2002 archives

scroll down for the articles....they are in the same order as you see them here
*10-21-02- SHANNON BABB WINS 2002 WDTC
*10-13-02- 2002 UMP NATIONALS AT ELDORA
*Sept. 02 -AS THE WORLD 100 TURNS 32
                   Day 1-Shannon Babb quickest of 202 entries
                   Day 2- Brian Birkhofer Best of the Best in 2002
*June 02 --ELDORA DREAM REPORT
*05-06-02- STEVE HILLARD-"WINNING ISN'T EVERYTHING"
*05-03-02- SCORE ANOTHER WIN FOR DICK POTTS
*03-28-02- STARS AND BATTLE OF THE BLUEGRASS SERIES REACH AGREEMENT
 *03-07-02- YES, UMP DRIVERS, THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS
*February- TERRY YOUNG'S 2002 FLORIDA REPORT
*February- Inaugural season for BoB

THE BIG EVENT

There's a new DIRT TRACK WORLD CHAMPION in Illinois!!!!!!
By Smash

(10/21/02)The 22nd Annual Dirt Track World Championship produced a first time winner
and the globed trophy will be residing in Mowequa , Illinois at the shop of
Shannon Babb, The Mowequa Missile formerly known as The Decatur Invader! Babb
was clearly the class of the field all weekend completing the clean sweep by
recording fast time of the 124 cars on hand, winning his heat race and
leading the entire 100 laps in the A-Main to claim the $50,000 first place
prize in the biggest win of his career.

Babb took the checkers ahead of teammate and fellow Petroff Posse member
Billy Moyer as he drove his Rayburn chassis, Petroff Towing, B Auto Parts,
Watters Autoland, Car City, Platinum Motors, AFCO Racing Products, Pro Power
Engines, HOOSIER by Smash, Ringers Gloves #18 to the win in front of a
standing room only audience despite the cold weather and long day of racing
after the preliminary day was cancelled due to rain.

Babb started the day off by touring the track in 16.271 seconds to record the
fastest qualifying lap of the 124 cars in hand.

The first heat was all Babb as he went to the checkered ahead of fellow
Petroff Posse teammate Don O'Neal, Ray Cook, Johnny Wheeler and Jeep Van
Wormer.

The second heat was topped by Dale McDowell over Rick Corbin, Shawn
Negangard,  Derrick Rainey and Johnny Johnson.

The third heat was won by Dan Schlieper over Mark Barber, Ed Behn, Timmy
Yeager and Robert Hensley.

The fourth heat was captured by Steve Barnett over Whitney McQueary, Jerry
Rice, Billy Drake and Jesse Ley.

The fifth heat went to Billy Moyer over Scott Bloomquist, Randall Chupp,
Duane Chamberlain and Rodney Combs.

The sixth heat was won by Freddy Smith over Bob Pierce, Jim Curry, John Gill
and Scott James.

The seventh heat fell to Steve Landrum over Justin Fegers, #34j, Kevin Weaver
and David Smith.

The eighth heat was claimed by Mike Jewll over Steve Smith, #77, Clayton
Christenberry and #77??.

The ninth and final heat was won by Darrel Lanigan over Wendell Wallace,
Terry English, Jimmy Owens and C.J. Rayburn.

The first of three 20 lap consis was claimed by Ray Cook over Shawn Negangard.

The second consi was won by Randall Chupp over Jerry Rice.

The third consi was won by Kevin Weaver over Terry English.

Feature Results after 100 laps..(starting position in parenthesis)

1. (1) Shannon Babb
2. (5) Billy Moyer
3. (2) Dale McDowell
4. (6) Freddy Smith
5. (14) Scott Bloomquist
6. (10) Don O'Neal
7. (9) Darrel Lanigan
8. (19) Ray Cook
9. (11) Rick Corbin
10. (18) Wendell Wallace

AND MORE FROM KENTUCKY

TO:  All Press and Media Outlets (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

RE:  22nd Annual Dirt Track World Championship Race Story and Results

FROM:  Michael Despain-Bluegrass Speedway Media Contact

The “Babbster” Takes 22nd Annual DTWC Back to the Land of Lincoln from Bluegrass Speedway

BARDSTOWN, KY-October 20- Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, IL would lead all 100 laps to take the biggest win of his career by scoring the $50,000 to win 22nd Annual Dirt Track World Championship feature race victory at Bluegrass Speedway in front of the largest crowd in the history of the eight year facility.  It also marked the first time in the 22 year history of the DTWC that the feature event has been held at night under the lights and the race was also one of the richest one day events that has ever been contested on dirt.

          Babb and Dale McDowell would bring the stellar 26 car starting field to chief starter Brian Axsom’s green flag and Babb would immediately jump to the lead with McDowell, Dan Schlieper, Billy Moyer, and Freddy Smith.  Babb would motor away early on from the field as McDowell and Schlieper would wage war for second, while Moyer would watch this battle from fourth, with Smith hanging on to fifth.  Schlieper would drive by McDowell around lap 15 for second, while Scott Bloomquist was charging from his 14th starting spot and was up to seventh by lap 20 as he, Smith, Steve Barnett, Darrell Lanigan, and Don O’Neal sported the best battle on the track for several laps, until Bloomquist would win the battle for the sixth spot by lap 35.  Babb was entering heavy slower traffic at this point and Schlieper would close up on Babb, with Moyer now riding third right on the back bumper of Schlieper.  Babb would see Schlieper look beneath on three occasion between laps 35 and 41 until the only caution of the race waved as the field worked the 42nd circuit when Kevin Weaver rolled off the racing surface on the backchute and fire erupted under the hood of his mount, with track officials and crew members quick to extinguish the flames.  It would be around this point that the racing surface really started to rubber-up and it made for some interesting work in slower traffic for the race leaders.  Babb looked very poised as he guided his entry cleanly and smoothly around the ½ mile high-banked clay oval, while Schlieper was attempting to hold off the charges of Moyer for the runner-up slot.  As Babb held a steady pace out front, his “Petroff Posse” teammate Moyer would really turn the wick up on Schlieper around lap 80 and would drive around the outside of Schlieper with a powerful pass exiting turn four.  Moyer would then set his sights on Babb and with 2 laps had the race leader right in check.  Moyer would throw his entire bag of tricks at the youngster over the next 10 rounds, making the last 5 miles of the event very exciting.  Moyer would look under Babb exiting turn four on laps 93, 94, and 95, with Moyer getting alongside of Babb on lap 95, with the pair side by side at the start-finish line.  The lead duo would then close on Steve Smith and Babb would basically use Smith as a pick to put between himself and Moyer over the last four laps and would cruise into victory lane for his first DTWC victory and biggest win of his career in the Petroff Towing/Watters AutoLand/Car City Cars/B Auto Parts #18 C.J. Rayburn Race Car, Pro Power Race Engines/Hoosier Race Tires entry.  Moyer would take runner-up honors in the event, with McDowell grabbing third after Schlieper broke on the final lap.  Freddy Smith would take fourth, while Bloomquist would go home fifth after starting 14th.  Don O’Neal would head up the second five at the finish with a sixth, Darrell Lanigan would score a solid seventh, while eighth place finisher Ray Cook would be the big mover after winning a B-main and starting 19th.  Rick Corbin and 18th starter Wendell Wallace would complete the top ten.

