Results of 8/17/01
from Paul Bayne

Summary of results

Late Model Trophy Dash
1. Bob Pohlman 2. Joe Harlan 3. Kevin Weaver 4. Richie Hedrick 5. Tom Pauley 6. T.J. Dolhun

Heat 1
1. Steve Metz 2. Denny Falkos 3. Ronnie Reiniche 4. Terry Starks 5. Larry LeGrand

Heat 2
1. Dan Walden 2. Justin Allgaier 3. Jason Ziesmer 4. Mark Ziesmer 5. Matt Melvin 6. Mark Stetler 7. Dan Autullo 8. Eddie Shickel 9. Juan Grino

Heat 3
1. Corey Turner 2. Frank Heckenast 3. John Yearsley 4. Jim Zdroik 5. Roger Long 6. Mike Busch 7. Ted Loomis 8. Dennis Erb 9. Bill Reiniche

Heat 4
1. Gary May 2. Kevin Weaver 3. Al Atkinson 4. Bob Pohlman 5. Jammie Wilson 6. Joe Harlan 7. Tom Pauley 8. Richie Hedrick 9. T.J. Dolhun

Consi 1
1. John Yearsley 2. Jim Zdroik 3. Jason Beier 4. Eddie Shickel 5. Mark Stetler 6. Steve Metz 7. Matt Melvin 8. Dan Walden 9. Terry Starks

Consi 2
1. Frank Heckenast 2. Justin Allgaier 3. Bill Reiniche 4. John Kresser Jr. 5. Denny Falkos 6. Dan Autullo 7. Larry LeGrand 8. Juan Grino 9. Mark Ziesmer

Feature
1. Bob Pohlman 2. Al Atkinson 3. Joe Harlan 4. Gary May 5. Kevin Weaver 6. Richie Hedrick 7. Dennis Erb 8. Tom Pauley 9. Corey Turner 10. Frank Heckenast 11. Mike Busch 12. Justin Allgaier 13. Roger Long 14. Jim Zdroik 15. Ted Loomis 16. Jammie Wilson 17. T.J. Dolhun 18. John Yearsley

Fast Qualifier (33 cars)- T.J. Dolhun 14.3

 

UMP Modified Trophy Dash
1. Lance Dehm 2. R.J. Gall 3. Matt Bachman 4. Sean Seavers 5. Jim Farris 6. Dave Porth

Heat 1
1. John Hollifield 2. Mike Ziesmer 3. Ryan Dowman 4. Chuck Steele 5. Mike Porth 6. Mike Mosier 7. Mike McCarthy 8. Brian Beier 9. Ron Holter 10. Keith Siefert

Heat 2
1. Jerald Meier 2. Kevin Hastings 3. Tommy Kroll 4. Don Nichoalds 5. Jim Henson 6. Dale Leuth 7. Aaron Ricketts 8. Rick Roedel 9. Wes Steidinger 10. Matt Rhyne

Heat 3
1. Phil Line 2. Dan Drogemuller 3. Joe harlan 4. Jason Zdroik 5. Lance Dehm 6. Dave Porth 7. R.J. Gall 8. Matt Bachman 9. Jim Farris 10. Sean Seavers

Consi
1. Matt Rhyne 2. Dale Leuth 3. Jerald Meier 4. Kevin Hastings 5. Chuck Steele 6. Jim Henson 7. Don Nichoalds 8. Ryan Dowman 9. Mike Mosier 10. Mike Porth 11. Mike Ziesmer 12. Brian Beier 13. Mike McCarthy 14. Ron Holter 15. Keith Siefert 16. John Hollifield

Feature (20 laps)
1. Lance Dehm 2. R.J. Gall 3. Dan Drogemuller 4. Tommy Kroll 5. Sean Seavers 6. Phil Line 7. Jim Farris 8. Dave Porth 9. Kevin Hastings 10. Joe Harlan 11. Jerald Meier 12. Matt Bachman 13. Dale Leuth 14. Aaron Ricketts 15. Rick Roedel 16. Jason Zdroik 17. Matt Rhyne 18. Chuck Steele 19. Wes Steidinger

 

Street Stock Trophy Dash
1. Dave Rudisill 2. Kevin Lenzen 3. Matt Cleary 4. Jay Hamilton 5. Mike Cavanaugh 6. Scott Cavanaugh

Heat 1
1. Billy Wicker 2. Steve Thorsten 3. Jay Hamilton 4. A.J. Dixon 5. John Geary 6. Neil Martin 7. Brent Kiesler 8. Jason Hastings 9. Eric Bushey

Heat 2
1. Jeff Momper 2. Kevin Lenzen 3. Shannon Shutter 4. Rick Lafine 5. Chad Osterhoff 6. Jeremy Christer 7. Kelly Hannah 8. Jake Howard 9. Ken Bushey 10. Norm Nesselrodt

Heat 3
1. Mike Cavanaugh 2. Dave Rudisill 3. Joel Funk 4. Jerrad Krick 5. Scott Raymond 6. John Hennessey 7. Dwayne Cignavsik 8. Tommy Gibbons 9. Todd Bruce

