2009/2009Fairbury


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Thanks to Korey Rich and Rocky Ragusa
track photographer Lu.... www.photosbylu.com
some photos below by Rocky Ragusa.... email Rocky at [email protected]
2006 & 2007 UMP track of the year

click picture to enlarge

Mars Rallies in Fairbury Finale
joel funk ss winner
dave porth mod winner
28 mars 27 melvin
mars lm winner

pics and story by Rocky Ragusa

Fairbury, IL. (9/05/09)  The season ending Prairie Dirt Classic is a race event many race fans have marked on their schedules months in advance. People begin arriving at the track usually the night before for those that are camping or as soon as the gates open on Saturday to place their blankets. The stands were overflowing with spectators, as fans and drivers eagerly waited for the 20th annual Prairie Dirt Classic to begin.

 40 late model competitors from 6 states took time trials with defending race winner Billy Moyer setting fast time at a 12.836.4 heat races were ran with Dennis Erb Jr. winning over Ryan Unzicker, Kevin Weaver, and Moyer in the first. Rodney Melvin took the second over Brandon Sheppard, Aaron Ricketts, and Scott Bull. Shannon Babb claimed the third over Darren Miller, Kyle Logue, and Billy Drake. Jimmy Mars won the forth heat turning back Eric Smith, Joe Harlan, and Will Vaught. Jeep VanWormer won over Richie Bell and Frank Heckenast Jr. beat Richie Hedrick in the two semi features. The track awarded a provisional position, with Daren Friedman taking the spot. The 21 car field was set for the 60 lap $10,000 to win UMP late model feature. Babb took the lead at the start of the race with Mars, Melvin, and Erb following. After a caution on the 3rd lap, Babb running the high side quickly pulled away from the field. Melvin moved into the second spot on the 9th lap, as Babb had a 10 car length lead. A caution came out on the 11th lap as race leader Babb came into the pits with a flat tire. Melvin moved to the point with Mars, Erb, and Unzicker began making his move. Melvin hugging the bottom and Mars working the middle ran door handle to door handle for 6 circuits before Mars moved to the front of the field. By the halfway mark, Mars, Melvin, and Unzicker were running nose to tail with Erb trailing by 3 car lengths. Mars started to put some distance on the field as he worked through slower cars. On the 47th lap, local favorite Unzicker dropped out with mechanical problems. With 10 laps remaining Mars had a half straight away lead over Melvin and Miller. Miller moved into the 2nd spot with 5 laps to go, but time ran out and Mars picked up his 2nd Prairie Dirt Classic win and 5th $10,000 to win race at Fairbury. Miller, Erb, Melvin, Weaver, Moyer, Babb, Sheppard, Vaught, and Bull completed the top 10. Moyer was voted the hard charger of the race.

 Racing action also took place in the UMP modified class. 41 drivers took time trials with Mike Spatola setting a 14.210. 4 heats were held with A.J. Dixon over Jeb Friedman, Dave Lilja over Bobby Crego, Jim Farris over Lance Dehm, and Mike Spatola over Dave Porth. 2 semis took place with Kevin Hastings turning back Travis Kohler and Darcey Wey beating Matt Greminger. Dave Porth got the jump at the start of the 20 lap feature with Mike Spatola trailing. Porth ran the bottom with Spatola not able to make any ground until he changed his line. Spatola was able to pull up to Porth and ran side by side for several laps. Behind the 2 drivers, Justin Delong, Jason Hastings, Jeff Leka, McKay Wenger, and T.D. Burger waged a battle for the 3rd position. At ther halfway mark, Porth had a 6 car length lead over Spatola, as Leka pulled away from his group for 3rd. on the 14th lap, Spatola tagged the wall in turn 4 ending his night and Wenger dropped out with car problems. Porth went the rest of the race uncontested to pick up his 2 win of the year. Leka, Farris, Jason Hastings, Burger, Dehm, Lilja, Crego, Kohler, and Friedman were the top 10. Farris won the hard charger of the race.

 18 UMP street stock drivers were on hand for their 15 lap feature. Joel Funk took the lead from Dave Rudisill on the 4th lap and won for the 4th time. Rudisill, Brandon Kessinger held off current national point leader Rick Thomas for third. Darrin Kohler, Nick Clubb, Joe Hillman, Eric Gaus, Jacob Johnson, and Greg Osman completed the top 10. Kohler took the hard charger honors as the curtain closed on another year of racing action at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway.

NOTES- 7 past winners of the Prairie Dirt Classic entered the race with only inaugural winner Snooky Dehm failing to make the field. Jason Feger, the current national point leader broke in his heat race and ended his night. During pre race ceremonies, Pontiac’s own Ms. Carrie Chandler gave an outstanding performance of the national anthem. Fans gave her a standing performance. In another battle for a national championship, Rick Thomas holds a narrow lead over Steve Ewing. Thursday night at Peoria, Dennis Erb Jr won a $5000 to win late model race, at Farmer City on Friday, Jason Feger won the $5000 to win monster Midwest series race. With Jeff Leka’s 2nd place finish in the modified race, he clinched his 8th track championship in a row at Farmer City. While Jeff Curl was on business, Brother Matt “Diesel” Curl came out of retirement to wheel his car. At Kankakee on Friday, veteran John Provenzano took the late models, current national point leader in the modifieds Gary Cook Jr. took the modifieds, while street stock honors went to Darrin Kohler. Also at Kankakee Pontiac’s Dan Rork drove a former Jim Farris car to a 16th place run. LaSalle speedway had a special Sunday night race. Mike Provenzano won the late models, while a special$1000 to win street stock special was held. Peoria’s Scott Schooner claimed the race with Joel Funk, Rick Thomas, and Steve Ewing following. Jason Feger won the $2000 to win monster Midwest series race Sunday at the Lincoln speedway. Kart racing returns to Pontiac’s Route 66 speedway this Sunday as the track will have a 50 lap clone series race. I would like to thank the Pontiac Daily Leader, the Fairbury American Legion Speedway staff, all my other racing media outlets, drivers and fans for the support they have given me this year. The Fairbury season might be over, but there is still a little bit more racing to do. A town in Ohio hosts an event called the World 100. if you have never been , go at least once. It is truly an event.

Fairbury Speedway 20th Annual Prairie Dirt Classic $10,000 to win $800 to start Sep 5
 

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting their 2009 season finale, the 20th Annual Prairie Dirt Classic sponsored by Lynn Chevrolet Buick, on Saturday, September 5th. The 60 lap UMP Late Model feature will pay $10,000 to win, $800 to start. The UMP Modifieds and UMP Street Stocks will also be in action Saturday night.

The main gate will open at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. At that time (not before) blankets may be put down to save seats. FALS asks that you be considerate of fellow race fans and not put out more than you will use. ANY BLANKETS PUT OUT BEFORE 7:30 A.M. SATURDAY WILL BE TAKEN UP BY FALS STAFF. FALS reserves the right to take up any blankets not being used at race time in the event seating is still needed.

The main gate will be open all day Friday for campers wishing to spend the night Friday before the race. There is no charge for camping UNLESS electrical hook-up is needed. Electrical hook-up is $15 per night. The main gate will be left open all night for those staying Saturday night.

Camping spots cannot be marked off until Thursday at 4:30 p.m. ANY "TAPE UP" BEFORE 4:30 THURSDAY WILL BE TORN DOWN BY FALS STAFF.

Gate Admission: $20, Pits: $35
Hot Laps 5:50 p.m., Qualifying 6:30 p.m., Racing 7:30 p.m.
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Format
*Straight up qualifying (no groups).
*One lap qualifying.
*Top 4 inverted in each heat.
*4 heats - top 4 transfer to feature event.
*2 semis – top 2 transfer to feature event.
*4 heat winners will redraw for feature starting spots in first 2 rows.
Format is based on up to 44 cars. (payout will NOT be cut with less cars)

Feature Payout
1st - $10,000
2nd - $5,000
3rd - $3,000
4th - $2,000
5th - $1,500
6th - $1,300
7th - $1,200
8th - $1,050
9th - $1,025
10th - $1,000
11th - $925
12th - $900
13th - $875
14th - $850
15th - 21st - $800 to start

**21st starting position is a track provisional (highest in track points that doesn't make the show)

Semi Payout
1st and 2nd transfer to feature
3rd - $300
4th - $250
5th - $225
6th - $115
7th on back - $100 (tow)

Past Winners of the Prairie Dirt Classic
2008 - Billy Moyer
2007 - Brian Birkhofer
2006 - Shannon Babb
2005 - Jimmy Mars
2004 - Dennis Erb Jr.
2003 - Don O'Neal
2002 - Shannon Babb
2001 - Bob Pierce
2000 - Bob Pierce
1999 - Bob Pierce
1998 - Billy Moyer
1997 - Billy Drake
1996 - John Gill
1995 - Bob Pierce
1994 - Bob Pierce
1993 - Billy Moyer
1992 - Billy Moyer
1991 - Kevin Weaver
1990 - Snooky Dehm

The speedway is located three blocks south of U.S. 24 on 3rd St. in Fairbury, Illinois (at the fairgrounds).

For more information visit www.fairburyspeedway.com.

1 2009 track champions left to right joe harlan-lance dehm-joel funk
2 83 scott bull looks for momentum heading into the prairie dirt classic
3 mike spatola captured his 1st career fairbury victory
4 ed lahey in only his 2nd start at fairbury won the sportsman feature
5 21 darrin kohler edged 57 brandon kessinger for the street stock win

Thanks to Rocky Ragusa for the pics

Scott Bull Wins at Fairbury in last chance warm-up for the 20th Annual Prairie Dirt Classic

Fairbury,Il. (8/29/09) Cool temperatures produced hot competition Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. Point championships had already been decided and the track honored the top 10 in each class.

 In the 30 lap UMP late model race, Ryan Unzicker took the lead at the start of the race with Daren Friedman, 2009 Joe Harlan, Scott Bull, and Aaron Ricketts running door handle to door handle, side by side. The track was wicked fast in spite of sever ruts in the turns. A caution fell on the track as Daren Friedman running 3 wide, was pinched into the wall ending his night. During the caution period, race leader Ryan Unzicker dropped out of the race with a flat tire. New race leader Joe Harlan led the field to the green flag and as the drivers were completing the lap, Junior Shickel’s car caught a rut in turn 4 and flipped. Shickel was uninjured, but his night came to an end. Haraln led the field on the restart with Scott Bull on Harlan’ bumper. Bull stuck his car under Harlan’s car in turn 1 on the 16th lap and took the lead. Harlan soon dropped out with mechanical problems and Bull went uncontested the rest of the way. Eric Smith, Aaron Ricketts, Donny Walden, Derek Chandler, Cody Watters, Lisa Shickel, Bob Freeburg, Mike Mullvain, and Eric Vaughan rounded out the top 10. Smith set fast time among the 29 drivers with a 12.655. Junior Shickel, Bill Giannetti, and Friedman won heat races; while Snooky Dehm took the semi feature. Donny Walden claimed the hard charger of the race.

 Early in the season Mike Spatola broke the 11 year track record, last week he bettered his own mark, but Spatola has still been searching for his first win at the legendary oval. Spatola and company ended the search, finally. Outside starter McKay Wenger took the lead for the start of the 20 lap UMP modified race with Justin Delong and 2009 track champion Lance Deham following. Caution came out on the track on lap 3 as Lance Dehm’s car came to a halt with rear end issues. As the race restated Spatola was a man on a mission, running the top and bottom of the track. While Wenger was using the top of the track, Spatola snookered Wenger to take the lead and held it for his first career victory at Fairbury. Wenger held off Jim Farris for 2nd, T.D. Burger took 3rd, followed by Justin Delong, Jeb Friedman, Bobby Crego, Dave Porth, Darcey Wey, and Matt Bachman. Wenger led the 31 drivers in qualifying with a 14.027. Miss Darcey took the hard charger award. George Aimone, Bachman, Farris, and Delong won heat traces, while Jeff Curl and Lake Nichoalds took the semis.

 With the recent closing of the Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, drivers have been looking for tracks to run. Ed Lahey started 3rd in the 15 lap UMP sportsman feature and edged to the front on the first lap and dominated the race. Several caution periods were no help to his competition as Lahey was able to build a straight away lead. For Lahey in only his second appearance at the track, it was his first career win at the speedway. Andrew Funk switched cars with Joel Funk and after starting in the 15th position, charged to a second place finish. Loren Haberkorn, Dusin Mounce, Shawn Diggs, Rod Rusher, Dan Flessner, Curtis Hobbs, Curt Vincent, and Steven Mattingly completed the top 10. Andrew Funk claimed the hard charger award, while Haberkorn and Scott Hatzer bested the 17 drivers in heat race action.

 Darrin Kohler got the jump on pole sitter Gary Barnes at the start of the 15 lap UMP Street stock feature and battled back and forth with Brandon Kessinger in the closing laps to claim his 5th win of the year. Kessinger took 2nd, while Rick Thomas was 3rd, 2009 track champion in the street stock and sportsman class Joel Funk was 4th, followed by Dave Rudisill, Eric Gaus, Gary Barnes, Joseph Hillman, Nick Clubb, and Tom Legner rounded out the top 10. Thomas claimed the hard charger of the race, while Barnes and Kohler bested the 19 drivers in the 2 heat races.