          A total of 124 Late Models representing 18 states were on hand for the event with Babb fast qualifier among the 121 drivers who took times.  Nine heat race events were staged with Babb, McDowell, Schlieper, Steve Barnett, Moyer, Freddy Smith, Steve Landrum, Mike Jewell, and Lanigan all winning heats.  Cook, Randle Chupp, and Kevin Weaver were B-main winners, with Brad Neat being the track provisional and Eddie Carrier, Jr. getting the STARS BoB provisional.

          The Modified division would also be in action with 68 entries vying for the $2,000 to win top prize in their 30 laps portion of the DTWC weekend and when all was said and done, the driver better known as “The Rocketman”, Joey Kramer of Hanover, IN, had checked into victory lane once again this season as he was extremely impressive behind the wheel of the Dee Kramer owned Midwest Tube Mills Inc./KMI Competition Race Engines/AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants/G.B. Graphics #77 Lightning Chassis entry.  Earl Plessinger and Bluegrass Speedway Modified track champion Benji Lee would battle much of the event for second, with Plessinger winning the battle and relegating Lee to third.  Illinois visitor Don Kiker would wind up fourth after starting 22nd, with Robert Pyles completed the top five.  Rounding out the top ten were Denny Schwartz, 14th starting Jay Mobley, 18th starting Josh Lucas, 16th starter David Spille, and Kelly Warren.  The six heat race winners were Josh Ferguson, Pyles, Kramer, Joe Gray, Schwartz, and Warren, while Leonard Pierce and David Copley were B-main winners.

 

SUMMARY-Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, KY-October 20, 2002

Late Models (124 entries)

Top Qualifier- Shannon Babb

1st Heat- Shannon Babb, Don O’Neal, Ray Cook, Johnny Wheeler

2nd Heat- Dale McDowell, Rick Corbin, Shawn Negangard, David Powers

3rd Heat- Dan Schlieper, Mark Barber, Ed Behn, Timmy Yeager

4th Heat- Steve Barnett, Whitney McQueary, Jerry Rice, Billy Drake

5th Heat- Billy Moyer, Scott Bloomquist, Randle Chupp, Duane Chamberlain

6th Heat- Freddy Smith, Bob Pierce, Jim Curry, John Gill

7th Heat- Steve Landrum, Justin Fegers, John Whitney, Kevin Weaver

8th Heat- Mike Jewell, Steve Smith, Paul Benton, Clayton Christenberry

9th Heat- Darrell Lanigan, Wendell Wallace, Terry English, Jimmy Owens

1st B Main- Cook, Negangard, Wheeler, Behn, Yeager

2nd B Main- Chupp, Rice, Gill, Scott James, Jimmy Mars

3rd B Main- Weaver, English, Christenberry, Owens, C.J. Rayburn

STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Series Provisionals- Eddie Carrier, Jr.

Bluegrass Speedway Track Provisional (Track Champion)- Brad Neat

22nd Annual DTWC Feature- Babb, Moyer, McDowell, Freddy Smith, Bloomquist, O’Neal, Lanigan, Cook, Corbin, Wallace, Barnett, Pierce, McQueary, English, Steve Smith, Schlieper, Jewell, Rice, Neat, Fegers, Negangard, Carrier, Jr., Weaver, Barber, Landrum, Chupp

Modifieds (68 entries)

Top Qualifier- Randle Sweeney

1st Heat- Josh Ferguson, Earl Plessinger, Sweeney, David Adams

2nd Heat- Robert Pyles, Benji Lee, Jay Mobley, Leonard Pierce

3rd Heat- Joey Kramer, Eddie Carrier, Sr., Richard Harlow, Dan Hamstra

4th Heat- Joe Gray, Joe Mattingly, David Spille, Robbie Gullion

5th Heat- Denny Schwartz, Brandon Green, Danny Dean, Jason Underwood

6th Heat- Kelly Warren, Chuck Griffis, Josh Lucas, Don Kiker

1st B Main- Leonard Pierce, Dion Benningfield, David Adams, Clint Shutts, Jason Perry

2nd B Main- Copley, Kiker, Webb Howard, Steven Luracy, Terry Edwards

Feature- Kramer, Plessinger, Lee, Kiker, Pyles, Schwartz, Mobley, Lucas, Spille, Warren, Harlow, Ferguson, Griffis, Copley, Pierce, Green, Gray, Carrier, Sr., Adams, Mattingly, Benningfield, Sweeney, Dean, Howard

LEADING UP TO THE BIG DAY
 


Bluegrass Speedway To Host 22nd Annual Dirt Track World Championship
From: Michael Despain-Bluegrass Speedway Media Contact

Bardstown, KY-June 26, 2002- One of America’s most tradition-rich Dirt Late Model events is coming to Bluegrass Speedway as Carl Short and Bluegrass Speedway track promoters David and Anita Ferrell will present the 22nd Annual Dirt Track World Championship on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20 at the ½ mile high-banked dirt oval located just minutes outside of beautiful and historic Bardstown, KY.

