2001 archives
 

There’s a "Diamond in the Rough" at Brownstown Speedway

For Immediate Release: Michael Despain-Media Contact

Brownstown, IN-March 31, 2001- One hundred forty-nine race cars jammed the grounds of Brownstown Speedway on MasterSbilt Race Cars "Big Bucks Bonus" night and it would be another first-time Late Model feature winner at Brownstown as "Diamond" Dick Phillips of Scipio, IN hit paydirt in the 25 lap Late Model main event. Brad Cummings of Bedford, IN led flag-to-flag in capturing the Super Stock feature race, while Matt Bex of Avoca, IN made it two in a row in Bomber division action.

Jim Curry would take the initial lead in the Late Model feature, with Mike Jewell, Kevin Claycomb, Timmy Yeager, and Rick Aukland in pursuit. Jewell would take the point on lap 2 with an upstairs pass of Curry in turn four, while Tim Prince shot past both Yeager and Aukland to go to fourth. Jewell would begin to pull away quickly, while Phillips would come to fourth on lap 4. Aukland would grab fifth from Yeager one circuit later, as Prince now pressured Yeager for fifth after slipping in turn two the previous lap. As Jewell continued his torrid romp at the point, Claycomb was now barking at Curry’s backdoor for second on lap 8 and after going side-by-side for the spot on lap 9, Claycomb would grab the runner-up spot off of turn two on lap 10. Phillips was also beginning to flex some muscle at this point as he would scoot by Curry for third on lap 12. As the field saw the halfway indicator, Jewell began the process of lapping backmarkers, while Aukland and first-time visitor Darren Miller waged war for the fifth spot. Disaster would strike Jewell on lap 17 as he would loop his mount getting into turn three while attempting to lap slower traffic and effectively seeing the $5,000 MasterSbilt bonus slip away. The restart would have Claycomb as the leader, with Phillps, Aukland, Curry, and Miller in tow. While Phillips began to mount a charge on Claycomb for the lead, Prince would battle Miller for the fifth spot and would get the position on lap 20. Phillips would pull alongside of Claycomb exiting turn two on lap 23 and would snatch the lead away exiting turn four. Ernie Barrow would bring out the final caution with 24 laps completed after spinning in turn three, setting up a one lap shootout to the finish. "DDP" would sprint away and take his first-ever Brownstown Late Model win in his Columbus Bowling Center, Caddies Pub and Eatery, Texas Roadhouse, All Will County Auto Wreckers, Hixson Race Engines, C.J. Rayburn Race Cars #11. Claycomb would claim the runner-up spot, with Aukland taking third. Curry and Prince would complete the top five. Rounding out the top ten were Miller, Yeager, 17th place starter Steve Casebolt, Steve Hillard, and 16th starting John Gill. Forty-nine Late Models were on hand with Curry, Jewell, Yeager, and Claycomb taking heat race wins, while Casebolt and John Mason were consy winners.

The Super Stocks raced for the first time in 2001 and Brad Cummings made this one a yawner as he motored away from the field and led all 20 laps of the Super Stock main event. Cummings victory came aboard his Cycle Shack, Indiana Stone Works, Stone City Ironworks, Tri-County Rental, Terry Cummings Race Engines, Hobbs Chassis #71. Rick Hines would come home in the second spot, with Greg O’Neill charging from 12th to finish third. Jay Deckard and Tim Clark rounded out the top five. Completing the top ten were Todd Gilpin, Mike Fields, Jeremy Hines, Joe Johnson, and Greg Kendell. Thirty-three Super Stockers were signed in with Deckard, Cummings, Clark, and Rick Hines scoring heat wins, with David Freeman and Jerry Adams taking consy checkered flags.

Matt Bex would make it two wins in a row in a rain-shortened Bomber feature that only went 12 of the scheduled 15 laps. Bex’s win came in his Bailey’s Flowers and Gifts, Tucker Transmissions, East Vending, Performer Chassis, Terry Cummings Race Engines #31 Monte Carlo. Ray Godsey, Jr. finished second, with Bubba Woods taking third. Greg Benton and Robert Walters completed the top five. Matt Cummings would head up the second five followed by Rick Applegate, Larry Harris, Mark Hines, and Bobby Davis. Fifty-two Bombers were on hand with Walters, Bex, Godsey, Jr., Benton, and Woods winning heats, while Clifton Barron and Roger Reichenbacker were consy winners.

The Pro-Trucks were visiting Brownstown for the first time and their feature was rained out. The truckers will run double features at Brownstown when they return again on April 28.

The coming Saturday, April 7, will the 18th Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic featuring the Northern All-Star Late Model Series in action in a 50 lap, $5,000 to win affair. Also on the 18th HDC racing card will be UMP Modifieds and Bombers.

 

SUMMARY-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana-March 31, 2001

Late Models (49 entries)

Top Qualifer- Darren Miller 15.081

1st Heat- Jim Curry, Dick Phillips, Miller, Todd McKinney

2nd Heat- Mike Jewell, Tim Prince, Gary Burton, Steve Hillard

3rd Heat- Timmy Yeager, Dan Sturgeon, Ernie Barrow, Jay Mobley

4th Heat- Kevin Claycomb, Rick Aukland, Mark Bechelli, John Gill

1st B-Main: Steve Casebolt, Mark Barber, Richie Hedrick, Doug Ault, Bobby Carrier, Jr.

2nd B-Main: John Mason, Jesse James Lay, Ryan Dauber, Jeff Martin, Terry Eaglin

Feature- Phillips, Claycomb, Aukland, Curry, Prince, Miller, Yeager, Casebolt, Hillard, Gill, Barber, Mason, Sturgeon, Mobley, Burton, McKinney, Lay, Barrow, Bechelli, Jewell

 

Super Stocks (33 entries)

1st Heat- Jay Deckard, Jeremy Hines, Stan Brown, Dale Ayers

2nd Heat- Brad Cummings, Mark Hines, Dan McCullough, Greg Kendall

3rd Heat- Tim Clark, Joe Johnson, Mike Fields, Paul Seymour

4th Heat- Rick Hines, Todd Gilpin, Greg O’Neill, Trent Niflis

1st B-Main: David Freeman, Gary Green, Doug McCullough, Murl Wilson, Brad Hobbs

2nd B-Main: Jerry Adams, Steve Hunt, Chris Deweese, Tom Plotz, Mel Bigham

Feature- Cummings, Rick Hines, O’Neill, Deckard, Clark, Gilpin, Fields, Jeremy Hines, Johnson, Kendall, Niflis, Brown, Hunt, Adams, Seymour, Ayers, Freeman, Dan McCullough, Green, Mark Hines

 

Bombers (52 entries)

1st Heat- Robert Walters, Jeff Helton, Bobby Davis, Glen Woods

2nd Heat- Matt Bex, Matt Cummings, Mickey Hines, Clifton Barron

3rd Heat- Greg Benton, Charlie Stevens, Rick Applegate, Roger Reichenbacker

4th Heat- Ray Godsey, Jr., Willie Sallee, Cody VanOsdal, Robert Green

5th Heat- Bubba Woods, Larry Harris, Paul Owens, Jason Combs

1st B-Main: Barron, Glen Woods, Rick Turner, Kevin Applegate, Andrew Davis

2nd B-Main: Reichenbacker, Josh Turner, Combs, Jerry Maynard, Fudgie Robbins

Feature- Bex, Godsey, Jr., Bubba Woods, Benton, Walters, Cummings, Rick Applegate, Harris, Hines, Davis, Helton, Sallee, Stevens, Rick Turner, Josh Turner, Owens, Glen Woods, Reichenbacker, Barron, Combs, VanOsdal
 


 

 

It’s "The Chosen One" in Brownstown’s 4th Annual Indiana Icebreaker

Brownstown Speedway

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michael Despain-Media Contact

Brownstown, IN-March 24, 2001- The weather was without frigid, but the action on the track was simply sizzling Saturday night at Brownstown Speedway’s 4th Annual Indiana Icebreaker. Timmy Yeager of Harrodsburg, KY scored his first-ever Brownstown win the claiming the Late Model portion of the Icebreaker. Other winners on the evening were Matt Boknecht of Seymour, IN in the UMP Modifieds, while Matt Bex of Avoca, IN snared the Bomber feature win.

The 30 lap, $2,000 to win Late Model feature was one for the record books. Two and three-wide action was the norm for the entire event. John Gill would take the initial lead with Darryl Lanigan, Jim Curry, Mike Jewell, and Timmy Yeager in tow. Curry would go to second on lap 2, while Dick Phillips would challenge Yeager for fifth, but would go to the infield on lap 3 with a broken rearend yoke. Meanwhile, first B-main winner Tim Prince had charged from his 17th starting slot and was 10th by lap 4, as Yeager would pull by Jewell on the same circuit for fourth. Yeager now set his sights on Lanigan and would take the third spot from the ARCA competitor on lap 6, as Gill was beginning to motor away from second place Curry. Jewell and Lanigan would lock up to battle for fourth, with Jewell getting the upperhand on lap 8. Circuit number 11 would see race leader Gill begin the lapping process, while Yeager had the hook out and was reeling in second place Curry. Lanigan and Jewell continued to wage their war for fourth, with Lanigan regaining the spot on lap 14, while Prince had worked his way to sixth and joined this duo to make it a three-way battle for fourth at the midpoint mark. Gill’s large lead would be erased when Terry Eaglin looped his entry in turn one with 17 circuits official. The restart would see Curry dive under Gill in turn one for the lead, while Yeager would jump beneath both off of turn two and the trio would go three-wide into turn three for the lead, with Yeager nabbing the point exiting turn four. Curry would lose several spots after going through the infield in turn two on lap 19, while Prince continued to work his charm. Prince would turn the wick up even more on lap 20 when he would pass Jewell for fourth and began to pressure Lanigan for third, while Gill and Yeager battled side-by-side for the lead with both drivers getting completely sideways in turn three, but able to recover and drive on. Lanigan would grab second from Gill on lap 22, with Prince coming right along into third. One lap later, Prince would bring the pain to Lanigan as he would grab the runner-up slot. The final five rounds would see Yeager, nicknamed "The Chosen One", stay steady and grab the win in the Double-D Motorsports owned R and P Chimney, American Scaffolding, Central Painting, Quaker State Oil, Dyer’s Billet Rods, Koni Shocks #19 C.J. Rayburn, AMS Race Engine powered entry. Prince would turn in his best career Late Model run at Brownstown finishing second after starting 17th, with Lanigan and Gill going third and fourth. Curry would win the battle for fifth over Jewell, as Steven Godsey, C.J. Rayburn, Doug Ault, and Todd McKinney completed the top ten. Thirty-six Late Models from five states were on hand, with Gill being the fast qualifier for the evening. Heats were won by Gill, Curry, Lanigan, and Jewell, while B-main winners were Prince and Josh Williams.

