour, where he captured a series leading 15 main event victories in 2006. Also in that time frame were a pair of Knoxville Nationals preliminary night wins and an impressive fourth place finish in ’09 at the event aboard the Roth Motorsports No. 83 mount.

With the King of the West Sprint Car Series stepping up the bounty last season though, car owner Dennis Roth committed a car full-time to the tour and it brought Kaeding back to California gunning to get another title on his resume. “TK” was nothing short of spectacular during the year and led KWS with six wins en route to the $20,000 championship.

“We had a great season overall and I’m really excited that I was able to get the title for Dennis and Teresa Roth,” said Kaeding. “They’ve given me a great chance the last few years and coming into the 2011 season our number one goal was to get the King of the West championship.”

The title in fact was the initial with the Golden State Series for the well known Roth Motorsports team and Kaeding accomplished it not only because of his win total, but also due to his stellar consistency during the season. The 34-year-old finished fourth or better in all but two events and also brought home a series leading nine heat wins, as well as three dash victories and one fast time.

“It was a really fun year out here and was one of the most competitive for 410 Sprint Cars in a long time in California,” commented Kaeding. “None of the races were easy to win last season, but my guys did a great job every week. I can’t thank ‘Bonzai’ Bruns, Todd Ventura and my whole team enough for all their hard work last season.”

Roth Motorsports team manager Todd Ventura also spoke about the team’s championship. “It was special for the whole team to get the King of the West championship last year and we couldn’t be happier. Tim did an awesome job all year and was really consistent each and every night.”

Kaeding also accomplished a bit of history last year by becoming just the second driver to reach 50 career wins with the Golden State 410's. He ended the season with 54 triumphs and trails only Brent Kaeding on the all-time list.

“It was definitely an awesome feeling to get that 50th win last year,” said Kaeding, who also tallied a trio of podium finishes with the World of Outlaws this past season. “I’ve grown up around this sport out here and to have my name that high up on the career win list is pretty special.”

King of the West announcer Troy Hennig, who was also behind the microphone during both of Tim Kaeding’s championships at Silver Dollar Speedway, speaks highly of the champ. “Tim Kaeding was a huge asset to have back on tour last season. The fans just love the guy because he is so fun to watch and is extremely energetic. TK always brings an exciting element to the sport when he is out here and we’re definitely better off when he is in the Golden State.”

To learn more about Tim Kaeding visit his website at http://www.tkaedingracing.com and also check out his “KWS Tonight” in studio appearance at http://vimeo.com/33353111

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Shaffer earns third straight UNOH All Star title

LIMA, OH (Jan. 22, 2012) By Brian Liskai – Aliquippa, Pennsylvania’s Tim Shaffer was crowned the champion of the University of Northwestern Ohio All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car Series during a gala banquet Sunday at the UNOH Events Center. It was the third straight All Star title for “The Steel City Outlaw.”

UNOH All Stars Guy Webb announced the series’ regionalization concept introduced in 2011 was a big success. The series had four separate point funds – the Ohio Region, Eastern Region, Great Plains Region and National – and sanctioned 37 races in 2011.
 
“We were able to attract more cars to more All Star events which was great for the fans and tracks and put more money into the hands of the teams. We have added $27,000 in point fund money this year due to the regional concept,” said Webb.
 
Shaffer’s 10 All Star victories in 2011 led the way to his championship in the National, Ohio Region and Great Plains Region and finished fourth in the Eastern Region. Shaffer’s team owners Janet Holbrook and Aaron Call accepted the hardware on his behalf as Shaffer is racing in Australia.
 
“We have to thank the members of the team during 2011…Brian Kemenah, James, Five-O…there were many who helped out throughout the year. It’s been unbelievable what we have been able to achieve. And, we’re ready to defend our titles in 2012. We are ready to have some fun this year,” said Holbrook. “We have to thank Paul Kistler and Kistler Engines and Racing Products, J&J Race Cars, VRP Shocks and everyone who has contributed to our success. And Tim Shaffer? What can I say; he has proven he is one of the best drivers in the world.”
 
Since teaming up with the C&H Motorsports team, Shaffer has compiled 38 All Star wins since 2008 and now has 45 career victories in the series to sit sixth on the all-time win list.
 
Three-time All Star champion Dale Blaney finished second to Shaffer in the National, Ohio Region and Great Plains Region points and third in the Eastern Region and ended 2011 with eight series wins. Blaney has scored 30 All Star wins since 2007 and now has 84 career victories with the series to sit second on the all-time win list behind Kenny Jacobs 98 career wins.
 