“We are extremely honored to have Carl Short come to us and want our track to host one of the most tradition-ladened Dirt Late Model events in the United States”, commented Bluegrass Speedway track promoters David and Anita Ferrell. “We feel with our location and facilities, the drivers and fans will enjoy a very memorable and pleasant weekend of racing. We intend on working very closely with Mr. Short to try and make this edition of the DTWC the best ever, along with showcasing the wonderful community where our track is located”. The Dirt World Championship has been held for many years at the legendary Pennsboro Speedway in Pennsboro, West Virginia, with guest appearances for the event in the past also at West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, West Virginia and at the Thunder Ridge Entertainment Complex in Prestonsburg, KY. “We are extremely proud to get to be part of this event and want to build on the already great tradition of this event that has already been established by the fine citizens and race fans of the state of West Virginia”, stated track Media Contact Michael Despain.

The event will be the traditional 100 laps, with the winner taking home $50,000 for their efforts. The list of winners of the previous Dirt Track World Championship events reads as a list of who’s who in the Dirt Late Model racing industry, going back to the late Jim Dunn’s miraculous victory in the first event in 1981, to the late Jack Boggs three wins, multiple wins by Billy Moyer, Jr. and Ronnie Johnson, and, of course, Freddy Smith, who owns the most DTWC wins with five. Other DTWC winners include Charlie Swartz, John Mason, Donnie Moran, Marshall Green, Steve Francis, and Wendell Wallace. Second-generation racer Bart Hartman of Zanesville, OH is the defending Dirt Track World Championship event winner.

Activities for the weekend will see time trials and heats on Saturday, October 19 for the Late Models, with last chance and the 100 lap, $50,000 to win DTWC on Sunday, October 20. The Open-Wheel Modifieds will provide support division action for this event, with purse structure for the Modifieds to be announced. Also, more details concerning this great race in general will be released shortly.

The DTWC is the second highest paying to win Dirt Late Model race in the country, second only to the The Dream 100 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, OH. Former NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers Cale Yarborough, Rodney Combs, Jeff Purvis, and the late Neil Bonnett have all competed in past editions of this race.

(History credit to 220.com)
Dirt Track World Championship

Track(s): Pennsboro (WV) Speedway, 1981-1997; Thunder Ridge (KY) Raceway, 1998; West Virginia Motor Speedway, 1999-2000; Pennsboro Speedway, 2001; Bluegrass Speedway (KY), 2002.

Fast Facts: Another October classic. Promoted originally and currently by Carl Short, STARS sanctioned and promoted from 1986 to 1997.

Yearly Results:

Year Winner Second Third
2001 Bart Hartman Scott Bloomquist Chub Frank
2000 Wendell Wallace Brian Birkhofer Davey Johnson
1999 Steve Francis Wendell Wallace Donnie Moran
1998 Freddy Smith Dan Schlieper Billy Moyer
1997 Marshall Green Freddy Smith Todd Andrews
1996 Billy Moyer Rick Eckert Davey Johnson
1995 Jack Boggs Donnie Moran Larry Moore
1994 Ronnie Johnson Davey Johnson Freddy Smith
1993 Freddy Smith Chub Frank Jack Boggs
1992 Ronnie Johnson Freddy Smith Donnie Moran
1991 Freddy Smith Billy Moyer Rex Richey
1990 Jack Boggs Buck Simmons Freddy Smith
1989 John Mason Charlie Swartz Donnie Moran
1988 Donnie Moran Gary Stuhler Davey Johnson
1987 Larry Moore Freddy Smith Charlie Swartz
1986 Billy Moyer Willie Kraft Jeff Purvis
1985 Freddy Smith Dick Potts Rodney Combs
1984 Jack Boggs Larry Moore Rodney Franklin
1983 Freddy Smith Pat Patrick Rodney Combs
1982 Charlie Swartz Jerry Inmon John Mason
1981 Jim Dunn Rodney Combs Doug Kenimer

Complete Information About 22nd Annual Dirt Track World Championship at Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY
EVENT:  22nd Annual Dirt Track World Championship
WHEN:  Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, 2002
WHERE:  Bluegrass Speedway-Bardstown, Kentucky
TOTAL PURSE:  $160,000
LATE MODELS:  $50,000 to win (100 laps)
MODIFIEDS: $2,000 to win
WEB:  www.bluegrass-speedway.com

  DTWC LATE MODEL FEATURE PAYOFF:

1st-$50,000; 2nd-$10,000; 3rd-6,000; 4th- 4,000; 5th-3,000; 6th-2,500; 7th-2,400; 8th-2,350; 9th-2,300; 10th- 2,250; 11th-2,200; 12th-2,150; 13th-2,100; 14th-2,050; 15th-2,000; 16th-1,950; 17th-1,900; 18th-1,850; 19th-1,800; 20th-1,750; 21st-1,700; 22nd- 1,650; 23rd- 1,600; 24th-1,550; 25th-1,500; 26th-1,500

  DTWC LATE MODEL CONSY PAYOFFS:

1st-$100(transfer); 2nd-$100(transfer); 3rd-$1,000; 4th-800; 5th-600; 6th-500; 7th-400; 8th-300; 9th-275; 10th-250; 11th- 225; 12th-24th-$200

  MODIFIED FEATURE PAYOFF:

1st-$2,000; 2nd-$1,000; 3rd-700; 4th-500; 5th-450; 6th-350; 7th-300; 8th-275; 9th-250; 10th-225; 11th-215; 12th-200; 13th-190; 14th-180; 15th-170; 16th-160; 17th-150; 18th-140; 19th-130; 20th-120; 21st-110; 22nd-24th-$100

  *Reach Deep in your pocket and find a quarter.  Chances are you’ll be looking at the new Kentucky version released late last fall.

          If you find this version, you’ll be looking at an engraving of Kentucky’s best known historic icon, “My Old Kentucky Home” located in Bardtown, KY.  It inspired American songwriter Stephen Foster to write his most enduring romantic ballad “My Old Kentucky Home”.

          The Home…also known as Federal Hill Mansion, the composer and the quarter, are closely intertwined in this historically significant community.

          There are several other attractions in the area that may hold some interest to race fans…attractions like the Jim Beam Distillery, which is the number one bourbon producer in the world.  Also the Heaven Hill Distillery, where 17% of world’s supply of bourbon is stored.