 

NOTES: the season ends this Saturday with the annual running of the Prairie Dirt Classic. The 60 lap late model race pays $10,000 to the winner. Action will also be held for the modified and street stock class. 2nd generation driver Jimmy Farris Jr. made his stock car debut running one of his dad’s old modifieds. After injuring his wrist during the summernationals, Derek Chandler returned to competition with a respectable finish. Plans are uncertain if the team will make the next race and the upcoming World 100. Joel Funk made his late model debut at Fairbury driving the former John Mehm Late Model. Jimmy Dehm was on hand at the track after breaking his arm last week during qualifying. Farmer City Speedway will host a $5000 to win late model race on Friday, on Thursday Peoria will have a $5000 to win late model special, while fans and drivers have a choice on Sunday with Lincoln Speedway returning to action with a monster Midwest series race and LaSalle speedway having a street stock special.

1 street stock winner darrin kohler
2 street stock champion and sportsman winner,track champion joel funk with his wife mary
3 42 mckay wenger held off 32b t.d. burger for the modified win
4 89 daren friedman and z joe harlan in late model action

Friedman Wins Battle, Loses War at Fairbury Fair Races

Fairbury, IL. (8/22/09) The Fairbury American Legion Speedway in conjunction the 133rd annual Fairbury Fair presented another night of action packed UMP stock car racing. As is the case, the fair signals the last night for point racing in each division.

 In the 15 lap street stock race point leader Joel Funk entered the race with a 35 point lead over UMP national point leader Rick Thomas. Outside front row starter Chris Tackett got a good start over the field any quickly built a 5 car length lead, while Darrin Kohler, Joel Funk, and Ron Donaldson fought for 2nd. Thomas started the race in 14th position and by the 2nd lap had moved to 7th. After a caution on lap 8, Kohler used the bottom to his advantage to take the lead from Tackett. Tackett tried several times over the last 5 laps to take the lead back, but Kohler held on for his 4th win of the year. Tackett, Thomas, Donaldson, Funk, Brandon Kessinger, Gary Barnes, Darrel Lehigh, Eric Gaus, and Joseph Hillman completed the top 10.

 The sportsman class took to the track next for their 15 lap affair. Jason Unzicker held a narrow 7 point lead over Joel Funk. Pole sitter Scott Hatzer took the lead at the start before Joel Funk moved to the point on lap 4. Disaster struck for Unzicker as he had rear-end troubles on the same lap, ending his night and championship hopes. Funk went uncontested the remainder of the race and won for the 9th time and took his second championship of the night. Hatzer, Loren Haberkorn, Terry Worth, Andrew Funk, Dan Flessner, Steven Mattingly, Paul Graf, Shawn Diggs, and Dustin Mounce rounded out the top 10.

 Lance Dehm had his championship clinched 2 weeks ago in the UMP modified class. In qualifying earlier in the day Mike Spatola broke his own track record with a 13.82. pole sitter took the lead for the start of the 20 lap feature with T.D. Burger racing side by side . McKay Wenger using the top of the track moved into contention and wrestled the lead away from Burger on lap 6. While Wenger began to put some distance between himself and the field, Burger had to battle with defending national champion Jeff Leka and Dehm. A caution fell on lap 13, gave Burger and Leka another shot at the lead. Wenger and Burger were able to pull away from Leka, as Dehm began to fade. Wenger was able to hang on for his 2nd win of the year over Burger, Leka, Jim Farris, Jeb Friedman, Spatola, Kevin Hastings, Dave Lilja, George Aimone, and Justin Delong.

 The last race of the night was the 30 lap UMP late model race, point leader Joe Harlan entered only needing to make a lap in the feature. Daren Friedman and Harlan started on the front row and raced side by side before Friedman running on the brink pulled away from the field. The only thing making the race respectable was the slower traffic as Friedman won by a straight away over Junior Shickel. Harlan became the first driver to win a championship in each of Fairbury’s divisions took 3rd. Scott Bull edged Aaron Ricketts for 4th. Chris Dick, Eric Vaughan, Cody Watters, Bob Freeburg, and Lisa Shickel completed the top 10.

 

1 eric smith and crew celebrate his 2nd win of the year in the 40 lap lm race.
2 lisa shickel beat a stellar field including dennis erb je and aaron ricketts in the lm semi
3 21d miss darcey wey won the modified semi, placed 10th in the feature, and won the hard charger of the race award.
4 23jr joel funk edged 78 shawn diggs at the line in the 15 sportsman race.
 

Sat night at Fairbury was the Monster Midwest race for the late models

Late model  Eric Smith
Modified  Lance Dehm
Sportsman Joel Funk    
Street Stock  Rick Thomas

Thanks to Rocky and Lu for the pics.... click on the thumbnail to enlarge

Smith Does the Monster Mash at Fairbury

By Rocky Ragusa

Fairbury, Il. (8/15/09) The Monster Midwest Series made their first appearance Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. 28 UMP late model drivers checked in for the 40 lap $2000 to win special. Defending track champion Daren Friedman set fast time with a 13.020. Heat race victors were Frank Heckenast Jr., Jason Feger, and Joe Harlan; while Lisa Shickel topped a stellar field to win the semi feature. A redraw was held among the first and second place finishers in each heat race to determine their starting positions. Front row starters Eric Smith and Daren Friedman led the field to the green flag with Friedman taking the lead followed by Jason Feger and Smith. One driver everyone had their eye on was defending UMP national champion Dennis Erb Jr. After having mechanical problems in his heat race, Erb had to start 12th in the semi feature and advanced to the main after finishing 2nd to Lisa Shickel. Erb started 17th in the feature and moved up to 11th by the time caution fell on lap 7. Following the caution, Friedman, Feger, and Smith took on running the as high as possible, scraping the wall in each turn. Joe Harlan used the low side while running in the 4th spot, waiting for someone to make a mistake. Caution came out on the 15th lap and Erb had moved up to the 8th position. After the caution, Friedman pulled to a 6 car length lead, while Feger and Smith raced side by side for second. Caution again came out on lap 24 for Don Cisco spinning out in turn 4. After the caution, as Friedman took the green flag he appeared to jump the cushion in turn 2 and allowed Smith to move to the point. Caution came out a lap later as Friedman stopped on the track with a flat tire. Friedman came back out, but was relegated to the tail end of the field. Smith immediately built a 5 car length lead while Feger and Joe Harlan raced for 2nd. In the closing laps, several more cautions fell, but they proved to be no help in allowing Feger or Harlan to overtake Smith. Feger’s style of rim riding proved to be fatal as he burned up his right rear with 2 laps to go and dropped out. At the end of the 40 laps, Smith had a ½ straight away lead over Harlan, Ryan Unzicker, Frank Heckenest Jr., Dennis Erb Jr., Scott Schmitt, Scott Bull, Donny Walden, Rocky Griffin, and Mike Mullvain. It was the second win of the year for Smith at Fairbury; Erb took the hard charger honors.

 In the 20 lap UMP modified feature, pole sitter and newly crowned track champion Lance Dehm made short work of his competition. At the drop of the green flag, Dehm took off and quickly built a comfortable margin over the field. The race was for second position between Jason Hastings and Jim Farris. Farris tried using the bottom groove, but it proved be futile in his attempt to wrestle the runner-up spot. As the checkered flag fell, Deehm had his 8th win in 16 races. Jason Hastings, Jim Farris, Jeff Curl, George Aimone, Gary Turpin, Lake Nichoalds, Dave Porth, Mckay Wenger, and Darcey Wey completed the top 10. 31 modifieds were on hand with Jeff Curl setting fast time at a 14.337. Heat races went to Justin Delong, Gary Turpin, Lake Nichoalds, and Lance Dehm. 2 semi features took place with Bobby Crego and Darcey Wey winning, Ms. Wey also took hard charger honors in the feature.

 In the 15 lap UMP sportsman race, pole sitter Andrew Funk took the lead at the start with Terry Worth and Joel Funk on his bumper. Joel Funk took the second spot on lap 4 and on the following circuit he overtook brother Andrew for first. Andrew seeking his first win of the year raced side by side with Joel for the lead. Following a lap 8 caution, Shawn Diggs made his presence known as he challenged Andrew for second. In the closing laps, Andrew Funk slipped which allowed Diggs to move into second. Diggs made several attempts to take first from Joel Funk, but came up short in his bid. Funk took his 8th win of the year and Diggs had a season best 2nd. Andrew Funk hung on for 3rd, followed by Jason Unzicker, Loren Haberkorn, Terry Worth, Jonny Garret, Chris Eden, Paul Graf, and Rod Rusher. The hard charger of the race went to Garret, while Andrew Funk and Worth won the heat races for the 17 drivers in attendance.

 Action began in the 15 lap UMP street stock race, originally Ron Donaldson was suppose to start from the pole, but had engine problems and choose to start in the rear. Polesitter Rick Thomas had his hands full with Brandon Kessinger and Joel Funk through out the contest. While Thomas took the lead at the start, first Kessinger made his presence known. Kessinger tried the top and bottom to overtake Thomas for the lead, but Thomas had the power down the straight away to hold on. Following a caution at lap 7, Joel Funk took the 2nd position and had the same results. He could pull even with Thomas in the turns, but Thomas had the power down the straights. At the end Thomas held on for his 6th win of the year. Joel Funk , Darrin Kohler, Eric Gaus, Chris Tackett, Kevin Lenzen, Brandon Kessinger, Gary Barnes, Joseph Hillman, and Robert Turner completed the top 10. 20 street stock signed in with heats going to Ron Donaldson and Thomas, while Darin Kohler took the hard charger award.

NOTES: This weekend is the annual fair races as the last night for drivers to receive points. Entering the late model race, Jason Feger had won 4 races in a row, including Friday’s monster Midwest race at Kankakee. Jason Hastings took the modified race at Kankakee, while at Farmer City Jay Ledford took his first modified win of the year. Alan Mondos from Lakeville, Minnesota made his first ever attempts in the late model race at Kankakee with a 5th place finish and at Fairbury , where he had a top 10 going until cutting a tire. Congratulations and best of luck go to Pontiac’s Albie Perez on accepting a position with the NASCAR nationwide team of Key Motorsports #40 with Scott Wimmer the main driver.

Fairbury American Legion Speedway August 8, 2009

Last night we had a total of 147 cars
Late Model  42
Modified  31
Sportsman  21
Street Stock 25
Hornets 28
 
These Photos by Lu
Late Model winner was Ryan Unzicker
Modified Special winner  Lance Dehm
Sportsman winner  Jason Unzicker
Street Stock winner  Rick Thomas
Hornet Winner  Eric Wilson
also we had a wedding at the track last night
George Aimone  Modified 4G got married after time trials

These Photos by Rocky

1 a fairbury first. modified driver george aimone and amanda parker wedding
2 mike spatola broke the 11 year track record of lance dehm
3 newly crowed track champion in the modified class, lance dehm won the $1200 special
4 23t rick thomas held on for the street stock win over 23jr joel funk
5 23a andrew funk battled early in the sportsman feature with winner 25 jason unzicker
 

Dehm Wins Mod Special, Takes Track Championship

By Rocky Ragusa

Fairbury,Il. (8/08/09) With several of the area speedways not running Saturday night, the Fairbury American Legion Speedway pit area was packed with 147 cars racing in 5 divisions. The UMP modified drivers had their annual 30 lap $1200 to win special as the highlighted feature event.

 Outside front row starter Mckay Wenger took the lead at the start of the main event. Wenger ran the high side of the track with pole sitter Jeb Friedman, Lance Dehm, Jim Farris, and Kevin Weaver trying different grooves to get by. As the leaders were approaching slower cars, Wenger running the top, the slower car of Josh Beebe in the middle, and Jeb Friedman shot to the bottom of the track to take the lead. Friedman received repetitive challenges from last week’s winner Jim Farris. Farris was able to pull along side Friedman several times, but Friedman was able to turn back Farris. In the meantime, newly crowned modified track champion Lance Dehm running his patented top side of the track reeled the leaders in. On lap 18 controversy happened as Friedman leading Farris was exiting turn 4 spun out. Track officials ruled that Farris had gotten into the back of Friedman. Farris was forced to go to the back of the field. After the caution period, Friedman held the lead, but with 10 laps to go, Dehm took the lead. Kevin Weaver was able to get by Friedman several laps later. Weaver was not able to mount a serious challenge to Dehm as he trailed by 2 car lengths through the closing stages of the race. For Dehm it was his 7th win of the year. Weaver, Friedman, Mike Spatola, Wenger, Jeff Curl, Gary Turpin, Dave Porth, George Aimone, and T.D. Burger completed the top 10. Spatola bested the 31 modified drivers in qualifying, breaking the 11 year mark of Dehm with a 13.87. Wenger, Friedman, Farris, and Weaver won the heat races, while Jeff Leka and Aimone took the semi features. Aimone also won the hard charger of the race award.

 In the 30 lap UMP late model feature, outside stater Joe Harlan led the 1st lap of the race before pole sitter Ryan Unzicker went to the head of the pack. Steve Sheppard Jr. followed Unzicker and stayed glued to Unzicker’s bumper. Unzicker took Sheppard Jr.’s best shots and was able to turn him back. Meanwhile in the back of the pack, Jr Shickel found the bottom groove to his liking and methodically worked his way to the leaders. In the closing laps of the race, as Unzicker and Sheppard were maneuvering through lapped cars Sheppard Jr took the lead only to see Unzicker power by to the front. A caution fell on the track with 2 to go as point leader Daren Friedman dropped out with mechcanical troubles.Unzicker led the remaining 2 laps as Shickel moved into the 2nd spot. It remained the same as Unzicker notched his 2nd win of the year. Sheppard Jr. hung on for 3rd, Joe Harlan, current UMP national point leader Dennis Erb Jr took 5th, followed by Jimmy Dehm, Brandon Sheppard, Eric Smith, Scott Bull and Todd Bennett. Brandon Sheppard a 16 year old superstar in the making led the 42 drivers in qualifying with a 12.96. Bull, Erb Jr., Shickel, and Unzicker claimed heat race wins, while Bennett and Chris Dick won the semi features. Jr. Shickel took the hard charger honors.