“We were good this year, but the 83 team was better. Tim is a good friend and a hell of a race car driver. He paid his dues on the road all those years and now it’s paying off. That team has set the bar pretty high and we all have to work hard to get to that level,” said Blaney. “George (Fisher, car owner and mechanic) and I have been together a long time now which is pretty remarkable in today’s racing environment. That speaks a lot about our friendship.”
 
Fisher was named the UNOH All Star’s Crew Chief of the Year as well.
 
“We had a good year. Dale and I communicate very well…we are like brothers. I would like to thank Ti-22 for all their help and support. We will be back stronger in 2012 and hopefully get more wins,” said Fisher.
 
Fayetteville, Pennsylvania’s Lance Dewease was on hand to collect his title as the All Star’s Eastern Region champion. Dewease, who scored two series’ wins in 2011 to take his career total to 29, is recovering from neck and back surgeries from injuries he suffered in a late season crash.
 
“This Eastern Region deal was tough. Not only did we have to compete against Shaffer and Blaney, but Daryn Pittman was hot this past year (3 All Star wins) and throw in Stevie Smith, Fred Rahmer and all the Posse drivers…it’s doesn’t get much tougher,” said Dewease. “We are in rehab and will continue to get better every day. Just to be able to walk into this banquet is a success. We will continue to work hard on healing and probably won’t be back out until April.”
 
Pete Miller III of Port Vue, Pa., was named the UNOH All Star’s Rookie of the Year for 2011. He finished fifth in the National points, ninth in the Ohio Region, seventh in the Great Plains Region and 10th in the Eastern Region.
 
“I have to thank my mom and dad and every one of the teams in this room. They all helped me so much and I learned more than could have ever imagined. I got to race on many new tracks and look forward to going back in 2012,” said Miller.
 
Other drivers attending the banquet were 2010 All Star Rookie of the Year Cap Henry, who finished fourth in the National points, eighth in the Ohio Region, fourth in the Great Plains Region and eighth in the Eastern Region. Two-time All Star champion Greg Wilson announced he would be back stronger in 2012 with Kemenah joining the team. Wilson finished sixth in the National points, fifth in the Ohio and Great Plains Regions. Cole Duncan, who finished 10th in the Ohio Region points, announced he would be teaming up with Tony Kennedy in 2012 and planned to run for the Ohio Region title. Bryan Grove, owner of the #45 driven in 2011 by Rob Chaney to a 7th place finish in the Ohio Region points, announced Paul McMahan would pilot his sprint car in 2012.
 
David Gravel, who finished third in the National and Ohio Region points and sixth in the Great Plains and Eastern Region, was unable to attend.
 
Webb also was excited about partnering with UNOH. “We will sell this college and help recruit students. This is a great place filled with great people.”
 
The UNOH All Stars released their 2012 schedule with 50-52 events. Webb said there are “seven to eight new tracks” and the 30th Annual Ohio Sprint Speedweek will feature eight and possibly nine races over nine days.
 
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A look back at the 2011 King of the West 410 Sprints Royal Court

Driver Number Three- National Sprint Car Hall of Famer Brent Kaeding

Rio Vista, CA – January 21, 2012…When it comes to West Coast Sprint Car racing, no driver draws more of a reaction from the crowd than our third place finisher in the King of the West Series standings, who just happens to be a member of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame.

In 2011 Campbell, California’s Brent Kaeding continued to be a mainstay in the Golden State 410 Sprint Car scene and was able to edge out Jonathan Allard by only four-digits to lock down the third position in KWS points.

“It wasn’t too bad of a finish in the points, but we definitely would have liked to get a win,” Kaeding had said. “A few times I thought that we had a chance to end up in victory lane, but it just didn’t happen. There was lots of great competition this year and these races are never easy to win.”

Throughout his career Kaeding has put together the best numbers California has ever seen in sprint car racing and leads many statistical categories, including the most career wins with the Golden State Series (83), the Northern Auto Racing Club (roughly 160) and Chico’s Silver Dollar Speedway (88) among other various tracks he is also tops at.

He has also claimed the most Golden State Series titles with 13 under his belt and the most Northern Auto Racing Club championships, having captured 13 of those as well.