Forty-five UMP Modifieds were in attendance and it would be defending Modified track champion Matt Boknecht leading the way to take the 20 lap feature win, holding off the charges of Illinois young gun Michael Bradley to take the win. Boknecht’s victory came aboard the George’s of Seymour, HMF Steel Sales, DeWalt Tools #22 Fly-By-U Race Cars mount. Adam Sasser would go third, with Levi Godsey and Nelson Gingery completing the top five. Rounding out the top ten were John DeMoss, Lee Hobbs, Mike Bowersox, Jay Scott, and Todd Gilpin. Heat wins were picked up by Boknecht, Hobbs, Bradley, and Sasser, with Clint DeMoss and David McWilliams taking B-main checkered flags.

Thirty-nine Bombers were on hand and it would be another 2000 track champion as Matt Bex would fend off the challenges of Bubba Woods and Charlie Stevens to grab the 15 lap feature win. Bex’s Bailey’s Flowers and Gifts, Tucker Transmissions, East Vending, Performer Chassis, Terry Cummings Race Engines #31 was first over Woods and Stevens, with Clifton Barron and Robert Walters completing the top five. Matt Cummings would lead the second group of five at the finish, trailed by 17th starting Rick Applegate, 18th starting Jeff Helton, Greg Benton, and 20th starter Mickey Hines. Stevens, Barron, Bex, and Jerry Maynard won heats, while Applegate and Helton won the B-mains.

Racing continues this Saturday night, March 31, with Late Models, Indiana Super Stocks, Bombers, and the Indiana Pro-Truck Series on the racing program.

 

SUMMARY-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana-March 24, 2001

Late Models (36 entries)

Top Qualifier- John Gill 15.958

1st Heat- Gill, Timmy Yeager, Mark Barber, Doug Ault

2nd Heat- Jim Curry, Steven Godsey, Jim Zdroik, Reece Riggle

3rd Heat- Darryl Lanigan, Dick Phillips, Todd McKinney, Shawn Negangard

4th Heat- Mike Jewell, C.J. Rayburn, Tony Traficant, Rodney Bruce

1st B-Main: Tim Prince, James Huff, Mike Bechelli, Jay Mobley, Mark Bechelli

2nd B-Main: Josh Williams, Terry Eaglin, John Mason, Bret Sievert, Tyrel Todd

Indiana Icebreaker- Yeager, Prince, Lanigan, Gill, Curry, Jewell, Godsey, Rayburn, Ault, McKinney, Huff, Eaglin, Traficant, Zdroik, Williams, Riggle, Bruce, Negangard, Barber, Phillips

 

UMP Modifieds (45 entries)

1st Heat- Matt Boknecht, Mike Bowersox, Joe Godsey, John DeMoss

2nd Heat- Lee Hobbs, Nelson Gingery, Mike Knurr, Jay Scott

3rd Heat- Michael Bradley, Tim Eddleman, Steve Trabue, Joey Kramer

4th Heat- Adam Sasser, Brady Short, Levi Godsey, Josh Lucas

1st B-Main: Clint DeMoss, Todd Gilpin, Wes Steidinger, Terry Hull, Vernon Soeder

2nd B-Main: David McWilliams, Ryan Thomas, Alan Magner, Larry Raines, Shelby Miles

Feature- Boknecht, Bradley, Sasser, Levi Godsey, Gingery, John DeMoss, Hobbs, Bowersox, Scott, Gilpin, Knurr, Trabue, Clint DeMoss, McWilliams, Short, Joe Godsey, Thomas, Eddelman, Kramer, Lucas

 

Bombers (39 entries)

1st Heat- Charlie Stevens, Bubba Woods, Ray Godsey, Jr., Robert Walters

2nd Heat- Clifton Barron, Glen Woods, Kevin Applegate, Josh Turner

3rd Heat- Matt Bex, John Phelps, Roger Reichenbacker, Robert Green

4th Heat- Jerry Maynard, Andrew Davis, Matt Cummings, Greg Benton

1st B-Main: Rick Applegate, Jamie Wilson, Mike Seal, Tim Neal, Steve Jones

2nd B-Main: Jeff Helton, Mickey Hines, Jason Combs, Phil Hillman, Jim Deckard

Feature- Bex, Bubba Woods, Stevens, Barron, Walters, Cummings, Rick Applegate, Helton, Benton, Hines, Green, Maynard, Wilson, Godsey, Jr., Turner, Kevin Applegate, Glen Woods, Davis, Phelps, Reichenbacker
 

WEST PLAINS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
2nd Annual Justin Stanfill Memorial
Championship, and Round 3 Qualifying
Sunday, March 18, 2001

By Larry Olson; Mountain Home, AR

WEST PLAINS MO. Johnny “The Jet” Saathoff showed patience on a treacherously dry slick Sunday afternoon race track to take the $10,000 top prize in the 2nd Annual Justin Stanfill Memorial at the West Plains Motor Speedway. Saathoff finally was able to get around Mike Spaulding on the 39th circuit before powering to the win.

John Tesch of Watertown, South Dakota held the pole for the 50 Lap Main event, with Spaulding, and Greg Hughes sharing the 3-wide front row. Two unsuccessful attempts to start the race preceded Spaulding moving past Tesch and Hughes to take the lead. Saathoff and Gene Boyter settled in behind the leaders, as Spaulding opened a five carlength margine immeadiatly. Spaulding was tencarlenghts out front before a caution flag flew on lap nine for debris.

Tesch was able to callenge Spaulding after the restart on several occasions, looking under Spaulding in the corners. Brook Phillips and Richard Griffith caused caution number two, as they were both into the turn one wall.

The field stayed in line after the restart, riding until Saathoff was able to make the pass on Tesch on the backstretch on lap 22. Tesch was starting to fade, and both Hughes and Boyter slipped past Tesch on lap 25. Spaulding and Saathoff battled side by side on lap 27. Chuck McGinty dropped Tesch out of the top five on lap 31, then debris caused the last caution to wave at 32.

Saathoff got side by side with Spaulding on lap 38, then was able to make the pass for the lead coming out of turn two on lap 39. Saathoff got a good run going through the corner, and was able to come out of two with the advantage.

Saathoff checked out from the field, and was a half straight in front of the field before taking the checkered flag. Mike Spaulding settled for second with Greg Hughes, Gene Boyter, and Ronnie Wallace making up the top five. Chuck McGinty, Gary Clark, Dan Daniels, John Tesch, and Skeet Amason rounded out the top 10.

Greg Hughes dominated the round three qualifying earlier in the day, going wire to wire in the 30 Lap Qualifier.


2nd Annual Justin Stanfill Memorial

1) Johnny Saathoff, Beatrice NE-$10,000
2) Mike Spaulding, Bemidji MN-$5,000
3) Greg Hughes, West Plains MO-$4,000
4) Gene Boyter, Bossier City LA-$3,500
5) Ronnie Wallace, North Platte NE-$3,000
6) Chuck McGinty, Conway AR-$2,500
7) Gary Clark, Walker MO-$2,000
8) Dan Daniels, Humbolt KS-$1,600
9) John Tesch, Watertown SD- $1,400
10) Skeet Amason, New Boston TX- $1,200
11) Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie MN-$1,100
12) Johnny Bone Jr., Pea Ridge AR-$1,000
13) Klint Pursley, Locust Grove OK-$900
14) Steve Muilenburg, Sparta MO-$850
15) Lawrence Mikulencak, McAllen TX-$800
16) Billy Romans, West Plains MO-$775
17) Randy Zimmerman, Ft. Scott KS-$750
18) Tim Donlinger, Rochester MN-$725
19) Kelly Shryock, Lamars IA-$700
20) Jerry Hoffman, Oronogo MO-$675
21) Justin Boney, Desoto KS-$650
22) Brook Phillips, Wichita KS-$625
23) Richard Griffin, Anna TX-$600
24) Brandon Maggard, Nixa MO-$575
25) Richie Tosh, Salado AR-$550
26) Jeff Greene, Paragould AR-$540
27) Teddy Elam, Des Arc AR-$530
28) Jason Hughes, Colcord OK-$520
29) Chris Moore-Nesbit MS-$510
30) Tony Anglin, Hoxie AR-$500

Round 3 Qualifier 1) Greg Hughes 2) Gene Boyter 3) Tony Anglin 4) Chuck McGinty 5) Dan Daniels 6) Lawrence Mikulencak 7) Brandon Maggard 8) Richie Tosh 9) Jeff Greene 10) Randy Zimmerman 11) Rex Merritt 12) Shane Stephens 13) Robby Arnold 14) Jason Meadors 15) Andy Tennison 16) Jason Hughes 17) Bart Richardson 18) Jason Sullivan 19) Jack Sullivan 20) Greg Metz 21) Junior Lemmings 22) Bobby Ruffin 23) Ron Jones 24) Chad Lyle 25) Triston Dycus 26) Terry Beckham II 27) Steve Holzkamper 28) Wayne Brooks 29) Jeff Cutshaw 30) Steve Fowler