 Pole sitter Rick Thomas took the lead at the start of the 15 lap street stock main event with Brandon Kessinger, Joel Funk, Ron Donaldson, and Darrin Kohler following. Running the high side Joel Funk moved into the second position and had his sights set on the leader. Funk managed to take the lead on the 9th circuit, but Funk’s lead was short lived. While treading slower cars, Thomas resumed the lead. A red flag dropped on the track as Robert Turner flipped several times in turn 2. With 5 laps to go Thomas survived repeated challenges from Funk. Thomas would go on to win his 5th win of the year. Funk, Kessinger, Kohler, Donaldson, Kevin Lenzen, Chris Tackett, Terry Miller, Darrel Lehigh, and Eric Gaus rounded out the top 10. 25 drivers signed in with heat wins going to Thomas, Gary Barnes, and Kessinger ; while Robert Turner won the semi and Chris Tackett took the hard charger award.

 Polesitter Jason Unzicker survived several early caution periods and challenges from first Andrew Funk and then Joel Funk to pick up his 7th win of the year in the 15 lap UMP sportsman class. Joel took 2nd, followed by brother Andrew, Jonny Garret, Dustin Mounce, Curtis Hobbs, Scott Hatzer, Paul Graf, Dan Flessner, and Loren Haberkorn. 21 sportsman drivers registered with Unzicker and Mounce taking heat wins.             Jonny Garrett took hard charger of the race honors.

 The race night ended with a 10 lap hornet race. Eric Wilson had to battle through out the race with Heidi Hanes to claim his 2nd win in a row. Hanes, a top runner at the Macon Speedway took 2nd, followed by Jason Maier, Cody Clubb, and Jim Wilson. Eric Wilson and Hanes won heat races, while Gary Waterman claimed the hard charger award.

NOTES- with Peoria, Macon, and Lincoln speedways not racing, cars scrambled to find any available spot to park. A Fairbury first happened, as modified driver George Aimone and Amanda Parker exchanged wedding vows on the front stretch prior to the night’s action. Jason Feger from Bloomington claimed a $3000 to win late model race in Granite City on Friday and $2500 to win on Saturday in Eldon, Missouri. Ferger trails Dennis Erb Jr. in a battle for the UMP national championship. NHRA superstar Cruz Pedragon got his 1st career late model win Saturday night at Kamp Speedway in Boswell, Indiana. Pedradon is running selected late model race to better himself for the up coming Prelude race at Eldora, Ohio. The race pits superstars from NASCAR, NHRA, and several legends of dirt late model action. Aaron Ricketts has had his share of bad luck the past several weeks. Ricketts, the current late model point leader at Kankakee had motor problems prior to his heat race on Saturday and scratched for the night. Fairbury returns on Saturday with the Monster Midwest Series for late models running a 40 lap, $2000 to win race. Action also takes place on Sunday at the Route 66 speedway in Pontiac for kart action. Enclosing, congratulations are in order to Pontiac kart racer Joe Branscum as he took his 1st career win in karting at the Kankakee speedway on Saturday night.

 

 

car owner bill krieshauser (left) driver sam lee(right) restored their 1957 "green weenie"
steve tyne with his father's (jack tyne) famous #89
john provenzano won the illinois vintage car race
darrin kohler with kayla tyne(jack's granddaughter and steve's daughter) in victory lane
jason unzicker won the 1st sportsman feature/pictured with family of marland riblett
lorne haberkorn with his children celebrate his 2nd sportsman win of the year
69 jim farris ended a long dry spell and won a convincing ump modified race
z joe harlan 80 daren friedman 83 scott bull raced like this the last 5 laps of the late model race

 

Farris Ends Fairbury Drought

Fairbury,Il. (8/1/09) Mother Nature cooperated with the Fairbury American Legion Speedway Saturday night and race fans were treated to another night of an action packed program. A light rain fell during the day and finally stopped at the scheduled hot lap session. The track maintenance crew worked feverously to have the track ready with a small delay.

 The always popular Illinois Vintage Car group was the special added bonus on the night’s card. Due to time restraints the 11 card field only ran a 12 lap feature event. John Shannon took an early lead in the race with Bill Stevenson and Bill Knippenberg following. Meanwhile John Provenzano methodically worked is way to the front picking cars off one by one. With 5 laps to go, Provenzano was challenging Shannon for the lead. The two drivers staged a side by side dual with Provenzano able to sneak a win. Steve Shannon and Bill Knippenberg followed.

 Defending street stock champion Darrin Kohler got the jump on pole sitter Rick Thomas to take the lead at the start of the 15 lap UMP street stock feature. With Kohler running the top groove of the speedway, Thomas tried several times during the course of the race to take the lead, but Kohler was able to edge out Thomas and take his 3rd win of the year. Brandon Kessinger was able to hold off Terry Miller (4th) and Joel Funk (5th). Nick Clubb, Al Gray, Dan Leonard, Darrel Lehigh, and Ron Donaldson completed the top 10. 16 drivers were in attendance with heat races going to Thomas and Kohler. The hard charger award went to Al Gray.

 After dropping out of last weeks race before a lap could be completed Jason Unzicker worked hard through out the week, looking for some revenge. It paid off for the Unzicker team as he led flag to flag to claim a convincing victory in the opening 15 lap UMP sportsman race. Andrew Funk and Steven Mattingly hung with Unzicker for the first 5 laps of the race before several caution flags plagued the early portion of the event. Following the last caution of the race, Unzicker was able to pull away from the field for his 6th win of the season. Andrew Funk turned back Scott Hatzer for 3rd, followed by Tim Dick, Terry Worth, Dustin Mounce, Loren Haberkorn, Paul Graf, Chris Eden and Tim Bohm. The sportsman drivers ran a second 15 lap race with all the cars that finished on the lead lap of the opener inverted. Chris Eden led the first two laps of the race before Loren Haberkorn got by on the outside to assume the lead and take his 2nd win of the year. A fast charging Terry Worth got by Jason Unzicker in the closing laps for 2nd, followed by Scott Hatzer, Tim Dick, Dustin Mounce, Andrew Funk, Shawn Diggs, Chris Eden, and Tim Bohm. 20 drivers registered with heat winners being Unzicker and Andrew Funk. The hard chargers were Shawn Diggs and Jason Unzicker.

 Infrequent visitor Mike Spatola took the lead at the start of the 20 lap UMP modified race with Dave Porth and Jim Farris trailing by 5 car lengths early in the race. Farris was finally able to break away from Porth and rapidly reeled in Spatola. With 6 laps remaining in the race, Farris was able to get by Spatola and pulled away for his first win of the year and first win at Fairbury since July 1st, 2006. Spatola hung on for 2nd, with newly crowned track champion Lance Dehm 3rd, Dave Porth held off T.D. Burger for 4th, followed by Jeff Curl, Jeff Leka, Jeb Friedman, Justin Delong, and Gary Turpin. 24 drivers took time trials with George Aimone best at a 14.50. Heat races went to Curl, Hastings, and Spatola. Calvin Coleman won the semi feature and Leka won the hard charger.

 Prior to the start of the 30 lap UMP late model feature, Steve Tyne got behind the wheel of his fathers(Jack Tyne) famous number 89 to pace the field in an emotional tribute to one of Fairbury’s most popular and legendary drivers. I guarantee Jack was looking down and had a big ole smile on his face over what was witnessed. Joe Harlan took an early lead in the race with as Daren Friedman, Chris Dick, Donny Walden, and Scott Bull trailing. Harlan maintained a lead through several early cautions, while there was a fierce battle brewing for the runner up spot. Friedman had to battle with Donny Walden who tried several time s to get by on the bottom, but could not complete the pass.after a caution on the 19th circuit Walden slipped enough allowing Scott Bull to get by and challenge Daren Friedman. A caution flag fell again for a 5 lap show down, produced some of the best racing of the year. Harlan, Friedman, and Bull managed to go 3 wide for the lead several time in the closing stages that had the fans on their feet. As the drivers took the white flag and Harlan hanging on to a narrow lead, coming off of turn 4 to take the checkered flag Bull was able to edge out his combatants for his 3rd win of the year. A dejected Joe Harlan took 2nd, followed by point leader Daren Friedman, Donny Walden, Jimmy Dehm, Eric Vaughan, Lisa Shickel, Bob Freeburg, Chris Dick, and Larry Elliott.21 drivers took time trials with Harlan fastest at a 12.79. Eric Vaughan and Friedman won heat races, while Jimmy Dehm won the hard charger award.

NOTES- John Provenzano drove in the vintage car race a tribute car to Lee and Dottie Byers. Sam Lee and Bill Krieshauser did a restoration of the 57 chevy known as the green weenie. Lee was presented with the Eli” Spud” Schlipf award while his car owner Krieshauser won the best appearing car award. Kayla Tyne, Steve’s daughter and Jack’s grand daughter, presented the feature winners with their trophies; while Marlan Ribletts’s family presented Jason Unzicker his trophy. Jr. Shickel discovered motor issues with his car and was not able to make the feature. Another driver to have engine problems was Aaron Ricketts, who had problems at Farmer City on Friday. Steve Sheppard Jr. (late models) and Jeff Leka (modifieds) won at Farmer City. Because of the fair no late models ran at Kankakee, Nick Allen won the modifieds , while Rick Thomas took the street stock race. At Lasalle speedway Ryan Unzicker won the $2000 to win Northern All Star race. Fairbury returns this Saturday with the hornets returning and a $1200 to win 30 lap modified special.

 Funk 3 Peats at Fairbury

Fairbury,Il. (7-25-09) The UMP street stock and sportsman divisions highlighted the weekly racing action at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway on Saturday night. 31 drivers took time trials with Rick Thomas establishing a street stock track record 15.790.4 heat races were ran with Rick Thomas, Jeff Semmens, Joel Funk, and Terry Miller winning. 2 semi features were held with Jim Hanson and Nick Clubb taking the wins. The heat races winners redrew for their starting positions with Funk and Miller starting on the front row. Funk got the lead at the start of the 30 lap, $600 to win race, with Miller in 2nd, Thomas and Semmens were several car lengths back battling it out for 3rd. Thomas soon broke away from Semmens and took the 2nd position from Miller on the 11th lap. Following a caution flag on lap 13, Thomas running the bottom of the track managed to pull along side of Funk several times, but could never take the lead. Thomas did take the lead on the 16th lap, but it was short lived as Funk motored by. With Funk and Thomas fighting it out for 1st, it allowed Miller and Brandon Kessinger to soon join in. Funk held a car length lead over the trio of drivers in the closing laps. Miller tried repeatedly to get by Thomas, but to no avail. Funk took his 3rd win of the year, with Thomas holding off Miller (3rd) and Kessinger(4th). The rest of the top 10 went to Darrin Kohler, Ron Donaldson, Chris Tackett, Orin Naramore, Darrel Lehigh and Jim Hanson. Tackett also won the hard charger of the race.

 The UMP sportsman class ran 2 feature events with the 2nd race a make up date from their summernational appearance. Outside starter Joel Funk took the lead from Dan Flessner at the start of the 15 lap event. Caution fell on the field on the 1st lap as Jason Unzicker dropped out with a suspension problem. After the caution, Funk motored out to a 5car length lead as brother Andrew Funk charged thru the pack. Andrew took the 1st position on the 8th lap and held it until Joel retook the lead on the 11th circuit. Joel held on for the win over Andrew. A fast charging Terry Worth took 3rd, followed by Scott Hatzer, Paul Graf, Loren Haberkorn, Chris Anderson, Shawn Diggs, Steven Mattingly, and Rod Rusher. Hatzer took the hard charger award. In the makeup race, only the drivers that were at the track during the summernational were allowed to race. Joel Funk moved out to the point at the start with Andrew Funk and Lorn Haberkorn on the hunt. In the closing laps of the race, Joel’s car dropped a valve and Haberkorn dove repeatedly under Funk to try and take the lead. Joel managed to hold on for his 7th win of the year. Haberkorn, Flessner, Andrew Funk, Worth, Hatzer, Graf, Rusher, Ron Bohm, and Dustin Mounce completed the top 10.

 The UMP modified drivers have staged epic battles every week at Fairbury and Saturday was no exception. Polesitter Justin Delong led the 1st lap before George Aimone moved to the front on the 2nd lap. After a caution on the 3rd lap, Gary Cook Jr. and Lance Dehm moved into the 2nd and 3rd positions, while Delong fell to 4th. Several early race cautions kept Aimone from pulling away from the field. During the last 5 laps of the race, Aimone, Cook, and Dehm staged an “ESPN classic” race. Cook managed to pull along side Aimone several times, with Dehm waiting for one driver to make a mistake. As the leaders took the white flag it looked like slower cars might stop Cook. Cook managed to squeeze by the cars and pulled along side Aimone in the middle of turns 3and 4. Cook got a good run coming off turn 4 and managed to win his 2nd race in a row by a car length over Aimone. Dehm, Mckay Wenger, Jeb Friedman, Jim Farris, Delong, Gary Turpin, Dave Porth, and Lake Nichoalds completed the top 10. Farris took the hard charger award. Aimone led the 28 drivers in time trials with a 14.498. Heat race winners were Chris Gaither, Porth, and Delong. The semi feature went to Kevin Hastings.