His storied career includes a number of wins with the World of Outlaws, along with multiple victories at the Mini Gold Cup, the Dirt Cup, the Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial, the Trophy Cup, the Pombo/Sargent Classic and many other major events. Kaeding even has a victory at the prestigious Turkey Night Grand Prix, with that coming in 1985 at the Ascot Raceway.

You can go on and on about the accomplishments he has put together in his career, but quite simply, “BK” has been the man synonymous with California Sprint Car racing across the globe.

“Since I’ve been going to the sprint car races Brent has been the guy that most everyone looks to for advice,” said KWS Operations Manager George Hague. “What he has done to help mentor young, up and coming drivers is pretty amazing. Even the things you don’t see that are behind the scenes is why Brent is so special to the sport out here.”

Despite not picking up a feature win this past season Kaeding led the King of the West Sprint Car Series with 15 top-10 finishes and also had seven top-fives, three dash victories and five heat race wins aboard the famed Al’s Roofing Supply, High Five Pizza, Kaeding Performance No. 69 Maxim.

The veteran’s best night of the season came on July 16 at Antioch, where he led a number of laps in the main event and brought home a runner up finish to Tim Kaeding at the checkered. Kaeding also had another second place result during the Pombo/Sargent Classic in May, and one impressive stat for the year was the fact that he had zero dnf’s, showing just how strong his 69 team and the “hog’s” are.

Brent Kaeding and the Kaeding Performance gang have been a huge supporter of KWS and for more information on them log onto http://www.kaedings.com/

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“SPRINT CAR 101: AN EVENING WITH LONNY PARSONS” TO BE STREAMED LIVE ON THE INTERNET

KNOXVILLE, IOWA (January 18, 2012) – Tomorrow night’s “Sprint Car 101 – Third Thursday Series” program at the National Sprint Car Museum, featuring Bob Baker interviewing veteran touring sprint car owner Lonny Parsons, will be streamed live at www.ustream.tv/channel/sprintcarhof.  The program, which is free and open to the public, will begin promptly at 7 p.m. Central.

Museum special events coordinator David Herrmann said today, “We have had good success in the past streaming these programs live for those who have been unable to join us in Knoxville.  It should be a lot of fun tomorrow night hearing Lonny talk about his past drivers, including Tim Shaffer, Kraig Kinser, Danny Lasoski, Brian Brown, Danny Wood, Brooke Tatnell, Dean Jacobs, Johnny Herrera, Trevor Green, Mike Wagner, Paul McMahan and others.  It will also be entertaining and informative just listening to Lonny talk about his long-time work relationship with Casey’s General Stores.”

Those seeking more information on the “Sprint Car 101” Third Thursday Series of programs can visit www.sprintcarhof.com.

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JERRY REIGLE POSTHUMOUSLY NAMED 2011 RECIPIENT OF “OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE SPORT AWARD” BY  NORTH AMERICAN SPRINT CAR POLL
 
KNOXVILLE, IOWA (January 14, 2012)  -  Veteran Harrisburg Patriot-News and Area Auto Racing News columnist Jerry Reigle, who passed away in late August following a brave fight against cancer, has been posthumously named the recipient of the 2011 “Outstanding Contribution to the Sport Award” by all three voting panels of the North American Sprint Car Poll.  According to National Sprint Car Museum executive director Bob Baker, “The poll’s Outstanding Contribution Award is the museum foundation’s highest honor for current achievers in the sport, as it is voted on by industry insiders from the 360-, 410-cubic-inch, and non-winged sprint car divisions.  For the late Jerry Reigle of central Pennsylvania to earn this award, it speaks to the level of respect that people in our entire industry, nationwide, had for him and his motorsports writings.”

Past recipients of the North American Sprint Car Poll’s “Outstanding Contribution to the Sport Award” are as follows:  Steve Sinclair, Kasey Kahne, Tom Schmeh, Dick Jordan, the late Fred Brownfield, Doug Auld, the late Hank Gentzler, Tony Stewart, Emmett Hahn, Allan Holland, Dave Argabright, Ron Shuman, the late Kevin Gobrecht, Jack Hewitt, Jack Miller, Brad Doty, Art & Carol Malies, Dave Bowman, Ralph Capitani, the late Ted Johnson, Mark Kuchan, Steve Kinser, the late Don Martin, Steve Beitler, Lee Brewer, Mark Kinser, Frank Lewis, Earl Baltes, Casey & Beverly Luna, Elayne Hoff, Jean Lynch, the late J.W. Hunt, and Bert Emick.

