Oval Operations

Farewell For Now

2009-08-28T08:31:00.002-05:00

There comes a point in everything when it's time to walk away. I think I've reached that point with this site. That's not to say I won't be coming back, but for now it's time to step back and re-charge the batteries.

I'd like to thank everyone for reading this site for the last couple of years. Thanks to all the teams that have run my decals on their cars. Thanks to the photographers for all of the wonderful photos. It's been a good run and I'll see ya down the road.

Herrera's New Car

2009-08-07T09:16:00.002-05:00

Johnny Herrera's new paint scheme for the 2009 Iowa Speedweek. Herrera will run the Knoxville Nationals as well as the USAC and Back Row Challenge shows.
(Photos-Carla Roynon Herrera)

Steve King Foundation® raises awareness at 2009 Casey’s General Stores Ultimate Challenge

2009-08-05T13:51:00.002-05:00

Jetmore, KS (08.04.09) - The Steve King Foundation will be at the Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, IA for the Casey's General Stores Ultimate Challenge on August 11, 2009 to raise awareness about the foundation, which is designed to help racing families in their time of need.

Race promoter Terry McCarl says, "I have a great appreciation for Steve King Foundation and the work they are doing to support racing families. We are proud to be a part of their fundraising efforts." Funds raised by the foundation provide assistance to dirt track racing families who are dealing with injuries, severe illness or death.

The foundation, which honors Steve King who died from injuries sustained during the 2006 Knoxville Nationals, is a 501(c)3 tax-deductible organization. King, driver of the #88 Ethanol sprint car from Jetmore, KS, was a two-time National Championship Racing Association
(NCRA) Sprint Series Champion.

Since its inception the foundation has been able to help racing individuals and their families across the country. Through the generosity of the racing community, the foundation has had the privilege of distributing more than $60,000, providing much needed assistance to 19 families in the last 2 years.

"Our goal is to remember Steve by helping racing families that are in need," said Danny King, Steve's father.

"Recipients often send back letters thanking the racing community for its help," said Naomi King, Steve's mother. "They often share how the money was used. The letters talk about using the funds to help pay health insurance premiums, ambulance bills, additional needed physical therapy and, in one case, a needed gravestone. Being able to help out at a time of need is what the foundation is all about."

About The Steve King Foundation
The Steve King Foundation was formed to help individuals involved in dirt track racing across the country by providing financial assistance to drivers, pit crew members, racing officials, track operations personnel or the immediate families of those individuals who are injured or die. The foundation will also contribute to organizations and facilities dedicated to improving the safety of the sport when additional funds are available.

Contributions can be sent to the Steve King Foundation at 24583 NW 208 Rd, Jetmore, KS 67854. For more information, visit www.SteveKingFoundation.org.

Knoxville Paint Schemes

2009-08-04T10:20:00.002-05:00

Donny Schatz isn't the only one running a special paint scheme at Knoxville. Joey Saldana, Randy Hannagan and Jason Sides will sport new colors at the 49th Knoxville Nationals.

Sides has run that car before, but Hannagan's and Saldana's schemes look new. There's also talk that Terry McCarl has a special look planned for his car as well.

2010 IndyCar Series Schedule

2009-07-31T09:27:00.004-05:00

Nine road/street courses and eight ovals. That sucks. Sucks something fierce.

Critical? Yes. The site is called Oval Operations after all.

Rio de Janerio - Street Course
St. Petersburg - Street Course
Birmingham - Road Course
Long Beach - Street Course
Kansas - Oval
Indianapolis - Oval
Texas - Oval
Iowa - Oval
Watkins Glen - Road Course
Toronto - Street Course
Edmonton - Street Course
Mid Ohio - Road Course
Sonoma - Road Course
Chicago - Oval
Kentucky - Oval
Motegi - Oval
Homestead - Oval

Well, looks like I'll have more productive Sunday afternoons next summer. Road courses are boring, street courses are absolutely dreadful. Apparently what passes as entertaining in Canada puts me to sleep. It's amazing they don't run more NASCAR races up there.

The ICS is not scheduled at the Milwaukee Mile, one of open wheel racing's most historic venues. However, Robin Miller reports that the weekend after Indy is still open for the Mile should that facility find a new promoter.

Along with Milwaukee, Richmond is gone from the 2010 schedule. Dropping two ovals in favor of road/street courses. Shoot me.

We're Big Time Auto Racers

2009-07-29T08:52:00.008-05:00

Well, maybe not, but my dad (pictured above) and I got a real kick out of seeing our last name on the famous "9" car. After an early spin, Dave Darland was able to work his way through the field to an eighth place finish. Darland, the car and crew will be at Moses Motor Company this afternoon from 1-3. When you stop in pick up a free ticket coupon.

2009-07-28T08:28:00.001-05:00

Weekend #13 Recap

2009-07-27T09:31:00.002-05:00

I stayed home from Knoxville this weekend to watch the Eagle sprints on Kid's Night. Judging from the number of children's bikes given away, Kid's Night 2009 was a smashing success. Rhonda Bryan once again did a fantastic job and has provided fans and teams alike a night to remember.

Unfortunately Saturday was a night to remember for another reason. In the opening laps of the sprint A feature, Trevor Grossenbacher and Mark Schmidt made contact going into turn three. Grossenbacher got into the wall, and bounced down back into traffic near the bottom of turns three and four. Tadd Holliman with nowhere to go made heavy contact with Grossenbacher's crippled machine and both took a violent tumble.

Holliman suffered six broken ribs, bruised lung, a concussion and a badly broken arm. While banged up, thankfully none of the injuries are life threatening. Holliman is recovering in an area hospital. Grossenbacher walked away from the incident with no serious injuries.

Tadd Holliman is a great guy, a solid driver and well liked by everyone in the pits. I can speak for everyone when I wish Tadd a speedy recovery!

The rest of the feature was incredibly entertaining, with lots of great battles throughout the pack. Mike Boston was able to tip-toe his way through the field to capture another A feature. It was an impressive feat considering Boston had to make his way through the B feature to get to the A.

It's great to see such a large crowd for a weekly event! Eagle certainly has a very loyal fanbase.

This week is shaping up to be a busy one. Tonight the POWRi Midgets are running at the Butler County Motorplex near Rising City.

Tuesday and Wednesday POWRi is at Junction Motor Speedway for the Cornhusker Midget Challenge. On Wednesday afternoon Dave Darland's car will be on display at Moses Motor Company in York from 1pm-3pm. You can also pick up a coupon for one free ticket when you purchase two.

Thursday the All Star Circuit of Champions is running the High Banks at Belleville, along with the top 12 teams in USAC National Midget Series points.

On Friday and Saturday it's the Speedway Motors Belleville Midget Nationals.

Open Wheel Week 2009 is here and I'm pumped!

POWRi Cornhusker Midget Classic Ticket Offer

2009-07-24T13:27:00.003-05:00

Attention race fans!

Stop by Moses Motor Company Wednesday afternoon, July 29th from 1pm-3pm for an exclusive POWRi Cornhusker Midget Challenge ticket offer! They're offering a coupon a coupon good for 1 FREE ticket when you buy 2 for Wednesday night's Cornhusker Midget Classic finale. Moses Motor Company is the ONLY location you can get this special ticket coupon.

While you're there, meet Dave Darland, driver of the Moses Motor Company #9 midget. Check our the car and get an autograph or photo with one of open wheel racing's premier drivers.

Moses Motor Company is located at 2605 S. Lincoln Ave. in York, just 10 minutes North of Junction Motor Speedway on Highway 81. Coupons are redeemable at the Junction Motor Speedway ticket office.

Further Proof NASCAR Doesn't Belong At the Brickyard

2009-07-23T16:29:00.002-05:00

In case you needed more proof that NASCAR at Indy is un-holy. One of NASCAR's haulers gets stuck in the 16th Street tunnel. Photos courtesy of the 16th And Georgetown Blog.

Midget Money Week/Cornhusker Midget Challenge

2009-07-20T09:25:00.003-05:00

Midget Money Week Prize money is in excess of $180,000.00

The O'Reilly POWRi, USAC/SMRS & RMMRA kicks off Midget Money week presented by Speedway Motors on Sunday, July 26th at US 36 Raceway in Cameron MO. The event will pay $5000 to WIN and $400 to start. Monday, July 27th event will be held at Butler County Motorplex in Rising City Nebraska for the Ron Hughs Jr. and Sr. Memorial paying $2000 to win.

The 5th Annual Cornhusker Midget Challenge sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Growers and Applebee's will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday July 28th & 29th at McCool Junction. Tuesday's event will include, heats, semis, and a 25 lap A-main paying $3000 to win. The top four competitors from Tuesdays A-main will be locked into the Wednesday, July 29th A-main. The balance of the field will start again on Wednesday with heats, semis, and a 40 lap A-main paying $5000 to win.

Applebee's will be providing an all you can eat buffet Tuesday evening after the races for all teams competitors and race fans that purchased a pit pass. For questions or concerns please contact Kenny Brown (POWRi), John Stewart (SMRS) and Boysen Loesch (RMMRA).

The Belleville Midget Nationals will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday July 30th, 31st and August 1st with a rain date on Sunday August 2nd. Competing Thursday will be the All star Circuit of Champions' race plus 12 USAC drivers determined by USAC. Belleville will be offering $1,000 to start the Championship Feature and a $700 Guarantee if the green flag is taken in qualifying event two nights. For questions or concerns please contact Jason McCord (USAC) at jmccord@usacracing.com or 765-623-0068.

On Monday, July 27th from 11:00am to 2:00pm Speedway Motors will be providing an all you can eat catered BBQ lunch at their facility. Tours of the Speedway warehouse and museum will be offered to race teams and fans. The facility is located approx 2.5 hours from US 36 and 1 hour from Butler County Motorplex. Overnight camping in the Speedway parking lot is available after
the US 36 race.

Speedway Motors will be giving away gift cards and prizes to the teams supporting these events.

Information on pit gate, driver sign in, and drivers meeting can be found under SCHEDULE - MORE INFO for your division (Midgets / Micros). Printable schedules, rules, contingencies, and payouts can be found under the DOWNLOADS link located at the top of POWRi web site.

McCool Junction Racers Rate - $75.00
Holiday Inn (York I-80)
4619 South Lincoln Ave.
York, NE. 68467
402-362-6661
1-800-934-5695

Weekend #12 Recap

2009-07-13T15:19:00.008-05:00

I was back in Knoxville on Saturday night for Twin 410 Features Night. Johnny Herrera and Kerry Madsen split the 410 show, and Jonathan Cornell added another win to an already stellar Knoxville 360 rookie season.

-Herrera had a great points night, winning the first 410 feature and finishing second in the other. Herrera's victory came after points leader Brown Brown suffered an engine failure while leading with only five laps to go.

In the second race, Herrera worked his way to second, but was unable to catch Kerry Madsen for the victory.

-So far it would seem that the points championship will come down to Brown and Herrera. Right now, I don't know who I would pick.

-Brian Brown looked poised to win his fourth Knoxville feature of the season, but came up five laps short. He had worked up a commanding lead but the motor just couldn't last the 20 lap distance. Thanks to some quick work by his crew, they were able to change motors and get Brown back into the second 410 feature where he would finish seventh.

-Perhaps the most consistent driver of the night was Don Droud Jr. He finished both features in fifth. Droud now sits in third in Knoxville Championship Cup Series 410 points.

KCCS 410 Feature #1
1. Johnny Herrera
2. Terry McCarl
3. Dusty Zomer
4. Brooke Tatnell
5. Don Droud Jr.
6. Skip Jackson
7. Billy Alley
8. Kerry Madsen
9. Calvin Landis
10. Scott Winters
11. Davey Heskin
12. Ryan Anderson
13. Kaley Gharst
14. Josh Schneiderman
15. Brian Brown
16. Tim Kaeding
17. Chad Kemenah
18. Mark Dobmeier
19. Wayne Johnson
20. Josh Higday

KCCS 410 Feature #2
1. Kerry Madsen
2. Johnny Herrera
3. Terry McCarl
4. Kaley Gharst
5. Don Droud Jr.
6. Billy Alley
7. Brian Brown
8. Ryan Anderson
9. Brooke Tatnell
10. Lynton Jeffrey
11. Skip Jackson
12. Davey Heskin
13. Scott Winters
14. Bronson Maeschen
15. Josh Schneiderman
16. Calvin Landis
17. Dusty Zomer
18. Mike Moore
19. Seth Brahmer
20. Mark Dobmeier

-I praised Jonathan Cornell before and I'll do it again. The kid is good and will get even better.

KCCS 360 Feature
1. Jonathan Cornell
2. Dave Hall
3. Clint Garner
4. Dennis Moore Jr.
5. Dustin Selvage
6. Johnny Anderson
7. Austin Alumbaugh
8. Chad Humston
9. Matt Covington
10. Ryan Roberts
11. Gregg Bakker
12. Randy Martin
13. Jon Agan
14. Jay Russell
15. Nate Mosher
16. Ricky Montgomery
17. Jon Corbin
18. Josh Padellford
19. Tom Lenz
20. Tyler Thompson

Another show in Knoxville this weekend before returning home to Eagle for Kid's Night.

FINAL WEEK - Kid's Night Bike Purchase Deadline is July 19

2009-07-13T13:16:00.010-05:00

This is a friendly reminder that the deadline to purchase a bike for the July 25 Kid's Night Event is this Saturday, July 19. The price is $42.50 per bike.

If you are interested, please contact Rhonda Bryan at (H) 402-476-7336 or (C) 402-450-7992. You can also reach her by email rascal60@windstream.net. Rhonda will also be at Eagle Raceway this Saturday, just outside of the pit gate.

Bike donations are down this year. We need your help in making this event as big as it can be! Please donate and give each kid in attendance a chance at taking home a new bike.

"Any help I can get from all of you...I appreciate it and I am so grateful for your support in making this night possible! Thank you for being so very kind to Bernie, Nick and myself!" ~Rhonda

Schatz to Drive Commemorative STP Tribute Car During Knoxville Nationals

2009-07-10T16:45:00.003-05:00

Schatz to drive his CHEVY powered car in the colors of Mario's FORD powered '69 Indy winner? Wonder if they'll leave those Blue Ovals off?

STP … A Winning Tradition Continues Tony Stewart Racing’s Donny Schatz to Drive Commemorative STP, Mario Andretti Tribute Car During Bid for Fourth Consecutive Knoxville Nationals Title

INDIANAPOLIS (July 10, 2009) – Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) announced today that three-time and defending Knoxville (Iowa) Nationals champion Donny Schatz will drive an STP-branded tribute car in this year’s 49th running of Winged Sprint car racing’s premiere event, the Knoxville Nationals.

The specially schemed car will carry a commemorative design of Mario Andretti’s STP-sponsored Brawner Hawk that the legendary race driver piloted to victory in the 1969 Indianapolis 500. The No. 15 entry Schatz will compete in will duplicate the look of Andretti’s winning Indy 500 machine, with its distinctive “Hunting Red” color and gold wheels. With Andretti on hand, the car will be unveiled with Schatz during a special ceremony at 1 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, Aug. 11 at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame and Museum in Knoxville.

“This is a unique opportunity for Tony Stewart Racing to pay tribute to one of the more memorable occasions in auto racing history,” said team owner Stewart, a two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and the series’ current point leader. “To have the opportunity to celebrate STP’s first Indianapolis 500 victory with a racing icon such as Mario Andretti is a truly unique one, and we’re proud to have Donny carry the brand’s colors as he attempts to win his fourth consecutive Knoxville Nationals championship.”

“STP has a rich and proud history of helping engines run better on the highway and of supporting championship drivers on the racetrack,” said Jonathan Paluga, marketing manager for Armor All/STP Products Company. “Naturally, we are very excited to have STP on the track at Knoxville paying tribute to racing legend Mario Andretti and sponsoring the No. 15 STP Sprint car driven by Donny Schatz, a dirt track legend in his own right. We can’t think of a better way to honor the 40th anniversary of Mario Andretti’s thrilling Indy 500 victory than by giving Donny Schatz and Tony Stewart Racing the opportunity to get back in the winner’s circle with the iconic 1969 commemorative STP paint scheme.”

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Andretti’s thrilling victory at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He dominated the race, winning by more than two laps, and was welcomed famously in victory lane by his car owner, Andy Granatelli, the former President and CEO of STP. Granatelli became the CEO of a Studebaker subsidiary, Chemical Compounds, in 1963. He soon changed the company’s name to STP, transforming the brand into a pop culture icon over the next several years. The Clorox Company acquired the STP brand in 1999 following the acquisition of First Brands Corporation.

“I was full of pride when I learned that Tony Stewart Racing was paying tribute to me this way,” said Andretti, whose 1969 Indianapolis 500 victory gave the STP brand its first triumph at the legendary Brickyard. “The effort they are going through to present this commemorative car is flattering. Thank you to the team for that effort, and also for acknowledging my part in STP racing history.

“When I see the car, it will definitely be an opportunity for reflection. It’s humbling. It is a tremendous compliment to me that this team would look back at my victory and find it worthy of recognition. I am honored to have Donny Schatz carry the design from my 1969 car. I hope this winning paint scheme will be a good omen for him and that he’ll get his fourth victory.”

The Knoxville Nationals is the largest Sprint car race in the world. Its stature in short-track racing mirrors the magnitude of the Indianapolis 500 in Indy car racing. Each year, the Nationals attracts the best Winged Sprint car drivers and race fans from all over the world to a four-day marathon during which more than 30,000 attendees converge on the “Sprint car Capitol of the World” in Knoxville. The prestigious event culminates with a 40-lap feature on Saturday, Aug. 15, that will unfold in a live broadcast on SPEED-TV.

After finishing second four times at the Nationals from 2000 to 2005, Schatz conquered the 2006 Nationals, and returned to victory lane again in 2007 and 2008. This year, he will be vying for his fourth consecutive Knoxville Nationals crown. Legendary Sprint car racer Steve Kinser is the only driver to have won four Nationals in a row since the event’s inception in 1961.

“I’m really excited about trying to win another Knoxville Nationals title,” admitted Schatz, who’s also won the last three World of Outlaws Series championships. “Winning the Knoxville Nationals once was a dream come true, but I can tell you it gets sweeter every time you do it. Working with Armor All and the Clorox Company has been a lot of fun during the last year-and-a-half. To be able to represent the brand and carry the STP colors that Mr. Andretti won Indy with is really going to be an honor. ”

For information regarding TSR, Schatz, Armor All, STP, or the Knoxville Nationals, visit www.tonystewartracing.com, www.donnyschatz.com, www.aa-ownercenter.com, www.stp.com, or www.knoxvilleraceway.com. For more information regarding Andretti, log on to www.marioandretti.com.

- TSR -

About Armor All/STP

The Armor All/STP Products Company is a subsidiary of The Clorox Company, headquartered in Oakland, Calif. Clorox is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2008 revenues of $5.2 billion. With 7,600 employees worldwide, the company manufacturers products in two dozen countries and markets them in more than 100 countries. For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com. For more information on Armor All, go to www.armorall.com or www.aa-ownercenter.com. For more information about STP, go to www.stp.com.

Dare2Team Website Update

2009-07-10T08:33:00.004-05:00

To keep up with Don Droud Jr. and the rest of the Dare2 team, visit their re-vamped site at www.Dare2Team.com.

Currently, Droud sits fifth in 410 Knoxville Championship Cup Standings in the Gil Sonner owned Casey's #47. Droud is also fifth in ASCS Midwest ponits, driving the family-owned Dare2 Team #2.

In addtion to all of the team's current news, they have an extensive photo section that covers the history of the Droud family in racing.

Rodney Droud and the guys over at Harris Decals have done a great job putting together one of the better local race team websites, so be sure to visit Dare2Team.com today!

It's Almost Time for Speedway Motors Open Wheel Week!

2009-07-09T08:49:00.007-05:00

There is no better time to be a dirt track open wheel fan than late July through mid-August. It's sort of the crescendo to the summer's racing and it kicks off with the Second Annual Speedway Motors Open Wheel Week.

The following is the initial list of events covered, they are subject to change.

Midget Schedule
Sunday, July 26 - POWRi Midgets, US 36 Raceway (Cameron, MO)
Monday, July 27 - POWRi Midgets, Butler County Motorplex (Rising City, NE)
Tuesday, July 28 - POWRi Midgets, Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE)
Wednesday, July 29 - POWRi Midgets, Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE)
Friday, July 31 - Belleville Midget Nationals, Belleville High Banks (Belleville, KS)
Saturday, August 1 - Belleville Midget Nationals, Belleville High Banks (Belleville, KS)

Sprint Car Schedule
Wednesday, July 29 - All Star Circuit of Champions, US 36 Raceway (Cameron, MO)
Thursday, July 30 - All Star Circuit of Champions, Belleville High Banks (Belleville, KS)
Friday, July 31 - All Star Circuit of Champions, Thunderhill Speedway (Mayetta, KS)
Saturday, August 1 - All Star Circuit of Champions, Huset's Speedway (Brandon, SD)
Sunday, August 2 - All Star Circuit of Champions, Huset's Speedway (Brandon, SD)

In 5 Weeks...

2009-07-08T13:26:00.004-05:00

The 49th Annual Knoxville Nationals kicks off five weeks from today. Competition red flags or not, it's still going to be a great weekend of sprint car racing.

