For Immediate Release:

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series PR

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Wraps Up Successful Season with Championship Awards Banquet

ORLANDO, FL--The 2005 edition of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series wrapped up a successful campaign with their awards banquet on Thursday Night, December 1^st at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, FL.  With a packed room on hand Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Announcer and Emcee for the festivities James Essex along with Series Director, Spencer Wilson honored those who made the season one of the best in all of dirt late model racing. 

Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL was crowned the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion earning $30,000 in point fund money.  Pearson also captured the Oval Craft Fast Time Award. Pearson competed in all 32 events held this season earning two wins (at Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL and West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, WV) to go along with 14 top five finishes and 24 top 10 finishes to earn the title by 65 points over Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN. Pearson was behind the wheel of the Dunn-Benson Ford Motorsports Team owned by Championship Car Owners Carlton and Kemp Lamm and crew chiefed by Frankie Averitt.

O'Neal led the series in wins with seven and earned $22,000 in point fund money along with the Weld Wheels Hard Charger of the Year Award.   Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH was third in points earning an $18,000 point fund check.  Moran led the series in money earned and he had more second place finishes than any other driver with eight.  Moran also captured three series events along the way.  Matt Miller of Waterville, OH earned two series wins and a fourth place finish in the final points earning $16,000 for that accomplishment.  Miller was the only driver to finish at least once in every top ten finishing position this season.  He was also second in top 10 finishes to Pearson as he accumulated 22 top ten finishes this year.  Rounding out the top five in points was Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN who earned $15,000 in point fund money to go along with capturing the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Award and a $10,000 check.  James also took home the VP Racing Fuels Heat Race Winner Awards.

The rest of the top ten in the final 2005 series points were also honored with Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN earning $14,000 for his sixth place finish in points followed by Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV taking home $13,000 for seventh place in points and an additional $6,000 for second place in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year Standings.  Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL finished eighth in points and a check for $12,000 followed by Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA who brought home $11,000 for ninth and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI with checks for $10,000 in point fund money and $4,000 for third place in the Rookie of the Year standings.

MasterSbilt Race Cars of Crothersville, IN was honored for being named Chassis Builder of the Year for the series.  MasterSbilt claimed the top three in points and five of the top ten in the final overall point standings.  Keith and Tader Masters were on hand for the presentation to accept the award.  Also the entire staff of the series was thanked along with Series Sponsors and the Track Promoters who held events in 2005.  The Chris Francis Achievement Award from C.J. Rayburn Race Cars was presented to Carlton Lamm for his years in dedication to the sport of Late Model racing.

Lucas Oil Late Model Executive Vice President, Bob Patison also spoke on the State of the Series. Patison said the 2006 points fund will go to $200,000 with the champion receiving $40,000.  The top ten in points who are each event will get $600 in winners circle money in '06.  Patison thanked all of staff, series sponsors, race tracks and fans for making 2005 a successful season and announced there will be a limited compound series tire rule next season.

The 2005 version of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be one to remember with the series leading the way over other national and regional series.  The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series averaged 54 cars per event, had the highest car count with 117, number of different winners with 20 and number of participating drivers with 608 different drivers racing at least once with the series this year.  The drivers who competed in the 2005 edition of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series raced for purses in excess of $1.3 million dollars

It was also announced that the 2006 racing season will begin on Friday Night, February 3^rd at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, GA with a $10,000 to win event.  Then the series will return to East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, FL for six consecutive nights of racing during the Winternationals, February 6^th -11^th. 

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors

Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

VP Racing Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

Hoosier Race Tires – “Official Race Tire of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors include:  Lucas Oil Products, Arizona Sports Shirts, VP Racing Fuels, Oval Craft, COMP Cams, Hoosier Racing Tires, PPM, AFCO, Design 500, BERT, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, American Race Tire, Real Wheels, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Weld Racing Wheels, Trailer Parts & Sales, On The Edge Graphics, Cruise With The Champions and All-Star Performance

For Immediate Release:

James Essex – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series PR

Earl Pearson, Jr. is the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series recently completed a successful 2005 Season as Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL is the Series Points Champion edging out Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN by 65 points to claim the Championship.  In what turned out to be an ultra-competitive season, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned 32 events in 16 states with 20 different winners as 608 drivers participated at least once with the series.  The series averaged 54.6 cars per event in a calendar season that stretched from Florida in February to Kentucky at the end of October.