The North American Sprint Car Poll is an annual awards program of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum.  All awards will be distributed in the spring of 2012 at tracks throughout North America.  This award was announced on the fifth day of the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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Changes Made to 52nd Goodyear Knoxville Nationals Friday Format

KNOXVILLE, IOWA  (January 13, 2012) - Friday Night events at the 52nd Goodyear Knoxville Nationals will be much different than in years past, Knoxville Raceway officials announced today. Friday night has traditionally been for drivers who are not qualified for Saturday night's big show and for the Knoxville World Challenge. Now the four (4) drivers at the top of the A-Main Friday night will advance directly into Saturday night's A-Main in positions 17-20.

"The change in the format will provide for a more exciting Friday night for the race fans," said Toby Kruse, Knoxville Raceway General Manager. "This change will allow a racer who has a bad qualifying night on Wednesday or Thursday to come back in full force on Friday night and race for a shot at the title."

The new format will take the top sixteen (16) drivers from the two qualifying nights directly into Saturday's A-Main based on points. The next 10 drivers in points will then have the option of either filling the first ten (10) spots in Saturday's B-Main or racing from scratch on Friday and trying to make it into the top 4 for the night.

The other Friday night highlight will be the Knoxville World Challenge, which drivers from around the world qualify for by attending races in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Currently, 14 drivers from the United States are qualified, including Jason Meyers, Donny Schatz, Sammy Swindell, Craig Dollansky and Shane Stewart.

For more information about Knoxville Raceway and the Knoxville Nationals, go to www.knoxvilleraceway.com

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Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic is Final Knoxville World Challenge Qualifier

KNOXVILLE, IOWA  (January 10, 2012) - Next weekend's 40th Lucas Oil Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic at Premier Speedway's Sungold Stadium in Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia, is the final qualifier for Americans for this year's Knoxville World Challenge during the 52nd Goodyear Knoxville Nationals.  A record-high 14 Americans are expected to compete at the $40,000-to-win championship on January 21-22 in the Australian coastal resort city.

Among those 'Yanks' expected to compete at Warrnambool in the Friday, January 21, preliminary night Oval Express Magazine Australia - America Challenge Cup race are World of Outlaws (WoO) champion Jason Meyers, All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) champion Tim Shaffer, former Knoxville World Challenge winners Danny Smith, Daryn Pittman, Craig Dollansky and Lucas Wolfe, and former "Mr. Sprint Car" titlists Jason Johnson and Shane Stewart.  In addition, Warrnambool fans are expected to see talented Americans Jonathan Allard, Paul McMahan, R.J. Johnson, Caleb Griffith, David Gravel and rising superstar Kyle Larson over the two-night competition.

Those Americans currently qualified after the New Zealand qualifiers for the $10,000-to-win Knoxville World Challenge to be held on Friday, August 10, during the 52nd annual Goodyear Knoxville Nationals at the Knoxville Raceway in Iowa are 4-time World of Outlaws, 4-time Knoxville Nationals, and 2-time Knoxville World Challenge champion Donny Schatz; three-time World of Outlaws, one-time Knoxville Nationals, two-time "Mr. Sprint Car" and National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee/champion Sammy Swindell; inaugural "Mr. Sprint Car" titlist Ricky Logan; and Allard.

For more information on the Knoxville Raceway and its 19th annual Knoxville World Challenge, fans are urged to visit www.knoxvilleraceway.com

Those fans seeking more information on the January 21-22 Lucas Oil GASC are encouraged to visit Premier Speedway's web site at www.premierspeedway.com.au

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12 INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED AS “CLASS OF  2012” FOR NATIONAL SPRINT CAR HALL OF FAME
 
KNOXVILLE, IOWA (January 10, 2012) - The National Sprint Car Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the names of its twelve inductees for 2012.  Those that will be inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame on Saturday, June 2, during the twenty-third annual ceremonies in Knoxville, Iowa, are:
 
Drivers:  Johnny Anderson, Thad Dosher, Sam Hoffman, Chuck Hulse, Colby Scroggin, Bobby Ward.
 
Owners-Mechanics-Builders-Manufacturers-Car Sponsors:  Harry Hosterman, Henry Meyer, Ron Shaver.
 
Promoters-Officials-Media Members-Event/Series Sponsors:  Earl Padgett, Gary Sokola, W.H. “Bill” Vandewater.
 