Consi
1. Neil Martin 2. Jason Hastings 3. Brent Kiesler 4. Matt Cleary 5. Kelly Hannah 6. John Hennessey 7. Tommy Gibbons 8. Sheryl Los 9. Todd Bruce 10. Ken Bushey 11. Jake Howard 12. Eric Bushey 13. Dwayne Cignavsik 14. Jeremy Christer

Feature (15 laps)
1. Billy Wicker 2. Jeff Momper 3. Dave Rudisill 4. Kevin Lenzen 5. Shannon Shutter 6. Steve Thorsten 7. John Geary 8. Joel Funk 9. Jerrad Krick 10. Chad Osterhoff 11. Brent Kiesler 12. Scott Raymond 13. Mike Cavanaugh 14. Rick Lafine 15. Neil Martin 16. Jay Hamilton 17. A.J. Dixon 18. Jason Hastings

28 cars were in attendance

Points as through August 10th's racing action

Late Models
1. Corey Turner 469
2. Al Atkinson 439
3. Richie Hedrick 430
4. Ted Loomis 356
5. Bob Pohlman 345
6. Shawn Toczek 298
7. John Provenzano 292
8. Kevin Weaver 256
9. Frank Reaber 233
10. Bob Pierce 216

Modifieds
1. R.J. Gall 506
2. Wes Steidinger 494
3. Dave Porth 462
4. Lance Dehm 410
5. Jim Farris 369
6. Sean Seavers 351
7. Dan Drogemuller 308
8. Tommy Kroll 281
9. Matt Rhyne 273
10. Kevin Hastings 252

Street Stocks
1. Kevin Lenzen 475
2. Billy Wicker 462
3. John Geary 388
4. Jeff Momper 386
5. Matt Cleary 363
6. Mike Cavanaugh 342
7. Scott Cavanaugh 274
8. Jay Hamilton 260
9. Jake Howard 243
10. Damon Miller 220


6/22 program rained out
Next Race- 6/27- UMP Summernationals


Hedrick & James Find Kankakee Paydirt

By Paul D. Bayne

KANKAKEE, Ill. (June 3, 2001) In what can only be described by any race fan as a “wild and wooly” night, racing did in fact take place at the Kankakee Motor Speedway Sunday night.  The show consisted of a full racing program from the May 25th rainout, and make-up features for the UMP late models and street stocks that were postponed from May 11th.  A terrific turnout of both cars and fans were on hand to witness some outstanding racing at a reasonable cost.  Over 100 cars were on hand that included 49 late models, and 41 modifieds.

The night began quietly enough with R.J. Gall capturing fast time in the UMP modified division with a lap of 15.576.  That lap would have been good enough to qualify easily in the top twenty in the UMP late model class.  Taking fast time honors in the late model division was New Berlin, WI driver Bret “The Jet” Sievert, who has been running roughshod over the competition as of late, particularly in qualifying with his Rocket Chassis.  Sievert’s lap of 14.917 proved to be the only one of the forty-eight who took part in time trials to eclipse the fifteen-second barrier.

Right after qualifying was completed, the grid was set for the May 11th make-up feature, which followed the May 11th make-up of the street stock feature.  On the pole was Corey Turner of Collum, IL, and outside of him was Urbana’s (IL) Richie Hedrick, who was piloting a back-up car provided by Carpentersville’s (IL) Dennis Erb Jr.  Hedrick had lost the motor in his own car, and Erb Jr. was there to help out.  At the drop of the green flag, Hedrick and Turner raced side by side through turns one and two, and headed down the backstretch.  It wasn’t until the exit of turn four however, that Hedrick would pull out in front of Turner for good riding the cushion on the topside of the 1/3-mile semi-banked fast track.

On lap three, Ron Bohm brought out the caution when he spun in turn four.  When the race restarted, Gibson City’s (IL) Kevin Weaver was the man on the move, until he uncharacteristically spun himself in turn four.  This sent Weaver to the tail of the 15-car field, and all eyes focused on him for one of his patented runs to the front.  His attempt would prove futile however, as he only had time left to reach ninth position.

Meanwhile, back up front Hedrick continued to strengthen his lead over Turner, and Kingston’s (IL) Ted Loomis, while Jim Partipilo of Elmhurst, IL, and Bob Pohlman of Oak Lawn, IL, had a battle of their own brewing.  Back and forth they went swapping the fourth and fifth spots, lap after lap.  By lap 10, Weaver had regained a top ten position, and on lap 15, Bohm again brought out the caution when his car slid over the berm in turn one.  Hedrick once again got a good jump on the race restart, but by lap 18 Turner had closed the gap.  In fact, Turner was able to get along side of Hedrick on that same lap.  , which brought the crowd to its’ feet.  The popular Turner was working the low groove while Hedrick continued to stick with the upper lane.  Hedrick would maintain enough momentum to hold off Turner at the wire for his first win of the season at Kankakee.  Loomis would claim the third spot in front of Partipilo, while Minook’s (IL) Gary May was able to wrestle fourth away from Pohlman.  Rounding out the top ten were Pohlman, Shawn Toczek, John Kresser Jr., Weaver, and Larry Stotts.

