The 30-year-old driver was flawless in the A-Main, roaring off the pole position to lead the entire distance. He earned $10,000 for his first-ever victory at the half-mile oval, which hosted a day-night doubleheader on Friday due to a rainout of Wednesday evening’s scheduled program.

“The competition here is crazy, so to win here is kind of like winning at Eldora (Speedway),” said Blankenship, comparing Volusia’s talent-laden field with those that gather for the annual crown-jewel events at the famed ‘Big E’ in Rossburg, Ohio. “We’ve always loved this racetrack. We’ve been coming down here for awhile now and I’ve always wanted to win one down here.

“I was running out of time this week to get one in, so I’m really happy to finally win.”

Blankenship built a lead of as much as two seconds over outside-polesitter Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., during the race’s early stages, but both Lanigan and Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn., drew close after the halfway point. Lanigan and Owens were about to challenge Blankenship when Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill., slowed on lap 26 to bring out the lone caution flag of the feature – a caution that effectively propelled Blankenship to victory.

With heavy lapped traffic no longer an issue for Blankenship and the caution period cooling his rivals’ tires, he was able to drive his Rocket Chassis car away from the pack on the restart. He wasn’t seriously challenged over the remaining circuits and beat Lanigan’s Rocket machine to the finish line by 1.153 seconds.

Owens settled for third place after starting 10^th in a Team Zero by Bloomquist car. Third-starter Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., finished fourth in a Victory Circle mount and eighth-starter Shane Clanton of Fayetteville, Ga., placed fifth in a Capital Race Car.

“I think that caution probably saved us,” said Blankenship, whose equipment is owned by his father Don. “We had a heck of a car, but I was having trouble navigating around them (lapped cars). I kept having to check up and was losing my traction and my momentum. It was getting harder and harder to find ways around them.”

A clear track left Blankenship unbeatable. Neither Lanigan nor Owens could muster the threatening speed that had flashed before the caution flag.

Lanigan, 41, had to be satisfied with his second runner-up finish of the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit. He also was a bridesmaid in Tuesday night’s 30-lap DIRTcar UMP Late Model feature.

“We went a little different than everybody else on tires,” said Lanigan. “We tried something there, but I don’t know if we would’ve been any better with the other tires. We gave it everything we had.”

Owens, who turned 40 on Feb. 3, appeared to be the driver on the move until his momentum was dulled by the caution flag.

“We definitely liked the long greens,” said Owens, who has never won a Late Model A-Main at Volusia. “We didn’t need that caution at the end. I was kind of chomping at the bit when that caution came out because we were coming on.”

Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga., finished sixth after being replaced in the top five by Clanton on the lap-26 restart. Opening-night DIRTcar UMP winner Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., was seventh; Bub McCool of Vicksburg, Miss., slipped backward from the third starting spot to finish eighth; sixth-starter Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., was never a factor en route to a ninth-place finish; and Rick Eckert of York, Pa., rounded out the top 10.

Sixty-eight cars were entered in the event, which featured a group qualifying format. The four fastest drivers in each group were inverted in the lineups for their respective heat races.

Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., recorded the fastest overall lap during the group qualifying sessions with a time of 15.965 seconds. Other group fast-timers were Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y. (16.474), Clanton (16.510), Jason Feger of Bloomington, Ill. (16.364), Terry Casey of New London, Wis. (16.280) and Babb (16.129).

Heat winners were McCool, Blankenship, Richards, McDowell, Babb and Lanigan. The B-Mains were captured by McCreadie, Vic Coffey of Caledonia, N.Y., and Don O’Neal of Martinsville, Ind.

The UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit conclude on Saturday night (Feb. 25) with a pair of 50-lap feature events – a $10,000-to-win A-Main for the WoO LMS and a $5,000-to-win affair for the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds. Race time is 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH, log on to www.DIRTcarNationals.com.

DIRTcar UMP Late Model 40-Lap A-Main Finish (Finish Pos./Driver):

1. John Blankenship

2. Darrell Lanigan

3. Jimmy Owens

4. Shannon Babb

5. Shane Clanton

6. Dale McDowell

7. Steve Francis

8. Bub McCool

9. Josh Richards

10. Rick Eckert

11. Jimmy Mars

12. Billy Moyer

13. Scott Bloomquist

14. Dennis Erb Jr.

15. Tim McCreadie

16. Don O’Neal

17. Vic Coffey

18. Donnie Moran

19. Frankie Heckenast Jr.

20. Billy Moyer Jr.

21. Jared Landers

22. Billy Decker

23. Brandon Sheppard

24. Morgan Bagley

25. Bobby Pierce

26. Eric Wells

27. Jason Feger

28. Chub Frank

29. Mike Marlar

Heat No. 1 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Bub McCool, 2. Donnie Moran, 3. Frankie Heckenast Jr., 4. Tim McCreadie, 5. Brady Smith, 6. Dillon Wood, 7. Tyler Bruening, 8. Hunter Peacock, 9. Lance Matthees, 10. Charlie Sandercock (DNS) Kent Robinson, Greg Johnson

Heat No. 2 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. John Blankenship, 2. Shane Clanton, 3. Billy Decker, 4. Jared Landers, 5. Bobby Pierce, 6. Mason Zeigler, 7. Stacy Boles, 8. Chad Hollenbeck, 9. Mike Hammerle, 10. Gregg Satterlee, 11. Jared Hawkins

Heat No. 3 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Josh Richards, 2. Steve Francis, 3. Brandon Sheppard, 4. Brian Shirley, 5. Jason Feger, 6. Steve Isenberg, 7. Jason McBride, 8. Jill George, 9. Todd Frank, 10. Tim Fuller (DNS) Tim Lance

Heat No. 4 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Dale McDowell, 2. Jimmy Owens, 3. Jimmy Mars, 4. Billy Moyer Jr., 5. Vic Coffey, 6. Earl Pearson Jr., 7. Jeff Beyers, 8. Austin Hubbard, 9. Terry Casey, 10. Jonathan Davenport, 11. Pat Doar

Heat No. 5 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Shannon Babb, 2. Rick Eckert, 3. Dennis Erb Jr., 4. Eric Wells, 5. Don O’Neal, 6. Billy Ogle Jr., 7. Jim Yoder, 8. Don Gordon (DNS) Mike Marlar, Michael Norris, John Lobb

Heat No. 6 (10 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Darrell Lanigan, 2. Billy Moyer, 3. Scott Bloomquist, 4. Clint Smith, 5. Chub Frank, 6. Jack Sullivan, 7. Dennis Franklin, 8. Morgan Bagley, 9. Eric Jacobsen, 10. Dan Stone, 11. Phil Ausra

B-Main No. 1 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Tim McCreadie, 2. Jared Landers, 3. Brady Smith, 4. Bobby Pierce, 5. Mason Zeigler, 6. Tyler Bruening, 7. Charlie Sandercock, 8. Kent Robinson, 9. Chad Hollenbeck, 10. Mike Hammerle, 11. Hunter Peacock, 12. Lance Matthees

B-Main No. 2 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Vic Coffey, 2. Billy Moyer Jr., 3. Jason McBride, 4. Earl Pearson Jr., 5. Jill George, 6. Steve Isenberg, 7. Todd Frank, 8. Brian Shirley, 9. Tim Fuller, 10. Jason Feger, 11. Tim Lance, 12. Jeff Beyers (DNS) Austin Hubbard, Terry Casey, Jonathan Davenport, Pat Doar

B-Main No. 3 (12 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Don O’Neal, 2. Eric Wells, 3. Clint Smith, 4. Jack Sullivan, 5. Morgan Bagley, 6. Billy Ogle Jr., 7. Jim Yoder, 8. Dan Stone, 9. Phil Ausra, 10. Eric Jacobsen, 11. Don Gordon, 12. Chub Frank, 13. Dennis Franklin (DNS) Mike Marlar, Michael Norris, John Lobb

Bulrush Dash (12 laps): 1. Clint Smith, 2. Kent Robinson, 3. Gregg Satterlee, 4. Charlie Sandercock, 5. Phil Ausra, 6. Todd Frank, 7. Lance Matthees, 8. Chad Hollenbeck

In an event pushed to Friday afternoon following a rainout on Wednesday night, Bloomquist took advantage of starting from the pole position to lead the entire feature distance. He was never seriously challenged en route to a $7,000 triumph.

The 48-year-old dirt Late Model legend scored a runner-up finish in Thursday evening’s World of Outlaws Late Model Series 50-lapper that was contested on a heavy, physical track surface, but on Friday a surface baked hard by the Florida sun allowed him to cruise to the checkered flag.

“Talk about night and day – that’s what this was,” said Bloomquist, comparing the Thursday night and Friday afternoon programs. “We really didn’t have to change much on the race car though, just a couple small things. The (Team Zero by Bloomquist) car is very versatile, and the (Roush-Yates) engine is just awesome.”

Bloomquist owed much of his winning effort to his qualifying performance. With the four fastest drivers in each of six group qualifying sessions inverted for heat-race action, Bloomquist turned in a lap that was placed him on the pole for his preliminary. He won the heat with ease and then picked the number one starting slot for the feature, propelling him to Victory Lane.

“It’s tough to come from behind, especially in a day race like this,” said Bloomquist, who recorded his fifth win since 2003 at Volusia but just his second in UMP-sanctioned competition (his most recent wins – one in ’04 and two in ’11 – came under the WoO LMS banner). “So definitely, starting from the pole was important.

“This is the first time (he ran an afternoon event at Volusia), so we really weren’t sure what to expect,” he added. “I tried to take it easy on the tires. It looks like we used ‘em up pretty good, but didn’t blister them. The car was good neutral.”

Bloomquist drove away from the pack after the race’s two caution flags, on the opening lap for a multi-car tangle in turn one that eliminated Thursday-night WoO LMS winner Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., and Austin Hubbard of Seaford, Del., and on lap 10 for the stopped car driven by Tuesday-night UMP Late Model victor Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark.

Dennis ‘Rambo’ Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., finished a distant second, 5.960 seconds behind Bloomquist in the AES Racing Barry Wright car. The veteran racer, who started third, passed outside-polesitter Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., for second on lap one and maintained the spot to register a career-best outing at Volusia.

Smith settled for third place, followed by fifth-starter Donnie Moran of Dresden, Ohio, and seventh-starter Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va.

Rounding out the top 10 was Morgan Bagley of Longview, Texas; Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., who fought forward from the 10^th starting spot; DIRTcar Big-Block standout Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y., who slipped to eighth after taking the green flag from the fourth spot; Don O’Neal of Martinsville, Ind.; and Jim Yoder of Selinsgrove, Pa.

Rick Eckert of York, Pa., recorded the fastest overall lap during the group qualifying sessions, circling the half-mile layout in 16.435 seconds, Other group fast-timers were Erb (17.722), Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis. (17.473), Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn. (16.898), Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill. (17.042) and Dillon Wood of Daytona Beach, Fla. (16.850).

Heat winners were Bloomquist, Moran, Bagley, Decker, Clint Smith and Franklin. The B-Mains were captured by Mason Zeigler of Chalk Hill, Pa., Billy Ogle Jr. of Knoxville, Tenn., and Eckert.

The UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit continue on Friday night with the second half of the day/night doubleheader. A 40-lap UMP Late Model feature paying $10,000 to win tops a program that also includes the Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds.

For more information on the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH, log on to www.DIRTcarNationals.com.

