2010fairbury.htm

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2006 & 2007 UMP track of the year

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Smith Right Spot, Right Time at Fairbury

Fairbury, Ill. (7/17/10) Eric Smith took advantage of Daren Friedman’s mechanical misfortune Saturday night and held on to win the 30 lap UMP late model feature at Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway. Friedman took off like a rocket ship at the start of the race and by 3^rd lap held a straight away lead over Derek Chandler, Ryan Dauber, Eric Smith, and Joe Harlan. After a fierce battle with Chandler for the second position, Smith began to reel in Friedman. With 12 laps remaining in the race and Smith trailing Friedman by a car length, Smith’s car began smoking. After a lap 22 caution, Friedman led Smith, Richie Hedrick; who appeared to have the fastest car on the track at the time, Chandler, and Harlan. On lap 26 Friedman slowed on the track, bringing out the caution and dropping out with mechanical problems. After the caution, Smith managed to hold off a game Hedrick for the final 4 laps for his 3^rd win of the year. Hedrick, Harlan, Chandler, Scott Bull, Snooky Dehm, Bob Freeburg, Eric Vaughan, Jimmy Dehm, and Gary Schalmo. Smith led time trials with a 12.98. Mike Mullvain, Hedrick, and Chandler took heat wins, while Flip Shickel won the semi feature.

McKay Wenger got the jump on pole sitter Jay Ledford for the start of the 20 lap UMP modified race and the two raced side by side for the first 5 laps before Wenger was able to pull away and record his 3^rd win of the year. Ledford took second, followed by Mike Spatola, Jeff Leka, Jeff Curl, Matt Bachman, Jim Farris, Dave Porth, Lance Dehm, and Cory Schwengel. Curl was quickest in time trials with a 14.33. Farris, Porth, Justin Delong, and Ledford won heat races, while Jared Cagley and Schwengel won the two semi features.

Jonny Garrett survived an early race battle with Joel Funk before Funk was disqualified for rough driving and won the 15 lap UMP sportsman feature. For Garrett, it was his first career win at Fairbury. Richard Craven, Andrew Funk, Chris Eden, Dustin Mounce, Dan Flessner, Curt Vincent, Rod Rusher, Darrell Dick, and Shawn Diggs completed the top 10. The race served as a Wynn’s sportsman qualifier; where as the top 4 finishers are locked in for the Springfield mile race. Ron Bohm, Garrett, and Craven took heat race wins, with Rusher the semi feature victor.

2009 UMP National Champion Rick Thomas last visit to victory lane at Fairbury was on August 15^th, 2009. Thomas’s dry spell came to an end as he came out ahead in a hard fought 15 lap UMP street stock race. Thomas, Joel Funk, and Gary Barnes raced door handle to door handle the entire race, with Thomas going to victory lane. Funk, Barnes, Andrew Funk, Brandon Kessinger, Alex Clubb, Eric Gaus, Kevin Lenzen, Jeff Semmens , and Darrin Kohler rounded out the top 10 finishers. Joel Funk and Gary Barnes came out ahead in the heat races.

The nights racing action began with the Hornet drivers in a 10 lap tussle. Nick Clubb took off at the start and led flag to flag to claim his first win at Fairbury. Allen Provenzano made a late race bid, but came up short in the end and settled for second. Cody Clubb, John Provenzano, and Tanner Tibbs completed the top 5.

This Saturday will feature a street stock 30 lap feature, with the winner taking home $600. There will action in the late models, sportsman, and modifieds. Pit gates open at 3, main gates at 5, and qualifying starts at 6:30, racing will start at 7:30.

 Babb Rolls to Fairbury Summer National Win

Fairbury,Ill. (7/10/10) Shannon Babb got the Jump on pole sitter Matt Miller at the start of the 50 lap $10,000 to win UMP late model summer national race at Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway to claim his 3^rd win on “Hell Tour 2010”. As the leaders were taking the initial green flag, Babb caught Miller off guard to take the lead and went unchallenged thru out the race. Jason Feger charged from his 16^th starting position to move into the top five by the 10^th lap. Babb began lapping slower cars by the 15^th lap, enabling Miller and 3^rd place runner Ryan Unzicker to close the gap. The 2 drivers were not able to stay with Babb as he was able to pull away. The track began to take rubber around the halfway mark, making passing difficult. Babb caught up to slower cars, but was unable to move around them. Caution fell on lap 43, as Dennis Erb Jr. stopped on the track with a flat right rear tire. Following the caution period, Babb was able to keep a 3 car length lead to the end. Matt Miller, Ryan Unzicker, Jason Feger, Jeep Van Wormer, Jack Sullivan, Billy Moyer Jr., Kevin Weaver, Steve Lance Jr., and Scott Bull completed the top 10. Ryan Unzicker led the 41 drivers in time trials with a 13.03. Unzicker, Babb, Doug Drown, and Miller won the heat races. Brian Shirley took the C-Main, while Brandon Sheppard took the B-Main.