In the night’s second feature, Scott James of Lawrenceburg, IN, claimed his second feature win in as many nights, as he outlasted Ted Loomis and Bret Sievert in the 25-lap oval war.  It was in fact a war, as Jim Partipilo and Frank Reaber got together at the start finish line on the opening laps.  James, who started fifth on the grid, had moved into the second spot followed by Kevin Weaver prior to the incident.  James then grabbed the top spot on lap six from Loomis, who started on the pole and led the first five circuits. Bob Pohlman brought out the caution yet again on lap nine as he looped his Rocket Chassis in turn four.  All throughout the night drivers seemed to have trouble navigating the inside groove around turn four.  It appeared that there was a large bump or dip in the racing surface, which upset the car’s handling.

Weaver, who started sixth, was the man on the move yet again, as he moved underneath Loomis to claim the second spot on lap 10.  Fast qualifier Bret Sievert was also able to get into the mix as he worked the high side around Loomis.  At one point Weaver, Loomis, and Sievert were three wide as they fought for the runner-up position and gave chase to James out front.  About the midway point of the race, Weaver, who was solidly in second and clearly the fastest car on the speedway, made a bid for the lead exiting turn four and attempted to pass James on the high side.  Weaver moved his Turner Bus Service/Rocket/Custom Racing Engines/Monte Carlo up along side of James just before the start-finish line, when the two made contact sending Weaver spinning down towards the infield apron, and ended his night with a flat left rear tire.  “I never seen him coming, nor did I hear him.  It wasn’t until I heard a loud pop when his tire exploded that I knew he was there,” said James, “I had a hole in the side of my car from Saturday night at Red Hill, that caught his tire and cut it down.  We barely touched.  I was really disappointed that I was involved in the incident,” he added.  Weaver, in the same act of professionalism, gave these comments following the race.  “It was simply a racing deal, I was coming hard off turn four and thought I had room to make my move, but James drifted out a little and caught me off-guard.  We made some contact yes, but I fault myself some for maybe not having enough patience to try to make a move at another time,” said Weaver.  “There are no hard feelings or any of the sort, Scott is a good driver and we respect one another, so I know there wasn’t any ill intent on his part.”

Weaver, being the local legend he is, showed true class when he gave the thumbs up to James when the cars circled the track under caution.  The legend of Kevin Weaver continues to grow.  James, who has much success in his recent visits to Kankakee, felt awful that a great battle ended before it got started.  James has two wins, two runner-ups, and a third place finish in his five previous outings at Kankakee.

James went to claim the checkers in front of Loomis, Sievert, Richie Hedrick, and Jammie Wilson, who had perhaps his most impressive run to date since joining the late model ranks.  Finishing in the top ten were Al Atkinson, Gary May, Jim Curry, Roger Long, and defending track champion and the current Northern All Stars rookie points’ leader Frank Reaber.

No heat races were run in an effort to save time and get the fans home at a reasonable hour.  Also, two incidents took place in the grandstands area, which required medical attention and caused some delay while other ambulances were beckoned.

However, two consolation races were run with the top three from each advancing to the main event.  In the first consolation race T.J. Dolhun edged out Reaber, and May, while in the second consolation race, Curry bested Tom Pauley, and Corey Turner.

R.J. Gall of Dwight, IL, simply proved to be too much in the UMP modified division.  Not only did he set fast time, but also he went wire-to-wire in the modified feature to claim his second victory of the season.  Starting third on the grid behind pole sitter Tommy Kroll, Gall quickly moved under Kroll and Kyle Logue to gain possession of the lead by the backstretch.  Wes Steidinger of Fairbury, IL moved into fifth by the second lap from his eleventh starting spot.  By lap six Steidinger had worked his way under Kroll for fourth.  By lap ten, the top ten ran as Gall, Jim Farris, Sean Seavers, Steidinger, Kroll, Dan Drogemuller, Logue, Matt Bachman, Dale Leuth, and Dave Porth. 

On lap 11, current UMP national points leader Chad Kinder, making a rare appearance in this part of Illinois, spun in turn one, bringing out the only caution of the race.  Drogemuller was perhaps the only driver from that point with unfinished business, as he moved into fifth on the race restart, and then went around Steidinger for fourth on lap 13.  Steidinger, meanwhile had used up his tires running the bottom of the track, and began backpedaling in uncharacteristic fashion.  When the checkers were waved above and the dust began to settle, it was Gall, Farris, Seavers, Drogemuller, and Logue claiming top five finishes.  Logue of Oreana, IL, had marched back as far as eighth, before working his way back into the top five.  Another good performance for a driver who rarely frequents Kankakee.  Rounding out the top ten were Bachman, Steidinger, Kroll, Leuth, and Bub Patrick.

Again no heat races were run in an effort to save time.  Two consolation races were lined up with the top therein each advancing to the feature event.  In the first consolation, Tony Roland broke out and robbed them blind as he scored the win in front of Cory Partin, and Phil Line.  The second consolation race saw Kinder breeze to an easy win ahead of Kelly Jones, and Dick Wood.  Much controversy surrounded this race however, as Jones failed to scale his car upon exiting the track.  He instead went to his pit stall and was subsequently disqualified.  The fourth place car of Russ Gabbert, who had scaled behind Wood, was then put on the board for the feature event.  With his car in line and ready to go, Gabbert was then told that Jones did in fact scale and Jones then replaced him in the feature.  “What can you do?” said Gabbert, “he went to his pit stall and was DQ’d.  Both Dick and I both seen him go to his pit space.”