DIRTcar UMP Late Model 25-Lap A-Main Finish (Finish Pos.//Driver):

1. Scott Bloomquist

2. Dennis Franklin

3. Clint Smith

4. Donnie Moran

5. Josh Richards

6. Morgan Bagley

7. Jonathan Davenport

8. Billy Decker

9. Don O’Neal

10. Jim Yoder

11. Michael Norris

12. Dan Stone

13. Frankie Heckenast Jr.

14. Billy Ogle Jr.

15. Bobby Pierce

16. John Blankenship

17. Mason Zeigler

18. Billy Moyer

19. Rick Eckert

20. Brian Shirley

21. Brady Smith

22. Lance Matthees

23. Jason Feger

24. Austin Hubbard

25. Dennis Erb Jr.

Heat No. 1 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Scott Bloomquist, 2. Josh Richards, 3. Dennis Erb Jr., 4. John Blankenship, 5. Greg Johnson, 6. Chub Frank, 7. Eric Wells, 8. Mike Hammerle, 9. Don Gordon, 10. Billy Moyer Jr. (DNS) Kent Robinson

Heat No. 2 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Donnie Moran, 2. Jim Yoder, 3. Dan Stone, 4. Mason Zeigler, 5. Aaron Ridley, 6. Donald Beyers, 7. Jimmy Mars, 8. Charlie Sandercock, 9. Tim McCreadie (DNS) Tim Fuller

Heat No. 3 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Morgan Bagley, 2. Don O’Neal, 3. Billy Moyer, 4. Billy Ogle Jr., 5. Stacy Boles, 6. Michael Norris, 7. Brian Shirley, 8. Freddie Carpenter, 9. Pat Doar, 10. Jimmy Owens

Heat No. 4 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Billy Decker, 2. Jonathan Davenport, 3. Lance Matthees, 4. J.R. Hotovy, 5. Brandon Sheppard, 6. Tyler Bruening, 7. Todd Frank, 8. Eric Jacobsen, 9. Steve Isenberg (DNS) Hunter Peacock

Heat No. 5 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Clint Smith, 2. Austin Hubbard, 3. Brady Smith, 4. Rick Eckert, 5. Frankie Heckenast Jr., 6. Tim Lance, 7. Jill George, 8. Jared Hawkins (DNS) Jack Sullivan, John Lobb

Heat No. 6 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Dennis Franklin, 2. Jason Feger, 3. Bobby Pierce, 4. Dillon Wood, 5. Gregg Satterlee, 6. Jason McBride, 7. Duane Harbaugh, 8. Phil Ausra, 9. Jared Landers (DNS) Terry Casey

B-Main No. 1 (8 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Mason Zeigler, 2. John Blankenship, 3. Greg Johnson, 4. Charlie Sandercock, 5. Donald Beyers, 6. Mike Hammerle, 7. Don Gordon, 8. Billy Moyer Jr. (DNS) Aaron Ridley, Chub Frank, Eric Wells, Jimmy Mars, Tim Fuller, Tim McCreadie, Kent Robinson

B-Main No. 2 (8 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Billy Ogle Jr., 2. Michael Norris, 3. Freddie Carpenter, 4. Tyler Bruening, 5. Brandon Sheppard, 6. Todd Frank, 7. J.R. Hotovy (DNS) Stacy Boles, Brian Shirley, Eric Jacobsen, Pat Doar, Steve Isenberg, Jimmy Owens, Hunter Peacock

B-Main No. 3 (8 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Rick Eckert, 2. Frankie Heckenast Jr., 3. Tim Lance, 4. Gregg Satterlee, 5. Jason McBride, 6. Jill George, 7. Phil Ausra, 8. Duane Harbaugh, 9. Dillon Wood (DNS) Jared Hawkins, Jack Sullivan, Jared Landers, John Lobb, Terry Casey

Wisconsin's Mike Wedelstadt, West Virginia's Tyler Carpenter Pick Up Triple 20 wins

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 21, 2012 - A lot of racing families dream of the success the Dillon family experienced Tuesday night at Volusia Speedway Park as Austin Dillon raced to a Triple 20 feature victory and younger brother Ty claimed the overall UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment DIRTcar UMP Modified points championship.

"It feels great," said Ty Dillon, the 19-year-old grandson of Richard Childress. "Me and Austin and Team Dillon Racing have been coming down here for quite a few years in our young racing career. We fought so hard. We've won a couple of races. This year it finally paid off. Me and Austin got a win and we finally got the Gator championship."

Ty, last year's "Gator Championship" race winner, earned his first overall UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit points title on the strength of seven top-10 finishes - four of which saw him finish inside the top three. Ty Dillon's victory came during the Friday makeup race, which was held Sunday afternoon during the first week of competition.

"It's tough," he said. "There are some awesome racers out here and the level of competition gets harder and harder every year we come back. We didn't run as good as we wanted to at the beginning of the week, but we worked hard, we didn't have any DNFs and we finished out races. Our worst finish (in seven events) was seventh. We were solid every night."

Older Brother Austin started the final event a row in front of his brother and made quick work of Kyle Bronson and Dave Hess Jr. of Waterford, Penn. Dillon broke into the top three on the fifth lap of the main event and reeled in leader Devin Gilpin of Columbus, Ind., making the winning pass just before the midpoint. Ty worked past Kyle Bronson of Brandon, Fla., on lap 18 and then swept past Gilpin on the final lap to earn runner-up honors. Gilpin finished third, Bronson crossed the line fourth and NASCAR veteran Kenny Schrader rounded out the top five.

"It was cool because it was the top 20 in points in that race," said Austin Dillon, the 2011 NASCAR Truck Series champion. "That was the toughest competition out here. Starting eighth it makes it even better. We were really able to drive up through there and was able to move around. We gained constantly all week on the car and how it drove. Tonight it really showed. I think going into next year we got something to go after these guys with."

Mike Wedelstadt of Fremont, Wis., started ninth and overtook Garrett Stewart of Leesburg, Fla., on lap 11 of the second DIRTcar UMP Modified Triple 20. Wedelstadt led the remaining laps to earn his first UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit feature event win. Stewart finished second after getting the early jump on Collin Thirlby of Traverse City, Mich. Kody Weisner of Muskegon, Mich., finished third. Richard Michael Jr., of Ischau, N.Y., rallied from eighth to finish fourth and Tony Anderson of Lima, Ohio, rounded out the top five.

Tyler Carpenter of Parkersburg, W.V., got his first ever DIRTcar UMP Modified feature win, claiming the first Triple 20 feature event of the evening. Carpenter, who just started his DIRTcar UMP Modified career this week at Volusia Speedway Park, passed Matt Goulden of Springfield, Ill., on a lap-three restart. He maintained a comfortable cushion over the remaining 17 circuits en route to victory. Wayne Hammond of Riverview, Fla., drove from seventh to second in 20 laps. UNOH driver Chris Puskas rallied from the sixth starting spot to finish third. Goulden held on to finish fourth ahead of Peeples, Ohio, driver Dave Jamison.

There were 42 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds on hand for the final night of competition. A total of 97 DIRTcar UMP Modified earned points toward the overall UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit UMP Modified Championship.

For more information, go to www.DIRTcarNationals.com . Follow the event on Twitter @DIRTcarNats and on Facebook at facebook.com/DIRTcarNationals.

Triple 20 #1 Finish (20 Laps) - 1. 8C - Tyler Carpenter; 2. 66H - Wayne Hammond; 3. '01 - Chris Puskas; 4. 41G - Matt Goulden; 5. d4 - Dave Jamison; 6. 1F - Travis Fleshman; 7. 66 - Dale Murray; 8. 10 - Scott Mooers; 9. 11P - Charlie Phillips; 10. d48 - Derek Groomer; 11. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 12. 6b - Dave Baldwin; DNS 77g - Gavin Landers; DNS 81 - Lawrence Sprague.

Triple 20 #2 Finish (20 Laps) - 1. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 2. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 3. '00 - Kody Weisner; 4. 17X - Richard Michael Jr; 5. 22T - Tony Anderson; 6. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 7. 15b - Dave Baker; 8. 26 - Bob Gierke; 9. 16 - Travis Dickson; 10. 92 - Joel Watson; 11. 35 - David Stremme; 12. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 13. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 14. 11 - Richie Tosh.

Triple 20 #3 Finish (20 Laps) - 1. 3 - Austin Dillon; 2. 41 - Ty Dillon; 3. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 4. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 5. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 6. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 7. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 8. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 9. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 10. 18M - David McWilliams; 11. '0 - Mark Dickson; 12. 115 - Brandon Smith; 13. 18C - Matt Cooper; 14. 65 - Todd Sherman.

University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment

DIRTcar UMP Modified Point Standings - Top 5

The DIRTcar UMP Modified portion of the University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Racing Equipment is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Summit Racing Equipment, Hoosier Racing Tires, GM Performance Parts, University of Northwestern Ohio, Aero Race Wheels, ASI Racewear, Auto Meter, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bilstein Shocks, Dominator Race Products, Fast Shafts, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Vicci, KSE Racing Products, MSD Ignition, Quarter Master, R2C Competition Series Air Filters, XS Power Racing Batteries, VP Racing Fuels.

The 54-year-old dirt Late Model legend controlled the short sprint, leading the entire distance after starting from the outside pole position. He outgunned polesitter Steve Francis of Ashland, Ky., for the top spot and never looked back.

Moyer earned $7,000 for his eighth victory since 1998 at Volusia – more than any other driver has registered at the half-mile oval over that span.

“We’ve been here a few times,” said Moyer, “so it makes us feel good to be able to get one more.”

Moyer turned back threats from Francis and Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., to put his Victory Circle car in the post-race spotlight. He has four more opportunities – DIRTcar UMP events on Feb. 22 and 24 and World of Outlaws Late Model Series programs on Feb. 23 and 25 – to win multiple A-Mains during the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit for the fourth time in the last eight years.

Lanigan, 41, chased Moyer throughout the race’s second half but couldn’t muster the necessary speed to make a serious bid, leaving his Rocket mount second at the finish. The WoO LMS regular was 0.369 of a second behind Moyer when the checkered flag flew.

The 44-year-old Francis, who won the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit UMP Late Model opener the previous night, settled for third place in the Barry Wright house car. He ran second behind Moyer until being overtaken by Lanigan on a lap-18 restart.

Rick Eckert of York, Pa., who started third but slipped to fifth at the initial green flag, slid by Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., for fourth on the lap-18 restart and stayed there to the finish in his Team Zero by Bloomquist car. Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill., started and finished fifth, also in a Bloomquist chassis.

The feature’s aborted start proved to be key to Moyer’s triumph. After a tangle in turn-two involving Billy Decker of Unadilla, N.Y., Don O’Neal of Martinsville, Ind., and Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn., wiped out the original green flag, Moyer turned the tables on Francis with a strong high-side charge into the catbird’s seat.

“He got me on the first start and I got him on the second start,” Moyer said of Francis. “The first start my car didn’t take off very well. I was able to get him back on the outside because the track’s so fast out there.”

Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., finished sixth, advancing 11 positions from the 17^th starting position. Babb faded to seventh after starting fourth; Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., made a steady march forward from 16^th to place eighth; Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., was ninth; and Frankie Heckenast Jr. of Orland Park, Ill., hustled from the 21^st starting spot to complete the top 10.

Three caution flags slowed the event. The only crash occurred on the opening circuit, when mid-pack jostling sent Bloomquist spinning on the inside of turn two and Decker and O’Neal crashing into the outside wall. Later, Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill., stopped in turn two on lap 18 and Jared Landers of Batesville, Ark., stopped on the backstretch with a steaming engine on lap 27.

Seventy-five cars were signed in for the second consecutive night. Group qualifying was utilized to set the starting lineups for six heat races.

Erb recorded the fastest overall qualifying lap at 15.644 seconds, Other group fast-timers were Bloomquist (16.438), O’Neal (16.343), Lanigan (16.284), McCreadie (15.816) and Francis (15.646).

Heat winners were Eckert, Moyer, Lanigan, Babb, Erb and Francis. The B-Mains were captured by Shirley, Heckenast and Chub Frank of Bear Lake, Pa., and Scott James of Bright, Ind., topped the 12-lap ‘Bulrush Dash’ for non-qualifiers.

Qualifying was marred by a wild crash involving young DIRTcar Big-Block Modified driver Larry Wight of Phoenix, N.Y., whose Gypsum Express Late Model barrel-rolled several times along the outside wall in turn one. His car landed with its front end on the guardail.

Wight emerged from his heavily-damaged machine without injury – and a short time later was in his DIRTcar Big-Block Modified for the division’s Tuesday-night practice sessions.

Said Wight: “I went in, mud was flying in my face, the nose bottomed out – and away I went.”

The DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit continues on Wednesday night (Feb. 22) with another UMP Late Model program topped by a 30-lap A-Main. The Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds will also be on the schedule, making their UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit debut with a 30-lap feature paying $2,000 to win.

Race time is 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

For more information on the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH, log on to www.DIRTcarNationals.com.

DIRTcar UMP Late Model 30-Lap A-Main Finish (Finish Pos./Start Pos./Driver):

1. (2) Billy Moyer

2. (6) Darrell Lanigan

3. (1) Steve Francis

4. (3) Rick Eckert

5. (5) Dennis Erb Jr.

6. (17) Jimmy Mars

7. (4) Shannon Babb

8. (16) Tim McCreadie

9. (8) Jonathan Davenport

10. (21) Frankie Heckenast Jr.

11. (11) Eric Wells

12. (22) Tyler Reddick

13. (15) John Blankenship

14. (10) Morgan Bagley

15. (23) Chub Frank

16. (12) Jared Landers

17. (18) Jimmy Owens

18. (7) Mason Zeigler

19. (19) Brian Shirley

20. (9) Billy Moyer Jr.