DTWC SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Saturday, October 19- Gates open at 9:00 a.m.; Time Trials for Late Models begins at NOON; Heat races for Late Models will follow Late Model Time Trials; Heat races for Modifieds after the Late Model Heats

  Sunday, October 20- Gates open at 9:00; Racing starts at 1:00 with Last Chance consy races for the Late Models; Modified Last Chance consy races will then be next; Dirt Track World Championship for Late Models-100 laps/$50,000 to win; Modified Feature-$2,000 to win

TICKET INFORMATION:  SAVE $10 PER TICKET ON ADVANCE TICKET ORDERS!

General Ticket Ordering Information (All tickets will sold on a first come/first serve basis):

-Advance Adult 2-Day General Admission: $35 (add $10 day of race-$45)
-Advance 2-Day Pit Pass: $45 (add $10 day of race-$55)
-Advance Children Age 6-12: $10 (in advance or day of race)
-Children Under Age 6: FREE with a paid adult
Advance Tickets Sales Deadline:  October 10

ADDRESS TO SEND FOR YOUR ADVANCE TICKETS (Please include a self addressed stamped envelope) and mail to the following (please include how many you want of each kind of ticket):

DTWC (Dirt Track World Championship)
266 East Grubbs Lane
Danville, KY 40422-9503

-No Personal Checks:  Money Order of Cashiers Check ONLY.  Make payable to DTWC.  Allow ample time for mailing

 

OFFICIAL RACE ENTRY INFORMATION FOR DTWC-October 19-20, 2002

Pre-Entry Fees (Deadline to Pre-Enter is October 10):

-Late Models: $100 per car

-Modifieds: $25 per car

Entry Fees at the Gates:

-Late Models: $200 per car

-Modfieds: $50 per car

Advance 2-Day Pit Pass-$45; Pit Pass at the Gate-$55

-Mail your pre-entry to the following address:

DTWC (Dirt Track World Championship)
266 East Grubbs Lane
Danville, KY 40422-9503

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE FOLLOWING INDIVIDUALS:

-David and/or Anita Ferrell (Bluegrass Speedway Promoters): (859) 854-6922 or (859) 516 3754

-Carl Short (DTWC): (865) 945-3423

-Michael Despain (Bluegrass Speedway Media Contact): (270) 465-3380 or e-mail to the following:  dirttrackracing@hotmail.com

-Bluegrass Speedway (Racedays): (502) 349-1241

-Website:  www.bluegrass-speedway.com

 

  CARL SHORT’S DIRT TRACK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP:
The one that started it all-The Dirt Track World Championship!  In 1981, the Dirt Track World Championship paid $30,000 to win from a total purse of over $80,000.  At that time, this was double what had been paid on dirt before.  In 2002, the 22nd Annual Dirt Track World Championship will pay $50,000 to win from a purse that will exceed $160,000 and will be hosted for the first time ever by Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY-Central Kentucky’s Raceplace!

 

UMP Nationals Results from Eldora!

10/13/02: UMP (United Midwestern Promoters) National Championships


A SALUTE FROM SMASH

 MIKE MARLAR is a CLASS ACT! Congrats Jimmy Owens!

I just wanted to say what a class act Mike Marlar is and he showed that today by his actions at ELDORA SPEEDWAY, going into the event leading the chase for the $100,000 at the end of the rainbow and coming up just short of the elusive prize!

Many times actions speak louder than words, and if people were paying attention today Mike Marlar will reap the dividends by his actions at the world famous speedplant!

After coming up just short of the crown Mike walked what will probably be the longest walk of his career to the frontstretch and hugged Jimmy Owens and congratulated him and his crew!
A real act of sportsmanship.

I can't describe how impressed I was when Mike said that he wished Jimmy the best and that Jimmy drove hard all season long and worked hard to win the prize and that he deserved it because he did what he had to do and won not only the race but in the process also won the championship!

Mike, keep your head high pal, you will have many championships before you decide to call it quits! You have a bright future ahead of you!

And to Jimmy and his entire crew Congratulations, you guys never gave up and showed that quitters never win and winners never quit! 

Saturday Preliminary Results from ELDORA U.M.P. Nationals....

By Smash the Loud Pedal

62 late models and 124 modifieds rolled through the gates today at Earl and Berniece's ELDORA Speedway for the culmination of the 2002 U.M.P. points season and the crowning of the 2 year end point champions who will earn $100,000.00 for their years efforts.

The late models ran 6 heats with the top 3 from each transferring to the A-Main tomorrow. The final starting positions will be garnered by the top 2 in each consi along with the 2 fastest qualifiers who did not transfer through preliminary events.

The first heat was won by Jeep Van Wormer followed by Chuckie May and 2002 U.M.P. National Champion Terry English.

The second heat was won by Doug McCammon, retiring after tomorrows event, what a way to end the career Doug! Following Doug at the stripe were Brandon Kinzer and Darrel Lanigan who made a last lap pass on Ed Dixon to earn the final transfer spot and relegate Dixon to the consi's tomorrow.

The third heat was won by Bob Pierce over Kris Patterson and Duane Chamberlain.


The fourth heat was topped by Greg Johnson over Audie McWilliams and Ron Perrine, Jr. Don O'Neal who had ben running in second tagged the wall in turn 1 relegating Kevin Weaver from fourth to third in a transfer spot. Several laps later Weaver made contact in the same exact spot in Turn 1 and dropped back to 7th in the final tally.

The fifth heat seen Brian Ruhlman catch the checkers ahead of Jerry Rice and Rick DeLong.

The sixth and final heat was won by Steve Hillard over Hillard Miller and Aaron Scott to earn Hillard the pole starting position for tomorrows main event extravaganza!

Congratulations to all the heat winners, Terry English the 2002 National Champion and Good Luck to all in tomorrows final event of the season!!