Pre-Entry List 7/8/09
0 - Jonathan Allard, Chico CA
1 - Stevie Smith, Broken Arrow, OK
1au - Garry Brazier, Sydney, NSW, Aust.
1x - Randy Hannigan, Pittsboro, IN
2au - Todd Wanless, Brisbane, QLD, Aust.
2L - Ed Lynch Jr., Apollo, PA
2w - Johnny Herrera, Albuquerque, NM
4 - Danny Smith, Chillicothe, OH
4H - Chad Meyer, Harrisburg, SD
4L - Mark Amenda, Streator, IL
4x - Toni Lutar, White Rock, BC, Can.
4WA - Greg Hall, Albany, WA, Aust.
5w - Lucas Wolfe, Mechanicsburg, PA
6 - Danny Lasoski, Dover, MO
7K - Rob Chaney, Wooster, OH
8L - Tom Lenz, Marion, IA
9 - Joey Saldana, Brownsburg, IN
9N - Wade Nygaard, Fargo, ND
10 - Rager Phillips, Pleasantville, IA
10a - Ricky Logan, Little Rock, AR
10s - Sammy Swindell, Bartlett, TN
11 - Steve Kinser, Bloomington, IN
12 - Lynton Jeffrey, Prarie City, IA
13 - Mark Dobmeier, Grand Forks, ND
13v - Seth Brahmer, Wisner, NE
13J - Jesse Hockett, Warsaw, MO
14 - Jason Meyers, Clovis, CA
14AJ - Wayne Johnson, Knoxville, IA
14M - Randy Martin, California, MO
17 - Daryn Pittman, Pittsboro, IN
17A - Austin McCarl, Altoona, IA
17B - Bill Balog, Eau Claire, WI
17G - Dusty Zomer, Brandon, SD
19 - Craig Dollansky, Elk River, MN
20 - Dennis Moore Jr., Grinnell, IA
21 - Brian Brown, Grain Valley, MO
21AU - Brooke Tatnell, Sans Souci, NSW, Aust.
22N - Brian Ellenberger, Butler, PA
22x - Greg Hodnett, Thomasville, PA
24 - Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA
30c - Lance Dewease, Fayetteville, PA
39 - Dough Esh, Lancaster, PA
40 - Clint Garner, Sioux Falls, SD
41 - Jason Johnson, Eunice, LA
49 - Josh Schneiderman, West Burlington, IA
57 - Shane Stewart, Bixby, OK
57c - Chris Schmelze, Victoria, BC, Can.
65 - Jordan Goldesberry, Springfield, IL
81 - TBA
83 - Tim Shaffer, Aliquippa, PA
89 - Cody Darrah, Red Lion, PA
91 - TBA

Roush Yates Engine Giveaway at Western World

2009-07-07T13:43:00.004-05:00

This news came out a couple days ago, but it's something I thought was worth posting here.

Mooresville, NC—Roush Yates Engines, engine builders extraordinaire and winners of this year’s Daytona 500, has just announced an amazing 360 Sprint Car contest: Winners powered by a Roush Yates engine at this year’s 42nd Western World Sprint Car National Championships at Tucson, AR, Nov. 19-21, will also WIN A NEW ROUSH YATES ENGINE. This contest extends to the winners of both winged and non-winged categories.

"We're real excited about Roush Yates’ involvement with the ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series at Tucson’s USA Raceway in our season-ending event, the 42nd Annual Western World Sprint Car Championship. Roush Yates’ promotion with the winged and non-winged teams at the Western World speaks loudly about the commitment they have placed in the future of the ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series,“ said ASCS Founder, Emmett Hahn.

Roush Yates Engines recently entered the 360 Sprint Car scene with Chuck “the Cobra” Hebing. Hebing achieved an early victory at Autodrome Drummond, Quebec. “This new engine has a long power curve, sustaining peak horsepower from 6,500 to 8,500 rpm—exceptional power all the way through," Hebing commented.

When news of this super contest emerged yesterday, Kevin Montgomery, promoter at USA Raceway, was delighted: “The Western World Championships is shaping up to be one of the premier events of 2009. We are excited to have Roush Yates, an auto racing icon, as part of this Championship Race. Their involvement speaks volumes about the prestige of the 42nd Annual Western World Championships.”

Roush Yates supply their new 360 Sprint Car engines as custom-built and as complete as the customer wishes—including turn-key ready-to-race installations, from air cleaner to oil pan even with the correct oil and radiator supplied if necessary.

For further information contact:
Roush Yates Engines
Attn: Jeremy Anderson (704) 658-1540 Ext 220 or JAnderson@RoushYates.com
www.RoushYates.com
Editors’ Contact: Vic Moore (706) 531-0058

To retrieve high-resolution images, go to www.mooregoodink.com, select Media Center, enter media007 as your password, and click on Roush Yates Engines in the Media Center Folders.

Message Board Comment of the Day

2009-07-07T11:52:00.006-05:00

It's that time again.

From sprnt12 on the Dirt Driver Eagle Raceway Message Board
Post Title: WoO (You may want to go back and start at the beginning, because this thread has taken a long and winding road)

"I agree with 2 dogs' comment. I thought Oval Operations was a non-biased reporter but seems to not like our local racers for some reason. The deal with the race being re-run will be talked about for a long while after next weekend too. Seems everyone can get geared up to beat Acklund. Some cars may even change colors. Let the mess stand. If it were a rain out the races would have been complete after the heats were completed. I attended races last year that were never re run and never got out pit money back either. And I do attend a lot of races all over the country every year.

I am going back to collage so I can be non objective sports writer.

If people would pay attention, you could get into the pits and stands both for $30!"

Personally I think sprnt12 should go back to college and learn how to spell. However, it's nice to be mentioned.

Kid's Night 2009 Reminder

2009-07-07T11:06:00.006-05:00

Just a quick reminder that Kid's Night at Eagle Raceway is Saturday, July 25th. Gates open at 5:30, hot laps at 6 and racing at 7. Admission for adults (13+) is just $10, youth (6-12) $5. Children 5 and under get in for free.

If you would like to donate a bike, you can do so by contacting Rhonda Bryan at 402-450-7992 (mobile) or 402-476-7336. You can reach her by email at rascal60@windstream.net. The cost per bike is $42.50. Eagle Raceway promoter Roger Hadan is once again buying 1 bike for every 2 that are purchased.

Keep those donations coming!

So ya think your weekend sucked?

2009-07-06T09:51:00.003-05:00

It can always be worse, just ask Alex Pettis. After crashing at a race in Osgood, Indiana, Pettis hydroplaned and Jackknifed on the way home. Fortunately both Pettis and his girlfriend
were not injured in the wreck.

Weekend #11 Recap

2009-07-06T08:49:00.003-05:00

I suppose it should have been obvious on Thursday that the three day swing of sprint car racing in Nebraska wasn't going to go smoothly.

The Thursday night debacle at I-80 has been talked about enough so it's not worth getting into again.

Friday night the ASCS Midwest series was supposed to run at Junction Motor Speedway. Unfortunately the show never got past warm-ups, as a massive rainstorm rolled in and ended the evening. I was disappointed not only because we weren't able to watch the races, but it was also supposed to be Moses Motor Company night at JMS.

So at this point we're two nights down. One event was completely unsatisfying, the other never happened. Would Saturday be better?

On Saturday Erin and I headed out to Eagle Raceway to watch the World of Outlaws and 360 sprints. The same storm that had cancelled the show at JMS dumped an inch of water at Eagle the night before, so the grounds were completely saturated. The racing surface was as heavy as I've ever seen at Eagle.

The track was extremely fast, but very narrow. Sammy Swindell set a new track record during his qualifying run. I was at Eagle the last time Swindell set the track record, back in 1992!

After the Outlaw time trials, the 360 heats started.

The night started out bad, as Tige Jensen and Nick Clifford made contact on the backstretch. Jensen made hard contact with the outside wall and flipped violently. The crash destroyed Jensen's 360, and a sore ankle kept him out of his 410 car as well.

The Outlaw heats went off without incident. The real drama of the night began with the drop of the green flag in the 360 A feature.

Four laps in, Zach Davis bounced off the backstretch wall, planted his front wheels into the soft dirt, and was vaulted into the fence. In the process he took out a set of warning lights and some of the fencing itself. Davis' car was tangled in the fence, and hung upside down until safety crews were able to work the car free and safely remove it.

With seven laps down, Julee Jameson suffered a hard flip in turn three, bringing out another red flag.

On the re-start, Jeff Griffis hit Terry Holliman's left rear, sending Griffis into a spinning flip. While the car didn't look that bad, the safety crew was concerned that Griffis may have suffered a seizure and called for the Life Flight Helicopter.

The show was delayed while waiting for the helicopter. It was like a scene of out Apocalypse Now, watching that helicopter come in under the hazy lights of the track. Luckily Griffis regained consciousness before being loaded onto the helicopter.

With only eight laps in and three major wrecks, officials stopped the 360 race so they could get the Outlaws back on the track and complete the show. At the cut-off, Gene Ackland is the leader, followed by Adam Gullion.

After the fireworks of the 360 feature, the Outlaw feature was mostly uneventful. While the speeds were amazing, the narrow track made passing nearly impossible. Danny Lasoski led every lap on his way to the victory. In a stark contrast to the 360 feature, the Outlaw race had only one caution, when Donny Schatz blew an engine and came to a stop near the bottom of turn one.

It was an almost surreal feel to the racing at Eagle on Saturday. It was a night I won't soon forget.

Because of all the carnage and inclement weather, it was a long night. The Outlaws were the only class to complete their program. The 360's will complete their feature this Saturday at Eagle, as will the IMCA modifieds, who were never able to start their feature.

Last week's three day swing was bizarre. Really, I don't know a better way to put it. We had long nights, rain, bad crashes and even a helicopter landing. It was a memorable week, but mostly for the wrong reasons.

I'm looking forward to getting back to normal this weekend at Knoxville. At least, I hope it's normal.

World of Outlaws Wrap-Up: Eagle Nationals at Eagle Raceway

2009-07-06T08:43:00.002-05:00

Contact: World Racing Group - Tony Veneziano, World of Outlaws PR Director, 704-467-7803 • tveneziano@dirtcar.com

Concord, NC—July 5, 2009—

A little luck never hurts: Danny Lasoski used a very fast race car on Saturday night and a little luck in picking up his third career win at Eagle Raceway. He began the night by turning the second fastest lap in time trials and finished third in the second heat race to earn a spot in the Crane Cams Dash. He started on the pole in the dash and won that to earn the top starting spot for the 40-lap A-Feature which he led all 40 laps of to earn his third victory of the season. He also moved to within six points of Jason Sides who is fifth in the standings.

“It was really key the little boy that drew my number in the dash,” said Lasoski after his victory on Saturday night. “Tonight with all the rain they had here, to be able to start on front row was definitely a key to winning.”

Gaining a few points: Joey Saldana used a third-place finish on Saturday night to gain 32 points on Donny Schatz, who has engine trouble and finished 19^th. Saldana now trails the three-time and defending series champion by 44 points as he chases his first career series title. Saldana leads the series with 11 A-Feature wins this season and has 18 Top-Five finishes, which is second only to Schatz who has 20.

“It's very seldom that you see Donny Schatz have a bad night, especially having a motor problem,” noted Saldana. “He has a great motor program and has for quite a few years and that shows why they are so good. For him to have an engine failure tonight was very unexpected. Like I've said before, the only way you are going to do anything with Donny with how good he is, is for him to have bad luck like we're having. Tonight he had some bad luck and we'll see what happens.”

A new track record: Sammy Swindell began the Eagle Nationals by setting a new track record in qualifying with a lap of 11.076 seconds at 108.234 mph to eclipse the previous mark of 11.124 seconds set by Joey Saldana in 2002. It was the fourth time this season that Swindell has been quickest in time trials with the World of Outlaws, tying him for second in that category with Danny Lasoski and Jason Sides.

Getting closer and closer: Craig Dollansky finished fourth on Saturday night to earn his ninth Top-Five finish of the season as he continues his first season behind the wheel for Kasey Kahne Racing as a teammate to Joey Saldana. Dollansky is currently seventh in the series standings, just 18 points behind Danny Lasoski who is sixth and 24 markers behind Jason Sides who is fifth.

“We sure are working on it,” stated Dollansky of building momentum. “It's been a bit of a struggle this season for us and we continue to work hard with this Kasey Kahne Racing team. We'll just keep battling.”

Gearing up for the Month of Money: Sammy Swindell finished second in the Eagle Nationals, which was his 15^th Top-10 of the season with the World of Outlaws, with seven of those being Top-Fives. He plans to compete in a number of events with the World of Outlaws over the next month, including the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway, the Don Martin Memorial Silver Cup at Lernerville Speedway and the Ironman 55 at I-55 Raceway. He and his Tom Rolfe Racing team have been consistently fast each time they have competed with the series this season and have been close to winning a couple of times.

“We've been trying some different things and trying to be ready for the bigger races,” explained Swindell, the three-time World of Outlaws champion. “We have made some changes and have been fine tuning some things. I think we have something to work with and tonight we unloaded it and never touched it. I think we are close with what we are doing. We just have to get the breaks.”

Photo Gallery: The Media Gallery section of www.WorldofOutlaws.com continues to be updated after each event. Visit http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/sprint/MediaGallery.aspx to see Photo Galleries from 2009 World of Outlaws events. A Photo Gallery from the Eagle Nationals at Eagle Raceway will be posted shortly.

Keep up with all the action: The number of “Followers” keeping up with the World of Outlaws via Twitter online and through text messages on cell phones continues to grow. Updates are provided throughout race nights beginning with hot laps and continuing all the way through the final checkered flag of the night. To sign-up visit: http://twitter.com/worldofoutlaws and receive live race updates, anywhere, anytime.

Up next: A trip to 34 Raceway in Burlington, Iowa on Wednesday, July 8, followed by a stop a Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin on Saturday, July 11 and Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisconsin on Sunday, July 12.

ASCS Midwest @ I-80

2009-07-03T09:26:00.004-05:00

OK, I did a little venting and now I feel better. I already addressed the issues facing last night's show, so in this post I'd rather talk about some sprint car racing.

-Brian Brown looked like his old, dominating self, winning the feature over runner-up Jack Dover, Jonathan Cornell, Doug Lovegrove and Don Droud Jr. There's something about running here in Nebraska that seems to up Brown's level.

If they're able to run at JMS this evening, I think it'll be tough to beat Brown and his #21 Super Clean car.

-I believe last night may have been the first time Doug Lovegrove ran I-80 Speedway since his vicious crash at the same event back in 2006. Lovegrove continues to build on a solid season behind the wheel, winning the heat race and starting on the pole for the A feature.

When the checkers fell, Lovegrove came home in a respectible fourth. He ran a pretty conservative race, and looked fast. His crew chief has said all year he wanted to see that car run on a big track, and I'd say they should feel pretty good about how the car ran.

-It was sure nice of the late model folks to volunteer to run their feature before the sprints. It was also nice of them to leave so much cushion for the sprints.

-You had to be brave last night to run the top. The cushion was pretty much on the outside wall, and several times I saw Jack Dover and Brian Brown slap the concrete and bounce off. It would take some nerve to stay in the throttle.

-Dover gave the Swenson 24A car a great run last night. He did manage to take the lead over Brown during the middle stages of the race, but just wasn't as strong and settled for second. You can definitely see how confident Dover is. Running as many times as he does has really sharpened his skills.

-Jonathan Cornell is a furture star. The kid has some serious talent.

-Chad Humston is fast in Mark Burch's 1M "Banana Wagon" but looked to be trying a little too hard during his heat race. He was unable to finish his heat and forced to run the B. He won that, started 18th in the A and raced his way to a sixth place finish.

I'm glad Humston is back in sprint cars, and I'm glad that the 1M is back to running up front.

-I was reminded again last night that late models and sprints just don't mix. It's like oil and water. Probably because late models think they're on the same level as sprint cars.

Of course, I'm sure late model drivers and fans feel the same way about sprint cars.

Tonight, Moses Motor Company presents the ASCS Midwest 360's at Junction Motor Speedway. Start time is 7:30. Hope to see ya there!

Brown Best of the ASCS Midwest at I-80 Speedway

2009-07-03T09:21:00.001-05:00

Lonnie Wheatley, GREENWOOD, Neb. (July 2, 2009) – Brian Brown picked off his first American Sprint Car Series feature win of the year by topping Thursday night's 25-lap ASCS Midwest Region feature event at Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway.

Riding the top side of the track, Brown raced around early pacesetter Doug Lovegrove on the fifth round and then denied a late Jack Dover bid to snare his 11^th career ASCS Midwest win in the Super Clean No. 21 Maxim.

Dover slid past Brown in turns three and four on the 17^th round only to hand the lead back over to Brown when he jumped the turn two cushion a half lap later. Following a caution that set up a five-lap dash to the checkered flag, Brown slipped away to a half straightaway advantage over Dover, with Jonathan Cornell, Lovegrove and Don Droud, Jr., rounding out the top five.

Chad Humston raced from 18^th to sixth, with Jason Danley, Mike Boston, Robby Wolfgang and Trevor Grossenbacher completing the top ten.

Brown, Lovegrove and Cornell topped heat race action for the 29-car field, with Humston winning the "B" Main.

ASCS Midwest Results from I-80 Speedway:

Heat One (10 Laps): 1. 21-Brian Brown, 2. 27-Patrick Bourke, 3. 82-Jason Danley, 4. 2-Don Droud, Jr., 5. 35ab-Trevor Grossenbacher, 6. 00-Brad Foster, 7. 11xs-Donovan Peterson, 8. 25-Dylan Peterson, 9. 18-Ryan Roberts, 10. 05-Justin Wolf Medlock.

Heat Two (10 Laps): 1. 44-Doug Lovegrove, 2. 24a-Jack Dover, 3. 1a-Robby Wolfgang, 4. 35-Derrik Ortega, 5. 5-Eric Lutz, 6. 14-Jeff Heffner, 7. 45-Jeff Lowery, 8. 36-Rick Hansen, 9. 3-Julee Jamison. DNS: 7-Roger Sundquist.

Heat Three (10 Laps): 1. 28-Jonathan Cornell, 2. 88-Mike Boston, 3. 71r-Ryan Anderson, 4. 17-Gage Dorr, 5. 93-Brent Kronfuss, 6. 8b-Bobby Becker, 7. 71-Bob Schaeffer, 8. 47-Brandt O'Banion, 9. 1m-Chad Humston.

"B" Feature (12 Laps): 1. 47-Brandt O'Banion, 2. 1m-Chad Humston, 3. 93-Brent Kronfuss, 4. 45-Jeff Lowery, 5. 14-Jeff Heffner, 6. 71-Bob Schaeffer, 7. 25-Dylan Peterson, 8. 11xs-Donovan Peterson, 9. 36-Rick Hansen, 10. 3-Julee Jamison, 11. 18-Ryan Roberts. DNS: 05-Justin Wolf Medlock, 7-Roger Sundquist.

“A” Feature (25 Laps): 1. 21-Brian Brown, 2. 24a-Jack Dover, 3. 28-Jonathan Cornell, 4. 44-Doug Lovegrove, 5. 2-Don Droud, Jr., 6. 1m-Chad Humston, 7. 82-Jason Danley, 8. 88-Mike Boston, 9. 1a-Robby Wolfgang, 10. 35ab-Trevor Grossenbacher, 11. 27-Patrick Bourke, 12. 71r-Ryan Anderson, 13. 5-Eric Lutz, 14. 8b-Bobby Becker, 15. 45-Jeff Lowery, 16. 17-Gage Dorr, 17. 47-Brandt O'Banion, 18. 93-Brent Kronfuss, 19. 35-Derrik Ortega, 20. 00-Brad Foster.

ASCS Midwest Points (Top Ten): 1. Chad Humston 936, 2. Jason Danley 910, 3. Mike Boston 879, 4. Brian Brown 846, 5. Don Droud, Jr. 826, 6. Jonathan Cornell 804, 7. Lee Grosz 775, 8. Eric Lutz 757, 9. Jack Dover 692, 10. Ryan Roberts 587.

Uhhhh Yeah About Last Night...Or This Morning

2009-07-03T09:01:00.005-05:00

I-80 Speedway, I've got a few items I'd like to share with you. First, thanks for scheduling sprints. I know running open wheelers is not something you're into on a regular basis, so I'm always appreciative of the opportunity to see an extra sprint show here in Nebraska.

Also, congrats on one of the best crowds I've seen at a dirt track race here in the Cornhusker state. The grandstands were packed!

Now, don't get me wrong, the sprint feature was enjoyable. However, I found my enthusiasm tempered a bit by the fact that the cars were not pushed off until well after midnight.

Perhaps it was the fact that the late model feature took an hour and a half to run. Maybe it was because the late models should have been run last. After all, they were the "Feature Event".

I realize that it's not your fault that 67 late models showed up. However, maybe next time if you have a feeling that you're going to have 60+ cars in a class, start the show a little earlier.

Also, instead of having three, squabbling sanctions attempting to run the show their way, make one the supreme commander and go with it. A good portion of that 40 lap late model feature was spent watching the cars stopped on the track and re-aligned.

Oh yeah, maybe next time don't run 40 freakin' laps. Cut it a little short when it's past the midnight hour.

Overall I-80, it's going to take a lot for another track on my schedule to run a show as poorly as you did last night. Congrats on setting the mark.

I know I-80, I'm complaining a lot. I'm probably coming off as just another elitist sprint car snob, crying over spilled milk.

However, I think it would benefit you to take a look at how shows like this are run in the future. In the "family-first" climate of dirt track racing, shows running past 1 am are not going to cut it.

No worries though I-80, I'll be back in August for the non-wing sprinters. You'll have one more chance this season for my business. I just hope that the Monday night race doesn't turn into Tuesday morning.

Young Wolfe Making Noise On Outlaws Scene

2009-07-01T16:27:00.001-05:00

BY CURT McKEEVER / Lincoln Journal Star Wednesday, Jul 01, 2009 - 12:40:23 am CDT

The heck with being cautious.

Lucas Wolfe approached the prospects of his return to racing — a scary accident last year left him with a fractured vertebrae — with the same drive he showed in first venturing out on the World of Outlaws sprint car trail.

“One doctor told me I should find something else to do,” said the 22-year-old racer from Mechanicsburg, Pa., who will make his first appearance at Eagle Raceway for Saturday’s Eagle Nationals. “I ignored it.

“It’s a risk you take. I was fortunate to have some pretty good doctors. I got healed up and haven’t really thought about it since.”

Wolfe — who kids that he’s now a little shorter than before the crash at Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, Ill., last June 8 put him out of action for two months — is certainly on a fast track to possible stardom.

The 2008 Outlaws Rookie of the Year notched his fifth top-10 finish of this season by running seventh at Knoxville, Iowa, Saturday night, and sits 10th in points.

As enthusiastic as Wolfe is about his position, he’s also got a sweet deal to look forward to. Last month, it was announced that he’ll drive in the 2010 Firestone Indy Lights series for PDM/Racing Associates JV.

The ownership group also plans to field an IRL team in 2010, and the opportunity to drive in the Indy Lights series makes Wolfe a logical candidate to take the next step.

Said Mickey Meyer Jr., president and managing director of team operations for Racing Associates: “Lucas is the right fit at the right time and we plan on a long and fruitful relationship.”