The 2010 race season for Jeff Leka has been a year of heartaches. He has had his share of engine and mechanical problems. Saturday night, Leka started on the pole and took the lead over Mike Spatola at the start of the 20 lap UMP modified feature. Leka pulled away from the field, with Gary Turpin, Dave Porth, and Lance Dehm moving by Spatola in a battle for 2^nd. By the halfway mark, Leka held a straight away lead over the field, as Dehm and Porth had their own duel for second. On the 13^th circuit, as Dehm was about too over take the slower car of Derrick Doerr, Doerr pulled into the infield unexpectedly, collecting Dehm. Caution came out and Dehm was able to reclaim his spot back with little damage. Leka was able to go unchallenged the rest of the race for his 1^st win of the year at Fairbury. Dehm, Porth, Spatola, Justin Delong, Jim Farris, Gary Turpin, Jeb Friedman, Matt Bachman, and Jeff Curl rounded out the top 10. Spatola led the pack in qualifying with a14.04. Jay Ledford, Brian Lynn, and Leka took heat wins, while Jared Cagley took the semi feature.

Terry Worth was a man with a mission in the 15 lap UMP sportsman race. Starting in the 5^th position, Worth bulldogged his way to the lead on the first lap and pulled away early in the race. An early race battle for second took place with Andrew Funk, Joel Funk, Dan Flessner, and Chris Eden looking to take down Worth. Andrew Funk was able to pull away from the group and with several late race cautions was able to challenge Worth. Worth had enough to hold on for his 2^nd win of the year. Andrew Funk, Flessner, Joel Funk, Eden, Shawn Diggs, Jonny Garrett, Richard Craven, Rick Thomas, and Craig Vincent rounded out the top 10. Thomas and Joel Funk won the heat races.

This Saturday night will be a regular night of racing, including the Hornet class. Also the Sportsman drivers will be having their Wynn’s sportsman qualifier for the Springfield mile.

Andrew Funk Takes Biggest Win in Piercy Memorial

Fairbury,IL. (6/26/10) Saturday night the Fairbury American Legion Speedway held the 6^th annual running of the Curt Piercy Memorial for the UMP sportsman class. Jonny Garrett led the 18 drivers in qualifying with a 14.67. Richard Craven and Garrett won the heat races and started on the front row for the 30 lap feature that paid $600 to the winner. Craven took an early lead in the race, with Garrett, Andrew and Joel Funk following. Slick track conditions early in the evening found many drivers running at the bottom of the track, as Craven, Garrett, and Andrew Funk stuck to the bottom, while Joel Funk preferred the top. As Craven opened a small lead Andrew Funk got by Garrett for second on the 3^rd lap. After a caution flag on the 7^th lap, race leader Craven slowed on the track and dropped out with fuel pump problems. After several cautions during the middle stages of the race, brothers Andrew and Joel raced side by side for several laps before Andrew pulled out to a 3 car length lead over Joel. 14^th starting position Shawn Diggs began making noise as with 10 laps to go he was in the top 5 and appeared to have the fastest car on the track. Contender Jonny Garrett’s night ended with 10 to go as he brought out a caution for mechanical failure. Following the caution Andrew and Joel Funk running the bottom with Dan Flessner, running 3^rd at the top of the track. Diggs got by Flessner several laps later and new it would be tough to get by the top 2. With 5 laps to go, Diggs got a good run on Joel Funk to move into the second position and had his sights set on the leader. Diggs was able to close up to Andrew Funk and at the end of the 30 lap race was on his bumper. Andrew Funk scored the biggest win of his career in a hard fought race. Diggs gave it a valiant effort, but settled for 2^nd, followed by point leader Joel Funk, Chris Eden, Steven Mattingly, Curt Vincent, Craig Vincent, Dan Flessner, Terry Worth, and Dustin Mounce.