 In the 30 lap UMP late model race, as Daren Friedman and Joe Harlan led the field to the green flag, Friedman’s car stopped in turn 4 and his night came to an end. Harlan took the lead at the start, while Jr. Shickel tried several lines to get by the leader. Shickel found the top groove to his liking as he got by Harlan on the 5th lap. Scott Bull took the 2nd position on the 7th circuit and had his sights set on Shickel. As the drivers worked the slower cars, Shickel opened up his lead. A lap 14 caution allowed the leaders to bunch up. Aaron Ricketts looked to be a man on a mission. Ricketts powered by Bull and Harlan with 10 laps to go and was soon challenging Shickel. Ricketts did pull along side Shickel several times, but Shickel turned back Ricketts for his 1st win at Fairbury in almost 2 years. Ricketts, Harlan, Bull, Kevin Weaver, Mike Mullvain, Jim Felker, Snooky Dehm, Eric Vaughan, and Rich Harlan were the top 10. Friedman set quick time at a 13.681 among the 15 drivers. 2 heats were run with Ricketts and Friedman winning; also Ricketts took the hard charger of the race.

NOTES- Despite Daren Friedmans misfortune, he took a big win on Friday night at the Farmer City Raceway. Friedman won a 40 lap $2000 to win monster Midwest race. Lisa Shickel was on her way to a good run in the late model race until spinning out and the car stalled. Gary Cook Jr. lead the UMP national points in the modified class. Kankakee Speedway has reopened, with Tom White at the helm. White also promotes the Plymonth(Indiana ) Speedway and is a top competitor on the pavement. On a somber note, the area racing scene lost two former competitors. Former 6 cylinder standout and late model driver Gary Ricketts of Watseka passed away on July 24. Also a name synonymous to the central Illinois racing circuit, Jack Tyne of Streator passed away on July 24. In a career that spanned 40 years, Tyne drove the old rail cars and late model. Tyne was a multi time track champion at Fairbury and other area tracks. After Jack hung up his helmet, he maintained cars for his son, Steve, a former track champion at the Lasalle Speedway. In 2005 Jack Tyne was elected to the Mazon Speed Bowl hallof fame and in 2008 received the Eli “ Spud” Schlipf award. I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to the Rickett and Tyne family during these difficult days.

Thanks to Rocky for the photos

1 ryan unzicker

2 gary cook jr
3 57 brandon kessinger 21 k darrin kohler
4 eric wilson
 

Thanks to Lu for the photos

07-18-09 at Fairbury we had 6 features with two street stock features and a dash for cash

Late model  Ryan Unzicker
Modified Gary Cook Jr
Sportsman Joel Funk
1 street stock Jeff Simmens
2nd Street stock Brandon Kessinger
Hornet Eric Wilson

“Flyin Ryan” Flies To 1st Fairbury Win
story by Rocky Ragusa


Fairbury, Il. (7/18/09) Ryan Unzicker got the jump on polesitter Daren Friedman to lead flag to flag in the 30 lap UMP Late Model feature Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. Unzicker sat a torrid pace as he began working slower cars by the 5th lap. Unzicker maintained a 4 car length lead over Friedman, who held a 3 car length lead over Wes Steidinger. A caution with 13 laps to go allowed the drivers to close up to Unzicker, but he quickly bolted out to a comfortable working margin. For the former ASA competitor, it was his 1st career late model win at Fairbury. Crossing the line in 2nd was current point leader Friedman, followed by Steidinger, Aaron Ricketts, Jr. Shickel, Eric Smith, Joe Harlan, Scott Bull, Jimmy Dehm, and Mike Mullvain. Unzicker led the 24 drivers in qualifying with a 12.88. Heat races were claimed by Smith and Dehm, while Steve Thorsten won the semi and Don Hilleary won the hard charger of the feature.

 After 2 attempts to start the 20 lap UMP modified feature, the drivers made a 3rd attempt. As the drivers completed the 1st lap, a 5 pileup occurred on the front stretch. Among the cars eliminated were Dave Porth, T.D. Burger, and Jim Farris. Following the clean up pole sitter Gary Cook Jr. got the jump on a surprising strong effort of Tim Bohm. Cook running the top of the track built a 5 car length lead over the pack. Lance Dehm also running his patented high side and Jeb Friedman using the bottom moved through the field. With 5 laps to go, Cook’s car began smoking heavily. Dehm and Friedman closed the gap on Cook; Cook hung on for his 1st win of the year at Fairbury. Dehm, Friedman, Gary Turpin, George Aimone, Kevin Hastings, Jeff Curl, Justin Delong, Jason Hastings, and Lake Nichoalds rounded out the top 10. 26 cars took time trials with Cook setting fast time with a 14.18. Heats went to Curl, Turpin, Cook, while Nichoalds claimed the semi. Jason Hastings took the hard charger award.

 The UMP sportsman drivers ran a qualifying race for the upcoming race on the historical Springfield mile track. Outside starter Joel Funk took the lead at the start of the 15 lap feature with Jason Unzicker and Scott Hatzer trailing. Funk had a comfortable margin over the field through out the race, in spite of several caution periods. A caution with 2 laps to go gave Unzicker and a hard charging Andrew Funk an opportunity to over take the defending track champion, but Funk held on for his 5th sportsman victory. Unzicker, Andrew Funk, Steven Mattingly, Scott Hatzer, Loren Haberkorn, Chris Eden, Dan Flessner, Paul Graf, and Dusin Mounce completed the top 10. 18 drivers took to the track with heats going to Unzicker and Joel Funk. Steven Mattingly took the hard charger award.

 The 33 street stock drivers ran twin features for the night, due to the drivers not running during the summernatioals. In the 1st 15 lap main, Jeff Semmens over took Terry Miller on the 5th lap and despite a miss in his powerplant built a straight away lead over the field to cruise to his 2nd win of the year. Miller, Joel Funk, Darrin Kohler, David Hurst, Rick Thomas, Eric Gaus, Ron Donaldson, Brandon Kessinger, and Kevin Lenzen were the top 10. In the nightcap, Brandon Kessinger took the lead on the 4th lap from early leader Darrel Lehigh and held off defending track champion Darrin Kohler for his 1st win of the year. Rounding out the top 10 were Thomas, Funk, Lenzen, Robert Turner, Hurst, Donaldson, Miller, and Lehigh. Heat races went to Miller, Semmens, Lehigh, and Gaus. The 2 semis went to Tom Legner and Jeremy Scher. Hard chargers of each race were claimed by Turner and Kohler.

The night’s action ended with the hornet drivers returning to the track after a month long wait. Eric Wilson got the jump on his father Jim Wilson to lead flag to flag for his 1st win of the year at Fairbury. Jim Wilson, Tyler Griswold, Brian Wilson, and Scott Cupples completed the top 5.Heats went to the Wilsons , while Trevor Leonard took the hard charger.

 

Thanks to Lu for the photos
winners from Fairbury Saturday night 07-11-09
Street stock  Joel Funk
Sportsman  Jason Unzicker
Modified  Lance Dehm
Late Model  Daren Friedman

Unzicker Hangs On For Curt Piercy Memorial Victory
story by Rocky Ragusa

Fairbury, Il. (7/11/09) The UMP sportsman division ran their 5th annual Curt Piercy memorial Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. The race paid $600 to win in the 30 lap event. Piercy was a former sportsman and ARCA competitor who tragically lost his life in a 2004 airplane accident. Loren Haberkorn took the lead at the green flag with Jason Unzicker and Joel Funk in 2nd and 3rd. Following a caution flag period on the 3rd lap, Unzicker overtook Haberkorn on the backstretch to take the point. Unzicker was able to build a 5 car length lead over the field, but several cautions allowed the field to close back. Joel Funk dropped from contention with a flat tire and Haberkorn had mechanical problems. After a caution period with 4 laps to go, Andrew Funk used the bottom of the track to take the lead from Unzicker. The 2 drivers waged a classic see saw battle for the win with Unzicker moving back to the front with 1 lap to go. Unzicker was able to hang on for his second Piercy win and 5th win of the year. Andrew Funk took 2nd, followed by Curtis Hobbs, Chris Eden, Rod Rusher, Joel Funk, Steven Mattingly, Shawn Diggs, Paul Graf, and Terry Worth. Unzicker bested the 18 drivers in time trials with a 14.24. Heat races went to Joel Funk and Loren Haberkorn, while Curtis Hobbs took the hard charger award.

 In other action, defending late model track champion began the year taking off like gangbusters, winning 3 of the 1st 5 races. The Friedman camp hit a mid season slump until Saturday. Friedman took the lead at the start of the 30 lap UMP late model feature and before the 10 lap mark, began working slower traffic. Jayme Zidar took the 2nd position with Eric Smith on his bumper. Smith was able to overtake Zidar and set his sites on Friedman. Smith tried several times to take the lead, but Friedman held on for his 4th win of the year. Smith, Zidar, Jr. Shickel, Joe Harlan, Scott Bull, Jimmy Dehm, Mike Mullvain, Richie Bell, and Zack Bushey completed the top 10. Zidar led the 21 drivers in qualifying with a 12.65. Heats went to Bell and Harlan, while Bushey won the hard charger award.

 Lance Dehm is making up after last seasons efforts. Anything that could go wrong, Dehm encountered. Dehm took the lead for the start of the 20 lap UMP modified race and had a straight away lead before the halfway mark. While Dave Porth was trailing early in 2nd, the battle was for 3rd with T.D. Burger and a hard charging Gary Cook Jr. Dehm was unstoppable as he sliced through the field to take his 6th win of the year. Cook Jr. took the 2nd position, while Burger had a season best 3rd, Porth, Gary Turpin, Tommy Duncan, Justin Delong, Jim Farris, Jason and Kevin Hastings rounded out the top 10. Duncan led the 37 drivers in qualifying with a 13.96. Cook Jr., Jason Hastings, Farris, and Porth won heats, while Kevin Hastings and Bobby Allen took the semis.

 Brandon Kessinger took the lead at the start of the 15 lap UMP street stock feature and appeared to be on his way to his 1st win of the year. A caution fell on the field with 4 laps to go and gave Joel Funk an opportunity to take the lead. The top of the speedway worked for Funk as he moved by Kessinger with 2 laps to go and held on for his 2nd win of the year. Kessinger , Daren Kohler, Kevin Lenzen, Jeff Semmons, Rick Thomas, Ron Donaldson, Bret Peters, Tom Legner, and Joseph Hillman completed the top 10. 33 drivers were on hand, with heat races going to Kessinger, Kohler, Al Gray, and Donaldson. Semi Features went to Eric Legner and Semmons.

July 4....Rain

1 billy moyer picked up his 3rd win in a roll at the fairbury american legion speedway
2 00 randy korte leads the summernational points going into the farmer city race
3 99 frank heckenast jr made a strong showing at fairbury, here he battles with 55 jeep van wormer
3l jeff leka turned back all challengers including 69 jim farris to win his 2nd race at fairbury
7j justin delong races with 42 mckay wenger

thanks to Rocky for the photos
Billy Moyer won the Summer Nationals at Fairbury Speedway tonight and the modified feature was the only other one we got to have as it started to rain and lightening.  So the Sportsman feature will be next week
Jeff Leka won the Modified feature

thanks to Lu for the photos
UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals Race 12: Moyer Claims Third Straight at Fairbury

Fairbury,IL - June 27, 2009 – People often theorize that things will happen three at a time. That's certainly been the case lately for Billy Moyer.

On a night where Moyer once again climbed from outside the front row to claim his fifth overall win of the UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals Tour he also claimed quick time honors as well as a heat race victory. The theme of three doesn't stop there for the Batesville, Ark. legend as it was the third time throughout the first 12 events that Moyer has swept all three parts of the program he's been involved in.

Moyer claimed the win ahead of Frank Heckenast Jr of Orland Park, Ill., who earned his career best finish on the “Hell Tour”. Heckenast drew the pole for the 50-lap main event and led through the early parts of the main event but eventually fell to Moyer on lap 14.

Kevin Weaver of Gibson City, Ill., who lead the “Hell Tour” point standings early in the 27-race tour passed Heckenast near the same point as Moyer but Heckenast fought back late to relegate Weaver to a third place finish.

Defending UMP DIRTcar Summer Nationals champion Dennis Erb settled for a fourth place finish while current point leader Randy Korte climbed from tenth to finish fifth and retain his overall point lead.

A-Main Finish - 50 Laps

  1. 21-Billy Moyer
  2. 99jr-Frank Heckenast Jr.
  3. b12-Kevin Weaver
  4. 28-Dennis Erb Jr.
  5. 00-Randy Korte
  6. 24-Ryan Unzicker
  7. 25-Jason Feger
  8. Z-Joe Harlan
  9. 18-Shannon Babb
  10. 5s-Steve Sheppard Jr.
  11. j1-Wes Steidinger
  12. 3s-Brian Shirley
  13. 9-Eric Smith
  14. 66-Bill Frye
  15. 89-Daren Friedman
  16. 27-Rodney Melvin
  17. 99-Jimmy Dehm
  18. 55-Jeep Van Wormer
  19. 83-Scott James
  20. 42-Terry Casey
  21. 1w-Donny Walden

34 UMP DIRTcar Late Models divided into four groups via pill draw for qualifying time trials. Fast time honors went to Billy Moyer, Steve Sheppard Jr., Rodney Melvin, and Jeep Van Wormer with Van Wormer being quickest overall with a lap of 12.85 seconds around the quarter mile semi banked oval.