Round 2 Qualifier 1) Mike Spaulding 2) Johnny Saathoff 3) Gary Clark 4) Klint Pursley 5) Skeet Amason 6) Johnny Bone Jr. 7) Kelly Shryock 8) Jerry Hoffman 9) Chris Moore 10) Tim Donlinger 11) Jerry Buck 12) Jason Sullivan 13) Ron Jones 14) Mark Norris 15) Wayne Brooks 16) Jack Sullivan 17) Triston Dycus 18) Steve Holzkamper 19) Cliff Carter 20) Rex Merritt 21) Shane Stephens 22) Scott Miller 23) Tony Anglin 24) Jim Lynch 25) Carl Thomas 26) Chad Lyle 27) Shawn Walsh 28) Dan Daniels 29) Walt Butler 30) Alan Sharpensteen


Round 1 Qualifier 1) John Tesch 2) Ronnie Wallace 3) Billy Romans 4) Mark Noble 5) Jason Hughes, Colcord OK 6) Steve Muilenburg 7) Richard Griffith 8) Teddy Elam 9) Brook Phillips 10) Justin Boney 11) Walt Butler 12) Wayne Brooks 13) Jerry Hoffman 14) Rex Merritt 15) Mark Norris 16) Johnny Bone Jr. 17) Rob Muilenburg 18) Kenny Sweet Jr. 19) Jason Sullivan 20) Ron Jones 21) Chris Moore 22) Jason Hughes, West Plains MO 23) Gene Boyter 24) Jack Sullivan 25) Chuck McGinty 26) Adam Larson 27) Andy Tennison 28) Chad Lyle 29) Gary Clark 30) Jeff Cutshaw
 
 

WEST PLAINS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
1st Annual Justin Stanfill Memorial (Makeup)
Friday, March 16

By Larry Olson; Mountain Home, AR

WEST PLAINS MO. Wayne Brooks captured the 1st Annual Justin Stanfill Memorial for Modifieds at the West Plains Motor Speedway. Brook’s win capped the event that had been postponed from last September, and then again two more nights as the rains pushed it from Wednesday to Friday. Brooks led wire to wire in the 50 Lap race, that was slowed by ten cautions. Brooks pocketed $10,000 for the effort that saw 15 of the 28 starters eliminated before the finish.

Brooks held the inside position in the three wide configuration. He was flanked by Chad Lyle on the inside, and Bobby Ruffin to his outside. Brooks powered to the lead with Lyle, Ruffin, Mark Noble, and Kelly Shryock falling in behind. Brooks opened a five carlength advantage initially, but the race was slowed by the first caution, as Noble was off the pace showing smoke on lap four. The next caution appeared two laps later for Randy Zimmerman who was stopped on the backstretch.

Shryock improved past Ruffin to third in turn two on lap eight. After another caution, this one for Ron Jones, Brooks pulled out to a 5 carlenght lead by lap 13. The caution waved again for Jason Sullivan and Zimmerman, who were together in turn four. Mark Noble, who had returned after his lap four caution, caused the yellow to fly once again on lap 17, as a broken rear end sidelined him for the night.

Brooks was on the move again, out front by 10 carlenghts by lap 21, and was close to a half straightaway advantage by lap 25. Brooks progress was slowed again, as Chad Lyle brought the yellow out on lap 28. Lyle had slowed to a halt on the frontstretch, and required wrecker assistance.

Gene Boyter slipped past Ruffin for third in turn four on lap 29, while Brooks was opening another 10 carlength lead by lap 30. Ruffin slowed, allowing Mike Spaulding and Jason Hughes past on lap 31. Brooks was checked out with a half straightaway margin by lap 33, while Shryock, Boyter, and Spaulding were dicing for third. Andy Tennison and Skeet Amason tangled in turn one, Spaulding beat Shryock and Boyter racing back to the line for 2nd, as the trio were three wide coming out of turn four.

Spaulding’s advantage was short lived, as Shryock shot past him on the restart. Spaulding was off the pace, and fell to the rear while Shryock once again set his sights on Brooks. Scott Drake blew his motor on lap 41, and spun in his own oil bringing out the caution. The field was green for three more laps before Bobby Allen triggered a yellow as he was stalled on the frontstretch.

Wayne Brooks led the last six laps coming home with the win. Kelly Shryock settled for second, with Ron Jones, Gene Boyter, and Jason Hughes making up the top five. Gary Clark, Bobby Ruffin, Rex Merritt, Jerry Hoffman, and Billy Romans rounded out the top ten. Ruffin led the 30 lap qualifier from wire to wire in the race that set the final 10 starters for the 50 Lap Main Event.

1st Annual Justin Stanfill Memorial (50 Laps)

1) Wayne Brooks, Bald Knob AR-$10,000
2) Kelly Shryock, Story City IA-$5,000
3) Ron Jones, Zimmerman MN-$4,000
4) Gene Boyter, Bossier City LA-$3,500
5) Jason Hughes, Colcord OK-$3,000
6) Gary Clark, Walker MO-$2,500
7) Bobby Ruffin, Crandall TX-$2,000
8) Rex Merritt, Clever MO-$1,600
9) Jerry Hoffman, Orongo MO-$1,400
10) Billy Romans, West Plains MO-$1,200
11) Jason Sullivan, Reagan TN-$1,100
12) Randy Zimmerman, Ft. Scott KS-$1,000
13) Robert Powers, Campbell MO-$900
14) Bobby Allen, Campbell MO-$850
15) Skeet Amason, New Boston TX-$800
16) Scott Drake, Webb City MO-$775
17) Mike Spaulding, Bemdji MN-$750
18) Chad Lyle, Lone Jack MO-$725
19) Andy Tennison, Bartlett TN-$700
20) Teddy Elam, Des Arc AR-$675
21) Tim Donlinger, Rochester MN-$650
22) Jeff Greene, Paragould AR-$625
23) Mark Noble, Blooming Prairie MN-$600
24) Mark Stephens, Arlington TN-$575
25) Mark Norris, Clinton AR-$550
26) Tony Anglin, Hoxie AR-$540
27) Richie Tosh, Salado AR-$530
28) Erik Maggard, Pleasant Hope MO-$520

(scratches-Carl Edwards, Robby Arnold)

Qualifier (30 Laps) 1) Bobby Ruffin 2) Robert Powers 3) Gene Boyter 4) Richie Tosh 5) Andy Tennison 6) Teddy Elam 7) Erik Maggard 8) Jason Sullivan 9) Tony Anglin 10) Mark Norris 11) Shawn Walsh 12) Brian Ritchie 13) Johnny Cook 14) Greg Waugh 15) Kevin Salter 16) Steve Muilenburg 17) Jeremy Russell 18) David Baser 19) Joe Walker 20) Chris Moore 21) Kenny Sweet 22) Brook Phillips 23) Jason Hughes 24) Triston Dycus 25) Rob Muilenburg 26) Nathan Mayes
 
   
 
   
 
Brownstown Speedway
For Immediate Release: Michael Despain-Media Contact

Jewell From No Where to Grab Wild Brownstown Season Opener
Brownstown, IN-March 10, 2001- With 10 laps to go, Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN was 15th and about to go a lap down and thought of pulling out of the race. He stayed out and it was a good thing as he ended up
the winner of the $2,000 to win 2001 season opener Saturday night at Brownstown Speedway. The Bomber class provided the support division action for the evening and Bubba Woods of Bedford, IN was victorious in that event.
The 30-lap Late Model feature saw John Gill immediately flex his muscles and jump to the lead. A lap 2 caution for a stalled Mike Bechelli in turn two would slow things for a moment. The restart again saw
Gill out in front, with Don O’Neal taking second from polesitter Gary Burton on lap 3, with Shannon Babb and Kevin Claycomb completing the top five. Caution would again slow the pace on lap 4 for a spin in turn one by Terry Eaglin. After this restart, Gill would really begin to rock and began to stretch his lead.
Meanwhile, Claycomb had passed Burton for the third spot, while Greg Johnson would break into the top five by passing Babb in turn two on the hub, with all this action happening on lap 8.
Gill continued to blister the competition as he was about three-fourths of a straightaway in the lead at the halfway point. At this juncture of the race, the battle for second would heat up between Claycomb and O’Neal, with Claycomb executing a turn four pass to take the runner-up slot on lap 17, while Steve Barnett would pass Johnson for fourth one lap later. Gill was still in command in dominant fashion, with
Claycomb, O’Neal, Barnett, and Johnson all giving chase as Burton and Babb faded a bit at this point. Lap 25 would spell disaster for two drivers as Barnett looped his mount in turn four doing a 360 degree spin in
an attempt to keep going, while Bobby Carrier, Jr. would spin to avoid Barnett and this would collect race leader Gill in the process. This restart would see the first eight cars get caught up in a game of bumbertag, allowing for Jewell, Scott James, and Shawn Negangard to get excellent restarts, especially Jewell who was able to pass some six cars on lap 26 alone. The sparks would then fly on lap 28 as Barnett, who slowed on the restart, jumped back in line to race Johnson, who he felt spun him on lap 25. As the leaders were about to get the white flag, Barnett bumped Johnson on the backchute with Johnson doing a 360
degree spin and going on, only to be rearended by C.J. Rayburn, ending Rayburn’s night in pile of bent sheetmetal, with Johnson able to continue with minimal damage to the rear of his mount. Barnett would
exit to the pit area at this point and a scuffle between Johnson’s and Barnett’s crews ensued, resulting in Barnett and Johnson both receiving at least two-week suspensions from Brownstown for the melee.
The final restart would see now third place Jewell tip-toe upstairs as he got around O’Neal for second as the cars took the white flag. Jewell would then work to the outside of Claycomb off of turn two,
with the pair side-by-side entering turn three. Jewell would carry his top-shelf momentum off of turn four and beat Claycomb to the finish line by about one car length to grab the win after starting 15th in his MPC Motorsports, Adams Fabricating, Southern Indiana Rock Drilling, Morgan’s Fine Foods, Jewell TV, LaFountain’s Auto Body, Scott Co. Tire, Edwards Builders #9 MasterSbilt Race Cars, Cornett-powered entry. O’Neal would claim third, with Johnson and Babb completing the top five. Rounding out the top ten were James, Negangard, 19th starting Timmy Yeager, Tim Prince, and Burton.
Fourty-three Late Models from five states were signed in for the program, with heat wins going to Burton, Gill, O’Neal, and Babb. The two B-mains were won by Steven Godsey and Mike Bechelli.
The Bomber feature also proved to be a crowd pleaser as fan favorites Bubba Woods and Matt Bex would battle it out for the win and Woods would wind up on top as he led all 15 laps of the first Bomber feature of 2001. Woods grabbed the win aboard his Auto Race Car Museum, Bailey’s Flowers and Gifts,
Jerry Arthur Paving, Tucker Transmissions, B and D Waste Removal, Fultz Auto Supply #00 Performer Chassis, Terry Cummings powered unit. Defending Bomber track champ Bex would go second, with Robert Walters, Greg Benton, and Charlie Stevens completing the top five. Bobby Davis would head-up
the second five, trailed by Ray Godsey, Jr., Mark Hines, Jeff Helton, and Clifton Barron. Fourty-three Bombers were in attendance with heat wins going to Hines, Woods, Stevens, and Bex, while Barron and James Headley won the B-mains.
Racing continues this Saturday night, March 17, with the Late Models again paying $2,000 to win, along with the Indiana Super Stocks and Bombers in action.