SUMMARY
Late Models - 62 cars

Fast Time: Jeep VanWormer 16.089

Heat 1: Jeep VanWormer, Chuckie May, Terry English, Troy Cruse, Kevin Claycomb, Scott Knepley, Brett Sievert, Steve Maisel, Eddie Shickel, Matt Miller

Heat 2: Doug McCammon, Brandon Kinzer, Darrel Lanigan, Ed Dixon, Shane Yoder, Jayme Zidar, John Lawhorn, Dennis Roberson, Tony Albright, Vince Grondzki, Fred Wahl

Heat 3: Bob Pierce, Kris Patterson, Duane Chamberlain, Randy Woodling, John Rhoades, Scott Fisk, Mark Faust, Brent Kreke, Roger Brickler, Chad Oxley

Heat 4: Greg Johnson, Audie McWilliams, Ronnie Perrine, Jr., Ken Hahn, Gary Krug, Tracy Ellison, Kevin Weaver, Joe Wohlgamuth, Don O’Neal, Shawn Toczek

Heat 5: Brian Ruhlman, Jerry Rice, Rick DeLong, Tom Beam, Bill Hahn, Mike Ruble, Richie Hedrick, Joe Montaque, Butch Wildermuth, Marvin Schilling

Heat 6: Steve Hillard, Hillard Miller, Aaron Scott, Eddie Leviner, Wayne Maffett, Mark Voight, Dean Anderson, Jerry Bowersock

Chassis Challenge Race: Terry English, Mark Faust, Steve Hillard, Brett Sievert, Eddie Leviner, Richie Hedrick

Race of State Champions

Terry English (KY), Greg Johnson (MI), Don O’Neal (FL), Tony Albright (TN), Shane Yoder (OH), Mark Faust (IL), Brett Sievert (WI), Brian Shirley (Rookie)

B-Main 1: Don O’Neal, Shane Yoder, Ken Hahn, Jayme Zidar, Troy Cruse, Wayne Maffett, John Lawhorn, Gary Krug, Dennis Roberson, Tracy Ellison, Roger Brickler, Dean Anderson, Joe Wohlgamuth, Chad Oxley, Butch Wildermuth, Mark Voight

B-Main 2: Randy Woodling, Bill Hahn, Brent Kreke, Scott Knepley, Mark Faust, Brett Sievert, Mike Ruble, Joe Montaque, Marvin Schilling, Steve Maisel, John Rhoades, Scott Fisk

50-lap Main:

1)Brian Ruhlman 2)Bob Pierce 3)Greg Johnson 4)Jerry Rice 5)Darrel Lanigan 6)Steve Hillard 7)Doug McCammon 8)Don O’Neal 9)Brandon Kinzer 10)Terry English 11)Jeep VanWormer 12)Audie McWilliams 13)Ed Dixon 14)Aaron Scott 15)Kevin Weaver 16)Chuckie May 17)Hillard Miller 18)Ronnie Perrine, Jr. 19)Randy Woodling 20)Duane Chamberlain 21)Tom Beam 22)Kris Patterson 23)Rick DeLong 24)Tony Albright


Modifieds - 127 cars
Fast Time: Mike Marlar 18.111

Heat 1: Mike Marlar, Jimmy Westerfield, Randle Sweeney, Kyle Lough, Jeff Leka, Ed Roley, Matt Boknecht, Warren Shingleton, Jesse Bitterling, Steve Grotz, Patrick Krug, Ryan Thomas, John Gurley, Elvin Hershberger, Paul Bumgardner

Heat 2: Jimmy Owens, Chad Ogle, Shane Cottle, Matt Mevert, Brent Gladstetter, Dennis Wilson, Ron Dennis, Josh Scott, Mike Sweeney, Danny Schwartz, Rusty Griffaw, Mike Harrison, Shawn O’Connor, Carter Jones, Josh Belcher

Heat 3: Gary Richard, Brandon Maxwell, Jim Farris, Mike Steele, Dave Wheatley, Robbie Perkins, Ed Hounshell, Kelly Bowlby, Mark Voight, Scott Clippinger, Chris Ricket, Jerry Butler, David McWilliams, J.R. Ruefer, Casey Luedeke

Heat 4: Don O’Neal, Brett Mullins, Chad Kinder, Jeremy Luther, Mark Kowarsch, Chris Ullery, Trent Young, Jack Waldfogel, Matt Corliss, Russell Childress, Gabe Menser, Tom Bixler, Jr., Kenny Littrell, Rick Arms, Jimmy Crabtree`

Heat 5: Brian Ruhlman, George Aimone, Andy Holderman, Jerry Bowersock, Jim Shereck, Billy Palmer, Wayne Chinn, Rob Trent, Shane O’Connor, Rick DeLong, John Sheets, Kyle Cooper, David Flowers, Dave Pries, Brad McCloud, Troy Taylor

Heat 6: John Burdett, Rodney Kiker, Ray Walsh, Lance Dehm, Barney Craig, R.J. Gall, Cory Partin, Travis Shoulders, Kent Shoeck, Jim Dale, Lance Kobusch, Mike Neighbors, Tim Dalman, Brent Hole, Billy Collett

Heat 7: Davey Gantt, Mark Anderson, Tim O’Donnell, Rob Williams, Denny Schwartz, Aaron Jenkins, Mark Moore, Jim Warner, Jr., Kevin Cole, Chris Simon, Bub Patrick, Larry Dunn, Larry Kugel, John Eppers, Clint Shutis

Heat 8: Dustin Moore, Ron Perrine, Jr., Phil Johns, Dave Porth, Mike Brecht, Nick Rosselit, Bill Roy, Andy Smith, Brian Diveley, Stan Smith, Shawn Smith, Ronnie Rowland, Jerry Rutheford, David Booker

Chassis Challenge Race: Danny Schwartz, Mike Marlar, Chad Kinder, Jimmy Westerfield, Mike Hollifield, Rusty Griffaw, Chris Rickett, Matt Boknecht, Billy Palmer, Lance Dehm, Mike Sweeney, Jim Dale, Michael Steele, Jim Warner, Russell Childress, Troy Taylor

Race of State Champions: Jimmy Westerfield (KY), Jim Sherek (FL), Chad Kinder (IL), Brandon Maxwell (GA), John Sheets (MO), Matt Boknecht (IN), Dustin Moore (OH), Jim Dale (CAN) Brett Wyatt (TN), Billy Collett (MS)

B-Main 1: Randall Sweeney, Ray Walsh, Lance Dehm, Dave Porth, Mike Brecht, Chris Ullery, Jeremy Luther, Jim Dale, Jr., Trent Young, Dennis Wilson, Stan Smith, Matt Corliss, Bill Roy, Andy Smith, Cory Partin