The first race of the night had the UMP street stock drivers in a 15 lap race. Pole sitter Joel Funk took the lead with Rick Thomas, Ron Donaldson, Gary Barnes, and Darrin Kohler following. During the late stages of the race as race leader Joel Funk was over taking slower cars, he was able to open up a ½ straight away lead over the field. Rick Thomas soon had his hands full as Darrin Kohler had moved to 3^rd. Thomas stuck to the bottom and Kohler was at the top for several laps before Kohler got by for second with 3 laps to go. At the checkered flag, Joel Funk had his 2 win of the year in the street stock class. Kohler, Thomas, Barnes, Donaldson, Kevin Lenzen, Eric Gaus, Jeff Semmens, Nick Montalta, and Cody Clubb took the top 10 positions.

The UMP modified class held twin races this week, with the first race a make up from the June 5^th rain out. Jim Farris debuted a new motor several weeks ago and some bad draws have prevented him from being able to flex the motors power. Jim Farris started the first race on the pole and was able to show the power of the car and motor as he quickly jumped out to a commanding lead over the rest of the field and never look back. By the 5^th lap, Farris had a ½ straight away lead with Dave Porth and Jeff Curl following. At the halfway point, Farris built a straight away lead, as Porth pulled away from Curl into second, with Lance Dehm and Mike Spatola trailing. At the end of the race Farris had scored his first win of the year in dominating fashion. Porth, Curl, Dehm, Spatola, Kevin Hastings, T.D. Burger, Matt Bachman, Jeff Leka, and Jay Ledford rounded out the top 10.

In the second UMP modified race, front row starters Dave Porth and Lance Dehm had the fans on their feet as the two veteran wheel men staged a classic battle going tooth and nail for the lead. After a caution flag on the third lap, Mike Spatola joined in the battle for the lead. Porth lost the second spot, when he got loose in turn 4, allowing Spatola to take the spot. Spatola was able to stick with Dehm until the leaders approached slower cars and Dehm opened up a lead and at the checkers, take his 3^rd win of the campaign. Spatola, Porth, Jeff Leka, Jay Ledford, Jeff Curl, Matt Bachman, Jim Farris, Kevin Hastings, and Lake Nichoalds were the top 10.

By the end of the modified feature, the track had turned dry slick allowing the UMP late model race to run multiple grooves. Outside pole sitter Scott Bull got the lead, with Derek Chandler, Eric Smith, and Ryan Dauber following. Bull held a 10 car length lead during the middle stages of the race, until he approached slower cars. Smith had taken sole possession of second, as Chandler had to deal with Dauber and Aaron Ricketts. Smith was able to run side by side with Bull, but Bull was able to slightly pull away on the straights. At the end of the 30 lap race, Bull held on by a bumper over Smith for the victory. Dauber, Chandler, Ricketts, Jimmy Dehm, Frank Heckenst Sr., Wes Steidinger, Daren Friedman, and Jr. Shickel completed the top 10.

Racing returns this Saturday night with a Full Show. The UMP street stock class will be running their makeup race from June 5^th and the Hornet drivers will also be in action.

Friedman Wins Allen Memorial at Fairbury

Fairbury, Ill. (6/19/10) Heavy rain the past week created some rough track conditions Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway. The track maintenance crew did their best to working on the track, but by feature time the track had developed several ruts in the track. Saturday’s race was dedicated to the memory of Pappy and Bob Allen, long time supporters of stock car racing in the Central Illinois area.

 In the 40 lap, $2000 to win UMP late model feature, outside front row starter Daren Friedman took the lead at the start over Joe Harlan. Caution came out on the first lap as Lisa Shickel, Jimmy Dehm, Kerry Mathew, and Snooky Dehm were involved in a 4^th turn accident , eliminating all for the night. Following the caution Friedman again jumped into the lead with Eric Smith moving into second. While the top 2 drivers were pulling away from the field, the race for third was hot, as Dillion White, Mark Burgtorf, and Joe Harlan exchanged positions. At the halfway point, Friedman had a 5 car length lead over Smith, with White and Burgtorf trailing by a straight away. Jay Sparks had moved up into challenging Harlan for 5^th and claimed the spot by lap 22. Several late race cautions allowed Smith another shot at Friedman, but Friedman was able to pull away. At the end of the 40 lap feature, a worn out Friedman had picked up his first win of the year and second career Allen Memorial race. Current point leader Smith took 2^nd, followed by Kentucky standout White, Burgtorf, Sparks, Scott Bull, Ryan Dauber, Harlan, Kyle Louge, and Derek Chandler. Louge set fast time with a 12.94.Burgtorf, Friedman, Harlan, and Smith won heat races, while Mathew and Eric Vaughan took the semis.