According to National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum Foundation executive director Bob Baker, “We are very proud of the work done by our 72-member National Induction Committee each and every year, and this year is no exception.  We are equally thrilled that we will be honoring five individuals in their lifetimes in 2012, which sadly is not something that we always get to do.  We have already received verbal commitments from Johnny Anderson of northern California, Thad Dosher of North Carolina, Chuck Hulse of southern California, Bobby Ward of Arkansas and Ron Shaver of southern California that they will be with us in Knoxville on June 2 to receive their awards.”
 
Baker, in making the announcement during the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, continued, “By the same token, it is unfortunate we will also have seven posthumous inductions to make this year.  However, we know that it is our mission to educate the current fans of sprint car racing on the many accomplishments of people like Sam Hoffman, Colby Scroggin, Harry Hosterman, Henry Meyer, Earl Padgett, Gary Sokola and W.H. “Bill” Vandewater.  Their lives and careers will never be forgotten at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Iowa!”

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DONNA WILSON, JERRY WILSON & HAROLD LEEP TO SIGN BOOKS AT TULSA CHILI BOWL IN MUSEUM BOOTH

KNOXVILLE, IOWA  (January 10, 2012)  -  Donna Wilson, author of “The Offy Killer – The Chet Wilson Story,” will sign copies of her recently released book in the National Sprint Car Museum’s booth this Saturday during the Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Midget Car Nationals in Tulsa.  Donna, Chet’s daughter, will be joined by Chet’s brother Jerry and one of Chet’s drivers, National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee Harold Leep, from 1 until 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 14.

The trio will be signing books in the museum’s booth, which is located in the trade show in the giant QuikTrip Center exposition building.  On display all week in the museum booth will be the beautiful Eagle Motorsports/Don Ott Racing Engines raffle (sprint) car number 9.  The Chet Wilson story will be available for sale in the museum booth at Tulsa all this week.  The book about National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee Chet Wilson is also available on the museum store’s www.sprintcarstuff.com web site.

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16-year-old Kenny Allen is KWS Rookie of Year

Rio Vista, CA - January 7, 2012…Playing the role of youngest driver on tour with the Golden State King of the West Series in 2011, Chico, California’s Kenny Allen raced to a ninth place finish in the final standings and earned Rookie of the Year honors.

Thus far in his young career Allen has been a Rookie of the Year machine, having also won the award at Silver Dollar Speedway, Placerville Speedway and the Civil War Series. This past season marked his third year in sprint car racing after graduating from the outlaw kart and micro ranks.

“We had a great time racing with the King of the West Series this season and really learned a lot,” Allen said. “When you’re racing with guys like the Kaeding’s, Jonathan Allard, Jason Statler, Evan Suggs and all the KWS guys, it really does make you a better driver. The competition level was really high.”

During the year the 16-year-old tallied four top-10 finishes with a best result of seventh, which came at the Santa Maria Speedway, a night that also saw him win a heat race. Another highlight on the year for Allen came in June at the Southern Oregon Speedway, where he set his first ever Grant’s Fine Art fast time award with KWS.

“Going into the season our goal was to make all the races and win Rookie of the Year so to do that was a good accomplishment for our team,” Allen commented. “The fast time in Medford was a big highlight for us as well. The support we got from people like Ashley Smith, Brent Kaeding and the Dan Simpson Racing team helped out a lot in trying to get up to speed at the different tracks.”

Allen’s father Dan, owner of Chico Truck and RV, also spoke highly of the various teams that made up the Golden State King of the West Sprint Car Series roster. “The guidance that all the KWS teams gave us definitely meant a ton, so I wanted to thank all of them for taking us in as one of their own,” he said. “It was a real pleasant year and it seems like one big family traveling down the road.”

Allen is also looking forward to the coming season and getting back to certain tracks for the second or third time in what will be his sophomore year with KWS. “We’re excited about next season because we learned some things with the car and shocks that will benefit us on the track,” he commented.”With a year under my belt we’ll be hoping to move further up in the points so we can’t wait.”

The Kenny Allen Racing team would like to thank mom Nanci and dad Dan, crew members Sean and Darrell Fogarty, LRT Graphics, ART Enterprise, Kaeding Performance, Don Ott Racing Engines, the Thomas family, HoservilleCA, Dan Simpson, all the KWS supporters, the fellow race teams and everyone that supported the team this past season.

For more information on Kenny Allen log onto his website at http://www.kennyallenracing.com/ and check out his appearance on “KWS Tonight” that can be viewed at http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/16002035

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