SUMMARY-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana-March 10, 2001
Late Models (43 entries)
Top Qualifier- Scott James 15.778
1st Heat- Gary Burton, Kevin Claycomb, Scott James, Ryan Markham
2nd Heat- John Gill, Greg Johnson, Steve Barnett, Mark Barber
3rd Heat- Don O’Neal, Tim Prince, C.J. Rayburn, Mike Jewell
4th Heat- Shannon Babb, Hillard Miller, Shawn Negangard, Terry Eaglin
1st B-Main: Steven Godsey, Timmy Yeager, Todd McKinney, Mark Schaefer, Juan Grino
2nd B-Main: Mike Bechelli, Bobby Carrier, Jr., John Kresser, Dennis Boknecht, Dallas Bailey
Feature- Jewell, Claycomb, O’Neal, Johnson, Babb, James, Negangard, Yeager, Prince, Burton, Godsey, Eaglin, Markham, Miller, Rayburn, Gill, Carrier, Jr., Barber, Bechelli, Barnett

Bombers (43 entries)
1st Heat- Mark Hines, Matt Cummings, Glen Woods, Paul Owens
2nd Heat- Bubba Woods, Greg Benton, Bobby Davis, Josh Hayes
3rd Heat- Charlie Stevens, Ray Godsey, Jr., Josh Turner, Terry Ross
4th Heat- Matt Bex, Robert Walters, Jeff Helton, Robert Green
1st B-Main: Clifton Barron, Jason Combs, Willie Sallee, Tim Neal, Jim Deckard
2nd B-Main: James Headley, Roger Reichenbacker, Jim Pfieffer, Cory Arthur, Dave Lemons
Feature- Bubba Woods, Bex, Walters, Benton, Stevens, Davis, Godsey, Jr., Hines, Helton, Barron, Turner, Glen Woods, Ross, Owens, Hayes, Combs, Cummings, Reichenbacker, Headley, Green

   

 

BURTON WINS VCS OPENER
By Rick Isaacson

(4/15/01)Arby Burton of Georgetown,Il. captured the opening UMP modified feature by leading all 25 laps at Vermilion County Speedway in Danville. Using the pole position earned by winning the first heat Burton took the lead immediatly in turn one by outdragging Tim Reynolds. In tow were Tony Rowland, Rob Fuqua, and Dan Hamstra. By lap 5 a hard charging Hamstra had advanced to 2nd spot and proceeded to put the pressure on by almost every lap showing his nose to Burton in turns one and two but could never get enough mustard to pull ahead. Working thru 5 yellow flags Burton kept his cool and the lead while Hamstra perhaps thinking a little too much on the leader third running Tony Roland got a run on the outside at lap 20 and appeared to have the power to grab second position but a bone head move by a wrecker driver pulling a car across the track while the green light was on forced a yellow flag at the most in opportune time sending Roland to the third spot on the restart. Meanwhile Reynolds in the 4th spot had his hands full of Richard Wood who had advanced from the middle of the pack to challenge for 5th. Rob Fuqua held on for 6th with Don Kiger moving up to 7th at the finish. A significant rain Saturday night plus the cloudy and cool temperatures made for a heavy and somewhat rough track particularly during the heats after which the track was graded and made for a much better surface feature time but still not what is expected at VCS. Promoter Bill Marietta not at all happy with these conditions said all attempts will be made to make sure this will not happen again if at all possible. A total of 28 modifieds signed in tonight with J.R.Coyner setting fast time, however his night went steadily downhill from there when he transfered in his heat but forgot to cross the scales thus forfeiting the spot and having to start at near the rear of the feature along with other transfers Don Kiger, Marvin Burton, and Terry Duncan who also did not cross the scales after the heats and forfeited their feature postions and started near the rear of the feature. A hard lesson learned on the new UMP weight rules. Results below:
1st heat: Arby Burton, Rob Fuqua, Cory Rolfe, Tim O'Donnell
2nd heat: Tim Reynolds, Dan Hamstra, Bruce Draper, Mark Flessner
3rd heat: Mike Gritton, Tony Roland, Richard Wood, Steve Evans
Semi-Feature was eliminated allowing 22 cars to start the feature
Feature:
1. Arby Burton 2. Dan Hamstra
3. Tony Roland 4. Tim Reynolds
5. Richard Wood 6. Rob Fuqua
7. Don Kiger 8. Mike Gritton
9. Steve Evans 10.Bruce Draper
11.Mark Flessner 12.Marvin Burton
13.J.R. Coyner 14.Dennis Hux
15.Cory Rolfe 16.Kyle Logue
17.Tim O'Donnell 18.Roger Cary
19.Terry Duncan 20.Jesse Simmons
21.Sean Seavers 22.Rich Isaacson
Nextweek the NALMS late model series invades VCS with hot laps at approx. 5:30 and qualifing at 5:45 and racing at 6:30.
See ya sunday........

 

RACING AT THE VCS FAST TRACK
(4/22/01)
Complete story on news page or V.C.S. website

SUMMARY
NORTHERN ALLSTARS-37 cars
Heat 1-Steve Barnett, B,J, McCammon, Kevin Claycomb, Jeff Martin
Heat 2-Bob Pierce, Doug McCammon, Richie Hedrick, Dennis Erb, Jr.
Heat 3-Steve Hillard, Brian Clendenen, Dick Phillips, Kevin Weaver
Heat 4-Scott James, Roger Long, Joe Harlan, Steve Lance
Semi-Jim Curry, Shawn Negangard
Feature-Pierce, Hillard, Barnett, Doug McCammon, Long, James, Phillips, Weaver, Curry, B.J.McCammon

UMP MODIFIED-46 cars
Heat 1- Tony Roland, Sean Seaver, Wes Steidinger
Heat 2-Shane Cottle, J.R.Coyner, Chuck Haga
Heat 3-Ryan Young, Kyle Cooper, Kyle Logue
Heat 4-Brandon Raef, Dan Hamstra, Arby Burton
Semi 1-John DeMoss, Michael Bradley
Semi 2-Denny Schwartz, Don Kiger
Feature- Sean Seavers, Shane Cottle, Denny Schwartz, Tony Roland, Tim O'Donnell

Super Street Feature- Randy Shuman
Bomber Feature- Rick Baity 

 

STEIDINGER WINS WEEK 3 AT VCS
By Rick Isaacson

(4/28/01)Using his front row starting position Wes Steidinger jumped to the lead at the start and rode off to a convincing win at Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, Ill. Sunday night. At the outset Steidinger along with front row starter Arby Burton lead the 22 car feature to the green with the pole sitter firing to the front and continuing to pull away on the dry slick but smooth surface. By lap 10 the lead was about half a straight away and stayed there until a caution on lap 21 allowed Burton and the rest to pull up to the leader whom had a shield of one lapped car between himself and second spot. On the restart a lap was completed with another caution but Steidinger had the fastest car tonight and pulled away to a 4 car length lead at the finish. Rick Hufford ran a consistent race to come home third while J.R.Coyner and Don Kiger duked it out for fourth and fifth switching the positions back and forth many times with Coyner eventually grabbing the spot at the finish. Denny Schwartz showed that passing was definitely not impossible for the second week in a row as he came from the 18th starting slot to 6th at the finish. A total of 33 cars attended and the racing for the modifieds were finished at 9:15. Results :
Fast time: Chuck Haga
Transfers:
Heat 1: Wes Steidinger, J.R.Coyner, Chuck Haga, D1ck Phelps
Heat 2: Arby Burton, Sean Seavers, Elvin Herschberger, Jeff Houchens
Heat 3: Tim O'Donnell, Don Kiger, Rob Fuqua, Danny Schwartz
Heat 4: Rick Hufford, Greg Pitts, Terry Duncan, Charlie Sentman
Consi transfers: Roger Cary, Denny Schwartz, Brandon Raef, Cory Rolfe, Charlie Carroll, Kyle Logue, Carroll did not start feature so Mike Elliott as first alternate took that spot.
Feature :
1. Wes Steidinger 2. Arby Burton
3. Rick Hufford 4. J.R.Coyner
5. Don Kiger 6. Denny Schwartz
7. Chuck Haga 8. Terry Duncan
9. Jeff Houchens 10.Kyle Logue
11.Elvin Herschberger 12.Cory Rolfe
13.Danny Schwartz 14.Sean Seavers
15.D1ck Phelps 16.Greg Pitts
17.Rob Fuqua 18.Brandon Raef
19.Roger Cary 20.Charlie Sentman
21.Mike Elliott 22.Tim O'Donnell
another mover was Kyle Logue from 21st to 10th. Racing resumes next Sunday with a full program of UMP modified action along with the Super Streets and bombers , the hornets will also be on the card. Hot laps begin at 5:45 with qualifing at 6pm and racing at 6:30. Admission is $8 with a pit pass an additional $12 for adults. The VCS staff would like to extend their condolonces to the family of fellow racer Dan Hamstra who had his father pass away Saturday night. May God bless you all and ease your pain.