Moving onto the street stock division, it was another ho-hum night for Bradley’s Billy Wicker.  Can anyone beat this guy?  Rarely do you see a week that Wicker doesn’t run in front, and if you do, it’s probably due to a mechanical problem or driver error.  The guy is simply too tough to tame.

Well chalk up two more wins for Wicker, who is the defending track champion and well on his way to repeat that performance.  The guy is like the Broadway hit “Cats” or something.  His award winning performances keep him running on top.  In the first feature, which was the make-up feature from May 11th, Wicker beat out Kevin Lenzen, John Geary, Shannon Shutter, and Jake Howard, while Scott Cavanaugh, Matt Cleary, Kelly Hannon, Jay Morris, and Jay Hamilton closed out the top ten.

In the regular feature it was Wicker again visiting photographer Chuck Gonzalez in victory lane, as he held off Charlie Doctor, Geary, Jeff Momper, and Scott Raymond, while Jeremy Christer, Lenzen, Scott Thorsten, Hamilton, and John Hennessey rounded out the top ten.

Kankakee Motor Speedway will be closed this coming Friday, June 9th, for the running of the Eldora Million in New Weston, OH.  Kankakee promoter Reece O’Connor will participate along with Kankakee regulars Weaver, Loomis, Reaber, Atkinson, Dolhun, ErbJr., Ronnie Fisher Jr., and Partipilo.  Good luck gentlemen, from the race fans in Central Illinois, we wish you the very best.
Racing will resume on June 16th at Kankakee Motor Speedway with a full program with a street stock special slated.  Perhaps an outsider can come in and derail the “Wicker Express” and claim the increased top prize.  Gates open at 5pm, with qualifying at 7pm, and racing slated for an 8pm start.

UMP Late Model

Fast Qualifier (49 entries) Bret Sievert 14.917
Dash - Ted Loomis, John Provenzano, Richie Hedrick, Bret Sievert, Scott James, Kevin Weaver
No Heats
Consi - TJ Dohlun, Frank Reaber, Gary May
Consi - Jim Curry, Tom Pauley, Corey Turner
Make-up Feature - Richie Hedrick, Corey Turner, Ted Loomis, Jim Partipillo, Gary May, Bob Pohlman, Shawn Toczek, Kessler, Kevin Weaver, Larry Stotts, Eddie Leviner, Jason Beier, Garrett Slager, Scott Legrand, Ron Bohm
Feature - Scott James, Ted Loomis, Bret Sievert, Richie Hedrick, Jammie Wilson, Al Atkinson, Gary May, Jim Curry, Roger Long, Frank Reaber, Shawn Toczek, Corey Turner, Tom Pauley, TJ Dohlun, Bob Pohlman, John Kresser Jr., Kevin Weaver, John Provenzano, Jim Partipillo, Dennis Erb Jr.

UMP Modified

Fast qualifier (41 entries) R.J. Gall 15.576
Dash - Tommy Kroll, Kyle Logue, R.J. Gall, Jim Farris, Matt Bachman, Dan Drogemuller
No Heats
Consi 1 - Tony Roland, Corey Partin, Phil Line
Consi 2 - Chad Kinder, Kelly Jones, Dick Wood
Feature - RJ Gall, Jim Farris, Sean Seavers, Danny Drogemuller, Kyle Logue, Matt Bachman, Wes Steidinger, Tommy Kroll, Dave Lueth, Bub Patrick, Tony Roland, Dick Wood, Phil Line, Matt Rhyne, Joe Harlan, Jim Henson, Dave Porth, Chad Kinder, Corey Partin, Kelly Jones

Street Stock

No Dash
Heat 1 - Billy Wicker, Damon Miller, John Geary, Charlie Doctor
Heat 2 - Eric Legner, Scott Cavanaugh, Jason Hastings, Scott Raymond
Heat 3 - Chad Osterhoff, Mike Cavanaugh, Kevin Lenzen, John Hennessey
Consi - Matt Cleary, Jay Hamilton, Jeremy Christer, Dennis Merry, John Grossenor
Make-up Feature - Billy Wicker, Kevin Lenzen, John Geary, Shannon Shutter, Jake Howard, Scott Cavanaugh, Matt Cleary, Kelly Hannon, Scott Morris, Jay Hamilton, Scott Legner, Neil Martin, Steve Thorsten, Don Warriner, Norm Nesselrodt, Chad Osterhoff, Dennis Merry
Feature - Billy Wicker, Charlie Doctor, John Geary, Jeff Momper, Scott Raymond, Jeremy Christer, Kevin Lenzen, Steve Thorsten, Jay Hamilton, John Hennessey, Mike Cavanaugh, Scott Cavanaugh, Brad Perzee, Jason Hastings, Chad Osterhoff, Eric Legner, Matt Cleary, Damon Miller


 

KMS rained out for Friday, June 1st. Will try again on Sunday, June 3rd. Everything moved ahead 1 hour. Double features, as scheduled before.