Frank Heckenast Jr. moved by Jeep Van Wormer in heat race one and withstood multiple challenges throughout for the win over defending champion Dennis Erb. Melvin became one of two fast qualifiers to claim heat race wins in heats two while Kevin Weaver outran Steve Sheppard Jr. to claim the heat three victory. Heat race four featured eventual winner Moyer claiming the win from the pole over Ryan Unzicker who stole second from Billy Frye on the last lap.

Jason Feger captured the night's B-Main with Joe Harlan finishing second to claim the two transfer spots into the night's A-Main. Provisionals were taken by Scott James, Eric Smith, and defending track champion Daren Friedman

 

 Bull, Turpin, Funk Outlast Fairbury Competition

Fairbury,Il. 6-20-009 Since blowing a motor during the 2nd race of the year, Scott Bull agreed to help modified driver Kevin Myszkicwicz dial his car in while a new power plant was being put together. Bull debuted the new motor during the last race in May in an 8th place finish. The following week at the Kankakee County Speedway the team hit apond some things to better the car. The next night Bull responded with his 1st win of the year at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. During the running of the Allen Memorial, the lead see sawed amongst a host of drivers, but Bull settled for a 3rd place finish. Saturday night Bull led the first 3 laps of the 30 lap UMP late model feature before Jayme Zidar powered by for the lead. A blanket could have been thrown over the cars of Zidar, Bull, Eric Smith, and Joe Harlan as they ran door handle to door handle during the first part of the race. While trying to hold back the challengers, Zidar’s tire slowly began to burn up. On the 15th lap, Bull moved to the front and immediately put some distance between him and the field. Harlan and Smith got by Zidar in the closing laps, but were not able to catch up to Bull.it was the 2nd win of the year for Bull, as he has some momentum for the next race which is the $10,000 to win summernational event. Harlan, Smith, Zidar, Daren Friedman, Aaron Ricketts, Jr. Shickel, Jimmy Dehm, Rocky Griffin, and Bob Freeburg completed the top 10. Smith bested the 16 drivers in qualifying with a 13.23. Heat races went to Griffin and Bull, while Friedman won the hard charger award.

 During the off season Gary Turpin was offered the chance to drive a modified. Turpin for the last few years had been driving a sportsman car. After 3 attempts to get the 20 lap UMP modified race started, polesitter Turpin took the lead at the start. Turpin hugged the bottom of the track wirh Jeff Leka locked to his bumper and Mckay Wenger running the high side in 3rd. Following a caution flag on the 5th lap, Wenger got by Leka to move into 2nd. A caution fell on the 12th lap for Leka, as he clipped a tire barrier and dropped from contention. After the caution, Turpin again assumed the lead, while Lance Dehm winner of the last 3 races made a valiant effort to reel in Turpin. Dehm ran out of laps as Turpin won for the 1st time since June 9th, 2007 in a sportsman car. Turpin previously had won in a modified on May 29, 2004. Defending National Modified champion Jeff Leka led the 35 drivers in qualifying with a 14.31. Dehm, Jim Farris, Wenger, Gary Cook Jr., Jeb Friedman, Dave Porth, Kevin Hastings, Dennis Wilson, and Jeff Curl were the top 10. Porth, Jason Hastings, Kevin Hastings, and Turpin won heats, while Justin Delong and Chad Unzicker claimed the semi features. Curl was voted the hard charger of the race.

 Joel Funk has competed in modifieds, sportsman, and this year is running a street stock car. He has been accustomed to driving in 2 classes a night. A first happened at the American Legion Speedway as Joel Funk scored a double. In the 15 lap UMP street stock race, Funk lead flag to flag to claim his 1st win in the class. Gary Barnes ran in the 2nd spot until a caution on the 5th lap. Veteran wheelman Ron Donaldson moved by Barnes, but was not able to mount a challenge and had to settle for 2nd. Barnes, Joseph Hillman, Darrin Kohler, Eric Gaus, Kevin Lenzen, Rick Thomas, Al Gray, and Tom Legner completed the top 10. 18 drivers signed in with heat races going to Funk and Barnes. Kohler was voted the hard charger of the race.

 Funk got a stiffer challenge in the 15 lap UMP sportsman race. Polesitter Jason Unzicker took the lead at the start, while 4th place stater Joel Funk moved by brother Andrew to challenge Unzicker. Following a caution on the 6th lap, Funk snuck by Unzicker to take the lead. In the closing laps Unzicker took to the top to try to retake the lead, but Loren Haberkorn was able to get by. Joel Funk got his 4th win of the year in the sportsman class. Haberkorn, Dustin Mouse, Unzicker, Andrew Funk, Curtis Hobbs, Dan Flessner, Ed Bright, Paul Graf, and Rod Rusher rounded out the top 10. 14 drivers checked in, with heats going to Unzicker and Mouse. Haberkorn took the hard charger award.

Street Stock  Joel Funk
Sportsman     Joel Funk
Modifed  Gary Turpan
Late Model  Scot Bull
 
Also had Raminator Monster Truck

 Thanks to Lu for the photos
 
Joe Harlan won the Pappy and Bob Allen Memorial Saturday night at Fairbury June 13
Lance Dehm won the fourth straight week in Modified
Jason Unzicker won for Sportsman
Rick Thomas won for Street Stock

Thanks to Lu for the photos

 Harlan Gets Revenge at Allen Memorial

Fairbury,Il. (6/13/09) During last year’s running of the Pappy and Bob Allen Memorial Joe Harlan had the car to beat until a run in with lapped traffic cost him the race. This years running of the Allen Memorial produced some of the best late model action to date with 3 wide racing and multiple lead changes throughout the 40 lap event that paid $2000 to the winner. The outside front row position is for the most part the preferred position to start at Fairbury. Outside starter Richie Hedrick took the lead at the start of the race and quickly built a 5 car length lead over Scott Bull and Daren Friedman. The trio broke away from the field with Joe Harlan, Jayme Zidar, and Jimmy Dehm engaged in their own battle. As Hedrick, Bull, and Friedman weaved through lapped traffic Friedman broke away from Bull and began mounting a charge at Hedrick. Hedrick once bobbled coming off of turn 2 and Friedman was able to get under Hedrick, but Hedrick showed the power he had under the hood. Following a caution on the 29th circuit, Bull on the bottom, Friedman in the middle, and Hedrick at the top raced side by side for the lead. Friedman pinched Hedrick in to the wall causing Hedrick to cut a tire and his chances for the win end his night. Bull the defending race winner of the Allen Memorial led for one lap before Joe Harlan took over the top spot. Friedman had troubles with the wall and dropped out of the race. Harlan held on for the win over a charging Jayme Zidar. Bull, Aaron Ricketts, Jimmy Dehm, Jr. Shickel, Bob Freeburg, Rocky Griffin, Rich Harlan, and Shane Allen rounded out the top 10. Ricketts led the 24 drivers in qualifying with a 12.800. Heat race wins went to Allen, Don Hilleary, and Bull. The semi-feature was won by Lisa Shickel and Bob Freeburg took the hard charger award.

 Having someone dominate the modified division is not heard of at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. Having a repeat winner does not happen often. After having a dismal 2008 season, Lance Dehm and his crew have turned it around in 2009. Polesitter

Dehm broke away from the field at the start of the 20 lap feature and built a commanding lead over Dave Porth and Mckay Wenger. Porth and Wenger raced for the 2nd spot before Wenger was able to pull away from Porth. A caution on lap 10 allowed the field to bunch up, but Dehm quickly built a straight away lead. A caution with 3 laps to go gave Wenger one last shot, Dehm Pulled away for his 3rd straight win and 5th overall. Wenger in a hastily rebuilt car took 2nd, followed by George Aimone, Jim Farris, Porth, Jason Hastings, Matt Bauchman, T.D. Burger, Jeff Curl, and Justin Delong. Delong set fast time for the 26 modifieds in attendance with a 14.017. Kevin Hastings, Dave Lilja, and Dehm won the heats while Dave Sandage captured the semi- feature. Farris was voted the hard charger of the race.

 In the 15 lap sportsman race, outside starter Jason Unzicker got the early lead with Joel Funk trailing in the 2nd position. Following a caution flag, Funk pressured Unzicker for several laps before Unzicker pulled away for his 4th win of the year. Joel Funk took 2nd, followed by Scott Hatzer, Andrew Funk, Loren Haberkorn, Paul Graf, Rod Rusher, Ed Bright, Dan Flessner, and Chris Anderson. Graf won the hard charger award and 11 drivers signed in with heats going to Hatzer and Unzicker.

 The nights racing began with a 15 lap street stock race. Rick Thomas quickly built a 10 car length lead over the pack with Joel Funk, Darrin Kohler, and Ron Donaldson trailing. After an early caution period, Thomas and Funk broke away from the field and had their own version of family feud. Funk pulled along side of Thomas several times, but could not take the lead. Thomas held on to win by a half car length over Funk. It was Thomas’s 2nd win in a row and 4th overall. Kohler, Donaldson, Darrell Lehigh, Eric Gaus, Gary Barnes, Nick Clubb, Martin McGrath, and Jeremy Scher completed the top 10. 12 drivers checked in with heats going to Kohler and Thomas.

 Next week will be a regular night of racing, also included will be the hornets and an appearance by the Raminator monster truck. In 2 weeks “Hell Tour 2009” comes to the American Legion Speedway as the track hosts a 50 lap $10,000 to win summer national

Event.

 

brothers 23a andrew and 23jr joel funk
lance dehm got his 4th modified victory
d1 lance dehm held off a late race bid from 4 jeb friedman
scott bull got his 1st win of the year in the late model class
Thanks to Rocky Ragusa for the photos and story

Bicker Wins Hornet Special, Bull Ends Fairbury Drought

Fairbury,Il. (6/6/09) The hornet division was the center stage Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. The 23 drivers in attendance had the opportunity to race for a $500 prize in the 15 lap event. Quad city area driver Clayton Bicker made the long haul worthwhile as he led flag to flag to claim the win. Cody Clubb mounted a late race charge at Bicker, but came up short and settled for second. Jason Maier, Eric Keyman, and Scottie Powell. Matt Wright was voted the hard charger award. Heats went to Bicker, Clubb, and Powell.

 It had been 1 week short of a year since Fairbury native Scott Bull visited victory lane at the American Legion Speedway. That all ended as Bull started from the 2nd position and got the lead at the start to cruise to the win in the 30 lap UMP late model feature. Since blowing a motor during the 2nd race of the year, Bull was helping modified driver Kevin Myszkiewicz get his car dialed in while Brother Chuckie Bull was working on a new power plant. With several big races coming up at Fairbury, Bull said in victory lane the team had found something the car liked. Joe Harlan finished 3 car lengths back in 2nd, followed by Daren Friedman, Jayme Zidar, Aaron Ricketts, Derek Chandler, Kevin Weaver, Jr. Shickel, George Scheffler, and Don Hilleary. Fast time for the 17 late models went to Jr. Shickel with a 13.10. Heat races went to Chandler and Zidar, also Chandler won the hard charger award.

 This season the UMP modified division has been well worth the price of admission alone. Saturday was no exception as Lance Dehm, Fairbury’s version of the Highside Hustler, took the lead at the start of the 20 lap feature and held off a determined bid by Jeb Friedman to claim his 2nd win in a row and 4th overall. Dehm running his patented top of the track, while Friedman preferred the middle groove battled throughout the race. The drivers had to battle through lapped traffic and a late race caution gave Friedman one last chance at Dehm, but Dehm hung on for the win despite fighting a ill handling race car. Jim Farris, Jay Ledford, Gary Turpin, Matt Bachman, Dave Lilja, T.D. Burger, Jason Hastings, and Dave Porth rounded out the top 10. Friedman led the 27 drivers in qualifying with a 14.30. Heat races went to Porth, Hastings, and Farris, while the semi was claimed by Kevin Hastings. Brock Bauman was awarded the hard charger award.

 Joel Funk took advantage of his brother’s miscue with 4 laps remaining to win the 15 lap UMP sportsman feature. Front row starter Loren Haberkorn took the lead at the start before Andrew Funk took command of the race. Andrew appeared to be on his way to the win until a caution flag fell with 4 laps remaining. Andrew hesitated on the start which aloud Joel and Haberkorn to get by. Haberkorn made a last ditch effort for the win, but came up short. It was the 2nd win in a row and 3rd overall for Joel Funk. Haberkorn, Andrew Funk, Dusty Mounce, Scott Hatzer, Rod Rusher, Chris Anderson, Paul Graf, Jason Unzicker, and Dan Flessner completed the top 10. 15 drivers checked in, with heats going to Haberkorn and Andrew Funk: while Hatzer won the hard charger award.