 

SEAN SEAVERS WINS AGAIN AT VCS
(click on website above for summary)
By Rick Isaacson
Threats of heavy rain (missed the track by about 2 miles) a massive wind and dust storm, a full moon, and 33 other UMP modified drivers could not deny Sean Seavers the victory at VCS in Danville,Illinois Sunday night. For "Humpty" (his 4m handle) this would be his second of the season at the oversized 1/4 mile oval and also his second in a row here making him one of the early favorites for the upcoming $5000 to win David Richardson Memorial on Memorial Day weekend. Terry Duncan and Elvin Herschberger led the 22 car field to the green flag with Herschberger jumping to the front right off the bat and Duncan on his tail early. By the end of the first lap Seavers had bolted from his 6th starting spot to latch onto the runner-up spot leaving Duncan, Dennis Hux, Arby Burton and Chuck Haga battling for the 3rd on back slots. Herschberger looked to have all in command and widened his lead to as much as half a straight lead over Seavers up to the 15 lap when the handle seemed to slightly go away allowing Seavers to close the gap slowly lap by lap. Behind the lead duo the battle for 3rd really got hot and heavy as Hux, Tim O'Donnell and Don Kiger all in Pierce built mods changed hands many times with each in the show position at one time or another. O'Donnell had come from his 12th starting spot to slice and dice for 3rd. By this time Duncan had slid back to a fight for 6th thru 8th with Arby Burton, Chuck Haga and Kyle Logue joining in the fun. The track although a little odd in that there was plenty of tack in the corners and the straights a dry slick condition allowed for 3 grooves of racing throughout the feature event. With 5 laps to go the lead duo encountered the car of Brad Crosby ,the first car to go a lap down, and all three running the top of the track Herschberger waited just a little to long to make the move to pass allowing Seavers to box the leader behind and going on to post the 25 lap victory. The struggle for third went right down to the wire with Dennis Hux capturing his best finish ever at VCS then Kiger nosing O'Donnell for the 4th spot but still on right rear quarter panel of Hux. Burton held on for 6th followed by Duncan, Haga, and Logue.
Results :
Fast time; Brandon Raef
Top 4 in heats:
First heat: Terry Duncan, Dennis Hux, Don Kiger, Cory Rolfe
Second heat: Elvin Herschberger, Chuck Haga, Richard Wood, Kyle Logue
Third heat: Arby Burton, Sean Seavers, J.R.Coyner, Tim O'Donnell
Consi: Brad Crosby, Brad Wright, Gabe Menser, Ryan Young
Feature:
1. Sean Seavers 2. Elvin Herschberger 3. Dennis Hux 4. Don Kiger
5. Tim O'Donnell 6. Arby Burton 7. Terry Duncan 8. Chuck Haga
9. Kyle Logue 10.Rob Fuqua 11.Jeff Houchens 12.Cory Rolfe
13.Jim Moore 14.J.R.Coyner 15.Brian McDaniel 16.Gabe Menser
17.Ryan Young 18.Brad Crosby 19.Richard Wood 20.Roger Cary
21.Brad Wright 22.Scott Wang
A total of 34 modifieds signed in Sunday. With 97 total cars in the pit area the modified feature was finished at 9:00 and all racing was done at 9:50. I'm sure the car count was held down some by the threat of weather and this was the first night this year that over 100 cars was not in attendance. Next Sunday the UMP Late models invade VCS with at $2000 to win show along with the UMP modifieds, super streets, and bombers. The finish time was very good taking into account the weather, skirmishes in the pits (attribute that to the moon... lol), and at least 2 different red flags so far the attempts to get the travelling folks out at an early hour on Sunday has worked out. We're trying.

Duck River Speedway Results

 Race Results from Saturday, March 10 at Duck River Speedway

The season opener at Duck River Speedway was welcomed with pits overflowing(over 140 cars) and a good crowd in the main grandstands. The new season did not smile on the defending class champions, as only one defending champion had a Top 5 finish. But the season is long and the battle for the track championship should be a good fight with numerous drivers serving notice, they will be contenders.
The new Claimer Late Model division provided the fans with a thrilling finish as Allen Carter spent most of the race trying to find a way around Tommy Climer, then with 3 laps to go began pressuring a veritable speedway legend, in Jimmy Nowlin. The two chargers ran side by side for the final 3 laps and exiting turn two on the last circuit Carter tried to put a slide job on Nowlin and shut the door but Jimmy would have no part of this and the two made hard contact with Nowlin ending up in the infield and Carter headed for victory lane.
Claimer Late Models
1) Allen Carter
2) Chigger Sisco
3) Josh Lunsford
4) Tommy Climer
5) Greg Harbin

Twenty nine Super Late Models signed in with 27 taking time trials. Benton, Kentucky’s, Terry English set quick time and held off David Gentry until Gentry spun on lap 5, then Jay Brinkley the final 20 laps to nab the win. Decatur, Alabama’s Mark Mears pushed the leaders to a third place finish while fourth spot went to Bobby Melvin who did a great job charging from his 13th starting spot to pressure the lead pack over the waning laps of the feature. Clarksville’s, Carnell Parker rounded out the top 5. Jerry Ashley won the Late Model Consy.
Super Late Models
1) Terry English
2) Jay Brinkley
3) Mark Mears
4) Bobby Melvin
5) Carnell Parker
6) Jeff Sanborn
7) David Gentry
8) Jerry Ashley
9) Rodney Melvin
10) Moe Harrison

David Gentry driving the Wayne Butts #18 charged around Bryan Reed then held back a surprisingly determined Mike Grissom for the Open Wheel Modified win. Grissom took the Place position while Fayetteville’s, Alan Holmes made a great run from his 10th starting spot to garner the Show spot. Bob Jarrett and Jason Maurer rounded out the Top 5. Gentry, Reed and Buck Trull were the Heat Race winners.
Open Wheel
1) David Gentry
2) Mike Grissom
3) Alan Holmes
4) Bob Jarrett
5) Jason Maurer
6) Bryan Reed
7) Bud Collett
8) Eric Hickerson
9) Terry Fowler
10) Tim Demonbreun

      Denny Schwartz Wins David Richardson Memorial
by Paul D. Bayne
DANVILLE, Ill. (May 27, 2001)  Denny Schwartz scored a popular win at the
Vermilion County Speedway Sunday night, as he led all 50 laps of the David
Richardson Memorial race to earn himself  the championship trophy and a cool
$5,000 in prize money.  Schwartz, the 40-year-old veteran driver from
Ashmore, IL,  started on the pole of the 50-lapper and repeatedly held off
the advances of 2000 UMP National Champion Jimmy Owens of Newport, TN.  "This
was the first night on the new car, and yeah, I like it," said an overjoyed
Schwartz, "Jimmy (Owens) was making me nervous there for the first half of
the race, but once I calmed myself down I was alright," he added.  The win by
Schwartz marked the third year in a row that a driver from Charleston
Speedway has claimed the prestigious event.  Furthermore, the last three
champions of the race all come from or around the Kansas, IL area.

Schwartz, who finished runner-up last year in the David Richardson Memorial
to Tommy Burnside, and  runner-up at the IMCA Super Nationals in 1989, called
this "the biggest win of his racing career".  Driving a brand new Pierce
Chassis fresh out of the box, he is sponsored by Bud's Plumbing &
Heating/Schwartz Race Cars/Bill Bybee Trucking/Gardner Excavating, and also a
special note of thanks to Donnie Dow, Charleston Speedway's owner, who
provided the motor for Schwartz's wire-to-wire triumph.

Owens, fresh off his Friday night march to the checkered flag at Vermilion
County Speedway, tried everything in his power to find a lane to get around
Schwartz.  "There really wasn't much race track left above the bottom, and
each time I tried the outer groove I couldn't make it stick.  My left rear
tire pretty much went away there towards the end, but we're real happy for
Denny and his crew," said a gracious Owens.

A field of twenty-six modifieds earned the right to compete in the David
Richardson main event through ten heat races and six consolation races. 
Track promoter Bill Marietta than added a $300-to-win 25-lap "B" feature for
those finishing positions second through fifth in the consolation races. 
Drivers representing 11 states signed into the pit gate coming from as far as
Texas.  In all, 206 cars from three classes, including 143 UMP modifieds,
were present in the pits, which stretched out all the way to the main gate
entrance.  It was what can only be described as a "who's who" of UMP modified
drivers.

When starter Rick Isaacson dropped the green flag it didn't take long for
things to heat up on an otherwise clear and chilly evening.  Wayne Brooks
from Arkansas, spun his mount on the opening lap down in turn two, prompting
a caution flag and a complete restart.  Brooks' car suffered a flat left rear
tire and was forced to retire to the pits.  When the green dropped for a
second time, polesitter Schwartz jumped out to an early lead as he beat Owens
down into turn one.  Following that duo was second fast qualifier Michael Bradley,
Darryl Herbert, and Wes Steidinger. 

On lap four, former track champion Dan Hamstra, who won the sixth and final
consolation race, went pitside with handling problems.  Owens meanwhile, was
trying to figure out the best way around Schwartz, as he made a bid for the
lead coming off turn two on lap six.  One lap later, current track points
leader Arby Burton, spun in turn one bringing out the yellow and slowing the
field.  Schwartz was able to get a great jump on the restart, but Owens
quickly reeled in Schwartz and applied the pressure once again.

On about lap 15, Tim O'Donnell and John Seets made acquaintances in turn 4. 
O'Donnell's night was done, while Seets was able to continue.  By lap 18,
Owens was all over Schwartz, trying the high side repeatedly and taking a
look on the inside of the black and orange #21s machine.  "I could see him
coming up on the outside several times throughout the race," said Schwartz,
"but I was gonna give up the bottom for nothing.  If he was going to beat me,
he was going to have to get around me up top," he added.  Owens' efforts
would be denied each time by Schwartz, as the two began to put some distance
between themselves and the Bradley, Herbert, Steidinger trio. 

