'2009/2009WoO

Contact: DIRT MotorSports™
Kevin Kovac, World of Outlaws Late Model Series P.R. Director
 kkovac@dirtmotorsports.com
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A Final Look Back: Facts, Figures & Statistical Notes From The 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series

CONCORD, NC - Dec. 31, 2009 - As a new year arrives, here's a final look back at facts, figures and statistical notes from the 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series...

SELECT GROUP: With his 2009 championship, Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., entered an exclusive club of superstar drivers with WoO LMS points titles to their credit. He joined Billy Moyer (1988, 1989, 2005), Scott Bloomquist (2004), Tim McCreadie (2006), Steve Francis (2007) and Darrell Lanigan (2008) – and what's more, became the sixth different driver in as many years to win the crown since the national tour was reincarnated in 2004 under the World Racing Group banner.

HE'S ARRIVED: At 21, Richards is by far the youngest driver to ever win the WoO LMS championship – Moyer was 30, 31 and 48 years old when he clinched his titles, while Bloomquist and Francis were 40, Lanigan was 38 and McCreadie was 32.

In addition, Richards is the youngest chauffeur in dirt Late Model history to capture a national touring series championship.

But the cool, calm standout didn't perform in 2009 like a driver who just reached the legal drinking age. His championship was the product of an incredibly steady campaign that belied his years.

Richards was spectacularly consistent, most evidenced by the fact that he used just one provisional starting spot while qualifying through a heat race for 39 of the '09 season's 40 A-Mains. (Only points runner-up Francis could make the same claim.) He also completed a series-leading 99.7% of the A-Main laps run in 2009 (2,154 of a possible 2,160 circuits); he wasn't running at the checkered flag in just a single race, on April 17 at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway when he tangled with the slowing car driven by Vic Coffey on the final lap.

Proving he could win races as well as he could finish them, Richards's career-high eight victories made him the tour's winningest driver in ‘09, leaving him as the first driver since Bloomquist in 2004 to top the points battle and the victory chart. The racer formerly known as ‘Kid Rocket' also led the series with six fast-time awards (Francis and Lanigan tied for second with five); 34 top-10 finishes (Francis was second with 33); an average A-Main finish of 5.65 (Francis was next at 5.88); and the most consecutive top-10 finishes (16 in a row to end the season, nearly doubling Lanigan's second-best total of nine straight). He was second to Francis, meanwhile, in several other categories, including average time-trial placing (7.4, behind Francis's 5.93), average A-Main starting position (6.8 to Francis's 5.65), consecutive lead-lap finishes (25-22 in favor of Francis), heat wins (25-17 Francis) and A-Main laps led (272, tied with Tim Fuller behind Francis's 306).

CHECKERED FLAGS: Richards claimed top-winner status for the second consecutive season, albeit this time without having to share the honor. He finished the 2008 campaign tied with Francis with six triumphs.

A total of 18 drivers reached Victory Lane on the WoO LMS in 2009 – three short of the single-season record of 21 winners set in '08.

Six drivers recorded two or more wins, and there were five first-time WoO LMS winners in 2009: Jeff Smith, Jason Feger, Jamie Lathroum, Jimmy Mars and Steve Shaver.

WHAT A BATTLE: Following two seasons in which the WoO LMS points race turned into a runaway (both Lanigan and Francis clinched their crowns in the next-to-last events of the '07 and '08 campaigns), the 2009 battle was tight from start-to-finish.

Of course, Richards's 14-point championship margin over Francis was the third-closest in WoO LMS history, but that only tells part of the story. There was an epic, season-long struggle at the top of the points standings; the points lead changed hands or ended up tied after 20 events, with Richards seizing control for the final time following Race No. 39 (of 40) on Nov. 6 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

Richards was one of four drivers who held at least a share of the top spot in the points standings during the campaign. He was atop the standings after the most events (25), followed by Francis (12), Lanigan (five) and Shane Clanton (one).

There were three ties for the points lead over a five-race span early in the summer – after Race 18 on June 23 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway (Francis/Lanigan), Race 19 on June 24 at Pennsylvania's Big Diamond Raceway (Richards/Lanigan) and Race 22 on July 8 at Minnesota's Big Diamond Raceway (Richards/Francis). The largest points lead a driver was able to muster was Francis's 34-point edge after the 14th A-Main of the season, on May 31 at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va.

PROVING THEM RIGHT: Richards certainly lived up to the lofty expectations placed on him by dirt Late Model press members, who voted him the overwhelming favorite to win the 2009 title in the second annual WoO LMS Pre-Season Media Poll.

Richards received 17 of the 24 first-place votes in the poll, which included writers, photographers and broadcasters who cover the WoO LMS. The participants were asked to predict the top-five finishers in the tour's 2009 points standings.

Two writers – D.J. Johnson of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Don Davies of Area Auto Racing News – were spot-on with four of their top-five selections. Both missed on their fourth-place picks – Johnson incorrectly listed Clanton and Davies voted for Frank.

Joining Johnson and Davies in correctly predicting the top-three finishers in the '09 WoO LMS points standings were DirtonDirt.com cohorts Michael Rigsby and Todd Turner. The other media members who nailed at least three of the top-five finishers in the correct order were Jerry Reigle of Area Auto Racing News (Richards, Francis and fifth-place Eckert) and Lou Long of Area Auto Racing News (Richards, Lanigan and Eckert).

The poll also asked the media to predict the season's winningest driver, including their number of victories. Fifteen entrants selected Richards in that category, but only Long, Walt Wimer of RPM Racing News, Thomas Pope of the Fayetteville Observer and Scott Jackson of LateModelRacer.com correctly hit on his eight-win total.

NOW IT'S FOUR: With Billy Moyer failing to win an A-Main in five tour starts during the 2009 season, Francis, Lanigan, Clanton and Chub Frank are now the only drivers who have won at least one A-Main in each WoO LMS campaign since 2004.

EXTENDING HIS EDGE: Six victories in '09 left Francis with 26 career WoO LMS triumphs since 2004, lengthening his lead on the tour's World Racing Group-era win chart. He now leads Richards, who moved into second on the win list with 20 victories, Rick Eckert (19), Bloomquist (18) and Chub Frank (16).

Moyer is the alltime winningest driver on the WoO LMS. He owns 35 career triumphs, including 22 during the tour's original incarnation (1988-89) under late WoO Sprint Car Series founder Ted Johnson.

BUSY SEASON: The 2009 WoO LMS was comprised of 40 A-Mains at 33 tracks in 19 states and one Canadian province.

Pennsylvania was the site of the most tour events, hosting eight races. There were five events held in North Carolina; four in Ohio; three in New York; two in Florida, Illinois, Missouri and Ontario; and one each in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Eight scheduled events were canceled and not rescheduled. Rain washed out shows at Deep South Speedway in Loxley, Ala. (March 14), Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway (May 16), 34 Raceway in West Burlington, Iowa (May 23), Quebec's Autodrome Drummond (June 20), Fayetteville Motor Speedway (Aug. 28), I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo. (Sept. 19) and La Salle (Ill.) Speedway (Sept. 20), while the July 9 event at North Central Speedway in Brainerd, Minn., was canceled by track management.

Six events were postponed by rain and rescheduled at a later date during the rainy 2009 season – the Colossal 100 and Hungry Man Showdown at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway, plus races at K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio (Buckeye 100), Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa. (Showdown in Sarvertown), Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio, and Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa. The Eriez program was finally completed on the tour's third trip to the track.

FULL PITS: The average field for a WoO LMS event in 2009 was 43.6 cars.

The season-high turnout of 82 cars was for the Hungry Man Showdown on Nov. 4 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway. In all, 11 events drew 50 or more cars.

A total of 524 drivers representing 35 states, three Canadian provinces and Australia entered at least one WoO LMS event in 2009, and 216 drivers started an A-Main.

CASH: Over $2.6 million was paid out to drivers during the 2009 WoO LMS schedule, including nearly $400,000 in points-fund cash.

Eight drivers topped the six-figure mark in race and points-fund earnings on the '09 tour, led by Richards ($286,170), Francis ($227,885), Lanigan ($211,326), Fuller ($172,150), Eckert ($133,325), Chub Frank ($120,800), Clanton ($120,420) and Brady Smith ($107,915).

HARD CHARGER: The deepest in the starting field that a driver came from to win a WoO LMS A-Main in 2009 was 18th – Jimmy Mars in the Firecracker 100 on June 27 at Lernerville Speedway. Making that run even more impressive is the fact that he pitted to change a flat tire early in the distance and restarted at the rear of the pack.

Nine A-Mains were won by drivers starting from the pole position, but only one of those victors led the event from flag-to-flag. There were a total of seven flag-to-flag race winners, with six of those races were captured by drivers starting from the outside pole.

The average starting spot for a WoO LMS A-Main winner in 2009 was 3.55.

ROOKS: Russell King, 20, of Bristolville, Ohio, topped the biggest rookie crop in WoO LMS history, earning the $10,000 Rookie of the Year award by defeating Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

King, who became the fourth driver with DIRTcar big-block Modified roots in the last six years to win the WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Award, registered eight top-10 finishes en route to the title. Bland (three) and Robinson (one) were the only other rookies to crack the top 10 in an A-Main.

MANUFACTURER BATTLE: Five dirt Late Model chassis companies claimed victories in WoO LMS A-Mains during the 2009 season.

Rocket Chassis led the way with 31 wins, divided among Richards, Fuller, Francis, Lanigan, Frank, Clanton, Shannon Babb, Earl Pearson Jr., Jeff Smith and Steve Shaver. The domination of Victory Lane brought Rocket its sixth straight victory in the WoO LMS Chassis Builders' Challenge.

Team Zero by Bloomquist Chassis finished second on the win list with six victories (Eckert, Bloomquist, Chris Madden and Jimmy Owens), followed by single triumphs for Bob Pierce Chassis (Jason Feger), MasterSbilt (Jamie Lathroum) and MB Customs (Mars).

A total of 11 engine builders, meanwhile, laid claim to a WoO LMS A-Main triumphs in 2009. Cornett Racing Engines – the winner of the tour's Engine Builders' Challenge for the second consecutive year – led the way with 17 victories, split among Richards, Francis, Lanigan and Owens.

Other motor builders with multiple victories were Custom Race Engines (10), Dickens (three), Pro Power (three) and Vic Hill (two). Single race victors included Dargie, Larry Wallace, Gaerte, Clements, Eatmon Ford and Malcuit.

ETCETERA...

* Thirteen drivers had perfect attendance on the 40-race '08 tour: Richards, Francis, Lanigan, Fuller, Eckert, Clanton, Brady Smith, Clint Smith and rookies King, Bland, Robinson, Hapka and Reddick. Frank didn't enter every show because he was sidelined for the two season-ending World Finals events due to a facial injury he suffered during qualifying for the Hungry Man Showdown, but as a contracted driver he received ‘hardship' show-up points for both races.

* Seven drivers started all 40 A-Mains: Richards, Francis, Lanigan, Fuller, Eckert, Clanton and Clint Smith.

* How rock-solid steady were Richards and Francis in '09? Consider this: while both drivers failed to qualify through a heat just once in 40 events, next-best on the list was Lanigan, who missed the cut in heat action six times.

* Twenty-two different drivers earned a WoO LMS fast-time honor in 2009.

* Fifty-two different drivers won at least one heat race on the tour in '09, led by Francis's amazing 25 victories. He surpassed the 100 heat-race win mark for his WoO LMS career.

* There were 47 different B-Main winners, with Brady Smith and Bland tying for the lead with five last-chance victories apiece.

* Thirty different drivers led at least one A-Main lap in '09. Francis led the most (306 laps) for the second consecutive year, followed by Fuller and Richards (272 apiece), Lanigan (172) and Frank (132)

* Fuller enjoyed the longest winning streak in '08, capturing four straight events to tie Eckert's modern-era record for consecutive wins set in 2006. Three other drivers scored back-to-back wins during the campaign: Francis (twice), Richards (twice) and Frank.

* Richards won the season-opener at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., for the third consecutive year.

* Richards is actually just two freak last-lap incidents away from being able to claim that he's been running at the checkered flag of every WoO LMS A-Main for the past two years. His lone official DNF in 2008 came when he was swept up in a final-lap tangle in turn two at Ohio's Sharon Speedway – virtually an identical situation to his single '09 DNF at Fayetteville.

* Francis led the tour in top-five finishes (25) and most consecutive top-five finishes (six).

* There was one caution-free A-Main in '09 – Aug 20 at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio. Eight A-Mains were slowed by just a single caution flag, however.

An average of 3.55 caution flags flew in WoO LMS features during the '09 campaign. The most caution-plagued event was the 50-lap ‘Showdown in Sarvertown' on June 25 at Lernerville (11 caution flags) – one of just two races that saw a double-figure yellow-flag total (the other was Lernerville's Firecracker 100, with 10), and one of eight A-Mains slowed by five or more caution periods.

* Three red flags were needed for significant wrecks during A-Mains in 2009 – on May 28 at Delaware International Speedway, June 18 at Ohsweken (Ont.) Speedway and Sept. 1 at Eriez Speedway.

* Slump-busters: drivers who snapped long, frustrating winless streaks on the WoO LMS in '09 included Eckert (36 races), Lanigan (46), Fuller (46) and Frank (62).

* The WoO LMS career win lists now show 39 drivers have won an A-Main since 2004 and 49 drivers own tour victories when the 1988-89 seasons are included.

* Francis and Eckert remain the only drivers who have started all 237 WoO LMS A-Mains contested since 2004.

COMING SOON: The 2010 WoO LMS season kicks off on Feb. 11 and 13 with a pair of 50-lap, $10,000-to-win events during the 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Clint Smith Serves As Grand Marshal Of Georgia Town's Christmas Parade

CONCORD, NC - Dec. 2, 2009 - Clint Smith might not be Santa Claus, but he helped spread some holiday cheer over the Thanksgiving weekend.

The veteran World of Outlaws Late Model Series regular stepped out of the cockpit to serve as the grand marshal of an annual Christmas parade last Saturday night in Haralson, Ga., a quiet hamlet about 40 miles south of Atlanta.

As a local hero from the nearby town of Senoia, Smith was asked by parade organizer Eric Spencer to fill the grand marshal role. The 44-year-old fulltime professional driver proudly accepted the opportunity.

“That was a first for me,” Smith said of his unique turn in the spotlight. “I've shown my cars at elementary schools and stuff like that, but I've never been in a parade.”

Smith waved to spectators watching the parade along Haralson's streets while standing in the back of a pickup truck. The racer known as ‘Cat Daddy' was joined for the ride by his 16-year-old daughter, Jenna, and two of her friends.

Immediately after the parade, Smith participated in the town's Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a reception at the Haralson City Hall, where he met young and old residents and signed autographs. He was given an opportunity to speak to the parade attendees but kept his remarks brief, saying only, “Merry Christmas.”

Smith enjoyed playing grand marshal for a night, but don't ask him if he felt like a celebrity. This was a down-home affair, after all.

“It's a small town – a real small town,” Smith quipped with a smile, alluding to Haralson's tiny population (144 as of the last census).

Smith would have liked to brought along one of his JP Drilling No. 44 dirt Late Models to the parade, but he simply didn't have a machine ready for display. He's hard at work preparing for 2010 after making a major change in his racing program late in the 2009 season.

After spending four years exclusively running GRT cars, Smith debuted a Rocket Chassis mount in October and will focus his '10 efforts on campaigning cars built by the Shinnston, W.Va.-based manufacturer. He returned to the Rocket fold with assistance from West Virginia's Ernie Davis, who owns the No. 25 cars that 2009 WoO LMS champion Josh Richards drives in most of his non-Outlaws starts.

“When we were down at East Bay (Raceway in Gibsonton, Fla.) racing (in February) I got to know Ernie and his family pretty well,” said Smith. “Ernie's wife and daughter set up their Wii (video game) in my truck, and after the races when we had the barbeque out Ernie got to eating shrimp with us and we talked a lot.

“At the end of the year at Eldora, Ernie said to me, ‘You know, if you want to do something with Rocket, I'll help you.' I thought about it, and then we talked again and decided to do something.”

Being part of the Rocket Chassis ‘team' while on the road appeals to Smith, who is coming off one of the most frustrating seasons of his career. The chassis switch allows him to share technical and setup information with the army of traveling drivers in Rocket cars.

“I've worked with Joe Garrison and GRT for a long time and they've been real good to me,” said Smith, who will continue to field his own operation in 2010 with Ernie D's Enterprises prominently displayed on the bodywork of his cars. “But it's time to try something different. It can be tough being the only GRT out there at a lot of shows. If I learn something better, I'm better than everybody – but if I don't, I can be a 15th-place car.

“I'm looking forward to working with Mark (Richards) and the Rocket bunch. They're competitive, but they're a good bunch of people. They've already helped me a lot while I've been running a GRT, so I know what they're like.”

Smith wants to erase memories of 2009, which saw him win six features but none in WoO LMS action. A regular on the national tour since its rebirth under the World Racing Group banner in 2004, Smith went without a WoO LMS triumph for the first time since that inaugural season.

Just two years removed from a 2007 season that saw him win four times and finish a career-high third in the WoO LMS points standings (after leading the points race for almost half the campaign), Smith struggled mightily in 2009. He managed just four top-five finishes (his best: a third on Aug. 13 at Pennsylvania's Grandview Speedway) and had 18 top-10 runs in 40 A-Main starts en route to placing ninth in the points standings.

In addition, Smith won just a single heat race on the 2009 WoO LMS. But that victory came behind the wheel of his new Rocket car in the season finale on Nov. 7 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. – a prelude to his solid sixth-place finish in the evening's World Finals 50-lapper – and thus gave him a much-needed boost of confidence heading into his busy off-season.

The 2010 WoO LMS campaign kicks off on Feb. 11 and 13 with a pair of events as part of the 39th annual DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Championship Means The ‘World' To Josh Richards

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 30, 2009 - How much did winning the 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series points title mean to Josh Richards?

One glance at the young superstar's face immediately after the season finale on Nov. 7 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway told that story.

Normally a cool, calm customer who shows little emotion, Richards had tears of joy welling up in his eyes when he reached Victory Lane for his champion's coronation. On top of the dirt Late Model world at the age of 21 after downing one of his racing mentors, Steve Francis, in a dramatic title showdown, he was simply overcome by the moment.

“I couldn't even get out of the car,” recalled Richards, who became the sixth different – and by far the youngest – WoO LMS champion since the national tour was rekindled in 2004 under the World Racing Group banner. “I remember (apparel producer) Ron Slavic was the first guy to come over to me when I stopped, and I was breathless. It took me awhile to get myself together.

“It's been my dream ever since I was a little kid to do this, so to work so hard at it, to win the championship on the last night, to beat (Steve) Francis in front of all those people (in the packed grandstand) and (watching) on live (SPEED) T.V. – all that was going through my mind. I still felt like I was dreaming. I thought I was going to wake up and be laying in bed somewhere.”

The $100,000 title capped a march to stardom that Richards began with his first practice laps behind the wheel of his father Mark's Rocket Chassis house car in 2003. He has literally grown up on the road with the WoO LMS, maturing from the tour's shy, quiet Rookie of the Year in 2005 to its confident champion and winningest driver in 2009.

After getting his feet wet on the WoO LMS in 2004 by entering about half of the season's 41 events as a teammate to his father's hired-gun chauffeur Bart Hartman, Richards went fulltime with the Outlaws in '05 and has been one of the tour's signature regulars ever since. He has started 202 consecutive A-Mains (dating back to Sept. 25, 2004) and shown steady improvement each season – eighth in the 2005 points standings (with one win), ninth in '06 (one win), sixth in '07 (four wins), second in '08 (six wins) and, finally, first in '09 (a series-best eight wins).

“To gain on it every year and come out with a championship – it's really neat to be a part of that progression,” said Richards, who won his first WoO LMS A-Main as a rookie on Aug. 15, 2005, at New York's Lebanon Valley Speedway and now owns 20 career victories to rank second behind Francis on the win list since 2004. “When you first start (racing), you're trying to do the best you can but also gain respect from everybody and fit in. You learn along the way and gain confidence, and then you start to become one of the better guys and people start to look up to you.

“The whole mental game is such a big part of this sport, as far as learning to race smart and race consistent. You don't pick those things up overnight, but once you start to get the mental thing figured out, other things start to come easier. Eventually you come to realize that if you run bad or something happens, you can't let it bother you – you learn to worry about the things you can control and not the things you can't.”

Richards proved repeatedly in 2009 that he had come of age. Coming off a tight battle for second place in the '08 points standings with Francis and Shane Clanton that provided him valuable experience racing under points pressure and helped make him this year's title favorite (17 of 24 participants in a pre-season media poll picked him to win the crown), Richards experienced few off nights and, on the rare occasions he did, roared right back with championship aplomb.

A heat-race qualifier in an amazing 39 of 40 WoO LMS events in 2009 (the only provisional he used came on April 18 at Virginia Motor Speedway following a heat tangle), Richards rang up 23 top-five and 34 top-10 finishes and completed 2,154 of 2,160 possible A-Main laps. He didn't drop out of a single feature due to mechanical failure, and the only race in which he wasn't running at the checkered flag came on April 17 at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway, where Richards got tangled up with the slowing Vic Coffey on the final circuit.

The Fayetteville event, not surprisingly, was the first test of Richards's championship mettle. He was cruising toward a solid third-place finish that would pad his growing points lead until race-long leader Coffey blew a tire heading to the white flag; Richards came together with Coffey's limping racer when he tried to sneak by in turn two and the two cars slid to a stop. Richards tumbled to a 23rd-place finish in the blink of an eye – and after another rough outing the following night at VMS, he found himself third in the points standings.

But Richards didn't dwell on his disappointment; he was back in the points lead two races later. He made similar rallies after a frustrating 17th-place finish with a temperamental new car on May 30 at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway dropped him from first to a season-low fifth in the points standings; a flat-tire-filled evening on June 23 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway caused a fall from first to third; and, most famously, two disappointing runs during the Oil Region Labor Day Classic at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa., sent him into the homestretch of the schedule trailing Francis in the points race.

Richards entered the holiday-weekend doubleheader at Tri-City leading the standings by 12 points over Francis (defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan, who made the points battle a three-man race during the summer, had fallen from serious contention) and with six wins and no finish worse than 11th in the 22 A-Mains contested since his Hagerstown debacle. But after allowing Francis to pass him for the win on the final lap of Tri-City's first feature on Sept. 5 and struggling to a ninth-place finish in the second 50-lapper the next night, Richards was suddenly four points behind Francis.

“After Tri-City I was so sick to my stomach that I slipped up and let Steve by and then didn't come back with a good run the next night,” said Richards. “But that just made me open my eyes.”

After a mid-September doubleheader in the Midwest was washed out and not rescheduled, Richards had nearly two months to stew over his points position until the season-ending World Finals at The Dirt Track. The countdown to the championship-deciding events proved to be tough on Richards.

“I'll be honest – the last three weeks (leading up to the World Finals), my nerves were tight,” said Richards. “It was hard for me to sleep, hard for me think – I was miserable. You think about winning the championship and know that it's possible, but you also think about being so close and the points turning out the other way.”

When the November showdown finally arrived, however, Richards's anxiety leveled off. Winning the postponed Hungry Man Showdown – a WoO LMS special event that offered only show-up points – on Nov. 5 to kick off the World Finals meet soothed his nerves even more.

“We went into Charlotte with an open mind,” said Richards. “Having a show-up points race first off helped us prepare mentally and get our program together, and when we won the race it obviously built confidence for us. Steve (Francis) still finished third and looked good so I knew it wasn't gonna be easy, but it calmed me down a little bit.

“And actually, on Friday night (Nov. 6 for the first World Finals A-Main), I was relaxed. Then on Saturday night – I think that was the most relaxed race I ran all year. I know it's weird to say that, but I really had a calm feeling the whole night.”

Well, at least until the scoreboard closed in on lap 50 with Richards in position to claim the title. After overtaking Francis to grab a four-point lead thanks to a fifth-place finish on Friday night (Richards had to rally from a pit stop for a flat tire while running third on lap 43; Francis finished ninth with power-steering woes), Richards slipped by Francis early in Saturday's A-Main and stayed several spots in front of his rival throughout the distance.

“The last couple laps of that race are something I'll never forget the rest of my life,” said Richards, who finished seventh versus Francis's 12th-place result to clinch the championship by 14 points. “Knowing that we were a few laps from winning a championship – man, what a feeling. When that checkered flag finally came out, it was one of the greatest feelings I've ever had in my life.

“You try to accomplish things throughout your career, and, of course, winning a championship is the ultimate for a driver and a team,” he added. “When you realize it's really happened, it really shows you can do anything. If you set your mind to it and your heart's in it, you can accomplish anything.”

The well-wishers who congratulated Richards in Victory Lane after his championship included Francis and Richards's father Mark, who celebrated his first points title since 1983 when he and Rodney Combs co-owned the car that Combs drove to the National Dirt Racing Association (NDRA) series crown.

“My dad was pretty much speechless too,” commented Richards, who has made every start of his WoO LMS career in his father's familiar No. 1 machines. “He's pretty quiet and doesn't get very emotional – I take after him a little bit. We both kinda just let out a big sigh of relief. We just knew that we finally did it.

“He just shook my hand and said, ‘Good job, as always.' It wasn't much, but just by him saying that I could see how special winning the championship was for him.”

Richards paused, and then added, “I wouldn't be where I am today without my dad. He's given me the opportunity to do what I love to do. A lot of people have just always thought – because of the name and everything – that he pushed me to do this and pushed me to do that, but that's not true. This is what I've always wanted to do. He's just been kind of steering me where I need to be because he's lived it his entire life.”

Speaking with so much more polish – and in so many more words – than when he began his career, Richards also hailed his on-the-road crewmen, Matt Barnes and Jimmy Frye, and all the shop help and sponsorship assistance he received to make the title possible.

“Obviously, since I've started racing, this has been the goal,” said Richards. “Everything has to fit together to get here - from racing hard and racing smart, to getting a feel for the car, to having a good setup, to having a good crew, to having the sponsors that let us do this.

“I'm just a small component in what it takes to win a championship. Everything's always been there for me, and this year I just had to put it all together and sort everything out. That's why we're here today.”

Where Richards finds himself is a pretty nice place. He's like so many other 21-year-olds who still live at home, but that's where the similarities end. How many young adults his age can say they earned over $300,000 (including $286,170 just on the WoO LMS) in 2009? How many have such a bright future ahead of them?

“Oh yeah, I'm definitely living a dream,” said Richards, who expects to chase a second straight WoO LMS crown in 2010 unless his success springboards him to an opportunity with a NASCAR or ARCA stock car ride on pavement. “It's crazy – I look in the mirror and I still feel like I haven't changed a lot. I still feel like I'm a little kid going to the races, digging in the dirt and watching races. To be one of the best dirt Late Model drivers now is a dream come true.”

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Well Represented in AARWBA All-America Team Voting

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 25, 2009 - Voting is under way for the annual American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association All-America Auto Racing Team, with both the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and World of Outlaws Late Model Series represented in the “Short Track Category.”

Donny Schatz, the four-time and defending World of Outlaws champion, is on the ballot for the fourth consecutive season. He has earned First Team honors in each of the last three seasons. Schatz was victorious 12 times in 2009, including picking up his 100th career World of Outlaws A-Feature win at Dacotah Speedway in his home state of North Dacotah, to become just the fifth driver in the 30-plus year history of the series to accomplish this feat. In winning his fourth title, he became just the second driver other than 20-time series champion Steve Kinser to win at least four championships and became the only other driver other than Kinser to win four consecutive championships. In addition, Schatz also became just the second driver ever to win the Knoxville Nationals four times in a row, joining Kinser on that list as well.

Young full-fender star Josh Richards, meanwhile, appears on the ARWBA All-America Auto Racing Team ballot for the first time in his burgeoning career after winning the 2009 WoO LMS championship in dramatic fashion. The 21-year-old from Shinnston, W.Va., outdueled one of his racing mentors, 2007 WoO LMS titlist and former ARWBA All-America Auto Racing Team nominee Steve Francis, to capture the championship by a mere 14-point margin and become the sixth different WoO LMS champ in as many years and youngest in tour history. Driving his father Mark's Rocket Chassis house car, Richards led the series with eight victories – moving him to second on the tour's alltime win list since 2004 behind Francis – and six fast-time awards, scored 23 top-five and 34 top-10 finishes in 40 A-Mains and earned nearly $300,000, including the $100,000 championship prize.

Jason Meyers, who won nine times in 2009 and finished just 19 points behind Schatz in closest ever battle for the World of Outlaws title, appears on the ballot for the second consecutive year. The native of Clovis, California was named to the All-America Team Second Team in 2008 after finishing as the runner-up in the World of Outlaws standings. Meyers was victorious at nine different tracks this past season including winning the opener of the World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway. He also visited Victory Lane during the Mini Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway in his home state of California, as well picking up a $20,000 win at Skagit Speedway.

Joey Saldana, who won 21 overall times this past season to lead the World of Outlaws, appears on the All-America Team ballot for the second time in his career. He was named to the Second Team in 2007. The native of Brownsburg, Indiana became just the fifth driver in World of Outlaws history to win at least 20 A-Feature events in a single season. Saldana won at 15 different tracks in 2009, including his second $50,000 Gold Cup Race of Champions title, as well as twice at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway live on SPEED including in the finale of the third annual World Finals. He finished the season third in points, in what was the closest three-way battle for the title in series history.

The AARWBA has been naming an All-America Auto Racing Team since 1970, and since the Outlaws Sprint Car Series was founded in 1978, the series has been represented in 29 of those years.

Steve Kinser, the 20-time World of Outlaws Champion, holds the record of being named to the All-America Auto Racing Team 23 times, including an unprecedented 18 berths on the First Team.

The annual All-America Team vote is conducted by the over 300 members of the media who are part of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association. The top driver from each of seven categories on the ballot will be named to the First Team and honored at the 40th annual AARWBA banquet Jan. 16 in Brownsburg, Indiana. The winner of the Jerry Titus Award will also be announced at the banquet. The Titus Award honors the team's top driver, which is the one earning the most votes in the balloting regardless of category.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Bloomquist Receives Penalties For Using Illegally-Altered Tire During World of Outlaws World Finals

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 24, 2009 - Dirt Late Model veteran Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn., has been fined and suspended from World of Outlaws Late Model Series and DIRTcar Racing-sanctioned events after forensic laboratory tests determined he used an illegally-altered tire during the recent World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.

World of Outlaws Late Model Series officials followed post-qualifying inspection procedures at The Dirt Track, inspecting the tires of the top-six qualifiers. Citing “reasonable suspicion” based on odor, officials confiscated the left-rear tire Bloomquist used for the second round of World Finals time trials on Nov. 5 and the tire was sent to an independent laboratory for detailed analysis. Test results showed the tire was treated with a foreign substance that is not allowed under World of Outlaws Late Model rule 15.11-G.

As a result of the rule violation, Bloomquist has been assessed the following penalties:

* Forfeiture of his winnings from the World Finals events on Nov. 6 and 7, totaling $11,350.

* A fine equal to his forfeited winnings of $11,350, which must be paid prior to his return to competition.

* A suspension from all World of Outlaws Late Model Series and DIRTcar Racing-sanctioned events for a period of six months, effective from Nov. 5, 2009, through May 5, 2009.

* Loss of 1,000 points from Bloomquist's total in the 2009 WoO LMS point standings.

As a DIRTcar Racing member in good standing, Bloomquist may appeal the penalties.

Pending any appeal and the result, effected positions for both World Finals events (including points and purse) would be adjusted. Fines collected are contributed to the World of Outlaws Driver Benevolent Fund.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Car Owner Dale Beitler Hires Young Star Austin Hubbard To Drive No. 19 On 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Series

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 19, 2009 - Car owner Dale Beitler will be back chasing the World of Outlaws Late Model Series schedule in 2010 with a fresh, young face behind the wheel of his familiar No. 19 machines.

Less than two weeks after his two-year relationship with former series champion Steve Francis ended following a close runner-up finish in the 2009 WoO LMS points standings, Beitler announced that he's hired 17-year-old sensation Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., to campaign his equipment next season on the renowned national tour.

Saying that he enjoys racing “too much to stay at home,” Beitler, 52, decided to keep his team on the road with the Outlaws shortly after reaching a late-season agreement to part ways with Ashland, Ky.'s Francis, who is making a return to his own racing operation in 2010. He will forever relish his two successful years with Francis but feels the up-and-coming Hubbard, who aspires to win the 2010 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year award, is a perfect fit for Beitler Enterprises.

“With Austin, I think I'm going to be able to have a little more fun,” said Beitler, who has fielded dirt Late Models for more than 15 years. “Logistically everything will work well – he's only about an hour-and-a-half away from my shop (just outside Baltimore in West Friendship, Md.), so I can have that closeness with a driver that I'm looking for. I also feel it's going to be fun working with a younger driver with a real bright future ahead of him.

“I got to know Austin this year traveling to some (WoO LMS) shows with his team and I saw how hard he works and how much talent he has. He has a lot of energy, and I appreciate how much he loves the sport and has fun every time he's at the track.”

Hubbard joins Beitler's Reliable Painting team coming off a season in which he emerged as one of the country's top teenage talents. After spending the 2005-2008 campaigns running primarily at Virginia Motor Speedway – where he debuted in the Late Model division as a 13-year-old and won a championship in 2007 at the ripe age of 15 – he branched out in 2009 with his father Mike's Rocket cars, entering 28 WoO LMS events and more than two-dozen other regional and national specials. He turned heads in WoO competition by recording three top-five and eight top-10 finishes as well as a fast-time award, and he gained more attention when he became the second-youngest driver to qualify for the World 100 at Ohio's Eldora Speedway and registered the overall fastest lap for the Dirt Track World Championship at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway.

“Obviously he has a lot of talent,” Beitler said of Hubbard, who scored his lone victory of 2009 in October at Ohio's Midway Speedway. “He's come a long way in a short time, and everyone is looking for big things from him. He's got a ton of potential.

“I think he can be as good as Josh (Richards, the 2009 WoO LMS champion who debuted on the tour in 2004 at the age of 16). He just might follow in Josh's footsteps.”

Beitler will provide his full arsenal to Hubbard, including one brand-new Rocket car and a pair of 2008 mounts. With four fresh Cornett engines also sitting ready to go, Beitler confidently said, “I'm probably more prepared to run next year than I've ever been.”

Making Beitler feel even more comfortable, his operation will be overseen by respected mechanic Robby Allen, who served as Hubbard's racing mentor this season. Allen will head out on the WoO LMS road fulltime in 2010 for the first time since he left Rick Eckert's side following the 2006 campaign.

“Robby worked real closely with Austin (in 2009) and brought him a long way,” said Beitler, who plans to attend as many of his team's events as his business commitments allow. “As any young driver does, Austin was making a lot of mistakes on the racetrack, but Robby talked to him and pointed things out and you could see the difference as the year went on. Austin listened to Robby and learned from him.”

Of course, Beitler isn't putting any pressure on Hubbard as the youngster embarks on his first national tour driving a well-known car that Francis piloted to 12 WoO LMS victories and points finishes of third and second over the past two years.

“There's no expectations,” said Beitler, whose resume as a car owner also includes many big triumphs with such drivers as Davey Johnson, Gary Stuhler and Steve Casebolt. “He has nothing to live up to. We're just gonna go out and do the best we can and have a good time doing it.”

Hubbard, meanwhile, is anxious to take advantage of the biggest break of his burgeoning career. After he completes two night classes in the next couple of weeks that will allow him to graduate early from Sussex Tech High School, the ‘Teenage Terror' will be free to focus on his new status as a fulltime driver.

“I really appreciate the opportunity that Dale Beitler has given me,” Hubbard said in a team press release announcing the deal. “It is an honor to be able to race with his team and crew chief Robby Allen. The team that we have is one of the best in the business and I am looking forward to being behind the wheel of the No. 19 for my first season following a national series.

“Robby and I were able to start learning one another's styles this year, so I think that will help us in 2010 and especially as I compete at many tracks for the first time.”

Hubbard understands the challenge facing him on the WoO LMS.

“I just love to race,” said Hubbard, who will also have cars owned by his father and Delaware's Charles Jarvis at his disposal for non-WoO LMS events that Beitler doesn't enter. “And in order to be the best, you have to be able to compete with them and learn from them. I haven't ever seen most of these tracks on the (WoO LMS) schedule, but I still will show up to each race with the intent to win. Rookie titles, championships and all are nice, but I want to be able to be competitive and be a better racer after every single event.”

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Chub Frank Gets Good News About Injury That Sidelined Him For World of Outlaws World Finals

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 15, 2009 - After sitting out last weekend's World of Outlaws World Finals due to a painful facial injury, Chub Frank was certainly in need of some good news.

The veteran World of Outlaws Late Model Series regular got a dose of it – relatively speaking – on Wednesday afternoon.

Frank, 47, of Bear Lake, Pa., visited a specialist near his home and was informed that he would not need surgery for his injuries, which included fractures in his right cheek and orbital bone. He suffered the injuries during the first heat of the WoO LMS Hungry Man Showdown on Nov. 4 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway when an apparent clod of thick, hard-packed clay entered his car's cockpit and smashed into his helmet.

“It's definitely a relief to know I don't need surgery,” Frank said by phone from his race shop on Friday afternoon. “We have a lot of work to do to get ready for next year and I wasn't looking forward to taking time out for surgery.”

According to Frank, the specialist he consulted upon returning from North Carolina looked at his x-rays and determined that “all the bones are lined up and will heal on their own.” He had been told that an operation might be necessary after an initial examination by doctors at a Charlotte-area hospital, where he was transported following the incident.

Frank, who was back at The Dirt Track by midnight the evening of his incident, said the significant swelling he sported on the right side of his face for several days was virtually gone just over one week later. Some bruising and a bloodshot right eye remained as well as slight soreness, but he hasn't been deterred from diving into his off-season preparation.

“It was just a freak deal I guess,” said Frank, who didn't race for the rest of the weekend but was seen socializing in the pit area after each night's action and also attended the 2009 WoO LMS Awards Banquet on Nov. 8 in Concord, N.C. (wearing sunglasses to cover his bruised-and-bloodied eye). “There ain't nothing you can do about it now, so we'll just start thinking about next year. I'm just glad it's over with and I can look forward to getting my stuff ready for what I hope is going to be a better year.”

Frank finished a disappointing seventh in the 2009 WoO LMS points standings, earning a $24,000 points-fund check. He maintained that spot in the final rankings despite having to sit out both halves of the World Finals doubleheader; as a contracted WoO LMS driver unable to compete due to injury, he received 75 ‘hardship' (show-up) points for each program. (The Hungry Man Showdown offered only show-up points to all drivers.)

The injury did bring an inauspicious end to Frank's near-perfect record career starting record on the WoO LMS. When he failed to take the green flag in the Hungry Man Showdown, it marked the first time he did not participate in a tour A-Main since March 14, 2004, at Atomic Speedway in Oak Ridge, Tenn., snapping his consecutive-start streak at 227 races. Frank's single previous WoO LMS A-Main DNS prior to his three misses last weekend came in the sixth event of the tour's 2004 comeback season under the World Racing Group banner.

The only drivers with career WoO LMS starting records entering the World Finals that exceeded or matched Frank's were Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and Rick Eckert of York, Pa. – the lone racers who have started every series A-Main run since 2004 (a total of 237 races with the completion of the 2009 season) – and Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., who has missed just one Outlaw A-Main (on Feb. 19, 2006).

In an ironic sideline to Frank's injury, Smith and Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y. – two of Frank's closest friends on the WoO LMS – also absorbed blows to the helmet from apparent flying clods of clay during qualifying events for the Hungry Man Showdown at The Dirt Track. But they were more fortunate than Frank – Fuller was left with a cut above his nose and a welt on his cheek after taking a hit during the sixth heat, while Smith was momentarily stunned from a hard impact during a B-Main but escaped with little visible facial damage and a sore shoulder.

Neither Smith nor Fuller required a hospital visit, and both used provisional spots to start the postponed Hungry Man Showdown A-Main when it was run the next day and competed in the World Finals.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master, Wrisco Aluminum and Bill Pink Carburetors; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Wisconsin's Jimmy Mars Set To End Spectacular Season In Silver State DIRTcar Championships Nov. 20-21 At Las Vegas Motor Speedway

LAS VEGAS, NV – Nov. 11, 2009 – How does Jimmy Mars plan to cap one of the most spectacular seasons any dirt Late Model driver has ever enjoyed?

With a racing vacation to Sin City, of course.

Mars, 37, of Menomonie, Wis., is headed to The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Nov. 20-21 for the inaugural ‘Silver State DIRTcar Championships,' a two-day meet featuring a 50-lap ‘topless' DIRTcar Late Model A-Main that pays $5,000 to win.

UMP DIRTcar Modifieds are also part of the weekend, contesting a 30-lap headliner with a $2,000 top prize alongside the Late Model feature on Sat., Nov. 21. Both divisions will compete in complete preliminary programs on Fri., Nov. 20, to kick off the festivities.

After last month becoming the first driver in dirt Late Model racing history to capture three $50,000-to-win events in a single season, Mars certainly brings the highest national profile to a weekend extravaganza that will see him take on the best competitors from DIRTcar Racing's Western Allstars, Northwest I-5 and Southwest Dirt Racing Association (SWDRA) series.

“I'm excited to go out there,” Mars said of the gorgeous half-mile oval that's more than a 25-hour drive (1,700-plus miles) from his shop in the Badger State. “That track is so fun to race on, so when I saw the race was scheduled I figured, ‘Let's go out and enjoy ourselves a little.'

“We're looking at the trip as more of a celebration of our season than anything. Obviously we want to win, but this is more about having a little fun in Vegas and going racing at a real top-notch facility too.”

Mars and his wife actually had a getaway to a Mexican resort planned for the weekend before Thanksgiving, but they canceled those reservations and booked flights to Vegas following the announcement of the Silver State DIRTcar Championships. They are flying out to Vegas early with several friends to spend a couple days on the Strip before Mars meets his self-owned race team at The Dirt Track on Fri., Nov. 20.

Yes, Mars is bringing his own potent MB Custom No. 28 to LVMS for the first time. He entered three two-day events at the track over the 2007-2008 seasons – winning four of the six features he started – but all those runs came behind the wheel of a Wyoming-based machine that he showed up to drive with helmet in hand.

“I have a sponsor who will cover the fuel (cost) to travel out there and a couple of guys who help us here said they'd drive the hauler out,” said Mars. “I want to try our new car out there on that big track and see how it goes, and everything worked out for us to make the trip.”

Mars enters the Silver State DIRTcar Championships as arguably the hottest dirt Late Model driver in the country this season. He has 17 wins in 44 overall starts in 2009, including the unprecedented trio of $50,000 scores in the USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis.; the North-South 100 at Florence Speedway in Union, Ky.; and the Dirt Track World Championship at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway. His '09 resume also sports a $30,000-plus victory in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., and a $10,000 triumph in the UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury (Ill.) American Legion Speedway.

What's more, Mars owns a sparkling performance record at the state-of-the-art, half-mile LVMS. He swept a double-feature card sanctioned by the Western Allstars DIRTcar Late Model Series in March 2007; finished first and second in twin ‘Duel in the Desert' A-Mains in November 2007; and captured a Western Allstars event in February 2008 (a 22nd-place finish in that weekend's other WAS feature is the only blemish on his LVMS ledger).

“I love racing at Vegas,” said Mars, whose career year has come driving cars he designed with his brother Chris and superstar dirt Late Model driver Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa. “And with everything else there is to do for fun out there, you can't ask for a better weekend.”

The Silver State DIRTcar Championships will mark the first time in the history of LVMS that Super Late Models will compete without fiberglass roofs, allowing fans a clear view of the drivers wrestling their 800-horsepower machines.

The top-four finishers in the feature events on Fri., Nov. 20 ($1,000-to-win for Late Models, $400-to-win for Modifieds) will transfer directly to Saturday night's dashes, which will determine starting spots in the Championship A-Mains.

Action on Sat., Nov. 21, will include a slate of qualifying events leading up to the 50-lap Silver State DIRTcar Championship for the Super Late Models, which pays $500 to start, and the UMP DIRTcar Modified Western Shootout – the first-ever UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned Modified event at LVMS.

The weekend of racing, which also includes support-division events for the INEX Legends cars and LVMS Bombers, carries a two-day ‘Super Saver' general-admission ticket for the price of $29. Two-day passes are $24 for Seniors/Military and $9 for Juniors (ages 6-12), with kids 5-and-under admitted free.

Single-day general admission tickets are available for $19 (adults), $15 (Seniors/Military) and $5 (Juniors).

Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.lvms.com or by calling 1-800-644-4444.

Racing is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. each evening.

For competitor entry-form information, visit www.DIRTcar.com or www.westernallstars.com.

Additional info on all of the series, sanctioning and member tracks of DIRTcar Racing is available at www.DIRTcar.com.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Working With Chris Francis Memorial Benevolent Fund To Raise Money For Jeff Cooke

South Carolina Driver Now Home Recovering From Injuries Suffered Nov. 4 At Lowe's Motor Speedway

CONCORD, NC – Nov. 10, 2009 – The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is working with the Chris Francis Memorial Benevolent Fund in an effort to raise money toward the recovery of injured driver Jeff Cooke.

Cooke, 31, of Spartanburg, S.C., suffered facial injuries in an incident during the first heat race of the postponed WoO LMS Hungry Man Showdown on Nov. 4 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway. He received treatment at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C., and was released on Tuesday to continue his recovery at home.

The Chris Francis Memorial Benevolent Fund (CFMBF) was set up in memory of 2007 WoO LMS champion Steve Francis's younger brother and longtime crew chief, who passed away unexpectedly in August 2001. Donations to the fund, which is administered by Bill and Debbie Reed, have been used to assist racers in need for nearly a decade and Cooke will be the latest to benefit.

“The racing community always comes together to help their own in a time of need,” said WoO LMS director Tim Christman. “We look at all participants in a World of Outlaws Late Model Series event as being a part of our World of Outlaws family, and utilizing a benevolent fund that exists in the memory of our former champion's brother is a great way to help the Cooke family and rejuvenate the foundation.”

All contributions to Jeff Cooke can be sent to the CFMBF at 4920 Raccoon Valley Road, Knoxville, TN, 37920. Checks should be made out to the Chris Francis Memorial Benevolent Fund and earmarked for Jeff Cooke; all proceeds collected in Cooke's name will go directly to the Cooke family.

The 2005 O'Reilly Southern Nationals tour champion and a two-time runner-up in the O'Reilly Southern All-Star Series points standings, Cooke faces an arduous recovery process. Christman spoke with Cooke's wife, Sandy, on Tuesday and she said that Jeff thanks everyone in the racing community for their thoughts, prayers and support during this difficult time but he also requests no visitors or calls until he feels up to receiving them.

“It is great news that Jeff Cooke is now home from the hospital,” said Christman, “and we ask that everyone in the racing fraternity keep the Cooke family in their thoughts and prayers.”

Cards can be sent to Jeff Cooke in c/o Clements Automotive, 6011 Melvin Drive, Spartanburg, SC, 29303.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Richards Collects $100,000 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Championship Check At Sunday's ‘Night of Champions' Awards Banquet

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 9, 2009 - Josh Richards didn't look – or sound – like ‘Kid Rocket' on Sunday night.

When the 21-year-old superstar from Shinnston, W.Va., stood behind the podium to accept his 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship accolades during the tour's ‘Night of Champions' Awards Banquet at the Great Wolf Lodge, he struck the pose of a confident, mature man.

“This has been my goal ever since I started racing,” said Richards, who ran a partial WoO LMS schedule as a 16-year-old rookie in 2004 and has entered every event since 2005. “It's a dream come true.”

Richards received a $100,000 check as well as a custom-made championship ring and trophy for becoming the sixth different champion in as many years since the WoO LMS was reincarnated in 2004 under the World Racing Group banner. He clinched the prestigious title just 24 hours earlier one mile up the street at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway, where his seventh-place finish in the season-ending World Finals A-Main left him with a 14-point margin over 2007 WoO LMS champion Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky.

Nearly $400,000 in points-fund cash was handed out during Sunday's sixth annual gala affair, which for the first time was held immediately after the World Finals in conjunction with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series awards banquet. Awards ceremonies for each series were conducted simultaneously in separate rooms and then the evening concluded with teams and sponsors from both tours mingling at a post-banquet party.

Quiet and shy when he won the 2005 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year, Richards showed how much he's grown up when he addressed the crowd of over 150 banquet attendees. He calmly expressed his emotions and thanked the supporters who helped facilitate his rapid rise to the top of the nation's premier dirt Late Model tour.

“I'm one of the luckiest guys in the business to be able to do what I love to do,” said Richards, who has made every start of his WoO LMS career behind the wheel of his father Mark's familiar Rocket Chassis house car. “My whole life has been racing – racing isn't just a hobby, it's a lifestyle. There's a lot of things you have to sacrifice to do this, but it's the life I've chosen and it's been an awesome ride.

“There's been a lot of blood, sweat and tears to do this, and Steve (Francis) put up a hard battle all year. To come out on top over a guy like Steve makes it that much more special.”

Richards, whose share of the points fund pushed his total 2009 earnings on the WoO LMS to over $286,000, showed appreciation to a long list of backers, including sponsors Seubert Calf Ranches, Cornett Racing Engines, ACE Metal Works, Ernie D's Enterprises, Petroff Towing, MCB Motorsports, Tony Stewart Racing, Ron Slavic, Sunoco Race Fuels, Hoosier Racing Tire and Integra Racing Shocks.

In addition, Richards singled out his parents Mark and Tina and younger sister Morgan; Rocket Chassis co-owner Steve Baker and his wife Sherri; crewmen Matt Barnes, Jimmy Frye and Joey Pinkleton and the staff at Rocket Chassis in Shinnston, W.Va.; and last, but certainly not least, several WoO LMS regulars who have provided guidance to Richards throughout his career.

“I wouldn't be here without a bunch of these guys in this room,” said Richards, who led the WoO LMS with eight victories this season and now ranks second on the tour's win list since 2004 with 20 triumphs. “Steve (Francis), Chub (Frank), Darrell (Lanigan), Tim (Fuller), Clint (Smith), Rick (Eckert) who's not here (because he left to attend his car owner Raye Vest's funeral) – everybody's been behind me from the start.”

Mark Richards accompanied his son to the stage to receive the champion car owner trophy. After saying, “To do this with your kid is unbelievable,” Mark directed heartfelt thanks to many of his boy's friendly rivals.

“There's a bunch of drivers in this room who have been a big part of this – especially Steve, Darrell and Chub,” said Mark Richards, who enjoyed his first points championship as a car owner since he partnered with driver Rodney Combs to win the 1983 NDRA Late Model tour title. “I don't know what to say to you guys, except, ‘Thanks for helping make Josh into a champion.'”

It was with some irony that the driver Richards outdueled for the WoO LMS title was the 42-year-old Francis, whom Mark Richards called “the biggest supporter and mentor throughout Josh's career.” Francis acknowledged his long-standing relationship with Richards after walking to the stage with car owner Dale Beitler to accept his runner-up trophy and $60,000 points-fund check.

“I always wanted to see Josh win this championship – but like I said on TV (during the World Finals broadcast), just not necessarily at my cost,” said Francis, who settled for his fourth career second-place in the WoO LMS points standings (1989, 2004, 2005). “It came out that way in the end.”

Francis, who recently revealed that his two-year stint as Beitler's driver has come to an end and he plans to return to the WoO LMS in 2010 with his own equipment and help from Kentucky car owner Tim Logan, hailed Richards's accomplishment.

“Congratulations Josh,” said Francis, nodding toward the driver he watched take his first laps in a dirt Late Model. “I know how it feels to be where you're at, and I know how hard you worked all year. We tried to keep you honest and make you earn it.”

Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., collected a $40,000 check for finishing third in the points standings after a late-season slump dropped him out of a three-way title battle with Richards and Francis. It marked the second straight season that the tour's defending champion settled for third place in the points race.

Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., received $35,000 for finishing a career-high fourth in the points standings, while Rick Eckert of York, Pa., pocketed $30,000 for placing fifth.

Eckert was the lone driver among the 14 with perfect attendance on the 40-race '09 WoO LMS who was not in attendance on Sunday night. He headed home after Saturday night's program to attend memorial services for his longtime car owner Raye Vest, who passed away last Wednesday and was remembered with prayers during the World Finals and Sunday's banquet.

Rounding out the top 10 in the '09 points standings was Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga. ($25,000); Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. ($24,000), who sported a badly bruised-and-bloodied right eye and cheekbone that was the product of being struck in his helmet by an apparent clod of clay during last Wednesday night's Hungry Man Showdown qualifying at The Dirt Track (he sat out the World Finals action due to the injury); Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis. ($23,000); Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga. ($22,000); and Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio ($21,000).

King, 20, added another $10,000 to his banquet take-home pay for winning the 2009 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year award. He also received a $2,500 credit toward the purchase of a Rocket Chassis in a surprise presentation made by Steve Baker, who announced that the manufacturer plans to offer the prize to the highest-finishing Rocket Chassis campaigner in future Rookie of the Year points races.

The fourth WoO LMS Rookie of the Year in six years with roots in the Northeast's DIRTcar big-block Modified ranks, King outdistanced Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif., in the rookie standings, which were determined using drivers' best 30 finishes on the tour.

King's fellow rookies were called to the stage for acknowledgement and each received a cash award.

“This is definitely a career moment,” said King, who was joined at the banquet by his parents/car owners Rex Sr. and Sis. “I have to thank Josh (Richards), Mark (Richards) and Steve (Baker) for helping me out as much as they could, along with guys like Fuller, ‘Smoke' (Fuller's chief mechanic Mike Countryman) and Chub. I don't know for what reason, but those guys kinda took me under their wing and it means a lot to me.”

Countryman made his own appearance on stage, receiving recognition as the 2009 Integra Racing Shocks Crew Chief of the Year. Integra rep Brian Daugherty presented a specially-designed wrench-shaped trophy and a $1,000 check to ‘Smoke,' who came out on top in balloting conducted among his fellow crew chiefs and WoO LMS officials.

Rocket Chassis of Shinnston, W.Va., was recognized as the winner of the 2009 WoO LMS Chassis Builders' Challenge – the sixth straight year that the company has earned the nod. Eleven drivers won WoO LMS A-Mains using Rocket cars this season, giving the manufacturer 31 victories in 40 events.

Cornett ‘Thunder & Lightning' Racing Engines in Somerset, Ky., was announced as the winner of the 2009 WoO LMS Engine Builders' Challenge. It was the second consecutive honor for company owner Jack Cornett, whose customers swept the top three spots in the points standings for the second year in a row.

Longtime Cornett engine user Lanigan accepted the award for Cornett, who was not able to attend Sunday's banquet.

WRG President Tom Deery presented the 2009 WoO LMS Promoter of the Year Award to the Queensland family of Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., and the Blooming Prairier (Minn.) Lions Club. The track and club members combined to promote the unique 30th annual ‘Gopher 50' Charity Race in July – an event from which Darrell Lanigan went home $20,000 richer because he claimed the 10-grand ‘past champions' bonus that was posted for the milestone running of the show.

VP Racing Fuels provided a pair of special awards, giving the 14-year-old Reddick a 54-gallon drum of Late Model Plus fuel for winning the most VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs' awards (a pair of fuel jugs to the fastest time-trialer who doesn't qualify for each event) and Richards $500 in cash for winning the most A-Mains in 2009.

VP's Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Steve Scheidker told the crowd that there was a certain idea to the award that went to Richards: “We want to start a World of Outlaws tradition with this award – the money is for the driver with the most wins to buy drinks at the bar for all his friends and family after the banquet.”

Among the WRG officials who addressed those in attendance were Deery, Chief Executive Officer Brian Carter and Chief Marketing Officer Ben Geisler. WoO LMS director Tim Christman also gave a review of the 2009 season, thanked the tour's hard-working road crew (race director Bret Emrick, announcer and banquet host Rick Eshelman, tech director Terry Watson, scorer Sandy Holt, pit steward Kris Underwood and P.R. director Kevin Kovac) and looked ahead to the upcoming 2010 campaign.

“I think we have a great 2010 in store,” Christman said after highlighting several major events that will be contested next season. “One thing I always say is that I think we're in the infant stages of where we're gonna end up. I think we'll continue to grow because this is the future of dirt track racing.”

Christman said Sunday's announcement that the rich $50,000-to-win USA Nationals on Aug. 6-7 at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., will be part of the WoO LMS in 2010 is just the start of exciting news to come from the tour. He said the 2010 WoO LMS special-event dates will be released in the coming days with a complete schedule announcement to follow soon after.

The 2010 WoO LMS season will kick off with two programs (Feb. 11 and 13) during the 39th Annual Florida DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Cedar Lake Speedway's USA Nationals Returns To World of Outlaws Late Model Series Schedule In 2010

NEW RICHMOND, WI - Nov. 8, 2009 - A bit of history promises to add thrills and intrigue to the 2010 USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway.

Scheduled for Aug. 6-7, 2010, the 23rd annual USA Nationals will conjure memories of its inaugural running by returning as a highlighted stop on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

The prestigious $50,000-to-win, 100-lap event, which debuted in 1988 as part of the original incarnation of the WoO LMS, will be sanctioned by the renowned national tour for the first time since 2005.

“For 22 years the USA Nationals has been a wildly successful event for Cedar Lake Speedway whether it's been sanctioned or unsanctioned,” said Bob Kaufman, who co-owns the high-banked, three-eighths-mile oval with his brothers Chuck and Steve and Brad Both. “But we're always looking for ways to make the weekend more interesting for the fans, so we're excited about bringing a ‘Back to the Future' theme to a historic event with the return of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

“There's no doubt that the 2010 USA Nationals is going to be bigger and better than ever.”

All the factors that have made the USA Nationals so popular with dirt Late Model fans and teams will continue in 2010, including a format featuring a qualifying night (time trials and heats) on Fri., Aug. 6, and last-chance events preceding the 100-lap A-Main on Sat., Aug. 7; a gargantuan purse of nearly $250,000; and an array of entertaining off-track activities (golf scramble, Ladder Ball competition, Apple River Tubing expedition, driver autograph session, post-race parties under the Big White Tent in the pits) that give a more-than-just-a-race feeling to the event.

The weekend will also once again kick off with a full preliminary program on Thurs., Aug. 5, before the WoO LMS banner is unfurled for the Friday-Saturday action.

“The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is absolutely thrilled to be a part of the 2010 USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway,” said WoO LMS director Tim Christman. “It's an honor to be associated with an event of this magnitude. The USA Nationals is already well-established as a crown-jewel dirt Late Model race and we're looking forward to working with Cedar Lake's management to bring even more attention and excitement to a spectacular weekend.”

With the full roster of touring WoO LMS superstars joining a host of national and regional standouts in chasing the 2010 USA Nationals trophy, arguably the most talented field in Cedar Lake Speedway history will fill the track's pit area. All the entrants will compete for the richest purse on the 2010 WoO LMS – an impressive payoff that not only boasts a $50,000 check for first place, but also $20,000 for second, $15,000 for third and $2,000 to start.

“Considering Cedar Lake's northern location (about 30 minutes east of Minnesota's Twin Cities), it's always been a challenge getting the top guys from down south and the Northeast to come up here for the USA Nationals,” said Kaufman. “The ‘FansFund' (a unique program in which fans vote on drivers they'd most like to see at the Nationals and raise tow money to bring the racers to the event) has helped strengthen the field the last two years and will continue in 2010, and we feel that partnering with the World of Outlaws allows us the opportunity to bring in more talented drivers from across the country to give our fans the best show possible.”

The WoO LMS will actually be one of three entities owned by the Concord, N.C.-based World Racing Group that appear on the 2010 schedule at Cedar Lake Speedway. The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series will continue to make a traditional visit to the Badger State facility, and the UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals dirt Late Model tour will compete at Cedar Lake for the first time since 1996.

“We're not only excited about the USA Nationals, but also about expanding our relationship with the entire (World Racing Group) organization,” said Kaufman. “We've historically hosted a World of Outlaws Sprint Car event and we will have one again in 2010 (on July 11), and next season we also will present the opening weekend of the UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals with two complete programs on June 18 and 19 to headline our 12th annual ‘Masters' events.”

Immediately preceding the start of the USA Nationals, the WoO LMS will bring more action to Wisconsin's fans with a visit to Shawano Speedway on Wed., Aug. 4. It will mark the tour's first-ever appearance at the half-mile oval outside Green Bay in eastern Wisconsin.

Additional info on the 2010 USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway is available by logging on to www.cedarlakespeedway.com or calling the track office at 866-4CLS-FUN.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Owens Captures Saturday's World Finals Finale As Richards Clinches First World of Outlaws Late Model Series Championship

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 7, 2009 - Jimmy Owens earned plenty of adulation with a powerful drive to victory in Saturday night's 50-lap World of Outlaws World Finals A-Main at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.

But the standout racer from Newport, Tenn., shared the post-race spotlight with Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who clinched his first career World of Outlaws Late Model Series points championship with a seventh-place finish in the season-ending event.

Richards, 21, entered the evening's action holding a narrow four-point edge over 2007 WoO LMS champion Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and extended it to a final margin of 14 points by making a smooth, steady advance from the 14th starting spot. Francis was never a factor, slipping backward from the 10th starting position and finishing 12th to leave him the tour's points runner-up for the fourth time in his career.

“This is just a dream come true,” said Richards, who overtook Francis for the points lead on Friday night and held on to secure the prestigious $100,000 crown. “I've always watched all these (WoO LMS) guys run and I know how good they are, so being a World of Outlaws champion is just awesome.”

A regular on the WoO LMS since winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2005, Richards became the sixth different series champion since the tour was reincarnated in 2004 under the World Racing Group banner. He has driven his father Mark's Rocket Chassis house car throughout his career.

Owens, 37, was certainly an interested observer of the championship showdown. He asked WoO LMS announcer Rick Eshelman who had won the title before beginning his post-race interview.

“Congratulations to Josh and his guys,” Owens said while standing on the winner's stage in front of a standing-room-only crowd and a national television audience on SPEED. “He had a great season and deserves the championship.”

Owens was the deserving winner of Saturday's headliner, roaring forward from the eighth starting spot to pass race-long pacesetter Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., for the lead on lap 34. The four-time UMP DIRTcar Modified national champion ran unchallenged for the remainder of the distance in his Mike Reece-owned Team Zero by Bloomquist car.

Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., overtook Babb on lap 45 and finished second, 2.599 seconds behind Owens at the checkered flag. Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., came alive following a lap-40 restart to finish third, 2008 WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., was fourth and Babb fell back to fifth.

Owens made a solid comeback from a forgettable outing on Friday night. He failed to qualify after contact with another car during a heat race broke his machine's right-rear axle tube.

“We got us a new rearend and got the car put back together,” said Owens, who registered his second career triumph on the WoO LMS. “We were able to pick up where we left off.”

A savvy Hoosier tire choice paid dividends for Owens, who had little trouble moving into contention. He overtook McCreadie for second on lap 23 and spent several circuits battling for the top spot with Babb before gaining control for good.

“As soon as we walked up and watched the consies we had it set in our minds what we were gonna do (with tires),” said Owens. “There were some different combinations out there and we were able to pick the right one I guess. As soon as we fired off it was going good.

“I'm real happy. Winning in front of all these people is a great way to end the weekend.”

McCreadie, 35, likely saw his chances for victory take a major hit when he opted for a different tire compound than Owens.

“He had a harder tire on and that might have been the difference,” said McCreadie, who started third in the Sweeteners Plus Rocket. “I wanted to put that tire on, but I talked myself out of it.

“I was hoping we could get a yellow at the end (after grabbing second from Babb) to see what we could do with Owens, but I'm happy. We haven't run very good down here in a long time, so it's fun to run up front again.”

Pearson, 37, came on strong in the final laps, steering the Bobby Labonte Motorsports MasterSbilt around Lanigan and Babb on lap 47 to snare third place. He crossed the finish line more than four seconds behind Owens, however.

“We just picked too hard a tire,” said Pearson, who started sixth but lost several spots on the opening lap when he slid high in turn two. “The right-front (tire) was hard and just wouldn't steer until it got some heat in it, so it killed me at the start.

“At the end we had that restart (on lap 40) and I just said, ‘I'm going to the top to see what I can do.' It paid off for me down here in (turns) one and two, so we'll take third.”

Just two caution flags slowed the event, both for stopped cars in turn four. Chris Ferguson of Mount Holly, N.C., slowed on lap three and Tommy Kerr of Maryville, Tenn., came to rest on lap 40.

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., who started from the pole position after winning a heat race for the first time in 2009; Richards; Rick Eckert of York, Pa., who started fourth but was unable to move forward; Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga.; and Friday-night World Finals winner Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn., who never recovered after being penalized one row when officials ruled that he did not fire correctly as the polesitter of the first heat.

Winners of the 10-lap heat races on Saturday night, which were aligned by the results of Thursday's second-round time trials, were McCreadie, Eckert, Clint Smith, Pearson, Lanigan and Babb. The B-Mains were captured by Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., and Brad Neat of Dunnville, Ky., who went on to finish 15th and earn the $500 WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn't won a series A-Main and isn't ranked among the top 12 in the tour points standings.

Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, entered the program having already clinched the 2009 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year award. The 20-year-old racer finished 20th in Saturday night's A-Main.

The 2009 WoO LMS campaign will be celebrated – and nearly $400,000 in points-fund cash will be distributed – on Sunday night (Nov. 8) during the tour's awards banquet at the Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, N.C.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series World Finals Night 2 (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (8) Jimmy Owens/50 $10,100
2. (3) Tim McCreadie/50 $5,100
3. (6) Earl Pearson Jr./50 $3,000
4. (5) Darrell Lanigan/50 $2,600
5. (2) Shannon Babb/50 $2,000
6. (1) Clint Smith/50 $1,700
7. (14) Josh Richards/50 $1,400
8. (4) Rick Eckert/50 $1,300
9. (11) Dale McDowell/50 $1,200
10. (13) Scott Bloomquist/50 $1,250
11. (7) Chris Madden/50 $1,050
12. (10) Steve Francis/50 $1,100
13. (17) Tim Fuller/50 $950
14. (9) Brady Smith/50 $900
15. (21) Brad Neat/50 $1,350
16. (12) Shane Clanton/50 $800
17. (22) John Blankenship/50 $770
18. (24) Mike Knight/49 $750
19. (15) Gregg Satterlee/49 $730
20. (25) Russell King/49 $950
21. (27) Dan Schlieper/49 $700
22. (28) Ken Schrader/49 $700
23. (20) Jason Feger/48 $700
24. (26) Brent Robinson/48 $700
25. (18) Tommy Kerr/48 $700
26. (19) Jordan Bland/47 $700
27. (23) Matt Lux/38 $700
28. (16) Chris Ferguson/2 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 22 Mins., 17.752 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 2.599 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 2 (Laps 3, 40)
Lap Leaders: Babb (1-33); Owens (34-50)
Provisional Starters: King, Robinson (WoO); Schlieper, Schrader (track)
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Neat ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Chris Fox (Owens)

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Tim McCreadie, 2. Chris Madden, 3. Scott Bloomquist, 4. Jordan Bland, 5. Eric Jacobsen, 6. Vic Coffey, 7. Booper Bare, 8. Jeremy Miller, 9. Bo Feathers, 10. Al Shawver Jr., 11. Justin Labonte

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Rick Eckert, 2. Jimmy Owens, 3. Josh Richards, 4. Eric Wells, 5. John Blankenship, 6. Randy Korte, 7. Jared Landers, 8. Dan Stone, 9. Doug Horton, 10. Jeep VanWormer, 11. Ben Faircloth, 12. Spencer Liggon

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Clint Smith, 2. Brady Smith, 3. Gregg Satterlee, 4. Matt Lux, 5. Jeremy Faircloth, 6. Rick ‘Boom' Briggs, 7. Will Vaught, 8. Petey Ivey, 9. Ricky Elliott, 10. Chuck Harper, 11. Larry Blankenship, 12. Dustin Mitchell

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Earl Pearson Jr., 2. Steve Francis, 3. Chris Ferguson, 4. Jason Feger, 5. Tim Dohm, 6. Russell King, 7. Johnny Pursley, 8. Brian Ruhlman, 9. Donnie Moran, 10. Eddie Carrier Jr., 11. Cruz Pedregon, 12. Jim Yoder

Heat No. 5 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Darrell Lanigan, 2. Dale McDowell, 3. Tim Fuller, 4. Brad Neat, 5. Mike Knight, 6. Ken Schrader, 7. Mike Gault, 8. Jeff Rine, 9. Brent Robinson, 10. Bob Gordon, 11. Trey Martin, 12. Dan Schlieper

Heat No. 6 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Shannon Babb, 2. Shane Clanton, 3. Tommy Kerr, 4. Tyler Reddick, 5. Austin Hubbard, 6. Dennis Franklin, 7. Austin Dillon, 8. Adam Hensel, 9. Devin Friese, 10. D.J. Wells, 11. Walker Arthur

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Jordan Bland, 2. John Blankenship, 3. Eric Wells, 4. Randy Korte, 5. Vic Coffey, 6. Jeep VanWormer, 7. Eric Jacobsen, 8. Bo Feathers, 9. Booper Bare, 10. Dan Stone, 11. Doug Horton, 12. Al Shawver Jr., 13. Justin Labonte, 14. Spencer Liggon, 15. Jared Landers (DNS) Jeremy Miller, Ben Faircloth

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Jason Feger, 2. Matt Lux, 3. Tim Dohm, 4. Russell King, 5. Brian Ruhlman, 6. Rick ‘Boom' Briggs, 7. Donnie Moran, 8. Will Vaught, 9. Jim Yoder, 10. Dustin Mitchell, 11. Petey Ivey, 12. Chuck Harper, 13. Jeremy Faircloth (DNS) Johnny Pursley, Ricky Elliott, Eddie Carrier Jr., Larry Blankenship, Cruz Pedregon

B-Main No. 3 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Brad Neat, 2. Mike Knight, 3. Austin Hubbard, 4. Tyler Reddick, 5. Austin Dillon, 6. Adam Hensel, 7. Ken Schrader, 8. Mike Gault, 9. Dennis Franklin, 10. Jeff Rine, 11. Bob Gordon, 12. Devin Friese, 13. Brent Robinson, 14. Walker Arthur, 15. Trey Martin, 16. D.J. Wells (DNS) Dan Schlieper

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Vic Coffey, Brian Ruhlman, Austin Dillon
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Brad Neat
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Jimmy Owens
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Scott Bloomquist
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Clint Smith
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Jordan Bland, Jason Feger, Brad Neat
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Scott Bloomquist
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Jimmy Owens
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Shannon Babb
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Brad Neat
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Jimmy Owens
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award' (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Eric Wells
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Jimmy Owens

Final 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings – 40 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/events/A-Main starts/wins/top-5s/top-10s/earnings/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 40-40-8-23-34-$186,170-5420 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 40-40-6-25-33-$167,885-5406 (-14)
3. Darrell Lanigan 40-40-2-19-31-$171,326-5340 (-80)
4. Tim Fuller 40-40-7-17-24-$137,150-5240 (-180)
5. Rick Eckert 40-40-3-14-27-$103,275-5220 (-200)
6. Shane Clanton 40-40-1-9-26-$95,420-5156 (-264)
7. Chub Frank 38-37-2-7-23-$96,800-5018 (-402)
8. Brady Smith 40-39-0-12-19-$84,915-4981 (-439)
9. Clint Smith 40-40-0-4-18-$66,350-4918 (-502)
10. Russell King 40-34-0-0-8-$50,480-4428 (-992)
11. Jordan Bland 40-29-0-0-3-$46,160-4229 (-1191)
12. Brent Robinson 40-25-0-0-1-$31,170-4009 (-1411)
13. Dustin Hapka 40-17-0-0-0-$16,540-3647 (-1773)
14. Tyler Reddick 40-14-0-0-0-$14,215-3467 (-1953)
15. Vic Coffey 29-25-0-3-9-$39,260-3346 (-2074)
16. Austin Hubbard 28-22-0-3-8-$29,825-3098 (-2322)
17. Gregg Satterlee 17-17-0-1-5-$19,140-2015 (-3405)
18. Matt Lux 20-13-0-0-1-$15,170-1988 (-3432)
19. Tim McCreadie 15-11-1-6-9-$35,210-1788 (-3632)
20. Shannon Babb 15-12-1-5-8-$44,940-1760 (-3660)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Bloomquist Opens World of Outlaws World Finals With Friday-Night Victory For Third Straight Year

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 6, 2009 - Scott Bloomquist has the Friday-night portion of the World of Outlaws World Finals down pat.

The 2004 World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion opened the tour's season-ending doubleheader at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway with a victory for the third consecutive year, capturing Friday's 50-lap A-Main in front of a packed grandstand.

Bloomquist, 45, of Mooresburg, Tenn., proved to be a survivor on a fast, challenging track surface. While contenders Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., were struck by misfortune just as they appeared to be in position to win, Bloomquist stayed steady and smooth to score his first WoO LMS triumph since last year's World Finals.

“It really is a fine art figuring out if you want to push it and risk tearing something up,” said Bloomquist, who recorded his 19th career WoO LMS triumph and pushed his alltime-best dirt Late Model win total at The Dirt Track to six. “The cushion in (turns) one and two was really tricky to mess with, but the car was really great and it allowed us to move all over on the racetrack.”