The 33 year old Pearson captured his second consecutive National Title in Dirt Late Model racing as he drove the Carlton and Kemp Lamm owned number 1 to two series wins, 14 top five finishes and 24 top ten finishes.  Pearson also tied with O'Neal and Donnie Moran for most Oval Craft Fast Time awards with five.  The Dunn-Benson Ford Motorsports team is led by crew chief Frankie Averitt and crew members Matt Langston and Jackie Morris.  The "Hurricane" as he is nicknamed has sponsorship from Lucas Oil, Dunn-Benson Ford, Larry Wallace Racing Engines, Sunoco Race Fuels, MasterSbilt Race Cars, All-Star Performance, K&N Filters, Bert, AFCO, Butlerbuilt, Cizmar, Comp Cams, CP Pistons, CV Products, Moroso, SHY Suspensions, Simpson, Stealth Carburetors, Jones Racing Products, Stuckey Enterprises, T&D Rockers, Goodyear, Tiger Rear Ends, Unifirst, Weld Wheels, Wilwood, Woodward, Hyperco, ATL Fuel Cells, Oval Craft, TWM, Pit-Gear, Sticker Boy, Rick Schwallie Photography, Panther Motorsports Design, ASI Racewear, Bad-Ass Diecast and WD Enterprises.

Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN finished second in the final 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series point standings.  O'Neal led the points for most of the season, but came into Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway on October 29 trailing Pearson by 55 points on the final points night of the season.  O'Neal started 12th and by the 17th lap was up to the lead until a flat tire derailed his chances for the win and title as they disappeared at the same time.  O'Neal led the series in wins with seven, tied for the most Oval Craft Fast times with Pearson and Donnie Moran with five and was the Weld Wheels Hard Charger of the Year.  O'Neal scored 15 top five finishes this year on the series tour to go along with 19 top ten finishes and was second on the money winning list behind Donnie Moran.

Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH finished third in points.  Moran scored three wins on the series tour in '05, which included the 7^th Annual Masters at Cedar Lake Speedway and the 17^th Annual Pittsburgher 100 at Pennsylvania Motor Speedway,  and had an incredible eight second place finishes this season.  Moran had 12 top five finishes and 17 top ten's and tied for the Oval Craft Fast Time Award with five top qualifying efforts.  Moran was the leading money winner on the circuit in 2005.

Matt Miller of Dresden, OH was fourth in the final series standings for 2005.  Miller recorded two wins during the season, with 11 top five's and 22 top ten finishes.  Miller was in line to win two more races this year (Brownstown and Pittsburgh) until flat tires ended his chances while he was leading those events.

Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN finished fifth in the points standings and that also was high enough to clinch the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" honors.  James had one series win this year at Farley Speedway, five top five finishes and 13 top ten finishes to claim the fifth spot in points.

Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN would claim the sixth position in the points as the veteran driver would claim one top five finish and eight top tens. 

Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV was seventh in points and he also claimed the runner-up spot in the "Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year" chase.  Dohm had two top five finishes with the series in '05 and eight top tens. 

Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL would finish eighth in points as a late season spurt put him safely into the top ten.  Miller had four top fives and seven top tens with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series this season. 

Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA finished in ninth claiming two wins this season along with nine top fives and ten top tens to highlight his season with the series and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI would round out the top ten and take third in the final "Rookie of the Year" standings.  Smith had four top five finishes and eight top tens with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in '05.

With 20 different drivers scoring wins on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series this year one would never know from week to week who was going to win one a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Don O'Neal's early hot streak netted him as the season long Points Leader as he took a Series leading seven wins, Donnie Moran had three victories and two wins apiece were picked up by Earl Pearson, Jr. Matt Miller, Brian Birkhofer and Terry English.

Other drivers who entered victory circle in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series competition in 2005 included: Tim McCreadie, Steve Shaver, Steve Francis, Jackie Boggs, Scott James, Jimmy Mars, Rick Eckert, Steve Casebolt, Jr., Robbie Scott, Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, Bart Hartman, Shannon Babb and Randy Korte.

MasterSbilt Race Cars based in Crothersville, IN captured the Chassis Manufacturers Title with the top three in the final points driving MasterSbilt Chassis and they also took five of the top 10 in points.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series received a tremendous amount of exposure this season as 13 of the events will air on ESPN2 which is currently seen in 90 million households nationwide.  Also the series broadcast events live over the internet as VP Racing Fuels presented the series at www.RaceTalkLive.com to millions of potentional listeners worldwide.

The final celebration of the 2005 season for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will take place on Thursday Night, December 1 as the Series will present its Awards Banquet in Orlando, FL at the Wyndham Orlando Resort during the annual PRI show. 

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors

Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

VP Racing Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

Hoosier Race Tires – “Official Race Tire of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors include:  Lucas Oil Products, Arizona Sports Shirts, VP Racing Fuels, Oval Craft, COMP Cams, Hoosier Racing Tires, PPM, AFCO, Design 500, BERT, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, American Race Tire, Real Wheels, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Weld Racing Wheels, Trailer Parts & Sales, On The Edge Graphics, Cruise With The Champions and All-Star Performance

For Immediate Release:

James Essex – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series PR

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Awards Banquet Set For December 1^st in Orlando 

The 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Awards Banquet will be held during the 18^th Annual PRI Show in Orlando, FL on Thursday Night, December 1^st.   The celebration of the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 1^st Season will take place at the Wyndham Hotel and Resort located at 8001 International Drive in Orlando.  The reception will begin at 6:30 pm, with dinner at 7 pm followed by the Awards Presentation at 8 pm. 