RAINED OUT ON MONDAY ALSO. REGULAR PROGRAM 6/1. ALSO RACING
ON SUNDAY 6/3


KMS RAINED OUT 5/25/01. RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY 5/28 

By Paul D. Bayne

KANKAKEE, IL (May 25, 2001) - Kankakee Motor Speedway was gearing up for another action packed Friday night of racing excitement, but heavy rains that moved across the area Thursday, have made it all but impossible. Instead, a rain date of Monday, May 28, has been announced. A full program of late model racing action is scheduled including Jeff’s Enginemaster’s 40-lap $4000-to-win feature, and a make-up feature from May 11. Also scheduled to compete will be the UMP modifieds and the street stocks. The street stocks also will be making up a feature race from May 11.

Also on tap this Monday night, will be the special two-seat racecar built by the Warrior Chassis shops in Knoxville, Tenn. “This won’t be just a take a tour of the speedway, but an all out thrill ride for the fans”, Jarrod O’ Connor exclaimed. The car is slated to perform during intermission and after the night’s racing program has been completed. Some rides will be given away as prizes throughout the season, but others will cost a fair $40 for five laps, and $60 for eight laps. “We have put all the best parts into this car,” Reece O’ Connor said. Even an extra steering will be in place to give thrill-seekers something to latch onto.

KMS is located just off I-57 at exit 308, then 1 mile south on US 45 (Schuyler Ave.), then 0.3 miles west to the fairgrounds. Gates open at 5pm, time trials at 7pm, and racing at 8pm. Overnight camping is available at a nominal fee of $10 for those wishing to travel with the Northern All-Stars to Fairbury, IL on Saturday. For more information call race day phone at (815) 929-9105.


Drake & Atkinson Split Kankakee Twin 30's

By Paul D. Bayne
Kankakee, Ill (May 18, 2001)  Billy Drake and Al Atkinson proved to be the big winner's Friday night at Kankakee Motor Speedway, as each recorded late model feature wins, and picked up a cool $1500 winner's share in the scheduled twin 30-lappers.  The Fairbury American Legion Speedway is slated to host twin 30-lappers itself in conjunction with Kankakee on Saturday night.  The leading point- getter over the four races will pick up an extra$1000 bonus.

Despite some cooler temperatures and gusty winds, fans gathered once again to witness a fine field of 42 late models take part in preliminary action on the fast 1/3-mile clay oval. In the night's first headline event, Bloomington's (IL) Drake, driving the
Creative Kitchens & Bath/Steidinger Construction/MasterSbilt/Mullvain Racing Engines/Grand Prix, managed to work his way under early front runner and polesitter Bret Sievert of New Berlin, WI,  from his fourth starting position on lap 8, while fast qualifier and outside row three starter Richie Hedrick of Urbana, IL, was able to skate around Sievert on the high side.
Hedrick was not finished however, as he exploded out in front of Drake one lap later to gain the lead.   Hedrick had built himself a comfortable margin over Drake when Kevin Weaver spun in turn two on lap 13.  On the restart, Frank Heckenast looped his car in turn one, bringing out the caution yet again. At the midway point of the 30-lap event, it was Hedrick solidly in
command out front, while Drake, Sievert, Joe Harlan, and Ted Loomis gave chase.

Also in the hunt were Gary May, Bob Pierce, John Provenzano, Frank Reaber, and Corey Turner.  Then on lap 16, Shawn Toczek lost power and slid his car just off the racing surface in turn one. Starter Jim Whittington threw the familiar yellow flag for a third time, and the field tightened once again. Pierce, who previously won the Northern All Stars event held here on
April 20, mounted a serious charge on the next restart, vaulting himself into the third spot behind Drake, and making a move towards the front.  Much like his last visit, and much like Drake, Pierce used the bottom of the racetrack  to bring his car towards the front.  Drake, who was making his first appearance at the facility this year, took a break from running the tough STARS series to make time for the event.  "We're not running STARS full time, just picking and choosing our races as the season wears on," Drake said. Drake kept working the low side of the track, while Hedrick continued to run his preferred high line.  On lap 19, Drake was able to get a nose along side Hedrick and make it stick, as he pulled out front and never looked back. The two went side by side for a lap and a half, while Pierce inched forward, and he himself got by Hedrick on the bottom on the following lap.  "We kind of goofed on the tire selection.  We put the wrong tire on the right rear, and we paid the price.  Some days you'll just have those things," Hedrick said. Drake meanwhile, powered his way to a 10-car length advantage over Pierce and Hedrick by lap 23, and neither would provide a stiff test over the remaining seven laps for the lanky veteran driver.

"The car seemed to go really well when we ran the bottom.  I don't have a preferred line around here, just where ever the car wants to go fast.  I felt confident that once I got in front, that I had a car capable of winning," said Drake. Pierce would bring his Murphy Trucking/Fineline Designs/Rayburn/Pro Power/Monte Carlo home in the second spot followed by Hedrick, Sievert, and Loomis.  Rounding out the top twelve were Provenzano, May, Harlan, Turner, Reaber, Ronnie Fisher Jr. and Al Atkinson.  It is important to note that the top twelve cars would be inverted for the second 30-lapper, provided they finished on the lead lap of the first race.  Everyone who finished thirteenth on back started straight up.