Pearson did take the lead on lap 23 after Bloomquist had raced off the outside pole to set the pace from the start, but the 2009 Circle K Colossal 100 winner's stint in front was short-lived. Terminal engine trouble sidelined Pearson on lap 28, handing the lead back to Bloomquist for good.

Feger, who clinched his first career UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model national title one month ago, reached Bloomquist's rear bumper on lap 40 after electrifying the huge crowd with an outside charge from the 19th starting spot to second in his Pierce car. But moments later a flat left-rear tire forced Feger to slow and bring out a caution flag, leaving Bloomquist home free for the remainder of the distance.

“Earl got us in traffic there (for the lead), but I was pretty confident that we had plenty left,” said Bloomquist, whose victory was worth $10,200. “There were too many laps left for me to get too excited.

“If Jason was closing, I'm sure he was just wide open on the top,” he added when asked about Feger's challenge. “I don't think he cut a tire; I think he jerked it off the wheel. That's the kind of chances you take (running the cushion).”

Chris Madden of Gaffney, S.C., who runs a Team Zero by Bloomquist car and is second on The Dirt Track's career win list with four victories, inherited second place from Feger and stayed there to the finish. He advanced from the 11th starting spot but never made a serious bid for the win, ending the race a distant 2.834 seconds behind Bloomquist.

Rick Eckert of York, Pa., hustled forward from the 18th starting spot to finish third, securing a sweep of the top-three positions for Team Zero by Bloomquist cars. Defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who started 13th, and seventh-starter Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., placed fourth and fifth, respectively, in Rocket machines.

Feger, meanwhile, came back from a pit stop to finish sixth. The 31-year-old talent impressed observers with his performance just two days after laying eyes on the four-tenths-mile oval for the first time, but an untimely flat tire robbed him of a shot at a popular upset victory.

“I was trying to be smooth – as smooth as you could be in that cushion,” said Feger, who won a B-Main after losing a transfer spot in a heat late in the distance. “But when it's choppy like that, it's hard for these tires to stay under you.

“We got right to (Bloomquist's) back bumper there in (turns) three and four (on lap 40), and then the next lap is when the tire just disintegrated. It just wasn't our night, but me and the guys are happy that we're up to speed. I think we showed what we have.”

Richards, 21, made a stirring late-race rally to salvage a top-five finish after slowing with a flat right-rear tire on lap 43 while in contention for third place. The save allowed Richards to turn a four-point deficit in the WoO LMS points standings into a four-point lead over Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who ran as high as third before power-steering problems that developed just before the halfway mark caused him to fade to ninth at the finish.

Richards and Francis will bring their dramatic battle for the $100,000 WoO LMS points title to an end in Saturday night's 50-lap World Finals A-Main, which will be part of a live broadcast on the SPEED cable network from 8-11 p.m. ET.

Bloomquist is hoping that he can repeat his success in front of the SPEED cameras and, in the process, become the first driver to sweep the two A-Mains that make up the three-year-old World Finals. But he's already quite satisfied with a visit to The Dirt Track that includes his World Finals victory, a second-place finish in Thursday night's postponed 50-lap Hungry Man Showdown – and, more generally, his role in helping create more dirt Late Model fans.

“One thing that's kind of nice about this (World Finals) deal is that every year we've had so many comments from people about how we kinda converted some Sprint Car fans (to dirt Late Model racing),” said Bloomquist. “Our racing is, I think, a little more competitive and a little bit better racing than these people who were Sprint fans realize.

“I think a lot of people saw enough of the Late Models the last couple years that they knew (Friday's A-Main) was gonna be a good show, and it obviously turned out to be one.”

Five caution flags slowed the event, but only one was for an accident. Dan Schlieper of Sullivan, Wis., and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., were involved in a backstretch tangle on lap 30.

The race's first caution flag flew on lap 25 for 12th-starter Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga., who ran as high as fourth before slowing with a flat left-rear tire. He did not return.

Finishing in positions 7-10 were Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich.; Eric Jacobsen of Sea Cliff Beach, Calif., who earned the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks' cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn't won a tour A-Main and isn't in the top 12 of the points standings; Francis; and Austin Dillon of Welcome, N.C., who is the 19-year-old grandson of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress.

Winners of Friday night's heat race, which were aligned by the results of the first-round time trials on Thursday, were Francis, Bloomquist, Dillon, Ricky Weeks of Rutherfordton, N.C., Pearson and Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., who fell from fourth place to 11th on the final lap of the A-Main due to a broken axle. The B-Mains were captured by Feger, Booper Bare of Rockbridge Baths, Va., and Brady Smith.

Qualifying was marred by a wild crash involving Jerry Rice of Verona, Ky., whose car bicycled into a series of snap rolls between turns three and four on lap one of the fourth heat. The 42-year-old Rice climbed out of the destroyed machine under his own power, but he was later transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

The World Finals continue on Saturday (Nov. 7) with the second and final night of WoO Late Model and Sprint Car activity. Hot laps are scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. with racing getting the green flag at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com or www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series World Finals Night 1 (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (2) Scott Bloomquist/50 $10,200
2. (11) Chris Madden/50 $5,000
3. (18) Rick Eckert/50 $3,500
4. (13) Darrell Lanigan/50 $3,150
5. (7) Josh Richards/50 $2,500
6. (19) Jason Feger/50 $1,700
7. (15) Jeep VanWormer/50 $1,400
8. (10) Eric Jacobsen/50 $1,800
9. (4) Steve Francis/50 $1,800
10. (6) Austin Dillon/50 $1,200
11. (1) Shane Clanton/50 $1,550
12. (5) Ricky Weeks/49 $1,000
13. (25) Clint Smith/49 $1,450
14. (8) Gregg Satterlee/49 $900
15. (23) Brad Neat/48 $850
16. (14) Adam Hensel/42 $800
17. (22) Tim Fuller/34 $1,270
18. (26) Russell King/34 $1,500
19. (9) Dan Schlieper/30 $730
20. (21) Brady Smith/30 $1,200
21. (3) Earl Pearson Jr./28 $700
22. (16) Tim Dohm/28 $700
23. (24) Vic Coffey/27 $700
24. (12) Dale McDowell/25 $700
25. (28) Ken Schrader/15 $700
26. (20) Booper Bare/13 $700
27. (17) Tim McCreadie/11 $800
28. (27) Eric Wells/9 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 30 Mins., 10.282 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 2.834 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 5 (Laps 25, 28, 30, 40, 43)
Lap Leaders: Bloomquist (1-22); Pearson (23-28); Bloomquist (29-50)
Provisional Starters: C. Smith, King (WoO); Wells, Schrader (track)
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Jacobsen ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Tommy Hicks (Bloomquist)

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Steve Francis, 2. Josh Richards, 3. Darrell Lanigan, 4. Jeremy Miller, 5. Tim Fuller, 6. Ricky Elliott, 7. Randle Chupp, 8. Donnie Moran, 9. Ken Schrader, 10. Justin Labonte, 11. Rick ‘Boom' Briggs, 12. John Winge, 13. Brian Birkhofer (DNS) Chad Ruhlman

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Scott Bloomquist, 2. Gregg Satterlee, 3. Adam Hensel, 4. Jason Feger, 5. Jordan Bland, 6. Mike Knight, 7. Chuck Harper, 8. Johnny Pursley, 9. Ben Faircloth, 10. Cruz Pedregon, 11. Tommy Kerr, 12. Russell King, 13. Dan Stone (DNS) Dustin Hapka

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Austin Dillon, 2. Dan Schlieper, 3. Jeep VanWormer, 4. Randy Korte, 5. John Blankenship, 6. Clint Smith, 7. Jared Landers, 8. Mike Gault, 9. Jeff Rine, 10. Tyler Reddick, 11. Larry Blankenship, 12. Bob Gordon, 13. D.J. Wells

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Ricky Weeks, 2. Eric Jacobsen, 3. Tim Dohm, 4. Booper Bare, 5. Brad Neat, 6. Eric Wells, 7. Shannon Babb, 8. Bo Feathers, 9. Jeremy Faircloth, 10. Spencer Liggon, 11. Dustin Mitchell, 12. Jimmy Owens, 13. Jerry Rice

Heat No. 5 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Earl Pearson Jr., 2. Chris Madden, 3. Tim McCreadie, 4. Dennis Franklin, 5. Steve Shaver, 6. Austin Hubbard, 7. Ray Cook, 8. Matt Lux, 9. Brian Ruhlman, 10. Jim Yoder, 11. Doug Horton, 12. Devin Friese (DNS) Chad Hollenbeck

Heat No. 6 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Shane Clanton, 2. Dale McDowell, 3. Rick Eckert, 4. Brady Smith, 5. Vic Coffey, 6. Eddie Carrier Jr., 7. Chris Ferguson, 8. Brent Robinson, 9. Will Vaught, 10. Walker Arthur, 11. Petey Ivey, 12. Trey Martin, 13. Al Shawver Jr.

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Jason Feger, 2. Tim Fuller, 3. Jordan Bland, 4. Mike Knight, 5. Ricky Elliott, 6. Chuck Harper, 7. Donnie Moran, 8. Ben Faircloth, 9. Johnny Pursley, 10. Tommy Kerr, 11. Dan Stone, 12. Ken Schrader, 13. Cruz Pedregon, 14. Justin Labonte, 15. Randle Chupp, 16. Russell King, 17. Rick ‘Boom' Briggs, 18. John Winge, 19. Jeremy Miller (DNS) Brian Birkhofer, Chad Ruhlman, Dustin Hapka

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Booper Bare, 2. Brad Neat, 3. Randy Korte, 4. Jared Landers, 5. John Blankenship, 6. Jeff Rine, 7. Bo Feathers, 8. Tyler Reddick, 9. Shannon Babb, 10. Bob Gordon, 11. Spencer Liggon, 12. Eric Wells, 13. Mike Gault, 14. Larry Blankenship, 15. Clint Smith, 16. D.J. Wells (DNS) Jeremy Faircloth, Dustin Mitchell, Jimmy Owens, Jerry Rice

B-Main No. 3 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Brady Smith, 2. Vic Coffey, 3. Austin Hubbard, 4. Eddie Carrier Jr., 5. Dennis Franklin, 6. Ray Cook, 7. Matt Lux, 8. Will Vaught, 9. Brian Ruhlman, 10. Doug Horton, 11. Jim Yoder, 12. Al Shawver Jr., 13. Walker Arthur, 14. Steve Shaver, 15. Petey Ivey, 16. Brent Robinson, 17. Trey Martin, 18. Chris Ferguson (DNS) Devin Friese

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Ricky Elliott, John Blankenship, Dennis Franklin
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Eric Jacobsen
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Scott Bloomquist
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Austin Dillon
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Austin Dillon
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Jason Feger, Booper Bare, Brady Smith
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Darrell Lanigan
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Scott Bloomquist
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Brad Neat
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Scott Bloomquist
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award' (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Jimmy Owens
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Scott Bloomquist

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Nov. 6 – 39 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 5284 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 5280 (-4)
3. Darrell Lanigan 5198 (-86)
4. Tim Fuller 5116 (-168)
5. Rick Eckert 5086 (-198)
6. Shane Clanton 5038 (-246)
7. Chub Frank 4943 (-341)
8. Brady Smith 4859 (-425)
9. Clint Smith 4780 (-504)
10. Russell King 4318 (-966)
11. Jordan Bland 4131 (-1153)
12. Brent Robinson 3907 (-1377)
13. Dustin Hapka 3572 (-1712)
14. Tyler Reddick 3392 (-1892)
15. Vic Coffey 3271 (-2013)
16. Austin Hubbard 3023 (-2261)
17. Gregg Satterlee 1903 (-3381)
18. Matt Lux 1892 (-3392)
19. Dan Stone 1676 (-3608)
20. Tim McCreadie 1642 (-3642)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Richards Repels Bloomquist For $12,750 Score In Thursday Night's Postponed Hungry Man Showdown At Lowe's Motor Speedway

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 5, 2009 - Josh Richards is ready to battle for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship.

The 21-year-old sensation from Shinnston, W.Va., tuned up for his World Finals showdown with Steve Francis in fine fashion on Thursday night, repelling a late restart challenge from Scott Bloomquist to capture the postponed 50-lap Hungry Man Showdown at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Richards remained four points behind Francis in the WoO LMS standings because the special event, which was rescheduled to the end of the World Finals qualifying night due to difficult track conditions and the late hour on Wednesday, offered only show-up points. But with a powerful performance, Richards picked up plenty of momentum in his pursuit of a first career tour title.

“This is definitely a big confidence booster,” said Richards, who registered his series-leading eighth victory of the 2009 season. “We're still second in the points and I know it's gonna be tight for the rest of the weekend, but this gets the whole crew pumped up.”

The triumph was Richards's first since July 16 at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D., and was worth a cool $12,750, including a $2,000 ‘passing bonus' for winning from the second starting spot. It was his 20th career WoO LMS victory, moving him out of a tie with Rick Eckert of York, Pa., and into sole possession of second place on the tour's win list since 2004.

In an A-Main that was run with conventionally-bodied cars after officials decided to scrap the planned ‘topless' format following the postponement, Richards raced off the outside pole to grab the lead from Francis on lap 12. He built more than a straightaway lead before caution flags on laps 47 and 48 – the only slowdowns of the event – allowed Mooresburg, Tenn.'s Bloomquist to mount a last-ditch bid.

Bloomquist, who turns 46 on Nov. 14, appeared primed to overtake Richards one circuit after the lap-47 restart, but another caution flag on lap 48 stopped the challenge. Richards then dominated the ensuing restart, steering his Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket car away from Bloomquist's Team Zero machine to beat the 2004 WoO LMS champion by 0.844 of a second.

Francis, who led laps 1-11 after starting from the pole position, settled for third place in Dale Beitler's Reliable Painting Rocket. He lost the runner-up position to Bloomquist on the lap-47 restart that followed a caution flag for the stopped car driven by Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del.

Defending Showdown winner Chris Madden of Gaffney, S.C., finished fourth and Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla., placed fifth after his advance from the 11th starting spot stalled over the final 22 laps.

Richards was both hindered and helped by the late caution flags. The first nearly cost him the race, and the second likely saved it for him.

“My right-rear tire gave up with about seven (laps) to go,” said Richards, who recorded his second career WoO LMS win at The Dirt Track. “I was leaning on it pretty hard trying to get by lapped cars because I didn't know how much of a lead I had. Then all of a sudden it just died – like instantly. I was just skating around. It felt like I fell off a half-second.”

After Richards saw his huge lead wiped out by the caution flag on lap 47, Bloomquist charged around Francis on the restart and had his car outside of Richards's machine heading down the backstretch on lap 48. But the circuit wasn't completed because Eric Jacobsen of Sea Cliff Beach, Calif., spun on the homestretch to bring out another caution flag, and Richards powered away when the green flag returned.

“I just ran it harder and wider after the last restart,” said Richards. “I figured I was either gonna win or just kill the tires. I gave it all I had and it worked out.”

Richards credited his successful run to his crew members, who scrambled to get his No. 1 machine ready for the A-Main after he ran into trouble during his World Finals second-round qualifying laps a short time before the Hungry Man Showdown.

“I let off the gas at the end of my second (time trial) lap and about knocked the whole front end off the car,” said Richards. “All the guys at the trailer worked hard to fix what I did. We barely got it ready for the feature.”

Austin Dillon of Welcome, N.C. – the 19-year-old grandson of NASCAR team owner Richard Childress – scored a WoO LMS career-best finish of sixth. The run earned him the $500 WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' cash for being the highest-finishing driver who had never won a tour A-Main and wasn't ranked among the top 12 in the points standings.

Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., slipped backward from the fourth starting spot, finishing seventh. Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., finished eighth, followed by Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich., and Randle Chupp of Troutman, N.C.

Missing from the Hungry Man Showdown starting field was WoO LMS regular Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who was sidelined for the weekend after suffering a facial injury in what he called “a freak deal” during the event's first heat race on Wednesday night. A blow to Frank's helmet from a flying clod of clay left him with a badly swollen and bruised right eye and cheekbone.

After being treated and released from a local hospital, Frank was back at the track on Wednesday night before the A-Main was postponed. He said doctors found some cracks and fractures in the bones under his eye and in his cheek; he plans to see a specialist for further evaluation when he returns home.

Frank's absence from Thursday's Showdown lineup marked just the second WoO LMS A-Main since 2004 that he has not started. The only previous A-Main he did not start was on March 14, 2004, at Atomic Speedway in Oak Ridge, Tenn.

Jeff Cooke of Spartanburg, S.C., who suffered facial injuries in a separate incident during Wednesday night's first heat, remained at a North Carolina hospital on Thursday undergoing treatment.

The World Finals continue on Friday and Saturday at The Dirt Track, with hot laps scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. and racing set to take the green flag at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com or www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Hungry Man Showdown' (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (2) Josh Richards/50 $12,750
2. (3) Scott Bloomquist/50 $5,000
3. (1) Steve Francis/50 $3,600
4. (5) Chris Madden/50 $2,500
5. (11) Earl Pearson Jr./50 $2,000
6. (9) Austin Dillon/50 $2,200
7. (4) Brady Smith/50 $1,900
8. (8) Jonathan Davenport/50 $1,300
9. (6) Jeep VanWormer/50 $1,200
10. (12) Randle Chupp/50 $1,200
11. (16) Rick Eckert/50 $1,550
12. (15) Ray Cook/50 $1,000
13. (22) Darrell Lanigan/50 $1,550
14. (7) Jeremy Miller/50 $900
15. (10) Dennis Erb Jr./50 $850
16. (21) Chris Ferguson/50 $800
17. (18) Eddie Carrier Jr./50 $770
18. (17) Eric Jacobsen/50 $750
19. (13) Gregg Satterlee/50 $730
20. (19) Dennis Franklin/49 $700
21. (20) Tyler Reddick/49 $950
22. (23) Jimmy Owens/49 $700
23. (28) Russell King/49 $1,200
24. (24) Dan Schlieper/46 $700
25. (14) Austin Hubbard/45 $700
26. (27) Clint Smith/20 $1,200
27. (26) Shane Clanton/14 $1,200
28. (25) Tim Fuller/14 $1,200

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 22 Mins., 53.100 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.844 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 2 (Laps 47, 48)
Lap Leaders: Francis (1-11); Richards (12-50)
Provisional Starters: Fuller, Clanton, C. Smith, King
Rookie of the Race: Tyler Reddick ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Austin Dillon ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Matt Barnes (Richards)

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Jordan Bland, Donnie Moran, Mike Gault
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Austin Dillon
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Randle Chupp
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Brady Smith
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Dennis Franklin, Tyler Reddick, Chris Ferguson
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Earl Pearson Jr.
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Dennis Erb Jr.
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Josh Richards
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award' (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Shannon Babb
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Nov. 5 – 38 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Steve Francis 5148 (-0)
2. Josh Richards 5144 (-4)
3. Darrell Lanigan 5056 (-92)
4. Tim Fuller 5000 (-148)
5. Rick Eckert 4942 (-206)
6. Shane Clanton 4910 (-238)
7. Chub Frank 4868 (-280)
8. Brady Smith 4749 (-399)
9. Clint Smith 4656 (-492)
10. Russell King 4204 (-944)
11. Jordan Bland 4056 (-1092)
12. Brent Robinson 3832 (-1316)
13. Dustin Hapka 3497 (-1651)
14. Tyler Reddick 3317 (-1831)
15. Vic Coffey 3167 (-1981)
16. Austin Hubbard 2948 (-2200)
17. Matt Lux 1817 (-3331)
18. Gregg Satterlee 1781 (-3367)
19. Dan Stone 1601 (-3547)
20. Tim McCreadie 1546 (-3602)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Lanigan & Bloomquist Share Fast-Time Honors As Third Annual World Finals Opens Thursday Night With 80-Car Dirt Late Model Turnout

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 5, 2009 - Former World of Outlaws Late Model Series champions Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., and Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn., shined on Thursday night, sharing fast-time honors in the two rounds of time trials that kicked off the third annual World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.

A massive field of 80 dirt Late Models jammed the pit area for the blockbuster doubleheader, which also attracted 57 machines for the companion World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series meet. It was a record two-division total for the fall event.

Lanigan, 39, earned the pole position for the first heat race on Friday night by registering the fastest lap in the first round of Ohlins Shocks Time Trials. His clocking of 16.185 seconds just nipped Bloomquist, who led a group of his Team Zero by Bloomquist chassis mates in taking four of the top-five spots in the opening round of qualifying.

The fast-time award was Lanigan's fifth of the 2009 WoO LMS season behind the wheel of his Rocket car.

Bloomquist, who turns 46 on Nov. 14, roared back in the second round of time trials, touring the four-tenths-mile oval in 15.912 seconds to register the fastest overall lap of the evening. The 2004 WoO LMS titlist's performance earned him the pole starting spot in Saturday night's first heat race as he seeks to win a World Finals A-Main for the third consecutive year.

Thursday's first round of time trials set the lineups for Friday night's heats, while the second round of qualifying was used to align Saturday night's heats.

Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va. – the main combatants in this weekend's battle for the $100,000 WoO LMS championship – were separated by less than a tenth of a second in both qualifying rounds. Francis timed seventh and 22nd, while Richards was 13th and 20th on the time-trial charts.

Francis enters the pair of 50-lap World Finals A-Mains holding a narrow four-point lead over Richards. Lanigan is 92 points behind Francis in third place and remains mathematically alive in the title hunt, but he will need Francis and Richards to experience bad luck in both races to repeat as champion.

Ironically, the top-three drivers in the WoO LMS points standings will start from the first three starting spots in Friday night's first heat race. Lanigan and Francis will share the front row with Richards starting third.

The World Finals continue on Friday and Saturday, with hot laps scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. and racing set to take the green flag at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday night's World Finals program will be televised live by the SPEED cable network from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.

For more information, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com or www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

Round 1 Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results For Fri., Nov. 6 Heat Races (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 16.185
2. 0-Scott Bloomquist/Mooresburg, TN 16.214
3. s9-Dan Schlieper/Sullivan, WI 16.309
4. 20-Jimmy Owens/Newport, TN 16.340
5. 44M-Chris Madden/Gaffney, SC 16.344
6. 17M-Dale McDowell/Chickamauga, GA 16.358
7. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 16.359
8. 44H-Adam Hensel/Barron, WI 16.369
9. 3d-Austin Dillon/Welcome, NC 16.380
10. 18W-Eric Wells/Hazard, KY 16.398
11. 44p-Earl Pearson Jr./Jacksonville, FL 16.399
12. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 16.407
13. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 16.417
14. 22-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 16.466
15. 55-Jeep VanWormer/Pinconning, MI 16.480
16. 18b-Shannon Babb/Moweaqua, IL 16.482
17. 39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY 16.488
18. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 16.497
19. 24M-Jeremy Miller/Gettysburg, PA 16.504
20. 9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 16.507
21. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 16.508
22. 17T-Tim Dohm/Cross Lanes, WV 16.541
23. 30-Steve Shaver/Vienna, WV 16.542
24. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 16.556
25. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 16.577
26. 4T-Tommy Kerr/Maryville, TN 16.582
27. 23-John Blankenship/Williamson, WV 16.594
28. 41-Brad Neat/Dunnville, KY 16.597
29. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 16.604
30. 28-Eddie Carrier Jr./Salt Rock, WV 16.618
31. 15B-Brian Birkhofer/Muscatine, IA 16.624
32. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 16.633
33. 00K-Randy Korte/Highland, IL 16.634
34. 1W-Ricky Weeks/Rutherfordton, NC 16.636
35. 49R-Brian Ruhlman/Clarklake, MI 16.637
36. 22F-Chris Ferguson/Mount Holly, NC 16.644
37. 6-Randle Chupp/Troutman, NC 16.649
38. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 16.679
39. 17-Mike Gault/Gaffney, SC 16.691
40. 5-Eric Jacobsen/Sea Cliff Beach, CA 16.697
41. 21L-Matt Lux/Franklin, PA 16.717
42. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 16.728
43. 88-Ricky Elliott/Seaford, DE 16.766
44. 25F-Jason Feger/Bloomington, IL 16.772
45. 777-Jared Landers/Batesville, AR 16.782
46. 11J-Jerry Rice/Verona, KY 16.784
47. 12F-Devin Friese/St. Thomas, PA 16.786
48. 1V-Will Vaught/Crane, MO 16.796
49. 99-Donnie Moran/Dresden, OH 16.799
50. 09-Johnny Pursley/Clover, SC 16.804
51. 2J-Jeff Rine/Danville, PA 16.815
52. 00F-Bo Feathers/Winchester, VA 16.819
53. 53-Ray Cook/Brasstown, NC 16.820
54. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 16.828
55. 9s-Ken Schrader/Concord, NC 16.835
56. 21d-Dan Stone/Thompson, PA 16.838
57. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 16.843
58. 00b-Booper Bare/Rock Bridge Baths, VA 16.871
59. 2F-Dennis Franklin/Gaffney, SC 16.889
60. 87-Walker Arthur/Forest, VA 16.909
61. 20R-Chad Ruhlman/Bemus Point, NY 16.916
62. 75-Cruz Pedregon/Brownsburg, IN 16.926
63. 32-Larry Blankenship/Mooresville, NC 16.965
64. 4-Jeremy Faircloth/Swainsboro, GA 17.037
65. 27-Jim Yoder/Selinsgrove, PA 17.041
66. 75H-Petey Ivey/Shelby, NC 17.072
67. 99B-Rick ‘Boom' Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 17.137
68. 27-Ben Faircloth/Swainsboro, GA 17.159
69. 31-Bob Gordon/Keyser, WV 17.254
70. d8-Dustin Mitchell/Princeton, NC 17.262
71. 1G-Doug Horton/Bruceton Mills, WV 17.272
72. 1M-Trey Martin/Charleston, WV 17.320
73. 44L-Justin Labonte/Trinity, NC 17.369
74. 00H-Chuck Harper/Beverly, WV 17.402
75. 11W-D.J. Wells/Wooton, KY 17.588
76. 18L-Spencer Liggon/Lexington, NC 17.707
77. 4ds-Chad Hollenbeck/Kingsley, PA 17.887
78. 215-Al Shawver Jr./Hampstead, MD 18.038
79. 17J-John Winge/Ringgold, GA 18.068
80. 18H-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND N/T
NOTE: 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA – N/T (WoO LMS regular – injured, unable to compete; receives 75 hardship points for Friday event)

Round 2 Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results For Sat., Nov. 7 Heat Races (Position/No./Driver//Best Lap):

1. Scott Bloomquist 15.912
2. Rick Eckert 16.185
3. Gregg Satterlee 16.231
4. Chris Ferguson 16.317
5. Darrell Lanigan 16.335
6. Shane Clanton 16.363
7. Tim McCreadie 16.365
8. Jimmy Owens 16.368
9. Clint Smith 16.385
10. Earl Pearson Jr. 16.398
11. Dan Schlieper 16.423
12. Shannon Babb 16.470
13. Chris Madden 16.478
14. Eric Wells 16.479
15. Jeremy Faircloth 16.483
16. 28-Eddie Carrier Jr. 16.493
17. Dale McDowell 16.498
18. Tommy Kerr 16.500
19. Eric Jacobsen 16.501
20. Josh Richards 16.502
21. Brady Smith 16.519
22. Steve Francis 16.525
23. Tim Fuller 16.537
24. Steve Shaver 16.562
25. Tyler Reddick 16.577
26. Jordan Bland 16.578
27. John Blankenship 16.610
28. Rick ‘Boom' Briggs 16.638
29. Johnny Pursley 16.647
30. Mike Knight 16.660
31. Dennis Franklin 16.676
32. Vic Coffey 16.678
33. Jeep VanWormer 16.700
34. Matt Lux 16.715
35. Russell King 16.718
36. Brad Neat 16.725
37. Austin Dillon 16.727
38. Jeremy Miller 16.754
39. Dan Stone 16.760
40. Petey Ivey 16.783
41. Brian Birkhofer 16.803
42. Jason Feger 16.815
43. Randle Chupp 16.816
44. Mike Gault 16.818
45. Austin Hubbard 16.833
46. Ricky Weeks 16.841
47. Randy Korte 16.860
48. Will Vaught 16.869
49. Tim Dohm 16.889
50. Ken Schrader 16.895
51. D.J. Wells 16.895
52. Booper Bare 16.903
53. Ray Cook 16.917
54. Jared Landers 16.917
55. Jerry Rice 16.921
56. Larry Blankenship 16.941
57. Donnie Moran 16.957
58. Brent Robinson 16.960
59. Devin Friese 16.989
60. Chad Ruhlman 17.036
61. Justin Labonte 17.048
62. Ben Faircloth 17.055
63. Ricky Elliott 17.062
64. Brian Ruhlman 17.080
65. Jeff Rine 17.086
66. Adam Hensel 17.090
67. Bo Feathers 17.168
68. Doug Horton 17.266
69. Chuck Harper 17.272
70. Jim Yoder 17.308
71. Bob Gordon 17.312
72. Walker Arthur 17.349
73. Al Shawver Jr. 17.422
74. Spencer Liggon 17.571
75. Dustin Mitchell 17.657
76. Cruz Pedregon 17.792
77. Trey Martin 17.876
78. Chad Hollenbeck 17.991
79. John Winge 18.284
80. 18H-Dustin Hapka N/T
NOTE: 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA – N/T (WoO LMS regular – injured, unable to compete; receives 75 hardship points for Saturday event)

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Mourns Passing Of Veteran Car Owner Raye Vest

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 5, 2009 - The World of Outlaws Late Model Series lost a treasured supporter on Wednesday with the passing of longtime team owner Raye Vest.

A stalwart on the WoO LMS with driver Rick Eckert since the national tour's reincarnation in 2004 under the World Racing Group banner, Vest died at his home in White Plains, Md., on Wednesday afternoon due to complications from health problems he had been battling for several years. He was 76.

Eckert, who is completing his 14th consecutive season driving for Vest, learned of Vest's death while at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., preparing for Wednesday night's Topless Showdown event. He had talked to a weak Vest earlier in the day, and just minutes before Vest passed away Eckert had called Vest's wife to relay the time-trial number he picked for Wednesday's program.

The sad news soon began to circulate through a pit area filled with people who knew Vest well, casting a pall over the evening's activities. A moment of silence was observed in Vest's honor prior to the start of the racing card.

“Raye and Rick were the first two people I met at my first World of Outlaws Late Model Series show in 2004,” said World Racing Group CEO Brian Carter. “I could tell instantly that Raye was a man who cared deeply about racing and cared about creating a family within the team. I'm glad I had the opportunity to present him the (WoO LMS) Outstanding Contribution to the Sport award (following the 2007 season). The entire racing community will miss him.”

No one will miss Vest more than Eckert, a 43-year-old dirt Late Model superstar from York, Pa., whose career reached its greatest heights behind the wheel of the familiar orange Raye Vest Racing No. 24 machines.

“He's like a second father,” an emotional Eckert said of Vest as he stood solemnly in his trailer on Wednesday afternoon. “He was the best car owner a driver could ever ask for – he loved racing more than anybody I've ever known.”

A hard-working, self-made man, Vest attended his first dirt-track race in 1949 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway – he was raised in the mountains of western Virginia, about two miles from the home of NASCAR pioneer Curtis Turner – but didn't become actively involved in the sport until later in life. Nearly 25 years ago he began helping driver George Moreland after his children had grown up and his business, Raye Vest Excavating, had become well-established. He soon developed into a full-fledged team owner.

Vest first met Eckert during the early ‘90s. He grew more friendly with the then rising young driver when Eckert and Vest's team (with driver Nathan Durboraw) often traveled together on the former STARS tour, and in 1995 Vest phoned with a ride offer.

“Raye and Nathan had split and he started the year with Rodney Franklin,” said Eckert. “I think it was halfway through the year and (Vest and Franklin) split up. Raye called me up and asked if I was interested in driving his car. I told him, ‘Sure,' so he said, ‘Why don't you drive down here and we'll talk about it?'

“I drove down to his house and – well, it was sort of strange. We were talking, sitting in his living room. We had everything hashed out, everything's looking good, and his wife walks in and says, ‘Hi, I'm Barb. I just want to tell you that I hate racing. I hate race cars. They don't make any sense to me.' She walked back out of the room and I said to Raye, ‘Are you sure you want to do this? He was like, ‘Yep, I'm sure.'”

Mrs. Vest eventually came around to her husband's beloved hobby.

“Over the years we've got to where Barb and all of us are like family,” said Eckert, who with his wife, Kristal, has often vacationed with Vest and his wife at Vest's off-season home on the Caribbean island of St. Maarten. “She was never overly thrilled with the racing until she seen how much he loved it. When he retired (after selling his business in 2003), she really loved it because it gave him something to keep him going.

“Matter of fact, I remember one thing Barb said a couple years ago, right here at Charlotte,” he continued. “Every year for the past five years it's been rumored that Raye was quitting, and we were there in his camper when Nathan Durboraw climbed in and asked him, ‘Raye, I hear you're quitting.' Raye said, ‘Where'd you hear that at?' and Nathan told him, ‘I heard it in the pits.'

“Then Barb piped up and said, ‘He ain't quitting. I ain't letting him quit. He ain't quitting probably until he takes his last breath.”

Eckert's voice trails off for a moment. Fighting back tears, he added, “Turns out, that is what happened.”

Vest had, in fact, informed Eckert earlier this year that the 2009 season would bring an end to their amazingly long and successful run as owner and driver. With his failing health preventing him from attending no more than a handful of races in recent years, he decided that the time had come to shut down his race team.

“The last couple years he could get to four or five races, but this year he barely got to any,” said Eckert. “It just got to where it was so hard for him to go, so when he said he was gonna quit, I totally understood.”

Nevertheless, it had to be a gut-wrenching decision for Vest, who enjoyed his greatest racing days with Eckert. Over the past six years they were easily the most recognizable owner-driver combination on the WoO LMS, entering every event (221 going into this week's action at The Dirt Track) and rolling up 19 victories (tied for second on the tour win list since 2004) and points finishes of third (‘04), fourth (‘05), seventh (‘06), fifth (‘07) and seventh (‘08).

Eckert has also brought Vest plenty of glory away from the WoO LMS. His record with Vest includes back-to-back UDTRA/Xtreme DirtCar Series titles (2001-2002); $100,000 payoffs for winning the 1999 ‘Dream' at Ohio's Eldora Speedway and the UDTRA/Xtreme ‘Great Northern Challenge' in 2002; major-event victories in the Dirt Track World Championship at Kentucky's Bluegrass Speedway (2004), Scorcher 100 at Volunteer Speedway (2005) and National 100 at East Alabama Motor Speedway (2004 and 2005); and even a handful of ARCA Series superspeedway starts in the ‘90s. He gave Vest a final checkered flag on Oct. 25, winning the Octoberfest 100 at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway, a half-mile oval that was Vest's hometrack.

Vest cherished all the memorable moments that Eckert provided him, but he cared even more for the personal relationship he developed with his hired gun.

“There aren't many people like Rick Eckert,” Vest said two years ago after receiving the WoO LMS Outstanding Contribution to the Sport. “He's a very honest man, a good man, a good boy.

“He's also a hard worker, and that's what you're looking for as a car owner. He's treats my stuff like it's his, which is one of the main reasons him and I have been together so long.”

And one of the reasons why Vest made sure Eckert's future would remain solid upon his departure as a car owner.

“After Raye told me (of his decision to leave racing), he said, ‘Well, what do you think I oughta do with all this racing stuff?'” commented Eckert. “I told him, ‘Somehow, I'd like to buy it or somehow take it over to where I can keep racing it.' He said, ‘Well, O.K., we'll work something out.'

“In a matter of a week or so we hashed everything out. He didn't really want anyone to know, and I didn't care if anybody knew either. Then, just a couple of weeks ago, he said, ‘You can probably start telling people now that I'm not gonna be back.' I thought, It's not that big a deal. Let's just wait until the end of the year.”

Vest's passing prompted Eckert to reveal the news with three races still remaining on the 2009 WoO LMS schedule. He then admitted that this weekend's meet at The Dirt Track, which includes the season-ending World Finals on Nov. 5-7, would be the toughest races he's ever run in his life.

“I probably would think about loading up and going home right now,” Eckert said while still coming to grips with Vest's passing on Wednesday afternoon. “But I know he would say, ‘Get out there and race.'”

So Eckert will run one more weekend with Raye Vest officially listed as his car owner. Vest will always, after all, remain in Eckert's heart.

“Once we settled what we were doing (with Vest's equipment), he said to me, ‘I still want to be able to call the shop,'” said Eckert, his voice beginning to crack. “I told him, ‘I wouldn't expect you not to, you know?'”

Eckert paused. With his wife hugging him from behind and a tear rolling down his cheek from behind a pair of dark sunglasses, Eckert said of Vest, “He calls the shop every day...every day.”

No longer will Eckert hear Vest's distinctive southern drawl on the other end of those daily phone calls, but the car owner's memory will certainly live on.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Track Conditions Force Postponement Of Topless Showdown A-Main To Thursday Night (Nov. 5) At The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 4, 2009 - Difficult track conditions and the late hour prompted the postponement of Wednesday night's World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Topless Showdown by Hungry Man' A-Main at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.

As the midnight hour approached with track crews still working to get the four-tenths-mile oval's surface ready for feature action, LMS and WoO LMS officials decided to reschedule the evening's 50-lap headliner to Thursday night (Nov. 5). The event will be run following the completion of Late Model and Sprint Car time trials for the World of Outlaws World Finals.

“In the interests of the fans and competitors, we decided that the best course of action was to postpone the Topless Showdown feature event to Thursday night,” said Seamus Curley, the short-track racing manager at Lowe's Motor Speedway. “We battled the track conditions all night, and with curfew being an issue we just didn't have enough time to get the surface right.

Rainchecks and pit bands from the Topless Showdown by Hungry Man will be accepted for entry on Thursday.

A massive 82-car field signed in for the Wednesday night's program, which was moved to the eve of the World Finals after rain washed out the event on its original Oct. 14 date.

Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., was the Topless Showdown fast qualifier for the second consecutive year, logging a lap of 14.674 seconds during single-lap time trials that was just two-thousandths of a second off the dirt Late Model track record held by Billy Moyer.

Heat winners were Richards, WoO LMS points leader Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn., Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., and Chris Madden of Gaffney, S.C. The B-Mains were captured by Dennis Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif., and Chris Ferguson of Mount Holly, N.C.

Francis drew the pole position for the A-Main. Richards, who sits second in the WoO LMS points standings, will start alongside his championship rival on the front row of the Topless Showdown.

Separate incidents during the evening's first heat sent WoO LMS regular Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., and former Carolina Clash champion Jeff Cooke of Spartanburg, S.C., to a local hospital for evaluation. Frank was back at the speedway when the postponement announcement was made after receiving treatment for a facial injury, while Cooke remained at a hospital under observation.

Thursday's World Finals program features two rounds of time trials for both divisions – one to set the heat lineups for Friday's action, one to align Saturday's heats. Complete programs of heats, B-Mains and A-Mains will highlight the cards on Fri., Nov. 6, and Sat., Nov. 7, with the WoO LMS standouts chasing a first-place prize of $10,000 in each evening's 50-lap A-Main.

Saturday's competition will be aired live on the SPEED cable network starting at 8 p.m. ET.

World Finals ticket information is available by calling 1-800-455- 3267 or visiting www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 14.674
2. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 14.676
3. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 14.694
4. 0-Scott Bloomquist/Mooresburg, TN 14.712
5. 28-Eddie Carrier Jr./Salt Rock, WV 14.725
6. 44M-Chris Madden/Gaffney, SC 14.742
7. 22-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 14.771
8. 18b-Shannon Babb/Moweaqua, IL 14.772
9. 3d-Austin Dillon/Welcome, NC 14.776
10. 28e-Dennis Erb Jr./Carpentersville, IL 14.812
11. 6-Randle Chupp/Troutman, NC 14.873
12. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 14.874
13. 24M-Jeremy Miller/Gettysburg, PA 14.912
14. 17M-Dale McDowell/Chickamauga, GA 14.922
15. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 14.925
16. 53-Ray Cook/Brasstown, NC 14.933
17. 22F-Chris Ferguson/Mount Holly, NC 14.934
18. 44p-Earl Pearson Jr./Jacksonville, FL 14.945
19. 9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 14.984
20. 55-Jeep VanWormer/Pinconning, MI 15.011
21. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 15.025
22. 39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY 15.025
23. 4T-Tommy Kerr/Maryville, TN 15.059
24. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 15.083
25. 32-Larry Blankenship/Mooresville, NC 15.090
26. 41-Brad Neat/Dunnville, KY 15.144
27. 20-Jimmy Owens/Newport, TN 15.152
28. 75x-Petey Ivey/Shelby, NC 15.153
29. 49-Jonathan Davenport/Blairsville, GA 15.156
30. 5J-Eric Jacobsen/Sea Cliff Beach, CA 15.169
31. 12F-Devin Friese/St. Thomas, PA 15.177
32. 101-Casey Roberts/Toccoa, GA 15.182
33. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 15.194
34. 4-Jeremy Faircloth/Swainsboro, GA 15.231
35. 33-Chris Meadows/Crab Orchard, WV 15.236
36. 9s-Ken Schrader/Concord, NC 15.248
37. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 15.287
38. 30-Steve Shaver/Vienna, WV 15.290
39. 15B-Brian Birkhofer/Muscatine, IA 15.294
40. 1G-Doug Horton/Bruceton Mills, WV 15.327
41. 27-Ben Faircloth/Swainsboro, GA 15.329
42. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA15.351
43. 2J-Jeff Rine/Danville, PA 15.374
44. 99M-Donnie Moran/Dresden, OH 15.377
45. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 15.394
46. 00K-Randy Korte/Highland, IL 15.459
47. 87-Walker Arthur/Forest, VA 15.504
48. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 15.517
49. 11J-Jerry Rice/Verona, KY 15.544
50. 2F-Dennis Franklin/Gaffney, SC 15.556
51. 00b-Booper Bare/Rock Bridge Baths, VA 15.601
52. 99B-Rick ‘Boom' Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 15.623
53. 44H-Adam Hensel/Barron, WI 15.624
54. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 15.641
55. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 15.643
56. 27-Jim Yoder/Selinsgrove, PA 15.668
57. 49R-Brian Ruhlman/Clarklake, MI 15.692
58. 00F-Bo Feathers/Winchester, VA 15.759
59. 21d-Dan Stone/Thompson, PA 15.837
60. 98G-David Gilliland/Mooresville, NC 15.921
61. 18W-Eric Wells/Hazard, KY 16.024
62. 45-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 16.053
63. D8-Dustin Mitchell/Princeton, NC 16.313
64. 25F-Jason Feger/Bloomington, IL 16.357
65. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 16.403
66. 17g-Mike Gault/Gaffney, SC 16.429
67. 00H-Chuck Harper/Beverly, WV 16.568
68. 777-Jared Landers/Batesville, AR 16.575
69. 17J-John Winge/Ringgold, GA 16.734
70. 44L-Justin Labonte/Trinity, NC 17.060
71. 23-John Blankenship/Williamson, WV 18.205
72. 84-Randy Smith/Fort Mill, SC 18.438
73. 99c-Jeff Cooke/Spartanburg, SC N/T
74. 1w-Ricky Weeks/Rutherfordton, NC N/T
75. 21-Billy Moyer/Batesville, AR N/T
76. 17T-Tim Dohm/Cross Lanes, WV N/T
77. 9s-Dan Schlieper/Sullivan, WI N/T
78. 10*-Dane Burns/New London, NC N/T
79. 25M-Brett Miller/Greenville, TN 15.733 (DQ)
80. 1M-Trey Martin/Charleston, WV 16.199 (DQ)
81. 75-Cruz Pedregon/Brownsburg, IN 16.297 (DQ)
82. 4ds-Chad Hollenbeck/Kingsley, PA N/T (DQ)

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Richards, J. Miller, Satterlee, Knight, Lanigan, Friese, Rine, Rice, Martin, L. Blankenship, Cooke, Frank, Harper (DNS) Wells

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Francis, McDowell, VanWormer, Hubbard, Neat, Franklin, Moran, Pedregon, Yoder, Roberts, Babb, Shaver (DNS) Landers, Weeks

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): B. Smith, Dillon, Eckert, Reddick, Owens, Birkhofer, King, Coffey, Bare, Ruhlman, Hollenbeck, Winge, Mitchell (DNS) Moyer

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Bloomquist, Erb, Cook, Ivey, Horton, Korte, Feathers, Briggs, Burns, Labonte, McCreadie, J. Faircloth, Feger, Dohm

Heat No. 5 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Davenport, Chupp, Carrier, Ferguson, Stone, Hensel, Arthur, Kerr, B. Faircloth, J. Blankenship, Robinson (DNS) Meadows, Schlieper

Heat No. 6 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Madden, Pearson, Jacobsen, C. Smith, Bland, Gilliland, B. Miller, Gault, Hapka, R. Smith, Clanton, Schrader, Fuller

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): Franklin, Lanigan, Friese, Rine, Moran, Rice, Pedregon, Harper, L. Blankenship, Knight, Martin (DNS) Neat, Yoder, Roberts, Babb, Cooke, Shaver, Frank, Landers, Weeks, Wells, McDowell

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): Reddick, Owens, Birkhofer, Horton, Ivey, Ruhlman, Hollenbeck, King, Winge (DNS) Korte, Feathers, Coffey, Briggs, Bare, Burns, Labonte, McCreadie, J. Faircloth, Mitchell, Feger, Moyer, Dohm

B-Main No. 3 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): Ferguson, Schlieper, Hensel, Gilliland, Gault, B. Miller, Robinson, Bland, C. Smith, Stone, Arthur (DNS) Neat, Kerr, B. Faircloth, Hapka, Blankenship, R. Smith, Clanton, Meadows, Schrader, Fuller

Topless Showdown A-Main Lineup:

Row 1: Steve Francis/Josh Richards
Row 2: Scott Bloomquist/Brady Smith
Row 3: Chris Madden/Jeep VanWormer
Row 4: Jeremy Miller/Jonathan Davenport
Row 5: Austin Dillon/Dennis Erb Jr.
Row 6: Earl Pearson Jr./Randle Chupp
Row 7: Gregg Satterlee/Austin Hubbard
Row 8: Ray Cook/Rick Eckert
Row 9: Eric Jacobsen/Eddie Carrier Jr.
Row 10: Dennis Franklin/Tyler Reddick
Row 11: Chris Ferguson/Darrell Lanigan
Row 12: Jimmy Owens/Dan Schlieper
Row 13: Tim Fuller/Shane Clanton
Row 14: Clint Smith/Russell King

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Previewing The Topless Showdown (Nov. 4) & World Finals (Nov. 5-7)

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 3, 2009 -

GRAND FINALE: The 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series season concludes with a blockbuster four-day meet at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway, beginning on Wednesday night (Nov. 4) with the postponed ‘Topless Showdown by Hungry Man' and continuing with the third annual World of Outlaws World Finals on Nov. 5-7.

With the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series also part of the World Finals, the four-tenths-mile oval is the only track where fans can see the two WoO tours race together on the same program in 2009.

THE FORMAT: Thanks to Mother Nature washing out the Topless Showdown on its original Oct. 14 date, the World Finals has a thrilling dirt Late Model lead-in for the second consecutive year.

Wednesday night's Topless Showdown – the only WoO LMS event this season in which teams will remove their cars' fiberglass roofs to give fans a clear view of the drivers working the steering wheel – will include a normal tour program of time trials, heat races, B-Mains and a 50-lap A-Main. But there's a wrinkle thrown in that makes this show stand out from the crowd.

The Topless Showdown features a unique bonus program and starting-position draw. It offers a base purse of $10,000 for first place in the A-Main, but if the winning driver submitted an official entry form prior to deadline they will also receive a ‘passing' bonus in an amount equal to $1,000 multiplied by their starting position – a perk that could push the winner's take-home pay to as much as $30,000.

In addition, the heat-race qualifiers will participate in the ‘Southern Fried Scramble' draw that gives them a chance to play it safe or roll the dice in pursuit of the maximum $20,000 bonus prize. The draw will consist of five buckets holding four starting-spot pills each – positions 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-16 and 17-20. When the drivers are called up to draw in the order of their heat finishes (winners first, etc.), they'll have the option of selecting a pill from any of the buckets. Essentially they can guarantee themselves a starting spot in the first two rows of the A-Main by staying conservative and sticking their hand in the first bucket – or they can go for a position further back in the field that would set them up to claim a huge paycheck if they win the Showdown.

After Wednesday's action gets fans heated up, the World Finals kicks off on Thursday night with time trials for both the WoO LMS and Sprint Car Series. Both tours will contest two separate rounds of qualifying – the first to line up Friday night's heat races, the second to align Saturday night's heats.

The Friday and Saturday cards will feature a full series of qualifying events and A-Mains for both divisions. The WoO LMS A-Main is scheduled to run last on Friday night and the WoO Sprint Car headliner is set to close out Saturday night's competition.

THE DRAMA: After 37 WoO LMS A-Mains this season, Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., holds a mere four-point lead over Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., in the battle for the $100,000 tour championship.

Wednesday night's Topless Showdown offers only WoO LMS show-up points, so the title will be determined in the pair of 50-lap, $10,000-to-win headliners on Friday and Saturday nights.

Defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., is third in the standings and still has flickering hopes of repeating. But with a 92-point deficit to Francis, Lanigan can only make a miraculous comeback if both drivers in front of him experience major problems in each A-Main.

That leaves Francis, 43, and Richards, 21, in a one-on-one face-off for the points crown. A win is worth 150 points, second place is 146 and then each remaining position drops two points, so every spot will be critical.

Does one of the championship combatants have an edge at The Dirt Track? Not really. Both drivers have one career win at the speedway – Francis the 2008 Colossal 100, Richards last year's World Finals finale.

What's more, both drivers have performed well in the two previous World Finals. Richards preceded his victory last year with a 10th-place finish, and in 2007 he finished fifth and 11th in the two A-Mains. Francis, meanwhile, didn't take the green flag in last year's Friday-night A-Main due to a busted transmission during the pace laps, but that's the only time he's placed outside the top five in the World Finals – he was fifth in last year's Saturday-night 50-lapper, and in '07 he was fourth (from the 18th starting spot) on Friday and second on Saturday.

Earlier this year, in the Colossal 100 at The Dirt Track, Richards finished third and Francis took fourth.

HOW THEY'VE FARED: Of the 14 WoO LMS regulars who have entered every tour event in 2009, Richards is the only driver who has won a World Finals A-Main over the past two years and Francis is the lone Outlaw with a runner-up finish in a Finals feature.

Here's the career-best World Finals finishes for '09 WoO LMS regulars: Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y. (third – from the 22nd starting spot – on Saturday in 2007); Lanigan (fifth on Saturday in ‘07); Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (sixth on Friday in ‘07); Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (sixth on Saturday in '08); Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga. (ninth on Saturday in ‘07); and Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga. (17th on Saturday in '08).

Rookie of the Year contender Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., entered the 2007 and 2008 World Finals but did not qualify for an A-Main, while Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., Rookie of the Year points leader Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif., will be making their first-ever World Finals appearances.

The 20-year-old King, who qualified for the Colossal 100 in his first start at The Dirt Track earlier this season, enters the weekend on the verge of clinching the 2009 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year crown. With King holding a 148-point edge over Bland in a points race determined using the rookies' best 30 finishes, the only way King can lose the crown is if he fails to finish 20th or better in at least one of the 50-lap A-Mains and Bland wins the two headline races in an unprecedented sweep.

HOW MANY CARS?: Big fields of dirt Late Models have been the rule for the World Finals and this year's edition figures to continue the tradition.

With more than 50 drivers pre-entered for the Topless Showdown and World Finals and many more with the events on their schedules, it's expected that the car count will approach, if not exceed, the turnout of the past two years. There were 82 cars signed in for qualifying in 2007 and 78 in 2008, and last year's Topless Showdown on the eve of the Finals drew a sterling 81-car field.

ROYAL FIELD: All five former WoO LMS champions are entered in this week's action – Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark. (1988-89, 2005), Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn. (2004), Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y. (2006), Francis (2007) and Lanigan (2008).

Bloomquist is the only two-time winner in World Finals action after capturing the Friday-night A-Main in each of the past two seasons. McCreadie, meanwhile, scored a top finish of fourth in his lone Finals appearance in 2008, and Moyer is planning to run the event for the first time.

ROUND 2: The two drivers who produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2008 WoO LMS season – and have won the last two Topless Showdowns – will be back at The Dirt Track to reprise their battle.

Chris Madden of Gaffney, S.C., won last year's Topless Showdown over a charging Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., by a mere 0.077 of a second. It was Madden's fourth career triumph at The Dirt Track and he pocketed a cool $16,150, including a $6,000 ‘passing' bonus.

Babb won the 2007 Showdown, which was run three weeks before the World Finals and with roofs on the cars. He earned $18,225, including an $8,000 ‘passing' bonus.

PREPPING FOR '10: Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., and Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa. – two rising young talents who have expressed interest in applying for Rookie of the Year status on the 2010 WoO LMS – have filed entries for this week's race-fest.

Hubbard, 17, has entered more than half of this year's WoO LMS events and owns three top-five finishes. He recently turned heads by qualifying for the World 100 and Dirt Track World Championship in his first crack at both events.

The 24-year-old Satterlee, meanwhile, has one top-five finish in his 14 WoO LMS starts this season. He won 12 features in 2009 on the western Pennsylvania circuit.

TALENT GALORE: Other standout drivers expected to compete this week include 2009 UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model national champion Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill.; Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa; Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga., who scored finishes of second and third in last year's World Finals; Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn.; Steve Shaver of Vienna, W.Va., who set fast time in both rounds of qualifying during the '07 Finals; 2009 Colossal 100 winner Earl Pearson Jr. of Jacksonville, Fla.; Donnie Moran of Dresden, Ohio, who won the Saturday-night Finals A-Main in 2007; and Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich.

STRAIGHT-LINE STAR POWER: An intriguing addition to this week's dirt Late Model field is two-time and reigning NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series Funny Car champion Cruz Pedregon, who will transition from flying down the drag strip at speeds of more than 300 mph to maneuvering a full-fender machine around The Dirt Track.

Pedregon purchased a dirt Late Model this season to run in selected events around his NHRA schedule and has quickly become a contender. He won his first career dirt Late Model feature on Aug. 8 at Kamp Motor Speedway in Boswell, Ind.

GET YOUR AUTOGRAPHS: A special autograph session featuring several WoO LMS stars and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Ryan Newman will be held under The Dirt Track's grandstand at 5 p.m. on Wednesday prior to the start of the Topless Showdown.

Newman competed in last year's Topless Showdown, but after surviving a wild flip in Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway he will stay out of the cockpit and instead sign autographs alongside his Steve Francis-prepared dirt Late Model.

OFF-TRACK ENTERTAINMENT: The Souvenir Village located just outside the front grandstand gate of The Dirt Track will be bustling with activity throughout the week.

In addition to the Late Model and Sprint Car merchandise trailers that will be open for business, a stage erected in the middle of the area will be a focal point for fans. A special free concert and party will be held there beginning at 9 p.m. on Thursday night, and a pre-race show hosted by Virginia Motor Speedway announcer Dave Seay and reporter Ashlee Sieveke will put star drivers and noted track promoters in front of the crowd from 3-5 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.

And on Saturday night, the national anthem will be sung by Broken Bow Records country music recording artist Ash Bowers.

TRAVEL ADVISORY: All fans and participants planning to travel to The Dirt Track through western North Carolina on I-40 should be aware that a portion of the highway is closed indefinitely due to a rockslide that occurred on Oct. 25.

The rockslide, which covered the highway at mile marker 2.6 in North Carolina, near the Tennessee state line, has closed I-40 from mile marker 451 in Tennessee to mile marker 20 in North Carolina.

An alternate route has been outlined for those travelling to Lowe's Motor Speedway from the Tennessee area. Travelers should take I-40 to I-81 North to Asheville. Take exit 57A to I-26 East. Exit to I-240 East, then take a left exit to I-40 East toward Statesville.

SCHEDULE: For the Topless Showdown on Wednesday, grandstand gates are scheduled to open at 5 p.m. and qualifying is set to commence at 6:45.

Spectator gates open at 4 p.m. for all three days of the World Finals. Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday and 6:20 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

NATIONAL AUDIENCE: The finale of the World Finals on Sat., Nov. 8, will air live on the SPEED cable network beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Shane Andrews and former Lowe's Motor Speedway short-track manager Roger Slack will provide the commentary from the booth on the WoO LMS portion of the program.

Fans who can't make it to the track can also watch all the action leading up to Saturday's SPEED telecast on DIRTVision. Live video coverage of the Topless Showdown and first two nights of the World Finals through www.DIRTVision.com for a special World Finals subscription price of $12.99.

GET YOUR TICKETS: Tickets for Wednesday's World of Outlaws Topless Showdown are $25 for adults and $5 for children 12-and-under. Three-day passes for the World of Outlaws World Finals are just $59 for adults and $19 for children 12-and-under, and single-day tickets are also available.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings – 37 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Steve Francis 5073 (-0)
2. Josh Richards 5069 (-4)
3. Darrell Lanigan 4981 (-92)
4. Tim Fuller 4925 (-148)
5. Rick Eckert 4867 (-206)
6. Shane Clanton 4835 (-238)
7. Chub Frank 4793 (-280)
8. Brady Smith 4674 (-399)
9. Clint Smith 4581 (-492)
10. Russell King 4129 (-944)
11. Jordan Bland 3981 (-1092)
12. Brent Robinson 3757 (-1316)
13. Dustin Hapka 3422 (-1651)
14. Tyler Reddick 3242 (-1831)
15. Vic Coffey 3092 (-1981)
16. Austin Hubbard 2873 (-2200)
17. Matt Lux 1817 (-3256)
18. Gregg Satterlee 1706 (-3367)
19. Dan Stone 1526 (-3547)
20. Tim McCreadie 1471 (-3602)

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model National Champ Jason Feger Heads For Lowe's Motor Speedway To Top Off Spectacular Season

CONCORD, NC - Nov. 2, 2009 - Jason Feger won't be an anonymous first-time visitor to The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway when he drives through the pit gate for the postponed Topless Showdown by Hungry Man (Nov. 4) and the World of Outlaws World Finals (Nov. 5-7).

Once a driver wins a prestigious title, after all, he becomes impossible to overlook.

So it is with Feger, a 31-year-old from Bloomington, Ill., who is heading for the big stage of The Dirt Track to top off a spectacular 2009 season that saw him emerge as the UMP DIRTcar Racing Super Late Model national champion.

“Since we won the championship we've gone to some tracks where fans have never seen us much before,” said Feger, who clinched the crown one week before the UMP DIRTcar points season ended with the organization's Nationals on Oct. 9-10 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. “A lot of fans came up to talk to me and I heard a lot of compliments, so you realize that winning the championship is a pretty big deal. More people know who you are.”

Feger figures to find himself in much the same situation at The Dirt Track. With his national title and 23 feature wins (at a remarkable 13 different tracks in four states) stamping him as one of the country's most successful dirt Late Model drivers in '09, he'll have plenty of eyes focused on him throughout the four days of competition for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

Yes, expectations will be high for Feger, but he's ready for the challenge. Though this will be the first time he's ever seen the gorgeous four-tenths-mile oval in person, he plans to do his best to live up to the hype.

“I'm going to run as hard as I can, just like I always do,” said Feger, a personable racer whose distinctive style has earned him the nickname the ‘Highside Hustler.' “Everybody I talk to (about The Dirt Track) says I'm gonna like it, so that makes me feel good about going there. But if we're gonna do well we have to make the right decisions on tires (compounds) – that's what it's gonna come down to.

“We've had a great season in our area but this is going to be a whole new deal for us,” he continued. “We'll be running against the best drivers in the country, so it's going to be a real test. Talent-wise I feel I can go down there and run with them because we've done it this year around home, but when those guys come out here (to the Midwest) they play by our rules (using UMP DIRTcar Hoosier tires). It's a different story (during the World Finals) – we'll be on open tires, so you know it's gonna be a learning curve.

“We need to get better (running) on open tires. We haven't done that too much, and that's one of the reasons we want to go to Charlotte. We're trying to learn more and make our program better.”

Feger has certainly mastered the tough UMP DIRTcar circuit. Now in his eighth season behind the wheel of a dirt Late Model after excelling in UMP DIRTcar Sportsman action, Feger went from being named UMP DIRTcar's Most Improved Driver in 2008 to national champion in '09.

And Feger reached the promised land after a dramatic late-season showdown for the $20,000 points title with 37-year-old Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., who was bidding to sweep the UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals tour and national championships for the third consecutive season. Feger held off Erb down the stretch to win the crown by 31 points.

“I think beating Dennis really makes the championship more special,” said Feger, who finished third in the 2008 national points battle. “A lot of people know how good Dennis is. He's good in the big shows and can win against anybody, and he's definitely the guy to beat around here. Whenever you roll into a racetrack – especially for the last three years – night and night out, Dennis is the guy you know you're gonna have to beat to win. You very rarely see that guy (finish) out of the top five.

“Racing against Dennis makes you focus to really stay up on your game. He's a competitor who hates to lose, so I think people know (the title) wasn't given to us or anything. We had to earn it.”

Feger feels honored to follow Erb as the UMP DIRTcar national champion since he sees a bit of himself in the gritty owner-operator known as the ‘One Man Band.' The two drivers have decidedly different personalities – while Feger is talkative and outgoing, Erb tends to be quiet and reserved – but they have scratched and clawed their way to the top of UMP DIRTcar Racing in much the same manner.

“I have a lot of respect for him,” Feger said of Erb. “I feel like the way he's done it is kinda the way I've done it. He's a self-made guy who's worked his butt off to get where he is. I probably have a little more help in the pit (crew) department than him, but we come from the same ranks.”

Indeed, Feger and his family have slowly-but-surely assembled a championship-caliber operation. His entire rise has come driving Late Models under the banner of Feger Brothers Racing (that's Jason and his 29-year-old brother/crew chief Austin), though he credits his more recent associations with chassis builder Bob Pierce (Feger began running Pierce cars midway through the 2007 season), powerplant constructor Rhyne Engines and sponsors Stearn Ironworks and Jaxon Chase Steel Detailing with giving him that final push.

“To be kind of self-made and win the championship is a big deal in my mind,” said Feger, who works for his family's Absolute Apparel business when he's not racing (or getting ready to race) more than 80 nights a season. “It's not like we just had somebody give us money and we went out and used it. We've gotten our program really built up over time.

“It's definitely tough to do it this way,” he added. “It's a lot of hard work, but we're proof it can be done.”

Now Feger will try to continue his success story this week in front of a packed Lowe's Motor Speedway grandstand and a national television audience on the SPEED cable network, which will televise the World Finals Late Model/Sprint Car doubleheader on Saturday (Nov. 7) starting at 8 p.m. ET.

Considering his '09 resume, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Feger make some noise at The Dirt Track with his green-and-white, ‘tumbling dice' No. 25. He's excelled on some pretty big stages this season – he won a heat race for June's UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned $100,000 Dream at Eldora, thrilled the fans with outside charges during qualifying for the Dirt Track World Championship last month at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway and, of course, scored his first career WoO LMS triumph with a flawless flag-to-flag run on May 24 at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wis.

Feger lists his WoO LMS victory, which came in a race co-sanctioned by UMP DIRTcar (both entities are owned by the World Racing Group), as a career highlight and confidence-booster heading into the World Finals.

“I had never been to Beaver Dam before, so to be able to show up and beat those Outlaw guys was an incredible feeling,” said Feger, who has entered four WoO LMS events this season. “I really like racing with those guys and I have a whole lot of respect for them. I just hope that win gives them a little more respect for me – you know, solidifies me a little more in their minds.”

The World of Outlaws World Finals – the only time this season fans can see the WoO Late Models and Sprint Cars compete on the same card – begins on Thurs., Nov. 5, with two separate rounds of time trials for both divisions to set the heat race lineups on Friday and Saturday. The Late Models will battle in a 50-lap A-Main on Friday and Saturday and the Sprint Cars will run a 30-lap headliner each evening.

The fun at The Dirt Track actually will kick off on Wed., Nov. 4, with the postponed WoO LMS ‘Topless Showdown by Hungry Man.' The 50-lap event offers a base purse of $10,000 for first place, but if the driver who wins the A-Main submitted an official entry form prior to deadline they will also receive a ‘passing' bonus in an amount equal to $1,000 multiplied by their starting position – setting up a possible winner's prize of as much as $30,000.

Tickets for Wednesday's World of Outlaws Topless Showdown are $25 for adults and $5 for children 12-and-under. Three-day passes for the World of Outlaws World Finals are just $59 for adults and $19 for children 12-and-under. Single-day tickets are also available.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws World Finals Puts Rick Eckert On Same Program As His Rising-Star Nephew Cody Darrah

Eckert Chases Late Model Cash, Darrah Looks For Sprint Car Glory With Kasey Kahne Racing At Lowe's Motor Speedway Nov. 5-7

CONCORD, NC – Oct. 28, 2009 – Rick Eckert will be a racer and a race fan during the third annual World of Outlaws World Finals on Nov. 5-7 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.

As soon as Eckert finishes his World of Outlaws Late Model Series duties throughout the blockbuster weekend, catching a glimpse of the companion WoO Sprint Car Series action will be on his mind. He will, after all, have a rooting interest in the winged competition.

Eckert's nephew, rising young star Cody Darrah, is scheduled to drive the Kasey Kahne Racing No. 19 Sprinter in the World Finals – a rare instance in which the relatives will practice their respective racing disciplines on the same program.

“Hopefully we don't have any problems with our stuff and I'll have enough time to get up to the fence and see him when he's out there (on the four-tenths-mile oval),” Eckert said of Darrah, who enters the World Finals as one of the country's top Sprint Car prospects. “I really enjoy watching him run whenever I can.”

Eckert, 43, of York, Pa., has been a witness to Darrah's development from a wide-eyed kid in awe of his uncle's accomplishments to the confident, talented 20-year-old he is today. A younger brother of Darrah's mother Kitty, Eckert remembers being unsure if Darrah even wanted to race while growing up, but then he saw Darrah “get serious about it” when he went Micro-Sprint racing as a teenager and he hasn't looked back since.

“When Cody and his dad (Joe) talked about going Sprint Car racing (in 2006), I was like, ‘You're doing what?'” said Eckert, who often accompanied Darrah to local Micro-Sprint events and drove a second team car when his schedule allowed. “But he picked up the Sprint Car deal amazingly fast. He just understands how to race. A lot of young guys will get themselves in bad positions – and he did that originally too, don't get me wrong – but he's learned the right way to race now and his results are showing it. He's already won more races than some guys do in their whole career.

“He's got good crew guys and good equipment, but a lot of guys have that and don't win races. And he's a likeable kid too, so he can go far.

“I know one thing – he's already a better Sprint Car driver than I ever thought about being,” added a smiling Eckert, who ran Sprint Cars in central Pennsylvania for a short time before his career path took him to dirt Late Models.

A resident of Red Lion, Pa., Darrah owns six victories this season, including a career-first WoO Sprint Car score (worth $20,000) in the rescheduled Summer Nationals event on Oct. 3 at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. His breakout campaign in family-owned equipment helped earn him a chance to serve as a fill-in driver of the Kasey Kahne Racing Sprinter on Oct. 10 at Rolling Wheels Raceway in Elbridge, N.Y., and again in the World Finals – and, of course, a shot at earning a fulltime ride with KKR in 2010 to hit the road with the Outlaws.

“It's a heck of an opportunity and an absolute honor to drive for these guys,” said Darrah, who arrived at the KKR shop outside Charlotte on Tuesday and will remain there for the next week to help the team prepare for the World Finals. “It definitely puts the pressure on you because with this kind of team you're expected to win, but that's a good thing. I want that pressure.”

Darrah is eyeing a long career as a race car driver. He would love to follow in his Uncle Scrub's footsteps, albeit not necessarily behind the wheel of a dirt Late Model.

“He's the guy I grew up watching and I know his lifestyle inside and out,” said Darrah, who has never tested one of Eckert's orange dirt Late Models (which happen to carry sponsorship from the Darrah family's J&K Salvage business) but would like to take a few laps in a full-fender machine someday. “Seeing how he's done it gives me that drive to succeed.”

Not surprisingly, Darrah considers Eckert to be the biggest influence on his burgeoning career. While it's been two decades since Eckert drove a Sprint Car, the general racing savvy he provides Darrah during visits to the track (Eckert attends as many of Darrah's events as he can fit in his schedule) and in conversations at the shop, by cell phone and during family gatherings is invaluable.

“His knowledge of what makes a car go around a track is absolutely priceless to have on your side some nights,” Darrah said of his uncle. “He might not be the greatest Sprint Car mechanic, but he has such a great eye for what's happening with the racetrack. He can see how a track is changing and point that out to me, which is such a big help.”

Eckert and Darrah will certainly find time to swap ideas about the fast, demanding Lowe's dirt track during the World Finals, which include two rounds of qualifying for Late Models and Sprint Cars on Thurs., Nov. 5, and complete season-ending programs (heats, B-Mains, A-Mains) for both divisions on Friday and Saturday nights (Nov. 6-7).

And uncle and nephew will have plenty of familiar faces watching their every move from The Dirt Track's massive grandstand. A throng of their relatives and friends are planning to travel down from Pennsylvania for the weekend, including Eckert's parents (Darrah's grandparents).

“It's going to be like a family reunion for us in Charlotte,” said Darrah. “We have a real big family, but we don't have picnics. We go to the races. That's where everybody gets together.”

Just imagine the scene if both Eckert and Darrah are able to thrill their partisan backers with victories during the World Finals. But do they believe a family double is possible?

“I think our odds are good,” asserted Darrah, whose debut at The Dirt Track one year ago resulted in solid finishes of fifth and ninth in the twin World Finals Sprint Car A-Mains. “I definitely have some of the best equipment in the country under me running for Kasey Kahne Racing, so I'm going there with the expectation that I can win. (KKR) has the confidence to put me in the car, so I can't think any other way.

“And Rick is coming off a win at Hagerstown (on Oct. 25 in the Maryland track's Octoberfest event) and those Bloomquist cars he runs always seem to run great at Charlotte, so I know he can win one.”

Indeed, Eckert is carrying some momentum into the World Finals. He's pocketed a $10,000 check after each of his last two starts – for a third-place finish in the Dirt Track World Championship on Oct. 18 at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway and his third career Octoberfest 100 victory at Hagerstown – and his three WoO LMS triumphs this season represent his first multiple-victory campaign on the tour since 2006.

Eckert has some confidence – and with his longtime car owner, Raye Vest, ailing with some health problems that are threatening to cancel his planned trip to The Dirt Track, the veteran driver also has some extra incentive to reach Victory Lane.

“We've got our stuff going pretty good lately, so I think I have a shot,” said Eckert, who sits fifth in the WoO LMS points standings. “We've always been pretty fast at Charlotte but haven't had a lot of luck, so hopefully we'll catch a few breaks. Cody was pretty good (at The Dirt Track) last year for his first time there, so I think he could pull (a win) off too.

“That would definitely be a good time if we both won. With all our family there, we'd have a ball after the race.”

Ticket information on the World of Outlaws World Finals – the only event this season fans can see the WoO Late Models and Sprint Cars compete on the same card – is available by logging on to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

The fun at The Dirt Track actually will begin on Wed., Nov. 4, with the postponed WoO LMS ‘Topless Showdown by Hungry Man.' The 50-lap event offers a base purse of $10,000 for first place, but if the driver who wins the A-Main submitted an official entry form prior to deadline they will also receive a ‘passing' bonus in an amount equal to $1,000 multiplied by their starting position – setting up a possible winner's prize of as much as $30,000.

The finale of the World Finals will air live on the SPEED cable network on Sat., Nov. 7, beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Friendly Battle: Francis & Richards Chase 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Title In Nov. 5-7 World Finals

CONCORD, NC - Oct. 21, 2009 - Steve Francis was there when Josh Richards drove a dirt Late Model for the first time.

Now, six-and-a-half years later, Francis and Richards are battling for the 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series title.

Francis vs. Richards. The 42-year-old veteran from Kentucky vs. the 21-year-old young gun from West Virginia. The proven champion vs. the hopeful champion. The mentor vs. the student.

A season spent criss-crossing the country comes down to two racers who know each other well – very well – in a virtual dead-heat for a $100,000 championship prize entering the third annual World of Outlaws World Finals on Nov. 5-7 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.

“It's definitely a different situation to be racing for a championship against somebody you're so close to,” said Francis, who has known Richards's father, Mark, for two decades and has watched Josh grow from a shy kid to a confident dirt Late Model superstar. “With Josh, I kind of feel like a father would in that I'm proud to have played a little part in seeing him get to where he is so fast. I want to see him do good and I'd like to see him win the championship – but not at my expense, which is where the mixed emotions come in.”

Richards is experiencing the same type of conflicted feelings as his friendly war with Francis heads to its dramatic conclusion.

“He's been one of the biggest helpers I've had in my career,” Richards said of Francis. “He's been mentoring me since I started. He's taught me a lot, so it's kind of weird that we'll be trying to use some of that knowledge to beat him for the championship.”