 In the race of the night, 12 drivers took the green flag in the 15 lap UMP street stock race. Outside started Rick Thomas took the lead at the start with Joel Funk racing side by side. Last weeks winner Darrin Kohler and Brandon Kessinger soon joined in, and as the saying goes a blanket could have been thrown over them. Kessinger  used questionable methods to get by Funk with 2 laps to go and came up short against Thomas. Kessinger was later disqualified for his driving tactics. Thomas took his 3rd win of the year. Kohler, Funk, Joseph Hillman, Gary Barnes, Dustin Hubert, Jeremy Scher, Robert Turner, Vern Gaus, and Nick Clubb rounded out the top 10. Huber won the hard charger, while Thomas and Funk took the heat race wins.

NOTES: area track winners were Kankakee-late model(Kevin Weaver) modifieds- (Jim Farris) street stock –(Rick Thomas). Farmer City-late model( Joe Harlan won his 2nd race in a row modifieds-(Jeff Leka) crate late models- (Bobby Pierce Jr.) Lasalle Speedway got their regular season started with Mike Provenzano winning the late models and Vince Cooper taking the modified feature. At the big “E” Eldora speedway, Scott Bloomquist did not win the race, but he did win. The” Newport Nightmare” Jimmy Owens took the lead on the 75 lap to claim the $100,000 to win Dream. Bloomquist, Darrell Lanigan, Jimmy Mars, and Brian Birkhofer completed the top 5. Polesitter, early raceleader, trackowner, and winner of the Pocono Nascar Sprint Series race Tony Stewart finished in 6th. Bloomquist racecarshad 4 cars in the top 11. That’s why Bloomer still wins. Other area drivers include Jason Feger in 16th and Shannon Babb finished in 20th. This Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway the annual Pappy and Bob Allen memorial for the UMP late model class, pays $2000 to win and will be 40 laps. Also “Hell Tour “2009 begins this Thursday at the Brownstown, Indiana speedway. The next night  drivers invade Kankakee County Speedway for their 10,000 to win show. Other area tracks hosting summernational races include Farmer City(June 19), Fairbury(June27), Lincoln (June 28),Peoria (June 30),Macon (July 2), and Lasalle( July 9). Also this Sunday at the Route 66 Speedway kart racing action returns with the track’s running of the 4th annual Paul Rittenhouse Memorial.the track is located on old 66 between Chenoa and Pontiac. Gates open at 10:30, practice at noon, and racing begins at 1.

Fairbury Speedway Summary of Results 5.30.09
22 Late Models in Attendance
Fast Qualifier: 24 Ryan Unzicker 12.541

Heat Winners: 35 Derek Chandler, 0 Richie Hedrick, 24 Ryan Unzicker
Semi Feature Winner: 15 Lisa Shickel

Feature
1 - 9 Eric Smith (3)
2 - 89 Daren Friedman (4)
3 - S10 Frank Shickel Jr. (5)
4 - 0 Richie Hedrick (10)
5 - Z Joe Harlan (6)
6 - 83 Scott Bull (8)
7 - 35 Derek Chandler (9)
8 - 95 Aaron Ricketts (7)
9 - 24 Ryan Unzicker (1)
10 - 32T Tom Thoennes (15)

24 Modifieds in Attendance
Fast Qualifier: 32B T.D. Burger 14.445

Heat Winners: C12 Jeff Curl, 42 McKay Wenger, 25P Dave Porth
Semi Feature Winner: 21D Darcey Wey

Feature
1 - D1 Lance Dehm (2)
2 - 25P Dave Porth (1)
3 - 7 Jim Farris (4)
4 - 4 Jeb Friedman (7)
5 - 75 Gary Turpin (8)
6 - C12 Jeff Curl (9)
7 - 7L Jay Ledford (5)
8 - 22N Lake Nichoalds (13)
9 - 1 Dave Lilja (12)
10 - 68 Matt Bachman (6)


6 KidModz in Attendance

Heat Winner: 21 Heidi Goodman

Feature
1 - 45 Kyle Hammer (1)
2 - 21 Heidi Goodman (4)
3 - 08 Jake Griffin (3)
4 - 162 Logan Moody (5)
5 - 22 Blake Vinson (2)
11 Sportsman in Attendance

Heat Winner: 127 Scott Hatzer

Feature
1 - 23T Joel Funk (2)
2 - 01 Dustin Mounce (5)
3 - 25 Jason Unzicker (11)
4 - 127 Scott Hatzer (1)
5 - 23A Andrew Funk (10)
6 - H1 Loren Haberkorn (4)
7 - 4C Chris Anderson (3)
8 - 20 Paul Graf (6)
9 - 12 Ron Bohm (8)
10 - B44 Ed Bright (7)


18 Street Stocks in Attendance

Heat Winners: 21K Darrin Kohler, 23Jr Joel Funk

Feature
1 - 21K Darrin Kohler (1)
2 - 23Jr Joel Funk (2)
3 - J01 Joe Hillman (7)
4 - 44 Kevin Lenzen (12)
5 - 23T Rick Thomas (16)
6 - 38 Gary Barnes (13)
7 - 6 Jay Hamilton (14)
8 - 71 Darrel Lehigh (4)
9 - 16 Robert Turner (15)
10 - 75 Jeremy Scher (9)


18 Hornets in Attendance

Heat Winners: 12 Nick Lee, 86 Nick Clubb

Feature
1 - 12 Nick Lee (1)
2 - 23 Cody Clubb (3)
3 - 68 Greg Tuttle (4)
4 - 86 Nick Clubb (2)
5 - 46 Eric Wilson (5)
6 - 7 Matt Maier (6)
7 - 8 Tanner Tibbs (10)
8 - 25 Matt McCarty (8)
9 - 231 Justin Giaudrone (9)
10 - 83 Brian Wilson (14)

1 cody clubb winner of the 10 lap hornet feature
2 darrin kohler ended his drought with a win in the 15 lap street stock race
3 jason unzicker took his 3rd win in the 15 lap sportsman feature
4 defending track champion dave porth ended his bad luck with a win in the 20 lap modified race
5 b12 kevin weaver and 89 daren friedman raced side by side through out the 30 lap ump late model race

Thanks to Rocky Ragusa for the pics....click on pic to enlarge

Saturday May 23, 2009
thanks to Korey Rich and Rocky Ragusa
 

 Friedman Rolls On At Fairbury

Fairbury, Ill. (5/23/09) Defending late model track champion has shown he will be the man to beat at Fairbury this year as he scored his 3rd win of the young season at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway Saturday night. Pole sitter Aaron Ricketts led the field to the green flag on the opening lap. On the next lap, Ricketts, Jason Unzicker, and Friedman came across the line 3 abreast with Friedman emerging the leader. 5th place starter Kevin Weaver running the bottom of the track soon reeled in Friedman and took the lead at the halfway mark of the 30 lap feature. Friedman, running the top groove never gave up retook the lead with 10 laps to go and held on for a hard fought victory. Weaver, Joe Harlan, Jr. Shickel, Donny Walden, Jason Unzicker, Bret Sievert, Charley Hess, Aaron Ricketts, and Lisa Shickel completed the top 10. Ricketts and Unzicker led the 26 drivers in qualifying with a 12.75. Harlan, Eric Smith, and Ricketts won the heat races, while Lisa Shickel won the Semi and won the hard charger of the feature.

 Defending modified track champion Dave Porth debuted a new car this year and has struggled to get the right set up. Porth had contemplated on bringing last year’s car out of retirement, but his team persisted and finally got things in order. Porth took the lead from Lance Dehm on the 8th lap and withstood all challengers to claim the win. A caution with 3 laps to go gave Jeb Friedman a shot at the lead, but Porth held on. Friedman took 2nd, Jim Farris had a strong 3rd, followed by Dehm, Jeff Leka, Jeff Curl, Scott Bull, Dave Lilja, Darcey Wey, and Justin Delong.Wey was awarded the hard charger of the race.Dehm led the 27 modified drivers in qualifying with a 14.16. Heats went to Farris, George Aimone, and Bull. Calvin Coleman won the semi feature.

 In a battle to the end, Jason Unzicker made the winning pass with 2 laps to go to pick up his 3rd win in the sportsman division. Unzicker credited his crew with using a harder compound on the left rear that finally kicked in the closing laps. Early leader Joel Funk brought his car home in 2nd, followed by last weeks winner Loren Haberkorn, Rick Thomas, Scott Hatzer, Cody Bauman, Paul Graf, Ed Bright, David McKinney, and Rod Rusher rounded out the top 10 finishers. Thomas and Unzicker bested the 14 drivers in the heat races. Bauman won the hard charger award.

 After several attempts to get the 15 lap street stock main event started, defending track champion Darrin Kohler broke his string of bad luck and got his 1st win of the year. Kohler running the top of the track battled with Eric Gaus before pulling away for the win. Eric Gaus settled for 2nd followed by Brandon Kessinger, Ron Donaldson, Joel Funk, Darrel Lehigh, Nick Clubb, Robert Turner, Alex Clubb, and Vern Gaus. 20 street stock drivers signed in with heat race winners being Eric Gaus, Vern Gaus, and Darrin Kohler. Donaldson won thewe hard charger award.

 The Maier brothers have had a lock on the checkered flag at the American Legion Speedway this year. That all changed Saturday as outside front row starter Cody Clubb got the jump on Matt Maier to lead flag to flag and picked up the win in the 10 lap hornet feature. Maier took 2nd followed by David Lauritson, Jason Maier, and Nick Lee. Matt Maier, Cody Clubb, David Lauritson won the heat races for the 23 drivers, while Eric Wilson claimed the semi and hard charger award.

NOTES- McKayWenger had carburetor problems and failed to make the field. Wenger won the previous night as Kankakee finally got their season started. Kevin Weaver won the late model race, Joel Funk the street stock, and Axle Wicker the hornet race. At Farmer City Daren Friedman won the late model show, while Denny Schwartz bested the modified drivers. Brian Birkhofer won Sunday’s Lucas Oil race at Granite City, while Bloomington driver, Jason Feger, claimed the biggest win of his career by winning the $10,000 to win World of Outlaw late model show at the Charter Raceway Park in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. At Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, Illinois Kevin Weaver won the $5000 to win Richardson memorial race for UMP modifieds. Gary Cook Jr. took 2nd. 70 drivers attempted to make the race, area drivers making it McKay Wenger (11), George Aimone (13), and Lance Dehm was the 1st driver out as he was involved in an accident. This Saturday night the Fairbury American Legion Speedway presents another regular show with the hornets and the return of the kidmodz series. Also on Sunday afternoon the Route 66 Raceway features another day of kart racing action. As an added bonus, there will be a Powder Puff race with the female driver taking a $50 prize. Gates open at 10:30, practice at noon, and races begin at 1:00. Congratulations also go to Cullom kart racer Torin Mettille for winning $1500 at the Jules Speedway in Wilmington.

26 Late Models in Attendance
Fast Qualifier: 95 Aaron Ricketts 12.753

Qualifying Lap Times
 
  • 12.753  95 Aaron Ricketts (12.980)
  • 12.753  24 Ryan Unzicker (12.780)
  • 12.820  1W Donny Walden (99.000)
  • 12.850  10 Scott Schmitt (13.052)
  • 12.862  89 Daren Friedman (12.923)
  • 12.937  B12 Kevin Weaver (12.950)
  • 12.937  S10 Frank Shickel Jr. (13.045)
  • 12.968  35 Derek Chandler (13.039)
  • 13.006  Z Joe Harlan (13.067)
  • 13.017  9 Eric Smith (13.483)
  • 13.078  5 Bret Sievert (13.262)
  • 13.080  40 Charlie Hess (13.092)
  • 13.212  99J Jimmy Dehm (13.256)
  • 13.310  22 Chris Dick (13.324)
  • 13.326  36 Eric Vaughan (13.447)
  • 13.625  31 Paul Thoennes (13.932)
  • 13.632  74 Russ Adams (13.923)
  • 13.678  K9 Mike Glynn (13.737)
  • 13.755  17K Kenny Adams (14.010)
  • 13.959  10H Don Hilleary (14.478)
  • 13.996  45 Zach Busch (14.225)
  • 14.006  15 Lisa Shickel (14.284)
  • 14.972  14 Glen Thompson (15.120)
  • 99.000  99 Brian Crebo
  • 99.000  11 Scott Langer
  • 99.000  J1 Wes Steidinger


Heat 1 (top 4)
 

  • Z Joe Harlan (1)
  • 5 Bret Sievert (2)
  • J1 Wes Steidinger (10)
  • 99J Jimmy Dehm (3)
  • 36 Eric Vaughan (4)
  • 17K Kenny Adams (6)
  • 74 Russ Adams (5)
  • 45 Zach Busch (7)
  • 99 Brian Crebo (9)
  • 14 Glen Thompson (8)


Heat 2 (top 4)
 

  • 9 Eric Smith (1)
  • 40 Charlie Hess (2)
  • 22 Chris Dick (3)
  • K9 Mike Glynn (5)
  • 15 Lisa Shickel (7)
  • 31 Paul Thoennes (4)
  • 10H Don Hilleary (6)
  • 11 Scott Langer (8)


Heat 3 (lock 8)
 

  • 95 Aaron Ricketts (1)
  • 24 Ryan Unzicker (2)
  • 1W Donny Walden (3)
  • 89 Daren Friedman (5)
  • B12 Kevin Weaver (6)
  • 35 Derek Chandler (8)
  • 10 Scott Schmitt (4)
  • S10 Frank Shickel Jr. (7)


Semi Feature (top 4)
 