In the second half of the twinbill, Al Atkinson took full advantage of  his pole starting position, opening up an early lead over Ronnie Fisher Jr., who started along side.  Atkinson of Milwaukee, WI, had spent years making the tow from "The Dairyland State" to the Kankakee fast track with little success, but he showed race fans that a little hard work and perseverance can
certainly pay off.  "It feels really good to finally have a little luck go our way.  I seen Ronnie (Fisher) slip up high in turn two there on the last lap or two, and I couldn't help but to slip a smile.  I knew if I just kept it straight to the stripe I'd be alright," said Atkinson.  "We bought this new GRT from Billy Moyer last November, so it's a proven winner. Atkinson, driving the Centron Performance/GRT/Jay Dickens Engines/Monte Carlo, has long been a fan favorite around Kankakee, and was able to jump out in front of Fisher when the green flag waved.  On only the second lap, Hedrick and Pierce, who started tenth and eleventh respectively, got together, and the end result was Pierce looping his car entering turn three. 

With Pierce now relegated to the back of the field, all eyes focused on him and his quest to the front.  Pierce would not disappoint his loyal fans as he set sail, picking off cars lap after lap. On the lap three restart, Minonk's (IL) May brought out another yellow flag when he spun in turns one and two.  By lap four, another Wisconsin native was making a galiant charge towards the front.  Bret Sievert, who started ninth in the doubleheader,  had worked his way around a pair of #7's, Frank
Reaber and John Provenzano, as well as, Joe Harlan and Ted Loomis.   Fisher was able to wrestle the lead away from Atkinson on lap five, while Drake had worked his way into the top five from his twelfth starting spot. Kevin Weaver of Gibson City, IL, started 13th on the grid, but was making a move of his own, threading his way up to the sixth position.  Back up
front, going three-wide through turns one and two, Atkinson showed some resiliency as he garnered the top spot once again on lap 17.  A questionable caution flag was thrown for Drake on lap 19, when his car had suffered a broken left front tie rod, but he appeared to be still running strong on just the three wheels.  "Once he (Whittington) threw that caution, I knew I was done. 

It was the right call, but I just don't like to give up if I can help it," said Drake while surveying his damaged car back in the pit area. With Atkinson still maintaining a slight advantage over Fisher, Sievert, Weaver, and Reaber, a good battle was brewing for the sixth and seventh positions between Dennis Erb and Corey Turner.  Fisher, who was making only his fifth appearance in last year's car, recaptured the lead on lap 24. "I  just haven't felt that comfortable in the car yet this year," said Fisher a
week earlier, "it's gonna take some seat time to wear off the rust and feel confident again."  Fisher seemed to have things in command, when on lap 28 he slid high in turn two, and had to get on the binders momentarily. Nevertheless, it was all the daylight Atkinson needed as he drove by on the bottom.  Fisher reacted quickly however, and was able to keep Sievert
and Weaver at bay, who were moving in like lions on an injured zebra. Atkinson went on to record his "first win at Kankakee since 1995" he told reporters, though this writer begs to differ.  Finishing second would be Fisher Jr., followed by Sievert, Weaver, and Pierce.  Also earning top ten honors were Reaber, Erb, Turner, Dick Phillips, and Loomis.    
 
Picking up heat race wins were Jason Beier of Schneider, IN, Jim Partipilo of Elmhurst, IL, Fisher of Lisle, IL,  and Loomis of Kingston, IL.

Consolation races were won by Weaver and Fisher.  Sievert would score the trophy dash win in covincing fashion, and fast qualifier on the night was Richie Hedrick, posting a best lap of 14.901.

Fast Qualifier (42 cars)
Richie Hedrick - Urbana, IL (14.901)
Heat 1 results
1. Jason Beier 2. Kenny Kasper 3. Garrett Slager 4. Eddie Leviner 5. Matt Melvin
Heat 2 results
1. Jim Partipilo 2. Brian Clendenen 3. Gary May 4. Di*k Potts 5. Tom Pauley
Heat 3 results
1. Ronnie Fisher Jr. 2. Shawn Toczek 3. Kevin Weaver 4. Matt Taylor 5. Bob Pierce
Heat 4 results
1. Ted Loomis 2. Al Atkinson 3. John Kresser Jr. 4. John Provenzano 5. Joe Harlan
Consi 1 results
1. Kevin Weaver 2. Dennis Erb 3. John Kresser Jr. 4. Tom Pauley 5. Sherry Heckenhast
Consi 2 results
1. Ronnie Fisher Jr. 2. Matt Taylor 3. Jim Partipilo 4. Shawn Toczek 5. TJ Dolhun
Dash results
1. Bret Sievert 2. Joe Harlan 3. Sam Epling 4. Billy Drake 5. Frank Reaber
Feature 1 results (30 Laps)
1. Billy Drake 2. Bob Pierce 3. Richie Hedrick 4. Bret Sievert 5. Ted Loomis 6. John Provenzano 7. Gary May 8. Joe Harlan 9. Corey Turner 10. Frank Reaber 11. Ronnie Fisher Jr. 12. Al Atkinson 13. Kevin Weaver 14. Dennis Erb 15. Frank Heckenhast 16. John Kresser Jr. 17. Di*k Phillips 18. Shawn Toczek  19. Matt Taylor 20. Sam Epling
Feature 2 results (30 Laps)
1. Al Atkinson 2. Ronnie Fisher Jr. 3. Bret Sievert 4. Kevin Weaver 5. Bob Pierce 6. Frank Reaber 7. Dennis Erb 8. Corey Turner 9. Di*k Phillips 10. Ted Loomis 11. John Provenzano 12. Gary May 13. John Kresser Jr. 14. Richie Hedrick 15. Billy Drake 16. Matt Taylor 17. Shawn Toczek 18. Joe Harlan