McKay Wenger took the lead at the start of the 20 lap UMP modified race, only to lose it to Jim Farris on lap 2. Farris quickly pulled out to a 10 car length lead only to see it evaporate with the lap 8 caution, as Paul Graf rolled his car in turn 4. After the caution, Wenger riding the top moved back into the lead, but could not shake off the challenge of Farris. The two drivers raced side by side for several laps before Wenger was able to edge Farris for his 2^nd win of the year. Mike Spatola, T.D. Burger, Jeb Friedman, Brandon Roberts, Jeff Curl, Kevin Hastings, Lance Dehm, and Bobby Crego completed the top 10. Jeff Leka, Dehm, and Spatola took the heat wins, while Ben Hulse won the semi. Spatola’s 14.10 was fast time of the night.

UMP sportsman drivers ran two features as part of the rained out features from June 5^th. In the first event, Andrew Funk used an outside move on Steven Mattingly on the 4^th lap and then had to fend off the challenge from Brother Joel to win his first race of the year. Terry Worth, Jeff Semmens, Mattingly, Chris Eden, Ron Bohm, Rod Rusher, Curt Vincent, and Craig Vincent were the top 10. In the second race for the sportsman competitors, pole sitter Joel Funk led flag to flag to claim his 4^th win of the year. Richard Craven won the race for second over Jonny Garrett, followed by Steven Mattingly, Kevin Mc Dermand, Darrell Dick, Chris Eden, Craig Vincent, Terry Worth, and Tom Legner. Joel Funk, Worth, and Craven won the heat races.

7^th starting Brandon Kessinger took the lead from Chris Tackett with 6 laps to go and won his first race of the year in the 15 lap UMP street stock race. Kessinger, Tackett, Jeff Semmens, and Joel Funk battled through out the race for the top position , but Tackett got high in turn 2 allowing Kessinger to take the win. Semmens, Tackett, Funk, Greg Brewer, Darrin Kohler, Eric Gaus, Al Gray, Kevin Lenzen, and Alex Clubb completed the top 10. Alex Clubb, Tackett, and Semmens won heat races, while Gaus took the semi.

This Saturday night the UMP sportsman drivers take center stage with the annual running of the Curt Piercy Memorial. The race will be 30 laps for $600 to win. The UMP late models and street stock drivers will have regular race programs, while the modified drivers will have double features as part of the make up races from June 5^th.

Tibbs Tames Field in Fairbury Hornet Special

Fairbury, Ill. (6/5/10) Pontiac driver Tanner Tibbs stopped the win streak of the Maier brothers Saturday night at the Fairbury American Legion Speedway and captured his first career victory. Tibbs claimed the Hornet special and picked up $500 for his effort. Cody Clubb made a last ditch effort to get by Tibbs, pulling along side on the last lap, but Tibbs had enough momentum coming off the 4^th turn to pull off the win. Clubb settled for 2^nd and 2 time winner Jason Maier took 3^rd. Tibbs won the first heat and Jason Maier took the 2^nd heat race.

 The UMP street stock feature took to the track next. Rick Thomas, the defending UMP national champion in the street stock class, took a early lead in the race, with Joel Funk, Alex Clubb, and Chris Tackett in hot pursuit. Caution came out on the 3^rd lap as mechanical failure caused Clubb’s car to break and ride the front straight wall. Following the cleanup, Thomas moved into the lead, before Darrin Kohler moved past Thomas. On lap 5, as a slower car was pulling off the track at the turn 4 exit, Thomas got into the back of the car bringing out another caution. As track officials were getting cars lined up, promoter Rusty Allen confirmed with the Fairbury Fire Department and rescue squad that a tornado was moving into the area. The race program was immediately stopped for the night. This Saturday night will be a regular night of racing and the annual appearance of the Thomasboro,Ill. Based Raminator Monster Truck.