Francis brings a scant four-point WoO LMS points lead over Richards into The Dirt Track's season-ending spectacular, which actually kicks off on Nov. 4 with the postponed ‘Topless Showdown.' The topless event offers only tour show-up points, however, so the two 50-lap A-Mains that comprise the World Finals will determine the '09 champion.

“We're going there tied is what it amounts to in my mind,” said Francis, who overtook Richards for the points lead in the last WoO LMS event contested, on Sept. 6 at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa. “Four points is just a couple (finishing) positions, so there's basically no difference. There's no scenarios to think about – you just put your helmet on and go racing.

“Hopefully it doesn't come down to bad luck for either of us and we can race it out.”

Considering the nip-and-tuck nature of the '09 WoO LMS points race, it's very likely that the two drivers will take their battle right down to the last lap of the Nov. 7 A-Main. They have, after all, produced remarkably similar performance records. Richards has seven wins, Francis six. Francis has nine runner-up finishes, Richards six. Francis has 24 top-five finishes in 37 events, Richards 21. Richards pulled off a late-race pass of Francis to win on July 16 at Huron, S.D., and Francis returned the favor on Sept. 5 at Tri-City. Both drivers have 31 top-10 finishes, five fast-time honors and failed to qualify through a heat race just once (resulting in the lone provisional starting spots each has used this season). Richards has held at least a share of the points lead after 23 events, Francis after 11 – and they were tied for the top spot after the July 8 ‘Gopher 50' at Minnesota's Deer Creek Speedway.

“It seems like we've been married to each other all year,” Francis said of their nearly mirror-image stats and penchant for running close together. “I'm sure that's the way it will be again (during the World Finals). We'll probably be parked right beside each other like we have been most of the season, and I'm sure we'll talk and help each other all weekend like we always have.

“This is not a rivalry-type thing,” he added. “I feel like I've had a part in his development.”

Indeed, throughout Richards's march from little kid tagging along to the races with his father to the brink of a WoO LMS title, Francis has been there. Francis has long run cars built by Rocket Chassis, the Shinnston, W.Va.-based business co-owned by Mark Richards, and in 2002-2003 Francis drove the Mark Richards Racing Enterprises/Rocket Chassis house car that Josh now campaigns.

“I remember when Josh was 10, 11 years old, he was a shy, quiet kid who would barely say anything,” said Francis. “You didn't know if he had that much interest in (driving), but by the time I left (as the Rocket house driver) he was getting into it. I could tell where he was headed.”

In fact, in the spring of 2003, Francis stood in awe at I-79 Raceway – a now-shuttered quarter-mile oval across the street from the Rocket shop that Mark Richards used to co-promote – when Josh took his first laps behind the wheel of a dirt Late Model. With Josh, then 15, downtrodden because his high-school classes meant he couldn't head out on a road trip with his dad and Francis, Mark Richards tried to cheer his son up by offering him a chance to hot-lap Francis's backup car. Josh jumped right in and almost immediately got the machine up to speed.

“I told Mark right there, ‘When I get done, there's your next driver,'” recalled Francis.

By 2005, Richards was the WoO LMS Rookie of the Year. He's improved every season since then, finishing ninth in the 2006 points standings, sixth in 2007 and second in 2008. Now he's attempting to continue his progression by winning the championship over Francis, who won the title in 2007 and is bidding to become the first repeat champ since the WoO LMS was rekindled in 2004 under the World Racing Group banner.

Francis, who is chasing this year's points crown driving for Maryland's Dale Beitler after winning the '07 title with his own equipment, isn't surprised that Richards is contending for a championship on a series that he calls “the top echelon of the sport.”

“I did think it could happen,” Francis said when asked if he expected Richards to be going for a title just six years after debuting in the division. “He has the ability to drive a race car, he works on his race car, he understands his race car, and he has as good a group of people behind him as you could ever have.

“Josh takes a lot of grief sometimes about having this-and-that handed to him, but I've been to the shop and seen him working at midnight or 1 o'clock. It's not like he didn't earn his shot at a championship.”

For his part, the polite, easy-going Richards modestly deflects the praise thrown his way by Francis. He almost feels like he's crashing a party by running neck-and-neck with Francis for a WoO LMS title.

“I've always looked up to him,” Richards said of Francis. “I'm real honored to be up there racing for the World of Outlaws championship with him. I never would've thought it was possible, but I dreamed it. I had it in my mind before I started (racing) that if you set your mind to it, if you have the passion and desire to do it, if you have the support and just believe in yourself, you can have success pretty quickly.”

Richards knows he faces the challenge of his racing career during the World Finals. He's pitted against a driver who's been racing for more years than he's been alive, a battle-tested chauffeur who's been in series points races that have literally come down to the last lap of the season – in 2005, Francis lost the WoO LMS title to Billy Moyer on a tie-breaker after being passed for position by Moyer on the final circuit of the Gator 100 at Florida's Volusia Speedway Park.

“Francis isn't gonna let up,” said Richards, who outdueled Francis during last year's World Finals to finish second in the WoO LMS points standings (one spot ahead of Francis). “He's gonna give it 120 percent on every lap, in every corner. He's been through everything before, so you know if you can beat him it will definitely mean a lot.”

Richards, of course, has never entered the final event of a season in position to win a points title. His father Mark, meanwhile, hasn't enjoyed a championship celebration since 1983, when he and Rodney Combs co-owned the car that Combs drove to the National Dirt Racing Association (NDRA) series crown, so there figures to be plenty of anxiousness in the Richards pit during the World Finals.

Can the young Richards handle the pressure? His cool, calm personality should have him equipped for the mental aspect of the weekend, but it's still a new experience for him.

“I've always been pretty relaxed at the track, but this is definitely gonna test my limits,” said Richards. “I'm sure where (Francis) is at is always gonna be in the back of my mind all weekend, but he'll be thinking the same way. He's been in the situation before where he's lost close points battles and he doesn't want to let it happen again, so we'll have to be on top of our game.”

Ticket information on the World of Outlaws World Finals – the only event this season fans can see the WoO Late Models and Sprint Cars compete on the same card – is available by logging on to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com

Buoyed By Strong Run In Dirt Track World Championship, Brady Smith Looks Toward World of Outlaws World Finals

CONCORD, NC - Oct. 19, 2009 - Brady Smith has put together a pretty impressive season for a first-time follower of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

But the 32-year-old talent from Solon Springs, Wis., won't consider his 2009 Outlaws campaign complete unless he can score a victory – and with just three A-Mains remaining on the schedule, he knows he's running out of time to correct that glaring goose-egg on his performance record.

Fortunately for Smith, he's heading into the tour's season-ending spectacular at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway – the postponed Topless Showdown on Nov. 4 and the third annual World of Outlaws World Finals on Nov. 5-7 – carrying plenty of momentum. He finished second in Sunday's unsanctioned Dirt Track World Championship at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway, just falling short of stealing the prestigious 100-lap event from fellow Wisconsin resident Jimmy Mars with a late-race pass.

“Charlotte has never been very good to me, but we've been fast there,” Smith said on Monday afternoon after returning from his successful weekend in the Hoosier State. “We've gotten ourselves going in the right direction lately, so if we can put a complete night together I feel like we'll have a good shot to win one down there. I'm actually pretty excited to go there.”

Smith's late-summer WoO LMS slump seemed a distant memory as he bid for a dramatic $50,000 triumph under a bright sun at Lawrenceburg. A quiet seventh on lap 74, Smith discovered an inside line following a restart a couple circuits later and rode it to the brink of his second career triumph in a big-money, crown-jewel dirt Late Model event.

After passing WoO LMS points leader Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., for second place on lap 87, Smith quickly caught Mars and came within inches of leading lap 90. Smith actually pulled his Team Zero by Bloomquist car ahead of Mars on the backstretch, but Mars thwarted the challenge by dipping lower on the three-eighths-mile track and held on for the remainder of the distance.

“When I found that traction on the bottom, the car felt so good I thought we were just gonna keep rolling by everybody,” said Smith, who was attempting to add a DTWC score to his $35,000 victory in the 2007 Knoxville Late Model Nationals. “It's not a track where you can just blow your way by somebody, though, and (Mars) saw me before I got him cleared. He's a smart enough driver to know he had to do something, so he started moving down and that affected how I had to enter the corner. Once he got back in front of me and took my line, I was done.

“I'm very disappointed we didn't win the race,” he continued. “It's just such a huge financial difference from second to first (Smith earned $15,000) – that's what's on my mind. We race for a living, and for our team, my fans, my sponsors, my family, the win would've done so much for us.

“But there's nothing to be ashamed about finishing second to Jimmy, and it feels good to run up front again. We struggled for awhile, so we definitely needed a run like this.”

Indeed, Smith hasn't been very happy with his performance since late July – more specifically, since the WoO LMS event on July 25 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio. That evening Smith appeared headed to a fourth-place finish in the 50-lap A-Main when a broken rearend forced him out with just eight laps to go. He would have moved to a season-high fifth in the tour points standings if he had maintained his position to the checkered flag; instead he fell to seventh in the rankings and never recovered.

After registering an impressive 11 top-five finishes in the season's first 26 events – the fourth-best total of series drivers during that span – Smith has just one top-five and two top-10 finishes in the last 11 A-Mains. In addition, four of his six DNFs this season have come over the last 11 races.

“Sharon was the beginning of our downfall,” said Smith, who enters the World Finals virtually assured of an eighth-place finish in the WoO LMS points standings. “After that, we just couldn't do anything right.”

Smith said he could chalk up much of his late-season frustration as part of the natural learning curve for a WoO LMS newcomer. Running new tracks, adapting to different surfaces, maintaining equipment far from home, living on the road for extended stretches – no driver can truly be prepared to handle the demands of a national touring schedule until experiencing it first-hand.

“With the World of Outlaws tour, guys who have done it before have a definite advantage,” said Smith, who decided to go out fulltime with the Outlaws in 2009 after making a name for himself in selected major events across the country in recent years. “We had some mechanical failures (this year), and we realized there's some things we should've done differently with our equipment (to possibly avoid them). We learned that to be successful you do everything you can do to prevent mechanical failures.

“Now we know what to do. We didn't before running with these guys.”

When asked to grade his initial season traveling with the Outlaws, Smith paused for a moment and responded with “B-minus,” mainly because he hasn't met his expectation of reaching Victory Lane at least once. The personable, level-headed racer has certainly come close to winning, however, recording three runner-up finishes and twice seeing potential triumphs stolen from him by flat tires – one that knocked him from the lead on the final lap of the May 22 event at Missouri's U.S. 36 Raceway, and another that ended his stirring late-race charge on July 16 at Huron, S.D., just as he was about to grab second place.

Despite the heartbreaks and morale-testing struggles, Smith knows the knowledge and experience he gained this season on the WoO LMS has set him up for a bright future – and more sterling runs like he enjoyed in Sunday's DTWC.

“I think it's forced me to be a better driver,” Smith said of following the tour. “It's forced us to work a little harder too, so it's definitely made us better as a team.”

*****

Smith was one of 10 WoO LMS regulars to enter the DTWC at Lawrenceburg. Eight of the tour fulltimers made 26-car starting field.

Rick Eckert of York, Pa., finished third after an up-and-down outing that saw him lead lap 64 and slip as far back as fifth. Francis climbed as high as second but settled for fifth driving Tim Logan's No. 11, while Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., was sixth; Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., was seventh; Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., was 12th, Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., was 18th (after slowing to bring out a caution on lap 74); and rookie Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., was 25th.

Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., and WoO LMS Rookie of the Year points leader Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, meanwhile, failed to qualify, finishing ninth and 10th, respectively, in the second consolation. Frank's weekend went downhill in Saturday's second heat when he spun twice.

Austin Hubbard, a 17-year-old from Seaford, Del., who has entered 25 WoO LMS events this season in preparation for a fulltime assault on the tour in 2010, turned heads by setting the overall fastest time in Saturday's group qualifying session. He transferred through a heat race and finished 21st in the DTWC.

*****

Ticket information on the World of Outlaws World Finals – the only event this season fans can see the WoO Late Models and Sprint Cars compete on the same card – is available by logging on to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Weather Postpones Wednesday's World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Topless Showdown' At Lowe's Motor Speedway To Wed., Nov. 4

Unique Event Will Now Lead Off World of Outlaws ‘World Finals' For Second Straight Year

CONCORD, NC – Oct. 13, 2009 – A large swath of wet, cool weather rolling across the Southwest and toward the Charlotte area prompted the postponement of Wednesday night's scheduled World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Topless Showdown by Hungry Man' at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.

While the announcement marks the 13th rainout of a precipitation-plagued 2009 season for the WoO LMS, there's good news amid the dark clouds. The ‘Topless Showdown' has been rescheduled for Wed., Nov. 4, to serve as a grand kickoff of the third annual World of Outlaws World Finals for Late Models and Sprints that are set for Nov. 5-7 at the four-tenths-mile oval.

This is the second consecutive year that rain has moved the Topless Showdown from its scheduled date during the Lowe's Motor Speedway's NASCAR Banking 500 week to the eve of the World Finals.

“We never want to make an early cancellation of an event, but with the very poor weather forecast for Wednesday we came to the conclusion that this decision is in the best interests of all the fans and race teams,” said Seamus Curley, the short-track racing manager at Lowe's Motor Speedway. “Running the Topless Showdown on Wednesday, Nov. 4, will now add more action and excitement to the huge World of Outlaws World Finals weekend at The Dirt Track.”

Last year's Topless Showdown proved to be a big hit as a lead-in to the World Finals. A massive field of 81 cars was signed in for the event, and Chris Madden of Gaffney, S.C., held off a furious last-lap challenge from Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., to pocket a $16,000 top prize.

The Topless Showdown features a unique passing bonus that could push the first-place prize of the 50-lap A-Main to as much as $30,000. It offers a base purse of $10,000 for first place, but if the driver who wins the A-Main submitted an official entry form prior to deadline they will also receive a ‘passing' bonus in an amount equal to $1,000 multiplied by their starting position.

The same event schedule that was planned for Wednesday night will be used on Nov. 4, track and series officials announced.

Ticket information on the Topless Showdown and World of Outlaws World Finals is available by logging on to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling the Lowe's Motor Speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Star Tim Fuller Experiences Up-And-Down Super DIRT Week At Syracuse Mile

Former WoO LMS Champ Tim McCreadie Finishes Second In Rite Aid 200 Big-Block Modified Headliner

SYRACUSE, NY – Oct. 12, 2009 – Sure, Tim Fuller's return to his DIRTcar big-block Modified roots for Super DIRT Week XXXVIII at the Syracuse Mile was fairly profitable.

But while the red-hot World of Outlaws Late Model Series star capped his week of open-wheel action in upstate New York with a solid third-place finish in Sunday's Rite Aid 200 big-block Modified spectacular, he couldn't help thinking about the hefty chunk of change that slipped through his fingers.

Fuller, 41, of Watertown, N.Y., lost second place in the 200 to 2006 WoO LMS champion Tim McCreadie on a late-race restart and had a certain runner-up finish in Saturday's 358-Modified Syracuse 150 snatched from his grasp when his car's fuel tank ran dry on the final lap. The 11th-hour heartbreakers cost him nearly $15,000 in purse earnings.

“Don't remind me about that money,” quipped Fuller, a former winner of both marquee Super DIRT Week events. “We were so close to a couple second-place finishes, so from that standpoint it's disappointing. But I can't complain too much because we were able to get out of here with a top-three (finish in the 200), which is never easy.”

Driving for the J&S Racing No. 74 Modified team that fielded cars for him in selected DIRTcar Modified shows throughout the 2009 season, Fuller did pocket over $20,000 for his efforts racing close to home on an off-weekend from WoO LMS competition. His take included $15,000 for third-place in the Rite Aid 200, $3,000 for winning the event's pole position (for the second straight year) and nearly $2,000 in lap money.

Fuller, who led laps 1-72 of the 200 before making his first of two scheduled pit stops, appeared to be in perfect position to bid for victory when a caution flag flew on lap 192. With longtime race leader Jimmy Phelps of Baldwinsville, N.Y., who had relinquished the top spot to Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, N.Y., just two laps earlier, forced pitside with a blown right-rear tire, Fuller found himself sitting in second place right on Sheppard's rear bumper.

Unfortunately, while Fuller had nearly a half-lap deficit to Sheppard erased by the caution flag, he would have rather seen Phelps get his stricken car to pit row without slowing the race.

“I didn't want to see any restarts,” said Fuller, who drove the same Teo-Pro car that he's run in the last four Rite Aid 200s (it's his own mount but carried the J&S team's numbers and colors this year). “I knew I was dead meat on the restarts. I was horrible on cold tires. It took seven or eight laps to get my tires warmed up and then I'd pick up a whole second (on the stopwatch).

“They (his crew) came on the radio (during the final caution period) and said, ‘Hey, you got a shot at Sheppard,'” he continued. “I said, ‘Look it, I need to hang on to second – and I don't think I can,' because (the car) was just so much of a handful in the corners (after restarts). I couldn't keep it down (in the groove). It was just pushing and loose.”

Indeed, Fuller couldn't hold off McCreadie when the green flag flew for the final time with four laps remaining. McCreadie blasted by Fuller entering turn one and tried to run down Sheppard as Fuller struggled to avoid falling even further.

Sheppard, a 26-year-old who made his dirt Late Model debut on Sept. 2 in the WoO LMS event at Brewerton (N.Y.) Speedway, held on to capture the $50,000 Rite Aid 200 check for the first time in his career. McCreadie settled for second, 2.682 seconds behind Sheppard.

“It was just unfortunate to lose second,” said Fuller, who won the 200 in 2004 and was the runner-up in 2006. “That was probably a $10,000 spot (difference between second and third place) that I lost there with a few laps to go, but it is what it is.”

At least Fuller didn't tumble completely out of the money in the 200. He did just that on Saturday, when an empty fuel tank on the last circuit of the 358-Modified Syracuse 150 left him with a 15th-place finish as his good buddy Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y., who enters selected WoO LMS events as Fuller's Gypsum Express Racing teammate, celebrated a $20,000-plus triumph in the event for the second consecutive season.

Fuller blamed his 358-Modified disappointment on a communication problem with his pit crew. His two-way radio malfunctioned early in the race and thus he wasn't aware that he was close on fuel and needed to conserve a bit more as the race wound down.

Fuller left the New York State Fairgrounds on Sunday evening ready to shift his focus back to dirt Late Model racing. He is headed to The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., on Wednesday night (Oct. 14) for the Topless Showdown presented by Hungry Man, a roof-less 50-lap WoO LMS event that could be worth as much as $30,000 to its winner depending on starting position.

“I'm looking forward to the Topless race,” said Fuller, who sits fourth in the WoO LMS points standings. “I haven't been in a Late Model in awhile, so I'm anxious to get back to it and try to pick up where we left off about a month ago.”

Fuller won the last WoO LMS A-Main contested, on Sept. 6 at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa. – his seventh win in the last 11 tour events – and finished 25th in the following week's UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned World 100 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio. Rain washed out Fuller's planned Outlaw weekend in the Midwest on Sept. 19-20, and since then he's run only DIRTcar Modified events in New York.

“You gotta get your mindset back to (dirt Late Model racing) – especially after you come here and run 140 miles per hour for 200 laps,” Fuller said when asked about the challenge awaiting him at The Dirt Track. “You have to go down there and jump in a different animal. With no roof (for Wednesday's special), it'll be even more different.”

The Topless Showdown features a unique bonus program and starting-position draw. It offers a base purse of $10,000 for first place, but if the driver who wins the A-Main submitted an official entry form prior to deadline they will also receive a ‘passing' bonus in an amount equal to $1,000 multiplied by their starting position.

In addition, the heat-race qualifiers will participate in the ‘Southern Fried Scramble' draw that gives them a chance to play it safe or roll the dice in pursuit of the maximum $20,000 bonus prize. The draw will consist of five buckets holding four starting-spot pills each – positions 1-4, 5-8, 9-12, 13-16 and 17-20.

When the drivers are called up to draw in the order of their heat finishes (winners first, etc.), they'll have the option of selecting a pill from any of the buckets. Essentially they can guarantee themselves a starting spot in the first two rows of the A-Main by staying conservative and sticking their hand in the first bucket – or they can go for a position further back in the field that would set them up to claim a huge paycheck if they win the Showdown.

With Fuller standing as one of the country's hottest dirt Late Model drivers, will he go for the highest starting-position bucket if he has the opportunity?

“I will be a pussy and draw from the one through four (bucket),” asserted Fuller with a sheepish grin. “A bird in a hand is better than two in a bush. I'd love to win more money, but I'll go for the better starting spot.”

McCreadie, meanwhile, enjoyed the most successful Super DIRT Week of his career. In his first competitive appearance at the Syracuse Mile since 2005, the 35-year-old DIRTcar Modified-turned-dirt Late Model superstar placed second in the Rite Aid 200 to collect over $25,000.

“It feels great just to finally finish this race,” said McCreadie, who had never been running at the end of the Rite Aid 200 in his nine previous starts. “But I would've liked to have won it. If we would've gotten a couple breaks we might've been able to pull it off.”

Driving a big-block Modified from the stable of the same Sweeteners Plus team that supplies his dirt Late Model equipment, McCreadie had moved up to fifth place from the 28th starting spot when every lead-lap car remaining on the track came down pit road on lap 121 to fulfill their mandatory post-lap 100 pit stop requirement. But he lost valuable track position during his stop when he got boxed in behind the car driven by New Jersey's Ryan Godown and restarted 14th, forcing him to spend the remainder of the distance battling to get back into contention.

But while McCreadie fell one spot short of joining his legendary father, ‘Barefoot' Bob McCreadie, as a Rite Aid 200 winner, a bridesmaid finish was pretty noteworthy considering how his Super DIRT Week began. During Thursday's morning practice he hit a hole that developed in turn one so hard that his car's nose folded under.

McCreadie and Co. had to make an amazing repair job just to get their only car race-ready in time for time trials two-and-a-half hours later. They cut off the car's bent front clip and replaced it with a clip from a used Bicknell frame that was in a nearby racer's shop. After doing some quick welding work and piecing the front end back together, McCreadie was on the track in his assigned qualifying spot.

McCreadie also ran the Super DIRT Week 358-Modified events for the Four Star Transmissions team, an operation owned by New Yorker Vinnie Salerno that is still rebuilding after losing two cars, two engines and countless spare parts and tools to thieves who stole the Four Star hauler from a Drummondville, Que., hotel parking lot last month. T-Mac brought the team a much-needed jolt of joy when he won last Thursday night's Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series 100 at Brewerton Speedway, but he finished 30th in Saturday's Syracuse 150 after sustaining front-end damage in a mid-race scrape.

McCreadie's Sweeteners Plus teammate, 2008 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., also participated in Super DIRT Week activities. The two-time Rite Aid 200 had a week to forget, however, failing to qualify for the 358-Modified Syracuse 150 after his car's engine blew during a Saturday practice session and finishing 41st in the Rite Aid after retiring early due to power-steering problems.

Another personality well-known in dirt Late Model pit areas, Integra Shocks technical representative Brian Daugherty, was in attendance at Super DIRT Week for the first time to help his boss Scott Keyser service the company's DIRTcar Modified customers. Daugherty was seen smiling with Keyser in Victory Lane on Sunday because the top-four finishers in the Rite Aid 200 – Sheppard, McCreadie, Fuller and Frank Cozze of Wind Gap, Pa. – used Integra Shocks.

The 2009 Rite Aid 200 is scheduled for broadcast on the SPEED cable network on Sat., Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Looking For More: Streaking Fuller Ready For DIRTcar Modified Assault On Super DIRT Week Oct. 7-11 At Syracuse Mile

SYRACUSE, NY - Oct. 7, 2009 - Tim Fuller is undoubtedly the hottest driver on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

Now the Watertown, N.Y., star is hoping all his sweet full-fender vibes will transfer to his DIRTcar Modified assault on Super DIRT Week XXXVIII, which runs Oct. 7-11 at the Syracuse Mile on the New York State Fairgrounds.

With wins in seven of the last 11 WoO LMS A-Mains – including the last tour event contested on Sept. 6 at Pennsylvania's Tri-City Speedway – Fuller is riding high as he returns to his Modified roots for the Northeast open-wheel circuit's biggest show of the season. He'll race for nearly $75,000 in first-place cash during the extravaganza of speed, which is headlined by the $50,000-to-win Rite Aid 200 for DIRTcar big-block Modifieds on Sunday (Oct. 11).

“It sure would be nice to keep things going at Syracuse,” said Fuller, who will also enter the $20,000-to-win 358-Modified Syracuse 150 on Saturday (Oct. 10) and a 100-lap Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified Series event that offers a $4,000 top prize on Thursday night (Oct. 8) at Brewerton (N.Y.) Speedway. “There's a lot of money on the line and I'd like to get some of it.”

Fuller, 41, will make all his Super DIRT Week starts at the Syracuse Mile in equipment fielded by the Smith Brothers Concrete team, a long-running big-block Modified operation from the Middletown, N.Y., area that is co-owned by Steve Hastings and Joe Knoth. Fuller joined the team earlier this season to run selected big-block Modified events that fit into his busy dirt Late Model schedule.

But while Fuller's cars will sport the No. 74 that Hastings and Knoth have displayed on their Modifieds for years, the machine he's set to run in the Rite Aid 200 is actually his own proven Syracuse car. Fuller has entered the 2006 Teo-Pro mount in the last three Rite Aid 200s, finishing seventh (2006), second (2007) and fifth (2008) and winning the pole position with a fast time-trial lap in both '06 and '08.

Hastings and Knoth agreed to make Fuller's car a Smith Brothers No. 74 for Syracuse duty early in their partnership. They took the Mod to car builder Bobby Hearn's northern New Jersey shop for updating several months ago and recently installed a new big-block engine that they had constructed by New York's Precision Engine Service.

“We'll be good (with the big-block car),” stated a confident Fuller, who spent the past few days making final preparations on the car in his shop. “The big thing is that I'm not going into the week in a car I don't know. I know I have a good, fast car that works well at Syracuse.”

Fuller, who will run the 358-Modified Syracuse 150 in a separate Smith Brothers No. 74 and Brewerton's midweek satellite event in a small-block owned by central New Yorker Joe Beyea, won the Rite Aid 200 in 2004 and 358-Modified Syracuse 150 in 2005 while making his living as a fulltime DIRTcar Modified driver. He'd love to repeat in both races – not only for his own bank account, but to provide Hastings and Knoth a huge highlight for their careers as car owners and reward them for backing him in 2009.

Earlier this year, on Aug. 8, Fuller captured a Super DIRTcar Series event at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway – the first win Hastings and Knoth enjoyed on the Northeast's premier big-block Modified tour in two decades. They have not realized great success in limited Super DIRT Week appearances over the years, so Fuller has a chance to bring them a second rare experience in his first season as their driver.

“Racing for these guys has been perfect,” Fuller said of his '09 Modified outings, which also included a spring victory in the DIRT Challenge Cup at Rolling Wheels Raceway in Elbridge, N.Y., and a second-place finish in the inaugural $20,000-to-win DIRTcar All-Star 100 in July at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, N.Y. “I couldn't ask for a better deal. They're out to run good but also have a good time, so they fit my program real well.

“They're giving me everything you need to win at Syracuse and hopefully we can get the job done for them.”

Fuller has been a Super DIRT Week fixture since 1992, when he finished 33rd in his first start in the 358-Modified event. He's started every Rite Aid 200 since 1996, with his average finish of 12th ranking among the best of all drivers during that span.

And even as he continues to develop into a true national dirt Late Model star, he can't fathom spending Columbus Day weekend doing anything but running a Modified on the famed ‘Moody Mile' in Syracuse.

“I enjoy going (to Super DIRT Week) because it's still one of the premier events in the country,” said Fuller, a former champion of the overall Mr. DIRTcar big-block Modified (2005) and Mr. DIRTcar 358-Modified (1993 and 2003) points races. “I really enjoy race day (of the Rite Aid 200) and the challenge of trying to win the race. I've always said that you haven't made it in Modifieds until you've won it.”

Fuller will be back behind the wheel of his Gypsum Express No. 19 dirt Late Model just three days after the Rite Aid 200 when he enters the WoO LMS ‘Topless Showdown' on Wed., Oct. 14, at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The unique 50-lap event boasts a top prize of as much as $30,000, depending on the starting position of the winner.

Currently ranked fourth in the WoO LMS points standings and tied with Josh Richards for the most wins (seven), Fuller will close out the tour's 2009 season on Nov. 5-7 with the third annual running of the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track.

For more information about Super DIRT Week, including ticket info, contact DIRTcar Racing Northeast Headquarters at 315-834-6606. Further newsworthy items can be found at www.superdirtcarseries.com and www.superdirtweekonline.com, while tickets can be ordered on-line by logging into https://syracuse.ticketdirector.com.

Additional information on the WoO LMS can be obtained by visiting www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Developing Talents: World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookies Russell King & Jordan Bland Score Victories During Off-Weekend Action

CONCORD, NC - Oct. 5, 2009 - Racing alongside the country's best full-fender drivers in 2009 has clearly paid dividends for a pair of 20-year-old World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year contenders.

During an off-weekend from the national tour schedule, Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, who is on the verge of clinching the '09 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year title, and his closest pursuer in the standings, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., scored victories in regional dirt Late Model action.

Flashing the talent they've developed following the series this season, King registered his first-ever dirt Late Model triumph in Saturday night's Priority Care RaceFans 50 at McKean County Raceway in East Smethport, Pa., while Bland shined at Ponderosa Speedway in Junction City, Ky., by capturing Friday night's Fall Classic Weekend preliminary feature and finishing second in Saturday night's 50-lap Bill Pierce/Trenton Rayborn Memorial.

King struck the biggest blow for the Outlaw upstarts, pocketing a whopping $12,000 paycheck for his win in a United Late Model Series (ULMS) event that was postponed one week by rain. He unabashedly attributed his breakthrough success to the education he's received on this year's challenging WoO LMS.

“Running with the Outlaw guys has definitely made me a better driver,” said King, who launched his dirt Late Model career last season after spending four years in the big-block Modified division. “You have to be ball's-out when you're in an Outlaw race, run every lap 100 percent or you're going backwards. Those guys just don't make mistakes so you have to raise your level.

“If I ran an Outlaw race at McKean County I would've been happy with a top 10 (finish), but when you go from running with the Outlaws to a regional show like this (at MCR) you feel like you have a shot to win. I don't consider myself the caliber of the Outlaw guys, but there were some real good guys at McKean – guys who have run up front in Outlaw races – and I feel like I can race with them because of everything I've learned this season.”

King entered Saturday's program having recorded a top 10 finish in four of the last five WoO LMS A-Mains – a surge that pushed his Rookie of the Year edge over Bland to a nearly insurmountable 148 points – and just one week removed from a solid fourth-place finish in the preliminary feature of McKean County's ULMS weekend. His confidence was further boosted when both WoO LMS veteran Chub Frank and 2009 All-Star Late Model Series points runner-up Rick ‘Boom' Briggs – two Pennsylvania drivers who attended McKean's preliminary show but did not return on Saturday for the rescheduled finale – told King after the rainout was announced that “we'd have a legitimate shot to win if we went back (to MCR),” said the hard-nosed young racer.

Proving two of his mentors right, King ran the race of his life to reach Victory Lane. He inherited the lead on lap 30 when Chad Valone spun due to a flat tire and never looked back, holding off a late threat from New York veteran Dick Barton, who won a WoO LMS A-Main in 2006, to preserve the checkered flag.

“Considering I just got a $9,000 motor bill one week ago, I was pretty pumped (to win),” said King, who has eight top 10 finishes in 31 WoO LMS A-Main starts this season (he's entered all 37 events). “And winning a race that Boom and Chub have won – guys I really look up to – means a lot to me.

“I'm real excited,” he continued. “As much as we've struggled sometimes this year, it's great to get a big win like this. It makes everyone on the team feel good.”

Not surprisingly, Frank and Briggs were among nearly two-dozen people who sent King congratulatory wishes soon after the race ended.

“The news definitely travels fast,” King said with a smile. “My (cell) phone went dead at the track, but when I got it back on I already had like 20 text messages.

“It felt good to hear from those guys we race with (on the WoO LMS),” he added. “I know those guys want me to do good because I love this stuff. This is what I want to do.”

King's recent success has him looking forward to this season's three remaining WoO LMS events, all at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. First up on Wed., Oct. 14, is the ‘Topless Showdown' – a 50-lap, roof-less event that could pay as much as $30,000 to win depending on the victor's starting position – and then on Nov. 5-7 there's the World of Outlaws World Finals.

“I'm pumped about going back to Charlotte,” said King, who drives family-owned Rocket cars. “We made the Colossal (100) on our own (in March) in our first time there, so hopefully we'll run well again.”

Bland, meanwhile, made his presence known at Ponderosa, a three-eighths-mile oval where he ran often early in his six-year dirt Late Model career. Just one bad break might have prevented him from sweeping the entire weekend.

After setting fast time and bagging a $2,500 payoff for winning Friday night's preliminary feature (the race was shortened to 23 laps from a scheduled 30 due to rough track conditions), Bland roared back on Saturday night with the quickest qualifying lap and an early pass of Don O'Neal to grab the lead on lap eight of the 50-lap A-Main. But both Bland and O'Neal ran into trouble on lap 13, getting swept up in a multi-car tangle that occurred in front of them.

“We had almost a straightaway on O'Neal and then the track got blocked from a wreck,” said Bland, who drives his father Jeff's Team Zero by Bloomquist car. “The caution lights were shorted out, so I didn't see the caution was out and I went in there wide-open and got into the cars that wrecked. O'Neal did too.”

While O'Neal was eliminated from further action, Bland managed to continue and restart as the leader, albeit with damage. His car sported dented bodywork, a bent tie-rod and an upper control arm that lodged between the shock and spring – and, most significantly, no brakes.

Despite the handicaps, Bland drove out to a straightaway edge until lapped traffic entered the picture. He struggled to pass the slower machines and was overtaken for the lead on lap 40 by Mike Marlar, who went on to the $7,500 victory as Bland settled for second.

“I could pull away without a problem when I could use the whole racetrack to maneuver around,” said Bland, whose two previous dirt Late Model feature wins came last year at Ponderosa and Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, Ky. “But once I got into lapped traffic, without brakes I couldn't turn and get under anybody.

“I really think we could've straightaway-ed ‘em if we didn't lose the brakes, but what can you do? It was still a heck of a weekend for us.”

Bland, who has three top 10 finishes on the WoO LMS this season, heads to the tour's season-ending events at The Dirt Track with his Rookie of the Year hopes flickering on life support. With the ‘Topless Showdown' offering just show-up points, the two World Finals A-Mains will close the points races – and the only way Bland can win the rookie crown is if he wins both 50-lappers and King fails to finish 20th or better in at least one of them.

The WoO LMS Rookie of the Year is determined using drivers' best 30 finishes of the season, so Bland's hopes of a comeback were dive-bombed when the tour's Midwest doubleheader on Sept. 18 at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo., and Sept. 19 at La Salle (Ill.) Speedway was rained out and not rescheduled.

“I was really looking forward to those two races,” said Bland. “I've run at Pevely and La Salle as much as anywhere the last few years, so they were about the closest things I would have had to hometracks on the series this year.”

Information on the upcoming events at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway can be obtained by logging on to www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Coffey Returns To Big-Block Modified Action In Search Of Third Rite Aid 200 Win During Super DIRT Week Oct. 7-11 At Syracuse Mile

SYRACUSE, NY - Oct. 3, 2009 - Vic Coffey has experienced the thrill of winning the world's richest DIRTcar big-block Modified event – twice.

Maybe that's why the 2008 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year doesn't have any butterflies floating in his stomach as he prepares to make another assault on the Rite Aid 200, which headlines Super DIRT Week XXXVIII Oct. 7-11 at the famed Syracuse Mile on the New York State Fairgrounds.

“You always want to win that race so bad because it's the biggest big-block Modified race of the year,” Coffey said of a $50,000-to-win event that he captured in 2002 and 2007. “Even after you win it once, you still want to win it again. But once you win it, it does take that pressure off. You're not thinking, ‘Can I do it this year?' because you've already done it.

“After you've won it,” he continued, “if things go bad for you – like they went bad for us last year when we broke a spindle about 20 laps into the race (and finished 45th) – you can deal with the disappointment a little better. But if you've never won it before and you have trouble, it seems like it takes 3,000 days for the year to go by so you'll have another shot at it. You just can't stop thinking about getting back there again to try to get that first win.”

Coffey, 38, of Caledonia, N.Y., might now carry himself with the confident posture of a former Syracuse champion, but that doesn't mean he'll enter the 2009 Super DIRT Week activities totally free of concerns. He has, after all, entered just a half-dozen DIRTcar big-block Modified events this season due to his focus on dirt Late Model racing and will be debuting a brand-new, limited-edition machine built by Troyer Race Cars in Rochester, N.Y.

Heading out on the intimidating ‘Moody Mile' in an untested car wasn't Coffey's original plan. He decided a couple months ago to turn over the proven Bicknell car that he's driven in the last three Rite Aid 200s (including his '07 triumph) to his Sweeteners Plus Racing teammate Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y. – the 2006 WoO LMS champion who is returning to Super DIRT Week competition this year for the first time since 2005 – and ready his team's existing Troyer car to run at Syracuse. But Coffey destroyed the mount earmarked for ‘Cuse duty in a wild series of flips during a heat race on Aug. 29 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway, forcing him to order a new car for the annual autumn showdown that this year culminates the week on Sun., Oct. 11.

Coffey's Modified wasn't constructed specifically for Syracuse – it's a short-track frame with a body that's been beefed up to withstand the rigors of the high-speed mile – but it sports enough new ideas, including a different motor placement, to make it quite unique.

“I'm not worried about running the new car, just a little unsure about it,” said Coffey, whose only top-10 finishes in 13 career Rite Aid 200 starts are, amazingly, his pair of victories. “Running this car is a little bit of a gamble. Troyer has only built a few of these type cars and I think we'll have the only one at Syracuse, so it could be a big advantage for us or it could be a struggle if we can't get it figured out right away.”

Coffey sees pure speed as probably being more important than gas mileage this year in the Rite Aid 200, thanks to a new rule DIRTcar Racing officials have instituted. Teams must make two mandatory pit stops – one before lap 100 and one after the halfway point – for the first time in an event that usually sees its winner push the fuel envelope well over 100 laps.

“I think it's a good rule,” said Coffey, who won the 2002 Rite Aid 200 when leader Kenny Tremont ran out of gas on the final lap. “Now everybody should be able to run hard rather than worry about conserving fuel. It should make the race more fun and exciting.”

With Coffey currently on a week-long Midwestern dirt Late Model trip that ends on Saturday night (Oct. 3) with the Knoxville Late Model Nationals at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway, he's dispatched two volunteers to pick up his Syracuse car at the Troyer shop. Troyer workers assembled most of the machine, leaving Coffey and Co. with only some final preparations, including engine installation, when they return to their team headquarters in Avon, N.Y., most likely sometime on Sunday.

Despite the car being largely race-ready, “we're gonna have a couple late nights in the shop,” said Coffey. In addition to finishing the big-block car, Coffey must also swap the dirt Late Model parts in his new Featherlite trailer, which he picked up last week in Iowa, for Modified paraphernalia and load up the car he'll run in the DIRTcar 358-Modified Syracuse 150. He's not sure if he'll make it to the Fairgrounds in time for ‘Happy Hour' hot laps at 3 p.m. on Wednesday (Oct. 7), so his practice time might be limited before Rite Aid 200 time trials begin on Thursday afternoon (Oct. 8).

The segment of Super DIRT Week that has Coffey most jazzed is the 150-lap 358-Modified event on Sat., Oct. 10. He's come close to winning the event several times, including last year when he crossed the finish line second but was later disqualified because the backup car he hadn't planned to use was found to have a cylinder head infraction.

“I feel more anxious about the small-block (358) deal,” admitted Coffey, who will make his 13th start in the 358-Modified show that headlines Saturday's Super DIRT Week program. “We've had a good shot at winning that thing three or four times, so I'd really like to get that race.

“I think we have a real good shot at it. We're going there with the same (358) package that we've run the last few years (a Bicknell car with a Mopar engine) and we know it's fast. It's going to be a matter of catching the right breaks.”

Coffey expects to be back in his dirt Late Model following Super DIRT Week, perhaps for the WoO LMS ‘Topless Showdown' on Wed., Oct. 14, at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and certainly for the World of Outlaws World Finals on Nov. 5-7 at The Dirt Track. Though he dropped off the WoO LMS as a regular midway through the season, in 26 tour A-Main starts this year he's registered more top-five finishes (three, including a career-best second-place run on Sept. 2 at New York's Brewerton Speedway) and the same number of top-10s (nine) that he did in 34 A-Main outings in 2008.

For more information about Super DIRT Week, including ticket info, contact DIRTcar Racing Northeast Headquarters during the week at 315-834-6606. Further newsworthy items can be found at www.superdirtcarseries.com and www.superdirtweekonline.com, while tickets can be ordered on-line by logging into https://syracuse.ticketdirector.com.

Additional information on the WoO LMS can be obtained by visiting www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Tim McCreadie Returns To Big-Block Modified Roots For Super DIRT Week Oct. 7-11 At Syracuse Mile

SYRACUSE, NY - Sept. 29, 2009 - Last year Tim McCreadie watched the Rite Aid 200 at the New York State Fairgrounds from the press box as a color commentator for the SPEED cable network's broadcast of the race.

But this year the 2006 World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion will happily be back in the middle of the action during Super DIRT Week XXXVIII, chasing a $50,000-plus victory in the world's richest DIRTcar big-block Modified event.

For the first time since 2005, McCreadie will be a competitor in the prestigious autumn spectacular that runs from Oct. 7-11 at the famed Syracuse Mile.

“Doing the television thing was neat and I had a good time with it, but it wasn't like being part of the show,” said McCreadie, who starred in the DIRTcar big-block Modified ranks before emerging as a full-fender standout when he won the 2004 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year award. “I've missed running (Super DIRT Week) the last few years so I'm real excited to have a chance to do it again.”

McCreadie, 35, of Watertown, N.Y., is returning to the Super DIRT Week scene in a big way. In addition to entering the Rite Aid 200 in a big-block Modified from the same Sweeteners Plus Racing team that supplies his familiar dirt Late Model equipment, T-Mac has secured a 358-Modified ride with Vinnie Salerno's Four-Star Transmissions Motorports operation for the Syracuse 150 on Sat., Oct. 10, and satellite events on Thurs., Oct. 8, at Brewerton (N.Y.) Speedway and Fri., Oct. 9, at Rolling Wheels Raceway in Elbridge, N.Y.

Certainly McCreadie's abbreviated 2009 racing season – he was sidelined for five months while recovering from a back injury suffered in a January crash during the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Okla. – has him anxious to get in as many starts as possible during Super DIRT Week. But that's not the primary reason he'll be so active.

“If I'm going to be there, I want to be part of the whole show,” said McCreadie. “I don't want to just run the big-block race. I want to get out there and race all week in the 358 stuff too, and fortunately Vinnie (Salerno) is giving me an opportunity to do that.”

McCreadie will go for the gold in the Rite Aid 200, which culminates the week on Sun., Oct. 11, behind the wheel of a Bicknell big-block Modified that has a proven track record at the ‘Moody Mile.' He was a contender for victory with the car in both the 2004 and 2005 events before experiencing mechanical trouble, and his Sweeteners Plus teammate, 2008 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., drove the machine to his second career Rite Aid 200 triumph in 2007. Coffey also ran the car in last year's Rite Aid 200 (he dropped out early due to broken right-front spindle), but he decided to turn the mount over to McCreadie this year and prepare a new car for himself.

McCreadie and his crewmen, Al Stevens and Mike Amell, worked last week at the Sweeteners Plus shop in Avon, N.Y., to get the big-block Modified ready for Syracuse duty before hitting the road for a week-long dirt Late Model trip. When they return from this weekend's Knoxville Late Models at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway – McCreadie is the defending champion of the $40,000-to-win 100-lapper – they will only have to install a fresh CC Performance big-block engine in the Modified and switch over some equipment in their hauler.

Super DIRT Week's on-track action starts on Wed., Oct. 7, at 3 p.m. with a ‘Happy Hour' practice session that will prove very valuable for McCreadie. After all, he hasn't taken a lap around the intimidating one-mile oval since 2005 – his planned assault on the 2006 event was dive-bombed when a WoO LMS race was rescheduled for the same weekend; he was a spectator in 2007 because his short-lived pavement deal with Richard Childress Racing took him to Talladega Superspeedway; and last year he opted to work with the television crew after deciding that his late-season return to fulltime dirt-track racing didn't leave him enough time to put together a serious Syracuse effort.

“That ‘Happy Hour' will be important for us because I think it will take a little while for me to get comfortable in a Modified again,” said McCreadie, who has made one appearance in a Modified this season. “The (Super DIRT Week) schedule is also a little different from what I've been used to. ‘Happy Hour' is Wednesday instead of Tuesday and there's only one day of time trials now, so there's not as much time to get everything right as there used to be.

“I feel good about our chances. I'm used to the speed (of the mile) because we go to a lot of high-speed places with the Late Model, so I think if we can get the car comfortable for me and setup right we should be O.K.”

Finding some Syracuse luck might be McCreadie's most formidable challenge. The place has been a house of horrors for him since he made his first appearance there in 1996; he has, in fact, never even finished the Rite Aid 200 in nine career starts. While he's run up front numerous times and in 2001 started from the pole position, his finishes (in order from 1997-2005) are forgettable – 26th, 25th, 40th, 38th, 38th, 33rd, 34th, 23rd, 23rd.

McCreadie has posed in Victory Lane at Syracuse, but it was as a 12-year-old when his legendary father, ‘Barefoot' Bob McCreadie, won the Rite Aid 200 in 1986. He yearns to shed his history of Super DIRT Week disappointment and join his dad as a winner of the event.

“It would be huge if I could win it,” said McCreadie, whose victories this year include an emotional WoO LMS triumph in front of his father on June 23 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway. “I grew up with Syracuse always being the big deal every year. All the major Modified guys over the years have won it, so it's definitely one of the things I look at that I'd like to put on my resume.

“We're going there to win it. Like Carl (Myers, McCreadie's car owner) said, ‘Hey, let's put our best effort into it and see if we can pull it off.'”

For more information about Super DIRT Week, including ticket info, contact DIRTcar Racing Northeast Headquarters during the week at 315-834-6606. Further newsworthy items can be found at www.superdirtcarseries.com and www.superdirtweekonline.com, while tickets can be ordered on-line by logging into https://syracuse.ticketdirector.com.

Additional information on the WoO LMS can be obtained by visiting www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Ohio's Russell King Closing In On World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Honors

CONCORD, NC - Sept. 28, 2009 - Russell King is closing in on a grand reward for his long, tough season spent getting a dirt Late Model education on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

With just three events remaining on the 2009 WoO LMS schedule following the wash-out of last weekend's Midwestern doubleheader, the hard-nosed King finds himself on the verge of clinching the tour's Rookie of the Year award.

King, 20, of Bristolville, Ohio, holds a 148-point lead (3,604-3,456) over Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., in the Rookie of the Year standings, which are determined using drivers' 30 best finishes of the '09 campaign. The only way King can lose the crown is if he fails to finish 20th or better in at least one of the 50-lap A-Mains that comprise the season-ending World of Outlaws World Finals on Nov. 5-7 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and Bland wins the two headline races in an unprecedented sweep.

Yes, King is so close to the rookie laurels, he can taste them. But while clinching the honor over a tour-record five-driver rookie class will bring him plenty of attention, he'll be just as proud to finish 10th in the WoO LMS points standings – the last spot that offers a share of the tour's nearly $400,000 points fund.

“Our goal this year is the Rookie of the Year, but we also want to finish 10th in the points,” said King, who is guaranteed the coveted 10th-place position provided he enters the ‘Topless Showdown' on Oct. 14 at The Dirt Track (an event that offers only WoO LMS show-up points and thus won't affect the rookie battle) and starts one of the World Finals A-Mains. “Winning the Rookie deal and finishing 10th in the points means over $30,000 to us. After driving around all season to do this, you want to go home with something substantial like that.”

King stands to pocket $10,000 for the Rookie of the Year crown plus another $21,000 for rounding out the top 10 in the star-studded WoO LMS points standings – a huge chunk of change for a young lion who entered the 2009 season with less than two-dozen dirt Late Model starts under his belt. His six-year career has mostly come behind the wheel of a big-block Modified, the Northeast-based division that his father, Rex Sr., has run for more than 20 years and his younger brother, Rex Jr., now regularly competes in.

King is bidding to become the third consecutive and fourth overall driver with big-block Modified roots to win the WoO LMS Rookie of the Year award since 2004. He would join New Yorkers Tim McCreadie (2004), Tim Fuller (2007) and Vic Coffey (2008).

“We've learned a lot this year,” said King, who drives family-owned equipment. “I wish we would've run better, but we know coming into this that it was gonna be tough to run against the best guys in the country at tracks we've never seen. Hopefully what we learned this year will help us down the road.”

King has certainly showed that he's catching on to the dirt Late Model game. After getting off to a slow start with five DNQs in the season's first nine events, he's started 27 of the last 28 A-Mains. He's been especially solid during the critical stretch run; in the seven A-Mains contested since the schedule reached the 30-race mark and the rookies began replacing their worst finishes, King hasn't missed a feature and has recorded four of his rookie-leading eight top 10 finishes.

Though King passed Bland for the rookie points lead and 10th place in the standings after the June 24 event at Big Diamond Raceway in Forestville, Pa., and has never relinquished the positions, it's his strength over the last seven shows that has allowed him to pull away. He enters the ‘Topless Showdown' with a top-10 finish in four of his last five starts, including a 10th on Sept. 6 at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa., that came after his second-place heat run put him in the A-Main redraw for the first time in his career.

King, whose top finish of '09 is a ninth on July 10 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., has already replaced his six 75-point DNQs with better finishes in the Rookie of the Year points computations. The worst remaining finish on his 30-race ledger is a 21st place (108 points).

The 20-year-old Bland, meanwhile, boasts the best single finish by a rookie to date this season – seventh on June 18 at Ohsweken (Ont.) Speedway – but he's separated from King by his fewer top 10 finishes (three) and more DNQs (nine). His hopes of putting some pressure on King entering the World Finals were dashed when last weekend's rainouts at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo., and La Salle (Ill.) Speedway robbed two races from him.

But while Bland will be disappointed if he falls short of the rookie trophy with his family-owned team, he asserted that the experience he gained following the WoO LMS this season has made him a better driver.

“It was definitely hard trying to figure out a new chassis (Team Zero by Bloomquist) while racing against the best drivers in the country at a new track every night,” said Bland, who has firm control of 11th in the points standings. “The flip (a wicked crash on June 21 at Ontario's Cornwall Motor Speedway that forced Bland to visit a local hospital for a check-up before returning to run the A-Main) set us back too, but I've learned more this year than I ever have in my career. Being able to watch these (WoO LMS) guys every night – their good laps and their bad laps – helps you so much.”

Joining King and Bland as Rookie of the Year candidates with perfect attendance on the '09 WoO LMS are Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

Robinson, 21, has shown flashes of brilliance in his family's red-white-and-blue cars, but he couldn't quite challenge King and Bland. He's third in the rookie race and 12th in the overall WoO LMS points standings, with a ninth-place finish at Ohsweken standing as his lone top 10 of the season.

No rookie has had a more eventful campaign than Robinson, who's fought through such obstacles as his studies at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.; a late-spring bout with mononucleosis and kidney stones; and a variety of travel headaches that produced late arrivals to tracks. His dedication was evident when he used a dualie and enclosed trailer to tow his car to the postponed event on Sept. 1 at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa., and had only his mother, Elaine, for crew help because his father Dean – the driver of the team's normal big rig – couldn't make the trip.

A newcomer to open dirt Late Model racing in 2008, Hapka, 26, decided to hit the highways immediately this season and sits fourth in the rookie and 13th in the overall standings. He has started 17 of 37 A-Mains and has a top finish of 12th, at Ohsweken.

Reddick, who at 14 years old is the most fresh-faced rookie contender and ranks 14th in the overall points standings, burst onto the WoO LMS scene in dramatic fashion when he qualified through a heat for the season opener on Feb. 12 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., to become the youngest driver in tour history to start an A-Main. He experienced plenty of growing pains after that spectacular debut – he's started just 13 of 37 A-Mains and has a top finish of 13th, at River Cities – but the cool-headed driving and natural talent that he's displayed stamps him as one of the hottest teenage racers in the country.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Points Standings (drivers' best 30 finishes through 37 events):

1. Russell King 3,604
2. Jordan Bland 3,456 (-148)
3. Brent Robinson 3,124 (-480)
4. Dustin Hapka 2,897 (-707)
5. Tyler Reddick 2,717 (-887)

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Midwestern Washout: Rain Claims Sunday's Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals At La Salle Speedway

LA SALLE, IL - Sept. 20, 2009 - Showers overtook central Illinois early Sunday afternoon, forcing the cancellation of the evening's World of Outlaws Late Model Series Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle Speedway.

The wet weather caused a complete washout of the weekend's WoO LMS doubleheader in the Midwest. Rain also wiped out Saturday night's Pepsi Nationals at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo.

In addition, it marked the second straight year that the Illinois Fall Nationals has been rained out at the quarter-mile La Salle oval.

WoO LMS officials will discuss the possibility of rescheduling the events with I-55 co-promoters Ken Schrader and Ray Marler and Bob Sargent of Track Enterprises, Inc., who promoted the Illinois Fall Nationals.

Sunday's rainout marked the 12th weather-related cancelation or postponement during the rain-plagued 2009 WoO LMS season.

Three A-Mains remain on the 2009 WoO LMS schedule – all at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. The Topless Showdown is set for Oct. 14, followed by the World Finals on Nov. 5-7.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Rain Washes Out Saturday's World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Pepsi Nationals' At I-55 Raceway

PEVELY, MO - Sept. 19, 2009 - Saturday night's World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Pepsi Nationals' at I-55 Raceway was washed out by rain.

A slow-moving band of precipitation reached the one-third-mile oval late Saturday afternoon and radar indicated little chance of imminent clearing, forcing I-55 Raceway co-promoters Ken Schrader and Ray Marler to pull the plug on the track's 27th annual special event.

It was the 11th time that a WoO LMS event has been either canceled or postponed during the rain-plagued 2009 season.

Track and series officials are discussing the possibility of a new date for a WoO LMS visit to I-55 Raceway. For more information about rainchecks and the status of the event visit www.i55raceway.com.

The WoO LMS will move on to La Salle (Ill.) Speedway on Sunday night (Sept. 20) to contest the 18th annual Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals. A 40-lap A-Main paying $7,000 to win will top the program.

More information on the WoO LMS is available by logging on to www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Plenty Of Points Title Drama Will Spice Up Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals On Sunday (Sept. 20) At La Salle Speedway

LA SALLE, IL - Sept. 18, 2009 - La Salle Speedway will be swirling with points-title drama on Sunday night (Sept. 20) during the 18th annual Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals.

From the two-driver face-offs for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series and UMP DIRTcar Racing national Super Late Model championships to the battle for the UMP DIRTcar national Modified crown, the quarter-mile oval's season-ending event promises to be a crucial big-picture evening for several competitors.

The evening's headline 40-lap, $7,000-to-win World of Outlaws Late Model Series A-Main will have two points-race storylines spinning simultaneously – Steve Francis and Josh Richards are locked in a neck-and-neck stretch run for the $100,000 Outlaw title, while homestate stars Jason Feger and Dennis Erb Jr. are rolling toward the end of a memorable struggle for a UMP DIRTcar national championship worth $20,000.

What's more, UMP DIRTcar Modified national points leader Gary Cook Jr. of Deer Creek, Ill., and defending national champion Jeff Leka of Buffalo, Ill., who won the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals Modified event at La Salle, are among the title contenders expected to compete in the division's supporting 25-lap, $1,000-to-win feature.

Get out the calculators – the Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals promise to be exciting for more than the night's first-place prizes.

“I think it's great for the fans to have an opportunity to see this many different points battles play out at one facility on a single night,” said veteran Midwestern promoter Bob Sargent, whose Track Enterprises, Inc. is presenting the Illinois Fall Nationals for the second time at La Salle after a 17-year run on the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. “There's a lot on the line for the championship contenders. Every position will count, so fans are going to have plenty to watch.”

Highlighting the program will be the Francis-Richards war for 2009 WoO LMS supremacy. With the two drivers having distanced themselves from defending champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., in the points standings, it appears they will decide the title between themselves.

Francis, 42, of Ashland, Ky., leads Richards, a 21-year-old sensation from Shinnston, W.Va., who drives the Rocket Chassis house car that is fielded by his father Mark and was campaigned by Francis earlier this decade, by a mere four points entering this weekend's WoO LMS Midwest doubleheader at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo. (the Pepsi Nationals on Sat., Sept. 20) and La Salle. A WoO LMS champion in 2007 and runner-up on three previous occasions, Francis grabbed the points lead from Richards in the last tour event, on Sept. 6 at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa.

Richards, who is gunning for his first-ever WoO LMS title after finishing second last season, is hoping for better luck at La Salle than he experienced in the last Outlaw event there on Sept. 16, 2007. In an Illinois Fall Nationals 40-lapper that saw Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich., emerge victorious and Francis finish fifth after running as high as second, Richards had to pit on the opening lap due to nosepiece damage from hitting an inside tractor tire and could only manage a 13th-place finish.

Just three events remain on the WoO LMS schedule after this weekend's shows – and all three are at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

With La Salle's WoO LMS action carrying a UMP DIRTcar co-sanction and being run under UMP DIRTcar's Hoosier LM20, LM30 and LM40 tire-compound rule, the event is a full UMP DIRTcar points race. Feger, 31, of Bloomington, Ill., holds a slim 10-point lead over Carpentersville, Ill.'s Erb in the national standings with just three weekends of weekly racing and the Oct. 9-10 UMP DIRTcar Nationals at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, remaining in the circuit's points season.

The UMP DIRTcar national Super Late Model standings are determined using drivers' best 40 finishes/points nights and include bonus points for car count, so with a strong field expected on Sunday both Feger and Erb will have an opportunity to gain points with a finish near the front of the pack. They figure to be serious contenders in the event, considering that both drivers have turned many laps at La Salle and have proven their ability to win on the WoO LMS.

Feger, who is shooting for his UMP DIRTcar national championship and also to end Erb's two-year run as the national titlist, captured his first career WoO LMS A-Main earlier this year at Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wis. A winner of 18 features at 13 different tracks this season, Feger finished 17th in the 2007 WoO LMS event at La Salle and two months ago raced to a 13th-place finish in the track's UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals program.

Erb, meanwhile, owns two career WoO LMS A-Mains victories, with both coming in 2007. He finished sixth in the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle and scored a third-place finish in this year's UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals show at the track.

The WoO LMS and UMP DIRTcar title contenders will headline a star-studded field of dirt Late Model drivers expected to invade La Salle.

The traveling Outlaw roster will also include Lanigan, who finished second in the 2007 Illinois Fall Nationals; the red-hot Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who has won seven of the last 11 tour events and placed fourth in '07 at La Salle; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who ran La Salle's cushion hard to finish third in '07; Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

Other drivers planning to enter the Illinois Fall Nationals include Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., and Terry Casey of New London, Wis.

Last year's Illinois Fall Nationals at La Salle was rained out and not rescheduled, so this will mark the track's first WoO LMS event in two years.

Pit gates will open at 2 p.m. and the grandstand gates will be unlocked at 4 p.m. on Sun., Sept. 20. Practice is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m., followed by time trials at 5:30 p.m. and racing at 6 p.m.

Adult grandstand admission is $25 with children 11-and-under $5. All pit passes will cost $35.

La Salle Speedway is centrally located in Illinois, sitting 60 miles west of Joliet, 80 miles east of the Quad Cities, 70 miles south of Rockford and 60 miles north of Bloomington.

For additional information or to purchase advanced general admission tickets, visit www.lasallespeedway.com; www.trackenterprises.com; or contact Track Enterprises at 217-764-3200 or La Salle Speedway at 815-223-6939.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Clanton Looks To Regain Winning Rhythm With Return To I-55 Raceway For ‘Pepsi Nationals' On Saturday Night (Sept. 19)

PEVELY, MO - Sept. 16, 2009 - One year ago Shane Clanton was the hottest dirt Late Model driver in the country when he visited I-55 Raceway – and he just got hotter with a stirring victory in the track's World of Outlaws Late Model Series event.

But when the national tour returns to the one-third-mile oval on Saturday night (Sept. 19) for the 27th annual Pepsi Nationals, Clanton will be looking to recapture the winning rhythm he flashed through the late-summer and early-fall of 2008.

Clanton, 34, of Locust Grove, Ga., entered the 2009 campaign as a driver expected to contend for the $100,000 WoO LMS points championship, but he didn't pick up right where he left off last year. He has just one win this season – a $20,000-plus score way back on April 4 in the Illini 100 at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway – and sits a distant sixth in the points standings.

“Last year everything just flowed, especially later in the season,” said Clanton, whose career-best '08 campaign included four wins and a fourth-place finish in the WoO LMS points race plus a dozen triumphs in non-series events. “It didn't matter what we did; we seemed to hit things right more often than not. But this year has been a different story.”

Clanton pulled into I-55 Raceway last September literally on top of the world – he had, after all, won the prestigious UMP DIRTcar Racing-sanctioned World 100 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, the previous week. He cemented his status as a national superstar with a victory in the 50-lap A-Main at the well-known Missouri facility owned by NASCAR veteran Ken Schrader and Ray Marler, advancing from the seventh starting spot to cap an impressive run of three wins in six WoO LMS events over a five-week span.

The I-55 checkered flag even ended Clanton's personal struggles in Missouri, a state he had taken to calling ‘Misery' because of his inability to win there over the years.

Clanton started the 2009 WoO LMS schedule decently enough, with a string of top-10 finishes and his Illini 100 triumph helping push him into the points lead after the season's seventh event, at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway. But then the bottom fell out; he was replaced atop the points rankings the next night and never got close to the lofty position again.

“It's pretty frustrating, but what can you do?” Clanton said of his '09 season, which shows nine top-five and 26 top-10 finishes in 37 events (he had 22 top-five and 32 top-10 finishes in 43 races last year). “You just keep working, trying different things. We've been all over the map trying to find things that fit me and fit the race car and just haven't hit on it yet.

“We've tried changing just about everything except the driver – and we've thought about that,” he added with a smile. “I don't blame (the struggles) on one particular thing. It's just that everyone is always changing things and some guys have gotten a little bit better than us this year, so we have to catch up.

“We're still trying, that's for sure. We're all trying to work together to get everything back in a row. When we do that, we'll start winning races again.”

Clanton feels as if he's getting his RSD Enterprises Rocket cars closer to where they need to be, but he's not there yet. He recorded back-to-back top-five finishes in the last WoO LMS A-Mains contested two weeks ago at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa., but he followed that up by failing to qualify for last weekend's World 100 after starting his visit to Eldora in a manner that would seem to sum up his season: he discovered a broken valve in his primary engine while changing valve springs after unloading on Thursday, forcing him to install a backup.

“When you work as hard as you can, you see the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Clanton, who turned 34 on Aug. 29. “We're starting to see more light.”

A repeat of his '08 effort at I-55 Raceway would be a nice way for Clanton to get his groove back. He's confident that the 50-lap, $10,000-to-win event at the high-banked track can serve as his tonic for a disappointing season.

“I feel good about going there,” Clanton said of I-55, where he preceded his victory last year with WoO LMS finishes of eighth in 2007 and 15th in 2005. “They do a good job of preparing the racetrack. It gets slick, but it's also the shape and size of two of the favorite racetracks I go to back around home – Talladega (Ala.) and North Georgia – so I like it.”

Clanton will face plenty of competition at I-55 Raceway – from his fellow WoO LMS stars as well as a host of tough customers from across the Midwest.

Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., leads the WoO LMS points standings by four points over Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., entering Saturday's action. The traveling Outlaw roster will also include the red-hot Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who has won seven of the last 11 tour events; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., the 2007 Pepsi Nationals winner; defending champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky.; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa.; Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

Meanwhile, Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill., who finished fourth in last year's Pepsi Nationals, and two-time defending UMP DIRTcar national champion Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., will continue their neck-and-neck battle for the 2009 UMP DIRTcar national points crown at I-55. Saturday's event is co-sanctioned by UMP DIRTcar and will be run using the organization's Hoosier LM20, LM30 and LM40 compound tires.

Other drivers planning to enter the Pepsi Nationals include Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., former WoO LMS champion Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., Randy Korte of Highland, Ill., 2009 I-55 champion Bryan Collins of Elsberry, Mo., and 2008 I-55 titlist Billy Faust of Lebanon, Ill.

Gates will open at 3 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 19). Practice is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., followed by time trials at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7 p.m.

The big program will also include a $1,000-to-win special for the UMP DIRTcar Modifieds and a UMP DIRTcar Sportsman event paying $500 to win.

Seats in the top three rows of the frontstretch grandstands are reserved and can be purchased in advance for $32 each by calling the track office at 636-479-3219. General admission tickets are $27, with kids 12 years old and younger admitted free in the general admission sections. Pit passes will be $35 for all ages.

Additional info on the Pepsi Nationals is available by logging on to www.i55raceway.com.

I-55 Raceway is located 30 minutes south of downtown St. Louis, off Pevely exits 180 and 178 of Interstate 55.

The Pepsi Nationals kicks off a Midwest doubleheader for the WoO LMS, which will visit La Salle (Ill.) Speedway on Sunday night (Sept. 20) to contest the Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Richards Top Outlaw In World 100; Red-Hot Fuller Cools Off At Eldora

CONCORD, NC - Sept. 14, 2009 -

A LITTLE MOMENTUM: Josh Richards wasn't able to finally add a victory in a crown-jewel dirt Late Model event to his rapidly-expanding resume on Saturday night at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio.

But while he was clearly disappointed to remain atop the list of ‘Best Drivers Yet To Win A Big One' after the checkered flag fell on the prestigious UMP DIRTcar Racing-sanctioned World 100, the 21-year-old sensation from Shinnston, W.Va., gracefully accepted a sixth-place run that left him as the race's highest-finishing World of Outlaws Late Model Series regular.

“At least we were closer tonight than we've been the last couple years,” said Richards, who finished 19th in the 2007 event and failed to qualify in 2008. “If I couldn't win I wanted a top five (finish), but I'm happy to run sixth here. With 172 cars (entered), running sixth is definitely awesome.”

Richards, whose best finish in five career World 100 attempts is a fourth in 2006, enjoyed a solid, if not spectacular weekend at NASCAR star Tony Stewart's famed half-mile oval. He turned the fourth-fastest lap in Friday night's time trials, finished second in a 15-lap heat race on Saturday night and quietly moved forward from the 10th starting spot to place sixth in the A-Main.

If there was anything Richards would like to do over, it would be fast-timer Dan Schlieper's heat-race inversion redraw on Friday night. Schlieper picked a six, giving Richards a starting spot outside the third row in the fourth heat.

“We got up to second in our heat, but it took us a little too long to get there from sixth,” said Richards. “I think in another lap or two we might've passed (Dennis) Erb (for the win) – we were catching him, and that would've put us in a lot better position for the feature.”

Indeed, a heat-race triumph would have aligned Richards third for the start of the World 100. Considering the fact that passing became difficult about one-third of the way through the event because the surface took some rubber, Richards might have found himself in the mix up front if he had been able to overtake Erb earlier in the night.

“The track was so dry and rubbered up so hard, so early, you just had to sit and ride the best you could,” said Richards, who earned $5,000 for his World 100 performance. “We got Earl (Pearson) for sixth on that last restart (lap 83) and I was trying to get (Jimmy) Owens (for fifth) at the end, but I just couldn't find a way by him.

“The Dream (in June) was very frustrating for us, so this weekend shows we're gaining on it here,” added Richards, who set fast-time for the $100,000-to-win Dream but finished a disappointing 22nd. “We got some good laps in the feature and hopefully we learned some things that will help us when we come back here next year.”

Richards did visit Victory Lane following the World 100 to congratulate winner Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, who happens to be the last driver Richards's father Mark hired to run the familiar Rocket Chassis house car before Josh took over its seat fulltime in 2005. Hartman ran the No. 1 machine on the entire WoO LMS in 2004 – the same year that Richards made his debut behind the wheel as Hartman's teammate in a selected number of Outlaw events.

“Congratulations to Hartman,” said Richards. “For a guy who I guess almost passed out after his heat race (due to a splitting headache) and didn't even know if he could make a lap – to go out there and win the World 100, I'm sure he's feeling a lot better after that.

“He finally won this thing after coming here for so many years. We just gotta keep coming here and digging like he has for so long.”

Richards now shifts his attention to this weekend's WoO LMS events in the Midwest, on Saturday night (Sept. 19) at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo., and Sunday night (Sept. 20) at La Salle (Ill.) Speedway. He enters the critical swing – the last WoO LMS races of the 2009 season not being held at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. – sitting second in the points standings, a mere four points behind 2007 champion Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky.

“I feel comfortable at both tracks,” said Richards, who is seeking his first-ever WoO LMS points crown. “I didn't run too great at La Salle when we were there a couple years ago, but I think we'll have a better idea about what to do when we go back this time. And last year we were good at Pevely and I like that place, so I like our chances.

“I feel pretty confident (about resuming WoO LMS action) after coming (to Eldora) and running sixth. It helps the team morale a little bit going into the (Midwest) weekend. We just gotta not let anything bother us and go out there and do the best we can.”

Richards finished 13th in his lone WoO LMS start at La Salle in 2007. He has made three tour appearances at I-55, finishing progressively better in each race (14th in '05, 13th in '07, third in '08).

COOLING OFF: The red-hot Tim Fuller – a winner of seven of the last 11 WoO LMS A-Mains – seemed to still have good fortune on his side at Eldora when his 32nd-fastest time-trial lap gave him the pole position for the second heat thanks to the six-car invert.

Making his first career appearance at the World 100 extravaganza, Fuller, 41, of Watertown, N.Y., finished second in his heat to earn the eighth starting spot in the A-Main. But soon after a caution flag flew on lap 21 as Fuller was bidding to overtake Owens for third, the engine in his Gypsum Express Rocket car began to skip. Fuller fell to seventh before retiring on lap 52 with a terminal motor problem, leaving him 25th in the final rundown.

“I think we might have had a third-place car,” said Fuller. “I don't think we would've had anything for Hartman and (runner-up Brian) Birkhofer, especially after (the track) rubbered, but I felt like we were good enough for third.”

WORLD 100 OUTLAWS: Richards and Fuller were among a group of seven WoO LMS regulars who made the World 100 starting field.

The group included Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis. (finished 13th), who pulled off one of the weekend's most thrilling moves when he split two cars off turn two to surge into third place during the sixth heat; Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky. (14th), who finished the 100 sporting damage to his car's right-rear spoiler; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (15th), who won a B-Main; Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (17th), who started 28th and lost a lap early but passed Owens moments later to get back on the lead lap; and Steve Francis (24th), who started 27th and was never a factor before retiring midway through the 100 while one lap down.

NO MAGIC THIS TIME: One year after standing tall on Eldora's stage after winning the World 100 for the first time, WoO LMS standout Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., was a spectator for Saturday night's A-Main.

Clanton, 33, never quite found his rhythm while attempting to defend his World 100 title. He missed the heat-race inversion with a 41st-fastest time-trial lap, then missed transferring to the headliner by three spots in his heat and two in a B-Main.

Clanton's DNQ made him the seventh driver in the 39-year history of the World 100 who did not start the feature event the year after his triumph, joining Verlin Eakers (1972 winner), Joe Merryfield (1975), Charlie Hughes (1976), Ken Walton (1978), Donnie Moran (1992) and Earl Pearson Jr. (2006).

FORGETTABLE EVENING: Senoia, Ga.'s Clint Smith experienced a double-dose of misery during Saturday night's program at Eldora.

After earning himself a third-place starting spot in a heat race when he ripped off the 21st-fastest circuit on his second time-trial lap on Friday, Smith missed transferring to the A-Main by two spots in his heat. He then scratched from the B-Main due to a broken motor in his new GRT car, which he debuted at Eldora.

Smith still had another horse in Saturday's race because 2007 Dream winner Steve Casebolt of Richmond, Ind., was behind the wheel of Smith's backup car, but a heavily-smoking machine forced Casebolt to pull out of his B-Main during the pace laps. Casebolt, who became friendly with Smith in recent years while they vacationed together on the annual ‘Cruise With The Champions,' landed a ride with Smith at the 11th hour after relating that two blown engines had left him without a powerplant for his own car.

THE ROOKS: Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., and Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., represented the five-driver 2009 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year class at the World 100, but neither driver made the A-Main starting field.

The 20-year-old Bland, who qualified for the World 100 last year, appeared to be in good shape for back-to-back feature appearances after he avoided an opening-lap tangle and then surged into second place on the restart. But his car's right-rear spoiler was damaged when he clipped the outside wall several circuits later and he faded to a seventh-place finish. He never threatened to grab a transfer spot in a B-Main, finishing ninth.

Hapka, meanwhile, made the cut for the heat races in his first-ever World 100 appearance but finished 15th in the third prelim, ending his weekend early.