OK, so before his head really starts spinning with all that comes from a career move, Wolfe is adamant he’s zoned in on grinding his way through the heat of mid-summer to improve his standing with the Outlaws.

“Certainly the chances of finding an opportunity are very rare, and so we’re very fortunate to have this program come together now,” he said. “The one nice thing is we race so much (with the Outlaws) that we don’t have a lot of time to think about it. The plans for next year will pick up as this season winds down.”

Lucas started racing sprint cars at famed Williams Grove Speedway in Pennsylvania when he was 16.

The youngest full-time Outlaw, Lucas is getting early lessons on nearly everything it takes to run a successful tour, as most of the time it’s just he and his father Randy, a former racer, out on the road. Many of the other Outlaws teams have three- to four-member crews.

Lucas had planned on remaining between Lincoln and Sioux Falls, S.D., this week, as he’ll be racing at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D., on Friday. But he wound up having to travel to Indianapolis, about halfway home, to work out an issue he was having with his steering and also to swap engines.

For someone as driven as Lucas, detours like that are just part of the deal.

“We continue to improve on it and keep having a better idea, especially at tracks we saw last year,” Lucas said. “We haven’t run as well as we want, but there’s usually only about one guy who says that.”

Considering where he was at this time last year, he’ll gladly take the option of feeling like his first Outlaws win could be at the next stop.

“The most serious thing to me was I had to miss races,” Lucas said of the 2008 season. “We’ve always wanted to do (Outlaws). Even though racing at home is as strong as it is anywhere, it’s the direction everybody (there) looks at and says ‘Boy, that’s what I’d like to race.’

“... By no means are we going to stop racing sprint cars (in the future). I’d like to stay as active as I can.”

LJS Article

World of Outlaws Preview: Eagle Nationals at Eagle Raceway

2009-07-01T10:47:00.002-05:00

Contact: World Racing Group - Tony Veneziano, World of Outlaws PR Director, 704-467-7803 • tveneziano@dirtcar.com

World of Outlaws Preview: Eagle Nationals at Eagle Raceway

Eagle, NE—July 1, 2009—The World of Outlaws will celebrate the Fourth of July in style this weekend, as the series heads to the always racy Eagle Raceway in Nebraska for the annual running of the Eagle Nationals at the high-banked 1/3-mile bullring on Saturday. It will mark the series lone visit of the 2009 campaign to the Cornhusker state.

Craig Dollansky was victorious at the track last season, taking the lead from 20-time series champion Steve Kinser on the fourth lap and holding him off for the remainder of the 40-lap event to score his third career triumph at Eagle Raceway.

Kinser has won 24 times in his career with the World of Outlaws at the track, including 15 A-Feature events. His most recent victory at the track came in 2005.

Six drivers that are currently competing full-time with the World of Outlaws have won during their career with the series at the track.

The World of Outlaws competed at the 1/3-mile for the first time back in 1981 and has visited the track every year since 1984. This year's Eagle Nationals will mark the 25^th consecutive year the series has visited the track. There has been a different winner in each of the last five events for the series at the track.

Slidejobs- Eagle Raceway:

An unmatched record: Steve Kinser, the 20-time World of Outlaws champion, has 24 career wins at Eagle Raceway with the series, including in preliminary features. He has finished in the Top-10 an amazing 54 times in 58 career starts at the track. He led the first three laps of the event last season before finishing second. His most recent win at the track came in 2005, a season in which he won all four races contested by the World of Outlaws at the track, leading every single lap. He has won once this season and is currently fourth in points on the strength of a series-best 27 Top-10 finishes.

Four score: Donny Schatz has won four times at Eagle Raceway in his career, with the most recent coming in the fall of 2006. The three time and defending series champion has finished 10^th or better in eight consecutive events at the 1/3-mile, including a fourth-place performance last season. The North Dakota native has won eight times this year and is the current series point leader as he chases his fourth consecutive series title.

Looking to repeat: Craig Dollansky was victorious for the third time in his career at Eagle Raceway last season, battling Steve Kinser for the win. He has 15 Top-10 finishes at the 1/3-mile dating back to a win in 2000 in a Gumout Series event. Dollansky has 22 Top-10 finishes this season as he chases his first win since joining the Kasey Kahne Racing team for the 2009 campaign.

A long time coming: Joey Saldana won for the first time in his career at Eagle Raceway in 2007, after making nearly 30 starts at the track. With a number of family members from the Lincoln, Nebraska area in attendance, it was an emotional win for the second generation driver. He leads the World of Outlaws with 11 triumphs this season and was victorious on a 1/3-mile earlier in the year at Thunderbowl Raceway in California. He has over 20 Top-10 finishes in his career at Eagle. He also holds the track record, set in time trials in 2002.

“For me to be able to race there and them (family members) be able to come out and see what I do and be part of it is really neat,” noted Saldana. “My dad grew up racing there so that makes it really neat. It's a hard place to win at so hopefully we can do it again.”

Oh so close: Jason Meyers has been close to winning at Eagle Raceway a couple of times in his career. He finished third at the track last season and was fifth in 2007. He has finished in the Top-10 in six of his last seven starts at the track. He has won four times this season and is currently third in the series standings.

Looking to change his luck: Jason Sides has had some tough luck in his last two starts at Eagle Raceway and looks to change that this weekend as he carries momentum from a Top-Five finish at Knoxville Raceway last Saturday night with him, in a race in which he passed the most cars to earn the Hard Charger Award. Another strong pair of races last weekend vaulted him into fifth in the series standings on the strength of 23 Top-10 finishes.

A strong track record: Danny Lasoski, the 2001 World of Outlaws champion, has two career wins with the series at Eagle Raceway, along with 30 Top-10 finishes, including seven in his last eight starts at the track. He was fourth in his most recent start at the track in 2007. The native of Dover, Missouri recently won his second race of the year and is up to sixth in the series standings as he continues his first season driving for the Parsons Motorsports team.

Carrying momentum: Kraig Kinser heads into the pair of races this weekend carrying the momentum of three consecutive finishes of fourth or better. He was third in both races last weekend and moved up to eighth in the championship standings on the strength of 16 Top-10 finishes. The third generation driver has five career Top-10 finishes at Eagle Raceway.

Bullring blitz: Jac Haudenschild has four career wins at Eagle Raceway, dating back to 1989. He has nearly 40 career Top-10 finishes at the bullring, including in each of his first nine starts at the track between 1986 and 1989. The recent inductee into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame has 14 Top-10 finishes this season as he chases down his first win of the year. He was seventh at Eagle last season and second in 2007.

First time visitor: Lucas Wolfe, the reigning Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year, will make his first trip to Eagle Raceway this weekend. He missed the race there last season as he was recovering from an injury suffered at the beginning of the summer. The native of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania has five Top-10 finishes this season with three of those being Top-Fives.

Still learning the track: Sam Hafertepe Jr. will make the third visit of his career to Eagle Raceway this weekend. He finished ninth at the track last season. The third-year driver has five Top-10 finishes this season with three of those being Top-Fives. He is just outside of the Top-10 in the series standings.

A return visit: Brian Ellenberger, who is contending for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award this season, finished sixth at Eagle Raceway last season with the All Star Circuit of Champions. He made his first start at the high-banked bullring in 1999. He has a couple of Top-10 finishes this season as he continues to gain priceless experience in his first full season on the road.

By the Numbers: Eagle Raceway:

0.333- Miles around Eagle Raceway
1- Event in the state of Nebraska this season for the World of Outlaws
2-Drivers that led laps in the A-Feature event at the track last season
3- Events this season on 1/3-mile tracks for the World of Outlaws
6- Drivers currently competing full-time with the World of Outlaws that have won at Eagle Raceway with the series
11- Drivers that have won A-Feature events with the series this season
11.124- Track record set by Joey Saldana in time trials in 2002
12- Drivers competing full-time with the World of Outlaws this season
14- Drivers that have been quickest in time trials in 2009
16- Drivers that have won a Crane Cams Dash to earn a pole position this year
21- Drivers that have led laps in A-Feature events this season
24- Total wins for Steve Kinser in his career at Eagle Raceway including preliminary features
26- Consecutive seasons the World of Outlaws have competed at Eagle Raceway including this season
27- Top-10 finishes for Steve Kinser this season to lead the series
37- A-Feature events contested by the World of Outlaws at Eagle Raceway dating back to 1981; Laps led by Craig Dollansky en route to winning at the track last season
54- Top-10 finishes for Steve Kinser in his career at Eagle Raceway to lead all drivers
240- Miles from Huset's Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota where the World of Outlaws race on Friday, July 3 to Eagle Raceway
1981- Year the World of Outlaws first competed at Eagle Raceway
10,000- Dollars the winner will receive on Saturday, July 4
51,690- Dollars in the total purse on Saturday, July 4

Tickets: On Saturday, July 4 at Eagle Raceway, adult reserved tickets will be $30 if purchased in advance and $35 the day of the race, with tickets for children ages 6-12 just $10 and kids 5-under will be admitted free of charge. Pit combos are also available for an extra $5 with a reserved ticket and include a reserved seat and a pit pass. Adult general admission tickets will be $30 if purchased in advance and $35 the day of the race, with tickets for children ages 6-12 just $10 and kids 5-under will be admitted free of charge. For tickets call the track at 402-238-2595. For more information visit: http://www.slspromotions.com.

Tige Jensen's Commerical

2009-06-30T13:26:00.000-05:00

Lincoln based sprint car driver Tige Jensen will be featured in a commercial for the Community Blood Bank. Click on the schedule above for times and channels.

World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series At a Glance: Huset's Speedway & Eagle Raceway

2009-06-30T09:30:00.002-05:00

Contact: World Racing Group - Tony Veneziano, World of Outlaws PR Director, 704-467-7803 • tveneziano@dirtcar.com

Concord, NC— June 29, 2009

WHAT
• The World of Outlaws head north to the upper Midwest to begin the Holidays weekend with a stop at Huset's Speedway in South Dakota on Friday, July 3 for the series only stop at the high-banked bullring this season after Mother Nature was victorious at the track in early May. The series then makes a trip south to Eagle Raceway in Nebraska on the Fourth of July for their only race of 2009 in the Cornhusker state. Craig Dollansky won both events at Huset's Speedway last season and also was victorious at Eagle Raceway. In the last eight events for the series at Huset's there has been seven different drivers pick up wins and five different winners in the last five events at Eagle.

WHEN
• On Friday July 3 at Huset's Speedway, the pit gates will open at Noon Central, with the grandstand gates opening at 5 p.m. Central and time trials set for 7:30 p.m. Central.

• On Saturday, July 4 at Eagle Raceway, the pit gates will open at 2 p.m. Central, with the grandstand gates opening at 4 p.m. Central with hot laps set for 6 p.m. Central and racing at 7:30 p.m. Central.

WHERE
• Huset's Speedway is located in Brandon, South Dakota. Take I-90 east of Sioux Falls to exit 406, then go south three miles on State Road 11.

• Eagle Raceway is located in Eagle, Nebraska. Take I-80 to exit 420 then travel 11 miles south on State Road 63.

TICKETS
• On Friday, July 3 at Huset's Speedway, adult tickets will be $35, with tickets for juniors (ages 8-14) just $5 and kids 7-under will be admitted free of charge. All tickets will be general admission and will be available the day of the race at the gate. For more information visit: http://www.husets-speedway.com

• On Saturday, July 4 at Eagle Raceway, adult reserved tickets will be $30 if purchased in advance and $35 the day of the race, with tickets for children ages 6-12 just $10 and kids 5-under will be admitted free of charge. Pit combos are also available for an extra $5 with a reserved ticket and include a reserved seat and a pit pass. Adult general admission tickets will be $30 if purchased in advance and $35 the day of the race, with tickets for children ages 6-12 just $10 and kids 5-under will be admitted free of charge. For tickets call the track at 402-238-2595. For more information visit: http://www.slspromotions.com.

ON THE INTERNET
• Listen live as the Voice of the Outlaws, Johnny Gibson, calls the action at all World of Outlaws Sprint Series events on the DIRTVision.com. cybercast, as well as on the DIRT Radio Network Go to http://www.DIRTVision.com for more information on all the features, including updated results from each night of racing as well as a chat room to interact with other fans listening to the action.

• The World of Outlaws is at: http://www.worldofoutlaws.com/sprint
• Huset's Speedway is at: http://www.husets-speedway.com
• Eagle Raceway is at: http://www.eagleraceway.com
• DIRTVision is at: http://www.dirtvision.com
• SLS Promotions is at: http://www.slspromotions.com

ABOUT THE TRACKS
• Huset's Speedway is a high-banked 3/8-mile. The track record of 10.317 seconds was established by Terry McCarl on May 10, 2009.

• Eagle Raceway is a high-banked 1/3-mile. The track record of 11.124 seconds was established by Joey Saldana on September 20, 2002.

PREVIOUS WINNERS

World of Outlaws Sprint Series A-Feature winners at Huset's Speedway include:
2008- Craig Dollansky on June 13; Craig Dollansky on July 3
2007- Donny Schatz on July 3
2006- Brooke Tatnell on May 7, Terry McCarl on July 3
2005- Brian Paulus on June 28
2004-Sammy Swindell on July 6
2003- Steve Kinser on June 18
2002 -Steve Kinser on July 2
2001- Donny Schatz on April 29, Mark Kinser on July 3
2000- Mark Kinser on May 7, Mark Kinser on July 3
1999- Mark Kinser on May 3, Mark Kinser on July 6
1998- Stevie Smith on July 7
1997- Sammy Swindell on April 27, Mark Kinser on July 3
1996- Mark Kinser on July 3
1995- Dave Blaney on June 28
1994- Mark Kinser on June 29
1993- Steve Kinser on Aug. 23
1992- Steve Kinser on July 8, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 22
1991- Mark Kinser on July 3, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 24
1990- Doug Wolfgang on July 4, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 25
1989- Doug Wolfgang on July 5, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 26
1984- Steve Kinser on July 11
1983- Sammy Swindell on April 30, Steve Kinser on July 6

World of Outlaws Sprint Series A-Feature winners at Eagle Raceway include:
2008- Craig Dollansky on June 14
2007- Joey Saldana on June 9
2006- Daryn Pittman on June 10, Donny Schatz on Sept. 15
2005- Steve Kinser on June 18, Steve Kinser on Sept. 17
2004- Donny Schatz on Sept. 18, Danny Lasoski on June 20
2003- Steve Kinser on June 28, Donny Schatz on Sept. 20
2002- Steve Kinser on June 22, Jac Haudenschild on Sept. 21
2001-Mark Kinser on June 23
2000- Mark Kinser on July 2
1999- Steve Kinser on June 26
1998- Steve Kinser on June 28
1997- Mark Kinser on June 28
1996- Mark Kinser on June 29
1995- Steve Kinser on July 1, Steve Kinser on Sept. 26
1994- Steve Kinser on July 3
1993- Jeff Swindell on July 3, Mark Kinser on Aug. 24
1992- Sammy Swindell on June 27, Steve Kinser on Aug. 24
1991- Doug Wolfgang on June 29, Steve Kinser on Aug. 26
1990- Steve Kinser on June 30, Mark Kinser on Aug. 27
1989- Jac Haudenschild on July 1, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 23
1988- Steve Kinser on June 25
1987- Steve Kinser on June 27
1986-Mark Kinser on June 28
1985- Bobby Davis, Jr., on June 29
1984-Steve Kinser on June 29
1981- Sammy Swindell on July 20

• FEATURE WINNERS: There has been 32 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series A-Feature event held in 2009. The winners include: Joey Saldana (Volusia Speedway Park, Silver Dollar Speedway, Thunderbowl Raceway, Lone Star Speedway, Houston Raceway Park, The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway, Virginia Motor Speedway, Lawrenceburg Speedway, Dodge City Raceway Park-twice and U.S. 36 Raceway), Donny Schatz (Volusia Speedway Park-twice, The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Knoxville Raceway, Eldora Speedway, Canandaigua Speedway, Lawrenceburg Speedway and River Cities Speedway), Jason Meyers (Silver Dollar Speedway, Paducah International Raceway, I-96 Speedway and Red River Valley Speedway), Danny Lasoski (Delaware International Speedway and Nodak Speedway), Dale Blaney (Attica Raceway Park), Randy Hannagan (Thunderbowl Raceway), Greg Hodnett (Williams Grove Speedway), Tim Kaeding (Riverside International Speedway), Chad Kemenah (Manzanita Speedway), Steve Kinser (Tri-State Speedway) and Terry McCarl (Knoxville Raceway).

• 3/8-MILE WINNERS: Huset's Speedway is a high-banked 3/8-mile oval. The World of Outlaws have raced seven times on a track that size this season. The winners include: Joey Saldana (Lawrenceburg Speedway, Dodge City Raceway Park-twice and U.S. 36 Raceway), Danny Lasoski (Nodak Speedway), Jason Meyers (Paducah International Raceway), and Donny Schatz (Lawrenceburg Speedway).

• 1/3-MILE WINNERS: Eagle Raceway is a high-banked 1/3-mile oval. The World of Outlaws have raced three times this season on a track that size. The winners include: Dale Blaney (Attica Raceway Park), Randy Hannagan (Thunderbowl Raceway) and Joey Saldana (Thunderbowl Raceway).

ASCS Midwest Ready for Nebraska Double Dip

2009-06-30T08:23:00.003-05:00

Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (June 29, 2009) - There will be plenty of fireworks in Nebraska this weekend as the American Sprint Car Series Midwest Region scatters the clay for two nights Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday night, the series takes to Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway before moving on to McCool Junction's Junction Motor Speedway on Friday night.

After becoming the series first repeat winner of 2009 by topping Friday night's event at South Dakota's I-90 Speedway, Chad Humston of Giltner, NE, has moved atop the ASCS Midwest Region championship point charts.

Humston holds a 23-point lead over two-time ASCS Northern Plains champion Lee Grosz of Harwood, ND, with Lincoln, Nebraska's Jason Danley just one more point back in third.

Crete, Nebraska's Mike Boston enters the weekend double ranked fourth, with Missouri's Brian Brown in fifth. Brown, atop the all-time ASCS Midwest Region win charts with ten triumphs, is still looking for his first ASCS Midwest win of 2009.

The balance of the current top ten includes Don Droud Jr. (Lincoln, NE), Jonathan Cornell (Sedalia, MO), Eric Lutz (Sioux Falls, SD), Ryan Bickett (Ramona, SD) and Jack Dover (Springfield, NE).

Humston topped the series last stop at I-80 Speedway in May, with Shane Stewart taking Midwest victory honors the following night at Junction Motor Speedway.

Thursday's racing action at I-80 Speedway goes green at 7:00 p.m., with Friday's card at Junction Motor Speedway firing off at 7:30 p.m.

Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway is located in Greenwood, NE, between Lincoln and Omaha off I-80 Exit 420, then 0.4 mile north on SR 63 then west. For more information, contact the track at 402-944-2233.

Junction Motor Speedway is located 5.6 miles south of York, NE, off I-80 Exit 353 on US 81, then 0.3 miles west on CR 4. For more information, contact the track at 402-773-5538.

Past ASCS Regional Winners at I-80 Speedway:
5/21/09 - Chad Humston (Midwest)
4/11/09 - Jonathan Cornell (Midwest)
4/10/09 - Billy Alley (Midwest)
8/14/07 - Jack Dover (Midwest)
4/15/07 - Chuck Swenson (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/14/07 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/15/06 - Billy Alley (Midwest)
7/3/06 - Jake Peters (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
4/8/06 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
8/3/05 - Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)
7/8/05 - Brian Brown (Midwest)
4/15/05 - Terry McCarl (Midwest)

Past ASCS Midwest Region Winners at Junction Motor Speedway:
5/22/09 - Shane Stewart
6/27/08 - Brian Brown
6/29/08 - Brian Brown
5/25/07 - Garry Lee Maier
6/30/06 - Brian Brown
5/26/06 - Jake Peters
5/27/05 - Jason Danley

The American Sprint Car Series, in its 18th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing events, brings the best of Sprint Car racing to nearly 100 different tracks throughout 25 states and Canada in 2009. Anchored by the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of a dozen different Regions throughout the nation.

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

Weekend #10 Recap

2009-06-29T08:36:00.002-05:00

The dust has settled from another weekend of racing and the month of June is nearly history. Hard to imagine we're almost to the 4th of July holiday.

The Outlaws ran Knoxville for the final time Saturday night before the Nationals in August. Terry McCarl took advantage of his pole position start to lead every lap and win his 44th career A feature. McCarl won by nearly 20 car lengths over runner-up Donny Schatz.

I was disappointed with the show Saturday night, and now nearly 48 hours later, I'm still not satisfied. Overall it just wasn't a great show. There was very little passing in the heats, the dash was a complete waste of time and the feature didn't provide enough racing to make up for the lackluster show.

I realize that in racing, especially dirt track racing those type of nights can happen. However, it seems that great nights of racing are the exception, rather than the rule.

I hope that this Saturday the World of Outlaws put on a better show. With ticket prices over $30 they should.

-It was nice to see Don Droud Jr. put together a good run Saturday. He timed in 15th (out of 41 cars), won his heat, finished sixth in the dash and ninth in the A feature.

-Johnny Herrera was the highest finishing Knoxville regular, coming home eighth.

-Jason Sides put together a nice run, starting 12th and ending up fifth. He was one of the few drivers that actually passed anyone.

-Terry McCarl had the field covered Saturday during the feature, but Donny Schatz is still the man to beat at Knoxville. I don't see that changing during the Nationals.

-Congratulations to Trevor Grossenbacher. On Saturday he picked up his first feature win at Eagle Raceway, beating out points leader Mike Boston in the process.

Next Up...
7/2 ASCS Midwest @ I-80 Speedway
7/3 ASCS Midwest @ Junction Motor Speedway
7/4 World of Outlaws @ Eagle Raceway

Outlaws @ Knoxville - Initial Reactions

2009-06-27T23:40:00.004-05:00

The term "boring" comes to mind. Honestly, it was probably too much to ask that the Outlaws put two spectacular shows together (their feature last night in Cameron, Missouri was reported to be wildly entertaining).

My biggest issue with tonight's racing was I could count the number of passes I watched on one hand. It was mostly follow the leader and the top five hardly changed, with the exception of Donny Schatz moving into the runner-up position.