  • 15 Lisa Shickel (2)
  • 36 Eric Vaughan (1)
  • 17K Kenny Adams (3)
  • 74 Russ Adams (5)
  • 11 Scott Langer (8)
  • 99 Brian Crebo (9)
  • 31 Paul Thoennes (4)
  • 14 Glen Thompson (10)
  • 45 Zach Busch (7)
  • 10H Don Hilleary (6)


Feature
 

  • 89 Daren Friedman (4)
  • B12 Kevin Weaver (5)
  • Z Joe Harlan (9)
  • S10 Frank Shickel Jr. (8)
  • 1W Donny Walden (3)
  • 24 Ryan Unzicker (2)
  • 5 Bret Sievert (11)
  • 40 Charlie Hess (12)
  • 95 Aaron Ricketts (1)
  • 15 Lisa Shickel (17)
  • J1 Wes Steidinger (13)
  • 22 Chris Dick (14)
  • 99J Jimmy Dehm (15)
  • 10 Scott Schmitt (7)
  • 9 Eric Smith (10)
  • 35 Derek Chandler (6)
  • 74 Russ Adams (20)
  • 36 Eric Vaughan (18)
  • 17K Kenny Adams (19)
  • K9 Mike Glynn (16)


Hard Charger
15 Lisa Shickel
27 Modifieds in Attendance
Fast Qualifier: D1 Lance Dehm 14.168

Qualifying Lap Times
 
  • 14.168  D1 Lance Dehm
  • 14.209  25P Dave Porth
  • 14.212  3L Jeff Leka
  • 14.275  7K Scott Bull
  • 14.321  4 Jeb Friedman
  • 14.382  7J Justin DeLong
  • 14.386  70 Vince Cooper
  • 14.408  C12 Jeff Curl
  • 14.415  32B T.D. Burger
  • 14.503  1 Dave Lilja
  • 14.509  69 Jim Farris
  • 14.547  21JR Justin McCoy
  • 14.568  42 McKay Wenger
  • 14.666  G4 George Aimone
  • 14.842  22N Lake Nichoalds
  • 14.950  21D Darcey Wey
  • 14.980  7 Steve Mattingly
  • 15.085  63 Calvin Coleman
  • 15.102  75 Gary Turpin
  • 15.112  67 Chris Gaither
  • 15.153  99C Jared Cagley
  • 15.300  42T Ric Trulock
  • 15.406  16 Chris Price
  • 15.473  7 Bobby Crego
  • 15.560  4M Michael Marden
  • 99.000  68 Matt Bachman
  • 99.000  87 Ken Fischer


Heat 1 (top 4)
 

  • 69 Jim Farris (2)
  • 32B T.D. Burger (1)
  • 75 Gary Turpin (6)
  • 99C Jared Cagley (7)
  • 4M Michael Marden (9)
  • 16 Chris Price (8)
  • 7 Steve Mattingly (5)
  • 42 McKay Wenger (3)
  • 22N Lake Nichoalds (4)
  • 87 Ken Fischer (10)


Heat 2 (top 4)
 

  • G4 George Aimone (3)
  • 1 Dave Lilja (1)
  • 21JR Justin McCoy (2)
  • 68 Matt Bachman (9)
  • 42T Ric Trulock (7)
  • 67 Chris Gaither (6)
  • 63 Calvin Coleman (5)
  • 21D Darcey Wey (4)
  • 7 Bobby Crego (8)


Heat 3 (lock 8)
 

  • 7K Scott Bull (4)
  • D1 Lance Dehm (1)
  • 25P Dave Porth (2)
  • 3L Jeff Leka (3)
  • 70 Vince Cooper (7)
  • C12 Jeff Curl (8)
  • 4 Jeb Friedman (5)
  • 7J Justin DeLong (6)


Semi Feature (top 4)
 

  • 63 Calvin Coleman (6)
  • 21D Darcey Wey (8)
  • 4M Michael Marden (1)
  • 7 Bobby Crego (10)
  • 22N Lake Nichoalds (9)
  • 16 Chris Price (3)
  • 42T Ric Trulock (2)
  • 67 Chris Gaither (4)
  • 42 McKay Wenger (7)
  • 7 Steve Mattingly (5)
  • 87 Ken Fischer (11)


Feature
 

  • 25P Dave Porth (3)
  • 4 Jeb Friedman (7)
  • 69 Jim Farris (9)
  • D1 Lance Dehm (2)
  • 3L Jeff Leka (4)
  • C12 Jeff Curl (6)
  • 7K Scott Bull (1)
  • 1 Dave Lilja (12)
  • 21D Darcey Wey (18)
  • 7J Justin DeLong (8)
  • 32B T.D. Burger (11)
  • 68 Matt Bachman (16)
  • 7 Bobby Crego (20)
  • 21JR Justin McCoy (14)
  • G4 George Aimone (10)
  • 99C Jared Cagley (15)
  • 4M Michael Marden (19)
  • 63 Calvin Coleman (17)
  • 70 Vince Cooper (5)
  • 75 Gary Turpin (13)


Hard Charger
21D Darcey Wey
14 Sportsman in Attendance

Heat 1
 
  • 23T Rick Thomas (4)
  • 23Jr Joel Funk (6)
  • B44 Ed Bright (3)
  • 22S Dave Slade (2)
  • 17 Frankie Underwood (5)
  • 20 Paul Graf (1)
  • 4 Cody Bauman (7)


Heat 2
 

  • 25 Jason Unzicker (2)
  • 01 Dustin Mounce (1)
  • 23A Andrew Funk (6)
  • H1 Loren Haberkorn (5)
  • 127 Scott Hatzer (7)
  • 44 Rod Rusher (4)
  • 96m David McKinney (3)


Feature
 

  • 25 Jason Unzicker (2)
  • 23Jr Joel Funk (3)
  • H1 Loren Haberkorn (8)
  • 23T Rick Thomas (1)
  • 127 Scott Hatzer (10)
  • 4 Cody Bauman (13)
  • 20 Paul Graf (11)
  • B44 Ed Bright (5)
  • 96m David McKinney (14)
  • 44 Rod Rusher (12)
  • 23A Andrew Funk (6)
  • 22S Dave Slade (7)
  • 01 Dustin Mounce (4)
  • 17 Frankie Underwood (9)


Hard Charger
4 Cody Bauman
20 Street Stocks in Attendance

Heat 1
 
  • 15G Eric Gaus (1)
  • 57 Brandon Kessinger (6)
  • 17P Tim Provenzano (2)
  • 3 Alex Clubb (7)
  • 38 Gary Barnes (4)
  • 75 Jeremy Scher (5)
  • 50 Danny Cool (3)


Heat 2
 

  • 69S Vern Gaus (2)
  • 71 Darrel Lehigh (3)
  • 22 Nick Clubb (6)
  • 16 Robert Turner (4)
  • 5D Ron Donaldson (5)
  • 1 Mitchell Steinquist (1)
  • 77 Al Gray (7)


Heat 3
 

  • 21K Darrin Kohler (2)
  • 23Jr Joel Funk (4)
  • 11 Jeff Semmens (3)
  • 23T Rick Thomas (5)
  • J01 Joe Hillman (1)
  • D10 Dan Leonard (6)


Feature
 

  • 21K Darrin Kohler (3)
  • 15G Eric Gaus (1)
  • 57 Brandon Kessinger (4)
  • 5D Ron Donaldson (14)
  • 23Jr Joel Funk (6)
  • 71 Darrel Lehigh (5)
  • 22 Nick Clubb (8)
  • 16 Robert Turner (11)
  • 3 Alex Clubb (10)
  • 69S Vern Gaus (2)
  • 17P Tim Provenzano (7)
  • 75 Jeremy Scher (16)
  • D10 Dan Leonard (18)
  • 50 Danny Cool (19)
  • 1 Mitchell Steinquist (17)
  • J01 Joe Hillman (15)
  • 23T Rick Thomas (12)
  • 38 Gary Barnes (13)
  • 11 Jeff Semmens (9)
  • 77 Al Gray (20)


Hard Charger
5D Ron Donaldson
23 Hornets in Attendance

Heat 1 (top 5)
 
  • 7 Matt Maier (2)
  • 8 Tanner Tibbs (1)
  • 91 Tyler Griswold (4)
  • 59M Chad Macaluso (8)
  • 47 Jim Wilson (6)
  • 231 Justin Giaudrone (3)
  • 3 Chris Kilpatrick (5)
  • 48 Chris Holzhauer (7)


Heat 2 (top 5)
 

  • 23 Cody Clubb (4)
  • 99L Jason Maier (2)
  • 83 Brian Wilson (3)
  • 88 Jerome Benton (7)
  • 28 Michael Stephens (8)
  • C2 Cody Stowe (6)
  • 81 Phil Schumacher (1)
  • 24 Michael Donze (5)


Heat 3 (top 5)
 

  • 15 David Lauritson (2)
  • 68 Greg Tuttle (5)
  • 12 Nick Lee (4)
  • 98 Jerry Legner (7)
  • 37 Scott Cupples (1)
  • 46 Eric Wilson (6)
  • 13S Mike Hilton (3)


Semi Feature (top 5)
 

  • 46 Eric Wilson (3)
  • 3 Chris Kilpatrick (4)
  • C2 Cody Stowe (2)
  • 48 Chris Holzhauer (7)
  • 24 Michael Donze (8)
  • 13S Mike Hilton (6)
  • 231 Justin Giaudrone (1)
  • 81 Phil Schumacher (5)


Feature
 

  • 23 Cody Clubb (2)
  • 7 Matt Maier (1)
  • 15 David Lauritson (3)
  • 99L Jason Maier (5)
  • 12 Nick Lee (9)
  • 47 Jim Wilson (13)
  • 46 Eric Wilson (16)
  • 91 Tyler Griswold (7)
  • 88 Jerome Benton (11)
  • 37 Scott Cupples (15)
  • 98 Jerry Legner (12)
  • 3 Chris Kilpatrick (17)
  • C2 Cody Stowe (18)
  • 48 Chris Holzhauer (19)
  • 68 Greg Tuttle (6)
  • 83 Brian Wilson (8)
  • 28 Michael Stephens (14)
  • 8 Tanner Tibbs (4)
  • 59M Chad Macaluso (10)
  • 24 Michael Donze (20)


Hard Charger
46 Eric Wilson

d1 lance dehm and 7k scott bull racing sid e by side early in the race

loren haberkorn winner of the gary eden memorial sportsman special

95 aaron ricketts just didn't have quite enough for 89 daren friedman

street stock winner terry miller

Thanks to Rocky Ragusa for the pictures....click on thumbnail to enlarge

Loren Haberkorn Wins Eden Memorial at Fairbury American Legion Speedway Saturday May 16

Fairbury,IL.
5/16/09
by Rocky Ragusa

 In a battle of survival, Loren Haberkorn inherited the lead on lap 20 when defending track champion Joel Funk succumbed to mechanical problems to win the annual Gary Eden Memorial for UMP sportsman cars. Rick Thomas took the lead at the start and held a 2 car length lead over Haberkorn and Funk. Thomas’s night ended on lap 12 when he went out. Funk took the lead and led until he dropped out. Haberkorn took the lead, with Scott Hatzer and Greg Kimmons battled for 2nd. Kimmons got by Hatzer with 2 laps to go and made a valiant effort to take the lead, but Haberkorn held on.Hatzer ,Andrew Funk, Cody Bauman, Jason Unzicker, Jimmy Miller, Chris Osborne, Paul Graf, and David Slide completed the top 10.Unzicker set fast time for the 19 cars on hand with a 14.72. Heat wins went toHaberkorn and Thomas.

 Defending track champion Daren Friedman looks to be the man to beat in the UMP late model class. Friedman got the lead at the start and cruised to the win. Aaron Ricketts could hang with Friedman for several laps, but Friedman pulled away to a half straight away lead. Ricketts, Eric Smith, Kevin Weaver, Jason Unzicker, Donny Walden, Steve Sheppard, Joe Harlan, Kyle Louge, Jr. Shickel completed the top 10. Walden set fast time at a 12.93 to lead the 25 late models. Heats went to Weaver, Brandon Sheppard, and Friedman, while Harlan won the semi feature.

 Lance Dehm got a late race scare for defending UMP national champion Jeff Leka , but held on to pick up his 2nd win of the year in the UMP modified division.Dehm raced side by side with Scott Bull for the first 5 laps before he was able to pull away. 8th place starter Leka had to battle through the field to gain on Dehm, but Leka ran out of laps.

Bull, Dave Porth, Gary Cook Jr., Bobby Allen, Matt Bachman, Dave Crawley, Jim Farris, and Gay Turpin rounded out the top 10. Dehm set quick time for the 40 modifieds on hand with a 14.12. Heats went to Jay Ledford, Crawley, Turpin, Dehm, while the semi features were won by Jeb Friedman and McKay Wenger.

 Terry Miller making one of his infrequent visits to the Fairbury American Legion Speedway was successful as he won in a hard fought battle over Rick Thomas. A blanket could have been thrown over the first six finishers as the drivers battled for position. Thomas, Joel Funk, Kevin Lenzen, Chuck Barnes, Darrin Kohler, Eric Gaus, Darrel Lehigh, Josh Griffith, and Tom Legner completed the top 10. 24 street stock drivers were on hand and heat wins went to Miller, Kohler, Jeff Semmens, while Legner won the semi.