21. (24) Jason Feger

22. (25) Brandon Sheppard

23. (13) Scott Bloomquist

24. (14) Don O’Neal

25. (20) Billy Decker

Heat No. 1 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Rick Eckert, 2. Mason Zeigler, 3. Scott Bloomquist, 4. Billy Decker, 5. Josh Richards, 6. Justin Rattliff, 7. Duke Whiseant, 8. Billy Ogle Jr., 9. John Lowery, 10. Jeff Beyers, 11. Randy Korte, 12. Larry Wight, 13. Danny Mitchell

Heat No. 2 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Billy Moyer, 2. Jonathan Davenport, 3. Don O’Neal, 4. Earl Pearson Jr., 5. Brian Shirley, 6. Kent Robinson, 7. Ron Davies, 8. Shelby Miles, 9. Brandon Sheppard, 10. Scott James, 11. Jim Fletcher, 12. Jason McBride, 13. Duane Harbaugh

Heat No. 3 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Darrell Lanigan, 2. Billy Moyer Jr., 3. John Blankenship, 4. Donnie Moran, 5. Bobby Pierce, 6. Jim Yoder, 7. Tyler Reddick, 8. Steve Isenberg, 9. Freddie Carpenter, 10. Michael Norris, 11. Donald Beyers, 12. Chris Nash, 13. Tim Lance

Heat No. 4 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Shannon Babb, 2. Morgan Bagley, 3. Tim McCreadie, 4. Frankie Heckenast Jr., 5. Vic Coffey, 6. Dillon Wood, 7. Brady Smith, 8. Greg Johnson, 9. John Lobb, 10. Dan Stone, 11. Tyler Bruening, 12. Mike Hammerle

Heat No. 5 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Dennis Erb Jr., 2. Eric Wells, 3. Jimmy Mars, 4. Ryan Unzicker, 5. Chub Frank, 6. Jason Feger, 7. Gregg Satterlee, 8. Jack Sullivan, 9. Chad Hollenbeck, 10. Todd Frank, 11. Phil Ausra, 12. Eric Jacobsen

Heat No. 6 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Steve Francis, 2. Jared Landers, 3. Jimmy Owens, 4. Terry Casey, 5. Mike Marlar, 6. Lance Matthees, 7. J.R. Hotovy, 8. John Garvin Jr., 9. Aric Almirola, 10. Pat Doar, 11. Charlie Sandercock (DNS) Don Gordon

B-Main No. 1 (10 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Brian Shirley, 2. Billy Decker, 3. Josh Richards, 4. Billy Ogle Jr., 5. Kent Robinson, 6. Scott James, 7. John Lowery, 8. Danny Mitchell, 9. Jeff Beyers, 10. Jim Fletcher, 11. Brandon Sheppard, 12. Earl Pearson Jr., 13. Justin Rattliff, 14. Jason McBride (DNS) Duke Whiseant, Ron Davies, Shelby Miles, Duane Harbaugh, Randy Korte, Larry Wight

B-Main No. 2 (10 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Frankie Heckenast Jr., 2. Tyler Reddick, 3. Donnie Moran, 4. Bobby Pierce, 5. Jim Yoder, 6. Steve Isenberg, 7. Vic Coffey, 8. Greg Johnson, 9. Tyler Bruening, 10. Tim Lance, 11. John Lobb, 12. Freddie Carpenter, 13. Michael Norris, 14. Donald Beyers, 15. Mike Hammerle, 16. Chris Nash, 17. Brady Smith, 18. Dan Stone (DNS) Dillon Wood

B-Main No. 3 (10 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Chub Frank, 2. Jason Feger, 3. Gregg Satterlee, 4. Ryan Unzicker, 5. Jack Sullivan, 6. J.R. Hotovy, 7. Chad Hollenbeck, 8. John Garvin Jr., 9. Eric Jacobsen, 10. Todd Frank, 11. Aric Almirola, 12. Phil Ausra, 13. Terry Casey, 14. Mike Marlar, 15. Lance Matthees (DNS) Pat Doar, Charlie Sandercock, Don Gordon

Mooresville, N.C., driver surges from seventh, leads final nine laps for $5,000 prize and Gator Trophy

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 20, 2012 - Nick Hoffman made all the right moves on Monday night earning his first Gator Championship race win as part of the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

"This is over the top; this is number one by far," Hoffman said. "I've won a lot of $1,000-to-win shows, but to win against this kind of competition level, $5,000 and that nice trophy...nothing compares."

Hoffman, who was born in the Midwest and transplanted himself into the middle of NASCAR country in Mooresville, N.C., passed the best in the business en route to his win.

"I kind of got the luck of the draw," he said. "I got to start seventh. Most people wouldn't think that was lucky, but I knew if I was going to win this thing I had to be on the bottom. Everybody tried the top at the right time and they just kept falling back. I just stayed on the bottom, never tried the top, and it worked out for me."

Hoffman broke into the top three on lap 14 for the first time in a duel with Paul Miles and Kenny Wallace, and secured it for good three laps later.

"The bottom had just enough traction where you could roll right through the bottom, but some guys were able to keep their momentum through the middle and some guys were banging the cushion," Hoffman said. "I just stayed with the bottom because that's where I knew I needed to be."

Hoffman disposed of Austin Dillon on lap 18 and would go on to inherit the lead after race-long leader Chad Kinder spun in turn one.

"Everybody raced me clean," Hoffman said. "Austin was all over me. It's so tough to race against all this competition. Kinder was leading it and he ended up spinning out. That was my lucky break."

Hoffman led the final nine circuits to earn his richest DIRTcar UMP Modified triumph, claiming the newly created Gator Championship trophy - a three-foot bronze gator.

"I saw it at the beginning of the week," he said. "I was like, 'Man, I got to have that thing. That's what I want.' The money doesn't mean anything to me. It's going to go back in the racing program, but the trophy will stay with us forever."

Dillon, the defending NASCAR Truck Series Champion finished second, his third such effort throughout Gator Championship competition. Kenny Schrader of Concord, N.C., finished third after running second for a majority of the event. He was ambushed by Hoffman and Dillon just after the midpoint of the event.

Miles finished fourth after being part of a spectacular back-and-forth battle with previous night winner Kenny Wallace. Ty Dillon, the younger of the two Dillon brothers, rallied from a 10^th-place redraw position to round out the top five.

Tyler Carpenter of Parkersburg, W.V., David McWilliams of Verona, Ky., Travis Dickson of Gallipolis, Ohio, and Joel Watson of Conneaut, Ohio, each won a B-Main race. McWilliams placed 19th in the main event, advancing the most positions of any B-Main transfer.

There were 42 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds on hand for the seventh of eight nights of competition. A total of 97 DIRTcar UMP Modified have earned points toward the overall UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit UMP Modified Championship. Tomorrow night's racing program will featuring main events only and crown the overall DIRTcar UMP Modified Champion for the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals by Summit.

For more information, go to www.DIRTcarNationals.com . Follow the event on Twitter @DIRTcarNats and on Facebook at facebook.com/DIRTcarNationals.

Gator Championship (30 Laps) - 1. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 2. 3 - Austin Dillon; 3. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 4. 28 - Paul Miles; 5. 41 - Ty Dillon; 6. 25 - Tyler Nicely; 7. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 8. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 9. 18L - Michael Long; 10. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 11. 35 - Steve Arpin; 12. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 13. 1s - Brian Shaw; 14. 22s - Chad Kinder; 15. 40L - Jared Landers; 16. 17X - Richie Michael; 17. 66H - Mike Harrison; 18. '0J - Bryce Jewell; 19. 18M - David McWilliams; 20. 33 - Jeff Matthews; 21. 115 - Brandon Smith; 22. 64C - Gary Cook Jr; 23. 65 - Todd Sherman; 24. 92 - Joel Watson; 25. 15b - Dave Baker; 26. 2d - Devin Dixon; 27. 16 - Travis Dickson; 28. 8C - Tyler Carpenter; 29. 3L - Jeff Leka; 30. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 31. 18C - Matt Cooper; 32. 10b - Brian Barber.

B-Main 1: - 1. 8C - Tyler Carpenter; 2. 115 - Brandon Smith; 3. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 4. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 5. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 6. 77g - Gavin Landers; 7. 66 - Dale Murray; 8. 13T - Jim Thorpe; 9. 33 - Jeff Matthews; 10. 10Y - Trent Young; 11. 17 - Heath Weston.

B-Main 2: - 1. 18M - David McWilliams; 2. 15b - Dave Baker; 3. 11 - Richie Tosh; 4. '08 - Jake Griffin; 5. d48 - Derek Groomer; 6. 66H - Mike Harrison; 7. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 8. 11P - Charlie Phillips; 9. 75 - Bart Hartman; 10. 22T - Tony Anderson; 11. d4 - Dave Jamison.

B-Main 3: - 1. 16 - Travis Dickson; 2. 65 - Todd Sherman; 3. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 4. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 5. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 6. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 7. 24 - Brad Waits; 8. '01 - Chris Puskas; 9. 12G - Jason Gross; 10. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman.

B-main 4: - 1. 92 - Joel Watson; 2. 3L - Jeff Leka; 3. 64C - Gary Cook Jr; 4. 18C - Matt Cooper; 5. '0 - Mark Dickson; 6. 26 - Bob Gierke; 7. 1F - Travis Fleshman; 8. 41G - Matt Goulden; 9. '00 - Kody Weisner; 10. 8 - Levi Kissinger.

The DIRTcar UMP Modified portion of the University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Racing Equipment is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Summit Racing Equipment, Hoosier Racing Tires, GM Performance Parts, University of Northwestern Ohio, Aero Race Wheels, ASI Racewear, Auto Meter, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bilstein Shocks, Dominator Race Products, Fast Shafts, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Vicci, KSE Racing Products, MSD Ignition, Quarter Master, R2C Competition Series Air Filters, XS Power Racing Batteries, VP Racing Fuels.

The 44-year-old standout snapped a three-year victory drought at the half-mile oval – and continued his rebound from a rare winless 2011 season – in impressive fashion. He advanced from the seventh starting spot to grab the lead from Eckert on lap 25 with a do-or-die charge around the outside of the D-shaped track.

Francis earned $7,000 for the triumph, which came by 0.575 of a second over Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpentersville, Ill. Erb, who started fourth and ran in the top five throughout the distance, slipped by Eckert exiting turn four on the final lap to grab the runner-up paycheck.

Eckert settled for a third-place finish after racing off the outside pole starting spot to lead laps 1-24. Eighth-starter Billy Moyer of Batesville, Ark., who won the DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned opener of last year’s UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit, placed fourth and 15^th-starter Jimmy Mars of Menomonie, Wis., was fifth.

Francis, who steered his Barry Wright Race Cars house car into second place with a lap-21 pass of Erb, took advantage of a restart on lap 23 to make his decisive move. He tossed his machine to the top of the racetrack in turns one and two when the green flag flew and carried the momentum past Eckert’s Team Zero by Bloomquist mount on lap 25.

“The cushion was all the way out there in the parking lot someplace off two, so (on the restart) all we had to do was run wide-open into (turn) one and all the way across the corners and then pedal all the way down the backstraightaway,” said Francis, whose last victory at Volusia came in a World of Outlaws Late Model Series event on Feb. 14, 2009. “I could see Rick drive back up and under me, so then I had to do the same thing in three and four – run wide-open around the top and pedal all the way down the frontstraightaway. After a lap I was able to get ahead of him.

“The racetrack had two good lanes in it. You just had to be elbows up for the top, or elbows way down for the bottom. You just had to make your mind up which you were going.

“Rick gave me a good line on the outside,” he added. “He didn’t crowd me nowhere – he let me have my line, and I let him have his down there until I felt like I was cleared of him and I could turn back to the bottom. After that I just pedaled down there to make sure we had a good, clean finish.”

Eckert felt that the race’s second and final caution flag, on lap 23, contributed to his demise. It was a lengthy caution period due to the removal of the car driven by Larry Wight of Phoenix, N.Y., who also brought out the race’s first caution two laps earlier.

“We ran so many laps around there until they got the truck hooked up to (Wight’s) car, the moisture bled back enough that the whole racetrack was good again,” said Eckert, who owns seven career wins at Volusia but none since 2006. “Them guys in second and third (Francis and Erb) had to make a move and they did, and it worked for ‘em. I would’ve done the same thing if I was in their position.”

“There was no use following me with the whole racetrack being good. I was sort of a sitting duck after getting the lead that early.”

Darrell Lanigan of Union, Ky., finished sixth after surviving a lap-eight slap of the turn-two wall while battling for position with Frankie Heckenast Jr. of Orland Park, Ill. Local talent Dillon White of Daytona Beach, Fla., placed seventh; Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va., tumbled from a pole position start to eighth at the checkered flag; Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y., hustled forward from the 21^st starting spot to finish ninth; and Jonathan Davenport of Blairsville, Ga., rounded out the top 10 in NASCAR star Clint Bowyer’s car.