Cautions Help Smith in Fairbury Win

Fairbury, Ill. (5/29/10) A late caution flag helped former ARCA driver Eric Smith take the lead with 8 laps to go and Smith held on to win the 30 lap UMP late model feature Saturday night at Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway. Smith started the race on the pole and led the first lap before Derek Chandler moved to the front for the next four laps. Last weeks winner Scott Bull then moved to the front, but could not hold off Chandler. The two drivers ran several laps side by side, with Smith, Joe Harlan, and Frank Heckenest Jr. following closely. Chandler powered back into the lead and was able to open up a 5 car length lead over the field. A lengthy caution period fell on the 20^th lap looked to be Chandler’s downfall. Following the caution Chandler led 1 lap before Smith zoomed by and led the remaining 8 laps and post his first win of the year at Fairbury. Scott Bull, Joe Harlan, Derek Chandler, Aaron Ricketts, Frank Heckenest Jr., Jr. Shickel, Chris Dick, Daren Friedman, and Donny Walden completed the top 10. Heckenest Jr. set fast time at a 13.33. Shickel, Richie Hedrick, and Smith won the heat races, while Snooky Dehm claimed the semi feature.

In the modified race, fans are accustomed to seeing Lance Dehm running the high side of the speedway. Due to the track being dried out pole sitter Dehm felt it would be to his advantage to staying at the bottom.Dehm took the lead at the start of the 20 lap UMP modified feature and picked up his 2^nd win of the year. Dehm and McKay Wenger raced side by side during the first 2 laps of the race before a caution fell on the field. After the caution, Dehm led Wenger and Jay Ledford. Dehm pulled out to a 3 car length lead, while Wenger and Ledford dueled for 2^nd. Ledford was able to get by Wenger and closed up on Dehm , as he worked the lapped traffic. Dehm was able to hold on to the lead and pick up the victory. Ledford edged Wenger for 2^nd, followed by Dave Porth, Matt Bachman, Jim Farris, Mike Spatola, Kevin Hastings, Bobby Crego, and Jeff Curl. Dehm set fast time with a 14.42. Heat race winners were Porth, Tim Bohm, and Dehm, while Jared Cagley took the semi feature.

The 15 lap UMP sportsman race was a caution felled event. Terry Worth took the lead on the 3^rd circuit and led the rest of the way. However during a post race inspection, track officials found Worth’s car did not comply with UMP rules and the win was stripped from Worth. Joel Funk was in the right spot at the right time and was awarded his 3^rd win of the year. Andrew Funk, Curt Vincent, Richard Craven, Chris Eden, Steven Mattingly, Rich Rich, Ricky Bane, Craig Vincent, and Scott Hufford were the top 10. Johnny Garrett and Dustin Mounce won the heat races.

Jeff Semmens battled with Alex Clubb during the opening lap before pulling away from the field and winning the 15 lap UMP street stock race. For Semmens it was his 2^nd win of the year at the American Legion speedway. Rick Thomas and Joel Funk had a spirited duel for 2^nd, with Thomas edging Funk out. Alex Clubb, Darrin Kohler, Jerrad Krick, Darrel Lehigh, Don Hilleary, Nick Clubb, and Gary Barnes rounded out the top 10. Alex Clubb, Semmens, and Thomas won heat races, while Nick Montalta picked up the semi feature.

The hornet drivers opened up the race program with a 10 lap feature race. Polesitter Jason Maier led flag to flag and scored his 2^nd win of the year. Cody Clubb, Nick Clubb, Tanner Tibbs, and Matt Maier completed the top 5. Jason Maier also claimed the lone heat race. Racing returns to Fairbury this Saturday night with the hornet drivers headlining the program with a $500 to win special.

 Funk Dominates Gary Eden Memorial at Fairbury American Legion Speedway

Fairbury,Ill. (5/22/10) 137 racecars from 4 states converged Saturday night at the ¼ mile Fairbury American Legion Speedway. It was Fan Appreciation night and the track also held their annual running of the Gary Eden Memorial for the UMP Sportsman division. In the 30 lap sportsman race, polesitter Terry Worth got the lead at the start and went to the top of the track with Dustin Mounce and Dan Flessner following. Flessner’s night ended on the 4^th lap ass he hit the wall on the back stretch. Following the caution, Worth, Mounce, and Joel Funk pulled away from the rest of the pack. Funk got by Mounce and maneuvered by Worth on the 11^th lap. As Funk handled the slower cars, he was able to distance himself from the field. Andrew Funk soon joined in the hunt and was able to take the 3^rd position from Mounce in the closing laps. At the checkered flag, Joel Funk had a straight away lead over runnerup Terry Worth. The remainder of the top ten were, Andrew Funk, Dustin Mounce, Curt Vincent, Richard Craven, Steven Mattingly, Shawn Diggs, Craig Vincent, and Jim Bailey. Dan Flessner set quick time with a 14.56. Curt Vincent, Jim Bailey, and Terry Worth took heat race wins, while Craig Vincent won the semi and hard charger of the race award.