STRONG DEBUT: Rising teenage star Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., who has entered 25 WoO LMS events this season and plans to apply as a Rookie of the Year candidate for the 2010 campaign, was impressive in his first-ever visit to Eldora.

The 17-year-old timed 17th-fastest and finished third in the fifth heat to become the second-youngest driver to qualify for the World 100. Josh Richards was one month younger than Hubbard when he made the World 100 starting field in 2005.

Hubbard was understandably in awe after cracking the elite feature event.

“I never imagined I would make the show tonight,” said Hubbard, who hadn't even seen Eldora Speedway prior to arriving on Wednesday night to watch NASCAR regular Aric Almirola drive his car in the Prelude to the Dream. “I've probably never been so scored in my life.”

Hubbard went down a lap early in the 100, but he proceeded to gain valuable seat time at Eldora by running the remainder of the distance en route to a 19th-place finish.

TIRE UPDATE: WoO LMS have announced that UMP DIRTcar's Hoosier 20-, 30- and 40-compound tires will be the only rubber permitted for use in this weekend's tour events at I-55 Raceway and La Salle Speedway.

Ken Schrader's I-55 Raceway will host the 50-lap, $10,000-to-win Pepsi Nationals on Saturday night (Sept. 19), while Bob Sargent's Track Enterprises Inc. will present the 18th annual 18th Best Western Illinois Fall Nationals (40 laps/$7,000 to win) on Sunday night (Sept. 20.)

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Streaking Fuller Leads World of Outlaws Late Model Series Stars Into This Weekend’s Prestigious World 100 At Eldora Speedway

ROSSBURG, OH - Sept. 10, 2009 - For a driver who’s never even entered the World 100, Tim Fuller will sure have plenty of eyes focused on him during the prestigious UMP DIRTcar Racing-sanctioned event this weekend (Sept. 11-12) at Eldora Speedway.

In fact, with Fuller charging into the famed half-mile oval on a month-and-a-half-long hot streak that has seen him win seven of the last 11 World of Outlaws Late Model Series events and finish second in a 100-lap crown-jewel race, he’s being talked up as a – dare it be said? – favorite to capture the coveted World 100 globe.

It’s a pretty mind-blowing situation for the 41-year-old from Watertown, N.Y., who’s in just his third year of dirt Late Model competition after excelling in the Northeast’s DIRTcar big-block Modified ranks.

“I don’t want more attention, but that goes with the territory when you’re on a roll like we are,” said the modest Fuller, acknowledging the respect his summertime run has brought him. “To roll in there (to Eldora) and be considered a favorite – man, that’s great. Sure, it’s some extra pressure, but it’s better to be thought of in the group of guys who can win the race than the alternative.”

While Fuller’s experience at Eldora amounts to four dirt Late Model starts and a couple DIRTcar big-block Modified appearances, he’s very confident that the magic he’s found with his Gypsum Express Rocket car will translate to the fast, high-banked track.

“I’m looking forward to the World,” said Fuller, whose recent headline-grabbing success includes a WoO LMS record-tying four consecutive wins and a second-place finish in the USA Nationals 100 on Aug. 1 at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. “I think we’re going there with a pretty decent car. If it’s slippery like the place is known to get I think we can have one of the best cars, but if it takes rubber we might be in trouble.”

Fuller has an understanding of Eldora’s big-race format from his assaults on the $100,000 Dream event the past two Junes. He finished 22nd in the 2008 A-Main but failed to qualify for this year’s version three months ago, missing a transfer spot by two positions in the B-Main after advancing from 20th to sixth in impressive fashion.

“I think we’ll be alright in the race, but we gotta get there first,” said Fuller, who skipped the World 100 the past two years to run big-block Modified events close to his upstate New York home. “I know from running the Dream that it’s time trials that are so tough. You have one lap (to get up to speed) and it better be a good one, so you gotta go around there wide open.

“With so many good cars (in the field), it’s tough to come back from a bad time-trial (lap). I’d like to be able to start up front (in a heat) and see what happens.”

Fuller, who will have a fresh Custom engine under the hood of his car this weekend, might actually have some good vibes on his side. He’s coming off a victory on Sept. 6 in the finale of the WoO LMS Oil Region Labor Day Classic at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa. – the same race that Shane Clanton won last year one week before capturing his first-ever World 100.

Eleven of the 14 drivers who have entered all 37 WoO LMS events this season have plans to complete in this weekend’s World 100, including former event winners Clanton, Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa.

Locust Grove, Ga.’s SHANE CLANTON will attempt to become the first driver to win back-to-back World 100s since Donnie Moran in 1996-1997. He just wishes he was bringing as much momentum to Eldora as he did one year ago.

Clanton, 33, entered the 2008 World 100 as one of the country’s hottest drivers – and with a solid third-place finish in that year’s Dream 100 already under his belt. But he’s struggled to find his way this season, winning just once to date on the WoO LMS (April’s Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway) and failing to qualify for June’s Dream after a heat-race tangle with veteran Delmas Conley.

After winning last year’s World 100 in what was just his third career start in the prestigious event (he previously qualified in 2004 and 2005), Clanton will go for a repeat after showing some signs of life with top-five finishes in both ends of Tri-City’s Oil Region Labor Day Classic last weekend. The RSD Enterprises Rocket car he ran at Tri-City was the same machine he drove to victory in the ’08 World 100, but he plans to enter this weekend’s action behind the wheel of a mount with fewer laps on its odometer.

WoO LMS points leader STEVE FRANCIS enters the World 100 in much the same way he did last year: hot off a victory in the opener of the Oil Region Labor Day Classic at Tri-City.

Francis, 41, is hoping for some better results in his division’s big show, however. The 1999 World 100 winner finished 14th in the ’08 event.

The ‘Kentucky Colonel’ is making his second World 100 bid driving for Maryland car owner Dale Beitler, who has never enjoyed much success in Eldora’s September biggie but did win the 2007 Dream with Richmond, Ind.’s Steve Casebolt steering his familiar blue-and-white No. 19.

CHUB FRANK is taking a back-to-basics approach to this year’s World 100.

For starters, after drawing plenty of attention the past two years with unique, limited-edition World 100 graphics schemes but failing to qualify for the A-Main both times, the 47-year-old star is sticking to his normal look this year. He also will be behind the wheel of a 2005-vintage Rocket car he borrowed from western Pennsylvania racer Chad Valone last month and refuses to give back – because, of course, it’s helped get his struggle-filled season back on track.

Frank, who was eliminated from World 100 starting-field contention by heat-race accidents in both 2007 and 2008, finished 12th in June’s Dream 100.

Defending WoO LMS champion DARRELL LANIGAN of Union, Ky., will chase his first-ever World 100 checkered flag in a Rocket car that he debuted just two weeks ago. He got the machine cranking last weekend, registering finishes second and third in the two 50-lappers at Tri-City.

Lanigan has been on the cusp of winning a major event this season, scoring runner-up finishes in the Lone Star 100 at Battleground Speedway in Highlands, Texas, the Colossal 100 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., and the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., and a third-place finish in June’s Dream 100 (after starting 18th).

The 39-year-old has a Dream victory on his resume but is among the group of drivers with the most World 100 starts who has yet to win the Big One; he’s made all but four World 100 A-Mains since 1990 with a top finish of second, in 1999.

JOSH RICHARDS of Shinnston, W.Va., who sits just four points behind Francis in the WoO LMS standings with five events remaining on the 2009 schedule, will once again attempt to break through for his first career crown-jewel triumph.

The youngest World 100 qualifier ever when he made the 2005 field at the age of 17, Richards transferred to the A-Main for three straight years (finishing a career-best fourth in 2006) before ending up as a DNQ in 2008. He would like to forget last year’s World 100; his car shut off due to a faulty battery as he held a transfer spot on the final lap of a heat and wouldn’t fire up for the B-Main.

Richards had his father Mark’s Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket honking during qualifying for June’s Dream 100, setting fast time in the Friday-night time-trial session. But he was never a factor in the A-Main, losing a lap before blowing a right-rear tire on lap 51 and slapping the turn-one wall to leave him 22nd in the final rundown.

With a fresh Cornett Chevy engine bolted inside one of his Raye Vest Racing Team Zero by Bloomquist cars, RICK ECKERT of York, Pa., has his eyes squarely set on his first World 100 victory.

Eckert, 43, has won the Dream, but his best finish in 10 career World 100 feature starts is fourth, in 1999. A three-time winner on this year’s WoO LMS, he made a late charge to finish eighth in June’s Dream 100 and hopes the speed he found will carry over to this weekend.

CLINT SMITH of Senoia, Ga., last qualified for the World 100 in 2006 when he placed a late-charging sixth. Adding insult to injury, last year he suffered a broken bone in his wrist in a heat-race crash that ended his weekend early.

The 44-year-old Smith also missed the cut for June’s Dream, so he’s hoping to find a better combination for the Eldora clay. His car builder, GRT’s Joe Garrison, was scheduled to bring him a new car to run in this weekend’s meet.

BRADY SMITH of Solon Springs, Wis., who has turned heads in his first season as a WoO LMS regular, is taking a laid-back approach to this year’s World 100. He’ll bid to make his second A-Main start, hoping to improve upon his 15th-place finish in the 2007 event.

JORDAN BLAND of Campbellsville, Ky., and DUSTIN HAPKA of Grand Forks, N.D., will represent the WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contenders in this year’s World 100.

Bland, 20, is looking to make the World 100 A-Main for the second consecutive season (he finished 19th last year) with his family-owned Team Zero by Bloomquist equipment, while the 26-year-old Hapka plans to bolt a new Pro Power engine in his Rocket car for his first-ever World 100 assault.

WoO LMS Rookie of the Year points leader RUSSELL KING of Bristolville, Ohio, has opted to bypass this year’s World 100 to prepare for the tour’s stretch run. Fellow rookies BRENT ROBINSON of Smithfield, Va., and TYLER REDDICK of Corning, Calif., are also not expected to compete.

Time trials and non-qualifiers events for the World 100 are scheduled for Fri., Sept. 11. Heat races, last-chance events and the World 100 final will be run on Sat., Sept. 12.

Visit www.worldofoutlaws.com this weekend for an update on the results of the WoO LMS drivers in the World 100, and visit www.eldoraspeedway.com for more information on the huge dirt Late Model event.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway Announces Plans For $25,000-To-Win ‘Commonwealth 100’ On April 16-17, 2010

Blockbuster World of Outlaws Late Model Series Event Will Offer Total Purse Exceeding $125,000

JAMAICA, VA - Sept. 7, 2009 - Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway is already considered one of the country’s top dirt-track facilities.

In 2010, the gorgeous half-mile oval in Virginia’s Tidewater Region will also boast a dirt Late Model mega-event to match its stature.

The inaugural World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Commonwealth 100’ will be contested on April 16-17, 2010, at VMS, track and series officials announced on Monday.

A $25,000 prize is earmarked for the winner of the two-day blockbuster, which will offer a cash purse totaling over $125,000. The Commonwealth 100 will pay $2,000 to start, and a 30-lap Non-Qualifiers’ Race will boast a $3,000 first-place award from a purse of nearly $16,000.

Time trials and heat races will be run on Fri., April 16, with last-chance races and the headline Commonwealth 100 dominating the program on Sat., April 17. A raindate of Sun., April 18, has been established for the event.

“We feel it’s time for us to step up to the plate and offer to run the biggest show in the history of Virginia Motor Speedway,” said track owner Bill Sawyer, who is in his 10th season at the helm of the dirt-track showplace. “We have a premier facility and we want to create a premier event that showcases our track to fans and race teams from across the country.

“We’re very excited about building the Commonwealth 100 into a marquee event that everyone automatically puts on their calendars every season. After running various touring events and seeing what’s going on in the short-track world, it’s become clear that a major event like this is what we need to do to get the fans and racers excited.”

Sawyer said plans are in the works to make the Commonwealth 100 weekend “more than just a race.” Details will be announced in the future, but he indicated that there will be plenty of auxiliary fun for attendees, including a giant driver autograph session, post-race entertainment following Friday’s action and ear-splitting festivities prior to the 100-lap A-Main (think the Civil War-themed pre- and post-race activities during April’s WoO LMS event at VMS that included multiple cannon and pistol shots by costumed re-enactors).

“I can’t think of a better place to host a huge new World of Outlaws Late Model Series event than Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway,” said World Racing Group Chief Operating Officer Tom Deery. “Bill Sawyer and has staff have built a beautiful racetrack that deserves a signature race like the Commonwealth 100 on its schedule. With the facilities available at Virginia Motor and the great racing that the track is known for, the sky’s the limit for the Commonwealth 100.”

VMS has been a staple track on the WoO LMS, presenting at least one tour event each season since 2005. The Commonwealth 100 will bring all the WoO LMS stars – plus dozens more national and regional standouts – to the facility for a race that will go down in VMS and series history.

“We’ve been talking to Bill Sawyer about running a major event at Virginia Motor Speedway for a couple years so we’re thrilled that he’s decided to go all-out in 2010,” said WoO LMS director Tim Christman. “The Commonwealth 100 is going to be one of the centerpieces of the 2010 World of Outlaws Late Model Series schedule. I’m sure it will generate the same sort of excitement that we’ve seen for events like the Firecracker 100 (at Pennsylvania’s Lernerville Speedway) and Illini 100 (at Illinois’s Farmer City Raceway) that have become part of the World of Outlaws tour in recent years.”

More information on the Commonwealth 100 weekend – including ticket prices, camping info and a complete weekend schedule – will soon be released by VMS management.

Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway is a half-mile dirt oval located on U.S. Route 17 in Jamaica, Va., eight miles north of Saluda and 25 miles south of Tappahannock. The speedway, which boasts spacious 8,000-seat aluminum grandstand, beautiful sponsor suites, MUSCO lighting, a pit area treated with a tar-and-gravel mixture and over 20 acres of parking, is just a short drive from the Richmond, Fredericksburg, southern Maryland and Hampton Roads areas.

For more information about Bill Sawyer’s Virginia Motor Speedway, visit www.vamotorspeedway.com or call the speedway office at 804-758-1VMS.

The Commonwealth 100 will be one of the major events highlighting the 2010 WoO LMS schedule, which is being formulated for release later this year.

Additional info on the WoO LMS is available by logging on to www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Seventh Heaven: Fuller Holds Off Late Challenge From Lanigan For Victory In Oil Region Labor Day Classic Finale At Tri-City Speedway

FRANKLIN, PA - Sept. 6, 2009 - Tim Fuller’s hot streak on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series is still going strong.

Making amends for a tire choice that cost him a shot at victory the previous night, Fuller roared back to win Sunday’s 50-lap finale of the Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic at Tri-City Speedway.

It was the seventh triumph in the last 11 WoO LMS events for the sizzling 41-year-old standout from Watertown, N.Y., who moved into a tie with Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., for winningest-driver status on the 2009 tour. Both drivers have won seven times.

“I thought (the run of success) was ending last night after I made a bad decision,” said Fuller, who led laps 1-13 of the weekend’s opening A-Main before an overheated right-rear tire sent him tumbling to a sixth-place finish. “But tonight we put on the same tires as everybody else did and we got right back on track.

“I hope it doesn’t end. I like it the way it is.”

Fuller steered his Gypsum Express Rocket car forward from the seventh starting spot, passing Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., for the lead on lap 28 and never looking back. Defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who started alongside Fuller in eighth, overtook Francis for second on lap 37 and made a late bid to unseat Fuller but settled for second place in his one-week-old Rocket mount.

Francis, who raced off the pole position to lead laps 1-27 in the Beitler Motorsports Rocket, held on to finish third. He fell short of sweeping the weekend after capturing his sixth victory of 2009 the previous evening, but the run allowed him to regain the WoO LMS points lead by four points over Richards, who finished a quiet ninth.

Jason Covert of York Haven, Pa., advanced from the ninth starting spot to place fourth in Barry Klinedinst’s Rocket car. It was his second top-five run of the Oil Region Labor Day Classic and once again earned him the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn’t won a WoO LMS A-Main and isn’t ranked among the top 12 in the tour points standings.

Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., completed the top five in the RSD Enterprises Rocket after starting third. He joined Francis, Lanigan and Covert as drivers with a top-five finish in both halves of the Classic.

Fuller’s latest checkered flag was arguably his most satisfying of the season.

“You can win from the front row and feel good,” said Fuller, who registered his 10th career victory on the WoO LMS. “But when you do it like we did tonight – when you start further back and pass everybody you need to pass – it’s a way better feeling.”

Fuller had to withstand a stiff challenge from Lanigan, who sailed his car hard to the outside of Fuller rounding turns three and four on lap 44. Lanigan wasn’t able to get around Fuller, however, and that proved pivotal in the outcome of the race, which was slowed by just a single caution flag, on lap 34 when Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa., stopped in turn four with mechanical trouble.

When the low-running Fuller saw Lanigan’s car above him, he immediately adjusted his groove higher on the track and proceeded to pull away over the remaining circuits.

“I showed him my nose too quick,” said Lanigan, who finished 0.995 of a second behind Fuller. “He saw me out there and knew to move up. He’s running smart right now.”

Lanigan, 39, nearly surprised Fuller, who thought the inside was the lane of choice.

“It seemed like I was so slow going in there down on the bottom,” said Fuller, who earned $10,600 to push his total WoO LMS earnings to over $130,000 this season. “I was thinking, I can’t believe no one is running over me. But ‘Smoke’ (Fuller’s chief mechanic Mike Countryman) was telling me (with hand signals from the infield) to stay on the bottom, so that’s what I did.

“Then Lanigan showed me the nose. I saw him out there out of the corner of my eye and fortunately he didn’t make it sick. I knew right then that I had to get back up in the middle of the corner where I could keep my momentum up.”

Francis, 41, could only watch Fuller and Lanigan battle it out for the win during the race’s late stages.

“I was a little softer on the right front (tire) than Fuller and Darrell,” said Francis. “As the race went on I just couldn’t turn through the corners like they could anymore. I had to start bending it into the corners and was just losing time to them.”

Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., was sixth – and pushing Clanton for fifth – at the finish after starting 18th for the second consecutive night. Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., placed seventh, followed by fourth-starter Jeremy Miller of Gettysburg, Pa., who ran second for laps 4-16; Richards, who started fifth; and Rookie of the Year points leader Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, who recorded his fourth top-10 finish in the last five events after a second-place heat finish put him in the A-Main redraw for the first time in his career.

Sunday night’s field numbered 46 cars – all 41 of Saturday’s entries plus five new additions.

Richards ripped off a lap of 17.940 seconds during Ohlins Shocks Time Trials to record his fifth fast-time honor of 2009, tying Francis for the series lead in the category.

Heat winners were Richards, Francis, Fuller and Miller. The B-Mains were captured by David Scott of Garland, Pa., and McCreadie.

The WoO LMS will have one weekend off – though most of the tour’s regulars will compete in the prestigious UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned World 100 on Sept. 11-12 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio – before resuming action with a doubleheader in the Midwest. I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo., hosts the ‘Pepsi Nationals’ on Sat., Sept. 19, and La Salle (Ill.) Speedway will present the Illinois Fall Nationals on Sun., Sept. 20.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic’ Night No. 2 (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (7) Tim Fuller/50 $10,600
2. (8) Darrell Lanigan/50 $5,600
3. (1) Steve Francis/50 $3,600
4. (9) Jason Covert/50 $3,000
5. (3) Shane Clanton/50 $2,500
6. (18) Tim McCreadie/50 $1,800
7. (10) Clint Smith/50 $1,900
8. (4) Jeremy Miller/50 $1,300
9. (5) Josh Richards/50 $1,750
10. (6) Russell King/50 $1,950
11. (21) Vic Coffey/50 $1,050
12. (12) Chub Frank/50 $1,500
13. (13) Austin Hubbard/50 $950
14. (16) Robbie Blair/50 $900
15. (19) Brady Smith/50 $1,350
16. (20) Gregg Satterlee/50 $800
17. (11) Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/50 $770
18. (15) Dave Hess Jr./50 $750
19. (23) Rick Eckert/50 $1,230
20. (22) Jordan Bland/49 $1,200
21. (14) Matt Lux/33 $700
22. (2) D.J. Myers/29 $700
23. (17) David Scott/17 $700
24. (24) Brent Robinson/13 $1,200

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 21 Mins., 8.396 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.995 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 1 (lap 34)
Lap Leaders: Francis (1-27); Fuller (28-50)
Provisional Starters: Eckert, Robinson
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Covert ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Jonathan Owensby (Clanton)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 17.940
2. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 18.373
3. 99B-Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 18.405
4. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 18.521
5. 43A-Jason Covert/York Haven, PA 18.555
6. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 18.725
7. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 18.725
8. 24M-Jeremy Miller/Gettysburg, PA 18.747
9. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 18.771
10. 70J-D.J. Myers/Greencastle, PA 18.789
11. 39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY 18.793
12. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 18.863
13. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 18.864
14. 21-Matt Lux/Franklin, PA 18.888
15. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 18.897
16. 17-Nick Dickson/Lewistown, PA 18.915
17. 56b-Denton Boyer/Punxsutawney, PA 18.924
18. 21*-David Scott/Garland, PA 18.935
19. 44H-Dave Hess Jr./Waterford, PA 18.960
20. 28b-Dick Barton/Ashville, NY 18.993
21. 22b-Darrell Bossard/Centerville, PA 19.010
22. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 19.020
23. 40-Dutch Davies/Warren, PA 19.036
24. won11-Robbie Blair/Titusville, PA 19.041
25. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 19.070
26. 119M-Chad McClellan/Stoystown, PA 19.092
27. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 19.097
28. 22s-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 19.121
29. 21d-Dan Stone/Thompson, PA 19.145
30. 04-Bob Close/Eldred, PA 19.146
31. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 19.188
32. 07R-Brent Rhebergen/Clymer, NY 19.255
33. 9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 19.314
34. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 19.327
35. 26-Tony Knowles/Tyrone, GA 19.379
36. 90-Wally Fox/Cooperstown, PA 19.453
37. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 19.475
38. 71d-Ron Davies/Warren, PA 19.503
39. 53-John Volpe/Lakeland, NY 19.510
40. 22G-Greg Oakes/Franklinville, NY 19.517
41. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 19.556
42. B22-Bump Hedman/Sugar Grove, PA 19.662
43. 12b-Andy Boozel/Clymer, NY 19.677
44. M1-Mickey Wright/Albion, PA 19.728
45. 0-Ryan Scott/Garland, PA 20.231
46. 32-Terry Porter/Erie, PA 20.633

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Richards, Clanton, Covert, Hubbard, Stone, Bossard, Coffey, Eckert, Robinson, Knight, Boyer, R. Scott

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Francis, Myers, C. Smith, Lux, D. Scott, Reddick, B. Smith, Hedman, Close, McClellan, R. Davies, Porter

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Fuller, Lanigan, Briggs, Hess, McCreadie, Bland, D. Davies, Volpe, Knowles, Boozel, Hapka

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): J. Miller, King, Frank, Blair, Satterlee, Barton, Dickson, Oakes, Rhebergen, Fox, Wright

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): D. Scott, B. Smith, Coffey, Eckert, Knight, Bossard, Close, Hedman, Robinson, Boyer, R. Scott, Reddick, McClellan, Stone, Porter (DNS) R. Davies

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): McCreadie, Satterlee, Bland, D. Davies, Dickson, Barton, Knowles, Oakes, Rhebergen, Volpe, Fox, Hapka, Wright, Boozel

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Mike Knight, Nick Dickson
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Jason Covert
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Russell King
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): David Scott, Tim McCreadie
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Shane Clanton
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Brady Smith
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Steve Francis
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Dick Barton
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Sept. 6 – 37 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Steve Francis 5073 (-0)
2. Josh Richards 5069 (-4)
3. Darrell Lanigan 4981 (-92)
4. Tim Fuller 4925 (-148)
5. Rick Eckert 4867 (-206)
6. Shane Clanton 4835 (-238)
7. Chub Frank 4793 (-280)
8. Brady Smith 4674 (-399)
9. Clint Smith 4581 (-492)
10. Russell King 4129 (-944)
11. Jordan Bland 3981 (-1092)
12. Brent Robinson 3757 (-1316)
13. Dustin Hapka 3422 (-1651)
14. Tyler Reddick 3242 (-1831)
15. Vic Coffey 3092 (-1981)
16. Austin Hubbard 2873 (-2200)
17. Matt Lux 1817 (-3256)
18. Gregg Satterlee 1706 (-3367)
19. Dan Stone 1526 (-3547)
20. Tim McCreadie 1471 (-3602)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Francis Slips By Richards Heading To White Flag For Dramatic Victory In Oil Region Labor Day Classic Opener At Tri-City Speedway

FRANKLIN, PA - Sept. 5, 2009 - Steve Francis is a bridesmaid no more.

The veteran from Ashland, Ky., ended his rewarding-but-frustrating run of second-place finishes on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series in dramatic fashion, slipping underneath Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., for the lead heading to the white flag to capture Saturday night’s 50-lap Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic opener at Tri-City Speedway.

Francis, 41, entered the weekend action at the half-mile oval with seven runner-up finishes in the last 12 tour A-Mains – and without a victory since scoring his fifth win of the season on May 31 at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va.

“It’s definitely a relief to finally win again,” said Francis, who started third in Dale Beitler’s Reliable Painting Rocket car. “When we’re finishing second, we’re making a living and maintaining in the points, but it’s still not a win.

“Anytime you win it feels good. That’s we come to do, and it had been awhile since we did it last.”

Francis earned $10,700 for his sixth triumph of the season on the WoO LMS. It was his 26th career series win – the most of any driver on the tour since 2004 – and gave him a victory in the first half of Tri-City’s Oil Region Labor Day Classic for the third consecutive year.

The 2007 WoO LMS champion’s joy came at the expense of Richards, who appeared headed to his series-leading eighth win of the season after passing Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., for the lead on lap 14. Richards turned back repeated challenges from Francis during a race that was slowed by only a single caution flag on lap 31, but he made a fatal slip on the 48th circuit that sent Francis to Victory Lane.

Richards, 21, settled for second place in his father Mark’s Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket after starting from the pole position, keeping him winless on the WoO LMS since he overtook Francis to win on July 16 at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D. He also saw his points lead over Francis shrink even smaller – to a mere eight points with six events remaining on the 2009 schedule.

Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who trails Richards and Francis in the points standings, followed the series leaders across the finish line in third place. He advanced from the eighth starting spot to third by lap 17 in his one-week-old Rocket car, but he couldn’t climb higher.

Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., moved up one position to finish fourth in the RSD Enterprises Rocket and sixth-starter Jason Covert of York Haven, Pa., placed fifth in Barry Klinedinst’s Rocket. Covert earned the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hadn’t won a WoO LMS A-Main and wasn’t ranked among the top 12 in the points standings.

Fuller, who had won six of the last nine WoO LMS events including Wednesday night’s ‘Dirt Demon 50’ at Brewerton (N.Y.) Speedway, faded to a sixth-place finish after outgunning Richards from the outside pole to lead laps 1-13. His soft-compound right-rear tire overheated, dooming his chances.

Francis felt fortunate to bring his 20-race WoO LMS winless streak to an end.

“We were pretty equal,” said Francis, who reached second with a lap-16 pass of Fuller. “I felt like I could gain on Josh in (turns) one and two, but he could gain in three and four. I don’t think I’m passing him if he doesn’t slip up.

“When he ran in there (in turn three with two laps remaining) he just sort of misjudged where the rubber was and where his car needed to be. He slipped off the bottom and I was lucky enough to be there.”

Richards sat sullenly on the back step of his trailer after the race, replaying lap 48 over and over in his mind.

“I just slipped up,” said Richards. “I have to admit it. I gave the race away. There was only one groove to be (at the end) and I got out of it.

“We caught ‘Boom’ (Rick Briggs) with two-to-go and I tried to slow the pace down. He entered way, way low going into three. I entered just a little bit wider, I got my right-rear tire out of the rubber, and I just slipped. I left the door open for Steve.

“It was my fault,” he continued. “It’s just disappointing. The team’s worked so hard for this and we were in position to win, and I screwed up. It’s still good to run second, but we’re trying to beat Steve (in the points race) and Steve won.”

Finishing in positions 7-10 was Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., who was coming off a career-high second-place WoO LMS finish at Brewerton; 18th-starter Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y.; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who was never a factor after starting seventh; and Rookie of the Year points leader Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, who scored his third top-10 finish in the last four events.

Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., brought out the race’s lone caution flag on lap 31 when he slowed in turn four. He continued and finished on the lead lap in 17th place.

A field of 41 cars was signed in for the program, which was run under clear, postcard-perfect weather conditions.

Austin Hubbard, 17, of Seaford, Del., registered the second WoO LMS fast-time honor of his young career with a lap of 18.328 seconds in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials. But he failed to qualify for the A-Main after fading out of a transfer spot in his heat and running into trouble during the first B-Main.

Hubbard’s problems in the last-chance race began when he was penalized one row by officials from his pole starting slot for jumping the initial green flag. He then tangled on the homestretch with Dave Hess Jr. of Waterford, Pa., and Bob Close of Eldred, Pa., while battling for second, sending him sliding through the infield. The youngster was left with a flat right-front tire and could only rally to finish sixth after making a pit stop.

Heat winners were Lanigan, Frank, Clanton and Covert, and the B-Mains were captured by Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa., and Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y.

The Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic continues on Sunday night (Sept. 6) with another complete WoO LMS program topped by a 50-lap A-Main paying $10,000 to win.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic’ Night No. 1 (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (3) Steve Francis/50 $10,700
2. (1) Josh Richards/50 $5,500
3. (8) Darrell Lanigan/50 $3,600
4. (5) Shane Clanton/50 $3,000
5. (6) Jason Covert/50 $2,500
6. (2) Tim Fuller/50 $2,200
7. (11) Vic Coffey/50 $1,400
8. (18) Tim McCreadie/50 $1,400
9. (7) Chub Frank/50 $1,700
10. (9) Russell King/50 $1,950
11. (10) Gregg Satterlee/50 $1,050
12. (15) Rick Eckert/50 $1,500
13. (14) Nick Dickson/50 $950
14. (12) Brady Smith/50 $1,400
15. (4) Robbie Blair/50 $850
16. (19) Bob Close/50 $800
17. (20) Clint Smith/50 $1,270
18. (23) Jordan Bland/50 $1,250
19. (13) Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/50 $730
20. (16) Dan Stone/42 $700
21. (24) Brent Robinson/18 $1,200
22. (22) Brent Rhebergen/18 $700
23. (17) Matt Lux/13 $700
24. (21) Jeremy Miller/12 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 19 Mins., 11.023 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.667 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 1 (lap 31)
Lap Leaders: Fuller (1-13); Richards (14-48); Francis (49-50)
Provisional Starters: Bland, Robinson
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Covert ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Bobby Bachman (King)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 11h-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 18.328
2. won11-Robbie Blair/Titusville, PA 18.411
3. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 18.433
4. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 18.612
5. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 18.670
6. 17-Nick Dickson/Lewistown, PA 18.674
7. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 18.684
8. 43A-Jason Covert/York Haven, PA 18.837
9. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 18.905
10. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 18.909
11. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 18.976
12. 39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY 19.027
13. 99B-Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 19.032
14. 22s-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 19.055
15. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 19.085
16. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 19.116
17. 44H-Dave Hess Jr./Waterford, PA 19.161
18. 56b-Denton Boyer/Punxsutawney, PA 19.166
19. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 19.181
20. 21d-Dan Stone/Thompson, PA 19.195
21. 24M-Jeremy Miller/Gettysburg, PA 19.202
22. 22G-Greg Oakes/Franklinville, NY 19.218
23. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 19.240
24. 71d-Ron Davies/Warren, PA 19.255
25. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 19.296
26. 21-Matt Lux/Franklin, PA 19.321
27. 21*-David Scott/Garland, PA 19.416
28. 07R-Brent Rhebergen/Clymer, NY 19.458
29. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 19.508
30. 04-Bob Close/Eldred, PA 19.592
31. 90-Wally Fox/Cooperstown, PA 19.638
32. 119M-Chad McClellan/Stoystown, PA 19.690
33. M1-Mickey Wright/Albion, PA 19.800
34. 53-John Volpe/Lakeland, NY 19.839
35. 9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 19.901
36. 70J-D.J. Myers/Greencastle, PA 20.033
37. 26-Tony Knowles/Tyrone, GA 20.037
38. B22-Bump Hedman/Sugar Grove, PA 20.197
39. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 20.203
40. 0-Ryan Scott/Garland, PA 20.742
41. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 21.091

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Lanigan, Fuller, King, Briggs, Hubbard, Hess, J. Miller, Hapka, Robinson, Wright, Knowles

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Frank, Blair, Satterlee, Dickson, Lux, Close, Oakes, Hedman, Volpe, Boyer

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Clanton, Richards, Coffey, Eckert, C. Smith, D. Scott, Bland, Knight, Reddick, Fox

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Covert, Francis, B. Smith, Stone, McCreadie, Rhebergen, Myers, Davies, McClellan, R. Scott

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Lux, Close, J. Miller, Oakes, Robinson, Hubbard, Wright, Hedman, Knowles, Volpe, Hapka, Boyer, Hess

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): McCreadie, C. Smith, Rhebergen, Bland, D. Scott, Myers, Reddick, Knight, McClellan, Fox, R. Scott, Davies

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Brent Robinson, David Scott
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Jason Covert
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Steve Francis
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Russell King
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Shane Clanton
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Matt Lux, Tim McCreadie
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Austin Hubbard
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Steve Francis
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Jason Covert
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Robbie Blair
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Tim Fuller
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Dave Hess Jr.
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Steve Francis

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Sept. 5 – 36 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 4937 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 4929 (-8)
3. Darrell Lanigan 4835 (-102)
4. Tim Fuller 4775 (-162)
5. Rick Eckert 4755 (-182)
6. Shane Clanton 4695 (-242)
7. Chub Frank 4667 (-270)
8. Brady Smith 4554 (-383)
9. Clint Smith 4445 (-492)
10. Russell King 3999 (-938)
11. Jordan Bland 3871 (-1066)
12. Brent Robinson 3655 (-1282)
13. Dustin Hapka 3347 (-1590)
14. Tyler Reddick 3167 (-1770)
15. Vic Coffey 2964 (-1973)
16. Austin Hubbard 2749 (-2188)
17. Matt Lux 1709 (-3228)
18. Gregg Satterlee 1588 (-3349)
19. Shannon Babb 1470 (-3467)
20. Dan Stone 1451 (-3486)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Hometown Racer Matt Lux Definitely Focused On This Weekend’s Oil Region Labor Day Classic At Tri-City Speedway

FRANKLIN, PA - Sept. 4, 2009 - Matt Lux is definitely focused on this weekend’s Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic at Tri-City Speedway.

“I was lying in bed (on Wednesday night) and I couldn’t sleep,” said Lux, an up-and-coming regional dirt Late Model racer whose home in Franklin, Pa., is just a few miles south of the half-mile oval. “I just kept thinking, What do I need to do to the car?

“It would really mean a lot to me if I could run well in the biggest races of the year at my hometrack. A bunch of my family members are going to be there watching – some of them who don’t even know anything about all this racing I do – so it would be nice to put a decent show on in front of them.”

Lux, 35, enters the two-day World of Outlaws Late Model Series spectacular – which features complete shows topped by 50-lap, $10,000-to-win A-Mains on both Saturday and Sunday nights (Sept. 5-6) – at the tail end of the most ambitious season of his seven-year dirt Late Model career. He’s hit the road to enter 16 of the 35 WoO LMS events contested to date – a trial by fire that he hopes has prepared him for the tour’s invasion of his home turf.

“We really haven’t been super-successful this year, but we’ve learned a lot,” Lux said of his World of Outlaws endeavors. “When you run with the Outlaws, if you’re off just a little bit they’ll make you look real bad – and believe me, we’ve experienced that this year. But running different tracks is how you hone your skills quicker, so hopefully it will all pay off for us somewhere down the road.

“Maybe everything will come together for us this weekend. If there’s any place things could click, it’s Tri-City. I have enough laps around that place where I can have a car that’s a little off and still be O.K.”

A winner of 11 E-Mod features (and the 2005 track title) and nine Pro-Stock races (all during the 1999-2000 seasons) at Tri-City, Lux would love to make one of this weekend’s A-Mains his first dirt Late Model victory at the Venango County facility, which hasn’t hosted the class on a weekly basis since 1997. He knows the Outlaws can be turned back at Tri-City after Dan Stone of Thompson, Pa., pulled off a storybook upset triumph in the second half of the 2007 Classic, but in the same vein Lux admits he’s not riding high with confidence about his chances.

“We’re not running real well right now,” said Lux, whose three dirt Late Model starts this season at Tri-City show two fifth-place finishes in ULMS events and a sixth in an O’Reilly All-Star Sprint Series show. “It’s been a tough year and we’re still struggling to find out what works for us, so I’m not going in (this weekend) thinking I can win, that’s for sure. We’re gonna try our best, but a win is so far out there. I think at least one top-five (finish) is within the realm of possibility if everything goes right.”

Lux has found the WoO LMS stars to be very willing to answer his technical questions during his ’09 tour excursions, which included June’s ‘Great Northern Tour’ that had Lux with the Outlaws for 10 straight days. He’s just found that it isn’t easy to sift through all the information to find what fits him best.

“Our knowledge isn’t quite to the point yet where we can absorb what they’re telling us,” said Lux, whose M3 Autosports team carries primary sponsorship from the Alturnamats company (where he also works as Operations Production Manager). “Chub (Frank) is a guy who’s helped us a lot, but I don’t drive like Chub so what works for him isn’t always gonna work for me.

“We have to find something that works for us. When you’re struggling pretty soon you have 15 different people telling you 15 different things and then you’re all screwed up, so we’re going to start from square one this weekend and see if we can get back on track.”

Lux has only one top-10 finish in the 10 WoO LMS A-Mains he’s qualified for this season (a seventh on July 25 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio), but he’s shown his potential by making the starting fields of several major tour events, including the Colossal 100 (finished 28th), the Illini 100 (13th) and the Firecracker 100 (13th). His lack of positive results hasn’t made him second-guess his decision to test his talents against the country’s best drivers.

“We’re taking small steps right now,” said Lux, who counts visiting new tracks as the most exciting part of his WoO LMS travels. “I know we can run with these (WoO) guys because we have before (his career-best tour finish is a fifth on Aug. 4, 2006, at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa.), but we’re in ‘searching’ mode. As soon as we figure some things out we’re gonna turn that corner.”

Lux has started five WoO LMS A-Mains at Tri-City, with his top finish of ninth coming in the first 50-lapper of last year’s Classic.

More than 100 motorhomes and campers were already parked in Tri-City’s parking lot on Thursday, awaiting the start of a huge weekend of action on the track and fun off of it.

The Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic has rapidly developed into one of the region’s most popular multi-day short-track events since its launch in 2006 as a WoO LMS doubleheader by former Tri-City owners Mike Graham and Roger Crick. The tradition continues this weekend under H&H Motorsports partners Rich Hetrick and Roy Hill, who purchased the track in January.

Tri-City’s new management team is bringing back the tried-and-true elements (including the Ray's Racing Specialties/Engles Trucking Services ‘Ghetto South’ Party – a bash that will be rocked by a band – after Saturday night’s racing) and adding some new twists (most notably an additional night of competition on Fri., Sept. 4, for the BRP Big-Block Modified Tour, Detroit Iron Pro Stocks and Thundercars).

Joining the WoO LMS on the Saturday and Sunday programs will be the ULMS E-Mod Series, Fastrak Northeast Late Model Tour Series and Pro Stocks. The FASTTrack Late Models and Pro Stocks will run heats on Saturday and B-Mains and features on Sunday.

Action is scheduled to begin on Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. with WoO LMS hot laps and time trials.

The raindate for the Saturday or Sunday programs is Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7.

For ticket information and more details about the Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic, log on to www.tricityspeedway.com or call the speedway at 814-676-1681 (track) or 814-676-0477 (office).

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Late Caution Helps Fuller Steal ‘Dirt Demon 50’ Victory From Coffey Wednesday Night At Brewerton Speedway

BREWERTON, NY - Sept. 2, 2009 - Tim Fuller had a bunch of reasons to smile after winning Wednesday night’s inaugural World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Dirt Demon 50’ at Brewerton Speedway.

It continued his torrid summer on the national tour. It came at a one-third-mile oval that he used to call home during his days as a DIRTcar big-block Modified regular. His car owner, John Wight, was looking on from the tower of the track he purchased earlier this year.

And Fuller, 41, of Watertown, N.Y., happened to earn his $10,600 victory in truly dramatic fashion.

Battling forward from the eighth starting spot in the Gypsum Express Rocket, Fuller took advantage of a late caution flag to grab the lead from Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., on lap 45 and hold on for his sixth triumph in the last nine WoO LMS events.

“It’s just incredible to win one at my car owner’s track in front of a crowd like this,” said Fuller, gesturing toward the bleachers that were filled to capacity for Brewerton’s first-ever WoO LMS program. “For awhile it seemed like I could only win (dirt Late Model) races in the West, so it’s a nice change to win close to home.”

In a showdown of former DIRTcar big-block Modified regulars who have won the last two WoO LMS Rookie of the Year awards, Fuller beat Coffey’s Sweeteners Plus Rocket car to the finish line by a scant 0.833 of a second to record his ninth career win on the tour – and deny Coffey a coveted first career Outlaws victory.

Polesitter Rick Eckert of York, Pa., placed third in the Raye Vest Racing Team Zero by Bloomquist mount, just a couple car lengths behind Coffey at the finish. Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., advanced from the 14th starting spot to finish fourth in his Team Zero by Bloomquist machine – his first top-five since July 24 at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park – and 21st-starter Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., made a late charge to snare a fifth-place finish in his Rocket.

Former WoO LMS champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., who competed in Brewerton’s big-block Modified ranks before going full-fender racing, finished sixth after being overtaken by Frank in the final laps.

Coffey, 38, appeared headed to a milestone victory after racing forward from the seventh starting spot to take the lead on lap 13 from Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga. He pulled away when green-flag conditions prevailed for an extended period – as evidenced after Fuller came on following a lap-31 caution flag to lead lap 36 but then dropped back, losing the top spot to Coffey on lap 37 and falling nearly a straightaway behind by lap 44.

Moments later, however, a busted driveshaft from the car driven by 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., was spotted on the inside of the homestretch, bringing out the race’s fourth and final caution flag. The turn of events gave Fuller new life and proved to be Coffey’s undoing.

Fuller fired off quickly on the restart, pulling to the outside of Coffey and taking the lead on lap 45. One lap later Fuller surged ahead of Coffey to snatch the inside line that Coffey had been using so successfully throughout the race.

“Under a long green (flag) he was supersonic – I couldn’t run with him,” Fuller said of Coffey. “As his tires got hot he got better, and as mine got hot I got slower.

“It all played out in my favor when that caution came out with six (laps) to go. I got one more shot at him and I felt my chances were pretty good. My tires were so good cold.

“I wasn’t positive I could pull it off (a pass) after the caution because I didn’t make it work 15 laps prior to that,” added Fuller, who owns 26 career DIRTcar big-block Modified feature wins at Brewerton. “But my car stuck in that center (lane) and I was able to clear him and get to the bottom. Then I was just hoping I could last to the end.”

The caution flag came out at the worst possible time for Coffey, who couldn’t match Fuller’s speed over a short sprint.

“I definitely didn’t want to see that caution because I knew (Fuller) was good for three, four, five laps, maybe a tick better than me,” said Coffey. “He got alongside me the restart before that and I was able to fight him off, but I knew when the caution came out with six to go that if he could stick (the center lane) twice and drop down in front of me, there’s nothing I would be able to do about it. And that’s what he did.

“Obviously he’s on a roll right now, there’s no doubt about it. He’s getting the breaks he needs and taking advantage of them.”

While Coffey scored a career-best WoO LMS finish and earned the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn’t won a tour A-Main and isn’t ranked among the top 12 in the points standings, he was disappointed to remain winless at Brewerton during his career. He had previously absorbed heartbreaking late-race losses on at least three occasions in big-block and 358-Modified events at the track.

Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., maintained his WoO LMS points lead despite being forced to restart at the rear of the field following an incident on the race’s original start. The 21-year-old sensation started fifth but he got sideways between turns one and two and was nicked by Coffey, cutting Richards’s left-rear tire.

With a caution flag thrown for the multi-car, chain-reaction stack-up that occurred behind Richards, the young driver was able to pit for a tire change. He rallied to finish eighth – just one spot behind his closest pursuer in the points standings, Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who ran quietly just outside the top five throughout the A-Main and left Brewerton trailing Richards by 12 points.

Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y., a Brewerton big-block Modified regular and another member of Wight’s Gypsum Express team, finished ninth, while Clanton faded to a 10th-place finish (after starting second and leadings laps 1-12) thanks to a broken right-front fender flare that hampered his car’s handling.

A field of 30 cars assembled for the event, which was run on a cool, crystal-clear evening.

Richards registered his fourth fast-time award of 2009 with a lap of 14.324 seconds in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials.

Heat winners were Richards, Francis and Eckert, and Greg Oakes of Franklinville, N.Y., captured the B-Main.

With his preliminary triumph, Francis became the first driver to reach 100 career heat-race wins since the WoO LMS was launched under the World Racing Group banner in 2004.

The WoO LMS closes out a busy week with the Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic on Saturday and Sunday nights (Sept. 5-6) at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa. Complete shows both evenings will be topped by 50-lap, $10,000-to-win A-Mains.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Dirt Demon 50’ (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (8) Tim Fuller/50 $10,600
2. (7) Vic Coffey/50 $5,500
3. (1) Rick Eckert/50 $3,500
4. (14) Brady Smith/50 $3,000
5. (21) Chub Frank/50 $2,500
6. (4) Tim McCreadie/50 $1,800
7. (6) Steve Francis/50 $2,000
8. (5) Josh Richards/50 $1,850
9. (3) Billy Decker/50 $1,200
10. (2) Shane Clanton/50 $1,700
11. (9) Dan Stone/50 $1,050
12. (10) Darrell Lanigan/50 $1,600
13. (16) Russell King/50 $1,700
14. (13) Brent Robinson/50 $1,400
15. (11) Clint Smith/49 $1,350
16. (12) Matt Sheppard/49 $800
17. (15) Jordan Bland/48 $1,270
18. (18) James Cornell/47 $750
19. (23) Dustin Hapka/47 $730
20. (17) Austin Hubbard/44 $700
21. (24) Tyler Reddick/44 $700
22. (19) Greg Oakes/26 $700
23. (22) Tony Knowles/15 $700
24. (20) Jimmy Bernheisel $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 24 Mins., 46.475 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.833 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 4 (Laps 0, 16, 31, 44)
Lap Leaders: Clanton (1-12); Coffey (13-35); Fuller (36); Coffey (37-44); Fuller (45-50)
Provisional Starters: Hapka, Reddick
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Coffey ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Brandon Bender (Brady Smith)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 14.324
2. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 14.355
3. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 14.380
4. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 14.385
5. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 14.495
6. 91-Billy Decker/Unadilla, NY 14.541
7. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 14.571
8. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 14.578
9. 9s-Matt Sheppard/Waterloo, NY 14.579
10. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 14.581
11. 39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY 14.581
12. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 14.594
13. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 14.606
14. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 14.630
15. 21d-Dan Stone/Thompson, PA 14.638
16. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 14.649
17. 22-Greg Oakes/Franklinville, NY 14.831
18. 99B-Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 14.834
19. 99z-Dave Zona/Montrose, PA 14.848
20. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 14.864
21. 13b-James Cornell/Harpersville, NY 14.915
22. 119J-Jimmy Bernheisel/Lebanon, PA 14.938
23. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 14.944
24. 9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 14.970
25. R19-Dale Caswell/Central Square, NY 15.070
26. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 15.073
27. 26-Tony Knowles/Tyrone, GA 15.107
28. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 15.123
29. 99L-Larry Wight/Baldwinsville, NY 15.301
30. 16-Aaron Jacobs/Frankfort, NY 16.044

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): Richards, Clanton, Coffey, Lanigan, Robinson, King, Bernheisel, Zona, Reddick, Caswell

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): Francis, McCreadie, Fuller, C. Smith, B. Smith, Hubbard, Oakes, Frank, Wight, Hapka

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): Eckert, Decker, Stone, Sheppard, Bland, Cornell, Knowles, Briggs, Jacobs, Knight

B-Main (12 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Oakes, Bernheisel, Frank, Knowles, Zona, Knight, Briggs, Reddick, Wight, Caswell, Hapka, Jacobs

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Dave Zona
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Vic Coffey
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Shane Clanton
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Rick Eckert
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Greg Oakes
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Chub Frank
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Clint Smith
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Shane Clanton
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Sept. 2 – 35 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 4791 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 4779 (-12)
3. Darrell Lanigan 4691 (-100)
4. Tim Fuller 4637 (-154)
5. Rick Eckert 4629 (-162)
6. Shane Clanton 4553 (-238)
7. Chub Frank 4535 (-256)
8. Brady Smith 4432 (-359)
9. Clint Smith 4329 (-462)
10. Russell King 3869 (-922)
11. Jordan Bland 3757 (-1034)
12. Brent Robinson 3547 (-1244)
13, Dustin Hapka 3272 (-1519)
14. Tyler Reddick 3092 (-1699)
15. Vic Coffey 2828 (-1963)
16. Austin Hubbard 2674 (-2117)
17. Matt Lux 1605 (-3186)
18. Shannon Babb 1470 (-3321)
19. Gregg Satterlee 1460 (-3331)
20. Dan Stone 1341 (-3450)

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Points Standings (drivers’ best 30 finishes):

1. Russell King 3,494 (-0)
2. Jordan Bland 3,382 (-112)
3. Brent Robinson 3,172 (-322)
4. Dustin Hapka 2,897 (-597)
5. Tyler Reddick 2,717 (-777)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Eckert Romps To Third Victory Of Season In Twice-Postponed World of Outlaws Late Model Series 50 At Eriez Speedway

HAMMETT, PA - Sept. 1, 2009 - Rick Eckert didn’t mind making three trips to Eriez Speedway this season.

Not after he won the one-third-mile oval’s twice-postponed World of Outlaws Late Model Series event on a clear, cool Tuesday night.

Eckert, 43, of York, Pa., dominated the 50-lap A-Main at Bob and Kathy Rohrer’s track, blasting off the outside pole to lead the entire distance for his third victory of the season on the national tour.

“This makes coming here three times worth it,” Eckert said after pocketing $10,600 for capturing a race that was postponed by rain on July 26 (near the end of time trials) and Aug. 23 (after heat races). “This is great for (car owner) Raye (Vest), great for the team and great for me. It’s been awhile since we won one of these races.”

Indeed, Eckert’s last WoO LMS triumph came on June 22 at Can-Am Motorsports Park in Lafargeville, N.Y. What’s more, with his earlier 2009 victories worth $7,000 apiece, he collected a five-figure first-place prize for the first time in over 14 months.

Eckert’s only threat at Eriez came from Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who made a bid for the lead as Eckert worked lapped traffic with his Team Zero by Bloomquist car midway through the A-Main. But Eckert pulled away once he got into open track, leaving the fourth-starting Francis to settle for his seventh runner-up finish in the last 11 WoO LMS events behind the wheel of the Beitler Motorsports Rocket.

Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., started and finished third in the Gypsum Express Rocket, but he had to battle hard to outduel Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., for the show position. Richards, who started from the pole position, finished fourth in the Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket to maintain his points lead by 14 markers over Francis, and Eriez regular Chad Valone of Warren, Pa., scored a career-best WoO LMS finish of fifth in a Rocket machine.

Eckert’s winning move proved to be his opening-lap slide by Richards to assume command. He went on to record his 19th career WoO LMS victory, which ironically tied him with Richards for second on the tour’s win list since 2004.

“I knew the start was gonna be pretty close,” said Eckert, who sits fifth in the series points standings. “(Richards) was in the traction down on the bottom, but when we were out there riding around (on the pace laps) I saw that there was some moisture at the top so I just stayed wide and kept my right-side tires in it.

“We fired at the same time, but I probably had a little better lane through (turns) one and two. I could run down in there and carry some speed – and usually with these cars, if you can be beside a guy on corner entry on a start, you’re gonna beat him off of two.”

After three caution flags and one red flag (for a homestretch rollover on lap five that left Scott Gurdak of Spring Creek, Pa., shaken but otherwise uninjured) during the race’s first five circuits, Eckert controlled the remaining 45 laps that ran caution-free.

“One time in (lapped) traffic I got behind guys who were side-by-side and I seen Steve (Francis) get under me, so I was like, ‘I gotta get going here,’” said Eckert. “I couldn’t find my crew guys through the fence, so I just ran as hard as I could because I thought they were right on me. I had no idea I was pulling away.”

Francis, 41, could only mutter “second again” after falling just short of his sixth victory of ’09. The 2008 WoO LMS winner at Eriez crossed the finish line 4.066 seconds behind Eckert.

“I thought I was gonna get (Eckert),” said Francis, who showed his car’s nose to Eckert on lap 24. “Then, all of a sudden, my car just died. I don’t know if I overheated the tires or what, but all I could do (the second half of the A-Main) was drive around and try not to make any dumb mistakes.”

Fuller, 41, was rapidly closing on Francis during the race’s final laps but ran out of time. He fell back to fifth early in the race and spent nearly 30 laps attempting to power around the outside of Richards for third before finally completing the pass on lap 38.

“I needed to get by Josh 20 laps earlier to have a shot at Francis,” said Francis, who had won five of the last seven WoO LMS events. “It was just hard to make a clean pass – and (Richards is) in a points battle, so I didn’t want to rough him up or do something that might take him out.”

The 21-year-old Richards did all he could to hold off Fuller but conceded that he had a fourth-place car.

“We were off a little bit,” said Richards, who won the 2007 WoO LMS A-Main at Eriez. “The car was a little bit too tight. I couldn’t drive it in as aggressively as I wanted to.”

Valone, 37, started sixth and hung tough for a milestone top-five finish. He earned the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn’t won a WoO LMS A-Main and wasn’t ranked among the top 12 in the tour points standings.

Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who has turned his season around over the past two weeks since borrowing a 2005 Rocket car from Valone, finished a fast-closing sixth. Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., advanced from 14th to seventh, ahead of Franklinville, N.Y.’s Greg Oakes, who scored a career-best WoO LMS finish of eighth; defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who stared 23rd after using a provisional; and Rookie of the Year points leader Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio.

Ohlins Shocks Time Trials and four heat races were completed on Aug. 23, so two B-Mains kicked off Tuesday night’s program. Clanton and Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., were victorious in the last-chance events.

The WoO LMS continues a busy summer-ending stretch on Wednesday night (Sept. 2) at Brewerton (N.Y.) Speedway and Saturday and Sunday nights (Sept. 5-6) at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa. All three evenings feature 50-lap, $10,000-to-win A-Mains, including both halves of Tri-City’s Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series at Eriez Speedway (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (2) Rick Eckert/50 $10,600
2. (4) Steve Francis/50 $5,600
3. (3) Tim Fuller/50 $3,500
4. (1) Josh Richards/50 $3,050
5. (6) Chad Valone/50 $2,500
6. (9) Chub Frank/50 $2,200
7. (14) Clint Smith/50 $1,900
8. (13) Greg Oakes/50 $1,300
9. (23) Darrell Lanigan/50 $1,800
10. (10) Russell King/50 $1,950
11. (5) Mike Knight/50 $1,050
12. (7) Tony Knowles/50 $1,000
13. (17) Shane Clanton/50 $1,450
14. (18) Austin Hubbard/50 $900
15. (16) John Lobb/50 $850
16. (24) Brady Smith/49 $1,300
17. (11) Ron Davies/49 $770
18. (22) Dennis Lunger/49 $750
19. (15) Bump Hedman/49 $730
20. (21) Dick Barton/41 $700
21. (20) Brent Rhebergen/30 $700
22. (19) Chris Hackett/10 $700
23. (8) Robbie Blair/5 $700
24. (12) Scott Johnson/5 $700
25. (25) Doug Eck/5 $700
26. (26) Scott Gurdak/5 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 31 Mins., 19.529 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 4.066 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 3 (laps 2, 5, 5); 1 red flag (lap 5)
Lap Leaders: Eckert (1-50)
Provisional Starters: Lanigan, B. Smith (WoO); Eck, Gurdak (track)
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Valone ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Zach Frields (Eckert)

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Shane Clanton, 2. Chris Hackett, 3. Dick Barton, 4. Scott Gurdak, 5. Bruce Hordusky, 6. Mike Coyle, 7. Jordan Bland, 8. Brady Smith, 9. Doug Eck, 10. Brent Robinson, 11. Nathan Short, 12. Jason Morell

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Austin Hubbard, 2. Brent Rhebergen, 3. Dennis Lunger, 4. Merle Terry, 5. Dave Hess Jr., 6. Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs, 7. David Lyon, 8. Rich Gardner, 9. Tyler Reddick, 10. Andy Kania, 11. Dustin Hapka, 12. Darrell Lanigan, 13. Randy Lobb

Drivers who entered the event on July 26 and/or Aug. 23 but did not return on Tuesday: Ryan Scott, Jared Miley, Matt Urban, Andy Boozel, Chad Ruhlman, Matt Lux, Tim McCreadie, Dutch Davies, Vic Coffey, David Scott, John Volpe, George LaBarbera, Doug Ricotta

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Bruce Hordusky, Dave Hess Jr.
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Chad Valone
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Rick Eckert
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Russell King
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Mike Knight
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Shane Clanton, Austin Hubbard
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Rick Eckert
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Chad Valone
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): John Lobb
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Rick Eckert
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Rich Gardner
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Rick Eckert

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Sept. 1 – 34 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 4657 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 4643 (-14)
3. Darrell Lanigan 4565 (-92)
4. Tim Fuller 4487 (-170)
5. Rick Eckert 4485 (-172)
6. Shane Clanton 4423 (-234)
7. Chub Frank 4395 (-262)
8. Brady Smith 4290 (-367)
9. Clint Smith 4209 (-448)
10. Russell King 3745 (-912)
11. Jordan Bland 3641 (-1016)
12. Brent Robinson 3425 (-1232)
13. Dustin Hapka 3160 (-1497)
14. Tyler Reddick 2984 (-1673)
15. Vic Coffey 2682 (-1975)
16. Austin Hubbard 2564 (-2093)
17. Matt Lux 1605 (-3052)
18. Shannon Babb 1470 (-3187)
19. Gregg Satterlee 1460 (-3197)
20. Dan Stone 1213 (-3444)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Previewing The Final Summer Swing To New York & Pennsylvania

CONCORD, NC - Aug. 31, 2009 -

BIG ENDING: Call it the last blast of summer for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

The national tour heads toward the Labor Day holiday with a busy – and very critical – swing of four events this week, competing on Tuesday night (Sept. 1) at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.; Wednesday night (Sept. 2) at Brewerton (N.Y.) Speedway; and Saturday and Sunday nights (Sept. 5-6) at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa.

Each program will be topped by a 50-lap A-Main paying $10,000 to win, including both halves of Tri-City’s Armstrong Cable Oil Region Labor Day Classic.

This stretch of racing will mark the final time that the WoO LMS visits the Northeast this season. Only two events in the Midwest (Sept. 19 at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Mo., and Sept. 20 at Illinois’s La Salle Speedway) and three races at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. (Oct. 14 and the World Finals on Nov. 5-7) will remain on the schedule.

ONE MORE TRY: With clear skies forecast for Tuesday night in Northwest Pennsylvania, it’s looking like the WoO LMS’s third visit to Eriez in 2009 will finally be the charm.

The series is returning to Bob and Kathy Rohrer’s one-third-mile oval near Lake Erie to complete a card that was originally scheduled as the finale of Ohio Late Model Speedweek on July 26. Rain with two cars left to time-trial forced officials to postpone the program and restart it from scratch on Aug. 23 – and then more pesky precipitation struck after qualifying and heat races were run on the second date, pushing the balance of the action to Sept. 1.

A big crowd was on hand Aug. 23 to watch a 46-car field battle it out. Josh Richards of Shinnston, W. Va., who carries the WoO LMS points lead into this week’s competition, set fast time and heat winners were Robbie Blair of Titusville, Pa., Chad Valone of Warren, Pa., Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y., and Outlaw title contender Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky.

At the start of Tuesday’s show, the four heat winners will be joined by the second-place finishers in each heat on Aug. 23 – Richards, Tony Knowles of Tyrone, Ga., Rick Eckert of York, Pa., and Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y. – in a redraw for the top-eight starting spots in the 50-lap headliner. Two B-Mains will also be contested to firm up the remainder of the A-Main field.

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED: Nearly 13 years after a wild Super Late Model practice session got Brewerton Speedway’s fans fired up for full-fender racing, the WoO LMS will finally give the track’s faithful what they’ve been waiting to see.

Francis, the 2007 WoO LMS champion, was one of four drivers who hot-lapped dirt Late Models at the high-banked, one-third-mile oval during Super DIRT Week in October 1996 in preparation for a scheduled STARS Renegade DirtCar Series event. The race was rained out the next night and the tour never returned to central New York, but memories of Francis and Co. twisting their machines around the track in electric fashion still live on.

And now, with everyone knowing that Wednesday night’s field will be stacked with not only WoO LMS superstars but a host of drivers who have made their name running central New York’s DIRTcar big-block Modified circuit, anticipation couldn’t be higher for the inaugural ‘D-Shaped Dirt Demon 50.’

A capacity crowd is expected to converge on Brewerton, a stalwart DIRTcar big-block Modified track that was purchased earlier this year by trucking company magnate and multi-race team owner John Wight. Wight, whose racing operation includes the Gypsum Express dirt Late Models driven by red-hot WoO LMS regular Tim Fuller, has even installed a new section of bleachers to accommodate the influx of fans.

Fuller (26 career DIRTcar big-block Modified wins at Brewerton) will arrive at his former hometrack as the hottest driver on the WoO LMS. Sitting fourth in the series points standings entering the holiday-week swing, he recently tied the tour’s consecutive-win record of four and won for the fifth time overall in the last series event, on Aug. 29 at Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Ga.

The DIRTcar big-block Modified contingent in Wednesday’s event will also include 2006 WoO LMS champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y. (11 career wins at Brewerton), 2008 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., defending track champion Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y. (44 career wins) and 16-year-old Larry Wight of Baldwinsville, N.Y. (son of track owner John Wight and a Friday-night regular).

In addition, current Brewerton DIRTcar big-block Modified points leader Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, N.Y., is hoping to make his dirt Late Model debut on Wednesday night. The 26-year-old standout’s team owner, Jeff Brownell Sr., recently purchased a Rocket car formerly driven by Fuller, but an unexpected problem with the C.C. Performance engine Brownell obtained from the Sweeteners Plus operation has Sheppard uncertain if he’ll be ready to challenge the Outlaws.

“We got the motor in the car and fired it up for the first time on Friday, but the intake started leaking,” said Sheppard, who leads the DIRTcar big-block Modified division with 16 feature wins this season. “We sent the intake back to C.C. on Saturday. Hopefully we’ll get it back in time to make it to Brewerton so we can get some laps.

“We’re gonna take it slow,” he added when asked about his future dirt Late Model plans. “We haven’t talked about any big plans.”

BIG WEEKEND: The WoO LMS will once again headline Tri-City’s Oil Region Labor Day Classic, a doubleheader that has grown each year since its inception in 2006.

H&H Motorsports partners Rich Hetrick and Roy Hill, who purchased the fast half-mile oval in January, are continuing the holiday-weekend tradition started by former track owners Mike Graham and Roger Crick. Tri-City’s grounds will be swamped by motorhomes and campers for the event, which includes the popular Ray's Racing Specialties/Engles Trucking Services ‘Ghetto South’ Party – a bash that will be rocked by a band – after the Saturday-night program.

The Classic, which features complete WoO LMS programs on both Saturday and Sunday, has produced some memorable WoO LMS A-Mains. There was final-lap drama in both 50-lappers run in 2006 (Chub Frank passed Billy Moyer to win the first night, then Shane Clanton captured the finale after leader Darrell Lanigan had a white-flag run-in with a lapped car), and in 2007 Thompson, Pa.’s Dan Stone pulled off the biggest upset in series history when he passed every Outlaw regular in the field en route to a wildly-popular victory that earned him two standing ovations.

H&H Motorsports has actually expanded the Classic weekend this season, adding a show on Friday night (Sept. 4) that headlines the BRP big-block Modified Tour. A 40-lap feature paying $3,000 to win is on the agenda.

One Outlaw regular will be very interested in Friday’s action at Tri-City: Rookie of the Year points leader Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, a 20-year-old whose racing career started in the big-block Modified division. King will be in Tri-City’s pit area to watch his father, former Tour champion Rex King Sr., and younger brother Rex King Jr. continue their pursuit of the 2009 series title – and if Russell can land a ride, he might even join his family members in the big-block Modified field.

GOOD TIME TO BE HOT: Chub Frank has broken out of his season-long struggles at a perfect time.

With two wins and a third-place finish in his last three starts, the 47-year-old veteran from Bear Lake, Pa., is carrying plenty of momentum to three tracks where he already has a history of success. Eriez, of course, was his Sunday-night hometrack for many seasons earlier in his career (he’s scheduled to start ninth in Tuesday night’s A-Main there after qualifying through a heat on Aug. 23); he owns five career wins at Tri-City; and while he’s never competed at Brewerton, he has a knack for central New York racetracks as evidenced by his four WoO LMS victories at tracks in the area from 2005-2007.

THE OUTLAWS: Josh Richards and Steve Francis have distanced themselves from third-place Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., in the WoO LMS points standings heading into this crucial four-race stretch.

Richards now leads the battle by 18 points over Francis. Lanigan, meanwhile, is 82 points behind Richards, leaving him with flickering hopes for a repeat title.

The top seven drivers in the current WoO LMS points standings have won 24 of the season’s 33 A-Mains to date, led by Richards’s seven victories. Francis (five), Fuller (five), Lanigan (two), Frank (two), Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (two) and Clanton (one) account for the other checkered flags claimed by WoO LMS regulars.

WoO LMS travelers who have entered all 33 events this season but are still looking for their first win include Clint Smith and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., as well as Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

JOINING IN: The list of regional drivers from the Northeast with plans to run all four WoO LMS events includes O’Reilly All-Star Late Model Series points leader Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa.; Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., a 17-year-old coming off his eighth top-10 WoO LMS finish of the season on Saturday at Screven Motor Speedway; 22-year-old Tony Knowles of Tyrone, Ga., who is in the redraw for A-Main starting spots at Eriez; and Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y., a top contender to upset the Outlaws at Eriez.

ERIEZ SPEEDWAY EVENT INFORMATION: Fans who don’t have rainchecks for entry into Tuesday night’s held-over program at Eriez can purchase a ticket for $15 to watch the remainder of the action, which includes two B-Mains and the 50-lap A-Main plus features for the track’s E-Mod and Limited Late Model divisions.

Gates are scheduled to open at 5:30 p.m. and racing will begin at 7 p.m.

Additional info is available by logging on to www.eriez-speedway.com or calling 814-434-4370 or 814-440-2859.

BREWERTON SPEEDWAY EVENT INFORMATION: All gates will open at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday (Sept. 2), with hot laps scheduled to start at 6:20 p.m., WoO LMS time trials at 6:45 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m.

General admission is $30 for persons over 14 and $10 for children 14-and-under, and pit passes will be $40. Fans who want to avoid waiting in the ticket lines can purchase advance-sale tickets at the regular price at the speedway box office all day Tuesday (Sept. 1) and from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, but no blankets can be put down to save seats until after the gates open at 4:30 p.m. The only reserved seats are those painted orange for season-pass holders.

Brewerton’s Mod Lite class will also be on hand to run a 25-lap championship feature during the evening of competition, which has a raindate of Thursday night (Sept. 3).

For more information visit www.brewertonspeedway.com or call

TRI-CITY SPEEDWAY EVENT INFORMATION: Following a 7:30 p.m. start for Friday’s opening night of the Oil Region Labor Day Classic, on-track action will begin at 4 p.m. with WoO LMS hot laps and time trials on both Saturday (Sept. 5) and Sunday (Sept. 6).

The ULMS E-Mod Series, Fastrak Northeast Late Model Tour Series and Detroit Iron Pro Stocks will be part of both WoO LMS programs. The FASTTrack Late Models and Pro Stocks will run heats on Saturday and B-Mains and features on Sunday.

The fun-filled weekend will also include a bonfire and DJ music after Friday night’s racing; the fifth annual ‘Ghetto South’ party featuring the band ‘Intent’ after Saturday’s action; the first annual H&H Corn Hole Tournament at 11 a.m. on Saturday (think horseshoes with corn sacks and a board with a hole); a mechanical bull and Velcro wall; racing simulators; and a pit stop challenge.

Tickets for the Saturday and Sunday programs are $30 (adults), $15 (students 12-15) and free for kids 12-and-under. Two-day Saturday/Sunday passes are $50 (adults) and $25 (students 12-15), while three-day passes that include admission to Friday’s program are $75 (adults) and $35 (students 12-15). Pit passes are $40 on both Saturday and Sunday, $70 for a two-day pass or $100 for a three-day pass.

The raindate for the Saturday or Sunday programs is Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7.

More information is available by logging on to www.tricityspeedway.com or calling 814-676-1681 (track) or 814-676-0477 (office).

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Aug. 29 – 33 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/wins/top-5s/top-10s/earnings/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 7-19-27-$157,870-4515 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 5-21-27-$139,985-4497 (-18)
3. Darrell Lanigan 2-15-26-$151,926-4433 (-82)
4. Tim Fuller 5-14-20-$107,330-4343 (-172)
5. Rick Eckert 2-11-23-$80,595-4335 (-180)
6. Shane Clanton 1-7-23-$83,720-4299 (-216)
7. Chub Frank 2-6-20-$88,400-4257 (-258)
8. Brady Smith 0-11-17-$74,365-4172 (-343)
9. Clint Smith 0-4-15-$56,080-4073 (-442)
10. Russell King 0-0-5-$39,780-3615 (-900)
11. Jordan Bland 0-0-3-$40,520-3566 (-949)
12. Brent Robinson 0-0-1-$25,450-3350 (-1165)
13. Dustin Hapka 0-0-0-$15,480-3085 (-1430)
14. Tyler Reddick 0-0-0-$12,015-2909 (-1606)
15. Vic Coffey 0-2-7-$30,500-2607 (-1908)
16. Austin Hubbard 0-3-8-$26,195-2442 (-2073)
17. Matt Lux 0-0-1-$12,960-1530 (-2985)
18. Shannon Babb 1-4-7-$42,830-1470 (-3045)
19. Gregg Satterlee 0-1-5-$14,910-1460 (-3055)
20. Dan Stone 0-1-1-1213 (-3302)

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Fuller Returns To Winning Ways On Saturday Night At Georgia’s Screven Motor Speedway

SYLVANIA, GA - Aug. 29, 2009 - It didn’t take Tim Fuller long to get back to his winning ways on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

Just two starts after seeing his record-tying four-race win streak come to an end, Fuller roared back into the spotlight with a victory in Saturday night’s Dorsey Commercial Tire 50 at Screven Motor Speedway.

Fuller, 41, of Watertown, N.Y., inherited the lead when Benji Cole of Canon, Ga., went pitside with a cut left-rear tire during a lap-six caution period and never looked back. He repelled a late-race challenge from WoO LMS points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., en route to his fifth win in the last seven tour events driving John Wight’s Gypsum Express Rocket car.

“It feels good to get right back on track,” said Fuller, who rebounded from a 23rd-place finish due to a broken engine in the ‘Buckeye 100’ on Aug. 22 at K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio. “Hopefully we can get on another roll.”

Richards, 21, settled for his second consecutive runner-up finish, steering his Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket under the checkered flag 1.072 seconds behind Fuller.

Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., started and finished third, ending his two-race WoO LMS win streak. He once again drove the 2005-vintage Rocket car that he obtained from western Pennsylvania racer Chad Valone.

Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., placed fourth in the Beitler Motorsports Rocket after surviving a 360-degree spin in a lap-32 incident that also involved defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who was forced to restart at the rear of the field because he spun his car to a stop. Rick Eckert of York, Pa., completed the top five in the Raye Vest Racing Team Zero by Bloomquist car after starting 14th.

Fuller started from the pole position – the third time he’s drawn the number-one spot during his hot streak – and had plenty of racing luck on his side. Not only did he watch Cole develop a flat tire on his Starrette Trucking mount after leading laps 1-6, but he also caught a caution flag at just the right time when Richards was making a serious bid for the lead.

Richards, who started fifth, pulled inside of Fuller and came within inches of leading lap 34. The young sensation was still side-by-side with Fuller when the race’s fourth and final caution flag flew on lap 34 for the spinning car driven by Rookie of the Year candidate Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va.

“If that caution doesn’t come out I was probably gonna be screwed,” said Fuller, who pocketed $10,600 to push his 2009 WoO LMS earnings over the $100,000 mark. “I was running that top, so I had no idea the bottom was taking rubber like it was. When Josh got under us he showed me that rubber was where I needed to be – and fortunately a caution came out before he got ahead of me.

“I might’ve been able to pinch him down (entering turn one) and get into that rubber to stay in front of him, but I’m not sure. I think it was more likely that I would’ve had to fall in behind him and then there would’ve been no way for me to pass him back.