With a massive 75-car field signed in for action, group qualifying was utilized to set the starting lineups for six heat races in the first of four DIRTcar UMP Late Model programs during the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit.

Moyer registered the fastest overall qualifying lap at 15.141 seconds, Other group fast-timers were Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg, Tenn. (15.356), Eckert (15.317), Brian Shirley of Chatham, Ill. (15.203), McCreadie (15.345) and Eric Wells of Hazard, Ky. (15.469).

Heat winners were Shane Clanton of Fayetteville, Ga., Heckenast, Eckert, Erb, Davenport and Richards. The B-Mains were captured by Wight, Brady Smith of Solon Springs, Wis., and McCreadie.

Clanton’s evening went downhill after his heat victory. His Kennedy Motorsports team discovered a terminal engine problem, forcing Clanton to start the A-Main from the rear of the field in his soon-to-be father-in-law Ron Davies’s car.

The DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit continues on Tuesday night (Feb. 21) with another UMP Late Model program topped by a 30-lap A-Main. The UMP Modifieds will also compete in triple 25-lap features to close out the division’s week-long meet.

Race time is 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

For more information on the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH, log on to www.DIRTcarNationals.com.

DIRTcar UMP Late Model 30-Lap A-Main Finish (Finish Pos./Start Pos./Driver):

1. (7) Steve Francis

2. (4) Dennis Erb Jr.

3. (2) Rick Eckert

4. (8) Billy Moyer

5. (15) Jimmy Mars

6. (14) Darrell Lanigan

7. (10) Dillon Wood

8. (1) Josh Richards

9. (21) Tim McCreadie

10. (6) Jonathan Davenport

11. (5) Jason Feger

12. (3) Frankie Heckenast Jr.

13. (9) J.R. Hotovy

14. (25) Ryan Unzicker

15. (20) Brady Smith

16. (13) Scott Bloomquist

17. (24) Morgan Bagley

18. (16) Brian Shirley

19. (19) Larry Wight

20. (11) Gregg Satterlee

21. (17) Don O’Neal

22. (23) Chub Frank

23. (22) Shannon Babb

24. (12) Shane Clanton

25. (18) Donnie Moran

Heat No. 1 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Shane Clanton, 2. Steve Francis, 3. Scott Bloomquist, 4. Duke Whiseant, 5. Scott James, 6. Brandon Sheppard, 7. John Lowery, 8. Danny Mitchell, 9. Shannon Babb, 10. Phil Ausra, 11. Alan Fink, 12. Donald Beyers, 13. Chuck Julien

Heat No. 2 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Frankie Heckenast Jr., 2. Billy Moyer, 3. Darrell Lanigan, 4. Dan Stone, 5. Larry Wight, 6. Billy Decker, 7. Jared Landers, 8. Mike Marlar, 9. Steve Isenberg, 10. Mason Zeigler, 11. Tyler Carpenter, 12. Don Gordon, 13. John Lobb

Heat No. 3 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Rick Eckert, 2. J.R. Hotovy, 3. Jimmy Mars, 4. Brady Smith, 5. Chub Frank, 6. John Blankenship, 7. Billy Moyer Jr., 8. Greg Johnson, 9. Jason McBride, 10. Kent Robinson, 11. Lance Matthees, 12. Mike Hammerle

Heat No. 4 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Dennis Erb Jr., 2. Dillon Wood, 3. Brian Shirley, 4. Stacy Boles, 5. Eric Jacobsen, 6. John Garvin Jr., 7. Tim Lance, 8. Jim Yoder, 9. Chad Hollenbeck, 10. Michael Norris, 11. Justin Rattliff, 12. Jim Fletcher

Heat No. 5 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Jonathan Davenport, 2. Gregg Satterlee, 3. Don O’Neal, 4. Bobby Pierce, 5. Jack Sullivan, 6. Tim McCreadie, 7. Pat Doar, 8. Morgan Bagley, 9. Duane Harbaugh, 10. Ron Davies, 11. Freddie Carpenter, 12. Todd Frank

Heat No. 6 (8 laps – Top 3 Transfer): 1. Josh Richards, 2. Jason Feger, 3. Donnie Moran, 4. Eric Wells, 5. Tyler Bruening, 6. Ryan Unzicker, 7. Billy Ogle Jr., 8. Shelby Miles, 9. Chris Nash, 10. Charlie Sandercock (DNS) Terry Casey, Clint Smith, Jeff Beyers

B-Main No. 1 (10 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Larry Wight, 2. Shannon Babb, 3. Mike Marlar, 4. Duke Whiseant, 5. Scott James, 6. Billy Decker, 7. John Lowery, 8. Steve Isenberg, 9. Jared Landers, 10. Phil Ausra, 11. Tyler Carpenter, 12. Mason Zeigler, 13. Alan Fink, 14. Donald Beyers, 15. Brandon Sheppard, 16. Danny Mitchell, 17. Don Gordon (DNS) Dan Stone, Chuck Julien, John Lobb

B-Main No. 2 (10 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Brady Smith, 2. Chub Frank, 3. John Blankenship, 4. Greg Johnson, 5. Billy Moyer Jr., 6. Stacy Boles, 7. Jason McBride, 8. Eric Jacobsen, 9. John Garvin Jr., 10. Lance Matthees, 11. Kent Robinson, 12. Jim Yoder, 13. Justin Rattliff, 14. Chad Hollenbeck, 15. Michael Norris, 16. Mike Hammerle, 17. Tim Lance, 18. Jim Fletcher

B-Main No. 3 (10 laps – Top 2 Transfer): 1. Tim McCreadie, 2. Morgan Bagley, 3. Jack Sullivan, 4. Eric Wells, 5. Bobby Pierce, 6. Tyler Bruening, 7. Billy Ogle Jr., 8. Charlie Sandercock, 9. Freddie Carpenter, 10. Jeff Beyers, 11. Pat Doar, 12. Todd Frank, 13. Chris Nash, 14. Ryan Unzicker, 15. Duane Harbaugh (DNS) Shelby Miles, Ron Davies, Terry Casey, Clint Smith

University of Northwestern Ohio Drivers Sweep Podium in 'Gator Championship' Night 2 Qualifier

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 19, 2012 - Kenny Wallace no doubt has his eyes set on the 'Gator Championship' race, locking into the big event's redraw by winning his third UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment feature worth $1,000 on Sunday night.

"I'm humbled and this is really a dream come true for me," said the always excitable Wallace in victory lane. "You should be excited when you win and I am! If you're not excited you shouldn't be out here racing. This is definitely a special Speed weeks for me because we are just rednecks out here living the dream!"

Wallace used his outside front row starting spot to maneuver past Sunday afternoon winner Ty Dillon of Welcome, N.C., in route to his third victory over the first six nights of UNOH DIRTcar Nationals by Summit competition. NASCAR veteran Kenny Schrader of Concord, N.C., found his way around Dillon within the first five laps of the 20-lap main event and held on to finish in the runner up spot.

Dillon finished third after starting on the pole. Michael Long held on to his fourth place starting spot as former UNOH DIRTcar Nationals by Summit champion Dave Hess Jr., of Waterford, Pa., finished fifth.

Those drivers along with Steve Arpin, of Fort Frances, Ontario, Richie Michael of Ischua, N.Y., Devin Dixon of Tampa, Fla., Brian Shaw of Robinson, Ill., and former 'Gator Championship' race winner Jared Landers of Batesville, Ark., all locked into Monday night's 'Gator Championship' race where the winner will be the first to receive the all-new 4-foot Gator trophy along with the $5,000 winner's prize.

There were 38 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds that participated in the 'Gator Championship' qualifying night two.

For more information, go to www.DIRTcarNationals.com or follow the event on Twitter @DIRTcarNats and on Facebook at facebook.com/DIRTcarNationals.

A-Main (20 Laps) - 1. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 2. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 3. 41 - Ty Dillon; 4. 18L - Michael Long; 5. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 6. 35 - Steve Arpin; 7. 17X - Richie Michael; 8. 2 - Devin Dixon; 9. 1s - Brian Shaw; 10. 40L - Jared Landers; 11. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 12. 3L - Jeff Leka; 13. 16 - Travis Dickson; 14. 92 - Joel Watson; 15. 24 - Brad Waits; 16. '0 - Mark Dickson; 17. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 18. 41S - Barry Sheffield; 19. '00 - Kody Weisner; 20. '01 - Chris Puskas; 21. 64 - Gary Cook; 22. Z1 - George Catanzano; 23. 12G - Jason Gross; DNS 8 - Levi Kissinger;

Qualifying Group 1: ; 1. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 2. 65 - Todd Sherman; 3. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 4. 17X - Richie Michael; 5. 35 - Steve Arpin; 6. 64 - Gary Cook; 7. 12s - Matt Shaddic; 8. 12G - Jason Gross; 9. '0 - Mark Dickson; 10. 11P - Charlie Philips;

Qualifying Group 2:; 1. 3L - Jeff Leka; 2. '01 - Chris Puskas; 3. 18L - Michael Long; 4. Z1 - George Catanzano; 5. '00 - Kody Weisner; 6. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 7. 41G - Matt Goulden; 8. 6b - Dale Baldwin; 9. 24 - Brad Waits; 10. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman;

Qualifying Group 3:; 1. 2 - Devin Dixon; 2. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 3. 41 - Ty Dillon; 4. 16 - Travis Dickson; 5. 8 - Levi Kissinger; 6. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 7. 40L - Jared Landers; 8. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 9. 81 - Lawrence Sprague;

Qualifying Group 4: ; 1. 1s - Brian Shaw; 2. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 3. 1 - Travis Fleshman; 4. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 5. 18C - Matt Cooper; 6. 41S - Barry Sheffield; 7. 92 - Joel Watson; 8. 145 - Jason Davis; 9. 18 - Jared Allison;

Heat 1:; 1. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 2. 17X - Richie Michael; 3. 35 - Steve Arpin; 4. 64 - Gary Cook; 5. '0 - Mark Dickson; 6. 65 - Todd Sherman; 7. 12G - Jason Gross; 8. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 9. 11P - Charlie Philips;

Heat 2:; 1. 18L - Michael Long; 2. Z1 - George Catanzano; 3. '01 - Chris Puskas; 4. 3L - Jeff Leka; 5. '00 - Kody Weisner; 6. 24 - Brad Waits; 7. 6b - Dale Baldwin; 8. 41G - Matt Goulden; 9. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 10. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman;

Heat 3:; 1. 41 - Ty Dillon; 2. 2 - Devin Dixon; 3. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 4. 16 - Travis Dickson; 5. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 6. 8 - Levi Kissinger; 7. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 8. 81 - Lawrence Sprague; DNS 40L - Jared Landers;

Heat 4: ; 1. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 2. 1s - Brian Shaw; 3. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 4. 41S - Barry Sheffield; 5. 92 - Joel Watson; 6. 18C - Matt Cooper; 7. 18 - Jared Allison; 8. 1 - Travis Fleshman; 9. 145 - Jason Davis;

B-Main 1: ; 1. 24 - Brad Waits; 2. 12G - Jason Gross; 3. 65 - Todd Sherman; 4. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 5. 41G - Matt Goulden; 6. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 7. 12s - Matt Shaddic; 8. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman; 9. 6b - Dale Baldwin; 10. 11P - Charlie Philips;

B-Main 2: ; 1. 8 - Levi Kissinger; 2. 40L - Jared Landers; 3. 18C - Matt Cooper; 4. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 5. 18 - Jared Allison; 6. 81 - Lawrence Sprague; 7. 1 - Travis Fleshman; DNS 145 - Jason Davis;

The DIRTcar UMP Modified portion of the University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Racing Equipment is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Summit Racing Equipment, Hoosier Racing Tires, GM Performance Parts, University of Northwestern Ohio, Aero Race Wheels, ASI Racewear, Auto Meter, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bilstein Shocks, Dominator Race Products, Fast Shafts, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Vicci, KSE Racing Products, MSD Ignition, Quarter Master, R2C Competition Series Air Filters, XS Power Racing Batteries, VP Racing Fuels.

Defending 'Gator Championship' winner gets first UNOH DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Win

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 19, 2012 - Ty Dillon had things sorted out Sunday afternoon driving to his first DIRTcar UMP Modified feature win worth $1,000 at Volusia Speedway Park.

Dillon, of Welcome, N.C., started on the pole of the 20-lap main event and showed the same dominance that he displayed last year in the 'Gator Championship' race.