 In a caution marred 30 lap UMP late model race, which was a survival battle, pole sitter Scott Bull took the lead, with Eric Smith, Derek Chandler, and Daren Friedman running nose to tail. 4 cautions fell in the first 9 laps of the race. The top 4 drivers were able to pull away, while Richie Hedrick and Ted Loomis had their own duel for 5^th position. Smith tried several times to relinquish the front spot from Bull, but Bull was able to hold on to the lead. About the halfway mark, 4^th running Friedman got in the cushion allowing several cars to squeeze by. 3 cautions came out in the final 7 laps of the race, including Ted Loomis running 4^th at the time backing into the wall on the front stretch. With 2 laps to go, Derek Chandler, running 3^rd, tagged the wall in turn two, which allowed a hard charging Jimmy Dehm to get by. At the finish of the race, Bull was able to hold off Smith by a half car length and take his first win of the 2010 campaign. Jimmy Dehm came on strong in the closing laps and took 3^rd followed by Chandler, Hedrick, Jr. Shickel, Daren Friedman, Curtis Roberts, Jay Sparks, and Pete Parker. Dehm won the hard charger award. Chandler set fast time at a 12.75. Heat victors were Guy Volk, Donny Walden, Jimmy Dehm, Scott Bull; with semi features going to Pete Parker and Curtis Roberts.

 In the 20 lap UMP modified race, outside front row starter Jeb Friedman got the lead at the start with McKay Wenger and Jay Ledford distancing them from the field. The race was a torrent pace and the driver’s soon encountered lapped traffic. Friedman and Wenger broke away from Ledford and had a duel for first. As the two drivers were approaching the white flag, Friedman suddenly slowed in turn 4. Wenger after brief contact with Friedman’s bumper took command and won the race. Jay Ledford, Jeff Leka, Jeff Curl, Jim Farris, Lance Dehm, Dave Porth, Matt Bachman, T.D. Burger and Lake Nichoalds completed the top 10. Jeff Leka took the hard charger honors, while Jeff Curl was fastest in time trials at a 13.94. Jim Farris, Jeff Leka, Mike Porth, and McKay Wenger won heat races, while Kevin Hastings and Matt Barker took the semi feature events.

 In the 15 lap UMP street stock race, Don Hilleary took the lead at the start of the race. Rick Thomas, Darrin Kohler, and Joel Funk were in a clash for 2^nd place which enabled Hilleary to build a straight away lead. At the halfway mark with Hilleary holding a commanding lead, Kohler was able to breaks away from Thomas and Funk and set his sights on the top position. After a caution with 6 laps to go, Hilleary once again pulled away with Kohler having to deal with Joel Funk and Jeff Semmens. At the finish, Hilleary took his first win at Fairbury, with Kohler, Semmens, Funk Thomas, Kevin Lenzen, Alex Clubb, Joe Hillman, Al Gray, and Nick Montalta rounding out the top 10. Lenzen was the hard charger. Thomas, Hilleary, Hillman, and Gray won the heat races, with Lenzen and Cody Clubb took the semi features.

The nights racing action ended with the Hornet drivers in a 10 lap feature. After Tanner Tibbs was involved in an opening race incident, Eric Wilson assumed the lead for 1 lap before Jason Maier took over the lead for the remaining 9 laps. Maier cruised to the win over Eric Wilson, Tyler Griswold, Jim Wilson, and Cody Clubb. Clubb won the hard charger award, while David Lauritson and Jim Wilson took heat wins.

Action returns this Saturday night with a regular night of racing,along with the Hornet class.