Congrats to Don Droud Jr. who finished ninth behind fellow Knoxville weekly competitor Johnny Herrera.

It's been a long day so it's time for bed. I'll have more thoughts later this week, and post some photos from the Missouri Outlaw show.

WTF Knoxville?

2009-06-25T16:07:00.002-05:00

According to a press release (dated 7/1/09) Knoxville Raceway will incorporate a planned pit stop during the 2009 Nationals Championship feature.

It's a travesty, it's a sham, it's a mockery. It's a travashammockery.

7/1/2009 - After several months of monitoring fuel usage in the 410 class, Knoxville officials have decided that the competitors would not be able to complete 40 laps in the Knoxville Nationals A main without a 33 gallon tank. Even then it would be to close for any extra laps under the yellow. The Nationals A Feature will remain 40 laps with a pit stop built in to the show.

According to Tech Officials the amount of fuel being used by the engines has gone up significantly in the past couple of years. Officials doubt, given the right track conditions, a 28 gallon tank would complete even 30 laps with some engines.

It is the opinion of the Raceway that this is not the year under current economic conditions, to make the teams purchase 33 gallon tanks. With that being said, it is also the intention of the Raceway to run additional laps in non stop events such as qualifying nights and other Saturday Night Features which would only make sense for the teams to try and obtain 33 gallon tanks.

Knoxville Website

Kids Night 2009 Information

2009-06-11T08:06:00.004-05:00

From Rhonda Bryan

It's that time of year, and we are excited to get this season's event kicked off! We have begun our annual 2009 Kid's Night mission! This year's event will be held at Eagle Raceway on Saturday, July 25, 2009.

Once again, Roger Hadan has kindly challenged ALL DRIVERS for every two bikes they buy, Roger will buy one. The cost per bike is $42.80 and the deadline for purchasing is July 17. Special arrangements can be made if needed.

If you would like to take parts in this "FUN FILLED EVENT" and make a donation, please contact Rhonda, Bernie or Nick Bryan anytime.

I will be available each race night sitting outside the pit gate entrance. I can also be found sitting in the garden/wall area of the pits or by Nick's #6 sprint car after the races. My email is rascal60@windstream.net. My phone numbers are: Cell 402-450-7992 Home 402-476-7336

On behalf of Bryan Racing, we would like to say "Thank You" for your continued support and generous donations! See you at the races!

Rhonda

Weekend #8 Recap

2009-06-07T12:28:00.006-05:00

Saturday night was my first time at Eagle since the open house night way back in April. Thankfully the area rain stayed away until after the event's conclusion. I was a great night to sit back, relax and see some racing. I was able to enjoy some Eagle chicken poppers and a couple ice cold Buds.

Speaking of rain, Friday the track surface saw copious amounts of it. The result was an extremely heavy surface on Saturday, high speeds and a couple nasty crashes. Thankfully no drivers suffered serious injuries.

The night started quick, as Tige Jensen set a new Eagle 360 single lap track record at 11.984 seconds during his heat race.

In the feature, sprint car rookie Dan Wayman started on the pole and led the first couple laps. After a caution, Nick Bryan was able to overtake Wayman for the top spot. The next caution was brought out when rookie Ian Eastman took a ride in turns three and four. Eastman was not harmed, but the crash took off his car's entire front end.

A couple laps later Wayman crashed in almost the same spot. While Wayman's yellow 5 car didn't look as bad as Eastman's, his night was over.

Meanwhile, Mike Boston threaded his way through the field. With 11 laps down Boston took second place from Bobby Becker. Four laps later Boston passed Bryan for the lead and the win. Bobby Becker was able to take second from Bryan at the line, followed by Jeff Griffis in fourth.

Boston has been fast all season, and was finally able to capture his first A feature win of 2009. Boston also sits atop Eagle's point standings, 39 points ahead of second place Nick Clifford.

Nick Bryan who led during the middle stages of the feature sounded disappointed with his third place run, but I think that's the best I've seen him run. Bryan now has back-to-back top five A feature finishes, finishing fifth during the May 30th race.

As much as anything it was nice to have a "night off" and just be able to really watch the races and enjoy the atmosphere. I sat by a Speedway co-worker and one of her friends. Neither had ever been to a race at Eagle, so it was fun explaining things to them. In fact, my co-worker has a blog about her racing education you'll want to check out.

It was also nice to come home and talk to some of the usual suspects that stand atop Section F. I'm planning on being at Eagle again this Saturday before leaving for Boston Sunday morning.

Upcoming Race Weekend Thoughts

2009-06-05T13:42:00.004-05:00

I'm taking the weekend off from Knoxville to stick around home and pack for our move at the end of the month. However, this doesn't mean I won't be seeing some live racing. Rain thwarted my earlier attempts to watch racing at Eagle Raceway this season, so tomorrow night will be my first real race trip to the home track for 2009.

There is a chance of rain in the forecast, but I'm hopeful it'll stay away long enough so that we can get the show in. It's a big night at Eagle as I'm taking another pair of race rookies to their first ever event at Eagle.

I'm also really looking forward to consuming some chicken poppers, peanuts and washing it all down with some ice cold Budweiser products.

From what I hear and read, it sounds like fans have been treated to some great racing at Eagle, and I hope that holds true tomorrow night.

Going to the races and then sleeping in my own bed is a real luxury.

-I don't know who my pick is to win this weekend but it's always hard to bet against Mike Boston.

-Ford Racing has begun a push to get into the grassroots racing market. Plans include more parts and help for weekend racers, as well as sponsorships of several dirt track series. I doubt that the small block Chevy will fall out of favor anytime soon, but the program gives us Ford guys an alternative. Finally!

-If you're an open wheel aficionado, you'll want to purchase a copy of Bob Mays latest book, Big Car Thunder, More Sprint Cars On America's Fair Circuits, Volume II. It's amazing. Go out and buy it. Today. Now. You can download the order form here.

If you still need convincing, Jason Orth wrote a great review about the book on his site Heartland Race News.

-If you feel like staying home Saturday, you can watch the IndyCar Series on Versus live from Texas. Outside of Indy it's the best show of the ICS season. I've already got my DVR set.

-For the second time in a year, my friend Aaron Allgood is having to miss a race for a wedding. Last August he was a part of my wedding, and now Saturday he's best man in his brother Eric's ceremony.

Eric Allgood lives and works in Belleville, Kansas but provides PA duties at Junction Motor Speedway on the weekends. He's one of the best in the business and a helluva nice guy. I hope he and his bride Angie have a great time this weekend!

Lovegrove Wins at Eagle

2009-06-01T09:46:00.003-05:00

Doug Lovegrove held off a late-charge by Mike Boston to win Eagle Raceway's sprint car A feature on Saturday night.

From what I was told, it sounded like an amazing feature complete with a near photo-finish.

Over the last couple seasons I've become good friends with Doug and the crew, and spent many an evening hanging out in their shop in Waverly.

I can imagine how meaningful this win must be for Doug. At times it's been difficult for him to get back behind the wheel. You may remember the nasty crash Doug suffered at I-80 Speedway back in July 2006. Since then, Lovegrove has primarily been a car owner. This year marks the first time since that crash that Doug is once again driving the car full time.

It's been a long road back for Doug, and winning the feature at Eagle is certainly a well-deserved victory.

I'm also very happy for my buddy Aaron Allgood. He puts a lot of effort into working on Lovegrove Racing's Cow Car, and winning the feature is a great reward for him as well. Hopefully there will be more to come!

Chad

2009-06-01T08:57:00.002-05:00

Over the past three seasons, Knoxville has become my home track. I've had some great nights there, watching some fantastic racing at one of racing's most storied facilities. When you are fortunate to see as much racing as I am, sometimes it's easy to forget the risks involved with racing cars.

This past Friday we were all reminded of those risks. Kansas racer Chad McDaniel lost his life from injuries sustained during a late-feature crash.

I didn't know Chad personally, but I have watched him run many times. Chad was from Concordia, Kansas and ran most of the midget shows in this area. In fact, that's one thing I admired about him was his choice to run midgets.

There is not a lot of midget racing in the Concordia area, and choosing to field a midget team means a lot of travel. McDaniel could have driven a sprinter or modified and raced at a plethora of tracks closer to home. Instead he drove midgets.

In a sport full of good people it sounds like Chad was one of the best.

To make a donation for Chad's family, please visit the USAC website.

Indy Trip 2009

2009-05-26T10:11:00.003-05:00

A little under a year away from our next Indy 500 trip. We had a great time, enjoyed some beautiful, rain free weather and saw a lot of racing!

Updates coming soon.

ASCS Midwest Region Ready for Nebraska Double

2009-05-19T08:12:00.003-05:00

Lonnie Wheatley, Tulsa, Okla. (May 18, 2009) - The American Sprint Car Series Midwest Region gets a jump start on the upcoming Memorial Day weekend festivities with a pair of events in Nebraska on Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday night, the series takes to Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway in Greenwood. Then on Friday night, the ASCS Midwest Region makes its first stop of the year at Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, Nebraska.

The ASCS Midwest Region kicked off the 2009 campaign on April 10-11 with a pair of events versus the ASCS Northern Plains Region at I-80 Speedway with Lincoln's Billy Alley and Sedalia, Missouri's Jonathan Cornell splitting victory honors.

Alley, the inaugural ASCS Midwest champion in 2005, escaped the weekend with a two-point advantage over Cornell, who claimed his first career ASCS win. Fargo's Wade Nygaard exited opening weekend third in points, with all-time leading ASCS Midwest feature win leader Brown Brown of Grain Valley, Missouri just six points out of the lead in fourth.

While there have been five different winners in the last five ASCS Midwest events at I-80 Speedway, Brian Brown has topped three of the series last four stops at Junction Motor Speedway.

The Thursday-Friday ASCS Midwest double marks the opening half of four consecutive nights of ASCS competition in the area. The Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters takes to the Jetmore Motorplex in southwest Kansas on Saturday and Sunday for the $10,000 to win Steve King Memorial.

Defending ASCS Midwest Region champion Jack Dover of Springfield, Nebraska will be aboard the Gary Swenson 24A entry for both nights of the Nebraska competition before shifting to the seat of the family owned 53 for National action at Jetmore.

Racing action is slated to get under way at 7:30 p.m. on both Thusday and Friday night.

Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway is located in Greenwood, Nebraska between Lincoln and Omaha off I-80 Exit 420, then 0.4 mile north on SR 63 then west. For more information, contact the track at 402-944-2233.

Junction Motor Speedway is located 5.6 miles south of York, Nebraska, off I-80 Exit 353 on US 81, then 0.3 miles west on CR 4. For more information, contact the track at 402-773-5538.

The ASCS Midwest Region is slated for 13 nights of competition at a half dozen tracks throughout Nebraska and the surrounding areas of Missouri and South Dakota.

The American Sprint Car Series, in its 18th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing events, brings the best of Sprint Car racing to nearly 100 different tracks throughout 25 states and Canada in 2009. Anchored by the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of a dozen different Regions throughout the nation.

Past ASCS Regional Winners at I-80 Speedway:

4/11/08 – Jonathan Cornell (Midwest)

4/10/08 – Billy Alley (Midwest)

8/14/07 – Jack Dover (Midwest)

4/15/07 – Chuck Swenson (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)

4/14/07 – Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)

8/15/06 – Billy Alley (Midwest)

7/3/06 – Jake Peters (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)

4/8/06 – Brian Brown (Midwest vs. Northern Plains)

8/3/05 – Brian Brown (Midwest vs. National)

7/8/05 – Brian Brown (Midwest)

4/15/05 – Terry McCarl (Midwest)

Past ASCS Midwest Region Winners at Junction Motor Speedway:

6/27/08 – Brian Brown

6/29/07 – Brian Brown

5/25/07 – Garry Lee Maier

6/30/06 – Brian Brown

5/26/06 – Jake Peters

5/27/05 – Jason Danley

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

Weekend #5 Recap

2009-05-18T09:21:00.004-05:00

The weather in Knoxville, like much of the Midwest was cool and windy, but the show went on. At the end of the night two drivers advanced their career Knoxville wins. One, banked his 93rd win at the historic half mile. The other won his second career feature.

There were 32 410s and 40 360s.

My Take...
Knoxville Championship Cup 410s

-Danny Lasoski took a break from the Outlaw trail to run Knoxville's weekly program in his own car Saturday night. Lasoski made the most of his long trek from back East by winning his 93rd feature event at Knoxville.

I should mention that there was a rumor floating around on the Hoseheads message board that Lasoski would be disqualified from the win because of an illegal substance used on his right rear tire. However I've seen nothing official on the topic.

-The feature took some time to get started as Tony Bruce Jr. flipped in turn one after taking the initial green flag. Bruce was not injured but his evening was finished.

Tim Shaffer also got upside down early in the feature, but suffered no injuries.

-Brian Brown and crew made a valiant effort Saturday. After a bad crash on Friday night in Jackson, Minnesota, Brown's crew was able to put a car together for Saturday's race. It was reported that Brown had suffered a bruised tailbone from Friday's crash so I'm sure it was a difficult night behind the wheel for him.

Brown won the B feature to qualify for the A but was sidelined with mechanical issues during the caution period for Bruce's flip. Brown was unable join the field for the re-start.

-Mark Dobmeier and Lynton Jeffery had a pretty good battle during the feature, exchanging the lead a couple times. However Dobmeier slowed and eventually spun trying to enter the pits, bringing out the final caution.

-There were several great performances on the night. Lasoski started ninth and eventually won. Terry McCarl started tenth and finished second. Kerry Madsen started 19th and finished fourth. Don Droud Jr. started 18th and finished ninth.

-It was a strong showing by Australian racers on Saturday with Lynton Jeffery, Kerry Madsen and Brook Tatnell finishing second, third and fourth respectively.

-Johnny Herrera still sits atop the KCCS 410 point standings. Lynton Jeffery moved into second, Don Droud Jr. third, Brian Brown fourth and Billy Alley fifth.

KCCS 410s
1. 33L-Danny Lasoski
2. 24-Terry McCarl
3. 12-Lynton Jeffery
4. 55-Kerry Madsen
5. 21AU-Brook Tatnell
6. 2W-Johnny Herrera
7. 22-Billy Alley
8. 19-Bob Weuve
9. 47-Don Droud Jr.
10. 17-Dusty Zomer
11. 10A-Ricky Logan
12. 49-Josh Schneiderman
13. 7K-Chris Morgan
14. 1-Bronson Maeschen
15. 70-Calvin Landis
16. 13-Mark Dobmeier
17. 14AJ-Wayne Johnson
18. 83-Tim Shaffer
19. 21-Brian Brown
20. 18-Tony Bruce Jr.

Knoxville Championship Cup 360s

-There wasn't as much drama in the 360 class, as Aurora, Nebraska driver Ryan Roberts collected his second career win at the Knoxville Raceway. Roberts had them covered, taking the lead at the drop of the green and leading every lap.

He did have a scare when a late race caution erased his sizable margin over the field, but was able to pull ahead and win going away after the re-start.

-Most of the racing in the 360 feature was between Lee Grosz, Joe Beaver and Dustin Selvage for the third position. In the end Selvage held on for third, Grosz fourth and Beaver fifth.

-Jonathan Cornell who won the ASCS Midwest show at I-80 Speedway last month started in 20th and finished ninth.

-Chad Humston ran sixth in the B main, while Jay Russell was fourth in the C.

-With his sixth place finish in the A feature, Clint Garner sits in first for the 360 KCCS points, while Ryan Roberts moves into second, Lee Grosz third, Gregg Bakker fourth and Chad Humston fifth.

KCCS 360s
1. 18-Ryan Roberts
2. 10-Bryan Dobesh
3. 7-Dustin Selvage
4. 4J-Lee Grosz
5. 53-Joe Beaver
6. 40-Clint Garner
7. 2A-Johnny Anderson
8. Y2-Mike Houseman Jr.
9. 28-Jonathan Cornell
10. 2M-Matt Moro
11. 54-John Agan
12. 8L-Tom Lenz
13. 20-Dennis Moore Jr.
14. 12M-Brett Mather
15. 48-Tyler Thompson
16. 7H-John Hall
17. 3-Nate Van Haaften
18. 7TAZ-Tasker Phillips
19. 15-Jon Corbin
20. 34-Josh Padellford

I'm be in Indianapolis next weekend for the 500, but I'll be in Knoxville again on May 29-30 for the Knoxville Midget Nationals.

NCRA Results from 81 Speedway

2009-05-11T10:33:00.002-05:00

Sunday, May 10th

A Feature
1. 18-Tony Bruce Jr.
2. E85-Zach Chappell
3. 41-Jason Johnson
4. 10-Terry Gray
5. 53-Jack Dover
6. 21-Brian Brown
7. 1X-Gary Lee Maier
8. 97-Aaron Berryhill
9. 4-Mike Chadd
10. 27-Andy Shouse
11. 51-Mike Peters
12. 81-Jon Freeman
13. 98-JD Johnson
14. 71-Stu Snyder
15. 19-Patrick Stasa
16. 22-Koby Barksdale
17. 81AU-Gavin Punch
18. 93-Bob Schaeffer
19. 17-Marc Robe
20. 45X-CJ Johnson

Weekend #4 Recap

2009-05-11T08:31:00.005-05:00

NOS Energy Drink night at the Knoxville Raceway means an extremely busy Saturday for me. However I was able to watch two entertaining race programs. Ricky Logan dominated the 15 lap 360 feature while Johnny Herrera held off a challenge from Don Droud Jr. to win the 410 race.

There were 42 cars in the 360 class, and 41 in the 410s.

My Take...
Knoxville Championship Cup 410s

-Knoxville ran group qualifying in the 410 class to help speed up the show. I don't think that's a bad thing. Of course I'm not sure if I'd want to see that every weekend, but they're trying new things and I appreciate that.

-Herrera had a great weekend, winning the IRA show on Friday night in Burlington, Iowa and then Knoxville's Saturday program.

After the win, Herrera sits atop KCCS 410 points.

-Don Droud Jr. bounced back from a disappointing opening weekend to qualify second quick, and eventually finish runner-up in the 410 feature. It was a lot of fun watching him run so well and I was very happy for him and the rest of the Casey's team.

With the second place finish, Droud sits second in KCCS points.

-With a third place finish, Brian Brown earned his second top 5 at Knoxville in as many shows and has displayed consistency that wins championships. Brown also finished third Friday night in Burlington.

Currently Brown sits third in KCCS points.

-Billy Alley had ignition problems early on that kept him out of qualifying. Alley was able to finish 4th in his heat an earn the 20th starting spot in the A. From there, Alley had put on a great performance, eventually finishing fifth.

-Seth Brahmer finished 23rd in the A.

-With two shows down the only thing that's clear is what a competitive field of 410s it will be in 2009.

KCCS 410s
1. 2W-Johnny Herrera
2. 47-Don Droud Jr.
3. 21-Brian Brown
4. 1-Bronson Maeschen
5. 22-Billy Alley
6. 2-Skip Jackson
7. 17G-Dusty Zomer
8. 24-Lynton Jeffrey
9. 13-Mark Dobmeier
10. 19-Bob Weuve
11. 56-Davy Heskin
12. 17B-Bill Balog
13. 2WX-Scott Neitzel
14. 49-Josh Schneiderman
15. 71R-Ryan Anderson
16. 7K-Chris Morgan
17. 85M-Steve Meyer
18. 17A-Austin McCarl
19. 1PC-Pete Crall
20. 21J-John Haeni
21. 02-Mike Reinke
22. 69-Mike Moore
23. 13V-Seth Brahmer
24. 4B-Scott Biertzer

Knoxville Championship Cup 360s

-Ricky Logan started third in the feature, took the lead on the first lap and was never seriously challenged.

-Chad Humston won his heat race for the second week in a row, and came home fifth in the feature. It looks like Humston is getting more and more comfortable in the Banana Wagon with every show. It would be great if he could pick up a 360 victory at Knoxville. If he keeps hanging around the top five, eventually good things will happen.

Humston sits second in KCCS points.

-Ryan Roberts did not enjoy as good a showing as last week. Roberts won the B main but finished 16th in the A.

Roberts sits fourth in the KCCS points standings.

-Jay Russell finished 11th in the B.

KCCS 360s
1. 10A-Ricky Logan
2. 14-Randy Martin
3. 40-Clint Garner
4. 2A-Johnny Anderson
5. 1M-Chad Humston
6. 8L-Tom Lenz
7. 3-Nate Van Haaften
8. 29-Russ Hall
9. 12M-Brett Mather
10. 11X-Gregg Bakker
11. 10-Bryan Dobesh
12. 54-Jon Agan
13. 53-Joe Beaver
14. 23-Seth Bergman
15. 20-Dennis Moore Jr.
16. 18-Ryan Roberts
17. 48-Tyler Thompson
18. 33-Alan Zoutte
19. 4J-Lee Grosz
20. 28-Jonathan Cornell

I'm not sure what the plan is for this weekend. I may work for NOS again, or take the weekend off and catch my first show at Eagle Raceway.

Only two more weeks until Indy!

The Smith Collection Museum of American Speed

2009-05-08T08:24:00.005-05:00

I posted this story for a couple of reasons. First, the Smith Collection Museum is amazing, and one of Lincoln's best kept secrets. I would highly recommend spending an afternoon there, you will be amazed.

Second, I helped bring the story's author Mac Demere, to the museum when he was in town to speak at the University of Nebraska School of Journalism. Mac has a lot of stories, so it was definitely an interesting afternoon!

A hidden jewel of rare automotive gems

Mac Demere / autoMedia.com

It was a dreary November day in Lincoln, Nebraska. The dull architecture of the industrial park did nothing to heighten my expectations. I was being dragged to see the car collection of “Speedy” Bill Smith, owner of the Speedway Motors mail-order speed shop. From my time following sprint car racing, I knew Smith as an eccentric, often irritating, racecar owner. I was expecting nothing more than a few dusty dirt-track cars back in the corner of the warehouse.

Instead, it seemed like the Smithsonian Institution had built the American Racing, Engines and Cool Cars Museum. I knew I was in for something special when a beautiful, blue 1935 Miller-Ford Indy car sat just inside the foyer.

It was as if an aircraft fanatic believed he was going to an old hangar to see few a tired AT-6s and a disassembled MIG-21, but instead stepped into the Udvar-Hazy branch of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and saw the B-29 Enola Gay, the space shuttle Enterprise and a host of secret Nazi aircraft. The Smith is to fans of American racing as the Udvar-Hazy is to fans of flying things.