"All the guys at TDR put me in a rocket ship today and I can't thank them enough," Dillon said in victory lane. "We're really having a blast down here!"

Bryan Barber of Greensburg, Ky., started outside and rallied back to the runner up position after slipping to third early in the event. Jason Beaulieu of Campbell River, British Columbia finished third from the fifth starting spot. Defending DIRTcar UMP Modified Champion Mike Harrison of Highland, Ill., finished fourth holding off Michael Long of Quincy, Ill., who rounded out the top five.

There were 78 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds scoring time trials efforts for the make-up of the fourth of eight nights of UMP Modified competition during the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

For more information, go to www.DIRTcarNationals.com or follow the event on Twitter @DIRTcarNats and on Facebook at facebook.com/DIRTcarNationals.

A-Main (20 Laps) - 1. 41 - Ty Dillon; 2. 10 - Bryan Barber; 3. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 4. 664 - Mike Harrison; 5. 18L - Michael Long; 6. 18C - Matt Cooper; 7. 40L - Jared Landers; 8. 8 - Levi Kissinger; 9. 75 - Bart Hartman; 10. 11 - Richie Tosh; 11. 1s - Brian Shaw; 12. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 13. 115 - Brandon Smith; 14. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 15. 65 - Todd Sherman; 16. '0 - Mark Dickson; 17. 64 - Gary Cook; 18. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 19. 92 - Joel Watson; 20. 18M - David McWilliams; 21. 3 - Austin Dillon; 22. 12G - Jason Gross; 23. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 24. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 25. 3L - Jeff Leka; 26. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 27. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 28. 7b - Jeff Babcock;

Qualifying Group 1: 1. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 2. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 3. 155 - Jimmy Payne; 4. 10Y - Trent Young; 5. 77K - Joey Kramer; 6. 11 - Richie Tosh; 7. OO - Shaun Dougherty; 8. 15 - Dave Baker; 9. 22T - Tony Anderson; 10. 65m - Michael Davis

Qualifying Group 2: 1. 18C - Matt Cooper; 2. 10 - Bryan Barber; 3. 8c - Tyler Carpenter; 4. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 5. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 6. d4 - Dave Jamison; 7. 12s - Matt Shaddic; 8. 11P - Charlie Philips; 9. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman; 10. 16 - Travis Dickson

Qualifying Group 3: 1. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 2. '00 - Kody Weisner; 3. 664 - Mike Harrison; 4. 33 - Jeff Mathews; 5. 3 - Austin Dillon; 6. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 7. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 8. 21 - George Catanzano; 9. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 10. 2X - Brady Gerdes

Qualifying Group 4: 1. 28 - Paul Miles; 2. 25 - Tyler Nicely; 3. 18M - David McWilliams; 4. 18 - Jared Allison; 5. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 6. 64C - Gary Cook Jr; 7. 26 - Bob Gierke; 8. '0 - Mark Dickson; 9. 6b - Dale Baldwin

Qualifying Group 5: 1. OO - Buzzie Ruetiman; 2. 92 - Joel Watson; 3. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 4. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 5. 8 - Levi Kissinger; 6. 182 - Randle Sweeney; 7. 145 - Jason Davis; 8. 77g - Gavin Landers; 9. 13T -Jim Thorp

Qualifying Group 6: 1. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 2. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 3. '0J - Bryce Jewell; 4. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 5. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 6. 18L - Michael Long; 7. 115 - Brandon Smith; 8. '08 - Jake Griffin; 9. 17 - Heath Weston

Qualifying Group 7: 1. 75 - Bart Hartman; 2. 65 - Todd Sherman; 3. 40L - Jared Landers; 4. 41G - Matt Goulden; 5. 17X - Richie Michael; 6. 1s - Brian Shaw; 7. '01 - Chris Puskas; 8. 66 - Dale Murray; 9. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 10. 22s - Chad Kinder

Qualifying Group 8: 1. 41 - Ty Dillon; 2. 2 - Devin Dixon; 3. 12G - Jason Gross; 4. 3L - Jeff Leka; 5. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 6. 1 - Travis Fleshman

Heat 1: 1. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 2. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 3. 77K - Joey Kramer; 4. OO - Shaun Dougherty; 5. 22T - Tony Anderson

Heat 2: 1. 10 - Bryan Barber; 2. 18C - Matt Cooper; 3. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 4. 12s - Matt Shaddic; 5. 8c - Tyler Carpenter; 6. 16 - Travis Dickson; 7. d4 - Dave Jamison; 8. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman; 9. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 10. 11P - Charlie Philips

Heat 3: 1. 664 - Mike Harrison; 2. 3 - Austin Dillon; 3. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 4. '00 - Kody Weisner; 5. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 6. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 7. 21 - George Catanzano; 8. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 9. 33 - Jeff Mathews; DNS 2X - Brady Gerdes

Heat 4: 1. 18M - David McWilliams; 2. 64 - Gary Cook; 3. '0 - Mark Dickson; 4. 6b - Dale Baldwin; 5. 26 - Bob Gierke; 6. 18 - Jared Allison; 7. 77L - Dalton Lanich

Heat 5: 1. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 2. 8 - Levi Kissinger; 3. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 4. 92 - Joel Watson; 5. 145 - Jason Davis; 6. 77g - Gavin Landers; 7. 13T - Jim Thorp

Heat 6: 1. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 2. 18L - Michael Long; 3. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 4. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 5. 115 - Brandon Smith; 6. 17 - Heath Weston

Heat 7: 1. 40L - Jared Landers; 2. 75 - Bart Hartman; 3. 1s - Brian Shaw; 4. 41G - Matt Goulden; 5. '01 - Chris Puskas; 6. 65 - Todd Sherman; 7. 66 - Dale Murray; 8. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 9. 17X - Richie Michael

Heat 8: 1. 41 - Ty Dillon; 2. 12G - Jason Gross; 3. 3L - Jeff Leka; 4. 76M - Shelby Milles; 5. 2 - Devin Dixon; 6. 1 - Travis Fleshman

B-Main 1: 1. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 2. 11 - Richie Tosh; 3. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 4. 22T - Tony Anderson; 5. d4 - Dave Jamison; 6. 12s - Matt Shaddic; 7. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman; 8. 11P - Charlie Philips; 9. 8c - Tyler Carpenter; 10. OO - Shaun Dougherty; 11. 16 - Travis Dickson

B-Main 2: 1. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 2. '0 - Mark Dickson; 3. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 4. '00 - Kody Weisner; 5. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 6. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 7. 26 - Bob Gierke; 8. 18 - Jared Allison; 9. 21 - George Catanzano; 10. 33 - Jeff Mathews; 11. 6b - Dale Baldwin; 12. 67 - Garrett Stewart

B-Main 3: 1. 115 - Brandon Smith; 2. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 3. 92 - Joel Watson; 4. 145 - Jason Davis; 5. 17 - Heath Weston; 6. 13T - Jim Thorp; 7. 77g - Gavin Landers; 8. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 9. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt

B-main 4: 1. 1s - Brian Shaw; 2. 3L - Jeff Leka; 3. '01 - Chris Puskas; 4. 65 - Todd Sherman; 5. 2 - Devin Dixon; 6. 17X - Richie Michael; 7. 66 - Dale Murray; 8. 1 - Travis Fleshman; 9. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 10. - 41G Matt Goulden; 11. - 76M Shelby Milles

The DIRTcar UMP Modified portion of the University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Racing Equipment is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Summit Racing Equipment, Hoosier Racing Tires, GM Performance Parts, University of Northwestern Ohio, Aero Race Wheels, ASI Racewear, Auto Meter, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bilstein Shocks, Dominator Race Products, Fast Shafts, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Vicci, KSE Racing Products, MSD Ignition, Quarter Master, R2C Competition Series Air Filters, XS Power Racing Batteries, VP Racing Fuels.

Newton, Ill. driver locks into $5,000-to-win 'Gator Championship' on Monday Night

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 18, 2012 - Chad Kinder held off a late race charge from Austin Dillon to claim the first night of 'Gator Championship' competition on Saturday night at Volusia Speedway Park, earning his first UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment win worth $1,000.

"I have to thank all my guys, my family back home, and all the fans," said Kinder. "We really do appreciate everyone on our team. It's a big relief to win one of these because it means we're closer, after not running so well earlier in the week."

Kinder, a multi-time state of Illinois DIRTcar UMP Modified champion, showed his dominance on multiple restarts through the 20-lap main event. Kinder battled with Nick Hoffman of Mooresville, N.C., with Hoffman actually leading lap 4 before Kinder fought to reclaim the lead on lap 5 and led the remaining 15 circuits to claim the victory.

Dillon, of Welcome, N.C., climbed from an eighth place starting spot to finish in the events runner-up spot, another strong showing for the defending NASCAR Truck Series champion. Kyle Bronson of Brandon, Fla., worked his way up from 14^th to finish third. Paul Miles and Hoffman rounded out the top five.

Those drivers along with Tyler Nicely, of Owensboro Ky., Devin Gilpin of Columbus, Ind., Bryce Jewell of Madisonville, Ky., Bryan Barber of Greensburg, Ky., and Canadian driver Jason Beaulieu of Campbell River, British Columbia all locked into the 'Gator Championship' race where the winner will be the first to receive the all-new 4-foot Gator trophy along with the $5,000 winner's prize.

There were 42 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds on hand for the fifth of eight nights of competition.

For more information, go to www.DIRTcarNationals.com or follow the event on Twitter @DIRTcarNats and on Facebook at facebook.com/DIRTcarNationals.

A-Main (20 Laps) - 1. 22s - Chad Kinder; 2. 3 - Austin Dillon; 3. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 4. 28 - Paul Miles; 5. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 6. 25 - Tyler Nicely; 7. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 8. '0J - Bryce Jewell; 9. 10 - Bryan Barber; 10. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 11. 115 - Brandon Smith; 12. 18M - David McWilliams; 13. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 14. 22T - Tony Anderson; 15. 8c - Tyler Carpenter; 16. 15 - Dave Baker; 17. K12 - Scotty Kincaid; 18. 17 - Heath Weston; 19. 66 - Dale Murray; 20. 11 - Richie Tosh; 21. 77K - Joey Kramer; 22. 33 - Jeff Mathews; 23. OO - Buzzie Ruetimann; 24. 83 - J.R. Mason;

Qualifying Group 1: 1. 28 - Paul Miles; 2. 33 - Jeff Mathews; 3. 22s - Chad Kinder; 4. '0J - Bryce Jewell; 5. 664 - Mike Harrison; 6. 11 - Richie Tosh; 7. 115 - Brandon Smith; 8. 26 - Bob Gierke; 9. 77g - Gavin Landers; 10. 13T - Jim Thorp;

Qualifying Group 2: 1. 77K - Joey Kramer; 2. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 3. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 4. 155 - Jimmy Payne; 5. 10 - Bryan Barber Barber; 6. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 7. 17JE - J.E. Stalder; 8. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 9. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 10. d4 - Dave Jamison; 11. OO - Buzzie Ruetimann;

Qualifying Group 3: 1. d48 - Derek Groomer; 2. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 3. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 4. 18M - David McWilliams; 5. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 6. 10Y - Trent Young; 7. 66 - Dale Murray; 8. 8c - Tyler Carpenter; 9. '08 - Jake Griffin; 10. 96 - Lonnie Wagner;

Qualifying Group 4: 1. 75 - Bart Hartman; 2. 3 - Austin Dillon; 3. 25 - Tyler Nicely; 4. K12 - Scotty Kincaid; 5. 182 - Randle Sweeney; 6. 17 - Heath Weston; 7. 15 - Dave Baker; 8. 22T - Tony Anderson; 9. 2X - Brady Gerdes; 10. 83 - J.R. Mason;

Heat 1: 1. 22s - Chad Kinder; 2. 28 - Paul Miles; 3. '0J - Bryce Jewell; 4. 33 - Jeff Mathews; 5. 115 - Brandon Smith; 6. 11 - Richie Tosh; 7. 664 - Mike Harrison; 8. 77g - Gavin Landers; 9. 13T - Jim Thorp; 10. 26 - Bob Gierke;

Heat 2: 1. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 2. 77K - Joey Kramer; 3. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 4. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 5. OO - Buzzie Ruetimann; 6. d4 - Dave Jamison; 7. 155 - Jimmy Payne; 8. 10 - Bryan Barber Barber; 9. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 10. 17JE - J.E. Stalder; 11. 47 - Collin Thirlby;

Heat 3: 1. 18M - David McWilliams; 2. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 3. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 4. 8c - Tyler Carpenter; 5. 66 - Dale Murray; 6. 96 - Lonnie Wagner; 7. '08 - Jake Griffin; 8. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 9. d48 - Derek Groomer; 10. 10Y - Trent Young;

Heat 4: 1. 25 - Tyler Nicely; 2. 3 - Austin Dillon; 3. K12 - Scotty Kincaid; 4. 15 - Dave Baker; 5. 17 - Heath Weston; 6. 22T - Tony Anderson; 7. 83 - J.R. Mason; 8. 75 - Bart Hartman; 9. 2X - Brady Gerdes; 10. 182 - Randle Sweeney;

B-Main 1: 1. 11 - Richie Tosh; 2. 10 - Bryan Barber Barber; 3. d4 - Dave Jamison; 4. 664 - Mike Harrison; 5. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 6. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 7. 13T - Jim Thorp; 8. 77g - Gavin Landers; DNS 155 - Jimmy Payne; DNS 26 - Bob Gierke; DNS 65 - Todd Sherman;

B-Main 2: 1. 22T - Tony Anderson; 2. 83 - J.R. Mason; 3. 10Y - Trent Young;

The DIRTcar UMP Modified portion of the University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Racing Equipment is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Summit Racing Equipment, Hoosier Racing Tires, GM Performance Parts, University of Northwestern Ohio, Aero Race Wheels, ASI Racewear, Auto Meter, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bilstein Shocks, Dominator Race Products, Fast Shafts, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Vicci, KSE Racing Products, MSD Ignition, Quarter Master, R2C Competition Series Air Filters, XS Power Racing Batteries, VP Racing Fuels.