Unzicker, Dehm, Funk, and Maier Fairbury Winners

story by Rocky Ragusa

Fairbury,Ill. (5/8/10) Despite cold temperatures, the action was hot at Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway on Saturday night. Ryan Unzicker used a slide job on Eric Smith as the two drivers were coming off of the 2^nd turn, take the lead and picked up his first win of the 2010 season. The 30 lap UMP late model feature began with polesitter Dennis Erb Jr. taking the lead and outside starter Eric Smith following. Smith running the highside of the speedway over took Erb on the 4^th lap to take the lead and Unzicker moved past Erb on the next lap to take second. Erb had been running on the bottom of the track, changed lanes, but on the 11^th circuit tagged the wall and faded from contention. Kevin Weaver and Daren Friedman both got by Erb and had a battle for the 3^rd position. As race leader Smith was working the slower cars, Unzicker was able to close the gap. As the drivers completed the 15^th lap, Unzicker timed his slide job to perfection and rolled to the win. Smith hung on for second. Friedman edged Weaver for third and Erb was fifth. The rest of the top 10 went to Current UMP national point leader Rusty Schlenk, Jr. Shickel, Scott Bull, Derek Chandler, and Ted Loomis. Erb set fast time with a 12.52. Heat race wins went to Bull, Schlenk, and Erb; while Jimmy Dehm took the semi.

 Jeff Curl’s misfortune turned out to be Lance Dehm’s fortune in the 20 lap UMP modified race. AS race leader Curl was setting a blistering pace, he hit the tire barrier in the 4^th turn and broke the gearbox on the car and ended his race. Last years track champion Lance Dehm capitalized on the situation and built a straight away lead on the field before a caution came out with 2 laps to go. Dehm got a good restart and took his 1^st win of the year. McKay Wenger broke away from a battle with Jim Farris, T.D. Burger, and Vince Cooper to try and overtake Dehm, but came up short. Wenger, Farris, Cooper, and Burger were the top 5, while Jay Ledford, Mike Spatola, Kevin Hastings, Matt Bachman, Jeb Friedman completed the top 10. Jeff Curl set a new track record in qualifying with a blistering 13.75. Farris, Friedman, Ledford, and Curl took the heat race wins; while Tim Bohm and Justin McCoy claimed the semi feature races.

Early in the 15 lap UMP sportsman race, it was a race between Joel and Andrew Funk. Pole sitter Joel Funk took the lead at the start of the race with Andrew Funk glued to his bumper. Several early race cautions kept the field tightly bunched. Andrew overtook Joel on the 6^th lap of the race and assumed the lead. After a caution on the 8^th lap, Andrew jumped the inside bank in the 4^th turn allowing Joel to resume as the race leader. Joel pulled away from the field built a ½ straight away lead and took the feature win. Dan Flessner also took advantage of Andrew Funk’s misfortune to take 2^nd in the race, but could not mount any challenge to Joel. Flessner took 2^nd, followed by Andrew Funk, Chris Eden, Dustin Mounce, Curt Vincent, Terry Worth, Steven Mattingly, Jim Bailey, and Craig Vincent. The Funk Brothers claimed the two heat races.

In the 15 lap UMP Street stock race Joel Funk took over the lead following a caution flag with 2 laps to go and held off early race leader Jeff Semmens and Jay Hamilton for the win. Semmens had led the field until the caution with 2 laps to go and Funk got the jump on the restart. It was the first win of the year for the defending track champion in a race marred by numerous caution periods. Semmens held off Hamilton for the 2^nd position, while early race contender Rick Thomas was 4^th, followed by Darin Kohler, Eric Gaus, Alex Clubb, Don Hilleary, Nick Montalta, and Al Gray. Gaus, Semmens, and Hamilton took the heat race wins, while Montalta captured the semi.

The nights racing ended with the 10 lap Hornet race going to Matt Maier over Tyler Griswold, Jim Wilson, Tanner Tibbs, and Nick Clubb. Maier and Griswold claimed the 2 heat wins. Racing returns to the speedway this Saturday with the annual Gary Eden Memorial for UMP sportsman cars.

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Erb Powers to Fairbury Win

Fairbury, Ill. (5/01/10) Rain forced the cancelation of the Lucas Oil Series race in Paducah, Kentucky. Race teams scrambled to find a track still running, Dennis Erb Jr. and Jason Feger opted for Fairbury’s American Legion Speedway. The season opener for the track was a Northern All Star race with $2000 going to the winner. Outside front row starter Erb got the jump on pole sitter Feger at the start of the 30 lap feature and set a torrid pace. By the 7^th lap, Erb had built a straight away lead over the field. Feger was settled in 2^nd, with Derek Chandler, Kentucky driver Dillan White, and Steve Lance Jr. battling for 3^rd. Caution fell on the track on lap 19. As officials were lining the cars in their proper running order a light rain fell on the track, forcing the Northern All Stars officials to cancel the remaining 11 laps. Erb claimed his 26^th career win on the Northern All Stars Series and 2^nd win of the year. Feger, Lance Jr. ,White, and Chandler completed the top 5.2009 track champion Joe Harlan, Ryan Unzicker, Scott Bull, Eric Smith, and Daren Friedman completed the top 10. Harlan took the hard charger honors, while Chandler bested the 37 drivers in qualifying with a 12.796. Heat races went to Feger, Erb, Friedman, and Chandler, while Bull and Harlan won the semis.