The Petersen Museum in Los Angeles is acknowledged as the top car museum in the U.S. and many think the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has the world’s best collection of racecars. But, trust me, the Smith Collection Museum of American Speed rivals them both in the cars and engines, and the attractiveness of the displays. The Smith allows you to time-travel back to the good old days of racing.

Almost as important as the historic and often one-of-a-kind cars and engines, there are things like the original garage façade from Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Next to it is the drafting table where Leo Gossen penned engine and parts designs for Miller and Offenhauser engines for four decades.

The Indy collection starts with a 1914 Cornelian that Louis Chevrolet drove in the 1915 Indy 500. It includes both famous and nondescript Indy cars. The Smith claims it has the world’s largest collection of Miller racers from the 1930s. One is a rare rear-drive 1935 Miller that qualified on the outside of the front row. If there’s a decade unrepresented by a Smith Museum Indy car, I couldn’t figure out which one.

Engines are king at the Smith and the museum has a collection of Offenhauser engines that span from when Harry Miller started work on the design in the 1920s until the last Meyer-Drake tried to qualify for the 500. Other engines include the four-cam Ford with its bundle-of-snakes exhaust system that powered Jim Clark to victory in 1965.

Other makes are well represented. The collection even has one of the infamous Ilmor-built Mercedes pushrod engines that slipped through a rules loophole to dominate the 1994 Indy 500. Certain key parts, such as the pushrods and rocker arms, are missing. (After the Penske-Mercedes team made Indy rules-makers look like fools and dominated the ’94 race, the sport’s best team failed to qualify in ’95. Coincidence?)

Fans of sprint and midget car racing from the 1920s to the 1970s will revel in at the sight of cars driven by Jan Opperman, Doug Wolfgang and many others. Smith’s No. 4X was a frequent sight in sprint car victory lanes.

Old-school NASCAR fans will marvel at the primitive nature of the Wood Brothers No. 21. David Pearson took that car to victory lane many times, including when he idled across the finish line after a last-lap crash with Richard Petty to the win the ’76 Daytona 500. A replica of one of Curtis “Pops” Turner’s NASCAR convertible division stockers is on display as is a replica of a Tiny Lund-driven stocker.

There’s a plethora of land-speed record cars and engines, too. Even the best mechanic will learn something from the powerplants of the past. The collection has more than 300 original or restored historic racing engines.

The Smith also boasts numerous original and restored road-going vehicles from before World War II. There’s one of the 40 or so Tuckers that were built. Other highlights include a 1930 Model J Duesenberg and a 1937 Hudson Terraplane pickup truck. In addition, there’s a host of street rods and hot rods. One, a 1920 Ford Model T, may be the oldest surviving hot rod.

The museum is consumes three floors. We had only an hour to spend, so we clearly told the tour guide we weren’t leaving the ground level. Smith’s collection also shows his inner child with an array of toy cars, some 500 kid’s pedal cars and soapbox derby cars.

Smith stays true to his well-noted eccentricity. Admission is by appointment only and everyone must stay with the tour guide to prevent unauthorized touching. It may be the 501(c)(3) non-profit concern, but this is Bill Smith’s stuff: Look but don’t touch. The one thing visitors are allowed to touch is the car Arie Luyendyk drove in the 2002 Indy 500. Everyone of svelte size can snuggle down into the cockpit and pretend.

The next time you’re driving across Interstate 80 on a weekday between May and September, be sure to stop off at the Smith Museum. But call ahead (402/323-3166) or visit museumofamericanspeed.com to schedule an appointment. They say tours last two hours: I could have spent that long with just the Indy and sprint cars.

About the Author
Mac Demere is a writer, vehicle tester and race driver who competed in the NASCAR Southwest Tour and Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona.

Mid-Week Thoughts

2009-05-07T08:37:00.009-05:00

-I will admit, I'm a little envious of the Eagle Raceway fans. Sounds like they watched one of the best sprint car A Features the old 1/3 mile has seen in a while. The best part about the wild finish was both Mike Boston and winner Jack Dover were able to load up their cars at the end of the night. Finishes like that are the reason why I love sprint car racing. No strategy, no pit stops just all out effort for the win.

-Doug Lovegrove returns to full time driving in 2009, and kicked off the season with a 7th place A Feature run. I'm sure Lovegrove would dismiss the finish as nothing spectacular, but after a running only a handful of shows the past two seasons, a top ten feature finish is a great way to start the year. After two seasons as a car owner only, it's great to see Lovegrove behind the wheel again.

-I read in the latest edition of National Speed Sport News that Ford Racing is trying to increase their involvement with grassroots stock car racing. Honestly I'm glad to see that. I hope eventually they include their involvement to grassroots open wheel racing as well.

-Are you on Twitter? My wife makes fun of me for joining the latest online networking craze, but I'm not the only one. You can follow the World of Outlaws, USAC, and a whole list of drivers in the "Twitterverse". Nope, I'm not making that up. If you're really bored you can follow me on Twitter.

-If you're on Facebook, be sure to visit the Speedway Motors fan page and look at all of the historical race photos on display.

-This weekend I'll be in Knoxville again for NOS Energy Drink night. The Interstate Racing Association will battle the Knoxville regulars. I'm hoping to hand out a couple hundred gallons of free NOS. If you're in town for the races be sure to stop by.

Weekend #3 Recap

2009-05-04T08:48:00.008-05:00

Finally! I needed a rain-free race weekend. Apparently so did a lot of other fans. Knoxville Raceway kicked off its 56th season in front of one of the largest opening night crowds I've seen.

The World of Outlaws made their first trip to the Marion County Fairgrounds Saturday. As a bonus, several teams for the ASCS National Touring Series made their way from a rained out Friday show in Illinois to run with the Knoxville 360s. There were 47 cars in the 410 ranks, and 57 360s.

My take...

World of Outlaws
-Donny Schatz set quick time and ended up winning the feature. What a surprise! Currently there are no other drivers that have Knoxville figured out like Schatz. Come August he'll still be the man to beat.

-I wasn't able to watch any of the 360 heats, but the 410 heats were not the most entertaining. The groove was up high and everyone followed each other on the top. Not much passing and most of the leaders checked out.

-Brian Brown had a fast car, winning his heat, the dash and starting on the pole for the feature. We were hoping for to see Brown win the feature, but he just wasn't able to hold off Terry McCarl who eventually took the lead on lap 15. Brown settled for fourth behind Schatz, McCarl and Steve Kinser who used a late re-start to slip by for third. Brown was the highest finishing Knoxville regular and will definitely be a factor in the Knoxville 410 Championship Cup Series this year.

-Interestingly Schatz was one of the only cars able to run the bottom. He started seventh but quickly moved up. On lap 21 he overtook McCarl for the race lead. Just after taking the white flag on lap 24, the yellow came out. On the restart Schatz proved too strong and coasted to an easy feature victory.

-Craig Dollansky put on a great performance, and lived up to his nickname of "Crowd Pleaser". After a hotly contested B feature win, Dollansky started 22nd in the A and raced his way to a 9th place finish.

-It was a tough night for the Nebraska 410 drivers. Don Droud Jr. qualified 46th and ended his night in the C main. Billy Alley's night ended after pulling out of the B man, and Seth Brahmer flipped on the front chute during his heat race.

World of Outlaws A Feature Results
1. 15-Donny Schatz
2. 24 Terry McCarl
3. 11-Steve Kinser
4. 21-Brian Brown
5. R19-Jac Haudenschild
6. 6-Danny Lasoski
7. 41-Jason Johnson
8. 7S-Jason Sides
9. 7-Craig Dollansky
10. 14-Jason Meyers
11. 1X-Randy Hannagan
12. 9-Joey Saldana
13. 83-Tim Kaeding
14. 2W-Johnny Herrera
15. 21AU-Brooke Tatnell
16. 55-Kerry Madsen
17. 14AJ-Wayne Johnson
18. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr.
19. 17G-Dusty Zomer
20. 5W-Lucas Wolf
21. 20-Kraig Kinser
22. 18-Tony Bruce Jr.
23. 1-Bonson Maeshen
24. 2-Skip Jackson
25. 70-Calvin Landis
26. 10J-Lynton Jeffrey

Knoxville Championship Cup Series 360s

-It was somewhat of an upset victory. Oklahoma driver Matt Covington won his first ever in a 360 sprinter. The 19 year old looked like a veteran and ran a great race. Covington started outside of row two, and after a slick move at the bottom of one took the lead and never looked back.

-Clint Garner started in the 5th row and eventually finished second.

-Nebraska drivers in the 360 class had a much better outing. Chad Humston won his heat race and finished 6th in the A Feature. Ryan Roberts won his heat and finished 4th in the Feature. Josh Riggins finished 18th in the B.

-Former Eagle regular Jay Russell qualified for the A and finished 19th.

KCCS 360s
1. 95-Matt Covington
2. 40-Clint Garner
3. 11X-Gregg Bakker
4. 18-Ryan Roberts
5. 54-Jon Agan
6. 1M-Chad Humston
7. 12M-Brett Mather
8. 20-Dennis Moore Jr.
9. 4J-Lee Grosz
10. 15-Jon Corbin
11. 99-Brady Bacon
12. 27-Jody Rosenboom
13. 3S-Matt Sutton
14. Y2-Mike Houseman Jr.
15. 5T-Mark Toews
16. 22N-Nate Mosher
17. 84-Ben Wagoner
18. 80X-CJ Houseman
19. 76-Jay Russell
20. 7L-Darren Long

It was a great atmosphere in Knoxville on Saturday. I'm looking forward to being back there this weekend for NOS Energy Drink night.

Message Board Comment of the Day

2009-04-28T16:20:00.003-05:00

It's been a long time since we've had an installment of MBCD, so here's a late-April fix.

From dirt.track.man67 on the Hoseheads Forum:
Post Title: "Schatz making it interesting!"

"Hey did you ever think that maybe he is getting paid big dollars just to sit back and let someone else win for a change, maybe just maybe was paid big $'s to let someone else get the lead in points for awhile....He will be back on top....My dollars bet that he will kick everyones A@# soon! It sure makes paying those big gate prices to see, huh! Oh by the way, this is coming from a non schatz fan!"

I sincerely hope this post is in jest. However, I fear it is not.

Weekend #2 Recap

2009-04-27T14:52:00.003-05:00

The nice weather from last week certainly didn't stick around long enough! Cold and rain greeted us at Knoxville Raceway, as preparations were being made to open its 49th year of racing. Instead of watching a great program of sprint cars, I made the three hour drive back to Lincoln. It's not the first time I've gone to Iowa, only to be turned away by the weather, and I doubt it'll be the last.

The upside is we've got some cool things going on this year with NOS Energy Drink, so I'm definitely excited to be a part of that again in 2009.

NOS Energy Drink will continue their involvement with Brian Brown this year, so it'll be fun to watch him battle it out for the 410 points championship.

The weekend wasn't a total rain out however. On Sunday I went with my parents and Erin down to Kansas City for the IndyCar Series race at the Kansas Speedway. I really didn't think we'd get to see any racing because of all the surrounding rain, but the weather stayed away long enough for the entire 300 miles to be run.

Scott Dixon won the battle off pit road on the final set of pit-stops and went on to win the race. It was a nice rebound from the two DNFs he suffered during the Series' two opening street course races. Dixon is going to be tough to beat heading into May again this year.

Helio Castroneves has wasted little time getting back into the swing of things. Twice Castroneves had to start from the back, and twice he machined his way through the field, finally finishing second. Castroneves looks like he's really enjoying himself and should give Dixon some stiff competition at the Brickyard.

The real drama of the day came after our dinner stop in St. Joseph, Missouri. While we were fueling up, the sirens started up and we suddenly found ourselves in an unfamiliar setting with some bad weather on the way. We finally stopped off at a nearby Target and waited out the storm near the changing rooms in the back of the store.

Luckily the thunderstorm passed with no tornadoes or serious damage. It was a long drive home, but we made it back with another weather story to tell.

I didn't get to see as many green flag laps as I had hoped for this weekend, but I was very lucky to have seen any laps run at all.

April is almost over and hopefully May will treat us a little better.

Next Up...
5/2 - World of Outlaws, Knoxville Raceway

Park Jefferson Results from 4/17

2009-04-18T09:20:00.003-05:00

A Feature (20 laps)
1. 53 Jack Dover, Springfield NE
2. 22 Billy Alley, Lincoln NE
3. 99JR Dusty Zomer, Brandon SD
4. 11x Gregg Bakker, Sioux Falls SD
5. 11M Troy Meyer, Worthing SD
6. 4J Lee Grosz, Harwood ND
7. 5 Eric Lutz, Sioux Falls SD
8. 1A Robby Wolfgang, Sioux Falls SD
9. 17A Austin McCarl, Altoona IA
10. 9M Marlin Jones, Harrisburg SD
11. 7K Chris Morgan, Topeka KS
12. 99 Shawn Van Wyhe, Rock Rapids IA
13. 1W Chad Meyer, Harrisburg SD
14. 5W Dusty Wasmund, Sioux Falls SD
15. 27 Jody Rosenboom, Rock Rapids IA
16. 71R Ryan Anderson, Charter Oak IA
17. 75c Casey Heser, Jackson MN
18. 12 Brock Dump, Sioux Falls SD
19. 28 Mitch Runge, Sioux Falls SD (DNF)
Did Not Start: 77 John Klubunde, Fort Calhoun NE

B Feature (12 laps)
1. Ryan Anderson
2. Austin McCarl
3. Brock Dump
4. Marlin Jones
5. 17B Ryan Bickett, Ramona SD
6. 20 Casey Friedrichsen, Arthur IA
7. 29 Justin Jacobsma, Hull IA
8. 25 Dylan Peterson, Hartford SD
9. 2D Dusty Ballenger, Harrisburg SD
10. 32 Toby Chapman, Panama NE
11. 42 Kevin Flowers, Hartford SD
Did Not Start: 28x Ken Klubunde, Omaha NE

Heat 1 (8 laps)
1. Chad Meyer
2. Troy Meyer
3. Chris Morgan
4. Billy Alley
5. Dusty Wasmund

Heat 2
1. Dusty Zomer
2. Lee Grosz
3. Gregg Bakker
4. Robby Wolfgang
5. Shawn Van Whye

Heat 3
1. Mitch Runge
2. Jack Dover
3. Jody Rosenboom
4. John Klubunde
5. Eric Lutz

Jack Dover Update - Victory at Park Jefferson

2009-04-18T09:04:00.002-05:00

(Lori Dover) Jack's 3rd try at Park Jefferson Speedway proved to be a good one. Jack first visited Park Jefferson in his Rookie year, and after an exciting run along Jason Johnson, any chance of winning was cut short after tangling with a lap car.

Jack then returned to Park Jefferson late last season aboard Gary Swenson's # 24 machine and was only able to gather a runner up position.

But Friday night Jack was a Driver on a mission. Dover drew high and would start 8th in the 3rd and last heat race. Jack was able to collect a 2nd place finish and earn the pole position for the "A" Feature. The first few rows of the "A" Feature would find Jack in the company of some heavy hitters, with the likes of Dusty Zomer, Bill Alley and Gregg Baker, he would need to get up on the wheel, if he wanted this one. Zomer who started outside front row, jumped into the lead, but Jack was able to settle in and by lap 5 he had taken the lead and was entering lapped traffic. Lap 11 would see a yellow, as would lap 12, but once the racing resumed Jack took a commanding lead, and with 2np place Alley running a "straightaway" behind him, it looked like clean sailing to Victory Lane, but lapped traffic made the last 2 laps very interesting, as Jack was not able to make some passes on the much slower lapped cars and Alley was right on his tail. Jack was able to hold him off and collected his first win at Park Jefferson Raceway. Friday night was the first night Jack had been in his car since our trip to Texas in March.

Jack drove Gary Swenson's new Eckley powered Schnee # 24A last week at Midwest/Northern Plains show at I-80 and had a disappointing start to the season, as the motor let go on the 2nd lap of the first heat race. Jack is anxious to get back into the 24A car again, and get Gary that big "W".

Where we race next is up to Mother Nature. Hope to update our schedule soon, to include some local shows, so check www.teamdover.com often.

Weekend Forecast

2009-04-14T09:30:00.005-05:00

Weekend #1 Recap

2009-04-13T08:06:00.008-05:00

Thankfully the wet weather gave us a big enough window this weekend for the first ASCS Midwest/Northern Plains event of the season at I-80 Speedway on Friday and Saturday. It sure does feel good to have racing season here at last!

My take...

Friday

-Historically the first ASCS Midwest/Northern Plains shows brings together a pretty strong contingent of cars, and this year was no exception. Friday night had 40 sprinters in the pits, and it was a stout field of cars.

-The track Friday was heavy and fast. Lots of motor causalities the first night out.

-Thankfully there wasn't a lot of torn up equipment, with the exception of Adam Gullion. Gullion's car was ill-handling in hot laps forcing him to slow in the middle of turns 3 and 4. Unfortunately Gullion came into contact with another car. The result was Gullion's new Maxim driving straight into the turn 4 wall, cutting off the entire front clip of the car.

Fortunately Gullion wasn't seriously injured, but I hate to see anyone junk their car in hot laps the first weekend out. I'm told Gullion still has last year's car and should be able to return to action very soon.

-Billy Alley turned in one of the most dominating performances I've seen for several years, winning the A feature by half a straightaway over runner up Brian Brown. Alley started outside of the sixth row, but proceeded to machine through the field on his way to the front.

Alley enters 2009 as his own car owner with no major sponsor. A win like this can provide much needed confidence and perhaps catch the eye of a potential backer.

-Brian Brown turned in a fine performance in Friday's A Feature. After finishing 4th in his heat, Brown won one of two B mains and started the A 14th. From there, Brown raced all the way to second behind Alley. Brown needed a late caution for a chance race for the win, but never got one. Still, it was a remarkable drive through a strong field.

Friday's top ten:
1. Billy Alley
2. Brian Brown
3. Mike Chadd
4. Dusty Zomer
5. Wade Nygaard
6. Jonathan Cornell
7. Mike Boston
8. Eric Lutz
9. Don Droud Jr.
10. Jason Danley

-I would like to compliment IMCA modified driver Jesse Cowles on a nice run Friday night. Cowles is an Iowa native who is a new addition to the Cornhusker state. I believe Cowles finished 7th in the mod A feature, and I won't be surprised to see him win a few this year. Look for his black 83 at Beatrice and I-80 in 2009. Cowles has the dubious distinction of having to work with yours truly at Speedway Motors.

-There's nothing quite like that first smell of hot oil and alcohol fumes at the first race after a long winter. Did I mention I'm happy it's race season?

Saturday

Saturday's race surface was a complete 180 from Friday's. Instead of tacky and wet, Saturday's races were on a hard and slick track.

-Even with the loss of a couple cars from Friday, Saturday's car count was around 45.

-It was definitely a night of "Slow is Fast" racing, especially early on. I'm typically not a big fan of dry slick, but I will say tracks like that definitely require more imput from the driver and less motor.

-Jonathan Cornell from Sedalia, Missouri won his first ever ASCS Midwest/Northern Plains feature event Saturday. The youngster looked real smooth and held off hard chargers Wade Nygaard and two time Northern Plains champion Lee Grosz.

-I always enjoy watching the races from the pits, and I-80 is a somewhat unique pit venue. With three classes, cars, haulers and pushtrucks, it's an extremely cramped and chaotic infield. The best part about I-80's pits is their close proximity to the action on the track. It's still awe-inspiring to stand only a few feet away from sprint cars at speed.

-When I wasn't watching near the fence in turns 1 and 2, I was standing on top of Brian Brown's hauler, or riding in Mike Peterson's maroon Bronco push truck. Three distinct ways to watch the same event.

-Friday's top two finishers weren't in the mix to win Saturday night, but Billy Alley and Brian Brown raced hard to finish 5th and 6th repectively. It's going to be a fun year watching those two battle (along with a lot of other great cars) for the 410 points championship at Knoxville.

-One of the best parts about Saturday's show was the lack of flips. In fact, I don't recall anyone getting upside down or tearing up any equipment.

Saturday's Top Ten:
1. Jonathan Cornell
2. Wade Nygaard
3. Lee Grosz
4. Lou Kennedy Jr.
5. Billy Alley
6. Brian Brown
7. Jody Rosenboom
8. Bryan Dobesh
9. Don Droud Jr.
10. Gregg Bakker

-The best part about the first race weekend of the season is the realization that you have many, many more to look forward to in the coming months. I can't wait!

Lucas Oil ASCS Postponed at OKC by Inclement Weather

2009-03-25T11:23:00.002-05:00

Eagle isn't the only track to fall victim to winter's last gasp...

TULSA, Okla. (March 25, 2009) – With rain, cold temperatures and a potential winter mix of precipitation in the forecast, this weekend's Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters double at Oklahoma City's State Fair Speedway has been postponed.

Lucas Oil ASCS series officials are in discussions with State Fair Speedway promoter Lanny Edwards and track personnel to determine an appropriate makeup date.

The next scheduled event for the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters is at I-30 Speedway in Little Rock, AR, on Saturday night, April 18.

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

Eagle Icebreaker Cancelled

2009-03-25T09:59:00.002-05:00

Per Eagle Raceway...

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we reluctantly announce that this year’s Icebreaker Challenge will not be held this weekend. Also, in order to avoid conflicts with other area racing facility’s schedules, we will not be rescheduling it this year.

At the current time, plans are being formed to use the funds for the Icebreaker Challenge to expand the season-ending Nebraska Cup. As soon as further information on this is available it will be posted here and on the website at www.eagleraceway.com.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the open Practice night on Friday April 17th and again at our first regular season event on Saturday April 18th as the 360 Championship Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks and IMCA Sport Compacts take to the high banks of “America’s Home Track” Eagle Raceway.

Tornado Alley – Time to Go Racing/Website Unleashed!

2009-03-25T08:50:00.002-05:00

(Bill W) March 24, 2009 – Billy Alley is ready to hit the road again and get the 2009 season unleashed! In addition, he is releasing his newly designed website at www.BillyAlley.com in the next day or two! Plans this weekend include the traditional Icebreaker at his hometown track, Eagle Raceway.