“That’s just the way things are going for us,” concluded Fuller, who registered his eighth career WoO LMS triumph. “We’re getting the breaks.”

Richards was disappointed that the untimely caution cost him his best opportunity to execute a winning pass, but he was still satisfied with a run that pushed his points lead to 18 markers over Francis.

“I found that rubber on the bottom before (Fuller) did,” said Richards. “I used it to get up beside him on the homestretch and I thought we might have him, but once that caution came out I knew he’d get back down in front of us because I showed him where the rubber was.

“But I’m happy to get out of here with a second and the car in one piece. There’s still a long way to go (to secure the $100,000 WoO LMS championship), but we took another step tonight.”

The 47-year-old Frank battled at the front of the pack with Fuller and Richards early in the distance but couldn’t maintain that pace.

“We didn’t have it quite right,” said Frank, who recorded his sixth top-five finish of the season. “We probably could’ve tightened up a little bit more.”

Francis, meanwhile, pulled off the save of the night when he spun completely around in turn two on the 32nd lap and continued. His twirl came after he got sideways in front of Lanigan, causing Lanigan to spin out of fourth place as he took evasive action.

“I just misjudged where Chub was going and started spinning – it was either hit Chub or spin,” Francis said of the incident. “I just hate that Lanigan got the worst of it. I was able to keep my wheels turning as I spun and drove away, but I guess Darrell spun to a stop.”

Lanigan was on the move before the bad break, advancing from the 12th starting spot to battle Francis for fourth. He finished 14th, dropping him 82 points behind Richards in the points standings.

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., who ran fifth for much of the race’s first half; 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., who earned the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn’t won a WoO LMS A-Main and wasn’t ranked among the top 12 in the points standings; 19th-starter Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., who used a provisional to start 23rd but rallied to grab a $250 bonus as the race’s top-finishing rookie; and Rookie of the Year points leader Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio.

Among the early retirees was WoO LMS regular Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., who was running eighth when he exited on lap 26 with rearend problems.

A field of 32 cars was signed in for the event, which followed a rainout the previous evening at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

It appeared that the unheralded John Henderson of Aiken, S.C., had upset the Outlaws in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials to register his first-ever fast-time honor after stopping the clock at 14.398 seconds. But a post-qualifying inspection found that he had used an illegally-treated tire, forcing WoO LMS officials to disqualify him for the remainder of the night and suspend him from further tour competition for a period of 30 days.

Henderson’s disqualification elevated Francis to his series-leading fifth fast-time award of 2009. Francis’s lap of 14.425 seconds earned him a $50 bonus.

Heat winners were Hubbard, Richards, Clanton and Frank.

The B-Mains were captured by defending Screven champion Chesley Dixon of Swainsboro, Ga., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif. Both drivers later slowed on the track during the A-Main to bring out caution flags – Dixon on lap six, Reddick on lap 28.

The WoO LMS now heads back north for a big week of action in the Northeast, beginning on Tuesday night (Sept. 1) with the completion of the twice-postponed 50-lap event at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa. The tour then visits Brewerton (N.Y.) Speedway on Wednesday night (Sept. 2) before wrapping up the swing on Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 5-6) with the Oil Region Labor Day Classic (separate 50-lap programs each evening) at Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series at Screven Motor Speedway (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (1) Tim Fuller/50 $10,600
2. (5) Josh Richards/50 $5,500
3. (3) Chub Frank/50 $3,500
4. (7) Steve Francis/50 $3,150
5. (14) Rick Eckert/50 $2,500
6. (8) Shane Clanton/50 $2,200
7. (4) Austin Hubbard/50 $1,900
8. (19) Clint Smith/50 $1,800
9. (23) Jordan Bland/50 $1,950
10. (16) Russell King/50 $1,700
11. (9) Casey Roberts/50 $1,050
12. (10) Jonathan Davenport/50 $1,000
13. (15) Royce Bray/50 $950
14. (12) Darrell Lanigan/50 $1,500
15. (25) Jeremy Faircloth/50 $850
16. (20) Scott Shirey/50 $800
17. (11) Steven Howard/50 $770
18. (24) Brent Robinson/50 $1,250
19. (22) Michael Akeson/47 $730
20. (13) Henry Carter/31 $700
21. (18) Tyler Reddick/27 $700
22. (6) Brady Smith/26 $1,200
23. (21) Ben Faircloth/13 $700
24. (2) Benji Cole/6 $700
25. (17) Chesley Dixon/5 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

NOTE: Jonathan Davenport, Henry Carter and Scott Shirey were penalized to the rear of the field for the start after reporting late to the staging area

Time of Race: 28 Mins., 37.365 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 1.072 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 4 (Laps 6, 28, 32, 34)
Lap Leaders: Cole (1-6); Fuller (7-50)
Provisional Starters: Bland, Robinson (WoO); J. Faircloth (track)
Rookie of the Race: Bland ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Hubbard ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Kevin Cox (Bland)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 14.425
2. 1- Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 14.575
3. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 14.586
4. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 14.740
5. 101-Casey Roberts/Toccoa, GA 14.743
6. 27-Ben Faircloth/Swainsboro, GA 14.797
7. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 14.820
8. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 14.833
9. 3d-Chesley Dixon/Swainsboro, GA 14.843
10. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 14.859
11. 21H-Steven Howard/Bloomingdale, GA 14.898
12. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 14.927
13. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 14.972
14. 49-Jonathan Davenport/Blairsville, GA 14.994
15. 21b-Royce Bray/Hull, GA 14.995
16. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 15.030
17. 20-Henry Carter/Kite, GA 15.086
18. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 15.097
19. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 15.137
20. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 15.190
21. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 15.299
22. 26-Tony Knowles/Tyrone, GA 15.317
23. M31-Michael Akeson/Augusta, GA 15.332
24. 10-Scott Shirey/Swansea, GA 15.512
25. 104-Monk Gulledge/Batesburg, SC 15.526
26. 22-Benji Cole/Canon, GA 15.660
27. 2d-Bob Robertson/Mooresville, NC 15.670
28. 07-Wilson Griffis/Homerville, GA 15.940
29. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 16.520
30. 4-Jeremy Faircloth/Swainsboro, GA 16.889
31. 98-Casey Barrow/Savannah, GA N/T
32. 2x-John Henderson/Aiken, SC 14.398 (DQ – tire)

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Hubbard, Francis, Roberts, Carter, Dixon, Bland, Gulledge, Hapka

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Richards, Cole, Davenport, Eckert, B. Faircloth, C. Smith, J. Faircloth, Knowles

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Clanton, B. Smith, Howard, Bray, Reddick, Akeson, Robertson

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Frank, Fuller, Lanigan, King, Robinson, Shirey, Griffis

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Dixon, C. Smith, B. Faircloth, J. Faircloth, Bland, Knowles, Gulledge, Hapka

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Reddick, Shirey, Akeson, Robertson (DNS) Robinson, Griffis, Barrow

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Jordan Bland, Brent Robinson
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Austin Hubbard
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Russell King
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Shane Clanton
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Chesley Dixon, Tyler Reddick
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Steve Francis
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Rick Eckert
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Jeremy Faircloth
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Benji Cole
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Tony Knowles
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Aug. 29 – 33 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 4515 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 4497 (-18)
3. Darrell Laniga 4433 (-82)
4. Tim Fuller 4343 (-172)
5. Rick Eckert 4335 (-180)
6. Shane Clanton 4299 (-216)
7. Chub Frank 4257 (-258)
8. Brady Smith 4172 (-343)
9. Clint Smith 4073 (-442)
10. Russell King 3615 (-900)
11. Jordan Bland 3566 (-949)
12. Brent Robinson 3350 (-1165)
13. Dustin Hapka 3085 (-1430)
14. Tyler Reddick 2909 (-1606)
15. Vic Coffey 2607 (-1908)
16. Austin Hubbard 2442 (-2073)
17. Matt Lux 1530 (-2985)
18. Shannon Babb 1470 (-3045)
19. Gregg Satterlee 1460 (-3055)
20. Dan Stone 1213 (-3302)

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Points Standings (drivers’ best 30 finishes):

1. Russell King 3390 (-0)
2. Jordan Bland 3341 (-49)
3. Brent Robinson 3125 (-265)
4. Dustin Hapka 2860 (-530)
5. Tyler Reddick 2624 (-766)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Weather Prompts Fayetteville Motor Speedway Officials To Cancel Friday’s World of Outlaws Late Model Series Event


FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Aug. 28, 2009 – Weather concerns prompted Fayetteville Motor Speedway officials to cancel the World of Outlaws Late Model Series event scheduled for Friday night at the four-tenths-mile oval.

The program, which was slated to be the national tour’s second appearance of 2009 at FMS, will not be rescheduled.

The WoO LMS will contest the second half of its Southeast swing on Saturday night (Aug. 29) at Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Ga. A 50-lap A-Main paying $10,000 to win will headline the three-eighths-mile oval’s biggest show of the season.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Previewing This Weekend’s Southeast Swing To Fayetteville & Screven

CONCORD, NC - Aug. 26, 2009 -

HEADED SOUTH: The World of Outlaws Late Model Series returns to the southern states this weekend for the first time since mid-April, visiting Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway on Friday night (Aug. 28) and Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Ga., on Saturday night (Aug. 29).

Absent from Dixie since an April 17-18 doubleheader at Fayetteville and Virginia Motor Speedway, the national tour will contest a pair of 50-lap, $10,000-to-win events to close out a busy month of competition.

Fayetteville is hosting the WoO LMS for the second time this season – making the four-tenths-mile oval one of just six tracks with multiple tour events scheduled in 2009 – and third time in series history, while the three-eighths-mile Screven has an Outlaw date for the second time. Both tracks were part of the WoO LMS for the first time in 2008.

WHO’S HOT: No driver enters the weekend with more momentum than Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who has won the last two WoO LMS A-Mains.

Frank, 47, busted out of 15-month-long, 62-race winless slump on the tour with back-to-back victories last week, on Aug. 20 at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio (the Pepsi 40) and Aug. 22 at K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio (a $20,600 score in the Buckeye 100). His checkered-flag explosion came after he decided to park his newest equipment in favor of a 2005-vintage Rocket chassis borrowed from western Pennsylvania racer Chad Valone – a machine he’ll continue to drive this weekend.

The driver known as ‘Chubzilla’ will attempt to build the first three-race win streak of his WoO LMS career at Fayetteville, a track where he’s enjoyed success in the past. He won a Hav-A-Tampa/UDTRA event there on April 21, 2001, and finished third in the speedway’s inaugural WoO LMS event on Oct. 7, 2008.

Frank didn’t fare as well at FMS earlier this season, finishing a quiet 10th on April 17. He also struggled at Screven in his only previous appearance there, placing 12th in the tour’s 50-lapper on Aug. 16, 2008.

WHO’S COLD: Defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., is experiencing a rare slump – and if he hopes to hold his title, he needs to get back on track this weekend.

Since finishing third on Aug. 14 at Bedford (Pa.) Speedway, Lanigan has seen his deficit to the WoO LMS points leader swell from 14 to 58 points. He has just one top 10 in his last three starts, which include a frustrating lap-down, 17th-place finish on Aug. 15 at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway and a 15th-place run in last Saturday night’s Buckeye 100 after retiring on lap 61 because a leaking oil line caused his car’s motor to seize up.

Lanigan, who still sits third in the points standings, has WoO LMS finishes of 11th (2008) and 13th (April 2009) at Fayetteville. He was much stronger in last year’s event at Screven, finishing second in the A-Main.

HOMETRACK ADVANTAGE: Former Fayetteville track champion Jeff Smith of Dallas, N.C., turned back the Outlaws earlier this season, scoring one of the biggest victories of his career on April 17 when he was handed the lead heading to the white flag as a result of New Yorker Vic Coffey’s flat tire.

Can the 43-year-old Smith do it again with Mike Menscer’s Star Leasing Rocket? He should have plenty of confidence based on his solid 2009 season, which includes nine overall feature wins (four at Fayetteville) and the current FMS points lead.

REDD’S PLACE: James ‘Redd’ Griffin, who owns and promotes Screven Motor Speedway and the adjoining Savannah River Dragway, continues to build his oval’s stature in the dirt Late Model world by bringing in the WoO LMS for a return engagement.

Last year’s inaugural Outlaw show was a blockbuster for the high-banked, red-clay oval. A capacity crowd filled the track’s bleachers – including a new section that had just been erected for the event – and watched Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., sweep the evening, setting fast time, winning a heat race and capturing the A-Main in his first-ever start at Screven.

The local fans had plenty to cheer about last year thanks to some strong performances by Screven favorites, including Chesley Dixon of Swainsboro, Ga., who led laps 1-5 of the A-Main but finished 20th after spinning out of third place on lap 16, and Jeremy Faircloth, also of Swainsboro, Ga., who led laps 6-10 and finished fourth. Both drivers are expected to challenge the Outlaws once again on Saturday night.

HOMESTATE DEFENDERS: Shane Clanton and Clint Smith – the two WoO LMS regulars who reside in Georgia – weren’t happy with the outcome of last year’s tour stop at Screven.

With Locust Grove’s Clanton finishing third and Senoia’s Smith placing 13th, it marked the first time in WoO LMS history that Clanton or Smith didn’t emerge victorious when the tour raced at a Georgia track. The two drivers had defended their territory well when they got the rare opportunity to run a WoO LMS show in their backyard; Clanton won tour A-Mains on May 1, 2004, at North Georgia Speedway in Chatsworth and Oct. 26, 2005, at Golden Isles Speedway in Brunswick, and Smith was best in a season-opening program on Feb. 4, 2006, at Golden Isles.

POINTS BATTLE: Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., leads the WoO LMS points standings by a slim 14-point margin over Francis with 11 A-Mains remaining on the 2009 schedule.

The 21-year-old Richards won last year’s tour event at Fayetteville, charging from the 18th starting spot to get the job done. His last visit to FMS in April, however, was a race he’d like back; he was attempting to clear Coffey’s slowing car on the final lap to secure a second-place finish but got tangled with the New Yorker and dropped all the way to 23rd in the final rundown. Richards finished fifth, meanwhile, in last year’s A-Main at Screven.

Francis is one-for-one at Screven, but he’s had no luck in his last two starts at Fayetteville. Mechanical trouble left him with a 23rd-place finish last year, and in April he settled for 19th place after a late-race flat tire knocked him from fifth.

WINNERS: The top seven drivers in the current WoO LMS points standings have won 23 of the season’s 32 A-Mains to date, led by Richards’s seven victories. Francis (five), Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y. (four), Lanigan (two), Frank (two), Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (two) and Clanton (one) account for the other checkered flags claimed by WoO LMS regulars.

WoO LMS travelers who have entered all 32 events this season but are still looking for their first win include Clint Smith and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., as well as Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

YOUNG TALENT: Joining the Outlaws for both weekend events will be Austin Hubbard, 17, of Seaford, Del., and Tony Knowles, 22, of Tyrone, Ga., two drivers who have flashed their potential on WoO LMS road trips this season and have their eyes on following the entire tour in the future.

Hubbard has entered 20 events this season, with an impressive three top-five and seven top-10 finishes to his credit. Knowles, who races under the same RSD Enterprises banner as WoO LMS regular Shane Clanton, owns three top-10 finishes in seven ’09 starts.

Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., meanwhile, also plans to enter both events in the Barry Wright House Car. He won a heat race for last weekend’s Buckeye 100 at K-C Raceway but was eliminated in an early tangle.

FAYETTEVILLE MOTOR SPEEDWAY EVENT INFORMATION: Pit gates are scheduled to open at 2 p.m. and the grandstands at 3 p.m. on Fri., Aug. 28, with on-track action set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

General admission is $30, with children 5-12 charged $10 and kids under 5 admitted free of charge. Pit passes are $40.

FMS’s regular classes will also be in action.

For more information visit www.fayettevillemotorspeedway.net or call 910-223-RACE.

SCREVEN MOTOR SPEEDWAY EVENT INFORMATION: Gates will open at 3 p.m., hot laps are scheduled for 6 p.m. and racing is set for an 8 p.m. start time.

Admission to the grandstands is $25, with children 12-and-under admitted free of charge. Pit passes are $35 and $15 (children 12-and-under).

Screven’s Moonrunner (Super Street), Mini-Stock, Road Warrior and Renegade 4 divisions are also slated for action.

Screven Motor Speedway is located between Mile Markers 6 and 7 on GA Route 21 in Screven County, GA

For more information visit www.screvenmotorspeedway.com or call 912-547-1777 (‘Redd’ Griffin) or 912-754-5882 (track).

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Wrapping Up The Four-Night Swing To Ohio & Pennsylvania

CONCORD, NC - Aug. 24, 2009 -

HE’S BACK: Chub Frank entered the four-night swing of rescheduled World of Outlaws Late Model Series events – Aug. 20 at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio, Aug. 21-22 at K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio and Aug. 23 at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa. – riding a 15-month-long, 62-race winless streak and with just three top-five finishes in 30 A-Mains this season.

Yes, the tour’s fifth-winningest driver since 2004 has been in a full-fledged slump.

But Frank, 47, of Bear Lake, Pa., got his groove back in dramatic fashion. He won the 40-lap A-Main at Muskingum County on Thursday night and roared back to capture Saturday night’s ‘Buckeye 100’ at K-C, bringing him $28,200 in dearly-needed earnings.

The key to Frank’s sudden turnaround? A 2005-vintage Rocket chassis he “borrowed” from western Pennsylvania racer Chad Valone.

In search of something to jerk him out of his struggles, Frank decided that parking his new-model machines in favor of an older style he’s familiar with might be the ticket. He remembered that Valone still had an ’05 chassis sitting in his garage, so he placed a call on Monday afternoon.

“He’s got two new cars he’s been racing this year, so I just told him I was taking it (the ’05 car),” Frank cracked when asked about his conversation with Valone, who bought the chassis through Frank four years ago. “We went over to his shop to get it and then we put it together with our stuff. We started on it Monday night and finished it up Thursday morning before leaving (for Muskingum).

“I had to go back to something I knew,” he continued. “Your confidence gets down when you struggle. You’re making mistakes all the time – on what to choose for tires, what setup to run, whatever you’re doing – and you just keep getting further behind. Doing this, it just gets you back in the game.”

That’s certainly an understatement. With Frank returning to the WoO LMS limelight with an ’05 machine, he has no interest in relinquishing it.

“I told (Valone), ‘Good luck getting that car back,’” Frank said with a mischievous smile. “I feel so comfortable in it. I’d like to find a few more (older) cars like it.”

Valone, who crossed paths with Frank during Sunday night’s rain-doomed program at Eriez, said he was happy to help out a veteran driver who has provided him plenty of assistance over the years.

“You can just see in his face that the old Chub is back,” said Valone. “He’s been struggling, and that’s not like him. He just needed something to get his confidence back and that old car did it.”

DARN RAIN: There were plenty of disappointed people after showers following heat action forced the postponement of Sunday night’s show at Eriez Speedway to Tues., Sept. 1, but Valone and 2007 Eriez champion Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y., were probably a bit more perturbed at Mother Nature.

Valone, 37, of Warren, Pa., and the 22-year-old Knight timed second- and third-fastest in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials and both drivers won heat races. They were anxiously awaiting the redraw for starting spots in the A-Main, but now they’ll have to spend two weeks stewing over their fates.

Knight entered Sunday’s program one week after making a hospital visit north of the border. He crashed hard into the turn-four wall at Cornwall (Ont.) Motor Speedway on Aug. 16 during the finale of a three-race Canadian weekend with the Ontario Dirt Late Model Series, ringing his bell and leaving him with some neck pain. Track safety workers decided to transport him to a nearby hospital for tests, but no problems were found and he was discharged in less than two hours with a diagnosis of a mild concussion.

TWO-HORSE RACE?: The WoO LMS points battle remained tight after the Muskingum County and K-C events – but now there’s two drivers neck-and-neck rather than three.

Josh Richards ended the weekend leading the standings by 14 points over Steve Francis, but defending champion Darrell Lanigan fell 58 points out of first place after finishing 15th in the Buckeye 100 because a leaking oil line caused his car’s motor to seize up.

Richards had the steadiest swing, following up a quiet eighth-place finish at Muskingum County with a solid runner-up outing in the Buckeye 100. He’s swapped the points lead with Francis after each of the last three WoO LMS A-Mains.

Francis arrived at K-C with the points lead after finishing second at Muskingum County – his sixth bridesmaid finish in the last eight events – but experienced a rough weekend. A broken oil-pump belt on Francis’s Beitler Motorsports No. 19 knocked him from the lead in a Friday-night qualifying heat and necessitated an engine change, and on Saturday he had to use a provisional to start the A-Main and struggled to a 12th-place finish (last car on the lead lap) in the Buckeye 100.

COOLED OFF: Tim Fuller wasn’t disappointed after his WoO LMS win streak ended at a record-tying four in-a-row with a third-place finish at Muskingum County, but he had a long look on his face after the Buckeye 100.

The Watertown, N.Y., driver was running just outside the top 15 when his car’s engine broke a rod on lap 21, prompting him to slide off the track in turn three to get away from the onrushing pack. Flames belched from the motor, which had carried Fuller to all four of his recent victories.

Despite seeing his hot streak crash-and-burn with a 23rd-place finish, Fuller gladly ceded the title of Hottest World of Outlaws Driver to his good buddy Frank. Fuller freely admitted that he provided Frank some valuable insight into the secrets of his successful run – assistance for which Frank thanked Fuller during his Victory Lane comments.

“I have no problem helping Chub get going again with some stuff we’ve been doing,” said Fuller. “He was really the first one who helped me along when I got started (in dirt Late Model racing), so it’s like repaying a favor.”

ETCETERA:

* Vic Coffey had a rough weekend at K-C Raceway. After a heat-race scrape with R.J. Conley while battling for the final transfer spot left him spun in turn four on the final lap, the 2008 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year came back to qualify through a B-Main but was eliminated after being involved in a multi-car tangle on lap 21.

“It was like (Jimmy) Mars dropped from the sky on top of my front end,” said Coffey, whose car sustained a significantly crushed nose in the incident. “Somebody lifted his rearend off the ground and I went right underneath him.”

* Russell King was the lone WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contender to qualify for the Buckeye 100. His 14th-place finish allowed him to extend his lead in the rookie standings to 51 points over Jordan Bland.

* The 20-year-old Bland had to return to Rowan Cabarrus Community College in Concord, N.C., to take an exam on Monday morning.

* Following another frustrating trip that included an early departure from the Buckeye 100 due to his involvement in the lap-21 wreck and a heat-race tangle at Eriez that will force him to run a B-Main on Sept. 1, WoO LMS regular Brady Smith immediately headed home to Solon Springs, Wis., to attend his daughter’s third birthday party.

* Rookie Brent Robinson loaded up and left K-C Raceway on Friday night after his backup car was sidelined by a broken engine piston during hot laps. The malfunction came after the powerplant in his primary machine over-revved due to a broken pinion shaft as he led a B-Main on Thursday night at Muskingum County.

With no backup engine available, Robinson did not return to Eriez for Sunday’s rescheduled event. He’s hoping to regroup in time for this Friday night’s show at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway, a track he’s run often during his young career.

* Two sons of winning dirt Late Model racers – 14-year-old Devin Moran (son of Donnie) and 20-year-old Zach (son of Tim) – qualified for the Muskingum County A-Main in their first-ever WoO LMS starts. Devin finished 16th and Dohm placed 24th.

NEXT UP: The WoO LMS now heads south for dates on Fri., Aug. 28, at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Sat., Aug. 29, at Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Ga. Both events feature 50-lap A-Mains paying $10,000 to win.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Rain After Heats Forces Another Postponement of Eriez Speedway’s World of Outlaws Late Model Series Date

HAMMETT, PA - Aug. 23, 2009 - Hopefully the third try will be the charm for the 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series visit to Eriez Speedway.

Rain struck the one-third-mile oval in Northwest Pennsylvania after qualifying heats were completed on Sunday night, forcing officials to postpone the tour’s stop at Bobby and Kathy Rohrer’s track for the second time this season.

The WoO LMS will return to Eriez Speedway to complete two B-Mains and the 50-lap A-Main on Tues., Sept. 1 – the night before the tour is scheduled to visit Brewerton (N.Y.) Speedway for the first time. The rescheduled program, which will also include held-over features for the track’s weekly open-wheel Modified and Limited Late Model divisions, will begin at 7 p.m.

Sunday night’s rescheduled event was necessitated because showers ruined the original July 26 date with Ohlins Shocks Time Trials nearly completed. A new session of time trials and heat races were spun off on Sunday before rain red-flagged the proceedings.

Rain that rolled in off Lake Erie doused the speedway shortly after heat-race action ended. The precipitation stopped within a half-hour and the track crew soon began reworking the surface, but another pop-up shower shortly after 9 p.m. soaked the surface and stopped any thought of further competition.

“We were close to having the track ready to go when the rain hit again,” said Eriez Speedway promoter Bobby Rohrer. “We had a great crowd on hand to see the Outlaws, but we just can’t catch a break with the weather. Hopefully we’ll have clear skies when we try again on Sept. 1.”

Rohrer said all rainchecks and pit bands from Sunday’s program will be accepted on Sept. 1. He added that fans without rainchecks can witness the remainder of the racing program for $15.

A field of 46 cars was signed in for the show, including four drivers who weren’t in attendance on the original event date last month. Eight drivers who entered the scheduled Ohio Late Model Speedweek finale on July 26 did not return on Sunday night.

WoO LMS points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., tallied his third fast time honor of 2009 with a lap of 16.231 seconds during Ohlins Shocks Time Trials. He nipped Chad Valone of Warren, Pa., who was just two cars away from earning his first-ever WoO LMS fast-time award when rain washed out qualifying on July 26.

Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who sits second in the WoO LMS points standings, was the lone tour regular to win one of the evening’s four 10-lap heat races. His victory in the fourth prelim followed triumphs by well-known Eriez drivers Robbie Blair of Titusville, Pa., Valone and Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y.

The top two finishers in each heat race will redraw on Sept. 1 for the first eight starting spots in the 50-lap A-Main.

The heats proved problematic for WoO LMS regulars Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis. Lanigan, the defending series champion, retired from the first heat on lap one after his car’s nose was crunched in a chain-reaction jam-up, while Smith failed to qualify in the second heat after an opening-lap tangle left his car with a battered right-front corner.

Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., a former Eriez regular who brought a two-race WoO LMS win streak into Sunday’s action, finished third in the first heat. He is scheduled to start ninth in the A-Main on Sept. 1.

The WoO LMS now heads south for dates on Fri., Aug. 28, at Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Sat., Aug. 29, at Screven Motor Speedway in Sylvania, Ga. Both events feature 50-lap A-Mains paying $10,000 to win.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 16.231
2. 2V-Chad Valone/Warren, PA 16.297
3. 9K-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 16.367
4. 2J-Scott Johnson/Wattsburg, PA 16.380
5. won11-Robbie Blair/Titusville, PA 16.380
6. 26-Tony Knowles/Tyrone, GA 16.391
7. 17L-Dennis Lunger/Cherry Hill, PA 16.396
8. 28J-John Lobb/Frewsburg, NY 16.403
9. 21*-David Scott/Garland, PA 16.404
10. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 16.413
11. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 16.473
12. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 16.485
13. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 16.489
14. 28b-Dick Barton/Ashville, NY 16.499
15. B22-Bump Hedman/Sugar Grove, PA 16.500
16. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 16.518
17. 40-Dutch Davies/Warren, PA 16.531
18. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 16.536
19. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 16.545
20. 07R-Brent Rhebergen/Clymer, NY 16.550
21. 22-Greg Oakes/Franklinville, NY 16.614
22. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 16.621
23. 71d-Ron Davies/Warren, PA 16.625
24. 00-Rich Gardner/Waterford, PA 16.633
25. 9-Scott Gurdak/Spring Creek, PA 16.641
26. 53-John Volpe/Lakewood, NY 16.655
27. 44H-Dave Hess Jr./Waterford, PA 16.671
28. 28L-Randy Lobb/Jamestown, NY 16.687
29. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 16.708
30. 8-Jason Morell/Northeast, PA 16.723
31. 55H-David Lyon/Corry, PA 16.724
32. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 16.728
33. 03-Doug Eck/Corry, PA 16.748
34. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, PA 16.750
35. 4-Merle Terry/Erie, PA 16.764
36. 76-Andy Kania/Waterford, PA 16.768
37. 33-Chris Hackett/Erie, PA 16.771
38. N8-Nathan Short/Jamestown, NY 16.801
39. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 16.841
40. 99b-Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 16.873
41. 3-Bruce Hordusky/Erie, PA 16.880
42. 26G-George LaBarbera/Sugar Grove, PA 16.912
43. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 16.957
44. 01-Doug Ricotta/Warsaw, NY 16.993
45. 79-Mike Coyle/Jamestown, NY 17.024
46. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 17.145

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Blair, Richards, Frank, Oakes, Eck, Hackett, Coffey, Hordusky, Coyle, Scott, D. Davies, Gurdak

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Valone, Knowles, King, C. Smith, Clanton, Bland, Barton, B. Smith, Short, Volpe, LaBarbera, Morell

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Knight, Eckert, R. Davies, Hedman, Hubbard, Lunger, Terry, Hess, Lyon, Hapka, Lanigan

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Francis, Fuller, Johnson, J. Lobb, Rhebergen, R. Lobb, Kania, Ricotta, Briggs, Gardner, Reddick

Drivers who entered the event on its original July 26 date but did not return on Sunday: Ryan Scott, Jared Miley, Matt Urban, Brent Robinson, Andy Boozel, Chad Ruhlman, Matt Lux, Tim McCreadie

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Change Of Fortune: Suddenly-Streaking Chub Frank Makes ‘Buckeye 100’ At K-C Raceway His Second Straight Victory

ALMA, OH - Aug. 22, 2009 - How quickly fortunes can change on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

With a lucrative victory in Saturday night’s ‘Buckeye 100’ at K-C Raceway, Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., continued his sudden transformation from struggling traveler to red-hot racer.

Frank, 47, captured his second consecutive WoO LMS A-Main – just two days after snapping a frustrating 15-month-long, 62-race winless streak on the national tour with a triumph at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio. His $20,600 payoff also marked the first time he earned a five-figure race check since October 2007 when he pocketed $50,000 for winning the Dirt Track World Championship at the three-eighths-mile K-C oval.

“It’s funny how fast things can turn around,” said Frank, who registered his 16th career WoO LMS victory. “But I’m glad they did. We needed this bad. Now I’ll be able to pay some bills and make some people happy.”

A 2005-vintage Rocket car borrowed from western Pennsylvania driver Chad Valone has vaulted Frank back into the limelight, dramatically turning around his moribund campaign.

“Last week (a dismal three-race Mid-Atlantic swing) wasn’t good and that’s why we had to do something different,” Frank said of his decision to put together an older-style chassis that had been sitting in Valone’s shop. “It’s great that we’ve made it work. I just feel so comfortable in this car.”

Yes, Frank is fast again and getting some critical breaks, which was clear in Saturday night’s 100-lapper.

Frank drew the outside-pole starting spot and led the race’s first 41 laps before being overtaken by Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa. But on lap 55 Birkhofer slowed in turn one with a flat right-rear tire and was clipped slightly by Doug Drown of Wooster, Ohio, ending his bid and putting Frank back in front for good.

Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., chased Frank for the remainder of the distance, but the 21-year-old never mounted a serious challenge and settled for second place in his Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket. The runner-up finish moved Richards back into the WoO LMS points lead by 14 points over Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who finished 12th after using a provisional spot to start 23rd in the A-Main.

Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, marched forward from the 16th starting spot to finish third in his Rocket car. Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., advanced from the ninth starting spot to place fourth in the Sweeteners Plus Rocket and polesitter Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., hung on to complete the top five in the RSD Enterprises Rocket.

“I think Birkhofer probably had the best car,” admitted Frank. “He found the bottom (groove) a little quicker than I did and he was driving off a little bit until he got that flat.

“I don’t think I could’ve got back by him, but I was happy that we could run with him. Last year he lapped us here (in the DTWC) and just drove off big-time, so I would’ve felt good about finishing second to him.”

Frank ended up holding the trophy in Victory Lane, however, after surviving at least one tense moment while trying to negotiate lapped traffic late in the race.

“The track took a little bit of rubber,” said Frank. “I got out of that rubber and tried to go on the outside of Francis (to lap the 2007 WoO LMS champion on lap 83) and about spun out (in turn four). That scared me until I looked (to the left) and nobody was there, so I was able to get back down in the rubber.”

Richards, who started eighth, saw Frank’s bobble but couldn’t take advantage of it.

“He slipped up out of the rubber in (turns) three and four when he was behind Francis,” said Richards, whose march to the front reached third on lap 37 and second when Birkhofer dropped out. “That was the chance I was hoping for, but I just wasn’t close enough to get under him.

“I felt like we had a great car, but once Darrell (Lanigan) leaked oil on the track (from a hole in his car’s oil line) it was just instant rubber (condition) out there. I could tell there was rubber down when I was warming up my tires under caution (on lap 55), and the rest of the race you just had to stay in that line.”

Richards once again fell short of his coveted first big-money, 100-lap victory. It was the second time he finished second to Frank in a major event at K-C Raceway.

“It was almost like déjà vu from the Dirt Track (World Championship) here a couple years,” said Richards, recalling the 2007 crown jewel. “I was remembering following Chub around here in that race, trying to get close enough to make a move.”

The oil from the car driven by Union, Ky.’s Lanigan, who was running just outside the top 10 when the leaking oil line finally caused his engine to seize up on lap 61, also dulled Hartman’s impressive charge.

“Up until about lap 60 the track was real racy,” said Hartman, who passed McCreadie for fourth on lap 53 and moved to third two circuits later with Birkhofer’s departure. “My car was real good and I was just easing my way up through there. I thought we might have had a shot, but then I guess Lanigan dumped a bunch of oil down and that caused the track to rubber up.”

Four caution flags slowed the event, including a multi-car tangle in turn two on a lap-21 restart that knocked out several contenders. The incident began when Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich., and Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., came together, sending Davenport sideways and causing Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., among others, to make contact. Davenport was towed off the track while Mars, Coffey and Smith retired after being unable to repair damage during pit stops.

Earlier, 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., brought out a caution flag on lap nine when he slapped the homestretch wall and Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., saw his WoO LMS hot streak officially end on lap 21 when a broken rod in his car’s engine sent him spinning off turn three.

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va., who earned the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who has never won a WoO LMS A-Main and isn’t ranked among the top 12 in the points standings; R.J. Conley of Wheelersburg, Ohio; Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa.; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; and 22nd-starter Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.

Saturday’s program began with a pair of 12-lap B-Mains that were won by Eckert and Fuller.

The WoO LMS concludes a busy four-day period with a rescheduled 50-lap, $10,000-to-win event on Sunday night (Aug. 23) at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Buckeye 100’ (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (2) Chub Frank/100 $20,600
2. (8) Josh Richards/100 $10,500
3. (16) Bart Hartman/100 $6,000
4. (9) Tim McCreadie/100 $5,100
5. (1) Shane Clanton/100 $4,500
6. (12) Eddie Carrier Jr./100 $3,500
7. (15) R.J. Conley/100 $2,750
8. (4) Gregg Satterlee/100 $2,500
9. (17) Rick Eckert/100 $2,800
10. (22) Clint Smith/100 $2,700
11. (19) Matt Miller/100 $1,900
12. (23) Steve Francis/100 $2,400
13. (14) Brandon Kinzer/98 $1,700
14. (24) Russell King/78 $2,400
15. (21) Darrell Lanigan/61 $2,200
16. (7) Jeep VanWormer/56 $1,580
17. (3) Brian Birkhofer/55 $1,560
18. (13) Doug Drown/54 $1,540
19. (6) Jonathan Davenport/21 $1,520
20. (10) Jimmy Mars/21 $1,500
21. (5) Brady Smith/21 $2,000
22. (20) Vic Coffey/21 $1,500
23. (18) Tim Fuller/20 $2,000
24. (11) Austin Hubbard/9 $1,500

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 41 Mins., 30.042 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.756 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 4 (Laps 9, 21, 21, 55)
Lap Leaders: Frank (1-41); Birkhofer (42-55); Frank (56-100)
Provisional Starters: Francis, King
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Carrier ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Austin Hargrove (Hartman)

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Rick Eckert, 2. Matt Miller, 3. Darrell Lanigan, 4. Steve Francis, 5. Delmas Conley, 6. Jordan Bland, 7. Rod Conley, 8. Tony Knowles, 9. Matt Pistole

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Tim Fuller, 2. Vic Coffey, 3. Clint Smith, 4. Russell King, 5. Zack Dohm, 6. Dustin Hapka, 7. Tyler Reddick, 8. Brian Whiteman

Drivers who competed on Friday but did not return to run a B-Main: Eric Wells, Steve Shaver, Keith Berner, Paul Davis, Greg Oliver, Doug Dodd, Donnie Moran, Rick Combs, Rick Aukland, Brent Robinson

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Delmas Conley, Zack Dohm
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Eddie Carrier Jr.
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Chub Frank
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Clint Smith
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Jonathan Davenport
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Rick Eckert, Tim Fuller
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Rick Combs
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Chub Frank
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Shane Clanton
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Darrell Lanigan
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Chub Frank
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Outside Looking In’ Award (free 54-gallon drum of VP-113 or Late Model Plus racing fuel to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Tony Knowles
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Chub Frank

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of - A-Mains completed (rank/driver/wins/top-5s/top-10s/earnings/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 4369 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 4355 (-14)
3. Darrell Lanigan 4311 (-58)
4. Rick Eckert 4195 (-174)
5. Tim Fuller 4193 (-176)
6. Shane Clanton 4161 (-208)
7. Chub Frank 4113 (-256)
8. Brady Smith 4066 (-303)
9. Clint Smith 3939 (-430)
10. Russell King 3485 (-884)
11. Jordan Bland 3434 (-935)
12. Brent Robinson 3236 (-1133)
13. Dustin Hapka 3010 (-1359)
14. Tyler Reddick 2801 (-1568)
15. Vic Coffey 2607 (-1762)
16. Austin Hubbard 2306 (-2063)
17. Matt Lux 1530 (-2839)
18. Shannon Babb 1470 (-2899)
19. Gregg Satterlee 1460 (-2909)
20. Dan Stone 1213 (-3156)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Buckeye 100 Qualifying Night At K-C Raceway Not Kind To Steve Francis & Other World of Outlaws Late Model Series Stars

ALMA, OH - Aug. 21, 2009 - Friday night’s ‘Buckeye 100’ qualifying program at K-C Raceway wasn’t kind to World of Outlaws Late Model Series points leader Steve Francis.

But on an evening that saw four of the top-five drivers in the tour points standings fail to qualify through a heat race, Francis certainly wasn’t alone in his misery.

The lone qualifier among the racers highest in the WoO LMS points battle was second-place Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who trails Francis by six points entering the $20,000-to-win spectacular. He finished second in the fourth 12-lap heat despite racing more than half the distance with nosepiece damage that his car sustained when it dug into the track surface in turn three.

It was a tough night all around for the WoO LMS regulars. The only series traveler to win a heat race was Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., who was joined by Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa., Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., and Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich., on the list of preliminary victors.

Francis, 41, of Ashland, Ky., was the highest profile casualty on the opening night of the Buckeye 100 weekend. Racing at a three-eighths-mile oval located just over an hour’s drive from his home, the 2007 WoO LMS champion slowed on lap four of the third 12-lap heat when his Beitler Motorsports was stricken with a broken oil-pump belt as he set the pace.

The mechanical malfunction forced Francis and his Chris Burton-led crew to pull out a backup engine and make a powerplant swap before turning in for the night.

“It was just a fluke deal,” said Francis, who has finished second in six of the last eight WoO LMS A-Mains. “I haven’t had an oil-pump belt break since (a race at) Brownstown (Ind.) four years ago.

“But that’s racing. All we can do now is race as hard as we can tomorrow and see what happens.”

Francis faces a starting spot deep in a B-Main on Saturday night, but he remains confident about his chances to capture the big money in the Buckeye 100 and continue his pursuit of a second WoO LMS title.

“If the track’s like it was tonight,” said Francis, “I can win the race from 23rd (starting spot).”

Defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who sits third in the points standings, also missed the cut in Friday night’s heat races. He started second in the first heat but struggled to a seventh-place finish.

The list of heat non-qualifiers also included Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., and Rick Eckert of York, Pa., who sit fourth and fifth, respectively, in the WoO LMS points standings. Fuller, whose streak of four consecutive tour wins ended on Thursday night at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio, was unable to overtake Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, for the final transfer spot in the fourth heat.

The evening’s turn of events would seem to put Richards in the driver’s seat in the championship battle. He’s among the eight drivers – the top two finishers in each heat – who will redraw for the top eight starting spots in the Buckeye 100 on Saturday night.

A field of 43 cars assembled on qualifying night for the Buckeye 100, which was postponed by rain on its original date in early May.

Rick Combs, 34, of Bethel, Ohio, was fastest in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials, turning a lap of 14.184 seconds to secure his first-ever fast-time honor on the WoO LMS. But his fortunes turned in his heat race when he spun between turns three and four after falling from the pole to seventh and failed to qualify.

Twin B-Mains and the Buckeye 100 headline the program on Saturday night (Aug. 22) at K-C Raceway. A complete open-wheel Modified show will also be presented.

Gates are scheduled to open at 4 p.m., with racing set to begin at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com or www.kc-raceway.com.

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 11H-Rick Combs/Bethel, OH 14.184
2. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 14.260
3. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 14.339
4. 55-Jeep VanWormer/Pinconning, MI 14.387
5. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 14.388
6. 28M-Jimmy Mars/Menomonie, WI 14.393
7. 49-Jonathan Davenport/Blairsville, GA 14.401
8. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 14.429
9. 22-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 14.442
10. 15B-Brian Birkhofer/Muscatine, IA 14.459
11. 26-Tony Knowles/Tyrone, GA 14.464
12. 28c-Eddie Carrier Jr./Salt Rock, WV 14.465
13. 39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY 14.494
14. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 14.511
15. 18W-Eric Wells/Hazard, KY 14.533
16. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 14.552
17. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 14.568
18. 12A-Rick Aukland/Zanesville, OH 14.584
19. 11A-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 14.623
20. 75-Bart Hartman/Zanesville, OH 14.644
21. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 14.701
22. 18K-Brandon Kinzer/Allen, KY 14.738
23. 71c-R.J. Conley/Wheelersburg, OH 14.744
24. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 14.749
25. 12x-Doug Drown/Wooster, OH 14.780
26. 96F-Keith Berner/Millersburg, OH 14.781
27. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 14.797
28. 30-Steve Shaver/Vienna, WV 14.831
29. 12d-Doug Dodd/Cambridge, OH 14.857
30. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 14.861
31. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 14.898
32. 47-Greg Oliver/Jackson, OH 14.929
33. 71-Delmas Conley/Wheelersburg, OH 14.930
34. 71R-Rod Conley/Wheelersburg, OH 14.936
35. 7M-Matt Miller/Waterville, OH 14.939
36. 99-Donnie Moran/Dresden, OH 14.965
37. 17T-Zack Dohm/Cross Lanes, WV 14.976
38. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 15.154
39. 16-Paul Davis/Pilgrim, KY 15.189
40. 79c-Brian Whiteman/McArthur, OH 15.372
41. 00-Matt Pistole/West Portsmouth, OH 16.066
42. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA N/T
43. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA N/T

Heat No. 1 (12 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Satterlee, Frank, McCreadie, Drown, Eckert, D. Conley, Lanigan, Dohm, Dodd, Combs, Pistole

Heat No. 2 (12 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Clanton, Birkhofer, Mars, Kinzer, King, C. Smith, Berner, Rod Conley, Hapka, Reddick, Aukland

Heat No. 3 (12 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Davenport, B. Smith, Hubbard, R.J. Conley, Miller, Wells, Coffey, Davis, Knowles, Francis (DNS) Robinson

Heat No. 4 (12 laps – Top 4 Transfer): VanWormer, Richards, Carrier, Hartman, Fuller, Shaver, Bland, Oliver, Moran, Whiteman

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Back To Basics, Back To Victory Lane For Chub Frank On Thursday Night At Muskingum County Speedway

ZANESVILLE, OH - Aug. 20, 2009 - Chub Frank went back to basics.

And as a result, the veteran from Bear Lake, Pa., went back to Victory Lane on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

Driving a 2005-vintage Rocket car borrowed from Pennsylvania racer Chad Valone, Frank ended a 62-race winless streak on the national tour with a flag-to-flag triumph in Thursday night’s caution-free ‘Pepsi 40’ at Muskingum County Speedway.

Frank’s $7,600 triumph in a rescheduled event that was threatened all night by rain also snapped the four-race win streak of Watertown, N.Y.’s Tim Fuller, whose third-place finish left him tied with Rick Eckert of York, Pa., for the WoO LMS modern-era consecutive win record.

Ironically, Frank said he got his groove back thanks to a big assist from Fuller.

“Fuller has helped me a lot,” remarked Frank, who recorded his first WoO LMS win since May 18, 2008, at Lincoln (Ill.) Speedway. “He’s basically the one who said I should go back to the old stuff, run something I know and feel comfortable in. I’m glad I listened to him.”

Seeking an answer for his frustrating season-long slump, Frank, 47, decided on Monday afternoon to call Valone, who had an ’05 Rocket sitting in his shop. Valone agreed to loan the car to Frank, who spent the next three days assembling the machine and re-skinning it with his familiar No. 1* and sponsors, including Corry Rubber, Hino Toyota and Lake Shore Paving.

“I just had to do something different,” said Frank, who entered Thursday’s program ranked eighth in the WoO LMS points standings with just three top-five finishes in 30 events. “We weren’t getting it done with the new stuff (2009 cars) – it ain’t that the new stuff is bad, we just were struggling with it. I had to go back to something I knew.”

Frank hit paydirt his first night out with the car, roaring off the outside pole to lead the entire A-Main. He built as much as a three-second advantage before crossing the finish line a modest 0.962 of a second in front of Ashland, Ky.’s Steve Francis, who regained the WoO LMS points lead with his sixth runner-up placing in the last eight events driving the Beitler Motorsports Rocket.

Fuller settled for third in the Gypsum Express Rocket after starting seventh. Eighth-starter Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, was just a couple car lengths behind Fuller in fourth with his Rocket, and polesitter Steve Shaver of Vienna, W.Va., hung on to finish fifth in a Rocket after running second for the race’s first 28 laps.

“It feels great to get back into Victory Lane,” said Frank, who registered his 15th career win on the WoO LMS. “It’s been a long time. We needed this more than anyone can believe.”

Francis, 41, never seriously challenged Frank after finally overtaking Shaver for second on lap 28. He drew within 0.8 of a second of Frank with five laps remaining but couldn’t get closer.

“I think I had just as good a car as Chub, but by the time we got up there to second late in the race it was hard to pass,” said Francis, who started sixth. “We also kinda killed our right-rear tire trying to get by Shaver, and then when I started closing on Chub I tried to drive harder because I knew the race had to be about over and I ended up losing ground.”

Grabbing the points lead back from Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who finished a quiet eighth, seemed to be little consolation for Francis. He was frustrated to once again play the bridesmaid, which stretched his winless streak to 17 races since he scored his fifth victory of 2009 on May 31 at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va.

The 41-year-old Fuller, meanwhile, gracefully accepted his streak-busting third-place finish. He couldn’t pull off any late-race dramatics after reaching third on lap 32 with a neat turn-two split of Shaver and Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va., who finished sixth and earned the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who has never won a WoO LMS A-Main and isn’t ranked among the top 12 in the points standings.

“It was good while it lasted,” Fuller said of his streak. “I wouldn’t change a thing. It was one of the biggest accomplishments of my career.

“I think we were good enough to win if we had the starting position in our favor, but I have no complaints. I’m glad to see Chub get a win. He really needed one.”

Carrier settled for sixth after his last-lap bid to pass Shaver fell short. Defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., placed seventh, followed by the 11th-starting Richards, Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich., who slipped backward from the fourth starting spot, and fifth-starter Doug Dodd of Cambridge, Ohio, a multi-time winner this season at Muskingum County.

A field numbering 41 cars assembled for the event, including five drivers not on hand when the program was postponed on July 23. Nine entered drivers did not return, but they received WoO LMS non-qualifier points because they signed in on the original date.

Another postponement appeared to be a distinct possibility when a line of thunderstorms closed in on the area late in the afternoon, but only a short period of light rain fell, causing a slight delay in the start of hot laps. More storms began to threaten the track during heat action, but once again only light precipitation fell and officials kept the program moving in rapid-fire fashion to beat the weather.

“Ronnie Moran and his staff deserve plenty of credit for getting the show in tonight,” said WoO LMS director Tim Christman. “Ronnie is a classic old-school promoter who will do everything necessary to beat the elements. All the racers and fans appreciate the effort.”

Hartman was fastest in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials at his hometown track. The 2004 WoO LMS regular turned a lap of 16.191 seconds.

Heat winners were Hartman, Shaver, Dodd and Francis. The B-Mains were captured by Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., and Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., who went on to earn the $250 Rookie of the Race bonus with his 18th-place finish in the Pepsi 40.

Devin Moran of Dresden, Ohio – the teenage son of dirt Late Model legend Donnie Moran and grandson of Muskingum County owner Ronnie Moran – qualified through a heat race in his first career WoO LMS start. He became the second 14-year-old in WoO LMS history to start an A-Main, joining 2009 Rookie of the Year contender Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

The younger Moran went on a lead-lap finish of 16th in the A-Main – six spots better than his father, who qualified through a B-Main and finished one lap down in 22nd.

The WoO LMS remains in Ohio for two more days of action at K-C Raceway in Alma, which hosts the $20,000-to-win ‘Buckeye 100’ on Fri., Aug. 21 (time trials and heat races) and Sat., Aug. 22 (B-Mains and the 100-lap A-Main). The tour’s busy weekend of rescheduled events concludes on Sun., Aug. 23, with a visit to Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Pepsi 40’ (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (2) Chub Frank/40 $7,600
2. (6) Steve Francis/40 $3,600
3. (7) Tim Fuller/40 $2,500
4. (8) Bart Hartman/40 $1,750
5. (1) Steve Shaver/40 $1,550
6. (3) Eddie Carrier Jr./40 $1,800
7. (10) Darrell Lanigan/40 $1,800
8. (11) Josh Richards/40 $1,600
9. (4) Jeep VanWormer/40 $1,000
10. (5) Doug Dodd/40 $1,000
11. (13) Austin Hubbard/40 $850
12. (9) Tony Knowles/40 $800
13. (19) Brandon Kinzer/40 $750
14. (12) Gregg Satterlee/40 $740
15. (16) Clint Smith/40 $1,210
16. (14) Devin Moran/40 $680
17. (17) Brady Smith/40 $1,150
18. (18) Jordan Bland/40 $1,280
19. (23) Rick Eckert/40 $1,120
20. (22) Russell King/40 $1,110
21. (24) Shane Clanton/40 $1,100
22. (20) Donnie Moran/39 $600
23. (15) Doug Drown/39 $600
24. (21) Zach Dohm/39 $600
25. (25) Cody Parker/39 $600

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 11 Mins., 43.664 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.962 Secs.
Yellow Flags: None
Lap Leaders: Frank (1-40)
Provisional Starters: Eckert, Clanton (WoO); Parker (track)
Rookie of the Race: Bland ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Carrier ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Brandon Bilskie (Frank)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 75-Bart Hartman/Zanesville, OH 16.191
2. 30-Steve Shaver/Vienna, WV 16.256
3. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 16.292
4. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 16.316
5. 17T-Zach Dohm/Cross Lanes, WV 16.364
6. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 16.375
7. 12d-Doug Dodd/Cambridge, OH 16.379
8. 22-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 16.447
9. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 16.449
10. 28-Eddie Carrier Jr./Salt Rock, WV 16.456
11. 12x-Doug Drown/Wooster, OH 16.464
12. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 16.466
13. 26-Tony Knowles/Tyrone, GA 16.471
14. 99d-Devin Moran/Dresden, OH 16.476
15. 12A-Rick Aukland/Zanesville, OH 16.495
16. 55-Jeep VanWormer/Pinconning, MI 16.504
17. 37-Jared Hawkins/Fairmont, WV 16.520
18. 11R-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 16.527
19. 11B-Kyle Bates/Kimbolton, OH 16.537
20. 43d-Don Shrigley/Pataskala, OH 16.543
21. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 16.544
22. 18K-Brandon Kinzer/Allen, KY 16.550
23. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 16.556
24. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 16.563
25. 11A-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 16.605
26. 12H-Weston Hutchinson/New Concord, OH 16.608
27. 11H-Rick Combs/Bethel, OH 16.623
28. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 16.706
29. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 16.733
30. 63-Cody Parker/Zanesville, OH 16.744
31. 33M-Bob Moskey/St. Clairsville, OH 16.762
32. 33b-Steve Bigley/Guysville, OH 16.783
33. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 16.803
34. 18c-Chris Carpenter/Parkersburg, WV 16.811
35. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 16.857
36. 59-Tracy Fritter/Zanesville, OH 16.865
37. 21W-Bryan Casey/Coshocton, OH 16.876
38. 83-Steve Prince/Newark, OH 17.119
39. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 17.219
40. 99-Donnie Moran/Dresden, OH 18.345
41. 88d-Eric Dixon/Newark, OH 19.956

Drivers entered on July 23 who did not return: Craig Vosbergen, Steve Casebolt, Mike Knight, Robbie Blair, Jason Montgomery, Jill George, Tim Dohm, Russ Frohnopfel, Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Hartman, Frank, Knowles, Hubbard, B. Smith, Z. Dohm, Casey, Dixon, Clanton, Eckert, Hawkins

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Shaver, Carrier, Lanigan, Devin Moran, Kinzer, Parker, Hutchinson, Carpenter, Prince, Reddick

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Dodd, Fuller, Richards, Drown, Robinson, Aukland, Bates, Combs, Moskey, Hapka

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Francis, VanWormer, Satterlee, C. Smith, Bland, King, Donnie Moran, Bigley, Fritter, Shrigley

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): B. Smith, Kinzer, Z. Dohm, Parker, Carpenter, Hutchinson, Eckert, Clanton, Casey, Reddick, Dixon, Prince (DNS) Hawkins

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Bland, Donnie Moran, King, Bigley, Moskey, Fritter, Hapka, Combs, Robinson (DNS) Aukland, Bates, Shrigley

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Chris Carpenter, Bob Moskey
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Eddie Carrier Jr.
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Chub Frank
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Doug Dodd
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Doug Dodd
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Brady Smith, Jordan Bland
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Steve Shaver
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Bart Hartman
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Chub Frank
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Steve Shaver
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Clint Smith
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Chub Frank
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Rick Aukland
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Chub Frank

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Aug. 20 – 31 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Steve Francis 4229 (-0)
2. Josh Richards 4223 (-6)
3. Darrell Lanigan 4191 (-38)
4. Tim Fuller 4089 (-140)
5. Rick Eckert 4063 (-166)
6. Shane Clanton 4021 (-208)
7. Chub Frank 3963 (-266)
8. Brady Smith 3958 (-271)
9. Clint Smith 3809 (-420)
10. Russell King 3363 (-866)
11. Jordan Bland 3359 (-870)
12. Brent Robinson 3161 (-1068)
13. Dustin Hapka 2935 (-1294)
14. Tyler Reddick 2726 (-1503)
15. Vic Coffey 2501 (-1728)
16. Austin Hubbard 2204 (-2025)
17. Matt Lux 1530 (-2699)
18. Shannon Babb 1470 (-2759)
19. Gregg Satterlee 1326 (-2903)
20. Dan Stone 1213 (-3016)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

This Weekend’s $20,000-To-Win Buckeye 100 At K-C Raceway Excites Title Contender Steve Francis

ALMA, OH - Aug. 19, 2009 - Locked in a titanic three-way battle for the $100,000 World of Outlaws Late Model Series points title, Steve Francis couldn’t pick a better place to visit this weekend than Schrader’s K-C Raceway.

After all, Francis considers the three-eighths-mile oval one of his hometracks – and he gets a chance to chase a whopping $20,000 top prize for winning the ‘Buckeye 100’ that headlines the two-day racing spectacular.

Postponed by rain on its original date in early May, the Buckeye 100 will bring a big event from K-C Raceway’s past back to the forefront. Time trials and qualifying heats are scheduled for Friday night (Aug. 21), with B-Mains and the 100-lap A-Main featured on Saturday night (Aug. 22).

Francis, 41, lives just over an hour’s drive southeast of K-C Raceway in Ashland, Ky., making this weekend a rare opportunity for him to perform in front of familiar faces. In the midst of a long season on the WoO LMS road with the Beitler Motorsports team, he’s hoping a little home cooking can go a long way.

“This is the closest we race to home all year on the Outlaw circuit, so we’re looking forward to it,” said Francis, the 2007 WoO LMS champion and a tour regular since its reincarnation under the World Racing Group banner in 2004. “A lot of my family and friends will come to watch us. That always is kind of special and makes you feel comfortable.”

Francis also has a pretty long and successful history at K-C. It was among the first tracks that he competed at as a 16-year-old dirt Late Model rookie and he’s made plenty of Victory Lane appearances there, including after numerous regular-show scores early in his career.

The driver known as the ‘Kentucky Colonel’ has already made one start at K-C this season, finishing third in the 50-lap ‘Night The Stars Come Out’ event on July 3.

“The K-C now is not the K-C I raced on early in my career,” described Francis, who finished second to Rod Conley of Wheelersburg, Ohio, in last year’s 50-lap WoO LMS A-Main at K-C. “They’ve moved that backstretch way out and made it more circular than when I first started running there, but it’s an excellent place to race. I always enjoy running there.

“I’m not sure what to expect with a hundred-lapper because the weather effects that racetrack quite a bit, so a lot is gonna depend of whether it’s a real hot day or if it’s cloudy. But I know (promoter Jeff Schrader and his crew) have been doing an excellent job preparing the place this year, so I know it’ll be racy.”

Francis enters this week’s WoO LMS action, which also includes rescheduled events on Thursday night (Aug. 20) at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio, and Sunday night (Aug. 23) at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa., sitting second in the points standings. He’s just six points behind 21-year-old Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who regained the points lead last Saturday night at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway after Francis suffered a blown right-rear tire running third with just six laps remaining and finished 10th.

With defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., a mere 34 points behind Richards in third place, it’s clear the 2009 points race is set to go down to the wire. Thirteen events remain on the tour schedule.

“We all know this thing – as close as me, Josh and Darrell are – it’s gonna come down to luck,” Francis said of the championship battle. “We’re all running too even for luck to not decide this thing. Something dumb is gonna happen to one or two of us, and the other guy is gonna be the winner.”

Of course, Francis would seem to have an advantage on his championship rivals in that he’s been involved in multiple nip-and-tuck, down-to-the-wire points races during his career. While this is Richards’s first real experience with a tight title pursuit and Lanigan ran away with last year’s crown by a series-record points margin, Francis knows the tension involved with a close points fight. Francis finished a heartbreaking second in both the 2004 and 2005 WoO LMS points battles; he actually finished dead-locked in the ’05 standings with Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., but Moyer was declared the champ on a tie-breaker (runner-up finishes).

“Not taking anything away from what they got going on, but maybe I understand (a close points race) a little different than they do,” said Francis, who has five tour wins this season but last reached Victory Lane on May 31 at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va. “Sometimes you can get a little ‘tight’ and think about the points too much.”

With a championship prize of 100-grand on the line and every finishing position critical in a three-driver race, the pressure definitely builds. Francis admitted that he got to thinking about points in the last WoO LMS event at Hagerstown – a pitfall he hopes to mostly avoid as the season continues down its homestretch.

“I can’t say we got too ‘tight’ (at Hagerstown), but we just didn’t gamble as much as we could have,” remarked Francis. “(Tim) Fuller (who blew out the field for his record-tying fourth consecutive WoO LMS victory) gambled on a tire choice that I had in my head that I wanted to do. I told four or five people (during the night) that I wanted to do it, but I ended doing what I said I wasn’t gonna do – for some stupid reason, I started points racing. Fuller put on the softer right-rear tire that I had in my head all night, and I stayed with a harder, safer choice.

“Now we still would’ve gotten out of (Hagerstown) with a second or third if we didn’t get the flat tire, which wouldn’t have been the end of the world. But I said I was gonna gamble on winning this year and not worry about the points, and we didn’t do that. I know that the (Hoosier) 1600 or LM-40 is the tire of choice (at Hagerstown) – always has been – so what Fuller put on was a big gamble. He could’ve won the race or been a 10th place car, but I knew the tire we ran was gonna get us a top-five no matter what.”

With a $20,000 first-place check up for grabs at K-C, Francis said he plans to go with his “first instinct” in hopes of depositing that money in his bank account.

Francis, Richards and Lanigan will face plenty of competition in the Buckeye 100, starting with arguably the two hottest dirt Late Model drivers in the country: Watertown, N.Y.’s Fuller and Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis. Fuller carries a four-race tour win streak into this week’s action, while Mars has scored $50,000 victories in the USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. (where he led Fuller under the checkered flag) and the North-South 100 at Florence Speedway in Union, Ky., over the past three weeks.

The traveling WoO LMS roster will feature Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who won the 2007 Dirt Track World Championship 100 at K-C; defending World 100 winner Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

Also expected are a host of well-known national and regional talents, including 2006 WoO LMS champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., 2006 DTWC winner Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, Donnie Moran of Dresden, Ohio, Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich., Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, 2006 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va., 2008 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., 17-year-old sensation Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., Brandon Kinzer of Allen, Ky., Josh McGuire of Grayson, Ky., Ben Adkins of West Portsmouth, Ohio, and the three-driver Conley team (father Delmas, who leads K-C’s points standings, and his sons Rod and R.J.) from Wheelersburg, Ohio.

The Buckeye 100 – a traditional event at the Southeastern Ohio track during the ‘60s and into the ‘70s – will include complete shows for the open-wheel Modified and Hobby Stock divisions on Fri., Aug. 21, and another full program for the open-wheel Modifieds on Sat., Aug. 22.

Two-day tickets for the Buckeye 100 weekend are $40. Single-day tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids (6-12) on Friday night, and $35 for adults and $15 for kids (6-12) on Saturday night.

Pit passes are $25 for Friday and $40 for Saturday, with two-day passes costing $60.

Free overnight camping is allowed on the K-C Raceway grounds for the weekend.

Pit gates are scheduled to open at 3:30 p.m., with racing set to start at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 7 p.m. on Saturday.

K-C Raceway is located 12 miles south of Chillicothe, Ohio, in Alma, two miles off SR 23 on Blain Highway.

For more information on K-C Raceway and the Buckeye 100 visit www.kc-raceway.com or call 740-663-4141.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Drive For Five: Fuller Goes For World of Outlaws Late Model Series Consecutive-Win Record Thursday (Aug. 20) At Muskingum County Speedway

ZANESVILLE, OH - Aug. 18, 2009 - Can anyone stop Tim Fuller on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series?

That question will be answered on Thursday night (Aug. 20) at Muskingum County Speedway, where Fuller will bid to set the tour’s modern-era (2004-present) consecutive win record in the rescheduled ‘Pepsi 40.’

Fuller, 41, of Watertown, N.Y., is on an absolute roll, carrying a four-race win streak into the $7,000-to-win mid-week event. His runaway victory last Saturday night at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway allowed him to equal the WoO LMS record of four wins in a row established in 2006 by Rick Eckert of York, Pa.

The 2007 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year feels confident that he can make Outlaw history.

“I never would’ve thought we would win four in a row, so anything’s possible,” said Fuller, a veteran DIRTcar Racing Northeast big-block Modified standout who switched his focus to dirt Late Model racing in 2007. “It would be great if we beat the record, but if we don’t, we don’t. We’ll just move on to the next race.”

Muskingum County would seem to be a great place for Fuller to chase the mark. He proved he can get around Ronnie Moran’s three-eighths-mile oval in the first-ever WoO LMS event held there in 2008, charging from the 18th starting spot to finish second. In addition, before rain postponed this year’s ‘Pepsi 40’ on its original July 23 date, he qualified 10th-fastest among 45 cars in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials.

With WoO LMS rules dictating that Thursday’s program will start from scratch, Fuller will have a whole new set of time trials to perhaps put him in even better position for a fifth straight checkered flag.

“I feel pretty good about going there,” Fuller said of Muskingum County. “We were pretty good there last year – we gambled on a tire (compound) in the feature and it worked out for us – and I think we were gonna be O.K. there last month if it wouldn’t have rained.

“But it’s no secret how you win these races. You gotta time trial well. You gotta draw (starting spots for the A-Main) well. You gotta make good choices.

“Right now everything we’re doing is right,” he added. “For some reason all my dials are pointing up. We’re just gonna try to keep riding the wave as long as we can.”

Fuller started his sizzling summer streak with his first WoO LMS win of the season on July 25 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio. He went on to enjoy a big weekend at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. – winning a WDRL event on July 30 and scoring a $20,000 second-place finish in the USA Nationals 100 on Aug. 1 – before sweeping last weekend’s three-race WoO LMS Mid-Atlantic swing, which made him the first driver in the tour’s modern era to win A-Mains at three different tracks on consecutive nights.

Throw in Fuller’s two lucrative DIRTcar big-block Modified outings on off weekends – a $6,000 runner-up finish on July 19 in the All-Star 100 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, N.Y., and a $6,000 victory on Aug. 8 in the Super DIRTcar Series 100 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway – and his earnings for the past five weeks total over $76,000.

“My best stretch of racing ever was in 2004 when I won the Victoria 200 (at New York’s Fulton Speedway) and Syracuse (the Rite Aid 200 at the one-mile New York State Fairgrounds) in the same week,” said Fuller, remembering back-to-back big-block Modified triumphs worth $25,000 and $50,000-plus, respectively. “But as far as racing at this level, against the best dirt Late Model drivers in the country, nothing tops what we’re doing right now.”

How did Fuller and his Gypsum Express team suddenly get on such a roll? He has no real answer for that question.

“We have been good since Ohsweken (Ontario on June 18) but just hadn’t been able to close the deal,” said Fuller, whose outburst has moved him to fifth in the WoO LMS points standings, just six points behind fourth-place Eckert. “I think we had a good enough car to win at Ohsweken but we broke a shock. We broke leading at Canandaigua (on June 23). We were fast at Lernerville (the Firecracker 100 on June 27) but got tangled up with (Brian) Birkhofer.

“Now we have luck on our side, we’re getting all the breaks. I don’t know what changed. Why do you win on a slot machine? It’s just your time. When it’s on, it’s on.”

Fuller will face a star-studded lineup of drivers at Muskingum County, including the top three in the current WoO LMS points standings – leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., last year’s MCR winner Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and defending tour champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky.

Other World of Outlaws travelers ready for Muskingum’s raindate include Eckert, Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

MCR’s talented field is also expected to include O’Reilly All-Star Late Model Series points leader Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa., 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa., Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, Rick Aukland of Zanesville, Ohio, Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va., Robbie Blair of Titusville, Pa., Doug Dodd of Cambridge, Ohio, and Doug Drown of Wooster, Ohio.

And of course, dirt Late Model legend Donnie Moran and his 14-year-old son Devin – the son and grandson, respectively, of track owner Ronnie Moran – will be ready to defend their home turf. Donnie has several victories at MCR this season and Devin recently captured his first career win behind the wheel of a dirt Late Model at the track.

Thursday’s program, which also includes Muskingum’s Modified and Pure Stock classes, will see pit gates open at 2 p.m. and the spectator gates unlocked at 4 p.m. Racing is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

General admission is $25, with kids 6-11 admitted for $5 and children 5-and-under free of charge. Reserved seats are available in the top two rows of the grandstand, and pit passes will be $40.

For more information, visit www.mcspeedway.20m.com or call 740-754-9199 (track) or 740-763-3991 (office).

The event kicks off four straight nights of racing for the WoO LMS, which will contest the $20,000-to-win ‘Buckeye 100’ on Friday and Saturday (Aug. 21-22) at K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio, and a rescheduled Ohio Speedweek show on Sunday (Aug. 23) at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Wrapping Up The Three-Race Mid-Atlantic Swing

CONCORD, NC - Aug. 17, 2009 -

WINNING DECISION: Tim Fuller has made plenty of on-the-money decisions during his current World of Outlaws Late Model Series win streak, which swelled to a record-tying four in-a-row with his sweep of last weekend’s three-race Mid-Atlantic Region swing.

But the Watertown, N.Y., star’s shrewdest call might have come before Saturday night’s 50-lap A-Main at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway – when he made a Hoosier tire choice that ultimately helped propel him to a runaway victory.

Fuller, 41, carefully considered his options before finally going with a softer tire-compound selection that snookered his competition.

“We had 40s (compound tires) ready for the right side and a 1450 and 1425 (compounds) ready for the right side,” Fuller said of his pre-race thought process for the half-mile oval. “We finally put the (softer) 1450 and 1425 on. After we dropped the car down (off the jack), Bob (Wirts of Hoosier Tire Mid-Atlantic) came over to me and said, ‘What did you go with?’ I said, ‘1450 and 1425,’ and then he said, ‘You sure?’ I just told him, ‘God hates a coward.’

“Bob said, ‘You know, you can change (the tires) right now because everybody’s going with (harder) 1600s,’ but I said, ‘I don’t care. I’m going for it.’ We aren’t in a points battle for the championship (Fuller is fifth in the WoO LMS standings, 144 points behind leader Josh Richards), so you gotta know the top three guys (Richards, Steve Francis and Darrell Lanigan) are going a little on the conservative side. They don’t think they are, but they are.”

After decimating the field to equal Rick Eckert’s modern-era WoO LMS consecutive win record of four (set in 2006), Fuller was congratulated in Victory Lane by an obviously pumped Wirts.

“He was happy because (Hagerstown) has been known as an American Racer racetrack and he wants everybody to see that running a (Hoosier) 1450 can work,” said Fuller. “Guys haven’t dared (use a 1450) because they thought they’d get beat – and now I win on a 1450, so it’s kind of a selling point for him.”

PLEASING THE BOSS: Fuller’s 40-lap triumph last Thursday night at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., was extra special to him personally because his car owners, upstate New York trucking company magnate and major racing supporter John Wight and his wife Laura, were on hand for the event.

It marked the first time in three years of dirt Late Model racing that Fuller was victorious in front of the Wights, who also fielded Late Models at Grandview that were driven by DIRTcar big-block Modified superstar Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y. (he finished 15th after his night was set back by a broken right-front shock during heat action) and their 16-year-old son Larry Wight (DNQ after being involved in a B-Main tangle).

“Winning in front of our owners is a first,” Fuller said with a smile in Grandview’s pit area. “They have so much going on with their Modified teams (including cars for Decker, Wight and New Yorker Pat Ward) and the racetracks (they now own central New York’s Brewerton and Fulton speedways), the only time they really ever see me race (the Late Model) is on the (WoO LMS Great) Northern Tour and down in Florida (in February).

“It was great to have them here. They spend all their hard-earned money to see their car do something eventually, so it’s great to win one for them.”

Fuller had also expected to visit at Grandview with his former DIRTcar big-block Modified owner, Bob Faust, whose home is Slatington, Pa., is about 35 miles north of the track. But the animated Faust didn’t show up – and Fuller let his old boss have it for skipping the event. While still standing in Victory Lane, Fuller used a friend’s cell phone to leave a message that busted Faust’s stones.

“He said he was coming, but he got scared of the rain,” quipped Fuller, who drove for Faust from 1999-2005. “Of course, it stopped raining here by noon – the clear blue sky chased the rain out of here. You could’ve got a suntan today, but Bob was scared of the rain.”

HAGERSTOWN TURNAROUNDS: The performance of WoO LMS title contenders Josh Richards and Darrell Lanigan at Hagerstown Speedway last Saturday night was 180 degrees different than their previous tour appearance there on May 30.

For Richards, that was a good thing. For Lanigan, that was bad.

Back in the spring 50-lapper, Lanigan finished second and Richards struggled to a 17th-place finish (one lap down). They basically flipped fortunes on Saturday night – Richards was a solid runner-up in the A-Main, while Lanigan finished 17th (one lap down) after using a provisional to get in the headliner.

“I’m just ecstatic with second,” said Richards, who regained the points lead after Francis blew a right-rear tire running third with six laps remaining and settled for a 10th-place finish. “We struggled so bad with a new car in the last Outlaw race here, so we came in here tonight with our minds clear and did our own thing.

“That last time here was bad, probably our worst night of the year. I felt exactly the way Darrell does after leaving here tonight. We were just out to lunch.”

Lanigan experienced arguably his most frustrating outing of the season. His chief mechanic, Randall Edwards, said the team “got behind the eight-ball at the start of the night – and at a place like this, you’re not gonna catch up.”

SUCCESSFUL RELATIVES: While Edwards’s weekend ended on a sour note with Lanigan’s difficult night at Hagerstown, he received great family news the previous evening when he learned that his nephew by marriage, Brit Miller, enjoyed a spectacular NFL debut playing for the San Francisco 49ers in a pre-season game.

An All-Big 10 middle linebacker at the University of Illinois last season, Miller was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Carolina Panthers but was cut on June 30. He was picked up off waivers one week later by the 49ers, converted to a fullback and played in the team’s pre-season opener last Friday night against the Denver Broncos. Miller promptly caught a pair of touchdown passes – a three-yard score in the second quarter and a 40-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter that gave the 49ers a 17-16 victory.