In UMP modified action, it was eighteen-year-old Wes Steidinger of Fairbury, IL, capturing his second feature win this year at Kankakee.  Steidinger, who currently is ranked 25th in UMP national modified points, started fourth on the grid, but quickly made his way to the bottom of the race track to grab the third spot from Dave Porth of Gardner, IL.  Leading the flock at the
start was polesitter Matt Rhyne of Crown Point, IN, who returned after sustaining some heavy damage one week prior after collecting the turn three wall.  Rhyne would hold the top spot for the first five laps, until Odell's (IL) RJ Gall would slip by underneath to take over the top spot. By lap six, Steidinger had also moved under Rhyne and into the second position.  Two laps later he would seize the lead from Gall, while working the low groove much like his predecessor Drake did in the late models. "I don't know what it is really, the car just drives better on the bottom. I like to run down there because I don't like the way this car feels when it's out by the walls, plus there's more room for error," said a happy Steidinger.  Who wouldn't be happy... after just outdriving some of the best drivers in the midwest and collecting a $500 first-place check?

Lance Dehm and Dan Hamstra were battling it out for the fourth spot, until Hamstra would finally get past Dehm on lap 15 of the 20-lapper.  With Steidinger seemingly in control of the race, Dan Drogemuller would bring out the race's first caution on lap 18, when he appeared to have broken something in the rear end and lost power, coming to a halt in turn one.  With just
two laps to go, Steidinger knew he had to be quick off the throttle on the restart, while Hamstra would do the same in getting by Rhyne for the third spot. When they crossed the line it was Steidinger, Gall, Hamstra, Porth, and Dick Wood, followed by Rhyne, Dehm, Dale Leuth, Kevin Hastings, and Tommy Kroll. Heat race wins went to "The Racing Auctioneer" Charlie Sentman of Whiteland, IN, Tony Roland of East Chicago, IN, and Hamstra of Fair Oaks, IN.  The trophy dash was won by Rhyne, while Lockport, IL Dan Drogemuller captured the consolation race.  Lance Dehm was fastest of the 29 cars to qualify,
posting a 15.433 second lap.  Noticeably absent from qualifying action was weekly hard-charger Sean Seavers of Willow Springs, IL, who had ignition problems in hotlaps and was ineffective in his heat race or consolation.  Seavers currently is ranked 32nd in UMP national points.

Fast Qualifier (30 cars)
Lance Dehm - Chatsworth, IL (15.433)
Heat 1 results
1. Charlie Sentman 2. Kerry Landis 3. Kyle Cooper 4. ??? Stanks 5. Matt Olsen
Heat 2 results
1. Tony Roland 2. Dan Drogemuller 3. Matt Bachman 4. Jerald Meier 5. Aaron Ricketts
Heat 3 results
1. Dan Hamstra 2. Wes Steidinger 3. Kevin Hastings 4. Matt Rhyne 5. Tommy Kroll
Consi results
1. Dan Drogemuller 2. Bub Patrick 3. Jerald Meier 4. Jim Henson 5. Tony Roland
Dash results
1. Matt Rhyne 2. RJ Gall 3. Dave Porth 4. Wes Steidinger 5. Dale Leuth
Feature Results
1. Wes Steidinger 2. RJ Gall 3. Dan Hamstra 4. Dave Porth  5. **** Wood  6. Matt Rhyne  7. Lance Dehm 8. Dale Leuth 9. Kevin Hastings 10. Tommy Kroll 11. Jim Henson 12. Bub Patrick 13. Aaron Ricketts 14. Jerald Meier 15. Phil Line
16. Dan Drogemuller 17. Jim Farris 18. Tony Roland

Racing resumes next Friday night with a full racing program, plus make
up
features for the late models and street stocks from May 11.   Gates open
at
5pm, qualifying at 7pm, and racing at 8pm.  Kankakee Motor Speedway is
located just south of I-57 at exit 308 (SR 45) at the fairgrounds.  For
more
information call race day phone at (815) 929-9105, or visit their web
site at
www.kankakeemotorspeedway.com


Results from Kankakee Motor Speedway.
By Paul Bayne
(5/11/01)

Rains got the better of Kankakee Motor Speedway tonight, but not before the UMP modifieds were able to get in 15 laps of their scheduled 20 lapper.