NOTES: With Lasalle being rained out for their World of Outlaw special, officials journeyed to Fairbury to watch the night’s races. They rewarded the late model feature winner (Friedman) with a guaranteed starting spots in the Outlaw race held Sunday night at the Lincoln Speedway.Friedman finished in 19th position, while Rick Eckert won the event. Eric Smith (17th) was the only other Fairbury regular to make the race .Aaron Ricketts, Jimmy Dehm, Jason Unzicker, and Joe Harlan attempted to make the race. Several of the tracks legends to make news include Jack Tyne. He recently had major surgery and is recovering at his home. Harland Riblett a competitor when the track ran the supermodifieds recently passed away. The Illinois Vintage Racing Association will honor Mr. Riblett when the series returns to the speedway later this year. Also former 6 cylinder track champion Ron Bohm has ended a 5 year hiatus and is running in the sportsman class. The Route 66 Kart track finally got their season stated on Sunday, with 45 karters on hand. Feature winners were Cadets-Cade Ploch, Junior 1- Jayden Jones (Pontiac), Junior 2- Kyle Erwin, Junior 3- Shawn O’ Neill, Stock Medium- John Rodino(Pontiac), Stock Heavy- Dan Rork(Pontiac),also a special Illinois Blue Clone Series race was held sponsored by Rocky Ragusa Photography with a purse of over $400 went to Mark Plotner. Kart action is held evey 2 weeks at the speedway on old 66 between Pontiac and Chenoa.
 Next Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway, the track presents Fan Appreciation Night sponsored by the Illinois Corn Growers. Gate admission will be $5.00 and racing will be in all divisions including the Hornets.

These photos thanks to Rocky Ragusa....click picture to enlarge

Joe Harlan Claims Fairbury Win

Fairbury, IL. 5/09/09

El Paso’s Joe Harlan used slower cars to his advantage Saturday night as he picked up the win in the 30 lap late model feature event. As race leader Eric Smith was approaching several cars ahead of him, Harlan made his move to get around Smith. For Harlan, it was his first win since the 2006 season opener. Smith made repeated attempts to reclaim the lead, but settled for 2nd. Derek Chandler ended some bad luck on his part with a 3rd, followed by Jr. Shickel, Donny Walden, Jimmy Dehm, Daren Friedman, Kevin Weaver, Aaron Ricketts, and Eric Vaughan. Smith had fast time with a 13.79 for the 19 drivers on hand. Heat race winners went to Smith and Dehm.

 After last weeks race, Jeff Leka came back with vengeance. The defending UMP national champion set fast time with a 14.49 for the 35 drivers, won his heat race, and went flag to flag for the win. Jeff Curl, Lance Dehm, Jeb Friedman, Scott Bull, Brock Bauman, Gary Turpin, Jason Hastings, Kevin Hastings, and Dave Lilja completed the top 10. Jason Hastings, Gary Cook Jr., Bauman, and Leka won heats, while Jim Farris and George Aimone won the semis

 Jason Unzicker used the bottom of the track to his advantage to pick up the win in the 15 lap sportsman race.  Defending track champion Joel Funk made several challenges at Unzicker, but had to settle for 2nd. Dusty Mounce, Andrew Funk, Loren Haberkorn, Scott Hatzer, Chris Anderson, Dan Flessner,Cody Bauman, and Chris Eden completed the top 10. Heats went to Unzicker and Mounce.

 Last weeks winner Jeff Semmons and Rick Thomas made contact with 5 laps to go, allowing Thomas to take the lead and win the 15 lap street stock race. Daren Kohler, Joel Funk, Kevin Lenzen, Brad Carson, Joe Hillman, David Lehigh, Robert Turner, Nick Clubb, and Donald Lutz rounded out the top 10. Semmens, Hillman, and Thomas won heat races, while Turner won the semi.

 The nights racing ended with Jason Maier going uncontested in winning the 10 lap hornet feature event. Eric Wilson, Nick Lee, Cody Clubb, and Axle Wicker completed the top 5. Jim Wilson, Wicker, and B.J. Malone won heats. Next Saturday night, the speedway plays host to the 30 lap Gary Eden Memorial race for UMP sportsman cars. Pit gates open at 3, front gates at 5, hot laps at 6, followed by qualifying at 6:30, and racing will begin immediately.

Fairbury Speedway Regular Night of Racing May 9

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting a regular night of racing consisting of UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Sportsman, UMP Street Stocks, plus UMP Hornets this coming Saturday, May 9th.

Gate Admission: $10
Pits: $25
Gates Open: Main 3:00 p.m., Back 5:00 p.m.
Qualifying 6:30 p.m., Racing 7:30 p.m.
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The speedway is located three blocks south of U.S. 24 on 3rd St. in Fairbury, IL (at the fairgrounds). For more information visit www.fairburyspeedway.com.

May 2, 2009.... Larry Nourie Memorial

Thanks to Lu for the photos

Jason Feger Wins Nourie Memorial
by Rocky Ragusa

Fairbury, IL. 5/02/009 After a 5 year absence, the Fairbury American Legion Speedway welcomed back the Indiana based Northern All Stars Late Model Series. The track played host to the Larry Nourie Memorial. Nourie a crew member for several drivers, including Bryan Dunaway, passed away last March due to heart problems.

 38 late model drivers checked in, with defending track champion Daren Friedman setting a new track record in qualifying with a 12.35. Rain has played havoc on the area and Saturday night was no exception. The track crew did their best to provide drivers and fans with a well prepared track. During the feature events, the track developed ruts which drivers had to do their best to maneuver through. Pole setter and defending UMP National Champion Dennis Erb Jr. led the 1st 8 laps before being overtaken by one of the hottest drivers in the area, Jason Feger. Feger withstood several challenges from Erb to claim his 1st career win at the historic track. Feger picked up $2000 for the 30 lap win, followed by Erb, Kevin Weaver, Eric Smith, Daren Friedman, Jason Unzicker, Wes Steidinger, Jeep Van Wormer, Joe Harlan, and Frank Heckenast Jr.

 After attempts to get the 20 lap UMP modified feature stated, the officials made the drivers start single file, pole setter Lance Dehm battled side by side with last weeks winner McKay Wenger for the first 6 laps of the race before Dehm pulled away. Dehm had to work the lapped traffic in the closing laps which allowed Gary Cook Jr. to close in. Dehm held on for the win over Cook, followed by Vince Cooper, Wenger, Dave Porth, Justin Delong, George Amonie, T.D. Burger, Jim Farris, and Kevin Hastings,

 Following a caution on lap 4, defending track champion Joel Funk got by last weeks winner Jason Unzicker to claim the win in the 15 lap sportsman race. Unzicker, held on for 2nd, followed by Andrew Funk, Loren Haberkorn, and Dan Flessner.

 Veteran campaigner Jeff Semmens got by leader Billy Whicker on lap 4 and pulled away from the field for his 1st win at Fairbury in the streetstock class. Whicker, Rick Thomas, Kevin Lenzen, and Joel Funk completed the top 5.

 

Fairbury Speedway Summary of Results 5.2.09
 
36 Late Models in Attendance
Fast Qualifier: 89 Daren Friedman 12.355 (new track record)

Heat Winners: 25 Jason Feger, B5 Brandon Sheppard, 28 Dennis Erb Jr., 81C Kevin Cole
Semi Feature Winners: J1 Wes Steidinger, 0 Richie Hedrick

Feature ($2,000 to win, 30 laps)
1 - 25 Jason Feger (4)
2 - 28 Dennis Erb Jr. (1)
3 - B12 Kevin Weaver (7)
4 - 9 Eric Smith (9)
5 - 89 Daren Friedman (8)
6 - 24 Ryan Unzicker (12)
7 - J1 Wes Steidinger (13)
8 - 55 Jeep Van Wormer (15)
9 - Z Joe Harlan (6)
10 - 99JR Frank Heckenast Jr. (11)

32 Modifieds in Attendance
Fast Qualifier: D1 Lance Dehm 14.027

Heat Winners: 70 Vince Cooper, 36 Kevin Hastings, 1K Tommy Kroll, D1 Lance Dehm
Semi Feature Winners: 3L Jeff Leka, 69 Jim Farris

Feature
1 - D1 Lance Dehm (1)
2 - 64 Gary Cook Jr. (4)
3 - 70 Vince Cooper (9)
4 - 42 McKay Wenger (2)
5 - 25P Dave Porth (7)
6 - 7J Justin DeLong (3)
7 - G4 George Aimone (6)
8 - 32B T.D. Burger (8)
9 - 69 Jim Farris (16)
10 - 36 Kevin Hastings (10)

13 Sportsman in Attendance

Heat Winners: 25 Jason Unzicker, 4C Chris Anderson

Feature
1 - 23Jr Joel Funk (6)
2 - 25 Jason Unzicker (1)
3 - 23A Andrew Funk (10)
4 - H1 Loren Haberkorn (3)
5 - 9D Dan Flessner (7)
6 - 44 Rod Rusher (4)
7 - 4C Chris Anderson (2)
8 - 20 Paul Graf (8)
9 - 75 Chris Eden (12)
10 - 12 Ron Bohm (11)


22 Street Stocks in Attendance

Heat Winners: 55 Billy Wicker, 15G Eric Gaus, 71 Darrel Lehigh
Semi Feature Winner: J01 Joe Hillman

Feature
1 - 11 Jeff Semmens (4)
2 - 55 Billy Wicker (1)
3 - 23T Rick Thomas (9)
4 - 44 Kevin Lenzen (6)
5 - 23Jr Joel Funk (7)
6 - 71 Darrel Lehigh (3)
7 - 6 Jay Hamilton (13)
8 - J01 Joe Hillman (15)
9 - 38 Gary Barnes (10)
10 - 75 Jeremy Scher (8)

Fairbury Opening Night Winners Saturday April 25

Hornets               

1 Matt Maier          

2 Jason Maier         

3 D.J. Werkmeister    

4 Cody Clubb          

5 Jerome Benton    

Street Stock

1 Rick Thomas

2 Joel Funk

3 Jeff Semmens

4 Billy Whicker

5 Gary Barnes

Sportsman             

1 Jason Unzicker      

2 Timmy Dick        

3 Rod Rusher          

4 Paul Graf           

5 Dustin Mounce    

Modified

1 McKay Wenger

2 Jeff Leka

3 Lance Dehm

4 Vince Cooper

5 Kevin Hastings

6 Jason Hastings

7 Jeff Curl

8 Matt Bachmann

9 Gary Turpin

10 Justin DeLong

Late Model

1 Daren Friedman

2 Kevin Weaver

3 Jr. Shickel

4 Jimmy Dehm

5 Scott Bull

6 Bret Sievert

7 Kyle Logue

8 Joe Harlan

9 George Scheffler

10 Don Hilleary

2009 Schedule

Date
Event
Gate
Pits
Event Summary
4.11.09
Practice and Tech Day
$0
$10
Gates Open at 10:00 AM
Race Track Opens at Noon
 
4.25.09
Opening Night
Regular Night of Racing
$10
$25
with Hornets
 
 
5.02.09
Northern Allstars Series
Late Model Special
$15
$30
$2,000 to win
Kids 5-6 years old Dash for Cash
 
5.09.09
Regular Night of Racing
$10
$25
with Hornets
 
5.16.09
Gary Eden Memorial
Sportsman Special
$10
$25
30 laps
 
5.23.09
Fan Appreciation Night
$5
$20
with Hornets
 
5.30.09
Monster Midwest Series
Late Model Special
$15
$30
$2,000 to win - 40 laps
 
 
6.06.09
Hornet Special
$10
$25
$500 to win - 15 laps
 
6.13.09
Pappy and Bob Allen Memorial
Late Model Special
$10
$25
$2,000 to win - 40 laps UMP race
Kids 7-8 years old Dash for Cash
 
6.20.09
Regular Night of Racing
$10
$25
Monster Truck Show
 
6.27.09
UMP Summer Nationals
$20
$35
$10,000 to win - 50 laps
Sponsored by Lynn Chevrolet Buick
Rain Date TBA
 
7.04.09
Regular Night of Racing
$10
$25
with Hornets
Fireworks
 
7.11.09
Curt Piercy Memorial
Sportsman Special
$10
$25
30 laps
 
 
7.18.09
107.7 The Bull Night
Regular Night of Racing
$10
$25
with Hornets
Kids 9-10 years old Dash for Cash
 
7.25.09
Street Stock Special
$10
$25
$600 to win - 30 laps
 
8.01.09
Vintage Car Night
Regular Night of Racing
$10
$25
Come out early and see drivers
and cars from yesteryears
Kids 11-12 yrs old Dash for Cash
 
8.08.09
Modified Special
$10
$25
$1,200 to win
with Hornets
 
8.15.09
Regular Night of Racing
$10
$25
with Hornets
 
 
8.22.09
Fairbury Fair Racing
$10
$25
Hot Laps at 5:00 - Racing at 6:30
Last Night for Track Points
 
8.29.09
Championship Night
Regular Night of Racing
$10
$25
Crowning of Track Champions
Adults 21 & over Dash for Cash
 
9.05.09
20th Annual Prairie Dirt Classic
$20
$35
$10,000 to win - 50 laps
Sponsored by Lynn Chevrolet Buick
 
11.09
Awards Banquet
      
 
Qualifying 6:30 PM, Racing 7:30 PM - All rain dates will be announced
Children 12 and under free when accompanied by a paying adult
Schedule subject to change - Click here for a printable version of the schedule
Weekly divisions: UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Sportsman, UMP Street Stocks