Owens got a little loose coming off of turn four on about lap 21, and
Schwartz was given a little breathing room.  It may have been all the comfort
he needed, as Schwartz began to settle in to a rhythm.  A liitle further back
in the pack, UMP national points leader Chad Kinder, who started 16th, Tim
Reynolds, who started 17th, and Wes O'Dell, who started 26th, began to march
towards the front in a hurry, as they battled for the eighth through tenth
positions.

Davey Gantt brought out the race's final caution when he looped it in turn
two.  Bryan Clendenen, the Northern All Stars Modified Champion in 2000,
worked his way up into the seventh spot on lap 25, while Matt Boknecht fell
out on lap 30.  On lap 31, Bradley began to experience some handling problems
that allowed Herbert and Steidinger to get by on the bottom for the third and
fourth spots.  From that point on in the race, the only question that
remained was "did Owens have enough left to make his way around Schwartz?" 
Time and time again, Owens took a look to the high side, as Schwartz
protected the low groove.

When they crossed the stripe, it was Schwartz, Owens, Herbert, Steidinger,
and Bradley claiming the top five, while Burdette, Clendenen, Kinder, O'Dell,
and Reynolds rounded out the top ten.  Only 16 cars finished on the lead lap,
with no cars falling a lap down. 

Complete UMP modified results

Heat 1 (top 2 advance)
Denny Schwartz, Nick Gough, Mike Chastain, Kyle Logue

Heat 2 (top 2 advance)
Michael Bradley, Matt Boknecht, Mark Moore, Dan Hamstra

Heat 3 (top 2 advance)
Jimmy Owens, Wayne Brooks, Dean Vickers, John DeMoss

Heat 4 (top 2 advance)
Darryl Herbert, Todd Gilpin, Bart Richardson, Rob Fuqua

Heat 5 (top 2 advance)
Steve Picou, Rob Timmons, Wes O'Dell, Tony Roland

Heat 6 (top 2 advance)
Wes Steidinger, Chad Kinder, Danny Schwartz, Paul White

Heat 7 (top 2 advance)
John Burdette, Tim Reynolds, George White, Jarod Temples

Heat 8 (top 2 advance)
Arby Burton, Shane Cottle, Tim O'Donnell, RJ Gall

Heat 9 (top 2 advance)
Davet Gantt, Don Kiger, Dave Porth, Kevin Weaver

Heat 10 (top 2 advance)
Bryan Clendenen, John Seets, Everette Bradham, Bryan Collins

Consi 1 (winner advances...two through five to B main)
John DeMoss, Mike Chasteen, John Hudson, Kevin Weaver, Chuck Haga

Consi 2 (winner adavances...two through five to B main)
Tim O'Donnell, Brandon Maxwell, Eric Smith, Tommy Burnside, Rob Fuqua

Consi 3 (winner advances...two through five to B main)
Dean Vickers, Doug St. Myers, Blaine Farr, Tony Roland, Eddie Kindred

Consi 4 (winner advances...two through five to B main)
Davey Gantt, Bart Richardson, Tim Hancock, Ryan Young, Larry Raines

Consi 5 (winner advances...two through five to B main)
Wes O'Dell, Kyle Logue, Rocky Griffin, Jarod Temples, Jerry Danford

Consi 6 (winner advances...two through five to B main)
Dan Hamstra, Danny Schwartz, Dusty Moore, RJ Gall, Lance Dehm

Feature
Denny Schwartz, Jimmy Owens, Darryl Herbert, Wes Steidinger, Michael Bradley,
John Burdette, Bryan Clendenen, Chad Kinder, Wes O'Dell, Tim Reynolds, Dean
Vickers, John DeMoss, Don Kiger, John Seets, Nick Gough, Davey Gantt, Shane
Cottle, Matt Boknecht, Everette Bradham, Todd Gilpin, Rob Timmons, Steve
Picou, Tim O'Donnell, Arby Burton, Dan Hamstra, Wayne Brooks

B Feature
Kyle Logue, Danny Schwartz, John Hudson, Rocky Griffin, Doug St. Myers, Tony
Roland, Blaine Farr, Jarod Temples, Chuck Haga, Tim Hancock, Ryan Young,
Eddie Kindred, Eric Smith, Dusty Moore, Robin Huffman, Rob Fuqua

 

Owens Nabs $1,000 NKF Win at Vermilion County

          
By Paul D. Bayne 

DANVILLE, Ill. (May 25, 2001)  If Friday night’s UMP modified racing action is in any way an indication of what is yet to come  this Sunday at Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, well race fans had better plan on an early arrival to get a good seat, if a seat at all.  Friday night, promoter Bill Marietta and his Vermilion County Speedway staff, hosted the National Kidney Foundation series for what would essentially be a tune-up for the 8th Annual David Richardson Memorial race, to be held this Sunday at the 3/8-mile clay oval facility located in east central Illinois.  Over 60 modifieds turned up to try and find their ways into the 30-lap main event. 

Newport, Tennessee’s Jimmy Owens, the 2000 UMP National Champion, made his way to the high banks of Danville, and showed people why he is just that, a champion.  Driving a Lightning Chassis, sponsored by Southwest Speed/H-1 Auto Parts/Redline Oils/Bilstein Shocks, Owens started on the outside of pole sitter Chuck Haga, and struck early by vaulting himself into the lead as the field took the green flag and headed for turn one.  As the remainder of the twenty-four car field tip-toed their way through the first two turns, Owens was able to stretch out to a several car length lead over Haga, who was being hounded by Dan Hamstra of Fair Oaks, IN.  

On lap number two, consolation race winners Don Kiger and Dean Vickers got together in turn three bringing out an early race caution flag from starter Rick Isaacson.  By lap five, Hamstra was able to slide by Haga for second, while Fairbury’s (IL) Wes Steidinger moved around Matt Boknecht for the sixth position.  One lap later, Steidinger got by Dale Hayes for fifth.  On lap seven, Boknecht went into turn one a little hot and spun, then parked his car on the inside apron bringing out the second yellow flag. 

With the order now of Owens, Hamstra, Haga, Arby Burton, and Steidinger, the field rushed towards turn one where Hamstra tried valiantly to get alongside Owens in the corners.  The two began to pull away from the rest of the pack, stretching out to a ten car advantage.  Steidinger was able to get by Burton for fourth on lap 12 and was quickly closing in on Haga for third.  Meanwhile,Oakwood’s (IL) Brian Clendenen, the NALMS modified points champion a year ago, began the race sixteenth on the grid and was by now already up to the eighth position.  At the midway mark, Elvin Herschberger of Peru, IN dazzled the crowd with a three-wheel dance that lasted for two laps, although for all the wrong reasons.  Herschberger’s car had encountered a rear suspension problem that forced him to retire early to the pits, while bringing out the caution.  “I thought the track would be a lot slicker than it was, so we went with a short bar suspension, and when the car rolls in the corners, it rolled right over top of the bird cage and locked us up,” said a disappointed Herschberger.  “We’ll get it fixed and be back Sunday for the big show.  Sometimes you just have nights like this,” he added.

On the restart, Owens pulled away from Hamstra and Haga again as the field roared down the backstretch.  The 18-year-old Steidinger was able to get under Haga for the third spot on lap 18, and one lap later successfully navigated his way by Hamstra for the runner-up spot.  Steidinger, who made his way to Vermilion County after Farmer City Raceway (IL) was forced to cancel their show due to rain, arrived minutes before qualifying, then unloaded and went out and set fast time on the night.  Current UMP points leader, Chad Kinder who started fifteenth, made his way up to the eighth spot on lap 23, while eight cars were dicing for position at the rear of the field.  Late model driver Richie Hedrick worked his way up to seventh on lap 26 using much the same line he would if in the late model.  Hedrick, was one of those drivers who traveled from Farmer City and arrived just in time.  “We got here just in time to get the car unloaded and get in and go, no air pressure adjustments or chassis changes at all.  Just get in in and race.” 

In the closing laps, Steidinger was able to close in on Owens, but could never mount a serious charge for the top spot.  “I thought I was closing in on him, and thought that maybe I could show him a nose, but it wasn’t meant to be.  We just ran out of laps.  He (Owens) is tough to beat, but I still think I might have had something there for him if we had more time.  We needed a caution there at the end,” said Steidinger. 

When the race was concluded Owens had taken the checkered flag first, while Steidinger, Hamstra, Burton, and Clendenen followed in tow.  Rounding out the top ten were Haga, Kinder, Hedrick, Darrin Thye, and Lee Hobbs. 

Heat races were won by Haga, Owens, Hamstra, Hayes, Burton, and Boknecht, while consolation wins went to Don Kiger, Kyle Logue, and Missouri’s Dean Vickers.  Steidinger set fast time with a lap of 15.406. 

Sunday afternoon, Vermilion County Speedway will host the 8th Annual David Richardson Memorial race, with $5,000 awaiting the winner.  Over 120 cars from eight states are expected to fill the pits.  For more information on this event call (217) 443-6588. 

UMP modified results 

Heat races (top 3 advanced)

Heat 1- Chuck Haga, Wes Steidinger, Tony Roland, Jason Lakey

Heat 2-Jimmy Owens, Lee Hobbs, Elvin Herschberger, Terry Duncan

Heat 3-Dan Hamstra, Bruce Hanford, Bryan Clendenen, Clint DeMoss

Heat 4-Dale Hayes, Tim Reynolds, Sean Seavers, Darrell Herbert

Heat 5-Arby Burton, Denny Schwartz,Chad Kinder, Kyle Logue

Heat 6-Matt Boknecht, Darrin Thye, Richie Hedrick, Danny Schwatz

Consolation races (top 2 advanced)

!st Consy- Don Kiger, Jason Lakey, Darrell Herbert, J.R.Coyner, Scott Weber

2nd Consy-Kyle Logue, Roger Cary, Jeff Leka, John DeMoss, Terry Duncan

3rd Consy-Dean Vickers, Danny Schwartz, Tim O'Donnell, Ed Shamhart,Clint DeMoss

Feature- Owens, Steidinger, Hamstra, Burton, Clendenen, Haga, Kinder, Hedrick, Thye, Hobbs, Hayes, Roland, Kiger, Lakey, Cary, Hanford, Seavers, Danny Schwartz, Reynolds, Denny Schwartz, Boknecht, Logue, Herschberger, Vickers.   