Grandstands open 11 a.m., hot laps 12:30 p.m.; Saturday program unchanged

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 17, 2012 - Just when it appeared Volusia Speedway Park would be in the clear, more rain began to fall late Friday night, forcing officials to postpone the remainder of the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series season opener and the DIRTcar UMP Modified program to Sunday afternoon, creating a huge day of action at the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

With qualifying already completed for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and two more groups of qualifying for UMP Modifieds, the event will pick up on Sunday afternoon before the regularly scheduled full evening program. The pits will open at 10 a.m., grandstands at 11 a.m. and hot laps at 12:30 p.m. followed by racing. 75 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds were on hand Friday night for UNOH DIRTcar Nationals by Summit competition.

Friday night's tickets will be good for Sunday afternoon's continuation of the postponed event.

Saturday's event remains as scheduled, with grandstands opening at 5 p.m., hot laps at 6 p.m. and racing at 7:30 p.m. for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and the DIRTcar UMP Modified Gator Championship first qualifying night.

For more information and updates on the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment, clickDIRTcarNationals.com or follow on Twitter at Twitter.com/DIRTcarNats.

Nationwide Series driver, SPEED TV personality, adds another Volusia feature win to his record

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 15, 2012 - Kenny Wallace found his groove Wednesday night at Volusia Speedway Park winning the 20-lap feature event, besting a record field of 78 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds at the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

"It was an awesome win," said Wallace, who will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 next week. "What makes wins special is when you have the best modified racers in the United States. This is like a championship race every night. Every night is a big race. This isn't any old feature. To win it for my sponsor, University of Northwestern Ohio, this is awesome."

Wallace drove his UNOH DIRTcar UMP Modified to the lead past Michael Long of Quincy, Ill., on lap 9 after Long had swept to the front of the pack early from his sixth-place starting spot and held off a charge from polesitter Bart Hartman late to earn the $1,000 top prize.

Hartman finished second after battling three wide at times with Long and former UNOH DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Modified champion Dave Hess Jr., Hess would grab the third spot ahead of Long in the finishing order. Long finished fourth and Wallace's close friend Kenny Schrader of Concord, N.C. rounded out the top five.

Former DIRTcar UMP Modified National Champion Jeff Leka of Buffalo, Ill., won the evening's Bulrush Dash for non-qualifiers.

There were 78 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds on hand for the second of eight nights of competition.

For more information, go to www.DIRTcarNationals.com or follow the event on Twitter@DIRTcarNats and on Facebook at facebook.com/DIRTcarNationals.

A-Main (20 Laps) - ; 1. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 2. 75 - Bart Hartman; 3. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 4. 18L - Michael Long; 5. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 6. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 7. 41 - Ty Dillon; 8. 22s - Chad Kinder; 9. 28 - Paul Miles; 10. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 11. 77K - Joey Kramer; 12. 64C - Gary Cook Jr; 13. 3 - Austin Dillon; 14. 1s - Brian Shaw; 15. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 16. 65 - Todd Sherman; 17. 17JE - J.E. Stalder; 18. 92 - Joel Watson; 19. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 20. 22T - Tony Anderson; 21. 182 - Randle Sweeney; 22. 10Y - Trent Young; 23. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 24. 15 - Dave Baker; 25. 18C - Matt Cooper; 26. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 27. K12 - Scotty Kincaid; 28. 11 - Richie Tosh.

Qualifying Group 1:

1. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 2. 92 - Joel Watson; 3. z1 - George Catanzano; 4. 75 - Bart Hartman; 5. 81 - Lawrence Sprague; 6. 182 - Randle Sweeney; 7. '0 - Mark Dickson; 8. 48 - Ralph Groomer; 9. 22T - Tony Anderson; 10. '0J - Bryce Jewell; 11. 3L - Jeff Leka; 12. 13C - Troy Clark; 13. 10 - Scott Mooers.

Qualifying Group 2:

1. 41 - Ty Dillon; 2. 22s - Chad Kinder; 3. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 4. 15 - Dave Baker; 5. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 6. 17 - Heath Weston; 7. 12s - Matt Shaddic; 8. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 9. 77g - Gavin Landers; 10. 145 - Jason Davis; 11. 6b - Dale Baldwin; 12. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 13. 83 - J.R. Mason.

Qualifying Group 3:

1. 25 - Tyler Nicely; 2. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 3. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 4. K12 - Scotty Kincaid; 5. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 6. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 7. 72 - Todd Neiheiser; 8. 17JE - J.E. Stalder; 9. 9M - Dale Mathison; 10. 115 - Brandon Smith; 11. 66 - Dale Murray; 12. '08 - Jake Griffin; 13. 1 - Travis Fleshman.

Qualifying Group 4 :

1. 28 - Paul Miles; 2. 16 - Travis Dickson; 3. 10Y - Trent Young; 4. 11 - Richie Tosh; 5. 18M - David McWilliams; 6. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 7. 77K - Joey Kramer; 8. 65M - Michael Davis; 9. 18 - Jared Allison; 10. 2X - Brady Gerdes; 11. d4 - Dave Jamison; 12. '01 - Chris Puskas; 13. 24 - Brad Waits.

Qualifying Group 5:

1. 3 - Austin Dillon; 2. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 3. 18C - Matt Cooper; 4. 17X - Richie Michael; 5. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 6. '00 - Kody Weisner; 7. 27M - Roger Moser; 8. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 9. 26 - Bob Gierke; 10. 129 - Rob Penny; 11. 155 - Jimmy Payne; 12. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman; 13. 8T - Bobby Teutrine.

Qualifying Group 6:

1. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 2. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 3. 18L - Michael Long; 4. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 5. 64C - Gary Cook Jr; 6. 65 - Todd Sherman; 7. 1s - Brian Shaw; 8. 8 - Levi Kissinger; 9. 41G - Matt Goulden; 10. 13T - Jim Thorpe; 11. '00d - Shaun Daugharty; 12. 64L - Dan Leatherman; 13. 89W - Rick Weitekamp.

Heat 1:

1. 75 - Bart Hartman; 2. 9 - Kenny Schrader; 3. 92 - Joel Watson; 4. 182 - Randle Sweeney; 5. 22T - Tony Anderson; 6. '0J - Bryce Jewell; 7. '0 - Mark Dickson; 8. 3L - Jeff Leka; 9. 48 - Ralph Groomer; 10. 10 - Scott Mooers; 11. 13C - Troy Clark; 12. 81 - Lawrence Sprague; 13. z1 - George Catanzano.

Heat 2:

1. 77 - Mike Wedelstadt; 2. 41 - Ty Dillon; 3. 22s - Chad Kinder; 4. 15 - Dave Baker; 5. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 6. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 7. 77g - Gavin Landers; 8. 6b - Dale Baldwin; 9. 12s - Matt Shaddic; 10. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 11. 145 - Jason Davis; 12. 17 - Heath Weston; DNS 83 - J.R. Mason.

Heat 3:

1. 36 - Kenny Wallace; 2. 44 - Dave Hess Jr; 3. K12 - Scotty Kincaid; 4. 25 - Tyler Nicely; 5. 17JE - J.E. Stalder; 6. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 7. 72 - Todd Neiheiser; 8. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 9. 115 - Brandon Smith; 10. 66 - Dale Murray; 11. '08 - Jake Griffin; 12. 1 - Travis Fleshman; 13. 9M - Dale Mathison.

Heat 4:

1. 10Y - Trent Young; 2. 11 - Richie Tosh; 3. 28 - Paul Miles; 4. 77K - Joey Kramer; 5. 18M - David McWilliams; 6. d4 - Dave Jamison; 7. 24 - Brad Waits; 8. 65M - Michael Davis; 9. 16 - Travis Dickson; 10. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 11. '01 - Chris Puskas; 12. 18 - Jared Allison; 13. 2X - Brady Gerdes.

Heat 5:

1. 2H - Nick Hoffman; 2. 3 - Austin Dillon; 3. 18C - Matt Cooper; 4. 129 - Rob Penny; 5. '00 - Kody Weisner; 6. 26 - Bob Gierke; 7. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 8. 27M - Roger Moser; 9. 155 - Jimmy Payne; 10. 17X - Richie Michael; 11. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; 12. 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman; 13. 8T - Bobby Teutrine.

Heat 6:

1. 18L - Michael Long; 2. 40b - Kyle Bronson; 3. 64C - Gary Cook Jr; 4. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 5. 41G - Matt Goulden; 6. 1s - Brian Shaw; 7. '00d - Shaun Daugharty; 8. 64L - Dan Leatherman; 9. 89W - Rick Weitekamp; 10. 13T - Jim Thorpe; 11. 65 - Todd Sherman; 12. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 13. 8 - Levi Kissinger.

B-Main 1:

1. 15 - Dave Baker; 2. 182 - Randle Sweeney; 3. 77L - Dalton Lanich; 4. 22T - Tony Anderson; 5. 3L - Jeff Leka; 6. 77g - Gavin Landers; 7. 6b - Dale Baldwin; 8. 17 - Heath Weston; 9. '0 - Mark Dickson; 10. 18s - Dave Schroeder; 11. 48 - Ralph Groomer; 12. 12s - Matt Shaddic; 13. '0J - Bryce Jewell; 14. '05 - Dave Wietholder; 15. 10 - Scott Mooers; DNS 13C - Troy Clark; DNS 145 - Jason Davis; DNS 81 - Lawrence Sprague; DNS z1 - George Catanzano; DNS 83 - J.R. Mason.

B-Main 2:

1. 77K - Joey Kramer; 2. 7b - Jeff Babcock; 3. 17JE - J.E. Stalder; 4. 25 - Tyler Nicely; 5. 18M - David McWilliams; 6. 24 - Brad Waits; 7. 47 - Collin Thirlby; 8. 1G - Devin Gilpin; 9. '01 - Chris Puskas; 10. d4 - Dave Jamison; 11. 72 - Todd Neiheiser; 12. 115 - Brandon Smith; 13. '08 - Jake Griffin; 14. 2X - Brady Gerdes; 15. 16 - Travis Dickson; 16. 1 - Travis Fleshman; DNS 65 - Todd Sherman; DNS 66 - Dale Murray; DNS 18 - Jared Allison; DNS 9M - Dale Mathison.

B-Main 3:

1. 67 - Garrett Stewart; 2. 1s - Brian Shaw; 3. 65 - Todd Sherman; 4. '00 - Kody Weisner; 5. 129 - Rob Penny; 6. 41G - Matt Goulden; 7. 15R - Rich Robinson Jr; 8. 64L - Dan Leatherman; 9. 2 - Josh Ulrich; 10. 89W - Rick Weitekamp; 11. 8T - Bobby Teutrine; 12. '00d - Shaun Daugharty; 13. 26 - Bob Gierke; 14. 90 - Jason Beaulieu; DNS 27M - Roger Moser; DNS 155 - Jimmy Payne; DNS 17X - Richie Michael; DNS 13T - Jim Thorpe; DNS 4-Oct - Wade Wiseman; DNS 8 - Levi Kissinger.