Earl Pearson, Jr. will be honored as the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion along with the rest of the top 10 drivers from 2005 including: Don O'Neal, Donnie Moran, Matt Miller, Scott James, Freddy Smith, Tim Dohm, Darren Miller, Brian Birkhofer and Brady Smith.  Also the top three in the "Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year' honors include 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year - Scott James along with Tim Dohm and Brady Smith.

Other special awards to be handed out include the 2005 Chassis Builders Challenge to MasterSbilt Race Cars.  The Weld Wheels Hard Charger Award will go to Don O'Neal, the VP Fuels Makin' Power Heat Race Award will go to Scott James and the Oval Craft Fast Time Awards will go to Earl Pearson, Jr.

Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling Rick Schwallie at (859) 215-0389.

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or www.naradirtcar.com or contact the Series Office at (859) 271-4501.

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors

Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

VP Racing Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

Hoosier Race Tires – “Official Race Tire of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series” 

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors include:  Lucas Oil Products, Arizona Sports Shirts, VP Racing Fuels, Oval Craft, COMP Cams, Hoosier Racing Tires, PPM, AFCO, Design 500, BERT, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, American Race Tire, Real Wheels, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Weld Racing Wheels, Trailer Parts & Sales, On The Edge Graphics, Cruise With The Champions and All-Star Performance.

For Immediate Release:

James Essex – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series PR

Earl Pearson, Jr. is the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series recently completed a successful 2005 Season as Earl Pearson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL is the Series Points Champion edging out Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN by 65 points to claim the Championship.  In what turned out to be an ultra-competitive season, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series sanctioned 32 events in 16 states with 20 different winners as 608 drivers participated at least once with the series.  The series averaged 54.6 cars per event in a calendar season that stretched from Florida in February to Kentucky at the end of October.

The 33 year old Pearson captured his second consecutive National Title in Dirt Late Model racing as he drove the Carlton and Kemp Lamm owned number 1 to two series wins, 14 top five finishes and 24 top ten finishes.  Pearson also tied with O'Neal and Donnie Moran for most Oval Craft Fast Time awards with five.  The Dunn-Benson Ford Motorsports team is led by crew chief Frankie Averitt and crew members Matt Langston and Jackie Morris.  The "Hurricane" as he is nicknamed has sponsorship from Lucas Oil, Dunn-Benson Ford, Larry Wallace Racing Engines, Sunoco Race Fuels, MasterSbilt Race Cars, All-Star Performance, K&N Filters, Bert, AFCO, Butlerbuilt, Cizmar, Comp Cams, CP Pistons, CV Products, Moroso, SHY Suspensions, Simpson, Stealth Carburetors, Jones Racing Products, Stuckey Enterprises, T&D Rockers, Goodyear, Tiger Rear Ends, Unifirst, Weld Wheels, Wilwood, Woodward, Hyperco, ATL Fuel Cells, Oval Craft, TWM, Pit-Gear, Sticker Boy, Rick Schwallie Photography, Panther Motorsports Design, ASI Racewear, Bad-Ass Diecast and WD Enterprises.

Don O'Neal of Martinsville, IN finished second in the final 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series point standings.  O'Neal led the points for most of the season, but came into Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway on October 29 trailing Pearson by 55 points on the final points night of the season.  O'Neal started 12th and by the 17th lap was up to the lead until a flat tire derailed his chances for the win and title as they disappeared at the same time.  O'Neal led the series in wins with seven, tied for the most Oval Craft Fast times with Pearson and Donnie Moran with five and was the Weld Wheels Hard Charger of the Year.  O'Neal scored 15 top five finishes this year on the series tour to go along with 19 top ten finishes and was second on the money winning list behind Donnie Moran.

Donnie Moran of Dresden, OH finished third in points.  Moran scored three wins on the series tour in '05, which included the 7^th Annual Masters at Cedar Lake Speedway and the 17^th Annual Pittsburgher 100 at Pennsylvania Motor Speedway,  and had an incredible eight second place finishes this season.  Moran had 12 top five finishes and 17 top ten's and tied for the Oval Craft Fast Time Award with five top qualifying efforts.  Moran was the leading money winner on the circuit in 2005.

Matt Miller of Dresden, OH was fourth in the final series standings for 2005.  Miller recorded two wins during the season, with 11 top five's and 22 top ten finishes.  Miller was in line to win two more races this year (Brownstown and Pittsburgh) until flat tires ended his chances while he was leading those events.

Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN finished fifth in the points standings and that also was high enough to clinch the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series "Rookie of the Year" honors.  James had one series win this year at Farley Speedway, five top five finishes and 13 top ten finishes to claim the fifth spot in points.

Freddy Smith of Seymour, TN would claim the sixth position in the points as the veteran driver would claim one top five finish and eight top tens. 

Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, WV was seventh in points and he also claimed the runner-up spot in the "Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year" chase.  Dohm had two top five finishes with the series in '05 and eight top tens. 

Darren Miller of Chadwick, IL would finish eighth in points as a late season spurt put him safely into the top ten.  Miller had four top fives and seven top tens with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series this season. 

Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, IA finished in ninth claiming two wins this season along with nine top fives and ten top tens to highlight his season with the series and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, WI would round out the top ten and take third in the final "Rookie of the Year" standings.  Smith had four top five finishes and eight top tens with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in '05.

With 20 different drivers scoring wins on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series this year one would never know from week to week who was going to win one a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Don O'Neal's early hot streak netted him as the season long Points Leader as he took a Series leading seven wins, Donnie Moran had three victories and two wins apiece were picked up by Earl Pearson, Jr. Matt Miller, Brian Birkhofer and Terry English.

Other drivers who entered victory circle in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series competition in 2005 included: Tim McCreadie, Steve Shaver, Steve Francis, Jackie Boggs, Scott James, Jimmy Mars, Rick Eckert, Steve Casebolt, Jr., Robbie Scott, Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, Bart Hartman, Shannon Babb and Randy Korte.

MasterSbilt Race Cars based in Crothersville, IN captured the Chassis Manufacturers Title with the top three in the final points driving MasterSbilt Chassis and they also took five of the top 10 in points.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series received a tremendous amount of exposure this season as 13 of the events will air on ESPN2 which is currently seen in 90 million households nationwide.  Also the series broadcast events live over the internet as VP Racing Fuels presented the series at www.RaceTalkLive.com to millions of potentional listeners worldwide.

The final celebration of the 2005 season for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will take place on Thursday Night, December 1 as the Series will present its Awards Banquet in Orlando, FL at the Wyndham Orlando Resort during the annual PRI show. 

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors

Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

VP Racing Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

Hoosier Race Tires – “Official Race Tire of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors include:  Lucas Oil Products, Arizona Sports Shirts, VP Racing Fuels, Oval Craft, COMP Cams, Hoosier Racing Tires, PPM, AFCO, Design 500, BERT, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, American Race Tire, Real Wheels, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Weld Racing Wheels, Trailer Parts & Sales, On The Edge Graphics, Cruise With The Champions and All-Star Performance

For Immediate Release:

James Essex – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series PR

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Awards Banquet Set For December 1^st in Orlando 

The 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Awards Banquet will be held during the 18^th Annual PRI Show in Orlando, FL on Thursday Night, December 1^st.   The celebration of the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 1^st Season will take place at the Wyndham Hotel and Resort located at 8001 International Drive in Orlando.  The reception will begin at 6:30 pm, with dinner at 7 pm followed by the Awards Presentation at 8 pm. 

Earl Pearson, Jr. will be honored as the 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion along with the rest of the top 10 drivers from 2005 including: Don O'Neal, Donnie Moran, Matt Miller, Scott James, Freddy Smith, Tim Dohm, Darren Miller, Brian Birkhofer and Brady Smith.  Also the top three in the "Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year' honors include 2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year - Scott James along with Tim Dohm and Brady Smith.

Other special awards to be handed out include the 2005 Chassis Builders Challenge to MasterSbilt Race Cars.  The Weld Wheels Hard Charger Award will go to Don O'Neal, the VP Fuels Makin' Power Heat Race Award will go to Scott James and the Oval Craft Fast Time Awards will go to Earl Pearson, Jr.

Tickets are $40 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling Rick Schwallie at (859) 215-0389.

For more information on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series you can log on to www.lucasdirt.com or www.naradirtcar.com or contact the Series Office at (859) 271-4501.

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors

Lucas Oil- Title Sponsor and “Official Oil Products of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

VP Racing Fuels- “Official Race Fuel of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series”

Hoosier Race Tires – “Official Race Tire of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series” 

2005 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sponsors include:  Lucas Oil Products, Arizona Sports Shirts, VP Racing Fuels, Oval Craft, COMP Cams, Hoosier Racing Tires, PPM, AFCO, Design 500, BERT, C J Rayburn Race Cars, Rocket Chassis, GRT Race Cars, American Race Tire, Real Wheels, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, MasterSbilt Race Cars, Weld Racing Wheels, Trailer Parts & Sales, On The Edge Graphics, Cruise With The Champions and All-Star Performance.