B-Main 2: Tim O’Donnell, Shane Cottle, Dave Wheatley, Rob Williams, Jim Warner, Gabe Menser, Chris Rickett, Chris Simon, Scott Clippinger, Kelly Bowlby, Mark Moore, Robbie Perkins, Aaron Jenkins, Ed Hounshell

B-Main 3: Brent Gladstetter, Matt Mevert, Phil Johns, Nick Rosselit, Jim Farris, Josh Scott, Travis Shoulders, R. J. Gall, Brian Diveley, Danny Schwartz, Kent Schoeck, Mark Kowarsch, Jack Waldfogel, Barney Craig

B-Main 4: Kyle Lough, Jeff Leka, Jerry Bowersock, Wayne Chinn, John Sheets, Andy Holderman, Matt Boknecht, Shane O’Connor, Jesse Bitterling, Rick DeLong, Steve Grotz, Warren Shingleton, Ed Roley, Rob Trent, Bill Palmer

25-lap A Main

1)Jimmy Owens 2)Brian Ruhlman 3)Don O’Neal 4)Mike Marlar 5)John Burdett 6)Dustin Moore 7)Brandon Maxwell 8)Mark Anderson 9)Gary Richard 10)Ronnie Perrine, Jr. 11)Brett Mullins 12)Denny Schwartz 13)Chad Kinder 14)Rodney Kiker 15)Kyle Lough 16)Michael Steel 17)Tim O’Donnell 18)Brent Gladstetter 19)Jimmy Westerfield 20)Jim Shereck 21)George Aimone 22)Randall Sweeney 23)Trent Young
 

As the World 100 turns 32
Day 1-Shannon Babb quickest of 202 entries
Day 2- Brian Birkhofer Best of the Best in 2002
It's Birky, Bloomer, Babb, Pierce, and Schlieper

 

CLICK ON THE WEBSITE AND EXPLORE THE "BIG E"
IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE, YOU  HAVE MISSED AN EXPERIENCE.
www.eldoraspeedway.com


 

DIRT AMERICA WORLD 100 PREVIEW---www.dirtamerica.com/articles/sept1ar2.htm

REPORTS DIRECTLY FROM THE SPEEDWAY---www.eldoraspeedway.com/world100.html

TECH INSPECTION AT THE SPEEDWAY--www.eldoraspeedway.com/photos/techinworld100.html

THERE WILL BE REPORTS FROM  WRITERS AND PICS FROM PHOTOGRAPHERS
FOLLOWING  THE ACTION.

WHO KNOWS?? THERE MAY BE A RACENUT SIGHTING

World 100-Courtesy of 220 Racing News
Birkhofer on top at the 32nd World 100
ROSSBURG, Ohio (Sept. 7, 2002) -- Brian Birkhofer led only one lap of the 32nd annual World 100 and it was the lap that counted the most on Saturday night at Eldora Speedway.

Birkhofer, the up-and-coming driver from Muscatine, Iowa, won his first-career World 100 in exhilarating fashion, taking the lead from Scott Bloomquist on the final lap to win the sport’s biggest spectacle at the half-mile oval near Rossburg, Ohio.

Birkhofer, 30, drove the Daufeldt Transport/Seubert Calf Ranches MasterSbilt to victory lane for $35,000. Last Sunday, he picked up a win in the Sunoco American Late Model Series event at Eldora, which was used by many drivers as a tune-up for the World 100. The extra track time obviously paid off.

Shannon Babb, who set the fastest qualifying time among 202 cars on Friday night, took the lead from Bob Pierce early in the race.

Babb led until nearly halfway when Bloomquist got around for the lead after a restart. Birkhofer, who had moved up after starting in the middle of the field, also made the pass on Babb for second.

Bloomquist's lead evaporated in the closing laps and he finally lost the chance to repeat as World 100 champion when Birkhofer beat him down low in the fourth turn with the checkered flag waving.

Bloomquist finished second, followed by Babb, Pierce and Dan Schlieper.

Heat races earlier Saturday night were won by Babb, Dennis Erb Jr., John Gill, Randle Chupp, Schlieper and Pierce. Only the fastest 120 cars from Friday night’s two rounds of qualifying started a heat race.

Billy Moyer was a surprising onlooker for this year’s main event. The five-time race winner did not qualify for the main event Saturday. He had previously qualified for every World 100 event dating back to the 1986 race.

Also left out of the feature action were former World 100 champions Donnie Moran, Mike Duvall and Randy Boggs. Moran, along with Moyer, had combined to win nine of the previous 13 World 100 events held. Moran last missed the feature in 1999. Other notables who failed to make the field were Chub Frank, Mike Balzano, Rick Eckert, Terry Phillips, Jimmy Mars and Rick Aukland.

32nd World 100
Order of finish showing finishing position, (starting position), car no., driver and hometown:
1. (15) 15B, Brian Birkhofer Muscatine, Iowa
2. (8) 0, Scott Bloomquist Mooresburg, Tenn.
3. (6) 18, Shannon Babb Decatur, Ill.
4. (1) 32, Bob Pierce Oakwood, Ill.
5. (5) S9, Dan Schlieper Pewaukee, Wis.
6. (22) 29, Darrell Lanigan Union, Ky.
7. (7) 23J, Greg Johnson Edinburgh, Ind.
8. (3) 75, John Gill Mitchell, Ind.
9. (12) 71, Don O'Neal Martinsville, Ind.
10. (17) B12, Kevin Weaver Gibson City, Ill.
11. (23) 18, Brandon Kinzer Allen, Ky.
12. (24) 166, Joe Izzo Chicago, Ill.
13. (14) 1, Steve Francis Ashland, Ky.
14. (2) 28, Dennis Erb Jr. Carpentersville, Ill.
15. (10) 11, Brian Ruhlman Maumee, Ohio
16. (19) 8, Shane Yoder Maumee, Ohio
17. (21) 71C, R.J. Conley Wheelersburg, Ohio
18. (13) 6M, Wendell Wallace Batesville, Ark.
19. (4) 114, Randle Chupp Charlotte, N.C.
20. (16) 68, Tim Hitt Weston, W.Va.
21. (18) 17M, Dale McDowell Rossville, Ga.
22. (11) 31, Skip Arp Georgetown, Tenn.
23. (9) 83, Scott James, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
24. (20) 0, Kris Patterson St. Johns, Mich.