May is UMP Modified Month in Illinois

8th Annual David Richardson Memorial Set to Roll 

By Paul D. Bayne 

DANVILLE, Ill (May 24, 2001) With Memorial Day weekend just a day or two away, the unofficial start to the summer season is now upon us, and so too, is UMP Modified Madness in the prairie state.  This weekend marks the beginning of what die-hard open-wheel modified fans would call an “Orgy of Modified Racing Action”.   

This year will mark the running of the Eighth Annual David Richardson Memorial Race for UMP Modifieds at the popular high-banked track known as Vermilion County Speedway in Danville, IL. Interest over the years has gradually spread to neighboring tracks in Central Illinois and the Richardson Memorial Race has become the culmination of a weekend of top Modified racing for fans and drivers. Another new twist has been added this year as Macon Speedway has set a Modified Special race for Monday, allowing drivers four straight nights of top paying races.  

Beginning this Friday night at the Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL), the UMP Thunder & Lightning Series will invade the high-banked ¼ mile dirt oval.  The winner of this race will receive $2000.  Meanwhile, at Vermilion County Speedway (Danville, IL) there is a $1000-to-win show for the modifieds, with the winner getting a guaranteed starting spot in the 8th Annual David Richardson Memorial race on Sunday at Vermilion County. 

Saturday, May 26th, the UMP Thunder & Lightning Series moves to Charleston Speedway, where the winner gets $2500, and a guaranteed starting spot in the David Richardson Memorial.  Racing action at this speed plant can get pretty wild and exciting with its’ long straight-aways and sweeping turns.   

Sunday, May 27th, Vermilion County Speedway plays host to the 8th Annual David Richardson Memorial race paying $5000-to-win.  Approximately 120 cars are expected for this big event including 2000 UMP national modified points champion Jimmy Owens.  In 1998 & 1999, the winner of this prestigious event has gone on to capture the national points title.  Tommy Burnside of Kansas, IL will return to defend his crown.  The previous two winners have come from Kansas, IL (Jeff Martin 1999). 

However, the racing action doesn’t stop there, as on Monday night, the UMP Thunder & Lightning Series travels to Macon Speedway (Macon, IL) for a $6500-to-win modified special.  Macon has been described as a very tight bullring with loads of non-stop action. 

All in all, it’s enough open-wheel dirt modified action to wear a race fan out in a hurry.  Expect to see some of the Midwest’s biggest and brightest stars to turn up at one, if not all four of these tracks.  How could Memorial Day weekend get any better?  As long Mother Nature cooperates, everything will be terrific. 

Special thanks to Jack Taylor – Vermilion County Speedway Public Relations – for his contributions. 

 Listed below are the phone numbers for information about the weekend on camping, etc.
Charleston Speedway, Charleston, IL-#217-234-4298
Farmer City Raceway, Farmer City, IL-#217-764-3200
Macon Speedway, Macon, IL-#217-764-3770
Vermilion County Speedway, Danville, IL-#217-443-6923 

The "Tall Cool One" Rim-Rides to 17th Annual Kenny Simpson Memorial Win at Brownstown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michael Despain-Media Contact (Source)

Brownstown, IN-May 19- Bob Pierce of Oakwood, Ill. took the road less traveled to capture his first win in the NALMS sanctioned Kenny Simpson Memorial at Brownstown Speedway. The win by Pierce was his 15th career win at Brownstown and marked the eighth different winner in nine races for the Late Models at Brownstown this season. In other action, Bubba Woods was victorious in the Bomber feature, with Greg O’Neill winning the Super Stock feature.

Mark Barber jumped to the point of the 40 lap, $3,000 to win NALMS feature event, with Steve Barnett, Bob Pierce, Doug McCammon, and Don O’Neal in pursuit. Steve Hillard would get fifth on lap 2, then make a power move off of turn four to go to third one circuit later, bringing Kevin Claycomb along for the ride, with Pierce getting shuffled back to seventh. Barnett turned the heat up on Barber for the lead on lap 5 as the pair raced side-by-side for lead before Barnett would grab the top spot off of turn two on lap 7. Pierce would begin his rid-riding, top floor charge on lap 8, breaking back into the top five on lap 9. Pierce would then bring the pain to Claycomb for fourth as he tip-toed around Claycomb on lap 10 for the position. Meanwhile, Hillard was now nipping at the heels of Barber for the runner-up spot and would take second on lap 12, with Pierce disposing of Barber to take the third slot one round later. Race leader Barnett would start the process of working slower traffic on lap 14, while Pierce set his sights on Hillard for second. Pierce would fall off the backchute on lap 17, but jumped the car back out into the track, without losing a position. Pierce would then deal a dose of medicine to Hillard on lap 19, taking the second spot after a side-by-side tussle with the NALMS points leader. Barnett would get a scare on lap 21 as he and a slower car made contact exiting turn four, but held on to the lead. Pierce now zoned in on Barnett as Barnett continued to dice in and out of traffic, while Pierce continued his top floor charge. Lap 26 would see Pierce pull right up on Barnett and the pair would duel door-to-door on lap 27 before Pierce charged by on the top side of turn two on lap 28. McCammon had also ran down Hillard for third at this point and last year’s NALMS national runner-up would grab third from Hillard in turn three on lap 30. The final ten circuits would continue to see Pierce take the long way around the track and see the "Tall Cool One" take the checkered flag first in his Murphy Trucking, D.A. Bar, Hoosier Tires, Clawsons Heating and AC, B and D Truck and Trailer Repair, FineLine Designs #32 C.J. Rayburn Race Cars, ProPower Race Engines powered entry. Barnett would trail in second, with McCammon, Hillard, and Claycomb completing the top five. Don O’Neal would head up the second five, followed by 20th starting Matt Miller, 16th starting Dick Phillips, Barber, and John Gill. Fifty-six Northern All-Star Late Models were registered for the event, with heat wins going to Pierce, Barber, Barnett, O’Neal, McCammon, and Scott James. Mike Jewell and Miller won the B-mains, while NALMS provisionals went to Jim Curry and Brad Barrow.

Bomber division points leader Bubba Woods of Bedford, IN took the lead from Matt Bex on the white flag lap to take yet another win in the Bomber feature aboard his Bailey’s Flowers and Gifts, Jerry Arthur Paving, Antique Auto Race Car Museum, Tucker Transmissions #00 Performer Chassis, Terry Cummings powered Monte Carlo. Bex would finish second, with Robert Walter, Charlie Stevens, and 19th starter Matt Cummings completing the top five. Rounding out the top ten were Bobby Davis, Clifton Barron, 18th starter Dave Robinson, Josh Turner, and Rob Manley. Forty-six Bombers were on hand with heats going to Bex, Barron, Woods, Jim Ruddick, and Stevens. The B-mains were won by Jerry Maynard and Rick Applegate.

Greg O’Neill of Mooresville, IN made it two wins in a row in the Super Stock division as he held off the charges of defending Super Stock track champion Mike Fields to take the win behind the wheel of his Eastern Banner Supply #99 Steve Hunt owned entry. Trailing Fields to complete the top five were Joe Johnson, Darin George, and Gary Green. Completing the top ten were Willie Sallee, 17th starter Steve Hunt, Tom Plotz, 15th starting Mike Vest, and 19th starting Burney Chaplin. Forty Super Stockers were on hand with heats going to ONeill, George, Johnson, and Fields, while the B-mains were scored by Hunt and Raymond Burton.

Racing action continues at Brownstown Speedway this Saturday night with a regular racing program of Late Models, UMP Modifieds, and Bombers.

SUMMARY-Brownstown Speedway-Brownstown, Indiana-May 19, 2001

Northern All-Star Late Models (56 entries)

Top Qualifier- Bob Pierce 15.102

1st Heat- Pierce, Steve Hillard, Jim Leeth, Mike Jewell

2nd Heat- Mark Barber, John Gill, Jeff Martin, Tory Collins

3rd Heat- Steve Barnett, Kevin Claycomb, Marty O’Neal, Mark Bechelli

4th Heat- Don O’Neal, Shawn Negangard, Dick Phillips, John Mason

5th Heat- Doug McCammon, Dan Sturgeon, Jay Mobley, Tim Prince

6th Heat- Scott James, Frank Reaber, Steve Casebolt, Matt Miller

1st B-Main: Jewell, Bechelli, Collins, Scott Smith, Cale Kern

2nd B-Main: Miller, Mason, Duane Chamberlain, Josh Williams, Joe Godsey

NALMS Provisionals- Jim Curry and Brad Barrow

Kenny Simpson Memorial- Pierce, Barnett, McCammon, Hillard, Claycomb, Don O’Neal, Miller, Phillips, Barber, Gill, Negangard, Martin, Barrow, James, Mobley, Curry, Reaber, Jewell, Marty O’Neal, Leeth, Sturgeon, Casebolt

Bombers (46 entries)

1st Heat- Matt Bex, Paul Owens, Josh Turner, Robert Green

2nd Heat- Clifton Barron, Rob Manley, Phil Hillman, Jerry Maynard

3rd Heat- Bubba Woods, Robert Walters, Bobby Davis, Josh Hayes

4th Heat- Jim Ruddick, Mickey Hines, Andrew Davis, Roger Reichenbacker

5th Heat- Charlie Stevens, Ben Burton, Fudgie Robbins, Dave Robinson

1st B-Main: Maynard, Robinson, Green, Ryan Wells, Terry Leitzman

2nd B-Main: Rick Applegate, Matt Cummings, Reichenbacker, Hayes, Tony Arthur

Feature- Woods, Bex, Walters, Stevens, Cummings, Bobby Davis, Barron, Robinson, Turner, Manley, Reichenbacker, Andrew Davis, Green, Maynard, Applegate, Owens, Hillman, Hines, Ruddick, Robbins