Billy enters a new domain in being the sole owner of his race team in 2009. “Everyone is gung-ho and ready to get going!” he says. “I have a lot of good people that have been with me since I started racing. It’s cool to see all those people excited about the season. I really want to thank Dan Buss, Mark Schmit and the rest of the people that have been with me since the beginning…and I can’t forget ‘High Roller’ The Pig Farmer!”

One thing that won’t be new is the equipment and personnel surrounding Billy. He will again be driving a JEI chassis with Wesmar power. Bob “Buns” Richardson will again serve as crew chief. “It’s the first time in a long time that I’ve sat in the same racecar, had the same engines, and the same crew two years in a row,” he says. “Having that stability is a comfort that I haven’t had in awhile.”

Billy is hoping the weather holds out for Saturday’s race at Eagle. He finished second in last year’s opener. “We’re planning to hit the Icebreaker Challenge, and we’d like to be standing in Victory Lane at the end of the day,” he says. “It will be good to start the season in front of the hometown fans.”

Though he has sound partners backing him, Billy is looking for more to join his winning team. “I finally own my own race team,” he states proudly. “It’s an ideal situation on one hand, but on another you need the right partner to come on board so it benefits both themselves and our race team. We have good equipment and good people backing us, so we’ll be o.k. I’ve been working hard on some deals, but the economy isn’t the best right now. I think we all need to keep positive attitudes, and I believe race fans and racers will get to the racetrack. We just need to stick together.”

Billy hasn’t lost sight of the fact he’s living his dream. “I have a real passion for racing,” he says. “I’m fortunate to get to go to the shop and work on a racecar. I do it out of sheer enjoyment! I never want to take that part of it for granted.”

Billy hopes to climb the ladder one spot in 2009 at Knoxville Raceway, where he finished second last season, and was the track champion in 2006. The track has decided that there will be a few “draw” shows this year to replace the regular qualifying format. Billy wonders why the change is taking place. “We’re always excited to run Knoxville, but these new rules are confusing me about it now. Either we are 410 racing, or we’re not. It’s an elite program, so I hope they change their mind about it. I think it will cost a lot of equipment, and in turn cars in the 410 class if they go to a draw system.”

One thing that has separated Knoxville from the rest is the 410 format that Billy considers the fairest anywhere. “That’s one thing that separated Knoxville from the rest of the country, because they knew how to do it,” he reiterates. “I don’t know the reasoning behind it. If it is to make the heats more interesting, then reward the top two finishers with a dash like the Outlaws do. My opinion is there are better ways to go about it, and other things they can do.”

Billy is also launching an updated version of www.BillyAlley.com. The site is a work in progress, but you can check out Billy’s upcoming Schedule, Bio and Partner Spotlights. Eventually, there will be more Photos and many more updates coming!

DVR Alert - ASCS Announces Verses TV Schedule

2009-03-22T14:19:00.001-05:00

The scheduled air dates on VERSUS are as follows:
Event Date – Track (Location) – Air Date & Time (All Times Eastern)
March 20 – Devil's Bowl Speedway (Mesquite, TX) – 5/2/09, 6:00 p.m.
March 21 – Devil's Bowl Speedway (Mesquite, TX) – 5/9/09, 6:00 p.m.
May 23 – Jetmore Motorplex (Jetmore, KS) – 7/4/09, 6:00 p.m.
May 24 – Jetmore Motorplex (Jetmore, KS) – 7/11/09, 6:00 p.m.
July 3 – Presleyland Motorsports Park (Chandler, IN) – 7/18/09, 6:00 p.m.
July 4 – Presleyland Motorsports Park (Chandler, IN) – 8/29/09, 6:00 p.m.
August 6 – Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA) – 9/12/09, 6:00 p.m.
August 7 – Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA) – 9/26/09, 6:00 p.m.
August 8 – Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA) – 10/31/09, 6:00 p.m.
September 26 – Lucas Oil Speedway (Wheatland, MO) – 11/14/09, 6:00 p.m.

World of Outlaws Schedule Note

2009-03-22T14:08:00.003-05:00

The Outlaws had originally scheduled a two day stop at the Knoxville Raceway on June 26-27. Now, the WoO will run US36 Raceway on Friday night near Cameron, Missouri and Knoxville the following evening.

2009 World of Outlaws Schedule

Goodbye Manzy...

2009-03-13T08:20:00.006-05:00

This could be every race fan's nightmare come true. Manzanita Speedway, the legendary dirt track in Phoenix, Arizona will fold operations in April. Apparently the land that the track sits on has been sold to developers.

It's too early in the day for such bad news. Happy Friday the 13th.

Manzanita Developments Alter ASCS Canyon & Southwest Schedules

Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (March 13, 2009) – The dirt track racing world was shaken on Thursday, March 12, with word that the land upon which the legendary Manzanita Speedway sits has been sold and will cease operations next month.

And, with that news, a pair of Arizona-based American Sprint Car Series Regional Tours find their schedules undergoing a major makeover for the 2009 season.

The non-wing Discount Tire Co. ASCS Canyon Region had all 17 events scheduled atop Phoenix's fabled Manzanita clay that has been slung around by churning right rear tires for more than half a century. The winged ASCS Southwest Region also had several events scheduled for Manzanita.

Benji Lyons and Kevin Montgomery, co-promoters at both Tucson's USA Raceway and New Mexico's Hollywood Hills Speedway, wasted little time salvaging the 2009 season for both of the Arizona-based ASCS series by reconfiguring both track schedules and in the process breathing new life into a pair of long-standing traditional events including the Buddy Taylor and Hank Arnold Memorials.

Among the changes, Hollywood Hills Speedway will now host the ASCS Canyon Region's Buddy Taylor Memorial on May 23-24 on a twinbill that also features Midget racing action. Hollywood Hills Speedway will also welcome the ASCS Southwest Region on June 20 in addition to the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters event on August 28-29.

The ASCS Canyon Region is also slated to take to Tucson's USA Raceway on June 27, with the track also set to host the ASCS Canyon Region's Hank Arnold Memorial on September 5-6. The Canyon Region will also return on October 10.

Several ASCS Southwest dates have been shifted to accommodate the changes as well.

Several other dates are still being negotiated and will be announced in the coming weeks.

Both series are slated to hit the Manzanita clay over the next month, with the ASCS Southwest Region on the 1/3-mile oval on April 4 after this Saturday night's season opener at USA Raceway.

The ASCS Canyon Region will tackle Manzanita's 1/3-mile on March 21 before bringing the curtain down on the track's storied history with the Donnie Davis Memorial atop the ½-mile on April 11.

The adjusted ASCS Canyon and Southwest Region schedules are as follows:

Discount Tire Co. ASCS Canyon Region Schedule:

March 7 – Manzanita Speedway 1/3 mile (Phoenix, AZ) – Winner: Jesse Hockett

March 21 – Manzanita Speedway 1/3 mile (Phoenix, AZ)

April 11 – Manzanita Speedway ½ mile (Phoenix, AZ) – Donnie Davis Memorial

May 23 – Hollywood Hills Speedway (San Felipe Pueblo, NM) – Buddy Taylor Memorial

May 24 – Hollywood Hills Speedway (San Felipe Pueblo, NM) – Buddy Taylor Memorial

June 27 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

September 5 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ) – Hank Arnold Memorial

September 6 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ) – Hank Arnold Memorial

October 10 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

Additional dates to be announced.

ASCS Southwest Region Schedule:

March 14 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

April 4 – Manzanita Speedway (Phoenix, AZ) – 1/3 mile

May 2 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

May 16 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

May 30 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

June 20 – Hollywood Hills Speedway (San Felipe Pueblo, NM)

July 4 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

* - August 28 – Hollywood Hills Speedway (San Felipe Pueblo, NM)

* - August 29 – Hollywood Hills Speedway (San Felipe Pueblo, NM)

September 19 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

November 21 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

November 22 – USA Raceway (Tucson, AZ)

* - Indicates Lucas Oil ASCS National event, no Southwest points

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com.

Eagle Raceway 2009

2009-03-05T09:38:00.003-06:00

We at Eagle Raceway understand how hard it is for everybody in these tough times, so we're "Holding the line in 2009."

In an effort to make sure that racers and fans alike can keep enjoying racing at "America's Home Track", there will be no increase in pricing for either general admission pricing or pit passes for the weekly events. We also will be maintaining the high level of excitement and entertainment that you have come to expect from Eagle week in and week out, with plenty of promotions spread throughout the year.

With the upcoming race season moving in fast, we do have a few changes planned for the 2009 race season to give everyone more bang for their buck. Our website www.eagleraceway.com will be getting a new look, and new information will be available soon on upcoming events. So be sure to check back often. Click here for our tentative 2009 schedule.

Eagle's first night will be an Open House Practice Night on Friday March 27th for any and all types of race cars (rain date will be Friday April 17th). Practice will start at 7:00 with no charge for general admission seating.

The initial race will be the Icebreaker Challenge on Saturday March 28th, featuring 360 Championship Sprint Cars, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Hobby Stocks (rain date will be Sunday March 29th). Hot laps will commence at 4:15 with racing at 5:00. More information is available here.

The following Saturday, April 4th is the 9th Annual Midwest Racers Autograph Day. You can read more about this event at their official site.

Our regular season opener will be Saturday April 18th with 360 Championship Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks and IMCA Sport Compacts featured weekly. The schedule for the weekly shows will be hot laps at 6:15 with racing at 7:00.

The Bootleggers Run Race of Champions is scheduled for Monday May 25th. You won't want to miss this special race. Confirmed so far as participating are Roger Mears, NASCAR drivers Casey Mears and Kyle Petty as well as NASCAR rookie sensation Joey Logano. There are more drivers in the works, so be sure to keep checking the website for the latest information.

The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, the premier 410 Sprint Car touring series anywhere will return to the world's fastest 1/3 mile dirt track on the 4th of July. Also featured that evening are the Championship 360 sprint cars and IMCA Modifieds.

The season finale will be the Nebraska Cup on September 6th with 360 Championship Sprints, IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Hobby Stocks and IMCA Sport Compacts. Hot laps will start at 5:00 and racing will begin at 6:00.

We look forward to seeing you all this season at "America's Home Track", Eagle Raceway.

2009 Indy 500 Pace Car Revealed

2009-02-27T10:54:00.007-06:00

(Photo-IMS)

Well, at least it's not another boring Corvette. The all new 2010 Chevy Camaro will set the pace at this year's Indy 500. Chevy is doing their best to make sure their new muscle car is old news by the time anyone gets to actually buy the thing. I'll admit, it's a nice looking car and I'm sure very fast, but Chevy (and Dodge) are simply following in Ford's retro vibe footsteps.

No word yet on who the driver will be.
Official Press Release

The Schatz Domination Continues

2009-02-27T10:23:00.004-06:00

Donny Schatz has won three out of four World of Outlaw feature races in 2009. His latest victory came last night at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway dirt track.

Obviously it's early in the season but unless something drastic happens, Schatz looks poised to add another World of Outlaw points championship to his resume.

Interesting side note to last night's racing, Daryn Pittman was in the Roth Motorsports 83JR car.

World of Outlaws A Feature

1. Donny Schatz - Tony Stewart Racing 15
2. Sammy Swindell - Tom Rolfe Racing 10
3. Craig Dollansky - Kasey Kahne Racing 19
4. Jason Sides - Sides Motorsports 7S
5. Danny Lasoski - Parsons Motorsports 6
6. Kerry Madesn - VerMeer 55
7. Terry McCarl - Big Game Motorsports 24
8. Steve Kinser - Kinser Racing 11
9. Daryn Pittman - Roth Motorsports 83JR
10. Kraig Kinser - Tony Stewart Racing 20
11. Joey Saldana - Kasey Kahne Racing 9
12. Jac Haudenschild - Carnahan Motorsports R19
13. Tim Kaeding - Roth Motorsports 83
14. Lucas Wolfe - Allebach 5W
15. Jason Meyers - Elite Racing Team 14
16. Randy Hannagan - Terry Hannagan Racing 1X
17. Sam Hafertepe Jr. - Plumbfast Racing 15H
18. Ben Gregg - Gregg 22B
19. Brent Kronfuss - Kronfuss 9K
20. Bobby McMahan - Harris Racing 33
21. Chad Kemenah - Hard 8 Racing 8K
22. Tyler Walker - SC Motorsports 24T
23. Jesse Hockett - Buch Motorsports 13
24. Toni Lutar - Lutar 4X
25. Johnny Herrera - Herrera 45X

Some ASCS Midwest History

2009-02-26T15:52:00.004-06:00

Inaugural Season: 2005

Points History
2005
1. Billy Alley
2. Toby Chapman
3. Rick Ideus
4. Brian Brown (3 wins)
5. Jake Peters
6. Seth Brahmer
7. Jason Danley (1 win)
8. Don Droud Jr.
9. Jason Martin
10. Chad Humston

2006
1. Toby Chapman (1 win)
2. Jack Dover
3. Mike Chadd
4. Rick Ideus
5. Jason Danley
6. Mark Pace
7. Jake Peters
8. Chad Humston
9. Luke Cranston
10. Chuck Swenson

2007
1. Natalie Sather
2. Toby Chapman
3. Chuck Swenson (1 win)
4. Brian Brown (3 wins)
5. Jason Danley
6. Lee Grosz
7. Jack Dover (1 win)
8. Mike Boston (2 wins)
9. Seth Brahmer
10. Don Droud Jr.

2008
1. Jack Dover (4 wins)
2. Mike Boston
3. Bobby Becker
4. Billy Alley
5. Natalie Sather
6. Brian Brown (1 win)
7. Jay Russell
8. Don Droud Jr.
9. Ryan Anderson
10. Lee Grosz

ASCS Midwest Career Feature Wins
10 - Brian Brown
5 - Jack Dover
3 - Jason Johnson
2 - Mike Boston, Garry Lee Maier, Wade Nygaard, Jake Peters
1 - Billy Alley, Johnny Anderson, Toby Chapman, Jason Danley, Jesse Hockett, J.D. Johnson, Wayne Johnson, Terry McCarl, Chris Morgan, Chuck Swenson, Gary Wright, Dusty Zomer

Dover Down Under

2009-02-26T15:35:00.003-06:00

Jack Dover has spent much of the past month running sprint cars in Australia. His first show came on February 14th at the Bunbury City Speedway in Bunbury, Western Australia.

2/14 - Southern Thunder Series Round 3, Bunbury City Speedway
(Bunbury, Western Australia)
A Feature: 13th
Note: Set quick time

2/20 - King of Wings, Speedway at Perth Motorplex (Perth, Western Australia)
A Feature: 18th
2/21 - King of Wings, Speedway at Perth Motorplex (Perth, Western Australia)
A Feature: 13th

Dover has three more race nights before he returns home to begin his 2009 US season at the Devils Bowl on March 20th.

2/28 - Krikke Boys Shootout, Bunbury City Speedway (Bunbury, Western Australia)
3/1 - Krikke Boys Shootout, Bunbury City Speedway (Bunbury, Western Australia)
3/4 - Red Dirt Rumble, Kalgoorlie International Speedway (Kalgoorlie, Western Australia)

To keep up with the latest news on The Gassman, visit his site.

USAC'ers in Vegas

2009-02-26T15:03:00.002-06:00

Last night the USAC National Midgets and Sprints ran the 1/2 mile dirt track at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Jerry Coons Jr. won the midget feature in the Wilke-Pak Toyota. Cole Whitt was victorious in the sprint feature running the Kunz Red Bull entry.

USAC National Sprint Car Series - A Feature (30 laps)
1. Cole Whitt - Kunz
2. Jesse Hockett - Hockett
3. Johnny Herrera - Herrera
4. Jon Stanbrough - Indiana Underground
5. Dave Darland - RWB
6. Damion Gardner - DG
7. Jerry Coons Jr. - Dynamics
8. Darren Hagen - Mitchell
9. Chad Boat - Boat
10. J.J. Yeley - Triple Crown
11. Blake Miller - Gardner
12. Tracy Hines - Stewart
13. Mike Spencer - Chaffin
14. Levi Jones - Stewart
15. Kevin Swindell - Rolfe
16. Brad Sweet - Kahne
17. Danny Sheridan - Kittle
18. Dustin Morgan - Morgan
19. Casey Shuman - Foster
20. Greg Bragg - Sertich
21. Josh Ford - Ford
22. Brett Burdette - Burdette
23. Garrett Hansen - M-M

USAC National Midget Series - A Feature (30 laps)
1. Jerry Coons Jr. - Wilke-Pak
2. Bryan Clauson - Tucker
3. Chad Boat - Boat
4. Bobby East - Klatt
5. Brad Kuhn - RW
6. Garrett Hansen - Hansen
7. J.J. Yeley - Triple Crown
8. Kevin Swindell - Kunz
9. Tracy Hines - Stewart
10. Darren Hagen - RFMS
11. Alex Schutte - Kruseman
12. Brad Loyet - Loyet
13. Levi Jones - Stewart
14. Brad Sweet - Kahne
15. Kasey Kahne - Kahne
16. Josh Wise - Pedregon
17. Shane Hmiel - Felker
18. Cole Whitt - Kunz
19. Dakoda Armstrong - C & A
20. Josh Ford - Ford
21. A.J. Fike - RFMS
22. Casey Shuman - Felker

Open Wheel Racing in Nintendo Wii's MarioKart

2009-02-23T13:35:00.008-06:00

We recently purchased MarioKart for Nintendo's Wii gaming system. For those of you not familiar with this game, it's a series of Kart races between some of Nintendo's most famous characters. The game allows you to choose a driver and then either a "kart" or motorcycle. After coming across the "Classic Dragster", my choice was easy.

I'm not sure why they call it a "classic dragster", but it looks like a 40's or 50's vintage sprint or championship car.

It comes complete with a tail, and old style wire wheels.

It features what appears to be a V6 with mighty exhaust pipes flowing from either side.

It even comes with knobby tires, perfect for the many track surfaces found in the game.
The one new feature the car has is four corner independent, modern IndyCar style suspension. One of the cool features in the game is the ability to drift through corners. I'm sure they were thinking of the import drifting scene, but watching this car slide through a corner is total sprint car goodness.

Missing Manzy

2009-02-23T10:47:00.008-06:00

This was the first time in a couple years that we weren't able to catch the Copper on Dirt at Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix. Tragic isn't it?

Instead, my wife and I had a great weekend in Kansas City with some friends. Although, it wasn't a total race-less weekend. We were able to play some very serious games of MarioKart for the Nintendo Wii.

Sure, it would have been cool to make a trip to the Valley of the Sun. I really like Manzanita, and it's always nice to have a mid-February fix of open wheel racing.

USAC Silver Crown Friday Results - Copper Bowl Shootout (10 Laps)
1. Jesse Hockett - Edwards/RE
2. Bud Kaeding - BK
3. Tracy Hines - Stewart
4. Levi Jones - Stewart
5. Jerry Coons Jr. - RW
6. Shane Hmiel - RW
7. Jon Stanbrough - Indiana Underground
8. A.J. Fike - RFMS
9. Derek Hager - Klatt
10. Josh Wise - Contos/Curb

USAC Silver Crown Saturday Results - Feature (50 Laps)
1. Bud Kaeding - BK
2. Jesse Hockett - Edwards/RE
3. Levi Jones - Stewart
4. Tracy Hines - Stewart
5. Derek Hager - Klatt
6. Jon Stanbrough - Indiana Underground
7. A.J. Fike - RFMS
8. Josh Wise - Contos/Curb
9. Jerry Coons Jr. - RW
10. Brian Tyler - Team Six-R
11. Zach Daum - Daum
12. Kody Swanson - Team Six-R
13. Mike Spencer - Pritchett/Price
14. Shane Hmiel - RW
15. Rickie Gaunt - Gardner
16. Shane Cottle - Pierson

USAC National/CRA Sprint Cars Friday Results - Copper Bowl Shootout (10 Laps)
1. DarenHagen - M-M
2. Kevin Swindell - Rolfe
3. Dave Darland - RWB
4. Cole Whitt - Kunz
5. Casey Shuman - Foster
6. Nic Faas - Faas
7. Jerry Coons Jr. - Dynamics
8. Brad Sweet - Kahne
9. Charles Davis Jr. - Massey

USAC National/CRA Sprint Cars Saturday Results - Feature (40 Laps)
1. Darren Hagen - M-M
2. Kevin Swindell - Rolfe
3. Dave Darland - RWB
4. Cole Whitt - Kunz
5. Jesse Hockett - Hockett
6. Jon Stanbrough - Indiana Underground
7. Damion Gardner - DG
8. Brad Sweet - Kahne
9. Mike Spencer - Chaffin
10. Levi Jones - Stewart
11. Tracy Hines - Stewart
12. J.J. Yeley - Triple Crown
13. Casey Shuman - Foster
14. Charles Davis Jr. - Massey
15. Johnny Herrera - Herrera
16. David Cardey - Alexander
17. Garrett Hansen - M-M
18. Nic Faas - Faas
19. Josh Wise - Mitchell
20. Danny Sheridan - Kittle
21. Chris Windom - Windom
22. Cory Kruseman - Kruseman
23. Brady Bacon - Tel Star
24. R.J Johnson - Martin
25. Tyler Brown - Gardner
26. Jerry Coons Jr. - Dynamics
27. Seth Wilson - Wilson
28. Dustin Morgan - M-M
29. Chad Boat - Boat
30. Blake Miller - Gardner

USAC National/Western States Midgets Friday Results - Copper Bowl Shootout (10 Laps)
1. Levi Jones - Stewart
2. Bryan Clauson - Tucker
3. Brad Sweet - Kahne
4. Josh Wise - C & A
5. Nathan High - Allen
6. Josh Ford - Ford
7. Kevin Swindell - Kunz
8. Chad Boat - Boat
9. Brady Bacon - Tel Star
10. Darren Hagen - RFMS

USAC National/Western States Midgets Saturday Results - Feature (25 Laps)
1. Brad Sweet - Kahne
2. Nathan High - Allen
3. Jerry Coons Jr. - Wilke-Pak
4. Chad Boat - Boat
5. Darren Hagen - RFMS
6. Brad Kuhn - RW
7. Kevin Swindell - Kunz
8. Garrett Hansen - Hansen
9. Bobby East - Klatt
10. J.J. Yeley - Pedregon
11. Ricky Ehrgott - Rev
12. Levi Jones - Stewart
13. Dakoda Armstrong - C & A
14. Josh Ford - Ford
15. Tracy Hines - Stewart
16. Cole Whitt - Kunz
17. Bryan Stanfill - Mentgen
18. Shane Hmiel - Felker
19. Terry Goodwin - Goodwin
20. Dennis Howell - Howell
21. Bryan Clauson - Tucker
22. Brad Loyet - Loyet
23. Josh Wise - C & A
24. Brady Bacon - Tel Star
25. Casey Shuman - Felker
26. Dennis Carrier Jr. - Carrier
27. Scott Pierovich - Pierovich

The next stop for the USAC National Sprint and Midget Series is a mid-week stop at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway dirt track on February 25th.