DAY ONE-QUALIFYING
By Mike Sullivan (Pal U)
 

World 100 Friday Night Notes...

Coming to you live from the official host motel of the PAL-U crew, here’s a quick recap of night 1 of the World 100.


Davey Johnson was the first car on the track to lead out round one of hot laps. Before the end of the first group, Earl’s house blew dust. Juice was the fastest of the first group.

Freddy Smith was the best of group two as young Wes Steidenger scraped the wall.

O’Neal, Gill, Barnett (in a Rayburn), Scott Sexton (in the MasterSbilt house ride) and Jesse James Lay headlined group three. Gill scared the back stretch wall as Sexton looked quick with O’Neal.

Hartman, Jewell, Eckert, Cook, Francis and Wallace were the names in group four. The Rocket boys ran in a draft with Beevo the fastest of the group.

Lanigan and Miller were the best of group five. Casebolt rolled out a Rayburn for the World as well.

Chub, Chupp and Allgaier rolled out in group six. Allgaier rode sideways when Chub went under. Randy Boggs slowed with smoke.

Moyer, Babb, Erb and McDowell were in the next pack. Moyer’s tight Rayburn allowed Babb under with ease. McDowell wasn’t too impressive.

Birky, Hillard, Drake, Mason, Moran (in a Rayburn) and Greg Johnson came out in group eight. Moran ran the hub while Hillard (with new crew chief Del “Delbo” Bohle) went to the rim.

Hitt, James and Balzano were in the 9th session. James was fast on the bottom while the Hitt-man looked the fastest.

Session 10 was full of excitement as Bloomquist, Phillips, Arp and Mars joined in. Yang was quite fast passing cars at will. When an attempted slider on Tim Throop in four didn’t take, Bloomquist went spinning and to the pits with body damage. When Rowe was pulled by the front chute on the hook, he was met with an ovation.

The final session saw Pierce, Izzo, Darren Miller, Jeep, Korte and McCammon. All looked pretty quick as Pierce went to the hub.

Rick Aukland missed hot laps all together by not being in line.

Larry Piclkeheimer was the first of the 202 to take time on a very slow and dusty track that only saw a 20 second lap.

Mike Duvall was quick early with a 18.8.

Kevin Claycomb then lowered the mark with a 18.6

Dan Schlieper then pulled out a 18.5.

Following a break (as you’ll notice) John Gill rolled around with a 18.2 in crowd pleasing fashion.

Scott Sexton bumped the turn 3 wall for a 18.7

O’Neal’s straight line rolled him in 7th thus far.

Wendell Wallace heated his tires right out of the chute for a 5th quick time.

Following a break after Francis’ 18.8, Aaron Scott clicked off a 18.4 for 4th quick.

Darrell Lanigan skimmed the wall in three and turned in a 18.3 for 2nd quick.

Two cars later, Matt Miller reeled off a 18.2 that was .002 faster than Gill to take over fast time honors.

Justin Allgaier’s flashy 19 second lap was followed by Babb’s 4th quick 18.333.

After another break, Dennis Erb clicked off an 18.3 good for 6th quick.

Billy Moyer timed in 110th in line with a 18.3.

Dale McDowell drove his unit hard and swatted the wall but still came up with a 18.8.

Duayne Hommell came out next with a 18.4.

Donnie Moran ran low in three and high in four to time it with a 18.4

Two cars later Timmy Hitt’s 18.330 was good for 4th.

A little further down the line Brian Birkhofer bumped all but two back one notch with a 3rd quick 18.2.

As Bloomquist and crew make their way to the line, the Dust Buster, Dustin Neat, clicks off a 18.7 to put one of my home boys safely in the heats.

Bloomquist comes out #159 to pull off a 3rd quick 18.251.

After the final break to let cars cross the track, things really got interesting…

The first car after the break, Randy Korte lowers Miller’s mark by 2 tenths for fast time.

3 cars later, Bob Pierce rocked the house with a 17.7 for fast time.

Joey Izzo comes out the very nextcar to take third making the end of round 1 an Illinois sweep of the top 3 spots.

In round two, Dennis Potridge was the first qualifier.

Times begin to pick up with Moyer’s 18.2.

Moran then goes 18.3.

After a break, Jeep Van Wormer spins the clocks for a 18.059, good for 2nd quick.

Two cars later, young Wes Steidenger clicks off a 17.8 making everyone take one step back.

Matt Miller then lowers his time to 18.1 for 5th quick.

O’Neal comes out 31st in line and pulls off a 17.9 to be 3rd quick thus far.

Scott James’ 18.04 was good for 4th quick but later dropped off.

Shannon Babb pulled out and clicked off a lap that looked identical to O’Neal’s. When the checkered fell on his attempt, Babb was sitting atop the field with a 17.537.

After Babb, Korte again produced with a 17.8.

One car later, Brian Birkhofer reminded everyone he was here to play with a 17.6 good for 2nd fast.

Two cars later, Bloomquist became 2nd fast with a 17.6 that was .002 faster than Birky.

Times continued to fall as the field began to dip lower on the track.

When all was said and done, the Babbster stood on the stage to draw for the inversion. When the pill was pulled a number four will put the fastest six on the outside of row two for Saturday’s action.


So far things have been pretty quiet this year. With the drop in cars from the normal 230-240, there is less of a rush. There also hasn’t been a lot of controversy. Bloomquist’s hot lap mishap turned heads but was all contained.

One day down and one to go for this World 100. Tomorrow hopefully Ma Bell will be cooperative and we’ll have play by play for everyone to enjoy. Until then, we’ll be enjoying the pinch and avoiding the toilet water… and rollin’ em around!