Miller, whose mother is a sister of Edwards’s wife Lauri, called Edwards on Sunday and said he had watched the telecast of Lanigan’s ‘Gopher 50’ victory at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., the previous day on SPEED. The conversation, of course, also moved to the details of Miller’s performance at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

“I said to him, ‘Were you nervous?’” related Edwards, who watched Miller’s second touchdown run on the satellite television in Lanigan’s hauler after Friday night’s race at Bedford (Pa.) Speedway. “He told me, ‘I didn’t have enough time to be nervous. I thought I was supposed to only play the second half, but halfway through the first quarter they called my name and said, Brit, get your ass in there.’”

Edwards said that Miller, a native of Decatur, Ill., is a big race fan. This year, in fact, Miller attended the WoO LMS ‘Illini 100’ at Farmer City (Ill.) Raceway along with several of his teammates from the University of Illinois.

Another familiar face on the WoO LMS scene this season, Rookie of the Year contender Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., also had a relative do some big things away from the racetrack in recent weeks. Bland’s 19-year-old sister, Jefra, finished sixth in the Miss Teen USA 2009 pageant held on July 31 at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

With the WoO LMS idle the week of the contest, Bland traveled to the Bahamas to see his sister compete. He said Jefra, a University of Kentucky student and aspiring auto racing broadcaster who gained entry to the national competition by winning the Miss Kentucky Teen USA pageant, threw out a dirt Late Model reference during the question-and-answer segment on stage.

“They asked her, ‘What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?” said Bland. “She said, ‘Watch my brother make the World 100 (in 2008 at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway).’”

MAJOR LETDOWN: The WoO LMS schedule seemed to favor Rick Eckert with back-to-back events at Bedford Speedway (where he won four consecutive dirt Late Model championships) and Hagerstown Speedway (where he’s scored many big wins, including two WoO LMS events).

But when the weekend was over, Eckert had finishes of 24th at Bedford and 14th at Hagerstown to his credit. He wasn’t a factor in either A-Main, leaving him very frustrated.

“The last two nights were definitely disappointing,” said Eckert, who entered the three-race swing 72 points out of first in the WoO LMS standings and ended it trailing points leader Richards by 138 points (and ahead of fifth-place Fuller by a mere six markers). “We were looking forward to running two places close to home that we know pretty well, but we weren’t any good both nights.”

Using a new-style engine at Bedford, Eckert struggled during qualifying and was an early A-Main retiree due to problems under the hood. He won a heat race at Hagerstown and drew the fifth starting spot for the A-Main, but he tumbled backward with an ill-performing machine and went down a lap to Fuller by lap 36.

YOUNGSTERS TO WATCH: Austin Hubbard and Gregg Satterlee – two up-and-coming drivers who are possible WoO LMS Rookie of the Year applicants in 2010 – flashed some of their vast potential during the Mid-Atlantic swing.

Hubbard, a 17-year-old from Seaford, Del., who will soon start his senior year of high school, registered his third top-five finish of the ’09 tour with a fifth-place run on Thursday night at Grandview. He scored his first career WoO LMS fast-time honor on Friday at Bedford Speedway and finished sixth in the A-Main, and then on Saturday night he placed a solid eighth at Hagerstown to join Fuller, Francis, Richards and Vic Coffey as drivers with a top-10 finish in all three events.

Satterlee, meanwhile, was impressive at Bedford, leading laps 1-27 and finishing a WoO LMS career-best fifth. The 24-year-old from Rochester Mills, Pa., was only slightly disappointed to slip backward after pacing more than half the distance.

“I’m real happy with a fifth,” said Satterlee, who competed at Bedford with his father as his only crewman. “I went a little too soft with my left-rear (American Racer tire) so the car didn’t stick as good in the turns as the race went on, but I’m still pretty satisfied. I haven’t really run that many 50-lappers yet so we’re still learning.”

ETCETERA:

* All the cars in action Friday at Bedford carried stickers that read ‘Get Well Soon Mary Ann’ in honor of Bedford co-promoter J.R. Keifer’s wife, who was seriously injured in a highway motorcycle crash on Aug. 9. With Mary Ann in a Pittsburgh hospital recovering from leg, wrist, elbow and back injuries, J.R. was by her side and missing from Bedford’s program.

Drivers collected over $5,100 for Mary Ann’s recovery when they went through the stands with their helmets prior to the start of the A-Main, and several competitors donated such items as race car doors and firesuits that will be auctioned off to raise more money for Mary Ann’s medical treatment.

* Four-time Bedford Speedway champion and current points leader Jack Pencil saw his hopes for a magical night at his hometrack evaporate with the wave of his heat race’s green flag. After timing sixth-fastest to earn an outside-pole starting spot in the second heat, Pencil pulled up lame in turn two on the opening lap with terminal motor trouble.

Pencil did get a chance to start the A-Main using a track provisional thanks to WoO LMS regular Chub Frank, who pulled out his backup car for Pencil to use. Ironically, both Pencil and Frank have experienced shop fires that leveled their garages – Frank in 2005, and Pencil five months ago.

* Brady Smith was still searching for his first win as a WoO LMS regular in 2009 after lagging through a three-race Mid-Atlantic swing that he called “a trip from hell.” His only top 10 was a ninth at Grandview, and he had to change motors after breaking a powerplant at Bedford.

UP NEXT: The WoO LMS returns to action on Thursday night (Aug. 20), contesting the rescheduled Pepsi 40 at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio. Then the tour moves to K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio, for the $20,000-to-win Buckeye 100 on Friday and Saturday nights (Aug. 21-22) and runs a rescheduled 50-lap event on Sunday night (Aug. 23) at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Four In A Row: Fuller Continues World of Outlaws Late Model Series Win Streak With Dominant Performance At Hagerstown Speedway

HAGERSTOWN, MD - Aug. 15, 2009 - And the streak continues.

Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., captured his fourth World of Outlaws Late Model Series win in a row on Saturday night, rolling to a dominant victory in the 50-lap A-Main at Hagerstown Speedway.

The $10,600 triumph was historic for the 41-year-old Fuller, who equaled Rick Eckert’s modern-era (2004-present) WoO LMS consecutive-win record of four established in 2006. He will attempt to set a new mark on Aug. 20 when the tour visits Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio.

“This is just unbelievable,” said Fuller, who pushed his WoO LMS career win total to seven by completing a sweep of the three-race Mid-Atlantic swing. “I don’t know what to say. No one would’ve ever expected this after our rough start in Late Model racing in 2007.

“To be able to tie Rick Eckert – who’s done so many things in Late Model racing – for a World of Outlaws record just blows my mind. This ranks right up there at the top of my accomplishments, that’s for sure.”

Fuller showed just how things are going his way when he drew the pole position for the A-Main for the second consecutive night. He was outgunned for the lead at the initial green flag by front-row mate Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., but he used the outside lane through turns three and four to sail by Richards and gain control for good on lap eight.

Not a single driver threatened Fuller’s Gypsum Express Rocket car for the remainder of the race, which was slowed by a single caution flag, on lap 44, when Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., relinquished third place – and the WoO LMS points lead – due to a blown right-rear tire.

Richards, 21, settled for a distant runner-up finish in the Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket, 2.623 seconds behind Fuller. The performance elevated Richards back into the WoO LMS points lead by six points over Francis, who finished 10th after pitting to change his car’s tire.

Jason Covert of York Haven, Pa., climbed forward from the 11th starting spot to place third in Barry Klinedinst’s Rocket, earning the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hadn’t won a WoO LMS A-Main and wasn’t ranked among the top 12 in the tour points standings. He picked up two spots running the outside groove after the lap-44 restart.

D.J. Myers of Greencastle, Pa., finished fourth in Greg Gunter’s PPM Chassis, matching his career-best WoO LMS finish established just two nights earlier at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa. Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., was fifth in the RSD Enterprises Rocket after charging forward from the 14th starting spot to crack the top five with a lap-49 pass of Greencastle, Pa.’s Gary Stuhler.

Fuller credited his powerful run to the softer-compound Hoosier tires that he decided to bolt on his car. He knew his choice was correct when his machine stuck like glue to the high side of the half-mile oval.

“I was following Josh until I got up on the top (on lap eight) and dragged him in (to turn three) about three car lengths,” said Fuller, who uses a Custom Chevy engine. “When my car stayed up there, I said, ‘This is over.’ He sealed his tire up a little bit and mine just kept eating up there in the loose stuff (cushion).”

Fuller pulled away to lead by as much as a full straightaway even while dealing with lapped traffic. He lapped up to the 12th-place car.

“And I could’ve went faster too – that’s the sad part,” Fuller said with a sheepish grin. “Smoke (his crew chief Mike Countryman) kept calming me down (with infield signals), and trying to save my tires. We had gone softer with our tire, so I didn’t know what it was gonna look like.”

Richards simply had no answer for Fuller’s onslaught.

“I felt like we had a really good car,” said Richards. “But when we were leading the race I knew as good as Fuller’s been that he’d be coming, and sure enough he passed me.

“After the race I found out he was on a little bit softer tires, but honestly, the way he’s been going, I don’t think tires would’ve made a difference. I’m just ecstatic with second.”

Richards felt pressure for second from Francis just before the race’s halfway mark, but mechanical trouble hampered Francis’s Beitler Motorsports Rocket and ultimately popped his tire.

“We broke a birdcage when I got on the outside of Josh and made that big run,” said Francis, who started seventh. “The right-rear wheel got to running back-and-forth, and eventually it got back into the body and the quarter-panel cut the tire down.

“I knew what was going on when I came back out, so I kinda had to take it easy to make it to the finish. At least we were able to salvage a 10th.

“We all know that as close as this points deal is between me, Darrell (Lanigan) and Josh, it’s gonna come down to a little bit of luck,” he added. “Maybe I had my bad luck tonight and that’s the worst it’ll get.”

Union, Ky.’s Lanigan, meanwhile, experienced a rare off-night. He used a provisional to start the A-Main and was never a factor, going down a lap to Fuller on lap 19 and finishing 17th to fall 34 points behind Richards.

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Stuhler, who had Paul Crowl’s No. 7 in the top five for most of the distance; Nick Dickson of Lewistown, Pa.; 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del.; 17th-starter Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y.; and Francis.

A field of 43 cars assembled for the second WoO LMS event of 2009 at Hagerstown.

Richards was fastest in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials for the second time on the three-race Mid-Atlantic swing, turning a lap of 18.742 seconds.

Heat winners were Rick Eckert of York, Pa., Stuhler, Fuller and Myers. The B-Mains were captured by Coffey and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.

The WoO LMS will return to action on Thursday night (Aug. 20), contesting the rescheduled Pepsi 40 at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio. Then the tour moves to K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio, for the $20,000-to-win Buckeye 100 on Friday and Saturday nights (Aug. 21-22) and a rescheduled 50-lap event on Sunday night (Aug. 23) at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series at Hagerstown Speedway (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (1) Tim Fuller/50 $10,600
2. (2) Josh Richards/50 $5,550
3. (11) Jason Covert/50 $3,500
4. (3) D.J. Myers/50 $2,500
5. (14) Shane Clanton/50 $2,500
6. (4) Gary Stuhler/50 $1,750
7. (10) Nick Dickson/50 $1,400
8. (12) Austin Hubbard/50 $1,300
9. (17) Vic Coffey/50 $1,200
10. (7) Steve Francis/50 $1,800
11. (6) Frankie Plessinger/50 $1,050
12. (13) Jim Yoder/50 $1,000
13. (18) Brady Smith/49 $1,450
14. (5) Rick Eckert/49 $1,400
15. (20) Jordan Bland/49 $1,600
16. (19) Darryl Hills/49 $800
17. (23) Darrell Lanigan/49 $1,370
18. (24) Russell King/49 $1,250
19. (9) Les Hare/49 $730
20. (21) Chub Frank/49 $1,200
21. (8) Andy Anderson/43 $700
22. (16) Ronnie DeHaven Jr./34 $700
23. (15) Jeremy Miller/33 $700
24. (22) Clint Smith/25 $1,200
25. (25) Roy Deese Jr./22 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 21 Mins., 21.832 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 2.623 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 1 (Lap 44)
Lap Leaders: Richards (1-7); Fuller (8-50)
Provisional Starters: Lanigan, King (WoO); Deese (track)
Rookie of the Race: Bland ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Covert ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Brian Klinedinst (Covert)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 18.742
2. 9-Frankie Plessinger/Big Cove Tannery, PA 18.744
3. 19-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 18.772
4. 3s-Rusty Sites/Chambersburg, PA 18.778
5. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 18.821
6. 7-Gary Stuhler/Greencastle, PA 18.821
7. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 18.825
8. 1D-Ronnie DeHaven Jr./Winchester, VA 18.854
9. 8-Les Hare/Felton, PA 18.885
10. 7H-Darryl Hills/Great Mills, MD 18.905
11. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 18.919
12. 46-Marvin Winters/McConnellsburg, PA 18.922
13. 27-Jim Yoder/Selinsgrove, PA 18.927
14. 21-Matt Lux/Franklin, PA 18.944
15. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 18.959
16. 70J-D.J. Myers/Greencastle, PA 19.007
17. 215-Al Shawver Jr./Hampstead, MD 19.021
18. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 19.083
19. 43A-Jason Covert/York Haven, PA 19.084
20. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 19.126
21. B2-Brian Booze/Marion, PA 19.148
22. 17-Nick Dickson/Lewistown, PA 19.157
23. 24-Jeremy Miller/Gettysburg, PA 19.159
24. 05-Roy Deese Jr./Laurel, MD 19.171
25. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 19.174
26. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 19.194
27. 88J-Keith Jackson/Odenton, MD 19.224
28. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 19.228
29. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 19.244
30. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 19.331
31. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 19.348
32. 91A-Andy Anderson/Bunker Hills, WV 19.367
33. 74-Tyler Hershey/Mercersburg, PA 19.379
34. 21d-Dan Stone/Thompson, PA 19.470
35. 06-Mike Lupfer/Shermansdale, PA 19.479
36. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 19.783
37. 73-Al Cheney/Hamilton Square, NJ 19.859
38. 81-Scott Cross/Centerville, MD 19.897
39. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 19.975
40. 43-Bryan Wright/Front Royal, VA 20.010
41. 1-J.T. Spence/Winchester, VA 20.129
42. 88E-Ricky Elliott/Seaford, DE 18.978 (DQ – no scales)
43. 92-Harold Dorsey Jr./Essex, MD 19.530 (DQ – light)

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Eckert, Richards, Hare, Yoder, Coffey, Frank, Booze, Spence, Shawver, Hershey, Cheney

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Stuhler, Plessinger, Dickson, Clanton, Hills, Lux, Elliott, Stone, Robinson, Cross, Reddick

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Fuller, Francis, Covert, Miller, B. Smith, Bland, King, Jackson, Lupfer, Dorsey, C. Smith

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Myers, Anderson, Hubbard, DeHaven, Lanigan, Sites, Deese, Winters, Hapka, Wright

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Coffey, Hills, Frank, Elliott, Booze, Spence, Stone, Shawver, Robinson, Hershey, Cross, Cheney, Lux, Reddick

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): B. Smith, Bland, C. Smith, Winters, Sites, Deese, Dorsey, Hapka, King (DNS) Lanigan, Jackson, Lupfer, Wright

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Brian Booze, Rusty Sites
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Jason Covert
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Steve Francis
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Vic Coffey, Brady Smith
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Gary Stuhler
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Shane Clanton
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Jordan Bland
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Josh Richards
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Brent Robinson
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Aug. 15 – 30 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 4089 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 4083 (-6)
3. Darrell Lanigan 4055 (-34)
4. Rick Eckert 3951 (-138)
5. Tim Fuller 3945 (-144)
6. Shane Clanton 3913 (-176)
7. Brady Smith 3842 (-247)
8. Chub Frank 3813 (-276)
9. Clint Smith 3689 (-400)
10. Russell King 3253 (-836)
11. Jordan Bland 3245 (-844)
12. Brent Robinson 3086 (-1003)
13. Dustin Hapka 2860 (-1229)
14. Tyler Reddick 2651 (-1438)
15. Vic Coffey 2501 (-1588)
16. Austin Hubbard 2076 (-2013)
17. Matt Lux 1530 (-2559)
18. Shannon Babb 1470 (-2619)
19. Dan Stone 1213 (-2876)
20. Gregg Satterlee 1204 (-2885)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Fuller Extends World of Outlaws Late Model Series Win Streak To Three With Friday-Night Victory At Bedford Speedway

BEDFORD, PA - Aug. 14, 2009 - Tim Fuller continued his World of Outlaws Late Model Series hot streak on Friday night at Bedford Speedway.

But in order to register a third consecutive victory on the national tour, the 41-year-old from Watertown, N.Y., had to work extra hard in the half-mile fairgrounds oval’s 50-lap A-Main.

Coming off back-to-back flag-to-flag triumphs, Fuller appeared primed for another dominant performance after he drew the pole position. But he was outgunned for the lead at the start by Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa., and shortly thereafter lost second to defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky.

Fuller dug deep, however, rallying to pass Satterlee for the lead on lap 28 and then march on to a win worth $10,650. He became just the fifth driver since 2004 to capture three straight WoO LMS A-Mains.

“It’s hard to win just one World of Outlaws race, so to win three in a row – man, I never expected to do this,” said Fuller, a former Mr. DIRTcar big-block Modified champion in his third season as a WoO LMS regular. “But this is what it’s all about – for the crew guys that work so hard, the car owners who pour so much money into this, and for me. I’m making some money that I didn’t make in the spring when we were having some bad luck.”

Fuller will attempt to equal the WoO LMS modern-era (2004-present) record of four consecutive wins – set in 2006 by Rick Eckert of York, Pa. – on Saturday night (Aug. 15) at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway.

Fuller steered his Gypsum Express Rocket car across the finish line 1.232 seconds ahead of Ashland, Ky.’s Steve Francis, who was a runner-up in the Beitler Motorsports Rocket for the second consecutive night and fifth time in the last six events.

Lanigan settled for third place in his Lanigan Autosports Rocket – the same position in which he started – and seventh-starter Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., placed fourth in the Mark Richards Racing Enterprises Rocket, keeping the WoO LMS points standings razor-close for another race. Francis left Bedford leading the standings by 10 points over Richards and 14 points over Lanigan.

Satterlee, meanwhile, faded to a fifth-place finish in his family-owned Rocket car after leading laps 1-27. It was a career-best WoO LMS finish for the rising 24-year-old, who wished he had selected a bit harder American Racer tire compound but was happy with his performance nonetheless.

A possible WoO LMS Rookie of the Year applicant next season, Satterlee proved to be a formidable foe for Fuller.

“The first 15 laps or so (Satterlee) was just locked down to the ground and I said, ‘There’s no way I’m gonna pass him,’” said Fuller, the 2007 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year. “Satterlee just kept drawing away and I was driving over my head just to try and keep up with him, so I overheated my (Hoosier) tires and that’s when Lanigan got me (for second on a lap-nine restart).

“I just had to calm down a little bit and let things come to me. On the next restart (lap 14) I was a little bit more on the ball and I got Lanigan back, and then Satterlee started to slow down and I drew in on him. You could see he was starting to ‘hang’ in the corners and that’s how I got under him (for the lead on lap 28).”

Fuller’s biggest late-race obstacle wasn’t the lap-48 caution flag for Jason Covert of York Haven, Pa., who pulled up lame in turn four with a flat right-rear tire and charging from the 21st starting spot to fifth place, but rather a hairy moment in lapped traffic.

“Russ King (the race’s highest-finishing rookie) really cut me a break when I was lapping him,” said Fuller, who recorded his sixth career WoO LMS win. “I pinched him off hard to get to that bottom (in turn one) because that’s where you had to be, so he could’ve easily turned me. It could’ve been ugly, but he got out of there hard and didn’t race me. A move like that is why I hope he wins the Rookie of the Year.”

Francis, 41, slipped by Lanigan for third on lap 30 and grabbed second from Satterlee on lap 33, but the 2007 WoO LMS champion never got close enough to Fuller to make a serious bid for his sixth victory of the season.

“I think we had a shot at (Fuller) until me and Darrell (Lanigan) hit going into three (on lap 20),” said Francis, who started sixth. “It knocked all the bracing out of the right-front (bodywork) of my car, so it kept catching on the right-front wheel and I couldn’t run two consistent laps in a row.

“But really, if I was gonna pass Fuller, it would’ve been a deal where I would’ve had to catch him in lapped traffic or when he jumped over that cushion in turn four. Fuller’s just a little better than us right, so we’ll take second and go on.”

Four caution flags slowed the event, including one on lap nine for a spin in turn two by Rookie of the Year contender Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., and another on lap 14 for the slowing car driven by Eckert, who pulled into the pits with terminal problems under the hood.

Joining Eckert in the pit area before the checkered flag was his fellow Team Zero by Bloomquist campaigner, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., who retired on lap 33 with a broken motor.

Austin Hubbard, 17, of Seaford, Del., finished sixth, nipping Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., at the checkered flag by mere inches. Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., was a quiet eighth, followed by Ricky Elliott of Seaford, Del., and Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y.

A field of 44 cars assembled for the event, which was run before a large crowd on a gorgeous summer evening.

Missing from Bedford’s staff on Friday night was track co-promoter J.R. Keifer, who was at his wife Mary Ann’s hospital bed in Pittsburgh. Mary Ann suffered serious elbow, wrist and leg injuries in a motorcycle crash near Bedford on Sunday night.

Hubbard was quickest in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials, earning his first career WoO LMS fast-time honor with a lap of 19.684 seconds.

Heat winners were Elliott, Fuller, Francis and Richards. The B-Mains were captured by Bland and Eckert.

Time trials were marred by a wild accident involving Jamie Lathroum of Mechanicsville, Md., whose car dug into the track surface and flipped over the outside guardrail between turns three and four. His machine landed on its wheels and he quickly climbed out under his own power without injury.

Lathroum, who won his first career WoO LMS A-Main on May 28 at Delaware International Speedway, had his badly-battered car hauled back to the pit area dangling between two wreckers.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series at Bedford Speedway (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (1) Tim Fuller/50 $10,650
2. (6) Steve Francis/50 $5,600
3. (3) Darrell Lanigan/50 $3,600
4. (7) Josh Richards/50 $3,000
5. (2) Gregg Satterlee/50 $2,500
6. (9) Austin Hubbard/50 $1,750
7. (4) Chub Frank/50 $1,900
8. (16) Shane Clanton/50 $1,800
9. (8) Ricky Elliott/50 $1,200
10. (14) Vic Coffey/50 $1,200
11. (19) Nick Dickson/50 $1,050
12. (10) D.J. Myers/50 $1,000
13. (20) J.T. Spence/50 $950
14. (23) Russell King/49 $1,650
15. (12) Clint Smith/49 $1,350
16. (17) Jordan Bland/49 $1,300
17. (15) Tyler Reddick/49 $770
18. (24) Brent Robinson/49 $1,250
19. (21) Jason Covert/47 $730
20. (5) Jeremy Miller/43 $700
21. (22) Jeff Miller/41 $700
22. (11) Brady Smith/33 $1,200
23. (13) Matt Lux/23 $700
24. (18) Rick Eckert/14 $1,200
25. (25) Jack Pencil/8 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

NOTE: Jack Pencil started the A-Main driving Chub Frank's backup car after his own machine was sidelined by engine problems.

Time of Race: 28 Mins., 01.317 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 1.232 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 4 (Laps 9, 14, 43, 48)
Lap Leaders: Satterlee (1-27); Fuller (28-50)
Provisional Starters: King, Robinson (WoO); Pencil (track)
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Satterlee ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Mike (‘Smoke’) Countryman (Fuller)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 19.684
2. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 19.727
3. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 19.733
4. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 19.759
5. 22-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 19.851
6. 14-Jack Pencil/Bedford, PA 19.874
7. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 19.899
8. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 19.914
9. 43A-Jason Covert/York Haven, PA 19.971
10. 70J-D.J. Myers/Greencastle, PA 20.008
11. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 20.030
12. 91-J.T. Spence/Winchester, VA 20.036
13. 88-Ricky Elliott/Seaford, DE 20.049
14. 24M-Jeremy Miller/Gettysburg, PA 20.086
15. 21d-Dan Stone/Thompson, PA 20.103
16. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 20.120
17. 99-Donnie Moran/Dresden, OH 20.131
18. 27-Jim Yoder/Selinsgrove, PA 20.142
19. 39-Greg Fetters/Bedford, PA 20.144
20. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 20.161
21. 21-Matt Lux/Franklin, PA 20.165
22. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 20.170
23. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 20.241
24. 33-Scott Haus/Hamburg, PA 20.285
25. 74-Tyler Hershey/Mercersburg, PA 20.289
26. 92-Jeff Rine/Danville, PA 20.305
27. 5-Chuck Clise/Frostburg, MD 20.350
28. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 20.354
29. 7-Gary Stuhler/Greencastle, PA 20.373
30. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 20.397
31. 50E-D.J. Troutman/Hyndman, PA 20.449
32. 99B-Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 20.452
33. 17-Nick Dickson/Lewistown, PA 20.473
34. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 20.479
35. 57-Jeff Miller/Huntingdon, PA 20.484
36. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 20.498
37. 15E-Steve Everhart/Williamsburg, PA 20.527
38. 32-Dylan Yoder/Selinsgrove, PA 20.644
39. 8L-Scott LeBaron/Dover, PA 20.693
40. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 20.751
41. 83R-Scott Rhodes/Somerset, PA 20.768
42. 8A-Alan Sagi/Hagerstown, MD 20.801
43. 43d-Tom Decker Jr./Tyrone, PA 20.873
44. 6- Jamie Lathroum/Mechanicsville, MD N/T

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top Transfer): Elliott, Satterlee, Hubbard, Lux, Moran, Dickson, Stuhler, Hershey, Everhart, Covert, Rhodes

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top Transfer): Fuller, Jeremy Miller, Myers, Coffey, Bland, J. Yoder, Sagi, D. Yoder, Rine, Hapka, Pencil

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top Transfer): Francis, Frank, B. Smith, Reddick, Clise, Jeff Miller, Troutman, Fetters, LeBaron, Stone, Decker

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top Transfer): Richards, Lanigan, C. Smith, Clanton, Eckert, Spence, Haus, Robinson, Briggs, King

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top Transfer): Bland, Dickson, Covert, J. Yoder, Stuhler, Everhart, Rine, Moran, Hershey, Sagi, Hapka, D. Yoder (DNS) Rhodes, Pencil

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top Transfer): Eckert, Spence, Jeff Miller, Clise, Troutman, Haus, Stone, Robinson, LeBaron, Briggs, Decker, Fetters, King (DNS) Lathroum

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Gary Stuhler, D.J. Troutman
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): Gregg Satterlee
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Vic Coffey
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Steve Francis
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Jordan Bland, Rick Eckert
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Austin Hubbard
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Greg Satterlee
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Clint Smith
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Gregg Satterlee
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Chuck Clise
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Aug. 14 – 29 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Steve Francis 3953 (-0)
2. Josh Richards 3943 (-10)
3. Darrell Lanigan 3939 (-14)
4. Rick Eckert 3829 (-124)
5. Tim Fuller 3795 (-158)
6. Shane Clanton 3773 (-180)
7. Brady Smith 3718 (-235)
8. Chub Frank 3703 (-250)
9. Clint Smith 3587 (-366)
10. Russell King 3139 (-814)
11. Jordan Bland 3125 (-828)
12. Brent Robinson 3011 (-942)
13. Dustin Hapka 2785 (-1168)
14. Tyler Reddick 2576 (-1377)
15. Vic Coffey 2369 (-1584)
16. Austin Hubbard 1942 (-2011)
17. Shannon Babb 1470 (-2483)
18. Matt Lux 1455 (-2498)
19. Gregg Satterlee 1204 (-2749)
20. Dan Stone 1138 (-2815)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Fuller’s Red-Hot Summer Continues With Victory In Inaugural World of Outlaws Late Model Series Event At Grandview Speedway

BECHTELSVILLE, PA - Aug. 13, 2009 - Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., continued his red-hot summer on Thursday night, rolling to a flag-to-flag victory in the 40-lap World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Traffic Jam’ A-Main at Grandview Speedway.

It was the second consecutive dominant win on the national tour for Fuller, who picked up right where he had left off in the last WoO LMS event nearly three weeks earlier. He scored his first series triumph of 2009 on July 25 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio.

“We were fast on that whole Northern Tour (in mid- to late-June) but just had some problems that kept us from getting a win,” said Fuller, who earned $7,750 for his fifth career WoO LMS win. “Now we’re getting some breaks and it’s just taking off. Everything is going good and we’re having fun.”

Adding to his enjoyment, Fuller moved to fifth in the WoO LMS points standings and emerged victorious for the first time in front of his car owners John and Laura Wight, who were on hand to watch three of their Gypsum Express team cars in action. Fuller’s teammates, Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y., and Larry Wight of Baldwinsville, N.Y. (John and Laura’s 16-year-old son), also entered the event.

Fuller, 41, was never seriously challenged during the first-ever WoO LMS program at the high-banked, one-third-mile oval. Taking advantage of his outside-pole starting spot, the 2007 series Rookie of the Year outgunned polesitter D.J. Myers of Greencastle, Pa., for the lead at the initial green flag and never looked back.

Two caution flags (on laps 16 and 19) and some late-race lapped traffic didn’t hamper Fuller, who smoothly guided his Gypsum Express Rocket car to a 2.683-second margin of victory – nearly a full straightaway – over Ashland, Ky.’s Steve Francis in the Beitler Motorsports Rocket.

Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., registered a season-best finish of third in his J.P. Drilling GRT car, and Myers held on for a career-high WoO LMS placing of fourth in Greg Gunter’s PPM chassis machine to earn the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks’ cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn’t won a WoO LMS A-Main and isn’t in the top 12 in the tour points standings.

Seventeen-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., meanwhile, started and finished fifth in his family’s Seaside Builders Rocket to record his third top-five finish of the season. He slipped by Myers for fourth on lap 14 but lost the spot on a restart two circuits later.

Racing at a 358-Modified track where he won a Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modified feature in 2005, Fuller seemed to have a better handle on the tricky speedway than his rivals.

“Me and Billy (Decker, another former Super DIRTcar Series winner at Grandview who was in Thursday’s field) were more familiar with this place from running the Modified here,” said Fuller, the only WoO LMS regular who had previously competed at Grandview. “But is that why we won? I don’t think so.

“It might’ve helped me in time trials (he was sixth-fastest), but once (the surface) turned black-slick it was just another track. I didn’t have any advantage because these (WoO) guys adapt fast.”

Francis, 41, slipped by Smith for second on a restart that followed the lap-16 caution flag for a turn-two tangle involving Scott Haus of Hamburg, Pa., and WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contender Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio. But the 2007 tour champion, who started third, never threatened the fleet Fuller and settled for his fourth runner-up finish in the last five series A-Mains.

“We weren’t as good as Fuller was,” said Francis, who grabbed the WoO LMS points lead with his performance. “When we got to lapped cars he could move around better than I could, so obviously his car was just better than mine. He was just rolling around there.”

The 44-year-old Smith ran second behind Fuller from lap six – when he overtook Myers – until Francis used the outside lane to gain control of the position. Smith later blamed himself for giving Francis the opportunity to seize second, but he didn’t complain about his first podium finish of 2009.

“I actually thought we were coming to Fuller before the caution came out (on lap 16),” said Smith, who started fourth. “Then on the restart I chose the bottom (groove) because I thought it was better, and it wasn’t. The next restart (on lap 19 following a turn-three spin by Danny Snyder of Green Lane, Pa.) Francis chose the top again, so he had me.

“We had the third-best car – and that’s better than we have been. I think the new stuff we got going is working pretty well, but we’ll see tomorrow night (Aug. 14 at Pennsylvania’s Bedford Speedway). We’ve gotta back up a good run with another good run to prove we’re getting somewhere.”

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who couldn’t move forward from his sixth starting spot and lost the WoO LMS points lead to Francis; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who fell 12 points behind Francis; Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; and Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y.

A field of 41 cars was entered in the event, including a dozen Grandview 358 Late Model regulars.

And a large crowd packed the track’s bleachers for the historic evening, pleasing event co-promoter Bob Miller. He let out a sigh of relief following the program after watching a day that began with heavy morning rain turn into a picture-perfect night.

Richards was fastest in Ohlins Shock Time Trials with a lap of 15.177 seconds –a mere one-thousandth of a second better than Myers.

Heat winners were Richards, Fuller, Francis and Coffey. The B-Mains were captured by Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., who was scheduled to start third in the first heat but was penalized to the rear of the field because he reported late to the lineup, and Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa.

Coffey also pocketed a $1,000 bonus for winning the BPG Racing Late Model vs. Big-Block Modified Challenge, a six-lap dash that was to pit the WoO LMS and big-block Modified heat winners. Richards and Francis opted to sit out the event, however, putting Eckert and Clint Smith into the field.

Charging off the outside pole, Coffey grabbed the lead from the polesitting big-block Modified driven by Rick Laubach of Richlandtown, Pa., and never looked back. He crossed the finish line with a comfortable advantage over Laubach, who held of Eckert to place second.

Eckert settled for third, followed by Fuller, who started seventh, Clint Smith and Modifieds drivers Billy Pauch of Frenchtown, N.J., and Keith Hoffman of Whitehall, Pa.

The WoO LMS continues a three-race Midwest swing on Friday night (Aug. 14) at Bedford (Pa.) Speedway and Saturday night (Aug. 15) at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Traffic Jam 40’ (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (2) Tim Fuller/40 $7,750
2. (3) Steve Francis/40 $3,600
3. (4) Clint Smith/40 $2,600
4. (1) D.J. Myers/40 $2,200
5. (5) Austin Hubbard/40 $1,500
6. (6) Josh Richards/40 $1,850
7. (8) Rick Eckert/40 $1,900
8. (10) Darrell Lanigan/40 $1,700
9. (11) Brady Smith/40 $1,500
10. (7) Vic Coffey/40 $2,000
11. (17) Shane Clanton/40 $1,350
12. (14) Chub Frank/40 $1,300
13. (9) Jimmy Bernheisel/40 $750
14. (13) Jordan Bland/40 $1,490
15. (22) Billy Decker/40 $710
16. (12) Chuck Schutz/40 $680
17. (18) Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/40 $650
18. (19) Dan Stone/40 $630
19. (23) Russell King/40 $1,120
20. (16) Brent Robinson/39 $1,110
21. (15) Scott Haus/39 $600
22. (20) Tyler Reddick/38 $600
23. (24) Dustin Hapka/38 $600
24. (21) Danny Snyder/38 $600

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 18 Mins., 01.538 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 2.683 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 2 (Laps 16, 19)
Lap Leaders: Fuller (1-40)
Provisional Starters: King, Hapka
Rookie of the Race: Bland ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks’ Winner: Myers ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Darrell (‘Don Vito’) Cooper (Clint Smith)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 15.117
2. 70J-D.J. Myers/Greencastle, PA 15.118
3. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 15.157
4. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 15.181
5. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 15.182
6. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 15.239
7. 91-Billy Decker/Unadilla, NY 15.261
8. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 15.270
9. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 15.285
10. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 15.290
11. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 15.313
12. 99B-Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 15.342
13. 119-Jimmy Bernheisel/Lebanon, PA 15.345
14. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 15.409
15. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 15.424
16. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 15.432
17. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 15.448
18. 21d-Dan Stone/Thompson, PA 15.526
19. 76-Scott Haus/Hamburg, PA 15.612
20. ONE-Chuck Schutz/Pottstown, PA 15.657
21. 22R-Randall Paxton/Factoryville, PA 15.721
22. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 15.746
23. 72-Wayne Pfeil/Mohnton, PA 15.766
24. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 15.792
25. 73-Al Cheney/Hamilton Square, NJ 15.805
26. 4s-Danny Snyder/Green Lane, PA 15.853
27. 80-Bill Henning/Lansdale, PA 15.855
28. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 15.900
29. 19R-Rob Ormsbee/Wall, NJ 15.917
30. 118-Randy Stoudt/Pottstown, PA 16.014
31. 117-Kyle Merkel/Gilbertsville, PA 16.032
32. 33s-Bryan Sipe/Hamburg, PA 16.135
33. 78T-Tracy Gregory/Dalton, PA 16.154
34. 44M-Jason Miller/Germansville, PA 16.275
35. 57-Mike Kellner/Lansdale, PA 16.276
36. 18F-Jonathan Favinger/Birdsboro, PA 16.479
37. 99L-Larry Wight/Baldwinsville, NY 16.524
38. 99z-Dave Zona/Montrose, PA 16.556
39. 3K-Ron Kline/Salford, PA 16.724
40. 51-Dave Garber/Boyertown, PA N/T
41. 13b-James Cornell/Harpersville, PA N/T

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Richards, C. Smith, Bernheisel, Bland, Clanton, Wight, Cheney, Ormsbee, Gregory (DNS) Paxton, Cornell

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Fuller, Myers, Lanigan, Frank, King, Snyder, Stone, Stoudt, Zona, Miller

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Francis, Eckert, B. Smith, Haus, Kellner, Merkel, Henning, Pfeil, Kline, Decker

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Coffey, Hubbard, Schutz, Robinson, Reddick, Briggs, Hapka, Sipe, Favinger (DNS) Garber

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Clanton, Stone, Snyder, King, Cheney, Stoudt, Ormsbee, Miller, Zona, Wight, Gregory (DNS) Paxton

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Briggs, Reddick, Decker, Merkel, Pfeil, Henning, Kline, Kellner, Favinger, Sipe, Hapka (DNS) Graber

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Al Cheney, Wayne Pfeil
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks’ winner w/decal): D.J. Myers
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Vic Coffey
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Steve Francis
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Shane Clanton, Rick Briggs
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Austin Hubbard
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Billy Decker
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race’ (one case of product): Tim Fuller
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award’ (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Rob Ormsbee
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of Aug. 13 – 28 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Steve Francis 3807 (-0)
2. Josh Richards 3801 (-6)
3. Darrell Lanigan 3795 (-12)
4. Rick Eckert 3727 (-80)
5. Tim Fuller 3645 (-162)
6. Shane Clanton 3639 (-168)
7. Brady Smith 3612 (-195)
8. Chub Frank 3567 (-240)
9. Clint Smith 3467 (-340)
10. Russell King 3017 (-790)
11. Jordan Bland 3007 (-800)
12. Brent Robinson 2897 (-910)
13. Dustin Hapka 2710 (-1097)
14. Tyler Reddick 2460 (-1347)
15. Vic Coffey 2239 (-1568)
16. Austin Hubbard 1804 (-2003)
17. Shannon Babb 1470 (-2337)
18. Matt Lux 1351 (-2456)
19. Gregg Satterlee 1064 (-2743)
20. Dan Stone 1063 (-2744)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet’s fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers’ of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower’ on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can’t get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation’s premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Previewing The Mid-Atlantic Swing To Grandview Speedway, Bedford Speedway & Hagerstown Speedway

CONCORD, NC - Aug. 11, 2009 -

BACK IN BUSINESS: The World of Outlaws Late Model Series ends a two-and-a-half-week break with a three-race swing through the Mid-Atlantic region, making stops on Thursday night (Aug. 13) at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa.; Friday night (Aug. 14) at Bedford (Pa.) Speedway; and Saturday night (Aug. 15) at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway.

Grandview’s mid-week date is headlined by a 40-lap A-Main paying $7,000 to win, while the Bedford and Hagerstown programs boast 50-lap A-Mains with $10,000 top prizes on the line.

FIRST TIME: Veteran Northeast racing official/publicist Bob Miller has provided fans a wide variety of thrills since 1990 when he began co-promoting the ‘Thunder on the Hill’ special-event series with Grandview Speedway owner Bruce Rogers.

Just look at the divisions and series that Miller has featured at Grandview – a mix that includes 410 Sprint Cars (Pennsylvania Posse, World of Outlaws, All-Star Circuit of Champions, CRA, SCRA and USAC wingless), big-block Modifieds (open competition and Super DIRTcar Series), NASCAR 358-Modifieds, 360 Sprint Cars (URC and KARS), 358 Late Models, ARDC Midgets, Legends Cars and Mini-Sprints.

But on Thurs., Aug. 13, Miller will bring a brand-new attraction to the high-banked, one-third-mile oval: the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Making the ‘Traffic Jam’ program even more exciting, a 40-lap, $4,000-to-win feature for the big-block Modifieds will give fans an opportunity to see two huge headline divisions on the same night.

“I’m really excited to bring the World of Outlaws Late Model Series to Grandview for the first time and pair the event up with a race for the big-block Modifieds,” said Miller, who also serves as an official with the URC Sprint Car Series. “We always try to come up with Thunder on the Hill events that are unique and different, and this doubleheader definitely fits the bill.”

Grandview has long run 358 Late Models as a weekly Saturday-night division alongside its headline NASCAR 358-Modifieds, but Thursday’s WoO LMS event will mark the first race in track history for full-blown dirt Late Models.

Several Grandview 358 Late Model standouts are expected to challenge the WoO LMS stars on Thursday, including current points leader Randy Stoudt of Pottstown, Pa.; two-time ’09 winner Chuck Schutz of Pottstown, Pa., who has entered WoO LMS events in the past; Brian Shuey of Shoemakersville, Pa; Kyle Merkel of Gilbertsville, Pa.; and Dan Snyder of Green Lane, Pa.

BATTLE OF DIVISIONS: An added attraction on Grandview’s Aug. 13 schedule is the BPG Racing/Chad Sinon Motorsports Big-Block Modified vs. Late Model Challenge Dash, which will pit the winners of the WoO LMS and big-block Mod heats in a six-lap battle for a $1,000 top prize.

Which car would WoO LMS regular – and longtime DIRTcar big-block Modified standout – Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., rather be in for the Challenge sprint?

“Right now I’d want to be in my Late Model no matter what,” said Fuller, who won a Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modified event at Grandview on July 19, 2005. “That doesn’t mean I don’t think a Modified could win it. It’s just that I really feel good about how my Late Model is running right now.”

Indeed, Fuller enters the Mid-Atlantic swing on a real hot streak. He won the last WoO LMS A-Main, on July 25 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, and over the past two weeks he enjoyed a great dirt Late Model weekend at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis. (he won a WDRL feature on July 30 and scored a $20,000 second-place finish in the unsanctioned USA Nationals 100 on Aug. 1) and registered a $6,000 Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modified victory on Aug. 8 at Canandaigua (N.Y.) Speedway.

FANTASTIC FAIRGROUNDS: Bedford Speedway hosts the WoO LMS for the third consecutive season on Fri., Aug. 14 – and track management is expecting the big event to continue a very successful season at the half-mile oval.

“We’re really looking forward to the Outlaw show,” said J.R. Keifer, who co-promotes the fairgrounds facility with Jim Maybury and Dr. Dave Horne under the DKM, Inc. banner. “This season has been the best we’ve had in eight years (operating the track), and we’re really tickled with the track preparation and surface (new clay was applied prior to the 2008 campaign).”

Unfortunately, Bedford’s third WoO LMS event (Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., won the 2007 A-Main and Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., captured last year’s show) will be run with the track’s staff missing one familiar face. Keifer’s wife, Mary Ann, is currently in a Pittsburgh hospital being treated for serious injuries she suffered in a motorcycle accident on Sunday night in West Saint Clair Township, Pa.

The thoughts of the racing community are with the Keifer family for the recovery of Mary Ann, whose injuries include a broken wrist, dislocated elbow and injured right leg that will require surgery.

FAMILIAR STOP: Few tracks are more a part of the WoO LMS fabric than Hagerstown Speedway, which brings the tour back on Sat., Aug. 15, for a second 2009 appearance.

The half-mile oval has hosted at least one WoO LMS event in seven of the tour’s eight seasons, including the first incarnation of the WoO LMS under late WoO Sprint Car Series founder Ted Johnson (1988-1989) and the modern version that has been operated since 2004 by the World Racing Group. Eight drivers have scored victories in the 10 WoO LMS A-Mains contested at Hagerstown – Les Hare (1988), Gary Stuhler (1989), Rick Eckert (two wins in 2004), Tim McCreadie (two wins in 2005), Clint Smith (2006), Shannon Babb (2007), Josh Richards (2007) and Steve Francis (2008). The only WoO LMS season that has not included a race at Hagerstown is 2008, when the track’s May 31 event was rained out and not rescheduled.

Hagerstown is one of just six tracks scheduled to present more than one WoO LMS event in 2009. The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., has four races scheduled, while Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., Fayetteville (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., and Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa., have two dates on the sked.

DRAMA RESUMES: This weekend’s tripleheader continues the titanic battle for the $100,000 WoO LMS points championship, which currently sees three drivers separated by a mere two points. Richards, 21, of Shinnston, W.Va., leads the standings by two markers over Francis and defending champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who are tied for second.

Sixteen of the season’s 43 scheduled A-Mains remain, but 11 of those races will be run over a 25-day span beginning on Aug. 13 at Grandview.

BIG WINNERS: The top six drivers in the current WoO LMS points standings have won 18 of the season’s 27 A-Mains to date, led by Richards’s seven victories. Francis (five), Lanigan (two), Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (two), Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga. (one) and Fuller (one) account for the other checkered flags claimed by WoO LMS regulars.

WoO LMS travelers who have entered all 27 events this season but are still looking for their first win include Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., and Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., as well as Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

King leads the Rookie of the Year points race by 20 points over Bland and 118 points over Robinson, but the standings could soon become closer. Saturday’s Hagerstown show is scheduled to be the 30th A-Main of the season – so with the Rookie of the Year determined using a driver’s best 30 finishes, the first-year racers are on the verge of beginning to replace their worst outings.

SWINGERS: Several well-known regional drivers plan to run all three events of the Mid-Atlantic swing, including O’Reilly All-Star Late Model Series points leader Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa., a cousin of Chub Frank who was named the 2004 WoO LMS Crew Chief of the Year while working for Frank; Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., a 17-year-old sensation who has two top-five finishes this season on the WoO LMS (including a fifth at Hagerstown on May 30); and former WoO LMS A-Main winners Jeremy Miller of Gettysburg, Pa. (2008 at Virginia Motor Speedway) and Dan Stone of Thompson, Pa. (2007 at Tri-City Speedway).

MODIFIED FACES: Tim Fuller will be joined by two Gypsum Racing teammates on Thursday night at Grandview Speedway.

DIRTcar big-block Modified regulars Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y., and Larry Wight of Baldwinsville, N.Y., are expected to enter their Gypsum Racing dirt Late Models in the historic event at Grandview. Decker is the defending Mr. DIRTcar big-block Modified champion, while the 16-year-old Wight – the son of Gypsum Racing owner John Wight – is a rising young star on the Northeast scene.

Decker, who was the best man at Fuller’s wedding, owns two career big-block Modified wins at Grandview, the latest coming in last year’s Super DIRTcar Series event.

GRANDVIEW EVENT INFORMATION: Gates will open on race night at 5:30 p.m., with WoO LMS Ohlins Shocks Time Trials scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.

General Admission tickets are $30, with children 6-11 charged $10 and kids under 6 admitted free. Pit passes are $35.

Grandview Speedway is located 10 miles north of Pottstown, Pa., on Passmore Road, just off Route 100.

Additional info is available by visiting www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com and www.grandviewspeedway.com or by calling the track office at 610-754-7688.

BEDFORD EVENT INFORMATION: Spectator gates are scheduled to open at 5 p.m., with hot laps set to begin at 6:45 p.m. and time trials at 7:15 p.m.

General admission is $30, with kids 5-12 charged $5 and children 4-and-under admitted free. Pit passes are $40.

A raindate of Sun., Aug. 16, has been established for the event.

Additional info is available by visiting www.bedfordspeedway.com or calling 814-623-0500.

HAGERSTOWN EVENT INFORMATION: Hagerstown’s pit gates are scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. and the spectator gates will be unlocked at 5 p.m., with hot laps set to begin at 7 p.m.

General admission is $30 and reserved seats are $35, with children 12-and-under admitted free of charge. Pit passes are $40.

Additional information is available by logging on to www.hagerstownspeedway.com or calling the track office at 301-582-0640.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Maryland Car Owner Dale Beitler Happy To Visit Hagerstown Speedway On Aug. 15 With His Driver In Thrilling World of Outlaws Late Model Series Points Battle

HAGERSTOWN, MD - Aug. 6, 2009 - Dale Beitler always looks forward to seeing his familiar No. 19 dirt Late Model slide around Hagerstown Speedway.

“Anytime you can race close to home, it’s a good thing,” said Beitler, a resident of West Friendship, Md., whose potent cars are driven by national star Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky. “After traveling all over the country, it’s nice to have a race in your backyard.”

It’s even nicer for a team owner to visit one of his hometracks with his driver bidding for a prestigious championship, which will be the position Beitler finds himself when the World of Outlaws Late Model Series makes its second stop of 2009 at Hagerstown Speedway for a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win event on Sat., Aug. 15.

The 52-year-old Beitler, whose race shop outside Baltimore is less than 60 miles from the half-mile Hagerstown oval, is getting the thrill of his racing career this season watching Francis battle for a WoO LMS title worth $100,000 in points-fund cash. One of the closest multi-driver points races in tour history shows Francis tied for second in the current standings with defending champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., just two points behind leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., with 27 of a scheduled 43 events completed.

Being involved in such a tense points battle – all three drivers have led the standings and there’s been a two-way tie for the top spot on three occasions – might rankle the nerves of many team owners and/or drivers, but not so with Beitler. He’s loving every minute of the dance.

“I’m just glad to be part of it,” said Beitler, who is in his second season fielding a car for Francis on the WoO LMS (Francis finished third in the 2008 points standings). “We’re out here racing with the best drivers in the country – a great group of guys who know how to race – and I feel so lucky to be in the middle of a points race that’s so exciting.

“I have never liked the stress of racing for points locally, which is why I’ve always said I didn’t want to do it. But this (WoO LMS) battle has been so fun, it’s like we’re not even really racing for points. I consider these guys (Richards, Lanigan and their team members) friends of mine, and that’s what makes this so much different than some local Street Stock deal where somebody you’re running (for a championship) with is happy when you have a problem and wouldn’t think of helping you.

“Really, this is almost stress-free racing for me. Last year was stressful when we were trying to catch up to Darrell (who ran away with the title). This year I can’t believe how exciting it is to be running like this, with everybody so equal.

“Last week I went on the World of Outlaws website and saw a picture of us (Francis, Lanigan and Richards) running right together three-wide (for second at Ohio’s Attica Raceway Park on July 24) and I thought, That’s pretty awesome,” continued Beitler. “That just shows how interesting this season has been. There’s three great drivers going for a championship, so we’re just hoping a little luck falls our way because that’s probably what it’s gonna take to win the thing.”

Beitler has been involved with dirt-track racing as a driver and car owner for more than 30 years, but he’s never been engaged in a points battle quite like this one. He won a Street Stock points crown in his rookie year driving, in 1978, at the long-closed Dorsey (Md.) Speedway and in 2004 Pennsylvanian Davey Johnson drove his dirt Late Model to a title on the short-lived Northern Xtreme DirtCar Series, but that’s the extent of his championship laurels.

A dirt Late Model driver from 1984-1986 and then off-and-on until a end-over-end flip in 1990 at Georgetown (Del.) Speedway rang his bell and convinced him to become solely a car owner, Beitler dreams of winning a WoO LMS championship.

“It would be the pinnacle,” said Beitler, the owner and operator of Reliable Painting in Jessup, Md. “You can’t do much more than that in this sport. It’s not just (winning) one race. It’s the product of a season of commitment and strategy, a whole team coming together, doing their part and being prepared.”

Demonstrating his team’s focus on the big WoO LMS prize, Beitler has chosen to take this weekend (Aug. 7-8) off rather than enter the North-South 100 at Florence Speedway in Union, Ky. Francis will run the $50,000-to-win event in Tim Logan’s car while Beitler and his chief mechanic, Chris Burton, remain in the Beitler Enterprises shop to gear up for a crucial stretch of 11 races over a 25-day span beginning on Aug. 13 at Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa.

“My team isn’t racing this weekend so we can take some time to get everything tightened up,” said Beitler, whose biggest victories as a car owner include the $100,000 Dream in 2007 at Ohio’s Eldora Speedway (with Steve Casebolt of Richmond, Ind.) and a $50,000 score in the 2008 Circle K Colossal 100 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. (with Francis). “We want to make sure our maintenance on the cars is second-to-none so hopefully we’re not the ones falling out of a race, and we’ll have time to build some spare bodies and stock the trailer so we’ll be ready for anything that can happen the rest of the year.”

The stretch run to the title kicks off with a three-race swing through the Northeast anchored by Hagerstown’s show on Aug. 15. Beitler likes the makeup of the tour’s first action in two-and-a-half weeks – a first-ever stop at Grandview (Francis historically performs well when he visits a track for the first time), then races at Bedford (Pa.) Speedway on Aug. 14 (Francis won last year’s WoO LMS event there) and Hagerstown (Francis scored a convincing victory in the A-Main held there on May 30).

Hagerstown, of course, is Beitler’s favorite stop. The show will give him a night of competition with a large contingent of his family and friends on hand, including his three-year-old grandson, and he has fond memories of Francis’s flawless performance in the WoO LMS ‘Conococheague 50’ earlier this season at the Frank Plessinger-owned track.

“That (May race) was fun,” said Beitler, who has five WoO LMS wins with Francis in 2009. “Our car was so good that night, we were just trying to slow (Francis) down. Hopefully we can get our car running like that again (on Aug. 15).”

Hagerstown’s WoO LMS program, which also includes racing for the Pure Stock division, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

General admission is $30, reserved seats are $35 and pit passes are $40.

Additional information is available by logging on to www.hagerstownspeedway.com or calling the track office at 301-582-0640.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Five Months After Shop Fire, Jack Pencil Riding High Entering Aug. 14 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Date At Bedford Speedway

BEDFORD, PA - Aug. 5, 2009 - Nearly five months ago Jack Pencil saw his best-laid plans for the 2009 racing season seemingly evaporate as his three-year-old race shop went up in flames before his eyes.

But the determined veteran from Bedford, Pa., has bounced back from the brink – so impressively, in fact, that he holds both the points lead and top-winner status at Bedford Speedway entering his hometrack’s big World of Outlaws Late Model Series event on Fri., Aug. 14.

A 50-lap A-Main paying $10,000 to win headlines the national tour’s third visit to the five-eighths-mile fairgrounds oval in as many years.

“The night of the fire, I didn’t even know if we’d get to race this year at all,” admitted Pencil, a 46-year-old whose accolades include four points crowns at Bedford (2000, 2002, 2004, 2007) and the 2002 Mid-Atlantic Championship Series (MACS) title. “But thanks to the help of a lot of people, we picked ourselves up and we’ve actually had a pretty good season.”

Indeed, Pencil has been the star of ’09 at Bedford, winning four features (no other driver has won more than once) and racking up seven top-five finishes to put him in position for another track championship. His fifth title would tie him with Tom Peck for the most dirt Late Model championships in speedway history.

“I feel as confident as I ever have in my career to run against the Outlaws,” said Pencil, whose personal-best finish in a limited number of WoO LMS starts is 10th, in the 2007 event at Bedford. “Robby Allen (a noted mechanic who traveled the WoO LMS from 2004-2006 as Rick Eckert’s crew chief) has helped us out this year and he advised us to run one car, so we’ve concentrated on getting one car running right and now I feel like I know exactly what it’s gonna do. I’m comfortable in it, and the (Cresap) motor in it is as good as any motor I’ve ever had.

“I know the World of Outlaws is a great series with a lot of great drivers, and everything has to go right to win a race. But I feel like if we can qualify well and get ourselves (running) in the top five, then anything can happen.”

A personable racer who makes his living as an eighth-grade algebra teacher at Bedford Middle School, Pencil will go to the post in Bedford’s WoO LMS event behind the wheel of the workhouse 2006 Rocket car he calls ‘The Survivor.’ It’s an appropriate nickname since the machine was pulled from the flames of Pencil’s burning shop on March 20.

Pencil’s father, Jack Sr., and team crew chief Benny Foor were transferring fuel from a race car cell to jugs when a light bulb crashed onto the shop floor, igniting spilled fuel. Fire quickly engulfed the shop, destroying the building beyond repair and ruining Pencil’s toterhome and various parts and tools worth thousands of dollars. In addition, Pencil’s father was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment of first- and second-degree burns on his hands and one ear as well as smoke inhalation.

Quick-thinking neighbors helped pulled Pencil’s trailer to safety, and his primary car was removed from the inferno and immediately taken to Bedford co-promoter J.R. Keifer’s nearby shop. The next morning Pencil examined his race car and found that it had escaped the ordeal with only relatively minor damage to its body and wiring.

Less than one month later, Pencil had the car parked in Bedford’s Victory Lane after winning the season opener.

“It still had that whiff of a burnt-fire smell (in the cockpit) when I got in it,” said Pencil, who estimated that the fire caused $300,000-$500,000 in damages. “In May and June I was still getting a whiff of that smell.”

Pencil said his father was released from the hospital three days after the fire and has made a “very good recovery” from his injuries, and Pencil is just a couple weeks away from moving his racing equipment back into his own shop. “The new building is up and the floor has been poured,” said Pencil, who has been working out of Keifer’s garage since the fire.

Celebrating his 20th anniversary as a race car driver in 2009, Pencil had hoped this season “would be pretty special.” But the campaign has ended up being memorable for more than just his performance on the track.

“It’s been a very humbling experience,” Pencil said of the fire’s aftermath. “The graciousness of what people in the racing community have done for us is just amazing. I can’t thank everyone enough.”

With no dirt Late Model racing on this Friday night’s agenda at Bedford, Pencil’s next competitive appearance will be the WoO LMS program on Aug. 14. After spending part of the off-week recharging his mental batteries by vacationing in Williamsburg, Va., with his wife and three-year-old son, he plans to put his full focus on the Outlaws’ invasion.

Pencil will certainly have to turn back plenty of talented racers – from WoO LMS points leaders Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., and Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky. (the winner of last year’s tour event at Bedford), to Outlaw stars with proven Bedford track records like four-time track champ Rick Eckert of York, Pa., and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (Bedford’s ’07 WoO LMS victor), to emerging regional standouts like All-Star Late Model Series points leader Rick ‘Boom’ Briggs of Bearl Lake, Pa., D.J. Myers of Greencastle, Pa. (a recent feature winner at Bedford), Jason Covert of York Haven, Pa., and Jeremy Miller of Gettysburg, Pa.

“It’s gonna be a tough field, but if I didn’t feel we could win on the 14th we wouldn’t be going,” said Pencil, who ranks third on Bedford’s alltime dirt Late Model win list with 23 career victories. “I figure the date of the race is my car number (14), so hopefully that’s a good omen.”

Bedford’s WoO LMS show on Aug. 14 will also include racing for the All-American Outlaws Classic Car division. Spectator gates are scheduled to open at 5 p.m., with hot laps set to begin at 6:45 p.m. and time trials at 7:15 p.m.

General admission is $30, with kids 5-12 charged $5 and children 4-and-under admitted free. Pit passes are $40.

A raindate of Sun., Aug. 16, has been established for the event.

Additional info on the event is available by visiting www.bedfordspeedway.com or calling 814-623-0500.

Bedford’s date is the middle race of a three-night Northeast swing for the WoO LMS, which visits Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., on Thurs., Aug. 13, and Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway on Sat., Aug. 15.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Streaking Fuller Can’t Wait For First-Ever World of Outlaws Late Model Series Event At Grandview Speedway On Thurs., Aug. 13

BECHTELSVILLE, PA - Aug. 3, 2009 - Tim Fuller is on a roll, so naturally he can’t wait for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series to end a mid-summer break and get cranking again with the ‘Thunder on the Hill Traffic Jam’ program on Thurs., Aug. 13, at Grandview Speedway.

But throw in the fact that Fuller happens to be the only fulltime WoO LMS regular who’s ever raced at the Pennsylvania track, and it’s no surprise that he has the national tour’s first-ever visit to Grandview as a red-circle date on his calendar.

“Truthfully, I’m looking forward to any track we go to right now,” said Fuller, who for more than a decade has made almost annual appearances at the high-banked, one-third-mile oval to run Super DIRTcar Series big-block Modified events. “But I’m probably looking forward to running Grandview a little bit more.

“I always like going to Grandview because Bob Miller (who since 1990 has organized the ‘Thunder on the Hill’ special events with track owner Bruce Rogers) is a real good promoter and I try to support him whenever I can. And really, it’s a ‘local’ show for me because I’ve run the Modified there and the fans there know me from Modified racing.”

Fuller, 41, of Watertown, N.Y., will certainly attract plenty of attention from Grandview’s clientele thanks to his DIRTcar Modified roots. Grandview, of course, headlines 358-Modifieds on its weekly Saturday-night cards – and while 358 Late Models are also a regular attraction, the speedway has never hosted a full-blown dirt Late Model show.

Grandview’s fans will see an army of WoO LMS superstars tackle the tough bullring for the first time, including points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va.; former champions Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky.; and Pennsylvania travelers Rick Eckert of York, Pa., and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa.; defending World 100 winner Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; former Knoxville Late Model Nationals victor Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; and Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.

But the Hill’s faithful have already seen Fuller, who was the 2007 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year, standing on the track’s checkeredboard square as the winner of a 100-lap Super DIRTcar Series feature on July 19, 2005.

Fuller, whose last big-block Modified start at Grandview came in July 2007, returns to the track with his Gypsum Express dirt Late Model riding arguably the best stretch of his young full-fender career. He won his first WoO LMS A-Main of ’09 (and the fourth of his career) in the tour’s last event, on July 25 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, and last weekend he shined in his first-ever trip to Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., with a victory in a WDRL series show on July 30 and a second-place finish in the unsanctioned ‘USA Nationals 100’ on Aug. 1.

Fuller fell just short of making Cedar Lake’s $50,000-to-win ‘USA Nationals’ his initial triumph in a crown-jewel dirt Late Model event, settling for a $20,000 runner-up payoff to Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., after leading until lap 57.

“I feel like we’ve been good almost everywhere we’ve gone for the last month-and-a-half to two months,” said Fuller, who sits sixth in the WoO LMS points standings. “We’ve really hit on something with our (Rocket Chassis) car. The only places where we’re really lacking are at tracks that are so heavy (wet) or tracks that take rubber. Anytime it’s black-slick or an intermediate surface, we’re pretty good – and nine times out of 10, that’s the kind of tracks we see.”

Fuller expects Grandview’s surface to fit into the latter category, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he also expects to continue his hot streak. He knows enough about racing there to never take anything for granted.

“Grandview is in a league all its own,” said Fuller. “That’s a tough, high-contact place. It’s narrow with high-banked, paper-clip turns, and you’ve really got to be aggressive there. It’s not one of those free-flowing tracks where you can’t be cool and just ride around.

“It’s going to be an interesting race. I really don’t know what to expect with a Late Model show there.”

Grandview’s 40-lap, $7,000-to-win WoO LMS event might also provide Fuller a night with a familiar face – and booming voice – in his pit. His animated former DIRTcar big-block Modified owner, Bob Faust, lives in Slatington, Pa., about 35 miles north of the track, and will likely pay a visit.

“He keeps up with what I’m doing with the Late Model,” said Fuller, whose successful stint driving Faust’s B&F General Machine DIRTcar Modifieds from 1999-2005 included a $50,000 victory in the 2004 Rite Aid 200 at the Syracuse (N.Y.) Mile and the 2005 Mr. DIRTcar big-block Modified championship. “We just talked last week and I asked him if he was coming to Grandview. He said he wasn’t sure, but I’ll get him there.”

The historic ‘Thunder on the Hill Traffic Jam’ event at Grandview will also include a 40-lap feature for the big-block Modified division, marking the first time that the WoO LMS will comprise a doubleheader with the Northeast’s popular open-wheel class since February’s Alltel DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. Fuller said it remains possible he’ll pull double-duty and enter the $4,000-to-win big-block Mod program behind the wheel of the New York-based Smith Brothers No. 74, a machine he drives in selected events that fit his schedule (including upcoming Super DIRTcar Series shows at New York’s Brewerton Speedway on Aug. 7 and Canandaigua Speedway on Aug. 8).

An added attraction on the Aug. 13 schedule is the BPG Racing/Chad Sinon Motorsports Big-Block Modified vs. Late Model Challenge Dash, which will pit the winners of the WoO LMS and big-block Mod heats in a six-lap battle for a $1,000 top prize.

Gates will open on race night at 5:30 p.m., with WoO LMS Ohlins Shocks Time Trials scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.

General Admission tickets are $30, with children 6-11 charged $10 and kids under 6 admitted free. Pit passes are $35.

Fans can still purchase tickets in advance by sending a check or money order (payable to Grandview Speedway) and a self-addressed/stamped envelope to Thunder Series 2009, 11747 Winding Creek Drive, Berlin, Md., 21811. Advanced ticket holders will be permitted to enter the grandstand area at 5 p.m. on Aug. 13, a half-hour prior to general admission tickets going on sale.

Grandview Speedway is located 10 miles north of Pottstown, Pa., on Passmore Road, just off Route 100.

Additional info is available by visiting www.thunderonthehillracingseries.com and www.grandviewspeedway.com or by calling the track office at 610-754-7688.

Grandview’s event will kick off a three-race swing through the Northeast for the WoO LMS, which heads to Bedford (Pa.) Speedway on Fri., Aug. 14, and Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway on Sat., Aug. 15.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake’s Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Razor-Close 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Points Battle Heads Down Homestretch After Mid-Summer Break

CONCORD, NC - July 30, 2009 - The three headliners in the titanic battle for the 2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series championship reflexively say after each race that they're not counting points.

But the truth is, Josh Richards, Darrell Lanigan and Steve Francis definitely have points on their minds. How can they not when the standings are so razor-close, every finishing position could be critical in determining a prestigious title worth $100,000?

The hot-running trio – all WoO LMS stalwarts who are as close off the track as they have been on it this year – find themselves at the center of what is shaping up to be arguably the tightest points race in tour history. With the series now quiet for a mid-summer break until making a first-ever visit to Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., on Thurs., Aug. 13, they sit in a near dead-heat atop the standings.

Through 27 of a scheduled 43 events, Richards holds a two-point edge over both Lanigan and Francis, who are tied for second. That's one position in the WoO LMS points breakdown, which awards 150 points for a win, 146 points for second, and then drops two points per spot.

“It doesn't look like anyone's running away with this deal this year,” bottom-lined Francis, a 41-year-old star from Ashland, Ky., whose 25 career WoO LMS wins (including five this season) leads the tour's alltime victory chart since 2004. “This one's going right down to the end (the World Finals on Nov. 5-7 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.).”

After the 2004-2006 seasons produced a succession of dramatic points-championship endings (including Francis's heartbreaking loss of the '05 title to Billy Moyer on a tie-breaker), the last two years have gone down the homestretch with one driver head-and-shoulders above the pack. Francis won the 2007 crown by 126 points over Chub Frank, and Lanigan cruised to last year's title by a record 160-point margin over Richards.

What's more, by the time the series reached 27 events the last two seasons, the eventual champion had already begun separating himself from the competition for what would basically become an extended coronation. Francis held a 22-point lead at this point in '07 and just kept expanding it, while Lanigan was already up 120 points after 27 A-Mains in '08 and never saw his advantage drop below 112 points for the remainder of the season.

The development of this year's points race has “thrilling finish” written all over it. There have already been three ties for the points lead (between Francis/Lanigan, Richards/Lanigan and Richards/Francis), and the largest points lead a driver has built this season is the 34-point advantage that Francis held after winning the May 31 event at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va. – and he proceeded to see that edge fall to just two points when he ran into trouble in the very next race.

“It seems like every time somebody looks like they're getting ready to pull away a little (as the leader), they have a problem and we're right back close together,” said Richards, the 21-year-old sensation from Shinnston, W.Va., who leads the tour in A-Main wins this season (seven) and is seeking his first career WoO LMS crown. “It's crazy. Everybody is so good, the difference could end up being who has luck on their side.”

Richards has spent the most time atop the standings, holding at least a share of the points lead after 17 events. Francis, meanwhile, has had at least a share of the lead after seven races, and Union, Ky.'s Lanigan, who has won twice and leads the series in earnings with $139,756 (with help from runner-up finishes in the Lone Star 100, Colossal 100 and Firecracker 100), has had at least a share of the top spot after five races. (Shane Clanton is the only other driver to lead the standings.)

No driver has led the standings for more than five consecutive races (Richards) – a clear signal that the game of hopscotch the threesome has been playing is likely to continue.

“It's gonna be fun,” said Francis, who knows the pressure of a late-season points battle more than his chief rivals. “At least for the guy who ends up winning the championship.”

Seventeen races remain on the 2009 WoO LMS schedule to decide that honor. But 11 of those 17 events will be contested over a 25-day span beginning with Grandview's 40-lap, $7,000-to-win A-Main on Aug. 13, making teams' preparation over the current break from action more crucial than ever.

Rick Eckert of York, Pa., who sits 72 points behind Richards in fourth place in the WoO LMS standings, would seem to be the only driver who can still crash the Richards/Lanigan/Francis party. He'll try to get back in the hunt during the tour's upcoming swing through his home Northeast region – Grandview, Bedford (Pa.) Speedway on Aug. 14 and Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway on Aug. 15.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of July 25 – 27 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/wins/top-5s/top-10s/earnings/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 7-15-21-$129,870-3663 (-0)
2. (tie) Darrell Lanigan 2-14-23-$139,756-3661 (-2)
2. (tie) Steve Francis 5-17-22-$119,835-3661 (-2)
4. Rick Eckert 2-10-20-$69,675-3591 (-72)
5. Shane Clanton 1-5-19-$70,270-3511 (-152)
6. Tim Fuller 1-9-15-$63,230-3495 (-168)
7. Brady Smith 0-11-16-$65,865-3480 (-183)
8. Chub Frank 0-3-16-$52,300-3441 (-222)
9. Clint Smith 0-3-12-$45,220-3323 (-340)
10. Russell King 0-0-4-$30,550-2905 (-758)
11. Jordan Bland 0-0-2-$32,290-2885 (-778)
12. Brent Robinson 0-0-1-$20,510-2787 (-876)
13. Dustin Hapka 0-0-0-$14,330-2606 (-1057)
14. Tyler Reddick 0-0-0-$9,615-2354 (-1309)
15. Vic Coffey 0-2-4-$24,600-2109 (-1554)
16. Austin Hubbard 0-2-4-$17,395-1664 (-1999)
17. Shannon Babb 1-4-7-$42,830-1470 (-2193)
18. Matt Lux 0-0-1-$12,150-1351 (-2312)
19. Gregg Satterlee 0-0-3-$9,170-1064 (-2599)
20. Jimmy Mars 1-4-5-$48,740-1062 (-2601)

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: Wrapping Up Ohio Speedweek

CONCORD, NC - July 27, 2009 -

FAMILY AFFAIR: Tim Fuller's convincing victory in Saturday night's ‘Buckeye Bash' at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, meant more to him than the end of his year-long, 46-race winless streak on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.

It happened to mark the first time that his wife Lori and four-year-old daughter Ainsley had an opportunity to celebrate a dirt Late Model triumph with him.

The five previous wins in Fuller's three years as a steady dirt Late Model driver – including the three career WoO LMS A-Mains he captured over the two seasons in the far-off locales of North Dakota and Wyoming – came with his family not in attendance. But both of his girls were at Sharon and met him in Victory Lane.

“They've been there when I won (DIRTcar big-block) Modified races, but they never saw me win a Late Model show,” said Fuller. “It feels great to finally win one of these things with them here. Now I don't have to just tell them about it.”

Fuller, whose $10,600 victory came less than one week after he pocketed $6,000 for finishing second in the inaugural DIRTcar Racing All-Star 100 for big-block Modifieds on July 19 at Cayuga County Fair Speedway in Weedsport, N.Y., started off Ohio Speedweek with an eventful outing the previous night at Attica Raceway Park. He used a provisional to start 24th in Attica's A-Main after relinquishing the lead on the final lap of the first B-Main because his car's starter broke bolt off and caused a vibration that busted the driveshaft. Quick work by his crew got him to the starting line with the same machine and he planted it in the outside groove to charge forward for a satisfying seventh-place finish.

WHAT A PRESENT: Steve Shaver also enjoyed a special family moment after winning his first-ever WoO LMS A-Main on Friday night at Attica.

“Today is my son's birthday,” Shaver told WoO LMS announcer Rick Eshelman after emerging from his car in Victory Lane. “So happy birthday!”

Shaver then hugged his eight-year-boy Dylan, who said to his dear old dad, “Nice present!”

“He asked me if I was gonna win for him tonight because it was his birthday,” Shaver said of his son. “I told him I was gonna do my best. I'm glad I was able to get it done for him.”

Buoyed by his strong run at Attica, Shaver was itching to continue on the Ohio Speedweek trail to Saturday night's stop at Sharon. But the 45-year-old had to bypass the event because he was committed to attending a high school reunion back in West Virginia.

WHAT A GUY: WoO LMS veteran Clint Smith proved he's a class act during Saturday night's show at Sharon.