  The 20 lap UMP modified feature was a heartbreaker for Justin Delong. After taking the lead from 2009 UMP national modified champion Gary Cook Jr. on the 5^th lap, Delong looked to be on his way to his first ever win at Fairbury. But as the ole cliché goes, it aint over till it’s over. Cook applied the pressure to Delong on every lap and got his chance on the 18^th lap. As the 2 drivers were coming off of turn 4, Cook had just enough room on the inside to reclaim the lead and held off Delong for the win. Jim Farris, polesitter Jeff Curl, and McKay Wenger were the top 5, while 2009 track champion Lance Dehm , Dave Porth, Lake Nichoalds, Mike Spatola, and Calvin Coleman rounded out the top 10. Porth was the hard charger, while Jay Ledford topped the 35 drivers in time trials with a 14.128. Heat race victors were Farris, Wenger, Bobby Allen, and Curl; with Nichoalds and Allan Stipp taking the semis.

   Terry Worth ended a long dry spell Saturday night. It had been 4 years since the veteran wheelman had visited Fairbury’s victory lane. Following a caution on lap 5, Worth overtook Dan Flessner and held on for the win in the 15 lap UMP sportsman feature. Last years track champion Joel Funk after having mechanical problems in his heat race rebounded to take 2^nd. Chris Eden had a strong 3^rd place, with Dustin Mounce and Shawn Diggs rounding out the top 5. Steve Mattingly, Andrew Funk, Curt Vincent, Craig Vincent, and Tim Dick were the top 10. Rod Rusher and Flessner won the 2 heat races.

   The nights racing action began with the UMP street stock drivers going for 15 laps. 3^rd place starter Jeff Semmens took the lead from Joseph Hillman on the 2^nd lap, survived several cautions and a late race challenge from 2009 UMP national street stock champion Rick Thomas to take the win. Last years track champion Joel Funk was 3^rd, followed by Gary Barnes, Nick Montalta, Hillman, Eric Gaus, Nick Clubb, Terry Simmons, and A.J. Meiferdt.

 The speedway returns to action again this Saturday with all classes racing, in addition the 4 cylinder hornet class makes the 2010 debut.

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Fairbury finally got their opener in last night but the Northern Allstar feature was cut short because of the rain cut it short  Dennis Erb won the race

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Fairbury Speedway $2,000 to win Northern Allstars Series May 1

 

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be hosting a Northern Allstars Series Special this coming Saturday, May 1st. The UMP Late Model feature will pay $2,000 to win. The UMP Modifieds, UMP Sportsman, and UMP Street Stocks will also be in action Saturday night. The full Late Model payout is available by clicking the "payouts" link on the track site.

 

Gate Admission: $15
Pits: $30
Gates Open: Main 3:00 p.m., Back 5:00 p.m.
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.

 

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. In case of inclement weather on race day, please monitor the track site forum for the latest event information.

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Fairbury Speedway Opens 64th Season April 24

 

The 2006 & 2007 UMP Track of the Year, the Fairbury American Legion Speedway, will open up their 64th year of racing this coming Saturday, April 24th. Scheduled is a regular night of racing featuring the UMP Late Models, UMP Modifieds, UMP Sportsman, and UMP Street Stocks. The UMP Hornets will also be in action Saturday night.

 

Gate Admission: $10
Pits: $25
Gates Open: Main 3:00 p.m., Back 5:00 p.m.
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.

 

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. In case of inclement weather on race day, please monitor the track site forum for the latest event information.

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Fairbury Speedway Practice and Tech Day April 10‏

The Fairbury American Legion Speedway will be having a Practice and Tech Day before the season opener on April 24th this coming Saturday, April 10th. Gates open at 10:00 AM with the race track opening at Noon. It is free to watch practice and $10 to enter the pits.

 

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. In case of inclement weather on race day, please monitor the track site forum for the latest event information.

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