DAY TWO-WORLD 100

Heat One
1. Greg Johnson
2. Wendell Wallace
3. Kris Patterson
4. Shannon Babb
5. Mike Balzano
6. Rick Aukland
7. Duane Chamberlain
8. Steve Lance, Jr.
9. Chuckie May
10. Donnie Moran
11. James Huff
12. Chub Frank
13. Jeff Kohn
14. Troy Cruse
15. John Mason
16. Audie McWilliams
17. Barry Bragdon
18. AJ Johnson
19. Justin Algaier
20. Jr. Shickel
Heat Two
1. Brandon Kinzer
2. Dan Schlieper
3. Randy Korte
4. Scott Bloomquist
5. Steve Francis
6. Shawn Negengard
7. Steve Hillard
8. George Lindsey
9. Justin Paxton
10. Mark Barber
11. Billy Ogle, Jr.
12. Delmas Conley
13. Kevin Claycomb
14. Terry English
15. Jerry Rice
16. Jay Johnson
17. Rusty Schlink
18. Chris Carlson
19. Joe Montague
20. Joe Ross, Jr.
Heat Three
1. Scott James
2. Randle Chupp
3. Darrell Lanigan
4. Brian Birkhofer
5. Rod Conley
6. Terry Philips
7. Joe Izzo
8. Earl Pearson, Jr.
9. Chad Lyle
10. Mike Duvall
11. Steve Shaver
12. Dwayne Hommel
13. Dustin Neat
14. Curt Spalding
15. Kelly Boen
16. Steve Smith
17. Doug Ault
18. Brandon Green
19. Nick Marolf
20. Brad Neat
Heat Four
1. Brian Ruhlman
2. John Gill
3. Ivedent Lloyd, Jr.
4. Shane Yoder
5. Jason Feger
6. Tim Hitt
7. Ray Cook
8. Darren Miller
9. Bobby Lanter
10. Keith Berner
11. Mike Jewell
12. Davey Johnson
13. Aaron Bapst
14. Freddy Smith
15. Jason Montgomery
16. Earl Smith
17. Mike Walker
18. Craig Scott
19. Jerry Bowersock
20. Randle Sweeney
Heat Five
1. Jeep VanWormer
2. Dennis Erb
3. Wes Steidenger, Jr.
4. Skip Arp
5. Booper Bare
6. R.J. Conley
7. Jesse James Lay
8. Billy Moyer
9. Billy Drake
10. Kevin Weaver
11. Aaron Scott
12. Jimmy Mars
13. C.J. Rayburn
14. Barry Doss
15. Mike Collins
16. Hillard Miller
17. Randy Boggs
18. Eddie Carrier, Jr.
19. Mike Hawley
20. Matt Furman
Heat Six
1. Dale McDowell
2. Bob Pohlman
3. Don O'Neal
4. Bob Pierce
5. Bart Hartman
6. Matt Miller
7. Steve Barnett
8. Rick Eckert
9. Gary Stuhler
10. Shawn Toczek
11. Ryan Dauber
12. Tom Beam
13. Steve Casebolt, Jr.
14. Scott Sexton
15. Paul Harris
16. Richie Hedrick
17. Reese O'Conner
18. John Rhoades
19. Zac Davis
20. Mark Faust

SATURDAY NIGHT

The top 3 finishers in each heat race go straight to the WORLD 100 feature event. Drivers finishing in positions 4th - 7th go to the last chance race. The top 4 finishers in the last chance race go to the tail of the WORLD 100. The top two qualifiers who fail to make feature field in preliminary action automatically receive a starting spot in the WORLD 100.

[live updates]: Heat race finishes are as follows:

Heat 1: Shannon Babb, Greg Johnson, Wendell Wallace, Kris Patterson, Mike Balzano, Duane Chamberlain, Chub Frank, Donnie Moran, Chuckie May, John Mason, Troy Cruse, James Huff, Jeff Kohn, A. Joe Johnson, Justin Allgaier, Barry Bragdon, Jr. Shickel, Audie McWilliams, Steve Lance Jr., Rick Aukland

Heat 2: Dan Schlieper, Scott Bloomquist, Steve Francis, Brandon Kinzer, Shawn Negangard, Randy Korte, Steve Hillard, Kevin Claycomb, Terry English, Delmas Conley, Justin Paxton, George Lindsey, Joe Ross Jr., Chris Carlson, Billy Ogle Jr., Jay Johnson, Rusty Schlenk, Joe Montague, Jerry Rice, Mark Barber

Heat 3: Randle Chupp, Scott James, Brian Birkhofer, Darrell Lanigan, Joe Izzo, Chad Lyle, Dustin Neat, Dwayne Hommel, Mike Duvall, Earl Pearson, Jr., Curt Spalding, Steve Shaver, Brad Neat, Doug Ault, Nick Marolf, Rod Conley, Brandon Green, Terry Phillips, Kelly Boen, Steve Smith

Heat 4: John Gill, Brian Ruhlman, Tim Hitt, Ray Cook, Darren Miller Shane Yoder, Bobby Lanter, Jason Feger, Freddy Smith, Davey Johnson, Keith Berner, Aaron Bapst, Jerry Bowersock, Jason Montgomery, Mike Walker, Earl Smith, Craig Scott, Ivedent Lloyd, Jr., Randle Sweeney, Jackie Boggs

Heat 5: Dennis Erb, Skip Arp, Kevin Weaver, R.J. Conley, Billy Moyer, Booper Bare, Aaron Scott, Wes Steidinger, Jr., Jeep VanWormer, C.J. Rayburn, Billy Drake, Jimmy Mars, Eddie Carrier Jr., Mike Hawley, Matt Furman, Hillard Miller, Mike Collins, Barry Doss, Randy Boggs, Jesse James Lay

Heat 6: Bob Pierce, Don O'Neal, Dale McDowell, Matt Miller, Bart Hartman, Steve Barnett, Rick Eckert, Scott Sexton, Bob Pohlman, Ryan Dauber, Steve Casebolt, Jr., Mark Faust, Tom Beam, Paul Harris, Reece O'Connor, John Rhoades, Zac Davis, Richie Hedrick, Gary Shuhler, Shawn Toczek

Last Chance Race: R.J. Conley, Darrell Lanigan, Brandon Kinzer, and Joey Izzo have transfered through the last chance race and will go to the WORLD 100

THE BIG E
HOME OF THE DREAM
Well, Racenut was at the Dream, but it looks like he has little to do in the way of posting results....thank you Jack Taylor

For the 'play by play'  by PAL-U  --  be sure to go to the bottom of the page
Final results from 
Eldora Dream 2002

A Main results