Despite experiencing a frustrating evening that saw him plagued by a sour-running motor, Smith didn't flinch when Iowa's Jill George approached him just minutes before the start of the A-Main and asked if she could take the green flag in his backup car. Smith had his chief mechanic, Darrell (‘Don Vito') Cooper, hastily pull out the second machine for George, who was scheduled to start 24th in the 50-lapper (track officials decided to put all 26 entered cars in the A-Main) but was without a ride after her car was sidelined by terminal mechanical trouble during heat action.

“I can't thank Clint enough for letting me start the race in his car,” said George, who became the first female to qualify for a WoO LMS A-Main through a heat race on July 16 at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D. “When I walked over to him he put his arm around me and said, ‘What can I do for you?' I asked him if I could take his backup car out for a lap and he just said, ‘Sure.'”

“She needed some help,” Smith said of George. “I've needed help before, so I helped her out.”

George was credited with a 26th-place finish, while Smith struggled to a 16th-place run.

OUCH: Darrell Lanigan was so focused on trying to win Saturday night's A-Main at Sharon, it took him awhile to realize that he had a problem with his left hand.

“A rock came up off the track and hit my (middle) finger about lap 10,” said Lanigan, the defending WoO LMS champion. “I didn't realize my finger was bleeding until I started feeling some blood on the steering wheel.”

Lanigan, who was not wearing driving gloves, ran the remainder of the distance with his finger bleeding from a cut. He held his bloodied hand out the window of his car during a caution period to show his crew that he had been injured; later, after Lanigan climbed out of the machine following a second-place finish, blood was visible splattered throughout his cockpit (and a chunk of his car's rock-guard was missing where it was hit by the rock).

“It's O.K.,” Lanigan said of his finger, which he wrapped with a bandage in his hauler after the race. “It's no big deal.”

Lanigan had another interesting experience during the A-Main. When the race's first caution flag flew, on lap 29, he was running second but mistakenly thought he was in the lead. He had to be directed during the caution period to catch up to the pace car and leader Fuller, who had been ahead by nearly a half-lap.

“I saw a 19 (Fuller) up on the scoreboard as the leader, but I had just passed a 19 (Steve Francis) and I thought that maybe they hadn't changed the board yet,” said Lanigan. “Fuller was so far ahead I couldn't even see him.”

NECK-AND-NECK: Following an Ohio Speedweek that saw two races completed (Attica and Sharon) and two shows postponed by rain during qualifying (Thursday's show at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio, was rescheduled for Aug. 20 and Sunday's program at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa., was reset for Aug. 23), the battle for the WoO LMS points lead is nearly a three-man dead-heat.

Josh Richards (fourth at Attica, fifth at Sharon) headed into the tour's two-and-a-half-week break leading the standings by a mere two points – over both Lanigan (third at Attica, second at Sharon) and Steve Francis (second at Attica, third at Sharon), who are tied for second.

HOME TURF: The place to be following Saturday night's show at Sharon was Russell King's hauler, where a big crowd of the WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contender's family and friends gathered to spend some rare time with their favorite long-distance traveler.

The 20-year-old King won his first career big-block Modified feature in 2005 at Sharon, which sits less than a 20-minute drive from his family-owned team's shop in Bristolville, Ohio. Thus he had been anxiously awaiting the tour's stop at his hometrack after traipsing all over the country since February.

King wasn't satisfied with his performance, but his 14th-place finish did earn him the $250 bonus for being the event's highest-finishing WoO LMS rookie contender. He also extended his lead in the Rookie of the Year standings to 20 points over Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky.

Joining King at Sharon were his father, Rex Sr., and younger brother Rex Jr. (‘Cooter'), both of whom didn't expect to attend Saturday's show. King's father and sibling are big-block Modified regulars and were scheduled to compete in a BRP Modified Tour event on Saturday night at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va., but the card was canceled by rain early in the afternoon when they were just 20 minutes away from the track. Rex Sr. turned the King Bros. Racing Modified hauler around and drove it straight to Sharon, pulling into the pit area shortly before hot laps began.

WHERE'S THE EXIT?: Brent Robinson's excellent adventure as a WoO LMS rookie took another interesting ‘turn' after Friday night's program at Attica.

With the track lights turned off, Robinson's father, Dean, had a tough time driving the team's hauler out of the pit area. He ended up following the cinder horse track that rings the one-third-mile oval rather than going through the pit exit off turn three – a mistake he realized when he looked to his left while driving the opposite direction on the cinder track's backstretch and saw a wall and fence. The mistake was compounded when he reached the cinder track's homestretch and had to stop because a wire was hanging too low for him to pass through with his rig.

After a track worker got the wire out of the way, Mr. Robinson was able to complete his lap of the horse track and exit the pit area properly.

COMING CLOSE: Brady Smith knows that if he just keeps knocking on the door to Victory Lane, he'll eventually break it down.

But that doesn't make it any easier for the impressive first-year WoO LMS regular from Solon Springs, Wis., to accept the fact that he remains winless on the 2009 tour. He craves a win – and he's arguably been fast enough to capture two of the last three races, including Friday night's 50-lapper at Attica.

Coming off a crushing disappointment in the Wild West Tour finale on July 16 at Dakota State Fair Speedway (Smith was making a stirring outside charge to the front when contact with Fuller forced him to pit with a left-rear flat as he ran third with 11 laps remaining), the talented Outlaw newcomer made another exciting come-from-behind bid for victory at Attica. He advanced from the 17th starting spot to a fifth-place finish; he thought he could've pulled off a win “if the race was 10 more laps.”

Smith conceded that his car wasn't fast enough to win on Saturday at Sharon, but he was headed to a probable fourth-place finish when its rearend broke with eight laps remaining. He was in line for his 12th top-five of the season – a number exceeded by only the top-three drivers in the points standings.

ETCETERA:

* Former WoO LMS champ Tim McCreadie debuted a new Sweeteners Plus Rocket car at Attica, but he experienced a rough night. He had to make a charge to transfer through a B-Main after being hit by a flat right-rear tire in heat action, and he finished 20th in the A-Main after retiring on lap 27 when he decided that his lap-17 tire change wasn't helping his cause.

McCreadie came back to finish fourth at Sharon, where his teammate, Vic Coffey, entered his first WoO LMS event in a month. Coffey had a forgettable evening, pulling up powerless in a heat race while running second due to a battery malfunction and then exiting the A-Main early after noticing his car's oil-pressure light popping on way too much.

* Chub Frank entered Ohio Speedweek coming off his first win in over a year – an O'Reilly All-Star Late Model Series event on July 18 at Lawrenceburg (Ind.) Speedway – but the momentum didn't help him at Attica or Sharon. He had to use a provisional to start the A-Main at Attica after a B-Main scrape sent him into the turn-four wall (he salvaged a 13th-place finish), and he finished a quiet 11th at Sharon.

* Frank's cousin and former chief mechanic, All-Star Late Model Series points leader Rick ‘Boom' Briggs, enjoyed his best WoO LMS outing ever at Sharon. His finish of sixth earned the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks' cash that goes to the highest-finishing driver who has never won a tour A-Main and isn't ranked among the top 12 in the series points standings.

Briggs spent the final laps of the race in a battle for the ‘Bonus Bucks' with Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa., who settled for seventh place after being passing by Briggs on lap 45. Lux was very satisfied with his strong run, however; it was his first top 10 in 13 WoO LMS starts this season.

* Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa. – a potential WoO LMS Rookie of the Year applicant in 2010 – made everyone take notice of his talent at Attica and Sharon. While he didn't lead any laps after starting both A-Mains from the pole position, he finished a respectable eighth at Attica and ran second at Sharon until his car's handling became hampered by a broken nosepiece brace that finally forced him to pit for repairs on lap 36.

“I was pretty excited to be second for half the race (at Sharon),” said the 24-year-old Satterlee, who rallied to finish 13th. “I think we're getting closer. Running these Outlaw races (he's made nine starts this season) is helping us.”

* Sunday night's rainout at Eriez Speedway came after some truly unusual weather. The track dodged waves of thunderstorms that continually rolled through the area, but with just two cars left to time-trial a cloudburst soaked the track and ultimately led to the event's postponement.

What was so unique about the downpour was that the sun shined through most of it, creating a brilliant rainbow that at one point appeared to arc from the pit area to the middle of the infield.

NEXT UP: The WoO LMS will be until making a three-race swing in the Northeast from Aug. 13-15. Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., leads off the tripleheader with its first-ever tour event on Thurs., Aug. 13, followed by stops on Fri., Aug. 14, at Bedford (Pa.) Speedway and Sat., Aug. 15, at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Can't Beat Mother Nature: Rain Postpones World of Outlaws Late Model Series Ohio Speedweek Finale At Eriez Speedway To Sun., Aug. 23

HAMMETT, PA - July 26, 2009 - Just when it looked like Sunday night's World of Outlaws Late Model Series Ohio Speedweek event at Eriez Speedway might beat Mother Nature, the skies opened up to force a postponement of the evening's action.

The one-third-mile oval's program was rescheduled for Sun., Aug. 23, setting up a huge late-summer swing for the WoO LMS. Eriez Speedway's 50-lap, $10,000-to-win show will top off four nights of racing that includes the rescheduled Ohio Speedweek event at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio, on Thurs., Aug. 20, and the $20,000-to-win ‘Buckeye 100' at K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio, on Aug. 21-22.

Eriez narrowly dodged the waves of thunderstorms that rolled along the coast of Lake Erie throughout Sunday afternoon; only some periodic drizzle was felt at the track. But light rain began to fall late in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials and turned into a full-fledged cloudburst as the 50-car session's final qualifiers – Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., and Rick ‘Boom' Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa. – were on the racetrack.

When Briggs spun in turn one on the slick surface, officials stopped the time-trial session. The rain ceased about 15 minutes later and track officials were hopeful that the show could resume, but the decision to postpone the program was made around 8:30 p.m. when it became apparent that the racing surface could not be dried in a reasonable amount of time – and radar indicated that more storms had developed in the area.

“We had a super field of 50 cars and a great crowd turned out despite the threat of rain,” said WoO LMS director Tim Christman. “We were looking forward to an exciting show to close out Ohio Speedweek, but unfortunately the weather just wouldn't cooperate.

“(Eriez promoter) Bob Rohrer and his staff did everything they could, but we finally had to concede that even if there was no more rain we couldn't complete the program without running far too late on a Sunday night.”

The WoO LMS program will start from scratch on Aug. 23 with a new set of Ohlins Shocks Time Trials.

The rain certainly disappointed Chad Valone of Warren, Pa., who was just moments away from celebrating his first career fast-time honor in WoO LMS competition. His lap of 15.832 seconds was the fastest through 48 of 50 time-trialers but was stricken from the recordbooks by the rain.

Rick Eckert of York, Pa., was sitting second on the qualifying chart when the rain arrived, followed by Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y., and Ron Davies of Erie, Pa.

Rainchecks and pit bands from Sunday's program will be accepted for entry on Aug. 23.

The WoO LMS will be idle for two-and-a-half weeks before making a three-race swing in the Northeast from Aug. 13-15. Grandview Speedway in Bechtelsville, Pa., leads off the tripleheader with its first-ever tour event on Thurs., Aug. 13, followed by stops on Fri., Aug. 14, at Bedford (Pa.) Speedway and Sat., Aug. 15, at Hagerstown (Md.) Speedway.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Drivers signed in for Sunday night's program at Eriez Speedway included:

0-Ryan Scott/Garland, PA
00-Rich Gardner/Waterford, PA
1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV
1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA
H1-Jared Miley/South Park, PA
1U-Matt Urban/Northeast, PA
2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI
2J-Scott Johnson/Wattsburg, PA
2V-Chad Valone/Warren, PA
3H-Bruce Hordusky/Erie, PA
3R-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, PA
03-Doug Eck/Corry, PA
4-Merle Terry/Erie, PA
07R-Brent Rhebergen/Clymer, NY
8-Jason Morrell/Northeast, PA
N8-Nathan Short/Jamestown, PA
9-Scott Gurdak/Spring Creek, PA
9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY
11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA
won11-Robbie Blair/Titusville, PA
12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY
12b-Andy Boozel/Clymer, NY
17L-Dennis Lunger/Cherry Hill, PA
18H-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND
19-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY
19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY
20-Chad Ruhlman/Bemus Point, NY
21L-Matt Lux/Franklin, PA
21*-David Scott/Garland, PA
22-Greg Oakes/Franklinville, NY
B22-Bump Hedman/Sugar Grove, PA
24-Rick Eckert/York, PA
25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA
26G-George LaBarbera/Sugar Grove, PA
28J-John Lobb/Frewsburg, NY
28L-Randy Lobb/Jamestown, NY
29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY
32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY
33-Chris Hackett/Erie, PA
39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY
40-Dutch Davies/Warren, PA
44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA
44H-Dave Hess Jr./Waterford, PA
53-John Volpe/Lakewood, NY
55H-David Lyon/Corry, PA
56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH
71d-Ron Davies/Erie, PA
76-Andy Kania/Waterford, PA
79-Mike Coyle/Jamestown, PA
99b-Rick ‘Boom' Briggs/Bear Lake, PA

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Fuller Dominates Saturday's Ohio Speedweek Stop At Sharon Speedway For First World of Outlaws Late Model Series Win Of 2009

HARTFORD, OH - July 25, 2009 - Everything finally fell into place for Tim Fuller on Saturday night at Sharon Speedway.

Ending a year-long victory drought on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, the 41-year-old driver from Watertown, N.Y., flexed some serious muscle in dominating the 50-lap WFMJ-TV ‘Buckeye Bash' that served as the second stop of Ohio Speedweek.

Fuller surged off the outside pole to grab the lead from front-row mate Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa., at the initial green flag and never looked back. He led by as much as a half-lap before three caution flags during the race's second half forced him to hold off defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., to secure the $10,600 payday.

Lanigan settled for second place after starting 12th. Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., placed third, followed by Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., and Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., whose WoO LMS points lead shrunk to just two points over both Lanigan and Francis.

“It's great to get this monkey off our back,” said Fuller, who snapped a 46-race WoO LMS winless streak dating back to his last triumph, on July 16, 2008, at Gillette (Wyo.) Thunder Speedway. “We've been fast and maybe could've had a win three or four times this year, but the stars just didn't line up right in my favor.

“It was getting frustrating, but I said to John Wight (his car owner), ‘We're gonna hang around in this top five long enough and get a win.' When you're fast a win will eventually come, and we got one tonight.”

Fuller simply had no peer at the three-eighths-mile oval co-owned by NASCAR veteran and former World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series champion Dave Blaney. The 2007 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year wasn't even concerned when the race's first caution flag, on lap 29 for a flat left-rear tire on the car driven by rookie Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., wiped out his commanding advantage.

“Those cautions actually helped me,” said Fuller, who also dealt with restarts after yellow flags on lap 36 (for Satterlee's stopped car) and lap 42 (when Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., relinquished fourth place due to a broken rearend). “I had on a softer right-rear (Hoosier) tire than most people, so I could fire better (after cautions).”

Lanigan, 39, got the nose of his Fusion Energy Rocket car up to the rear deck of Fuller's Gypsum Express Rocket several times entering turn one, but Fuller never flinched.

“There was one preferred groove and I didn't move out of that,” said Fuller, who became the 15th different winner in 27 WoO LMS A-Mains this season. “Once I got in the lead I knew it was gonna be tough to pass me as long as I didn't have a tire problem.”

The victory was the fourth of Fuller's career on the WoO LMS but first in his home time zone. His previous triumphs came in 2007 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., and in 2008 at Gillette and North Dakota's Williston Basin Speedway.

Lanigan, who ran the same soft-compound tires as Fuller, reached second place on lap 27 when he passed Satterlee. But he couldn't overtake Fuller, leaving him with his sixth runner-up finish of the 2009 WoO LMS season.

“He had that momentum line running up front,” Lanigan said of Fuller. “I could get up close to him, but it was just too hard to clear him.”

Lanigan ran virtually the entire distance with blood flowing from the middle finger on his left hand after it was struck by a rock that entered his cockpit. Lanigan, who was not wearing gloves, wrapped his finger in gauze following the race.

Francis, 41, saw his streak of three consecutive runner-up finishes come to an end when he drove his Beitler Motorsports Rocket under the checkered flag about one second behind Lanigan. He took third on lap 30 from a fading Satterlee, who pitted six laps later to repair a broken nosepiece brace that was getting into his tire.

“We went a little harder on our right-rear tire and I think that was our problem,” said Francis, who started fifth. “But I don't know if we would've had anything for Fuller. His car was good all night and he was due.”

McCreadie, 35, and Richards, 21, were also hampered by their tire choices, leaving them fourth and fifth, respectively, at the finish. McCreadie, who started third, said his Sweeteners Plus Rocket was shod with a right-rear tire that was too hard and a left-rear that was too soft, while the sixth-starting Richards was too hard with his rubber selection.

Rick ‘Boom' Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa., finished a WoO LMS career-best sixth to earn the $500 ‘Bonus Bucks' cash that goes to the highest-finishing driver who has never won a tour A-Main and isn't ranked among the top 12 in the series points standings. He secured the extra cash when he grabbed sixth on lap 45 from Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa., who was also eligible for the money.

Lux settled for seventh, followed by Rick Eckert of York, Pa., Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., and Robbie Blair of Titusville, Pa.

Russell King, 20, of Bristolville, Ohio, whose shop is less than 20 minutes from Sharon, finished 14th to grab the $250 bonus as the highest-finishing WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contender. He spent the 2005-2007 seasons as a big-block Modified regular at the track.

A 26-car field was signed in for the event, which was run under a threat of rain. Forecasts called for as much as an 80 percent chance of thunderstorms in the area from noon to midnight, but the only significant precipitation was a short burst of rain that slickened the track surface with four laps completed in the third heat race. The prelim restarted after a 34-minute delay and the night's final checkered flag flew shortly before 9:15 p.m.

Francis turned the fastest lap in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials, earning a $50 bonus for his clocking of 15.615 seconds.

Heat winners were Fuller, McCreadie and Richards. No B-Main was run because Sharon officials decided to start all the night's entrants in the A-Main.

The WoO LMS Ohio Speedweek concludes on Sunday night (July 26) with a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win event at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Buckeye Bash' at Sharon Speedway (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (2) Tim Fuller/50 $10,600
2. (12) Darrell Lanigan/50 $5,600
3. (5) Steve Francis/50 $3,650
4. (3) Tim McCreadie/50 $2,650
5. (6) Josh Richards/50 $2,500
6. (9) Rick ‘Boom' Briggs/50 $2,200
7. (8) Matt Lux/50 $1,400
8. (10) Rick Eckert/50 $1,800
9. (11) Shane Clanton/50 $1,700
10. (7) Robbie Blair/50 $1,200
11. (15) Chub Frank/50 $1,550
12. (16) Mike Knight/50 $1,000
13. (1) Gregg Satterlee/50 $950
14. (13) Russell King/50 $1,650
15. (14) Brent Robinson/50 $1,350
16. (19) Clint Smith/49 $1,300
17. (25) Jared Miley/49 $770
18. (22) Chad Ruhlman/49 $750
19. (20) Tyler Reddick/49 $730
20. (18) Dustin Hapka/49 $700
21. (23) Dave Hess Jr./48 $700
22. (4) Brady Smith/42 $1,200
23. (21) Jordan Bland/42 $1,200
24. (26) Vic Coffey/28 $700
25. (17) Donnie Moran/27 $700
26. (24) Jill George/1 $700

NOTE: Donnie Moran was penalized to the rear of the field for the start for reporting late to the pre-race lineup staging on the racetrack, and Jill George fell to the rear because she started the A-Main in Clint Smith's backup car

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 23 Mins., 31.668 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.548 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 3 (Laps 29, 36, 42)
Lap Leaders: Fuller (1-50)
Provisional Starters: None
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Briggs ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Mike ‘Smoke' Countryman (Fuller)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 15.615
2. 32c-Vic Coffey/Caledonia, NY 15.647
3. 22s-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 15.670
4. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 15.678
5. 39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY 15.728
6. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 15.757
7. won11-Robbie Blair/Titusville, PA 15.761
8. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 15.775
9. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 15.838
10. 20-Chad Ruhlman/Bemus Point, NY 15.839
11. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 15.845
12. 99B-Rick ‘Boom' Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 15.933
13. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 15.975
14. 21-Matt Lux/Franklin, PA 15.994
15. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 16.031
16. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 16.042
17. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 16.097
18. 22G-Jill George/Cedar Falls, IA 16.158
19. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 16.194
20. 99-Donnie Moran/Dresden, OH 16.236
21. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 16.236
22. H1-Jared Miley/South Park, PA 16.243
23. 44H-Dave Hess Jr./Waterford, PA 16.307
24. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 16.319
25. 9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 16.408
26. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 16.655

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): Fuller, Francis, Blair, Eckert, King, Knight, C. Smith, Ruhlman, Miley

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): McCreadie, B. Smith, Lux, Clanton, Robinson, Moran, Reddick, Hess, Coffey

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): Richards, Satterlee, Briggs, Lanigan, Frank, Hapka, Bland, George

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Rick ‘Boom' Briggs
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Robbie Blair
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Tim McCreadie
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Steve Francis
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Brent Robinson
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Tim Fuller
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Tim Fuller

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of July 25 – 27 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 3663 (-0)
2. (tie) Steve Francis 3661 (-2)
2. (tie) Darrell Lanigan 3661 (-2)
4. Rick Eckert 3591 (-72)
5. Shane Clanton 3511 (-152)
6. Tim Fuller 3495 (-168)
7. Brady Smith 3480 (-183)
8. Chub Frank Bear 3441 (-222)
9. Clint Smith 3323 (-340)
10. Russell King 2905 (-758)
11. Jordan Bland 2885 (-778)
12. Brent Robinson 2787 (-876)
13. Dustin Hapka 2606 (-1057)
14. Tyler Reddick 2354 (-1309)
15. Vic Coffey 2109 (-1554)
16. Austin Hubbard 1664 (-1999)
17. Shannon Babb 1470 (-2193)
18. Matt Lux 1351 (-2312)
19. Gregg Satterlee 1064 (-2599)
20. Jimmy Mars 1062 (-2601)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Shaver Holds Off World of Outlaws Late Model Series Stars For Ohio Speedweek Victory At Attica Raceway Park

ATTICA, OH - July 24, 2009 - The final statistics will show that Steve Shaver led from flag-to-flag to win Friday night's 50-lap World of Outlaws Late Model Series Ohio Speedweek A-Main at Attica Raceway Park.

But don't think for a minute that the $10,600 triumph came easy for the veteran driver from Vienna, W.Va.

Shaver, 45, worked hard for his money, holding off a battling group of WoO LMS superstars throughout the distance to record his coveted first career win on the national tour – and provide his son, Dylan, a memorable eighth birthday present.

Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., and Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky. – the top three drivers in the WoO LMS points standings – all got close to the lead, but Shaver never wavered during the frenetic race around the high-banked, one-third-mile oval.

“I was looking down to my left and could see them on entry (to the turns),” Shaver said of his Outlaw challengers. “But I never saw ‘em off (the corners), so I figured I didn't have to change my line. I was running kind of a unique line of my own and I had plenty of momentum as long as I didn't catch lapped traffic at the wrong time.”

Shaver calmly disposed of two potentially dangerous slower machines rounding turns one and two on the final lap, giving him a cushion he carried to the finish line. He drove his Drywall Systems Inc. Rocket car under the checkered flag 0.741 of a second ahead of Francis, who slipped by Lanigan heading down the backstretch on the last circuit to register his third consecutive runner-up finish on the WoO LMS.

Lanigan settled for third, followed by Richards, who won last year's inaugural WoO LMS event at Attica, and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., who started 17th and was charging around the outside of the track during the race's closing stages. Smith momentarily moved ahead of Richards for fourth but fell back to fifth on the final lap when his Team Zero by Bloomquist machine became boxed in behind a lapped car.

Shaver, who started second, outgunned polesitter Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa., for the lead at the initial green flag and never looked back. He credited his savvy tire choice for keeping him at the front of the pack.

“We had harder tires on than most of those guys,” said Shaver, who became the 14th different winner in 26 WoO LMS A-Mains this season. “I was leaning toward a hard tire before the race because I knew I wanted to run my right-rear in the black (groove), but it was my crew chief, Casey Marshall (the winner of the Integra Shocks Wrench of the Race Award), who thought we should run a 1400 (Hoosier compound).

“The tire worked perfect for us. I had plenty of traction the whole race.”

An entrant in selected WoO LMS events since 2004, Shaver finished second to Francis in the tour's stop on May 31 at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va. He was thrilled to finally break through to join the list of winners on the series.

“It means a lot just to be able to contend with (the Outlaws), let alone beat them,” said Shaver, whose earnings included the $500 WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' cash for being the highest-finishing driver who had never won a tour A-Main and wasn't ranked among the top 12 in the series points standings. “It's a great feeling to win one of these races.”

Shaver's triumph overshadowed the titanic tussle for second place between the tour's top title contenders. Lanigan (fifth starting spot), Francis (ninth) and Richards (10th) found themselves running 2-4 by lap 24, and, with the event going caution-free from lap 20 to the finish, they engaged in a thrilling display of non-stop competition for second place.

At times racing three-wide a few car lengths behind Shaver, the trio of Rocket chassis campaigners kept the big Attica crowd buzzing. Lanigan managed to secure second from Richards on lap 33, but he couldn't find the speed to pull even with Shaver and ultimately lost the position to Francis on the final lap.

Francis, 41, was able to close the gap on Shaver rolling through turns three and four for the last time, leaving him wishing for a slightly longer race.

“My car was exceptional,” Francis said of his Beitler Motorsports mount. “But Josh and Darrell were racing side-by-side in front of me and it just took me too long to find a way by them. I zigged and zagged, but I just couldn't get by them until it was too late.”

The race further tightened the WoO LMS points standings. Richards left Attica leading the standings by six points over Francis and eight points over Lanigan.

Rick Eckert of York, Pa., who started 13th, finished sixth after Brady Smith knocked him from the top five on lap 44. Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who used a provisional to start 24th after breaking a starter bolt and driveshaft while leading on the final lap of the first B-Main, charged forward to salvage a seventh-place finish. Satterlee, Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va., and top-rookie finisher Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., completed the top 10.

Three caution flags slowed the A-Main within a four-lap window. Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., stopped in turn three on lap 17; rookie Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., spun in turn two on lap 19; and Donnie Moran of Dresden, Ohio, spun in turn two on lap 20 in an incident that also marginally involved Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.

Fifty-four cars were entered in the evening's action – the fourth-largest field of the 2009 WoO LMS.

Tim Dohm of Cross Lanes, W.Va., recorded the fastest lap in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials, blistering the track in 14.514 seconds to earn a $50 bonus. He was later the first retiree in the A-Main, pulling to the infield with mechanical trouble on lap four.

Heat winners were Satterlee, Lanigan, Shaver and Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich. The B-Mains were captured by Brady Smith and Moran.

Ohio Speedweek for the WoO LMS continues on Sat., July 25, at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, and Sun., July 26, at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series at Attica Raceway Park (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (2) Steve Shaver/50 $10,600
2. (9) Steve Francis/50 $5,600
3. (5) Darrell Lanigan/50 $3,650
4. (10) Josh Richards/50 $3,000
5. (17) Brady Smith/50 $2,500
6. (13) Rick Eckert/50 $2,200
7. (24) Tim Fuller/50 $1,900
8. (1) Gregg Satterlee/50 $1,300
9. (14) Eddie Carrier Jr./50 $1,200
10. (12) Jordan Bland/50 $1,950
11. (6) Robbie Blair/50 $1,050
12. (7) Mike Knight/50 $1,000
13. (25) Chub Frank/50 $750
14. (18) Donnie Moran/50 $900
15. (11) Austin Hubbard/50 $850
16. (4) Jeep VanWormer/49 $800
17. (23) Shane Clanton/49 $1,270
18. (22) Dustin Hapka/49 $750
19. (19) Brent Robinson/49 $1,230
20. (20) Tim McCreadie/27 $800
21. (15) Matt Miller/26 $700
22. (16) Clint Smith/20 $1,200
23. (8) Doug Drown/10 $700
24. (21) Jerry Bowersock/8 $700
25. (3) Tim Dohm/4 $750

NOTE: Jeep VanWormer and Doug Drown were penalized to starting spots at the rear of the field for reporting late to the pre-race lineup staging on the racetrack

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 21 Mins., 54.648 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.741 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 3 (Laps 17, 19, 20)
Lap Leaders: Shaver (1-50)
Provisional Starters: Clanton, Fuller, Frank
Rookie of the Race: Bland ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Shaver ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Casey Marshall (Shaver)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 17T-Tim Dohm/Cross Lanes, WV 14.514
2. 12d-Doug Drown/Wooster, OH 14.629
3. 7-Matt Miller/Waterville, OH 14.648
4. 99B-Rick ‘Boom' Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 14.657
5. 22s-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 14.663
6. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 14.663
7. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 14.804
8. 55-Jeep VanWormer/Pinconning, MI 14.812
9. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 14.840
10. 28-Eddie Carrier Jr./Salt Rock, WV 14.862
11. 30-Steve Shaver/Vienna, WV 14.883
12. won11-Robbie Blair/Titusville, PA 14.937
13. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 14.939
14. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 14.950
15. 39-Tim McCreadie/Watertown, NY 14.969
16. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 15.000
17. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 15.005
18. 64-Jerry Bowersock/Wapakoneta, OH 15.019
19. 9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 15.038
20. 99M-Donnie Moran/Dresden, OH 15.044
21. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 15.056
22. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 15.062
23. c9-Steve Casebolt/Richmond, IN 15.104
24. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 15.104
25. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 15.105
26. 21M-Jason Montgomery/Jackson, OH 15.110
27. 1H-Jon Henry/Ada, OH 15.119
28. 12b-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 15.138
29. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 15.190
30. 49-Brian Ruhlman/Clarklake, MI 15.193
31. 11H-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 15.193
32. 21L-Matt Lux/Franklin, PA 15.296
33. 40WD-Dusty Moore/Swanton, OH 15.319
34. 5M-Ryan Markham/Ashland, OH 15.333.
35. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 15.515
36. 15B-Mike Bores/Bellevue, OH 15.560
37. 40M-Wayne Maffett Jr./Mansfield, OH 15.567
38. 5H-Ernie Haynes/Rising Hill, OH 15.641
39. 93T-Jeff Esbenslade/Ashland, OH 15.758
40. 50Y-Ryan Missler/Bellevue, OH 15.809
41. 2d-Curtis Deisenroth/Oak Harber, OH 15.826
42. 1DJ-Craig Vosbergen/Perth, AUSTR 15.827
43. 27-Ken Hahn/Gibsonburg, OH 15.885
44. 83-Noah Wagner/Fremont, OH 15.892
45. 22G-Jill George/Cedar Falls, IA 15.937
46. 51-Devin Shiels/Britton, MI 15.978
47. 48-John Bores/Bellevue, OH 16.019
48. 12s-Michael Stiltner II/Green Springs, OH 16.092
49. 3R-Chuck Roelle/Fostoria, OH 16.196
50. 69-John Mayes Jr./Clyde, OH 16.227
51. 50L-Chuck Hummer/Ottawa Lake, MI 16.583
52. 41-Randy Pollock/Seville, OH 16.749
53. 99s-Steve Sabo/Fremont, OH 16.978
54. 15M-Justin McNeil/Houghton Lake, MI 17.474

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Satterlee, Dohm, Francis, Eckert, Fuller, Frank, King, Moore, George, Maffett, Robinson, Deisenroth, Roelle, Sabo

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Lanigan, Drown, Richards, Carrier, B. Smith, Montgomery, Bowersock, Ruhlman, Markham, Vosbergen, McNeil, Haynes, Mayes, Shiels

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Shaver, Knight, Hubbard, M. Miller, Hapka, Casebolt, Henry, Reddick, McCreadie, Hahn, J. Bores, Hummer, Esbenslade

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): VanWormer, Blair, Bland, C. Smith, Moran, Lux, Missler, Briggs, Clanton, M. Bores, Pollock, Wagner, Stiltner

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): B. Smith, Robinson, Bowersock, Montgomery, Ruhlman, Moore, McNeil, Vosbergen, George, Haynes, Shiels, Roelle, Mayes, Fuller, King, Deisenroth, Moffett, Frank, Markham, Sabo

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Moran, McCreadie, Hapka, Clanton, Henry, Briggs, Reddick, Hahn, Missler, M. Bores, Esbenslade, Pollock, Hummer, Lux, Wagner, Casebolt, J. Bores, Stiltner

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Brian Ruhlman, Jon Henry
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Steve Shaver
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Steve Shaver
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Jordan Bland
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Steve Shaver
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Brady Smith, Donnie Moran
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Darrell Lanigan
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Tim Dohm
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Steve Shaver
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Brady Smith
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Austin Hubbard
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Steve Shaver
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award' (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Rick ‘Boom' Briggs
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Steve Shaver

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of July 24 – 26 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 3523 (-0)
2. Steve Francis 3517 (-6)
3. Darrell Lanigan 3515 (-8)
4. Rick Eckert 3457 (-66)
5. Shane Clanton 3379 (-144)
6. Brady Smith 3374 (-149)
7. Tim Fuller 3345 (-178)
8. Chub Frank 3313 (-210)
9. Clint Smith 3205 (-318)
10. Russell King 2783 (-740)
11. Jordan Bland 2781 (-742)
12. Brent Robinson 2667 (-856)
13. Dustin Hapka 2496 (-1027)
14. Tyler Reddick 2242 (-1281)
15. Vic Coffey 2007 (-1516)
16. Austin Hubbard 1664 (-1859)
17. Shannon Babb 1470 (-2053)
18. Matt Lux 1215 (-2308)
19. Jimmy Mars 1062 (-2461)
20. April Farmer 975 (-2548)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

‘Boom' Briggs Riding High Entering World of Outlaws Late Model Series Event At Eriez Speedway On Sunday Night (July 26)

HAMMETT, PA - July 26, 2009 - Rick ‘Boom' Briggs has been around Eriez Speedway for virtually his entire life.

He's watched his father, Rick Sr., and famous cousin Chub Frank win plenty of dirt Late Model races there. He ran his first competitive laps there in 1988 behind the wheel of a Cadet car. He even won his first-ever dirt Late Model feature there in 2006 during his rookie season in the division.

So it's not hard to imagine how excited the personable driver from Bear Lake, Pa., would become if he were to win the 50-lap World of Outlaws Late Model Series event scheduled for this Sunday night (July 26) at the one-third-mile oval.

“It would mean so much if I could win an Outlaw show at Eriez,” said Briggs, who will chase a $10,000 top prize in Sunday's program at the Bob and Kathy Rohrer-promoted track. “It would definitely be the biggest win of my career.”

Briggs certainly stands as one of the biggest threats to the World of Outlaws stars on Sunday – a fact that he has a hard time grasping, but it's warranted. In just his fourth season as a dirt Late Model driver, the late-blooming Briggs, who turns 38 on July 29, has arrived as a guy to reckon with in more than local events.

After breaking out with some big victories around home late last season, Briggs has gained serious attention in 2009 with his performance on the new O'Reilly All-Star Late Model Series. He won the tour's first two events – in April at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., and K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio – and later added another victory at Butler, Mich., to help stake himself to the current points lead.

Briggs credits his rapid rise to Frank, a WoO LMS regular since the tour's reincarnation in 2004 under the World Racing Group banner. Briggs, who ran Cadets and Limited Late Models from 1988-1992 but then climbed out of the cockpit for 14 years to start a family and concentrate on work at his family's Briggs Transport business, worked as a Frank crewman while not racing and has shared a shop with Frank since he entered the dirt Late Model ranks.

“He's really just a pain in my ass,” Briggs jokes when discussing his second-cousin Frank (Frank's mother and Briggs's paternal grandmother were sisters). “We're cousins, but we fight like we're brothers.

“But really, Chub's done a lot for me. I wouldn't be where I am today without him. I've told a lot of people that being around Chub for so long has made it easier for me.

Briggs, who took over his family's No. 99b dirt Late Model in 2006 after his father's driving career was curtailed by a heart attack and neck surgery, served as Frank's chief mechanic for a decade. Frank won four STARS/Renegade DirtCar Series championships with Briggs's assistance, and in 2004 Briggs was named the WoO LMS Crew Chief of the Year.

“You learn so much from just being around these (national touring) guys and seeing so much racing,” Briggs said of his experience on the road with Frank. “I feel like it was a big advantage for me when I finally started racing myself. I had already learned so much about what it takes to be successful, I just had to hone my skills to what I'd watched all these years.”

Briggs will put all his acquired talent and knowledge to the test on Sunday at Eriez. He downplays the talk that he's a contender to capture the checkered flag, but he certainly hopes to be in the mix more than he was in the previous two WoO LMS events held at the track. He failed to qualify for the Eriez WoO LMS A-Mains in 2007 (he was involved in a heat-race crash) and 2008 (he was in his first weekend back from being sidelined for a month due to a concussion suffered in a wild flip at Ontario's Cornwall Motor Speedway and admits that he wasn't 100 percent mentally and physically).

“I'm really just hoping to make the show,” said the modest Briggs, who will make his first start of 2009 at Eriez. “If I can go to Eriez and get a top 10, it'll be like a win for me. These Outlaw guys are so good, and whenever they come to race in our area the competition is very, very tough because there's so many good guys around here.”

The WoO LMS roster Briggs will face at Eriez includes Frank, who has WoO LMS finishes of seventh (2007) and 13th (2008) at Eriez; points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who won the tour event at Eriez in 2007; Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who was victorious last year; Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky.; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y.; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

Other drivers expected to compete include 2006 WoO LMS champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., who charged from deep in the field to finish fourth in last year's event; Robbie Blair of Titusville, Pa., who finished second last year; Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y., who is coming off a victory in last Sunday's dirt Late Model feature at Eriez; 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa., Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa.; Ron Davies of Erie, Pa.; and Dave Hess Jr. of Waterford, Pa.

All of Sunday's entrants will go to work on an Eriez track surface that has been extremely racy all season, according to track promoter Bob Rohrer.

“For 10 weeks of racing the track has been almost perfect,” said Rohrer, who purchased the track with his wife in 2006. “We've been working hard on the surface since we bought the place and we've finally figured out how to do it and what kind of clay to put on it.

“We re-clayed it last fall and we put in a little more banking this year to make more three-wide racing – and from the racing we've had this year, it looks we're headed in the right direction. We're real excited about the World of Outlaws show.”

Gates are scheduled to open at 3 p.m. with racing set to begin at 6 p.m.

Additional info is available by logging on to www.eriez-speedway.com or call 814-434-4370 or 814-440-2859.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Rain During Qualifying Postpones Muskingum County Speedway's Ohio Speedweek Event To Thurs., Aug. 20

ZANESVILLE, OH - July 23, 2009 - Rain struck Muskingum County Speedway during qualifying on Thursday night, forcing officials to postpone the opening event of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series Ohio Speedweek.

The ‘Pepsi 40' has been rescheduled for Thurs., Aug. 20, setting up three huge nights of late-summer WoO LMS racing in Ohio. Muskingum County's program will lead into the $20,000-to-win ‘Buckeye 100' on Aug. 21-22 at K-C Raceway in Alma, Ohio.

A track-soaking shower before the start of Thursday night's second heat race proved to be too much to overcome. MCS owner Ronnie Moran had his track crew attempt to grade the three-eighths-mile oval's racing surface shortly after the precipitation ended, but he realized the effort was a losing battle and made the decision to call off the evening's action at 9:40 p.m.

“The track was just too wet,” said Moran, who has owned the track since 1980. “We couldn't get it run-in in a reasonable amount of time, so the best thing to do for the racers and fans is to come back and try again next month.”

While time trials and one heat race were completed before the rain, the Aug. 20 program will start from scratch. WoO LMS rules state that a new program must be run if an event is postponed to a later date without all heat races being completed.

A banner field of 45 cars was signed in for the event, which brought the WoO LMS to Muskingum County for the second consecutive season.

Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who won last year's WoO LMS event at MCS, established a new track record of 15.132 seconds in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials. He earned a $150 bonus ($100 from Creno's Pizza and $50 from Ohlins Shocks) for his fast time, which bettered the MCS mark of 15.246 seconds that Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, had held since May 27, 2000.

Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., won the first heat after outgunning Francis for the lead at the initial green. Moments later, as the second heat headed onto the track, rain began to fall.

The postponement was a godsend to Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who entered the night tied for second with Francis in the WoO LMS points standings. Lanigan suffered a flat left-rear tire during his time-trial laps, leaving him last in the qualifying rundown.

MCS officials said rainchecks and pit bands from Thursday's program will be accepted on Aug. 20.

Ohio Speedweek continues for the WoO LMS on Fri., July 24, at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park; Sat., July 25, at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio; and Sun., July 26, at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa. All three programs are headlined by 50-lap A-Mains paying $10,000 to win.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 15.132 (NTR)
2. 11H-Rick Combs/Bethel, OH 15.149
3. 75-Bart Hartman/Zanesville, OH 15.190
4. 22s-Gregg Satterlee/Rochester Mills, PA 15.254
5. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 15.277
6. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 15.323
7. 99B-Rick ‘Boom' Briggs/Bear Lake, PA 15.382
8. 37-Jared Hawkins/Fairmont, WV 15.436
9. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 15.436
10. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 15.447
11. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 15.457
12. 11A-Austin Hubbard/Seaford, DE 15.464
13. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 15.468
14. 12d-Doug Dodd/Cambridge, OH 15.485
15. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 15.500
16. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 15.551
17. won11-Robbie Blair/Titusville, PA 15.604
18. 18h-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 15.629
19. 28-Eddie Carrier Jr./Salt Rock, WV 15.674
20. 12x-Doug Drown/Wooster, OH 15.687
21. c9-Steve Casebolt/Richmond, IN 15.687
22. 9k-Mike Knight/Ripley, NY 15.694
23. 30-Steve Shaver/Vienna, WV 15.702
24. 12A-Rick Aukland/Zanesville, OH 15.773
25. 17T-Tim Dohm/Cross Lanes, WV 15.803
26. 18c-Chris Carpenter/Parkersburg, WV 15.806
27. 63-Cody Parker/Zanesville, OH 15.864
28. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 15.900
29. 99-Donnie Moran/Dresden, OH 15.951
30. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 15.958
31. 21M-Jason Montgomery/Jackson, OH 16.094
32. 11R-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 16.124
33. 1DJ-Craig Vosbergen/Perth, AUSTR 16.159
34. 11B-Kyle Bates/Kimbolton, OH 16.208
35. 22G-Jill George/Cedar Falls, IA 16.224
36. 12H-Weston Hutchinson/New Concord, OH 16.268
37. 33-Steve Bigley/Guysville, OH 16.276
38. 99d-Devin Moran/Dresden, OH 16.381
39. 43d-Don Shrigley/Pataskala, OH 16.521
40. 21W-Bryan Casey/Coshocton, OH 16.670
41. 45-Russ Frohnopfel/Columbus, OH 16.741
42. 67-Tracy Fritter/Zanesville, OH 17.153
43. 88d-Eric Dixon/Newark, OH 17.583
44. 83-Steve Prince/Newark, OH 18.534
45. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 19.202

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Clanton, Francis, Bland, Eckert, Blair, Donnie Moran, Dohm, Lanigan, Casebolt, Frohnopfel, Vosbergen, Bigley

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Hometrack Visit: World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Leader Russell King Heads To Sharon Speedway On Saturday (July 25)

HARTFORD, OH - July 22, 2009 - Russell King will be like a college student home for the weekend from his far-off place of higher learning when he visits Sharon Speedway this Saturday night (July 25).

Only in this case, King will bring his classmates and mentors along with him. And he won't be hanging out and having fun, but rather continuing his ‘education.'

King, 20, of Bristolville, Ohio, is set to return to his hometrack as the Rookie of the Year points leader with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, the renowned national tour that invades the three-eighths-mile Sharon oval for the sixth consecutive year on Saturday evening. The third stop of the four-race Ohio Speedweek will be headlined by the 50-lap WFMJ-TV ‘Buckeye Bash' paying $10,000 to win.

A regular on the grueling series this season driving family-owned equipment, King is anxious to run a rare event at a track he knows well. Sharon Speedway is less than a 20-minute drive from his shop and also happens to be the site of his first-ever feature win, in 2005 when he was a teenage big-block Modified racer.

“I'm excited about Sharon because I grew up going to races there and I like racing there,” said King, whose father, Rex King Sr., is a former big-block Modified champion at the track. “Most of all, it's close to home and so many people I know are going to be there – my grandpa and grandma, relatives, friends, people who work at the mill (his family's King Bros. Ready-Mix Concrete).

“Everybody around home has only heard second-hand about what we've been doing all year because we've been running so far away, so it's gonna be fun to race in front of them.”

King's supporters will get a chance to hear his stories from the WoO LMS road during Saturday's program at Sharon, a track the burly youngster ran regularly in the big-block Modified division from 2005-2007.

And as a rookie Outlaw, King certainly has plenty of stories to tell – though much to the competitive racer's dismay, he doesn't have a long list of memorable finishes to describe to his visitors at Sharon. As he said last week, “We'll have one good race, then we'll struggle for like five – just enough good runs to keep our morale up and keep us coming back.”

Through WoO LMS 25 events in 17 states and two Canadian provinces, King has started 20 A-Mains and recorded a rookie-best four top-10 finishes, with a top finish of ninth, on July 10 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. He sits 10th in the overall WoO LMS points standings and leads the rookie points battle, which will be determined using drivers' best 30 finishes, by 57 points over Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., and 153 points over Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va.

King would love to be putting up more impressive stats, but he understands that he's “running against the best drivers in the country” and thus this is his season of hard knocks. Rookies rarely jump onto the WoO LMS and set the world on fire – especially a true dirt Late Model upstart like King, who made less than 20 starts in the division last year – so the first year on the trail is all about soaking up as much experience and knowledge as possible.

In that vein, King can consider his '09 campaign a success. He has developed a close relationship with WoO LMS veteran Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who got the King family started in dirt Late Model racing last year by selling them two cars and a hauler, and he's found the rest of the traveling stars to be very accommodating as well.

“One of the things that has maybe surprised me a little bit is that all the Outlaw guys are a lot nicer than you might think,” said King, who has two Rocket cars and three Custom engines at his disposal. “Anybody here in the pits will give you the shirt off their back if you need it. Being our first year, I didn't really expect people to treat us like that, but I'm pretty sure I could ask anybody for anything and they would give it to me.”

Being right in the mix with the nation's premier drivers has proven to be the biggest benefit of King's assault on the WoO LMS.

“When you're out here racing with these guys, (technical) stuff's changing constantly,” said King. “Stuff that the locals might be doing now is stuff the traveling guys were doing in Florida in February. You can pick up (the new information) fast out here on the road because guys like (Mark) Richards (of Rocket Chassis) and them guys are coming up with it and you're out here with them.

“I think we're getting better,” he continued. “We were watching the (race) tapes on the way (to the recent ‘Wild West Tour' events), and seeing what I was doing early in the year to what I'm doing now, I think I'm more aggressive. I think we race around these guys a little harder because I'm more confident in myself that I'm not gonna roll into the corner and not run into them.”

It's definitely been a season that King will never forget. While taking the first step in what he hopes will be a fulltime career as a dirt Late Model driver, he's also seen places and things all across the great U.S.A. King's mother, Sis, has been on the road with him – and doing the majority of the hauler driving – for most of the season, and she's made sure that Russell and his crew guys have experienced more than just the racetrack culture. In between races they've visited such sites as the U.S.S. Alabama battleship in Mobile, Ala.; the aquarium in Atlanta; NASCAR race shops in Charlotte; and, most recently, the Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse memorials in South Dakota.

“We're more tourists than we are racers,” joked King, whose father has only seen a handful of Russell's WoO LMS starts in person because he's stayed home to work and race his big-block Modified. “We've gone everywhere. I could care less about all that stuff, but mom and Bob (Bachman, his crew chief) like doing it – and as long as they're happy, I'm happy.”

King, whose father will unfortunately miss Saturday's show at Sharon due to a conflicting BRP Modified Tour event at Tyler County Speedway in Middlebourne, W.Va., will be even happier if he can soon bag his first top-five of the season. A run like that would go a long way in propelling him toward his goal of winning the 2009 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year award.

“We're going to some of my favorite tracks – like Sharon and Tri-City (Speedway in Franklin, Pa., on Sept. 5-6) – so hopefully we have at least one top-five in us,” said King, who has attended a couple Saturday-night shows this season at Sharon to assist the big-block Mod efforts of his father and younger brother Rex Jr. “I know my cars are good enough. It's just a matter of whether I can drive it up there.”

*****

King will be joined by a star-studded field of WoO LMS stars on Saturday night at Sharon, including points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., and former champions Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., and Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who are tied for second in the standings entering the tour's Ohio Speedweek.

Other Outlaws headed to NASCAR veteran Dave Blaney's Sharon facility include Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (2007 WoO LMS winner at Sharon) and Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (2006 winner); Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis.; Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y.; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; and King's fellow Rookie of the Year contenders Bland, Robinson, Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

Former Sharon WoO LMS A-Main winners Donnie Moran of Dresden, Ohio (2008) and Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y. (2005) are also expected, along with such standouts as Rick ‘Boom' Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa., 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa., Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa., Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y., Robbie Blair of Titusville, Pa., and Jeremy Miller of Gettysburg, Pa.

Spectator gates are scheduled to open at 4 p.m., with on-track action set to begin at 6 p.m.

Adult admission is $27, while students (9-13) are $12 and kids 8-and-under) will be admitted free.

Additional info is available by logging on to www.sharonspeedway.com or calling 330.-772-5481.

In addition to Saturday's show at Sharon, the WoO LMS Ohio Speedweek also competes on Thurs., July 23, at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio; Fri., July 24, at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park; and Sun., July 26, at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Fourteen Months After Memorable Win, World of Outlaws Late Model Series Points Leader Josh Richards Returns To Attica Raceway Park On Friday Night (July 24)

ATTICA, OH - July 22, 2009 - Josh Richards turned a corner in his career when he won last year's World of Outlaws Late Model Series event at Attica Raceway Park.

Fourteen months later, the 21-year-old sensation from Shinnston, W.Va., will return to the one-third-mile oval on Friday night (July 24) with his racing fortunes flying even higher.

With the WoO LMS headed to Attica on Friday for a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win A-Main that is scheduled as the second stop of the four-race Ohio Speedweek, Richards sits atop the tour's points standings and 2009 win list. He's flashing true championship form – the elusive combination of speed and smarts he showed he was capable of when he captured last year's inaugural series event at the high-banked track in the center of the Buckeye State.

Richards drew raves for his '08 performance at Attica. Racing at a bullring he had never before seen, the 2005 WoO LMS Rookie of the Year demonstrated a veteran's poise as he patiently chased fellow Outlaw Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., until finally pulling off a high-side move to assume command with six laps remaining.

It was a hallmark night for Richards. Yes, he had won seven WoO LMS A-Mains before reaching Victory Lane at Attica, but his eighth career triumph was just different. Something seemed to click in the youngster's head that evening. He didn't force the issue, didn't wear out his tires, didn't get over-anxious. He just calmly waited for his inevitable opportunity to pass Frank, who had gone too soft with his tire choice, and seized it.

“My car felt really good the whole race,” Richards said after his win on May 16, 2008. “I knew (Frank) couldn't pull away, so I thought if I just maintained, there would be a chance that I could get by him.

“He looked a little too tight to run the top, and my car was just balanced well. I don't know if he was fading just a little to where he had to search (for a line), but when he moved down (on lap 44) I snuck around the outside of him and got the lead.”

Frank, a hard-nosed 47-year-old whose racing career has stretched nearly a decade longer than Richards's life, led the chorus of observers hailing Richards after the event.

“Josh did a very good job,” said Frank. “He was very patient. He didn't do anything that would've wrecked either one of us. He took his shots when he thought he had ‘em, and when he couldn't clear me on those ‘sliders' he got out of the gas and let me go.

“I think that was very good for him to see that patience sometimes is better than being aggressive.”

While Richards hasn't been perfect since that spring night at Attica, he's certainly emerged as a serious championship contender. He went on to finish second in last year's points standings and tie Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., for the most wins on the '08 tour, and this season he's stepped up to threaten the tour's modern-day (2004-present) single-season win record and thrust himself into a tight title battle with former champions Francis and Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky. – two drivers Richards calls “the best point racers in the country.”

Driving his father Mark's familiar Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket No. 1, Richards enters the WoO LMS Ohio Speedweek on a major tear. He's won six of the last 11 tour A-Mains – including a victory in the last series event, on July 16 at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D., during which he used his head and well as his right foot to survive a surface that wore tires – to leave him just two wins shy of matching Scott Bloomquist's single-season win standard (nine victories in 2004).

In addition, since last year's Attica event, no driver has won more WoO LMS A-Mains than Richards, whose 11 victories over the past 58 races have pushed him to second on the tour's modern-day win list, with 19 wins.

What's more, Richards is gaining national notoriety beyond the dirt tracks. Earlier this year he made his NASCAR asphalt debut in a Camping World East Series event, and last Saturday night he ran his first ARCA superspeedway race at Kentucky Speedway.

“Hopefully we can keep up our momentum on the Ohio swing,” said Richards, who holds a 10-point lead over both Francis and Lanigan entering the WoO LMS Ohio Speedweek. “I'm definitely looking forward to going back to Attica. That race last year was one of the most fun races I've ever run. It's a real racy track.”

Frank will be one of the WoO LMS drivers looking to slow down Richards at Attica. Last year's second-place finisher at ARP, the veteran comes into Ohio Speedweek riding a frustrating 14-month, 57-race winless streak on the tour.

Lanigan, who finished third last year at Attica, and Francis (eighth place) will arrive in Ohio just below Richards on the ‘Who's Hot' scale. Lanigan won two of the four A-Mains on the recent WoO LMS ‘Wild West Tour,' while Francis is second to Richards with five wins this season and owns runner-up finishes in the last two WoO LMS events.

Other World of Outlaws travelers ready for Ohio Late Model Speedweek include Rick Eckert of York, Pa., Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

An impressive influx of regional and local drivers are expected to challenge the Outlaws at Attica, which runs UMP DIRTcar-sanctioned Super Late Models as part of its weekly shows. Last year's WoO LMS field numbered a healthy 52 cars.

Several drivers have listed all the Ohio Speedweek events on their schedules, including Rick ‘Boom' Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa., 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa., Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa., and Mike Knight of Ripley, N.Y.

Other drivers expected at Attica include 2006 WoO LMS champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., Donnie Moran of Dresden, Ohio, Jeep VanWormer of Pinconning, Mich., Wayne Chinn of Tipp City, Pa., Matt Miller of Waterville, Ohio, Rusty Schlenck of Jackson, Mich., Jon Henry of Ada, Ohio, Doug Drown of Wooster, Ohio, and Duane Chamberlain of Richmond, Ind.

Friday's show will offer show-up points and some bonus cash for Attica's weekly UMP DIRTcar Super Late Model competitors. The top 20 drivers in Attica's points standings are eligible to collect a $1,000 bonus if they win the WoO LMS A-Main; if an Attica driver doesn't pull off the upset, then the highest-finisher in the A-Main who's ranked among the top 20 in the Attica points will receive $500.

In addition, there's the $500 WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' cash that goes to the highest-finishing driver in the A-Main who has never won a tour event and isn't ranked among the top 12 in the series points standings.

Friday's program, which also includes a complete show for Attica's regular 410 Sprint Car division, will see racing action begin at 7:45 p.m. Gates are scheduled to open at 4 p.m.

Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for teens 11-15 and free for kids 10-and-under. Pit passes are $35.

Additional info on Attica's WoO LMS event is available by logging on to www.atticaracewaypark.com.

The WoO LMS Ohio Speedweek kicks off on Thurs., July 23, at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio. After Attica, the swing will also visit Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, on Sat., July 25, and Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa., on Sun., July 26.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Ohio Speedweek Launches Thursday Night (July 23) At Muskingum County Speedway

Track Owner Ronnie Moran, Racers Donnie & Devin Moran Will Welcome National Stars

ZANESVILLE, OH – July 20, 2009 – Three generations of Moran men will greet the World of Outlaws Late Model Series when the renowned national tour kicks off Ohio Speedweek on Thursday night (July 23) at Muskingum County Speedway.

First there is Ronnie Moran, the 72-year-old family patriarch who has owned the three-eighths-mile oval since 1980 and promoted it since 1992. He'll be the one worrying about whether all goes well for the big influx of racers and fans that is expected to witness the evening's 40-lap, $7,000-to-win event.

Then there is Donnie Moran, a 46-year-old dirt Late Model legend who happens to be Ronnie's son. An increasingly larger figure in the facility's operation, Donnie will put his day-to-day duties at Muskingum aside to welcome the World of Outlaws and try to beat the tour's stars at his hometrack.

And finally there is Devin Moran, Donnie's 14-year-old son. Devin will look to continue his impressive rookie season behind the wheel of a full-blown dirt Late Model with his first career WoO LMS start.

It will be up to Donnie and Devin to keep some of Thursday night's A-Main purse from leaving the family – and both father-and-son are ready to take on the Outlaws challenge.

Donnie Moran, who ranks as one of the dirt Late Model division's alltime greats, enters Thursday's action with a decidedly different racing outlook than in past years. He's no longer traipsing all across the country with his Donnie Moran Racing operation, preferring instead to race a more localized schedule that allows him to spend more time working at the racetrack and with the budding young talent who lives under his roof.

“I've tried to stay closer to home this year to help my father with the speedway and teach my son to race,” said Donnie, who need only walk over a hill to reach MCS from his residence in Dresden, Ohio. “I've been doing more than I ever have at the speedway – everything from cutting grass to the maintenance of equipment to prepping the track (surface) early in the week – and I've been at almost all of my son's races.

“I'm so glad I've done this,” he added, calling the time he's spent with his son “priceless.”

Donnie feels good about the rapid progression of his son, who has run a MasterSbilt car owned by his grandfather only at Muskingum County. So far this season Devin – the second of Donnie's five children (four boys and a girl) – has earned a fast-time honor, finished as high as second in a feature and started a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series A-Main (finishing 18th) at his hometrack.

“Everything I've learned in my 30 years of racing, I've tried to teach him in the last six months,” Donnie said of Devin. “He wants to learn, and he knows that if he wants to race he's going to have to give up a lot. When our other kids go to the swimming pool (this summer), he'll be in the garage working on his car by himself.”

Devin has led the last two features contested at Muskingum County, but he's fallen short of Victory Lane on both occasions. Last Saturday night he ceded the top spot when he momentarily slid off the track, and on July 11 he settled for runner-up money after being passed for the win by...his dear old Dad.

“He had a lot of fans behind him (on July 11) because they wanted him to beat his old man, but I'm not gonna cut him any slack,” said Donnie. “He's gonna have to earn his first win. It'll only make him stronger.”

Donnie has four wins in six starts this season at Muskingum, giving him plenty of momentum for the WoO LMS invasion. But he has no illusions about his chances; he's still trying to work the bugs out of his new car – the last machine constructed by late chassis builder Ray Callahan before his passing earlier this year – and realizes the level of competition he'll be facing.

“I think I have a good shot, but I'm not gonna say I'll come out and blow the doors off the Outlaws,” said Donnie, who has the equipment (jigs, benders, etc.) in his shop to begin producing cars for sale if his Callahan-designed mount takes off. “You just don't do that. Those guys are too good.

“In today's world of racing, everything is so competitive that nobody knows who's gonna hit it right on any given night. I'd like to win in front of the hometown crowd, but I'm just gonna go out there and set my goals as the night goes on.”

Donnie, who owns four career WoO LMS victories and finished sixth in last year's inaugural WoO LMS event at Muskingum, will face plenty of competition on Thursday night.

The star-studded WoO LMS roster is led by points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who has won six of the last 11 series A-Mains and is looking to improve upon his 13th-place finish in last year's tour stop at Muskingum. He leads the standings by a scant 10 points over former champions Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who won last year's 40-lapper at Muskingum, and Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., who finished fourth at MCS in 2008.

Other World of Outlaws travelers ready for Ohio Late Model Speedweek include Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who charged from 18th starting spot to finish second in last year's WoO LMS show at MCS; Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (finished 17th last year); Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga. (finished 15th); Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (finished 23rd); Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga. (finished 18th); Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis. (did not qualify last year); and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

Muskingum's talented field is also expected to include drivers who have listed all the Ohio Speedweek events on their schedules – Rick ‘Boom' Briggs of Bear Lake, Pa., 17-year-old Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., Matt Lux of Franklin, Pa., Dave Hess Jr. of Waterford, Pa., and Gregg Satterlee of Rochester Mills, Pa. – plus racers such as Bart Hartman of Zanesville, Ohio, Rick Aukland of Zanesville, Ohio, Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va., Robbie Blair of Titusville, Pa., Jared Miley of South Park, Pa., and Doug Dodd of Cambridge, Ohio.

Thursday's program, which also includes Muskingum's Modified and Pure Stock classes, will see pit gates open at 2 p.m. and the spectator gates unlocked at 4 p.m. Racing is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

General admission is $25, with kids 6-11 admitted for $5 and children 5-and-under free of charge. Reserved seats are available in the top two rows of the grandstand, and pit passes will be $40.

For more information, visit www.mcspeedway.20m.com or call 740-754-9199 (track) or 740-763-3991 (office).

The WoO LMS Ohio Speedweek will also make stops on Fri., July 24, at Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park; Sat., July 25, at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio; and Sun., July 26, at Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa.

Additional info on the WoO LMS is available by logging on to www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

World of Outlaws Late Model Series News & Notes: A Final Look Back At The ‘Wild West Tour'

CONCORD, NC - July 20, 2009 - Herewith is a final look back at memorable moments from the four-race, four-state World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Wild West Tour,' which took the traveling caravan to Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn. (July 8), River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D. (July 10), Wyoming's Gillette Thunder Speedway (July 14) and Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D. (July 16)...

FIRST LADIES: WoO LMS history of a female persuasion was made during the Wild West Tour.

April Farmer of Livingston, Tenn., began the historic week for the fairer sex at Deer Creek when she became the first-ever female driver to start a WoO LMS A-Main. A series points provisional put her into the ‘Gopher 50,' which she finished in the 24th position.

The soft-spoken Farmer, who carries the nickname ‘Rocket Mom,' went on to start the remaining three Wild West Tour A-Mains (finishing 14th at River Cities, 20th at Gillette and 17th at DSFS), but she used a points provisional to crack the lineup each night. That opened the door for more history to be made by Jill George of Cedar Falls, Iowa, who earned the distinction of being the first female driver to qualify for a WoO LMS A-Main through a heat race in the swing's finale at DSFS.

Farmer, who turns 30 on July 24, and the 30-year-old George were seen chatting in the pit area at Dakota State Fair Speedway after making the ‘Great Plains 50' the first WoO LMS A-Main to feature a pair of lady starters. Ironically, both drivers dropped out of the event with problems in the rearend of their cars – George finished 20th after retiring on lap 11 due to broken quick-change gears, and Farmer completed 33 laps before a busted rearend knocked her out.

The Wild West Tour marked the second consecutive regional WoO LMS swing that included Farmer, who headed west after her bid to become the national tour's first female A-Main starter fell short during last month's Great Northern Tour. She made this trip accompanied only by her husband/crew chief Chris, leaving her five- and two-year-old daughters in the care of their grandparents for the week. April and Chris actually celebrated their wedding anniversary the day of the ‘Cowboy 50' at Gillette.

Farmer has been a revelation during her stint on the World of Outlaws road, consistently drawing big crowds of fans to her trailer after each event. She reported that she ran out of autograph cards and sold more t-shirts than she ever had in her career.

HEADLINERS: Josh Richards, Darrell Lanigan and Steve Francis cemented their status as the Big Three of this year's WoO LMS, separating themselves a bit more from their rivals in the points standings with solid performances on the Wild West Tour.

After the swing's checkered flags were dominated by Lanigan (Deer Creek and Gillette) and Richards (River Cities and DSFS) and Francis scored back-to-back runner-up finishes at Gillette and DSFS, the series headed east to Ohio Late Model Speedweek (July 23-26) with Richards leading the points battle by 10 markers over both Lanigan and Francis. Falling 62 points behind Richards was fourth-place Rick Eckert – the only driver still within 100 points of the top three.

The 21-year-old Richards is the only member of the points-leading trio who hasn't won a WoO LMS championship. He noted after his victory in Huron, S.D., that while he appears to be in the driver's seat with six triumphs in the last 11 series events, he knows he's in for a battle over the season's final 18 scheduled races.

“To win seven Outlaw races is just unthinkable,” said Richards, who is primed to challenge the modern-day (2004-present) WoO LMS single-season win record of nine established by Scott Bloomquist in '04. “We have a long way to go, but hopefully we can stay up front and keep getting consistent finishes because Darrell and Francis are the best point racers in the country. It's going to take a lot to beat them.”

AUSSIE INVASION: For the second straight year Clint Smith received pit-crew assistance during the Wild West Tour from the Land Down Under.

Jay Cardy, a 22-year-old dirt Late Model racer from West Perth, Australia, once again flew to the U.S. to spend his holiday helping Smith – and this time he brought along his father, a veteran Australian chassis builder and speed shop owner. The Cardys joined Smith's chief mechanic, Darrell (‘Don Vito') Cooper, in Smith's hauler for the trip.

Cardy hooked up with Smith last year when Smith was the only WoO LMS driver who responded to Cardy's e-mails offering extra manpower for the western swing. Cardy said the experience he gained working with Smith was a big reason why he was able to win the 2008-2009 dirt Late Model points championship at the gorgeous Perth Motorplex near his hometown.

Smith seemed to turn a corner during the Wild West Tour, enjoying his best outings of the 2009 season. He finished progressively better, placing ninth at Deer Creek, sixth at River Cities and fifth at both Gillette and DSFS (where he ran virtually the entire distance without power steering).

“This whole trip was top 10s for us,” said Smith, who cracked the top five for just the second and third times this season on the WoO LMS. “I'm satisfied with that because it makes me feel like our program is headed in the right direction.”

Smith demonstrated his newfound strength when he stopped at Cleveland (Tenn.) Speedway on Saturday night en route home to Georgia from the western swing. He came from the 15th starting spot to pull off a last-lap victory in a Southern All-Stars Series event.

R&R: No scheduled back-to-back nights of racing during the nine-day Wild West Tour gave the WoO LMS travelers a chance to enjoy some off-track fun. They didn't let the opportunity pass by.

Some highlights of the Outlaws' escapades:

* On July 9 during the off-day between the Deer Creek and River Cities events, an army of more than a dozen WoO LMS haulers invaded the gargantuan Mall of America outside Minneapolis. Some of the racers rode rollercoasters in the mall's marquee ‘Nickelodeon Universe' amusement area. (Rookie contender Jordan Bland smiled when he said the sensation he experienced on one whirling-dervish coaster made him feel “exactly like I was going over the edge at Cornwall,” the Ontario track where he flipped wildly last month). Some posed with Nickelodeon characters like Sponge Bob Square Pants. (That would be rookie Brent Robinson and friends.) Some went to see a movie. (Steve Francis was among a group that took in the gut-busting flick The Hangover.) And just about everyone stopped at the mall's Silicon Speedway to run some simulated races.

* An impromptu game of Wiffleball broke out in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn in Fargo, N.D., on the eve of the River Cites event. A group that included Francis, his car owner Dale Beitler and their crew; Shane Clanton and his crew; Lanigan's crew; Eckert's crew; and Farmer and her husband came out of their rigs to participate in the fun, which lasted until nearly 2 a.m. under the parking-area lights.

Three days later, on a race-less Sunday, the same cast of characters (save Lanigan's clan) was joined by the Clint Smith, Tim Fuller, Russell King and Jordan Bland teams in a spirited game of volleyball inside the world famous Knuckle Saloon in Sturgis, S.D.

* The Old West town of Deadwood, S.D., was overrun by dirt Late Model haulers on Sunday night and Monday. The teams that played ball in Sturgis plus those of Richards, Lanigan, Robinson, Chub Frank, Dustin Hapka, Jimmy Mars and Pat Doar stopped in Deadwood en route to Gillette, Wyo. Most were there to try their luck on the slot machines and/or gaming tables of the town's many casinos, but the full-fender gang also enjoyed such activities as the Wild West gunfights on main street, the daily recreation of Wild Bill Hickok's shooting in the Old Style Saloon No. 10 and go-kart racing.

* Rookie of the Year points leader Russell King and his team headed to South Dakota's famed Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments on Monday morning – but not before their visit was delayed four hours by mechanical problems with their hauler. King's mother Sis, who does most of the truck driving on their trips, thought she had cooked the rig's motor when its radiator belts came off as they were headed up a hill, but no serious damage was done and they were able to continue on after repairs were made.

WILD WEST WEATHER: Maybe everyone should have known that this year's WoO LMS excursion to Wyoming would be unique after several teams – most notably the Rick Eckert and Chub Frank operations – witnessed a tornado touch down just a couple hundred yards off Interstate 90 as they traveled to Gillette on Monday evening.

When the teams unloaded their cars in Gillette's pit area on Tuesday afternoon they faced some truly extreme conditions. The skies were clear and sunny, but there was a steady wind of 30 mph, with gusts exceeding 40 mph, whipping across the landscape. There was no escaping the wind, which rocked haulers and blew huge clouds of dust through the pits (and, of course, into every nook-and-cranny of everyone's trailers). Several crewmen, including Richards's father Mark and Lanigan's chief mechanic Randall Edwards, wore goggles and wrapped bandanas around their faces to ward off the dust as they worked on their cars.

Fortunately, the wind died down as predicted as the evening wore on, allowing the show to go on in front of the biggest crowd to attend a race at Gillette this season.

FRUSTRATION: The lone WoO LMS regular who didn't stay on the road for the entire Wild West Tour was first-year traveler Brady Smith, who decided to head back to his shop in Solon Springs, Wis., after both the Deer Creek and River Cities events.

Though a third-place finish at River Cities was Smith's only top-five run of the swing, he came oh-so-close to enjoying a spectacularly successful week. He experienced two especially disconcerting outings – he started from the pole in the opener at Deer Creek but faded to a 14th-place finish thanks to a loss of brakes, and at Dakota State Fair Speedway he put on a show driving forward from the 13th starting spot before his charge stalled on lap 39 due to a left-rear tire that was cut one circuit earlier from contact with Tim Fuller while battling for third place.

NEXT UP: The WoO LMS kicks off the four-race Ohio Speedweek on Thurs., July 23, at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio. The swing will also visit Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park on Fri., July 24; Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, on Sat., July 25; and Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa., on Sun., July 26.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Seventh Heaven: Richards Closes ‘Wild West Tour' With Victory At Dakota State Fair Speedway

HURON, SD - July 16, 2009 - Josh Richards closed the World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Wild West Tour' in fine fashion, scoring a hard-fought victory in Thursday night's ‘Great Plains 50' at Dakota State Fair Speedway.

The 21-year-old sensation from Shinnston, W.Va., regained the points lead with his second win of the four-race western swing and series-leading seventh triumph of the season – a $10,600 checkered flag he earned using equal parts speed and smarts.

Running on a fast half-mile oval that produced significant tire wear, Richards calmly overtook Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., for the lead on lap 33 and maintained command for the remainder of the distance. He survived the race's sixth and final caution flag, on lap 39, to defeat Francis by 1.404 seconds.

Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who started from the outside pole and led early in the A-Main, settled for third place. Polesitter Rick Eckert of York, Pa., placed fourth and ninth-starter Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., took fifth.

“You had to think about this race,” said Richards, who bettered his personal single-season high of six WoO LMS wins in 2008. “It was just like running on pavement. You could run around there wide-open if you wanted to pretty much all the way from the bottom to the middle because you're stuck so hard (to the track surface), but you had to conserve a little bit if you wanted to make it to the finish.

“I knew the (Hoosier) tire we had on could take some abuse, but you still had to be careful. So when I was behind Francis (after he passed Fuller for second on a lap-21 restart), I just started cruising around there, running half-throttle, giving it the gas on the straightaways and coasting through the corners.”

Richards, who started fourth in his Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket car, got the jolt he needed to step on the gas when he saw Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., appear to his outside just before a caution flag flew on lap 32. Smith had made a stirring charge from the 13th starting spot to the verge of second place by running slightly higher on the track – an advance that ultimately ended after Smith pitted during a lap-39 caution period to change a left-rear tire that had been flattened from turn-four contact with Fuller one circuit earlier.

“When I saw Brady run his nose up on me before that caution, I knew the outside was good,” said Richards. “So on the restart, Francis was going so slow (in the lead), I just rolled around him (on the outside of turn three) and figured I could try to maintain a steady pace the rest of way.

“It was definitely a nerve-racking last 20 laps,” he continued. “I kept seeing guys getting flats, so I tried to keep conserving the best I could. I figured that if I saw anybody, I could always pick the pace back up.”

Richards survived to register his 19th career WoO LMS victory, moving him past Eckert into sole possession of second on the tour's win list since 2004. He left the track shortly after the race to head to the airport in Omaha, Neb., where he was scheduled to fly out early in the morning in order to make his ARCA superspeedway debut this weekend at Kentucky Speedway.

Francis, whose 25 victories since 2004 leads all WoO LMS drivers, couldn't stop Richards from adding another victory to his ledger. The 2007 series champion led laps 9-11 and 13-32 en route to his second consecutive runner-up finish, following his bridesmaid outing on Tuesday night at Gillette (Wyo.) Thunder Speedway.