Bullrush Dash:

1. 3L - Jeff Leka; 2. '08 - Jake Griffin; 3. 18M - David McWilliams; 4. 77g - Gavin Landers; 5. 64L - Dan Leatherman; 6. 89W - Rick Weitekamp; 7. 48 - Ralph Groomer; 8. 6b - Dale Baldwin.

The DIRTcar UMP Modified portion of the University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Racing Equipment is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Summit Racing Equipment, Hoosier Racing Tires, GM Performance Parts, University of Northwestern Ohio, Aero Race Wheels, ASI Racewear, Auto Meter, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bilstein Shocks, Dominator Race Products, Fast Shafts, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Vicci, KSE Racing Products, MSD Ignition, Quarter Master, R2C Competition Series Air Filters, XS Power Racing Batteries, VP Racing Fuels.

Mathison bests Volusia field of UMP DIRTcar heavy hitters for first Florida win

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 14, 2012 - Dale Mathison set the tone from the drop of the green flag Tuesday night at Volusia Speedway Park, winning the DIRTcar UMP Modified opener at the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

"Anytime you can win at Volusia with this cast of characters, it's a good night," said Mathison, who won for the first time of his career in Florida. "They all run tough and consistent. It was a benefit to start on the front row, there was a good cushion out there and we took advantage of it."

Mathison's first victory at Volusia earned him $1,000, plus he also became the first recipient of one of the new unique UNOH DIRTcar Nationals by Summit alligator racing trophies that feature winners will receive this season.

Mathison, of Clearwater, Minn., led all 20 laps by holding off a mid-race charge from Brian Shaw, of Robinson, Ill., and turning back a valiant last-lap effort from 2011 NASCAR Truck Series champion Austin Dillon, who finished a close second after starting the main event from the seventh spot.

Shaw finished third ahead of Kenny Wallace of Concord, N.C., who recovered from a spin on lap six to finish fourth, while Kyle Bronson of Brandon, Fla., rounded out the top five.

DIRTcar UMP Modified regular Devin Gilpin of Columbus, Ind., won the evening's Bullrush Dash for non-qualifiers.

There were 74 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds on hand for the first of eight nights of competition.

For more information, go to www.DIRTcarNationals.com or follow the event on Twitter@DIRTcarNats and on Facebook at facebook.com/DIRTcarNationals.

A-Main (20 Laps) - 1. 9M Dale Mathison; 2. 3 Austin Dillon; 3. 1s Brian Shaw; 4. 36 Kenny Wallace; 5. 40b Kyle Bronson; 6. 9 Kenny Schrader; 7. 41 Ty Dillon; 8. 26 Bob Gierke; 9. 18L Michael Long; 10. '00 Kody Weisner; 11. 17JE J.E. Stalder; 12. 64C Gary Cook Jr; 13. 0 Mark Dixon; 14. 72 Todd Neiheiser; 15. 65 Todd Sherman; 16. 0J Bryce Jewell; 17. 2 Josh Ulrich; 18. 145 Jason Davis; 19. 28 Paul Miles; 20. 18C Matt Cooper; 21. 16 Travis Dixon; 22. 35 Steve Arpin; 23. 24 Brad Waits 12; 24. 65M Michael Davis; 25. 7b Jeff Babcock; 26. 11 Richie Tosh; 27. 2H Nick Hoffman; 28. 17 Heath Weston.

Qualifying Group 1: 1. 3 Austin Dillon, 2. 41 Ty Dillon; 3. 18L Michael Long; 4. 92 Joel Watson; 5. '0J Bryce Jewell; 6. 48 Ralph Groomer; 7. 129 Rob Penny; 8. 47 Collin Thirlby; 9. 13C Troy Clark; 10. 27M Roger Moser; 11. '09 Rob Underwood; 12. z1 George Catanzano; 13. 16 Travis Dixon

Qualifying Group 2: 1. 44 Dave Hess Jr; 2. '00 Kody Weisner; 3. 9M Dale Mathison; 4. 11 Richie Tosh; 5. 64C Gary Cook Jr; 6. 90 Jason Beaulieu; 7. 18 Jared Allison; 8. 17 Heath Weston; 9. 64L Dan Leatherman; 10. 81 Lawrence Sprague; DNS '01 Travis Fleshman; DNS d48 Derek Groomer; DNS 41s Barry Sheffield

Qualifying Group 3: 1. 40b Kyle Bronson; 2. '00d Shaun Daugharty; 3. 2 Josh Ulrich; 4. 24 Brad Waits; 5. 6b Dale Baldwin; 6. 77g Gavin Landers; 7. '0 Mark Dixon; 8. 115 Brandon Smith; 9. 55 Scott Hansen; 10. 12s Matt Shaddic; DNS 15R Rich Robinson Jr; DNS 21b Gary Brooks

Qualifying Group 4 : 1. 9 Kenny Schrader; 2. 26 Bob Gierke; 3. 15 Dave Baker; 4. 72 Todd Neiheiser; 5. 35 Steve Arpin; 6. d4 Dave Jamison; 7. 67 Garrett Stewart; 8. 22T Tony Anderson; 9. 65M Michael Davis; 10. 10 Scott Mooers; 11. 1G Devin Gilpin; 12. 83 J.R. Mason

Qualifying Group 5: 1. 75 Bart Hartman; 2. 65 Todd Sherman; 3. 7b Jeff Babcock; 4. 18C Matt Cooper; 5. 77K Joey Kramer; 6. 182 Randle Sweeney; 7. K12 Scotty Kincaid; 8. 18M David McWilliams; 9. 18s Dave Schroeder; 10. 66 Dale Murray; 11. '05 Dave Wietholder; 12. 2X Brady Gerdes

Qualifying Group 6: 1. 36 Kenny Wallace; 2. 2H Nick Hoffman; 3. 28 Paul Miles; 4. 1s Brian Shaw; 5. 22s Chad Kinder; 6. 17JE J.E. Stalder; 7. 77 Mike Wedelstadt; 8. 145 Jason Davis; 9. 1 Chris Puskas; 10. 25 Tyler Nicely; 11. 77L Dalton Lanich; 12. 17X Richie Michael

Heat 1: 1. 18L Michael Long; 2. 3 Austin Dillon; 3. 41 Ty Dillon; 4. '0J Bryce Jewell; 5. 27M Roger Moser; 6. 16 Travis Dixon; 7. 47 Collin Thirlby; 8. '09 Rob Underwood; 9. 92 Joel Watson; 10. 48 Ralph Groomer; 11. 129 Rob Penny; 12. 13C Troy Clark; 13. z1 George Catanzano

Heat 2: 1. 9M Dale Mathison; 2. 11 Richie Tosh; 3. '00 Kody Weisner; 4. 17 Heath Weston; 5. 64C Gary Cook Jr; 6. 18 Jared Allison; 7. 41s Barry Sheffield; 8. 64L Dan Leatherman; 9. '01 Travis Fleshman; 10. 81 Lawrence Sprague; 11. 44 Dave Hess Jr; DNS 90 Jason Beaulieu; DNS d48 Derek Groomer

Heat 3: 1. 40b Kyle Bronson; 2. 2 Josh Ulrich; 3. 24 Brad Waits; 4. 6b Dale Baldwin; 5. 55 Scott Hansen; 6. '0 Mark Dixon; 7. '00d Shaun Daugharty; 8. 15R Rich Robinson Jr; 9. 77g Gavin Landers; 10. 115 Brandon Smith; 11. 12s Matt Shaddic; DNS 21b Gary Brooks

Heat 4: 1. 72 Todd Neiheiser; 2. 9 Kenny Schrader; 3. 35 Steve Arpin; 4. 26 Bob Gierke; 5. 67 Garrett Stewart; 6. 22T Tony Anderson; 7. 65M Michael Davis; 8. 10 Scott Mooers; 9. d4 Dave Jamison; 10. 15 Dave Baker

Heat 5: 1. 7b Jeff Babcock; 2. 18C Matt Cooper; 3. 65 Todd Sherman; 4. K12 Scotty Kincaid; 5. 18M David McWilliams; 6. 182 Randle Sweeney; 7. '05 Dave Wietholder; 8. 2X Brady Gerdes; 9. 75 Bart Hartman; 10. 77K Joey Kramer; 11. 18s Dave Schroeder; 12. 66 Dale Murray

Heat 6: 1. 1s Brian Shaw; 2. 28 Paul Miles; 3. 36 Kenny Wallace; 4. 2H Nick Hoffman; 5. 22s Chad Kinder; 6. 145 Jason Davis; 7. 17JE J.E. Stalder; 8. 77 Mike Wedelstadt; 9. 25 Tyler Nicely; 10. 17X Richie Michael; 11. 77L Dalton Lanich; 12. 1 Chris Puskas

B-Main 1: 1. '0J Bryce Jewell; 2. 17 Heath Weston; 3. 64C Gary Cook Jr; 4. 16 Travis Dixon; 5. 48 Ralph Groomer; 6. 41s Barry Sheffield; 7. 18 Jared Allison; 8. 90 Jason Beaulieu; 9. '01 Travis Fleshman; 10. 64L Dan Leatherman; 11. z1 George Catanzano; 12. 47 Collin Thirlby; 13. 13C Troy Clark; DNS 27M Roger Moser; DNS '09 Rob Underwood; DNS 92 Joel Watson; DNS 81 Lawrence Sprague; DNS 129 Rob Penny; DNS 44 Dave Hess Jr; DNS d48 Derek Groomer

B-Main 2: 1. 26 Bob Gierke; 2. 65M Michael Davis; 3. '0 Mark Dixon; 4. 6b Dale Baldwin; 5. 1G Devin Gilpin; 6. 10 Scott Mooers; 7. 115 Brandon Smith; 8. 12s Matt Shaddic; 9. d4 Dave Jamison; 10. 83 J.R. Mason; 11. 15R Rich Robinson Jr; 12. 55 Scott Hansen; 13. '00d Shaun Daugharty; 14. 22T Tony Anderson; 15. 67 Garrett Stewart; 16. 15 Dave Baker; DNS 77g Gavin Landers; DNS 21b Gary Brooks

B-Main 3: 1. 2H Nick Hoffman; 2. 17JE J.E. Stalder; 3. 145 Jason Davis; 4. 77K Joey Kramer; 5. '05 Dave Wietholder; 6. 77L Dalton Lanich; 7. 22s Chad Kinder; 8. K12 Scotty Kincaid; 9. 77 Mike Wedelstadt; 10. 17X Richie Michael; 11. 25 Tyler Nicely; 12. 77g Gavin Landers; 13. 2X Brady Gerdes; 14. 18M David McWilliams; 15. 182 Randle Sweeney; DNS 75 Bart Hartman; DNS 18s Dave Schroeder; DNS 66 Dale Murray; DNS 1 Chris Puskas

Bullrush Dash: 1. 1G Devin Gilpin; 2. 17X Richie Michael; 3. 12s Matt Shaddic; 4. z1 George Catanzano; 5. '01 Travis Fleshman; 6. 15R Rich Robinson Jr; 7. '05 Dave Wietholder; 8. 64L Dan Leatherman; 9. 41s Barry Sheffield; DNS 13C Troy Clark; DNS 17 Heath Weston; DNS 27M Roger Moser; DNS '09 Rob Underwood; DNS 16 Travis Dixon; DNS 81 Lawrence Sprague; DNS 2X Brady Gerdes; DNS 83 J.R. Mason; DNS 21b Gary Brooks; DNS 55 Scott Hansen; DNS d48 Derek Groomer;

The DIRTcar UMP Modified portion of the University of Northwestern Ohio DIRTcar Nationals by Summit Racing Equipment is brought to fans by several sponsors and partners including Summit Racing Equipment, Hoosier Racing Tires, GM Performance Parts, University of Northwestern Ohio, Aero Race Wheels, Aerotech Styling, ASI Racewear, Auto Meter, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bilstein Shocks, Fast Shafts, Intercomp, Racing Electronics, Vicci, KSE Racing Products, MSD Ignition, Quarter Master, R2C Competition Series Air Filters, XS Power Racing Batteries, VP Racing Fuels.

BARBERVILLE, Fla. - Feb. 1, 2012 - Volusia Speedway Park is pleased to announce University of Northwestern Ohio has become title sponsor of the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals, having already been presenting sponsor the past three years. Volusia is also excited to announce Summit Racing Equipment as the new presenting sponsor, bringing two powerhouse organizations to the 41^st Annual UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

The 12-day event running Feb. 14-25 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., features World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, World of Outlaws Late Models, Super DIRTcar Series Big-Block Modifieds, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, DIRTcar Late Models and UNOH All-Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Cars.