Super Stocks (40 entries)

1st Heat- Greg O’Neill, Brad Cummings, Gary Green, Tom Plotz

2nd Heat- Darin George, Kevin Jones, Jeremy Hines, Jay Deckard

3rd Heat- Joe Johnson, Trent Niflis, Chris Hillman, Mike Vest

4th Heat- Mike Fields, Randy Moore, Willie Sallee, Travis Todd

1st B-Main: Steve Hunt, Burney Chaplin, Mel Bigham, Dave Wolfert, Deb Freisner

2nd B-Main: Raymond Burton, Chris Deweese, Jerry Helton, Michael Purtlebaugh

Feature- O’Neill, Fields, Johnson, George, Green, Sallee, Hunt, Plotz, Vest, Chaplin, Cummings, Hines, Moore, Deweese, Deckard, Burton, Niflis, Todd, Jones
 

Atkinson, Roland Power to Crown Point Victories
By Paul D. Bayne 

CROWN POINT, IN (May 19, 2001) Crown Point Speedway completed it’s third week of racing this 2001 season, as Al Atkinson proved to be too much in the UMP late model ranks, while Tony Roland simply snuck in and stole the show in the UMP modified event.  A pretty good turnout of fans and cars turned up at the 1/3-mile clay oval Saturday night, and they were treated to some excellent racing in a program that moved along swiftly and efficiently.  The entire racing program was completed well under the 11:00pm track curfew, at approximately 10:20pm. 

Atkinson of Milwaukee, WI, made his way over to the Crown Point oval fresh off a victory Friday night at the Kankakee Motor Speedway that netted him a cool $1500 for the win.  Teammate T.J. Dolhun, also from Milwaukee, got the team off on the right foot, as he went out and set fast time for the night on his first visit to the speedway. “I kind of like the track.  I felt pretty comfortable out there.  It’s a lot like Kankakee was last night in some ways, though it lacks the downward pitch off the turns like Kankakee,” Dolhun said.   

Atkinson, also making his first visit, started outside pole sitter Guy Volk of Hobart, IN, and had to work his way around the veteran driver on the outside.  Volk was able to make it tough on Atkinson however, as he kept pace with him for the first several laps.  Dolhun, Shawn Toczek, and two-time winner Ted Loomis of Kingston, IL, made their way by Volk on lap six, and began to give chase of Atkinson who had established a several car length advantage over the field.   

On lap 7, Rodney Back brought out the first caution of the race when he spun.  With Atkinson leading the field down the back straight for the restart, the pack bunched heading into turn four.  Atkinson once again was able to get a good jump on the field as they raced into turn one.  Toczek of Griffith, IN, was able to show Atkinson a nose a time or two, but never could get the line he needed to make the pass.  Loomis and Dolhun wrestled for the third spot throughout much of the race, until Loomis was finally able to get by just after the midway mark of the race. 

Josh Sneed brought out the yellow flag when he spun down in turn two.  This negated a huge advantage Atkinson had built up, and set the stage for a real sprint to the finish.  Atkinson got a good jump again on the restart, but appeared to bog down coming off the corners, as Toczek closed in.  Atkinson was able to hold off Toczek each time, and by the time the checkered flag flew, Atkinson had again built a comfortable margin of victory.  Toczek was able to come across the line well ahead of Ted Loomis, Scott Martin of Valparaiso, IN, and Dolhun.  Rounding out the top ten were Joe Clark, Mike Kingma, Todd McGarr, Dave Lilja, and Phil Gerlach. 

Heat race checkers were awarded to Josh Sneed, Lilja, and Volk.  Fast time went to Dolhun with a best lap of 13.45. 

In easily the most exciting race of the night, East Chicago’s (IN) Tony Roland proved that patience is indeed a virtue. The race began with Garry Whittington of Kouts getting the jump on pole sitter and current points’ leader William Harrison of Black Oak, IN.  Whittington was able to sail out front, while Dan Hamstra moved around Harrison as well.  Hamstra began to go to work on Whittington, as the twosome battled side by side for much of the event, until Whittington finally gave way.  Sean Seavers and Dan Drogemuller went to work on the high side slipping past Ron Wilkes, Bill Davis, and Dick Wood.  Seavers actually started to work the unoccupied low side along side of Hamstra for the lead, but could not make it stick and get the bite he needed. 

Meanwhile, after starting tenth on the grid, Roland was able to work his way up to the top six by the half way mark.  Roland making his second appearance in his new Buzzard chassis, formerly owned by Mick Roach, showed that his car was quite capable of running the high side or the low side with equal success.  Roland began an epic late race charge, which simply caught everyone with their pants down, so to speak.  Slipping by car after car underneath, until he challenged Hamstra for the lead with several laps to go.  Hamstra of Fair Oaks, IN, who recently saw the passing of his father several weeks ago, has been a man possessed as of late, posting top five finishes in nearly every race he’s run since then. 

Roland would get by for the lead on the bottom of the racing surface, as Hamstra could do little more than watch his lead vanish.  With one to go, Hamstra would enter turn one trying to set up Roland for a last lap charge of his own, but Roland was able to get off turn two with little trouble, and outdistance Hamstra to the stripe.  “I’ve got one car at the Buzzard shop (Wheeler, IN) that we got fixed this morning, and one car back at my shop, that we’re fixing as well,” said Roland, “I like this car.  It handles real good.  We had some trouble last night at Kankakee, but I think we’ve got that fixed now too.” 

Following Roland to the line were Hamstra, Seavers, Drogemuller, and Whittington, who slipped to fifth.  Posting top ten finishes were Wood, Harrison, Wilkes, Davis, and Russ Gabbert.  Jim Henson of Lake Station, IN, Roland, and Harrison won heat races.  Fast time was set by Wood with a lap of 14.20. 

In super street action it was John Marshall of Crown Point, IN, taking care of business, when early race leader Bob McLean got bottled up by slower lap traffic in turn one several laps into the event.  McLean showed his displeasure to the offender Jim Kirk, by getting into him one turn later.  Kirk, whose car showed signs of smoke following the incident, retired to the pit area after the ruckus.  McLean however, was able to continue and rejoined the field at the tail.  With lap cars in between Marshall and second-place Scott Cunningham, and third-place Tim Walter, Marshall was able to easily open up a huge lead on the restart, and went to record his second consecutive win of the season. 

Following Marshall, Cunningham, and Walter was Dave Short, and Jerome Vair, while McLean, Russ Janis, Steve Peterson, Bill Lawson, and Rick Carlisle rounded out the top ten.  Carlisle and McLean won heat races.   

Bob McLean of Gary, IN, did in fact win the street stock feature however, as he motored by Porter’s (IN) Butch Fischer on lap nine, and went on to record his first feature win of the season. Starting from the eighth spot on the grid, McLean quickly made his way towards the front, on the high side, in closing down on the leaders. Fischer got the better of McLean last week, but this week he was in the wrong place at the wrong time, as Tim Skinner, driving the ‘57 Chevy, slowed him.  Fischer would go on to claim the runner-up spot, and Glenn Coppage of Valparaiso, IN would garner the third spot.   

Rick Knight, John Sills, Skinner, and Fischer took heat races, while Ron Wilkes claimed the consolation race. 

Matt Orns claimed the mini-stock feature over Rod DeYoung, Greg “Snake” Howard, Ron Ogburn, and Virgil ”Pudge” Arnold, while Vance Zniers, Peter Hayes, Ray Veenstra, Rob Piccioni, and Nick Deavers rounded out the top ten. 

In the street stock powder puff race, Felicia Fazekas of Crown Point, IN, driving her brother Butch Fischer’s car, cruised to an easy win over five other brave souls.  Fazekas showed her older brother that it’s the car, not the driver, which gets that car to victory lane on a regular basis. 

Racing resumes next Saturday night at Crown Point Speedway with a Memorial Day program special featuring a 30-lap modified special plus a full program.  Gates open at 3pm, hot laps at 5pm, with racing slated to start at 6:30pm.  Crown Point Speedway is located ½-mile west of I-65, at the Merrillville/Valparaiso exit, then south 2 ½-miles on SR 53 (Broadway Ave.) to Summit Street, then 0.3 miles west to Madison Street, then 0.3 miles north to track entrances.  For more information call (219) 662-4007. 

UMP Late Model results
Heat 1

  1. Josh Sneed  2. Todd McGarr  3. Roger Jackson  4. Steve Metz  5. Randy Purcells

Heat 2

  1. Dave Lilja  2. Rodney Back  3. Phil Gerlach  4. Jeannie Mitchell  5. Scott Duvall

Heat 3

  1. Guy Volk  2. Al Atkinson  3. T.J. Dolhun  4. Ted Loomis  5. Shawn Toczek

Feature

1. Al Atkinson  2. Shawn Toczek  3. Ted Loomis  4. Scott Martin  5. T.J. Dolhun  6. Joe Clark  7. Mike Kingma  8. Todd McGarr  9. Dave Lilja  10. Phil Gerlach  11. Guy Volk  12. Steve Metz  13. Roger Jackson  14. Rodney Back  15. Scott Duvall  16. Jeannie Mitchell   17. Dan Komisarak  18.  Randy Purcells  19. Ken Snyder  20. Josh Sneed  21. Bart Schwartz  22. Mike Metz 

UMP Modified results 

Heat 1

  1. Jim Henson  2. Russ Gabbert  3. Donnie Rance  4. Wayne Hubbard  5. Brian Beier

Heat 2

  1. Tony Roland  2. Mickey Kirk  3. Mike Oldenburg  4. Roger Duszynski  5. Tammy Swanson

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