“It sucks to lose when you have a car as good as we did,” said Francis, who started sixth in the Beitler Motorsports Rocket. “We just got to conserving and running too slow on the bottom. Once everybody behind us saw Brady move up and pass cars, they realized they had to be wider on entrance (to the corners) and we were a sitting duck.”

Fuller, meanwhile, led laps 1-8 and also nosed ahead of Francis to pace lap 12, but he knew he was in trouble when Richards slipped by his Gypsum Express Rocket for second on the lap-21 restart.

“I was done after Josh got by me,” said Fuller, who recorded his best finish of the season. “I got up to Francis (in the closing stages), but he was playing defense and I couldn't get by him.”

Eckert had to be satisfied with a fourth-place finish after slipping backward at the drop of the green flag from his pole starting spot. He watched Brady Smith step to the outside to march forward but couldn't duplicate that maneuver with his Team Zero by Bloomquist mount.

“Brady's car was just good,” said Eckert. “That rubber (on the track) that Brady was in was there for anybody, but your car had to be good to use it. I was too tight to go out there.”

Clint Smith completed the top five despite racing virtually the entire distance without power steering in his GRT car.

“I couldn't race anybody,” said Smith, who enjoyed his second consecutive fifth-place finish. “I had to rest my left arm going down the straightaways so I could tug on the steering wheel with all the strength in my left arm every time I went into the corners.”

Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., finished a quiet sixth, while defending WoO LMS champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., placed seventh after running in the top five before a flat left-rear tire forced him to pit on lap 30. Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., slipped from a third-place starting spot to eighth at the finish, ahead of Brady Smith, who rallied after pitting on lap 39, and Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, who earned a $250 bonus for being the highest-finishing WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contender.

A field of 29 cars was entered in the event, which brought the WoO LMS back to the Dakota State Fair Speedway for the first time since 2005.

Fuller registered his second fast-time honor of the season with a lap of 17.887 seconds – just a tenth of a second off the track record.

Heat winners were Fuller, Francis and Richards, and 14-year-old WoO LMS rookie Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif., captured the B-Main for the second consecutive night.

The WoO LMS will take a short break before kicking off the four-race Ohio Speedweek on Thurs., July 23, at Muskingum County Speedway in Zanesville, Ohio. The swing will also visit Attica (Ohio) Raceway Park on Fri., July 24; Sharon Speedway in Hartford, Ohio, on Sat., July 25; and Eriez Speedway in Hammett, Pa., on Sun., July 26.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Great Plains 50' (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (4) Josh Richards/50 $10,600
2. (6) Steve Francis/50 $5,650
3. (2) Tim Fuller/50 $3,550
4. (1) Rick Eckert/50 $3,000
5. (9) Clint Smith/50 $2,500
6. (7) Chub Frank/50 $2,200
7. (5) Darrell Lanigan/50 $2,000
8. (3) Shane Clanton/50 $1,800
9. (13) Brady Smith/50 $1,700
10. (10) Russell King/50 $1,850
11. (12) Jordan Bland/50 $1,550
12. (11) Al Purkey/50 $1,500
13. (22) Dustin Hapka/49 $950
14. (15) Eric Mass/49 $900
14. (22) Dustin Hapka/48 $900
15. (14) Jason Hughes/38 $850
16. (8) Jimmy Mars/35 $800
17. (23) April Farmer/33 $770
18. (16) Brent Robinson/29 $1,250
19. (18) Bill Koons/16 $730
20. (17) Jill George/11 $700
21. (20) Brian Diede/10 $700
22. (21) Kent Arment/10 $700
23. (24) Zach Johnson/3 $700
24. (19) Tyler Reddick/0 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 31 Mins., 43.798 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 1.404 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 6 (Laps 0, 21, 30, 32, 34, 39)
Lap Leaders: Fuller (1-8); Francis (9-11); Fuller (12); Francis (13-32); Richards (33-50)
Provisional Starters: Farmer, Z. Johnson
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Purkey ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Mike ‘Smoke' Countryman (Fuller)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 17.887
2. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 17.955
3. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 18.166
4. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 18.325
5. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 18.361
6. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 18.378
7. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 18.494
8. 33-Al Purkey/Coffeyville, KS 18.567
9. 14-April Farmer/Livingston, TN 18.570
10. 11d-Pat Doar/New Richmond, WI 18.675
11. 22-Jill George/Cedar Falls, IA 18.697
12. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 18.734
13. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 18.748
14. 28-Jimmy Mars/Menomonie, WI 18.754
15. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 18.821
16. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 18.823
17. 57-Chad Williamson/Watertown, SD 18.844
18. 29K-Bill Koons/Omaha, NE 18.934
19. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 18.965
20. 23-Jason Hughes/Westfield, OK 18.993
21. 73-Zach Johnson/Kensington, MN 19.173
22. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 19.176
23. U2-Scott Daly/Elk Horn, NE 19.399
24. 44M-Eric Mass/Rapid City, SD 19.411
25. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 19.816
26. 9-Kent Arment/Aberdeen, SD 19.842
27. 7c-Chad Chenoweth/Huron, SD 19.867
28. 7s-Mike Stadel/Rapid City, SD 20.017
29. 1d-Brian Diede/Aberdeen, SD 20.140

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): Fuller, Eckert, Frank, King, B. Smith, Robinson, Reddick, Doar, Hapka, Stadel

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): Francis, Lanigan, Purkey, Mars, Hughes, George, Arment, Diede, Daly, Williamson

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 6 Transfer): Richards, Clanton, C. Smith, Bland, Mass, Koons, Farmer, Johnson, Chenoweth

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Reddick, Diede, Arment, Hapka, Johnson, Chenoweth, Williamson, Stadel, Farmer (DNS) Doar, Daly

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Zach Johnson
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Al Purkey
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Russell King
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Tyler Reddick
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Steve Francis
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Tim Fuller
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Clint Smith
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Jason Hughes
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Tim Fuller
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award' (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Chad Chenoweth
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of July 16 – 25 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 3381 (-0)
2. (tie) Darrell Lanigan 3371 (-10)
2. (tie) Steve Francis 3371 (-10)
4. Rick Eckert 3319 (-62)
5. Shane Clanton 3263 (-118)
6. Brady Smith 3234 (-147)
7. Tim Fuller 3209 (-172)
8. Chub Frank 3189 (-192)
9. Clint Smith 3099 (-282)
10. Russell King 2708 (-673)
11. Jordan Bland 2651 (-730)
12. Brent Robinson 2555 (-826)
13. Dustin Hapka 2382 (-999)
14. Tyler Reddick 2167 (-1214)
15. Vic Coffey 2007 (-1374)
16. Austin Hubbard 1544 (-1837)
17. Shannon Babb 1470 (-1911)
18. Matt Lux 1140 (-2241)
19. Jimmy Mars 1062 (-2319)
20. April Farmer 975 (-2406)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Wild West Roll: Lanigan Captures Tuesday Night's ‘Cowboy 50' At Gillette Thunder Speedway

GILLETTE, WY - July 14, 2009 - The World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Wild West Tour' has proven to be the perfect tonic for Darrell Lanigan's frustration.

Winless on the 2009 WoO LMS entering the four-race western swing, Lanigan registered his second victory in his last three starts on Tuesday night, capturing the ‘Cowboy 50' presented by Coors Light at Gillette Thunder Speedway.

The low-key defending series champion from Union, Ky., happily donned a cowboy hat for the Victory Lane ceremonies after pocketing $10,700 in prize money. He grabbed the lead from Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., on lap 34 while negotiating lapped traffic and never looked back.

Lanigan, 39, regained the WoO LMS points lead by four points over Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who finished 11th after a flat right-rear tire on lap 34 forced him to the rear of the field. Francis, who settled for second place in the A-Main after racing off the pole position to lead laps 1-33, sits third in the standings just 10 points behind Lanigan.

“We have a real good car and now we're getting some of the breaks we didn't get earlier this year,” said the 39-year-old Lanigan, who had five runner-up finishes before breaking through for his first win of the season in the ‘Wild West Tour' opener on July 8 at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn. “Everything's come together on this trip. I think that if we didn't have a few problems the other night (July 10 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D.), we could've won all three of these races.”

Lanigan, who finished seventh at River Cities after leading early in the 50-lapper, drove his Fusion Energy Rocket car across Gillette's finish line with a 1.319-second advantage over Francis's Beitler Motorsports Rocket.

Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., advanced from the ninth starting spot to place third in the RSD Enterprises Rocket. He moved into the position on lap 46 after sliding underneath the Gypsum Express Rocket driven by eighth-starter Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who finished fourth one year after winning the inaugural ‘Cowboy 50' at the high-banked, one-third-mile oval in Northeastern Wyoming.

Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., was the evening's hard charger, steering his GRT mount to a fifth-place finish after starting 21st. He had to qualify through a B-Main after a broken jackshaft sidelined him during heat-race action.

Lanigan, who started third, gained control of second from outside-polesitter Rick Eckert of York, Pa., early in the distance. He then chased Francis between six caution periods during the race's first 24 laps before seizing an opportunity amidst slower traffic to assume command rounding turns three and four on the 34th tour.

“He got trapped there in lapped traffic,” said Lanigan said of Francis. “I knew we were better on the outside and he was committed to the bottom, so I just kept rolling that top and finally it paid off when a lapped car slowed (Francis) down.”

After a seventh and final caution flag, on lap 34 for Richards, Lanigan ran virtually unchallenged for the remainder of the event. He calmly handled lapped traffic on the smooth, multi-grooved surface to keep Francis at bay.

“The racetrack was excellent,” said Lanigan, who recorded his 12th career victory on the WoO LMS. “You could run all over it, and it's a place where you don't tear stuff up. I like tracks like this.”

Francis, 41, admitted that he was surprised by Lanigan's winning move, but he wasn't disappointed with the outcome.

“I didn't even know (Lanigan) was there,” Francis said of the deciding 34th lap. “So looking back, maybe I should've just turned (the lapped car) and went on my way instead of trying to be careful. But with the tires we put on, I was locked down to (running) the bottom.

“I would've liked to win, but with the way our luck's been out here (on the ‘Wild West Tour') we'll take a second and go on to the next race.”

There were no major incidents in the ‘Cowboy 50,' which saw WoO LMS regulars sweep the top seven finishing positions.

Track regular Eddie Kirchoff of Gillette, Wyo., who entered the night with six wins in eight starts this season at his hometown speedway, started fifth in the A-Main but was never a factor. He fell back almost immediately after the green flag flew with a car he deemed “too tight” and was eliminated when a tangle on lap 22 left his machine with a bent left-front spindle.

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., who ran as high as fourth; Eckert; seventh-starter Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., who climbed up to third but faded during the race's second half due to an improper tire choice; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa.; and Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kan., who earned the $500 WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' cash (highest-finishing driver who hasn't won a tour A-Main and isn't ranked among the top 12 in the points standings) for the third time in as many ‘Wild West Tour' events.

A field of 37 cars signed in for the event, which was contested on a cool, breezy evening. Steady winds of 30 mph – with gusts reaching nearly 40 mph – blew clouds of dust through the pit area throughout the afternoon, but the winds gradually diminished to more comfortable levels as the night went on.

Pat Doar of New Richmond, Wis., was quickest in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials, ripping off a lap of 13.971 seconds to register his first career fast-time honor in WoO LMS competition.

Heat winners were Lanigan, Francis, Eckert and Mars. The B-Mains were captured by WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contenders Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif., and Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio.

The 14-year-old Reddick's victory in the first B-Main marked his first checkered flag of any kind on the WoO LMS. He went on to finish one lap down in 15th in the A-Main.

King, 20, placed 12th in the A-Main, earning him the $250 bonus as the highest-finishing rookie.

The WoO LMS ‘Wild West Tour' concludes on Thursday night (July 16) with the ‘Great Plains 50' at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series ‘Cowboy 50' (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (3) Darrell Lanigan/50 $10,700
2. (1) Steve Francis/50 $5,650
3. (9) Shane Clanton/50 $3,500
4. (8) Tim Fuller/50 $3,000
5. (21) Clint Smith/50 $2,500
6. (4) Brady Smith/50 $2,200
7. (2) Rick Eckert/50 $1,900
8. (7) Jimmy Mars/50 $1,300
9. (14) Chub Frank/50 $1,700
10. (10) Al Purkey/50 $1,700
11. (11) Josh Richards/50 $1,550
12. (6) Pat Doar/50 $1,050
13. (18) Russell King/50 $1,700
14. (12) Brent Robinson/50 $1,400
15. (17) Tyler Reddick/49 $850
16. (13) Jordan Bland/49 $1,300
17. (15) Dustin Hapka/49 $770
18. (16) Eric Mass/49 $750
19. (22) Matthew Sheesley/48 $730
20. (23) April Farmer/37 $700
21. (24) Bill Koons/34 $700
22. (20) John Bey/26 $700
23. (19) Kelly Boen/22 $700
24. (5) Eddie Kirchoff/21 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 34 Mins., 33.717 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 1.319 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 7 (Laps 5, 7, 11, 20, 22, 24, 34)
Lap Leaders: Francis (1-33); Lanigan (34-50)
Provisional Starters: Farmer, Koons
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Purkey ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Jonathan Owensby (Clanton)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 11d-Pat Doar/New Richmond, WI 13.971
2. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 13.978
3. 19-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 14.125
4. 28-Jimmy Mars/Menomonie, WI 14.179
5. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 14.187
6. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 14.203
7. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 14.207
8. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 14.212
9. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 14.267
10. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 14.293
11. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 14.320
12. 00-Eddie Kirchoff/Gillette, WY 14.411
13. 07-Kelly Boen/Henderson, CO 14.562
14. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 14.621
15. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 14.723
16. 14-April Farmer/Livingston, TN 14.765
17. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 14.771
18. 33-Al Purkey/Coffeyville, KS 14.808
19. 18H-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 14.875
20. 44M-Eric Mass/Rapid City, SD 14.889
21. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 14.998
22. 29K-Bill Koons/Omaha, NE 15.027
23. 82-John Bey/Deadwood, SD 15.207
24. 1K-John Kuchar/Brighton, CO 15.232
25. 4G-David Garmann/Milliken, CO 15.317
26. 7-Mike Stadel/Rapid City, SD 15.385
27. 12s-Jason Schierkolk/Casper, WY 15.559
28. 1M-Matthew Sheesley/Rapid City, SD 15.596
29. 99-Scott Lewis/Henderson, CO 15.703
30. 4H-Rich Herman II/Billings, MT 15.863
31. 71-Morris Oberle/Lead, SD 16.136
32. 25c-Scott Cimfl/Commerce City, CO 16.158
33. 62-Kim Horn/Gillette, WY 16.246
34. 25R-Bryan Renken/Gillette, WY 16.250
35. 5E-Erik Elmer/Buffalo, WY 16.302
36. 23s-Dylan Schmer/Lingle, WY 16.443
37. 61-James Botts/Broomfield, CO 16.445

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Lanigan, Doar, Clanton, Bland, Reddick, Boen, Lewis, Garmann, Horn, Botts

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Francis, B. Smith, Purkey, Frank, Koons, Stadel, Renken, Herman, C. Smith

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Eckert, Fuller, Richards, Hapka, King, Bey, Elmer, Schierkolk, Oberle

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Mars, Kirchoff, Robinson, Mass, Sheesley, Cimfl, Kuchar, Farmer (DNS) Schmer

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Reddick, Boen, C. Smith, Stadel, Lewis, Garmann, Koons, Renken, Horn, Botts, Herman

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): King, Bey, Sheesley, Farmer, Schierkolk, Kuchar, Cimfl, Elmer, Oberle (DNS) Schmer

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Scott Lewis, Jason Schierkolk
* Armor All (case of product to highest-finishing non-WoO team in A-Main w/decal): Jimmy Mars
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Al Purkey
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Darrell Lanigan
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Al Purkey
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Rick Eckert
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Tyler Reddick, Russell King
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Steve Francis
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Pat Doar
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Darrell Lanigan
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Clint Smith
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Tyler Reddick
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Steve Francis
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award' (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): John Kuchar
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Darrell Lanigan

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of July 14 – 24 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. Darrell Lanigan 3235 (-0)
2. Josh Richards 3231 (-4)
3. Steve Francis 3225 (-10)
4. Rick Eckert 3177 (-58)
5. Shane Clanton 3129 (-106)
6. Brady Smith 3102 (-133)
7. Tim Fuller 3065 (-170)
8. Chub Frank 3051 (-184)
9. Clint Smith 2959 (-276)
10. Russell King 2578 (-657)
11. Jordan Bland 2523 (-712)
12. Brent Robinson 2441 (-794)
13. Dustin Hapka 2258 (-977)
14. Tyler Reddick 2065 (-1170)
15. Vic Coffey 2007 (-1228)
16. Austin Hubbard 1544 (-1691)
17. Shannon Babb 1470 (-1765)
18. Matt Lux 1140 (-2095)
19. Dan Stone 949 (-2286)
20. Jimmy Mars 944 (-2291)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

Four Years After Historically Thrilling Event, World of Outlaws Late Model Series Returns To Dakota State Fair Speedway On Thursday Night (July 16)

HURON, SD - July 13, 2009 - Orville Chenoweth, the promoter of Dakota State Fair Speedway, clearly remembers the last time the World of Outlaws Late Model Series visited the three-eighths-mile oval.

So does everyone else who witnessed the spectacle in South Dakota – an event that was arguably the most thrilling in WoO LMS history.

“That was one heck of a race,” said Dakota Promotions' Chenoweth, thinking back to June 5, 2005, when Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., tore around DSFS to win the 50-lap A-Main from the last starting spot. “Everyone here still talks about it.”

Chenoweth is hoping that another unforgettable moment will be produced when the WoO LMS makes a grand return to Dakota State Fair Speedway this Thursday night (July 16) for the ‘Great Plains 50' presented by KOKK Radio and Red Wilk Construction. A $10,000 top prize has been posted for the event, which concludes the WoO LMS ‘Wild West Tour' through Minnesota, North Dakota, Wyoming and South Dakota.

“If (Thursday's race) even approaches the show McCreadie put on here (in 2005),” said Chenoweth, “then everybody is going to go home happy.”

McCreadie's performance was simply legendary. Forced to start at the rear of the field (24th starting spot) after switching to his backup car because terminal motor problems sidelined his primary machine following a heat win, McCreadie found the thick cushion to his liking and marched through the field.

“He got up on that wall and just kept picking ‘em off every lap,” recalled Chenoweth. “It was a lot of fun to watch.”

A caution flag with two laps remaining gave McCreadie his chance to complete a storybook run. Placed on the rear bumper of leader Darrell Lanigan for the restart, McCreadie tossed his car to the outside of the track and grabbed the lead from Lanigan heading to the white flag. Moments later T-Mac was in Victory Lane, celebrating a stirring triumph that made him the first driver to win a WoO LMS A-Main after starting last.

Can fans expect to see some sort of similar charge on the DSFS clay this Thursday night? Considering the fine condition of the track surface throughout the 2009 season, Chenoweth is confident that side-by-side racing will by plentiful.

“I would say that this season the surface has consistently been the best we've had here in a few years,” said Chenoweth, who is in his 14th season promoting the weekly action at DSFS. “It's been smooth and real racy, so the conditions should be there for another great race.”

The weather forecast for Thursday – sunny skies and high temperatures around 80 degrees – also has Chenoweth feeling good about the return of the Outlaws. DSFS's 2005 WoO LMS event was plagued by wet weather; heavy rain postponed the program one day, and drizzly conditions prevailed for much of the new race day. Chenoweth and his officials even had to set up a makeshift pit area on the paved parking lot behind the grandstand because the normal pits were too soft and muddy to handle race haulers.

McCreadie won't be in Thursday night's field; less than a month into his return from the back injury he suffered in a January crash during the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Okla., the Watertown, N.Y., driver is still keeping his racing schedule relatively close to home.

But a star-studded roster of WoO LMS drivers will fill the DSFS pits, led by red-hot points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va. The 21-year-old sensation, who finished eighth in the 2005 WoO LMS event at DSFS, is coming off his series-leading sixth win of 2009 in Friday night's ‘Wild West Tour' event at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D.

Other Outlaws headed to Dakota State Fair Speedway include Union, Ky.'s Lanigan, the defending champion and disappointed runner-up in the 2005 ‘Great Plains 50'; Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky. (finished seventh in 2005); Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (third in '05); Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga. (did not compete in '05 event due to injury); Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., a new tour regular in 2009; Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y. (first-time visitor to DSFS); Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (13th in '05); Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga. (fourth in '05); and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

The field is also expected to include Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., who won the WoO LMS Firecracker 100 on June 27 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa.; Pat Doar of New Richmond, Wis., who led the first WoO LMS A-Main laps of his career last Friday night at River Cities Speedway; April Farmer of Livingston, Tenn., who last week became the first female driver to start a WoO LMS A-Main; Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kan.; and DSFS regulars such as Chad Becker, Curt Gelling and Kent Arment (all from Aberdeen, S.D.) and Huron, S.D.'s Chad Chenoweth.

WISSOTA Super Stocks and Midwest Modifieds will also be part of the mid-week program, which is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Pit gates will open at 4 p.m. and spectator gates will be unlocked at 6 p.m.

Adult tickets for the ‘Great Plains 50' are $25 in advance and $30 on race day. Tickets for youngsters above 50 inches in height are $12, with kids under 50 inches admitted free.

Additional information is available at www.dakotapromotions.com or by calling 605-352-4848.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist

Kirchoff Seeks To Defend Home Turf In World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Cowboy 50' Tuesday Night (July 14) At Gillette Thunder Speedway

GILLETTE, WY - July 12, 2009 - Eddie Kirchoff has been spectacular this season at Gillette Thunder Speedway, winning six of the track's eight dirt Late Model features en route to a commanding points lead.

But if the hometown boy is going to make his record seven-for-nine on Tuesday night (July 14), he'll have to run the race of his life.

Kirchoff, 26, of Gillette, Wyo., knows it's going to take a flawless effort to turn back the invading World of Outlaws Late Model Series stars in Tuesday's ‘Cowboy 50,' a $10,000-to-win event that highlights the high-banked, one-third-mile oval's schedule for the second consecutive year.

“These (WoO) guys race for a living, so you have to bring your best ‘A' game if you're going to have any chance of beating them,” said Kirchoff, whose success at the Wyoming facility stamps him as the local crowd's greatest hope for upsetting the Outlaws. “It's definitely going to be a challenge. We're familiar with the track, but we'll be running against the best guys in the country and it doesn't take them long to figure a place out.”

Kirchoff performed admirably in last year's inaugural WoO LMS event at Gillette, finishing 15th (last driver on the lead lap) in a thrilling ‘Cowboy 50' that tour regular Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., won after a dramatic late-race battle for the lead with Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis. He qualified 11th of 36 cars in time trials, transferred through a heat race and was the highest-finishing Gillette regular in the A-Main, but he wasn't satisfied with his final result.

“We guessed wrong on tires (compound choice) for the feature,” said Kirchoff, who started sixth in the 50-lapper but gradually faded from contention. “Playing that tire game is the toughest thing for us when the Outlaws come in (to Gillette). All we ever run is (Hoosier) 55s, but the Outlaws have an open tire rule so picking tires takes a little time for us to get used to.”

While selecting the correct tire compound for Tuesday's action might prove challenging for Kirchoff, he certainly has the equipment to battle the Outlaws. He'll make his third start of the season with his ‘open motor' package: a new MasterSbilt by Mars car powered by a Jay Dickens-built engine.

Buoying Kirchoff's hopes, he'll receive some setup assistance on Tuesday from Mars, the standout Midwestern racer from whom Kirchoff purchased his new car. Mars, who finished second to Fuller in last year's ‘Cowboy 50,' will enter this year's edition as one of the country's hottest dirt Late Model drivers.

“It will be great to have Jimmy there to talk about setups and stuff,” Kirchoff said of Mars, who pocketed over $30,000 for winning last month's WoO LMS Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa. “He came over to my car last year and really helped me out with some ideas.”

Kirchoff, who also has a victory this season at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, S.D., sees the WoO LMS as the elite level of dirt Late Model racing that he would someday like to reach. But while Kirchoff got a taste of life on the road when he followed the grueling, month-long UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals tour in 2007, he said it will be several years before he seriously considers taking his family-owned team far from home to battle the sport's top stars.

At the moment, Kirchoff is content racing on weekends while concentrating on his job as an engineer at Jacob Ranch Mine, a coal mine in Wright, Wyo., about 45 minutes south of Gillette. He took the position after graduating last December with an industrial engineering degree from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in Rapid City, S.D.

“I'd love to race on a national series like the World of Outlaws someday,” said Kirchoff, whose father, Ed, leads the Gillette Racing Club that operates Gillette Thunder Speedway. “But I thought it would be better for me to get through school and get some experience at my job before thinking about racing more. We'll see where my career goes in the future.”

Yes, Kirchoff's job comes first right now. He's shown the talent for accomplishing bigger things behind the wheel, but work is never far from his mind.

In fact, if Kirchoff happens to pull off a huge win on Tuesday night in front of his home crowd, you won't see him celebrating until the wee hours.

“I have to be in work the next day,” smiled Kirchoff. “I head out by 6:30 in the morning.”

*****

The ‘Cowboy 50' on Tues., July 14, will feature 14 WoO LMS regulars, led by red-hot points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va. The 21-year-old sensation is coming off his series-leading sixth win of 2009 in Friday night's ‘Wild West Tour' event at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D.

Other Outlaws headed to Gillette are Fuller, who sits seventh in the current points standings; defending champion Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky.; Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky.; Rick Eckert of York, Pa.; Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga.; Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., a new regular in 2009 who will make his first visit to Gillette; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who finished third in last year's ‘Cowboy 50'; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

A capacity crowd is expected for the event, which also includes action for Gillette's WISSOTA A- and B-Modified divisions.

“We're really excited about the race,” said the elder Ed Kirchoff, who heads the Gillette Racing Club's promotional efforts. “We've had racers and fans calling from as far away as Oregon and Washington.”

Grandstand gates will open at 4:30 p.m. MT, with hot laps scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is $35 for ages 13-and-up, $15 for ages 6-12 and free for children 5-and-under. Pit passes are $40.

Additonal info is available by logging on too www.gillettespeedway.com.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Make It A Half-Dozen: Richards Survives Scare In Lapped Traffic To Win ‘Wild West Tour' A-Main At North Dakota's River Cities Speedway

GRAND FORKS, ND - July 10, 2009 - Josh Richards breathed a sigh of relief after winning Friday night's World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Seven Clans Casino 50' at River Cities Speedway.

In order to make the ‘Wild West Tour' event at the high-banked, quarter-mile oval his series-leading sixth victory of the 2009 season, grab sole possession of the WoO LMS points lead and pocket a check worth $10,600, Richards had to survive a decidedly hairy moment in lapped traffic on lap 31.

Richards, 21, of Shinnston, W.Va., was fighting back a bid for the lead by Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., when the slower car driven by Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., spun sideways across turn four in front of the pacesetters. Frank bounded over Richards's nose and into the infield berm, sending up a thick cloud of dust from which both Richards and Francis slowly emerged with damage evident to the hoods of their cars.

With the caution flag thrown for the dangerous situation caused by Frank's spin, Richards and Francis maintained their positions at the front of the field for the ensuing restart. Richards stayed there for the remainder of the distance without receiving a serious challenge, while Francis, who entered the evening tied with Francis for the WoO LMS points lead, gradually faded before a lap-44 pit stop to change a right-rear flat tire left him 12th at the finish.

“It was a fast track tonight and I just tried to keep my nose clean, but obviously I got scraped up,” said Richards, gesturing toward the crinkled hood on his Seubert Calf Ranches Rocket that resulted from contact with Frank's sliding machine. “Chub got bent and came across the track right in front of me, so I had nowhere to go. I just tried to keep rolling the best I could and luckily we got out it.”

Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., who won the recent Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., slipped by Francis's ill-handling Beitler Motorsports car for second place on lap 38 and chased Richards to the finish line. He couldn't mount a challenge after two caution flags flew on lap 44 and settled for the runner-up spot in his MB Customs mount, 1.292 seconds behind Richards.

Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., finished third in his Team Zero by Bloomquist car after his late attempts to overtake Mars fell short. The 32-year-old Smith, who scored his first career WoO LMS victory in last year's event at River Cities, moved up from the fifth starting spot to register his 10th top-five finish of his first touring season.

Rick Eckert of York, Pa., advanced from the eighth starting spot to place fourth in Raye Vest's Team Zero by Bloomquist car, and 12th-starter Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., passed Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., on the final circuit to complete the top five.

Richards, who started third, felt fortunate to escape the Frank incident with his car largely intact.

“I was pretty frustrated after it happened,” said Richards, who grabbed the lead for good with a lap-11 pass of Union, Ky.'s Darrell Lanigan. “(Frank) came right over my nose, so I didn't know how much damage there was. It rolled around O.K. under caution, but I was nervous driving up into (turn) one on the restart. I was worried that some of the body might get into the tire or something.

“The breaks just went our way tonight. We had some bad luck a couple nights ago (an eighth-place finish at Minnesota's Deer Creek Speedway after sustaining a flat tire), but it turned around tonight.

“It feels good to already match what we did last year,” he added, referring to equaling the six victories he totaled during the 2008 campaign. “But we've still got a long way to go.”

The victory was the fifth in the last nine WoO LMS A-Mains for Richards. It was also his 18th career triumph, breaking him out of tie for third with Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn., on the national tour's win list since 2004.

In addition, Richards left North Dakota with an 18-point lead over Lanigan, who started from the pole and led laps 6-10 but fell to seventh at the finish. Francis tumbled to third in the standings, 24 points behind Richards.

Mars, meanwhile, gladly accepted his $5,000 bridesmaid finish.

“I'm happy with second,” said Mars, who started fourth. “Josh was fast and ran a good race. My car just got so tight.”

Mars also had no qualms with the officials' decision that kept Richards and Francis at the front of the pack after they jammed up in the wake of Frank's spin. The incident did produce some varied opinions that led to post-race debate.

Though Mars stood to gain the most if officials ruled Richards and Francis had to restart at the rear of the field – after all, he would have been elevated to the lead – the 37-year-old “didn't have a problem with it,” he asserted. “The leaders need to have some sort of protection in a situation like that with a lapped car.”

Four cautions flags and one red flag slowed the event.

The race's most significant crash occurred on a lap-14 restart when a mid-pack scramble caused River Cities regular Brad Seng of Grand Forks, N.D., who had won the track's last two features, to roll over off turn four. Seng's car came to rest on its roof, but he climbed out of the cockpit uninjured after safety crews righted the machine.

Other drivers towed off due to damage sustained in Seng's crash were Kelly Boen of Henderson, Colo., and Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., who recorded his first career WoO LMS win at River Cities in 2007 but struggled on Friday night. Fuller had to use a provisional to start the A-Main after being struck down by a flat tire while leading a B-Main.

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Clint Smith, who started 10th; Lanigan; Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kan., who earned the $500 WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn't won a tour A-Main and wasn't ranked among the top 12 in the points standings; Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, who earned a $250 bonus as the race's top Rookie of the Year contender; and Frank, who survived the lap-31 incident and two trips to the pit area to salvage a top-10 finish.

Pat Doar of New Richmond, Wis., raced off the outside pole to lead laps 1-5, but he retired during a lap-14 caution period due to a broken lower shaft on his car's rearend.

Thirty-five cars were signed in for the evening's action.

After the track surface was made faster by a short burst of light rain that delayed the start of hot laps, Eckert established a new dirt Late Model track record with a lap of 11.756 seconds in Ohlins Shocks Time Trials. He bettered the standard of 11.950 seconds set by Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., on June 12, 2007.

Heat winners were Eckert, Francis, Richards and Mike Balcaen of Winnipeg, Manitoba. The B-Mains were captured by WoO LMS Rookie of the Year contenders Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., and Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va.

The WoO LMS ‘Wild West Tour' will continue on Tues., July 14, at Gillette (Wyo.) Thunder Speedway and Thurs., July 16, at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series at River Cities Speedway (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (3) Josh Richards/50 $10,600
2. (4) Jimmy Mars/50 $5,000
3. (5) Brady Smith/50 $3,500
4. (8) Rick Eckert/50 $3,050
5. (12) Shane Clanton/50 $2,500
6. (10) Clint Smith/50 $2,200
7. (1) Darrell Lanigan/50 $2,000
8. (13) Al Purkey/50 $1,800
9. (16) Russell King/50 $1,950
10. (21) Chub Frank/50 $1,700
11. (17) Jordan Bland/50 $1,550
12. (7) Steve Francis/50 $1,650
13. (14) Tyler Reddick/48 $950
14. (24) April Farmer/47 $900
15. (11) Dustin Hapka/44 $850
16. (18) Brent Robinson/17 $1,300
17. (2) Pat Doar/14 $770
18. (9) Brad Seng/14 $750
19. (15) Kelly Boen/14 $730
20. (23) Tim Fuller/14 $1,200
21. (6) Mike Balcaen/13 $700
22. (20) Joey Pederson/8 $700
23. (19) Ricky Weiss/6 $700
24. (22) Tom Corcoran/1 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 24 Mins., 59.924 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 1.292 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 4 (Laps 14, 31, 44, 44)
Red Flags: 1 (Lap 14)
Lap Leaders: Doar (1-5); Lanigan (6-10); Richards (11-50)
Provisional Starters: Fuller, Farmer
Rookie of the Race: King ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Purkey ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Darrell (‘Don Vito') Cooper (Clint Smith)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 11.756 (NTR)
2. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 11.778
3. 28-Jimmy Mars/Menomonie, WI 11.785
4. 11d-Pat Doar/New Richmond, WI 11.816
5. 12s-Brad Seng/Grand Forks, ND 11.899
6. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 11.904
7. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 11.918
8. 10-Mike Balcaen/Winnipeg, MAN 11.939
9. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 11.944
10. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 11.952
11. 73-Zach Johnson/Kensington, MN 11.960
12. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 12.059
13. 33-Al Purkey/Coffeyville, KS 12.114
14. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 12.116
15. 18H-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 12.150
16. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 12.198
17. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 12.210
18. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA 12.244
19. 7P-Joey Pederson/E. Grand Forks, MN 12.360
20. 11s-Troy Schill/Grand Forks, ND 12.368
21. 7W-Ricky Weiss/Winnipeg, MAN 12.378
22. 29K-Bill Koons/Omaha, NE 12.391
23. 07-Kelly Boen/Henderson, CO 12.477
24. 14-April Farmer/Livingston, TN 12.508
25. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 12.551
26. 99-Doyle Erickson/Baglen, MN 12.592
27. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 12.649
28. 22-Jill George/Cedar Falls, IA 12.681
29. 19b-Brandon Burke/Grand Forks, ND 12.756
30. 14J-Todd Johnson/Petersburg, ND 12.806
31. T1-Tom Corcoran/E. Grand Forks, MN 13.063
32. 9-Steve Anderson/Grand Forks, ND 13.140
33. 12A-Matt Aukland/Fargo, ND 13.303
34. 5G-Scott Greer/E. St. Paul, MN 13.324
35. 4-Harold Schill Jr./W. Fargo, ND N/T

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Eckert, Lanigan, Seng, Purkey, Fuller, Weiss, Frank, Burke (DNS) Aukland

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Francis, B. Smith, C. Smith, Reddick, Bland, Erickson, Koons, T. Johnson, Greer

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Richards, Mars, Hapka, Boen, Robinson, Pederson, Corcoran, Z. Johnson

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Balcaen, Doar, Clanton, King, T. Schill, Farmer, Anderson, George

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Bland, Weiss, Frank, Koons, Burke, Fuller, Erickson, T. Johnson (DNS) Greer, Aukland

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Robinson, Pederson, Corcoran, Farmer, T. Schill, George, Anderson (DNS) Z. Johnson

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Brandon Burke, Troy Schill
* Armor All (case of product to highest-finishing non-WoO team in A-Main w/decal): Jimmy Mars
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Al Purkey
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Chub Frank
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Jordan Bland, Brent Robinson
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Steve Francis
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Rick Eckert
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Shane Clanton
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Dustin Hapka
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Jimmy Mars
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award' (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Troy Schill
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Josh Richards

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of July 10 – 23 A-Mains completed (rank/driver/wins/top-5s/top-10s/earnings/points/deficit to leader):

1. Josh Richards 6-12-18-$112,220-3103 (-0)
2. Darrell Lanigan 1-11-19-$117,806-3085 (-18)
3. Steve Francis 5-13-18-$99,285-3079 (-24)
4. Rick Eckert 2-9-16-$60,775-3041 (-62)
5. Shane Clanton 1-4-16-$62,000-2985 (-118)
6. Brady Smith 0-10-13-$58,265-2964 (-139)
7. Tim Fuller 0-6-11-$44,180-2923 (-180)
8. Chub Frank 0-3-14-$46,100-2919 (-184)
9. Clint Smith 0-1-10-$37,720-2819 (-284)
10. Russell King 0-0-3-$24,740-2454 (-649)
11. Jordan Bland 0-0-1-$26,290-2405 (-698)
12. Brent Robinson 0-0-1-$15,280-2319 (-784)
13. Dustin Hapka 0-0-0-$11,160-2142 (-961)
14. Vic Coffey 0-2-4-$23,900-2007 (-1096)
15. Tyler Reddick 0-0-0-$7,225-1945 (-1158)
16. Austin Hubbard 0-2-4-$16,545-1544 (-1559)
17. Shannon Babb 1-4-7-$42,830-1470 (-1633)
18. Matt Lux 0-0-0-$10,640-1140 (-1963)
19. Dan Stone 0-1-1-$7,220-949 (-2154)
20. Dale McDowell 0-2-3-$14,550-829 (-2274)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Lanigan Ends Year-Long Victory Drought With $20,700 Score In 30th Annual NAPA Gopher 50 At Deer Creek Speedway

SPRING VALLEY, MN - July 8, 2009 - One thought ran through Darrell Lanigan's mind after Brian Birkhofer passed him for the lead in Wednesday night's 30th annual NAPA Gopher 50 Charity Late Model Race at Deer Creek Speedway.

“I wasn't gonna run second,” asserted the defending World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion. “Not again.”

A runner-up five times already this season and riding a frustrating 46-race winless streak on the WoO LMS, Lanigan simply refused to lose. The 39-year-old from Union, Ky., roared back in fine fashion, grabbing the top spot from Muscatine, Iowa's Birkhofer on lap 37 and holding on for a hard-earned victory in the opener of the four-race ‘Wild West Tour.'

Lanigan pocketed $20,700 for his first WoO LMS triumph of 2009, including an additional $10,000 check for capturing the ‘Past Champions Bonus' that was posted to celebrate the 30th running of the event. He was also the 2005 winner of the Gopher 50, which benefits the Blooming Prairie (Minn.) Lions Club.

“We've needed this for awhile,” said Lanigan, wearing a broad smile while receiving congratulatory handshakes in the pit area. “We've been fast this year, but we haven't had any luck. We finally had some things go our way tonight.

“Pulling this off with the $10,000 bonus on the line just makes it an even sweeter payoff.”

Lanigan steered his Fusion Energy Rocket car across the finish line 0.850 of a second ahead of Birkhofer, who settled for second place after leading laps 32-36 in his MB Customs machine. A two-time Gopher 50 winner, Birkhofer was also eligible for the 10-grand bonus.

Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., advanced from the eighth starting spot to finish third in another MB Customs car, which he and his brother Chris designed in a collaborative effort with Birkhofer. He reached third shortly after Birkhofer passed Lanigan for the lead, but he never drew close enough to seriously challenge the race's top stars.

Outside-polesitter Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., led laps 1-16 but slipped to fourth at the finish in his Gypsum Express Rocket, and Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., completed the top five in the Beitler Motorsports Rocket after outdueling Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., in a tight battle over the race's final 10 laps.

Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who entered the event leading the WoO LMS points standings, finished eighth after a blown right-rear tire on lap 21 forced him to rally from the rear of the field. He ended the night tied for the points lead with Francis, who installed a backup engine after his heat win, and just four points ahead of third-place Lanigan.

Points, of course, weren't a concern for Lanigan following the Gopher 50. He was just relieved to win on the WoO LMS for the first time since June 25, 2008, at Big Diamond Raceway in Forestville, Pa.

But Lanigan certainly experienced some anxious moments on his way to Victory Lane. Though he quickly marched forward from the sixth starting spot to overtake race-long pacesetter Fuller for the lead on lap 17, he saw his hopes flash in front of his eyes when Birkhofer snuck by him in lapped traffic on lap 32.

“I knew we still had a car that was good enough to come back,” said Lanigan, who registered his 11th career WoO LMS win (and third at Deer Creek). “I just had to get up on the wheel and get it done.

“We were just a little bit better up on the (outside) cushion than (Birkhofer) was. I saw he was pushing up there when I got back to him, and then he pushed real bad one time (in turn four on lap 37) and I went by him.”

Birkhofer, 37, made several bids to regain command while tearing through heavy lapped traffic, but the night belonged to Lanigan.

“That was a helluva race,” summed up Birkhofer, the defending Gopher 50 race winner. “(Lanigan) got me back the same way I got by him for the lead – he got pinned behind a lapped car one lap, and then I got pinned behind a lapped car and pushed a few laps later.

“I feel like I was a little soft on the left-rear (tire choice) and that hurt me a little bit, but Darrell was good. He made the right moves in traffic and won the race.”

Four caution flags slowed the event, all during the race's first 21 laps. There were no serious incidents.

Finishing in positions 6-10 was Clanton, who struggled late in the distance with a blistered right-rear tire; Al Purkey of Coffeyville, Kan., who earned the $500 WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' cash for being the highest-finishing driver who hasn't won a tour A-Main and wasn't ranked among the top 12 in the points standings; Richards; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., who climbed as high as seventh from the 13th starting spot; and Will Vaught of Crane, Mo.

Former Gopher 50 winners in the field who chased the $10,000 bonus were Lanigan, Birkhofer, Rick Eckert (a quiet 11th-place finisher) and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (ended up spun in turn two on lap 18 and finished 17th). Five other drivers – Mars, Francis, Clanton, Richards and Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., who started from the pole position but faded to a 14th-place finish after losing his car's brakes on lap five – were also eligible for the bonus after being selected by former Gopher 50 winners who were on hand for the 30th annual event but are no longer active entrants in full-blown dirt Late Model events.

The group of former Gopher 50 winners who attended the event as spectators included Leon Plank (inaugural winner), Steve Kosiski, Joe Kosiski, Tom Steuding and Rick Egersdorf. Each of them stood to pocket a $1,000 check if the driver they picked had won the A-Main.

A field of 44 dirt Late Models was signed in for the Gopher 50, which was part of the WoO LMS for the fifth consecutive year.

Francis set a new track record during Ohlins Shocks Time Trials with a lap of 14.130 seconds. He topped the Brady Smith's existing standard of 14.27 seconds, which had stood since July 28, 2006.

Heat winners were Francis, Birkhofer, Richards and Lanigan. The B-Mains were captured by Frank and Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D.

April Farmer of Livingston, Tenn., was involved in a tangle that knocked her out of the second B-Main, but she earned a points provisional to become the first-ever female driver to start a WoO LMS A-Main. She retired after 20 laps, finishing 24th.

The WoO LMS ‘Wild West Tour' continues on Friday night (July 10) at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D.; Tues., July 14, at Gillette (Wyo.) Thunder Speedway; and Thurs., July 16, at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Results of WoO Late Model Series NAPA ‘Gopher 50' (Finishing Position/Start/Driver/Laps Completed/Money Won):

1. (6) Darrell Lanigan/50 $20,700
2. (3) Brian Birkhofer/50 $5,050
3. (8) Jimmy Mars/50 $3,000
4. (2) Tim Fuller/50 $3,000
5. (4) Steve Francis/50 $2,650
6. (7) Shane Clanton/50 $2,200
7. (10) Al Purkey/50 $1,900
8. (5) Josh Richards/50 $1,800
9. (13) Clint Smith/50 $1,700
10. (12) Will Vaught/50 $1,200
11. (9) Rick Eckert/50 $1,550
12. (15) Jordan Bland/50 $1,750
13. (14) Chad Simpson/49 $950
14. (1) Brady Smith/49 $1,400
15. (19) Brian Shirley/49 $850
16. (21) Russell King/49 $1,300
17. (17) Chub Frank/49 $1,270
18. (22) Brent Robinson/49 $1,250
19. (11) Tim Isenberg/48 $730
20. (20) Zach Johnson/48 $700
21. (18) Dustin Hapka/48 $700
22. (23) Tyler Reddick/45 $700
23. (16) Chris Simpson/27 $700
24. (24) April Farmer/20 $700
25. (25) Justin Sass/4 $700

* Earnings include Winners Circle program and cash contingency award bonuses

Time of Race: 20 Mins., 37.494 Secs.
Margin of Victory: 0.850 Secs.
Yellow Flags: 4 (Laps 0, 18, 18, 21)
Lap Leaders: Fuller (1-16); Lanigan (17-31); Birkhofer (32-36); Lanigan (37-50)
Provisional Starters: Reddick, Farmer (WoO)l; Sass (track)
Rookie of the Race: Bland ($250)
WoO LMS ‘Bonus Bucks' Winner: Purkey ($500)
Integra Shocks Crew Chief of the Race: Randall Edwards (Lanigan)

Ohlins Shocks Time Trial Results (Position/No./Driver/Hometown/Best Lap):

1. 19-Steve Francis/Ashland, KY 14.130 (NTR)
2. 25s-Chad Simpson/Mt. Vernon, IA 14.298
3. 28-Jimmy Mars/Menomonie, WI 14.355
4. 19T-Tim Fuller/Watertown, NY 14.379
5. 44-Clint Smith/Senoia, GA 14.381
6. 15b-Brian Birkhofer/Muscatine, IA 14.406
7. 1-Josh Richards/Shinnston, WV 14.427
8. 10-Mike Balcaen/Winnipeg, MAN 14.437
9. 25-Shane Clanton/Locust Grove, GA 14.459
10. 2-Brady Smith/Solon Springs, WI 14.461
11. 9T-Tim Isenberg/Marshfield, WI 14.469
12. 29-Darrell Lanigan/Union, KY 14.477
13. 24-Rick Eckert/York, PA 14.501
14. 33-Al Purkey/Coffeyville, KS 14.523
15. 73-Zach Johnson/Kensington, MN 14.530
16. 18-Dustin Hapka/Grand Forks, ND 14.590
17. 55c-Chad Mahder/Marshfield, WI 14.613
18. 14-April Farmer/Livingston, TN 14.614
19. 11d-Pat Doar/New Richmond, WI 14.617
20. 68-Mike Prochnow/Menomonie, WI 14.634
21. 1*-Chub Frank/Bear Lake, PA 14.662
22. 3s-Brian Shirley/Chatham, IL 14.688
23. 3-Brent Robinson/Smithfield, VA 14.727
24. 32-Chris Simpson/Oxford, IA 14.737
25. 56-Russell King/Bristolville, OH 14.782
26. 25H-Kerry Hansen/Spencer, IA 14.825
27. 12-Jordan Bland/Campbellsville, KY 14.891
28. 1V-Will Vaught/Crane, MO 14.904
29. 44H-Adam Hensel/Barron, WI 15.024
30. 71-Andrew McKay/Edina, MN 15.034
31. 55K-Kevin Kuehn/Winona, MN 15.104
32. 29K-Bill Koons/Omaha, NE 15.218
33. 24s-Justin Sass/Rochester, MN 15.245
34. 33L-Joe Ludemann/Grand Meadow, MN 15.439
35. 40-Nick Kramer/Pine Island, MN 15.516
36. 65-Lucas Peterson/Stockholm, WI 15.606
37. 00-Andy Altenburg/Truman, MN 15.670
38. 19R-Dustin Reeh/Rochester, MN 15.801
39. 35-Jerry Bloom/Grand Meadow, MN 15.931
40. 7H-Dennis Hillson/Blooming Prairie, MN 15.968
41. 22-Jill George/Cedar Falls, IA 16.430
42. 95-Keith Foss/Winona, MN 17.360
43. 6-Nick Herrick/Kenyon, MN N/T
44. 11-Tyler Reddick/Corning, CA N/T

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Francis, Clanton, Eckert, C. Smith, Frank, King, Hensel, Mahder, George, Altenburg, Sass

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Birkhofer, B. Smith, Purkey, Chad Simpson, Shirley, Hansen, Farmer, McKay, Ludemann, Reeh (DNS) Foss

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Richards, Mars, Isenberg, Bland, Z. Johnson, Robinson, Kuehn, Kramer, Bloom, Herrick, Doar

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 4 Transfer): Lanigan, Fuller, Vaught, Chris Simpson, Hapka, Balcaen, Koons, Prochnow, Reddick, Hillson, Peterson

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Frank, Shirley, King, Hensel, George, Sass, Ludemann, Reeh, Altenburg, Farmer, Mahder, Hansen (DNS) McKay, Foss

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 3 Transfer): Hapka, Johnson, Robinson, Koons, Prochnow, Reddick, Kuehn, Herrick, Kramer, Balcaen, Bloom, Hillson (DNS) Doar, Peterson

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Contingency Award Winners:

* Arizona Sport Shirts ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in B-Mains): Jill George, Mike Prochnow
* Armor All (case of product to highest-finishing non-WoO team in A-Main w/decal): Brian Birkhofer
* Champ Pans ($50 product certificate to ‘Bonus Bucks' winner w/decal): Al Purkey
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to A-Main winner w/decal): Darrell Lanigan
* Crane Cams ($100 cash award to 10th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Will Vaught
* Crane Cams ($100 product certificate to Heat 3 winner w/decal): Josh Richards
* Eibach Springs (one free spring to each B-Main winner w/decal): Chub Frank, Dustin Hapka
* Fusion Energy ($50 cash award to Heat 2 winner w/decal): Brian Birkhofer
* Ohlins Shocks ($50 cash award to fast qualifier w/decal): Steve Francis
* Quarter-Master ($100 product certificate to A-Main winner w/decal): Darrell Lanigan
* Quarter-Master ($50 product certificate to fifth-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Steve Francis
* Quarter-Master ($25 product certificate to 15th-place finisher in A-Main w/decal): Brian Shirley
* Super Clean ‘Start of the Race' (one case of product): Tim Fuller
* VP Racing Fuels ‘Nice Jugs Award' (two free VP five-gallon containers to fastest qualifier who does not make the A-Main if decal is displayed): Chad Mahder
* Wrisco Aluminum (three sheets of aluminum to A-Main winner w/decal): Darrell Lanigan

2009 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Point Standings as of - A-Mains completed (rank/driver/points/deficit to leader):

1. (tie) Josh Richards 2953 (-0)
1. (tie) Steve Francis 2953 (-0)
3. Darrell Lanigan 2949 (-4)
4. Rick Eckert 2899 (-54)
5. Shane Clanton 2845 (-108)
6. Brady Smith 2820 (-133)
7. Tim Fuller 2813 (-140)
8. Chub Frank 2789 (-164)
9. Clint Smith 2681 (-272)
10. Russell King 2322 (-631)
11. Jordan Bland 2277 (-676)
12. Brent Robinson 2201 (-752)
13. Dustin Hapka 2022 (-931)
14. Vic Coffey 2007 (-946)
15. Tyler Reddick 1821 (-1132)
16. Austin Hubbard 1544 (-1409)
17. Shannon Babb 1470 (-1483)
18. Matt Lux 1140 (-1813)
19. Dan Stone 949 (-2004)
20. Dale McDowell 829 (-2124)

FOLLOW THE ACTION ON TWITTER: Fans can now keep up-to-date with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series online and through text messages on cell phones via the Twitter, the internet's fast-growing social-networking and micro-blogging website. Updates are provided to Twitter ‘followers' of the WoO LMS throughout each race night, and fans also receive breaking news and interesting notes from the tour.

To sign-up as a WoO LMS ‘follower' on Twitter to receive updates anywhere at anytime, visit http://twitter.com/WoOLateModels.

LISTEN ONLINE: If fans can't get to a track to see the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, they can experience the excitement of the nation's premier tour live on DIRTvision.com through the DIRT Radio Network.

To listen to the free audio broadcasts, log on to www.dirtvision.com and click on the DIRT Radio Network logo.

Listeners will need Windows Media Player 9 or higher to listen to the DIRT Radio Network. For technical support or questions, e-mail customerservice@dirtvision.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

After Chasing World of Outlaws Late Model Series All Season, Rookie Dustin Hapka Gets Hometown Date Friday (July 10) At River Cities Speedway

GRAND FORKS, ND - July 8, 2009 - The long, winding World of Outlaws Late Model Series road finally brings Dustin Hapka home this Friday night (July 10).

An upstart rookie on the grueling national tour, Hapka will race just blocks from his front door in Grand Forks, N.D., when the renowned series makes its annual stop at River Cities Speedway for a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win A-Main.

After traipsing all across the country to enter the first 21 events of the 2009 WoO LMS season, Hapka can't wait to drive his rig through the pit gate of his hometrack.

“I've been telling myself all year that I'm gonna approach (the River Cities show) like it's just another race,” said Hapka, who estimates that he's already traveled over 25,000 miles as a WoO LMS regular this season. “But the truth is, there's been an asterisk next to the (July 10) date on our calendar all year.

“I want this race on Friday night to be our best finish of the season – hopefully even our first World of Outlaws top-10 finish. It's been a tough year for us so far, but I think we know what to do with the car (at River Cities) so this will be our best shot at it.”

Hapka, 26, has gone through the WoO LMS School of Hard Knocks in 2009. He made a formidable jump this season, deciding to hit the highways with the World of Outlaws stars after just three seasons of WISSOTA Late Model racing – and with barely a dozen open-motor starts under his belt, all during the second half of the 2008 campaign.

Running family-owned Rocket cars sponsored by Sure Step/Enviro Shield Products, Inc., Hapka has experienced far more struggle than success while taking on the dirt Late Model division's biggest talents. He's entered every WoO LMS event in 2009 but started only nine A-Mains, with a 12th-place finish on June 18 at Ohsweken (Ont.) Speedway his best finish to date (his second-fastest lap in qualifying at the Canadian oval was also a season high). He enters the four-race WoO LMS ‘Wild West Tour,' which kicks off on July 8 at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., before visiting River Cities, ranked 14th in the overall points standings and fourth in the battle for the Rookie of the Year crown (an honor determined by contenders' best 30 finishes).

“Our performance has been a little below the expectations of what we wanted to accomplish this year,” admitted Hapka, who made his full-blown dirt Late Model debut when he followed last year's WoO LMS ‘Wild West Tour.' “But we've learned a bunch this year, especially with tires. I'd say that I've learned more during the first half of this season than I have in my entire career combined.

“We haven't had a lot of success and that can get you down sometimes, but I feel like you've gotta get out there and learn sometime if you want to get better at this. That's what we're doing, and hopefully we'll see the benefits in the future.”

A crewman for such well-known River Cities Speedway dirt Late Model drivers as the late John Seitz and Brad Seng before entering the WISSOTA Late Model ranks in 2005 after two-year stints in the Street Stock and Super Stock divisions, Hapka comes into the swing through his home region with his race team buoyed by the addition of an experienced mechanic. Last week he hired a new chief wrench in 2007 WoO LMS Crew Chief of the Year Brad Baum, whose three-year run as Chub Frank's right-hand man ended shortly after the Firecracker 100 on June 27 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa. Baum joins Cale Jopp, who has assisted Hapka all season, on the road.

“We've been a little short-handed with just me and Cale at most of the races, so having Brad working for us now will really help,” said Hapka, who makes his living as a Master Distributor for Interlake Chemicals International's Sure Step product, a non-slip chemical treatment for hard mineral floors and porcelain/enamel bathtubs.

Hapka failed to qualify for the WoO LMS event at River Cities in 2006 and 2007, but last year he finished 21st in the A-Main after turning the 19th-fastest lap in time trials and finishing second in a B-Main.

Hot laps are scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. on Fri., July 10, at River Cities Speedway, which also has its weekly NOSA Sprint Cars on the program.

Reserved seats are $28 in advance and $30 on race day, and general admission is $25 with kids 12-and-under admitted for $15.

Additional info on River Cities Speedway is available by logging on to www.rivercitiesspeedway.com or calling 701-780-0999 or 218-773-3002 (tickets).

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

‘Wild West Tour' Takes World of Outlaws Late Model Series To Four Tracks With History Of Action-Packed Racing

CONCORD, NC - July 7, 2009 - There's a common theme surrounding the four tracks that comprise this year's World of Outlaws Late Model Series ‘Wild West Tour.

Each facility, of course, has hosted some truly outstanding World of Outlaws events in the past.

“You'll be hard-pressed to find four tracks that have a better track record for producing great World of Outlaws Late Model Series action than the speedways we're visiting over the next week,” said series director Tim Christman. “If a fan wants to see some exciting, unpredictable racing, this year's ‘Wild West Tour' definitely fits the bill.”

The four-race, four-state swing kicks off on Wednesday night (July 8) with the 30th annual NAPA ‘Gopher 50' at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn., followed by stops on Fri., July 10, at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D.; Tues., July 14, at Gillette (Wyo.) Thunder Speedway; and Thurs., July 16, at Dakota State Fair Speedway in Huron, S.D.

All of the A-Mains will be run over the 50-lap distance and pay $10,000 to win. Deer Creek's event could bring one driver a $20,000 top prize, including a $10,000 bonus that goes to the victor if they are a former Gopher 50 winner or a driver who has been selected to race for the extra cash by an inactive past winner.

Will this year's ‘Wild West Tour' events top the memorable WoO LMS moments that have already occurred at the four tracks? Consider some of these unforgettable races from recent seasons:

* A fixture on the WoO LMS schedule since 2005, the Queensland family's finely-manicured, three-eighths-mile Deer Creek Speedway was the scene of a dramatic Gopher 50 on June 1, 2006. After early leader Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., slowed with a broken fifth-coil midway through the A-Main (but still manhandled his car to a third-place finish), Rick Eckert of York, Pa., came on to pass Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., for the lead with just seven laps remaining to record the second of what would become his series-record four wins in a row.

* The high-banked, quarter-mile River Cities Speedway has seen drivers score first career WoO LMS victories in consecutive years – and in thrilling fashion. On June 12, 2007, Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., sliced through heavy lapped traffic to steal the lead from Salt Rock, W.Va.'s Eddie Carrier Jr. with just four laps remaining en route to a chest-thumping triumph (over Carrier and charging 23rd-place-starter Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill.). One year ago, on July 11, 2008, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., one-upped Fuller on the excitement meter, outdueling Babb to win a race that ended with Babb's car climbing the homestretch wall just before the flagstand when his last-ditch bid ran out of room outside of Smith and a lapped car.

* Gillette Thunder Speedway was virtually unknown to the WoO LMS stars prior to last year's inaugural ‘Cowboy 50,' but the high-banked, one-third-mile oval drew rave reviews after Fuller pulled off a heart-stopping win on July 16, 2008. He overtook Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., for the lead as the white flag was flying and moments later stood celebrating in Victory Lane with a cowboy hat on his head.

* No race stands out more in the WoO LMS history books than the only tour event ever contested at Dakota State Fair Speedway, on June 5, 2005. It was on that evening that McCreadie did the unthinkable, becoming the first – and still only – driver to win a WoO LMS A-Main from the last starting spot. Forced to take the green flag from 24th after switching to a backup car following his heat-race win, he marched through the field using mostly the top side of the three-eighths-mile oval, finally passing Lanigan for the lead with just one lap remaining.

A star-studded group of WoO LMS travelers is ready to make some more memories on this year's Wild West Tour, led by points leader Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., who has won four of the last seven series A-Mains but is winless at the four tracks on the western swing.

The Outlaws roster also includes defending champion Lanigan; Eckert, a two-time winner this year; Fuller, whose three career WoO LMS wins have come in the Upper Midwest; Brady Smith, who sits sixth in the points standings in his first year as a series regular; Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., who is tied with Richards as the tour's winningest driver in 2009 (five apiece); Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga; Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., who won the Gopher 50 in 2007; Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga.; and Rookie of the Year contenders Russell King of Bristolville, Ohio, Jordan Bland of Campbellsville, Ky., Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Va., Dustin Hapka of Grand Forks, N.D., and 14-year-old Tyler Reddick of Corning, Calif.

Mars, who pocketed $30,950 for winning the WoO LMS Firecracker 100 on June 27 at Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa., and Zach Johnson of Kensington, Minn., are among the drivers who plan to join the Outlaws caravan for the entire four-race swing.

Other racers expected to run parts of the Wild West Tour include Kelly Boen of Henderson, Colo. (River Cities and Gillette); April Farmer of Livingston, Tenn., who will enter the Deer Creek and River Cities shows in an attempt to become the first female to qualify for a WoO LMS A-Main; Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa (Deer Creek); and Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill. (Deer Creek).

For more information on the ‘Wild West Tour':

* Deer Creek Speedway on Wed., July 8: Visit www.deercreekspeedway.com or call 1-877-DCS-RACE.

* River Cities Speedway on Fri., July 10: Visit www.rivercitiesspeedway.com or call 701-780-0999.

* Gillette Thunder Speedway on Tues., July 14: Visit www.gillettespeedway.com or call 307-682-7290.

* Dakota State Fair Speedway on Thurs., July 16: Visit www.dakotapromotions.com or call 605-352-4848.

Additional info on the WoO LMS is available by logging on to www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.

World of Outlaws Late Model Series Adds Date At New York's Brewerton Speedway On Wed., Sept. 2

BREWERTON, NY - July 5, 2009 - The World of Outlaws Late Model Series will make a first-ever visit to Brewerton Speedway on Wed., Sept. 2, track and series officials have announced.

A 50-lap A-Main paying $10,000 to win will top the late-summer evening program, which gives central New York DIRTcar big-block Modified fans one more chance to see the full-fender stars of the national tour in 2009.

John Wight, a trucking company magnate who owns Brewerton Speedway and nearby Fulton (N.Y.) Speedway and also fields big-block Modified and dirt Late Model teams under the Gypsum Racing banner, is in the process of increasing the seating capacity of the one-third-mile Brewerton oval in preparation for the highly-anticipated WoO LMS event.

“As soon as I bought the tracks (in March) I was thinking about having a World of Outlaws Late Model Series race at Brewerton,” said Wight. “Harvey (Fink, who manages Brewerton and Fulton for Wight) said Brewerton didn't have enough seating to run an Outlaw show, so we went out and got more bleachers to make it happen.

“We're very excited about the race. We had fans asking if they could buy reserved tickets as soon as we announced the date during one of our Friday-night shows, so I think we're going to need every one of those new seats.”

Wight said work crews are currently pouring the foundation for the new grandstand, which will be positioned outside turn four and add approximately 1,000 seats to the track's capacity.

Fink, a former owner and promoter of both Brewerton and Fulton speedways whom Wight summoned from his home in Florida to once again run the two tracks, has been waiting for more than a decade to see dirt Late Models battle at Brewerton. He scheduled a STARS Renegade DirtCar Series event for Super DIRT Week 1996 at Brewerton, but the race was rained out and not rescheduled.

Several dirt Late Model drivers did, however, test their cars at Brewerton during a DIRTcar 358-Modified program run the night before the scheduled STARS event in October 1996. Fink fondly recalls those exciting dirt Late Model laps on the track known as the ‘D-Shaped Dirt Demon.'

“That practice session was awesome,” said Fink. “The Late Models were out there twisting and lifting up their left-front wheels. It had everybody talking, but unfortunately we never got to run the show because of the rain.

“Anybody who saw that practice knows how exciting (a WoO LMS) show will be at Brewerton.”

The WoO LMS event will feature plenty of drivers familiar to Brewerton's weekly faithful, including 2006 tour champion Tim McCreadie and current WoO LMS regular Tim Fuller, a pair of Watertown, N.Y., residents who starred in the track's DIRTcar big-block Modified ranks before moving to the national dirt Late Model scene. McCreadie owns 11 career Modified feature wins at Brewerton (his legendary father, ‘Barefoot' Bob McCreadie, is the track's alltime winningest driver with 82 victories), while Fuller ranks sixth on Brewerton's career win list with 26 triumphs.

Fuller drives dirt Late Models from Wight's Gypsum Racing stable. He will be one of three Gypsum Racing drivers in Brewerton's WoO LMS event, joining DIRTcar big-block Modified superstar Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y., who ranks fourth on the track's career win list with 44 victories, and rising DIRTcar big-block Modified star Larry Wight of Baldwinsville, N.Y., John Wight's 16-year-old son who recently made his first-ever WoO LMS A-Main starts.

Both Decker and Larry Wight provided a taste of what's in store on Sept. 2 when they made some exhibition laps around the track with their dirt Late Models during Brewerton's June 26 racing program. Decker turned laps in the high 13-second bracket while Wight topped out at 14.2 seconds on the stopwatch.

Fink said Brewerton Speedway will not sell advance reserved-seat tickets to the WoO LMS event, but plans are being made to open the track's ticket windows early on Sept. 2 to accommodate the influx of fans. More information will be made available in the coming weeks.

The event will carry a raindate of Thurs., Sept. 3.

Following the stop at Brewerton, the WoO LMS will head to Tri-City Speedway in Franklin, Pa., for the two-day Oil Region Labor Day Classic on Sept. 5-6.

Information on Brewerton Speedway is available by logging on to www.brewertonspeedway.com.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.
 

Unique Bonus Program Provides Select Drivers Shot At $20,000 Payday In 30th Annual Gopher 50 On July 8 At Deer Creek Speedway

SPRING VALLEY, MN - July 2, 2009 - Deer Creek Speedway and the Blooming Prairie (Minn.) Lions Club wanted to make the milestone 30th annual NAPA ‘Gopher 50' Charity Late Model Race a truly memorable show.

With a unique promotion that headlines the 17 former Gopher 50 winners, gives fans a shot at a cash prize and could bring one driver a whopping $20,000 payday, the co-promoters of the historic event have fulfilled their desires.

To celebrate the 30th edition of the Gopher 50 on Wed., July 8, at the Queensland family's Deer Creek oval, all previous winners of the race are eligible to compete for lucrative bonus money as part of the ‘Past Champions Challenge.' A victory in the World of Outlaws Late Model Series A-Main by a former Gopher winner will earn that driver an additional $10,000 on top of the posted 10-grand first-place prize – and making the night even more intriguing, several drivers who haven't won the race will be picked to run for the $10,000 bonus by inactive Gopher 50 winners, who stand to collect a $1,000 check if their stand-in selection bags the checkered flag.

All the evening's action will be taped by the SPEED television cameras for broadcast on Sat., Aug. 15, at 3 p.m. ET on the cable network.

“We were coming home from a meeting with NAPA when we came up with this idea to market the 30th annual Gopher 50,” said Ryan Queensland, the p.r. and marketing director of Deer Creek Speedway. “It's something different that we hoped would bring the former winners back and it looks like it's really gone over great.

“Pre-race ticket sales have been strong and the buzz around here from fans and racers has been unbelievable. Now we just need a sunny, 80-degree day and we'll rock the house.”

Part of the WoO LMS for the fifth consecutive year, the Gopher 50 was founded in 1980 as a fundraiser for the Blooming Prairie Jaycees. It was held that year at Chateau Speedway in Austin, Minn., and offered a $3,000 top prize from a $12,000 purse.

The event was moved to the Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatanna, Minn., in 1982 and ran there until settling at the gorgeous, three-eighths-mile Deer Creek Speedway in 2005, the same year that the Blooming Prairie Lions Club assumed promotion of the event. In excess of $300,000 has been raised for Jaycee and Lions projects over the lifetime of the Gopher 50.

“I can't believe it's already been 30 years for the Gopher,” said Jerry Ingvalson, the Blooming Prairie Lions Club member who has overseen all aspects of the Charity Race since its inception in 1980. “When we started this race we didn't know if we'd make it through the first year. Nobody would have thought the race would get this large to where it's on national television.”

Ingvalson has sought to contact all of the former Gopher 50 winners to extend them invitations to Wednesday night's event. He expects more than half of them to on hand.

The group of Gopher 50 champions includes WoO LMS regulars Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky. (2005), Rick Eckert of York, Pa. (2006) and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa. (2007). Two-time Gopher 50 winner Brian Birkhofer of Muscatine, Iowa, who captured last year's event, also has the race listed on his schedule.

Active dirt Late Model drivers with Gopher 50 triumphs on their resumes include Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark. (five wins), Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn. (three), Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill. (2002), Jay Johnson of West Burlington, Iowa (1998), Rick Aukland of Zanesville, Ohio (1997), Bill Frye of Greenbrier, Ark. (1995), Rick Egersdorf of St. Paul, Minn. (1991) and Joe Kosiski of Omaha, Neb. (1983).

Ingvalson said several former winners who are no longer active behind the wheel of a dirt Late Model have confirmed their plans to attend the 30th annual event, including inaugural Gopher 50 winner Leon Plank, a Wisconsin native who now lives in Marco Island, Fla.; three-time winner Steve Kosiski of Omaha, Neb.; Tom Steuding of Altoona, Wis., who topped the 1986 event; and three-time victor Willy Kraft, a Minnesota native who now makes his home in Mico, Texas.

Those inactive drivers will have a big decision to make when they're introduced to the crowd prior to the start of Wednesday's racing program. They'll be asked to select a driver who hasn't won the Gopher 50 to go for the $10,000 bonus in their stead.

Will they pick Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., the 21-year-old sensation who leads the WoO LMS points standings? Or Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., a former WoO LMS champ and five-time winner on this year's tour? Or Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., who won a WoO show at Deer Creek in 2006? Or Shane Clanton of Locust Grove, Ga., who finished fourth in last year's Gopher 50? Or Tim Fuller of Watertown, N.Y., whose three career WoO LMS victories have all come at tracks in the Upper Midwest? Or Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., an impressive new tour regular who has enjoyed success at Deer Creek in the past?

Or will they pick '06 series champion Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., who tentatively plans to enter the event? Or Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., who is coming off a $30,000-plus victory in the Firecracker 100 at Pennsylvania's Lernerville Speedway and has known Plank and Steuding for years?

You can bet the former winners making the picks will receive plenty of overtures from contenders hoping for a chance to chase that extra cash.

“We've invited all the former winners to our pre-race ‘feed' on Wednesday afternoon,” said Queensland, referring to the annual Windsor Chops lunch that is provided to the teams prior to the Gopher 50 at Deer Creek. “I have a feeling that the drivers who want to race for that $10,000 bonus will be doing some politicking while they're eating.”

Fans will also have a chance to share in the bonus money by registering for a special contest at participating NAPA Auto Parts Stores in the area or Miner's Outdoor Rec in Blooming Prairie, Minn. On race night names will be drawn to pair fans with the drivers who will be seeking the $10,000 Past Champions Bonus – and if a lucky fan's driver wins the Gopher 50, they'll take home a $2,000 check.

Pit gates are scheduled to open at 3 p.m. on Wed., July 8, and the grandstand gates will be unlocked at 4 p.m. Time trials are set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Deer Creek's USRA Modifieds will also be part of the program.

Pre-sale reserved tickets are $25 for ages 13-and-up and $15 for ages 12-and-under. Pit combo packages are also available for $35 (includes reserved seat with pit access).

Reserved seats are available on-line at www.deercreekspeedway.com or by calling 877-DCS-RACE or 507-754-6107.

Deer Creek Speedway is located 15 miles south of Rochester, Minn., on Highway 63.

The Gopher 50 kicks off the four-race ‘Wild West Tour,' which also visits River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., on July 10; Gillette (Wyo.) Thunder Speedway on July 14; and Dakota State Fair Speedway on July 16.

For more information on the WoO LMS, visit www.worldofoutlaws.com.

Alltime ‘Gopher 50' Event Winners (1980-81 at Chateau Speedway in Austin, Minn.; 1982-2004 at Steele County Fairgrounds in Owatanna, Minn.; 2005-present at Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn.):

1980 – Leon Plank
1981 – Steve Kosiski
1982 – Steve Kosiski
1983 – Joe Kosiski
1984 – Willy Kraft
1985 – Leon Plank
1986 – Tom Steuding
1987 – Willy Kraft
1988 – Steve Kosiski
1989 – Billy Moyer
1990 – Scott Bloomquist
1991 – Rick Egersdorf
1992 – Bob Hill
1993 – Billy Moyer
1994 – Willy Kraft
1995 – Bill Frye
1996 – Billy Moyer
1997 – Rick Aukland
1998 – Jay Johnson
1999 – Scott Bloomquist
2000 – Billy Moyer
2001 – Billy Moyer
2002 – Shannon Babb
2003 – Scott Bloomquist
2004 – Brian Birkhofer
2005 – Darrell Lanigan (WoO LMS)
2006 – Rick Eckert (WoO LMS)
2007 – Chub Frank (WoO LMS)
2008 – Brian Birkhofer (WoO LMS)

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including Arizona Sport Shirts (Official Apparel Company), Armor All (Official Car Care Products), Crane Cams (Official Valvetrain), Hoosier Racing Tires (Official Racing Tires), Fusion Energy Boost (Official Energy Boost), SuperClean (Official Cleaner-Degreaser) and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors Champ Pans, Eibach Springs, Hoosier Tires, Integra Shocks, Jake's Custom Golf Carts, Ohlins Shocks, Racing Electronics, Quarter Master and Wrisco Aluminum; Crane Cams Engine Builder's Challenge participants Cornett Racing Engines, Custom Race Engines and Pro Power Racing Engines; and Chassis Builder Challenge participants Rocket Chassis and Team Zero by Bloomquist.