Feature Results:
1. RJ Gall Odell, IL 2. Sean Seavers Willow Springs, IL 3. Bub Patrick (Lil Help), IN 4. Lance Dehm Chatsworth, IL
5. Wes Steidinger Fairbury, IL

Heat Race Results:
Heat 1

1. Tony Roland 2. Mick Roach 3. Kevin Hastings 4. Jim Henson

Heat 2

1. Dan Drogemuller 2. Jerald Meier 3. Dan Hamstra 4. Travis Kohler

Heat 3

1. Jim Farris 2. Lance Dehm 3. Dave Porth 4. Bub Patrick

Consi

1. Travis Kohler 2. Dan Drogemuller 3. Kevin Hastings 4. Phil Line

Trophy Dash

1. Sean Seavers 2. RJ Gall 3. Dave Porth 4. Wes Steidinger

The race began with outside polesitter RJ Gall wrestling the lead away from polesitter Sean Seavers, heading down the backstretch. Wes Steidinger was able to move around Seavers for the second spot also on the first lap. On lap 2 Dave Porth, Dan Hamstra, and Tommy Kroll got together exiting turn two, bringing out the first caution. All cars were able to continue. Moments later on lap four, Matt Rhyne of Crown Point (IN) made heavy contact with the turn three wall and could not escape it's wrath, suffering considerable damage. Meanwhile, Matt Bachmann of Gibson City (IL) was moving his way into the fourth spot on lap five, after starting tenth. One lap later, Bachmann worked the high side to slide into the third position. Lance Dehm, Dan Drogemuller, and Jim Ferris were battling for the sixth spot, going three wide in most instances. On lap 14, Patrick was able to get around Steidinger for the fourth spot, as the bottom was not working for the youngster out of Fairbury. Bachmann moved into the runner-up position on that same lap, only to smack the turn three wall hard, ending his night on the hook. Mother Nature decided she had seen enough on this chilly night, and released the rains on the semi-banked 1/3-mile clay oval. KMS flagman Jim Whittington then threw the yellow flag after 15 completed laps, before finally deciding to give the checkers to RJ Gall of Odell. Rounding out the top five were Seavers, Patrick, Dehm, and Steidinger.


LATE MODELS

Fast Qualifier (21 late models)
Richie Hedrick Urbana, IL 15.095

Trophy Dash
1. Corey Turner Collum, IL 2. Richie Hedrick Urbana, IL 3. Bob Pohlman Jr. Oak Lawn, IL 4. Jim Partipilo Jr. Elmhurst, IL

Heat 1
1. Kevin Weaver Gibson City, IL 2. Eddie Leviner Merrillville, IN 3. Garrett Slager Mokena, IL 4. Steve Tyne Streator, IL

Heat 2
1. Larry Stotts Justice, IL 2. Gary May Minonk, IL 3. Shawn Toczek Griffith, IN 4. Ted Loomis Kingston, IL

Consi
1. Garrett Slager Mokena, IL 2. Ron Bohm Cornell, IL

Feature
Rained Out

The late model and street stock features will be made up on May 25, as stated above. Also next Friday night, KMS will host Twin 30 lappers for the UMP late models, working in conjunction with Fairbury American Legion Speedway, who will run Twin 30 lappers next Saturday.

Despite chilly temperatures that dipped into the low 40's, a good crowd was on hand to witness some fine racing. Unfortunately, mother nature decided she had seen enough and needed to head someplace warm.

Racing continues next Friday night with gates opening at 5pm, time trials at 7pm, and racing slated to start at 8pm.


 


PIERCE WINS NALMS FEATURE
courtesy of Flatland Flash 
4-20-01

Northern Allstars at Kankakee.
39 Late Models on hand for the $2,000 show.
Fast Time goes to Bob Pierce of Oakwood, Illinois.

10 lap heats
Heat 1
1. B12 Weaver, 2. 32 Pierce, 3. 28 Claycomb, 4. 28 Erb
Heat 2
1. 0 Hedrick, 2. 3J Martin, 3. 47 Hillard, 4. 27 Pohlman
Heat 3
1. 83 James, 2. 7 Curry, 3. 92 McCammon, 4. 7 Reaber
Heat 4
1. 89 Barnett, 2. 9 Jewell, 3. 23 Loomis, 4. 36 Long
12 lap
B-Main
1. 17 Turner, 2. 25 Lance Jr

30 lap
Feature
1. 32 Pierce, 2. 83 James, 3. 0 Hedrick, 4. B12 Weaver, 5. 47 Hillard, 6. 89 Barnett, 7. 7 Curry
8. 28 Claycomb, 9. 9 Jewell, 10. 92 McCammon, 11. 28 Erb, 12. 36 Long, 13. 7 Reaber

1 lap down
27 Pohlman, 31 Stevens, 23 Loomis, 16 Negangard, 25 Lance Jr.

DNF's
3J Martin lap 19
17 Turner lap 11


Courtesy of Race Star Publications

By: Dennis Yohnka

Kankakee, IL (April 9) - The Kankakee Motor Speedway will host a practice session this Saturday afternoon (April 14) and open the gates for a full program, highlighted by a visit from the Northern All-Stars Late Model tour, on April 27. Still - with the anticipation of racing's return, more improvements to the track this spring, and an even larger field of cars expected - the buzz around the track focuses on the fans. "This is going to be a dream come true for hundreds of diehard fans," explained Jarrod O'Connor, of the track's second-year management team. "They've watched the Late Models come screaming out of the corner with the front tire off the ground. They've seen these cars go flying into the turns with the back quarter-panel sometimes scraping against the wall. Now - they can ride along and experience it all for themselves."

 

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