"At Volusia, we race doubleheaders each night so it's only fitting we have two partners like the University of Northwestern Ohio and Summit Racing Equipment to help kick off the 2012 season at Florida's biggest annual dirt track racing event," said WRG Chief Marketing Officer Ben Geisler. "UNOH has been a great partner at Volusia since 2008, now we're excited to help Summit Racing Equipment expand its involvement in DIRTcar Racing through our huge season-opening event."

A major supporter of racing at all levels, UNOH will bring its all-student in-house DIRTcar UMP Modified teams to compete during the event, in addition to the ones driven by NASCAR racers Kenny Wallace, Ken Schrader, Austin Dillon and Ty Dillon.

"Competing at Volusia provides our students with the perfect opportunity to experience real-life racing situations while the sponsorship helps to give us the exposure we need to continue growing our motorsports program," said Steve Farmer, UNOH VP of Corporate Development. "The event itself is second-to-none and we're very happy to play a role in making it a success."

Summit Racing Equipment joined DIRTcar last season to sponsor the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals, a series run in conjunction with the DIRTcar Late Model 'Hell Tour' Summer Nationals. Now Summit is expanding its relationship with DIRTcar by sponsoring the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit.

"Through our involvement with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds last summer, we know they are one of the strongest divisions in the sport," said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports and Event Manager. "We are eager to experience the DIRTcar Nationals to reach competitors across all four divisions that race at Volusia."

For more information and updates on the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment, click DIRTcarNationals.com or follow on Twitter at Twitter.com/DIRTcarNats.

About University of Northwestern Ohio

Founded in 1920, the University of Northwestern Ohio is a private, not-for-profit institution. The University of Northwestern Ohio is a co-educational institution authorized by the Ohio Board of Regents to grant master's degrees, baccalaureate degrees, and associate degrees. The University's mission is to provide a positive and diverse learning experience which develops students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes, enabling success in their fields and personal growth through lifelong learning.

About Summit Racing Equipment

Established in 1968, Summit Racing Equipment is the leading high performance parts and accessories company. Summit Racing offers the largest selection, lowest prices, and best customer service in the high performance industry via catalogs, Internet, and Retail Super Stores. The company is headquartered in Tallmadge, Ohio with retail locations in Tallmadge, Ohio; Sparks, Nevada; and McDonough, Georgia.

Unzicker, 30, was honored for winning his first-ever DIRTcar UMP Late Model national championship in 2011. The rising star accomplished his stated goal, using a late-season surge to unseat Rusty Schlenk of Jackson, Mich., for the renowned short-track organization’s highest full-fender honor.

The 37-year-old Harrison, meanwhile, moved closer to DIRTcar UMP Modified immortality, winning the open-wheel division’s national crown for the second straight season and third time in his career. He is just the third driver in 18 years to win back-to-back UMP Modified national titles and moved within one of matching the circuit-record four championships owned by Jimmy Owens of Newport, Tenn.

A DIRTcar UMP banquet record crowd of nearly 900 attendees from more than a dozen states and Canada watched as DIRT Racing officials distributed nearly $400,000 to the champions and top performers who raced under the DIRTcar UMP banner in 2011.

Unzicker earned $27,000 in points-fund checks for his breakout 2011 campaign, including $20,000 for the national crown and a $2,000 prize for capturing the Illinois State points title. He also pocketed $5,000 for finishing fourth in the DIRTcar Summer Nationals points standings.

“It was a great year,” said Unzicker, who beat Schlenk by 49 points (2,551-2,502) to win a championship determined using drivers’ best 35 finishes/points nights. “There were a lot of ups and not a lot of downs besides the Summer Nationals. Our goal was to win the national championship so pulling it off is very satisfying.”

A winner of a career-high 17 DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned features in 2011, Unzicker grabbed the national points lead early in the season and held it until being overtaken by Schlenk in late August. He proved his mettle, however, by rallying over the last month of points racing, winning four straight features to regain the top spot in the standings and then salting the title away by finishing no worse than seventh in his final six starts.

“I never doubted us when we were behind,” said Unzicker, who saw his once 300-plus-point lead become a 37-point deficit before his impressive comeback. “We led it the whole time and only lost it for two weeks. We had confidence and momentum, everyone was behind us, and we knew we could do it.”

Unzicker, who makes his living as the safety director at his family’s RJR Transportation company, said the primary focus in 2012 for his family-owned team will be on chasing the DIRTcar Summer Nationals championship. He hopes to begin his season next month with a trip to Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla., for the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment, which features six consecutive nights of Late Model racing from Feb. 20-25.

Harrison picked up $22,575 in points-fund checks at the banquet for his 2011 UMP Modified success, including a $20,000 national-title stipend and $2,000 for capturing the championship of the inaugural Summit Racing Equipment UMP Modified Nationals. His earnings were accented by $500 for finishing fourth in the Southern Illinois State points and $75 for placing 15^th in the Midwest States standings.

A UMP Modified regular since 1996 who works fulltime for Rinderer Farms in Trenton, Ill., Harrison won 24 features in 2011, including eight in Summit Racing Equipment UMP Modified Nationals competition. He captured the national title by 17 points (1,924-1,907) edge over Michael Long of Quincy, Ill.

“Winning the third national championship is the biggest highlight for me,” said Harrison, whose first national crown came in 2004. “Being the first Summit Modified Nationals champion was special too. We had a great season.

“But it’s not just all about me. It’s about my whole crew. They’re the ones that put me in the position that I’m in. I really just get in the car and drive it.”

No driver collected more points-fund money at the awards banquet than Shannon Babb of Moweaqua, Ill., whose third career DIRTcar Summer Nationals title was worth $25,000 – the single-biggest check handed out during the affair. He earned a total of $28,000, including $3,000 for finishing fourth in the national standings.

Babb, 38, rediscovered his vintage Summer Nationals form in 2011, winning nine times – including a sizzling six races in a row – en route to his first title since he captured back-to-back championships in 2006-06.

“I was really proud of what we brought into 2011 because I stayed home all winter and prepared everything,” said Babb, a fulltime professional driver. “It feels good to win, but you can’t let the grass grow. There are guys out there just like me doing the same thing I’m doing trying to beat me.”

Babb plans to pursue his fourth Summer Nationals championship in 2012. The month-long series has become his favorite time of the year.

“Thirty days (of racing) is grueling, but it’s a blast,” said Babb. “It brings out a lot of people that take vacations and showcases what we have built (as a team).”

The night’s third-largest national championship check was presented to Dustin Griffin of Quincy, Ill., who pocketed $10,000 for capturing his first-ever DIRTcar UMP Pro Late Model title. The 25-year-old driver also collected $250 for finishing second in the Northern States points and $140 for placing sixth in the Southern States standings.

Jeremy Hines of Seymour, Ind., was feted for winning his second career DIRTcar UMP Sportsman national championship. He received $3,200, including $200 for capturing the Southern States points title.

Mark Anderson of Canton, Ill., accepted accolades for his first-ever DIRTcar UMP Limited Modified national crown. His championship season earned him a $1,000 check.

Nate Zimmer of Mattoon, Ill., also became a first-time national champion, winning in the Stock Car division. He earned $3,240, including a pair of $120 checks for finishing third in the Northern and Southern States points standings.

Dennis Bringedahl of Twin Lakes, Mich. (Factory Stocks) and Jeremy Callahan of Mt. Vernon, Ill. (Sport Compacts) were honored as the national champions of UMP DIRTcar’s entry-level classes, which debuted in 2007.

Both drivers earned $1,000 for their national titles; Callahan added a $200 check for winning the Sport Compact Western States points crown.

State champions recognized during the banquet included:

* Late Models ($2,000 each): Unzicker (Illinois), Eric Spangler (Michigan), Randy Korte (Midwest), Garrett Alberson (Western), Trevor Glasier (Northwestern), Jon Henry (Eastern) and Terry English (Southern).

* UMP Modifieds ($2,000 each): Denny Crane (Missouri), Doug Adkins (Ohio), Clayton Miller (Kentucky/Tennessee), Michael Bolyard (Midwest), Todd Sherman (Eastern), Troy Foulger (Northwest), Jeff Mathews (Deep South), Clint DeMoss (Indiana), Jacob Poel (Michigan), Ray Bollinger (Northern Illinois) and Tim Hancock (Southern Illinois).

* Pro Late Models ($500 each): Nick Bauman (Northern) and Credence Mott (Southern).

* Sportsman ($200 each): Hines (Southern), Dan Flessner (Illinois), Joey Ladoucuer (Northeastern), Jake Simmons (Northern) and Jeff Herzog (Western).

* Stock Car ($200 each): Mike Hodges (Southern), John Farris (Northern), Aaron Fields (Eastern) and Dan Dykman (Northeastern).

* Sport Compact ($200 each): Callahan (Western), Evan Gaultney (Southern), Paul Namey (Eastern) and Kenny Butterfield (Northern).

Other DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned series titlists recognized during Saturday’s festivities were Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill. (Northern All-Stars Late Model Series), Bryan Barber of Greensburg, Ky. (American Modified Series) and Nick Lyons of Centralia, Ill. (Pro Crate Racing Association).

Bobby Pierce, 15, of Oakwood, Ill., received a $1,000 check for winning 2011 DIRTcar UMP Late Model Rookie of the Year honors. The son of former DIRTcar UMP Late Model great Bob Pierce won five features and finished 10^th in the national standings.

A number of special awards determined by a vote of the DIRTcar UMP membership were handed out:

* Brandon Thirlby (Late Models) and Brian Lynn (Modifieds) received Sportsman of the Year trophies.

* Brian Redmon, who turns the wrenches on Ryan Unzicker’s Late Models, and Terry Frazier, who serves as Harrison’s UMP Modified crew chief, were presented the Mechanic of the year awards. Frazier won the UMP Modified honor for the second consecutive year.

* Portsmouth (Ohio) Raceway Park was announced as the DIRTcar UMP Track of the Year.

* Betty Crook of Mount Pleasant (Mich.) Speedway was presented the DIRTcar UMP Promoter of the Year award.

Randy Mooneyham received the seventh annual Bob Memmer Achievement Award, which honors the memory of UMP DIRTcar Racing’s late founder. A veteran Missouri promoter who operates Monett Speedway in his home state and directs the MARS DIRTcar Series, he was surprised to win the award – not to mention shocked to be joined for pictures by eight members of his family, who traveled to the banquet unbeknownst to Mooneyham and sat at a table tucked away in a corner of the ballroom until the award was announced.

The 2011 DIRTcar UMP Chassis Builder of the Year awards went to Rocket Chassis of Shinnston, W.Va., in the Late Models and Bob Pierce Race Cars of Oakwood, Ill., in the Modifieds. Rocket cars won 110 DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned features and Pierce machines reached Victory Lane 155 times in Modified competition.

Rhyne Racing Engines was recognized as the 2011 DIRTcar UMP Late Model Engine Builder of the Year as well as the National Champion Engine Builder. The Gary, Ind.-based shop collected 52 feature wins and powered Unzicker to the national title.

Mullins Racing Engines in Mt. Olive, Ill., claimed the 2011 DIRTcar UMP Modified Engine Builder of the Year with 81 feature wins, while Dargie Racing Engines in Richmond, Ind., was honored as the 2011 UMP Modified National Champion Engine Builder for providing powerplants to Harrison.

MasterSbilt Race Cars (Late Models) and Larry Shaw Race Cars (Modifieds) were recognized as national champion chassis builders.

The banquet began for the fourth consecutive year with an awards ceremony for the top drivers in the Kid Modz division, a four-cylinder version of a UMP DIRTcar Modified that car builder Bob Pierce launched to bring youngsters into the sport. Teenager Logan Mitchell of Palmyra, Ill., was celebrated as the division’s 2011 champion.

Appreciation plaques were presented on Saturday to promoters or representatives from the nearly two-dozen DIRTcar UMP-sanctioned tracks who were in attendance. Promoters met earlier in the afternoon with DIRTcar UMP officials to discuss the organization’s plans for the 2012 season.

The 2012 DIRTcar UMP season begins on Feb. 2 with the first of three consecutive nights of UMP Modified racing at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla. Twelve more evenings of UMP Modified action will take place in Florida during the month – Feb. 9-11 at East Bay Raceway Park in Gibsonton; Feb. 14-21 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville (UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit); and Feb. 23-25 at North Florida Speedway in Lake City.

The DIRTcar UMP Late Model division will also jump-start the 2012 season in Florida, running as part of the UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit at Volusia Speedway Park. Six nights of full-fender action includes four under the DIRTcar UMP banner (Feb. 20, 21, 22 and 24) and two World of Outlaws Late Model Series programs (Feb. 23 and 25).

For more information on DIRTcar Racing, visit www.dirtcar.com.