Official PR - ASCS Midwest & Northern Plains Schedules Released

2009-02-17T08:07:00.002-06:00

Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (February 16, 2009) – Another pair of American Sprint Car Series Regional slates have been set as the Midwest and Northern Plains schedules were released today.

The ASCS Midwest Region is currently slated for ten nights of action at five different tracks throughout Nebraska and the surrounding area, with the ASCS Northern Plains Region set for eight nights of competition at four different tracks.

For the fourth year in a row, the two Regional series will open the season by squaring off for two nights at Nebraska Raceway Park's I-80 Speedway in Greenwood, NE, on April 10-11. The ASCS Midwest and Northern Plains Regions will also face off July 31 at Crawford County Speedway in Denison, IA.

Other venues set to host the ASCS Midwest Region in 2009 include Junction Motor Speedway in McCool Junction, NE, along with Missouri venues of U.S. 36 Raceway in Cameron and Sedalia's State Fair Speedway. The series is currently set to put the wraps on the 2009 season at U.S. 36 Raceway on August 28.

In addition to the I-80 and Crawford County Speedways, I-90 Speedway in Hartford, SD, and North Central Speedway in Brainerd, MN, are also set to host the ASCS Northern Plains Region in 2009. The ASCS Northern Plains Region will once again complete its season with North Central Speedway's Mighty Axe Nationals on September 5-6.

North Dakota's Lee Grosz reigns as the defending ASCS Northern Plains champion after capturing his second consecutive title last year, while Nebraska's Jack Dover became the fourth different champion in as many years of competition for the ASCS Midwest Region by taking top honors in 2008.

The American Sprint Car Series, in its 18th year of sanctioning Sprint Car racing events, brings the best of Sprint Car racing to approximately 100 different tracks throughout 30 states and Canada. Anchored by the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series presented by K&N Filters, ASCS also consists of a dozen different Regions throughout the nation.

Additional information regarding the American Sprint Car Series is available at www.ascsracing.com

2009 ASCS Midwest Region Schedule:

April 10 – I-80 Speedway (Greenwood, NE) – vs. Northern Plains

April 11 – I-80 Speedway (Greenwood, NE) – vs. Northern Plains

May 21 – I-80 Speedway (Greenwood, NE)

May 22 – Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE)

June 19 – U.S. 36 Raceway (Cameron, MO)

July 2 – I-80 Speedway (Greenwood, NE)

July 3 – Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE)

July 31 – Crawford County Speedway (Denison, IA) – vs. Northern Plains

August 23 – State Fair Speedway (Sedalia, MO)

August 28 – U.S. 36 Raceway (Cameron, MO)

2009 ASCS Northern Plains Region Schedule:

April 10 – I-80 Speedway (Greenwood, NE) – vs. Midwest

April 11 – I-80 Speedway (Greenwood, NE) – vs. Midwest

June 26 – I-90 Speedway (Hartford, SD)

July 4 – North Central Speedway (Brainerd, MN) – Kouba Memorial

July 24 – I-90 Speedway (Hartford, SD)

July 31 – Crawford County Speedway (Denison, IA) – vs. Midwest

September 5- North Central Speedway (Brainerd, MN) – Mighty Axe Nationals

September 6 – North Central Speedway (Brainerd, MN) – Mighty Axe Nationals

Daytona 2009

2009-02-16T10:42:00.005-06:00

JUNIOR! screwed up, it rained and Matt Kenseth won. The real milestone of yesterday's telecast was the premier of the Digger cartoon accompanied by country artist Keith Urban's theme song. SpeedTV is hoping to cash in on this historic cultural landmark by selling new Digger T-Shirts. Get yours today!

2009 ASCS Midwest & Northern Plains Schedules

2009-02-15T12:30:00.006-06:00

The ASCS Midwest and Northern Plains regions have released their tentative 2009 schedules. Sprint car fans in Nebraska will have several opportunities to catch the 360's in action this season, starting with a two day show at I-80 Speedway in April.

4/10 - Midwest/Northern Plains, Nebraska Raceway Park (Greenwood, NE)
4/11 - Midwest/Northern Plains, Nebraska Raceway Park (Greenwood, NE)
5/21 - Midwest, Nebraska Raceway Park (Greenwood, NE)
5/22 - Midwest, Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE)
6/19 - Midwest, US 36 Raceway (Cameron, MO)
6/26 - Northern Plains, I-90 Speedway (Hartford, SD)
7/2 - Midwest, Nebraska Raceway Park (Greenwood, NE)
7/3 - Midwest, Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE)
7/4 - Northern Plains, North Central Speedway (Brainerd, MN)
7/24 - Northern Plains, I-90 Speedway (Hartford, SD)
7/31 - Midwest/Northern Plains, Crawford County Speedway (Denison, IA)
8/23 - Midwest, State Fair Speedway (Sedalia, MO)
9/5 - Northern Plains, North Central Speedway (Brainerd, MN)
9/6 - Northern Plains, North Central Speedway (Brainerd, MN)

ASCS Midwest/Northern Plains Website

Danica, Part II

2009-02-11T10:08:00.003-06:00

Beaches are OK to use as a backdrop for a photo shoot, but I much prefer a 427 Cobra. Danica is back in 2009 with more photos for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue.

Dover Gearing Up For 2009 Down Under

2009-02-08T10:23:00.004-06:00

by Team Dover Media
SPRINGFIELD, Neb. (February 8, 2009) -- Eighteen-year-old Nebraska Sprint Car standout Jack Dover has made his way to Australia to compete in six selected races over the next month. Dover will celebrate his nineteenth birthday on Tuesday, February 10 and run his first race down under four days later at Bunbury City Speedway in Bunbury, Western Australia.

Dover will pilot the Greg Fisher, Fisher Motor Sports, Cool Chassis, Speed Torque 410 powered No. W15. Fisher Motor Sports sponsors include Wilmot Engineering and Vision FM 88.0. Associate Sponsors for Jack Dover here in the States and also for Fisher Motor Sports in Australia are Lucas Oil, FK Rod Ends, Pro Shock, Butler Built Professional Seat Systems, Bell Racing and Design 500 Racewear.

Dover has reunited with Wayne Priddy, Team Dover Motorsports' crew chief early in the 2008 season before he moved to Australia. Priddy will serve as the crew chief of the Fisher Motor Sports Team and will be joined by crew members Cory Giltin, Higgy and Mick.

"I'm having a great time so far in Australia and thank Greg Fisher for this great opportunity." Said Dover. "I'm hoping to have some really good runs while in Australia and looking forward to having some seat time under my belt when we start the Lucas Oil ASCS Sprint Car Dirt Series season at Devil's Bowl Speedway on March 20."

Scheduled races for Jack Dover and Fisher Motor Sports in Australia include:

February 14 (Saturday) - Bunbury City Speedway (Bunbury, Western Australia) - Southern Thunder Series Round 3 $5,000 to win
February 20 (Friday) - Perth Motorplex (Perth, Western Australia) - King of Wings Night 1
February 21 (Saturday) - Perth Motorplex (Perth, Western Australia) - King of Wings Night 2 $20,000 to win
February 28 (Saturday) - Bunbury City Speedway (Bunbury, Western Australia) - Krikke Boys Shootout Night 1
March 1 (Sunday) - Bunbury City Speedway (Bunbury, Western Australia) - Krikke Boys Shootout Night 2 $25,000 to win
March 4 (Wednesday) - Bunbury City Speedway (Bunbury, Western Australia) - $10,000 to win

For more information about Jack and Team Dover Motorsports visit http://www.teamdover.com/
For more information about Speedway at Perth Motorplex visit http://www.motorplex.com.au/
For more information about Bunbury City Speedway visit http://www.bunburycarclub.com.au/
For more information about the Krikke Boys Shootout http://www.krikkeboysrace.com/

IndyCar Series News

2009-02-04T10:39:00.004-06:00

There hasn't been a Detroit manufacturer in IndyCars since Chevy pulled their name off valve covers after the 2005 season. Don't look for that to change anytime soon. The IndyCar Series held a teleconference yesterday to outline progress in their upcoming engine and chassis formula changes.

Audi, Volkswagon, Fiat and Porsche have all expressed interest in joining Honda as engine suppliers for the IndyCar Series.

Not a particle of interest out of Detroit. I'm sure the status of the domestic auto industry has a lot do to with the lack of American manufacturer interest.

Originally the IndyCar Series had planned on implementing the new engine formula for the 2011 season, but that may be pushed to 2012. They're hoping to keep the formula for at least six seasons.

What this means is no American nameplates in Indy victory lane until 2017 or 2018. Bummer.

The initial talks for the new engine formula include a turbocharged 4 cylinder. Honda wants to use a turbo V6, so that's a possibility as well.

The original Axis Powers will once again attack the US, this time in the arena of open wheel racing.

Other ICS Notes

-Dallara and Firstone will remain as the sole chassis and tire suppliers for the IndyCar Series.

-A sign of the times. It was reported by Speed TV's Robin Miller that Milka Duno will join Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing for 2009 as a teammate to Graham Rahal and fellow newcomer Robert Doornbos. This move gives NHL three cars in 2009.

Duno has been backed by CITGO oil since her debut in the ICS, and is rumored to have another "big sponsor" for 2009.

It seems the traditional Buy-A-Ride system is still alive in well in IndyCar racing.

2009 World of Outlaws Area Schedule

2009-02-04T10:11:00.003-06:00

The World of Outlaws kick off their 2009 season on Friday. Once again the Outlaws will make a single stop in the Cornhusker state in 2009, but you'll still have several opportunities to see them in the Midwest.

5/1 - Huset's Speedway (Brandon, SD)
5/2 - Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA)
6/12 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)
6/13 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)
6/26 - Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA)
6/27 - Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA)
7/3 - Huset's Speedway (Brandon, SD)
7/4 - Eagle Raceway (Lincoln, NE)
8/12 - Knoxville Nationals*
8/13 - Knoxville Nationals*
8/14 - Knoxville Nationals*
8/15 - Knoxville Nationals*
9/16 - Clay County Fairgrounds (Spencer, IA)
9/18 - US 36 Raceway (Osborn, MO)

Complete 2009 WoO Schedule

2009 United Rebel Sprint Series

2009-02-02T16:19:00.004-06:00

Fans in Western Nebraska will have a chance for an open wheel fix in 2009 courtesy of the URSS.

4/4 - LA Raceway (Lamonte, MO)
5/1 - RPM Speedway (Hays, KS)
5/2 - Oberlin Speedway (Oberlin, KS)
5/3 - Dawson County Speedway (Lexington, NE)
5/9 - TBA
5/10 - TBA
5/16 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)
5/17 - TBA
5/23 - Jetmore Motorplex (Jetmore, KS)
5/24 - Jetmore Motorplex (Jetmore, KS)/Wakeeney Speedway (Wakeeney, KS)
5/25 - Wakeeney Speedway (Wakeeney, KS)
5/30 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)
5/31 - Liberal Fairgrounds (Liberal, KS)
6/5 - Hutchinson Raceway Park (Hutchinson, KS)
6/6 - Diamond Mountain Speedway (Vernal, UT)/Oberlin Speedway (Oberlin, KS)
6/7 - Dawson Country Raceway (Lexington, NE)
6/12 - McCook Speedway (McCook, NE)
6/13 - I-76 Speedway (Ft. Morgan, CO)
6/14 - TBA
6/19 - Thunderhill Speedway (Mayetta, KS)
6/20 - TBA
6/21 - TBA
6/26 - Ripple Ridge Raceway (Rawlins, WY)
6/27 - Hayden Speedway (Hayden, CO)
6/28 - Liberal Fairgrounds (Liberal, KS)
7/3 - Hutchinson Raceway Park (Hutchinson, KS)
7/4 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)/El Paso County Speedway (Calhan, CO)
7/5 - Liberal Fairgrounds (Liberal, KS)
7/11 - RPM Speedway (Hays, KS)
7/12 - RPM Speedway (Hays, KS)
7/18 - Oberlin Speedway (Oberlin, KS)
7/19 - TBA
7/24 - Hayden Speedway (Hayden, CO)
7/25 - Diamond Mountain Speedway (Vernal, UT)/Elmwood Park Speedway (Norton KS)
7/26 - Elmwood Park Speedway (Norton, KS)
7/27 - Wakeeney Speedway (Wakeeney, KS)
7/31 - Thomas County Speedway (Colby, KS)/Ripple Ridge Raceway (Rawlins, WY)
8/1 - Lacrosse Fair (Lacrosse, KS)/Hayden Speedway (Hayden, CO)
8/2 - TBA
8/7 - Hutchinson Raceway Park (Hutchinson, KS)
8/8 - Oberlin Speedway (Oberlin, KS)
8/9 - Dawson Country Raceway (Lexington, NE)
8/14 - Thunderhill Speedway (Mayetta, KS)
8/15 - TBA
8/16 - TBA
8/21 - McCook Speedway (McCook, NE)
8/22 - I-76 Speedway (Ft. Morgan, CO)
8/23 - TBA
8/29 - Hayden Speedway (Hayden, CO)
8/30 - Hayden Speedway (Hayden, CO)
9/4 - RPM Speedway (Hays, KS)
9/5 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)/Elmwood Park Speedway (Norton, KS)
9/6 - Elmwood Park Speedway (Norton, KS)
9/12 - Colorado Motorsports Park (Byers, CO)
9/13 - Colorado Motorsports Park (Byers, CO)
9/19 - TBA
9/20 - Phillips Country Raceway (Holyoke, CO)
9/26 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)
9/27 - Liberal Fairgrounds (Liberal, KS)
10/3 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)
10/4 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)
11/14 - Clinton Motorsports Park (Clinton, OK)
11/15 - Clinton Motorsports Park (Clinton, OK)

URSS Website

2009 POWRi National Midget Series Schedule

2009-02-02T08:53:00.005-06:00

You'll have a handful of opportunities to catch the POWRi National Midget series in this area in 2009. They'll run Knoxville May 29-30 as part of the Knoxville Midget Nationals, and swing through the Midwest again leading up the Belleville Midget Nationals.

3/28 - Southern Illinois Center (DuQuoin, IL)
4/24 - Morgan County Speedway (Jacksonville, IL)
4/25 - Macon Speedway (Macon, IL)
5/1 - Tri-City Speedway (Pontoon Beach, IL)
5/2 - Belle-Clair Speedway (Belleville, IL)
5/15 - Morgan County Speedway (Jacksonville, IL)
5/16 - TBA
5/29 - Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA) @
5/30 - Knoxville Raceway (Knoxville, IA) @
6/5 - Lee County Speedway (Donnellson, IA)
6/6 - 24 Raceway (Moberly, MO)
6/12 - Tri-City Speedway (Pontoon Beach, IL)
6/13 - Belle-Clair Speedway (Belleville, IL)
6/19 - Morgan County Speedway (Jacksonville, IL)
6/20 - Highland Speedway (Highland, IL)
7/4 - Tri-State Speedway (Haubstadt, IN)
7/8 - TBA
7/17 - Macon Speedway (Macon, IL)
7/18 - Morgan County Speedway (Jacksonville, IL)
7/26 - US 36 Raceway (Osborn, MO) *#
7/27 - Butler County Motorplex (Rising City, NE) *#
7/28 - Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE) *#
7/29 - Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE) *#
8/12 - Belle-Clair Speedway (Belleville, IL)
8/21 - Macon Speedway (Macon, IL)
9/11 - Morgan Speedway (Jacksonville, IL)
9/12 - Spoon River Speedway (Canton, IL)
9/13 - LaSalle Speedway (LaSalle, IL)
9/26 - Macon Speedway (Macon, IL)
10/3 - Belle-Clair Speedway (Belleville, IL)
10/8 - Tri-City Speedway (Pontoon Beach, IL) @
10/9 - Tri-City Speedway (Pontoon Beach, IL) @
10/10 - Tri City Speedway (Pontoon Beach, IL) @

Co-Sanction: @ USAC, * SMRS, # RMMRA

Jay Russell Enters Knoxville 360 Mix in 2009

2009-02-02T08:20:00.006-06:00

(Bill W) “Jaybird” Jay Russell will put his hat in the ring for 360 Rookie of the Year honors in 2009. The native of Elwood, Kansas has been involved in racing his entire life. Jay competed in the go-kart starting at the age of 12. He moved on to mini-sprints and then the full-size sprint cars at the age of 17 in 2000.

His sprint career has included top ten point runs at the Savannah Speedway and the US36 Speedway near Cameron in Missouri. In 2006, he towed to Eagle Raceway on Saturdays, earning “Most Improved Driver” honors there, and grabbing his first sprint feature win. In 2007, he was 10th in points at Eagle, and in 2008, finished third in the points there. He also competed in several ASCS-Midwest shows, finishing seventh in points with that series. He has three career wins, all of them at Eagle Raceway. Jay was running third in a May 2008 feature at Knoxville when his motor expired.

Knoxville Website

Henderson Teams With Miller for 2009

2009-01-30T08:02:00.003-06:00

Justin Henderson is pleased to announce he will be driving for Steve Miller and his Lost Creek Carts #22z racing team for the 2009 racing season. Justin ran a handful of races for the team to end the 2008 season and has decided to rejoin the team for a full season of action. The team plans on running for points at Williams Grove and Lincoln Speedway this year. They are also planning to run several World of Outlaw, All Star, and the PA Speedweek races this year. The #22z team will be using Maxim Chassis and Rider Racing Engines for an estimated 80 race schedule. Sponsorship for the team will come from Lost Creek Carts, Lost Creek Truck N Trailer, Lost Creek Graphics, Krum's Upholstery, Jere A Miller, and Fatheadz.com Eyewear.

Also joining the team will be several product sponsors: Butlerbuilt, Hinchman Racing Suits, Bell Racing, DMI, AEM Filters, Vortex Wings, Red Devil Brakes, Hoosier Tire, Schoenfeld Headers, DWT, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, GME, Outerwears, Oakley, Rock Star Paint, XXX Race Company. The entire team would like to thank all the sponsors for their help and support for the 2009 season. Justin is looking forward to meeting and entertaining some of the most diehard race fans in the world this year. Please stop down and say hello after the races. Fans of the personable driver can check out his website at www.justinhenderson.com for more updates in the coming weeks.

Swindell Returns to World of Outlaws in 2009

2009-01-29T10:50:00.004-06:00

Concord, NC -What is shaping up to be one of the most competitive, if not the most competitive field in the history of the World of Outlaws just got even stronger, with the announcement by three-time series champion Sammy Swindell that he will return to the series full-time in 2009 to battle for his fourth title.

Swindell, who claimed World of Outlaws titles in 1981 and 1982 as well as 1997, will pilot the No. 10 Maxim for Tom Rolfe Racing with Don Ott power. The team is based in Chico, California, but will be run out of Swindell's shop in his home state of Tennessee. The 2006 inductee into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame ran a number of races for the team last season on the West Coast, winning at Placerville Speedway in California and finishing fifth in the Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway.

"It was Tom's decision," said Swindell of the decision to take to the road this year with the World of Outlaws beginning in Florida. "He wanted to go down there for the first races of the year. We are going to try and make a statement there. I am excited to be competing with the Outlaws."

Swindell joins three fellow World of Outlaws champions in the mix this year, including his longtime rival, 20-time series champion Steve Kinser, three-time and defending series champion Donny Schatz and 2001 series titlist Danny Lasoski. This will be just the second time in the 31-year history of the series that four former champions have competed full-time in the same year, as Swindell, Steve Kinser, Mark Kinser and Dave Blaney all were on the tour in 1997.

"It's getting tougher and tougher all the time," Swindell noted of the competition with the World of Outlaws. "There are not many advantages anymore that you can have. The biggest advantage that you can have is to have a big budget and smart people."

The native of Germantown, Tenn. is second on the all-time win list with 268 A-Feature victories entering the 2009 campaign. His first World of Outlaws A-Feature win came at Devil's Bowl Speedway in Texas during the series inaugural 1978 season. He has won in 28 different seasons with the series, with his most recent triumph coming in 2006 at the famed Eldora Speedway, winning both nights of a two-day show.

Swindell's quest for a fourth World of Outlaws championship will begin next week at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida during the 38^th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH. In his career at the half-mile, he has two wins and 10 Top-10 finishes in just 12 starts.

"It will be nice to get down to Florida and get started," said Swindell. "I haven't been there for a few years. I have won there a few times. It will be nice to be back in something where I can have some control and run the team like I used to."

While he has not competed full-time with the World of Outlaws for a number of years, Swindell knows very well what it takes to be fast night in and night out and expects to be quick right out of the box next week. Of the first 15 tracks on the 2009 World of Outlaws schedule, he has won at 13 of them.

"Just winning some races," said Swindell, when asked what would make it a good season. "We want to show what we can do. I have been competitive when I get back in a car, and there have been some big gaps in there. I was helping (son) Kevin out there for a bit with his things and had been driving just whatever was around. It will be good to be back out there."

Swindell already has a few races under his belt this season, turning in a perfect performance at the 23^rd Annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. winning the Race of Champions, as well as the first qualifying night and also the 50-lap main event for the fifth time in his career.

The 2009 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series seasons kicks off February 6-8 at Volusia Speedway Park in Florida with the 38^th Annual Alltel DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH. For more information on the event, including tickets, visit http://www.dirtcarnationals.com.

World of Outlaws official site.

2009 Rocky Mountaing Midget Racing Association Schedule

2009-01-27T14:12:00.004-06:00

It's good to stay on top of all the 2009 midget show opportunities. The RMMA makes six stops in the Midwest in 2009, including three in the Cornhusker state.

5/2 - I-76 Speedway (Ft. Morgan, CO)
5/30 - I-76 Speedway (Ft. Morgan, CO)
6/13 - I-25 Speedway (Pueblo, CO)*
6/20 - Colorado National Speedway (Erie, CO)*
6/27 - Big Country Speedway (Cheyenne, WY)*
7/4 - I-25 Speedway (Pueblo, CO)*
7/18 - I-76 Speedway (Ft. Morgan, CO)
7/26 - Highway 36 Speedway (Osborn, MO)
7/27 - Butler County Motorplex (Rising City, NE)
7/28 - Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE) - Non-points
7/29 - Junction Motor Speedway (McCool Junction, NE) - Non-points
7/31 - Belleville High Banks (Belleville, KS)
8/1 - Belleville High Banks (Belleville, KS)
8/8 - I-76 Speedway (Ft. Morgan, CO)
8/22 - I-25 Speedway (Pueblo, CO)*
8/29 - Colorado National Speedway (Erie, CO)*

*Pavement

USAC Sanctioning Off Road Racing?

2009-01-27T13:19:00.005-06:00

The United States Auto Club hasn't always sanctioned just open wheel racing. Back in the early days of USAC they sanctioned sports car racing and had a stock car division.

You can now add off road racing to the list of motorsports under the USAC sanctioning title, according to the Daily Press newspaper in Escanaba, Michigan.

BARK RIVER - The organization sanctioning off-road races at Bark River International Raceway has merged with a West Coast series to form a new organization.

The World Series of Off-Road Racing (WSORR), which has operated races for two years at Bark River, has joined with off-road racer and Supercross legend Ricky Johnson to form the Off-Road Grand Prix (ORGP).

The Bark River International Raceway is operated by the Bark River Lions Club.

Roger Charbonneau, raceway marketing chair, said the consolidation will bring more professional racers to Bark River.

"We're going to see a huge resurgence of Pro 2 and Pro 4 drivers coming back to Bark River and Crandon, Wis., with this new series being formed," he said.

Races at Bark River are scheduled for July 11-12 and Aug. 8-9. The new series will include eight races in Bark River; Crandon; Phoenix, Ariz.; Oshkosh, Wis.; and Perris, Calif.

"We have a schedule of races that brings five weekends to the Midwest's best facilities in addition to several West Coast racing dates," said Johnson. "It's truly a nation-wide, unified series with driver support and that's what the sport needed."

The series will also be sanctioned by the United States Auto Club (USAC).

Charbonneau said part of the reason for the consolidation has to do with the economy.

"As everybody knows, the economy is going through a very difficult time and like many other sports we're seeing consolidation in various areas whether it be NASCAR or other venues. Off-road racing is going through the same thing," he said.

CORR held races at Bark River before moving its series out west two years ago. WSORR was formed to continue races in the Midwest.

I don't think there's anything wrong with looking at other ventures, but USAC has a long history of screwing up series including their own bread-and-butter open wheel classes. We're not too far removed from their new generation silver crown debacle, and currently they're still trying to create a Gold Crown class with a less-ugly version of their big track pavement cars.

If everything USAC touched turned to gold, I could see them taking on new projects. However until they prove they can run a series without any serious flaws, perhaps they should stick to what they know.

2009 NCRA 360 Sprint Car Schedule

2009-01-26T08:42:00.007-06:00

The National Championship Racing Association has posted their preliminary 2009 schedule. Don't be surprised if they add one more date in Nebraska. For now, here is what's in store for '09.

360 Sprint Car Schedule
3/28 - Eagle Raceway (Eagle, NE)
5/3 - 81 Speedway (Park City, KS)
6/21 - Jetmore Motorplex (Jetmore, KS)
7/18 - Dodge City Raceway Park (Dodge City, KS)
7/25 - Kansas State Fairgrounds (Hutchinson, KS)
7/30 - Belleville High Banks (Belleville, KS)
7/31 - 81 Speedway (Park City, KS)
8/22 - Mid-Nebraska Speedway (Doniphan, NE)
10/3 - 81 Speedway (Park City, KS)

It's interesting to note that the July 30th show is also the same evening the All Star Circuit of Champions are scheduled to run their 410 show at the Belleville High Banks.

This is also the first time the Icebreaker Challenge at Eagle on March 28 is under NCRA sanctioning.

305 Sprint Car Schedule
5/3 - 81 Speedway (Park City, KS)
6/21 - Jetmore Motorplex (Jetmore, KS)
7/31 - 81 Speedway (Park City, KS)
10/3 - 81 Speedway (Park City, KS)

50 Lap Nationals Feature in 2010?

2009-01-25T16:50:00.006-06:00

There's a discussion on the Hoseheads message board about the possibility of running 50 laps for the Knoxville National A Feature in 2010. The extra laps help commemorate the Nationals 50th Anniversary.

Currently most cars run a 33 gallon fuel cell. It would be very difficult for them to make the full 50 laps on the big half mile without a fuel stop. Most likely we'd see a competition yellow half-way through the feature.

I love the idea of a 50 lap feature, especially to help celebrate such a momentous occasion Knoxville's storied history. However, this isn't a NASCAR or IndyCar race. Fuel stops don't belong in sprint car racing. If teams want to make the distance, force them to run a traditional full size tank.

Of course, the sprint car race argument could be used as a reason to not increase the laps.

I don't know about anyone else, but it's hard for me to imagine the Nationals turning 50 years old already! When I started going they were a year removed from Celebrating the Nationals 30th Anniversary. After all these years I can't imagine an August without a visit to the Marion County Fairgrounds.

2009 Chili Bowl to Run On Speed TV February 14th

2009-01-23T15:17:00.007-06:00

The 2009 Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is set to premier in HD on Speed TV Saturday, February 14th at 8pm Eastern. That's right, Valentine's Day.

I can already see this becoming an epic battle in race households across the country. I'm planning on avoiding a huge, costly and unwinnable war in my home by DVR'ing the premier.

If you miss it that Saturday, you'll have three more chances to watch.

(all times Eastern)
2/14 - 8pm
2/15 - 1am
2/17 - 3am
2/18 - 12pm

Speed's Broadcast Schedule

Thankfully, Speed was able to work in the Chili Bowl broadcast between it's 23 hour-per-day NASCAR coverage and re-runs of Pinks.

Sather Joins NASCAR's "Drive For Diversity" Line-Up

2009-01-23T14:33:00.010-06:00

Yesterday, Fargo North Dakota driver Natalie Sather released this information on her site.

Today at the NASCAR Research & Development facility in Concord, NC it was made official when NASCAR introduced the 2009 Drive for Diversity Drivers. I was chosen by the Total Velocity Motorsports Team from Monroe, Washington and will begin my asphalt racing career at the end of March. I will pack my bags next week and venture out to Washington where I will be living in an apartment and working at the shop learning everything I can about the late model. I will be racing in 18-21 races at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, WA and on the off days I will try to race in as many dirt races with my sprint car as possible. This is thus far the biggest accomplishment for me in my career. I am looking forward to this season and making the transition from dirt to asphalt. My goals for the season are Rookie of the Year and a top 10 finish in the points. In the future I hope to continue pursuing my dream of one day racing at the Sprint Cup level! This season is going to be a challenge and I am ready for anything that comes my way!

Official NASCAR.com announcement.

First, I'm happy for Natalie. This is a great opportunity for her to advance her racing career and gain some notoriety for herself.

However I don't know if I agree with her claim that "this is thus far the biggest accomplishment for me in my career." With all due respect, I think this accomplishment is more due to her gender than anything she's done on the track.

Make no mistake, I think she's developed into a good driver. She won the 2007 ASCS Midwest Points championship, and isn't afraid to "push the button". However the fact that she's a pretty, young female with clean-cut image certainly makes her an attractive pick to the marketing savvy folks at NASCAR.

I might not have as big of an issue with this if I didn't think NASCAR's Drive For Diversity program is nothing more than continued window dressing. It's a PR tool created to give NASCAR a better image. It's especially important for them now in the wake of a racial discrimination lawsuit.

Sather should have been given a shot because she's earned it with her driving, not because she's female.

2009 All Star Circuit of Champions Schedule

2009-01-22T08:45:00.002-06:00

Included among the 2009 All Star schedule is the annual Thunder Through The Plains Tour. Midwest tour dates include:

7/29 - US 36 Raceway (Cameron, MO)
7/30 - Belleville High Banks (Belleville, KS)
7/31 - Thunder Hill Speedway (Mayetta, KS)
8/1 - Husets Speedway (Brandon, SD)
8/2 - Husets Speedway (Brandon, SD)
8/7 - I-55 Speedway (Pevely, MO)
8/8 - I-55 Speedway (Pevely, MO)

Visit allstarssprint.com for the complete schedule.

Another Sprint Car Game

2009-01-21T08:46:00.004-06:00

Nearly ten years after the original Ratbag "Dirt Track Racing Sprint Cars" release, we're getting another sprint car game, this time from BigAnt Studios. "World of Outlaws Sprint Cars 09" is currently under development for Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles.

I hope it's a better effort than their previous release "Sprint Cars Road To Knoxville". The graphics were not as good and the actual gameplay was terrible.

It's amazing that after nearly a decade, the Ratbag version is still the gold standard for sprint car games.

2009 Sprint Bandits TNT Schedule

2009-01-21T08:28:00.003-06:00

Here's your chance to catch some non-wing sprint cars in this area.

August 16 - Rapid Speedway (Rock Rapids, IA)
August 17 - I-80 Speedway (Greenwood, NE)
August 18 - TBD
August 19 - State Fair Speedway (Oklahoma City, OK)
August 20 - Creek County Speedway (Sapulpa, OK)
August 21 - Lakeside Speedway (Kansas City, KS)
August 22 - Lakeside Speedway (Kansas City, KS)

The Sprint Bandits had previously sanctioned the Non-Wing Ultimate Challenge at Southern Iowa Speedway in Oskaloosa, Iowa during the Knoxville Nationals week. This year, that show is under USAC sanctioning.

For more info, visit sprintbandits.com.

Butler County Motorplex Set to Host POWRi Midgets in 2009

2009-01-21T08:20:00.005-06:00

Butler County Motorplex will host a POWRi midget race on Monday, July 27th. The event will also be sanctioned by AIMS, RMMRA and SMRS. They're also expecting some participation from USAC teams as well.

The midgets will then travel to Junction Motor Speedway on Tuesday, July 28th and Wednesday, July 29th, before heading to Belleville Kansas for the Midget Nationals on Friday, July 31st and Saturday, August 1.

Great news for open wheel fans in this area!

2009 Chili Bowl Photos From Brandon Anderson

2009-01-20T10:27:00.000-06:00

Chili Bowl Observations

2009-01-19T11:31:00.009-06:00

We survived another dose of indoor chaos. Now it's time to settle in and wait until spring. First, a few observations from Tulsa.

-Sammy Swindell won a fifth Golden Driller trophy. Not too bad for a part time racer! Swindell's Esslinger powered Spike looked almost flawless during Saturday's A feature. He could run fast when he needed to, put the car anywhere on the track and simply dominated the second half of a 50 lap star-studded feature.

-The post-race debate was exactly how light weight Sammy's car was. Some claim it tipped the scales at just over six hundred pounds. Since there is no weight rule at the Chili Bowl, it's up to the teams to determine how much they want to spend to save weight.

As formulated as midget racing has become, it's nice to have a little variety and engineering show up in Tulsa.

-Before the feature I picked Jerry Coons Jr. to win. I thought he looked very strong on Friday night, and starting from the pole I thought he'd be tough to get around. Coons did lead some laps early on, but wasn't a factor in the second half of the race eventually fading to fourth.

-Coons and teammate Dave Darland are certainly due for a Chili Bowl victory! I'm glad neither claimed the prize this year, they were both driving Toyota powered machines.

-With Mopar's departure, Gary Stanton now builds Toyota engines. All of the Wilke-Pak cars were powered with Staton-built Toyotas.

-What's happened to Ed Pink?

-I learned a lot from talking to Evan Avant, crew chief for Bobby East. Among other things he told me about the new Ford/Chevy hybrid engine from Gaerte that was used in Jason Meyer's midget. It combines design aspects from a Ford and Chevy cylinder head and is a completely unique engine.

He also told me that the new Esslinger motor on the Klatt/Beast they've been running is essentially the same except for a reversed cylinder head. This allows the injector stacks to be located under the hood and more protected. The exhaust is more of the conventional style. Avant told me that they have three of the 'new' Esslinger motors now, and they should be made available to other teams this February.

-One of the weekend's big stories was Daryn Pittman losing his seat in the 21 Titan Garage Doors Car World of Outlaw car. I think Pittman will land on his feat with a new team and sponsor very soon.

-Damion Gardner learned first hand how difficult it is to win the Chili Bowl for a second time. Gardner had to use a Winner's Provisional to make the A Feature line-up Saturday night.

-We spent time again this year helping out Don Droud Jr. and car owner Bernie Stuebgen. Droud drove for Stuebgen last year as a single car effort. This year they brought in two more cars driven by Gary Wright and California driver Mike Spencer. All three cars made it to the first B main on Saturday, but none were able to advance.

It was still a lot of fun getting to help out a little bit, and feeling like we were part of a team. My thanks to Don and Bernie for allowing us to be a part of their weekend!

-I'll admit, I was a little conflicted. Both Droud's and Wright's entries for Stuebgen were Toyota powered. I figured if a Toyota had to win, I was hoping it was either one of those cars.

-Cody Brewer did have the best looking car this year. His vintage styled midget looked great and sounded angry with its custom exhaust.

-With the Chili Bowl's conclusion comes a long wait. The next race I'll see will be back in Oklahoma at the end of March for the ASCS National show at State Fair Speedway in Oklahoma City. Until then, keep checking in because Oval Operations is just getting started for 2009!

Chili Bowl Night #5

2009-01-19T11:11:00.003-06:00

Sammy Swindell won his unprecedented 5th Chili Bowl Nationals title, outrunning Tracy Hines and Brad Kuhn on Saturday night.

Championship Feature Results - 50 Laps

1. #1 Sammy Swindell, Germantown TN - Spike, Esslinger Ford
2. #21 Tracy Hines, Greenfield, IN - Spike, Chevy
3. #17 B Brad Kuhn, Avon IN - Beast, Toyota
4. #11 Jerry Coons Jr., Tucson, AZ - Spike, Toyota
5. #1J JJ Yeley, Phoenix, AZ - Spike, Toyota
6. #5 Dave Darland, Lincoln, IN - Spike, Toyota
7. #17 Chris Windom, Canton, IL - Bullet, Esslinger Ford
8. #71 Cole Whitt, Alpine, CA - Bullet, Toyota
9. #25 Steve Buckwalter, Royersford, PA - Stealth, Don Ott Chevy
10. #05 Brad Loyet, Sunset Hills, MO - Spike, Esslinger Ford
11. #37X Casey Shuman, Tempe, AZ - FSC, Esslinger Ford
12. #5* Gary Taylor, Sapulpa, OK - XXX, Hawk Australia
13. #05S John Stanbrough, Avon, IN - Spike, Esslinger Ford
14. #132 Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Olive Branch, MS - Spike, Esslinger Ford
15. #4 Bobby East, Brownsburg, IN - Beast, Esslinger Ford
16. #2A Thomas Meseraull, San Jose, CA - Spike, Esslinger Ford
17. #55 Donnie Ray Crawford, Tulsa, OK - XXX, Esslinger Ford
18. #05H Jesse Hockett, Warsaw, MO - Spike, Esslinger Ford
19. #2S Damion Gardner, Pittsboro, IN - Beast, Illmor Mopar
20. #21P Daryn Pittman, Owasso, OK - Spike, Esslinger Ford
21. #86 Justin Allgaier, Cornelius, NC - Spike, Esslinger Ford
22. #73 Josh Ford, Oxnard, CA - Ellis, Bob Wirth Fontana
23. #1S Shane Cottle, Kokomo, IN - Beast, Illmor
24. #20 Levi Jones, Olney, IL - Spike, Chevy
25. #8K Chad Kemenah, Alvada, OH - Maxim, Mopar

Back Home

2009-01-19T08:17:00.002-06:00

Chili Bowl 2009 has come and gone. I had a great time at this year's event! I will have reactions and photos from Joe Orth and Brandon Anderson posted later today.

Off to Tulsa...

2009-01-14T20:11:00.004-06:00

The computer stays home but Ye Ed is on the road to Tulsa bright and early tomorrow morning.

See ya Sunday!

Chili Bowl Note - Holliman Loses Engine

2009-01-14T08:32:00.004-06:00

Tadd Holliman, one of two Nebraska drivers in this year's Chili Bowl may not be able to compete.
In an email Holliman sent to "The Rest of the Dirt", he explained that during Monday's practice his motor expired.

Holliman is scheduled to qualify tonight and is searching for another seat. If Holliman isn't able to run, it will leave Don Droud Jr. as the only other Nebraskan in the field.

Chili Bowl Night #1

2009-01-14T08:02:00.004-06:00

(Photo-Hoseheads)

Tuesday's Chili Bowl program concluded in fine style as Avon, Indiana's Brad Kuhn passed Ricky Stenhouse Jr. on the final lap to win the first preliminary A feature.

A Feature Results - 25 Laps - Top 3 Advance to Saturday's Championship Feature

1. #17B - Brad Kuhn, Avon, IN - Beast, Toyota
2. #132 - Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Olive Branch, MS - Spike, Esslinger Ford
3. #25 - Steve Buckwalter, Royersford, PA - Stealth, Don Ott Chevy
4. #37X - Casey Shuman, Tempe, AZ - FSC, Esslinger Ford
5. #4 - Bobby East, Brownsburg, IN - Beast, Esslinger Ford
6. #8K - Chad Kemenah, Alvada, OH - Maxim, Mopar
7. #05L - Danny Lasoski, Higginsville, MO - Spike, Esslinger Ford
8. #5* - Gary Taylor, Sapulpa, OK - XXX, Hawk Australia
9. #71S - Mike Spencer, Temecula, CA - Spike, Ford
10. #11T - Terry McCarl, Altoona, IA - Spike, Toyota
11. #5D - Zach Daum, Pocahontas, IL - Eagle, Esslinger Ford
12. #82 - Mike Hess, Riverton, IL - Buzzard, Fontana Ford
13. #49JR - Bobby Michnowicz, Torrance, CA - TCR, Esslinger Ford
14. #24D - Daniel Robinson, Wayne City, IL - Spike, Esslinger Ford
15. #88 - Johnathon Henry, Stockton, CA - Ellis, Fontana
16. #7R - Paul McMahan, Nashville, TN - Bullet, Stanton Mopar
17. #55C - Caleb Armstrong, New Castle, IN - DRC, Stanton Mopar
18. #71R - Keith Rauch, Thornton, CO - Stealth, USA Ford
19. #17T - Justin Grant, Lone, CA - Spike, Esslinger Ford
20. #11X - Ricky Williams, Clinton, OH - DRC, Esslinger Ford
21. #39 - Kevin Swindell, Germantown, TN - Spike, Esslinger Ford
22. #67S - Brady Short, Bedford, IN - Bullet, Esslinger Ford
23. #89C - Cody Darrah, Red Lion, PA - Spike, Fontana
24. #39H - Hunter Schuerenberg, Sikeston, MO - Spike, Esslinger Ford

New Vs Old

2009-01-13T08:47:00.010-06:00

A This morning I was looking over Hoseheads Live featuring shots from Monday's Chili Bowl practice, when I noticed Sammy Swindell's car. It's a Spike Chassis with an Esslinger cookie cutter combination that's so prevalent these days.

I find nothing wrong with that. However I gotta ask why did they replace the traditional tail - the one holdover from when sprints and midgets were beautiful - with a...box?

On the other side of the coin is Cody Brewer's Chili Bowl special edition midget. Brewer isn't the first driver to run a retro car, but he has nailed the look about as well as anyone, complete with an Offy-influenced custom header.

I know, I'm trying to live in a past that I wasn't even around for, but there's no denying the beauty of a mid-60's open wheel race car.

Technical Note

In a related technical note, my buddy Matt Stelzer sent me his synopsis on Sammy's tail tank.

"I think the reason they did this is so that when a driver behind Sammy is trying to pass him on the bottom or top, and can't get around, the other driver will try to move him out of his way by trying to spin Sammy out. With a flat tank, its a lot harder to get some leverage on the flat bumper compared to a regular bumper to spin someone out. Personally I love the idea, and I'm surprised it took someone this long, especially at the Chili Bowl to try it out.

I'm also assuming the fuel tank is a huge black box fuel cell, with a carbon fiber or metal box around it. I really can't tell by the picture but they might need to un-zeus the top to pour fuel into it.

In mini-sprints the track (especially in the old days) was only on the bottom. People would move or "root" people out of the way if they couldn't get around them. That's why I have a flat bumper on my old mini-sprint."

It's good to have friends who are technically knowledgeable! Nicely done Matt!

Power In at Penske

2009-01-13T08:10:00.004-06:00

Curt Cavin of the Indianapolis Star reports that Australian driver Will Power will take Helio Castroneves' seat at Penske Racing.

Power joins fellow Australian Ryan Briscoe at Penske.

It's not clear how long the arrangement is set for, or what will happen if Castroneves becomes available to race in 2009.

Castroneves Out at Penske?

2009-01-12T14:16:00.007-06:00

Speed TV's Robin Miller thinks so. From the "Not Good" file comes word that Penske Racing is leading towards one of three possible candidates to replace Helio Castroneves in the seat of the number 3 IndyCar.

According to Miller, the candidates include Australian Will Power, Englishman Justin Wilson or American Ryan Hunter-Reay. If Miller is correct, the announcement should come sometime this week.

Castroneves' trial starts March 2nd.

It's a sad deal for both Castroneves and the IndyCar Series in general. With his "Dancing With the Stars" championship, Castroneves gave the ICS a much needed household name and face. Now that face is gone from the series and Castroneves is looking at some serious jail time if convicted.

I for one hope that Castroneves is found innocent of the charges and returns to racing IndyCars. However I'm afraid that's not going to happen.

Chili Bowl Webcast Available

2009-01-12T14:05:00.004-06:00

If you're not able to make the trip to Tulsa this year, you'll want to bookmark www.racinboys.com for all of their live Chili Bowl coverage.

They will webcast all five nights worth of racing. The Chili Bowl will not be available this year on Pay-Per View, but will be shown at a later date on Speed TV.